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#1: Len gets tough finished 3/9/06 Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 8:40 am
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Wicked Jos Marvel giggled to herself. She was a thoroughly naughty Middle with an attitude that made early villains of the Chalet School like Joyce Linton look like sweet dutiful lambs! Jos was a spoilt little Madam with an overindulgent American Uncle who encouraged her belief that she was the most important person in the world and she could do anything she wanted and accountability for actions just did not apply to her.

Her vow of reform after Mary Lou had rescued her from a snowdrift was only skin deep. She skipped down the staircase, forbidden to all and sundry bar prefects and staff. She had been hearing tales of how the prefects dealt with miscreants in the past at the Chalet School. She had to admit to herself the early Head Girls sounded tough! Mrs Maynard would have been terrifying, then she heard of the rebellions crushed by Peggy and Bride Bettany and recently Maeve. Then there was that Mary Lou! OOOH! Jos wouldn't have liked her as HG! Wasn't there a really nasty sarcastic one called Gristle or something?

Yes the past prefects and HGs sounded a scary bunch, not like Len Maynartd! She was a pussycat! Ha! When would she ever get tough! Her mother and that Mary Lou were still hanging around. So what was the point of Len Maynard? She never got angry, she never got sarcastic. She always seemed to be so friendly! What a weak Head Girl!

Jos giggled as she looked at the portraits of Head Girls along the Headmistresses' corridor. Now where was her thick felt tip pen? She took it out from an inky pocket and proceeded to draw moustaches, beards, spectacles, horns and fangs on a number of faces.

She could not complete all, but of the illustrious Head Girls, she had desecrated the faces of: Gisela Marani, Maria Marani, Juliet Carrick, Mary Burnett, Grizel Cochrane, Joey Bettany, Cornelia Flower, Elinor Pennell, Marilyn Evans, Peggy Bettany, Maeve Bettany, Josette Russell, Mary Lou Trelawney, Daisy Venables, Julie and Betsy Lucy and Len Maynard herself. She was about to go back and desecrate Bride Bettany, but heard footsteps! Cheekily, where it said "Helena Maynard - Head Girl" she wrote, "Why?"

Con was on her way to deliver the proof copy of the Chaletian to Rosalie Dene. A habit of hers was to give the portraits of her mother and sister a quick polish with her handkerchief! She was about to do this, when she saw with horror the grinning face of her sister with a huge pair of spectacles, an enormous handlebar moustache and furry eyebrows! The insolence!. Constance Maynard did not often show her temper and Jos Marvel quailed in the alcove where she hid as Con exploded!

Con stormed off and in seconds dragged her sisters to see the crime! Len's face went an icy cold. Margot's blue eyes sparkled.

"Some little villain has done the other ones too! Look at Mamma!" shrieked Con.

"Take these portraits down! At once!" choked Len. She was furious! This had to go to the Head.

"I am going to make whoever did this wish she had never been born!" roared Len.

The offending material was taken down and marched into Miss Annersley's office. Jos took the moment to make good her escape.

Last edited by Phil on Sat Sep 02, 2006 9:29 pm; edited 5 times in total

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

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 9:30 am
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Eek, I hope Jos gets what's coming to her.

#3: Author: Caty, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 11:13 am
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I hope Jos is quaking in her shoes. Triple dose of Maynard anger or should that be quadruple when Joey gets involved?

#4: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 1:11 pm
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Jos should be scared!

#5: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 3:23 pm
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I would so like to see all those portraits of former head girls - I'm surprised the school didn't do something like that! And good for Jos, what a wonderful prank! Thanks Phil.

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

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 3:26 pm
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*giggling at the image of Con dusting the family portraits with her handkerchief*

Thanks, Phil

#7: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 7:55 pm
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Miss Annersley was returning to her office when she heard Len's justified expostulation of anger. She gave her head girl a quizzical look, which turned to a look of horror when she saw the desecration of the portraits.

"It seems we have a cartoonist at work in the school. Although, I must say I prefer the works of Mr Disney to this! Helena, keep me informed of the outcome of your investigation and let me know how the perpetrators of this wicked act are to be punished."

Len nodded, too furious to speak.

Equally disgusted, Miss Annersley controlled her temper, she had news for the triplets.

"Your mother sent Mike over with a delivery of scripts and books for the concert. He's having a lemonade and some cake in the Hall before he goes.. He's still there if you wish to see him."

This had the intentional effect of calming the triplets' anger. They would say a quick hello to Mike, see him back home and then consider their investigation into this latest crime. The triplets were quite calm when they reached the hall, that was until they saw and heard something that enraged them!

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Michael Maynard knew his limits. He enjoyed a good prank! He was never still for five minutes. not with things to explore, but in his big sisters' school with countless brevet Aunts and his mother only next door, this was one time where his manners and behaviour was perfect! Would he misbehave or go wandering off in his sisters' school? Oh dear no! The humiliation of being punished would be too great if he sinned there. So he ate his cake and drank his lemondae quietly. Auntie Hilda had said she would see if his sisters were available for a quick chat. Margot was OK if you wanted to talk games, it's a pity Con wasn't more adventurous, Len was just perfect. He heard a footstep behind him. Expecting it to be one of the triplets he turned around joyfully.

It was Jos Marvel.

Mike stood up.

"Hello little boy! You're the Head Girl's baby brother aren't you?"

Mike flushed. "Baby" indeed!

"Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you! Gosh you are handsome! Just like your Dad I bet!" Jos flirted. Mike did not know how to react! Hewas puzzled. Was this his fault? had he done something wrong? Jos reached out and gave Mike a teasing pinch. He jumped!

"JOCELYN MARVEL!"

In the doorway were three very angry Maynards!

#8: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 8:13 pm
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Uh oh! But love the idea of a CS girl flirting!

#9: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 8:39 pm
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Aggrieved, Mike tried to make a break for it. He was caught by Con.

"Con take Mike home. Don't worry Mike. I saw and heard everything. You are not to blame!" Len ordered.

Mike was frightened by this point as Con firmly led him away. He was sure someone like Papa would find a way to say all this was his fault! Another punishment! And the holiday started so well, being Mamma's little postman and getting lemonade and cake from Auntie Hilda. Besides, the trips really looked terrifying! He had seen them lose their tempers at home, but this was something different! They were really cross! Mike just didn't understand! He ran back to Freuedesheim. Felix could be the postman next time, and Mike would clear up Bruno's mess in the garden in future!

Meanwhile. Len and Margot advanced on the pert faced Jos Marvel, who had the ghost of a grin in her face. She wasn't scared of Len Maynard! Too friendly to be Head Girl!

"How dare you! How dare you!" hissed Len.

"How dare I what Len?"

"How dare you be so vulgar! How dare you behave like that with my younger brother!"

"Well, I suppose he is a bit young, but there's no law against liking boys is there?"

Jos gave a smutty grin.

"You disgusting little madam! I should rinse your mouth out with soap and water!"

"Mike is only eleven!" snapped Margot angrily.

"Your behaviour is revolting! You will attend a prefects' meeting at seventeen o'clock, without fail, and don't you dare be late!"

Prefects meeting? Pooh! As if Jos Marvel was scared of the prees! Stuck up bunch! Who were the prees anyway? That's what she would like to know!

Len and Margot swept majestically out of the hall. Jack Lambert passed them both and saw Len was in her "Ice Queen" mode and Margot was in her "Acid Drops" phase! Jack gave them a wide berth!

"I should like to wring her neck!" hissed Margot under her breath.

"Join the queue!" snapped her sister.

"I bet she's responsible for those portraits being desecrated!" growled Margot.

"We'll have to prove that! But if she is, she will get such a shaking!" snarled Len.

#10: Author: Liane, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 8:41 pm
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This is fab, thanks Phil!

#11: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 9:24 pm
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"Where's Carmela?" Len snapped.

Ted, taken aback said, "She was having troubles with some middles in prep. She sends her apologies and will be along shortly."

Carmela entered five minutes later. She clutched some papers in her hands. She thrust them towards Len.

"That Jos Marvel! I've had enough of her for a whole term! She was passing notes in prep! Look what she has written Len!"

Written in distinctive thick black felt tip, was the message: "Why on earth does Len Maynard make a good Head Girl?"

"Who was she passing this too?"

"Erica Standish! Apparently the imps had been having a quarrel over you!"

"Indeed! Well, I'm sorry Carmela, but you will have to see a bit more of Jos tonight!"

Len outlined Jos' latest to the shocked prefects.

"Did Mike get home allright Con?"

"Yes. Although he's convinced Dad will try and blame him for it! He just stormed up to his room and refused to come out. I think he was very embarrassed by it all and for some silly reason thought he would be blamed! I left Mother trying to coax him out. I dare say she will succeed!"

"He really must have a bit more faith in Dad and get rid of that silly persecution complex!" Len muttered.

"At the end of the day he was a guest on the school premises and whether he is a young boy, he should not be treated like that!" summarised Ted.

"Where is Jos? She is ten minutes late! Margot fetch her here! Carry her if you have to!" barked Len.

Within moments, Margot dragged a sulky looking Jos into the prefects' room. There sat three very judicial looking Maynards and the other prefects. Jos wondered if she had bitten off more than she could chew! But no! She musn't cry! Just look them in the eye! Don't give an inch! Call their bluff!

There was sixty seconds of silence before Len spoke.

"Jocelyn Marvel. Have you any excuse for assaulting a guest of the Chalet School or for stealing the confidence of a prefect by passing notes during prep?"

"I didn't assault him! I just pinched him on the b..."

"You may not realise it, but that is common assault!" Len interrupted.

"Anyway, he probably liked it! I know lots of boys who..."

"We are not here to discuss your private life! You also made some comment on his appearance!"

"Well, he is handsome! You should be proud! Nice legs!"

Len banged her fist on the table and stood up! Papers went flying!

"ENOUGH!"

"You are only making things worse for yourself! Your parents are paying good money for you not only to have a decent education, but also to learn some morals! You in dire need of some! You were witnessed assaulting a boy who was a guest on the premises, no matter whom he is related to! Would you like to be treated like that?"

Jos wouldn't.

"We most certainly cannot trust you with other people. Nor can we trust you in prep! Girls are on their honour not to pass notes! They are there to do their prep! If you abuse that trust, that means we cannot trust you in your work either."

Jos did not like this "new" Len! Maybe she had pushed things too far!

"Con! Open the punishment book!"

The punishment book! Oh no! This was where prefects recorded the punishments handed out to miscreants! It was also regularly inspected by Miss Annersley!

Con appeared to be daydreaming. She was looking at Jos' note to Erica and at a photograph. Len was annoyed. What a time to daydream!

"Constance!"

Margot looked over Con's shoulder! Con looked up. "Don't worry Len, I heard every word! May I speak with Jos?"

Len nodded irritably.

"Jos, this is your note, your handwriting?"

Jos nodded. Carmela had caught her red handed.

"Turn out your pockets!" commanded Con.

"But..."

"Turn them out!"

Reluctantly Jos revealed her pocket contents. A chewed pencil, a catapult, some melted liqorice and a thick black felt tip pen.

Con retrieved the pen. looked at it for some time and turned the note, desecrated portrait of Len and the pen around for the whole room to see.

"I think we have found our little cartoonist Len!"

Len's face was a picture. Jos felt sure she would eat her!

#12: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 9:48 pm
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I wouldn't like to be in Jos' shoes right now!

#13: Author: Katherine, Location: London, UK

Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 2:36 pm
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Good for Con!

#14: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 7:48 pm
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There was a long silence! Jos increasingly felt she was in a cage of hungry lions. She could imagine the prees licking their lips in anticipation at their next meal. The silence was terrible. She felt she might scream!

"Aren't you going to say something?" she wailed.

More silence.

"Several other portraits of Head Girls were desecrated in the same way. We have them here. Were they all done by you Jocelyn?" enquired Con.

Jos nodded.

"You know that insolence to the prefects is insolence to the Head, even to Madame!" Margot added.

"I...I... don't care!" Jos' voice wavered.

It was Len's turn. Her voice was unnaturally cold.

"At the Chalet School we pride ourselves on helping those who misbehave, by addressing their problems. Any punishments are tailored so that they fit the crime. We are not cruel savages, we do not use corporal punishment here, but you seem to thrive on punishment Jocelyn. You have been punished using our methods before and not responded. This will be your final punishment. We shall punish you your way. If you persist in such disruptive behaviour, I shall inform the Head that you are harming others by your presence here. This could result in your expulsion. Do you understand?"

Jos attempted one last show of defiance.

"You wouldn't really punish me! You're too friendly and soft to be Head Girl!"

Len bit her lip.

"You leave me no alternative Jocelyn. You will be kept in isolation from the school during work and recreation times for a whole week. You will be under silence for that time. You will be accompanied by a prefect at all times, you will sleep in the San. You may only speak with a mistress or prefect. During this week, you will clean and replace the glass on the portraits you have desecrated. Any breakages will be paid for by you. You will report to me at the end of the week, if you have not improved in your behaviour, the final step is Miss Annersley."

Jos looked crestfallen. Con closed the punishment book. Len smiled at her.

"I'm afraid I haven't finished yet Con!"

Jos looked at Len, alarmed!

"You will write a letter of apology to Michael Maynard, care of Dr & Mrs Maynard for assaulting him. You may hand deliver it to the Doctor when he calls at the school tomorrow! AFTER that! You will be invited to a special Kaffee Und Kuchen on Sunday."

Len's smile was cruel! Why after such a week of punishment should she be invited to a special Kaffee uund Kuchen? Jos wondered.

"Yes, in Miss Annersley's office at eleven o'clock sharp! You will make your apologies in person to some of the former Head Girls whose pictures you have defaced. You may then proceed to clean the pictures before them!"

Even Con dropped her pen in amazement at this. She hurriedly copied the notes into the punishment book. Margot opened her mouth in amazement. Len slouched in the Head Girl's chair smugly.

Jos burst into tears.

"You can't! You have no right! No authority!"

"I have every authority my dear! I always clear any proposed punishments with Miss Annersley. I've had to think up some good ones in my time! Fortunately it has only been on rare occasions, like now!"

Jos let out a howl of despair! She begged for mercy.

"Please Len! I'll do anything! I know now you are an excellent Head Girl! I shouldn't have done what I did! Please! Can't any of you stop her?"

Jos appealed to the prefects. Surely Len's triplet sisters would stop her! Con and Margot shook their heads.

"Even if you ask your parents to remove you from the school, the punishment still stands! Do you want to leave the Chalet School, Jos?"

Sob! Sob! Sob! "No!" Sob! Sob!

"Then go! We are sick of the sight of you, always in here for some reason or another! Go and wash your face! Your punishment starts first thing tomorrow! For the rest of the day, you may write that letter to Dr Maynard! Now go!"

Crying, Jos left the Head Girl and the Prefects' Council. Her rebellion was crushed and utterly defeated!

#15: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 9:21 pm
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Poor Jos. What a swingeing punishment!

#16: Author: Liane, Location: Manchester

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 6:37 am
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Shocked

That was a rather scary Len!
Thanks Phil.

#17: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 8:18 am
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Jos' isolation had been announced to the whole school by Len. Oh the looks of reproach as nearly everyone in school turned round to look at her! She had her meals separately and as she passed the girls in the corridor, they either looked right through her or gave her a look which said, "Shame on you!"

She was quivering as she handed in her letter of apology to the great doctor. The look of contempt he gave her! He then read her a lecture on manners and morals which was so cutting and truthful, she listened in meek submission, tears welling up in her eyes. She resolved never even to look at the Maynard boys again!

She could not help but witness how popular Len really was. The school was in preparation for their sale and she saw crowds of excited girls milling round Len like chicks to a mother hen! For the first time in her wicked life, Jos finally understood. Len governed by affection.

That was the key! Len governed by affection and as such won respect, love and loyalty. Jos had always thought schools were the enemy, an impediment to one's selfish pleasure. Now she was on the outside, and wanted to come back and be part of the school! She would rather be loved than punished. She had stupidly picked a fight with authority and lost. Would Len ever trust her? Now she had to win Len over! She thought it necesary to be nasty to be Head Girl, now she saw the most effective Head Girl in action and her government by affection!

Ted Grantley was supervising her that day. It would be Len's turn tomorrow, the dreadful day where she would have to explain her actions to former Head Girls! Jos begged Ted if she could speak to Len to get this final sentence revoked. Ted shook her head and muttered something about cowardice. Oh dear! Poor Jos would have to face the music!

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It was a broken Jos who was escorted by a very icy Head Girl to her meal and prayers. Len did not say a word to her as Jos repeated how sorry she was. They reached Miss Annersley's study and for one horrible moment, Jos thought she was to be expelled! Her parents would be furious and she doubted her Uncle Eddie, who spoilt her rotten would be pleased! Len knocked on the door and was bidden to enter.

"Wait here!" she commanded Jos.

Jos could not hear what was said. Suddenly the great door was wrenched open and Len said in a very cold voice,

"Inside! Now!"

Jos trembled as she entered. There was a very grim faced Miss Annersley at her desk. She flashed a look from steel grey eyes. She was very angry, thought Jos. Worse was to come. Located around the room were little coffee tables with the defaced portraits and in great comfortable seats next to the coffee tables were some of the occupants of theose portraits! Jos did not recognise them all, but she certainly recognised Mrs Maynard.

She did not recognise Maria Marani (now McLaren), Grizel Cochrane (Shepherd), Betsy Lucy, Peggy Bettany (Winterton) or Cornelia Flower (van Alden).

Jos nearly bolted! Len caught her.

"You have some apologies to make, young lady!"

Jos qualied as she heard Mrs Maynard say, "This is the criminal, Jos Marvel. Right girls, who's first?"

#18: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 9:08 am
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I feel really sorry for Jos here. I know what she did was bad and done out of spite, but I think Len might have gone a tad overboard here and I'm sure Joey will enjoy every minute of the apology. Poor Jos! Thanks, Phil.

#19: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 10:05 am
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"Ppp....p...pp..please, I am very sorry!" murmured Jos.

Silence.

Maria McLaren motioned the firghtened middle to her.

"I see you drew quite a pretty picture on my sister and I. A charming tribute to the first Head Girl of the Chalet School! Fortunately for you Gisela is not here, if she were I would not like to be in your shoes! However, I accept your apology. I have had worse thrown at me. Corney and I were Head Girls during the war. Air raids, evacuation from the Tirol, then Guernsey. Then hearing the news of my father's death in a concentration camp. Your funny little prank pales into comparison besides those things." Maria smiled.

Jos was ashamed.

Grizel Shepherd, heavily pregnant, eyed her coldly.

"Come here."

Jos came as close as she dared.

"Closer"

Shuffle.

"Closer"

Shuffle! Grizel's eyes were fixed on Jos, like an eagle.

"Closer"

Jos was easily within arms reach of Grizel and less than a foot away! Oh what would happen to her? Strangely Grizel put her arm around Jos.

"Oh you silly girl! We've all been defiant at one time in our lives and realised how stupid that is! I do hope you will behave and learn to live and enjoy the Chalet School!"

This unexpected kindness brought the tears to Jos' eyes. Gentle Betsy Lucy had some sharp words for her, but Peggy and Cornelia were quite forgiving. Jos warily approached Mrs Maynard, the light of battle glinting in Joey's eyes! Jos nearly fainted!

"I'm sorry Mrs Maynard! I'm sorry I drew on your picture! I am sorry I rebelled against Len and I didn't know it was insolence to Madame! Will...Will...Will Lady Russell expel me?"

"What a lot of 'sorrys' in that apology! Well, I can see you are truly repentant my child. But you did bring this upon yourself! I was quite amazed that you had pushed my eldest to such lengths! Now, believe me, she did not come running to me or Miss Annersley for advice, she thought this whole punishment up herself! I doubt I could have bettered it! Now, hurry up and clean those pictures! This will all be forgotten and forgiven and you can turn over a new leaf and enjoy school! You have my word on that!"

"Thank you Mrs Maynard!"

Suddenly, Grizel gave a cry of pain.

"What's the matter Grizel?"

"Nothing Joey! Just a twinge! Sorry to interrupt, AAAAHHHH!"

"The baby?" Maria asked. Grizel nodded. What a time for baby to come!

Jos was hurried out of the room to begin her work. She heard another cry and Miss Annersley dialling for an ambulance.

#20: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 3:31 pm
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That was nice of Grizel.

#21: Author: Katherine, Location: London, UK

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 3:36 pm
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Heavily pregnant woman appers in public? I just keeled over in shock.

#22: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 9:28 pm
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Jos' punishment was over. She was returned to her classmates. As with any sinner returning to the fold, some eyed her warily, others did not want to embarrass her by drawing attention to her whilst others were all too vocal in their reproach and in some cases, forgiveness.

Jos had seen the caring side to Len as Mrs Shepherd was taken to the ambulance. There was a warmth there which Jos yearned for. Presents were all very well, being spoilt and over pampered with lots of treats, how long did they last? It was human contact, illustrated by those brief moments between Mrs Shepherd and Len, which was all important. Could she, Jos Marvel, ever change? Len would be leaving next term. All her wisdom and experience and she had wasted her time by annoying an outstanding Head Girl.

Jos was very subdued and quiet. She paid attention in class for once, she stumbled over her German and panicked, lest she be up for punishment again, but fate was kind to her. For Abendessen it was announced Mrs Shepherd had given birth to twin girls, to join her sons. Len looked so happy!

Before Jos went to bed, she begged leave to speak to Len.

"I'm so sorry I was a nuisance. I didn't think it possible to lead a school and be kind at the same time. I wish I could change! I'm spiteful and nasty! I don't want you to leave Len! I've so much to learn from you!"

The astonished Len was quite taken aback! Oh dear! Not another kid with a crush on her! She smiled.

"Why thank you Jos! Whenever you get tempted by the ways of a sinful middle, just try and remember me! I'm sure you will be able to restrain yourself then! Goodnight!"

Jos skipped away, happy she had made her peace with the best Head Girl ever. Len closed the door and groaned.

"Another one reformed thank goodness! I pray she doesn't havea crush on me! Jack Lambert is enough!"

#23: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 9:42 pm
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Hurrah! Another true to the books CS reformation. (apart from Grizel going into labour in public, of course Wink

)

Thank you Phil.

#24: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 1:32 pm
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Thanks, Phil. Glad Jos is a reformed character!

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