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Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=6360
Author:  jmc [ Wed Jul 29, 2009 10:37 am ]
Post subject:  Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
Here's the start of part 2. Amazing what a good night's sleep can do as I feel much better today. Thanks for all the support. I actually love the teaching part of my job. It's all the other stuff that goes with it.

The day of the shopping trip dawned. They had decided to go to Basle instead so that they could take Frieda home. It was going to be a long day and they were kept waiting by Jo. Frieda went upstairs to find out what was keeping her and in Jo’s room she discovered a huge mess. The wardrobe doors were open and her were clothes lying everywhere. Jo was standing in the middle of the room dressed in only a slip.

“I don’t know what to wear,” she wailed.

“Well if you don’t hurry up we won’t be going at all. It takes a good three hours to get there.” Frieda said exasperated. She then surveyed the clothes strewn everywhere. She walked over to the bed and pulled a dress from the pile. “How about this dress with that jacket,” she said pointing to the top of another pile. “Neither of them are too creased and they will look alright together. Now hurry up and get dressed.”

Jo took the dress that Frieda offered and meekly put it on. She quickly ran a brush through her hair. She looked at the makeup on her dresser but decided against it. She still had vivid memories of what was to her only a couple of months previously of matrons comments on her use of rouge. Finally she pulled a pair of shoes out from one of the piles and made her way downstairs. Then she discovered that she had no handbag so she dashed up again to find one. They all got in the car and Madge realised that they had left the basket of snacks that Anna had prepared for them in the kitchen.They finally pulled away from Freudesheim an hour later than intended.

Len had decided not to come as Jack had taken the day off to go with them. Jem and Madge were also going as well as Frieda. If Len had gone as well they would have had to take a different car. The two men sat in the front.

“We’ll stop somewhere near Berne for a bit of a break. We are going to go down to Interlaken and then travel along the northern shore of Lake Thun. It’s very pretty but of course it’s nothing like the Tiernsee. From there we will go along the Aar Valley to Berne. We will go through a few more places before we finally hit Basle. It’s about 140 miles all up, but some of the roads are quite steep,” explained Jack.

“Jo you must come back to Berne sometime. It’s really beautiful and you will love the bear pit,” said Frieda.

Frieda pointed out many sights to Jo on their long drive. They stopped just before Berne as Jo declared herself starved. She had spent so long getting ready that she had had no time to eat breakfast. Jack had decided to ask Anna to prepare some snacks to save time. She had also packed a couple of big thermoses of coffee. After a short break they all hopped back in the car for the last part of the journey.

After parking the car they started to wander down the street. Jo looked about her in fascination. This was very different to the life she had started to grow accustomed to on the Platz. There were people and automobiles everywhere. It was so busy. Jo found that she didn’t stand out too much in what she was wearing. The range of fashion and colours was unbelievable. There were men in suits and women wearing some sort of strange suit. Young women seemed to be wearing very short skirts and many of them had hair flowing down their backs. Many of them also wore what looked to be earrings but they were huge and they wore sunglasses that covered half of their face. But there where also many people dressed in clothes more subdued and in clothes similar to what Jo had seen in her own wardrobe, although there was not the same abundance of green.

Jo started to walk slower and slower as she stared in the shop windows as they passed. One window had stockings in it which seemed to be made of black thread in a wide diamond knit. Next to them were some stocking that looked like they were almost metal in gold and silver. There were even matching pairs of shoes in the display.

“What do you want to look at first Jo?” asked Madge. There was no response and Madge turned round to look but there was no sign of her sister.
Author:  JS [ Wed Jul 29, 2009 10:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 29/07)
Wow, first to post!

Quote:
Young women seemed to be wearing very short skirts and many of them had hair flowing down their backs


Hope she doesn't regret going for the chop herself. :lol:

Where has she gone and what will she be wearing when she comes out??
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Jul 29, 2009 11:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 29/07)
Quote:
One window had stockings in it which seemed to be made of black thread in a wide diamond knit.


I remember fishnet tights and my mother's reaction.

Pleased a good nights sleep helped jmc. I loved teaching but hated marking, sorting out marksheets and the politics.
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Jul 29, 2009 11:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 29/07)
Can't wait to see what she comes back with!
Author:  leahbelle [ Wed Jul 29, 2009 1:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 29/07)
Lime green fishnets?!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Jul 29, 2009 6:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 29/07)
Oh dear, what will she produce this time?

Pleased to see you're feeling better :D
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Jul 29, 2009 10:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 29/07)
Wonder what Jo will choose? Bet Madge doesn't approve. :lol:
Author:  jmc [ Thu Jul 30, 2009 4:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 29/07)
“Jack, Jo’s gone,” said Madge.

“What do you mean she’s gone?”

“Well I asked her a question and when she didn’t reply I turned round and she wasn’t there.”

“She can’t have gone too far,” said Frieda. Let’s just backtrack.”

“I don’t think she has any money on her. Did you give her some Jack? I'm a bit worried about what she wants to buy today,” said Madge Madge.

“No so unless she has some in her handbag she can’t buy anything.

And she probably wouldn’t think to charge it,” he replied.

They searched for her for about ten minutes and then Jack finally found her in a shop they had already been in talking to the assistant there.

“Jo,” Jack started. Then he stopped and his mouth fell open as he caught sight of what his wife was wearing.

“Do you like it Jack? It’s very comfortable and apparently it’s only just come into the shop,” said Jo with a grin.
Jack was unable to speak. Madge and Jem came into the shop at that moment and Madge walking in front stopped abruptly causing Jem to bump into her. Frieda came in last. She too stared at Jo ut she managed to get a comment out.

“It’s certainly different.”

Jo was wearing a pant suits with a houndstooth checked pattern. It had brass buttons down it. Underneath Jo was wearing a ruffled shirt and she also had on a sailor hat and buckled shoes.

“It’s made of wool so it will be really practical. I am going to try that on next,” said Jo pointing to another suit. “Apparently it is very similar to one worn by someone called Barbra Streisand earlier this year.

They all looked at where Jo pointed. There was a leopard skin suit on a mannequin that consisted of a hat, jacket and what looked to be quite a tight skirt that finished just above the knee. The jacket was tailored and buttoned at the waist with two large buttons.

“Umm,” said Jack. “I think Jem and I might leave you ladies to shop alone for a while. We’ll meet you for lunch in 2 hours. Is there anywhere you can suggest Frieda.”

“There is a place not too far from here,” said Frieda naming a restaurant.

“Madge do you have enough money on you?” asked Jack. “I’ll pay you back later.” With that Jack and Jem left the shop rapidly.

Jo who had watched the departure with amusement said, “Well that was fun. Now that we have got rid of them let’s find me something that I would actually wear.”

By the time they met for lunch, nearly an hour late, Jo had acquired some new clothing and although she did have a pantsuit it was quite plain. She had avoided mini skirts altogether but had bought some quite stylish skirt suits. She had tried on various hairpieces and wigs at one shop enjoying the different effects but had found out that a pageboy cut was actually considered quite fashionable by some people. Although embarrassed she had bought new underwear and some bras that she was told she would need to make her suits look better. She had also bought some low heeled shoes. She had tried on some high heeled boots but had nearly broken her ankle trying to walk in them.

Jo was very pleased with herself but Madge and Frieda was exhausted. It had been very trying keeping up with Jo and she had kept them in a state of constant bewilderment. She had tried on so many things but had kept them guessing as to what she had actually liked. In the end though, she had confessed that she just wasn’t comfortable with many of the new fashions and so had chosen mainly classic designs. Both Frieda and Madge noted though that she had not bought anything green. They sank happily into their seats at the restaurant and thankfully drank the cold drinks that Jem had ordered for them.

After a delicious lunch Jack wanted to buy some Basler Leckeli to take home. Jo discovered that this was a delicious gingerbread like biscuit that contain honey, candied orange and lemon peel, almonds and kirsch. On top there was a sugar glaze. After trying some she was happy to let Jack buy a big box to take home.

They went to have a quick look at the Cathedral with its red sandstone walls, coloured roof tiles and twin towers. Their final stop was a music shop where Jo bought The Beatles albums, A Hard Day’s Night and Revolver. She was talked out of buying one by the Rolling Stones by Madge who told her that they were just a bunch of umkept and surly youths. They went back and picked up the car and after driving a little way arrived at Frieda’s home. There was no one there but Frieda invited them in for a quick coffee before they left for home.

Jo was teary when it came time to say goodbye, but Frieda told her that she would try to come up again soon. She also said that she would call Marie and Simone that very night to see if she could arrange a get together. After hugging Frieda one last time Jo finally got into the car and they started thier long drive home. They stopped for dinner in Berne but Jo wasn’t hungry and did not eat very much. She was asleep in the car by the time they arrived back at Freudesheim so Jack gently carried her upstairs and placed her in bed.
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Jul 30, 2009 5:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 30/07)
That was lovely. Joey teasing Jack about her clothes was a good sign and it's good that she has settled on a look she's happy with. Madge's opinion on the Rolling Stones was classic! :lol:


Thanks jmc
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Jul 30, 2009 7:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 30/07)
Aww, how sweet of Jack. Pleased that Jo seems to be finding her "look".

Thanks.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Jul 30, 2009 7:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 30/07)
Well, it's an improvement on lime green twinsets!

& those Beatles albums are classics.
Author:  JB [ Thu Jul 30, 2009 8:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 30/07)
Thanks, jmc. That was a fun day.
Author:  JS [ Thu Jul 30, 2009 9:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 30/07)
Thank you - had been looking forward to that day and it didn't disappoint. You fooled me with the houndstooth suit!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Jul 30, 2009 10:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 30/07)
That was just like Joey to tease the others about her clothes. Thanks that was wonderful
Author:  Helen P [ Thu Jul 30, 2009 10:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 30/07)
Quote:
and in clothes similar to what Jo had seen in her own wardrobe, although there was not the same abundance of green.


:lol: :lol: :lol:

Those two posts were wonderful! I'm so glad she is comfortable what she's chosen, and it wasn't anything too outlandish in the end!
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Jul 30, 2009 10:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 30/07)
Quote:
Jo was teary when it came time to say goodbye, but Frieda told her that she would try to come up again soon. She also said that she would call Marie and Simone that very night to see if she could arrange a get together.


That is so typical of the EBD Joey, but in was a something that linked the school girl Joey with the adult.
Author:  shazwales [ Thu Jul 30, 2009 12:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 30/07)
Thanks jmc that was lovely,especially Jack and Jem in the clothes shop :D :D
Author:  Pat [ Thu Jul 30, 2009 7:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 30/07)
I suspect that Madge Jem and Jack all had the same opinion of pop music that my mum had - just a noise, whoever it was!!!!
Author:  jmc [ Fri Jul 31, 2009 6:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 30/07)
Over the next few days Jo began to develop a routine. The time since she had returned to Freudesheim had been so busy that she found that she quite enjoyed the peace and the time that she could spend by herself. She got up early every morning to go for a walk. Even though nothing was ever said Jack was always waiting for her. Their walks were spent with quiet talk mainly about the children or grandchildren and were followed by breakfast together before Jack went off to the san for the day.

Jo spent the mornings with Madge and Anna. Jo had expressed a desire to learn how to cook. As she said she needed something to fill her time. Although sceptical Anna had agreed to the plan. As Jo was a bit scared of Anna she listened attentively and although she tried her best some of the results were interesting. They were focusing on cakes and biscuits and Anna said when she got better at them she would let her help to make dinner one day. For now Anna did not want them all to starve.

In the afternoons Jo retreated to her study and she had started to write a journal. She found that it helped her to organise her thoughts and feelings. She had made her starting point her her last days at school as to her this was still so vivid. She remembered feeling lost even then. Life at school had been so busy and then all of a sudden it was over forever. Her friends had all gone their separate ways and she had gone to the Sonnalpe. She had loved being with all her nieces and nephews but to know she was never going back to school had felt strange. She had started to chronicle her life since she had woken up in the san. She found the exercise soothing and it was helping her to sort out the myriad of feelings that she had.

Jo was also working her way through her books. She had now finished one of her historical novels and a couple of school stories. So far she had been reading in a fairly random order but was now planning to go back and read them in the order that she had written them. Madge had also been over to the school and had brought over a couple of the more modern history books and books on the aftermath of the war. Jo had also persuaded Madge to send away for some magazines so she could get even more of an idea on modern life.

Jo played her new records constantly much to the annoyance of her sister who by the end of the second day threatened to break them in half if she heard them again. Jo had stubbornly refused to play any of the others she had found in the house stating that these were the ones that she liked but she would play some other Beatles ones if Madge could arrange to get them.

Her new clothes had been a hit with the people who had seen them. Jack had thought his wife looked very attractive and he wished that she had done this before. Hilary and Biddy who came to visit one afternoon told her that she looked fantastic and very stylish.

Jack was home for dinner each night although he was called away afterwards one evening. Nell and Hilda came for dinner one night and they told Jo that they were heading off in a week. They tried to urge her to go and visit her friends at the school but tht was one thing Jo had not yet been able to face. She had turned a bit pale at the mention of it and proclaimed that it would probably be better for all if she didn’t go there as she seemed to have spent most of her life there. In truth she was also a bit scared about facing a large crowd of people who knew her all at once.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Jul 31, 2009 7:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 31/07)
Could the staff come round a few at a time? She'd remember people like Mlle de Lachennais and the Dennys, if they're still there, and also those mistresses who were pupils in Tyrol.

Poor Jo - she's doing so well in some ways but it must still be so frightening for her.
Author:  shazwales [ Fri Jul 31, 2009 8:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 31/07)
I'd like to see what Jo's cooking results are like,hopefully better than they were before the accident!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Jul 31, 2009 9:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 31/07)
I hope Jo can feel able to visit the school soon.

Thankyou.
Author:  JB [ Fri Jul 31, 2009 10:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 31/07)
Quote:
Jo played her new records constantly much to the annoyance of her sister who by the end of the second day threatened to break them in half if she heard them again. Jo had stubbornly refused to play any of the others she had found in the house stating that these were the ones that she liked but she would play some other Beatles ones if Madge could arrange to get them.


I love this mixture of mature and teenage Jo.

I thought of Jo's cooking earlier this week. SLOC has been delivering music workshops for teenagers with the lunches provided by a local sandwich shop. After the first day, they had to ring up and ask for less creative fillings (cheese, coleslaw and pickle anyone?).

Thanks jmc.
Author:  Luisa [ Fri Jul 31, 2009 1:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 31/07)
I wonder what she thinks of her writing???????????
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Jul 31, 2009 7:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 31/07)
Interesting that she can remember how lot she felt on leaving school - wonder if she equates that to why she found herself attracted to it for much of her life.


Thanks jmc
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Aug 01, 2009 9:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 31/07)
Thanks, really enjoying this
Author:  jmc [ Sat Aug 01, 2009 11:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 31/07)
It was Len’s first day back teaching and the first time she walked into the staffroom she was inundated with questions about her mother. All of the staff knew that Jo had not regained her memory but as none of them had actually seen her they were all curious as to how she actually was. The staff had changed greatly over the last few years as many of the older members had retired. But there were still a couple who had taught Jo and others had been at school with her or had come to know her through her involvement with the school. Many of them found that, despite their constant complaints that Jo was at the school too much, they actually missed her presence.

“She’s doing quite well all considered. You wouldn’t even know she’s been ill. She’s cut her hair like what she had at school and she’s been shopping and bought a whole new wardrobe. She looks very stylish,” replied Len when she could get a word in edgewise. “It’s really strange though. In some ways she seems quite mature but then in others she’s is so young. She’s drives Auntie Madge crazy at times. She said to me that she bought Mamma up once but never expected to have to do it again. I must admit to those of you who taught her, I don’t know how you did it.”

“It was an interesting experience at times,” said Jeanne. “For some of us it was a pleasure to teach her but for others it was rather less so. I can remember Kit Leslie just about pulling her hair out over Jo’s maths. And if Jo was in a bad mood or distracted for any reason we all knew about it.”

“Well she’s great with Tom and Alice and seems to relate to them best but I guess that’s because they have no real expectations beyond someone to listen to them and play with them.”

“Children are great for that,” said Peggy Burnett. “I know when I went to see Mary when her kids were little they didn’t care that they didn’t know me that well. As long as I played with them and joined in their games they were happy.””

“Mamma has been playing pirates with Tom and Alice. I don’t know who enjoys it more, her or them. ”

“But how is she really? And how is your father?” asked Jeanne.

“She seems more settled now but I think she is still on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. Sometimes she’s all smiling and happy but at others you can see that she is worried and not all that comfortable. She thinks that she has been a bad mother to us, despite everyone telling her otherwise, and that worries her a lot.”

“Jo might have been a bit distracted at times but she always cared about you all,” said Rosalie who happened to be in the staffroom. “She was so often on the phone or over here visiting Hilda when she was worried about you. It used to drive Hilda mad sometimes.”

“Oh we all know she cared about us and at times we thought it was too much but looking back now I feel lucky in many ways that she did care. Papa looks lost most of the time. Mamma is lot friendlier to him now and they seem to be developing something but I don’t know. She still thinks of herself as an eighteen year old much of the time.”

“Will we be able to see her soon?” This came form Sharlie Andrews.

“I don’t know. Hilda and Nell have both been a couple of times and Hilary and Biddy came over the other day but she seems to want nothing to do with the school at the moment. Even when I dropped Alice off this morning she ignored any reference to here. We might not exist as far as she is concerned at the present.”

“But why?”

“What ‘s caused this?”

“Is this because we haven’t visited?”came cries from various mistresses

“No. It’s nothing to do with you as she doesn’t even know many of you. Remember she thinks she has just finished school. No the real problem is that Mamma now knows just how involved she had been with the school over the years and seems to equate it with her being a bad mother. Now she wants nothing to do with it.”

“Give her time,” said Nancy who had come into the room in time to hear the last bit of Len’s talk. “By the way you all realise that the bell has gone for the start of class, don’t you?” she said with a twinkle in her eye.

At her words there was a mad scramble for books and in short order the room emptied as they made their way to their various classes.
Author:  JB [ Sat Aug 01, 2009 11:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 01/08)
Quote:

Quote:
She’s drives Auntie Madge crazy at times. She said to me that she bought Mamma up once but never expected to have to do it again.


Love that. :lol:

Thanks jmc.
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Aug 01, 2009 11:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 01/08)
I think Jeanne Nancy and Peggy should visit Joey and share memories with her.
Love the staff missinmg her.
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Aug 01, 2009 12:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 01/08)
Hope Joey feels able to see them soon.
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Aug 01, 2009 1:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 01/08)
Good that they are missing Jo - though liked the reference to Hilda being driven mad on occasion. :lol:


Thanks jmc
Author:  MaryR [ Sat Aug 01, 2009 3:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 01/08)
I'm glad they all realise how much they are missing her. She needs to know they care, and that she was a good mother.

Loved Nancy's chivvying of them! Shades of Hilda.... :D

Thanks, jmc
Author:  keren [ Sat Aug 01, 2009 6:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 01/08)
PaulineS wrote:
I think Jeanne Nancy and Peggy should visit Joey and share memories with her.
Love the staff missinmg her.


But even Peggy was te very much younger sister of Mary, and Nancy a girl who had come from St scholastika
Author:  keren [ Sat Aug 01, 2009 6:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 01/08)
PaulineS wrote:
I think Jeanne Nancy and Peggy should visit Joey and share memories with her.
Love the staff missinmg her.


But even Peggy was te very much younger sister of Mary, and Nancy a girl who had come from St scholastika
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Aug 01, 2009 7:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 01/08)
Peggy was at school when Joey has head girl and Joey knew Nancy at St Scholastika
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Aug 01, 2009 9:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 01/08)
Pleased that they do realise how much they miss her - or do I get the impression that they would like to find a happy medium in which they see a little of her but not as much as usual?

Thankyou.
Author:  Abi [ Sat Aug 01, 2009 10:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 01/08)
It's sad that Joey feels like that about the school, after all there are still many people there who love her. At least they all seem to understand.

Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Aug 02, 2009 8:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 01/08)
Thanks, am really enjoying this
Author:  jmc [ Sun Aug 02, 2009 12:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 01/08)
A week had passed since the shopping trip to Basle and Jo was off to Berne for the day with Madge Hilda and Nell. Despite her reluctance to have anything to do with the school Jo seemed happy to have Hilda and Nell around and they knew enough from Madge to keep the conversation general. They were going out for a farewell lunch as the pair were leaving Switzerland the following day and heading off round Scandinavia for the next couple of months.

Jo was quiet in the car as she was thinking back to the day before. It had been Sunday and Madge had announced at breakfast that she was going to the morning service at the school. Then she had said that if Jo wanted she could go with Jack to a service at the local church if she wanted. It was then that Jo had remembered that Jack had been a Catholic. Jo didn’t go with Jack but she was still a bit perturbed by the revelation. She wasn’t upset unduly about the fact that she had obviously converted to Catholicism. Many of her good friends were Catholics and she had been to many services with them in the past. It was more the fact that it had taken her this long to realise this. She had been out of hospital for over two weeks now and no one had mentioned this important piece of information to her.

“Jo you’re very quiet. Not feeling sick are you? I know Nell’s driving can be a bit fast at times. I’m used to it now but I think Madge had forgotten,” said Hilda. “But she’s a good driver so there is no need to worry.”

Jo looked towards her sister who was looking a bit pale and had a slightly panicked expression on her face.

Jo decided to shelve her thoughts for the moment and talk to the others. “Do I drive?” she asked.

“Of course you do. You learnt in Austria in Jem’s car,” said Madge.
“I don’t remember that. It would be nice to be able to get around by myself. Would you teach me?”

Hilda started laughing. “I don’t think your sister would be the best one to teach you. You should ask Jack.”

“Why what’s wrong with Madge’s driving? She’s driven me a couple of times and I haven’t seen anything wrong with it,” said Jo a bit indignant on her sister’s behalf.

“Oh I think you’ll find that Hilda was referring to your driving rather than your sister’s Jo,” said Nell glancing at Hilda.

“Mine?” said Jo with even more indignation in her voice. “I’m sure I drive perfectly well.”

“Yes, you tend to drive like Nell. Very fast.”

Madge let out a bit of a groan. She had closed her eyes as the road they were currently driving along had a sheer drop on the side of the car where she was sitting. “Jo there is no way I’m am teaching you to drive. We had to have Jem’s car repaired by the time you had finished. Nell please slow down. I am not used to this any more. Australia is mostly flat and there are no really high mountains to speak of.”

Nell took pity on Madge at this point so the drive to Berne was concluded in a much more sedate way.

They arrived in Berne with an hour to spare before lunch so they went to see the bear pit. Nell produced a can of milk for them and Jo laughed wildly at the antics of the bears. They found it hard to get her away and finally Hilda told her that she was just as bad as the juniors in an exasperated tone.

When they were finally seated in the restaurant there was discussion about whether to have a fondue or something else but they finally decided on zürigschnätzlets, which was thin strips of veal and mushroom served in a cream sauce. They ordered a fried potato dish called rosti to go with it. Madge Hilda and Nell all ordered wine with their meal while Jo ordered apple cider. The converstion centred mainly on the upcoming trip of Hilda and Nell.

After lunch they went to see the Time Bell and were lucky enough to arrived just before the hour so they saw the gilded bell sticker glide out and strike the bell. After that they went to view the 15th century gothic cathedral, the Münster.

Hilda took on the role of tour guide here as she had been here a number of times.. “This is the tallest cathedral in Switzerland. Construction began here in 1421 but was only completed in 1893. Sometime during the construction period Berne became Protestant and so the Münster also became Protestant.”

Jo was suddenly recalled to her earlier thoughts. She turned to Nell and asked her if she could talk to her privately once they had returned to Freudesheim. Nell nodded as she had an inkling as too what Jo was thinking as she had happened to be watching Jo when Hilda had spoken.

They spent about forty-five minutes in there inspecting the great stained glass windows and Jo and Nell both climbed up the 254 steps to the tower puffing as they arrived at the top. They were rewarded by a magnificent view of Berne although unfortunately the mountains in the distance were covered by cloud. Arriving back at the bottom a bit breathless they went back to the car and made their way back home.

Nell managed to have a quick word with Madge and Hilda while Jo was upstairs quickly putting her coat away and so when she came back down it was just Nell in the Saal. Before Nell could say anything though the front door opened once more and in walked a young man in a navel uniform.

He smiled at Jo. “How are you doing Mum? About time you got home.”
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Aug 02, 2009 12:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 02/08)
Ooh, this couldn't be what brings her memory back, could it?

If not, I hope she gets her talk with Nell, and that she can sort things out.

*waits eagerly to see what happens next*

Thankyou!
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Aug 02, 2009 1:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 02/08)
That'll be Mike then? Interesting about the religious aspect - I suppose no-one had mentioned it because no had considered it? Yet surely, as something that had definitely changed for Jo since her last memory, someone should had said something? Hope seeing Mike will help Jo - though doubt it will bring her memory back when all else has failed.


Thanks jmc

PS Love Nell's driving. :wink:
Author:  MaryR [ Sun Aug 02, 2009 5:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 02/08)
So where was the sports car, then???? :lol: You know how Nell loves them!! :mrgreen:

I do hope the advent of Mike doesn't postpone the chat with Nell, as it is something rather important. On the other hand, it's always good to see her with the children.

Thanks, jmc
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Aug 03, 2009 12:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 02/08)
Also assuming that it's Mike.

Is it religion she wants to discuss with Nell? However ecumenically-minded she is, it must feel a little strange for her to realise that she's converted to a different denomination.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Aug 03, 2009 2:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 02/08)
It would be strange to know you've converted. Hope Joey is able to talk to Nell. And lovely to see Mike again. Hope the visit goes well.
Author:  jmc [ Mon Aug 03, 2009 12:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 02/08)
Jo looked at the person addressing her. He was quite tall, had fair curly hair, blue eyes and at present his face bore a cheeky grin.

“Mike! What are you doing here?” exclaimed Nell.

“Well when Dad rang and told me about Mum I asked for leave and I finally got it. So I hot footed it for here only to arrive this morning and find you all gone.” The expression on his face then turned serious as turned to face his mother.

“So how are you Mum?” he asked. “In case you hadn’t already worked it out, I’m Michael Maynard, commonly known as Mike.”

Jo moved over to her son and gave him a big hug. “I’m so happy you came,” she said. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

Mike slapped his forehead. “Oh no who’s been telling tales. I shudder to think what you’ve heard. I also hate to tell you that it’s probably all true.”

“Well I can’t lie and say that they told me you were a complete angel but from what your sisters and father have told me you are a very enterprising young man. In fact in many ways you sounded just like me when I was younger.”

“Really?” said Mike surprised.

“Really,” said Jo. “I seemed to be forever in some sort of trouble or scrape. Pretty much the same as you from what I gather.”

“Dad said you went down to Berne today.”

“Oh have you seen Jack?” queried Jo

“Yep, when I got here and realised that you weren’t here I made my way up to the san. Finally tracked down Dad, who I admit was completely shocked to see me, and he told me where you were.”

“How long are you here for?” asked Jo. She was enjoying her conversation with Mike.

“I can only stay for about three days. Then I have to get back to my ship.”

At that moment there came the sound of footsteps and Hilda and Madge came into the room followed by Nell who had slipped out while Jo was talking to Mike.

“Hi all. It’s seems so long since I have seen you all, especially you Auntie Madge,” He said walking over and giving her a kiss on the cheek. “And how’s retirement?” he asked Hilda and Nell giving them kisses too.

“When did you get so tall Mike?” asked Madge. “You tower over me now.”

“I’m so glad we saw you Mike,” said Hilda. If you had come only a day later we would have missed you. Nell and I are leaving in the morning.”

“I’m happy to see you all too. Now is Anna around by any chance. I’m famished and could use a snack.”

“Oh let me,” said Jo. “I made some cakes yesterday. I’ll just run and get them. What would you like to drink?”

“Just a black coffee thanks.”

Jo departed to the kitchen and as soon as she had left Mike whispered to Madge, “Mum made cakes? Are they safe to eat?”

“This lot are. Anna was watching her very carefully after she put salt in instead of sugar in the batch she made before this. It was Anna’s day off and I wasn’t around when Jo made them. And as Jo had insisted that Jack be the first to try one he got a bit of a shock when he tried one. I don’t think she’ll try cooking without Anna around in a big hurry.”

“Is that why she said at lunch today that she was only allowed in the kitchen if Anna was around?” asked Nell.

“Yes,” replied Madge grinning. “Jo made a mess one morning when she first came home and since then she will do anything Anna says after the telling off she got. The cakes she messed up were supposed to be her way of showing Anna that it was safe for here to be in the kitchen. She was so disappointed. She wants to cook a full dinner by herself but now Anna won’t let her in the kitchen alone.”
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Aug 03, 2009 12:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 03/08)
Mike is great, and so's Anna!
Author:  Joanne [ Mon Aug 03, 2009 1:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 03/08)
I am enjoying this so much - the characters are just so good.

Many thanks.
Author:  JB [ Mon Aug 03, 2009 1:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 03/08)
I like Mike. How true that he's like Jo - and what a shame this is the first time anyone's said that.
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Aug 03, 2009 1:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 03/08)
Quote:
Mike slapped his forehead. “Oh no who’s been telling tales. I shudder to think what you’ve heard. I also hate to tell you that it’s probably all true.”

“Well I can’t lie and say that they told me you were a complete angel but from what your sisters and father have told me you are a very enterprising young man. In fact in many ways you sounded just like me when I was younger.”


Love this exchange and Mike's response of surprise. It must be reassurring for him to know he was like is mother.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Aug 03, 2009 3:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 03/08)
This is lovely and Mike is such a breath of fresh air. And Anna! Love her reactions to Joey's cooking :lol:
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Aug 03, 2009 4:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 03/08)
Love Mike's greeting! I suppose he's had more time to get used to the idea than the others, but good on him. Anna's being really good too.

Thankyou.
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Aug 03, 2009 6:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 03/08)
Lovely scene - and good of Joey to tell Mike he sounded like her when she was younger - such a pity no-one, not even Jo, thought to tell him that when he was a child. :roll:


Thanks jmc
Author:  shazwales [ Mon Aug 03, 2009 7:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 03/08)
Thanks jmc, love the way Mike is with Jo.
Author:  jmc [ Tue Aug 04, 2009 11:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 03/08)
“What are you all looking at me like that for?” Jo asked as she came back into the room pushing a trolley that had cakes and coffee on it as everyone appeared to be grinning at her.

“No real reason. Auntie Madge was just telling us an amusing story,” said Mike as he reached for one of the cakes.
Jo’s cakes proved to be quite edible although they did not looked quite the same as Anna’s.

After they finished their coffee and cakes Nell and Hilda stood up.

“I’m sorry but we need to leave,” said Hilda. We have an early start in the morning and I know Nell hasn't finished packing yet.”

“Speak for yourself,” retorted Nell. “Who’s the one who can’t decide what books to take with them?”

“Also,” said Hilda deciding to ignore Nell. “We also promised to go over to the school to say goodbye to everyone there and Hilary and Biddy are also want us to see them if they don’t make it up to the school.”

Jo got up to give the two women a hug goodbye with real regret. No longer were they just mistresses to her they had become real friends. Nell proved this to Jo when she whispered to her that she sorry they hadn’t been able to have their talk but that she should trust Jack and talk to him but if she felt that she couldn’t face him Madge would be the next best person.

The pair departed after promising to write to everyone when they could. Jo started to clear up and took the dirty dishes back to the kitchen saying she just wash and put them away and then be back.

“How is she really Auntie Madge?” asked Mike in a quiet voice. “I got such a shock when I heard about it from Dad. I think I spent a couple of days in denial. The guys on board thought I was in love or something because I was so distracted.”

“Didn’t you tell them what was wrong?” asked Madge.

“I did eventually but only because they were teasing me so much. They backed off pretty quickly though. I guess I didn’t think they would believe me. I mean who’s mother just forgets they ever existed.”

“Well I know she will be glad you came. She’s trying hard but nothing seems to be bringing her memory back.”

“Dad was pretty candid with me when I saw him earlier today. He doubts that it will come back now. You know he was actually in tears when he spoke to me. I’ve never seen Dad cry before.”

“This hasn't been easy for anyone. Just continue on the way you were when you first saw her. She is a bit over serious talk at the moment.”

“So you mean just be my usual charming self,” said Mike grinning. “Aye aye Maam!” he finished off with a salute.

Jo returned from the kitchen and took a seat next to Madge.

“So what time did you arrive?” asked Jo

“From what I gather it was about half an hour after you left. Last time I try to surprise everyone.”

“Well what did you do for the rest of the day?”

“I headed to the san first and hunted out the old man. Then after that I went round to visit Len. Luckily it was one of her days at home. Tom and Alice were both home as well as Len likes to have them with her on her day off. They are getting so big now.”

“I think they’re great” said Jo.

“They are at that. Tom was so excited to see me, as I was a real sailor. He insisted that I play pirates with him so he could capture me. I don't know where he got them from but he and Alice produced some ropes to tie me up and keep me prisoner. They did a good job of it too. I was stuck for half an hour. They even put a gag round my mouth. I only got free when Len came to find out where I was.”

Jo and Madge both burst out laughing. “I’ll keep that in mind when I play with them. No ropes,” said Jo.

“So Mum, is there anything you need to know about me apart from the fact that I am devastating handsome and completely charming?” he asked.

“I think I might have worked you out pretty well,” she responded with a smile.

Jack was home early that night. Jo met him at the door and took his coat from him. She told him that his mail was in his study and that dinner would be in an hour.

“And don’t worry Anna cooked it. I know what you people think of my cooking. She won’t even let me peel the potatoes now.”

Dinner that night was very enjoyable as Mike proved just how charming he was. He kept them in fits of laughter with his tales of life aboard ship. After dinner though it was obvious that he was very tired as he kept yawning. He excused himself saying that he had been travelling all night and went up to bed.

After he departed Jo looked at Jack and Madge and said, “All our children are so lovely. We are very lucky to have been blessed in such a way.”
Author:  JS [ Tue Aug 04, 2009 11:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 04/08)
Ooh, first to post. Glad that they had a good time with Mike - he does sound lovely.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Aug 04, 2009 11:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 04/08)
Mike is lovely - I always thought he got a raw deal in the books so am glad to see he's turned out so well!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Aug 04, 2009 1:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 04/08)
Mike is lovely and exactly how I pictured him to be like
Author:  Abi [ Tue Aug 04, 2009 1:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 04/08)
Mike is so nice in this, and he must be a real breath of fresh air in such a difficult situation.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Aug 04, 2009 2:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 04/08)
Mike is lovely, though I do feel sorry for Jack *hugs*

Thankyou!
Author:  shazwales [ Tue Aug 04, 2009 3:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 04/08)
Thanks jmc really like adult Mike in this.
Author:  keren [ Tue Aug 04, 2009 7:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 04/08)
So Mike is really getting a second chance from Joey
Author:  MaryR [ Wed Aug 05, 2009 2:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 04/08)
Such lovely relationships. :D

Thanks, jmc
Author:  jmc [ Wed Aug 05, 2009 3:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 04/08)
Over the next two days Jo came to know her third son very well. She discovered that he hated to sit still. He was only there for two days but he was a breath of fresh air in the house. He was always out and about doing something, whether it was going off for a walk, chopping wood for a fire and once she even found him up a tree. Tom and Alice came round each day to visit Uncle Mike and had great fun as he chased them round the garden and played hide and seek with them. Jo joined in too on more than one occasion.

For all that he was thoughtful and considerate. Up early that first morning he saw his mother come down and get ready to go out for a walk. He was about to offer to go with her when he saw his father come down also. Mike kept quiet until they had gone so that they could be together. He had noticed the look in his father’s eyes when Jack had looked at Jo when he thought she wasn’t looking and he would never forget his father’s tears when he had spoken to him at the san.

Mike’s visit came to an end far too soon. On the morning of his departure he went for a walk with Jo.

“I wish you didn’t have to go so soon,” Jo told him.

“Mum if I could stay a longer I would, but unfortunately I can’t. I’ll only just make it back in time to set sail.”

“How long will you be gone for?” Jo asked him. “And will you be able to come home for Christmas?”

“I think we will only be gone a couple of months this time as the last tour was for 6 months. Hopefully I will be able to get longer leave for Christmas as I haven’t had much yet. But then I am only an ensign so who knows.”

“I hope you can come. I want as many of the family to be there as possible as it will be my first Christmas with you all.”

“I will do my very best,” he said smiling.

The two of then heard some voices coming down the road and turned to look at who was approaching. Mike suddenly grabbed Jo’s hand and pulled her behind some bushes that were at the side.

“Shhh,” he whispered. “Don’t let them see us.”

Jo remained silent as a line of girls from the school passed by. They were engrossed in their own talk, which seemed to be about the upcoming half term. After they had disappeared around a bend in the road, Jo demanded to know why Mike had insisted that they hid.

“Well I had enough of the girls when I used to live here. It was always Mike this and Mike that and they were always round at the house. And you should see the way some girls react when they see a man in uniform.”

“Are you telling me that you, my devastating handsome and completely charming sailor son, is scared of a few schoolgirls?” Jo teased.

“You got it in one.”

After the walk both Jo and Jack took Mike to the train station to say goodbye. Madge and Jem had said goodbye at the house and had told him to visit in Australia whenever he could and had told him that the twins would be happy to take him out.

Jo hugged him goodbye and then stood quietly next to Jack as she waved him goodbye for as long as she cold see the train. She thought about Mike’s last words to her. He had told her to be true to herself and to be who she wanted to be, not what others thought she should be.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Aug 05, 2009 3:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 05/08)
Awww, Mike is so nice here! :lol: Love him being scared of the schoolgirls - with all the romance at the CS, he has every reason to be scared!

Thankyou.
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Aug 05, 2009 3:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 05/08)
Mike is really lovely. This must be so hard for all the others, though, getting used to the idea of a completely different Joey.
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Aug 05, 2009 4:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 05/08)
Love it that Mike was the first of the boys to visit.
Wondering if there was a specific girl or Mistress Mike was avoiding.
Author:  shazwales [ Wed Aug 05, 2009 6:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 05/08)
Thankyou that was lovely.
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Aug 05, 2009 7:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 05/08)
Mike is lovely - and what a wonderful thing to say to Joey.


Thanks jmc
Author:  Abi [ Wed Aug 05, 2009 9:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 05/08)
:lol: loved Mike being scared of the girls! And how sweet of him - that must be exactly the kind of thing Joey needs to hear at this point. It must be very tempting to try to become what she thinks she used to be, or to be what she ought to have been.
Author:  jmc [ Thu Aug 06, 2009 2:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 05/08)
Jo spent a bit of time pondering over what Mike had said over the next couple of days. She thought what he had said was so sensible. She wasn’t and didn’t think could the same Mrs. Jo Maynard anymore but neither was she Jo Bettany anymore. Too much had changed for that. She remembered a promise that she had made to herself upon first returning home from the san. That she would become a new Jo. It was so hard at times though to resist the pressure of conforming to what she was told she had been like. But she did think she was well on the way to becoming the new Jo.

Frieda called her the night after Mike had left. She had been in touch with Marie and Simone and both of them were free the week after what would be half term for the school. Both of them were willing to travel anywhere that Jo wanted to go but Frieda had thought that if Jo wanted maybe they could go to the Tiernsee and stay at the Maynard’s holiday home there for a week. It would just be the four of them with no husbands and no children.

Jo leapt at the idea. Freudesheim had become familiar to her over the last few weeks but it still wasn’t home. In her mind home was still at the Tiernsee, either at the school or on the Sonnalpe and despite the changes that she realised would have happened over the past thirty years she suddenly found that she was longing to see something familiar again.

When she spoke to Jack, Madge and Jem about the idea they were all for it. Jo would be able to relax there, as she would be with people that she remembered and in a location that she knew well. In fact Jack wondered why he and Jem had not thought of it before. He allowed his hopes to rise. This might help Jo more than anything else. He started to excitedly plan out the week for them. They could look at the old school building and go up to the Sonnalpe and maybe even look through Die Rosen. They could go to the place where they had been on camp. Then he gave himself a shake

“There is no reason that this will work,” he thought to himself. “Don’t get yourself worked up.”

“Jack, are you listening to me?”

Jack started and realised that Jo had been talking to him.

“Sorry, I was thinking. What did you say?” he said.

“Interesting thoughts you must be having. First you looked really happy and then really sad. Anyway, can I go?” Jo asked.

“You’re lucky Hilda isn’t here to hear you ask that. You may go even if I have to drive you there myself. I think this will be really good for you.”

“I wish I could go too Jo,” said Madge. But while you’re gone I think I might pop over to England with Jem and see to a few things there. We’ll go and see Dick and Mollie as well and give them the latest news.”

Jo disappeared off to her study after that to make a list of things to do while there. She also rang Frieda back and he could hear her excitedly discussing her plans. Jack looking in her study that night found her list and upon reading it thought that she would need at least a month there if she wanted to do all that she had planned.
Author:  MaryR [ Thu Aug 06, 2009 2:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 06/08)
Had a giggle at Jack's comment re Hilda! :lol:

Maybe this will do the trick - and it does seem rather strange they haven't thought of it before, as that is where Jo thought she was. Still, better late than never.

Thanks, jmc
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Aug 06, 2009 2:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 06/08)
Ooh, can't wait to see how her holiday goes!

Thankyou.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Aug 06, 2009 3:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 06/08)
Hope the trip helps.
Author:  shazwales [ Thu Aug 06, 2009 4:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 06/08)
Thankyou,looking forward to the next update. It will be interesting to see how Jo reacts to the changes in the Tiernsee.Jack is lovely in this.
Author:  JB [ Thu Aug 06, 2009 4:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 06/08)
Seems as though Joey is adapting really well to being a "new Jo" whereas Jack hopes to get the old one back.
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Aug 06, 2009 5:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 06/08)
Does jack want the Jo he married or the Joey who was taken ill? I think he wants Joey as his wife, but I hope it as a partner rather than someone involved in the school as much as her family.
Author:  jmc [ Fri Aug 07, 2009 10:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 06/08)
Life continued on quietly for Jo over the next week. Unfortunately the weather had turned nasty which meant that they were confined to the house much of the time. Jo and Jack managed to go on their early morning walk only once but they had breakfast together every morning but one when Jack was called out early. Jo continued her cooking lessons with Anna. Madge still came to watch as she found it amusing to see her sister meekly following Anna’s instructions. Jo was trying hard but she was a bit of a careless cook who thought much of the time that near enough was good enough. Anna had to watch her like a hawk or she was liable to skip steps. She did progressed to preparing basic lunches though.

Hilary and Biddy had braved the weather one afternoon to come and visit again but found Jo still reluctant to talk about the school in the present although she was happy to reminisce about her time there. She also asked about some of the older mistresses and expressed happiness when she heard that some of them were still at the school. Most of their time was spent talking about Tyrol and the good times they had all had there, although Biddy admitted that when she first arrived she never thought that the school would still be in her life all these years later. Especially after she was locked in the games shed.
They also talked over Jo’s plans for Tyrol the following week.

“You know that the old school buildings where bought by Corney’s father when we left Austria. He later sold them to a hydro-electric company.” Hilary said.

“Does that mean we won’t be able to go in,” said Jo in dismay.

“No you probably won’t,” said Biddy. “But there are plenty of other places you can go. And your holiday home is St Scholastika's. You managed to buy that when you were there for the school’s coming of age. I’m not to sure of the whole story but I know it involved you and Mary-Lou and one of your adventures.”

“Who’s Mary-Lou?” Jo asked.

“You really have lost your memory if you can’t remember Mary-Lou,” laughed Hilary. ”She was the daughter of your neighbours when you lived at Plas Gwyn. She almost one of your family.”

“Not another one,” groaned Jo. “So what she like this Mary-Lou and why is she almost part of my family?”

“Her father died when she was quite young and she lived with her mother and gran. Her mother later got remarried but he wasn’t well and neither was she. You and Jack have helped them out over the years. Her mother gran and stepfather all died when she had only just left school but they were ill for years before that. Her gran died while she was still at school I believe,” said Hilary.

“As to what Mary-Lou is like, well she is unique. I have never met anyone quite like her. She is a very self assured and confident woman. She was head-girl in her time and is now an archaeologist. She has become quite famous recently and has been on television a number of times. I sure she will be up to see you sometime,” said Biddy.

After Hilary and Biddy had left Jo went to her study and added Mary-Lou’s name to a list that she had started keeping. It was a list of names of people that she didn’t remember but who she had been told about. She had placed little dots next to some of the names, as they were the people she wanted to meet most. At the top of her list were her sons. She hesitated over Mary-Lou’s name but eventually put a dot next to it as Hilary had said she was almost family. Jo then tucked the list back inside her drawer.

Before she knew it was the morning of half term. Jo had spent the day before with Anna in the kitchen cooking for girls who were coming home. She had only burnt one cake slightly so she was feeling quite pleased with herself. She was looking forward to seeing the girls again although she was slightly apprehensive about Cecil after what had happened earlier.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Aug 07, 2009 11:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 07/08)
Hmm ... hope we're going to see Mary-Lou in helpful mode rather than taking over mode!
Author:  JS [ Fri Aug 07, 2009 11:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 07/08)
Hope Irma is still at the original chalet - maybe some of her home-made wine will help Jo remember.....
Author:  JB [ Fri Aug 07, 2009 11:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 07/08)
Quote:
“Not another one,” groaned Jo. “So what she like this Mary-Lou and why is she almost part of my family?”


You've made my day, jmc.

I'm not a OOAML hater but I just loved this response and I can't wait for Joey to meet her.
Author:  Liz K [ Fri Aug 07, 2009 11:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 07/08)
JB wrote:
Quote:
“Not another one,” groaned Jo. “So what she like this Mary-Lou and why is she almost part of my family?”


You've made my day, jmc.

I'm not a OOAML hater but I just loved this response and I can't wait for Joey to meet her.



:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Author:  brie [ Fri Aug 07, 2009 3:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 07/08)
Thanks for the updates. Everyone is being s nice to Jo- and this Jo is so much nicer too!!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Aug 07, 2009 7:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 07/08)
I, too, would love to see what would happen if Joey met OOAO!

Thankyou :)
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Aug 07, 2009 8:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 07/08)
Glad to see that Joey is learning more. Will be interesting to see her reaction to Mary Lou - it will be the reaction of the 18 year old Joey rather than the 'long married and many children'd Joey'


Thanks jmc
Author:  shazwales [ Sat Aug 08, 2009 4:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 07/08)
Thanks jmc, may i join the queue waiting to see what the 'new 'more likeable Jo makes of OOAO!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Aug 08, 2009 9:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 07/08)
Have just had a wonderful time catching up with updates as have been away for a few days. Thanks, it's been wonderful. Mike is so lovely and had to giggle at him being scared of girls and love the idea of going back to tyrol. Am also looking forward to how she and ML will get along now
Author:  jmc [ Sat Aug 08, 2009 2:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 07/08)
Jo was up early on the first morning of half term. This term it was five days long so the girls arrive on the Friday morning and leave Tuesday after dinner. Even though it was cold Jo sat herself down on the front steps to wait for them to arrive and no amount of coaxing from Madge could get her to wait in the warmth. Just as Jo was beginning to grow a bit despondent thinking that they had changed their minds about coming she saw heard voices. She stood up to greet them. Phil and Claire ran at Jo and wrapped themselves round her. Felicity was the next one to hug her mother. Cecil came rather more slowly and had an anxious expression on her face.

“Come here you goose. I’m not going to bite you,” Jo said as she grabbed her daughter and held her close. “I meant it when I said I was going to be different so you can stop worrying about anything you said. It’s all forgotten,” she whispered in Cecil ear.

Cecil grinned at her. “Do you mean you have lost more of your memory?”

Felicity look perplexed at this statement but Phil and Claire looked worried so Cecil hastened to add that she was just joking.

The girls all went upstairs to put the few belonging they had bought with them into their rooms and they got changed into casual clothes. That first morning was spent deciding on some plans for the weekend. Jo told them that Jack had made sure he would not be working the following day and that he had said that they would go down to Interlaken as a family. They wanted to take Jo up to the Roselinalpe and have a picnic. Other than that they just wanted to spend time with their mother.

Jo told them about her shopping trip to Basle and they insisted on her modeling her new wardrobe. They then made various suggestions about what else she could buy and volunteered to go shopping with her. Madge threw up her hands in horror at some of the suggestions and vowed to never go anywhere with her if she bought those things, while Jo just laughed and asked them to help her buy some more records. Madge left the room at this point saying she had some things to discuss with Anna and muttering comments about returning to Australia.

All four girls were peeved to learn that Mike had come up and hadn’t even thought to visit them as they hadn’t seen him for about a year. Jo decided not to mention that they had hidden in the bushed together as a group of girls had passed feeling that they might decide to give him a hard time over it the next time they saw him. She just said that his visit had been very quick and that he had said that he hoped to be back for Christmas.

Len came round with her pair after lunch so it was a full house for much of the day. Felicity bought some records out of her room and put them on and the girls danced about the Saal. It wasn’t the country dancing that she was used to though and everyone laughed at her attempts to copy Felicity and Cecil. Len produced a camera and took photos of her efforts. Tom and Alice just ran round the room laughing and trying to dance but their efforts weren’t really any better than Jo’s.

The trip to Interlaken the following day was a big success. Jo was shown the floral clock but it wasn’t the best time of the year although it still looked good. They did a little bit of shopping in the main street and stopped for coffee and cakes. The highlight of the day was that Jack had hired a small boat that they took out onto the lake. It was difficult to say who was the most excited over this but both Tom and Jo had to be reminded to keep in their seats on numerous occasions.

Cecil was quiet at times over the weekend but she and Jo managed to have a long talk together on the Monday night. Cecil admitted that it was difficult to wipe away her previous thoughts but she was trying. She knew deep down that her parents loved her and wanted the best for her. The talk they had managed to clear the air between them even further and Cecil went back to school in a much happier frame of mind.

Before they knew it half term was over and the girls were groaning about having to go back to school. The weather had held good for their trip up the Roselinalpe and there had been no dramas or alarms which Cecil had remarked on as being very strange when her mother was around. Jo had just stuck her tongue out at her in reply. Their last dinner together was a noisy affair and it was with real regret that Jo along with Jack walked them to the gate in the hedge to say goodbye.
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Aug 08, 2009 5:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 08/08)
Glad they had a good half term and Cecil is growing closer to her parents..
Author:  shazwales [ Sat Aug 08, 2009 6:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 08/08)
Thanks,that was really lovely,nice to see them enjoying themselves together.
Madge still not happy with the new sort of music :D :D :D
Author:  brie [ Sat Aug 08, 2009 6:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 08/08)
Thanks.

Am really enjoying this
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Aug 08, 2009 6:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 08/08)
Still wondering what'll happen when Jo's memory comes back - if it ever does. This is fascinating.
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Aug 08, 2009 8:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 08/08)
It's so fascinating seeing Jo forge new relationships with her children.


Thanks jmc
Author:  Abi [ Sun Aug 09, 2009 12:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 08/08)
Jo was sweet with Cecil. Thought her list of people she wanted to meet was sad - this must still be really hard and confusing for her.

Thanks jmc.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Aug 09, 2009 2:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 08/08)
Glad Half term went so well, especially with Cecil
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Aug 09, 2009 8:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 08/08)
I'm pleased that half-term was such a success, I just hope it can continue!

Thankyou.
Author:  jmc [ Sun Aug 09, 2009 9:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 08/08)
This will be the last post until Thursday at the very earliest as work will take over my life totally until then. :cry: Tuesday I will be working from 6am until 2am the following day and then I have to front up for a full day of classes followed by meetings.

Jo was in the car with Jack on her way to the Tiernsee. It had been decided in the end that they would all meet up at Die Blumen the Maynard’s holiday home. Jack was still concerned over Jo and he felt that she would be more comfortable in the car than in a train. He definitely didn’t want her travelling by herself, as she still didn’t know so much about the modern world. Frieda was catching a train directly from Basle and would be at the house waiting for them with Marie. Simone wouldn’t be arriving until the following day but it had been decided that they would have a day in Innsbruck when they went to meet her train.

Jo was like a little child she was so excited about going to what she termed as home. The evening before she left she was completely useless. Madge ended up packing for her while Jo talked continually about her plans for the week and about all the fun she intended to have. Len came round to say goodbye with her family but did not stay very long as she found that Jo’s mood infected the children. They raced round excitedly getting more and more revved up until finally Graham told Len he thought they should go before one of the kids broke down and started crying. Jo kissed them all goodbye and only settled down when first Jack, then Madge and finally Jem all threatened to cancel the trip. Once she had settled down she found that she was worn out with all what with all the goings on of half term and the excitement of getting ready so she managed to sleep soundly without the dose that Jack had been hinting that he would have to give her.

The first part of the trip was carried out in silence but Jo kept sneaking glances at Jack while thinking how caring he had been with her. He appeared not to notice her glances so eventually she turned to gaze out the window at the passing scenery. They had a quick break for coffee and biscuits on the side of the road before they continued on their way. Jack broke the silence when he told her that he had had a call from Charles the night before. He had apologised that he hadn’t been over to see Jo yet but that he had seen Mike who had told him that she was quite well apart from her memory. He was still trying to get some time off as was Stephen but he didn’t know when it would be. They would both definitely be home for Christmas though.

Jo expressed her disappointment over not being able to see the boys any time soon and asked that if she couldn’t see those two what about Felix and Geoff. Jack explained that their half term was the coming weekend when Jo would be away and that Felix was captain of the school rugby team and had a game scheduled. As it was his last year he wanted to play and that left no one to escort Geoff. Hopefully though, Madge and Jem would be able to bring Geoff for a quick visit, maybe with Felix, when they came back after visiting Dick and Molly.

Even though he had heard most of her plans for the upcoming week Jack asked he to tell him them again so she would keep talking. He enjoyed seeing her so animated again and when she was talking about the Tiernsee she was so much more confident and self assured. He had found it so sad at various times over the past weeks when she had been so unsure of herself. Jo eventually nodded off though and only awoke when Jack gently shook her and informed her that they had arrived at Die Blumen.
Author:  brie [ Sun Aug 09, 2009 9:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 09/08)
I love Jack in this! Despite his tendency to dose people :lol:

Thanks
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Aug 09, 2009 9:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 09/08)
Hope Jo and Jack's hopes for the Tiernsee will not be disappointed. Think the boys could have managed to visit home - she is their mother after all. :cry:

Thanks jmc
Author:  JB [ Sun Aug 09, 2009 5:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 09/08)
Jack is very sweet but I do hope this Joey will tell him where to stick his doses. :evil:
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Aug 09, 2009 5:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 09/08)
6 am until 2 am :shock: . Poor you, jmc - is that even legal? Hope it goes OK.

I hope this visit goes all right: we know from Coming of Age that a lot had changed at the Tiernsee since 1938. It's always strange going back somewhere after a long time and finding that it's not how you'd remembered it, but in Joey's case it could be even more of a shock. Hope it goes well.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Aug 09, 2009 7:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 09/08)
It sounds horrible, jmc, I hope it goes quickly for you!

I'm also hoping that the holiday goes well, and Joey doesn't get too much of a shock - or perhaps does, and gets her memory back! Jack is being so lovely in this.

Thankyou.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Aug 09, 2009 10:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 09/08)
Hope the visit goes well. Thanks

Hope your meeting and long day goes well and you're not too tired
Author:  JS [ Mon Aug 10, 2009 10:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 09/08)
Just caught up on two lovely posts - hope that your week isn't too awful.
Author:  di [ Thu Aug 13, 2009 10:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 09/08)
Have just caught up with this after an absence of some time and am still really enjoying it. I loved Mike's visit and Jo's shopping trip. How naughty of her getting rid of the men by trying on outlandish outfits. :lol:

Have to disagree with Madge's opinion of The Rolling Stones and think she's controlling Jo far too much; she may have lost her memory but she is still an adult. The remark about raising Jo twice made me so cross. :evil: [No offence, jmc, I have to keep reminding myself that this is a story, not real life!!]

Don't work too hard. :banghead: Your week sounds horrendous. Looking forward to the next post; thanks so much.
Author:  MaryR [ Thu Aug 13, 2009 2:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 09/08)
Will Die Blumen work the magic, I wonder. She so wants to know what she felt before, and how to relate to Jack.

Thanks, jmc
Author:  jmc [ Fri Aug 14, 2009 5:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 09/08)
Jo slowly opened her eyes and then stretched as best she could in the confined space of the car.

“We’re here?” she asked yawning.

“Yep, we made really good time. With you asleep I decided not to stop. It looks like we have even beaten Frieda and Marie here as I don’t see Marie’s car.”

“You mean we are still at the Tiernsee?” Jo asked.

“What do you mean by still?” Jack asked puzzled.

“I was having the most gorgeous dream. I was dreaming that we were in the car on the way back home to Freudesheim after having had the best week with Frieda, Marie and Simone. And Jack, my memory had come back.”

“Let’s hope the real week is just as good and accomplishes the same thing,” Jack said with a small laugh.

They walked up to the door of Die Blumen together. Jack produced a key and opened the door. He turned round to let Jo walk in before him only to find her walking away again.

“Oi Jo! Where are you off to?” he called.

“Before I go inside I have to see the lake,” Jo called back.

“Do you want me to come with you?”

“No, I think I’ll just stand here a while and take in the sights.”

Jo walked down to the edge of the lake and sighed in contentment as she took in the familiar sight. She knew that life here would not be the same as what she remembered. Too much had happened, both to her in the last few weeks and the world in the preceding years, for that to happen but it was so comforting to be here after the complete unfamiliarity of the last few weeks. She noted that that there were more buildings around but the mountains and the lake itself had not changed.

Jo was still standing there when she heard a car approaching and then stop close by. As she continued to stare at the lake she felt an arm go around her shoulders and a voice saying in German that she couldn’t believe that they were here already.

Jo turned to face Frieda and saw Marie standing beside her. She gave Marie a big hug and then looked her over.

“If you’ve quite finished looking me up and down,” Marie said with a grin.

“You know,” said Jo thoughtfully. “Neither of you look much older than when we were at school. I don’t really see any grey in your hair and you don’t have too many wrinkles.”

“Jo!” exclaimed Marie. “You don’t really look much different either you know, especially with that haircut.”

“Yes but my hair is much greyer than yours. Maybe I should dye it.”

Both Frieda and Marie both laughed. “Don’t worry it’s there all right. The blonde just hides it better. You can dye your hair if you want just as long as it’s not green again, “ said Frieda.

“Oh don’t worry, Jack’s already told me that story and I have no intentions of doing that again. Anyway I am kind of off green things at the moment. Now let’s go inside. I could do with some food as I’m famished.” Jo then strode towards the house.

Marie and Frieda followed behind at a more sedate pace.

“I hope we can keep up with Jo this week,” said Marie as she and Frieda followed behind at a more sedate pace.

They arrived in the kitchen to find Jo rummaging through a box of supplies that she said Anna and Madge had put together so they wouldn’t have to get anything that night. She pulled out some coffee and a thermos of milk and set the kettle o the stove going.

“There’s some cakes in there somewhere or some fruit if you would prefer that,” said Jack coming into the kitchen. “Jo your bags are all upstairs in your room.”

“Thanks Jack. You're a dear.”

“Do you want me to get your bags out too,” he asked of Frieda and Marie.

“I’ll help you and maybe Frieda could help Jo. Make sure she doesn’t set fire to the place or something like that,” said Marie.

By the time Jack and Marie had finished unloading her car the coffee was ready. Jack sat down with them and then announced that he was going to leave them after he had finished his coffee.

“You’re not driving back tonight surely?” asked Frieda.

“No I’m not. I’m going up to the Sonnalpe to have a consultation there with one of the doctors. I’ll leave tomorrow afternoon. Now Jo don’t go over doing it. Remember that you are not 18 anymore. Don’t go falling over any cliffs or anything like that. I won’t be here to rescue you. “ And with that Jake stood up and made his way to the front
door.

They all followed him and he gave first Marie and then Frieda a kiss on the cheek. Then without thinking he also gave Jo a kiss as she came forward to goodbye and to thank him for driving her here.
Author:  keren [ Fri Aug 14, 2009 5:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 14/08)
Goody, it's back again.
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Aug 14, 2009 7:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 14/08)
That's lovely - think Jo needs lots of reminders that she's no longer 18! :lol:


Thanks jmc
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Aug 14, 2009 7:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 14/08)
Joey and Jack seem to be getting on well.
Author:  JS [ Fri Aug 14, 2009 8:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 14/08)
Lovely to see an update - hope your week wasn't too awful, jmc.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Aug 14, 2009 9:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 14/08)
I hope Jo isn't affronted by that! Nice to see them getting on so well, though.

Thankyou.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Aug 14, 2009 10:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 14/08)
Thanks the update was lovely :D
Author:  shazwales [ Fri Aug 14, 2009 11:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 14/08)
Thanks,really enjoyed that update.
Author:  di [ Fri Aug 14, 2009 11:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 14/08)
Likewise, I also enjoyed that interlude.
Thanks. jmc.
Author:  jmc [ Sat Aug 15, 2009 4:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 14/08)
Thanks to everyone who wished me well for my last week. It was horrible and my school did well enough that I have to repeat it again for the last week of term.

Jack was thinking furiously as he drove away in the car. He hadn’t meant to kiss her. It had just happened. Should he go back and apologise or should he keep going? He wondered what was going through Jo’s mind now and was hoping that he hadn’t spoilt his chances with her. He arrived up at the Sonnalpe and pulled up in front of Die Rosen. He was there to speak to the current head of the san about the changes they had introduced at the Platz now that TB was no longer such a problem, but he didn’t think he would be able to keep his mind on the meeting now.

Jo had been left staring after Jack with a surprised expression on her face.

“You’ve gone bright red,” said Marie.

“Yes, well… umm…..,” Jo managed to get out.

She stood there dazed and finally Marie grabbed her arm and pulled her inside. They went back into the kitchen and Jo sat in a chair still not speaking. Frieda and Marie didn’t know what to say. Both of them remembered how Jo had spoken of never getting married during her last term at school and how reluctant she had been to grow up.

It was Jo herself that eventually spoke. “You know that wasn’t so bad.”

Frieda and Marie couldn’t help themselves and they both burst out laughing. This quickly roused Jo from the state she was in.

“What’s so funny?” she said indignantly.

“I’m sorry Jo, but we have seen Jack kiss you goodbye so many times and have never seen you react like that. Even after you got engaged,” said Marie.

“You were older though. I mean mentally not physically. You had spent a couple of years at the Sonnalpe and had spent a lot of time in Jack’s company. He was upset when you went to India to get away from that other doctor who was chasing you,” continued on Frieda.
Jo hesitated. She was not used to discussing her feelings on this sort of matter. She decided that that she had to take the bull by the horns.

“Jack has been so sweet. I told you before Frieda that I wasn’t sure what I wanted with Jack, but now no matter what happens I just can't seem to imagine him not being there. I just hope he’ll wait for me.”

“Jo, Jack loves you and I think that Marie and I can both safely say that he will wait.”

Jo looked at the pair of them and tears came to her eyes. “Do you really think so? And what about if I don’t get my memory back?”

“Jack has loved you ever since you were still at school. He has waited before until you were ready and that was when you were still insistent that you would never marry. He will wait until you are ready. You just have to trust him. He only wants what is best for you,” said Frieda.

“You have to talk to him though,” said Marie. “If you don’t he won’t know how you feel. How did you feel after he kissed you?”
Jo blushed again. “It felt right,” she said in a soft voice.

“Well you need to tell him that. You probably didn’t see his face after he kissed you but he was shocked. I don’t think he meant to kiss you. It was habit. Knowing jack he is probably tying himself up in knots about it now,” said Marie.

“But he’s gone. I don’t want to hurt him. He’s been so solid and comforting through all if this. What can I do? It’s too late to go up to the Sonnalpe now,” said Jo tearfully.
Marie and Frieda looked at each other.

“Do you know where he is staying there?” asked Frieda.

“No, he didn’t tell me.”

“Well I guess we could just ring up the san and leave a message for him there. Hopefully he will get it before he leaves. I’ll go and call now,” said Marie.

Jo started to get the evening meal together with Frieda while they waited for Marie to return. They were having a cold meal. It was courtesy of Marie who had asked her cook to put something together for them. They were just putting the last of the plates on the table when Marie returned.

“I managed to speak to someone who knows Jack and he said he knew Jack was coming up but doesn’t know where he is staying. He says that he should see him tomorrow morning and will pass on the message. We don’t have to be in Innsbruck until mid afternoon to meet Simone so he should have time to either phone you or get back here. Or you could wait here with Frieda while I go and get Simone.”

“Thank you so much both of you. Hopefully I can speak to Jack in the morning and then go down with you.”
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Aug 15, 2009 8:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 15/08)
This is looking promising.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Aug 15, 2009 8:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 15/08)
Pleased Jo has finally admitted her feelings, I just hope it goes well.

Thankyou.
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Aug 15, 2009 8:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 15/08)
Wonder what the message was?

Dr Jack Maynard, please contact your wife - she says she liked the kiss!!! :lol:


That was lovely - thanks jmc - and pleased you've managed to get through the week!
Author:  di [ Sat Aug 15, 2009 9:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 15/08)
Lovely. :)
Thanks, jmc
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Aug 15, 2009 9:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 15/08)
Lesley wrote:
Wonder what the message was?

Dr Jack Maynard, please contact your wife - she says she liked the kiss!!! :lol:



:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Author:  JB [ Sat Aug 15, 2009 11:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 15/08)
Quote:
He was there to speak to the current head of the san about the changes they had introduced at the Platz now that TB was no longer such a problem, but he didn’t think he would be able to keep his mind on the meeting now.


Jack is lovely. Actually, the whole update was lovely.

Do hope Marie left a message that won't make Jack worry more.
Author:  MaryR [ Sat Aug 15, 2009 2:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 15/08)
Loved Joey being so ... unsure. :D

Thanks, jmc
Author:  JS [ Sat Aug 15, 2009 4:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 15/08)
Awww. :)
Author:  Abi [ Sun Aug 16, 2009 12:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 15/08)
Lesley wrote:
Wonder what the message was?

Dr Jack Maynard, please contact your wife - she says she liked the kiss!!! :lol


I was also wondering that :D :lol:

Thanks Ariel!
Author:  jmc [ Sun Aug 16, 2009 7:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 15/08)
Jack was actually spending the night at Die Rosen and his host Doktor Lukas Badeni found him uncommonly distracted.

“Jack, I don’t mean to pry but is everything alright?” asked Lukas when another of his questions to Jack when unanswered. They were sitting in the Doktor’s study after dinner.

Jack looked at the doctor and wondered how much to tell him. Jack liked him and they had a passing friendship but their relationship was mainly professional. Still Jack felt he owed him some sort of explanation. Jo and Lukas’ wife, Janika, had struck up a friendship when they were on vacation a couple of years ago.

“I’m sorry Lukas. I must seem so rude. It’s Jo. She has been ill.”

“Sorry to hear that Jack. I hope it hasn’t been too severe.”

Jack explained briefly to his companion about Jo’s illness but, as he was a private man who was not used to discussing his feelings with anyone, he concentrated on the facts of Jo’s illness and how she was recovering.

“Jack that is terrible!” exclaimed Lukas. “Do you hold out any hope for her memory coming back?”

“Unfortunately not much. I have been in consultation with a lot of experts and they all agree. The more time that passes the less likely it is.

“Could they give you any idea of some sort of treatment?”

“Just that a shock or being back in familiar surrounding might trigger her memory. Nothing has worked so far though. I think my last hope is that her time here will help,” said Jack

“Well I guess all we can do at this point is to continue praying that she will recover.”

“Believe me, I do.”

When Jack went to bed that night his mind kept going over and over the kiss with Jo. It had only been a short goodbye kiss but halfway through he had realised what he was doing. He had meant to continue to take things slowly. He hadn’t dared to look at Jo once it was over but had walked over to the car and driven off as if everything was normal. He lay there tossing and turning and when morning came he didn’t feel at all refreshed. He had resolved though to give Jo her space for the week.

Jo managed to have a pleasant evening with Marie and Frieda after she had been reassured by them about Jack. They spent the evening discussing their families and Marie invited Jo to came and visit her and Eugen at their home, which Jo accepted eagerly. She had like Eugen when Marie had first introduced him and looked forward to seeing him again.

Once Jo went to bed though it was a different matter. She lay there staring at the ceiling for much of the night Without the chatter of the other two she found that she was unable to stop thinking about Jack. She brought her hand up to her lips and remembered the feel of his lips upon hers. She hoped that he would come the next morning but was unsure of what she would say to him. She wondered what kind of message that Marie had left. What would she do if he only phoned? She didn’t think she could say what she needed over the phone. What if he didn’t come at all? Did that mean he didn’t want her?

Jo got up as morning light started filtering through the windows. She dressed quickly and then went downstairs and let herself out of the front door quietly. She walked down towards the lake and strolled along the deserted shoreline. She found a secluded spot and sat down. Looking at the lake and the familiar sights calmed her and by the time she returned to Die Blumen to she more rested than when she had left.

When she walked in she could smell coffee and suddenly realised that she was hungry. Stomach rumbling she walked into the kitchen where she was seized upon by both Marie and Frieda.

“Do you have any idea of the time?” asked Frieda. “Marie and I both thought you were just sleeping late but when we finally looked in your room you weren’t there.”

“We figured that you had just gone for a walk but next time could you leave a note just so we can be sure,” said Marie.

“Sorry,” said Jo glancing at the kitchen clock. It was 9:30. No wonder she was hungry. “I guess I just lost track of the time. Has there been any word from Jack yet?”

“Sorry no. Now how about some breakfast?” said Frieda. Then seeing Jo’s face fall said quickly, “Don’t worry I’m sure we’ll hear from him soon. Your message did say that Jo needed to speak to Jack before he went home didn’t you Marie?”

Jack finished speaking to the assembled doctors and after answering a few last minute questions went with Lukas to his office for a quick coffee before he took his leave.

“Good luck my friend. I hope everything goes well with Jo. Let me know how she gets on,” said Lukas shaking Jack’s hand just before he got in the car.

“I’ll see you next week when I come to pick Jo up. Thanks for letting me stay,” said Jack. Then he got in and drove away.

As he drove off Doktor von Kramm, who had also been at the meeting, came racing up. “I forgot to give Jack this message that came through last night.”
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Aug 16, 2009 8:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 16/08)
Oh no! It can't all go horribly wrong now!
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Aug 16, 2009 8:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 16/08)
It's so annoying when people forget to pass on messages. Hope it doesn't cause too many problems.
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Aug 16, 2009 8:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 16/08)
Poor Jack - and now an idiot doctor that cannot be trusted to pass on a message. :roll:


Thanks jmc
Author:  di [ Sun Aug 16, 2009 9:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 16/08)
Oh No! Poor Jo, she may think that Jack now regrets the kiss. I hope someone gets the message to Jack before too long.
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  MaryR [ Sun Aug 16, 2009 5:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 16/08)
jmc, how could you do that to them? :shock:
Author:  JB [ Sun Aug 16, 2009 6:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 16/08)
Oh no! I was hoping for a happy update (as i'm not having the best of days and i feel nauseous when i'm vertical).

I'll lie down again now. :(
Author:  jmc [ Sun Aug 16, 2009 10:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 16/08)
Jo spent the rest of the morning moping around Die Blumen. Nothing the others said could lift her out of her mood. Eventually they gave it up as a bad job and hoped that Jack would come soon. Just before lunch the phone rang shattering the silence. Jo raced to the phone but then found she couldn’t pick it up. She looked beseechingly at Marie who took pity on her. Jo couldn’t hear what was being said at the other end but it did not appear to be good news.

“No don’t worry Doktor. These things happen. We’ll call Freudesheim tonight,” were Marie’s final words as she rang off.

“He’s not coming is he?” said Jo numbly.

“Jo, I’m sorry but he didn’t get the message. The Doktor who was supposed to give it too him was late to the meeting this morning and then forgot to give it to Jack.”

“So he doesn’t know that I wanted to speak to him,” said Jo cheering up a bit.

“No you’ll just have to ring him tonight.”

“No I can’t! How can I have that sort of conversation on the phone.”

“Well you can either wait until Jack comes back next week or do it over the phone,” said Frieda.

“I’ll wait then,” said Jo stubbornly.

“What will you do if he calls during the week? And don’t think you’re going to mope here all week either. We want to have some fun,” said Marie.

“If he calls I’ll just tell him about all the fun we’ve been having. I want to speak to him face to face.”

After a quick lunch they set off. Marie was driving them down to Innsbruck to pick up Simone. They were going to do a bit of quick shopping first and then meet Simone’s train. The journey down took less than an hour as Marie was a good driver and knew the roads well. The first thing they did upon their arrival was to find somewhere to freshen up. Jo looked at the town and found memories of her various trips here flooding back. She was quite content to just wander round the town, although she noted that there were many more modern buildings.

“Innsbruck was bombed quite a few time during the war and suffered quite a bit of damage. The cathedral, train station and Maria-Theresienstrass were all badly damaged,” was Frieda’s response when Jo commented on the changes. “Now we have about two hours before Simone’s train gets in. What would you like to do?”

“Jack’s given me a fair bit of money. I think I would like to buy some gifts for Tom and Alice and maybe the girls too.”

“Ok then we’ll buy some supplies to take back with us. I looked through the cupboards and there was some tinned stuff there but we really need some fresh things. I made a list,” said Frieda pulling one from her bag and waving it.

The next couple of hours were spent happily wandering in and out of shops. The number of tourist shops that had sprung up in the area and at the prices some of the goods commanded astounded Jo. She managed to buy some toys for Tom and Alice but couldn’t find anything she really liked for the girls. She finally settled on postcards and some boxes of sweets for them in the end and sent them from the post office. Marie also bought some little toys for her only grandchild and then they quickly bought the supplies as they were running short on time. They made they way back to the car and placed their purchases in the truck and then walked to the nearby station to come in.

As they walked onto the platform where Simone’s train was due to come in Jo’s heart skipped a beat. “Jack! What are you doing here? Did the san catch up with you then?” “Jo, I had to see you before I left,” they both said at the same time.

They were then both silent staring at each other awkwardly.

“You first,” said Jo.

“No, ladies before gentlemen.”

Jo hesitated. “How did you know I wanted to speak to you? The san said you had already left.”

“I was driving home and then suddenly I realised that I needed to see you before I left. So I turned round and came here as I knew you would be here meeting Simone. You rang the san?”

“Well Marie did last night and left a message.”

“I never got it. Look there is a small coffee shop near here. Let’s go there to talk as it’s a lot more private than standing in the middle of the platform,” said Jack looking round.
Author:  JB [ Sun Aug 16, 2009 10:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 17/08)
Thanks, jmc.

Keeps fingers crossed for the next instalment.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Aug 17, 2009 12:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 17/08)
Hope it goes well, and glad that Jo doesn't seem too upset that Tyrol isn't exactly how she remembered it.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Aug 17, 2009 1:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 17/08)
Thanks, am glad Jack stopped to talk to Jo. This is lovely
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Aug 17, 2009 5:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 17/08)
Oh good - pleased Jack turned back. Like Joey refusing to speak on the phone - she really was that stubborn as a teenager! :lol:


Thaks jmc
Author:  JS [ Mon Aug 17, 2009 8:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 17/08)
She must be really shocked at the prices, mustn't she? I know that I still get a shock when some things are so much more expensive than I have fixed in my head. For example, a packet of crisps will always be two and a half pence to me.

Thanks jmc.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Aug 17, 2009 10:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 17/08)
Pleased that Jack turned back! Hope it all goes well.

Thankyou, eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Aug 17, 2009 10:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 17/08)
I am still recovering from the increase in train prices in the last two years, so price increases over a twenty five year plus time span must be horendous. Poor Joey!
Glad Jack needed to speak to Joey as well and came back. Hoping the talk goes well.
Author:  di [ Mon Aug 17, 2009 11:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 17/08)
Ah, good. So glad Jack hasn't returned before speaking with Jo - they seem so attuned even although she's lost her memory. Must be something to do with the concept of 'soul mates'.
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  jmc [ Mon Aug 17, 2009 11:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 17/08)
Frieda and Marie, who had both been trying to be as unobtrusive as possible, quickly agreed to meet Simone’s train, put all her bags in the car and then come back and wait for Jo. They stayed on the platform while Jack and Jo left

It was crowded in the coffee shop but Jack and Jo managed to get a table in a corner near the back. Jack quickly ordered coffee for both of them and while they were waiting they talked about what Jo had bought. Once the coffee came though they both fell silent. Jo concentrated on putting sugar in hers and then stirring it while Jack just looked at her.

“I’m sorry if I upset you yesterday Jo,” he finally said.

“When did you upset me?” she asked.

Jack felt flustered. He had presumed that Jo had wanted to speak to him because she had been upset. Now he didn’t know what to expect.
“You know. When I kissed you.”

Jo turned bright red and lowered and stared intently at her coffee. “I wasn’t upset,” she said in almost a whisper. “I liked it.”

“Really?” Jack was elated. He had spent the night worrying that he might have pushed her away and had been worried on the drive to Innsbruck that she would refuse to talk to him. He reached out and covered her hand that was lying on the table with his. He could feel the slight trembling of her hand and squeezed it gently. “Jo, I would never do anything to hurt you intentionally. I love you and have done for a long time. When I left you yesterday that kiss was just something that happened without my thinking. I couldn’t believe that I had kissed you. I had promised my self that I would take things slowly and wait for you and then I jeopardised everything. Last night while I was tossing and turning I resolved that I would just go home and try to forget about it but as I was driving all I could see was your face and I had to come and make sure you weren’t upset.”

Jo listened to his speech with tears forming in her eyes. “I still don’t remember anything Jack, but that kiss felt so right to me. After you had gone I realised that I just couldn’t imagine a life without you in it.”

“Jo, you have no idea how happy this makes me. Our life will have to be different but I am willing to do anything it takes to make it work. You can pull the strings. I just don’t want to lose you. I can’t imagine a life without you either.”

There was silence again as the two of them processed what they had each said. Jack still had Jo’s hand underneath his but he could feel that the trembling had now stopped.

“Jo I think there is a lot that we still have to talk about but I also think that this is not the place for it. For now should we just say that we want to try and make this work?”

Jo didn’t answer him but the look in her eyes told him what he wanted.

They sat there for a while longer hand in hand but the spell was eventually broken by a waitress coming to ask if they wanted more coffee. Jack pulled out his wallet and paid for the ones they had drunk and then helped Jo out of her seat and out onto the street.

“Now let’s go back to the station to meet the others,” he said smiling at her tenderly.
Author:  Nightwing [ Mon Aug 17, 2009 11:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 18/08)
That's so sweet, jmc, you just made me tear up (which is a bit embarrassing since I'm at work :D ). Looking forward to finding out what happens next!
Author:  JB [ Mon Aug 17, 2009 11:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 18/08)
I'm tearing up here, too. Thankfully, i'm on the sofa at home.

Thanks, jmc. That was lovely.
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Aug 18, 2009 6:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 18/08)
Awwww, that's lovely. Not caused me to tear up as that's already happened (eye infection! :roll: ) but so pleased they both want it to work.


Thanks jmc
Author:  andi [ Tue Aug 18, 2009 6:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 18/08)
*sniff* That was beautiful.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Aug 18, 2009 7:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 18/08)
This new Jo is so much better than the old one that I can't decide whether I want her to get her memory back or not.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Aug 18, 2009 8:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 18/08)
Thanks, that was lovely
Author:  Liz K [ Tue Aug 18, 2009 8:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 18/08)
Alison H wrote:
This new Jo is so much better than the old one that I can't decide whether I want her to get her memory back or not.


In this version I'd rather she didn't, it would be VERY interesting to see what happens.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Aug 18, 2009 9:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 18/08)
Aww, how sweet, thankyou :cry:
Author:  di [ Tue Aug 18, 2009 10:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 18/08)
Ahhh, that was lovely. Both Jack and Jo are so sweet here. I do hope that if she does get her memory back she'll continue in this vein 'cus she's much nicer here!
Thanks for the regular updates, jmc.
Author:  JB [ Tue Aug 18, 2009 10:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 18/08)
Alison H wrote:

Quote:
This new Jo is so much better than the old one that I can't decide whether I want her to get her memory back or not.


I can't decide what I think about this. It would be difficult for Jack, who must be in his 50s, to be married to someone who's effectively a teenager but then I like this Joey so much.

If she does get her memory back, I hope she retains the self-knowledge she's gained during her amnesia. One of the parts of this story that has stayed in my head is Joey telling Mike that he's just like her. I find it so sad that no-one's said this to him before.
Author:  MaryR [ Tue Aug 18, 2009 11:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 18/08)
That just felt so right, and Jack loves the Jo he's lost so I'm hoping she will return to him.

Thanks, jmc
Author:  jmc [ Tue Aug 18, 2009 10:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 18/08)
Frieda and Marie had met Simone’s train and were now waiting anxiously for Jo and Jack to return. They were discussing Jo’s situation while they waited.

“I hope everything is going OK,” said Marie.

“So you I. You know I when Jack first rang to tell me what had happened I simply couldn’t believe it. To Jo, who never forgets anything, of all people,” said Frieda

“I know what you mean. It was the same when you rang me,’ said Simone.

“I feel so sorry for Jack as well. When he came down to Basle to pick me up a couple of weeks ago he looked so lost. Although she was still alive he felt as though he had lost her,” said Frieda.

“It must be so hard for him,” replied Marie. “Do you all remember how Jo tried to deny that she was growing up that last year at school? It was only during our last term that she seemed to make any progress but even then she was still shying away from any talk of marriage and children.”

“All she could see in her future was helping Madge and writing her books. Well Jack was very patient with her then. He told me that he knew he loved her from hen she was about sixteen. He has waited for her to grow up before so I’m sure he'll wait again now,” said Frieda.

“I hope you are right for both their sakes,” said Simone

“Oh Simone you should have seen how Jo looked after Jack kissed her last night and how Jack looked at her when he saw her at the station. Those two were made for each other,” said Frieda

“I guess we will soon find out what they have decided. So what’s Jo like now?” asked Simone curiously.

“She’s different. She’s very definitely not the Jo we all know now but neither is she the girl from school. Frieda you’ve had more to do with her than I have what do you think,” said Marie.

“I agree with you. What’s happened to her since she woke up has changed her. How could it not? One minute she was walking along having just finished school and the next she’s being told she’s married, has a lot of children, lives in a different country and that the whole world has changed. Considering everything I think she has coped remarkably well.”

“Last night I found it quite strange. One minute Jo seemed so mature and the next she seemed to be a teenager. It must be so hard for her and even after weeks it must still be so confusing. Each day she must face a constant barrage of new information,” said Marie. “Hopefully finding herself in familiar surroundings this week will help her to relax. And that could be just what she needs to get her memory back.”

“And if she does get her memory back I don’t think everything will be able to return to the way it was. She’s learnt so much about herself, and I know that she was quite upset with some of it, for things to ever be the same again. Her relationship with her children for example. She’s also refusing to have anything to do with the school,” followed on Frieda.

“She is. But that was such a big part of her life,” said Simone stunned.

“She thinks it’s responsible for her being a bad mother.”

“A what?” gasped Simone

“She feels that she neglected her children at times in favour of the school. Everyone has tried to tell her otherwise but she has now developed this block against the school. Both Nell and Hilda have been to see her and while she is happy to talk to them she won’t discuss the school at all. Well not about the current school anyway. She’s quite happy to talk about the school when she attended.”

“This week will be interesting then,” said Simone.

The three women were then quiet as they contemplated both the past and the week ahead. They finally spotted Jo and Jack coming towards them and were relieved to see smiles on both their faces. As they came closer they were also able to see that the pair were holding hands.

“Ok then,” said Jack after they had made their way to Marie’s car. “I’ll see you next week when I come to pick you up.” And with that he bent down and whispered,” I love you Josephine Bettany Maynard.”

Then he kissed her and walked away.
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Aug 18, 2009 11:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 19/08)
Awww that's lovely - and good to see that her three closest friends recognise that even if she were to get her memory back, some things have changed for good.


Thanks jmc
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Aug 18, 2009 11:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 19/08)
Awww ... but poor Jack, this must be so weird for him.
Author:  JB [ Tue Aug 18, 2009 11:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 19/08)
What good friends they are. Am sure the week with them will help her.
Author:  Miss Di [ Wed Aug 19, 2009 7:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 19/08)
Have just spent a week reading all of this, part one and two.
I wonder if Jo is "growing up" so different to the woman she was because she doesn't remember the horrors they suffered escaping fom Austria. So no post traumatic stress disorder, no little doses at the drop of a hat...

I am enjoying this and I like the amnesic Jo, thank you.
Author:  JS [ Wed Aug 19, 2009 9:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 19/08)
Nice to see the other three interacting without Jo being there - although she was the topic of conversation. This is developing really well - every day there's something interesting. Thanks jmc.
Author:  di [ Wed Aug 19, 2009 9:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 19/08)
It was interesting being a 'fly on the wall' listening to Marie, Frieda and Simone thoughts on Jo and her amnesia. Of course, not living near the school themselves they have no idea of how much she was involved in the day to day machinations of the school nor how much time she spent there.

I'm glad that Frieda recognises that, if Jo does regain her memory, she will become quite different to the Jo they all know and love.

Thanks, jmc.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Aug 19, 2009 4:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 19/08)
Pleased that her three friends recognise her new life and can possibly help her with it. Hope things continue to go well with Jack!

Thankyou.
Author:  jmc [ Wed Aug 19, 2009 10:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 19/08)
The car trip home back to Die Blumen was filled with chatter from Marie, Simone and Frieda. Jo was happy to just listen to them. Her mood on the way back was much more cheerful than on the way down and when Marie had commented how pleased they all were that she and Jack had come to an understanding Jo didn’t respond but just had a big grin on her face.

Jo slept late the next day as she was tired after her almost non-existent sleep the night before. She woke up full of energy and told the others that the first thing they were going to do that day was walk over and look at the original Chalet buildings.

“Are you sure we can’t go in though?” she asked.

“Up until a couple of years ago it would have been possible,” said Frieda. “Do you remember Irma Ancockzy Jo?

“Of course I do. I don’t know her that well though as she about seven or eight years younger than me. Why do you ask?”

“Well only that her husband was the manager of the water company and they were living there for a number or years. But they have moved now and the people there are strangers. I remember you telling me how disappointed you were that she had gone.”

“That’s a shame. I really want to go in? Do you think the new people would let us?”

“What do you propose to ask? I used to go to school here so do you mind if I come in and wander round your house,” laughed Marie.

“No I guess that wouldn’t work,” said Jo in a disappointed tone.

“Now let’s get going. We can’t sit around here all day.”

“Jo dear I ask of you one thing only please,” said Simone. “Please remember that we are all older now and I at least don’t get much chance for hiking and exercise so please don’t go too fast for us."

“I’ll second that,” said Frieda. “Lets just keep it to a sedate walk.”

“But we have so much to do and so little time.”

“Jo, we don’t want to have to face Jack if we let you do too much and make yourself sick again. Anyway I think you’ll find that you won’t be able to race round like you used to, “ said Frieda.

“Must admit I’ve already discovered that. Had a bit of trouble with the slidey mat races. Ok, I’ll try to remember that you are all old now.”

They walked away from Buchau, which was the hamlet where Die Blumen was located, towards the southern end of the lake and Briesau where the Chalet School had been located. They had to go though the water meadows at one point before they went back on the lake road. Jo noted all the new buildings and changes that had occurred as they walked.

After about an hour walking they arrived outside the original buildings. Jo was happy to see that they had not changed very much and that the statue of the Blessed Virgin still stood in its niche, but she asked what had happened to the connecting passages.

"If I remember rightly they were torn down and burnt for firewood during a particularly harsh winter. The water company had no need of the passages anyway as the buildings were used as separate houses," said Frieda.

“Oh, I wish I was still at school here,” said Jo wistfully. “Life was much simpler then.”
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Aug 19, 2009 10:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 20/08)
Poor Joey! Though how life was simpler when she spent half her time nearly dead is beyond me!

I hope she feels better about it all soon ((Joey))

Thankyou.
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Aug 19, 2009 10:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 20/08)
Love the reference to the slidey mat races!


Thanks jmc
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Aug 20, 2009 12:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 20/08)
Poor Joey ... it's easy to wish you were back at school (until you remember all those mid-teen traumas, and that's without all the near-death experiences Joey had!).
Author:  di [ Thu Aug 20, 2009 7:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 20/08)
Thanks, jmc. I'm sure Jo will find a way to get to see the inside of the old school. :lol:
Author:  JB [ Thu Aug 20, 2009 10:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 20/08)
Chubby Monkey wrote:

Quote:
Poor Joey! Though how life was simpler when she spent half her time nearly dead is beyond me!


Well, she doesn't have any memories of life not being like that. :lol: :lol:
Author:  Pat [ Thu Aug 20, 2009 8:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 20/08)
Lesley wrote:
Love the reference to the slidey mat races!


Thanks jmc


They're pretty hard when you get older!! Voice of experience there!!!!!
Author:  MaryR [ Thu Aug 20, 2009 8:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 20/08)
Just caught up again, and am enjoying seeing Marie, Simone and Frieda again, and seeing Jack woo Joey as he didn't really the first time round, as there was no time.

Thanks, jmc
Author:  Cath V-P [ Fri Aug 21, 2009 1:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 20/08)
It must be so difficult for Jo dealing with that constant oscillation between her perception of herself and the knowledge of the actual circumstances of her life. And it's interesting to see just how objectively she's viewing her own life - almost as if it's been lived by someone else, which is I suppose the way it must seem. But it's lovely to see the gradual development of the old/new relationship between Jo and Jack, and her appreciation of Tyrol.
Author:  jmc [ Fri Aug 21, 2009 7:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 20/08)
“But me I would not want that at all,” said Simone as they started to walk away from the Chalet heading towards the Dripping Rock.

“Nor, I” said Marie. “School was fun but I don’t think I would like to go back there. There is so much more to life than school, despite all the troubles.”

“But there you have it. I don’t remember anything else. You have all lived full lives and have experienced everything, but I haven’t. I have school and I know what my life is now but I haven’t lived it. I don’t have the benefit of knowing all the good things. I wouldn’t even mind living through all the bad things again because I don’t know what is was like. It's like this empty void in me and I just don’t seem to be a whole person.”

“Oh Jo, I am so sorry you feel like that,” said Marie. “I can’t pretend to understand what you are feeling but I guess that our life experiences shape us and make us who we are.”

“That’s exactly what I mean. People keep telling me what I like, what I do etcetera but why do I do these things and why do I like certain things? Even Jack, how did we realise that we loved each other the first time? I know I have children but how did I feel when they were born?”

“Well you were extremely pleased with the shock you created when the triplets were born,” said Frieda.

“I’m getting used to the empty feeling now but sometimes it all just overwhelms me. Sorry to keep going on and on about myself.”

“After what’s happened to you I think you are entitled to it at times,” said Simone.

“What you need to do now is to look on this as one of those experiences that you were talking about,” said Marie. “We have all had to do this. Frieda’s Bruno was in a concentration camp during the war and then the British government put Frieda is a camp in England because she was Austrian. Simone was unable to go home to Paris and all of them have managed to overcome these experiences to lead full lives.”

“And you Marie had to live in America for much of the war and both of your parents died during this time,” said Simone.

“You are our Jo and we will always be there for you no matter where life takes you now. You know you are lucky in one way, we have been there and done it all before but you get to experience everything again for the first time,” said Frieda.

“I never thought of it that way,” said Jo. “Falling in love with Jack is one thing I am very happy to have been able to experience again, although I am sure that are some things that I don’t need to experience again. Having more children would be one of them I think.”

“We could do without any more near death experiences as well. Not that they would be new for you anyway as you should still be able to remember all the ones you had while you were at school.” laughed Marie. “Come to think of it maybe we should leave here now. This place was extremely dangerous for you.”

“I have no idea of what you are talking about,” said Jo pretending to be mystified

“You really want us to start listing all your episodes. Well there was the one in our very first term when you ran off after Grizel,” said Marie.

“And the next term…..” began Frieda taking up the battle.

“Alright I remember them all. No need to go on,” said Jo surrendering. “But do you mean to say they continued?”

“Maybe not the near death quite so frequently. I think you exchanged that for childbirth but if there was an adventure to be had or if something exciting happened you were sure to be in the thick of it,” said Frieda.

“Maybe this time I should try for a quite life,” said Jo.
Frieda, Marie and Simone just looked at her and burst out laughing.

“For you Jo I would think that was impossible,” said Frieda.
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Aug 21, 2009 7:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 21/08)
I really loved that conversation - a very logical response from Joey and from her friends. Good to see that Joey is falling in love with Jack once more - and that she's not contemplating any more children! Love the teasing at the end too.


Thanks jmc
Author:  keren [ Fri Aug 21, 2009 7:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 21/08)
Happy to have caught this.
Lovely scene.

Maybe because of all the traumatic experiences, she went back to the time when life was at its simplest when she lost her memory (the way she left Austria was a big trauma)

Sometimes things like your schooldays are always idealized.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Aug 21, 2009 7:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 21/08)
I've got it in my head that if I could go back to being 15 and try again my life would turn out better, but I don't know why because I was just full of mid-teen angst at the time :lol: ! Schooldays to tend to get idealised, as Keren said.

Loved the last line!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Aug 21, 2009 9:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 21/08)
Pleased Jo seems to be starting to accept what has happened. I wonder what Jack would think of her quiet life?

Thankyou.
Author:  di [ Fri Aug 21, 2009 10:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 21/08)
It's so true that our experiences help shape the person we become -to not remember those important ones must be so scary. I think I understand why Jo said she feels so empty; I hadn't really thought about it properly until now but it's got me remembering some of of my life experiences, some good and some not so good. Mmmm.
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Abi [ Fri Aug 21, 2009 12:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 21/08)
Interesting conversation there - can understand why Joey feels empty and frustrated. I think what Marie said about this being one of the experiences that will shape her is very sensible, instead of trying to get back what she's probably now lost irretrievably. It's hard, but ultimately I guess it's the only way she can move on.
Author:  jmc [ Sat Aug 22, 2009 10:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 21/08)
As the four of them made their way past the Kron Prinz Karl Hotel Jo said to the others, “I don’t suppose good old Herr Braun is there any more is he?”

“Yes he still is. He isn’t in charge of the hotel anymore, one of his grandsons is, but he still lives there. Do you want to go and visit?” asked Frieda.

Jo was undecided. She would have loved to see the kindly old Austrian again but really did not want to have to explain what had happened to her. “Maybe later in the week we could go there for dinner or lunch,” she said with hesitation in her voice.

Marie and Simone who were having a conversation of their own did not notice this exchange but Frieda picked up on the doubt in her voice and said quietly to her friend, “This week is whatever you want it to be. We will do only the things that you want to do. We want you to be happy and comfortable.”

“Thanks, I’ll see how I feel later in the week but at the moment I would like it to be just the four of us. Too much hassle to tell everyone what’s happened and I don’t really want the sympathy or to have people feel awkward around me this week.”

“Then it will just be us. Let us know if you change your mind.”

Jo gave Frieda’s arm a squeeze it gratitude and then with her black eyes gleaming asked, “Did you mean it when you said that this week could be whatever I wanted and that we would only do things that I wanted to do? I have a lot of time to make up for you know.”

Frieda gave Jo a black look and then laughed. “You may find yourself on your own a bit in that case. Besides I thought you wanted a quiet life now.”

“Oh I don’t know. That might be a bit boring. Have to have some fun now and again.”

“I’m a bit worried about your idea of fun.”

“Ok I won’t do anything too wild. Anyway in order to have fun I have to be around to have it.”

The walk to the Dripping rock continued but Jo was disappointed to find that you really couldn’t see it well anymore due to the path having moved.

“The best way to see it now is from the lake,” said Marie. “Maybe we could take one of the boats out from the Die Blumen boat house this afternoon seeing the weather is so fine.”

They set off back to Die Blumen chatting the whole time. Jo felt so at home with these three women and found herself forgetting the hardships of the past weeks. It was like she was still at school. As for Frieda, Marie and Simone they felt the years slip from them as Jo bought up stories from school that they had all but forgotten. There were all the usual legends such as Jo jumping in the lake during their second term and all her other adventures but Jo remembered so many conversations and other little bits of school life that bought them back to their youth.

By the time they reached Die Blumen again they were all ready for a late lunch and a short rest. They had plenty of fresh bread that they had bought in Innsbruck the previous day so they settled on sandwiches and fruit. After resting for an hour they then went down to the boathouse and headed out for the middle of the lake.

“I’m going to get plenty of exercise this week at any rate,” said Marie panting a bit as she rowed. “I don’t do this sort of thing very often anymore. You should get Jack to buy a motorboat Jo. I can just see you zipping round the lake in it.”

“I’ll ask next time I see him. Do you want me to take over Marie?” asked Jo standing up.

”Sit down you idiot! You’ll fall out if your not careful,” said Simone.

“And if you tip me out with you I will not be happy. You may fancy a swim but please remember that it is getting towards the end of October so I doubt if the water is very warm.”

Frieda pulled Jo back down beside her and said, “Try to think before you act Joey.”

“Have you been taking lessons from Madge and Jem. They’re always saying that to me.” Jo then proceeded to carefully change positions with Marie and then rowed for a while.

They spent the rest of the afternoon out on the lake. They had had the foresight to bring coffee in thermoses and small cakes with them and had an extremely pleasant time. Various other people were out in boats and the quartet waved at them merrily when they came near. They only came in reluctantly when the light started to disappear and a definite chill had appeared in the air. As they arrived back at the boatshed Jo realised how stiff she was from sitting in the boat all afternoon and had some difficulty getting out.

Before going inside though they stayed to watch the sun set over the lake. Jo sighed and declared that the Tiernsee was really something special. The rest of the evening passed by quickly and despite her late morning Jo found that she was ready for bed by 10pm. The others soon followed declaring they were tired out with all the unaccustomed exercise.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Aug 22, 2009 10:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 22/08)
Nice to see them having such a lovely day out, I hope the week continues to go well.

Thankyou.
Author:  di [ Sat Aug 22, 2009 10:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 22/08)
What a lovely day they spent and how typical of the 'old' Jo, to stand up and nearly tip them in to the water. :lol: She's still very sensitive about not remembering much since 18 -how hard that must be for her.
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Aug 22, 2009 1:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 22/08)
That was lovely.
Author:  MaryR [ Sat Aug 22, 2009 3:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 22/08)
I keep expecting some *incident* with all the inferences going on - maybe one would bring back her memory. :wink:

Thanks, jmc
Author:  shazwales [ Sat Aug 22, 2009 5:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 22/08)
Thanks,jmc that was lovely.
Author:  Celia [ Sat Aug 22, 2009 6:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 22/08)
It must be difficult for Jo to see the changes all around when it
only seems like yesterday that she lived there.I hope the whole
week is as happily spent as this day.

Thanks jmc
Author:  jmc [ Sun Aug 23, 2009 7:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 22/08)
The rest of the week passed by far too quickly as far as Jo was concerned. Although she was looking forward to seeing Jack again, she felt that she didn’t want to leave here. Life was easier. It was almost as if she was a carefree schoolgirl again. She found that she didn’t have to constantly watch what she was saying and doing and she was almost able to forget about the life waiting for her back at the Platz. Being with her friends who knew her so well was comforting as they just accepted her for who she was.

Jo aware though that this idyllic time would have to come to an end eventually. Her friends all had family and commitments that they had to get back to. She had Jack waiting for her and then there were her children, but she had no real purpose. She also knew that at some stage Madge and Jem would have to go home to Australia.

Although she was able to talk with her friends about practically everything as she found writing a cathartic exercise Jo had brought her diary with her from Freudesheim and spent time each evening filling it out. She wrote a lot about Jack and her feelings for him but also wrote about the Tiernsee, her wish that she could live here again and her disappointment in the fact that the trip had done nothing to restore her memory.

She spent time everyday out by the lake staring longingly at the Chalet across the water. Much to her chagrin they had discovered that there was no one there at present as the manager of the water company and his wife were on a brief holiday. She was still determined to try and get in if she could before she went home.

Frieda, Marie and Simone for their part were surprised by how smoothly the week had gone. Considering they were with Jo there had been not even a hint of an alarm or adventure. Jo was moody at times and was quieter then they were used to, but there were no major upsets or outbursts of tears. But, they all agreed that, although they saw flashes of it occasionally, she was missing the spark that had made her who she was. Like her they were disappointed about the fact that her memory had not returned as the missed the friend with whom they had gone through so much together over the years. They were very careful not to let Jo see this though and they were worried about how she would cope when she returned to the Platz.

The weather had turned cold and cloudy after their day on the lake. Nevertheless Jo had not wanted to sit at Die Blumen everyday so they had just rugged up for their various expeditions that Jo planned each day. Simone, Marie and Frieda had had to veto some of her suggestions such as the one to climb the Tiernjoch, but generally went along with her plans.

They had hiked up the Bärenbad Alpe and had stopped for coffee and rolls at the Gasthaus that was about halfway up. They had been up to the Sonnalpe but when Marie had suggested going in to Die Rosen Jo had turned shy and declared that she was quite content just to wander round. They had taken a picnic lunch to the Baumersee where they had discovered that there was no trace of Jo’s pit any more and there was much laughter over the fishing incident although Jo said that at the time laughter was the furthest thing from her mind. Now it was finally their last day and they had decided to head down to Spärtz for lunch and a look round before coming back to clean up the house.

From the moment she stepped into the main street of the town Jo was uneasy, although she did not know why. She kept looking over her shoulder as if there was someone following her and she jumped when a car nearby backfired.

“What’s wrong Jo?” asked Simone.

“I don’t know. This place just gives me the creeps. I feel like something bad happened here,” said Jo.
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Aug 23, 2009 8:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 23/08)
Well, that's hopeful - although it'd be very sad if the first thing she remembered was the Goldmanns' murder.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Aug 23, 2009 8:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 23/08)
I wonder if her memory will come back here. Hopefully!

Thankyou.
Author:  di [ Sun Aug 23, 2009 10:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 23/08)
Interesting! Will the 'girls' tell her of the horrors that occurred here and how she had to flee for her life from the Nazis. It may be traumatic enough to bring her her memory back but, as Alison H says 'it will be sad if that's the first thing she remembers'
Of course, that horrible child may still be living in Spartz. How awful if they bump in to him. I wonder what that would trigger!
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Abi [ Sun Aug 23, 2009 10:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 23/08)
Oh, an awkward moment - will they tell her what happened? Or will it maybe help to trigger her memory? Either way it won't be pleasant for any of them.

Thanks jmc.
Author:  Pat [ Sun Aug 23, 2009 11:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 23/08)
Looking forward to the next bit to see what develops from this.
Author:  shazwales [ Sun Aug 23, 2009 12:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 23/08)
Wondering if memories of a bad experience will trigger her memory back? all she's been allowed are places and people with good exeriences.
Thanks jmc
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Aug 23, 2009 12:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 23/08)
Thanks, am really enjoying the catch up with all the posts
Author:  jmc [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 1:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 23/08)
Frieda and Marie heard Jo’s words and turned to face her. She had gone pale and was wringing her hands together.

“Have you remembered something Jo?” asked Simone.

“No but this doesn’t feel like the Spärtz that I know. I have been here so many times but it has never felt like this. I feel as though there is something I should know and if I just reach out my hand it should be there but it’s not,” said Jo.

“Joey, has anyone told you about your escape from Austria yet,” asked Frieda carefully.

“I have heard that we escaped but just presumed that we left in a big hurry. Did something else happen?” asked Jo.

“I don’t think the middle of the street is the place to discuss this. Look there is a shop just round the corner where we can have a quiet drink,” Frieda continued taking hold of Jo’s arm and guiding her through the street.

Once they were all seated Marie spoke. “I know you have been reading your books Jo. Have you read Nancy meets a Nazi?”

“No, there was no copy of it in the study. I kept meaning to ask Madge or Jack about it but I just never got round to it.”

“Although that story was fiction it was based on your escape. The Nazis had already made a lot of trouble for the school so it was decided that the school would leave. It was already at the Sonnalpe so as to be closer to the protection of the San,” said Marie.

“You and Jack were already engaged and had had a close call when you went on a picnic to hide a document for the Peace League that the girls at school had started. Jack was interrogated and there was difficulty in getting him released. Then just before the school was to leave you came down here to Spärtz with a group of girls and that’s when the trouble really started,” said Frieda continuing the tale.

“You have heard a bit about the war have you not Jo?” asked Simone.

“Do you know about the persecution of the Jewish people?"

Jo nodded. She did not trust herself to speak at this point

“It was really Robin first of all. She went to the aid of Herr Goldmann, the jeweller, who was being chased by a mob of young men because he was Jewish. The rest of you followed her and surrounded him so that you could try to protect him. Herr Goldmann and Robin managed to get away but then the rest of you were surrounded by the mob. Vater Johann came to your rescue and gave you sanctuary in his church and you and the others managed to escape through a secret passage under the alter which led to the place where you had had your earlier picnic on the mountain.”

“That was so kind of him. And I am so glad that Herr Goldmann escaped.”

Her friends looked at her sadly and Jo realised the truth. “They died didn’t they,” she said with tears falling down her cheeks. “But why? Neither of them would have hurt anyone.”

“Jo you have to realise that war was imminent and there was already much fear sweeping across the country. The Nazi already had control over much of the country and no one wanted to oppose them. The mob went round to the Goldmann’s home later and they killed both him and his wife. Vater Johann was killed for helping you and the others.”

Jo could say nothing for a long while. She just sat there in shock letting the tears fall. Frieda moved close to her and used her handkerchief to mop up the tears but Jo just sat there as though made of stone.

Eventually Marie continued the tale. “You had Miss Wilson with you and she realised that you and the others had to escape immediately as you had defied the Nazi regime. You undertook a trek across the mountains to Switzerland and manage to escape across the boarder. The school left shortly afterwards.”

“We were lucky and weren’t with you on that trip but my brother Gottfried was and from what he and you have told me I know it was difficult and you came close to capture a few times. Miss Wilson was in a lot a pain as her foot, which she broke that half term, was playing up and at one stage you thought that Robin would not survive. You, yourself, suffered a bit of a breakdown when you finally arrived in Switzerland.”

“I thought you said that Rob had escaped? Who else was in the group?” Jo managed to ask.

“She did initially but because she was well known in Spärtz and had been the first to go to Herr Goldmann’s aid it was decided that she should escape with you. Jack, who had angered the Nazis, and Gottfried, who was also under suspicion as he was working for Jem, joined you for protection and brought her with them. The others were Evvy, Corney, Jeanne, Maria, Lorenz and Bill.”

“I can’t believe I don’t remember this but I am quite happy not to. Can we leave now? I don’t want to be here any more,” said Jo in a trembling voice.

They paid for their drinks quickly and went back to the car. On their way they passed the church where Vater Johann had given them sanctuary. Jo turned to look at it and a whispered, “Thank you.”
They had a very quiet evening as they were all deeply affected by what had happened in Spärtz. The war had not been easy for any of them and the day had brought back memories that they would rather forget. In some ways Frieda, Marie and Simone envied Jo because she had no knowledge of that awful time. They kept themselves busy in cleaning and packing their things for the next day. They kept a close eye on Jo but she had recovered a little once they left Spärtz. She asked a few questions but at this point really did not want to know much more, although she wanted to read her book. She was inclined to be teary about the Goldmanns and Vater Johann and kept mentioning how kind the old jeweller had been even though he had had to constantly fix her watch due to her overwinding it. The main thing that Jo found difficult to believe was that such horrific events had occurred in her beloved Tyrol.

Worn out with the emotions of the day they decided on an early night. Before going to bed Jo asked if that they would walk back to the original Chalet for one last look before Jack arrived to pick her up. Marie was taking both Frieda and Simone with her to Innsbruck where they would catch trains home. Everyone was sleeping peacefully when suddenly the house was filled with the sound of screaming.
Author:  shazwales [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 2:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 24/08)
Thankyou,i think :?: :!:
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 7:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 24/08)
Of all the things for her to remember first ... but realistic that it'd be a big trauma like that rather than little things.
Author:  JS [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 9:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 24/08)
This is getting rather cliffy, if that's a word. Just enjoyed the last three posts so wasn't kept in suspense too long, but what's happening now??
Author:  Liz K [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 9:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 24/08)
What HAS she remembered? :shock:
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 9:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 24/08)
Jo isn't getting her memory back, is she?

Thankyou, I think!
Author:  JB [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 9:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 24/08)
What a moving update. They handled that so well.

Trying not to think about the screaming.
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 10:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 24/08)
Thank you They haddled that difficult time well. Hope everyone is all right and the screaming is a good sign.
Author:  di [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 11:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 24/08)
Just re reading the events of those terrible weeks from 'Exile' brought tears to my eyes so I can imagine how badly it affected Jo. I'm not surprised she's having nightmares, if in deed it is her who is screaming.
Will this be the break through everyone is hoping for?
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 1:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 24/08)
Thank you. Am wondering if Joey's memory is returning or if she's having nightmares
Author:  MaryR [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 4:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 24/08)
There's so much she could be remembering, isn't there? :cry:

Thanks, jmc. You portrayed Jo's unease brilliantly.
Author:  brie [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 9:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 24/08)
thank you- that is so sad.
Author:  Abi [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 9:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 24/08)
That must have been so hard. Wonder if Joey is remembering? I guess it's the kind of thing she would remember, it was one of the major events of her life.
Author:  jmc [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 11:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 24/08)
The screaming was coming from Jo’s room. Frieda was the first one there and she took in the situation in a glance. Jo was obviously having a nightmare. She was still asleep but was tossing and turning. The bedclothes were in a complete mess. As Frieda stared at her she heard Jo muttering but couldn’t quite make out what she was saying. Then Jo screamed again. It was a scream of pure terror.

Marie and Simone had come running into the room by this time.

“What is it?” asked Simone frantically.

“She’s having a nightmare. I think she might have finally started to regain her memory,”

“We need to wake her,”

“Well do it carefully for goodness sake. We don’t want to make her any more frightened.

Frieda was the one nominated to wake her and she moved close to the bed and spoke gently to Jo. “Jo wake up you’re having a nightmare.” And she laid her hand on Jo’s shoulder.

The response to this was quick. Jo lashed out with her arm and yelled, “Keep away from me!” Unfortunately her arm caught Frieda in the side of her face and she let out a cry of pain and fell off the bed.

“Keep away! What are you doing? He’s never hut you!” screamed Jo.

Frieda got back up of the floor and sat beside Jo again careful this time of her flailing arms. Simone and Marie also came to the bedside.

‘I don’t want to hold her down. It might make things worse,” said Frieda worriedly

“Agreed. Let me try. Joey, wake up! You’re dreaming,” Marie said in a loud voice. Jo stilled but she was still muttering away.

“Try again. It’s working,” said Frieda.

“Jo can you hear me. It’s Marie. You are safe and are at Die Blumen with Frieda, Simone and me. You are having a nightmare.”

The muttering died down and Jo opened her eyes. She was trembling and had a haunted look on her face.

“Oh Jo you had a nightmare,” said Marie leaning down and embracing her friend. “Come on let’s fix your bed and make you more comfortable.”

They next couple of minutes were spent remaking Jo’s bed and helping her to a sitting position all the while reassuring her that she was safe and had nothing to fear. Simone slipped downstairs and when she returned it she found that Jo stopped trembling and her face although still pale look much calmer.

“Here drink this Joey dear,” she said holding out a steaming mug.

“Don’t worry it’s not milk, it’s hot chocolate and that’s all it is.”

Jo held the mug tightly in her hands and seemed to gain comfort from the warmth that emanated from it.

“Do you want to talk about it?” asked Frieda.

“It was a bit of a jumble but it was so vivid. One minute I seemed to be stumbling about in a dark and damp place with echoes and cries all round me and then I was in the woods with Corney and Evvy, who both looked very dirty, with soldiers hunting for us. Jack was there and he was carrying Robin. The next minute I was standing on the street in Spärtz and with poor Herr Goldmann and we were surrounded. There were these young men everywhere and there was so much yelling.”

“You poor thing,” said Frieda. “I guess the only plus side to this is that it sounds as though your memory might be returning.

“I don’t know. I might have only been dreaming because you told me the story,” said Jo.

“I don’t think so. I don’t think it would have upset you so much otherwise. The nightmare sounds similar to those that you told me about once. The ones you had after you actually escaped,” said Frieda.

Jo drank from her drink and lay back against her pillows suddenly looking exhausted.

“Do you want to try and go to sleep again?” asked Simone.

“No not really. I shudder at the thought of having that dream again.”

“Look I don’t have very far to go tomorrow. I’ll stay with Joey. You two go back to be and try and get some sleep,” said Marie.
Simone and Frieda both gave Jo hugs and said that if she wanted them all she had to do was wake them up again. Marie climbed into the other side of Jo’s bed and the two of them sat talking. Jo admitted that since she had woken up the dream had become even more vivid and she was starting to remember more details.

“I think I was dressed as a gypsy and when the soldiers came I was unrecognisable as Jo Bettany from the Sonnalpe. Bill, she was in so much pain and her hair was white. I keep seeing despair on everyone’s faces, even Jack and Gottfried. Towards the end reaching Switzerland seemed almost impossible. And Robin. Her lips were blue and she was so pale and listless.”

“Just remember Jo that you all made it to Switzerland safely. No one was hurt and everyone recovered from the ordeal, even Robin.”

The two of them talked for a long time. Towards dawn Jo’s eyes closed and she slipped into a quiet sleep. Marie willed herself to stay awake and keep an eye on her friend but eventually her eyes closed as well.
Author:  Abi [ Tue Aug 25, 2009 1:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 25/08)
How terrifying to dream something so real and yet not remember it. Still, maybe it will help Jo to remember other things.

Thanks jmc!
Author:  shazwales [ Tue Aug 25, 2009 3:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 25/08)
Thankyou jmc that was a powerful piece of writing,maybe this is the catalyst that Joey needs?
Author:  Cath V-P [ Tue Aug 25, 2009 4:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 25/08)
All the little details that make up a memory... poor Jo.

Thank you jmc.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Aug 25, 2009 7:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 25/08)
Wonder what else will start coming back now - hopefully something happier.
Author:  JS [ Tue Aug 25, 2009 8:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 25/08)
Very moving. Wiping away a tear before it falls in my muesli. Thanks jmc.
Author:  JB [ Tue Aug 25, 2009 9:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 25/08)
Thanks, jmc. That was so moving.

And, on a lighter note, thank you for not dosing Joey:

Quote:
“Don’t worry it’s not milk, it’s hot chocolate and that’s all it is.”
Author:  Celia [ Tue Aug 25, 2009 9:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 25/08)
Your writing conveys Joey's feelings very vividly jmc. The caring love of her closest friends must be so comforting for her.

Thank you
Author:  di [ Tue Aug 25, 2009 9:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 25/08)
Poor Joey, that must have been a terrifying nightmare although hopeful for the return of her memory. Loved the comment about 'just hot chocolate'
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Aug 25, 2009 11:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 25/08)
Interesting that Joey remembers being dressed as a gypsy. The others were unlikely to have known about it to tell her and in Exile Joey spoke Romany to distract the soldiers. At least she remembered they arrived in Switerland. Hope pleasent memories come back when she sees Jack later in the day.
Author:  jmc [ Wed Aug 26, 2009 1:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 25/08)
Thanks very much for all the comments. They are very much appreciated.

Due to the disturbed night everyone slept late the next morning. Frieda and Simone were the first up and they crept round the house quietly. They had peeked in to se if Jo was all right and were relieved to see her sleeping peacefully. They were in the middle of breakfast when Marie came in sniffing.

“Is that coffee I smell? Well pour me a large black one as I think I will need it.”

“How’s Joey? What time did she get to sleep?” asked Frieda.

“She was pretty unsettled by it all for quite a while. You know I think she might be getting at least some of her memory back. She was able to tell me things that I know we didn’t mention. Anyway she drifted off just before dawn. I think I must have fallen asleep not long after,” said Marie yawning.

“Oh poor you. No wonder you need coffee,” said Simone sympathetically as she handed a large mug to Marie. “Well I hope that Joey can sleep a while longer. What time is Jack coming again?”

“He said he would come just before lunch, eat with us and then we were all going to head home,” said Frieda. “Marie how do you think Jo will be when she wakes up?”

“I really don’t know. We talked for a long time before she went to sleep but other than the escape she hadn’t remembered anything else. Who knows last night might have been enough and she might remember everything when she wakes up.”

“Do you think we should ring Jack, and warn him what happened?” I know he stayed up at the Sonnalpe last night,” asked Frieda.

“No let’s see what Jo is like when she wakes up before we do anything like that. By the way Frieda that’s a lovely bruise you have under your eye.”

“I know,” said Frieda ruefully lifting her hand to touch the bruise.

“Simone has been on at me about it already this morning”

“I just told her that Bruno is going to ask just exactly she came by that and that he is going to say that he’s not surprised as we were with Jo.”

“Yes but he wouldn’t expect it to be from Jo hitting me. He’s more likely to imagine cliff or boating drama’s as he know just what it is like when Jo is around,” laughed Frieda.

“What is it like when I am around?” asked a voice from the doorway

“Jo you’re awake. How are you feeling?” cried Simone.

“A bit like I’ve been hit by a truck,” said Jo who despite her sleep still looked pale and had dark circles under her eyes. “So what were you talking about?”

“Just about the fact that life is not often calm when you’re around,” said Marie grinning. Then she became serious. “So Jo do you remember anything about last night?”

Jo sat down at the table and looked at her friends. “I remember every minute of my nightmare and I also remember every minute of what happened afterwards when woke to find my friends there all ready to help me. Thanks all.”

There was silence for a couple of minutes as Jo helped herself to coffee and the other three ate some breakfast.

“Joey,” said Frieda with some hesitation. “Do you remember anything else?”

Jo shook her head. “Not about any other part of my life no. But the more I think about my dream the more I seem to remember.” Tears formed in her eyes. “I can see the fear in Herr Goldmann’s eyes and I can almost smell the mustiness of the passage from the church and hear the echoes that seemed to follow us. And I remember how hungry we were in the trek to Switzerland. And I remember how wonderful Jack was throughout it all. He’s pretty special isn’t he,” she said smiling through her tears.

“You know Joey I think you may have taken the first step towards getting your memory back,” said Frieda.

“That would be nice. I would love to now who I really am instead of just hearing about who I am. Come on let’s not waste anymore of our last morning. Let’s go for a walk. I think I need some fresh air.”

By the time they were all dressed and ready they didn’t have enough time to walk around to the original Chalet as they had planned so they just strolled along the lakefront. Jo discovered that she was responsible for Frieda’s bruised face and apologised profusely. Frieda just told Jo that she would just have her revenge. Upon their return to Die Blumen they discovered that Jack had arrived.

Jack looked Jo over carefully and was dismayed to see her looking so pale and tired. He had hoped that the week with her friends would have left her feeling refreshed and happy. He held her in his arms for a long moment and whispered in her ear how happy he was to see her again. As he released her Jo blushing leaned forward and gave him a kiss.

Over lunch he heard about the reason for Jo’s tiredness and was relieved on one hand but unhappy on another one. He was ecstatic that she seemed to have started to recover her memory but was disappointed that the first thing that she remembered had had to be something so distressing. When he mentioned it to her she shook her head at him and said,” But that wasn’t the first thing. The first thing, while not actually a memory as it was more of a realisation, was that I love you.”
Author:  Liz K [ Wed Aug 26, 2009 6:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 25/08)
jmc wrote:
Over lunch he heard about the reason for Jo’s tiredness and was relieved on one hand but unhappy on another one. He was ecstatic that she seemed to have started to recover her memory but was disappointed that the first thing that she remembered had had to be something so distressing. When he mentioned it to her she shook her head at him and said,”[u]But that wasn’t the first thing. The first thing, while not actually a memory as it was more of a realisation, was that I love you.”[/u]


Ooooohhhhh how nice :cry:
Author:  shazwales [ Wed Aug 26, 2009 7:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 26/08)
Lovely. Thanks jmc
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Aug 26, 2009 7:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 26/08)
How lovely :D .
Author:  JS [ Wed Aug 26, 2009 7:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 26/08)
How nice - thanks jmc.
Author:  ibarhis [ Wed Aug 26, 2009 8:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 26/08)
mmm... well, if her memory is triggered by places, a trip to Guernsay would be nice

I'm really enjoying this.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Wed Aug 26, 2009 8:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 26/08)
That was lovely - and hopefully the intensity of that memory, and the realisation that she does love Jack will give her some sort of anchor both in the past and present.
Author:  JB [ Wed Aug 26, 2009 9:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 26/08)
I love Joey and Jack here.

And Simone was quite right about Frieda's bruise.
Author:  di [ Wed Aug 26, 2009 9:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 26/08)
How lovely that Jo, through her nightmare, has now really 'felt' how much she loves Jack and always has. Hopefully that should sustain her when she becomes despondent about her loss of memory.
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Elbee [ Wed Aug 26, 2009 5:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 26/08)
Just caught up on lots of this, it's very moving.

Thanks, jmc
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Aug 26, 2009 8:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 26/08)
Aww how sweet. I'm pleased Jo can remember why she loves Jack now.

Thankyou :D
Author:  jmc [ Thu Aug 27, 2009 12:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 26/08)
The end of lunch brought about the departure of Frieda, Marie and Simone. Jo received offers from each of them to come and stay with them, which she eagerly accepted.

“I can buy some more clothes in Paris,” she said enthusiastically. At her words Jack let out a quiet groan which Jo chose to ignore. “I’ll come visiting each of you in turn after I’ve seen the boys and Dick and Mollie. I need to keep myself busy.”

Jo and Jack stood together and waved them goodbye and then walked into Die Blumen together. The house seemed empty after all the chatter of the past week.

“So Jo, you’ve had a good week then?” asked Jack.

“Up until yesterday y it was great. It was so peaceful and relaxing and no one expected anything of me. I didn’t have to worry about getting lost whenever I went for a walk. But from the moment I stepped into the street in Spärtz it all changed. It was like something was turned on in my head. I knew something had bad had happened, even though I didn’t know what and I just wanted to get out of there.”

“And last night?”

“After the others had told me what happened I couldn’t stop thinking about it. After I fell asleep I started dreaming about it but there were details in my dream that the others hadn’t mentioned.”

“Tell me about your dream,” said Jack with concern written all over his face.

Jo explained the dream to Jack as she talked to him she found herself remembering more and more of that fateful journey. Jack nodded as she talked and confirmed that the different events had happened exactly as she described them. By the time she had finished she was in tears again. Jack took her in his arms and just held her tight.

“Joey, I think we should stay here another night or two. You’re really not fit to travel today,” said Jack still holding her. He pushed a tendril of hair gently back from her face. “What do you say?”

“Are you sure? What about the san?”

“At this moment you are more important to me. The san can wait. I’ll make some phone calls. Phil Graves can take charge fro another day or two.”

“Then I would love to stay,” said Jo. “Jack you really are the most perfect husband one could have.”

“I don't know about that. I have a lot of faults. I work too hard, although I am hoping to change that in the next year or so, and I have a bit of a temper. You know, seeing you struggling over the last couple of months has made me think a lot about myself as well.”

“And what have you discovered?”

“That I can be stubborn and pigheaded, that I can at times be autocratic and that I was too hard sometimes on the children, especially the boys. Seeing you with Mike really clarified that one for me. You are peas in a pod. The other thing I discovered was exactly how much you mean to me. You and the children are my world and until that world was shattered I realised how much I had taken it all for granted. When you were crying in the san at the beginning about being married to me I was devastated. So I promise you now that I will have more time for you all.”

A tear slid down Jo’s cheek and Jack wrapped his arms around her even tighter.

“Jack I’m so sorry that I hurt you. When I first woke up in the san I was so confused. Nothing made sense.”

“I knew that but it still hurt. And it hurt to see you so unsure of yourself. There I was the big head of the san and there was nothing I could do to help you. All I wanted to do was hold you in my arms and protect you and I couldn’t even do that. I rang so many specialists and other doctors but all I was told was that I would have to wait and see.”

The two sat together with Jo in Jack’s arms for a long time. They talked over many things. Jack told Jo the story of their escape in complete detail and then talked of how he had had to wait until they were back in England to marry her. Then of setting up house in Guernsey and how hard it was for him to go to war knowing that Jo was expecting his children and then his joy at coming home on leave and seeing his daughters for the first time.

“So Joey where do we go from here?” he asked.

“We go home to Freudesheim. Now that I have you I can face anything.”

After making the necessary phone calls they went for a walk, which they took hand in hand, and then as there was almost no food at Die Blumen they bought some supplies and together they cooked a very easy dinner together. Jack proved that he was much worse in the kitchen than Jo and Jo was proud of the quite tasty simple meal that she managed to put together. After dinner though her eyes started to droop so Jack suggested that she go to bed. He stayed with her until she fell asleep and then went downstairs to clean up the kitchen. He went to bed himself in the room next to Jo but had only just fallen asleep when he heard her crying.

Jack went back to Jo’s room and found her awake but distressed.

“Oh Jack I just dreamt that you had died, “ she said as he came to the side of her bed.

“Shush, just lay back. I’m not dead. I’m right here beside you.” With those words Jack lay down next to Jo, put his arms around her and held her until she fell asleep again.
Author:  Nightwing [ Thu Aug 27, 2009 12:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 27/08)
Hmmm - just a bad dream or has Joey remembered almost losing Jack during the War? Enjoying this so much, jmc!
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Thu Aug 27, 2009 2:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 27/08)
Hmmm - just a bad dream or has Joey remembered almost losing Jack during the War?

That was my immediate thought, too, Nightwing. Presumably we will learn more in the next instalment.

Thanks, jmc, I'm finding this fascinating, though don't often get chance to comment.
Author:  Abi [ Thu Aug 27, 2009 2:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 27/08)
My first thought too - poor Jo, she's remembering all her most traumatic experiences first. I hope some more positive memories come soon.

Thanks, jmc!
Author:  Miss Di [ Thu Aug 27, 2009 4:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 27/08)
So glad that Joey has remembered loving Jack. And so sad and touching a story!
Author:  JS [ Thu Aug 27, 2009 6:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 27/08)
He is proving to be a solid lump of comfort, isn't he? Glad that he's been doing some soul-searching too.
Author:  di [ Thu Aug 27, 2009 7:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 27/08)
It is good to see Jack taking a hard look at himself. I always thought EBD portrayed him as quite a hard, disciplinarian, especially when dealing with the boys, but I suppose that was how fathers were in the early '50's.

Thanks, jmc.
Author:  shazwales [ Thu Aug 27, 2009 7:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 27/08)
Thanks jmc,like the way Jack is realising that he could have faults as well.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Aug 27, 2009 7:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 27/08)
This could do them all good in the long run.
Author:  JB [ Thu Aug 27, 2009 8:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 27/08)
Poor Joey (again).

I love reading the updates to this every morning.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Aug 27, 2009 8:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 27/08)
Thanks, am really enjoying all the updates
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Aug 27, 2009 8:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 27/08)
My first thought was the same as well. I hope that all the bad things don't come back first, and she gets to remember some of the good ones too.

Thankyou!
Author:  MaryR [ Thu Aug 27, 2009 8:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 27/08)
That was very moving, jmc. Poor Jack, you're no more flawed than the rest of us, you and Jo. We all have things for which we have to forgive ourselves, but don't dwell on them, only on Jo and her needs.

Thanks, jmc
Author:  jmc [ Fri Aug 28, 2009 12:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 27/08)
Morning arrived with the sun streaming through the windows of Die Blumen. Upon waking Jo discovered that Jack was in the bed with her and felt acutely embarrassed when she realised it was Jack. She lay there not wanting to move for a while but then curiosity got the better of her and she stared at his sleeping features. He was so handsome and he looked so peaceful lying there. She could not imagine life without him now.

Jo reviewed the events of the previous afternoon. She was pleased that she and Jack and finally managed to talk through so many things and she now felt that she had a much better understanding of not only him but their life together. She thought about her dream from the night before. Yet again it had been extremely vivid but once Jack had come to her she had felt the horrors of the dream fade away. But was it just a dream she wondered. She remembered Frieda saying something about how devastated she had been when she thought Jack had died during the war. That was how she had felt last night. Completely and totally devastated She thought hard and bit-by-bit it came back to her. An orange envelope and how all the joy had gone out of her life at the news it contained. Then a child, with the strange name of Fauna, had come and told her that she could see that Jack was still alive.

The dream had changed once Jack came to her. She had dreamt that she was carrying a heavy basket and then as she opened a door she had discovered the figure of Jack. Jo recalled jumping on him and then the delight of introducing three adorable babies to their father. After that had come images of little girls running round a pond catching tiddlers, blackened boys, herself upside down and stuck in a box and a garden bed full of cabbages. None of it much sense on its own but Jo was happy.

After a while though Jo started to grow restless and taking great care so as not to wake Jack grabbed some clothes and went to the bathroom. When she was dressed she returned to the room carrying a pillow. Taking aim from the doorway she threw it hitting him right in the face.

Jack woke with a start to find Jo grinning at him.

“Come on get up. It’s a lovely day and it’s my last chance to try and get inside the chalet, “ she said.

“Come off it Jo. Let me sleep. I don’t get the chance to sleep in very often.”

“Please,” she said. “I feel great. I had the best dream last night.”

“Really? You were crying when I came in.”

“I know but then it got better. Did we have a pond at one of our houses? And who is Fauna? She told me you weren’t dead.”

“Jo really think your memory has started to return, “ said Jack excitedly sitting up. Fauna was Fiona McDonald who lived with us for a few years and she had the second sight. And Plas Gwynn had a pond. Do you remember anything else?”

“The part before you came in was pretty vivid but then I had the best dream. I remember introducing you to Len, Con and Margot for the first time. You hadn’t told me you were coming and when I saw you I nearly dropped the basket that I was carrying them in. You were so proud that day and it was the day we first became a real family. But after that it was all just little scenes that kept changing.”

“I remember when the telegram first came to tell me I had triplet daughters. I thought twins might have been a possibility but triplets. I couldn’t believe it at first. I shouted drinks for everyone that night but all I wanted to do was come home to you and the babies.”

“I just remember your first look at them. You were entranced by them. Now come on get up,” said Jo pulling the blankets of him. “I’ll go and make us some breakfast while you get dressed.

Once breakfast was over and done with Jack suggested that they row over to the other side rather than walk. At the boathouse Jo looked at the fishing gear that was there but jack just laughed at her and said he wasn’t sure if he wanted her fishing as who knew what she might catch. They pushed out and it was so calm and peaceful on the lake that morning and it looked even bluer than ever. They pulled up at Briesau and walked the short distance from there to the original chalet.

Jo stood there arm and arm with Jack looking at the building that was partly hidden by a high fence. “Come on Jack,” she said suddenly pulling away from him. “They told us that the manager is away and that there’s no one here at present. If I can’t go in I just want to look in the windows.” And with that Jo went up to the fence and started to try and climb it.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Aug 28, 2009 3:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 28/08)
Thanks, this is lovely. Glad Joey is starting to regain her memory. It must be such a relief for her
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Aug 28, 2009 7:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 28/08)
Things are really looking up :D .
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Aug 28, 2009 8:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 28/08)
It's a good job Joey is Joey or that collection of very odd memories could have startled her!

But what is she up to now, I wonder? Surely a respectable doctor and his wife can't be caught breaking and entering...
Author:  JS [ Fri Aug 28, 2009 8:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 28/08)
Just when things are looking up, I feel fearful about this escapade... And I'm away for the weekend, so will be left wibbling. Thanks jmc (sort of)
Author:  di [ Fri Aug 28, 2009 9:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 28/08)
It does seem that Jo is regaining her memory; or at least some of it. I knew she wouldn't be able to resist getting a closer look at the school. Who will be there, I wonder?
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  JB [ Fri Aug 28, 2009 9:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 28/08)
I'm glad that she's getting good memories back too.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Fri Aug 28, 2009 12:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 28/08)
How lovely to see Jo and Jack learning about themselves like this - and it's good to see Jo regaining some of her memories.
Author:  Squirrel [ Fri Aug 28, 2009 10:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 28/08)
This is a lovely story. I'm sorry to see all the difficulties that Jo, Jack and everyone else have had to face as it has progressed, but how fascinating. And Jo seems to be slowly remembering some of the things which happened in the past. Some of them are truly awful memories, and I'm sorry she has to face them again.

But how lovely to see the positive changes that this shake up has produced.

Thank you for all your hard work on this JMC.
Author:  Abi [ Fri Aug 28, 2009 10:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 28/08)
It's wonderful to see Joey regaining her memory, but how like her to start climbing the fence :lol: .

Thanks jmc, this is a great story.
Author:  jmc [ Sat Aug 29, 2009 2:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 28/08)
“Hey Jo! What do you think you’re doing?” called Jack. “Get down before you hurt yourself.”

“I’ll only be a minute. Just wait for me,” she called back as she climbed over the top.

Jack paced back and forth in front of the fence as he waited for her to come back. He jumped as he heard someone calling his name and turned to face the elderly gentleman walking towards him.

“Good Morning Herr Braun,” he said while anxiously keeping an eye
on the fence. He could just imagine what would happen if Jo was spotted climbing back. “How are you this morning?”

“I didn’t know you were here at the Tiernsee Dr Maynard. A bit unusual for you to be here at this time of the year isn’t it?”
At this point Jack spotted Jo’s head at the top of the fence. She saw that he had company and ducked down again He kept talking to Herr Braun but managed to arrange it so that the hotelier had his back to the fence. “I was up at the Sonnalpe on some business yesterday and thought I’d just check that everything was OK at Die Blumen. I was a bit restless this morning so before the drive home I went out on the lake to get some exercise.” Jack nearly groaned when he saw Jo’s head pop back up again. She looked at him and he could see her laughing.

“Well it is lovely to see you here at any time. Why don’t you come back to the Kron Prinz and have some coffee with me. I am sure everyone would be very happy to see you.”
Jack tired unsuccessfully to say that he really had to get back to Die Blumen but Herr Braun wouldn’t take no for an answer. So walking slowly he accompanied him back to the hotel and spent the next three quarters of an hour in conversation with the Braun family. He didn’t tell them that Jo was here with him, as he knew that she hadn’t seen in the last week. And he didn’t want to hurt his feelings. Instead he assured them that she was well as was his whole family.

When he finally left them he went back to were he had tied up the boat expecting to find Jo waiting for him there but she was nowhere to be seen. He then started to retrace his steps to the chalet and on the way he heard a voice calling out to him. He looked round but could see no trace of his wife.

“I’m over here between the bushes and the large rock,” she called.

Jack found her sitting on the ground looking mournful. “What on earth are you doing sitting here?” he asked her.

“Well, I was climbing back over the fence when I spotted you talking to Herr Braun. After you had gone off with him I tried to climb back over but I got stuck.”

“You obviously got down again though,” said Jack eyeing Jo curiously.

“That doesn’t really explain why you are sitting here though.”
Jo went red. “I must have pulled a bit too hard when I was trying to get unstuck because I managed to put a big hole in the back of my trousers.”

Jack roared with laughter. “That will teach you to do things without thinking.”

“I got to see inside the chalet at least,” Jo said deciding to ignore Jack’s last comment.

“Come on Jo, let's get you back before anyone comes along and sees you,” said Jack pulling her to her feet. He spun her around and took a look at the mess she had made of her trousers. “I don’t think even Anna could fix those to make them wearable again. You certainly do this thoroughly when you do anything,” he said still laughing.He then took off his jumper and tied it around her waist and they walked back to the boat where Jack took the oars and headed back to Die Blumen.

“Do you know what I am most upset about Jack?” asked Jo once they were out on the water.

“The fact that you weren’t able to get inside,” he said.

“No not that at all. It did look different though without all the school furniture. A bit like when we first arrived before we set it all up. No what I am upset about is that these trousers were new and I really liked them. Guess you will just have to take me shopping again.”

At Jo’s last statement, Jack just gritted his teeth and started to row faster.

edited changing pants to trousers
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Aug 29, 2009 3:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 29/08)
Love that last line, thanks :lol:
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Aug 29, 2009 8:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 29/08)
Brilliant!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Aug 29, 2009 8:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 29/08)
She really is determined to go shopping again, isn't she? :lol: I wonder if she always was, on the quiet, but each time she started getting too persistent she suddenly discovered she was pregnant, and there would be no point going because she'd be in her old maternity clothes soon...

Thankyou!
Author:  JB [ Sat Aug 29, 2009 9:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 29/08)
Poor Jack (again). That wasnt what he was expecting.
Author:  di [ Sat Aug 29, 2009 10:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 29/08)
Fabulous! And how like Jo to rip her trousers- she never could do things by halves could she! :lol:
Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Chris S [ Sat Aug 29, 2009 3:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 29/08)
I love this story, but I keep wishing that Jo doesn't get her memory back because I don't want it to end!
Author:  MaryR [ Sat Aug 29, 2009 4:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 29/08)
Chris S wrote:
I love this story, but I keep wishing that Jo doesn't get her memory back because I don't want it to end!

But their story won't end, even if she does, Chris. It will just go on getting better. :lol:

Lovely scene, jmc. Thank you.
Author:  Abi [ Sat Aug 29, 2009 5:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 29/08)
:lol: Poor Jack, he just isn't going to get out of going shopping! It's nice to see Joey a bit happier, though. Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Squirrel [ Sat Aug 29, 2009 9:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 29/08)
:lol:

That really was a fantastic way to end things. Poor Jack, he really *will* be annoyed at the fact he's going to have to put up with yet More Shopping!

And after he's had to rescue Herr Braun from being so upset about the amount of time Jo had been in the area without saying 'hello' to him. What a reward for all his hard work! :roll:

Thanks once again JMC
Author:  jmc [ Sat Aug 29, 2009 11:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 29/08)
Jo was been reluctant to leave the Tiernsee but was also oddly excited to be going back to Switzerland. Now that she had started to recover her memory she was hoping that her return would jog it even further. Jack’s continual chuckling about the result of Jo’s fence climbing incident and his threat to tell everyone about it if she made him go shopping again marred the first part of the trip home. After Jo promised that he wouldn’t have to, as she felt there were enough tales about her doings, they settled down to chat.

Jo decided to broach the one subject that had concerned her most, the question of her motherhood. “Jack did I spend too much time at the school and was it detrimental to my relationship with the children?”

Jack had known this question would come his way one day, as he knew she had been asking it of many other people. He also knew that at present she wanted nothing to do with the school. He had debated how he was going to answer it but now that it had come to it he didn’t know what to say.

Jo noticed his hesitation. “Just tell me the truth Jack. There is no need to cushion your words or anything like that. I already have fair idea about this anyway. I’d just like to hear your view.”

“Ok then. In the beginning, after our escape from it was like a symbiotic relationship.”

“A what?”

“You both needed each other,” Jack explained. “This was especially true during the war. You were called in to help with various problems, you were still friends with so many of the students, many of whom looked up to you, and by this stage the staff who were not already old girls had also become friends rather than mistresses. It was something stable in a time of such uncertainty. You all looked out for each other.”

“But what about after the war?”

“I think while we were in England it was a bit different. Yes your ties with the school were still close but it was different then. You had a lot of friends living around the area and the children were still so young they were always around. Even though I was busy at the san it is nothing compared to how busy I have been these last few years.”

There was silence for a while as Jo mulled over what Jack had said. After quickly glancing at her to check that she was all right he concentrated on his driving. Having only just found her again he was still apprehensive, even though it wasn’t likely, that she could regress at any time. Jo was thinking again about her dream of the previous night. Hilda had been there comforting her and it was Hilda who had bought that child round to help. As she sat there more images flashed into her mind. There was a study and Hilda was sitting there listening to her talking. Occasionally Nell was there too. She thought about how they had come to visit her in the hospital and how kind they had been to her then.

“Hilda and Nell, they were always there for me, weren’t they?”

“They were. Whenever you needed them they were there for you. As most of the staff have been.”

“Jack what happened after we moved to Switzerland? I have a feeling that this was when things changed.”

“I don’t know. I think part of the problem has been that the school was the only thing you really had here. I know for sure that I worked too hard and so often wasn’t there for you. The boys had to be sent away to school, although they were in Montreux for a while. It took a long while for you to become reconciled to that fact. Most of your friends who weren’t mistresses at the school were ex-mistresses or parents of girls at the school or the san.”

“It must have been hard on the children though. Sending the boys away to school so young and living so far away that it made it difficult for them to come home.”

“So many parents do it though. Think back to your own school days. How many of your friends were at the school because their parents were working in Europe or travelling? There have been numerous girls since then too.”

“So you don't think I was too bad then?”

“Jo you genuinely loved and cared for all your children and for all the others who came into our life. You tried your best. Both you and particularly I made mistakes, but I don’t think any parent can say that they haven’t made any. What we need to do now is move on. There is nothing we can do about the past any more.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do.” said Jo with decision in her voice.

“Oh and Jo,” said Jack. “Go and visit all your friends at the school. They keep asking after you.”

“You know I think I will. I just might not spend as much time there now. Having discovered life again I realise that there is so much that I’d like to do and hanging round the school all the time is not one of them. I think it is time I left my schooldays behind for good.”

They finally arrived back at Freudesheim late that evening and climbed wearily from the car. Anna was the only one there to greet them, as Madge and Jem were still not expected back from England for another couple of days. She smiled broadly as they walked up to the house hand in hand.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Aug 30, 2009 4:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 30/08)
Thanks, that was great
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Aug 30, 2009 6:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 30/08)
Jack explained that very well.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Aug 30, 2009 8:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 30/08)
Jack was so sensitive, that was lovely, thankyou.
Author:  JB [ Sun Aug 30, 2009 9:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 30/08)
Jack handled that beautifully. Thanks, jmc.
Author:  di [ Sun Aug 30, 2009 9:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 30/08)
What a revelation! Jo now knows, in her heart of hearts, that the relationship between herself and the school is not a healthy one and has realised that there are other things in life! I think Jack did a sterling job there, in the way he explained the reasons for Jo clinging to the school, especially since they moved to Switzerland. He certainly is her 'solid lump of comfort'. and so obviously adores her!
Thanks, jmc, as always.
Author:  Liz K [ Sun Aug 30, 2009 11:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 30/08)
Thank you, jmc, this is getting better and better. It will be interesting to see what happens if/when Joey gets her memory back and doesn't have so much to do with the school and what she replaces it with.
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Aug 30, 2009 2:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 30/08)
Just caught up - not surprised that it was a traumatic event (the most traumatic) that triggered a return of some of Joey's memories.Pleased that her friends and then Jack was there to help her. The relationship with the school was explained very sympathetically by Jack.

Thanks jmc
Author:  MaryR [ Sun Aug 30, 2009 3:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 30/08)
I never felt that Jo neglected her children by being at the school. She only popped in for short visits usually. She had a lovely relationship with the children, just as she did with Jack, and would always have put them before the school.

Don't change too much, Jo, or Jack won't recognise you.

Thanks, jmc, for such sensitive creations.
Author:  Squirrel [ Sun Aug 30, 2009 4:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 30/08)
Well... I'm glad that Jo feels she has other things to spend her time on, other than popping into the school constantly - but at the same time, I'm so pleased that she's going to go and see her friends there now. I'm sure that they have been worrying about the fact that she isn't visiting them - especially as she hasn't been well, and they know it!

I do hope that she somehow manages to work out a good balance (for her) between popping over there to see people and doing the other stuff.

Thanks once again.
Author:  jmc [ Sun Aug 30, 2009 10:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 30/08)
It was Christmas Eve at Freudesheim and Jo was surrounded by her family. Only Margot and Mike were missing but they had received cards and letters from both of them. The house was bursting at the seams as many of their wards had also come. Daisy and Primula had come with their families, Ruey Richardson with her husband and infant son, Roddy, Erica and her young family, Adrienne and Mary-Lou Trelawney.

Madge and Jem had departed a couple of weeks earlier to spend Christmas with their own family in Australia. Before Madge left though she had been moaning about how she wished they could have all come to Switzerland as she missed Christmas in the snow. She had told Jo that it just did not feel like Christmas when it was so hot.

Since coming back from the Tiernsee life had still not been easy for Jo, but with the support of Jack and the rest of her family she was managing to get through it all. Her memory was better than it was but there were still many gaps. Nights were often the worst time for her as she was still subject to nightmares. She kept dreaming about her escape but it was now becoming less frequent. Unfortunately it had been replaced by other dreams such as the sailing from Guernsey. When she had a nightmare though Jack was always there to hold her, which helped them to fade away. Despite his first inclinations Jack had decided not to put anything in Jo’s drink to help her sleep at night as he thought it might hinder rather than help her to recover her memories.

Her memories also seemed to be coming back in a rather haphazard way, which made concentrating difficult sometimes, as she never knew when she might remember anything. One minute she might be talking to someone and the next a random image or thought would cross her mind. Tom and Alice thought it was funny and would often ask Grandma what she was seeing this time. There was no rhyme or reason as to what memories came back and neither she nor Jack had yet been able to work out what triggered them.

Her boys had come back from England with Madge and Jem and it was four days of surprises for all concerned. Jo found it quite different from the time when she had met the girls as at least now she had some recollections of them. It was also much quieter. Stephen was in his final year of engineering and then he hoped work in a big firm. He was often found outside chopping wood or with Geoff and Tom building things. Charles had decided that he wanted to be a historian and work in a museum somewhere. He and Jo spent quite a few hours discussing different points in history. Felix was still very much a teenager. He was mad about cricket and was still not sure what he wanted to do the following year. He had bought a supply of records that he enjoyed for Jo. She wasn’t quite sure about all his choices but they enjoyed listening to them together. Geoff was a little scamp. He was always on the go and he had to be forever chased up to comb his hair or tidy his room. He adored his eldest brother and had already told everyone that he had also decided to study engineering. With Geoff though they knew his plans could change at any time. In the summer holidays he had wanted to be a jockey despite never having ridden a horse.

The boys for their part found their parents quite different. It had shocked them at first to see their mother looking so different from the one they had always know but they liked the change. It wasn’t just her hair or clothing though. She had changed within. She seemed happier and more relaxed although it made them sad to see her still hesitant about many things. It was in their father though that they noticed the biggest change. He was warmer or more open and tried to make as much time as possible for them. Even when Geoff accidently broke a vase by playing ball in the house with Tom, Jack had not called him into his study, as was the usual custom. Instead he had just reminded Geoff not to play ball games in the house and that he needed to replace the vase. Before they went back to their schools and universities they assured their parents that they would be home for Christmas.

Her girls were all home from school as well. Felicity was still determined to try and get into a ballet school in London and was practising hard everyday. Cecil was a different girl to the one who Jo had originally met. She seemed to have sorted out a few issues in her mind and was more open. She had given Jo a big grin when she had arrived home for the holidays. Phil and Claire were just happy to be at home and spent a lot of their time with Jo helping her.

Daisy, she had gotten to know quite well since her return to the Platz. She found her to be a real friend and the pair of them had spent many hours in each other’s company. She found that talking over her fears with Daisy really helped. Daisy had approved of her diary writing and encouraged her to continue to write in it everyday. Primula, she had only just met and the same was true of Ruey, Roddy, Adrienne and Erica but she liked what she had seen of them so far. Roger had been unable to come for Christmas as he was working in New Zealand.

Jo grinned round at her family. She saw Tom inching closer to the tree again. He was determined to try and feel all the presents that were piled up under there and work out which ones were for him. Len was on to him like a shot though as she was keeping a firm eye on her pair. They had been getting more and more revved up by the arrival of so many people and by the approach of Christmas. Jo had discovered them in the kitchen earlier with Erica’s three year old daughter, Lara, trying out the cake Anna had made. All they had interested in was the frosting and they had made rather a mess off it. She had marched them off upstairs to wash their hands and warned them if they didn’t behave themselves they would have to go to bed and not join in the fun. Between Len and herself they had managed to repair most of the damage although it looked a bit different from how it had originally. Tom was fascinated by the presents though and kept trying to sneak up on them. Jo beckoned him over to her and slipped him large piece of chocolate.
Author:  Squirrel [ Sun Aug 30, 2009 10:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 31/08)
What a lovely family orientated post JMC. It seems as if things are slowly settling down, though the return of the memories (and those random nightmares) do sound quite a bit of a nuisance.
Author:  Abi [ Sun Aug 30, 2009 11:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 31/08)
Lovely to see the family growing together again and Joey's increasing relationship with her children.

Thanks, jmc.
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Aug 30, 2009 11:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 31/08)
So pleased Joey is reconnecting with her family - and an unexpected bonus is the way Jack has mellowed.


Thanks jmc
Author:  di [ Mon Aug 31, 2009 9:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 31/08)
Tut, tut, Jo, feeding Tom chocolate when no one is looking. :lol:

It sounds as if Jack is trying really hard to improve the way he relates to his children, especially the boys.

I can picture them all around the fire on Christmas Eve; such a warm portrait of the family.

Thanks, jmc.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Aug 31, 2009 9:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 31/08)
It's good to see them all emerging more positively from this, and starting to settle back down to being a family again.

Thankyou.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Aug 31, 2009 10:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 31/08)
Thanks this is lovely. Do we get to see how Joey interacted with her friends at school at all?
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Aug 31, 2009 5:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 31/08)
Really enjoying this :D .
Author:  jmc [ Tue Sep 01, 2009 12:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (updated 31/08)
Thank you to everyone who has followed this story. I never meant it to get quite this long. Thanks for all the comments as I was really unsure about it never having really written anything before.

Jo looked over in Mary-Lou’s direction She was deep in conversation with Con and her fiancé. No doubt they were talking about the places they had all travelled to. Jo’s first meeting with Mary-Lou had come about a week after the boys had gone home. It had started to snow lightly so she had been surprised when she heard a knock on the door. She had opened to find a woman, who looked to be about thirty, standing there. “Can I help you?” she had asked politely.

The women had just stared at her and had then said, “Really funny. Come on Jo. Let me in quickly would you. It’s freezing out here.”

“It might be freezing but I am not going to let you in until I know who you are,” Jo said staring back. As she stared into the bright blue eyes though she suddenly realised who this was. “So you are Mary-Lou. I’ve heard a bit about you.”

“Jo you have known me since I was ten. What on earth are you talking about?” Mary-Lou asked as she pushed her way into the hall and took her coat off.

“Didn’t you have plaits?”

“Not since the accident,” said a thoroughly puzzled Mary-Lou.

Jo realised that she seemed to be talking in riddles and ushered Mary-Lou into the saal. “I think I need to explain something to you,” she said and then proceeded to tell her about her illness and the way her memory still had large gaps.

“Oh Jo, I’m so sorry,” said Mary-Lou but then she started to laugh.

“What’s so funny?” Jo asked indignantly starting to dislike her thoroughly.

“Well I’ve never heard of anyone losing thirty years of their memories before but trust you to do it. You always had to do the impossible. Now seriously how are you?”

Jo found her initial dislike of Mary-Lou fading away rapidly as they began to talk. Mary-Lou was clearly intelligent and she lived an interesting life. She could see traces of the girl who had been described to her such as her confidence and forthrightness but she was different as well. Underneath all her bravado there was this underlying sense of loneliness about her. “Sorry to be rude here but you are not at all what I thought you would be.”

“I suppose you’ve been told all about my manner,” Mary-Lou said going pink. “That did cause me quite a few problems when I left school but I learnt quickly when I was out in the real world. Not many of my co-workers really appreciated it so I had to learn to bite my tongue. It was difficult at times and I still slip up occasionally.”
Mary-Lou asked Jo if it was ok if she stayed for a couple of days. She was between digs at the moment and was on her way back to England where she had to sort some things out. During this time Jo found out that Mary-Lou would be alone for Christmas, as she couldn’t go to her sister’s house, as they would be with her husband’s family this year. Saying the more the merrier Jo had promptly invited her to come as well.

This was the last Christmas that would be at Freudesheim. Jack and Jo planned to sell it and divide their time between Wales and the Tiernsee. They were looking for a house not too far from the Wales San. Len and Graham were moving to England as well once the current school year finished. Graham had found work in a big hospital there. Phil, Erica and Claire would finish at their schooling at the Chalet School but that too was moving at the end of the summer holidays as a large building had been found at the edge of the lake near Lucerne.

Jo had been over to the school a couple times and had been warmly welcomed into the staff room by everyone there. It had been so hard walking in that first time even though she had been assured that she could come over at any time by the various members of staff who had been over to visit her. She hadn’t managed to remember everyone but the staff had spent an enjoyable afternoon teasing each other by what she could remember and then gleefully filling her in on some of the forgotten exploits of their peers. She had laughed so much that afternoon and had come away feeling that they were truly her friends. Jo knew she would always be a Chalet girl and be involved in the running of the school, especially with Madge in Australia, but it would happen from a bit of a distance now. Well most of the time anyway. She needed to see her friends didn't she?

Jo was sitting on the sofa with Jack next to her. Their relationship had only become stronger since their return from the Tiernsee. He was working less and they spent as much time as possible together. Jack planned to retire as head of the san and just consult on cases at both the San on the Platz and the one in Wales. He was also in talk with Doktor Badeni on the Sonnalpe to help out there After his retirement Jo wanted to go and visit Madge and Jem in Australia for a couple of months. She also wanted to try and go to Canada to visit Robin and to see Dick and Mollie. She was also writing again but not school stories. She was writing stories for young children and took great pleasure in trying them out on Tom and Alice. Anna was going to live at Die Blumen all year round and take care of the house for them. She was happy to be going home and was busy at present still teaching Jo to cook. There had been definite improvements in this area but Jo was still prone to rush which produced some interesting results. As Anna would not be in Wales with them they would get someone else to help them out with the housework and some of the cooking when needed. Most of the time it would just be Jack and Jo anyway. One thing they both agreed on was that they would always be home at holiday time for their children still at school.

She stood up with Jack’s arm around her waist to sing carols with everyone. As they started to sing she saw a fair curly head poke his head through the door. “Am I too late to join in,” asked Mike.

The song stopped abruptly as everyone started exclaiming and crowding around him. “I didn’t think you could make it,” said Jo happily hugging her son.

“The ship had to put in for repairs unexpectedly so they gave us all leave for Christmas. It’s been a major rush to get here in time but here I am for the next week. I didn’t call, as I didn’t want to disappoint you if I got held up. Merry Christmas everyone.”

“Oh Jack, everyone here except Margot. Hopefully I will get to see her again one day.”

“I’m sure you will Jo. There is a lot of time left to us and we are going to try an fill it with as many memories as we can,” Jack said as he turned and gave her a big kiss.
Author:  Liz K [ Tue Sep 01, 2009 5:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
:cry: what a lovely ending. :cry:
Author:  Squirrel [ Tue Sep 01, 2009 6:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
That was a lovely rounding off of all your unfinished threads JMC. Thank you for putting in the time this has obviously taken to write.
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Sep 01, 2009 6:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
Love the way Jo initially greeted Mary Lou. :lol: This has been such a lovely story - turning what was a tragedy into a voyage of discovery.


Many thanks jmc.
Author:  janem [ Tue Sep 01, 2009 6:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
What a lovely story that was and a beautiful ending. Up there with the best, definitely. Thank you so much. I'm going to miss it.
Author:  di [ Tue Sep 01, 2009 6:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
Aww! I didn't want this to end.
I loved the way you brought the strands together for this last episode and enjoyed the short interaction with Mary-Lou. Interesting that Jo's initial response to her was one of dislike!
Thanks, jmc, I've looked forward to this every morning and think you've told the story with thoughtfulness and compassion and with just the right balance of humour. Hope to read more of your drabbles in the future. :)
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Sep 01, 2009 7:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
Thank you for a wonderful drabble!
Author:  Karoline [ Tue Sep 01, 2009 8:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
Thank you, I've really enjoyed this
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Sep 01, 2009 8:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
Thankyou, that was a wonderful story. I loved the ending, you stopped at just the right place.

Thankyou.
Author:  JS [ Tue Sep 01, 2009 8:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
This has been just great, thanks - have read the last three posts in one go, and have tears in my eyes. There are too many good bits to pick out, so I'll just say thanks jmc, for all of it - and I'm already looking forward to your next drabble (no pressure :) ).
Author:  JB [ Tue Sep 01, 2009 9:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
Thanks so much for this, jmc. I've really enjoyed it. I've read it each day with my first cup of coffee.

So glad Jo met Mary Lou and I loved her initial reaction.

A beautiful ending.
Author:  Thursday Next [ Tue Sep 01, 2009 10:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
Thank you so much JMC. I have really enjoyed this and will miss my daily 'fix'.
Author:  Chris [ Tue Sep 01, 2009 11:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
I have really enjoyed this too. Thank you.
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Sep 01, 2009 11:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
Thank you for an enjoyable drabble, a sad start with a happy ending.
Author:  Celia [ Tue Sep 01, 2009 12:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
Thank you jmc for such an interesting story so well rounded off.
I've followed it whenever I could and really enjoyed it.
Author:  Jenefer [ Tue Sep 01, 2009 4:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
Thank you jmc for this story. I have enjoyed reading it.
Author:  M [ Tue Sep 01, 2009 8:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
This has been a lovely story, one I've looked for each day so sorry it is over.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Wed Sep 02, 2009 2:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
That was a lovely ending. I especially like the way in which both Jack and Jo have changed, and allowed events to take their course, rather than resisting them. And Jo's life is so much fuller now. I liked Jack's explanation of her relationship with the school, because it does seem to me that her world becomes much more closed in Switzerland than it was in England.
Author:  Miss Di [ Wed Sep 02, 2009 7:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
Thank you, I have enjoyed (mostly, sometimes you needed a hankie warning) following this story. And I too chuckled at the first reaction to OOAO being dislike!
Author:  claireM [ Wed Sep 02, 2009 8:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
Thankyou I really enjoyed reading that.
Author:  JellySheep [ Wed Sep 02, 2009 10:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
I will miss this but it has been great, and very thought-provoking, balanced with the funny bits.
Author:  Chris S [ Wed Sep 02, 2009 3:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
Thank you so much for a lovely story. I shall miss this one, but I'm already looking forward to your next drabble.
Author:  MaryR [ Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
I have so enjoyed reading this, jmc, and you certainly didn't need to be worried about being new to drabble writing. It was all beautifully told. Thank you so much.
Author:  brie [ Tue Sep 08, 2009 12:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
Thank you. I have really, really enjoyed this drabble!
Author:  jmc [ Wed Sep 09, 2009 8:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
Thanks for all the comments everyone. I enjoyed writing this.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Wed Sep 09, 2009 3:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
I spent several hours reading the whole thing from start to finish yesterday - excellent! Thank you so much.
Author:  Elbee [ Tue Sep 15, 2009 12:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
I've really enjoyed this, thanks jmc.
Author:  Smile :) [ Fri Oct 02, 2009 8:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
Thanks jmc this has been fabulous. Just read it all the way through and joey has definately come out of it a much nicer person. I like the fact that she didn't suddenly get all her memory back at the end. It's good to see her realising all her faults, becoming less tied to the school and being there for her children a lot more. The ending was lovely and brought tears to my eyes nice to see everything tied together in the end and Joey what i meght term properly grown up finally while still retaining lots of her good qualities (by including Mary-Lou etc)
Author:  Helen P [ Wed Oct 21, 2009 1:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Memories - Part 2 (Completed 01/09)
I've just caught up from mid-August onwards! Thank you so much, what a wonderfully told story with an excellent ending. :D
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