The CBB :: View topic - Ailie and Sybil: A Tale of Sisterhood

#1: Ailie and Sybil: A Tale of Sisterhood Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 6:42 pm

Now I have a reliable internet connection I can devote myself to drabble writing once more! If anyone wants to read or re-read "Fleur" then PM me your email address and I'll send you a copy.

Finally after many trips back and forth from the Russell family car to their elder daughter Sybil’s flat all of their younger daughter’s possessions had been transferred from car to flat. Aline Elizabeth Russell was wildly excited, she was fleeing her parents oppressive regime and not through getting married or devoting herself to further education or even religion. Ailie knew that she was accomplishing something which none of her elder sisters or female cousins had been able to do. Both of her sisters had only escaped the oppressive atmosphere of their parent’s way of life through marriage, though it had proved to be a disastrous course for Sybil.
Sybil, the undisputed beauty of the large Russell, Bettany, Maynard clan, still suffered from the heartache, which had first begun over ten years ago. Her parents, and especially her Mother, were unable to relate and understand the pain their daughter had gone through and still was experiencing. In their eyes Sybil had sinned and she should expect to be punished. The mere suggestion that Sybil had turned out the way she had due to her parents treatment of her would have horrified and shocked them. As Lady Russell had once said, “Sybil was always a difficult child, I thought it had all been cleared up after she scalded Josette, but sadly I was wrong.”
Yet Sir Jem and Lady Madge Russell still felt that Sybil could redeem herself. They had at first declared that it was absolutely impossible for Ailie to go and live in London with her elder sister when the plea had first been made. But two weeks of constant sulking, taught to Ailie by her good friend Fleur Matieux, had slowly weakened her parents resolve. This along with the statement by Lady Russell’s sister-in-law Mollie Bettany that Sybil was “So responsible and caring towards Malvina that I’m proud to say she’s my niece”, had forced the Russell’s to change their minds and allow Ailie to go to London.
“Ailie, it’ll take you forever to unpack all this.” Madge Russell had exclaimed as she surveyed the many cases, boxes and bags in her daughter’s new room.
“Oh it won’t take that long once I get around to it.” Ailie remarked airily as she nimbly made her way through all the clutter.
“Well do you want me to start to help you with it all?”
“No.” Ailie said a little to quickly, thinking to her-self that there were certain things she did not wish her Mother to see or know about.
Later just before Jem and Madge left to spend the night in a hotel Madge holding Ailie close to her said, “My baby leaving home and me.” Ailie being unsentimental when it came to maternal love had calmly answered, “But Mummy I’m not the family baby, Kevin and Kester are.”
Madge wiped her eyes dry and said a tad bitterly; “Oh how I had hoped you would be the sweet gentle daughter I had always wished for.”
Ailie feeling as awkward as she ever did when her Mother made these speeches glanced at Sybil who had a sickened expression on her face.
“Why do she and Dad want us to be something we’re not?” Ailie asked Sybil after their parents had left and Malvina had been put to bed.
“I don’t quite know.” Sybil said frowning, “I think they probably believe that what they want us to be like is better than what we actually are.”
Ailie nodded slowly, “They make me feel like such a failure.”
“You’re not a failure Ailie.” Sybil told her quickly, “But I understand how you feel, they make me feel like that to. I think that David and Josette are the golden children who can do no wrong, I am the wicked sinful one, you are the one who needs to be watched and the twins…well they don’t really count now do they.”
“What has Josette done to be so special?” Ailie demanded.
“Well she’s happily married isn’t she? And of course she was head girl worshipped by all.” Sybil said in a slightly mocking tone.
Ailie did not answer her, she knew that there was some sort of tension between her two sisters but what it was she was not sure.
The ringing of the telephone interrupted any further conversation. Sybil rose to answer it quickly, fearing that it would wake the nearly two year old Malvina. Ailie thought over Sybil’s words about Josette, she had always been closer to Sybil. Sybil had always had the time to play with her when she was younger, Sybil had always laughed with her in private over any of the jokes she had played at school-Josette had always maintained her frowning, disapproving stance.
Sybil re-appeared in the room, “Ailie it’s for you.” She told her sister smiling.
“Who is it?” Ailie asked.
“Um I think he said his name was Christian.” Sybil teased before Ailie grinning at her sister rushed out of the room.

Last edited by Cazx on Sun Mar 13, 2005 8:10 pm; edited 21 times in total

#2: Author: ellend, Location: Bow, London

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 7:01 pm

Nice start. I'm looking forward to reading more. HelpMe

Another drabble to follow. When am I going to find the time? I don't think reading at work is the answer ]*whispers quietly I'm the boss* Ellen

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

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 7:55 pm

Oh excellent - hoped we'd see more of Sybil from your Fleur drabble Cazx! Laughing

:jump:

#4: Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 7:56 pm

Nice to see a sequel to this Cazx. Interested to see how it will develop.

#5: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 8:23 pm

Oooh, good. Nice to see more of Sybil and Ailee. Will we see Fluer in this too?

#6: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 8:54 pm

Hurrah! A new Cazx drabble *beams* And more importantly, a sequel to Fleur. *bouncing* Can I chant yet? I mean, may I?

#7: Author: Rosea, Location: Edinburgh

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 9:10 pm

Oooh fantastic! Its so good to see a follow up to Fleur. Looking forward to lots more...

#8: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 10:47 pm

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!! Cazx is back in drabble mode!!!!! Mexican Wave

#9: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2004 9:07 am

Great, a sequel! I hope it's going to be a long one!

#10: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2004 10:39 am

Great start and lovely to see a sequel to Fleur! I think you deserve a few perks for your status Cazx! Carry on reading, do!

#11: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2004 10:56 am

thank u Cazx I read Fleur the other day in the drabllorum (spelling?) and I really enjoyed it

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

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2004 2:15 pm

Yay! I loved Fleur so much, is great to see a sequel. More soon please!

#13: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2004 8:46 pm

Glad you're all happy to see a sequel! Very Happy

Sybil after completing her year at Needlework College had been offered a job as an interior consultant at a prestigious household designer company. Sybil had a gift of picking the right fabrics and colours to satisfy her customers and complement their homes. While Sybil worked Malvina was placed in a bright friendly nursery close to her work. Needless to say Madge had not liked the idea of her only grandchild being looked after by what she saw as strangers.
“Why don’t you let Malvina live with us at Round House, Rosa could look after her perfectly well.” Was what she had said to her daughter when she had learned of the plan.
“No Mummy.” Sybil had said firmly, “Malvina needs the love which only her Mother can give her.”
Madge had not been thwarted by this, “Well why don’t you let Malvina have the love of two parents all the time. I’m sure that…“
“NO!” Sybil interrupted her eyes flashing. “I don’t want to hear what you’ve got to say. I know what it is and you know how I feel about it.”
The relationship between Sybil and Madge had definitely deteriorated since the birth of Malvina. Sybil felt that her Mother was unable to understand how much she loved Malvina. While Madge felt that Sybil by keeping Malvina with her and being open about Malvina’s illegitimacy was destroying both her own and her daughter’s life.
Madge had wanted her husband to reduce Sybil’s yearly allowance. Her husband did not agree with her way of thinking and he continued to pay the rent for Sybil’s flat and give her a modest amount of money to live on a year. Jem understood the ways of the world and how it worked more so than his wife. He saw Malvina as giving Sybil security and believed that if she was taken away from her then Sybil could go off the rails. Jem was also sometimes able to see that perhaps him and Madge had helped to create the problems which Sybil’s life presented socially. He just did not know how to make his wife see it the way he did. But he also refused to show Sybil that he felt responsible. Jem was too proud and uncertain of how he really felt to openly change his style of parenting towards his elder daughter.
Sybil both enjoyed and was good at her job. Considering that she had only begun her job a few months previously she already had a reputation among customers and was now being specifically requested by some of them. Evenings and weekends were entirely devoted to Malvina. Men did ask her out for dinner but Sybil always said no to their requests. Alex had not been forgotten about despite Sybil knowing that he would have wanted her to find someone else to love.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:53 am; edited 1 time in total

#14: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2004 8:50 pm

I'm glad to see that Sybil is withstanding her mother's disapproval. Good for her. And good for Jem for refusing to reduce her allowance, but hammer

stupid male pride.

#15: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 1:04 pm

Glad to see that Sybil is standing up to Madge. Why are Cs girls brought up at school to be strong women, not spineless jellyfish, then expected meekly to accept that whatever their parents decide for them, even when they're grown up?

#16: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 1:16 pm

Also pleased to see Sybil being strong. Why are Cs girls brought up at school to be strong women, not spineless jellyfish, then expected meekly to accept that whatever their parents decide for them, even when they're grown up? could Hilda and Nell be trying to offset the influence of over protective parents without actually losing the pupils be openly encouraging defiance?

#17: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 2:13 pm

I'd like to think so, Pat! Thanks Cazx.

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

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 5:38 pm

Thanks! But more would be lovely Very Happy

#19: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 3:51 pm

Thank you Cazx. It is so nice to see a sequel to Fleur. REally enjoying this.

#20: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 7:18 pm

Isn't Madge horribly selfish in this?

#21: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 8:43 pm

Ailie had not seen Christian since the middle of August. The last month and a half he had spent on a cramped mini bus touring around the country with the other three members of Kaiser Tsar. They had been rewarded for all their hard work with a top ten single and a growing fan base of screaming teenage girls and guys who wanted to be them. Ailie had been startled a couple of weeks earlier, when she had still been living with her parents. Walking down to breakfast one morning she had discovered a picture of Christian on one of the inside pages under the headline, “Are Kaiser Tsar a new threat to the nations daughters?”
“What has Christian done now?” She questioned unintentionally aloud.
“Whose Christian?” Jem had asked as he picked up the paper and began to scan the article.
Ailie, blushing, tried to pull herself together. “Oh he’s only Fleur’s brother.” She had said at last.
“He looks awful, just look at his fingernails.” Her Mother had remarked frowning. “I couldn’t imagine anybody’s daughter letting or wanting him to be a threat to her.”
At this remark Ailie had begun to pay intense attention to her piece of toast.
“Oh he’s Matieux’s son is he?” Her Father said as he finished the article. “If I was Matieux then I wouldn’t have let him go off in this band. I’d have made sure he had gone to university and got his medical degree.”
Madge had read the article, after her husband had finished it. “These boys seem never to have encountered proper discipline in their life’s. Their parent’s must have neglected them, it says here that one of the boys spent the first twelve years of his life in communist Russia because his parents believed in all that Communist nonsense. Well really with the attitude of his parents what more do you expect?”
Ailie had tried her best to ignore her parent’s criticisms. Though she had stifled a giggle at what her Mother had said about Nikolai. She really had no idea that his younger sister, Katya, had spent the whole of last year trying to convert various Chalet girls to the passionate belief in Communism, which she had been brought up with.
Ailie was surprisingly not jealous or paranoid that Christian had crowds of pretty girls after him. The first few months of their relationship she had had very little trust for him. Each Friday night she was convinced that he would cheat on her and she would wish for the first time in her life that she was not attending the Chalet School but one which was close to where Christian lived. Ailie had desperately wanted to talk to Fleur at this insecure time, and ask her for reassurance. But Fleur during this time had been irritable and uncommunicative with everyone other than Janice. Eventually Ailie had learnt to trust Christian. Though she did sometimes get uneasy when there were girls around who he had history with, and there seemed to be a lot of them!
Christian and Nikolai shared a flat in London, which acted as a base in the hectic travelling that took up so much of their time.
“What a mess!” Ailie exclaimed when Christian showed her the flat for the first time.
“Hey! Don’t be so judgmental, we know where everything important is. I’ll demonstrate, guitar over there.” He pointed to a dark corner. “My money is in that jacket and my passport is in here.” Christian pulled open a drawer.
“You know that you can always tidy for us if you really object to the mess.” Nikolai remarked from the sofa.
“I don’t feel that strongly about it.” Ailie told him with a grin.
“Ah well never mind, Fleur’s coming up in a few days. She’ll tidy for us, she can be a compulsive tidier at times.”
Somehow Ailie thought that Fleur would have better things to do than clean up after Nikolai and Christian. If anything Fleur would make the boys do the tidying, and that was something, which Ailie would like to see happen!

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:54 am; edited 1 time in total

#22: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 8:48 pm

Thank you Cazx. *eagerly awaiting further development*

#23: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 8:50 pm

Madge

#24: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 11:01 am

this looks good! was just trying to read Fleur from the drabble-orum but it crashed my computer - Caz, if I PM you could you email it to me?

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

Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 4:26 pm

Thanks! Am looking forward to seeing Fleur again Very Happy

#26: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 4:28 pm

Yes, I'm waiting for her to arrive in the drabble!

#27: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 7:07 pm

Excellent post - how can Jem and Madge be so divorced from their children's lives???

#28: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 7:28 pm

Thanks for this Cazx, nice to see more of the girls, love the way Sybil has gone and glad that Jem is supportive.

#29: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 9:28 pm

Yeah Robin if you PM me your email then I'll send you the Fleur transcript. Here's some more drabble meantime.

Ailie was late, she was supposed to be meeting the girls for a meal. The girls being Janice, Judy and Fleur. But Sybil had been delayed in work and Ailie had had to pick up Malvina for her and look after her until Sybil got back. A harassed Sybil, clutching a briefcase overflowing with paper, stumbled through the door ten minutes before Ailie was supposed to be meeting her friends.
“I’m so sorry Ailie, but I just could not get rid of this customer and then I had to lock up after he had gone.”
“What would you have done about Malvina if I wasn’t here.” Ailie said not out of nastiness but to make a point that Sybil was working too hard.
“I’d have found a way to manage.” Sybil snapped a tad impatiently she felt that Ailie was criticising her method of parenting.
“I’m sorry Sybs,” Ailie said realising that she had been a bit tactless. “I was perfectly happy to look after Malvina for you, we had fun painting. You should see the picture she drew for you. Yes sweetheart go and show Mummy.” She told her niece who was clutching a colourful yet unintelligible picture in her hands.
Ailie quickly grabbed her bag, checked herself over in the mirror and made her way towards the door.
“I’m going now Sybs,” She told her sister who was curled up with Malvina on the sofa.
“Alright, well have fun. Say hello to the girls for me and tell Fleur to come and see me before she goes to Cambridge. Oh and what time will you be coming home tonight?”
Ailie getting into coat blushed and said, “I’m not sure whether I will be home, I may stay with Fleur at Christian and Nikolai’s.”
Shrugging Sybil replied, “Oh ok then, I’ll see you tomorrow then.”
Ailie ran to the nearest tube station and managed to jump on a train just seconds before the door closed. Glancing at her watch she discovered that she was already five minutes late. A few stops later Ailie jumped off the train and made her way to the restaurant where she was meeting her friends at a more normal pace.
They were sitting there waiting for her, already drinking a bottle of wine. Fleur was as pretty as ever, her hair longer and styled in a way that no one else could have pulled off. Janice with her long hair hanging loose looked very bohemian. While Judy was looking both troubled and bored.
“Hi girls, sorry I’m late.” Ailie said breathlessly as she sank into a chair.
“Don’t worry about it.” Fleur told her as she poured her a glass of wine.
“Drinking already Fleur, I’d have thought you were saving yourself for fresher’s week!” Ailie teased her friend.
“Well I haven’t drunk anything since our holiday, so I figure I’m allowed to tonight.” Fleur smiled at her friends.
“So what was it that Dylan told me about you Holly and Chloe getting locked out at three in the morning and having to wake his parents up with pleas for keys?” Janice asked eyebrows raised pointedly.
Fleur ignored the question and turned to Ailie, “So are you going to tell us why you are late then?”
“Sybil was late back from work and I had to look after Vina.”
“Aww poor Sybs, is she ok?”
“Yeah she’s fine, she wants to see you before you go.”
“Does she? Oh good cause I wanted to see her!” Fleur beamed at Ailie.
“Anyway,” Janice remarked, “Judy was talking before you distracted us and I want to hear what she was saying.”
“Oh it doesn’t matter honestly.” Judy said her brown eyes looking down at the ground.
The other three looked at each other not knowing what to say. Ailie had no idea about what was wrong; she turned to Fleur who was generally the appointed person to make enquiries in these situations.
Fleur looked at Judy and said gently, “Now Judy something is the matter and if you can’t tell your three best friends then who can you tell.”
Judy just shrugged and Fleur continued to prod for more information.
“It’s Paul isn’t it?” She said calmly.
“How did you know?” Judy said in bewilderment.
“I just do, what has he done?”
“Nothing,” Judy stammered, “I just think that I don’t love him anymore and I don’t want to be with him. I want a fresh start, I need to find out what to do with myself, and all I know at the moment is that he isn’t in my future.”
“Have you told him that?” Janice asked softly.
“No, and well I don’t think he’s going to understand. Do you Fleur?”
“Sorry but I don’t think he will either. Just tell him the truth, don’t lie to him. That’s all I can say really. I think for the best though, I mean Paul can be quite pathetic at times. I’d be sick of him if I was going out with him.” Judy at this point looked offended but chose not to say anything. She knew Fleur saw Paul as her annoying twin as well as the fact that Fleur did not think before she spoke. “Do you really have no idea of what you want to do with your life though?”
Judy pulled a face, “My parents want me to take up some kind of course but I don’t want to, I don’t want to work either. I mean I worked enough this summer to last me a life time, if I have to make one more cup of tea then I swear I shall go mad. What I really want to do is go travelling. I really enjoyed this summer when we travelled around. But I know I’ll never be allowed to travel around the world by myself.”
Fleur frowned, “Never say never Judy, there must be a way somehow I just need to think about it. It’s not as if you’ll be stuck for languages if you travelled so your parents can’t use that argument. The Chalet School has its head screwed on the right way as far as languages are concerned.”
“I know what Judy can say!” Ailie suddenly exclaimed. “She can say she’s doing a tour of the world but can visit old girls on the way and they can act as sheepdogs for her so to speak. There will be so many in so many different places that were in school with us or in school with our sisters that they’ll be bound to agree.”
Judy’s face cleared a little, “That’s the best plan yet Ailie! And I can get casual jobs, with no stress over getting sacked cause it won’t matter, to help pay for it.”
“You can visit my cousin Vanna in America,” Janice chipped in, “She’d love to have you and I’m sure so would Josette in Australia.”
“And best of all,” Fleur chipped in with her mischievous grin, “once you start travelling your parents wont be able to control you so you can visit places where no old girls live and they won’t be able to do anything!”

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:55 am; edited 1 time in total

#30: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 9:39 pm

this is a reaslly gd drabble. its lovely to see the chalet girls moving forwards with the times. i know CS grow up did that but this drabble manages to keep them as nioce characters at the same time which is something th ebook didnt do so much

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

Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 9:56 pm

Thanks Cazx! Very Happy

#32: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 9:59 pm

Thanks Cazx, and yay Fleur's back!

#33: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 12:01 am

This is lovely Cazx!!! More soon please!!

#34: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 1:38 pm

That is a very good plan, I'm now very jealous of Judy! (and yeah for having Fleur back Very Happy

)

#35: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 1:18 pm

Glad to see Fleur back, love the way they have all grown up in this - products of their time not their upbringing.

#36: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 3:32 pm

Susan wrote:

Glad to see Fleur back, love the way they have all grown up in this - products of their time not their upbringing.

That's probably a lot to do with Fleur's influence. I do like seeing them like this though - and I'm glad Fleur is back in this drabble.

#37: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 7:41 pm

Here's a longish chunk. The story is quite slow moving at the moment as I only know what is going to happen at the end, and the end is probably about a year and a half on from where I am now! Glad you are all liking seeing Fleur but she won't be around for long, sorry.

“What are you going to do with your-self anyway?”
Ailie pulled a face she had been waiting for Fleur to ask her this.
“I don’t know, get a job I suppose.” Ailie turned away from Fleur and gazed out of the window of the bus they were travelling on to her flat.
“What kind of job?” Fleur persisted.
“An easy one.” Ailie answered shortly.
“You used to want to be a games teacher didn’t you? Or was that just what your family imposed upon you.” Fleur could see that Ailie’s parents were quite capable of making Ailie move back home if she continued to live a life of leisure in London and she wanted to get Ailie to make up her mind about finding a job.
“Everyone used to say I should be but I would have to work harder to do it. I wouldn’t have minded it I suppose but I didn’t want to work hard, I was never academic in the way you and Jan were. And then I think I would have gone mad being a teacher and have to look after loads of cheeky kids like Katya all the time.”
“Well do you want to work in a shop or something before you decide what you want to do?” Fleur paused before observing, “I can’t imagine your parents being happy with you if you got a job in your local Woolworth’s.”
Ailie grinned despite her hatred of talk concerning the rest of her life.
“They would have a fit and God knows what Auntie Jo would say!”
They got off the bus at this point and Ailie beginning to feel more at ease told Fleur of the kind of job she would like to do.
“I guess what I would like is a part time job, working a few days a week-four days would be good. Then when Christian is in London I’ll be able to see him for a whole day instead of an evening. I could also visit Jan for the day and come and visit you too.”
Fleur nodded, “Yes I see what you mean. Just keep an eye out for part time jobs being advertised when you go out. Now I want to buy Sybil some flowers or chocolates, are there any suitable shops nearby?”
“There’s a florists ten minutes away from our flat. We could go there if you want.”
Fleur nodded and now it was Ailie’s turn to become the questioner.
“Are you nervous about starting Cambridge?”
“Um… well kind of I guess. I mean what if the people are all horribly posh and don’t like anything I like and end up hating me. But then I remember that Daisy will be there too and that she is one of my favouritest people in the world. I’m going to miss everyone though! All summer I’ve been taking pictures of everyone and I’m going to cover my walls in pictures.”
“What about the work though? Aren’t you scared that it will be hard?”
Fleur frowned and looked perplexed. She had never found work hard; there had been times when she wanted to tear her hair out in maths and science but that was because she had been bored not because she could not do it. “Why should I find work hard when I’m doing something that I love?” She muttered half to herself.
“You sound like Sybil. She loves her job so much that she doesn’t know when to stop at times. When I find a job she’s going to have to learn to stop otherwise she’s going to get stuck in a jam.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well sometimes she works longer than she should and I have to pick Vina up for her. But if I’m working then there will be nobody to pick Vina up. I’m not saying that Sybs can’t cope, she can, but I wish that she had a bit more support.”
Fleur nodded, “What about Alex? Did he have any family?”
“I don’t know, Sybil doesn’t really talk about him she still finds it upsetting.”
“If he had family well surely they would be thrilled to hear about Malvina, and I’m sure they would help Sybil if they could. Where was Alex from?”
“Erm…” Ailie screwed her face up in concentration, “London I think, well she met him here anyway.”
“Well it would all work out ok then if they lived close by.” Fleur commented as they reached the flower shop.
Fleur quickly picked out a bunch of tulips, while Ailie noticed a sign saying, “Part time sales assistant wanted. Must be able to work Monday’s, Wednesday’s, Friday’s and Saturday’s. No previous experience required.”
“Have you found anyone for the job yet?” She enquired the lady who was wrapping up the flowers for Fleur.
“No, why are you interested, we’re really desperate! The last girl we hired had to leave as she was allergic to the flowers.”
Ailie nodded, “Do you want me to bring my CV in?”
“Yes, bring your CV and a reference in. Would you be able to bring them tomorrow afternoon, I can interview you then too.”
“Ok.” Ailie answered with a smile, she had not expected an interview so soon.
“About two then dear.” The women smiled at Ailie as she and Fleur left the shop.
“That was a bit of luck.” Fleur grinned at Ailie as they made their way to the flat.
“Yeah!” Ailie replied.
“Do you think Sybil will like the flowers?” Fleur asked.
“Yeah,” Ailie answered her just as a thought entered her head. “Hey Fleur, you know what you were saying earlier about Sybil getting in contact with Alex’s family.”
“Yeah…”
“Well would you talk to her about it.”
“Why me? She’s your sister and it would be better coming form you.”
“You’re just so good in these situations though, you always know what the best thing to say is.”
Fleur gave Ailie a look and said in a no arguments tone of voice, “Ailie I’m not going to talk to Sybil for you, this is the kind of thing she needs to hear from you. I’m getting mighty worried you know that you are all thinking of me as a wonderful problem solver whose in the mould of your Aunt Jo and that bossy annoying girl, what was her name… Mary-Lou!”
At this Ailie began to laugh, “Fleur, we don’t think you are a bit like them. In fact you are the complete opposite and that is why we all want your advice and not theirs!”

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:57 am; edited 1 time in total

#38: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 7:48 pm

The mind boggles at the thought of Fleur turning into Mary Lou Shocked

#39: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 10:04 pm

it would be amusing though Very Happy

#40: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 6:25 am

Lovely post - love that the girls turn to Fleur for advice - wonder what Madge and Joey think of her?

#41: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 7:20 pm

I don't quite know how convincing this is but I'm looking for inspiration at the moment.

It was a month later. Fleur had left London and gone to start a new chapter of her life in university. Ailie had been working for a couple of weeks in the flower shop and despite getting into a few scrapes was finding that she enjoyed work.
“Dear, will you stop apologising for accidentally kicking that bucket of flowers on the floor. It was nothing. One girl, who used to work here never remembered to fill the buckets with water, her head was always up in the clouds! I had to get rid of her after six months of her forgetfulness, all the stock kept on dying.” Ailie’s boss had said to her one day.
There was no danger of Ailie forgetting to water the flowers; she had been in charge of flowers at various times during her school days.
Sybil was coping without the presence of Ailie, and Ailie decided not to say anything to her unless a crisis occurred.
The woman who owned the flower shop was about five years older than Sybil and called Sally. She was married and had a young family of her own, but at the same time she had wanted some independence and her husband had been willing for her to have it. Ailie got on with her, she only worked with her twice a week but she found her to be always kind and understanding. Therefore it came to a surprise to her when one day Sally snapped at her for the littlest mistake and criticised nearly everything she did.
“Sally, have I done something wrong?” Ailie asked cautiously at the end of the day.
Sally sighed and looked guilty. “No you haven’t, it’s just one of those days. I’m sorry for being such a cow today; I didn’t mean any of it. I was just looking for someone to take it all out on.”
“You haven’t had bad news I hope.”
“Not exactly…”
“Sometimes it is best if you talk about things.” Ailie said gently noticing that Sally’s eyes were beginning to swim with tears.
“It’s my younger brother’s birthday today… he would have been twenty nine.”
“I’m sorry,” Ailie whispered, slipping an arm around Sally’s shoulder.
“It’s been two and a half years but it’s still hard to believe. He died in Australia, so it’s not as if his grave is accessible for us to pay our respects to him.”
Ailie felt a cold chill pass through her, surely it had to be a coincidence, “What was his name?” she asked her mouth becoming suddenly dry.
“He was called Alex.”

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:58 am; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 8:16 pm

Ooooooh. Inrieguing. More please.

#43: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 8:21 pm

Please may I wibble? I think we can guess who 'Alex' is/was.

#44: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 8:35 pm

Oooohhh! Wonder whether Ailie will choose to tell Sybs - or Sally, for that matter...

#45: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 9:45 pm

oh, dear, oh, dear, oh, dear...

#46: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 9:53 pm

O-o-o-h!!!! *turns wide eyed gaze on Cazx!* please post more soon!

#47: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 10:55 pm

Uh-oh... *wibbles* *has the inkling of an idea* *can only ask for more please Cazx!*

#48: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2004 1:00 pm

Sorry but you won't be getting anymore until tomorrow at the earliest. I'm going to Cardiff, meeting some friends and going out with them. If I drink too much wine then there won't be anymore until Monday! Sorry to leave you all wibbling!

#49: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2004 1:47 pm

Oh... I wonder whether that's a good thing or a bad thing... (it's a fantastic example of a CS coincidence though). *tries not to wibble too much*

#50: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2004 3:53 pm

The thing is, we all enjoy cliff-hanging really, don't we. It gives us the chance to shout for more and drabble-bounce.

#51: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2004 7:36 pm

Thank you for the latest post, Cazx. Look forward to more whenever it appears. Laughing

#52: Author: ali, Location: medway, kent

Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2004 7:54 pm

This has inspired me to want to read fleur. Can't imagine how it escaped me. I've looked for it in the archives but can't seem to find it. Help please.

#53: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2004 8:03 pm

Try the Index Drabble-orum, it lists the drabbles by author.

#54: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2004 8:42 pm

The Chalet School, Fleur and the 1960's Fleur introduces Ailie et al. to the realities of the 1960s. part 1 http://www.chaletian.co.uk/forum/archive/CD_CS_%26_fleur_1_160804.html part 2 http://www.chaletian.co.uk/forum/archive/CD_CS_%26_fleur_2_160804.html

#55: Author: ali, Location: medway, kent

Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2004 1:51 pm

Thank you Kathy, I've just spent an enjoyable hour and a half with Fleur and feel ready to catch up with Ailie and friends now. Thats a subtle hint by the way, Cazx.

#56: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 1:25 pm

ah ha - in true EBD style, an amazing example of how small the world is! what's Ailie going to do though?!?

#57: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 3:21 pm

Lovely, typical EBD coincidence. Which one is Ailie going to tell? Or eill she get Sybil to come into the shop? Cazx you must be back from Cardiff by now?

#58: Author: ali, Location: medway, kent

Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 6:32 pm

hello. are you there? I need some more of your loverly story before I retire to bed with a nasty headache. :bomb:

#59: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 7:01 pm

Lovely Cazx. Will be good to see how Ailie cope with this.

#60: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 7:13 pm

Sorry about the delay, I felt too ill to write on Sunday and was really busy last night! Hope your head feels better soon Ali!

There was no doubt about it; Ailie’s boss was Malvina’s aunt. Sally had even gone on to say that the doctors who had treated Alex had told her family that a red haired woman had been with him when he died. A red haired woman who had never been seen again despite the attempts of Sally to find out more about her.
Ailie did not know what to do. She knew her loyalty lay with Sybil but she could also see that Sally would be upset to find out that information about her brother was being held back from her. After leaving work, Ailie did not go home as planned, instead she ran to a phone box and phoned the person she trusted most in the whole entire world.
“Can I speak to Christian, Nikolai?” She said when the phone was answered.
“Yeah, he’s just here… It’s Ailie Chris-she sounds upset.”
“Are you ok baby?” Christian’s voice warmed Ailie and gave her hope that everything would somehow turn out fine.
“I’m fine, but I’ve just found something out and I don’t know what to do about it. Can I come around?”
“What now? I don’t know, Paul is here and he is in state over Judy.”
“Christian, I really need to talk to you.” Ailie pleaded, surely he would be there for her now.
“Ok.” Christian said shortly, “You can come over, I just didn’t want you to get caught up in Paul’s bitter resentment.”
“Thanks, I’ll be on my way.”
“Are you sure that you are ok?” There was concern in Christian’s voice.
“Yes, I’m fine. I’ll see you in a bit.”
She hung up the phone and made her way toward the local tube station, wondering over Christian’s words about Paul. She had not seen him since Judy had split up with him, she knew he had taken it badly. Fleur had said he was moping around making speeches on how there was no such thing as true love in his eyes anymore.
The flat was messier than ever, when Ailie arrived. Nikolai was packing a bag, Paul was on the sofa staring sullenly into space a bottle of beer in his hand, while Christian who had opened the door for Ailie kissed her quickly before rushing off into the kitchen muttering something about making her some food in her ear.
“Hey guys.” Ailie said to the two remaining boys.
“Alright Ailie.” Nikolai grinned at her.
Paul looked at her thoughtfully before saying; “Do you think she told me the truth? Sorry to blurt this out to you but I have to know whether she was being truthful. I want to think she was, but then there are all these questions in my head and I don’t know the answers to them.”
Ailie looking slightly taken aback said, “Judy always tells the truth. I’ve never heard her lie.”
“Are you sure?”
“Paul,” Nikolai said in an exasperated voice, “if Ailie said she’s telling the truth then she’s telling the truth. Now will you please stop acting like a pathetic spineless jellyfish over Judy and move on, there are thousands of other girls in this world.”
“I was asking Ailie not you.” Paul snapped at Nikolai, “Will you please keep out of my business.”
The old tensions between Paul and Nikolai seemed to emerged to the surface again, Ailie edged towards the kitchen, trying to stop herself from laughing over Nikolai using a legendary school phrase, just as Christian came out of it bring a bowl of pasta in a creamy sauce with him.
“Thanks.” She said with a smile as she curled up next to him on a chair and began to eat.
“Nikolai isn’t it time you went to get your train?” Christian said pointedly as Nikolai and Paul continued to glare at each other.
“Yeah, I’m going now.” He muttered as he picked his bag up off the floor.
“Give Fleur my love.” Christian told him, while Ailie merely waved being unable to speak as she had her mouth full.
“Sure, bye then, see you on Monday.”
Silence reigned for a minute before Paul angrily burst out, “What right does he have to tell me how I should act? None at all. I hate him, what Fleur sees in him I have no idea. He’s nothing but a bully!”
Christian raised his eyebrows and said coolly, “Paul I’d try and remember how Nikolai has very little patience over some things and moping is one of them. Only Fleur can get away with that. I’d also try and remember that I am Nikolai’s best friend and I know you are my brother but I would appreciate it if you two could possibly stop sniping at each other when I’m around. It makes things awkward.”
Paul squirmed uncomfortably in his seat, “Sorry,” He muttered, “I’ll go now, I have a load of reading to do for Uni.”
Christian nodded before saying, “I’ll call you tomorrow, we can go for a drink or something maybe.”
After Paul had gone Ailie turned to Christian and said, “I’m sorry, I feel that all that is my fault. They would not have argued if I hadn’t come around.”
“Nah they would have. They have been like that all day. Now what is it that you want to tell me.”
Ailie took a deep breath and said, “It’s about Sybil.”

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:59 am; edited 1 time in total

#61: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 8:03 pm

awwwwww!!! Poor Ailie! Hope Christain can help her!

#62: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:27 am

Hope Christian can help her. She needs someone.

#63: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 11:45 am

Poor Allie! Crying or Very sad

#64: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 1:48 pm

Poor Ailie Sad

*hopes Christian can help*

#65: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 3:57 pm

Poor Ailie, what a horrible situation. I hope Christian has some helpful suggestions. I feel pretty sorry for Paul too actually.

#66: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 6:37 pm

Everything Ailie had found out, tumbled out of her lips quickly. Christian with his arm protectively around her could see how shaken she was.
“And I just don’t know what to do?” Ailie concluded, “Do I or don’t I tell Sybs. I mean I know how much she is still hurting over Alex and I don’t want to bring her unnecessary pain. But then there’s Malvina and she does have the right to know her Father’s family, they’d probably be more accepting of her than her Mother’s family anyway.”
“What do you think the reaction of Alex’s family will be if they find out?” Christian asked.
“I think they’d be glad to know Malvina, I mean I suppose they think that there are no more links to Alex left but Malvina is one-the biggest one of all.”
“I think you should tell Sybil what you now know.” Christian said thoughtfully.
“You do, why?” Ailie queried wrinkling her pretty nose.
“Well at least then she will be able to make a decision about what she should do, you’d have done all that you could. If you don’t tell her then she could find out, secrets always do get found out, and her trust in you could be destroyed.”
Ailie nodded, “You’re right.”
“Aren’t I always?” Christian said a tad arrogantly.
“No you are not!” Ailie exclaimed, as she turned around and started to tickle him.
“Hey stop that! Ailie you know I hate that! Please stop, I’ll take it back. I’m never right about anything!”
Ailie laughingly said, “Oh alright then I’ll stop, you are such a baby over tickling.” She quickly kissed him before he could protest.
Ailie decided to tell Sybil the next evening, it would be easier to get it over and done with in her mind. She waited until Malvina had been put to bed before deciding to bite the bullet and tell Sybil.
“Sybs can we talk.” Ailie blurted out as Sybil came into the lounge.
“Oh good so you have decided to tell me all about what is bothering you!” Sybil smiled, “You’ve been agitated ever since you got in! And don’t ask me how I know, I just do-I’m your sister remember.”
Ailie not knowing what next to say just stared awkwardly at her feet.
Sybil seeing Ailie looked uncomfortable asked with concern in her voice, “Ailie what is the matter. There’s nothing wrong with you and Christian I hope.”
“No, things are great with Chris. I wanted to talk about you Sybil.”
“Me? What do you want to talk about me for?” Sybil asked incredulously.
“I found out yesterday that Sally, the owner of the flower shop, is Alex’s sister.” Ailie blurted it out quickly thinking that it would be easier on Sybil.
Sybil’s sapphire blue eyes grew round and she bit the bottom of her lip, “How did you find out?” She asked faintly.
Ailie explained her conversation with Sally before concluding with, “She’s very nice you know. I’m sure she would be so happy to hear about Malvina.”
Sybil, pale and worried looking, just shrugged, “Supposing she’s so happy about Vina that she decides she wants her family to have custody of her.”
“Sybil, nobody can take Malvina away from you! Why do you think people want to?”
“Oh I don’t know,” Sybil was clearly lying Ailie could tell. “I need time to think about what is best to do, please excuse me I’m going to go to bed.”
Ailie was left standing in the room on her own wondering to herself if she had acted for the best.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:00 am; edited 1 time in total

#67: Author: ali, Location: medway, kent

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 7:17 pm

I hope she decides to trust them and they love her and Vina, they both deserve a loving family!

#68: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 7:31 pm

Poor Sybil. Crying or Very sad

#69: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 8:47 pm

Echoes Carolyn! Crying or Very sad

Feel very sorry for Sybil - cannot be an easy decision to make.

#70: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 9:34 pm

Awwww! Poor Sybil! I really hope it all works out!

#71: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:35 pm

Poor Sybil - even with Ailie, she must feel very alone and not be sure who to trust

#72: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 12:35 pm

Poor Sybil! What an horrible situation to be in.

#73: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 1:03 pm

Considering the way her parents and aunt and uncle treated her over Malvina, there's no wonder that she thinks that Alex' family might want to take her away.

#74: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 1:55 pm

I can understand Sybil's fears I think but I hope she talks to Sally (and that Sally doesn't try to take Vina)

#75: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 7:10 pm

Sybil was upset and worried. What Ailie had told her had come as a shock. She had never before stopped to consider that Alex must have had relatives or how his death, in a far and distant land, must have effected them. Thinking about it now she could imagine how quick and sudden his death must have seemed to them.
What would their reaction be to her and Malvina though? Would they blame her for Alex’s death, he would not have stayed so long in Sydney if it had not been for her. Would they decide that she was not a fit Mother for Malvina? Would they think that she would be better off with two loving parents instead of one? That was how most of her family had felt. It was only Ailie, her Aunt Mollie and her cousin’s Con and Bride who had believed that she was the best parent for Malvina. As far as Sybil knew everyone else believed Malvina would be better off with…
Sybil felt herself shiver at the memory. It had happened nearly two years ago but it still scared her and made her feel so ill that she was unable to eat. It had happened a week after her Mother had arrived in Australia. She was struggling with motherhood and trying to grieve for Alex without her mother realising, and had not noticed her Mother’s whispered discussions with Josette. Her Mother had sat her down that day and suggested in tones which Sybil associated with those of talking to a small disobedient child that it would be for the best if she gave Malvina up to Josette and her husband.
“After all Josette is married,” had been her words, “and Malvina needs to grow up in a environment where she had a loving Mother and Father who have her best interests at heart, and Josette and Tom will love her just as much as if she was their child. You’ll still have a part to play in her life as her Aunt, stop being selfish Sybil and see that this is the best solution for Malvina and for you.”
Sybil’s protests had been so firm that Madge and Josette had been forced to back down. Although Josette had paid Sybil a very nasty visit casting up all the old rivalries and mishaps of their childhood in the hope that Sybil would feel guilty enough to give up her own child.
Thinking these events over Sybil came to the conclusion that it would be extremely unlikely for Vina to have such horrible relatives on both sides of her family. Had not Ailie said that Sally was a lovely woman and would be sure to accept her and Vina with open arms? Sybil curled up under the blankets of her bed and decided that it would not be fair on Vina if she did not allow her the chance to meet her Father’s family. She would have to be strong and courageous for her daughter and meet her dead lover’s family.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:01 am; edited 1 time in total

#76: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 8:06 pm

Poor Sybil, how terrible that so few of her family took her side - and well done to Bride, Con, Allie and especially Mollie - as I'm sure she is the only one Madge and Jem even attempted to listen to. (And nasty Madge and even nastier Josette!)

#77: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 9:22 pm

Grrrrr! at EVIL Madge and Josette! I hope Sybil won't regret her decision!

#78: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 9:39 pm

thanks for that Cazx. I've just caught up after being away and I'm quite sure Ailie did the right thing! It's Sybil's decision to make, after all. But, what happens next????

#79: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 12:36 am

Aww, poor Sybil. *wants to hug both Sybil & Ailie*

#80: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 10:21 am

How disgusting of Josette. She and Madge are the selfish ones. Hope Sybil does find some love, sympathy and support from Sally.

#81: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 10:26 am

Also hoping Sybil get support and sympathy from SallyMadge and Josette are HORRIBLE in this.

#82: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2004 8:53 pm

It was hard for Sybil to tell Sally who she and Malvina were. She had gone to the flower shop at the end of a busy working day; Malvina had been left in the charge of Ailie. Sally had been shocked by what Sybil had told her. She had cried, and Sybil had cried with her feeling that at last she was able to grieve for Alex with someone who had known him and loved him. Ailie had been right about Sally’s reaction towards Malvina, she had begged Sybil to introduce her to her niece soon.
So it turned out that ten days after Sybil had revealed herself to Alex’s sister she and Vina were going away for the weekend with Sally and her family.
“I do hope it will be ok.” She told Ailie the night before as she packed her and Malvina’s clothes. “I’m sure it will be but there is a part of me which thinks that it is to good to be true that there is a family out there for Vina who accepts her.”
“Sybs,” Ailie said seriously, “Everything will be fine-trust me. Sally is one of the nicest people in the world. We both know that and have known her for hardly anytime at all! What we really have to worry about is how am I going to cope with spending the weekend at home!”
Sybil laughed, Madge had managed to nag Ailie into going home for the weekend, something that her youngest daughter resented greatly.
“Well I suppose you can look on it in the sense that at least you will be spending time with Christian, which you wouldn’t have if you’d stayed here.”
“Yeah, I guess. I’m a bit worried though in case something goes wrong and the train arrives before we do. Supposing the car breaks down? If Mum and Dad find out about me and Christian then I’m going to stuck at home forever, they’d never let me come back.”
“Don’t you sometimes think that maybe it would be best if you told them?” Sybil questioned.
“Sometimes but then one of them says something or other that proves to me just how narrow minded they can be. And anyway even if they were ok with me going out with someone unknown to them I still don’t think they would approve of Christian.”
“You’re right about that!” Sybil said with a smile thinking that her mother would be mortified to discover that Ailie was going out with a well-known rock star.
Christian was going home for the weekend to, his busy schedule meant that he did not often get the chance to see his Father, Step-Mother and little sister. He had invited Ailie to join him and she sincerely wished in the car on the way down that she was going with him.
“We’ve only got an hour before the train gets in.” Ailie said panicking slightly as she looked at her watch.
“Chill Ailie!” Christian drawled, “We’ll make it with plenty of time to spare. Anyway the only family members of yours that I’ve met were fine to me. Are you sure that you don’t over react about your parents.”
“I do not over react about them!” Ailie snapped. “And anyway you’ve only met Sybs and Con and they are two of the few normal ones.”
The journey progressed in silence until they reached the outskirts of Armiford.
“I’m sorry Ailie,” Christian said at last, “I just sometimes think that you are ashamed of me or something and that is why I never get to meet your parents.”
“Ashamed of you!” Ailie exclaimed, “Why, never, not in a million years! But if my parents do find out then they will make it mighty hard for me to see you! I’m sorry for snapping at you too.”
Christian pulled up outside the station and pulled Ailie close to him. “I love you,” he told her.
“I love you too!” Ailie replied as she undid her seat belt and kissed him gently. “Now I really must dash, I’ve only five minutes to spare. I’ll meet you here on Sunday.”
Christian nodded, “I hope that the weekend isn’t as bad as you think it will be.”
“It’ll be worse,” Ailie muttered darkly, “I just have a feeling!”

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:03 am; edited 1 time in total

#83: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2004 9:01 pm

Awwww! Glad it seems to be working out well for Sybil! And hope Ailie's weekend won't be as bad as she thinks!

#84: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2004 10:06 pm

I hope Sybil's weekend doesn't go wrong (wibbling slightly) tho I wouldn't be at all surprised if Ailie has a bad time. 'But we won't have to wait too long to find out, will we?' She said hopefully.

#85: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2004 10:19 pm

*hoping that Ailie's and Sybil's weekends go well* Thank you!! Smile

#86: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2004 11:00 pm

Have a horrible feeling that the weekends will go wrong. Confused

Thanks for the latest Cazx!

#87: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2004 11:35 pm

Hopes Lesley is wrong! (but wibbles nevertheless)

#88: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2004 11:46 pm

*also has Lesley's horrible feeling* *wibbles & eebles appropriately*

#89: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 7:07 am

I'm sure Ailie is in for a bad time but I'm hoping for better for Sybil. *just wibbling a bit *

#90: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 4:57 pm

Also thinking Ailie's weekend is not going to be so great Confused

Hope Sybil and Sally hit it off though. She could do with a break

#91: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 9:00 pm

Madge was five minutes late in picking up Ailie, which Ailie was appreciative of.
“I’m so sorry I’m late darling.” She gushed as she started the car engine. “I was hoping that both Daddy and I could collect you but he was being delayed at the San.”
“It’s fine Mummy, honestly.” Ailie replied trying to be jovial.
“I have a lovely weekend planned for you.” Madge continued. “Tomorrow morning I thought we could go for a walk in the mountains, I’ve asked Marie to make all your favourite food as well.” Ailie wondered to herself if her Mother actually knew that her current favourite food was a spicy Indian dish, which Fleur had discovered quite by accident. “And then,” Madge continued in a excited tone of voice, “I’ve got a lovely surprise for you tomorrow afternoon.”
“What kind of surprise?” Ailie questioned cautiously.
“A really nice one! You will be just thrilled by it, I know.”
“What is it?” Ailie asked a feeling of doom descending on her stomach.
“Why darling it wont be a surprise if I tell you, now will it?”
Ailie did not answer, running through her head were ideas of what her Mother would think to be a lovely surprise. She was hoping that the surprise was not a collection of young eligible doctors. But then surely if it was her Mother would not describe it as a surprise.
Jem got home from the San just before dinner. He greeted Ailie with a kiss on the cheek and an absent-minded inquiry of how her job was going.
“It’s going well, thanks.” Ailie answered politely with the feeling that it was going to be hell for her having to respond to her parents small talk all weekend.
“And how are Sybil and Malvina?” He asked her as they sat down to dinner.
“Oh they are fine, they’ve gone to visit some friends for the weekend.”
“What friends?” Madge asked sharply.
Ailie shrugged in an attempt to show that she did not know much about who they were, Sybil had requested to her not to tell their parents about Sally. “Oh I don’t know, just some friends from her work I think.”
“Well Sybil is very lucky having friends who are willing for her to take Malvina along when she goes to visit.” Madge replied stiffly.
Later, as Ailie lay in bed trying to get to sleep at the now ridiculously early hour for her of half past ten she wondered again what her Mother’s surprise for the next day would be. “I just hope that it isn’t something too ghastly,” she thought to herself as she pulled the blankets around her and tried to get to sleep.
Meanwhile Sybil was finding out just what it was like to spend time with a family who were supportive of her and Malvina’s defiance of society. They had journeyed to Devon on the Friday afternoon and now on the Saturday morning she, Vina, Sally, her husband Jeff, and their two children Meg and Johnny were walking on the beach, which was just five minutes from the cottage, they had rented for the weekend. Vina was enjoying the companionship of her cousins, the three were busy collecting shells and digging around in the sand. Jeff was busy supervising them, running after them when trouble seemed to be brewing. Vina, rosy and laughing was the apple of Sybil’s eye and Sally noticing how Sybil looked at Vina could see how strongly Sybil loved her.
“She only has her to love and focus on now that Alex has died and she has poured all her energy into Malvina.” Sally thought to herself.
“You are enjoying spending time with us?” Sally asked Sybil anxiously at one point, seeing that a shadow had come across her face for a few moments.
“Oh yes, of course I am!” Sybil exclaimed, “You saw me looking glum just now, did you?” Sally nodded. “I was just thinking you see how much I wished that my family would be as accepting of Malvina and I as you are.”
“How aren’t they accepting?” Sally asked frowning thinking to herself that families were meant to be loving and supportive.
“Oh it’s hard to explain.” Sybil said.
“Try me, I want to help, I want the best for you and Vina.”
Sybil slowly nodded saying, “Ok I’ll tell you about them.”

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:04 am; edited 1 time in total

#92: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 9:14 pm

I'm so glad things are going well for Sybil!And I love the line about the doctors!

#93: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 9:21 pm

Thanks CazSo glad Sybil's having a good time, and Sally's being so lovely. Very Happy

*wondering nervously what Madge has deamt up for Ailie though*

#94: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 9:43 pm

Really pleased for Sybil - but poor Allie!!!!

#95: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 10:06 pm

I guess 1 out of 2 ain't bad!I'd love to bang Madge and Jem's heads together Evil or Very Mad

Be strong Ailie!

#96: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 10:35 pm

*bites nails wondering what Madge has up her sleeve**glad Sybil's having a nice weekend*

#97: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 12:11 am

Relieved that things are going well for Sybil at least. I'm sure that Ailie can cope with whatever Madge decides to throw at her, at least, I hope so.

#98: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 1:52 pm

Glad Sally is supportive of Sybil - hope she doesn't change when she hears what Sybs' samily think. Have a horrible feeling Ailie is in line for tea with an eligible bachelor os some description.

#99: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 3:05 pm

Lovely for Sybil to get the support and acceptance she needs, but poor Ailie, what a terrible time she's having.

#100: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 6:42 pm

Sally was shocked to hear of how Sybil’s family had treated her and Malvina. She could not understand how people who were supposed to love their daughter, sister, niece or cousin could be so harsh and cruel.
“Sybil,” Sally told her laying her hand on Sybil’s arm. “In this family we don’t ask our daughter’s and sister’s to give their babies away, call our cousins a dirty slut, or expect our nieces to do everything we tell them in regards to how their baby should be brought up. We understand that life moves in a unexpected way and we support one another instead of judging each other.”
Sybil feeling tears beginning to prick at the back of her eyes smiled sadly at Sally and squeezed her arm, “Thank-you.” She said quietly as she wiped the back of her hand across her eyes.
Malvina at this point came running up to Sybil, “Looks at the pretty shell I found Mummy.”
“It’s beautiful darling.” Sybil told her as she knelt down next to her.
“Present for you Mummy.” Malvina said putting the shell into Sybil’s hand with a toothy grin before running off to rejoin her cousins and uncle.
Sally smiled at Sybil; “She is just adorable! You can see Alex in her.”
“You can?” Sybil questioned, “everyone thinks she’s the image of me.”
“Her eyes are Alex’s. I know your eyes are blue too, but your eyes are brighter. His were and Malvina’s are more dreamy.”
Sybil frowned trying to remember, “Yes I believe you are right!” She smilingly said at last.
As Sybil was leisurely strolling along the beach with her new friends Ailie was being forced to go for a walk with her Mother. She paid little attention to what her Mother told her, most of it being news about her Auntie Jo and Maynard cousins, saying every now again “Yes, how interesting?” The walk seemed to go on forever, and it was relief for Ailie when they finally reached home again.
Hoping to get some time to herself after lunch Ailie attempted to escape to her bedroom upstairs.
“Where are you going Ailie?” Her Mother asked just before Ailie’s escape would have been complete.
“Upstairs.” Ailie said shortly, her patience beginning to run short.
“But your surprise is going to arrive shortly.”
“Well give me a shout when it arrives and I’ll come down.” Ailie said quickly not giving her mother time to reply before dashing out of the room. There she began to write angry letters to Fleur, Janice and Judy telling them all about her parents driving her insane and pleas for their sympathy.
Sadly for her she only had twenty minutes to herself. With a sense of trepidation she made her way downstairs at her Mother’s shout. Walking into the drawing room she discovered that her surprise was someone who she had not seen for nearly two years and who she would not have minded seeing for at least another two at that.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:05 am; edited 1 time in total

#101: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 6:53 pm

Josette maybe? Poor Allie - love the idea of her writing angry letters to Fleur and the others!And that she is so patently uninterested in Joey and co! Oh and how wonderful for Sybil - to find a proper, caring, loving family! :ahhh: Thanks Cazx!

#102: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 6:56 pm

Oh Lord, please not Mary Lou! Shocked

Feeling warm and fuzzy for Sybil Very Happy

thank you Cazx!

#103: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 7:59 pm

Please let Ailie have the strength to bear this latest trial!

#104: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 10:41 pm

*happy for Sybil* *eebling as to who has turned up for Ailie*

#105: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 12:24 am

Also very happy for Sybil. Wonder who Ailie's 'suprise' is!

#106: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 3:48 pm

Notice the tenterhooks, Vikki?

#107: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 11:09 pm

How wonderful for Sybil! Poor Ailie hope she can get through whatever it is.

#108: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 6:51 pm

“Isn’t this exciting, Ailie?” Madge asked her daughter with an attempt at a girlish grin on her face.
“Yeah.” Ailie said forcing herself to appear cheerful, it would not do to appear otherwise at the sight of this guest.
“Well I’ll just go and see where Marie has got to with the tea and cakes.” Madge said as she made her way out of the room.
Ailie was left alone in the room with her ‘surprise’.
“So Ailie, how are things?” The voice was clear and sweet, deceptively sweet Ailie thought.
“Fine thanks Mary-Lou.” Ailie said with a grin deciding that she would have some fun. “Never been better in fact!”
“Really?” Mary-Lou questioned doubtfully, “Auntie Madge tells me that you are living with Sybil in London and working in a shop.”
“Yeah, I am. It’s really interesting you know.” Ailie paused before deciding to go ahead and lie to Mary-Lou. “You know I have been meaning to apologise to you about what happened that time when you found us here two years ago. I was so naïve then its hard to believe that I let almost total strangers come here, I mean the house could have been wrecked.”
“Yes that is what I thought when I discovered you here!” Mary-Lou paused before adding, “I do hope that this means that you have stopped seeing that awful boy now, the way he spoke to me just showed he had no respect.”
Ailie could just about keep herself from laughing out loud at Mary-Lou’s description of Christian.
“Oh no I never see him now, I realised what he was really like soon enough, you needn’t worry Mary-Lou.” Ailie lied so earnestly that she completely fooled Mary-Lou.
“Oh I am glad you listened to my advice Ailie, I did not think you would and it is so nice for you too prove me wrong for once.”
Ailie resisted the urge to shake some sense into Mary-Lou and bring her dated views into the 1960’s. Instead she smiled rather blandly and waited for Mary-Lou to speak.
“And what about that rude girl, the one who didn’t know who I was do you still see her?”
“Fleur?” Ailie questioned. “Yeah I still see her, it was a bit awkward you know after Christian but we are still friends. She’s tamed quite a bit now you know.”
“That’ll be due to your Aunt Jo, I’m sure.” Mary-Lou told Ailie nodding her head wisely.
“No it’s more Auntie Hilda I think actually.” Ailie could not resist setting Mary-Lou straight.
“Well Ailie,” Mary-Lou suddenly said after being quiet for a minute or two, “I am very glad to see you like this. I was worried when your Mother told me about you moving to London with Sybil. I thought to myself what will she get up to with nobody responsible to keep an eye on her. However you have proved me wrong you are clearly mature enough to be able to look after your-self.”
It was a good thing that Madge came back into the room at this point as Ailie was about to let her mask slip and tackle Mary-Lou on what she saw as her indirect unfair and catty comments about Sybil.
“Now Mary-Lou,” Madge said as Marie followed her into the room bringing with her a tray of cakes. “Tell us all about your adventures.”
Mary-Lou needed no coaxing, smiling broadly she said, “Well it all began on the wettest day you can imagine…”
Ailie quickly decided that this was not something she particularly wanted to hear and instead went into daydream mode. Thinking of her conversation with Mary-Lou and how Christian would laugh at it the next day. For the rest of the weekend Ailie somehow managed to avoid being alone with Mary-Lou, she spent a lot of time reading, slowly counting the hours away for when she would be back in London.
There was a slight worry for Ailie on Sunday, she thought that her parents and Mary-Lou were never going to leave the platform before the train arrived. In desperation she had to pretend to be slightly upset and told them to leave before the train came in or otherwise she would be crying as the train passed by their faces. None of the clan liked to see people cry and so they hurriedly kissed Ailie on the cheek and made their way back to their car. Ailie waited for five minutes to be sure that they had gone before dashing off to find Christian.
Opening the car door she exclaimed, “Darling, never again do I want to experience a weekend like that! It was pure hell!”

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:16 am; edited 1 time in total

#109: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 7:21 pm

Good for Ailie! I loved her winding ML up! Probably made for a more peaceful weekend, too! I'm so glad Sybil has found a family to accept her. I do hope she introduces Ailie to the delights of a real family Razz

#110: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 9:56 pm

Allie had more self control than I would have in similar circumstances - what a nasty thing to imply about Sybil. fume

Love her putting Mary Lou straight about who helped Fleur, and her going into day dreaming mode! Laughing

#111: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 11:43 pm

Nooooooooooooo!! Not Mary Lou I said!! Neutral

Good on ailie for winding her up though Twisted Evil

Cheers Cazx Very Happy

*decides poking stick not large enough or sharp enough for Mary Lou so heads up the M6 to Scotland to find poking caber*

#112: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2004 9:39 am

Well done Ailie - Mary-Lou deserved that.

#113: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2004 7:37 pm

Good Ailie. Bad Mary Lou. Bad Madge. Good drabble! (Meant to comment on this last night and forgot Embarassed

)

#114: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2004 8:35 pm

Poor Ailie, she has a lot more self control in those circumstances than I would.

#115: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 9:05 pm

The bunny has been running away from me, so that is why this post is so little and has taken so long to be written!

It seemed to Ailie that after her weekend at home the weeks seemed to fly by. One day it was the middle of October, the next it was just two weeks before Christmas. Fleur was staying in London with Nikolai as her term had finished, Janice at Art College still had a few days left to go and Judy had returned from stage one of her around the world trip.
“You should all travel girls.” Judy said when they all met up once more. “You experience so much, it really opens your mind!”
“What exactly have you been getting up to then?” Fleur asked her grinning.
“Oh this and that!” Judy said with a glint in her eye and a mischievous laugh.
“I don’t think I want to know what you have been up to.” Janice remarked coolly as she twisted her long black hair around her fingers.
Ailie looking at Judy thought that her friend looked older now and less innocent than she used to look. She seemed to be more confident and hold herself in a more forward way. In Ailie’s opinion she seemed even more confident than Fleur whose confidence had shocked them all on first meeting her.
“Don’t pay any attention to Jan, I want to know everything Judy!” Fleur said leaning forward eagerly. “How many have there been then?”
“How many what?” Judy said poking her tongue out at Fleur.
“Men!” Fleur said raising her eyebrows in a pointed fashion.
“Oh I don’t know, let me count.” Judy started muttering to herself under her breath and counted on her fingers. Fleur began to giggle hysterically at this and Judy noticing this began to laugh too before finally saying, “Eight.”
As she sat through Judy’s tales of the men she had met on her travels, Fleur’s tales of her active university life, and Janice’s art ambitions, Ailie began to feel jealous. She did like working with Sally but she could also see that it was hardly something, which would keep her interested for long. Maybe she should have tried harder at school, and then she could have gone to college and have felt that she was actually doing something, which she was passionate about.
“You have been quiet Ailie.” Janice said at one point, “Is there anything you wanted to say.”
“No,” Ailie said then seeing her friends wanted her to say more she continued, “Not much has happened to me really. I just work, help Sybs with Vina occasionally, and hang out with Christian when he is London. And that’s about it.”
“You are lucky,” Fleur sighed, “Seeing Christian so much. I wish I could see Nikolai as much. But then I have so much work to do that sometimes I have to say he cant come to visit even when he has the time off because I know that I wouldn’t get the work done.”
Ailie could see that Fleur was jealous of her over this, it was strange were they all jealous of each other over little things in their lives. It was after this conversation with her friends that Ailie decided that once the New Year came she would start trying to look for something more fulfilling to fill her days with.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:18 am; edited 1 time in total

#116: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 9:13 pm

Good for Ailie! Thanks Cazx - glad bunny is back!

#117: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 12:13 am

That was quite a big bit Cazx and a very nice big bit - like the *grass is always greener* discussion

#118: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 3:20 am

Cazx wrote:

Ailie decided that once the New Year came she would start trying to look for something more fulfilling to fill her days with.

You go girl! Maybe if you're no longer interested in the School of Needlework you could apprentice to Mary Quant. It's still sewing...

#119: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 8:39 am

Thanks Cazx, *crosses fingers for Ailie*

#120: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 12:04 pm

Go Ailie! Hopefully waht ever she does it will be something that Madge thoroughly disapproves of! cheers for the update Cazx Very Happy

#121: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 9:04 pm

Christmas was spent at Round House. It was just Ailie, Sybil and Malvina who were there with their parents and the twins. David having got married the previous summer was spending the holiday with his wife to his Mother’s disappointment. Ailie was not unhappy that David and his wife, Annette, were not there. She had noticed that their treatment of Sybil was one of coldness, and they obviously did not approve of what she had done with her life. Sybil had actually had the offer to spend Christmas with Sally and her family but she had not wanted to desert her sister, so had promised to spend New Year with Sally instead. Ailie for New Year was going to be at Fleur’s as always. Madge and Jem did not exactly approve of Fleur, thinking that she was too abrupt and modern, but as they had allowed Ailie to spend time with her before they could not exactly stop doing so now especially as Ailie was nineteen.
For Ailie the worst thing she found about Christmas was being unable to speak to Christian on Christmas Day. Sybil found to her surprise that Christmas was not as bad as she had thought it might be. Her Father did plainly adore Vina and she began to sense that the disapproving stance she felt both her parents felt for her was actually just coming from her Mother. Sybil was just pleased that Malvina had had a nice Christmas and that she had laughed throughout it, as she was the centre of attention amongst her Grandfather and young uncles.
New Year at Fleur’s was always eventful, whether it was Fleur’s drunken matchmaking working or there being a fight between Nikolai and Paul who would never see eye to eye despite Fleur’s pleadings to both of them.
“What time did you say Judy and Jan were getting here?” Ailie asked Fleur at six as they began to put nibbles out and prepare the home-made punch.
“Well, Judy was going to leave London at three and pick Jan up on the way. They should be here by eight shouldn’t they?” Fleur looked over at Christian.
“Erm depends on the traffic but probably yeah.”
Fleur nodded before flicking her eyes over to her twin who was looking slightly despondent.
“Come on Paul,” She said cheerfully, “come and help me tie the decorations up in the living room, Nikolai was supposed to help me but God knows when he will decide to turn up.”
Ailie and Christian were left alone in the big kitchen. Christian put his arms around Ailie and kissed her lightly on the nose.
“Are you ok angel girl?” He asked her frowning, he had noticed she had been quieter than usual lately and was worried about her.
“Yeah,” Ailie yawned, “I’m just a bit tired.”
“Did my snoring keep you awake last night?” He asked with genuine concern.
Ailie tried her best to keep a straight face but failed.
“What?” He said suspiciously, “Why are you laughing?”
“It’s just that I’ve created this whole belief in you that you snore, when you don’t really!” Ailie began to laugh again.
“I don’t!” He exclaimed, “So whenever you’ve moaned at me about me snoring you’ve made it up why?”
“Just for fun really!” Ailie said slipping out of his arms, as she knew he would revenge.
“Hey, Ailie get back here!” He said. “I’m not going to retaliate, I’m just glad you are laughing you’ve been to serious lately.”
Ailie wondered if he was going to question her on that. She usually told him everything but had wanted to sort out in her mind what she wanted to branch out into before she discussed it with him. The hesitation cost Ailie as Christian used it to dab some cream from the trifle on to her nose. Ailie screamed and in just a few seconds the pair of them were involved in a food fight. So when Dylan walked through the back door a few minutes later his query of whether Janice had arrived yet was met by chocolate éclair hitting him on the forehead.
It seemed that this New Year’s Eve was going to be just as eventful as the two previous ones.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:18 am; edited 1 time in total

#122: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 9:13 pm

Nasty Madge, nasty David and David's wife! Glad Jem seems to have thawed. Love Ailie and Christian's relationship. Laughing

#123: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 10:31 pm

Love Ailie convincing Christian that he snores!!! :laughing:

#124: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 12:36 am

Liking that Ailie's spotted that Jem's not as bad as she thought. And how cute are Ailie and Christian? Very Happy

Madge still needs whipping with a wet kipper!

#125: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 8:21 am

*impressed with Jem* *still poke

and

Madge, and now David & his wife* *loves Ailie and Chrisitan* *wants to know what's going to happen at the party*

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

Posted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 8:40 am

Good Jem

Bad Madge and David poke

Lovely Ailie and Christian :ahhh: Liz

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

Posted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 8:32 pm

Now that sounds a little ominous! Lovely post - thanks, hope Ailie can work out what she wants to do.

#128: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 9:06 pm

Eeek! *teeters on edge of unexpected cliff*

#129: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 12:49 am

Hope Ailie can decide soon what she wants to do as it must be awful for her.

#130: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 3:18 am

Cazx wrote:

I want to talk to you.”

Gulp. Those sound like ominous words absolutely guarenteed to make any girl tremble. More please quick! I'm teetering on the edge of my cubicle (the office type, not the type with a bed and a nifty dressing table in it unfortunately)

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

Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 8:58 am

also teetering... not sure I won't overbalance before Sunday Wink

Liz

#132: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 10:16 am

*peers anxiously over the cliff edge* *wonders how many hours until Sunday*

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

Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 1:45 pm

About 58 and a quarter Pim!Liz

#134: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 2:38 pm

Essay research was boring me so I thought I'd write a bit more drabble instead!

Ailie followed Christian upstairs her mind full of questions of why he wanted to talk to her, he sounded so serious. Had she done something wrong? He sat down on the bottom step of the second flight of stairs and Ailie began to have a feeling of having been here once before on a different New Years Eve.
“What do you want to talk to me about?” She asked quietly sitting down next to him on the stair.
“I wanted us to sit here when the New Year broke in.” He said simply putting his arm around her and kissing her gently and sweetly.
“Why here?” Ailie asked him as she took hold of his hands.
“Because this is the spot where I fell in love with you, two years ago tonight.”
“When we made up the words to Auld Lang Syne.”
“Yes, and you were so truthful and honest about being jealous of Janice and Judy.”
“Was I?” Ailie questioned, discovering she could not remember that.
“Yeah, you always have been truthful to me.”
Ailie felt a knot in her stomach was Christian saying that he had not always been truthful to her? After all he did always have girls throwing themselves at him, surely they must have tempted him at times. And then there had been the times she had been in school, then she had had no knowledge of what Christian was getting up to.
“So why haven’t you told me what the matter is now?” Christian asked her looking her in the eyes.
“Sorry?” Ailie asked getting confused.
“Tell me Ailie what is wrong, you’ve been so distant for the last few weeks. Have I done something?”
“No! You’ve done nothing.” Ailie said firmly, realising that Christian was just as truthful with her as she was with him. “It’s me. I just feel like a failure at times, not really doing a proper job while all my friends are doing stuff they love. And I aren’t doing a job I love.” To Ailie’s horror there were tears forming in her eyes.
Christian pulled Ailie on to his lap and wiped the tears away, which were running down her face.
“Hey now, come on Ailie. We can sort this out, I don’t think you are a failure at all!”
“You don’t?”
“No of course I don’t! This all stems from your family you know and their attitudes towards how you should lead your life.”
Ailie opened her mouth to protest but shut it when she realised that Christian was partly right.
“Now Ailie what are your strengths? What are you the best at doing?”
“I dunno…” Ailie whispered. “I was always good at PE and I did enjoy being games prefect. But I don’t want to be a teacher.”
“Why did you enjoy being games prefect?”
“Because um well I liked the organisational side most I guess. Having to organise the teams and then be responsible making some arrangements when we played other teams.”
“So you quite like dictating what people do then!” Christian asked with a smile.
Ailie shrugged, dictate was a strong word but it was partly true she guessed.
“I have an idea.” Christian said as the bells began to ring. “But I’m not telling you until we have sung Auld Lang Syne again!”
Ailie kissed Christian and then feeling happier than she had in weeks began to sing.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:20 am; edited 1 time in total

#135: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 2:42 pm

Awwwwwwwwwwwall warm and fuzzy Interesting that Allie (like most of us I guess - in real life as well as this drabble) anticipated trouble when he said he wanted to talk

#136: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 2:56 pm

Oh, they are so cute!How lovely of him to help her like that. Thanks Cazx

#137: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 3:31 pm

Aw. Sounds like he's another real catch (there are quite a few good men on the CBB, sadly most of them are in the drabbles).

#138: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 5:47 pm

*wants a Christian**wonders what his plan is**wonders once again how many hours until Sunday*

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

Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 6:24 pm

Awwwww - how sweetNot *really* following you around Pim, but the answer is now just over 53 and a half hours...Liz

#140: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 7:32 pm

Awww! Isn't he sweet? Hope it's a really good idea.

#141: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 1:05 am

Whatever his idea is, I bet Madge won't approve Shocked

He is sweet though, why did I never meet boys like him when I was that age?

#142: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:18 pm

“So what was your idea then?” Ailie asked Christian the next morning. She had banished all her worries last night after her talk with Christian, resolving not to think of them until the morning.
“Well you know you said you liked organising things and making arrangements.”
Ailie nodded as she drew her legs up to her chest and placed her chin on her knees.
“Well couldn’t you organise someone’s life for them, arrange for when they have meetings, where they go and where they stay, if they were famous then they would need someone to arrange when they were being interviewed and someone to make statements to the press on their behalf.”
“Yeah I suppose I could.” Ailie said smiling. “But wouldn’t it be frightfully competitive and hard to get into, especially as I have no real experience.”
“Usually it would,” Christian said with a grin, “However it just so happens that we, I mean Kaiser Tsar by we, need someone to do that for us. So would you be that person?”
Ailie’s eyes widened with surprise. “Would you really want me to do that for you guys? I mean wouldn’t that mean you’d be seeing more of me and then you might get bored with me and annoyed that I was always around and you never had any of your own space.”
Christian laughed at Ailie’s earnestness. “That will never happen sweetheart! If you want the job then it is yours but if you don’t want it then I will understand completely. The decision is yours, take your time before you decide anything if you want.”
“Oh I don’t want any time.” Ailie remarked with a chuckle. “I’ve decided already I’ll have the job, after all you only live once!”
Christian grinned at Ailie and quickly kissed her on the forehead.
Ailie felt much happier on the first day of the New Year than she had on the last day of the old one. She had told Christian that she would have continue working for Sally until a replacement was found for her, and Christian understood. For a moment she did pause to think about what she would tell her parents, she knew they would not approve of her travelling around the world with a group of four young men. But then she decided that she would tell them once she was back in the safety of London, away from their way of life.
Later that day Ailie did seek out Judy, wanting to ask her whether she was alright.
“I remember hardly anything Ailie…” Judy moaned her head in her arms. “I remember arriving and having some wine, and then some sort of cocktail but after that its just all one big black noisy blur.”
“I’m afraid I won’t be able to help you fill in many gaps Judy.” Ailie told her friend sadly. “You were quite tactless to Fleur and she did not take what you said well, and then you had an argument with Paul but I don’t know what it was about.”
Judy looked mortified at this, “Oh God what have I gone and said, suppose I have a lot of apologising to do…”
“I think you should talk to Fleur first, maybe she will be able to help you with what happened with Paul.”
Judy nodded, “I’ll go and look for her now.”
Ailie had been in the lounge on her own for about half an hour when Fleur walked in to the room.
“Did Judy find you?” Ailie asked as she tossed her book aside.
“Yes.” Fleur replied shortly. “We sorted everything out.”
Ailie decided that Fleur had not really forgiven Judy for last night by the tone of voice she was using and did not reply, not really knowing what to say.
“Christian tells me that you are going to work for the band.” Fleur said abruptly.
“Yeah I am.” Ailie told her, not fully realising the extent of Fleur’s mood she added, “I’m really looking forward to it.”
Fleur just raised her eyebrows and gave Ailie a cool stare before saying, “Well as long as you don’t try to control Christian’s life too much, you know how he hates people doing that.”
Ailie was left speechless as Fleur turned around and head held high marched out of the room.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:21 am; edited 1 time in total

#143: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:53 pm

Fleur seems a little haughty there, is she jealous, perhaps?

#144: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 10:25 pm

Uh oh. *senses trouble ahead* *begins to wibble quietly in the corner*

#145: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 10:34 pm

Wonder what Judy said? And why Fleur's so snippy with Ailie? Does not bode well... Ta for the update Cazx Very Happy

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

Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 11:10 pm

Thank you Cazx. *Also wondering what was said - is Fleur jealous?*

#147: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 11:13 pm

Just caught up with Christmas and New Year. Madge hammer

Christian :love: Fleur can be quite a little Madam sometimes. I think she's jealous of Ailie! Poor Judy may think twice about drinking that much again (I hope). Lovely as ever. thank you.

#148: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 1:16 am

Thank you Cazx! But 'wibble!' at all the undercurrents!!! More soon please!

#149: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 1:54 am

Gee Fleur isn't very nice when she isn't getting away with running her friends lives is she. So this is what happens when your Joey/OAO tendancies to control people and want them to share your beliefs are thwarted...

#150: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 10:01 pm

“I mean what have I done Jan?” Ailie wailed an hour later after having sought out her friend and told her all about her encounter with Fleur.
“Nothing by the sound of it.” Janice said thoughtfully as she sipped her tea.
“But why was she such a cow to me if I’ve done nothing! You are her best friend out of us lot, surely you must have some sort of idea.”
“Well..” Janice paused she did not know whether what she was going to say would make the situation worse.
“Well, what?” Ailie asked beginning to get impatient as she ran her fingers through her blonde curls.
“Well, maybe she is jealous.” Janice said at last.
“Jealous! Of what?”
“Of you getting to spend more time with Christian and Nikolai than she does.”
“But that’s stupid! I’ll be working, it won’t be as if I get to sit around and chat with them all day I’ll have stuff to do.”
“Yes but you will be seeing them every day which Fleur won’t be.” Janice reminded her friend.
“I suppose,” Ailie said before adding rather harshly, “Though she hasn’t seen them on a regular every day basis for nearly three years, surely she would be used to that by now!”
“I think Fleur misses Nikolai and Christian more than she lets on, especially when it comes to missing Christian. You have to remember Ailie that for most of their childhood it was the two of them against the world, and I don’t think that Fleur particularly likes having to share him with you at times.” Ailie opened her mouth to protest at this point but Janice shushed her with a wave of her hand. “You do get to see him more than she does now and then when she does see him most of the time you are there too and he doesn’t really talk to her as he used to.”
“Has Fleur told you all this?” Ailie asked suddenly, thinking that Janice seemed to know an awful lot.
“Some of it. I’ve guessed the rest.”
“But Fleur loves to seem that she is above jealousy and portrays herself as the most mature teenager ever.”
“She’s only mature in the sense that she has been through more than any of us have been through and ever will. She’s just older than her years through experiences. Emotionally she can be even younger than us at times.” Janice spoke with the understanding, which had benefited her as head girl.
“Christian isn’t like her though and he has had to go through all the upheaval’s too.”
Janice becoming impatient with Ailie’s inability to understand Fleur and be more thoughtful towards her feelings snapped, “Well Fleur has had to cope with things, which Christian does not even know about, things, which aren’t related to their Mother.”
“Like what?” Ailie questioned full of curiosity.
“I shouldn’t have said that!” Janice exclaimed putting her hand across her mouth. “You’ll promise you won’t say anything to Christian or Fleur, to anyone even! She will never speak to me again if you do.”
“I won’t say anything.” Ailie promised she could see the alarm in Janice’s eyes.
“Thanks.” Janice paused before adding, “Now if you want my advice about Fleur then I would apologise to her. I know you have done nothing wrong but say you should have consulted her about her feelings or something. And don’t tell Christian about what happened that could make things worse.”
“I’d thought that myself.” Ailie said dryly. “I suppose I’d better apologise and try and talk things through with her, though I don’t see why I should! She should be the one apologising to me.”
It took Ailie awhile to find Fleur; she had been sitting in a window seat hidden behind a curtain. Ailie’s apology was accepted and Fleur even condescended to say that she was wrong to have said what she had to her friend. But Ailie still sensed that there was something different in Fleur’s manner when she spoke to her. Something that had not been there before. Most of the time things were fine but then without a seconds notice Fleur would make a sarcastic remark and Ailie would find herself questioning whether she was being sarcastic because she was Fleur and could be, or because she wanted to make a fool out of her. This treatment made Ailie wary of Fleur and in some respect pushed her away from her and further towards the security of Christian. Ailie just wished for the day to come when the two of them could go back to being the friends they used to be.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:23 am; edited 1 time in total

#151: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 10:08 pm

What a tangle. Poor Fleur! I was feeling cross with her a few posts ago but she's showing just the sort of mixed emotions everyone has to go through. I can't help thinking that she has enjoyed having Ailie as a non achieving friend she could feel superior to and now has to adjust. Thatnk you Cazx.

#152: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 3:25 am

Not feeling sorry for Fleur yet. But am wondering what it is that she has been through which is so terrible (and wibbling about it). I look forward to finding out...

#153: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 4:58 am

Agrees with Pat - think Fkeur liked having Ailie doing nothing with her life. Thanks Cazx!

#154: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 1:57 pm

Oh dear, I do think Fleur's being unreasonable but maybe we don't know the full story yet...

#155: Author: ali, Location: medway, kent

Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 8:02 pm

surely the references to what she has been through refer to the last story, The C.S. and Fleur, or whatever it was called. If you haven't read it yet I highly recommend it!

#156: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 8:07 pm

Fleur Thank you Cazx!

#157: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 9:27 pm

Yeah Ali is right, what Fleur has been through is in Fleur. Only Janice knows about it though... anyway tonight's installment.

“So that’s what I’m going to do from now on!” Ailie wound up, “What do you think?”
Sybil had been listening to her sister for the last ten minutes and felt incredibly guilty that she had not noticed how down her sister had been over the previous view weeks.
“I think it sounds different.” Sybil said, but she said it with a smile, which Ailie took to mean good different. “Why didn’t you tell me how you were feeling though?”
“Oh I don’t know…” Ailie sighed. “I just didn’t know how to express myself.”
Sybil nodded that was how she felt when thinking of Alex, though now it was getting easier having Sally around.
Ailie felt bad about giving Sally her resignation but Sally had just smiled and said, “I knew you were better than selling flowers for a living Ailie! You go out there and go for it in your new job!” These words had given Ailie some confidence and made her really look forward to starting her new job.
Not all people had been as supportive as Sybil and Sally. Madge had not been happy to hear of her youngest daughter’s career change.
“But darling,” She had said, “Don’t you realise that you will be travelling around with these men on your own, you can’t possibly do it. You must tell that straight away and let them get someone else.”
Ailie resisting the temptation to laugh down the phone coolly told her Mother, “I’m not going to Mummy. I will be fine with the boys, they all know me and won’t take advantage of me if that’s what you are worried about!”
At this Madge had said sharply, “Oh don’t be vulgar Aline. Now you listen to me I want you to phone these people up the minute you stop talking to me and tell them that you are not allowed to work for them, and that your Mother forbids it.”
“I’m not going to.” Ailie had said calmly, “You can make as many threats as you want but I am not giving up on this job.” And not bothering to wait for her Mother’s answer, Ailie hung up the phone feeling the most rebellious she had been for years.
She started working for Kaiser Tsar at the beginning of February just before they embarked on a promotional tour of Europe, which would take them abroad for the next month. Ailie found there to be a lot more work involved than she had thought there would be but she enjoyed and refused to listen to Christian’s pleas to talk to him instead of work. The other members of the band she got on well with, having known Nikolai and Dylan for nearly as long as she had known Christian. The drummer, a brown faced twenty-two year old with dreadlocks called Pete, was a practical joker and Ailie quickly learnt to be wary whenever he was around. She fitted in with the guys well and none of them seemed to resent her presence though she had discovered a secret of Nikolai’s which she knew he would rather her not know.
“I’d thought you had stopped smoking.” Ailie remarked on her first day seeing Nikolai light up.
“Oh God.” Nikolai groaned. “Well you see I’ve told Fleur I have, and when I’m with her I don’t smoke so that has cut it down a bit, but I still do when I’m not with her. You won’t tell her will you, what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.”
Ailie feeling uncomfortable just shrugged, she did not want to lie to Fleur, especially now when Fleur was still so weird with her. But then how could the band trust her if she went and told Fleur something that she had been asked not to. Christian did not seem to mind about Fleur not knowing and if he was fine with Nikolai lying to Fleur then Ailie could not see how she could not be. She decided that she would only tell Fleur the truth if Fleur questioned her about it, she would not tell tales or lie that way.
Two days before they were supposed to go to Europe the band played a gig in Cambridge. Fleur was there of course. She did not discover Nikolai’s secret or ask Ailie about it either, to the relief of Ailie. She seemed to be surprised at exactly how much work Ailie had to do. It was true Ailie was unable to watch the gig being to busy arranging an interview with a student newspaper for later. Fleur did seem to be nicer toward Ailie than she had been over the Christmas period. But Ailie had the feeling that this was a forced friendliness rather than a genuine one. It seemed Fleur knew she was being unreasonable but still needed someone to talk to her wisely and point out exactly how immature she was being.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:25 am; edited 1 time in total

#158: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 9:37 pm

Thank you cazx! Glad Fleur seems to be realising that maybe Ailie's new job is not all jam!

#159: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 10:08 pm

And good for Ailie in responding to Madge! Thank you Cazx.

#160: Author: Elzbie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 10:13 pm

Loved Ailie telling Madge where to stick it! Twisted Evil

Just waiting for Jem to turn up and try to drag her away now! (Let there be security guards...!) Thanks Cazx!

#161: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 10:25 pm

3 :cheers: to Ailie!!!! cheers cazx.

#162: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 11:03 pm

Go Ailie, go Ailie, go Ailie! (doing sitting down cheerleading... Rolling Eyes

) Thanks Cazx Very Happy

#163: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 4:29 am

Yay Allie. You tell that nasty mama o' yours where she should go! Thanks Cazx, this is most enjoyable (and of couse we all waiting with baited breath for more but are too polite to ask).

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

Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 8:35 am

You may be too polite MissDi but... Please may we have some more Cazx? Laughing

Liz

#165: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 1:40 pm

I'm not really sure where this is going, so please put up with me if it gets a bit stupid in the next few posts Embarassed

Ailie’s knowledge of French and German proved to be very useful when dealing with European journalists. Kaiser Tsar proved to be very popular on the continent, this could possibly have been due to Christian fluency in French and German also. Some of their songs were rewritten into the other languages, enabling foreign fans to sing along too. Ailie found that she rarely had a second to spare, and the only time she got to spend with Christian would usually be either late in the evening or very early in the morning. Partly because of the attitude of her parents the relationship between Ailie and Christian had to be kept quiet from the press, therefore they could only be a couple when they were around people they knew and trusted, which was not often.
Ailie had not heard from her parents since her phone call to her Mother. She knew that Madge had phoned Sybil, demanding to know why she wasn’t keeping a better eye on her sister. Sybil had responded by telling her Mother that Ailie was nineteen, could do what she wanted, and that besides how could she keep an eye on her younger sister when she worked full time and had a two year old to look after. Madge not liking, what she saw as the disrespectful tones of daughters had taken offence and resolved that she would have nothing to do with them until they apologised to her, which she assumed they would quickly do. Jem did not have the quite the same attitude as his wife, although he did think that Ailie had been rude slamming in the phone down her Mother.
As Ailie travelled around Europe she got to see more of the continent than she had previously. The places she had been to before were seen in a new light. She enjoyed the sights and culture and understood why Judy loved travelling so much for the first time. While in Switzerland she was tempted to pay a visit to her old school but the fact that then she would have to see her Aunt Jo, who had always been so snotty towards Sybil for as long as Ailie could remember, made Ailie change her mind. In Austria she together with the rest of Kaiser Tsar had a weekend off and she and Christian went to the Tiernsee together, planning to hide out in the summer home of her family. Though once they got there they discovered that they were not the only one’s with that idea.
*****
Meanwhile in Cambridge Fleur was walking through the streets on a bitter crisp winter day, with a pale blue cap pulled attractively over her brown curls. Absorbed in her own thoughts, of how she was being a selfish cow toward one of her best friends she did not notice the admiring glances people kept on throwing her. “Why am I being so horrid to Ailie? She is a dear, and I know she isn’t hurting me on purpose, I am just hurting myself by thinking the way I do! Why can’t I be nice again? Why is it that one-minute you are close to someone and the next you are so cross with them that you think you could really hate them? I can’t talk to Jan about this, it’s unfair on her and I don’t want to seem like a bitch. Nikolai and Holly are far away and this isn’t the type of conversation to have on the phone. And there is not really anybody else to talk to about this. Daisy is always off in some daydream unable to see life through any perspective other than one of her characters. This is going to have to be something I have to deal with myself I suppose.” Fleur jumped as someone tapped her on the shoulder, turning around her face broke into a girlish grin, “But what are you doing here?” She asked.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:26 am; edited 1 time in total

#166: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 1:47 pm

ooh, two intriguing cliffettes... Thanks Caz

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

Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 3:21 pm

Thanks Cazx Liz *wondering who else will be at the Tiernsee*

#168: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 4:14 pm

Now I'm definately intrigued, two mysteries all at once! Thanks Cazx, I think (I'll be sure when you answer those mysteries *hints gently*)

#169: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 4:22 pm

Two cliffs in one post?

#170: Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 4:55 pm

And on a Friday? No fair! Crying or Very sad

#171: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 6:29 pm

Erk! *sits down very firmly on the edge of the mini cliff peering over in intrigue*

#172: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 9:10 pm

Eeek! Wibble!! Cazx, two cliffs at once is just unfair! Please come back and post some more soon!

#173: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2004 12:44 am

*wibble*

#174: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2004 1:56 am

Thanks Cazx!

#175: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2004 10:56 am

I'm kinda stuck.... Embarassed

Wibbles at thought of bunny's taking over story who are shouting write about ME, ME, ME!!! Any offers of advice/help would be appreciated!

#176: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 1:01 pm

Sorry to spree but the bunny bit back! Thank-you muchly to Pim for listening to my wibbling about the bunny! Very Happy

“I’m afraid that a friend from my college days sadly passed away a few days ago, so I came over for the funeral.”
“Oh I’m so sorry Miss Annersley.” Fleur told her former headmistress sincerely.
“Don’t be Fleur, now she is at peace. For many years she had been in pain and now that has ended.” Miss Annersley spoke with sorrow, it was always hard to loose a friend despite knowing that in some ways it was for the best.
“Would you like to go and get some tea?” Fleur asked thinking that the cold busy street was not the best place to have a conversation, “Or have you other plans?”
“I was just going to suggest that myself.” Miss Annersley smiled; she had become fond of her rebellious pupil in the two years that Fleur had spent at the Chalet School. She was intrigued by Fleur’s character, one of always trying to shock but at the same time she was always brutally honest.
“There is a baguette place just around the corner, shall we go there? It’s awfully nice you know!”
Fleur led the way and in five minutes the pair were sitting in the cosy café drinking hot chocolate and eating delicious crusty baguettes.
“How are you finding university?” Miss Annersley asked, she had not heard much of Fleur since she had left school.
“It’s good,” Fleur answered, “apart from having to much work.” She added with a grin.
“And you are still in touch with Ailie, Judy and Janice, I take it.”
“Oh yes, Jan is in art college in London, Judy is travelling the world, and Ailie is… well she’s…” Fleur did not know how to put it that Ailie was working for Kaiser Tsar.
“Working for your brothers band?” Miss Annersley supplied with a twinkle in her eye. “Yes I heard all about that from her Aunt. It seems the whole family are up in arms about it, poor Ailie, she’s not going to be popular for a long while as far as her family are concerned. It seems that Sybil is getting a fair share of the blame too, which is most unreasonable.”
Fleur squirmed in her seat, if Ailie’s family were really being horrid about her new job then surely she was not being the supportive friend that she was supposed to be.
Miss Annersley was a good judge of human nature and she noticed that Fleur looked uncomfortable.
“Is there something wrong between you and Ailie?” She asked, not fully sure if she should ask this question.
“Um…” Fleur had always felt her former head to be hugely understanding, “Kind of, I don’t really like her getting to spend all her time with Kaiser Tsar. I know I sound childish but it’s just not fair!”
“So you are jealous then.” Miss Annersley said shrewdly.
Fleur shrugged, “I guess… I don’t want to be though!”
“Just because Ailie is spending a lot of time with your boyfriend and brother does not mean that she will end up knowing them better than you do.” Miss Annersley told Fleur, unaware of the relationship between Christian and Ailie.
“I guess.” Fleur answered feeling that she had to say something.
“And Ailie needs her friends at this time.” Miss Annersley continued, “It seems that her Mother is determined to stop her from working for the band and Ailie needs people to support her.”
“I have not been very supportive.” Fleur admitted in a small voice, “I just was jealous that she got to be with Nikolai and Christian when I didn’t.”
“She has to work though Fleur, remember that! It’s not all plain sailing for Ailie.”
Fleur nodded, “I know, I realised that the other week when they played in Cambridge, she was running around with hardly a second to spare.”
Miss Annersley feeling that Fleur had beaten herself up enough about her treatment of Ailie proceeded to change the subject. Later after Fleur had parted from Miss Annersley she wrote a letter to Ailie apologising for her behaviour and begging her forgiveness, which Ailie when she received it was only too willing to give.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:37 am; edited 1 time in total

#177: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 1:09 pm

Awwww,that's lovely Cazx! (And I had a little inkling that it could be Hilda tapping her on the shoulder - probably the only person that she would listen to! Wink

) Glad bunny is back - and poor Ailie! And Sybil! - at least Miss A doesn't consider it fair.

#178: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 1:47 pm

Miss Annersley was the perfect person for her to meet, I'm so glad she was able to give Fleur the little extra push she needed. *is warm and happy* Thanks Cazx

#179: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 3:39 pm

That was lovely. Still, I'd like to give both Madge and Jo a good slapping. Why can't they let their children grow up and make their own decisions?

#180: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 7:17 pm

Any time hon Very Happy

Hurrah for Miss Annersley!

#181: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 8:09 pm

*echoes cheers for Miss Annersely* thanks Caz Very Happy

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

Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 9:38 pm

Thanks Cazx Glad to see Miss Annersley doesn't follow Madge & Jo's example Liz

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

Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 9:47 pm

Thanks again Cazx and :worthy: Miss Annersley!

#184: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 10:33 pm

Thank you Cazx!!!! And glad Miss A helped Fleur to see reason!

#185: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 9:37 pm

I meant to write a really long post tonight, but my computer went crazy and I thought I was going to loose all my saved files so I have had to spend ages saving everything to disc. So I'm afraid I wasn't able to write as much as I wanted.

“Er Ailie sweetie,” Christian said as they got out of the car once they had reached the Tiernsee, “I thought you said no-one would be here.”
“Yeah I did, no-one ever comes here at this time of year,” Ailie said brightly not being as observant as Christian as she made her way to the boot of the car.
“Well why is that light on then?” Christian asked pointing to a window.
If it had not been dark then he would have seen her face go pale, “I dunno…” she said slowly moving to clutch his arm.
“Well there is only one way of finding out,” Christian said making his way toward the door, “Where’s the key Ailie? If it’s one of the more hideous members of your family then we’ll just say we came up to see whether the Tiernsee would be a good place for a photo shoot or something.”
Ailie nodded, she knew that it would be pointless to leave now after the distance they had driven to get there and if they even stayed in a hotel then their secret would surely still be told to either her Mother or her Aunt.
Ailie fished the key out of her bag and put it in the lock. The hall contained some coats and voices could be heard coming from the lounge area, voices that suddenly became quiet as they heard the door shut.
“Who can that be?” Ailie heard a voice say faintly. A feeling of hope shot through Ailie, it seemed that whoever was there did not want anyone to know that they were there either.
Together Ailie and Christian walked toward the lounge, just before they reached the door it opened to reveal Ailie’s cousin Con together with the Maynard ward Roger Richardson.
“What are you doing here?” Ailie and Con asked each other in unison.
“We just fancied spending the weekend some place quiet.” Con said in a confused manner blushing as she glanced at Roger.
“Us too.” Ailie replied feeling that Con was one of the few family members who was trust worthy, after all she had stood by Sybil.
“I’m sorry,” Roger asked Christian, “But don’t I know you from somewhere, you look familiar.”
“Um well,” Christian did not really like the recognition his fame had brought him.
“Oh honestly Roger,” Con said with a grin, “He’s the singer out of Kaiser Tsar, you know who they are don’t you? You’ve only been playing them ever since we got out here.”
Ailie frowned something did not seem right.
“Oh yeah!” Roger said with a grin, “Of course!” And he went over to Christian and shook his hand.
After the introductions though, things got awkward and the four of them just stood there staring at each other. None of them sure of what to say.
“So are you two a couple then?” Con asked her cousin boldly her inquisitive nature getting the better over her.
Ailie nodded, “I’m confused though, last time Mummy mentioned you she was going on about how your engagement to Dr Hamilton was going to be announced any day. But by the looks of it you and Roger seem cosy up here!”
Con and Roger exchanged dark looks. “Well,” Con groaned, “Mamma does not like the idea of Roger and I being together. She doesn’t understand how we can love each other as in her mind we were treated like brother and sister since the moment we met, she also thinks that Roger is too young for me. She has this idea in her head, and Papa agrees with her to an extent, that it would be much better for me if I married a doctor, like Len. Then we could all live together like one big happy family in a chalet up on the Platz. It’s easier for the time being if we don’t t let them know the truth.” Con’s voice was mocking and Ailie realised that she was not the only one in her family who was living what seemed to be two completely different lives. “I’m guessing you feel exactly the same, though for different reasons of course!”

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:40 am; edited 1 time in total

#186: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 9:54 pm

Oh poor Con - at least she and Ailie can sympathise with each other - but both Joey and Madge need to have their heads banged together! Hope everything's OK with the files Cazx - thanks for this!

#187: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 10:23 pm

Awww! Poor Con and Roger! maybe both Con and Ailie wil find it a bit easier knowing about the other now. At least they aren't the only ones in that boat now! And hope the comp behaves now Cazx!

#188: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 10:48 pm

I loved Miss Annersley's acceptance of Ailie's rebellion. When Jennie has finished slapping Madge and Jo around, please can I have a turn? Twisted Evil

What a turn up to find Con and Roger hiding out at the Tiernsee! Great posts, Cazx. thank you. I do hope the computer behaves itself.

#189: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 11:32 pm

*agrees with Lesley about banging Jo and Madge's heads together* Hurrah for Con! Although boo to Jo for not accepting her and Roger. poke

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

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 8:06 am

Thanks Cazx How many more of that generation are doing things in secret that their parents don't approve of?

patmac wrote:

When Jennie has finished slapping Madge and Jo around, please can I have a turn? Twisted Evil

*wondering if PatMac wants to slap Madge & Jo, or be slapped by Jennie* Wink

Liz

#191: Author: Elzbie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 10:07 am

*Joins in the queue to slap, but not be slapped!* Thanks Cazx- Hilda is a star, and go Con and Roger!

#192: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 10:26 am

oh nice Con and Roger glad Ailie is finding a kindred spirit in her family!

#193: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 12:46 pm

Anyone who wants to slap Jo around is welcome to do so, just wait until I've finished.

#194: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 2:16 pm

LizB wrote:

How many more of that generation are doing things in secret that their parents don't approve of?Liz

HOW many of them are there? If they are all at it, Cazx has the makings of a very long drabble!

LizB wrote:

patmac wrote:

When Jennie has finished slapping Madge and Jo around, please can I have a turn? Twisted Evil

*wondering if PatMac wants to slap Madge & Jo, or be slapped by Jennie* Wink

Liz

I'm a giver not a taker, Liz. Any slapping needs doing, I'm the one doing the slapping Wink

#195: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 5:15 pm

LizB wrote:

Thanks Cazx How many more of that generation are doing things in secret that their parents don't approve of? Liz

Well, let's see..... Peggy and Bride were married off like good little CS girls, so presumably we can discount them. Maeve is a possibility. Daphne would still be at school. Sybil we know about, Josette has gone over to the dark side, Ailie has Christian. Len is also married off like a good CS girl, Con has Roger, Has Margot become a nun in this reality? and presumably Felicity, Cecil and Phil are all still at school. I suppose some of the boys could have illicit romances going on...

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

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 5:30 pm

Yay for Con! *also quite happy to step in for slapping duty if there's a vacancy!* More soon please Cazx! Very Happy

#197: Author: Kim, Location: Tipperary, Ireland

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 9:15 pm

shocked that the morals inculcated in them during their lengthy stay in the CS have come to naught :Bang: Laughing

welcome to the real world

#198: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 9:24 pm

The more I write of this the more it seems that I hate the Russell/Maynard/Bettany's! It's not the case really!

“If Mummy and Daddy knew the truth then I think they would drag me back home, and keep me away from the world until they thought I was decent enough to be let back into society.” Ailie drawled rolling her eyes.
“They’re already making more than a fuss about you just working for us.” Christian said with a frown.
“The elders in this family are all very old fashioned.” Roger said with a grin, “It was such a shock for my, brother, sister and I when we met them.”
“Old fashioned?” Con laughed, “That’s putting it mildly, they’re practically medieval. And it’s not just the elders, remember!”
“I wouldn’t have said Auntie Mollie and Uncle Dick were as bad as the rest.” Ailie said sitting down, preparing for a night of family gossip and revelations.
“No, maybe not… though they did leave their children for years on end with your Mother. That’s quite an old fashioned idea to me, I know it was because of India and it’s climate but well it didn’t do the second twins any harm did it? So why couldn’t they all have stayed out there until they were a bit older. Bride and Jackie were babies when they were left behind.” Con answered.
“What did you mean it’s not just the elders?” Christian asked, “Surely you don’t mean that your cousins and siblings feel the same as them?”
“You’ve got it in one there.” Roger told him.
“Do Len and Margot know about you two then?” Ailie asked suddenly.
Con nodded, “Oh yeah, though they really like the idea. Len also wanted me to marry Ian and live with her, as sisters do in novels or so she said. She thinks I’ve been leading Ian on, when really it’s been everyone in the family leading him on for me! She can’t bring herself to accept the fact that I am going to marry Roger not Ian.”
“She’s just being completely unreasonable.” Roger said with a frown, “Since she’s got married it seems she is a different person. I think her head swelled because she was the first of the family to do anything.”
“And Margot,” Con paused, “Well she’s in the process of joining some religious cult and is planning to go and live in the wilds of Africa with it after she has finished her degree. All that matters to her is religion and she sees me as being sinful by being so close to Roger already, or so she says.”
Christian was trying his best to keep a straight face, surely all of what they were saying couldn’t be true. How screwed up could one family be?
“So how many people know about you two?” Roger asked as he poured Ailie and Christian some wine.
“Only Sybs.” Ailie said, “She’s been totally sweet about us.”
“Sybil is the sweetest person in the world ever,” Con remarked, “Despite what some people say.
“Who has been saying what?” Ailie said indignantly, “Tell me!” She demanded.
Tact had never been Con’s strong point, something which Roger found hugely endearing.
“Well um Len said something about how she believed you should never betray your husband in the way Sybil betrayed her’s. Josette sent me a long letter calling Sybil selfish and manipulative, without saying why? What has happened to Josette anyway, Ailie? She seems slightly obsessive at times. And well that’s about it, oh apart from Peggy going on about how unfair it was for Malvina to have to go to nursery instead of having the benefit of a full time Mother.”
Ailie was literally seething with anger at this point; “Whenever I see any of them again I am going to be spitting nails! How dare they comment on Sybs in that way, they know nothing about it.”
“Isn’t Josette your weird sister?” Christian questioned feeling a bit lost with all this new information.
“Yeah, you’d think she’d have some sisterly loyalty.” Ailie said scathingly, “But obviously that’s not the case.”
“I did tell her that.” Con said brightly, “Though she has not replied to my letter yet and it was sent about two months ago.”
Roger began to laugh and jokingly said, “Oh boy, it seems that a full scale family war is in the brewing.”
“It’s not a laughing matter Roger,” Con said thoughtfully, “I think there is a distinct possibility that one could occur, all that is needed is another scandal for war to break out.”

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:41 am; edited 1 time in total

#199: Author: ali, Location: medway, kent

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 9:31 pm

I dashed over here when I saw you'd posted and was not disappointed. Con's great, but then it seems she always is. The boys (or should I say men) must find it all very bizarre, although their familys are pretty odd too.

#200: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 9:32 pm