Ailie and Sybil: A Tale of Sisterhood
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#401:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 10:32 am

he's a nice brother hope fleur and ailie can make it up now looking forward to madge's reaction too! Smile

 

#402:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 8:48 pm

The American tour continued, stretching further and further west until they reached the sunny coast of Caliafornia. Ailie and Fleur made up their argument, and Fleur was trying her very hardest to be helpful to Ailie and make life easier for her. Ailie appreciated this greatly and recognised that Fleur was, despite their differences of opinion, a good friend. She consulted Fleur over what would be the best way to break the news to her parents.
“Oh God!” Fleur exclaimed, she had forgotten all about Madge and Jem. “They are not going to be happy bunnies are they!”
“I know,” Ailie moaned. “They’re probably going to disown me. I’m dreading telling them there will be a fearful row.”
“Write to them.” Fleur suggested. “At least then you won’t have to experience their wrath.”
Ailie shook her fair head; “I can’t do that. It seems so cowardly to me.”
“It does in a way, doesn’t it.” Fleur sighed before adding. “I bet they’ll blame Sybil.”
“But why?”
“Because she set you a bad example by having Malvina, it’s stupid reasoning but I can see them using that as an excuse for how you ended up pregnant.”
Ailie nodded miserably, “Your right they will blame Sybs. Oh how I hate them at times!”
“It doesn’t matter if they make a fuss,” Fleur said sympathetically, “You will always find love and support with Christian, Nikolai and I, and Dad and Dominique. Dad isn’t stuck in the Stone Age he’ll accept what has happened and be lovely about the whole thing, I bet my life on it.”
Ailie smiled weakly, she believed what Fleur was saying but she still wished that her own parents would find it in their hearts to support her a little.
She had not told Sybil about the baby, wanting to tell her face to face. She knew that her sister would support and love her, and make sure that all her fears were washed away.
It was mid September when the tour finally ended, they flew too New York and spent a few days in the city which had introduced them too America before finally setting off for home. They arrived back early one Sunday morning.
“Are you sure you won’t come back with me?” Christian asked Ailie as the car pulled up outside Sybil’s flat.
“Yeah,” Ailie told him looking at him as if he were crazy. “I haven’t seen Sybs for months, I’m can’t wait to see her again.”
“Are you sure she’ll be up though?”
“Of course she will, it’s half eight, Vina is always up by now!”
Ailie kissed him goodbye before getting out of the car and excitedly making her way towards the flat.
As soon as she opened the door she could hear Vina chattering away. Hearing her niece made Ailie smile and called out, “Hello, I’m home!”
“It’s Auntie Ailie!” Vina’s childish voice exclaimed.
Auntie Ailie made her way to the kitchen where she discovered Vina running towards her arms outstretched.
Looking up to greet Sybil she saw someone quite different, “Oh hello?” She said in confusion wondering where Sybil was and who this person could be.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:02 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#403:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 8:58 pm

Shocked gasp! ummm...there's a man in the house? Laughing

 

#404:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 9:01 pm

Oooh! Go Sybs!!!!! Wink

 

#405:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 9:02 pm

Jeremy perchance? Laughing Thanks Cazx

 

#406:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 9:27 pm

oooooh *sits waiting excitedly for more!*

 

#407:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 11:25 pm

OOH Sybil has a friend. Hope Ailie finds time to tell Sybil very soon.

 

#408:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 1:04 pm

go sybs! hope she is able to support Ailie thanks Caz

 

#409:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 6:35 pm

Looks like Ailie's not the only one with news... Thanks Cazx Liz

 

#410:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 8:18 pm

“Hello,” Jerry smiled as he pushed a plate of toast in Vina’s direction, “You must be Ailie!”
“Yeah I am.” Ailie paused unsure of what to say it seemed so rude to ask him who he was.
There was a awkward silence for a few seconds before Sybil’s rushed into the room, “Oh Ailie,” She gushed as she hugged her sister, “I thought I’d heard your voice! It’s so good to see you again. Did you have a nice trip? You didn’t work too hard did you? You seem paler than usual.”
“I’m fine Sybs, never been better in fact.” Ailie said not wanting to tell her sister about the baby until they were alone.
“Good,” Sybil beamed, “Oh this is Jerry by the way.”
“Nice to meet you.” Ailie said with a grin holding out her hand to Jerry. She had seen the light in Sybil’s eyes when she mentioned his name and Ailie guessed correctly that Sybil once more had a man in her life.
“Auntie Ailie, Have you brought me a pressie?” Vina asked, “You promised me you would!”
“Oh I don’t know,” Ailie said seriously, “It depends on whether Mummy says you’ve been good or not.”
“But I have been good, so very, very good. Tell her Mummy, and you too Jerry.”
All three adults laughed, “Well it’s a good thing I believe you then isn’t it!” Ailie told her niece. “When I unpack later I’ll see what I have for you.”
Malvina smiled sweetly at her Aunt and carried on munching away at her toast.
Jerry left shortly later, realising that he was intruding on this reunion between the sisters. Ailie smiled as she saw him kiss Sybil goodbye, he seemed like a nice guy and she was glad her sister had found happiness at last. Ailie was quite content to listen to Sybil tell her all about Jerry for the next hour, she did not feel like sharing her news just yet. She knew it would then dominate Sybil’s thoughts for the rest of the day.
“So tell me about America then?” Sybil said at last, knowing that if she talked anymore about Jerry then she could unintentionally reveal that she had fallen in love with him. That was something she wished to keep to herself for the time being.
“Yeah it was good.” Ailie said knowing that the time had come for her to tell Sybil.
Sybil frowned, something was not right. “What is it Ailie? There’s something you aren’t telling me I can tell.”
Ailie took a deep breath, “There’s something you need to know, I’m pregnant.”
Sybil gasped in surprise, this was not what she had been expecting. “Congratulations.” She said faintly as she reached over and hugged her sister. “That was a bit of a shock if ever there was one! When is it due?”
“March.” Ailie was trying to work out what her sister was thinking. “You aren’t cross are you? You don’t think I’m wrecking my life?”
“No.” Sybil exclaimed indignantly. “Why would I think that?”
“That’s what Fleur said when she found out.”
“I’m just surprised that’s all, I didn’t expect it. What does Christian think?”
“Well at first we were both shocked but now we are used to the idea, we are looking forward to holding and seeing it.”
Sybil nodded, “Well if you ever need anyone to talk to then you just tell me, that is unless you’d prefer to discuss it with Auntie Jo!”
Ailie made a face, “Hardly!” She muttered.
“When are you going to tell Mum and Dad?”
“I dunno, I’ll have to go down for the weekend soon I suppose.”
“Well they’re in Switzerland at the moment and I don’t think there are any immediate plans for them to come home soon. I got the impression that they’ll be there for at least another month.”
“Why are they in Switzerland?” Ailie questioned her face falling, she had wanted to get it over and done with.
“Auntie Jo has been ill, it’s nothing serious. She’s pretending to be ill in my opinion, in order to make Con feel guilty.”
“Why does she want to make Con feel guilty?” Ailie questioned feeling totally lost, she had had virtually no news of the family lately.
“Because Con and Roger secretly got married! When Auntie Jo found out she collapsed in a hysterical heap and Mummy had to go out and look after her. She’s getting better now but Mummy’s going to stay in case she has a relapse.”
“Con and Roger are married!” Ailie grinned. “Oh how marvellous. Good for them!”

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:03 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#411:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 8:35 pm

I said that Jo would try all sorts of moral and emotional blckmail, didn't I?Secretly very pleased to be proved right. Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing

 

#412:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 8:54 pm

excellent post Cazx!!! Thank you!

 

#413:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 11:14 pm

What lovely piosts - so pleased for Ailie, Christian and Sybil. Thank you Cazx. And if Joey is pretending she's an evil, manipulative old cow! Evil or Very Mad

 

#414:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 11:34 pm

of course...ailie didn't know about con and roger!!! well now would be a good time to tell the family.... the shock might finish jo off Twisted Evil

 

#415:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 12:48 am

Very Happy Thanks Cazx! Laughing at Joey and her collapsing! And glad Sybil is so happy - hope it stays that way. Looking forward to Madge and Jem's reaction to Ailie's 'news'

 

#416:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 2:25 am

I'm sure Jo wouldn't pretend to be ill just to emotionally blackmail someone. More likely that Jack or Jem gave her a dose (maybe they ODed her and that caused her collapse?) I'm glad that Ailie and Christian are happy about the bub.

 

#417:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 10:16 am

great posts, thanks Cazx Very Happy

 

#418:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 11:28 pm

Wonderful post Cazx. Echoes Lesley.

 

#419:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 3:03 am

Cazx this is so great! Love Jo's collapse, Madge drags Jem out to the Oberland as well, seems the School didn't succeed in making a woman not a spineless jellyfish out of either of them! Rolling Eyes

 

#420:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 8:17 pm

Ailie’s parents did not return to Britain until near the end of October. Reluctantly Ailie decided to go and see them the first weekend after they got back. She knew that if she left it much later then they would be able to tell that she was pregnant and she did want to break the news on her own terms rather than have them ranting and raving at her from the moment she walked in to house. Some of her clothes were already becoming too small for her and her figure was beginning to get rounder.
“Will you come with me?” Ailie tentatively asked Sybil a few days before she was meant to be going.
Sybil avoiding her sister’s eye slowly answered, “No, sorry Ailie. I know you want me there for moral support but Mummy will just blame me and say that it’s my entire fault. She’ll be shouting at both of us and Vina will get upset, I don’t want Vina to experience an atmosphere like that.”
Ailie’s face fell but she knew that her sister was speaking the truth. She knew that Sybil was there for her in every other sense, and she also knew that if it were not for Vina then she would come with her. “It’s ok, I understand.” She said with a shrug.
“Have you decided what you are going to say to them?” Sybil asked slipping an arm around Ailie’s shoulders.
“No.” Ailie said shortly. “I don’t know, I’m just going to see how it goes. Maybe I’ll tell Dad first in the hope that he’ll be more understanding or maybe I’ll just be assertive and say what I have to say without letting them get a word in. I mean Christian and I are going to get married one day, surely they won’t mind if I tell them that.”
Sybil raised her eyebrows, “Did Christian want to go with you?”
“Yeah, but it’s for the best if he doesn’t don’t you think? He’s going home for the weekend instead, I’m not even letting him drive me there just in case you know.”
“Do his parents know?”
“Yeah, I don’t think they mind really. Apparently they said something about it being our life’s and not theirs, and if we were happy then they were! They are very laid back in some ways.”
The day, Ailie was to go home, dawned bright and cold, the first day of winter. Ailie shivered as she packed her bag, she was dreading the weekend. Supposing her Mother had a hysterical fit, supposing she was disowned forever, supposing Sybil was blamed by all of the family, when it was not her fault at all. As Ailie got on to the train, she knew that however gently and calmly she broke the news, her parents would still not take it at all well.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:03 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#421:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 9:09 pm

Poor Ailie, what a horrible way for her to have to tell them - expecting hysteria and recriminations. Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

 

#422:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 9:43 pm

Oh dear, poor Ailie Confused

 

#423:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 10:04 pm

Echoes all the poor Ailies.

 

#424:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 11:47 pm

*hugs Ailie tight, and pokes Madge and Jem hard*

 

#425:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 3:42 pm

Poor Ailie - hope it's not too traumatic an experience, but can't help worrying it's going to be horrible! Liz

 

#426:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 5:44 pm

Perhaps Madge will collapse and Jo and Jack will have to come to nurse her Shocked I do hope it's not too bad for Ailie, though I expect it to be worse than I imagine. What a disfunctional crew. I'm surprised some of the children have turned out so well. I do really like Sybil in particular in this.

 

#427:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 7:52 pm

Getting off the train in Armiford Ailie looked around for her Mother. As it became evident that she was late Ailie found a bench and waited nervously. “After all,” she told herself, “they won’t be able to tell just by looking at me, will they? No they won’t, the idea would not even enter their head.” She sighed in relief at having reached this conclusion.
“What are you sighing about?” A voice asked her.
Looking up in a rather startled manner Ailie saw her elder brother David, “Oh nothing.” She said hurriedly, her heart beating quickly with the surprise of seeing someone you don’t expect.
“What are you doing here?” She questioned as she stood up.
“I’m meeting you.” He told her curtly. “Annette and I are staying at Round House this weekend, a friend of mine is too, he wants to see the San, he’s thinking of applying for a job there.”
“Mummy never told me.” Ailie said struggling to digest this information, how was she supposed to tell them when there was a house full?
“We only decided yesterday, it was a bit of a last minute thing really.”
Ailie nodded, knowing full well that she would not be able to tell her parents now and had effectively wasted her trip there.
The journey to Round House was a silent one. David and Ailie never had been close and they had grown even further apart over the past few years. Ailie knew that David disapproved of Sybil, and she knew that he would not be supportive of her once he knew the truth. He had protested strongly over her working for Kaiser Tsar, though his comments had fallen on deaf ears. David believed Ailie to be disobedient and inclined to go against authority. Ailie saw David as boring and belonging to a generation before his time.
Madge was on the look out for Ailie when David pulled up outside the house, this would be the first time since Christmas that she had seen her youngest daughter. She made a show, or so Ailie thought of hugging her tightly, and welcoming her back home.
“Oh Ailie,” She exclaimed, “You have no idea how good it is for me to see you! It’s such a shame that Sybil was unable to come, then it could have been just like the old days, with a house full of children.”
There was nothing that Ailie could really say to this, so she just kissed her Mother on the cheek and let her lead her into the house. Jem also kissed her, and it took all the will Ailie could muster to prevent herself from blushing as his doctor eyes scanned her face.
“You are keeping well I hope?” He asked as she was taken into the drawing room.
“Yes, never been better!” She told him with what she hoped was a bright smile.
Sitting in front of the fire in were Annette and David’s friend. They stood up when Ailie entered the room and she realised that she had met this friend of David’s before. She began to panic, and hoped that he would not give the game away about meeting her. If he did then there would be ever so many questions that it would almost be worth telling everyone there that she were pregnant!

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:04 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#428:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 7:59 pm

Oh dear! Poor Ailie, and poke David.

 

#429:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 8:54 pm

Poor AilieWho is sat by the fire?

 

#430:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 8:59 pm

awww (((ailie)))*also wondering who is by the fire*not that doctor chap from when they wrapped a car round a tree was it?

 

#431:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 11:33 pm

I'm guessing he IS the doc from after the accident. Didn't her react funnily when he heard Ailie's name?

 

#432:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 11:59 pm

Echoes Vikki's guess.Thanks Cazx

 

#433:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 2:47 am

Cazx wrote:
“Oh Ailie,” She exclaimed, “You have no idea how good it is for me to see you! It’s such a shame that Sybil was unable to come, then it could have been just like the old days, with a house full of children.”
Sigh. Parents never see their children as adults. Madge seems to take it to extreme measures! Looking forward to the fireworks.

 

#434:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 12:36 pm

uh oh, poor Ailie think she should just get it over and done with Love the description of David as old before his time, I always thought he would be although not for any particular reason! thanks Cazx

 

#435:  Author: Sarah_G-G, Location: Sheffield (termtime), ? any other time! PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 12:51 pm

*sends supportive vibes to Aillie* Thanks for the update

 

#436:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 8:45 pm

“This is a friend of David and mine, Tony Greenwood.” Annette told her sister in law. “Tony, this is David’s sister Ailie.”
“Nice to meet you.” Tony said with a smile holding out his hand.
Ailie her heart beating quickly took it and in an attempt at a calm voice said, “Likewise.”
It soon became clear that Tony was not going to reveal that he had met Ailie previously, and she was intensely grateful for this. However she quickly noticed that her mother kept on throwing him into her company, and she soon realised that Madge was attempting match making. Ailie was extremely embarrassed by this, the possibility of her Mother trying to set her up with a nice doctor on this visit had not entered her head. She had been so focused on telling them her own news that she had not considered what her parent’s plans for the weekend could be.
As Ailie retired to bed that night she wished that Christian had insisted on coming with her, at least then she would have had to tell them the truth. Although it would probably have meant that Christian would have had to endure the biggest horse whipping in history. Curling up in a ball Ailie wished she were a thousand miles away, she wished that she were still in America, somewhere where she felt safe. She realised that if she did not tell her parents now then she would not tell them until God knows when. But Ailie could not tell them when there were other people there, the timing was just not right. Miserably Ailie turned over in her sleep and tried to get to sleep.
“David tells me you work for Kaiser Tsar.” Tony said to her the next morning. “It sounds interesting. Do you enjoy it?”
Ailie could not help but smile at what he was saying. “Yeah it’s amazing!” She told him. “I’ve just got back from America, the fans loved them over there!”
“So I read, it seems that the girl who filled in was quite a success.”
“Fleur, was awesome. I don’t know what we would have done without her.” Ailie said wondering how Tony had ever managed to become friends with her brother.
On the Sunday morning they all went on a walk, to appreciate the fine crisp weather whilst it lasted. Ailie found herself paired off with Tony and soon the pair of them were far ahead of the others.
“You haven’t told David about Christian and I?” Ailie asked him despite being sure that he had not.
“No,” Tony told her. “I understand you have your reasons for not telling them and I won’t reveal your secret.”
“Thanks, they are so strict you see.”
There was silent for a few minutes before Tony said, “I hope you don’t mind me asking but is there something bothering you? You just seem so quiet.”
Ailie shrugged, “It doesn’t matter.”
Tony did not want to seem like a busy body but the Ailie he had met this weekend had been entirely different from the bubbly Ailie he had previously met.
“Were you going to tell your parents about Christian this weekend, but then couldn’t because David, Annette and I were here?”
“Well they were going to find out about Christian…” Ailie admitted.
“You’re pregnant aren’t you?” Tony asked somewhat without thinking.
Ailie jumped at being asked this so directly, “Why do you say that?”
“Because oh I don’t know, I suppose it’s my doctor brain going into over drive. It’s true though isn’t it?”
Ailie nodded. “You won’t tell anyone though.”
“No of course not!” Tony assured her.
“Do you think David and Dad may guess?”
Tony considered the question, “I don’t think so, they don’t see the possibility of you being able to become pregnant until you are married, if that makes sense. David was saying yesterday that you had put on weight, that was what first made me think, but he put it down to eating badly when you were touring with the band.”
“How do you think they’ll take it?”
“Not well.” Tony told her honestly. “It may be for the best if you write to them rather than actually tell them to their face. If you did that then things could turn nasty and you don’t want to cause any stress for either you or the baby.”
“I know.” Ailie agreed. “I don’t want to tell them but I have to.”
“Do you?” Tony questioned. “If it’s best for you not to tell them then don’t, wait until the time is right.”
“That’s what I wish I could do, but supposing they find out a different way.”
“How likely is that?”
“Not very,” Ailie admitted. “I only really see Sybil out of my family and she won’t tell anyone.”
“Well if that’s what you want to do then do it.” Tony told her, “You need to do what’s best for you and your baby rather than your parents.”
Ailie feeling happier than she had in days smiled, “You’re right, oh I know people will see it as wrong but it’s what I want, and they’ll just have to deal with it. Thank-you for being so kind and understanding Tony, it’s meant a lot.”
“Anytime Ailie.”
So Ailie caught the train back to London on Monday morning without telling her parents the news she had set out to tell them. But feeling a lot more light-hearted and happier than when had she set out. It was partly her parent’s own fault for her being unable to tell them, she reasoned, as she was scared about just how they would react.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:05 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#437:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 9:17 pm

awww - nice Tony!Shame Alilie couldn't tell Madge and Gem though, she's just going to feel worse now.cheers Cazx

 

#438:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 9:43 pm

I'm glad that Tony thought about Ailie and the baby, not the social standing of the Russell family. He seems too human to fit in with the rest of them.

 

#439:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 11:00 pm

awwww lovely glad ailie has an ally in tony

 

#440:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 11:08 pm

Good advice Tony! I can't see why Sybil or Ailie even want to keep in touch with the rest of their family. Jem and Madge only cause them grief and as for David, the self righteous twerp - little does he know he's gay in another drabble Twisted Evil

 

#441:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 1:32 am

*giggles at PatMac's comment!!* Poor Ailie! Glad Tony is one of the good guys!!

 

#442:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 10:58 am

aw, nice Tony thanks Caz

 

#443:  Author: Katie, Location: London, but my heart belongs to Harrogate PostPosted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 1:26 pm

patmac wrote:
Good advice Tony! I can't see why Sybil or Ailie even want to keep in touch with the rest of their family. Jem and Madge only cause them grief and as for David, the self righteous twerp - little does he know he's gay in another drabble Twisted Evil
I actually got a bit muddled when David appeared in this one - I thought it was going to be the gay version. Too many drabbles to keep track of!

 

#444:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 7:56 pm

Katie wrote:
patmac wrote:
Good advice Tony! I can't see why Sybil or Ailie even want to keep in touch with the rest of their family. Jem and Madge only cause them grief and as for David, the self righteous twerp - little does he know he's gay in another drabble Twisted Evil
I actually got a bit muddled when David appeared in this one - I thought it was going to be the gay version. Too many drabbles to keep track of!
I was thinking that Sybil had ran away!

 

#445:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 8:46 pm

“You didn’t tell them!” Sybil exclaimed.
Ailie nodded, “The doctor guy who treated Christian and I when we were in the crash was there, apparently he’s a friend of David’s. He guessed, and said that it would probably be for the best if I didn’t tell them, it would just cause stress for me and the baby and that’s not good.”
“Your right,” Sybil agreed, “It’s what I did when I was expecting Vina, I didn’t tell them that Josh wasn’t the Father or that we were getting a divorce until after she was born. I thought you’d tell them though, you’ve always stood up to them.”
“I know, but I just can’t be bothered anymore. All that matters to me now is Christian and the baby, they can just go and get lost for all I care.”
Sybil laughed that was what she wished her philosophy to be but she was unable to find the courage to implement it. Ever since she had met Jerry her confidence had grown and she knew that it would only be soon for her to have the confidence to stand up for herself.
She saw Jerry at least three times a week now, and was madly in love with him. Though she had never told him that. He had declared his love for her on numerous occasions but each time he did it Sybil just laughed and told him to stop making a fool of himself. Jerry did not resent this, as some men may have done, he understood that Sybil was as much in love with him as he were with her. He knew though that her heart was battling between him and Alex, he realised that she was struggling to come to terms with loving someone else, something which she had believed to have been impossible since Alex has died. Jerry knew that the ghost of Alex would always be somewhere in their relationship but he also knew that this did not mean that Sybil did not love him any less than she had loved Alex. Jerry did not resent Vina either, a thing, which Sybil was immensely happy about. If Vina and Jerry had not got on then Jerry would have had to go, but the two of them got on well. So well that Jerry was beginning regard Vina as his daughter, and Vina was beginning to see Jerry as her Dad.
“Mummy,” Vina said sleepily one evening as Sybil put her to bed. “You knows Jerry.”
“Yes.” Sybil smiled. “The Jerry who’s sitting in the next room, who just read you a story.”
“Yes, that one. Well he’s kinda like my Dad.”
“In a way.” Sybil said cautiously.
“Are you going to marry him, like Con and Roger?”
“I don’t know.” Sybil said lightly.
“Oh…” Vina paused. “Well I want you to marry him Mummy. Then he can be my Daddy.”
Sybil smiled, she was relieved to know for sure about how Vina felt. “Goodnight baby.” She said as she kissed Vina on the forehead and tucked her in.
Walking into the living room she sat down next to Jerry took his hands in hers and told him, “There’s something I’ve been wanting to say but I’ve been too scared to. I love you!”
“I know.” Jerry said with a grin as he leant over and kissed her before she could retaliate.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:06 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#446:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 8:50 pm

awwwwwwww!!!!!! How luvverly!!!! Thank you Cazx!!!

 

#447:  Author: auntie karry, Location: Stoke on Trent PostPosted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 9:31 pm

Quote:
I actually got a bit muddled when David appeared in this one - I thought it was going to be the gay version. Too many drabbles to keep track of!
i am glad I was not the only one!!! Very Happy

 

#448:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 9:39 pm

How lovely! Go Sybil. Glad she's happy. Thanks Cazx

 

#449:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 10:15 pm

So pleased for Sybil -now she can stand up to her parents and everyone else. Thanks Cazx.

 

#450:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield PostPosted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 10:15 pm

Heart Oh, this is lovely. Thank you Cazx, it's nice to see Sybil happy and Ailie getting on with her life. Star Wars

 

#451:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 2:16 am

Hurray!! Thank you Caz! Three cheers for Sybil and Jerry! Three cheers for Dr Tony!

 

#452:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 7:02 am

Awww! What a nice post to read in the morning. I shall take a warm glow out into the cold damp morning. Thank you.

 

#453:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 2:40 pm

aw, lovely jerry seems exactly right for Sybil - glad Vina likes him and that Sybs is going to be able to move on with her life.

 

#454:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 6:07 pm

Definately glad Vina likes Jerry, that was adorable! Thanks Cazx

 

#455:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 3:23 am

Awww. That made me smile.

 

#456:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 8:33 pm

I was a bit dosey and gave two characters the same surname, so now there's a bizzare EBD coincidence Rolling Eyes

Ailie spent more and more time with Christian now. The pair had decided to buy a house together for when the baby was born. They had bought a sweet four-bedroom cottage just outside London. The only snag was that they would not be able to move in until February. In the mean time Ailie usually stayed at Christian’s flat for most of the week, only going “home” for one or two nights, and then Christian would usually come too.
Ailie was not in when one early December morning Jem called at Sybil’s flat. It was Jerry who had answered the knock and Jem had blinked in surprise at seeing him.
“Hello.” He said stumbling over his words. “Is, um Sybil in?”
“Yeah,” Jerry said eyeing him warily, he had heard all about Sybil’s family, and was wondering which member this was. “You’d better come in.”
“Who is it darling?” Sybil’s voice came floating from the kitchen, as Vina came running into the hall to see what was going on.
“It’s Granddad,” She shrieked in delight, as she ran up to him for a hug.
“Hullo Vina,” Jem said as he bent down to give her a hug. “How is my favourite Granddaughter?”
“I’m fine!” She told him with a smile.
“Dad,” Sybil said in surprise as she too came into the hall. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m sorry it’s early, I had some business in London yesterday and had to stay over night so I just thought I’d come and see you.” Jem could tell that Sybil was not overly happy at him for coming without warning her.
“Have you had breakfast?” She questioned. “I was just making some.”
“I’ll have some tea, if there’s any left in the pot.”
Sybil nodded and led them all into the kitchen. While Vina was excitedly showing Jem some of the pictures she had drawn Jerry helped Sybil with the cooking.
“Do you want me to go?” He asked quietly as he turned the bacon over.
“No!” Sybil told him emphatically. “Dad is more human than Mummy, he’ll be fine once he gets over the shock.”
“Well he doesn’t even know my name yet.” Jerry told her with a smile.
Sybil closed her eyes, wishing that she had had the presence of mind to introduce them earlier.
“Dad,” she said as she took him his tea, “I’m a total idiot at times, I haven’t even introduced you two. Dad this is Jerry Greenwood, Jerry this is my Father, Jerry is my…”
“Boyfriend.” Jerry supplied for her as he brought some toast to the table.
“I thought so.” Jem said with a smile. “Are you any relation to Tony Greenwood by any chance.”
“He’s a cousin of mine if we’re thinking of the same one,” Jerry frowned. “A doctor, about the same age as me.”
“Yes that’s the one, we had him to stay a few weeks ago. I’ve offered him a job at the San I run. He seemed a very capable chap.”
“Tony’s a good man.” Jerry said, as Sybil tried to hide a smile at the coincidences of life.
Jem spent the whole day with what was beginning to be the little family of three. He was glad to spend time with his daughter and Vina, and was pleased to see how happy they were. It relieved him to know that Sybil had fallen in love once more, and that the man she had chosen was just as much in love with her as she were with him.
“What was your business about Dad?” Sybil asked at one point when they were alone.
“I just had to sort out some finances,” Jem said with a sigh, “and arrange flights to Australia.”
“Australia?” Sybil questioned. “Why are you going there?”
“I should have told you earlier but I didn’t want to spoil the day.” Jem said. “On Thursday night we had a frantic phone call from Tom, it seems that Josette has had a miscarriage. A fairly late one as well, she was six months apparently. She’s devastated, you know how long they’ve wanted a family, we’re flying out to Australia to be with her. She especially wants your Mother. I doubt that we will be home for Christmas I’m afraid. You and Ailie will have to make your own plans, the twins are going to David’s I’m sure you’d be welcome there too if you wish.”
“ Poor Josette. Don’t worry about Christmas, Ailie and I will sort something out.” Sybil told her Father, in a way she was relieved that this solved the difficulty of getting Ailie out of Christmas at Round House.
“Where is Ailie anyway? Working I suppose?” Jem questioned.
“Yes,” Sybil lied, “She’s always working or so it seems, I barely see her.”
“I’m proud of you two girls,” Jem said giving Sybil a hug, “You’ve both worked hard to make something of your life’s and you’ve both succeeded. I’m very happy for both of you, and I just wanted to tell you that. Jerry seems like a nice young man and I wish you both every happiness.”
Tears began to mist over in Sybil’s eyes as she heard these words, “Thanks Dad.”
“You’ll give Ailie my love when you see her, and tell her what I said.”
“Yeah, of course. And tell Josette I’m thinking of her.” Sybil said.
Jem nodded, he knew that of his three girls it was Sybil and Ailie who were the closest.
“Always remember that I love you Sybil.” He said as he got up to leave.
“And that I love you.” Sybil told him before giving him one final hug

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:07 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#457:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 8:45 pm

Awwwww !!!!!!! It's nice that Jem is proud of his girls, and willing to tell them so!

 

#458:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 9:35 pm

That was lovely - Jem is so nice, why can't Madge be like that? Thanks Cazx.

 

#459:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 10:17 pm

(((Jem))) He's being so understanding and lovely *wibbles* I only hope he's that understanding when Ailie breaks her news to him

 

#460:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 10:32 am

Lovely Jem - so glad that he can tell his daughter that he loves her and is proud of her. But poor Josette - just as well she doesn't know about Ailie or she'd probably try and take her baby too!

 

#461:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 4:01 pm

I can understand why Josette wanted Vina, but I can't forgive Madge and Jo for putting on so much pressure. Josette didn't need to be so nasty about it, either.

 

#462:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 4:40 pm

V Harsh, but maybe after this Josette will realise what a cow she was to Sybil and become a normal member of society.

 

#463:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 4:48 pm

Josette may be obsessed about having a baby, any baby, so that's why she was so horrible to Sybil.

 

#464:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 5:40 pm

Nice Jem! I'm glad he's making his peace with Sybil, though I agree the Ailie situation may be a bit more tricky.I feel sorry for Josette. I wonder if she is trying to please her mother by having a family or whether she does genuinely want one?

 

#465:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 7:42 pm

Jennie wrote:
Josette may be obsessed about having a baby, any baby, so that's why she was so horrible to Sybil.
I can understand how stressful it can be wantning a baby and not being able to have one and even that she would want her sisters but the family shouldn't have supported that.

 

#466:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 4:38 pm

Thanks Cazx! But out of interest, does the name Kaiser Tsar have any links with the real Kaiser Chiefs? (I was on amazon yesterday and saw their name and thought 'Aha!') Rolling Eyes

 

#467:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 4:46 pm

No it doesn't, but my Dad was asking me about Kaiser Chiefs (they're good!) the other day. He asked if I had heard of a band called Kaiser something, and I nearly called them Kaiser Tsar Embarassed

 

#468:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 12:43 am

Thanks Cazx! Nice to see Sybil and Jerry so in love. Porr Josette but happy Ailie can get out of Christmas at the Round House.

 

#469:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 8:12 pm

“Seriously Sybs, they’re not going to be here for Christmas?” Ailie questioned when Sybil told her of their Father’s visit. She had glossed over the news of Josette; she had merely nodded as her hands automatically touched her growing bump.
“They’re not.” Sybil reassured her. “Dad sent you his love and wanted me to tell you that he’s proud of you. You know I think he would understand if you told him about the baby.”
Ailie turned to stare at her elder sister as if she were mad. “What do you mean he’d understand? He’d be more likely to accept the fact that I’m pregnant than Mummy but he would not understand how much I love Christian and want this baby.”
“You are too harsh on Dad at times.” Sybil said sharply.
Ailie shrugged, she viewed her parents as rather remote human beings who never had and never would know much about her life and how she felt about things.
“So what are we going to do about Christmas then?” She asked in an attempt to prevent an argument from occurring.
“Don’t you want to spend it with Christian?”
“Yeah but I’m not leaving you and Vina on your own.”
“Who says that we are going to be alone?” Sybil told her sister lightly trying to avoid looking at her.
“What do you mean?” Ailie demanded. “Is Jerry coming here then?”
“Nope.”
“Well what then? I know you’d never go to David and Annette’s.” She paused as a horrifying thought struck her. “I say your not going to Auntie Jo’s are you?”
Sybil laughed, “Oh Ailie what are you like! No I’m not going to Auntie Jo’s, though she did invite us I made an excuse. Vina and I are spending Christmas with Jerry, with his family in fact.”
“Really! Gosh Sybil, that will be the first time you meet them won’t it?”
Sybil nodded a slight smile around her lips.
“Well,” Ailie summed up, “Christmas is going to be very interesting or so it seems. What with you meeting Jerry’s family and I getting to spend it with Christian and his family, I wonder if they will be as nice and lovely about the baby as Christian and Fleur say they will be.” Ailie could not help but feel that all adults would be outraged at the idea of her having a baby, and that none of them would willingly support her.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:08 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#470:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 8:27 pm

Poor Ailie - hope she is proved wrong, and that both she and Sybil have a wonderful Christmas. Thanks Cazx.

 

#471:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 5:18 am

Cazx wrote:
"Well,” Ailie summed up, “Christmas is going to be very interesting or so it seems. What with you meeting Jerry’s family and I getting to spend it with Christian and his family, I wonder if they will be as nice and lovely about the baby as Christian and Fleur say they will be.” Ailie could not help but feel that all adults would be outraged at the idea of her having a baby, and that none of them would willingly support her.
I thought she was an adult herself..got a job, bought a house, having a baby...all sound pretty grown up to me. (still not an adult despite my age)

 

#472:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 12:14 pm

Hope they can all have a lovely Christmas Liz

 

#473:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 1:05 pm

feels very strange reading about christmas plans in january! hope they both have good christmases and that Ailie does tell Jem, I think he'd understand.

 

#474:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 6:58 pm

so glad Sybil will be spending Christmas with Jerry- I hope his family are understanding.(((Ailie)))she must be so worried that Christian's parents will disapprove after the reaction of her own parents to Sybil.

 

#475:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 7:36 pm

Miss Di wrote:
Cazx wrote:
"Well,” Ailie summed up, “Christmas is going to be very interesting or so it seems. What with you meeting Jerry’s family and I getting to spend it with Christian and his family, I wonder if they will be as nice and lovely about the baby as Christian and Fleur say they will be.” Ailie could not help but feel that all adults would be outraged at the idea of her having a baby, and that none of them would willingly support her.
I thought she was an adult herself..got a job, bought a house, having a baby...all sound pretty grown up to me. You're never an adult to your parents. Rolling Eyes Laughing (still not an adult despite my age)

 

#476:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 2:33 am

Awwwww!!! I hope Ailie and Sybil will both have wonderful christmasses!!

 

#477:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 4:55 pm

Thanks Cazx, lovely updates

 

#478:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 12:23 am

Hope they both have a lovely Christmas and that Ailie tells her dad soon.

 

#479:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 10:24 pm

Of course Ailie had nothing to worry about. Christian and Fleur’s Father and stepmother were just as nice to her as they had always been. Dominique offered Ailie Sasha’s old baby clothes and told her that if she ever wanted to talk then she would always be willing to listen to her. It was this kind of loving atmosphere that Ailie had craved for ever since she could remember. She resolved that her and Christian’s child would grow up knowing that it was loved.
However there was one thing, which Ailie had forgotten about. It had completely slipped her mind that spending Christmas with Christian would inevitably mean seeing Nikolai’s family and therefore his younger sister Katya.
Two years previously the fourteen-year-old, highly articulate, Katya had been sent to the Chalet School. From the very moment that her and Ailie’s paths had crossed they had failed to get along. Katya refused to play games, and had been rude to Ailie, who as games prefect had been trying to make her see sense. Katya would listen to no one bar the staff, with whom she was never a problem. The prefects had felt their authority was being called into disrepute and that the staff were loosing confidence with them. The younger girls in the school began to copy Katya’s behaviour and the prefects had been at their wits end over what they should do. Everything that Janice had tried to do to calm down the situation had been thrown back in her face and she had been at the point of handing in her resignation when somehow or other Fleur had been able to persuade Katya to stop her course of action. Things had not calmed down over night but they had improved and eventually the status of the prefects was held with awe by the middles and juniors once again.
Katya was still at school, and Ailie knew that she would not want to miss out on spreading the news that Madame’s daughter was expecting a baby. Ailie then knew that once the news was told amongst the girls then it would not tale long to get back to the staff room, and from there to her Aunt Joey.
Ailie was helping Fleur with peeling the vegetables on Christmas Eve when Ailie had saw Katya once again.
“Fleur,” Katya’s voice came from the doorway. “Is there anything you want me to help with? Oh Hello Ailie.” She added.
“No, everything’s under control here Katya.” Fleur said shortly, she and Katya had an awkward relationship, sometimes they got along, other times they hated each other.
“How’s school Katya?” Ailie asked turning round to look at her former foe.
“Oh the same, you know.” Katya said her eyes growing round as she saw Ailie’s stomach. “We’re all upset that it’s Ferry’s last term next term, I suppose you know she’s leaving to get married.”
“I had heard.” Ailie said remembering something Sybil had mentioned.
“Are you married now then Ailie?” Katya had a knack for saying seemingly innocent remarks with a sharp sting in them.
“No.” Ailie said frowning, conversations with Katya were one of the things she disliked the most about life.
“Oh I just thought you would be seeing as you’re… well.” Katya’s voice died away.
Fleur turned to look at Katya, “I hope you aren’t going to spread that Ailie is pregnant around the school.”
“The thought never entered my head.” Katya said sweetly.
“Good, because if you did go and tell everyone then the consequences would be huge. There would be a fearful row for Ailie for not telling her family and that could put her and the baby under stress, and then I’m sure the Abbess will not be pleased to hear you have been interfering with affairs that do not concern you.” Fleur told Katya firmly.
“I won’t breathe a word.” Katya told them as she moved toward the door, just as she walked out she said, “I’m very happy for you Ailie, and I’m sure that once everyone knows the other girls will feel the same.”
Ailie and Fleur were left staring at one another with puzzled expressions on their faces, honestly you never knew just what to make of Katya.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:09 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#480:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 10:54 pm

Hmmm, wonder if Katya is going to make trouble. Confused Thanks for the update, Cazx.

 

#481:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 2:25 am

hmmmm.... Not sure I trust that Katya......

 

#482:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 9:18 am

I don't think I trust her either, but she could just be trying to wind them up, maybe, hopefully.

 

#483:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 11:49 am

*looks suspiciously at Katya and prepares poking stick just in case*Liz

 

#484:  Author: Sarah_G-G, Location: Sheffield (termtime), ? any other time! PostPosted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 11:54 am

*worried* I'm glad that Christian's family will support the pair of them whatever Madge and Jem do.

 

#485:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 12:43 pm

don't trust Katya as far as I could throw her I'm not even convinced that threats from fleur will keep her under control! fingers crossed that she doesn't cause too much trouble for Ailie

 

#486:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 5:55 pm

Well. isn't Katya just charming!

 

#487:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 7:27 pm

Hoping Freudisham(sp?) is in quarrentine and the news doesn't arrive yet.

 

#488:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 9:30 pm

*quickly gags Katya* Madge would be absolutely horrified if she heard it was going around the school

 

#489:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 11:56 pm

Have a feeling Katya is out to cause trouble can see her dropping hints so that the girls (or some of them) understand but she can say she didn't actually tell them.

 

#490:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 7:24 am

Thanks, Cazx. It's nice to see Ailie experiencing real family life.

 

#491:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Feb 06, 2005 5:26 pm

“Mummy, Mummy! Wake up, its Christmas!” Vina giggled in Sybil’s ear.
Groaning Sybil opened her eyes; she turned on the light and looked at her watch. It was only just gone six.
“Vina, try and go back to sleep.” Sybil said as she made room for Vina to come into bed with her. “You won’t be able to open your presents for a while yet.”
“Not even my stocking.” Vina pleaded pointing over to the fireplace where her stocking was hanging.
“No.” Sybil told her firmly, “You can open it soon, once everyone else is awake.”
“Can I go and wake everyone else up then?” Vina said a mischievous glint in her eye.
“No, do you want Jerry’s family to think you are spoilt rude little girl?”
Vina tilting her head to one side paused to consider this, “No, I suppose not.”
She remained silent as she cuddled her mother and presently Sybil was pleased to see that she had fallen back to sleep.
Jerry had driven them down to his family home yesterday evening. Although she had spent little time with his family Sybil liked them. They all made a fuss of Vina, and seemed to be thrilled at the idea of having a small child in the house for Christmas once again. As well as Sybil, Jerry and Vina, there were also Jerry’s Mother, his two brothers and his youngest sister in the house. His other sister was spending her first Christmas away from home, having been married earlier on in the year. None of them seemed to mind the presence of Sybil and Vina, something, which Sybil had been worrying over. She felt even more welcomed when she discovered that they had all brought presents for her and Vina, and by the end of Christmas morning she began to feel that she had known Jerry’s family for years.
As they were sitting down to Christmas lunch it began to snow, and to the wonder of them all it actually stuck! Vina could hardly contain her excitement at seeing snow and as soon as pudding was finished with she insisted on dragging Jerry out of the warm house to help build a snowman. Sybil watched them laughing from the kitchen window as she helped with the washing up.
“Why don’t you go out there with them?” Jerry’s mother asked her kindly, “We can manage here.”
“Oh no, I’ll wait till after we’ve finished.” Sybil told her with a smile, “You’ve all been so kind to me that this is the least I could do.”
“It’s been a pleasure having the both of you here. You both make Jerry so happy that I was pleased to meet you at last.”
Sybil merely smiled she had been looking for this acceptance from the older generation for as long as she could remember and now that she had finally gained it she discovered that she was too happy to speak.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:10 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#492:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 06, 2005 5:30 pm

Oh that was so lovely - I'm so pleased that Sybilhas found a man and family worthy of her. Thanks Cazx.

 

#493:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Feb 06, 2005 5:37 pm

That's lovely. I can't imagine what it would be like to have such a disapproving family as the Russells. It must be awful. *Let's just forget Katya and enjoy Christmas*

 

#494:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Feb 06, 2005 9:18 pm

That was LOVELY!!! So glad Sybs and Vina are having a good xmas!!!

 

#495:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Feb 06, 2005 11:07 pm

awww Vina is so CUTE and I'm so glad Jerry's family likes Sybil

 

#496:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Feb 06, 2005 11:10 pm

Oh bless her!Jerry's family are just lovely.Thanks Cazx, that was great Very Happy

 

#497:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 10:34 am

Glad Jerry's family are so accepting. Thanks Cazx Liz

 

#498:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 12:30 pm

Glad Jerry's family are so nice. Also glad Vina will be the first 'grandchild' - my mother in law was very welcoming of Robert when we first met them, but now her daughter's back from Germany with her 3 children, Rob tends to get pushed to the side a bit.

 

#499:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 12:33 pm

aw, so happy for sybil that things are working out for her. Thanks Cazx

 

#500:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 9:11 am

Thanks very much to Gem for beta-ing Very Happy

That evening, once Vina had been put to bed and Jerry’s mother had promised to keep an ear out for her, Jerry and Sybil wrapped themselves up in coats, scarf’s, hats and gloves and went out for a stroll in the snow. The moon was full and the snow shone in the moonlight; it was a clear night and the air was brisk and cold.
“It’s not too cold for you?” Jerry asked as he tried to suppress a shiver.
“No.” Sybil laughed. “I’ve lived in places where it’s much colder than this!”
“I’d forgotten about Tyrol and Switzerland.” Jerry owned as he slipped an arm around Sybil.
“Snow in Britain does not compare to snow over there, sometimes we’d be inside for days because of blizzards.”
“Sounds too cold for me!” Jerry said with a laugh.
“I know what you mean, when I lived in Australia I never thought I’d be able to live in the cold again. But I got used to it.”
They continued they walk through the snow, their boots crunching the untouched snow as they walked over it. Both were in awe of the still beauty of the landscape and were trying to memorise every detail.
“Sybil,” Jerry said stopping suddenly.
“Yes?” She asked, looking at him in wonder.
“There’s something I’ve wanted to ask you.” Jerry said, his eyes full of meaning as he took her hands.
“Oh!” Sybil said faintly, feeling her heart skip a beat as she felt her cheeks blush slightly.
“I love you Sybil, you make my world complete, before I met you there was something missing. I want to fall asleep next to you every night and wake up with you every morning for the rest of my life. I want us to have children, and live in a house full of laughter and joy. I want to grow old with you.” He paused for a second. “Sybil, will you marry me?”
Tears were forming in Sybil’s eyes this was the perfect end to what had already been a perfect day. “Of course I will.” She said as Jerry brushed a tear away from her cheek, before kissing her gently.
They walked on absorbed in their own happiness and hopes and dreams for the future. Sybil no longer felt that her heart was torn in two, it was not that all her feelings for Alex had disappeared but that Jerry was all that her soul cared about. Alex would always be loved but it was possible for her to love Jerry with an intensity which Alex’s memory lacked.
“When do you want to get married?” Jerry asked her.
“Soon,” Sybil told him with a smile, “But I have to have time to arrange everything.”
Jerry laughed, “Will Easter give you enough time?”
“Of course it will!” Sybil told him as she kissed him lightly on the nose.
“There’s one other thing.” Jerry said slowly.
“What?” Sybil asked curiously.
“Malvina.”
“What about her?” Sybil asked in confusion.
“I want to adopt her, would you be happy if she had my name?”
“Oh, that’s so lovely.” Sybil exclaimed once again blinking tears out of her eyes.
“Do you think she’ll like the idea?”
“She’ll love it,” Sybil told him sincerely, “She already looks on you as a father figure.”
“I look on her as my daughter.” Jerry said sincerely as he pulled Sybil closer to him, in an attempt to feel warmer.
“I’m so happy, I never believed it would be possible to feel like this again, but it is and I can’t wait until the day we are married.” Sybil told Jerry as the house came back into view.
“I can’t quite believe my luck myself.” Jerry said with a laugh as his lips met Sybil’s.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:11 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#501:  Author: Lucy,  PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:34 am

This is absolutely lovely, I feel all icky and warm inside!! Should come with a warning though - I'm sat here reading it at work with a very suspious lump in my throat!!!

 

#502:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:39 am

bless them *all happy and smiley now* thanks caz

 

#503:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 12:27 pm

Awww, bless!

 

#504:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 1:07 pm

That brought tears to my eyes. Thank you Cazx.

 

#505:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 3:11 pm

Awwww Lovely Thanks Cazx Liz

 

#506:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 4:38 pm

Aawww!!!! Bless! Lovely post Cazx!!! I hope Sybs and Vina will still keep in touch with Vina's father's family though!

 

#507:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 5:18 pm

Weeping happy tears.

 

#508:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 7:27 pm

That's so lovely. Thank you Cazx.

 

#509:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:01 pm

oh i'm so happy for her and Jerry and Vina!!!! *does a little happy dance*

 

#510:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:30 pm

Oh, that was a beautiful proposal. I had to go and read it again 'cos it was so lovely.

 

#511:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 12:28 am

Thank you Cazx. A lovely Christmas and a proposal to top it off just fantastic.

 

#512:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 1:49 am

Thank you, Cazx! Hope they'll be most happy.

 

#513:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 1:58 am

So romantic! Lovely. Thanks!

 

#514:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 7:52 pm

That was lovely. Feeling all warm and snuggly. Thanks. Very Happy

 

#515:  Author: Sarah_G-G, Location: Sheffield (termtime), ? any other time! PostPosted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 8:01 pm

Awww! That was so sweet and romantic! I'm so happy for them.

 

#516:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 1:07 pm

That was so beautiful CAzx, Thank you

 

#517:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 7:57 pm

For Ailie New Years Eve was not as eventful as it had been in previous years. She obviously was not drinking and Christian decided not to drink too so that she would not feel left out. Fleur was obviously going to get drunk; it was a tradition of Judy and hers. Judy was back from travelling around the world and had firmly established herself in the Cultural Revolution which had been captivating London for the past few years. Fleur had friends in Cambridge who were part of the satire movement, and she was planning on working for Private Eye when she graduated and had already been promised a summer job there. Fleur was becoming more and more politicised, becoming aware of the world and the inequality in it.
Ailie watched Fleur and Judy in amusement as they discussed the events going on in London, getting more and more drunk as the evening progressed they increasingly began to make less and less sense.
“What are they like?” Janice said to Ailie at one point. “Will they never learn how to drink in moderation!”
“Hardly.” Ailie said with a chuckle. “Can you imagine Fleur refusing a drink because she was worried about what she might do or say if she drank it?”
“The day that happens,” Janice said with a grin, “I will personally give Fleur £100!”
“Are you making me out to be a raving alcoholic?” Fleur slurred slipping an arm around Janice’s waist and stumbling slightly.
“Yes.” Janice told her simply, hiding the grin that was forming on her lips. “And don’t deny it Fleur, you and Judy have told enough drunken tales for us to use as evidence.”
“Oh I don’t care what you say about me.” Judy chipped in. “I wouldn’t change anything about my life, meeting the people I do or witnessing all these groundbreaking events.”
Ailie laughed, they had heard all about Judy’s exciting life. Christian appeared at her side, and Ailie moved to join him.
“Excuse me!” Fleur demanded playfully. “But Ailie is staying with us, you’re not to steal her away like you always do!”
Christian raised his eyebrows at Fleur and said, “I only want her for five minutes, and anyway when have you ever told Nikolai to go away when he wants you. Never so there Fleur!”
Fleur rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue, “Oh very well take her, she’s laughing at us for being drunk anyway.”
“Everyone is laughing at you Fleur!” Was Christian’s parting shot.
“What do you want?” Ailie asked him when they were alone.
“Nothing really,” Christian told her with a grin. “Just to be with you when the New Year breaks.”
Ailie cuddled up close to Christian, something which was beginning to be harder to do due her expanding stomach.
“Next year is going to be good isn’t it?”
“It will be perfect!” Christian told her kissing her forehead. “We’ll be together in our new house, the baby will enchant us and nothing will worry us.”
“I still have to tell my family.” Ailie said in a quiet voice.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it sweetheart. Just believe me when I say that nothing bad will happen next year. Everything will work out perfectly from now on!”
Ailie snuggled up close to him could not help but be reassured by these words. As long as she had Christian and the baby, then what could possibly happen to spoil things for her?

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:11 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#518:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 8:23 pm

Quote:
Ailie snuggled up close to him could not help but be reassured by these words. As long as she had Christian and the baby, then what could possibly happen to spoil things for her?
What a surprise, suddenly I have the most intense feeling of foreboding possible! Rolling Eyes

 

#519:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 9:35 pm

doooooooom doooooom, death and destruction that's what could spoil things.... but I think whatever happens will be infinitely worse

 

#520:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Feb 11, 2005 3:17 am

What Lesley and Frances said.I'm hiding under my desk until the feeling of impending doom goes away.

 

#521:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Feb 11, 2005 12:09 pm

What could possibly happen indeed?! Well, obviously something's going to - Madge perchance?

 

#522:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 11, 2005 12:10 pm

*wibbling violently* Strange that Ailie and Christian being so content should have that effect Laughing Thanks Cazx Liz *wondering if there's any spare room under Miss Di's desk*

 

#523:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 11, 2005 12:58 pm

I have the feeling that we've just had a mega-cliff.

 

#524:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Fri Feb 11, 2005 2:10 pm

*crawls under the bed and wibbles*

 

#525:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 10:59 pm

Well that was a nasty cliff at the end of such a nice post. I am also filled with a feeling of foreboding!

 

#526:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 7:45 am

I've just read the last two posts and loved the proposal. How lovely for them all. I must admit that Ailies last thoughts made me wibble too,. Thank you, Cazx.

 

#527:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 8:22 am

Joins Miss Di who is
Quote:
... hiding under my desk until the feeling of impending doom goes away.

 

#528:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 11:10 am

Lyanne wrote:
Joins Miss Di who is
Quote:
... hiding under my desk until the feeling of impending doom goes away.
Is there room for me too? They were the most ominous lines possible! I sense imprending dooooooom. This isn't going to be something horrible like them both in a car crash, with Christian dead and losing the baby, is it? Shocked

 

#529:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 11:22 pm

be QUIET, Laura don't give her ideas!

 

#530:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 11:46 am

*shuts eyes tight* *sticks fingers in ears* *lah's loudly to avoid hearing what Laura's saying* Liz

 

#531:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 1:05 pm

wah! Those sound distinctly like famous last words, to me! please don't be mean - let it all be alright!

 

#532:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 5:09 am

...joining Miss Di under the desk - so long as there's room!! definitely wibble-worthy!

 

#533:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 8:17 pm

Sybil had telephoned her parents to tell them the news of her and Jerry’s engagement. Jem was delighted, and could not stop telling Sybil how pleased he was. In her own way Madge was pleased too, for her Sybil had made a step towards being respectable again, Jerry’s adoption of Malvina was an added bonus-the icing on the cake so to speak. Once Sybil got back to London the phone would not stop ringing, or so it seemed, relatives who so recently had ignored the fact that she existed now rang her up and congratulated her on her good news. Sybil it must be said felt a certain amount of pleasure in informing them that the wedding would be a small private one with only immediate family and close friends present.
Madge and Jem arrived back in England in the middle of January; they had only been back for a day when they arranged for Sybil to come down for the weekend after next and for her to bring Jerry with her.
“I’d rather you than me.” Christian told Jerry a week before the visit was to take place. It was a Friday night and both Christian and Jerry were staying at the sisters flat. They had shared a pleasant meal together and were now all sitting in the lounge chatting as they half-heartedly watched the TV which was on in the background.
“Come on,” Jerry laughed, “They can’t be that bad!”
“Oh they are.” Ailie told him.
“Your Father seemed very nice when I met him.”
“Oh well when he’s on his own Dad is fine.” Ailie told him, “It’s just when Mummy’s around he can get just like all the other old folk.”
“Well with you two telling me tales then I guess I’ll just have to expect the worse. Hopefully I’ll be surprised by how nice they’ll actually turn out to be.”
“They’re exaggerating a bit.” Sybil told him as she grinned at her sister, “Well Christian has never met them so don’t believe anything he says.”
“I’d forgotten that they’d never met you.” Jerry remarked to Christian.
“They don’t know about the baby either,” Ailie told him hurriedly, “So remember not to mention anything about that.”
“I’ll remember.” Jerry said, Sybil had explained all about Ailie’s situation to him.
“What was Aunt Joey’s latest wedding advice for you anyway Sybs?” Ailie asked, recalling that their Aunt had called Sybil half a dozen times since learning she was to be married. It seemed that she had forgotten the role Sybil had played in the marriage of Con and Roger.
“Oh God you’ll never guess,” Sybil said rolling her eyes. “She phoned to say that she thought it would be lovely for the bridesmaids to wear lime green dresses. I politely told her that that would not be happening, along with all the other suggestions which she has already made.”
The four of them giggled over this, lime green at a wedding was something, which none of them wished to witness.
“Well,” Ailie said as her laugh turned into a yawn, “I don’t know about any of you but I’m shattered, I think I’m going to go and sleep.”
The others all agreed with her, they had all had long days at work and knew that if they went to bed any later then they would not get a proper night’s sleep as Vina would be awake and running around from anytime after seven.
However Sybil and Jerry did not even manage to sleep until then. At half past five the phone started to ring.
“What’s that?” Sybil said sleepily as she sat up in the bed, at the same time as Malvina began to cry.
“I’ll answer the phone,” Jerry told her, “You go and see to Vina whilst I get rid of whoever is phoning at this ridiculous hour.”
Sybil flung her dressing gown and slippers on as she made her way to her daughter’s room. Vina was sitting up in bed tears running down her cheeks.
“Phone woke me up!” She pouted as she held her arms out to her mother.
“It woke Jerry and Mummy up too.” Sybil told her gently as she cuddled her little girl, “But we aren’t crying over it. Come on now be a brave girl and stop crying.”
Vina gulped and nodded, “Can I sleep in your room Mummy?”
“Ok just this once.” Sybil picked Vina up and carried her into her room, placing her in the bed she said, “I’ll be back in a minute sweetheart just going to get you some milk.”
In the hall she found Jerry, having just come off the phone, he seemed paler than usual.
“What’s wrong?” Sybil asked, “Who was on the phone? What did they want?”
Jerry swallowed hard, how was he going to tell her what had happened?

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:12 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#534:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 8:23 pm

*Joins the others under the desk* That was cruelty to dumb CBBers!

 

#535:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 8:30 pm

*pushes her way under the desk as well. What can't Jerry bring himself to say?

 

#536:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 8:33 pm

Waaaah!!!!! Cazx!!!! What are you doing to us????

 

#537:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 9:37 pm

Good cliff! Laughing

 

#538:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 10:04 pm

Joining Vikki in the wailing room... Lesley, you're gloating! Shocked

 

#539:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 10:13 pm

Sophoife wrote:
Joining Vikki in the wailing room... Lesley, you're gloating! Shocked
No I'm not - I'm admiring.

 

#540:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 10:16 pm

nononononono cazx you HAVE to tell us!

 

#541:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 10:29 pm

help *joins the others under the desk* What has happened?

 

#542:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 10:47 pm

Cazx!!!!!! What on earth is going to happen now? Something to Jem I would guess.

 

#543:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 11:16 pm

Hmmm... poss both Madge and Jem I think... more please Cazx!

 

#544:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 3:48 am

Just as I stick my nose out from under my desk (it's getting a bit crowded under here), Whammo! Wot a Cliff. Come back and tell us that all is well!

 

#545:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:53 am

Let's move over a bit Miss Di, I think it will get even more crowded now! I assume Ailie & Christian are ok, because it looks like they both went to sleep at the flat. Err, but it could be anyone else!

 

#546:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:21 am

Lyanne wrote:
I assume Ailie & Christian are ok, because it looks like they both went to sleep at the flat.
That's what I'm clinging on to too! Come on Cazx, don't be mean!

 

#547:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 11:51 am

Starting to wibble badly now Very Happy Thanks Cazx for writing more of this. Star Wars

 

#548:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 4:36 pm

Eep.That's can't be good. *wibbles*Thanks for the image of the lime green bridesmaids Cazx, I was giggling at it till the last few lines.

 

#549:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:28 pm

LIme green had to come in somewhere! Laughing Hes not already married is he?

 

#550:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:40 pm

“Sit down darling.” Jerry said slowly as he guided Sybil into the lounge.
Sybil felt herself grow cold all of a sudden. Something was wrong, she could tell. She began to shiver uncontrollably. Her lips were quivering too much for her to get the words out. So she waited for Jerry to tell her what had happened.
Jerry felt as if he was being crushed by a huge weight. His throat had gone dry and he had to cough before he was able to tell Sybil what the phone call had been about.
“I’m afraid, “He began, feeling that he was sure there was a better way to break the news than this. “That there’s some bad news Sybil.”
Sybil on hearing his sombre tone of voice reached out for him to hold her. He took her in his arms and stroked her hair while he mechanically said, “The phone call was from Tony.”
“Your cousin who works in the San?” Sybil’s voice was barely a whisper.
“Yes.” Jerry paused. “I’m afraid he phoned to say that your Father had a heart attack late last night and that he died early this morning.”
“Daddy.” Sybil cried as she tightened her hold on Jerry. “He can’t be dead Jerry, he can’t! There must be a mistake, tell me there’s a mistake.”
“I’m sorry Sybil.” Jerry told her wishing that he could say that it was a mistake. There was silence for several minutes, each digesting the news in their own way.
“He’s really gone?” Sybil asked as she turned to look into Jerry’s eyes.
“I’m afraid so.”
Sybil eyes which up until now had been tearless now suddenly filled up with tears. She cried into Jerry’s shoulder for over twenty minutes. Jerry feeling that this was the least he could do continued to hold her.
“You said that he had the heart attack last night.” She sobbed suddenly looking up at him.
“That’s what Tony said.”
“Then why didn’t they tell us then?” She demanded. “I could have driven to see him. I could have had a chance to say goodbye. Why didn’t she tell us then?”
“I don’t know.” Jerry told her thinking that this anger was unnatural in Sybil. “Tony said that your Mother was in shock but coping, I’m sure she’d want to see you.”
“Oh I’ll go and see her.” Sybil said scathingly. “I need to know why she didn’t tell us and how Dad was when he died.”
Jerry thinking it to be for the best not to say anything merely continued to hold Sybil, all he wanted to do was to protect her.
The noise of their voices had awoken Christian, feeling thirsty he decided to go and get a glass of water and see what all the fuss was about.
“Is everything ok?” He asked on seeing Sybil’s tearstained face.
Looking up Sybil shook her head, “Ailie needs to be told.” She said as she stood up.
“Told what?” Christian asked in confusion, “Don’t wake her up Sybil she needs all the sleep she can get. Can’t it wait.”
“No it can’t!” Sybil told him heatedly.
“Sybs,” Jerry said reaching out for her arm, “Think about it you’ll give Ailie the fright of her life waking her up in the state you are in. If you want to tell her now then let Christian do it, he’ll be able to tell her calmly.”
“Tell me what?” Ailie’s sleepy voice came from the doorway as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. “What’s happened Sybil? Why are you crying?”
Sybil hugged her sister before leading her to a chair, Christian sat down next to her.
“Did you hear the phone earlier?” Sybil asked.
“No.” They said in unison.
Sybil did not know what to say next, she was trying to think of a way to break the news gently but nothing sounded right in her head.
“What is it?” Ailie demanded beginning to get scared.
“It’s Dad,” Sybil said at last. “He’s dead.”
Ailie had never fully appreciated her Father until that moment. Too late she realised that she had loved him and that he would have always loved her no matter what. Tears of sorrow and regret ran down her face as she realised what she had lost.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:13 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#551:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:51 pm

:crying: :crying: :crying: :worthy: :worthy: :worthy: That was so realistic!

 

#552:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:57 pm

OH, poor Sybil and Ailie! Crying or Very sad And was the delay deliberate? How is Madge going to cope. Very, very sad.

 

#553:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 8:10 pm

Crying or Very sad Poor Sybil and Ailie. That was really well written Cazx. Thank you.

 

#554:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 8:24 pm

oh no! Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad poor ailie and sybil. and poor madge - maybe she will appreciate her daughters a bit more now

 

#555:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 8:39 pm

Waaaaah"!!!!!!!*hugs Ailie and Sybil very tight!!*

 

#556:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 9:17 pm

Poor girls Crying or Very sad I just hope the rest of the family were not grouped about Jem's bed, to make Madge's slight of them even more pointed. There is absolutely NO REASON why this should cause Ailie to miscarry and if she does, well she would have anyway. (Clinging on to that very tightly.)

 

#557:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 9:34 pm

How nasty to exclude them. I have strong suspicions as to who the culprit is.

 

#558:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 11:13 pm

Jem is dead!!? :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: Poor Ailie and Sybil (and all the others as well) Thanks Cazx Liz

 

#559:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 11:16 pm

Also hugging Ailie and Sybil tightly. My dad died even faster than that but at least we were at the hospital when it happened.

 

#560:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:22 am

waaaahh Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad I liked Jem in this! Why couldn't it have been Madge?!? poor Ailie and Sybs thanks Caz

 

#561:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 11:18 am

*sniffles and restrains self from sobbing in public* Maybe now with Jem gone, Madge will wake up and smell the coffee and start being nice to Sybil and Ailie *hopeful* *wades into the drabble through the C&D floods to huggle everybody*

 

#562:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 11:22 am

Waaah!!! :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying:

 

#563:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 12:04 pm

Poor Jem, and Sybil and Ailie

 

#564:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 1:33 pm

Sad Sad Oh how sad! Poor Sybs and Ailie. Wonder what Madge's reasoning for not telling them sooner was Confused Thanks Cazx

 

#565:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 8:24 pm

Crying or Very sad Poor Ailie and Sybil Crying or Very sad Why didn't Madge phone? (or one of the family) Confused

 

#566:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:39 pm

Pim wrote
Quote:
Maybe now with Jem gone, Madge will wake up and smell the coffee and start being nice to Sybil and Ailie *hopeful*
I fear Pim hopes in vain, Jem seemed quite human at times, especially last time Sybil saw him, but Madge... er, doesn't.

 

#567:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:54 pm

*hugs Sybil & Ailie tightly* I hope Madge is not that spiteful to deliberately have not told them

 

#568:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:38 am

Thinks of excuses... "We didn't want you to worry." "There was nothing you could have done." "We called as soon as the rates went down." (*has heard all of the above in RL Confused *)

 

#569:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 10:05 am

*Hugs Kathy_S* Hope it was out of mistaken intentions that Madge didn't say anything - or not realising how serious it was. Any chance of some more Cazx? Liz

 

#570:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 8:58 pm

Sybil would later have no or very little memory of how she struggled through that first morning. It was one big blur, full of phone calls and people expressing their sympathy. Jerry took Vina out for the morning at Sybil’s request, she did not want her daughter to witness her upset state. Vina had cried when told of Jem’s death but she was at the age where she did not understand the full reality of someone dying. As soon as she had been told that Jerry would be taking her out for the morning Vina had cheered up considerably.
Sybil had adopted a quiet calm after her first initial outburst of grief. For her the pain hurt too much for her to cry. Ailie on the other hand was at first unable to stop the never ending flood of tears despite Christian’s pleas for her to try and calm down had little effect.
“Ailie, please darling do try to stop crying. It’s not doing you or the baby any good.”
“I know,” Ailie sobbed. “But he never knew that I cared for him in the way Sybs did. I never told him I loved him. I was always too cool and aloof for that, ever since I met Fleur I saw them in a different light, and I was so rude to both of them at times. And Dad did not really deserve to be treated like that.”
“I know sweetheart, but if you make yourself ill over all this crying then just think of how much worse you are going to feel. I’m not saying that you should not be upset and that you should not cry. I’m just saying that you should try and get a grip on yourself, and that you have another person to think about.”
Ailie nodded and took a big breath to try and calm down, it worked and the tears soon were reduced to a mere trickle.
“Ailie,” Sybil’s strained voice came from the doorway. “I’ve just spoken to Mummy. She said that it all happened so quickly last night that there was no time to make phone calls and then when she was taken home she was given a sedative. I don’t know if we can believe and forgive her but that is what we should try to do. She sounds devastated, though she doesn’t want anyone to make a fuss over her.” Sybil paused and bit her lip. “She wants us to go down and see her Ailie. She wants all the family to be together. I said I’d go down tonight, as soon as Jerry and Vina get back I’ll be leaving. Are you going to come with me.”
Ailie her eyes wide and fearful nodded.
“Are you sure?” Sybil asked noticing Christians expression of alarm.
“Yes, if I don’t go now then it will only be prolonging the inevitable. I can’t and won’t miss Dad’s funeral, maybe she may be more forgiving to me. After all she’s just lost Dad, she won’t want to loose me as well will she?”
“Maybe.” Sybil agreed cautiously. “Anyway I’m going to go and pack and tell work that I need compassionate leave.”
“Do you want me to come with you?” Christian asked once Sybil had left the room.
“No. If you come then it will be worse; she’ll blame you then. You’d provide a distraction and I need to do this alone. Don’t worry I’ll be fine, I’ll phone you every night for as long as we are there and I’ll tell you if I need you.”
“Alright.” Christian said clearly not very happy with the situation. “I’ll go to Dad’s for a few days, I’ll be nearer you then and he’ll probably be going to the funeral so he can tell me how you look. If he tells me you look a fragile mess Ailie then I’ll be coming to get you straight away.”
“Very well.” Ailie told him as she snuggled up close to him. “I do wish you could come but it would just be too many shocks for Mummy and I don’t know how she would cope.”
Jerry was also left behind, as Sybil had pointed out he had an important case which was in its concluding stages and he could not very well leave it. Sybil also felt that it would be unfair to both Jerry and her family if they were forced to meet in the first few days following the death of her Father.
The journey to Wales seemed to take forever, the car was packed full of blankets to keep them warm. Vina fell asleep two hours before they arrived, Sybil who was driving did not bother to stop her, she knew that her daughter was tired out from a broken nights sleep. It was dark by the time they reached Round House, lights were shining brightly from the windows, and there were two other cars pulled up on the drive.
As the sisters got out of the car Madge emerged from the house, she had heard the sound of an engine and had rushed out to meet her daughters.
“Sybil darling,” She croaked as she hugged and kissed her elder daughter. “Oh how I’ve longed for you girls today.”
She turned to Ailie, who realised that her Mother had suddenly become old. Her face was lined and her eyes were redder than Sybil’s had been from crying. She had taken no care over her personal appearance either. She seemed to be in old mismatched clothes, and her hair appeared to have not been brushed.
“Oh Ailie.” She said sorrowfully as she embraced her youngest daughter, before exclaiming. “Why Ailie you’re pregnant.”

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:14 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#571:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 9:05 pm

Poor Madge, hope she can accept Ailie's pregnancy. Thanks Cazx.

 

#572:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 12:50 am

Can quite understand the girls not wanting Jerry and Christian there. I also hope Madge can accept Ailie's pregnancy.

 

#573:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 5:23 am

Poor girls. Poor Madge even! C'mon Madge show yourself as the lovely person we hope you still are underneath!!

 

#574:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 9:00 am

Hoping that Jem's death might be the shock needed to bring the family together again, and hopefully Madge may be more understanding and accepting of her daughters now. Thanks Cazx. Star Wars

 

#575:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:32 am

Feeling oddly sorry for Madge. I know she's been an old boot in this drabble, but can't help thinking this wasn't the best time for her to find out about Ailie. Sad Poor all of them. Hope Madge takes it okay. Thanks Cazx

 

#576:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:51 am

Not another cliff to leave us on! Will Madge embrace them and say how glad she is to see another member of the next generation? Say she's not too happy about it as Ailie isn't married but she's just too glad to still have her girls to worry about it? Tell Josette it didn't matter about the miscarriage as she can have Ailie's baby now? Through them out into the cold? Collapse? Oh, please Madge, remember that you love all your children and don't want to loose them!

 

#577:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 1:24 pm

Feel very sorry for Madge and hope she can be accepting of Ailie and the baby. Thanks Cazx Liz

 

#578:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 8:27 pm

*wibble* Cazx, may we have the next bit please?

 

#579:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 2:33 am

I know that Madge will say "How wonderful darling, why didn't you tell me so I could start knitting tiny white garments" Clicks heels of ruby shoes together three times to make it true.

 

#580:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 12:33 pm

Ten out of ten for observancy, Madge! wibbling as to her next words though! thanks Cazx

 

#581:  Author: Alex, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 4:32 pm

Well either Ailie's baby will take Madge's mind off Jem or Jem will take Madge's mind off the baby. I'm just wondereing whether anyone is going to say, "But Ailie can't be pregnant because she's not married!"

 

#582:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:21 pm

I'm not sure if this is very convincing, Confused

“Yes, I am.” Ailie said simply avoiding her Mother’s eye.
There was silence for a few moments; Madge was in too much shock to say anything, while Ailie was too scared to speak. Sybil had left them to themselves as she got Vina out of the back seat.
“Shall we go in out of the cold.” Sybil said at last as she realised that neither her Mother nor Ailie were going to say anything.
“Yes.” Madge said almost absentmindedly. “We don’t want any of you to catch colds.”
Once they got inside out of the cold the rest of the family descended on them. Already there were David and Annette, the twins, and Madge’s twin Brother Dick and his wife Mollie. Also there was Mary-Lou Trelawney, who had been staying in her cottage of Carn Beg and had come to help the Russell family in their time of need. Each family member hugged one another and it was only for a moment or two that Ailie’s pregnancy went unnoticed for. Soon everyone was staring at Ailie in a state of disbelief.
It was Mary-Lou who broke the silence; “You lied to me didn’t you. After I covered up for you that time I thought you had changed but you hadn’t! If it’s not that awful boy from before then who is it now.”
Everyone switched their gaze to Mary-Lou before switching it back to Ailie who, felt her cheeks get redder and redder until she could not stand it anymore. Quickly she turned away from the stares and made her way upstairs. In the background she could hear her Mother ask, “You knew about this Mary-Lou.”
And then Mary-Lou’s reply of, “Well not exactly, I knew she wasn’t as tame as you believed. But she had told me she’d changed.
“Aunt Mollie will you see to Vina for me please?” Sybil asked quickly, ignoring her Mother and Mary-Lou’s conversation, as she wanted to go and see if Ailie was alright.
“I’ll go, Sybil love.” Her Aunt told her in her soft Irish voice. “You go and see to Vina.”
Sybil only agreed to this in the knowledge that her Aunt was a forward thinker and would not treat Ailie in the way that some other members of her generation would do.
Ailie was curled up on her bed when Mollie tapped on the door.
“Come in.” She said listlessly, hoping that it would be Sybil.
“Ailie pet, why didn’t you tell us sooner.” Her Aunt’s comforting voice asked.
“Because I thought Mummy and Dad would be horrid over it. I know now though that Dad would have accepted it once he got over the shock. I wish I’d had the courage to tell him.” Ailie sat up and made room for her Aunt to sit down next to her.
“Were you ever going to tell them?”
“Oh yes. After the baby was born I was going to tell them everything, I could not exactly hide it from them that I had a child now could I?”
“So you are going to keep the baby then?” Madge’s new sombre voice came from the doorway, only now there was a hint of bitterness in it.
“Of course I am.” Ailie exclaimed indignantly, “What else would I do with it?”
“I just thought,” Madge told her slowly, “That seeing as you had failed to mention the fact that you were pregnant then you were not going to keep the baby once it was born. That you were going to give it up for adoption maybe.”
“No, I’m keeping the baby with me.” Ailie said forcefully.
“How are you going to keep it without any support?” Madge spat. “Where are you going to find enough money to get it everything it needs? Oh,” She moaned suddenly, “If only your Father were here then he would have been able to get whoever the Father is to pay maintenance or something seeing as you are so determined to keep the brat.”
Mollie noticing Ailie’s rapidly tear-filling eyes said hurriedly, “Calm down Madge, this has been a shock for everyone on top of what happened earlier but we needn’t make a scene. Besides how do you know that the Father isn’t around anyway.”
“Oh he won’t want to know. It’s probably one of the boys in the band she works for, if what I’ve read about them is true then I’m not surprised.”
Ailie had had enough and all of a sudden she snapped. “Will you stop talking about me as if I am not here!” She said heatedly. “Ask me any questions you like and I’ll answer them but for God’s sake don’t talk about me as if I’m not here!”
Ailie’s outburst surprised Madge, bringing her to her senses and making her think more rationally. “I’m sorry Ailie.” She said quietly.
Mollie put her arm around her niece, deciding not to say anything but to remain in the room and support Ailie.
Madge took a deep breath and asked. “When is it due Ailie?”
Ailie blinked in surprise, she had not been expecting such a normal sensible question, “March.”
Madge nodded, “Is…” She paused and began to ask the question again. “What about…?” Again she failed to ask the question and Ailie feeling sorry for her Mother decided to help her out.
“You want to know who the Father is?”
Madge nodded, “And what was Mary-Lou on about, she’s downstairs blaming herself.”
“This has nothing to do with Mary-Lou.” Ailie said. “Basically do you remember that you left me alone for a weekend during the Christmas holidays of when I was in Lower Sixth. Well I invited Janice, Judy and Fleur over, as you know, as well as some of Fleur’s friends. That was the night that I got together with Christian, and the next morning Mary-Lou turned up and was disgusted to find out what was going on here. We had to promise to her that we’d never do anything like it again or something, we did so just to get rid of her. That’s about it really, when I saw her that time she was here I pretended to have reformed and she believed me. She’s probably thinking that if she had told you about the house party then none of this would have happened.”
“And is Christian the Father then? The same one who is in the band you work for?”
“Yes he is. We are engaged and have bought a house together. We just did not want to get married because I was pregnant. We wanted to wait a while.”
Madge nodded again, she did not know how she felt about the situation. She wished Jem was here, then she could have discussed it with him. Madge just looked at Ailie not knowing what to say it was not that she was angry, more that she was disappointed that her daughter had felt unable to confide in her. Slowly she realised just how remote a mother she had been to Sybil and Ailie; it had been Josette who had received all the mothering.
“You should go to bed Ailie.” Madge said at last. “You look worn out.”
Mollie stayed with Ailie and made sure she was tucked up warm in bed. “Sleep well.” She told her niece as she kissed her on the forehead. “Don’t fret child, God Bless.”

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:15 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#583:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:28 pm

Well at least it ended promisingly - though the reactions at first were pretty nasty. Thanks Cazx - realistic, lovely Mollie, feel happier about Madge and want to stomp Mary Lou.

 

#584:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:28 pm

Puts ML's head in a toilet and flushes!!

 

#585:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:28 pm

Thanks Cazx It's nice to see Madge suddenly wake up to her children and realising that she's neglecting Ailie and Sybil. Liz

 

#586:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 11:15 pm

*kicks ML up the backside* how tactless can you get?! *hugs Mollie for being so nice*

 

#587:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire/Bangor PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 11:41 pm

I hope everyone now goes and tells Mary-lou to ...er... go away....

 

#588:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 11:48 pm

poke Mary-Lou. It's nice to see Mollie being so supportive to Ailie, and that Madge seems to be coming round a bit. Hopefully she'll be more sympathetic with Ailie than she was with Sybil. Star Wars

 

#589:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:44 am

Thanks Cazx. Hope Mollie's common sense way of dealing with this helps Madge. Hope someone tells Mary-Lou it is none of her business and she either shuts up or goes home. With friends like her you don't need any enemies.

 

#590:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 2:18 am

Thank you Cazx!!! I hope Madge will come to accept things fully! And I'm so glad Mollie was there and supported Ailie!

 

#591:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:46 am

grrr to ML but glad that Madge didn't immediately tell Ailie never to darken her door again. And that she has realised she hasn't been the best mother - hope she can put things right now. thanks Cazx

 

#592:  Author: Alex, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:00 pm

Where's Jennie? Mary-Lou needs one of her patent slappings.

 

#593:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 4:30 pm

I'm here, Alex. hands out patent slapping sticks to all who want one, then uses her own vigorously on OOAO, then for good measure kicks OOAO from the Round House to Carn Beg and back.

 

#594:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 5:15 pm

Chelsea wrote:
Puts ML's head in a toilet and flushes!!
Is the cistern full yet? Oh Goody! My turn! *Accepts patent slapping stick from Jennie and use it with great effect.*

 

#595:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 6:03 pm

Thanks Cazx! I think ML blaming herself is probably karma form being so horrible to Ailie. I just hope Madge can come to terms with it now she knows Christian is serious and Ailie's not about to be abandoned.

 

#596:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:27 pm

Ailie exhausted from a long day full of tears and confrontations slept around the clock. She did not awake until gone ten when Sybil brought her a cup of tea.
“What’s going on down there?” Ailie asked as she made room for her sister to sit down on the bed.
“Not much.” Sybil told her. “Mummy has not spoken to me yet, though that could be because she has not had the chance. She disappeared to her room last night, only Uncle Dick was aloud to see her. I’ve only now realised just how close they are, he’s been comforting her about Dad I think. Then this morning I’ve been seeing to Vina and arranging flowers for the funeral.”
“Is anyone else going to be coming here?”
“Auntie Jo is arriving today, sometime this morning.” Sybil said shortly as Ailie groaned. “And apparently Josette got a flight a few hours ago and should be here tomorrow.” Sybil paused before adding. “Ailie be careful around Josette.”
“What do you mean?” Ailie asked curiously.
“After Vina was born and they found out the truth about who her Father was, she wanted to adopt her. Only I wouldn’t let her. I don’t know how she will react when she discovers you are pregnant, especially as she’s just lost her baby.”
Ailie nodded but her eyes her troubled. “Thanks for warning me.”
“You had to know, anyway hopefully she won’t say anything. I’m here to protect you anyway if she does.”
“What’s happened to Mary-Lou?” Ailie asked curious to know after her reaction from last night.
Sybil rolled her eyes, “She went home last night. I told her that I thought it would be the best. I know her intentions are good but she needs to stop interfering, hopefully she will realise that now.”
“Well maybe.” Ailie muttered.
“Anyway,” Sybil said changing the subject, “It seems that the funeral will be on Thursday.”
Ailie nodded, “I guess we all have to try and put on a brave face. How are the twins taking it?”
“About as badly as the rest of us.”
Ailie nodded and reached out to her sister for a hug. “It’s not fair.” She said.
“I know.” Sybil replied. “We just have to make sure that we never forget how much we love him though, and that we tell Vina and your baby when they are older all about him and how wonderful he was.”

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:15 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#597:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:34 pm

*huggles ailie* i hope josette doesn't react too badly

 

#598:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:57 pm

Sybil and Ailie are both being so mature about this - especially Sybil, who was really badly treated by the family. Wonder what Joey will have to say. Feel sorry for Josette - but hope she doesn't try to upset Ailie. Thanks Cazx.

 

#599:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 10:22 pm

Poor girls (((hugs Sybil and Ailie))). I am worrying about what will happen when Jo and Josette get there though Sad Star Wars

 

#600:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 12:47 am

Hope Jo and Josette are nice when they see Ailie, though I have a feeling they won't be. Poor Ailie and Sybil they are coping very well. Thanks Cazx.

 

#601:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:01 am

Thanks Cazx - so glad to see Sybil supporting Ailie without railing against how she was treated Liz

 

#602:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 10:35 am

wibbling about Jo and Josettes arrivals. More upsets are so not what Ailie needs. thanks Cazx

 

#603:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 1:23 pm

*hugs all of the Russels* Not a nice time for any of them even without family tensions. I hope Ailie's pregnancy doesn't upset Josette too much and she isn't horrible about it! Thanks Cazx

 

#604:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 3:46 pm

Feel sympathy for Josette though - to have lost her baby and then to have her sister pregnant 'by accident' is very hard Liz

 

#605:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 4:50 pm

Sad Poor all of them! Thanks Cazx. Get the feeling there may be trouble with Jo and Josette

 

#606:  Author: Alex, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 8:48 pm

Thanks Cazx. Accepts patent slapping stick (TM) from Jennie and waves it warningly in the direction of Jo and Josette.

 

#607:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:09 pm

Given Jo's reaction to Sybil's pregnancy, and Josette's longing for a baby, I think I'd better hand out slapping sticks to everyone.

 

#608:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 7:50 pm

Joey, along with her husband Jack, arrived just before lunch.
“Madge,” Joey’s voice quivered as she entered her sisters bedroom, “How are you my darling?”
Madge gave her sister a sad and pathetic smile, “Oh I’m trying to hold it all together but it’s so hard.”
Joey, who had regarded Jem as a surrogate father nodded, “I understand,” She said gently. “Having the children around helps I’m sure though.”
Madge frowned, “I take it you haven’t heard the latest then?”
“No I merely said hello to Mollie and then came straight up here. Why what’s happened?”
Madge sighed, “It’s Ailie.”
“What about her?” Joey asked completely confused.
“She’s pregnant.”
“But,” Joey stammered, “That’s not possible, I mean she’s not married, the only boys she knows are those in the family or friends of the family.”
“Well it is possible Joey. Apparently the father is Christian Matieux, who she’s engaged to-another thing which she has failed to tell us.”
“Did Sybil know about this?” Joey asked outraged at the news of her niece.
“Of course she did.” Madge snapped thinking it was a stupid question.
“Well why didn’t she tell you?” Joey demanded knowing that Len would have told her if one of her own daughters were in Ailie’s position.
“I don’t know, I have not had the chance to speak to her about it.” Madge paused noticing that Jo was looking as if she was about to go and find out. “Stay out of this Joey, this is between me and my daughters. I believe that Sybs did not tell me because Ailie did not wish me to know and that she values her relationship with Ailie more than her relationship with me… I don’t think I’ve been a very good mother to them.”
“Madge that is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.” Joey exclaimed. “Sybil and Ailie’s mistakes have nothing to do with your parenting skills. We all know that Sybil has been a problem since the day she was born. Ailie has most probably been influenced by her as well as that little minx Fleur Matieux.”
“I don’t think it’s as simple as that.” Madge murmured.
“What on earth do you mean?”
“Well looking back I think we were too hard on Sybil over the Alex business. Jem thought so at the time, but I persuaded him that my course of action was for the best if we wanted to make sure her reputation was not harmed. I was too harsh with her when I found out that Josh was not Malvina’s father and I’ll never forgive myself for trying to get her to give Vina too Josette. At the time, and for quite a while after, I thought it would be for the best, but I know now that it would have been wrong.” Madge paused as she wiped tears out of her eyes. “Then with Ailie, well I never really had time for her when she was small. I was always so worried about Josette during the first few years of her life. Then when Josette’s health improved in Canada, the twins were born and they took up all my free time. Ailie was only ever noticed when she was naughty, which looking back she probably only did to get attention. Then she went away to school and was there for most of the year; we were away in Australia for so long too… I understand why she felt unable to confide in me.”
Madge had experienced a sleepless night and had looked back to when her children were young in an attempt to work out just where she had gone wrong.
Joey said nothing. She was beginning to realise that what Madge was saying could possibly apply to her own relationship with some of her own children, especially Con.
“Then there’s Josette.” Madge said suddenly, “I’ve no idea how she is going to take the news about Ailie. She took the loss of her baby hard, it was such a blow for her.”
“Do you think she’ll want Ailie’s baby like she wanted Malvina?” Joey said softly aware that had initially been Josette’s idea for her to adopt Vina.
Madge shrugged, “I honestly don’t know, I hope not. Ailie looks so tired and worn. I think she had been worrying over coming here, and then Jem’s death also has played a part.” Madge’s voice wavered for a second before she continued, “I think Josette could really upset her if she treats her in the same way that she treated Sybil. I know I supported Josette then but oh you don’t realise how much I know that to have been a mistake.”

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:16 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#609:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 8:10 pm

Cazx wrote:
“But,” Joey stammered, “That’s not possible, I mean she’s not married, the only boys she knows are those in the family or friends of the family.” ”
How very CS Laughing

 

#610:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 8:26 pm

Im glad that Madge has told Joey to keep out of this - I only hope she takes notice.

 

#611:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 8:26 pm

So pleased that Madge has finally started to see all of this -but so sad that it's taken losing Jem for her to see it. Thanks Cazx.

 

#612:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 8:59 pm

A very lovely update. I feel very sorry for Madge - I forsee her stuck between Josette and Ailie

 

#613:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:42 pm

thanks for the update - i look forward to seeing how this works out. but poor joey realising a little too late that her relationships with some of her daughters aren't quite as perfect as she would like to think

 

#614:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:55 pm

Feeling sorry for Madge now.... It's good she's starting to understand, but it must be horribly difficult, especially on top of losing Jem. And Jo seems to be getting there as well.... Hope Josette doesn't cause too many problems!

 

#615:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 11:02 pm

Good for Madge but how awful it has taken a tragedy like this to make her see where she went wrong. Hope she finds time to speak to both Sybil and Ailie before Josette arrives. Thank you Cazx.

 

#616:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 11:46 pm

Nice to see Madge seeing where she's made mistakes, and that Joey also seems to be starting to think about her parenting skills. Hope Josette doesn't give Ailie a hard time when she arrives. Thansk Cazx. Star Wars

 

#617:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 2:17 am

Thank you Cazx! That was a great post!!! So glad Madge is finally seeing sense! (and it looks like Jo might be beginning to as well.) Hope Josette won't make things hard!

 

#618:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 2:21 pm

*echoes what everyone else has said* hope it all goes well when Josette arrives. thank Cazx

 

#619:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 11:32 pm

Thanks Cazx - I'm glad that even though she is grieving Madge is able to think about her family. I hope that Ailie and Sybil will be receptive to any advances she makes towards them. Liz

 

#620:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 4:58 am

Nice to see Madge and Joey thinking about their parenting skills perhaps not being perfect. Thanks for the great (and thoughtful) update!

 

#621:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 7:25 am

Poor Madge. I think she will be a better woman and mother now. Shame it took Jem's death to bring her to her senses. Thank you Cazx. Just lets hope Jo takes it in!

 

#622:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 7:34 am

Poor Madge, now she can no longer have Jem's advice and loving support of herself, she realises how good his advice was and needs that loving support more than ever. I'm glad Joey did not dismiss Madge's thoughts out of hand.

 

#623:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 8:40 pm

Thanks to everyone's help on MSN regarding what Ailie looks like! Very Happy I'm lost without my books to help me!

It was later that afternoon when Madge went to find Ailie. She found her sitting in Jem’s study, her blonde head absorbed in a book.
“What are you looking at?” Madge asked softly as she sat down opposite her.
Ailie looked up, and Madge looking into her daughters grey green eyes realised just how similar they were to Jem’s.
“Just pictures.” Ailie said as she pushed the album towards Madge.
Madge picked up the album and looked at the page it was opened on. It was on Ailie’s fifth birthday, which had been spent in Canada. Ailie, Josette and Margot were sitting with their dolls having a birthday tea. The two sisters had their arms around each other and were both smiling broadly, while Margot unaware of the photo being taken was pouring out tea for the dolls.
“I’d forgotten all about that picture.” Madge said. “It’s one of my favourites.”
She continued to flick through the album. There were pictures of Ailie with the twins, others of when Sybil arrived in Canada, then pictures of Ailie’s first day at school, of various plays and family events, including both Sybil and Josette’s wedding days. Of the day Ailie had been crowned May queen, the day that had been Madge’s first inkling that her and Ailie’s relationship was not that close.
“Where did the time go?” Madge sighed. “It only seems like yesterday that you were all running around creating mischief and now even the twins are almost grown up.”
Ailie merely shrugged at her Mother, she had no other answer.
“I wish that I’d been a better Mother to you Ailie.” Madge said suddenly, causing Ailie to look up in surprise. “Maybe then you would have been able to confide in me.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Ailie told her. “I don’t feel as if I’ve missed out, Sybs has been there for me, and Christian has been such a support I could not have got through all this without him. He understands me perfectly, maybe it’s because his Mother left when he was small.”
Madge, who a week ago would have been offended by this speech, nodded. She was beginning to understand now just where her detached daughter was coming from.
“Are you sure that Christian is the one though Ailie?” Madge asked seriously. “I’m not saying that he isn’t, but I know you have not met many men and as he is one of the first you have met he could have swept you off your feet and made you want to have another life away from home. It is him you want, not the other life?”
“Of course it’s him I want!” Ailie exclaimed indignantly. “How many men had you met before Dad anyway?”
“That’s a fair point.” Madge answered. “And the answer is not many. I just did not want you to make the same mistake as Sybil did with Josh.”
Ailie said nothing; she just curled up into the chair and laid her hand across her stomach where she could feel her baby move.
Madge saw the attentive expression on her daughter’s face and guessed that the baby was moving. It was an expression, which she had worn when expecting each of her children.
“Ailie, will you stay on here for a few weeks after the funeral.” Madge asked bravely expecting the answer to be no. “I want us to try and re-build our relationship.”
Ailie considered the question for quite a while before answering the question. “Ok.” She said at last. “But I go back a month before the baby is due.”
Madge nodded, “I understand. Maybe Christian could pick you up, that way I can meet him. I promise I won’t bite!”
“Well we’ll see what he says and how I feel at the time.” Ailie said giving her mother a weak smile. She knew her Mother was trying her best but she could still not feel at ease around her. She was hoping that this would change over the next three weeks.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:17 pm; edited 2 times in total

 

#624:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 9:14 pm

It's about time Madge thought about what sort of a parent she had been to her children.

 

#625:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 9:20 pm

That was lovely, thanks Cazx.

 

#626:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 9:56 pm

Awwwww!!!! Thank you Cazx!!! I DO hope they can rebuild their relationship!

 

#627:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 11:10 pm

This all sounds so promising. I'm holding my breath Confused

 

#628:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 12:40 am

Glad Madge is trying to build bridges and that Ailie is willing to meet her halfway. I hope their relationship improves Liz

 

#629:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 12:41 am

Well done Madge. Glad Ailie can meet her halfway.

 

#630:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 3:48 am

What everyone else said. Very nice Cazx!

 

#631:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 12:18 pm

oh good hope they can work things out thanks Cazx

 

#632:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 2:00 pm

Well done Madge for trying. Thanks cazx

 

#633:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 8:02 pm

Josette arrived early in the evening of the next day. Worn out by travelling and grief she collapsed in an armchair, not paying any attention to the rest of her family. Ailie realised that in the five and a half years since she had last seen her sister, Josette had grown older. She had always looked more mature than her years but now, with lines around her eyes, her hair tied up severely in a ponytail revealing a forehead marked with wrinkles, she looked to Ailie at least ten years older than her twenty-five years. Comparing her to Sybil who at nearly twenty eight still looked as she had when she twenty one made Ailie think that Josette’s longing for a child was consuming her with worry that she would never have one, and this worry and stress was making her seem old before her time.
“I’m sorry everyone.” Josette sighed as she opened up her blue eyes, revealing them to be bright with tears. “I’m so tired, and it’s only really now that I’m here that it’s truly hit home that Dad is not here.”
Madge reached out to hug her middle daughter; “It’s been such a shock to us all.” She told her.
Nobody quite knew where to look; they were all close to tears. Never before had the whole family been together without Jem also being there, and knowing that never again would he be with them was just too emotional for the family. The ringing of the telephone interrupted their quiet contemplation.
Sybil quietly left the room and went to answer it, she was back in a matter of seconds.
“Ailie, it’s Christian.” She said quietly as her gaze flicked from one sister to the other.
Sybil noticed Josette frown in confusion, before a look of shock come momentarily across her face, only to be replaced by one of utter fury.
Ailie had noticed the expressions on Josette’s face and blushing she hurried out of the room.
“Oh Christian.” She said as she picked up the receiver. “You don’t know how much I want you to be here right now.”
“Why what’s happened?” Christian asked in alarm. “There’s nothing wrong with the baby I hope.”
“There’s nothing wrong with the baby.” Ailie said quickly hastening to reassure him. “Its just Josette has arrived and she does not look happy.”
“Because you’re pregnant and she’s not?”
“I think so yeah,” Ailie said in a small voice. “She didn’t look angry before she realised.”
“Right!” Christian said quickly, “Do you want me to come and get you now Ailie? Because if she is going to upset you, then I’ll leave this minute.”
“No, Mummy is being nice. We’re going to try and work through things. If I leave then I risk not getting things straight with her.”
“Ok,” Christian paused. “You never really talk that much about Josette.”
“I know.” Ailie sighed. “We’ve never really been that close. My earliest memories are of being told to be quiet in case I disturbed Josette, she was ill as a child you see. Yesterday I found this photo of the two of us when we were smaller, we looked so happy and looking at the photo you would have thought we were the best of friends. But we weren’t. I don’t even remember the picture being taken, or another time that we were like that with each other.”
“Siblings are funny things.” Christian said gravely. “Take me and Fleur, we talk all the time, she’s one of my best friends. You and Sybil are the same. Then look at me and Emma, I never talk to her, have no idea of what to say to her to be honest with you.”
“But that’s different.” Ailie protested. “You weren’t brought up with her, Josette has always been in my life. She did not disappear like Emma did and I still don’t relate to her.”
“I relate to Paul though.” Christian pointed out.
“I know,” Ailie whined, “I just wish she could be nicer at times. It’s not my fault that she lost her baby and I’ve still got mine.”
“I know sweetheart.” Christian told her gently. “Ailie if she causes you any trouble then promise me you’ll let me come and get you.”
“Yeah I promise.” Ailie told him as the door of the main room flew open and Josette rushed out, tears flowing down her cheeks followed by Madge. "I should go.” She told Christian, thinking she should find out from Sybil what was going on.
“Ok,” He told her. “Remember what I said though whenever you want to leave then just ring me.”
“I’ll remember. I love you.”
“I love you too, look after yourself sweetheart.”
“Bye Christian.”
“Bye Ailie.”
As Ailie put the phone down, Sybil came out of the room. She slipped her arm around Ailie and said, “Needless to say she didn’t take it well. But I’m sure you guessed that.”
Ailie nodded, “What should I do now?”
“Nothing.” Sybil told her, “It’s not your fault and if you are extra nice then she may think you’re rubbing her nose in it. Just be your normal self.”
“Thanks Sybs,” Ailie said giving her sister a kiss on the cheek. “What would I do without you?”

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:18 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#634:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 8:38 pm

Thank you Cazx!!! *hugs Ailie* I DO feel sorry for Josette, but I hope she won't make things harder for Ailie!

 

#635:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 8:55 pm

i do hope josette isn't going to make trouble. and YAY for Christian being so supportive of Ailie.

 

#636:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 9:11 pm

Thanks Cazx. Josette's problems are not Ailie's fault.

 

#637:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 1:14 pm

Thanks Cazx. This is really tough for Josette, and I don't see it being easily resolved. I hope Madge doesn't find herself caught between her daughters. Liz

 

#638:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 3:17 pm

I'm glad Madge is making an effort with Ailie, even if it probably should have been done earlier! Mostly I'm just sorry for poor Josette now though. Thanks Cazx

 

#639:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 4:49 pm

Am also feeling sorry for Josette. At least Ailie and Sybil have each other, she really has no-one.

 

#640:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 4:57 pm

Josette probably doesn't know which upsets her most - Jem's death or Aliies's pregnancy. The trouble is it's easier to be angry than sad and I'm afraid that is what she will do. I'm feeling sorry for Madge. She's no experience in dealing with Josette in anything other way than to spoil her.

 

#641:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 11:17 am

Sorry for Vina not being a convincing child, I just can't make her sound child-like.

Relations between the sisters did not improve over the days before the funeral. Josette was cold and distant towards Ailie, who tried to avoid her, which was not a difficult thing to do in such a big house. Sybil had thrown herself into organising the funeral, and barely had the time to speak to Josette, after she had spent time with Vina and Ailie. Madge felt that she was neglecting all her daughters. She was unable to spend with each of them the amount of time they required. She was determined to spend time with Ailie in order to prove to her that she was there for her, while Josette needed her support and sympathy, something that she had craved on ever since the accident. It was Sybil who she neglected the most, Madge knew that she had made mistakes with her eldest daughter. Their relationship, although improved from what it had been a few years ago, would never be an especially close one. Both were aware of that.
It was the day before the funeral when something occurred which made Sybil see red. She had been discussing the funeral with Ernest Howell, her mother and David. Once they had finished talking things over she had gone to find Vina, who she had left with Rosa.
“Where’s Vina, Rosa?” Sybil had asked, having found Rosa to be in the kitchen.
“She’s gone upstairs with Josette.” Rosa told her with a smile.
“Oh right.” Sybil said feeling slightly surprised. “Thank you Rosa.”
Sybil went to look in what had been the old nursery, as she made her way up the stairs she could hear Josette talking. She paused outside the door, curious to hear what her sister was saying.
“Malvina, come and sit here with your Auntie Josette, she wants to ask you some questions."
“Alright.” Vina’s child voice answered as she ran over to her Aunt.
“Do you like London? I haven’t been there for years, is it nice?”
“It’s ok.”
“Only Ok!” Josette exclaimed. “Why only ok? London is supposed to be exciting and huge.”
“It’s too big, and it smells…sometimes.”
“Do you wish you lived in the country then?”
“Dunno.”
“Do you have many friends from your nursery?”
“Yeah,” Vina said enthusiastically. “I have loads of friends. There’s Sarah and…”
“But don’t you wish Mummy spent more time with you?” Josette interrupted.
“Mummy has to work.”
“But if you had a Daddy then you could have a Mummy who would stay at home and look after you.”
The temper of Sybil’s childhood had suddenly emerged once more; she could see perfectly well what Josette was trying to do. She waited long enough to hear Vina say, “But I do have a Daddy, he’s called Jerry and he’s my new Dad.” Before opening the door and saying sharply, “Come here Vina, go and sit in our bedroom for a minute before I come and see you.” Sybil waited until Vina had left the nursery before turning to Josette. “Keep away from my daughter.” She said angrily. “If I hear you talking to her like that again then you’ll regret it. Don’t deny what you were doing.” Sybil said as Josette opened her mouth to protest. “I know how your mind works and how devious you can be to get what you want.”
Sybil turned out of the room where she found Ailie in the corridor.
“Did you hear that?” She asked as she moved towards her bedroom.
“The end of it.” Ailie told her, “What was it all about?”
“You don’t want to know. I’ve had it up to here with her, I just wish that this were all over and that Vina and I were back in London.”
Sybil looked distraught at this point, and it was evident that the strain of recent events was beginning to effect her.
“Go and lie down.” Ailie said. “Tell Vina a story or just talk with her, you need to rest Sybil.”
Sybil raised her eyebrows, “I should be the one telling you to rest missy! But you’re right, I’ll go and talk with Vina, you, her and Jerry are the only people who keep me sane.”
Ailie hugged her sister before leaving her sister outside her bedroom door and going downstairs to make a phone call.

Last edited by Cazx on Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:19 pm; edited 2 times in total

 

#642:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 11:48 am

I think Vina comes across nicely - a little stilted at first with an aunt she doesn't know very well and then when asked 'the right question' about nursery forgetting herself in her enthusiasm. Thanks Cazx

 

#643:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 12:16 pm

Quote:
Ailie hugged her sister before leaving her sister outside her bedroom door and going downstairs to make a phone call.
To Jerry, I hope?

 

#644:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 2:40 pm

Thank you Cazx!!! Poor Sybs! Don't blame her for being angry!

 

#645:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 5:24 pm

If I'd been Sybil, I'd probably have shaken Josette! Grrrr!

 

#646:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 5:38 pm

Josette's problems are not the faults of either Ailie or Sybil, though their happiness, even at this sad time, will grate on her badly. Vina is just about right to me. Thanks Cazx.

 

#647:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 6:07 pm

*supresses the urge to slap Josette* that was such a nasty, devious thing to do - just because Josette wants a child, doesn't mean that she has any right to try and take Sybil's!

 

#648:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 8:53 pm

Agrees, that was a very nasty thing to try and do - lucky for Sybil that she and Jerry have met. *Also hope Ailie has called Jerry* Thanks Cazx.

 

#649:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:33 am

The next day started early. From half past nine people began to arrive at Round House to support the Russell’s through this difficult day. First to arrive was Joey, who had been staying in her old home of Plas Gwyn over the previous few days. Jack had got up early to go and meet his younger children, and various others from the Platz, who had been sent to Cardiff on either train or plane in order to come to the funeral. The girls had been escorted from Switzerland by their elder sister Len, and her husband Reg, along with Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson. Stephen had offered to pick up his brothers and take them on the train to Cardiff.
None of Ailie’s cousins had been aware of her being pregnant and each had worn expressions of surprise when they saw her, which they hastily tried to cover up. Len after offering polite congratulations had swooped out of the room, evidently going to find Josette.
Erica Standish, one of the Maynards wards, along with Felicity Maynard had sneaked off to find a secluded corner where they could discuss the latest scandal.
“Did you know about that?” Fourteen year old Felicity exclaimed excitedly.
“No, I’d heard nothing about it.” Erica remarked.
“I wonder if they were ever going to tell us.” Felicity said disgruntled at the fact that they were, in her mind, the last to know about these things.
“Do you know,” Erica said thoughtfully, “I don’t think they knew, I mean we would have heard some sort of whispers if they had. There would have been the most fearful row.” Erica paused before saying suddenly, “I tell you who did know though!”
“Who?” Felicity asked leaning forward.
“Katya. She was telling me about how she saw Ailie over Christmas and how she had been looking radiant.”
“She told me she was looking blooming. Why didn’t she tell us more than that though?”
While the two schoolgirls had been enjoying the latest family gossip, Daisy Rossoman had gone to talk to her cousin.
“How are you Ailie?” She said gently as she hugged Ailie and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
“As well as can be expected when you are seven months pregnant and your Father has just died.” Ailie said wryly, aware that she was the topic of most of the family’s conversation.
“I’m sorry it was a stupid question.”
“No, it wasn’t.” Ailie said. “I just wish that everyone would stop looking at and talking about me. I know you were only being friendly, you are not snooping like some people will.”
Daisy slipped an arm around Ailie, “Remember that I am a doctor, Ailie, and if you ever want a sympathetic ear to listen to you or you want some medical advice then just ring me up and I’ll gladly talk things over with you.”
“Thanks Daisy.” Ailie said with a smile. “Mummy was awfully shocked you know but I think she is really trying to change and be there for me. Besides even if she doesn’t completely change then I have Sybil, she has been so good to me, it’s good to know that I have you as well though.”
“And the baby’s father, what about him?” Daisy asked curiously.
“Oh Christian, of course you don’t know about him!” Ailie said her face becoming alive for the first time since Daisy had been with her. “He’s been wonderful, I could not live without him.”
“That’s a good thing to hear.” Daisy said with a short laugh, as another car pulled up onto the drive. “Who’s that?” She asked Ailie not recognising the man who was getting out of the car.
“Oh that’s Jerry!” Ailie told her, “Do you know about him?”
Jerry had not told Sybil that he was coming today. After the phone call from Ailie the previous evening he had decided that he would come down and support Sybil. Due to all the comings and goings, which were ongoing that morning the front door slightly ajar and he let himself in.
Almost as soon as he had pushed the door closed behind him there was a shriek from the top of the stairs.
“Dad! My Dad’s here!” And Vina came hurrying down the stairs and ran into Jerry’s outstretched arms.
“How are you Sweetie?” He asked with a smile as he picked her up, Vina had never called him Dad before and he was hugely pleased that she had. “Not been in any mischief I hope?”
“Oh no.” Vina said in scandalised tones. “I’ve been good for Mummy.”
“And where is Mummy?”
“Right here.” Sybil’s voice came from one of the doorways off the hall. “What are you doing here?”
“I thought I’d come here and see you both.” Jerry told her as he put his free arm around Sybil’s waist and kissed her on the forehead. “You don’t mind do you?”
“No, of course not. I’m just surprised to see you. I’ve been wishing you were here for days.”
Jerry noticing the bags under Sybil’s eyes wished that he had to. “How about you come back to London with me tomorrow morning? You don’t have to stay here much longer now do you.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.” Sybil told him weakly. “Mummy won’t miss me, she’ll have both Josette and Ailie here. It’s only Ailie that I’d be worried about leaving.”
“Ailie will be fine.” Jerry said firmly. “She told me so herself.”
“Dad.” Vina said suddenly stopping Sybil from asking when he had spoken to Ailie.
“What?” Jerry asked grinning at Sybil, whose face had brightened when she had heard what Vina had called Jerry.
“You know when we go back to London, can we all go and feed the ducks in the park.”
“Why did you ask that now, Vina?” Sybil asked as she ruffled her daughter’s hair.
“Cause I want to feed the ducks!” Vina told them exasperatedly.
Sybil and Jerry looked at each other, trying hard to suppress smiles over their daughters mannerisms.
After she had spoken to Daisy, Ailie had gone to sit in her Fathers study. She had spoken to Christian, and was now sitting staring out of the window at the bare January garden. She jumped when she heard a knock at the door, and wishing that people would leave her alone she half heartidly called, “Come in.”
“I’m so sorry Ailie.” Came a voice, which had been dear to Ailie for, as long as she could remember.
“Oh Jan,” Ailie exclaimed reaching out for a hug. “I didn’t know you would be here.”
“I came down to stay with Mummy and Daddy last night, I thought one of us should be here for you, and seeing as Fleur has mountains of work and would not have exactly been given the warmest welcome here anyway. Judy is busy with some sort of social thing by the way, so I thought I had no reason not to come.”
“I’m glad it was you that came.” Ailie told Janice. “You and I have been friends for as long as I can remember and the other two would not understand in the same way you do.”
Janice nodded. “How are things here?”
Ailie shrugged, “Mummy is trying to be a mother to me. I think she’s finally realised that when we were small she only mothered Josette and let the rest of us fend for ourselves. Josette is being horrid, I hate being near her.”
Janice and Ailie had shared the same problem regarding their mother when they were growing up. Janice’s sister Barbara had been a sickly baby from the day she was born and Janice as she had grown up had not received the same mothering as Barbara had. This had created a bond between her and Ailie, and when they had been small they had plotted against Josette and Barbara.
“Why what is the problem?” Janice asked.
“You know she lost her baby?”
Janice nodded.
“Well I think she resents me for not loosing mine.”
“Oh Ailie.” Janice said pulling her friend close to her.
“I know, and what makes it worse is in a few days it’s just going to be Mummy, her and I alone here. I’m dreading it.”
“Maybe things will improve then.” Janice said trying to see the bright side of things.
“I hope so.” Ailie agreed, though she had little faith that they would.

 

#650:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:36 pm

Thank you Cazx!!!!

I'm so glad Ailie has such good friends!

And Sybil and Jerry and Vina make such a lovely family!!

 

#651:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:19 pm

Lovely Cazx, thanks.

Bless Sybil, Jerry and Vina.

Hope things really DO improve for Ailie and that last sentence is not one of impending doom! Shocked

 

#652:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:42 pm

Josie! Don't say things like that, it's all going to be alright *goes off into own world of denial*

Thanks Cazx, I'm glad Ailie's got Jan there now. She really is a fantastic friend.

 

#653:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:56 pm

glad Janice has turned up and I REALLY hope someone can help Josette too.

thanks Cazx

 

#654:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:50 pm

Thanks Cazx.

Nice to see Sybil, Vina and Jerry as a family. Glad Jnice was there for Ailie. Wondering how straightforward things will be when its just Madge and Ailie.

 

#655:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:04 pm

Aww, lovely Jerry, Sybil and Vina, but oooooooh poke Josette! Cheers Caz Very Happy

 

#656:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:11 pm

Thanks Cazx

Hope that Ailie finds it's not as bad as she thinks it will be.

Yay for Jerry coming to join Sybil and Vina

Liz

 

#657:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 5:53 pm

I do like this story!

Jerry is a love, Vina's going to get Sybil into some trouble when Madge or Joey hears her calling Jerry "dad", and how brill of Jan to come for Ailie!

 

#658:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 7:41 pm

Vina is lovely Smile
Thanks Cazx

 

#659:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 7:51 pm

The funeral was held in the small church of Howell’s village. The church could not contain the huge numbers of people who had turned up to pay their last respects to Jem. The fact that nearly every member of the family had turned up meant that the church was over half full. The only family members missing were Robin, Peggy, both of whom were living abroad, and Margot. Even Con was there, wanting to support Sybil and Ailie she sat at the back of the church hoping that she would be able to avoid her Mother in the crowd.
The funeral was a short and simple one. Two eulogies were read one by Sybil, which had brought a lump to everyone’s throat and the other, by Madge, which she read with tears running down her cheeks. Sybil had clutched Jerry’s hand for most of the ceremony and it was only afterwards that she would let herself cry. Ailie sitting with Daisy and Janice would later find that she could recall little of the ceremony, she was thinking of the days when she had been small and her Father had told her all about the mischief he had got up to in school.
The wake was also a blur to Ailie. So many people came up to her expressing their sorrow that she ended up having the same conversation with each one. The only conversation, which was different, was the one she had with Christian’s Dad.
“Ailie.” He said coming over to her as she stood in the hallway of Round House. “I’m sorry to hear about your Father, he was a good man and a fine doctor.”
“Thank-you.” Ailie told him softly before adding. “How’s Christian?”
“He’s worried about you.”
“Tell him that he has nothing to worry about and that I’m fine.” Ailie implored.
Thierry Matieux raised his eyebrows, his doctor eyes could see that Ailie was not fine. The happy, bubbly girl he was used to had been replaces by a pale, wide-eyed creature, whose face was full of trouble.
“You don’t look fine.” Thierry told her bluntly.
“I have to stay here though.” Ailie told him. “I need to spend time with Mummy, I’ll regret it if I don’t, I’m sure!”
“I understand.” He told Ailie, “Christian will to.”
“I know he does, but he’s worrying about me far too much at the moment.”
“He just wants you to be well and your old self again.”
“I will be eventually, I just need some time here to sort things through. You’ll tell him that won’t you, and that he can come and get me in two and a half weeks, that’s all I need.”
“I’ll tell him that, but I’m sure you’ll be speaking to him soon enough anyway.”
Ailie smiled, “I know but it sounds definite if you tell him I said that.”
Thierry smiled, “Very well, he sends you his love by the way.”
“Tell him I send mine.”
“I will do. Take care of your self Ailie.” He told her as he kissed her on the cheek.
“Have a safe journey home.” She told him as he opened the door and let himself out.
She took a deep breath as she turned to go into the living room. She knew that she had to stop worrying over what was going to happen between her Mother, Josette, and herself. It was only making her stressed, and she needed to calm down and concentrate on the baby. That was the only thing that mattered.

 

#660:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 8:38 pm

Ailie has really grown up, hasn't she. I think I'd be running a mile if I was her.

I hope Con managed to avoid Jo Confused

 

#661:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 8:55 pm

Lovely posts Cazx, really glad for Sybil that Jerry is there, glad Ailie has Jan, Daisy and Christian's dad.Think she's in for some stormy times... Crying or Very sad

 

#662:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 9:20 pm

*hugs Ailie gently*

I'm so glad she has her friends but *wibbling* about the days after the funeral when it will be her, Madge and Josette.

 

#663:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 12:38 pm

Poor Ailie - it must be so hard for her at the moment.
I hope Madge stands up for her if Josette has a got at her after the funeral.

Thanks for this Cazx.

Star Wars

 

#664:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 1:26 pm

Con had managed to keep a low profile. She had surprised Sybil considerably when she had tapped her on the shoulder.
“I didn’t think you were coming.” Sybil said in shock as she pulled Con to a quiet room, where they could talk.
“I wasn’t going to.” Con admitted. “But I thought that I should come and support you and Ailie, after all you are the only family members who have supported me.”
“Thanks for coming,” Sybil told her with a small smile. “I know how much courage it took to do so.”
“I’ve managed to avoid them so far,” Con said with a shrug. “Well Mum, Dad, Len and Reg that is. The younger kids have all seen me, but I made them promise not to say I was here, whether they will or not I don’t know.”
“How long are you going to stay for?” Sybil asked curiously.
“Not long, I just wanted to speak with you and Ailie and tell you both how sorry I am. Despite our differences I don’t know how I’d deal with Papa dying so suddenly.”
“It’s like being punched when you are least expecting it.” Sybil told her cousin as tears filled up in her eyes.
“Oh come here.” Con said as she hugged Sybil. “I can’t imagine how you feel Sybil, you and your Dad were always so close.”
Sybil wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “It’s just something I’ll have to get used to. There’ll come a time when I won’t cry when I think of him, I’ll be able to smile and remember all the good times we had.”
“You’ll be ok,” Con told her. “You have Vina and Jerry and they will help you.”
“I know.” Sybil replied. “The wedding will help take my mind off things to, I’m sure.”
“I’m sure it will, you and Ailie should have a double wedding.” Con added wickedly before saying, “Do you know where she is by the way? I want to see her before I leave.”
“No I’m afraid I don’t, your best bet is to just look for her. She’ll be around somewhere.”
“Rightio,” Con said as she hugged Sybil one last time, “I’ll go and hunt her out.”
However Con instead of finding Ailie unfortunately ran into her Mother.
“What are you doing here?” Joey stammered in surprise as she saw her second daughter.
“I came to support Sybil and Ailie.” Con told her, wishing that she were someplace else.
“Oh.” Joey murmured before abruptly saying, “Could we possibly talk Con, there is something I wish to say to you.”
“Well alright then.” Con said intrigued by what her mother wished to say to her.
Joey staring at the floor was unable to think of the words to express that she had been in the wrong.
“Mamma,” Con said gently, “Can you please say what you have to say, I need to speak with Ailie before I go back to London.”
Joey took a deep breath, “I want to tell you that I’m sorry for being so disapproving of you and Roger. I should have listened to you both and not been so certain that I knew what was best for you. Over the last few days Madge and I have both realised that we have not been the Mother’s we set out to be, and I’m sorry for that. Do you think that we can try and start again Con?”
“I don’t know Mamma.” Con said honestly. “Roger and I were both very hurt by the way you treated us and I need to discuss things with him before I can give you an answer.” Then seeing the hurt in her Mother’s eyes she quickly added, “But I’m fairly certain that he will say yes.”
Joey nodded, “I just want you to know how sorry I am.”
“I know. I’ll phone you in a few days and tell you what Roger and I have agreed. I’m going to go and find Ailie now but I’ll speak to you soon.”
“Very well, have a safe journey home.”
Con smiled at her Mother before turning away to go and speak with her younger cousin. She realised that what her Mother had said had not been an easy thing for her to do, and she was grateful for her at attempting to make up for her actions in the past.

 

#665:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 1:34 pm

Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked *impressed with Jo - to the point of falling off chair in astonishment* Ta Caz!

 

#666:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 1:41 pm

Well done Jo! Come on Con, be the bigger person we know you are and forgive her...

Cheers for the update Cazx

 

#667:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 2:17 pm

so sad that Jem had to die for Madge and Jo to realise what they had done

fingers crossed that Josette gets her act together and behaves herself

 

#668:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 6:12 pm

Thank you Cazx!!!
Lovely post there!

 

#669:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:44 pm

Shocked Joey and Madge are coming to their senses Shocked

 

#670:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 8:58 pm

Joey apologising for the kind of mother she's been?

*picks chin up of the floor*

I'm looking forward to Sybil's wedding though!

 

#671:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 9:09 pm

It was with a heavy heart that Ailie waved goodbye to Sybil, Jerry and Vina the next day. She wished that her sister could have stayed longer, then she would have been comforted in the knowledge that she had someone to run to if it all got too much. David and Annette departed the day after that, taking the twins with them. Ailie had not had much to do with her elder brother and his wife, she could tell by the looks they gave her and the patronising way they talked to her though that they did not approve of her.
For the first week of her three-week stay Dick and Mollie, were also still there, while Jack and Joey were close by at Plas Gwyn. It had been decided that Jack would become head of the British San and that the Maynard family would move back to Britain. Ailie during this first week spent her time with either her Mother or Aunt Mollie, or by herself. Her relationship with Madge was slowly but steadily improving, although Ailie knew that she would never be as close to her Mother as some girls were she realised that their relationship could be a good one. Josette was planning on remaining in Britain for a month before going back to Australia, she spent hours going through her Father’s things sparing her Mother the pain of having to look through them herself. Most days it would be the case that the two sisters would only see each other at meals, where they were both always polite to each other, though never really friendly.
Due to the improvement in relations with Madge, Ailie once her three week stay was nearing an end felt that it would be safe for Christian to come and pick her up and take her home. During the last three weeks Christian had been fixing things up in their new home, and it was now fit for them to move in, which they planned to do on Valentines day. He was to come to Round House the day before, and stay the night before setting off the next morning for the drive to outer London.
It was the afternoon of the day Christian was to come and get her, Ailie curled up reading in an armchair, did not notice when snow began to fall. It had been falling for over an hour before she realised.
“Oh gosh!” She exclaimed, seeing that the snow was sticking and that it did not seem likely that it would stop soon.
“Oh gosh, what?” Came a dry voice from the doorway.
“It’s snowing,” Ailie said anxiously wringing her hands. “And Christian isn’t here yet, what if something happens to him!”
“I’m sure he’ll get here in one piece.” Was Josette’s reply, though her voice sounded as if she wished that that would not be the case.
Ailie, in her anxiety about Christian forgot that she was supposed to be treading carefully around Josette, and spun away from the window and asked scathingly. “Why do you hate me and everything about my life so much?”
“You don’t know why, little sister.” Josette said scornfully walking towards Ailie.
“Well I’m guessing it has something to do with the baby.” Ailie said feeling so angry with her sister’s attitude that she did not care about what she said.
“Of course it has.” Josette bit, as Ailie moved back away from her sister. “It has to do with the fact that a dirty little slut like you can still have your baby, while, I, despite being respectably married lost mine.”
“I’m sorry Josette, so sorry about that.” Ailie said growing scared as she saw the anger in her sister’s face. “If it had been me then I don’t know what I would have done.”
“But it was not you.” Josette began to shout, as Ailie leaning against the wall looked pale. “Why is it that my two sisters, the cheater who did not respect her wedding vows, and the kid who does not understand the meaning of morals, get to have children, though illegitimate at that, when I don’t. It’s not fair.”
“Don’t talk about Sybil like that!” Ailie said, her habit of defending Sybil not leaving her. “She’s a much better Mother to Vina than you would ever have been!”
“Don’t tell me what I can and can’t do, or say things which are not true.” Josette shrieked as she raised her arm and slapped Ailie across the face.
“What is going on here?” Madge exclaimed as she entered the room.
As she surveyed the scene before her, through eyes which schoolgirls in Tyrol had balked under, she saw that Ailie had sunk to the floor, uttering short moans of pain. Clutching not her cheek, which was glowing red, but her stomach.

 

#672:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 9:17 pm

*wibbling and eebling violently*

Please don't let it happen! How will any of them be reconciled if Ailie loses her baby Shocked

I'd been lulled into the idea that this might have a happy ending.

I know you have to tell it as it is but ......

I do believe in fairies. I do!

 

#673:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 9:57 pm

NOOOOOOO!!!!
Cazx!!! don't do this!!!!


*pokes Josette!!*

 

#674:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 10:21 pm

NOOOOO.....that wouldn't be fair Evil or Very Mad

But - lovely to see such a nice Joey

 

#675:  Author: Katie, Location: London, but my heart belongs to Harrogate PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 10:51 pm

Noooooooooooooooooooo! Don't let anything bad happen to any of them!

*Joins in with Patmac*

 

#676:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 1:19 am

CAZX!!!!!

Please please please let Ailie and the baby be ok and please let it shock Josette into behaving better please

 

#677:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 10:21 am

I believe in fairies too!

please let Ailie and the baby be ok
And christian make it safely

 

#678:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 11:02 am

*clings to the edge of the cliff* Ibelieve in fairies as well! *weebles violently*

 

#679:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 1:25 pm

Ailie and the baby have to be Ok or that is the end for the Russell family. I hope Josette is ashemed of her behaviour and Madge looks after Ailie well - and keeps Josette away from her and the baby.

 

#680:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 3:24 pm

Oh Lord! Two cliffs in one go!

Come on Cazx, let us know it all turns out okay, won't you? Please?

 

#681:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 4:26 pm

OH NO Shocked You can't leave it there Cazx!

We need to know if Ailie and her baby are going to be OK.

Star Wars

 

#682:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 4:40 pm

*Excitedly discovers loads of posts to read and then...



...wham - lands at bottom of unexpected cliff*

Thanks Caz

Liz

 

#683:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 7:23 pm

“Ailie.” Madge said as she rushed over to her daughter. “What is it? Is the baby coming?”
“I don’t know.” Ailie answered through gritted teeth, “I think so… but it’s too early.”
Madge placed her arm around Ailie saying, “Come on I’ll take you upstairs, everything will be fine darling, I promise you.”
“I’m scared Mummy,” Ailie said quietly, “and I want Christian.”
“Everything will be fine.” Madge repeated firmly, willing for this to be true. “Josette, will you phone the San please.” She added over her shoulder to Josette who was still standing rooted to the spot where she had slapped her sister.
Christian at this point was driving through heavy snow. He knew that he was not far from Round House, ten miles at the most, when the car began to jolt and slow down.
He managed to pull it over in front of a gate before it drew to a halt. Cursing the car he tried to decide what would be the best thing for him to do. Should he stay here until someone drove past, but it was a small country road and he could imagine that few people would use it in the snowy weather, or should he get out and walk the rest of the way. It did not take him long to reason that he should walk the rest of the way, after all Ailie would be worried if he did not turn up, and then more so when she received no phone call telling her where he was.
Christian put on as many layers as he possibly could before setting off on his journey. The wind was bitterly cold to walk against and snow was being flown up into his eyes. He had been walking at a steady pace for over two hours when he saw a figure emerge from a side lane.
“Hi there.” The figure called and Christian walking towards them realised that it was Tony Greenwood.
“Hello.” Christian said, “My car broke down so I’m walking the rest of the way to Round House, I don’t suppose you know how far I’ve got left to go.”
“About four or five miles,” Tony told him, “I’m on my way there now.”
“Why?” Christian asked him sharply. “It’s not Ailie is it?”
“I’m afraid it is.” Tony told him gently.
“But the baby is not due for another month, will they be ok?” Christian asked wringing his hands anxiously.
“There is an increase in risk but in most likelihood both will be fine.” Tony said quickly wanting to reassure Christian, who had begun to walk at a quicker pace. “Slow down,” Tony called, “If you walk that quickly then you’ll use up all your energy and take even longer to get there.”
Christian did as he was told, “I know you are right, it’s just I have to be with her, if anything goes wrong then I’ll never forgive my-self for letting her stay here so long.”
In surrounding darkness the pair battled through the snow, which was becoming increasingly thicker. As it was sticking to the ground they also had to wade through snowdrifts, which meant the walk took even longer. Eventually they reached the bottom of the long drive, which led up to Round House.
“Nearly there now.” Tony panted, Christian merely grunted not wanting to loose time through talking.
It was past eight by now and Tony who had received the phone call from Josette over three hours ago was beginning to wonder what the scene at Round House would be. Christian was also worrying over what would await them, in his anxiety over Ailie and their child he began not to concentrate on where he was going and stumbled many times.
At last they were outside the door, where Christian furiously rang the bell, not stopping until the door opened.
“Where’s Ailie?” He demanded.
Josette merely pointed upstairs. Christian turned away from her and raced up the stairs, leaving Tony and Josette in the doorway.

 

#684:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 7:25 pm

*ulp* And I don't think I can say anything else... other than WEEBLE!!!

 

#685:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 7:29 pm

Glad I missed the first cliff but please post more tonight.

 

#686:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 7:34 pm

EEEK!
Cazx!!! PLEASE let them both be okay!!!

 

#687:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 7:36 pm

Well that's Christian okay. Now hoping for the same for Ailie & the baby

 

#688:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 9:15 pm

Very dramatic posts -hope Ailie and baby are alright.

 

#689:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 9:29 pm

Don't leave us there for long! (Or them come to that!) Shocked

 

#690:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 12:54 pm

*crawls behind sofa and wibbles*

Thanks Cazx

Liz

 

#691:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 1:27 pm

I'm still clinging to my belief in fairies. Shocked

I'm so glad Christian is there. I wondered if we were in for another cliff when his car broke down.

PLEASE don't leave it too long before you sort it out. My nerves won't stand it.

 

#692:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 2:41 pm

Joining in with the wibbling.

Please don't leave us in suspense too long Cazx.

Star Wars

 

#693:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 5:43 pm

I shall hate Josette forever if Ailie or her baby dies.

PLEASE let them be okay, Cazx, PLEASE

 

#694:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 7:59 pm

Please can we have more soon, Cazx?

And this is not endearing Josette to me one bit! Glad Christian's there though.

 

#695:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 9:57 pm

Keeping saying 'it's only a month, the baby's only one month early, even in Victorian times 8 month babies survived, with 'modern' knowledge the baby & Ailie will be fine...'

 

#696:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 10:54 pm

I don't know how convincing/true to RL this is, but I know nothing about childbirth apart from what I googled an hour ago. So I'm hoping that this is ok Confused

At the top of the stairs Christian ran into Madge.
“You must be Christian.” She said recognising him from photo’s she had seen in the newspaper.
“Yes I am.” He told her. “How’s Ailie?”
“She’s holding in there.” Madge answered. “I’m sure she’ll be relieved that you are here safely.”
“I thought that might worry her, so I left the car and walked when it broke down.” Christian said quickly. “Can I see Ailie though?”
Madge nodded, “She’s in the first room on the right, I’m just going to go and talk to Tony.”
Christian barely listened to her last comment as he moved towards the room Madge had indicated. On opening the door he found Ailie half sitting up in bed, her blonde curls sticking to her pale sweat covered face. In a corner of the room was what Christian guessed to be one of the maids, who was standing over a big bowl of water and wetting a cloth.
“Christian, you’re here!” Ailie moaned weakly as she saw him in the doorway.
“I am darling.” Christian said as he moved towards her and supported her in his arms. “And I’m not going to leave you.” He added, scared by the frailty, which had come over Ailie, since the last time he had seen her.
“Good, I need you here Christian, I’m so afraid.”
“It’ll be fine Ailie, I promise you.” Christian told her hoping beyond hope that his words would be true. “I was talking to Tony and he said that in all probability both you and the baby will be fine.”
“I hope he’s right.” Ailie said quietly before grabbing hold of Christian’s hand and yelling out in pain. Christian wincing in pain himself stroked Ailie’s damp curls in an attempt to show he was supporting her.
Tony and Madge had hurried back when they heard Ailie scream, and Tony began to issue orders to Madge and Rosa, though he did say that they had already thought of most things.
“How far apart are the contractions Ailie?” He asked as he bent over Ailie, once the contraction had ended.
“About every six or seven minutes.” She told him, looking to her Mother for confirmation.
“That sounds about right.” Madge agreed.
Tony nodded, “Ok well it looks as if there’s quite away to go yet I’m afraid.”
Ailie nodded miserably, she had known he was going to say that. She just wished that it would end soon.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Christian asked from where he was supporting Ailie on the bed.
“You just stay there and help Ailie, she needs you to support her.” Tony told him.
It was a long night. Ailie got more and more exhausted as the night progressed, and each contraction appeared to suck more and more energy out of her. No one slept or went to bed as it got increasingly later, Tony had sent Madge away as he saw her grow more and more worried. “You aren’t doing Ailie any good, in the state you are in.” He told her as he took her to one side. “I know you don’t want to leave her but you’ll just upset her. She has Christian with her, she’ll be fine.” Madge had reluctantly agreed and went down stairs to pace the floor in the drawing room. Josette was sitting in her Father’s study, her face in her hands. Horrified at what she had done and how she had behaved.
Eventually at twelve minutes past three it was all over. Ailie, worn out, was propped up against pillows with her eyes closed, gulping air into her lungs, she did not here what Tony and Christian were saying to her, all she could here was the baby crying. She must have been completely ignorant of her surroundings for less than ten minutes. When she did open her eyes again she saw Christian, next to her on the bed, the baby wrapped in a white blanket in his arms.
“Is everything ok?” Ailie asked him wearily.
“Yeah it is, just like I promised you.” Christian told her with a smile and suspiciously bright eyes.
Ailie held out her arms, “Can I hold my baby please?” She asked him.
“Of course you can.” Christian half laughed as he carefully laid the baby in its Mother’s arms, before kissing Ailie on the forehead.
Ailie looking at her baby fell in love with it instantaneously. With its long dark eyelashes, and its small dot of a nose, and its tiny ears, she thought it to be the most beautiful child ever.
“What is it?” She asked after a moment. “I was too tired to take in what you and Tony were saying.”
“It’s a little girl.” Christian told her as the baby opened its eyes. “Our little girl who has eyes like the stars.”

 

#697:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 11:31 pm

Awwww bless them

I'm so happy for them!!!!!!!

*dances happily*

 

#698:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 6:18 am

Awwww, so pleased for Ailie and Christian. Also happy for Madge - the fact she is worried is a good sign amd may ease the pain of Jem's passing.

As for Josette - I hope this has put it all in perspective for her and shown what her behaviour might have caused.

Thanks Cazx.

 

#699:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 9:58 am

Cazx that was so lovely - that last line brought tears to my eyes.

*wonder what they'll name her*

Liz

 

#700:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 11:10 am

Thanks Cazx, that was lovely. I'm glad Ailie and the baby came through alright.

Star Wars

 

#701:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 11:30 am

Phew! You really had me worried there. I did like that Madge let Christian look after Ailie. She's sounding like a quick learner.

Poor Josette has had a hard lesson. We know she was spoilt and it seems such a shame that it has to come to this before she comes to her senses.

Loved the last line. Christian is luffly!

 

#702:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 11:40 am

*breathes and smiles happily* Hope everything continues to work out, *gently poke Josette's conscience*

Thanks Caz!

 

#703:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 12:49 pm

Phew.

Glad Josette is feeling guilty. Maybe we'll get a happy ending after all...
*hoping I haven't just spoken famous last words there... Confused *

 

#704:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 1:31 pm

LizB wrote:

*wonder what they'll name her*


Well there is a clue in there...
*wonders if anyone will be able to guess*

 

#705:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 1:37 pm

If it's what I think, then yes! I didn't want to post my guess and start a family naming row!

 

#706:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 2:38 pm

Aw... Glad they're all safe. I just hope that Josette isn't too upset and is able to apologise to Ailie.

Thanks Cazx
*has a vague idea of the name but is always wrong about these things so is keeping quiet*

 

The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


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