After dinner that night the three of them sat by the fire enjoying each other's company.

Matthew and Anne started to play a game of marbles and Marilla was reading.

Anne observed both of them. She could tell that Matthew was happy and noticed that Marilla looked at her on occasion.

How can I disturb the joy they're feeling right now? I won't. I refuse to make them disappointed in me. I can't bring myself to burden them. Not after what they've done for me. I'll tell Jerry I'll tell them eventually Anne thought.

Marilla put her book down. " Anne, Mrs. Barry was over today when you were with Jerry. She invited you and I for tea tomorrow. She has a little girl about your age. Maybe you'll find a friend. Her name is Diana."

Anne's eyes glowed with delight. The prospect of a friend that wasn't a reflection sounded glorious " A friend! A real friend!" Then her expression turned to almost fear. " What if she shouldn't like me?! No one could ever be friend with someone as ugly as me!"

Marilla sighed. She had a feeling Anbe would react this way " Calm down child! You care far too much on your looks! If you're well behaved then I see no reason on why Diana wouldn't like you.

" What does she look like?"

"Diana is very pretty girl with black hair and dark brown eyes," Marilla said, exasperated.

" Oh good! I couldn't bear it if someone else was cursed with ugliness."

"Anne Matthew Shirley-Cuthbert! I will not have you talking so! You were NOT cursed! You're unique as we all are! Marilla reprimanded.

Anne's flinched when Marilla reprimanded her but she quickly covered it up by saying dramatically " What if she doesn't like me because of my middle name!"

Marilla failed to notice how scared Anne was by her tone. But she quieted down anyway. "Anne if Diana is your real friend she won't care how your name is."

Matthew nodded and chimed in "Besides, you and me share it. So take some pride in it!"

Anne thought for a moment then smiled " I never thought of it as that! When you put it that way it doesn't seem so bad! Thank you Matthew!" Anne said as she gave him a hug. She then remembered what she wanted to talk to them about. It can wait she told herself. Right now she would enjoy the pride Matthew showed in her.

" Well off to bed with you now Anne. You have a big day tomorrow." Marilla said not unkindly.

" Yes ma'am" and Anne walked up the stairs.

" She does have a point Matthew. What if Diana tomorrow doesn't like her because of her name?"

" Then that's Diana'sproblem. I'm sure there's someone out there who won't care how her name is." Matthew replied then thought for a moment and continued "Someone like Jerry. Anne and Jerry seem to get along fine. I think I heard Jerry call Anne sis the others day. It appears they see each other as brother and sister."

This was news to Marilla. She knew they saw each other as friends. But brother and sister? Anyhow she was glad for Jerry. Anne would it be lonely if he was around.

Out loud Marilla said "I didn't know that. But maybe that's not a bad thing. Anne could use someone to grow up with. It teaches you patience." She teased.

Did his sister just tease him? This must be the effect of Anne, Matthew mused. " you didn't learn patience from me!"

" Yes I did. Little brother." Marilla teased again, keeping a straight face.

Matthew hates being called the little brother. And he hadn't heard it in years. He realised he didn't have a comeback for that and he closed his mouth.

Then Marilla burst out laughing. And slowly he joined in. Oh how it felt good to laugh again! Laughter was really the best thing. The siblings went to bed soon after the laughter died down. Both thinking that the last time they had laughed that much they were with Michael.