Jackie's Great Escape - Complete 4/5/06
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#1: Jackie's Great Escape - Complete 4/5/06 Author: AllyLocation: John Bettany's Cabin! PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 10:16 am
    —
*pats the obession*

This is a sort of sequel to Rix Goes To India


'Jackie is being all girlie again!' So announced Sybil Russell in her
childish, clear tones to The Round House playroom.

It was the Easter holidays and, as the snow was still falling softly, the youngest inhabitants had found themselves cooped up indoors for another day in a row. They were all there. Rix and Peggy, ably assisted by David, had been enjoying a game of hide and seek, whilst Bride and Sybil had tried to join in, but Primula Mary was busy in a corner with a jigsaw, and no one had noticed what Jackie had been doing.

Sybil though, being ignored by her elders in the game, had grown bored and wandering around the room had come upon Jackie busy at work. Seeing her chance at some fun, she had deftly plucked the paper from Jackie's table and twirled it around in her hand.

'Jackie's written a poem!' she shrieked. 'Oh listen it's awful. "When I looked out, what did I see?"' she quoted.

'Give it back!' cried Jackie, making a grab for the paper but missing, as Sybil danced across the room.

'What's Jackie-girl done now,' Rix retorted disdainfully. Rix, now being nine and at 'big school' fully enjoyed any opportunity of lording it over his brother who at six still only attended the kindergarten at the chalet school, 'with the girls', as Rix had been heard to say, forgetful of the fact he had once gone there too.

On the whole, his siblings and cousins were used to Jackie's different ways and ignored him. He wasn't rough and tumble like Rix and David and so they just left him out of their games. However, when their attention was drawn, he was an easy target for teasing and joking, and as a result he had become a quieter and shyer boy as he tried to hide himself away to avoid it.

'Read it Rix, it's so silly and babyish,' Sybil replied passing on the
offending paper.

Rix briefly glanced through it and laughed. 'Oh everyone deserves to hear this,' and pausing he cleared his throat and proceeded to read through the whole poem to a chorus of every increasing noisy giggling and laughter, whilst Jackie sat at the side blushing crimson to his cheeks.

'What's all this noise then?'

In the mirth no one had noticed the door open, and now they all turned to see Jem Russell standing at the door, surveying the scene with a stern expression.

'I said, what is all this noise. You know the rules Rix, no disturbing me while I'm at home otherwise I'll have to ask Rosa to come back and observe you all again and she has enough to do. So, what's the reason?'

Rix flushed at this rebuke in front of his relations but said nothing other than a muttered 'sorry Uncle Jem.'

There was silence for a second before David decided to speak up. 'We were playing a game Daddy and forgot. I'm sorry.'

'I see,' replied his father, 'anything else?'

'Jackie wrote a poem and it's silly,' chimed in Sybil.

Jem shot Sybil a warning glance to say no more before he turned to see Jackie for the first time.

'A poem Jackie, I didn't know you had literary talents; from what Miss
Linton says about your English I am surprised. Perhaps we will see more effort there in future then?' he queried.

'Yes, sir.' Jackie mumbled. 'It was for Mummy, Would you like to see it too?'

'I haven't got time now, boy. Now remember, quiet,' and with that Jem
marched off.

'Stupid girly brother,' Rix remarked as he came over to Jackie. 'It's your fault Uncle Jem was angry.' And with that he flung the poem back at Jackie and marched back to the other end of the room announcing loudly. 'Let's play a real game, one babies can't play.'

Feeling tears come into his eyes Jackie stumbled up from his seat and headed for the door. He knew he wasn't really allowed to leave the room, but for once he didn't care.

Just as his hand reached the handle of the door he felt another hand touch his shoulder, and he turned to see Primula Mary standing there smiling at him.

'I thought it was a lovely poem John.'

And then she turned back to her jigsaw as Jackie escaped out into the corridor.


Last edited by Ally on Thu May 04, 2006 11:05 am; edited 1 time in total

#2:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 10:23 am
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Poor little Jackie... *sobs*

Thanks Ally Very Happy

#3:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 12:34 pm
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Yay an Ally drabble! Thank you muchly.

Poor little Jackie and how accurately portrayed! Is there likely to be any more? Please....

#4:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 12:55 pm
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Poor Jackie Sad

*pokes Jem*

Luffly Primula Mary Very Happy

Thanks, Ally *also hoping for more*

#5:  Author: pimLocation: Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 1:42 pm
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An Ally drabble Shocked Shocked Shocked (Loff oo really!)

Thank you!

#6:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 1:49 pm
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Thanks, Ally. I've just reread 'Rix Goes to India' - which I had read before in the archive. I wanted to take the chance to say that I really enjoyed reading both these drabbles.

#7:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 2:55 pm
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Thanks Ally. Poor little Jackie, I want to give him a big hug.

Kathryn

#8:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 3:07 pm
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Awww Jackie luff!

Thank you Ally

#9:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 4:22 pm
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Nasty piece of work Jem is, not even bothering about anything other than that the children stay quiet. And Rix is a lovely boy isn't he? Hope he gets well and truely sat on at school.

Thanks Ally.

#10:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 7:48 pm
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Poor Jackie, will there be anymore of this Ally?
Primula Mary was a sweetheart tho!

#11:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Leeds PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 8:33 pm
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Aww, poor Jackie. I like both these stories about the nursery folk. Jem wasn't very friendly though, was he?

#12:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 9:19 pm
    —
Thanks Ally!
Poor little Jackie. That was downright bullying from the others. Primula Mary was a sweetie though, and may I slap Jem!

#13:  Author: AllyLocation: John Bettany's Cabin! PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 11:04 am
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Once outside and unobserved Jackie stuffed the poem into his pocket and
quickly dashed away the tears that he would not shed, and took a deep breath of determination.

He had written the poem for Mummy and so she must have it, Mummy loved him and would read it, and she would say it was wonderful. Except she
wouldn't. Mummy was far away in India and Mummy had never hugged him, well not that he could remember. He had been too young when they had left him, just nine months old. That was what he wanted most of all. A Mummy to hug him.

That was it! If the letters he sent to Mummy got there, then so could he. He could go with his poem himself! What a surprise that would be to Mummy, and wouldn't Rix be jealous that Jackie had been brave enough to travel so
far.

With Jem preoccupied by his work, Rosa and Marie busy preparing dinner and Madge out visiting her sister, there was no one around to notice Jackie as he slipped into the downstairs cloakroom and found his coat, scarf, gloves and woolly hat. He then went around to the backdoor where all the boots were kept, tugged his on, and went outside.

It was his plan to walk to Mrs-Parry-at-the-shop who also ran the Post Office too and ask her to send him to India. He had a sixpence saved from his pocket money and he hoped that would be enough.

It was a familiar and usual walk for all of the family, but in the chilly, wintry conditions things looked different. Already it was growing darker, and the wind was picking up, blowing the falling snow in a dizzying whirl, and making strange noises as it rushed through the trees. On more than one occasion Jackie was startled by the eerie shadows that the bare branches cast against the whitened sky.

'I will be brave, I will see Mummy,' he repeated to himself as he walked on. It was growing colder, and his walking had slowed. As he reached then end of one path and turned into the main road he scared away a murder of crows, and scared himself. Jumping back in reaction his foot slipped and he fell sideways into the ditch that was at present feet deep in snow.

After the initial shock, tiredness overcame him in a wave and he made no effort to move. He remembered he had not eaten anything since lunch, and that they would have had their biscuits and milk by now at home.

Home, had they missed him, would anyone have noticed? Though young, Jackie was astute enough to wonder if his siblings would. Perhaps he would stay here forever and they would never find him. Despite being used to his own company at The Round House, for the first time Jackie felt truly alone and was scared by it. Without further thought of Post Offices and poems, Jackie burst into loud sobs, calling for his Mummy.

'Jackie, oh Jackie darling, what on earth are you doing here, you are
soaking. Oh don't cry dearest, it's ok, I'm here now, everything is ok.'

Jackie didn't know how long he had been crying, but comforting arms pulled him from the snow and held him close. He felt dozy, but looked up to see the warm brown eyes of his Auntie Madge.

Before he knew it he had been bundled up into the back of Madge's runabout and taken home, where there had been a hot bath, warm food, and then tucked up in bed.

Madge was sat on the edge of the bed and anxiously examining his pale face that fortunately seemed to be the only sign of his day's adventures.

'Jackie dear, why were you outside in the snow, you know it's not allowed, not without a grown up, and certainly not when it's snowing and getting
dark.'

'I wanted to go to India and see Mummy,' was the quiet reply. 'I wrote a poem for Mummy and I thought that I could go with the poem to India, so I was going to the Post Office to do it. I wanted to surprise Mummy with it, then she would hug me and say I was her clever, brave boy. I want to meet her ever so much, she seems so nice in her letters.'

'I know you do Jackie-baba, replied Madge shifting herself so that she could wrap her arms around Jackie in a cuddle. 'And your Mummy loves you very much and wishes you were with her all the time. She will be here soon you know.'

'I hope so.' whispered Jackie.

'I found your poem. I thought it was very good and I know your Mummy would like it, you are very clever. You can post it to her tomorrow, though I'm afraid you can't go too.'

'Rix and Sybil and the others said it was babyish,' said Jackie with a yawn, 'and Uncle Jem wouldn't read it.'

'Well some people have no taste do they,' Madge replied with a smile. 'Now come one, to sleep with you, and no more wanderings you promise.'

But Jackie was lost to sleep, and Madge carefully got up and quietly left the room, with a sudden guilty pang of how she wished that she could be Jackie's mother.

#14:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 11:07 am
    —
Ally wrote:
He had a sixpence saved from his pocket money and he hoped that would be enough.


Awwww - bless!

Luffly Madge - thanks, Ally

#15:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 11:10 am
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Aww how sweet, poor Jackie but at least his Auntie madge found him and she was lovely.

Thank you Ally.

#16:  Author: pimLocation: Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 11:13 am
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Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, poor Jackie Sad

Thank oo Ally!

#17:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 11:24 am
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*sniffles*

Thank you Ally, that was lovely.

*pats the obsession*

#18:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 11:53 am
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Thanks, Ally, that was great.

#19:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 3:33 pm
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Awww!!

I love the picture of Jackie trying to mail himself to India. I wonder what Mrs Parry would have said if he'd made it to the post office?

Thanks for the lovely story.

#20:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 5:08 pm
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poor poor children,
were there no jobs in England that people had tp go and leave their children and work in India?

#21:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 5:11 pm
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Thanks, Ally. I'm sorry that Jackie wasn't able to get to India.

#22:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 6:54 pm
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Madge was lovely there - hope she's going to have a word with Jem, and with Rix and the others.

Thanks Ally.

#23:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 7:47 pm
    —
Lovely Madge

And poor Jackie...he must have missed his mother dreadfully, and he never really knew her like the others did. He was just sort of, well, dumped on the Russells.

Thank you muchly, Ally.

#24:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 7:47 pm
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Awww that was so sweet!

#25:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 3:50 pm
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Hurrah, an Ally drabble. Very Happy

Lovely and poignant. thanks.

#26:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 7:09 pm
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Thanks Ally, that was so sweet. If he had to be apart from his parents, I'm glad he had Madge there to look after him.

Kathryn

#27:  Author: RosyLocation: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sat May 06, 2006 2:55 pm
    —
Aww. Poor Jackie. So small. I just wanted to cuddle him. Thankyou Ally.

#28:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat May 06, 2006 4:51 pm
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Awwwwwww!!!
Poor little Jackie! I just want to hug him!

Thank you Allykins!

#29:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2006 3:26 am
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Poor Jackie! At least there are a few decent people in the family....

#30:  Author: aitchemelleLocation: West Sussex PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2006 10:54 pm
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Poor poor Jackie *sniffles*
Thank you Ally! I hope there are LOADS more drabbles just waiting to come out!!
*feeds bunny chocolate coated carrots*

#31:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 9:16 pm
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It must have been hard for Madge as well as the children when Dick and Mollie came back "thanks for having the kids, we'll have them back now..."

#32:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 10:36 pm
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That wasn't really covered was it?

#33:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 11:33 am
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Thank you. That was lovely. Such an accurate description of little children and so lovely of you to bring Jackie and Primula to life like that

That really was lovely. So sweet.

#34:  Author: RobLocation: Derbyshire, England PostPosted: Sat May 13, 2006 10:45 pm
    —
This is lovely Ally, Thank you.

EDB certainly neglected Jackie and Primula Mary; so nice of you to bring them in from the cold!



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