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Biddy's Brother: Joey and Jack's reconciliation (Comp 24-08)

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#1: Biddy's Brother: Joey and Jack's reconciliation (Comp 24-08) Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 2:22 pm
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The PBs won't let this go, so here's what they've said so far!

Joey had woken with the most appaling headache and knew that if she didn't do something about it quickly Madge would be fussing over her all day. Looking at the clock she decided that it really wasn't too early to get up. Perhaps a walk in the cool morning air would help and, putting her thought into immediate action, she hurried from her bed and quickly dressed. Leaving a brief note for Madge, in case she, too, woke early - always a possibility with young David - she let herself out and stood enjoying the freshness of the morning.

Belatedly, she thought that she ought to have eaten something first but decided against returning to the house and instead made for the shed, where Rufus was delighted to see his young mistress. After sharing a hug with him, and telling him to be quiet, Joey clipped on his harness and the two headed down the driveway towards the gate. As her spirits revived in the fresh air she allowed her thoughts to turn to what she knew to be the cause of her headache.

She hadn't meant to quarrel with Jack Maynard, and she certainly hadn't meant for him to quarrel with her, but that was what she'd done alright. When Jem had said that Jack was "going around like a thundercloud" she hadn't really understood what he meant. She'd known Jack for years, and she'd never known him to be anything other than a friendly co-conspirator. Of course, he'd had moments of annoyance - Who hadn't? - but she'd never seen him really angry before; she didn't like it and, what was worse, she didn't know what to do about it. Rufus, sensing her thoughtful mood, plodded along at her side eyeing her from time to time and hoping she would soon release him, allowing him the glorious run he always enjoyed first thing.

Looking up, Jo saw the great sanatorium ahead of her, its windows sparkling in the sunlight. She wondered if Jack was on duty there, and if he would ever be able to forgive her; she was having trouble forgiving herself.

And poor Biddy! She'd been caught in the middle of it all, when it was really nothing to do with her, either. She was glad the little Irish girl had become so attached to Juliet and that they had gone to Ireland with such happy results for Biddy, though how her adopted sister had become involved was a mystery to Jo.

She looked again at the sanatorium and, lifting her chin, decided she'd been a coward for quite long enough. She would phone Jack that very morning and arrange to meet him. And with that thought she discovered that she really was hungry after all and, releasing Rufus from his harness, raced after him back to Die Rosen in search of breakfast, her headache gone.

Jack had been quite surprised when he answered the phone on his desk and heard Joey's voice. He was even more surprised when she asked to meet him, saying she needed to talk. Having had several days to let his anger cool he'd begun to regret having been quite so blunt with Jo, but had been putting off clearing the air between them. That Jo should take the initiative and phone him was a development he had not foreseen and, deciding it was better dealt with sooner rather than later, had agreed to meet her when he came off duty at two o'clock.

Last edited by Frogize on Fri Aug 24, 2007 3:58 pm; edited 7 times in total

#2: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 2:49 pm
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Thanks. Am really glad to see more updates on everyone's reactions to this. I didn't think Joey was meaning to be mean was more put out that her place with Jack was being unsurped and was reacting from that. That said she could have been a little more sympathetic to the poor kid. Am glad she's apologising to Jack.

Those plot bunnies have really been busy. They're attacking you with a vengence Pat

#3: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 1:13 am
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Thanks Pat Very Happy

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

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 6:51 am
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I think Joey was being exceptionally 'snobbish' about Biddy - but, once her behaviour was pointed out, had been horrified about exactly how she had spoken to and about Biddy.

Thanks Pat.

#5: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 5:14 pm
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I'm really glad Jo has done the right thing here. Her behaviour was wrong and its good that she sees that and is big enough to apologise.

#6: Biddy's Brother: Joey and Jack's reconciliation cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 11:32 am
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Shortly after Mittagessen Joey had left Die Rosen and set off in the direction of the sanatorium. She was feeling unusually nervous and thought that the walk would help to work off some of her anxiety. Jack, meanwhile, was finding that finishing everything on his desk was not a job he could extend indefinitely and, telling himself not to be foolish, had finally left his office a little after two o'clock. As he left the building he saw Jo waiting near the car-park and his heart skipped a beat at the thought she was waiting for him, then sank again at the prospect of what was to come; he hated apologies.

"Hello, Jo," he said quietly as he approached, his doctor's eye quickly appraising the pale face and noting the slight purple smudges beneath her eyes, always a sure sign that she wasn't sleeping well. "Shall we walk? Or would you prefer to sit somwehere?" he asked.

"Walk, please," Jo answered briefly, falling into step beside him, and they set off along the path with no particular object in view. Having walked in silence for a full two minutes Jo finally stopped and turned to face him.

"I know you're really angry with me, Jack, but I want you to know that I'm really, truly sorry for what I said and did to Biddy. I'd like you to forgive me, please - but that's not the only thing I wanted to talk to you about," she said, and Jack suddenly found himself wondering nervously just where the conversation would go. He'd agreed to this meeting thinking he could be magnanimous in his acceptance of her apology, but now he wasn't so sure. What did she want to talk about then?

"I'm sure you didn't mean to treat Biddy so badly," he replied, "but you really were an awful snob about her, you know."

"Well, I suppose it did look that way, but it wasn't like that at all really. Don't you remember when she first arrived?" Jo asked, looking at him closely. "I was the one who found her in the games shed, and at that stage I just thought she was trespassing on school property. Then I took her to Mademoiselle, and I knew the Middles were involved somehow - and that it would be that particular crowd! - so when she explained that she didn't have any family....well, of course I was sympathetic! Then I took her along to Matron, and....well, you more or less took over after that, and I was left to deal with the Middles. It wasn't very nice - one minute being involved and comforting her on my lap, and Mademoiselle saying we were to sort it out ourselves - then suddenly being shut out of everything and being ignored."

"But you were so rude to her before!" Jack exclaimed. "She said you told her she needed a keeper!"

"Oh, that," Jo admitted, looking rather shame-faced. "Well, it's true; I did say that. But Biddy did a rather thorough job of squashing me for it! Just ask Juliet!"

"I'm glad to hear it," Jack answered dryly. "But if we're going to discuss this further I think we ought to do it somewhere a little less public, don't you?" he continued, looking at Jo for confirmation. It was rather disconcerting to see her looking so serious; not at all what he was used to. "There's quite a decent place at Buchau. We can get some coffee there."

Nodding her agreement they set off in silence. Once they were seated at an outside table, well away from any chance of being overheard, they ordered coffee and continued their conversation.

"Why were you so awful about my rosary?" Jack began. "I'd only just got Biddy to trust me, and when you blurted that out in the church....well, I could have cheerfully strangled you at that particular moment! And you weren't any better when we spoke later."

Jo blushed to the roots of her hair and wished she could avoid answering the question, but knew that if she wanted her own quetions answered it was only fair to answer his. "I...er...well, I was annoyed that you'd ignored me - again! - when you came to the school earlier," she admitted. "You were always busy with Biddy, and never seemed to have time to talk anymore...and I didn't like it! But I really was surprised that you'd given your rosary to Biddy. It's not something you'd usually do."

"True," he said. "But this was an exceptional circumstance - and I meant what I said about being prepared to lose it, Jo. What I don't understand is why you were so down on the Irish! What had Biddy done to deserve that?"

"Apart from take up all your time? Nothing at all," Jo answered. "That was really down to Donal O'Hara."

"Donal O'Hara?" Jack spoke with surprise. "Where does he come into this?"

"He doesn't, really. I was just angry with him on Juliet's behalf. I'm afraid I was hating the Irish in general at that point - and Donal O'Hara in particular!"

"Do you mean you knew about him and Juliet?" Jack asked incredulously.

"Of course I did!" Jo said vehemently. "Even you must have noticed that there was something wrong with Juliet. At least she doesn't shut me out all the time! She told me ages ago; at half term, when we went to Oberammergau. Of course, she asked me not to say anything to anyone - and I didn't - but I can assure you I certainly thought plenty!"

Jack sat back and stared at Jo. Whatever had made Juliet confide in Jo, and not tell him? Had they really been shutting Jo out? She certainly seemed to think so! "So why didn't Juliet say anything when I asked her to help with Biddy?" he asked in bewilderment.

"What?!" exclaimed Jo in disbelief. "You asked Juliet, and then went and got Donal involved? Whatever were you thinking of?"

"Biddy, of course!" Jack snapped back, and they sat glaring at each other across the table.

Last edited by Frogize on Tue Aug 28, 2007 11:10 am; edited 4 times in total

#7: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 11:36 am
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Oh dear Rolling Eyes

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

Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 7:15 pm
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For goodness sake, you two, listen to yourselves - and Joey has a rather nasty jealous streak there if part of the reason she was down on Biddy was because she was taking up Jack's time.

Thanks Pat.

#9: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 1:41 pm
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I don't think Joey is being full on jealous and she has realised she was wrong very quickly after the act. It seems like she is so used to being the one close to Jack or the centre of anything exciting and now suddenly she's on the outer and doesn't know how to deal with it, so tends to react in a fairly childish and emotional way. She was never particularly mature for her age.
I can understand why she would be upset about the Irish given Donal's behaviour to Juliet. A little childish and emotional to blame a whole country but she did see someone she loved nearly destroyed emotionally by the callousness of one man and then from her perspective Jack asked the cad to help with Biddy. I can certainly see why she thought he was a poor choice.
Hope the two sort things out. Though why was Jack shocked Juliet confided in Joey. The two were very close-like sisters almost

#10: Joey and Jack's reconciliation cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 3:23 am
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After several minutes of angry silence Jack got to his feet and walked to the verandah rail, hands thrust deep into his pockets, while staring unseeingly at the blue lake before him and wondering how it was that he always lost his temper with Jo. It made him feel such a fool, too; not in the least like the self-assured and capable Dr Maynard that everyone else saw. Turning back to face her, he noticed that she was watching him with that grin on her face, the one that had melted his heart so often before and was about to do so again. That grin was going to be his downfall one day, he was certain - but not today! Damn it! It was too much! What had she got to grin about, anyway?

"We're right back where we started, aren't we?" she said, more a statement than a question, and he had to admit that she was right. Returning resignedly to his seat he gave an exasperated sigh. This wasn't turning out the way he'd planned it!

"Even if I'd known about Juliet and Donal I think I'd still have asked her to help," he began again. "Contrary to your opinion, I did notice that she was unhappy - though I admit I'd no idea why - but I thought I might distract her a bit by getting her to help Biddy. I was sure she would understand Biddy's situation better than anyone else, and it seems to have worked."

"Yes, it does," Jo agreed, "although now that Donal has more or less sorted out Biddy's legal problems I'm feeling more kindly disposed towards him - though I don't suppose he cares. Still, I'm very glad for Juliet's sake that they worked things out." She didn't notice Jack's ironic smile.

"What exactly did you say to Donal?" he asked with interest. "It certainly did the trick."

"Hmm. I'm telling no tales," Jo grinned at him. "Let's just say I gave him my unvarnished opinion of him.....with bells on!"

"Ouch!" Jack laughed. "Poor chap! I can imagine how he felt!"

"Are you speaking from personal experience here, Dr Maynard?" Jo smiled mischievously.

"I believe I am, Miss Bettany," he replied, matching her mood and smiling back.

"Why does everyone want me to grow up?" Jo sighed, suddenly serious again, and he stared at her - marvelling that she could go from smiling companion to uncertain schoolgirl in the blink of an eye - while thinking that he was probably not the most disinterested person to ask.

"What do you mean?" he said, glad that she was prepared to ask his advice all the same.

"Well, I'm heartily sick of people telling me to be more grown up, and then in the next breath telling me I 'must be prepared to be treated like a child in these matters' - to quote Madge! It's not fair!" and Jo scowled at him in annoyance, before looking contrite once more. "Sorry - but you did ask!"

"So I did," he smiled before continuing. "But I don't think I'm up to discussing this on an empty stomach. Would you have dinner with me, Jo? We can talk about it all you want, then."

She looked rather taken aback, and for a moment he wondered if perhaps he was rushing things, but it was a long time since he'd eaten - having missed lunch - and he really was hungry.

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

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 6:42 am
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Thanks Pat - nice to see more of Jack and Jo's relationship before the SLOC bit.

#12: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 7:44 am
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I love the way he asked her to have dinner with him because he was hungry Laughing

. Hope it goes well.

#13: Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 4:57 am
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Jo eyed him speculatively for a moment, then - there was that grin again! "I suppose I'd better say yes," she laughed, "before you expire from starvation! Jem did happen to mention at Mittagessen that you were busier than usual and he expected you'd miss lunch - again! - and I'm sure he couldn't run the san without you!"

Jack smiled back at her, a little sheepishly it must be admitted, and thought that he'd have words with Jem Russell in the not too distant future! Seeing Joey's face fall he wondered where her agile mind had taken her this time, but he didn't have long to wait.

"We don't have to get dressed up, do we?" she said in rather horrified tones, and Jack was hard pressed not to laugh.

"Not if you don't want to," he answered, smiling instead. "Depends where we go, really."

"Then I'd prefer the Kron Prinz Karl, please," Jo said after a few moments thought. "Herr Braun knows us both - so he won't think things! - and..." with another grin, "the food's always good!"

#14: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 8:17 am
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Hope it goes well!

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

Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 8:20 am
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Frogize wrote:

"Then I'd prefer the Kron Prinz Karl, please," Jo said after a few moments thought. "Herr Braun knows us both - so he won't think things! - and..." with another grin, "the food's always good!"

Why Jo, what would he think? Wink

Thanks Pat.

#16: Author: Shander, Location: Halifax

Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 2:04 pm
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Horray for more!
This is excellent.

#17: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2007 6:42 pm
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Joey! I'm quite sure a wellbred lady shouldn't even refer to gossip like that! Laughing

Thanks Frogize, it's lovely to see more of this.

#18: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2007 8:21 am
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Thanks Pat. Thats two updates I get to read Laughing

Hope dinner goes well and am glad Jack and Joey sorted things out. Poor Jack, he has my sympathy for being in love for so long

#19: Author: Soph, Location: Peterborough

Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2007 8:13 pm
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This is a great story, glad they are talking properly again - interesting to see how their relationship starts developing.

#20: Author: Emerence, Location: Australia

Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 3:10 pm
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I love this story! Very Happy

Thanks!

#21: Joey and Jack's reconciliation cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 2:19 pm
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"The Kron Prinz Karl it is, then" Jack agreed, getting to his feet and helping Jo to hers, before leading the way out.

As they made their way towards Briesau, their conversation was as light-hearted as it had ever been, and Jack was suddenly aware that it was a long time since he'd spoken with anyone about anything that wasn't work-related. Was he in danger of becoming one of those boring people whose entire life revolved around their work, and who spoke of nothing else? He realized it wasn't a very enticing prospect for anyone who might be induced to spend time with him - especially Jo!

The walk from Buchau to Briesau was pleasant now that the heat of the day was coming to an end, and a light evening breeze had begun to blow as they approached the Kron Prinz Karl. Herr Braun saw them walking from the lake path towards his hotel and hurried to ensure a table was waiting for them when they arrived. He and his wife knew both of them well and he was pleased to see them.

"Good evening, Herr Dr Maynard," he said with a small bow as they entered, and he lead them to a table in a quiet area of the restaurant. Knowing exactly what her hair must look like after the breeze outside, Joey excused herself and returned a short time later with neat shining locks, which somehow made her feel more than a little conspicuous as she took the seat Herr Braun held for her.

Having briefly studied the menu and ordered something substantial they settled into their seats to await their meal. When it arrived it is fair to say that there was very little in the way of conversation for some time, and it was not until they were sipping hot coffee afterwards that the talk resumed.

"So, Joey, what exactly was it you wanted to talk about?" Jack asked, leaning back in his seat and stretching his legs under the table. Resting both her elbows on the table and her chin in her hands Jo considered for a moment before speaking.

"What I want to know most of all," she said slowly, "is not so much why everyone else wants me to 'grow up', as they put it, but...how?"

"That rather depends on you, I think," he replied. "What makes you ask?"

"Well, when I was very tiny," she continued, "I was always so sickly that most people seem to have considered it a wonder that I survived at all. Life was incredibly boring then, a never-ending round of "don't" and "mustn't" and Dick and Madge endlessly fussing - especially Madge!" As Jack looked about to protest she quickly added, "Yes, I know I should be grateful for their care...and I was, and still am...but I'm not exactly at death's door any more, am I?"

"All things considered," he smiled, and with his best 'examining doctor' expression firmly in place, "I think we can safely say that you'll be with us for some years yet."

"But you do see what I mean, don't you?" Jo asked anxiously, ignoring the humour. "I know I'll never be regarded as robust, but I am quite fit and well; I'm not delicate like Robin, for instance."

"That's true, Joey," he said becoming more serious, "but you do tend to run a temperature if you get upset or stressed; and colds are still something to be avoided if possible."

"I know that," sighed Jo, a little exasperated. "How could I possibly not! But what I find so irritating is the way everyone reminds me of it! I'm hardly likely to forget, am I?"

"Probably not," he admitted. "Does it matter so much?"

"It does to me," she said, looking down and examining the tablecloth. "And it makes being head girl so much more difficult."

"How?" he asked, genuinely surprised.

"Well, you know I never wanted to be head girl in the first place, but since I am I'd like to do a decent job of it. I've been able to get out of some things just because I wasn't very good at them..."

"Art lessons, for example?" Jack grinned. He knew all about Jo and Herr Laubach!

"Yes," she laughed, "Art lessons! But I was never allowed to get out of sewing, and Maynie insisted that I stick with maths until I knew at least as much as was essential."

"I remember some of her comments on the subject during visits home," he added with amusement. "Not at all complimentary, Jo!"

"No more than mine about her, I suspect," Jo grinned. "Now I'm getting used to being head girl it's not so bad - I even quite like it sometimes - but I keep wondering if I'm going to end up like Madge. All worry and fuss and no fun at all!"

"All worry and fuss? No fun?" Jack exclaimed. "Sounds awful! No wonder you didn't want to be head girl! If that's all there is to it I wouldn't have wanted it either!"

Jo grinned at the thought of Jack as head girl just as he realized what he'd said, and they both laughed. "You know what I mean!" he said.

Last edited by Frogize on Mon Aug 27, 2007 5:00 am; edited 1 time in total

#22: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 2:34 pm
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It seems to be going well ...

#23: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 3:33 pm
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It does seem to be going well and its interesting to see what Joey is thinking about growing up. It gives a deeper perspective instead of the constant refrain of not wanting to grow up.

Thanks Pat

#24: Joey and Jack's reconciliation cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 3:36 pm
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"But seriously, Jack, all Madge ever seems to do is worry and fuss. And Jem's getting just as bad! He's always working - and worrying over some patient or other!"

"Well he is a doctor, Jo!" he said, stating what seemed to be the obvious. "Of course he cares about his patients. But I think you're misunderstanding something."

"I certainly hope so!" Jo said with a sigh. "So where am I going wrong?"

"I think you're confusing responsibility and worrying," Jack explained. "They're not the same at all. Acting responsibly is just that - taking responsibility for something, doing the best you can, and knowing when you've done all you can and letting it go. Worrying is just not knowing when to let go."

Jo sat for several minutes lost in thought, while Jack waited for the outcome. Eventually she spoke again.

"But worrying can become an awful habit, can't it?"

"True," he admitted. "And a very tough one to break. But I've never thought of you as a worrier, Jo."

"I worry about Robin sometimes," she said quietly. "But I always find praying helps best. It's something I know I can do, even when there's nothing else that can be done."

Placing his hand over hers he said, equally quietly, "Sometimes that's all there is to be done, Jo."

Giving herself a mental shake, Jo looked up smiling. "Then I'm not doing a rotten job as head girl if I don't spend every minute worrying about something?" she asked.

"On the contrary, I think you'd be doing a rotten job if you were!" he smiled back at her.

"So how do I convince Madge to stop worrying?" Jo asked. "I wish she'd have more fun!"

"Now there I'm afraid I really can't help you," he laughed. "I'm not about to criticise the boss's wife, however friendly we may be! But I don't see that she can worry about you unless you give her reason to - so don't!"

"Hmm! So much easier said than done," Jo smiled, draining what was left of her coffee.

"Would you like more coffee?" Jack queried, but Jo shook her head.

"No thanks. I don't know what time it is, but we still have to get back to the Sonnalpe, and I don't fancy that climb in the dark!" she grinned.

A few minutes later Herr Braun and his wife looked at each other and smiled as they watched Jack and Joey leave the hotel. Herr Braun took his wife's hand in his and patted it in a thoughtful way. Neither of them spoke, but there was an air of satisfaction in the way Herr Braun looked at his remaining visitors, and Frau Braun hummed to her self as she headed to the kitchen to supervise her staff.

Outside the hotel, just as Jack and Joey were preparing to leave, a large group of visitors returned from a day out in Innsbruck, and it became necessary to force their way through the throng. Taking Jo's hand, Jack led her safely down the steps to the path, and then couldn't think of any reason to release it, so they set off hand in hand.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Aug 23, 2007 5:03 pm; edited 2 times in total

#25: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 3:43 pm
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*Joins the Brauns in smiling Wink

. *

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

Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 4:54 pm
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Awwww - that was lovely

Really nice to see a much deeper side to Joey and to see her and Jack obviously feeling very "safe" with each other despite Joey's sister being the boss's wife

#27: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 5:15 pm
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Bonus! Thanks Pat, that was great. Joining the smiles in the background

#28: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 5:40 pm
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Jack seems to be doing remarkably well, considering he thinks he's the wrong person to be advising her! Laughing

Loved the distinction between responsibilty and worrrying.

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

Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 8:44 pm
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Lovely interaction there - and Herr and Frau Braun recognise something, don't they? Laughing

Thanks Pat.

#30: Joey and Jack's reconciliation cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 1:24 am
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As they began to make their way back around the lake Joey sighed in a contented way.

"I hope this weather continues when we have our Guide camp next week," she said. "I intend to have as much fun there as possible!"

"I can only hope the poor Guiders have a chance to get away from you once in a while then," Jack laughed. "You can be very exhausting when you're in that mood, Jo!"

"Cheek!" she grinned wickedly. "I suppose that comes from being so old, Dr Maynard. What a shame! And you used to be such a nice young man!"

"Less of the 'used to be' thank you!" he smiled, as a momentary feeling of uncertainty swept over him. "Am I really turning into an old man?"

"Not yet," she grinned at him - and it had its usual effect. "But if you're going to start worrying about the Guiders already then I'd think you're well on the way! Even Madge hasn't got that far in her thinking! Or are you just looking for an excuse to join in the fun?"

"Jem and I are planning to come along on Visitors Day," he admitted, "but otherwise we're giving you all a very wide berth. I can't imagine you'll need anything more than first aid for your camp, and if you do - well, I'm not volunteering as resident doctor, thanks very much! Anyway, I thought you were settling down to being very 'head girl' this term?"

"Not while I'm in camp!" she said, sounding quite shocked at the idea. "I'm going to forget all about it until term begins - then I suppose I'll have to be all prim and proper!"

"Ow! Please stop! It's far too painful!" he begged, looking as though he was indeed in great pain, and Jo stared at him in amazement.

"What is?" she asked anxiously.

"The thought of you, all prim and proper!" he laughed.

"Oh! Sometimes you can be downright insulting, Jack Maynard!" Jo sniffed, before joining in the laughter.

Having reached the section of the pathway that required more effort for the climb, their conversation lagged somewhat at this point, and they made their way in silence for a time. As they reached the top, they gazed back at the way they had come, enjoying the view, then turned for the final part of their walk home.

"Seriously, Jo, I don't think you should be concerned about doing a good job as head girl - or growing up, come to that!" Jack said quietly as they approached the chalet. "Just be yourself! No-one expects you to be a carbon copy of any of the other head girls. Just be you, and I'm sure you'll be fine."

"I expect you're right," Jo said resignedly, "but I don't think I'll ever be as responsible as Madge."

"Of course you won't!" he exclaimed. "You're not Madge! And I wouldn't want you to be, anyway!" Jo looked at him consideringly, but said nothing, and Jack felt a great sense of relief that he wasn't asked to explain himself.

As they stood together outside Die Rosen he faced Joey, knowing that it would be a long time before he had a chance like this again. He was always so busy with his work and she had a whole year of school still to come; but now at least he had some hope that things would turn his way sooner or later. It was good to know that his opinion mattered to her, and that she cared what he thought of her. If only he could tell her what he really thought! But there was time for that in the future, and if he was going to get any sleep before he was next on duty it was time to leave.

"So - can we call a truce now?" he asked solemnly.

"I think that's an excellent idea, Dr Maynard," Jo smiled. "I believe it's usual to shake hands on such occasions," she added and, looking down, was suddenly aware that he'd been holding her hand ever since they left the Kron Prinz Karl.

He held it now in both his own, and gripped it firmly. "Truce, then," he said.

"Truce," she agreed and, surprisingly, didn't take her hand away. "Thank you for dinner, Jack. I really enjoyed it," Jo said, meeting his gaze.

"So did I, Jo. We must do it again," he agreed, hoping it could be soon, and touching her tousled hair. "Goodnight, Joey," he said, finally releasing her hand.

"Goodnight, Jack," she echoed as she watched him turn and walk away, remembering the feeling of her hand in his. And, as she mounted the steps to the door, she wondered why she'd never noticed before.

Jack Maynard had the nicest eyes.

#31: Author: Emerence, Location: Australia

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 5:40 am
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Awwww. Lovely story, thanks Frogize! Very Happy

#32: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 5:45 am
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That was an absolutely wonderful ending. Thank you Pat.

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

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 6:46 am
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That was lovely - thanks Pat. It makes the scene in Camp far more meaningful.

#34: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 7:03 am
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Lesley wrote:

That was lovely - thanks Pat. It makes the scene in Camp far more meaningful.

It certainly does. Thanks Pat

#35: Author: Mona, Location: Hertfordshire

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 7:27 am
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Thank you Pat. That was lovely.

#36: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 7:50 am
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Lovely! Thank you, Pat.

#37: Author: Lizzie, Location: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 8:33 am
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Yay! Early Jack and Jo!

Thank you, that was lovely.

#38: Author: Elbee, Location: Surrey

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 10:25 am
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Lovely, Frogize, thank you.

*happy sigh*

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

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 11:48 am
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That made me all goosebumpy

Thankyou so much for this Pat

#40: Author: Mrs Redboots, Location: London, UK

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 12:18 pm
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Oh, that was really glorious. Thank you so much.

#41: Author: keren, Location: Israel

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 12:39 pm
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very very nice and fits into the story, since as far as i recollect camp is indeed the first place where it is mentioned that he cares for her

#42: Author: Karoline, Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2007 7:29 pm
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That was lovely, thank you

The CBB -> Ste Therese's House

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