Heartache - chapter 35

"You, you are, you're a great deal too good for me, and I'm so grateful to you, and so proud and fond of you, I don't know why I can't love you as you want me to. I've tried, but I can't change the feeling, and it would be a lie to say I do when I don't."

"Really, truly, Jo?"

He stopped short, and caught both her hands as he put his question with a look that she did not soon forget.

"Really, truly, dear."

They were in the grove now, close by the stile, and when the last words fell reluctantly from Jo's lips, Laurie dropped her hands and turned as if to go on, but for once in his life the fence was too much for him. So he just laid his head down on the mossy post, and stood so still that Jo was frightened. "

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Laurie dashed into a livelier strain, played stormily for several minutes, and would have got through bravely, if in a momentary lull Mrs. March's voice had not been heard calling, "Jo, dear, come in. I want you."

Just what Laurie longed to say, with a different meaning! As he listened, he lost his place, the music ended with a broken chord, and the musician sat silent in the dark.

"I can't stand this," muttered the old gentleman. Up he got, groped his way to the piano, laid a kind hand on either of the broad shoulders, and said, as gently as a woman, "I know, my boy, I know."

No answer for an instant, then Laurie asked sharply, "Who told you?"

"Jo herself."

I am reading Little Women again because mass movement is boring me. This is the most memorable but second most hated section of the book for me. The whole of chapter 35 is painful for me to read. I really loved Laurie and Jo together.  The part i hate most is when Laurie married Amy in the end.  

If you've read the book, maybe you will understand how i feel or even agree/disagree. I thought they were perfect together - tomboyish and fun despite their short tempers. I dislike the love he and Amy shares. There is no fire in it.  

I remember when i was 9, i almost burst into angry tears when i finally realised Laurie would never be with Jo. I think i even fell off my couch.