The CBB :: View topic - Rachel tests the Chalet School

#251: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 1:58 pm

Thats the problem Nell - said bunny gave me that much and then ran away - now I've managed to tempt said bunny back I need to work out how I can persuade it to tell me what happened so I can work out how to sort it all out again! Rolling Eyes

#252: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 2:06 pm

ooooh - nice little cliff there - thanks Squirrel.

Looking forward to hearing what else the bunny has to say after he's told you. Very Happy

Liz

#253: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 2:27 pm

Squirrel wrote:

said bunny gave me that much and then ran away Rolling Eyes

Norty bunny!

*sends bunny ice cream as bribe*

#254: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 2:45 pm

*adds dandelion cordial (iced)*

#255: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 2:45 pm

Thanks Mia - that bribe seems to be working! I'm still not completely sure what happened, nor how well its going to work together but some kind of explianation is fitting together now!

Despite the fact that she was tired and longing to take a break herself Tamara went firstly to the study to report that they were back, and then, after a chat with the heads who were both in the room discussing the next week, she went over to the staff room to spend a little time there, and let anyone who was interested know how Rachel had got on at Joey’s house.

With Len away, Kathie took it upon herself to make Tamara feel welcome in the staff room. She didn’t talk to her at first, but she did find her a seat and bring her a cup of coffee to drink. Tamara wasn’t that much of a coffee drinker, but she accepted the cup pleasantly enough and then asked Kathie what she had been up to over the course of the day.

They were just settling down to a proper chat, the first they would have achieved since Tamara had joined the school when a wild scream came from another part of the building. The staffroom emptied as the inhabitants of it moved off as a body to find out what was happening.

The noise seemed to be coming from the senior middles common room and when they arrived there they found a crowd of horrified girls surrounding Rachel and one other girl. Joanne was standing next to Rachel, who had her hands pressed over her ears and was whimpering, trying to get her attention while the other girl was lying on the ground holding her face and screaming hysterically in a fit of temper.

#256: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 2:48 pm

Uh-oh what has happened and who is it? Hope Rachel is ok.

Thank you Squirrel.

#257: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 3:53 pm

Squirrel, the plot bunny seems to have gone mad!! What has happened?

Hope Rachel is okay. Please!! Crying or Very sad

Thanks, Squirrel.

#258: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 4:26 pm

What on earth has happened?

I hope Rachel is ok.

And who's lost their temper?

Thanks Squirrel.

Liz

#259: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 6:22 pm

Still not found out the answer to that question yet, but getting there slowly! Doing it on purpose? Never! *looks innocent* Well, yes I have got more written, but like I said before, I wasnt expecting to go along this rout so I'm giving you all I've got in sequence! mmmm - I think the bunny liked that cordial Nell Smile

Chapter? In the common room

Left to themselves the girls had settled down to chat about the afternoon together quietly. “Well, I guess you didn’t find that as difficult as you thought you would” Joanne said quietly. “No” agreed Rachel, “But that was more because of who she is.” She continued. “I’d have been even worse if I had known that before cause I’d have been so excited. Nervous, but excited with it.”

Joanne couldn’t help but smiling at that. “Oh Rach, things are never easy with you are they!” She commented lightly. Rachel looked up in surprise, it was the first time Joanne hadn’t stuck strictly to calling her Rachel. “I hope you don’t mind my calling you Rach, it just slipped out” Joanne apologised noticing it.

“Its alright, I just wasn’t expecting it. It’s the first time I’ve heard that name since I left home, you are welcome to use it. Now what do you get? I think I heard the other girls calling you Jo didn’t I?”

Joanne was amazed at this advance and eagerly agreed that she should use it. “Hey sounds good. Listen, I’ll get the others in our group together and we’ll all start using nick’s shall we? The rest should fall into line easily enough”.

Rachel looked at her feeling slightly uncomfortable. “The group… Yes, I have been meaning to talk to you about that. Are you sure you want me to be a part of it. I mean, you have just said that things are never easy with me and you are right about that. Things are difficult, plain life is difficult. I’ve only been here a few days and you have already picked this much up.

“I’ll admit it’s been an exceptionally difficult few days, but I’ve had times that are worse by far. You have no idea of how bad things can get at times.”

What neither girl realized was that Joanne was soon to experience just one level of how bad things could get. For now there was a reprieve as each girl selected a book and settled down to read for a bit.

#260: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 6:28 pm

Oh dear!

Thanks Squirrel, this is great Very Happy

#261: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 6:33 pm

You've got a very strong bunny going there, Squirrel. Just let him tell you what happens. Wink

I'm finding it very realistic. The introduction of Tamara, gives us the explanations we need in a very natural way.

I'm glad Rachel enjoyed the visit to Jo's for tea but I suppose we should have expected a reaction afterwards. Poor Rachel. It is all so new for her.

#262: Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 9:11 pm

Two more updates - Squirrel, you are very shiny!

#263: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 9:58 pm

Thanks Squirrel

*wondering what is about to happen*

Liz

#264: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 8:25 am

Thanks Squirrel!

*sends the bunny moer cordial* Wink

#265: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 8:56 am

*Also wondering* - and glad she enjoyed the visit to Freudesheim

#266: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 9:41 am

Chapter ? - The staff discuss

In the end the commotion was sorted out relatively quickly. Talking in a loud clear voice Kathie, as the most senior teacher in the building, took charge. “Girls just what is this noise about? I thought you were senior middles; it seems I was mistaken as we appear to have a group of juniors here. Perhaps you need to have a mistress with you when you are not in class. I will consider the question.”

Horrified the girls quickly moved away from the scene letting the mistresses see what was actually happening. The sight which caught the teacher’s eyes shocked them. What on earth was Sally Wigton doing rolling about on the floor like that, and producing that dreadful noise?

Kathie decided that this was a side issue and turned to her colleagues quickly. “Tamara, could you please take Rachel and Joanne up to her room and out of all this. I’m sure that after the day you have been describing to me she could do with a bit of a break, and Joanne would worry if she was left here.”

The mistress moved to do as she was asked pausing only when Kathie spoke to her again. “Oh and you might like to stop at Matron’s office en-rout. I’m sure that she will be able to sort Sally out!”

The other mistresses gathered chuckled quietly at this piece of reasoning and Kathie decided to continue again. “Mary, could you take the rest of the girls outside since it is such a nice day today. Say that you keep them out there for the next half an hour or so? That should give the rest of us time to get clear of here.” Mary didn’t even stop to agree before calling all of the girls out of the room and leading them to a sheltered nook well away from the building.

The class was rather disgruntled at having to be watched, and many a girl decided that Sally would have a lot of explaining to do when she eventually returned to them. After that amount of screaming not one girl expected it to be within the near future.

Kathie then turned to the rest of the assembled staff. “I think that if one of you, let me see, Patricia would you mind going over to St Hilds and let the two heads know what has been happening here. I can take things so far, but they do have to know about it as well. Thanks” She smiled at Patricia as she moved off to do as she was asked.

Then Kathie turned to look at the rest of the assembled staff. “Right then I think that it is Saturday afternoon and it is supposed to be our time off so why don’t you go back to the staff room and enjoy it, unless someone else would like to try and deal with Sally of course!” This brought a laugh as the others began to leave the room. “Oh and could one of you catch a junior and ask her to get Tamara to send Joanne down to the study in about 10 minutes or so?”

She was rather surprised and concerned when Audrey spoke up. “I’ll go myself” and then when Kathie was about to suggest otherwise she continued. “No let me explain, I was very rude to Tamara and I would like to apologise to her, especially as today’s events have shown me exactly how much advice we need when dealing with Rachel. There is so much about that girl that throws me, yet she is completely unfazed by it.”

Kathie smiled at her. “Yes, you are right. I guess its sharing the diagnosis. However we don’t have time for this right now. Do you want to chat with me about it later on?” Audrey smiled at her and agreed before whisking out of the room after the others.

All of this had taken at most a few minutes and now Kathie turned to the girl lying in front of her. Just as she was about to start talking to her Matron arrived. “Ah like this is it. Ok Kathie, you have done well, but since I am here I’ll deal with it now.” Matron advanced on the figure and picking her up she stood her on her feet and shook her.

This rough and ready technique shocked the girl enough to stop her screaming. “Well then Sally. I thought you had grown out of this babyish behaviour. Obviously I was wrong.” With this crushing statement Matron led the now mutinous girl out of the room and up to the small san that they had ready for isolation cases.

#267: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 10:01 am

Thank you Squirrel.

Kathie took charge well there. I'm glad to see that Audrey has realised she was rude and wants to apologise to Tamara. I am wondering about Sally though - what happened to get her into that state. I guess that is why Kathie wants to see Joanne.

#268: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 11:44 am

It certainly sounds as though this is not new behaviour for Sally but you've left me wondering what caused it?

I liked Audrey's honesty. That's really reassuring!

#269: Rachel Tests the Chalet School Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 12:19 pm

Kathie certainly took charge very effectively - and it was good to see her immediately take steps to get Rachel away from the situation.

And good for Audrey for admitting her mis-step with Tamara and being willing to apologise.

Who knows what was happening with Sally? Will we find out? Clearly her tantrums were nothing new to Matron.

Thanks Squirrel - will look forward to more when you have chance to post.

#270: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 12:32 pm

Well done Kathie

And good for Audrey

Thanks Squirrel - another excellent update Very Happy

Liz

#271: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 4:02 pm

Chapter ? –

Tamara was surprised and on the defensive when Audrey turned up at Rachel’s room. “Hi Tamara. I just came up for… well for two things. The first one was to apologize for my bad behaviour. I guess I wasn’t having a great day yesterday and I took it out on you. I’m sorry.” Then having got that much out, and feeling a little easier as Tamara smiled gently at her she continued a bit more smoothly. “I also came to ask if Joanne could go and talk to Miss Ferrars in the staff room in about 10 minutes.”

It was as she began to withdraw that she saw what was happening in the room and felt even more relieved that Tamara knew so much about the things which affected Rachel. She had qualified as a teacher, not a nanny. She firmly closed her mouth and walked out of the room again. She had just patched things up with Tamara, she didn’t want to ruin this by commenting on the different supports that Rachel seemed to need in the presence of another pupil either.

Tamara sighed as she noticed something of the different emotions that were flickering across her colleagues face. She found it hard to identify them but the look of shock or horror had left a particularly strong impression. Joanne had noticed it as well, and decided that she definitely did not like that teacher – she had not yet come across Audrey Banock in the classroom and she decided that she hoped she never did.

There was nothing too unusual in what was happening in the room, nor anything which would have justified Audrey’s mental use of the word nanny. They had merely darkened it by closing the curtains and Tamara was sitting in a seat as Rachel had refused to sit down herself. She was holding on to the mistress who had her arm about her and was talking quietly to her.

“you are alright Rachel, yes things have got a little difficult and the level of excitement that you have been under has unsettled you, but you are doing fine. I promise you honey, you are alright.”

Joanne was also proving her worth by just standing next to Rachel and taking her turn to comfort when she could. “You know that Sally is a nasty person Rachel, so don’t worry about what she thinks. I’m rather sorry for her since her parents don’t seem to be anything much either but you have not to worry about that.” And then a little later on “Just remember you have done nothing wrong Rachel. She just over reacted as always.”

Having said that much Joanne felt she had better explain something of what happened to the mistress. “The silly idiot chose to say something nasty to Rachel and when she didn’t notice that she had been spoken to she put her face right up to her. I don’t know how Rachel likes that kind of thing, but I hate it myself. Rachel merely put her hand up to push her away and she more or less jumped back, lay on the floor and started making such a noise you would have imagined that Rachel had slapped her.”

Tamara looked up quietly. “Thank you for explaining Joanne, you didn’t have to do that, but it will certainly help when it comes to calming Rachel down again.”

“That’s why I told you” Joanne agreed.

“All the same, you’re going to have to let Miss Ferrars know if no-one else. On you go and let her know now. I’ll cope with Rachel now. You can go and join the rest of your class and I’ll make sure that you know how she is doing. Deal?” She queried.

At this last part Joanne brightened up again. “Deal” she said with a laugh. Then she continued by saying “I’ll see you later Rachel, just you take it easily and get a rest soon” before leaving the room to go and meet up with the mistress.

#272: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 4:25 pm

What a matter-of- fact person Joanne is, just the right sort of friend for Rachel. Smile

Things are really happening at the moment, aren't they? But maybe, once Tamara has helped Rachel to sort them all out, Rachel will have learned a thing or two and be able to settle down to dealing with all the complexities of schoolgirls. Not easy at the best of times!! Rolling Eyes

Thanks, Squirrel, another fascinating couple of updates.

#273: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 4:35 pm

Thanks Squirrel

I hope Audrey's disapproval will disappear when she understands more.

Joanne was great there - helping Rachel, explaining to Tamara - she's wonderful Very Happy

Liz

#274: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 5:39 pm

Joanne seems to be a natural at understanding Rachel's problems. I love the way she is so matter of fact and also articulate enough to explain what really happened to Tamara.

Sally sounds as though she has problems of her own! I think we all know girls (and adults, come to that) who are like that.

I hope Joanne doesn't 'take a hate' to Audrey though. That wouldn't help her, Tamara or Rachel.

#275: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 10:31 pm

Sally's a brat. Joanne's a brick. I want to hug Joanne, Tamara, Rachel, Len, and Kathie. And the author Smile

thanks Squirrel!!

#276: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 11:39 pm

Thanks Sophoife - I dont really think that Hilda would agree with you whenit comes to Sally though Laughing

- Um, well, it seems like the plot bunny decided that I would have to be nicer to you than I was planning on being. Here was I planning on sleeping after finishing off reading Lesley's drabble, but no, having let me off both yeaterday and friday nigths this idea had to come and haunt me. Oh well, hopefully with it done I can now sleep! Enjoy!

Chapter ? -

Once she had left Tamara turned to Rachel and began to question her gently about what Sally had said to her. “Did you hear the comment that Sally made Rachel” Rachel hugged herself before answering. “Yes, I did”.

Tamara sighed, this was not going to be easy. “Rachel, I know you have grown up with the belief that you do not tell tales on your classmates, but I believe that on this occasion, for the good of your health you will have to tell me what she said. I cannot make you feel better unless I know what she said to you.”

It took her a little time, but eventually it seemed that Rachel had come to a decision. “Alright”. She spoke quietly, but it was loud enough for Tamara to make out what she was saying. “She called me an imbecile, and asked what I was doing in a main stream school. From what I can gather of what she said her parents seem to have a horror of anyone who has a disability of any kind.

“The extra support that I have needed has shown that I have a disability and she believes that I should not be here.”

Tamara was aghast at this. “Rachel, let me assure you that you belong here. This kind of behaviour is not acceptable. We will deal with her severely.”

She was rather surprised to hear the response. “That will not be necessary.” Rachel sounded her most dignified.

“How so?” The response from Tamara provoked a giggle. “I believe that she has probably punished herself”. There was a long pause before Rachel continued. “From the little I was able to pick up her parents have suggested that the reason in the growth of these ‘problems’ is that it gets transmitted from person to person by touch. I think that the reason for her outburst in the common room was her horror at possibly having an autistic spectrum disorder. And with parents like that I don’t blame her.”

After another period of silence Tamara asked Rachel what she planned to do for the evening. Knowing her strong character already she half felt that she knew what the answer would be.

“I am going to get ready and attend the evening dance.” Although she had been expecting it Tamara was most unhappy with this. “Rachel, you do know that you have been through a lot and your best plan for tonight would be to have an early night don’t you? Your stress levels are extremely high and going into the crowded atmosphere will probably exacerbate the problem.”

Rachel looked at her and smiled a little sadly. “Miss Darleigh, I know. I’m sorry, but I have to take this decision myself.” She sighed before she continued. “The plan of action is one which I would have seriously considered earlier on today, but with the occurrences of this afternoon I could never rest knowing that the others had watched that scene and then didn’t see me or Sally for the rest of the day. If nothing else I want her to hear that I attended the dance.”

Tamara looked at her sadly. “And if you get stressed out at the dance?”

“For one evening I can cope with it. I’ll not try to hide from you that its been a horrendous couple of days, but this is something I have to do.”

“I know that I will not be able to change your mind about this Rachel so I will not even try. I’ll tell you that I don’t think it’s a very good idea, but I’ll also have to say that in your position I would be doing the same myself. Please don’t think that you have to do it alone though, there will always be someone in the room who can offer support for a few minutes. And if you are getting stressed then come out of it. You only have to turn up and stay for a bit, not be the last person in bed. I’m trusting you on this Rachel. It won’t help matters if you are kept in bed tomorrow by Matron either!”

With this she left the room, feeling rather upset about the circumstances surrounding the girls suddenly more mature attitude, but knowing that she couldn’t have given her mothering all that much longer either. Their relationship was changed, but she was still going to be important for Rachel’s survival at the school and she knew it.

#277: Rachel Tests the Chalet School Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 12:05 am

Squirrel - I just read your second Friday post and this latest post one after the other - I've been away for the weekend. I agree with those who see Joanne as a really good friend for Rachel - I think she will do her best to help her, without over-protecting her.

As for Rachel, she is clearly showing us she has a mind of her own and will do what she feels she ought to do, no matter how hard it might be or how much she may suffer later as the result of the stress she has put herself under. She definitely understood where Sally's attitude towards her came from - though I can see that she may well, in the end, earn herself a rebuke for provoking Sally's tantrum.

Good for Tamara for recognising Rachel's right to make her own decision about the evening dancing, even though she feels it inadvisable for her to go - but also for being honest enough to let Rachel know that had she found herself in a similar position, she would have done the same thing herself.

As always, Squirrel, you are teaching us so much about Aspergers - and giving us a lovely story at the same time. Hope that the 'bunnies' have now gone to sleep for the night and you are able to get some sleep (it's now after 1am in Scotland!) yourself.

Thank you again.

#278: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 3:06 am

Brilliant analyses by both Rachel & Tamara. I imagine it'll be tough, but I hope Rachel gets through the dance and the Sally repercussions OK.

#279: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 7:16 am

Poor Sally! I wonder why her parents are so scared of 'disability'?

Quote:

..... that the reason in the growth of these ‘problems’ is that it gets transmitted from person to person by touch.

If that wasn't so sad, it would be funny Confused

I'm hoping someone can get through to her.

I love the way Rachel is proving so strong and realising she has to appear at the dance to show she can cope. I do hope it is not too much for her.

Tamara is also lovely and realising that her relationship with Rachel is changing.

Thank you Squirrel. I do hope you manage to sleep on this morning. Bunnies are so insistent sometimes.

#280: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 7:16 am

Squirrel, I love the way Rachel is so dignified here and tells Tamara. "That won't be necessary" - so mature and matter-of-fact. Of course she will suffer for what she is about to do, but she knows she has to take a stand and show what she is made of.

Wonderful stuff. Wink

#281: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 9:02 am

Lovely update, thanks Squirrel. Can we have some more soon please?

Greedy Mia

#282: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 12:40 pm

Thanks Squirrel - that was great.

It's lovely to see the determination to do things that got Rachel to the Chalet School in the first place coming into action again.

Liz

#283: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 1:16 pm

I really like Rachel! She's coping so amazingly well, and to deal with something like that but still insist that she attends the dance is so brave.

*hats off to Rachel*

more when your bunny allows Squirrel!

#284: Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 1:58 pm

Thanks Squirrel, this drabble is wonderful at showing "the person behind the diagnosis". Rachel is shown to be somebody with some strength of mind - definitely not one for whom being being a "Jellyfish" would be an option! I dare say Matey would approve!

#285: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 4:09 pm

Thanks guys. Here's the next scene.

Chapter ? – In with the heads

By the time Joanne got down to the study the heads had arrived back so rather than finding herself explaining things to Kathie Ferrars she found herself explaining to the head and she knew who she would have preferred to be conducting that interview! “Well Joanne, what can you tell me about this disturbance I have just been hearing about?”

The request was cool in tones and the expression that the head wore made Joanne shake in her shoes even though she knew that she had done nothing wrong. “I… er… Miss Annersley…” She started off. “Relax Joanne” Miss Annersley started again. “I’m sorry if I frightened you child, but you are officially seniors now and I don’t expect that sort of behaviour from my seniors – not even the youngest.”

Joanne knew that she had got off lightly at that, she knew that as a middle the kind of behaviour that had taken place would have been compared unfavourably to that of the juniors. “I can only tell you a little Miss Annersley” She responded eventually. “It’s not my story to tell.”

Hilda was about to disagree with that one, but as it seemed the girl was about to continue she paused. “We had just got back from Mrs Maynards house where we had been visiting her. That is Rachel and I had. We had had quite a good time and had even managed to get a proper chat going at the end of it. You have no idea how difficult it has been to get a conversation going with her”

She finished feelingly, thinking about all the times when she had noticed that Rachel just was not identifying with the normal chat of the group. This time Rachel had fitted in with little trouble. Then an idea struck her this had been the first time she had struck up a conversation with her without others around ready to join in. She filed this piece of information away for use later.

“When we finished chatting, this was mainly because Rachel was tired but plain refused to leave the common room, we each took a book up and began to read. Rachel followed hers for a while, but then I saw her hands coming down and her gaze seemed to be focused on one part of the common room. I’m sure she didn’t even realize what she was doing but she seemed to be staring at Sally and her friend Tanya.”

Sighing Joanne thought for a minute before continuing. She had hoped to leave this kind of depth out of it, and with any other mistress she would have got away with it, but with the heads… Impossible.

“Tan hates being stared at in that way, she’s just so self conscious, and Sally has a terrible temper. I don’t think she even considered what she was doing, or who it was who was doing it either. She just saw what was disturbing Tan, and marched over to deal with it.”

Again Joanne paused, uncertain about how much more to say about the situation. “Sally said… things. She said them to Rachel.”

“Rachel was very good about it. I’m sure they hurt, but she didn’t even appear to take them in. Then Sally poked her face right up in front of Rachel’s. I couldn’t believe that she would be so insensitive as to treat anyone like that, no matter what they had done to deserve it.”

“And what did Rachel do?” Joanne just looked at her head for a moment. Hilda continued “Well that didn’t make any noise no matter how insensitive it was. Rachel must have done something!”

“Rachel, she, well she put her hand up to sally’s face and gently pushed it. It wasn’t that hard, had no strength or anything. She was just moving it out of the road, away from her face. Sally completely over reacted. She immediately set up an ear piercing shriek which terrified Rachel and stumbled away backwards to lie on the ground and start rolling about.

“I’m sorry for her, I know she has had a really difficult time, and I know that her family have funny ideas. But she is also an impertinent child who knows how to get her own way at the expense of others, and I’m not standing for it.”

Joanne looked and sounded extremely annoyed by now and Hilda took the chance of her pause to interrupt. “Joanne, I know that you do mean what you say about feeling sorry for her. However your later language shows that you are also refusing to make allowances for what you have had that she has not had.

“Now, I know that you want her to behave in a way which will allow others to live peaceably alongside others, but that takes time. I am also aware that she has been here since she was a Middle. Most of her early training took place under her parents and it is strengthened by fear in the holidays. Joanne, I know that this will be hard for you. You are fiercely loyal and that is a good quality, but I’m going to ask you to over ride part of that just now. Like Sally you are no longer a Middle, you are a senior and I don’t want to hear of you bringing Sally up.

“We do sometimes encourage it, but in this case Sally will react badly to anything that you and your friends can teach her in that way. Be friendly if you can, and perhaps she will learn.

“Now, you go back to your friends. I will have to speak to both Rachel and Sally about this. I may even see Tanya for a little while as well. We will have to explain fully to Rachel about what upset them both so much.

No, no interruptions. Do you want this situation to arise again because Rachel is unaware of why Sally attacked her like that?” Joanne shook her head “Well then please stop being so silly. Rachel finds things like that difficult, but Tamara has assured me that it is possible for her to learn things like this.

“The more she can learn while she is here at school, the less likely it is that she shall be hurt when she is out with the school system.

“Now, its dinner time. Off you go Joanne, and remember what I’ve told you. Oh and please don’t talk about this to the others, there will be enough talk without that.”

Joanne dropped her curtsey which was one of the traditions which still endured, and left the room quickly.

#286: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 4:26 pm

Poor Joanne. Thanks, Squirrel.

I do hope Miss Annersley can help both Rachel and Sally - not to mention Tanya, who sounds really sensitive to being stared at.

#287: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 4:46 pm

Thanks Squirrel

Poor Joanne was really put on the spot there - I think she handled it very well.

Liz

#288: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 9:43 pm

Not particularly impressed with Miss Annersley's handling of the situation there - but then again she might have some inside knowledge of Sally that we don't. But as far as I can see Sally's actions were unacceptable for anyone who'd been exposed to the kind of environment the CS offers (or at least this one does) for any length of time.

Sorry - I don't mean to be critical of your writing, Squirrel, which is as brilliant as ever. And the way that Hilda has handled this is definitely in keeping with what we know - I just don't necessarily think her way is the right way for once.

*prepares to hide from Lesley*

#289: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 8:13 am

Thanks, Squirrel, just sorry I got on to this so late.

Hilda always did temper justice with mercy - "stretching it sometimes to the wildest limits," according to EBD. I think, from what she says here, that she knows Sally has problems when she goes home and these are having an impact here.

I'm quite sure, knowing Hilda, she will deal with Sally in the way only she knows how. And as she says, Rachel has to learn to cope with all sorts of people.

#290: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2005 12:18 am

Squirrel I just found this drabble a couple of days ago, I am very behind with my drabble reading to due to being on holiday and a very busy RL.

This is a fantastic drabble, I have read the whole thing slowly over the last couple of days. Thank you for teaching us so much about Aspergers. The relationship you have built between Tamara and Rachel is wonderful to behold. It shows us so much of what goes onin the minds of people with Aspergers and how it impacts on those who neither know or understand about it. Also the relationships between these two and other members of the school community is good too. I would have loved to have seen Jo's reaction to the way Rachel was in her house. I like that Hilda is understanding but not all encompassing of the situation. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next as soon as your bunny and computer allow you to post.

#291: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 12:02 pm

Hi all, and thanks. Sorry this has taken so long, a mix of RL getting in the way, and some doubts as to the way things were going. Thanks to those who have encouraged me over that time, its been great being able to talk to you about it. Ok then, here is the next little part.

Chapter? –

Hilda looked up at the clock, there was still time. She swiftly moved out of her office and went on up to the small room Matron had put Sally in once she had calmed down. The sight of Sally’s tear stained face would have made her feel sorry for the girl if she had not been feeling that way herself. The girls knew a certain amount about Sally’s upbringing, but not half as much as the staff did, and horrendous as it sounded, her parents were the kind who would disown a child rather than love a person who had extra needs.

“Sally.” The voice was quiet and comforting. “Sally, I’m sorry that you have had the experience you have had. But have you any idea why you have had that experience?” The girl looked up at her quietly. She didn’t quite understand the way this questioning was going. “This experience?” She hiccupped and paused to bring her voice under control. “I’ve had it because that, that imbecile was nasty to Tanya. That is why I have had this experience. A girl like that has been admitted to the school. She shouldn’t be here.” Hilda had to pause here considering what she was going to say.

“You call Rachel an Imbecile. I hope she never hears you call her that, for it is the last thing she is. From all that I have heard she may yet prove to be the most intelligent pupil we have had at the school.

“Have you ever paused to consider what your parents would have said about Tanya being in the school?” This question rocked Sally out of her previous gloom. “But that’s different! She was fine when she came here. She was fine until she got injured. You know that, you wouldn’t send her away would you?”

Hilda smiled at her gently. “No I will never send a child away from this school due to something like that, but you see I cannot make exceptions for Tan. If I sent Rachel away for that reason Tan would have to go as well. If I refused to allow a girl in for that kind of reason Tan would have to go.

“And not only that but the school would end up being the poorer as sooner or later some family would take the school to court for not allowing their child in, just because she had extra needs.

“Now, you have inadvertently, due to your parents ideals and values admittedly, made things harder for Rachel. She has had enough to deal with recently. You cannot imagine that coming to school will be the easiest thing she has ever done. I admire her courage in even trying to come here, for not many would try this kind of thing while still at school. It is up to us to try and help her rather than make things difficult for her.

“Now, whenever you think about her right to be here, just you also think of Tan. When you condemn Rachel, you also condemn Tan. It’s a tricky one for you to take in, but if you can do it, I think you will be well on the way to shattering this silly attitude of yours.”

She walked slowly to the door before pausing to make one final comment. “Oh, and Sally, just think on this. When Jesus walked this earth he did not heal those who were well thought of. He healed those that society thought were beneath them, those who could not work, those who were banished, the children, the gentiles, and prostitutes.

“If He could find it in his heart to love them, then why cant we? We who are so in his debt that we required him to die to save us should not be ashamed to love those who he loved. It is by his grace that we are not in their position.”

With that she left the room, and Sally found her head full of new ideas to think over.

Oh and as Mum is now off, and its official Scottish school hollidays I've no idea how much I'll be about and able to drabble. I'm here this week and away the next, I know that for sure.

#292: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 12:50 pm

Oh Squirrel, what a beautiful post. Smile

Hilda is magnificent as always, doing just the right amount of explaining. And she clearly is coming to admire Rachel greatly, which is encouraging, given how she felt at the start. To admit that she thinks Rachel may be the most intelligent girl the school ever had is wonderful

I do hope Sally will listen to all her Head has to say.

Thank you, Squirrel

#293: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 12:52 pm

Thanks Squirrel

That was lovely - Hilda has certainly given Sally plenty to think about.

Liz

#294: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 1:32 pm

Tahnk you Squirrel. Well done Hilda, hopefully Sally will think that all over and it will make some difference in her.

#295: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 1:37 pm

Thank you Squirrel for another great post. Like Mary, I hope that Sally can understand and take on board everything Hilda is telling her. It is also wonderful that, despite her initial misgivings, and even misunderstanding, of Rachel, Hilda can see beyond this to the fact that she is clearly a very intelligent girl.

May we know what happened to Tanya to make her as she now is? Clearly some kind of accident.

Will look forward to more of this as time and holidays permit, Squirrel.

#296: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 2:25 pm

Thanks Squirrel, this is great, so don't have any more doubts! It just keeps on getting better and better! Very Happy

#297: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 3:24 pm

Thanks guys. Hmmm, have just had a marathon of typing. Hopefully it comes out ok!

Chapter?

Rachel got through tea alright. She looked rather tired, but she was chatting with the group who she had ended up with. At the end of it, having heard what Joanne had to say about her visit she took her decision. She was beginning to get to know the school lay out a little better now, and once the others had scattered to change she moved quickly along to the head’s office.

She knocked at the door, and waited to be told that she could enter. Hilda had Miss Wilson and one or two other members of staff with her. “Why Rachel, what brings you here?” She exclaimed.

Rachel was twisting her hands together as she spoke. “Joanne told me a little about her interview with you earlier on, and I am aware that Sally has some rather unusual ideas as to disabilities. I wanted to talk to you about it.” Hilda smiled and thought for a minute. The girl had obviously worked her way up to be able to do this. It would not be a good idea to make her wait to talk to her. “If the rest of you will excuse us, Rachel and I will go into my sitting room to have our talk. Come this way Rachel.”

She moved over to another door which Rachel had not noticed so far and ushered her in. “So what did you want to say to me?” Rachel paused for a moment. She knew what she wanted to say, but how to put it into words was more of an issue. “I know that Sally has had a difficult time, I’m not sure why she chose that particular time to tell me what she thought of me. Joanne says its something to do with Tan.

“I don’t really understand her friendship with Tan, since she too has something which Sally’s parents would not like their daughter mixing with. I wonder if it is more to do with the fact that hers is a physical disability rather than something to do with her mind. You can’t catch scarring by having someone touch you, there has to be a knife for that.

“I feel sorry for Sally from the little that I have heard about her, and I am trying not to let her words affect me. It’s difficult though. She needs to learn so that she doesn’t hurt anyone else. It’s not right talking to people in the ways that she has spoken to me. I do however believe that she has an excuse. She needs to learn, please, may I go up and talk to her about the way I experience life. If she understands it a bit better then she may well be less afraid of it.”

Hilda was quiet while the girl was talking. She could see an understanding here that she didn’t see in others. How should she deal with her? She knew that she would have to take things carefully, because while Rachel sounded so aware of others at this moment, there were going to be other areas in which she would be hopelessly unaware.

“Rachel, I am pleased to see that you understand as much as you do. Some of the girls have obviously been talking to you. I am glad that they have done so much to allow you to understand thus far. However they have missed out on one or two rather important parts.

“Rachel, I’m going to tell you a story now, on the understanding that it goes no further than here. If you want to talk to anyone about it, you come and talk to me about it. I don’t want to hear that you have mentioned it either to Joanne and co, or to Miss Darliegh, no one. Can you promise me that?”

Rachel, amazed by her severe expression nodded. “Yes of course. If you say so.” Hilda smiled at her. “Then I may continue. Remember I am trusting you on this.”

Hilda paused for a moment before beginning. “About 4 years ago a little girl came to this establishment. She was a quiet, withdrawn creature whose parents told me firmly must be kept under the eye of my staff or she would become most unmanageable. She was not to have treats of any kinds, and if we had girls who were not normal then could we please keep them away from their daughter as they did not want her contaminated by them.

“It turned out when we questioned the girl herself that she had had a close friendship with a girl who had suffered from polio, and was subsequently in a wheel chair. When her parents had found out about the friendship they had removed her from her school and had taken to home schooling her until she had learned better ways.

“Rachel, they brain washed her until she was so hardened that she was able to go and spit at her former friend. Then something happened and the family had to send their daughter to school.

“She arrived hostile to the world. I would have been surprised if she had made any friends at the time, she was so wrapped up in herself. If she didn’t get her own way she would have a temper tantrum, because that was the only way her parents would give her any attention.

“It took a long time and a lot of care before that hurting, bitter little girl began to emerge into the caring creature she is once again. We have never yet managed to break through this foolish attitude to disability, although two things have happened within the last year or so which have helped her to take steps along the way to doing this.

“The first is that her closest friend. The girl who had stood by her even when she wasn’t fit to live with, was involved in a car accident. This accident had occurred over the school holidays while the family were driving along the snow.

They were still in Switzerland and she was rushed over here quickly. Her parents came too, and they all survived. Tanya bears the scars even now. Not only on her face and hands, but in her heart as well. She seems to think that whenever someone looks at her that they are criticising her. That they are comparing the person she is now with the girl they once knew.

“The accident was, as I said, a turning point for Sally. She had a big choice before her. She could give up on her friendship with the girl, because she was now disabled like Dorothy, the girl she had been friendly with in the past, had been disabled. Or she could turn her back on her previous training and stick by Tanya.

“She chose the latter, and that shows how much good she has in her. She has had to put up with her parents degrading her choice of friend, but she has stuck to Tan faithfully. She has stuck to her so strongly that she is always on the watch for someone who might hurt her, inadvertently or not.

“You need to know this, because it is because of this that this afternoons unfortunate event occurred. Please watch out for it Rachel I do not want to hear of a reoccurrence.

“However I mentioned that there were two things which had happened this year which are helping Sally. Tan’s accident was the first; the second was your admittance to the school.

“You are a big enough girl now to know that we all have an affect on our fellow humans. I ask that you would deal carefully with both Sally and Tan. See if by your behaviour you can show that having a disability, hidden or otherwise, is not as bad as it might seem, and it’s definitely not something to judge others for.

“Rachel, you have a chance to make a big difference in another person’s life here, and not just hers, but in the lives of all those she might come against as she grows older. See if you can be a positive influence.”

Rachel stood stunned by all of the information she had just received. There was so much in there that she would need a while to take it all in. However Miss Annersley was standing up and showing her the way out so that must mean that the interview was at an end.

However much Rachel might like to ask her if she would write it down for her, or something, just so that she had another place for all that information, it was not going to be possible right now.

She quickly made her curtsey and left the room so that she could go and get ready for the evenings dancing.

#298: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 4:05 pm

Thank you Squirrel. I'm glad Hilda recognised that she had to talk to Rachel then and that she explained everything to her. Maybe she can ask for it to be written down at a later stage.

#299: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 4:06 pm

Two great posts, Squirrel! This is brilliant.

#300: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 4:36 pm

Another great post, Squirrel - it's wonderful to see the rapport building between Miss Annersley and Rachel, so that Rachel felt comfortable in coming to her Head to talk about this so openly.

Thank you for that very frank explanation of the both Sally and Tanya's earlier experiences - it helps us so much in understanding the situation earlier in the afternoon.

I hope that Rachel will grasp everything she has been told here - it's a huge amount for anybody to take on board all at once - and once she has 'digested' it, that she will be able to help both Sally and Tanya. It will be extremely good for all three of them if she can do so, and I have every faith that she will.

Rachel is showing herself to be a really special person in all senses of the word. It is going to be very interesting to watch her development as she continues to adjust her own needs to the school and its routines, and to the people around her.

Thank you, Squirrel - as always, you are teaching us so much here, and giving us a wonderful story at the same time.

#301: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 4:37 pm

Hmmm, it seems the bunny has well and truely bitten me today. Oh well that makes up for there not being any for the past week or so!

Chapter?

It just so happened that as she left her room again Tamara caught her. Her mind was still overwhelmed by all that she had been told and there was something about the way that she was standing that told Tamara there was a problem. “Hey Rachel, something troubling you?” She asked quietly. Rachel felt cornered. How could she say anything about this situation when she had promised Miss Annersley not to talk about it?

“Um, I’m just a bit tired Miss Darleigh. I’ll be alright.” Tamara looked at her keenly for a bit. “Hmmm, are you sure about that? I think you have too much on your mind lass. You need to quiet it a bit so that you have time to enjoy the evening.”

Rachel looked at her in exasperation. How talented were these adults in managing to put you in the most impossible situations! You knew that they cared, but sometimes they were really just impossible. “Thank you Miss Darleigh, I suggest you talk to Miss Annersley about it. I have promised not to say anything about it except to her.”

Tamara nodded her head in acceptance. “Very well Rachel, I’m sorry I can’t help, but if that is the way things are then that is the way things are. If Miss Annersley decides to let you talk about it at some point then I am here.”

Rachel smiled at her and thanked her before walking off. She would have loved to tell Miss Darleigh all about it. Standing on your own two feet was all very well, but there were some things she needed advice about. However having promised to say nothing about it meant that she could not access that help even when it was offered.

She smiled and even though there had been little of comfort in the brief exchange she managed to forget about the things that were worrying her for the evening. Tamara went on her way fully intending to have a word with her headmistress while she went.

#302: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 4:38 pm

Thank you Squirrel

Poor Sally - I'm glad she's slowly finding the strength to break free from the indoctrination she's had.

And Rachel is amazingly brave even to consider talking to her.

Liz

#303: Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 5:10 pm

I'm feeling quite sorry for Sally, now, seems she's had a really hard time of it with her parents. Poor child. Rachel seems to be able to deal with it, thank goodness, let's hope she can work with the information Ms Annersly has given her and improve Sally another little bit.

#304: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 5:58 pm

I can just imagine how much Rachel wanted to ask Tamara's advice at that particular moment - but good that she respected Miss Annersley's request to respect the information she had been given in confidence.

It's also good to see Tamara's wish to find out more from Miss Annersley herself. There are some complex, but really lovely relationships developing here.

Thanks for another great post, Squirrel.

#305: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 6:18 pm

Squirrel wrote:

How talented were these adults in managing to put you in the most impossible situations! You knew that they cared, but sometimes they were really just impossible.

Too true, Rachel! Laughing

We like to make things difficult for our pupils!

Those were two wonderful posts, Squirrel.

It was great to see Hilda trusting Rachel, and Rachel finding enough humour, even in her total exhaustion, to cast aspersions on adults. Shocked

Thank you, Squirrel. That bunny has been working overtime today. Want some lettuce so he can keep going? Rolling Eyes

#306: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 6:47 pm

Thanks for the lovely long posts Squirrel

#307: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 7:01 pm

Squirrel, I had got horribly behind on this, but I've just managed to catch up on the last 5 pages. (I should have gone home two hours ago!) So much has happened! I'm glad I didn't get caught on any of the cliffs.

Having Rachel and Tamara at the school is teaching the staff and pupils so much, and I'm glad to see that they are making the most of the opportunity.

I feel so sorry for Sally - what a horrible choice to have to make, loyalty to one's parents or to one's friend - but if anything, even sorrier for her parents. Sally has the example of the school to follow, but it sounds as if it will be much harder for her parents.

As for the Abbess... at first I thought she was not handling the situation well, but when she told Rachel about Sally I thought, "Good old Hilda knows what is right better than anyone else, as usual!

Thank you so much, Squirrel - this is great. I'll try not to get so far behind again!

#308: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 7:18 pm

I think the bunny wants the Saturday over by the end of today - well it has gone on for over a week now and possilby longer than that. Goodness knows what ideas he has lined up for after that. Weeeeeell I do have 1 idea, but one little idea isnt going to take us very far...!

Joey I'm amazed that you were still there TWO HOURS after you should have been at home. Phew thats a lot of reading, and extra work. Oh well, I hope it was worth it. And if RL means you get behind, well, that happens to everyone.

Lol, Mary. Doesnt every 16 year old get fed up of the adults about them sometimes? Lettuce? Well, sure if you want! Just not before tomorrow morning if you dont mind! Laughing

OK on with the next post since I must have a bit more writing to do to finish the day off properly!

Chapter?

The evening passed very quickly. Looking back on it, Rachel only had a series of pictures in her head. It was a sensation a little like a badly moving video when the frames were individually visible, and the sound, if there was any sound, was completely disconnected from what was passing in front of you. Sometimes it felt that way as she watched them. On those occasions she would shake her head and focus on what she was seeing.

Joanne was keeping a close eye on her. She knew that Rachel was very tired now, but she was constantly surprised at the effort the other girl was making. Joanne wouldn’t like to have had to make that effort herself.

Rachel managed to surprise the whole of her year group as she chose a quiet time to slip over to Tanya and begin talking naturally to her. Tanya had felt a little wary of this girl joining her at first, but it turned out that Rachel was a natural chatterbox when she put her mind to it. Soon Tan was laughing, and forgetting to miss Sally quite so much.

Seeing it Joanne was recalled to her promise. Here was Rachel who was doing her best to be friendly to Tan, and she hated new things. She hated them as much as Tan did Joanne admitted to herself.

Joanne decided that she would have to try and find a good way to break Rachel’s kindness to Tanya to Sally. If it was done the wrong way Joanne could see Sally becoming very jealous and feeling completely isolated.

Soon however Rachel was next to her again. “Tell me Jo, how do you deal with the crowds of girls on a night like this?” She asked her quietly. “I could just about cope with this, but for the press of the crowds. And the chatter, it’s constant. This is a mob not a group of girls!”

Joanne looked at her compassionately. What could she say to this? It was so completely out of her own experience. “I don’t have any problems with the crowds Rachel, though that may be difficult for you to understand. I revel in a group of people gathered together like this in the same way that you enjoyed this afternoon while we were at Mrs Maynards. Any small inconveniences are irrelevant in the light of everything else which is going on.

“I’m sorry I cant take in how big an issue this is for you. There is Miss Darleigh. She might have some ideas for you!”

As Rachel moved off, one of the other girls standing next to her turned to Joanne and asked her “What’s with the weird phrasing Jo?”

Laughing slightly self consciously Joanne replied. “Well, I have been in her company all day, so I may have picked it up a bit. However it’s also a choice on my part. I don’t want her to be the only one using slightly different phraseology, whatever our beloved head might say as to the suitability of some of my words!” She rounded off to a slightly giggling group.

Chapter?

Rachel hadn’t got much satisfaction from Tamara when she asked her for advice. The response was rather distracted as if the mistress wasn’t concentrating on what she was saying for once.

A few minutes later she shook her head and showed the girl out into the hallway. “I’m sorry Rachel; I can’t even hear myself think in there. What was it you were asking?”

Rachel allowed herself to be distracted by the obvious question. “Why did you respond then?”

Tamara smiled rather sadly at her. “Honey, I think its just one of my coping strategies. You have them as well. When I’m in a situation like that, all of my energy goes on dealing with it, on coping with the noise, and the crowds. I focus completely on what I am doing so that I don’t feel as intimidated as I sometimes do.

“I just don’t have the energy to take in what people are saying fully, so I catch a little of what was said, and make some kind of comment on it. It usually works well enough.

“By that I’m meaning that I can either get an answer close enough to the question that the person doesn’t even realize, or it’s so wildly out that the person decides that its not worth trying with me at that time.

“Sometimes it can have rather random results though!” She laughed remembering some of the conversations she had been involved in over the last few years, and Rachel, who had had similar experiences joined in.

Eventually however Rachel recalled her questions. “So is that the only way that you cope, by concentrating on coping?” Tamara smiled at her quietly. “Is that what you wanted to ask me then Rachel?” She queried.

“Yes, I was finding the crowds rather too much. When I asked Joanne what she did about dealing with it she told me she revelled in the crowds and suggested that I ask you.”

Tamara took a few minutes to think the matter over. She was also tired by now and found it hard to get her thoughts into working order. “What do I do to cope with the situation? Well, I wouldn’t exactly phrase that one the way you have Rachel, I would say that I concentrate on doing things. For example when we go back in I am going to start dancing. I’ll soon be having so much fun that I won’t be bothered by any crowds. Until the music stops that is!

“The other main thing I do is take regular breaks, like this. I grab any excuse to come out of the hall for a few minutes. Like this. If you hadn’t been you I might have left it a little longer, but needing to talk to someone properly, needing a drink break, basically anything which might qualify as needing to leave the room will do.”

Rachel accepted this, getting out of the situation for a few minutes was a good one. A point struck her about the previous statement. “How on earth can you dance to that noise?” She asked.

It was with a gurgle of laughter that Tamara began her response. “You know I think that the average teenager would be wondering what you were talking about there. They seem to love dancing to this. But no, I will not be dancing to this.

“Dance nights have two halves to them. There is this bit which you rightly describe as noise, though I wouldn’t air that view too much in the common room, and there is a later part which is for country dancing.

“The authorities seem to think that the best way to calm all the girls down again is to give them real music and tire them out by requiring that they dance vigorously. That way you get properly tired by bedtime.

“Listen I think I can hear the dance music beginning. Will you join me for the first dance?” She asked holding out her hand.
Rachel assented and they walked into the dance hall again for the first dance.

OK I would post the message without adding the story! Rolling Eyes

Edited to add said story!

#309: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 7:38 pm

Great post and great insight, Squirrel!

I do hope Rachel and Tamara are not stressing themselves too much. I'd have retreated long ago after the day they've had.

#310: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 7:44 pm

Squirrel, I've clearly been feeding that bunny far too much! No more tonight I promise! Very Happy

There were some fascinating conversations here, explaining Rachel's and Tamara's strategies for coping with music and loud noise and too many people all at once. Wonderful.

But there was also some fine humour, especially the reference to Joanne's adoption of Rachel's way of talking.

And I love that Rachel was able to find it within herself to be friendly to Tan. But will that bring more problems, as Joanne suspects?

Thank you, my dear.

#311: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 8:33 pm

Ok I said I'd been told to get the day finished, and I've been tricked into including the rest of the weekend as well! Plot bunnies, who would have them? Rolling Eyes

I dont mean that honestly! Laughing

Oh and Mary, you are fine feeding the bunny as long as I have time, but it will need to be when I'm not supposed to be sleeping if you dont mind! tee hee hee. Ah well, I've coped with that in teh past and no doubt I'll cope with it again some point ! Smile

Oh, and Joey, sorry if this means that you are behind again without trying to be!

Chapter?

Looking back on the previous night, Rachel could never have told exactly how she got through it. She had just gone on some kind of back up supply of energy and forgotten about all that was bothering her. It was there in the background, but she didn’t have the energy to bother about it.

The Sunday was a quiet day thankfully, with church early on in the morning. The service was of a kind to comfort. It had been talking about surviving in a new place, and how God wanted you to move out of your comfort zones.

“Do you think Jesus was in his comfort zone when he turned the tables upside down in the temple? When he was praying in the garden of Gethsemane and he was so frightened that he sweated blood was he in his comfort zone? No he was not, but that didn’t stop him from doing what he had to do. What he had promised his father he would do.

“We are not supposed to get comfortable, for becoming comfortable where we are stops us from moving on. We have to move forward, to progress, both physically, and emotionally we have to grow. This growth requires that we move out of comfort zones.”

Rachel reflected on that, yes Saturday evening had been a time of her moving out of comfort zones.

She had started the dancing with Tamara as had been agreed. What she had not been prepared for was the order to go and pull someone else in to the dancing. She had wandered about uncertainly until Miss Darleigh had pointed out someone who would be waiting for a partner. “Her name is Lyn. She’s a good sort, knows the dances and will help you get your next partner” Tamara instructed her.

So Rachel had gone over to Lyn and invited her into the dancing. “Hi I’m Rachel, would you like to dance this?” She asked her shyly.

“Oh we are not polite enough to ask people to dance.” Lyn stated. “We just go and pull people in. Otherwise no one would ever dance!” She laughed as they walked over to the dance floor. “I’ve heard a bit about you Rachel, you are becoming one of the schools well known characters!”

“Really? How come?” Rachel queried her immediately. Lyn paused for a moment wondering how to phrase her meaning. “I guess its because we have never had a girl quite like you. And Sally was bound to make a scene sooner or later. You seem to have handled that very well. I’ve heard nothing but good about you since you turned up here tonight, and especially since you got Tan laughing. It’s not many of us who could do that I can tell you!”

Rachel looked at her feeling a little confused. “But how, all I did was chatter with her for a bit. It was something I was needing myself.” She admitted. Lyn looked at her and her next response came in breaths as the dance was getting rather fast. “Oh I know… but it’s not many of us… who can chatter the way… you can” she finished off, and conversation had waned as the girls had needed to concentrate on what parts of the dance came next.

As Tamara had promised Lyn had looked after Rachel through the course of the dance, and she had kept an eye out for her for the rest of the night until bedtime. This came none too soon for Rachel. She was so tired that she could hardly see where she was going by the time that she eventually walked up stairs.

As she was going to an area that was very close to where the staff lived Tamara had joined up with her once they had left the rest of the girls behind. “You did brilliantly well there Rachel. I knew you would do well, but you have surpassed my expectations. Now, go to bed, and if you have any difficulty sleeping, remember that little book I mentioned a few days ago.”

Rachel looked at her and smiled. “I hope I don’t have any difficulty sleeping, but if I do I’ll turn to the psalms. Thank you for everything you have done today Miss Darleigh. It’s gone on forever I think, but with your help I’ve got through it.”

“I’m just glad for both of us that it is Sunday tomorrow Rachel” she responded. “It means we can get a bit of a lie in, and have a quiet day before the next week begins. Thanks for your company. Goodnight.”

Impulsively Rachel turned round and hugged her before turning into her room to get ready for bed and to fall quickly asleep.

Ok thats us for tonight. More some point tomorrow!

#312: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 8:42 pm

Rachel is turning into a real blessing for them all, and I am so glad that the girls are beginning to appreciate how special she is. Smile

Thank you for all your hard work today, Squirrel.

#313: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 9:08 pm

Echoing Mary on both these points, Squirrel - it really is lovely to see how well Rachel is developing here. That was clearly quite a weekend for her, but she has come through it all with flying colours.

Thank you so much for all of this.

#314: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 7:15 am

I'm not sure I could have survived all that in one weekend - not without needing extra time to recover before Monday morning! - Of course Rachel has youth on her side! Very Happy

Thanks Squirrel

Liz

#315: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 9:03 am

Wow, what a fab lot of posts to catch up on! Thanks Squirrel Very Happy

#316: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 3:56 pm

eventually got started again today. Had to do one or two things first of all, but here we go...

Chapter? - Other Sunday happenings

Joanne made it her job to go and talk to Sally the minute she got back from church. She knew that Sally was a very clannish girl who might take Rachel’s friendship with Tanya the wrong way if it wasn’t explained to her in the right way.

“Hey there Sally, you doing alright?” She asked her as she entered the room having got permission. “I’m Ok” the girl responded quietly. She seemed to be in a mood that Joanne had never come across in her before.

“You sure about that?” Joanne responded quickly. “Oh I guess, I’ve just been doing a lot of thinking.” It took a bit more perseverance on Joanne’s part to get a conversation going as Sally clearly had a lot on her mind.

Eventually however she was given the lead that she needed. “Do you know how Tan’s doing by the way?” This was it, Joanne muttered a quick prayer that she might be able to talk about this in the right way.

“Tan seems to be doing quite well. She seemed to be a bit upset yesterday evening, but Rachel went up and talked to her for a while, and she even got her laughing. Since then she seems to be coming round with our crowd. I think that generally Rachel joins her, and then we go over to join Rachel.

“If you want, we can all continue it when you are back in school, but don’t worry if not. It’s just a suggestion.”

Joanne backed off mentally and thought of something else she could use to distract Sally if she seemed to be finding this difficult. To her surprise Sally’s face cleared. “Oh that’s wonderful news. I’d been wondering about her, and worrying what might happen if she was on her own.

“You say that Rachel got her laughing? Wow, I don’t think even I can do that very easily. What did she say?”

Joanne tried to take in this new, generous Sally. “I’m afraid I don’t know, I wasn’t nearby. All, I know is that Rachel disappeared from our group for a while and the next thing I knew about her was when I turned round to see that Tan was Laughing, and Rachel was with her. There was no one else near by either. I’m wondering if its partly because she is the only person at this school who didn’t know her before.”

Sally looked at her and seemed to be considering. “You could be right Joanne,” She paused for a moment before continuing, “And if you are sure you don’t mind then we probably will join your group. I’ll have to check up with Tan of course, but if she doesn’t mind it might be a good idea.” There was another pause while the two girls shared a companionable silence then Sally spoke again. “Thanks for telling me this way Joanne, you’ve given me some more to think about.” She sighed before saying this last thing.

“I’m grateful to Rachel for being there for Tan, I can see that it would hurt Tan to stop seeing Rachel, and probably would hurt Rachel to stop seeing Tan. I’ve got to be able to share Tan or I may well loose her. Its just so difficult, with my parents and everything.”

Joanne paused before she left the room. “I know Sally. I’m sorry it is so difficult for you. Perhaps you could let Rachel educate your parents for you at some point. If she would allow it you could introduce her to them without mentioning her diagnosis. Then you could perhaps have her talk to them about it or something. I don’t know what I’m meaning very well, but there is time to work on that idea.

“Oh and while I don’t know about Tan, I’m sure that if you want a while without the rest of us about to think over what you are going to do next then Rachel will respect that. She is pretty understanding that way, and if you feel that you need to return to what you had in the past then she will happily step back, and only offer her friendship to Tan when you cannot do so, or if she feels there is something else she can give.”

Sally looked at her and smiled. “Thanks for the flowers Jo, but I know that things will never be the way they were now. It wouldn’t be wise to even think that it might. I just can’t understand how you can know Rachel so well already, she hasn’t been here a week yet!”

Joanne smiled back “Has it really been such a short space of time. Phew, so much has happened since I met her that I can hardly believe it. I dunno, I guess there are just some ways in which she is pretty straight forwards, though there are others…” And Joanne went on to tell of one or two of the things that Rachel had got up to on her visit to Jo Maynard’s the day before. Soon the two girls were laughing happily together.

#317: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 4:28 pm

Lovely, thanks, Squirrel.

#318: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 5:06 pm

Thanks Squirrel

Obviously Miss Annersley's words had a big impact on Sally. And well done Joanne for going to talk to her.

Liz

#319: Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 6:21 pm

Rachel seems to be having an alround improving influence on Sally (helped, of course, by Miss Annersly's insightful lecture)! Let's hope that she will be able to be friendly with Tan and Sally, now - they're all people who share an "unusual" background/happening in the past.

#320: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 7:32 pm

Rachel and Hilda between them seem to have done the trick.

Rachel is starting to be a catalyst for those around her. Long may they appreciate her. Very Happy

#321: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 11:50 pm

Quote:

Rachel is starting to be a catalyst for those around her. Long may they appreciate her.

You are so right, Mary. But what in some ways is even more remarkable is first that Joanne instinctively chose the right way to approach Sally about Tanya, and also that Sally herself seems disposed to accept things, and also to try to learn more about Rachel despite her parents' years of conditoning her. I don't Sally will have an easy time, but the more she opens herself to other views, the more she will understand about Rachel and people like Rachel.

Meantime, Rachel, yet again, has come through so well.

Thank you yet again, Squirrel for all the fascinating insights - you really are teaching us such a lot, and your story is wonderful.

#322: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 12:38 am

Who was it who said that once you got bitten by a plot bunny you never got rid of them Question

I think that is a very accurate remark that. I was supposed to be sleeping (not that I was anywhere near it) when this little addition came to mind and I had to write it down before I went and forgot about it!

Chapter? Matron’s advice

Sally lay there on her own struggling with her emotions. What she had said to Joanne about her feelings towards Tan and Rachel was correct, but that didn’t stop her feeling jealous of their friendship even so. She knew in her head what was right, but taking that head knowledge and applying it to her heart was going to take some doing.

Suddenly she remembered some of the things that Miss Annersley had told her in the past. “Sally, I know you find so many things difficult. However, remember if anything gets too difficult you are not alone child. God is always there in the background and he will help you. And if you ever feel that you could confide in me some of the things you are feeling, I will gladly listen”

“But its so difficult” she muttered to herself. “What’s difficult Sally?” A new voice asked her so suddenly that she jumped. “Oh, Matron, I’m sorry I didn’t hear you there.” She remarked quietly. “Its so difficult taking the things you know in your head, and making it that you know them in your heart too.” Matron came to the edge of the bed and sat gingerly next to her, waiting until she continued.

“It’s like this. I care enough about Tan that in my head I am glad that Rachel helped her out yesterday. In my head I want to get to know Rachel and perhaps become friendly myself, even though that will mean a lot of struggling when my parents find out about it. It’s different in my heart though.”

She stopped, trying to work out how she could make it sound nicer, before giving it up as a bad job. She sighed before continuing. “In my heart I’m as jealous as sin, and I’m screaming out like a little child who hasn’t got their own way. I want Tan to be alright, but I don’t want Rachel to be the person who managed to make her feel better. I want to be the one who got her to laugh again. I feel like she has taken my place in some ways.”

Feeling very upset with herself she stopped, and waited for the admonishment which her parents would have meted out if they had heard something of the sort. To her surprise the response she received was very different. “It’s natural that you should feel this way Sally. I’m very proud of the fact that you can admit to the way you are feeling about this. Not many people are strong enough to even admit something of the kind to themselves. You have done a big thing there.

“As for how you can feel better about it. Only time will do that, time and I think the experience of seeing how Rachel and Tan relate with each other.

“I’m sure that you also know in your head that Rachel cannot mean as much to Tan as you do, but your heart will also take time to learn this as well.

“You will be back in school again tomorrow. Just watch and see how they react to your coming back.” She paused for a moment and added in a rather different tone. “And Sally, I hope that you are able to control your temper. Fits of tantrums like this will only make things harder for you as you get older. Now is the time to learn these lessons, not in 5 years time.

“If you find things really difficult, offer a prayer up to God that He might help you, and then withdraw from the situation. Take yourself out of it and give yourself a break.

“Now its sleep time, so I want you to get a good nights sleep so that you are ready for the morning.” So saying she shut off the light and withdrew.

Right now it really is sleep time. Goodnight all

#323: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 12:41 am

Thanks Squirrel

It's good to see that Sally is getting consistent advice and help whether from Hilda, Matron or even Joanne

Liz

#324: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 3:05 am

Another wonderful interlude - I really do hope that Sally can learn from all the advice she is getting - it may be hard for her at first, but it would be so good for her.

Thanks Squirrel - hope you managed to sleep! I'm off to bed now, too - but it isn't midnight here yet!

#325: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 9:05 am

Appologies in advance for the poetry - I am no poet, and as poems are not my favourite form of literature I have read very little. Embarassed

I'm going to be out for most of the day, so its unlikely that I'll be putting much up for a bit as this is the last of what I had in reserves. I'm also going to have to get myself a few more ideas about how to continue as well!
Chapter ? – A little English

One of the things which Len did not long after she got home again was look out the poem that Con had written about St Michael’s to let Rachel see. She gave her it the next time she saw her, but she was not to know how much she would come to regret it. Rachel read the words to herself slowly and then spent a while copying it out. The wording had caught her imagination as much as the building itself had and she couldn’t help but find herself lost in the words and the images it created. This is what she read:

St Michael le Belfry

In the shadow of the Minster
humbly standeth I
I might seem insignificant
to the people passing by

oh the Minster is impressive
it catches the eye
but if you want community
come in is my cry

some passers they admire me
people stop and stay
words of love and fondness
that the Minster never hears

Yes it is life in the shadow
but it is a life I love
I may not be a great big church
but I’m always serving God

In the shadow of the Minster
nothing to regret
those who want what I have to give
come in, learn and live
Con Maynard

Rachel looked at the poem again. It was in her mind beautiful and it described the little church. “In the shadow of the Minster” her mind hooked upon that line. Later on she couldn’t have told you why it was that line that she liked so much.

Suddenly she was no longer paying attention to what was going on about her; her mind was weaving thoughts about that line. “In the shadow of the Minster, Rosemary walked along past the tall building that was the Minster.

St Michael le Belfry didn’t look much if you were comparing it to the vast building towering above it, but Rosemary didn’t bother about that one. It cut off a bit of sun, and yes, it might have some architectural fancy playing about. There was no doubting that it was advanced for its times, but Rosemary by far preferred her own church. Well, to start off with it was her own.

Moving quickly so as to avoid any charges of loitering Rosemary took one last glance at St Michael and then went off to her next task. Had she but known it, her daily pilgrimages to look upon the building and enjoy the peace that seemed to envelop it were not going unnoticed, and this was to create a big change in her life in the near future.”

The words were so real to Rachel that she didn’t hear what was going on about her, until she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up to see Mrs Entwhistle looking at her.

“Rachel, you weren’t paying attention to a word I said. Will you please tell me why?” Rachel blushed and looked up at the mistress. “I’m sorry, my mind was caught up in the poem, and I was thinking about how well it captures the essence that appears in the little church.

”You were writing something as well, may I see it?” Rachel hadn’t even taken in the fact that she had been writing, and looked down. “Oh, I didn’t realise that I had written anything down. She gave it a glance and saw that it was indeed what she had been thinking.

Shrugging her shoulders she gave the paper to the mistress who had her hand held out – the question might have been asking permission but it was obvious that Mrs Entwhistle meant she wanted to see it.

Rachel sometimes felt trapped with this kind of thing. Polite it may well have been, but wrapping orders up as questions made it harder to refuse, or you could say no and find out how wrong you had been by assuming that they were merely asking you if you would mind doing something.

Len read through the document in surprise. If she had been expecting anything it wasn’t this kind of prose. “Did the lines really mean that much to you?” She asked quietly. “I think it’s the church it’s written about.” Rachel responded. “There’s something about it. I can’t put my finger on it, but I just found the picture I saw of it so appealing, and the poem somehow manages to capture that same feeling. It’s irresistible.”

Len laughed at that. “Irresistible or not, I think I’m going to have to ask you to resist it during class time. I’m glad that the poem appeals to you so much, but today’s lesson was not a poetry class. We’re studying plays today.

Now have you got your copy on you? You have, good. Well read the first 2 scenes of the third act and then write about the different techniques that the playwright has used.

You might find that a little harder since you seem to have missed the explanation I gave to the class. I have however heard that you seem to be quite good at recalling things you have not seemed to have heard. If you have real difficulties then you may come and find me and I’ll go over it with you then.

Oh and yes thanks Elder - I did manage ot get to sleep in the end, although it was after 2 by that time. I got about 6 hours sleep overall, not great, but hopefully it will mean I'm tired enough to get some sleep earlier on tonight!

Etc - my terrible spelling! Laughing

Last edited by Squirrel on Wed Jul 06, 2005 9:08 am; edited 1 time in total

#326: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 9:15 am

Oh Len is lovely in this, she is so understanding

Thanks Squirrel! Kiss

#327: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 11:56 am

I like the poem - thanks Squirrel

Liz

#328: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 1:22 pm

I like the poem, too, Squirrel - but I like the way both the poem and the picture of St. Michael Le Belfry have 'spoken' to Rachel even more. The beginnings of her story sound intriguing; will we see more of it in time?

I also like Len's understanding but firm approach to Rachel for not attending in class -and I bet Rachel does recall the information she seems not to have heard, too.

Will look forward to seeing how this episode develops in due course.

Glad you got enough sleep to be going on with - hope your day goes well.

#329: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 1:43 pm

I think I will have to give that plot bunny some sleeping tablets, not more lettuce!! Laughing

I've already told you how much I love that poem, Squirrel, and how it helped me, but it is so nice to finally see it here. Thank you.

Len seems to be coping well with Rachel in all her different moods, and Rachel herself is already fitting in beautifully at the school, despits all the problems she still has.

#330: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 9:11 pm

Susan - I believe you wanted to see Joey's reaction to Rachel's visit, well it can be worked in one way or another! lol. Hope you enjoy this then!

Mary, dont worry about the sleeping tablets, I think I'll just have to learn to take Tamara's advice as to sleeping - ie, read the psalms.

Thanks for all of your comments guys. Please remember that the things I am saying pertain either to things which I have experianced in one way or another, or come out of my imagination.

I wouldnt like to think that people were going to apply it in broad brushstrokes to everyone in the spectrum! That would probably be a bad mistake to make

Chapter? – Joey’s story

When Tamara went along to the staffroom she found a gathering there. Seated in one of the centre seats was Joey. She looked at her and instantly began to laugh; she knew what was going to happen this evening.

She had heard about the fun and games that always occurred when Joey dropped in for a chat in the staffroom, but she had never happened to be there for one yet. She had heard that Joey kept quiet about the reason for her visit until one or other of her unfortunate listeners guessed what she was there about from one of her veiled hints.

“Ah Tamara, I think you are the last. I was going to send a search party out for you if you hadn’t turned up soon. You doing alright, you look a little washed out.” Tamara smiled tiredly at her.

“I’m fine thanks Joey. “It’s still the start of term, and I had a busy weekend too. I’ll get over it.” Joey looked at her sharply. “You sure, you look like you could do with some time off to me!” She retorted.

Tamara’s smile widened for a bit. “In that case I’ll get you to back up my request to the heads that I take a bit of a long weekend next week. My brother could do with seeing me.” She explained.

Joey looked up astonished at her last effort being taken so seriously. Was the girl a good tease, or did she really think that the comment was serious. However Tamara was speaking and Jo stopped her pondering, and filed it away to discuss with Hilda and Nell later on.

Tamara continued with “However that’s beside the point just now. Did you have any particular reason for calling in?” She enquired innocently.

“Any particular reason. Any particular reason!!!” Joey quoted impotently. “How the girl likes to tease!” She said almost to herself.

“What’s up Joey?” Asked Kathie “Surely it’s a reasonable question which deserves a fitting answer.” Joey looked up at her frowning portentously. “Miss Frerrars I would like to ask you to control your staff better. They seem to have no idea how a famous author expects to be treated. Asking me questions like that!”

At this the staff could hardly contain their laughter. Joey was a scream when she went on like this. Tamara was just pleased she knew that Joey was joking. She would hate the lady to know how difficult it was for her to deal with comments like this.

It seemed that Len, who had come in at her mothers’ request, was able to understand something of what Tamara was feeling. She came over and sat next to her, talking quietly to her under the cover of the laughter.

“Honestly Mamma goes over the top with her fun and games when she comes to entertain the staff. I think its partly because she has so little to keep her occupied now. She loves having a household in. That’s why she is over at my house so often. She just loves having tiny’s underfoot.”

Tamara smiled and began to feel rather sorry for the voluble lady in front of her. It seemed she had little enough to occupy her time with.

“I’ll tell her about it when I have the chance” Len continued. Tamara was quick to intervene. “No, Len, Don’t!” she said urgently

What else she would have said was to remain a secret, for just as she was speaking everyone quietened down, and her voice was quite audible to all who were in the room. Joey, never slow on any occasion was the one who picked up the tale.

“Len don’t what?” She queried.

The pair had a few difficult moments while they thought about an answer. “Don’t remind you that you came to talk about something in particular.” Len eventually came up with that as a better idea than saying nothing.

“Acht, Len, You promised!” Tamara added in this completely inaccurate line as a way to try and distract them from attempting to get the real answer. “I was really enjoying the banter that was going on!” She explained.

“Well I do have to get back to my family at some point tonight!” Len retorted quickly. Tamara merely giggled.

The banter back and forth worked far better than either could have hoped. With their minds recalled to task the different mistresses began to enquire just why Joey had picked a Monday evening of all days to visit the staff room.

”I’ll bet Tamara can guess!” She told them infuriatingly. “In fact Len might be able to as well.” She continued quietly. They both witnessed it, though they didn’t stop to help me. They were too busy chattering away to each other to even think about the bother that I might be in!” A laugh rose at this sally and the conversation went on.

Eventually however Joey did come back to the reason she was sitting in the staffroom. “I don’t think I was ever so stunned by a child as I was by that young Rachel Westly. Not in all of my years as a foundation stone of this school has one contrived to startle me quite so much.” The staff hearing her tone realised that they were now getting down to brass tracks and turned their full attention on to what Joey was saying.

“Here was I expecting to have to do a fair amount of jollying along the poor nervous creature, when up bounces this excited irrepressible… Monster!” She finished lamely having completely given up in her hunt for a more appropriate adjective.

“I had sternly spoken to my young charges about the need to be nice and quiet around todays visitors, and what happens, but the visitors make more noise than the rest of the children combined.” The staff began to become enthralled by what she was saying. Could she really be talking about Rachel here, this didn’t sound much like the girl they had begun to know at all.

#331: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 9:43 pm

Squirrel, this is another absolutely wonderful piece - I just loved Joey's reaction at the end of it - it's also clear that she understands Tamara, too, at least partially, which is good to see.

Clearly, Len understands so much of what's going on with both Rachel and Tamara - her interchange with Tamara here showed that so clearly. And she will make sure her mother understands too, regardless of Tamara's protests.

Thank you again.

#332: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 10:36 pm

thanks, Squirrel. Joey set my teeth on edge there at first. I loved the way Len was so understanding both of Joey and Tamara.

I do hope Joey is not going to cause a problem Confused

#333: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 7:42 am

Lovely Squirrel

Thanks

Liz

#334: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 10:46 am

Elder in Ontario wrote:

Squirrel, this is another absolutely wonderful piece - I just loved Joey's reaction at the end of it - it's also clear that she understands Tamara, too, at least partially, which is good to see.

Agreeing with everything Elder says here, Squirrel. I thought you had Joey spot on during that post. And the rest of it was brilliant.

Thank you yet again.

#335: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 3:15 pm

Perhaps we need something to destract ourselves from worrying about the events of the day. I certainly feel a bit better after taking a break to do some writing anyway. Hope I'm not being too precipate! Here is another little bit of Joey's visit to the staff room, and there will be more to come at some point later on

“She does have other sides to her character though Mamma” Len went on to describe how her class had gone, and what she had said to Rachel.

“And did she turn up?” Kathy asked her. “No, not at all. I’m waiting to see when she gives me her work in whether or not it’s a case of her knowing what she was doing, or being shy about coming to me about it. After all, it would be a new thing for her, and I think you said Tamara that new things can be very intimidating?”

Tamara smiled at her. Well, that was one way to do things she supposed. If she waited on each occasion to be asked for her opinion on AS then it would be less likely that she would irritate the others by doing so.

“That’s putting it mildly Len!” She said quietly. “It’s the unknown, the fact you don’t know what to expect. It’s coping with stress, and still having enough energy to do different things. Stress is the key to everything as far as I can tell. If it stresses you out then you are going to get signs of that stress.

“The signs generally are shown in systems shut down. If it goes too far you can become ill with the stress and that is why it has to be controlled.” She stopped, aware that she had given out far more information than she had really needed to.

Glancing round the room she noticed that Joey was looking at her comprehensively. Sighing she turned to Len hoping for some inspiration which might let her avoid being questioned by her.

If she had to find out then Tamara would put up with it, just like she had put up with the rest of her colleagues finding out, but she did not think she could cope with it at that moment.

“So what will you do if Rachel hasn’t picked up on what you were saying Len?”

Len, fully aware of the reasons behind this diversionary tactic did not do what she would have liked to, by asking Tamara for her help. She merely ended that part of the conversation by saying. “I’m not sure yet, I’ll have to wait and see what her work is like when she gives me it. After all, I do believe that someone once said that you shouldn’t cross bridges…”

There was a general laugh at this, and everyone turned to Hilda. “Don’t look at me, I only taught the stuff. Anyhow Joey why don’t you tell us how you managed to work this miraculous change in Rachel. I’ve been hearing that she has been a different girl since she met you.”

Joey spluttered in indignation. “How I worked the change. I never worked it. She was a different girl before she arrived at the house. All I know is that she never let me alone, and wouldn’t stop talking about my books no matter how much I tried to divert her. She didn’t tell me one thing about herself no matter how much I tried to divert her onto her circumstances. Those two chattering teenagers are far more likely to be the cause of it!”

#336: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 3:32 pm

Another great piece Squirrel - is anyone going to point out that the change in Rachel actually took place when she realised Joey was the author of her favourite books? I think it was Joanne who told her, wasn't it?

#337: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 5:40 pm

Thanks, Elder, but on this occasion it was Len who told her, Joanne went ahead with Tamara to the house:

"Len just had to grin again at that statement as well before turning the talk a little. “You know, my sister Con is a writer. She has published poems. I’m not sure if the poem I’m thinking of has been published or not, but I do remember her writing one about St Michael’s.”

“You have a sister who is a published author?” Rachel asked in astonishment. “I never thought I would have a teacher who was related to an author!

“Oh it gets worse than that.” Len responded solemnly. “My mum’s an author too.”"

Right then, lets get on with the next bit

Of course, no one would call Len a teenager, whatever they might do to Tamara who had often been told that she looked a lot younger than her actual age. It cannot be denied that they were talking quietly through Joey’s outburst however.

They looked up in amusement at her words. “What is it Mamma?” Len asked her. “Well, firstly I would like to know what you are doing talking while your elders are having a discussion, and secondly I want to know what you did to get Rachel wound up like that on Saturday.”

Len looked at her and laughed, while Tamara protested her innocence. “Don’t look at Me Joey, I was walking over with Joanne, and was as surprised as you were when she overtook us like that!”

Len stopped her giggling to glare at her friend. “Oh thanks Tamara, land me in it why don’t you!” But for all her angry expression her tone was light and she pressed the girls hand so that she knew that this was all still part of the fun. Tamara was grateful for her care which protected her from confusion and stress.

“Mamma, it was me, but it honestly wasn’t my fault. I didn’t know she would take off like that.” She stopped tantalisingly, waiting to see what reaction she might get from Joey.

“Just what did you say to her then child?” It was becoming clear that Jo was quickly becoming rather irritated by the whole thing.

“I only told her who you are” Len returned smiling sweetly at her. “Who I am, who I am! What do you mean you told her who I am! Surely she already knew who I am!”

Kathie chuckled at this point and commented to Nancy that it seemed like Jo was developing a habit of talking in exclamation marks.

Joey over heard her and turned to glare at her for a moment. And then, having reduced her to helpless laughter she turned to face her daughter again.

When she was sure that she had her mother’s attention Len continued slowly. “Well, lets add this up. You say that she wouldn’t stop pestering you about your books, right?”

“Right!” Joey responded. “I say that all I did was tell her who you are, right?”

“Right!” There was a pause before Joey continued. “And please hurry up Len, I’m beginning to feel like a parrot here!”

Suddenly Hilda took a hand. “Oh Joey surely you are usually quicker than that. I think what Len is getting at is that she mentioned the name you write under to Rachel. Is that correct Len?”

Joey blushed at this statement. It was one that hadn’t come to mind before. “Oh that’s perfectly correct, but I wouldn’t worry about Mamma not noticing it” she stated looking at her fondly. “She is so used to having the two names that it wouldn’t occur to her that someone she had met had never heard that she had two.

“And then, you know for all her popularity when we were all younger, times have changed, and I think she has reconciled herself to the fact that she is no longer a big name.

“It just wouldn’t occur to her that a modern school girl would be such a big fan of hers now.”

Then turning to her mother, who had been trying to make herself as small as possible during that speech she continued. “Mamma, I know you might find this difficult to believe, but its true. You would appear to be her favourite author, and it seems that anything to do with you is an absolute wonder to Rachel.

“I know you don’t like to make capital out of your work, but it strikes me that if you use this correctly you could find that even without touching on her background you can fulfil that place in her heart that you like to hold in each chalet girl’s heart. With Rachel you do that even without trying.

“I don’t say that she will make you her confidant, but she will hold you dear. You are her beloved Josephine M. Bettany, so she just cant help it!”

With this the staff’s evening came to a swift conclusion as Joey, more touched than she had been in a long while stood up and took her leave of the group without saying a word more.

#338: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 6:00 pm

“Oh it gets worse than that.” Len responded solemnly. “My mum’s an author too.”"[/color]

Thanks for putting me right on this, Squirrel - I should have gone back and read the relevant section instead of just jumping in and guessing who said it!

Quote:

“I know you don’t like to make capital out of your work, but it strikes me that if you use this correctly you could find that even without touching on her background you can fulfil that place in her heart that you like to hold in each chalet girl’s heart. With Rachel you do that even without trying.

“I don’t say that she will make you her confidant, but she will hold you dear. You are her beloved Josephine M. Bettany, so she just cant help it!”

What a lovely way of putting this, and good for Len for realising that this is how her mother can build her special 'Chalet school' bond with Rachel. I think that as well as being touched by the idea, Joey, for once in her life, is almost embarrassed that she could inspire such admiration in a 'modern' schoolgirl.

Len really is showing herself so understanding of both Rachel and Tamara - witness her gesture to ensure that Tamara realises that she wasn't criticising her.

Another really lovely episode, Squirrel - and two very welcome antidotes to the horrors of London earlier today - thank you so much.

#339: Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England

Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 6:13 pm

Thank you Squirrel, lovely staff-room scenes!

#340: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 6:20 pm

Lovely Squirrel. A lovely side to Joey as well.

#341: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 6:47 pm

I have only just seen both these posts, Squirrel. I agree with Elder that Len really is becoming very understanding of both Tamara and Rachel. and is good at running interference for them.

And what a good idea to encourage Joey to be a confidante. Wink

Lovely, my dear. Thank you.

#342: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 7:21 pm

I have just read this drabble all the way through - it has taken me hours! It has definitely been worth it though!

I feel as if I understand Asperger's Syndrome a lot better now than I did before. Thank you for sharing this drabble with us, Squirrel. I look forward to reading more when you have the time, Squirrel.

#343: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 3:10 am

Quote:

I just can’t understand how you can know Rachel so well already, she hasn’t been here a week yet!”

Wow! I agree with Joanne on this one: amazed that so much has happened so quickly. Thanks for another impressive set of posts.

#344: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 11:54 am

Squirrel I am so impressed by your (and your bunny's) productivity. So much has happened since I last had an opportunity to check this, and you've dealt with the issues so sensitively and throughly - I am in awe.

Thank you

#345: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 1:38 pm

Thanks Frances, and thanks all. This is another little scene which jumped up to surprise me!

Chapter?

Tamara didn’t forget that she had planned to speak to the heads about Rachel either. There was no time for it on the Monday, but she had some on the Tuesday and so she went along to Hilda to talk to her.

Hilda was rather surprised to find Tamara at the door, and it didn’t help matters that Joey had recently arrived and had just asked Hilda to tell her “what on earth is wrong with the girl”.

Tamara was disconcerted to find Joey there too, and was unfortunate enough to have caught most of what Joey had said.
Joey decided that since Tamara had turned up she had better just ask the question of her. Not the most tactful at the best of times, although she had got better as she grew older Joey said the first thing which came to mind.

“You’re a bit strange aren’t you Tamara. Would you please tell me why?” Tamara looked at her in astonishment. She had never heard anyone put things quite so bluntly before.

Put on the spot she just stood their gaping at Jo who quickly became irritated with this. “Well, there must be some reason for it, so why don’t you just tell me?” Joey demanded.

Tamara took a deep breath and looked at her pointedly for a minute. Then, having thought about what she wanted to say she replied. “To be honest Joey, I cant see what it has got to do with you.

“The things which concern you about me, if anything actually does concern you, include how well I am able to do my job. I have been told that all other things aside, I can do my job perfectly well. Now what you are so casually asking me about is a personal issue.

“I am slowly agreeing to allow others to be informed, but at present this is very much on a need to know basis. As I said, I don’t know why you would need to know about it.

“Now, if you ask me again, in a nicer manner I might reconsider my opinion on that, but I would need some time to do so.

“Hilda, I’ll come back later if you don’t mind, there was something I wanted to talk to you about, but its not something that has to be dealt with immediately.”

With that she left the study and went up to her room to give herself a chance to get over the shock of being described as “Strange” and “having something wrong with her”.

Meanwhile in the study Joey had turned to Hilda again, looking more than a little surprised herself.

“Well did you ever hear anything like that?” She eventually commented. “The cheek of the girl!”

Hilda laughed at this, before commenting rather dryly “Well she did have a point you know Joey.” And with that she left the room to go and get a cup of coffee for her guest, leaving Joey to recover her temper again as she could.

#346: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 1:41 pm

I got confused between Tanya and Tamara at the beginning of the post - I thought Tanya was talking to the Head! It was definitely another great post. Thanks, Squirrel!

#347: Author: Joyful, Location: Manchester

Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 1:52 pm

Good for Tamara!
Rude of Joey, and she told her politely
Laughing

#348: Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England

Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 3:22 pm

Very rude of Joey - for somebody who's meant to be insightful into other people's needs she's not doing a very good job here! I'm not surprised Tmara refused to tell - she had a good reason for it, and she, at least, was polite!

#349: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 4:14 pm

Well done Tamara!

Thanks Squirrel

Liz

#350: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 5:24 pm

Another little bit, on a slightly different topic. Oh and I think the problem Joey found in the last post was that she was being a little too over eagar and didnt know how to express herself. She was also probably a bit lonely and angry at being kept out of a secret!

Chapter?

*Rachel was looking at the words she had written in class. It just wasn’t coming right anymore. Who knew what Rosemary might do as a job, or how her life might change. The atmosphere she had sensed while she was first attempting to write it had disappeared and the words didn’t seem to have any real use to them. It didn’t help that the others seemed to be having a rather noisy game amongst themselves either.

Just then a shadow loomed over her. It was Sally. Rachel looked at her and froze. What might she be going to say to her? She had heard the whisperings of the others over the past few days as to how much her friends meant to her, and was feeling sure that she might have overstepped the bounds when she had gone up to Tan like that earlier on.

“Hi Rachel” Well, her voice didn’t sound anything other than hesitant. “Hi Sally” she said, and smiled at the girl. “mind if I sit down?” Sally went on to ask. Rachel merely nodded, her thoughts whirling.

“I wanted to thank you for the way you helped Tanya out on Saturday. It was great of you. Thanks” She ended with a smile. Rachel sighed in relief “I thought you might be upset about it” She exclaimed impulsively.

Sally smiled sadly, “Well, I would have been, but for Joanne.” She admitted. “She saw me on Sunday and put it across to me in such a way that even hearing the way the other girls put it I can’t be upset about it.

“I want to be sure my friends are happy, and you helped Tan out in a time of difficulty she was having. You were able to do more for her than I was, and I’m grateful for that. Thanks.” She stopped and went on a little more slowly, searching for words with diffidence. “Actually, I was wondering. Would you mind if Tan and I hung out with you sometimes.”

She stopped and took a deep breath. “I can’t promise that I’ll understand everything you do, nor that I wont fall out with you now and again, but if you wouldn’t mind…”

Rachel, feeling slightly stunned tried to answer her as sensitively as possible. “Sure, I would like that, and don’t worry if it takes time for you to come to understand me. I’m used to it!”

Sally, feeling slightly ashamed of herself changed the subject. “What were you looking so glum about when I came over anyway?” Rachel laughed nervously. “Oh it was just some writing that I can’t make head nor tail of.” She told her enigmatically.

Sally was not to be put off so easily though. “Hey now, you are one of my friends and I don’t like it when they are upset, like I just told you. Will you show me? I do hope its not prep at this time of night!”

Rachel laughed. Prep was rarely a problem to her, as long as she was not distracted anyhow. “No its not prep, its just a waste of my time really. However if you would like to read it you are welcome.”

Sally read through the words before looking at Rachel consideringly. “Did you write this Rachel?” She asked her. When Rachel agreed that she had she continued “Well, in the first place its not a waste of time, there is plenty of atmosphere there already. I want to know what happens so I hope you will get down to it again. Now why did you think it was a waste of time anyway?”

Rachel looked at her, tears glistening warningly. “Because I can’t sense that atmosphere. It might just be flat as a pancake for all I’m getting out of it. Yesterday it was living, and I was in it. Today its not”

Sally paused for a moment to work out what she could say. She had never been in this situation before. “Honey, its probably just because you are so stressed out. Take a break from it for now.

“I’ll bet that gang aren’t helping you either. They go completely against the atmosphere you were creating. I can’t imagine anything less like mist and mystery than that babble and laughter.

“Listen, why don’t you come outside with me for a while? It’s allowed, and it would give us a chance to get to know each other a little more. When you want to start on that again you could try in the library perhaps.”

As they walked out of the room together Tan, who had encouraged Sally into this line of action heard Sally say “What gave you the idea for that anyway?” She smiled in relief as it seemed they were going to get on all right now.

Perhaps she could join them when they came back in again. For not she had the chance to take a rest which was what she needed, and had led to her making the suggestion in the first place. Sally was brilliant, but she was occasionally a bit too caring when it came down to it and Tan would be relieved to have another person who could share in helping her to feel accepted.

*For those of you who want a refresher of the words Rachel wrote and was looking back on in this last part here it is:

In the shadow of the Minster, Rosemary walked along past the tall building that was the Minster.

St Michael le Belfry didn’t look much if you were comparing it to the vast building towering above it, but Rosemary didn’t bother about that one. It cut off a bit of sun, and yes, it might have some architectural fancy playing about. There was no doubting that it was advanced for its times, but Rosemary by far preferred her own church. Well, to start off with it was her own.

Moving quickly so as to avoid any charges of loitering Rosemary took one last glance at St Michael and then went off to her next task. Had she but known it, her daily pilgrimages to look upon the building and enjoy the peace that seemed to envelop it were not going unnoticed, and this was to create a big change in her life in the near future.”

#351: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 6:04 pm

Great posts! Thank you Squirrel.

Thinking about the fact that the majority of us had not heard of Aspergers, except as a word, in 2005, I'm not surprised Joey had problems understanding Rachel. The sad thing is that she is probably the only person there who would understand 'writers block'.

Quote:

Sally was brilliant, but she was occasionally a bit too caring when it came down to it and Tan would be relieved to have another person who could share in helping her to feel accepted.

That is so sad. I do love the way you are bringing out different *differences*.

I'd been hoping that Rosemary and St Michael le Belfry would appear again. I feel like that about all the big cathedrals. I can appreciate their splendour and architecture but I do prefer the less ostentatious churches for quiet and a sense of belonging.

#352: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 6:50 pm

That was a lovely post, Squirrel. Quite clearly Sally has learned her lesson and is doing all she can to make up.

And I loved the comment that Hilda made to Joey in the post before - that Tamara had a point. Joey's tendency to want to know all is very well-known, obviously!! Rolling Eyes

I do hope Rachel manages to get more joy out of what she is writing and can find that atmosphere again, as it is something she cares about.

Thanks, Squirrel.

#353: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 7:11 pm

Two more lovely posts, Squirrel - I had actually seen the first one earlier this morning, but didn't have time to comment there.

I laughed out loud at the interchange between Hilda, Jo and Tamara - good for Tamara!!

Quite apart from what you are teaching us about Aspergers', through Rachel and Tamara, you are also teaching us about other differences, too. It seems as if Rachel will really be able to help Sally learn more about Rachel's differences, and also to think beyond her own self and the prejudices with which she has been brought up, through helping her, all of which will be very good for her. Having Sally turn some of her attention to Rachel will also help Tanya. I foresee them becoming a really 'healthy' threesome even though they may not spend all their time together. I think Rachel will also remain quite close to Joanne and her group, too.

I really like Rachel's piece about St. Michael le Belfry, too - I do hope that she will eventually be able to recapture the spirit of her story and continue to write it.

'Thank you' almost seems an inadequate comment here - you are teaching us so much and spinning such a lovely story at the same time.

#354: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 7:21 pm

There's no way I can get my feelings across in the eloquent way Elder has, so I will just have to feebly echo her comments!!

Thanks Squirrel, this is lovely and you are updating so quickly! I'm terribly impressed! Very Happy

#355: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 8:51 pm

Right then lets see - Hmmm, a drabble in a drabble... I just hope that Rachel's stories dont go on as long as this one is turning out to be. I'd never get finished if it was. No promisies yet though!

Mia - I'm updating quickly because I have little enough to do at the moment and I'm spending the majority of most days on the computer "pottering" oh and sometimes chatting to people on MSN too.

ok I think thats us for the moment. On with the story then!

Chapter?

Once she had politely, yet efficiently dispatched Joey homewards Hilda went up the stairs to talk to Tamara. She may have said that what she wanted to talk to Hilda about was “unimportant” but Hilda knew that the things she called important and the things that her staff called unimportant could be two different things. She also wanted to make sure that she was alright after dealing with Joey’s cross questioning.

A few weeks ago she wouldn’t have bothered she thought, before she corrected herself, no a few days ago she wouldn’t have bothered. But then a few days ago she did not know about Tamara’s diagnosis, and was only just beginning to get used to Rachel herself.

She knocked at the door, hoping that she was correct in her assumption that Tamara would have withdrawn to here. Hearing a rather quiet “Come in” she opened the door to see her junior sitting at the table in front of a computer.

Tamara turned to face her, some tears visible on her face. “Are you alright Tamara?” Hilda asked, her previous comments being driven from her mind at the sight.

“I’m ok Hilda, just got a rather touching email from my brother that’s all.” She responded, saying nothing about the other email she had received which she fully intended to read through again later on.

Hilda looked at her, wishing she could help, but knowing that as “the head” she couldn’t offer much more than she was doing already. “What was it you wanted to see me about then Tamara?” She asked gently.

Drying her eyes Tamara collected her thoughts before replying. “I think it was on Saturday evening, forgive me if I’m a bit vague, but I’m feeling rather tired and such a lot has happened recently.”

Hilda looked at her compassionately; this mixture of sentences did not come from her history teacher when she was doing well. “Why don’t you take a seat Tamara? I’m sure that you are in need of a rest just now.” She went over to the small kettle and put it on. “I’m sure you need a drink as well, what would you like?”

“Tea please” Tamara responded feeling rather surprised at this treatment.

Hilda didn’t say a word more until the kettle was boiled and both she and Tamara had a hot drink.

“Now, supposing you tell me about Saturday evening, was there anything in particular about it that you wanted to see me about?”

“It’s Rachel. I met her not long before the evening began and she looked rather as if she had a lot on her plate. When I asked her if she was alright, to see if I could help calm her down again she told me that she couldn’t talk to me about it because she had promised you not to.

“Hilda, I know she managed to stop worrying about it, but could you check with her to be sure that she is ok? Its probably too late for this time now, but could you possibly either make sure that her thoughts are not buzzing around her head when she leaves you, or give her permission to offload some of what she is thinking to others?

“I’m sure she would find talking to one other person about what is on her mind relieving. I don’t mind whether or not it is me. I’m probably not the best person anyway as I have difficulty with knowing who to say what to some of the time.”

Hilda finally held up her hand and Tamara stopped talking. She had been trying to catch her attention for a little while now, but had realized that her gestures had to be far more overt with Tamara than with any other staff member.

She had not had too many dealings with Tamara out with the staff room up till now, so she filed this piece of information away for future reference.

“Let me start with that last point of yours. If I do decide to do things slightly differently another time you are the obvious person for her to talk to. I’ve not noticed you having any tendency to talk about things to the wrong people, but if you talk about the things that Rachel may say to you only to me on those occasions then you can’t go wrong.

“I’m sorry I sent her away like that, but I did have visitors in and she came at a rather unscheduled point, and I didn’t want her to be late anymore than I wanted to leave my visitors for longer than I could help.

“Thankyou for your advice and I’ll think it over.

“Now” She said deciding that she was going to do this job thoroughly. “How are you doing after Joey behaved so badly this morning?” This reference was too much for Tamara who was still feeling rather shocked and overwhelmed by the experience.

Seeing her lean forwards as the tears started to flow Hilda came close to her “It’s alright Tamara. I know the experience was difficult for you, but you did so well there.

“It was about time someone told Joey to mind her own business, and you managed to do it so tactfully, which is more than can be said for her! I was very impressed at your dignity as you dealt with her I can tell you.”

She talked on, words of comfort and reassurance. Eventually Tamara began to recover herself. “Thank you Hilda.” She said quietly.

“You’re more than welcome my dear. I suggest that you take this afternoon off, you will need a break after crying like that.” Hilda responded and was amazed as Tamara came over to her as she moved to the door and gave her a hug,

“You have been here for me when I needed it the most. I’ll remember that.” Hilda smiled at her. “Well, just be sure that you come to me if you ever need it again.” She retorted, and with that she went back down to her study, leaving Tamara to dry her eyes and work out what she was going to do next

#356: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:29 pm

Thanks for another two amazing updates Squirrel.

Liz

#357: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 11:13 pm

Another wonderful piece, Squirrel - I think that Hilda is learning about all these problems as quickly as anyone - and the more she knows, the better she can understand and help both Tamara and Rachel.

I'm so glad she checked to see how Tamara had weathered her encounter with Joey and that she insisted on her taking the afternoon off to rest and gather herself together again!

Without being nosy, do we learn the contents of Tamara's two e-mails?

#358: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 12:53 pm

Its quiet in here today isnt it! I wonder why Laughing

Anyhow, here is another little peice for you - and hope that those who are away are having a good time - they can catch up later.

Oh and Elder - I think there will probably be a bit more about the emails - at least as far as Mr Bunny has let me know the story there will be a scene in her room in the relatively near future - not sure quite when we will get there though. I think there are one or two stops to make enrout.

Talking about times and the rest of it - I'm going away for a week tomorrow evening, so if I dont get another peice up before then, you'll have to wait until I come back again. Sorry!

Chapter?

Sally and Rachel were just coming back into the building when one of the juniors came over to say that Miss Annersley wanted to see Rachel in the study. Rachel who had not been expecting a summons took hold of Sally for a minute as this sunk in.

“Are you alright” asked little Bethany curiously.

“Yes I’m fine. I just wasn’t expecting it that’s all” Rachel explained,

“You’ve got a guilty conscience then!” Bethany responded, just as Sally came to her senses and sent her off before turning to Rachel herself.

“Hey, I’m sure that you have nothing to be afraid of. Miss Annersley is just great, even when you have done something wrong. I know, I had a taste recently!” She pointed out.

Rachel smiled at her quietly before explaining. “Oh I know, and its not just that I’m worried about being in trouble or anything. Its just that this is a new situation, something I didn’t expect, and I get nervous when I have an appointment with someone in authority.

“At my last school I ended up being in charge of one of the schools initiatives for a while – don’t ask me how I ended up doing that, I can hardly work it out myself. Whenever we had a meeting to discuss what we were going to do next the head would come, and sometimes I would have to see him on my own.

“Each time I would get worried like this, especially if I got a sudden summons to talk to him for whatever reason. It’s the same this time, only worse, because I don’t have any idea why she wants to see me.”

Sally looked at her, feeling a little sorry for her due to the extra things she had to deal with. “tell you what, will I go over to the study with you? Then if you want I’ll wait and we can go over to the library together.” Rachel looked at her and smiled.

“I would like that, thanks” She replied. And with that the two continued on their way to the study.

#359: Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England

Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 2:50 pm

Thanks, Squirrel, these last few post were a wonderful mixture of story and teaching as usual. I really like the way both Hilda and Sally are coming to terms with Rachel (and Tamara). Keep up the good work!

#360: Author: tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia

Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 2:54 pm

Hi Squirrel

This is going really well - I am enjoying it.

#361: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 2:57 pm

Another good piece, Squirrel - nice to see Sally helping Rachel here.

I think the reason it's so quiet today, apart from people actually away on holiday, is that the rest are either at the Northern gather, or at the NCC picnic in London!

Enjoy your break, too - if you don't post again before you leave, we'll look forward to more when you get home.

#362: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 5:24 pm

Ahhhh, I didnt know about the picnic. I hope to be able to do a little more on this before I go tomorrow, but I'll have to wait and see about that.

Oh and thanks, I'm sure I'll have a great time. I'm not sure about it being a break though - I think I'm going to be jolly busy!

While Rachel was in talking to Miss Annersley Sally sat on the floor outside and thought about the last hour or so. She had been very reluctant when Tan pointed out that Rachel appeared to be in difficulties and that now might be a good time to go and talk to her.

Well, she admitted to herself, that might well be because she had no reason to expect a friendly response. After all, who would want to be friends with someone who shouted in your ear?

Then she went on to admit even more to herself. Not just who would want to be friends with someone who tried to give you a headache, but who looked down on you, who called you imbecilic just because you were different and found some things really difficult to do.

Sally was looking at herself more clearly than she had done in a long time, and she didn’t like what she saw. She had taken a girl who found life in general a bit of a struggle and she had gone out of her way to make things harder for her. Her parents poor attitude was no excuse – she had known that this kind of treatment was unacceptable. After all, she had befriended Catriona and knew all about how hurtful she had found life after her illness.

The thought of Catriona hurt. She could still remember spitting at her at the instigation of her parents. Catriona knew that her friend was still there, locked inside a mind which had been tortured by dislike.

Catriona knew that for now, Sally was not strong enough to break through the brainwashing they had meted out and she wouldn’t be until she was able to see herself and accept that she had done wrong in the past. And when she did, Catriona would be waiting for her.

Sally knew this because she had been given a letter from Catriona shortly before she left. She had no idea how it had got to her, but her parents knew nothing about it. It had taken her a long time to look at that letter, but something had stopped her from destroying it and she still had it.

When she had eventually opened it she had been touched by the way that Catriona had set her free from the guilt she had been feeling at treating her best friend that way. And now, thought Sally to herself, perhaps she would think about writing to Catriona on Saturday, or before then if there was time for her and Rachel to go to the library before tea time.

Again the thought of Rachel diverted her thoughts again to her reception, and the time they had spent together in the garden. Rachel had been nervous when Sally first came up to her, there was no doubt about that, but when she had not shouted at her Rachel had displayed a shy friendship.

She was more worried about how Sally might feel about her selfless befriending of Tan when Sally couldn’t support her in a difficult situation. That amazed Sally; Rachel had just calmly waited for Sally to say her piece, and then admitted what her thoughts were.

There had been no walking round in circles about the reasons for the way Sally had treated Rachel; it seemed as if the girl just wasn’t interested in that, or, at least, not interested in recriminations about it. Sally was certain that there had been a look in Rachel’s eye at one or two points during their chat which might mean that she knew rather more about the situation than she was letting on.

Her thoughts then turned to the different ways she had suggested Rachel recapture the feeling she had about her story. They had chatted about the way she had come to write that first little part – Sally had laughed in amusement at the way Rachel had calmly written it in the middle of their last English lesson.

“But how on earth did you manage the Prep?” She questioned her. “Do you need a hand with it?” She then continued thoughtfully, “Cause I can give you a few pointers if you need.”

Rachel had smiled and shook her head before responding. “I think I got it answered all right. I’ve never had that much difficulty with English, and while I might have gone on one or two deviations I think I answered more or less in the way she wanted us to.”

“But how do you know – you have just told me that you didn’t hear her going over the text?”

“I didn’t hear her then, but I’ve read it through many times. Sorry if it’s a shock to the system, but its my favourite kind of reading. Well, behind reading Mrs Maynards books of course. I was never more surprised than when I heard that she was an author.”

Sally had never heard of any other girl currently at the school who thought all that much of Joey’s writing but she accepted it, and passed over it for the moment.

“What I suggest you do is come back to the library with me now, and we will look at those pictures, and the poem you were telling me about. And if you can’t get into it again then, why don’t you get permission to go and talk to Mrs Maynard about it? I know that she has been the driving force behind getting many other of the schools published authors over the first few difficult years.”

But Rachel had backed away from that one. Go to see Mrs Maynard about her writing? She could never do that! Her writing just wasn’t good enough.

Sally had drawn back then. She didn’t want to push Rachel, and perhaps now the idea was planted she might get up the courage to talk to her about it at some point.

Taking a look at her watch Sally felt rather surprised. She hadn’t heard anything of what was going on in the study, but it appeared that Rachel had been in there for rather more than half an hour. What on earth could Miss Annersley have wanted her for?

Just then the door opened and the head looked out. “Ah Sally” she said. “Could you come in for a moment my dear? No don’t look worried, you havnt done anything wrong. I just want to have a quick chat with you.”

So Sally went into the study and stood beside Rachel wondering what on earth could be happening now.

#363: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 7:12 pm

And then you finished on a mini cliff Confused

That was so good.

Sorry it's been quiet but the NW gatherers are mostly straggling home now so I'm sure some will be along later.

Have a great week away.

#364: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 7:30 pm

Patmac - that was why I said I hoped I'd be able to get a bit more done before I run away for the week. Just didnt want to spoil it for you by giving much more warning than that! Laughing

As for being quiet, well I guess that all places go through stages like that - gathers or no.

Hope you all had a great time.

Ok then on we go - but dont expect any resolutions yet!

Chapter?

Tamara was sat once again at the computer. She was looking at her brother’s email again wondering how she could respond. He had obviously put such a lot of effort into it – he didn’t communicate easily. And he found it far easier to express sympathy and everything else by actions rather than words.

That was why these 6 words were of so much importance to her. She would remember them, and the amount of time that he must have put into writing them. “Hugs big sis, you’re the best.”

The question was how she could possibly work it out that he would know how touched she was by those lines – without stressing him about it.

Having had the experiences with Rachel she knew all about both sides now. She remembered how touching but confusing getting the thanks had been. She was just being who she was as a person, how did that merit any thanks. She couldn’t help who she was, any more than Joeys stories could have any effect on the outside world.

Thinking about Rachel and Joey so closely together brought her a step further forward. Rachel’s near obsession with Joey’s books took her back to her brother. He had some obsessions which were tolerable. Tamara knew most of them, and some she would not condone, but she had sat through hours of peter pan recitals and almost days of train talk when she was younger.

He was no longer so much of a peter pan fan, though he did occasionally still go back to him. Peter Pan was his refuge in the hardest times. But to give him something relating to that would not do. Trains were also off, because while this passion had not waned quite so much, their parents had reached the end of their patience with this long since.

However he did have one ‘hobby’ which Tamara didn’t mind supplying some kindling for and both of their parents found it quite helpful as well, although not all the time she corrected herself quickly.

Her idea found her opening up another window and doing a little bit of searching on the internet. She quickly found what she wanted and returned to her email to reply.

#365: Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK

Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 8:28 pm

Really enjoying this, Squirrel - have a good week away and we'll look forward to more after you return!
Thanks.

#366: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 8:29 pm

Squirrel - these two pieces are wonderful. I love the way you have 'taken hold' of Sally and shown us her self-examination; I think that her increased self-awareness, and understanding of these problems can only benefit herself and Catriona as well as Rachel, Tanya and the other girls. I hope that the increased self-confidence she gains through these relationships will enable her to withstand any attempt her parents make to re-brainwash her, if there is such a word, when she goes home for hte holidays.

Also love seeing Tamara 'talking' to her brother.

If you have time to tell us what happens now Sally is also with Rachel and Miss Annersley before you leave tomorrow, it will be wonderful, otherwise we'll perch on your little cliff until you get home. And yes, I think you *are* going to have a busy week, from the sound of it.

#367: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 10:02 pm

I hope you have a good break, Squirrel. It's nice that Sally and Rachel are getting on so well. Maybe Joanne, Tanya, Rachel and Sally could become a new group of friends together.

#368: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 7:53 am

I have just read all three posts, Squirrel, and am amazed.

You are developing all your characters so beautifully, and the way they interact with each other is so believable.

Glad you decided to keep in that *hug*!! Wink

Thank you, my dear, and have a superb time away - I won't say rest! Shocked

#369: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 12:34 pm

Alright, I said I might manage to resolve the cliff before I went, so I guess that you can have it now that it is done. You never know, I might be back in later on for a bit as well.

"There is a creaking and the assembled company jump back in surprize, luckily enough it is not the bit of ground they were standing on at the edge of the cliff deciding to dissapear, but rather another peice of ground falling towards it. It landed in such a way that they achieved a rather tenuos but solid passage across to the other side where they found a green lush meadow with summer flowers in it. Breathing a sigh of relief the gathered company decided to venture further into the story"

Oh help, it seems that I am developing a touch of Xanthe and Rosie's special kind of madness Rolling Eyes

. Hmmm, perhaps its just as well I'm away for a few days!

Chapter?

Hilda looked at the two girls in front of her. Rachel looked a bit nervous about what was going to come, and Sally looked quite apprehensive. Rachel at least knew what was coming, and it was time Sally knew so Hilda decided it was time to begin to explain it all.

Sally, my dear, I would firstly like to thank you for waiting outside so patiently. I had an apology due to Rachel, and then we needed to discuss one or two things. However I do need your permission on one thing.

“I’m not explaining this very well, I apologise.” Sally realized if Rachel did not, that Hilda was feeling rather embarrassed and unsure of herself for once. What could she be trying to say?

“On Saturday evening you managed to hurt yourself, Tan and Rachel. The other girls were used to you and knew a bit about your background. In fact, Rachel managed to pick up a little of this from the others. However she did not know enough to be able to cope with the shocks she had received very well.

She understood the theory, but when she heard from Joanne that I had talked to her to make sure that you were given the understanding that you needed Rachel came along to me.” Hilda stopped again, wondering how she could word it in such a way that the girl standing in front of her did not feel as betrayed as she could do.

As she looked at the girl she realized that she was smiling at her. Now completely confident, and as she hesitated a bit longer Sally jumped in feet first.

“You told her about my background and how I was when I came to the school.” She stated calmly. “You may have told her about Tan and how she stood by me when I first came, and about that terrible time when I thought I would have to give up her friendship even so.

“I’ll bet you didn’t tell her about the night you spent talking to me though, giving me your wise advice and letting me be as honest as I could be with you. You wouldn’t tell her about that – it would have embarrassed you to tell it, just like you are embarrassed now.

“Miss Annersley, even if I was disposed to be angry with you for this, I couldn’t be. I’d be too busy being so thankful that you cared enough to skip a nights sleep to help me wrestle with what I thought was right, and what I wanted.

“You undid so much of the work that my parents had achieved, just by being there for me that evening. By just sitting there, helping me through the worst battle I have ever had to face.

“And look at what you did that Saturday night as well. On top of all you have done up to date, you came to me and talked to me. You gave me insights that I never knew were possible. You helped me, and I’m glad you told Rachel about my parent’s foolish behaviour.

“It means that the friendship which she has given me was given knowing all. Knowing how I might turn on her at some unspecified point if for some reason she comes up against a bit of this which I have not managed to overcome yet. And it means that I do not have to tell her about my parents.”

She turned to Rachel who was looking on, hardly taking in half of what was being said.

“Rachel” She said gently. “Joanne suggested that you might be able to help me at some point.” She stopped, not knowing how to go on. “If you wouldn’t mind coming back with me on one of the holidays we get, you could perhaps help me start to re-educate my parents.

“Tan couldn’t get there at all – they would be able to see that there was something they disliked about her, but you. I was watching you today and a lot of the time it seemed like you couldn’t possibly have a diagnosis of any kind. I’ll bet you could pull it off with my parents.”

Here Hilda broke in again. “Thank you Sally for being so understanding. It was wrong of me, and I should at least have asked you first. However I did say that I needed your permission for something.

“It is possible that I may need to talk to Rachel about your situation again. I had to apologise to her because I sent her away feeling completely confused, her thoughts in a whirl. This is unhelpful for her when she needs to be able to concentrate on what she is doing.

“On Friday Miss Darleigh met her just as she left me and seeing that there was an issue asked Rachel to tell her about it. Now Rachel has confirmed that she has managed to assimilate all that I said then, but if I had allowed her it would have been easier on her to be able to chat about it with Miss Darleigh.

“What I need to ask you is if it is alright that I tell Miss Darleigh a bit about your past so that if Rachel does feel that she needs someone to talk to, and there may be times over the course of your friendship that she feels she cant come to you about it, she can talk to someone other than me.”

Sally looked at her quietly, knowing that some of what the head was hinting at. She didn’t want to accept that there was still a lot of that spoiled, temper tantruming brat still to be dealt with, but she knew from Saturday that there was, and she wouldn’t like to risk it with Rachel. That being the case hurt her though it might to say the words she agreed.

“Yes Miss Annersley. That will be fine.” And with that she tried to leave the room.

Tried, but could not because her head mistress had come round the table and stopped her, and Rachel, having one of her rare flashes of insight came close as well and hugged her gently, as her only way to show her concern for her newest friend.

#370: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 1:14 pm

I got a bit lost, like Rachel but I managed to understand what was going on. It's just me being slow though, not the way it has been written. It was written beautifully, Squirrel.

#371: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 2:27 pm

Squirrel, that was very moving from all the characters.

Sally shows an understanding and symathy for Hilda here that is ample reward to Hilda for the loving way she treated her.

And Sally is also showing understanding of Rachel and even of her own parents. Though whether she can change them..... we'll have to wait and see.

And Rachel just loves everyone. Very Happy

Like someone else I know. Wink

#372: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 3:35 pm

Chapter?

Having sent off that email to her brother Tamara then turned to the other one she had received. “Hi Tamara, how nice it was to hear from you at this stage of the term. I’m sorry that things have been so difficult as well as busy recently, and that its taken me so long to get back to you – rushed off my feet as usual. It sounds as if this “Rachel” you mentioned in the emails you sent to your brother has been a real force of change, not just in your life, but in the school in general.

“Now, what can you do about it? Yes I am always here and will be more than willing to respond to you whenever there is anything I can help you with – always supposing that I have a spare few minutes to myself that is.

“Is there no one in the school you could talk to? That would be a much more direct a rout for you to get the advice and support you clearly need. I’m not suggesting this as an instead of though. I do want to hear about what has been happening from time to time.

“I think you mentioned that one of the other staff members seemed to be disposed to be friendly towards you, perhaps she could help? Or what about your head mistress? I think I told you that I know her quiet well.

“I knew her rather too well for my liking at times! I would have dearly loved to be elsewhere when she thought I needed to be reminded that playing tricks on the prefects is not the best way to spend your time! Yes I was once a naughty middle.

“Your brother is doing alright, and has been in to see me with copies of the emails you sent him over the weekend. My word, you were busy on Saturday. I hope you have quite recovered from that by now, and that Rachel is doing alright too.

“And I’m sure you will have received an email from him by now as well. He told me that he was planning on doing it and asked me for some advice on how he could write it. I do hope you appreciate how much time and effort he has put into it.

“On second thoughts, I don’t think I have to worry about that one, you always did have a strong understanding of him.

“I think I had better go now. Hope that things have settled down for you now, and please feel free to tell me a bit more about what has been happening recently.

June.”

Tamara smiled as she read this through. Yes, she thought, so many people do care. She turned back to the computer and thought about how she could respond to this. However, Upon reflection she decided that she was just too tired to answer any email fully now, so she contented herself with a little note.

“Hi June thanks for the email. Yes, I had a lovely mail from Donal which I am going to print out at some point soon.

“Today has been a bit difficult, although there are no more problems with the staff and I’m feeling a bit tired.

“So I’m going to take the advice I was given by Hilda and take the rest of the day off. I think I may well end up sleeping.

“Hope you have a good day and I’ll get back to you later.

“Blessings, Tamara.”

After sending these two emails she closed the computer programmes down before going to have a rest.

You're getting two bits here, cause I had this ready too, and theres no real point in my holding one peice over that long, well, yes I am keeping one bit back, but thats because it will be easier to give you the last bit just before I start writing again! lol

Chapter?

Donal was looking at his email in amazement. How on earth did she find that? Had his email really meant that much to her. He knew that she didn’t care that much about money, and that wasn’t the issue here. But the time she must have spent to go finding out enough about do it yourself that she could send him some information about how to do one or two tasks she knew that he was needing help to get on with, and then find him some tickets to go to a show on how to do these things as well.

He was speechless at this, and very relieved that she had also sent an email to explain to their parents, and one to his friend Rob asking him if he would like to go with Donal.

Rob had obviously got his email before Tamara responded to Donal because there was also an email from him saying that he was both available and happy to go with Donal. That was good, it would keep his parents from worrying.

Donal looked once again at the arrangements already made and thought for a minute. They looked alright as far as he could remember. He didn’t have anything on at that time as far as he could tell, and it was a full week away.

Perfect timing he decided with a smile. After clicking on “reply” he typed the word “thanks” and sent it off to Rob. That would be enough for him to realize that the arrangements he had suggested were alright.

Donal decided he would leave getting back to Tamara until later on. She would know what this meant to him anyway, and would want to know how it went. So he would do one mail to thank her for the tickets, and would describe it at the same time.

Oh and yes, the next bit is a bit bigger than that one! Laughing

Last edited by Squirrel on Sun Jul 10, 2005 3:39 pm; edited 1 time in total

#373: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 3:38 pm

I didn't know June knew Hilda! Was she a member of the CS or was it the previous school Hilda was at?

#374: Author: Joyful, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 3:46 pm

How lovely of Tamara to organise a day for Donal! Smile

#375: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 3:47 pm

Two more lovely posts.

Chair, I was just thinking as I read that I don't remember any 'June' at the Chalet School, but she could well be someone who used another name when she went there. Whatever - it's good to see that she's still willing to support and help Tamara when she can, even though Tamara has moved away from her direct support.

I liked her gentle suggestions that Tamara find some support within the staff - clearly June means Len, in addition to Hilda herself.

As for the interview between Hilda, Sally and Rachel - I had tears in my eyes at the end of that. There is so much accomplished in such a short time - Hilda's own willingness to admit she misunderstood Rachel to start with, Sally's gratitude for the time Hilda spent with her trying to help her understand where she was wrong -and all without criticising Sally's parents, and Sally's wish to help Rachel, too. All very positive progress, with a promise of more to come. If the two girls eventually get through to Sally's parents, and change some of their thinking, it will be another huge achievement - will be waiting to see what happens there.

This only gets better as it unfolds, Squirrel. Thank you so much.

#376: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 4:09 pm

Well, I did tell you all that I was being very EBD'ish when it came to ages and the like. While Hilda, Nell and all the rest of them are still at the CS, the date of the drabble is set is now. So that being the case there is a chance that June could have gone to the school some point after "prefects" and there would still be time for her to have got through education and spent a good few years at least in a job!

#377: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 4:11 pm

Thanks, Squirrel. I hadn't thought of that.

#378: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 4:23 pm

Lovely posts, Squirrrel. I'm so glad you are writing such mature teenagers as Rachel, Joanne, Tanya and Sally. It's much more realistic for today than EBD's naive 'children'.

I'd already worked out you were playing with EBDisms in the dating - it gives it a nice sense of continuity with some characters being ones we already know. Who cares about dates? Not me!

Thanks for taking the time to post so much more before your time away.

#379: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 10:23 pm

Thanks for all those updates (lost count of quite how many) Squirrel.

Was lovely to see Donal again Smile

Liz

#380: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 10:11 am

Thank you for all those updates Squirrel. It's great to see Hilda learning so quickly and to see Sally and Rachel becoming friends. Have a good break and I look forward to more when you're back.

#381: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 10:19 am

Thanks Squirrel, gorgeous updates! Very Happy

#382: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:04 am

Thank you Squirrel - didn't realise it was so long since I had caught up with this.

Hope you are enjoying your break,

Thank you for dealing so well with the scenes in the study - glad Hilda is responding so well to Rachel now she understands her better.

Nice to see Sally and Tanya joining the group of friends.

Thank you for letting us see Jo's reaction. I still don't thinh she undestands Rachel at all.

#383: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 8:00 pm

Hi all, I'm back. Holiday was fab thanks, though I'm pretty tired now. It was pretty non stop. And this week I'm helping to get ready for the family holiday which takes place the week after and will be just as non stop! Here is the bit I kept back on Sunday. I make no promises as to when I'll get the next bit out. I've lots to think about, and I'm not sure what the next progression will be. Other than catching up on all the brillinat drabbles I've missed while I've been away!

Chapter?

The girls didn’t leave Hilda until after Abendessen. She had decided that they really didn’t have time to go and get ready for it and get back to the Speisesaal before the meal was due to begin. She had also looked closely at the pair of them and felt that they had both had about as much as they could take for the day.

So she had treated them to a light meal in the study, with freshly baked cakes to follow on. She had sent a note to the prefect in charge of their table by a junior and had rung up the kitchen to warn them as well.

Now they were both fully recovered and chatting with her easily, amazed at this view at the way their head lived when she was not with the school. They were also rather surprised how easy they found it to talk to her.

When Rachel mentioned it to Joanne later she suggested that this was a mark of how good a teacher Miss Annersley actually was, but for the moment they just enjoyed the fact that she could make them feel so at ease with her. Eventually however she had to turn her thoughts to other things and so she sent them off.

They had mentioned their plans of heading towards the library to her, and Hilda had wholeheartedly agreed with Sally that this would be one way that Rachel could get back into her story again.

She had also managed to achieve a reluctant promise that Rachel would show her the story when it had progressed a little.

When they eventually left the two girls hurried over to the quiet sanctuary of the library, stopping off enroot to pick up both the book and poem. There was no one in when they got their and the hushed atmosphere which pervaded the room was an instant help to Rachel.

Sally asked if she could read through the poem while Rachel looked out the picture she was after. “This is really good!” Sally exclaimed, causing Rachel to look up, startled. “you said Mrs Entwhistle’s sister wrote this?”

Rachel smiled and agreed. “Yes, though she doesn’t go by that name anymore. I’m not sure what her married name is. Mrs Entwhistle didn’t say, only that she wrote under her maiden name.” She then returned to the picture, allowing it to remind her of her love for the building.

Eventually she turned to look at the poem, and saw Sally sitting gazing off into space. As she took the piece of paper Sally spoke. “It almost makes me see it, the people of that day, hurrying along the streets about their work. And yet, one or two of them being dragged aside, forced to stop by that call from the small, apparently insignificant building, hidden away from sight by the other one.”

She stopped again, and Rachel turned her attention to the poem, reading in the lines, imagining the people who must have entered the building as part of their daily lives.

Rachel laughed gently as she recalled the fact that the renowned Guy Fawkes had attended that church. Even he it seemed was touched by the place; although it might be that he had been born in the area and brought up to go there, at least occasionally.

Having read through the poem several times, and thought about the lines and the impact they made on the reader Rachel turned her attention to the last piece of paper and began to write.

#384: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 8:03 pm

I'm glad you had a good holiday, Squirrel. It's nice to see Rachel and Sally working together so nicely.

#385: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 9:18 pm

Welcome back,Squirrel. We missed you! Wink

How lovely of Hilda to treat them that way and make them feel at ease. It's also helping Sally get closer to Rachel and learn from her.

Rachel is really enjoying this topic work, isn't she? I do hope she manages to do it to her own satisfaction.

Thank you, my dear.

#386: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 9:28 pm

Thanks Squirrel and welcome back Very Happy

#387: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 9:46 pm

Joins the 'welcome back' chorus.

I love the way this relationship between Sally and Rachel is developing and the understanding which Hilda has shown to them both.

Like Mary, I'm enjoying seeing Rachel's interest in her project - that is such a lovely church, too.

Will look forward to more when you have had chance to catch up with things.

#388: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 6:58 am

Welcome back, Squirrel.

I loved the way Sally 'saw' the scene as well. I also liked the way you slipped in that Rachel talked to Joanne later. I wouldn't have liked her to feel left out of the friendship.

thank you.

#389: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 7:59 am

Glad you had a good holiday Squirrel

Thanks for the update - so good to see Sally being completely supportive to Rachel now

Liz

#390: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:13 am

Good to see you back Squirrel and glad you enjoyed your holiday.

Thank you for more of this. Wonderful to see the girls so erlaxed with Hilda and then workign well together.

#391: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 11:33 am

Hi all, ok, continuing with Rachel's story this time. I've started off with the poem and the start of the tale to refresh the memory etc.

Chapter?

St Michael le Belfry

In the shadow of the Minster
humbly standeth I
I might seem insignificant
to the people passing by

oh the Minster is impressive
it catches the eye
but if you want community
come in is my cry

some passers they admire me
people stop and stay
words of love and fondness
that the Minster never hears

Yes it is life in the shadow
but it is a life I love
I may not be a great big church
but I’m always serving God

In the shadow of the Minster
nothing to regret
those who want what I have to give
come in, learn and live
Con Maynard

“In the shadow of the Minster, Rosemary walked along past the tall building that was the Minster.

”St Michael le Belfry didn’t look much if you were comparing it to the vast building towering above it, but Rosemary didn’t bother about that one. It cut off a bit of sun, and yes, it might have some architectural fancy playing about. There was no doubting that it was advanced for its times, but Rosemary by far preferred her own church. Well, to start off with it was her own.

”Moving quickly so as to avoid any charges of loitering Rosemary took one last glance at St Michael and then went off to her next task. Had she but known it, her daily pilgrimages to look upon the building and enjoy the peace that seemed to envelop it were not going unnoticed, and this was to create a big change in her life in the near future.

She was but a humble cloth maker in a building not far away, and she often passed the building as she went about gathering the different things that she needed to make the cloth. Her mother was the head of the house, and when she did not grumble over her daughter’s love of the kirk, she would turn to her and remind her that she was well past marriageable age.

Yes, most of Rosemary’s friends were now mamma’s themselves, but that didn’t mean that Rosemary herself was ready to be wed. She was managing a living, even if it wasn’t the best paid kind of a living. She was better off than many of the others she visited when she could get a few hours off.

Other than on a Sunday, this was rare, but she did her best to try and make things easier on the people who were in such deep need. She was lucky that cloth was in such high demand. Many of the poor people couldn’t get employment.

The store keepers would buy the beautiful cloths that she brought them, and in the few evening hours she was often able to provide herself with the cloth she needed for clothing. It was such a long process though.

She would make herself up a die, and would then soak the wool she was going to use in the fabric in the die, to give it it’s bright colours. Then, once it had stood in the die long enough it had to be taken out and dried for 24 hours. Here again her Mother was good at making life difficult. She would complain about the smell of the wet wool, and the space that was taken up by the cloth as it dried.

Rosemary had learned just to let her complain as to try and explain about it would just encourage her to dump the wet wools on the floor, and that would mean the whole process had to be started again, as the wool would then need washed, and as the die wasn’t fast by that point, and so most of it washed out.

Rosemary had not been impressed, but it had taught her to mind her tongue when talking to her mother at any rate…”

Rachel looked at it amazed at the character who had just leapt off the page. Here she was, trying to write about the building, and this character she had just met had invented a life and history for herself.

She found herself sympathising with a person she just knew on paper, someone who she knew was non existent. Who knew if the details about how cloth was made was even correct. It was just imagination. It could have happened that way though, and who was to say that even if it wasn’t a tried and tested method, that someone hadn’t tried it the way that Rosemary seemed to be doing.

She sighed and decided to give up for the moment. It was getting later, and she really ought to be starting something else now. Sally was no longer with her, and Rachel began to feel a little guilty, she had ignored her.

Looking up she realized that the library was more or less empty. It must be later than she thought. She stood up to get ready to go. Then a door opened and Matron stood there, she did not look particularly pleased to see Rachel standing there.

Rachel didn’t feel particularly pleased to see Matron either.

Oops - edited to change the name Joanne to Sally. Embarassed

Last edited by Squirrel on Wed Jul 20, 2005 2:33 pm; edited 1 time in total

#392: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 11:38 am

*shaking in shoes at thought of Matron on the warpath* Shocked

I loved the story, Squirrel, thank you. Hope Matron will understand!

#393: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 11:45 am

Oh dear - how late is it? Hope Matey understands!

Thank you Squirrel. I love the story aout Rosemary.

#394: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 12:07 pm

Thanks Squirrel

Also hoping Matron is understanding

Liz

#395: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 12:13 pm

Oh, don't I know that feeling of amazement when your character leaps off the page and takes over. Mystifying, spooky, but definitely wonderful.

The story is coming along beautifully for Rachel, and clearly means a lot to her, like the church itself.

Very moving, Squirrel. Thank you.

#396: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 12:52 pm

This is wonderful Squirrel - a perfect blend of imagination and fancy juxtaposed with that return to reality and Matey standing there!

#397: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 1:47 pm

I like hearing more about Rosemary. I hope Rachel won't be in too much trouble.

#398: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 2:58 pm

Thanks for all the comments. Here is the next little bit.

“Well Rachel, and what are you doing here at this time?” Matron asked her.

“I’m sorry Matron, I was working, and I didn’t notice the time.” Rachel stammered slightly as she responded.

Matron looked at her sharply, she looked rather tired, and as if she hadn’t quite caught up with herself. “You were working?” she questioned. “Have you been studying your books until this time?” There was a certain tone in her voice which would have been causing other girls to tread more carefully, but was lost on Rachel at this moment.

“Oh no Matron. I’ve not looked at my books since before tea. It was just this story I was writing. I just didn’t realize the time passing.” With a curious expression on her face matron went over to look. “may I see it please Rachel?” She requested with a surprisingly gentle tone.

Rachel handed it over rather reluctantly, and Matron, who had been one of the few privileged to read through every J. M. B Manuscript before it was published, felt that she was again looking at the real thing. Now wht could she say to the girl to make her understand that while what she had been doing work that was good, she had to attend school activities.

“Rachel, you have quiet a talent there” she started off quietly. “However, you are going to need to learn to keep your gift in its proper place. I’m sorry that there is not much time in your timetable for writing; perhaps Miss Annersley will be able to give you that time later on.

“It’s not good for you to miss supper as you have done. You are a growing girl and you need regular meals like every other girl in the school. It’s also one of the school rules that every girl attends evening prep and prayers. You miss out on the announcements if you miss prayers, and prep time is for you to get on with your work.

”We set aside the time, so that each girl has enough time to do her work properly and that they don’t over do it.”
Rachel looked up, tears in her eyes. It was obvious that she had got things wrong here. Was she never going to get things right.

Matron saw it, and wished there was a way to explain to these thin skinned people that making a mistake like that wasn’t so bad.

“Rachel, you are not in trouble. You lost track of the time, it happens to all of us at one point or another, and you are certainly not the first girl to get so wrapped up in a story that you forget about ordinary things.

“One or two of them have had rather startling results. You ask Joanne to tell you about the story of Con and Daniel in the Lion’s den at some point.

“Con had to learn to keep her stories in their place as well, and I think she would tell you now that while it took a big effort, it was worth it. She now has time for her stories and time with her family.

“Now you hop off to bed, and I’ll bring you up a supper tray. I can’t have you going to bed without having eaten. Sleep well child.” And with a gentle smile, the tyrant of the school walked out of the room, leaving Rachel to do as she was bid.

#399: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 3:04 pm

Pleased that Matron was sympathetic.

Thanks Squirrel

#400: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 4:35 pm

Thanks for two more great updates, Squirrel. It's so easy to imagine Rachel becoming so wrapped up in her story that she lost all track of time.

I'm also glad to see Matey showing sufficient understanding of her that she was able to temper her reproofs with positive comments and to bring her supper to her. The fact that she is clearly impressed with Rachel's writing is very significant, too, because she wouldn't have hesitated to tell her if she'd thought it was no good - even though she would have tried to let her down lightly.

I look forward to more of Rachel's and Tamara's progress, more of Rachel's story, and more of Matey's comments - for instance, I'd love to hear if she says anything to Miss Annersley, Len, or Tamara about Rachel's talent, even if she combines it with a comment about Rachel's needing not to lose track of time as she did.

#401: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 5:35 pm

It's nice to see Matey's softer side.

#402: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 6:19 pm

Thanks. And another little bit. Me been typing all day? Not this time, its coming quickly as it happens
Chapter?

Rachel was amazed. “Matey” had managed to accept her explanation without getting angry in the way her parents always did. They didn’t understand when Rachel got trapped in her thoughts, or in a book, never mind in something she was writing. They felt that she should be able to respond the instant they called her. After all, she didn’t have a hearing difficulty. But she did often have difficulty processing things.

She had also been at the school long enough to realize that other pupils would also be astonished if they knew. Matron had a reputation which went before her, and made her sound awful. Rachel was inclined to believe that she might have softened as she got older.

However, much that might have been the case she was sure that if Matron found that she was still thinking in the library by the time she had got a tray together for her, she would be in trouble.

That being the case she quickly gathered her things together and shot off to her little room. She was rather surprised when she got there to find the light on, the curtains closed and a hot drink just being poured out for her by Miss Darleigh.

“Well, we can’t have you not sleeping because you haven’t managed to carry out your bedtime routine Rachel” she said with a smile. Rachel looked back at her, her face changing just enough to warn the mistress that there had been something worrying her.

“What’s troubling you Rachel?” She asked suddenly, in one of those shifts that disconcerted her as much as they reassured her.

“It’s just that Matron said that I’ve got to keep track of time better. Even if my mind didn’t get hooked on one thing and didn’t allow me to break it off, I’ve never been overly good at that. I don’t quite see how I will be able to manage what she has asked of me, and while she was lenient this time I don’t expect her to be so if she has to tell me again.”

Tamara looked at her consideringly. She was right to a certain extent, and she mustn’t worry about it too much. “I might have an idea for some of that. It won’t be able to help all that much with switching off of one thing on to another – you will just have to use that determination of yours to deal with that one, but it will help with other bits I think.”

“You always have an answer don’t you” Rachel responded in wonder. “How do you do it?” Tamara glanced at her lovingly. “By experience.” She said succinctly. “I only know some of the things that help because I’ve faced similar difficulties myself and I know the different things which worked for me. We’ll have to modify them for you no doubt, after all you are your own person, but with help you will be able to overcome your own difficulties as I was enabled to do with mine.

“Now, here comes matron with your tray.” Matey looked at them both with mock severity. “I see you have spent too much time talking” she commented lightly. “I’ll let you off this time Miss Darleigh, but another time it would be helpful if she had a chance to change!”

Tamara looked at her quietly. “Yes Matron.” Then turning to Rachel she continued. “Rachel, I’ll leave you to have your supper. Remember what I have said, and don’t worry about it. If you come to me just after breakfast we can arrange a time for us to meet up and I’ll explain how you can perhaps manage then. Sleep well.” With that she left the room, leaving Matron eyeing her in sudden understanding, and Rachel rather indignant at the rebuke she had received when she had only been helping her.

#403: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 6:33 pm

Lovely to see Rachel's reaction to Matey's response to her activities.

And yes, I don't suppose Rachel would recognise Matey's 'mock severity' when she spoke to Tamara, would she?

But that 'sudden understanding' in Matey's glance at Tamara, too, suggests Matey is realising that Tamara has similar problems to Rachel, if she hadn't earlier, which is all to the good.

This is another lovely vignette, Squirrel - thank you.

#404: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 6:40 pm

Those posts were so lovely, Squirrel. I'm glad you too found the gentler side of Matey. I can imagine her stringent voice and stern look, even when being kind or making a joke, would scare Rachel, as Rachel is so literal-minded.

I laughed when Rachel wondered how Tamara always knew so much - almost as though she was accusing her of mind-reading. Wink

Thank you.

#405: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 6:50 pm

Maybe Matey also knows something about Asperger's Syndrome. I'm still really enjoying this drabble.

#406: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 7:34 pm

All right - who sent the bunny round tonight? Wink

Just as well some of our caravan sorting plans have been put on hold for tonight. My ear is beign chewed off by the impatience of him this time! I cant believe how a short idea for a paragraph grew. However that is often the case I find, so I guess its normal. It starts off as a paragraph, and has multiplied into several by the time I'm finished with it! Anyhow, enjoy

Chapter?

Matron made it her first priority to apologise to Rachel. “I’m sorry Rachel; I didn’t realize that Miss Darliegh was helping you again. I shouldn’t have jumped to assumptions so quickly. I’m going to say sorry to her as soon as I have finished here, and would have said it before she had left if she had not gone so quickly.

“Now, have your supper quickly, and I’ll be along in 15 minutes and I want to see you in bed. I may even bring Miss Darleigh with me.”

That said, she went after Tamara, and knocked on her door. When it was opened she saw the mistress was looking rather vulnerable. Tamara didn’t know Matron that well yet and wasn’t sure what to expect. “Matron, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to keep her up…”

Matron, who had been trying to catch her eye for a minute, eventually held up her hand. “Tamara for any way that my words have hurt you I apologise. I did not mean that the way you took it. I have also apologised to Rachel, but I have left it at that with her, but you need to understand more.”

She stopped for a moment, uncertain of how to go on. “Firstly, may I ask you to call me Gwynneth? It might help you to feel that you are talking to a friend rather than just someone you work with who holds a place of authority. Not just the job she is in, but her length of time in it. You know, I am just about the longest serving member of staff here now!”

She laughed gently, and Tamara, who was still rather confused as to where this was going, joined in reluctantly. She wasn’t really feeling like laughing yet as she was still getting used to the shock that her nerves had received.

“Tamara, you identify strongly with Rachel. I can see you react in the same way she does. Not only that, but I can see you supplying coping strategies for her.

“If you were not doing that I would be suggesting now that you get referred to someone about the possibility of your having Aspergers as well as her. But you are supplying strategies for her. Tamara, you already have this diagnosis, don’t you. You have had it for a long time, and chose for your own reasons to conceal it. And now she has come and made it impossible

“I’m sure you love her, because you now have someone at the school who you can understand by instinct. I’m also sure that part of you resents her coming, because it has interfered with your routine, and changed the way we see you.”

Such a clear sighted analysis of her feelings was too much for Tamara, coming as it was from someone who she had felt hardly knew her, and tears which she had held back up to now, began to flow.

She found it so hard to understand her own feelings, and it took her a minute to process the complete accuracy of Matron’s, no Gwynneth’s remarks. She had been feeling a funny mixture which she hadn’t been able to identify, even with her different strategies. This made understanding her emotions so much easier, and the matter of fact way that Gwynneth was talking about it made it seem natural.

The next thing she knew Gwynneth had come up to her and folded her in her arms. Tamara’s first feeling was one of surprise – she had learned to identify that one much earlier – as she knew that she was not much given to public show of affection. “Listen to me, my lass” Matron continued, in a protective manner. “You are not to tear yourself up over these emotions. They are normal. Everyone feels something similar when their lives are turned inside out as yours has been.

“You’re comfort zone has been pulled away from you, and you had not choice in the matter. And you have done a big thing, because Rachel herself has no idea that you feel anything towards her but the love that is so evident.

“What I actually came to say was that the way I was talking to the pair of you was actually teasing you both. Someone who did not have difficulty reading situations like that would have managed to take it as a joke. I’m sorry I didn’t realize before how difficult that would be for both of you. I hope you explain to her in fuller detail so that she understands better.”

Tamara had only had time to nod in agreement before Gwynneth was looking at her pocket watch. “It’s time for me to be going back to her. Would you like to come with me to assure her that you are alright? She is going to want to be sure about it.”

Hastily Tamara dried her eyes, and the pair walked along to Rachel’s room together, Matron keeping the chat light, frequently making her junior laugh with some of the stories she told about the school in its early days.

By the time they got to Rachel’s room Tamara had decided that Gwynneth was a great companion, and Gwynneth had decided that this young teacher was an acquaintance who was well worth getting to know.

#407: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 7:48 pm

Squirrel - clearly someone has been feeding your bunny lots of extra treats while you were away and since you've come home - but we are so much enjoying the results!

This is another superb piece. You give us so much insight, not just into Tamara and Rachel here, but also into Matey/Gwynneth, and the understanding she shows for both Tamara and Rachel. Her assessment of how Tamara must be feeling is so accurate it's uncanny - no wonder she made Tamara cry in the reaction. If ever we doubted it, it's also ample proof that Matey's bark was always worse than her bite - throughout this interchange with Rachel and Tamara, despite her initally stern reproof to Rachel for not watching the time, she is the understanding Gwynneth of New Dreams, rather than the Matey who struck terror into the hearts of so many erring juniors, middles and even teachers from time to time.

Thank you.

#408: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 8:04 pm

You are so right Elder, and you are welcome to it. I did wonder if I would hold this back until tomorrow, but then I figured that I may as well finish off the day. Sorry for "Spreeing", What can I say - Its the bunny's fault! Or whoever fed him recently. *looks arround suspiciously*. Ah well, drabbles would never go anywhere but for bunny treats.

Chapter?

When Matron left Rachel was again left wondering about staff like this. Whoever would think that Matron, like the Head, would stop specifically to apologise to the pupils. She had never known staff like it. They weren’t afraid to admit that they might be wrong, and to actually tell her that she was going to tell Miss Darleigh so. Rachel just couldn’t take that in.

She sighed and thought about what order she was going to do this in, and decided to change for bed, and then eat her supper. She quickly set to work, and not being one to hang around was in bed and drowsing gently by the time Matron and Tamara returned.

The sound of the door called her to wakefulness again. The look on Tamara’s face reassured her completely. She was smiling, and her voice held a laugh in it, so that Rachel wondered what the joke might be.

“Are you alright?” She asked, concerned even so. Tamara hearing that as the first thing she said was glad she had returned with matron. “Yes Rachel, I’m fine. Matron didn’t really mean what she said in the way we thought she did though” she explained, careful as always to identify herself with the girl.

She didn’t know why, but she just knew that it was important to Rachel that she knew they both reacted the same way to certain situations, and it was important that she own up to it when it did happen.

“Sometimes adults, and other girls can say something as if they really meant it, when its just a joke. I think they are trying to get what they call a ‘rise’ out of it. That means a retort or angry response. I think that they get rather surprised when we take them literally, and actually apologise for it. That was what Matron was doing earlier – she was teasing us, and we misunderstood her. Matron, I’m sorry that I didn’t realize you were only teasing us. I should have known that you would never have meant it seriously.”

Rachel glanced at the two women standing above her, and decided that Miss Darleigh was right, she had managed to over react that time. It was so difficult. “I’m sorry for over reacting Matron, I’ll try to do better next time.” She said sleepily.

Matron looked at them both quietly. “Tamara Darleigh” she muttered quietly, “you just had to do it that way hadn’t you!”

Tamara chuckled to herself. “But of course Gwynneth dear” she replied just as quietly “After all, if you give it out, you have to be willing to take it!” Matron glanced at her, but left it at that and turned her attention to Rachel again.

“Rachel, it is I who should be apologising. I should have realized that I would only confuse you and Miss Darleigh. I will try and make sure you know when I am teasing, and I will try to keep that to a minimum.

“Now, we will leave you to sleep now. Sleep well child, and we will see you in the morning.” With that she ushered Tamara out and sent her back to find her own bed. Then, having made sure that her orders were being obeyed (as if Tamara would not have done as she had asked considering all that had gone before) She went to lie down on her own account. It had been a long and busy day.

ETA: I just realized, this thing is now more than 100 pages long Shocked

104 to be precise

#409: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:00 pm

Quote:

“Rachel, it is I who should be apologising. I should have realized that I would only confuse you and Miss Darleigh. I will try and make sure you know when I am teasing, and I will try to keep that to a minimum.

So lovely to see this attitude from Gwynneth - and as Rachel realised earlier, the school is so unusual in letting her see this type of reaction.

Quote:

It had been a long and busy day.

I'll say it had -and it has been for you and your bunny, too, Squirrel. Thank you again for all your insights - we continue to learn so much.

#410: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:10 pm

Thank you, Squirrel for two more lovely posts.

I loved all the teasing - and the relationship between all the important people in Rachel's life seem to be developing so well, especially that now between Matey and Tamara, which of course can only help Rachel.

Do you think our two Mateys could be twins? Shocked

#411: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:56 pm

Wow! lots of lovely updates

Thanks very much Squirrel

And well done on getting to over 100 pages! *very impressed*

Liz

#412: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:58 pm

Thanks Squirrel

#413: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 10:05 pm

Wow... just read this all the way through, thank you Squirrel! As everyone has said, this drabble is so educational, and very entertaining to read. I'm really looking forward to reading more of Rachel's tales.

#414: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 11:04 am

Thank you Squirrel. Some lovely posts there. Glad matey knew what was going on and was able to react quickly. Rachel and Tamara need her understanding.

Hope they all sleep well after a busy day.

#415: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 11:19 am

And another little bit

Chapter

It was the next afternoon before Matron was able to take some time to think. She wanted to find someone who would be able to help Rachel with her writing. Rachel might not become a world famous author or anything like as appealing as Jo had once been, but she still deserved all the help she could get.

Jo was the one to give that help, Gwynneth was sure about it. However, that didn’t mean that it would be easy talking to her about it. Gwynneth had been present at a tea Joey had held on Sunday afternoon, and was well aware that Jo was still rather disgruntled at the behaviour of Rachel when she visited.

Then there was the whole thing of confidentiality. However much Jo might declare that it didn’t apply to her – it never did apply to Jo, in Jo’s opinion – as Matron of the school Gwynneth could not quite feel free enough to talk about the girl to her, especially given her currant attitude.

That being the case she went to talk to Hilda about it. Hilda was the one who could make the decision to talk or not. When she got down there she found that the head had quite a party in her room.

“Ah Gwynneth, welcome. Why don’t you come and sit down?” Hilda said looking up with her in surprise. Were you after anything in particular?”

Gwynneth saw, not only Hilda and Nell inside, but also Tamara and Joey. This looked like an interesting gathering.

There was an extra seat, which Gwynneth felt was placed for someone to use. “You expect someone else, Hilda?” She queried in surprise.

“Oh, Len is coming to join us as well” Hilda responded. And Tamara immediately vacated her seat. “Please sit here Gwynneth. I’ll sit down here” She stated curling up on the floor.

Hilda smiled at her junior. “No need for that Tamara. There is plenty of room, and we have plenty of chairs available – we are in a school after all. Ah Len, good to see you, would you mind showing Tamara where she can get a seat please.” Len smiled and agreed to do so, before vanishing and dragging an astonished Tamara behind her.

While they were away Gwynneth decided it would be a good idea for her to get an idea as to what this meeting had been called for. “Hilda – can you tell me what this gathering is in aid of?” she asked quietly.

Hilda smiled again and answered sotto voice. “Tamara has agreed after much persuasion to tell Joey about herself. Then with her help we hope to enable Jo to understand Rachel as well.”

“Ah I see. In that case I have plenty of time for something so important. I may be able to contribute something to the discussion.” Gwynneth stated and then turned her attention to Jo.

“Well Jo, I’m sure that you have had some news from your family since I last saw you. What has been happening?” And having successfully diverted Jo on to one of her favourite topics of discussion she listened to the tale which Joey began to tell.

#416: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 11:47 am

I love the way each person has to learn something about how Tamara and Rachel react.

I love your Matey! I'm sure she would have read all the latest journals and be quite up to date.

If anyone can handle Jo and bring her round, I'm sure it is Matey.

*sneaks in while Squirrel isn't looking with more bunny treats*

*trips over 3 other people on the same errand Wink

#417: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 11:58 am

[quote="patmac"]

Quote:

*sneaks in while Squirrel isn't looking with more bunny treats*

*trips over 3 other people on the same errand Wink

Plus another person who just found this episode.

This looks as if it will be a *very* interesting tea party, Squirrel. I, too, like Matey's resolve to do what she can to encourage Rachel in her writing. Looking forward to more when you have time.

#418: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 12:12 pm

I hope Joey will be able to understand Rachel better. I think she would definitely be able to help Rachel.

#419: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 12:28 pm

Well, you never know, she might be able to sooner or later. I think the bunny will divulge it eventually. Laughing

all those bunny treats must be laced with something the story line I've just been given! There is no other explianation for it!

The others were soon back, cutting Jo off in the midst of her tale about the last amazing feat of her grand daughter Tamzin. Len groaned. “Oh, not that one Mamma, please!” And the others laughed.

“It’s alright Len, I told the worst while you were away.” Joey responded sweetly, while Hilda and Gwynneth exchanged glances. Len choked. “Alright then” She said when she had recovered herself. “Shall we get back on topic?” And Tamara who had been hoping that there would be a successful diversion to keep them off of that sighed resignedly.

“If we must then we must.” She said lightly. Her tone fooled no one, but she had agreed that this was best for Rachel, and in other ways, for herself. There was no way she would back out now.

Hilda began by referring back to Rachel, feeling that this was the most diplomatic way to begin. It was obvious that Tamara was feeling less than comfortable and she didn’t want to begin in such a way that made her feel even worse.

“Jo, I know that you found Rachel a bit difficult when she came over, I’m sorry for that. None of us ever suspected that she would react that way. Well, no one had thought to tell her your working name. If we had thought we would have seen her reaction before then and we might have been able to warn you what she might be like.

“When I say we, I really mean Tamara, for it is she who has the best understanding of Rachel, well, except perhaps for a few pupils who are really trying hard to understand and help her whenever they can. I believe she is currently with Joanne, who seems to have a special gift when it comes to having a knack to knowing what situations she will find difficult.

“Now, Tamara, would you like me to continue?” Tamara nodded swiftly to her head. She could not imagine trying to tell Joey anything about herself. At present she still felt too angry at the cheek of the lady.

“The reason for Tamara’s understanding of Rachel is twofold. Firstly her brother.” Tamara was glad that these people were not that good at understanding the signs of AS, or they would know that she was less than comfortable about this. She hadn’t realized that Hilda’s explanation was going to be so thorough. Len did send a glance her way, but seemed satisfied when Tamara concentrated enough to smile at her.

“Donal, has Autism, and was diagnosed with it as a young child, isn’t that right Tamara?” she questioned before continuing after catching Tamara’s agreement. “Tamara grew up in his shade, and seemed “normal” by comparison to him. I know she did very well in adapting to her different environments I don’t have to ask her about that, I just need to look at how well she managed to fit in here.

“Yes she is older now than she was then, but I am sure that the skills she has now are only built on the foundations of what she knew then. However much support she might have received at university, she is still able to do as well as she has done since she left because she already had stuff in place to build upon.

“But I notice that I am now speaking of Tamara as if she requires the same kind of special consideration as her brother Donal. I have not said anything about it so far, but yes, she does deserve it.”

Her audience listened with varying degrees of interest. Joey was leaning forwards intently. This was it; she knew there was something odd about the teacher sitting in the corner over there. She always had done, the girl was unusual, and now she was being told why. Her curiosity would be satisfied at last.

Perhaps the girl had got into some kind of cult of some kind, and was a bit crazed because of it. Poor lass, she would need teaching and guidance, and would then be freed of her bondage by the grace of God.

Many other sillier ideas flowed through her mind. Her imagination was running riot with her. She had not had this much inspiration for a long time, and her eyes sparkled as she thought about it.

Her shock was the greater then when she found out what was really the case. Tamara had Aspergers Syndrome, just like Rachel. Adults didn’t get things like that. Feeling very confused about all this as she realized that the same care that they had mentioned needing to use with Rachel would have to be used with Tamara.

The rest of the discussion began to go over the top of her head while she struggled to come to terms with this news. Eventually Hilda realized that she would never catch up and closed the meeting.

Len and Tamara walked off chatting, Matron went off to her own employments feeling that she would do better to catch Joey about how much she could help Rachel at a later date.

Nell was about to leave the office as well when she turned to Jo on impulse. “Jo, you were thinking about something just before Hilda told you about Tamara’s diagnosis. What was it? It seemed very absorbing to you!”

Jo explained, and the two in the room couldn’t help but laugh at her. “Honestly Jo” Nell commented. “I don’t know where you get it from.” There was a pause while she recovered from the shock of the statement she had just heard. “You really must try and stop these wilder flights of fancy.” Another pause, and then she decided to finish her remarks with one last statement. “Other than if you want to go into writing science fiction of course!”

She paused and sobered up a little as she thought about this. “You know Jo; you have been very concerned that your writing isn’t so popular any more. I’m sure that there is a big market for something of the kind. You would have to choose another name to write under – Josephine M. Bettany writes school stories and guiding stories and the like. But with a new name there is no reason why you should not try something rather different.”

And with that she left the room. Jo looked, if possible, even more startled than before, and Hilda, knowing that she would get no sense out of her, slipped out of the office, and after informing Rosalie of where she could find her if necessary she went off about her own business again.

#420: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 7:56 pm

I was gurgling there, Squirrel, at Joey's imagination working nineteen to the dozen * a cult* Laughing

and then I chuckled outright at Nell's sarcasm. Joey and science fiction! Shocked

Nell really knows how to bring someone back down to earth with a bump.

Tamara was obviously in two minds about Hilda taking the initiative like that, but it was probably for the best, as Hilda knows Joey better than she does.

I wonder when Matey will be able to get together with Joey, and if it will really help Rachel and her story.

Thanks, Squirrel.

#421: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 8:34 pm

Thanks Squirrel

(Jo & Sci Fi Laughing

)

#422: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 8:36 pm

Does that mean you want the next bit then Mary? If you say so!

Chapter

Len made it her first priority to find out from Tamara the meaning of the twitching she had noticed while they were in the study.

“There was noting wrong” Tamara tried convincing her, but Len knew Tamara too well by now and was accepting no nonsense from her.

“Listen to me Tamara Darleigh, I’m not letting you get away with that. I know there was something wrong. Now I let you off explaining in the study because that wasn’t really the time to go into it, but I intend to know, and I’m not going to leave off until you tell me what was wrong.”

Tamara wriggled uncomfortably, “its just, er, I wasn’t expecting her to be so thorough” she managed eventually.

Len only just managed to follow the idea of what she was saying. “Thorough – I take it you mean Hilda. But my dear, did you want her to step in and tell her straight that you had AS then? I’m sure she only went about it in the way she did to try and take the round about way.”

“But to mention Donal. I don’t recall that being discussed”. Tamara answered out of a well of pain which seemed to come from deep inside her. Joey might need to know about her, if only to help her understanding of Rachel, but there was nothing to be gained from telling her about Donal. That was nothing to do with her.

Len felt differently about it, but knowing just how protective Tamara was about her brother she knew she would have to go about explaining her views carefully so that Tamara could see where she was coming from.

“You know, I think there may be a point to it.” She said slowly. Tamara looked at her quietly, willing to hear anything that might restore her confidence in her head mistress. “I’m not saying that she shouldn’t have checked with you first, but I think she was trying to show Mamma that not only do you have the disorder yourself, but you have had experience at learning to understand how others on the spectrum also think.

“She has known Mamma a long time, and knows that Mamma would find it difficult to accept the explanation that you have the diagnosis, so you can understand her. In her view the little she knows about AS would make it likely you would be able to understand Rachel less well than if you did not have it. The story about your brother however meant that she knew by implication that you have been able to understand him.

“Mamma didn’t need it spelt out to her; she just needed to know that you have a brother with Autism to realize what Hilda was getting at. And I’m sure, once she is over her shock at what she has been told this afternoon, she will be ready to enter into discussions about how she can help Rachel.

“I am sure that there are many ways she can do so. I think her input will be very helpful, but she has to accept that yours will be just as valuable, if not more so.” Then deciding that they had both had enough of this topic she smiled and changed the discussion.

“Now, I’ll tell you the vague outline of that story Mamma was telling you about Zini.” And within a few minutes she had Tamara laughing, having forgotten all about the way she had felt during the course of the meeting.

#423: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 8:38 pm

Ooh a bonus update! Very Happy

#424: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 9:51 pm

Ok, as I'm aware that some people are awake for much of what I call the night, and as I'm going to bed and still have plenty of material to post before I have to get writing again - dont worry it will come in due time, and before I go away at the weekend - I thought I would give you one bit more. Hmmmm, I think this is the long bit! Hope its not too long for you! Oh and btw - I'll be away for most of tomorrow afternoon - appointment with a bus journey either way - so If I've posted all said material by the time I go (doubtful I think just now) You'll not only have to wait til I get home again, but also for me to get writing again so I can start postin! Laughing

Chapter

Joanne stood next to Rachel as they looked on the proceedings. This was the first Ranger meeting of the year and Rachel was to decide if she wanted to join the movement or not. Joanne was an active member and would normally be busy at this time, however she had received permission to sit out and look on with Rachel until she got used to it.

It was a new experience for Joanne to watch a meeting, she had been a brownie before joining the school, and had naturally gone into the movement and moved on up the levels. She didn’t remember watching a meeting then either. Her parents had simply taken her along one week and dropped her off.

Of course that might be partly because Joanne had friends who were at brownies, and she had been longing to go since she was about 6 years old.

She was now seeing the movement through new eyes. How would the guiding association appear to Rachel. The guides were working in the Hall next door and they could hear the thumps and bangs as they began to play a particularly active game. The room where the brownies met had a constant noise level, which might put Rachel off staying in the area, but the stream of excited Rainbows could only activate her interest surely.

The girls were obviously having such a good time that she must understand their liking for the activities surely. And the usefulness of knowing the different things they were learning. And then as a last push, there was Miss Darleigh, who was still young enough to be a senior section member herself, and she was standing in as leader on this occasion.

Normally Miss Darleigh was one of the ordinary members, but because she was a teacher she was the one the captain got to take over if she had to be absent for any particular reason.

What Joanne didn’t realize quite yet, was that while there were the pros and con’s she had already recognize, there were other things which were making things difficult for Rachel.

Firstly there was the very fact that Miss Darleigh was in that unusual position of being a captain come member of the group. Rachel knew that their relationship was unusual enough already and she didn’t want to add another lair of confusion to everything.

She needed to know that she wouldn’t see Miss Darleigh the teacher, and talk to her as if she was Miss Darleigh the fellow senior section member, or Miss Darleigh the only adult who seemed to understand her instinctively.

Then there were the activities. While Miss Darleigh was playing leader just now, she did very little actual leading. There didn’t seem to be any structure or routine here at all, though the girls seemed to know what to expect. They were milling about, doing their own thing.

One girl was working on some jewellery, another one seemed to have a book on sports, and was muttering different names to herself. 3 or 4 others seemed to be taking part in one game or another.

Joanne had explained that they were all working towards different awards. She had tried to clarify it by comparing it to guides doing badge work. This hadn’t helped matters much though as Rachel had never been a guide.

Rachel already knew that the old treatment of sending any girl who did not want to join the movement to Matron for sewing had long since been discontinued, especially for girls as old as herself. She could use guiding time to write her story. She thought.

If she had mentioned it to Joanne, she might have put forwards the possibility that she might write the story as a senior section member. But it is unlikely that Rachel would have listened to this, as she knew that once she got started writing she would find it difficult to stop whatever might be going on around her.

A new idea was being prepared for her however. Hilda had met with the others in her office again a few days between that and this, and Matron had eventually been able to tell Joey what she thought. Joey had been frankly incredulous, but had in the end been persuaded to accept that there might just be something in what Gwynneth was saying.

Some point after this the question of the senior section had come up. Tamara already knew some of Rachel’s doubts as to this, and respecting her right to choose whether or not she wanted to join she had not attempted to reassure Rachel on any of the misgivings she had expressed. Tamara had the feeling that these were only excuses and there was another reason for her wanting to avoid the meetings.

Although she did not enquire further, she did feel that perhaps Rachel might be needing a certain amount of freedom from the girls which the time spent in senior section work could provide for her. Tamara remembered her days before she joined the movement here again vividly. Saturday mornings were for relaxation and rest, away from as many people as possible.

Therefore she was a little surprised when Len suggested that her mother might like to spend Saturday mornings with Rachel and let her see what her beloved authoress was really like.

Before Tamara had a chance to raise any doubts about this, Matron had plunged in with her story about Rachel’s time keeping, and thinking it might be a good idea that Joey spend this time in guiding her in her writing. “I’m sure it’s the real thing Joey, she can learn so much from you. Think about it.”

Joey, who was now in the throes of writing a piece of science fiction as suggested by Nell, flushed slightly. “Why thank you Gwynneth” she said quietly. “I’ll certainly try and see if the girl will open up to me any.”

Then Hilda put in her opinion, also stating that it would be a good idea. “Though I would like an unbiased skim at some point” she commented, “So please don’t spoil it for me please Joey.”

“As if, Moi?” was all Joey responded, grinning at her. Len agreed with Hilda in telling her mother that she too would be pleased if Joey would refrain from talking about the writing until she had been allowed to read it.

“After all mamma, you never spoke to us about your writing before it was published.” She finished severely. Don’t have a lower standard for someone else’s writing than you have for your own.” And Joey, cornered by the two of them, had to agree.

Tamara eventually managed to give her warning that Rachel might prefer to have the time on her own, but due to everything that had passed, she found that she could not phrase it as strongly as she would have liked to.

“Just bear in mind that if this doesn’t work out easily, it could be that Rachel is simply needing time on her own. I don’t think that she will find it easy having the babies around either, if someone else could take charge of them while she is over that would be great.” She finished quietly.

The first part of her phrase was more or less ignored by the others, but Len agreed that it would be far better if she kept all the children who normally visited her mother on Saturday mornings, while Rachel was with her.

The meeting had then broken up after the members had agreed that they would give Rachel this chance, once she had had the customary visit to the meeting, and would think on something else as another option for her if she changed her mind.

As it was, Rachel did not change her mind, much to the disappointment of Joanne who had been looking forwards to working with her, but when she heard of the chance Rachel was being given when the decision was made, she was generous enough to wish her good luck in what she was doing. Never dreaming that Rachel did want a quiet Saturday morning to herself.

#425: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 10:23 pm

Could somebody please tell me what is a Ranger? I have heard of them but I'm not entirely sure what they are. Didn't Joey write a historic novel at one point as well?

#426: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:45 am

Another great set of posts, Squirrel, which I read one after the other - I have been out all day and only came on the board this evening.

The various dynamics you show here are really interesting - I loved that crack of Nell's to Joey, too!

I do hope Joey will be able to help Rachel with her writing without overwhelming her.

Will look forward to more once you have time to write some.

#427: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 7:01 am

Hi Chair - A Ranger is the step up from a Guide, though I think they are now just referred to as Senior Section Members. Perhaps someone who is far more involved in the Guiding Assosciation than I am at the minute could clarify that one for me.

Oh and Elder - I've got the next 2 or 3 installments already written up - they just have to be posted as and when I decide I'm ready for that one!

#428: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 8:29 am

That was a lovely long episode, Squirrel, and a lot of points hidden there.

So Joey took on board Matey's idea and is now writing Sci Fi Shocked

Gwynneth has done well by Rachel and hopefully Joey will be able to guide her - and not *overwhelm* her!

And it was fascinating to see Rachel's thought processes as she watched the meeting. She really does have insight into where she might find problems - now she needs to learn perhaps to bring some of those thoughts out into the open, especially with Joanne, and she might find more help.

#429: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 9:51 am

Sorry Mary, but it was Bill who suggested that Jo write Sci-Fi. Matey was just going to see if Jo would help Rachel. As for whether or not Jo will end up writing it... Ah, well, That's another update!

Chapter?

Len had been most indignant when she heard what her Mamma had suggested to Hilda and Nell. “in a cult? In bondage? Grace of God? Mamma! I don’t believe you could imagine that the school would employ anyone who might, from the way you were talking, endanger the girls.”

“Well, she might have been deluded, I wanted to know. You lot have been so secretive about her that if her mind had been in bondage it would have been very difficult to do anything about it. I wouldn’t want the parents to think we had a teacher like that!” Jo argued.

Len sighed, when would she get through to her Mother. She might be younger than Hilda or Nell, but she had far more prejudices than either of them, for all that she was supposed to be empathic.

“Mamma, please, you will be suggesting that we try exorcism on Rachel next!” Joey began to laugh and then admitted defeat. “Alright Len, I was wrong. I just can’t help my imagination sometimes.”

Then she paused, she hadn’t been meaning to admit this to anyone yet, but Len was her eldest child. “Bill suggested I try out science fiction. I can see how it would be a reasonable outlet for the kind of imagination I am now developing, and I can get hints on up to date unusual phenomena from her. Don’t tell her I said so though!” she finished hastily. “She would just tell me to do my own research.”

Len looked up in surprise. This was really good news. It had been a long time since Jo had attempted to do any writing, and there were numerous rejected manuscripts lying around, although Jo didn’t mention them to anyone, Len knew about their existence.

Thinking about the different manuscripts Len had an idea. “Mamma, I know I said I wouldn’t talk much about your work, but now you have found out about such a good idea for future stories. I can tell how excited you are about this idea, so how about working on one or two of your discarded manuscripts with Rachel when she comes over. I know you also wanted to try brushing them up a little. I’m sure she would love the chance to read over an unpublished Josephine M. Bettany story.”

She stopped, sensing that she had said enough. Jo looked at her and smiled. “All right young woman, I’ll think about it. Now hadn’t you better get off back to your family?”

Realizing that her mother had now had enough Len took the young children away and set off home to enjoy the rest of her weekend off.

Hmmmm, perhaps I should have said "That's this update Laughing

#430: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 10:03 am

Thank you Squirrel. Good to see Len and Joey together and to see how Len tries to nfluence her mother!

#431: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 10:17 am

Thanks Squirrel! Very Happy

#432: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 11:46 am

Ok am away until evening now, so here is another little bit to keep you going.

Chapter

Tamara has also managed to wangle the weekend off; as she had promised her brother and she spent a lovely time with him in their home in Scotland. She had flown over on the Saturday morning immediately after the meeting was over, and was to return by plane on the Sunday night. It was this sort of thing that she spent the majority of her salary.

Knowing that he would want to spend time with her she had not let anyone but him know she was back. It was his time, her friends and acquaintances could have her attention another time.

He was starting back at university himself in a few weeks time, so she was more than prepared to find herself helping him to pack and organize one or two other things.

She had received another email from him which he had written with Rob’s help telling her all about the trip she had planned for them. Rob did most of the writing, but she knew that the things he was expressing were Donal’s feelings. She was so glad that Rob had been able to go with him. It wouldn’t have been the same for Donal if anyone else had gone instead.

As she went into the airport suddenly she saw him. He appeared to be on his own which surprised her as she knew that he really didn’t like the crowds of an airport.

Within seconds her arms were moving in an array of jerky movements which meant nothing to the people watching her, other than that she might be having difficulty coordinating her arms of course.

To Donal however these arm signals meant everything, and he began to do some on his own account. These were not uncoordinated movements, whatever the other people in the airport might think; they were the way they communicated.

Donal might not talk, or send emails that easily, but this technique was something he had created, and only a few special people were ever taught it. He had not even shared it with June, and she had come closer to him than most people.

They moved on, chatting animatedly, as they had not seen each other for weeks, and Donal wanted to be sure that she was definitely alright. He was amazed that there might be a girl who had caused so much disruption in his sisters’ life, just by turning up at the school.

He took a lot of convincing that Tamara was fond of Rachel, disruption or not, and thought that she needed to be removed from the school.

Tamara had to explain carefully – not very easy in a language of limited words – that this wouldn’t help at all, and that she would hate for Rachel to be removed from the school as much as she would hate Donal having to leave University.

This had seemed likely to happen in the last year, and it was only the hard work of June and her colleagues that had kept him there. It wasn’t that he couldn’t do the work, but complications had arisen, and he had found that his coping strategies were pushed to the limit.

Tamara had been over to visit him regularly at that time of the year. He had got over it, but it had taken time, and some things had changed because of it. He was now happy again, and most of the complications were resolved. Plans were in place to ensure that whatever complications might arise he could cope whatever.

Tamara was very pleased about this. She had always known she could trust June and co with her brother, hadn’t they supported her through some of the worst times in her life as well?

But there had always been that question mark as to how he would do this next year. Seeing him so confident about starting up again was a relief to her, and she knew that she would feel happier about him when he started back than she would have without this visit to see him.

The weekend flew by and they spent every minute that they could of it together. While she stayed up late and got up early Tamara found herself greatly refreshed by this trip home, and she found she had extra energy at the start of the following week.

This was so evident that when she met up with her on Monday morning Len joked with her that they would have to send her home every week, and Tamara, being in good form herself, was able to laugh at this rather than taking it literally. The two then went on to prepare for the day’s work

#433: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 11:52 am

Thank you Squirrel. Its good to see Tamara at home with her brother and that she has been able to put her mind at rest about him. I'm very impressed at eh amount you've been posting recently I think we need to send more bunny treats as a reward! Very Happy

#434: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 4:45 pm

Thanks for two more great episodes, Squirrel. It's really interesting to see Tamara at home with Donal, and how talking with him about his own concerns actually gives her space away from her own more immediate problems at school.

It's also good to see how quick she was to assure him that she doesn't see Rachel's presence as a problem, once she has had the time to adjust to it - this says so much for how quickly she has come to understand all the implications of the new situation for both herself and Rachel.

Will look forward to more later - bunny treats en route!

#435: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 7:30 pm

I really enjoyed meeting Donal like that and finding out how they communicate. Clearly Tamara cares very deeply for him and is concerned for him, and he also is looking out for her..

In her concern for all the people in her life Tamara is showing what a very beautiful loving young woman she is.

*a great asset to the Chalet School*

Thanks, Squirrel

#436: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 7:37 pm

lol - Thanks Elder! If you really want this last update tonight then Mr Bunny will need them! Just not this evening please. I'm at home all day tomorrow, and a fair proportion of Saturday, so other than the jobs I'll have to do I'll have plenty of time then. Just in case I havnt already made it clear - I'm going away on Saturday for our family holiday. I'll be back on Friday night, but not until about 11 or so pm, so please dont expect anything more until then. I also expect it will be as busy as last weeks trip away, so no drabble writing then. Although I am fitting in a few meetings Shocked

Ah well, what needs done needs done, and its not as if I'm at work right now. Oh and Nell, I guess that posting ammounts are up because contrary to expectation the university hols are only making him more eager to produce some material. After all, I dont see this finishing before I'm back and working hard, so he's no reason to delay it any further! Ooooh dear - I forgot I hadnt copied the bit I wanted to post, and I nearly posted you all a copy of an email I was sending to a few people instead. Embarassed

*makes mental note not to allow that to happen again*

Chapter

Rachel however did realise that Tamara was gone, and she missed her lots. She knew that the mistress would be coming back soon, but found it difficult to understand that someone she was used to having around all the time was no longer there. “I understand it in my head” she explained to Joanne later on “but I still keep looking round to see her, and when I can’t find her where she usually is I get worried that she might not come back. I know that she will, but I still can’t help but feel nervous about it”.

That being the case Rachel, who had not yet managed to cement her friendships with either of the two different groups yet, spent much of her time alone, in her room.

She felt the need for the privacy, and as Joanne, who was the only person from either group who knew exactly where her room was, was well aware about her need to be on her own no one came looking for her.

Joanne had insisted on informing the staff that Rachel was spending her time there, and thus she found that Matron was checking up on her every hour or so, but she was happy with that.

She was used to her own parents doing it, and she didn’t mind it in the least, especially when that lady supplied her with copies of all of the published works of Joey when she explained that her favourite pass time when she felt this way was to read one of Joey’s books.

Matron smiled at her as she recalled the many other girls who had been won over by the chance to read “Nancy meets a Nazi” or one of the other books written by Jo over the years.

She wouldn’t manage to entertain any of the rest of the girls in the school so easily with one of Jo’s books, but having started one Rachel read through every book she had on offer to her over the course of the next day or so, and whenever Matron was anywhere near the room she heard her chuckling to herself over the way something was worded.

In this way Rachel managed to get through the unexpected weekend, and as Tamara decided that visiting Rachel in her room was her first concern when she got back to school, Rachel went to sleep easily that Sunday night.

#437: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 7:45 pm

I'm glad Donal has got his sister to support him so much. It also gives Rachel a chance to learn to cope by herself. I'm also glad Joey is having a chance to write again.

#438: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 7:56 pm

Another lovely little vignette, Squirrel. It's very revealing to see how reliant Rachel has become on Tamara as a constant presence even in the short time since the beginning of term - and that Tamara, by visiting her as soon as she gets back, provides just the reassurance Rachel was looking for.

Also good that Joanne respected Rachel's feeling that she needed to remain quietly in her room over the weekend, but that she informed Matey, so that she kept an eye on her - and made sure was able to enjoy her favourite relaxation of reading Joey's books by keeping her well supplied with them. I'm sure Rachel will emerge from that quiet weekend rested and ready for whatever comes here way in the new week.

Sending more treats for Mr. Bunny on a delayed delivery so he gets them at a reasonable hour tomorrow morning for you - if I had to wait till I got up tomorrow to send them, Mr. Bunny would go hungry until his lunchtime!

#439: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 7:59 pm

I just wanted to also say that I hope you have a great holiday, Squirrel.

#440: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 8:15 pm

What a lovely peaceful time for Rachel - time to recharge her batteries, which she certainly needed. Smile

Thanks, Squirrel.

#441: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 8:30 pm

Lovely updates, Squirrel. Your bunny is certainly working overtime and will probably be glad of a little quiet time while you are on holiday. I do love the way you are weaving all the characters together and it is not just Tamara and Rachel who are learning and developing but everyone around them.

Thank you.

#442: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 1:51 pm

Chapter

Sally had worried about Rachel when she didn’t see her over the weekend. She didn’t know where to find her, and if she had she would have been up there. That this was the worst thing she could have done for her friend she was unable to take in at this stage.

She was as loyal as Joanne was, but she didn’t understand that her friends sometimes needed time on their own. Joanne was just that bit better placed to understand others. The time would come when Sally would learn about this need, and begin taking in the fact that it placed a responsibility on her as well.

When Rachel returned she was quick to try and find out what had been happening. Her eagerness daunted Rachel, who was not used to this kind of friendship.

“Hi Rachel; where were you last weekend? I looked for you everywhere! You must have had some pretty good hiding place I can tell you. I wanted to tell you all about my cousin – He’s 3 now and is a lovely little child. I heard from his mother last weekend you see!”

So she went on, chattering away, giving information, asking questions and never pausing to receive an answer. Tanya ended up coming into the room, seeing Rachel’s expression of shock, and sighing because she had ended up having to deal with this rather new, excited Sally by herself all weekend.

Knowing that she was better prepared to deal with it than Rachel was though; she immediately went over to the two of them. “Hey Sal, how are you doing?” Having managed to divert the attention of her friend away from Rachel for a bit, she settled down to taking in the flow of information that Sally began to pour over her.

Even when you were more or less used to her, Sally could be pretty overwhelming when she got into this mood.

Rachel, seeing that Sally was now occupied, gently withdrew herself from the group, and Tan seeing that smiled gently at her. There was only so much a person could take, and she was already letting the information wash over her.

A few minutes after she had holed up in her corner she usually chose, Joanne came over to her and smiled down at her. “You doing alright there then Rachel?” Rachel looked up at her, and Joanne was rather concerned at how tired she seemed.

“Hey, you ok? What’s up?” Rachel was beginning to recover herself, but only slowly, and her response was rather quiet. “I’m ok I guess. Sally was a bit much though.”

Joanne looked over to where Tan was still letting the barrage of Sally’s excitement wash over her. “Ah, I see. Well, I’ll think about a way we can help her to understand. In the meantime, why don’t we go over to the class room again? It will get you out of this noise, and allow you a chance to recover properly.”

Rachel agreed, and was hardly allowed to voice her view that it wasn’t worth telling Sally about how difficult she found that kind of information stream to deal with. Joanne wasn’t having it in the slightest.

They wandered along to the classroom, which was on this occasion completely empty, and sat down in companionable silence, ready for the bell to ring and the others to join them.

Due to this treatment, and her quiet weekend Rachel was back on an even keel by the time the class began. And Joanne having realized how much she was affected by different things was more than reconciled to the fact that Rachel would not be joining in the senior section meetings.

#443: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 2:02 pm

Wow, thanks Squirrel. I'm very impressed with how much you've written! (and it's fabulous too)
Very Happy

#444: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 2:32 pm

What an interesting post, Squirrel. Sally yet to learn what friendship with Rachel might mean, and Joanne, having already learnt, fielding questions and getting Rachel out of there.

Wonderful interplay of reactions. Wink

Thanks, Squirrel.

#445: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 2:34 pm

Thank you Squirrel! These updates are fantastic. Poor Rachel she only seems to get one crisis sorted and another looms. Hope Joanne can get through to Sally that constant chatter upsets Rachel, we don't want her upset every morning.

#446: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 2:37 pm

It's good to see other people's points of view in this story.

#447: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 3:14 pm

Hmmm, I think I got anothere comment at one point about how fast I post. Well, I think the honest answer to that is once I get started its far easier to just continue writing.

Especially as I find getting into the first post of the day the hardest one to do. I'll then post what I have, as long as it doesnt come immediately after what I have last posted, cause I think that it needs some breaks in between what I am writing.

Everything posted yesterday was ready on Wednesday, but was held back. Today's stuff I started writing this afternoon, and like I say, I got writing and just kept going. lol - I also find that when I have read a lot of new material in one go, that gives Mr Bunny some new initiative!

Oh And Susan, unfortunately some of the time it can seem very much like that. You just get over one big shock, and another one appears. When everything settles down, and the stress levels go down then everything becomes a bit more managable.

Chapter

Tamara sank into her seat. It had been another long and busy day. She was slowly learning how to fit in with the rest of the staff. Len wasn’t here tonight, having had to rush off home to her family. Jo had rung up to tell her that there had been an accident and young Ashley, Len’s youngest daughter, was in need of her mothers comfort and reassurance.

Len had commented that sometimes it just wasn’t safe to leave children with Jo, and that usually that meant there was a book on the boil. “Honestly” she said, “You lot thought Con was bad, but she hasn’t got a patch on Mamma when it comes to making sure that young kids are going to be safe when they are with her.” She stopped and then laughed, “Of course that’s only when she is in the throws of writing.”

And then as a last comment as she drew on her Jacket, “You know, I’m not sure if it’s such a good idea for Rachel to go to Mamma for that kind of stuff. If the idea is that Mamma will help her to learn to keep her gift in its place, then it’s more likely to be the other way around. Mamma gets worse as she gets older, and half of you know how often a party at our house could long overthrow times!”

With that she had left, after ensuring that Tamara would keep the promise that she had made her, whether or not she was able to be there or not. “Kathie will make sure that they don’t tease you.” She had encouraged her, “and I want to hear all about it tomorrow morning, so you had better go and get it done.”

Then, seeing the anxiety reflected in the younger mistress’s face she had moved a step closer. “Hey, come on, you can do it. I know it’s going to be rather difficult, but you’ll get there. And Hilda and Gwynneth will be there to support you as well. You don’t need me here the whole time.”

Tamara had taken control of herself and, forcing herself to relax, had given her a slight smile. “No I don’t need you here the whole time, but this is still going to be a trial, whether or not you are here. I’ll cope.”

Then, putting on a ‘professional’ mask she had cultivated during her earlier days at the school she changed the subject. “You go and see to your family now Len, I’ll be fine, and will expect to hear all about that when you have the chance. Go on with you.”

Len had smiled affectionately at her, there had been a time she would have been fooled by the mask and the words, but those days were firmly consigned to the past now. She squeezed her colleague’s shoulder as she went past, and hurried off towards her home, to see how bad the damage was.

#448: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 4:54 pm

It seems strange to think of Joey as getting older. I hope Ashley is ok - will we find out later what has happened to him?

#449: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 6:12 pm

A wonderful insight on Joey from her own daughter, but even more importantly, that daughter, Len, is really beginning to get to grips with Tamara's character and not just accept the mask she puts on. Her encouragement must be doing Tamara so much good.

Thanks, Squirrel.

#450: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 6:52 pm