The CBB :: View topic - Sharlie Andrews

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

Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 1:40 pm

I'm now into my year abroad territory here, and wishing I could go back right this minute!!! Although I have to admit that Part Dieu station in Lyon is one of the most soul destroying places I've ever had to spend time, especially waiting over an hour on a Sunday evening for La Tour du Pin train (happened quite often!).

We left Dijon after an early lunch the following day, the weather had turned and a light rain was falling as we picked our way through the Dijon streets to the train station. We spent the journey more or less in silence, each pretending to read our books, yet each lost in our own thoughts and contemplations, the ones we would never share with each other. The countryside, houses, villages, other peoples lives passed me by in a blur, I took nothing in, my thoughts were so far away, not even on the same planet. I was awoken from my thoughts when Tish gently shook me to announce that the train was about to arrive in Lyon.

We’d arrived at Part Dieu station in a bleak and underwhelming part of the city. On first impressions I felt somewhat disappointed by Lyon, after Paris and Dijon, as we stood in the square outside the station waiting for the tram, but I was soon to be proved wrong. Our hotel was just a short walk from the Rue de la République, a busy and bustling street lined with shops and filled with noise and people. We left our bags and then walked up as far as the Hotel de Ville and the Lyon Opéra where Tish’s parents went to see if it would be possible to get tickets for the following night’s performance, which was sadly sold out. We sat outside a café in the square by the Hotel de Ville watching the dancing fountains, the water catching the dying sunlight, as we drank our coffee.

Lucy suggested that we visit the Musée des Beaux Artes on the other side of the square the following day, but Tish groaned, rolled her eyes and mimed hanging herself in response. After coffee we walked back down the Rue de la République and across the Place de la République, over the Saone and into the narrow streets of the old town, eventually arriving at the Cathédrale St Jean where we’d arranged to meet Tish’s parents.

Dear Lily Beth.

Arrived in Lyon this afternoon, it seems very nice what we’ve seen so far. Paris was incredible, as Trixie said, and so much to do – we even went to the ballet. Dijon was nice, much smaller but I think I preferred it. This card’s of Lyon’s old town which is really pretty. We’re staying here for the weekend and moving on to Annecy on Monday. See you soon.

Love, Sharlie.

Dear Nicole.

Here we are in Lyon! Have already been to Paris and Dijon and going on to Annecy on Monday. Sharlie’s French is holding up a treat for us – it’ll be fun to see how well her German does when we get to Switzerland! Paris was amazing, and Dijon really nice, Lyon also seems grand so far. Too much to tell you on a card, so expect a long, fat letter arriving soon!

Love, Lucy, Sharlie and Tish.

The following day dawned bright and sunny. The perfect day to explore, grinned Tish over breakfast. Lucy rolled her eyes and went back to flicking through some of the local information leaflets she’d found. After breakfast we took the metro up to Croix Rousse where Lucy had discovered that a market was being held. I picked up a few bits and pieces there to take back as presents for my sisters before we went to find the view point one of the stall holders had told us about. The views over the city were impressive with the sun catching the roof tops of the city. Tish proposed that we walk back down into the city rather than taking the metro, which seemed like a good plan. On the way down we passed by the old Roman amphitheatre, surrounded by railings preventing us from getting a closer look. Such a shame, remarked Lucy. We also passed by the traboules, used by the silk merchants for transporting the silk out of the way of the elements, and later by the resistance fighters to sabotage the occupying forces. Eventually we found ourselves back at the Hotel de Ville in time for an early lunch in the sunshine. After lunch Tish gave in to Lucy’s suggestion of the Musée des Beaux Artes and we spend an enjoyable couple of hours looking round and admiring the collections.

It was too warm to spend any more time indoors so we bought ice cream and wandered along the banks of both the Rhone and the Saone. I announced my intention to attend the cathedral service in the morning as we stared over the Saone to the Cathédrale St Jean and the smaller Fourvières up on the hillside. But you’re not Catholic, exclaimed Lucy indignantly. Same God, I said in reply. I’ve been going to Catholic services quite a bit in London, in fact, I’ve been to a few of everything. What happened to Sharlie the Methodist, asked Tish. She’s still here, I replied, only I wanted to see how different the others were. And, enquired Tish. And what? Same God, just slightly different ways of talking to him, I shrugged. We didn’t discuss the point any further for then, and wandered back to look at the shops on the Rue de la République before walking up to have dinner in Vieux Lyon.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:04 pm; edited 1 time in total

#2: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 2:16 pm

Thank you La Tour du Pim! That was lovely, great to see them enjoying themselves despite their preoccupations and to see Sharlie being so open to different denominations - that'll help once she gets to the CS!

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

Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 2:34 pm

Oh why can't it be summer now!

#4: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 4:24 pm

Lovely Pim, thanks. This is making me want to go on holiday again...

#5: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 6:03 pm

Great holiday Pim *gets out the travel brochures*

#6: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 9:14 pm

Love it - Sharlie is so perfectly suited for the CS! Laughing

#7: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 9:20 pm

mmmmm, a nice long post, thank you pim. I love all the developments that Sharlie gradually makes to make her more and more suitable for the Chalet School.

#8: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 10:54 pm

I'm touring France in August and visiting Lyons and Dijon. Laughing

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

Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2005 11:45 am

It's lovely to see how the girls all react differently to the places. Thanks Pimletta Liz

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

Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2005 12:00 pm

Pat wrote:

I'm touring France in August and visiting Lyons and Dijon. Laughing

*is trying ever so hard NOT to be jealous of Auntie Pat... and failing miserably* I was thinking at about 4am when I was trying to et to sleep that the one place I really wanted to be right now was sitting at the top of the tower at Fourvières in Lyon just watching to world go by, ah well.
I went alone to the cathedral service the following morning and met the others afterwards since we’d decided to take the funicular up to Fourvières and have a look round. From the top of the funicular line the view over the city and its rivers was amazing. Tish’s parents suggested we take a quick look inside Fourvières, the miniature of the cathedral. Tish wanted to climb the tower, so she and I went up leaving her parents and Lucy having coffee at the café by the view point. We spent a good half hour up on top of the tower watching the world go by all that distance below. Being so high up I felt as though nothing else mattered, it was a good exercise in putting things back into perspective.

After we’d come down we walked back down into the city and through the market taking place along the Saone, before going back to spend the afternoon in the hotel. Dinner was a quiet affair in a small restaurant just off the Rue de la République. I couldn’t believe that I’d been away for a whole week and that I’d seen so much more than I’d ever dared to dream of. My bag was already heavier than it had been when I’d left, crammed full of guide books and little souvenirs to remind me that this wasn’t a dream, that it really was happening to me.

We spent the Monday morning in the Parc Tête d’Or as Tish insisted that she was ‘cultured out’. We had a pleasant time up there, and there was a small zoo to visit as well. That afternoon we headed back to Part Dieu station and caught the train out to Annecy. Once we’d left the urban sprawl of Lyon behind we were into the open countryside punctuated by the occasional Dauphiné small town, Bourgoin-Jallieu, La Tour-du-pin, and eventually into Chambéry and then Aix-les-Bains on the shore of Lake Annecy before finally arriving in Annecy itself.

Our hotel was right in the middle of the Old Town and from there Lucy, Tish and I wandered down to the lakeside where we spent the afternoon enjoying the sunshine. It was nice to just sit back and relax without the worry of having to get anywhere by a deadline, it was almost the freedom I had so often craved, We only had the one full day in Annecy, which we used to visit the old town and gape at its beauty before going to visit the castle. In between ‘items of cultural interest’, as they were termed by Tish, we could be found by the lake side taking full advantage of the weather. Lucy and I had tanned easily and quickly during our first week, but red haired Tish objected to having to carry her parasol everywhere and cover up to avoid burning her fair skin. The sunshine does suit you though Sharlie, Tish said to me, you look the healthiest I’ve ever seen you. I grinned, I certainly was a far cry from the sallow, almost yellow, complexioned child I’d been in Liverpool. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of Annecy and its lake and it soon found more favour with me than any of our other ports of call. It was somewhere I wanted to visit in all seasons.

Dear Clara,

This is Annecy, undoubtedly the most beautiful place we’ve visited so far, miles superior to Paris which is just a big smoky mess in comparison! The weather is gorgeous, so we’re just spending a lot of time sitting by the lake watching the world go by – all very relaxing! Hope you’re having good hols.

Love, Sharlie.

Dear Rose,

I’m overwhelmed by Annecy and its beauty, it’s just amazing. Oh I grant you that Paris was incredible, but this is something else again. It’s a completely different world. My French is holding up well, haven’t made a fool of myself yet! Hope your hols are going well.

Love, Sharlie.

Dear Sam,

It’s been ten days since we left England, I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone. Paris was amazing, Dijon and Lyon were nice, but Annecy is somewhere else again. It’s just breathtakingly beautiful here. The weather is fantastic, so lots of relaxing and soaking up the sun in between ‘items of cultural interest’ as Tish calls them. Lucy sent you a card from Dijon so that should have arrived when you get this.

Ever your, Sharlie.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:05 pm; edited 1 time in total

#11: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2005 12:02 pm

So jealous-wish I was there. Laughing

Thanks Pimsy whimsy

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

Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2005 12:33 pm

Thanks Pimgiana The descriptions are lovely - I've not been to any of these places (except a little of Paris) but I feel like I've seen them now. Liz

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

Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2005 1:28 pm

I want to visit France now! Sad

#14: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2005 12:30 am

Thanks Pim they are having such a lovely holiday and it will all do Sharlie good for when she joins the school.

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

Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2005 12:15 pm

Um, I've wandered completely and utterly into my dissertation territory here, it happens when thinking about this because it was the hardest objective essay I've ever written and the first time I've ever cried doing an essay over it's content. The subject? The Jewish Question in the Isère during WWII. There are certain words in this that I've had to throw in in French because I either don't like or don't know the English words Embarassed

I was sorry to leave Annecy on the Wednesday for Grenoble but I knew it had to be done. The train journey down was pretty, through the hills and valleys. I could see why this area had played such an important part in the French Resistance. We arrived in Grenoble to cloud and a light drizzle so we spent the rest of the day at the hotel reading and wondering if the rain would clear up. We ventured down to the hotel bar where they had some English papers, albeit a couple of days old. It was there that I got talking to Julia, one of the hotel workers, a young Jewish girl. She was only five years older than me, but in comparison I had lived a charmed life. Julia had been born in Germany in 1925 but after Hitler seized power in 1933 her father decided to uproot the family to France, to Grenoble like so many countless thousands would do during the years preceding the war.

Grenoble, it was a “terre d’asile”, she said to me, I don’t know how you’d express that in English, at the time there wasn’t much of a Jewish community but we were always growing, more and more people came fleeing the oppressive regimes in their countries. The Association Cultuelle Israélite helped us a lot to settle down in Grenoble, to find other Jewish people, to help us get used to the life in France. Some would say that in Grenoble we had found the true Palestine, then the war came but in even in the face of the war and the risk of arrest and deportation Grenoble was good to us. I was 14 when the war broke out, and 15 when France fell to the Germans. We were lucky, we lived in the ‘free’ zone but we were not free. Little by little the Vichy government released the ‘statuts’ and our freedom was eaten away by these laws. My mother heard of an organisation that would get me to Switzerland and away from it all, but I refused to go. I had already been forced to leave my home once, I couldn’t do it again. They gave us new identity papers, I left behind Julia, I was now Coralie. For two years we survived more or less as we had done before, but then in 1942 the Italians came to occupy the Isère and other departments in the ‘free’ zone. For twelve months we were luckier than most other Jews in France the Italians carried out the orders of the Germans to some extent, but they were nowhere near as thorough. My father was involved in one of the Jewish resistance movements, the FTP-MOI, he was killed during a sabotage on some Italian troops it was a tragic accident they said but he died a hero. Then in 1943, Italy capitulated and the Germans came. I was involved in another Jewish resistance organisation by now as I was 17, I was part of the MJS. They were dark times for us, we were afraid to leave our house in case the German troops caught us and arrested us. My mother, my sister and my two aunts were caught up in one of the German raids at the end of 1943, they were arrested and deported. They all ended up in Auschwitz where they died, my mother and aunts were gassed when they arrived my sister died three months later through an unknown illness. I was not to learn this until the end of the war though. My brother was killed by a German firing squad in early 1944, like my father he had been involved with the FTP-MOI and had been arrested whilst he was on a sabotage mission. I was so happy when the Vichy government fell in 1944 and when the war ended in 1945 but at the same time I was greatly sad. I had lost my family for the simple reason that a government did not agree with our way of life, our religion. I also felt guilty, I had survived when so many had not and I often wondered how I could begin to rebuild my life knowing what had happened to so many of my people. Even now I find it hard some days to keep going, but I know that I must if only to make sure that we don’t make the same mistakes again. The past takes so much away, and teaches us so much for the future. Maybe one day I will go back to Germany, but I do not feel that I could ever love it like I have grown to love France.

~ It’s utterly impossible for me to build my life on a foundation of chaos, suffering and death. I see the world being slowly transformed into a wilderness, I hear the approaching thunder that, one day, will destroy us too, I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return once more" – The Diary of Anne Frank, July 15, 1944 ~

I’d heard stories of course in my reading about the Nuremburg trials, but until I’d met Julia I’d been unable to reconcile the stories with reality. By some pure twist of fate only she had survived the particular rafle in Grenoble which had taken away her family and killed them in the death camps. She told me of the unimaginable horror of living out the war in hiding and how she had fought to survive and get where she was today. We are both fighters Sharlie, you and I, she said to me. But beside Julia I felt humbled, that really my fight had not been so great once put into context along those who had come through so much more than me. A scholarship for school was nothing in comparison to the sacrifices made by Julia and the others who had fought for their freedom against the enemy which had occupied Grenoble, first the Italians and then the Germans.

The following day we set out to visit the Bastille set up on the hillside above the city. After much discussion, and pleading on Lucy’s behalf, we decided to walk up rather than taking the cable car but once we’d climbed up it seemed sensible to take the cable car back down. We stood up on that hillside for a long time looking out over the urban sprawl of Grenoble, bisected by the winding Isère river, to the mountains of the Vercours and the Alps. Grenoble itself wasn’t a particularly attractive city, it seemed such a grey blot on the landscape there nestled there amongst the mountains, yet having spoken to Julia I was able to appreciate its significance in the Resistance. After we’d made our way down we decided to visit La Musée de Grenoble to satisfy our culture part of the trip.

Dear Sam,

This is Grenoble, final port of call in France and somewhere that has been the most humbling experience of my life. I never realised how hard it must be to try and fight to survive when it seems that even dreams are no longer allowed. Please Sam, as you help work towards rebuilding Germany do not allow the old prejudices to hinder progress. We must fight for a free and united world, and we can only do this so long as we continue to dream.

Ever your, Sharlie.

It was not without regret that I left Grenoble on the Friday morning, leaving Aunt Jane’s address in Liverpool for Julia to write. In those two short days we had forget a strong connection, we were united in our losses to a senseless war and our dreams of a free and united world. Her family had been exterminated in the Nazi death camp of Auschwitz and fighting the occupying forces. My parents had died in helping fight towards freedom and the right to choose our way of life. Race or religion didn’t matter, no one man could be any more superior than the next.

(Footnote FTP-MOI - les Francs-tireurs et partisans de la main-œuvre immingré , the Grenoble branch of this Lyon based movement was called 'Liberté' MJS - mouvement jeunesse sioniste)

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:07 pm; edited 1 time in total

#16: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2005 12:40 pm

Thank you Pim, I'm so glad you allowed your Uni work to influence your story - outstanding writing.

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

Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2005 2:00 pm

That was so beautiful and so true Pim, Crying or Very sad

#18: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2005 3:11 pm

That was so beautifully moving, thank you Pimblicos *hugs Julia* Crying or Very sad

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

Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2005 4:21 pm

That was beautiful Pim, thank you Crying or Very sad

I'm not surprised you cried writing the essay.

#20: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2005 4:39 pm

Very moving, Pim. I would probably never have heard the story of the Jewish community in Grenoble if you had not told it. Thank you.

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

Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2005 9:02 pm

Wow!!!! thank you Pim! That was an incredible piece of writing! I'm all goosebumpy and shivery now!

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

Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 8:25 am

Let's get into more familiar territory...

The train pulled into Geneva a little before four. I was, to all extents and purposes lost in my novel and had been since we’d left Lyon. In reality I’d been partly thinking about the Jewish children from the home in Izieu near to Lyon who had been brutally rounded up, deported and killed in 1944, and partly about the Resistance fighters who had never given up hope in the face of despair following the occupation of France. Making our way through the customs at Geneva I realised that even though Switzerland had remained neutral throughout the war, it had been a symbol of hope and freedom to so many. Having seen the senseless destruction in France I found it hard to take in how unscathed Switzerland was. At the same time I remained constantly amazed that Switzerland had survived the war untouched, it could so easily have been steamrollered into the Reich. I shuddered involuntarily at the thought. Are you okay, asked Tish. I nodded, just thinking.

Dear Rebecca, Philip, Sarah, David and Caroline.

Arrived in Switzerland, Geneva to be exact, a couple of hours ago. France was marvellous, but I can’t get over how much work still needs to be done until it can fully recover from the war. We visited some amazing places and met some incredible people. Geneva looks nice so far, I just hope the weather holds! Hope you are all well.

Love, Sharlie.

Dear Aunt Jane, Eliz and Harri.

Safe in Switzerland, Geneva seems nice so far but I’ve only seen the hotel and a few shops so far! France was wonderful and such an eye opener – I’ve so much to tell you when I get back. Annecy was by far the best place we visited, so picturesque, but Grenoble was very educational. I can’t believe the trip is nearly half over! Hope you are all well.

Love, Sharlie.

My sleep was fractious that night, disturbed by twisted visions of dreams that made little or no sense, images intertwined and juxtaposed that made my thoughts swim. Julia and Sam were the key images I saw, mixed in with Sarah and then Alice, still the young child under the tree who faded as she turned when I reached out to her.

It was with some reluctance that I got up the following morning for breakfast but the prospect of a boat trip out on the lake soon made up for it. It would be nice just to lie back and relax for a couple of hours. We spent the rest of the day aimlessly wandering around the city taking in the sights, eventually finishing up at the botanical gardens beside the university admiring the Reformers’ wall and watching the old men playing with the giant chess sets. It was a whole world away from anything I knew and how I wished I mine could be that way. We had an early dinner as Tish’s parents had managed to get tickets for a classical recital in the town. Not quite the opera, her father said, almost apologetically, but it’s near enough as makes any difference. And so I spent the evening enraptured by the strains of Strauss, Bach and Vivaldi, for some reason it seemed so much more magical in Geneva than it ever had done in London.

We all attended a Protestant service in the morning which was nothing special compared with the Catholic service I’d been at the previous week in Lyon. In London I’d ‘flitted’, as Trixie had put it, between churches trying to find the peace I craved in one of them. I couldn’t put my finger on when I’d first become disgruntled with Methodism, I supposed it had been bubbling for a while, but it just made me feel so restricted. I’d been to the Church of England with Trixie and Tash, Catholic services with Lily Beth and even an awful Evangelical one with Clara. I hadn’t found the peace I craved in any of them, but for some reason I’d come close in the Catholic services but I couldn’t put my finger on the whys or the wherefores. Maybe you’re one of those… began Tish when I tried to explain it. Atheists, supplemented Lucy unhelpfully. No silly, retorted Tish, that would mean she didn’t believe in anything at all. I did believe, I just didn’t know what in.

On the Monday morning we took the tram out to the Palais des Nations, I could only hope that within those walls they were working towards making the world a better place. You should go in for politics, Tish said to me suddenly. Whatever for, I asked. She shrugged, I just think you’d be good at it, you’re into changing the world and all that. I can do that in education, I said, teaching the generations to come to avoid the mistakes of the past and strive for a better future, it’s easier to mould children than it is adults, besides could you imagine me running the country? Tish chuckled, it won’t happen for years anyway, could you imagine them letting a woman run the country, hell would have to freeze over first. We both laughed and ran off to join Lucy who was absorbed in an information board.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:08 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 9:03 am

Thanks Pim! Very Happy

#24: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 9:53 am

Pim, I could hardly bear to read the post about Julia, it was so moving. Thank you.

#25: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 11:40 am

Thanks Pim

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

Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 11:44 am

Thanks Pim - that was so sad and so beautiful Liz *sending hugs to Pim as well as Sharlie and Julia*

#27: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 12:37 pm

Pim thank you for telling the story of the Jews in Grenoble - it was one I'd not heard before. And thatnk oyu alos for the post about Geneva and Sharlie's thoughts!Sorry about the typo's strapped fingers again...

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

Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 3:16 pm

Thank you Pimmy! *supresses a shiver!*

#29: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 6:07 pm

Thank you Pim.

#30: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 6:14 pm

Thank you Pim. Don't we feel smug seeing her in Switzerland? *Little does she know .....*

#31: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 11:55 pm

Thanks pim. I knew nothing about Jews in Grenoble either. Poor Sharlie has no idea has she? So glad she is enjoying her holiday.

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

Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 8:28 am

We arrived in Lausanne later that afternoon where Tish declared that we would just relax and do nothing for the next couple of days. Lucy and I didn’t argue, it was amazing how exhausting travelling could be. We spent the Tuesday morning in the old town. Tish declared herself to be ‘cultured out’ when Lucy and I suggested looking at the cathedral so we left her with a book outside a café whilst we went to explore.

Sam said he’d been to see you, said Lucy suddenly, when he last came up to Oxford, not that he came to see me of course.
I smiled, knowing who Lucy was referring to. He passed by London, I said.
Thing is though, Sam’s not due leave until the autumn, which means he must have begged some compassionate which I doubt he would have used for Kathie’s benefit. I flushed, visible even with my tan. He still cares about you more than he should, what happened?
What do you mean ‘what happened’? If you mean what happened between Sam and I, then nothing, He likes Kathie a lot more than he’s been letting on. If you mean what happened to make Sam come over, then I’d rather tell you and Tish together.
Sharlie… Lucy began. Clearly something major happened that you chose to tell my brother about over me.
Luce, it’s not like that. What happened… it was easier to write down than to talk about, I knew if I’d written to tell you or Tish you’d have come haring down to London. In all honestly, I never expected Sam to drop everything and come over, it was the last thing I expected. I was going to tell you and Tish sometime during the trip only I hadn’t found the right time.
Sharlie, I’m sorry, it’s silly me being jealous of you and Sam being friends.
Different sort of friendship Luce, I said, reaching for her hand. We both smiled, things were okay again. Let’s go and find Tish, we’ll take a stroll down to the lake and I’ll tell you all about it.

Tish was a little disgruntled when we dragged her away from her coffee and novel, but the promise of ice cream soon cheered her up. As we walked by the lakeside I explained the whole story of Alice, in the intervening months I’d learned to look at it objectively and could see that what had happened was for the best.

I really will kill him, exploded Tish, he doesn’t deserve to…
I held up my hand to halt Tish’s tirade. He’s not worth worrying about, he’s over, finished, in the past where he belongs.
I can see why you didn’t want to tell us, Lucy said thoughtfully. But I can’t believe you went through all that on your own.
I wasn’t on my own, I had Trixie after all. She might be an absolute fool at times, but her heart’s in the right place. She cares too much, that’s her problem. And I had Eliz to do the straight talking and make me see sense.
What would you have done, asked Tish.
In all honesty, I haven’t a clue, I said, so what happened was for the best.

We left the conversation there, it seemed the right place to do so.

We left Lausanne the following morning and moved onto Montreux for the night. Lucy suggested that we visit the castle of Chillon to pass a few hours, which we would have otherwise spent drinking coffee outside one of the numerous cafés that littered the streets. There wasn’t much I could say about Montreux since we didn’t have all that much time there to explore. The weather remained glorious so we weren’t arguing too much about that. I’m glad the weather’s held up, said Tish, it’ll be something to keep me going back in Bedford once it gets miserable about a week and a half into term. Lucy and I both grinned in reply, knowing only too well that Tish was right.

Dear Trixie,

This is Montreux, but we’re only stopping the night here. We’ve just come from Lausanne where we spent a relaxing couple of days doing not much. Lake Geneva is really impressive and Switzerland’s such a gorgeous country. It seems impossible that time is going so quickly, we’ll be back in London in no time!

Love, Sharlie.

Dear Annie and Mark.

Just passing through Montreux en route to Berne where we’ll spend the weekend. Arrived in Switzerland last weekend after an enjoyable couple of weeks in France. Have been doing lots of sightseeing and relaxing – to prevent Tish getting ‘cultured out’! Hope you’re both well.

Love, Lucy, Sharlie and Tish.

We left Montreux the following day and headed to Berne, which would give me the fun of seeing how well my German would hold up. I’d been more than surprised by how well I’d managed with my French so I hoped I wouldn’t get on too badly. I buried myself in a German language newspaper on the train to try and recapture some of the language.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:11 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 9:15 am

Glad that Sharlie told Tish and Lucy and that they understood! Can we Sam again soon, he's so lovely!

#34: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 9:25 am

Im glad Sharlie told Lucy and Tish Very Happy

*points the grand tourees in the Interlaken direction* Thank you Pimmaestro

#35: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 11:44 am

lovely Pim, thanks. Glad she's told Lucy and Tish. Now, onwards to Interlaken methinks... Very Happy

#36: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 12:19 pm

Thank you pimmamangle! Glad she could tell Lucy and Tish and that they were ok with it. Lovely!

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

Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 3:03 pm

Thanks Pimberinium Hope Sharlie doesn't struggle to much with the German Liz

#38: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 6:36 pm

Thanks Miss Moneypimmy.

#39: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 11:49 pm

Glad that Sharlie told them. Nice to see them having such a nice holiday.

#40: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 7:44 am

I'm glad she's told Lucy and Tish and that it was such a low key conversation. I think Sharlie wouldn't have wanted a big emotional scene. *Interlaken is over there ------------------->>>>>*

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

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 9:42 am

Arriving in Berne on the Thursday evening was like entering a different world from the one we’d just left behind in Lausanne and Montreux. In a way it was like being back in London, only on a much smaller scale. Something had clearly rattle me on the way there, or maybe I was overtired as I slept badly that night haunted by a terrible nightmare. I was awoken by Tish shaking me vigorously and calling my name, I was confused since the dream had been so vivid but in the morning light it was already beginning to fade. You were having a nightmare, said Lucy, you kept on shouting things, names mostly, Julie, Sam, Alice. Julia, said Tish mulling it over, the girl at the hotel in Grenoble? I shuddered involuntarily as a vision of a Nazi trooper flashed before my eyes, I nodded in reply. Nazis, death camps, Julia, Alice, Sam, I stammered, but I can’t recall it now. Although the dream was already beginning to fade it bothered me as to what it had been about. Clearly it had been bad enough for me to call out and wake Tish and Lucy, particularly Lucy who ‘took a short course in death’ as Tish had once so delicately put it.

We took our bathing things and headed in the direction of the river where there was a swimming area that the guide book in the hotel had mentioned. Tish and Lucy had gone for a swim whilst I elected to stay with our things and read my book, not that I took anything in. I was still preoccupied with my nightmare despite the others telling me not to attach so much significance to it. It seemed to be a cry for the unspoken tales of the war to be heard, but there were so many it would be impossible to tell them all. But one came to me time and time again, Julia. I only wished I knew how to tell her story, or even where to begin.

Lucy understood a little more than Tish, as a historian I expected her to do so. We talked over the need to avoid repeating the mistakes of the war. It’s not our past, she said, what happened is also our present, not to mention the future. But how do we give a voice to the untold stories of the past, I mused, the voices who never got the chance to speak out and be heard, and even now the same thing’s happening again in Korea. If studying history has taught me anything Sharlie, she said in reply, it’s that we most certainly never learn from the mistakes of the past. So what’s the point of it all then, I asked, not really expecting a response. We still have the ability to hope and dream, said Lucy staring out at the river where Tish was waving to us, and we have to have faith. We both stared over the river for a while. Let’s join Tish, said Lucy eventually, she’ll be complaining that we’re neglecting her otherwise. And so we did.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:12 pm; edited 1 time in total

#42: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 10:09 am

Thank you Pimmywinkle! Poor Sharlie. Hope she finds some peace soon. Like the conversation with Lucy.

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

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 10:52 am

Thanks Pimdango I hope Sharlie isn't bothered by bad dreams for long - and can find a way to let the unknown stories be told. Liz

#44: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 3:49 pm

Thanks Pim. Poor Sharlie hope she finds a waty to get it out of her system very soon.

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

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 5:03 pm

*Huggles Sharlie*

#46: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 9:03 pm

Poor Sharlie - thanks Pimthemagnificent.

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

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 9:15 am

We spent the next day and a half seeing the sights in Bern. Tish loved the bear pit and could quite happily have stood there watching them the whole time, she didn’t only by the brute force employed by Lucy and I to drag her away. We visited the Munster, the parliament buildings, the botanical gardens, the clock tower and the prison tower in addition to endless trips to cafés for liquid refreshment and food supplies. I was impressed by how well my German was holding out, especially considering that I’d neglected it somewhat since leaving school in favour of keeping up my Frenh. But knowing German always gave me some feeling of pride, knowing that it had been me that Miss Maddocks had chosen to learn it during the war. One day I would truly understand that it had been a good decision on her part.

Dear Tash,

Well here we are in Berne, after almost three weeks of travelling, it really has gone impossibly quickly. We’ve seen all the sights, the Munster is pretty impressive. I have to say though that it’s nice being in a ‘small’ capital city after Paris and London. I must admit I have become rather attached to Switzerland over the last week, it’s just wonderful! Hope your hols are going well.

Love, Sharlie.

Dear Nicole,

Three weeks almost gone and we arrive in Berne. France was fantastic but Switzerland is something else again. It’s so pretty! We’ve done a lot of relaxing (and walking) so hopefully we’ll all be recharged and ready for university again when it rolls round. These are the Berne bears, Tish was fascinated and could have stood there all day if we’d left her to it!

Love, Lucy, Sharlie and Tish.

On Sunday morning I went to the cathedral service with Lucy who had fallen in love with it the previous day. After the service I lit a candle and muttered a short, private prayer for world peace, as Lucy had said to me, we needed to hold on to hope. It was something I’d been holding on to all my life, if I were ever to let go then I would be condemning myself to a life trapped in the back streets of Liverpool with my every move dictated by the factory bell and I knew that I couldn’t live like that. I had tasted the bittersweetness of freedom and I wanted to keep it. Freedom was a hope I clung to as I watched the world being to tear itself apart once again. I often wondered how long it would be until the end, when someone pushed the red button, yet it never came. Leaving the cathedral Lucy mentioned something about my blasé attitude towards me religion. I didn’t answer, it had formed the basis of so many conversations over the previous weeks. I hadn’t stopped believing, I knew that all the denominations’ paths led to God, I just wasn’t on the right one yet. It was something I would consider more seriously when I got back to London since I’d need to know where I stood when I went for teaching jobs. I watched the flickering flame of my candle dancing alongside the others, a light in the darkness.

~I am the way, the truth and the life.~

Staring at the light of the candle illuminating the darkness I prayed for it to show me the way. My silent prayers were broken by Lucy suggesting that we should get back to the hotel. I glanced back over my shoulder at the candles, I was none the wiser. Perhaps I would have to find the right way in order for the light to show me the truth.

After a quiet Sunday we left for Basle on the Monday morning in time for a late lunch. It seemed impossible to think that we had little over a week left now before our return to England. Tracing my fingers over the map of Europe I’d been carrying since Paris I could hardly believe how far I’d come. I drew circles around the names of the cities we’d visited and drew over the markings of the train lines to follow the route of our journey. I traced the lines to the places we had yet to visit – Zurich, St Moritz, Interlaken – before we would return to Bern to catch the train to Paris and from there return to England. The whole experience was dreamlike but one day I would eventually realise that it had happened and that things like this did happen to people like me.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:13 pm; edited 1 time in total

#48: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 9:23 am

It's so wonderful to see that she is adapting herself perfectly for a job at the CS before even knowing that the school exists! Thanks Pimperty-poppity-poo!

#49: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 9:50 am

Thank you Pimmy-pommy-pandy! Lovely to see how Sharlie's experiences are going to fit her perfectly for the School.

#50: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 9:55 am

Good to know her German is working!! Why is Interlaken last on the itinerary!!?? Thank you Pimtaurus

#51: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 9:57 am

Cant wait to see what happens ehen she gets back to London Thanks Pimmy

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

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 10:30 am

Thankyou Pim!

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

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 11:21 am

Thanks Pimiwinkle Liz

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

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 6:34 pm

Thank you Pim!!! This is wonderful!!!

#55: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 7:49 pm

Thanks Pim. Magic.

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

Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2005 8:18 am

Tish pressed for a visit to the zoo on Monday afternoon over Lucy’s suggestion of the Kunsthalle and mine of the Puppenhausenmuseum we knew it would be a tricky compromise. In the end we conceded to Tish on condition that we saw the museums the following day. Tish was easily swung to this argument and we spent an enjoyable afternoon at Basle zoo with Tish singing ‘lions, tigers and bears, oh my,’ from The Wizard of Oz the whole way round. In the end Lucy and I threatened to throw her to the crocodiles in order to shut her up Tish merely grinned aggravatingly and continued singing, it was pointless trying to reason with her, we would never win. The following day Tish got her comeuppance with the morning spent in the Kunsthalle and the afternoon at the Puppenhausenmuseum followed by a swift tour of the Munster.

Dear Lily Beth.

This is Basle, almost our final resting spot – only Zurich, St Moritz and Interlaken left now. It’s all gone so quickly! Switzerland is absolutely wonderful, so pretty and I’ve loved every minute. We went to the zoo yesterday at Tish’s insistence but revenge was sweet today when Lucy and I dragged her around the museums. Hope you’re having good hols, see you soon!

Love, Sharlie.

Dear Sam.

Here we are in Basle, a mere week away from our return to England, time really does fly when you’re having fun. The whole thing has just been the most amazing experience, not to mention a learning curve. I think Lucy and I have ‘cultured Tish out’, she seems to come over all funny when we mention anything of cultural or historical significance. Hope you’re well, will write when I get back.

Ever your, Sharlie.

We spent Wednesday morning at the flea market to pass time before our train to Zurich. It was tempting to buy up the entire market but I was mindful of the fact that the extra space in my suitcase was ever decreasing. After an early lunch we made our way back to the train station and onwards to Zurich.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:14 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2005 9:52 am

Hehe Tish makes me giggle! Laughing

#58: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2005 10:09 am

Suitcase - extra space?? I 'm surprised Sharlie has any lef tby now! Tish is funny! Thank you Pimperwimper!

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

Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2005 12:35 pm

I can just picture Tish singing her way around the zoo!Thanks PimzelLiz

#60: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2005 2:42 pm

*g* at Tish. Am sypathising with her being cultured out! Can't do it day in day out. Smile

Thanks Pim, looking forward to them getting to Interlaken.

#61: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2005 3:48 pm

Thanks Pim. Much as I would have enjoyed the museums I woudl have liked the zoo too.

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

Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 11:39 am

We spent the afternoon exploring Zurich and earmarking the things we wanted to see the following day. Tish was making noises about going to the zoo. But you only went to the zoo in Basle the other day, protested Lucy. Different lions and tigers and bears, oh my, grinned Tish before skipping off down the street singing We’re off the see the wizard. Lucy shook her head and rolled her eyes in despair. I simply giggled at Tish, she was as incorrigible at twenty as she had been at twelve. I don’t think Tish should be allowed to grow up, I commented to Lucy as we took a walk through the botanical gardens. After some deliberation Lucy sighed, no, she wouldn’t be Tish if she did. We both giggled as we tried to imagine Tish all refined and grow up. What are you two sniggering at, she asked indignantly. Lucy and I looked at each other wondering how to answer the question and ended up laughing even more hysterically. It doesn’t matter, I managed to say eventually, it was nothing. Tish raised a disbelieving eyebrow but said no more on the matter.

Dear Clara,

Zurich finally, I’ve had an odd longing to be here since we left. It’s a wonderful place from what we’ve seen so far. Tomorrow we’ll take in some culture at the art gallery and the Swiss National Museum and then to placate Tish we’ll go to the zoo – ignoring the fact that we went to the one in Basle a couple of days ago! Hope you’re having good hols, see you soon.

Love, Sharlie.

Dear Rose.

We’ve made it to Zurich at long last, the one place that really leapt out at me for some reason and I’m not disappointed with what I’ve seen so far. We’ll see the sights tomorrow and then on Friday we leave for a weekend in St Moritz with plenty of walking planned. I really can’t believe we’ll be back in England next week! Hope you’re having good hols and see you soon.

Love, Sharlie.

We spent a happy day sightseeing in Zurich, the Munster with its twin towers and the Fraumunster, the art gallery, the Swiss National Museum and, for Tish, the zoo complete with a rendition of assorted numbers from the Wizard of Oz. I think Oxford’s taken all the fun out of you, said Tish as Lucy groaned at her beginning yet another round of Over the Rainbow. In fairness Tish, I pointed out, you have been singing that more or less non stop all afternoon, it’s just getting a little annoying. Tish shrugged, never one to take things too much to heart and simply hummed quietly to herself.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:14 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 11:49 am

*joins Sharlie in giggling at Tish* Maybe Tish should point out to Sharlie and Lucy that they kept going to museums and cathedrals etc at each town, so why not zoos! Thanks Pim&Jerry'schocolatefudgebrownieicecream Liz

#64: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 11:52 am

Love Tish -hope Sharlie keeps her as a friend - she needs someone to stop her being so setious! Thank you Cleopimra. mummy

#65: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 12:09 pm

Agree with Lelsey - think Sharlie's friendshop with Tish is a very good thing.Thanks Pim. Glad there's only St Moritz to go now before they hit Interlaken. Razz

#66: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 2:09 pm

Lovely Pim. They are a nice balanced trio.

#67: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 4:17 pm

*giggles at Tish*Thank you Pimxerxes Wink

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

Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 7:20 pm

Oh I love Tish! Very Happy

#69: Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull

Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 9:34 pm

Tish is wonderful, completely bonkers, but wonderful (and probably someone that helps Sharlie retain her sense of fun) Thanks Kylie Pimogue JackieJ

#70: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 12:23 am

Thanks Pim. They are having such a wonderful holiday.

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

Posted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 10:55 am

We left Zurich on the Friday morning and headed up to St Moritz. I spent the journey gazing out of the window at the passing scenery as we climbed upwards, my book open, yet unread, on my lap. Smell that air, isn’t it grand, said Tish ecstatically as we climbed down from the train. It stinks of railway stations, said Lucy. Once you get past the smell of railway stations, persisted Tish, you’ll see what I mean soon enough, and with those words she spun around on the platform sniffing the air gleefully. Tish’s reverie was soon broken with the exclamation of Patricia from her mother, and Tish’s sheepish expression that she’d worn so often at school when in trouble crossed her face.

We had no plans for our stay in St Moritz, maybe a long walk on the Saturday but other than that it was just nice to have some space. It’ll be better here in the winter, said Tish, I’d love to ski here. She and Lucy stared misty eyed over at the mountain panorama remembering ski holidays from before the war.

Dear Rebecca, Philip, Sarah, David and Caroline.

This may reach you after me but I wanted to show you how pretty St Moritz is, so much space! Being up in the mountains is amazing, Tish and Lucy keep reminiscing about skiing but I’m just enjoying the scenery. We’ll do a bit of walking here and then head down to Interlaken on Monday. See you all soon!

Love, Sharlie.

Dear Aunt Jane, Eliz and Harri.

St Moritz, almost our final port of call, it’s gone unbelievably quickly. I may arrive before this postcard but at least you can see how lovely it is here. Being up in the mountains is amazing, the views are just stunning. One day we’ll all go to see them. See you soon.

Love, Sharlie.

Dear Sam.

Almost the end now, I really can’t believe it. St Moritz is stunning and the views are incredible. I think I’ve finally found somewhere I can be at peace with myself and the world. Of course, finding my own mountain to spend the rest of my life is going to be the tricky part. I think Heidi may have had the right idea to begin with. Hope you’re well.

Ever your, Sharlie.

We didn’t walk much at St Moritz, aside from gentle strolling. Tish was keen but the sun was so strong her parents didn’t much fancy taking a sunburned daughter home, and none of us wanted to risk sunstroke. Tish knew better than to argue with them so we went for gentle walks around St Moritz just taking in the scenery and agreeing that it was nice to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You’ll get your mountain someday Sharlie, Tish said to me on the Monday morning when we found ourselves back on the platform waiting for the train to Interlaken. I grinned in reply, been looking in your crystal ball again, I asked. Well you might end up at that place I told you about, where Nell Randolph went, put in Lucy. Sharlie teaching at a finishing school, asked Tish incredulously, and we all laughed. No silly, she retorted, Nell told me that the whole school’s moving out there this September, so… so put that on your needles and knit it!

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:15 pm; edited 1 time in total

#72: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 11:27 am

Quote:

You’ll get your mountain someday Sharlie, Tish said to me on the Monday morning when we found ourselves back on the platform waiting for the train to Interlaken. I grinned in reply, been looking in your crystal ball again, I asked. Well you might end up at that place I told you about, where Nell Randolph went, put in Lucy. Sharlie teaching at a finishing school, asked Tish incredulously, and we all laughed. No silly, she retorted, Nell told me that the whole school’s moving out there this September, so… so put that on your needles and knit it!

Guess she really is psychic!! Wink

Thanks Pim.

#73: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 12:18 pm

Awww lovely - see where Sharlie got the idea from. Thanks Pimthegreat.

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

Posted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 1:17 pm

I'm so glad that Tish is right and Sharlie will get her mountain. And I hope all her family are able to visit there and see it themselves. Thanks St Pimitz Liz

#75: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 8:51 am

Thank you Pim. I've just thought, this is Sharlie before, during and after the CS. Maybe her and Sam will end up together in the end (more likely that Sam and Kathie I think since Kathie is set to stay at the CS).

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

Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 9:11 am

Loved Lucy and Tish at the end, how true their words were! Very Happy

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

Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 9:36 am

It had only been a flippant suggestion of Lucy’s but one that stuck in my mind and would take hold of me as the year wore on. In fact I’m still not sure how completely it would have stuck if it hadn’t been for Tish. We’d arrived in Interlaken on the Monday afternoon for an overnight stop fully refreshed after the weekend in St Moritz and almost ready to make the long haul back to London. Lucy, Tish and I had gone for a wander round Interlaken to pick up a few last minute bits and pieces of presents we had forgotten and to send the last postcards. Lucy and I were about to head into a gift shop when we realised that we’d lost Tish. She was right beside us a second ago, groaned Lucy, I dread to think what madcap scheme’s infected her now. None by the looks of things, I said glancing behind us, she’s just playing the Good Samaritan.

Tish was on her hands and knees in the middle of the street helping a dignified looking middle aged lady with an air of calm authority about her pick up an assortment of items which had fallen out of her bag. As Tish was never at a loss for words the two of them were chatting away happily when we joined them. I think that’s the last, said Tish dropping things into the lady’s bag. Thank you ever so much for your help, she replied in the most beautiful voice I had ever heard. Tish waved at Lucy and I, these are my friends Lucy and Sharlie, Lucy’s at Oxford with Nell Randolph. Lucy flushed and a certain look of realisation dawned on her. This is Miss Annersley, continued Tish, headmistress of the Chalet School. We exchanged a few more pleasantries before Miss Annersley said that she had to be getting back up to the school. I had never been so awestruck by anyone in my whole life.

It was a hard wrench leaving Switzerland the following day. We’d had a a final few hours in Berne before the overnight train to Paris was due to arrive to adjust to the fact that we were going back to England. I’d spent longer periods away from Liverpool of course, but this was different. I finished tracing the lines on my map to show where we’d been and it still all seemed like a dream.

Tish and Lucy both promised copies of the best photographs once we got back, but they would never compare with my memories. Photographs only capture one moment, one fleeting second in a lifetime, a memory is so much more. A photograph can be lost, and although a memory may fade they are never completely lost. Memories are part of a person, a real living reminder of something now gone, they tell so much more than a photograph ever can.

I slept badly on the overnight train to Paris, my thoughts wouldn’t settle in one place to allow me to shut down completely. So much had happened in the last month that I was apprehensive about going back. I’d tasted freedom and I’d learned how to live. The though of going back to a life dictated by deadlines and timetables unnerved me. I’d seen and experienced so many new things in such a short space of time that I hardly recognised the girl I’d been before I left. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to go back, I longed to see my family and go back to university. But I knew now, more than ever, that I belonged neither in Liverpool nor London, but on that mountainside by St Moritz surrounded by the empty space and the peace I had craved for so long.

I arrived back in Liverpool early in the afternoon of Thursday 31st August to be greeted by Harriet, Sarah and Caroline. Everybody else is at work, she said almost apologetically, and Rebecca’s tidying up since we’re going round for dinner later to celebrate you getting back, and goodness only knows where David’s gone. It felt comforting in an odd kind of way to be back. Harriet complained at the weight of my bags when she traded them for Sarah who was talking nineteen to the dozen in that nonsense baby language only she understood. I realised how much I’d missed her, especially her smell which I’d always found unusually comforting. Being away so much meant I missed out on so much of her growing up. Caroline bombarded me with questions all the way back to Aunt Jane’s until my head was swimming. She would be eleven at Christmas and ready to go up to the High School the following year. She’d made the odd noise about wanting to follow in Elizabeth’s footsteps, but she had a few more years to decide yet.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:16 pm; edited 1 time in total

#78: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 11:23 am

Thank you Pimoritz! So lovely to see Sharlie come to a realisation of where she ought to be and to see her meet Miss A!

#79: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 11:44 am

*dances* Sharlie met Miss A Very Happy

Thank you Pimogeneas good to see her back with her family. Ohh and btw, Pimmerkinas plans for Sharlie are vair vair exciting Wink

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

Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 12:44 pm

I love the fact that Miss Annersley was so awe-inspiring! Also the difference between photos and memories was beautifully put. Thanks Pimmirimmiroo Liz

#81: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 2:43 pm

Love that they met Miss Annersley, and liked Sharlie's description of her. So, the scene's set for her future. Now we can look forward to seeing how she gets there! thanks Pim Very Happy

#82: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 4:55 pm

What a clever link to the future! I hope this will end up in Sally Denny, it's such a lovely 'prefill' and then we have an 'infill' to come and, hopefully an 'afterfill'. Mexican Wave

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

Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 5:55 pm

Ally wrote:

Ohh and btw, Pimmerkinas plans for Sharlie are vair vair exciting Wink

*agrees*

Caught up now - ty Pimberloo! Kiss

#84: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 6:31 pm

Brilliant Pim, thank you.

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

Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 6:52 pm

I loved that meeting, Sharlie will obviously remember it, I wonder if Miss Annersley will? That was lovely Pimard.

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

Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 10:40 pm

How lovely that Sharlie met Miss A! Very Happy

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

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:17 am

That was marvellous!!! Thank you Pimistophanes!!!!

#88: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 1:08 am

Thanks Pim. Love the bit bout photos and memories. I just know the memory of meeting Miss A will stick with her. It is nice to know she gets her mountain but living at the school will not be exactly spacious or peaceful I would imagine.

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

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 8:34 am

I arrived back at Aunt Jane’s to a small pile of mail which I proceeded to flick through as Harriet brewed up a pot of tea. She would be off to London the following weekend to begin her nursing and seemed unnaturally calm about it all, unlike me when I’d been getting ready to go university the previous year. Still this was what Harriet had wanted for so long she was better prepared for it.

Dear Sharlie,

This will probably arrive once you’ve gone off to the continent but you’ll be able to read it when you get back if nothing else. I’ve finally made a decision about Australia, I’m going to stay and finish my degree out here and then see how the land lies. I’m having such fun out here and made some really good friends, I just don’t think I’m ready to let it all go yet. I’ve found a flat in Melbourne with some university friends, Grace, Alexia and Cath, which is really nice and will keep my parents happy knowing that I’m there once they get back to England. I heard Annie’s news, it’s really quite exciting. For some reason I always expected her to be the first of us to go in for getting married and having a family. I can’t tell you how envious I am of your trip with Tish and Lucy, I expect plenty of postcards and maybe next time you go adventuring you could all come to Australia, you’d love it here. Anyway, best get going or you won’t get this before Christmas!

Love, Nicole.

Dear Sharlie.

I’m going absolutely crazy here like you would not believe. Will is already back in London settling into his new flat and all my friends have gone off to glamorous and exciting places. Anyway, I’ve decided to head back to London on the first. I know that’s the day you get back off your travels, but Will and Martin have said that if you want to come back early then John and Callum aren’t back until we can get into Hall so you can have one of their rooms. Maybe you could come down with your sister? Hope you had a good trip.

Love, Trixie.

I decided to go back to London when Harriet left it somehow made more sense for us to travel back together. I’d spent a pleasant week or so in Liverpool but I needed to get back to London. Partly because I had preparatory reading to get through, partly because I was mindful of the fact that I’d promised Annie a visit. I dropped Harriet off at the nurses’ quarters at the hospital where she’d be doing her training. The flat seemed nice enough and a couple of others she’d be sharing with had already arrived, brought by parents who were unloading never ending piles of bags out of their cars. I was reminded of myself this time the previous year when Elizabeth and I had arrived at College Hall and I’d met Trixie for the first time. Harriet, however, seemed to share none of my nerves and calmly informed me that I should be getting off to the flat and she’d be in touch once she knew her timetables and the like.

There was only Trixie at the flat when I arrived. Thank goodness you’re here, she cried flinging her arms around me, my so-called brother and Martin have abandoned ship and taken up the offer of a weekend away and won’t be back until Tuesday. I should have known that nothing would be straightforward when it involved Trixie, Will and Martin, but I didn’t say anything. We spent a good few hours having a catch up chat over several cups of tea with Trixie pressing for all the details of Paris. Eventually we both realised that it was dinner time and we were quite hungry. Can you cook, asked Trixie anxiously as we raided the kitchen cupboards. Course I can, I replied, it’s impossible to survive in my family if you can’t. Good, she said, since I haven’t a clue and my allowance isn’t due so I’ve got no money to eat out. We surveyed the contents of the cupboards in front of us and I made omelettes. Over dinner Trixie expounded on her woeful and lonely summer with only her history books for company and not a party invite in sight. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful to my parents, she said, but I really began to appreciate life here!

Dear Sharlie,

Thanks for all the postcards, I’m really envious of you! You all seemed to be having such a good time. I suppose it must have been a big culture change for you all though. Things in Berlin go on as usual, the reconstruction of the city is going at an impressive rate. It seems so unusual to see all these new buildings going up as if in some way they will cover up the country’s past. U suppose seeing Switzerland must have been odd. It never ceased to amaze me that one tiny landlocked country should have remained unscarred by a war which touched the rest of the world. It would have been so easy for Hitler to simply march all his troops and tanks into Switzerland and bring it into the Reich. We can only be grateful that he didn’t. I’m due on leave in October so I’ll be coming back to England for a couple of weeks and going up to Oxford for a few days to see Lucy, and Kathie of course. You’ll be back in London by then so I’ll drop you a line and see if there’s a free day when I can drop by and see you. Korea doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, and there doesn’t seem to be any danger of them wanting to send us. I just don’t see the point of it.

Always, Sam.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:18 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 9:19 am

Poor Trixie having a funless summer!

#91: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 10:02 am

Poor Trixie. Sam is alos lovely look forward to seeing more of him but hope he's not too hurt by Kathie... Thank you Pimistopheles!

#92: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 10:04 am

Poor Trixie she must be so envious of Sharlie!

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

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 11:24 am

Nice to see the change in situation for Sharlie to have the fun summer, instead of being the one stuck at home unable to do anything. Feel sorry for Trixie though. Thanks Pimsickle Liz

#94: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:36 pm

LizB wrote:

Nice to see the change in situation for Sharlie to have the fun summer, instead of being the one stuck at home unable to do anything.

My thoughts exactly! thanks Pim

#95: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 4:18 pm

Excellent posts Pimtionary - especially liked that she met Miss A and that she had better summer than Trixie! Laughing

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

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:01 am

I set off for Cambridge in the Tuesday, Trixie joked that I was abandoning her since Will and Martin weren’t due back until that evening. It was strange staying at Annie and Mark’s. I hadn’t seen her since the wedding and that had been the only occasion where I’d met Mark. It felt weird being around them as a married couple and parents to be, it was a completely different environment to being around Rebecca and Philip. I plucked up the courage to ask Annie a few questions about impending motherhood and tried hard to not think about Alice. The distance I’d felt between us on paper had translated over to reality. I’d dropped out of contact with the few childhood friends I’d had once the war had ended and we’d gone back to Aunt Jane’s, she did live on the wrong side of the city after all. I hadn’t really missed those friends, but Tish, Lucy, Annie and Nicole had been different. I didn’t want us to drift any further than we had done, but at the same time I didn’t know how to stop it. Annie and I were at such different places in our lives, I just couldn’t imagine us ever being the friends we had been at school.

Annie and Mark invited some friends round that evening, including a string of ‘eligible young bachelors’ who were Mark’s colleagues at work. I appreciated the thought but I simply didn’t have any inclination in that direction at the present time. I was still hurting a little over what had happened with Matthew and besides I had my immediate future already mapped out. Still I was a model of politeness and decorum all evening, I made small talk about business and current affairs but nobody there really understood. I couldn’t connect to these people. Inside I was screaming, I felt so trapped in the polite dinner table conversation. I wanted to stand up and scream at them for being so blind as to the injustices of the world, but they wouldn’t understand in their comfortable lives.

Annie and I spent the following day in Cambridge. I went off alone for the afternoon since she wanted to get some rest and I decided to walk through some of the university colleges. It was so different to London and I realised that it had to be in this sort of environment that Lucy lived. I’d known about the collegiate system of course, but I’d transplanted my own experiences of university life into all situations. In discussing my university career options Oxbridge had never come up. In a way I was glad, if I didn’t belong in London then I certainly didn’t belong in either Cambridge or Oxford. I took a quick walk down the river before going to meet Annie. There were a few people out punting and having an all round good time as their laughter carried over to me. I wondered if one day I’d ever know that freedom, that carefree life.

We had a quiet evening back at Annie’s talking over the last couple of years. Life, I decided, really was a road, they would diverge from time to time and head in their own directions, but from time to time they would cross and inextricably link our fates. I said my farewells to Annie the following morning, I wasn’t sure when or if we’d meet again. I wouldn’t lose Annie as a friend, we would always write and our pasts were too intertwined to lose each other but the future would see us moving further apart. It was a welcome relief to arrive back at the flat in London Will and Martin were back and full of themselves for some unknown reason. How was it, called Trixie from the kitchen doorway as I walked in. It was… I began, unsure how to summarise the previous couple of days, nice to see Annie again. But something you won’t be doing again in a hurry, she asked. I shrugged. Marriage makes people boring, called Will from the sitting room, that’s why Martin and I are going to be bachelors forever. I laughed, it was good to be back.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:19 pm; edited 1 time in total

#97: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:26 am

Thats a beautiful description of how friendships can last because of the past but perhaps are strange in the present or future. *hugs Sharlie and Annie* Thank you Pim The Patter (yes I appear to be risking certain death today) Wink

#98: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:40 am

Thank you Pimestra! Spot on description of how friendships can change with time and distance.

#99: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 12:56 pm

Thanks Pim. That was such an accurate portrayal of how friendships change over time.

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

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 1:46 pm

Thanks Pim, I'm glad that Sharlie knows she and Annie will always be friends. If they don't share the same connection now then maybe they will in the future.

#101: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 2:42 pm

Thanks Pim, excellent portrayal of how life changes and moves on.

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

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 3:27 pm

Just caught up! Thank you Pimmimimbles! It describes perfectly how things change, but I really hope that Sharlie and Annie will see each other again one day. Kiss

#103: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 4:55 pm

Thanks Pim.

#104: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 6:12 pm

Many thanks Humpimty Dumpimty

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

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 8:21 pm

Thank you Pimminth!!!

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

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:45 pm

Love that description of how friendship changes but is still there in the background. Thanks Pimostrophe Liz

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

Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 9:07 am

Friday Trixie and I headed into London to buy the books we’d be needing for that year and returned laden down and somewhat poorer than we had been when we’d gone out that morning. We’d had a leisurely lunch and talked about the summer some more I’d talked more than Trixie for once because she wanted to hear the full story of the summer. Some of the memories were beginning to fade, but they were still there. I recalled being dazzled by Paris, the beauty of Annecy, meeting Julia in Grenbole, relaxing times by Lake Geneva in Lausanne and Montreux, finding peace in St Moritz and meeting Miss Annersely in Interlaken.

You could end up teaching there, Trixie said.
I scoffed. I doubt it, why would they want someone like me?
Because… Trixie was at a loss for words.
It doesn’t matter, it was only a rhetorical question.
No, she said firmly. Sharlie I honestly and truly believe that you would be an asset to any school that took you on, because… Because you believe that things can change for the better, and you can educate the coming generations. Your life experience is a help, not a hindrance. You’re proof that dreams can be achieved, that if we believe enough they can come true. You’ve come through so much and yet you’re one of the strongest, most understanding, wonderful people I’ve ever met. It could have been so easy for you to give it up, and you haven’t. You prove to people that you can make it to the other side. Please Sharlie, stop putting yourself down.
I flushed as Trixie finished making her speech. Thank you, I whispered.
Just don’t let me hear you talking about yourself like that again!
I grinned. So what about you? Any plans for when you’re unleashed on the big wide world?
Trixie shook her head. Not yet, although I think marriage and providing grandchildren figures high on my parents’ agenda, she said wryly. I don’t want to teach, but settling down doesn’t appeal to me just yet. I want to some day and move to acres of land in the countryside to raise my children, two girls, two boys would be nice. What about you? Or do you plan on teaching your days out?
I have absolutely no idea. After what happened with Matthew I think I may have been put off men for life. And Alice, I’d just be scared of it happening again… I broke off, for the first time in months the mention of her name had brought tears to my eyes. I fished for my hanky and smiled weakly as Trixie gave my hand a comforting squeeze. Sorry, I feel really silly now.
You shouldn’t, you are allowed to get upset about it. But it’s a shame you think you’re off men for life, my brother seems quite taken with you.
Will?
Well you haven’t met Harry or Marcus yet, so yes, Will, obviously.
Really?
Really. He’s always liked you, he still feels really bad over the bet he and Martin had with Matthew.
They shouldn’t, they weren’t to know how it would pan out. It was just a silly thing to do, but then again, boys are silly in my experience, which is limited.
Trixie chuckled. I’ve got three brothers and I’d more than agree to that sentiment.

I smiled and was reminded of another brother, one who had never had a real chance to live. George would have been 14 by now, almost ready to leave school if he’d stayed in Liverpool and still at school if he’d had the chances that Harriet and I had had. We would never know.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:21 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 9:27 am

That was such a sad post Crying or Very sad

#109: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 9:56 am

Its strange how you sit and work out how old people would be and what they would be doing had they lived, I do it as well... Very moving and sad post Pim, mmmmm I'm wondering if Sharlie will end up with Will in the end, he does seem very nice, and then she and Trixie will be related !!!

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

Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 11:10 am

*sniffle* Those last two line were a real tearjerker Pim!! Thank you!

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

Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 11:37 am

Aw, Pim! ...going out to buy another few boxes of tissues...gonna need 'em round here, I can tell!!

#112: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 11:40 am

Thanks Pim. Poor Sharlie she has had such a rough start to live and still thinks about it which is natural, but at least she is managing to enjoy what she is doing now and has not let her past sour her.

#113: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 1:23 pm

Glad Trixie told her not to keepputting herself down - she needed to hear it. Thanks Pimteranodon.

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

Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 1:56 pm

Lovely Trixie encouraging Sharlie like that. *sniff* for the last few lines Thanks Pimiona Liz

#115: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 2:27 pm

Trixie is a great friend. *hopeful for a Sharlie/Will romance.* thanks Pim

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

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 9:41 am

The flat was empty when Trixie and I got back so we settled down with a cup of tea and our books to the company of the radio. Will and Martin arrived back just before we started to make dinner armed with several bottles of wine. We thought we’d give you a good send off before you have to get back to all the silly rules of Hall, said Will as Martin opened one of the bottles. Trixie and I looked at each other and shrugged, it seemed like a good suggestion. We cooked dinner in return for them supplying the wine, or rather I cooked dinner and Trixie washed up. She was still a culinary disaster area. Did you not do domestic science at your school, I asked. Course we did, she said, I just never got the hang of it and after a year the mistress recommended that I be removed from the class for my own safety and also to avoid causing mass destruction throughout the school.

We proceeded to enjoy an amiable evening, helped undoubtedly by the wine. I’d be lying if I said I had good memories of that evening since I managed to wind up with only a few very hazy ones. Trixie and Martin were challenging each other to a series of odd dares, of which neither seemed sure what they would prove, maybe who was the craziest. Martin called it a day after they had spent half an hour sitting in the lotus position, but that was only because the bottle they had was empty and Will and I were refusing to get them another one. Martin claimed it wasn’t a complete victory for Trixie because he’d been forced to abandon the competition. Trixie called him a wimp at which a cushion fight ensued until they both fell off the sofa giggling wildly.

I awoke the following morning feeling awful, my head was pounding. I was sprawled on my stomach with my head buried in the pillow. About time you woke up, said a voice from somewhere above me. I raised my head a fraction and blinked furiously as I realised that I wasn’t in Callum’s room and the voice belonged to Will. Will… I croaked, what… What do you mean what, he asked with a smile, you decided you were sleeping here last night, that’s all. I suddenly realised that I’d slept in my clothes and groaned before burying my head back in the pillow. Sharlie, it’s gone ten, he said shaking me, you need to get up so you can move, Trixie’s been up since eight, she and Martin decided to sit on me and wake me up. Huh… I mumbled from the pillow. I slept on the sofa, he supplemented. Not getting up yet, I said and went back to sleep. I was awoken again at midday when Trixie squeezed a cold sponge over me. I sat up with a wild yelp. Come on Sharlie, she said dragging me out of bed, time for a quick bath and lunch before we leave. At the mention of lunch my stomach lurched and I ran to the bathroom wishing I didn’t feel quite so awful. It was so unfair that the others had escaped unscathed and vowed I was never drinking again.

I politely declined lunch before we gathered our bags together to move back to Hall. Will and Martin gave us a hand since Trixie had a silly number of bags. I was still confused as to what had happened the previous evening, but I was sure Trixie would be keen to impart anything she felt I needed to know. Sharlie, said Will, as they got ready to leave us, nothing happened between us last night, you just passed out in my bed that was all, but, if you wanted to go for dinner or something sometime… Are you asking me out, I asked suddenly, he went a violent shade of red, okay then. Really, he said disbelievingly. I’d like it, I said shyly, but Will, nothing serious, I’m still a bit fragile after Matthew, and besides we’ve both got a lot of work to do this year. He nodded, I understand.

(And I'm soooooooo with Sharlie on being hungover and not quite sure what happened the previous evening this morning. Just a shame some nice man isn't going to ask me out later on this afternoon to take my mind of feeling rough. Silly Pim!)

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:22 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 9:49 am

Totally understand being unable to eat when you are hungover, and also not knowing what is true and what is dreamlike!!! Hope you regain your memory soon Pim!

#118: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 10:13 am

Sounds like they had fun, Will is luffy too (why wont you be persuaded there??) Thank you norty Pimsharlieoholic

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

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 10:53 am

pim wrote:

and vowed I was never drinking again.

*Has heard friends vow that many many times and wonders if Sharlie will be any more successful than they were Wink

*Hope you feel better soon PimblottoLiz

#120: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:29 am

LizB wrote:

pim wrote:

and vowed I was never drinking again.

*Has heard friends vow that many many times and wonders if Sharlie will be any more successful than they were Wink

* Hope you feel better soon Pimblotto Liz

*Has made that vow many times, and wonders if Sharlie will be more successful than me!* Thanks Pim, promise not to SHOUT TOO LOUD!!!!!

#121: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 2:06 pm

Poor Sharlie hope she feels better very soon. Looking forward to hearing about this year at uni and how she gets on with Will.

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

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 2:17 pm

Hope that Sharlie and Pim both feel better soon!! Will is too cute Very Happy

#123: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 8:18 pm

Lovely Pimsputin. Poor Sharlie! :drunk: :pale:

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

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 8:19 pm

Oh dear!!! Poor Sharlie!!! (and poor Pimmy-pisshead!!!)

#125: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 9:57 pm

Poor Sharlie. I can't help thinking that however her life goes, she will always be brought up short by the memories of the past. *Sniffles* On the other hand, she does have the gift of enjoying the moment. I think it is the tension between these two states that makes her so real. Thank you, Pim.

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

Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 10:01 am

Thanks Pim! *Shudders at the thought of having to write a dissertation next year*

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

Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 10:43 am

Thanks Pimbilicious Hope Sharlie gets support with her special project. Liz

#128: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 1:28 pm

*Wonder if Dr Clayton's silence was because she knew of someone lost in the Holocaust.* Thank you Piminator

#129: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 10:40 pm

Thanks Pim. What a wonderful way for Sharlie to harnss the memories and her thoughts.

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

Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 9:54 am

It was nice being back at Hall, in a funny sort of way like coming home. Our room was on the first floor overlooking the street, as Trixie pointed out it would be useful for spotting when visitors arrived. Tash and Lily Beth had the room next door to us and Clara and Rose were just across the corridor. We were the first two to get back which meant we had unpacking time before the others arrived. I couldn’t believe that I only had another year in London before my future would be in my own hands. It was a terrifying, yet amazing, thought, that after so many years with the decisions out of my hands. Over the course of the afternoon the others arrive and Hall once again became the noisy lively community that I loved as we all talked over each other about out holidays. It was nice to see that Petal and her cronies had moved out of Hall, hopefully life would be somewhat more pleasant without them around.

Classes started again and we were called to have a meeting with our head of course to discuss the previous year and how we would approach this year. I was nervous about this, I’d had such and up and down first year and Dr Clayton was only too aware of it, but not of the reasoning behind it.

Good start to the year Charlotte, she said glancing at my mark list, excellent in fact, but you went downhill in the second half of the term. Spring term I have to admit I was questioning the wisdom of the scholarship choice, the same goes for the beginning of the summer term but then you pulled that right round in the second half of the term. I stared nervously at the floor. I don’t often doubt our scholarship students…
But you did with me, I asked quietly.
I couldn’t understand, Charlotte, that someone could go from producing such excellent work to such, well frankly on occasion, it was utter rubbish. I understand that university is a big lifestyle change, but you have to make time to do the work as well as going to the parties.
I… I… I stammered.
Charlotte, I know you’re capable of first class work, I hope to see it all year round this time. Show me we made the right choice. Dr Clayton shuffled the pile of papers on her desk. Have you had any thoughts about your special project for the summer term?
I wanted to do something related to history, I said suddenly as the pieces fell into place. Or rather, the memory of the past and how we can use education to try and avoid the mistakes of the past. You see, Dr Clayton, there are so many voices from the past who will never get the chance to speak out.
Have you put much thought into this?
I shook my head. It just suddenly made sense.
I take it you have a particular subject you want to cover?
I nodded, The Jews during the War.

There was a silence. I was convinced Dr Clayton hated the idea. Eventually she spoke.

I’ll get in touch with Professor Stewart of the History Department, he might be willing to take you on and supervise you. I think it’s an excellent idea Charlotte, certainly a very new and interesting idea. I look forward to reading it and to the meetings we’ll have to make sure you’re heading in the right direction. We’ll start talking about it properly next term.

I left Dr Clayton’s office much happier about the direction my studies were going in. I was determined to not let her down.

Prof Stewart, exclaimed Trixie when we discussed it later, her response somewhere between awe and disbelief, seriously? Do you know him, I asked. Know of him, she replied, but he doesn’t deign to teach Freshers, an it’s very rare he teaches second years, he likes finalists with dissertations, if Dr Clayton can get him to supervise you then you’re made up, but I’m betting it’s a big if. My face fell. I didn’t say he won’t Sharlie, she said hurriedly, but he is very choosy about who he supervises, but you are going in for his specialist subject, he’s big cheese in the history of Judaism. I was somewhat nervous about undertaking this project, it suddenly seemed an awful lot of work into unknown waters, Several of my tutors commented on my original choice of subject matter and offered their help where they could,

The first week passed quickly as we all got used to being back at university, it felt so odd not being a Fresher anymore. I was so busy in settling in that I hadn’t had time to think about Will Trixie had teased a little but that was her way of saying that she was okay with things. I hadn’t really thought about Harriet either, I’d just assumed she was settling in fine and would be in touch if she needed me. The week after we’d moved back to Hall both Will and Harriet got in touch Will inviting me for drinks on the Friday night, and Harriet asking if I fancied spending Saturday afternoon with her. I replied in the affirmative to them both. This year was going to be so different from the previous one, I wasn’t going to make the mistakes I had done then.

The work quickly piled up as Rose, Clara and I took up permanent residence in the library, hidden behind huge piles of books and lecture notes. Essay titles baffled and confused us, we researched so much that our heads were spinning and we mixed up who had said what and when. We would just sigh and shake our heads at the Freshers as they headed out to one party after another, they had no idea how hard second year was going to hit them. It seemed unimaginable that this time the following year I would be in my first teaching post and I had no idea where that would be. For the first time in my life I would be answerable to me and me only, no more scholarships donors to whom I’d have to prove my worth. There would be headmistresses of course, but it wouldn’t be the same. I would be in control of where I went and who I worked for.

I went back to see Dr Clayton on the Thursday of the second week, Professor Stewart had agreed to help supervise my project and would see me in a couple of weeks to being discussing it. You should be proud of yourself Charlotte, Dr Clayton said, Professor Stewart doesn’t just take any old student on, especially from this department, he prefers his pure historians, I don’t know what’s attracted him to you. Prof Stewart’s going to supervise you, shrieked Trixie later, that’s brilliant news, you’ll have to let me know what he’s like, I doubt he’ll ever teach me. Lily Beth was equally impressed and I was beginning to wonder what I’d got myself into, but I knew it had to be done.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:25 pm; edited 1 time in total

#131: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:28 am

Well done Sharlie. Glad Prof Stewart's taking her on. Thanks Pim, lovely Smile

#132: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:30 am

Oh lovely - good for Sharlie! *Laughing at Sharlie's thoughts on Freshers - seems writer may be writing from life there!* Thank you Miptnorfotkcab. Wink

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

Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:33 am

Thanks Pim! What do you mean that second years don't party as much as freshers? Very Happy

#134: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 12:16 pm

Thanks Pimmy, excellent posts per normal

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

Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 1:54 pm

Thanks Pimtacious How lovely it will be for Sharlie when she can make her own choices and have some independence. Liz

#136: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 5:00 pm

Thats great news for Sharlie Very Happy

and a fascinating subject. Thanks Pimesher

#137: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 9:41 pm

Good for Sharlie -- sounds like her thesis proposal is a stand-out. Nice friends, too!

#138: Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull

Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:37 pm

Thanks Pimfold That's where saying Oh Crumbs will get you Razz

The last two parts were lovely though. JackieJ

#139: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 1:48 am

Well done Sharlie. Thank you Pim.

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

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 8:46 am

Lesley wrote:

*Laughing at Sharlie's thoughts on Freshers - seems writer may be writing from life there!*

Lesley, are you calling me a bitter and twisted 5th year there??? Smile

Cos I am!!!!!! 5th year sucks, I can't handle my partying anymore!

Will picked me up at eight on the Friday, I hadn’t had half the nerves I’d had over my first date with Matthew, probably because I’d known Will as a friend first. We spent an enjoyable evening in a bar he knew not too far from Hall so we walked there discussing our first couple of weeks back in class as we did so. We talked and laughed a lot over the course of the evening and agreed that we didn’t want anything too serious. In my case it seemed like once bitten, twice shy and Will believe in letting girlfriends get too serious, the mere mention of a wedding would send him into hiding for days.

We talked all night and were the ones being thrown out of the bar at the end of the evening. We’d had so much fun and laughed so much, it was great to feel that way around someone, free and relaxed. He walked me back to Hall, we were both a bit drunk and all over the pavement but we learned to ignore the stares of those who passed by. Thanks for tonight, I said when we got back, it’s been really good fun. We should do it again sometime, he suggested shyly. Yes we should, I said without taking any time to consider it. And then on impulse I ran back down the steps and kissed him, he grinned, wrapped his arms around me and kissed me back. Nothing serious, I said when we eventually pulled apart, just fun, I want to remember my final year here fondly, as a time I enjoyed. Looks like we’re on the same wavelength, he said with a grin before kissing me again. You should go, I said pushing him away, I need my beauty sleep. He laughed and kissed me, you’re beautiful enough, he said before turning round and waving down the next cab.

I stood on the pavement waving the cab into the distance laughing as I did so, before pulling my coat around me and running inside me. I’d had a marvellous evening, it had been nice to go out and relax and just be myself without worrying about people judging me. I was completely relaxed with Will in I way I never had been with Matthew. I would never completely trust him in the way that I did Sam, but then again Will and I knew completely where we stood with each other. Neither of us wanted things to get serious and out of hand, we just wanted someone we could have some fun with and forget about the worries on our shoulders. He made me feel good about myself and forget everything else. We were friends, we probably always would be, but for now we were sharing something that little bit more.

How was it, asked Trixie when I got back to our room. She was hidden behind a stack of books clutching wildly at her hair.
It was fun, I said, I like Will, we had a really good laugh.
Sharlie… just do me a favour with my brother please, don’t ever make me have to choose between the two of you, because I don’t think I could, she paused, I don’t want to spoil things, but after everything you went through with Matthew… I just don’t want to see you get hurt like that again, especially by my brother.
I went over to her and crouched beside her, I promise it won’t ever get like that Trix, it’s not going to be anything like Matthew, we’re just going to have some fun, some dates, a few drinks, the odd kiss…
Eew, broke in Trixie, don’t talk about kissing my brother, that’s just so wrong!
I laughed, sorry, but I think you’re too late for that.
Trixie waved one of her books menacingly at me, I don’t need to think about my brother doing things like that, she groaned, just go to bed Sharlie!

We both laughed, said our goodnights and went to sleep.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:27 pm; edited 1 time in total

#141: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 8:49 am

he he poor Trixie, I suppose its on a par with your parents kissing, you just DONT want to go there !!

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

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:17 am

Poor Trixie must be weird for her best friend to be going out with her brother!

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

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:22 am

Hope neither of them discovers it's not just fun and gets hurt Thanks Pimlionica Liz

#144: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 11:46 am

Glad Sharlie and Will seem to be on the same wavelength. Just hope Trixie never is forced to choose between the two of them - we know things never run that smoothly in Sharlie's world, and there's certainly no Will around when she reaches the CS. Thanks Pim, lovely.

#145: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 12:28 pm

*giggles at Trixie* Glad Sharlie and Will can have some fun Thank you Pimder Pimder Pimder Pimdercats

#146: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 12:47 pm

Thank you Pim. Those were great posts as we expected. Just keep her on the straight and narrow please. she doesn't deserve any more upsets Rolling Eyes

#147: Author: Katie, Location: A Yorkshire lass in London

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 1:40 pm

Thank you, Pimtanion. Glad Sharlie is happy!

#148: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 3:07 pm

Nice to Sharlie happy. I hope it stays that way for a while.

#149: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 6:11 pm

Thank you Pim au chocolat

#150: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 11:26 pm

I've just caught up, yet again, on loads of this and it's really excellent! Thankyou Pim.

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

Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 6:18 am

Giggles at Kathye. Too right! Ta Pim. Excellent as always. Wibbles at the thought of working as hard as Sharlie does

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

Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 8:11 am

I met Harriet in London the following afternoon, she’d been having lunch with some friends in the city and brought them along to meet me. Kit was one of her flatmates, a tall, wiry redhead from Manchester, Dina and Lou lived in the next flat and were both from Suffolk. The three of them seemed nice enough and Harriet looked happy. We took the underground to Hyde Park and went for a walk. Harriet chattered constantly about the fun she was having and how well it was all going so far. I was pleased for her she’d wanted this for so long it was nice to see reality living up to her dreams.

I miss school of course, she said. But honestly Sharlie, I’ve been so bored the last couple of years stuck in lessons knowing that this was what I wanted to do. I haven’t been disappointed yet.
I’m glad you’re settling in well.
She smiled. You know when you find where you belong? I nodded, thinking back to St Mortiz and the mountains. Well this is it, I was made to do this and I love it. Oh Sharlie, I’m so happy, something I never dreamed I could be.
It’s like da always used to say, I said thoughtfully, reach for the sky. He never said that to me.
I frowned. Oh, I just assumed he said it to us all.
You were his favourite though.
Don’t be daft, that was George.
After George died, it was always you, because you were clever.
So were you.
But you were the first. If it hadn’t been for you nobody would have noticed me. I wouldn’t be here now without you. I was never jealous of you being da’s favourite, I was too busy trying to keep mam happy mostly, but I always looked up to you anyway. As a kid I wanted to be just like my big sister because she was the one who got the chances and I wanted them too. You never belonged in Liverpool and you knew it, and I would have followed you to the ends of the earth Sharlie.
I stopped and stared open mouthed. Really?
You’ve always been there, even when you were away at school your letters kept me going. You understood that little bit more than Rebecca and Elizabeth.
And to think, I said with a soft laugh, I was always jealous of you when we were kids because you were the pretty one, it seems so silly now. But I’ve always been proud of you Harri.

We found the nearest bench and sat down to watch the world go by as we reminisced about our childhood days in the Liverpool back streets. I never tired of sharing my memories of our parents with my sisters, it was all we had to cling to to remember them by.

Uncle Charlie, said Harriet suddenly.
What about him, I asked.
Do you think he’ll ever get better?
I shrugged. It’s been so long.
Ten years, said Harriet. You’d have thought if there was going to be any change it would have happened by now. Do you think he remembers anything?
I wish I knew. Mam said he talked a little at first, but she wouldn’t say what about.
I know we can’t give up on him, but sometimes I wonder if it would be easier if…
He died, I asked gently.
Harriet nodded. It’s not fair on David and Caroline, and there’s no way of knowing if it’s fair on him. That’s the thing about nursing, it challenges every belief you have.
That’s why you’ll be good at it.
Why?
Because you’re strong enough to face those challenges. Think of everything you’ve come through Harri.
Including Bridgie.
Yes, including Bridgie.

Harriet smiled, but her face gave nothing away and I knew that she still felt responsible for Bridget’s death, we all did. It was something which would never leave us.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:30 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:17 am

In a way I'd forgotten how the sorrow they had experienced had effected them. *Has a sudden thought Harri could be a nurse in the san* Thanks Pim!

#154: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:50 pm

Aww thank you Pimincello!!!Reminds Sharlie that if she thinks 2nd year is bad she still got finals to get through (that said my 2nd year only had 7 hours lectures a week!!!)Will is sweet hope they have fun adn Sharlie doesn't get hurts!Glad to see Harri settling in!Thanks again Pimosseum!!!

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

Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 1:54 pm

Thanks Pimgeotensin That sibling envy/surprise at finding out is so true to life Liz

#156: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 3:52 pm

Thanks Pim. It is so nice to see the sisters so close and caring especially after the trauma of their childhood.

#157: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 8:25 pm

Thanks Makemineapims.

#158: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 7:29 am

It's lovely to see them together like that. I wonder if they would have been so ambitious and fulfilled in their lives if their lives had been easier? The problems they have faced seem to have made them strong. I agree with Liz that that exchange was very true to life. Thank you Pim

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

Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 8:33 am

I attended a Catholic service the following morning, as I had done since returning to London, and decided that I’d found the path that I would follow for the rest of the year at least. I had no intention of renouncing my Methodist baptism but for some reason I felt more comfortable in the Catholic services. I couldn’t put my finger on what it was, maybe it was the churches themselves, the art, the ritual, I didn’t know, I just knew that I felt a lot more at ease than I ever had done in the stifling Methodist church. I hadn’t told Harriet about it, I wasn’t sure she’d understand. The others didn’t pass comment, in a way I was glad. I didn’t want anyone making a fuss over it, it was my decision, my choice.

Life was relatively quiet for the next couple of weeks as we settled into our routines and began to get a grip on the ever increasing workload. Rose, Clara and I had our corner of the library staked out where we would spend hour after hour, in between classes, after class and sometimes after dinner in cases of desperation. Some of our tutors began to make noises about making job applications much as it was something I wanted to ignore I often found myself looking through the Times Educational Supplement at the situations vacant page. From time to time the school in Switzerland crossed my mind, but it was just a stupid daydream.

Dear Sharlie,

Well term has started once more and it’s back to the grind, worst luck! At least this year I’ve got my own room. Jess was fantastic fun, but I don’t miss her mess! She’s only over the corridor anyway. Things are a bit quiet whilst we get used to being back but the rugby boys are having a party next week so things should start looking up then. I’ve enclosed copies of my favourite snaps, I’ll send some more on soon. Oh to be back on holiday!

Love, Tish.

I flicked through the half dozen snaps Tish had sent. Lucy and I on the banks of the Seine, me at the top of Fourvières in Lyon, the three of us on a boat on Lake Geneva, Lucy and Tish by the bear pit in Berne, Lucy looking despairingly at Tish at Zurich zoo, and finally me in St Moritz looking at the view unaware even of Tish taking the picture. I felt a pang of longing to be back there.

Dear Sharlie,

Back in Oxford, and it’s rather pleasant to be in second year and able to look down on the Freshers! The tutors don’t believe in breaking us in gently, the work is already piling up faster than I’d like! Oh to be back on holiday, relaxing by Lake Geneva would be bliss right now. I told Nell about meeting Miss Annersley in Interlaken, but she’d already heard. I’m sending you a couple of snaps from the trip and I’ll send a few more on soon. These are definitely the best mind you. How was your trip to Annie’s? You haven’t said anything about it. I can’t believe Nicole’s staying in Australia, but I suppose it was her decision at least. Sam’s coming here in November. Do you know if he’s going to pass by London or do you want to come up here and see him?

Love, Lucy.

I pinned up Lucy’s pictures alongside Tish’s – me and Tish at the bottom of the Eiffel Tower, Tish in full relaxed mode by Lake Annecy, Lucy and I drinking coffee in a Lausanne café and the three of us by the mountain panorama in St Moritz. You look like you had so much fun, commented Trixie. We did, I said with a smile remembering.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:31 pm; edited 1 time in total

#160: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 8:57 am

Good to see Sharlie enjoying her memories I so want to reassure her she will get her school in Switzerland! Thank you Pimra

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

Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:18 am

Thanks Pimmiwatkins Liz

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

Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:22 am

Looking forward to Sharlie realising she will be going back to Switzerland!

#163: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:43 am

How nice that Sharlie has the photos to remind her of the holiday. Looking forward to seeing when she gets the CS job!

#164: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:46 am

Lovely to have to photos! Thank you Espimelda!

#165: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 6:24 pm

Thank you Pimcess Pim.

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

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 9:08 am

It had been a fortnight since my first date with Will when we all went to a party for John’s birthday. I was going with Trixie, Tash and Lily Beth and would meet Will there. It’s hardly a date then, remarked Tash. We’re hardly dating, I retorted, just having a bit of fun every now and then. Trixie laughed, my brother’s allergic to commitment, he and Martin are insistent that they’re going to become old bachelor’s together with a string of beautiful women lusting after them. We all laughed, the idea was silly but so obviously came from Will and Martin. Sharlie, said Trixie suddenly as we were trying to hail down a cab, what will you do if Matthew’s there, he’s still friends with people who know John. I shrugged, we’ll cross that bridge if we come to it.

Will and Martin made a beeline for us when we arrived there were already quite a lot of people there, I recognised a few but not many. Will took me by the arm and led me to the bar to get drinks. I could smell on his breath that he’d already had a few, but it was a special occasion after all. I glanced back round the room Trixie and Tash had gone off to talk to another group of people whilst Lily Beth and Martin seemed to be lost in deep conversation. What price Lily Beth and Martin, asked Will quietly following my gaze. You think, I said surprised. Absolutely, Martin’s had a bit of a thing for Lily Beth for ages, he said with a grin. Well I never, I remarked as we picked our way through the groups of people to a table.The party soon began to pick up and after several drinks Will and I made our way to the dance floor and made some effort to follow what everyone else was doing, which was a bit of a disaster. Lily Beth and Martin danced past us, seemingly lost in each other and oblivious to the world around them. Told you so, whispered Will. Trixie was dancing with someone I recognised but couldn’t recall his name. Tash was part of a group standing at the bar who were all laughing about something. Will and I both smiled, Will moved a step closer and I rested my head on his shoulder, at that moment we were both completely aware of the world around us, until somebody tapped me on the shoulder. I spun round, Matthew… I stammered, feeling Will’s arm tighten supportively around my waist.

***

And I think I'll leave it there for the weekend Twisted Evil

I'll be back on Monday since I'm going to visit the parental units on Sunday night but I have an AGM to go to as soon as I get back so there'll be more on Tuesday.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:31 pm; edited 1 time in total

#167: Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 9:35 am

Pimfold! (yes, I know I've used it before but I like it tongue

)You can't leave it there, it's eebil.*Makes up her mind to do something about all these cliffs during the Gather**Goes to find a large excavating machine* :twisted:But it's good, I just want to know what Eebil Matthew's going to say.:evil:JackieJ

#168: Author: Rebecca, Location: Kendal/Oxford

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 9:52 am

Pimcipia! Jackie's right - you can't leave it there!

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

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 10:13 am

Pimmycliffy - appreciate what you've written so far but not the cliff Evil or Very Mad

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

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 10:22 am

Argh no! Somehow I think Matthew is going to be a b*&%$rd Twisted Evil

#171: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 12:19 pm

pimaster!!! You just can't leave it there!!! Please!!!

#172: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 1:17 pm

Oh dear...

#173: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 3:57 pm

Thanks Pim - what a place to leave it.

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

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 8:51 pm

Lovely cliff, thank you Pim, James Pim.

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

Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 12:16 am

*thinks maybe Pim WANTS to be scrobbled at the Gathering!!!!* Rolling Eyes

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

Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 11:57 am

Pimbertina! How could you leave us dangling like that! Although, I guess it gives us all time to get to the party ready to get revenge for anything nasty he does! Liz

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

Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 8:21 am

Vikki wrote:

*thinks maybe Pim WANTS to be scrobbled at the Gathering!!!!* Rolling Eyes

Think you failed to do that Vikkikins... Unless it was you who put everyone who leapt on me on Sunday morning up to it... Rolling Eyes

What do you want Holmes, asked Will.
Nothing from you Macintosh. He stared at me in a way that made me feel uncomfortable. Charlotte on the other hand… I winced at the use of my full name. Care to dance darling, he slurred holding out his hand.
I shrank back into Will’s arms. Just leave her alone Holmes.
Oh come on Charlotte, one last dance for old time’s sake.
Christ, what are you trying to do to her?
I just want a dance, he said as he swayed a little and staggered a couple of steps to his left.
Haven’t you done enough damage? What are you doing here anyway? Free country ain’t it? Nobody said I couldn’t be here.
Common sense and decency would have told you to stay away.
I love it Macintosh, that you’re willing to choose that… He waved his hand dismissively at me. That piece of back street scum over one of your oldest friends.
I think you’ve got the scum wrong there Holmes. You should take a long hard look at yourself.
Remember who made the bet in the first place Holmes.
That’s as maybe, but you were the one who let it get out of hand. Oh I wouldn’t say it was all my fault. We have to remember that Charlotte here was a, how shall I put it, more than willing participant. Don’t be fooled by her little girl lost act Macintosh. Nothing innocent about that one.

Something inside Will flipped there as he advanced on Matthew aiming a sharp right hook to his jaw just as a deluge of water landed on his head. I’d stepped back into Tash’s arms by this point and watched Matthew staggering in an attempt to regain his balance. Behind him stood Trixie with an empty pint pot in her hand and a huge grin across her face.

You’ll pay for that Macintosh, said Matthew clutching his jaw.
I don’t think so, replied Will grabbing him by his collar and pushing him back. And if you ever talk about Sharlie like that again I’ll do much worse. You should leave now.
Matthew snarled and turned to leave. Just remember Macintosh, nothing innocent about that one.
Just get out. And he did. Show’s over folks, said Will to the onlookers who had crowded round. You okay, he asked as Tash pushed me back towards him, I nodded weakly. I’m sorry you had to see that. Fancy a drink? I could do with one.
Trixie suddenly seemed to have recovered use of her senses and dashed over to us. Sharlie, are you alright? The absolute scum, I can’t believe he did that.
I shrugged. Don’t worry about it.

The rest of the evening passed by in a blur as we all tried to forget what had happened and by the end of the evening Will and I were holding each other up as well as the bar. I’d lost sight of Trixie and Tash, and Lily Beth was cuddled up to Martin nearby. I smiled at the pair of them and couldn’t believe that I hadn’t noticed the chemistry between them before. Sharlie, said Will suddenly lurching at me. What, I said, making a wild grab at him as we tripped over each other. Why won’t you marry me, he whined. Because you haven’t asked silly. Well if I asked you, would you? I giggled. No. Aww, why not? Because, fun – remember? Time to go Sharlie, said Trixie suddenly from behind us. Tash is just making arrangements to see Duncan again. Oh right, I said disentangling myself from Will who was using me to hold himself up. Where’s Lily Beth? We both scanned the room to see her kissing Martin, the pair of them lost in each other.

Edited for utter stupidity...

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:33 pm; edited 2 times in total

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

Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 9:16 am

pim wrote:

I’d lost sight of Trixie and Tash, and Lily Beth was cuddled up to Matthew nearby. I smiled at the pair of them and couldn’t believe that I hadn’t noticed the chemistry between them before.

Ta Pim! What's Lily Beth doing with Matthew Shocked

I take it you mean Martin!

#179: Author: Rebecca, Location: Kendal/Oxford

Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 9:56 am

Go Will!!! Thank you, Pimsicle!

#180: Author: Guest,

Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 1:55 pm

Thank you Pimmyflipstick!!! Wink

#181: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 2:38 pm

Thank you Pimdarada!

#182: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 2:59 pm

*giggles at the typo* *grrrrr's at Matthew* thank you and good night Pim-boy

#183: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 5:24 pm

Thanks Pim. Glad Will punched Matthew!

#184: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 9:53 pm

Thank you Pimderosa.

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

Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 11:52 pm

Thank you Pimtomtiddle-i-po Hope Sharlie isn't about to break Will's heart Liz

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

Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 11:06 am

I had my first meeting with Professor Stewart the following week, he was an amiable middle aged man with an impressively extensive book collection. We talked through some of my vague and sketchy ideas in an attempt to put them into some coherent form. He was enthusiastic about the whole idea and seemed to have a wealth of contacts that I could use. You’re the first student who’s proposed studying this, he told me, it’s been over five years since the camps were liberated and people began to realise what had been going on, I wondered when I’d get to supervise somebody wanting to study it in greater detail and, don’t take this as an insult, but I always assumed it would be a historian... so why did you choose this subject? I eventually managed to form a coherent story about Julia and how deeply meeting her had affected me. I hadn’t heard from her since I’d returned to England I’d written to her but has to assume that she was busy at the hotel.

A few days after my meeting with Professor Stewart I went back to see Dr Clayton to discuss how it had gone. He’s very impressed with you Charlotte, she said, he thinks you have some really good ideas. I smiled. Don’t for get that your plan needs to be in by Christmas, I nodded, I hadn’t forgotten, I’m hoping Professor Stewart has given you plenty of people to get in touch with. I nodded, he seems to know a lot of people affected by… by what happened. I noticed Dr Clayton flush and look away from me, yes… well… she began in a strangled voice, he’s a world authority on the history of Judaism. I said nothing in reply, but the way that Dr Clayton reacted had puzzled me, it was as though there was something making her completely uncomfortable about my project. You’re probably overreacting, said Trixie, lots of people are funny about all that. I wasn’t convinced. My project wasn’t the only work I had to worry about but it was the one at the forefront of my mind through my frequent meetings with Professor Stewart every time we met he had uncovered something new to interest me.

It was a Wednesday afternoon, about two thirds of the way through term, when things really got moving. I was in our room working on an English essay when Trixie came in. You’ve got visitors downstairs, she said, two girls, bit older than us, one of them has a French accent. My thoughts immediately flew to Julia, I dropped my pen and ran downstairs. I was right, but I didn’t recognise the girl with the headscarf in the brown coat next to her.

Julia, I cried running towards her, why didn’t you tell me you were coming?
Sharlie, she said as we exchanged les bisoux, I wrote to you two weeks ago, did my letter not arrive?
I shook my head. Never mind, why are you here?
When I got your letter about your project, I knew I had to come. I wanted you to meet Anna, she said motioning to the other girl. Anna was in Auschwitz, she said quietly, she wanted to tell you her story, to give her a voice.
I stared at Anna, my mind reeling. Do… do you have anywhere to stay, I stammered eventually.
Julia shook her head. Not yet, we thought you would know somewhere.
Not here, I said. My friend Will, he’ll probably let you stay in his flat. I noticed a worried expression flicker across Anna’s face, there was real terror in her eyes. I’ll stay there too.
We'll see what your friend is like, said Julia diplomatically.
We’ll go now, we can talk there.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:35 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 11:30 am

Hope Will doesn't mind 3 girls suddenly coming to stay at his flat! Thanks Pimlie this is beautifully told - and I'm guessing I'm going to need hankies for Anna's story. Liz

#188: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 12:29 pm

Thank you pimork! Think Sharlie's dissertation will be very interesting but possibly distressing, interested in Dr Clayton reaction - will we find out why she's so uncomfortable? Wondering about Anna's story.

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

Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 1:13 pm

Sharlie is so brave taking something like this on. *Gathers the tissues in readyness for Anna's story*

#190: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 1:16 pm

Great developments Pim. Greatly interested in Dr Clayton's attitude! *Heaps piles of (full) tissue boxes all over the thread - I think we'll need them.* *Makes mental note not to read that section at work Crying or Very sad

#191: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 2:15 pm

Thanks, Pim! I imagine this next part will be hard to write, though. Hope Will's flat has plenty of guest rooms! Also intrigued by the tension between the professors....

#192: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 5:06 pm

Wonderful Pim, thanks. Matthew's an a**e, but bless Will. And greatly interested to hear all about Sharlie's project and Anna's story.

#193: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 6:00 pm

Very intrigued - about why Sharlie's tutor has problems with the subject, and about Anna's story - suspect it will be very harrowing.

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

Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 9:04 pm

*plants tissues in strategic places* Thank you Pim! This must be tough to write, especially the upcoming posts....

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

Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 10:51 pm

Will and Martin were the only ones in when I arrived. John had no more classes that week and had gone home for the weekend Callum would be leaving the following day and as such they weren’t too bothered about having Anna and Julia around. I’m so sorry to impose, Will, I said as I made a pot of tea. I just wish you’d given me some notice, he said. I’m sorry, Julia’s letter never arrived, anyway, I said wrapping my arms around his waist, are you arguing about spending more time with me? He grinned and kissed my forehead, no, but Anna scares me a little, Julia seems okay. Will, I said lowering my voice, Anna’s an Auschwitz survivor. Will clapped a hand to his mouth, why didn’t you say before? Because it wasn’t my place, I don’t think she wants people shouting about it, I replied. Fair enough, he said, is she going to help with your project, I nodded, I’ll go out for the rest of the afternoon, I’m sure Martin can be easily persuaded to do likewise.

It’s very nice of your friend to let us stay, said Julia as I brought the tea in after Will and Martin had said their goodbyes.
I smiled. He’s a good friend.
Boyfriend?
I blushed, giving myself away. Sort of.
I could tell by the way you looked at each other.
Anna, I said, changing the subject. How do you like London?
She shrank back at such a direct address. I… I like it very much, she stammered.
You can see it properly tomorrow and Friday, I said. On Saturday you can meet my sister, Harriet. Anna, maybe tomorrow… I don’t know, maybe you’d like to meet my supervisor, Prof Stewart, the one who knows about… I tailed off.
About what happened to people like me? She asked as Julia reached for her hand.
I… I faltered, unsure what to say.
It’s okay to feel awkward Sharlie, most people don’t know what to say. Even Julia didn’t when I first came back.
I felt so bad when Anna came back, put in Julia. Because she had been taken and I hadn’t.
But I would not have wished for anyone to go through what I suffered at the hands of the Nazis. It’s impossible to imagine that humans can treat other humans so badly I have been to hell and back. Unless you were there you cannot begin to imagine what it was like. Even now when I close my eyes I can hear the cries of the people begging not to be sent to their death. I survived, and yet I do not know how, by some cruel twist of fate I was not pushed in the line to the gas chambers. To the SS… we were nothing, we were not even worthy of being dirt on their shoes. Every day I prayed for the end to come, every night when I went to sleep I prayed that I wouldn’t wake up.

Anna lifted the sleeve of her blouse to show the prisoner number tattooed across her arm. I noticed the pain flicker across her face as she turned to Julia, her face only showing compassion in reply.

Do you know what this number means Sharlie, she asked. This was the end of my identity, I was just a number. They shaved my head, made me wear the prisoner’s clothes. We were all the same those of us who they allowed to live, if you can call it living… After a while you forget who you once were, you forget the life you knew before. Imagine, if you can, a place where even hope is not permitted. The camps did not allow for emotion, we were not allowed feelings, feelings make you human, to them we were not human and so we were not allowed to feel. I was one of the lucky ones, I survived. I was left behind in the hospital at Birkenau, I had been ill when the Nazis fled and then the Allies came to rescue us. They could not comprehend what had happened, I saw the disbelief in their eyes, I felt their shame that they had not reached us before. The Nazis had forced those not in the hospital to march with them, I believe they eventually went to Bergen-Belsen. Not many of us in the hospital survived, the Allies couldn’t do much to alleviate our suffering. I believe I survived because when they came I learned to hope, something I believed I would never be able to do again.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:36 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 11:55 pm

This is so well written Pim - I was there with Anna and SharlieThankyou

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

Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 12:46 am

*sniffle* Thanks Pim Liz

#198: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 1:02 am

Pim that is so moving poor Anna! Thank you so much.

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

Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 1:03 am

That was so sad, Pim - poor Anna *sniffles* Kiss

Thank you And may I just say that the next update (or the parts of it I've read) are wonderful Twisted Evil

#200: Author: Emily, Location: Land of White Coats and Stethoscopes.

Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 8:47 am