The CBB :: View topic - Sharlie Andrews

#1: Sharlie Andrews - Part 7 Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 8:49 am

Archived due to length 12/05/05
Part One - Schooldays I
Part Two - Schooldays II
Part Three - Uni Years I
Part Four - Uni Years II
Part Five - The CS & Sharlie I
Part Six - The CS and Sharlie II
Snapshots

~ Gem

I travelled back to school with Nancy and Kathie, Peggy had been spending some time with one of her old school friends and would be meeting us back on the Platz. I listened patiently whilst Nancy enthused about how things were going with Miles and how hard it would be for them being apart. Kathie was unusually quiet about the whole situation, preferring to spend the journey staring out of the window.

You can’t carry on behaving like an idiot, I hissed to her when we managed to snatch a moment together.
What do you mean?
Nancy. Everybody knows what great friends the two of you are, if you carry on being off around her people will start to talk.
Kathie sighed heartily. I want to be happy for her and Miles… but it’s so hard! I’ve spent all holidays telling myself that I don’t want to spoil our friendship but… she broke off. It’s so frustrating! There’s a little niggling voice telling me she’s only going out with Miles to get at me, and how I wish it were true! She glanced over to where Nancy was engrossed in a deep discussion with Davida Armitage. I’ll just put a brave face on it and hope for the best, there doesn’t seem to be much else I can do.
I was suddenly mindful of something Nancy had said to me the night before the party. You never know, I said consolingly, noticing Nancy glancing distractedly in our direction.
No, she said. I’m realistic about these things, I’m not going to throw our friendship away over something so simple.

Kathie was true to her word and any signs of a rift were soon hidden and they were once more the friends they had always been. It felt odd not having Biddy around, but her replacement, one Rosemary Charlesworth, seemed pleasant enough and Rosalind Moore and Ruth Derwent soon took her under their wings. Term started with its usual feeling of optimism which some cheery soul declared would never last three days or so into it. VIB had their share of problems with the arrival of a new girl named Naomi Elton who came with a rather large chip on her shoulder. She had been crippled in a house fire and lost her parents, which explained the presence of the chip despite VIB’s best attempts to get beyond it. The snow still lay and so we were taking full advantage of it whilst we were able to before having to suffer endless days stuck indoors. One such trip out ended with somewhat disastrous consequences after Naomi slipped on the snow following a row with Herr Laubach who subsequently handed his notice in. It’s a shame it had to come to that, remarked Nancy who had known him since the school’s Tyrol days, I can only hope he will enjoy his retirement.

Things settled down a little for the next few days until scarlet fever started in the school. Nancy, Kathie and I were all safe having fallen victim to it in our younger days. It meant a quarantine period for the school, something which Kathie looked somewhat twitchy about. The quarantine period wasn’t much fun as one person after another succumbed. Peggy suffered a nasty, sharp attack at the beginning and was bundled off to the San feeling somewhat sorry for herself. I remembered how awful it had been when I’d had it and she had my every sympathy.[/i]

Last edited by pim on Mon Oct 03, 2005 8:40 am; edited 75 times in total

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

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 8:56 am

Thank you Pim, I really hope Nancy and Kathie speak soon, but as I know whats going to happen next........*wibbles*

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

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 8:58 am

Thank you Pim.

Glad Sharlie could have that little talk with Kathie but there's still someway to go. Quarentine can't be much fun being stuck in the school and grounds.

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

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 12:05 pm

Thanks Pim, I've been keeping up but not posting. But it's good to see Sharlie settling in.

JackieJ

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

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 12:17 pm

Ally stop gloating! Your making me scared about what'll happen next! Confused

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

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 12:43 pm

Ally wrote:

Thank you Pim, I really hope Nancy and Kathie speak soon, but as I know whats going to happen next........*wibbles*

Is that an antigloat Ally?

Thanks Pim.

Liz

#7: Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 12:58 pm

Am concerned about what will happen with Colin - have a horrible suspicion it won't be a happy ending.
And come on Nancy! Get rid of Miles.

#8: Author: Georgia, Location: my imagination

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 3:52 pm

Ally wrote:

Thank you Pim, I really hope Nancy and Kathie speak soon, but as I know whats going to happen next........*wibbles*

Oh Ally, no need to be an SJF... Rolling Eyes

Anyway, hi fans! Did you miss me? Pimmy's in post-exam-trauma state so I thought I should liven things up a bit round here.

I’d taken to waking earlier than usual during the quarantine period and found myself awake at 5.30am one morning towards the end of it. Feeling quite thirsty I emerged from under my cosy plumeaux, wriggled my feet into my slippers and pully on my dressing gown to head in the direction of the bathroom clutching my glass. As I passed by the toilet on the way back I heard the unmistakeable sound of somebody being sick.

Are you okay in there, I asked in a low voice, tapping gently on the door.

There was a pause and a flushing of the chain before the door opened and I was greeted by a very white faced Kathie.

Thank God it’s you, she said grabbing my arm and pulling me into the cubicle.
What’s going on, I asked rubbing my eyes with my free hand.
What does it look like, she asked miserably before clapping a hand to her mouth and dropping to her knees to be sick again.
I dropped to my knees beside her and pulled her hair back from her face. Do I need to fetch Matey and have you carted off to the San, I asked handing her my glass of water.
She sipped at it and shook her head. I don’t want anyone involved. I’m sorry you are now.
Are you… I began.
She laughed bitterly. Going off with Piers to get at Nancy has had a little consequence.
Are you sure?
She nodded. There’s a clinic in Berne… I went that first weekend back, when I was free.
What are you going to do?
She shrugged. Not much I can do. I’m going back at the end of term, I was meant to go a week ago but quarantine got in the way… She broke off and I slipped my arm around her. This could be my only chance to have a child… but I can’t do it. It would all be a horrible lie. She laughed. I suppose I’ve messed up any minute glimmer of a hope of a chance I might have had with Nancy now.
She doesn’t have to know… but I’m sure if you told her she’d understand.
She shook her head. Part of me wants to tell Piers, keep it, get married and pretend to live happily ever after. But I couldn’t do that.
What about adoption?
I wouldn’t be able to give it up. There’s only one option I have. Sharlie… she broke off to be sick again. I’m sorry, she said, bursting into tears. I didn’t mean to drag you into my mess, not after everything with Alice…
I shrugged numbly as she leant against my shoulder. Doesn’t matter, I muttered, taking her in my arms as her body racked with sobs.

I don’t know how long we sat there like that. I wasn’t sure how to feel, I’d been through it all myself with Alice but I couldn’t offer any advice or words of wisdom. I just felt numb. Eventually Kathie’s sobs subsided.

Still feeling sick, I asked gently. She raised her tear stained face and shook her head. I fumbled for my watch. It’s only 6.15, there’s a little time before the bell goes. It’s not worth getting back to sleep.
Do you want some cocoa, she asked as we helped each other to our feet.
I nodded. You should mop up first though.
She smiled weakly. I dread to think what I look like.
I’ll spare your vanity.

For the first time I began to realise what Trixie must have gone through with me, except that Kathie knew exactly what she wanted and I hadn’t had the first clue. At the same time it became increasingly difficult to listen to Nancy talking about Miles. I was almost convinced that it had been Kathie she had been so coy about at Christmas, and how I longed to bang their heads together so that they would see sense! I was amazed by Kathie and her ability to put on such a cheery face to the world as though everything was alright in hers.

I don’t know how you do it, I admitted a couple of days before Half Term over cocoa in her room.
Do what?
Put on such a cheery face, I was a wreck with Alice.
She shrugged, I don’t see what else I can do. My mind’s made up and nothing will change it so I may as well get on with things.
Just… take care of yourself in St Moritz and try to avoid any dangers… You don’t want something dreadful befalling you and everybody finding out.
I’ll be careful, I promise. Sharlie…
Yes?
When I go back to the clinic at the end of term to… well, would you come with me?
I felt my stomach knot but forced a smile. Of course I will.
Thank you. I just didn’t want to go on my own.
No, I can imagine.
Sharlie, I’m sorry… I hope my stupidity hasn’t brought Alice back to you too much.
I blinked back the tears. It has, but Kathie… don’t blame yourself. All sorts of things remind me of Alice, I know what happened was for the best but you never truly forget.
What are you doing for half term?
Going to Julia and Michel to see Charlotte. Anna and Guillaume are coming up as well so I’m hoping for a fairly relaxing weekend catching up with my namesake. I stopped as Kathie burst into tears. Oh gosh Kathie, I’m sorry.
No, it’s not your fault, she said , fumbling for her hankie and scrubbing her eyes fiercely. I’m fine, really. I was just thinking that if I were to keep it, and it were a girl… I’d have to call her Charlotte…. Charlotte Nancy.
Sentimental fool, I said with a laugh.

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

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 4:06 pm

Oh dear! Poor Kathie, poor Sharlie and Nancy all unaware...what a mess!

Oh what a tangled web we weave/When first we practice to deceive

Thank you Georgia and Pim! Hope Doom #2 wasn't too awful!

#10: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 4:27 pm

*gasps*

oh nonononononono Georgia that was NOT FUNNY!

pim - may we have some nice happy posts please when you are recovered from the stress of the exam?

#11: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 4:32 pm

I never even thought of that happening Crying or Very sad

Poor Kathye. Poor Sharlie!

Pim, please come back and sort it out. Georgia has just got Kathye in an awful pickle!

#12: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 5:19 pm

*bursts into tears*

Pleeeeeeeeease Pim (or do I mean Sharlie?) at least let N&K get together... somehow Shocked

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

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 5:35 pm

Poor Kathie - feel so sad for her. *Echoes Cathy B's plea.*

#14: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 6:39 pm

Didn't see that coming - or not at this stage in the proceedings anyway.

Poor Kathie and poor Sharlie. Sad

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

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 6:49 pm

Oh my God that was out of the blue! Shocked

Hope that the clinic Kathie is going to will not to half kill her... Confused

#16: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 7:50 pm

Waaah! I had a horrible nasty sneaky little feeling that might happen. But I didn't expect it to be so sad. Crying or Very sad

Pim, please come cheer us up when your evil-post-exam-trauma clears up.

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

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 9:16 pm

Thank you Georgia - I think!

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

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 11:21 pm

*eeek*

*wibbles*
*hides*

#19: Author: Georgia, Location: my imagination

Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 12:00 pm

Morning fans!

I had a quiet weekend catching up in Belfort, finally realising how much the scarlet fever epidemic had taken out of me. Baby Charlotte had grown so much since I’d seen her the previous term I could hardly believe she was the same child. She was clearly going to look like Julia when she grew up. I was pleased to see Anna and Guillaume still happy and content with each other. We all knew it would be practically impossible for them to have children of their own and when Anna mentioned to me that they were thinking of adopting my thoughts immediately flew to Kathie. But she had been so adamant that she had made her decision I pushed the idea out of my head. From time to time I wondered how they were all getting along in St Moritz but I didn’t allow myself to dwell on it as my time with Julia, Anna, Michel, Guillaume and Charlotte was so precious.

The second half of term was quieter, Nancy and Kathie had both arrived back from St Moritz on their old footing. They’d expounded at length about the avalanche and Kathie had confided that it had given her the kick she needed to stop being an idiot around Nancy. I knew her feelings for Nancy hadn’t died and I was still fairly confident that Nancy felt the same way, I just didn’t know how to gently push her in the right direction. I found myself pushing the two of them to spend time together as I headed off with Peggy and Davida. I wished that I could talk things over with Biddy but she hadn’t been too fit – her first was due in the summer – and I didn’t want to go lumping extra worries on her. I noticed that Kathie had been avoiding invites from Biddy with a variety of excuses, I supposed that she didn’t want her mind changing about things. Biddy was doing a bad job of hiding her disappointment that Kathie kept turning down her invites and I found myself digging deeper and deeper holes with the excuses.

Dear Sharlie,

Well when you come and visit in the summer there should be an extra member of the family. That’s right, number one is due in June. We had debated not telling people we weren’t going to see until it arrived but I’m too excited to be keeping such a secret! I’ve managed for months now which is no mean feat, I can assure you! On a different note, I don’t suppose you’ve heard from Lily Beth have you? She’s not written in months and hardly since she broke up with Martin. I hear from Tash regularly, she’s coming down for a few days over Easter. I’m hoping Lily Beth’s managed to keep in touch with her.

Love, Trix.

I had hardly heard from Lily Beth since she’d broken up with Martin either. There were fairly regular letters from Tash, she was now seeing Josh who had been best man at Trixie and Paul’s wedding. They were both somewhat career preoccupied at the moment to be thinking about anything serious like the future. I couldn’t argue with them, knowing exactly how they felt. I didn’t have much time to dwell on it though as the end of term was fast approaching. My first group of Juniors, now in Lower IVA, had landed themselves in hot water with the Prefects having taken it upon themselves to shove everything they found lying about in the Lost Property cupboard. The Prefects found the best punishment for them and they were models of meekness for the rest of the term. We all enjoyed the St Mildred’s pantomime at the end of term although the near fatal accident involving Naomi Elton on the way back meant that we ended things quietly. No one was quite sure how she would take to the surgery and the final night was a long and difficult one as we waited for news. It was positive in the end but we would have to wait a few days to discover that one.

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

Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 12:02 pm

Hello Georgia Rolling Eyes

Glad Nancy and Kathie are spending more time together, and yay for Trixie's news. Very Happy

#21: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 12:07 pm

thank you Georgia. I hope Pim's trauma is subsiding Wink

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

Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 12:44 pm

Thank you Georgia - it's ever so kind of you to help Pimmy out by posting whilst she's in the midst of the dooms. Wink

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

Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 12:53 pm

Thank you Georgia! Hope Pim is surviving the Dooms!

#24: Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow

Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 1:10 pm

Thank you Georgia. Smile

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

Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 6:23 pm

Thank you Pim & Georgia

Liz

#26: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 6:32 pm

Thank you Georgia!

I know its not what you do, but please look after pimmy for us. She's precious!! Very Happy

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

Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 8:12 pm

It's so intriguing seeing all the action in the books from a different POV!

Thanks Pim and Georgia.

#28: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 8:20 pm

Thank you Georgia.

*wibbling slightly about what's going to happen next*

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

Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 8:52 pm

wibble

#30: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 10:19 pm

Thanks Pim!

*gives N&K a gentle shove, and wibbles slightly over Sharlie and Colin!*

#31: Author: Georgia, Location: my imagination

Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 7:37 am

Guten Morgen fans!

Kathie and I headed to Berne the following day in silence, not quite sure what to say to each other.

You don’t have to go through with this, I said as I waited by her side for the nurse.
She shook her head. No, I have to. Look. She smoothed the gown over her stomach. It’s already starting to show, then it’ll start kicking… and then… Anyway, could you imagine the hassle I’d have with school and everything?
I had to laugh. True, it would make everything so complicated.
I only ever wanted a simple life, I guess I never learned to take the easy way out.
I took the road less travelled, I quoted softly.
That’s one way of looking at it, she said as a nurse bristled into the room.
I’d better go, I said standing and gently kissing the top of her head.
You will be here when I wake up, won’t you, she asked anxiously.
I nodded. I promise.

I don’t know how long I sat in the corridor at the clinic, my head back against the wall, my eyes closed. Four years earlier it could have so easily been me undergoing that, I suppressed an involuntary shudder. And then Alice was in front of me again, the dream I’d so often had. The small blonde girl in the white frock under the tree, I could hear her laughter, a sing song voice telling a made up story. I knew not to reach out to her, but I couldn’t help myself and as she turned to face me her laughter died and Alice faded. I snapped back to reality with a start as though I’d been lost in my thoughts for hours. There was a nurse standing over me telling me I could go and see Kathie. Through my hazy, groggy thoughts it took me a while to understand what she was saying to me, and then I realised.

Hey, I said slipping into the seat beside her bed. How are you feeling?
She smiled weakly. Like I’ve gone ten rounds with a tractor. I grinned. At least it’s over now and I can look to the future and get on with my life.
You’ll never forget though.
I don’t intend to, she murmured sleepily.
Tired? She nodded. I’ll come back tomorrow then.

That night I cried for Alice for the first time in months.

I nearly changed my mind, you know, Kathie confessed as we were on the train back to Paris two days later. I raised an eyebrow. It was on Monday morning, that was when I realised it was starting to show… I thought to myself that I’d be able to keep it… but then I realised it was stupid.
Any regrets?
I think there’ll always be a little part of me that regrets it. But this was my only real choice, not ideal but at least it was my choice… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…
I shook my head. Doesn’t matter.
Sharlie, I… I’d appreciate it if we didn’t talk about this again, except…
When you need to, I finished.
She nodded. I’ll never forget, but I want to be able to move on.
I understand. I don’t talk about Alice unless I want to.
Does it help thinking of her as Alice?
I shrugged. I’m not sure. I always thought of her as a her, Alice made her seem so much less impersonal.
I couldn’t think beyond ‘it’, I just wanted to distance myself.
Trix and Eliz told me I was a fool for thinking of her as Alice, but it made things easier for me. There’s no ‘right’ way to get over this Kathie, you just have to do it how you want.
She nodded. The road less travelled.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim.
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.

(Robert Frost)

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

Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 7:48 am

*bawling my eyes out*

Thanks Georgia

Liz

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

Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 7:50 am

Oh that is so sad. Crying or Very sad

The only thing I can hope is that Kathie and Nancy find each other.

Poor Sharlie.

#34: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 8:06 am

I might have known Georgia would make an appearance on Friday 13th!

Please let N&K have their happy ending!

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

Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 8:10 am

Pim - you made me cry in the office (and my office is a corridor)!

Thank you, so poignant. Crying or Very sad

#36: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 8:17 am

What a wonderful friend Sharlie is, especially when it brought back so many memories for her.

Thank you, Georgia/Pim - extremely touching. Sad

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

Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 8:31 am

Hugs Sharlie and Kathie.
Very moving Pim.

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

Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 9:58 am

*crying my eyes out*

Thank you Georgia Crying or Very sad

#39: Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow

Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 10:07 am

Thank you Georgia. Sharlie has been very supportive. Hope that things work out between Kathie and Nancy now.

#40: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 10:45 am

Thank you Georgia. Apart from anything else, I'd lost my copy of that poem and couldn't even remember who it was by.

Beautifully written and so moving.

#41: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 11:17 am

*cries* Lots. I just want to hug them both. Crying or Very sad

#42: Sharlie Andrews part 7 Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 5:31 pm

Thank you Georgia -this was very movingly written.

Agrees with those who hope that Kathy and Nancy will now find each other. But I also think (fear) that Kathy will find this harder to put behind her than she thinks, at least for a while. It's good to know that Sharlie will be there for her when she's needed, even though it brings back memories for her too.

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

Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 6:03 pm

*hugs both Kathie and Sharlie very tight*

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

Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 9:09 pm

Just caught up on this Pim/Georgia and you made me cry - lots

I love that poem

#45: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 1:14 am

Could someone please lock Georgia back in the cupboard?

But it's very well written, and the poem fits so well....

#46: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 7:02 am

GEORGIA! Whoops... sorry, got a leetle sidetracked by dooms #1-#4. Doom #5 is in, um about an hour and a half, but am oddly non-plussed by that. And #6 and#7 are aaaaaaaages (well #6 is in 5 days) away. So I apologise for my twinny but that's the way it goes Rolling Eyes

I was due a long month in Liverpool punctuated by a few days helping Professor Stewart check over the final proofs of the book in London. I was met from the train by Caroline who was full of her latest news, which helped to take my mind off the last few days. She had decided that once her school days were over she was off to secretarial college to follow in Elizabeth’s footsteps. I knew how close the two of them were and that Caroline would always take her problems to Elizabeth over Rebecca. I also knew that Elizabeth had been putting money to one side for Caroline which she had decided to use for secretarial college. Caroline wouldn’t be fifteen until December and had decided to stay on at school until the following summer, but it was good to see her knowing where her future lay. There was a veritable family gathering going on when we arrived back at Aunt Jane’s. Harriet was up from London for a few days and Rebecca, complete with family, had come round as well. My arrival was immediately followed by David stomping in ‘dock dirt all over my clean floor’ to quote Aunt Jane. The only absence was Elizabeth who appeared shortly afterwards with James in tow.

About time, grinned Harriet. The tea’s been getting cold, she stopped pouring as Jack suddenly began to get a bit adventurous.
Jack, no, groaned Rebecca, picking him up from around Harriet’s ankles as she set the teapot down with a clatter.
Eliz, I exclaimed, leaping up from the crowded settee causing Caroline to upset her tea over herself.
Oh Sharlie, she laughed as we hugged. It’s good to see you again.
You too, I replied, opting to join Harriet on the floor rather than negotiating my way back on to the settee.
Tea, asked Harriet of Elizabeth and James.
No thanks Harri, said Eliz. At least not at the moment.
Harriet shrugged, suit yourselves.
Elizabeth pulled a face before she grew serious. James and I have an announcement to make. David whistled but Rebecca fixed him with a silencing glare. As you know, we’ve been waiting for James’ promotion to come through, and it did last week… so, well, we’re engaged!

There was a general outcry of excitement as we all leapt to our feet and clamoured to offer our congratulations to the happy couple.

Any idea of a date yet, asked Harriet. I hate to ask, but I’ll need to get my leave sorted.
And you’ll need to work around Sharlie’s terms, put in Rebecca.
We know, grinned Elizabeth. Nothing’s concrete but we were thinking around Christmas-New Year time.
It would be sooner, said James. But the house we’ll be moving into needs a lot of work done to it before we can move in.
People will talk if you rush things anyway, said Caroline with a smirk.
Caroline, exclaimed Rebecca and we all laughed.

I feel awful about leaving Aunt Jane, Elizabeth said later that night. James and I are quite happy to have her come and live with us but she won’t hear of it. I suppose we can’t ask her to give everything up.
You’ll work something out, I said reassuringly.
Elizabeth smiled. I think Caroline will move in here when I move out. It’s a bit crowded at Rebecca’s and it would make sense.
What about David, asked Harriet.
What about him? He’s a law unto himself that one, said Elizabeth. It would make sense for him to stay with Carrie but he’s a sixteen year old boy, there’s no telling what he’ll do next! Becca’s got him sorted but I just don’t know, he needs a wife or something!

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

Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 8:08 am

Hurrah for Elizabeth Very Happy

Thanks Pim, its nice to have some happy news now.

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

Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 9:00 am

Thanks Pim, so lovely seeing all of Sharlie's family - was there a slight problem with David there?

Good luck with the doom!

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

Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 9:27 am

pim wrote:

[color=blue]What about him? He’s a law unto himself that one, said Elizabeth. It would make sense for him to stay with Carrie but he’s a sixteen year old boy, there’s no telling what he’ll do next! Becca’s got him sorted but I just don’t know, he needs a wife or something!

They want to marry him off at 16 Shocked

Congratulations to Elizabeth and James

Thanks Pim - hope the doom is going well this morning.

Liz

#50: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 11:10 am

Glad to see you back Pim. Georgia had us all in tears! Confused

Hope the doom is going as well as dooms can.

I wondered if David is going to be a handful. I wondered if he is getting a reputation with the girls?

#51: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 11:13 am

Thank you Pim. *YAYs for the happier news*

Also a bit perterbed (sp?) ok concerned that theyd marry David off at 16!!

Hope dooms and revision going ok?!

#52: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 11:42 am

Thank you, Pim, some good news at last! Very Happy

Keep Georgia well away in future. Shocked

#53: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 4:08 pm

Lovely, thanks Pim Kiss

Hope it went okay today.

#54: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 6:53 pm

Thank you for the lovely family scene. Smile

Though I'm now wibbling slightly at what plot twists might be coming up.
Good luck with the rest of the doom!

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

Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 7:43 pm

Thank you Pim! While Georgia is an acceptable substitute (just!), she creates too much mayhem for me!

Good luck with the last few dooms!!

#56: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 10:59 pm

Thanks Pim (and Georgia) have just caught up with the last archived bit and all of this. Poor Kathie. Hope it works out well for Sharlie and Colin.

#57: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Sun May 15, 2005 7:15 am

Following Elizabeth’s announcement I’d been reluctant to steal her thunder and tell everybody about Colin and I, so we agreed to leave it for a few days. I’d told Harriet in confidence as she was heading back to London a couple of days after I’d arrived back. She admitted that she’d had a sneaking suspicion that something was going on, which left me wondering how much the others had noticed. When we made our announcement to Rebecca, Elizabeth and Aunt Jane on the Tuesday it didn’t come as too much of a shock to them as they confessed that they’d had their private suspicions as well. He seems like a nice young man, Aunt Jane said to me later. I smiled, he is… he’s special. Oh my Sharlie, she sighed, I keep forgetting how grown up you all are now, it seems like only yesterday I was meeting you all from your train with your forlorn faces… and to look at you now. I hugged her impulsively; she would never replace mam but I knew that she would be there to provide the closest thing to a mother’s love that I so often craved.

The following afternoon I walked to the docks before going to meet Colin from work. It was somewhere I went to talk things over with mam when I needed to. I think you’d like him mam, I whispered idly throwing a stone into the water, I wish you and da were able to meet him.

I can’t believe how nervous I am about this, I confided to Colin later as we walked up the drive to the house he shared with his father. I’ve never had to ‘meet the parents’ before.
He laughed. But you know father.
I know I do, that’s why I feel so silly about it.
He put his arm around me and pulled me to him. It’ll be fine, he said confidently, kissing the top of my head. Father adores you.
He might not adore me as your girlfriend though.
Colin laughed and ran his hand over my head. We’ll soon find out. Come on, your sisters and Aunt Jane were fine about it all.
I know, but…
Stop worrying, he said and silenced me with a kiss.
Well, well, well, came from behind us. We broke apart instantly with guilty expressions on our faces to see Rupert laden down with photographic equipment and laughing. Don’t just stand there like one o’clock half struck the pair of you, give me a hand with this. Neither of us moved, we just stood staring. I had a feeling that was in the wind for you two, now make yourselves useful and then we’ll have a drink.

Twenty minutes later we were sitting in the front room sharing a bottle of wine.

So how long has this been going on, Rupert asked.
Since Christmas, mumbled Colin.
Rupert raised an eyebrow. I thought it had been a bit longer. I’ve had my suspicions since about October. Colin and I both blushed and stared at the floor. Well there’s no need to look like that the pair of you! Sharlie, I think Colin has made a grand decision for once in his life. I don’t want him going off with any old airy fairy woman – I know you’ll give him a good run for his money. I smiled. I approve wholeheartedly of you being together.
Rupert, I… Thank you, I said smiling. But, may I just ask something completely unrelated…
He smiled, his eyes twinkling. Thought you’d get me whilst I was in a good mood?
Not quite, but Eliz asked if I could ask you about doing her wedding photographs.
So she and that young man of hers have finally got their acts together? I nodded. I’d be delighted to, tell her to drop by the shop in the next couple of days and we’ll talk it through. I suppose I’ll be doing you two next.
Colin and I stared at each other, unsure what to say. We… err…Colin began. Sharlie’s going to teach for another few years yet, and I’m still getting myself set up.
Rupert burst out laughing. Oh you two! But good, I’ve never approved of rushing these things.

I hadn’t thought much about the future, Colin admitted as he took me home later.
Me neither, I’d rather live in the moment for now. Let’s just enjoy our time together. I don’t want this to be just some quick fling or something meaningless…
…so let’s just take our time? I nodded. Good, I was going to suggest that anyway.
We’ve got the whole rest of our lives to worry about the future.

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

Posted: Sun May 15, 2005 8:12 am

How lovely that Colin and Sharlie's relationship has been accepted by everyone. Hope nothing goes wrong over the next 3-4 years.

Thanks Pim. Laughing

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

Posted: Sun May 15, 2005 8:29 am

I'm still not sure if I like Colin or not...

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

Posted: Sun May 15, 2005 11:34 am

Thank you Pim Very Happy

And how can you not Caz - he's luffly Very Happy

#61: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Sun May 15, 2005 1:18 pm

Awwwwwww, that was really sweet. Very Happy

Does that mean we get at least another 4 more years of Sharlie? Rolling Eyes

Thanks, Pim

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

Posted: Sun May 15, 2005 2:40 pm

Awwwwwwww lovely

Thanks Pim

Liz

#63: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Sun May 15, 2005 4:08 pm

This is all rather exciting, I said over the top of the proofs I was reading in Professor Stewart’s office. It was two weeks later and I had gone to do a few days work in London. After all the talk and research… it’s so exciting to see it like this. Any idea of a publication date yet?
He shook his head. Hopefully before the end of your summer term, and yes Sharlie if it’s pushing for time I’ll get it special delivery to you.
I grinned. I can’t wait to see it in proper book form.
I don’t think I was half as enthusiastic as you the first time I was being published.
Well I never thought I would be!
Hopefully this will get you noticed a lot more. People have asked about you but never really followed up, not that I want to lose you to somebody else, he added.
I shrugged. It’s tricky sometimes finding the time at school to put in the work.
I’m chairing another conference in February – will you have the time to do me another paper?
I smiled. I could do – I’ll have all summer to work on it after all.
Any ideas – there must be something you want to write on.
I frowned. Well, I’d have to talk to a lot of people but I told you about how the school had to leave the Tyrol, didn’t I? He nodded. And the group who had to flee the Nazis for protecting one of the Jews in Spartz?
You pointed me in the direction of ‘Nancy meets a Nazi’, he laughed.
I’m not sure if I could get something out of that.
‘Nancy meets a Nazi’? Hardly an academic text, Sharlie, he teased.
I laughed. No, the school’s experience in Austria.
He frowned. I’m not sure either to be honest. You’d have to expand it a lot to get the Jewish slant on it.
That’s what I was bothered about – what about foreign nationals’ attitudes towards Jews in German territory under the Nazis? I suppose I’m going a bit wide there.
It would involve a lot of research – and I don’t suppose people would always be prepared to talk about it.
Time, something I sadly lack during term, I sighed.
I’m sure you’d be able to use the school’s experiences at some point. I’m already having to think of my next book – are you up for another spot of collaboration? That is if you don’t get poached.
Really?
Yes really. Unless one of my so called colleagues steals you, not that I’d let that happen – Esther would never forgive me for a start. She’s very fond of you.
We’ve come a long way since the start of my second year when I sat in her office being told how she doubted the wisdom of my scholarship donors.
Really? Well she never mentioned that when she was persuading me to take on your project.
I was busy wondering why she was being so off about my choice of subject – I had no idea of course.
Very few people here do, apart from you and me.
How many know you two are married, I blurted out without thinking.
I think it’s more or less common knowledge now – the staff gossip grapevine is a little too efficient at times for my liking. The students don’t know though.
I should think not, I laughed. I wouldn’t trust students’ imaginations with that sort of information!
He laughed. I think my students are a little more mature than yours, but I wouldn’t trust them all the time. Are you booked for the summer?
More or less. My friend Nicole is coming over from Australia for August, I haven’t seen her since I was eighteen.
I was going to ask if you wanted to do some field work again.
I do want to, I said earnestly. I just keep getting booked… but… I paused. I can recommend a good photographer if you need one.

#64: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun May 15, 2005 4:14 pm

Thank you for that, Pim, but you're not going to make us wait another four years for the happy day, are you?

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

Posted: Sun May 15, 2005 4:16 pm

Coolllyn is luffly but well, ermm, oh dear, well yes........ Wink

Thankies for the update Pimmy

#66: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun May 15, 2005 4:50 pm

I think I'm going to stop trying to guess where this goes next. I quite thought colin's folk would object and cause a crisis! That was lovely Pim. Thank you.

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

Posted: Sun May 15, 2005 7:03 pm

Thanks Pim - so interesting seeing how much more involved Sharlie's life is than just reading the books! It's a wonder she had time to be a Mistress at the CS! Wink

#68: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sun May 15, 2005 9:07 pm

Thanks Pim two lovely updates there. So glad Colin and Sharlie have told their families, secrets like that have a nasty habit of beinf revealed at the wrong times.

#69: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sun May 15, 2005 9:12 pm

thank you pim!

*dances at the thought of at least 4 more years of Sharlie providing Colin is a nice young man*

#70: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 12:41 am

Bless - isn't Colin's Dad a sweetie!

Thanks Pim, fab as ever Kiss

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

Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 7:13 am

Thanks Pim

Glad things are going nicely again for Sharlie

Which means it must be time to start wibbling!

Liz

#72: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 8:00 am

Lesley wrote:

It's a wonder she had time to be a Mistress at the CS! Wink

Well... now you mention it she's really a Timelord and has a handy Tardis parked out the back on the Platz, Sharlie Who. Wink

I headed back to the Platz with Peggy and Davida for the start of term. I’d put Robert in touch with Colin and the two of them were making sketch arrangements for some field work that summer. However, it was good to get back to school and catch up on everybody’s news. Kathie and Nancy met us back there having been to Evian-les-Bains for a few days before we were due back and they arrived looking disgustingly tanned and healthy.

Sickening, you two looking like that, I muttered jokingly to Kathie later that evening.
It was just what I needed, she said, her eyes wandering over to where Nancy was chatting to Rosalind Yolland, the new art mistress. I didn’t tell Nancy anything, but I do feel better for having had that time together. I haven’t completely given up hope on her, but she did confess a few interesting things…
Karen related?
She nodded. And she’s broken things off with Miles.
Really?
Yes, she said it had been a very silly decision.
That’s good.
She grinned. I know. Although, there’s a part of me that feels guilty for feeling this way after, well… you know.
You can’t spend the rest of your life dwelling on it.
I know, but try telling that to my conscience!
Did I hear right, came from Peggy suddenly. You have a conscience, Kathie?
Cheeky, retorted Kathie with a friendly dig to Peggy’s ribs.
Peggy laughed. Good to see you with some spark back, you were a bit of a misery last term.
What’s the new mistress like, I asked, changing the subject suddenly.
Oh, she’s a poppet, replied Peggy. Anyway Sharlie, how’s Colin?
I blushed furiously. He’s fine.
How did telling the family go, asked Kathie.
Well, I said. I think Eliz getting engaged cushioned the blow a little on my side, and Colin’s father was great about the whole thing. Seemingly though, discretion is neither of our strong points since everybody had guessed anyway.
Peggy laughed. It’s because you’re such an open book Sharlie, you’re not very good at hiding your feelings.
I do try, sometimes, I said ruefully.
I got no further as Nancy interrupted us. What are you lot plotting now, she asked with a mischievous grin as we all adopted our best innocent expressions. Anyway, this is Rosalind Yolland – the new art mistress, you’ve already met Peggy, but this one grinning like the cat that got the cream is Sharlie Andrews, she takes Junior English and other bits and pieces. I smiled. And this is Kathie Ferrars, she does geog and, more importantly, maths.
Priorities huh, Nance, I grinned.
I think you’ll find, Miss Andrews, she returned in her best school mistress voice, with a wink, that my priorities are firmly in order.
Maths, maths, more maths, and maths for fun, I asked sweetly.

Nancy retorted by pulling a face and we soon turned to more serious matters of conversation. Life at school soon fell into a routine and things settled down to as close to normality as they ever did. There was a new girl in Inter V named Theodora Grantley, more commonly known as Ted, who had arrived after expulsions from her three previous schools hoping that this would be the one to sort her out. However here she seemed to be settling in aided fully by Len Maynard and Ros Lilley. I’d always felt instinctively protective of Ros but she had taken so well to school life that I hardly needed to worry about her these days. On the other hand, I sensed somehow that this term might see a blowing up of some sort between the Maynard triplets, but I had my own fair share of mischievous imps to deal with and the troubles of the Fifths were soon pushed to the back of my mind. With the fine weather we were out and taking advantage of it as often as we could and it was on one such occasion that Len, Ted and Ros came into contact with smallpox.

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

Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 8:59 am

Thank you PIm. Lots of lovely posts - glad to see Sharlie happy with Colin and that some of the tensions have eased in the staff room...

#74: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 9:16 am

thank you Pim. I'm glad N & K are back to at least the good friends stage and that Nancy has dropped Miles.

#75: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 9:47 am

I still love the way you bring in so many disparate parts of Sharlie's life and weave them into a whole - even if she is a Timelord. Very Happy

Thanks for more wonderful posts,Pim

#76: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 10:16 am

Thank you Pim! So that's Sharlie's secret Laughing

#77: Author: Alex, Location: Hunts, UK

Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 10:48 am

Thanks Pim, but I think you should come back and make it true that it was updated twice on the 16th, it's only fair. Otherwise advertising standards might have something to say. Laughing

#78: Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow

Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 11:37 am

Quote:

I think you should come back and make it true that it was updated twice on the 16th

I totally agree. Very Happy

#79: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 4:12 pm

Alex wrote:

Thanks Pim, but I think you should come back and make it true that it was updated twice on the 16th, it's only fair. Otherwise advertising standards might have something to say. Laughing

Alright then, anything to comply with advertising standards and nothing to do with me being stupid Wink

Fortunately no one was infected and it turned out that only those three were taken off to isolation at the San for the quarantine period. It was during that time that Biddy’s twins arrived – Marie-Thérèse and Patrick, to be Marie and Pat for everyday. Kathie and I were amongst the first invited to see them when Biddy brought them home, something we were both a little nervous about.

I’ve not had much experience of new babies, Kathie admitted as I handed her Marie after Biddy had told us take a twin each.
I settled back with Patrick. They’re not as breakable as you think!
Charlotte Andrews, exclaimed Biddy. What do you do to your poor niece and nephew then?!
Nothing, I returned defiantly as Pat took hold of my little finger to investigate it. But Harri dropped Carrie when she was a babe; Becca told her she was being daft for trying to pick her up, Harri was only seven or eight at the time.
Poor Carrie, said Kathie, her eyes round with surprise as she awkwardly moved Marie into a more comfortable position in her arms.
Didn’t hurt her, I said with a shrug. Babies are remarkably bouncy, not that I’ve ever tried bouncing one, I added hastily.
I should think not, groaned Biddy. I can imagine your sister would be having words if you did! And I won’t be trying out your theory either!
I should hope not, I retorted. How are you feeling anyway?
Exhausted, absolutely sleep deprived… but I wouldn’t change them for the world, she said affectionately as Pat wriggled in my arms. Is he okay?
I nodded. He’s gurgling quite happily.
Wish he was like that with me, she sighed.
I’ve had practice, I was there a lot when Jack was newborn. You pick it up as you go along – Becca didn’t have a clue with Sarah and Jack, she just made it up as she went along. And if I do say so myself they’re rather well turned out, I wound up.
Biddy smiled weakly. The thought of turning out well adjusted, acceptable members of society terrifies me. It’s all bound to go horrible wrong… she broke off. Kathie?
Kathie looked up from cooing at Marie. What?
Just checking you were still with us, Biddy grinned. You seem very taken with Marie.
Kathie nodded. She’s adorable, so’s Pat, you must be thrilled with them. Biddy nodded. But… didn’t it hurt, she blurted out suddenly.
Biddy laughed. Probably, but anything they offered for the pain I took, so it’s all a bit of a blur I’m afraid.
It’s okay from a safe distance, I grinned. At least that’s the conclusion Harri and I came to when Jack was born.
Sounds like a very sensible one, remarked Biddy dryly.
I’ll remind you of that when you’re expecting number three, I joked. Oh Biddy, I think this one’s making hungry noises.
He always is that one, groaned Biddy as I handed him over. You’re right, how do you do that?
Practice, I guess, I grinned. We’ll give you some privacy, come on Kathie you can come back and coo at Marie in a bit.

Kathie suddenly snapped back to reality and we left Biddy to her maternal duties.

Are you okay, I asked Kathie as we sat outside Aldersnest soaking up the sun.
She shook her head. I can’t help thinking about… how do you do it?
Do what?
Be so natural around babies, like nothing ever happened.
It’s been four years, I’ve had time for the pain to fade. I hated being around Sarah at first and then Annie’s daughter was born when Alice would have been due… that was hard. In the end I learned to put on a brave face, I think I’d got the hang of it by the time Jack arrived. As the pain fades it gets easier.
I just want to move on, she said burying her face in her hands. I suppose it’ll just take a bit longer than I hoped.
I slipped my arm around her. No one expects you to do it straight away.
They did at the clinic, treating me like an idiot. I know I was, but I didn’t need them rubbing it in. I am happy for Biddy, really and truly and the twins are wonderful…
But you can’t help wondering ‘what if’… I stopped as I saw Biddy’s nurse approaching us. Come on, we’d best make the most of visiting time.

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

Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 4:15 pm

Lovely to see Biddy so happy, but lots of hugs for Kathie. That must have been very hard for her, but hopefully it will have helped her move on just that little bit more.

Thanks Pimmy

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

Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 4:58 pm

Thanks Pim

*hugs Kathie and Sharlie*

*then borrows the babies for a cuddle*

Liz

#82: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 6:23 pm

Thank you Pimmy! Very shiny as usual! Very Happy

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

Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 6:52 pm

Thanks Pim, nice to see Kathie and Nancy back to being friends, glad Kathie was OK with Biddy's twins.

#84: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 8:59 pm

poor Kathie - she must be feeling so upset

Thank you for the lovely updates, pim

#85: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 9:45 pm

Poor Kathie! But I am so glad she and Nancy are proper friends again. I've still got my fingers crossed for them. I meant to say this earlier, but I do love their staff room conversations- makes me want to be a CS teacher all over again. Thank you for the shinyness Pim!

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

Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 10:05 pm

That was great Pim, ta muchly.

#87: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 11:41 pm

Thanks Pim nice to se Sharlie and Kathie with the twins though it must have been painful especially for Kathie. Glad she is friends again with Nancy.

#88: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Tue May 17, 2005 7:55 am

Things in the fifth seemed to be heading towards some sort of boiling point as Half Term approached. Kathie and Jeanne de Lachenais were taking them to Zermatt for half term, a trip which Nancy and I managed to bag ourselves places, along with Mary-Lou Trelawney. I hadn’t expected to be free again and hadn’t bothered to make any plans and Nancy’s had fallen through. There was a somewhat tense atmosphere as headed to Zermatt but no one passed comment. I’d been to Zermatt before with Peggy but we hadn’t actually spent that much time looking around, we’d managed to spend the entire day having coffee and lunch. This time, however, was somewhat different as we took the girls round the town to show them the sights – although Nancy getting bowled over by a pig was not on the itinerary, although we had to laugh about it. On the final day of the trip Kathie, Mary-Lou and I headed out for a final walk and left the girls to more or less their own devices. It was a good excuse for Kathie and I to wax lyrical about our university days to assure Mary-Lou that it wasn’t all work and no play. When we returned to Zermatt it soon became apparent that something had blown up with the fifths and it was only later that Kathie finally confided that things between the Maynards had finally come to a head.

The situation was dealt with by Mary-Lou and the Head, and as we knew that Jo was not to be troubled it soon blew over and things began to settle down once more. There wasn’t much left of term and I was determined to try and bang Nancy and Kathie’s heads together to get them to see what was in front of their faces. I knew that Kathie was going off for a cruise around Scandinavia over the summer, but it wouldn’t be for the entire holiday. Carpe Diem, Nan had said, it was something I certainly had to do otherwise the pair of them would be driving each other to distraction for the rest of their days. I just needed to hear from Nancy exactly in which direction her thoughts lay. My opportunity arose a couple of weeks before the end of term.

Penny for them, I asked, dropping down into the seat beside Nancy, who was pretending to be lost in her book.
Optimist, she giggled.
Makes life that little bit easier, I shrugged, glancing over to Kathie who was merrily chattering away at the middle of a group. From the corner of my eye I noticed Nancy following my gaze, she sighed. What’s up? She shook her head. Nance?
Doesn’t matter Sharlie.
You nearly blew me away with that sigh.
Sorry.
What’s the matter, I persisted.
Nothing, she mumbled picking her book up again.
No you don’t, I retorted snatching the book from her hand. That was upside down anyway. Come with me.
Sharlie, what…
Don’t argue with me.

I had absolutely no idea what I was doing as I marched down the corridor in front of Nancy. I just knew I had to take her somewhere private and force those feelings out of her. Spotting the stationery cupboard I had a sudden flash of inspiration and dragged her into it.

Sharlie, what on earth are you doing, she hissed.
Nancy, please, just shut up a moment, and I mean that in the nicest possible way, I snapped, turning my back and trying to think straight.
Why have you brought me in here?
Ssh, I’m trying to think. She laughed and started to leave. I spun round and grabbed her arm. Don’t, I whispered and then knew that I had to bite the bullet. Nance, I know how you feel about Kathie, at least I think I do. Nancy stared at me. All I’m saying is, Carpe Diem, you might be pleasantly surprised.
How… she trailed off. She… but…
I couldn’t help but start laughing. Do you? Nancy turned a fetching shade of pink. You do, don’t you?
Sharlie keep your voice down!
I clapped a hand to my mouth. Sorry. But… since when? Is that why you ended things with Miles? Do…
Perpetual question mark! Her face grew serious. It’ll never work though.
Says who?
Well, she’s not… is she?
She probably thinks the same thing about you after the Miles fiasco.
But what about Piers?
I rolled my eyes. Oh c’mon Nance, don’t tell me you’ve never tried to make anyone jealous?
I… no… but… Nancy’s eyes were wide with surprise. It’s still daft, even if she is, why would she want me?
Love works in mysterious ways, I said knowingly, and with that I left Nancy in the stationery cupboard to think things over.

I spent the next coupe of days dropping huge hints to Kathie, who appeared to not be taking the blindest bit of notice of me. I was beginning to despair of the whole situation and put my foray into matchmaking down as a dismal failure. Nancy had retreated back into her shell, preferring to hide behind her book in the staff room than joining in the chatter. Kathie on the other hand turned into the centre of attention and purveyor of all things fun. Three days later we were in the staff room as usual, Nancy in her corner pretending to be lost in her book. Kathie, Peggy and I were chatting with Rosalind Yolland, Ruth Derwent, Rosemary Charlesworth, Céline Lenoir and Jeanne de Lachenais. From time to time I noticed Kathie distractedly glancing in Nancy’s direction. Jokingly I prodded her to bring her attentions back to us and in doing so accidentally upset Peggy’s coffee. This resulted in more or less a free cushion fight between Peggy and myself, egged on by Rosalind and Céline. When we eventually recovered use of our senses and sanity I noticed that Kathie was missing. Glancing around the room I saw that Nancy had gone as well.

Where’s Kathie gone, I asked.
She said she had a headache and was going for a lie down, Jeanne informed me, at which I couldn’t help but smirk slightly.

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

Posted: Tue May 17, 2005 8:03 am

Thanks Pim

Liz

#90: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Tue May 17, 2005 8:28 am

YAY!!!! *bounces round the room and upsets my breakfast* Shiny shiny Pim! Shiny Sharlie! Very Happy

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

Posted: Tue May 17, 2005 8:32 am

Yay! Finally - well done Sharlie!

And Biddy's two are lovely too - I got to cuddly a three day old baby and a six day old baby on SUnday and they were so cute!

Thank you Pim!

#92: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue May 17, 2005 8:39 am

Thank you Pim. I'd begun to despair of N & K!

#93: Sharlie Andrews Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Tue May 17, 2005 12:43 pm

Patmac said:

Thank you Pim. I'd begun to despair of N & K![/quote]

At last!! Better late than never, I suppose! Thanks, Pim.[/quote]

#94: Author: niscii, Location: Sunny Edinburgh

Posted: Tue May 17, 2005 3:07 pm

I've just read the entire thing, its fab! Now I want to be a teacher but only at the Chalet School circa 1950s, maybe not a viable career option Confused

More story pleeeaaaaassssse Very Happy

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

Posted: Tue May 17, 2005 4:04 pm

Yay for Sharlie, thought she was never going to be able to do it.

#96: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Tue May 17, 2005 4:58 pm

Hallelujah!!!

At last!!!!

#97: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Tue May 17, 2005 9:54 pm

took their own sweet time about it!

thank you pimmikins.

#98: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed May 18, 2005 12:10 am

Well done Sharlie!

Thanks Pim! Very Happy

#99: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Wed May 18, 2005 7:53 am

It was a good hour or so later when Nancy reappeared looking a little shifty; catching my eye she beckoned me over and I followed her out of the staff room.

What’s going on, I asked as Nancy lead me down the corridor. She said nothing, merely turned and smirked aggravatingly at me. Nancy, I whined.
Patience my dear, she said smugly.
Where have you been?
Just for a walk.
I raised an eyebrow. With anyone in particular?

Nancy ignored my question and I gave up prompting her for details as we headed towards the staff quarters eventually arriving at Kathie’s room. Nancy tapped lightly on the door and we both walked in. Kathie had her back to us, staring dreamily out of the window. Nancy cleared her throat and she spun round, her face breaking into a grin on seeing Nancy who crossed the room to her. Realisation slowly dawned on me as they both shyly wrapped their arms around each others’ waists. I couldn’t help myself and burst out laughing.

What’s so funny, demanded Kathie.
I shook my head. You two, it’s about time!
Kathie grinned and moved a little closer to Nancy. There’s no need to gloat. She looked up into Nancy’s eyes. Good things come to those who wait, and you can’t rush the good things.
How long have you known, asked Nancy.
Well Kathie told me during Christmas term, and I guessed at Christmas for you – I’ve spent ages trying to prise it out of you though! You only confirmed it the other day.
Nancy coloured furiously as Kathie laughed. Sharlie’s been dropping the biggest hints at me. Subtlety is not your strongest point, my dear.
I know, I grinned. Doesn’t get you anywhere, if only you two had realised that months ago you could have been spared that idiot Miles.
Hey, protested Nancy. He wasn’t an idiot, just…
… not as fabulous as me, interrupted Kathie, with a grin.
It was your modesty that attracted me to you, retorted Nancy, her eyes dancing.
I awkwardly rubbed the back of my left leg with my right foot. What are you going to do now?
They both looked at each other. Take it one day at a time, said Kathie gently. It’s nearly the end of term, I’m sure we can restrain ourselves for that.
We’ll have some time together at the start of the holidays, put in Nancy.
I’m really pleased for you both, I said, smiling. I hope you’ll be very happy together.
They both grinned. Sharlie, thank you for… began Kathie.
… pushing us in the right direction, finished Nancy.
I laughed. You have no idea how long I’ve been dying to bank your heads together to make you see sense! I’m glad you finally have, just… be careful.
We know, said Kathie. It’s not going to be easy, but we’ll manage, I’m sure.
Nancy smiled. Some things are worth waiting for.
I glanced at my watch. Nance, we should be getting back or people will be wondering what’s become of us. Kathie, are you still feigning a headache? She nodded. See you later then.

I slipped into the corridor alone and was joined a moment later by Nancy.

Sharlie, she said suddenly as we were heading back to the staff room. We both stopped. Kathie told me about what happened… with Piers. I just wanted to say thank you for being there for her.
I’m glad she told you.
I can’t imagine what she must have gone through. I just wish I’d been able to be there for her.
I shrugged. You can be here now, when she needs you. She might say she’s moved on, but it’s not that simple.
All the same… you’ve been a true friend, to both of us. We’re lucky to have someone so supportive, not everyone is so understanding. She stopped suddenly as Rosalie approached us from the other direction. Hello Rosalie.
What are you two doing lurking about the corridors?
Handkerchief, said Nancy quickly.
Changing my stockings, I muttered. Hole.
Rosalie raised an eyebrow. That was a bit careless.
I shrugged. My own clumsy fault, these things happen.

With that Nancy and I scurried off to rejoin the chatter of the staff room and carry on as absolute normal. I had just settled down with my book later that night when there was a gentle tap on the door followed shortly by Kathie.

How’s the head, I asked with a grin.
Spinning, she said enthusiastically, sitting on the foot of my bed. I’m so happy Sharlie, I never truly believed I would find someone who made me feel this way. I don’t think I appreciate yet just how lucky I am. This isn’t going to be some stupid fling like all the others, this is well and truly the real thing.
Nancy’s said as much as well.
We talked over so much in that hour earlier. I told her about… she broke off and turned away.
I know, I said, reaching out and laying a hand on her shoulder. It’s okay to get upset about it still.
She turned to face me, her eyes shining with tears. I know. I think going to see Joey’s twins the other day just stirred up a few feelings I thought I’d started to bury. But I’m glad things happened the way they did – could you imagine if I’d run with that idiotic notion of marrying Piers? She laughed. I suppose there’ll always be a part of me that would like to have children, but… well you’ll just have to have plenty yourself so I can look after them!
Getting a bit ahead of yourself there!
Oh c’mon, you and Colin are going to get married and live in a house in the country with a white picket fence and a whole troop of kids running around after you. And Nancy and I will be the mad maiden Aunts or something who come and harass you in all the holidays.
I laughed. Well you’ve certainly got my future mapped out for me… thanks Kathie.
Not a problem. I should be getting off to bed, I just wanted to come and say thank you for everything. I don’t know where I’d be without you.

And with that she slipped out of my room without giving me the chance to respond. I smiled to myself as I picked up my book, glad that they were finally happy. The end of term was rapidly approaching and I’d be back with Colin before I knew it.

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

Posted: Wed May 18, 2005 8:01 am

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

*bounces happily*

Thank you Pimmy Very Happy

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

Posted: Wed May 18, 2005 8:11 am

Thanks Pim!

Wonder if Rosalie is suspicious and got the wrong idea about Nancy and Sharlie?

I hope Sharlie has a lovely holiday with Colin

Liz

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

Posted: Wed May 18, 2005 8:22 am

Lovely, thank you Pim!

Hope they all have lovely holidays!!

#103: Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow

Posted: Wed May 18, 2005 1:41 pm

Glad things are sorted out with N&K. Hope Rosalie isn't suspicious.
Cheers Pim!

#104: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Wed May 18, 2005 5:36 pm

Yay yay yay yay yay yay yay yay YAY!

#105: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Wed May 18, 2005 9:57 pm

well everything *seems* to be okay.....

*wibbles a bit about Colin*

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

Posted: Thu May 19, 2005 2:32 am

Frances! You don't need to give Pim ideas.

It's a long time since she killed anyone

#107: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Thu May 19, 2005 7:55 am

Miss Di wrote:

It's a long time since she killed anyone

*looks ever so sweet, innocent and appealing* Twisted Evil

I was in the staff room the day before the end of term creating chaos in hunting for my fountain pen, which I’d carelessly misplaced. I’d had it since I was eleven when I’d left for St Monica’s, it had been a farewell present from Miss Hathersage and Miss Newton, and I had guarded it with my life ever since.

Sharlie, Rosalie’s voice cut through my thoughts.
I turned to see her bouncing across the staff room to me. What?
Post’s just come, there’s a special delivery for you – suspiciously book shaped. She handed the parcel to me. Do you think it could be… she began as Nancy, Kathie and Peggy crowded around me.
I can’t get through the paper, I groaned, pulling at the packaging.
Here, Nancy handed me a letter opener which had been abandoned on the nearest table. That might make it easier.

I gave a squeak of delight as I managed to get into the parcel and carefully pulled the book out. The Survivors’ Holocaust: Walking in their shoes, Robert Stewart with Charlotte Andrews. I couldn’t speak, I simply stared at it.

Wow, breathed Kathie over my shoulder. That’s impressive. We’re so proud of you.

With trembling fingers I opened the book and leafed through the first couple of pages.

‘For Sharlie, she who dares, dreams’, read Peggy from beside me. He’s dedicated it to you.
I tried to swallow the lump in my throat and failed as I burst into tears through the sheer relief of finally seeing it in print. I’d had no idea about the dedication. I laughed as four handkerchiefs were suddenly thrust at me. Thanks, I said, taking Peggy’s. I wasn’t expecting that.
It’s a lovely dedication, said Rosalie as I turned a couple more pages over.
Acknowledgements, said Kathie suddenly, taking the book from me. You’ll just hide your light, I have fewer scruples about these things, she grinned as she began to read. I am indebted to Charlotte Andrews for her invaluable help and incredible empathy. Five years ago I was asked to supervise a project she was writing for her Teaching Certificate on the subject of the Holocaust and education. From the outset I was aware that I was working with a unique talent and asset to this field. I can only hope that Charlotte’s pupils realise how lucky they are to have such a teacher. Kathie stopped and handed me the book back.
That’s amazing, said Peggy slipping her arm around me and giving me a reassuring hug. And oh so true.
I don’t know what to say, I stammered, clinging to the book as though it were the most precious thing in the whole world. After all the work and… it’s just unbelievable. I turned it over to read the blurb on the back. I just hope that this will make people take notice and stop trying to sweep it all under the carpet.
Look, squeaked Kathie pointing to the back of the book. ‘Charlotte Andrews teaches Junior English at the Chalet School in Switzerland’ – the school’s famous!
Our laughter soon attracted the attention of the others. What’s going on, asked Rosalind Moore.
Sharlie’s been published, grinned Nancy.
Oh gosh, congratulations, exclaimed Rosalind.

I was then swamped by congratulations and I lost sight of the book as it was passed around the staff room.

My fountain pen, I said suddenly to Kathie.
What about it, she asked.
I was looking for it before Rosalie came.
Oh here, Kathie fished in her pocket and pulled out my fountain pen. You left it in Lower IVA’s form room last night, I picked it up and forgot to give it you back.
Thanks, I’d be lost without this, I said putting it carefully in my pocket.
How does it feel to be published?
Strange, it hasn’t sunk in and I don’t expect it to do so just yet. Lucy will be mad that I beat her to it though!
Kathie laughed. I bet she won’t. She’ll be following in your footsteps soon enough anyway.

She stopped as the Head came into the room looking for Rosalie and we all fell silent instantly.

Goodness, laughed Miss Annersley. I didn’t expect to have this effect on you! I was only looking for Rosalie.
I’m here, mumbled that lady from where she had been talking to Nancy and Peggy. Sharlie had a special delivery, she looked around furtively.
It’s here, piped up Ruth Derwent from where she, Rosemary Charlesworth and Rosalind had been examining it.
Miss Annersley smiled. The book’s come? I nodded as it was passed to her.
There’s a lovely dedication to Sharlie, blurted out Kathie as I blushed furiously and dug her in the ribs.
The chatter started up again as Miss Annersley crossed over to me. I hope you’re as proud of yourself as we are, she said handing the book back. She who dares, dreams… and you can tell that Professor Stewart of yours that we know how lucky we are to have you, she finished with a smile.

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

Posted: Thu May 19, 2005 8:21 am

Yay the books published and with a lovely dedication! Glad everyone so happy for her too!

Thank you Pim!!!

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

Posted: Thu May 19, 2005 9:23 am

Thank you for a luffly post Pimbles, but I'm a bit scared about your little note at the beginning... Confused

#110: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu May 19, 2005 10:55 am

Awww! What an achievement. I'm so glad everyone else was thrilled for her.

PS Where can we buy the book?)

#111: Sharlie Andrews Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Thu May 19, 2005 12:13 pm

Echoing Patmac on both points.

That was a lovely piece - thank you, Pim.

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

Posted: Thu May 19, 2005 12:57 pm

pim wrote:

Miss Di wrote:

It's a long time since she killed anyone

*looks ever so sweet, innocent and appealing* Twisted Evil

*Gently but firmly reminds Miss Di and Pim that it's not long since Uncle Charlie died*

Thanks Pim - Sharlie wasn't the only one who needed a handkerchief.

Liz

#113: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Thu May 19, 2005 3:29 pm

Thanks, Pim, I have just caught up on a couple of posts and am really pleased for Shaerlie. What a beautiful dedication, and how nice of Hilda to reiterate it.

Why is Rosalie looking so furtive? Surprised

#114: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Thu May 19, 2005 4:10 pm

Because doom #6 is done (best not to ask).

I went back to Liverpool via Trixie’s to meet the new addition to the family, Christopher Louis, who had arrived at the end of June.

Eliz and I used to fight with these, I said as I changed Christopher’s nappy one afternoon. When they were clean of course. Becca would wash them, we’d take them out to the back yard to hand out and somehow we’d always end up fighting. It was only with Sarah, mind, not Jack.
Sometimes I do wonder what you’ll do next.
I handed Christopher back to her. One clean son, bless him, he’s lovely.
Trixie smiled as she took him from me. Not an adjective I use in the middle of the night, I have to admit, but he is worth it.
So I’m told, I said clearing away the debris we had created.
How’s that nice young man of yours, asked Trixie as we took Christopher back to the nursery.
He’s fine, as far as I’m aware. I’ll be seeing him again soon.
It must be hard being so far away from him.
I shrugged. Just means we make the most of the time we have together. I broke off. Trix…
That sounds like it might be deep and meaningful.
It is. I twisted my fingers nervously. I just wanted to say thank you for everything you did for me over Alice. I don’t think I appreciated how much you did for me, or how you must have been feeling. It took me being in that situation to realise.
Oh Sharlie, she said, laying Christopher in his cot. Are you okay?
Me, I’m fine. It’s all over and sorted now. It just made me sit up and realise how much you did for me, and how ungrateful I was at the time. I didn’t deserve you then.
You were hurting, and frankly I was making a right old mess of things.
You just did what you thought was best. I paused. I just wanted to say thank you, because you were wonderful and supportive, and I do appreciate everything you did. I would have been a worse wreck without you.
I often wondered, you know, before Christopher was born, how I’d cope if it happened to me.
But it didn’t.
I know, and I’m so grateful for him. I was terrified about becoming a mother, more so that I’d ever let on to Paul.
You seem to be both getting along fine.
It’s hard work, and there’s a tiny part of me that wonders if I’ve done this too soon. I don’t have any regrets, but maybe, just maybe, I could have had the chance to experience life a little after uni like you, Tash and Lily Beth.
Have you heard from Lily Beth?
She’s coming to visit next weekend, she’s been busy with work and things. And there’s no sign of a reconciliation between her and Martin either.
I sighed. It’s a shame, they were good together. Obviously love doesn’t conquer all, it was just a vicious rumour.
Trixie laughed. Don’t be so negative. Tash and Josh are still together, and that’s been a good twelve months, and look at you and Colin. It’s not all doom and gloom in the land of love you know!
I know, and I don’t think Colin would appreciate me feeling that way either. It would hurt his male pride.
You are happy being with him though?
I nodded. It’s so different this time. I know he won’t break me like Matthew did, and we both know what we want – unlike me and Will.
Oh, my dear brother.
How is he?
Same old, same old. He’s broken up with Susie and seems to be going for the bachelor lifestyle at the moment. Mind it was his and Martin’s ideal at uni, but I don’t see him on his own for long though.
I shrugged. You never know.
No, that’s for sure. She paused. I think this one’s settled for a nap now, let’s get some coffee.

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

Posted: Thu May 19, 2005 4:36 pm

Thanks Pim

That was so lovely of Sharlie to thank Trixie like that.

Liz

#116: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu May 19, 2005 5:15 pm

Sharlie is so 'balanced'. She's learned about the good and the bad sides of life and accepts both. I'd have loved to have her as a friend when I was younger - or now for that matter!

Thank you Pim. It's all great.

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

Posted: Thu May 19, 2005 5:19 pm

Such a lot of posts to catch up on!

So glad Nancy and Kathie have finally got together, really pleased for Sharlie having her book published - and such a wonderful dedication.

Thanks Pim.

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

Posted: Thu May 19, 2005 5:21 pm

Thank you Pim Very Happy

*huggles muchly*

#119: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu May 19, 2005 7:52 pm

Thanks Pim Kiss

#120: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu May 19, 2005 11:21 pm

Thanks Pim. Well done Sharlie for sorting Nancy and Kathie and for getting published. Love the scene between her and Trixie. Looking forward to seeing her spending time with Colin.

#121: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 2:11 am

Thank you, Pim! Things seem to be working out so well just now... Nancy & Kathie, and the lovely book dedication, and Sharlie's being healed enough to talk with Trixie...

Just hope things aren't going too well. You wouldn't let Georgia loose on Colin, would you? Or with something more unexpected, given her penchant for bombshells like Kathie's recent trauma? Neutral

#122: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 7:15 am

Thank you Pimmy!

I hope everything stays shiny and wheeeeeeeeeee!

No norty bad stuff right??

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

Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 8:43 am

Thank you Pim.

Glad that Sharlie could thank Trixie like that.

#124: Author: Georgia, Location: my imagination

Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 9:00 am

Hello fans! Yes I'm back as Pimmy is somewhat otherly preoccupied with El Astillero and revising for doom #7 on Monday. *waves happily at Allykins*

I arrived back in Liverpool a couple of days later and spent the ensuing few weeks catching up with Colin and trying to liase with Tish and Lucy about what we’d do when Nicole was over. Colin was heading to Poland with Robert for most of August to take the photographs for Colin’s next book which he’d decided would be on the make up of the death camps. I’d made a start on my paper on daily life in Auschwitz but I was really struggling to write anything coherent. Everything suddenly went out of the window though when a telegram from Annie’s mother arrived on July 30th.

Road accident. Stop. Annie and Mark dead. Stop. Need help. Stop.

I didn’t think about anything else, I flung a few things into my suitcase, showed the telegram to Aunt Jane and raced into the city centre to get to Cambridge as quickly as I possibly could. The journey was horrendous, I couldn’t switch off and fidgeted the whole way there. It was late when I arrived and was met by Lucy who had just arrived when I’d rung up from Manchester. Thank goodness you’re here, she said as we hugged each other in relief, Tish can’t get here ‘til tomorrow and I’m going out of my mind with Annie’s mum. What happened, I asked. I don’t know, she admitted, she’s not speaking, completely ignoring Samantha and… oh, Nicole’s arriving on Monday! What a welcome home, I said bitterly. I’ve rung up her parents to tell them what’s happened, said Lucy, they said they’d pass on the message and send her up. We drove from the station in silence, I felt completely numb. I knew I should be grieving or trying to but I couldn’t, I just couldn’t feel anything. Annie’s mother wouldn’t respond to Lucy or I so Samantha fell to us and she didn’t understand what was happening, and how could we explain it to her?

Poor kid, I said as we finally got her off to sleep. What do you think’ll happen to her?
Lucy shrugged. I don’t know. Annie’s mother’s in not fit state for anything and from what I can gather Mark’s mother’s too old to look after her alone. Annie’s brother’s in America, Mark’s brother’s in New Zealand and his sister’s got four kids of her own already.
If only there were something we could do, I said despairingly. But none of us is settled enough, Annie was always the settled one. I broke off, choking back the tears. It doesn’t seem right.
It hasn’t sunk in yet, I keep telling myself that it’s a bad dream. I’ll wake up and everything will be back to normal.
Thirteen years we’ve been friends, even if we’ve drifted since we left school.
We’ve all drifted, but we’re still close.
Friendship runs deeper than anyone ever thinks.

I doubt either of us slept much that night. I was awoken around six being shaken by Samantha, a ghostly figure in her white nightgown, teddy bear under her right arm and left thumb in her mouth.

What’s the matter sweetheart, I asked, rubbing my eyes. She didn’t reply, just stood staring at me. Samantha?

She said nothing but climbed into my bed, wrapping her arms around my neck. I held her to me, completely unsure what to say as she buried her head in my shoulder.

Auntie Sharlie, she said at length, taking her arms from around me. When are daddy and mummy coming home?
I kissed the top of her head. They’re not sweetheart, I said honestly. Auntie Lucy told you yesterday.
She stared at me. Why not?
Because… I bit my lip. How did I explain death to a three and a half year old child?
Do they not love me anymore?
No sweetheart, of course they love you, but… mummy and daddy have gone to be with God now.
Won’t they ever come back?
No, I replied, blinking back the tears.
Not ever ever?
No.
But I want them to come back, she protested, beginning to cry. I could only hold her close as she clung to me sobbing. I was completely unsure what to do. Unable to help myself, my tears began to fall. Eventually Samantha stopped sobbing and looked up at me. Auntie Sharlie, she said, reaching up to brush a tear from my cheek with her thumb. Why are you crying? Are you sad about mummy and daddy too?
Yes, I am.
Why?
Because mummy was my friend.
Laura’s my friend, she hasn’t got a daddy, but she has got a mummy. Samantha stopped and thought a moment. Laura says her daddy lives in heaven with Jesus. Do you think mummy and daddy have gone to live there too?
Yes, I do.
At Sunday School they said heaven is… where you go when you’ve been good. But we can’t see people who’ve gone to heaven.
No, but we can talk to them.
Do they talk back?
No, they don’t.
Do you talk to people in heaven?
I most certainly do. My mummy and daddy are there too.
Will they look after my mummy and daddy?
I think they will, I said with a smile.
I wish they were here.
Of course you do sweetheart, of course you do

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

Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 9:13 am

GEORGIA!!!!!

bawling

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

Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 11:22 am

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

GEORGIA!!!! That was NASTY!!!!!!!!! Poor little Samantha!!!

#127: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 11:46 am

Arghhh noooooooo! Just when everything was so nice and smooth and happy... of course. Poor little Samantha Crying or Very sad

#128: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 11:56 am

Oh, No! Who let Georgia out?

I just may sue the uni for mental distress caused by Pim's dooms!

I suppose we should have known it was going too well

Crying or Very sad

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

Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 12:04 pm

Oh that was such a nasty and unexpected thing for Georgia to do! Crying or Very sad

#130: Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow

Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 12:48 pm

Oh no! How awful. Georgia, you are evil. Sad

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

Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 1:09 pm

Oh, no. Poor Samantha.

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

Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 1:25 pm

Georgia - how could you!!!

Although, that was a very touching conversation between Sharlie and Samantha. Crying or Very sad

Liz

#133: Author: Alex, Location: Hunts, UK

Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 3:20 pm

patmac wrote:

I just may sue the uni for mental distress caused by Pim's dooms!

I am going to sue Miss Di:

Miss Di wrote:

It's a long time since she killed anyone

It's clearly her fault. Sad

#134: Author: Georgia, Location: my imagination

Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 4:18 pm

Hello again fans! Have you been missing me?

I took Samantha to meet Tish from her train the following day, leaving Lucy to deal with Annie’s mother and the practical side of things. I wanted to come yesterday, said Tish, but there wasn’t a train that didn’t involve me spending the night on a station bench somewhere, how’s Samantha? I shrugged, she seems okay, we had a cuddle and a chat about things this morning, but it’s Annie’s mother I’m more concerned about. We spent the weekend trying to bring Annie’s mother out of her shell to deal with the practicalities. Fortunately Mark’s sister appeared on the Saturday afternoon and there was any number of friends and neighbours willing to help. Nicole arrived on the Tuesday evening and the three of us, with Samantha in tow, went nervously to meet her train.

There she is, shouted Tish suddenly and began waving wildly. Nicole! Nicole!
The tall, dark haired lady in the brown coat spun round, her face splitting into a grin as she ran to meet us. Tish! Sharlie! Lucy! She exclaimed hugging each of us in turn. How I wish it could be in happier circs though, her voice had developed a slight Australian touch to it. She looked at Samantha. And this must be Samantha.
Give Auntie Nicole a kiss, I said to Samantha who merely stuck her thumb in her mouth and shuffled a little closer to me, clutching at my skirt. She’s a bit shy, I muttered to Nicole.
She talks funny, said Samantha suddenly pulling her thumb from her mouth and pointing at Nicole.
That’s because she lives in Australia. Remember we looked at the globe yesterday and I showed you where Auntie Nicole lives, I said gently.
Kang’oos, said Samantha, putting her thumb back in her mouth.
Nicole crouched down and rummaged in her bag, producing a stuffed kangaroo. Like this one? This one who’s come to see you, she said offering it to Samantha, who took it cautiously.
What do you say to Auntie Nicole, I prompted, realising how much I was beginning to sound like Rebecca.
Samantha stared up at me and then at Nicole who was still crouching on the platform. Tank you Auntie Nicole, she said shyly, suddenly going over and kissing Nicole’s cheek before returning to hide behind me.

Samantha seems taken with you, Nicole said later as the four of us were having cocoa before going to bed.
Sharlie’s the only one of us with experience of little kids, grinned Tish.
Gosh of course, said Nicole. How old are your niece and nephew now?
Sarah’s five and Jack’s nearly two. And there’s any number of tinies on the Platz, I added. So I seem to be permanently surrounded by kids!
Nicole stared at her cocoa thoughtfully. This certainly wasn’t the homecoming I’d envisaged. I got off the plane yesterday and mother told me what had happened. I was so tired I don’t think I took it in properly, I slept for a good eighteen hours and had to check with mother when I woke up. I was on the first train from London. But, she said decidedly. I think this has made my mind up. I won’t be staying in Australia.
Nicole but… began Lucy.
What about everything you’ve got out there, asked Tish.
Nicole shrugged. I hate being so far away from my parents, and you three… When the news sunk in I realised that the people back here mean so much more to me. I don’t want to be on the other side of the world if you need me. I know we’ve all drifted somewhat over the last five years… she trailed off.
We’ve been friends too long to throw it away, Tish put in. I know I’ve been hopeless since I went to Bedford, but this has made me sit up and take stock of what matters. And what I know now is that there’s a little girl upstairs who needs us.
What do you think will happen to her, asked Nicole.
Lucy shrugged. Mark’s sister didn’t seem to think that they’d made any arrangements for this eventuality. Of course the only relative who could realistically take her on would be Annie’s mothers. It wouldn’t be fair to farm her off to America or New Zealand, Mark’s sister just doesn’t have the space and seemingly his mother is on her last legs. But Annie’s mother worries me…
I nodded. I wouldn’t feel happy leaving her with Samantha, but what else can we do?

The funeral took place on the Thursday afternoon, a hazy summer’s day, as Annie and Mark were buried together in their final resting place.

~May the road rise to meet you
May the wind always be at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May the rain fall softly on your fields
Until we meet again
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand~

#135: Author: Mora as guest,

Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 4:26 pm

*sneaks in to cry* Especially at the song/poem Crying or Very sad

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

Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 4:32 pm

*waves to Georgia*

*sobs*

*feels ever so slightly guilty*

*hugs Samantha*

Thanks Pim Very Happy

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

Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 4:45 pm

Thanks Georgia

*wibbles about what will happen to Samantha*

Liz

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

Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 5:39 pm

*sobs*

Pimmy please can you come and sort Georgia out? Pretty please?

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

Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 6:36 pm

*Have this sneaking suspision that Pim knew what was coming, so sneaked off so Georgia had to write it.*

Thank you Georgia, so sad - and terrible news can hit out of the blue like that.

Wondering what is going to happen to Samantha - will Nicole take her?

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

Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 8:35 pm

Lovely use of the Irish Blessing there (we sing it at weddings.)

Thanks Pim

JackieJ

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

Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 8:53 pm

Well I was happy when I read the dedication! Crying or Very sad

#142: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Sat May 21, 2005 8:35 am

*glowers at twinny* *smirkles at Ally and tells her she brought it all on herself*

Any plans we had laid down for Nicole’s visit had gone out of the window. After a lot of discussion we ended up staying with Annie’s mother for another week after the funeral to help make a start on sorting out Annie and Mark’s house. From there we headed to Tish’s to spend a fortnight, as her parents were going away, taking Samantha with us. I’d been amazed by how well she was coping, she was inclined to be weepy and particularly clingy around me but she was opening up to Nicole as well. We spent long days on the beach soaking up the summer sun and playing games. It was one afternoon towards the end of the fortnight, Nicole had gone off to buy ice cream for Samantha, Tish and Lucy were racing each other and in the intervening period Samantha had proclaimed to be tired and fallen asleep in my arms. Nicole laughed on her return as she sat down beside me.

I guess she won’t be wanting this, Nicole laughed, placing the cone in the sand.
Do you not want it, I asked.
She shook her head. Never been a big ice cream fan, if it’s still edible when Tish gets back I’m sure she’ll deal with it. How come you’re not swimming? You used to be good at school.
This one decided she was sleepy, I said, adjusting Samantha’s sun hat.
She’s got you wrapped around her little finger.
She always has done. Nic… are you sure about leaving Australia?
She nodded. Nothing and nobody I’ll miss there really.
But you always sounded so happy in your letters.
Letters, how true are they? They’re so selective, the last twelve months have been a veritable disaster.
How so?
Nasty break up with a chap I’d been seeing for a while, he managed to turn a lot of people against me.
Oh Nicole, I’m sorry.
What does it matter? There wasn’t much I could do about it, no point me trying to tell my side of things, nobody would have believed me. She broke off. Sorry, it’s not something I really like to talk about. Right now I have my job and a few friends – the shop’s not doing that well either. I’ve been looking for other work but it’s proving elusive. And, well, it’s just not home! I never wanted to go to Australia in the first place, I should have come back with my parents.
What will you do when you get back here?
I don’t know. It’ll take a couple of months to settle things back in Australia so I don’t envisage getting back here much before Christmas. I suppose I’ll be able to move back to my parents’ for a while until I find my feet. It’ll be weird not having the independence I’ve got used to in Australia, but it’ll be worth it in the end.
It seems like such a huge step.
It was a huger one going out there, but at least this time it’s been my own decision.
Do you think you’d have come to this conclusion without everything that’s happened here?
She nodded. It’s been playing on my mind for a long time and this was the kick I needed. If Annie hadn’t died it might have taken a little while for me to reach it though. What about you? What does the future hold?
I wish I knew. I want to keep teaching for a few more years yet, at least three – it’ll take Colin that long to properly get his name established anyway.
Is he ‘the one’ then?
I’d like to think so; I can’t imagine being without him. We haven’t exactly got it easy though.
You could teach closer to home.
I could, but the Chalet School is… oh I don’t know, I can’t describe it! It’s so completely removed from St Monica’s it’s silly.
It does sound wonderful, she said wistfully.
Oh it is… I began but was interrupted by Tish and Lucy collapsing in a giggling heap at my feet. Who won then?
Tish, said Lucy pulling a long face. But she cheated.
I did not, retorted Tish, pulling Lucy’s hair.
Patricia, shrieked Lucy in reply. Samantha stirred a little in my arms, but she didn’t wake. Sorry Shar.
I think she can sleep through anything, I grinned.
Let's play a game, in five years time, said Tish suddenly. Lucy will be an eminent academic – Dr Burrows, Sharlie will be married to Colin with a troop of kids, Nicole will have published that book she’s been muttering on about since school and will probably be married, and I’ll still be teaching and bitter of all your success!
We all laughed. My turn, said Nicole. I agree about Lucy and Sharlie – but she’ll be keeping up her academic prowess, Tish will be playing hockey at Olympic level and I’ll be jobless and relying on my parents to survive.
Don’t be daft, retorted Lucy. Nic, you’ll have written your book and at least another one, leaving us all behind for your new glitzy lifestyle, Tish will still be teaching with a possibility of wedding bells in the near future, Sharlie will be married with kids and a whole collection of academic work under her belt, and I’ll be chained to a desk in the Bodelian still writing my thesis! Your turn Sharlie.
I, um… I stuttered. Tish will be teaching, Lucy will have her PhD and be terrifying Oxford freshers, Nicole will be married and writing, and me… I’d like to think that I’ll be married by then at least.
Tish grinned mischievously. Summer 1959, August 23rd, we’ll come back here and see just how true these predictions are.

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

Posted: Sat May 21, 2005 8:45 am

I'll look forward to hearing what has happened to them all!

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

Posted: Sat May 21, 2005 8:58 am

Me too! Will be interesting to see who was closest.

Thanks Pim.

#145: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Sat May 21, 2005 3:15 pm

That was a lovely episode, Pim.

As the others say, looking forward to seeing who has the truth of it.

Thank you. Very Happy

#146: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sat May 21, 2005 4:11 pm

Lovely Pim - thanks.

Also looking forward to seeing who's predictions come true.

#147: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat May 21, 2005 4:46 pm

Lovely Pim.

*does a happy dance*

So that means we've got at least five years more to come Razz

#148: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Sat May 21, 2005 6:47 pm

Pim this is so lovely, even when you and Georgia are doing horrible things. Thank you. Smile

#149: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sat May 21, 2005 8:49 pm

yay!

thank you pim, i'm really enjoying this even if georgie did have to kill annie Crying or Very sad

#150: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Sun May 22, 2005 9:45 am

After some debate I agreed to take Samantha back to Liverpool for a week or so. Nicole had gone back to London to spend some time with her parents and Lucy had needed to get back to her research in Oxford. It had fallen to Tish and I to fight it out between ourselves, a fight I’d lost when Tish had informed me that nobody’s ever lonely in your family Sharlie. Unable to argue with that I’d taken Samantha back to Aunt Jane’s explaining very carefully how different things were there than what she was used to. I wasn’t sure how much she’d understood but hoped she would be able to once she’d arrived. Caroline and Sarah came to meet us from the train and by the time we arrived at Aunt Jane’s the two little girls were firm friends, Sarah having taken Samantha under her wing. I needn’t have worried so much about how she would take to my life back in Liverpool, everything fascinated her and everybody was enchanted by her, around my family she lost some of the shyness she’d retained around Tish and Lucy. She and Colin got on famously from the outset, within moments he was ‘Uncle Colin’ and I found myself idly wondering what sort of father he would make. I did notice that I felt a lot closer to him with Samantha around but I couldn’t tell whether he felt it or not though.

Auntie Sharlie, said Samantha decidedly to me the day before I was due to take her back to Cambridge. We were in Aunt Jane’s kitchen drawing pictures and waiting for Colin to call round after work.
Yes Samantha?
Do I have to go back to Granny’s tomorrow? I nodded. But why? I want to stay here forever with you and Uncle Colin.
I laughed and pulled her on to my lap. Oh sweetheart, I said, kissing the top of her head. I want you to, but you can’t.
Why not?
I reached for Caroline’s atlas which she had left lying on the work top and opened it at the map of Europe. Because I live here, I said, pointing to Switzerland. I only come here, I pointed to Liverpool, for my holidays. And you live here with Granny, I pointed to Cambridge.
Samantha frowned. Where does Uncle Colin live?
Here, I pointed to Liverpool again.
Why doesn’t he live with you?
Because I live at school.
Silly Auntie Sharlie, she chuckled. You’re too old to go to school.
I laughed. I’m a teacher Samantha.
Oh. She paused. Is Uncle Colin your husband?
No.
Why not?
Because he isn’t.
But I saw you kissing him, like mummy and daddy used to; and you have to be married to do that, she added emphatically, at which I almost choked.
No you don’t. You can kiss somebody if you love them very much.
Do you love Uncle Colin then?
Yes I do, not that it’s any of your business missy!
She giggled, reminding me scarily of Annie. When’s he coming?
Some time… I broke off, hearing the front door open, followed shortly by Colin.
How are my two favourite girls, he asked, grinning.
Uncle Colin, cried Samantha, leaping off my knee and throwing herself at him. When are you going to marry Auntie Sharlie?
He looked taken aback and then laughed. When you’re a bit of a bigger girl.
How much bigger? I’m nearly four, that’s big. Did you know Auntie Sharlie’s silly? She’s still at school, and she’s too big!
Colin winked at me over Samantha’s head. Where’s she at school then?
Samantha thought hard for a moment. Swi… Swissland. Oh Uncle Colin, I drawed you a picture. She handed him the picture she’d left on the kitchen table. See, it’s you an’ Auntie Sharlie an’ me, she said proudly.
He took the picture with a grin. Well now, that’s very good, I think I’ll put it in the shop. Now, what do you two girls say to a picnic tea?

It was with some reluctance that I took Samantha back to Cambridge the following day. On our arrival I realised that I’d got the train times horribly muddled up and we weren’t due for another two hours. Unsure what to do I suddenly had the thought of taking Samantha to the graveyard to show her where she could come and talk to her parents.

Why are we here Auntie Sharlie?
I stopped by the graves. This is where mummy and daddy are.
She pointed at the grass. In there?
Sort of, but you remember when we talked about heaven? I crouched down to her level as she nodded. Well you can come here when you want to talk to mummy and daddy.
Can I talk to them now?
You certainly can. Do you want me to leave you on your own a minute?

She nodded firmly and I stood a little way back from her. I didn’t even notice Annie’s mother arrive until she practically collided with me.

Oh, I said in surprise. Mrs Sinclair, I…
I didn’t expect to find you here.
I got the train times muddled up, we got here long before I expected to so I thought I’d bring Samantha for a chat with Annie and Mark since you weren’t expecting us just yet. I stopped. Mrs Sinclair, I can’t even begin to imagine what you must be going through.
No you can’t, she said bitterly. First my husband, now Annie.
We both looked over to Samantha. You still have Samantha, I said gently. She’s just a little girl who needs to be loved.

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

Posted: Sun May 22, 2005 10:21 am

Have a horrible feeling that Mrs Sinclair is not the right person to look after Samantha. Crying or Very sad

Thanks Pim - love Samantha's questions to Sharlie and Colin! Laughing

#152: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Sun May 22, 2005 12:07 pm

What a lovely conversation between Sharlie and Samantha, Pim. It was so true to life.

But poor Mrs Sinclair. Sad

We all take grief in different ways. Please don't be too hard on her, Pim.

Thank you.

#153: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun May 22, 2005 12:22 pm

Thanks, pim. I think it's handkerchief week on the CBB.

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

Posted: Sun May 22, 2005 12:59 pm

Awww Samantha is so sweet, and I love her questions. Poor Mrs Sinclair, but Im not sure how she will cope with Sam.

Thanks Petunia Isolde Marigold Wink

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

Posted: Sun May 22, 2005 5:37 pm

Thanks Pim

Samantha is lovely - I hope she's able to settle and live a happy life

Liz

#156: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sun May 22, 2005 8:48 pm

awww thank you pim

*sniffles a bit*

i'm sure that mrs sinclair will be fine with samantha when she's had time to grieve for herself.

#157: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Sun May 22, 2005 9:05 pm

Thanks Pim! Have just caught up with a whopping great chunk of story:

Very Happy

for the Pim posts - N&K together at last! *ROFL at the stationary cupboard scene*

Crying or Very sad

for the Georgia posts - that was so horribly unexpected. Sharlie really does seem to have become a pillar of strength, I just hope she doesn't reach a point where she can't take any more upset. *wibbles*

#158: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Sun May 22, 2005 9:40 pm

Awww I adore Samantha! Her granny is worrying though, hope Sharlie can talk her into being a nice sensible safe grandparent. Confused

#159: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun May 22, 2005 10:00 pm

I'm wibbling a bit at the thought of Samantha with her Grannie Crying or Very sad

I loved her four year old logic about Sharlie and Colin. Very realistic!

#160: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Mon May 23, 2005 5:01 am

It's so nice to see Samantha opening up with the family and Colin. I love the "too old to go to school" remarks, and time as measured by an almost-four-year-old. Laughing

How is that Georgia getting past the protective shields?

#161: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Mon May 23, 2005 7:20 am

I have to admit that Samantha is loosely based on my cousin's 3 & a bit yo daughter, who is the only person in the whole world who can boss my mother around Laughing

Oh to have such an infuence...

I wonder how Samantha is, I mused the day after I’d returned from Cambridge. I was over at Colin’s, the two of us curled up together on the settee after dinner.
You really miss her, don’t you, he asked, stroking my hair.
I nodded. I hated leaving her. I’m so worried about Annie’s mum, she seems to have really let herself go. I love my job, but right now it just seems to be the most impractical thing in the whole world. I randomly thumped a cushion in frustration.
Hey, he said gently, kissing the top of my head. Lucy and Tish have both promised to go to her, and I’m sure I can wangle something in Cambridge. You know, people keep asking about her drawing in the shop.
I laughed weakly. I’m sorry.
Sorry for what?
Being such a wet blanket this close to the end of the holidays.
I do understand.
I’ve barely asked about your summer. There was a silence. Colin?
He sighed. I just… I don’t know Sharlie, I can’t express it.
Try.
I just can’t find the words. How do you find them?
I don’t know. Sometimes I don’t find them, sometimes I use other peoples’. I just know that there are no ‘right’ words.
It all seems so unbelievable.
I know. The more I read about it the more disbelieving I come. The more I hear… that’s what makes it real.
Chlełmno, he said suddenly.
Did you go there? He nodded. Tell me about it.
You’ve been too, you’ve seen it.
I know.
Two survivors Sharlie, of four hundred thousand, how can anyone do it? There… it wasn’t even a camp like the others…just… the castle, and they put them in the gas vans and drove them to their deaths before dumping the bodies. It just… I don’t know.
Shh, I placed a finger over his lips. The Jews, Colin, not 'them’, don’t impersonalise it.
He moved my hand. I’m sorry, the whole thing just completely shook me. I daren’t develop the photographs; I know it’s cowardly. I know I have to do it because the world needs to know. But… I don’t think I’ll ever forget some of the sights I saw in Poland.
Good, I said solemnly. In forgetting we would be giving into the Nazi aim to completely destroy the Jews without leaving behind any traces of what they’d done.
I don’t understand how anyone survived it.
Because the will to survive is stronger than anything.

Instinctively we moved closer to each other.

Sharlie?
Yes?
It doesn’t matter.
I kissed him gently. Well when it does matter, I’ll be here.
He frowned. Do you think we’ll ever learn?
I’d like to think so, but I’m not being overly optimistic.
I was being serious.
So was I. We both survived the most terrible and total war in history and how long did that peace last? Five measly years and then it started all over again…
But Korea was hardly comparable…
Of course it is! I look at the world and wonder what sort of life Sarah and Jack, and Samantha, Christopher and Rosie are going to have. The future scares me Colin, the atomic bombs, the stand off between the USA and the USSR. It only takes a split second for one of those idiots to push that button and that’ll be it. I felt Colin’s arms tighten around me. I don’t want them to grow up with that. If I have children I don’t want them to grow up with it.
What can we do though?
Nothing, and that’s what scares me.

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

Posted: Mon May 23, 2005 8:06 am

Oh, how sad, poor Sharlie, what a terrible time to be living in - I think we sometimes forget how frightening the Fifties were for so many.

Thanks Pim.

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

Posted: Mon May 23, 2005 8:26 am

The threat of nuclear war was always hanging over their heads...
Still not sure over whether Colin is good enough for Sharlie.

#164: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Mon May 23, 2005 10:18 am

Lesley wrote:

Oh, how sad, poor Sharlie, what a terrible time to be living in - I think we sometimes forget how frightening the Fifties were for so many.

Yes, they were, but but we are still here, and I think today also many parents would echo Sharlie's words, about being scared of bringing children into such a world.

We never learn, do we, mankind? We go on making the same futile mistakes, go on committing the same cruel atrocities. The only difference is that today we read all about it in triplicate, see things in all their horror on the screen, which makes it all even more scary.

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

Posted: Mon May 23, 2005 12:56 pm

Thanks Pim

Liz

#166: Sharlie Andrews Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Mon May 23, 2005 1:27 pm

Mary, you are so right that we never learn.

Life in the 50s, with wars in Korea and Indo-China was scary enough, but in some ways far-removed from those of us living in Europe since we mostly learned of it only through the papers, radio reports and newsreel film. I do remember hearing about the Suez Canal attack and the Hungarian uprising of 1956 almost as they were happening, but it was on the radio - we had no access to TV at school (I was a boarder).

The fact that today's events are relayed around the world almost before they happen, definitely makes things even more scary. I think the first time I really registered this immediacy was during the first Gulf War in 1991 - I clearly remember commenting that this was 'war by media'. And it hasn't improved in the intervening 14 years, either.

Yet our children still go on having children, whatever their fears may be for that new generation's future.

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

Posted: Mon May 23, 2005 2:14 pm

Thank you Pim. Sharlie is an amazing woman.

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

Posted: Mon May 23, 2005 3:17 pm

Thank you Pimmy!!!!

Hope Samantha will be okay!!

#169: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 12:37 am

Thanks Pim. Hope Samantha'll be okay with Sharlie's mother - she doesn't sound at all ready for a small child just now. Confused

#170: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 8:39 am

I wasn’t sure how I was feeling about heading back to the Platz after the holidays, it was as though in those weeks my whole life had been turned upside down once again. I didn’t have much time to dwell on things once I’d got back, however, as I threw myself into my sorely neglected paper and the extra classes I’d agreed to take on at St Nicholas’ the new kindergarten branch of the school. The school’s chapels, which had been built to celebrate the Coming of Age, were due to be dedicated and there was a revival of lacrosse so my time was soon well and truly occupied in the first half of term. Nancy and Kathie seemed to be going from strength to strength and had confessed that they had enjoyed their time together at the start of the holidays getting to know each other all over again. I knew that being back at school was hard on them both but nobody else had picked up on the changes between them and life in the staff room continued pretty much as normally as it ever did. Half term was spent in Geneva with none of the Juniors, miraculously, managing to indulge in any wild exploits. If it was possible the second half of term was quieter than the first, the only real excitement coming in the form of the new uniforms which Rosalind Yolland, Ruth Derwent and I duly modelled at the staff evening. It was a pretty new uniform but my mind was otherwise too preoccupied to dwell on it too much. By the end of term I was still the only one in the school to know about Nancy and Kathie; out of school they had confided separately in Hilary and Biddy. Hilary had taken the whole thing in her stride, offering them a safe house to bolt to in times of need; Biddy had been a little taken aback to begin with but after a long chat with me about things she was a lot happier. I’d gently been paving the way for them to tell Peggy the following term and from her responses I didn’t think there’d be much trouble there.

Another term flown by, sighed Nancy as she, Kathie, Peggy and I crowded on to Kathie’s bed for cocoa the last night of term. Where does the time go?
Goodness only knows, I sighed. And in a few short weeks we shall all be saying ‘I can’t believe how the hols have flown’.
Peggy giggled. How are you spending your holidays then?
I’m going straight to London to see Prof Stewart about this paper, and to see Nicole and Trix as well – it’s so strange thinking of Nicole back in England though! Then it’s back to Liverpool for Christmas with the family and Colin, swiftly followed by taking Samantha to Tish’s for New Year and an early birthday celebration for her, and then back for Eliz’s wedding.
Busy, busy, remarked Kathie with a grin.
I know, I smiled ruefully. And not nearly enough time with Colin.
Can’t you take him to Tish’s, asked Nancy innocently.
I squalled. People will talk!
It’s been almost twelve months, pointed out Peggy. Way past your six month test!
Only time wise, we’ve hardly spent any time together, I sighed.
I still don’t know why you can’t take him to Tish’s, persisted Nancy.
You went away for New Year with Will, pointed out Kathie.
That was different, I exclaimed. There was a whole group of us went, and we weren’t the only couple. Speaking of that I must see if I can meet up with Tash and Lily Beth whilst I’m in London.
I don’t know how you cram so much into your hols, sighed Kathie. And you always come back more refreshed than me who just sleeps all hols!
I laughed. I like to be kept busy, it seems to be something I thrive on. Besides, Nance, you seem to have more than enough to cram into your hols.
None of which involve caring for small children, said Nancy emphatically. Mark my words Sharlie, in ten years time you’ll be the one with a small horde of kids trailing around after you.
My eyes widened in surprise. I should hope not! A horde is a little excessive, don’t you think? Anyway, why is it always me who everybody thinks is going to end up with the troop of kids?
Because you ooze maternal-ness, grinned Kathie, giving my arm a reassuring squeeze. And you’re the one with the steady boyfriend. The rest of us are doomed to spinster-ness, she added with a secret smile at Nancy, and we all laughed.

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

Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 8:50 am

Thank you Pimmy! I do love your staff scenes!

#172: Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow

Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 9:03 am

Just caught up on several installments. Really enjoying this. Thanks, Pim!

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

Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 9:14 am

Love Kathie's secret smile. Thanks Pim - and an entire term in one post!

Last edited by Lesley on Tue May 24, 2005 9:15 am; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 9:15 am

Thank you Pimmy, *giggles at them all*

#175: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 12:22 pm

Lovely, Pim. I like the staff scenes as well. I do wonder if sharlie is spreading hereself a bit thin, though. She'll never make a decision about colin if she doesn't spend more time with him Confused

#176: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 12:49 pm

When does Sharlie get time to sleep and eat and just breathe and be? Shocked

Thanks, Pim. A lovely scene with the staff.

#177: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 2:16 pm

Aww those are always my favourite scenes. The ones in the staff room are fun but crowding onto somebody's bed for cocoa scenes make me want to be part of it. I'd even drink cocoa for the sake of it! Thank you Pim Smile

#178: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 4:19 pm

First stop for the Christmas holidays was a few days in London with the Stewarts to sort out some things with regard to my paper. Trixie came up for the day and we met with Tash and Lily Beth to go for a long and civilised lunch, because we’re grown up and we can, to quote Trixie. For all that I was beginning to feel closer to my school friends I couldn’t help but notice that, with the exception of Trixie and I, the four of us had drifted more than we cared to admit to. I hated pushing it to the back of my mind but I needed to devote the few days I had in London to my academic work. I’d somehow managed to cobble together enough for a paper which Professor Stewart and I were working on to bring it up to my usual standard. It was nice to see Sara again and have the time to catch up; she would be staying in London until January when she was due to start a new translation post in Lyon. She was looking forward to it and made me promise to pay a visit at some point during term. I met with Nicole briefly to welcome her back and go over the plans for New Year. She’d been up to Cambridge to see Samantha shortly after her return and admitted that she was worried about Annie’s mother, who had been ill recently. Mark’s sister’s coming up for Christmas, said Nicole, but I don’t see it being much fun, Annie’s mother’s still none too fit so I’m going up on the 27th and then head to Tish’s on the 29th like we agreed.

I returned to Liverpool on the Monday, Christmas being at the weekend. The final plans and preparations were being made for Elizabeth’s wedding and Aunt Jane’s was in chaos. It would also be our first Christmas without Harriet, as she was staying in London to work and we all felt that it wouldn’t be the same without her. Sarah had started school that term at the nearby primary and was full of everything she had been learning. Rebecca and I had agreed to give her a few years to see how she settled in at school before making any decisions for the rest of her education. At the other end of the scale, Caroline, in her final year of school, was looking forward to finishing in the summer and starting her secretarial course in September. It was good to see Colin again, I couldn’t help but miss him during term time. We quietly acknowledged that it had been a whole year since that first kiss at Karen’s party and drank to many more years together. Aunt Jane and Rebecca had invited he and Rupert to join us for Christmas dinner, resulting in a much noisier affair than usual. Merry Christmas, Colin whispered to me later as we snatched a moment together in Rebecca’s back yard. Merry Christmas, I whispered back as we kissed. The only problem with living in the city, I said with a sigh as we pulled apart, is that you don’t see the stars. When you wish upon a star, he grinned, kissing my forehead.

From Liverpool I headed down to Bristol to spend New Year at Tish’s. I earned an enraptured greeting from Samantha, who bore me off instantly for a long chat and a game with her dolls. It came to light a couple of days later just how ill Annie’s mother had been the previous term; Tish and Lucy had both mentioned in their letters in passing that it had been bronchitis.

I can’t believe you didn’t tell me how bad things were, I exclaimed. You both shrugged it off in your letters. I had no idea you’d had to take three weeks out Luce to go and look after her.
Lucy shrugged. Don’t get mad Sharlie, besides there wasn’t much you could have done from Switzerland.
Nicole laid a reassuring hand on my arm. I didn’t know either, Sharlie.
I’m sorry, I said, shaking my head. I just wish you’d told me, for all the good it would have done.
The future doesn’t look too optimistic, said Lucy sadly. She really seems to have let herself go, I think she’s just given up.
She can’t do that, I exclaimed indignantly. What about Samantha?
Tish shrugged. From what I could tell when I went down on my free weekends, the neighbours are helping out. But it’s hardly fair on Samantha; the only stable period she’s had all term was the three weeks when Luce was there.
Nicole stared at the table thoughtfully. I’ll job hunt in Cambridge instead of London. I’ve only been back a couple of weeks but I’ve realised that London’s not for me anymore, too big and city-ish. My parents have friends in Cambridge I can stay with whilst I’m getting sorted out.
Nic… began Tish. Are you sure?
Nicole nodded. Samantha needs some stability in her life and at the moment I’m the only one who can give her that, without it completely rearranging my life.
Tish laughed. So what was moving back to the other side of the world?
Coming to my senses, grinned Nicole. I might even take up punting.
I suggested it to Annie for Samantha, I said with a sigh. She positively balked at the idea.
Nicole giggled. We may be forced to learn together. We all laughed before Nicole’s face grew serious. What are the chances do you think for Annie’s mother, she asked Lucy.
Lucy shrugged. I wish I knew, but if she doesn’t buck herself up we’re going to end up finding ourselves in a worse predicament than we were over the summer.

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

Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 4:59 pm

*wibbles*

Poor little Samantha!! I dread to think what would have happened to her if it wasn't for the girls!

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

Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 5:40 pm

Feeling very sorry for little Samantha - having lost both parents, now her only other close relative is slowly dying. Glad Nicole is there.

Thanks Pim.

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

Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 6:14 pm

Nicole is lovely to go and look after Samantha.

#182: Sharlie Andrews Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 7:51 pm

Also glad that Nicole is ready and willing to look after Samantha - it certainly doesn't sound as if her grandmother will be around for much longer.

It's very hard on Samantha to have lost both parents and be facing the prospect (though she's not old enough to realise this) that she's about to lose the only grandparent she's ever really known, all before the age of 5.

#183: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Wed May 25, 2005 8:16 am

We went our separate ways a few days later, Lucy back to Oxford, Nicole to London with Samantha for a few days, and I to Liverpool for Elizabeth’s wedding. I’d expected to arrive back to absolute chaos but Elizabeth had everything firmly in hand. I spent my days helping Rebecca put the finishing touched to the bridesmaids’ dresses – Elizabeth was having Caroline, Sarah and James’ young cousin, Martha.

Do you remember the first time we were bridesmaids, I asked Rebecca as we were doing Caroline’s final fitting. Rebecca nodded, her mouth full of pins.
Who was that, asked Caroline as she tried to twist to see herself in the mirror.
Your parents, mumbled Rebecca through the pins.
Really, asked Caroline. You never told me that before.
I loved the dress, it was pink… I closed my eyes. Puff sleeves, full skirt, I felt like a princess. Uncle Charlie spent a fortune on those dresses, I opened my eyes again. He used to spoilt us rotten.
I wish I’d known him, sighed Caroline. I wish there was someone who could tell me more about him, I only know what you know.
Rebecca took the pins out of her mouth. I think you’re done, Carrie. And when the wedding’s over we’ll do some digging and see if there’s any family of yours. Uncle Charlie never mentioned anyone to us, but there must be someone.
Really, said Caroline, half in disbelief, half happily.
Yes really, replied Rebecca. Now, out of that dress and go and make yourself useful to Elizabeth.

The morning of the wedding soon descended on us, along with absolute chaos at Aunt Jane’s. Elizabeth had put her foot down with James’ family who had been a bit hesitant about her leaving from there but they had soon given in. Rebecca and I were in the kitchen, I was doing her hair as we made the umpteenth pot of tea when Rebecca suddenly paled, declared she felt ill and raced outside to the toilet. I promptly ran after her.

Becca, I said, banging on the door. Becca, let me in. There was a long pause. Becca, please. Eventually she opened the door. Are you okay? It’ll just be nerves.
She shook her head. Don’t tell anyone about this.
Why ever not?
Because it’s Eliz’s day and I don’t want to spoil it for her.
I stopped. Becca, are you…
She turned round and smiled secretly at me. Yes, I am, June.
Oh Becca, that’s wonderful, I exclaimed, hugging her tightly.
Just keep it under your hat Sharlie, today’s all about Eliz. I’ll tell everybody else in my own time.
I nodded. I’m so pleased for you both.

The wedding was a pleasant affair, although James’ family came across as rather stand offish. He seemed somewhat embarrassed by their attitude however, and we couldn’t deny that he and Elizabeth were well suited, each giving as good as they got. Elizabeth looked radiant as she nervously stepped down the aisle with Philip, who had agreed to give her away. Rebecca, Harriet and I sat sniffing together, not quite able to believe that Elizabeth and James had finally arrived here.

~May you live as long as you want,
And never want as long as you live~

Having a good time gorgeous, a voice asked from behind at the reception, as an arm snaked around my waist.
I turned my head to see Colin grinning at me. Wonderful, thank you. I sighed happily. I can’t believe my little sister’s just got married. I’m so happy for her.
Wish it was you?
I shook my head. I’m not ready for that yet.
He laughed. Good.
What have you done with that father of yours?
We both scanned the room. He’s over there talking to your Aunt Jane. My eyes followed Colin’s to where Rupert and Aunt Jane were engrossed deeply in conversation. They seem to be getting on well, he remarked and I nodded in agreement.
Wouldn’t it be lovely if they… I mused.
Are you being serious?
Why not?
He shrugged. It had crossed my mind, but… well, I wish them all the best if they choose to! Anyway, care to dance gorgeous?
I smiled. Lead on.

Edited for a typo that Ally told me about last night and I forgot about...

Last edited by pim on Wed May 25, 2005 8:27 am; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Wed May 25, 2005 8:23 am

Awwww, how lovely.

Thanks Pim. Laughing

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

Posted: Wed May 25, 2005 9:33 am

Sharlie the matchmaker Very Happy

#186: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Wed May 25, 2005 10:06 am

What a lovely post, Pim, as all your weddings have been.

Thank you muchly. Very Happy

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

Posted: Wed May 25, 2005 10:35 am

Luffly Pim thank you Very Happy

*sends Charley hugs for being shiny about Rupert and Aunt Jane*

#188: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Wed May 25, 2005 4:39 pm

I never got to find out how true mine and Colin’s prediction would be before I left to go back to school, but having mentioned it to Rebecca she promised to keep me up to speed. Back at school things settled down to almost normality and I was saddled with the most inquisitive of new juniors in the shape of Jacynth Lambert, more commonly known as Jack. From the outset I could tell that we would have our hands full with that one. In the staff room Nancy and Kathie had confided their relationship in Peggy who admitted later to me that she’d had a sneaking suspicion that that might have been in the wind. Peggy knowing certainly made life easier for the four of us, allowing Peggy and I unlimited teasing in private. Peggy having had suspicions did make me wonder how much the others thought they might know but Nancy and Kathie said they would leave it until challenged.

Sharlie, Rosalie began awkwardly one morning when I had gone to make a phone call.
What’s up?
She looked puzzled for a moment. I… I’m not sure how to go about this, but… um… things are okay with you and Colin, aren’t they?
Of course they are, I paused. Why?
Oh… no reason.
Rosalie?
No, it’s nothing, forget it.
I frowned. I’d rather not.
Oh it’s so silly.
Then what is the problem in telling me what’s on your mind?
No, it’s really daft.
What is?
She sighed. Do you remember back in summer term when I found you and Nancy in the corridor, you were both looking a bit cagey and shifty and had silly excuses for being there… a hanky and a stocking I think.
I stared at her as realisation suddenly dawned. I started to laugh. You… you thought… oh Rosalie, you mook, I broke off. Kathie wasn’t feeling well. She had a headache and had gone for a lie down so Nancy and I sneaked off to check on her to see if she might need Matey but she was fine, just didn’t want anyone knowing, I wound up, hoping my lie was convincing.
Rosalie blushed furiously I’m sorry, she stuttered.
No worries, I shrugged.

I confided in Nancy and Kathie the conversation I’d had with Rosalie. They both looked concerned and agreed that they would take more care in school.

I do hate having to sneak around so much, groaned Kathie to Peggy and I one night as we were sharing cocoa in Peggy’s room. Why are people so bigoted and unaccepting? I know I’m lucky to have you two and Biddy and Hilary but all the same! What’s so wrong with being happy? I don’t see why I should have to conform to be allowed to be happy.
I stirred my cocoa thoughtfully and stretched my legs. Why does nobody have answers to the rhetorical questions?
Peggy stared at us both. You two are being deep and philosophical this evening.
I’m just frustrated, sighed Kathie. I want to stand on the roof and shout to the world that I love Nancy. It’s not fair Sharlie, you and Colin don’t have these problems.
I laughed. Don’t you believe it! I keep getting asked when we’re going to get married- it’s not being made easier by Elizabeth and James getting married, I can tell you! I’d fed up of people pointing out that it was my little sister who got married. Anyway Peggy, what about you?
Peggy looked startled. What do you mean ‘what about me’? I’m resigned to my fate as a spinster; it seems that trying to find a nice young man is more trouble than it’s worth.
Kathie giggled. We could arrange for you to have an accident over half term – after all, it worked for Biddy and Hilary!
You will not Kathleen Ferrars, exclaimed Peggy.

Term wound towards half term with a number of trials from Jack Lambert who seemed to have been sent with the sole purpose of trying my patience. However, after I’d caught her attaching one Margaret Twiss to her chair with cobbler’s wax, not to mention the incident of Peggy’s bubble bath, she seemed to settle down a bit under the watchful eye of her dormitory prefect, Len Maynard. Peggy came in for a fair bit of teasing over the bubble bath, especially as it had been Nancy and Kathie who had responded to her wild yells as the bath had overflowed. I was free for half term and headed up to Geneva to see Anna and Guillaume where we were joined by Julia, Michel and Charlotte. I could hardly believe that Charlotte was almost two and no longer the tiny baby I first remembered. We had a quiet and pleasant weekend and I returned to school prepared to take whatever was thrown at me. If only I’d been able to see into the future.

#189: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Wed May 25, 2005 4:49 pm

Quote:

We had a quiet and pleasant weekend and I returned to school prepared to take whatever was thrown at me. If only I’d been able to see into the future.

Because then I would have realised that the only things thrown at me were very lovely happy things so I hadn't needed to be worried.

Right, Pim???

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

Posted: Wed May 25, 2005 4:49 pm

Oh look!

An ickle cliff! Laughing

Thanks Pim - though I think Rosalie might have guessed - why else would those two always have the same duties???

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

Posted: Wed May 25, 2005 5:16 pm

Thanks Pim

Should I be a little concerned the Colin laughed and said 'Good' when Sharlie said she wasn't ready for marriage yet?

*decides to wibble anyway*

Liz

#192: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed May 25, 2005 5:23 pm

pim wrote:

If only I’d been able to see into the future.

Oh, No! Pim, you really are giving Sharlie a hard load to carry. Anyone would think you didn't like her Shocked

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

Posted: Thu May 26, 2005 9:04 am

Just caught up on heaps...

Georgia was the one who had to write about Annie and Mark - Pim couldn't have done it.

Love the Samantha line about Sharlie being too big for school - anybody out there know Bananas in Pyjamas? The guy who plays Morgan the teddy bear was in my sixth form group, but just try telling a small person you went to school with Morgan - "don't be silly, Morgan doesn't go to school! He's a teddy and they don't go to school!"

Shiny Sharlie getting Nancy and Kathie together - at last - but I have to say I'm a wee bit concerned about the Sharlie/Colin relationship...

Oh and what a wonderful dedication and acknowledgement in the book!

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

Posted: Thu May 26, 2005 9:31 am

Thank you Pim.

#195: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Thu May 26, 2005 9:50 am

patmac wrote:

pim wrote:

If only I’d been able to see into the future.

Oh, No! Pim, you really are giving Sharlie a hard load to carry. Anyone would think you didn't like her Shocked

Well, from time to time I tend not to at around 1am Wink

The second half of term started quietly, but despite feeling relaxed after half term I soon found myself feeling increasingly tired and run down. I managed to escape Matron’s attentions for a while until it all became too much and I was bundled off to the San with a raging bout of influenza. I don’t remember much of those days, only sporadically telling people that I wanted to do nothing more than be allowed to die quietly. In the end I was taken off to Freudesheim to continue convalescing in peace, despite my protests. No one paid any attention to my protests, however, and once more I found myself mumbling that I wanted to be left to die quietly. Both Matron and Jo made pointed remarks about me taking on too much and telling me that I needed some time out away from school. I was too ill to argue with them and was carried over to Freudesheim where the peace, in comparison to school at least, was soon having a positive effect on me. By the end of the weekend I was feeling more human and was finally able to clear up the sorry tale of Lower IIIA and the snake, although the Maynard triplets thought I had taken full leave of my senses to begin with. I was deemed well enough to return to school a couple of days later under the strict instructions to take things easy. My return was warmly welcomed by Nancy, Kathie and Peggy who then informed me that I needed to go and see the Head. Puzzled, I headed to Miss Annersley’s study, entering at her call of Herein.

Sharlie, she smiled at me over her desk. Have a seat, it’s good to see you back and looking so much better than the sorry rag we sent over to Freudesheim. How are you feeling?
A lot better, I said, sitting in the proffered chair as Miss Annersley moved to the chair beside me. Still a little wobbly, but I would like to retract my statement of wanting to die.
She laughed, before her face grew serious. Sharlie, my dear, I’m afraid I have some bad news. My thoughts immediately flew to my sisters. I spoke with your friend Miss Rafter the last week.
My hand flew to my mouth. Nicole? Oh, what’s happened?
I’m afraid Mrs Sinclair passed away last Tuesday.
I… but… why did nobody tell me, I asked, my voice shaking.
Miss Annersley took my hands. Sharlie, my dear, you were in no fit state. I don’t think you realise quite how ill you were those first few days last week; we were all really quite concerned.
I stared at the floor. I didn’t realise.
No, you weren’t at your most coherent those days.
What else did Nicole say?
The funeral was yesterday; they would have liked you there but they do understand how ill you have been. I have also been told in no uncertain terms that I am not allowed to let you go haring straight back to England.
My jaw dropped. But… I… What about Samantha?
Another friend of yours, Miss Burrows, phoned to say it’s looking increasingly likely that she will be able to stay with Miss Rafter – but they’ll fill you in over the holidays.
I should be with them, I said, avoiding Miss Annersley’s gaze.
It’s only natural that you should feel that way. There’s not quite two weeks left of term, however. We’ve cut your timetable for the rest of term, you need to take things easy. She looked at me, every inch the head mistress. When did you last have a proper holiday that didn’t involve you tearing up and down the country, writing great academic works and looking after everybody else, she asked gently.
I… um… I honestly couldn’t remember.
Sharlie, I understand you feel you need to be there for everybody, but you have to take care of yourself as well.

I looked up into those warm and compassionate eyes that said she understood. Unable to help myself, I burst into tears. Miss Annersley pulled me to her as I sobbed uncontrollably against her shoulder whilst she stroked my hair, murmuring soothingly to me.

I… I’m sorry, I gulped eventually, trying to pull myself together. I didn’t mean to… I sat up and took the hanky she was holding out to me, scrubbing my eyes roughly.
Miss Annersley pushed the loose strands of hair out of my eyes. It’s nothing to be ashamed of Sharlie. You’re not the first to cry on me, and I doubt you’ll be the last.
It’s just… everything, I exclaimed. I feel so helpless.
You are not helpless, she said solemnly. There is a little girl who needs those she loves right now and I have two choices. I can send her Auntie Sharlie to her now, whilst she’s still unwell, exhausted and, frankly, not fit for anything. Or I can send her Auntie Sharlie in a few days when she is recovered and ready to face the world again. I don’t expect you to stay until the end of term, I won’t keep you but I strongly recommend you stay a few days at least. From the sound of things your friends have everything well in hand. I couldn’t think of anything to say in reply and tried to fight back a yawn. I think you could do with a nap.

I nodded dumbly and allowed myself to be led through school to Matron’s capable hands.

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

Posted: Thu May 26, 2005 9:56 am

Poor Sharlie. Glad Miss Annersley has realised that she needs to look after herself and to take on less. Poor Samantha - is she going to stay with Nicole then or Sharlei and Colin if and when they ever get married...

Thank you Pim.

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

Posted: Thu May 26, 2005 12:15 pm

Poor Sharlie, still at least Matey, Joey and finally Hilda were able to help her.

Should imagine Hilda has had most of the Staff crying on her shoulder at one time or another.

Thanks Pim. Laughing

#198: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Thu May 26, 2005 12:19 pm

God bless you, Hilda. Just what Sharlie needed, a good cry and a good dose of common sense.

Thanks, Pim

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

Posted: Thu May 26, 2005 1:11 pm

Hurrah for Hilda!!

*hugs Sharlie tightly*

Thanks Pim Very Happy

#200: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Thu May 26, 2005 10:32 pm