Len Decides
The CBB -> Ste Therese's House
#1: Len Decides Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 3:51 pm

“Oh! How marvellous!” exclaimed Len, leaning across and planting a kiss on her brevet Aunt’s cheek. Hilda Annersley chuckled in pleasure, and Len delved her hand into the gift box and withdrew it revealing an assortment of gifts. There was a beautiful fountain pen in an ivory case, clearly very old, although it was in beautiful condition. Len glanced up, knowing full well that there must be a story behind this.

“It was the pen that my father gave to me before I left home for university, just as you are now.” Hilda explained, looking around the room as everyone stopped what they were doing and listened to the Headmistress of the Chalet School. “That pen saw me through my university years, and I even used it during my first teaching post in England. Then, when I left England to join the Chalet School, I packed it away with all my belongings and only found it two years ago when I was going through some old cases. I decided then that I wanted you to have it. I remember it was beautiful to write with, and knowing that it was a gift from my father, who did not have much money to spare, gave me certain inspiration whenever I used it.”

Len squeezed her Aunt’s hand. “And knowing that you gave it to me, when it means so much to you Auntie, will, I know, fill me with the same inspiration.” Seeing that her Aunt’s eyes were looking suspiciously bright, Len took pity on her and continued revealing the gifts contained in the box.

It did the trick, especially as Con, who had also noticed her Aunt’s expression, had opened her mouth to say something. However, Len’s clever manoeuvre diverted her attention and she too leaned forward eagerly to see what else there was.

The gift box contained an assortment of gifts, a writing set, a carved letter-opener “made especially by Tom Gay, an old-girl of the Chalet School” added the Headmistress, as they all cried out at its beauty. At the bottom of the box, there was a large object, the last gift. When they realised what the large object was, peals of laughter resounded round the salon. Hilda had by then recovered, and twinkled at Len as her face turned pink.

“Thank you, Auntie Hilda” remarked Len very properly, before erupting into giggles herself. The object was a large and comprehensive thesaurus. Everyone knew how pedantic Hilda Annersley could be about the use of the English language, and of her despair over Len’s habit of picking on one word and completely over-using it. Len stopped her giggles long enough to through her arms around her Aunt and envelope her in a big bear hug. “Thank you Auntie” she murmured before hastily wiping away a tear that she later claimed to be a tear of mirth.

At that moment, Joey Maynard slipped out to the kitchen and returned wheeling a trolley of cakes and coffee and various other goodies. “Anna’s done us proud again” she commented of the family maid, thinking back to the spread that young woman had prepared for Margot’s leaving party the month before. As the crowd dispersed around Len, she made her way over to the salon window where her fiancé Reg Entwhistle had been sitting.

“You have no excuse for not writing regularly now” he twinkled at her, nodding his head toward the fountain pen and writing set on the table. Gazing at her flushed face he had the sudden desire to kiss her, and he slowly pulled himself up from the chair, leaning heavily on his walking stick. Len held her face up to him and smiled sadly at the pleasure in his face. Reg saw the look and winced. “Len,” he began, and then stopped, not knowing what to say.

“Can we take a walk outside?” she asked, offering her arm for support. Reg nodded, not trusting himself to speak.

Last edited by Nicci on Sat Mar 12, 2005 5:16 pm; edited 3 times in total

 

#2:  Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 3:54 pm

Ooooh, intriguing start. *plumps down to wait for some more* Looks good Nicci Very Happy

 

#3:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 4:00 pm

What's Len going to say to Reg? Why is he walking with a stick (is it following his accident in prefects?)? I hope Hilda got Con some presents too!

 

#4:  Author: jackie green, Location: Rotherham PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 4:04 pm

Oooohhh... nice. carry on! Laughing

 

#5:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 4:06 pm

*Curls up on sofa with fleecy blanket to await more!*

 

#6:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 4:26 pm

Interesting! May we have some more please, Nicci?!

 

#7:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 4:27 pm

Ooh, lovely, lovely start ... Fabulous gifts! *begging for more already*

 

#8:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 5:02 pm

“Reg,” she began, when they were finally standing out in the garden behind the house. “Its about your gift, I, I can’t accept it.”

His heart sank. He had already admitted to himself that this was a possibility, and he had been half-expecting this conversation for some weeks now. But to actually hear her say it… he felt his stomach tighten and his mouth became so dry that he found himself constantly licking his lips so that he would be able to speak. “Please Len,” he rasped. “Don’t -”

Len gazed down at the floor. “I’m sorry Reg” he voice trembled, “its not right. I can’t accept it, not now I’ve decided. And I should give you this back too-” she held out her left hand where a diamond flickered in the afternoon sunlight.

Reg looked away. “Keep it” he said. Len began to argue, but then thought the better of it. She let her hand fall down by her side. “Why?” he asked tentatively, although he already knew the answer. “Why now, after everything that’s happened?”

Len gulped and grasped his warm hand in her cool one. “I just want a fresh start” it was barely audible, but he heard it and he knew what she meant. Ever since the doctor’s latest diagnosis of his injury, he had been thinking about this, about his life, and about her life. He didn’t blame her for not wanting a cripple for a husband. She was young, just starting life, and she should have had everything to look forward to. He knew that by releasing her from the engagement, he could give her that, at least.

He gently reached out with one hand and brushed back a wave of auburn hair that had fallen across her face. “I understand” he said, gazing at her, realising as he did that she looked the most beautiful he had ever seen her look. He closed his eyes on the painful picture.

When he looked at her again, she was looking at him, watching him. “I’m sorry” she repeated, shaking her head slowly.

“I think I should go now” he murmured, and she didn’t try to stop him.

“Will you be okay?” she was referring to his ability to walk home.

He glanced down bitterly at the walking stick that had changed his life. “I’ll be fine” he replied gruffly. She watched him walk away towards the road. He hadn’t taken many steps before he turned back. She watched anxiously, hoping he wasn’t about to plead with her. For a moment he didn’t speak, struggling to find the words. Eventually he shrugged his shoulders, defeated. “Thank you for this summer” he said finally. Len glanced at him uncertainly, but he meant it.

As he turned away for the second time, she reproached herself and raced forward. “Reg, we can be friends?” she asked, grasping his free hand.

He released his hand from hers, “You don’t understand what you’re asking of me Lena” he said sadly. “Good luck in England”. She watched him walk out of the garden, onto the path along the road that led up to the sanatorium. As she lost sight of him she turned back toward the house.

The following week she left for England. As her family and friends waved her off, she felt a pang of regret as she remembered who should have been there, who she had planned this moment with. She hadn’t seen or spoken to Reg since that afternoon in the garden, and she couldn’t help wondering how he was. Was he thinking about her? She hoped not. She was ready to start a new life, she hoped he was too.

Last edited by Nicci on Thu Oct 14, 2004 6:02 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#9:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 5:15 pm

Wow. There will be more, won't there?

 

#10:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 5:28 pm

Oh no! Poor Reg!! Wonder what's going on with Len...

 

#11:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 6:42 pm

Goodness! Reg thinks Len is dumping him because of a disability? (This isn't true, is it? :wibbles:) *not used to feeling sorry for Reg* (yes, well, except for Ray's Promises saga) Next episode, please?

 

#12:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 7:03 pm

*wibbles with all the others* Can Len really be that crass?

 

#13:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 8:08 pm

Not sure if I like Len in this -but I love the drabble!

 

#14:  Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 8:48 pm

*joins the wibbling group*

 

#15:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:22 pm

Poor Reg. Looking forward to hearing the reasons for why Len ditched him.

 

#16:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:47 pm

December.

That year, winter was one of the coldest the Chalet folk had ever known. Len arrived at Freudeshiem in the midst of a snowstorm which was to last for days. The house was as lively and noisy as ever, the Maynards were determined to have all their usual festivities, despite the freezing weather that surrounded them.

As Len entered the hallway with Jack, she grinned at the raucous laughter coming from the salon. “You can tell the boys are home” she chuckled, unwrapping her long scarf and removing her hat and gloves.

“When you’ve got all of that lot off, there’s a glorious fire waiting for you in the salon. Warm you up in no time” remarked Jack, entering the salon and leaving his eldest daughter alone in the hall.

Len watched his retreating back and thanked him silently for understanding. She needed a little time alone now, to adjust to being home. She caught sight of her reflection in the hall mirror and in a moment of curiosity stepped a little closer. Did she look any different? Her cheeks and nose were flushed from the cold, and her hair was a different cut to when she went away. Her fringe was softer and fell longer down the sides of her face, and she kept some of it clipped back with dainty accessories. She tried to look at herself objectively, which was difficult, because she definitely felt different to when she went away. She cocked her head to one-side in thought. Yes, there was a difference. She looked older, more, more, she searched for the word and finally hit upon it. More capable. She smiled softly at the reflection in the mirror. Only three months ago, and yet she seemed so young then.

Thanks for the comments. I'm not normally very sympathetic towards Reg, but this drabble sprang up out of nowhere last night and the bunnies have been biting ever since.

 

#17:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:49 pm

Looking good. Thanks Nicci.

 

#18:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 10:08 pm

A sudden memory of Reg slipped into her thoughts and she turned away from the mirror in sadness. She supposed she hadn’t handled the situation very well before she left home, but she had felt so envious of all her friends who were starting new lives at university, with the sudden freedom to do what they liked and make new friends. It was the right decision, she was still certain of that nineteen was far too young to settle down, whatever the previous generation might have thought. But she had missed Reg in the last few months, he had come to be such a habit with her. Oh, there had been other people who could give her the advice she needed, and who could keep her good company, but… she sighed. It was all just a bittersweet memory now. She hadn’t quite believed that they wouldn’t remain friends until her first letter was returned unopened. She had tried again with the same result, and when the third letter was returned to her, she carefully tied the three together and placed them sadly in her writing case.

A girlish whoop of laughter drew her out of her reverie and she turned away from the mirror as two leggy creatures tumbled out of the salon doorway. “Not turning vain are you my dear?” queried Margot, helping Con off the floor. Len blushed.

“Len could never be vain” commented Con in a serious tone. “There must be some deeper meaning”. Len glanced sharply at her triplet’s face, how much did Con know she wondered. But Con’s expression gave nothing away. She smiled warmly at her sister and reached out to draw her into the salon. “Come on inside Len, come and see the family”.

 

#19:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 10:43 pm

“University suits you” commented Jack later that evening. He had retired to his study after dinner, and there Len found him, poured over some medical papers he had brought home.

“Nothing changes around here” remarked Len in some amusement.

Jack rested the papers down on the desk and looked at his eldest daughter thoughtfully. “Were you expecting it to?” he wondered in a serious tone.

Len placed the coffee she had brought him on the desk and sat down in the armchair before responding. “I suppose I was. Or rather,” she corrected herself, “I feel like I’ve changed, so I thought everything else must do to.” Jack nodded wisely. “Do you think I’ve changed?” she asked.

“I think you have”

“For better?” it was a tentative question.

Jack ignored it. “Len, I believe you made the right decision. Whatever – whatever others might say or think.” She didn’t respond. He tried another tack, “What I’m trying to say Len, is, you don’t have to prove yourself to me.”

She smiled softly. Then she looked at him anxiously. “Papa, how is he?” When Jack didn’t respond straight away she added, “I’ve tried to write but he just sends the letters back”.

Jack sat up sharply, and nearly sent his coffee flying as a result. “But he’s not here anymore” he said, slightly dumbfounded. “I thought you must have known. He transferred to Canada a month after you left.” He took in her expression. “He probably never even received your letter sweetheart” he added gently. He paused. Did Len still feel something for Reg? He couldn’t quite read her expression, and he wished ardently that Joey was having this conversation, not him.

 

#20:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 11:26 pm

I especially like your speed of updating, Nicci!!! Thank you - very understandable Jack wanting to be "anywhere but here"! Gem

 

#21:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 11:29 pm

*joins wibbling group* Poor Reg Sad Loks like a good drabble Nicci - looking forward to the next bit

 

#22:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 8:36 am

Really interesting ... I can understand Len's wish to have a "new beginning" at uni and I don't think it has anything to do with his injury (I certainly hope not) And I do hope, whether she realises she's in love with him or not, that they're able to be reconciled on whatever level ... Hmmmmmm ....... Confused

 

#23:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 8:43 am

Thanks for the updates Very Happy

 

#24:  Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 9:52 am

Thank you Nicci Very Happy

 

#25:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 11:29 am

thank you. its very nice to see Reg in a more sympathetic light

 

#26:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 12:08 pm

Thank you Nicci, very intriguing and I want to see lots more. I can't believe that you had me feeling sorry for Reg after the very first post.

 

#27:  Author: Lisa, Location: South Coast of England PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 4:01 pm

Very evocative writing, Nicci, I just read that scene where Joey arrives home at Freudesheim and I had such a 'Christmassy' pang. I want to come in from freezing weather to a house full of laughter and a real fire! I want! I want! Razz

 

#28:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 7:08 pm

Me too! And I really really want devoted siblings! (my brother just got married and lost [possibly won] the toss not to come to ours for christmas...is going to be so odd this year.) More please!

 

#29:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 7:23 pm

Eek Laura, don't remind me. I'm dreading the discussion about which parents to spend Christmas with. It'll be so weird if I'm not at my parents. I won't get a stocking!

 

#30:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 7:56 pm

This is so well written, Nicci - and I really want to know what happens next! Will Len write to Canada? What does "Len Decides" refer to - her initial decision to break off the engagement, or another decision later on? *greedy for more!*

 

#31:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 9:52 pm

May we have some more please Nicci??

 

#32:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 10:53 pm

Alice wrote:
Eek Laura, don't remind me. I'm dreading the discussion about which parents to spend Christmas with. It'll be so weird if I'm not at my parents. I won't get a stocking!
Andy and I do them for each other Very Happy Nicci this is great - I'm really enjoying it

 

#33:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Oct 16, 2004 4:06 pm

Please go on with this, I want to see what comes next.

 

#34:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 1:56 pm

Nicci this is a lovely drabble. Can't believe I'm feeling sorry for Reg. Hope Len isn't really as heartless as she came over in that first post.

 

#35:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 7:50 pm

Still no more? We want to know what Len decides.

 

#36:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 8:03 pm

You will! Very Happy Sorry for the wait folks. I've been away all weekend and haven't had a chance to write any more, except what's been written in my head! I'm just unpacking and tidying my room, then hopefully I'll get back to it. Thanks for all the comments. Embarassed Very Happy

 

#37:  Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 8:13 pm

Thank you Nicci - just caught up on this. Looking forward to more when you can.

 

#38:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 10:32 pm

This probably would have been written earlier this evening, but I got caught up in RCS5!! Blame the genius who is Lesley Green.

January: Oxford

“…and all in all, it was great to be back at home. Glad I’m here now though!” finished Len, grinning at her friend Ted Grantley. In the driving seat, Ted smiled back although she remained looking ahead, concentrating on getting them back in one piece. The roads were icy and Ted had no intention of involving the two of them in an accident.

“Do you want to talk about it?” she asked, without looking at Len.

“About what? I’ve just relayed all my holiday news, and not heard a peep about yours” retorted Len.

“About Reg.” Ted’s tone was suddenly kinder. Len glanced at her sharply but did not say anything. “You dropped his name into the conversation every other sentence. What happened?” She involuntarily flicked her eyes over Len’s left hand.

Len sighed and explained. Ted’s eyes grew round as she told of Reg’s departure from the Sanatorium. “He left just after you did?” she ascertained, and Len nodded. Ted whistled. “You really broke his heart” she stated. Len started but then fell back in her seat in an uncomfortable silence. “Do you still love him?” she asked what Jack Maynard dared not. Len shook her head. She was quite decided on that point. She had been comfortable with Reg, she had adored him, and she still cared about him, but it wasn’t love, and she rather wondered if it ever had been. “Well then,” began Ted decidedly. “There’s only one thing for it.” Len raised her eyebrows questioningly. “It’s time for you to meet my friend Will.”

 

#39:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 11:09 pm

Love the last line Nicci Very Happy

 

#40:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 12:12 am

February

The scene before her reminded Len of being back at the Chalet School. A hundred (or so it seemed) girls were racing up and down the corridors in varying degrees of clothing, calling out to one another for advice and opinions, hunting for needle and thread to make last minute adjustment, singing and dancing along to the radio. She gave a wry smile as she thought what Matey’s comments might be, and how quickly they would all have scuttled to their rooms in response.

“What do you think?” asked Ted, sliding through the doorway to reveal her ballgown.

“Why Ted, you look quite pretty” cried Len, amazed by her friend’s transformation. She caught sight of Ted’s face and grinned. “Oh you know what I mean!”

“Thanks for the flowers” Ted’s expression was as wry as Len’s had been. “Can’t seem to do anything to fix my hair though” she grimaced, shaking her messy mane.

Len contemplated it, furrowing her brows as she dredged up all the hair-dressing knowledge she had collected over the years. It wasn’t much. “Have you tried sticking it back with a flower?” she said eventually. “Here,” she rummaged about in her drawers and found an elaborate hairclip decorated with a large pink rose. She tossed it to Ted who contemplated the thing before striding over to the mirror.

As she was ‘fixing’ her hair, she turned to Len with a chuckle. “Did I ever tell you about the Abbess playing hairdresser?”

Len almost choked at the cryptic sounding remark. “Pardon?”

“The Abbess.” Ten grinned. “When I first got to school, and my hair was so awfully long, Miss Annersley sat me down in the study and ‘fixed’ it for me.”

“I did wonder about that. I thought Matey had done something about it though. Auntie Hilda,” she remarked in a serious tone, “is full of surprises”.

“She certainly is” Ted agreed wholeheartedly. “And now, we should stop reminiscing and get ourselves down to the hall. Robert and Will are probably wondering where we’ve got to.”

At the mention of Will, Len turned pink. The date had been arranged by Ted, who herself was going with her cousin Robert. The Valentine’s Ball had seemed as a good an opportunity as any for Will and Len to meet, but as the time approached, Len found herself feeling more and more nervous. As Ted dragged her out the door, Len reached down and tugged at the skirt of her dress. “I look okay don’t I?” she asked.

Ted glanced at her. “You’ll have to excuse Will if he ends up in a fluster” she responded, grinning. Len began to ask what Ted meant, and then shut it as she understood. The colour in her cheeks deepened. “What a becoming shade of pink” remarked Ted, hastily skipping out of Len’s way.

 

#41:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 3:48 am

How come Ted has such messy hair? What happened to her snood? Or has she gone all hippy dippy and grown it long (somewhat like my messy long hair...)

 

#42:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 7:25 am

Thank you for the comment Nicci! Embarassed And thanks for the update - interested in this 'Will'.

 

#43:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 8:28 am

Lovely update, all girly and sweet! *I miss getting ready to go out with my girls*

 

#44:  Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 8:41 am

*all intrigued now*

 

#45:  Author: Miriam, Location: Jerusalem, Israel PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 9:41 am

Miss Di wrote:
How come Ted has such messy hair? What happened to her snood? Or has she gone all hippy dippy and grown it long (somewhat like my messy long hair...)
Maybe she was trying something special for the ball, and didn't want to just wear her regular snood.

 

#46:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 11:33 am

Never did understand what a snood was. Can anyone explain?

“Ouch”

Len cast a sleepy eye across the bedroom and then regarded the figure in the doorway. “Sorry” whispered Ted, closing the door – quietly this time. She crept up to the bed. “How are you?”

Len groaned and turned on her side. “Sick.”

“Ah, the champagne?” Ted nodded wisely.

“I think so.” Len smiled dazedly. “How one earth did you manage to get up so bright and early?”

“Practise” chuckled Ted, pulling back the curtains and letting a stream of winter light dazzle the room. She ignored the figure wincing in the bed. “Did you have a good night?”

“Mhm” Len realised that she couldn’t actually remember a great deal of the previous evening.

Ted sighed. “What I mean is, did you like Will?”

‘Will, Will…’ Len’s eyes shot open as she registered the name. There was something fizzing at the back of her mind, something that she needed to remember to tell Ted. Her head ached as she racked her brains, wishing she could recall more of the nights events.

“Well?” Ted was looking at her expectantly.

Len gave up and considered the question. “He seemed quite nice” she concluded, leaving Ted staring at her like a stranded codfish.

“Quite nice?” she echoed. “He’s the most eligible bachelor in Oxford and all you can say is ‘quite nice’”. Ted shook her head in amazement. “How then, do you explain the fact that Ellis Rickman saw the two of you engaged in a deep and meaningful conversation on the terrace for the best part of an hour?” Ted paced the room, eyeing Len with unabashed curiosity.

Len sat up with a jerk, sending dozens of pangs to the back of her head. She stared at the opposite wall while she tried to think why what Ted said rang such a bell. She grew distracted by Ted’s pacing and threw and impatient look in her direction. “Please Ted, you’re making me dizzy. Sit down for goodness sake, or stand still”. Len suddenly felt a wave of nausea as a part of the night clicked back into her memory. Had she been talking about Reg? To Will? She groaned out loud and turned pink with embarrassment.

Ted saw the blush and immediately put it down to Len’s embarrassment at being caught out. “Ho! So you did have a good time with Mr Granger.” She insisted.

Len began to protest and then stopped, not wanting to explain what she had been talking about to Will. She had promised Ted that Reg was out of her mind. To admit that she had got drunk and talked about her ex-fiancé with her new date was too embarrassing to contemplate. She had no misgivings as to what Ted’s reaction would be, and she had no intention of letting that happen.

“Yes, he was lovely” she assented at length. ‘But I shan’t be seeing him again’ she added silently. Fortunately, Ted appeared happy enough with Len’s answer and immediately began discussing the rest of the night's events with her. They gossiped for the next hour about the various couples and who had done what. If Ted had but noticed it, she was the one doing most of the talking, with Len adding the right sounds every now and again. Her thoughts kept returning to the conversation the previous night, trying to fill in the blanks. Something was niggling her about Ted. Something that she had told herself to remember. It was no use. It seemed unfair that she should not be able to remember the nights events. And it seemed even more unfair that almost without a doubt, Will would remember.

Edited to change the end of the post.

Last edited by Nicci on Sat Nov 27, 2004 2:19 pm; edited 2 times in total

 

#47:  Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 12:10 pm

Erk! Huge row... *wibbles* What happened? Poor Len - hangover, yeowch.

 

#48:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 12:40 pm

Confused! Confused Did Len have a huge row? Or did she witness someone else with same?

 

#49:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 12:51 pm

Sorry! It was other people having the row. Its nothing of interest really, I just had to end the post and stopped it in a rather dodgy place. Essays are calling I'm afraid. Got more to come later.

 

#50:  Author: Miriam, Location: Jerusalem, Israel PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 12:56 pm

Quote:
snood ( P ) Pronunciation Key (snd) n. A small netlike cap worn by women to keep the hair in place. A headband or fillet. [Middle English snod, headband, from Old English snd. See (s)n- in Indo-European Roots.] snood \Snood\, n. [AS. sn[=o]d. Cf. Snare.] 1. The fillet which binds the hair of a young unmarried woman, and is emblematic of her maiden character. [Scot.] 2. A short line (often of horsehair) connecting a fishing line with the hook a snell a leader. Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc. snood \Snood\, v. t. To bind or braid up, as the hair, with a snood. [Scot.] Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc. snood n : an ornamental net in the shape of a bag that confines a woman's hair pins or ties at the back of the head Source: WordNet ® 2.0, © 2003 Princeton University
Take your choice! FRom context I would think it was a ribbon that Miss annersley tied around her head, to secure the loose ends of hair. From the results of my first search, it seems that it is also a computer game, but that wouldn't fit around Ted's head.

 

#51:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 4:58 pm

I've kind of got a bit lost with this, after the Switzerland post, but I think I'm back on track now. Oh, and I've made a change to the end of the previous post. Hope things make more sense now. And thanks for the explanation Miriam!

It was therefore a complete shock when, five days later, Will called by on his way to a meeting. “Len!” he exclaimed cheerfully. “How are you?”

“Fine, thanks Will. How about yourself?” It took all of Len’s self-control not to look puzzled by his arrival. A thought flashed through her mind that he had come to gloat, to tell her what a fool she had been at the Ball, but there was a sincerity in his smile that couldn’t be faked.

“A little cold!” Snow had been lightly falling for the past half hour, covering the ground in a patchy sheet of white.

“Come in, come in!” cried Len, forgetting her momentary embarrassment and reverting back to her ‘mother hen’ mode. “Can I make you some coffee? Or tea, if you’d prefer.”

“Tea would be lovely, if it’s not too much trouble” he replied, stepping inside. “Is Ted here?”

“No, she left for a lecture about five minutes ago. You just missed her.” Len walked through with the tea in time to catch Will’s expression. “Did you want her for something in particular?”

Will smiled at her, raising his eyebrows. “Something in particular? No, no. Just, well, you know.” Len didn’t, but she nodded anyway.

“Will- ” Len paused, handed him a cup of tea, and wondered how to deal with what had been on her mind all week.

“Yes Len?”

“I – I just wanted to say thank you for Friday night. Not just for accompanying me to the ball, but for... everything.” She caught his eye and was surprised and relieved to find her thoughts mirrored in his own.

“Me too Len. That is, I wanted to say thank you. I think you’re fantastic” he said, blushing. “I know we both had quite a bit to drink that night, but the pact we made means a lot to me.”

Len nodded dazedly. “Mhm.” She nodded, while racking her brains without a clue as to what he was talking about. What pact had they made? Again, she cursed herself for drinking so much.

Will drained his cup and placed it on the table. “I should be off now” he explained, “my meeting is in five minutes.” Len followed him to the door, and as he stepped outside he turned around and planted a gruff kiss on her cheek. “See you soon, Len. Tell Ted I dropped by.”

Len watched him walk down the lamp-lit street, leaving faint footprints in the shallow snow. As he turned the corner at the end of the road, she stayed standing in the doorway, watching the snowflakes whirling gently to the ground. She wasn’t even thinking about anything, just mesmerised by the snow. She felt herself drawn back to childhood, where she would watch the snow out of the dormitory window, wondering whether they would be allowed to go tobogganing the next day. She sighed for the memory, and ached to go back home and bury herself under her bedclothes and let the outside world disappear. She didn’t know what Will had been talking about, and she was too embarrassed to tell him so. But whatever pact they had made, it was clear that Will was interested still, she hadn’t made a complete mess of things again. Will was sweet, she decided. She gently rubbed her fingers over her cheek where he had kissed her, so unromantically. Her cheek was cold to the touch and she shivered involuntarily as she finally felt the frosty air around her. Taking one last, lingering look at the street, empty now, rapidly becoming lost under the white blanket, she turned back inside.

 

#52:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 6:53 pm

Oh dear, the pact could be anything!! Mutual Appreciation pact, Decision never to tell anyone what they did Pact, Nuclear weapons disarmament pact, anything!! Laughing

 

#53:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 7:12 pm

So is Will interested in Len or Ted? Must be mortifying knowing you made a pact with someone & have no idea what it was! (obviously would have no idea what it's like to forget the night before... *whistles innocently*) thanks for the update Nicci Very Happy

 

#54:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 7:23 pm

*g* I was feeling just as bad as Len after Saturday night and remember very little of what happened too Embarassed Hoping we find out about this pact soon!

 

#55:  Author: Lisa, Location: South Coast of England PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 7:24 pm

Great stuff, thanks! I am really enjoying this as it is challenging my perception of some of the characters! Love the busy realistic scenes of the girls all running about! Very Happy ETA OOH! I've got a star! ETA Again. Embarassed Think I have had it for ages, just didn't notice!

 

#56:  Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 7:29 pm

Urgh, I hate not remembering things that have happened the night before... *wants to know about the pact*

 

#57:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 9:54 pm

I have never not remembered what happened the night before. Unfortunately. Very Happy This is lovely!!! Lots more please. What's the pact? Who does Will want? Why is he so eligable? Where's Con? Weren't she and Len at Oxford together?

 

#58:  Author: Kate, Location: Ireland PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 10:14 pm

It's not fun not remembering what happened... things come back to you sloooowly and it's very embarrassing!!!! Smile Great story, Nicci!

 

#59:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 10:33 pm

Ooer - Len with a hangover! Never quite imagined that before...! Looking forward to finding out more about the pact.

 

#60:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 12:27 am

Lisa wrote:
Great stuff, thanks! I am really enjoying this as it is challenging my perception of some of the characters! Love the busy realistic scenes of the girls all running about! Very Happy ETA OOH! I've got a star! ETA Again. Embarassed Think I have had it for ages, just didn't notice!
Is that Lisa as in 'Chalet Girls in Camp' Lisa?

 

#61:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 12:46 am

Yup. I'm t'other one. I'm Lisa T- she's just plain ole 'Lisa' ROFL

 

#62:  Author: Lisa, Location: South Coast of England PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:23 am

Oy! Less of the 'plain ole'! I may be plain, but I'm not ole yet! Laughing (30 isn't old, is it?? Confused ) Yep - still wearing my neckerchief and hat! Very Happy Very Happy

 

#63:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 11:05 am

*waving* Hi Lisa! Haven't seen you/spoken to you in ages. How's it going? No, 30 isn't old. 90 is old. So you're a third of the way to being old. Why doesnt that sound as nice as its supposed to? Confused

 

#64:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 11:27 am

*g* I can't imagine.....It's like people saying when you turn 25 that you've hit your quarter century mark..

 

#65:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 3:22 pm

Thanks Nicci, lovely posts. Will does seem to be rather more interested in Ted than Len as far as I can see.

 

#66:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 4:07 pm

*wibbles* I'm not sure the pact sounds good, even if Will does seem sweet.

 

#67:  Author: Alex, Location: Manchester, UK PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 7:37 pm

Hmmmm, my money would be on "If we're not married by the time we're 30 we'll marry each other." Although that is more the kind of pact you make with longstanding friends and not random guys you've just met.

 

#68:  Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 7:50 pm

I've sorta got an idea as to what the pact might be... On the other hand, that could just be the complete and utter romantic in me who's watched way too many romcoms recently. Ray *eagerly awaiting more please*

 

#69:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 8:00 pm

I'm as much in the dark about the pact as Len is, somehow I can't see her asking him though. Thanks Nicci, lovely to see another drabble from you.

 

#70:  Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 8:27 pm

Oh no, poor Len! How awful to have no idea what she made a pact about. Looking forward to more.

 

#71:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 10:12 am

Perhaps it's one of those pacts where they've agreed to marry each other if they hit such-and-such an age and are still single? I'm a bit concerned that Len is reading something in to Will's kiss and that maybe he's really after Ted ... Anyway - hopefully we shall find out soon! This is great, Nicci! Very Happy

 

#72:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 8:53 pm

Well Madam? What pact did they make? Stop wibbling on MSN and come back here and post more!!! Wink

 

#73:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 8:59 pm

oooh, nice bounce Catherine! Begins chanting megaphone

 

#74:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 9:21 pm

Trouble is, Josie, I'm now in trouble for bouncing it! (Not that I care - hence why I'm doing it again!!)

 

#75:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 11:04 pm

Adds accompaniment to the chanting drummer piano Trumpet Guitar

 

#76:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 11:51 am

catherine wrote:
Well Madam? What pact did they make? Stop wibbling on MSN and come back here and post more!!! Wink
*Indignant* I was NOT wibbling... ...well, maybe just a little. I'm stuck on a bit, and need to talk with my lovely assistant Ray. Thanks for the continued support though! ps. I do love you really Catherine!!

 

#77:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 3:53 am

Ok - it's rolling now. Here's just a little bit, cuz I really ought to get to bed at some point. *I am a slave to plot bunnies*

A month later:

“Will, come on in” It was getting to be a regular thing, he would drop by on his way to college or to a meeting and would stay for a drink while they would chat. Len liked it, but she wasn’t sure she understood it. This evening would be different though. He bounded into the hallway like an oversized puppy and wrapped her in a large bear hug. When she was finally released, Len stared at him, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “You remind me of Steve – my brother” she said finally.

Will raised an eyebrow as he cast off his scarf – it was still cold out, despite it being half way through March. “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?” he quipped. He gazed down at her face with shining eyes and a giddy lop-sided grin. “Nevermind – I don’t think I want to know!” He pulled her into the living room and dragged her onto the settee next to the glowing fire. “I have to ask you something” He paused and looked at her thoughtfully. “Its quite serious, and something we haven’t really discussed since the Ball”.

Len blushed and swallowed nervously. ‘Was she finally going to get an answer to all her questions?’ she wondered. He continued, sounding slightly more bashful, nervous, embarrassed even, and even as Len chased away a thought that crossed her mind, he took her hand in his. He gave it a reassuring squeeze. He coughed.

“Okay – um, so, do you still love him?” Len almost fell off the chair. She regained her balance, and composure in time. She had not been expecting that, she thought emphatically. Will gave her hand an impatient tug. “Do you still love Reg?” he elucidated.

“I – uh.” ‘Did she?’ It was so long since she’d analysed her feelings about Reg that she really wasn’t sure. “Um, why?” she asked finally, settling on the only thing she felt she could safely ask.

“Ted’s going to Canada”

 

#78:  Author: Tassie_Ellen, Location: Tasmania, Australia PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 6:00 am

Ooh! The plot thickens Shocked Ted and Reg??? Loveing this, Nicci, just one problem - not enough story! Wink

 

#79:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 10:25 am

Ohhh so what does that mean??? Hope we find out soon Very Happy

 

#80:  Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 10:51 am

Nicely done, Nicci Smile Very much looking forward to seeing the next bit ) Ray *feeling slightly smug*

 

#81:  Author: claire, Location: South Wales PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 10:55 am

So Len still loves Reg (or told Will she did but can't marry him for whatever reason) Will loves Ted (who has no clue and is emigrating) and the pact is they marry each other, knowing they would both want to be with someone else but settling for each other - right?

 

#82:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 11:33 am

Interesting.... Well I'm hooked! Thanks Nikki!

 

#83:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 12:32 pm

Thanks to Ray for all her help with ideas, and for generally sharing in the joy of angst. Cheers Ray! Very Happy

“Ted’s going to Canada” he announced, and then sat back, waiting for the news to sink in.

Much to his chagrin, Len didn’t automatically make the connection. The news that Ted was going to Canada filled her with a million questions – why was she going? When was she going? How long for? Why hadn’t Ted told Len herself?

“It’s only just been arranged.” He tackled the questions in reverse order. “She’s going for two months I think, in Spring, to stay with family”. He paused again, still awaiting the reaction. “She’s invited me along”

Len took one look at Will’s ecstatic face and understood at least part of the confusion. Will loved Ted. She shook her head in amazement that she hadn’t seen it before. So everything that had happened… Len raised her head sharply – ‘Why on earth was Will still here if he wasn’t interested?’ “Will, I’m so pleased for you” she meant it sincerely, and her warm tones showed it. In truth, she was somewhat relieved at this outcome – something about the way Will treated Len had always been more that of a brother or best friend and she had felt it keenly, even though she hadn’t said anything. ‘The gossips will have a field day with this’ she thought wryly. Will’s frequent visits to the house had not gone unnoticed in town, and she was sure that they too had reached the wrong conclusion.

“Len!” Will was begging her attention. “If you want me to find him- I will.” That was the pact. Len almost laughed from relief as it all flooded back. That night at the ball, when Will had been so sweet…

Valentine’s Ball, February:

“You’re a beautiful woman, even when you’re not smiling” Will congratulated himself as he won a smile – wry though it was.

“I’m sorry Will. You’ve been so lovely – bringing me out tonight, but- oh” Len sighed heavily.

“Anything I can help you with? I –I know we’ve only just met, but Ted talks about you so much that I feel I know you already” Will reached for Len’s hand and held it comfortingly.

“It’s about someone else…” Len felt the champagne bubbling up through her mind. Will was so kind – would it really do any harm to tell him? She wondered.

“This Reg chap?” asked Will softly.

Len’s jaw dropped open, and she looked at Will coldly. “I don’t know who’s been talking but..”

“Ted mentioned it in passing” he replied hastily. “ I don’t know much – although I see in your eyes that it must have been hard”

“Have you ever been in love, Will?” Len asked abruptly.

Will looked surprised at the question, but he couldn’t help thinking it was good to be able to talk to a woman like this. He was used to women talking in riddles, beating around the bush. He liked this red-headed beauty who said exactly what she thought. He contemplated the question, and decided it was only fair to be as honest in return. “I am in love – at the moment”

Len followed his gaze across the dance floor and nearly choked when her eyes finally rested on the object of his affection. “Does she know?” Len asked, yet instinctively feeling that Ted *didn’t* know.

Will looked bashful. “I’ve tried – it’s difficult to get her to talk about how she feels” Len nodded in understanding. “To her I’m just another friend.”

Len gazed at Will, “She adores you – you know. She said wonderful things about you”

“And then set you up with me.” Will pointed out. They sat quietly for a moment. “So – this Reg”

Len sighed. “I love him. At least – I think I do. But then sometimes I’m sure I don’t. I suppose, I just thought he’d try a little harder to hang on to me – you know. Maybe he just didn’t love me that much either” she added sadly.

“You sound like you care a lot about him” Will bent his head closer to hers.

“I –I do.” Len admitted. “An awful lot.” She fiddled with the pin in her hair. “I think I might have made a huge mistake”. Will nodded appreciatively as they watched Ted swing about the dance floor with her cousin. “Is there anything -” asked Len, trying to analyse the impassive face of her friend.

“The cousin? No – at least, not on Ted’s side I think. Her family want it. They’re kind of old-fashioned you know, and since they came back into their money…”

“It’s not exactly Ted’s style is it” grinned Len.

Will shook his head, grateful that here was someone that he could talk to about Ted, quite freely. “Good old Ted. She’s so down to earth. She hated the whole pretentious boarding school thing you know – except yours of course. She used to tell me all about it in the hols.”

“You’re really quite close aren’t you”

“Not close enough” Will replied softly. Len’s heart went out to him. She remembered how she felt, every time the letters were returned un-read.

“When did it all get so complicated” she wondered.

“Beats me” Will chuckled. “What a pair we make. Together on a date – mourning our poor broken hearts…”.

“Poor us.” Len grinned. “We should make the best of it though” she stood up and pulled Will up with her. “We’re going to dance”

“Sounds like a good plan you’ve got there partner” Will drawled.

“And I shall do everything in my powers to find out about Ted” promised Len.

“And I shall find that man of yours – even though I may travel to the four corners of the earth to bring him back to you” announced Will dramatically.

Len giggled appreciatively. “Let’s just help each other” she decided as they reached the dance floor. “Deal?” she stuck out her right hand.

“Deal!”

 

#84:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 1:23 pm

How lovely! Poor Will, not being able to tell Ted, and poor Len, realising she made a mistake!

 

#85:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 2:01 pm

At least Will has two months with Ted - he should make the most of his opportunity and talk to the girl.As for Len, has she really made a mistake, or is she just wanting Reg because she can't have him? Maybe if he was standing in front of her all the old doubts might come flooding back.Looking forward to seeing what happens next Nicci, but I'm sure that if you get to a point where I really, really need to know what happened next, you'll tell me won't you?

 

#86:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 2:45 pm

Well thank goodness the pact was something good. *breathes a sigh of relief* I guess if Len is unsure she really needs to talk to Reg, or at least see him :S not very sure really. Fingers crossed for Will and Ted though. Thanks Nicci

 

#87:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 3:40 pm

awww, lovely! Fingers crossed for them all. Thanks Nicci Very Happy

 

#88:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 3:42 pm

Two lovely updates. Thansk Nicci.

 

#89:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 7:08 pm

Thanks, Nicci! I'm glad it's not a triangle here, though Will does sound awfully nice. (Of course, if Ray's in on this, Reg may also be a keeper. Very Happy )

 

#90:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 7:27 pm

Kathy_S wrote:
Thanks, Nicci! I'm glad it's not a triangle here, though Will does sound awfully nice. (Of course, if Ray's in on this, Reg may also be a keeper. Very Happy )
A keeper?

 

#91:  Author: Chloë, Location: London/Southampton: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 8:55 pm

Only just read this and its great Nicci

 

#92:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 6:23 am

Nicci wrote:
Kathy_S wrote:
Thanks, Nicci! I'm glad it's not a triangle here, though Will does sound awfully nice. (Of course, if Ray's in on this, Reg may also be a keeper. Very Happy )
A keeper?
Oops, slang. Embarassed From fishing & crabbing jargon. Keepers are the ones you keep rather than throwing back. Nothing to do with the kind of keeper in Lisa_T's drabble, or zookeepers, lighthouse keepers, etc.

 

#93:  Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 7:23 am

Kathy_S wrote:
Thanks, Nicci! I'm glad it's not a triangle here, though Will does sound awfully nice. (Of course, if Ray's in on this, Reg may also be a keeper. Very Happy )
I guess in my book, Reg is always a keeper *chuckles* Excellently done Nicci Smile And very much looking forward to the next piece Very Happy Ray *Smile*

 

#94:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 8:41 am

Thanks Nicci, looking forward to seeing what happens next.

 

#95:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 4:32 pm

Len shook her head. “I doubt you would find him - besides, what would you say?” she sighed. “All I want is for him to know I care still, to know I didn’t mean to hurt him. I can’t bear the thought that he could be out there in the world thinking badly of me”. Her chin quivered and she struggled to fight back the tears.

“Hey – come here” murmured Will, pulling her to him on the settee.

She rested her head on his shoulder and sobbed quietly into his chest. After a minute had passed, she sat up and scrubbed her eyes with her shirt-sleeve. Wiping the last tear from her cheek she looked up at Will with an awkward smile. “Sorry about that”

“You needed it” he replied tenderly, drawing her in for a final hug.

“Ted’s so lucky” she murmured, into Will’s shoulder. The result was a mumble but he got the gist and the colour rose a little in his cheeks. He shook his head slowly as he thought about the girl he loved.

“On reflection, I think I’m the lucky one” he replied.

 

#96:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 6:59 pm

Which leaves the intriguing question - which girl does Will love? Ted, or Len? We won't be too long finding out the answer will we?

 

#97:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 8:04 pm

Awww! Will sounds wonderful!

 

#98:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 9:26 am

Lovely, Nicci - Will is being a good friend to Len

 

#99:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 10:07 am

When will Ted find out what is going on?

 

#100:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 3:43 pm

Aww. Will really is very lovely, Ted is lucky!

 

#101:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 11:25 pm

Thank you Nicci lots of lovely updates there. Hope Ted and Will end up together.

 

#102:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 9:58 pm

Sorry for the delay:

Canada, spring:

Ted looked about her with delight, the frosty air of the early spring morning putting a sparkle in her eyes and a bright glow in her cheeks. She sniffed the air rapturously, grinning as Will gazed at her in the way someone might watch an escaped lunatic. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry” she cried carelessly, throwing her arms up in the air. “But it’s so perfect – it reminds me of Switzerland. England’s so wet and miserable” she explained, not taking her eyes off the view in front of her. “Thank you for coming with me. I can’t imagine being here with anyone but you, Will.”

“My pleasure” Will smiled softly. If this made her happy, he was convinced he’d do anything to keep her here forever. “We can’t stay here all day” he reminded her eventually, “We have to meet your Uncle at ten o’clock”.

Ted chuckled as she saw his face. “There’s no need to be so disappointed” she commented as they walked back into town.

“Huh?” Will spluttered inelegantly. Had he given too much away?

“The view, silly! It’ll still be there tomorrow, and the next day and the next day and the n-”

“Okay, okay. I get the picture”

Will smiled happily as he contemplated this thought all the way into town. The next two months (or did eight weeks sound longer, he wondered idly) were spread out in front of him. Two months (yes, it definitely sounded longer) with Ted. He was submerged in blissful thought and was several steps behind as Ted stepped off the pavement into the road. Will saw the blur of a vehicle and shouted a warning while pushing his legs to make-up the last few feet separating them. Ted glanced up and gasped, even as she tripped forward into the path of the car.

 

#103:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 10:00 pm

Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked NICCI! I was just feeling all cuddly and thinking how lovely Will was and THAT happened!!!! *hopes that all will be ok....please....*

 

#104:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 10:01 pm

Good cliff! Laughing Nice to see more of this - thanks Nicci!

 

#105:  Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 10:06 pm

Very nicely done, Nicci Smile Ray *gloats briefly and quietly, in the hopes that Uto isn't looking*

 

#106:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 10:10 pm

Nooooo so did not expect that to happen!

 

#107:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 10:11 pm

Hmm... I seem to be plummeting earthwards once again...

 

#108:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 10:26 pm

Nicci how could you?! Please let Ted be ok. Liz *falling over cliff and landing uncomfortably at the bottom*

 

#109:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 10:52 pm

Aaaargh!!! Nicci!!!!!! Oh, and Ray, Uto has gloat detectors fixed in every thread, I believe! Wink

 

#110:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 4:07 pm

Nicci, how could you?

 

#111:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 4:39 pm

Nicci - didn't you warn Ted that we drive on the other side of the road!!! Has she forgotten it from Switzerland???

 

#112:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 5:33 pm

Every time I see Lesley's sig - 'Cliffs ahead', I automatically expect one - whatever the drabble Shocked The thing is, Lesley's sig is SOOOOO appropriate in most cases. :dontknow: Come back here Nicci. I thought this was a nice sensitive drabble and the cliffs would be emotional, not medical!

 

#113:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 6:29 pm

Nooooooooooo!!!!!! I didn't see that coming at all! Darn cliffs Smile ~LadyG

 

#114:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 6:38 pm

NOOOOOOOOOOOO! Come back here and tell us she's alright!

 

#115:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 4:20 pm

Ohh no poor Ted. Hope she's all right.

 

#116:  Author: Alex, Location: Manchester, UK PostPosted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 4:56 pm

Is this like Schrodinger's car and are we only ever going to be able to speculate as to whether Ted got hit or what? Four days to leave us on such a cliff!

 

#117:  Author: Joan the Dwarf, Location: Er, where am I? PostPosted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 5:47 pm

I think I chose the worst time to find this! Tell!

 

#118:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 7:40 pm

Has it really been 4 days? Shocked Sorry! Lost track of time Embarassed

Will paced the narrow hospital corridor, much to the chagrin of the nurses and doctors who were rushing past him. Having ordered him out of the emergency room they couldn’t do much but ignore him now, despite his pleas to be told what was going on. Several times the thought had crossed his mind to tell them that they were engaged, but he couldn’t bring himself to tell such a lie, and he knew that Ted would never forgive him either. Instead he had to wait anxiously for Ted’s family to arrive – he had phoned her Aunt and Uncle as soon as he reached the hospital, and they were on their way. Will privately doubted that Ted would be too enthused to see them, closer as she was to her brothers and their children. However, Will had no way of contacting them, so he had to settle for the older generation of family.

He had his nosed pressed up against the glass of the emergency room window when a young nurse tapped him on the arm.

“Excuse me sir, Miss Grantley’s family have arrived” she said, directing him away from the window and towards the waiting area. She made to leave as they approached the chairs, but Will pulled her aside urgently and begged with his eyes for some news.

The nurse’s heart softened. She had seen Will when he first arrived with the ambulance and had assumed from his distraught expression that the pair were a couple. It was a surprise to find that they were not, and she had felt bad about not being able to tell him what was happening. She patted him gently on the arm and looked up reassuringly. “I’ve told her family what is going on – I’m sure they will explain everything.” She nodded in the direction of an elderly couple by the doors. The woman was clutching her husband and tearfully patting a handkerchief to her eyes. Will was relieved to see that Ted’s Uncle looked less concerned, and appeared to have things under control.

Will almost ran the length of the waiting room to greet them and immediately felt his hand drawn into a firm handshake by the gentleman.

“Will, I presume? I’m Richard, this is my wife Sarah.” His tone was rich and deep, a Canadian drawl, and yet unmistakeably English underneath. Will nodded mutely, his anxious eyes conveying his need for information. “I’m sorry they haven’t been able to tell you anything son, but we’re here now, so there’s no need to worry so much” Will privately disagreed with this, he didn’t intend to stop worrying until Ted was out of hospital however, he was too thankful to get some news to argue the point. Richard continued quickly, “The doctors say that she’s unconscious still, it looks like she fractured her skull. They want to do one of these scan things but she’s not stable enough yet – apparently it’s a long, complicated process. That’s all we know at the moment”

Will looked pale, and Richard steered him towards a seat. “Sit down son, you’ve had a nasty shock. All we can do now is wait, so I’m going to fetch you and my wife some coffee. Or would you prefer tea?” Will signalled that coffee was fine, and slumped in a seat next to Mrs Grantley. Five minutes later, as Richard returned from the cafeteria, gripping a tray of cups, there was a sudden commotion down the hallway. Will watched as two doctors and a nurse raced towards Ted’s room in response to a loud persistent bleeping noise.

 

#119:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 7:59 pm

Thank you! Poor Will, poor Ted - her relatives seem nice though.

 

#120:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 9:19 pm

Shocked (has no words) ~LadyG

 

#121:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 9:52 pm

Sorry it's only a little bit, but the bunny keeps biting.

The following day:

Will slowly awoke to the sound of someone entering the room. He peered out under sleepy eyes and saw the nurse from the night before.

“Morning” she murmured, flashing a quick smile at him.

“Hurh – Morning” he replied thickly, clearing his throat. He sat up in the chair and shifted his shoulders and neck to release the tension Mr and Mrs Grantley had offered to take him home with them, but he had insisted that someone should be there if Ted woke up. It had been arranged with the hospital staff for Will to stay overnight and he had persuaded them to let him take up residence in Ted’s room. He now gazed across to his left where the figure in the bed hadn’t moved since the previous day. The doctors had been keeping a watchful eye on her, and Will had overheard things which had alarmed him immensely. After he had seen the doctors rushing to Ted the previous morning, he and the Grantley’s had waited an agonising twenty minutes before they found out what was happening.

Dr Rowling eventually explained to them that Ted had experienced a seizure, a fairly common consequence of traumatic brain injury. They had diagnosed cerebral contusions which had led to swelling of the brain, preventing the blood flow to her brain. Although they had performed a simple operation to reduce the swelling Ted had remained unconscious, and the doctor had gently explained that she was in a coma.

Apologies if the medical stuff is way off. I'm only a neuropsych student, so I don't know much about this side of things.

 

#122:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 10:39 pm

*Wibbles* Please let Ted wake up soon!

 

#123:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 6:00 am

Crying or Very sad Poor Ted, and Will - hope he gets the chance to tell Ted how he feels.

 

#124:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 7:57 am

Poor Ted Crying or Very sad Poor Will Crying or Very sad More please? Liz

 

#125:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 9:22 am

Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Poor Will! At least they're letting him sit with her now. Why do I get the feeling it's going to take Ted a while to come to? Thanks Nicci.

 

#126:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 10:10 am

Eek! Shocked I'd somehow got behind on this - poor Ted and poor Will Please let her make a full recovery, Nicci!

 

#127:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 7:23 pm

What??! I was sitting innocently feeling all warm and relaxed when suddenly I found the cliff! Poor Ted! And Will! Please let her be ok!

 

#128:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 9:01 pm

*BIG wibble!!!!* Poor Ted!

 

#129:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 5:08 pm

Argh! Poor Will, poor Mr and Mrs Grantley and poor poor Ted Confused

 

#130:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 5:15 pm

I certainly didn't see that one coming - and just when it was all so nice and romantic too. Thanks Nicci, I hope Ted doesn't remain in a coma for too long.

 

#131:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 2:21 pm

Nicci we are in dire need of an update come back soon please

 

#132:  Author: Guest,  PostPosted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 2:25 pm

just had a thought, if Reg is a doctor is he working in this hospital? Are Wil and him going to meet here?

 

#133:  Author: Alex, Location: Manchester, UK PostPosted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 7:02 pm

Ellie wrote:
Thanks Nicci, I hope Ted doesn't remain in a coma for too long.
That comment is only to be interpreted in the Ted-waking-up fashion, ok Nicci?

 

#134:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 6:17 am

Sorry I've not added to this yet folks. I've got a deadline on friday so I'm working like a true student (all-nighters and all that). I was going to write the next part on the train on the way home last friday, but then I ended up chatting to a girl called Holly who was v nice and we talked all the way from Reading to Birmingham. Isn't it nice when that happens! Anyway, so what I'm trying to say is...blame Holly. Thanks for staying interested though, and I'll do my dandidest to post some more (hopefully lots) this weekend. Oh and just out of interest, who was the guest that posted just before Alex?? Is it who I think it might be?? ETA. oh and Alex... Twisted Evil Wink

 

#135:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 9:53 am

Darn - I thought that was a proper post!! *miffed* poke Holly We'll be waiting, Nicci Wink

 

#136:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 3:59 pm

Poor Ted, Poor Will. Hope the deadlines are being met.

 

#137:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 4:09 pm

Surely this drabble is more important, Nicci? What on earth are uni tutors coming to?

 

#138:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 10:13 pm

Hope you managed to meet the deadline ok Nicci. Liz

 

#139:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 4:01 pm

Yup - the deadlines were met!!! *does happy dance* About the drabble - I apologise for the possible over-smaltzyness of this post. Please find it in your hearts to forgive me!!

Over the next two days Will watched over Ted’s progress – or lack of progress. She still showed no signs of life, as the doctor had so crudely phrased it, and he was sick and tired of people explaining to him how crucial the timeframe of Ted’s coma was. It had taken every ounce of self-restrain he had to stop himself from punching the doctor who had tried to explain the possibility of permanent brain damage, if Ted ever woke up.

As Will sat with Ted on the evening of the second day he winced at the memory of his anger, and blushed at the realisation of how close he had come to actually having a stand-up fight over the matter. But it didn’t stop his face from clouding over when he replayed the conversation in his head. He had told the doctor that Ted would be fine when she woke up, and his blood had boiled when the doctor kept adding the word ‘if’.

‘She would wake up’ he had insisted angrily, before bursting into tears and being taken away by one of the nurses. Will was tired, and needed some sleep, the nurse had insisted, and it was indeed true that Will had barely slept since their arrival. But Will couldn’t sleep, even when the nurse kindly found him an empty, quiet room for him to have a nap in a bed. All he could think about were the doctor’s haunting words. ‘If’. It wasn’t so much a matter that she would wake up – she had to wake up, thought Will.

He had known Ted for so long, growing up with her during her tempestuous teenage years, and then being reunited at Oxford. That was when he first realised how he really felt about her he if he had adored her before, he felt a thousand more feelings when he met the fun-loving, beautiful (Ted would have snorted at that suggestion, but he thought her so) caring young woman that she had become in the last few years. And now, to have to consider that she might be snatched away from him - he turned his head away at the thought. It wasn’t something he could even contemplate. So he kept watch at Ted’s bedside, determined to be the one to spot the sign of life that would prove the doctors wrong. He barely dared to leave the room for more than a few seconds, and when he did he anxiously begged the nurses to keep an eye on her, which they did, mainly to pacify him it is to be feared, but it kept Will happy, and was in fact the only reason that he ever went outside for fresh air, ate food or drank coffee.

Will held Ted’s limp hand and pressed it against his lowered forehead. He closed his eyes against the sight of Ted, lying lifeless with tubes and drips attached to every visible part of her body. He admitted he was not a particularly religious man, but there, in his desperation, he fervently prayed for God to at least prove that he existed, to bring Ted back to him.

Afterwards, he couldn’t have told anyone how long he sat there like that, eyes closed, in silent prayer. The time passed hazily, and he sometimes wondered if maybe he had slept and dreamed, for he was certain that he had spoken to Ted and that she had answered him. He had told her how he felt, and how important it was that she wake up and get well, because he didn’t know what he would do without her. And when he had finished, she had told him that she felt the same way. That she had only just realised it, but she had loved him for a long time. Will’s mind was so far away, awash with the hope and happiness that had been provided for him, that it seemed almost too much of a miracle when he felt Ted’s hand tense against his forehead. When it happened for the second time he needed no further convincing. Lifting his head to face her, he broke out in a wide smile as her eyelashes fluttered and her eyes flickered open for the briefest of seconds.

 

#140:  Author: Bookhunter,  PostPosted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 4:28 pm

Can we stop fretting?Very glad I'm reading this all the way through for the first time. I couldn't stand the suspense otherwise!

 

#141:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 6:05 pm

Yay! But is it the time to be glad yet?Does Nicci have a tendency to kill characters off? Confused

 

#142:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 7:11 pm

I have no idea about the workings of life-support machines - so I have conveniently ignored the practical side of things for the sake of a smooth storyline!!

Will did not wait a second longer. He ran out the room and called urgently for a doctor. Dr Rowling appeared in the corridor, and one look at Will’s ecstatic face told him all he needed to know. He was surprised but hopeful, although he knew better than to show too much emotion either way. It was a good thing that she had woken up, but after that… - he rapidly contemplated the situation as he followed Will back into the room.

Will stopped abruptly on reaching Ted’s bed. Looking down anxiously at her still, pale face, he wondered whether he had imagined it after all. His shoulders sagged and he turned miserably towards the doctor, who was leaning over his patient, equally anxious. He opened his mouth to speak but a look from the doctor silenced him and Will just slumped back into his old seat, dejected yet prepared for another long wait.

Dr Rowling moved to the other side of Ted’s bed and observed the life-support equipment carefully. He double-checked it before turning to face Will. “She’s sleeping” was all he said, but it had an almost transformational effect on Will who suddenly leaped out of his chair and ran to the bed.

“You mean she’s not in the coma anymore?” Will demanded, gazing at Ted’s face and trying to assess the changes between coma and sleep. He wasn’t entirely convinced.

The doctor smiled. It was quite a normal reaction. “A trained eye would see the subtle changes” he owned, “but the real evidence is here, on this machine”.

“When will she wake-up? Is she going to be okay?”

“We’ll leave her to sleep naturally now. I’ll have a nurse come in and keep an eye on her. Once she’s awake we will be able to find out how she is”

“Can’t you just wake her now?” Will wanted to know. The doctor shook his head.

“She has been very ill, Mr Granger” he explained patiently. “Her body still needs to rest – despite what it appears to have been doing for the last few days” he added, as Will began to protest. “Now that you know your friend is sleeping, I suggest you do the same”. It was an order rather than a suggestion.


See Laura - no need to fear. I write nice drabbles!! :DETA. at least apart from that one about Nell - oops.

 

#143:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 8:11 pm

Thank you Nicci. Laughing

 

#144:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 10:26 pm

Thank you Nicci. Hope that Ted makes a full and rapid recovery. Liz

 

#145:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 10:34 pm

Thanks to Lesley for hospitally advice stuff Very Happy

Once Will had been persuaded to leave, Dr Rowling called for a couple of nurses who stood by as he removed the ventilator tube from Ted’s throat. He was anxious to discover the extent, if any, of his patients brain damage, but he had wanted to get Will out of the way before he did so. He wanted only his staff in the room when Ted came round, and certainly no one in the room who might cause a disturbance - which he suspected Will might.

Ted opened her eyes and looked hazily around her. A grey-haired man stood over her and seemed to be saying something. “Miss Grantley. Ted. I’m Dr Rowling. I’m going to remove the tube from your throat. It might hurt a little bit but I don’t want you to try to speak until it’s out – and even then you may find it difficult."

A few minutes later Dr Rowling was sat down next to Ted explaining what had happened. Ted owned to feeling pretty terrible, apart from her sore throat she felt faintly nauseous, but she concentrated hard on what the Doctor had to say. After a short conversation with his patient, Dr Rowling instinctively felt fairly reassured that she was not suffering any major damage, but he knew better than to say anything until he was quite positive. So, according to procedure, he ran through a series of tests, and sent her for a scan – all of which confirmed what he already believed.

 

#146:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 10:44 pm

Excellent - I so pleased for Ted and Will. Now is Will going to tell Ted how he feels???? Laughing

 

#147:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 11:03 pm

Yay! Thank you Nicci Very Happy Liz

 

#148:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 11:10 pm

Whew! Glad Ted's OK.

 

#149:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 11:14 pm

Lesley wrote:
Excellent - I so pleased for Ted and Will. Now is Will going to tell Ted how he feels???? Laughing


Well, I'm sure he would Lesley, but... Twisted Evil

One week later:

Will gently pushed the door open and slipped inside, only to pause abruptly and stammer out his apologies when he realised that Ted was not alone. The young man, a doctor, Will presumed from his dress, turned around from his perch on the edge of Ted’s bed. Will felt a pang of annoyance at this casual attitude toward the patient but refrained from saying anything until he got Ted alone.

Ted, however, had not known Will for the best part of ten years for nothing, and she immediately saw the look that crossed his face, even though it was unnoticeable to anyone else. She waved him forward, closer to the bed, smiling more sincerely than she had in the last week.

“Will, don’t be a mope” she called out cheerfully, borrowing a phrase of Len’s. “I want you to meet someone I knew in Switzerland” Will felt his breath catch somewhere in his throat. “Meet Reg Entwhistle…”

 

#150:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 12:47 am

Dum, dum, duuuuum! (My impression of a drum roll!) Laughing

 

#151:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 9:16 am

drummer drummer drummer drummer drummer drummer Hi Reg! :wave:

 

#152:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 10:24 am

Ohhhh wonder what Reg has been saying to Ted, and what Will say to Reg! Ta for all the lovely posts Nicci!

 

#153:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 10:45 am

Thanks for all the lovely posts Nicci, but we dont have any answers yet.......... Please let Will have confessed his feelings to her while in a coma and Ted remember the things he said...... Pleas post some more

 

#154:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 12:29 pm

Arg! Please, please, please post more soon!! ~LadyG

 

#155:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 12:35 pm

Ooooh! Thanks Nicci! But... *chanting* We need more! (pretty please?!) Very Happy

 

#156:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 5:24 pm

Awwww!!! Thank you Nicci!!! Glad Ted is okay!!!

 

#157:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 5:44 pm

The coincidence is perfect EBD! Wink Cheers Nicci

 

#158:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 9:21 pm

Thanks Nicci Liz *joining in the chant*

 

#159:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 9:27 pm

*breathes sigh of relief that Ted is OK* Please let Will get his girl in the end, Nicci! He deserves her!

 

#160:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 11:49 am

just discovered this ooooh yay ted's alright but what's going on with reg? how did he find ted? and does he still love len? **can't wait to find out more**

 

#161:  Author: Guest,  PostPosted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 3:15 pm

wayhey i was kinda right. Very Happy

 

#162:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 3:44 pm

Just read lots of this in one go so missed the cliff - glad ted is alright, but hope that Reg doesn't get in the way of Will and Ted really good though, thanks nicci! Smile

 

#163:  Author: Alex, Location: Manchester, UK PostPosted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 3:45 pm

:worthy: Nicci's coincidence=pure EBD class

 

#164: Ah ha Author: le crapaud, Location: Bristol PostPosted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 9:03 pm

Hey. Despite the warnings I ventured here Nicci, but I have not posted on this one before so the question you asked before was not me. Rather enjoyed it, I'll be ruder in person, naturally, but I don't think you need be so coy. Keep going...

 

#165: Re: Ah ha Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 9:11 pm

le crapaud wrote:
Rather enjoyed it, I'll be ruder in person, naturally,
But of course. I wouldn't expect anything else my dear. *dreads to think what might be said* Right then my favourite little toad. Where's your drabble?? Wink And how about a profile...

 

#166:  Author: le crapaud, Location: Bristol PostPosted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 9:34 pm

working on the profile, you try working on a french keyboard. have pmd you with comments and have changed email address. my own drabbles are probably now in the mobile cupboard by the stream, sorry. If inspired I'll do my best.

 

#167:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 10:57 pm

Still no profile?? If you dawdle too long I might have to do it for you!! Twisted Evil Update: Len, Reg, Will and Tedd remain frozen in time...

 

#168:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Dec 04, 2004 11:10 am

I know it's been cold Nicci, but I think it's time they began to thaw out now.

 

#169:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Dec 23, 2004 12:47 am

Thank you Nicci that Ted came round. I take it they are still frozen in time. Another one caught up on.

 

#170:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 8:40 pm

Hmm, do you think this fits into St Agnes? Confused

 

#171:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 9:45 pm

give us another update and we'll see!

 

#172:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Sun Mar 06, 2005 12:39 pm

We had sun this morning. They must have thawed out at least a little... and yes, if we had a new bit to read we could tell you... Razz Very Happy

 

#173:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 3:53 pm

Sorry for the long delay. I've written later scenes, but I haven't got round to joining them up at the moment.

so yes, despite the warmer weather our heroes are still frozen in time...

 

#174:  Author: tiffinata, Location: melbourne, australia PostPosted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 8:36 am

Well thaw them out!! *applies a heater and hairdryer* Wink

 

The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


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