A Winter's Ball

Chapter Thirteen: Christmas Dinner

After their day at the market, Anne was determined to redeem herself and ask for Gilbert's forgiveness. She had an entire plan and speech set out and memorized to perfection. She would give Gilbert the present she bought for him and recite the four-page-long apology, explaining why she did what she did, complete with an emotional reenactment of her restless conscience and a good measure of chagrin.

But she did not expect she'd have to do it so soon.

"WHAT?!" Anne cried to Marilla the evening before Christmas eve.

"Well, I don't see why we shouldn't invite them to dinner! It will be terrible lonesome for just the two of them to spend Christmas together. Besides, I don't doubt those men have any clue how to cook a proper meal, let alone an entire holiday feast." Marilla said as she kneaded the dough on the counter.

"But Marilla, we can't!"

"And why not?" Marilla raised a brow, stopping what she was doing and looked Anne in the eye.

Anne looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

"B-because we just can't." Anne stammered.

"Nonsense. I will not hear any more of this. I've already invited Mister Blythe and Sebastian to din--"

"You already what?! And you didn't even think to consult with me and Matthew who exactly we want to spend Christmas eve with?" Anne cried trying to reason.

"What has gotten into your head, child?" Marilla snapped, silencing Anne. "I'm sure you know perfectly well how it feels to be lonesome and out of place. Don't you want to help those who feel the same way?"

Anne blinked, not sure how to respond.

"This childish banter between you and Gilbert Blythe has got to stop. Whatever grudge it is you hold against him, let it go and you just might see how much that boy adores you. He practically praises the ground you walk on, and I'm certain all he wants from you is some decency to acknowledge him as a friend. Even the blind can see that."

Anne looked down in guilt, unsure of how to respond.

"And if you don't do that soon, you'll probably be acquainted with remorse for the rest of your life." Marilla said, turning back to what she was doing.

"You have no idea." Anne muttered to herself.

****
The next morning, Anne and Marilla woke up very early to start preparing for the much awaited--or in Anne's case, dreaded--Christmas dinner.

She'd been up well before daybreak and has been pacing around her room for a good thirty minutes, just rehearsing the million and one ways she could think of to greet Gilbert and Sebastian when she opens the door.

"Welcome! No..." Anne said, brushing back her messy red hair and crossing her arms.
"Greetings! No, too formal."

"Happy holidays and prosperous New Year, may you receive wealth and happiness for the years to come!" She recited without pause.

Her tight, faux smile fell, and she sighed rubbing her temples. "What am I going to do with you, Gilbert Blythe." She murmured to herself in exasperation.

"Anne!" Marilla suddenly shouted.

"Coming!"

The rest of the day was spent preparing all kinds of food that for so long, Anne had only dreamed to have.
The Green Gables Kitchen was submerged in the sweet aroma of cream pies, turkey and turkey stuffing, mashed potatoes and more.

Matthew had left early in the morning to deliver the gifts Marilla bought for their friends in Avonlea and was expected to be back before supper.

They also had been finishing up the decorations. Anne, though having a churning pit of anxiety set in her stomach all day, did not let her holiday spirit completely falter.