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Author:	ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 6:06 pm ]
Post subject:	The Best Encounter
Mods - I hope this is the right place! I'm not brilliant at telling. Sorry! Kathie Ferrars heaved a heart felt sigh as she took in the full situation, but she knew that there was nothing to be done but try and help. She looked around the assembled prefects. Already it was clear that there would be some digging to do, and so she called to Mary-Lou. It wouldn’t be good for her to put her back under any strain which could be avoided. “Mary-Lou! I need you to go back to school and ask Miss Annersley to ‘phone for Dr Jack and get him up here pronto with some shovels. Then find Matron and warn her that hot baths will be the order of the day when we return. Nan and, let’s see, Blossom, you go with her. The rest of you, come and see what we can do to help!” On her last word she herself edged cautiously forwards, watching each step that she took. The road was none too safe here, coated in black ice as it was, and it wouldn’t do for there to be any more accidents. It was easy to see why the two motor cars had skidded as they had. One was sitting in the hedge, front wheel well and truly buried. The other was slightly further up the road, close to the hedge, but he, at least, had managed to stop in time. The two drivers – a man and a woman – had both got out of their cars and were looking speculatively at the mess. “Excuse me,” said Miss Ferrars, coming to a halt beside them. “Can we be of any assistance? I’ve already sent for Dr. Maynard, who is closest, to bring some shovels, and I expect one of the handy men from school will come as well. I’m Kathie Ferrars by the way.” “Dr Gregory,” replied the man promptly. His face was long, but his mouth looked jolly, and his eyes seemed to be the type that would have twinkled in other circumstances. “We seem to be in a bit of bother. I have a shovel in the boot. If you think you could help clear snow, I’d be very grateful.” Even with his current troubles, he stared at Miss Ferrars far more than she was comfortable with, and she blushed even as she agreed to do as he said. She called Elinor Pennell, Lesley Bethune, Lala Winterton and Sybil Russell over to lend a hand, while sending Hilary Bennett and Lesley Malcolm to opposite ends of the road to divert any further traffic. But even as she began to tow in with a vim, bending down and picking up handfuls of snow to throw over the hedge, she cast an anxious look up at the sky. It had been snowing for a week now, and sundry were the grumbles through the Chalet School. The smallest break in the weather had seen all lessons suspended while the girls were sent out for walks. Miss Ferrars had elected to take the prefects, but had denied the offers of assistance from other members of staff. She would barely be needed as it was, and with monkies like the Fourth forms, all hands were needed on other decks. The girls had just turned back, due to the threat of snow, when they had happened upon this mess. Already one or two light flakes were drifting down around them, and she didn’t like the look of that sky. It would be as well to get the girls home quickly. But with all of them working hard the task looked like being quickly completed. She only hoped that it would be done in time, for stuck in a snow storm she did not want to be! In these areas, even light snow could be horribly dizzying, and it would be easy to lose the way. As she worked, Miss Ferrars cast another look at the doctor. He was red-faced now, thanks to the exercise, but shoveling away with good will. He wasn’t bad looking at all, but when she caught his eye as he glanced at her, she hastily lowered her head and kept working, blushing again. Shortly afterwards, they managed to free the lady’s car, and she drove away happily, if carefully. The next order of the day seemed to be the Doctor’s car, and the girls headed to it, laughing gaily among themselves. Miss Ferrars was careful to send Lala and Sybil to relieve Hilary and Lesley so that they wouldn’t get cold standing around. It was their haring off which caused her downfall – quite literally! She was shouting at Sybil to be careful lest she should fall over when she felt her feet give out from under her on a particularly nasty patch of ice. When she rolled over and looked up, everyone had stopped to exclaim, although the Doctor was laughing freely. Miss Ferrars didn’t think that it could get any worse, but at that moment Dr Jack turned up, and with him Bruno. She had just begun to get into a sitting position when several pounds of dog flung themselves at her and began to lick her face eagerly. She gave up any pretence of dignity and flopped back down again, hair now wildly askew. After that it was quick work to free the second car, and Dr Gregory, with sincere thanks, was soon back on the road again. Dr Jack had insisted on bundling the prefects into the back and getting them driven back to school quickly, but Elinor and Sybil couldn’t fit in. Miss Ferrars agreed to walk with them and Dr Jack back to school, and so the little party set off, Miss Ferrars rubbing her back ruefully. Solid ice was not a good place to land. As they were walking back, snow still falling lightly around them although it promised to get heavier very soon, Dr Jack contrived to pull Miss Ferrars to one side by herself. Sybil and Elinor took the hint and speeded up out of earshot. “Mike Gregory is a good man,” he said seriously. He was watching her face eagerly as he said it, and was rewarded by Miss Ferrars going bright red. He laughed. “Oh, like that, is it?” He called to Bruno to come closer to heel and strolled on to ask Sybil for the latest news from Australia, but the damage had been done, and Miss Ferrars found herself with a lot to think about as she curled up in bed that night, some of Matey’s patent cream rubbed into her rapidly forming bruise.

Author:	Liz K [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 6:26 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
Oh nooooooo, no prizes for guessing what's going to happen. Don't do it, Kathie, don't confine yourself to a lifetime of darning doctor's socks etc.

Author:	Lisa [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 6:31 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
Ah, but she has already bucked the trend by coming to the rescue of a Doctor in distress, rather than vice versa! Thanks ChubbyMonkey!

Author:	Sarah_K [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 6:45 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
I liked Kathie rescuing her Doctor g even if it isn't very kind to laugh at people who fall over on the ice!

Author:	Lesley [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 7:50 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
Kathie can't do that - what will Nancy say? Love her rescuing a Doctor mind! Thanks

Author:	PaulineS [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 8:34 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
LIke the idea of Kathy rescueing a Doctor. Is there more or is this one of your Lovely shorts?

Author:	ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 9:01 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
Oh, there's more to come I just love seeing all the guesses as to what comes next...

Author:	Alison H [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 9:31 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
She rescued him, so maybe he could settle down to doing her darning . Sigh - why didn't I meet any nice doctors in the snow today?

Author:	Tara [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 11:56 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
Alison H wrote: She rescued him, so maybe he could settle down to doing her darning Oh yes! I like it lots! And I agree with Lesley - what would Nancy say??? Glad there's more to come, Chubbymonkey, looking forward to it.

Author:	ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Feb 03, 2009 10:34 am ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
Second part! Now, if Kathie could just stop blushing... The next day Kathie was called out of a lesson on geography with Inter V to go to Miss Annersley’s office. Setting them all up with a question to answer, she thanked the junior who had brought the message and excused herself, wondering why she was wanted. Inwardly she was quaking slightly, because even as her teacher her relative youth left her in awe of the Head, and she was slightly concerned that yesterday’s adventure would not be approved of. There was really very little else she could have done, though, given the circumstances. She knocked and entered quietly, barely suppressing the urge to curtsey like one of the pupils. Stood by the desk was the Doctor from yesterday, and sudden realisation dawned on Kathie. Miss Annersley smiled graciously. “As you can see, you have a visitor. Naturally he can’t stay long, so I am sorry to call you out of your lesson, but he assures me that it was urgent. If you let me know where you were teaching this period and next, I shall take over for you until you are free again. I’ve sent for some coffee for you both.” Kathie gave her profuse thanks, warm colour flooding her cheeks, and added the required information about classes. Once she was alone with her doctor she sat down, trying to remain calm and composed although she was still fiddling with the edge of her sleeve. He smiled, sitting opposite her, and poured out the coffee which had arrived at that moment. She took her cup from him, but their fingers brushed, and she was surprised to feel a lurch in her stomach at the contact. “Please forgive my intrusiveness,” he smiled, sipping his own drink. “I did not realise you were teaching or I would, of course, have waited. I am on my way up to the Sanatorium to start my shift, but I thought I would stop and ask how you were. I hope you haven’t suffered any ill effects from my foolishness yesterday.” Kathie laughed gaily, starting to relax, until she met his eyes. They were the most handsome eyes she thought that she had ever seen, deep blue, like the Lucerne. She could have happily drowned in them. Realising that he was waiting for an answer and she was letting her thoughts drift, she pulled herself up reprovingly and answered as best she could. “Oh, a little sore, but nothing that won’t pass by the end of the day. I was just glad that we could be of some assistance to you. I wouldn’t be a very nice person if I had merely walked on, would I.” “I could never have forgiven you,” he grinned, adding as lightly as he could manage, “It’s been such a pleasure getting to meet you.” Kathie busied herself with her coffee, but inwardly she was smiling like a maniac. Secretly she had hoped that he had come for more than just politeness. She tried to focus her mind on what she would need to teach next lesson, what would need to be done, but it kept slipping back to his eyes as they smiled. After a few minutes of nervous silence, he coughed and, as Kathie looked up, swallowed. It was his hands now which played with the rim of his cup. “Look, I don’t know if this is a silly idea or not, and you are perfectly free to say no if you think I am being too forwards, but I should like it so much if you would agree to go out with me one day. I – I just want to thank you properly for stopping as you did. Not many people would have.” Kathie didn’t even need to think about it. Her heart was beating so fast, and her eyes twinkled with a new life of their own. “My day off is Thursday,” she offered. The Doctor thought about it and smiled. “I can swap my shift for a night shift this Thursday, if that is good for you? I could come and pick you up at about midday and we could spend the afternoon together.” Kathie nodded her approval of the plan. She wondered what Nancy would make of it all. She hoped that her friend wouldn’t mind too much. At that moment their meeting was brought to a premature end by the appearance of Matey, her starched linen announcing it was her before the two turned around, stricken – though Kathie couldn’t have told you why later on. “I’d better be going,” said Dr Gregory quickly. It was no part of his intentions to make things awkward for Kathie with her work colleagues. He’d even gone to the trouble of asking Dr. Maynard if it would be wise for him to call at all, but he had been assured that Miss Annersley was a shrewd woman, wise in her generation, and she would understand on this one occasion. “I shall see you on Thursday.” “I’ll wait at the bottom of the drive. Thankyou for everything, Dr. Gregory,” said Kathie formally. He laughed. “Oh, Mike, please.” “Kathie,” she added, ushering him to the door and showing him the way to go. She was on the verge of leaving the room herself when she heard Matey cough behind her, and turned around. “Of all the members of staff, I never thought it would be you,” she said sternly, if she did have a twinkle in her eye. Kathie hung her head, but protested feebly, “He only wanted to say thankyou for my assistance yesterday.” “And if you think that,” concluded Matey. “You aren’t as clever as I gave you credit for.”

Author:	Emma A [ Tue Feb 03, 2009 12:41 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
He seems nice, and Kathie likes him, but inside I'm going "Nooooooo!" Thanks, ChubbyMonkey!

Author:	Alison H [ Tue Feb 03, 2009 12:57 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
He does seem nice ... but there has to be a twist to this somewhere ...

Author:	PaulineS [ Tue Feb 03, 2009 1:37 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
Matey said Quote: “Of all the members of staff, I never thought it would be you,” she said sternly, if she did have a twinkle in her eye. Kathie hung her head, but protested feebly, I wonder why? Thank you for the update, hope all goes well with kathy.

Author:	ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Feb 03, 2009 9:05 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
Thursday came around far too quickly for Kathie to really grasp what was happening. She knew that she could rely on Matey not to gossip, and so aside from Miss Annersley – who was most keen to know the outcome – and Nancy, she had told no-one. She spent the morning in her room, trying on various clothes, trying to decide what it would be best to wear when she had no idea where she was going. In the end she settled on a pair of leggings and a sweater, not overly large but which engulfed her slender figure well. She was just starting to work on her hair when Nancy arrived. She’d managed to persuade Mlle Berne to take her break duty, and had come to help her friend get ready. She twisted Kathie’s hair up into a bun at the base of her neck, took it down, plaited it and recoiled it, all the time talking gaily. They tried to guess at what Dr Gregory would have planned, where he would take her, what they would talk about. Kathie kept insisting that it would all go horribly wrong, but Nancy only laughed and promised her that it would be far the opposite, and she would have a brilliant time. After that, her friend had to go and teach a lesson, but Matey, having guessed how Kathie must be feeling, turned up to demand her time sorting out sheets for an hour. There was no chance of romanticising around the school’s domestic tyrant, for which Kathie was more than glad. Her nerves were starting to get the better of her already, so she dreaded to think what she would be like by the time she actually met him. But eventually the time came. She stood at the bottom of the drive, twisting her fingers nervously together through her gloves, trying to remember Matron’s last words about maintaining her dignity and just being herself. She saw him approaching, by foot, carrying what looked suspiciously like a picnic basket. Even from this distance his silhouette was enticing, and when he approached, hair askew, Kathie felt her knees go weak. She merely fell in beside him with a perfunctory greeting, though. “I thought I would treat you to a picnic,” he explained in his deep voice, his eyes sweeping her until she was forced to look away. It had stopped snowing three days previously, and although dark clouds still hung threateningly overhead there was no more snow as of yet. She beamed. “Excellent. I know a brilliant picnic spot, if you would like to try there?” He assented and so they toiled on up the mountain, Mike carrying the basket even when Kathie protested that she wanted to help. The spot she had thought of was secluded at this time of day, and far enough off the beaten track that any passing visitors probably wouldn’t notice them. There was an overhanging rock which they took shelter under, spreading out the picnic rug and laying food on top. It was certainly a magnificent spread, and Kathie did wonder idly how on earth they were going to eat it all. Conversation was excellent over lunch, despite her fears. He told her of his work at the San., and of some of the patients he dealt with. In return she regaled him with anecdotes about the school, from lively tales of the Middle’s latest prank to the way that Nancy had managed to upset a cup of coffee over herself the other evening. Mike watched her keenly as she spoke. Her face was animated, and she waved her hands to emphasise her point. He learnt a lot about her from her simple chatter. It was clear that Nancy was her special friend on the staff, and that she was dedicated to her job. She even spoke a little of her home life, though she only mentioned an Aunt. He tried to be equally forthcoming, telling her about the old man who insisted that they served rotten meat, or the lady who had swooned when she learnt it was to be the Dr Maynard who examined her. They were just finishing the food when they noticed the flakes falling; gentle at first, but soon a dizzying curtain of white across their vision. Kathie was inclined to worry, but Mike only laughed and assured her it was no more than a passing shower, and within an hour they would be making their way back down the mountain. She firmly hoped that he was right; she had no desire to try and explain to Matey that she had caught a cold because she spent the night on a mountain top. Noticing her shivers, Mike made her lie down, then shrugged his jacket off and covered them both with it, like a blanket. Kathie lay looking at him, one arm tucked under her head, her eyes searching his face, memorising every small detail. A silence fell over them, companionable, with no need for words. After half an hour, as the flakes continued to coat the ground before them, Mike feared that Kathie might be falling asleep, but just then she shifted, her body pressing closer to his. “Excuse me,” he said, his voice catching at the base of his throat. He coughed awkwardly, fiddling with the edge of the rug. “I’m sorry, I know that you must think me frightfully forwards, but I must do something, and I sincerely hope that you don’t mind.” Kathie was eyeing him somewhat warily, and he knew that she had guessed what was coming. But she didn’t protest, and he drew his strength from that. He pushed forwards, until she could feel his breath on her face. He smiled slightly, then pressed his lips to hers, gentle and tender. For a few seconds she was too shocked to think, but when she did she realised that she was actually responding, and enjoying it. It felt right. When they drew apart she lay her head against his chest. They stayed there, in their own little world, waiting for the snow storm to pass.

Author:	Alison H [ Wed Feb 04, 2009 12:01 am ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
Aw, bless! He's so nice. at the image od an old lady swooning at the thought if being examined by Jack .

Author:	ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Feb 04, 2009 11:07 am ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
Just another quick update, because I'm due in college shortly. I've just made up my mind about the ending, and I can't wait to see what you all think! Six months later Mike was still taking her out every Thursday; sometimes to the lake; a walk in the mountains; once to his house. She was enamoured with the pretty little cottage, and his housekeeper charmed her. Numerous members of the staff had met him now, and even the girls were starting to gossip. The prefects, especially, having been there when it all happened, would discuss among themselves just how long Ferry would wait before she left them. Kathie did her best to ignore it, but the sharp scolding she administered to Margot when she heard that lady discussing it proved just how touchy the subject was. One evening, in the staff room, Nancy worked up the courage to bring the matter into the conversation. They were discussing the latest news of Gillian Linton, now married and settled down happily. Nancy, with a twinkle in her eye, poured out another cup of coffee for her friend but, as she passed it to her, winked. “You’ll be wanting to ask her for tips no doubt,” she speculated, watching Kathie closely. The mistress took the hint with a great deal of dignity, and replied as gravely as she could, “I had no idea that Miss Annersley was planning on asking Karen to leave, nor that I should be demoted to take her place. Pray do tell when you heard this, for, indeed, it is the only instance in which I should need more housekeeping skills that I can think of.” The rest of the staff laughed, but Nancy only smiled aloofly. Matey was the next to bring it up, but she saw no need to wait for an appropriate gap in the conversation. As soon as the mirth of her colleagues had died down, she turned to face Kathie squarely. “We don’t mean to pry, but you have been seeing a lot of Dr. Gregory lately, and we should hate to have to lose you. Do you have any plans in that direction?” Kathie shook her head. “I don’t know. He certainly hasn’t asked me, and if he did I don’t know what I should say. I love him dearly but you are all my real family. And I couldn’t leave poor Nancy here by herself, for I know that the rest of you positively hate her and she would be lost without me.” Nancy, at this attack on her person, promptly threw a cushion, with the one effect that Kathie’s coffee was left dripping down her blouse. Nancy exclaimed at once, horrified, and promptly grabbed a dry cloth to try and mop her friend up. Kathie only laughed and proclaimed that she had deserved it. The impromptu meeting was brought to a close by Matey hearing noises from upstairs that definitely weren’t the result of a dormitory of girls sleeping peacefully. Sundry other members of staff declared themselves ready for bed and departed, but when Kathie said that she was going, Nancy came with her. She perched on her friend’s bed and watched her perform her toiletries, but didn’t say anything of her sudden visit until Kathie was sat next to her, pulling her dressing gown firmly around her for the nights were cold. “Look, I – I just wanted to say, that if he does ask you, I want you to think about it. Properly.” “I will,” promised Kathie sombrely. She was all too aware of the change which could be coming into her life soon. Just the other week she and Nancy had gone to the theatre with Mike and one of his doctor chums. It had been a lovely evening out, and Nancy had said afterwards just how nice he seemed, and how lucky Kathie was. “Because,” Nancy continued, determined to say what she wanted to. “We would still be friends whether you worked here or not, and I know that you’re a favourite with the girls, but so were many other people who left. I’m sure if you talked to Biddy or Hilary they would tell you that no matter how happy they were here, they wouldn’t give up their families for anything. I know that Joey has often said getting married to Jack was the best thing that ever happened to her. You shouldn’t miss out on what might be your one chance of happiness just for the school and for us. None of us would blame you in the least if you did choose to go; we would all understand, even, I think, the girls. The Seniors, certainly.” Kathie shook her head, her eyes confused. Suddenly she clasped at her friend’s hand. “He hasn’t even asked,” she said quickly, letting her fears tumble out of her. “He may well never do so, and I am just a friend, a companion until he meets a woman he loves. Even if he did I don’t know if I could marry him, I would be so scared of what might happen. If I ever grow to dislike it here I can easily find work at another school, but if I marry him and then discover that it wasn’t what I wanted at all I can’t undo that, I can’t change it. It would mean committing forever, and I’m too much of a coward to do that.” “Well, look at it from the other way,” said Nancy practically. “If he asks and you say no, that could be forever too. I don’t know many men who would come back for a second time. And if you love him so much you really are considering this then you may never be able to settle down happily with someone else. If you choose your career now, it may mean being your career forever.” She left after that, for she was also tired and wanted bed, but while she slumbered peacefully, her mind at rest for now, Kathie tossed and turned. She could see the truth in what Nancy was saying, and she knew that she couldn’t run away from the issue much longer. If Mike was going to ask her, he was going to do it soon, and she had to know exactly what she was going to say when he did. It was a long night for her after that, revolving all of her options in her head, but always reaching exactly the same conclusion.

Author:	Emma A [ Wed Feb 04, 2009 11:52 am ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
This is really good, ChubbyMonkey - am I being awful to hope that she chooses the school? Kathie, almost more than any other mistress (perhaps because we see her pov in New Mistress), has always seemed to me a born teacher, and Mike would have to be truly exceptional to tempt her away from that! Looking forward to the last bit!

Author:	dackel [ Wed Feb 04, 2009 1:13 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
And? Which conclusion? You can't just leave it there! I'm really enjoying this, thanks!

Author:	ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Feb 04, 2009 5:17 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
Kathie knew that it was going to happen when he asked if she would come over to his house one evening during the week. It was a Thursday evening, but all the same he knew that he usually couldn’t do that except on special occasions. It had only happened twice before; once when his brother had come to visit and he wanted them to meet, and once when he met Nancy. Miss Annersley, while she didn’t mind her staff occasionally staying out for the evening, did tend to frown on it, particularly after the girls had gone to bed. After that the school tended to be locked up, and nobody wanted to be wakened by a banging on the door. She had explained all of this to Mike, who always made allowances for her job just as she did for his. She knew that he wouldn’t ask her unless it was The night. Her heart fluttered as she pulled on a new dress she had been saving for the end of term show, but which would do nicely for this occasion. The light yellow cotton fell around her, hugging her hips and showing off her beautiful figure, toned through years of mountain walking. There was a knock at the door and Nancy stuck her head around, but came in when she saw that her friend was decent. “Tonight’s the night,” she whispered, tugging at the folds of the dress and picking up Kathie’s comb to help her with her hair again. Her eyes sparkled and she looked far more excited than her friend – anyone would think that she was the person expecting the proposal. She saw how much Kathie’s hands were shaking and stopped, but then suddenly laughed. “I’d offer to get Matey, but I don’t think that even she can cure lovesickness.” Just then one of the maids knocked to announce that Dr. Gregory was downstairs waiting. Kathie thanked her, then twirled for her friend, who gave her wholehearted approval to the outfit. She escorted Kathie downstairs, just to make sure that she didn’t fall and break her ankle or something disastrous. Mike was indeed stood in the hallway, being gawped at by two third formers who happened to be crossing it at the time, and who stopped and openly stared when they saw Ferry, dressed like that, coming down the stairs. Nancy went to lecture them for the good of their souls, while Kathie linked arms with Mike, smiling shyly. It was only a short drive to his cottage, and it was covered in silence, he so that he could concentrate on his driving and Kathie because she could think of nothing to say. She was thankful when they pulled up on his drive and she could step out and away from such close proximity to him. Even now that she’d known him for so long it still took her breath away when she saw him. “I sent my housekeeper out for the night,” he said, and all at once Kathie’s worst fears and best dreams were realised. She didn’t let on, though, merely nodded. Mike added hopefully, “She did leave dinner, though, for I must say that I really can’t cook.” He had taken her light shawl and now ushered her into the Sal., which had been transformed for the occasion. A table sat in the middle, set so that the forks and knives were at exact right angles. Candles ran the middle of it, and once he had lit them Mike turned off the electric light and led Kathie to her seat. She sat, hands clasped tightly in her lap, trying not to let her imagination run wild. But already she was imagining herself being the mistress of the house, all the things she would be expected to be if she was ever Mrs Gregory. The meal seemed to stretch on into eternity for Kathie. Neither of them could think of anything to say, and starter, main course and dessert were all served with no more than a few sentences passing between them. All the time Kathie would glance at him, his face shadowed in the candlelight. She could see that he was equally nervous, and she silently pleaded with him just to ask, so that the evening could continue without it sitting between them. If it continued. She was still so unsure of what her answer would be. It was after they had eaten that it happened. One minute he was clearing away dishes, and the next he was kneeling before her, fiddling in his jacket pocket. Kathie held her breath, her thoughts racing far too fast for her to keep up with them. She ended, in her nerves, reciting her arithmetic tables in her mind, her eyes focused only on the tiny diamond ring nestling in Mike’s hand. She felt like a young schoolgirl again, trying awkwardly to remember what four times six was. “You know how much I love you,” he murmured. “I don’t need to say it. So, please will you marry me, Kathie?” Her breath caught. No matter how much she had been expecting this moment, no matter what she had planned to say before, only one word would come. “No.” She took a deep breath, tried not to see the look of hurt and bewilderment in his eyes, tried to explain, but all she could think to say was, “How would you feel if I asked you to give up your career and settle down to doing my darning?” He sat back on his heels and, after a moment, began to laugh. It was either that or cry. Just over an hour later saw Kathie back at school, apparently unchanged from when she had left. She went to the staffroom, but only Nancy, Miss Annersley and Matron had stayed up for her return. She walked in, trying to keep her head high, but Miss Annersley alone could see the effort that it cost her. She realised, then, that Kathie had grown up in a way not many people ever had to. “Did he ask?” demanded Nancy. Kathie glanced around, but decided she could trust them not to gossip and nodded. “Well, what did you say? I can see that you’ve been crying.” “I said no,” said Kathie quietly, and she slipped out a necklace hiding underneath her dress, on which hung a tiny, delicate ring, winking in the light. “We talked about it, and in the end we decided that now wasn’t the right moment. He says that I’m to keep this, because he will wait for me. When I’m older, and I’ve been working for a few more years, he says that I can start to wear it properly, if I wish, and he’ll come back for me then.” “Well,” said Miss Annersley, seeing how difficult Kathie was finding it to hold back further tears. “I know how difficult that decision must have been for you, but I am so very glad that you decided to stay with us. Thankyou. And now,” she added in a more practical tone of voice, “I should be in bed, as should we all. I think I shall retire.” Nancy stood up with her head, but squeezed Kathie’s hand quickly on her way past. The two friends didn’t need to say anything. Last to stand up was Matey, and she busied herself with straightening cushions until she was sure they were alone. Then she looked at Kathie squarely, and, with her usual matter of fact commonsense, informed her, “You might want to go to bed. If Inter V aren’t planning some sort of mischief for tomorrow, I’ve missed my guess completely. Goodnight.” Kathie nodded and made to leave as well, but she stopped as she turned the lights off and looked back. She had turned down the man she loved so very much for this, and only she would ever know how much that meant giving up. But this was her home, and nothing could have enticed her to leave it. She shut the door to the dark staffroom with a sigh. The End? Just a quick thanks to all of you for your support over this, but especially to Alison H, whose comment eventually decided me on this ending.

Author:	Emma A [ Wed Feb 04, 2009 5:52 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
That was very satisfying, ChubbyMonkey. Kathie made a very hard decision, but I think the right one (at least as she is now). I liked the way that the other staff were so interested in the outcome, but not putting any pressure on her to decide one way or the other. And Mike took it like a gent, too. Thank-you.

Author:	Cazo3788 [ Wed Feb 04, 2009 9:16 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
Really enjoyed that. Thanks, ChubbyMonkey!

Author:	PaulineS [ Wed Feb 04, 2009 9:42 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
Thanks I enjoyed this as well.

Author:	Elbee [ Wed Feb 04, 2009 10:00 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
Very enjoyable. Thanks, ChubbyMonkey.

Author:	Alison H [ Wed Feb 04, 2009 11:01 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
Pleased and very flattered to have been of use!

Author:	Tara [ Wed Feb 04, 2009 11:48 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
Phew!!!!!! Heaves an enormous sigh of relief. I am very glad she made that decision. Thank you for some truly nail-biting moments, ChubbyMonkey .

Author:	Fiona Mc [ Thu Feb 05, 2009 3:17 am ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
Just read the whole lot from start to finish and have really enjoyed it. Thanks

Author:	Lyanne [ Thu Feb 19, 2009 10:25 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: The Best Encounter
I find it hard to think of having to make such a choice, as we now live in an era when marriage and children do not mean giving up our careers. Think Kathie was very wise to say no as she was not fully committed to giving them up; and am glad we live in a time we don't have to make that choice.

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