In the Woods When First We Met

128. Partial Truth

The day after Christmas, Anne went downstairs and found Marilla baking.

Time to get this over with, she thought miserably.

She stood there a few minutes, watching Marilla. Marilla didn't notice her standing there, and after a long pause, Anne said:

"Marilla?"

"Yes?" Marilla turned around, noticing her for the first time. "Good morning, Anne. Did you sleep well?"

Anne didn't answer her.

Marilla looked at Anne's eyes, large and glassy, and unresponsive to Marilla's greeting.

"Goodness, child, what is it? You look as if you've seen a ghost."

"I...need to tell you something."

"All right," Marilla said, dusting her floury hands on her apron.

Anne just stood there.

Marilla's face changed. "You told me you'd tell me if Mr. Phillips was treating you children badly again-"

Anne cut her off.

"That's not what this is about," she stated flatly.

Marilla slowly sat down at the kitchen table and patted the chair next to her. Anne, feeling a bit sick, pulled the chair out from the table and sat down.

She didn't look at Marilla.

She decided it would be easier to begin by telling Marilla about the obvious injury, before she broke the news about anything more.

"I told you a lie."

"Okay," Marilla said, waiting for her to go on.

"It's about my wrist. I...didn't trip that day. Someone grabbed my arm and twisted it."

"Oh, Anne!" Marilla said, looking concerned. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Anne blushed. "I...I didn't want you to be angry with me."

"Why on earth would I be angry with you?" Marilla asked, her concern showing.

Anne shook her head. "Because...I thought you would think it was my fault that it happened."

Marilla sat back. "Why don't you tell me the whole story. How did the fight start?"

Anne bit her lip. "Well, it wasn't a fight. Not exactly."

"It was unprovoked, you mean?"

Anne shook her head. "It was provoked, sort of. Only I didn't mean to provoke it..."

Marilla looked put out. "Anne, be plain about what you mean. When did this happen? Was it at school?"

"I was nearly to school," Anne began. "But then I didn't go to school, Marilla. I ought to tell you the truth. I stayed in the woods until school let out because I was hurt and I didn't want to come home and have to tell you, but I didn't want to go on to school hurting, either. And I was hurt somewhere else, too, so..."

Marilla looked sorry for her. "You ought to have come back home if you were hurt, Anne. You mustn't be afraid to tell me if something like that happens. Where else were you hurt?"

Anne couldn't say it. ...Maybe she could point. She let her pointed finger travel down, but she lost her nerve and stopped when she reached her stomach.

"Schoolyard fights happen, but my goodness, a punch to the stomach can be very dangerous," Marilla said, upset. "It can even cause internal bleeding! Have you had any unusual bleeding, Anne? You must tell me if you have."