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A Light Cast in Shade (Completed 31/7 p.10)

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The CBB -> Ste Therese's House

#1: A Light Cast in Shade (Completed 31/7 p.10) Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 11:47 am
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I have the first thirteen posts typed up, so I thought I should start posting. I hope you all like..... This post overlaps with some of the events from the University Years, the rest is set afterwards.

He followed David in. "She not appreciate your knight-in-shining-armour act then?" he asked.

But David ignored him.

"I thought we agreed on no Chaletians" he said, continuing to taunt his too perfect cousin. "And certainly none, that were so immersed in Maynard tradition, and were practically family."

David turned around angrily. "Don't take this out on me. Just because Ted Grantley would rather look at a slug than you, is no reason to make yourself even more unpleasant."

David had never been more wrong about him. Like he would ever care about a girl like that. "Like I care about her. I wouldn't run out after her, just because she had slipped on the grass."

David looked at him with a steely glint in his eye. "She went to the Chalet School you know. She's a good girl. Not your type at all."

"My kind of girl is good-looking, and she certainly fits that bill." Rix said, not caring that he sounded arrogant. He couldn't let David see what he was really feeling, "She is just intimadated by me, and who wouldn't be? Look at me! Afterall, how many girlfriends have I had? How many have you had? They all want me, why would they even look at you? The only girls you ever get are the ones after your money."

Had he really just said that? He opened his mouth to apologise- to try and take it back, but he reeled back first, David had punched him in the face. He didn't even try to retaliate, he was to shocked at what he had said.

* * *

"Chalet school girl... Practically family...Not interested... Idiot, idiot, idiot." Rix could hear David muttering to himself, as he paced up and down their room distractedly.

Rix sat staring out of the window, trying to ignore his cousin. Finally he stood up, the black eye he was sporting nothing in comparsion to his hurt pride. Finally, he could be silent no more though, as much as his pride hurt, he could see how much his cousin -his friend- was worrying.

"Yes you're an idiot. But for heaven's sake just go ask her out and give me some peace!" He went back to staring out of the window, annoyed at himself for being nice to David again so quickly. But he could never stay properly mad at him, and he had deserved his friends temper earlier.

"When did you change?" David asked quietly, "Once you were my friend. Now your just a b****rd."

He left the room then, leaving Rix staring after him.
What the hell was wrong with David? He had been trying to help him.

Rix sat there staring out of the window for a long time, just thinking.

"If only you were more like your cousin."

"Why can't you be more like David?"

They were perhaps two of the most repeated phrases Rix had ever heard. Even when he had left school they continued to follow him. He was the older one, yet he was always expected to be more like David. He was his cousin! That didn't mean they were identical. When were people going to realise that he wasn't as smart as David?

The worst part, of course, was that David was so nice. It would have been easy to hate him if he hadn't been, but no, instead they had been friends. Great friends actually. When had he let that change?

Even though sometimes David seemed like the cause of his problems, he was still the only person who actually understood him, and the only person Rix could actually talk to. Of course he could never talk of the insane jealousy he felt sometimes; or the need to act like a complete prig, because his looks were the only thing he could ever beat David with.

Was he a complete prig? He had been called worse. Quite a lot worse actually, and recently to. By a Chaletian of all people, and he had thought they were always prim and proper.

But David had punched him! Actually punched him! David didn't punch people. He tried to resolve issues by talking about them- like that had ever worked in a prep school. Rix remembered the other times he had been punched, or kicked, but that usually happened when he punched or kicked people who were punching or kicking his cousin. Had he really deserved that? Was he really so awful?

But his image- that was all he had.

How pathetic did that sound?

Last edited by brie on Sat Sep 08, 2007 9:39 am; edited 32 times in total

#2: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 12:09 pm
—
Oh, dear. Looks like Rix is struggling to come to terms with the sort of person he's become.

Thanks, brie.

#3: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 12:30 pm
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Interesting - it's normally the younger that has to suffer the comparisons - but in this case it is the elder.

Thanks Brie.

#4: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 12:46 pm
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I'm kind of hoping that Ted might be able to reform Rix. CS girls are so good at reforming each other that they should be able to reform boys without too much trouble, surely Wink

.

Thanks Brie.

#5: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 2:19 pm
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I'd feel sorry ofr Rix if he hadn't turned into such a complete s**t.

BTW: it won't belong before Ted comes into her money. Her father left it to her in the hands of trustees, so her mother can have nothing to do with it.

#6: Author: Rob, Location: Currently in a rainstorm

Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 3:33 pm
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Hmmm .... I'm torn between feeling sorry for Rix and agreeing with David's assessment of him!

Thanks Brie!

#7: Author: Sal, Location: Walsall / Aberystwyth

Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 2:29 am
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Nice to see the way Rix is thinking,

Thanks Brie

#8: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 11:00 am
—

Alison H wrote:

I'm kind of hoping that Ted might be able to reform Rix. CS girls are so good at reforming each other that they should be able to reform boys without too much trouble, surely Wink

.

Thanks Brie.

Thanks Brie. This is great

#9: Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia

Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 11:51 am
—
Thanks Brie. I just read the first part of this and looking forward to more.

#10: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 12:34 pm
—

Alison H wrote:

I'm kind of hoping that Ted might be able to reform Rix. CS girls are so good at reforming each other that they should be able to reform boys without too much trouble, surely Wink

.

Thanks Brie.

Ahhh, but you all seem to love Rix-bashing. Would you really like to see him reformed?!

Thanks for all the comments Smile

Ted Grantley surveyed the bar with satisfaction. Before now she had only worked in the posh restaurant catering for the upper classes. The bar was aimed at the working class and the students. It was sure to be more interesting. The staff seemed nice too. A man called Johnny, with a good sense of humour and what seemed like the patience of a saint, as he continued explaining the different standards through here to her. The other staff member who had caught her attention was a scraggy young girl, who looked about thirteen, but whom Johnny had assured her was almost sixteen.

A buzzing noise, which would soon start to haunt Ted's dreams woke up the young girl and she went through a doorway towards the kitchen.

"Liz" yelled Johnny, "Show Ted the ropes will you?"

Liz had murmered yes.

Ted had hurriedly followed her through to the kitchen.

One of the chefs blew a kiss at Liz, which she ignored with downcast eyes. He then saw Ted.

"Ahh my posh bird! Give us a kiss will you?" he asked cheekily.

"What table is this going to?" asked Liz quietly. The chef ignored her. She just stood quietly, looking unsure.

"Well are you planning on going before the food gets cold?" asked another Chef.

"What table is it?" she asked again.

He sighed loudly. "Table five."

"Thank you" she murmured, before hastily leaving the kitchen. Ted followed her puzzled. Once in the bar, Liz deposited the meals with a great flourish, talking and laughing with her customers.

It was a quiet evening, being only monday, so Johnny had left early when he was sure Ted knew her way around the drinks.

Ted took this opportunity to try and get to know the little girl.

Not like the chefs?" she asked smiling as she saw Liz emerge from the kitchen flushed.

"They just get to me sometimes- they know just how to embarass me" she said colouring slightly.

"Just embarass them back" said Ted laughing, "it'll give you confidence with them, and they will leave you alone after that."

"Thats what everyone says" admitted Liz.

"Oh dear" said Ted quietly.

"Whats wrong?" asked Liz worriedly.

"Those men" said Ted.

"Oh them, They are regulars in here. Medical students from the University." Ted thought she detected a note of wistfulness in the girls voice.

Two of them came up to the bar, while the rest of the group sat at one of the tables. "It would be those two" she thought sighing inwardly.

"Ted" said David Russell smiling at her. "Good to see you." but the smile did not quite reach his eyes.

"Yes it's nice to see you here" joined in Rix.

Ted's eyes narrowed, she was not in the mood for this falseness from that jerk.

"Nice to see you both too. Your eye's healing nicely Rix" she added.

Rix banged his hand down on the bartop irritably.

"That's the problem with you females you always have to start talking and interfering when all we want is for you to stand there and look pretty."

"Oh i'm so sorry to disappoint you there." said Ted sarcastically, "However if im not to talk may I ask how I am supposed to ask you what drinks you will be having?"

"Oh and she thinks she's smart too." said Rix.

"Well compared to you yes."

"As nice as this little lovefest is, can we have four pints of lager, one of lager shandy, and one of guiness, and then I can get him out of your hair." interrupted David.

"Certainly" said Ted, fixing her nicest smile on David.

#11: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 12:58 pm
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Could she possibly "accidentally" spill a drink over Rix Wink

#12: Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia

Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 1:02 pm
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Alison H wrote:

Could she possibly "accidentally" spill a drink over Rix Wink

Or two or three? With lots of ice?

#13: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 1:51 pm
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Shame they aren't having ultra-hot coffee, then she could spill it in Rix' lap.

#14: Author: Rob, Location: Currently in a rainstorm

Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 2:41 pm
—

Jennie wrote:

Shame they aren't having ultra-hot coffee, then she could spill it in Rix' lap.

*note to self: never annoy Jennie when there is coffee around*

I'd prefer it if she gave him another black eye ...

#15: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 3:53 pm
—

Rob wrote:

Jennie wrote:

Shame they aren't having ultra-hot coffee, then she could spill it in Rix' lap.

*note to self: never annoy Jennie when there is coffee around*

I'd prefer it if she gave him another black eye ...

Or two for good measure.

#16: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 5:46 pm
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Rix really is asking for it, isn't he? Rolling Eyes

Hope Ted can help little Liz.

Thanks Brie.

#17: Author: Sal, Location: Walsall / Aberystwyth

Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 5:49 pm
—

leahbelle wrote:

Rob wrote:

Jennie wrote:

Shame they aren't having ultra-hot coffee, then she could spill it in Rix' lap.

*note to self: never annoy Jennie when there is coffee around*

I'd prefer it if she gave him another black eye ...

Or two for good measure.

I thought one of his eyes was already black?

Thanks Brie

#18: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 7:51 pm
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Another one won't do him any harm, and might do him the world of good.

#19: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 8:55 am
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I know you all hate Rix, but is it really necessary to try and kill him? *squints at Jennie nervously*. I have to say he is rapidly becoming one of my favourite characters Laughing

The one advantage he had had over his cousin was gone now. For David had found Ruey. Perhaps he had had more girlfriends than David, but David seemed to have found the right one.

One afternoon he sat at the bar, watching the two sitting in a corner, oblivious to the rest of the world.

"Jealous?" asked Ted, as she stood polishing glasses.

"Nah. " he lied. "Whats the fun of having only one girlfriend when you can have many. You?"

"Of course I am. Look at them: so happy together."

"Are you not happy?" he asked, surprising himself with his concern.

"I'm a twenty year old full-time waitress." she pointed out.

He didn't have a reply to that.

He twiddled his almost empty pint glass in his hands, thoughtlessly.

"Trying to find your reflection?" she asked.

"No. Your top buttons come undone, and if I hit the light just right I should be able to see down your blouse."

Her hand flew to her breast. She looked up confused.

"Made you look." he said.

She shook her head tiredly.

"Well you're in luck. I can go home in fifteen minutes, so you wont have to stare at me any longer. Johnny will be in, and i'm sure he's much more to your taste."

She left soon after, and in her place appeared that young kid they had working in here now.

"I thought Johnny was in?" he asked.

"He's been held up. It's just going to be me for the next hour."

"You are awfully young to be working in here aren't you?" he asked. She reminded him of his little sister Daphne, and his cousin Felicity.

"I'm almost sixteen" she said defensively.

"You leaving school after the summer?" he asked.

"I hope not. But the only way I can stay is if I work evenings and weekends in here."

"That won't leave much time for your school work." he said.

"No" was all she replied, and he could see she had already thought about this a lot.

"Is medicine hard?" she asked suddenly.

"Elizabeth right?"

"You can call me Liz."

"Liz, do you want to study Medicine?"

Eventually she nodded.

"I've never told anyone before" she said, "they would just laugh."

"Why?" he asked.

She laughed bitterly.

"A girl like me being a doctor? I would just be seen as going above my station or something like that."

"I doubt that" he said.

"Anyway, even if I work in here all the time I wont have enough money."

Another customer entered at this moment and Rix had enough sense to stop talking about the subject.

He had, for a long time, realised that it was easier to only care for himself. So why was he struggling so hard now?

#20: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 9:13 am
—
Oh, that sounds more hopeful.

#21: Author: claireM, Location: rotherham

Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:24 am
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So glad this has started.
Thanks Brie

#22: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 4:07 pm
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Well, if he does reform, that will be a vast improvement.

Assures Brie that I have never yet killed anyone by boiling them in a vat of hot coffee. I was just remembering the Accident that Matt had in 'Dr. Venables'.

#23: Author: Rob, Location: Currently in a rainstorm

Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 7:05 pm
—
That definately sounds more promising!!

Thanks Brie!

#24: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 7:36 pm
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Good grief, Rix with feelings?

Thanks Brie.

#25: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2007 11:16 am
—
Thanks for all the comments.

Ted looked curiosly over at the table where Rix was sitting. Liz had carried out his fish and chips, and had been standing talking to him for the last ten minutes.

"What are you staring at?" asked a familiar voice.

"Oh nothing Ruey."

"Yes you are! You are staring intently." Ruey turned to see what she was staring at.

"Ted!" she exclaimed. "You are staring at the jerk!"

"No i'm not" denied Ted. "I just want to know what they are discussing."

"You know" said Ruey conversationally. "He's not actually that bad. He's quite decent really. It just seems to be you he's so obnoxious with."

"Gee thanks Rue."

"You know what I mean. Afterall you do try your hardest to wind him up." Ruey pointed out.

"I do not." she objected.

"Yes you do! You both try to wind each other up by saying outrageous things."

Ted took out another tray of glasses to polish.

"David's taking me to meet his parents at the weekend." said Ruey, abruptly changing the subject.

"Oooh Madame and Sir Jem." teased Ted.

"Oh don't make me feel more nervous than I already do" said Ruey.

"You hardly need to be nervous. They'll love you."

"Do you think so?" asked Ruey anxiously.

"Why wouldn't they?"

"I hardly have a stable background, and His dads got a baronetcy. I'm hardly good enough for the son of a Sir."

"Ruhannah Richardson! Don't be ridiculous. This is the twentieth century. Im sure they are not snobs."

Ruey looked a bit calmer after that.

"Do you want me to subtly go past them and try and see what they are talking about?" asked Ruey, seeing her friend glance over in Rix's direction again.

"Don't be silly Ruey. You are about as subtle as a sledgehammer."

"Thanks Ted. I love you to."

"Idiot!" laughed Ted, "I'm just worried about her. She's only a kid, and if I know Rix he's saying something obscene and obnoxious to her."

"She's smiling. Anyways he's not that bad" said Ruey doubtfully.

"That's not the point. And you call him 'the jerk'! How does that make him possibly a good person? Who knows what awful things he's saying to her."

"Ted I think you're getting awfully worked up about nothing, and I only call him that out of habit- though it's hard to remember not to call him that to his face!"

"Yeah probably." said Ted, ignoring Ruey's joke as she continued to watch Rix carefully.

#26: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2007 11:19 am
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Ruey'll be fine - she's a CS Old Girl and a Maynard adoptee, so what more could Madge and Jem want Laughing

?

Ted seems very interested in Rix ... Wink

#27: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2007 12:56 pm
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Why is Ruey worrying? Madge and Jem will probably heave a sigh of relief that someone with right background is going out with David.

#28: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2007 2:37 pm
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Well, somewhere I remember reading something... I'm not sure what Ruey's reception will be! Thanks Brie.

#29: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2007 4:27 pm
—
Ted does seem rather too interested, doesn't she?

Thanks Brie.

#30: Author: Rob, Location: Currently in a rainstorm

Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2007 5:15 pm
—

Lesley wrote:

Ted does seem rather too interested, doesn't she

If they were in a playground she'd be pushing him over and he'd be pulling her pigtails!! Laughing

*Hopes Madge and Jem will be nice to Ruey*

#31: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2007 6:58 pm
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Thanks, Brie. I look forward to seeing what happens between Rix and Ted.

#32: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 9:46 am
—
Thanks for all the comments

"So" said Rix, "You are going to this gig with Ruey to show that you are not insanely jealous of her ex-boyfriend, even though you clearly are, and obviously want to throw something at him?

"Yes" replied David, "And I do not want to throw anything at him. Which is why you are coming."

"What?" he exclaimed, "I'm not going! I have better things to do with my evening than see some hippy perform."

"Anyway" he continued, a sudden thought occuring to him, "Why am I coming? To act as your punch bag, so you can take your anger out on me rather than the musician boy?"

"Yes, no" said David confusedly, "There will be no hittting."

"Fair enough" interrupted Rix, "He does have an unfair advantage."

"What?" exclaimed David looking irritated.

"Oh stop! I'm not saying he's stronger or better than you" said Rix, rolling his eyes, "But he does have a guitar, and that could be used as quite a violent weapon."

David looked at Rix annoyed. "Is this supposed to be helping?"

"That's what I'm trying to tell you" said Rix exasperated, "I wont be any use at this sort of thing."

"You are coming" stated David.

"Must I come and hold your hand?" asked Rix wearily.

"There will be no hand holding" said David, not in the mood for his cousins sarcasm. He sat down for a moment. "Why am I getting all jealous?" he asked.

"You have nothing to worry about" said Rix, "She obviously likes you a lot, any fool could see that."

"Thanks Rix" said David tiredly. "But I think she might have been put off."

"What? Why? You didn't -you know- was she not ready?" asked Rix.

"No!" shouted David disgusted, "Believe it or not that is not the basis of most peoples relationships."

"So you haven't done that yet then. So whats the awful problem. I know you haven't cheated... Have you?"

"No Rix I have not cheated."

"Just checking. No need to be so irritable."

"Why am I telling you this anyway?" asked David, "It's not like you care."

Rix groaned, "Stop making me feel guilty. I was trying to help."

David glared at him.

"Okay then I was going to try and help once I had teased you a bit." admitted Rix, "Let me guess, it was about the weekend?"

Davids silence told him it was.

"What happened?" probed Rix. "If you tell me I'll come tonight."

"Mum... well I don't know" said David slowly. "She just seemed to have no time to talk to Ruey. She actually seemd to be avoiding her- and making me avoid her too."

Rix looked at him doubtfully. Auntie Madge had given him and his siblings a home for years. He wouldn't listen to an ill word against her.

"David. You are being ridiculous." he said sharply.

"No i'm not! If you had been there you would have seen it."

"Yeah, the woman who brought up her sister, various wards and orphans, and her sister-in-law's children,as well as her brothers; she does sound like the petty sort of woman who would try and seperate you from the woman you love before even getting to know her." he said sarcastically.

"You don't understand."

"No? Well explain it to me then." said Rix still angry though he didn't know why.

"Mum was so anxious to have time for all of you. When did she ever have time for us? Was it a wonder Sybil became like that? She craved the attention. You love my mother, because she had time for you. When has she ever had time for me? This weekend all she seemed interested in doing was matchmaking me with Mary-lou, or some other chalet girl. Why couldn't she see that I was happy with Ruey and be happy with me?"

Rix stood silent for a moment.

"You saw your Mother every day. You didn't grow up thinking your parents deserted you. You didn't get ripped away from the only parents you had ever known when you were only fourteen. Don't you complain to me." he said coldly.

"I'm not complaining" said David heavily. "I'm lucky compared to lots of people I know. I'm just saying that she isn't as perfect as you always make her out to be."

"Do you think you are lucky compared to me?" asked Rix sharply. "I cant believe this! All these years I have endured people telling me how I need to be more like you, and now I find out that you, my oldest friend, thinks the same."

He couldn't think straight. He had to get away.

"I can't believe you." was all he said however. Before slamming the door as he left the room.

He had always felt inferior to the great David Russell, he had always been a disappointement in the eyes of his elders, and now he found out that David actually felt the same. David, thought he was a failure, worthless. He pitied him.

Rix left the flat, that they had shared for almost five years. He needed to get out and clear his head.

David had managed to hurt him in the place where he was most sensitive and vulnerable.

#33: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 9:55 am
—
Oh dear - what's Madge got against Ruey? And poor Rix - the Bettanys really didn't have an easy time of it growing up.

#34: Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia

Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 12:39 pm
—
Echoing the question about Madge. After all, she would have heard a lot about Ruey, she is a Chaletian, she is almost family. She would have met her previously as well ... I much prefer Ruey to Mary-Lou!

#35: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 12:42 pm
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I wonder why Madge has taken against Ruey? I also think she'd be a much better match than Mary Lou.

#36: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 2:36 pm
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Thanks, Brie. I hope David and Rix can sort things out.

#37: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 5:11 pm
—
I mean, just imagine having to wake up to OOAO's clarion tones every morning.

#38: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 5:28 pm
—
Perhaps Madge is worried that Ruey might inherit madness from her father?

Thanks Brie

#39: Author: Rob, Location: Currently in a rainstorm

Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 6:02 pm
—

Jennie wrote:

I mean, just imagine having to wake up to OOAO's clarion tones every morning.

Thanks Brie!

#40: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 10:56 am
—
Ted was working, but they had a live band in the bar tonight so she was really looking forward to it.

They were playing a Beatle's set, and then a few of their own songs.

"The Flying monkeys" as Skips band was now called were setting up in the corner. They had brought large amps, and Ted had resigned herslef to near deafness by the end of the night. The bar was busier than normal already, and Ted was busy serving drinks.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw Ruey and David arrive. Even from this distance she could see that David was quite white.

She had gotten to know David over the last month or two, and she liked him a lot, she hoped everything was alright.

"Think they have fought?" asked Johnny, who had seen where she had been looking, "There's your Pint sir" he said to one of the customers.

"No!" exclaimed Ted. "You don't think they have do you?" she asked more doubtfully.

"I'm just teasing you" said Johnny, as he simultaneously poured two Vodkas. "She looks alright."

It wasn't until Skip was halfway through 'strawberry fields' that she realised he wasn't there. She had gotten so used to his snide comments over the last months that it seeemd strange to not have him leaning casually against the bar, his hair flopping into his deep brown eyes.

Was she actually thinking about his dreamy eyes? She almost laughed. If only Rix knew, she would never live it down. Not that he would be able to get in to tease her, as his ego would no longer fit through the door.

As the band settled into 'Let it be' she noticed Liz looking disappointed.

"Whats wrong?" she asked as quietly as she could when she had to roar to be heard over the musuc.

Liz just shook her head slowly.

Ted took her by the shoulder, and propelled her into the quieter staff corridor.

"What is it?" she asked concerned.

"Nothing" muttered Liz, "I just expected to much. I'm just a waitress and I would do well to remember that. I really thought he was different"

Then before Ted could say anyhting, she went back into the bar, and she was soon lost in the surge of people.

Ted with her head spinning, could hardly concentrate on the music or pouring drinks. It was only after a man spat out a mouthful of pineapple juice and lager, across the counter that she started to pay attention again.

As ever thanks for all the comments. I don't think Madge's feelings will be dealt with in great depth here, but you never know!! They do come into the sequel though (why oh why, do I have to be complicated and write backwards?!? Laughing

)

#41: Author: Mona, Location: Hertfordshire

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 11:03 am
—
Thanks for the update brie!

#42: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 11:06 am
—
Rix might seem very conceited but evidently he genuinely does attract a lot of admirers ... Laughing

#43: Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 11:47 am
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I am a little worried about Liz ...

#44: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 12:24 pm
—
Thanks, Brie.

#45: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 12:27 pm
—
Thanks, brie Laughing

#46: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 3:10 pm
—
I'm really enjoying this, thanks Brie.

#47: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 5:48 pm
—
Was Liz waiting for Rix? And if so how will Ted feel about that?

Thanks Brie.

#48: Author: Rob, Location: Currently in a rainstorm

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 6:40 pm
—
Worried about David ... and Liz ... and Ted!

Thanks Brie

#49: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 5:08 pm
—
How could him and David be fighting like this? Had David really felt so alone as a child? He had been preened over hadn't he?

Rix cast his mind back to the dusty memories of his childhood. Where was the concrete evidence of David, Sybil and Josette being constantly with Auntie Madge.

All he remembered were wisps of not belonging, and soft caresses, and hugs to stop him feeling too lonely.

By being Mother to them all, had she really neglected her own children?

Now as he stood on the old Salmons bridge, the moonlight reflecting on the water below him, he started to wonder if David was right? Did he put Madge on a pedestal, as the perfect Mother? He had never been close to his own parents. He hadn't been able to. He hadn't known them for so long.

With his temper starting to cool, he was starting to realise that him and David could not continue to live in this continual state of jealousies,and pointless comparisions. Both of them had issues, they couldn't blame the other.

He left the bridge, walking mindlessly. he needed a drink.

He walked into the first little tavern he saw.

He went up to the bar and ordered a pint. There were a few people in eating and one other woman who was sitting at the bar.

"Can I get you a drink?" he offered, taking in her long red hair.

She turned to him, and he saw her green- blue eyes, and her pale skin.

"Thanks. I'll just have another glass of wine, please?"

The barman promptly brought over another glass.

They sat companionably for a while.

"I'm Rix Bettany."

"Lesley Johnson" she said smiling, sticking out her hand.

He took her hand gently, noting the softness of her skin, and her thin, delicate wrists.

"I'm just about to graduate this summer" he said, wanting to carry on the conversation, "I was studying medicine."

"Ah, that must make you smart then?"

"I don't know" he said smiling, "I think some of the professors can't wait to see me go."

"I'm in estates" she said smiling. "If you ever need a house just give me a call!" she dropped her card on the counter before getting up to go. "Thanks for the drink."

He sat for a while staring at the card.

He didn't chase woman, he had never needed to. But he really liked her, and he wanted to get to know her properly.

He didn't know how to do that though. He doubted she would be won over easily by his charms.

* * *

Macarthur, Macarthur and Johnson estate agents.

She had looked too young to be a partner.

He walked in. A bell jangled above his head as he pushed open the door.

A man with graying hair, smiled at him.

"How can I help you son?" he asked.

"I was looking for a Lesley Johnson?" he asked.

"Lesley's my newest girl. She's out doing a showing just now. She should be back in an hour or so. Is there anyhitng I can do to help?" he asked

"No. I don't think so" said Rix.

He went out, and sat on a bench opposite the shop. He would be able to see her coming back from there.

He had never felt like this for a girl before. He could sense that something special might happen, something meaningful.

Well he had felt like this once before, he admitted, but that hadn't worked out. Now he could finally put her behind him.

A man emerged from the shop and came out towards him.

"I'm Arnold Matthews" he introduced himself, "Simon told me you were looking for Lesley?"

"Yes. She's a friend of mine" he lied.

"How do you know her?" asked the man curiously, sitting down beside him, "Are you coming to the wedding?"

"The wedding?" echoed Rix.

"Yes" the man sounded surprised. "Didn't you know? We are getting married in August. She will be happy to see you if she hasn't seen you in a while. You must come to the wedding."

All will be revealed about Liz.... soon.. maybe Wink

#50: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 5:49 pm
—
Poor Rix - wonder about what happened before.

Thanks Brie.

#51: Author: Rob, Location: Currently in a rainstorm

Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 5:57 pm
—
Oh dear! Poor Rix!

Thanks Brie.

#52: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 6:38 pm
—
It must have been hard for all of them growing up - Madge (and Rosa Wink

) having all of them to look after, and Daisy and Primula and Robin too.

Poor Rix - it's sod's law that you meet someone nice and then they turn out to be attached already!

#53: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 6:44 pm
—
But will Rix take no for an answer?

#54: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 11:47 am
—
Thanks for all the comments Very Happy

"It was awful Ted!" exclaimed Ruey, the afternoon after Skip's gig.

"You look awful." commented Ted drily.

"If you hadn't been behind the bar last night you would have been no better" said Ruey, rubbing her forehead wearily."Anyway I was talking about the weekend."

"Surely it couldn't have been that bad?" said Ted comfortingly.

"Oh but it was Ted! She hated me, and right in front of my eyes she was trying to set David up with other people."

"She wasn't"

"But she was Ted. She kept pushing him and Mary-Lou together. How can I compete with Mary-lou?"

"Compete?" repeated Ted, "Who says it's a competition? Did David show the slightest bit of interest in her?"

"No" faltered Ruey, "But Madame is sure to approve of Mary-lou much more than she would of me."

"If thats what she thinks then she's useless, and she'll soon come around when she sees David has eyes for no one but you."

"Do you really think so?" asked Ruey. For the first time not looking quite so desolate.

"Of course I do. Now is that what was wrong with David last night?" she asked concerned.

"You noticed it too? No, he had a fight with Rix. I think he was as angry with himself as he was with Rix. They both said some unforgiveable things. He wouldn't tell me what though. He said he was too ashamed."

"Wow. That sounds serious. But you know David, he has a tendency to overthink things. I'm sure things will be fine when he sees Rix again."

"He doesn't know where he is. When David got up this morning, he had already left. That is if he actually came back last night..."

"Stop worrying Rue. He's a grown man he can look after himself." said Ted soothingly, but inwardly she was worried. Rix would normally have turned up at the bar by now. He usually came in for lunch during the week.

"Well I'm going now. I just thought I would stop by on my way back from the shop. Meg is under the impression that raw egg will help the hangover. I'm going nowhere near it I assure you!"

#55: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 12:28 pm
—
David really needs to have a word with Madge - it must have been very embarrassing for everyone, including Mary-Lou herself Rolling Eyes

.

Thanks Brie Very Happy

#56: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 12:29 pm
—
Thanks, Brie.

#57: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 1:09 pm
—
Thanks, Brie. I hope that Rix is ok.

#58: Author: Rob, Location: Currently in a rainstorm

Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 2:15 pm
—
poke

Madge.

I hope Rix and David can make up soon.

Thanks Brie

#59: Author: Sal, Location: Walsall / Aberystwyth

Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 5:54 pm
—
Thanks Brie I've just caught on your last few posts they've been brilliant. Smile

#60: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 6:27 pm
—
Silly Madge. Glad Ted was able to help Ruey.

Thanks Brie.

#61: Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia

Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 7:15 pm
—
I think I would prefer Ruey to OOAO any day! And I think that David has probably got much better sense than to allow himself to be partnered up like that.

#62: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 2:30 pm
—
She was getting married.

He had known her for five minutes, but somehow it felt so much longer. How could he let down his guard like this? Whenever he liked someone it invariably didn't work. It was so much easier to put on the act. To be the person with no feelings, with a sharp tongue, and relying solely on his looks.

It had worked perfectly for these last few years, so why was he struggling so hard now? The act was like a mask, and the mask was starting to crumble.

But if he was himself would he just be compared unfavourably to David again? At the moment there was no way of comparing.

No. He couldn't do this he couldn't be hurt again. He wouldn't let himself be.

With his mind determinedly made up, he left. There was someone he had to talk to.

* * *

"I can't do it." he found himself saying.

Briefly he saw her face crumple, and then he face tightened. She was almost as good at hiding her feelings as him.

"That's quite okay." she said calmly,with only the slightest quiver in her voice. "I should have listened to my instincts. I thought I would give you the benefit of the doubt where no one else has. But now I see why no one else has."

"I'm sorry" he said, the words crossed his lips before he could stop them.

"Don't be. It was a stupid idea anyway."

As she turned away he saw her briefly wipe a tear out of her eye.

He walked away, but the conversation that had been meant to free him was making him feel awful.

What right had he had to mess with her mind like that, to get her hopes up before a fall? And for her that was a terribly long fall.

S**t. He was doing just what Stephanie had done to him.

Never make a promise you can't keep. That had been his resolve after... Stephanie.

So he had stopped making promises at all. It was easier that way. If you didn't make any commitments you couldn't hurt someone the way he had been hurt.

And now, he had done just what he had been determined not to do. He had hurt her. He had hurt her badly.

This is the last update for a few days- I'm off to Arran tomorrow morning. You'll all have to wish me luck Wink

it's with my SLOC and his family!!!

As ever thanks for the comments, they do keep me motivated!

#63: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 2:34 pm
—
Thanks, brie.

Have a lovely time on Arran!

#64: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 3:01 pm
—
Have a nice holiday Very Happy

#65: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 3:19 pm
—
Have a good holiday!
I almost feel sorry for Rix now.
Thanks Brie.

#66: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 3:34 pm
—
Thanks, Brie. I am also feeling sorry for Rix.

#67: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 5:39 pm
—
Rix really needs to get his head together, doesn't he?

Thanks Brie.

#68: Author: Rob, Location: Currently in a rainstorm

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 6:20 pm
—
Thanks Brie.

Have a great trip!

#69: Author: Sal, Location: Walsall / Aberystwyth

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 4:48 pm
—
Thanks Brie, have a good trip.

#70: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 12:44 pm
—
Ted looked up from the tray of glasses she had been polishing, It was nearly five. Nearly time for her and Liz to finish.

Where was Liz though? She had been out back for an awfully long time just to put out the bin.

Johnny walked in, interrupting her thoughts.

"Hey Ted." he said, "Eventful afternon" he stated as he surveyed the empty room.

"Oh yeah" she laughed, "I'll leave you to deal with the crowds."

"See you later then" he said as she tossed him her glass cloth, "Have fun."

"Where are you going?" he asked, seeing her go out the back, "I didn't know you smoked." All the staff went out beside the bins to have a smoke.

"I don't. As if I would want to smell like you" she said, wrinkling up her nose. "I'm just going to find Liz and tell her she can go home."

"Don't you mean that she may go home?" asked Johnny remembering something Ted had said to him the other night.

"Oh bother you" grumbled Ted, but she was smiling.

She went outside.

She was a bit worried about Liz. Liz always worked hard, so Ted doubted she was just procastinating outside so she didn't have to work.

She heard a small sniffling noise, and turning around she saw Liz huddled up against the wall crying.

"Liz whats wrong?" she asked concerned.

She went to put her arm around her but Liz pulled away.

"Nothing" she blubbed, trying to hide her red eyes, "I'm fine. I just have a cold."

Ted said nothing, she just sat beside Liz patiently until she managed to check her sobs slightly.

"I should be getting back to work." Liz mumbled.

"It's five sweetie." said Ted gently, "Now whats wrong?" she asked. "You never know I might be able to help."

"No you can't. The one person who can won't." she whimpered.

Then she stuck out her chin resolutely. "It doesn't matter. I was just a fool. My hopes were to high. This is better really. I'll be staying... where I belong."

Ted looked at Liz helplessly. She didn't know what to do, or even what was wrong. But clearly someone had hurt Liz, and if she found out who it was, well they would have no legs left to walk on.

She watched Liz scrub her eyes, and practically run out of the building. Ted remained where she was, leaning against the wall thinking.

Eventually she looked up and she saw that new chef standing beside her.

"I saw Liz" he said awkwardly, "was she okay?"

"Yes" lied Ted, "She'll be fine."

"Okay" said the boy, still looking unsure. "Thats good, thanks." and then he disappeared back into the kitchen.

I'm back!! The holdiay was very good thanks- It didn't rain too much...
Laughing

#71: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 1:13 pm
—
I wonder what's wrong with Liz.

Good to see you back again, Brie.

#72: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 2:02 pm
—
Glad you had a good holiday.

Rather worried about Liz.

#73: Author: Rebecca, Location: Oxford

Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 2:46 pm
—
Thanks for the update. Glad to hear you enjoyed your holiday Smile

#74: Author: Rob, Location: Currently in a rainstorm

Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 5:35 pm
—
Liz seems really upset. I hope she will let Ted help her.

Thanks Brie!

#75: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 6:05 pm
—
The new chef seems promising. Hipe Liz tells Ted what the problem is.

Thaks Brie.

#76: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 2:32 pm
—
Rix went home warily that night. Both him and David had said things which they regretted. But he was hurt by Davd's words to him , and that made him reluctant to apologise.

It had been a long day. He felt awful, and memories of Stephanie kept nagging him. Now was not the right time to talk to David.

But he had to go home. He just wanted to go straight home and sleep. Either that or go for a drink, but then who knew what he would say? Anyway there were to many familiar faces at his usual drinking spot. He couldn't face any of them tonight.

When he got home he saw David pacing in their small living room. Something must be really wrong, normally it was almost impossible to walk in that room much less pace.

He should go in and talk to him. No, that was not what Rix did, he told himself firmly, and resolutely he walked past David his face impassive.

As he walked through the narrow hallway, he could feel David's eyes watching him as he walked away.

He went to bed but he couldn't sleep, he was feeling guilty, and the memories he had worked so hard to shut out were flooding back.

"You know where getting nice get's you." he told himself angrily. "All it brings is trouble." as he was talking angrily to himself he was already slipping into his dressing gown, and walking down the corridor to the living room.

David was sitting down now his face taut as he gripped a letter which Rix watched him read and re-read from the doorway.

He left, but he came back with two mugs of steamy bitter black coffee in his hands.

He deposited one beside David, and just stood there nursing his coffee until David spoke.

It didn't take long.

"Why are you here?" David asked sounding annoyed.

Because, despite all his own problems, and how awful he was feeling David was his friend and he obviously needed his help, that was what he wanted to say.

"I couldn't sleep" he said.

"Go away." said David turning away from him.

Rix was silent, part of him wanted to do as David said. It would make his life much easier he knew.

But instead he sat down on one of the chairs.

"I keep thinking about Stephanie." he said. "Now you tell me whats wrong with you."

"Stephanie" repeated David looking confused, "But that was years ago."

"I know it shocks you, but I am capable of feelings too." said Rix sharply, regretting having said anything. "You speak."

"But.." said David.

"Your turn" said Rix implacably.

"Read this" said David passing him a letter.

Dear David

I hope you enjoyed your weekend back home we certainly did, and I know lots of your old friends were glad to see you again. Mary-lou in particuliar was happy to see you after all this time. Would it be at all possible for you to come home again in a few weekends time? The 21st would be great. Only we have a rather full house then so it would be better if you came alone.

Don't worry there will be lots of young ladies there for you to talk to, and don't think I didn't see how you were looking at Mary-lou. I shall make sure that she is here for the weekend. I would be very happy if anythng happened. Both your Father and I would be overjoyed. Mary-lou is a lovely girl, thoroughly immersed in Chalet school tradition. She would make you a very good wife I know.

Lot of Love,

Mum

Rix re-read the letter twice.

"She does seem to have gotten the wrong end of the stick doesn't she." said Rix, unsure what to say.

"Oh I should have known you would side with her." said David angrily, "even in the face of evidence you wont believe that she doesn't want me and Ruey to be happy together."

"I don't know what to say." admitted Rix.

"I'm sorry" said David wearily as if he couldn't cope with this argument again, "Neither of us had normal childhoods, but we can't blame each other. It's neither of our faults that the climate of India is what it is, or that there was a war."

"It's not your fault that my parents weren't there for me, or that you had to share your Mother with all of us." added Rix.

"It's not your parents fault either." said David.

"No? Well who's fault is it then?" asked Rix

"I don't know" said David.

Rix rubbed his forehead. He was shattered.

"I can't talk about this just now." he said eventually. "David you can't let your Mother dictate how you live your life. She will come around eventually. Whats the use in worrying?"

"Why are you thinking about Stephanie?" asked David abruptly.

"Did you know that she broke up with me? It was never the other way around." with that he left the room, knowing he had left his cousin with a lot to think about.

Thanks for all the comments. Liz's problem will be revealed soon...

#77: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 2:45 pm
—
poke

*Pokes Madge* What a cheek, telling David that he has to leave Ruey behind when he visits again!
Thanks Brie.

#78: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 3:33 pm
—
Would be very interested in exactly why Ruey isn't good enough for David. As for that letter - best thing would be for David to write back that the 21st is not possible as he and Ruey are getting married.

Thanks Brie.

#79: Author: Rob, Location: Currently in a rainstorm

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 3:40 pm
—

Lesley wrote:

Would be very interested in exactly why Ruey isn't good enough for David. As for that letter - best thing would be for David to write back that the 21st is not possible as he and Ruey are getting married.

What a great idea Lesley! I was thinking that he could reply and say that the lack of space wouldn't be a problem as Ruey could share his bed! I bet Madge would soon find somewhere for her to sleep - probably at the other end of the house! Laughing

Thanks Brie!

#80: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 4:51 pm
—
David really needs to tell Madge that her behaviour's totally out of order!

#81: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 3:44 pm
—
I think I vaguely remember the drabble that you wrote that explains what happens with David and Ruey in the end but its been fantastic getting all the background stuff. Hope Liz is okay. I must admit I always thought Rix liked Ted underneath it all

#82: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 3:53 pm
—
Ted sat straight up in bed, as the buzzer rang through the flat.

For a moment, unsure where she was, she wondered what table that food was for. Then as she rubbed her eyes she realised that someone was trying to get in.

As she got out of bed she kicked off some of the books that sat on the end of her bed. She felt her bed creak at the loss of weight, and she hurriedly piled the books back on before the bed folded in on itself.

She flung on her dressing gown, before opening the door warily.

It was Ruey and she was crying.

"Come in" said Ted, realising that this was going to be a long night.

Once they were settled with big mugs of coffee, to warm up Ruey who was shivering, and to try and keep Ted awake.

"I hate her." said Ruey.

"You hate who?" asked Ted.

"Lady Russell."

"What?" asked Ted still half asleep. She glanced at the clock it was after three.

"She wants David to marry Mary-lou Trelawney. She hates me."

"No she doesn't." said Ted soothingly.

"Yes she does" said Ruey forcefully. "David came round about an hour ago. He sneaked in, he was devestated. He said his Mother had written to him telling him next time he came down he was to come down alone so he could spend more time alone with her, and that she thought Mary-lou would make him a lovely wife."

"But that's just one person Ruey, she'll come around when she realises that you both love each other."

"Thats not the worst part" said Ruey tearfully. "then David said.." she was silent for a moment, as though she was re-living it, "He said he didn't know what to do. He didn't think it was fair to me to be put in the middle like this, and that he didn't want to hurt his parents, or start arguments in the family. Ted I don't think we are going to last through this. He's going to leave isn't he?"

Ted didn't know what to say. What was David thinking? Everyone knew how in love the couple was, how could he be risking their relationship like this?

Were there wheels even within these wheels of which she knew nothing?

She just hugged Ruey until the sobs started to cease. Quietly she led Ruey over to her bed and tucked her in. Ruey exhausted soon fell asleep, her face pale under the dried tears. Ted curled up as comfortable as she could in her armchair and tried to sleep, but one thought kept nagging her.

If even Ruey and David, who were meant to be together, could not maintain a relationship, how was she supposed to even have one? She hadn't even found the man for her yet. What if she never did? Or even worse what if she met him and he didn't want to know a poor waitress? Or what if he had been Pete, the doctor she had almost married? Had she made a huge mistake?

Thanks for all the comments

#83: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 4:31 pm
—
David for goodness sake act like a man not a baby! Rolling Eyes

Poor Ruey. Crying or Very sad

Thanks Brie.

#84: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 4:51 pm
—
Poor Ruey; but surely David's made of stronger stuff than that.

#85: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 5:24 pm
—
David needs to stand up to Madge ... and who might Pete be?

#86: Author: Rob, Location: Currently in a rainstorm

Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 6:26 pm
—
Oh Madge! You utter SNOB! hammer

Thekla would be proud of you!

Poor Ruey.

#87: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 6:31 pm
—
Madge needs to butt out and try to stop organising David's life for him. What if Dick had tried to stop her marrying Jem? She would have been outraged. And if someone thinks that OOAO would make a lovely daughter-in-law, she must be crazy. And what's wrong with Ruey? Can there be any higher calling than to be a Maynard ward?

#88: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 8:53 am
—
He was fuming. What had David been thinking? Going around to Ruey's last night and telling her he didn't know what to do.

It was so obvious. Even he could see that they were meant to be together. How could David let something like this ruin it all for him? He had a chance to be happy and he was going to ruin it all.

As much as he wanted not to care, he just couldn't this time. He couldn't let David ruin his life like this.

He couldn't let David hurt the woman he loved like this.

Of all the stupid things he could have done, and it wasn't as if Rix didn't have enough problems of his own, without interfering with David's.

But... and it was a big but, he had to do somethng.

He had no idea what though. He supposed he would have to ask her. They would have to put their differences aside for the moment. The only thing was it would mean having to go back there, and he had avoided the place since that afternoon.

This was going to kill his pride, he thought wryly as he swung open the door.

He walked up to the bar.

"Rix I haven't seen you around here for a while" said Ted looking surprised. She looked tired he noticed.

Just say it, he said to himself angrily, and quickly before you have to see anyone else.

At that moment Liz came through from the Kitchen, she stopped for a moment, and then she passed by her head held high.

Rix watched her go, unable to stop the regret he felt.

One problem at a time though.

"Ted I need your help." he said.

But she hadn't heard him, she was watching Liz.

She turned to him coldly.

"If I find out you did anything to her." she threatened, "You are going to wish you were never born. In fact hell will seem pleasant in comparision to what I would do to you."

He looked at her uncomprehendingly. Then he realised what she was suggesting. He looked at her horrified, and shocked that she would even think something like that.

"Ted!" he exclaimed angrily, "She's just a kid. What are you trying to suggest? She's not even sixteen yet?"

She seemed to hear something in his voice, and she apologised. "I'm sorry Rix. You are obnoxious but you are not a criminal. I just had a long night."

"Tell me about it." he said, even though he was horrified that she could even think like that about him.

"David?" she asked cautiously.

He nodded. "Ruey?" he asked her.

She nodded.

"I could kill David at the moment." she said. "Thats probably why I pounced on you like that. You were the closest thing to him."

"But not quite good enough right?" he asked bitterly. "How many times have I heard that?"

"What?" asked Ted.

"Nothing" he replied promptly. "I should be going." he said. This had been a stupid idea.

#89: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 8:56 am
—
*ruthlessly crushing all slight sympathetic feelings towards Rix*

Thanks Brie.

#90: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 9:07 am
—
I hope this goes OK - sometimes the intervention of well-meaning friends or relations does more harm than good. Glad Rix is trying to help, though.

#91: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 12:53 pm
—
So Rix and David both have baggage. That's interesting. Even more interesting would be to seet hem sort themselves out.

#92: Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 1:09 pm
—
I hope Rix sits down and talks to Ted ...

#93: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 1:41 pm
—
I know Rix is being obnoxious but I'm hoping he and Ted get it together and David you need to pull yourself together though in saying that it is a lot nicer when two people you love as much as David loves Ruey and his Mother get along rather than not. it's a lousy position to be in and will affect everyone in the family not just David and Madge

#94: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 3:58 pm
—
Thanks for the updates, brie.

#95: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 5:30 pm
—
Actually, of course, we should already know the outcome of Rix/Ted - that is if we've read Brie's other stuff! As to this - glad Rix doesn't appear to be involved with Liz - wish he would tell Ted.

Thanks Brie. Laughing

#96: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:07 pm
—
Ted wasn't sure what to think.

Part of her knew that something had happened between Rix and Liz but until she knew what it was she hardly dared to say something after her outburst earlier.

Then there was the whole Ruey and David thing, she needed to get them back together.

But that meant she would probably need the Jerk's help, she didn't know David well enough herself.

After what she had just said, he probably wouldn't be willing to help.

If only she knew what to do, and it wasn't as if she didn't have enough problems of her own. Especially not after the letters she had received this morning.

First there had been the one from the head trustee of her inheritance telling her that she was nearly of age to collect her money. However, they had to sadly inform her that, there was little left as her Mother had charged twice as much as her school fees actually were, and so had managed to dwindle a large amount of the money. The trustees had only gotten wise when she tried to take out the same amount of money this year, when Ted had already left school.

Her mother was practically stealing from her. There had never been any love lost between the two, but Ted had never expected this much from her own Mother.

Then her second letter had been from her Aunt Mae, who had also heard from the trustees and had now found out that Ted was living on her own working as a waitress. She implored her to come and stay with her and her children, and that they would look after her. Once she was of age there should still be enough for her to attend University if she wanted to.

Her last letter had been from Con Maynard, who had stayed in Switzerland for an extra month after the wedding. She was back in London now but she just wanted to warn Ted that her Auntie Madge had been in contact with her Mamma, to try and break up this "unsuitable relationship between Ruey and David". They had fought because Mamma was delighted at it, but Auntie Madge wasn't for some reason.

It was all too much for her to deal with at the moment so she just concentrated on doing her job and not thinking about any of it.

So when Liz came out of the kitchen blushing she managed not to ask anything. She didn't need any more problems than the ones she had already.

Not saying anything to Liz lasted about two minutes, when curiousity won over.

"You have cheered up." she said carefully.

"I was never unhappy" replied Liz just as carefully.

She decided to just say it and hope she was right. Otherwise she was going to look really idiotic.

"What happened between you and Rix Bettany?" she asked outright.

"It's none of your business." snapped Liz.

Ted looked hurt. "You're right." she said though, "I'm being nosey. But i'm honestly just being nosey to try and help you."

"I don't need any help." said Liz.

"Okay" said Ted.

"I'm sorry" said Liz," You are just trying to be nice. I'm just not used to people caring. Where I come from everyone keeps to themself. It's easier that way."

Ted remained silent.

"That's why I was so upset before. I put trust in someone, and let them help me and they just let me down. That's why you need to stand on your own two feet as much as possible.I should have known that by now."

Ted looked at her unsure what to say.

She had so much to be thankful for she realised. Her aunt and her friends, and the fact that she knew she could trust them and that they would help her if she needed them.

Just a small update today.

#97: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:12 pm
—
That's lovely of Miss Carthew (I can't remember her married name, if we were ever told what it was!), but it sounds like the trustees were useless Sad

. Glad that Joey is on Ruey and David's side.

Sounds like Liz has had a difficult time of it, though Crying or Very sad

#98: Author: Rob, Location: Currently in a rainstorm

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:36 pm
—
Still slightly worried about Liz, though glad she seems to have cheered up.

Not sure whether having Joey on side will be beneficial to David and Ruey *g*

Thanks Brie

#99: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:43 pm
—
Those trustees should be shot - and Ted's mother needs to be charged with theft.

Thanks brie.

#100: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 7:04 am
—
Ted's mother is a nasty piece of work. Mad

#101: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 9:34 am
—
What a horrible thing for Ted's mother to do, although given the description we get of her in the books, I'm not surprised.

#102: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 10:30 am
—
Rix looked at his cousin unsure. He wasn't sure this was such a good idea.

"Shouldn't you see her alone?" he asked tentatively.

"I can't" said David irritated, "She doesn't want to see me, and can you blame her? What was I thinking? This was the only way I could get her to agree to see me."

"Okay. I'll come" relented Rix, thinking that this was going to be one of the most awkward evenings of his lfe.

That evening they made their way to a pub that Rix had never been to before.

"Ruey chose it" explained David.

Inside they found Ruey and Ted sitting in a booth.

They sat down opposite the girls.

"Ruey I'm so sorry for that night." David said immediately. "I was stressed and it had been a long day, and I had found out some other things which I didn't know before." here David looked meaningfully at Rix. Surely he wasn't getting the blame of this?

Rix leaned over to Ted. "Fancy getting a drink?" he asked beckoning towards the bar. Immediately she nodded, and they slid out of their seats before either of the other two could protest.

"Think they will get back together?" he asked conversationally.

"I hope so" she said coolly, "don't you?"

"You have such a low opinion of me" he said annoyed. "When they were together that was the happiest I have ever seen him. Of course I do."

She looked slightly ashamed of herself.

What was wrong with her? He couldn't do anything right in her eyes.

"Oh no" he said as they approached the bar. It couldn't be...

"What?" she asked.

"Nothing. Let's go outside for a walk why don't we? That way we wont be in their way at all."

"Okay.." said Ted. Then she stopped.

"Skip!" she called out joyously.

The man beside Her turned around, and so did She. Stephanie.

"Ted" said Skip laughing. "What about Ruhannah? I must introduce her to Stephanie and let her know that I have learnt to love again."

Skip turned and kissed Stephanie on the cheek.

This was rapidly turning into a nightmare.

"Oh she's over there with David" said Ted smiling.

No, no, no, thought Rix desperately.

"Perhaps we should leave them alone for now though?" he said smiling falsely.

"No it can't be!" exclaimed Stephanie, "Rixie! what have you been doing with yourself?"

Her eyes glinted like steel. "Is this your new girlfriend?" she asked

"No." said Rix hastily. He knew the trouble that Stephanie brought and he didn't need that to extend to Ted too.

"And what about young David?" she asked caressing his arm gently.

She turned to Ted smiling. "A pair of fools those two turned into over me. They couldn't get enough could they?"

Rix found himself breathing heavily.

"Fought over me practically didn't you?" she said her lips so close to his, and her arms up his shirt. He froze.

"Shame you never won though" she whispered, pulling away and wrapping herself around Skip again.

He could feel himself shaking slightly.

"You will take me to David won't you?" she asked pouting.

"I'm afraid I can't" said Rix sounding stronger than he felt.

"Tut tut tut. And I did think you would be over me by now Rix. Jealousy is a green eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on." she quoted quietly.

"You can't see him" said Ted firmly, "Not tonight. I'm sure another time he would be... pleased... to see you."

"You have no idea what you are getting into here little girl. My advice would be not to mess with me. And I'm sure your boyfriend there would agree with me."

Skip laughed "Isn't she wonderful?"

He remembered when he had thought that. How naive he had been.

"Amn't I Rix?" she asked.

Looking at the floor he replied heavily, "Yes."

#103: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 10:32 am
—
Oh dear, this is all getting very tangled!

#104: Author: ibarhis, Location: Dunstable

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 10:54 am
—
Rixie! Oh dear....

#105: Author: ibarhis, Location: Dunstable

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 10:54 am
—
Rixie! Oh dear....

#106: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 2:35 pm
—
Poor Rix. Am glad ted supported him with that

#107: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 4:04 pm
—
That was a tense exchange. Thanks, brie.

#108: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 4:32 pm
—
Stephanie looks like Trouble. Thanks Brie.

#109: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 7:55 pm
—
Feel rather sorry for Skip there.

Thanks Brie.

#110: Author: Rob, Location: Currently in a rainstorm

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 9:56 pm
—
Make Skip see through Stephanie please!!!

Thanks Brie!

#111: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 1:44 pm
—
What on Earth was going on?

It was as if this ...woman owned Rix. Who was she anyway? How dare she have rejected Rix, and played with him as she clearly had.

For once she had to agree with Rix. This woman was not going to get her claws into that talk between David and Ruey.

Did this woman really think that she was scared of her?

"We obviously got off to the worng foot." she said extending her hand gracefully.

Stephanie looked at it disdainfully, before raising her own hand hesitantly.

"I am Theodora Grantley." she said smiling sickly sweet, "and clearly you know Richard here. He's a dear isn't he?"

Oh dear was she really going to have to do this? If it kept that woman away from her friends then she supposed she would have to.

"We've been together for over a year now." she leant forward conspiritorially, "I'm just waiting for him to propose really" she said in a stage whisper.

Struggling to keep a straight face, she snuggled up to Rix, who was looking slightly bewildered.

"Play along idiot" she whispered into his ear, before kissing his cheek gently.

Hesitantly he pulled her close to him wrapping his arms around her.

"It'll keep her away from them." she whispered.

"Sorry." he said, and then leaning forward, he brushed his lips against hers.

She kissed him back lightly, just for a moment forgetting this was pretend.

Stephanie giggled high-pitchedly interrupting the moment.

"Oh my dear girl" she screeched, "You are wasting your time. Rix will always be in love with only one woman. You have no idea how many times I have tried to disillusion him, but he will always want me. Theo darling, you don't want to play seconds do you?"

Ted grinned to herself, getting into the part. He was never going to forgive her for this.

"Rix" she said sounding distraught, "How could you do this to me dearest? How could you have let me think...."

Rix coughed, "Theodora I don't know what I was thinking. But I promise it's always been you."

Ted stretched back her hand.

She saw Rix looking horrified as he realised what she was going to do.

"Don't do it." he warned in his usual tones.

Her hand went forward and she landed a painful slap on his cheek.

Then she proceeeded to storm out of the pub, trying her hardest not to burst out laughing.

In the distance she heard "Oh Rixie, it's all for the best I promise. You really were being awfully unfair to the girl."

Thanks for all the comments. I'm away on Monday so there wont be many more posts of this for a few days. Tis my birthday today- how unlucky!

#112: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 1:59 pm
—
Well played Ted, and happy birthday Brie cake_candle

. Is it the big 18th?

#113: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 3:26 pm
—
cake_candle

Happy Birthday Brie - shall I add you to the list in spot supper?

Ted was brilliant there - I bet she enjoyed slapping Rixie.

#114: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 4:07 pm
—
Happy Birthday Brie!

Well done Ted - thogh a ity she couldn't have smacked Stephanie instead!

Thanks.

#115: Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 5:47 pm
—
This is brilliant- thanks Brie! Ted isn't going to end up LIKING Rixie is she???? Shocked

Thank yooou! Very Happy

#116: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 8:10 pm
—
Thanks, Brie. How can anyone love Stephanie more than she loves herself?

#117: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 9:15 am
—
Yes please Fatima, and its seventeen actually (so start watching the roads!!)

He was quite possibly going to have to kill her! She would make some excuse he knew, about it being the only way to leave David and Ruey alone, but he had seen her face. She had enjoyed, intensely enjoyed in fact, landing him that slap.

But, had she enjoyed the bit before? That kiss. It had been, wonderful, and it had only been a brushing of the lips.

But now he was just being stupid. He allowed a flicker of a smile to cross his lips as he thought of the shock people would get if they ever ended up together. But then, to be honest, it would shock him too.

In front of him Stephanie as giggling.

"Oh poor Rixie. But darling you should be glad, you couldn't have led her on like that. One day you will thank me." she smiled at him, slowly she moved her hand across his face. He stood still unable to stop her. Remembering the urges, remembering the bewitching ways she had about her.

Just as he felt himself falling under her spell again, as her scent washed over him, and he remembered the times they had spent together, she pulled away.

He stood there almost gasping, as the memories, and the hurt and the cruelty came back.

She wrapped her arms around Skip.

"Coming sailor?" she asked him. She winked at Rix, "We are going to be very busy tonight... you know what I mean..."

Skip looked at her in awe.

They walked away, her hands drifting slowly downwards.

Rix stood still for a couple of moments before letting out a huge sigh.

"What's the strongest drink you have got?" he asked at the bar desperately.

Sitting with Scotland's finest Whisky in front of him, he started drinking shots.

He could see the barman staring to get oncerned but he didn't care.

"That's enough" he heard being said firmly.

His head spinning, he tried to look up. Squinting he saw Ted.

"Tedsh" he said, "Have a drinksh."

"I don't think so" he thought she said through that awful ringing noise, "Come on.. lets take you home."

"Where's home?" he asked.

"Redford street" she said looking annoyed.

"No" he heard himself saying, "Home ish where the heart ish."

"and where is your heart?" she asked this time more gentle, sitting down beside him.

"I dont know." he said pathetically, "My clo...closhest friend is that bottle there." he pointed forlornly in the general direction.

"Come on. you are far to drunk."

"No. No" he was gripping her arm, "I'm not drunked enough."

"I wouldn't be to sure of that."

The next thing he knew she was grabbing one of his arms, and a man he had never seen before his other, and he was dragged into a taxi standing outside. "16 Redford Street please" he heard her say prettily.

#118: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 9:49 am
—
Poor Rix - glad Ted is there to help.

Thanks brie

#119: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 2:33 pm
—
At least she went back for him and didn't just leave him to pass out in the street. Thanks Brie.

#120: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 10:28 am
—
Once they were through the front door, Ted had to drop Rix, he was a dead weight against her, and he seemed incapable of even putting one foot in front of another.

He half walked and half crawled into what appeared to ba a sitting room.

She had never been in here before and she looked about with curiousity.

It was dark, with two armchairs taking up much of the room. Against one wall there were heavy bookcases full of Medical books and fiction. She grinned as she saw the bottom shelf which was filled with comics.

There were papers piled up against the bookcase, and more were piled precariously on either side of the small fire.

A doorway led through to the kitchen.

Groping along the wall she found a light switch which turned on a big lamp in the far corner.

Rix was sitting on the floor leaning against one of the armchairs, clutching his head.

He muttered something.

Ted leaned in to hear what it was.

Her eyes widened in horor as she saw his lips start to part.

Looking a lot paler, but more in his right senses, Rix looked at her mildly.

"That's payback for that slap." he said.

She looked down at herself the dress she was wearing was covered in Rix's dinner, and the disgusting smell of sick penetrated around the room.

"Ugh" she said.

He walked, slightly more steady now, into the kitchen. She heard him wretching again and then the sound of water running.

Five minutes later he came back with an assortment of sweaters and shirts, and a few big towels.

"Here go into the kitchen" he said, "Take as long as you want." She took the bundle off of him annoyedly.

He hadn't even apologised.

Once in the kitchen she firmly closed the door, and saw the sink full of steaming hot water waitng for her. She stripped, washing her hands and hair in the water, before leaving her dress in the sink to soak. She looked dismayedly at the sleection of clothes Rix had left out for her. She went for the largest sweatshirt she could find. She had lost some of her underwear in the eruption of Rix and she had no intention of giving him anything to stare at.

When she came back he was curled up in an armchair. He looked white, and his eyes were bloodshot.

He put his finger to his lips, and beckoned her over to him.

Annoyed, she rolled her eyes, but on hearing noise outside she came over to him silently. The two stared through a crack in the living room door as they saw not only David but also Ruey come in, they both looked a lot happier, and could hardly keep their hands off of each other. Ted raised her eyebrows slightly at this. Once the two had gone through to what she presumed was David's room. She turned to Rix shocked.

He swung the door closed quietly.

"Well, I suppose it was worth it for us then, huh?" he said.

She looked at him annoyed. "What? Do you realise what the are doing?"

He looked at her amused. "Of course I do." she still looked at him worried. "Oh don't worry! David's a doctor. He's not going to let her get into any trouble. There are ways of having safe sex you know!"

She looked at him silently, unsure what to say. It wasn't unheard of to her of course. But somehow she had never thought of it in a personal context.

This is the last post before I go away I'll be back towards the end of the week. Thanks for all the comments

#121: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 11:00 am
—
Well at least David and Ruey seem settled. Laughing

As for Rix and Ted - not the best way to start but it could be worse. On one of the first dates with a new girlfriend my brother not only got so drunk he was sick, he told his girlfriend's mother to f*** off. - They've been married for nearly 14 years now! Laughing

Thanks brie.

#122: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 11:11 am
—
I'm glad Ruey and David have got back together. I'm not sure about Rix and Ted, though - I can see it being a somewhat tempestuous relationship.

#123: Author: Rob, Location: Currently in a rainstorm

Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 7:40 pm
—
Glad David and Ruey seem to be back on track! Laughing

Hope Ted won't be too cross with Rix

I'm quite worried about Skip Shocked

#124: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2007 1:07 am
—
Have just caught up on the last 3 posts. Laughing

Brie they were fabulous and have loved the exchange between Ted and Rix especially the kiss and the slap.
Poor Ted. Can well imagine her not wanting to think about her friend doing the deed as such
By the way. Happy belated 17th birthday, Brie

#125: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 8:51 am
—
I'm back, shattered, but I'm back. Please keep the comments coming- they keep me motivated. Heres some more story:

He looked at her bemused. He did tend to forget she was a Chalet girl, she didn't seem like a member of that placid, plain, prim species. But then he supposed not all Chalet girls were like that. He remembered his encounter with Verity Carey- she had certainly managed to help him forget his woes that night! And Viola Lucy had a tongue sharper than a blade, and looks that left most models in the shade...

But Ted, she was different. He sensed a vulnerability about her, that he had never noticed before.

Why he didn't know. She was one of the most beautiful woman he had ever met, and even now she looked wonderful, with her long bare legs, and her wet hair spread out across her shoulders.

He had had plenty of girls wearing his shirts before, but with most of them all he had been thinking of was how long did he have to stay and make polite conversation with them in the morning before he never had to see them again. But then this situation was completely different... It was not as if him and Ted would ever...

"What?" her voice cut across his thoughts.

"Just trying to keep my head from spinning to much." he said lightly.

She looked at him closely.

"Here take this" he sauid roughly, passing her a throw to wrap herself in, he mustn't keep looking at her like this. They were friends- neither of them wanted anything else.

She sat down in the other armchair.

"Don't worry" he said. "You can sleep here tonight. I wont make you walk across the city dressed like that."

She looked at him suspiciously. "I promise I wont try and get you into bed." he said dryly.

"So" she said "Are you going to tell me why you got so drunk then?" she asked.

"Im a guy. All men drink." he said lamely.

She merely continued to look at him.

"Well you're not stupid" he said at last, "You know well enough that it was Stephanie."

"I'm sorry for the slap " she said apolegetically, then after a slight pause, "Actually I'm not."

"Thanks" he said, trying to forget that moment, and that kiss.

"Well you didn't even say sorry for throwing up all over me" she pointed out, "Why should I be sorry for a mere slap?"

"I'm sorry" he said, avoiding the temptation to roll his eyes. "And I did try to tell you, and all you did was lean in closer.

She raised her eyebrows, "Well at least I had a reason to slap you."

"Yes" he said sarcastically, "Because there was no less painful way you could have played that part!"

"Yes, well it all worked out for the best- as you saw earlier! Now tell me about her." said Ted, becoming serious all of a sudden.

"There isn't much to tell" he said.

"She was a b**ch." said Ted conversationally, "If that helps get the ball rolling."

"Yes" he said irritably, "But thats because you are a woman. To a man she is not a threat, and she already has her claws deep in you before you realise that."

"How deep?" she asked quietly.

"I was with her over three years ago." it sounded so stupid now, but there was no sanity involved with the heart. "I never spoke to David for a year afterwards"

"But you live together"

"Tell me about it." he said abruptly.

"She had me firmly in her clutches, when she realised David liked her too. David being David would probably never have done anything, but that woman can twist anything."

Ted watched him silently.

"I came home one night, and her and David were in bed together. It wasn't his fault, but of course I never thought like that at the time. I threw him out of the house. I found out later that she had told him that I had dumped her. I never told him otherwise." Until a few weeks ago he added silently.

"I'm so sorry" she said, and he knew that she didn't know what else to say.

"I told her that I loved her the night before." he had never told anyone that before, but then the person who knew most was David, and he knew none of it.

"That must have been devestating." she sounded guilty.

"Did you know that I was engaged once?"

He looked up startled.

"What?" he asked, as he moved he clutched his head, the hangover was starting to kick in.

"Yes. I was nineteen, at school, and it was doctor at the San. He was in his late thirties."

Rix raised his eyebrows. That was certainly an age gap.

"He asked me to marry him, and I said Yes. I was so naive then. I was used to seeing Len over the moon, and I just presumed that would be me. But it wasn't. You see the problem wasn't in the age gap, although that was awful now that I think about it. I never loved him. I didn't even like him much."

"Then why did you agree to marry him?" Rix asked, starting to see why she had looked guilty earlier.

"Everyone thought it was a marvellous idea. My friends - Len was as naive as I was then, and I expect she thought I would be happy like her; My family, Mother couldn't have been happier. I would be respectable, and I would be out of hair, without costing her any money; Even the mistresses thought it seemed like a good idea."

"Aren't you exaggerating. Your Mother" now this was a hard subject for him, "She probably just thought it was for the best."

"She disowned me." said Ted bitterly, and he could see she was upset, "and I got a letter the other day saying she was stealing from me, and there wont be much money left for me to inherit."

There was really no reply to that.

"I'm sorry I didn't love him." she said pitifully, then there was a pause. "Rix do you think he hates me?"

He couldn't answer that could he?

"Maybe" he said truthfully. "He probably doesn't like himself much ether though. After all he almost had you, and who wouldn't want you?"

Ted looked at him strangely then, and he also had to wonder why he had said it.

"You look tired" he said.

"I'll sleep in here. You can sleep in my room." she looked like she was about to protest but he spoke first. "You probably don't want anyone to walk in on you first thing in the morning, at least David is used to me."

#126: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 11:01 am
—
Stephanie is a real trouble maker. It's nice to see Ted and Rix getting on better together.

Thanks Brie.

#127: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 5:37 pm
—
Glad Rix told Ted (and us) about Stephanie - what a b*tch!

Thanks brie - welcome back.

#128: Author: Rob, Location: Currently in a rainstorm

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 10:19 pm
—
Thanks Brie

poke

Stephanie

#129: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 9:24 am
—
Thanks Brie. I loved that conversation between Rix and Ted. It was so touchingly honest, raw and real. Hope your feeling less shattered. Thanks

#130: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 10:08 am
—
Ted snuggled up under the covers. It had been a long night and she was very tired. The bed was very comfortable- well once she had gotten over the initial scare of finding some of his underwear in the bed.

The only problem was that it smelt so... Rix-like. Not that Rix smelt bad of course. He actually smelt very nice, but it was disconcerting somehow.

Eventually she fell asleep.

She was woken by a knock on the door.

"Rix" was that David she wondered through a fog of sleepiness, "I need to talk to you. Ruey's run off. I thought she wanted to. This is all my fault." he said angrily.

Groggily she sat up. She felt like she could only have been asleep about twenty minutes.

"David?" she asked sitting up

He opened the door looking confused. "Ted?" he asked.

His eyes widened, "You and Rix?"

"Don't be so bloody ridiculous" she said irritably.

Then her face softened, "David what happened?"

He looked at her shocked.

"Not all the details idiot. Just the basic outline."

"Well we came in. I thought she wanted to. She was a bit tipsy, but not drunk. I wasn't taking advantage of her."

"I know David" said Ted soothingly, "She's probably angry at herself, not you."

"Because I made her do something she didn't want to do." he sounded distraught. "I was happy to wait. I would have waited forever. She was so much more important to me than anything like that. I should have waited. I should have."

"No she's probably mad at herself for not being able to stay angry at you, and for forgiving you so easily." said Ted.

"Will she talk to me?" he asked desperately.

"I'm sure she will." said Ted, more positively than she felt. Oh why had this become such a mess?

Just then Rix entered. "I thought I heard noises."

He looked awful, well as awful as someone who looked like Rix could manage to look, Ted conceded.

Suddenly she was aware that all she was wearing was the thin shirt she had changed into to sleep in. Hurriedly she pulled up the blankets to cover her.

"Sleep alright?" he asked her.

Mutely she nodded.

He turned to David, "I gather you two didn't get much sleep" he said cheekily.

Ted winced, and David remained silent.

"Oh crap" said Rix, "What happened?"

"She left without telling me why. I think she hates me."

Ted wondered why he had confided in Rix, no one in their right mind would talk to him about anything real. A tiny voice in the back of her mind reminded her that she had poured out her soul to him last night. But that had been different, she told herself.

Thanks for all the comments

#131: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 1:52 pm
—
Thanks Brie. This is all very intriguing. I am really enjoying this drabble and the relationships these guys have

#132: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 2:47 pm
—
Is it just me or is David a bit of a wimp here? Rolling Eyes

Thanks brie.

#133: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 12:17 am
—
It's a long way from the Chalet School!

Hope you had a nice holiday, Brie.

#134: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 9:40 am
—
Damnit! Why had he had to put his foot in it? And in front of Ted too. Not that it really mattered what she thought about him, he reflected. No doubt her opinion of him was already long formed. He struggled to remind himsef that he wanted her to know him as the arrogant, conceited Rix.

He wasn't sure how to carry on this conversation. If only Ted wasn't being so damn distracting!

This was ridiculous. What was he thinking? They were friends, well friends that loved- no, liked- to hate each other.

He needed to stop thinking like this.

"David" he said abruptly, "Lets talk outside. We'll let Ted get dressed."

It wasn't until they were out of the room that he realised she wouldn't have anything to change into.

As he steered his friend into the sitting room, out of the corner of his eye he saw her stealing out of her room. She looked shy and vulnerable, as she clutched his shirt to her. He was distinctly aware that she was wearing nothing under that shirt, and he turned his attention to his friend. She deserved her privacy.

"What are you going to do?" he asked sensibly.

David looked at him, and to Rix unpoetical as he was, it looked as if the light had gone out in his eyes, and a part of him had died.

"I'll tell her I love her and that I will always love her, but that I wont ever pressure her into doing something she doesn't want. I just want her to be happy, and if the only way she can be happy is to not be with me then I will learn to live with that."

The words came out automatically, as if David had already admitted defeat.

"David" he began, but he didn't know what to say so he trailed off.

"I can't have her hate me Rix. I just can't" said David angrily.

"Where are you going?" shouted Rix as David left the room.

"To see Ruey" David shouted back.

Thanks for all the comments, they help to keep me motivated!!

#135: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 9:48 am
—
Yes, he's a wimp! But at least he's decided to actually do something! Laughing

Thanks brie.

#136: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 12:18 pm
—
I feel a bit sorry for David - it must've been awful for him waking up and finding that she'd just gone.

#137: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 12:19 pm
—
Glad to see David is going to talk to her. Your right Lesley he has been a wimp. You can't say that so much about Rix obnoxious though he is.
Thanks Brie

#138: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 3:32 pm
—
I think that David is genuinely stuck in a situation that he doesn't know how to deal with, and he can't see things clearly, apart from the fact that he loves Ruey.

What he needs to do is to get away from his family, and that means Rix as well, and think things through.

#139: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 4:24 am
—
I feel so sorry for Ruey. She knows how Madge doesn't like her and doesn't think she has a chance with David, but still loves him anyhow.

#140: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 10:22 am
—
Ted, now dressed in her slightly damp clothes, practically ran out of the house. David and Ruey's relationships had more ups and downs than... well she didn't even know what!

She ran through the streets, for Taxi's were hardly a luxury she could afford.

She arrived at her apartment panting and breathless, she had just needed to get away from there. Also of course there was the fact that if she didn't hurry up and get changed she was going to be late for work.

Twenty minutes later saw her alighting from the bus. She walked in, somehow against all odds, five minutes early. She saw Becca one of the cleaners finishing dusting the bar. She went through to the Kitchen, following the rough, loud noises which were the chef's best attempts at singing. Not that this was unusual, the chef's, who worked very long hours, were rather prone to breaking into song at any moment.

It wasn't until she was at the kitchen door, that she could really hear the words.

Oh Lizzie I couldn't have tried any more
You lured me into this kitchen just to save you from being alone
You stole my heart and that's what really hurt
The morning sun when it's in your face really shows your age
But that don't worry me none in my eyes you're everything
I laughed at all of your jokes my love you didn't need to coax
Oh, Lizzie I couldn't have tried any more
You lured me into this kitchen, just to save you from being alone
You stole my soul and that's a pain I can do without
All I needed was a friend to lend a guiding hand
But you turned into a cute waitress and mother what a waitress, you wore me out
All you did was wreck my meals and in the morning hit me with a frying pan
Oh Lizzie I couldn't have tried anymore
You lured me into the kitchen 'cause you didn't want to be alone
You stole my heart I couldn't leave you if I tried
I suppose I could collect my books and get on back to school
Or steal my daddy's cue and make a living out of playing pool
Or find myself a rock and roll band that needs a helpin' hand
Oh Lizzie I wish I'd never seen your face
Your making a first-class fool out of me
But I'm as blind as a fool can be
You stole my heart but I love you anyway
Lizzie I wish I'd never seen your face
I'll get on out of this kitchen one of these days.

Ted looked on bemused. Rooted to the spot in front of the hot plate was Liz, her cheeks red.

One of the chef's who had seemed to be in charge of the impromptu choir leaned forward.

"Do you know who wrote that song?" he asked with a glint in his eye.

Liz remained silent.

"Rob Stewart that's who."

Rob? thought Ted. Rob? Wait did that mean...

Ted looked up at Chef's meaningful gaze, and looking around the kitchen she saw Rob in the corner, never looking up as he chopped assorted veg, but looking mortified.

This had gone on long enough, she decided.

"C'mon Liz, you're needed through in the bar" she said, she fixed her steeliest look on the chefs.

"Oh Ted" he moaned, when Liz had left, "I was just trying to help out. She has no idea."

"Thats your idea of helping? The only way it is helping is by amusing yourselves."

"We are just trying to help Rob" whined the chef.

"I'm sure Rob is quite capable of helping himself" said Ted firmly.

She rather hoped he wasn't though, for she had a feeling Liz wouldn't be interested in him whilst she was suffering from her crush on Rix.

Should she say anything to Liz, she wondered. She had been thoroughly snubbed the lasttime she had, but on the other hand she did like Rob and she didn't want him to get hurt. He could be the perfect answer to her current lovestruck blues.

"Liz" she said tentatively.

"Yes" snapped Liz.

"Well, I know it's none of my business but" she began nervously.

"If it's none of your business then stay out" said Liz.

"Right, of course" said Ted

Liz looked slightly ashamed of herself.

"If it's to do with Rob, he doesn't actually like me, it's just the chefs. I'm an easy target for humiliation."

"Oh no! I think he does like you" said Ted earnestly, remembering when Rob had been so concerned about her a few days ago.

"Really?" asked Liz looking doubtful, but clearly thinking Ted was a more reliable source than the kitchen.

"Oh yes! And he's heaps nicer than Rix" she said without realising it.

"Rix?" asked Liz

"Sorry" said Ted uncomfortably, "I didn't mean to bring him up, but really he is far to old for you."

"Too old for me..." repeated Liz slowly.

Oh no, thought Ted, she was really hurting Liz's feelings.

"You thought I liked him?" said Liz laughing, "Oh Ted!"

"What?" it was Ted's turn to look confused.

"It's nothing like that at all. He found out I wanted to study medicine, and he told me about all these scholarships I could get. But he said I needed really good marks to get one of them, so he promised to help tutor me when I was working and things like that."

Ted gaped open-mouthed. She suddenly felt humiliated when she had told him what she thought he was up to with Liz.

"We only just started" said Liz, "He told me a while ago that he couldn't do it, and thats why I was so upset- I thought I wouldn't be abe to achieve my dream- but the other day he came back and said he really did want to tutor me."

It was such an un Rix-like thing to do. He couldn't possible be this nice could he?

Liz changed the subject suddenly.

"Do you really think he might like me?" she asked, looking as if she was rather afraid of the answer.

Mutely, Ted nodded.

As ever thanks for the comments, and please keep them coming!

#141: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 10:53 am
—
Slightly confused as to how Rod Stewart fits into the equation Rolling Eyes

, but I get the distinct feeling that Ted's getting rather attached to Rix!

Worried about Ruey, though - I hope she doesn't feel that David pushed her into things.

#142: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 4:12 pm
—
Thanks, brie.

#143: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 5:15 pm
—
Thanks brie - glad Ted persisted even though Liz snapped at her.

#144: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 11:32 am
—
Ruey and David were over. It was official.

She had called him a spineless jellyfish, and told him she never wanted to see him again in her life.

Rix found himself thinking, that that was why he would never marry a Chalet school girl. He didn't think he could endure bing called a spineless jellyfish, or any of this can or may nonsense.

Not that he would ever marry of course. It just wasn't in him to devote his lfe to one person.. well not unless they were... No shut up Rix he told himself sternly, stop thinking like that.

He couldn't believe they were over though. Part of him wanted to throw a pickaxe at David and the other half of him wanted to throw a sledgehammer at his Auntie Madge. But David was so miserable that Rix couldn't be angry at him, especially since David seemed to have given up on life all together. And his aunt, well unfortunately he had always been taught not to hit girls.

Then there was himself. Stephanie had called several times, now that she had found out they still lived here.

Half of his energy these days seemed to be spent avoiding her, and the other half on not letting her get her claws into David who was extremely vulnerable at the moment.

This was proving far too hard, since Stephanie had recently dumped Skip, and was finding herself rather at a loose end.

He was trying to think of someone he hated enough to set up with Stephanie, unfortunately he just coldn't bring himself to be that horrible a person.

The only good thing in his life at the moment was his tutoring sessions with Liz. Liz was slowly coming out of her shell, and he was seeing the unbelievable passion and drive she had that allowed her to go to school, work about thirty hours a week, and keep her grades up through their twice weekly sessions.

He had soon become a drinking friend of the chefs, when he found himself at the pub at late hours of the evening pouring over textbooks, and he had soon become a welcome accomplice in trying to set shy Liz up with underconfident Rob.

Liz and him went drinking with the chefs- not that he let her drink anything- and for the first time in a while his life took on some meaning as he tried to prepare her for scholarship exams, and more rewardingly he saw the child he had grown to see as a younger sister blossom and grow as a person as she became more confident.

The Rod Stewart song was actually an idea that came from my own encounter with match-making chefs!! They were trying to set me up with my now SLOC Michael, and every time I entered the Kitchen, to my intense embarassment they would start singing that song "Hey Micky" (The one at the end of Bring it On- if you are in the habit of watching Cheerleading films...) but changing the lyrics to "Hey Mikey"

#145: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 11:39 am
—
Liz seems to be bringing out the best in Rix - which hopefully is also having the effect of impressing Ted! - and David really does need to get his act together.

Thanks Brie Very Happy

#146: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 6:11 pm
—
Well done Rix.

Thanks Brie.

#147: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 7:45 pm
—
I'm glad Rix and Liz seem to be helping each other in their own ways.

#148: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 9:10 am
—
I'm really not sure about this post... But thanks for any comments Smile

The bar was almost empty apart from Rix who was sitting eating his fish and chips at a table not far from the bar top. Ruey was sitting on one of the bar stools a drink in her hand. Beside her was a man who occasionally drank in the bar. He seemed to be drinking rather more than normal tonight Ted noticed.

He had obviously had too much to drink.

Ted looked on surprised as he reached out and stroked Ruey's arm.

Ruey pushed his hand away.

Insistently he pushed his hands over and onto her front.

Ted carrying a tray of drinks saw him

"Stop that" she yelled. He pushed her out of the way roughly, and she fell to the floor the glasses smashing around her and on her arms.

His hand was now gripping Ruey's shoulder tightly, whilst his other hand was drifting slowly, sickly down her front. His eyes were empty, as if he had drunk himself soul-less

Rix came over to her first and helped her to her feet, their was blood seping through her shirt, where the broken glass had cut her, out of the corner of her eye she saw David hesitating at the door unsure whether to come in.

"How dare you?" he shouted at the man, about to punch him.

But David was there already, he must have just come into the bar. He tried to hit the man, but the man just pulled Ruey in front of him.

Ruey's face was ashen, as she felt her body violated by his hands.

David, angrier than Ted had ever seen him before prised the man's hands off of Ruey. Ruey free at last jumped back, and leant against the wall breathing heavily. In a last attempt, the man grabbed a glass off the bar and smashed it off of David's head. As if in slow motion David slid down the side of the bar his eyes rolling.

Rix grabbed hold of the man.

He held him tight almost choking him. "Don't you ever let me see you here again." he threatened.

"You never ever touch a woman like that." he said his voice cooler than ice. "If you ever come back here I will break every single bone in your body. Do you understand?"

"I said do you understand?" he yelled.

The man nodded reluctantly.

Ted watched Rix let him go.

As the man staggered out. Ted went up to him angrily, she could feel a terror inside of her and she couln't let it continue to swell up like this.

"Don't you ever hurt my friends." she said, and then her knee went up sharply. She had had to do it to feel in control again.

The man grimaced, almost unable to walk. Leering he grabbed onto her. Terrified she went to slap him away, but before she could touch him, Rix was there pulling him off of her, and literally throwing him out of the door.

Running to her, he asked. "Ted are you okay?"

When she nodded that she was he turned to her angrily. "What were you thinking there? You could have got hurt. You could have got a lot of people hurt."

She looked at him scared, he seemed really angry.

"I'm sorry. I just..." he began, she looked at him wondering what he was going to say.

"Rix" called out Ruey then, "David... he's not breathing."

#149: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 9:26 am
—
I hope David's going to be ok. And poor Ruey. What a horrible thing to happen.

#150: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 9:29 am
—
What a horrible incident Shocked

. Hope David's OK.

#151: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 12:31 pm
—
Poor all of them Crying or Very sad

I hope David will be all right.

I find scenes like that hard to write cos you want to convey what your feeling with some dignity so it doesn't end up sounding silly. Thanks Brie. That was good as always

#152: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 8:44 pm
—
Thanks Brie - nasty piece of work - and he deserved that.

#153: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 9:37 am
—
Rix pushed Ruey out of the way. There was blood streaming out of the back of David's head, and Rix could see sharp bits of glass still embedded in his skull.

Quickly he felt for the pulse. It was there, but only weakly.

"Call an ambulance." he yelled.

"Rix" asked Ruey urgently, "Is he gong to be ok?"

Rix gulped before replying. "I don't know" he said honestly.

He was a doctor for f**ks sake, he should be able to keep him alive. But he needed equipment and he could feel David's pulse geting weaker even as he stemmed the flow.

Ruey looked as though she might faint she was so pale. Even as Ted held on to her when she came back from making the phonecall.

Ted looked awful too, she didn't seem able to stop the gushing blood from her arm.

Without seeming to look up, Rix asked Ted if her arm was okay.

"Stop worrying about me" she ordered, "Lets worry about David just now."

"Ruey hold this" commanded Rix, showing Ruey how to apply pressure to the wound without doing any damage.

"Ted roll up your sleeve." he said.

"I'm fine honestly." she protested weakly.

"Roll up your sleeve." he repeated.

Slowly she rolled up her sleeve. Underneath her skin was red and shredded. He didn't know how she had managed to do so much damage.

"Why did you not say?" he asked slowly, running his long hands gently down her ribboned skin.

"It's not a big deal. We have other things to worry about just now."

In the distance he could hear sirens nearing.

He took off his shirt using the material to make a bandage for Ted's arm. The tightness of the bandage, took away some of the pain, and started to slow the seeping blood.

A little bit of colour returned to her face.

Paramedics came through the door.

Immediately Rix pointed out his cousin, and what measures he had so far taken. They could only take one passenger alongside David in the ambulance, and Ted insisted it was to be Ruey, her arm would be fine for arriving at the hospital a little later. As a person and not a doctor Rix had to agree, he didn't think Ruey should be seperated from David just now. For all that had happened between them they were nonetheless meant to be.

He called a taxi, he would take Ted to the hospital himself or else she might try and shirk treatment.

They sat there on the floor, in the middle of the mess of blood, wine and glass. He sat leaning against the wall, her arm in his lap with his hand holding it gently but firmly, and she leaned against him, her head on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry" she whispered.

"What for?" he asked back quietly.

"For scaring you like that, and being so stupid."

"It's okay" he said still in that quiet tone, "You were very brave. I was just.."

"Just what?" she asked, her voice hardly even a whisper.

"Just worrying about you."

"Thanks for coming to my defence" she said slowly.

"Ted?" he asked."Are you okay?"

"Yes. I just feel a little ...faint."

Her body slackened against him as she fainted. He looked at the little pool of blood around them and across the floor. She had lost more blood than he had thought.

Why had he not killed that scumbag when he had had the chance?

He didn't wake her, her body had made her faint for a reason. Outside he saw carlights coming closer. He lifted her gently and took her out of the pub and across to the taxi.He laid her across the backseat, her head resting against his side.

"To the hospital please" he said to the driver urgently.

Please excuse my complete lack of Medicinal knowledge!

#154: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 9:40 am
—
Oh dear - hope that everyone will be OK, and that the silver lining to all this will be David and Ruey making up and Rix and Ted getting closer.

#155: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 9:42 am
—
Oh poor David and poor Ted. That was extremely brave of Rix to keep his head and extremely brave and not to mention selfless of Ted to put David's needs first. Thanks Brie

(Yippee I get to comment first Laughing

)

#156: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 2:10 pm
—
I hope they're going to be ok. I'm a bit worried about David.

Thanks Brie.

#157: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 4:40 pm
—
poor Ted - glad David is okay.

Thanks brie

#158: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 10:00 am
—
Ted woke up groggily. She could feel her arm throbbing, and underneath her there was a bumpiness that suggested they were travelling, she pulled herself up, and saw Rix sitting next to her.

She was glad he was here. He put his arm around her, and as she leant against his bare chest it seemed so natural to lean against him and sleep.

* * *

"Ted" she was being gently shaken. "Darling, we are at the hospital. Here let me carry you."

"Oh Rix I am a person not a bag! Let me walk." he looked unwilling, but she insisted on getting out the taxi herself. "I don't even know why you have insisted on us coming here" she said ignoring her painful arm, and the lightheadedness she felt.

He took her arm gently and then as she stumbled, he put his arm around her waist allowing her to relax all of her weight onto him .

Depositing her on a chair in the waiting room, he went up to the attending nurse. Ted watched wearily.

"My cousin has been admitted here in an ambulance, what's happening with him?" he asked and she could see his temper fraying.

"When I know I'll tell you." she said looking bored.

But Rix was not finished.

"That girl over there. I want you to take her in, she had lost far too much blood, and she even lost consciousness."

"I'm sorry there is a queue, and that is not life threatening. Pick up a form like everyone else."

"I'm a doctor" he said. "I know there is a shortage here tonight. Give me a room, and a nurse and I will see to her myself."

"I can't do that." said the nurse, still looking uninterested.

"You can and you will." he said. "She needs a blood transfusion and quickly. I don't even need a nurse I just need the blood and a hospital bed."

She looked at him as though he was an irritating bug. "I'll see what I can do" she said at last, and bumbled off.

Rix came back to her.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

"Stop worrying" she said lightly. Yet she just wanted him to take her in his arms, and hold her safe.

"I wont"

"You know you're not as bad as I thought you were" she said at last determinedly keeping the conversation light.

"Gee thanks. I get into a fight for you and thats the best compliment you can come up with." he said grimacing.

He hadn't got into the fight for her had he? She tried to remember. The man had pushed her out of the way, and then straight away Rix had been out of his seat.

She didn't say anythng though. He would have done it if it hadn't been her. But would he have been so angry? He just knew her that was all.

Yet what if... No, it was the light-headedness that was making her think like that. Rix was just someone she knew, hardly even a friend. So why was she so aware of him? Everytime his leg brushed hers, or he ran his fingers along her arm to check her bandage, she felt a tingling sensation.

Thanks for the comments everyone.

#159: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 10:10 am
—
Admit it Ted, you fancy him rotten Laughing

...

#160: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 12:45 pm
—
Thanks Brie. Now Ted please hurry up and realise you've fallen in love

#161: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 5:04 pm
—
But fancy having to admit that you've fallen in love with arrogant Rix!

Thanks Brie, this is lovely!

#162: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 5:18 pm
—
*Reports nurse to NMC - she should be triaging Ted as soon as she entered the hospital. And if some arrogant little twit who had obviously had a couple of drinks told me he was a doctor and would give his girlfriend a blood transfusion himself - I'd be calling Security not running off to do what he asked.*

Ahem, pulls nurse's hat from head.

Thanks brie. Wink

#163: Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 9:04 pm
—
This is so lovely! Thank you very very very much Brie Very Happy

#164: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 10:40 am
—
Lesley, I did say I was in no way medically knowledgable!! Laughing

Ummm *improvising* She knows Rix is actually a doctor because he did work experience in this hospital...

Dammit! What was wrong with him? She was just a friend for Christ's sake! But somehow even just changing her bandage made him even more aware of how unbelievably beautiful she was.

Her eyes were worried, he could see that, her grey eyes were ever so soft.

"What's wrong Ted?" he asked before he could stop himself.

What a stupid question! She had just watched her friend be assaulted, her friends ex be knocked out, and she was covered in blood.

"Sorry" he said, "Stupid question, right?"

"A bit" she said giving a watery smile.

He did hope she wouldn't cry. Although at least then it wouldn't be so strange for him to want to hold her so much.

She wiped her eyes with the back of her hands. Turning away she asked "Do you think he will be alright?"

Some awful part of him felt horrifically jealous of David for a moment.

"I think he will be fine" he said as lightly as he could, "There are some really good doctors in this place."

There was silence for a few minutes.

"Rix" she said tentatively.

"Yes?"

"I'm really glad you are here." He thought his heart was going to explode. "You make me feel safe" she continued.

Why the hell was it so hard to breathe all of a sudden?

"I'm glad" he choked out.

"I'm sorry Rix" she said sounding embarassed, "I'm all emotional, I got a fright, and this morning Mother phoned and said that she was giving me one last chance to marry Pete, or that was it and she would never speak with me again, and that she was going to get a lawyer to get my inheritance, because she felt she should be entitled to some of it."

Rix tried to banish all thoughts of throwing Ted's mother off of a convenient cliff from his mind.

He wrapped his arms around her tightly.

She moaned quietly. "I've felt so alone" she whispered into his chest.

Suddenly he realised what she was saying, he pushed her from him.

Staring at her, he tried to keep the hurt from his face.

"Are you going to marry him?" he asked trying to control his voice.

#165: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 12:28 pm
—
Oh Rix - you could have said something more supportive than that!!

#166: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 12:36 pm
—
I know brie - but can't help sticking up for my profession! Wink

Please Ted don't say you even contemplated marrying Pete? And I can supply cliff if it's wanted, Rix. Twisted Evil

Thanks.

#167: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 2:03 pm
—
She'd better not agree to marry Pete. And she'd better get a good lawyer to keep her mother's hands off her inheritance, too.

Thanks Brie.

#168: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 7:43 am
—
Ted looked up startled as much by the question as the obvious emotion in his voice.

"No" she replied, then after a short pause she added quietly, "Do you think I should?"

"No" he replied hastily, "No, don't do that! Unless... unless you really do love him."

Ted hung her head, allowing her hair to cover her face.

"No. I want to love him, sometimes I try so hard, I did try so hard. But I just can't."

She gulped, she couldn't let him see her like this, she was an emotional wreck.

She felt his hands pushing away her hair. The way he was looking at her was disconcerting, it was as though his eyes were penetrating her, and taking in every last fleck of her. She tried to look away, but he put his hands gently but firmly on her face.

She gulped again. Ever so softly he wiped away her tears.

"Darling" he said tenderly, "It's alright. You did the right thing."

She looked at him silently, wondering why his opinion meant so much to her all of a sudden.

He had called her darling too she realised belatedly.

"Ted?" he asked tentatively.

"Rix?" she replied, unable to tear her gaze away from him.

Just then she heard the nurse call out Ted's name.

He jumped up looking embarassed, "C'mon we had better get that seen to" he said roughly.

She looked at him hardly able to think.

She wasn't quite sure whether she was pleased they had been interrupted or devastated.

As Rix led her to the small room, without even glancing at her, she decided that really she had been lucky to escape. Anyway she had probably just been imagining it, because she was feeling so sorry for herself. Get a grip Ted, she thought angrily.

Thanks for all the comments.

Edited because I am stupid!

Last edited by brie on Sun Jul 29, 2007 10:03 am; edited 1 time in total

#169: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 8:09 am
—
Very bad timing by the nurse there Laughing

#170: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 8:37 am
—
Good, at least they've both said it - now tell her again, Rix, keep telling her until she believes it!

(BTW, it would be Ted's name that was called out - she's the injured one! Wink

)

Thanks brie. Laughing

#171: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 2:18 pm
—
Thanks, brie. I'm glad Rix has finally said something.

#172: Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham

Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 12:05 pm
—
Argh, rewind, nurse stay out!
Thankssss!

#173: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 4:58 pm
—
Just as the nurse was leaving the little room she had reluctantly found for them, she turned to Rix.

"That David Russell has come around" she said in a thoroughly bored voice.

Rix turned to her enraged, he was already annoyed enough at himself and this was the last straw.

"YOU KNEW THAT! AND YOU DIDN"T TELL ME?!?" he yelled.

He felt Ted's hand on his arm.

"Calm down" she said soothingly.

He couldn't look at her, but just the sound of her voice seemed to have a calming effect on him.

"Please Rix. This has been an awful night for all of us, please don't take your anger out on others. Just take some deep breaths. You go along and see David, and I'll be here when you get back."

By this time the nurse had made her escape.

"Don't be ridiculous Ted" he said moderating his tones, but from the look on her face he hadn't moderated them enough, "I'm sorry" he said, trying again, "You're right. But i'm not going anywhere yet. David will be surrounded by doctors he can wait five minutes to see me."

"Rix, he's your cousin" she implored.

"I know" he said, but to himself he continued, 'and you are the love of my life'.

S**t he shouldn't be thinking about that now. In fact he shouldn't be thinking it at all.

It was not as though she had ever shown the slightest interest in him.

As gently as he could, and without looking her in the eyes he gently unwound the homemade bandage he had applied earlier.

She winced slightly but that was all. She was so brave. In some ways she reminded him off his sister Bride. She was certainly nothing like his twin Peggy. Although to be fair Peggy had slapped him once. Perhaps they were alike after all.

He slowly massaged her arm looking for a good place to make an incision for the blood transfusion.

He saw her close her eyes. But she never uttered a sound as he inserted the tube.

"Rix why are you here?" she asked once she had opened her eyes.

It was now or never. Because I love you, he wanted to scream out. Because you are the last person I think of before I fall asleep. Because you make me want to laugh and to cry. You make me so angry yet so happy.

But he didn't say that.

Thanks for the comments

#174: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 5:20 pm
—
Tell her, Rix!

Thanks Brie.

#175: Author: Rob, Location: Currently in a rainstorm

Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 8:04 pm
—
Just caught up with this - thanks Brie!

C'mon Rix. What a perfect chance to be a man and not a spineless jellyfish!!

#176: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 8:46 pm
—
Yes, tell her, Rix Very Happy

!

Not very impressed with the nurse, being rude to patients' relatives and letting someone who doesn't work at the hospital carry out a blood transfusion there Shocked

#177: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 9:04 pm
—

Alison H wrote:

Yes, tell her, Rix Very Happy

!

Not very impressed with the nurse, being rude to patients' relatives and letting someone who doesn't work at the hospital carry out a blood transfusion there Shocked

I'm just waiting for Rix to kill Ted, actually - he's not taken a sample for cross matching and he's not treating her for shock! And that is not a real nurse!

#178: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 9:24 pm
—
Remind me to never ever write again Rolling Eyes

Or to at least do some research... Embarassed

#179: Author: keren, Location: Israel

Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 9:34 pm
—
No.
this is one of the stories i look forward too.

Don't worry about the technical details (or if you are really worried ask one of the nurses offline what to write), I am just interested in the story, please keep going!

#180: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 9:45 pm
—
Sorry brie- I didn't mean to put you off - please continue writing - I really like this story and your universe. Embarassed

#181: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 6:41 am
—
Sorry Brie - I was only joking about the nurse.

#182: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 11:40 am
—
Thanks for all the comments, and dont worry I was just teasing, I wasn't insulted or anything Laughing

She watched him almost wishing she hadn't asked him, but also for some reason she couldn't understand she really wanted an answer.

Why, oh why, was he wearing no shirt, his bare chest was insisting on being rather distracting.

Drawing her eyes away she made herself look into his eyes, she could see an agony there that she couldn't define.

"I can't do this right now." he said, and she thought he was talking more to himself than to her.

"Stay here. I'm going to check on David."

With that he left the room abruptly.

She watched him go, and with him went the last of her pride as she realised that she had done that one thing she had sworn never to do. she had let herself fall for... the jerk.

She had stopped thinking of him like that, but in these last few moments she couldn't help but start to hate him. Irrationally she had almost allowed herself to believe he was interested in her. Why would anyone ever like her?

At the back of her mind an unwelcome thought niggled, Pete had, stupid stupid Pete, Stupid stupid, awful Rix, she thought throwing his shirt stained with her blood onto the floor.

Don't let him make you cry, she said to herself sternly.

She heard the door open behind her. Ignore him Ted, she told herself, just ignore hi...

She was in his arms, and he was giving her a kiss so full of passion she thought she was going to burst. She kissed him back unable to stop herself as prickles of pleasure erupted throughout her body.

She felt him pushing her away from him. She felt her eyes starting to sting. How could she have been so stupid. Of course he didn't want her. It had just been a moment, he had just wanted to see how far he could push her. Oh she was such a fool.

"Ted" he said. His deep voice had never seemed so gentle, "I can't do this. I just can't."

She looked at him ready to slap him again. She was not even as good as one of his usual whoreish girls.

"I... I... I love you."

She looked up at him startled, then as the words started to sink in she looked at the floor.

"Ted?" he asked, and she could hear the worry in his voice. "Ted if you don't, and I know you don't, then that's" there was a pause, "ok. you don't ever have to see me again."

Was he being serious? More than anything she wished he was, but he had played so many other girls. So why not her?

"I should go" he said, avoiding her gaze.

"Rix, look at me."

Slowly he turned to her, eventually he looked into her eyes and she saw the hurt there, the lost hope.

He was telling the truth.

"Oh Rix..." she said.

"I didn't believe you. I couldn't. How could anyone ever want me. Especially you. Oh Rix, I love you too."

The next moment she was in his arms.

He was stroking her injured arm so gently, and he was holding her so tenderly.

Gently he nibbled slightly on her ear, she had never felt so alive, "Ted" he whispered into her ear. She almost stopped breathing, "I love you so much, and I never want to lose you."

Cuddling closer into him she promised "You never will Rix."

"Even though I am the most arrogant, annoying man you know?"

"Even though Rix, even though" she said smiling happily.

The End

Thanks for persevering everyone! Also the next installment is written, or should I say re-written? The original version is already archived. Mods: am I allowed to re-post an archived drabble? I have changed it quite a bit, and there are lots of extra bits...

#183: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 11:47 am
—
Thank heavens for that - I thought they'd never sort themselves out.
Thanks for the happy ending Very Happy

!

I'm not a Mod for St Therese's, but I don't see why you shouldn't repost an amended version of an archived drabble. Maybe you could add "(revised)" or something similar to the title to avoid confusion. Or even "(second edition)" Laughing

, but "(revised)" would probably be better Very Happy

#184: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 12:38 pm
—
What a nice ending! Thanks Brie.

#185: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 12:46 pm
—
That was great Brie. Glad they finally get it together. Thanks. Would love to read the new revised version of the old drabble as I liked it the first time around.

#186: Author: ness, Location: LANCS,ENGLAND

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:43 pm
—
Thanks Brie, that was lovely

#187: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 6:00 pm
—
Awwww! Lovely ending - hope Ted tells her mother where to shove it! Laughing

Thanks brie.

#188: Author: Rob, Location: Currently in a rainstorm

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 7:39 pm
—
Lovely ending - thanks Brie!!

#189: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 12:11 am
—
Awww, bless them! That was lovely. Thanks Brie.

The CBB -> Ste Therese's House

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