Amy
The CBB -> Ste Therese's House
#1: Amy Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 6:20 pm

It was the middle of June and for some days there had been a queer hush over the doings of the Chalet School. There had been none of the usual tricks that Middles played, none of the happy chatter of schoolgirls or the grumbles over work, nor even the happy smiling faces that one would expect in a happy school. Instead, all thoughts were with the brave allied armies who, on 6th June, D-Day, as it became known, had stormed the Normandy beaches, taking the German soldiers by surprise. Fierce fighting had ensued and many a life had been lost. Those in England, some aware that this had signalled the beginning of the end, others merely that this was a crucial phase of the war and that the Allies seemed to be winning, could only wait with what patience they could muster, for news of loved ones, dreading every knock at the door, lest it should be a telegram to say that their loved one had indeed been killed. For the Chalet School, the news of Operation Overlord, held particular poignancy for they, unlike most English, were not only afraid of what would happen to their own men but to the Germans – the brothers, cousins, fathers and uncles of the Austrian and German girls who had attended the Chalet School in Tyrol before it had been forced to close through the advent of Nazism to Austria. Many a thought and prayer was spared for the families of these girls and indeed for families like them over the days following the news of the Allies’ advance on France.

It was into these surroundings that a letter arrived for fourteen year old Amy Rutherford in Lower Fifth. She had always been shy and quiet, although not friendless. She was motherless, her mother had been frail and died within just a few days of her birth but she had her father and the two had a close, loving relationship, although she had hardly seen him in recent years since he had joined up for the war when she was nine. She had begged him not to but he had gently pointed out that since she was at boarding school, he had no reason not to join up and that he owed it to the country. She had accepted it in the end but like a few girls, she had lived in a state of anxiety ever since. She knew what the letter was even before she took it up and stood in the middle of the hall, her face white and her hands shaking. Around her, girls were eagerly seizing their letters, joyful exclamations of relief as they read the usual family news. No one paid any heed to Amy who had retreated into a corner and was standing staring at the letter, her shaking increasing as every moment passed. She was still there when the hall had emptied, rooted to the spot and unable to move. After a few minutes, the main door opened and there came the sound of gay laughter as Joey Maynard and her sister, the founder of the Chalet School, Madge Russell, entered, Joey’s triplets and Josette and Ailie Russell, the younger Russell girls, followed. The triplets were the first to spot Amy and not being at all shy, they ran over to her, tugging eagerly at her skirts, full of happy chatter.

“Hey, you three! Leave poor Amy alone!” Joey protested, laughingly coming to the rescue. “Sorry, Amy,” she began to apologise when she saw the state the girl was in. “Amy? Are you all right?” Her voice grew gentle and her black eyes were soft as pansies as she asked the question but Amy did not respond, it is doubtful if she had even heard the question. Her eyes were still fixed on the envelope and Joey paled in her turn, as she caught sight of it and knew immediately what it meant. It brought back a sudden, sharp reminder of the telegram she had received from the Admiralty two years ago, when Jack had been missing, presumed drowned – mistakenly as it happily turned out.

Last edited by catherine on Mon May 23, 2005 9:04 am; edited 4 times in total

 

#2:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 6:23 pm

Wow. Thank you, catherine. This is a very poignant beginning, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of it.

 

#3:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 6:38 pm

Fantastic start Catherine - poor Amy...

 

#4:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 6:41 pm

What a wonderful beginning, very moving and emotional. Please continue (quickly) *sniffles*

 

#5:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 6:50 pm

wow. Shivers down my spine at the the way you described the poor girl all alone in that huge crowd.

 

#6:  Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 8:08 pm

wonderful, thankyou, i'd certainly like to read more.

 

#7:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 8:48 pm

“Go on, Joey, I’ll see to her. Let Hilda or Nell know what’s happened.” Madge came to her sister’s side, having grasped the situation. She was anxious to spare her sister any worry or upset but she also felt a strong responsibility towards any girl in her school, all the more so at the moment.

As Joey hastily pulled herself together and collected up the small fry, with a gay laugh, Madge gently took the envelope from Amy’s shaking fingers. She said nothing at first, indeed she could not, for a puddle was forming itself around Amy’s feet as the girl, in her terrified state, wet her knickers. The action seemed to bring Amy back to her surroundings and she cast a horrified look at the floor and then at Lady Russell, her face going purple with embarrassment.
“It doesn’t matter.” Lady Russell answered gently. “Come with me and we’ll get you washed and changed before we do anything else. It’s all right there’s no need to involve Matron I’ll see to you myself,” she added, catching the look of fear in Amy’s eyes. “Come up to your dormitory no one will see you since most will be busy with milk and biscuits.” She gently led the shaking girl away, helping her to sort herself out as tactfully as she could. Eventually, re-clothed once more, she led the girl to sit down on the bed and held out the letter.
“H-he’s dead.” Amy whispered. “You don’t know that, my dear.” Lady Russell answered gently. “Open it and find out – or would you like me to?”
“Y-you please.” Madge quickly opened the letter and held out the contents of it to Amy who simply shook her head. Lady Russell glanced at her and then carefully unfolded the letter its contents confirming Amy’s worst fears. “Amy, I’m so sorry,” she began gently.
“No!” A sob broke loose from Amy. “No! He can’t be dead, he can’t! I need him!” She snatched the letter from Madge and read the contents for herself, sure she had been mistaken – she hadn’t. “A-alone. I-I’m all alone.” Amy whispered as the contents sank in. Both sets of grandparents had died when she was younger, there were no aunts, uncles or cousins and she had been an only child. She was, as she said, an only child. Madge knew this and her arms went round the child. “W-what am I going to do? I won’t survive.” The girl whispered, tears in her blue eyes.
“Yes, you will.” Madge answered gently. “You’re not alone, Amy. You have the Chalet School and we’ll look after you. Daddy asked if we would be prepared to be your guardians, should the worst happen.”
“D-Daddy.” Amy gave a sob. “Daddy! I’ll never see him again! I want him! I need him! I love him! Daddy, please don’t be dead!” She dissolved into sobs and Madge Russell drew her close, holding her tightly as the first wave of grief hit the girl.

Last edited by catherine on Mon May 16, 2005 8:54 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#8:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 8:52 pm

Ohh!!!!! Poor Amy!! Please carry on Catherine!

 

#9:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 9:06 pm

Catherine - this is so moving - please continue it as soon as you can

 

#10:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 10:43 pm

Wonderful story Catherine - really felt poor Amy's grief! Nice to see madge taking charge fo the situation too.

 

#11:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 12:09 am

Poor Amy Crying or Very sad ! Please keep going, Catherine.

 

#12:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 6:15 am

Thank you for this, Catherine. Considering yesterday's date this is most apt - poor Amy. And considering that D-Day occurred during the term Rosalie is written I'm surprised EBD didn't mention it!

 

#13:  Author: Rebecca, Location: Kendal/Oxford PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 8:38 am

This is great, catherine. Please may we have some more?

 

#14:  Author: Elisabeth,  PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 9:00 am

I'm getting goose-pimples all over reading this. It's so well written, well done Catherine! Can't wait to see more of this.

 

#15:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 9:08 am

This is great, Catherine, and a very timely reminder of what some people went through.

 

#16:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 10:28 am

Catherine, that was so emotional Sad Very well written - too well written as I have tears on my cheeks! Was lovely to see Madge with Amy rather than Joey, as Im getting frankly annoyed that Jo pops up everywhere! But thank you Smile Can't wait to read more of it Smile

 

#17:  Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 11:19 am

awwww, poor poor Amy! Crying or Very sad

 

#18:  Author: *Aletea*, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 11:26 am

Oh, I'm in tears and I'm at work - this is not good, so not good! (Me being in tears, obviously, as the drabble is once again fantastic.)

 

#19:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 4:10 pm

Incrediably moving Catherine. Poor Amy, my heart truly goes out to her.

 

#20:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 4:13 pm

This is stunning Catherine - thank you.

 

#21:  Author: claire, Location: South Wales PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 5:02 pm

excellent Catherine - Poor Amy

 

#22:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 5:59 pm

Poor Amy, I just want to give her a big hug!

 

#23:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 7:47 pm

Well, I knew last week would catch up with me at some point. I'm absolutely knackered, I ache all over and all I want to do is curl up and go to sleep but I've stayed up to write more, so here you are! Oh and Nicci - you can beg all your like but it ain't going to happen! Wink

Madge had no idea how long she sat there, cuddling the grief stricken girl, for although Amy’s sobs did not last, being more of an initial reaction to the shock she had had, than anything else, they were followed by a violent fit of shaking. Madge could do nothing more than hold the frightened child, murmuring soothing words to her. She could understand how Amy was feeling for she remembered all too well the devastating blow it had been when she received the news of the death of her own parents. She, at least, had had Dick for support and Joey to think about but Amy, as she reflected now, had no one. She paused in her reflections however, as the shaking having almost ceased, Amy stirred in her arms and sat up.
“I-I’m sorry,” she whispered. “You should be with your family. Th-they must be needing you by now,” there was a slight catch in Amy’s voice and Madge drew her close again.
“My family can take care of themselves,” she answered firmly. “They’ll be quite happy with their Aunt and if I know anything of Miss Wilson and Miss Annersley, they’ll be being spoilt rotten too!” There was a soft laugh as she finished and she glanced round to see no less a person than Miss Annersley standing there.
“I can’t vouch for Miss Wilson but I can assure you I am certainly not spoiling them rotten!” she remarked, with a laugh. “I’m afraid I didn’t even know you were here!”
“You didn’t? But, didn’t you see Joey?” Madge asked startled.
“Not even a glimpse,” the Head assured her. “I’ve been teaching since Break ended. I actually came to find out why Amy wasn’t in my lesson – no one seemed to know where you were,” she smiled at the girl, wondering what had happened. “I certainly searched hard enough for you.”
“S-sorry. I didn’t think you notice.” Amy whispered. “N-no one else does.” She added, in a murmur.
“I notice far more than you think.” the Head answered gently, her eyes very soft.
“D-do you? Y-you must know then.”
“Know what?” Miss Annersley asked, puzzled.
“Th-that I don’t have a Daddy anymore,” Amy answered. “There’s no one to notice me now – no one who wants to, anyway,” she ended, with a harsh laugh.
“Ssh,” Madge soothed her, as she held out the letter to the Head who read it through silently and then folding it up, laid it on Amy’s chest of drawers, coming to sit down on Amy’s other side. Amy looked at her, her blue eyes filled with tears.
“I-I’ve no one left now,” she whispered, through the tears that were pouring down her face. “M-maybe I’ll be next.”
“What do you mean?” Miss Annersley asked quickly, taking one of Amy’s hot hands in hers. Amy was not a girl she knew well, being too shy and quiet to do more than speak to when spoken to and had never yet been in trouble with either Head.
“God doesn’t like my family; he keeps killing them. Maybe I’ll be next,” Amy answered, a harsh note in her voice.
“You mustn’t think like that,” the Head answered gently. “No one can know God’s reasons; He moves in mysterious ways but He does it for our own good, although it may be hard for us to understand. Your mother was not strong and He knew she would not have had a good life if she had lived. Your father must have missed her very much and God will have seen that. Daddy died a hero, Amy, fighting against evil for his country and the freedom of Europe. He will be happy now, with your mother and they will know that you will be well looked after and cared for here. I know it doesn’t seem you have any reason to be anything other than angry, at the moment but it will pass. I’ve been there myself; I was thirteen when my brother fetched me home because my mother had died. Madame has been through it, her parents died when she was twelve and so has Miss Wilson. I know what I’m talking about but you can come and talk to me at any time. But please, Amy, do not feel your life is worthless or pointless. You are young yet and will achieve a lot before your life is over. God knows that and He has rewarded your father for taking care of you and putting aside his own unhappiness and loneliness by giving him the greatest gift of all – the gift of eternal life.” the Head paused for a few moments to give her words time to sink in. “Be brave, little girl and don’t be afraid to ask if you need help,” she added, dropping a kiss on Amy’s fair head.
“I d-don’t want to be left alone,” Amy whispered suddenly. “Don’t go,” she begged the two adults.
“Nobody’s going anywhere,” Madge reassured her gently. “Perhaps Miss Annersley would take us down to her sitting room?”
“Of course!” that lady responded instantly. “A cup of coffee and a nap on my sofa will do you the world of good, Amy. Don’t worry, there’s nobody to see you; everybody’s in lessons.”
“And perhaps you’d like to come and spend a few days with me, Amy?” Madge suggested gently.
“B-but w-what’s going to happen to me? Y-you won’t be able to keep me, will you? I’ll have to go to a children’s home.”
“You’ll do nothing of the sort,” Madge told her firmly. “The School is your guardian until you are of age, now and that means you stay with us. Your home will be wherever you choose; with me, if that is what you’d prefer, my sister, my brother –.”
“Or with myself and Miss Wilson.” Miss Annersley added gently. “You are welcome with any of us, Amy. But there is plenty of time to talk of this; you look exhausted and badly in need of a nap. Come along downstairs and we’ll see if we can’t make the sofa comfortable for you.”

 

#24:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 7:55 pm

Oh! Poor Amy. I'm glad that Madge and Hilda are looking after her so well.

 

#25:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 8:17 pm

Thanks Catherine, very apt after yesterday. I must say, I can so totally understand Amy's thoughts about God - I'm glad that she has Madge and Hilda to look after her and to try to console her. Looking forward to more when you are able.

 

#26:  Author: Guest,  PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 8:35 pm

Wow Catherine this is wonderful. I had tears in my eyes as I read it. And it's nice to see Madge taking charge once again. More please!!

 

#27:  Author: Steph, Location: Blackpool, Lancashire PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 8:40 pm

Oops that was me- got signed out Rolling Eyes I'll say it again for effect- more please! Laughing

 

#28:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 8:49 pm

*sobs* You had me in tears there Catherine...

 

#29:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 9:49 pm

Catherine that was wonderful, thankyou I'm sitting here crying and just glad Andy has gone to bed

 

#30:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 12:31 am

Thank you Catherine! And poor little Amy!

 

#31:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 8:07 am

catherine wrote:
Oh and Nicci - you can beg all your like but it ain't going to happen! Wink
It might when you get those PB's I sent Twisted Evil Catherine, that was really moving, Amy's thoughts about god are very understandable, and Hilda and Madge are being really lovely (as expected).

 

#32:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 3:10 pm

That was wonderful thank you Catherine. I can feel the comfort of Hilda and Madge myself

 

#33:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 3:16 pm

It was so good to see how Hilda and Madge comforted her, andsaid that they wanted her.

 

#34:  Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 5:59 pm

Oh poor Amy *sniffles* Madge is lovely and Miss Annersley just wonderful. Thank you Catherine.

 

#35:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 7:53 pm

Between them, Madge and Miss Annersley took the shaking girl downstairs, the sound of squeals and giggles reaching their ears as they passed the study. The two adults exchanged involuntary grins over Amy’s head, well aware that Nell Wilson would be enjoying herself as much, if not more than, the small fry. They made no comment, however but led Amy inside to the cool, airy sitting room. The Head left her to the care of Lady Russell whilst she quickly cleared the sofa and fetched cushions and a rug. Amy turned to Madge and buried her face in that lady’s shoulder, letting the warmth of Madge’s embrace soothe her as Madge slipped her arms round the girl and held her tightly.
“Don’t leave me, please.” Amy mumbled, clinging to Madge.
“I’ll still be here when you wake,” Madge reassured her gently. “You belong to us now, Amy and we’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy. Now, Miss Annersley is ready for you so come and lie down.” They soon had Amy safely tucked up on the sofa and Madge sat by her, stroking her hair until the girl fell asleep. Neither the Head nor Lady Russell spoke for a moment or two after this had happened, sitting instead in silence and reflecting upon the situation.
“She stays with us, that much is definite,” Madge spoke at last. “The question is, how do we help to come to terms with what has happened? And to rebuild her life?”
“We can’t, Madge, not yet,” Hilda Annersley spoke softly. “All we can do is support her in whatever way we can until she is ready to accept what has happened and move on. Then, and only then, can we help to rebuild her life. It will have been a huge shock to her and I don’t imagine she will be fit for anything for some days to come.”
“Would it best for her to come back with me?” Madge suggested.
“What about Josette and Ailie?” Hilda enquired. “Amy’s likely to be very upset at times; are you sure you want them in that kind of environment? Ailie may not be affected by it but Josette is old enough to realise all is not well and she’s a sensitive mite.”
“I know that,” Madge sighed. “Hilda, I love my children more than life itself but I cannot stand by whilst another child’s life collapses around her and do nothing.”
“Don’t you trust us, Madge?” Hilda raised her eyebrows.
“Of course I do!” Madge hastened to reassure her. “Hilda, I could not ask for two better Headmistresses than you and Nell or for a more excellent staff! The work you all do for this school has achieved more than I could have hoped for in my wildest dreams but when all is said and done this my school and I don’t intend to turn my back on any child that needs its help and therefore mine. You and Nell are two very understanding people, unusually understanding, but you are the Heads. You have the care of more than one pupil to consider during term time and however much you may want to, you can’t give Amy the undivided attention she may need over the coming weeks. I’m simply suggesting that it may be better for Amy to come home with me – to have a shoulder to cry on when she needs it. If she stays here, she’ll have that shoulder but she’ll have to wait until one or other of you is free to give it to her and you’ll worry in case she needs you, while she worries that she’s taking you away from others and that’s not good for any of you. Hilda, I’m not trying to take her from you; she is under your guardianship whilst she is here and ultimately it is for you and she to decide what happens next,” Madge ended gently.
“If Amy’s happy to go with you, then you may have her.” Hilda answered. “I agree with what you’ve said and Amy will find it easier to talk to you. She’s a very shy girl and Nell and I, by virtue of our positions are removed from her. But I don’t think you should keep her beyond a week or so; the distraction of her schoolwork will help her after the first few days. Now, I think it might be best if I find out just what sort of havoc your young family is creating!” She stood up with a laugh and Madge laughed too.
“I don’t suppose it has anything to do with my family!” she retorted. “Far more likely to be Nell! She’s worse than you are for spoiling those children!” Hilda Annersley chuckled as she got to her feet.
“Are you coming to see the fun?” she enquired. “Amy won’t wake for a while, I shouldn’t think and we’re near enough to hear her if she does.”
“Well I don’t suppose a peep will do any harm,” Madge agreed and together they slipped quietly out of the room, slowly and silently opening the study door, where they stood in some amusement, surveying the scene before them.

 

#36:  Author: Dot, Location: Ireland PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 7:57 pm

Go on! Please!?!

 

#37:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 8:00 pm

Some beautiful posts there, Catherine, thank you.

 

#38:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 8:18 pm

Please may WE see the scene before them?

 

#39:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 8:27 pm

“Well, Miss Wilson!” Miss Annersley spoke mock sternly as she surveyed her floor which was strewn with pieces of paper covered in children’s drawings. Her co-Head was sitting on the floor, in what could only be described as a most inelegant position, her face alight with laughter, the triplets clasping various parts of her, with her hair tumbled down below her shoulders whilst Josette was sitting at her aunt’s feet, giggling madly with her little sister, who was pointing and exclaiming, in her lap. At the sight of Miss Annersley, the five little ones came running to greet her whilst Miss Wilson, suddenly realising her underwear was on show to all and sundry, hastily stood up, pulling her skirt straight. The other adults thoughtfully spared her blushes, Miss Annersley stooping down to hug and talk to the small girls while Joey demanded to know how Madge had got on with Amy.

Madge filled both her and Miss Wilson, who had heard about Amy from Joey and had recovered herself sufficiently to join in the conversation, in on the details and after expressing their sympathy for the child, Joey made a suggestion. “Let me have Josette and Ailie for the rest of the week, Madge.” She suggested. “It will give Amy the chance to get over her first grief without upsetting the kiddies and you can give her your undivided attention.”

“I don’t know.” Madge cast a glance at Josette, who came running up to her mother at that point, arms stretched out for a hug. She stooped and picked the girl up, Josette nestling contentedly into her mother’s arms. Ever since a nasty accident two or three years ago, Josette had been in the company of her mother a lot and was inclined to be clingy. Even now, Madge was reluctant to let Josette out of her sight for more than a few hours.

Jo knew this. “Let me have her, Madge.” She said gently. “You know I love her and Ailie as much as my own children. Jack will be on hand and I promise to take care of her – you can see her every day if you want but let her stay with me. It will be better for her than listening to Amy’s sobs and better for Amy not to worry about upsetting the little ones. You’d like to come and stay with Auntie Jo, wouldn’t you, pet?”

She tickled Josette under the chin and the damsel nodded. “Love you, Auntie Jo.” She informed her aunt. “But not forever. I love Mummy better you see.”

“So I should hope!” Her mother retorted. “Very well! If my lady wants to stay with her aunt she can! Ailie too.”

“Good. What about Sybs?” Josette referred to her elder sister, a member of the Chalet School.

“Sybil has to stay at school, pet.” Joey answered. “But if you ask very nicely, I’m sure Auntie Hilda will let you see her now.” The Head, who had Ailie snuggled up in her arms, came forward at this and Josette put her request forward. She acquiesced and led all the small fry away to find Sybil leaving Madge free to go back to Amy.

 

#40:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 8:43 pm

AW I like the small fry - very real. Good story this.

 

#41:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 9:01 pm

Wonderful description Catherine! Laughing

 

#42:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 9:13 pm

Two lovely posts thank you Very Happy Its good to see that though Amy feels alone, there are many people who are willing to offer her love.

 

#43:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire/Bangor PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 9:46 pm

Please don't let Amy wake up whilst Madge and Hilda are gone...

 

#44:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 8:37 am

Thank you for the last couple of posts catherine. They were lovely and very real.

 

#45:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 10:42 am

Lovely, thank you Catherine. Very real, loved the small fry and Nell playing with them!

 

#46:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 3:08 pm

This is highly impressive Catherine - you managed to move between tragedy and comedy seamlessly.

 

#47:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 3:12 pm

Love this, Catherine, so lots more, please.

 

#48:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 4:22 pm

This is lovely Catherine, looking forward to seeing how Madge helps Amy cope with her grief.

 

#49:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 4:28 pm

Thank you Catherine, I'm really enjoying this. I gues it was bound to have happened to some of the girls and it's good to see how well the school react.

 

#50:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 4:46 pm

Aww, that was lovely Catherine Smile

 

#51:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 5:25 pm

Catherine, that was a wonderful blend of comedy and sweetness! thank you!

 

#52:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 10:59 pm

Thank you Catherine, this is excellent. I was glad to see Joey offering to help by taking Ailie and Jossette rather trhan demanding that Amy be sent to her.

 

#53:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 6:35 pm

Amy was still sleeping when Madge returned to her, much to that lady’s relief for she had dreaded lest Amy should think she had broken her promise to stay with the girl. She carefully tucked the rug more firmly round Amy and then settled down to think about the situation. Memories of her own grief returned to her but she forced herself to consider them objectively and think about the ways in which people around her did help her and could have helped her more. She knew that her main help had been the need to look after her baby sister and fully agreed with the Head’s suggestion that Amy should be allowed to return to school once the first few days were over so that the distraction of schoolwork could help her. Joey’s appearance interrupted her musings and she looked up with a smile as Joey settled herself next to her.
“Thank you for having the children,” she said softly.
“It’s the least I can do,” Joey answered, just as softly. “That poor child, Madge, how will she cope?”
“As others have done before her and as others will do in the future – with the support and comfort of those around her,” Madge answered gently. “And time is a great healer of its own – she will never forget but she will come to accept and to remember without sadness.”
“And until she does,” Hilda Annersley spoke from the doorway, “we must all do everything we can to help her.”
“This war has a lot to answer for.” Joey said, after a moment’s silence.
“It does but the tide has turned and we are winning it,” Madge answered firmly. “Hilda, what of Amy’s friends? Are you going to tell them?”
“Amy has no special friends but I will tell the school at large at Prayers tonight,” Hilda answered. “She’s a very shy girl and I hope that if I tell them now, by the time she does return to the fold, they will have had time to come to terms with it and not bombard her with questions. Now, delighted as I am to see both of you and the children, the atmosphere of the School at the moment is not suitable for small children. Take them home, Joey and try to forget about this wretched war, as far as you are able. Please God, it will one day soon be over.” As she ended, Amy began to stir and both she and Joey swiftly left the room, leaving Madge to get up and go to bend over the girl.
“Hello. How are you feeling?” she smiled gently at the girl who took a moment of two to wake up properly.
“I just want my Daddy!” Amy burst into tears as she remembered her situation.
“Hush!” Madge hastily helped the sobbing girl to sit up, sitting down next to her and wrapping her arms round her, rocking her gently until the sobs gradually lessened and eventually stopped. “Amy, how would you like to come home with me for a week or so?” she asked then, brushing Amy’s hair away from her face.
“W-what about y-your children?”
“Joey has asked for them; she’ll have them until the end of the week at least.” Madge answered. “You don’t need to worry about them, Amy. Tell me what you would like to do.”
“I-I don’t know,” Amy mumbled just as the Head reappeared, a cup of steaming coffee in her hands.
“Why don’t I leave you to have a chat with Miss Annersley?” Madge suggested, getting to her feet. “I must say goodbye to Josette and Ailie and I haven’t seen my Sybil yet either.”
“S-sorry,” Amy whispered.
“What on earth for?” Madge demanded, sitting down again for a moment.
“K-keeping you away f-from your f-family.”
“Amy, I’ve already told you, my family are more than capable of surviving without me,” Madge said gently. “You have nothing to apologise for, I’m glad to be able to help.” She gave the girl a quick hug. “Now, here’s Miss Annersley,” she released the girl into the care of the Head who sat down, pressing the cup of coffee into Amy’s hands with a smile.
“Drink that, you’ll feel better for it,” she smiled. “I expect you feel cold inside and out at the moment.”
“I-I just want my Daddy,” Amy whispered.
“I know you do,” the Head put her arm round the girl. “I don’t think there’s anything I can say at the moment that will help you – try to remember that he is with God and your mother. They are happy together once more.” Amy said nothing in reply to this and the Head glanced down at her. “Amy, you and I don’t know each other very well; I’ve not had much occasion to talk to you but if you’re troubled by anything at all, not just at the moment but at any point in the future, don’t be afraid to come and talk to me,” she said gently. “I can’t promise to know all the answers but I can promise to do whatever I can to help, remember that.”
“Th-thank you,” Amy shivered slightly and the Head bade her have her coffee.
“Are you going to go home with Madame?” Miss Annersley queried, once the coffee was gone.
“I d-don’t know,” Amy murmured once more.
“If you don’t want to, you don’t have to,” the Head told her gently. “Nobody will mind if you choose to stay here.”
“I-I don’t know if she really wants me,” Amy whispered.
“She does. She told me so; in fact she insisted that she be allowed to take you home with her for a few days if that’s what you felt you wanted. You needn’t worry over that, Amy. You would be made very welcome but at the same time, if you don’t want to go and you would rather stay here, then you must say.”
“W-what do you want me to do?” Amy looked up at Miss Annersley anxiously.
“I would like you to do the thing that will make you most happy,” the Head answered gently. “I have no objection at all to you going home with Madame, I shan’t mind at all. Equally, I will be more than happy for you to stay here. Which would you like to do? Would you like to go with Lady Russell? You would? Well that’s settled then. You go home with her and have a few quiet days. You don’t have to come back to school until you’re ready but if either myself or Miss Wilson can help you in any way at all in the meantime, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“C-could I have a hug, please?” Amy stammered.
“With pleasure,” the Head answered promptly, wrapping her arms round the girl and drawing her close. “Be brave, darling,” she said tenderly as Amy gave a muffled sob and buried her face in Miss Annersley’s shoulder. “You will get through this, I promise.” She held the girl tightly until Madge’s return and not long after that saw Amy being tucked into Madge’s car and driven away to the Round House, where it was hoped she would start to come to terms with her tragedy.

 

#54:  Author: Steph, Location: Blackpool, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 8:00 pm

Wow Catherine, this is just so moving and powerful. You've managed to descibe what Amy is going through perfectly. Am loving this, thanks for the nice long post Smile

 

#55:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 8:13 pm

That was so amazing, and very moving. Poor Amy, I can sympathise with her fear of being in the way. Though Madge is doing a wonderful job caring for her, something in me, wants or thinks that Hilda and Nell between them are perfectly suited for caring for Amy.

 

#56:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 8:39 pm

This is so sad, I can imagine that it is really difficult to write.

 

#57:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 9:59 pm

*crying* Wonderful.

 

#58:  Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 10:10 pm

fab thanks poor amy

 

#59:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 6:47 am

Catherine, thank you.

 

#60:  Author: pim, Location: the Derbyshire wilderness PostPosted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 11:53 am

*sniffling* Catherine this is excellent, thank you.

 

#61:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 10:59 am

Lovely Catherine. Thank you! Poor Amy, but at least she knows that Madge and Hilda are there for her, so she's not entirely alone.

 

#62:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 11:27 am

wow, Catherine, I'm lost for words. I'll come back and post again when my emotions are less wobbly.

 

#63:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 9:04 pm

Slightly off the theme here, but never mind. Glad you're all enjoying it but I don't expect it to be too much longer - it's far longer than I ever intended as it is. Nicci - Evil or Very Mad

On arrival at the Round House, Amy was shown to the pretty bedroom Peggy and Bride Bettany shared during the holidays. She was too tired to do anything more than agree to the hot bath and light supper that Madge proposed and two hours after her arrival at the Round House, she was fast asleep in bed. Amy spent much of the next few days sleeping but she would generally awake crying out for her father and many was the occasion on which Madge dropped what she was doing and flew to take the sobbing girl in her arms and give her what comfort she could. Her best source of comfort, however, proved to be Sir James or Dr. Jem as he was still known at the school. He had been rather surprised when he had returned home to find his daughters were nowhere to be seen and that they had a house guest but as soon as Madge had appraised him of the situation, he fully approved of her decision.
“Good for you, Madge!” he approved. “A home environment and some peace and quiet for a few days is far better than any medicine I could prescribe!” he paused. “Madge, do you miss your teaching? Do you resent me for taking you away from it?”
“No! Absolutely not!” Madge exclaimed instantly. “What on earth made you think that? Jem, you and our children are my life and I would not change that for the worlds! I love you – I have since the first day we met,” she embraced him gently and he held her to him. “Do you think I’m unhappy, Jem?” she asked him.
“No but I look at how successful that school of yours is and knowing it’s all down to you, I feel guilty for ever taking you away from it – especially at times like this.”
“But it isn’t all down to me, Jem,” Madge answered earnestly. “I may have established it but I was only Head for the first few years or so. We’ve been lucky with our staff; Therese was a wonderful Head and I couldn’t ask for more from either Hilda Annersley or Nell Wilson and the staff in general are so wonderfully supportive. The Chalet School’s success really has nothing to do with me and as for times like this, when all is said and done, I still own the school and as a married woman and mother, with a home of her own, I can sometimes offer girls more support or a different kind of support to that they would find in school. I know it is generally Joey who does so but - .”
“You are just as capable, if not more so and since it is your school, you feel more responsibility towards the girls within it,” Jem finished. “You’re wrong, Madge. The success of that school is entirely yours – it is down to you and your ideals. You established and epitomised those when it really mattered and the staff you had at the time, followed your ideals and expectations and passed them on. They respected you and loved you, which is why it is still successful today and I’m a very lucky man.”
“I know it,” Madge chuckled and he laughed.
“All the same, all this has nothing to do with Amy,” he remarked. “Would you like me to keep out of her way?”
“Why on earth?” Madge stared at him.
“If she’s lost her father, my presence may be nothing more than a reminder of what she has lost,” he explained gently. “She will look at me and be reminded that other girls still have fathers.”
“I hadn’t thought of that,” Madge confessed. “All the same, Jem, this is your house and you can’t creep around and hide for fear of upsetting her. Come and meet her when she’s awake and if your presence distresses her too much, we’ll think again.”

 

#64:  Author: Guest,  PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 9:09 pm

Wonderful stuff Laughing Thank you Catherine

 

#65:  Author: Steph, Location: Blackpool, Lancashire PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 9:11 pm

I seem to have a habit of not noticing when I've been logged out Rolling Eyes Anyway, as I said, this is a great story Smile

 

#66:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 9:15 pm

Truly marvellous, thank you for showing a more caring and understanding side to Jem, his words to Madge was so lovely Very Happy

 

#67:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 9:45 pm

how thoughtful of Jem, but I don't think he needs to worry about Amy's reaction to him. *hopes not anyway* Catherine, does Amy have any other relatives?

 

#68:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 9:55 pm

How lovely of Jem, both for what he said about Madge and thinking of Amy. Thank you Catherine! Laughing

 

#69:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 10:43 pm

Thank you. I love that depiction of Jem, being so caring and lovely to Madge.

 

#70:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 11:46 pm

That was very thoughtful of Jem, sounds like a wonderful husband to Madge and I can see him being helpful for Amy too. Thanks for the new bit

 

#71:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 1:35 am

Awwww! Catherine, your Jem is so sweet! Makes a change to have a nice Jem.....

 

#72:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 3:53 am

Thank you, Catherine! It's nice to see Madge & Jem interacting this way.

 

#73:  Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand PostPosted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 9:54 am

Catherine, this is just beautiful. I'm sitting here with tears rolling down my face. Looking forward to reading more when you post it.

 

#74:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 2:53 pm

How nice to see a kind, thoughtful Jem instead of the medicine-pushing autocrat.

 

#75:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Jun 17, 2004 9:43 am

Catherine this is a really beautiful story. I have had to read it a piece at a time as it really made me cry. It brought back memories of how I felt when my dad died. It must have been horrendous to write. Thank you fo doing so.

 

#76:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Sat Jun 19, 2004 7:17 pm

Not a long post this time, sorry. Thanks for all the comments but I'm dreadfully sorry it has upset people and stirred up memories - it wasn't meant to be more than two or three posts and I never thought it might upset people. Sad

It was the day after her arrival that Amy met Jem. She had just roused from a nap when Madge appeared with a cup of coffee for her, her husband behind her.
“Awake?” Madge greeted Amy cheerfully. “I’ve brought you a cup of coffee and someone to meet you. I don’t think you’ve met my husband, have you?”
“She hasn’t,” Jem himself answered. “She’s been lucky enough to escape any treatment at my hands so far! You must be a very healthy person, Amy!” he twinkled at her and got a shy half smile in return.
“I-I’m s-sorry,” Amy stammered suddenly.
“What are you sorry for?” Jem asked gently, coming further into the room.
“S-stopping you a-and M-Madame from b-being alone,” Amy’s eyes filled with tears as she spoke and Jem came to her. He stooped and as if she were no older than Josette, swung her up in his arms, carrying her over to the armchair in the corner of the room and sitting down with her on his knee. He said nothing but he held her tightly, letting her drench his shirt with her sobs and eventually fall asleep against him. Over the course of the next few days, Madge would often find him either cuddling Amy as she sobbed or talking to her with gentle fatherly kindness.
“Amy, I don’t intend to try to replace your father,” he said to her gently, on one occasion. “I could never do that but I want you to know that if at any time now, or in the future, you want the kind of advice or comfort a father can give, then you have only to come to me. You belong to the School now, which means that you belong to Madge and myself so you needn’t feel awkward about coming to me,” he smiled gently at her. “I know it feels strange and very lonely now, but you need never fear of being left alone – you have a world of people just waiting to help you. Don’t ever forget that.”
“I-I w-won’t,” Amy had whispered and he had kissed her forehead in a fatherly manner and left her to get some sleep.

“Madge, what exactly is happening about Amy’s legal affairs?” he demanded whilst Amy was sleeping. “What’s happening about the sale of the house and its contents? Presumably Amy will have things she wants from the house.”
“I should imagine so,” Madge answered. “At the moment, all I know is that her father’s solicitor is dealing with the matter. There are no other relations so everything comes to Amy but at the moment, I think the idea of clearing the house is one she is not ready for.”
“I agree there,” Jem agreed. “I just wondered to what the extent of our guardianship of Amy, as regards the house and the settling of her father’s affairs, is.”
“The solicitor said he would deal with it all and let us know the latest date by which any personal possessions would need to removed. He offered to pack the lot up and send it here but I refused – it would be far too expensive and I suspect that Amy needs to see the house one last time – if only to say goodbye. Either myself or Hilda and or Nell will accompany her. If I do it, though, I should think Amy would be very glad or your company. She’s rather taken to you and I think you have to her.” Madge smiled at her husband and he laughed.
“She’s a lovely girl and she’s feeling the lack of her father very badly – I can’t be her father but I can try to treat her as a father would and I think it will help her to come to accept that she’s not alone and that there are plenty of people around to help her.”

 

#77:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Jun 19, 2004 7:37 pm

awwwww!!! Catherine, that was so sweet!

 

#78:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Jun 19, 2004 7:45 pm

that was very lovely Catherine. Thanks It's sop nice to see the caring side of Jem.

 

#79:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Jun 19, 2004 7:48 pm

Jem is so lovely Very Happy I'm really glad to see his fatherly side, thank you Catherine

 

#80:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jun 19, 2004 8:24 pm

That was beautiful, Jem was a real star! Catherine, I know this has stirred up memories from people -but I think it's the same as when I was writing 'My Friend'- the memories make you sad, make you cry, but they are still needed, and they lead on to the good memories remind you of the good times. Thank you.

 

#81:  Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand PostPosted: Sat Jun 19, 2004 10:29 pm

Catherine, thank you. This is just beautiful. I love the way you've shown Jem's compassionate side - it's easy to forget about that facet of his character at times - especially when reading the drabbles.

 

#82:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Jun 20, 2004 2:25 pm

Jem is being so nice in this drabble-yay! I think that you have demonstrated the true way in which EBD meant Madge and Jem's relationship to be portrayed!

 

#83:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Mon Jun 21, 2004 5:16 pm

It's beautiful Catherine. I love seeing Jem being a Father (or a nearly father anyway).

 

#84:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 2:51 pm

Thank you Catherine. Glad Amy has Jem to rely on as well as Madge and Hilda. Sorry If I upset you by saying about this stirring memories - it is a good thing, for me anyway. I just wish you had written it a year ago as it would have helped me get rid of a lot of bottled up stuff. Please don't let our comments put you off writing, if this or any other drabble stirred bad memories for me then I would stop reading it. Thank you again for writing it.

 

#85:  Author: Elisabeth,  PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 3:56 pm

This is so so lovely Catherine and you are such an amazing writer! I love seeing Jem portrayed as nice for once. I really think this was the way EBD meant her readers to see him. Also love Joey just helping out as she's needed instead of pushing herself forward.

 

#86:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 9:55 pm

I wasn't upset, Susan, just worried. Don't worry you've not put me off writing! This bit really is shorter - RL getting in the way at the moment as most of you have probably worked out! Evil or Very Mad ]

There were indeed and many were the anxious enquiries about Amy that arrived at the Round House, taking the form of letters and phone calls and at the weekend, the Head herself appeared. Amy got up from the settee where she had been playing dominoes with Jem and came over shyly and somewhat unsteadily, since she was spending most of her time in bed or lying on the settee, to greet the Head.
“Am I interrupting your game?” Miss Annersley asked, with a smile and a twinkle.
“Not in the least.” Jem answered, as Amy crossed the room. “In fact, you’ve come in the nick of time – just in time to stop me from letting her win!” he ended on a chuckle as Amy involuntarily threw him an indignant look and the Head laughed.
“You mean Amy’s too quick and clever in her movements and you can’t think quickly enough to keep up with her.” She retorted.
“How rude!” Jem said disdainfully.
“But how true!” Madge interrupted, laughing. “You might be a very good doctor, Jem Russell, but your talents do not extend to dominoes as you very well know! There’s certainly no chance of you letting Amy win! Now stop talking such nonsense and come and help me get some refreshments for our visitor!” She took her husband’s hand and pulled him out of his seat, leading him out the room where he, being totally blind to the fact that his wife wanted to give Amy and Hilda some time alone, stopped and stared at her.
“What on earth have you raced me out of the room for?” he demanded. “Goodness knows what Hilda must think!”
“Oh you men!” Madge groaned. “Did it not cross your mind that Hilda might like some time with Amy alone? Amy’s been with us for most of the week and since Hilda has come all this way to see her, the least we can do is step back and give the pair of them a chance to talk to each other, uninterrupted and unobserved! After all,” she added wisely, “Amy will have to go back to School at some point and when she does, she will need someone she can turn to for support if she needs it. Hilda, as her headmistress, and Nell, who I know intends to come another time, are best placed to do it but both need to build Amy’s confidence and trust in them so that she is able to ask for help when she needs it. Amy isn’t a girl they have had a lot to do with, except in lessons and neither of them know her as well as they do a lot of the other girls. She’s also very shy and unconfident but if she is to be happy at the school, it is now necessary that she knows she can and feels able to, go to Hilda and or Nell for comfort, support and advice.”
“I hadn’t thought of all that,” Jem said blankly. “But then you women have to have your uses somewhere down the line don’t you?” he ducked as he finished for Madge had picked up a newspaper and was swiping him with it. “All right, all right!” he groaned, fending off her advances as well as he could. “I take it back!”
“I should think so too!” Madge retorted. “Pity nobody else is here though – it’s not every day the mighty Sir James Russell is reduced to begging for mercy on his knees!” she ended with a wicked grin removing herself to the safety of the kitchen before he could do more than vow revenge upon her!

 

#87:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 10:11 pm

Ah Catherine, that's what the Russell's marriage should be like *all warm and fuzzy* Hope the RL problems are resolved soon and the pillocks stop being so pillocky.

 

#88:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 10:31 pm

Awwww! That was a lovely bit! Thanks Catherine. Kiss

 

#89:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2004 1:55 am

Aww. Madge and Jem are lovely together. They sound like a happily married couple rather than our usual depictions of the Russells Very Happy

 

#90:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2004 8:41 am

I love Madge and Jem in this! Very Happy

 

#91:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2004 10:06 am

Its lovely to see Jem and Madge portrayed asa they should have been!! I also loved Jem's inability to see why Madge was dragging from the room - very EBD!!

 

#92:  Author: Elisabeth,  PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2004 11:45 am

This is completely and utterly wonderful!

 

#93:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2004 11:19 pm

Ally wrote:
I also loved Jem's inability to see why Madge was dragging from the room - very EBD!!
Never mind very EBD - very male Wink (apologies to those males from the CBB)

 

#94:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 9:23 am

Well, what a different Jem, and how good to see them in a etype of relationship from the usual portrayal on this board. He's more like the Jem in 'Rescue' here.

 

#95:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Jun 25, 2004 4:06 am

Loved the Madge-Jem exchange here. hammer RL interference.

 

#96:  Author: Elisabeth,  PostPosted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 4:29 pm

Is there any more?

 

#97:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 8:26 pm

Miss Annersley, meanwhile, had turned to greet her shy, anxious looking pupil with a smile.
“How are you, Amy?” she asked as the girl reached her.
“I-I’m all right,” Amy smiled bravely at her Head who stooped and kissed her. She noticed the rather wistful look on Amy’s face as she did so, and guessing at the reason for it, gently drew her into her arms. Amy buried her face in Miss Annersley’s shoulder, clinging to her until the Head gently released her and with a guiding arm around her, led her to sit down again.
“How are you, really?” she asked gently, sitting with her arm round Amy, who shrugged her shoulders, biting her lips as she tried hard to keep the tears back. “Can I do anything to help?” Miss Annersley still spoke gently.
“I-it sounds stupid.”
“What does?” the Head queried. “What is it you want, Amy? I’m quite sure there’s nothing stupid about it, whatever you might think.”
“I-I just want to be held,” Amy whispered. “I-I’m scared.”
“What are you scared of?” Miss Annersley asked gently, drawing Amy closer and letting her lean against her shoulder.
“B-being left alone a-and having n-no one t-to love me,” Amy whispered.
“You need never fear that,” Hilda Annersley’s beautiful voice deepened. “You will never be left alone, Amy, you have my word on that. And although we cannot love you in the way your father did, we will look after you, take care of you, help you, listen to you, talk to you, forgive you your mistakes as a parent would. One day, I hope, you will find a man who will love you and protect you and possibly even have a family yourself but we will always be here in the background, ready to help and advise, comfort and support. You have myself and Miss Wilson, Sir James and Madame, Dr and Mrs Maynard, Mr and Mrs Bettany who are all prepared to offer you a home and help you in whichever way we can. Never ever be scared of being alone and unloved Amy – it will not happen.”
“A-are you sure?”
“Absolutely positive,” the Head assured her. “It will be the summer holidays in three or four weeks and although Miss Wilson and myself have a certain amount of work to do at school, we are planning to go to Dartmouth for a month. Would you like to come with us?” Amy said nothing for a minute or two, she was secretly rather afraid of both Heads, not having come into contact with either on anything other than formal occasions or lessons – the day she had found out the news had been the first time she had had any individual contact with either Head. “If you would rather stay here, Amy, nobody will object,” the Head said gently. “It’s an offer – we are going and would love to have your company but if you would rather stay here, that is fine.”
“I-it’s not that. I-it’s just,” Amy began confusedly.
“It’s just what?” the Head prodded.
“Y-you’re b-both s-so scary,” Amy blurted out.

 

#98:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 9:36 pm

*lol at the last line!* I love Amy's honesty - I can't help thinking that in happier times she could be quite an entertaining character. Thanks Catherine!

 

#99:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 9:53 pm

Awwwwwww!!!!!! Bless! Amy is such a sweetie!

 

#100:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 9:57 pm

Awwww! Please Catherine hurry up and post Hilda's reply to that!

 

#101:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 5:53 am

In Amy's position, I'd have felt the same! Ordinary teachers could be scary enough, let alone heads. Joey or (now that she's not head) Madge would be a much more attractive option.

 

#102:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 8:31 am

Poor, poor Amy, she needs so much reassurance. she might be better with a family of young ones.

 

#103:  Author: Elisabeth,  PostPosted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 8:32 pm

Amy is so so precious and sweet. It makes me want to cuddle her.

 

#104:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Jun 29, 2004 1:42 pm

It happened to far too many children during the war, unfortunately.

 

#105:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Tue Jun 29, 2004 2:52 pm

wonderful Catherine.

 

#106:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2004 1:53 pm

So lovely Catherine. More tears to the eyes. Waiting with bated breath for Hilda's reaction to Amy's statement. Feel she would be better off with the Bettany's or the Russells who will have children nearer Amy's age.

 

#107:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Thu Jul 01, 2004 9:21 pm

Not very sure about this one but here you are.

The Head was stunned into silence for a moment after this confession; she was well ware that most of the girls regarded both herself and Miss Wilson in a certain amount of awe, but it had not crossed her mind that either of them were scary – at least not to a girl who had never been in any sort of trouble with them. Her silence alarmed poor Amy, who had regretted her words the moment they were out and now dissolved into floods of tears, convinced the Head would view it as cheek and be angry – whereas the Head was only trying to recover from her shock and find the right words.
“Amy, it’s all right,” she spoke quickly as she realised the extent of Amy’s distress and the reason for it. “I’m not angry, you weren’t being cheeky. You just surprised me that’s all! I’m quite used to girls being scared when they’re standing before me waiting for me to punish them for whatever crime they’ve committed but,” and Hilda’s voice grew very gentle, “you’ve never been in any trouble with either of us. What have we done or said to make you scared of us?”
“I don’t know,” Amy sobbed. “You’re the Heads. I’m sorry.”
“No, don’t be sorry,” Hilda said gently. “I’m very glad you’ve told me. Amy, please don’t be scared of me. I know I’m your Headmistress and that Heads are generally viewed as stern and fierce – and I can be both, I know, but only when it’s necessary and never with any girl who would upset herself badly over it,” she paused. “Amy, tell me something - if Lady Russell had not found you, would you have come to one of us and told us what had happened?” she asked gently. “Be honest,” she added.
“I d-don’t know. I d-don’t think so,” Amy answered honestly. “I can’t help it!” she added sobbing. “I only see you in lessons and you’re both always so strict and stern!”
“Oh Amy!” Hilda pulled Amy properly into her arms. “We have to be strict and stern in lessons or you people would never learn anything! If we were relaxed and casual, some of you would play endless tricks or distract us by asking meaningless questions or starting a discussion on an everyday topic! It’s necessary to keep you all in order and focused on what you are learning. But Amy, neither of us intend to make you scared! It isn’t intended to stop you coming to us if you need help. Neither of us would have been angry or disappointed with you for coming to ask for help; we’re only too happy to help and I’m more sorry than I can say that you feel unable to come for help.”
“It’s not you, it’s me,” Amy sobbed. “I’m just stupid.”
“No you’re not,” the Head soothed gently. “You’re confused, upset and frightened. You’re also a shy girl and I know it’s not the easiest thing for you to talk to people you’re not sure about. I’m sorry, Amy, if either of us had had any idea you were scared of us, we would have done something about it. Our paths haven’t crossed very much, though, as you said, so we don’t know each other as well as we might, certainly a lot of the others know myself and Miss Wilson better. We would never have refused you help though and we never will, so please don’t ever feel you must solve all your problems by yourself, there is no need. Come to one of us and ask for help,” the Head gently released Amy. “You have nothing to fear from me, Amy – from either of us – remember that and always know you can come to us for help whenever you need it.”

 

#108:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 01, 2004 9:36 pm

*huggles Amy*

 

#109:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 01, 2004 10:04 pm

That was lovely Catherine. Poor Amy! I hope something nice is going to happen to the bairn sometime soon.

 

#110:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 12:08 am

*huggles Amy* Poor kid, I can't imagine many girls who'd go to their Haed with problems. Good for Hilda though, she seems to be doing the best job she can.

 

#111:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 6:57 am

Poor Amy! Crying or Very sad And good response from Hilda - hope it works. Catherine - can't see any problem with that post!

Last edited by Lesley on Mon Jul 05, 2004 9:08 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#112:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 7:40 am

Poor Amy, but at least Hilda was understanding.

 

#113:  Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand PostPosted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 11:01 am

That was lovely, Catherine, and very believeable. The Headmistress is going to be a scary figure to a little girl like Amy.

 

#114:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 3:09 pm

Send sympathy and hugs to Amy Her reaction was so realistic, but I hope she gets to see their other side

 

#115:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 9:50 pm

that was great Catherine. So many of the cs girls knew Hilda and Nell through their families or old girls and for a young girl who simply and only knew them as headteachers, that was a very realistic attitude. I thought Hilda delt with it well, once again showing her depth of understanding. And hey, now that you've finished work, does this mean we get much more and more often?? Wink *ducks flying objects*

 

#116:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Jul 03, 2004 10:30 pm

Catherine this is lovely. Poor Amy. Looking forward to seeing how Hilda and Nell work out this one.

 

#117:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 8:58 pm

Evil or Very Mad Nicci

After the Head had gone, Amy retired to her room, saying very little to her hostess, who knowing nothing of the conversation that had passed, simply assumed she wanted a rest. An hour later, however, Amy had not reappeared and running up to check on her, Madge found her sobbing into her pillow and was quick to realise she’d been crying for some time.
“Amy, don’t cry like this,” she came to kneel down by the bed, stroking Amy’s hair. “Daddy wouldn’t want to see you so upset,” she said gently.
“I-it’s not him,” Amy sobbed.
“Well what is it then?” Madge asked gently. “What’s made you so upset?”
“M-Miss A-Annersley thinks I’m r-rude a-and u-ungrateful,” Amy sobbed.
“I’m sure she thinks no such thing!” Madge exclaimed. “What on earth makes you think she does?” Amy sobbed out the story of the Head’s invitation, her response and the ensuing conversation. Despite the Head’s reassurances, she couldn’t help but feel Miss Annersley was disappointed in her and that she had blotted her copybook in some way. “Amy, sit up,” Madge gently commanded when she had heard the full story. The girl obeyed and Madge sat down beside her, her arms round the poor, confused girl. “I’ve known Miss Annersley a long time and I can honestly say that she understands people far more than anybody else I know, except perhaps my sister, so I know that she will have understood that you weren’t being rude or ungrateful. You were very brave to be so honest with her and I know she’ll be so glad you were – now she knows that you find it difficult to talk to her and that you’re a little scared of her, she can start to put things right. As Headmistress, a part of her job is to help you girls with any problems you have and listen to you – if you feel you can’t talk to her then she needs to know that so that she can try to do something about it. I also know that if she was angry or disappointed with you, she would have told you so there and then. It sounds to me as though she did understand what you were saying and what you meant and she was doing her best to put it right. I’m sure she knows you realise it was a kind offer but she would far rather you told her you weren’t sure about accepting the offer than accepted it when you weren’t sure you wanted to. But how would it be if I called her and made sure? I’ll tell her you’re a bit worried you might have said the wrong thing and make sure she understands. Would that make you happier?” Amy nodded. “Well you run along to the bathroom and wash your face while I ring her, slip out of your dress as well and get into bed, I should think a nap is in order after all this crying,” Madge smiled at the girl. “I’ll be back before you go to sleep but don’t worry – I’m sure it will be fine.” she gave the girl a kiss and then left the room.

It was fine, although the Head was concerned to hear how upset Amy had been, but she made it clear that she had completely understood and was neither angry nor disappointed but very glad Amy had been able to tell her. “She will not mind whatever decision you make,” Madge told Amy gently, “it is entirely up to you and she’ll not force you at all.”
“I-I just don’t want to be on my own with them,” Amy confessed.
“I can understand that,” Madge agreed promptly. “How would it be if you were able to take a friend though? Would that make a difference?”
“I-I h-haven’t g-got a-any special friends; there isn’t anyone who’d want to come.”
“I’m sure you’ve more friends than you think but you leave it with me and I’ll see what I can do,” Madge promised. She tucked Amy in and sat quietly with her until she was asleep, slipping out as she heard a car pull up in the drive. Jem had gone out on some business of his own and Marie and Andreas and their family generally had the weekend off so she was anxious to get the door before Amy could be woken.

 

#118:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 8:59 pm

Her visitors were Joey and the children who all rushed at Madge as she appeared at the door. Josette and Ailie were hugged first and their mother scanned their appearance anxiously, wanting to make sure they were none the worse for their separation from her. They weren’t and were full of chatter, wanting to tell her everything they had been doing over the past few days and babbled happily as she turned her attention to her nieces and nephews and finally to her sister.
“It’s all right; we’ve not come for long,” Joey assured her. “I was anxious to know how you were getting on and I thought it might do you and the babes good to see each other again.”
“It’s wonderful to see you,” Madge smiled, giving her sister a hug. “Actually, I’m glad you’re here, you might be able to help. But come along in, all of you. Children if you want to go up to the nursery, you may but you must try to be quiet for Amy isn’t very well and she’s asleep in bed.”
“We’ll be quiet,” Josette promised.
“Who’s Amy?” Margot tipped her head on one side as she regarded her aunt. “Is she anuvver friend for us?”
“Is she as big as us?” Len demanded, standing very straight and the two adults laughed.
“She’s quite a lot bigger than you, my sweet.” Joey answered. “She’s fourteen.”
“Bigger than Peggy even.” Con’s eyes grew round.
“Only by a few months.” Madge smiled down at the small girls. “Peg’s birthday is in January and Amy was fourteen on the 1st of June.”
“Shall we meet her today?” Josette asked.
“I shouldn’t think so, pet,” Madge answered gently. “Amy’s Daddy died in the fighting a few days ago and she has no Mummy or brothers and sisters so she’s very upset and frightened.”
“But what will happen to her if she has no Mummy or Daddy or anything?” Len looked appalled.
“She has your Auntie Madge to look after her,” Joey answered. “And she might come and stay with us sometimes too. Now, off to the nursery with you! You can help Josette and Ailie find some toys to bring back with them! Scram!” she shooed them away and all but Josette ran off giggling. Josette went but with lagging footsteps and more than one longing look at her mother, who catching one, caught her up and swept her into a hug.
“It’s lovely to have you with me again, darling,” she began tenderly. “But Mummy wants to talk with Auntie Jo for a while. Will you go and look after the little ones for us and then we’ll come and play with you a bit later?”
“Promise?” Josette’s blue eyes were fixed on her mother.
“I promise,” Madge agreed and satisfied, Josette ran off quite happily. Madge watched her go and then turned to her sister anxiously.
“She’s loved every minute of it,” Joey answered, pre-empting the question. “She’s missed you but she’s been quite content to talk to you on the phone; we’ve had no tears and she’s been very happy so don’t worry, Madge. I’m sorry I brought them though, I wouldn’t have if I’d known it would upset her.”
“Don’t apologise, Joey, it’s lovely to see them again and I could do with a sounding board,” Madge said quickly. “All the same, perhaps it might be wise to leave them here now - this is their home after all. Amy’s better than she was and the distraction might do her good. Come and I’ll make us some tea and then we’ll talk.”

 

#119:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 9:11 pm

Thanks Catherine - lovely to see more of this! Smile

 

#120:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 9:19 pm

*contented*

 

#121:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 9:28 pm

Aww the young ones are so lovely. I hope Amy realises Hilda didn't mind soon.

 

#122:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 11:16 pm

Just caught up with this - thanks Catherine. It's not the easiest drabble to read at the moment - but in an odd way it's making me feel better and worse at the same time. Sorry, I know that doesn't make sense - I wish I had a Madge or Miss Annersley though. And thanks for making Jem nice!

 

#123:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 3:07 pm

Thank you, Catherine, this is very sensitively written.

 

#124:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 2:51 pm

2 lovely posts Catherine. Nice to see Madge so understanding. Hope they can help Amy find a friend of her own age soon, also hope they don't send any of the clan with Amy to Hilda and Nell's as the familiarity someone like Peggy would have with the Heads due to the family connection could scare her even more.

 

#125:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 8:14 pm

Catherine, that's lovely as we all know to expect from you!!! More soon...

 

#126:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 10:33 pm

Aren't the trips sweet when they're little!!! You've captured them perfectly. *Runs away again before Joey tells her off for talking about "the trips"!*

 

#127:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 9:50 am

Lovely lovely lovely. And for the first time EVER, I actually like Jem! Miracles do happen! More please! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 

#128:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield PostPosted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 7:03 pm

I've just found this story and I think it's wonderful. I feel sorry for poor Amy, but I'm sure that Madge and the Heads will look after her well. I also love the very open and supportive relationship that Madge and Jem have in this story. Star Wars

 

#129:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 9:18 pm

“Well?” Joey enquired, once they were settled. “How is she really?”
“Doing as well as could be expected,” Madge answered. “She and Jem are on their way to becoming good friends and she’s losing her shyness with me. She still has episodes of crying and brooding but they’re getting fewer.”
“So what is it then?”
“Hilda suggested she might like to spend a few days at Dartmoor with herself and Nell but Amy isn’t very happy about the idea and blurted out that she was scared of the two of them.”
“Yes, I suppose she would be,” Joey said thoughtfully. “She’s fourteen; not old enough to see either of them as anything other than Headmistresses – people who are in charge of discipline and have the right to punish girls who flout the rules. I know that Hilda and Nell are out of the ordinary as Heads go – they’re far more understanding than most but Amy is too young to appreciate that and by all accounts she’s never seen them in any other capacity than a teaching one.”
“You’re not saying it would have been better if she’d been in trouble with them, surely?” Madge asked, surprised.
“I think I might be,” Joey said thoughtfully. “Fear of the unknown. She’s never seen either of them cross with her, be it as an individual or as part of a group and I’m quite sure that those that have, have embellished their stories until they are tales of horror! I know that’s what we did and I daresay Middles haven’t changed in that respect! Anyway, my point is that she hasn’t seen them at their most fierce and neither has she seen them when they’re doing anything other than teaching. She doesn’t know how gentle, kind and understanding they can be – she’ll know that Nell is renowned for her sarcastic tongue and indeed has probably experienced it in class and Hilda hasn’t been there for the past two years, so there’s not been very much chance for Amy to get to know her. I can understand why Amy is scared of them and I think it was very brave of her to admit to it. How did Hilda take it?”
“From what she told me, she was stunned into silence for a moment and then Amy burst into tears, thinking she was in trouble. Hilda took it quite calmly and did what she could to comfort and reassure Amy that she wasn’t in trouble and she did the right thing to tell her but she didn’t convince her.” Madge explained how she had found Amy. “I called Hilda to make sure and I think I finally convinced Amy she wasn’t in trouble – at any rate, she’s sleeping now. Hilda was worried when she heard and she’s promised she’ll come back and talk to Amy when she can but I’m more concerned about Hilda herself.”
“Why?” Joey asked, puzzled. “Hilda’s all right, isn’t she? She’s quite fit?”
“Yes, oh yes!” Madge hastened to reassure her. “But when you make someone an offer like that, to know or feel that they don’t like the idea, can be hurtful and knowing Hilda and Nell, they’ll feel they’ve let Amy down – they’ll feel they’ve failed in their duty towards her because she’s too scared of them to want to spend time with them. Also, I can’t help but feel it would be good for Amy to get to know them better – I’m quite prepared to have her here for the remainder of the term – it’s only another two or three weeks but she will have to go back next term and she needs to know she can go to them for support when she needs it and not to be afraid to do so. Jem and I will offer her a home with us, we’ve decided that, but she will spend a lot more of her time with Hilda and Nell. I also think they can do her a lot of good; they’re both very powerful women who’ve succeeded in their lives with little or no family around them and can help Amy. I had Dick and you and the aunts so it’s slightly different.”
“Yes, I see,” Joey agreed. “But at the same time, you don’t want to force Amy into going or make her feel she has to when she’s not happy about the idea?”
“That’s exactly it,” Madge nodded. “I think Amy would be happy to go with them if she could have a companion of her own age to go with her but she tells me she has no friends she could ask to go with – and from what Nell told me about her when she phoned the other day, she’s right. I was thinking about Peggy.”
“Are you sure that’s wise?” Joey asked carefully. “Peg’s at the age where she’d resent being pushed into a friendship she didn’t want and what’s more, Dick and Mollie haven’t been back in the country six months yet. They all need time to adjust to being a family – Moll hinted that Maeve rather resented Peggy and Bride. If Amy and Peggy were friends, then I’d say go ahead and Mollie would definitely understand but they’re not – they’re nothing more than classmates. You’ve also got the difficulty of names – out of school, it’s Auntie Hilda and Auntie Nell for Peg but it’s far too soon for Amy to be calling them that or to feel comfortable doing so.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Madge sighed. “But what do I do then, Jo?” she added plaintively. “I want to help Amy get to know Hilda and Nell better.”
“Well,” Joey began consideringly, “what’s wrong with decamping the entire family to Cornwall for a week? All of you could spend a day or two in the company of Hilda and Nell at first and there would be nothing more natural than for them to ask if they could have Amy to themselves for the day and if all goes well, you could leave her with them for a few days then. At any rate, if you do it that way, Amy will get to know them a bit better without feeling the centre of attention and you’ll be able to judge for yourself whether it’s appropriate for Amy to spend time alone with them or whether she’s not ready for that step yet.”

 

#130:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 9:25 pm

I like Joey's imput in this she comes across well, and isn't demanding Amy herself, and what a great idea for a holiday. I so hope Amy finds her way amongst all these helping people.

 

#131:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 9:30 pm

that was wonderful Catherine! And a great solution to the dilemma.

 

#132:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 12:07 am

great an original, thank you.

 

#133:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 1:49 am

Catherine, you're such a wonderful fantastic drabbler!! I want more- at half two. Oh well, I suppose I can wait. I think! Laughing Razz

 

#134:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 5:30 am

Catherian that was lovely - an excellent idea - let's hope it works for poor Amy! (Loving both Madge and Joey in this! And how intuitive of Madge to see that Amy will benefit from getting to know both Hilda and Nell better.)

 

#135:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 6:20 am

Much enjoying the characterizations in this one - Thank you, Catherine!

 

#136:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 12:06 pm

This is great, Catherine, so understanding of the dilemma.

 

#137:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield PostPosted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 12:14 pm

I'm still really enjoying this story. Star Wars

 

#138:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 5:54 pm

An excellent solution to the diemma - well done, Joey!

 

#139:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 8:21 pm

Lesley wrote:
And how intuitive of Madge to see that Amy will benefit from getting to know both Hilda and Nell better.)
Just so long as they are these H&N!!!!

 

#140:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 9:10 pm

This proposal, when put to Hilda and Nell, was accepted with alacrity and Madge quietly went about organising somewhere for them to stay in Exeter whilst Jem saw to arranging cover at the San. Madge had realised that it may take longer than the week for Amy to get her confidence with the Heads and therefore ensured that the cottage they arranged to rent was available for more than just a week. It was, in fact, available for a month and Madge recklessly booked it for the entire month, deciding that Joey and co. could use it if they decided to come back early. She said nothing about it to Amy, feeling that if the proposal was put to the girl by Hilda, it would help ease Amy’s feelings of awkwardness and anxiety over the conversation the two had had. Hilda returned to see her as soon as she was free and Amy looked at the Head anxiously as the lady crossed the room to her. In fact, so nervous and frightened about how the Head would react to her, was she, that she physically drew back into a corner of the sofa, her arms crossed protectively over her chest.
“Come here, you silly child!” Hilda sat down, holding out her arms to Amy, her eyes and tone very soft as took in the girl’s frightened state. “Don’t be frightened, please, Amy. I’m not angry nor disappointed and I’m not going to hurt you,” she added gently and Amy, albeit with an expression of doubt on her face, uncurled herself and moved forward. Hilda caught her in her arms and held the girl, infusing comfort and reassurance into her.
“I-I never meant to tell you,” Amy whispered, clinging to the Head.
“I know you didn’t,” the Head answered gently. “But I meant what I said, Amy, I am so glad you did. I can understand why you might be scared of me and I’m not going to force you into anything you don’t want to do. No, don’t apologise. I made the offer without thinking about how you might feel about it – it’s all very well for me, I know Miss Wilson very well and often spend my holidays with her but you know neither of us particularly well and I would feel awkward and anxious in your situation. I certainly wouldn’t have wanted to spend some time with my Headmistress!” she laughed, reflecting that she would not have been brave enough to tell her she was scared of her, either. “Madame, Miss Wilson and I have been talking, however and we’ve a suggestion to put to you,” she put Amy from her so she could look down into the anxious face upturned to hers. “Madame has arranged for you all to spend a week or two in Exeter, which is a town near to where Miss Wilson and I will be spending our holidays. She has suggested that all of us – and that means Madame, Sir Jem, you and David, Sybil, Josette and Ailie – spend a day or two together whilst you’re there. Miss Wilson and I would dearly like to get to know you better and we thought that that would be the best way of doing it. Would you be happy with that?” Amy nodded. “Sure?” She looked keenly at Amy, wanting to ensure that the girl really was comfortable with the idea and was not just agreeing to keep her happy. She saw no sign of doubt however and was satisfied. “Lady Russell tells me she is happy for you to stay with her until the end of term, if you would rather not come back to School.” She changed the subject. “Have you had any thoughts about what you would like to do for the next two or three weeks?”
“W-what’s going to happen to me?” Amy whispered. “I-I don’t belong anywhere.”
“Yes you do,” Madge had entered the room in time to hear this. “You belong here now, Amy,” she said gently. “Your home is here. But have a cup of tea and talk to Miss Annersley, we can talk about that later,” she gave the girl a kiss and withdrew leaving the pair alone together. The Head, leaving the tea for the moment, put an arm round the girl.
“Do you not feel happy here?” she asked gently for Amy didn’t look very reassured by Madge’s words.
“I-it’s not that. I-I j-just d-don’t belong,” Amy mumbled. “I know they’ve been kind b-but it just doesn’t feel like home.”
“Perhaps that’s because it’s not your home, yet,” Hilda said gently. “It will be your home in weeks to come, Amy but you will need to time to get used to living here and being part of the family – you’ve not had that before, have you?”
“B-but I don’t want to live here. I want to live at home,” Amy began to cry. “I want to be at home with Daddy again,” she sobbed and despite her fourteen years, found herself being drawn onto the Head’s knee. That lady said nothing, she knew from experience that there was nothing she could say that would make a difference, she merely cuddled the girl until the sobs had lessened and Amy was quiet once more. Then, still with Amy on her lap, she poured her a cup of tea and made her drink it, letting the girl sink back against her when she had finished, her handkerchief in Amy’s hot hands.
“It will get better Amy, I promise you,” she said gently as Amy leant against her. “You won’t always feel so miserable and you will come to feel that this is your home and that you belong here. At the moment, you have nothing around you that is yours but you will have and you’ll be spending much of your time at school in any case, so things won’t feel all that different.”
“I w-won’t have Daddy to write to though,” Amy mumbled.
“I know but he will still know what you are doing. He and Mummy will be watching over you from heaven and they will know everything you are doing. You may not see them or hear them but you can still talk to them and you can be assured that they will always watch over you and know what you are doing. Think of this: they may be out of sight and out of reach but they are still there, following you through every corner of life and loving you from afar.”

 

#141:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 9:17 pm

Oh!!! Poor Amy!!! I still want to hug her and make it all better!

 

#142:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 9:19 pm

*sends Juggles to comfort Amy* *sniffles over Edgar*

 

#143:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 7:06 am

Poor little Amy. Crying or Very sad Thanks Catherine.

 

#144:  Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand PostPosted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 9:18 am

Wow. I've just caught up on the last few pages of this and this is just incredible, Catherine. Amy - you just want to give her a big hug. And for once I actually like Jem and Joey, which is unusual. Looking forward to reading the next bit.

 

#145:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 10:10 am

*Enfolds Amy in a huge hug* Very moving, thank you Catherine

 

#146:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 10:14 am

Have just caught up with the last couple of posts. So nice to see everyone doing so much for Amy. Jo is being so nice and not too pushy. Looking forward to hearing about the holiday.

 

#147:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 8:45 pm

Madge had intended that Amy should stay with her until the end of term but by the middle of the following week, Amy was beginning to cast around for something to distract her and was inwardly wishing she could go back to school. After Madge’s kindness, though, she did not quite feel she could voice her wishes but fortunately, Sir Jem, whose gentle fatherly kindness towards Amy had done more to help her over the past few days than almost anything else, realised it.
“You’re bored,” he remarked to Amy on the Tuesday evening and she jumped, turning a red face to him and trying to stammer out that she wasn’t. He grinned. “Calm down!” he pulled the girl down next to him. “I’m not accusing you of anything but you are bored, aren’t you?”
“I just want something else to think about,” Amy sighed and he nodded, understandingly.
“Would you like to go back to School?” he suggested.
“I-I don’t know. Y-you’ve been so kind to me and Madame said I could stay until the end of term. I-I don’t want to be ungrateful.”
“You’re not,” Jem said firmly. “Amy, this is your home now. That means Madge and I are here when you need us and so is this house. It’s understandable to want to be distracted and Madge will understand. I’ll talk to her and we’ll phone the Heads and let them know too.”
“W-what if I don’t like it when I’m there?” Amy asked nervously. “I-if it’s no help?!”
“Then you talk to Miss Annersley about it and if you want to, you can come back,” Jem answered. “We’ll take it slowly, Amy - a day at a time. You’ll have days where you feel you can’t cope and you’ll have days where you feel stronger. If you’re feeling you can’t cope, seek someone out and talk to them – if necessary, ask to use the phone and talk to one of us – but don’t bottle it up. You’ll only end by making yourself ill and that will help no one. Now, how about you come and let me beat you at Chess? I’ll show you what a good player I am, instead of letting you win!!” Amy’s only reaction to this was a derisive snort and he chuckled, pulling her up and leading her downstairs. The pair had a hard fought game and many were the insults traded, to Madge’s amusement before it was time for Amy to go to bed. Madge made sure she was settled and then returned to her husband who told her about the conversation he had had with Amy.
“I had a feeling she was getting bored,” Madge admitted. “I didn’t want to say anything in case she felt she had to go back to School and we didn’t want her but if that’s what she wants, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t happen.”
“Women!” Jem snorted at this and Madge eyed him thoughtfully.
“Are by far the most superior, intelligent sex,” she informed him. “And before you disagree with that, just consider which member of the sex it is that provides your meals and your coffee – and that you have three daughters to one son!” she grinned at him and he gave it up with a chuckle.

 

#148:  Author: Dot, Location: Ireland PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 8:50 pm

That's really good. I love the last bit!

 

#149:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 8:51 pm

ooooh I love Jem and Madge in this. Brilliant.

 

#150:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 8:51 pm

See - I told you all Jem was a sweetie really! Thanks Catherine, that was lovely.

 

#151:  Author: Lulie, Location: Middlesbrough PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 8:52 pm

I've somehow managed to miss a lot of this, Catherine Embarassed but I'm all caught up now Smile I love the interaction between Madge and Jem in that last post. They are so equal, rather than him being an autocrat and she being 'that sweet woman' More!

 

#152:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 8:53 pm

I love Madge's comments - brilliant Very Happy Also Jem really is very good with Amy, and insightful for once!!!

 

#153:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 10:02 pm

Madge and Jem are fantastic Very Happy I think school might be good for Amy too, she can't stay mouring all her life and it might be good to be back around children her own age.

 

#154:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 10:13 pm

Thanks Catherine - that was lovely!

 

#155:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 10:23 pm

Very lovely. I'll have to go and keep my side of the bargai now! Laughing

 

#156:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 10:51 pm

I've just read this all in one sitting - after planning an early night! It's superb, Catherine. You move between the tragedy and humour so (apparently) effortlessly. I think it's really realistic and I've always thought the children who lost a parent didn't really get a chance to mourn. Lovely drabble and, having found it, it's on my 'must read' list now.

 

#157:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 11:53 am

Thank you Catherine Very Happy

 

#158:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 12:11 pm

Great, Catherine. I'm glad Madge always seems to have the last word in this.

 

#159:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 9:54 pm

Amy arrived back at Plas Howell on Thursday morning and Madge took her along to the study where both Heads were waiting. They greeted the girl warmly and once their visitors were settled in chairs, Miss Annersley turned to her pupil.
“Amy, Gwensi Howell came to me the other day to ask if you would like to make one of the rooms on the same corridor as her room, your own.”
“That was kind of her,” Madge remarked.
“It was and it’s a suggestion that I think would benefit Amy,” Miss Wilson took up the tale. “You may want somewhere where you can be private and alone at times, Amy and that is rather hard to find, without breaking the rules wholesale!” she paused to grin and Amy found herself smiling back. “We thought you could either use it as a bedroom, sleeping there instead of your dormitory, or you could use as somewhere to put any possessions you wish to have at school with you and somewhere to go when you want to be alone. We’re not going to ask you to decide right away, we suggest you have a think about it, perhaps talk it over with Lady Russell, and let Matron or one of us know which you want to do.”
“And Amy,” Miss Annersley continued gently, “If you find it all too much for you and want to go back to the Round House then you must say. It was your decision to come back and it’s a brave decision but if you find you’re not ready for it all, then you must come and say so. Nobody will think you a failure or be at all disappointed with you, but we do not want you to be ill. Do you understand?” Amy nodded but she was looking rather overwhelmed and Madge, giving her a quick glance, took the situation in hand.
“How would it be if I took Amy up to her dormitory to unpack?” she suggested. “If it’s all right with both of you, I thought I’d spend the day here, I’d like to see Sybs and Peg and Bride. I shall miss the two of them dreadfully in the holidays, I’ve had them for so long they’ve become almost my own.”
“I suspect they’ll miss you as well!” Nell Wilson laughed. “Of course you may have them. Do you want Maeve as well?” she referred to the youngest Bettany girl who had started at the Chalet School that term, having returned from India with her parents, Mollie and Dick Bettany and her twin brother Maurice, at the end of the previous term.
“I don’t think so,” Madge answered, aware Maeve regarded her with some resentment. “Maeve and I don’t know each other that well yet and I think I’d like to get to know her as her aunt and not in a situation where she regards me as founder of this School.” The Heads, who knew all about it, nodded in agreement and Madge rose, pulling Amy up with her.
“Come back here when you’ve unpacked, Amy,” Miss Annersley advised and Amy nodded, allowing Madge to lead her out the door and up to her dormitory. Amy’s hand suddenly clenched Madge’s in nervousness as they approached. Madge glanced at her and taking note of her white face, gently withdrew her hand from Amy’s grasp and put her arm round her.
“I’ll not leave you unless you want me too,” she said gently. She guessed that Amy was dreading seeing her personal possessions and being reminded of her loss and she was right. They entered the dormitory and the sight of the photograph of her father was too much for Amy. A sob shook her and Madge caught her in her arms, holding her until the worst of the storm was over.
“I don’t want to see it!” Amy choked, when she was almost calm again. “Please, take it away!!”
“Why don’t you take Gwensi up on her suggestion?” Madge proposed gently. “You can move anything you like up there and then you know where it is if you want to look at it. I’m here for the rest of the day so I’ll have a word with Matron and then you and I will go through your things and decide what you want to keep here and what you want to keep upstairs. I assume you’d like to stay here?”
“I don’t want to be by myself,” Amy confirmed.
“Right! Well let’s get your case unpacked and we’ll sort everything else out later.”

 

#160:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 9:57 pm

Awww! poor Amy! Lovely, Catherine! Laughing More? Pleeeeeeeease? *preparing sob story and excuses*

 

#161:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 10:00 pm

Oh!!!!! Poor little Amy!!!

 

#162:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 10:29 pm

*sends huggles for Amy*

 

#163:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 10:38 pm

Poor little Amy - but they're all being so lovely. Like the bit about Maeve resenting Madge and Madge missing Peggy and Bride - always thought that was strange and awkward for the Bettany family to suddenly settle down to being a family after all that time!

 

#164:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 9:12 am

*Huggles Amy some more* Gwensi's suggestion is a good one, and I like the extra details about the Bettany family dynamics.

 

#165:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 12:38 pm

thank you for another lovely section.

 

#166:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 12:50 pm

Poor Amy, she's having to cope with so much at such a young age.

 

#167:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 2:23 pm

Poor Amy. Know exactly how she felt on seeing her dad's photo. What a lovely idea from Gwensi. Everyone is being so kind to her. Wonder how her little playmates will react when they meet up again.

 

#168:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 8:12 pm

They did sort everything else out and by the end of the day, Amy’s cubicle although barer, was certainly a more comfortable place. She had not, in the end, joined her form since the stress of unpacking and sorting through her possessions in order to temporarily remove reminders of her father from her cubicle had drained her. Matron had packed her off to bed in San and Madge had stayed with her, talking quietly and soothingly to her until she had drifted off into a peaceful sleep. She remained to ensure Amy was not likely to wake again in the near future and then slipped down to the Head’s study, where she sank into a seat with a sigh.
“I can’t leave her,” she said anxiously.
“You can leave her,” Nell Wilson answered firmly. “Madge, we’re not ogres! We’ll look after her, you may be sure of that!”
“I know you will, I’ve no fears on that score,” Madge answered quickly. “I don’t think I can bring myself to leave her though, I don’t think she’s ready for it.”
“Madge, it was Amy’s own wish that she should come back,” Hilda reminded her gently. “Jem agrees and Amy knows herself better than we do. If she didn’t want to be here, she would never have suggested it.”
“And being confronted with possessions that remind her of her father was bound to upset her.” Nell added. “Fortunately, thanks to Gwensi, we have a solution to that and in time, she’ll retrieve them and give them back their place in her life. At the moment, she can look at them if she wants to but she’s not forced into doing so. If you stay and take her home with you Madge, she’ll end up resenting you for it and all the work you’ve put into gaining her trust will be lost. She knows she only has to say the word and she can go back to the Round House but at the moment, she has to be given the chance to do what she thinks is right for herself. If it’s not, we’ll deal with that. There will be times when she gets upset but there are plenty of people on hand to comfort and help her and the distraction of lessons and all the other activities they do, will distract her from the worst of it. She knows where you are and if she wants you, we’ll let her go to you.” Madge still looked doubtful but Hilda had something more for her.
“She will continue to grieve, but if she stays, she will realise that whilst grief will be a part of her life for some months to come, there is no need for it to be her entire life. She will be able to contain it and her mind will be much more healthy for it,” she paused. “Madge, don’t deprive her of her chance to stay a normal schoolgirl. If you take her away now, she’ll end up warped because she will not be able to see through her grief to the life that exists outside of it.” Hilda ended earnestly.
Madge saw the sense in this and reluctantly agreed to leave arrangements as they were, allowing a cup of coffee to be pressed upon her whilst the Heads changed the conversation, relating the latest happenings in school. Madge was soon laughing at the antics of the Middles and when Hilda, having shrewdly observed that she was more relaxed, suggested sending Sybil, Peggy and Bride to her, she was quite agreeable. “Send me Daisy and Prim, too,” she added.
“Very well. Who would you like first?” Miss Annersley asked.
“The lot, I think,” Madge said, with some thought. “I suppose they ought to be told that Amy now counts as part of the family and I’d rather get all objections and grumbles out the way at once.”
“Do you expect there to be some?” Nell asked, in surprise.
“Not really. Or at least, the elder four won’t complain but I can never tell with Sybs.”
“Madge, she’s a different girl to the one we knew eighteen months ago,” Nell reminded her. “She’s improved out of all recognition.”
“I know that but she’s inclined to be jealous of our time together and Amy will need a lot of care and attention for some time yet. If Sybs isn’t happy about it, then Jem and I will seriously have to rethink our decision, it will do Amy no good to realise that Sybil resents her. Once we’re sure that Amy’s settled here again, Jem and I will go and see David and tell him; the same applies there although I don’t expect he’ll mind. He’s always been happy-go-lucky but Sybil needs the attention.”
“Give Sybil a chance to get used to the idea before you make any drastic decisions, Madge,” Hilda spoke, both Heads inwardly resolving to do everything they could to make Sybil accept Amy, should intervention be necessary.
“What does Josette think of her?” Nell asked curiously. “And Ailie too?”
“They both adore her,” Madge smiled. “Amy’s very gentle and she’s played with them and given them both endless cuddles. David, Sybil, Peggy, Rix, Bride and Jackie all tended to lose patience and interest after a while but Amy’s patience outdoes even mine! There’ll be complaints when they realise she’s gone, of course.” She suddenly began to laugh and related to the amused Heads, the comments of the triplets when Amy had first been mentioned.

 

#169:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 8:58 pm

Ahhhh! Lovely. Thanks Catherine.

 

#170:  Author: Charlotte, Location: no longer at home PostPosted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 9:14 pm

Wonderful, I love every character in this! more?

 

#171:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 9:40 pm

*starts banging on things for more*

 

#172:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 9:59 pm

Thank you Catherine, that was wonderful *Agress that more would be nice Very Happy *

 

#173:  Author: Emily, Location: Land of White Coats and Stethoscopes. PostPosted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 10:22 pm

This is lovely. I'm glad Amy is at the Chalet School. I think she, and others like her, must have had a horrible time at some schools.

 

#174:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 10:24 pm

I'm gald Madge sees the sense in letting her try to be a schoolgirl again. The picture of Amy with the little ones was lovely too, nice to see her being the helpful and useful one, I guess things like that might help her too.

 

#175:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 11:25 pm

Awwwwwww!!! Catherine, this really is lovely! Bit worried about how Sybil will react though......

 

#176:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 11:24 am

This is lovely so far, but I'm also dreading Sybil's reaction to the situation.

 

#177:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 12:00 pm

How old is Sybil in this please?

 

#178:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 9:11 pm

Um, I'm not sure, Ellie! About ten? It's set during CS and Rosalie at any rate so however old she is there!! Embarassed

Fifteen minutes later and she was alone in the study, awaiting the arrival of her eldest daughter and elder nieces with some trepidation. She did not want to have to go back on her word to Amy but at the same time, she would not keep it if to do so would prove harmful to Amy. The sound of voices awoke her from her thoughts and she straightened her countenance, a warm smile lighting up her face as the door opened and Sybil tumbled in, closely followed by the others.
“Mummy!” Sybil exclaimed delightedly, throwing herself at Madge. “I didn’t know you were here! Are you staying?”
“Not for much longer,” Madge answered quickly as she turned to greet the others. Primula hung back behind her cousins and sister, of them all she knew Madge the least since most of her formative years so far had been spent living with Joey and Jack and her shy, timid character meant that she was always rather unsure and unconfident around Madge. Her aunt, preoccupied with Amy and used to having to fend off the sometimes boisterous advances of her nieces, forgot this and would have settled down again without greeting her, had Daisy, ever mindful of her little sister, not hauled her forward. Nor was she the only one to notice.
“You’ve not said hello to Prim yet, Auntie Madge!” Bride spoke up reprovingly.
“Don’t forget her, just cos she’s quiet!” Sybil chimed in and her mother laughed.
“Come and kiss me, Prim before these two scold me even more!” she said laughing, stretching out her hands and drawing her niece to her. She bent and gently kissed the girl. “It’s lovely to see you again, pet,” she murmured giving the girl a warm hug, for she was well aware of Primula’s feelings towards her. She kept hold of her, drawing her over to the sofa where she sat down with Primula on one side and Sybil on the other. The other three curled up at her feet and she smiled at them all. “Well? What news do you all have for me?” She kept the conversation fairly light until they had told her all their news and Daisy, cocking a shrewd eye at her aunt, decided to put an end to trivial conversation.
“How’s Amy getting on, Auntie Madge?” she asked, wondering if the reason for this meeting had something to do with Amy. Madge glanced at her and reading Daisy’s expression correctly, decided to seize her chance rather than wait until that young lady asked point blank why she was here.
“She’s still very much upset but she’s come back to school and she’ll be joining you all again tomorrow,” Madge answered.
“Rather her than me!” Sybil interrupted. “Why would anyone rather do lessons than have a holiday?! Weird!”
“Sybil, it isn’t a holiday for Amy,” Madge said gently. “She will never be able to forget the fact that her father is now dead and she is alone. It’s hurting her very badly at the moment but she doesn’t want to have nothing but that to think about. She wants to go back to lessons so that she can think of other things. It is very hard when all your thoughts are upsetting ones. I don’t know how well she will cope but she is going to try it and I hope you’ll all help her out as much as you can.” Her gaze wandered to Peggy who graced the same form as Amy.
“I’ll do my best for her, Auntie Madge and I’ll talk to the others,” she promised.
“That’s all I ask,” Madge smiled at her.
“Mummy, what did you mean when you said Amy was all alone?” Sybil interrupted again. “What about her aunts and uncles and cousins? Why isn’t she with them?”
“She has no aunts, uncles or cousins, Sybs,” Madge answered. “She has no other relation left.”
“So who’s going to look after her?” Sybil persisted and Madge decided to bite the bullet.
“Her father has left the School responsible for her but I would like her to come and make her home with us,” she answered and sat back to await reactions.
“I should jolly well think so!” Bride burst out before Sybil could speak. “It would be awful to have your home at the School! Fancy having to spend all your time at School – holidays an’ everything!! Not even Auntie Hilda and Auntie Nell do that!!”
“But being left to the School would mean that you’d do what they do, wouldn’t it?” Peggy wrinkled up her face in thought. “They’re in charge of the School so Amy’d have to spend her time with them.”
“Don’t you think they’d be any good at looking after her then, Peg?” Daisy asked her young cousin in amusement.
“I don’t know,” Peggy said thoughtfully. “I mean they’re dears and I love them lots and it’s nice seeing them in the hols and doing things with them. They’re fun out of school. But they’re our Aunts – I mean I know they’re not really but they’ve always been there and we’ve always called them Auntie but they’re just Headmistresses to Amy so it’s not the same. They can be silly with us cos we’ve known them since we were babies and they’ve always been Auntie Hilda and Auntie Nell out of school. But they couldn’t be for Amy, not yet anyway. She’s their pupil and – oh I know what I mean but I can’t explain. I just know it’d be strange for them and Amy if they had to spend all their time together.”
“I think the difference is that for us, they’re family outside of school hours, but for Amy, they’re teachers and you can’t suddenly become family if you’ve always been teachers and pupil,” Daisy ruminated. “Amy would feel awkward about saying ‘Auntie Hilda and Auntie Nell’ and they would feel awkward letting her call them that when they don’t really know each other. Yet, for them to be a family, she would have to call them something different to Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson or they’d always feel they were on duty and they’re such formal titles. Besides, Amy needs to feel loved,” she paused, to look up at her Aunt earnestly. “I was awfully upset when Mummy died but you and Uncle Jem and Auntie Jo and Uncle Jack were always there. I knew you were family and that you loved me and would keep me and Prim safe. To start with I did wonder whether you just did it out of duty but you were always so loving so I knew you weren’t. It helped me and Amy deserves the same. She has no family of her own anymore but that doesn’t mean she shouldn’t have the chance to become part of someone else’s. Auntie Hilda and Auntie Nell would be lovely to her but they’re busy a lot of the time and they can’t be there like you can. If you and Uncle Jem would like her to become part of ours, then that’s fine by me.”
“Thank you, Daisy; that means a lot,” Madge kissed her eldest niece affectionately. She looked round the others. “Amy’s very lonely and very miserable at the moment and I would like her to become part of the family so that we can help her. But that can only happen if you all agree to it and are happy about it. You know Amy better than we do so if you feel that you would rather she did not become part of the family, then Auntie Hilda and Auntie Nell will take her on. It won’t help Amy if she feels she’s not wanted.”
“Does this mean she’ll boss me about?” Sybil demanded.
“Why not? You need it!” Bride retorted with a grin and Sybil stuck her tongue out in retaliation.
“Amy won’t try to take your place, Sybil,” Madge ignored this little passage. “She’ll have her own place in the family and I doubt very much she will boss you about. There will be times when she will need my undivided attention because she’s upset and needs a hug and someone to talk to and that applies to Daddy too but as she settles down and gets used to things, it’ll not happen quite as often.” There was silence for a minute or two as Sybil digested this.
“I s’pose it might not be too bad,” she conceded. “It’d just be like having Peg and Bride again and Daisy and Prim will live with us again now anyway and they’re both older than me. Anyway, it’d be awful for her to spend all her time here and she’d feel like she doesn’t have a home. OK Mummy, I don’t mind – only we don’t have to share a room do we?”
“No, of course not!” Madge laughed. “The Round House is plenty big enough for all of you! Are you sure Sybs? I don’t want you to change your mind so if you’re not sure, say so now.”
“I’m sure,” Sybil said confidently. “It’ll only be the hols anyway and there’s always tons of us with the trips, Flora an’ Fauna and the Lucys and the Chesters and Gwensi and Lavender an’ Lilamani! Oh an’ Rob an’ Biddy of course!”
“Thank you,” Madge smiled in relief and Peggy and Bride were quick to indicate their agreement too which left only Primula. “Prim, what about you? Would you be happy for Amy to join us?”
“You will still have time for us?” Primula asked shyly and anxiously; she may be unsure around her aunt but she loved her dearly for all that.
“Time for my favourite niece?!! Well, of course!” Madge said teasingly, drawing the child into a hug even as shrieks of indignation rained down on her head from the other three.

 

#179:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield PostPosted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 9:16 pm

Oh, this was lovely. I loved the way Madge came across as very caring and involving her daughters and nieces in making a loving home for Amy. This was wonderful. Star Wars

 

#180:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 9:25 pm

Wonderful, Catherine. I loved Daisy and Peggy's reactions, very thoughtful and well-reasoned.

 

#181:  Author: Charlotte, Location: no longer at home PostPosted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 9:28 pm

lovely, Very Happy but still, poor Amy.

 

#182:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 9:46 pm

I love seeing more of the Bettanys/Russells/Venables' at this age, and I really liked the way Madge talked to them. Peggy seemed very thoughful, and Sybil took it very well, though I forsee the possibility of squalls.

 

#183:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 9:50 pm

Awwww! That was so lovely, Catherine. Dare I use the m word? Laughing

 

#184:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 10:14 pm

Thank you Catherine. Laughing

 

#185:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 1:08 am

Thanks Vatherine, that was really nice and soft and gentle and fluffy, if you know what I mean, and all the little girls were so thoughtful and kind.

 

#186:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 10:42 am

Thanks, Catherine, that was very sensitively written.

 

#187:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 4:24 pm

Thank you Catherine! I'm so glad it seems like there won't be lots of jealousy!!!

 

#188:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 10:40 am

Thank you Catherine that was lovely. So nice to see the extended family being do loving and welcoming. Still feel there could be problems with Amy and Sybil though.

 

#189:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 9:15 pm

For those who are worried I'll forget Amy!!! No chance!!

The following day, Amy rose with some trepidation. She had never had any close friends, although she got on well enough with her form and she was unsure about what the day would hold for her. She was determined to go back to lessons though and try and act as normal as possible, she didn’t enjoy spending half her day in tears and thinking sad thoughts. All the same, she couldn’t help but be nervous and wish, more than once, that she had never suggested she come back as she made her way down to the formroom. Matron had let her have breakfast alone, the authorities feeling it wiser that Amy not be confronted with the entire school at once but be allowed to get used to being with the others again in small doses. Miss Linton was making her way along the corridor as Amy turned into it and hearing footsteps behind her, she glanced round, pausing when she saw Amy and her nervous expression.
“Don’t look so nervous, Amy,” she said gently as the girl reached her. “Everybody knows what happened and they’ll not expect too much from you just yet.” Amy looked up at the mistress whose sapphire blue eyes shone with kindness and sympathy and the tears rushed to her eyes quite suddenly. She turned away but Miss Linton had seen it and put an arm round her. “Awkward, isn’t it?” she smiled. “You don’t want people to be nasty to you or to ignore you but when they’re even just the slightest bit kind, it makes you want to cry and usually at the most inappropriate moments! You get angry at yourself for getting upset because you feel there’s no reason for it and others aren’t sure what to say or do for fear of upsetting you, which makes conversation stiff and awkward.”
“H-how did you know?” Amy scrubbed at her eyes.
“Amy, I’ve been there,” Miss Linton said gently. “My mother died when I was about nineteen and neither Joyce nor myself had anybody left but the Russells and the Chalet School. I haven’t forgotten how kind people were or how they gave me the support I needed but didn’t know I needed and I’ve never forgotten how unhappy I felt at the time. All I can say to you, is it does get better. I promise you it does. You won’t always feel so unhappy and so desolate. There will be hard times ahead of you but there are always people you can turn to for support, including myself. We’re going to have to go in just a moment but I want you to know that I’m here if you want someone to talk to or a shoulder to cry on. Today will be hard for you but do your best and I’ll find you towards the end of it and you can tell me how you’ve got on.”
“A-are you sure you don’t mind?” Amy stammered.
“I wouldn’t have offered if I did,” Miss Linton smiled. “Are you all right now or do you want a moment or two by yourself first?”
“I-I’m all right,” Amy said resolutely but her hand reached for the mistress’ free one as they turned in the direction of the formroom. Miss Linton took it, giving it a gentle squeeze to show she understood.

The form were chatting quietly amongst themselves as the mistress opened the door but at the sight of her, the chatter stopped and they hurriedly rose to their feet, shooting welcoming smiles at Amy as Miss Linton gently released her hand and pushed her in the direction of her seat. She smiled back shyly but awkwardly, thankful to sit down and hide herself behind Hester Layng, a large girl not renowned for her tact, although she meant well.
“Could someone help Amy find her Geography books please?” Miss Linton requested, once the form had sat down and at once half a dozen hands waved wildly in the air. “Peggy, you’re nearest. You might help Amy find her books and then would the two of you find a quiet corner so you can tell her what she’s missed? The rest of you, listen to me!” Her reason for choosing Peggy was twofold. Peggy was by way of being a leader in her form which was a young one for Lower Fifth. Upper Fifth, which had strong characters such as Jacynth Hardy, Gillian Culver and Gay Lambert in it, were almost two years older than Lower Fifth, which partly explained Amy’s lack of close friends. The average age of the form was a good six months younger than Amy who was the oldest in the form but too young for Upper Fifth. But more than Peggy’s leadership abilities, Miss Linton knew of the Russell’s decision to adopt Amy into the family and thought it would do the two good to work together and get to know each other more.

 

#190:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 9:29 pm

Glad to hear it Catherine! Wink Gillian is the ideal person for Amy to talk to, as she has been in a very similar rposition. I'm very glad they found each other!

 

#191:  Author: Lulie, Location: Middlesbrough PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 9:32 pm

Crying or Very sad Don't you just want to hug Amy tight and not let go? I'm glad that she's got Gillian looking out for her, and (hopefully) Peggy.

 

#192:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 9:40 pm

Awww!!! Thank you Catherine!!! And it was a stroke of genius to use Gillian here!

 

#193:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 10:21 pm

I have to agree, it was a really good idea to use Gillian. Is it too soon to ask for more please! Star Wars

 

#194:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 10:52 pm

Heart Thanks Catherine!

 

#195:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 1:12 am

aww that was lovely. Gill was perfect and she's young enough to not scare Amy witless!

 

#196:  Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand PostPosted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 5:27 am

Wow!! Catherine, this is absolutely phenomonal!! The characters are coming across so well. Absolutely brilliant!! Very Happy

 

#197:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 8:31 am

Lovely! Gillian is as has been said the perfect choice. Wonderful!

 

#198:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 1:46 pm

Would agree with the previous posters. Thank you Catherine.

 

#199:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 8:49 pm

Hope this isn't too waffly!!

“Are you all right?” Peggy asked anxiously as the two settled themselves in a corner. “You look like you’ve been crying.”
“I-it just gets a bit hard,” Amy murmured incoherently and Peggy’s blue eyes softened. “I-I was a bit nervous about coming in and Miss Linton saw and was kind but I was stupid and got upset,” she confessed.
“You’re bound to get upset,” Peggy answered softly. “I can’t imagine what it’s like for you, Amy but you shouldn’t say you’re stupid. If you weren’t upset, you’d not be normal and I don’t think you’d be a very nice person – it’d be like you didn’t care. Linny won’t mind, she knows what it’s like.” She paused for a moment. “Amy, I’m really sorry about your father, we all are but please, will you promise you won’t hide? We can’t say we’re not going to say the wrong thing to you or not say anything that will upset you, we probably will because none of us have ever been where you are but if we do, will you promise not to go away and cry by yourself? There’s nothing worse than being upset by yourself. We all want to help, if you’ll let us.”
“S-sometimes it’s easier by myself.”
“If you want to be alone, that’s fine. But don’t think you have to be,” implored Peggy. “But anyway, we’d better get some work done – Linny’s got her eye on us!”

It was a hard day for Amy, she came close to tears more than once and more than once she wanted to go off by herself but lessons prevented this and she didn’t feel she could disappear after the ready sympathy shown to her by her form. She was grateful when Miss Linton put her head round the door of the common room.
“Mind if I borrow you, Amy?” The mistress smiled and Amy relieved to be out of an atmosphere which whilst friendly was tense at times, went over to her quickly. “How are you finding it?” Miss Linton asked as she shut the door behind them and once again, Amy found herself close to tears. The mistress glanced at her and then with a hand on her shoulder, steered her away taking her up to the room given over to Amy and any belongings she wanted to keep in it. The photographs and mementos had been discreetly placed in a corner so Amy didn’t have to look at them and it was with some relief that she let the mistress sit her gently down in a comfortable chair. Miss Linton pulled another up and sat down by the girl.
“You look exhausted,” she remarked.
“I-it’s so hard.”
“I know.” The mistress reached forward and took one of Amy’s hands in hers. “You’re putting a brave face on whilst underneath all you want to do is scream and shout ‘Why me?’ I expect you’ve wanted to run off and cry more than once but you feel you can’t because everybody’s being so nice towards you.”
“H-how?” Amy began and the mistress smiled.
“As I said, I’ve been there. I’ve not forgotten how I felt when my mother died or how my sister, Joyce, felt. There were moments when we both felt utterly alone and had no idea how we’d cope with life when we had no mother and no father to guide us. There were moments when we wondered if we’d ever feel happy again, when we felt guilty because others were giving us so much support but it felt suffocating. We wanted to run away and escape it but felt we couldn’t because people were being so kind. They wanted to help and some of the time, their words of comfort did help but at others they were only reminders of what we had lost and we felt pressured into pretending we were managing very well. But Amy, the one thing I did learn was that it was all right to break down and cry, people expected you to be upset at times and they were ready to help and comfort you. Do you understand?”
“B-but do they help?” Amy blinked back her tears.
“Am I confusing you?” Miss Linton asked, with a laugh. “I’ll try and explain. If you feel that you want to sit and cry and that you can do it in front of others, then don’t be afraid to do so. What I was trying to explain to you was that I know there are times when you want to be alone and cry on your own but you feel you can’t because of the kindness and sympathy of others. You feel that to do so would make them feel guilty because they feel they are helping you and if you leave the room, you are throwing it back in their faces. Equally, at moments like those, you don’t want to cry in front of them, the situation doesn’t feel right. The times when you do sit and cry with them do help because a lot of the time, what you are wanting at that particular time is a hug or somebody to tell you it will all be all right and people generally do one or both when they see that happen. It will be especially hard for you at the moment because you are at school and there are certain things you have to do at certain times and you can’t escape. But the staff all know and understand how you are feeling and if you’re sitting in a lesson and feel you need to be by yourself – a feeling of ‘I need to get out’ then just go up to them and ask if you can be excused for a few minutes. Don’t be afraid to ask; we will understand and nobody will deny you the opportunity. And Amy,” the mistress’ voice grew very gentle, ”it isn’t weak to cry; nobody will think you a failure or useless. Do you understand?”
“Y-yes.” The tears were flowing freely and Miss Linton came to perch on the seat beside her, taking the girl in her arms and holding her until she was calm once more.

 

#200:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 8:54 pm

Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad So good to see support from Peggy, the rest of the form and Gillian.

 

#201:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 9:15 pm

AWWWW!

 

#202:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 9:26 pm

Both Peggy and Gillian are so thoughtful and kind, and Im glad to see Amy back in lessons.

 

#203:  Author: Charlotte, Location: no longer at home PostPosted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 11:06 pm

Crying or Very sad wow this is amazing!! Crying or Very sad more soon please

 

#204:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 12:04 am

Catherine, you've made Amy into such a real person!!! Looking forward to the next bit!

 

#205:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 9:46 am

Catherine, this is amazing. It's wonderful to see the different sides of the characters, in particular Jem and Madge (also loved Sybil's reaction to Amy coming to stay with them - a lovely mix between the girl that she used to be and the woman that she becomes). The theme of the story, though emotional, is incredibly thereputic for anyone who's experienced loss. Thank you.

 

#206:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 12:02 pm

This is lovely, Catherine, everyone is treating Amy so kindly.

 

#207:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 1:43 pm

Gillian and Peggy are both amazing. How old is Peggy in this again?

 

#208:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 1:44 pm

She's 14 or nearly 14, I think. She's around the same age as Amy.

 

#209:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 1:47 pm

She has so much insight for a 13 year old (wasn't she always an infant prodigy?) And she handles it really well.

 

#210:  Author: Rosea, Location: Edinburgh PostPosted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 2:42 pm

I just read this all from the beginning, with tears in my eyes the whole time. I can't praise it enough, its fantastic! Hmmm, maybe the best way to say how much I like it would be to ask for more?

 

#211:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 2:45 pm

Laura wrote:
She has so much insight for a 13 year old (wasn't she always an infant prodigy?) And she handles it really well.
D'you mean Peggy? Cos if you do, then I agree. If you don't, then I'm confused *g*

 

#212:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 2:48 pm

Gem wrote:
Laura wrote:
She has so much insight for a 13 year old (wasn't she always an infant prodigy?) And she handles it really well.
D'you mean Peggy? Cos if you do, then I agree. If you don't, then I'm confused *g*
I do! Very Happy

 

#213:  Author: Charlotte, Location: no longer at home PostPosted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 4:30 pm

Lovely, again, but... is there more? Crying or Very sad I feel it's being neglected. Crying or Very sad

 

#214:  Author: ellend, Location: Bow, London PostPosted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 5:33 pm

I've just caught up on this drabble and it is excellent. Grief is a very difficult subject and you're handling it just right, Catherine, picking up on others people's experience. I especially like the way you've picked up on how alone Amy is feeling. You've developed her as a character really well. I'm looking forward to the next installment. E

 

#215:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 6:02 pm

Just caught up on several posts and still feeling this is incredibly good and sensitive. It must be very difficult to write, Catherine.

 

#216:  Author: Matthew, Location: Birmingham, England PostPosted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 10:00 pm

I've just caught up with this as well and I think it's really beautiful. And I love the way you move so seamlessly from tears to laughter in some of the scenes. Life can be so much like that.

 

#217:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 3:13 pm

Three cheers for Gillian Linton - she is fantastic.

 

#218:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 8:42 pm

This is NOT being neglected but it's not easy trying to write three different stories at the same time! I've also been helping Lisa T and Lulie with their respective drabbles!

Amy was fit for nothing but bed after her storm and Matron, who, despite appearances to the contrary, was actually quite understanding, made no comment when Miss Linton brought Amy to her. She simply saw the girl into a hot bath and then tucked her up in bed with a glass of hot milk, surprising Amy by sitting by her until the milk was finished and the girl was asleep. The following morning was easier for Amy, the atmosphere was not quite as strained as it had been yesterday for her form had realised that she wasn’t likely to burst into tears at any given moment and that she was still the same Amy, although much quieter and much more liable to keep herself to herself. This last tendency was very much in evidence at Break when the girls took their milk and biscuits outside and broke up into groups. Rather than refuse the several invitations that were likely to come her way if she went out with the rest of her form, she hung back and instead seated herself on the steps, watching the rest with a wistful look in her eyes.
“Amy,” a voice spoke from behind and only just restraining a sigh, Amy turned to find two members of Upper Fifth behind her, Gay Lambert and Jacynth Hardy. “All right if we join you?” Gay asked, with a friendly grin and before Amy could say yea or nay, she had sat herself down next to her whilst Jacynth, giving her friend an exasperated look for she guessed that Amy would rather be on her own, sat down on Amy’s other side, deciding she might as well do what she could to curb Gay’s exuberance.
“Are you all right?” she asked Amy. “If you’d rather we left you alone then just say.”
“No, it’s all right.” Amy smiled. “Did you want me for something or did you just want to sit here?”
“Neither, my child!” Gay grinned. “We’ve come to talk to you before someone else nabs you!”
“Why?” Amy looked surprised for friendly as Upper and Lower Fifth were, they didn’t generally seek each other out for a chat.
“We wanted to know how you were,” Jacynth answered gravely, frowning at Gay to make her keep quiet. “You see, I know what it’s like to lose the only family you have left and Gay helped me through it so we both understand how you’re feeling – better than most of the others, I should think.”
“Y-you do?”
“We do.” Gay answered. “For instance, before we interrupted you, I’m sure you were sitting here watching everyone and wondering how they can be so happy and carefree when you’re spending most of your days trying not to burst into tears at the slightest thing.”
“And why it had to happen to you and not someone else,” Jacynth added. Amy shot her a look of surprise, blushing as she did so and Jacynth smiled. “It’s all right; it doesn’t mean you’re a horrible person; it’s just wishing you could have the happiness of other people as well,” she reassured Amy.
“I just want things back how they used to be,” Amy mumbled.
“Of course you do!” Gay gave Amy’s hand a sympathetic squeeze. “But you can’t change what’s happened, all you can do is learn to cope with it,” she added gently.
“B-but how?” Amy asked desperately.
“I’m not quite sure,” Jacynth responded thoughtfully. “I just know that with every day that passes, the pain gets easier. You never forget and I suppose you never stop missing them, you just start to realise that you can live your life without them and you don’t feel there’s a hole in your life anymore. I don’t mean that you suddenly wake up one day and feel happier about it all, it’s gradual and sometimes, you won’t even notice that you’re not feeling as miserable about it all until someone or something reminds you in some way and then you suddenly realise that you’ve not thought about it for a while.”
“What happens when you do think of it?” Amy asked anxiously.
“The first few times it happens, you feel a bit strange and feel guilty and angry with yourself because you feel you’ve forgotten them and wonder how you can live your life normally when it isn’t normal, it’s not the same as it used to be because that person isn’t in your life any longer. You feel a bit miserable – you don’t necessarily want to cry but you don’t feel particularly happy – at least that’s how it was for me.”
“How long does it last for?”
“That depends on you,” Gay answered. “You see, I generally knew how Jac was feeling because she’d either tell me or I’d guess and Gill was generally around too. If neither of us were there, then she went and talked to Bill a few times so she never felt down for more than a couple of days.”
“In other words, what Gay is trying to tell you is don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Jacynth grinned. “It’s not weak or stupid and if you feel like crying, it’s always better to do it on someone else’s shoulder! It feels awkward at first but I soon learnt that if people don’t know how you’re feeling, they can’t help.”
“And they want to help,” Gay finished gently. “Don’t keep yourself to yourself because you’re afraid of making a nuisance of yourself to others – you’re far more likely to make a nuisance of yourself if you make yourself ill through bottling it all up.”
“You can always come and talk to us,” Jacynth added. “Like I said, I’ve been there so I know how you feel and Gay’s seen me go through it so she won’t mind helping either. The bell’s about to go but we just wanted you to know that if you want help, you only have to ask and that you’re not alone.”
“Keep going; you’re doing fine,” Gay ended encouragingly as the bell rang for the end of Break. “And there’s the bell! Heigh-ho! No rest for the wicked!! Come on, you two!” With a laugh, she pulled her two companions up and led them inside, parting with Amy at the door of Lower Fifth, with a final reminder for her to come and find them if she wanted company or help at any time.

 

#219:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 8:48 pm

Awwww! Thank you Catherine!! Jacynth and Gay are lovely here!!!

 

#220:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 8:48 pm

Lovely - makes you realise just how many have been in Amy's situation at the CS! Thanks Catherine.

 

#221:  Author: Lulie, Location: Middlesbrough PostPosted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 8:59 pm

Excellent Catherine. I'm glad Amy is getting lots of help (and thanks for your help!)

 

#222:  Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 9:28 pm

I can't remember if I've commented on this drabble yet, but I've been quietly reading it since I got back on the board and this part, in particular, struck a real chord with me. The whole drabble's well done but this part was...extra. I've always liked Gay and Jaycnth as characters and they are so very understanding here. Ray *quietly finding a tissue*

 

#223:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 9:28 pm

Matey, Gay and Jacynth were all wonderful, and there seems so many people around who understand what Amy is going though, and are being really helpful

 

#224:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 1:54 am

Thanks Catherine.

 

#225:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 8:41 am

Thanks. Amazing as ever! Very Happy

 

#226:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 12:24 pm

Aww, Catherine, that was so lovely! (many thanks for the kind help too! *curtsies*) Laughing

 

#227:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 3:28 pm

Wonderful, Catherine. it was so good to see Gay and Jacynth being so understanding. They said all the things that EBD didn't let them say, or didn't know how to let them say.

 

#228:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 8:13 pm

Later that day, Amy removed herself to the small room at the top of the house, grateful that she had somewhere she could go. She wanted time away from the rest to sit and think about what Gay and Jacynth had told her and to think about the kindness people were showing her. This was something that she hadn’t expected and she couldn’t help but wonder at it, for previous to this, she had not had much more than a friendly ‘hello, how are you?” from most people. She wasn’t quite sure what to make of it either – she rather wished that people wouldn’t bother for she didn’t want to be an object of pity. She would far rather people spoke to her because they liked her and wanted to get to know her more than because they felt sorry for her but she couldn’t help but be grateful that they were talking to her.
She was so deep in thought that she didn’t realise the time nor did she hear a tap at the door and it wasn’t until a hand was laid on her shoulder that she came back to the present.
“Brooding never did anybody any good, my child,” Miss Wilson spoke and Amy, once she had recovered from the fright the mistress had given her, turned to look up at her anxiously.
“I-I thought it was all right for me to come here,” she faltered.
“It is but not if it means you’re going to break rules left, right and centre,” the mistress answered. “You ought to have been in bed fifteen minutes ago!”
“I-I’m sorry.” Amy made to get up from her seat but the mistress stopped her, sitting down next to her.
“I don’t suppose another few minutes will hurt,” she remarked. “Want to tell me what you were thinking so deeply about? I knocked three times before I came in and you didn’t hear them or the door open as I came in!”
“S-something someone said,” Amy answered, fidgeting slightly. She was not quite at her ease with the younger Head since she had not yet had any time alone with her and of the two, Miss Wilson was the one she feared more – mainly due to that lady’s infamous sarcastic tongue! Miss Wilson, like her co-Head, could be unusually understanding when she chose and Amy’s expression, combined with what Miss Annersley had told her about Amy’s feelings towards the two of them, made her soften her approach.
“I’m not here to scold, Amy,” she said gently, “Matron came to ask if we knew where you might be because you hadn’t gone up with the others. She thought perhaps myself or Miss Annersley might have been talking to you. We hadn’t, of course but I thought you might be up here so I said I’d come and find you.”
“I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to stay up here so long,” Amy apologised anxiously.
“I know you didn’t,” Miss Wilson answered quickly. “You and I haven’t had an opportunity to get to know each other yet, have we? Suppose you tell me quickly what’s worrying you and then we’ll have a proper chat tomorrow?”
“Y-you don’t h-have to; I-I’m all right.”
“I’m well aware I don’t have to; I happen to want to,” the mistress smiled. “What were you thinking about? You might as well tell me; if you don’t, I’ll only ask every girl what they’ve said to you since you came back until I can work out for myself what’s been said to worry you!” She gave the girl an infectious grin as she ended and in spite of herself, Amy found the grin reflected on her own face.
“I just wanted to think about what Gay and Jacynth said,” she explained. “Everyone’s been so kind and I’m not sure why – o-or if I want them to be,” she added in a moment of honestly and then looked worriedly at Miss Wilson.
“I understand,” the younger Head smiled. “I suspect that over the past two days, you’ve had more people seek you out to talk to you than they have since you started with us. You’re now wondering whether you want them to talk to you because although it’s meant well, it is because they are sympathetic that they are talking to you and not because you’re really friendly? But at the same time, you would rather have them talk to you than ignore you?”
“Y-yes.” Amy was somewhat stunned by the depth of Miss Wilson’s understanding.
“Well my dear, all I can say is, accept their efforts with good grace. Sympathy and pity may not be the best basis for friendship, but it can be a basis for friendship to grow from. I’ll talk it over with you properly tomorrow but for the moment, think on that. Now, it is more than time you were in bed so you had better come along with me before Matron finds us!”

 

#229:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 8:17 pm

Poor Amy, its natural for her to think those feelings, as people must seem different to her, but I'm glad she has the support of the staff to help her.

 

#230:  Author: Matthew, Location: Birmingham, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 8:20 pm

I found that a very interesting insight into how people feel about being spoken to out of sympathy as I hate to feel that people are talking to me just because they're sorry for me rather than because they like me. That's why I'm so loathe to tell people about my own personal demons, especially my lack of confidence as it can inspire sympathy and that's one thing I feel uncomfortable with.

 

#231:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 10:39 pm

Thank you Catherine - good for Nell!

 

#232:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 11:25 pm

*hiding behind a bucket* That was a really lovely post Catherine! Does Amy know about Nell's own history, BTW?

 

#233:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 7:47 am

Yay! I always thought that Nell and Jacynth in particular would be able to understand, having both lost their entire families. Hope that Amy will be able to talk to Nell and understand that she's gone through the same thing Smile

 

#234:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 1:35 pm

Catherine this is lovely. Yuo are handling Amy so well. I can certainly empathise with the way she is feeling.

 

#235:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 3:05 am

Thank you, Catherine -- very realistic view of how Amy would be feeling about now, and quite CS to find so many ready to share similar experiences. Liked the way Miss Wilson lumps herself in as someone evading Matey!

 

#236:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 10, 2004 11:55 am

Wonderful, Catherine! I loved Gay and Jacynth and how Jacynth tries to quash Gay's exuberance, and Nell was lovely. I hope her and Amy gets t have a proper chat soon and Amy realises she's not really all that scary.

 

#237:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Sat Aug 14, 2004 8:41 pm

“Did you find her?” Miss Annersley looked up anxiously as Miss Wilson returned to the study.
“I did. Stop looking so worried, Hilda! She wasn’t upset, merely so deep in thought she lost track of time. I pointed out that it would be wiser for her to be more aware of her surroundings in future and then had a chat with her,” Nell answered sweetly and Hilda looked at her.
“Do you intend to tell me what Amy was thinking so hard about?” she enquired and Nell grinned.
“Curiosity killed the cat, Hilda,” she remarked aggravatingly but held her hands up as she encountered Hilda’s glare. “All right, all right!” she protested. “As far as I can gather, the girls have gone out their way to speak kindly to her and offer support and she’s not very sure what to think of it all,” she proceeded to give Hilda an account of what Amy had told her. “I said I’d talk to her tomorrow and see if I could help her make sense of it.”
“Poor Amy,” Hilda sighed. “Well if she manages to lose even some of her shyness when she’s with either of us, then I think we can say she’s gained something at least. I hope you can help her, Nell.”
“I’ll do my best and saints can’t do more,” Nell answered and then changed the subject.

Amy had half hoped the mistress would forget her promise, feeling shy and awkward and a little embarrassed about it all for talking to the staff was not something she felt comfortable doing. At the same time, however, she did feel muddled and felt she could do with a little help in straightening out matters. Miss Wilson had no intention of forgetting her promise however and Amy found herself excused art that afternoon.
“Fetch your blazer and we’ll go for a walk,” Miss Wilson adjured her and Amy fled, not daring to keep her waiting, causing the younger Head to hide an amused smile at the speed of her reappearance.
“I thought we could stroll into the village,” she remarked as she led the way out of the School. “There’s a small coffee shop there and I’ll treat to you tea there for once!” she smiled. “Just don’t let on to the rest, I have no wish to be penniless before the end of term!” she ended on a laugh and Amy smiled faintly. “Have you managed to catch up on all you’ve missed yet?” Miss Wilson kept the talk fairly light until they were out of sight of the school when much to Amy’s surprise, she slipped a friendly hand through the girl’s arm. “Amy, please don’t be frightened of me,” she spoke more gently than Amy had ever heard her speak before. “I realise I’ve a reputation for being strict and stern and very sarcastic but if you think about it, you’ll realise that it is only when necessary and generally whoever is on the receiving end, is deserving of it. Underneath that, I am actually quite understanding and I’m more than prepared to listen if anyone has a problem or wants to talk something over. I’m quite willing to help where I can and I enjoy doing so – I’d not be a very good teacher if I didn’t!” she added, laughing. “I know you’ve talked to Miss Annersley but I rather hoped you would talk to me as well; you’re not a girl either of us know well and that’s something that doesn’t often happen,” she smiled down at Amy. “Suppose you tell me how you’re feeling about things at the moment? Has being back at School helped you or would you rather be back at the Round House with plenty of time to yourself to think over things?”
“No. I like being back at School, I don’t like having nothing to do but think about what’s happened. I-I can’t bring him back, I wish I could but he’s dead and there’s nothing I can do about it,” Amy sounded despairing and Miss Wilson gave her arm a quick squeeze. “I-I just wish I knew what was going to happen to me.”
“I thought you did?” Miss Wilson looked down at her with a frown. “I thought Madame had explained to you that you would make your home with them and that you knew you were equally welcome to spend some or all of your holidays with Miss Annersley and myself?”
“She did. I-I didn’t mean that. It’s just, he’s always been there. Even though I’ve been here and not with him, I’ve always been able to write to him and I’ve had him for holidays – until he had to go away,” she added.
“Where did you spend your holidays then?” Miss Wilson demanded, suddenly realising that it was only recently they had realised Amy had no other relations.
“W-with the neighbours. They’ve twins that are my age and two boys, one older than the twins and one younger.”
“Did you enjoy yourself with them?”
“Yes. I’ve known them since I was a baby. I went to the same school as Charlotte and Louisa until I came here,” Amy’s voice held a wistful note but although it crossed the younger Head’s mind to wonder if the girl was happy at the Chalet School, she felt it was best left for the moment. In any case, the girl was continuing, “I-I never missed having a Mummy because they were always there; Auntie Alison looked after me if Daddy couldn’t o-or if he didn’t know what to do to help.”
“I see,” Miss Wilson said no more on the subject but she stored the information away at the back of her mind. “Amy, as far as how you will manage without your father, all I can tell you is that you will. At the moment, you’re finding it hard and that will continue for sometime but at some point in the future, you’ll realise that the gaping hole you feel there is in your life has closed. You won’t have the aching loneliness at times or the intense longing for him. He will always be there, watching over you as you go through life, Amy but as time goes on, you will stop wanting and needing him as much as you do now. You will never forget but you won’t miss him as you do now. I know it doesn’t seem like it at the moment, but I promise you it’s true. I’ve been through it myself so I know.”

 

#238:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Sat Aug 14, 2004 10:15 pm

One word: *sniff* (OK, that was 3 but don't be pedantic and at least i commented!)

 

#239:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Aug 14, 2004 10:44 pm

Thank you Very Happy Loves Amy and Bill

 

#240:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Aug 14, 2004 11:03 pm

Awww, Nell's so understanding. Crying or Very sad Thanks Catherine.

 

#241:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 3:28 pm

Love Nell! She's wonderflul *g* (and yes I did spell that wrong on purpose it's a new word, I've just coined it!)

 

#242:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 11:40 pm

Awwwww! Lovely post!! Thank you Catherine!!!!

 

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