The CBB :: View topic - New Dreams (Part 19) COMPLETED 06/05/10

She was cold to her core, and all the time a mantra was running through her head. “You should have gone! You should have gone! This is your fault!”

Then, with a vast groan of relief, she saw Gaudenz in the driving seat of her car, the snow cleared off roof and windows, the engine already running.

“I take you,” he growled. “ Miss Dene – she phone – tell me to help.”

Bless you, Rosalie. Hilda was, by now, shaking with cold and and nausea and a growing sense of dread, and she knew she would never have been able to drive.

Gillian hauled the two bigger girls off Emilie with rough hands. “You stupid, mutton-headed idiots,” she yelled. “Stand over there and don’t dare move, not one inch. Haven’t you caused enough trouble already this week?”

Thank you Mary it's great to have ND back, I certainly am a FOND !!

I hope Hilda's in a chatty mood.

What to do? The enormity of their reliance on her very small fund of medical knowledge was terrifying her. She breathed a silent prayer to Madame for courage.

All they could do was endure…..

“I think they’ve saved her life,” Matey said, looking up at Hilda. Only the latter saw the fear in the far-seeing, blue eyes.

“It was Ellie,” Mireille said quickly. “We didn’t have a clue what to do - but she knew, and she kept us all so calm when we panicked. Miss Stone would be dead by now but for her… and she looked after Emilie and Marie as well…...”

She bent her head to whisper in Ellie’s ear. “You make me so proud, my wee flipperling.”

What could one do with such a woman?

Perhaps a few stern but loving words from Nell would help?

“Want Ellie, then… not friends,” murmured Emilie sleepily, and Hilda saw to her astonishment that the girl was sucking her thumb.

Hilda closed her eyes again, drawing comfort from the small bodies curled up against her, and tried not to moan out loud. The pain was becoming almost unbearable and she knew she was being stubborn and stupid. But Linda was her responsibility and she wasn’t out of the woods yet. There was no way her Headmistress could turn her back on her colleague and leave her all alone.

AnneM wrote:

Perhaps a few stern but loving words from Nell would help?

You never know who or what might turn up, Anne.

And for all of you who're worried about Hilda, and Jack and tablets, etc, patience, patience. :hammer:

Just enjoy the ride. :witch:

I might, of course, just make you wait longer now. :devil:

With a sigh of relief, Marie relaxed back into Hilda’s arms.

Marie was clearly learning German fast. “We want to stay with you,” she said, looking up at the one source of comfort left to her in this awful day, now that Ellie was gone.

“Want Ellie, then… not friends,” murmured Emilie sleepily, and Hilda saw to her astonishment that the girl was sucking her thumb. She stroked the hot forehead.

Oh go on, Mary - make them wait. :twisted:

“Think on this, then, my lady! If it had been you, you would most likely be dead by now and lying on a stone slab somewhere. Twice in two months would have been once too many!”

She considered him, then the tablets, and he thought for a moment or two that she would refuse. She smiled, reading his mind. She might be obstinate but she wasn’t stupid. If she slept, she slept! She would still be on the spot here, if anything happened.

“Think on this, then, my lady! If it had been you, you would most likely be dead by now and lying on a stone slab somewhere. Twice in two months would have been once too many!”

Some warmth seeped in, as though a small, golden candle had been lit within her.

One of these days, dear girl, you’ll kill yourself by caring too much.

Oh, and you didn’t do exactly that, I suppose.

Until that time, I will never leave you, I promise, though you won’t always hear me or sense me or know I’m there.

She concentrated solely on doing Nell’s bidding and trying to ignite some tiny flicker of life inside the still figure – trying to ignite another glowing candle flame.

Had Nell decided to send Ian along in her place, since she herself had been routed by Jack?

“Have another drink, my dear, and try not to think about what might have been. God saw the catastrophe and surrounded it with His steadfast light. He’s neither blind nor deaf to our needs – despite how it sometimes seems.”

The latter had worked her own very special magic and now it was Kate’s turn to do what she could for the lonely, unloved young girl. Meg didn’t stand a chance of holding out against the compassion and faith and sheer obstinacy of these two very different but equally formidable women, Ian decided with a wry smile.

Balm from Gilead, indeed.

So much love, Nell. Always so much undeserved love. And always just when I need it most. How very blessed I am, dear heart, even when I feel lonely for you. God’s grace, Ian's and Kate’s grace, Ellie's grace, your grace… all sent to hold me so tightly in my grieving.

It’s brought me such comfort, just in this short time, and one can see why. After all, it was created to give comfort and hope to Kate. But one senses that your mother would wish those gifts to be passed on to others who are in need. It’s as though she wove the essence of her generous love into its very threads, somehow. She wasn’t just a needle-woman, Ian, she was a true artist. She created from what was in her heart. I can’t believe how beautiful it is or imagine how she did it all.”

Mary, how on earth do you manage to write so well that I'm able to not only see the shawl but feel it as well?

Jack’s face was grim at this reminder. He knew she was right. “I see you understand, Jack. I need to be with my girls tonight,” she added, with devastating simplicity. “For my own sake, as much as theirs.”

Perhaps Jack could give her something to take, with 'hot milk' He's usually got some remedy 'up his sleeve', so to speak.

The girls do need you - and only you. But I can see how ill you’re feeling so let’s make it as quick as we can, eh?

Oh, Ian, what a truly solid lump of comfort you are.

Matey had removed herself as soon as Hilda had begun speaking. This friendship had taken a step forward tonight and she didn’t want to intrude. The gentle light she saw in Hilda’s face as she looked at Ian almost reduced Matey to tears. How much she cared for this kindly man!

Kate had told him what had happened at the time, and how she had torn a strip off Jack. Clearly, Jack didn’t learn lessons as easily as Hilda did!

Yu’re right, loath though I am to admit it. The girls do need you - and only you. But I can see how ill you’re feeling so let’s make it as quick as we can, eh?”

“No, don’t worry, Gwynneth. It’s just that, somehow, this last effort seems almost too much. I’m not sure how much is left in me to help these girls.”

She took another deep breath, relaxed her fingers, turned the handle and walked in with a purposeful air....

Matey was silenced, as always, by Hilda’s astonishing grasp of any given situation. How could she possibly have worked all that out so quickly, feeling as ill as she did? How could she care so much for each individual girl here, when all she wanted to do was lie down in a darkened room?

“Thank you, girls – for everything you are and for everything you’ve done today.” Her voice was sweet and deep. “May the Lord grant you all a peaceful sleep and pleasant dreams.”

Hilda smiled at them with great tenderness and gratitude. “Girls, I have never been prouder in all my years as Headmistress than I am right now. Between you, you saved Miss Stone’s life. I mean that. She couldn’t have lived if you hadn’t stopped the bleeding and done your best to keep her warm.”

“Thank you, girls – for everything you are and for everything you’ve done today.” Her voice was sweet and deep. “May the Lord grant you all a peaceful sleep and pleasant dreams.”

Mary - I think that is one of the best 'study scenes' I have ever read.

“Tomorrow is another day,” she murmured. “Make the most of each new tomorrow from now on and don’t fret about the yesterdays...

Thank you, Squirrel, but I suppose you could say that New Dreams is one long study scene, as it's mostly about Hilda's interactions with others, either one-to-one or en masse. Here's another.....

“Oh, my poor, dear, bonnie wee chieftain…. ,”

Vivien stumbled back into her room and lay down on the bed to steady herself. She gave herself a good, hard pinch and then stared up at the ceiling in shocked disbelief. Had that really happened? She giggled to herself. Knowing what she now knew about Hilda Annersley and Nell Wilson – it probably had!

I promise I will guard and love Hilda and Ellie with all that is in me, until the day I die. They’ve become my family now, and are lodged in my heart for all time.

:cake_candle:

Congratulations on the five years Mary. And best wishes for the next five/ten.
:jester:

Matey mopped the white face again. Was Hilda beginning to accept their truth? Even though she herself had trouble accepting Hilda’s truth, about Nell speaking to her? So far as she knew, one’s dead didn’t come back and communicate with one. But then, with Nell and Hilda, who knew? All she knew was that she just wasn’t cut out for metaphysics, certainly not at three o’clock in the morning.

Matey is just so caring here, but as practical as usual. I hope that ....Matey too can get some sleep, although I don't suppose that she will leave her post by Hilda's bedside.

It’s you, isn’t it? A few hours I would have seriously suspected both Hilda and I were losing our marbles, but Hilda has convinced me otherwise. I know you’re around, Nell Wilson, so you can stop playing hide and seek. Aren't they keeping you busy enough over there in Eternity, that you need to come and have chats with Hilda? Or has that sarcastic tongue driven them to evict you?

You’re not going to give me the satisfaction, are you? Well, I’ll make my request anyway. Could you please arrange for those two next door to get some sleep? After that, a little peace and quiet till the end of term wouldn’t come amiss, now, would it? Because, otherwise, Hilda is going to end up joining you. She’s worn to the bone. I know you might like the idea of having her with you, but the rest of us would hate it. We need her. So do something! Stick your oar in. You’re good at that.

Mary,
do we get to eavesdrop on any more conversations Nell has with other members of staff ? Pretty please ? :mrgreen:

All shall be well and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well.”

Why did one always fall apart and get the shakes after the event?

“Je t’aime, aussi, my wee flipperling. Mais, maintenant, dors…. All shall be well and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well.”

Jesus Himself wept when his friend Lazarus died. He understands the pain can be overwhelming and that acceptance comes only slowly.

People need to know they’re loved before they die. They need to know they made a difference… and they have a great need, too, to tell us their love….

“Well, yes – and no!” Hilda murmured.

Tell me, though, please, how did Matey become so important in this saga? At the moment, she seems to be vying with Mother Abbess in attempting to sit on Hilda. But will she succeed?

That's what happens once you let the characters decide for themselves - one has to work very hard to control them.

“Ah! That trained and honed medical mind! Notices things that we mere mortals would miss, even if they got up and hit us.” Hilda arched an amused eyebrow Matey’s way.
“Watch it, Buster.” Matey walked across the room. “I’ve still got a few medical instruments of torture tucked away up my sleeve to use on those who don’t behave.”

You once told me the following:

Quote:

That's what happens once you let the characters decide for themselves - one has to work very hard to control them.

I promise to have a nap when I get back. Furthermore, after the concert, I will languish languidly in here for the rest of the weekend.

Matey narrowed her eyes. “You’re being so amenable, now you’ve got your way, that I’m wondering just what you’re really up to.”

She paused and looked down at her notes. “I will need to see Jeanne and Ruth some time soon to work out how we’re going to cover Linda’s classes, since I have no doubt she’ll be missing till at least half term, if not longer.”

“For once, they’ve beaten you to it, God bless ‘em,” smiled Matey. “Joan Bertram volunteered to take over as form mistress till Linda is back – in fact, she’s been doing the job since early this morning.“

Hilda’s eyes turned dark with sudden and extreme pain. Nell’s death had torn her spirit apart, yes, but it had also seemed to unleash an unsettling whirlwind of catastrophes, one after another...... and all of them surrounding and encompassing the sudden advent of Ellie into her life, a shining beacon of hope and healing in the darkness of the maelstrom

They were no longer the imps who’ve led Sharlie and me such a merry dance this term – just woebegone, homesick little girls.”
“And you were no longer their scary Headmistress, but someone warm and comforting who refused to allow them to feel alone.”

“So! The twins, Tonia, Meg, and the practice later, to round it all off? That it? No more waifs and strays?” Matey’s voice was sarcastic in the extreme. “Just a normal day at the office for Miss Annersley, then - bulging at the seams with things to do and people to see and spirits to be soothed, and all done with a splitting headache and an aching heart.”

"Just a normal day at the office for Miss Annersley, then - bulging at the seams with things to do and people to see and spirits to be soothed, and all done with a splitting headache and an aching heart.”

Matey opened her mouth to protest, then closed it again. What would be the point?

"I should think you're all thoroughly fed up with this conversation...

Henry Vaughan promised us:

My soul, there is a country,
Far beyond the stars,
Where stands a wingèd sentry
All skilful in the wars….

If thou canst get but thither,
There grows the Flower of Peace,
The Rose that cannot wither,
Thy fortress and thy ease….

One who never changes –
Thy God, thy life, thy cure.”

Oh, Nell, dear heart, you needed someone to share your pain with, didn’t you? And you couldn’t tell me. You told me so very little then, afraid I would have a relapse. Did you whisper it to your diaries? I make you a promise, my friend. I will find the courage at Easter to go down to that cellar and read the pain in your loving and generous heart. Maybe your suffering will help me bear your loss.

Sometimes, my own dreams are so vivid it’s as though we’re together in reality. Sometimes, she seems so near to me, such a gently shining presence, I think that if I turned my head suddenly I would see her as clearly as I see you here in front of me, see her as clearly as I still see her in those dreams…

Excellent - I hope MA can talk some sense into Hilda.

Now, a conversation with M.A. may be just what Hilda needs to get her through the next couple of hours.

Hilda saw the delight and relief which rippled over the lined face before her – and knew immediately who was calling.

“You’ve been meddling again, Gwynneth Lloyd, despite all your denials,” she grumbled, marching over and picked up the receiver.

“Hilda?” she murmured. “You awake?”

Thank you Mary, I look forward to hearing what pearls of wisdom MA has for Hilda.

After all, death is a stark reality, isn't it? Have I somehow taken that starkness away?

I guess my lack of trust in myself has taken over once again and I'm stumbling... :oops:

Hilda would tell me to stiffen my spine, wouldn't she?

MHE wrote:

Thank you Mary, I look forward to hearing what pearls of wisdom MA has for Hilda.

Are you all sure?

Death is a stark reality...

Author:	MaryR [ Sun Dec 06, 2009 3:45 pm ]
Post subject:	New Dreams (Part 19) COMPLETED 06/05/10
Happy feast of Saint Nicholas! Hilda could use his intervention here. Part 19? Is there ever going to be an end to this saga? Just to refresh your memory, it's now Thursday of the third week of term. Ellie damaged her hand the Friday before, the concert was on Saturday, the photos stolen on Sunday and Meg confessed to the crime on Monday (the same day Tonia and co tried to hurt Carmela). Skiing began on Tuesday - it's now Thursday. To put you back in the mood, I've repeated the very end of the last post, where Hilda is asleep in her study.... .....With a rueful smile at her friend, Hilda closed her eyes. She knew she was fussing like a mother hen, but if anything were to happen… After a while, Matey saw Hilda was less tense, despite the pain, so tiptoed away, switched the warning light outside the study to ‘engaged’ and closed the connecting door behind her, leaving Hilda to rest. The hammer and drill were still hard at work inside her head, but the darkness and quiet were having their effect. Noise filtered through occasionally: the distant clatter of the typewriter, the patter of feet in the corridors or upstairs, the opening and closing of doors, but peace was settling and gradually, oh so gradually, she drifted away…. ….. to be brought sharply back to consciousness moments or hours later as the door burst unceremoniously open and two figures hurtled into the room. Gillian’s voice, breathless and frightened, blasted the peace to smithereens. “Miss Annersley, please… we need an ambulance… there’s been an accident…. Mireille can’t stop the bleeding….. ” Hilda snapped back to consciousness and pain. So stunned was she by the sudden eruption that it took a few moments for the garbled words to penetrate. When they did, her heart seemed to falter in its rhythm and then took to thudding erratically as panic flared. Ellie! Dear Lord, please - not Ellie…. “She’s not here,” a voice said blankly and Hilda realised it was Meg’s. “I’ll go and get Miss Dene,” replied Gillian and started across the room, only to be pulled up short as a figure suddenly loomed in front of her in the darkness. “Open the curtains, Meg.” The Abbess’s quiet voice calmed the two girls instantly. “Who’s hurt, Gillian?” she asked. Gillian opened her lips to answer but, as the curtains were drawn back and brightness flooded the room, she saw the Abbess close her eyes and sway in an alarming fashion. Gillian sprang forward. “Miss Annersley, you’re not well.” Hilda seized the girl’s arm so tightly that Gillian gasped. “Who’s hurt?” she asked again, her eyes boring into Gillian’s. “Miss Stone,” burst out Gillian, and felt the Abbess’s grip slacken, though her eyes never left the girl’s face. They demanded answers. "Emilie, too, I think." Gillian’s words fell over themselves as they tried to paint the scene she had just left. “Miss Stone – she got knocked down – just lay there, not moving – she cut her wrist, somehow – there was blood all over the place – Ellie…… “ She gulped, almost in tears. “Ellie seemed to know what to do about the blood, she…” “Later!” said Hilda sharply, forcing herself not to panic, but to think. “Just tell me where.” She turned and made for the communicating door while Gillian explained. Opening the door, Hilda spoke quickly to Rosalie. “We need an ambulance, Miss Dene. Immediately! Gillian will tell you where. When you’ve done that, Gillian, meet me at my car. You can show me exactly where…. “ She stopped as she became aware that both girls were shivering violently, their teeth chattering. She asked sharply, “Where are your coats?” “W.. we left them - to cover Miss Stone,” Meg stammered. Rosalie gasped out loud and picked up the phone on the instant. “Matron will have a fit!” murmured Hilda. “Meg, run up to Matron – use the front stairs – tell her we need blankets and – oh, she’ll know! She’s to meet me at my car – but tell her I won’t wait more than a few minutes.” She turned to leave the room, but Meg’s voice held her. “M…may I go back with you?” Hilda longed to be gone but saw the desperate plea in the grey eyes. Meg wanted to help – and that must be encouraged. Hilda nodded. “Gillian will find coats for you both, Meg, while you go to Matron. But please, hurry! Hilda and Meg left the room at a run. In the staff splashery Hilda bundled herself into coat, scarf and boots, but her slender fingers were all thumbs as she struggled desperately with laces and buttons. She took a moment to grab scarves off mistresses’ pegs for the two girls. She was cold to her core, and all the time a mantra was running through her head. “You should have gone! You should have gone! This is your fault!” Her thudding heart told her she couldn’t know that until she knew what had happened out there, but that was no consolation to Hilda Annersley’s sensitive nature. Her guilt and terror were twin goads, sending her flying through the corridors, which seemed to stretch never-endingly ahead. It was as though she were trying to move under water, so slow did her progress seem. Would she never reach the side door to the car park? As she ran, she became aware of a figure beside her, also running, and turned her head to see Gillian, carrying coats. Hilda handed over the scarves, and they continued their silent race, finally hurling themselves through the door into the afternoon brightness. Hilda stumbled, and wondered how she would cope, for the pain was reaching such a crescendo that it threatened to send her tumbling to the ground. Then, with a vast groan of relief, she saw Gaudenz in the driving seat of her car, the snow cleared off roof and windows, the engine already running. “I take you,” he growled. “ Miss Dene – she phone – tell me to help.” Bless you, Rosalie. Hilda was, by now, shaking with cold and and nausea and a growing sense of dread, and she knew she would never have been able to drive. She reached for the door handle, only to hear a noise behind her. Turning, she saw Matey and Meg running towards them, hampered by blankets and medical cases and goodness knows what else. Hilda’s and Matey’s eyes met for a moment over the car roof, both acknowledging their fear, and then they all bundled into the car. Gaudenz set off slowly over the icy, treacherous road. He peered anxiously through the windscreen, making Hilda want to shriek, “Faster! Faster!” But what would be the point? He was doing his best. They didn’t need another accident. She turned to Gillian in the back seat. The Games Captain looked as white and desperate as she herself felt. “Tell me,” Hilda commanded.t

Author:	Elder in Ontario [ Sun Dec 06, 2009 4:14 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
Well - an update, and a gripping one, but you've certainly not taken us off the cliff, have you? Wretch!!! However, you have relieved our mind on one count at least - that Ellie is OK, and clearly been able to help. I hope that Miss Stone isn't too badly hurt, but that wrist sounds worrying. As for poor Hilda, that pressure of guilt must be hammering at her mind just as hard as those hammers are going in her head. And yet, she still retained enough insight to know that Meg needed to continue to be allowed to help. Thank goodness for Rosalie's insight on enlisting Gaudenz' help to drive. Thanks Mary - I hope we can hear Gillian's account of what happened before too long, if you love us.

Author:	Squirrel [ Sun Dec 06, 2009 4:32 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
Well. That's starting a new section with a bang Mary! You've upped the tension nicely here with all the details, and how you have let them slip through. I certainly agree with Elder in that it is a relief to know that nothing else has happened to Ellie - in fact, she seems to have been an asset here. It seems that as much as can be done is being done - please do explain what has happened soon, and bring some kind of relief to Hilda's mind on the part of Miss Stone... I'm sure that is far more important than the rest of it as far as she is concerned... Thank you Mary.

Author:	Lesley [ Sun Dec 06, 2009 4:36 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
(((((Hilda))))) She is going to eat herself up with guilt - if ever she needs Nell to give her back perspective it's now. Thanks Mary

Author:	PaulineS [ Sun Dec 06, 2009 6:14 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
Well the girls all seem to have kept their heads. Hope Miss Stone's injury is not life threatening. Thanks Mary for removing one cliff even if you landed us on another. It appears Both Miss Stone and Hilda will need the San's care before the night is out.

The CBB http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/

New Dreams (Part 19) COMPLETED 06/05/10 http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=6989

Author:	Nightwing [ Sun Dec 06, 2009 8:42 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
My fingers are crossed that not everything is as bad as it immediately seems - I hope you don't leave us on the cliff too long, or I'll lose all feeling in my fingertips!

Author:	Abi [ Sun Dec 06, 2009 10:55 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
Amazing that even through all that, Hilda is still able to consider Meg and her needs. I hope things aren't as bad as they seem, and that Hilda will stop beating herself up for something that is not her fault. Thanks Mary.

Author:	Kathy_S [ Mon Dec 07, 2009 5:26 am ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
Somehow this doesn't relieve any tension! What a term.... (Thank you, Mary.) 6ty777777777777]666666666666666666666666666666 <-- cat's comment

Author:	jmc [ Mon Dec 07, 2009 7:24 am ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
Thank you Mary for relieving us of some of our fears. Poor Hilda I hope that she can cope with what happens next and that her head doesn't get too bad.

Author:	Luisa [ Mon Dec 07, 2009 12:28 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
From one cliff to another ... how could you? Waiting...

Author:	shesings [ Mon Dec 07, 2009 7:20 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
Mary, a marvellous start to part 19, but pleeeeaaaassse don't keep us in suspense too long!!!!

Author:	Celia [ Mon Dec 07, 2009 9:39 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
Hilda's auto-pilot is amazing, fancy being able to cope so efficiently when you have just been woken up,have a splitting headache, and paralysing fear for all concerned in the accident. Thank goodness Rosalie, Matey and Gaudenz are able to help in various ways.Meg should once again be very impressed by Hilda's omniscience. Thank you Mary....one cliff down, but several to go

Author:	di [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 6:55 am ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
Pleased that it isn't Ellie who's hurt but - what on earth knocked Miss Stone over? A runaway skier or toboggan? or something more cynical? Poor Hilda; she really is jinxed this term - and together with a headache to top all headaches she must be feeling as if someone 'up there' has 'got it in' for her! Thanks for this new part but please don't leave us on this cliff for long, Mary.

Author:	Identity Hunt [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 7:20 am ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
Oh my, What on earth has been happening ? I don't think I can cope with any more stress this week, Mary !

Author:	Lisa_T [ Wed Jan 27, 2010 6:19 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Wed 27/01/10 At long last!!
Eeeek! Good to know what happened, though, and as Lesley says, the cold may be the saving grace of the whole thing. Thanks, Mary.

Author:	Kathy_S [ Thu Jan 28, 2010 1:33 am ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Wed 27/01/10 At long last!!
Yikes! Not exactly a calming post. I hope everyone's OK....

Author:	MHE [ Wed Dec 09, 2009 12:05 am ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
I rather think that not even the presence of the whole staff would have been able to prevent whatever accident that has happened from happening!!!!! Mightily relieved as I am that Ellie is not involved I am rather worried about Linda Stone and Emilie. Poor Hilda, I hope that after this she will be able to have the time and peace she needs to recharge her batteries and regain her equilibrium. Like Elder I'm looking forward to hearing Gillian's account of what has happened when you are ready. Thank you Mary.

Author:	Cath V-P [ Thu Dec 10, 2009 2:09 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
What a shock for Hilda - and the girls on the walk, although they seem to have coped extremely well, especially Meg. But poor Miss Stone and Emilie to be injured in this way; hopefully it will not be too serious, although one never knows.... And poor Hilda, having to deal with this while having such a bad headache - and of course that little guilt demon has been awaiting just such a moment to attack her. As Lesley said, Nell's reassurance is just what she needs, both as a reminder that she could not necessarily have prevented whatever it is that has happened, and also as a simple comfort and reassurance. Thank you Mary.

Author:	seven [ Thu Dec 10, 2009 7:14 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
I hope Linda Stone and Emilie are all right and the accident turns out to be relatively minor. How is Hilda able to function with such a headache? Adrenalin must be the only thing keeping her upright at the moment but once the excitement has died down, is she going to collapse completely? Please let Nell come to Hilda's rescue when this emergency is over and force her to think of herself for once. Thanks for a wonderful story Mary.

Author:	linda [ Sat Dec 12, 2009 6:57 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
Mary, you really are wicked Not only did you finish the last part with a cliff, you've now left us with another. Quote: She was cold to her core, and all the time a mantra was running through her head. “You should have gone! You should have gone! This is your fault!” Poor Hilda, as usual she is blaming herself. No matter how bad the accident is, I am sure that even if she had been there, she would not have been able to stop it happening. Quote: Then, with a vast groan of relief, she saw Gaudenz in the driving seat of her car, the snow cleared off roof and windows, the engine already running. “I take you,” he growled. “ Miss Dene – she phone – tell me to help.” Bless you, Rosalie. Hilda was, by now, shaking with cold and and nausea and a growing sense of dread, and she knew she would never have been able to drive. Thank Heaven for Gaudenz, and Rosalie. At least Hilda can concentrate on worrying about what they will find when they reach the accident, without also having the worry of trying to drive over he treacherous roads when she is already feeling so dreadfully ill. Please, pretty please, Mary, don't leave us in suspense too long. I want to know what has happened and how badly Linda Stone and Emilie are injured.

Author:	Rachelj [ Wed Dec 16, 2009 5:33 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
Maaaarrrrryyyyyy! Poor Miss Stone's been bleeding for 10 days now!!!!!!! Can't the poor woman get some medical attention???? Pretty please with cherries on top? Rachel

Author:	di [ Thu Dec 17, 2009 6:35 am ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
Echoing Rachel. I hope the coldness has stopped the bleeding and the drop in temperature at night will do no lasting harm!

Author:	charli [ Thu Dec 17, 2009 9:29 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
Oh my goodness! I've not had access to my internet for a few weeks and I thought i'd cleverly escaped the cliff from part 18! But i jumped straight from that one onto another one! Quick Mary, tell us what has happened??? This is brilliant by the way! Thanks

Author:	clair [ Sun Jan 03, 2010 1:11 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
Thanks Mary - this is NOT a prompt for more (although it's always welcome ), simply a thanks for all your writing as I haven't had much chance to log on for ages! Am not going to comment on anything specific just to say the whole thing is wonderful

Author:	MaryR [ Wed Jan 27, 2010 5:04 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Sun 6/12/09
Thank you for your lovely comments and I am so, so sorry for leaving you high and dry for so long, but RL can sometimes be a beggar! ...Gaudenz set off slowly over the treacherous roads. He peered anxiously through the windscreen, making Hilda want to shriek, “Faster! Faster!” But what would be the point? He was doing his best. They didn’t need another accident. She turned to Gillian in the back seat. The Games Captain looked as white and desperate as she herself felt. “Tell me,” Hilda commanded. Gillian stared back at her as though unable, suddenly, to find the words. Then, closing her haunted eyes, it all tumbled out…. It all started so well. When the girls gathered outside, Linda Stone quickly sorted them into line, not wanting to stand around long in the freezing air. “Mireille, you and Gillian lead off. Carmela and Jean, in the middle, please, to keep them moving. Emilie and Marie, please take your place just in front of those two. Tonia, with me at the back, please.” With a mutinous look on her face, Tonia joined her form mistress. That good lady simply ignored her and searched among the girls still not in line.“Marie-Luce and Christine, come and walk immediately in front of us, please, where I can keep an eye on you.” Tonia’s two cronies took their allotted places, looking no happier than had Tonia herself, but again Miss Stone ignored it all. She saw that the twenty-two girls had sorted themselves into line so she indicated to Mireille that they might start. They were all shivering in the icy air, but once they’d negotiated the fairly treacherous side road from the school and reached the main road, where Mireille was able to set a fair pace, they began to feel warmer. The snow was piled high at either side of the road, reaching up almost two metres in places. The girls felt as though they were walking through a tunnel, and being unable to see round bends gave some of them a feeling of claustrophobia. All the same, it was good to be in the open air with the sun shining down on them out of a deep blue sky. Soon, they were all chattering and laughing among themselves, even though Mireille kept up a steady pace. They had their pointed sticks and their nailed boots so they felt fairly secure. Occasionally, Linda Stone or one of the prefects would warn the younger girls to keep well into the side of the road. “I know we would most likely hear any traffic in this clear air but it doesn’t do any harm to be extra careful with the snow piled up so high,” Linda said. She was feeling somewhat annoyed with life. She had tried talking to her three sinners but Tonia had replied only in curt monosyllables, so her two cronies had felt obliged to do the same. Linda was tempted to to call them to order for their rudeness but decided they were in enough trouble already. No point in fuelling their resentment. They were drawing near to a bend in the road when Emilie, one of the twins, seemed to trip over her own feet and gave a great yell as she fell over, a yell that seemed to echo all around them inside the snow walls. Linda quickly moved up the line and joined Carmela in leaning over the Junior. “Are you hurt, Emilie? No? Well, let me help you up then.” She and Carmela each took one of Emilie’s hands to pull her up. At the same moment, the sound of a car engine suddenly announced its impending arrival from the other side of the bend. No one moved at first, for they were all standing close to the edge of the road and assumed that the car would give them a wide margin as it went past. “It seems to be moving very fast, Miss Stone,” Mireille suddenly called out. “Too fast,” snapped Miss Stone. “Quickly, girls. Right back against the snow as close as you can get, one beside the other.” The girls scattered in panic to flatten themselves against the piled-up snow. Carmela ran to help oversee them while Linda pulled Emilie up and moved her back out of the way. A large, black car shot round the bend as she did so, and it seemed to Linda that it was heading straight for Emilie and herself. She could see the driver struggling with the steering wheel. To her relief, the wheels slowly turned away from her but then they lost their grip on the icy road and the car veered straight for the banks of snow on the other side of the road. “It’s going to crash!” Carmela yelled, and many of the girls squeezed their eyes shut in fright. At the very last moment, the wheels seemed to re-gain some purchase on the road and the car slammed into the snow mountain sideways on. It still kept going at the same high speed, tearing snow down in great chunks as it passed, and then managed to pull out slightly into the road again and took off round the next bend. The mistress and the older girls expected to hear the metallic sound of a crash but gradually the engine noise faded away. “Is he completely bonkers?” Gillian cried, furiously angry now her fear was gone. “He could have killed us all.” “His guardian angel seems to have been working overtime, as well as ours,” gasped Linda, and stopped clutching Emilie close to her. “Let’s hope he makes it safely to wherever -” She got no further. There was an almighty shriek behind her. Unbeknown to the rest of them, who had all been watching the car as they had scrambled towards the snow, Marie-Luce and Christine had not done the same. In a fit of fright and perversity, instead of hugging the snow walls they had climbed up the crusty exterior of the piled-up snow so as to be completely out of the way. Once at the top, they had made the mistake of trying to stand upright and had sunk straight through the frozen top layer. This had loosened the softer snow underneath, which then catapulted them straight back down to the ground in double-quick time. Linda tried to turn but had no chance. The two girls cannoned straight into her. She and Emilie flew through the air. All the girls heard the crack as their mistress’s head hit the frozen tarmac. There was a moment’s stunned and awful silence. Then Emilie began to wail. From Miss Stone there was neither movement nor sound. Mireille and Gillian were the first to react. Gillian hauled the two bigger girls off Emilie with rough hands. “You stupid, mutton-headed idiots,” she yelled. “Stand over there and don’t dare move, not one inch. Haven’t you caused enough trouble already this week?” She gently lifted Emilie to her feet and examined her for injuries. Mireille, meanwhile, had thrown herself on the road beside the mistress and was looking fearfully into her face. One or two of the younger girls began to whimper, but she was deaf to everything except the figure lying so still on the ground. Surely Miss Stone was dead! She was unaware of Carmela kneeling beside her until she heard her voice. “Don’t look like that, Mireille. She’s still breathing, at least.” They watched the slight rise and fall of Miss Stone’s chest and Mireille breathed a little easier. She looked back into Miss Stone’s grey face. She was clearly unconscious and Mireille realised that it was up to her, as Head Girl, to sort this situation out. “Do you think we dare move her?” “Better not,” murmured Carmela. “Suppose she’s hurt her back as well? Trouble is, she could freeze to death lying there.” Mireille lifted her head and saw that the others had gathered round them. “Get back,” she cried out fiercely. “Do you all want to get knocked down by some other lunatic?” They scrambled to do her bidding, shocked by this anger from their gentle Head Girl. She looked up at Gillian, her closest friend, in desperation. “We need an ambulance.” “For Emilie, as well,” Gillian replied. “I think she’s broken her arm. Shall I - ” “Blood!” a voice shrieked. Gillian stared down at Emilie, who was holding her left arm with her right hand. “Rubbish! She’s broken her arm, that’s all. There’s no blood.” Mireille looked down at Miss Stone and caught her breath in horror. “Oh, mon Dieu! Que faire?” she moaned. There was, indeed, blood. It was pooling onto the road under the mistress’s arm where it lay outstretched. Blood was also staining the sleeve of her coat. Even as they watched, the pool and the stain grew and spread.

Author:	Lesley [ Wed Jan 27, 2010 5:19 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Wed 27/01/10 At long last!!
Nasty, very nasty - though perhaps the only good thing is that it's so cold - if hypothermia starts to set in it will slow/stop the bleeding. Not something that Hilda could have prevented or stopped - though of course she will take a lot of convincing before she believe that. Lovely to see an update, Mary, we've missed you! Thanks

Author:	Identity Hunt [ Wed Jan 27, 2010 5:40 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Wed 27/01/10 At long last!!
Mary, thank you for this update, but you seem to have left us on a slight cliff here .......... I do hope more is forthcoming soon

Author:	Elder in Ontario [ Wed Jan 27, 2010 5:50 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Wed 27/01/10 At long last!!
Thank you Mary for this update - we've definitely missed you. But you do seem to have moved us from one cliff, only to leave us on another, even more perilous one! No doubt Hilda will reproach herself, but there was absolutely nothing at all she could have done to prevent this happening - even if she had been on the walk with them. May we hope that you will return and relieve our anxieties before too long? Pretty please!

Author:	Celia [ Wed Jan 27, 2010 5:53 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Wed 27/01/10 At long last!!
Thank you for the update Mary. I fear Hilda is not going to feel any better from hearing what Gillian has to say. As for Marie -Luce and Christine.....words fail me

Author:	shesings [ Wed Jan 27, 2010 6:10 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Wed 27/01/10 At long last!!
Thanks, Mary! Didn't want to push you for an update but so glad to get one! Though poor Miss Stone. As for these complete pests.............

Author:	abbeybufo [ Wed Jan 27, 2010 7:08 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Wed 27/01/10 At long last!!
So pleased to see this again - though as I'm going to be away for the weekend, not happy that we're still on a cliff ... still, glad to know what has happened, and that Hilda is also now aware of what has been going on ... Thanks Mary

Author:	Squirrel [ Wed Jan 27, 2010 8:01 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Wed 27/01/10 At long last!!
What a wonderful treat to have this back Mary. A rather action packed and thrilling post altogether. Especially with the false sense of security that comes so quickly before the final accident. I pity Linda Stone having those mutinous children to deal with from the get go. And Mirelle... How well she did there, when she must have been terrified. I hope that they manage to pull themselves more together soon so that help can come as quickly as possible! Thank you Mary

Author:	Nightwing [ Wed Jan 27, 2010 8:07 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Wed 27/01/10 At long last!!
Poor Linda - she was doing everything right, coping with those girls and the terrible driver, and I'm so sorry that that accident was her reward . I hope Hilda can be convinced that it wasn't her own fault - and I hope she deals effectively with Marie-Luce and Christine. I complete agree with Gillian's choice of epithets!

Author:	AnneM [ Wed Jan 27, 2010 10:35 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Wed 27/01/10 At long last!!
Thank you, Mary Let's hope Ellie has managed to stop the bleeding, and that the driver doesn't block the road so that Hilda and co and the ambulance can't get there. And as for Marie-Luce and Christine...!

Author:	Luisa [ Wed Jan 27, 2010 11:15 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Wed 27/01/10 At long last!!
And who was the idiot driver? An answer sooner rather than later, if Hilda could be persuaded to tell you some more....

Author:	Abi [ Thu Jan 28, 2010 12:09 am ]
Post subject:	Re: New Dreams (Part 19) Wed 27/01/10 At long last!!
Oh my, how awful and how terrifying for all of them - first the idiot driver and then the accident. Hope things will be all right.