DECEMBER 13, 1860

Rachel watched as Grace continued to wipe down the same spot on the kitchen table. She walked over and put her hand on the cloth and smiled at Grace, "You alright?"

"Yeah why?" Grace replied wistfully looking down.

"Because you've wiped that same spot several times, table can't get any cleaner." Rachel winked and motioned to a chair, "Have a seat."

Grace reluctantly sat down. She didn't know what to say because she honestly didn't know what she was feeling. All she knew was that she was confused. She looked to Rachel as she sat down next to her and smiled.

"I can tell something is wrong Gracie. You can talk to me you know?" Grace had been with Rachel long enough for her to tell when something was bothering her. She liked having the young girl around and didn't like seeing her sad.

"It's just, I'm confused."

"About what? Ike?"

"How did you know?" Grace looked up at her.

"I know the both of you, and I've seen you two together. You and Ike are very good friends and maybe you are a little confused as to what you're feeling and what he's feeling?"

"I am, and I don't know if I should get him something for Christmas or not. I don't want him to get the wrong idea but then again, I don't know what kind of idea I want to give him."

Rachel took her hand and smiled, "You're both young, why don't you take things slow? You and Ike have a beautiful friendship, and I would hate to see that ruined if you moved things too fast."

Grace nodded, "I guess you're right."

"There's nothing wrong with getting a friend a gift for Christmas, Gracie."

Lee and Caly entered the dining area as Grace nodded.

Lee having overhead the last part of the conversation smiled "What friend are you talking about?"

Grace looked to the two girls who had over the course of the past few months had become her friends but replied shyly, "I don't know what to get Ike."

Caly and Lee both sat down and Caly spoke up, "You could make him a shirt or something."

Lee smiled, "Sure wish I could sew I think Caly has a good idea. Grace sew Ike a shirt."

Rachel watched the three young girls and smiled, "Why don't you and Caly show Lee how to sew, Grace? Could be something for you ladies to do? Keep you out of trouble at least" she teased.

Grace looked to Lee and shrugged her shoulders, "I can teach you if you want."

"Me too," Caly piped in, "Maybe we can invite Meg over to sew with us?"

"Sounds like fun," Lee smiled.

"I think so too, and I just might be inclined to join you too sometime," Rachel smiled. She walked back to the kitchen leaving the three young girls to themselves to plan out their sewing circle.