Abby Challenges the Chalet School Part Three
The CBB -> Ste Therese's House

#1: Abby Challenges the Chalet School Part Three Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 7:56 am


Archived due to length 11/07/05

Part 1

Part 2


As the latest initiate into the Piminionship, it's now my turn to post. Hope you enjoy, Liz.


Nancy Wilmot sat in her study and sighed. It was only Wednesday but it had been one of those weeks where the Thirds had been at more than their most trying. She had just sent Miranda Everett, Mai Keppel and Ava Hunter to an early bed after they had been caught having nothing short of a full blown water fight in the Splashery. Tempers had been fraying amongst the Thirds where an excess of high spirits was in absence. Nancy rested her chin on her hands thoughtfully and wondered what she could possibly do. Her thoughts, however, were broken by the sudden entrance of Kathie Ferrars.

“Nance, I need your advice,” she announced dropping a pile of exercise books on Nancy’s desk and flopping into the nearest chair.
Nancy looked up with a puzzled expression. “Remember I know nothing about geog.”
Kathie stared. “You goop,” she grinned. “It’s nothing it do with those exercise books, well it sort of is. It’s about this.” She handed Nancy a small piece of white paper. “This fell out of Creseldine Price-Morris’ exercise book.”
Nancy ran her eyes over the paper. I didn’t think girls like you did things like that. “Gosh,” was all she said. “That’s…”
“Disgusting?” supplemented Kathie. “I can’t believe any of the girls here would stoop so low.”
Nancy frowned. “Who would though? I mean we’ve always had naughtiness in the school but it’s more mischief than anything and this is downright malicious. Although… Kathie we’ve assumed that Creseldine is the receiver of these, what if…”
“…she’s the sender?” Nancy nodded. “I hadn’t thought of that. Although Nance, it might not even be anyone in the school, they could have come from outside or she could be wanting to send them to someone outside the school. Oh this is horrible, what are we going to do?”
“Well I suppose the first port of call would be to talk to Creseldine and after that… well I’m not sure. I don’t…” Whatever Nancy was going to say was lost as there was a sudden knock on the door. “Come in!” The door opened and Megan Webb and Kistiñe Berriex nervously crept in. “What do you two want?”
“Please Miss Wilmot, we were sent to report to you,” muttered Kistiñe.
“Why?”
The two exchanged guilty glances. “We were… erm…” began Megan.
“Practicing badminton in the common room and broke the light bulb,” mumbled Kistiñe. “I misjudged my shot and hit the light with my racquet and the bulb broke…” she trailed off.
“But it was my idea,” interrupted Megan. “We’re having a tournament against the Fourths on Saturday and they think they’re going to wipe the floor with us so we’re going to prove them wrong.”


“And there was me thinking Megan Webb was such a nice and quiet young thing,” sighed Nancy after she had dispatched the young sinners to early bed and the loss of their places in the weekend’s grudge match.
Kathie chuckled. “I think she’s inherited her fair share of Jo’s mischievous side along with all those brains of Charles’.”
“Oh absolutely, I don’t think there’s any doubt that we can put her in 3A next term.”
“Kistiñe seems to be settling a little as well now she and Megan are making friends. Plus if Megan gets moved up Katy will be thrilled to bits – she’s adapted remarkably quickly to the news and the two of them are thick as thieves out of class. Although Nance, I think things between Livia and Katy are about to go pear shaped; Livia’s been in a foul mood since half term.”
Nancy nodded. “I heard her being abominably rude to Tacy the other day and set her some rep. She really has taken against her mother’s relationship with Abby’s father. In fact Kathie, I’m worried about the whole Third form, they seem to be sickening for something and I’m not sure what but we definitely need to keep a closer eye on them.”
Kathie sighed. “Never let it be said that we have uneventful terms. Anyway, what are you going to do about Creseldine?”
“I’ll have a chat with her tomorrow and see what she has to say for herself and after that… well, I suppose I’ll have to wait and see because right now I have no idea at all what I can do.”


Last edited by pim on Fri Aug 26, 2005 8:52 am; edited 16 times in total

 


#2:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 7:59 am


Thanks Pim - Glad the staff have now found out about the notes.

Liz

 


#3:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 9:38 am


Poor Nancy, it never rains but it pours. Comes with the territory, love!! Laughing

Seriously, I do hope everything gets sorted out.

Thanks, Pim

 


#4:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 12:13 pm


Creseldine sat nervously in Miss Wilmot’s study the following afternoon wondering why she had been summoned.

“Perhaps, Creseldine, you’d care to explain this.” Miss Wilmot handed her the note she had received the previous day and the colour drained from Creseldine’s face. “Creseldine?” she asked gently.
“It’s… it’s a note.”
“Yes, I see that. It’s also an anonymous note Creseldine, a poison pen letter.”
“I didn’t write it if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“I wasn’t. But if you didn’t that must mean that you…”
“…received it. Yes, I did.”
“It’s not the first one you’ve received, is it?” Creseldine shook her head. “How many?”
“A few.”
“Three? Four?”
“I think that was the fourth.”
“Where are the others?”
“In my knitting bag. I don’t know who’s been sending them, Miss Wilmot, I really have no idea.”
Miss Wilmot frowned. “Do you know what they’re referring to?”
Creseldine blushed and nodded. “It’s about something that happened this summer, but I’d rather not say what it was.”

The rest of the interview was conducted along similar lines with Nancy getting nowhere in particular with her questioning. Eventually she sent Creseldine back to join the rest of the Sixth Form and settled back in her chair to mull things over just as Kathie decided it was time to pay a visit.

“You look like you have the worries of the world on your shoulders, my love,” she said, dropping into a chair. “Come along to the staff room and we’ll sooth it away with coffee and chocolate.”
Nancy smiled wryly. “I’ve just spoken to Creseldine.”
“Oh. And?”
“I didn’t get very far.”
“Oh dear.”
“She’s been receiving them and it’s been going on since before half term. According to Creseldine they refer to something that happened over the summer holidays but she wouldn’t expound on the matter.”
Kathie frowned. “Odd. Does anyone else know? Raakel for example, the two of them seem to be good chums these days.”
“Raakel knew about the first one, ditto Polly and Tacy, but she didn’t tell them about the others.”
“It’s nasty Nance.”
“They were all put into her books so they’ve come from within the school.”
Kathie shuddered. “Which means that we have one or more than one rather malicious girl in the school.”
“Yes.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Short of directly challenging every single girl in the school? I don’t know, I just know that I don’t like it Kathie.”

 


#5:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 12:20 pm


Thanks Pim

Any chance the handwriting might be recognised?

Liz

 


#6:  Author: catherineLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 1:05 pm


Poor Nancy - I wouldn't like to be in her shoes!


I hope they find whoever was responsible - but what exactly did Creseldine get up to?!!

 


#7:  Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 2:16 pm


I haven't been following this part of the Abby thread very closely, but if the notes refer to something which went on over the holidays is there is another girl in the school who comes from Cresseldine's home area? That may be the clue to the culprit, or at least to the source of the information being used in the letters.

But anonymous notes are definitely nasty, wherever they come from - I hope Nancy can solve this one quickly.

 


#8:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 7:17 pm


Thanks Pim and minions, nasty situation for Nancy - especially as she doesn't know what did happen. Hope it doesn't turn out to be one of the Thirds again.

 


#9:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 12:06 pm


A rumour flew around the school on Saturday evening that Creseldine Price-Morris had been dragged to the Head’s study because Miss Wilmot had caught her talking to a boy through the school fence. The rumour was partly true. Nancy Wilmot had indeed caught Creseldine talking to a boy through the school fence and the two of them were now sitting in Nancy’s study. Nancy had had her suspicions that things were about to blow when the post had come that morning and Creseldine had received a letter that had caused all the colour to drain from her face.

“Perhaps you two would care to explain.” Nancy’s voice remained neutral.
“I… err…”
“Or rather perhaps we should begin with introductions Creseldine.”
“Oh… yes… Miss Wilmot, this is Jake Davis I know him from home.”
“Right.”
“It’s not Creseldine’s fault, Miss Wilmot,” protested Jake suddenly finding his voice.
“What isn’t?”
“Everything that happened over the summer. It’s all mine, Cres was just trying to help.”
“I think that you had better start at the beginning. Creseldine?”
Creseldine blushed and stared at the floor before looking up at her headmistress. “I… Jake’s always been my friend, since primary school we’ve always hung around together even when I came here and Jake went to the Comp. People have always taken the mickey, said we were going out, but we’re not, we’re just friends.”
“I fell in with the wrong crowd at the Comp,” put in Jake. “When I got into the Sixth Form I fell in with the crowd who were into hanging around street corners and getting into trouble. Nothing really big, just a bit of graffiti or breaking bottles or things, we weren’t violent and we didn’t go in for nicking stuff and we didn’t do drugs, well maybe just a bit of dope but nothing massive, you know what I’m saying? But over the summer stuff got a bit out of hand and one of the boys, Nick, and me got into a fight and then we started daring each other to do stuff. Nick dared me to nick this car and drive it round the village a bit and then we’d put it back, and no one would ever know. But Cres got wind of what was going on and she sneaked out so she could try and stop me but the lads thought it’d be fun to push her in the car with me. Honest Miss Wilmot, Cres was telling me to stop, she kept telling me it was daft but I couldn’t lose face in front of the lads. I’d never driven a car before but the lads kept telling me it was dead easy and one of them, Kev, jumped into the back to tell me what to do but we crashed into a wall outside the village shop. We were all okay but the car was a bit dinted so we legged it only everybody knew I’d done it, it’s one of them villages where everybody knows everything about everybody.”
Nancy held her hand up. “Creseldine, there’s one of the younger girls lives near you, isn’t there?”
Creseldine nodded. “Mai Keppel in 3B.”
Nancy frowned. “Carry on with the story.”
Jake continued. “Well, that was the end of that but then we went back to Sixth Form in September and things carried on getting a bit out of hand. We started playing poker, just a bit like among ourselves, but I ran out of money really quickly and I ended up owing people all sorts and in the end I didn’t know what to do so I wrote to Cres and asked if I could come and see her to see if she’d lend me some money. And that’s when you came along.”
“Jake’s not bad Miss Wilmot,” said Creseldine suddenly. “He’s never been bad, he just got the wrong friends. I know what they’re like.”

Creseldine’s protests got no further as there was a knock on the door followed by the entrance of Matron.

“I’m sorry to bother you Miss Wilmot,” she said. “But Abigail Fenchurch is missing.”

 


#10:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 12:48 pm


Thanks Pim and Piminion!

Glad that at last someone has got onto Cres and whats been happening...but wibbling about Abby now. Where is she?

 


#11:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 12:56 pm


Thanks Pim - good to finally find out what did happen last summer.

But what about Abby? *wibbles*

Liz

 


#12:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 1:25 pm


Thanks Pim and minion

*wibbling about Abby*

 


#13:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 3:52 pm


I've just read this story through and really enjoyed it. I am really looking forward to finding out what happens next. Please could someone let me know where I find the prequel please?

 


#14:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 4:47 pm


Hi Chair - you can find it here:

Kathy_S in Index Drabble-orum wrote:
I Lift My Eyes Up (Ste. Therese)
Mary-Lou's daughter comes to know her mother and the CS.
part 1
http://www.chaletian.com/forum/archive/CD_I_lift_my_eyes_up_part1_251104.html
final part
http://www.chaletian.com/cbb_archive/files/ST_i_lift_my_eyes_up_part_two_130305.html


Liz

 


#15:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 5:36 pm


Silly Abby, she's run off hasn't she?

And it looks pretty dire for young Mai Keppel, doesn't it?

Thanks Pim

 


#16:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 10:02 am


Thank you agian Pim and Piminion! Wondering who Mia Keppel spoke to about what had happened or maybe it is her? Nasty for Nancy to have to sort it all out.

 


#17:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 12:15 pm


Nancy paused whilst she caught her breath and then looked sharply at Jake and Creseldine. “You two stay there,” she said eventually before she left her study.

Nancy tore through the corridors at a speed she wasn’t even sure she had been able to achieve during her school years towards the room she had put Abby into for her isolation period. Kathie was already there and flinging things around unceremoniously.

“Nance, thank goodness, there you are. I think I’ve worked out where she’s gone.”
Kathie flung the letter Abby had received from her friend about the peace rally. “Exeter?” asked Nancy her eyes wide. “Why did no one notice she was gone before?”
“Oh God, Nance…” Kathie clapped a hand to her mouth. “The buses.”
“What about them?”
“The Exeter bus doesn’t come this far down the road after half four in the winter, and the winter timetable started last week.”
“What time is it now?”
Kathie glanced at her watch. “Seven,” she gulped. “The buses terminate six miles up the road after six. If that ninny missed the last bus to here then she’ll…” Kathie glanced out of the window at the wild and windy weather. “Nance…” she began before turning and tearing out of the room before Nancy could even say anything.

 


#18:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 12:23 pm


Thanks Pim

*hopes that Abby will be ok*

Liz

 


#19:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 1:29 pm


No....I hope she's ok. Six miles is along way to walk in nasty weather...

Thank you Pim and PIminion!

 


#20:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 1:31 pm


I hope Abby will be ok. Thanks LizB for pointing me in the right direction for the prequels to this story. I have read the first prequel.

 


#21:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 1:39 pm


Thanks, Pim, hoping Abby will be okay, and that Nancy can sort everything out. Crying or Very sad

 


#22:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 7:29 pm


Six miles is a long way to walk whatever! Hope they can find her.

And (((((Kathye))))) - I think this is bringing back memories for her. Crying or Very sad

Thanks Pim.

 


#23:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 8:58 am


Sorry I should have posted this yesterday Embarassed After this one I am handing duties back to my co-piminion.


Kathie felt the most immense sense of relief as her car started the first time and she was able to get out of the school grounds and slam her foot on the accelerator down the road to Exeter. She couldn’t stand the silence of her thoughts and so pushed the cassette that was sticking out of the cassette player in, allowing the soothing melodies of Frank Sinatra to fill the car. The rain that had been lashing down for most of the afternoon was bouncing off her windscreen as she hunched forward over the steering wheel to try and get a clearer view as her eyes scanned the roadside bankings with increasing desperation. It was getting dark and limiting her visibility as she screwed her eyes up in a vain attempt to try and see any figures walking along the road side. Suddenly a tractor loomed into view in front of her as she slammed the brake to follow its sedate pace, anxiously drumming her fingers on the steering wheel as she did so. And then she saw something. A hump of something that could just be amongst the grass… Kathie slammed on the brake as the car skidded to a halt and she leapt out, running around the car on to the grass verge. She froze at the sight of Abby in the grass.

“Abby, Abby,” she called frantically as she gently shook the girl to no response. Rolling Abby over, Kathie noticed her eyes were shut. “Oh God, Abby… please no.” Kathie anxiously felt for Abby’s pulse, breathing a sigh of relief as she felt it’s faint rhythm against her fingertips. “Abby.” There was no response.

Kathie sat back on her heels for a split second staring helplessly at the thick black rain clouds that stretched to all four corners of the sky and in that moment knew what she had to do. Gathering the girl up into her arms she bundled her into the back of the car, wrapping the blanket she always carried in the boot around her. Kathie jumped back into the drivers seat, checked around her and set off, slamming her foot on the accelerator to drive the remaining sixteen miles into Exeter to the Infirmary, praying that the tractor had turned off down one of the farm tracks.

 


#24:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 9:03 am


Thanks Pim

Glad the tractor was there and slowed Kathie down so she didn't miss Abby. Hope it is now well out of the way.

*wibbling muchly*

Liz

 


#25:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 9:05 am


Argh! Pim!!!!! Thank you Pim and Piminion!

Hope Abby is ok and very glad Kathie had to slow down so she didn't miss her! *wibbles*

 


#26:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 10:30 am


Divine intervention, that tractor.

I do hope that Abby is going to be okay. Go, Kathie!

 


#27:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 11:35 am


Good thing Kathie was alert!

Thanks Pimandco.

 


#28:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 12:28 pm


I'm glad Abby has been found. It's a pity Kathie wouldn't have had the chance to have a mobile phone with her.

 


#29:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 4:05 pm


Thnk you to all the various Pims and minions Very Happy

Silly Abby....

 


#30:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 9:37 pm


Oh, I hope this will help Kathie.

 


#31:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 10:21 am


And another post - thank you to my co-piminion for last week. Nell

“Nancy, oh thank God it’s you.”
“Kathie! Where on earth are you?” thus asked Nancy Wilmot on answering her study telephone.
“Exeter Infirmary.”
“Have you got Abby?”
“Yes, thank goodness. I found her four miles down the road collapsed on the road side. You’ll have to call her father and get him to come down though.”
“Why? Kathie, how is she?”
“I’m not sure yet. They’ve just whisked her away to examine her so I’ve come to let you know I’ve found her. Will you ring up her father?”
“Yes. Are you going to stay with her?”
“Yes. Nance…”
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“Kathie?”
“Yes.”
“Are you okay there?”
“Why shouldn’t I be?”
“I was just thinking about…” Nancy tailed off.
“Nancy, Robert Fenchurch is not going to lose Abby like I lost Marcie,” Kathie said with resolute determination.
At the other end of the line Nancy sighed and rubbed her right temple. “I can only pray that you’re right Kathie.”
“I’d better go and find out what’s going on Nancy. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you anything more but I thought I should let you know we were here.”
“Yes, I’m glad you did. I was worried when you went haring off like that.”
“I’m sorry about that. I just didn’t think.”
“I gathered as much.” Nancy’s tone was light.
“Look, Nance, I’d better go and try and find out what’s going on. I’ll give you a ring back in a bit when I’ve spoken to someone and I know more or less what’s going on.”
“Okay. And Kathie, take care of yourself.”
“I will do. Bye Nance.”
“Bye Kathie.”

And with that they both hung up. Nancy leant back in her seat thinking that perhaps today couldn’t possibly get any worse than it already was. She had sent Creseldine and Jake away with the promise to not mention Abby having gone missing. Nancy sighed, she would deal with the two of them in the morning. She had sent Jake to Matron who would put him in one of the isolation rooms until then. Crossing her study to one of the filing cabinets against the wall she opened it and found Abby’s file, sitting back down at her desk and with trembling fingers dialling the Fenchurch’s York number.

 


#32:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 10:23 am


Phew! Well at least Kathie got Abby safely to the Infirmary...hopefully she'll be ok. I don't envy Nancy having to make that phone call though.

Thank you Pim!

 


#33:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 10:40 am


Was Abby hit by a car then?

 


#34:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 11:35 am


Poor Kathie, besieged by her memories, and determined nobody else will suffer as she did.

Hoping Abby is okay. Please.

 


#35:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 12:39 pm


Thanks Pim & Nell

*hugs Kathie and Abby and Nancy and Robert and Creseldine*

Liz

 


#36:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 1:36 pm


And here is a little more 'cos it follows so well form the last part and I'm feeling kind.

“Nance, it’s me.”
“Kathie, what news?”
“Abby’s been admitted. Have you called her father?”
“Yes, he’s on his way, I told him to go straight to the Infirmary. Do you know anything more now?”
“Yes.”
“And?”
“It’s hypothermia and she’s damaged her ankle as well. She’s still unconscious so nobody knows the full story. The doctor I spoke to thinks she could have damaged her ankle this afternoon and it was too much for her to walk on when she got off the bus and that was what caused her to collapse. Of course then getting stuck out in that weather didn’t help matters at all and that’s brought on the hypothermia. On the other hand it’s looking more positive than the last time I phoned.”
“They think she’ll pull through?”
“She should do.” Kathie sounded nervous.
“Kathie?”
“What?”
“You sound nervous.”
“Of course I am, I’m scared stiff about that poor kid. She’s not out of danger yet, she’s not even near the edge of the woods. I’m going to stay here tonight just in case there’s any change. I’d hate it if she came to and there was no one there.”
“I wouldn’t want you driving back in that weather anyway. I think we’re in for a storm tonight unless I’m much mistaken, there’s the beginnings of a howling gale going on outdoors.”
Kathie shuddered. “It wasn’t much fun on the drive over.”
“No, I’d imagine not.”
“Abby’s ankle – is it broken?”
“The doctor I spoke to didn’t seem to think so. He said it looked more like a nasty sprain than anything else. They’re more concerned by the fact that she hasn’t regained consciousness but she is stable. Nance, I’d better go because they’ll be taking Abby up to the ward any minute now and I want to go up with her.”
“Okay.”
“Oh, are you going to tell the girls?”
“Yes, I’ll call them together shortly.”
“Okay. Bye Nancy.”
“Bye Kathie.”

And with that they both clattered their respective phones back down. Nancy ran a hand through her hair and sighed as there was a knock on the door.

“I’m sorry to bother you Nancy but you’ve got a visitor.”
“Okay Clare.”

Clare Kennedy’s head vanished back round the door and it was followed by the entrance of a small brown haired girl that Nancy would know anywhere.

“Carlie!” she said in surprise at the sight of her goddaughter. “What on earth are you doing here? You’re supposed to be at university.”

 


#37:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 1:38 pm


Thank you Pim! Glad to hear that they think Abby will be ok - though i hope she wakes up soon - also glad she'll have Kathie there until her Dad arrives.

Why has Carlie turned up at the school?

 


#38:  Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 1:50 pm


Also glad to hear that Abby will be OK and that Kathie will stay with her until her father arrives. Wonder if she wil regain consciousness during that time and know that Kathie is with her - York to Exeter by road is a *very* long way even with today's motorways - feel sorry for Robert making that journey alone and not knowing what's happening with Abby.

Jumping ahead a bit, here's hoping that this incident will do something to soften Livia's attitude towards Vi & Robert marrying.

Thanks Pim and pimions for these posts. More, please when you can.

 


#39:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 2:32 pm


I'm really enjoying this drabble. I really hope that Abby will be ok.

 


#40:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 4:31 pm


Thanks Pim and Piminion

*hoping that Abby will come round soon and be ok*

*hoping Robert can get there quickly and safely*

*wondering why Carlie has turned up to see Nancy*

Liz

 


#41:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 7:07 pm


Thanks for all the posts.

Worrying about Ally, Kathie, Nancy - anyone else?

 


#42:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 7:28 pm


Lesley wrote:


Worrying about Ally, Kathie, Nancy - anyone else?


Yes, Lesley, what about Carlie? What's she doing at school?

 


#43:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:27 am


Sorry for the delay in posting it has been rather a week. This will give you some idea about what Carlie is doing at the school...

For a moment neither godmother nor goddaughter spoke. “It’s your mother’s free weekend Carlie, she’s not here.”
“I know Auntie Nance. That’s why I’m here.”
Nancy raised an eyebrow. “Oh? I have to admit Carlie, you’ve certainly picked a good day to come. Look, take your coat off and have a seat and you can explain what you’re doing here,” she said standing up and going over to greet her goddaughter.
“I think it’s quite obvious why I’m here Auntie Nance,” said Carlie simply as she slipped off her coat to reveal a pregnant stomach.
Nancy’s jaw dropped and for a moment she was stunned into silence. “Carlie… but… When are you due?”
“January, beginning of. It’s Phil’s,” she said in reference to her ex-boyfriend from school.
“Does he know?” asked Nancy as they sat down beside each other.
Carlie nodded. “He doesn’t want to know though,” she said miserably.
“What about uni?”
“That’s why I’m here. I’ve been kicked out.”
“Oh Carlie…”
“Well, not kicked out as such, they’ve suspended me off the course for the time being. I can go back next year and start again if I want.”
“Why didn’t you tell somebody before? And more to the point, how on earth did you get here? The buses don’t run this far down at this time of year.”
Carlie blushed. “I hitched a ride.”
“Charlotte Fernley! How could you? You know how dangerous that could have been.” Carlie suddenly burst into tears. “Carlie, I’m sorry,” muttered Nancy as she took Carlie in her arms, and held her to her. “I worry about you, that’s all. You’re very precious to me.”
“Auntie Nance, will you please not tell mum about the hitching. She’s going to kill me as it is.”
“Why didn’t you tell anyone before Carlie?”
Carlie pulled away and rubbed her eyes on her sleeve. “I was too scared too. I kept hoping that if I ignored it then it would go away. I’d have got away with it at uni as well but someone found out and started spreading rumours about me – I’d rather not talk about that though Auntie Nance. But that was when the authorities got wind of what was happening and I got called in yesterday morning and told I was being suspended from the course. There was no point me sticking around in York but I didn’t want to go home so I came here. You don’t mind, do you? I couldn’t face mum and dad just yet.”
Nancy stared. “No, you can stay here as long as you need to. There’s a spare room in my annexe you can have, but your mum will be back tomorrow.”
“I know,” muttered Carlie miserably as she stifled a yawn.
“Tired?”
Carlie nodded. “Wiped out. I have been all the time lately, I’m not used to carrying all this extra weight around.”
Nancy gave her a sympathetic glance. “Come on, I’ll take you up to the annexe but I’ll have to give your mum a ring in the morning. Your dad can bring her back and you can talk to them both.”
“They’re going to kill me, aren’t they?”
Nancy laughed. “I don’t think they’ll be that extreme.”
“I didn’t want to spoil Lucy’s wedding. Everyone’s been so excited about it for months that this is just going to ruin everything. I’ll have to not go.”
“I take it you haven’t told Lucy then?”
Carlie shook her head. “I told Alan. He came over to York for the day a few weeks ago and I accidentally let slip to him then but he’s been great and hasn’t told anyone. He said he’d stick up for me.”
Nancy smiled, knowing how close Carlie was to her elder brother and glanced at her watch. She needed to gather the girls together to let them know what was happening, and she should tell the Thirds first. “I’ve got some things to sort out Carlie; you’ve come at a bit of a crisis point I’m afraid but don’t worry about it. I’ll get Clare to take you through to the annexe and show you the spare room and you can sort your things out.”
“Where’s Auntie Kath?”
“That’s part of the crisis. She’s at Exeter Infirmary.”
“Is she okay?”
“She’s fine. She’s there with one of the girls, I’ll explain in the morning.”

Carlie nodded and allowed herself to be given over to Clare Kennedy’s capable hands.

 


#44:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:31 am


Oh, poor Carlie. Crying or Very sad

Thanks Pim.

 


#45:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 11:05 am


oh what a day they've had!

((Carlie))

((Kathie))

((Abby))

((Robert))

((Nancy))

((anyone else who needs it))

 


#46:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 11:49 am


Thanks for another great update, Pim. How many months pregnant is Carlie meant to be - I'm not sure how close to January this story is. I hope everyone will be ok.

 


#47:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 12:34 pm


Thanks Pim & Piminion

*hugs everybody*

Liz

 


#48:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 1:11 pm


Thanks Pim. Embarassed But I've forgotten who Carlie is the daughter of.... Embarassed

ETA: I'm not learning to play lacrosse any more! Woooooooooo!

 


#49:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 1:30 pm


Isn't Carlie Vi's daughter?

 


#50:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 2:11 pm


She's Sharlie's daughter

Liz

 


#51:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 9:50 pm


Eeek!!!

Poor Carlie!

 


#52:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 10:33 am


Carlie is indeed Sharlie's daughter and you'll see more of that later for now here's what the III's are up to. Nell

Nancy hurried down the corridor to the Third Form common room, leaving a message with the Prefects on her way to gather the rest of the girls in the Hall in half an hour’s time. As she approached the Third Form common room Nancy’s sharp ears picked up in the sound of an argument about to boil over.

“What’s going on in here?” she asked icily as she walked into what appeared to be a battle re-enactment on the common room floor. The members of 3A and 3B instantly pulled apart and were silenced. “Well, I asked a question. Jinny MacDonald, Lyra Meadows, perhaps, as form prefects, you would care to explain?”
Jinny and Lyra looked at each other in panic. “Miss Wilmot… we.. .er…” began Jinny.
Nancy tapped her foot. “Proper English please Jinny.”
“We were having a row,” whispered Lyra.
“A row?” Nancy sounded incredulous. “I thought you were recreating Agincourt perhaps as I was walking down the corridor and to arrive on a scene like this. Will you all get up and stop looking like one o’clock half struck and sit down like civilians? Now.” Her command was obeyed instantly as the girls picked themselves up and dusted themselves off and eventually all settled down around the room in small groups. “I’m afraid I have some bad news for you. Abby Fenchurch is in Exeter Infirmary and is quite ill.” Nancy decided that it would be best to not explain the surrounding events of Abby being taken to Exeter.
“Miss Wilmot… will she be okay?” asked Rhianna nervously from where she was squashed between Megan and Katy on the sofa.
“We hope so,” replied Nancy. “Miss Ferrars is with her and her father is on the way. We will have prayers this evening shortly – yes Katy I know we don’t normally have prayers on a Saturday evening – but Abby needs your prayers now.” Nancy glances around the room at the worried faces. “Abby is in God’s hands now and He will look after her.”
Miss Wilmot,” began Katy. “Will we be able to go and see her eventually, I mean when she’s getting better?”
“We’ll see.”
“What’s wrong with her?” asked Jinny.
“She has hypothermia.”
“How?” came from Rhianna.
“That bit is not important,” said Nancy simply.
“Miss Wilmot,” Nancy glanced at Katy who had spoken again. “We can send her cards and things though can’t we?”
Nancy nodded. “Is there anything special that you think should be taken to Abby?”
“I can’t think of anything particularly special she has in her cubey,” said Anya Martin, Abbys’ dormitory prefect, at length. “But there’s a picture of her mother she’s quite attached to…” Anya trailed off.
Nancy looked at Anya. “Anya, you’re her dormitory prefect, aren’t you?” Anya nodded. “I know Matron has collected her things from the isolation room but if you could check over her cubicle.” Anya nodded. “Are there any more questions?” The girls all shook their heads. “Very well, I’ll see you in the Hall in fifteen minutes then. Oh, and Jinny and Lyra if you could come to me after church in the morning to explain the fracas I just witnessed in here I would be grateful.” And with that Nancy swept from the room.

An unusual silence descended on the Third Form common room for a few moments as they tried to take in the news that the Head Mistress had just imparted. Eventually Katy turned on Livia to break the silence.

“I hope you’re happy,” she said venomously. “Abby might die and the last thing you told her was that you hated her.”
Livia stared. “She won’t die.”
“How can you be so sure? Hypothermia’s serious.”
“Abby can’t die. She can’t.” Livia thumped the ground in frustration. “You can’t go saying things like that Katy Johnson.”
“You shouldn’t have told her you hated her.”
“I don’t hate her though,” protested Livia.
“You might never get the chance to tell her now.”
“Katy.” Megan reached out and laid a hand on her cousin’s arm. “Please don’t make things any worse.”
Katy turned round to face Megan. “I’m sorry Meg, I’m just upset about Abby.”

The conversation shifted again and nobody noticed Livia curled up in the corner, her book hiding the tears that had begun to slide down her cheeks.

 


#53:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 10:45 am


Poor Livia, she must be feeling awful.

Thank you Pim.

 


#54:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 12:23 pm


Presume they were arguing over Livvy/Abby

Thnaks Pim

 


#55:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 12:49 pm


Thanks Pim & Nell

*hoping Livia gets the chance to make up with Abby*

Liz

 


#56:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 2:37 pm


Is Livia short for Olivia or is Livia her full name?

 


#57:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 5:20 pm


Thanks Pimmy. Poor Carlie, glad she has Nancy and Kathie to go to though.

 


#58:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 2:59 pm


Thanks Pim - quite surprised Nancy didn't instigate full investigations straight away - but perhaps it lets the sense of antici..............







































.........pation build up for the little darlings! Laughing

 


#59:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 10:45 am


A bit more - sorry about the delay we keep having internet problems at work... Nell

It had been a long evening and it promised to be a longer night. Since Abby had been moved to the ward, Kathie Ferrars hadn’t moved from her bedside. She shifted a little in the squeaky chair beside Abby’s bed and took her hand once more.

“Abby,” she whispered. “Abby, please, you have to get better. I won’t let you die, not after Marcie. Please wake up. I’m sorry I was so awful to you before half term before I got ill. I had no right to say that you were your mother all over again, especially as I didn’t mean it in the best of contexts. I don’t expect you to understand, although you might. You’re like her, you understand people. You see Abby, Marcie’s just a little bit older than you. I wanted a child so badly; I loved her more than life itself. She was the best thing that ever happened to me. I’d given up on the hope of ever being a mother and then I met Ivan and Marcie was our little miracle. She was a bit of an accident but once I’d got over the shock I knew that it was meant to be. She was so perfect and everybody adored her. Then you were born, you were a beautiful baby you know and everyone adored you too. That is everyone except your mother. I knew the first time I went to see you – you were only a few weeks old, I took Marcie because I thought that you might grow up as friends. Your father knew Ivan vaguely – it’s a doctor thing, they all seem to know each other, you might understand when you’re older. I could see even then that your mother wasn’t happy with you; she was awkward around you as though she was always waiting for your real mother to come along so she could give you back. I couldn’t understand her at all – I just didn’t get how she could be feeling that way because I was so completely in love with Marcie. The next couple of times I went to see you your mother was getting worse and increasingly distant around you. Your father, on the other hand, was fantastic, he absolutely worshipped you, he was so happy to be a father and you could do no wrong in his eyes.” Kathie paused and scanned Abby’s face again for a sign of anything. “Oh Abby, please wake up.” Nothing. “Well, if you’re not going to then I’ll carry on with my story. I remember the day I heard that your mother had left. I heard from Jo Maynard, of course. I was horrified, I just didn’t understand how she could have done such a thing – I wrote and told her as much but I never heard back. I expect she had plenty of letters saying the same thing and that was what she didn’t want. I saw you a couple of times after that but then your father started cutting out the people that he knew from your mother’s life and I didn’t see you again until you started at school. You know that Marcie died four years ago when she was nine and I lost Ivan as well. It was the worst time of my life, I just didn’t see that there was any point in going on. I don’t know how I managed it as there were so many days when I just couldn’t bear to even get up. But somehow I managed to claw my way back to life and I learned to carry on and then your father rang up and entered you. Well you see I was scared, partly because when I first met your mother we had a few run ins and mostly because I was jealous. I didn’t see how it was fair that my daughter who I wanted more than anything in the whole world had died when you hadn’t. I know it’s awful of me to say so and now I’m sitting here praying like I haven’t prayed since Ivan and Marcie died that you’ll pull through because I couldn’t bear the thought of your father losing you the way that I lost Marcie.” Kathie broke off as she caught approaching footsteps. “That’s either the doctor or your father…”
“How is she?”
Kathie turned round and looked into the haggard face of Robert Fenchurch. “She’s stable. There’s been no change in her condition since I found her. Here, have my seat.” Kathie stood up as Robert dropped into the chair and took Abby’s hand. “I’m just going to go and try to find some coffee or something. Do you want anything?”
He shook his head. “I just want my little girl back.”

 


#60:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:34 pm


Crying or Very sad Poor Kathie

Crying or Very sad Poor Robert

We want Abby back too

Thanks Pim & Nell

Liz

 


#61:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 1:11 pm


Indeed we do. Poor Kathie wonder whether Abby will remember any of that or if Kathie will tell her again when she's awake?

Thank you PIm!

 


#62:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 1:46 pm


I really hope that Abby will be ok. {{{{{Kathie and Robert}}}}}}

 


#63:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 4:28 pm


Just echoing the hugs really =- so sorry for Kathie - and that is such a feasible reaction - you do wish it had happened to someone else, even while you're hating yourself for doing so. Crying or Very sad

Beautiful as ever Pim - thanks Nell.

 


#64:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 5:59 pm


Poor Kathie, she must really have needed to pour all that out. Crying or Very sad

Thanks to one and all.

 


#65:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 9:24 pm


Thank you Pimmy!

*hugs them all*

 


#66:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 8:07 am


Poor Kathie - hopefully she'll feel a lot better and less guilty after being able to clarify her thoughts like that - hope she can tell someone who isn't unconcious too

 


#67:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 9:57 am


And here's a bit more. Nell

“Any change?”
Robert looked up and shook his head as Kathie reappeared behind him, clutching a polystyrene cup of coffee. “Exactly the same as when you left.”
Kathie settled down in the chair opposite him and sniffed at the murky liquid in the cup. “They told me it was coffee,” she said with a rueful smile. Robert managed a weak laugh. “You must blame us for letting this happen to Abby.”
Robert shook his head. “No, I probably should but I don’t. I know Abby only too well and she’s an absolute law unto herself – especially where her principles are concerned.”
Kathie smiled. “We should have noticed she’d gone missing though. She was gone all day and nobody did.”
“Who was checking on her?”
“Just Matron since Abby was still in isolation.”
“Ahh, the half term incident.” Robert sighed. “It’s hardly a good reflection of my parenting when my daughter leads her form in protest and then insults the parents, is it?”
Kathie grinned. “It was a one of the more entertaining half terms we’ve had since the school’s been back in England. I have to admit that to a certain extent Nancy and I agree with Abby – well on principle, just her methods leave a little to be desired.”
Robert laughed. “You can say that again. After I had to go and rescue her when she got arrested on a protest march I’ve lived in fear of what she’ll do next. Hopefully though this will put a stopper on any of her wild ideas, if she pulls through that is…” his voice trailed off.
“Do you think she will? You’re a doctor.”
He shook his head. “In this case I’m a father and I can’t be objective as far as Abby’s concerned. I’m placing her life in the hands of the doctors here, they seem to know what they’re doing.”
“Have you told Vi?”
“Not yet, I thought I’d give her a ring in the morning. I didn’t think to phone before I left York and it’s a bit on the late side now. Have you not got to get back to school?”
Kathie shook her head. “Not tonight, I’ve had my orders to stay here.”
“We can have a good catch up then. It’s been too long since I last saw you. I was sorry to hear about Ivan and Marcie. I liked Ivan, he was a good sort even if he did have an unpronounceable surname. How on earth did you manage with it?”
Kathie smiled. “I never took his name. I’ve always kept my maiden name and Marcie took both our names. I’d finally got the hang of how to pronounce Ivan’s name when he died; I couldn’t do it now mind you. I got so used to spelling it out instead that I didn’t need to think about pronunciation.”
“Ivan was always as proud as punch of Marcie on the few occasions we saw each other at conferences. I think people tended to avoid us one we got together and on to the subject of Marcie and Abby. We may have been a bit obsessed.”
“You both had every right to be. Abby’s a wonderful girl.”
“Just like her mother,” Robert whispered. “I see so much of Mary in her. I couldn’t bear it if I lost her as well.”
“You won’t,” said Kathie firmly.
“I can only hope that you’re right.”

 


#68:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 10:01 am


Thanks Pimmy. Glad Kathie and Robert are getting the chance to catchnup and sort things out between them - just wish it had been under different circumstances.

 


#69:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 2:05 pm


Thanks lots Pim.

Grateful thanks also to the Piminions!!!

 


#70:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 2:08 pm


What was Ivan's surname please?

 


#71:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 2:20 pm


I want to know too! It is odd to hear OOAO referred to as Mary.

Thanks Pim/Nell.

 


#72:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 2:36 pm


I'm afraid I don't know - everything I've read both posted and to be posted just mentions the fact it's unpronouncable! Laughing

 


#73:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 6:28 pm


Thanks Pimandnell, glad Kathie and Robert are able to support each other.

 


#74:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 7:13 am


Thanks Pim & Nell

Liz

 


#75:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 8:16 am


I checked with pim and she said she had never given him one, yet both Liz and I think we once saw a name.....

 


#76:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 11:23 am


Ah well maybe we shall find out in time! Here is the last part from me for a while - I am now handing you back to the capable hands of Liz. Nell x

It was a long night at Exeter Infirmary. Neither Kathie nor Robert slept much, from time to time they dozed fitfully in the squeaky hospital chairs for a few minutes at a time awaking each time to discover no change in Abby’s condition. Doctors and nurses busied in and out at regular intervals to check on Abby but gave nothing away in their faces. In between fitful dozes Kathie and Robert talked, mostly about Abby but also about Ivan and Marcie and Mary-Lou.


It was a long night at the Chalet School as well for several of its members. Nancy only slept a little, spending most of the night lying on her back and staring at the ceiling reflecting on the enormity of the day’s events. She was worried about what the following day would bring. She had to deal with Creseldine and Jake as well as trying to get to the bottom of the anonymous notes affair. The notes all pertained to the events of the summer holiday, which Nancy was sure there wouldn’t be many in the school who knew what had happened. Mai Keppel of 3B lived in the same village as Creseldine but Mai was a quiet and somewhat colourless girl who wouldn’t have the gumption to carry out such a scheme. However, reflected Nancy when she put the notes together with earlier events that had happened to Creseldine she wasn’t so sure. Then there was Carlie, she had no idea how Sharlie and John would react to the news of their impending grandparent status. She hoped for Carlie’s sake that they would be understanding and accepting. And then there was Abby. In that case Nancy could only pray that tomorrow would bring better news.


In the Pansy dormitory Livia Warrington was also having trouble sleeping as her conscience pricked at her over the way she had last spoken to Abby at half term. Then there was the rumour that she’d heard that Creseldine had been caught by Miss Wilmot talking to a boy through the fence. Livia had heard the vague outline of the summer events from Mai Keppel who had heard about them from someone she knew in the village where she lived. Livia shuffled and rolled over unaware that she wasn’t the only member of the dormitory who was struggling to sleep in the circumstances.


Down the corridor in the Peony dormitory Megan Webb was staring into the darkness and thinking about Abby, wondering if she would ever get to share the time she had spent with Mary-Lou with her.

 


#77:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 12:13 pm


Not sure about capable Shocked

But thanks Pim & Nell

Glad Robert and Kathie are keeping each other company - far better than them worrying on their own

Liz

 


#78:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 6:44 pm


A lot of mini-cliffs needing sorting out here.

I'm glad Robert and Kathie were there for each other, and am hoping Nancy can sort out some of the problems.

Thanks, everyone.

 


#79:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 7:32 pm


It seems that Nancy has a lot to deal with at the moment. *Hugs Nancy and everyone else included*.

 


#80:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 9:57 pm


Thanks Pim and Nell.


Lots of worries..... Shocked

 


#81:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 12:15 pm


It was late morning when Vi Warrington arrived at Exeter Infirmary and hurried through the seemingly endless grey hospital corridors to find Robert and Abby. Kathie and Robert hadn’t moved from Abby’s bedside all night and they were both feeling the effects of trying to sleep on the uncomfortable chairs.

“Robert, goodness, I finally found you,” heralded the arrival of Vi on the ward. Robert and Kathie exchanged glances and smiled. “This hospital’s a regular rabbit warren, all corridors going nowhere.”
“It’s your average hospital,” said Robert with a soft smile as he stood up and kissed her.
“How is she?”
Robert looked anxiously at Kathie who replied. “Stable and comfortable, they haven’t really told us anything else.”
Vi looked questioningly at Robert. “That’s good, right?”
Robert shrugged. “I wish I knew.”
Kathie eased herself up, her knees cracking as she did so. “I should be getting back to school and give them the latest,” she said. “You will ring if there’s any change, won’t you?”
Robert nodded. “Of course we will. And Kathie, thank you for everything last night. I don’t know where I would have been without you. You’ll come back later won’t you?”
Kathie smiled and nodded. “I’ll come for visiting after dinner.” She turned and glanced out of the window. “I don’t think we’ll be having any more storms today. Bye Robert, bye Vi.”

Farewells said, Kathie left the ward and made her way back through the hospital corridors to the car park. Blearily rubbing her eyes she fumbled for her car keys in her handbag as a voice cut through her thoughts from somewhere behind her.

“Goodness, if it isn’t Kathie of the unpronounceable surname,” said a laughing voice. “It must be a good four years since I last saw you.”
Kathie spun round to see a former colleague of Ivan’s standing grinning at her. “Geoff,” she said, a gentle smile spreading across her face. “How nice to see you again, you’re right it has been an awfully long time. How’s Bella?”
Geoff Wallace’s face fell. “Bella died two years ago, bowel cancer, very sudden.” He shrugged. “There was nothing anyone could do.”
“Oh, I am sorry.”
“How are you holding together these days? Still teaching at that school down the road?”
“Yes I am. I see myself staying there until my retiring day as well,” she added with a laugh.
“What brings you here at this time of a Sunday morning?”
“One of the girls, of course,” she sighed. “We had a runaway last night, found her with hypothermia collapsed a few miles down the road.”
Geoff winced. “Nasty.”
“Yes.”
“Oh, Kathie, we’ve got some photos up in the office of Ivan that we found on an undeveloped film after he died. They’re nothing exciting, just ones of him teaching – they were going to go in some leaflet or another. We wanted to give them to you but nobody wanted to upset you and then we forgot about them; I found them in a drawer the other day when we were clearing out. Perhaps you’d like them?”
“I… Yes, that would be lovely.”
“I’m guessing that if you’ve got a kid with hypothermia in there then you’ll be back over the next couple of days.” Kathie nodded. “Pop by the office then; the others would love to see you as well, apart from old Mac.”
“Oh?”
“Mac passed on last year.”
“I didn’t know.”
“It happens. It was quite sudden but there you have it, the mystery of life.”
“True.”
“Anyway, it’s been lovely seeing you again Kathie.”
“Yes, you too Geoff. Bye.”

Kathie waved to Geoff as he ambled off across the car park to his own car before climbing into her own and setting off back to the school with a funny feeling that this time everything was going to be okay.

 


#82:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 1:26 pm


Thank you Pim. Glad to see Vi's now there too - still wibbling slightly about Abi though. Also good to see Kathie talking to Ivan's colleague hopefully she'll be able to move on after all this.

 


#83:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 1:28 pm


It's nice that Kathie's bumped into an old friend of Ivan's. What was Ivan's job?

 


#84:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:13 pm


Thanks Pim

Glad Vi has come to be with Robert

Ivan was a doctor, Chair

Liz

 


#85:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 5:34 am


Thanks Pim.

Is there a romance in the wind for Kathie and Geoff?

 


#86:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 1:58 pm


Thanks, Liz. I'm sorry for forgetting that.

 


#87:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 7:54 pm


Chair wrote:
Thanks, Liz. I'm sorry for forgetting that.


Don't worry about it Chair - all of us need reminders every so often! Laughing


Also wondering if there's romance in the air for Kathie.

Thanks Pim.

 


#88:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 8:16 pm


Me too - she says, sticking her hand up in the air for *romance in the offing*

'Twould be nice for Kathie after her sad times.

 


#89:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 10:25 pm


Fingers crossed for Kathie and romance



oh and for Abby's recovery of course

 


#90:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 1:35 pm


Thanks Pim and Nell and all the other posters. Have just caught up with loads of this.

Hope Abby is OK and the rift with her and Livia healed. Looking forward too the chat between Megan and Abby.

I was thinking romance for Kathie here too!

 


#91:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 7:47 am


Chapter 11 – Resolutions

Kathie arrived back at school to find it empty. A cursory glance at her watch told her that everybody would still be out at church. She wandered through the empty corridors of the school to her room in the Head’s annexe and flopped on to her bed with a huge sigh just as her ears caught the sound of movement in the next room. Kathie sat up suddenly and shook her head wildly thinking that she must have been hearing things but still the noise continued. Curious, Kathie slipped from her own room and tapped gently on the door of the spare room.

“Carlie! What on earth are you doing here?” she asked as the door was opened.
“Oh Auntie K, thank goodness it’s only you.”
“Who else would I be? And how long have you been here? And why are you here?” Kathie shook her head trying to make some sense of things and hoping it wasn’t sleep deprived madness that was taking over. “Why aren’t you at uni? It can’t be the end of term already.”
“It’s not. You’d better come in.” Carlie opened the door and Kathie followed her in.
Kathie looked her up and down and raised an eyebrow. “I understand why you’re here,” she said simply as the two of them sat on the bed.
Carlie blushed and looked away. “Uni have suspended me off the course for the rest of the year. I can go back next year if I want.”
“What do you want?”
“I don’t know.”
“And more importantly Carlie, why didn’t you tell anyone before?”
“I don’t know. I was scared I guess, I kept thinking that if I ignored it then it would go away. Stupid, I know. And then I realised I didn’t want to ruin Lucy’s wedding.”
“Hmm.”
“I came to Auntie Nance ‘cause I couldn’t face mum and dad just yet.”
Kathie bit her lip. “No, I suppose not.”
“I’m sorry if I gave you a fright. I wasn’t sure when you’d get back.”
“I wasn’t expecting anyone to be here.”
“They’ve all gone to church; I didn’t feel up to it.”
“Hmm.” Kathie stifled a yawn. “Carlie, I’m going to try and get an hour’s sleep or so. Will you ask Nancy to wake me when she gets back?”
Carlie nodded. “How were things at the hospital?”
Kathie shrugged. “Hard to say.”
“Auntie K?”
“Yes?”
“What do you think I should do?”
“That’s a question I can’t answer for you Carlie.”

 


#92:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 8:13 am


Poor Kathie, too many problems at once, especially after sleepless night and worry over Abby and all the feelings it has resurrected.

Thanks, Pim

 


#93:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 8:50 am


Thank you Pim (and Piminion)!

So many threads and so many worries. Hope Kathie gets some much needed sleep.

 


#94:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 8:58 am


Thanks Pim. Lovely to see Kathie helping Carlie Very Happy

 


#95:  Author: SquirrelLocation: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 9:36 am


I'm glad that Cathy was able to cope with it as far as she did, and that she didnt react before she thougt about it. I;m sure she is a bit amazed and feels that this is one problem too many, so I'm also pleased that she has given herself time to rest before she takes too much more on board. Thanks pim

 


#96:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:30 pm


Thanks Pim

Hope Kathie can rest and feel better for it

Liz

 


#97:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 7:13 pm


Glad Kathie was non-judgemental there - poor Carlie.

 


#98:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 8:50 pm


I hope Carlie will get through everything ok. *Hugs Carlie and Kathie*

 


#99:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 12:58 pm


Nancy had returned from church to be greeted by the news from Carlie that Kathie had returned from Exeter Infirmary and had gone to try and get some sleep. Having fought with her conscience over whether to wake her friend Nancy had gone and shook her awake and instantly regretted it as she was greeted by Kathie swearing vociferously at her until the sleepy haze cleared and she realised what was going on. She had then been and spoken to the Thirds to tell them that there was news only that Abby was stable. It was after lunch when Nancy finally got round to dealing with Creseldine and Jake. She had decided to interview the pair separately and having easily dealt with Jake who insisted that there was nothing further to tell apart from what he had said the previous evening she turned her attentions to Creseldine. Her defences now down, Creseldine had told her the full story of everything that had happened to her since the beginning of term. Nancy’s frown deepened as the story unfolded before her eyes.

“I suppose I’m a failure as a prefect,” Creseldine said miserably, leaning back in her chair as she did so. “I’d better resign and have someone else replace me next term.”
“I don’t think that will be necessary Creseldine.”
“I’m sorry?”
“I am not in the habit of repeating myself when I know perfectly well that my words have been clearly heard.” Creseldine flushed and stared past Nancy, biting her lip. “You’ve learned your lesson from coming across high handed. It seems that this whole sorry affair started out as harmless pranks which ended up taking a turn for the worst.” Nancy paused. “You may go now Creseldine and could you send Polly along to me, please.”

Creseldine stood up, bobbed a hurried curtsey and left the study. Left alone Nancy sighed a sigh from her shoes upwards and buried her head in her arms until a tap on the door signalled Polly’s arrival.

“Why did you not think to tell me of this before it got so out of control, Polly?” asked Nancy after Polly had poured out the whole story to her.
“I… I don’t know Miss Wilmot.” Polly looked around the room avoiding the Head Mistress’ gaze.
“You could have saved a lot of trouble.”
“I know. But, Miss Wilmot, we didn’t know who was behind it. Tacy and I… we had a hunch but we had no evidence. We thought we could handle it ourselves – Cres was being quite secretive about it as well, she only told us bits.”
Nancy frowned. “That’s as may be Polly…”
“I suppose you think I’m a terrible Head Girl now.”
“No Polly, I just wish you’d come to me sooner instead of feeling that you had to handle everything yourself. Do you have any idea who may have been behind this?”
“We thought it was the Thirds to begin with. Cres seemed to have rubbed them up the wrong way at mealtimes and then they always looked as though they were up to mischief to begin with but I don’t want to believe that any of them would stoop to sending anonymous notes, Miss Wilmot. I mean, that’s just not their scene really.”

 


#100:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 1:07 pm


Thanks Pim

Glad Creseldine is remaining as a prefect - she seems a completely different girl now

Liz

 


#101:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 3:33 pm


Thanks Pim. Glad Abby is stable hope she is much better very soon.

Poor Nancy she is having a lot of troubles at the moment - think she dealt well there with Creseldine and hope Creseldine curbs her hihg-handedness with the Thirds.

 


#102:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 4:52 pm


Middles do always have a reputation at the CS! It's a pity both Cres and Polly think they're doing a bad job at being a prefect and Head Girl respectively.

 


#103:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 7:43 pm


Thanks Pim, lovely episode.

 


#104:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Sun Jul 24, 2005 10:51 am


Chair wrote
Quote:
It's a pity both Cres and Polly think they're doing a bad job at being a prefect and Head Girl respectively.

I dunno, better that they think they're not ok, so try harder next time, than that they think they're fine when they are rubbish.

 


#105:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 8:26 am


Nancy rubbed her eyes sleepily and stared out of the window wishing that the afternoon would be over and done with. She had just made a phone call to Sharlie Andrews explaining that Carlie was at school with her and that she needed John to bring her back later as Carlie needed to speak to them both together. Sharlie had pressed Nancy for further details but not wanting to break Carlie’s confidence Nancy had refused to expand on the matter. She was now waiting for the arrival of Mai Keppel of 3B to see if she could shed any light on the matter since she was the one who lived near Creseldine. Nancy sighed again, there had been no news from Exeter Infirmary either and Kathie was still asleep so she had no one to talk things over with.

“Come in,” she called as there was a timid tap at the door and Mai Keppel slipped into the study with a clumsy curtsey. “Sit down Mai.” The girl instantly did as she was told and Nancy looked seriously at her. “Mai, what do you know about anonymous notes being sent to Creseldine Price-Morris?” Nancy noted that the startled look which crossed Mai’s face was not one of having been found out. “Mai?” she prompted gently.
“N… nothing, Miss Wilmot,” Mai stammered.
Nancy frowned. “What do you know about Creseldine and Jake Davis?” Mai gulped and avoided Nancy’s gaze. “Mai?”
“Only… only what I overheard my mum saying, Miss Wilmot.”
“Which was?”
“That Creseldine went joyriding with Jake Davis.”
“Hmm.”
“Miss Wilmot?” Mai’s conscience was beginning to dig.
“Yes?”
“I don’t know anything about the notes but…” Mai trailed off.
“But what?” Mai bit her lip and twisted her fingers awkwardly. “Mai, do you know something about the jokes that were being played on Creseldine earlier in term?”
Mai nodded. “It was us, I mean us in 3B and 3A. We thought Creseldine needed knocking down a peg or two and so…” she trailed off once more.
“I see,” replied Nancy slowly. “Did none of you think it would be better to talk to somebody about how you felt towards Creseldine rather than taking matters into your own hands?” Mai blushed. “Clearly not, perhaps you’d better begin at the beginning.”
“Miss Wilmot, I…” Mai paused. “It just started out as a bit of fun, just pranks but then most of us got bored and gave up.”
“And who carried on with this grand plan of yours?”
“I’m not sure Miss Wilmot,” replied Mai, not wanting to name names.
Nancy sighed, not wanting to have to question the other thirty members of the Third forms. “Very well Mai, you may go and will you please ask Livia Warrington to come to me?”
“Yes, Miss Wilmot” muttered Mai as she hastily bobbed a curtsey and left the study.

 


#106:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 8:28 am


Thanks Pim

Hope Nancy can get to the bottom of all this.

Liz

 


#107:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 12:16 pm


It's nice to see Nancy as Head and that she has got such good authority. I felt sorry for Mai - I hope she doesn't get in trouble with the others for telling Nancy what happened.

 


#108:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 4:48 pm


hmmm so the notes were something to do with the Thirds then?

Thats not CS style at all!

 


#109:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 7:08 pm


If not Mai then who???

Thanks Pimions

 


#110:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 7:13 pm


I'm sure Nancy will get to the bottom of it in the end.

Thanks, Pim

 


#111:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 7:16 am


“Is there anything else you would like to tell me, Livia?” Livia Warrington looked up briefly as Miss Wilmot’s question came sharply above her head. “About anonymous notes perhaps?” Livia avoided the gaze of her Headmistress. “Livia?”
“It… it was only meant as a joke Miss Wilmot…”
“Did you write them Livia?”
“I… I wrote… I didn’t write the first one, the others yes. The others didn’t think I should carry on with them but…”
“Livia, I don’t think that you realise quite how serious the crime you’ve committed is.” Livia squirmed in the opposite chair. “Did you know that adults can be sent to prison for sending poison pen letters?” Livia shook her head. “I thought not. Now, whose idea was it?”
“It was mine,” Livia admitted in a barely audible voice. “Mai told us about what happened with Creseldine over the summer and it just seemed…”
“Who’s ‘us’, Livia?”
Livia blushed. “Me, Katy, Miranda and Lyra but Lyra never had anything to do with it. She said we couldn’t use it because it was blackmail.”
“And she was right. So who wrote the first note?”
“We… we drew straws on it because nobody really wanted to do it and Miranda got the short one and then she said she wouldn’t do it again. Mai was never involved either; she had an attack from her conscience and said she should never have told us in the first place because she’d only overheard it. Katy agreed with Miranda that we shouldn’t send anymore but I don’t know why I couldn’t let it go. I sent that one after half term because I was feeling cross with myself and everybody else.”
Nancy raised an eyebrow. “Because of your mother’s news?”
Livia nodded. “Everybody was saying it was so wonderful and it’s not. I hate it,” she added emphatically.
“Why do you hate it Livia?”
“Because he’s going to try and replace my dad.”
“Dr Fenchurch, Livia, not he, please remember that he does have a name. And why do you think that?”
“Because… Well that’s what happens isn’t it?”
Nancy was slightly taken aback for a moment. “How can you be so sure?”
“It’s what happens in books and…”
Nancy resisted the urge to laugh. “This isn’t a book though Livia.”
“It’s the sort of thing that happens in books.”
“It’s the sort of thing that happens in real life all the time without any problems at all. Dr Fenchurch isn’t going to try and replace your father, just as your mother won’t try and replace Dr Trelawney for Abby. It works both ways you know.” Livia sat in a contemplative silence for a moment. “If I guess right, Livia, you’ve been making yourself very unhappy these last couple of weeks?” Livia nodded miserably. “I’ll take you to Matron and you can spend the next couple of days in the San. I think the break from your classmates will do you the world of good whilst I decide the best manner in which to deal with the matter of the anonymous notes.”
“Miss Wilmot?”
“Yes Livia?”
“Abby… she’s not going to die is she?”
“It’s looking increasingly unlikely.”
“I don’t want her to. The last thing I told her was that I hated her and I don’t want her to die thinking that.”

And with that Livia burst into tears much to Nancy’s surprise. Without thinking Nancy crossed to her and held her close to her throughout the stormy fit of sobs, wondering if, perhaps, Livia had punished herself enough already.

 


#112:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 7:22 am


Poor mixed-up, unhappy little Livia

Thanks Pim

Liz

 


#113:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 7:24 am


Poor Livia, I hope she's learnt her lesson. Thanks Pim Very Happy

 


#114:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 11:51 am


I'm glad Nancy managed to make her see a little sense about both matters. Maybe she won't hate Abby and her dad quite so much from now on, and she can begin to adjust to it all.

Thanks, Pim

 


#115:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 11:56 am


I'm glad Livia has confessed so that mystery is solved. I'm also glad Nancy has also talked some sense into her about her Mum marrying Robert.

 


#116:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 1:58 pm


Poor Livia - she's evidently made herself so unhappy. I'm really glad she's realised she doesn't hate Abby and is more accepting of Robert and Vi.

 


#117:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 7:30 pm


Thanks Pimandco, feel sorry for Livia - but it was still a nasty thing to do.

 


#118:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 5:34 pm


Nancy glanced at the clock and sighed. It had been a long afternoon and the hour hand was creeping ever closer to five o’clock when Sharlie had said she would be back from her free weekend. The pile of correspondence she had intended to deal with that day lay untouched on her desk along with the pile of report cards she had intended to look over. In the corner of the study Carlie sat awkwardly in a chair, her book unread on her lap and her eyes gazing nervously out of the window. Nancy had spent the afternoon dealing with the Third forms and was now in possession of more or less the full facts pertaining to the whole ‘Creseldine affair’ and was still none the wiser as to what she would do. The entire form would spend the rest of the day in silence and go to bed straight from dinner. Nancy knew that it wasn’t quite fair to treat them all the same, but they had all been involved to begin with. A sharp tap on the door made her jump followed quickly by a sigh of relief as Kathie crept in, a pile of report cards under her arm, and settled herself in the seat beside Carlie.

“No sign of your parents then Carlie?” A shake of Carlie’s head was her only response as Kathie placed the report cards on the floor beside her and reached over to take Carlie’s book from her lap, she looked at the cover, What Katy Did, with a grin. “Marcie loved that book; she must have read it a hundred times. Her copy was falling to pieces…” Kathie broke off. “What time are you expecting Sharlie and John?”
“Five, or so,” replied Nancy with a swift glance at her watch.
Kathie looked at her own. “What time is it now? My watch seems to have stopped again – I must get a new battery for it.”
“Five to,” said Carlie.
“Did you ring the hospital?” asked Nancy suddenly.
Kathie nodded. “I managed to speak to Robert, no change was all he said. I suppose it’s better than nothing. I’ll head down around seven-ish I think.”
“Auntie K?” asked Carlie suddenly.
“Yes?”
“Are you going to be here when mum and dad arrive?”
Kathie glanced at Nancy who nodded. “Yes, I am.” She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Even your Auntie Nance occasionally needs to have her hand held; but don’t tell her I just told you that.”
“You don’t need to tell me Carlie – I just heard,” grinned Nancy as Kathie chuckled.

There was a knock on the door and the three sat frozen to their seats momentarily before Nancy recovered use of her senses.

“Come in,” she called as Sharlie and John Fernley entered the room.
Sharlie’s eyes instantly rested on her youngest daughter. “Carlie!” she exclaimed as her daughter stood up to greet her and Sharlie froze. “What on earth have you done?”

 


#119:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 5:36 pm


Oh, dear. I look forward to hearing Carlie's explanation of 'what she has done'.

 


#120:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 5:37 pm


Pim wrote:
“Come in,” she called as Sharlie and John Fernley entered the room.
Sharlie’s eyes instantly rested on her youngest daughter. “Carlie!” she exclaimed as her daughter stood up to greet her and Sharlie froze. “What on earth have you done?”



Is Carlie going to explain in graphic detail? Shocked

Thanks Pim.

 


#121:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 7:30 pm


I would say "Mum, I've stuffed a cushion up my jumper. What did you think?" But then I am 34...

It's good to see Kathie talking about Marcie.

 


#122:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 7:25 am


A silence descended upon the study as its occupants looked between each other. Eventually Carlie was the one to break it.

“It’s quite obvious, isn’t it, mum?”
“Well… yes…” stammered Sharlie in reply. “But…” she got no further as John interrupted.
“Whose is it? And how on earth could you have been so stupid Charlotte?”
Carlie flinched at the use of her full name. “It… it’s Phil’s. He knows, I told him but he doesn’t want to have anything to do with me… or it. And you don’t need to tell me I’ve been stupid,” she added bitterly. “I already know.”
“I… I just don’t understand,” came from her mother.
Carlie shrugged. “Quite obvious, Phil and I got drunk, and, yes well…” Carlie tailed off, rubbing the back of her left leg awkwardly with her right foot. “I never meant for this to happen.”
Sharlie sighed. “What about Lucy’s wedding? Lucy would never have…” her thoughts were out before she’d had time to think them through fully and Kathie pounced.
“Don’t bring Lucy into this Sharlie,” she said, standing beside Carlie she slipped a supportive arm around her shoulders. “It’s not about Lucy. This is about Carlie and you can’t compare; for once see Carlie as Carlie. You’ve always compared her to Lucy; she’s always had to live up to whatever Lucy’s done first.” Kathie paused to glance round the others who stared at her in a dazed silence. “All I’m saying is that Carlie’s as much your daughter as Lucy is.”
“What would you have done if it had been Marcie?” asked Sharlie suddenly.
Kathie bit her lip. “Marcie would have known that she had two parents who loved her and supported her decision even if in our hearts Ivan and I hadn’t agreed.” There was another silence. “I think I’ll go to the Infirmary now. I’ve said enough.”

With that she swept from Nancy’s study and headed to her room to collect her coat and bag. She was half way along the corridor on her way out when the approaching footsteps caught up with her.

“Auntie K.” Kathie turned round to see Carlie standing behind her trying to catch her breath. “I just wanted to say thank you for what you said in there.”
Kathie shrugged. “It was nothing.”
“I… I didn’t think you’d ever noticed it.”
“Why?”
“Because… because you’re Lucy’s godmother.”
“That’s beside the point right now. Carlie, this is about you – it’s your life, your baby – only you can make the decisions and I will support whatever decision you make.”
“I’m keeping it.”
Kathie smiled. “I thought you might.”
“I know it won’t be easy but it’s what I want. I can do this, Auntie K.”
“I don’t doubt you can.”
“I… I’d better go back and tell them. I just wanted to thank you.”

 


#123:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 7:40 am


Good for Kathie being able to say that - hope Sharlie and John can accept and listen properly.

Thanks Pim.

 


#124:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 8:29 am


Thanks Pim

Well done Kathie - I hope Sharlie and John pay attention and are supportive to Carlie

Liz

 


#125:  Author: RobinLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 9:06 am


well done Kathie - hope that Sharlie and her don't fall out over it though.

Thanks Pim

 


#126:  Author: SquirrelLocation: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 4:00 pm


Oh really pleased that Kathie was able to ease down the situation that way. Thanks Pim

 


#127:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Aug 01, 2005 9:37 am


Well done Kathie, that obviously needed to be said.

Thanks Piminions.

 


#128:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Mon Aug 01, 2005 11:35 pm


Carlie returned to a frosty silence between her parents and Nancy in the study.

“Sorry,” she mumbled. “I just had to talk to Auntie K.” She paused and looked around them. “I’ve made a decision and I’m keeping the baby. Phil doesn’t want to know but I can bring it up on my own. I’ll get a job or something…” she trailed off as her parents slipped their arms around each other.
“If that’s what you want…” began Sharlie.
Carlie nodded. “It is.”
Sharlie and John glanced at each other before Sharlie spoke. “Then we’ll do whatever we can to support you.”
Nancy cleared her throat. “If it would help,” she began. “Carlie can stay with me until the end of term whilst you all get your heads around things. There’s a spare room in the annexe and Clare could always use a hand in the office. That is if it’s what you want Carlie.”
Carlie glanced anxiously at her parents. “I’d like to stay with Auntie Nance, if you don’t mind.”

Carlie’s decision made and supported by her parents the four of them were able to sit down and discuss logistics. John would drive to York the following weekend to collect the rest of Carlie’s things from her room and would spend the run up to the end of term adapting Carlie’s room at home to accommodate a small baby. The matter of her degree was pushed to one side for the moment as the more pressing concern of the immediate future was dealt with.

 


#129:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Aug 02, 2005 3:57 am


Thanks Pim, glad Sharlie and John have decided to support Carlie - wonder a little at the frosty silence between them and Nancy.

 


#130:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 02, 2005 7:40 am


Thanks Pim

Liz

 


#131:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Aug 02, 2005 8:11 am


Thank you Pimmy

 


#132:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 02, 2005 9:05 am


Thank you Pimmy. Hope Nancy's support of Carlie doesn't affect her relationship with Sharlie and John.

 


#133:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 02, 2005 11:30 am


I'm glad Carlie was able to stand up to her parents and Kathie could see what had happened with Lucy as well. I'm also glad Sharlie and John are able to support Carlie.

 


#134:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Wed Aug 03, 2005 4:51 pm


Sorry for the delay - meant to put this up yesterday. I am now handing back to MinioNell. ~ Liz x


Kathie shifted uneasily in the uncomfortable chair at Abby’s bedside and yawned, stretching her arms above her head as she did so. It had just passed eight and she had been sitting alone for the best part of an hour having persuaded Robert and Vi to go in search of some dinner. There had been no change in Abby’s condition and no sign of her regaining consciousness. Kathie hated the helpless feeling she had as she stared at Abby’s unconscious form, the same colour as the starched hospital sheets. Readjusting her cramped limbs she picked up the magazine Vi had left behind and idly flicked through it’s pages, reading nothing but casting her eyes over Abby every few moments. Laying the magazine down beside her Kathie sighed heartily.

“Abby,” she whispered, leaning forward and taking the girl’s hand in her own. “Abby.” She wasn’t sure how much talking to Abby was helping but it made her feel as though she could be doing something. “Abby, please.” She stared down at Abby almost willing her to open her eyes and then there was a flicker of her eyelids. Kathie stared unsure that she had really seen that. “Abby?” Then it was there again. “Abby, can you hear me? Abby?” Suddenly Abby’s eyes opened and Kathie felt an urge to laugh with relief.
“I… I’m not at school,” she stammered.
“No, you’re in Exeter Infirmary.”
“Miss Ferrars, I…”
Kathie leant forward and stroked Abby’s hair. “Shh, don’t try and talk. I’ll go and…” she got no further as one of the nurses suddenly bristled in before going in search of a doctor seeing that Abby had regained consciousness.


It was half an hour later when Robert and Vi returned from dinner to find Abby asleep once more.

“No change then?” he asked Kathie as she laid her book down.
Kathie grinned. “She’s sleeping now.”
“Sleeping?” repeated Robert in shock.
“She came round about half an hour ago.”
“She… she…” Robert felt his knees begin to shake as he sank down into the chair beside Abby.
Kathie laid a comforting hand on his arm. “She’s going to be okay. She’s only just gone back to sleep. She knows you were here though.”
“What did she say?”
Kathie shrugged. “Not much, she was a bit confused. She thought she’d managed to make it back to school. The doctor says he’ll know more when she wakes again but she’s going to be fine, Robert. It’s all going to be okay.”

 


#135:  Author: catherineLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Wed Aug 03, 2005 4:56 pm


Glad Abby has come round.

Thanks Pim and Liz!

 


#136:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 03, 2005 4:56 pm


I'm glad Abby has regained consciousess and that she recognises Kathie. Hooray!

 


#137:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Aug 03, 2005 6:39 pm


Awww, how lovely.

Thank you!

 


#138:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Aug 03, 2005 10:46 pm


Yay!!

Abby's awake!

 


#139:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 03, 2005 10:53 pm


So glad Abby has come round - thanks Pim

*heaves sigh of relief*

Liz

 


#140:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 3:37 am


Phew. She came round (without us having to sing too)

Hurry with the next up date MinioNell

 


#141:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 9:10 am


Yay she's ok...thank you pim and piminion!

Next updaye later - MinioNell!

 


#142:  Author: RobinLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 9:41 am


pheweee

thanks Pim

 


#143:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 1:42 pm


Oops forgot to post yesterday so here it is now. MinioNell x

It was Wednesday when Abby was well enough to have visitors and Kathie drove Rhianna and Katy through to Exeter once lessons were over to see their friend. The two returned relieved and eager to impart the details of their visit amongst the rest of the Thirds. Livia had rejoined her form mates that day, Nancy having decided that she had punished herself enough through her unhappiness. The rest of the form had been a little unsure about welcoming her back into their fold but Katy had been the first to realise that bridges needed to be built and had made up with Livia. And so Friday saw Kathie driving out to Exeter once more with Livia in tow after Abby had requested a visit from her.

“I’m not infectious,” laughed Abby as Livia stood awkwardly at the foot of her bed. “You can sit next to me, you know.”
“Sorry,” muttered Livia as she dropped into the chair beside Abby’s bed. “I just…” she broke off. “I’m sorry.”
Abby shrugged. “No worries, what for?”
“Saying I hated you over mum and your dad.”
Abby shrugged again. “I half expected it.”
“What?”
“I half expected them to… well, you know. And I half expected that you’d react the way you did.”
Livia stared. “How… why…”
“I don’t know; it was just a feeling I had. Livvie, do you mind now?”
Livia shook her head. “No, I realise now that I was being stupid and hating it. It might take some getting used to though.”
Abby smiled. “Oh good, I feel like that too.”
“You do?”
Abby nodded. “All my life it’s been me and dad and nobody else. He’s had girlfriends but nothing like this. It’s different with your mum. But I’ll have to get used to having her around as well.”
“Aren’t you worried about her replacing your mum?”
“Not really, it wasn’t as if I knew my mum after all, only a little, at the end.”
“Do you miss her even though you didn’t know her?”
Abby nodded. “Of course I do. All I ever wanted was a family, now I have one. You do understand, don’t you Livvie?”
Livia nodded. “Yes.”

 


#144:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 2:34 pm


I'm glad Livia and Abby have talked things through and they've made up. That was a lovely scene.

 


#145:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 7:28 pm


Awww, that's nice - glad Abby also has same feelings - Livia won't feel quite so bad now.

Thanks Pim and Nell.

 


#146:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Aug 07, 2005 5:06 pm


oh poor Abby and poor Livia - if only they'd talked to each other before then all of this might never have had to happen (and then we would have been deprived of excellent story)

Thanks Pim and Piminion

 


#147:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 1:06 pm


Megan had been surprised over the weekend that Abby had asked her to go and visit and on Monday after lessons she made her way to Exeter Infirmary to visit. She would be one of Abby’s last visitors as she was being discharged on Wednesday. Robert had decided to take her away for the rest of the week to the south coast before bringing her back to school on Sunday night for the last fortnight of term. The two girls had talked over school and the happenings that Abby had been missing out on before Abby decided to ask Megan about the real reason why she had asked her to visit.

“Megan,” Abby began purposefully.
“Yes?”
“Katy said… Katy said you knew my mother.” Megan nodded. “Tell me about her.”
Megan stared awkwardly at the floor for a moment. “I owe her so much now; if it hadn’t been for her I would never have met the Maynards and I would never know that I have a real family who love me and accept me. To begin with I thought she was just a nosy interfering busy body when she started talking to me on the beach but I soon realised she wasn’t. She talked about you, you know, she never forgot you. She always wanted to go back and see you, to get to know you, but she was too scared. She thought you’d hate her for leaving her and she didn’t want to hurt you, or your father. I didn’t know she was ill then, she didn’t tell me until it was too late and then she knew that she had to see you to try and make her peace.”
“What did she say about me?”
“She missed you.”
“I never…”
“She’d always missed you, even at first when she was convinced that leaving you was the right thing.”
“Did she regret it?”
“I don’t know,” replied Megan with a shrug. “I just know that she missed you and that she didn’t want to meet you again just because she was dying. She kept hoping that it would be a mistake, that she would be okay and then she’d be able to really make it up to you.”
“But it wasn’t a mistake, she did die and I didn’t know her, not properly anyway, like you and your dad.”
“True, but at least you knew your mum was your mum and weren’t told otherwise when she died. It was a bit of a shock to begin with but I’m glad to have the Maynards.”
Abby smiled. “I’m glad to have Auntie Vi, somehow she makes mum more real.”
“I know exactly what you mean.”

The two girls carried on talking for the remainder of visiting time without realising how quickly time was going and consequently were both shocked when Kathie appeared to tell Megan it was time to leave. They had talked over unknown parents and families, the Chalet School and the schools they had left behind, the past and the future. There were ties binding the two girls together and the foundations for a lifelong friendship had been laid.

 


#148:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 1:29 pm


Awwwwww!!!

That was luffly Pimmykins!

 


#149:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 2:02 pm


awww thank you Pim and Piminion that was luffly

*feels all warm and sparkly inside*

 


#150:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 2:04 pm


It's nice to see Abby and Megan getting on so well with each other. That was a lovely scene.

 


#151:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 6:03 pm


Thank you Pim, glad Megan was able to tell Abby about her mum.

 


#152:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 9:26 am


And some more - sorry forgot to post yesterday...Nell

Abby was well enough to return to school for the final two weeks of term. Robert had taken her to the south coast for a few days to finish her recovery and impressed upon her the seriousness of her actions and the need for her to take responsibility for them herself. She returned to school a much more sober and quiet person prepared to think a little before she acted. It would take a little more than a bout of hypothermia to knock Abby’s principles but it had caused her to think things through more thoroughly before acting. On her return to school she had faced a long chat with Miss Wilmot who had reiterated the one she had had with her father. She had lost her part in the Christmas concert having missed two weeks worth of rehearsals and found herself relegated to hading out programmes to attending parents.

Abby had returned to school during the quietest week of term – that of examinations week for the end of term exams. She had been excused from them as a result of missing the previous fortnight and as such spent a rather long and boring week alone. Once the rest of the Thirds had got over their initial raptures over her return they had left her more or less alone and returned to their last minute cramming in a desperate bid to learn that last little bit of information that may or may not come in useful for the exams. For her part, Abby used the long week wisely to catch up on the work she had missed in the library under the watchful gaze of the librarian where she copied her form mates’ notes into her exercise books and worked her way steadily through all of her subjects.

The long week of exams eventually came to an end and girls all throughout the school emerged from the exam rooms with a variety of expressions reflecting how they thought that they had done. The members of both third forms declared that they intended to forget all about the exams and enjoy the rest of the term. There was a chance for a couple of them to move either up into the A division or down into the B and a few members of the forms were a little more nervy than others. After the ups and downs that the term had thus far provided there was now a lull, which the staff hoped might just hold out until its end.

 


#153:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 11:40 am


A lull? With Christmas on the scene, and concert etc? You jest, surely!

Thanks, one and all. Laughing

 


#154:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 4:59 pm


Think the Staff are being far too optimistic! Laughing

 


#155:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 8:05 pm


A lull is EBD code for another major incident! Surely the Staff should know that by now...

 


#156:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 10:32 pm


I'm glad Abby is back at the CS.

 


#157:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 9:12 am


Maybe that's it and there is now a peaceful end to term...I can't understand why you're all so sceptical! Laughing Wink Twisted Evil

 


#158:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 2:35 pm


Ok so here's what happened next... Enjoy! Nell

It was left to Carlie to provide the final event of term. Her initial consultation with the medical professionals in Exeter had revealed things to be a little further on than she had been told in York meaning that the baby was due between Christmas and New Year rather than nearly the middle of January that she had been working on to begin with. It was a fact that Carlie had kept to herself. It was the final Monday of term and the vast majority of the school were in the hall rehearsing for the Christmas concert which would come off on the Friday afternoon. Kathie had slipped out of rehearsals and back to the annexe to change her clothes having managed to spill an entire tin of paint down herself whilst painting scenery. She was on her way back out the rehearsal when the sound of a cry of pain caught her ears. Without thinking Kathie turned on her heel and headed towards the room Carlie was using and knocked on the door.

“Carlie, are you okay in there?” Getting no response Kathie knocked again. “Carlie?” Getting no response a second time Kathie gently pushed the door open to see Carlie bent double and clutching the window sill. “Carlie?” Kathie crossed the room and laid a hand gently on her shoulder as Carlie turned her panic stricken face to her.
“Auntie K, it’s the baby… I think it’s coming.”
“It can’t be! You’re not due for another month; it’ll be Braxton Hicks – they’re an absolute sod.” Carlie shook her head. “Carlie?”
“I’m not sure. That was what they said in York but here they said Christmas – that’s only two weeks.”
“Oh God.” Kathie clapped her free hand over her mouth. “Are you sure that’s what they said here?” Carlie nodded. “Don’t move, no wait. Carlie, how long have you been having contractions?”
“I don’t know, since yesterday I think.”
Kathie frowned and thought a moment. “Can you not be any more specific?” Carlie shook her head as she was overtaken by the pain of another contraction. Her grip tightened on the windowsill as Kathie gently rubbed her back. “Come on, you’d better sit down,” she said helping Carlie across the room to sit on her bed. “Don’t move.”
“Where are you going?” asked Carlie, a note of rising panic in her voice.
“I’m going to make a couple of phone calls and then I’ll be right back. You can’t do this alone Carlie and I’m no medic. If anything goes wrong…” Kathie stopped herself, swallowing sharply as she did so. It had been kept no secret from Carlie that both she and her mother had almost died during Carlie’s birth. Kathie squatted in front of Carlie. “I’ll only be a minute and then I’ll be right back. I’ll be here as long as you need me. I promise.”

 


#159:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 2:45 pm


I hope Carlie and the baby will both be ok.

 


#160:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 3:00 pm


argh! I certainly didn't expect that!

I really really hope it won't be a difficult birth - please let Kathie get help soon.

Thanks Pim and MinioNell!

 


#161:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 3:11 pm


Im glad Carlie has Kathie Very Happy

Thanks Pimmy Very Happy

 


#162:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 6:09 pm


Poor Carlie - hope Kathie can get help quickly. Shocked

 


#163:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 2:45 pm


Sorry I forgot about this...I can't believe none of you reminded me either did you not what to know about Carlie? Nell x

It was some hours later when Carlie’s baby daughter made her way into the world. Nancy Wilmot would later remark that she had never quite considered her annexe being used as a substitute for a maternity ward but secretly she was quite proud of the fact. Kathie had remained with Carlie throughout the birth and now sat beside Carlie’s bed with the tiny white bundle in her arms.

“You should be proud of yourself,” she said quietly to Carlie who was on the verge of dozing off.
“Whatever for?”
“She’s gorgeous.”
“I know, but then again I suppose I’m biased.”
“Sod being biased,” grinned Kathie. “You’re allowed to be.”
“Auntie K?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
“What for?”
“Being there, I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Pfft, of course you could.”
Carlie shook her head. “Auntie K?”
“Yes?”
“Will you be her godmother?”
“I… err… yes, I will. Do you know what you’re going to call her?”
“Nancy, after Auntie Nance, but she’ll be Nan for everyday.”
Kathie smiled. “I think it suits her.”
Carlie yawned. “Auntie K?”
“Yes?”
“Would you mind… that is I’d like Nan to have Marcelia as her middle name, that is if you don’t mind…”
“I… Oh Carlie, I think…” Kathie paused. “Nancy Marcelia, it has a ring to it.”
“May I then?”
Kathie shifted Nan in her arms to make herself more comfortable. “You don’t need my permission to call your daughter what you want.”
“I just thought… because of Marcie…” Carlie yawned again.
“Tired?” Carlie nodded sleepily, fighting to keep her eyes open. “Go to sleep then, I’ll stay until you do but I warn you the minute Nan wants her mum then I’m waking you up.”

Carlie chuckled and sank back into the pillows letting sleep wash over her. Kathie settled back with Nan in her arms feeling a little sleepy herself. She snapped back to reality quickly when there was a tap on the door followed by Sharlie.

“Shh,” whispered Kathie as Sharlie tiptoed across to her.
“Is she sleeping?”
Kathie nodded. “Don’t wake her, but here take Nan,” she whispered handing Nan over to her grandmother. “Here, sit down. I think Carlie would like you to be here when she wakes up.”

 


#164:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 2:48 pm


That was a lovely scene. I'm sorry I didn't remind you, Pimliddy. Carlie has chosen nice names. I also am glad Carlie chose Kathie to be Nan's godmother and gave Nan Marcella's name as a middle name.

 


#165:  Author: SquirrelLocation: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 4:29 pm


Thanks Nell - Fraid I don't know the posting schedual so I couldn't remind you, even though I did want to know what was happening. And thanks Pim - nice to know that things have gone well. *Very glad that Kathy was able to support Carlie through it*

 


#166:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 4:48 pm


Thanks Pim & MinioNell - That was lovely

Didn't see the need to remind you Wink

Liz

 


#167:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 5:18 pm


Hope Sharlie is as pleased as Kathie and Nancy. Confused

Thanks Pimions

 


#168:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 7:07 pm


awww that was such a lovely scene

*feels all fluffy inside*

thank pim and MinioNell

 


#169:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 8:15 pm


Awwww!!!!!

That was so sweet of Carlie!!!!

 


#170:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 3:58 pm


LizB wrote:
Didn't see the need to remind you Wink


Well, no I suppose you wouldn't Wink

Here's a little more! Nell x


Kathie almost collided with Nancy in the corridor as she was making her way to the staff room in search of a coffee to wake her up. Nancy stopped sharply to avoid spilling the contents of the box she was carrying across the corridor.

“What have you got there?”
“Oh things,” replied Nancy airily as Kathie peered over the top of it. “Essentials, the things nobody else will be buying Carlie – talcum powder, nappies, baby wipes and things.”
“How come you’re being so useful now?”
“Cheek,” grinned Nancy.
“You could have bought me a nice box like that.”
Nancy chuckled. “I was too excited to think practically when Marcie was born. How is Carlie?”
“Asleep. Nance, she asked me to be baby Nan’s godmother.”
“Did you agree?”
Kathie nodded. “How could I not?”
“Did she ask you about names?”
“Nancy Marcelia.” Kathie grinned. “You already knew?”
“Carlie discussed it with me a few days ago. Do you mind?” Kathie shook her head. “Good. Where were you off to anyway?”
“I need a coffee otherwise I’ll never get through my marking tonight,” was the rueful reply. “Carlie’s asleep and Sharlie’s with her.”
“I’ll join you in the staff room in a minute or so then.”
“Okay.”

 


#171:  Author: RobinLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 4:19 pm


aw luffly.

thanks Pim/Nell!

 


#172:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 4:28 pm


It's nice that Nancy remembered all the practical stuff.

 


#173:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 6:17 pm


Lovely - thanks Pimandco.

 


#174:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 9:09 am


And another part. Nell

The final full day of term fell on the Friday much to everyone’s relief. The morning was spent in class with the announcement of the end of term exam results. 3A were pleased to be welcoming Megan to their midst for the following term although Kistiñe had ruefully remarked that she would need to pull her socks up to catch Megan up the following term. Although she had been excused from the exams, Abby’s place in 3A was safe; Nancy was in no doubt from the work she had produced over the course of term that she was more than capable of remaining in 3A. The third forms were a happier group than they had been in the immediate aftermath of half term, their problems with Creseldine resolved and the friendships amongst them as strong as they had been at the start of term. Abby’s early introduction of The Clash to her form mates had not gone unnoticed and from time to time the strains of London Calling could be heard drifting from their common room never failing to raise a smile on the faces of those who caught it.

In the sixth form Creseldine was a happier girl than she had been for the rest of the term. She had learned her lesson the hard way and now understood the best ways for dealing with the Thirds and a mutual respect was growing between her and that form. Likewise, Polly McCormack felt happier in the role of Head Girl than she had done at the start of term. Secretly she was hoping for an easier run for the rest of the school year although common sense told her that an easy run at the Chalet School was one of many mythical things. Her second prefect Tacy was also hoping for an easier run for the rest of the year, at least as far as the Thirds, an in particular her younger sister, were concerned. In reality both girls knew better than to expect an easy run as far as the middle school were concerned.

There were times during the final week of term when Nancy and Kathie wondered if they would ever make it to Friday in one piece. The addition of a newborn baby to the annexe’s inhabitants had proved to be a bit of a trial for them, not that they would ever admit it to anyone who asked. The two of them were so besotted with baby Nan that it was impossible for anyone to imagine that in the small hours of the morning the Head Mistress and her deputy’s language was on the rainbow side of colourful. Carlie had blossomed in her new role as a mother and, despite initial protestations that she surely wasn’t old enough to be a grandmother, Sharlie had slipped into her new role so easily that it was hard for her closest friends to imagine a time when she hadn’t been a grandmother.

The Christmas concert was a delight for all who attended it, from four day old Nan who had to be taken out half way through the performance to the doting grandparents who had come to see their pupil granddaughters. There were several performances by every age group from the firsts through to the upper sixth each giving the Christmas message in their own way. Abby had been allowed to sit with her father and Vi as she wasn’t able to take part in the performance. Sitting between her father and Vi she felt as though she were at the start of something that would endure. Abby knew, not that she would ever let on.

 


#175:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 9:47 am


It's nice to see everyone so happy at the end of term. It's also nice that Sharlie's enjoying being a Grandmother.

 


#176:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 12:35 pm


Sounds like a fantastic end to the term

Thanks Pim & Minionell

Liz

 


#177:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 6:14 pm


Lovely post - but that doesn't mean that the drabble is coming to an end does it?

 


#178:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 10:02 am


Lesley wrote:
Lovely post - but that doesn't mean that the drabble is coming to an end does it?


There is one more post after this one which I shall post tomorrow. Time is passing in this post. Enjoy. Nell x

And so term came to an end once more at the Chalet School on a grey, overcast Friday afternoon. Chaos reigned supreme, much as it did any other time of the term, only today it was allowed to run a little more unchecked.

“Seen Katy?” asked Livia as the members of 3A who were awaiting collection from their parents congregated at the top of the school drive, each straining to see the arrival of their parents.
“Err…” Abby replied with a non-committal shrug her eyes frantically searching the arriving cars for her father.
“Grandma!” shrieked Megan suddenly as she noticed Jo, Robert and Vi walking together up the drive, lost in their own conversation.

Breaking into a run Megan, Abby and Livia launched themselves at Jo, Robert and Vi each finding themselves engulfed in enthusiastic hugs. Standing a little away from the crowd Nancy and Kathie surveyed the scene before them.

“Alright?” asked Nancy giving her friend’s arm a comforting squeeze.
Kathie smiled. “Yes, I think so,” she replied, her eyes settling on Megan, Abby and Livia. “I just wish sometimes…” She broke off there, knowing that there are times when there are words better left unsaid.

~

It was a warm summer’s day towards the end of summer term at the Chalet School; it was too hot for lessons and the girls had all leapt at the chance to spend the day out of doors. Crossing the lawn Vi Warrington’s eyes were fixed on one girl in particular; reclining under the shade of the enormous oak tree was Abigail Fenchurch.

“Hello Abby.”
Abby raised her eyes and met with the shining ones of her father’s partner. “Hello Auntie Vi,” she replied standing up and engulfing her in a bear hug.
“It’s a lovely day, isn’t it?” asked Vi as they sat down.
“Glorious,” replied Abby dreamily.
For a few moments neither of them spoke, then Vi broke the silence. “Abby, I have something for you. I’m not sure what you’ll think of it but your mother left it without any instructions so your father and I have taken a few liberties…” she broke off and reached into the bag she had been carrying. “We found it at your mother’s cottage when we went to pack up last summer, it was the start of her writing her life story. Your father and I thought you might like to have it.”
“Why didn’t you tell me before?”
“Because it was in no order and there were too many gaps so we’ve spent the last year contacting people who knew your mother to help us fill in those blanks.”
“Oh.” Abby paused. “May I see it?”
Vi laughed. “Of course you may. I am silly sitting here telling you about it and not letting you see it.” She pulled out a cleanly bound pile of papers and handed them to the girl who had her mother’s eyes sitting beside her. It had taken all this time for Vi to notice just how like her mother Abby was becoming.
Abby reached out and took the precious papers from Vi. “Thank you,” she whispered, holding them in her hands like gold dust.

Mary-Lou Trelawney: A life to be dug.

For Abby, who one day will spread her wing and realise she knows how to fly.

 


#179:  Author: RobinLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 11:10 am


aw, lovely

thanks Pim/Nell!

 


#180:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 11:58 am


*blinks rapidly*

Lovely - thanks Pim & Nell

Liz

 


#181:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 3:17 pm


What a lovely thing to do!

 


#182:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 3:39 pm


I'm sorry to see this drabble come to an end. I'm glad Abby was happy to accept the book and gave Vi a hug.

 


#183:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 3:44 pm


That was so sweet!

*dashes away tears*

 


#184:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 6:09 pm


*misty eyed*

Thanks, Pim and co.

 


#185:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 7:17 pm


Lovely, thanks Pim for a really insightful drabble.

 


#186:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 8:50 am


Well here it is the very last post...sob! Pim says there definately, definately is no more to come - ever. Nell x


Epilogue

They went back that summer, to the tiny grey seaside village, to the tiny grey stone cottage with the roses climbing up the front wall just a stone’s throw from the beach. One particular afternoon Abby settled into the rocking chair by the window to read the words her mother had written. Tell me where, where is it written what it is I’m meant to be. Had it really only been twelve months since the phone call that had changed everything? She remembered sitting on the stairs, not meaning to listen in, but hearing the doubt in her father’s voice but eventually agreeing with a resigned air. That I can dare, it all began the day I found that from my window I could only see a piece of sky. Her safe existence had changed there and then in that moment, but now she was glad. She knew that it was impossible to remain confined forever, she understood the importance of freedom. I stepped outside and looked around, I never dreamed it was so wide or even half as high. It hadn’t just been her who had changed over the last year, her father had as well. Looking out of the window she could see him walking with Vi along the beach hand in hand, the happiness written on their faces. Abby felt it as well, and she was pleased for them. After everything it was a fitting ending. The time had come, papa can you hear me, to try my wings, papa are you near me, and even though it seemed at any moment I could fall, I felt the most, papa can you see me, amazing things, can you understand me, the things you can’t imagine if you’ve never flown at all though it’s safer to stay on the ground sometimes where danger lies the sweetest of pleasures are found. Laying the sheaf of papers carefully down on the window sill as she turned the final one, Abby felt a sense of peace, of completion, of understanding. There was a whole world out there beyond her window, a world just waiting for her, a world to be explored. No matter where I fall there’ll be memories that tug at my sleeve, but there will also be more to question yet more to believe, oh tell me where, where is the someone who will turn to look at me and want to share my every sweet imagined possibility. It was a perfect day outside, endless blue skies and calm blue seas, too perfect to be cooped up inside simply watching it. Opening the door to the cottage she heard the laughter of the others, caught on the wind and drifting gently back to her, and she knew that now she had that which she had always craved, a family. The more I live, the more I learn, the more I learn, the more I realise the less I know. She had learned so much since the previous summer she barely recognised the girl she had once been. There was so much more to life than she had ever imagined; she would never stop fighting for right and justice but now she had learned to look deeper. Each step I take, papa I’ve a voice now, each page I turn, papa I’ve a choice now. She ran down to the water’s edge and simply stood there watching the eternal waves lapping into shore as her mother had so often done. She could hear the laughter of her family a little way along the beach, she’d join them in a moment. Each mile I travel only means the more I have to go. A family, a word she’d never dared to dream she could associate with herself. Other people had families, she had her father, but losing her mother had taught them both that there was another way. What’s wrong with wanting more if you can fly? Life was unpredictable, it couldn’t be planned because maybe there already was a plan. Then so with all there is why settle for just a piece of sky? Standing alone on the beach at the water’s edge, staring out at the vast empty sea, Abby understood. Papa I can hear you, papa I can see you, papa I can feel you, papa, watch me fly. With a smile she flung the pebble in her hand out as far as she could before going to join her family.

The End.

Author’s footnote – well and truly the end. No sequels to this!!!

 


#187:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 9:01 am


*sobs, wails and weeps for the end*

*pouts cos pimmy wont write more*

*plots lots of new ideas*

*feels more cheerful*

*celebrates the end of a fabbity drabble*

Thank you pim, it was a perfect ending Very Happy

 


#188:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 9:38 am


Thanks Pim. A lovely ending.

x

 


#189:  Author: KatieLocation: A Yorkshire lass in London PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 10:04 am


Thank you Pimmy (and the team of minions). That was luffly.

Now you've just got to start on a new one... Wink

 


#190:  Author: catherineLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 10:10 am


Thank you.

That was a lovely, thoughtful ending.

 


#191:  Author: Karry PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 11:38 am


Ally said
Quote:
*sobs, wails and weeps for the end*

*pouts cos pimmy wont write more*

*plots lots of new ideas*

*feels more cheerful*


Does that mean drabbles from Ally?

Thanks Pim (and minions all)!

 


#192:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 12:11 pm


*joins Ally in sobbing, wailing, weeping, pouting and celebrating*

Thanks Pim - a completely shiny and wonderful drabble Very Happy

Liz

 


#193:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 12:15 pm


Thanks, Pim. A lovely, hopeful ending - even if it DID bring tears to my eyes.

 


#194:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 12:33 pm


*also sobbing, wailing, weeping, pouting and celebrating*

Thank you Pimmy this has been fantastic and I've liked it very much indeed. And thank you for letting me be a minion!

 


#195:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 1:49 pm


I'm sad to see the drabble come to the end. Thank you so much for writing it Pim - I've really enjoyed reading it.

 


#196:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 6:30 pm


Exquisite Pim, thank you.

 


#197:  Author: aliLocation: medway, kent PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 7:49 pm


I just read it all in one go, and was totally glued to my computer! I love these characters and I'm so pleased that there were happy endings for nearly everyone. I know you said absolutely no more but what about Kathie, the only one who needs a happy ending now? Thanks for the great story.

 


#198:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 5:30 pm


Many thanks Pim and all the minions!

 


#199:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 2:04 am


Thank you very very very much - it was a lovely story, and I am VERY sad that there won't be a sequel to it Crying or Very sad but it was a lovely way to end.

And thank you to all the faithful minions who have kept us well provided with story!

 


#200:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 10:44 pm


I lost track of this so long ago that I'd forgotten everything I had read Embarassed but I've just caught up from the very beginning and it has all been wonderful. Thanks Pim and the Piminion hordes!

*surreptitiously feeds Charley, just in case*

 




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