A Winter's Ball

Chapter Seventeen: Invitations And An Absurd Parrot

The first ever Avonlea Winter Bonfire was to take place in the woods, to be hosted by the Barry's as their way to give back to the community. Everyone was eternally grateful and praised the Barry's for coming up with this new and innovative way to spend the New Year's. The news spread like wildfire creating an excited atmosphere amongst the little town. Children and adults alike were very much in favor and only talked of this upcoming event. Mr. Barry planned to light fireworks right at the second the New Year starts; a tradition he had picked up from his travels. Even Mrs. Lynde, who does not approve of modern norms was admittedly excited. "It's a real good idea, I must admit. It's thrilling, I'll give you that. I never liked those queer traditions but this one is down right marvellous."

The New Year was now only a day away, and invitations had been passed out to everyone in Avonlea.

"Dearest Diana, do so tell me what people do in bonfires?" Anne asked one snowy day. They were out walking in the Birch path on a mission; they were to hand out the last batch of invitations as instructed by Mrs. Barry.

"Well, now. I believe people only sit around in a circle around a large, blazing fire and talk. I don't think there's much to it. But that's the beauty of it since we have the freedom to do whatever we like! I hear Fred Wright will bring his banjo and Gertie Pye will bring her harmonica. Father has a tambourine and a trumpet as well kept away somewhere at home, so I might ask him to bring it. We could sing songs and dance around. It will be a lot of fun! How I wish I could bring a piano!" Diana laughed. "Mrs. Figg, my piano teacher told Aunt Josephine I was getting better and Aunt Jo said that I should be, what with all the money she spends for it."

Anne laughed. "Oh, how I miss Miss Barry. And the bonfire sounds absolutely magical! I couldn't possibly wait."

They were now down to the last two houses; The Blythe residence and the Harrison residence.

As the girls neared Gilbert's house, Anne immediately started patting down her dress, her coat, her hair and everything there is to pat.

Diana giggled silently to which Anne shyly rolled her eyes.

"Oh, hush." Anne said to a chuckling Diana.

They went up the porch and Anne raised a fist to knock when Diana grabbed her arm and stopped her.

"Wait." Diana said, grabbing anne by the shoulders and making the redhead face her. Diana pinched tightly both of Anne's cheeks.

"Ow!" Anne yelped.

"Rosa's advice for rosy red cheeks." Diana explained with a laugh. "All right. Go ahead."

Anne chuckled and proceeded to knock. After a few moments, they were greeted by a pleasantly surprised Gilbert Blythe.

"Anne," Gilbert happily breathed.

"Good morning Gilbert." Anne said failing to suppress a smile, trying to sound formal to avoid being awkward.

"Ehem," Diana cleared her throat at the gazing pair.

"O-oh. Good morning, Diana." Gilbert greeted in acknowledgment to Diana Barry's presence. "What brings you both by?"

Diana handed him an envelope which he immediately opened. "On behalf of the Barry's, I would like to cordially invite you and Mister Sebastian to the first ever Winter Bonfire in Avonlea. It will take place on New Year's eve in the Haunted Wood." Said Diana as Gilbert silently read the contents of the invitation.

Gilbert looked up confused. "Haunted Wood?"

Anne smiled. "Oh, that's just a name Diana and I made up for the woods near Orchard Slope."