The CBB :: View topic - Sharlie Andrews

#1: Sharlie Andrews - Part 6 Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 8:31 am

Ann wrote:

When was Joan Bertram's first term at the CS, anyone?

According to the A-Z it was Does it Again and who am I to argue with that (despite them getting Sharlie wrong Rolling Eyes

).

On a tangent, Mr Charley Bunny is vair intrigued as to where all your sewer brains are going ( Wink

) specially as he was finally ambushed by Miss Lyra Muse about it last night ( Shocked

). He can be contacted via Miss Pim Slave in any of the usual manners, although subliminal messaging is out today. And Ally will you peas stop sitting on me, it's making it very awkward to get to my driving lesson!

A couple of days later it seemed as though all my post for the term arrived at once so I settled myself into a corner of the staff sitting room to catch up on my letters.

Dear Sharlie,

Thank you so much for your last letter, Mark and I would love to have you over New Year. We’ve got no fixed plans so maybe you’d like to come down on the 30th? I’ve written to Tish and Lucy as well to see what they have planned. It seems such an age since we last saw you – you’d hardly recognise Samantha now! I’m glad everything is going well for you in Switzerland, you deserve it. Congratulations on the latest addition to the family – Jack sounds adorable, lucky to have an Auntie like you! Mark and I have no further plans in the that direction as yet, Samantha is more than enough work for one person. Sorry this is short but I’m grabbing a few minutes whilst Samantha has a nap. See you at New Year.

Love, Annie.

Dear Sharlie,

Sorry I haven’t been in touch for so long – but as you can see I’ve been busy moving! I’m living with Sara in Geneva, I decided to take the plunge and move on somewhere new. I’ve found a job with one of the banks here, just doing odd jobs in the office but I’m learning quickly and will eventually be allowed on to the counters. Sara’s job is going well but I’m sure she’ll tell you more in her letter. Julia and Michel are moving to Belfort in November, it’s not so far so we’ll be able to see each other still. I am glad that I’ve made this move, I’ll never forget what happened to me but I need to think about the future as well. I hope you’ll come and visit soon!

Bisous, Anna.

Dear Sharlie,

Isn’t it a lark – me and Anna in Geneva. We’ve been planning it for some time, originally she was going to come to London so this job in Geneva has been a godsend! I absolutely adore it, although there are times when I miss London and York. I miss mother as well, of course, I’m just glad that she has Robert now as well – next Christmas is the latest date they’ve been thinking of so keep your eyes peeled! The contract out here is only for a year so I haven’t decided what I’ll do when that ends, there’s plenty of time to think about it anyway. I hope you’ll make it through to Geneva before the end of term to see the flat.

Love, Sara.

Dear Sharlie,

I’m getting married! Isn’t it the craziest thing?! I’ve enclosed the invitation, I hope you’ll be coming – I’d like you as my maid of honour if you want (please say yes!). My parents have been friends with the Markhams forever and I’ve known Paul all my life. He’s rather a sweetie! Hope term’s going well, sorry you can’t make Scotland at New Year. Any chance of meeting over Christmas, I’ll need to measure you for your dress!

Love, Trix.

Dear Sharlie,

Thanks for your letter. I didn’t tell you about Kathie going out to the Chalet School because I didn’t know she’d got the job. I knew she’d applied, of course, but I haven’t spoken to her since graduation for all sorts of reasons. Anyway, I hope term’s going well for you. Doing an MA certainly isn’t much fun – well some of it is, but the workload increase from BA is a bit of a jump. I wouldn’t change it for the world though, it’s fantastic to be able to go into so much more depth than I have done before. I definitely want to try and get on to a PhD once I’ve done this and then start lecturing. I love the thought of being able to pass on my interest to the next generation – I know how you feel now. Oxford is quieter now without all my undergrad friends here. I’ve moved out of College and am living with a family in town, I didn’t much fancy the idea of another year with a bunch of Freshers! Any chance of meeting up over Christmas – it’s been such an age since I last saw both you and Tish!

Love, Lucy.

I see the post came for you, said Kathie from above me as I laid Lucy’s letter down.
I’m beginning to wonder if it had conspired to make me think nobody loved me for the last week or so. I’ve got a letter from Lucy if you want to read it,
Kathie paled. No thanks… I mean, it’s your letter, I couldn’t.
I shrugged. Fair enough.

We said nothing else, I turned my attention to a letter from Harriet and Kathie opened her book.

#2: Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow

Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 9:24 am

Aaaaargh. Why has Kathie paled? Please tell us what's gone on with her and Lucy.

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

Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 10:14 am

PIM! *stomps foot*

WHAT is going on?

Thank you Very Happy

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

Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 10:16 am

Hmmm what is going on with Kathie and Lucy?????

Thank you Pim!

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

Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 11:04 am

Love the way you are stringing this out Pimtease.

#6: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 12:01 pm

What a lovely lot of letters.

I'm not surprised about Trix getting married. she was obvioulsy heading that way.

Good for Anna and Sara.

It looks as if Christmas and New Year are sorted then, also good.

Let me see, was there someone else? Oh, yes. Lucy. You seem to have forgotten to tell us what the problem is with Kathie. Sharlie may be shrugging but I'm not. Confused

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

Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 4:38 pm

If it weren't for the fact that Ally refuses to stop sitting me I'd string this out for as long as is humanly possible! Thankies Gem for betaing this bit for me last night Very Happy

Half term soon came around, much to everybody’s relief as we were all ready for a break. There were only various day expeditions planned which made life somewhat easier. On the Friday Peggy and I took the Juniors for a long walk up on the Rosleinalp and thoroughly tired them out, followed by a day down in Interlaken on the Saturday. From then I was free until the end of half term so had arranged to go through to Geneva to see Anna and Sara on the Saturday night and come back late on Monday. Tuesday Peggy and I had arranged to borrow the car and go to Zermatt. I had a lovely couple of days in Geneva, the lake boats had stopped running for the winter but it was still nice to rediscover some of the places I’d seen when I’d been with Lucy and Tish two summers previously. Geneva life seemed to be suiting them both, it was nice to see Anna looking so much happier than when I’d previously seen her. I returned to the Gornetz Platz completely oblivious to Saturday’s events elsewhere but was soon enlightened when I enquired as to Kathie’s whereabouts. Matron was keeping her quiet and I didn’t dare defy her orders.

How are you feeling, I asked the following evening when Peggy and I returned from Zermatt.
A bit sore, she confessed. I think I’ll have another early night.
I don’t blame you, I said with a shudder. It must have been horrible.
It wasn’t the most pleasant experience of my life. Look Sharlie, no offence, but I’d rather not talk about it, I just want to forget it.
None taken.
How was Zermatt?
Lovely, I’ve been dying to go for ages. I was sorry to leave to come back. I broke off. Kathie are you listening?
Sorry.
I thought not, I replied grinning. What’s the matter, I asked gently.
You’ll think me silly.
I might not, and I won’t know unless you tell me what’s bothering you.
Kathie blushed. It’s Mary-Lou.
I stared. Mary-Lou?
See, I told you it was silly, she retorted, slumping back in her seat nursing her arm.
Yes… no… I mean… Oh, I don’t know! You’d best explain.
It’s so silly. I’ve spent all term so far thinking how irritating and annoying she is, getting away with all sorts that the others wouldn’t, and then… then she goes off and saves my life like that! She wound up by bursting into tears.
Instinctively I slipped an arm around her and fished in my pocket for a hanky. Here, mop up, I said shaking my head at Ruth Derwent who had made a move in our direction. You’re not being silly!
Kathie rubbed her eyes. N… no?
No, I said resolutely. Absolutely not, c’mon Kathie, you had a stinking rotten fright, you’re allowed to be feeling a bit shaky. And as for finding Mary-Lou irritating, it’s perfectly normal. I know I don’t have much to do with her but I felt the same – you get used to her.
B… but I just feel so awful about it now!
Silly, I grinned giving her a hug. Maybe you’d best have that early night now otherwise you’ll be neither use nor ornament tomorrow – and a fine thing that would be with Inter V!
Kathie smiled weakly. You’re right. Do you think I can put the last half term behind me and start over with Mary-Lou?
I laughed. Of course you can, you goop! Now off to bed with you or you’ll have Matron on your back, and do you really want that?
Gosh no!
Get on with you then!
Would you…
I smiled. I guess you don’t much fancy walking through school looking like that.
No, not really.
Come on then.

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

Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 4:44 pm

Thankies Pimkies

*hugs Kathie* it must have been a horrid shock for her but its nice to see her and Sharlie forging a friendship.

*adjusts sitting position in anticipation* Wink

#9: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 6:44 pm

thank you Pim, I too am likng the Sharlie and Kathie making friends-ness. BUT still want to know why Kathie is so funny about Lucy!

Why? Why? Why?

*pouts*

Piiiiiim

#10: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 6:53 pm

Lovely post, Pim.

It's fascinating how you manage to intertwine EBD events with your own take on it. Well done Smile

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

Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 7:12 pm

Poor Kathie Sad

Thank you Pimmy!

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

Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 8:59 pm

oh pimmykins....it's LOVELY to see more of kathie and sharlie and their blossoming friendship but what we really want to know if what's the deal with lucy?!!!

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

Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 9:24 pm

Why is Kathie funny about Lucy?
Something to do with Sam maybe?

#14: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 3:33 am

Fine set of posts, Pim!
I was wondering how you'd fit the Kathie-ML exploits in.
(Perhaps a discussion of ML could branch off into one about Lucy? :angel: )

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

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 7:10 am

*looks supremely angelic*

Kathie and I had a free Saturday towards the end of term and decided to head to Berne to productively spend the day Christmas shopping. With a few hours to spare in the afternoon I proposed that we stop at Thun on the way back as it was somewhere Kathie hadn’t been. I’d been with the Juniors and absolutely adored it. We headed up to the castle and, despite the cold, sat outdoors looking at the mountains. Suddenly Kathie sighed happily.

‘Sup, I asked.
I didn’t think I could ever be this happy. This term has just been fantastic, I’ve adored every minute and I can’t imagine myself anywhere else. I’m longing to see Auntie and Uncle of course, but I know I’ll miss here like crazy. Does that sound daft?
I laughed and shook my head. Of course not. What have you got planned for the hols?
Not much, catching up with a few old school friends maybe, and spending New Year with some uni friends. What about you?
Christmas in Liverpool with my sisters, Aunt Jane and my cousins, New Year in Cambridge with my friend Annie and Lucy and Tish, then a couple of days with my old roommate Trix to sort some things for the wedding, another few days in London to sort out some work with Prof Stewart and then back to the Platz with Peggy. You’re heading back with Nancy, aren’t you?
Sorry?
Kathie, it’s rude to not listen to people, I said with a grin. What’s eating you?
Oh it’s nothing.
It must be something.
It’s… oh just leave it, it’s not important.
I shrugged. I’m really looking forward to New Year, it’s been nearly two years since I last saw Annie, Lucy and Tish – little Samantha will have grown awfully. I feel that I hardly ever see them… I broke off noticing Kathie’s face cloud over. Kathie? I laid a hand on her arm. What on earth’s going on?
What do you mean?
Every time I mention Lucy or Sam you go funny on me and I don’t understand why.
No, you’ll hate me if I tell you.
I raised an eyebrow. Is it to do with why you broke up with Sam? She nodded miserably and I slipped my arm around her. What happened?
She shook her head. I can’t tell you.
Of course you can. Kathie, it can’t be anything so terribly bad.
Can’t it, she asked with a half choke.
I stared. Kathie, Sam didn’t… You’re not, weren’t, in… trouble, were you?
She laughed. No, well not the sort you’re probably thinking of.
I hung my head, suddenly remembering Alice and bit my lip to try and hold back the tears. Sorry, I whispered.
Sharlie? Did… were…
I nodded, unable to hold back the tears I was fighting. In my first year at university, I… I lost it, I stammered with a strangled sob.
Oh Sharlie… she began, taking me in her arms. Was…
I gave a half laugh. His name was Matthew, he cheated on me, I dumped him and then… Alice… I stopped to pull myself together. See, it can’t be much worse than that, can it?
Kathie pulled away from me. It depends how you define worse Sharlie.
You’d better start at the beginning then

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

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 7:18 am

Found just as I have to rush off to catch a train!!!!!!

Argghh. Cliffed Again.

Yo, Pim, you nasty girl, what happened????

#17: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 7:35 am

What an evasive conversation. Are you ever going to let us know what Kathie has been up to? Why leave it all up to the Rolling Eyes

minds we have on the board?

Lovely, Pim - if intriguing.

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

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 8:20 am

Would just like to say that you'll all LOVE the next post Wink

C'mon, I've been fairly good up until now! Thank you Pim!! Very Happy

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

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 8:26 am

Pim - you tease! You've been doing really well here.

Love the developing friendships and the staff scenes but could we have the next post soon, please?

#20: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 8:29 am

enjoying this Pim - thanks!

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

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 9:12 am

Ooh, what a tangled web! C'mon, Pim, surely there's something you should be procrastinating from doing at the moment - post more Sharlie!!!

#22: Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 9:26 am

Great posts, a sort of behind-the-scenes look at bits of New Mistress, but...
AAAARGGGHHHH! Please reveal all about Kathie and Lucy. I'm going batty here at my desk and people are starting to stare.

#23: Author: AnnaJ,

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 9:53 am

Great fun - this is the first place I surf to at work once I've cleared my inbox (and am waiting for the replies to come through!)

#24: Author: Guest,

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 12:31 pm

Pim!!

I'm checking at work and I so shouldn't be! Please come back and put us out of our misery!

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

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 12:39 pm

Argh cliff!
Please reveal Kathie's secret soon please!

#26: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 12:48 pm

Pim! Please come back and post the next bit.

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

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 1:24 pm

That was a lovely scene Pimmy!
I'm glad Sharlie was able to open up to Kathie, and that Kathie seems likely to reciprocate. (I just hope it's soon...)

#28: Author: Kateth, Location: Heidelberg

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 1:24 pm

Lovely great and wonderful, Pim, but please can we have the next bit? Very Happy

#29: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 1:46 pm

I think Lesley needs to look to her laurels when it comes to cliffs!!!!
Nice one Pim!

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

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 7:38 pm

pimpimpimpimpimpimpimpimpimpimpimpimpimpimpimpimpimpimpimpimpimpim!

come back here and finish it!!!!!!!

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

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 7:39 pm

Pim!!!

Where are you?

(The Guest above was me, oops!)

So Kathie is blushing when she talks about Mary-Lou, going pale at the mention of Lucy, and refusing to talk about something 'really bad'.

I am so not going to comment!

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

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 8:04 pm

pim wrote:

I stared. Kathie, Sam didn’t… You’re not, weren’t, in… trouble, were you?
She laughed. No, well not the sort you’re probably thinking of.

Well, that's my theory out the window...

...which means I need to know what Kathie says next! Come on Pim!

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

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 9:17 pm

Pim, why haven't you posted some more yet???

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

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:01 am

*ambles in and smirkles sweetly* Thank you Ally, Gem, Jo and Don McLean Wink

Oh Ally, you can stop sitting on me now... peas.

You know the beginning, she said after a moment. Sam came to visit Lucy, we ended up getting on rather well, we started writing, we got on rather well every time he came to visit. In between visits… neither of us was perfect Sharlie, there were other women in his life, just as there were other men in mine. Lucy knew, I don’t think she understood but she tolerated it.
What attracted you to Sam, I asked after a few moments.
Kathie shrugged. I don’t know in all honesty. Maybe it was because he was so different from all the others. What we had was special, intense, passionate, I don’t think we’d have coped being together all the time. She paused. At first he was still hung up about another girl who’d rejected him. ‘You can’t base forever on a memory’ he told me. I paled recognising my own words, Kathie looked at me with a sudden realisation. You were that girl, weren’t you?
I nodded. I never realised he carried on caring for that long. I broke off. When he came to see me in my first year in London, after I broke up with Matthew and after Alice… he told me about you then and it was clear how much he cared for you. It was the first time he mentioned you himself, Lucy told me in the first instance.
He asked me to marry him, you know, when he came over for Lucy’s graduation. I turned him down.
I didn’t know, I said, realising how little I knew Sam now.
I couldn’t marry him you know, because of my father. Kathie broke off, twisting her fingers nervously. He was a military man, the army, like Sam. He was killed two weeks before I was born. ‘A tragic accident’ the army called it, I never found out what really happened, and, to be honest, I’ve never really wanted to know. His death was hard on my mother, I suppose she went mad with grief. Auntie said she just gave up and wasn’t strong enough to stand me being born, she died the day after. I can’t imagine what she went through. She’d always known my father, my grandparents were all friends so they’d grown up together, there was only a few weeks between them. They loved each other from a distance but were too shy to do anything about it. Then my father signed up for the army when he was 18. I have the letter my mother wrote to him when he went away confessing her feelings, she never dared dream that he felt the same. They married the summer they were 21 and I was born a week after what would have been their first wedding anniversary. I hardly know anything about them and I don’t like to ask for fear of upsetting Auntie and Uncle. She stopped and stared at me. You do understand, don’t you Sharlie?
I nodded dumbly. But there’s something else, isn’t there? She turned away from me. Kathie?
I couldn’t marry Sam because it would have been a lie. She swung round to face me. After the graduation ball we went on to a party… Lucy caught me with somebody else. I raised an eyebrow. Another woman Sharlie.
Oh, was all I managed to say, staring at the ground.
You hate me now, don’t you? She asked quietly.
I… I… No, of course I don’t, I stammered.
I thought you would.
I shook my head. It all makes sense now though, about why you’ve skirted around the issue? Does Sam know?
No, unless Lucy told him. It’s such a mess, I never meant for Lucy to find out. I had no idea she’d follow me at the party. She ran a hand through her hair. I’m not sure who was more embarrassed – me, her or Char. It was… does it sound wrong if I say liberating? I’d struggled with my feelings for so long, and when Char kissed me it all fell into place. She stopped. You do understand, don’t you?
I paused. I think so.
Please don’t hate me Sharlie, you’ve been there for me all term, I couldn’t bear to lose you as a friend.
Of course I don’t hate you.
Why not? Most people hate people like me.
I just want people to be happy. If that’s what makes you happy then… who am I to argue? Kathie, I’ve studied persecution and I don’t understand how people can be so cruel. I paused. It’s better that you broke things off with Sam when you did otherwise you would have ended up making each other so unhappy. Lucy will probably stop being angry with you eventually. But Kathie, you can’t make foundations on a lie.
You can’t base forever on a memory.
I glanced at my watch. Shall we head back to school or do you fancy Abendessen in Interlaken?
Let’s be really naughty and do the latter. I’m not ready to go back to school yet.
I laughed. Okay then.
Sharlie, she said as we headed back to the car. Thank you.
For what?
For being wonderful, accepting and understanding.
I smiled. You’re my friend Kathie. And thank you for understanding about Alice.

We both smiled, knowing that our friendship was sealed.

Last edited by pim on Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:08 am; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:06 am

Pim, that was lovely. And the start of a true friendship.

#36: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:06 am

*g* Hurrah - it's up!

Thanks Pim and good for Sharlie! Very Happy

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

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:23 am

Well how very interesting Rolling Eyes

Thank you Pim, I'm glad you've solved that particular mystery for us at last! Kiss

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

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:48 am

Oh so that's Kathie's secret...

#39: Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 9:20 am

At last we find out what's up with Kathie/Lucy! Glad that Sharlie was okay with it. Cheers, Pim.

#40: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 9:22 am

Well done, Pim. Thanks for solving the mystery.

Lovely post.

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

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:09 am

Thank you Pimmykins! Hope you're not too squished from being sat on! Very Happy

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

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 11:12 am

Glad the mystery's finally revealed. Thanks Pim.

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

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 11:30 am

Finally! Thank you Pim.

Glad to see they could be so understanding of one another and that their friendship is now sealed.

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

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 1:17 pm

Thank you Pib, I will now sadly move, you were vair comfy!!! Wink

#45: Author: Kateth, Location: Heidelberg

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 2:26 pm

Yay! Thank you, Pim! Bless the two of them...

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

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 7:09 pm

thank you for enlightening us pim - a lovely friendship emerging there. glad they felt they could trust the other with what must have been quite difficult secrets.

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

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 7:25 pm

Thank you Pimocolate, and I'm glad you wrote Sharlie so understanding. Smile

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

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:59 pm

How lovely - and good for Sharlie being so understanding.

((((Kathie and Sharlie))))

Thanks Pim.

(So where were these cliffs people were complaining about then? Wink

)

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

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 9:12 pm

So Sam's still available for Sharlie, then? *hoping for a happy ending*

And does this mean N&K might get together?

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

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 11:07 pm

"Aha" - she says belatedly, having finally had time to read this piece - I *thought* that was what was in the wind, but decided to wait and see if I was right!

Nicely done, Pim, and glad that Sharlie is so understanding of Kathy and that they can finally be so open with each other. As someone else said, they have a great foundation for friendship based on these shared confidences.

Looking forward to more.

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

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 11:28 pm

Well I shall just hope that Kathie has a pleasant trip back with Nancy! Smile

Am very glad that Sharlie was able to be so understanding - and Kathie v.v. Nice to see their friendship growing as well as they get to know more about one another.

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

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 7:17 am

Lesley wrote:

(So where were these cliffs people were complaining about then? Wink

)

I was wondering the exact same thing Lesley Wink

After a packed term it was nice to get back to Liverpool and my family. Somehow Kathie and I had arranged for her to spend a couple of days with us between Christmas and New Year; neither of us was sure how it had come about. I was somewhat nervous about the whole affair having never shared my life in Liverpool with any of the friends I’d made since leaving, only Sam and I’d had no choice there. Fortunately my sisters were more easygoing about it than I was and Aunt Jane took to teasing me over the matter. I always loved coming back to my family. Harriet looked happier than I had seen her for a long time and I felt more at ease about her. Elizabeth was being cagey about something, I assumed it related to the ‘young man’ Aunt Jane said was still around. Rebecca looked tireder, but still happy and I knew that she was. Christmas was quiet as usual with dinner at Rebecca’s. I couldn’t imagine ever spending Christmas anywhere else even though I knew it would probably become impractical. Harriet and I went to visit Uncle Charlie on Christmas Eve; we visited every time we were back in Liverpool. We had never quite given up the hope that one day he would suddenly change and revert to the man we had known and loved as children. David was getting ready to leave school at the end of January. It saddened me that Uncle Charlie hadn’t been able to play a part in deciding where his future lay. We went and laid flowers for Aunt Carol and Nan, and I found myself thinking more and more about da. Grudgingly Rebecca handed over the papers about his grave in Dunkirk and I made up my mind to go at the end of spring term.

Kathie arrived late on the 27th and I met her from the station before heading back to Aunt Jane’s. Elizabeth had decided to go and stay with friends to create some extra room and Harriet had gone to Rebecca’s to have some quality time with Sarah and Jack before she headed back to London. Suddenly I realised how Elizabeth felt without Harriet and I around, it was strangely quiet. The following day we planned to head into the city centre to have a look around before going to the cinema in the evening.

Sharlie, just wait a minute, Kathie called after me the following afternoon as we walked through the shops.
What are you looking at, I asked as I joined her.
These, she pointed at the display in the photographer’s window. Photographs of pre-war Liverpool, it’s fascinating. I particularly like this one. She pointed and my jaw dropped. Sharlie?
That’s… I began. I had never seen the picture but I knew it so well; the four young girls at the top of the terraced street overlooking the industrial panorama. Thats’ me, there, I pointed. In the blue dress, summer 1936.
Really? Kathie’s eyes were wide with surprise.
I closed my eyes. I can still remember it now. I never thought I’d see that picture though, I said opening them again.
Go in and ask about it.
I stared. I couldn’t.
Of course you could. Go on Sharlie, and with that she opened the shop door and pushed me inside before I even had the chance to argue.

Can I help you Miss? I stopped as a fair haired young man with twinkling blue eyes and a friendly smile stood up from behind the counter.
Oh… I was just wondering about the photographs in the window, I said awkwardly.
He smiled. It’s an exhibition of my father’s pre-war work. Any one in particular?
I nodded. Havelock Street, 1936 – the one with the four girls with their backs to the camera.
I know the one, he said smiling. One of my father’s favourites, he often wondered what became of those girls. He took the picture from the window and laid it on the counter. I rather like it as well.
I resisted the urge to reach out and touch it. Those girls… I began, before gasping.
Is something the matter?
Bridgie, I managed to say.
Sorry?
I pointed to the contented toddler playing in the corner of the picture. That’s my sister Bridgie, I’d forgotten she was there.
He stared at me. You…
I laughed. That’s me, there on the end, I said pointing to myself

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

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 8:06 am

*wipes eyes* what a shock for Sharlie to see a piccy after all that time

*chuckles knowingly* but Im still not reconciled to the name!! Wink

#54: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 8:33 am

Awww, bless her. Glad she's found that photo Very Happy

Thnaks Pim Kiss

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

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 8:35 am

ALLY stop teasing!
I hope Sharlie won't be tormented with bad memories now.

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

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 8:42 am

*smirks slightly* Ally, I like the name! tongue

Thank you Pim Very Happy

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

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:24 am

Thank you Pim!

poke

Ally and Gem for teasing!

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

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:31 am

Also hope it doesn't stir bad memories for Sharlie.

Thanks Pim.

#59: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 11:09 am

What a very moving post, pim, and I do hope she doesn't let it drag her down. Perhaps Kathie can help her here.

Lovely. Smile

#60: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 11:32 am

Ah! that was lovely. It may make her sad now but it will be a comfort later. Thanks Pim

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

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 2:07 pm

I wonder if the photo can help Harri in some way?

Lovely post, thanks pim.

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

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 3:39 pm

Just caught up on six pages and it's all great!

Thank you pim!!

Sending some air cushions to help you from being squashed flat like a biscuit if Ally sits on you again...

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

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 3:42 pm

For a moment neither of us spoke and then I began to laugh again. I’m sorry, this must be quite unusual for you. He nodded. I wouldn’t have even noticed if I’d been on my own, but my friend was looking at the display. I turned back to the picture. That’s the first picture of me, and the only one before I was evacuated.
Who are the others?
Well that’s me on the left in blue, not that you can tell it’s blue on the picture. Next to me is Elizabeth, my sister, she’s a year younger than me. The one a couple of steps back wearing her coat is Rebecca, she’s a year older. And the blonde one on the end is Harriet, she’s two years younger. And the little one in the corner is Bridget. We’re all sisters.
This is quite remarkable Miss… he began.
Andrews, I finished. Charlotte, I held out my hand. Pleased to make your acquaintance Mr…
Graham, he replied shaking my hand. Colin. My father owns this place.
I remember him, I said smiling. Harriet kept on pestering him about his photographic equipment, she was only four. Rebecca and I hadn’t noticed she’d gone to talk to him, we were too busy trying to keep Bridgie clean so that mam didn’t yell at us.
Sharlie, is everything… began Kathie as she entered the shop.
Mr Graham, this is my teaching colleague, Miss Ferrars.
Pleased to meet you, she said as they shook hands.
Likewise, he replied distractedly.
It’s a lovely picture, isn’t it, she asked.
I grinned. It’ the only one of us all together, in fact it’s the only one of all five of us before Bridgie died.
Bridget? Bridget Andrews – the girl who drowned at the docks during the war? He asked. You’re her sister?
Yes… I… Why? I stammered.
I remember reading about it in the papers, he said. I was fifteen, I couldn’t imagine what her family must have been going through. He turned back to the picture. Sometimes you don’t think about your subjects.
There was an awkward silence broken by Kathie. We really should be making tracks if we’re going to meet Harriet on time.
You’re right, I said. It’s been a pleasure talking to you Mr Graham.
You too Miss Andrews. But perhaps you’d like to have lunch with father and I tomorrow? I’m sure he’d love to meet you – this was one of his favourites after all.
I turned to Kathie but she had already begun to reply. You must go Sharlie.
I smiled. I’d like that very much.
Meet me here at half past twelve?
I will do, thank you very much.

I saw Kathie to the station the following day before I headed back to the Graham’s shop. I felt unusually nervous but they both soon put me at my ease insisting that there was no need to stand on ceremony. By the end of lunch they were Colin and Rupert, and I was Sharlie, it was as though I’d known them all my life. We went back to the shop afterwards where Rupert handed me a package containing four copies of our picture. I could hardly speak through gratitude. It’s perfect, I whispered. I left with a promise that I would come back and see them both during the Easter holidays. I could hardly wait for Elizabeth to come back from work as I hopped nervously around Rebecca’s house much to her and Harriet’s amusement. There was a stunned silence when I eventually handed round the copies. I’d forgotten about this, said Rebecca, where did you get it? Graham’s, near Lime Street station, I said, one of those blink and you miss it kind of places. Look at Bridgie, said Elizabeth and we all smiled. I turned to Harriet, Harri? She smiled, her eyes shining, it’s perfect

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

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 3:55 pm

Oh that's so lovely - really glad Harriet liked the picture.

And do I spy a little romance there with Mr Graham junior????

Thanks Pim. Laughing

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

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 4:13 pm

Awww, perfect! Thank you Pim!

#66: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 4:27 pm

That was beautiful, Pim, and definitely signs of romance. Smile

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

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 4:49 pm

B*gger the romance - if the photo helps Harri then it's a good day's work by Sharlie and the Andrewses.

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

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 5:04 pm

Luffly Pim! Thanks Very Happy

#69: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 6:08 pm

Thanks Pim. Kiss

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

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 8:16 pm

Gosh, what an experience for Sharlie, she must have been knocked off her feet by seeing the photo Confused

And that would be the perfect start of a romance..... not that I want to preempt Pim's wise drabblewriting or anything Rolling Eyes

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

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:44 pm

That was incredible luffly Pimmy! thank you!

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

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:47 pm

*feels warm and fluffy*

thank you, pimamory

#73: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:55 pm

That was lovely! I can just imagine how Sharlie and her sisters felt.

Great, Pim.

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

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 11:00 pm

Quote:

[quote="patmac"]That was lovely! I can just imagine how Sharlie and her sisters felt.

And what a sense of closure the photos bring to Harriet, too - after all these years, she can picture Bridget as a happy child, instead of as she was when her body was pulled out of the river.

Am not sure that Kathy fully understands that particular significance yet (unless I missed something as I was reading), but I'm sure she will be thrilled to have been part of the discovery. And what a lovely boost for her friendship with Sharlie, too.

More soon, please, Josie!! And thank you.

#75: Re: Sharlie Andrews Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 11:10 pm

Elder in Ontario wrote:

More soon, please, Josie!! And thank you.

*g* thanks for the flowers I only wish it were my drabble, it's so good! Laughing

Is Pimmy's though, so will pass on the credit! Very Happy

#76: Re: Sharlie Andrews Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 11:30 pm

Quote:

Josie wrote:

Elder in Ontario wrote:

More soon, please, Josie!! And thank you.

*g* thanks for the flowers I only wish it were my drabble, it's so good! Laughing

Is Pimmy's though, so will pass on the credit! Very Happy

Oops - mea culpa, Pimmy - I *do* apologise for that slip!

In any case, the sentiment still applies - More soon, please and thank you.

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

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 7:19 am

I headed down to Cambridge the following day. I’d decided when Jack was born that I needed to bridge the gaps with Annie. Tish had declined the offer at the last minute to spend it with some university friends but I was glad to see Lucy. Seeing how much Samantha had grown since I’d seen her as a newborn made me feel guilty – Annie was one of my oldest friends after all. New Year’s Eve was spent quietly with some friends of Annie and Mark’s, it was New Year’s Day when I eventually got to tackle Lucy alone.

Luce, we need to talk.
What about?
Kathie. Lucy’s expression darkened. Luce, you can’t keep ignoring it.
She told you then?
I nodded. She never meant for you to find out… not then at least, and not like that. She didn’t want to hurt you.
You could have fooled me, she said bitterly. I really thought she and Sam would…
How could they? The whole thing would have been a lie, would you have wanted them both to be so unhappy?
Well… no, of course I wouldn’t. It’s just… why did she stay with him if she didn’t?
Because she was confused Luce.
It’s not right though Shar.
What’s not right?
All this.
Why not?
It just isn’t.
Why though, I persisted. Are you like that too, I hated myself for asking.
No, she replied fiercely.
That sounds suspiciously like a denial.
It’s not.
It would explain a few things.
Sharlie!
What?
I can’t believe you’re accusing me of… of that!
Well, will you just try and understand then! I snapped. Kathie never meant to hurt you or Sam – you have to see things from her point of view as well as yours.
So why did she keep stringing him along all that time? Not to mention the others.
What would you have done? She was just trying to fit in Luce, and be like everybody else. And sometimes… there are things that you don’t want other people knowing about yourself. You’re a historian, you should know about persecution for being different. You can’t deny anyone happiness.
There was a silence. I suppose… I just wish she hadn’t lied all that time.
I don’t think she lied, or not intentionally. It was more of a growing realisation.
But it’s still not right.
What’s so wrong about feelings Lucy? Silence. The whole thing would have been a bigger lie if she’d agreed to marry Sam.
He proposed?
My hand flew to my mouth. I thought you knew.
She shook her head. But you’re right. I suppose it’s as well it came out now.
You weren’t meant to find out that way. Incidentally, why did you follow her?
I didn’t, or not intentionally. I was going to get something from my coat pocket. Kathie and Char were in the room with the coats. I knew about Char, half the college did, but Kathie… nobody suspected. She had a good front with her never ending string of male admirers, and well, she wasn’t…. let’s just say she didn’t play hard to get. At first we all thought she was rebelling in being away from home and making the most of freedom and independence but… well now I know the truth, it all makes sense. I’ll write to her when I get home and explain.

From Annie’s I headed to Trixie’s to discuss wedding plans and be measured for my dress. She didn’t say much about New Year in Scotland, only that it was probably the last time they’d all go. Will and Allie had broken up, he’d gone with his new girlfriend, Susie. I wasn’t sure if Trixie was telling me that to make me see what I was missing out on. But I knew I wasn’t missing out on anything, breaking up with Will had been my decision and I knew I’d been right to do so. After that I headed on to London to talk with Professor Stewart and I left with a list of survivors he had already contacted who lived in Switzerland that he wanted me to talk to. He still had no definite title for his book but the plans were taking shape nicely. All things considered it was almost a relief to meet Peggy at Victoria and head back to school.

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

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 8:11 am

Thanks Pimmeth, Im glad Sharlie was able to talk to Lucy, and hopefully repair Lucy and Kathies friendship Very Happy

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

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 8:27 am

Sounds like a busy break though - Sharlie will be glad to get back to school for some peace and quiet!

Thank you pim!

#80: Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 8:46 am

Great, as always. Thank you, Pim.

#81: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 9:26 am

Thanks Pim. Lovely post Very Happy

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

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 1:58 pm

Great posts Pim! Very Happy

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

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 5:33 pm

Lovely pimkin - sharlie seems so much more mature than when she started at the CS...it's good to see her trying to build bridges and repair friendships as it would have been all to easy to let everything go.

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

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 6:55 pm

Lovely conversation with Lucy.

Thanks Pimmerrang

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

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 9:05 pm

That was lovely Pimmy!!!

Hope Kathie can forgive Lucy, and they can be friends again!

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

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 3:40 am

Thank you pim!!! Sharlie seems to have sorted Lucy out - but where's Sam???

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

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 7:14 am

It felt so nice to be back in the staff room at school amidst the hustle and bustle and chatter of everybody catching up on holiday news. Biddy and Eugen had finally set a wedding date for the summer, consequently she was mobbed by everybody demanding to know the details. By virtue of our status as staff babies Kathie and I gravitated towards each other and found a quiet corner of the staff room to catch up on the news since we’d last seen each other.

I suppose I should be thanking you, she said after we’d caught up on the essentials.
What on earth for?
I had a letter from Lucy, apologising.
Oh. I stared at the floor. Are you angry?
I was at first.
It just seemed like the opportune moment to try and explain to Lucy.
I can fight my own battles Sharlie.
I thought you might like to know that there was someone fighting in your corner for you.
Yes, I am… I’m sorry Sharlie. I’d wanted to deal with it myself, you didn’t need to get involved.
I smiled wryly. You didn’t seem to be having much success on your own.
She smiled. I’m sorry, don’t worry about it. I’m glad Lucy and I are on speaking terms again, I’ve hated not speaking to her these last months. She paused. Anyway, how was your date with Colin?
It was hardly a date – his father was there!
She raised an eyebrow. So if his father hadn’t been there it would have been a date?
Kathleen Margaret Ferrars! I exclaimed. I swear that your mind resides in the sewer! She replied by pulling a face and I responded in a similar manner.
So nice to see the staff babies behaving in an appropriate manner, came from Peggy as she appeared between us both. Kathie and I reacted with a friendly punch aimed to each of her arms. See what I mean?! Kathie winked at me and suddenly pushed Peggy into the nearest chair, grabbing a cushion as she did so. I followed her lead and we began pummelling Peggy mercilessly and with shrieks of laugher. Mercy! Peggy shrieked eventually as she stuck out a foot and tripped Kathie who landed in an unceremonious heap on the floor. The three of us were hysterical with laughter.
Really, said Nancy coolly as she came over to help Kathie up. I sank into the nearest chair shaking with helpless laughter. You three are worse than the Juniors on occasion!
Says you, exclaimed Peggy flinging a cushion.
Isn’t it great to be back, I said with a happy sigh as I flumped back in my chair.

Term soon got underway, the weather was still fit for winter sporting so we were taking advantage of that. I was quite steady on my skis by now and felt much more comfortable helping the Juniors than I had done twelve months previously. More exciting within the school was the discovery that the next term would see the school’s coming of age celebrations. The Heads proposed that suggestions were put forward by each form for how such an event could be marked. I was kept busy by the Juniors who were quite keen to come up with a wonderful idea and kept throwing the maddest suggestions at me. I’d accidentally overheard them discussing birthday cakes one morning as I arrived at the form room. I made no sign to them that I’d overheard their plans but I rather liked the suggestion. Eventually we sat down as a staff to discuss the girls’ propositions and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one to notice the sudden smirk which kept crossing Kathie’s face from time to time. I recognised the birthday cake suggestion and was pleased that the others passed it. The photograph idea of everybody present at the coming of age celebrations and the scrapbooks with the whereabouts of Old Girls were also good ideas and I found myself thinking back to St Monica’s and the factory school in Liverpool. I often wondered what had become of Miss Hathersage and Miss Newton. The pièce de résistance, however, was the suggestion of the building of the school’s own chapels. It was seized on instantly with the offers of donations from everybody. The Heads proposed that the idea be discussed with Lady Russell and then Kathie revealed why she’d been smirking all evening. The idea had come from her own for who had discussed it with her the previous evening. The whole idea of the celebrations sent the school into a wild state of excitement and even Matron, who had just lost her sister, seemed to be restored to her usual self by it.

It seemed that, for once, everything was going swimmingly. And then the Föhn came.

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

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 7:23 am

Just love the idea of the Staff of the Chalet School having a pillow fight! Laughing

Thank you Pimmy

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

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 8:43 am

Wonderful, love the staff at play and the way you fit in parts from the books too!

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

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 9:21 am

This is just lovely!

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

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 12:23 pm

Just caught up on about 8 pages of this!

Thanks for all of it Pimzerade

Liz

#92: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 2:43 pm

Thank you Pim! Just caught up on the last three pages! I love the way it crosses into the books! Thank you!! Thank you Oh Shiny One!!
Very Happy

#93: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 3:55 pm

Thank you Pim. I too love the staff room scenes and the way the books link in.

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

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 7:51 am

I didn’t associate the black mood I’d awoken in with the Föhn to begin with, not even after I’d almost flung the book I was giving Diktat from at Lower IVA. It wasn’t until later when Peggy had almost bitten my head when I asked something trivial that the Föhn eventually entered my thoughts. We all hoped that it wouldn’t last and would hopefully pass over quickly. Three days later the Föhn was still lingering and everybody’s nerves were on edge having been cooped up indoors for so long. I was sitting marking Diktat that evening and had to chuckle to myself over some of the efforts that had been handed in.

Sharlie for goodness sake! Snapped Biddy suddenly. There’s absolutely nothing to laugh about, honestly you’re behaving worse than Lower IVA!
I rolled my eyes. Well I’m sorry. I’ll go and chuckle to myself elsewhere.
I wish you would!
Fine, I snapped, standing up and sweeping my books into my arms and began to storm out.
Try making a little less noise, would you.
I spun around, something suddenly completely snapping. As you wish. And with that I dropped the pile of Lower IVA Diktat books I was carrying with a resounding crash. Better?
You’d best be picking those up, retorted Biddy as I bent down to gather them up.
I’m not completely stupid, I shouted as I collected the last ones, stood up and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind me as I did so.

I hate the Föhn, I declared with vim as I flung myself into a corner of the staff sitting room. It’s so thoroughly miserablising! Kathie looked at me over the top of her novel and chuckled. It’s nothing to laugh about!
Oh don’t you start, she replied sharply, snapping her book shut. I’ve already had it from Rosalind and Peggy, I don’t need it from you as well.
Well I don’t need it from you either.
Just shut up then! If you’re not speaking then we won’t be getting snappy and stupid for no good reason.
I’m perfectly aware of that.
Doesn’t look like it to me.
I am.
Funny that you’re still talking then.
So are you!
You are too!
I just… I stopped and stood up. I’m going to bed.
Good.
Fine, I’m going.
Sharlie, don’t slam that… I heard Ruth Derwent begin saying as I let the door bang shut behind me.

I didn’t get to sleep easily that night, I tossed and turned trying to get comfortable so I could drop off. We’d suffered the Föhn for three days and it was showing, everybody had been sleeping badly and we’d rowed over the stupidest things. It was like being a child again. I awoke the following morning long before the bell but I noticed the difference immediately. The world suddenly seemed lighter and brighter, the Föhn had passed. I smiled to myself and snuggled back down under the covers into the easiest sleep I’d had in days. For all that I loved my job there were some things I would have no qualms about changing.

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

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 8:46 am

So good to see all the Staff being affected too!

Thanks Pim

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

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 9:11 am

Completely at sea over the Fohn...

#97: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 1:29 pm

Wow! So much I've missed. I really have to stop going away. I'm totally lost over the Fohn too, must be in a book I haven't read yet.
Love all the stuff with Sharlie and Kathie and the photograph. I remember thinking it was an odd detail right back at the beginning but I'd completely forgotten it. Talk about keeping us on our toes Pim!

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

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 3:04 pm

Brilliant Pimmy!!

Lovely to see a few spats amongst the staff as well as the girls!

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

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 3:16 pm

*g* great to see the effects of the Föhn on the staff as well as the girls!!

Cheers Pim Very Happy

#100: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 4:05 pm

Lovely, amusing post, Pim

Thank you Smile

#101: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 4:26 pm

Thank you Pim! Me likeded. vair shiny indeed Very Happy

#102: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 6:10 pm

*g* at the Staff. Two fab posts Pim. I love seeing the staff like this, as little more than girls themselves. Laughing

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

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 7:49 pm

Thanks Pimlie - lovely to see how the staff snap at each other because of the Fohn - and I love the word "miserablising"

Liz

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

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 9:42 pm

poor staff - glad Sharlie saw sense in the end though!

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

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 8:50 am

*g* fantastic! thank you Pim!

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

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 8:53 am

The Föhn was in the chapter called The staff create a sensation in Excitements and it mentions everyone getting ratty with each other, so it was rather fab to write last week when I was in a foul mood and feeling somewhat doomed. Very Happy

Once the Föhn had gone life at the Chalet School got back to as close to normal as it ever did. The Welsen pantomime of Aladdin was the next thing to come off and something that everyone was looking forward to. It was a thoroughly enjoyable show right up until the end when the fire broke out. Luckily everybody kept their heads and the only real damage was done to the hall. We were all certainly ready for half term when it rolled around even though we weren’t getting the full weekend just day trips. Kathie had elected to take Inter V to Solothurn and was winding them up by not saying where they were off to. She and Nancy had spent their free weekend there the previous term so she had everything planned out. After a lot of deliberation I plumped for taking the Thirds to Basle – largely because they could have a trip to the zoo if nothing else, and Peggy asked if she could tag along. An enjoyable day was had by all and it was a very tired and sleepy group of Juniors we brought back that evening. The rest of term was somewhat subdued after half term which was something of a relief for us. I’d heard the legends of Miss Bubb of course but never thought that I would ever have anything to do with her until it transpired that she as on the Platz and after much deliberation the Heads had allowed her to come in and coach Latin with the older girls. I had nothing to do with her and she had nothing to do with me and I’d heard enough of her to be glad of that situation. Term wound up with a riotous ‘Spot Supper’, an idea we’d seized upon one evening when Kathie had been waxing lyrical about her school days.

I’d intended to go to Dunkirk alone at the end of term for a couple of days before heading on to Trixie’s wedding. I’d wanted to make my final peace with da on my own but Kathie had offered to come along for moral support and, after much soul searching, I’d agreed that I might need it. We arrived late in the evening and headed out to find somewhere to get dinner.

What was your father like, asked Kathie suddenly as we waited for our meals.
He was, I broke off, unsure how to continue. I’d never been asked so directly about da before. He taught me so much, to dream, to reach for the sky, to believe in myself and to never give up hope. But at the same time he was… da, he was two different people and he would just switch between the two. He was never there when we needed him, he would drink away his wages in the pub, he never loved us girls as he loved George. When George died it was as thought something in da died as well. But despite everything I would have done anything for my da, all I ever wanted was for him to say that he loved me. I broke off. I just wish he could be here now.
Kathie gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. At least you have your memories.
I smiled. True, and one day we’ll have all the time in the world to catch up.

***

I watch her from a distance, the tiny figure in the blue coat sitting on her heels before the white cross marking the grave. I wander among the rows of crosses and headstones each bearing a name and a date, some with flowers set before them. The dates are a reminder of the senseless waste of life, the names a reminder that these were real people, the flowers a reminder that they have families who will always love them. I was lucky in that the War hardly touched my life; I cannot even begin to imagine what she must be feeling now. I was orphaned at a day old, I did not lose my parents to a war which touched so many and robbed them of their relatives. I can see that she is crying as she lays the flowers at the foot of the cross. It has been thirteen years since his death, but only now has she been able to come to his grave and grieve. I never knew my father, I do not have the memories as she does, I have nothing to cling to; but in this moment we are united in our losses. She reaches out to caress the edge of the cross, I wonder if it helps her feel closer to him. I want to reach out and comfort her but this is her moment with her father and I cannot intrude. I look amongst the names and numbers knowing that these are only a tiny fraction of those who gave their lives so that we might be free. I owe each and every one of them so much that the endless rows of stones does not seem enough to thank them. My eyes refocus on one in particular, the tiny figure in the blue coat has stood up and is walking towards me. I can see the tears in her eyes, but there are no words. She smiles at me through her tears and I know that she is at peace.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!
Mary Frye (1932)

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

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 9:02 am

Thank you Pim.

Beautiful - I've always liked that poem and loved Kathie's reflections on watching Sharlie.

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

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 12:43 pm

Thank you Pim! That was beautiful and I am covered in goosebumps and trying not to cry!

#109: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 4:56 pm

thank you pim *is also trying not to cry*

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

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 6:33 pm

Thank you Pim

Pim has shares in the tissue factory with MaryR!!

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

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 6:36 pm

Thanks Pim - and seeing it through Kathie's eyes made it that much more poignant.

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

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 10:38 pm

((Kathie))

lovely to see things like half terms from the staff perspective

#113: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 6:25 am

Two lovely posts, Pim. I love the way the staff are able to get ratty with one another when they need to. You can only do that with people you are close to.

Kathie's thoughts as Sharlie visited her father's grave were lovely. I could see that scene. It is moving enough to visit war cemeteries even when you have no one there. I'm glad she's found him.

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

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 7:08 am

I was feeling a lot more positive when I arrived at Trixie’s looking forward to the wedding. I had made my peace with the past in Dunkirk, now I faced the future with a new hope. The Macintosh household was in chaos when I arrived but so typically Trixie to be doing everything at the last minute. Tash and Lily Beth arrived the following day and we were pressed into helping make up endless buttonholes and writing names on place cards. You’re a teacher Sharlie, protested Tash, you do the writing, it’ll be legible. I laughed, I think that’s the last adjective my juniors would use to describe my handwriting – report cards are such terrible pressure! Occasionally I was whisked away to be jabbed with needles and pins as Trixie’s mother tried to make my dress fit properly. It fitted perfectly at Christmas, I wailed. You shouldn’t have lost weight last term, replied Trixie’s mother simply, clearly they’re not feeding you enough at that school of yours! Oh but they are, I exclaimed, more than enough, it must be mountain air and exercise. We’d only met Paul briefly in the run up to the wedding when he’d come over with his best man, Joshua, to collect their shirts which Trixie’s mother had been altering. He seemed pleasant enough, an affable sort of chap who Trixie lit up around. I didn’t doubt that they would be very happy together.

The morning of the wedding dawned unusually warm and sunny. Amazingly everything was ready although Trixie’s mother was still running round with a mouthful of pins to make sure that mine, Trixie and the young bridesmaids’ dresses fitted properly. Stop touching your hair Charlotte, her mother snapped at me, there isn’t time to put it back up if you bring it all down! I stopped instantly and paced impatiently to deal with my nerves instead.

You look stunning, I told Trixie as we snatched a moment together before we left.
Thanks, she smiled. You don’t scrub up too bad yourself.
I knew you’d be the first of us to get married, I said taking her hands. I know that you and Paul will be very happy together, he seems a nice chap.
Oh he is, she replied eagerly, her eyes shining. I’m not going into this blindly and naively Sharlie, I don’t expect it to be all sunshine and flowers. I’m prepared to work harder than I’ve ever worked before to make this work.
I don’t doubt you, I replied. I paused. I’m so happy for you Trix.
She grinned. If you’d told me on our first day in College Hall that we’d be here now I would never have believed you.
No, me neither. But I am glad fate threw us together.
I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
I was terrified about having a roommate, about uni, about starting over again. And then I met you, I was lucky to share with someone as wonderful as you.
I’d say the same thing. You’re special Sharlie, you taught me so much.
You taught me to live, to seize my freedom with both hands and to live for me.
Didn’t always go right did it?
I shook my head. But what does that matter? What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, remember? Trix, thank you… for everything, for always being there when I needed you, for never judging me and for caring far too much.
It’s the end of an era, isn’t it?
I shook my head. No, when one door closes another one opens. You and Paul are going to walk through that open door together. And somewhere on the other side there’s another door, and whenever you need me you just open that door and I’ll be here for you.

We both stopped there, unable to stop our tears as we hugged each other until a cry of for goodness sake, don’t crease your dresses, came from Trixie’s mother.

The tears started again as I followed Trixie down the aisle when I caught Tash and Lily Beth’s eyes. They were in their pew, hankies at the ready and grinning all over their faces. I watched as Trixie signed herself Patricia Macintosh for the last time and left the church Patricia Markham. We headed on for the reception where Josh, the best man, made a beeline for Tash and seemed quite taken with her. By the end of the evening they were dancing slowly and carefully in each other’s arms, her head against his shojulder as they ignored the world around them. Tash next do you think, asked Lily Beth. I grinned, who knows, it might be you and Martin. She shook her head, we’ve got no future, we’re putting on a united front for today but we’ve both agreed that there’s nothing left. I’m sorry, I said. She shrugged, don’t be, one door closes another one opens, right? I nodded, right. Let’s not spoil Trix’s day, she said as Will danced by with Susie, the latest woman in his life, Will, on the other hadn, appears to be developing awful taste in women. She stopped and stared pointedly at me. Don’t start Lily Beth, I said, Will’s life is Will’s own, he can date who he likes. Somebody on the horizon Sharlie, she asked. I shook my head, only teaching, you go and dance with Martin, keep up the united front. Will you be okay on your own, she asked. I nodded and watched her disappear into the crowd. I leant back in my chair with a happy sigh, and a feeling of serenity and contentment.

#115: Author: Kateth, Location: Heidelberg

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 7:27 am

Awwww, thank you Pim!

#116: Author: Claire B in NZ,

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 8:10 am

Thank you Pim. It's beautiful and has had me in tears, and laughing out loud.

The trip to Dunkirk was especially poignant as it appeared on Anzac Day, the 11th November of NZ and Australia.

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

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 8:28 am

Thank you Pim. Lovely wedding!

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

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 9:05 am

Loved Trixie's wedding!

#119: Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 9:05 am

I've just caught up with loads of this. Great as ever. Thanks Pim.

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

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 7:18 pm

wonderful to see Trixie again!

Thank you pim

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

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 7:36 pm

Thank you Pim - love all the run up to the wedding!

#122: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 12:42 am

Thanks Pim, have just caught up on pages and pages of this. Love seeing the action at the school through different eyes. Glad they found the photo.

#123: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 6:39 am

I'm so glad Sharlie hasn't left her friends behind. Lovely Pim - I think I might have said that before?

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

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 7:18 am

Thank you Pim!

really good to see the girls again and they're all so level-headed!

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

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 8:46 am

I headed back to Liverpool via London to drop my transcripts with Professor Stewart. I’d shunned company on my free days and gone off alone to talk to survivors. It didn’t matter how often I heard their testimonies I continued to be haunted by what had happened. There wasn’t really anyone at school who understood for me to talk it over with; Biddy came the closest but even then she never quite saw where I was coming from. Being able to vent at Professor Stewart at the end of term was always my biggest help, he was the only one who truly understood. Everything’s steaming ahead nicely Charlotte, he said as we sat in his office going over my notes. Good, I replied, did you ever come up with a title by the way? Oh yes, he said absent mindedly, I thought I’d told you, I shook my head, I ran with your suggestion. Which one, I asked, I gave you several. Walking in their shoes: The Survivor’s Holocaust, he replied matter of factedly, in fact it was Esther who persuaded me to run on that one. I smiled, good. I don’t know if Sara’s told you, he said suddenly, but Esther’s coming to Germany with me this summer, I’m going to Belsen for a few days to do some research. Oh, I said, half with relief, half in surprise, that’s a step in the right direction right? He nodded, she said she should lay some demons to rest before we got married… no Charlotte nothing’s definite yet. Oh you, I said with a laugh.

I had barely a week in Liverpool as Easter term had been so long, but I was looking forward to a long summer back there. I arrived back to a small amount of news as well.

Dear Sharlie,

Noel and I are parents! It’s all rather quick, it seems only yesterday that we got married but Rosamund Anne, Rosie for everyday, arrived two days ago. I may be biased but she really is wonderful, there’s such a difference between looking after other people’s children and having your own – I can’t describe it. Everything went remarkably well so I should be up and about in no time, I can’t be doing with this lying around in bed! I do hope you’ll be able to manage a few days here during the summer. I’d love you to see Rosie whilst she’s still a tiny. Have a good summer term and enjoy the Tyrol – I can’t tell you how jealous I am!

Love Beth, Noel and Rosie.

Dear Sharlie,

Coo! How do you make teaching sound so easy? I’m shattered after last term and St Catherine’s doesn’t seem go in for things half as wholesale as the Chalet School seems to do! That said I am enjoying it all, I really feel that I did the right thing all those years ago convincing my parents that this was what I wanted to do. On a more serious note, how are your saving plans for Australia going? I have to admit that I’m making a fair old hash of saving. If I had a report card on the subject it would say ‘must try harder’! Anyway, how do you fance a few days down at my parents’ this summer, I’ll invite Lucy as well of course as it’s such an age since I saw you both!

Love, Tish.

Dear Sharlie,

And winter rolls around once more in Australia. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the seasons being the wrong way round. My mother is coming out in September for the whole month, it’ll be fantastic to see her again – father is coming for a fortnight as he can’t get more time off work. The real world of work is treating me quite well – I’m working for a bookshop here. It pays nicely and I get to spend my days playing with books – fabulous! I’m living with a girl I knew from university, Lauren, we’re both very clean so my parents will approve. I’m thinking of heading back over to the UK for a holiday sometime next year – probably in the summer so I can have two summers! But if you let me know when your term dates are so I know when you’re in the country that would be excellent. I’m glad that teaching is going well for you, the Chalet School sounds truly wonderful and I loved the snaps of the Alps you sent – how I long to go! Maybe one day I’ll get to. I still haven’t decided if I’m settled in Australia for good or if I’ll eventually come back to England. I suppose I’ll just sit it out and see how it goes. I miss my parents of course but I guess being so far away makes me appreciate them all the more. Take care of yourself and write soon.

Love, Nicole.

Dear Sharlie,

The end is in sight, only of the MA and sadly not my thesis for it which appears to be going precisely nowhere. I’ve got an offer of starting my PhD here in Oxford, provided that I pass my MA, this autumn. I’d looked at going elsewhere but in all honesty I’m settled in Oxford and I don’t really want the hassle of having to start over somewhere new just yet. That said, I’m not staying at Hilda’s, I’m moving to Lady Margaret Hall. As much as I love Hilda’s it’ll be nice to have a change of scenery after four years. Kathie came to visit for a couple of days to talk and get everything out in the open. We consumed more wine than is strictly good for a person – I suppose teaching is repressing her party animal side somewhat! I’m glad you two have made such good friends though. See you over the summer at some point – goodness knows I’ll need it to take the time out of my thesis to stop my brain exploding!

Love, Lucy.

There wasn’t nearly enough time to do everything I wanted in Liverpool and see everybody I’d hoped to but my family came first. I had lunch with Colin and Rupert again, they suggested that I bring my sisters the next time. They all said it was a good idea when I suggested it to them. Rupert made a tentative suggestion that we tried to recreate the picture he’d taken of us all those years ago, but I couldn’t agree. It would be missing Bridget and besides we never went back to the street where we grew up.

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

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 8:52 am

Thank you PIm. Lovely to hear all the news from Sharlie's friends.

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

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 10:54 am

Thanks Pim, its great to catch up on everyones news! Very Happy

#128: Author: Guest (MaryR),

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 11:19 am

At long last I can catch up with the last few episodes. I have really enjoyed them, Pim, especially reading all about Sharlie's "other" life - or real life!!

Thank you. Smile

#129: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 12:15 pm

*sniffles* at Kathie's description of Sharlie in Dunkirk. Crying or Very sad

But Trixie's wedding was lovely, and so are all her letters. I love hearing news from all her old friends.

#130: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 4:02 pm

thanks Pim. Nice to see the depth of Sharlie and Trixie's friendship and glad Kathie went to see Lucy.

The concept of consuimg too much wine sound a bit familiar Shocked

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

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 4:57 pm

|Love that Kathie had to suppress her party animal side! Laughing

Thank you Pim.

#132: Author: JoW, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 5:56 pm

When I read the news of Sharlie's friends I feel as though I'm reading news of my friends. I'm enjoying this so much.

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

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 6:26 pm

Have just caught up on all 8 pages I hadn't read and they were all wonderful - as JoW says it feels like catching up on friends gossip

#134: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 7:00 pm

Thank you Pim!
Still loving this loads Very Happy

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

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 8:54 pm

thank you pim - shiny as ever!!

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

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 8:04 am

I was looking forward to summer term, not least because of the trip to the Tyrol which was planned, along with that there was the annual sale and all the coming of age celebrations. There was something homely about returning to the Chalet School and being in the staff room amongst friends. The Juniors’ trip to the Tyrol was due to come off the second weekend of term and they had all been on more than their best behaviour to avoid missing out. Céline Lenoir, Peggy would be taking the trip with me, the latter was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement at the prospect of going back to the place where she’d first encountered the Chalet School. I can’t wait to go back, she declared nostalgically two nights before we were due to depart, just wait until you see the Tiernsee Sharlie, the Thun really isn’t even a patch on it. I could only hope that my reality would live up to Peggy’s memories. Stop gloating you two, groaned Kathie the night before, have some mercy on those of us who have to wait to go! Kathie, Nancy, Biddy and Davida Armitage, the science mistress, would be going in a fortnight’s time with the senior middles – I didn’t envy them taking that crowd!

It was a long trip to Briseau on the shores of the Tiernsee and resulted in a very tired and fratchety group of Juniors on arrival who, for once, were only too willing to head in the direction of their beds. Peggy, Céline and I were none too far behind but we managed to stay up long enough to plan an itinery for the weekend. Friday and Sunday afternoon we had given over to walks and Saturday we would take the girls to Spartz for a look around. I unintentionally awoke early the next morning as the light streamed in through my window breaking my dreams. It was too nice to stay in bed so I opted to get up and have a short walk down by the lake before breakfast. I’d been too exhausted to take in the surroundings the previous evening but I wasn’t disappointed by what the early morning light showed me. I loved the Platz of course, but it was really nothing compared with the Tiernsee. I knew that politically it was impossible for the school to come back but how I wished it could. The early morning sun danced invitingly on the smooth surface of the lake and I longed to dive in and wash away the cares of the world. Then it seemed as though somebody had read my mind.

Fancy a dip, came from behind me.
I turned round. Peggy! How did you know?
You weren’t in your room and Herr Schmidt said you’d gone out so I took a lucky guess as to which direction you went in. Looks like I was right. I brought your bathers along since I noticed you hadn’t.
Is it safe?
A little way along is better, but yes. We used to swim out here all the time with the school. If only we could come back, the Thun just isn’t the same! Damn politics!
I grinned. Indeed.
Peggy flung my swimming costume at me. Last one in’s a scaredy cat!

I plunged after Peggy into the deliciously refreshing lake water, the Thun paling into insignificance beside it. After half an hour we decided that we should head back to the Gasthaus only to find that there was no sign of life from anybody else. Lazy bones, said Peggy with a grin as we headed upstairs for a wash. By 8.30 we decided it was time to wake the others in order to not waste the day’s walking and by 10.30 we were finally ready to walk up to the Sonnalpe and a little higher to picnic. We had a long and relaxing day once we arrived there. Peggy spent the day surrounded by enthusiastic Juniors all eager to hear about her exploits from when the school had been here. We arrived back at the Gasthaus in time for dinner and nobody argued wit hthe decree of bed immediately afterwards. After a long night’s sleep we were all fully refreshed and prepared for a day in Spartz, going down by the mountain train. I loved Spartz but had to keep jabbing Peggy in the ribs to stop her wandering off into daydreams about her days there. For the first time I heard the full story of the school’s escape from the Nazis, up until then it had only been mentioning in passing. I hadn’t known that Miss Wilson, Jo and several others had been forced to flee having defended an old Jew against the Nazi yobs and that they’d walked all the way to the Swiss border. I made up my mind to try asking Jo about it the next time I was over at Freudesheim. After church the following morning we went for a long stroll along the lake for almost as far as it was possible followed by a quick dip before dinner.

I stood with Peggy on the lake shore the following morning after breakfast before the coaches were due to arrive.

You’ll be able to come back any time, I said, noticing the tears form in her eyes and gave her arm a reassuring squeeze.
She smiled weakly. It’s not the same though. I have so many memories of here.
Nobody can take those away Peg.
I know that… but, I can’t explain… I feel as though I’ll always belong here. The Platz is wonderful but it lacks something. I don’t know what it is, but it’s here.
We both stared over the calm water of the Tiernsee, shimmering in the morning sunlight. Come on, I said eventually. We don’t want to miss the bus.

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

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 8:41 am

Lovely, thank you PIm. Poor Peggy sometimes visiting a special place makes it harder to leave again.

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

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 8:47 am

Thanks Pim.
I never understood the political reasons for why the school did not move back to Tyrol-I mean Austria wasn't Communist after the war so why couldn't the school move back?

#139: Author: Rosea, Location: Edinburgh

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 8:49 am

That was lovely Pim, and makes me look forward to my holiday in the Tyrol even more!

#140: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 9:13 am

How nice for Sharlie to be introduced to the beginnings of the school by someone who knew and loved it.

Thank you, Pim

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

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 9:50 am

*sniffles* Poor Peggy.

Thank you Pim Very Happy

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

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 10:22 am

Thank you Pim, that was lovely.

Re Austria not being Communist - no but Hungary was, and hadn't Russia just walked in there?

(My knowledge of that part of history is hazy in the extreme!!!)

#143: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 4:47 pm

Russian troups marched into Hungary in 1956 to squash an anti-Communist revolution. It was one of the nastiest retaliations there had been I think though I don't remember the details.

Aww poor Peggy. It must have been even harder for her in a way than people like Jo and Madge, because she had spent her childhood there. Thanks Pim!

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

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 7:16 am

I returned from the Tyrol to exciting news from Belfort:

Dear Sharlie,

Just a few short words to let you know that Charlotte Marie Leroux arrived three days ago. I know we didn’t tell you we were expecting her but I have been so worried about something going wrong. She is named Charlotte for you and I hope that she may follow in her namesake’s footsteps. She is my miracle. She will be baptised a Catholic but she will know of her Jewish heritage. I would like you to be an ‘unofficial’ godmother to Charlotte, her official ones are Michel’s sister and a close friend of his. I want my daughter to know you – you and Anna are the closest thing I have to a family and I believe you can teach her so much.

Love, Julia.

I was walking on air having heard the news and coupled with the impending sale and coming of age celebrations I was constantly happy, much to everyone else’s amusement. The Sale planned was a Shakespearian one and everybody was pitching in twice as hard to make sure that it bettered any previous one. There was hardly an time to spare, especially as it was such a short term anyway. The usual wobbly moments were had about the weather with us all anxiously staring out of the window the night before discussing cloud formations. Nobody expected to sleep much that night through nerves and excitement so Kathie invited Biddy, Nancy, Peggy and I along to her room for cocoa before we made any attempt to sleep.

You did what! exclaimed Peggy as Biddy recounted her adventure in hunt of milk in the kitchen the previous term.
A sorry sight she looked, put in Kathie with a giggle. I’d never seen the Abbess practically floored before!
Biddy reached across to gently poke Kathie in the shin. It wasn’t funny!
Mind my cocoa, groaned Kathie steadying her mug. I have no desire to explain to Matey why I want my bedding washed again this week!
What on earth did you do to it last time, asked Nancy from where she was perched on the pillow.
Kathie flushed. My fountain pen exploded.
How, asked Biddy.
Kathie shrugged. I took it out of my pen and ink went everywhere so I just flung it along with my jacket only they landed on my bed. Matey was NOT impressed! I felt about twelve years old again, she wound up ruefully.
She has that effect on people, I said wriggling off the bed to go and look out of the window.
What’s the weather doing, asked Peggy.
I pushed the window open further and poked my head out into the balmy night air. Can’t tell, it’s too dark, the stars are pretty though, I added shutting the window and dragging a chair over. I don’t know why we always try and cram on a bed when we’re provided with a surplus of chairs, I said sitting down and nursing my cocoa.
Because it’s cosier this way, retorted Kathie as she shuffled to make more room for Peggy and Nancy.
Cosy’s all well and good in the winter but it’s been boiling lately, I said.
Nancy uncurled her legs. Sharlie’s got a point, besides it can get cramped with five of us on here!
Tomorrow’s going to be good, said Biddy suddenly and decisively. But I can’t believe it’s going to be my last Sale as a mistress of the Chalet School!
You’ll be able to come back for them, said Peggy consolingly. You’re only going down the Platz – not to the dark side of the moon!
We all laughed. It won’t be the same thing, Biddy replied mournfully. So let’s make tomorrow the best sale ever for the Chalet School!
I’ll drink to that, grinned Peggy as we chinked mugs toasting ‘the Sale and the Chalet School’.

We needn’t have worried, the Sale was a roaring success and the weather remained glorious. There were so many of the Old Girls of the school there and it was nice to finally be able to put faces to some of the legendary names I’d heard so much about. The photographers came to take the big photo of everybody and the birthday cake went down a storm with all the guests much to the Juniors’ delight. By the end of the weekend we were all well and truly exhausted and ready to sleep for at least a week!

#145: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 7:45 am

How that brings back memories of college, all squashed together on one bed for a good natter!!! Smashing!!

And what a beautiful, touching letter. No wonder she was walking on air.

Thank you, Pim

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

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 8:23 am

Five chalet mistresses sitting on the bed
Matey came along and then they were dead! Wink

Thanks Pim, I love your vair norty staff Laughing

#147: Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 11:27 am

I love seeing the staff like this - cheers, Pim.

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

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 12:25 pm

Fabulous to see the staff so excited about the sale - in the books they get such a secondary role in it

#149: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 1:26 pm

Thank you, Pim! I am so enjoying this drabble, especially Sharlie's interactions with the other staff. Wonderful to hear about her new "unofficial godchild" as well.

In terms of politics, Austria was officially an occupied country until 1955, with the Soviets holding the east, and I believe there was significant worry that the country would become Communist. As far as I can tell from the map, the French were in charge of the Tirol, so maybe the fear wouldn't have been so stark there. However, there's also the question of whether the French would have welcomed an English school, if, as in the part of French-occupied Germany where a (rather bitter) informant spent his boyhood, study of foreign language was rather forcefully limited to French. (He'd wanted to study English.)

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

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 4:02 pm

After the excitement of the coming of age celebrations the rest of the term seemed to fly by, punctuated with the trips to the Tyrol. By all accounts the Prefects’ trip with Jo Maynard and her school friends had been the most eventful, culminating with the Maynards finding their dream holiday home back there. Most of us would be staying on at the Platz when term ended for Biddy’s wedding – Nancy, Peggy, Kathie and I were being put up by Hilary and Phil Graves who had kindly offered despite the very recent arrival of their daughter Lois. I think she just wants cheap babysitters, joked Peggy with regard to it all. Term wound up happily with Mary-Lou Trelawney winning the Jospehine Maynard prize, she was the obvious candidate for it and nobody doubted that the school would be in safe hands under her Head Girlship. Despite the jubilant mood within the school I was only too aware of the ‘bubble effect’ created on the Gornetz Platz. The war in Korea seemed to be finally dragging to an end but I didn’t like the look of the relations between the States and the USSR. Sam’s letters from Berlin were increasingly despondent about the stability of the balance of power in the city. For all that things were going well in my immediate sphere of existence, I couldn’t help but worry about the global situation.

We’d settled in at Hilary’s and were kept busy between helping to look after Marjorie and helping an increasingly frazzled Biddy over at Freudesheim. Two nights before the wedding Biddy had been over for dinner with us and after she, Kathie and I retired to the room Kathie and I were sharing after Biddy had said that she ‘wanted to talk to us’.

What’s up, I asked as we settled on my bed, Kathie and I either side of Biddy.
Biddy stared at her feet momentarily before tucking her knees under her chin. I’m scared, she admitted, resting her chin on her knees. And I wanted to draw on your collective wisdom.
Kathie and I raised eyebrows at each other. I wouldn’t call it wisdom, she said.
Experience then, said Biddy with a tut.
Simple question, I said. Do you love Eugen?
Biddy stared at me. I… I… she stammered. I think I do, but I’m not sure. I’ve never been in love before. I’ve never really… I mean, at Oxford there were a couple of chaps who chased me but I wasn’t interested. There was another one in Australia, we dated for a while but… well, it wasn’t really anything.
Let’s put it another way, said Kathie thoughtfully, chewing one of her fingernails. Could you imagine your life without Eugen?
Biddy shook her head. At first I probably could have, but now… she smiled wistfully. He’s always there, always on my mind. I… oh… she stopped, going faintly pink and buried her face in her knees.
How do you feel around him, pressed Kathie.
Well, I… um… she mumbled from her knees before looking up and scratching the back of her neck awkwardly. I can’t describe it. It’s… oh, I don’t know – it’s so unlike anything else!
I laughed. So Bridget O’Ryan, do you love him?
She looked between us both, her eyes dancing. I do believe I do.
I grinned. It’s a good foundation then. This is real life though, sadly, and not a book, so life won’t always be perfect but you’ve both come so far it would be a shame to throw it all away.
I’m realistic, replied Biddy simply. I know that a lot of people put on a united front to the world, pretending that everything’s fine.
You can only pretend for so long though, put in Kathie. Trust me on that one. But you and Eugen are both reasonable and mature adults, I don’t think you’ll ever have much need to pretend in publc.
The rest of my life is such a long time though, said Biddy.
It might not be, you could be run over by a bus next week, I offered cheerfully.
Sharlie you morbid doom monger, exclaimed Kathie. That wasn’t a very nice thing to say!
I was just highlighting a worst case scenario, I retorted sticking my tongue out at Kathie. Carpe Diem, Biddy.
What’s Latin got to do with it, she asked.
They were my nan’s last words – if we don’t reach for the stars we never get out of the gutter. Means, take your chances, be prepared to work and everything will turn out okay. But you can’t be afraid.
I’m not anymore, she said quietly. I don’t think I was, I just think I wanted some reassurance.
One thing though, Biddy, said Kathie stretching her legs out in front of her. Don’t ever lie to him.
I won’t, she replied solemnly.
Can’t build foundations on a lie, I muttered half to myself.
Or forever on a memory, Kathie whispered back.
Philosophical, remarked Biddy. But oh so true.
I shrugged. Do you promise to love, honour and obey him and all the rest of it?
I most certainly do, smiled Biddy.

Nobody could doubt that Bridget O’Ryan and Eugen Courvosier has made the right decision about their future as they promised to love, honour and obey each other for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health for the rest of their days together with complete honesty and sincerity. As they left the church a married couple taking the first steps down the road to the future that so many had taken before there wasn’t a dry eye amongst the congregation.

#151: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 4:05 pm

Not a dry eye here either, Pim!!

That was really moving, and so glad that Biddy got all the reassurance she needed. Bless! Very Happy

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

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 6:28 pm

Oh that was just shiny and lovely!

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

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 6:54 pm

I love the friendship you show between them..the conflabs etc bring back so many memories.

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

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 8:18 pm

Awww,that was so loving, so realistic, just what Biddy needed.

Thanks Pim.

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

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 9:02 pm

That was lovely Pimmy!
Thank you!

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

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 6:48 am

I headed down to Geneva the following day with Nancy and Kathie, they were having a week there before going back to England. I’d decided to spend a couple of days catching up with Sara and Anna before I made my way back to Liverpool. I hadn’t seen them since the previous term when I’d occasionally borrowed their flat as a base whilst carrying out my research. It’s good to see you under happier circumstances, Sara said and I had to agree. Her contract was due to finish that October and she was unsure as to what her next move would be. Anna, on the other hand, was inclined to stay in Geneva, she was doing well in her job and there was a steady young man in the background. His name was Guillaume Leclerc who came from Paris and was an accountant in the bank where Anna worked. I’ve questioned his motives, Sara told me in confidence, Guillaume and I had a nice long chat. You’re incorrigible, I exclaimed. I worry about her, she said, I needed to know he was going to treat her right. I smiled, of course you did. I liked Guillaume, he came to the flat for dinner one night and the four of us had an enjoyable evening, aided by the soothing wines of France. As Anna and Sara argued over the washing up he and I retired to their sitting room for a talk. He explained to me that he had been involved in the Resistance in Paris during the war and when France had been recaptured by the Allies he had been in Drancy for a month having been arrested for his part in a sabotage operation on one of the last trains leaving for Auschwitz.

How could I stand by and watch my country suffer like that, Sharlie, he asked. I was only twenty years old when France fell but I could not fight for the Germans. I exaggerated a leg injury and had to develop a limp for the rest of the war so that nobody was suspicious and I could then join the Resistance. After the Rafle de Vel d’Hiv we grew more and more suspicious of what the Nazis were doing to the Jews but information was hard to come by. So we would try and sabotage the trains taking them away, we wanted to do more but we didn’t know what we could do. He paused. I know that my month in Drancy is nothing compared to what Anna suffered at the hands of those animals.
Guillaume, I began, folding my arms.
He held his hand up. Sara has already… I will never hurt Anna, how can I? She has already hurt too much. I have never felt love like this before. I understand that she will always be affected by the war but I want to help her build new dreams for a new future.
Guillaume, if you ever… if you ever do anything to hurt Anna it won’t only be Sara you have to worry about but me as well.
I may have only known Anna since last November but even then I knew that I wanted to be a part of her life for now and always.
I smiled, unfolding my arms and softening a little. Just… take care of her okay?
He nodded. If I ask her to marry me… will you approve?
Yes, but don’t ever give me any cause to carry out my threat, I don’t make them idly.

Are you happy, I asked Anna the following day as we sat by Lake Geneva watching the fountain throw water into the air.
Of course I am. I’m so glad I left Grenoble to come here after my initial fears. I… she blushed. I wouldn’t have Guillaume otherwise. Sharlie, I never believed that I would ever be able to love anyone like this. You don’t know how I envied Esther for having Robert, I longed to find somebody who would understand like that.
So you love him then?
She nodded, her cheeks pink and her eyes shining. Absolutely, I can’t imagine my life without him and I think he understands…. Or at leas he tries to. Drancy is really nothing beside Birkenau… but he has an idea of sorts. If he didn’t understand, or didn’t want to or try to then I wouldn’t want to be with him. But he does.

Dear Sharlie,

And so another stupid war seems to be finally drawing to a close. I look at the state of the world and wonder what the point of it all is. Remember how jubilant everyone was in ’45? How optimistic we all were? The German menace had been defeated, we were going to live in peace and freedom and never be troubled again. How I laugh now! We kept that new hope for a whole five years, a mere nothing in the great scheme of things. The Yanks and the Soviets are so ideologically paranoid it’s ridiculous. The Allied powers were meant to govern Germany equally and fairly, how can that be achieved when they squabble like petty schoolchildren? It makes me sick that the people with the responsibility can abuse it so badly. Do they really think that we want to be dragged into war after war because they can’t agree on the best way to run the world? Being in Berlin is so disillusioning. How can they expect to rebuild a city and make new foundations when it is so divided? I just want to shake everyone until they see sense. I never expected to see Berlin get so petty. I never hated being here this much before. Everything has changed so much since I arrived and it’s most certainly not for the better. There are some days when I wish that one of them would just push that red button and put us all out of our misery. I really don’t know how much more of this I can take.

Always, Sam.

I was in London when the Korean War ended on July 27th. It felt so different from VE day eight years previously. People had simply stopped caring. Sam was right in so many years. Man will always go to war so long as there is something to war over, Professor Stewart told me. How I wished that it didn’t have to be that way. Freedom and peace were so precious, I didn’t see how politics could abuse them so.

#157: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 7:06 am

I'm glad Anna has a nice young man.

Poor Sam. Poor Berlin. It was such a depressing place during those years.

I'm finding Sharlie so real and three dimensional, with all the various threads of ther life coming together.

Thanks Pim.

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

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 8:38 am

Thanks Pim, Im so happy thay Anna has found someone, and Sara and Sharlie's protectiveness of her is lovely.

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

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 8:56 am

Sam's letter is really rather worrying - nothing nasty is going to happen to him is it?

Thanks for a lovely post Pim - so glad Anna has found happiness.

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

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 9:11 am

I'm glad Anna has found Guillaume but I can't help being worried by the threats from both Sara and Sharlie.

#161: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 9:55 am

Great posts Pim, thanks Kiss

Especially loved Sharlie and Kathie reassuring Biddy. Smile

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

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 10:24 am

*Wibbles over the rather lovely Sam*

#163: Author: Kim, Location: Tipperary, Ireland

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 12:09 pm

this is wonderful Pim and must be very hard to write at times. I like the link of Nancy and Kathie spending the week in Geneva. It links so well with other drabbles

#164: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 4:40 pm

Thank you Pim!

You're very right in saying that you update far more than I do! Your drabble is vair shiny and i like it muchly.

I'm glad Sharlie is so happy! Laughing

#165: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 10:37 pm

Thanks Pim some lovely posts there. Glad Sharlie enjoyed Tyrol!

Poor Sam!

Hope you ahve had a nice day in Newcastle.

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

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 7:52 am

Thank you Pim!

Wibbling about Sam - a lot!

#167: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 7:48 pm

awwws and wibbles in all the appropriate places. Poor Sam. Sad

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

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 8:12 pm

Lovely posts, Pim. I hope you managed to write lots and lots more on the journey home!

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

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 10:51 pm

Thanks Pim

*joins the wibbling over Sam*

Liz

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

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 11:13 pm

Lovely, Pim - thank you! Very Happy

Especially like Biddy being reassured by Kathie and Sharlie Very Happy

*bouncing happily*

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

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 10:49 am

The beginning of August saw me heading to Guernsey to visit Beth, Noel and Rosie. They made such a complete family and it was plain to see how much Beth and Noel loved each other. Rosie was a chubby, contented baby staring curiously out at the world from enormous blue yes. She’s so good, I said as Rosie lay contentedly in my arms, gurgling quietly. Beth laughed, she has to be with young Janice and Judy around! I’d grown attached to that pair and Ailie Russell over the past two years; I would always look on my first group of pupils with a particular affection. I had four long, glorious summer days on Guernsey seeing the places where Beth had grown up and the places that had meant so much to the school in the first year when it had first fled the Tyrol. I can’t see myself ever living anywhere else, Beth told me, but Noel’s work takes him away so often it would probably make more sense for us to move somewhere more… accessible, I do hate being away from him. I had never felt that way about Liverpool, I supposed that the closest I came to it was the Platz. Home is such an abstract concept, I had never really had one. Belonging somewhere is different and I was lucky to belong both at school and with my sisters.

I bade farewell to Beth and headed up to Cambridge to spend a weekend with Annie, Mark and Samantha. I still felt distanced from Annie, but she was one of my oldest friends and I couldn’t throw that away. You’re so good with Samantha, she said to me as I finished putting her to bed on the Friday night. I grinned, novelty, Rebecca says Sarah’s exactly the same – behaves herself for me. Saturday was a long, hazy summer day which we spent by the river watching the punters from the safety of the banks. We had taken Samantha and a picnic and had a thoroughly pleasant day. Are you going to teach Samantha to punt when she’s older, I asked innocently. Annie squalled, with the havoc she wreaks on dry land?! I giggled, is that a ‘no’ then? Annie smiled, we’ll see, I’m just not sure that she’ll be the safest person to teach with the trails of destruction she has a tendency to leave in her wake! Sunday was quiet and on Monday I caught the train down to Bristol to visit Tish for the rest of the week.

It had been more years than I cared to count since I’d last been to Tish’s, not to mention the two and a half years since I’d last seen her. Her parents were on holiday in the south of France so she, Lucy and I had the full run of the house and car. I’m amazed at your parents, remarked Lucy with a grin, they should know better by now. I’m a responsible member of society these days, replied Tish sweetly, job and all that. Tish offered to teach me to drive in her father’s car but I politely declined; Kathie had given me a few lessons in the school car but I was somewhat hopeless at it. Despite her claims of responsibility Tish was still as mad and fun loving as ever. We took full advantage of her parents’ car and took long drives out to the coast, spending the days in the company of the sand and the sea. As much as I loved the mountains there was something calming about being by a vast expanse of water with a seemingly never ending horizon. A week wasn’t long enough for us to catch up on everything and I felt a little uneasy that I seemed to be drifting apart with Tish. I didn’t feel that way with Lucy but didn’t know what I could do to help my friendship with Tish who I’d always felt closer to before.

Back in Liverpool Elizabeth had decided that it was time to introduce me to ‘that nice young man of hers’ as Aunt Jane called him. It’s about time she got round to showing him off, said Rebecca who had met him during the summer term, he’s been around long enough. James Watts was two years older than Elizabeth and working his way through the ranks at the shipping company where they both worked, having met because Elizabeth was his immediate superior’s secretary. He was fairly quiet but came across as very intelligent – he did have an economics degree from Cambridge after all. James is due a promotion soon, Elizabeth told me in confidence, when he gets it we’re getting engaged. I was pleased for Elizabeth, she’d said herself so often that she would get married eventually but she’d wanted to be able to work and have some fun first. Harriet came for flying visit on her way to have a few days holiday in Wales with Kit, Lou and Dina. The four of them were now qualified nurses, a fact which never ceased to amaze me – how had my little sister suddenly become so grown up! I hardly saw anything of David and Caroline – David because of work, Caroline because of her ever increasing circle of friends. Where does the time go, asked Rebecca as we sat on her front doorstep one afternoon watching Sarah playing with some of the neighbours, just as mam had watched us all those years ago. I found myself giggling as Rebecca shouted to Sarah to mind her dress, what’s so funny, she asked. I smiled, you just need a cigarette in the corner of your mouth and your hair in a scarf and you’d be the spit of mam. Rebecca laughed, well you keep telling me I look like her so I s’pose I’d better start acting like her. I stared at the ground, you haven’t got da to contend with though. True, she said, I’ve got Philip instead and I’m eternally thankful for him, he drives me mad and keeps me sane and I wouldn’t be without him.

Kathie and I spent a couple of days in Oxford with Lucy before we were due to head back to Switzerland. Lucy seemed much less stressed now that her MA was complete. I can’t believe I haven’t got you to Oxford before Sharlie, she said as I was given the whistlestop tour of the town and colleges. Lady Margaret Hall was nice but I preferred St Hilda’s having seen the two. How do they compare, I asked. Give me a chance, grinned Lucy, I haven’t moved into Lady Margaret yet, no chance to compare it with the years at Hilda’s! And what memories you have of Hilda’s, put in Kathie. That sent them off into reminiscing about the wilder exploits of their undergraduate days. It was nice to seem that so at ease with each other after everything that had happened

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

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 11:29 am

Thanks Pim - lovely to see Sharlie spending time with her friends and family Very Happy

Liz

#173: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 12:19 pm

How lovely to catch up on the other part of Sharlie's life and see what is happening to her friends as they too move on.

Thank you, Pim, and beautifully written, as always.

(And I promise not to force you to cross that county line!! Though it would be nice to meet you. Smile

)

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

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 1:03 pm

Awww! What terrific holidays!

Thanks Pim!

#175: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 2:26 pm

I do love keeping up with her friends like that. I'm sure I would know any of them if I met them in the street!

Thanks Pim.

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

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 6:10 pm

It's good to see Sharlie has a life outside the CS - I feel that the more prominent staff members didn't (Hilda, Nell etc..) and it's good to see her keeping her feet on the ground

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

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 6:44 pm

Thank you Pim, sad to see Sharlie is growing apart from Tish - inevitable though i suppose.

#178: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 7:31 pm

Thanks Pim, fab as ever.

#179: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 7:41 pm

francesn wrote:

It's good to see Sharlie has a life outside the CS - I feel that the more prominent staff members didn't (Hilda, Nell etc..) and it's good to see her keeping her feet on the ground

When I was a kid, I didn't realise any teachers had lives outside school! I think EBD left that side of it out as not being interesting to her young readers - now, I find it more interesting than the terms themselves.

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

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 9:36 pm

Thank you Pim - lovely! Very Happy

#181: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 9:45 pm

patmac wrote:

francesn wrote:

It's good to see Sharlie has a life outside the CS - I feel that the more prominent staff members didn't (Hilda, Nell etc..) and it's good to see her keeping her feet on the ground

Thank you Pim! I agree about finding it really interesting to read about Sharlie's life outside the CS. I don;t really recall much from EBD about any other staff members except perhaps if there's a problem resulting from some sort of outside contact and even then i'm probably thinking of someone's drabble .........

#182: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 5:24 am

Thank you for the continuing spate of excellent posts! Sharlie really does do a remarkable job of keeping the various aspects of her life woven together, despite the inevitable drift.

I agree that the CS staff were largely described through the lens of the school, but that it makes sense given the expected kid’s-eye view. All things considered, EBD does better than most authors of school stories in showing the staff – and adults in general -- as more than authority figures, benevolent or otherwise. If I’d first read her at the proper age, perhaps I would have been less startled to discover that, say, nuns ate cookies. Laughing

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

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 8:11 am

Until the age of about 3 I didn't realise my playgroup leaders had a life outside of playgroup until the woman in charge turned up at my Auntie's one day. I was terrified! After that I realised that they must have lives outside given that my dad and ergo most of his friends were teachers!

It was soon the start of another term, another school year – my third at the Chalet School and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. I arrived back to a wedding invitation from Anna for two weeks before half term. Rosalie laughed when I went along to put in a plea for that as my free weekend. We’ve put you down for being free at half term, she confided, but I’ll make sure you get this one as well – just don’t come to me moaning for any free time! I won’t, I promised with a grin before running off. I was pleased to discover that Biddy had come back to teach for the term as there had been some problem with the arrival of the new history mistress but nobody seemed to know what. It was nice to get another term with Biddy even if she wasn’t going to be living in school but down the Platz at Aldersnest, the chalet she and Eugen shared with Hilary and Phil. The school numbers were rapidly growing and so was the number of Juniors. I liked teaching bigger groups but at the same time I didn’t feel as though I got to know the girls as well that way. Kathie was quite happy to discover that she would be form mistress for VB this year meaning that she got to carry on with most of the girls she’d had in Inter V the previous one. Saves me having to learn a whole load of new names, she said with a laugh, apart from the new girls and the ones that were left down. It wasn’t to say that it would all be plain sailing as things boiled to a head for Kathie and VB early on in term.

I can’t believe I didn’t notice how miserable Odette was making herself, groaned Kathie. I’ve been so preoccupied with Ricki Fry and the rest of the form… I just didn’t even notice Odette! I feel like I’ve let everybody down.
Don’t be daft, said Nancy consolingly.
I shouldn’t have let it get so out of hand, Kathie mumbled picking at the arm of her chair. Doesn’t say much about me as VB’s form mistress does it?
I thought the Abbess had told you to stop worrying about it, I put in.
Oh I know, she replied with a sigh. But I can’t help worrying about it. What if I get another girl who makes herself so thoroughly miserable through homesickness again and I don’t notice it?
Kathie, you’re only human, I said. Besides, it’s not as if you’re the first to miss a case of a thoroughly miserablised girl. I glanced at Nancy. Remember how I didn’t pick up on Philippa Morten in my second term here? I had no idea that she was rottenly homesick and the Thirds had tried to deal with it themselves which had only resulted in making her worse. Eventually Ailie Russell and Janice Chester came and told me the whole sorry tale – I could have kicked myself.
Kathie frowned. At least the thirds had tried to help Philippa. VB on the other hand seem to have completely dismissed Odette out of hand as a wet blanket and left her to mope alone.
Nancy grinned. I think that Odette landing herself in the San may have given them the kick up the bum they all need then. Try putting Ricki Fry on to her, she was the one who found Odette after all. You should try putting Con Maynard on to her as well, I think Len would overwhelm the poor kid a little. It would do Con some good to have friends of her own as well since Len has Rosamund and Margot has Emerence.
I think Con would be good for Odette, I commented. She can be so blunt and outspoken without thinking about it that it would come better from her. She seems to be getting fairly chummy with Ricki as well these days.
I’ll just be glad when half term gets here, sighed Nancy. I don’t think I’ve ever said that this early on in term before! Anyone know what the Abbess has up her sleeve yet?
I shook my head. I’m free anyway.
Got any plans, asked Kathie.
Going to Belfort, I replied. I’m going to see Julia and Michel’s young Charlotte.
Are they not going to Anna’s wedding, queried Nancy,
I shook my head again. Well Julia and Michel are, but they’re leaving Charlotte with Michel’s family. In fairness you don’t want a screaming five month old upstaging the wedding. I can’t wait to see her though. Nancy and Kathie both laughed. What?
Nothing, replied Nancy. But you’ll make a really good mother one day.
I blushed and stared at the floor. Thanks, I mumbled as Kathie gave me a sympathetic glance and I smiled weakly. What about you two? Any preferences for half term?
They both shook their heads. Slightly off topic though, said Nancy suddenly. An old uni friend of mine is throwing a swanky party in London on December 22nd and said I could bring a couple of friends along if I wanted. My brother’s said I can borrow his flat for the occasion, so do you two fancy it?
Kathie and I looked at each other and then nodded. That would be fantastic Nance, Kathie said eagerly.
Nancy shrugged. I’m not really sure what it’ll be like but Karen knows society with a capital S. I’ve not really seen her since we left uni but we’ve managed to stay in touch.
I didn’t know you had connections, I said with a grin.
Idiot, retorted Nancy with a friendly punch. Karen’s not exactly a ‘connection’ and not is she representative of all my friends.
Kathie and I both shrugged. Sounds like it’ll be fun, she said.
Nancy smiled. I hope so. Karen always knew how to throw parties at uni so I’m hoping she hasn’t lost the knack.

Try as we might there was no extracting anything further from Nancy on the subject of Karen or her infamous university parties. Kathie and I eventually had to learn to ignore our curiosity, much as it pained us to do so.

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

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 8:24 am

Uh-oh I have a horrible feeling that nasty people are going to be at Karen's party Confused

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

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 8:42 am

How intriguing! What is Nancy doing having swanky connections? Laughing

#186: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 11:36 am

Poor Sharlie when Nancy said she'd make a good mother some day. That must have hurt!

Looking forward to Nancy's friend and her party - are we all invited?

#187: Author: Alex, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 11:57 am

Until I was about 6 I believed that the teachers all lived in the school. I think this can mainly be attributed to the fact that in reception I was taught by a nun and the convent was on the side of the school so I just assumed all the rest of the teachers must live there too.

Hope there aren't any nasty people at the party, Pim.

#188: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 1:50 pm

Thanks Pim. Glad Sharlie enjoyed her holiday - it is a wonder she wasn't shattered after all that travelling.

Nice to see the start of another new term.

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

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 10:28 pm

Luffly Pimmy!!
Curious about Karen and her party!

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

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 8:56 am

Term was a good fortnight old and we were still experiencing good weather so on the Sunday the Head sent us for afternoon rambles to make the most of it. I’d taken the Juniors up to the Elisehutte to play in the meadow and returned as they sky had turned a threatening shade of grey. The heavens opened just as I’d got them all safely indoors and a stream of bedraggled girls followed soon after until only Nancy, Kathie and Rosalind along with VB hadn’t returned. I hope they’re okay, I said to Peggy as we stared helplessly out of the window at the rain lashing down outside. If they’ve got any sense they’ll have taken shelter somewhere, said Peggy as she strained her eyes to see into the distance, there’s any number of huts around that they’d be able to get into. Even that wasn’t much of a comfort as we all sat nervously in the staff room gazing anxiously between the clock and the door. It seemed like an eternity that we sat there all feeling helpless but no one would hear of us going out to try and look for them. It grew increasingly difficult to remain positive and push the worst case scenarios out of my mind. In the end Peggy went to fetch her knitting and I stared aimlessly at the rain beating against the window, comforted slightly by the rhythmic and constant clicking of Peggy’s needles. It was such a relief when Rosalie eventually came in to say that they had all arrived back, having been found by Jack Maynard and Phil Graves, and were in Matey’s care having had to negotiate a broken bridge on the way back where the stream had burst its banks.

Two nights later I was curled up in bed with my book when there was a soft tap on my door. I sighed and slid out of bed, wriggled into my slippers and dressing gown and padded across the room.

Kathie, I exclaimed in a hushed whisper as I opened the door. I thought you’d gone to bed a good hour ago.
I did, she admitted as I closed the door behind her. But I couldn’t sleep, I need to talk to someone or I’ll go crazy.

I raised an eyebrow and threw her my spare blanket before climbing back under my covers and pulled my knees up under my chin. Kathie sat on the foot of my bed, wrapped in the blanket and leant back against the wall.

What’s up, I asked.
She rested her head back against the wall. I’ve gone and fallen for someone, and it’s so wrong.
Not one of the girls, I queried in horror.
She shook her head. No, she’s a friend. A good friend.
Nancy, I asked in a whisper.
How did you guess?
I shrugged. I’ve had a suspicion for a while.
Kathie coloured and looked away. I suppose, thinking about it, I’ve always had… feelings for her, but I didn’t realise until Sunday just how deep they ran. I was so terrified when she kept going back into the water to get the girls to the other side and then when she came for me… I realised how easily she could have been killed by it… She broke off and shuddered. I suddenly realised how important she was to me. I couldn’t bear not having her in my life, and now it’s driving me mad having all this time with her so close to me and not be able to have her.
So tell her then.
How can I? She’d just laugh me out of the school.
Why would she do that?
Because Nancy’s not… like me.
How do you know?
She’s had boyfriends.
So have you, I retorted. I bet you’ve only told her about those and she doesn’t have a clue about Char or that girl you were seeing over the summer…
Erin?
That’s the one.
Of course I haven’t!
My point exactly.
Oh.
The way I see it Kathie is that you have two choices: one, you do nothing and are utterly miserable, or two you do something to show her how you feel.
I can’t just go and kiss her in the middle of the staff room or something like that!
I chuckled. Says who?
Common sense Sharlie! Can’t you talk to Nancy?
Me? Along the lines of: Nancy, I was just wondering if you fancied a date with Kathie?
Kathie shrieked. Sharlie!
Shush you idiot! Do you want Matey on our case?
She shook her head. You could get her on side, get her to confide in you.
Matey?
No you idiot!
I grinned. What do you mean?
Take her into your confidence. There must be something you can confide… she looked purposefully at me.
I shook my head. Not Alice, you’re the only one here who knows – I haven’t even told Peggy.
What about Colin then?
What about him, I asked feeling my cheeks burn.
Sharlie, do you… She smirked.
I bit my lip and avoided her gaze. I haven’t really thought about it. I mean, we spent a lot of time together over the summer but only as friends.
You like him.
I… I don’t know. I mean, I love spending time with him, I look forward to seeing him…
…and he’s written practically every day so far! And you’ve replied! Charlotte Louise Andrews, look me in the eye and tell me you’re not falling for Colin.
I couldn’t do it. Okay, you win. So… you want me to confide in Nancy about this and see if I can get her to open up to me about you?
Something along those lines, yes.
Right.
What are you going to do about Colin?
Nothing.
What do you mean nothing?
What I said.
You have to do something!
Why should I?
Because you said I had to with Nancy.
That’s different.
Why?
It’s Colin’s place to make a move.
You can drop hints though, point him in the right direction.
I couldn’t do that!
Oh yes you could, it’s easy.
Is that what you did with Erin?
No, she just walked up to me and, yes well… she trailed off. It was Char’s party, everyone was…
I see. Kathie, what would you do if it turned out that Nancy felt the same about you? It’s hardly the ideal climate for you to try and conduct a relationship in.
A serious look crossed Kathie’s face. I had thought about that and to be honest I’m not completely sure. I just hate that people are so unaccepting of this! I suppose we’d be able to work something out, I know it would be impossible in term time to get any time together. Then again Biddy and Eugen were together for a couple of years before they got married. And we do have a fair amount of holiday… she broke off.
I’m sure you’ll work something out, I said reassuringly. You could always leave off doing something until that party at Christmas.
Maybe, but she’s driving me crazy, Sharlie! I’ve been crazy about people before but nothing like this! They say love’s amazing, but they don’t mention that it sends you round the bend!

We both laughed and then, catching approaching footsteps, Kathie slid off my bed and ran from my room.

#191: Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 9:24 am

Fantastic! But what happens next? What does Nancy think about Kathie? I must find out soon (pleeeease).

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

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 10:33 am

Thank you Pim. Just caught up on loads of this - to the shameful neglect of my work! Wonderful. I love your staff scenes!

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

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 12:48 pm

Will Nancy feel the same way?

#194: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 2:06 pm

What a wonderful conversation, Pim. Poor Kathie, trying to get Sharlie to make the approaches. And as Kathie says, not the right environment for such a relationship.

But at least she felt she could trust Sharlie, which is a step in the right direction.

Please let us know soon, sweet, SWEET Pim!!! Wink

#195: Author: kateth at work,

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 2:54 pm

*squees*
*dances*

Awwww, bless! Thank you Pim! Very Happy

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

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 5:32 pm

Cazx wrote:

Will Nancy feel the same way?

She has to! Pim wouldn't be so cruel as to let Nancy break Kathie's heart! *likes happy endings*

Georgia, on the other hand....

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

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 9:51 pm

Eek! Wow! Yay!

Shiny shiny Sharlie!

and very very shiny pim!

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

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 11:33 pm

*giggling at Kathie & Sharlie's conversation - love Kathie's totally unreasonable refusal to talk to Colin! Laughing

*

Will keep my fingers crossed for Kathie, but seeing this is all written to fit in with the books, and we know they're 'great friends' from here on in...... surely all will be OK!

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

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 1:08 am

*crosses fingers for Kathie and Nancy*

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

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 7:41 am