The CBB :: View topic - Sharlie Andrews - Life before, during and after school

Sharlie Andrews - Life before, during and after school

#1: Sharlie Andrews - Life before, during and after school Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 5:40 pm

First section archived 24/11/04
Part 1
Part 2
~Vikki~

Here it is, back again! RL is a little better, things with my friend are getting sorted - just have those evil essays of doom to contend with now Laughing

Part II - Sharlie Andrews - The University Years

I think having Sarah around helped make the summer in Liverpool just that little bit easier. She had changed so much I could hardly believe she was the same newborn I’d held in my arms at Easter. I looked after her a lot whilst Rebecca and Philip were at work, but I didn’t mind I loved spending time with her. You’re such a natural with her, Rebecca would say, I can just imagine you with your own children. I was a little taken aback by that, it wasn’t something I’d ever really considered. The thought of marriage and motherhood was a slightly frightening one’ it had often been at the back of my thoughts but there was so much more that I wanted to achieve. Watching Rebecca and Philip with Sarah brought mam and da back me, they were so different. Every time I held Sarah in my arms I just prayed that she would never know the tragedy that we had done.

I nervously counted down the days throughout the summer waiting for London to come around. I was reminded of how nervous I’d been about starting at St Monica’s. I think it was the uncertainty, not knowing what it would be like and having to get to know a new city. You’ll have a marvellous time once you get there, Harriet would say to me, I only wish I could be going now and not next year. Harriet would be joining me in London the following September to do her nurse training. Since she’d plumped on her chosen vocation school had just been an awkward nuisance that got in the way of her chasing her dream.

September arrived too quickly and I joined Tish and Lucy in Cambridge for Annie’s wedding. We hadn’t seen her in just over a year but she had hardly changed, only she looked a little happier. I wish my dad could be here, she said. But he is, I said mindful of Harriet’s words at Rebecca’s wedding. I don’t know if it helped Annie in the same way or not. The service was beautiful and it was nice to know that at least one of us had found that special someone to spend the rest of our lives with. Mark seemed really nice, and the way that Annie lit up around him showed that they would be happy together. Not a bad catch is he, muttered Lucy to Tish and I, we just grinned in reply. As we went our separate ways the following morning it struck me that things would never be the same again.

Last edited by pim on Mon Mar 14, 2005 9:34 am; edited 9 times in total

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

Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 5:47 pm

Yay Sharlie is back Very Happy

Glad RL has sorted out a bit!

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

Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 6:42 pm

Thanks Pimberetti! I'm glad RL is settling down and good luck with the essays!

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

Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 7:54 pm

Great to see more of this!Thanks Pimpimperoo! Wink

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

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 8:45 am

The day to leave for London arrived too quickly and suddenly. Elizabeth was travelling down with me since she was going to a meeting with some of the senior managers as one of their most promising young secretaries. It wasn’t exactly difficult, she said trying to play down her achievements, you haven’t met the people I work with. All the same, Elizabeth had come a long way since they’d taken her on. The journey to London reminded me of my first trip to St Monica’s, I felt exactly the same at nineteen as I had at eleven. I struggled to hide my feelings from Elizabeth but if she noticed she was kind enough not to pass comment. College Hall I realised standing outside the foreboding looking building would be my home for the next two years. I was really here. I collected to keys to my room from the grumpy looking porter who scowled at Elizabeth and I. Rather you than me living with that, remarked Elizabeth as we carried my cases up the stairs. My roommate had already arrived, a tall and sophisticated girl with short blonde hair of my age was unpacking a seemingly endless flow of clothes into the wardrobe. I’d best be off Sharlie, said Elizabeth, or they’ll wonder what’s happened to me, take care Sharlie. She gave me a quick hug and then left me to my fate.

The girl looked round and grinned at me. You must be my room mate, she said sticking out her hand which I shook nervously, I’m Patricia Macintosh, but everybody calls me Trixie, my headmistress always said it was a terribly appropriate short. She giggled and I found myself laughing nervously as well. I’m Charlotte, I stammered, Charlotte Andrews. That wasn’t what that girl just called you, Trixie replied, who was she? My sister Elizabeth, I said, and she called me Sharlie, everybody does. Then I will as well, suits you much better than Charlotte. I grinned weakly, slightly bowled over by Trixie’s breezy manner. We spent the afternoon chatting as we unpacked and getting to know each other. Trixie seemed to have come to London with a ready made social life and circle of friends I couldn’t help but be jealous thinking of how far away from Tish and Lucy I was. But the more I found out about Trixie, the more I liked her, she reminded me in some ways of Tish, only not mad keen on games. She looked a bit surprised when she found out that I was on scholarship but if she disapproved she never said. Look, she said, as we got ready to go down for dinner, I’ve got an invite out after dinner to meet some friends for drinks if you want to join us. I accepted, if only so I felt as though I had something to do.

Last edited by pim on Fri Apr 08, 2005 8:49 am; edited 1 time in total

#6: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 9:13 am

Glad to see this back, Pim. I hope Sharlie is not getting into a 'fast' set.

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

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 9:13 am

I hope Trixie continues to be nice to Sharlie!

#8: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 9:27 am

YAY its back thanks Pimmy :jump:

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

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 10:30 am

Yay, I'm so glad its back, thank you Pimmell

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

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 4:56 pm

Yay!!! Sharlie's back! Thank you Pimamisu!!!!

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

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 5:40 pm

Hurrah! more Sharlie! Very Happy

Thanks PimLiz

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

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 7:01 pm

Excellent Pimlimas usual Very Happy

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

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 8:18 pm

Thank you Pim McDuck

#14: Author: gigagal, Location: London

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 8:22 pm

Oooh, this is a fun game! Chanting and name-calling! Razz

More please, Pimderella (hoping that isn't already taken!)! Very Happy

#15: Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 8:49 pm

Just caught up again! Thanks pimadoodle-do Very Happy

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

Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 1:18 pm

*Shakes head at Pimcrastinator* Sharlie is more important than ratatouille (or however its spelt)!! Wink

#17: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 2:05 pm

Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease can we have somre more Pim my love Wink

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

Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 5:24 pm

Can you Kathye? ) Laughing

Over dinner I got talking to some of the other girls in hall, and more importantly, mine and Trixie’s neighbours, Rose Mulally and Clara Jenkins. Trixie was a natural social butterfly who would and could chatter away to anybody and everybody. I exchanged shy and oddly formal conversations with those sat near us at the table. Rose and Clara turned out to be both on scholarship as well, and also both at the Institute of Education so I would know somebody once classes started. After dinner I headed to the common room with Rose and Clara and a few others who’d been sitting with us. I’d noticed that the snobbery I’d encountered at school still existed in some quarters, but they would be easy enough to avoid.

I went out with Trixie that evening to meet her friends and had a pleasantly enjoyable evening. She was the only one of her group in College Hall so I wouldn’t see too much of the others. They seemed nice enough, and civil when Trixie accidentally let slip that I was on scholarship, but otherwise it didn’t bother me that I wouldn’t see much of them. Trixie, on the other hand, I had to live with, but she seemed so different to them anyway. It was ridiculously late when we finally got to sleep that first night as we’d stayed up chatting, despite being told on several occasions to quieten down. Away from the constrictions of school I decided that university would be really rather good fun.

By the time classes started I had found my feet in hall and my way around the local area. I was glad of Trixie as a room mate, she didn’t have any airs about her and was refreshingly down to earth and honest, and she made me laugh. Clara and Rose were quieter and shyer but would always be supportive and encouraging. In addition I had been ‘adopted’ by two other girls on our corridor, Lily Beth Brooke-Weston, a historian like Trixie, and Natasha Miller, known as Tash, who was doing English. Neither of them particularly got on with their room mates and had a tendency to take over mine and Trixie’s room. I didn’t mind, I enjoyed their company and they could always take a hint to leave.

Last edited by pim on Fri Apr 08, 2005 8:51 am; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 5:34 pm

Yay that Sharlie has found nice folk at uni!

#20: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 5:37 pm

Lovely Pim. It seems so real.

#21: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 5:38 pm

*g* how lovely, er, ....*scrolling* Pimpangaroo? - Very Happy

More please!

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

Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 5:39 pm

Good to see Sharlie settling in, thank you Pimadactyl

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

Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 6:33 pm

So good to see Sharlie settling in! Thanks Pimopoly

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

Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 6:47 pm

Thanks PimPamPoolyPoolyWotsit (was feeling left out of the name game) Laughing

Nice that Sharlie's getting to know some other girls. Hope she doesn't get confused between Tish and Tash! Liz

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

Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 6:49 pm

Thank you Pimanosaurus Rex!!!! Very Happy

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

Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 7:52 pm

I'm glad people aren't going to look down on Sharlie because of her scholarship here.Thank you Pimociraptor!

Last edited by Ann on Wed Nov 24, 2004 7:54 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 8:20 pm

Thanks so much Ptimodactyl

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

Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 10:36 pm

Thanks Pimmalingadingdong. Good to see her settling in. Hopefully at this age the fact that she is on a scholarship won't make as much difference.

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

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 8:12 am

Thanks for archiving the first bit Vikki you lovely person, however if anybody wants it sans yibble, sans name calling to catch up, let me know and I can send you a word doc. Anyhoo, on to more.

Once classes started life settled down to a routine with days divided between them and the library. I found that I enjoyed the work and didn’t object to the long hours studying, unlike Trixie who would regularly complain from behind her stack of books that the history department were being inconsiderate expecting her to work so much. Lily Beth would just laugh at her she reminded me in some ways of Lucy – hard working, caring and friendly. I found myself spending more time with Clara and Rose since we were in class together and studied together. I knew that some people made harsh remarks about us being the scholarship girls, but I’d learned to ignore them. We didn’t have the money or the social lives that they had, but in a way I was glad. I knew that Trixie wasn’t like them, but at the same time I could never have kept up with her.

Letters arrived fairly regularly from my sisters and Aunt Jane. Rebecca’s were full of the latest news of Sarah, she was growing and changing so quickly she would no longer be that tiny baby when I went back at Christmas. Elizabeth’s were always short and usually scribbled on her lunch break, describing a whirl of social engagements and a string of eligible young me, but I’m not looking to settle down yet, besides I’m trying to save some money. Harriet’s were a similar style to Elizabeth’s, scribbled in her free time at school, I can’t believe it’s my final year here, she wrote. I knew that feeling only too well. Aunt Jane’s were full of Liverpool gossip about people I scarcely knew, but I appreciated the letters anyway. I waited impatiently for news from my friends and Sam since they were never far from my thoughts.

Dear Sam,

Well here I am in London, Sharlie living the life in the capital. I still have to keep pinching myself as I’m convinced that one day I’ll wake up and find myself back in Liverpool and working in some factory as I really should be. Still, it’s going well so far, classes aren’t too bad – I enjoy them so the work doesn’t bother me. My room mate Trixie is lovely, she reminds me a bit of Tish, only not mad keen on games – she’s more into her party lifestyle, I can’t keep up with her at all! I’ve made two good friends on my course, Clara and Rose and a couple of other friends in hall, Lily Beth and Tash. They’re all really nice. Lily Beth is a bit like Lucy! A lot of Trixie’s friends from home and school are here too so she spends a lot of time with them. We get invited along too but I’ve only been a couple of times since I don’t have the money that she does. Anyway, hope you are well and taking good care of yourself.

Ever your, Sharlie.

Dear Sharlie,

Glad things are going well so far, your friends sound nice and I’m glad the classes aren’t too bad. There’s not too much to report here, although there is an air of deep suspicion since no one’s too sure what Stalin might do next and it’s slightly disconcerting. Daily life is pretty boring just sitting at the sector checkpoint. We can’t even leave the city, it’s nigh on impossible to get out it’s even tricky moving within the sectors of the city. I think there are a lot of people getting out of the Russian sector and into the American, French and English ones. I don’t like what’s happening Sharlie, I have a horrible sense of foreboding as to which direction the world is heading in. Take care.

Always, Sam.

Last edited by pim on Tue Mar 08, 2005 11:35 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 10:31 am

Me too!! Poor Sam Thank you Pimgiana, I'm afraid I can't let your evil twin escape, so I'm merging you together!!! Wink

#31: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 10:42 am

Thanks Pim. Glad Sharlie's settling in so well. Interesting to see Sam's views on developments in Europe. It must have been awful for those in places stationed out in places such as Berlin, having fought through the war to free Europe from Hitler, only to then see oppression coming straight in from another angle.

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

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 2:27 pm

Thank you Pim. Glad to see Sharlie settling in...hope Sam's ok.

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

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 2:52 pm

Thank you Pimohontas!!!!!!! This gets better and better!

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

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 8:53 pm

Thank you Pimbberwok Liz

#35: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 9:52 pm

Lovely to see Sharlie settling in so well. I found Sam's remarks ivery relevant in setting the mood of the period. the Euphoria after the end of WWII didn't last long!

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

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 11:57 am

I only stationed Sam in Berlin 'cos one of the parts of my German A-Level was the history of post-war Berlin and the Cold War. Well they do say write about what you know... )

Dear Sharlie,

Hope you’re settling in to London well, be gentle with my city please! Summer is coming round here in Melbourne which is pretty weird I can assure you. Mum’s having all sorts of crazy ideas about what we’re going to do for Christmas dad and I are trying to keep a tight rein on her imagination. I’m enjoying the course I’m taking here – the literature’s really good, and the people on the course are really nice as well so I’ve been getting out and about around Melbourne with them. Mum and I are off to Sydney for a few days soon, I’m really excited! Hope things are going well with you.

Love, Nicole.

Dear Sharlie,

So how’s London treating you? Cambridge plods on as usual and I’m slowly adjusting to married life – isn’t it frightening?! Mark is well, working hard but then I did know he did that! His company are thinking about moving him to another branch, maybe in Manchester but it’s nothing concrete yet. Honeymoon was pleasant, I fell in love with Guernsey, you must go sometime! We’re having our families to us for Christmas, I’m a little scared about cooking Christmas dinner but hoping that mother will help me out! Otherwise I fear it may all turn out horribly wrong!

Love, Annie.

Dear Sharlie,

I’m in Bedford finally, and it’s not too dusty. I’m really enjoying the course, it was what I was made to do I feel. I’m working hard and playing hard as usual. My room mate Jess is great, she’s so funny we just never stop laughing. I’ve made lots of friends, but no one quite like you and Lucy though. University is such a change from school, the freedom takes some getting used to! I’ve been to a couple of parties and am generally getting out and about. I’m sure the Bedford social scene doesn’t quite add up to the London one though! If you fancy a visit you’re more than welcome anytime. Miss you lots.

Love, Tish.

Dear Sharlie,

Thanks ever so for your letter, I’m glad you’re settling in well in London. St Hilda’s is really lovely, the only problem is that it’s so far out of town! Still, what’s a small walk to see Oxford? You and Tish really will have to come and stay, it’s so strange being without you both after all this time but everyone here seems lovely anyway. My room mate Sissy seems really nice – a bit quiet though maybe I’d rather have Trixie, she sounds really good fun. I’ve made quite a few friends now, particularly with a girl called Nell Randolph, she went to a finishing school in SWITZERLAND. Could you have imagined us there, I mean, Tish being ‘finished’ – she’d have hated it! I don’t see much of Nell since we’re not doing the same course but we sit together at meals and so on. Nell’s friend Kathie (I forget her surname) has invited me to a party at Christ Church at the weekend. I don’t really know Kathie yet but Nell says she’s a bit of a social butterfly always off to some party or another. I have to admit that I’m a bit apprehensive about the party but Nell thinks it’ll be good fun. Besides, there’s quite a few of us going so it shouldn’t be too bad. We’ve got an awful lot of work to do here, it just never seems to stop, but I am enjoying it, it’s all so interesting. Sam says he has a couple of weeks leave due soon and he’s coming over to visit our parents and mentioned that he may pass by Oxford for a few days to see me. If you’re not snowed under with work, how about you come up as well? Anyway, must leave this here if I want to catch the post!

Love, Lucy.

Last edited by pim on Tue Mar 08, 2005 11:36 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 12:00 pm

Thank you Pimology!!! Looks like Lucy has made some familiar friends at Uni!!! Very Happy

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

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 12:03 pm

Thanks Pim Very Happy

Lovely to see a glimpse of Kathie at Oxford! Liz

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

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 12:11 pm

It's great to get a glimpse of some familiar faces! Would love to hear more of Kathie's social life Wink

#40: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 12:18 pm

Nice touch bringing Kathie into it Very Happy

Cheers Pim

#41: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 4:47 pm

Thanks, Pim.

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

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 6:28 pm

*looking forward to many more letters from Lucy in Oxford Wink

* Thanks Pim Very Happy

#43: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 6:45 pm

Thanks pim. Lovely to hear of the other school friends and some familiar names Wink

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

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 7:10 pm

Lovely touch there Pim! Thank you!

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

Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 7:32 pm

Like the bit about Kathie - wonder if Sharlie will ever remember that she'd heard of Kathie before! Thanks Pimtuosity

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

Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 1:40 pm

We’d been in London three weeks when Trixie invited us to the party which would shape the rest of my first year at university. We’d al settled in well by that stage. Trixie the socialite was always off to some party or another, Lily Beth and Tash were content to either stay in and spend the evening chatting in the common room or to go out, and Rose and Clara who preferred to stay in. Trixie just can’t say no to a party invite, sighed Clara one night as Trixie breezed off out looking effortlessly elegant as usual. We couldn’t afford to say yes to every party invite I knew I should be making the most of this opportunity but at the same time I felt that I had to do justice to my scholarship. I’d been out and about seeing the sights in London at the weekends and I never ceased to be amazed by it all. I’d grown up a city girl, but London was a far cry from the Liverpool back streets where I’d spent my childhood. This was a life I’d never dared dream of, I still couldn’t believe it was all true. I viewed everything with wide eyes and amazement, much to my friends’ amusement. Despite everything life had thrown at me there was still so much I needed to know and learn.

Trixie’s party invite was a friend’s birthday and was to be held in a central hotel. It’s all formal dress, said Trixie as we discussed it over dinner, but don’t worry Sharlie you can borrow something of mine to wear. Lily Beth laughed, your clothes would swamp poor Sharlie, it’ll be better that she borrows something off Tash. I was slightly relieved that Lily Beth had mentioned that since Trixie was somewhat taller than me. Trixie and Lily Beth spent the ensuing week in a stte of excitement, Tash watched them with an amused expression on her face, and I stood back nervously still not too sure about the whole thing. The intervening evenings were spent in mine and Trixie’s room sorting through a seemingly endless pile of dresses.

We hardly see you these days, Clara complained on the Thursday evening. It’ll be over after Saturday night, I said, and won’t I be glad to get back to normal, there are times when I wish I wasn’t going. Oh but Sharlie you must, exclaimed Rose, and you have to come back and tell us all about it. It was really Rose’s enthusiasm that kept me going.

I stared at myself in the mirror the night of the party before we left and hardly recognised myself. I’d borrowed a blue dress of Tash’s, fitted and with a full skirt, it brings out your eyes better, she’d said. I’d never been a particularly attractive child, and I didn’t think I would ever be an attractive adult. I’d long since lost the sallow, yellowy complexion I’d had as a child but I still looked haunted I resigned myself to the fact that my eyes would be permanently darkly circled. I remained the smallest of my sisters, Harriet and Elizabeth had long since left me behind, and I was still to skinny. But that evening I have to admit, I looked like a completely different person. My hair was still dark and lifeless, although it was so long I could now sit on it Trixie had put it up and it made me look more sophisticated and detracted from the dark shadows round my eyes. The dress was a little too large, but nonetheless showed off my figure. It wasn’t me I saw in the mirror, it was me dressed up and pretending to be somebody else for the night.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:32 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 1:47 pm

Lovely Pimerpool, good to see Sharlie enjoying herself and realising what she can be.

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

Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 1:59 pm

I hope everything is ok for Sharlie at the party!

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

Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 2:02 pm

Luffly Pim! Hope that Sharlie has a good time!!! Very Happy

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

Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 8:15 pm

Glad Sharlie has scrubbed up well! Laughing

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

Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 10:29 pm

Thanks Pim Hope Sharlie enjoys the party. Liz

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

Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 10:44 am

It was like entering a different world that night, once we’d past the disapproving glare of the college porter. Beside Trixie, Lily Beth and Tash I felt shy and nervous, but reminded myself that they were used to this sort of thing, it was all part of their routine. I’d been sheltered in so many ways, but then so had they. Don’t look so scared, whispered Tash comfortingly as we picked our way through the crowd at the hotel, it’s all going to be fine. Trixie pushed a glass of champagne into my hand before vanishing to find her friend. Just drink it, muttered Lily Beth as she took a sip of hers. I noticed her grimace as she swallowed but decided to ignore it and try my own only to find myself pulling exactly the same face. Tash giggled, don’t looks so surprised Sharlie, this is pretty vile stuff but just keep drinking, it does get easier. Tash was right, once I’d got over the initial taste it wasn’t all that bad.

After a while a few people began to make their way to the dance floor and I looked on enviously. We should find partners, said Tash scanning the room. I saw Trixie glide past on the arm of a dark haired man. I can’t dance, I said suddenly. Don’t worry, said Tash, just let the chap guide you. I wasn’t convinced, besides the champagne had started to make my legs feel a bit wobbly and I would gladly have spent the night sitting in the corner. Tash and Lily Beth didn’t seem to be similarly inflicted and kept talking about finding dance partners. Tash was soon claimed by a tall blond with glasses and a huge grin, followed shortly by a jovial looking redhead claiming Lily Beth. You don’t mind do you Sharlie, she asked, I’m sure somebody will come along and ask you soon. I shrugged and watched her go off before scanning the room for somewhere quiet to sit and try and get some feeling back in my legs.

Somebody, however, had other ideas. Not dancing, a voice asked from behind me. I turned round and found myself staring at the dark haired man who had been dancing with Trixie before. I… no, I’m not, I stammered turning a brilliant shade of red as I noticed how handsome he was. I remembered that first time I’d seen Sam and here I was all over again. Well would you care to then, he asked with a soft smile. I… I don’t… I mean, I…, I mumbled. Don’t worry, I’ll show you what to do, he said taking my arm and leading me onto the dance floor, it’s not that difficult really. I wasn’t too sure what he meant by ‘not that difficult’ after I lost count of the number of times I’d trodden on his toes. He never complained, only laughed and slowed the pace down. I noticed that Tash and Lily Beth had changed partners, but this one didn’t seem to want to let go of me. As I’d stepped on his toes so often he suggested that we had a drink and get to know each other better. It was a relief to get away from the dancing and, besides, I wanted to get to know this man better.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:32 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 10:59 am

Awww, hope this is a nice man for Sharlie. Thanks Pimy-Lou

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

Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 11:00 am

Ohhh I hope Trixie won't think that Sharlie stole her man! Ta for the update!

#55: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 2:18 pm

Thanks for the update Pimmy, hope we have another update soon, can't wait to here about this TDH !!

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

Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 5:42 pm

Thank you Pimba!!!

#57: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 5:45 pm

Go Sharlie! Looking forward to learning more about this young man too.... Thanks Pim Very Happy

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

Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 9:25 pm

Thanks Pim. Hope this is a nice young man who doesn't take advantage of Sharlie not being used to champagne. Liz

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

Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 10:34 pm

Ooooh, is this good or bad...hope for Sharlies sake it's good. Look forward to hearling more about him Pimkyporcupine.

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

Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 11:05 pm

looking forward to more PimkyandPerky

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

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 8:54 am

We spent the rest of the night talking, ignoring the party around us. His name was Matthew Holmes, an Eton old boy, a year older, and friends with Trixie’s brother. He’d lost his father in the war as well which created a kind of bond between us. He made me laugh, and seemed sweet and well mannered as well. He had an open, easy manner which made me open up to him a little, I did like him, but I didn’t want to give too much in case I never saw him again. Glasses of wine kept appearing in front of me so when Tash came to tell me it was time to go I was quite drunk. Standing up made me feel dizzy and light headed, I giggled suddenly. Oh come on Sharlie, groaned Tash, now is not the time for you to make a fool of yourself. Matthew helped me outside where Trixie was hailing a taxi. Can I see you again, he asked as he adjusted the supportive arm he had placed around my waist. I nodded, unable to say anything in reply. Friday, I’ll take you for dinner, pick you up from outside your hall at seven thirty, but I’ll get a reminder to Trix since you won’t remember in the morning. With that he gave me a quick peck on the cheek before he disappeared back to the party.

The taxi journey back to hall made me feel much worse, I couldn’t concentrate on the others’ conversation and felt slightly jealous that they didn’t feel so bad. Stepping out of the taxi into the cold night air made me feel nauseous. Not here you don’t, said Trixie firmly as she whisked me inside and past the disapproving porter. It was Trixie who stayed up with me as I was sick, Trixie who put me to bed amidst my constant apologies. Oh just be quiet Sharlie, she said to me with a laugh, we’ve all been there and done that, just go to sleep because, trust me, you’ll feel worse in the morning. I lay in bed just wishing that the world would stop spinning long enough to let me get to sleep.

Sleep did eventually come but I wasn’t too pleased once it was over. My mouth felt fuzzy, my head groggy, and my stomach seemed to be detached from my body. I fought my way into a sitting position, clutching my head and wishing that it would stop pounding. Here, drink this, said Trixie handing me a glass of water, we’ll go and find somewhere for coffee when you feel like getting up. Did anyone notice I was missing at breakfast, I asked. I don’t think so, she replied with a shrug, but we’ve both missed church, but we can go to evensong or something later, and don’t apologise again for being drunk last night Sharlie, I think it was dear Mr Holmes’ fault since Tash and Lily Beth swear you were fine when they left you. I could only shrug in reply, parts of the night were still sketchy in my mind. He’s taking me for dinner on Friday, I said suddenly. Trixie looked impressed, he must like you then, I’ve never known him do that before.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:33 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 9:03 am

Poor Sharlie, your first hangover (or any hangover for that matter!) is never fun!

#63: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 10:11 am

Sharlie has my every sympathy!! Mr Holmes sounds rather lovely though... thanks Pim

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

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 11:29 am

Lovely, thank you Pim! Love the letters from Sharlie's friends and seeing a glimpse of Kathie at Oxford and feel sorry for Sharlie sufferign that hangover - champagne and wine is not a good combination (especially without food)!!

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

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 12:31 pm

Sharlie hungover!!! Wink

Matthew sounds nice, I hope he actually is!!! Thank you Pimhampton Very Happy

#66: Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire/Bangor

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 12:50 pm

*sending deep sympathy to Sharlie* (Red) wine hangovers are the pits! (Any remember speaking to me online the day after my Leavers' Ball....? Embarassed

)

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

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 1:27 pm

Poor Sharlie Thanks Pim Liz

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

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 8:16 pm

Thanks for that Pim, Matthew sounds quite sweet.

#69: Author: Georgia, Location: my imagination

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 8:32 pm

Pimmie my dear, how pleasant seeing you in here! Lovely drabble, but a hangover, surely that's a bit tame, non? I mean, c'mon, you haven't killed anyone off in aaaaaaaaages and it's all getting a bit boring. Lots and lots of love, Georgia, your evil twin xxx PS, Hades is telling me some very interesting stuff!

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

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 9:40 am

Oh noooooooo! Who let Georgia and Hades out of their box!!!!! *panics*

Once I’d eventually recovered full use of my sense, and legs, Trixie dragged me out and into the centre of London for a walk along the Thames to blow away the cobwebs and piece together the missing pieces of the previous night. There’s not much to tell you about your night, said Trixie, you spent most of it chatting to Matthew, honestly Sharlie he was hanging on to your every word. I just wish I could remember what we were talking about, I sighed pausing to admire the view. Trixie pushed her wind ruffled curls out of her eyes and tried to readjust her hat. Whatever you told him, you probably weren’t making much sense, she said with a grin. I groaned in reply, great, so not only am I the world’s worst dancer, I also spent the whole night talking absolute rubbish, I’m never drinking again. Trixie laughed, don’t be silly, of course you will, but we’ll keep a closer eye on you that’s all, we’ve all been there. I shrugged and carried on walking, twisting my fingers nervously as I did so. What about Friday, I asked nervously. We’ll worry about it later, Trixie said decisively, besides we’ve got formal dinner on Thursday to get through. I groaned again, I’d completely forgotten about that.

We went our separate ways in the evening, Trixie to evensong at the Church of England, I to evening communion at the Methodist church. I couldn’t concentrate during the service as my thoughts kept going round in circles. I didn’t take communion it didn’t feel right following on from the previous night. Since the end of the war I’d been a bit blasé in my attitude towards my religion it still confused me in so many ways. I wasn’t sure that I’d ever be able to reconcile the horror of the war years with the image of a loving God, but I wanted to be proved wrong.

You’re quiet tonight, Tash said to me in the common room later that evening, thinking about Matthew? Something like that, I replied not wanting to get involved in a deep theological discussion. I listened to the idle chatter of the others but not really taking anything in before excusing myself to go to bed. Trixie followed, what’s the matter Sharlie, you’ve been funny since you got back from church. I’m fine, I said sinking to my bed, I… I just don’t understand. Something had broken through the defences I had spent my whole life building and I broke down in tears.

Last edited by pim on Tue Mar 08, 2005 11:39 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 9:56 am

Ohhhh poor Sharlie, I hope she can find herself soon!

#72: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 10:08 am

Oh bless her. Sad

Thanks Pim

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

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 10:21 am

pim wrote:

Oh noooooooo! Who let Georgia and Hades out of their box!!!!! *panics*

Pimdora did it!!! Wink

I see you went with Hades then Twisted Evil

Thank you Pimhrodite, poor Sharlie.

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

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 12:02 pm

at Georgia and Hades Thank you Pimmy!!!

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

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 2:18 pm

Poor Sharlie, hope the weep helps. Thanks Pimette.

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

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 2:19 pm

Thank you Pimblebum! Hope Sharlie can work things through!

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

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 8:16 pm

Poor Sharlie, hope she works things out. A little worried about Georgia and Hades, are you feeling ok my dear Pimoony?

#78: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 11:09 pm

Poor Sharlie - this read very true to life Pim - I well remember trying to reconcile Sundays at church with hangovers after drunken Saturday nights Confused

- not fun and very guilt inducing! Hope a good cry helps and her friends can support her too.

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

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 9:36 am

*looks around nervously* Whew, no sign of Georgia and Hades...

I don’t know how long I cried for, helpless in Trixie’s arms. Don’t understand what, she asked handing me a handkerchief. Everything, I said, Trixie I want to believe in God the loving, the caring, the merciful, but then I think about the war and everything that happened, and everything that’s still happening, and it’s so hard. Oh Sharlie, she said as she stroked my hair, we’re not meant to understand. But I don’t want to carry on blithely accepting, I want to understand, I said, sometimes it’s easier, like when Sarah was born. But it’s life Sharlie, we have to deal with both sides of it, she replied, so you’ve had a pretty lousy hand, but you’ve come out fine on the other side, who do you think carried you? I know, I said quietly, but it’s just so hard to make sense of it all. Then the first step is in accepting, she said, in order to try and understand you need to accept what has happened. We sat in silence for a few minutes before Trixie announced that she was going back to the common room. I lay awake thinking for a while, but when sleep came it was easier than it had been in a long time. I realised that understanding would come after a difficult journey and so in the meantime I decided to carry on with life as normal. I went to classes, studied in the library, talked with my friends, listened to the conversations of others.

All the talk that week was of Thursday’s formal dinner, which helped take my mind of Friday’s dinner date with Matthew. In between conversations Trixie told me what she knew about him. Both his parents came from old money, his father had been a high ranked lawyer before the war when he’d signed up and been killed in the D-Day landings. His mother’s family seemed to own half of Kent or something. What’s he doing taking me out to dinner then, I asked Trixie on the Wednesday evening as she tried to select her outfit for formal dinner. Well he clearly likes you Sharlie, she said, what does it matter where you come from? I said nothing in reply but went over to my desk with the pretence of looking something up I’d shoved Matthew’s note in amongst the pages of one of my text books.

Sharlie, Seven thirty outside hall on Friday night, I thought you might have forgotten! I can’t wait to see you again. Dress is black tie, and I’m sure you’ll look as wonderful as you did on Saturday night. Matthew

I’d read that note so many times I knew it off by heart, but I still got that queer mixture of excitement and fear whenever I saw it. I hoped that everything would go well and that I’d be able to think of things to say without the help of several glasses of wine. Tash had lent me a black dress for the occasion, simple, sophisticated and understated. Are you sure you’ll be wanting it back, I asked with a mischievous grin when I tried it on. Tash laughed, yes Sharlie, I will. I was grateful that Tash had no qualms about lending out her clothes to me otherwise it would have been an everyday skirt and blouse. Don’t feel bad about needing to borrow Sharlie, Tash said, we understand completely, besides I’ve got more clothes than I know what to do with. I was glad my friends were so supportive, always the first to counter the digs made by some of the others. I knew I was lucky to have friends who cared so much it would have been easy for them to ignore me as a charity case, but they didn’t.

Last edited by pim on Tue Mar 08, 2005 11:40 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 9:44 am

Sharlie's friends are lovely! Looking forward to hearing about the dinner!

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

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 9:51 am

Poor Sharlie but she has such great friends!! Thank you Pimleiades a very shiny post!

#82: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 9:52 am

Thanks for the update Pim, am feeling slightly worried about what is going to happen, as if it was all happy ever after, she wouldnt have gone to work at the Chalet School Confused

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

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 12:15 pm

Kathye......I was trying not to think that, I don't want more nastiness for Sharlie! Glad her friends are so lovely though!

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

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 1:48 pm

What lovely friends. I hope she isn't going to get hurt badly, although as someone pointed out it obviously doesn't last. Thanks Pimgestive.

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

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 7:02 pm

Think poor Sharlie may have more heartache to come. Crying or Very sad

Thank Pimantula

#86: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 3:25 am

Most impressed by Trixie & Tash! (not so sure about Matthew, though)

#87: Author: Georgia, Location: my imagination

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 12:31 am

Piiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimmy, since you haven't bothered updating this, I thought I'd take a few liberties and do it for you! Don't worry people, Pim wrote this - it's certainly NOT my style )

Formal dinner on the Thursday night ended up being good fun all round, if slightly riotous, thanks to Trixie. In true Trixie style she smuggled in a bottle of sherry to drink in our room before we went down. Mindful of the previous Saturday night I politely declined, gathered up my dress and undergrad gown and headed to Rose and Clara’s room to get ready there. All they kept asking me about was my forthcoming dinner with Matthew I’d spent all week talking about it with Trixie, Tash and Lily Beth, but out of class I’d hardly seen Rose and Clara. I felt bad about it, they were nice enough, it was just that I had so much more fun with the others. I knew that I would never be able to keep up with them and resolved to spend more time with Clara and Rose. Lily Beth joined us after a while declaring that she’d had enough judging by the wild shrieks of laughter originating from my room I understood why.

The dinner itself was a relatively solemn affair, Trixie and the others managed to behave respectfully throughout the mean but the night certainly got rowdier once we got to the common room. One of the girls from the floor below was moved to put some music on and everybody got up to dance. Come on Sharlie, said Trixie hauling me to my feet, I’ll teach you what to do, you never know when it’ll come in useful. I found myself really enjoying it once I’d got my bearings and had stopped standing on Trixie’s feet every few steps, fortunately she found that more amusing than anything. Stop apologising, she said eventually, just relax and it’ll be so much easier. Easier said than done, I groaned landing heavily on Trixie’s foot. It’s just as well there’s not much of you, she replied with a grin, I can’t believe they didn’t teach dancing at that school of yours. I could only shrug in reply. It was late when we headed up to bed, Trixie and Tash giggling loudly and earning disapproving looks from some of the others. Clara and Rose poked their heads out of their door as we walked past and laughed at us. See you bright and early Sharlie, grinned Clara. I collapsed into my bed, but found myself too awake to sleep.

Dear Sam,

It was our first formal dinner tonight and it was really good fun. The dinner was nicer than the food they usually serve up and it was fun eating in our gowns. We spent the rest of the evening in the common room, Trixie was teaching me to dance, I pity her poor feet in the morning. We went out last Saturday, Trixie’s friend was having a party at some hotel, the name escapes me. It was really good, although I got a bit drunk which is rather embarrassing. Anyway, I met this chap, Matthew, a friend of Trixie’s brother, who is going to take me out for dinner. He comes from old money, his family seem to own half of Kent or something, so goodness only knows why he wants to take me out Trixie says it’s not really his thing. I only hope I can think of things to say to him and not sound ridiculous. I haven’t heard from Lucy for a couple of weeks so I guess she’s having too much fun to write. Tish scribbles a few lines regularly, she’s found a hockey team in Bedford and seems to be having the time of her life. She’s hopefully coming down for a weekend soon. I hope you’re well.

Ever your, Sharlie.

Last edited by Georgia on Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:23 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 2:34 am

Thank you Pim/Georgia... And Georgia, WHY can't she post? What have you done with Pim?? Confused

*wibbles*

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

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 5:52 am

Thanks Georgia!

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

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 9:38 am

Piiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Where are you!!!! *worried* Thank you evil twin Georgia

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

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 9:48 am

Ta evil Georgia, I hope Pimmy is ok though! *Wibbles*

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

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 10:13 am

Thank you Georgia but would like to know Pim is ok please!!!

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

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 10:33 am

Georgia, noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! I thought Gem and I had locked you in the wardrobe! *wibbles*

#94: Author: Georgia, Location: my imagination

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 10:34 am

Ahh poor Pimmy, thought you could defeat me that easily, huh?

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

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 6:20 pm

*Is now ABSOLUTELY certain that Pim has gone mad...*

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

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 6:26 pm

*wibbles* I don't really know whether to thank Georgia or not - I'm not sure I should encourage her! But thanks for writing it, Pim!

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

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 8:11 pm

*worries slightly about Pim's apparent schizophrenia.....*

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

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2004 5:27 pm

Gem wrote:

*Is now ABSOLUTELY certain that Pim has gone mad...*

It's taken you this long Gemmypie? )

I slept badly that night, my dreams haunted by ever changing images of Sam and Matthew whirling before me. It made no sense and I remembered little of it when I awoke the following morning. I went to breakfast alone leaving Trixie clutching her head and begging to be allowed to die. I couldn’t eat, partly because my sleep had been confused, partly through nerves for the evening. I was fidgety and restless in class, unable to concentrate on anything the tutors were saying. You can borrow my notes, said Rose in the library as I groaned trying to make sense of what I’d written, your mind clearly wasn’t in class today, thinking about Matthew? I nodded and shut my book with a snap too loud for some of the others around us. I can’t concentrate, I said, Rose smiled sympathetically but she didn’t really understand.

I left the library and stumbled back to hall trying to make sense of the muddled images I was getting of Sam and Matthew. I knew that I didn’t love Sam, but I still felt guilty about letting Matthew take me out. Trixie was up and looking brighter when I got back, she was lying sprawled across her bed reading. Feeling better now, I asked as I pulled my coat off and dumped my books on my desk. Much, she replied with a glance at her watch, I can’t wait for dinner tonight. I’d be missing dinner and using the time to get ready and overrun the bathroom without somebody banging on the door to hurry me up. I sank down on to my bed and picked up my copy of Wuthering Heights off the bedside table and idly flicked through it. My eyes wouldn’t focus properly on the words and for some reason Trixie was making me jumpy just by being in the room. I checked my watch, dinner was in fifteen minutes. The watch had been da’s, looking at it now I wondered what he’d make of me if he could see me now. I’d taken the chances he’d been denied, and I liked to think that he’d be proud of me. It still saddened me that he had no grave we could visit one of the papers we’d found when clearing out the house mentioned a war grave in Dunkirk. It was something we’d never taken the time to look in to.

Once Trixie had left for dinner I felt able to relax a little, grabbed my dressing gown, towel and sponge bag before heading to the bathroom. In the bath I was able to lie back, relax and empty my mind to try and get rid of some of my nerves. It was only dinner, I kept telling myself, and I never had to see him again afterwards if I didn’t want to. I certainly didn’t want anything too big with Matthew, I was going to finish my course, become a teacher and put enough money aside to see Sarah through a decent schooling if that was what she wanted. My thoughts turned to David and Caroline, now eleven and nine, I wanted them to be able to follow their own paths as Rebecca, Elizabeth, Harriet and I had done. Despite everything life had thrown at them they were remarkably well adjusted young people. David had mentioned going into the Navy, he’d always loved being taken to the docks to see the ships. Caroline enjoyed school and her lessons, she wasn’t clever but she liked learning and always worked hard. I only wished that I could know where life would take them.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:35 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2004 5:31 pm

Thanks Pim! Very Happy

#100: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2004 5:35 pm

Lovely pim. she's carrying a lot on her shoulders, poor girl.

#101: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2004 6:26 pm

Thanks Pim (and Georgia?) Lovely updates, and it's good to see that on the whole, Sharlie is having a good time.

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

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2004 7:36 pm

Thanks Pim! I hope that Sharlie can forget about her burdens for the night!

#103: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2004 8:16 pm

Oh bless Sharlie. She has the weight of the world on her shoulders, poor girl. Sad

Very pognant abotu her Dad's watch and the grave.Thanks for the update Pimmy Smile

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

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2004 10:51 pm

Thanks Pim Very Happy

Liz

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

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 12:09 pm

Trixie returned from dinner a little after seven to find me still in my bathrobe wrestling with my hair. Have you seen the time Sharlie, she exclaimed. I can’t get my hair to do anything, I wailed. Trixie grabbed the brush from my hand, your problem, she said, is that you have too much hair, it needs a good cut. I paled at the thought, I’d never had my hair cut I gingerly fingered the bits by my ears, it was something that had never crossed my mind. Tomorrow, she said decisively as she twisted my hair into a bun, I’m taking you to a salon and paying for you to get a decent hair cut, my allowance has just come through. I opened my mouth to protest but was silenced as Trixie rammed a hairpin into the back of my head. Seven thirty arrived with a frantic knock on the door from Tash as Trixie zipped up my dress. I’ve just put my head out of the window, Matthew’s here, Tash said breathlessly. I wriggled my feet into my shoes and made a grab for my coat. Not that coat, groaned Trixie as she hunted through her wardrobe and pulled out a black shawl and full length black coat, it’s a bit long for you, but it’ll do. I glanced at my everyday blue jacket, she was right. You look stunning, said Tash as I slipped into Trixie’s coat. I smiled weakly, I’ll see you later, I managed to say.

I ran down the stairs clutching Lily Beth’s handbag and trying to gather up Trixie’s coat so as I didn’t trip. Matthew was leaning against the hand rail of the steps up to the front door, my heart caught in my throat. For a moment I was tempted to turn around and run back up to my room, only the disapproving glare of the porter prevented me from doing so. Taking all my courage in both hands I stepped outside into the night air. He turned round as I headed down the steps, you look… amazing, he said taking my hand and giving me a peck on the cheek. I glanced up to see Trixie and Tash leaning out of Tash’s window waving, I repressed the urge to giggle and looked back at Matthew, thank you, I said. I’ve booked us a table at a little place I know by the Thames, he said, it’s really rather nice, I think we’ll hail a cab, I’m not taking you on the Underground looking that good, I might never get you there.

Once in the taxi we talked over our respective weeks, I was pleased to see that I wasn’t as tongue tied as I thought I might have been. Matthew was a second year mathematician at Imperial and seemed to know everybody, his social circle was wider than Trixie’s. She’s a nice girl Trix, he said, but she tries too hard to be the life and soul of the party, and I’ve known her since she was a brat of nine or so. Her heart’s in the right place though, I said, keen to defend my room mate. I don’t deny that, he replied but suddenly breaking off to tell the taxi driver to stop. The Copper Kettle was somewhere I would never have noticed as a passer by, tucked away between the shops just a stone’s throw from the river. I never failed to be enthralled by London at night. Plenty of time for that later, Matthew whispered, come on or we’ll miss our reservation.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:35 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 12:44 pm

Thank you Pimmy! Trixie and Matthew are both lovely Very Happy

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

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 1:25 pm

Thanks, still not sure what to make of Matthew!

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

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 2:03 pm

Thanks Pimmmy! Lovley....

#109: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 2:28 pm

thanks Pim Very Happy

Hoping he turns out to be lovely....

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

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 3:45 pm

Thank you Pimmingham, sooooo lovely Very Happy

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

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 6:52 pm

All very lovely - hope Matthew continues to stay so! Thank you Pimificent Twisted Evil

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

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 12:47 pm

So exciting for Sharlie Thanks Pim Liz

#113: Author: Georgia, Location: my imagination

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 10:19 am

Sorry everyone, I thought you should know I'm currently holding Pim hostage and tormenting her with Ramsey her new bunnie. So if anybody wants/needs/desires anything from Pim, just let me know and I'll have a go at getting it for you............ Twisted Evil

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

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 10:44 am

Georgia! Let Pim go!! Presuming this means that your net's sorted then Pim... ETA: Or not!

Last edited by Gem on Wed Dec 08, 2004 4:45 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 11:54 am

Georgia! Stop that now!!!! Ok, who's joining me on a rescue mission?

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

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 11:56 am

*waves hand in air enthusiastically* Me! Me! Me! Anything to avoid doing Czechoslovakia notes...

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

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 12:19 pm

Piiiiiiiiiiimmmmmmmmmmm *wibbles* Ooh but if Ramsey is a Neighbours bunnie I might leave them to it Twisted Evil

#118: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 2:23 pm

Georgia! Put her down, you don't know where she's been!

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

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 2:23 pm

*signs up to help rescue Pim* Liz

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

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 3:24 pm

GEORGIA!

I've not been kidnapped! Or anything... my internet in my room has broken, I think the ethanet cable has bust again so I'm just off to ITS now to ask them, but they're useless so it may not be the best idea I've ver had...

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

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 3:51 pm

Poor Pim! I think you'd better lock her up again!!! And poke

ITS as they are useless!

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

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 7:36 pm

Poor Pim!BAD Georgia!!!

#123: Author: Georgia, Location: my imagination

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 8:35 pm

Nell wrote:

Poor Pim! I think you'd better lock her up again!!!

She can try... Twisted Evil

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

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 9:10 pm

GEORGIA! I've just about had enough of this! Apparently the uni network went down yesterday and some people got disconnected and they haven't been able to reconnect us as yet. Typically, I'm the only person in my house this has happened to!

#125: Author: Georgia, Location: my imagination

Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2004 10:10 am

Dear Pim, you know I have a special talent for chewing through wires............. *woof*

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

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 12:10 pm

Ha! My internet is back, hopefully I'll find time for more of this later. *realising that it is midday, is meeting friends for lunch at one, and hasn't done any work on essays yet...* This will be right after I get back from rescuing Gem from Georgia's clutches...

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

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 11:39 pm

Pim! I thought that was going to be more! And (dare I ask) who (or what) is Georgia? Liz

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

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 1:41 pm

Georgia, or to give her full name Georgiana, is my evil twin. Gem and Ally seem to have a 'special' talent for encouraging her to be eviller than usual. Sadly Georgia has a bunny, whose name is Hades and Hades bullies Charley. *not mad, honest!*

I fell in love with the restaurant instantly, with its low ceilings, dimmed lights and flickering candle flames. We were led to a corner table, I glanced around as they did taking in everything around me. The restaurant was filled with other couples of all ages and their strained dinner conversations, there were groups of friends, and groups of couples clearly trying to outdo each other. I smiled to myself, it was unlike anything I had ever known. As I sat down I saw Matthew whisper something to the waiter and a few moments later the bottle of champagne arrived in its ice bucked. I glanced up from my menu and paled slightly, feeling my stomach sink to my shoes as I thought about the previous week. Matthew caught my expression and gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. I smiled weakly and looked back at my menu. It amazed me and I had no idea what to choose it all looked so good. I felt a slight guilty pang as I thought back to my childhood and how mam had often gone without so that we could eat. What’s the matter Sharlie, Matthew asked anxiously, we can go somewhere else if you like. No it’s fine, I said quickly, I was just thinking that’s all. He gave a relieved smile, about anything nice? I shrugged, just about my childhood. Why don’t you tell me about it, he suggested.

Over our soup starters I talked about growing up in the Liverpool back streets, about mam and da, about our escapist games. I talked about nan and when Aunt Carol and Uncle Charlie got married, my first trip to the centre of Liverpool and how it had shown me that I didn’t belong in those back streets. I talked about the factory school and Miss Hathersage and Miss Newton, about the time that the photographers had come. I talked about George and my sisters. And then the war broke out, and everything changed, I concluded as our main courses arrived. I’d never told anybody so much about my childhood in one go before. What happened during the war, he asked. I was a little taken aback, it was still something I struggled to talk about. You don’t have to tell me if it’s too hard, he said gently, reaching for my hand. I shrugged, it changed everything, I said, we were evacuated to Wales, Aunt Carol died when Caroline was born, da was killed fighting in France, Uncle Charlie was evacuated from Dunkirk, mam was killed in an air raid, and Bridgie drowned at Liverpool docks, on the other hand I got my scholarship and went to St Monica’s. met Tish, Lucy, Annie and Nicole, and we met Aunt Jane after mam died and she took us on, and there was Aunt Susan and Uncle John in Wales. He stared at me wide eyed and gave my hand a squeeze, it did change everything for you then. I smiled, but I’m tough, I came out the other side.

Over main course Matthew talked about his home life, which seemed so scanty in comparison to my own. He’d been sent away to boarding school at seven and had always been left to a nanny during the holidays, hardly seeing his parents. So you see Sharlie, he said, money doesn’t buy sense, especially as far as parents go, I feel like I hardly knew my father. I thought back to da, he hadn’t always been the best father but he had encouraged me to dream and to follow them. For all his failings, I did know da. Matthew talked about life at Eton, how he’d met Trixie’s brother, and how they’d almost been expelled at fourteen when they were caught smoking cigarettes out of the bathroom window. Filthy things, he said, I don’t know what possessed me to do it, haven’t touched the things since, you don’t, do you? I shook my head the smell of them always reminded me of mam sitting on the house steps having a cigarette and watching us play, or sitting on the pub steps waiting for da to come so we could take him home. They remind me too much of the past, I said. We sat in silence for a few moments. Dessert, I asked breaking it, half scared of it becoming awkward.

Last edited by pim on Tue Mar 08, 2005 11:44 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 2:43 pm

Lovely that they both feel able to share so much about their pasts. Thanks Pim - never had any doubts about your sanity Wink

Liz

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

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 3:33 pm

Thank you, Pimmy! And, 'special' talent? No idea what you're talking about hun Wink

#131: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 3:56 pm

Excellent scene, Pim, especially Sharlie's musings! And Matthew is much more likeable than I'd thought at first. *hopes this relationship isn't doomed*

#132: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 6:09 pm

What a lovely contrast between their lives and

Quote:

his home life, which seemed so scanty in comparison to my own.

gives such a contrast! I also hope the relationship isn't doomed but, given her appearance at the CS, I fear it is Crying or Very sad

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

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 6:57 pm

Thank you Pimbliana!!!!!

#134: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 8:57 pm

This is such a lovely picture of the beginning of a relationship when there is so much talking to do and so much to share of one another's lives. I hope Sharlie can have some happiness with Matthew, and that the relationship will not end too horribly Confused

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

Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2004 2:36 pm

Gem wrote:

And, 'special' talent? No idea what you're talking about hun Wink

Don't play innocent Gemmypies, it doesn't suit your particular brand of beauty... )

After dessert and coffee we took a walk along the Thames it was just comfortable strolling arm in arm talking away and the subject soon turned to our fathers. I know da has a war grave in Dunkirk, I said, but we haven’t investigated further. My father has one in Normandy, but I’ve never wanted to see it, he added. I stared, I’d like to find my father’s, if only to find some closure. Then we’ll go during Easter vacation, he said suddenly. But I… I began to protest. And Paris, I’ll take you to Paris in the springtime, he said picking me up and spinning my around, much to the amusement of passers by. Put me down you idiot, I said with a giggle. He let me downs gently and that was where we shared our first kiss, gentle and sweet, overlooking the Thames and the lights of the city. I was the first to pull away. Sharlie, did I… he stammered. Oh no, I said wrapping my arms around his waist and looking into his eyes, it was perfect. He wrapped his arms around me and I snuggled into his chest as he kissed the top of my head. I would have been quite content to stay that way forever, safely wrapped in his arms, protected from the outside world.

Common sense dictated that we couldn’t stay that way forever as I shivered involuntarily at the cold. It is a bit chilly, isn’t it, he said with a smile, and I should probably be getting you back to hall Cinderella, that porter of yours looks like somebody I wouldn’t like to mess with. I grinned, you’ve got a point, I said with a sigh not wanting the evening to end. I’ll get a cab, he said taking my hand and hailing a cab with the other. We spent the journey back to hall in silence, each lost in our own thoughts. I stared out of the window watching the city pass by and before I knew it we were pulling up outside College Hall. Matthew settled up the taxi fare and we clambered out into the cold night air.

I should be going in, I said nervously, thank you for a lovely evening. Instinctively we moved out of the view of the front door and we kissed again. When can I see you again, he asked. I’d like to not have to say goodbye, I said, but we have to. Tomorrow, he suggested. Can’t, I replied, already have plans, how about Sunday afternoon. Would be perfect, he said, I’ll meet you here at three. I nodded, we kissed again and I turned and ran back into hall and up the stairs to my room. Trixie was still up and reading, well, she asked over the top of her novel, how was it. I’ll tell you in the morning, I said wriggling out of Tash’s dress and into my pyjamas before falling into bed and straight asleep.

Last edited by pim on Tue Mar 08, 2005 11:46 pm; edited 1 time in total

#136: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2004 2:44 pm

Isn't he a sweeetie!! thank you Pim. Lovely scene.

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

Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2004 3:59 pm

That's so lovely! Thanks Pim

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

Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:25 pm

First date and he's already saying he'll take her to Paris - he must be smitten! or up to something Liz

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

Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 12:28 am

Thank you Pim!! That was just lovely!!!

#140: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 1:54 am

That's lovely Pim - thanks.Oh, and please don't kill Matthew.

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

Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 2:32 am

Matt is so nice! Is he going to die? (Given Pim's well known penchant for killing people off I think it's a fair question!)

#142: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 10:10 am

Oh bless! How lovely. Heart

Wondering (and worrying slightly) what's going to happen with this one though, given that Sharlie turns up at the CS. Thanks Pim.

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

Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 1:25 pm

*whistles innocently* Aww that was so lovely, thank you Pim Very Happy

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

Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 6:43 pm

Ally wrote:

*whistles innocently*

Doesn't suit you either Allykins... ;) And will the rest of you stop worrying that I'm going to kill off every character I introduce! Tsk!

True to her word Trixie took me for a hair cut the following day and I decided that the whole lot had to go. Later that afternoon we walked down Oxford Street as Trixie wanted to do some shopping I just couldn’t stop fingering the ends of my newly cut bob. I kept catching glances of myself in the shop windows and couldn’t believe it was me. I looked so different. I wasn’t sure if I’d grow it back eventually, but it did seem that it would be easier to keep short. Over coffee I told Trixie about the previous evening with Matthew. Gosh, said Trixie at the end, I never knew he could be like that, but then again I’ve always associated him with my brother, who’s a bit of a pain frankly. I grinned, I like Matthew, but I’m not sure where it’ll all end up, and that sort of thing is too big to be considering right now. You may be right, said Trixie, but you have to do what’s right for you.

Back at hall that evening I went over my date again once the others had got over my new hair cut. We had claimed our usual corner in the common room after dinner when we were approached by a second year from the floor below who I knew by sight. She crossed the room to us and looked disdainfully at Trixie, then pointedly at me. I hear you went out with Matthew Holmes last night, she said to me. Yes, I said slowly. So what if she did, interrupted Trixie sharply. Oh nothing, the other girl replied, I was just wondering who you were. And with that she turned on her heel and went back to her own friends. Trixie pulled a face as she did so. Who, began Tash. Petal Forbes-Buckingham, groaned Trixie rolling her eyes, she’s always hanging around Matthew and my brother, but don’t worry Sharlie, they think she’s a right pain in the neck. But I did worry.

I struggled to sleep that evening thinking over the last forty eight hours. I knew that I’d have to ask Matthew about Petal to get some confirmation of what Trixie had said. It wasn’t that I didn’t believe Trixie, but I needed to hear it from him as well just to put my mind at rest. I could only pick at my breakfast and my mind was elsewhere during church. After lunch I made a half hearted attempt at studying but couldn’t concentrate. Sharlie for goodness sake, give it up as a bad job, groaned Trixie, I can’t take any more of your sighing and endless shuffling. She was right, I’d achieved nothing at all, it was only two and I had another hour to kill still. I grabbed my Pride and Prejudice and threw myself on to my bed to make an attempt at reading it.

Last edited by pim on Tue Mar 08, 2005 11:46 pm; edited 1 time in total

#145: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 7:07 pm

Sounds like a problem for Sharlie.

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

Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 7:56 pm

Poor Sharlie - she still hasn't got over the feeling that she's not good enough. Thanks Pim.

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

Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2004 10:01 am

Poor Sharlie! Hope MAtthew's nice to her...

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

Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2004 10:55 am

Thank you Pim and lol, a great way to include PF-B Wink

I hope she isn't going to be too nasty to Sharlie though!!

#149: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2004 4:07 pm

Petal Forbes-Buckingham! God what a name!!! Thanks Pim

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

Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2004 8:25 pm

Oh dear!!! Poor Sharlie! Don't like the sound of Petal!

#151: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2004 9:46 pm

me either, she sounds like she can be very mean and spiteful come back and post some more Pimmy please

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

Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2004 8:04 am

Thanks Pim Liz

#153: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2004 6:56 pm

Pim whats going on ? What disaster has occured ? No new posts !!! Shocked

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

Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2004 10:54 am

I'm guessing its the evil French Essay and the Frog Soc party that kidnapped Pim and stopped her from giving us more story!

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

Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2004 11:31 am

Well I sincerely hope it isn't the other possibility!!! *wibbles*

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

Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2004 11:32 am

Ally don't even suggest it....I thought we'd dealt with her on the profile's thread...or not... Shocked

#157: Author: Georgia, Location: my imagination

Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2004 1:25 pm

:wave:

Hi fans!

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

Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2004 1:46 pm

Fans!!!!!????? *spluttering indignantly*

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

Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2004 10:08 pm

*wonders exactly HOW Georgia has convinced herself that she has fans...* *setting up rescue mission to save Pim from evil Frog essay*

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

Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2004 2:27 am

Doctors a Big Juicy Carrot with calicivirus and pops it in the (virtual) mail to she whose name shall not be spoken...

#161: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 12:39 pm

Pim come back PLEASE

#162: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 4:04 pm

Thanks Pim. Have just read all of this in one go. Glad Sharlie has settled at uni and is enjoying herself. Glad she has had a chance to meet Matthew and hope Petal is not going to cause trouble.

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

Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 9:43 am

Tra la la, I'm back! And so's Sharlie. *has done very little revision for first set of finals... Embarassed

*

At five to three Tash knocked on our door to tell me Matthew had arrived. I glanced in the mirror, do you think he’ll like my hair, I asked anxiously fingering the ends of it. He’s a fool if he doesn’t, retorted Trixie, and for goodness sake Sharlie stop touching it and leave it alone! I instinctively pulled my hands away as Trixie threw her beret at me, I glanced at it with a puzzled air. It’ll stop the wind messing your hair, explained Tash as she pulled my coat off the back of the door, and you’d better get a move on or he’ll think you’re standing him up. I pulled a face at Tash, wriggled into my coat and left the room. I ran down the stairs, passing Petal Forbes-Buckingham on the way, she looked me up and down with a disapproving air, I smiled politely and carried on. I didn’t know what her game was, and further more I didn’t care right now.

Matthew, I called running down the steps, he turned to look at me and his jaw dropped, what, I asked with a mischievous grin. Your hair, he said. Oh that, I replied pulling Trixie’s beret down on top of my hair. From above I heard a whistle and looked up to see Trixie and Tash leaning out of Tash’s window waving like idiots. I laughed back. Just you mind that you take good care of her Matthew, called Trixie. Of course I will, he called back taking my hand and we set off down the street. We went to a little place we both knew nearby, it was somewhere I’d been a couple of times with Trixie and it did good coffee. I’d started drinking coffee a lot more since starting university, it made a pleasant change from stewed tea.

You’re quiet today, said Matthew after a while. Sorry, was just thinking, I replied draining the last of my coffee. Dare I ask what about, he asked. I swallowed sharply, Petal Forbes-Buckingham. That little ninny, what on earth are you thinking about her for, oh wait… he paused, Sharlie, she’s nothing to worry about, she and her friends latched on to me and Will and our friends last year and won’t stop pestering us, we’ve done everything we can to get rid of them. That was what Trixie said, I said blushing and feeling a little silly. You should listen to Trixie more often, he said smiling, oh Petal’s in Hall with you, isn’t she? I nodded, I didn’t even know who she was until yesterday. You just ignore her, she’s not right that one, he gave my hand a squeeze and I smiled weakly for some reason not completely convinced.[/i]

Last edited by pim on Tue Mar 08, 2005 11:48 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 10:09 am

Yay more Sharlie!! Thank you Pim (Boos and hisses at Petal)

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

Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 10:10 am

Yay its back and so is pimmy!!! Thank you...I'm just slightly worried about Petal and what's going to happen with Matthew - hope Sharlie doesn't get hurt...

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

Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 10:27 am

More than a little worried about Petal - the phrase - 'she's not right that one' - seemed to leap off the screen! Great to see this back Pimmaster. Thank you!

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

Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 11:24 am

Gosh I'm so glad I logged on while Matt was watching Stargate. To discover an excellent new episode of Sharlie was totally unexpected and very thrilling. Thanks Pim!

#168: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 2:24 pm

Thanks Pim, such a lovely episode. Sharlie is lovely.

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

Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 8:14 pm

Good to see this back, a pimapy new year.

#170: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 9:51 pm

Glad to see you and Sharlie back, Pim. I'm a little wibbly about that Petal creature, though!

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

Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 10:56 pm

Yay!!! More Sharlie! Thank you Pim!

#172: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 11:58 pm

Welcome back Pimmy Very Happy

(and Sharlie!)

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

Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 8:20 am

Dear Lucy,

How’s like in Oxford treating you? I hope you’re not working too hard and have lots of exciting stories to tell me! The other Saturday Trixie, Tash, Lily Beth and I went to a party of a friend of Trixie’s which was really good fun –but I’m a hopeless dancer! I met this really nice guy there, Matthew Holmes, he took me out for dinner on Friday and coffee this afternoon. He’s a friend of Trixie’s brother, Will, they were at Eton together and he’s a second year mathematician at Imperial. His father was a lawyer but killed during the war. I don’t quite know where things will go with Matthew, he’s sweet and kind and I think I trust him but really Lucy I don’t want to be thinking about the rest of my life right now. We had formal dinner last week as well which was good fun. I’ve got quite a lot of work to do but I’m getting there, slowly! I think Christmas will me a welcome relief, it’ll be nice to get back to Liverpool and see everybody. Listen at me, been at university six weeks and already want the holidays to arrive! Still, only five and a half weeks, less for you of course though – lucky thing! Write soon.

Love, Sharlie.

Dear Sharlie,

Will come and visit the last weekend in November if that’s all well with you! There isn’t a hockey fixture and I should be okay on the work front. I tell you, it’ll be nice to get out of Bedford. Oh I love it of course, I’m having an absolute ball but I need a break from the place! Jess and I have been partying hard and generally having good fun with the rugby boys, you’d love them! You’ll definitely have to come and visit next term. Write soon.

Love, Tish.

Dear Sharlie,

Thanks for your letter. I must say Matthew sounds jolly nice. Are you going to let him take you out again? You do sound as though you’re having lots of fun. We did go to the party the other week and it was really good. Kathie’s ever so nice, reminds me a bit of Tish in fact. I didn’t see much of her once we got there since she was instantly commandeered by several of the boys, she really is a shameless flirt. Nell and I chatted to a couple of Christ Church girls, Clem and Marcie, who we’ve seen a couple of times since. Nell has told me lots about her school in Switzerland – the Head is some sort of cousin of hers apparently. It started out in Austria but had to move when the War broke out. They moved to Guernsey but it got too dangerous there and they moved to Armiford (in Wales) but now they’re going back to Switzerland. I say, wouldn’t it be grand if you ended up teaching there? Oh I have to go, Nell’s here, she and I promised we’d go over o see Kathie. She’s having dinner with this chap, Giles, and needs help choosing what to wear! Write soon.

Love, Lucy.

Last edited by pim on Tue Mar 08, 2005 11:49 pm; edited 1 time in total

#174: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 9:47 am

Quote:

I say, wouldn’t it be grand if you ended up teaching there?

Methinks Lucy is psychic!! Wink

Thanks Pim! Very Happy

#175: Author: Georgia, Location: my imagination

Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 10:02 am

I really really like Petal Forbes-Buckingham. She has so much potential to be evil, just like me Twisted Evil

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

Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 10:44 am

Oh dear - she seems to have escaped again! Thank you Pim! Interesting to see a glimpse of Kathie at Oxford (will we also see Mabel? Very Happy

) Lucy obviously is psychic!

#177: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 11:44 am

Love the letters Pim it is so nice to hear how the others are getting on.

#178: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 12:48 pm

Thanks Pim. It's nice she's keeping in touch with her old friends.

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

Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 7:45 pm

Thank you Pim!!!This is lovely!!!

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

Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 7:53 pm

Love the Kathie's a flirt bit - funny when I read that I instantly thought - 'she's trying too hard - to hide her true nature!'Thanks Pim.

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

Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 11:59 pm

It was two weeks before I saw Matthew again, he’d had a big maths project to work on and also had to go home unexpectedly in the intervening weekend. I’d not gone anywhere in the interim despite Trixie’s seemingly endless invitations. I stayed in instead talking to Rose and Clare and trying my hardest to get through he ever increasing pile of work from my classes. I was taking extra French and German on top of my normal work to keep my languages up ever mindful of being told they were one of my strengths. I’d formed a tentative friendship with a French girl, Coralie Guillard, on our floor who made me speak French to her to practice. I wasn’t sure when I’d ever need my languages but I supposed that one day I might travel and use them. I quickly learned to ignore the glares and muttered criticisms of Petal and her cronies. I’d put up with the likes of them all through my time at St Monica’s and I wasn’t going to let them beat me now.

Dear Sharlie, Can’t make this Friday as I have to go home, my mother’s not too fit, or so she says. I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about. I’ll make it up to you next weekend instead since I have my project to finish for next Friday. I’ll be in touch next week. Missing you, Matthew.

I don’t deny that I was disappointed by that, but it gave me time to get my head around things and realise how much I missed him.

Dear Sharlie, Mother was fine, as I suspected. I think she just gets lonely sometimes. But I’m back now so how about dinner Friday? I’ll pick you up at seven thirty. Missing you more than last week, Matthew.

And you know what, I was too.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:37 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Sat Jan 08, 2005 12:06 am

Soppy Matthew's mother! Poor Sharlie having to put up with the comments/bullying again - wish she could confront them. Thanks Pim - very impressed at your output on this and other threads. Laughing

#183: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sat Jan 08, 2005 1:41 am

Thanks Pim, poor Sharlie.

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

Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:10 am

We had our dinner date, it was as enjoyable as the first and after that it was a struggle to find our work-relationship balance since we both wanted to spend more time together. I was disciplined enough to keep up with my work but my friends complained that I was neglecting them. On the other hand, Matthew complained when Tish came to visit that he wouldn’t get to see me properly. He and Tish did meet, she approved of him but I think he found her a little overwhelming not that he ever said as much to me. Everybody else loved Tish, it was hard to dislike her.

Tish spent an enjoyable weekend in London, we managed to sneak her into Hall and she stayed on mine and Trixie’s floor. I took her into London on the Saturday and we played the part of the tourist seeing the sights I wouldn’t have done otherwise. We talked over our respective university experiences so farm Tish’s definitely being wilder than mine, but we were both happy and that was the important thing. I hated to admit it but I was a little jealous of Tish’s lifestyle, knowing that I’d never be able to afford to live that way but at the same time I was more than grateful for what I had and how far I’d come. It could easily have been so different. It was hard saying goodbye to Tish on the Sunday not knowing when we’d see each other again. We’d write, but it wasn’t the same thing.

I would have liked to have gone to Oxford to see Lucy when Sam came to stay but it just wasn’t possible after having Tish to stay but I decided it was probably for the best. I was happy with Matthew, I knew that seeing Sam again would probable only serve to confuse me. I hadn’t heard from Sam since I’d written to tell him about Matthew, I wasn’t sure what that meant. At the same time I was watching term slip through my fingers with hardly any time left until the holidays and exams looming a little too large for my liking.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:37 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:44 am

Thanks Pim Hope Sharlie does ok in her exams Liz

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

Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 12:37 pm

Lovely post - thanks Pim.

#187: Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England

Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 2:57 pm

Quote:

I was a little jealous of Tish’s lifestyle, knowing that I’d never be able to afford to live that way but at the same time I was more than grateful for what I had and how far I’d come. It could easily have been so different.

Yes, seeing the lifestyles of the rest, Sharlie could have become bitter. (I do know that's not what she meant Smile

)

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

Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 10:32 pm

Loads of lovely drabble to catch up on-great stuff!

#189: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:21 pm

Thanks Pim, this is lovely. Smile

#190: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 12:51 am

fingers crossed for Sharlie's exams! Thanks Pim Very Happy

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

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 9:01 am

Dear Sharlie,

It was a shame you couldn’t make it up to Oxford whilst Sam was here, it would have been lovely to see you again, maybe next term? In actual fact I saw very little of Sam, he got quite taken with Kathie as it happens and they were always going off together. It’s just as well Giles had been well and truly pushed out of the picture a while back. Otherwise nothing much is happening, I got home yesterday and nothing has changed. It’s nice in a way but also quite strange being here and not in Oxford. It’s harder than it was coming back from school, there’s still routine at Oxford but not half as much as school and I find that I’m missing the oddest things! Hope you have a lovely Christmas if I don’t hear from you before.

Love, Lucy.

Dear Sharlie,

Sorry it’s taken so long to reply to your letter but things have been a bit hectic of late. It was nice to come back to England on leave and see the family, especially to see Lucy settled up in Oxford, mind you I wouldn’t like her workload. I hope you had a good time with Tish, it was a shame you couldn’t come to Oxford, it would have been nice to see you again. There’s not much to report from back in Germany, but I’ll tell you something, I don’t like the state of the world with the Soviets and the Yanks squaring up to each other, especially after the Soviets exploded that A-bomb last September. Everyone here’s on edge and it’s no fun, it makes me wonder if the war actually did any good. Oh I know it got rid of Hitler and the Nazis, but I’m not sure whether we’ve only gone and replaced it with something much worse. Hope you’re well and not working too hard.

Always, Sam.

I couldn’t help but share Sam’s concerns about the way that the world was heading. I’d kept half an ear on the news since being at university with a growing sense of fear, having lived through one war I had no particular desire to live through another, one which could be incredibly disastrous for the world. Despite that I was also bothered by the fact that Sam hadn’t mentioned Kathie in his letter whereas Lucy had. Maybe Lucy had been making more of it than there had been, or maybe Sam had just decided not to tell me, it wasn’t as if he was obliged to. You’re probably making a mountain out of a molehill Sharlie, Trixie said to me, and she was probably right.

Last edited by pim on Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:38 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 9:12 am

That update has given me loads to think about, thanks!

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

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 1:09 pm

Thank you Pim, I hope you keep having these convos with Sharlie!! Im really looking forward now to the first time Sharlie and Kathie meet!!

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

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 2:47 pm

Pim, it's so good to have regular posts from you again now!!!!! Very Happy

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

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 2:48 pm

Thanks Pim - I love the way you're weaving Kathie into the story without Sharlie actually meeting her at this stage. Liz