In the Woods When First We Met

118. Presents

At school, Diana showed Anne the gift she was making for her mother for Christmas.

"Kettleholders," she said, proudly showing Anne her finished product.

Anne remembered once again how close it was to Christmas and how she hadn't even thought about the holiday at all; she'd been too distracted.

"Are you going to give Mr. and Miss Cuthbert something?" Diana asked.

Anne bit her lip. "I haven't started anything yet. I don't know if I have time, now."

Anne felt terrible. Matthew and Marilla had been so good to her and she wanted to give them something nice, something that would show them how much she appreciated them.

Diana thought a moment. Then she said, "I've got wool left over from making mine. I'll bring it tomorrow and you can start on kettleholders for Miss Cuthbert."

Anne smiled at her friend. Diana was so giving.

The next day, when she arrived, Diana gave her the wool and some red embroidery floss she'd saved. "I got it started for you," she explained, showing Anne where she'd done the first bit of sewing. "Because you were worried you wouldn't have time. I worked on it yesterday after school. See? This side's all done, and I embroidered a little rosebud for you here in the corner."

Anne looked at it, almost too happy to speak.

"Diana, you're the best friend anybody could have."

Diana smiled her lovely smile and the whole day was better.

Best of all, for two days Billy had done nothing.