My Lucky Penny

I Protest Against Any Absolute Conclusion Part 5

Penny filtered into the little auditorium (if one could even call it that) with Marilla and Matthew. The Christmas Pantomime was about to finally be out for Avonlea to see and she couldn't help feeling nervous for her friends.

Penny smiled softly as she heard the quiet yet frazzled commotion behind the curtains. She knew Gilbert and Bash would be back there setting up and she could only hope the latter was not being made to feel ostracized. She was excited to see Anne. Although the young girl was simply playing a tree, Penny knew she would absolutely shine on stage with her larger-than-life presence.

From beside her, it was clear Matthew was becoming antsy from the large crowd.

"It'll only take an hour, Matthew," Marilla assured. "You'll be home before you know it."

As the three found their seats, Anne came fumbling through the crowd in all of her faux-botanical plumage.

"Heavens," Marilla exclaimed when she saw her adoptive daughter. "What's the matter, Anne?"

"I need a shovel," Anne stated frantically. "Please? It's a matter most urgent. Josie Pye just fell gravely ill."

"What do you intend to do with it?" Penny asked, actually slightly concerned. "Bury her?"

"I'm the boy now! I've been given her role!"

"Oh, that's wonderful," Matthew doted.

"You don't understand!" Anne retorted, talking a mile a minute. "I need a shovel for the play; Josie forgot to bring it. If I don't have a shovel for the end, it won't make sense, and it'll ruin the whole thing!"

"I'll run out," Matthew offered with no time lost, putting his hat back on. "I'll find one. You go on now, don't you worry."

Penny and Marilla exchanged a look as he headed out. Although he truly wanted to see Anne on stage, it was clear he was more than happy to get out of the crowd.

"Probably for the best," Marilla voiced.

Frantic as ever, Anne headed back towards the stage as the two women took their seats, smiling to each other.

Getting to see Anne as the starring role only made Penny more excited.

Minutes later, the piano began to play and the curtains opened as Billy came out in his hilarious owl costume. As much as Penny didn't like the boy, she couldn't help giggling to herself.

After he made the introductions, the opening song began and Diana entered in her beautiful fairy queen dress. Tillie, Ruby, Jane, and Minnie Mae trailed behind her, carrying her train.

The ensemble came out behind them as the song continued, the backdrop soon followed. Penny smiled, knowing Bash and Gilbert were responsible for that part.

The song soon ended on a sweet, charming note and the audience clapped for the cast. Penny and Marilla exchanged appraising smiles, both impressed with the talent being shown on stage.

As the applause died down, Anne made her grand appearance opposite Diana donning overalls, working shoes, an old jacket, and a cap. After a little nudge, she kneeled down and Diana began her line.

"Because you have been hardworking and good, I bestow upon thee this golden apple tree."

From behind them, Charlie, Moody, and three other students rose together in their trunk costumes to form the tree, holding the apples in their hands.

"Now rise, dear boy," Diana continued.

Anne stood and placed her hands assuredly on her hips. "I promise thee faithfully to always protect this tree for the sake of our beloved island."