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Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=8958
Author:  Eilidh [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 1:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
This is the direct sequel to You Can't Choose Your Family. If anyone wishes to give any constructive criticism, it will be very welcome as I'm currently doing a creative writing course and would very much appreciate the feedback to help me with both that and the rest of this drabble. Enjoy!

Summer

"Post!" Jack's voice echoed through the rented holiday house, bringing people from all corners. "Just hold on a second and let me see what we've got. Joey, Me, Joey, Joey, Me, Fliss, Steve, Joey, Joey – she's popular today - another for me, one for Connie, and one for Chas. That's it, anyone else who was waiting on things will have to wait another day."

"Is it still raining?" Margot demanded from where she was leaning over the bannister.

"It is. Will you take your mother's letters up to her and see if she feels up to any breakfast if she's awake?" Margot took the letters silently.

"Will Mamma be better soon?" Cecil asked.

"I'm sure she will be. She just had a few bad shocks and you know that it's not good for her to be upset like that." Jack glared at Charles, who stared back, expressionless. Stephen made an effort to diffuse the tension.

"Well if it's still raining, I guess we're staying in. Coming back upstairs, Chas? Move, Margot, stop blocking the traffic." He climbed back up the staircase, Charles close behind him. "Who's your letter from?" Stephen asked, flopping down on his bed in a way calculated to earn him a talking to from his mother, should she see him. "Mine looks like Jeff." Charles flipped the envelope over and glanced at the handwriting.

"Elizabeth," he replied Stephen raised an eyebrow.

"Finally!" he said, "Shall I leave you in peace to read it then? It might be embarrassing, after all."

"Don't be more of an idiot than you can help," Charles replied shortly. "It's nothing."

"Oh really? How about you toss it over here then, and I'll keep it from a few days." Stephen grabbed the envelope just as Charles jerked it out of reach.

"Leave it," he snapped. Stephen laughed.

"Just read the thing, you've waited for it long enough. Maybe by the time you get to the end of it you'll be in a better mood than you have been recently!"

"Maybe I'd be in a better mood if I didn't have an idiot like you for a brother."

"Don't worry, you're nowhere near as badly off as I am. Now shut up, would you? I want to know what Jeff's got to say." Charles opened his mouth to protest at the injustice of this, and then changed his mind and tore open the envelope in his hand instead.

Dear Charles,

Thank you for the postcard with your holiday address - I keep seeing things and thinking 'I must tell Charles that' and I'm sure I've forgotten almost all of them already. I remember thinking it yesterday, when I was watching a lizard on the window ledge, and once day last week when Mr Whyte fell off his bike and into the ditch beside the driveway. I was struggling so hard not to laugh and I had to go and help him out because there was no one else around!

Maybe this should be a love letter. I'm afraid I have no idea how write one though, so I suppose it won't be, regardless or whether it should or shouldn't! In the book I was reading yesterday, the heroine could not write love letters with a sharp pen, or a scratchy pen, or a multitude of other kinds of pens which she described in detail. I don't have an excuse like that - I'm afraid that mine is just a brio, and I can't write love letters with it either! I do hope you don't mind too much.

Life here now that you have all gone home from school is rather boring. Verity and I have been on some walks and some cycle runs during the day, but most of the others are still working of course, so it's rather quiet. Kitty joins us quite often, because there is a bit less work to do at the school with all you boys at home. The evenings are better, once they all finish work, and I've been to several parties and other things in the village over the past month.

Next week I'll be going to Cornwall with my friend from my old school for two weeks. Her parents have taken a cottage there and as she's an only child, like me, they've invited me along to keep her company. It will be a change from here, anyway, and I haven't seen her for over a year - since I got thrown out of St Anne's the Christmas before last. Since we were together every day for years before that, I have missed her and I expect it will be lots of fun. I do envy you living in the middle of that big family, with several of them so close to you in age. You and Maynie (or should I call him Stephen now that he's Grown Up?) must have so much fun in the holidays. But I've got sidetracked - once I come back from Cornwall, I imagine that I'll be dropped straight into dormitory arrangements and stationary orders and the like. The fun of living at school in the holidays! Which dorm would you like? I'll see if I can convince the Head to give it to you. Or don't you get a room to yourself this year, in fact? In that case, I'll be sure to pick a nice one for you!

Oh, I do know one of the things I had to tell you! I met Miller at a birthday party the week before last. It was over in town, and I'd been invited by a friend of Nora's who I know slightly, so of course I went with the rest. I was so surprised to see him there, I'd forgotten he lived so close to school. Apparently the girl is some distant relation of his, so his grandmother sent him along to represent the family. It was nice to see him, and we spent most of the night chatting as he was there alone and all the girls I'd gone with had their boyfriends with them, or met up with someone else there, so I'd have felt rather alone as well if I hadn't met him.

I must finish this here, as I want to post it on my way through the village. I'm going for lunch with Nora to discuss the hockey team for next season. I have to post it today because one of my friends is working in the Post Office, and she won't tell my father I'm sending letters to men in France. If I go in when she's not on her own, that nosey Mrs Black will be on the phone to him before I've let go of the letter, if I know her!

Love,

Your Elizabeth.
Author:  Bryony [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 1:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out the Shadows
Yay! more charles & elizabeth. Looking forward to reading more, thanks Eilidh.
Author:  cestina [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 2:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out the Shadows
Huzza! This is back......something to cheer up this very dreary day :D
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 2:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out the Shadows
Really glad to see a sequel :D .

I'm going to be the nasty person who offers constructive criticism, sorry :lol: - should there be an "of" in the title?

Either way, very glad to see Charles & co back :D .
Author:  Catherine [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 2:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out the Shadows
Lovely to see a sequel so soon! What's Charles' done to earn that glare from Jack?
Author:  Eilidh [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 2:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out the Shadows
Alison H wrote:
I'm going to be the nasty person who offers constructive criticism, sorry :lol: - should there be an "of" in the title?


Not nasty at all! And yes, there should have been. :)
Author:  abbeybufo [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 3:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out the Shadows
Catherine wrote:
Lovely to see a sequel so soon! What's Charles' done to earn that glare from Jack?


Perhaps Jack and Joey have been told he isn't going to be a priest ...?

Another who is extremely pleased to see this back so soon - I like this universe very much :D :D :D
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 3:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
Echoing all the rest - I'm another who is really pleased to see this back; I do enjoy this universe.

Thanks, Eilidh - and good luck with the creative writing course.
Author:  M [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 3:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
Good to see this back. I can quite imagine Joey having a fit of the vapours and having to retire to bed when Charles said he was going in for science. Also hasn't she fairly recently found out about Len and Ben?
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 4:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
Joey has found a family who do not believe in Boarding Schools, a daughter who has a mind of her own, and a son with Science scholarship instead of a vocation, any one of which would send her to bed unable to deal with the change. In fact the Joey at the end of EBD series was more like the Joey who did not not want to be head girl and grow up, rather than the Joey of the War years. This drabble fits in with the character EBD gave Joey, I hope someone can help Joey to become the stronger Joey of the war years again.

Thanks for starting the next part of this drabble.
Author:  robinette [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 4:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
I'm another who's very pleased to see this back, I love Charles and Elizabeth.

Thank You
Author:  hac61 [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 4:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
Hah, this is back. Good. Now I have a reason to get up every day.
Author:  AnneM [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 5:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
Great to see this.

You'd think that J+J would be impressed with Charles winning a scholarship and being made Head Boy, wouldn't you? I bet he's at the head of the queue for leaving home as soon as possible.

Thanks, Eilidh.
Author:  chris84 [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 5:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
It's fantastic to see this back! I love Charles and Elizabeth and actually this whole universe- can't wait for more :D.
Author:  ivohenry [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 5:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
"In the book I was reading yesterday, the heroine could not write love letters with a sharp pen, or a scratchy pen, or a multitude of other kinds of pens which she described in detail."

I think Elizabeth has been reading one of LMM's books - is it Anne of Windy Willows (aka Poplars), where she says this in a letter to Gilbert?

Great to see this one back - missed a regular "fix" of this story!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 6:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
Hurrah! It returns! =D

It's wonderful to see them all back. I wondered if Chas had told them about the Scholarship, as well. Poor boy! He should get Elizabeth to invent some urgent reason he's needed back at school and run as soon as possible!

Thankyou!
Author:  emma t [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 7:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
Just found this and glad it's back - really looking forward to reading more! :) Thankyou!
Author:  Elle [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 8:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
Delighted that this is back!
Author:  roversgirl [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 8:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
Glad to see this sequel and a great start! Also wondering exactly what Joey's so upset about. Thanks :-)
Author:  Sarah_G-G [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 8:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
Yay, it's back! I never did say thank you at the end of the last installment (didn't see the final post early enough before the thread had to be locked) so I'll say it twice now, if you don't mind- thank you for the end to the last one and doubly so to the beginning of the new one! :lol: I have to admit, I'd forgotten about Jo only just having found out about Helena and Ben so I briefly worried that I'd missed something and Charles had been expelled for seeing Elizabeth after all... :roll: I particularly liked the exchange between Charles and Stephen in this post- they're just such good brothers together.

ivohenry wrote:
"In the book I was reading yesterday, the heroine could not write love letters with a sharp pen, or a scratchy pen, or a multitude of other kinds of pens which she described in detail."

I think Elizabeth has been reading one of LMM's books - is it Anne of Windy Willows (aka Poplars), where she says this in a letter to Gilbert?



Thanks, I was trying to work out where I knew that quote from!
Author:  Rafaella [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 10:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
Thrilled to see this back :D Thanks Eilidh!
Author:  Abi [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 11:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
Oh, hurrah to see this back! Thanks, Eilidh. :D
Author:  Miss Di [ Thu Jan 06, 2011 2:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
I was very excited to see the return of Charles and Elizabeth. Thanks.
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Jan 06, 2011 6:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
Wonderful to see this back again. Joey is being treated as a fragile baby again I see - oh dear,.


Thanks Eilidh
Author:  2nd Gen Fan [ Thu Jan 06, 2011 9:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
Great to see this back. Trust Joey to be'ill'.
Author:  JS [ Thu Jan 06, 2011 10:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
Yipee, it's back! I'm so pleased.
Good luck with the creative writing course too :)
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Jan 06, 2011 11:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
Really, really happy to see this back. Thanks
Author:  Eilidh [ Thu Jan 06, 2011 12:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
Wow! So many comments, thanks everyone. I hope I can live up to these expectations now! :shock:

Dear Elizabeth,

Thank you for your letter. Things here have been rather tense so far, and it was so nice to be able to take the boat out onto the lake by myself and enjoy your letter again before I replied, and forget about everyone else.

I'll give you a quick summary. Mum found out where Helena was through her dratted Old Girls' Network just after Christmas, and using an unusual amount of tact, didn't go racing off to get her right away but instead booked this house for the summer, almost next door. On our first afternoon here, she stormed into the places where Helena is working and began giving her the whole works - blame, guilt, disapproval. Luckily Steve saw her go, and we (me, Steve, Connie and Margot) went across as well for back up. We managed to get Mum away, and she seems to have given up slightly on Helena coming home to live, which is nice. She even managed to say hello to Helena's boyfriend Ben when we passed him yesterday. You'll remember him, of course. Nice chap who took us out for tea on prize giving day.

Of course, as soon as that was over, I had to break the news to her about my scholarship,

Charles paused, and bit the end of his pen. That had been an interesting day. They had had breakfast, and then he and Steve had walked round for the post, like they had most mornings. It was good to get out of the house for a while. His mother was still upset over Helena's refusal to come back to Freudesheim, and it was taking the combined efforts of Connie and Margot to stop her marching back round to Tower House for another argument. They returned with the bag, Stephen announcing their arrival with a yell as Charles rapidly sorted the letters into piles. He spotted the school crest on one of them, but thought nothing of it - as he said afterwards, it could have been a receipt for fees or anything.

It had become the habit, after the post arrived in the morning, for Joey and Jack to retire to the garden at the back of the house with their letters, and after distributing the rest to their owners, Stephen, Charles, Connie or Margot often joined them. On the day in question, Stephen was deep in a lengthy screed from Roddy, who was spending the beginning of the holidays with the Rosomons, and Charles turned his attention to a letter from Ailie, complaining about how boring she was finding her holidays. He had almost finished when he was interrupted by his parents, who had been deep in conversation for some minutes.

"Chas? Come here for a minute." Reluctantly, Charles got up and made his way to the other side of the garden. "I've got a letter here from your Headmaster," Jack said, waving it. Charles rapidly searched his memory for anything he'd done wrong, but came up with nothing.

"Oh?" he said, trying to sound interested.

"He says - well, he says two things, neither of which you seem to have found it necessary to tell us. Firstly, he tells us you're going to be Head Boy next year."

"Oh, that. Yes, I am."

"Well I didn't think he was making it up, Chas! You might have mentioned it." Charles shrugged.

"Didn't seem important."

"And secondly, he tells me you've won - in his words - one of the best scholarships offered through the school."

"Yes, I did that as well."

"A scholarship?" Joey asked, . "What sort of a scholarship?" Charles took a deep breath.

"One to let me go and study science when I leave school next summer."

"Science? But what about your vocation?" Charles glanced over at Stephen, who had given up on his letter and was watching from the other side of the garden. Stephen shrugged. "Chas?" Joey asked again.

"Mamma, I haven't got a vocation," he said, as calmly as he could. "I really haven't. I don't want to be a priest."

"But Chas!"

"Now see here, Chas!" The two exclamations came almost simultaneously from his parents. Joey continued, "I don't know what's got into this family recently! Between Helena and her ridiculously dramatic exit, and then when we find her she's living with a boyfriend, of all things! And Mike, who after going on and on at us for years to send him to Dartmouth with John suddenly doesn't want to be there at all and wants to be back with the rest of you. And now you, who is turning your back on the career you've been headed for since you were a child!" Charles gave up on being calm and faced her angrily..

"What do you want me to do?" he asked. "Pretend? I haven't got a vocation!"

"Are you sure?" Joey asked desperately. "I was so sure that that was the life for you. You're so quiet and studious, I thought it would be perfect." On the other side of the garden, Stephen gave a cough that sounded, to Charles' ears, remarkably like a snort of laughter.

"Something funny, Steve?" Jack demanded.

"Letter from Roddy," Stephen said quickly, waving it in the air. Jack turned his attention back to Charles.

"Chas, what do you mean by turning round now and completely changing your plans?"

"I haven't," Charles replied. "I never said I wanted to be a priest. I never said I wanted to do anything. Mamma just assumed that that was what I wanted, and it's not. Do you really want me to do something that I don't want to do, and would hate?"

"He's right, Papa," Margot said behind him. "You can't make him." Jack looked from one to the other, and held up his hand as Joey opened her mouth again, clearly intending to change Charles' mind. She looked annoyed, Charles was clearly angry and Margot looked determined.

"OK Chas, that's all I wanted," he said firmly. "Your mother and I need to discuss this." Charles was half way back out of the garden when he called, "Chas?"

"Yes?"

"Well done." Charles smiled.

"Thanks."

Charles turned back to his letter, re-reading to see where he'd got to.

Of course, as soon as that was over, I had to break the news to her about my scholarship,and about me not joining the priesthood, so that set her off again. Dad was less bothered by it, but Mum seems to have had her heart set on having a son who was a priest and she'd pitched on me for it. They sent me away while they discussed it, and she ended up getting so upset that she was send to bed with a dose, where she stayed for two days - so now I'm in trouble with her for not wanting to be a priest, and in trouble with Dad for upsetting Mum. Thank goodness we're already 3 weeks into the holidays! Almost half way there. Anyway, luckily I'm pretty much immune to her guilt tripping tricks, so I just looked sorry and said I hadn't meant to upset her, but did she really want me to do something that I had absolutely no interest in. Even they can see that, I think.

You know, this time last year I was watching Reg (Helena's ex) moping around and thinking how ridiculous it was to make such an exhibition of yourself over a girl. I'm sure Steve and Roddy must be thinking the same thing about me now! Roger is too preoccupied with Connie to bother about anyone else, and we're all amused by the fact that she seems completely oblivious. But as I was saying - I may have thought Reg was ridiculous, but after seeing and speaking to you every day since we went back to school after the Christmas break, I can understand where he was coming from. I'd give almost anything to see you just now.

And now that I've suitably embarrassed myself, I'm going to put this into the envelope and take it to the post before either I change my mind about what I've written or Steve and Mike get their hands on it.

Charles.

Dear Miller (and Lizzie),

Miller is probably thinking that the moon has gone blue, to be receiving a letter from me, but I am writing to give you some bad news. There's no point wrapping this up in cotton wool, so here it is: I'm afraid I won't be seeing you after the summer. Due to circumstances so far beyond my control that they are mere specks on the horizon, I will not be returning to our glorious educational establishment. To put it simply, there just isn't the money to send me. I didn't want to spoil the end of term by telling you this then, so now I have to write to you all, which is a bother in itself but at least this way when you get the news I'll be far away. You two are sharing one because you'll see each other anyway, I imagine. Or if you don't, then Miller, why the hell haven't you gone over there to see her yet? You only live a few miles away, stop being so ridiculous! I won't see either of you this summer, as we were sent off just after school finished to stay with some distant relation of mum's for most of the rest of the summer - at least, Izzy and I are. On Guernsay, of all places! It's been anything but exciting so far, and I expect to spend the rest of the holidays bored stiff (can I still call them holidays if I'm never coming back?)

To return to the point. Many thanks to both of you (though mainly Miller, since I've known him far longer) for all the fun. I'd never have guessed that that wet little third former the Head dumped on Minor and I way-back-when would turn out to be such an all-round good chap and have such a wicked streak to him. Miller, have a great year as second pre (my head does not, despite popular belief, button up the back - it's a fairly obvious appointment) and no doubt we'll see each other at some point in the future. Lizzie, my lovely Lizzie - look after all three of them and don't let them get too serious without me.

All the best!

Monty
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Jan 06, 2011 1:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Jan
Thanks for the update. Sorry that Monty can not go back with the others.

Pleased Charles has found a way to avoid Joey sending him on guilt trips! :lol: Love his letter to Elizabeth.
Author:  Catherine [ Thu Jan 06, 2011 1:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Jan
Aw! Can't Monty get a scholarship or something and come back?
Author:  ivohenry [ Thu Jan 06, 2011 1:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Jan
Interesting that Monty and his sister are on Guernsey - are their distant relatives anyone we know? Do hope you'll find a way of sending him back to school with the otheres!
Author:  abbeybufo [ Thu Jan 06, 2011 2:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Jan
ivohenry wrote:
Interesting that Monty and his sister are on Guernsey - are their distant relatives anyone we know?


The very thought going through my mind! Another who's hoping you can keep him in the story, if not back at the school.

Thanks Eilidh :D
Author:  chris84 [ Thu Jan 06, 2011 2:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Jan
Thanks for the update. I also hope you can find a way to keep Monty in the story.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Jan 06, 2011 2:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Jan
Well done Jack - just hope Joey doesn't decide to try to push either Felix or Geoff into the priesthood now!
Author:  roversgirl [ Thu Jan 06, 2011 6:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Jan
I too am wondering about the Guernsey link. Glad Charles has got all of that out the way now. Thanks for the update :-)
Author:  cestina [ Thu Jan 06, 2011 6:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows
Eilidh wrote:
Wow! So many comments, thanks everyone. I hope I can live up to these expectations now! :shock:


Oh yes! No worries there.... :D

Poor Monty - he's too good a character to lose though so here's hoping......
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Jan 06, 2011 7:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Jan
Yes, Guernsey does seem to be a very interesting choice of location!

As for not living up to expectations... well, we have them from past experience, and I'm sure that you'll still outdo them all!

Thankyou for the update.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Jan 06, 2011 8:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Jan
Thanks really loved all the background info of Joey's reaction of Chas not being a priest and Len being with Ben
Author:  Elle [ Thu Jan 06, 2011 8:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Jan
Wonderful update, thank you.
Author:  shesings [ Thu Jan 06, 2011 8:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Jan
Oh joy, to see this back and it is very well written, Eilidh!
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Jan 06, 2011 9:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Jan
Well at least Jack congratulated Chas - even if he then blamed has for Joey 'falling ill' - just when is she going to grow up? I wonder whether Margot has something to tell Joey too? She seemed to be very definite in backing up Chas.

Sad about Monty - hope some way is found for him to go back for the final year


Thanks Eilidh
Author:  DuncanD [ Thu Jan 06, 2011 11:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Jan
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the 2 previous drabbles and how delighted I am to see a new one!
Author:  Abi [ Fri Jan 07, 2011 12:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Jan
I wish Monty could go back. :( But at least Chas' ambitions are out in the open and hopefully Joey will be able to accept what he wants to do. :roll:

Thanks, Eilidh; I love this universe.
Author:  marni [ Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Jan
Thanks for bringing this back Eilidh, I Also hope that Monty finds a way to remain at the school or at least in the story. I wish that Joey could manage to grow up. I look forward to the next instalment.
Author:  jmc [ Fri Jan 07, 2011 6:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Jan
It's nice to see Jack somewhat supportive although to blame poor Chas for Joey falling ill was a bit sad. Joey really needs to grow up. Hope Monty can find his way back. Thanks
Author:  Eilidh [ Fri Jan 07, 2011 12:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Jan
In which Joey attempts to redeem herself...

Dear Charles,

Sorry I didn't get a chance to write much while I was in Cornwall - I was so busy! I hope you got the cards OK. I hope things are going better with your people now you've all had a bit more time together. If it's still not good, just remember that you'll be back here in a few weeks. I can't believe it's only 2 weeks now! The holiday's gone a lot quicker than I thought. I've been out a few more times with people since I got back from my holiday.

Before you get all upset and jealous because I'm still seeing Miller, he's got quite a thing for Verity, so stop worrying! He was over here yesterday asking my advice, which was rather funny - especially since I had no idea what to tell him! Also, I don't think he knows very many people round about (or he didn't before this holiday) so he's been coming over most days and I've been introducing him to people. I get the impression he's rather lonely in the holidays. I presume you've had a letter from Monty by now - Miller brought his (or rather, ours) over yesterday to let me see, since it arrived while I was away. I can't imagine school without him, can you?

This is the last letter I'll write to you this summer, since by the time you get it, reply, and I get the reply, you'll be practically back. I'll start counting down the days!

Love,

Elizabeth

P.S. I hope you like the picture. Jane took it while we were away and I thought you'd like it.

Dear Elizabeth,

Things are improving, yes. Helena and Ben have agreed to come to Switzerland for part of the Christmas holidays with the rest of us. Mum is rather annoyed that they won't come for Christmas itself, but apparently they want to be here with the children they're looking after. And even Mum wasn't brave enough to suggest that they bring seven more kids with them into our house, thank goodness!

I'm insanely jealous of Miller anyway, regardless of which of you he has his eye on. The fact that it's Verity just means I don't have to throw him down the stairs when we get back to school, that's all! He's still got to spend all summer with you while I've been stuck up a mountain in France, and now another one in Switzerland.

Coming back to school is going to be strange this year, with just me and Mike and Felix. The girls and Roger don't go until later in September. I'm not sure about Steve, but I think he'll leave the Platz before Adrienne gets back and Roddy's talking seriously about going to New Zealand to work on his friend's father's sheep farm. He's promised he won't go without paying us (me and Mike and Felix) a visit at school, but since him and Dad are going to look at the paperwork next week and see what he needs, I suppose that after this holiday I won't see him very often. It'll be strange though. Him and Steve and I have been friends since we met and to think that I'll possibly never see him again, or not for years, isn't very nice.

Steve finally broke the news to Mum and Dad last week that he wasn't taking up his university place to do engineering. He's applied for a job with the diplomatic service and he's waiting to hear about that. Needless to say, the news about the university place caused another storm of tears and shouting. I feel sorry for him - he's so much nicer than me and is actually bothered about it all. I am so glad that Adrienne didn't come home for the holidays. I might not care about mum guilt tripping me, but I do care about Steve, and if I could get within shouting distance of Adrienne Desmoindes any time soon, believe me, she'll know all about it.

Anyway, that's enough of what's happening here. I miss you loads, and you're not the only one counting down the days to the new term. Oh, and I should say - I told Anna about you, and showed her the picture that you sent in your last letter. She says you look like a lovely girl, and she's very much looking forward to meeting you at some point.

Charles.

Charles sighed, groaned, and turned over so violently in his bed that it creaked loudly in protest. On the other side of the room, Stephen muttered something and Charles held his breath until deep and regular breathing filled the room again. Giving up on his attempts to sleep, he hunted for his watch and tilted it towards the window. It took a few seconds before he could make out the hands, pointing to 3:30.

"Too late to be late and too early to be early," he sighed. With one eye on his brother, Charles got out of bed, left the room, and padded quietly down the stairs. In the Salon, Bruno raised his head as Charles came in, established that the human who had just entered was his, despite the unreasonable hour, and let his head fall back onto the rug with a thump. Charles opened the French doors and wandered out into the garden, closing the doors carefully again so that they didn't bang. The night was warm and the Platz was bathed in moonlight, throwing sharp shadows when it touched anything. Charles crossed the garden, enjoying the feel of the cool ground against his bare feet, and leant against the fence, looking out over the valley. There was a movement behind him and Bruno arrived, sitting down beside him and leaning against his legs. Charles pulled his ears absently.

"Life must be so much easier for you," he observed after a while. "No pressure, no expectations, no secrets. Just food, drink, and a warm spot in front of the fire."

"Easier than what?" his mother's voice asked behind him. Charles jumped violently. "Charles Maynard, are you out in the garden at this time in the morning in your bare feet?" Joey demanded. "Come on, get back inside. I can just see me calling your headmaster to tell him we can't send you back because you've caught cold wandering around outside at almost four in the morning with nothing on your feet." Charles followed her back to the house and sat down on the steps. Joey sat beside him.

"So, are you going to tell me why you're out here?" she asked gently.

"Couldn't sleep."

"Yes, I'd guessed that. What's keeping you awake? Are you worrying about something?" Charles shrugged. "School?" Joey suggested. "Your friends? Have you fallen out with Steve and Roddy?"

"No, nothing to do with them," Charles replied. "Well, not in that way, anyway. Mum, you know the story about you going back for your last year at school, and being Head Girl, and disliking the idea so much they nearly had to ask Tante Frieda to do it?"

"Yes," Joey replied.

"Why did you change your mind?" Charles asked. "What made you do it? And what made Bride and Maeve do it, knowing that everyone was going to compare them to Peggy?"

"Is that what's bothering you?" Joey asked. "Chas, no one expects you to be Steve."

"They will though," Charles said. "I don't even really want the job, but the Head says things, and you find yourself agreeing, and all of a sudden it's all going his way when you thought it was going yours." Joey smiled.

"Like arguing with Auntie Hilda?" she suggested.

"A bit," Charles agreed. "But he's talked me into it, and at the time it seemed like a good idea, but then I realised - I can't control the kids like Steve does. I can't talk to them like him, I never know what to say. And all the chaps our age looked up to Steve last year, and they won't look up to me." Joey looked thoughtful.

"I don't think the Head would have asked you if the boys didn't look up to you," she said gently. "After all, he knows his job. He obviously thinks you're the best man for the job, regardless of your own opinion. Come on, let me show you something." Charles followed her into the study, where she took a big sheet of paper from a pile on her desk, and after rummaging in a drawer found another and laid it beside it.

"Have a look at these," Joey suggested. "Don't worry about the subject comments, you inherited your father's brains it seems. Look here." She pointed to two different points of the pages. Charles leant over to read them.

"Despite initial reluctance, Maynard has embraced all responsibility given to him this year and has been very successful as a sub prefect and form prefect. His conduct record has improved remarkably and I have every confidence in him as Head Boy next year," he read.

"Now that one," Joey prompted. "Auntie Madge found it and sent me it last week."

"Josephine has done very well as library prefect this year. Although she does not enjoy responsibility, she has accepted what she has been given and been successful. I am sure she will be excellent as Head Girl next year, should she choose to take on the position."

"You see? Almost exactly the same. If anyone understands where you're coming from, Chas, it's me. I want you to think for a minute - how much have you got from your school over the years? Your friends, your scholarship, your successes. Don't you think you should give something back for that?" Joey looked down at the pale face and the large dark eyes, so like her own. "If you really don't want to do it, Chas, then don't - but think, the person who takes it on instead won't be Steve either. And things will change regardless."

"And Steve won't be there, and neither will Monty," Charles said quietly. Joey paused, then sat down beside him and put an arm around him. Charles, tired and worried, leaned his head on her shoulder. "Steve's always been there." he said, "And I've never been at school without Monty. How will I get on on my own?"

"Wonderfully," Joey replied instantly. "It's not going to make any difference, after all. You'll write to each other, and maybe you can spend your half terms with Steve instead of with Uncle Dick and Auntie Mollie. You know Uncle Jem's letting us use the flat that he bought when Rix and David were studying. It'll be you who is joining Steve there next year, won't it? And you'll have those other two famous friends of yours to back you up at school in the meantime. And that will help for the Head Boy thing as well. Remember, I'd never have been any good without Tante Simone to keep me organised, Tante Frieda to remember the things I'd forgotten, and Tante Marie to remind me that I didn't always have to be worrying about school. Your friends will do the same for you."

"It's not going to be easy," Charles decided, miserably.

"Nothing worthwhile ever is," Joey pointed out. "And I know that's a very mum thing to say, but it's true. Now come on, lets get a few hours sleep, or we'll both be good for nothing tomorrow. Oh, and Chas? I spoke to Auntie Nell today - yesterday, now - and she gave me a few... home truths, shall we say? If you want to take up your scholarship when you leave school, you'll have my full support."
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Jan 07, 2011 12:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 07 Jan
That was better, Joey!
Author:  chris84 [ Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 07 Jan
Thank you, Joey was better there lets hope that she can keep it up. :D
Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 07 Jan
Well done Nell in making Joey see sense. Joey's reassurance about being Head boy should help Charles. Pity she did not offer to help Len not be prefect when she asked!

thanks for the update.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 07 Jan
Nice one Joey! Thanks

PaulineS wrote:
Pity she did not offer to help Len not be prefect when she asked!


But she did or at least said she would talk to Hilda about it for Len. She also said she couldn't guarantee Hilda would listen or agree to letting Len off from being a Prefect
Author:  cestina [ Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 07 Jan
Oh that's more like it Joey! Well done, now just keep it up......

This is once again great Eilidh, many thanks for this believable world.
Author:  Catherine [ Fri Jan 07, 2011 2:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 07 Jan
Thanks Eilidh. Glad to see Joey being more reasonable and helpful.
Author:  abbeybufo [ Fri Jan 07, 2011 3:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 07 Jan
Well done Joey - let's hope she keeps in this sensible frame of mind :D

Thanks again Eilidh
Author:  JS [ Fri Jan 07, 2011 3:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 07 Jan
Was I the only one wibbling a little about Elizabeth and Miller spending so much time together? Thanks for putting my mind at rest, Eilidh.

(and yes, have failed to keep this to read with tomorrow's breakfast - unless you feel like filing again before then :) )
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Fri Jan 07, 2011 4:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 07 Jan
Thank goodness Nell made Joey see sense about Charles' scholarship - not only does that ease his mind about his future, but he can certainly benefit from her sharing her experience/reluctance to become Head Girl with him. I think this talk will have left him more confident about his prospects for the coming year as Head Boy - now if only there was a way of Monty being able to return to school after all - please!

Thanks, Eilidh -I'm really enjoying this.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Jan 07, 2011 5:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 07 Jan
Joey was wonderful there, and far more like her Tirol self than in the later books. Also, I don't know why, but I love Bruno! I want one :D

That was such a homely, family scene - though would you care to explain just why exactly Joey was wandering round the garden at half three in the morning. Please? I'm terribly curious now!

Thankyou!
Author:  Sarah_G-G [ Fri Jan 07, 2011 5:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 07 Jan
No, not just you vaguely wibbling, JS. :lol: Joey was wonderful there. I hadn't realised actually, but she is absolutely right, Charles is very like young Joey in many ways. And now I feel bad that I was so busy worrying for Monty that it didn't occur to me to think what it would be like for Charles having to return as Head Boy without one of his best friends there to support him. :( Can't one of the Guernsey crowd pitch in to help? Maybe the Chesters suddenly have money again and want to do something because they remember what it was like for Beth...
Author:  Abi [ Fri Jan 07, 2011 7:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 07 Jan
Well, Joey can be a bit of a plank, but her heart's in the right place really! Glad Nell has made her see sense, anyway.
Author:  roversgirl [ Fri Jan 07, 2011 8:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 07 Jan
Glad Joey is trying to make amends and she does seem to know more about her sons' lives than we realised (his friends etc.). Thanks for the udpate. Hope Chas gets used to the idea of head Boy and Joey continues to get better :-)
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 07 Jan
Well it's about time, Joey! That was exactly the type of Mum you should be.

Thanks Eilidh
Author:  Miss Di [ Sat Jan 08, 2011 8:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 07 Jan
A+ for effort Joey.
Author:  Emilyc [ Sat Jan 08, 2011 9:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 07 Jan
Over the last couple of days I've somehow found time to read the whole of You Can't Choose Your Family and then this. I was hooked. Its wonderful writing with the right balance of humor, tender moments, insight and realism. A fantastic story - thank you so much for an enjoyable few hours reading. I can't wait to read more.
Author:  Elbee [ Sun Jan 09, 2011 11:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 07 Jan
Just caught up on this new drabble, I love your characters, Eilidh! Glad Joey has redeemed herself, and I hope there's some way of getting Monty back to school!

Thank you.
Author:  Squirrel [ Sun Jan 09, 2011 3:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 07 Jan
Oooh! Hadn't realised you'd started posting the new on Eilidh! :) I love the way you've weaved the threads of the holiday section together.

Will be looking forwards to seeing how you take it forwards, and what the new year holds for Charles - and everyone else.

Thank you! :D
Author:  Eilidh [ Mon Jan 10, 2011 12:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 07 Jan
Last day of the holidays!

"Need some help, Chas?" Stephen wandered into the room and sat down on his bed, which was the only clear space left. "You really are the untidiest creature imaginable - what are you doing?"

"Packing," Charles replied, slightly muffled by the pile of clothes he'd just taken out the wardrobe and which had fallen over his face.

"And you need to lay out every single one of your possessions - and a good number of mine, I notice - to do it?" Stephen asked, sounding amused.

"Means I can see what I've packed," Charles explained. "You can help if you want."

"Well, shove your trunk over here and I'll put the things in as you find them," Stephen suggested. "Then we might actually get out somewhere this afternoon. Chas, what is all this?"

"What's all what?

"In the bottom of your trunk!" Stephen pulled out half a dozen paperback novels, mostly recognisable as detective stories bought to read on the train, three or four notebooks, a large handful of pens and pencils, several pairs of socks and a packet of spare shoelaces.

"Oh, that? Just stuff. Just pack on top of it," Charles said complacently. Stephen piled it all up beside him on the bed instead, and taking the first pile of school uniform, began to fold it and put it in the trunk.

"So strange to not be doing this this year," he said. "It'll be horrible to be on my own in London after always being with other people. I'm jealous of you getting another year."

"I'd rather not have another year," Charles replied. "Pity I can't come to London as well."

"I wish you could," Stephen sighed. "You've been brilliant this summer Chas, really. I didn't say before but you really did help with all the stuff with Adrienne and everything else. I appreciate it." Charles shrugged awkwardly.

"Just what anyone would have done," he mumbled, still sorting out clothes.

"Well, not really," Stephen argued. "Because anyone didn't. Give me the next lot," he added. "You did, and... well, thanks."

"Glad to be of service," Charles replied absently, consulting a list. "Five school shirts. So that's four to pack and one to wear." Stephen took the hint - and the shirts - and the packing continued. Eventually, just as the gong rang for lunch, the trunk was strapped closed and between them they negotiated it downstairs, to be sent to the school.

"What's your plan for this afternoon, then?" Joey asked, as they sat down after grace. "Are you going out? Connie and Margot went off to Interlaken on the eleven o'clock train, so they won't be here."

"We thought we might go to the Rosleinalpe and walk back down." Stephen replied, indicating Charles.

"Can I come?"

"Can we?" Mike and Felix spoke at almost the same time. Stephen and Charles exchanged glances, then Charles shrugged.

"Why not." he replied. "What about you, Geoff? Do you want to go up the mountain?"

"Yes!" Geoff replied cheerfully, bouncing in his seat at the thought and managing to send his thankfully empty glass flying.

"Us to?" Phil demanded. "Me an' Cecil an' Claire?"

"A family expedition, in fact." Stephen grinned. "Geoff, Cecil, can you walk all that way?" Both children nodded, and Stephen glanced at his mother.

"We can carry Phil and Claire if they get tired." he said. "So we'll all go, and that will give you and Anna and Rosli a quiet afternoon."

"Have we got time to explore?" Erica demanded an hour or so later as they emerged from the train into brilliant sunshine.

"Half an hour." Stephen agreed, glancing at his watch. "Don't get lost though, and when you get back you can explain to me what you find to explore somewhere that you've been a hundred times before."

"Loads of things!" Erica called back, as she disappeared with Mike. Felix and Felicity, who had brought with them an old kite they'd found the day before tucked in the back of a cupboard, found a clear patch of ground and started arguing over how to fly it. Stephen turned to the youngest children.

"What about you four? Do you want to go and play in the stream?" Enthusiastic nods greeted this suggestion, and Cecil, Geoff and Claire raced off over the grass, with Phil following them as fast as she could. Stephen and Charles both stretched out on the grass nearby, enjoying the sunshine. Charles had almost dosed off when the noise from the water got louder.

"Claire, take your shoes and socks off in case you fall in. And you can't come, Phil, you'll fall and get wet and then Mamma will be cross."

"Bossy little madam Cecil's turning into," Stephen muttered. "She'll end up like Len did if she's not careful."

"Mmm." Charles raised himself up onto his elbows to see what was happening. Three of the children had jumped out onto a rock in the middle of the stream, which was wide and shallow here. Phil was sitting on the bank watching as the scrambled from rock to rock. After a few minutes of this, she got up, trudged back over to where Stephen and Charles were lying, and sat down beside them with a sigh.

"I hate being me," she announced to the world. Stephen grinned.

"What's wrong baby?"

"I can't play with the others because they're jumping and climbing, I wasn't allowed to learn to swim, Mamma doesn't think I should be going to school this year even though Geoff went last year and Claire's going and she's younger than me and you're laughing and it's horrible!"

"I'm not laughing at you," Stephen said hurriedly. "It's true though, Phil. You can't do everything the others can, you need to be careful."

"Rubbish," Charles said shortly. "I'll tell you what, Phil. Next summer, when we go to the Tiernsee, I'll teach you to swim, ok?" Phil looked at him doubtfully.

"Promise?" she asked. Charles nodded.

"Promise."

They started back down towards the Platz shortly afterwards, Stephen and Charles bringing up the rear of the little procession with Stephen keeping an anxious eye on the rest.

"Where did you go last night?" he asked eventually. "I woke up, and you weren't there, and then you didn't come back and I was going to come and find you but I heard Mum getting up so I didn't and then I must have fallen asleep again." Charles gave him a brief summary of the early morning, and Stephen whistled quietly at the end.

"What d'you think Auntie Nell said?" he asked. Charles shrugged.

"Probably that if she wasn't careful, we'd all go the same way as Helena. It's true enough, anyway. If she'd kept up that stupid priest idea much longer, I'd've been spending Christmas with Miller. Gran wouldn't mind, anyway."

"No, but they would," Stephen said quietly, jerking his head towards the group in front. "I presume you expect Phil to have forgotten that promise by next summer?"

"No."

"Well, what if you can't keep it?"

"I'll keep it anyway. I'll make sure I'm home, and if need be I'll teach her in secret, poor kid. She didn't get to learn to ski either. It's horrible to always have people telling you that you're too small or not strong enough to do something. I don't want Phil to always have to listen to that."

"I didn't think of it like that."

"I wouldn't expect you to. You were always as strong as a horse."

"It didn't really work with you either. You always did everything you put your mind to - right up to school last year."

"No point in doing a thing if you don't do it right."

"Does that go for this next year too?" There was a long pause.

"What if I can't do it?"

"Of course you can. Didn't I just say so? You can do anything. Are you nervous?" There was a pause.

"No, of course not," Charles lied. Stephen raised his eyebrows, but said nothing. "Were you?"

"Scared senseless," Stephen admitted with a grin. Charles relaxed slightly.

"Good. That's the first thing anyone's said that's actually made me feel better." The conversation was interrupted at that point by Claire, who tripped over and landed on her hands and knees on the path. By the time she'd been rescued and settled on Stephen's shoulders, while Phil, who was looking rather tired, was boosted onto Charles' back, the rest of the group had to pick up the pace in order to be back in time for kaffee and there was no more time for private conversations.
Author:  roversgirl [ Mon Jan 10, 2011 1:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 07 Jan
Nice to see their relationship and I'm glad Chas has agreed to help Phil out; Thanks :-)
Author:  Chris [ Mon Jan 10, 2011 1:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 10 Jan
What lovely brothers!
Author:  Chatelaine [ Mon Jan 10, 2011 1:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 10 Jan
Chris wrote:
What lovely brothers!


Speaking as an only child who would have gone stark staring mad in the Maynard household (!), I don't think I'd have minded siblings if they could have been like Stephen and Charles :)

Nice to have an update - thank you!
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Jan 10, 2011 1:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 10 Jan
Hope some one can help Cecil stop falling into Len's place. Pity Phil can not go to school as a day pupil at least,

Thanks for the update.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Jan 10, 2011 2:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 10 Jan
Poor Phil :( .
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Jan 10, 2011 7:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 10 Jan
Chas was lovely there for Phil, a proper older brother in a way that we never see in the published books (these being like unpublished books in their own right, and clearly a part of the canon!)

Thankyou!
Author:  Abi [ Mon Jan 10, 2011 10:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 10 Jan
Poor Phil. :( I do like seeing Stephen and Charles together; they're great!
Author:  Miss Di [ Mon Jan 10, 2011 11:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 10 Jan
It's nice to see them interacting like siblings instead of a school all regimented and instantly obedient!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Jan 11, 2011 9:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 10 Jan
Chatelaine wrote:
Chris wrote:
What lovely brothers!


Speaking as an only child who would have gone start staring mad in the Maynard household (!), I don't think I'd have minded siblings if they could have been like Stephen and Charles :)


Speaking as someone who does come from an even larger family, I did have older brothers like Chas and Steve. And I would have hated being an only child.

Thanks, really loved the update
Author:  chris84 [ Tue Jan 11, 2011 9:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 10 Jan
Stephan and Chaz are great together. I hope Chaz will keep his promise to Phil and teach her to swim next summer. Thank you for the update :D.
Author:  Eilidh [ Tue Jan 11, 2011 12:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 10 Jan
September

It was very early in the morning - so early, that Felix had fallen asleep again with his head on the breakfast table. A surprising number of the family were awake. Jack, who was driving the boys to the train, had gone to get the car from the garage. Anna was methodically cutting huge packets of sandwiches and packing fruit, cakes and biscuits into a bag. Felicity, who had been crying since she got up, was nibbling at a slice of toast. In the hallway, Joey was fastening cases, adding last minute things, and attempting to follow both Charles and Mike around the house to collect the things they'd forgotten. Eventually, having picked up Mike's toothbrush four times from different places, she gave up and tucked it into the pocket of his blazer, which was lying abandoned on the hall table. Stephen, who had been rudely awoken by Charles tripping over his school scarf on the way to the bathroom and crashing into the door, was sitting patiently on the stairs as chaos raged around him.

"Mike! Michael!" Joey hissed, attempting to keep her voice down and not disturb the rest of the household. "Why is it as soon as I get one of you here one of the others wanders off?"

"No idea," Charles replied, disappearing into the kitchen to attempt to coax Anna into giving them extra cakes for their picnic, just as Mike clattered down the stairs.

"Right, now you're all... where did Chas go?" Joey demanded, spinning round on the spot. "You lot will be the death of me. This is what happens when you want to leave early and do a short crossing, you see? Steve, don't let either of them move out of your sight," she added, leaving Mike and Felix in the hall while she went to find Charles. Returning with him, and followed by Anna and a still-tearful Felicity, she stood all three boys in the hall. She handed Mike his blazer, Felix his hat, and hung the scarf that had been responsible for Stephen's early wakening around Charles' neck.

"Have you got everything?" she asked patiently, for at least the tenth time since they'd finished breakfast.

"Yes," Felix replied promptly.

"Maybe?" Mike suggested
.
"Probably not," Charles decided. Joey sighed.

"If we don't leave now, we'll miss the train. I'm only telling you this for information," Jack said from the front door. With a squawk of alarm, Joey hugged and kissed all the boys, followed by Anna, while Felicity, still crying, hugged all three of them then retired to her mother's side. They picked up the cases - the trunks had gone on in advance - and climbed into the car, Stephen scrambling in beside them to keep Jack company on the return journey. With a fanfare on the horn, and a frenzy of waving and instructions about good behaviour, the car finally pulled away from Freudeshiem. Felicity ran along behind them for as far as she could, so that the last sight the three boys had was of her standing waving frantically from the gate.

At Basel, the streets and train station were full of early morning workers on their way to their jobs. The Maynards squeezed through the crowds, to where the Paris Express was waiting to depart.

"You'll be OK in Paris?" Jack checked. "You only have to get through there yourselves, Uncle Dick or Aunt Mollie will be waiting when you get off the boat."

"I know," Charles replied, sounding bored. "You told me yesterday." Stephen grabbed him as Jack hustled the younger boys on to the train.

"Be patient," Stephen said rapidly. "Remember that not everyone's brain works as fast as yours does. Don't do anything stupid, and don't end up in the San." The whistle blew loudly.

"Chas!" Jack called, exasperated. Charles scrambled into the train, earning himself a scowl from the guard, and Stephen stuck his head in the window.

"Listen to the other two," he said. "They're smart. And tell Elizabeth from me that you're not allowed to work yourself ill." he finished, withdrawing his head rapidly as the train began to move. Charles grinned, and gave him a lazy, mocking salute as they pulled away from the platform, feeling an unaccountable wave of homesickness for the first time in ten years.

"This is strange," Mike observed. "Without Steve and Roddy, I mean. What are you going to do, Chas? Want to play snap with us?" Felix, who had been looking rather upset, brightened considerably at this suggestion and Charles sighed and abandoned the book he'd picked up.

"Go on then," he agreed. "You deal, Mike, and don't cheat. And I'm not playing all the way to Paris!"

***

"Do you need me to do anything?" Elizabeth demanded, running down the stairs. It was shortly after lunch on the first day of term, and her father, Matron, and Mrs Mac were all standing at the bottom of the stairs, waiting on the first influx of boys. They were due to arrive in the next ten minutes, followed by the more local boys who arrived by car later in the afternoon.

"Can you take yourself up to the sixth form corridors?" her father asked. "Myself and Matron will deal with the Fourths, and Mrs Mac will take the Fifths who shouldn't need any supervising anyway, but if you can tell the two sixths that they're to choose their rooms and settle in then that saves one of us having to keep running upstairs.

"Can do!" Elizabeth replied cheerfully, running back up the stairs and the buses could be heard coming up the driveway. She paused in front of the window at the top, pulling her uniform straight and smoothing her hair, then settled herself on the window-ledge at the top and waited patiently until she head the babble of voices and the tramp of feet on the stairs. The first people to arrive were some boys who'd been members of her form the year before, and they greeted her warmly.

"Lower Sixth on this floor, Upper's upstairs!" Elizabeth bellowed over the noise. "Choose your own room, but any arguments go to the Head! Last years prefects wait here!" She couldn't see any of the four senior prefects at first glance, but she presumed at least one of them was in the crowd that was now separating itself down the two corridors, still making enough noise to blow the roof off.

"Lizzie!" Miller greeted her cheerfully, reaching the top of the stairs. "I thought those were your lovely tones I heard. Last year's prefect reporting in ma'am, where do I go?" Elizabeth glared at him.

"Don't call me Lizzie." she snapped. "As to where you go..." She waved an arm up the stairs and he followed her up and to the far end of the house, into a room which had previously been kept locked.

"What's this?" he asked, looking round.

"It's your study," Elizabeth grinned. "I convinced the Head that having the three of you in here would be for the best, and you'd enjoy your last year far better. This is your bedroom," she opened a door to one side, and showed him in. "You're all sharing," she added. "I decided that Minor wouldn't really want a room to himself. Apparently it used to be a staff suite - bedroom and sitting room - but it's been empty for so long that the Head though it would be OK to give it to you."

"This is great," Miller grinned, glancing round the big study. "We've got a fireplace, we've got a table and chairs, we've even got a piano for Jones. But we've got four beds - who else is in here?" Elizabeth frowned.

"You know, I hadn't thought of that. I really don't know - maybe Aitken? I think Harry and Lewis were planning to share, and Aitken shared with Gillies last year but he's left now, hasn't he?"

"Has he? Ah well, they'll turn up eventually, whoever it is."

"Yes. Oh, is that another coach? Got to go!" She hurried back to her position, leaving him to go back into the bedroom and claim a bed by the simple method of dropping his suitcase on top of it, then settle down to wait for the rest to arrive.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Jan 11, 2011 12:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 11 Jan
I always liked the sound of those studies for older pupils: they get them in Enid Blyton books but not at the CS. Loved the description of the chaos at Freudesheim :lol: .
Author:  Chatelaine [ Tue Jan 11, 2011 1:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 11 Jan
Oooh, an unknown fourth occupant of the Prefects' Suite. . . I wonder who it might be. . .

:D
Author:  ivohenry [ Tue Jan 11, 2011 1:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 11 Jan
Please let it be Monty coming back somehow!!
Author:  jayj [ Tue Jan 11, 2011 1:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 11 Jan
Quote:
"I convinced the Head that having the three of you in here would be for the best, and you'd enjoy your last year far better....I decided that Minor wouldn't really want a room to himself.


Crikey, she's a little bit bossy, isn't she?

Loving this, of course - thanks Eilidh!
Author:  roversgirl [ Tue Jan 11, 2011 1:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 11 Jan
I love how Elizabeth "convinced" the head to let them share etc. Also feel very sorry for Felicity, I never thought how about she must have missed Felix so much. Thanks :-)
Author:  Catherine [ Tue Jan 11, 2011 2:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 11 Jan
ivohenry wrote:
Please let it be Monty coming back somehow!!


My thoughts exactly! Please Eilidh? I can't see a fourth person being made all that welcome if it's not Monty!
Author:  Chatelaine [ Tue Jan 11, 2011 4:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 11 Jan
Catherine wrote:
ivohenry wrote:
Please let it be Monty coming back somehow!!


My thoughts exactly! Please Eilidh? I can't see a fourth person being made all that welcome if it's not Monty!


Oooh, evil thought here: what if it's the boy Charles went up against for Form Prefect last year? :twisted:
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Jan 11, 2011 4:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 11 Jan
Quote:
Oooh, evil thought here: what if it's the boy Charles went up against for Form Prefect last year?


I do not think the Head even considered him Prefect material. Wasn't that why the Head wanted Charles to stand for form prefect?

I think Elizabeth's bossiness has been used to good effect here. Hope Monty is the fourth in the rooms.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Jan 11, 2011 5:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 11 Jan
Also keeping my fingers crossed about the fourth occupant! (Was half expecting Elizabeth to be in there for one weird moment :shock:)

Thankyou for the update!
Author:  cestina [ Tue Jan 11, 2011 5:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 11 Jan
ChubbyMonkey wrote:
(Was half expecting Elizabeth to be in there for one weird moment :shock:)


I know this is a delightfully enlightened headmaster but I think this might be a step too far, even for him! :shock:

Fingers crossed here too for Monty.....(don't keep us on tenterhooks too long please Eilidh - typing with crossed fingers is very tricky :? )
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Jan 11, 2011 7:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 11 Jan
She could have been given the fourth desk, but definitely not the fourth bed! :) :)
Author:  honey lamb [ Tue Jan 11, 2011 8:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 11 Jan
ChubbyMonkey wrote:
(Was half expecting Elizabeth to be in there for one weird moment :shock:)

Me too! :lol:
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Jan 11, 2011 9:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 11 Jan
I now realise that perhaps she was why Chas wasn't allowed his own room...? :lol: :shock:
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Jan 11, 2011 9:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 11 Jan
Hope that the 4th bed is for Monty - don't think the Head is so enlightened that he will allow Elizabeth there :lol:


Thanks Eilidh
Author:  Abi [ Tue Jan 11, 2011 9:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 11 Jan
Also hoping the fourth bed is for Monty... :D
Author:  Myth Tree [ Tue Jan 11, 2011 9:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 11 Jan
Please let the fourth bed be for Monty. Pretty please.
Author:  abbeybufo [ Tue Jan 11, 2011 10:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 11 Jan
Echoing all the above wishes for Monty to be in Bed #4

Thanks Eilidh - this goes from strength to strength :D
Author:  shesings [ Tue Jan 11, 2011 11:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 11 Jan
Looking forward to Charles the Head Boy!
Author:  chris84 [ Wed Jan 12, 2011 10:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 11 Jan
Another hoping the fourth bed is for Monty.... please? :D
Author:  Eilidh [ Wed Jan 12, 2011 12:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 11 Jan
Meanwhile, at the Quadrant, Rix Bettany emerged from the garage driving a battered old car which spluttered and complained as he coaxed it round to the front of the house where his cousins were waiting.

"I don't want to stop it in case it doesn't start again!" he shouted to his parents, who were waving from the door. "I'll be back later!"

"Doesn't sound very promising for getting us to school," Charles remarked as he got into the front seat.

"Ah, she's fine once she's going," Rix said cheerfully, patting the steering wheel affectionately. "The next time John is home I'll get him to help me have a look and see if we can fix her, assuming we can find what's wrong."

"You're a doctor and John's in the Navy," Mike said as he bundled the cases into the boot and got into the back seat with Felix. "What does either of you know about cars?"

"Oh, things. It can't be that hard. All in? OK back there, Felix? Lets go then." The car set off again with several clanks and a disturbing bang that made even Rix look slightly concerned.

"Does it normally do that?" Charles asked.

"No-o, not usually. Look back, Mike, would you? See if we've left any bits in the drive that look important." Mike twisted round in the back seat and peered out the window.

"Can't see anything," he said doubtfully.

"Jolly good! Full steam ahead, then!" Rix swung the car onto the main road and put his foot down. A few hours later, after a few stops to 'give the car a rest' as Rix put it, they pulled up outside the prep school and Felix scrambled out.

"Thanks Rix!" he yelled, before spotting his friend in the excited crowd milling around the door. "Davies! Davies!" he disappeared, and Rix turned the car and headed back out and up to the next gate, where he joined a queue of slowly moving cars which were making their way up and down the driveway. As they turned in the gate, Charles felt suddenly nervous and swallowed hard.

"You OK, Chas?" his cousin asked, looking at him with concern. "You look like you're going to be sick!"

"I'm fine." Charles lied. Rix looked at him doubtfully.

"Well, if you're sure. Here we are then, jump out. I won't stop."

"Thanks for the lift." Mike said, as they both got out the car.

"No problem!" Rix disappeared in the stream of cars, leaving the two Maynards standing at the bottom of the steps.

"Come on, Minor, move it!" a voice yelled from behind them. Charles shook his head slightly, then picked up his case and set off up the stairs, which were busy with boys of all ages greeting each other, waving goodbye to parents, and making as much noise as they possibly could.

"Minor, there you are! The Head wants to see you pronto, if not sooner." Miller materialised beside him, seemingly out of thin air, and nodded to Mike. "Good to see you back. We were running short of Maynards round here. Give me your case, Minor, and I'll dump it in our room while you go and see Hammer. Hurry up!"

"Our room?" Charles asked his retreating back. "What happened to my room? Miller!" His friend turned, waved a hand in a 'shoo' motion, and vanished through a door.

"Quicker we see the Head, the quicker you find out," Mike pointed out. Charles sighed.

"Lets go then."

***

After a brief meeting with the Head, both boys made their way to the boarding house. Charles left Mike on the first floor with the rest of the fifth form, and climbed the next two flights of stairs alone. He stopped outside the room that had belonged to Stephen the year before and tried the door, but it was locked.

"Hi Minor!" Lewis came round the corner just as Charles was contemplating the door, annoyed. "I don't think you're in there, I think you're down the other end next to me and Harry."

"I am?"

"Yes I think so. Did you have good hols?"

"Not bad. You?" They set off down the corridor together, until they reached the end and Lewis pointed to the door.

"There you go, that's yours I think. We're in here. See you later!" He disappeared, and Charles entered the room he had indicated, to be immediately siezed by Miller.

"What's this? Room plan? We'll do it, come on Jones! We'll be a while!" He dragged the confused and protesting Jones out the room, waving the sheet of paper he'd snatched from Charles in front of him like a sword. From her perch on the table, Elizabeth giggled.

"I think he thinks he's being tactful," she said, jumping down. "It's good to see you, I feel like today's gone on forever while I've been waiting on you." Charles hugged her, and for the first time since he'd got on the train at Basle suddenly felt like the year might not be so bad after all. "I missed you," Elizabeth said.

Shortly afterwards, Miller and Jones returned, deep in discussion.

"Every person who is supposed to be here is here," Miller told them, dropping the list on the table.

"Maybe it's a mistake?" Charles, who had had the mystery of the extra bed explained to him while the others were away, was inclined to dismiss it.

"Matron doesn't make mistakes," Miller insisted.

"Maybe it's someone new," Elizabeth suggested. "Put in with you three so you can welcome them and make them feel at home."

"We've never made anyone feel welcome in our lives, surely he doesn't intend us to start now?"

"It's true, you and Monty didn't even make me feel welcome when I came at first," Miller agreed with a nod.

"A new boy in with us? Not much chance of that, surely?" Jones asked. "We're supposed to get to choose in Upper VI, remember, and the Head never takes new pupils into the sixths." Elizabeth cleared her throat. "Well, except her," Jones clarified.

"Her?" Elizabeth demanded. "Her has a name, you know!"

"Exactly, Lizzie, you tell him!" a new voice said from the doorway. "Good afternoon kiddies, did you miss me? The Head says I should have a bed in here, apparently. Nice place we've got this year. Good hols, everyone?"
Author:  roversgirl [ Wed Jan 12, 2011 12:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 12 Jan
I am assuming that is Monty! Yay! Nice to see that Elizabeth has managed to calm Charles and I forgot Mike was going back too! Thanks :-)
Author:  chris84 [ Wed Jan 12, 2011 1:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 12 Jan
Yay, Montys back!!!!!!!! At least i think so........ :D
Author:  cestina [ Wed Jan 12, 2011 1:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 12 Jan
It has to be him! :D

Doesn't it? :shock:
Author:  abbeybufo [ Wed Jan 12, 2011 2:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 12 Jan
Hurrah!

...at least I hope so :hiding:
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Jan 12, 2011 4:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 12 Jan
I am hoping so as well.

Surely Charles is now Maynard and Mike become Minor? Or do they keep the names they started school with?

Thanks for the update.
Author:  cestina [ Wed Jan 12, 2011 5:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 12 Jan
PaulineS wrote:
I am hoping so as well.

Surely Charles is now Maynard and Mike become Minor? Or do they keep the names they started school with?

Thanks for the update.

If you've been calling someone "Minor" for umpteen years I would imagine it's very hard to change just like that.....to Miller and Co it's his name.
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Wed Jan 12, 2011 6:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 12 Jan
I, too, am hoping that the 'newcomer' is Monty.... Please???

Thanks for the update - I loved the picture of beginning of term chaos in the corridors, and Charles' surprise when he learned of the new room arrangements.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Jan 12, 2011 7:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 12 Jan
I want to see how Mike's settling in! That could be very interesting.

Thankyou :D
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Jan 12, 2011 7:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 12 Jan
It's got to be Monty!
Author:  Abi [ Wed Jan 12, 2011 9:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 12 Jan
It must be Monty!

*crosses fingers*
Author:  abbeybufo [ Wed Jan 12, 2011 10:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 12 Jan
Abi wrote:
It must be Monty!

*crosses fingers*


crosses everything :shock: :shock:
Author:  Miss Di [ Wed Jan 12, 2011 11:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 12 Jan
I've even plaited my hair to get that extra thing crossed!
Author:  Eilidh [ Thu Jan 13, 2011 1:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 12 Jan
Did anyone really think I'd get rid of Monty? Apart from anything else, none of you would ever have forgiven me! :lol:

"Exactly, Lizzie, you tell him!" a new voice said from the doorway. "Good afternoon kiddies, did you miss me? The Head says I should have a bed in here, apparently. Nice place we've got this year. Good hols, everyone?" He took in the four stupefied expressions in front of him. "Yes, you haven't changed over the summer. Lizzie, more lovely than ever! Minor, good to see you even if you are looking like a stranded codfish. How was France?" He hugged Elizabeth with one arm while thumping Charles on the shoulder with the other.

"Full of French people," Charles grinned, recovering from his shock.

"Isn't that always the way of it? Miller, you've not got any taller, have you? Almost a pygmy still. Jones, I see they've given you a piano in here, is there to be no peace for the rest of us?"

"Monty, why are you here?" Charles asked, over Miller's outraged speech on how he was only an inch shorter than Jones, and it wasn't his fault that both the other two were over 6 feet tall and Jones' equally impassioned argument that his piano playing could be in no way considered a disturbance to anyone.

"To cause mayhem?" Elizabeth suggested.

"No, that's just a side effect that happens when he shows up. I take it you weren't being serious when you wrote to tell us all you'd left then?"

"No I was," Monty said, dropping his case in the middle of the floor and finding himself a seat. "You don't really think I'd go to all the effort of writing three letters in the holidays for a bad joke like that, do you? I got a letter at the end of last term, telling me that I wouldn't be coming back. The Head got one too. Then half way through the holidays, while I was enjoying myself on Guernsay and trying not to think about getting a job, my father told me that I had a Fairy Godmother who was offering to pay a years school fees for me if I wanted to come back. So of course I took them up on the offer, knowing that you lot would never get through the year without me."

"A fairy godmother?"

"That's what he told me! He wouldn't tell me who it was, just that I was to come back and make the most of this year." There was a bang on the door.

"It's us." Lewis, with Harry just behind him, stuck his head around the door. "Wow, look at the study you lot have got! Monty, I thought I heard you - hadn't you'd left?"

"I had, I came back," Monty replied, with a glare at Harry, who gave him a look of loathing in return.

"Pity." The response was almost, but not quite, inaudible.

"The study is a perk of sharing with the Head Boy," Jones grinned, changing the subject. Charles bowed elaborately.

"I'm so glad I'm useful."

"Oh!" Monty suddenly sat up. "I forgot, I was supposed to get you two and Aitken along here because the Head was coming up."

"I'll go." Miller, who was closest to the door, vanished and returned a few minutes later with a confused Aitken.

"What are we here for?" he asked.

"No idea."

"Can't be prefects, there's too many of us. And Elizabeth's here." Harry had been counting heads.

"Better not be prefects," Monty muttered under his breath, still glaring at Harry. Charles shook his head at him.

"There's no reason I can't be a prefect!" Elizabeth exclaimed.

"Quite so." They all jumped up as the Head came in, accompanied by four nervous looking Lower VI formers. "Sit down, sit down!" Once they were all settled on something, he took the last remaining chair himself. "Well, as you may have guessed - except Harrington, who clearly hadn't - you are this years prefects."

"I'm a what?"

"A prefect, Harrington. You are familiar with the term?"

"But... surely not, Sir, really!"

"Even me, Sir?" Elizabeth asked.

"Even you, Miss Braithwaite. Enough! I am not in the habit of making mistakes. You are this years prefects, no ifs, no buts, and no excuses! There are twelve of you instead of the usual ten, because we have been asked to assign two prefects specifically to the prep school. You will all find that you spend more time over there, however, and you will have slightly less to do here to make up for that. Maynard is Head Boy this year, as I'm sure you all know. Miller is his deputy, and Jones is Games Captain. The rest of your duties you will settle at the first meeting, as usual." He glanced inquiringly at Charles.

"Tonight after Tea," Charles provided promptly.

"Start of term Assembly will be in an hour," the Head said, glancing at his watch. "I'll be giving out badges then, so get used to the idea quickly, all of you!" He left, followed shortly afterwards by the rest of the prefects, leaving only the four boys and Elizabeth. Monty scowled.

"Why did he have to include Harrington?" he demanded.

"Oh come on, Monty, he's better now. I know you didn't always get on, but he really is far better without Timmons and the others around."

"Leopards and spots," Monty snapped, ignoring Miller's argument. "I know you like him - though I have no idea why - but I don't."

"Monty, don't make this difficult," Charles said. "I need you all behind me, not fighting with the other prefects."

"I don't trust him."

"I'm not asking you to put your life in his hands, Monty, just give him a chance!" Monty looked mutinous and Charles' heart sank. "Anyway, we need to get down to the Hall and make sure it's set out properly. Anyone coming?"

"I can't, I have to go and put a school tie on," Elizabeth sighed. "I'll see you all over there." The four boys set out together, but Miller and Jones fell behind as they got outside. Charles and Monty strode on in a slightly uncomfortable silence until they were nearly at the school door.

"I say, Minor, you know I'm behind you, don't you? It's just him - after everything that went before and all the things that happened, I don't like him. I don't think he'll be behind you, and I wish the Head had chosen someone else."

"I didn't like him when he was a kid either," Charles said slowly, "But Miller knows him best and Miller says he's ok. We need to give him a chance. Anyway, he's not even sharing a room with that lot this year, he's in with Lewis. That says something, doesn't it?"

"It might, but if it does, it's not saying it to me." Monty said. "Other than maybe that we need to feel sorry for Lewis. Look at the state of this place! Come on, the Head will have a blue fit if we don't get it set up properly."

"What did you do in Guernsay, anyway?" Charles asked as the others arrived and they all started pushing chairs into place.

"Oh you know, this and that. Some walks, some picnics, met some people, swam, visited the other islands. Standard holiday stuff really."

"Just you and your sister?"

"Mmm. And a couple of other people we met. Nice girls."

"Nice girls?" Charles repeated. "Monty, what are you not telling us? Was there anything between you and these 'nice girls'?"

"There might have been - you know - she was nice, and I was on holiday. Nothing wrong with meeting new people, is there?"

"You know, I feel left out." Miller complained. "Jones has been going on about some girl at home since he got back, Minor has Elizabeth, and now Monty's gone and met someone on holiday!"

"And what about Verity?" Charles asked wickedly. Miller turned scarlet.

"How do you know anything about that?"

"I know lots of things," Charles said.

"I'm going to kill Elilzabeth," Miller muttered, banging the last of the chairs into place.

"That may be the case," put in Jones, who had been quiet up until now. "But I know what time it is and someone needs to go and ring the bell. Here starts your life as Head Boy, Minor!"
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Jan 13, 2011 2:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 13 Jan
THANK YOU. It will be good to see them in charge. Like the idea of a big study, so they can work together. They could send Harry to the prep dept. Are the 2K's still there or have they moved into the next section?
Author:  AnneM [ Thu Jan 13, 2011 2:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 13 Jan
So pleased to see Monty back (I didn't really think you'd get rid of him!), but a bit concerned by his attitude towards Harrington. Still, I suppose Chas has got to have some problems to overcome :wink:
Author:  Minim [ Thu Jan 13, 2011 4:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 13 Jan
*shrieking loudly* Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Jan 13, 2011 4:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 13 Jan
I wonder if Joey might not have had a hand in Fairy Godmother ruse? Or am I being too nice to her for this drabble? :lol:

Thankyou for bringing him back! And excuse me if I'm being dim, but do we know the cause of all the tension? (You may have mentioned it before, in which case I apologise; I forget things too easily!)

Thankyou!
Author:  ivohenry [ Thu Jan 13, 2011 6:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 13 Jan
Thanks for bringing Monty back!!!

So which "nice girls" did he meet on Guernsey? Only one I can think of around the right age is Kitten Lucy, not sure how old she is, Next one up is Barney who's a few months older than the triplets, so about 5 years older than Chas - but I think there may be quite a gap between Barney and Kitten.
Author:  roversgirl [ Thu Jan 13, 2011 6:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 13 Jan
Thank you for bringing him back! It wouldn't have worked otherwise. I think Cahrles is being responsible about Harrington. Thanks :-)
Author:  cestina [ Thu Jan 13, 2011 6:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 13 Jan
Wonderful stuff Eilidh, thank you so much for keeping Monty at school :D
Author:  shesings [ Thu Jan 13, 2011 7:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 13 Jan
Great post, interesting year ahead!
Author:  Abi [ Thu Jan 13, 2011 9:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 13 Jan
Oh, yay for Monty! This looks like being an interesting term... :D
Author:  Miss Di [ Thu Jan 13, 2011 11:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 13 Jan
Doing a little happy dance (don't look anyone).

You know I try, I really try to think of constructive criticism for you Eilidh but I just enjoy this too much to find anything wrong with it!
Author:  JS [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 9:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 13 Jan
Quote:
I wonder if Joey might not have had a hand in Fairy Godmother ruse? Or am I being too nice to her for this drabble?


I suspect more of a Fairy Grandmother?
Wonderful, Eilidh, as ever.
Author:  Eilidh [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 12:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 13 Jan
Thank you for the comments! All will be revealed in due course... This is a bit of a filler, so no excitements today.

Elizabeth, tearing down the stairs at a very undignified speed, skidded to a halt as she almost ran into the back of a group of boys and suddenly remembered that she was about to become a prefect. Hastily, she pulled her skirt and blazer straight and smoothed her hair down.

"You look fine," Aitken said, falling in beside her. "Well, better than fine, without in any way meaning anything bad by that that might get me into trouble, if you know what I mean."

"I know." Elizabeth glanced at him curiously out the corner of her eye. She'd had very little to do with him the year before, and compared to most of the other boys felt she didn't know him well at all. Aitken, in turn, was glaring at the group ahead of them.

"I can't stand them," he confided suddenly. "Timmons and Cook who think they're better than everyone else and the other three who just get led by the nose." Surprised by the sudden outburst, Elizabeth made a non-commital noise and they continued in silence, allowing the conversation of the group in front to travel back to them.

"Hard lines on you being stuck with that wet little kid, Harry. It's a pity we couldn't get a room for three and one of the two's, really."

"It's not so bad."

"Good of you to be so decent about it though, especially after you got landed with him so much last year. If you want, one of us can see about swapping with you next term."

"Matron won't let you. I'll be fine, anyway, it's not like I have to spend all my time in my room."

"That's true. There's the bell." They quickened their steps and Elizabeth, feeling rather shocked, glanced at her companion. His face was expressionless, and they continued to the Hall in silence, taking their seats with the Upper VI form for the first and only time.

The Head was merciful and spared them a long speech. After welcoming them back and welcoming the new boys to the school, he began to announce the prefects. As was usual on these occasions, the Lower VI boys were cheered enthusiastically by their own form, and by pockets of the lower school where they had younger brothers. Once all four had received their badges and been dispatched to the side of the stage, the Head picked up the next set of badges.

"We will have extra prefects this year - and you people in the Prep School will see a lot more of them," he added, smiling at the youngest boys at the front of the Hall. Sitting on the end of the back row, Charles noticed Timmons lean forward slightly, listening eagerly. He was surprised that Harrington hadn't told his friends that the prefects already knew who they were. The Head cleared his throat. "The people with the - possibly dubious - honour of keeping you all in line this year are: Aitken, Miss Braithwaite, Harrington, Lewis, and Montgomery. Games Prefect is Jones, Deputy Head Boy is Miller, and this year's Head Boy is Maynard." As their names were called, they filed up onto the stage to collect their badges and take their seats at one side. Charles was last, and glanced out at the sea of boys as the Head pinned the small badge to his blazer. In the back row, most of the Upper VI Form looked resigned, and a few looked relieved. Timmons looked mutinous, and the rest of his group were staring at Harry in amazement. Charles shook hands with the Head automatically and went to sit down. This looked like being an interesting term.

Later that evening, Charles felt a sudden wave of nerves as the rest of the prefects, looking slightly self-conscious with their new badges pinned to their blazers, filed into the prefects room. Those who hadn't been there before - or who had been preoccupied by the row they were in at the time - looked around curiously. He caught Monty's eye, and Monty smiled cheerfully at him. Charles took a deep breath and pulled himself together.

"My way, not Steve's." he muttered under his breath, before saying "Don't bother with the table, push it against the wall. Pull the comfortable chairs round, we might as well make ourselves at home." The prefects room was home to a variety of armchairs as well a a large sofa, all of which had been abandoned from other parts of the school. After a few minutes work, they managed to get them into a rough half circle around the fireplace. Charles produced a box of biscuits from the cupboard beside him and handed them round, noticing as he did so that Monty was sitting as far from Harrington as possible, and that both Elizabeth and Aitken were regarding him with strange expressions on their faces - almost disgust, Charles decided. Harry himself, chatting animatedly to Lewis, seemed to be unaware of this.

"Minor! Lemon biscuits and it's not a birthday!" Monty exclaimed, helping himself to two. Charles decided to leave all the problems with Harry to be dealt with later, and came back to the meeting.

"I stole them from the kitchen before I left," he explained. "I'll expect an irate letter from Anna when whatever she made them for comes around and they're not there. Everyone got one? Right, lets get on with this then. Duties first. I'm out, and so are Miller and Jones. What about the rest of you?" There was no response. "Lets not take hours over this, I'm sure we've all got better things to do. Monty, do you want to keep the Fourths?"

"I can do. At least they're not boring, like the library or something."

"The Head's asked that you work with whoever gets the prep school to spend some time with the Lower Fourth as well."

"What form is your kid brother in this year?"

"Upper Third."

"I can cope with that then, yes. Who's taking on the prep?"

"Me, please," Elizabeth said, from where she was curled up in an armchair. "They're less likely to ignore me than the older boys are." Charles nodded to her.

"Someone to work with Miss Braithwaite?"

"Elizabeth," that young lady corrected firmly. "I don't care what the Head says, I'm not going to have you all call me that all the way through every prefect meeting this year."

"Hear, hear," Monty agreed. Charles shrugged.

"Whatever you want. Anyway, lets get on, can we? I need someone for the library - two someones, in fact - and someone for music, and someone to help deal with the post. Jones, have you got a deputy yet?"

"Calm yourself Minor," his friend grinned, and surveyed the junior prefects thoughtfully. "Lets see - Mitch, d'you fancy the job?" Slowly, and with much discussion, the rest of the positions were sorted out and Charles sat back.

"Miller gets the delightful job of sorting out the duty roster. If anyone has a day or time they can't do, tell him as soon as you can. You'll all get two days of prep duty each week - one week here and one week at the prep. Here, you'll have either the Upper Fourth or the Lower Fifth. At the prep they use the big classrooms for prep, and you'll have either the Second and Lower Third or the Upper Third and Lower Fourth. It'll all be on the rota, which will be on the back of the door in here as soon as Miller's finished it. And I think that's it."

"Well if that's it then I'll go. I've still got my unpacking to do, thanks to arriving late." Monty escaped from the meeting by scambling over the back of his chair in a most un-prefectlike fashion, and Charles followed him out.

"What happened to trying to be civil?" he demanded when the door was safely closed.

"I was civil. I didn't even say anything to him."

"He was the only person you didn't say anything to! Can't you make an effort, Monty?"

"I am making an effort! Believe me, if I wasn't you'd know about it! Now, I'm going to unpack, and you should think about the fact that it wasn't just me who didn't look happy with Harry. In fact, I'm probably the least of your problems because believe it or not, I really don't want to make your life any harder." He disappeared down the corridor, leaving Charles standing alone. After a few seconds, he decided against going back into the prefects room, where they'd only be sorting out the duty rota anyway, and wandered in the opposite direction from Monty, heading towards the back stairs.
Author:  marni [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 1:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Jan
Thank you for bringing back Monty. Sounds as though Charles is going to have an interesting year with the new prefects. I suspect that the Head knows that he is up to it. Really enjoying this as always
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 1:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Jan
It doesn't look like just the prefects who'll be causing all sorts of problems!

Thankyou!
Author:  Rafaella [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 1:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Jan
I think Harry prefers sharing with Lewis but didn't want to admit it.
Author:  c8bt [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 2:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Jan
Rafaella wrote:
I think Harry prefers sharing with Lewis but didn't want to admit it.


I must admit I wondered if we were seeing Harry 'grow beyond' Timmons et al. but still not be confident enough to be able not to appear to agree with them when they commiserated on him not sharing with them. I do wonder quite why Monty is so down on him though, as that looks like more than just normal irritance.


On a slightly lighter note, who else thinks that Anna carefully left those biscuits where they could be appropriated by Charles? After all, she must know by now that if they're left where people will see them they won't last long!


Eilidh> this whole drabble series has been wonderful to read, and I'm really enjoying it.
Author:  Sarah J [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 2:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Jan
I have found it difficult to be able to access the Board over the last 18 months (problem being with me rather than the Board) so have only caught up with this wonderful, wonderful series just now. Elidh I have no words to tell you how much I am enjoying this.
Author:  chris84 [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 2:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Jan
I'm another that thinks Harry prefers sharing with Lewis but isn't ready to stand up to Timmins. Thank you :).
Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 3:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Jan
Why do I suspect that when Harry stands up to Timmins will Monty support him? Good job Elizabeth and Atkins have spotted the tension there,

Thanks for the update.
Author:  2nd Gen Fan [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 5:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Jan
Lovely that Elizabeth is so integrated with the entire form now.
Author:  roversgirl [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 6:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Jan
This looks like being an interesting term... I like how Charles did things his own way and Elizabeth's holding firm about her name! Hopefully Harrington finds the courage to stand up to his friends and Monty realises that Chas needs his support. I can't find any constructive criticism either! Realised my reading error afterwards! sorry!
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 7:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Jan
Miller is announced as Deputy Head Boy isn't he?

Like that Eilidh - and hope that Harry and Monty can sort out their problems
Author:  Abi [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 11:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Jan
Well, there look like being plenty of interesting things going on this term!
Author:  jmc [ Sat Jan 15, 2011 7:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Jan
Really glad that Monty is back and looking forward to seeing the four of them rule the school together with Elizabeth to help. Got a feeling though that it is not going to be smooth sailing. Thanks Eilidh.
Author:  Eilidh [ Mon Jan 17, 2011 1:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Jan
Charles' wandering had taken him to just outside the library when he heard quick footsteps coming along the corridor. Not wanting to have to talk to anyone, he opened the door and slipped inside. No one had been in to turn the lights on, and the room was dark. With a sigh, he wandered over to the window.

"Penny for 'em, Chas." Charles jumped violently.

"Mike! Don't sneak up on me like that! What are you doing in here anyway?"

"Oh come on Chas, don't go all prefecty on the first night. Besides, if anything, you were the one sneaking up on me!"

"I only meant why weren't you catching up with your friends? Where's Helston?" Mike shrugged.

"He went off somewhere with King and Browning. They didn't say where."

"Why didn't you go with them?"

"They didn't ask me."

"They shouldn't have to. They're your friends." Charles sounded puzzled.

"They were. Then I went away for a year, didn't I? And they didn't, and now they're all... well, they don't need me." Charles shook his head.

"That's not how it works, Mike."

"How would you know?" Charles sat down opposite him.

"Because for most of today, I was completely miserable – because despite having two – no, three – of my best friends here, Monty wasn't, and we're a team Mike. Same as you and Helston. I bet he missed you last year."

"Funny way of showing it."

"Well, you've got a funny way of showing that you're pleased to be back, sulking in the library in the dark on your own. They probably think you'd rather still be at Dartmouth."

"Don't be stupid."

"I'm not being stupid. What would you think if Helston had gone away for a year and then came back and didn't want anything to do with you? Go and find him and stop moping in the dark."

"And what about you?"

"What about me?"

"Are you going to stay here moping in the dark?"

"Yes."

"Can I do anything?"

"Not unless you can find a way to make two people who have hated each other from the day they first laid eyes on each other work nicely together for the next year." Mike shook his head.

"That one's beyond me."

"And me, I suspect. Go one, have fun tonight before all the rules come into force tomorrow and I have to shout at you." Mike grinned.

"G'night Chas."

"Good night."

After Mike had gone, Charles sat for some time and then, realising how late it was getting, made his way back to the boarding house and up to his room. There was no sign of Jones, and as he came in to the study the bedroom door was closed from the inside. Miller looked up from arranging some books on his desk.

"I wondered where you'd got to."

"I was with my brother," Charles replied.

"Monty told us what happened. It's not his fault. No matter how much I defend Harry now, I'll never deny that he was an obnoxious little brat, a bully and a whole load of other words that Gran would smack me on the ear for using." Despite himself, Charles smiled, having witnessed Gran doing just that. "You know Monty always got on his bad side. They're not likely to be friends, Minor, no matter what you say. If I was you, I'd concentrate more on why Elizabeth and Aitken were looking at him with laothing as well. Elizabeth wasn't here when things were bad, and Aitken never really seemed to get involved with any form things. He was the surprise prefect for me, to be honest. I'd never have had him down as one." Charles listened to this in silence.

"I can't have them glaring at each other all year."

"You can't make them stop it either. They're not going to start liking each other because you tell them to. It doesn't work like that."

"You sound like Steve."

"Well, he talked a lot for sense for someone that Monty thought was wetter than the average duck pond."

"We thought that about you once, too."

"I know. Now, go in there and make things up with Monty. I'm going for a shower." He left, and Charles tentatively pushed open the bedroom door. Monty was sitting on his bed, unpacking his things into a drawer. He didn't look up when Charles came in.

"Miller's just been reading me the riot act," Charles began. There was no response. "He said I'd got it all wrong. Said you weren't going to be the problem."

"I told you that too."

"I know you did. I'm sorry." Monty nodded briefly. "I'll leave it, I promise."

"No, you won't," he dumped the last of his belongings in the drawer and pushed his case under the bed. "But you'll try to, and that will do. I'll just try and ignore you."

"Deal," Charles grinned. "Now, lets go and put the kettle on and wait for the other two to get back. I still want to hear what happened on Guernsay!"
Author:  ivohenry [ Mon Jan 17, 2011 1:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Jan
"I still want to hear what happened on Guernsay!"

So do we! Great start to the new term, Nice to see Chas and Mike together, and hope Mike settles back OK.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Jan 17, 2011 2:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Jan
Me too - they've got to've met someone we know on Guernsey, surely :wink: .
Author:  2nd Gen Fan [ Mon Jan 17, 2011 2:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Jan
Another one wanting to know all about Guernsey!
Author:  chris84 [ Mon Jan 17, 2011 3:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Jan
I also want to know about Guernsey! Hope Mike is able to settle back in ok. Thank you for the update. :)
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Jan 17, 2011 4:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Jan
Pleased Charles and Mike met, hope they helped each other. Thanks for the update.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Jan 17, 2011 6:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Jan
Yes, please do tell us what happened on Guernsey!

Thankyou for the update. I do hope that Mike can settle back in awright.
Author:  Abi [ Mon Jan 17, 2011 9:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Jan
Echoing pleas to know what happened on Guernsey. :D
Author:  roversgirl [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 4:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Jan
Glad Miller could make Chas see that the problem is Harrington and not really Monty. Thanks! :-)
Author:  Eilidh [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 12:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Jan
Thanks for all the comments. I do hope this works.

"Well, there we were on the boat - getting our usual round of stares, of course. I think half the boat must have commented that it was unusual to see a brother and sister so unalike. There I was, of course - you know what I look like. Izzy is small, dark and neat, and we look rather odd when we're together. We'd spent most of the journey looking for ways to escape and not succeeding, so we were both a bit down by the time we could see St Peterport. We were leaning on the railing, and anyone close enough to hear our conversation would have been forgiven for thinking that we were not looking forward to our holiday in the slightest. They'd have been right, too.

"It's worse for me. Great-Aunt Marie will insist on calling me 'Eee-sobelle' and making me wear a dress for dinner and spend my afternoons at boring tea parties with her boring friends. And Great-Aunt Margaret will insist on clean nails and hands and faces and clothes and how a lady should behave because 'you are a lady now Eee-sobelle, not a little girl. You must learn to behave properly.' And then they'll say that they can't think what Mum has been teaching me and I'll get angry and say things and it's all going to be a disaster," Izzy said miserably.

"Well, how much fun do you think I'll have while you're at your never-ending tea parties, stuck on an island with the choices of keeping Great-Aunt Margaret company or going out to wander around by myself. Not to speak of the fact that they will insist on calling me by my name."

"Well it is your name. It's what it's for, after all. You can't expect the entire world to call you Monty, especially Great-Aunts. And it's better than Eee-sobelle."

"Your imitations are awful."

"How long until we get there?" Isobel asked, not noticably bothered by this criticism.

"About twenty minutes or so I guess. Twenty minutes of decent holiday left, and then six weeks of hell."

"We could just not get off the ferry," Isobel suggested hopefully. "Go back over and run away and spend our holidays living in a cave and eating wild strawberries." I gave her one of the looks that you reserve especially for little sisters who make stupid remarks. You know the ones, Minor, right?

"What do you think this is, Enid bloomin' Blyton? No, it's six weeks with the Great-Aunts for us, Izzy, whether we like it or not. Don't know why we couldn't just have stayed at home, we can pack things into boxes just as well as anyone else can."

A while later, we both climbed out of the car that had collected us at the dock place, and headed towards the house. Isobel rang the bell, and if I looked as miserable as she did then that would explain why the Aunts looked so surprised when they answered the door.

"You are just in time for dinner," Great-Aunt Marie said. "Your rooms are at the top of the stairs, so you can smarten yourselves up before we eat. The gong will go in half an hour. Isobel, yours is the door on the right." We climbed the stairs, which were dark and horrible, and found the rooms easily - two long, thin ones with a door ajoining them. Isobel opened this at once.

"We might as well be able to talk to each other," she said, unplaiting her dark hair and attacking it with her hairbrush. "Aren't these rooms awful?" Like the rest of the upper floors, the walls were thick and the windows were small, leaving the rooms dark. They were scrupulously clean, but save for embroidered covers on the chests of drawers and a small vase of flowers on Isobel's windowsill, they were very plain.

"It's only six weeks," I said, washing my hands and face. "Do you think I need to put a tie on for dinner?"

"I think Great-Aunt Marie would expect it. I'm putting my new dress on. Put your jumper on as well and that'll save a clean shirt. You can't go down with that mark showing where the tomato exploded at lunchtime." You know how they do sometimes, when you bite into them. "Have you combed your hair?" Isobel called through.

"Of course. Don't fuss, anyone would think I was the kid here!" Well, I hadn't, but I wasn't telling her that. I grabbed a comb and managed to get it tidy, before Izzy turned up to get me to button the back of her dress. Stupid designs, girl's dresses. Why have clothes that you can't put on yourself? All in all, we were looking much more respectable by the time we went back down the stairs to the dinnertable. Great-Aunt Marie monopolised the conversation for the first while, and I didn't listen until near the end.

"We have arranged for you to go to lunch tomorrow, Isobel, with some people along the coast who have a young daughter your age. Hopefully she will be a companion for you while you are here." The she looked at me. "Perhaps you would like to see the town tomorrow? I will need to run some errands, so while Isobel is visiting you could accompany me. We hope most day to be able to give you time to explore the island by yourselves, as your mother asked in her letter. The weather should remain fine, and perhaps while we are in St. Peterport tomorrow we will be able to hire some bicycles. That will give you some more freedom."

We were surprised. It wasn't like them to consider what we wanted, but we weren't going to argue.

The following afternoon, when Isobel had been dispatched clean, tidy and looking thoroughly miserable to Les Abres to meet her new friend, Great-Aunt Marie collected her gloves, basket, umbrella and great-nephew and set out towards the town. After we'd been in almost every shop in the place, and talked to almost everyone we walked past, I was really beginning to wish I'd found a reason to stay at home. Until, that is, I was standing patiently behind my Aunt, holding the shopping basket and wishing I was somewhere else, when a young woman stopped beside her.

"Good afternoon, Miss Le Pelley," she said politely. Great-Aunt Marie looked at her sharply.

"Good afternoon, Miss Chester! So you're home again?" Really, I thought it was fairly obvious she was home again. She was standing there, wasn't she? But on my Aunt went, again. "And how are your sister and the baby?"

"Beth's very well, and the baby is lovely. Babs has stayed on for another while, but Mum and I came back yesterday."

"I see. This is my great-nephew. He and his sister are staying with my sister and I for a few weeks. Alexander, this is Miss Chester, the youngest daughter of the local doctor."
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 1:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Jan
Thanks is Miss Chester Kitten? I think she will be about the right age. Wondering who is at Les Abres which I think is the Lucy's home. Pleased Monty and his sister are is going to have friends who we know. Wondering if it his aunts who are paying for his final year.
Author:  abbeybufo [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 2:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Jan
Kitten is a Lucy, surely ... think Janice Chester was younger than Barbara, just went to CS sooner because of Babs' health...

This is great ... so are we any nearer knowing who the fairy godmother is?? [not yet, I think...]

Thanks Eilidh :D
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 2:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Jan
I'm thinking Janice: she was around the same age as Ailie so would be a bit younger than Stephen and a bit older than Charles.
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 3:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Jan
I knew I should have checked before I posted!
Author:  ivohenry [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 3:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Jan
Janice Chester is initially about six months younger than the triplets, but at some point she loses three years to make her same age as Ailie, who is about 9 months older than Chas, so using latter age she fits nicely (Judy Willoughby, the third of that little group loses about 4 years, she's born a couple of months before the triplets - EBD is very EBD-ish about ages here!!) Gives plenty of licence age-wise for drabblers.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 4:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Jan
Well, I don't really know the clan that well - so I shall just sit back and await with interest!

Thankyou for the update :D
Author:  Elbee [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 4:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Jan
I was hoping we would already know the new friends on Guernsey!

Thanks, Eilidh.
Author:  ivohenry [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 5:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Jan
Wonder if Chas will recognise the names? Don't suppose he knows any of them well, no boys his age, but Beth Chester was Joey's "mother's help" for a short while when they first went to Switzerland. He'd have been at school in England, but she was probably there in the holidays too, so he might remember.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 7:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Jan
ivohenry wrote:
Wonder if Chas will recognise the names? Don't suppose he knows any of them well, no boys his age, but Beth Chester was Joey's "mother's help" for a short while when they first went to Switzerland. He'd have been at school in England, but she was probably there in the holidays too, so he might remember.


Chas should remember Beth because he didn't go off to school that first year. He wasn't old enough. Thanks I couldn't remember if Les Arbres was the Ozannes, Lucy's or Chesters. I'm now thinking Lucy's
Author:  keren [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 7:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Jan
And Miss Le Pelly I read in one of the La Rochelle books. I think she had a good heart underneath
Author:  Elle [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 8:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Jan
Please keep the updates coming! They are taking my mind of Ofsted :twisted:
Author:  Abi [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 8:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Jan
Yay! People we know! I hope that the somewhat gloomy prospects of the holiday were lightened. :lol:
Author:  marni [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 8:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Jan
Wasn't there a 'Jack' Le Pelley somewhere in the books - Maybe in the Guernsey and Armshire books? Enjoying the daily updates.
Thanks Eilidh
Author:  roversgirl [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 9:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Jan
That worked really well Eilidh! Do I spy love on the horizon for Monty? Thanks :-)
Author:  chris84 [ Wed Jan 19, 2011 3:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Jan
I'm also thinking its Janice Chester. :)
Author:  ivohenry [ Wed Jan 19, 2011 5:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Jan
Jack Le Pelley comes from Guernsey - she's described as "saintly-looking" I think, but character contrast to looks. I think she's already at the CS before the School goes there. Don't think we are ever told any connection between her and Miss Le Pelley in the La Rochelle books - think it's one of the names EBD says is very common on Guernsey..
Author:  RuthFL [ Sun Jan 23, 2011 11:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Jan
I didn't realise we had a new story, let me play catch up? :o
Author:  Miss Di [ Sun Jan 23, 2011 10:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Jan
Well at least it's not actually a long lost relative he met! Although the Chesters are almost MBR clan!
Author:  Eilidh [ Mon Jan 24, 2011 2:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Jan
Sorry for the delay. Short update today, as I'd got a bit stuck.

Charles sat bolt upright.

"Jan Chester? Oh Monty, surely not! She's a nightmare!"

"You know her?"

"I've known her most of my life, her people are friends with my parents. I cannot stand the girl. I'd rather be stuck in a small box with Timmons than Janice Chester. If she's not getting to know the inside and out of everything, she's getting you tangled up in one of her ridiculous plans that mean you end up standing in front of someone who is looking at you like you're a worm, explaining why it seemed such a jolly good idea at the time to help yourself to a box of bandages from the local hospital and scare your kid sister and her friend by dressing up as an Egyptian mummy, or dump your brother's pet goldfish into the water jug on the dinner table."

"Well we don't know her, so shut up and let him get on with the story," Miller said, seeing that Monty was looking slightly annoyed at this criticism, and deciding that another argument was best avoided. Charles subsided, and Monty picked up the story again.

"So yes, Miss Chester. She looked at me like I'd just crawled out from under a rock, so I just nodded my head, and said I was pleased to meet her, and then we moved on.

For the next week or so, Izzy and I more or less ran wild. We rarely saw anyone our own age, but we were quite happy. The Great-Aunts didn't want too much of our time, either. Half way through the second week, we left early - after breakfast - and took the bus out to Rocquaine Bay. We'd taken our lunch we were messing around on the beach - we built a castle and paddled in the sea and so on. It was after we'd eaten that a tennis ball came flying along the beach and landed on me. Izzy was reading, and I'd fallen asleep, so I got a shock, I'll tell you! Anyway, some girl came flying after it, and she turned out to be Kit Lucy, who Izzy had been to tea with the week before. They got on fairly well, and we wandered along to join her and her cousin who, as Minor already knows, is Miss Chester.

Well, she wasn't much more enamoured with me at Rocquaine than she was in St Peterport, to be honest. She gave me a look, then handed her racket to Izzy and picked up a book. She read, and I watched the kids playing tennis, and it was all most civilized and polite."

"Doesn't sound like either of you," Charles muttered. Miller pulled a cushion from behind Jones and threw it at him.

"Will you pipe down?"

"Anyway, things continued like this for most of the next week or so. Izzy and Kit did whatever they were doing, and Janice and I ignored each other. It was almost the following weekend when Izzy turned up in my room before breakfast.

"There's a dance in the Town Hall tomorrow night. I asked Great-Aunt Marie and she said I can go with Kitten and her friends. There'll be loads of people there. I was half way through shaving at the time, so I mumbled something. "You should ask Janice to go with you." Well, that got my attention!

"Don't be so ridiculous. She can't stand me, let alone go out in public with me."

"Well, she certainly won't if you look such a scarecrow as you do now. Kitten says that 'the young man staying with the Misses Le Pelley' is the talk of the town. I suppose they don't often get eligible bachelors coming to visit."

"Behave yourself, you sound like something out of one of Great-Aunt Margaret's soppy books."

"Well you are. You've left school, you're from a good family, mum grew up here so you've got a connection with the island to start with - I bet every young woman in the place is watching you. And Janice doesn't hate you. If she did, she wouldn't keep spending time with us. Really, tidy yourself up, put a clean shirt on, don't wear that jumper, it clashes with your hair, comb your hair, try and look respectable and I bet she says yes."

"You're assuming I even want to ask her."

"Well of course you do. You can't keep your eyes off her." And that's when I threw her out my room. I did get tidied up though, and put on a different jumper before we went out. And I did ask her." He was interrupted by the bell, and Charles got to his feet with a sigh.

"Come on, Miller, we're on duty tonight, as per. Fourths or Fifths?"

"Fourths."

"Righto." Charles turned into the Lower Fifth corridor and made his way to the far end. He pushed the window open slightly further, turned the lights out, and then set out along the corridor. He pushed each door open in turn, glanced into the room, ensuring it had the right number of boys and that they were all in bed, wished them goodnight and turned out the light. He met Miller again when he reached the stairs. "Any problems?" he asked quietly.

"Nothing. All in bed."

"Good." Charles crossed the landing and leant into the Upper Fifth corridor.

"Lights, you lot!" he called. The Upper Fifth were trusted to be in bed and turn out their lights without being checked - something both Charles and Miller knew from experience didn't always happen. Tonight, however, the lights showing under each door vanished quickly and the two prefects climbed back up the stairs to their own room, revelling in the unaccustomed quiet.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Jan 24, 2011 3:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Jan
Charles actually makes Janice sound like a lot of fun :lol: .
Author:  chris84 [ Mon Jan 24, 2011 4:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Jan
Thank you that was lovely, can't wait for more of Janice and Monty. :D
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Jan 24, 2011 5:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Jan
I absolutely love the teenage boyishness of

Eilidh wrote:
And that's when I threw her out my room. I did get tidied up though, and put on a different jumper before we went out.


Thankyou! :lol:
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Jan 24, 2011 5:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Jan
thank you, hope the being stuck was temporary. What do your plot bunnies like to eat so we can send them some brain food?
Author:  jayj [ Mon Jan 24, 2011 7:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Jan
Bless! Looking forward to more of Monty's story.
Author:  roversgirl [ Mon Jan 24, 2011 8:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Jan
Glad to see this back! :-)
Quote:
scare your kid sister and her friend by dressing up as an Egyptian mummy, or dump your brother's pet goldfish into the water jug on the dinner table."
She sounds rather fun... :-)
Author:  Abi [ Mon Jan 24, 2011 9:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Jan
Loved Charles' horror at the mere thought of Janice Chester. :lol:
Author:  JS [ Tue Jan 25, 2011 9:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Jan
Quote:
she's getting you tangled up in one of her ridiculous plans that mean you end up standing in front of someone who is looking at you like you're a worm, explaining why it seemed such a jolly good idea at the time to help yourself to a box of bandages from the local hospital and scare your kid sister and her friend by dressing up as an Egyptian mummy, or dump your brother's pet goldfish into the water jug on the dinner table."


But what's not to like??
Thanks Eilidh :)
Author:  Sarah J [ Tue Jan 25, 2011 12:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Jan
Loved the different versions of Janice that each see. Charles who know her as a 'little girl' with a completely different view to Monty who has now met her as a young woman.

As always looking forward to more.
Author:  Eilidh [ Wed Jan 26, 2011 4:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Jan
A very short bit to finish off Monty's story, and then we can get on with the rest of the year!

Elizabeth opened her bedroom window wide once she'd turned out the lights, and then froze as a voice floated up from below. One she'd recognised it, though, she smiled and enjoyed the story as much as anyone.

"Come on then, tell us the rest. Montyfied romance is so amusing that we just have to hear the end."

"I'm not telling you if you only want to laugh at me."

"Oh come on, Monty!"

"Fine, but no laughing. We met the girls - we were spending the day at the seaside again, so Izzy and I cycled out to La Rochelle - that's where they were staying for a week or so. It seemed strange to me to have two houses on one fairly small island, but apparently Kit's family almost always have had. The girls were playing in the water before lunch, soaking each other, and Janice was ignoring me, like usual.

Well, I thought over what Izzy had said, and I decided that as I am a mere man and she obviously has far more idea of how girls minds work than I could ever hope to have, that I might as well have a shot. I thought I'd start small - after all, there was no point in asking the girl to spend a whole night with me if I couldn't get her to come for a ten minute walk!

"I'm stiff with sitting here - shall we walk along the cliffs? Those two will never notice we're gone." She gave me that look again - that 'why would I want to go anywhere with you?' look - but she shrugged and nodded, so off we went. We walked right along to the end of the clilffs, while I tried to think about the best way to ask. It's not like me to be stuck for words, you know.

"I say, Miss Chester, Izzy was telling me that she's going to a dance with Kitten tomorrow night. Are you going?"

"I wasn't going to."

"Why don't you come with me?"

"Do you want me to? Or are you just asking me because you think you should?"

"Well, I won't lie, it was Izzy's suggestion. But I do want to. I don't just do things because she tells me to, you know!" She laughed at that.

"Looks to me like you do. I bet she told you to tidy yourself up as well." Well, I couldn't argue with that. "Anyway, Mr Montgomery, I accept - I'd love to go. And I'm not Miss Chester, I'm Janice. Or Jan, if you prefer. Miss Chester is my older sister."

"And my friends call me Monty."

"Yes, I imagine they do. What did your aunt introduce you as? Alexander?"

"I loathe Alexander. It's a terrible name."

"Let's make it Alex then?"

"Yes, I can probably cope with that. I'd still rather be Monty." There was a pause. "And that, kiddies, is the end of your bedtime story."

"From which," Charles said, sounding triumphant, "After ten years, we've finally got your first name."

"Yes, I know. Alexander Edward Montgomery, at your service. Only not just now, because I'm going to sleep. Good night!"

"Are you going to write to her?" Charles asked.

"Can't. Apparently she goes to some ghastly strict place where letters from un-related young men are frowned upon."

"There are ways round everything, Monty, you should know that by now. Give your letter to me, I'll magic it to her. And I have a way to get the reply magicked back"

"You can explain that to me when I'm not half asleep, Minor. Good night all of you." Elizabeth heard the rest reply, and turned away from the window to climb into her own bed. She really would have to remember to warn them that she was directly above them - unless, she thought with a grin, it was more fun to just surprise them by knowing things and see how long it took them to figure it out.
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Jan 26, 2011 4:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 26 Jan
Oh good, I'm sure Charles can address the envelopes to Ailie :wink: .
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Jan 26, 2011 5:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 26 Jan
Love that Charles offers to get the letters to Jan, without telling him he knows the school she goes to as his sisters go there.

Thanks for the update.
Author:  chris84 [ Wed Jan 26, 2011 6:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 26 Jan
Glad Charles is willing to help Monty get his letters to Janice. Thank you :).
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Jan 26, 2011 7:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 26 Jan
Uh-oh! Don't eavesdrop, Elizabeth, you won't like what you hear!

Thankyou!
Author:  roversgirl [ Wed Jan 26, 2011 7:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 26 Jan
Glad Chas has a solution for Monty and enjoyed that bit. Thanks :-)
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Jan 26, 2011 7:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 26 Jan
Love the description of the Chalet School from Monty! :lol:



Thanks Eilidh
Author:  Abi [ Wed Jan 26, 2011 9:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 26 Jan
Lesley wrote:
Love the description of the Chalet School from Monty! :lol:


Yes, it does give rather a different perspective! How fortunate that Chas can find a way round the system. :lol:
Author:  jmc [ Thu Jan 27, 2011 9:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 26 Jan
Monty and Janice could be a good match. Love the description of the CS. Thanks.
Author:  Eilidh [ Thu Jan 27, 2011 12:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 26 Jan
Hopefully, I will now stop being distracted by Monty (who really wanted to talk lots more than he did in the end) and will be able to get on with the story! Thanks for all the comments.

On what the school in general called the first proper morning of term, the Headmaster entered the Upper VI form room carrying a register and smiled round at them all.

"Good Morning, Gentlemen and Miss Braithwaite," he said cheerfully. "Here we are again with a new top form, and a new school year. Sit down, all of you, while I take a register." Once he'd run down the well-known list of names, ticking each of them off, he put the register aside and leaned against the desk.

"Now, your timetables for this year. Those of you who are completing your Higher Cert. courses, you can collect your timetables from this pile just now." Roughly half the class got to their feet and collected the slips of paper, Monty among them. "Those of you who are intending to sit for the Oxbridge entrance exam, see the teachers of your own subjects this morning. I'll give you a basic timetable, but they may want to fit you in for extra tutoring." He waved another bunch of slips in the air and several more boys went to collect them. "Finally, those of you who are sitting for scholarships will find yourselves in the same classes as the Higher Cert. people for most things, but will also have a good deal of work to do on your own. Your timetables are here." he waved them at them. "So, who does that leave us?" he picked up the last bundle.

"The rest of you will be receiving advanced work from many of the staff, relating to things you will be doing at university next year. You will find yourself working without supervision a lot of the time, to help you to make the transition from school to the next phase of your education, however the staff will be available if you're struggling." They all studied the timetables with interest, and he gave them a few minutes before going on.

"A last piece of news for you. I have received details of an award that we have been asked to enter some of you for. This award entitles you to 2 years study in America after you leave school next summer." An excited murmur rose from the room. "It is an examinable award, the exam taking place at the end of November and covering all standard subjects. Those of you sitting the Oxbridge entrance exam in October may wish not to take this one, however if you want to try, you are more than welcome. Please give me your names before the end of the day. And that is the bell for your first class - any of you who find yourselves with nothing to do, feel free to make use of the gardens as you will have nothing to work on yet."

Elizabeth joined the boys in their favourite corner of the garden a few minutes later, to find them already deep in discussion.

"Who's going for this then?" Jones demanded. "I'm not - if it was in music, maybe, but I'm only average at most things."

"I am," Miller said firmly. "After all, I'll have another month at least after the Oxbridge. I should be able to swot up the rest of my subjects in that time, and if I can't, I can always relate everything back to English. And there's not likely to be any mental arithmetic in it." The rest laughed. Miller's powers of mental arithmetic were legendary for being worse than the average third former.

"You read enough that you probably know more than most people anyway," Monty agreed. "But what will you do if you get into Oxford and win this award thing?" Miller shrugged.

"Expect no more luck for the next ten years?" he suggested. "What about you, Minor?"

"I'll probably go for it," Charles said thoughtfully. "It's the chance of a lifetime, really, isn't it? I'd be an idiot if I didn't."

"Well, I'm not doing it," Monty declared. "For a start, I'm nowhere near clever enough, and secondly, I can't afford to have two years abroad after school. Mum and Dad have decided to sell the house."

"What?"

"Where are you going?"

"We can't afford to run it any more," he explained sadly. "You know it's been a struggle to pay school fees for Izzy and me for this year, never mind anything else. One of the farms has fallen empty, and Dad and I have talked it over and decided we're going to take up farming. With me at home working as well and the sale of the house, it means we should manage Izzy's fees for the rest of her time at school. I told him about your people selling their place to the NT," he added to Charles, "And Dad's going to look into it, but our house is nowhere near as grand as Pretty Maids. We think it'll probably end up as a hotel or something."

"I think you'll be a good farmer," Elizabeth said with a smile, to fill the rather shocked silence. "At least, you will if you can learn to get up in time! Minor's going to study chemistry and blow himself up, probably, Miller's going to discover wonderful things so that we can all say we knew him when, you're going to take up farming,"

"You're going to be Dr. Braithwaite, and cure all kinds of rare diseases," Miller put in,

"So what are you going to do, Jones?" Jones shrugged.

"I was thinking about joining the army," he said quietly. "I don't want to go to university - well, I do, but my parents can't afford it - and it doesn't sound too bad. My brother is in the army just now - the oldest one. He thinks I'd be quite good."

"Well, don't we all sound grown-up today." Charles laughed, after a minute. "And all this from which of us were going for the American award. What about you?" he asked, looking at Elizabeth.

"Not eligible," she sighed. "It's boys only - a male college in America. That's what I stayed back to ask. Oh well, two years away would have messed up my plans anyway! And at least if I don't go for it there's a chance one of you two will get it!" she added with a grin at Charles and Miller, who both protested violently that they could have won it regardless as she led the way back in to their next class.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Jan 27, 2011 2:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 27 Jan
That's a shame for Elizabeth, but hopefully she'll get a place at a British university.
Author:  Llywela [ Thu Jan 27, 2011 3:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 27 Jan
Just had a mammoth catch-up session - thoroughly enjoying this, as ever. Thanks for sharing. :)
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Jan 27, 2011 3:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 27 Jan
As Elizabeth is a year older than the boys she would be three years older than most of her fellow undergraduates if she had two years in America and that would add to her problems of being in a minority in her med. school. However her two years in an all boys school will be good preparation for it. I like the idea of encouraging the university applicants to get used to studying on their own. I used to wish more school prepared their students for that aspect of university life.

Thanks for the update.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Jan 27, 2011 7:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 27 Jan
Thankyou - that was a sweet conversation about future plans. And I bet that Chas would be thrilled to put an entire continent between himself and Joey! :lol:
Author:  Abi [ Thu Jan 27, 2011 8:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 27 Jan
Loved Elizabeth's last line there! :lol:
Author:  shesings [ Thu Jan 27, 2011 8:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 27 Jan
I am looking forward to seeing how this all works out - lots of scope for tension, misunderstandings and fun!
Author:  roversgirl [ Fri Jan 28, 2011 4:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 27 Jan
That was lovely and glad Monty has a career plan. Thanks :-)
Author:  chris84 [ Fri Jan 28, 2011 11:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 27 Jan
Thank you that was lovely :).
Author:  Eilidh [ Fri Jan 28, 2011 12:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 27 Jan
Aargh, I just can't seem to get this going - the characters all keep insisting on these scenes where not much happens.

"Life is boring," Kevin Russell informed his select group of friends behind the gardeners hut.

"You brought us all the way out here to tell us that?" his twin protested. Kevin shook his head.

"Are we going to do something to liven it up?"

"We are." There were delighted grins from the other boys, who had all privately wondered over the last week or so if the Russell twins had 'gone good over the holidays', as someone had expressed it.

"Got a plan, Kev?" Felix Maynard asked from his seat on an upside down crate.

"I've got a few. Some of them we can keep until later, but first, I reckon we need to take the Lower Fourths down a peg or two again... do you know that Johnston had the cheek to tell Kes to get out the common room yesterday, because they were having a meeting?"

"So what's the plan?"

"Well, you know yesterday the staff were down on us because they said Lower IV handed in much better prep than we did?"

"Yes, we were all there."

"How about today, Lower VI don't hand in any prep at all?"

"And how are you going to do that? March in and forbid them to do any?" Kevin gave his cousin a withering look.

"No. We're going to steal it of course."

***

While this meeting was going on, Charles and Elizabeth were wandering slowly round the perimeter of the school grounds.

"You look worried," Elizabeth said, after they'd walked a while in silence.

"I am a bit."

"Want to tell me why?"

"Nothing's gone wrong yet." Elizabeth stopped and looked at him.

"Hang on - you're worried because nothing has happened? Really, Charles, don't you think that's a bit unneccessary?"

"Something should have though. So as nothing has, that only leaves two options. The first is that someone's planning something really bad, and that's keeping them all occupied, and the second is that things are happening and we're just not catching them."

"Well, I did things that didn't get caught. I'm sure you did too." Charles looked unconvinced, and Elizabeth slipped her hand through his arm. "Don't worry about it just now, anyway. This is the only place on this entire walk that we're out of sight of the school. Aren't you going to take advantage of that?" Charles relaxed slightly and smiled.

"Good idea."
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Jan 28, 2011 1:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Jan
Glad that the boys haven't been squashed into behaving after getting into trouble last term :lol: .
Author:  cestina [ Fri Jan 28, 2011 1:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Jan
Oh Eilidh I love those scenes where "not much happens" - it makes it all the more real. Not much happens in RL a lot of the time :D
Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Jan 28, 2011 2:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Jan
Thanks, glad Charles has recognised peace is not the normal state for his school and is keeping his eyes and ears open.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Jan 28, 2011 6:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Jan
Should I be ever so slightly worried about the two groups bumping into each other? That could be, er, interesting!

Thankyou!
Author:  roversgirl [ Fri Jan 28, 2011 6:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Jan
I think this scene sets up whatever's going to happen very well... Thanks :-)
Author:  Abi [ Fri Jan 28, 2011 8:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Jan
Evidently fun is in the offing. :D
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Jan 29, 2011 3:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Jan
Thanks, glad to see Chas is able to keep up with the kids mischief :D
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Jan 29, 2011 8:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Jan
Well the younger boys seems as irrepressible as ever. Making sure the other class don't hand in any homework sounds like an excellent trick :lol:


Thanks Eilidh
Author:  chris84 [ Sat Jan 29, 2011 10:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Jan
Thank you, its good to see more of Kevin and kester. Hope they don't see Chas and Elizabeth together. :D
Author:  Miss Di [ Wed Feb 02, 2011 2:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Jan
And? What happens!
Author:  Eilidh [ Thu Feb 03, 2011 12:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Jan
Sorry for the delay - this has been a tough week with not much writing time, which is why this update is so short. Hopefully I should get more time from now on - I do know where this is going, it's just getting it written in the proper order that's causing a problem! Thanks for the comments and patience with the lack of updates.

The Lower Fourth's form room was quiet - it was after prep, and certain members of Upper III had tidied themselves up for supper with a speed which would have been remarked upon, had they not sacrificed one of their number to distract Matron. Davies had submitted to being dosed and then settled on a bed in the small San while the rest of the group hurried downstairs.

"How do we know what to take?" Felix asked, opening the first desk. Kevin turned to the big timetable pinned to the back of the door.

"Their maths books," he began, after scowling at it for a second. "Take ten of them. Geography too, from twelve desks. Take eight essays, and nine history books, and pile them all into that box Kes has." The little group worked quickly, and before long the box was full and each of the desks was missing at least two pieces of prep. Kevin surveyed them quickly and pointed to two boys.

"You two, go out and we'll hand you the box out the window. I can't go - someone is sure to stop me and ask me what I'm doing that I'm not supposed to be. Put it in one of the crates in the gardners shed - once where no one will look accidentally." They ran off, and soon appeared outside the window, where Kevin and Kester carefully negotiated the box of books out to them.

In the main school building, Monty stared out the window of the prefects room.

"What are those kids doing now?" he asked, squinting across the playing fields. "Pass me Mitch's binoculars, someone, if they're about."

"Leave the kids alone," Jones said, handing them over anyway. "You'd have been horrified if some nosey prefect had been watching us all the time."

"Some of them did," Charles pointed out. "What are they doing, Monty? Anything amusing?"

"Mmm. Two fairly harmless members of Upper III have just taken a box out of a window." Charles crossed the room and leant over his shoulder.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. They've just disappeared round the back of the house with it." Charles frowned.

"Was it anyone related to me?"

"I said 'fairly harmless'."

"We'll just have to keep an eye on them. In the meantime - it's time for supper, and we must lead by example when it comes to punctuality, after all!"

Later that evening, Charles found himself summoned to the Head's study. The Head was waiting when he came in.

"Ah, Maynard. Just a few moments of your time, tonight." Charles waited. "Tomorrow morning, I need a prefect to go and cover some lessons in the Prep school - Mr Harkins is out all morning at an appointment, and none of the staff are free to cover. First lesson with Upper Third, and second lesson with Lower Fourth. They know what they are supposed to be doing, so it will just be supervision and helping with problems. Can you find someone?"

"I'll go myself," Charles volunteered. "I'm not busy tomorrow morning and I should be able to do third and fourth form work by this point. It might even be fun."
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Feb 03, 2011 12:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Jan
Eilidh wrote:
"Was it anyone related to me?"

"I said 'fairly harmless'."


I love that bit :lol: .
Author:  roversgirl [ Thu Feb 03, 2011 3:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 03 Feb
I also liked that bit! Also see Matrons are the same in all schools - dosing poor students! Thanks for the update Elidh and hope things work out workwise.
Author:  chris84 [ Thu Feb 03, 2011 4:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 03 Feb
I'm another that liked that bit. Thank you. :D
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Feb 03, 2011 4:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 03 Feb
Thanks for the update. Sorry RL has been so busy, hope for your sake it is calmer now.

Hoping that Charles puts two and two together when he takes the fourths. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Feb 03, 2011 8:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 03 Feb
Another fan of that particular line! :lol:

Thankyou - I do hope that Chas can get to the bottom of it all!
Author:  Abi [ Sat Feb 05, 2011 2:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 03 Feb
I feel sure Chas will twig to what's going on. I await the results with interest...

Thanks Eilidh!
Author:  Eilidh [ Thu Feb 10, 2011 1:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 03 Feb
Apologies for the delay - I've hardly been at my desk all week, so have had no time at all to get any writing done.

The following morning, Charles entered the Upper Third room slightly late, having been delayed just inside the door of the Prep School by a group of first formers who were tearing past barefoot. They stopped in horror when he came in, and after a series of questions Charles managed to establish that their shoes had gone from their dormitory overnight. He sent them on to their classroom to have this problem sorted out by their form mistress, and continued on to the Upper Third form room - a large, airy room at the back of the building which looked out over the garden.

"What are you doing here?" his brother asked, somewhat rudely.

"Trying to decide what punishment you lot should get next," Charles replied.

"We haven't done anything!"

"No, you haven't been caught. They are not the same thing." Charles looked quickly round the class and caught sight of a few boys looking away as he caught their eyes. He smiled slightly. "Come on, now, anyway, you're supposed to be doing maths and I'm supposed to be supervising. Davies, collect everyone's prep and leave it on the desk, I'll get it to Mr Harkins." A dismayed look suddenly appeared on Felix's face, but Charles ignored it and settled down at the front of the room with his own work while the younger boys, with quiet moans and groans, opened their maths books.

There was silence for the first few minutes, then Charles caught the sound of a whisper. He looked up sharply, to see Felix hanging precariously off his chair, attempting to whisper to the boy in the next desk. Charles started at him with his eyebrows raised, and Felix rapidly returned to his his own desk.

"Sorry," he said meekly. Charles nodded and returned to his own work, but before long was distracted again, this time by something that moved in the corner of his eye. He looked over quickly to where Kevin was sitting at the end of the front row, with an empty desk between him and the next boy. Kevin looked unnaturally innocent, which Charles suspected was a bad sign.

"Stand up, Russell," he said. Kester looked up sharply from his seat at the other end of the row, but Charles shook his head at him and pointed at Kevin. "Up," he repeated. Kevin got to his feet with a long-suffering sigh. "What just got passed to you?" Charles asked.

"Nothing," Kevin replied, Charles suspected automatically.

"Come up here and empty your pockets," he said. Kevin sighed again and walked slowly to the front of the room where he turned out an impressive collection of things onto the desk in front of Charles. Charles surveyed the string, twisted piece of wire, stick of chalk, four safety pins, rather grubby handkerchief, several scraps of paper and a small rubber ball as they cascaded onto the desk in front of him. He picked up each scrap of paper, checked it was blank, and then pushed Kevin's belongings back to him. "Go and sit down," he said, turning back to his work.

Kevin made his way back to his desk, watching Charles cautiously. When he was satisfied that his cousin was sufficiently burried in his work, he shook his arm - dislodging the much-folded piece of paper that he'd tucked up his sleeve when it arrived on his desk. Tucking it under his maths book, he unfolded it, keeping one eye on Charles.

If Chas takes maths for L4 too, he'll get it in a second. We're in so much trouble. Can we get books back before next lesson? F. Kevin considered this for a minute, and then re-folded the note, stabbed his pencil into the desk until it snapped, and put his hand in the air.

"What is it now?" Charles asked.

"My pencil is broken," Kevin said, waving this object in the air.

"Do you have something to sharpen it?"

"Kes- my brother does."

"Well go and borrow it and then get on with your work! It won't be me that Mr. Harkins will be annoyed with tomorrow if you don't get it finished." Kevin obeyed, contriving in the process to drop Felix's note on Kester's desk, and returned to his own. Kester read the note, and then leant forward slightly to catch Kevin's eye and raise his eyebrows. Kevin shook his head firmly. Kester raised both eyebrows, and inclined his head towards Charles. Kevin managed to imply that he wasn't the slightest bit concerned about Charles. Kester shrugged, just as Charles himself looked up again.

"What are you two doing now? I'm fairly sure you're not on opposite sides of the room so you can make faces at each other. Both of you, turn your desks round so you are facing the wall, and will you all get on with some work? Anyone who can't show me the completed excercise by the end of the lesson will be back here at break, do you understand?" There was a series of nods and, after the desks had been turned around, the class finally settled into silence for the rest of the hour. Just as Charles was about to give the order to put their books away, there was an explosion of noise from next door. Charles and most of the class turned to stare at the wall in surprise, as though wishing they could see straight through it. The less law-abiding members of the form suspected, correctly, that Lower Fourth had just been asked for their prep and grinned delightedly at each other.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Feb 10, 2011 2:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 10 Feb
I like Kevin and Kester :lol: .
Author:  roversgirl [ Thu Feb 10, 2011 4:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 10 Feb
I like them too! Thanks :-)
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Feb 10, 2011 8:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 10 Feb
good to see more. I like felix realising that Charles is going to spot who the culprits are.
Hope work is calming down for both yours and our sakes.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Feb 10, 2011 9:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 10 Feb
THanks am really enjoying this. Can understand work being so out of control. Mine's a bit like that too. Hope it settles down soon for you.
Author:  Abi [ Thu Feb 10, 2011 9:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 10 Feb
Thanks for updating this! I think the twins are right - they're in trouble. :lol:
Author:  Miss Di [ Fri Feb 11, 2011 12:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 10 Feb
Evil evil children.
Author:  chris84 [ Fri Feb 11, 2011 9:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 10 Feb
Thank you for the update. Kevin and Kester are brilliant. :D.
Author:  JS [ Fri Feb 11, 2011 2:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 10 Feb
Love that they seem more concerned about Charles than the maths teacher!
Thanks Eilidh.
Author:  Jools [ Fri Feb 11, 2011 2:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 10 Feb
This is soooo good. Thank you
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Feb 11, 2011 4:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 10 Feb
As brilliant as ever - I love the boys here, and Charles of course guessing all of the tricks at once!

Thanks :D
Author:  Eilidh [ Mon Feb 14, 2011 12:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 10 Feb
When the bell rang, Charles left Upper Third with some measure of relief, and entered the room next door. The Lower Fourth that year were known for being an easy form to deal with - somehow, they had managed to avoid the major firebrands that the forms above and below them both housed, and they were rarely in trouble. Today, however, he entered the classroom to find most of the form scowling and unhappy.

"Cheer up, it's only maths," he said, heading towards the front of the room. There was no response, and he seated himself at the desk with some surprise. "Prep, please?" he asked. There was a stir as the desks were opened and books began to be produced.

"Oh, not again!" a voice exclaimed from the back of the room.

"I'm sorry?" Charles asked, amused. "Is there a problem?"

"Our prep isn't here," the complainer explained. "Half of us were missing prep for History too."

"And my essay is gone as well, because it was in my maths book to keep it flat," someone else piped up. Charles frowned.

"How strange. Very well, turn your desks out properly and make sure it's not been put under something else. Those of you who do have maths prep, bring it to me and then make sure you're not missing something else. We'll worry about maths once we've sorted this out."

Withing ten minutes, Charles had a neat list in front of him of what each boy was missing. It seemed that the job had been done thoroughly - every member of the form was affected, and the little brats (Charles had no illusions about who was to blame for this) had even ensured that there was no full set of book missing. For a few moments he struggled with a desire to laugh, then composed himself and turned back to the aggrieved fourth formers.

"So, what are you going to do about it?" he asked cheerfully. "Who is form prefect in here?" One of the boys stood up.

"I am."

"Burns, isn't it?" Charles asked. The boy nodded. "Well then, as you are form pre, what are you going to do about it? Are you gong to ask me to deal with it officially, or should I make discreet enquries, get your books back, and let you take revenge yourselves?"

"I don't know."

"Well that's not a lot of use! When I was in your form, if the thirds had done this to us, we'd have caused havoc! Let me see... for example, in your situation, I'd have thought to myself 'What do the thirds like?" and the first answer that would suggest itself is 'break', so then I'd think 'how can I fix it so that they don't have a break?'... well?"

"Lock them in their form room?" was the first, somewhat surprising suggestion.

"With whichever member of staff they had in there with them?" Charles asked blandly. "Let's let them out the classroom... what other ways? Sit down again, Burns, if you want to."

"We need to change our shoes before we go out," one of the other boys said thoughtfully. "If they can't change their shoes, they'll lose most or all of their break." Charles grinned at him.

"Now, I am going to become suddenly blind to you and Burns here disappearing from the classroom and going off the the Upper Third's cloakroom, assuming you promise to do the excercises you're supposed to be doing now later on." Both boys nodded eagerly. "Off you go then - and drop this note into whoever is teaching next door on your way. I have a fairly good idea who I need to see to get your books back."
Author:  Chris [ Mon Feb 14, 2011 1:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Feb
Brilliant!
Author:  JS [ Mon Feb 14, 2011 1:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Feb
I've a feeling with head would approve of this unorthodox way of dealing with the issue! Thanks Eilidh :)
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Feb 14, 2011 1:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Feb
Love Charles approach here. Burns innocence here is well portrayed, wondering if the Lower fourths will develop more character after this.
Thanks for the update Eilidh hope life at work is better this week.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Feb 14, 2011 2:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Feb
Brilliantly handled!
Author:  roversgirl [ Mon Feb 14, 2011 5:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Feb
Wonderful! I'm glad he "thought outside of the sqaure" for the solution. Hope thigns are a bit better. Thanks :-)
Author:  cestina [ Mon Feb 14, 2011 5:55 pm ]
Post subject: 
Oh I do love Charles! Thank you Eilidh, once again, for a delightful update :D
Author:  Squirrel [ Mon Feb 14, 2011 6:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Feb
:lol: What an excellent way of dealing with it! And if the thirds learn that they can't get off doing such thing without retribution coming their way, then maybe Charles will have an easier life from them!!!

Thanks Eilidh! :mrgreen:
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Feb 14, 2011 9:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Feb
Brilliant approach - they'll get it from all angles! I just can't see all of the teachers approving, so I hope that Chas' unorthodox approach gets kept quiet...

Thanks!
Author:  chris84 [ Mon Feb 14, 2011 9:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Feb
Loved Chas' approach. Thank you for the update. :)
Author:  Storyteller [ Mon Feb 14, 2011 10:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Feb
Lovely. Just lovely. My family wonders why I am sitting here with a big stupid grin on my face. :lol:
Author:  Miss Di [ Wed Feb 16, 2011 5:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Feb
My goodness, I suspect Charles may have been just as terrible as the twins and they are karma.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Feb 16, 2011 10:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Feb
Thanks, I like how Charles handled that
Author:  Eilidh [ Wed Feb 16, 2011 1:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Feb
Stephen paid the taxi driver, picked up his bags, and looked up at the grey building in front of him. With a sigh, he let himself in and set off up the stairs until he found the correct door. Digging through his pockets for the keys that David had sent, he unlocked the flat, dragged his belongings inside, and locked the door again before looking around and pulling a letter out his pocket.

He found himself in a long, white painted hallway. There was a small heap of letters behind the door which he picked up, flicked through and dropped in a pile, after extracting the only one aaddressed to him. Two doors opened off each side, and another stood open at the end. He consulted the letter that had arrived the week before with the keys.

I hope tour by letter is ok - I can't get up to London to meet you when you arrive, and Rix is a law unto himself, as you know. He might be there or he might not. I'll assume you're standing just inside the front door. The door just to your left is the smaller of the two bedrooms. I suggest you leave that one for Chas, and take the other left hand door. That's your ow room, and I'd like to point out that anything in it that shouldn't be is entirely down to Rix, because it was his room. I had the small one.

The door on your right is for the bathroom, and the one opposite your bedroom is the kitchen. If we haven't been up to London recently, we'll have left the electricity turned off. The switch is in the cupboard above the kitchen door - there should be a ladder beside the door if you can't reach it. Stephen reached out and flicked a light switch experimentally. Nothing happened. With a sigh, he dragged his things into the bedroom David had suggested he use, took off his jacket, tucked the letter into his pocket and headed for the kitchen.

Shortly afterwards, with the electricity on and the kettle coming to the boil, he settled into one of a pair of huge, shabby armchairs in the sitting room and resumed reading.

The last door is the sitting room. Take good care of those armchairs - they came from the quadrant when Rix did, and they are the most comfortable chairs imaginable! One of us will be up to see you when we can - in the meantime, you have the telephone numbers for both the Round House and the Quadrant.

Enjoy yourself!

David

Laying this to one side, Stephen ripped open the letter he'd collected when he arrived.

Steve!

If you're reading this then you successfully escaped from the G.P. without dying of boredom, which is an impressive feat! Hopefully you also managed to avoid the parents coming over with you to see you settled in. Welcome back to civilisation regardless.

Is it still ok if I come up at half term? Aunt 'Veta's taking Raoul and Mike somewhere, and Felix is off to the Round House with the twins. Had to haul the brats over the coals a few days ago - for stealing Lower Fourth's prep, of all things, so I'd really rather not go with them - it wouldn't be a fun holiday for me or for them. I encouraged the fourths to get their own back by hiding their shoes so they couldn't go out for their break, but I still had to spend ten minutes shouting before the thirds gave in and admitted they'd taken the books. Sometimes I think I'm not really cut out for this Head Boy thing.

If you can let me know about half term that would be great - if it's ok, I'll travel with Jones and arrive on the Thursday night, if that suits you. Lots of people asked me to say hello to you. I can't remember who they all were, but consider the message passed on anyway!

Chas.
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Feb 16, 2011 2:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 16 Feb
I like David's letter :lol: .
Author:  janetbrown23 [ Wed Feb 16, 2011 2:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 16 Feb
I am pleased to see more of Steve as he ventures into the big wide world away from school and home.
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Feb 16, 2011 4:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 16 Feb
I really liked Charles letter. I think he is right not going to the Round House with Felix and the 2K's.
Thanks for the update.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Feb 16, 2011 5:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 16 Feb
They're all wonderful here :lol: Thankyou!

p.s. Do I detect a hint that Rix might have stolen those chairs?
Author:  roversgirl [ Wed Feb 16, 2011 7:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 16 Feb
They were all great here - hope Chas is not struggling with the Head Boy thing then and could we have another mention of him and Elizabeth please? Thanks :-)
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Feb 17, 2011 7:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 16 Feb
Thanks, really glad to see more of Steve
Author:  Eilidh [ Thu Feb 17, 2011 3:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 16 Feb
The hazards of having to write as I go along: things quite often spin out of control. Thank you for all the comments!

"How was half term, then?" Thus Elizabeth, sitting on the broad windowledge in the boys study, on the evening the returned. "I spent 4 days doing nothing with Verity, it was great. What did you lot do?"

"Worked," Miller replied, without looking up from the book in front of him.

"Packing," Monty said with a scowl. "Dad wants us to move before Christmas - though I think it's more like before winter, when the house will spring another sixty leaks and it'll be even harder to sell it. Both Izzy and I were home this time. I don't remember that ever happening for half term before."

"I'm went to see the vicar and Miss Tom, to see if there's a scholarship I can apply for. I know Miss Tom talked about one in the summer. It turns out there is one, so I've applied for it and hopefully next year I'll be at unviersity like you two. What about you, Minor? How was Maynie?"

"Busy. He was working on Friday and Monday, but he had time to show me round London in between. Miller, are you going to get your head out a book at any point between now and the exam?"

"No."

"Oh well, we'll leave you to it anyway. The rest of us have a meeting to go to. Come on - once more into the breach, and all that!" Still talking, Charles led the way out of the room and across to the school, where the rest of the prefects were waiting for them.

"You can see we're missing some people," he said, getting directly to the point. "Miller, Harry, Lewis and Aitken are off duty for the next few weeks in the run up to the Oxbridge. This means, of course, that the rest of us are going to have to cover for them."

"It also means the kids are going to have a field day," Jones put in. "Four down is rather a lot, isn't it?"

"On that note, Monty, move yourself up here and have a promotion," Charles said, indicating Miller's empty seat. "It is quite a lot, but I'm sure we'll cope," he added.

"Oh great - the kids are going to be swinging from the lights, we're four prefects down, and you decide I need more power?" Monty grumbled, moving up the table.

"Well someone has to do it," Charles replied. "Right, there's Miller's book - what do we need cover for today?"

"Give me a minute to find the timetable thing... Miller really is obsessively neat. It's not natural. Here we go - Harry's on break duty this afternoon, Miller had the fifth form prep and Aitken was on duty with the kids this afternoon." Charles glanced around the table.

"Any volunteers? I've got a meeting with the Head during prep this afternoon, so I can't help."

"I'll take break," one of the junior prefects offered. "I refuse to take fifth form prep though. They're only a year younger than we are."

"Music lesson," Jones said quickly.

"I'm not taking the fifths either. I'm on duty with the Lower Thirds and the Seconds this afternoon though, if we use the Hall at the Prep. School I can take the rest as well," Elizabeth volunteered. "And that leaves Monty free to take the Fifths."

"I can't wait," that young man muttered, turning to a blank page in the book and scribbling this down.

Late that afternoon, Elizabeth faced the four forms nervously. She had managed to avoid taking any of the older boys over the last few weeks, splitting her duties between the youngest forms and taking on break duty. Now, faced with almost the entire Prep School, she felt her confidence slipping away and grabbed it with both hands.

"All of you, collect the books you need from your form rooms and come back to the hall. Find a desk, sit down, and get on with some work." Looking surprised by this new way of doing prep but pleased that they were getting to waste some time, the boys trooped off. In the Upper Third form room, Kevin managed to round up his usual satellites while he collected his things.

"Find desks together," he ordered. "She's never taken us before, and doesn't she look nervous? This is going to be fun."

"What are we doing?" Felix asked. Kevin grinned.

"Nothing. There's not a pree here to make us work, is there? Well, not a real pree. You heard what those Sixth formers said last week, didn't you?" The others exchanged confused glances, then suddenly enlightenment dawned.

"So when you say 'nothing'," Felix began slowly.

"I actually mean nothing!" Kevin finished for him. "Come on. Lets go and find desks."

"Sit down quietly please and get on with what you're supposed to be doing," Elizabeth instructed as they came in. Kevin discreetly steered them towards the middle of the room, where they found enough desks and sat down. They continued their conversation as they did so, gradually infecting the boys they walked past who had to raise their voices to continue their own discussions. Elizabeth banged on the table at the front.

"Keep it down, please!" she called. There was no noticable lowering in the noise, and she sighed. "Less noise, or you'll be working in silence!" she warned. A few of the boys stopped talking at this threat, but Upper Third, ably supported by Lower Third, who had caught on the plan quickly, continued on. Elizabeth looked at them helplessly.

"She's not looking happy," Kevin said gleefully. At the front of the hall, Ellizabeth made a last grab at her confidence and with as much authority as she could manage, marched down the hall.

"Russell, Russell, Maynard and Davies - move to the front row please, and spread out." Davies moved slightly, and then stoped when he realised the other three hadn't.

"We're fine here," Kevin replied. Elizabeth felt her control of the situation rapidly slipping away. To stand here and continue to insist that they moved would clearly be futile. She couldn't walk away though - if she did, she had no chance of having any authority with them again. The entire room was watching them. Desperately, she searched for inspiration.

"You can't make us move," Felix, feeling unusually bold, told her firmly. "The Russells are almost as big as you are, and we don't have to do what you say anyway. You're not a real prefect, you're a girl. We heard some of the Sixth say so."

"And we don't have to move unless a real prefect tells us to," Kevin added, with a nod at his cousin.

"Is that the case?" asked a cold voice behind them. "In that case, you can all move right now, and stand outside. I don't want to look at any of you for the time being."

"But..." Kevin began. Charles cut him off at once.

"Out!" he thundered, making several of the boys around them jump. As they left, he looked round the hall. "Burns?" he asked. The Lower Fourth's form prefect got up hurriedly.

"Yes, Maynard?"

"Go across to the senior school, to the prefects room, and tell whoever is there that I said they were to get here right now. The rest of you - I will be able to hear you. If there is so much as a whisper from this hall before another prefect gets here, I will see you in detention every day for the rest of term, is that clear?" A series of nods answered him and, pulling Elizabeth gently to make her move, Charles led the way into a small room that opened off the hall.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Feb 17, 2011 4:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Feb
Poor Elizabeth :shock: .

Nice to see that this school acknowledges that getting into Oxbridge isn't a foregone conclusion, though :lol: !
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Feb 17, 2011 4:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Feb
Hope Charles can give Elizabeth the confidence she needs and that she can deal with the four ring leaders.
Thanks for the update.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Feb 17, 2011 4:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Feb
Poor Elizabeth! And I sense trouble with the prefects, as well, if Chas has overheard what the Ks just said.

Oh, dear.

*glee*

More soon please!
Author:  roversgirl [ Thu Feb 17, 2011 7:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Feb
Poor Elizabeth. Not much she could do though. Thanks :-)
Author:  jayj [ Thu Feb 17, 2011 7:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Feb
Aaww, look at Charles being all headboy-ish! Bless him.
Author:  chris84 [ Thu Feb 17, 2011 9:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Feb
Just caught up on the last two updates :D. It was good to see more of Steve, and poor Elizabeth. :(.
Author:  Miss Di [ Fri Feb 18, 2011 2:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Feb
Golly, poor Elizabeth. Those horrible boys. But I must admit I'm one who never could see why I should do something just because an older kid told me to!
Author:  JS [ Fri Feb 18, 2011 8:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Feb
Gosh, I wouldn't be in Felix's shoes; he at least seems to have some remnants of conscience whereas I suspect the two Ks will bounce back in no time.

And I hope Charles comes down very heavy on that revolting sixth former whose name escapes me for the moment. Sounds like he's been doing an Eilunedd.

Thanks Eilidh.
Author:  Sarah J [ Fri Feb 18, 2011 1:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Feb
Elidh - I am enjoying this so much. I think it was a very difficult situation for Elizabeth to be in. So many youngsters all at once and with those known troublemakers in the middle! Charles is great - looking forward to seeing what he does to resolve the situation.
Author:  Chris S [ Fri Feb 18, 2011 3:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Feb
Love the story. I was hoping that Elizabeth was going to pull something spectacular out of the bag, I feel that Charles stepped in a little bit too soon.
Author:  Abi [ Sat Feb 19, 2011 1:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Feb
Just caught up on the last three updates. Poor Elizabeth, those children really are little horrors! Hope Chas will be able to deal with the situation - though given his track record I don't think he'll have a problem!
Author:  Jools [ Sun Feb 20, 2011 11:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Feb
Loving this! Thank you, your Charles is delightful
Author:  Eilidh [ Mon Feb 21, 2011 3:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Feb
This was supposed to be up on Friday, sorry!

"I'm going to kill him. I'm going to thrash him harder than dad ever did, and as for the twins, they'll be begging for what Felix gets. By the time I'm done with them, Sybil will be on the 'phone from Australia to find out..." Charles stopped abruptly as Elizabeth burst into tears. "What on earth is wrong?" Elizabeth didn't answer, and Charles pulled her towards him and gave her an awkward hug. "Come on, Elizabeth, don't cry!" With an effort, Elizabeth stopped.

"Sorry," she muttered. "D'you want me to just resign? I'm sure the Head wouldn't mind."

"Don't be so ridiculous! They just cheeked you, they'll be hauled over the coals for it, and they won't do it again. And then I'll go and find whichever sixth former gave them the idea and do the same to them."

"They will do it again though. They saw I couldn't cope with it, and then they only stopped because you came in and started shouting."

"Well..."

"No, not well!" Elizabeth interrupted. "You wouldn't have interrupted if it had been Monty, would you?"

"No, but Monty would have..." Charles stopped and stared at her guiltily.

"Monty would have what?" Elizabeth asked. "Go on, you might as well finish!"

"Monty would have done it himself," Charles finished quietly.

"And I couldn't?" Charles was saved from answering this by a knock at the door.

"Who is it?" he asked, irritated. One of the junior prefects put his head into the room, looked from Charles to Elizabeth and back, raised his eyebrows, and said,

"You wanted me?"

"Take over the kids' prep, would you, Mitch? I'll deal with the gang in the corridor, don't worry about them. Are you on duty tomorrow?"

"Lower Fifth," he replied, making a face.

"I'll take them in return for this," Elizabeth volunteered. The younger boy nodded and disappeared, and a few minutes later they heard him giving instructions in the hall. Elizabeth turned back to Charles. "If I hadn't been me, and that hadn't been your brother and cousins, you wouldn't have interfered. If it had been any other prefect, you'd have let them sort it out themselves. Instead, you came in shouting and throwing your weight around, and now the entire prep school thinks they can do what they like around me, because I can't discipline them - and if even Maynard thinks that, then it must be right!"

"But I didn't..."

"Yes, you did. I could have fixed it. You didn't even give me a chance!"

"But..."

"I don't want to hear it, Charles. I'm going to get some work done." Elizabeth swept out of the room into the corridor, and straight past the waiting third formers without looking at them. Charles groaned, and followed her out.

"Right, you lot - you've got prep to do. Your form room please, sit as far apart as you can, and don't dare say a word. I'm supervising." The thirds trooped off in silence, and Charles followed them, trying to decide how to untangle the mess he'd ended up in.

Dear Steve,

Help. I am making such a mess of everything now. I don't suppose you fancy having another year at school and doing the Head Boy thing, do you? If I can offer him you in exchange, the Head might agree to letting me give it up. I suppose I should start at the beginning though, shouldn't I?

You know we're missing prefects just now - it's Oxbridge time, after all, and there's four of them sitting the exam this year. I came out of a meeting with the Head early, and because Elizabeth was taking the entire Prep school for prep, I thought I'd go down and help out. Just as I got there, I heard Felix and Kevin, ably backed up by a group of their friends, giving her the most outrageous cheek. She was just standing there, looking like she didn't have a clue about what she was supposed to be doing with them, so I waded in and took over, shouting at them, sending them out, and sending one of the kids to get another prefect to finish their prep. I was so angry that the kids - particularly those three - would cheek any prefect - particularly Elizabeth - that I didn't stop to think.

Elizabeth's furious that I didn't let her deal with it, and is not speaking to me. I went after I did lights out to meet her and say goodnight, but she didn't turn up. On top of that, by the time I'd taken Felix and co. for prep, made them make up the time they'd missed, and then supervised them while they had dinner - all in silence, I might add - it was almost bed time for them. I'm seeing them after lunch tomorrow, and they're supposed to be in silence until then, but I don't suppose they'll stick to it without someone breathing down their necks.

Anyway, I've just heard the closk downstairs strike 12, and I should have been in bed hours ago. The blessings of low supervision now I'm "responsible" I suppose, that I can sit here and write this at this time. Still, I really should go to bed. I'll have dealt with it all by the time you write back, but do it anyway. Doesn't feel right being an idiot without getting a lecutre from you for it.

All the best,

Chas
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Feb 21, 2011 4:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Feb
I'm with Elizabeth on this, but poor Charles was only trying to help.
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Feb 21, 2011 4:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Feb
I think Charles should let Elizabeth punish the 2K's and Felix. Hope they can identify the sixth former causing the problem.

Thanks for the update.
Author:  Joanne [ Mon Feb 21, 2011 5:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Feb
The problem is that Elizabeth didn't seem to be coping that time - so Charles was probably right to interfere. She'll need to have a strategy in place for next time, then they might start to respect her.

Loving this, as usual. Thanks.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Feb 21, 2011 6:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Feb
I think that Elizabeth is being a little unfair. She didn't have a clue what to do - and in fairness, I don't know that there's much she could have done without making it worse - and so Chas was only doing what he thought was best. Also, young love will make people overreact like that.

Oh dear, I just hope that he can sort out the thirds - what would an appropriate punishment be, I wonder?

Thankyou for the update! :D Please bring us more soon.
Author:  roversgirl [ Mon Feb 21, 2011 8:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Feb
Poor Elizabeth and Charles. Hope they find a solution to the problem and talk to each other. Thanks :-)
Author:  Miss Di [ Mon Feb 21, 2011 9:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Feb
I'd be furious too if I were Elizabeth, it really did undermine what little authority she had.
Author:  Abi [ Mon Feb 21, 2011 11:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Feb
Mm, I think I'd be pretty mad with Charles, but on the other hand, I can totally see where he's coming from - if she hadn't managed to deal with it herself the situation could have ended up even worse. I hope they're able to sort themselves out!

Thanks, Eilidh. :D
Author:  Myth Tree [ Tue Feb 22, 2011 9:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Feb
It was an unusual situation with all of the prep school together and any prefect would have had trouble methinks. Horrid situation to be in (been there myself with students who look on support staff as minions but will do anything for teaching staff!)

I can't think of anything else that Charles could have done, if he hadn't stepped in it may have weakened the whole prefect system.
Author:  cestina [ Tue Feb 22, 2011 10:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Feb
Poor Charles! I too think he should have waited a little before wading in like that but he must have had an overwhelming rush of emotions - his feelings for Elizabeth, the horror that it was his own relatives causing most of the problem, his anxieties about the authority of the prefects. Had it been anyone else he might have waited a moment or stepped in less fiercely to allow the other prefect to regain his balance and then take over again.

But as it was, I think the stimulus was too powerful for him to respond differently.

They will sort it out - won't they Eilidh :shock: ???
Author:  jmc [ Tue Feb 22, 2011 10:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Feb
Chas totally eroded any authority that Elizabeth had there. But as angry as she is with Chas she is probably angry with herself as well for not coping. Hope the two can make up soon.
Author:  crystaltips [ Sun Feb 27, 2011 6:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Feb
Just had a mega catch up from the start of this part....& loving it! :D :D Patiently waiting for more.
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Feb 27, 2011 6:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Feb
I wonder what any other Prefect would have done had they been treated that way by any of the Third? They wouldn't have been able to use their strength/height as they are not allowed to thrash/hit the boys, are they?

I think, had Elizabeth been given the opportunity, the way she could have handled it would have been to remain calm, inform them that the Headmaster had made her a Prefect and that perhaps they would like to debate it with him?

Of course she never had that opportunity because Chaz jumped in with both feet in an effort to protect her...



Thanks Eilidh - have missed this for a while so just had a catch up. :lol:
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Feb 28, 2011 8:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Feb
I'm actually wondering why the 2 K's are behaving so badly all the time and nothing makes a difference to the point they're almost becoming hardened criminals and will be unredemable.
Author:  Eilidh [ Wed Mar 02, 2011 1:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Feb
Thank you for all your comments.

"Miller! Are you going back to your study?" Miller stopped in the front door of the school and sighed briefly before turned round to smile at the Head.

"Yes sir."

"Well, do me a favour and take Maynard's visitor with you, would you?" Correctly interpreting this as an order, Miller nodded and waited for the visitor to appear. He was pleasantly surprised.

"Maynie! What are you doing here?"

"Visiting, of course!" Stephen replied with a grin. "The Head seems to think I've forgotten the way around in the last few months."

"Have you come to cheer Minor up about last week?"

"Possibly. What happened to the little brats, anyway?"

"Oh, the usual. They got shouted at, then they got sent to see their Head and he shouted at them again. They've been split up for the next few weeks for everything - your brother is in with the Second Form, I think, for lessons and meals and things. They're still in the same dorm, but they're in silence any time they're in there."

"That's a bit more than 'the usual'. Pretty comprehensive, in fact!"

"Well, I think Mr. Whyte thought that if he squashed them good and hard now, then we might get some peace - at least until after the Exam." He led the way into the boarding house, where they were greeted with a cry of,

"Steve! What are you doing here?" Mike, shoes in hand, was walking gingerly across the entrance hall, leaving small puddles of water behind him. Each time he put a foot down there was a rather wet noise - a cross between a splash and a squelch - that caused both his brother and Miller to stop and investigate.

"What on earth have you been doing?" Stephen demanded automatically, then looked guiltily at Miller. "Sorry, automatic big-brother-Head-Boy mode there."

"No problem," the younger boy replied with a grin. "Technically, I'm off duty just now, but I suppose I am still deputy head, so - Maynard Minor! Same question!" Mike, who had looked momentarily hopeful at the beginning of this, sighed.

"Well, it was the football," he began, shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot as a puddle began to form around him. I kicked it too hard and Helston couldn't stop it and it went into the stream - you know, at the deep bit? So Helston said he wasn't going in after it because he's smaller than me and the water would be up to his waist, and anyway I kicked it, so I had to go. And now I'm going to get changed."

"Yes, I should think so!" Miller replied. "Why didn't you get a stick or something to pull it out with?" Mike shrugged.

"We didn't think of that."

"What are you changing into? Didn't you already get a pair of trousers covered in mud this week?"

"My Sunday trousers," Mike replied, inching towards the stairs.

"It's not Sunday," Miller said. "And stay still, I'm not finished with you."

"It's Saturday afternoon, that's almost Sunday!" Mike pleaded. "Come on, Miller, don't report me! I'm going out for tea with Helston and his mother and if you report me I can't go!" Miller sighed, and waved a hand.

"Go," he grinned. "Like I said - I'm not really on duty at the moment. Come on, Maynie, I'll take you up to the study before we run into anything else that I have to deal with."

"What are you doing here?" Charles asked, when his brother followed Miller into the study and looked around appreciatively.

"I'm getting very tired of that question," Stephen sighed. "Anyone would think that coming to visit one's brothers was a completely unusual thing! I'm convinced the Head to let me take you out for tea - I asked for all of you, but Aunt 'Veta's already got Mike and the kids are still in disgrace, apparently. Come on, get your things and we'll get going. The sooner we go, the longer we've got."

***

"What am I going to do about those three, then?" Charles asked a while later. Stephen looked thoughtful.

"I don't know. I tried to get somewhere with Kes last year, but I think it went in one ear and out the other. You were always in trouble - what would have worked on you and Monty at this age?"

"We did it because it was fun. We didn't do anything nasty to anyone. I've spoken to them all a few times this term. With the Fourth's prep, it seems that the staff had been telling them how great the Fourth were and how they were falling way behind, so they decided to get them into trouble. With Elizabeth, Felix said something about one of the sixth making a comment about her, and they decided that if the sixth didn't think of her as a prefect then neither would they. To be honest, I think Kev just likes making trouble."

"Maybe. Or maybe he likes the challenge of trying to outwit you."

"In which case, he should realise I'm smarter and leave it alone."

"Maybe you should give them something else to think about?"

"Like what, exactly?" Charles asked, then suddenly stood up and waved. Stephen turned round in his chair, peering towards the door as Elizabeth and her friend spotted then and weaved their way through the tables. Once the greetings and introductions were over, and the girls had pulled chairs up to the table and helped themselves to cakes, Charles turned back to the previous conversation. "I'll bring it up at the next prefect's meeting, Steve - someone else might have an idea, even if I don't. Now, can we talk about something other than the children from Hell? Where were you two going before you spotted us?"

"To the park," Kitty replied, seeing that Elizabeth had a mouth full of cake. "There's a concert there this afternoon, and we thought we'd stroll down and see who was there."

"Excellent plan!" Charles said enthusiastically. Stephen nodded his agreement and got up.

"Well, if we're all done," he began, offering his arm to Kitty with a grin. "Allow me to escort you, my lady?" Giggling, Kitty agreed, and they followed Charles and Elizabeth out of the shop.
Author:  abbeygirl [ Wed Mar 02, 2011 2:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 02 Mar
Now I can concentrate on reading not writing, I'm having a catch up! I love this drabble. Its so well written and the characters are so real... Thank you...
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Mar 02, 2011 2:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 02 Mar
Ooh, a double date :lol: .
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Mar 02, 2011 6:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 02 Mar
Like Steve telling Charles to think what what have stopped him and Monty!! :D :lol: :D :lol:

Thanks for the update.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Mar 02, 2011 6:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 02 Mar
I do hope that Steve's words of wisdom can help! Things seem a little better between Chas and Elizabeth as well - in fact, it all seems to be going too well! What will the Ks have thought up for when they get back, I wonder?

Thankyou!
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Mar 02, 2011 6:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 02 Mar
Pleased Charles and Elizabeth are speaking again - love Mike in this, :lol:


Thanks Eilidh
Author:  roversgirl [ Wed Mar 02, 2011 7:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 02 Mar
Mike is brilliant in this and I'm glad that Elizabeth and Chas are talking again. Thanks! :-)
Author:  Abi [ Wed Mar 02, 2011 9:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 02 Mar
Yay for Elizabeth and Charles! Hope they can come up with something to distract the Horrors, though. :roll:
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Mar 04, 2011 8:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 02 Mar
Thanks, glad Elizabeth has joined them
Author:  chris84 [ Mon Mar 07, 2011 4:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 02 Mar
Just caught up on this and think Mikes brilliant here. Loving Chas and Elizabeth back together again and nice to see Stephan helping Chas. Thank you. :D
Author:  Eilidh [ Mon Mar 14, 2011 12:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 02 Mar
Two weeks of silence... oops? I shall leave you all a little update and sneak off again before anyone catches me. :)

As the door closed behind the last prefect to arrive - Jones - Charles stopped balancing his chair rather precariously on its back legs and hammered on the table, interrupting several conversation and breaking the argument Monty and Harry were having over the chair at the far end of the table.

"Come on, lets get started!" he called over the noise. "Monty, sit down, Harry, move round beside Lewis and stop behaving like a pair of children." Gradually, the room quietened down and the rest of the prefects found seats and turned to face him. On the day of the Oxbridge exam, what had been a glorious Indian summer had turned into autumn - a particularly nasty autumn - overnight, and a week later the rain was beating against the windows and one of the junior prefects was trying to coax the fire to light. With the entrance exam over, those who had been sitting it had naturally returned to their full prefect duties, and with all 12 talking at the same time someone with a smaller family than Charles would have been hard pushed to make himself heard. With no such obstacle, though, he succeeded in attracting their attention and outlined Stephen's advice. "So what we need to decide," he finished, "Is the best way to deal with them and keep them occupied so they can't get into any more trouble."

"So a nice easy task you've given us, than?" Monty asked.

"Well, you should know how to deal with troublemakers, you were a big enough one." There was a sudden silence, and out of the corner of his eye, Charles saw Miller lean forward to respond before Monty jumped in.

"Better a troublemaker than a sly, sneaking, bullying, little waste of space like you," he retorted angrily. This time the silence was even thicker - Charles realised he was holding his breath, and tried pulled himself together enough to try to interrupt the argument.

"That's enough..." he began, before he was cut off by Lewis.

"Can't you let things lie, Monty? You've changed in the last few years, why can't Harry have too?"

"Oh, don't you start - everyone knows he's only sharing a room with you because he can't get in with his friends. Stop sticking up for him. He treated you even worse than he did most other people." Lewis flushed, but didn't look away, and repeated,

"Why can't you believe he's different?"

"Because Monty was a decent type to start with!" Aitken responded unexpectedly. "He's right - better that the kids are never out of trouble than that they end up like his lot!" This last with a gesture at Harry.

"This has nothing to do with you," Harry himself retorted angrily. "Just because Monty can't cope with me being a prefect, he has to drag it up at every opportunity!"

"Hey, you started it!" Jones jumped in as well at this accusation and Charles, deciding that this was quite enough, put his fingers in his mouth and whistled piercingly.

"Enough!" he exclaimed. "Have you all forgotten we're right over the Head? Do you want to bring him up here to find out why you're all arguing like children? Monty, Harry, Lewis, Aitken, Jones - go, all of you, and calm down somewhere, and avoid each other! We'll sort this out later. Don't say anything, Monty, just go." In silence, the five prefects left the room and Charles looked at the rest helplessly.

"Don't worry, those two have been spoiling for a fight all term," Miller said cheerfully. "It'll sort itself out. Now, since there's not many of us left, has anyone got any ideas?"

"I have," one of the Lower VI said hesitantly. "Maynard, how much influence have you got over who the Head gives the Christmas entertainment to?"

"Not a lot - do you want me to ask him if he'll give it to the kids?"

"Yes. Tell him I'll supervise it so it'll end up ok, and lets see if keeping them too busy to think about doing anything wrong will work."

"It's worth a shot," Miller nodded. "Lets try it. Anything else for today, or was that all?"

"That was all," Charles said. With a muttered comment about finding Monty, Elizabeth followed the younger boys out the room, leaving the two friends alone. Charles dropped forward until his forehead hit the table with a dull thud. "What next?" he demanded. "This term has just been one thing after another since it started - really, what are we going to get next?"

"A headache, if you keep thumping the table like that," Miller said unsympathetically. "Come on, whatever it is, it's not likely to be the end of the world - just like this isn't. You take everything too seriously. Those two were always going to blow up at some point. Stop worrying and lets get some revision in for this American thing - I'll quiz your history and you quiz my science. I'm telling you - everything is going to be fine."
Author:  cestina [ Mon Mar 14, 2011 1:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Mar
Lovely that the two-week gap has been bridged - please don't vanish for too long :wink:

Many thanks....
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Mar 14, 2011 2:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Mar
Nice to see this back :D .
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Mar 14, 2011 3:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Mar
Eilidh good to see this and you back. Please do not leave it so long again.
Author:  Joanne [ Mon Mar 14, 2011 4:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Mar
Lovely to have another update - I've been missing this!

Hope the idea works.

Thanks.
Author:  ivohenry [ Mon Mar 14, 2011 4:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Mar
Great to have this back - please don't leave it so long before next update. Look forward to seeing what comes up as a Christmas entertainment - quite different from the CS I expect!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Mar 14, 2011 6:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Mar
Hurrah, this is back! Thankyou - that was quite some argument, I do hope that everything can be sorted :D
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Mar 14, 2011 6:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Mar
Monty really does need to work this out - at the moment he seems to be far more in the wrong than Harry. If it doesn't stop it'll end up splitting the prefects in two.


Thanks Eilidh
Author:  chris84 [ Mon Mar 14, 2011 6:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Mar
Its good to see this back :D. Am starting to feel abit sorry for Harry here. Thanks Eilidh.
Author:  marni [ Mon Mar 14, 2011 7:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Mar
Nice to see this back. Charles will just have to use all his skills of diplomacy here to keep the prefects functional, otherwise there are certain younger members of the school that will take full advantage of it. Thanks.
Author:  roversgirl [ Mon Mar 14, 2011 7:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Mar
Glad to see this back! Hope they find a good solution. Thanks :-)
Author:  Abi [ Mon Mar 14, 2011 9:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Mar
Glad to see this back! Hopefully now things have blown up they'll be able to resolve the situation, at least a little more satisfactorily.

Thanks Eilidh! :D
Author:  Eilidh [ Tue Mar 15, 2011 12:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 14 Mar
Thank you for the comments! RL is much less stressful now so fingers crossed I should be a lot more regular with updates.

Despite Miller's optimism, over the next few weeks the argument was not resolved and Monty and Harry returned to their natural state - ignoring each other. Lewis backed Harry to the hilt, even on the frequent occasions when he was left alone as Harry disappeared with Timmons and his group of friends. On these occasions, while Monty shook his head and looked righteous, Lewis removed a book from his bag and read studiously, seemingly unconcerned.

Prefects meetings became a species of purgatory for all concerned, Miller became expert at re-arranging the duty rota to ensure that everyone was on duty with someone they were speaking to, and Charles considered taking the entire situation to the Head and letting him deal with it.

"It would mean admitting I'd failed, though," he said to Elizabeth late at night, as they sat on the back stairs of the boarding house. "And I feel so rotten reporting Monty. He's my best friend!"

"No it wouldn't, don't be stupid," she replied, ignoring the second part of this altogether. "It's not your fault that the Head appointed two prefects who can't stand the sight of each other. It's nothing to do with you that Lewis and Aitken decided to take sides. If anything, all you're failing in now is not reporting a situation that is clearly out of hand and beyond your abilities - and authority, to be honest - to deal with!" Charles considered this.

"Yes, I can see that," he said eventually. "So you think I should go to the Head?"

"Tomorrow," Elizabeth said. "We've got a Latin coaching first thing, haven't we? Go after that - he's free for the second hour, and so are you."

"You are far too sensible," Charles said, turning to kiss her lightly.

"I know. And now I'm going to bed, because I'm also far too cold and far too tired to stay sitting here. Remember - tomorrow morning!"

"Tomorrow morning," Charles repeated with a grin, little knowing that by the time he got to the appointed hour tomorrow morning, reporting Monty and Harry to the Head would be the last thing on his mind.

***

"You look worried," Charles greeted Elizabeth when she arrived in the classroom the following morning.

"We've had a phone call this morning," she explained, digging frantically for her hymn book. "Father's aunt has been taken ill - he's having to go and stay with her. Where is the dratted thing? I had it yesterday!"

"Is she ok?" Charles asked.

"Got it." Elizabeth held the book up triumphantly. "Hopefully. We won't know until he gets there."

After prayers, the Upper VI made their way back to their classroom. Monty was in the lead, and stopped short as soon as he went in, causing several others to pile into the back of him.

"By the time you reach the top of the school I do expect you to be able to enter a classroom without causing a riot." the Head's voice said blandly. There was a scramble as boys sorted themselves out and the class got in the door. "Stand against that wall. We are going to have a look at what you have in your desks." he explained. "One at a time."

"Is something wrong, Sir?" Charles asked.

"The answer book for the exam for the American award has gone from the desk," the Head explained. "Before I go to any great effort to find it, I'd like to ask the person who removed it to step forward." No one moved. "Very well. I am forced to take further steps. Forward, Mr Aitken. Everything out the desk and on to your neighbour's, please." Elizabeth was fourth. When her name was called, she went to her desk and calmly removed all the books, piling them up on Charles' desk. She took all the other odds and ends out, placed them beside the pile of books, and stepped back, leaving the desk open. The Head looked into it, picked up each of her books and flicked through them, and then placed them back in the desk. Elizabeth returned to her place, watching as boy after boy emptied his desk with no results.

"Maynard," the Head said. Charles moved to his desk and began the same routine as everyone else. Halfway through he suddenly stopped, withdrew a sheaf of paper and held it out to the Headmaster.

"Sir, I have no idea..." he began. The Head looked at the papers, and then back at Charles.

"Report to the San, please, Maynard. I will be with you shortly," Charles nodded stiffly, turned, and walked out the room.
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Mar 15, 2011 12:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Mar
So who is being nasty to Charles?? I suspect Timmons. I hope the Head believes Charles that it was not him.
Thanks for the update, but not for the cliff.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Mar 15, 2011 12:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Mar
Oh dear :shock: .
Author:  AnneM [ Tue Mar 15, 2011 4:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Mar
Please, Eilidh, if RL is much less stressful, can we have an update SOON? Because I was happy when I saw you'd updated today................but now I'm not happy at all! :(
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Mar 15, 2011 7:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Mar
:hiding:

Now that is just not fair! Not fair in the slightest! Come back right now, or... or... Just come back!!
Author:  roversgirl [ Tue Mar 15, 2011 7:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Mar
:shock: Please put me out of my misery and update when RL will let you. Hope work got sorted out! Thanks :-)
Author:  Elle [ Tue Mar 15, 2011 7:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Mar
What a cliff! I hope there are some decent trampolines at the bottom :)

Thank you for the updates. I havn't commented in a long while, but rest assured I am reading avidly and thoroughly enjoying it.
Author:  RuthFL [ Tue Mar 15, 2011 8:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Mar
Elle wrote:
What a cliff! I hope there are some decent trampolines at the bottom :)

Thank you for the updates. I havn't commented in a long while, but rest assured I am reading avidly and thoroughly enjoying it.

Joins in the bouncing on trampolines and hopes for an update if she does a sponsored bounce for Comic relief 8)
Author:  Abi [ Tue Mar 15, 2011 8:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Mar
*soars over the cliff*

Didn't see that one coming. :shock: I hope they find out soon who it was... surely that delightful, sensible Head won't really think it was Chas?
Author:  Miss Di [ Tue Mar 15, 2011 11:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Mar
Trips over the cliff edge in the fog and goes SPLAT at the bottom.

That came out of the blue so I hope you're able to update us soooooon.
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Mar 16, 2011 7:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Mar
Definitely feel the Head will not consider that Charles is responsible - and wonder as to his reasoning for lining everyone up and searching their desks - was he watching the rest of the boys when Charles found the papers?


Thanks Eilidh
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Mar 16, 2011 7:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Mar
Miss Di wrote:
Trips over the cliff edge in the fog and goes SPLAT at the bottom.

That came out of the blue so I hope you're able to update us soooooon.


Joins Miss Di at the bottom of the cliff
Author:  jmc [ Wed Mar 16, 2011 10:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Mar
He was framed. Hope they get the evil person who did this to him.
Author:  Eilidh [ Wed Mar 16, 2011 1:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Mar
ChubbyMonkey wrote:
Come back right now, or... or... Just come back!!


OK. :D

The Head turned back to the spellbound class. When he spoke, his voice was very quiet and calm.

"Miller, Miss Braithwaite, I will not be available for our Latin coaching this morning. Continue on your own, please. I will try and stop in before the end of the period."

"Sir, there's..."

"Silence, please, Miller. Those of you who have lessons with Mr. Braithwaite, he was been called away for a few days. Mr Lawson will be here from the prep school when he can. If he is not here, you are on your honour to work alone, do you understand me?" There was an assentive murmur from the boys. The Head turned on his heel and left the room quickly, his gown flying around him. A low murmur of talk broke out as they returned to their desks. Elizabeth busied herself with returning Charles' belongings to his desk, and eventually, the volume rose loud enough that individual comments could be distinguished.

"I wonder how long he's been doing it for? I mean, all those times he was top... did he cheat every time?"

"Of course, he'll lose his position for this. Might even get expelled."

"And his scholarship." The whole class jumped suddenly as a loud bang sounded. Miller had opened his desk and slammed the lid down as hard as he could. Having attracted everyone's attention, he stood up, looking furiously angry.

"How dare you?" he demanded. "Every single person in this room knows as well as I did that Maynard didn't take those answers. He had no need to! He'd have aced the tests standing on his head! One of you, though - one of you knows without a doubt that he didn't take them, because one of you did. And I'm warning you all here and now, when I find out who it was, that person had better start running." There was a transfixed silence as the whole room stared at him. "Now, I have a Latin coaching to get to. Lets try and not spread any more lies than will get out by themselves, please. Remember this reflects on the whole form - do you really want all the kids knowing a whole load of details that make things look even worse than they are?" He stormed out of the room, followed by Elizabeth, who rapidly found herself being left behind.

"Miller!" she gasped, almost running to catch him. "Miller! Oh, for goodness sake. Danny!" Miller stopped dead and turned round, waiting for her to catch up.

"Sorry," he muttered. They continued on to the small room dedicated to private coaching in silence, and it wasn't until they were inside and shut the door that either of them spoke again.

"He didn't do it, Liz."

"I know that."

"We need to do something about this."

"What can we do?" Elizabeth asked. "Timmons was right. They'll take everything off him for this, Danny. It's not like he's got a clean record, the Head won't be able to do anything else." She blinked hard, but a single tear escaped and trickled down her cheek. She wiped it away impatiently, but not before Miller had noticed and was staring at her in horror. "I'm fine," she lied. He tentatively sat on the table beside her, and put an arm round her shoulders. Elizabeth leant against him for a few seconds then pulled away. "I'm fine," she repeated. "No one's getting thrown out. Look, Dad's away tonight, like the Head said, and I've got Kitty staying with me to keep me company. Come up after lights out, all of you. I'll phone Verity as well, and see if she can get away and cycle up, Kitty will let her in through the kitchen. We'll fix this."

***

"Excuse me! Excuse me!" Elizabeth, walking quickly along the corridor occupied with her own thoughts, stopped and turned round so quickly that her pursuer almost crashed into her.

"Phew, caught you at last. I thought you were ignoring me."

"Just thinking, sorry."

"I'm Maynard - Mike Maynard, as it happens, but you probably knew that already. And I know you're Elizabeth. What's happened to Chas, is he ill? He wasn't around at break and one of the Fourths said they saw him going to the San."

"No, he's not ill."

"What's he doing in the San then?" Elizabeth sighed and looked around. The Lower Sixth's form room was just beside them and empty, so she pulled him inside and closed the door.

"He's in isolation."

"Isolation? What on earth has he been trying to catch now?"

"Not that sort of isolation. The punishment sort. Listen, I might as well tell you everything and then you know." Quickly, she outlined the events of the morning up to the point where Charles had been sent to the isolation room, diplomatically leaving out the argument afterwards. Mike whistled.

"Poor Chas. Someone will swing for this."

"Just as long as it's not him," Elizabeth replied. Mike shook his head.

"Nah, he won't - the Head likes Chas, he always has. He'll know he didn't do it. Lets see, Michael, what can we do about this? I wonder... how much trouble would you say Chas was in?" Elizabeth looked irritated.

"Haven't you been listening?"

"No, that's not what I mean. Would you say he was in real, deep, couldn't-get-out-with-a-shovel trouble?"

"What are you talking about? Have you heard a word I've said to you?"

"Steve always said if we were in real trouble... but I'd need to make a phone call... and for that I need a diversion. OK! Don't worry, I'll help! If you speak to Chas, tell him I'm working on it. I need to find Helston." And with that, Mike ran out the door and disappeared down the corridor, leaving Elizabeth staring after him.

Giving up on figuring him out, she continued on her way to the prefects room where she found most of the others looking distinctly subdued.

"Where's Miller?" Monty demanded as she came in.

"The Head wanted to see him."

"What for?"

"Do I look like I'm in his confidence?" Elizabeth demanded as she dropped her belongings on the table. "Oh, and I've just been speaking to Maynard's brother - he said we're not to worry, he's helping, and there will be a diversion."

"Oh great, just what we need - the fifths having a riot," Jones groaned. "Mitch, are you free to cover Lower IV and then Upper IV for games this afternoon?"

"I am if someone covers Lower IV's prep tonight so I can get some work done."

"I'll take your prep," Elizabeth volunteered. "I don't have much to get done tonight anyway."

"Deal," the junior prefect replied with a shadow of his usual grin. "And when we get Maynard back in here, I'm going to tell him what I think of him for getting himself into trouble on the day he's coaching both Fourth Forms!"
Author:  cestina [ Wed Mar 16, 2011 1:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 16 Mar
Oh, oh, oh!!!! Er - there will be daily postings until this is resolved won't there Eilidh? You can't create such a real world and not expect us to be fully living the experience! And at the moment it's not a good place to be......

Wonderful stuff. Thank you :D
Author:  AnneM [ Wed Mar 16, 2011 1:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 16 Mar
Daily postings? We need twice daily at least! :D
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Mar 16, 2011 2:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 16 Mar
Hope they find the real culprit - it's frightening how easy it is to frame someone.
Author:  cestina [ Wed Mar 16, 2011 3:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 16 Mar
AnneM wrote:
Daily postings? We need twice daily at least! :D

Well yes, but I didn't want to be greedy :oops:
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Mar 16, 2011 3:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 16 Mar
With Mike, Helston, Miller, Monty and Elizabeth on the job how can we worry about Charles!

Thanks am reassured now Mike is involved as he obviously is going to contact Len ir Steve or both!
Author:  Joanne [ Wed Mar 16, 2011 5:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 16 Mar
I like to think we've seen enough of the Head to know he is fair - and that he trusts Chas. That is the case, isn't it? I suppose I'm going to have to wait and see... :dontknow:
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Mar 16, 2011 5:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 16 Mar
I'm most intrigued by what Mike is going to get up to!

Also, I'm pinning all of my hopes on Jem :D If anyone can fix anything, surely he can? He must know at least three high-up special service officers who can come in and fix it all, right? I mean, securing the country's all well and good, but protecting the MBR reputation is surely more important...

Heh, sorry, got caught up in my little day-dream there! Thankyou for coming back so quickly, but pretty please keep updating us!
Author:  roversgirl [ Wed Mar 16, 2011 8:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 16 Mar
I like how everyone wants to help out. Wonder who Mike's going to call... Thanks :-)
Author:  Abi [ Wed Mar 16, 2011 9:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 16 Mar
Well, at least a lot of people seem to be on Chas' side. I'm rather interested in what Mike might be about to do. Why does he need a diversion and what is it going to be?

Thanks Eilidh. :D
Author:  abbeygirl [ Thu Mar 17, 2011 10:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 16 Mar
cestina wrote:
AnneM wrote:Daily postings? We need twice daily at least!
Well yes, but I didn't want to be greedy


I, however, have no such compunctions..... Love this in a sort of please come and fix it soon sort of way....
Author:  Sarah_G-G [ Thu Mar 17, 2011 10:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 16 Mar
Yes, I avoided the immediate cliff! Though I still seem to be sort of dangling... Please take pity on your poor not-very-expert-at-cliff-clinging readers and come help Chas out of his predicament? *begs*

I did like Miller a lot in this, though. And Mike is very cute in his "I can help but don't tell anyone and, er, don't look at me too closely until I'm done, yes?" method of supporting his brother. Elizabeth's confusion and frustration with him was palpable! I'm still scared for Chas though- if his friends/ whoever Mike is contacting can't sort this out pretty quickly he's going to be in real trouble.
Author:  Eilidh [ Thu Mar 17, 2011 12:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 16 Mar
Thank you for the comments!

Miller emerged from the Head's office about forty minutes later, looking furiously angry. He disappeared in the direction of the boarding house, where he shut himself in his study, emerging only for classes and meals for the rest of the day. In both of these he was distant and distracted - Lewis reporting back to the rest of the prefects that Miller had spent the entirity of their history lesson staring a point on the wall somewhere above Mr. Lawson's head.

Later that afternoon, due to Elizabeth's warning, the entire prefect body managed to not hear the disturbance as Helston, accompanied by most of the rest of the two Fifth Forms, started a small riot in the entrance hall by suddenly shouting out,

"Oy! You kicked me!", turning around, and kicking back at the boy behind him. By the time the School Secretary had emerged from her office to deal with them, and managed to make herself heard over the noise, ordered them to pick up everything they'd knocked over and marched the ringleaders, including Helston, off to wait outside the Head's office while she made a report to him, Mike had vaulted in her window, made his phone call, and retreated a safe distance to wait until the Head had finished telling off his friends.

When their Head Boy had not appeared at the midday meal, the school had been puzzled. By the time his seat at dinner was empty too, rumours were flying round the room and were all being ignored by the prefects, who were taking pains to steer the conversation at every table away from their missing leader. Monty had moved into Charles' seat at the head of the Upper VI table and squashed every query hard until the younger boys finally gave up and decided that Maynard must be ill.

"Is there any point in getting undressed? When are we going upstairs?" Jones asked, pausing in the act of pulling his jumper over his head.

"Elizabeth said as soon after lights out as we can get away with it," Miller replied.

"Well, I'm taking my tie and blazer off anyway," Monty declared. "After all, if we get caught, the last thing that's going to be on anyone's mind is that we're not in school uniform."

"Lights, boys!" Matron's voice echoed down the corridor, and she was rewarded by seeing the lines of light under each door go out one by one. "Good night," she added. Climbing the stairs to the two attic flats, she knocked on Elizabeth's door. That young woman opened it in her pyjamas, Kitty visible behind her. "All ok?"

"Everything's fine," Elizabeth said.

"Good night, then. Sleep well."

"Good night Matron," both girls chorused. Matron entered her own room, closing the door firmly behind her, and Elizabeth closed hers.

***

After he had heard Matron moving around in the room above him and decided she was safely out of the way for the night and unlikely to come back down, Charles opened the window to its fullest extent and leaned out. The isolation room, like the rest of the San, was on the second floor of the boarding house. He wondered vaguely if he could climb down if he put his mind to it, or drop if he hung as low as possible beforehand.

"I wouldn't recommend it," said a voice behind him. Charles drew his head back in hurriedly, to see Monty leaning nonchalently against the door frame.

"Why not?" he asked.

"Firstly, because knowing you, you'd break your ankle dropping down and not get away anyway. Secondly, because nothing screams 'I'm guilty as sin' like disappearing out the window in the middle of the night. Thirdly, because even if you did get away, you've got nowhere to go. Fourthly, because at no point did you suggest taking me with you, and there's no way you're going without me. And finally, I'm here to summon you to a council of war, and I hate to face Elizabeth if I go upstairs without you."

"If you come with me you don't have to face her."

"She'd hunt me down. You know she would. Now come on, upstairs."

"But I'm in isolation."

"And Matron, for convenience or because she's far too trusting, left the key in the door. So I've un-isolated you."

"You can't do that!"

"I quite clearly just have. Don't be such a wet blanket, Minor, you're turning into your brother. You'd have done it for me if our positions had been reversed."

"If our positions had been reversed, you wouldn't have got into this mess. You'd have coped perfectly well with being Head Boy. This should have been your job anyway. I only got it because they thought you were leaving. I should resign in favour of you."

"Don't talk such utter rot. None of this has anything to do with you being Head Boy. Now move, I'm not standing here all night. As for resigning, well, you'd have to resign in favour of Miller. He's your deputy, thankfully, not me. And if you did that, the Head would kill you because Miller's in trouble with him as well after they had a meeting earlier. As to you having my job, that's rot too. No one in their right mind would have appointed a Head Boy who refused to talk to one of the prefects, would they? Stop being so dramatic and come with me, 'til we get this sorted out."
Author:  cestina [ Thu Mar 17, 2011 12:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Mar
Oh I do LOVE Monty! He would have been such a loss had he gone.......

Keep RL at bay Eilidh and keep posting! Thanks again...... :D
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Mar 17, 2011 12:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Mar
Monty is great :D .
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Mar 17, 2011 5:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Mar
So Matron is in it too. I wonder what the head is thinking. I am sure he knows that the boys are trying to solve the problem.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Mar 17, 2011 7:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Mar
What's wrong with Miller, I wonder? Is it just that he's been asked to cover HB or something more? And who really did it - is it who I think? As if Chas would be stupid enough to get caught in such an obvious way! He's not daft... :roll:

Thankyou! I'm just hoping that this trope plays out the same way as in all other stories and our hero is dutifully restored :D
Author:  roversgirl [ Thu Mar 17, 2011 9:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Mar
Monty's fantastic! I wonder what Miller's been doing... Thanks :-)
Author:  Abi [ Thu Mar 17, 2011 10:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Mar
I wondered whether Miller'd been shouting at the Head that Chas couldn't possibly have done it... but surely the Head wouldn't really believe it?

Thanks Eilidh, this is brilliant. :D
Author:  Sugar [ Thu Mar 17, 2011 10:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Mar
Thanks, just caught up on loads of this. Intrigued to see what happens next.
Author:  Storyteller [ Thu Mar 17, 2011 11:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Mar
I'm really glad to see Mike getting involved. I was wondering what he was up to, and whether he might be able to sort out Felix and the K's better than Chas.

I hope there are lots and lots of updates SOON!

(And please don't let them get caught at their meeting :shock: )
Author:  Miss Di [ Fri Mar 18, 2011 12:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Mar
I think I am going to have to start checking multiple times a day in the hopes of more updates.
Author:  JS [ Fri Mar 18, 2011 9:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Mar
Quote:
I wondered whether Miller'd been shouting at the Head that Chas couldn't possibly have done it... but surely the Head wouldn't really believe it?



That's what I thought too. Thanks Eilidh :)
Author:  Eilidh [ Fri Mar 18, 2011 1:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 17 Mar
Probably the last post until Monday, unless I get inspired over the weekend. :) Thanks for the comments.

Elizabeth and Kitty waited until they heard Matron's door close, and then jumped up again.

"Right, lets move," Elizabeth said, wriggling out of her night clothes and back into her jeans and a jumper, just as something rattled against the window. Elizabeth leaned out, and Verity waved from the shadows. "Can you go down and let Verity in?" she asked. "I'll put the kettle on and make some cocoa, she'll be freezing if she's cycled all the way up here tonght. Remember and jump the bottom step, it creaks." Kitty grinned at her, nodded, and disappeared onto the dark landing. She returned just as the kettle boiled, leading Verity, who dropped down in front of the fire with a sigh.

"I'll get warmed up before you tell me what's happening," she said, accepting a mug of cocoa. "I couldn't make head nor tail of what you babbled down the phone at me, Liz."

"We're waiting for the boys anyway," Elizabeth told her. "They should be up shortly." There was a gentle tap on the door just then, and she opened it to admit Jones and Miller.

"Cocoa! Wonderful," Jones grinned, as Kitty poured more of it out. "Monty's gone to get Minor. They normally leave the key in the door when they do isolation in the San."

"Stupid of them," Kitty observed. "Evening Danny. Who's your friend?"

"This is Jones. Jones, this is Kitty."

"So glad we all know each other," Monty's voice said from the doorway. "I'm here, so the party can start now. I've brought the prisoner with me."

"Very funny," Charles replied, dropping down on the sofa beside Elizabeth, who had been busy bringing Verity up to speed. She leaned against him as he put an arm round her shoulders. Miller perched on the arm of the armchair that Verity was curled up in while Monty sprawled on the rug in front of the fire. Jones took the other chair and Kitty, after handing out the rest of the cocoa, sat down on the other side of Elizabeth.

"So," Verity said when they were all settled, "The answers to the exam questions turned up in your desk." Charles nodded. "Did you put them there?"

"Of course he didn't!" Elizabeth protested. Verity ignored her.

"I didn't," Charles agreed. "Even if I had wanted to look at them, I wouldn't have been stupid enough to hide them in my own desk."

"Fair point," Monty agreed. "So we're not looking for someone stupid. Should point that out to the Head."

"I did," Miller said. "Just after I told him that I would not accept a temporary promotion to Head Boy, and if he promoted anyone else I'd resign." Charles shot him a grateful smile. "And since we all know that the school would just collapse without me, he's not promoting anyone just now."

"What did he say to that?"

"He just sat there and looked, and told me that if I didn't moderate my tones and my language I wouldn't be given the chance to resign." Monty choked on his cocoa at this admission.

"What did you say to him to get that?" Miller turned scarlet.

"I had just told him that anyone with half a brain knew that Minor didn't take anything, that he didn't need to, and that by punishing him he was showing that he agreed with it and that he thought it was true when it clearly wasn't and that when I'd found out who it was I would march them to his office and make them admit it and then he would have to apologise, and since we both knew that was going to happen he should stop punishing you and start finding the real culprit. And I erm... I may have sworn a bit as well but I'm not repeating that in, you know, present company."

"So we can pretty much agree that Charles didn't do it," Verity said, though she looked amused by this speech. "So who did?"

"Timmons," Monty suggested at once. "He's never liked you, Minor."

"You can't blame everything that goes wrong on him though," Charles argued. "I've hardly had anything to do with him this year. In fact, the last time we argued was about the Christmas pantomime last year. That was almost a year ago. There's no way he'd wait until now to try something."

"What about whoever your competitors were for Head Boy?" Verity asked. Charles grinned.

"Miller?"

"What?"

"Did you steal the answer book and hide it in my desk?"

"Nothing to do with me," Miller replied promptly.

"There you go then - that idea's out."

"It could be anyone," Jones said. "It could be some kid you've put in detention, someone you've had an argument with, anything!"

"When did they do it?" Kitty asked suddenly.

"Well, it wasn't there when I finished prep on Monday night," Charles said thoughtfully. "I'd been on duty with the Fourth and I took my books back to our room afterwards."

"Was anyone there?"

"Lewis was scribbling at something." Charles said after a few seconds thought. "Not sure he even knew what was happening round about him though."

"I can ask him. If it wasn't there at the end of prep, and it was there in the morning, then it must have been put there in between." Miller ignored the expressions the rest pulled in response to this piece of reasoning. "Straight after prep we all went in to supper, and we were all there - I'm sure anyone missing would have been noticed. Then what?"

"Monday night... You and I went to the choir rehearsal in the church," Jones said. "What else was on?"

"I had a team meeting for the football team in our form room - that was yesterday! It feels it was about a week ago," Charles said.

"So obviously there was no one in your desk while you were having your meeting. When did it end?"

"Not until the bell rang for bed - we had a couple of boxes of biscuits and sat around after it. I turned the lights out when I left, so Mitch and I must have been the last pair out." Monty, lying flat on his back on the floor, suddenly yawned.

"This is getting us nowhere," he said. "Even if we find out when, that doesn't tell us who. And who is what we need. When, or even why are pretty irrelevant right now. And I'm telling you that the who is Timmons."

"Which is complete speculation," Jones said. "And you've got no way to prove it. He'd never admit it to one of us."

"No, but I might have an idea," Miller said slowly. "He won't admit it to us, you're right, but what about one of his own friends?" Monty sat up.

"Don't tell me you're considering roping that blasted Harrington into this?"

"Who else?" Miller demanded. "Have you got any better ideas?"

"Well he'll lie, for a start, so it's a waste of time even asking him."

"Monty, I've shouted at enough people today, don't make me add you to the list for sheer bloodyminded stubborness!"

"You can't shout here anyway," Elizabeth said. "You'll disturb Matron. Miller, ask Harry, Monty, come up with another plan if you don't like that one." Both boys subsided, nodding, and the conversation continued onto other ideas for the nxt hour or so until they were all beginning to fall asleep. Verity reluctantly stood up and began to put her coat back on, while Miller volunteered to lock Charles back into the San. They went downstairs silently, and were almost at the door before there was any sound at all.

"Mr Miller!" Both boys froze, and Miller muttered something unrepeatable under his breath. The Head looked from him to Charles, and back again. "I presume you are out of bed for a drink of water, Miller?"

"Yes, Sir," Miller replied hopefully.

"May I suggest that after you return the glass to it's proper place," here the Head looked steadily at Charles again, "That you take a moment to nip back upstairs and tell Miss Greening that it would be better if she did not attempt to cycle back to the village tonight? I will let the Constable know where she is in the morning." Miller opened his mouth, closed it again, stared at the Head in amazement, and opened his mouth a second time as Charles stood on his foot.

"Ow! Yes, Sir."

"Good night then."

"Good night, Sir." The Head moved off, leaving the two boys staring at each other.

"He's nuts," Miller said in amazement. "Absolutely nuts."

"No," Charles disagreed. "He just knows everything. All the time. I wonder if he knows who did this as well?"
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Mar 18, 2011 1:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Mar
The Headmaster is great :D .
Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Mar 18, 2011 2:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Mar
Good the Head master and Matron are on the ball.

I suspect the Head is aware of Mike's actions earlier as well. Freddie and rest of Mike's group of friends in trouble and Mike no where to seen! It looks fishy to be so I am sure the Head spotted it when the "ring leaders" were sent to him, minus Mike.

Mike could be a good help with the 2K's and Felix as well.

Thanks for the update, enjoy the weekend.

(edited to add thoughts about Mike,)
Author:  cestina [ Fri Mar 18, 2011 3:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Mar
Phew, that's a relief. Not that I ever doubted the Head of course.....

May I wave some weekend inspiration your way Eilidh?

Enjoy it, whatever you do - you deserve it :-)
Author:  roversgirl [ Fri Mar 18, 2011 8:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Mar
What a lovely Headmaster! Thanks :-)
Author:  Abi [ Fri Mar 18, 2011 9:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Mar
Haha! I think I am in love with the Headmaster!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Mar 18, 2011 9:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Mar
Thanks, I was hoping to get to the end of all that, but it seems now I'll have wait like the rest :D
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Mar 19, 2011 7:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Mar
Knew the Head would know what was going on. :lol:


Thanks Eilidh
Author:  JS [ Sat Mar 19, 2011 9:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Mar
How delightfully Dumbledore-ish of the head. Hope that Verity's parents don't find her missing before he calls, though!
Author:  jmc [ Sat Mar 19, 2011 11:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Mar
Think the head might have his own plan to catch the real culprit. Wish my head was like him.
Author:  keren [ Sat Mar 19, 2011 7:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Mar
Also
who did Mike phone

I wonder whether it was Len, or Steve,
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Mar 19, 2011 8:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Mar
I have a sudden and most awful suspicion about who might have done this and why.

Please say that it wasn't the 2 Ks in revenge for that scene with Elizabeth! It has certain echoes of when they ragged the Fourths (?) by hiding their prep. I'm going to go and hide, just to be on the safe side.

Whited out just in case I'm a) wrong or b) ruining it for anyone with my guesses! :lol:

Thankyou, I do hope (do I?) that they can catch the culprit soon!
Author:  Myth Tree [ Sat Mar 19, 2011 9:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Mar
I'd had that thought too, Ariel.

Suspect the Head has a fair idea who it was but has to isolate Charles to see people's reactions.
Author:  abbeybufo [ Sat Mar 19, 2011 9:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Mar
That crossed my mind too, Ariel - as one of the front-runners :D
Author:  Miss Di [ Sun Mar 20, 2011 3:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Mar
I hope you're wrong Ariel because this is a lot more serious than hiding homework or shoes!
Author:  Eilidh [ Mon Mar 21, 2011 2:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 18 Mar
Short update today. Thanks for the comments, it's good to know that people are still enjoying this.

For the rest of the week, the school was very noticably subdued. The news that Charles was being punished had leaked out by the Wednesday afternoon, and after Upper IV had had one shot at taking advantage of this - organising an impromptu caricature-drawing competition when left on their own at the beginning of prep - and been handed three nights of detention by Lewis - generally considered the most lenient of the prefects - the rest of the school decided that it would be to their advantage to keep their heads down while the prefects were on the warpath.

By the Friday morning, even Monty's eternal optimism was dampened as he and Jones joined Elizabeth and Miller in the garden. Miller had news.

"Harry says he can't get anywhere without looking too obvious," he said. "And he says he doesn't know what to think - he doesn't want to think it was them, but he can see why we would think it was. I believe him when he says he doesn't know anything about it, though."

"So he's got us exactly nowhere?" Monty asked.

"We're going to have to give up soon," Elizabeth said. "The Head's not going to wait much longer to do something about this. I'm amazed he's let it go as long as he has. Has he even seen Charles?"

"Apparently he was there yesterday," Monty said. "Minor said they had a perfectly pleasant conversation, with cakes and tea."

"What is he doing?" Miller asked, sounding frustrated. Rightly interpreting this as a rhetorical question, the rest stayed silent.

"Ship under full sail, coming up the driveway!" Jones announced suddenly. They all stood up to see - Elizabeth, who had been sitting on the back of the bench, standing on the seat to see over the plants. Monty whistled quietly.

"Things just got serious," he said softly.

"Do you know her then?" Jones asked. Monty shook his head.

"No, but I've seen her picture. That's Minor's mother."
Author:  Catherine [ Mon Mar 21, 2011 2:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Mar
Eilidh! What are you doing to us?! You can't leave it there!

I really hope Joey's presence doesn't make things worse for Chas - as I suspect it might! And is her presence there because the School has contacted her or because of Mike's phone call?
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Mar 21, 2011 3:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Mar
Oh no!
Author:  hac61 [ Mon Mar 21, 2011 4:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Mar
I agree with Alison, "Oh no!" Joey could be a help or a decided hinderance.
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Mar 21, 2011 4:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Mar
Some how I doubt Mike rang his mother in Switzerland! I suspect the Head and Charles are the only two not worrying after hearing the head had tea and cakes. The fact that Harry can not find out if Timmons and crew were involved makes me happy as he is now outside their sphere of influence.

Thanks for the update
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Mar 21, 2011 6:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Mar
Is it very bad that all I can think is that the Head knew Joey was coming and decided to treat Chas to tea and cakes as a last meal before the execution? :lol:

Though we may have to set Joey on you, Eilidh, if you don't update soon! Be warned...

Thankyou!
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Mar 21, 2011 6:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Mar
I don't know - perhaps Joey being there is a good thing? After all, despite her faults she does care, just hasn't quite got the idea that her children are entitled to their own opinions. I think I've also got an idea as to why Charles was targeted - and if so the ones that did it are in serious trouble - and really won't want to meet up with Joey.



Thanks Eilidh
Author:  Spoot [ Mon Mar 21, 2011 7:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Mar
I have no idea about anything (who did it, why, who called Joey, ...), but I am enjoying the story!
Author:  roversgirl [ Mon Mar 21, 2011 7:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Mar
I also have no idea but am looking forward to answers! Thanks :-)
Author:  Pat [ Mon Mar 21, 2011 7:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Mar
She can leave it there - she just did!!! I reckon she's been taking lessons from the Queen of Cliffs!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Mar 21, 2011 7:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Mar
Pat wrote:
She can leave it there - she just did!!! I reckon she's been taking lessons from the Queen of Cliffs!

In that case, I'll set Joey on her, too! :lol:
Author:  Miss Di [ Mon Mar 21, 2011 9:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Mar
Come back!! I need to know.
Author:  Abi [ Mon Mar 21, 2011 9:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Mar
Oh! Well, this should be interesting...

*tongue hanging out*
Author:  lydia [ Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Mar
ack, what will Joey do? .... Muuuuuust know (please :) )
Author:  Myth Tree [ Tue Mar 22, 2011 8:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Mar
I think Joey will be helpful. The school would probably inform parents of any major transgressions and this is a major transgression- even if those in power believe it was a set-up.

Go Joey!
Author:  Catherine [ Tue Mar 22, 2011 9:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Mar
PaulineS wrote:
Some how I doubt Mike rang his mother in Switzerland!


I imagine Mike rang Steve and I was thinking that perhaps Steve decided it was something Joey and Jack should know about ... although it seems unlikely.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Mar 22, 2011 10:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Mar
I'm now having my suspicions over who could be behind this and I wouldn't want to be in their shoes is it's true. Am hoping I'm wrong.
Author:  JS [ Tue Mar 22, 2011 10:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Mar
Yey, go Joey!!!
Author:  Eilidh [ Tue Mar 22, 2011 12:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 21 Mar
Is it wrong that I found all the comments highly amusing? :lol: I'm very intrigued to know who you all think the culprit is as well...
Thank you for reading!

Joey stopped, looked around, and spotted them watching her.

"Excuse me?" she called "Can you help me?". They made their way over.

"What do you need?" Miller asked politely.

"I'm looking for the Headmaster's study," she said. "Would you mind showing me where it is? I'm afraid I don't know the school, and I don't want to wander with no idea of where I'm going."

"Certainly, Mrs. Maynard," Miller said. Joey hesitated.

"Are you friends with one of my sons, then, since you seem to know me?"

"Minor," Monty said.

"Charles," Elizabeth corrected, with a frown.

"So you're Charles' friends? One of you must be Monty then, lets see - you?" Monty nodded. "I thought so. Your hair rather gives you away. Which means you two must be Miller and Jones."

"That's us." Jones replied cheerfully. "And this is Elizabeth Braithwaite. She's a day pupil here, her father is the history master."

"Of course, Charles mentioned a day girl. Lovely to meet you."

"Mrs Maynard, Minor didn't do it," Miller said firmly - a fact that he had been repeating at intervals for the last two days until everyone else was tired of hearing it. Joey merely nodded and adjusted her gloves.

"I know that," she said. "I suppose you lot had better come with me to explain that to your Head. Lead on, MacDuff!" she misquoted cheerfully.

***

"No, my dear woman, I do not have an appointment. I have a son being punished for a serious offence that he did not commit, and this, I feel, is slightly more important than an appointment. Now am I going to get to see the Headmaster, or are these particularly resourceful young people going to have to find another way to get me to him?" The three boys exchanged glances while the secretary repeated firmly that she was unable to make an appointment with the Head.

"You're the Head Boy while Minor's out of action," Monty murmured. "Go for it." Miller sighed, then, while the secretary was arguing with Joey, marched straight past the desk and knocked firmly on the inner door.

"Enter," a voice replied. Joey shot a triumphant smile at the secretary and followed the young people into the office.

"Mrs Maynard to see you, Sir," Miller said politely. "Maynard's mother. Miss Clark didn't want to let her in." The Head looked slightly surprised.

"Come in, Mrs Maynard - and escort, I see. I should have known you four would be here. Mr Miller, I will expect you to remain civil today, or I will ask you to leave my office." Miller turned scarlet and started at the carpet.

"Yes Sir. Sorry Sir."

"Mrs Maynard, I am Dr Hammersley, your sons' headmaster. I know your husband, of course, but I don't think we've met."

"No, we haven't," Joey agreed. "And I'd like you to explain to me now exactly why you think my son is guilty of what he's been accused of, and what you're intending to do about it."

"Well, as I'm sure you know, the answers that went missing were found in his desk."

"Charles is the only person with access to his desk?" Joey demanded.

"Well no, the entire form had access, but why on earth would anyone else want to hide the answers to those exams in Maynard's desk? He's a popular boy, always has been! Why, he..."

"Dr. Hammersley," Joey interrupted what looked like a long speech on Charles' popularity. "I have always had a great deal of respect for you. My husband thinks highly of you, my sons have thrived at your school. All that respect, however, is disappearing fast. Tell me why you think my boy is guilty!"

"I don't," the Head replied simply. The other five people in the room all stared at him. "That is why I had not telephoned you, Mrs Maynard, although I can make an educated guess at who did."

"My son, Stephen," Joey said, automatically. "He said Michael contacted him, hoping he could help, and he decided that the best way to help would be to let my husband and I know."

"I see. That does explain a few things. Miller, who is on detention duty tonight?"

"Mitchell, I think, Sir."

"Tell him to send those members of Lower V that he has there to me, would you? I assume the mini riot that took place outside Miss Clark's office a few days ago was merely to allow Maynard Minor access, and although I do wish he'd just come and asked to make a phone call, I can see his logic in doing things the way he did. Now, Mrs Maynard, as I was saying -

"This is why you didn't say anything when you met us in the corridor after lights out," Miller suddenly realised.

"I will pretend I missed that blatant admission of several of my most senior prefects breaking at least six school rules, Mr. Miller," the Head said blandly. Miller attempted to edge behind Monty. "Now, as I was saying. I do not for a second consider that Maynard is guilty of this. However, someone clearly is, and as that fact is common knowledge in your form, he must be seen to be being punished for it at the moment. I cannot pull all the members of your form into this office and ask who is responsible for this mess. Quite apart from such an approach being completely unjustified, you are all Upper VI and I'm fairly sure that whoever it is will not admit it in return for me simply asking, or they would have come forward before now. You four will have to do that. Now that Mrs Maynard is here, I suggest you get on with it as quickly as possible, as I cannot delay taking what will be seen to be the necessary action for much longer. Miss Braithwaite, kindly ask Mrs Mac to show Mrs Maynard around the school, and then take her to see her son. I will arrange to have your younger sons brought here later, if you would like to come back for tea, Mrs Maynard."

"Right, we need an idea and we need it now," Miller said firmly, once they were back outside. "Everyone's money's on Timmons - he's hated Minor for years - but he'll never admit it to us. Come on Monty - you were telling me how awful my plans were. It's your turn."

"He won't admit it to us, no," Monty said thoughtfully. "But I think I might just have an idea. Lizzie, my darling - I've got a job for you!"

***

Charles leaned his head on his hands and sighed. It was hard trying to work in the little isolation room alone, especially when he could hear people outside. He was just about to get up and close the window, when a comment floated up on the breeze.

"So you see, I have the linings attached to clips, and the bands are removable as well. I only have to carry one hat about with me, but I can always match my outfit. It's just such an incovenience when one of the clips breaks - thank you so much for the pin!" Scrambling to his feet with such haste that he knocked over his chair, Charles leaned out of the window as far as he could. Unfortunately, both his haste and his acrobatic feats were wasted as there was no one is sight and he returned to his work with a deep sigh. "If you keep sighing like that, you'll blow it all out the window and have to start over," a voice behind him remarked. Charles jumped up again, sending the chair head over heels for the second time in as many minutes.

"Mamma!" he exclaimed, reverting to the old name in his surprise. Joey took a few steps forwards and hugged him to her, then scrutinised him closely, taking in the pale face and shadowed eyes.

"Mmm... You've been having a bit of a time of it, haven't you?" she asked, picking up the chair and seating herself on it. Charles sat opposite her, on the edge of the bed.

"I didn't do it, Mum, truely."

"Of course you didn't do it. I know that, your friends know that, and even that headmaster of yours knows that as well."

"That doesn't help things though, does it?" Charles demanded. "They need to prove it. What did... what did Dad say?"

"That he was sorry he couldn't come with me, but that he was sure it was all a misunderstanding and would be cleared up soon." Joey replied promptly. "And as for proof, well, I believe your friends are working on that. I'm desperate to know what plan they've come up with, but unfortunately I was marched off on tour just as the brainwave struck."

"Who was it?" Charles asked, with mild interest.

"The red-haired one they called Monty. And it had something to do with that pretty girl who was with them, and someone called Timmons." Charles looked thoughtful, then suddenly light dawned and he covered his face with his hands.

"Oh, no," he said in despair.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Mar 22, 2011 12:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 22 Mar
Fair play to Joey, she did well there.

It must be very frustrating for a teacher when something like this happens - the Headmaster clearly thinks that Charles has been framed, but until/unless that can be proven he's got to be seen to punish him, as he says.
Author:  keren [ Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 22 Mar
Well trumps to Joey!
She has come out of it well.

they should have thought to ask her advice about what to do
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 22 Mar
Hope Monty and Elizabeth can solve the problem, with causing more upset, which Charles seems to think likely.

Glad Joey is to have tea with Mike and Felix.

Thanks.
Author:  roversgirl [ Tue Mar 22, 2011 7:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 22 Mar
Joey's good here, thanks. Hope they do solve the problem without causing bigger ones! :-)
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Mar 22, 2011 8:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 22 Mar
Well, if it's who I think it was, then perhaps Joey's appearance could have an effect in and of itself. Particularly with one of the other players in this little game being who he is...

This is getting far too much like a detective novel! I think you really do need to tell us whodunnit soon :lol:

Thankyou!
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Mar 22, 2011 8:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 22 Mar
Well done Joey - exactly what your sons would want from you.


But is it Timmons? Because I've got another culprit in mind - and Joey may come in handy...


Thanks Eilidh
Author:  Abi [ Tue Mar 22, 2011 10:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 22 Mar
Joey was magnificent there! Loved her instantly getting all Chas' friends on her side too. :D

And I have no idea who did it! Looking forward to finding out, though.
Author:  Miss Di [ Wed Mar 23, 2011 2:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 22 Mar
How sad that she finally visits the boys school in such circumstances.
Author:  JS [ Wed Mar 23, 2011 8:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 22 Mar
So has Elizabeth been cast as Delilah? No wonder Charles is in anguish :)

Wonder how long it'll take Joey to tell Elizabeth that she simply must come to the Chalet School.
Author:  cestina [ Wed Mar 23, 2011 1:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 22 Mar
This just goes on getting better and better..... :D

I'm a little concerned that the Headmaster doesn't seem to have told Charles that he believes in his innocence or why is Charles so distraught?
Author:  Eilidh [ Wed Mar 23, 2011 1:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 22 Mar
Well, I do hope this is not a disappointment now!

Elizabeth smoothed down her skirt, picked up her books, and turned to face the Miller.

"Lovely," he grinned. "Right, Harry's on duty, and he's promised to help out. He'll throw something on the floor if you go on too much, but you're a good actress, you'll be fine. I know he was one of Timmon's group, but he doesn't believe this any more than we do - and I trust him even if Monty doesn't and Jones can't make his mind up. Monty's free this period, and he's going round to go in the window and hide in that space at the back - between the radiator and the encyclopedias." Elizabeth nodded, and took a deep breath.

"I'm really beginning to think I don't like this plan," she said. "OK, here goes. I hope this works!"

Pushing open the door to the library, she spotted Timmons at once, sitting at a table by himself. With a glance at Harrington, who seemed oblivious to her and was marking some books out for a group of the fourth form, Elizabeth deposited her things on the other side of the table.

"Mind if I sit here?" she asked, smiling prettily. Timmons looked up in surprise.

"I didn't buy up the table," he replied shortly. Elizabeth sat down and turned her attention to her maths. After a few minutes, during which she sighed and made a great show of crossing out her working a few times, she spoke again.

"Timmons? Could you help me with this? I really don't know what I'm supposed to do," Timmons looked disbelieving.

"You're better than almost everyone in the class, don't try that," he responded, but Elizabeth was ready for this and shook her head, before fixing her eyes on him and doing her best to look pathetic. She had practiced on the other boys after Monty had had his bright idea, and attempted now to re-create the look that had convinced that young man to get out the armchair and offer her a seat when she'd complained that her feet were sore.

"Normally Maynard does them," she confided in a low voice. "Don't tell anyone, though. But I'm sure you're just as good at maths as he is and you'll be just as much help or more. You'd be just as high up the form lists if it wasn't that Mr Harris and the Head don't like you," At this point, there was a crash as a book fell to the floor, and they both looked round to see Harrington retrieve it and smile at them. Elizabeth, recognising this as the signal that the library prefect thought she'd gone too far, turned her pleading gaze back on and waited anxiously for Timmon's response.

"All right then, I'll help you," he agreed eventually. "I didn't realise that. You know that school rumour has you and Minor as a couple?"

"I know, but it's nonsense of course," Elizabeth said, forcing herself to keep her voice light. "Really, I just like having the boys to help me with my work. I'd never get on otherwise. And honestly, Minor?" she asked disdainfully. "Not my type."
Accepting this with a smile, Timmons carefully explained the maths prep to her, making sure she understood each step. Elizabeth, under her disgust at herself and her horror, was aware of the fact that he was a remarkably good teacher and said so when he'd finished his explanation.

"Well, I can help you any time," he promised, "After all, Minor's not going to be here much longer. I really don't know why he hasn't been expelled already." Elizabeth crossed her fingers under the desk.

"My father said something about him being kept in isolation until his people could come from Switzerland," Elizabeth said. "Don't tell anyone though, I wasn't supposed to pass that on." Timmons glanced at Harrington, who to all appearances was fathoms deep in a book.

"I won't," he said. "Oh well, good riddance anyway. I never did like him."

"Lucky for you someone else felt the same and thought of putting those answers in his desk then, isn't it?"

"You don't think he did it himself?" Timmons asked curiously. Elizabeth shook her head.

"No, I don't think so. He is clever, after all. I don't think he'd have needed to do it. And even if he did, he's not stupid enough to hide them in his own desk, is he? I wish I knew who is was though. It was such a clever thing to do, if someone didn't like him, I mean. He's lost everything - being Head Boy, his scholarship, his chance at a university place." Timmons smirked, and Elizabeth clenched her fists under the table.

"And you think it's clever?" Timmons asked.

"Well, I think they must be quite clever." Elizabeth replied. "Don't you?"

"Yes, I suppose it was," Timmons said thoughtfully. "Oh well, I don't suppose it matters now if he's been expelled - I did it."

"You?" Elizabeth asked, slightly too loudly. "Why?"

"Why not?" Timmons asked. "It seemed like a good idea - he had everything I wanted - he was Head Boy, he had the scholarship, he'd probably have won the American trip, he had you... or at least I thought he did," he corrected hastily. "And now you can't tell anyone, because you already told me that you've been cheating in all your classes. So if you talk, so do I." Elizabeth stared at him for a few seconds, then slapped him hard across the face, leaving the imprint of her fingers on his cheek. Timmons immediately looked to Harrington for backup, to find that his former supporter hadn't looked up from his book.

"Harry!" he protested. "She slapped me! Do something to earn that prefect badge you're so proud of." The library prefect glanced up from his work.

"Didn't see any unacceptable behaviour in here," he said woodenly. "Did you, Monty?" Monty appeared round the corner.

"Not a thing, the bookcase was in the way," he replied cheerfully. "I heard lots though. Lots of very interesting information."
Author:  Spoot [ Wed Mar 23, 2011 2:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 23 Mar
Nicely done Elizabeth (and Harry and Monty).
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Wed Mar 23, 2011 3:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 23 Mar
Talk about baiting a trap with honey - and Timmons fell right into it, didn't he - before witnesses, too? Very cleverly done.

Thanks, Eilidh, will look forward to seeing the denouement of this episode!
Author:  Rafaella [ Wed Mar 23, 2011 3:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 23 Mar
Brilliant :D

I'm glad it wasn't the twins. And hopefully Monty & Harry will start getting on better now too. Thanks Eilidh.
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Mar 23, 2011 3:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 23 Mar
Well done to them all. Not a disappointment at all, thanks for the update.
Author:  Squirrel [ Wed Mar 23, 2011 3:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 23 Mar
There's no way that could be counted as disappointing Eilidh. You got the atmosphere just right, and all those involved in it played their parts to superb effect. :)

That was one of those posts which leave me sighing in satisfaction. Can't wait to see where you're going to take it next.

Thank you. :)
Author:  chris84 [ Wed Mar 23, 2011 4:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 23 Mar
Just caught upon the last few posts and this was really good. Well done Elizabeth! Am another that suspected the twins straight away and am glad it wasn't them. Thank you. :D
Author:  keren [ Wed Mar 23, 2011 5:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 23 Mar
Wow, that was great
Author:  Sarah_G-G [ Wed Mar 23, 2011 6:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 23 Mar
Very clever! I do like that Harry was able to prove his loyalties at the same time as well- I hope that puts an end to Monty's problem with him as well. I'm another who is relived that it wasn't the twins (I was more than a little concerned that it might have been Kevin getting his own back for last term and Charles getting off was going to depend upon Kester developing a backbone. So glad my suspicions were unfounded!)
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Mar 23, 2011 8:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 23 Mar
I was thinking that if it was the twins, Felix might find out and tell Joey while she's around. I like this, though - and I hope that Chas does the honourable thing and saves Timmons from being expelled.


Thankyou!
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Mar 23, 2011 8:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 23 Mar
Wonderful - and I'm so glad that it wasn't the twins. Timmons is really rather stupid, isn't he? :lol:


Thanks Eilidh
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Mar 23, 2011 9:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 23 Mar
I'm another who is glad it wasn't the twins, though do feel sorry for Harry given Timmons was his friend and its not like a lot of the others are standing by him
Author:  Abi [ Wed Mar 23, 2011 10:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 23 Mar
Well done Elizabeth! Timmons might be a good teacher, but he should have been a bit more careful if he wanted to keep his secret!
Author:  Miss Di [ Thu Mar 24, 2011 2:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 23 Mar
A fine example of "I didn't think!" there :lol:
Author:  roversgirl [ Thu Mar 24, 2011 5:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 23 Mar
Tht was great, thanks! And I'm glad it isn't the twins as I suspected them as well.
Author:  Rafaella [ Thu Mar 24, 2011 11:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 23 Mar
I think two of my favourite things about this series - apart from the vivid characters & gripping plotlines - are the way that it's considered perfectly normal for teenagers to be interested in the opposite sex, and the way that Kitty can and does meet the rest of them on equal terms despite being one of the school maids. Can't imagine either of those things happening in EBD.
Author:  Eilidh [ Thu Mar 24, 2011 3:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 23 Mar
Elizabeth left the library, on a quest to find Miller and report her success back to him. She didn't have far to go, as she found the Deputy Head Boy sitting at the bottom of the back staircase, getting in the way of everyone who was trying to go up or down. He listened to her with a slowly widening smile, and then they both hurried back to the library where, as it might have been suspected, the situation was rapidly deteriorating.

Monty had disappeared, and chances of finding out where he had gone were slim as Timmons subjected Harry to a torrent of words, in which 'traitor', 'loyalty', and 'betrayed' were repeated often.

"That's enough!" Miller said loudly, pushing between the other two boys. "None of this has got anything to do with him. Has Monty gone for the Head?" Harry nodded silently. "Then we've got nothing to do but wait until he arrives." He sat down on the nearest chair and proceeded to do exactly that. They weren't waiting for long before the sound of quick footsteps coming along the corridor reached them, and the Head swept in, his gown billowing around him, and marched Timmons off to the study.

Later that evening, all the prefects, a sizeable helping of the rest of Upper VI and assorted others were gathered in the prefects room, feasting on several plates of cakes and sandwiches provided by Cook, who had an unusual fondness for Monty, despite of - or possibly because of - the number of times she'd caught him in her kitchen at times when he had no possible right to be there. As Mike, accompanied, as always, by Raoul Helston, slipped back in for the third time, Elizabeth looked around and realised someone was missing.

"Where's Harry?" There were a few shrugs from around her, and she slipped out to look for him, chasing the two Fifth Formers back into the corridor on her way. After a brief search, she found him sitting on the low wall that separated the drive from the playing fields, and, pulling her blazer closer round her to shut out the cold November night, went to join him.

"Why aren't you in the prefects room?" she asked, as she sat down. "You should be - I couldn't have done that today without you." Harry shrugged.

"Didn't really feel like celebrating," he said. Elizabeth paused.

"What's wrong?" she asked eventually. There was a long silence before Harry spoke, and when he did his tone was conversational, as though they were discussing the chances of rain the following day.

"He's going, did you know? The Head isn't expelling him officially, but he made it quite clear that he didn't want Timmons here any more. And Cook is going too. You know they're cousins? They're going to finish the year at a day school where they live, if they can get in."

"I didn't know," Elizabeth said. "I'm not surprised, though."

"It's my fault," Harry said suddenly. "All those things he said, about being disloyal, and a traitor, and turning on my firends - they were all true, weren't they? I didn't really believe they'd done it, you know - I didn't believe Maynard had either, but I didn't think it was them. Even when Miller asked me to find out, I didn't really try very hard. I thought it was just him and Monty on a campaign against them. And now two of my friends are expelled - essentially - and the other two are not interested in having anything to do with me ever again."

"There's still Lewis," Elizabeth reminded him.

"Well, I feel just as badly about him. We treated him terribly for years, and yet when I actually got to know him last year he turned out to be a really decent person - and then I thought well, if that was the case for him, how many others did we treat like that who didn't really deserve it? And now, knowing what Timmons tried to do, am I really just as bad as him?"

"No," said a new voice. Monty appeared out the darkness and sat down on the other side of Elizabeth. "Sorry to interrupt - I wondered where you'd both got to. No, you're not as bad as him. Believe it or not, I've actually got several reasons for thinking that, though you're not allowed to tell Miller any of them, because he'll gloat. Firstly, you're a prefect, and I trust the Head to know what he's doing. Secondly, Lewis is obviously genuinely friendly with you, which he would never have been with Timmons, because Timmons was a bullying, useless... well, lets not get into that. Thirdly, you're feeling bad about it, and I don't believe he ever felt bad about anything. And finally, what you did today - turning on him and helping us - I couldn't have done that. If all the positions had been reversed, and that had been Minor sitting there, I could not have helped turn him in. You're... well, you're a better man than I am, Harry, and I misjudged you. I'm sorry." Harry reached a hand across Elizabeth.

"Shake," he suggested. Monty obeyed. "I reckon if Lewis can cope with having me as a friend, I can cope with you," Harry said with a ghost of a smile. "And I think we should probably all go back inside before Elizabeth freezes to death."

"Yes, go, Lizzie!" Monty said, as she shivered violently. "We'll be right behind you." Elizabeth needed no second telling and hurried inside and up into the prefects room.

"Where have you been?" Charles asked as she burst in. "You're freezing! Come and get warmed up." Elizabeth shook off his hand.

"Never mind that! Come and see!" she dragged him out onto the balcony that opened over the main hall and the rest, made curious by her obvious excitement, crowded behind. And thus it was that the entire prefect body witnessed Harrington and Montgomery, sworn enemies for over nine years since the day they'd met in the First Form, coming in the front door together, and laughing hysterically over the looks of shock on the faces of everyone who saw them.
Author:  AnneM [ Thu Mar 24, 2011 5:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
Oh fantastic! :D Well done Elizabeth for spotting Harry's absence, and good for Monty for overcoming years of prejudice. I must admit I was a bit worried about what would happen to Harry but you've made it all come out all right.

Thanks, Eilidh.
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Mar 24, 2011 5:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
Timmoms may deserve to have to leave the school, but the Cook is being punished as well. Hope someone can help her find a decent place to live and that Timmons learns to be less bullying so they can settle in a new neighbourhood.
Thanks for the updates.
Author:  Spoot [ Thu Mar 24, 2011 5:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
PaulineS wrote:
Timmoms may deserve to have to leave the school, but the Cook is being punished as well. Hope someone can help her find a decent place to live and that Timmons learns to be less bullying so they can settle in a new neighbourhood.
Thanks for the updates.


I think that you made the same mistake that I made at first.

There are two "cooks". One is the actual cook (who provided a feast for the boys) and the other is a boy with the last name of Cook.

It says that Timmons and Cook are leaving the school and that - "They're going to finish the year at a day school where they live, if they can get in". I don't think that cook (the one who cooks) would be going to a day school to finish the year. Also, Harry says: "And now two of my friends are expelled". I don't think that he'd consider cook (the one who cooks) to be a friend.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Mar 24, 2011 6:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
Yes, I did a double take there too!

I hope that Joey stayed around long enough to join in the prefects' meeting and thoroughly embarrass her sons - I don't see why it should be only the girls who suffer! :lol:

Thankyou for such a happy ending for them!
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Mar 24, 2011 7:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
Quote:
I wrote:
Timmoms may deserve to have to leave the school, but the Cook is being punished as well. Hope someone can help her find a decent place to live and that Timmons learns to be less bullying so they can settle in a new neighbourhood.
Thanks for the updates.


Quote:
Spoot wrote
I think that you made the same mistake that I made at first.

There are two "cooks". One is the actual cook (who provided a feast for the boys) and the other is a boy with the last name of Cook.


You are right Spoot I forgot that one of Timmons friends was called Cook. I thought the school cook must have been responsible for Timmons in some way and had to leave to provide a home for him!
Author:  roversgirl [ Thu Mar 24, 2011 7:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
That was lovely! Thanks :-)
Author:  Spoot [ Thu Mar 24, 2011 7:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
I did the exact same thing! Until I got to the parts that I quoted and realised that I had to be wrong.
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Thu Mar 24, 2011 7:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
I felt sorry for Harry as he wrestled with the consequences of his action - I'm glad Elizabeth noticed his absence and went in search of him and that Monty followed her out.

The net result - that Charles is cleared of suspicion, even though no-one ever believed he was guilty, that Monty and Harry have finally settled their differences and that Tummons and Cook are leaving will surely lead to a smoother time for the prefects.

Thanks, Eilidh - that was a very satisfying outcome.
Author:  Storyteller [ Thu Mar 24, 2011 9:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
Oh good. One problem solved. Now if they can just deal with K & K...I'm guessing Mike might be of help here, too, at least in getting Felix out from under their collective thumbs.
Author:  Abi [ Thu Mar 24, 2011 9:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
I'm glad Timmons is sorted out, and after that there isn't really a lot else that could have happened. Poor Harry, though. That must have been really hard for him.
Author:  Miss Di [ Thu Mar 24, 2011 11:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
Great detective work there kids. Now to sort out the terrible twins...
Author:  abbeygirl [ Fri Mar 25, 2011 9:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
Glad that's sorted then! Nice to see that Monty was big enough to take that first step.... so plain sailing for the rest of the term is it?
Author:  chris84 [ Fri Mar 25, 2011 12:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
Good to see Monty and Harry try to sort things out. Thank you :D
Author:  crystaltips [ Fri Mar 25, 2011 7:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
*happy sigh* another mega catch up so I missed all of the cliffs. I did think it was going to be the 2K's, glad it wasn't. Very pleased Monty was man enough to recognise what Harry had done & nice they've buried the hatchet.
Wonder what the rest of term holds.
Thanks, Eilidh, really enjoying this.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Mar 26, 2011 2:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
Am really glad Harry and Monty sorted out their differences and Elizabeth noticed Harry was missing and went after him
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Mar 26, 2011 5:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
Well done Monty - glad he and harry are now friends.


Thanks Eilidh
Author:  jmc [ Sat Mar 26, 2011 8:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
Pleased that it wasn't the twins and that Harry and Monty had made up. It should make life easier for everyone now. Thanks
Author:  Beecharmer [ Sat Mar 26, 2011 10:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
Just wanted to add my thanks and congratulations for such a great collection of drabbles. And thank you for showing Joey as human, misguided, but not evil, much appreciated. :-)

Only problem I have - Your characters are so good that it feels as if several of them are part of the real canon, which really messes with my own plot bunnies ! If I ever give in and follow the evil whisperings of the bunnies, there is a good chance some of this lot will force their way in, now, as they are already trying to add their two pennyworth. Can I apologuse now for any unintentional plagarism if I ever think it good enough to post ?? Obviously any intentional use of the characters I would reference you :-)

No, I lied, that isnt the only problem - is there any way I can claim for reimbursement for all the hours of sleep that I have just lost reading Changing Directions, You can't chose your family, and now this one?

Brilliant. More please !
Author:  hac61 [ Sat Mar 26, 2011 6:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
Beecharmer23 wrote:
No, I lied, that isnt the only problem - is there any way I can claim for reimbursement for all the hours of sleep that I have just lost reading Changing Directions, You can't chose your family, and now this one?


Yes, you have to go to bed one hour early for a week. And no reading in bed! :D
Author:  Beecharmer [ Sat Mar 26, 2011 8:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
hac61 wrote:
Beecharmer23 wrote:
No, I lied, that isnt the only problem - is there any way I can claim for reimbursement for all the hours of sleep that I have just lost reading Changing Directions, You can't chose your family, and now this one?


Yes, you have to go to bed one hour early for a week. And no reading in bed! :D


Lol. Yes boss. But - no reading ?!?! That's like saying to me no eating or talking ! Waaaaaaa :cry:

Can I read in bed if I sit up properly and wear a bed jacket? And not before 6.00 in the morning ( chance of that pretty low anyway, unless you count middle of the night :-) )
Author:  Eilidh [ Mon Mar 28, 2011 2:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
Thank you all for the comments. Apologies for the Cook-the-cook and Cook-the-boy confusion - it honestly didn't even occur to me when I wrote it. There may be a slight delay before next term, because two or three things that I had no plans for at all have put themselves in and I need to get them sorted out and written up if they are staying.

The last three weeks of term passed relatively smoothly, overall. Joey departed back to the Platz, full of plans for Christmas and inviting almost everyone she came across to come out and visit the boys in the holidays. Her sons waved her off with relief - as Mike said, it was good to know that Stephen had been right and she would come if they really needed her, but equally, most of the time it was nice to keep her in another country where she wasn't looking over their shoulders all the time.

"Poor Felicity, and Erica, and Adrienne, and Cecil," Felix said. The older boys were forced to agree with this, although in the privacy of his own head Charles left Adrienne off the list. As far as he was concerned, his mother was the least she deserved.

A select contingent from Upper VI, after spending another week muttering random facts to each other and burying themselves in books, sat the exam for the American scholarship. Charles was not among then. After spending a while thinking it over, and discussing it with the Head, he had decided not to sit it - after all, as he pointed out, if he won, there were bound to be some people who said that he'd cheated after all, and as he already had a scholarship, it was slightly selfish of him to go for another. The Head, after Charles had explained all this, had agreed to him withdrawing his name, and as a result Charles had a far easier end to the term than he'd anticipated.

Mr Braithwaite had returned to school in time to supervise the exam, and watched from the desk at the front of the hall as twelve boys came in and took their seats. They all wrote continuously from the minute they turned over their papers until he told them to stop, and handed him thick piles of paper at the end of the afternoon. He released them from the Hall to enjoy the end of the term - several of them had spent it revising continually for two tough exams, and he suspected that several sets of parents would be surprised by how tired their sons looked when they came home for Christmas.

Almost before the school knew where they were, it was the last week of term. The Christmas entertainment, given in the form of a variety show by the Upper Third, was widely applauded, and the Carol Service on the last day was equally successful. In the old stone church, lit, as always, by rows of tall white candles, Charles sat on the end of the back row and listened to the Head speak.

"Many of you - most of you - will be going home tomorrow to houses full of family, to presents, to big dinners and to Christmas cheer. Most of you will be contributing to the gifts yourselves, with things you've made over the course of the term, or things you've bought. I know that every father of every boy in Lower III, for example, will be receiving a carefully made holder for his keys, lovingly crafted in the woodwork class." Charles smiled to himself. In his father's study at Freudesheim, four such key holders hung on the wall, one above the other. "What I want you all to remember is that as well as the material gifts - the things you have made and bought - at Christmas, it is also important to give other types of gifts as well. All of you, think for a few minutes - in this festive season, this time of celebration, what can you do to make someone else happy? How can you show the people that you care about how much you care about them? These - these are the true gifts of Christmas, not the books, or toys, or clothes - but your actions." Charles thought about Cecil and Phil, and Geoff and Claire, and wondered if he could get through an entire holiday without losing his temper with them. Then he thought about Felix, and felt sure he couldn't get through the holiday without losing his temper. He felt Elizabeth, sitting close beside him, slip her hand into his and he squeezed her fingers gently and gelanced down at her. She smiled as the Head finished with a prayer, and the choir stood up to lead them in the next carol.

After the service, Charles stopped and looked around the empty church, his hands full of carol sheets.

"Do you realise this is our last carol service?"

"Well, that would be normal when you consider that this is out last year," Miller said. "Anyway, you've still got two brothers here and one to come - you'll be at plenty more."

"It won't be the same though," Charles complained.

"No. This has been a good term, all in all. I mean, obviously some of it hasn't been good, but we've had fun - despite the fact we're running the show." Jones took the bundles of sheets that the rest held out, shuffled them into a pile, and put them in a box, dropping the organ music on top. "And that's something I never thought would happen."

"That we'd run the place or that we'd have fun doing it?" Monty asked.

"Either!" Charles said, swinging the big door closed behind them. He locked it and dropped the key into his pocket. "I'm not so sure I agree that it's been a good term, but I think we're doing a good job. And now that my mother's gone completely off her head and invited you all to stay, if any of you want to turn up at Freudesheim over Christmas, just write and let me know. I promise that while you're there we can lose Felix up the mountain or something."

"Tempting..." Monty said, grinning. "But not as tempting as the drinks and gingerbread biscuits that will be in the dining room just now. And if we don't get a move on, there'll be none left!" He broke into a run, his long legs leaving the others behind as, throwing their prefectorial dignity to the winds, they raced back towards the school.
Author:  Beecharmer [ Mon Mar 28, 2011 2:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Mar
Thank you as always.

A compliment for you, beyond my normal cries for more - yesterday I was standing in the garden thinking about what book to read next. Completely unconsciously I thought 'how about that series about the boys school, what was it called again... do I have any more of them to read ?' before realising that I was thinking about your drabble!

Thank you too for showing Joey being more like Joey :-)
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Mar 28, 2011 2:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Mar
Possibly not very practical, but I'd love to see them all turn up at Freudesheim :wink: .
Author:  Catherine [ Mon Mar 28, 2011 3:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Mar
Thanks, Eilidh. Glad Charles' term finished off more quietly than it started and I hope there's not too much of a delay before next term!
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Mar 28, 2011 4:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Mar
Thanks for completing the term. i am sure Charles did the right thing in withdrawing from the American scholarship. I think he would have found jugging the two difficult.
Pleased the thirds managed the entertainment at the end of term as well.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Mar 28, 2011 5:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Mar
Oh, please let them all arrive at Freudesheim! That would be brilliant!

I loved the detail about Jack and his key holders as well :D

Thankyou!
Author:  roversgirl [ Mon Mar 28, 2011 7:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Mar
Thanks Elidh, that was lovely. Would personally like to see them all Freudesheim. Thanks :-)
Author:  Abi [ Mon Mar 28, 2011 8:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Mar
I would also love to see them all descend on Freudesheim. :D
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Mon Mar 28, 2011 8:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Mar
Thanks for that very satisfying end to the term, Eilidh. I'm another who thinks Charles was wise to withdraw from the American scholarship exam. A wholesale descent of Upper VI on Freudesheim is a mind-boggling prospect!!! Will be looking forward to the next part whenever you have chance to post.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Mar 28, 2011 8:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Mar
Alison H wrote:
Possibly not very practical, but I'd love to see them all turn up at Freudesheim :wink: .


So would I
Author:  Sarah_G-G [ Mon Mar 28, 2011 9:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Mar
Aw, I can just see Joey wandering round telling everyone and his cat to come visit Freudesheim over the holidays! :lol: I loved the little details in this- Jack's study with four sets of key holders, Charles considering not losing his temper, the boys being happy with their mum (but also somewhat embarassed and happy she's gone away again now she's done her "job" :roll: ), Charles leaving Adrienne off of his mental list of girls to feel feel sorry her. I look forward to the next part! :D
Author:  Miss Di [ Mon Mar 28, 2011 10:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 24 Mar
Eilidh wrote:
Charles thought about Cecil and Phil, and Geoff and Claire, and wondered if he could get through an entire holiday without losing his temper with them. Then he thought about Felix, and felt sure he couldn't get through the holiday without losing his temper.


I just fell off my chair laughing

Well not really but it seemed a suitably chaletian thing to do.

Thanks Eilidh, looking forward to next term when you get round to it!
Author:  ivohenry [ Tue Mar 29, 2011 9:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Mar
Lovely end to the term! Look forward to next term - but it would be nice to have a glimpse of Freudesheim at Christmas with lots of visitors!
Author:  jmc [ Tue Mar 29, 2011 10:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Mar
I can see why he didn't sit for the scholarship but think it's a pity. Great that the term ended so well and I think they have all grown up a lot. Really wish they could all turn up at Freudesheim en masse though I would feel sorry for poor Anna. Thanks
Author:  janetbrown23 [ Tue Mar 29, 2011 11:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Mar
Please let them all turn up for Christmas but please give Anna and Rosli a nice long Christmas holiday too.
Author:  robinette [ Tue Mar 29, 2011 9:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Mar
I am more of a lurker but I had to comment on this to say how much I am enjoying this Eilidh. Its so wondefully written.
I also, would love to see them all decend on Freudesheim.

Thanks Eilidh
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Mar 30, 2011 6:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Mar
Lovely end of term - would also love to see the boys all descend on the Platz. :lol:


Thanks Eilidh
Author:  Elbee [ Thu Mar 31, 2011 11:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Mar
I'm relieved the problem with Charles was sorted out! Looking forward to more, I love this school and characters!

Thanks, Eilidh.
Author:  Elle [ Sat Apr 02, 2011 4:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Mar
I am also looking forwards to more, which I hope is coming soon :)
Author:  brie [ Mon Apr 04, 2011 10:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Mar
I hope they all take up Jo's invites. Thanks Eilidh
Author:  Eilidh [ Wed Apr 06, 2011 2:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 28 Mar
*Tiptoes in, leaves a long-overdue update, and sneaks back out again*

Charles threw his case and outdoor garments on Stephen's bed, rejoicing in the fact that with Stephen not joining the family until Christmas Eve, there was no one to complain. Two doors further down the hall, Felix and Mike had closed the door on Felicity to allow them to change out of their school uniforms - a fact she had merely compensated for by raising her voice and continuing to talk without pause to the closed door. Charles thought ruefully of Miller, who he guessed would be enjoying afternoon tea with Gran and talking to her in a calm and civilised manner. Freudesheim, while having a lot of very admirable qualities, was rarely considered calm and civilised. Sure enough, within seconds Felicity was drowned out.

"Mike! Felix! Chas! Chas!" With a grin, Charles pulled on a favourite old jumper - twice rescued from Anna's rag bag and hidden in the back of Stephens wardrobe while he was at school - and made his way back downstairs.

"You trying to take the roof off, Eric?" he demanded as he jumped the last three stairs and landed in the hall with a thump.

"It was easier than looking for you," she explained briefly. "And I've told you not to call me Eric. It's Eric-ah. How much extra effort does one A take?"

"Why were you looking for me?" Charles asked, ignoring this often repeated complaint.

"I'm not. Auntie Joey is. She says you're all to come and get Kaffee."

"Right you are. Hello Anna! We're back again!"

"So I heard," Anna replied, negotiating the tea trolley into the Salon. "And where is my round biscuit tin, I would like to know?"

"Anna. You haven't seen us for four months. Is this really the time to be discussing biscuit tins?" Charles said, following her into the room while two thumps behind him announced the arrival of Mike and Felix in the hallway. "Shouldn't you be telling us how much we're grown, and how much you've missed us, and how nice it is to have the house full again?" Anna was saved from replying to this by the arrival of Rosli with the four youngest members of the family, and as everyone talked at once and exchanged news Charles managed to avoid any further questions on the subject of the missing tin - which was sitting safely the shelf above his desk in his study at school. He helped himself to a selection of biscuits and cakes and sat down beside his father and Mike, who were eagerly discussing going to collect the Christmas tree, to enjoy being back at home.

***

The train slowed to a stop and Monty jumped off and waved energetically to the guard, who waved back and signalled the train to move on. Crossing the platform - which was so small it barely deserved the name - Monty joined his sister, who was perched on the top rail of the fence dividing the platform from the road, her long hair tied in two plaits which hung down her back. She was holding a riding hat in her hands, and had another on her head.

"I thought we'd ride home," she said, by way of greeting. "You haven't got much with you, have you?"

"No, you said you'd be doing Christmas presents, so I've only got some bits and pieces. Left most of my uniform at school, it's not like I don't have clothes at home." He took the hat off her and put it on.

"Auntie Jack is here," she informed him.

"What for?"

"Mum's not been well. Auntie J. says if she's not better after Christmas, we might be going back to Guernsay for the end of the holidays."

"What's wrong with her?" Isobel shrugged as they set off.

"I've hardly seen her since I got home three days ago. Dad's been busy and Auntie J. won't tell me. I've spent most of my time up at the old house, to be honest - there have been a few groups come to see it and I've been showing them round. Luckily it's not been a bad winter so far, so I haven't had to pretend that the leaks in the roof add to the charm."

"Hows school? Had any excitements?"

"No, nothing. There's never any excitements at our place, you know that. What about you?"

"Nothing much," Monty replied as they passed through the big gates that marked the edge of the property their family had once owned. "What's the new house like?" Isobel made a face.

"Small," she said said. "Our rooms are under the roof - they're quite nice, but it's not the same as before."

"Didn't expect it would be," Monty replied shortly. "Come on - lets speed up, I want to see our new home for myself. And I'm hungry," he added as an afterthought.

"It's not home," Isobel muttered mutinously as she followed him. "It will never be home."

***

Another sister was waiting eagerly in London, leaning against the wall and glaring impatiently at the people disembarking from each bus that stopped in front of her. Eventually, Jones stepped down, with a case in each hand, and she sprang at him as soon as she saw him.

"Will! You're back! I thought the bus was never going to get here. Is that all your things? Give me that case, I didn't bring my bike today. I thought it would be nice if there was someone here to meet you from the bus."

"Well, give me room to breath, then!" her brother laughed, pushing her away. "You not growing yet? Here, take the case but don't smash it into anything, it's got the Christmas presents in it. What's the news from home?"

"Good! Dad and George and Ian have all been working almost all the time since you went away, so there's been plenty money coming in, so Mum's been in a good mood. She's got a turkey and a side of bacon for Christmas dinner, and we've made the cake and everything as well, and she sent Bobby to the allotment this morning for vegetables. George is in trouble, though, because he's been seeing Mabel who works in the Greengrocers and her father is furious! He said that no dock worker would be getting his greasy paws anywhere near his daughter, and then Dad said that there was nothing wrong with his sons and you know, anyway, that George is in the office and Ian's got his apprenticeship, so it's not like either of them are bad prospects anyway. Paul can't get leave over Christmas, he sent a letter this morning, so there will only be five of us at home this year. Bobby is still insisting on staying at school after next year, and I'm sure I don't know why - I was old enough to leave at Christmas, so I did. Mrs Richards down the street says that her sister who runs the hairdressers, you know? - anyway, she's looking for a girl to take on, so Mrs Richards told her about me and I'm to go and see her after Christmas.

I saw Miss Tom on her way to the Manse this morning too, and she says I'm to tell you to go round and see her sometime soon, if not before that, because she's got something to tell you and she wants to know how you're getting on. And the Vicar wants to see you too, and I think it's so he can ask you to play at the Christmas Services because John Richards tripped over the doorstep on the way home a few nights ago and he's broken his arm, so he can't play the organ, but Mum says it serves him right anyway for staying in the Kings Arms until closing time and that if she ever caught one of her boys doing that then a broken arm would be the least of their problems."

"Finished?" Jones asked, when she paused at this point. "Or are you just stopping for breath? Afternoon, Mrs Richards," he added, as they passed their neighbour.

"Good Afternoon William, Anne - home from school again, are you?"

"Yes, Mrs Richards."

"Tell your mother I'll be round later with that recipe she wanted."

"Yes, Mrs Richards!" he called over his shoulder as they started walking again. They soon turned into the narrow street where they - and all their brothers - had been born and grown up, and began to climb up the rather steep and cobbled hill to the narrow house at the top. People shouted greetings to them as they passed and they waved back in response, and Bobby - the youngest of the family - tore down the hill to meet them.

"You went without me!" he shouted at his sister. "You said I could come and then you sneaked off without me!" Jones automatically shut out their bickering as they got to the house where their mother was waiting for their arrival. She came forward as he stooped to avoid banging his head off the top of the door, put her hands on his shoulders and scrutinised him closely. When she was satisfied, she smiled warmly and pulled him into a hug.

"Welcome home."
Author:  Beecharmer [ Wed Apr 06, 2011 2:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Apr
Such a lovely set of images. Thank you, looking forward to some more whenever you get time. I'm guessing Miss Tom is our CS Tom? Yay for that if it is her! :-) :-) :-)
Author:  brie [ Wed Apr 06, 2011 2:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Apr
thanks for the update eilidh. they all have such different home lifes don't they?
Author:  Rafaella [ Wed Apr 06, 2011 2:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Apr
Lovely :D Thanks Eilidh.
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Apr 06, 2011 2:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Apr
thank you good to see the others families as well. Hope that Miss Tom is our CS Tom.
Author:  cestina [ Wed Apr 06, 2011 3:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Apr
You can't sneak off without our noticing Eilidh! Another lovely update, thank you :-)
Author:  AnneM [ Wed Apr 06, 2011 4:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Apr
Great to see this again. Please don't sneak off too far!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Apr 06, 2011 7:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Apr
Awww, bless Anna - though I wouldn't like to be Chas when she does get around to hunting down the biscuit tin!

Thankyou!
Author:  roversgirl [ Wed Apr 06, 2011 8:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Apr
Thanks - it's nice to see their homelife too. :)
Author:  Joanne [ Thu Apr 07, 2011 9:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Apr
Another lovely update - like others, I do enjoy seeing their home lives.

Thanks.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Apr 07, 2011 10:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Apr
Thanks, am really enjoying seeing all the arrival home of all the boys
Author:  jmc [ Thu Apr 07, 2011 11:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Apr
Hope Monty;s mum is OK. It's nice to see all the different families. Thanks.
Author:  Sugar [ Thu Apr 07, 2011 9:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Apr
Thanks Elidh, just caught up on the last few posts and hope it won't be too long before you can start posting the new term
Author:  Eilidh [ Fri Apr 08, 2011 12:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 06 Apr
Thank you for all the comments, and for your patience with the big gaps between updates! I do have dozens of half-posts and random scenes written, but they are not finished and in no order. I'm working on it - I know roughly what's going to happen for the rest of the year, I just need to get it all sorted out and written.

A few days after Christmas, the early train stopped on the Gornetz Platz and a tall young man got out and looked around him. There wasn't much to see - the clouds were down, hiding the view back down the mountain, and what he could see seemed to be only a pair of short platforms with a solid looking hut at the end of the one he was standing on, the railway tracks running between them, and a large amount of snow.

"A very large amount of snow," he muttered, looking around. "And you'd think he'd have had the manners to come and meet me, wouldn't you? Never mind, it's only a shelf, it can't be very big. Someone will know where I'm going." He made his way to the hut, where he found an young man sorting out the mail bags which had been on the train. "Excuse me?"
he asked. The man looked up curiously. "I'm looking for... I can't remember the name of the house - Maynard?" The response came in fast, heavily accented German which Monty (for Monty it was) had no chance of following. He shook his head, looking confused, and was relieved when a voice behind him asked, in English

"Can I help you?" Monty spun around.

"Maynie! Thank goodness, I thought you'd all abandoned me to my fate here! Where's Minor?"

"He was in bed when I left - he thinks you won't be here until Thursday," Stephen replied, claiming the Freudesheim mailbag with a nod of thanks and dragging it towards the station gate.

"Well why does he think that? He's an idiot."

"Probably because that's what you said in your letter. Don't ask me though, I'm only here until this afternoon, then I have to get back to make sure I get back to work in time next week." Stephen loaded the bag onto the sledge, added his skis, and set off through the snow.

"Did you ski here?" Monty asked.

"Of course. It's much faster when it's like this. Chas will teach you before the end of the hols, don't worry - you can use my skis since I won't be here anyway."

"I can ski already, but that's decent of you - thanks!"

"Not a problem. Come on, it's not too far to the house. You'll be in time for breakfast."

The first person they saw when they got into the house was Felix, who stopped dead with a look of disgust on his face.

"Not another one! Isn't Chas enough to have lurking around when you're trying to have a bit of fun?"

"Nice to see you too, kid," Monty said, looking more amused than offended. At this additional insult Felix disappeared through a door, and Stephen, after a quick glance at his watch, leaned forward and shouted up the stairs,

"Chas? Are you up yet?"

"He will be now if he wasn't before," a dark haired girl said wryly, appearing from one of the downstairs rooms. "Who's this?"

"This is Monty - Chas' friend. Monty, this is my sister Connie who you met in the summer, and that's Margot behind her. The rest of the clan is around somewhere too, but I won't tell you names because there's far too many of them. Oh, there you are!"

"I like the way you say that like you didn't know where I was," Charles replied sleepily, appearing at the top of the stairs in his pyjamas. "Oh hullo, Monty - did you come in the mailbag, then?"

"Idiot!" Stephen said briefly. "Go and get dressed, breakfast is in twenty minutes and Dad will have words if he catches you being late for it."

"He won't catch me," Charles said, beginning to look slightly more awake. "At least, judging by the amount of swearing outside our window this morning, he was off to the san before it got light. I never knew it was so hard to get the car out the garage in the dark. What are you doing here, anyway, Monty? It's not Thursday. Never mind, tell me when I come back. Don't eat all the bacon, Steve!" he finished as he disappeared back into his room.

"Ignore him, he's a brainless fool," Stephen said, sheparding the slightly bewildered Monty into the dining room. "You must be starving if you've been travelling all night, come and have breakfast. Look who I found at the train station, mum!"

Shortly afterwards, the entire family was seated round the breakfast table. There were several conversations going on at once, and Monty marvelled inwardly at the ability they all seemed to have to be able to follow each one and give input into it when they thought someone else had got it wrong. Connie, who was dividing her attention between a conversation with her mother and Margot about a new shop that had opened in Interlaken, and an argument between Margot and Steve about whether or not they would get him to Interlaken in time for the train, noticed his face and leaned forward.

"It's a bit much to get used to, isn't it?" she said, smiling. "And it only gets worse, believe me. Chas, what have you got planned for your guest today?"

"Nothing, since he's here two days early," Charles replied. "Mike, stop hogging all the jam and give it here. Do we have to be in when the Helstons get here this afternoon? We could go ski-ing, if you want, Monty. Why are you here today, anyway. Your card said Thursday."

"No it didn't," Monty said, seizing on something he could follow and be sure about. "It said Tuesday." Charles produced a crumpled postcard from the back pocket of his trousers and dropped it on the table. Before they could check it, Stephen leaned over from his seat opposite and picked it up.

"Looks like T-squiggle-day to me," he said, squinting at it. "Could be either."

"Well, it doesn't really matter, you're here now," Charles said, reclaiming the card and stuffing it back into his pocket. "And I think we will ski today - or coast, maybe. We could take both out with us."

"Helston?" Monty asked him in an undertone as the conversation volume rose again, "Which ones?"

"Raoul - Mike's friend, that is - José who you don't know, and Aunt 'Veta anyway," Charles replied. "No idea if Freddie and Karl are coming."

"I hope Freddie is," his friend replied. "I have an overwhelming desire to behave like I'm the same age as your brother, and he always heps with that!" Charles considered this for a moment, then gave in.

"No one said we had to be prefects in the holidays!" he agreed, with an evil grin. "And like you said... there's no one like the man who was our prefect when we were kids to take us back to it."
Author:  cestina [ Fri Apr 08, 2011 12:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 08 Apr
Ooh lovely! I like T-squiggle-day :D
Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Apr 08, 2011 1:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 08 Apr
Quote:
"No one said we had to be prefects in the holidays!" he agreed, with an evil grin. "And like you said... there's no one like the man who was our prefect when we were kids to take us back to it."


Love the thought of Charles and Monty being juniors again!
Thanks for the update.
Author:  brie [ Fri Apr 08, 2011 1:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 08 Apr
Monty on the Platz :D :D :D
Author:  Beecharmer [ Fri Apr 08, 2011 3:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 08 Apr
Brilliant as ever. Love the way you make the family so real. Was so glad to see this update! :-) :-) :-)

Looking forward to knowing what they get up to soon as you can manage.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Apr 08, 2011 3:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 08 Apr
Oh fantastic, fabulous and excellent! This is going to be so brilliant, I can just tell.

Thankyou!
Author:  cestina [ Fri Apr 08, 2011 3:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 08 Apr
Is by any lucky chance Miller en route too? And, best of all, a certain young lady perchance?
Author:  roversgirl [ Fri Apr 08, 2011 9:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 08 Apr
I was thiking the same thing cestina! That was lovely Eilidh, thanks :)
Author:  Abi [ Fri Apr 08, 2011 9:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 08 Apr
Oh, hurrah! Both to see more of this and to see Monty on the Platz. :D

Thanks Eilidh!
Author:  Miss Di [ Sun Apr 10, 2011 4:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 08 Apr
You've got a large family meal captured perfectly there - everyone talking over the top of everyone else and managing to participate in multiple conversations at once!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Apr 10, 2011 5:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 08 Apr
Thanks, am glad Monty turned up
Author:  Catherine [ Tue Apr 12, 2011 1:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 08 Apr
I do like this universe. Thanks, Eilidh.
Author:  Nina [ Wed Apr 13, 2011 2:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 08 Apr
Phew! Just finished Changing Direction, You Can't Choose Your Family and This. I don't know, I disappear from the board for a while and come back to so many good drabbles I've just lost an entire week catching up :shock:

I do like this universe, and seeing so much of the boys. The Head is lovely too - reminds me a bit of Algie Herries in To Serve Them All My
Days.

ETA: I thought I'd missed something - just noticed that You Can't Choose has a Part 2... Oh dear, there goes tomorrow morning then.
Author:  Eilidh [ Wed Apr 13, 2011 2:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 08 Apr
This is not what I am supposed to be writing today... I am at work, I am not supposed to be writing at all, but if I am, I am supposed to be writing tomorrow's assignment. The plot bunnies were supposed to be caged up this week!

Many thanks for the comments.

"We'd better go in, looks like we're going to have some weather," Charles called later that afternoon.

"Miller would tell you that we're already having weather, and then tell you off for your English," Monty replied, gliding to a halt beside him.

"Miller should meet my Auntie Hilda," Charles muttered.

"Be as that may, you're right, we should go back. Apart from anything else, it's years since I've skied and I'm going to be as stiff as a board tomorrow."

"No, you won't be - Mum's got some stuff that she got from the Matron at the school," Charles jerked his head in the direction of the large, snow covered buildings nearby. "You rub that on after a bath and... quick, down!" Confused, but accustomed to obeying such commands after almost ten years of mischief-making, Monty threw himself flat on his fact on the snow beside his friend, who was crouching behind a bush.

"What?" he asked. Charles pointed silently down towards Freudesheim, where almost directly in front of them the entire Helston family was getting out of Minnie the Minibus. Monty grinned, scooped up a handful of snow and began to mould it quickly into a snowball. Charles' eyes lit up, and he followed his example.

"You first," he said. Monty nodded and carefully knelt up until he could see over the bush and threw the snowball with a speed and accuracy that spoke well for the coaching of a long succession of games prefects. It hit Fréderick Helston squarely on the back of the head, and as he turned round Charles' missile, thrown with slightly less accuracy than his friends, just caught the top of his head, scattering snow all over his shoulders. The two boys collapsed on the ground again as Freddy looked in vain for his assailants, before shaking off the snow and following the rest of the family indoors, casting a last suspicios glance around as he went.

"Come on," Charles said when they had all disappeared. "We'll go in through the kitchen and pretend we came in ages ago. Anna won't give us away. Nice shot though," he added, putting his skis back on.

"Charles Mayard, what do you think you're doing?" demanded a voice behind them at that point. Charles jumped, lost his balance, and tumbled headfirst into the bush he'd just finished hiding behind. Monty, who had had the sense to put his own skis on sitting down, collapsed into helpless laughter again at the sight and was not in the least sobered by the grimly serious expressions on the faces of the newcomers, one of whom regarded him at length while the other moved forward to pull Charles to his feet.
Author:  brie [ Wed Apr 13, 2011 2:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 13 Apr
Thanks Eilidh. I love this drabble :D
Author:  robinette [ Wed Apr 13, 2011 3:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 13 Apr
Hoping the newcomers could be Elizabeth and Miller

Thanks Eilidh, I'm really enjoying this
Author:  Beecharmer [ Wed Apr 13, 2011 3:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 13 Apr
Love it ! A minicliff !! :-)

Thanks, lovely to see this back. You have just made me delurk having told myself firmly I wouldn't log in for a day or so but I had to say thank you, I love all of these characters.

*skulks off and tries to pretend to self that this doesn't count as logging in and posting really...*
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Apr 13, 2011 4:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 13 Apr
Oooh, my guess is some of the teachers - Hilda and Nell maybe? Whoever it is, I can't wait to see Chas try and explain it all!

Thankyou!
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Apr 13, 2011 5:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 13 Apr
Thanks, wonderiong who has come up behind them. Please do not keep us waiting too long to know who it is.
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Apr 13, 2011 7:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 13 Apr
Was Freddie Helston Head Boy when they were younger? That would explain why they want revenge. Love the voice at the end.


Thanks Eilidh
Author:  roversgirl [ Wed Apr 13, 2011 8:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 13 Apr
That was lovely, thanks :-)
Author:  Abi [ Thu Apr 14, 2011 8:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 13 Apr
Brilliant! Wondering who the newcomers are...
Author:  Eilidh [ Fri Apr 15, 2011 12:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 13 Apr
Have a nice cheerful Friday update!

"Hello Auntie Hilda. Thanks, Auntie Nell," Charles said, brushing the snow off himself. "This is my friend from school. Monty, these are my aunts - they are Headmistresses," he added as an aside. Monty's eyes gleamed in a way Charles knew all too well, and Charles groaned inwardly, regretting the words almost as soon as they were out his mouth.

"I repeat, what did you think you were doing?" Hilda Annersley asked. "You could have seriously hurt Freddie, or broken a window if you'd missed."

"Well, ma'am, what we were doing was throwing snowballs, as you saw. Well, I presume you saw, since you're here. Unless you need glasses, of course, but if you did I'd expct you to be wearing them and you're not, are you?"

"Why did you throw the snowballs?" Miss Wilson asked, as Miss Annersley appeared to be somewhat lost for words at this breezy answer.

"It was an act of revenge," Monty replied simply. "You see, ma'am, Freddie Helston was one of the prefects at our school when we were middles, and he loathed us. He had good reason to, I admit, but when a chap has spent half of his Lower Fifth year in detention with Helston breathing down his neck, he'd be a rather special sort of chap if he could resist the opportunity to get a handful of snow down his neck - Helston's neck, that is, not the neck of the chap who was in detention - don't you think?"

"And the windows?" Hilda asked again, taking her turn as Nell looked unsure if she wanted to laugh or sentence Monty to a month's worth of dententions.

"Well, we didn't hit them," Monty pointed out in a reasonable tone. Behind him, Charles began to wish that Monty would suddenly lose the power to speak, or that the mountain would fall down, or anything that would put an end to this situation. "I wasn't going to hit them, anyway - I had plenty of time to aim and I'm a good shot, if I do say so myself. Minor isn't, he's got terrible aim, but then I thought his house, his windows, his problem. A chap can't go around throwing snowballs at other people's windows, you know, but it's not so much of a problem when they are your own windows." Hilda's stare was now colder than the air around them, and Charles closed his eyes and waited for the inevitable lecture. He was surprised by what came next.

"Hilda, it's the Christmas holidays."

"Yes, Nell, I am aware of that."

"Don't you think we could let them off with it? They didn't do any harm, after all." Charles opened his eyes. "And also, we're due at Freudesheim for Kaffee and it really would be most impolite to be late. Besides, I want to see Elisaveta."

"If we let it pass this time, I presume we will not catch you doing anything else you shouldn't be for the rest of the holidays?" Hilda asked.

"Oh no, ma'am, almost no one ever catches us," Monty replied promptly. "Just ask our Headmaster, he'll tell you - we're especially talented when it comes to getting away with things." Nell was grinning openly now, and even Hilda looked faintly amused.

"Go on, boys, I imagine you're due back for Kaffee as well," Nell said, when Monty paused. Charles grabbed him before he could say anything else and they fled, hurrying down the hill to the house where they abandoned their skis in the garage and slipped in the kitchen door. Anna was putting the last touches to the tea trolley and Charles jerked his head towards it from behind her back. Monty moved forward as if trying to remove one of the plates, and while Anna slapped him with a dishcloth to chase him off, Charles calmly lifted a handful of freshly made biscuits from the cooling rack and led the way upstairs.

"Chas? Is that you? Come and have Kaffee!" his mothers voice called from the Salon. Charles swallowed his mouthful of biscuit, and called back,

"We're just going to change first! Don't let Mike eat all the good cakes!" Then, as a frustrated exclamaition came from the kitchen, the two boys shoved the last of the evidence into their mouths and took the remaining stairs two at a time until they could shut themselves safely in Charles' bedroom.
Author:  Beecharmer [ Fri Apr 15, 2011 12:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
See, now you are making me de lurk.

I love this Drabble so much. Charles and Monty are so real to me, and that was a perfect Hilda and Nell. Love the description of Monty explaining himself and Charles having to listen in dread.

Brilliant double act with the biscuits :-)
:D :D :D
Author:  Vick [ Fri Apr 15, 2011 4:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
Beecharmer wrote:
See, now you are making me de lurk.


Me too :lol:

That was lovely Eilidh. Thank you. I love your universe and Charles and Monty are priceless. :D
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Apr 15, 2011 6:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
Did Monty just find a flaw in Hilda's English? Good grief, it must be the holidays!

Thankyou!
Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Apr 15, 2011 9:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
Quote:
"If we let it pass this time, I presume we will not catch you doing anything else you shouldn't be for the rest of the holidays?" Hilda asked.

"Oh no, ma'am, almost no one ever catches us," Monty replied promptly. "Just ask our Headmaster, he'll tell you - we're especially talented when it comes to getting away with things." Nell was grinning openly now, and even Hilda looked faintly amused.


If that is true why did Helston keep putting them in detention?

Thank for the update.
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Apr 15, 2011 10:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
Wonderful! :lol:


Thanks Eilidh
Author:  Abi [ Fri Apr 15, 2011 10:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
That was brilliant! Thanks, Eilidh. :D
Author:  AnneM [ Fri Apr 15, 2011 10:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
Fantastic! Just wonderful!
Thanks Eilidh.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Apr 15, 2011 11:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Once a headmistress, always a headmistress
Author:  roversgirl [ Sat Apr 16, 2011 5:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
That was great! Thanks :)
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Apr 16, 2011 4:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
PaulineS wrote:
If that is true why did Helston keep putting them in detention?


Just in case? :lol:
Author:  claire [ Sat Apr 16, 2011 4:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
balance of probabilities - if something happened it was one of them
Author:  Miss Di [ Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
Thank you, that was hysterical!
Author:  Chatelaine [ Mon Apr 18, 2011 9:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
ChubbyMonkey wrote:
PaulineS wrote:
If that is true why did Helston keep putting them in detention?


Just in case? :lol:


Or on the (quite reasonable) assumption that if mischief had been done, they were probably the culprits so they might as well have detention anyway? :lol:
Author:  c8bt [ Mon Apr 18, 2011 11:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
Perhaps he was the only one who could catch them - hence the 'almost never caught' comment?
Author:  Eilidh [ Thu Apr 21, 2011 12:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
The Author would like to point out that she is currently unable to write any more, as a result of a certain character (Monty, to be exact) insisting most firmly on a storyline for the coming term that the Author does not agree with in the slightest. Despite the fact that the Author has threatened Monty with numerous fates, including falling off the edge of the Platz and being fed to Bruno, he and Charles are refusing to give her anything else about the Christmas Holidays until she has sorted out what is happening next term.

The Author is on holiday for the next two weeks, during which she will attempt to negotiate with Monty, or alternatively during which she will write Monty out of the drabble altogether as punshiment. After these negotiations are brought to a successful conclusion, Stepping out of the Shadows Part II will start right here in Ste Therese's House.

Thank you all again for reading what I have done so far!
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Apr 21, 2011 1:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
Enjoy your holiday. Best wishes for your negotiations with Monty.
Author:  Jools [ Thu Apr 21, 2011 1:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
Have a fantastic holiday. I hope you and Monty (and Charles) sort out the impasse :lol: :lol: looking forward to the next instalment.
Author:  Elbee [ Thu Apr 21, 2011 2:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
I hope successful negotiations lead to a lovely long drabble soon! Thanks Eilidh, have a lovely holiday.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Apr 21, 2011 4:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
I hope that you have a good holiday - and good luck with Monty! Would it help if you threatened to send him to me as plot-bunny fodder if he won't co-operate? :lol:
Author:  cestina [ Thu Apr 21, 2011 5:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
Perhaps let Monty have his way? On no account write him out! Please........

Hope you are having a good holiday :D
Author:  roversgirl [ Thu Apr 21, 2011 7:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
Have a great holiday! But please do not write him out! Thanks :-)
Author:  Beecharmer [ Fri Apr 22, 2011 12:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
Have a great time! Perhaps give in to Monty, write it, prove to him it doesnt work and the two if you can work out a compromise!
Author:  chris84 [ Sun Apr 24, 2011 12:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
Just caught upon this and am still really enjoying it. Enjoy your holiday :D. Good luck negotiating with Monty, please dont write him out. :D
Author:  Elle [ Tue May 10, 2011 2:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
I hope the holiday was/ is good. When are you back? :lol: :lol: :lol:

(Less than subtle request for more there!)
Author:  Beecharmer [ Tue May 10, 2011 3:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
Ooooh yes - when are you back ?? Even less subtle hint for MORE MORE MORE please !!

:-)
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue May 10, 2011 3:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stepping out of the Shadows - Updated 15 Apr
Curses on both of you, I thought that was an update!

(Please come back soon! These withdrawal symptoms aren't pleasant)
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