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Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=8433
Author:  jayj [ Sat Sep 18, 2010 5:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Hello! I’m finally de-lurking after having lurked for a good long while. This is my first CS drabble, and I’m very aware that all of you know a lot more about the CS than I do. So, if there are any mistakes (ahem, EBDisms) or if anyone or anything seems really out of place, please be gentle with me!

This starts in the New Mistress term, but things might not all be quite as you remember them...

Throwing Caution into the Blaze, or, New Mistress Retold

It was just three weeks into term, and Kathie Ferrars was already exhausted. She dropped her pile of marking onto an armchair in the deserted staffroom and went to pour herself a cup of coffee. Returning to her chair she moved the marking to the floor, picked up the first book, scrabbled around for a pen and then.... oh, she knew she ought to spend her free period getting through her marking, and that later she’d regret not having done it now, but simply, right at this moment there was no way on this earth that she could bring herself to look at Lower IVb’s unique and innovative interpretation of cloud formations.

She was exhausted. And it was only Tuesday. There was still the greatest part of the week to come! She sighed in despair.

Ever since she’d first arrived in Switzerland, there’d been so much going on, and she’d barely had time to catch her breath. New people to meet, new places to get lost in, new timetables to abide by. The girls, on the whole, seemed lovely. As did the staff. But there was just so much to learn and most of the time, her head was spinning as she tried to keep on top of it all. And on French and German days, she felt dead on her feet. She was pretty decent in those languages but teaching in a foreign language took so much out of her.

She dropped the exercise book back on the pile, and gazed out of the window at the stunning view across the Platz. Huge and threatening cumulonimbus clouds were building up over the valley below. It’s a shame Lower IVb aren’t here to see this, Kathie thought; then they’d understand what it was they were meant to have drawn for prep. She chuckled. Tired as she was, it really was hard to switch off thinking like a teacher.

She was glad that she’d taken the plunge and signed up to teach. But so much of it was so challenging, and it felt like she’d been on duty and on her best behaviour for the last month without a break. Her jaw ached faintly, and she knew it was because she’d been clenching her teeth with stress.

She thought about how the other mistresses all laughed and joked so easily amongst each other, and she wondered if she’d ever be as comfortable in this place as they were. She felt like she was too tightly wound up to ever be able to relax.

Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t hear the commotion as Nancy Wilmot entered the staffroom, dropped some textbooks on a table, poured herself some coffee, rummaged in the biscuit tin, and made her way over to the armchairs near the window.

‘Oh, hello! I didn’t see you there. Mind if I join you?’

‘No, no, of course not.’

‘Best seats in the house, these,’ Nancy said, gazing out the window at the dramatic landscape before her. ‘Or at least, best view in the room’, she said wryly as she settled in an armchair that wasn’t quite as comfortable as it looked.

Then she caught sight of the pile of books on the floor.

‘Oh – unless you’re working...’

‘No. Er, yes, er, I thought I might, um...’ Kathie was suddenly conscious that she was talking to one of her heads of department. ‘I mean...’

Catching her discomfort, and guessing at the cause, Nancy intervened. ‘Relax! I’m not here to check up on you. You’re entitled to a break.’ Looking at her colleague’s pale and tense face, she said gently, ‘You look pretty done in.’

Kathie nodded. Despite her best efforts, she felt herself blinking back tears. Don’t cry, she warned herself, not here. Not now. Just because someone’s being nice to you, that’s not a cue to cry. Keep some dignity, at least.

‘Look, how about I just sit here and keep you company. You can work, or stare out of the window, or whatever. I’ll be quiet, I promise,’ Nancy indicated the newspaper she’d balanced on the arm of the chair. ‘Plenty to keep me occupied. And if you want to chat, then do, but don’t feel under any pressure at all.’

Grateful for her colleague’s tact and concern, Kathie managed to nod, and almost smile, and the two women settled into a companionable silence.
Author:  charli [ Sat Sep 18, 2010 5:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze, or, New Mistress Retold
Well done on de-lurking!
This looks interesting, Kathie is one of my favourite characters.
Author:  Mia [ Sat Sep 18, 2010 5:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze, or, New Mistress Retold
Marvellous, I love Kathie too. Welcome to the CBB!
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Sep 18, 2010 5:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze, or, New Mistress Retold
Welcome to the CBB, jayj :D .
Author:  Minim [ Sat Sep 18, 2010 5:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze, or, New Mistress Retold
Welcome to the board from this evil Middle. :twisted:
Good for you de-lurking
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Sep 18, 2010 6:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze, or, New Mistress Retold
jayj how brave of you to stop delurking with a drabble. It is off to a good start as well. Welcome and continue to enjoy the CBB.
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Sep 18, 2010 6:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze, or, New Mistress Retold
Welcome to the CBB officially! Far more realistic portrayal of Kathie - looking forward to where this goes.
Author:  Squirrel [ Sat Sep 18, 2010 8:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze, or, New Mistress Retold
Interesting start here JayJ... welcome to the board.
Author:  Abi [ Sat Sep 18, 2010 8:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze, or, New Mistress Retold
I'm very impressed that your first post is a drabble, jayj! Looks really interesting - like many others, I love Kathie. :D
Author:  Nell [ Sat Sep 18, 2010 9:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze, or, New Mistress Retold
I'm liking the look of this already - and yes pleased you've delurked and especially with a drabble about Kathie! Looking forward to more when you have time!
Author:  Shander [ Sat Sep 18, 2010 10:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze, or, New Mistress Retold
What an excellent begining!
I'm definitley looking forward to seeing more of this.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Sep 19, 2010 1:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze, or, New Mistress Retold
Really like the look of this. Glad to see you delurking, welcome to the board :D
Author:  Chris S [ Sun Sep 19, 2010 10:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze, or, New Mistress Retold
Welcome to the CBB. Loved the opening chapter - more please.
Author:  janetbrown23 [ Sun Sep 19, 2010 11:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze, or, New Mistress Retold
This is a great start jayj. I am not a Kathie fan as a general room but this makes her seem much more interesting to me.

Welcome to the board and congratulations for delurking in such style!!
Author:  Cath V-P [ Sun Sep 19, 2010 12:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze, or, New Mistress Retold
This looks interesting, and so very realistic in the depiction of the stresses of a new job.
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ Sun Sep 19, 2010 12:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze, or, New Mistress Retold
I'm a huge Kathie fan and New Mistress is one of my favourites of the books (along with Rescue and Exile). Welcome to the board, I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes!
Author:  jayj [ Sun Sep 19, 2010 4:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze, or, New Mistress Retold
Thanks indeed for reading, and thanks some more for the very warm welcome. Here's some more!


Rain began to lash against the window. As thunder cracked and lightning illuminated the gothic outlines of the mountains, Kathie was glad she was in the cosy staffroom. Nancy put down her newspaper and joined her colleague in gazing out of the window.

‘I do love a thunderstorm,’ she said, almost as if she was reading Kathie’s mind, ‘at least, I do when I’m inside and safe and warm. Of course, I might be a bit less keen if it carries on for too long. This kind of weather soon loses its romance when you’re cooped up with two hundred rioting schoolgirls. I’ve been there before. And a few years ago, when the rain caused a landslide and blocked off the railway, that wasn’t so good. And there was that time when Biddy, Hilary and I got caught out in a terrible storm in Grindelwald, that wasn’t so great either.’

‘But apart from those times you’ve been stuck with an angry mob or been in imminent danger, thunderstorms are good, yes?’ Kathie chuckled.

‘Exactly.’

After a moment or two, Kathie asked ‘What’s Grindelwald like? It’s scheduled for my half-term trip, with Biddy and a group of the VI. I’ve never seen a real glacier before.’

‘Oh, it’s absolutely stunning, and improbable and peculiar: a great sludge of ice, just coming to an end. You’ll know more about the science of it all, of course, but really, it seems to me such an utterly strange thing. So immense, and powerful, and yet you can’t even tell it’s moving.’

The bell rang for break. Nancy groaned. ‘The hoards are about to descend.’

Kathie looked at her quizzically.

‘Don’t get me wrong, I love our colleagues dearly – most of them – but it is nice to be able to get a bit of peace and quiet now and then. Would you like some more coffee, before the vultures come in and make away with it all?’

‘I’m not at all sure that vultures drink coffee, but yes, that would be very nice, thank you.’

Among the first to enter the staffroom was Biddy O’Ryan, and she made straight for where Kathie was sitting.

‘There you are! I’ve been meaning to speak to you. Kathie, I’m really sorry, but I’m going to have to get someone to swap with me for the half-term trip.’

‘What’s this?’ asked Nancy, returning just at that moment with coffee for herself and Kathie.

‘I’ve had a phone call from Eugen. The way things are at his clinic right now, he thinks the only time he can get away to see me is at half-term.’

‘Ah, I understand,’ smirked Nancy, and under her gaze, Biddy started to blush.

‘Nancy, do grow up. But anyway, I need to find someone to swap with me. I thought I’d mention it to you first, Kathie, just to keep you in the picture.’

‘Thanks for letting me know, Biddy.’ Kathie said, trying not to let her disappointment show. She liked the young Irish mistress, and had been pleased to have been paired for this trip with someone who was near her age and around whom she thought she’d be able to relax. To be sure, all her colleagues seemed friendly enough, but some were so much older and more experienced that Kathie knew if she was paired with them she’d spend the whole week on edge.

When Biddy returned to them with her own cup of coffee, Nancy had come to a decision.

‘Biddy, how about me? I’m not down to be working half-term week,’ she volunteered. ‘I’ll do it. That is, if you’re happy to cover for me the following weekends?’

‘Weekends?’ asked Biddy, nervously.

‘Well, I would be giving up my whole half term...’

Kathie barely listened as the two mistresses thrashed out the details of the swap, too busy was she giving up a huge – silent – sigh of relief. Of all the people she could be paired with, she couldn’t, just now, think of a better.
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Sep 19, 2010 4:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze, or, New Mistress Retold
Thanks - this is great.
Author:  cestina [ Sun Sep 19, 2010 4:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze, or, New Mistress Retold
Welcome jayj - a brilliant way to delurk! Looking forward to more :)
Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Sep 19, 2010 5:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 Sept
Thanks for a speedy update. I think Kathy should be warned about going on excursions with Nancy from what she has just said. Nancy seem sto attract adventures like Joey in the EBD world
Author:  Joanne [ Sun Sep 19, 2010 7:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 Sept
I'm enjoying this, well done on a great drabble!
Author:  seven [ Sun Sep 19, 2010 7:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 Sept
Thank you for this. I love it and will watch with interest to see what happens to Kathie and Nancy at half term. Nothing to dire, I hope!
Author:  Abi [ Sun Sep 19, 2010 8:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 Sept
I'm really enjoying this - thanks!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Sep 19, 2010 9:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 Sept
Nancy would be far more fun and relaxing to be with than a lot of the others. Thanks
Author:  Cath V-P [ Mon Sep 20, 2010 2:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 Sept
Well if Biddy can't go, then Nancy would be an excellent stand-in. I loved the cautionary conversation about potential disasters in a thunderstorm ! :D
Author:  jmc [ Mon Sep 20, 2010 5:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 Sept
Welcome to the CBB. Very believable the way you have written about how Kathie is feeling. Looking forward to seeing how her and Nancy get on.

Thanks
Author:  cal562301 [ Mon Sep 20, 2010 6:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 Sept
Well done on your first drabble. Really enjoying this and looking forward to more.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Sep 20, 2010 9:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 Sept
Welcome to the CBB! Sorry not to comment before, but I'm really enjoying this, and can't wait for more. Thankyou.
Author:  seven [ Mon Sep 20, 2010 6:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 Sept
Just read this and I'll echo everyone else in saying how great it is. Please can we have another update soon.
Author:  Helen P [ Mon Sep 20, 2010 6:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 Sept
Welcome, jayj!

Ooh, I really like this - Kathie is one of my favourite characters and it is lovely to see the beginnings of her friendship with Nancy. :D

Thank you for delurking with this and please post more soon!
Author:  charli [ Mon Sep 20, 2010 9:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 Sept
Another good post. Thank you.
Is it too soon to ask for more? :D
Author:  Mia [ Mon Sep 20, 2010 10:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 Sept
I'd love to see more of this too please!
Author:  Nell [ Tue Sep 21, 2010 5:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 Sept
Still enjoying this - lovely characterisation and much more realistic than the original in Kathie's reactions. Would also love to see more!
Author:  Squirrel [ Tue Sep 21, 2010 6:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 Sept
I'm intrigued with where you are taking this - and interested to see the developing friendships in the staff room.

Thanks!
Author:  jayj [ Wed Sep 22, 2010 4:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 Sept
Thanks for all your comments - here's just a little bit more.

On the train to Grindelwald, Kathie was feeling a little bit sorry for herself. She could have done with a week’s worth of sleep, not a trip to a glacier with a gaggle of schoolgirls. Ah well, Nancy Wilmot was coming too, and she was good company. And the girls were old enough to behave themselves properly. Most of the time. For some reason unnerving shrieks were drifting sporadically down the carriage from where those supposedly responsible girls were sitting.

She shuddered with sympathy at the thought of poor Ruth and Sharlie. They’d got the vast majority of Inter V in the party they were taking to Lake Geneva. The thought made her feel a little guilty – really, she had a lot of affection for her form – but sometimes they behaved like a pack of wild animals. And the chances of at least one of them falling in the icy waters of the lake and having to be rescued...

So, if she had to go (and at one point she’d checked her contract, and found she did have to go) anywhere and with anyone, dry land, the VIth and Nancy seemed a good combination.

She looked across the carriage to where her colleague was staring out of the window contentedly.

There was a particularly loud shriek. Mary Lou? Vi Lucy? Kathie couldn’t quite tell.

Nancy gave a sigh and reluctantly stood up.

‘I’m going to have to go and find out what’s going on before they get us thrown off the train. Honestly, half that lot are prefects. You’d think they’d have a bit of sense.’

***

As they piled off the train at Grindelwald, all of Kathie’s tiredness and self-pity evaporated. The girls stood around stretching and chattering excitedly, and while Kathie was ostensibly counting heads, her whole being was focused on absorbing the extraordinary landscape around her.

As Nancy herded the girls through the station and out into the village in search of their Gasthaus Kathie dawdled on the platform for a moment.

This is what coming to Switzerland was all about, she thought as she looked up at the Jungfrau, the Eiger, and the Wetterhorn rising around her. If she had decided to work at a school in England, she’d be as tired as she was now, but there’d be nothing like this to see - and actually be contractually obliged to do – at half term.

She gave an undignified little skip, picked up her case, and hurried after the others.
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Sep 22, 2010 5:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 Sept
Pleased the prefects acted like teenagers at times. Thanks for the update.
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Sep 22, 2010 6:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 Sept
Enjoying this, thanks :D .
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Sep 22, 2010 6:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 Sept
It's nice to see her having fun and not regretting it. Thankyou!
Author:  Abi [ Wed Sep 22, 2010 7:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 Sept
Glad she's enjoying herself so much. :D
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Sep 22, 2010 10:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 Sept
I'm curious as to who was shrieking :D Thanks, am enjoying this as I really like Kathie
Author:  Elbee [ Thu Sep 23, 2010 8:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 Sept
I'm really enjoying this!

Thanks, jayj.
Author:  Miss Di [ Fri Sep 24, 2010 1:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 Sept
Thanks Jayj, nice to see school girls acting like school girls instead of elderly hags!
Author:  jayj [ Mon Sep 27, 2010 4:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 Sept
‘They want ice cream?’ Kathie said incredulously.

The day was bright, and though in the shelter you could almost call it warm, a chilly wind was blowing. Kathie pulled her scarf more tightly around herself. ‘In this weather?’

‘Well, they are teenagers, and it is our last day,’ said Nancy with a grin, before going to join the girls in the queue for raspberry ripple.

So far it’d been a rather successful trip, Nancy mused as she stood in the sun with her ice-cream a few minutes later. There’d been one or two murmurs of disappointment when she’d announced, on their first evening, that there wasn’t enough snow to ski. But, as Mary Lou had sagely pointed out, there’d be plenty of skiing in the coming months so the girls had been, on the whole, mollified.

(At least one person in the party, Nancy had found out, was not at all disappointed at missing out on skiing. On their first night Kathie had confided that though she was desperately keen to ski, she was also keenly aware that she was a desperate novice. And if she was going to spend an afternoon sliding around on her backside she would rather the VIth weren’t there to witness it.)

Finishing her ice cream, Nancy gave a little shiver. Maybe Kathie had been right to opt for hot chocolate after all. Nancy looked over to where her colleague and the girls were sitting in the cafe opposite. Glancing up just at that moment, Kathie gave her a questioning look. Nancy frowned and shook her head.

‘Come on, Thorsten, where are you?’ she muttered to herself.

Tucking her hands in her pockets, she moved forward from where she’d leaning against a wall, and looked carefully up and down the street.

If there was going to be a problem on this trip, Nancy had been sure from the first moment she’d seen him that it was going to be Thorsten. The son of the owner of the Gasthaus in which they were staying, Thorsten had been employed as their local guide for the last few days. Nancy had been assured faithfully by the Gasthaus owner that her Thorsten was a nice young man, completely responsible and very good at his job. That may be, thought Nancy, but he’s also astonishingly good looking. And that, when you’re in charge of a troupe of girls, is a bit of a nightmare.

Nancy reached up and rubbed her forehead. She felt like it must be permanently wrinkled, the amount of frowning she’d been doing in the direction of some of the girls this last week. They’d been warned, repeatedly, about their giddy behaviour around Thorsten.

A tall, fair-haired, handsome young man approached her.

‘Fraulein Wilmot, I am so sorry I am late.’

‘Well, Thorsten, we’d better round everyone up and get going, then.'

***

Thorsten led them up the mountain and out onto the glacier. The group began by gingerly picking their way across the ice, with Kathie leading the way according to the directions given by Thorsten.

Yes, Thorsten aside, this had been a good half-term, Nancy reflected as she walked carefully along on the ice. It’d been relatively accident free, for once, which must be a novelty in Chalet School history. And Kathie seemed to be settling in. Nancy smiled as she recalled last evening’s rather giddy after-dinner exploits. Kathie had decided to give an impromptu lesson on the mechanics of glacial erosion, with Nancy pressed into service as the glacier, and some of the girls as, variously, boulders and valley sides. God help us if she ever gets her hands on the Christmas play, Nancy thought ruefully, remembering the bruise which had formed on her shin. Being a glacier was a rather dangerous occupation when the valleys you were trying to erode were made out of girl.

Then she frowned as she looked forward to where her colleague was. That’s not right, surely? The path they were taking seemed to lead into an area dangerously pitted with crevasses. She glanced back at Thorsten, but he was merrily chatting away with Mary Lou and Vi Lucy. Looking again to where Kathie was walking, she suddenly gasped.

(edited because I can't do grammar...)
Author:  janetbrown23 [ Mon Sep 27, 2010 4:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 27 Sept
Oh good cliff there jayj
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Sep 27, 2010 6:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 27 Sept
Thanks jayj. It is a good cliff.

Typical teenagers is right!
Quote:
‘They want ice cream?’ Kathie said incredulously.

The day was bright, and though in the shelter you could almost call it warm, a chilly wind was blowing. Kathie pulled her scarf more tightly around herself. ‘In this weather?’

‘Well, they are teenagers, and it is our last day,’ said Nancy with a grin, before going to join the girls in the queue for raspberry ripple.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Sep 27, 2010 7:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 27 Sept
Nice to see everyone behaving so normally!
Author:  Abi [ Mon Sep 27, 2010 8:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 27 Sept
janetbrown23 wrote:
Oh good cliff there jayj


No! Nasty, horrible cliff! (Any chance of another update in the next hour, as I won't be around again till Thursday? :wink: )

Love the girls having to be told off for their giddy behaviour around Thorsten. :lol:
Author:  Miss Di [ Tue Sep 28, 2010 3:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 27 Sept
It's never too cold for ice cream. Especially if you add hot fudge sauce!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Sep 28, 2010 12:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 27 Sept
Yes, normality is thoroughly approved of! And good on the girls for testing boundaries around men a little :lol: Now come back and solve the cliff!
Author:  clair [ Tue Sep 28, 2010 1:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 27 Sept
Loving this - Kathie has always been one of my favourites!
Author:  jayj [ Tue Sep 28, 2010 9:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 27 Sept
Thanks for all your comments! Let's see if we can get down off that cliff, then. And apologies in advance for one bit of this - I know that what Biddy says is a complete drabble cliche, but I couldn't help myself...


Shouting at the girls to stay exactly where they were, Nancy rushed to where Kathie was standing, grabbed her, and yanked her backwards.

‘What the....?’ Kathie barely had time to say, before the snow she’d been standing on just a few moments before crumbled to reveal a deep gash in the ice.

‘Nancy, I think you just saved my life’, Kathie said, wide eyed.

‘I wouldn’t go that far - I’ve probably just saved you from a concussion or a dislocated shoulder.’ But despite her attempted flippancy, Nancy’s face was deathly pale and she was trembling.

‘Miss Wilmot! Miss Ferrars!’ A group of girls, headed by Mary Lou, rushed over to them. ‘Are you alright?’

‘Girls, stay back.’ Nancy said sternly. ‘I don’t think it’s safe here. Thorsten, you need to get us off this glacier now.’

***

It had taken several glasses of scotch to stop Nancy shaking that night, but by the time they made it back to school, both she and Kathie could look back on the incident and, just about, laugh.

As Kathie was telling the tale of her dramatic rescue to Peggy, Biddy and Sharlie, Nancy couldn’t help herself from muttering darkly about Thorsten the so-called-guide spending too much time chatting up the girls and not enough time doing his job.

‘Yes, well, Thorsten – and I should think, the rest of Grindelwald – certainly knows what you think of him and his guiding skills.’ Kathie said, remembering the expletive-laden dressing-down Nancy had handed out the morning after the almost-accident. ‘And the VIth have learned some choice new words which will, I’m sure, serve them well in their future lives.’

Nancy shrugged with equanimity.

‘Anyway, it’s a good job you saved her, Nancy,’ said Peggy, grinning. ‘Can you imagine how annoyed Bill and Hilda would be if they had to advertise again for a new geography mistress?’

‘But Kathie,’ teased Biddy. ’What a wasted opportunity. Don’t you know that at the Chalet School life-threatening incidents can only occur when there’s a handsome young doctor around to do the rescuing?’

‘Indeed, that’s how Biddy met Eugen,’ said Peggy, and Biddy nodded.

‘And Hillary met Phil,’ Nancy chipped in.

‘And weren’t there were various disasters involved in Jem and Madge Russell? And Joey and Jack?’

‘See – wasted opportunity. It’s not like you can marry Nancy, now, is it?’

While everyone burst into laughter, Nancy blushed, and Kathie smiled a little oddly. Then, suddenly serious, she said, ‘Marriage generally being thought to be out of the question, Nancy, I don’t know how I’m ever going to be able to repay you.’

‘For a start,’ suggested Biddy cheekily, ‘How about you go and make her a cup of coffee?’

‘And I’m sure she’d like you to get some for the rest of us too,’ Peggy joined in.

‘And some cake,’ suggested Sharlie.

‘Mercenaries, the lot of you!’ Kathie exclaimed, but with a smile, she set about gathering up everyone’s mugs.
Author:  Finn [ Tue Sep 28, 2010 9:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 28 Sept
I like this drabble! Looking forward to seeing how it progresses.

And I do love a bit of Kathie/Nancy. Assuming that's where you're going, of course *innocent face* :twisted:
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Sep 28, 2010 9:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 28 Sept
Thank for getting us off the cliff. Biddy's comment is so applicable! :twisted: :evil: :twisted:
Author:  Miss Di [ Wed Sep 29, 2010 12:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 28 Sept
Awesome, thank you. Loved Biddy's comment.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Sep 29, 2010 8:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 28 Sept
:lol: Thankyou!
Author:  Abi [ Wed Sep 29, 2010 8:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 28 Sept
Loved the way you turned the cliche round a bit there!
Author:  jayj [ Thu Sep 30, 2010 7:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 28 Sept
I'm so pleased that people are liking this. Here's just a short bit, inspired by one of the problems in New Mistress.


Kathie didn’t want to be like Miss Hunter. That had been her first thought when she’d decided to become a teacher. Of course, in some ways she was nothing like Miss Hunter. She was much slighter, and significantly less grey for a start, and she taught geography and maths rather than history and religion.

Miss Hunter had had favourites. And everyone at Kathie's school had known who they were. But worse than that, Miss Hunter had un-favourites, girls who, no matter how sweet and kind and hardworking they were, didn’t stand a chance. And everyone knew who they were too.

She didn’t want to be like Miss Hunter. But around ‘that girl’ she felt that’s exactly who she was becoming.

‘That girl’ was how she thought of her, and she knew it was wrong.

She’d pulled ‘that girl’ up in class. And she’d gone too far. But at the time it was like she couldn’t help herself. Just being in the same room as her set Kathie on edge. There was something so irritating and self-righteous about 'that girl', something that at an instinctive level Kathie felt the urge to squash.

The thought made her feel sick.

Should she go and ask Rosalind for advice? Or Nancy? She thought back to a conversation she’d had with Nancy when they’d been away at half-term.

‘I know we make a bit of a song and dance about ‘staff baby’,’ Nancy had said, ‘but really, in the nicest, and hopefully least patronising, possible way, we know you’re still quite new to this, and we’ve all been there, starting out with a class full of monsters who won’t be tamed. Let me tell you, my first term teaching was an absolute car-crash. ‘

‘Was that here?’

‘No, at a day school in England. Bad things will happen. Girls will be naughty. You will make mistakes. And I know, starting out, you can feel terribly exposed, to the girls, and to your colleagues. But if you do want any advice – I might be your head of department, but I’m also, I hope, your friend.’

She could ask Nancy. But then, what could Nancy say, really? More to the point, what could Kathie say to her? It was one thing to ask for help with the internecine warfare that was perpetually on the verge of breaking out in Inter V, but quite another to admit that you’d developed an irrational dislike of one of the students. Nancy’d sack her on the spot. Or Miss Annersley would, when she found out.

No, Kathleen, you’re going to have to work this one out yourself.

You’re meant to be the professional here. You’re meant to be a grown up. And for a start, you’re going to have to stop referring to her as ‘that girl’ and start thinking of her as Mary Lou.
Author:  janetbrown23 [ Thu Sep 30, 2010 7:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 30 Sept
Oh I don't know jayj, "that girl" seems to sum Mary-Lou up pretty well to me. :lol:
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Sep 30, 2010 7:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 30 Sept
I certainly knew who "that girl" was. Thanks for the update.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Sep 30, 2010 8:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 30 Sept
"That girl" sounds about right to me!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Sep 30, 2010 9:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 30 Sept
Just about how I'd think of her as well! Thankyou!
Author:  KathrynW [ Thu Sep 30, 2010 11:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 30 Sept
Thank you very much - I've just caught up with this and I'm really enjoying it! I look forward to more :D
Author:  Finn [ Thu Sep 30, 2010 4:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 30 Sept
jayj wrote:
‘that girl’


Hehehe! jayj, this is very entertaining.
Author:  Abi [ Thu Sep 30, 2010 8:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 30 Sept
Shame she doesn't feel she can talk to Nancy about 'that girl' ( :lol: ) - I'm sure she'd be able to help!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Oct 01, 2010 12:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 30 Sept
Knew who you meant by that girl in the end, though did wonder if it was Iseult when she first mentioned 'that girl'

Thanks, am really enjoying this
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ Fri Oct 01, 2010 5:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 30 Sept
Perhaps ML should be permanently renamed That Girl? Sounds about right for her!
Author:  shesings [ Fri Oct 01, 2010 5:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 30 Sept
Just caught up with this drabble and I am loving it!
Author:  marni [ Fri Oct 01, 2010 7:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 30 Sept
Really enjoying this - Thanks
Author:  jayj [ Sat Oct 02, 2010 3:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 30 Sept
‘Kathie, bend your knees! Kathie!’ Nancy shouted, with increasing frustration. ‘How many times...bend your knees!’

‘I thought Nancy was meant to be a kind and patient teacher,’ Peggy chuckled, as she, Biddy and Sharlie stood at the side of the slope watching the skiing lesson unfold.

Despite her best efforts, Kathie couldn’t keep her skis from crossing over. For the fourth time she toppled to one side, slid down the hill and landed at Nancy’s feet.

‘Ouch!’ said Sharlie, with some feeling.

Nancy shook her head in despair.

‘Kathie! Knees!’ she said once more to the figure lying prone on the ground.

‘I think Nancy’s finally met her match,’ offered Biddy, tears of laughter rolling down her face.

By the time Nancy finally took pity on her and declared the lesson over, Kathie had fallen at least a dozen times. She had started to make some progress, she thought; or at least, it seemed that towards the end of the lesson Nancy had been shouting at her a bit less. But she ached all over, and if it was going to hurt this much, she wasn’t sure she wanted to learn to ski after all.

It was hardly coincidental that her improvement had started round about the time that Peggy, Biddy and Sharlie had decided to leave them to it. ‘I don’t think we’re helping,’ Sharlie had said, looking pointedly at Biddy who was doubled over with laughter, wheezing ‘Nancy’s face! Nancy’s face!’ until she could hardly breath. Nancy, for one, had been mightily relieved to see the back of the not-so-supportive squad of cheerleaders.

When Kathie returned, rather gingerly, to the staffroom, she found her appreciative audience waiting for her.

‘Are you two on still speaking terms?’ Peggy asked, and Biddy had to suppress another fit of her only-very-recently-cured giggles.

‘Just,’ Kathie admitted, as she placed herself very carefully in a chair. ‘But I’m going to have nightmares of her shouting ‘Knees, Kathie, knees!’ for the rest of my life.’ Biddy had to hide her face in a cushion. ‘I’m going to give up on skiing.’

Just at that moment, Nancy entered the room and overheard.

‘Over my dead body are you going to give up,’ she said fiercely. ‘We’re going back out there tomorrow after school is over.’

‘Nancy,’ said Sharlie, ‘I’m really not sure about this. I don’t think you two and snow mix. In Grindelwald, you both nearly died. And now poor Kathie can hardly walk.’

‘Maybe I should go and find a job in England,’ said Kathie, rather forlornly. ‘I’m not cut out for Switzerland.’

‘You could always get snow shoes,’ Peggy suggested.

‘Or a sledge,’ said Biddy.

‘You are not giving up,’ Nancy said to Kathie, and then to emphasise the point, to the others, ‘She is not giving up. I’m not going to be defeated.’ She narrowed her eyes. ‘I am going to teach her to ski if it kills me.’

‘Or me.’ Kathie said, glumly.

‘Probably you,’ Sharlie said, patting Kathie on the arm consolingly, and the others nodded in commiseration.
Author:  charli [ Sat Oct 02, 2010 3:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 2 October
Oh, I love this!
:lol: :lol: :lol: at that staff room scene.
And also laughing at 'that girl', what a brilliant description of ML!

Thanks for the updates.
(P.S. more soon would be muchly appreciated! Even though you have only just posted this.)
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Oct 02, 2010 4:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 2 October
:lol: This is great.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Oct 02, 2010 4:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 2 October
:lol: I love seeing them all together like that - and of course nobody is giving up!

Thankyou for the update.
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Oct 02, 2010 6:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 2 October
Quote:
‘You are not giving up,’ Nancy said to Kathie, and then to emphasise the point, to the others, ‘She is not giving up. I’m not going to be defeated.’ She narrowed her eyes. ‘I am going to teach her to ski if it kills me.’

‘Or me.’ Kathie said, glumly.

‘Probably you,’ Sharlie said, patting Kathie on the arm consolingly, and the others nodded in commiseration.



Loved this episode especially the ending. Thanks, echos the call for more soon Please.
Author:  Abi [ Sat Oct 02, 2010 7:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 2 October
:lol: :lol: :lol: Poor old Kathie - but I'm sure she'll get the hang of it!
Author:  jayj [ Sun Oct 03, 2010 4:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 2 October
The next bit - a slight change of scene...

The third of January was a perfect winter’s day, the air still and the skies gloriously blue. The yellow sandstone of Christ Church College, Oxford, looked its most antiquated and dignified as a crowd of people stood waiting for Mr and Mrs Daniel Hutchinson to emerge from the cathedral so confetti could be thrown and photographs taken.

In a smart grey coat that was not quite warm enough for the weather, Kathie looked a happy part of this crowd. But in so many ways she felt detached from the proceedings. In fact, she was still more than a little surprised that she’d managed to make it to the wedding, let alone through the service, without crying, throwing up, or worse.

When the invitation had arrived early in November, forwarded on by her aunt, she’d tossed it to one side. How could Laura do this? How could she expect Kathie to come to her wedding after everything that had happened?

The note which had accompanied the invitation had, to Kathie’s mind, been completely absurd. ‘It’d be so lovely to see you again, Kathie! With love, Laura.’

There’d been a time when Laura had been everything to her, and she to Laura. And then Daniel had appeared, rich, handsome, well-connected. And Laura – well, he was all she’d been brought up to desire. So her friendship – relationship – whatever it was – with Kathie was pushed to one side. And Kathie, who thought she’d found love and understanding and passion, was left bereft and alone.

Laura had stopped coming round to her room, and when Kathie tried to see her, Laura was distant and uncommunicative. The ready, warm laugh that Kathie loved so much came no more, Laura withdrew, and finally, Kathie knew it was over and there was nothing left she could fight to save.

Nell Randolf had rescued her then. She’d lived on the same corridor as Kathie, and had caught her one day, weeping in their shared kitchen. And though Kathie never told her the whole story, Nell could see that Kathie and Laura had once been inseparable, and now they were not.

Nell had been there for her, had looked after her, had made her dinner more times than Kathie could remember, and kept her in one piece when she thought she was going to fall apart. It was only after talking to Nell that she’d decided that she would come to the wedding, and show Laura that she was fine, that she was no longer broken into pieces, that’d she’d reclaimed her life and come back stronger.

Kathie looked to her side, where Nell was standing, and smiled. Nell grinned back, and rolled her eyes slightly. ‘It’s such a performance, all this,’ she muttered.

‘I know. Thanks ever so for coming with me.’

‘Oh, don’t thank me. You know I’ve got an ulterior motive,’ Nell replied, tilting her head slightly in the direction of Daniel’s best man.

But she did have so much to thank Nell for. It was Nell who had planted the idea of the Chalet School in Kathie’s head. And though there were times, when Inter V were being especially difficult, that Kathie wished she’d never heard of the Chalet School, most of the time she felt she was living the greatest adventure. She had a great job, she was living in the most amazing place, and she’d met some great new people.

And friends. Unconsciously, a smile rose to her lips as she thought of one new friend in particular. ‘I wonder what she’s up to,’ Kathie thought.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Oct 03, 2010 5:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 3 October
Oh, poor Kathie! I do hope that things work out in this universe for her, as well.

Thankyou.
Author:  Abi [ Sun Oct 03, 2010 5:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 3 October
Poor Kathie. :( Glad Nell was there for her, and hopefully she'll find happiness at the CS. *crosses fingers*
Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Oct 03, 2010 6:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 3 October
Thanks for the update. Hope Kathie's second term goes well.
Author:  lizco [ Mon Oct 04, 2010 9:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 3 October
Enjoying this hugely. Loving Mary-Lou being "that girl" - I'd be more likely to call her "that ####### girl"! Good job I'm not a teacher!
Author:  jayj [ Mon Oct 04, 2010 4:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 3 October
Kathie's not the only one revisiting old haunts in this Christmas vacation...Here's just a little bit - more tomorrow :)


Right at that moment, that particular friend was in a train carriage hurtling away from a different university town, reflecting on a rather difficult last few days.

***

She’d almost not gone. Every time she’d thought about what was there and what had been there and was there no longer, she flinched.

Seeing familiar sights whizzing past the window of the train, she’d felt like she was on her way to visit a different version of herself, the one who still lived in that place in a small but cosy terrace with a bright red door and a smart black cat who sat in the front window; the version of herself who still worked in a local day school and who came home every evening to a home full of love and warmth and laughter. The version of herself who hadn’t had her heart ripped out.

She’d almost got off the train at Ely, dashed over to the other platform, and caught the train back to her parents’ house again.

It was almost unbearable.

But she knew she had to bear it. Right now she was stuck and she had to become unstuck, and she knew she couldn’t do it by herself.

And so it had been a nervous and apprehensive Nancy but a fully determined one who’d got off the train at Cambridge, looked around, and broken into a half-smile when she recognized a tall, gentlemanly figure, wearing a trilby and a smart beige trench coat, and inspecting the papers at the news stand. Some people don’t change a bit, she thought.

‘Caroline, my dear!’ Nancy exclaimed, as Dr. Caroline Baker of Newton College swept her into a warm embrace. ‘It’s so good to see you!’
Author:  gwynne [ Mon Oct 04, 2010 5:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 4 October
fantastic! I love how you kept us guessing to the end.
Author:  Abi [ Mon Oct 04, 2010 9:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 4 October
Thanks for the update... :D
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Oct 05, 2010 4:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 4 October
:D Thankyou!
Author:  jayj [ Tue Oct 05, 2010 5:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 4 October
thanks for reading, and thanks for the comments! here's the next bit...

1958 had been ushered in with suitably Cantabrigiensian style: walks along the Cam and across Grantchester Meadows during the daytime, sherry in the SCR and dinner on high table in the evening, and fireworks on the lawn at midnight. But both Nancy and her host were fully aware that New-years-conviviality was not the reason for Nancy’s visit, and on the second day of her stay they finally had the conversation that both of them had so far managed to avoid.

‘It’s been nearly seven years since Meg, Nancy.’

‘Seven years on the twenty eighth of January.’ Nancy agreed, quietly.

‘Look, I’m not saying you should forget her. I think I’m trying to say you need to start living your life again.’

‘I do have a life. I have friends, family, a good job...’

Nancy got up from the armchair and stalked across the room to the window. It was early evening and already pitch black outside. The shutters were not yet closed, and from Caroline’s third floor window she could see the college gardens below. A frost was settling, and with the lights twinkling in windows here and there, it could have been a magical sight.

‘You know that’s not what I mean. That school’s all well and good, but you use it as an excuse for not living your own life. You ran off there after Meg died, because it was your old school, your old teachers, your old friends, from before university, from before Meg. You use it to block out those years with her. To pretend they never happened.’

‘No!’ A strangled cry escaped Nancy.

‘Do any of your colleagues know about Meg?’

There was the faintest shake of Nancy’s head.

‘Do any of your old school friends?’

Again, a shake.

‘I don’t pretend she – we – never happened. I could never do that.’

‘No,’ Caroline conceded. ‘But you keep her locked up tight in your head and your heart. You cling to your memories and you’re afraid to let them out. I haven’t heard anything from you in five years – five years, Nancy! She was my best friend and you ran away from me. And I know it’s because you can’t talk about her. And you won’t talk about yourself.’

Caroline paused for a moment.

‘And you bury yourself in work and it’s a job that demands all your energy so you have no time to think about what it is that you want from life. I have no doubt you’re a fine teacher, and a great colleague and friend. If that’s all you want, Nancy, then so be it. But there’s so much more to life. There’s so much more to you.

‘I miss her too. Every day. But she’s gone, Nancy. And you’re still here. If you meet someone else, if you fall in love again, you won’t be betraying her. You’ll be making her proud.’

She went over to where Nancy was stood. ‘Look at me, Nance.’ Nancy turned, tears streaming down her face. She pushed past Caroline, and made for the door.

‘Dammit.’ Caroline swore at herself and struck the wall in anger.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Oct 05, 2010 5:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 5 October
:cry: Oh, that's so sad!

I want to say thankyou, but I don't like such a backstory so I don't know if I want to at all!
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Oct 05, 2010 6:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 5 October
Oh poor Nancy :( . I was thinking that Caroline was an ex she was still on good terms with, not that there was such a tragedy in the past :cry: .
Author:  seven [ Tue Oct 05, 2010 6:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 5 October
Poor Kathie and Nancy both with such sad times in their lives but I love the story so far.
Author:  Abi [ Tue Oct 05, 2010 8:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 5 October
Poor Nancy. :cry:
Author:  gwynne [ Tue Oct 05, 2010 9:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 5 October
oh that's so sad. But I want to know more about what happened then....this is great.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Oct 06, 2010 2:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 5 October
Poor Nancy :(

Thanks, am really enjoying this drabble
Author:  jayj [ Wed Oct 06, 2010 6:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 5 October
Poor Nancy indeed! You can’t imagine how bad I felt all yesterday afternoon, knowing what I was just about to do to her in this drabble...

gwynne wrote:
oh that's so sad. But I want to know more about what happened then


Ach, Gwynne, you’ve well and truly set the plot rabbit off trying to write the Nancy and Meg story...and I was only meant to be writing this one drabble, and then I was going to retire and get back to writing the (boring) things I'm meant to for work...

Just a little bit more for now...


Nancy made for the main gate of the college. Once out into the streets of Cambridge, she had no idea where she was heading, but she simply had to move.

Oh Meg, she thought, I know she’s right. I know you’re gone.

More than that, she knew this confrontation had been coming. As soon as she’d written to Caroline to ask if she would like to meet, she’d known it was because she had to deal with something she hadn’t fully admitted to herself.

The truth was, there was someone else.

She was falling in love again.

That was the reason she’d needed to come back to Cambridge, the place where she and Meg had once been so happy. And that was why she’d needed to see Caroline and to have her push at the wounds that Meg’s death had left.

She shivered, and sobbed. ‘Oh Meg, I miss you so much.’

***

On the train, heading back from Cambridge to her parents’ house, Nancy shuddered as she remembered that night, a few evenings before, when she’d sat, coatless in the depths of winter, on a bench in the middle of god-knows-where, sobbing and shaking. She had no idea how long she’d been there before Caroline and one of the college porters finally found her. Nor had she any idea how she’d got back to Caroline’s rooms, or ever got warm again. Or how she’d ever stopped crying.

She thought of the words, words she’d nearly choked on, words that she was so scared would be a betrayal of the woman she’d loved with all her soul. The words she’d finally confessed the morning after that night of such chill and despair.

‘Caroline, I think there is somebody. I’m not sure that she feels the same. In fact, I’ve no idea what she feels. But she makes me feel alive. She makes me feel real.’
Author:  Finn [ Wed Oct 06, 2010 6:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 6 October
jayj wrote:
You can’t imagine how bad I felt all yesterday afternoon, knowing what I was just about to do to her in this drabble...


I know what you mean! *guilty look*

Poor old Nancy. Looking forward to more of this!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Oct 06, 2010 9:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 6 October
I wouldn't feel guilty. Some of the best drabbles are the ones who have pain in them. So long as you get them through it, we the readers don't mind.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Oct 07, 2010 9:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 6 October
I do hope that she can find support and love, from more than one source - and pluck up the courage to just tell her!

Thankyou for the update.
Author:  jayj [ Thu Oct 07, 2010 6:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 6 October
A short scene in which, though people are perhaps sad and thoughtful, no-one is cold, no-one cries and no characters are introduced only to be immediately killed off... :)

‘You’ve been quiet, love,’ said Kathie’s aunt, the evening before Kathie was due to head back to Switzerland. ‘Is everything OK?’

Kathie, who’d been staring at a book without turning its pages for the last half hour, took a deep breath before answering. ‘I’m fine. Just back-to-work jitters.’

‘Are you sure that’s all it is?’ Mrs Grayson asked gently. ‘You’ve barely said a word since you came back from the wedding. That’s not like you at all.’

Kathie said nothing.

‘My love, I know it can be hard to see close friends go off and get married.’

‘Yes. I suppose. It’s just, oh, really, we haven’t been close for a long time, Laura and I. It’s what she wanted, and what her family wanted. Pretty much, it’s what she’s been in training for her whole life. And what with my job and everything, it’s like we’re in different worlds.’

That felt very true: when she’d seen Laura, resplendent in her white dress, it seemed as if she was looking at a complete stranger.

‘I keep thinking about the whole rigmarole of getting married, and what I keep coming back to is this: I’m just glad it’s not me.’

They sat there in silence for a moment or two. ‘Kathie, you do know, don't you, that whatever you do with your life, your uncle and I love you very much? We’re so proud of you, going off on your own abroad, taking up a challenging profession, and doing so boldly and cheerfully.’

Kathie smiled weakly, ‘I’m hardly on my own out there. I’m with a school full of children, and teachers too.’

‘Yes, but that’s not the point. You’re doing something that few other girls your age would dare. And your uncle and I are really are very proud.’

In the hallway, the front door slammed. ‘Speaking of which, that sounds like your uncle there. Now, how about you go and freshen up, and then we’ll see about making your send-off dinner one to remember.’
Author:  Abi [ Thu Oct 07, 2010 9:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 7 October
Kathie's aunt and uncle are so sweet. Nice to catch up with two updates of this!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Oct 07, 2010 10:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 7 October
Mrs Grayson is so lovely with Kathie there. Thanks
Author:  Cath V-P [ Thu Oct 07, 2010 10:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 7 October
Mrs Grayson is so supportive - just what Kathie needed to hear at that point.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Oct 08, 2010 4:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 7 October
That was a very touching scene, and she's so supportive and brilliant. Thankyou.
Author:  jayj [ Fri Oct 08, 2010 6:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 7 October
It was an ordinary Tuesday at the Chalet School.

Prefects were responsible, Middles were naughty, and Inter V bickered gently amongst themselves. Prep was done, order marks were handed out, Miss Wilson was sarcastic, and Miss Annersley, wise and thoughtful. Meals were delicious and coffee and cake served promptly.

January the twenty-eighth was just like any other day.

***

Kathie always looked forward to Tuesdays. Her second period was a free, and since early in her first term she’d had an unspoken agreement with Nancy that they’d spend it together. Sometimes they sat and chatted; other times they worked quietly, side by side. Kathie enjoyed that brief half-hour or so in her colleague’s company; in the midst of the hectic life of the school, it was somewhere she could relax and feel settled.

But this Tuesday, Kathie was alone in the staffroom.

Nancy was nowhere to be seen.

***

She’d been dreading this day. She always did. She wasn’t quite sure why – every day she woke up, Meg wasn’t there, so why it should feel worse each January the twenty-eighth, Nancy had no idea. But it did.
Author:  Finn [ Fri Oct 08, 2010 6:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: mini-update 8 October
jayj wrote:
every day she woke up, Meg wasn’t there, so why it should feel worse each January the twenty-eighth, Nancy had no idea. But it did.


It often is like that, isn't it?

Thanks jayj
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Oct 08, 2010 7:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: mini-update 8 October
That's so understandable. Thankyou.
Author:  gwynne [ Fri Oct 08, 2010 7:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: mini-update 8 October
"Ach, Gwynne, you’ve well and truly set the plot rabbit off trying to write the Nancy and Meg story...and I was only meant to be writing this one drabble, and then I was going to retire and get back to writing the (boring) things I'm meant to for work..."


Sorry! but you've written it so well, and the characters are so real, that I want to know. Plus, more drabbles are a bonus for me.
Author:  Abi [ Fri Oct 08, 2010 8:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: mini-update 8 October
I'm glad you're writing about Nancy and Meg! This whole story is fascinating.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Oct 08, 2010 9:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: mini-update 8 October
Kathie's aunt and uncle are great. Never really thought about it before, but some families, at least of the (few :lol: ) mistresses who weren't Old Girls, mustn't've been at all pleased at their daughters/sisters/nieces going off to work abroad.
Author:  Elbee [ Sat Oct 09, 2010 9:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: mini-update 8 October
This is great, thanks jayj.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Oct 10, 2010 5:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: mini-update 8 October
Anniversaries are always hard. Thanks, loved the update
Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Oct 10, 2010 1:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: mini-update 8 October
Thanks jayj, i have just caught up on the last weeks posts and enjoyed them.
Author:  jayj [ Tue Oct 12, 2010 6:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: mini-update 8 October
This was meant as a nice bit of fluff, after last week’s misery and suffering....however, given when and where it’s set, a little bit of rather devastating history crept in at the end. If you’re not sure what it is that Biddy’s talking about, check out this or this.


‘Porcupine. Princess. Picnic.’ Sharlie rattled off in quick succession.

To each word Kathie rather smugly shook her head. With a blizzard raging outside, some people had regressed to behaving like middles.

‘Picnic table? Pork pie.’

‘What on earth?’ Nancy, coming into the staffroom, asked Peggy, who had her head in her hands. ‘They’ve been like this for ten minutes.’ Peggy muttered bitterly.

‘Penguin. Pelican. Pigeon.’

‘Come on now, you’re not taking this seriously!’ Kathie exclaimed. ‘The game’s not ‘name that bird’.’

Chastened, Sharlie said, ‘Picture. Pencil.’

‘You’ve already had that,’ Ruth Derwent said, looking up from her embroidery.

‘Twice,’ said Rosalind, who was attempting to count the stitches in the cardigan sleeve she was knitting.

‘Pedantry,’ said Sharlie to the room at large.

‘Punctilliousness,’ Ruth countered.

‘Precision,’ said Rosalind.

‘Please don’t encourage them,’ Peggy implored.

‘Eye spy?’ Nancy asked, confusion suddenly lifting. ‘How old are you two?’

‘Pensioner,’ Sharlie said, throwing a glance in Nancy’s direction.

Nancy scowled at her.

Sharlie thought for a moment, and then, assuming her most innocent look, said, ‘Pornography.’

‘Sharlie!’ half-a-dozen voices said at once.

Regretfully, Kathie shook her head.

‘Pistachio. Pavlova. Pasty. Pastry. Pork pie.’ Sharlie tried a safer subject.

‘Had that,’ said Ruth.

‘I wouldn’t mind if we were anywhere near the kitchens, but we’re not,’ said Rosalind.

‘I’m going to strangle one of them,’ Peggy leaned over to Nancy and confided. ‘I’ve just not decided which one yet.’

‘It’s not me, it’s her!’ Kathie said indignantly, pointing at an outraged Sharlie. ‘I’m just sitting here quietly!’

Sharlie had run out of p-comestibles. ‘Pitchfork,’ she tried instead.

‘I’ll pitchfork you in a minute,’ Peggy muttered.

With a grin, Nancy decided to join in. ‘Pain in the ar..’ she began but trailed off, as she caught sight of a pale and stunned-looking colleague entering the room. ‘Biddy?’ Nancy asked, her voice full of concern.

‘There’s been a plane crash. The radio just said. Munich. In a blizzard.’ Biddy paused, and glanced out of the window. ‘In this blizzard.’
Author:  Finn [ Tue Oct 12, 2010 6:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 12 October
Very enjoyable, jayj! Made me giggle!

(apart from the bit at the end, obviously, but hey!)
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Oct 12, 2010 6:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 12 October
Thanks. I identified the crash before checking the links. Kathy and Sharlie are clearly trying the patience of the rest of the staff room!
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Oct 12, 2010 7:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 12 October
I knew exactly which crash she meant :cry: . It's weird, but I felt quite uneasy flying into Munich this summer, even though it's a completely different airport from the one in 1958, just because the words "Munich" and "air crash" have always gone together for me. Oh dear, you've made me cry now!

Thanks for this: I'm enjoying the story.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Oct 12, 2010 8:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 12 October
I didn't know the crash, so thankyou for the links and the update!
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Tue Oct 12, 2010 8:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 12 October
I was giggling away at the way Sharlie and Kathie were clearly driving their colleagues in the staff room mad with their word game until Biddy brought the news of that crash - I'm another who remembers it happening, too.

But I'm really enjoying the story - thanks Jayj.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Oct 12, 2010 8:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 12 October
I didn't know the crash, so thanks for the links. Really enjoying this
Author:  Abi [ Tue Oct 12, 2010 10:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 12 October
I didn't know the crash either, so thanks for the links. Enjoyed the rest of it - very funny!
Author:  jayj [ Wed Oct 13, 2010 5:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 12 October
Thanks for the comments - now, on with the story.


'No-one should be expectorating that much snot. It’s just not healthy,’ Peggy said.

‘Quite,’ replied Nancy.

‘Anyway, here she comes.’ Peggy patted the seat on the sofa next to her. ‘Come and sit down. We were just talking about you.’

‘And the trail of snot and congestion you’re leaving around the school,’ Nancy grinned. ‘How are you feeling?’

Kathie had snuffled, sniffled and sneezled her way through the last week, and quite frankly, she was sick of being sick. She was sick of having a bad head, she was sick of having streaming eyes, a runny nose and a wheezy chest. She was sick of not being able to concentrate, and she was sick of being banned from going outside.

‘A little bit better, I think.’ Kathie said, trying not to sniff.

‘Good.’

‘But oh, my, I think I’m about to go mad. I’ve not left this building for weeks. Or days, at least.’

‘Matron’s orders?’ Peggy asked. She thought for a moment. ‘Don’t you have this weekend off?’

Kathie nodded.

‘Well, so does Nancy, and she was just saying she was planning to go into Berne. You could always go with her.’

Nancy smiled at her, warmly. ‘You’re more than welcome.’

‘That way you’d escape Matron for a bit. And give the rest of us a break from your germs.’

Kathie looked a bit uncertain.

‘Unless you’ve already got plans.’ Nancy said, suddenly feeling extremely awkward.

‘No, nothing really.’ There was no way that Kathie was going to admit to her colleagues that she’d been intending to spend her free weekend getting rid of the swollen pile of marking that had accumulated while she was ill. ‘You wouldn’t mind me tagging along?’

‘Of course not! Well, that’s settled then. You’re coming with me.’
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Oct 13, 2010 6:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 13 October
Thanks for this update. Pleased Kathy is going with Nancy to Berne
Author:  Abi [ Wed Oct 13, 2010 6:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 13 October
Oh good... hope they have a nice time. :)
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Oct 14, 2010 5:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 13 October
I wonder what will come of it myself! Thankyou for the update.
Author:  jayj [ Thu Oct 14, 2010 6:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 13 October
‘Enjoying yourself?’ Nancy asked. She and Kathie were lingering over the pudding menu in a quiet restaurant in Berne, having spent a pleasant day strolling around town, sightseeing, drinking coffee and eating cake. Thankfully, Kathie’s cold had cleared up, and she was feeling more or less back to normal.

Kathie smiled. ‘Yes. You know, it feels like we’ve had a rather grown-up day.’

Nancy cocked her head slightly. ‘Go on,’ she said, encouragingly.

‘I mean, being at school, it’s all about being responsible, which is a kind of grown-up-ness, but it’s still within very precise limits, with bells and timetables and other people doing your cooking and washing. And it’s a place full of strange traditions and insider jokes, most of which I’m still not sure I understand, and so I sometimes feel like –well – like the staff baby. I don’t mean I don’t like it – just that in some ways, it seems rather an odd place.’

She trailed off, rather lamely, not wanting to offend the woman who’d been attached to the school for years.

‘No, you’re right.’ Nancy said, slowly. ‘Maybe I feel that even more, having been here as a pupil as well as a teacher. And you know, you’re not the first to say that. Not so long ago, a very good friend of mine said something that made me think that this school is a bit like a cocoon; despite the perennial dangers and crises we have at the school, it's still a kind of insulating jacket between its members and the real world. When you’re at school, and in an endless cycle of lessons and marking and extra-curricular-gadding-up-and-down -mountains, you can almost forget you ever had a life that wasn’t here.’

Nancy stopped for a moment.

‘Maybe that’s a bit unfair. It’s not like the place is completely detached from history – did you ever hear about how Nell Wilson and Joey Maynard escaped from the Nazis? - but sometimes it does feel like an enchanted island, dislocated from reality.’

‘Like in Gulliver’s Travels,’ Kathie giggled.

‘Isn’t that about tiny people?’

‘Oh no, there’s also big people, and a magic floating island populated by crazy people, and the talking horse people.’

Nancy frowned. ‘You’re having me on, aren’t you?’

‘I’m actually being deadly serious.’ Kathie grinned. Then, thinking about what Nancy had just said, she asked, cautiously, ‘Did you have a life that wasn’t here?’

‘Yes.’ Nancy stared into the middle distance for a moment, then picked up her wine glass, and downed the last mouthful. ‘Now. What would you like for pudding?’

As they considered the various dessert options it was pretty clear to Kathie that Nancy’s non-Chalet School life was not up for discussion. But that was fair enough, Kathie reasoned; though she and Nancy were very definitely becoming good friends, she had no right to know every last detail of her life. And besides, there were things in her own past that she wasn’t at all keen to broadcast, so she decided not to push the matter.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Oct 14, 2010 6:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 October
The way their relationship is progressing is lovely.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Oct 14, 2010 6:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 October
Eminently sensible words, there. I hope that they can both open up about their 'other' life one day. Thankyou.
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Oct 14, 2010 7:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 October
Thanks for the update, pleased they are taking it slowly.
Author:  Abi [ Thu Oct 14, 2010 8:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 October
It's so nice to see them gradually getting to know one another.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Oct 14, 2010 8:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 October
Love the way the relationship is progressing
Author:  Nell [ Thu Oct 14, 2010 9:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 October
Definitely agreeing with the above about how the relationship is progressing! Thank you really enjoying this.
Author:  jayj [ Fri Oct 15, 2010 6:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 October
For several days after that weekend away, Kathie was still glowing with pleasure. She’d had such a nice time with Nancy, and at quiet moments in her classes, found herself smiling as she recalled how Nancy had said this, or done that, and laughed at her jokes, and generally made her feel special.

Despite this daydreaming, work occupied so much of her conscious mind that she was too busy to analyse her feelings in any depth. But during Abendessen on Friday night, with her soup spoon midway between bowl and mouth, it suddenly struck her.

‘Oh god, Kathleen. How could you not realise? You’ve only gone and got the biggest crush. In the world. Ever.’

Reeling with this revelation, Kathie wasn’t quite sure how she got through the rest of the meal. And then, when the staff all relocated to the staffroom, she was utterly mortified by the turn the conversation took.

Joey Maynard had joined them for dinner, and, after questioning Biddy minutely on the plans for her forthcoming wedding, said, with the knowing – and somewhat patronising – air of the only married woman in the room, ‘Oh, to be young and in love’.

‘Love’s not always flowers and chocolates, you know,’ Nancy said without thinking.

Joey raised her eyebrows. ‘There speaks a broken heart,’ she said, hoping to draw Nancy out.

Nancy shook her head blandly, and was relieved to see the conversation move on as Sharlie, encouraged by Peggy and Biddy, proceeded to list the characteristics of her ideal husband.

As the others chattered and giggled and guffawed, Nancy quietly sat back in her chair. Not too long ago, she’d thought she’d never be happy – never love – ever again. But now, sitting just a few feet from her was a woman who might change all that. And what on earth was she going to do about it?
Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Oct 15, 2010 7:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 15 October
Quote:

‘Oh god, Kathleen. How could you not realise? You’ve only gone and got the biggest crush. In the world. Ever.’

As the others chattered and giggled and guffawed, Nancy quietly sat back in her chair. Not too long ago, she’d thought she’d never be happy – never love – ever again. But now, sitting just a few feet from her was a woman who might change all that. And what on earth was she going to do about it?


The pair of them!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Thank you
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Oct 15, 2010 7:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 15 October
Arrrrgh, do let them talk to each other! Or at least someone bang their heads, please!

Thankyou :D
Author:  Abi [ Fri Oct 15, 2010 8:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 15 October
At least they're both thinking along the same lines.... :D
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Oct 15, 2010 10:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 15 October
Oh, how frustrating that neither of them feels able to speak up! At least they're both interested, though :D .
Author:  jmc [ Fri Oct 15, 2010 10:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 15 October
Just caught up on loads os this. Hope the pair of them can talk soon Thanks.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Oct 16, 2010 2:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 15 October
Really hope the two manage to talk it out
Author:  jayj [ Sat Oct 16, 2010 5:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 15 October
Hmm, they'll talk, but whether either of them will actually say anything is another matter...

Murmuring something to Ruth about having a bad head, Kathie slipped away from the group, and went up to her room. It wasn’t really a lie - her head was spinning, and there was no way she could sit there while they chattered about love. And what if they asked her about her ideal husband?

She threw herself on her bed, and stared up at the ceiling.

A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door, and Kathie blushed spectacularly when she saw who it was.

‘I saw the light under your door and just wanted to check you were OK.’ Nancy said, looking concerned. ‘Ruth said you had a bad head.’

‘Um. That was a bit of an excuse really. All that ‘ideal husband’ talk – it was getting a bit much.’

‘A bit boring, you mean.’

‘Ye-es.’

‘Well, if you’re sure you really don’t have a bad head, how about some hot chocolate?’ From behind her back, Nancy brought out a jug of milk and a jar of cocoa. ‘Not quite the finest of cocktails, I’m afraid, but that’s what you get when you’re back on the enchanted island.’

As she got out mugs, and Nancy set about warming the milk on the stove, and the two of them chatted comfortably, Kathie managed to forget her anxiety about falling in love with this woman, and simply enjoy her company.

She could have kicked herself when, an hour or two later, a yawn escaped her, and Nancy said with a smile, ‘That’s probably my cue to take my leave. Goodness, look at the time! And I’ve got to supervise the Middles for their ramble first thing in the morning. Good night, Kathie my dear. Sleep tight.’

And holding those words tightly to her, Kathie went to sleep with a smile on her face.
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Oct 16, 2010 5:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 16 October
Well they did better than I expected, especially at the end and I hope they are both now aware the other is not interested in traditional marriage or partnerships.
Thanks for the update.
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Oct 16, 2010 5:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 16 October
It's good that they're able to relax around each other.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Oct 16, 2010 6:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 16 October
That was sweet! And can't she tell, if Nancy makes the effort to come and find her, that she must like her?

Thankyou!
Author:  Abi [ Sat Oct 16, 2010 8:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 16 October
The way they're so comfortable around each other bodes well for the future... :)
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Oct 16, 2010 9:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 16 October
Glad they're so comfortable around each other. It would be a hard topic to bring up and whoever brings it up first will be terrified by what the potential reaction could be. Hope one of them feels able to speak.
Author:  jayj [ Sun Oct 17, 2010 5:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 16 October
Over the next few days, Kathie’s inner optimist and pessimist went to war, and the battle that raged went something like this:

There nothing to suggest that she’s that way, anyway. Isn’t there? She’s very attractive, and yet she’s single when half her schoolfriends are married and laden with children. But this is a girls’ school and there are plenty of unmarried women here older than she is, and that doesn’t mean they’re all like that ... like you ... Does it? Can’t someone just be single and dedicated to their job?

And some of the things she’s said. Joey might have been crass trying to probe into her love life, but at the very least, there’s some mystery there. So what if there is? It’s none of your business, and she clearly doesn’t want to talk about it.

What she said the other night, about husbands being boring, though. Does that mean...? No, surely, that was just making conversation, wasn’t it? Wasn’t it?

And even if she were like that ... like you ... well, that doesn’t stop her being your boss.

But she’s still your friend, despite being your boss, and that’s in no way been awkward. But maybe she’s just been professionally friendly. Maybe being nice to you is just part of her general professionalism.

And – here’s an important one - even if she were like that ...that doesn’t mean she’d actually be interested in you, does it?

But sometimes, haven’t you caught her looking at you, and seen her look away quickly, guiltily even? Is there something in that? Surely that can’t just be wishful thinking on your part. Can it?

Oh, Kathleen, just keep your head. You’ve been here or hereabouts before with Laura, and look how that turned out. No, you might be head over heels for her, but you’ve got to be realistic. You can be friends with her, but if you think it can be anything more and you’ll manage to keep your heart in one piece – and your job - you’re kidding yourself.

But how to deal with this? You can’t go on behaving like you have around her. Can’t you? The other night was ok, wasn’t it? You can be friends, can’t you?

No, you need to keep your distance from her. But won’t she find that odd? There’s surely nothing wrong with being friends...

***

‘Miss? Miss Ferrars?’ Kathie was brought back to earth with a thud.

Shaking off her thoughts, she turned her attention to the schoolgirl in front of her.

‘Yes, Len, what is it?’

‘Miss Ferrars, we’ve had an idea...’

The best thing to do, Kathie decided, was to try to ignore the warring factions in her head by keeping busy. And thanks to Inter V’s vast stock of plans for the school’s coming of age celebrations, busy she was, and able, just about, to resume her role as a sensible, level headed – and not at all love-struck – mistress of the Chalet School.
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Oct 17, 2010 6:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 17 October
Oh dear, poor Kathie! It's awkward enough trying to work out if someone's interested at the best of times, never mind when you work with them and live in the same building as them.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Oct 17, 2010 7:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 17 October
Just talk to her!! Please!

Thankyou!
Author:  Abi [ Sun Oct 17, 2010 7:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 17 October
Poor Kathie, I can see why she wouldn't want to talk to her - imagine if she'd got it wrong. Glad she hasn't, though. :D
Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Oct 17, 2010 7:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 17 October
Is Nancy going through the questioning of herself as well? Hope they can speak soon.
Author:  seven [ Sun Oct 17, 2010 7:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 17 October
This is such a good story. It must be very difficult for Kathie to concentrate but it's probably the same for Nancy. Please get them together soon!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Oct 18, 2010 8:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 17 October
Alison H wrote:
Oh dear, poor Kathie! It's awkward enough trying to work out if someone's interested at the best of times, never mind when you work with them and live in the same building as them.


And never mind that your the same sex. That would be the hardest part and the hardest conversation to have.

Thanks, am really enjoying this
Author:  jayj [ Mon Oct 18, 2010 9:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 17 October
Kathie was all alone with Nancy in an otherwise deserted classroom, and she couldn’t work out whether this was a brilliant development, or a really terrible one.

***

The day before.

Comfortably ensconced in an armchair near the stove, and with her head in a murder mystery, Kathie didn’t see Rosalie come into the staffroom, didn’t hear her say ‘Aha! She’ll do,’ and so didn’t have time to think up a good excuse to get out of the job Rosalie was attempting to allocate.

‘Hello, Kathie, how are you?’ Rosalie said brightly.

Somewhat dazed, Kathie wrenched her attention away from Hercule Poirot back to the real world, and responded with a slightly confused look. ‘Oh, hello, Rosalie.’

‘Kathie, what are you doing this evening?’

Kathie shrugged. ‘I was planning to finish this novel, I think,’ she said, flicking through the pages she still had left.

‘Hmm.’ Rosalie said, shaking her head.

‘No?’ said Kathie.

‘No, I don’t think you’ll have time. I need you to do a little job for me.’

‘Me?’ Kathie asked, looking around in case Rosalie meant someone else. There was nobody else nearby.

‘Yes. Can you come with me?’

Kathie found herself being led along a corridor and into a classroom where Nancy and Biddy were sat surrounded by piles of paper and envelopes.

‘I’ve caught you a helper!’ Rosalie said, cheerfully.

Nancy and Biddy looked up from what they were doing. Kathie could see that Biddy had a streak of ink across her face.

‘Oh, Kathie, you should have run while you still had the chance.’ Biddy said, sadly.

Nancy stood up. ‘Look here, Rosalie,’ she said. ‘Can’t we get some of the students to do this, instead of, well, us? Isn’t that what we have prefects for, anyway? I’ve paper cuts up to my elbows, and some of them are going to need stitches.’

Rosalie looked at her. ‘Hold out your hands,’ she said, commandingly. Nancy did so. ‘Now turn them over’. Nancy complied. ‘I can’t see any blood. Sit down and get back to work. It’s for the good of the school.’

Stubbornly, Nancy tried directing her best-student-quelling look at Rosalie. It didn’t work. Rosalie shot her a look back. That one did work, and sheepishly, Nancy sat down.

‘If you three get your heads down, you can get through most of these envelopes before bed time. Explain to Kathie what needs doing, and I’ll have some coffee sent to you in an hour or so.’ Rosalie quickly left the room, leaving three rather downcast women behind her.
Author:  Nell [ Mon Oct 18, 2010 9:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 October
Interesting very interesting development but haven't you missed abit...the bit that explains why the next evening Nancy and Kathie are alone in said classroom and then what happens???

Thanks JayJ!
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Oct 18, 2010 9:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 October
:lol: It's nice to see Rosalie getting someone else to do the work for a change!
Author:  Abi [ Mon Oct 18, 2010 10:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 October
I'm hoping it turns out to be a brilliant development...
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Oct 19, 2010 7:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 October
I am now curious as to what is about to happen. Thanks, loved the update
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Oct 19, 2010 8:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 October
*crosses fingers* Good thing, good thing, good thing...
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Oct 19, 2010 10:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 October
So where is Biddy on the second evening? Thanks
Author:  jayj [ Tue Oct 19, 2010 6:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 October
Despite working steadily for more than two hours, with one person stuffing leaflets about the chapel fund and anniversary celebrations into envelopes, and the other two addressing each stuffed envelope with the name of one of the hundreds of school alumni from the lists which Rosalie had provided, the three women barely made a dent on the piles.

When Rosalie returned at 21.30, she shook her head disappointedly. ‘You’ll all have to come back tomorrow evening to finish this off,’ she informed them.

So that was how Kathie came to be in an otherwise deserted classroom with Nancy. She had found yesterday evening stressful enough, and that had been with Biddy in the room too. But now Biddy had mysteriously vanished, citing (Kathie was pretty sure, faking) a headache, and Kathie couldn’t work out whether that was a brilliant development, or a terrible one.

It wasn’t that things were awkward between her and Nancy, or that they couldn’t manage a civil conversation. They certainly could be friendly enough; too friendly, indeed. Kathie was finding it enormously hard to judge the line between friendly banter and flirting and that just left her confused and panicking. And every now and then, when her hand accidentally brushed Nancy’s as they both reached out for the same envelope, she thought her heart would explode.

This evening she’d opted to take the first shift on addressing the envelopes. Copying out the names and addresses took up more brain effort than folding and stuffing leaflets, and she hoped that this would take up all her attention, and stop her focusing so much on the woman sat just a foot or so away from her.

Over the last few weeks of term, school had been so busy that she’d had barely seen Nancy. And in some ways, she thought this was a good thing, but there had also been times that she’d actively sought her out (though she tried to pretend to herself she wasn’t) to get a few snatched minutes in her company. If she was to be honest, that was what she’d been doing the evening before. If she had really wanted to finish her novel, she’d have stayed in her own room to read it. But she’d come down to the staffroom on the off chance Nancy’d be there...

And now here she was, in a room with the woman about whom she’d thought so much. And Kathie really didn’t know what to do with herself.

‘Ach, Kathleen. Just get on with the job in hand!’ She told herself firmly.’ And stop sneaking glances at her! She’ll see you!’
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Oct 19, 2010 6:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 October
Well, I hope that she does! And says something!

Thankyou for the update.
Author:  Finn [ Tue Oct 19, 2010 7:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 October
Ooh, didn't notice the updates! Thanks, jayj, I really like this story :D
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Oct 19, 2010 7:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 October
Thanks for the update. Hope Nancy does see Kathy's glances.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Oct 19, 2010 8:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 October
Come on, the pair of you!!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Oct 19, 2010 8:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 October
Thanks, really love seeing Kathie's angst.

BTW love the fact Rosalie can quell Nancy with a look but Nancy can't manage to do the same for Rosalie
Author:  Abi [ Tue Oct 19, 2010 9:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 October
*pokes them both to make them get on with it*

It's rather sweet, really. :D
Author:  jayj [ Wed Oct 20, 2010 6:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 October
After an hour or so, a considerable pile of addressed envelopes had built up. Crossing off ‘Gisela Mensch’ from her list, Kathie reached out for the next stuffed envelope. Goodness, she thought, we’re only just halfway through the alphabet. As she looked up, she caught sight of Nancy, who seemed frozen, leaflets half-folded in one hand, envelope in the other. Her eyes were fixed on a point about three feet away down the table.

‘Nancy? Are you ok?’ she asked, concerned.

As she spoke, Nancy raised her eyes and turned her head slightly to look at her. Her face, which had been tense and tight, softened and she almost smiled.

‘I think so. Yes, I think so.’

She held Kathie’s gaze. Kathie waited.

‘Kathie, do you remember, in Berne, when you asked whether I had a life that was not this school?’

‘Yes.’

‘Can I tell you about it?’

Kathie nodded.

‘I lived with someone. We were in love. And then this person – they died. And then I came here.’

‘They?’ Kathie asked, gently.

Nancy took a deep breath. ‘She. Meg.’

Kathie held her gaze steady. ‘I’m so sorry,’ she said, her eyes filling with tears at the thought of what Nancy must have suffered.

‘It was a long time ago.’

‘Still.’

After a moment Nancy said, ‘No-one else here knows about this.’

‘You don’t have to worry about me gossiping,’ Kathie said carefully.

‘No. I didn’t mean that – of course I know you won’t. What I mean is, I’ve never felt able to tell anyone here about this – about Meg – before. Not even Hilary.’

‘I’m glad that you trust me.’

Throwing caution into the blaze, Nancy reached across the table to where Kathie’s hand was resting, gently picked it up and held it in her own. ‘I do.’

As they looked at each other for a moment that seemed like an eternity, all of Kathie’s doubts and fears evaporated. She knew she wanted Nancy more than words could ever describe, and with perhaps the biggest thrill she’d ever experienced, she saw that Nancy wanted her just as much.

She reached up a hand to caress Nancy’s cheek, and leaned in towards her.

Just as they were about to kiss, there was a bang and thud, and the two women jerked apart as they realised Rosalie had entered the room. Thankfully, Rosalie was bringing them a tray of coffee and cake, which meant, in order to push open the door – clumsily and noisily - with her elbow, she’d come into the room backwards; and thankfully, she was too interested in the progress of the envelope piles to notice the flushed faces of Nancy and Kathie.

Under the table, Kathie gave Nancy’s hand a quick squeeze. ‘Later?’ she mouthed. Nancy nodded.
Author:  shesings [ Wed Oct 20, 2010 7:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 October
Oh lovely -but I fear it's not all going to be plain sailing!
Author:  Finn [ Wed Oct 20, 2010 7:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 October
:D

also, :popper:
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Oct 20, 2010 7:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 October
Thank goodness that Nancy has broken the silence. Thanks for the update.
Author:  Elbee [ Wed Oct 20, 2010 8:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 October
I'm glad they've both been able to show their feelings at last!

Thanks, jayj
Author:  Joanne [ Wed Oct 20, 2010 9:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 October
I wonder what brought Nancy to the point of saying that? Will we ever find out? :D

Thanks!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Oct 20, 2010 9:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 October
It may not be plain sailing, but I'm really glad Nancy had the courage to do that
Author:  Abi [ Wed Oct 20, 2010 9:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 October
Hm, am I being over-suspicious in thinking that Rosalie has been doing a bit of subtle matchmaking? :D
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Oct 20, 2010 10:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 October
Hooray!
Author:  Nell [ Wed Oct 20, 2010 10:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 October
Abi wrote:
Hm, am I being over-suspicious in thinking that Rosalie has been doing a bit of subtle matchmaking? :D


I had wondered that myself...

But whether she did or not - hooray and hurrah!!

Thanks JayJ
Author:  jayj [ Wed Oct 20, 2010 10:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 October
I just watched the first episode of the BBC3 drama Lip Service on the Iplayer, and one line struck me as rather appropriate to this drabble. One of the characters says:

Quote:
"I can't chat people up. I just do what most lesbians do: stare at women hungrily, and pray that somebody else will make the first move."


:D
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 5:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 October
The noisy door seems a leetle too obvious to me! I do wonder...

Thankyou!
Author:  jayj [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 6:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 October
Well, you're all a suspicious bunch, aren't you?! I just thought Rosalie was being clumsy... I don't *think* she knows anything - or at least, if she does, she hasn't let on to me... :dontknow:


There was, unfortunately, to be no ‘later’ that evening. As Nancy and Kathie drank their coffee, Rosalie had fussed around, checking over the list of names and the envelopes with Kathie, and making Nancy box up the remaining leaflets. As she was doing so, Sharlie came in.

‘Kathie, can I have a word?’

Kathie gave Rosalie a nervous look to see if she might be excused. Rosalie frowned, and sighed. Sharlie seemed to be on the verge of tears.

‘Go on,’ Rosalie said resignedly, and Kathie got up to find out what was wrong with her friend.

Rosalie and Nancy remained in the classroom, sorting through boxes, lists, and envelopes. Rosalie was a little taken aback to see her colleague smiling to herself, wearing look of absolute pleasure that went far beyond even Nancy’s normally cheerful countenance, and happily submitting, without complaint or protest, to Rosalie’s orders to carry boxes between the classroom, the stationary cupboard and the secretary’s office.

After an hour or so, Rosalie decided Nancy had done enough for the evening. Finally released from duty, Nancy went to find Kathie. As she stuck her head round the staffroom door, she saw that Kathie was busy listening to Sharlie who seemed to be unburdening herself. Nancy could just hear a few words.

‘Inter V... Yseult ...don’t know what to do...Margot Maynard... them or me....’

Nancy caught Kathie’s eye. Kathie gave her an apologetic look and Nancy nodded, understanding.

Well, just about understanding.

Really, nothing had happened – nothing had been said. Nancy hadn’t said - I’m in love with you. I’d go to the ends of the earth with and for you. You’re my absolute world, and I don’t think I can live without you.

She’d said nothing like that. And Kathie had said nothing like that either.

But Nancy felt that so much had been declared. There’d been no words, but Nancy felt like everything had changed.
Author:  Finn [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 6:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 October
jayj wrote:
Nancy hadn’t said - I’m in love with you. I’d go to the ends of the earth with and for you. You’re my absolute world, and I don’t think I can live without you.


Sweet!

Thanks jayj
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 6:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 October
jayj wrote:
But Nancy felt that so much had been declared. There’d been no words, but Nancy felt like everything had changed.


This is making me want to cry (I'm strictly not allowed until at least tomorrow)

Thankyou, that was beautiful.
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 7:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 21 October
Thanks hope kathy can help Sharlie with Inter V
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 7:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 21 October
This is very sweet :D .
Author:  Abi [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 9:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 21 October
*melts into a slushy pile at that last bit*
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Oct 22, 2010 7:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 21 October
There's plenty of hope for both of them. Are we to find out about Sharlie?
Author:  jayj [ Fri Oct 22, 2010 6:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 21 October
Kathie was all alone with Nancy in an otherwise deserted classroom for the second consecutive evening. And this time, she was certain it was a brilliant development.

***

The evening before it had taken her more than two hours to calm Sharlie down, to convince her not to hand in her notice, and to remind her that she did actually enjoy teaching after all. Between them, they came to the conclusion that Sharlie didn’t actually want to resign but was overwrought and overtired, and with the Easter holidays just over a week away, she only had two more lessons with Inter V to get through without killing Yseult, Margot, Francie or any of the others.

Because Kathie had decided she ought to keep a close eye on Sharlie, she and Nancy barely had a chance to speak all day. But at breaks and at mealtimes just knowing the other was in the room – and that the other felt the same way – was more than enough to keep them going. During afternoon break, Nancy had been chatting with Biddy at the coffee urn when Kathie and Sharlie came in. While nothing of consequence was said, when Kathie’s hand had gently brushed Nancy’s as she reached for a cup, and she had looked at her with a knowing and conspiratorial grin, Nancy felt her heart pound so loud she was sure the others would notice.

It had been with almost indecent haste that, after Abendessen, Nancy volunteered herself and Kathie for a third shift at envelope-stuffing, and even Rosalie was a little bemused by their keenness, given Nancy’s earlier protracted complaints. Nancy had hurriedly muttered something about ‘Once you’ve started something – well, you have to see it through to the end,’ to which Kathie had nodded (Rosalie thought) with undue enthusiasm.

And having collected the boxes of leaflets, envelopes and lists of names from the secretary’s office, and refused Rosalie’s offer of help carrying them, finally, Nancy and Kathie were in the classroom and alone.

Dumping her box on the table, Kathie quickly returned to the door and dropped the catch.

Nancy grinned and raised her eyebrows.

Kathie, her grin matching Nancy’s, shrugged. ‘Rosalie...’ she half-explained.

And then they stood there, looking at each other. This was all that either of them had wanted all day – all that either of them had wanted for so long - but now, both were suddenly shy, shy of what they’d communicated unspokenly, and shy of what they wanted so much.

‘Kathie, I...’ Nancy said, just at the same time that Kathie said ‘Nancy, I...’. Both trailed off.

Boldly, Kathie took a step forwards. As she reached up to tuck a stray lock of hair behind Nancy’s ear, Nancy’s arms drifted round her waist. And finally, they kissed, and this time, neither Rosalie nor anyone else got in their way.

‘I’ve wanted to do that for so long. Since I first saw you, I think.’ Nancy said, after a minute or two.

‘I hope it wasn’t a disappointment after you waited such a long time.’

‘Maybe I should try it again, just to check?’

‘Maybe you should.’ Kathie smiled.

After a few moments, Nancy said, ‘I don’t think you could ever disappoint me.’


To be continued.....

Thanks to everyone who’s read this, and especially to those who’ve commented – your kind words have meant a lot to me, when I’ve been having about a billion crises of confidence about it...There is going to be more to this drabble, but for the next month or so, it’s going on a wee hiatus while I crack on with the half-a-dozen or so conference papers and articles I’m meant to be writing at the moment. If I make anywhere near decent progress on those, this *should* be back soon...

One other thing. In a move that can only be described as *slightly adolescent* I took the title from a line in a Tegan and Sara song called Sentimental Tune that I was listening to a lot when I started writing. You can find a pretty decent live version of it here (though Sara(?) mangles the line a little bit....). For some rather self-evident reasons, I think Nancy and Kathie would have liked Tegan and Sara. If only Nancy’d had a Tegan and Sara poster on her wall, it would have saved Kathie an awful lot of stress...
Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Oct 22, 2010 6:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 October
Thank you for the drabble so far. Hope the conference papers go well.
Author:  lexyjune [ Fri Oct 22, 2010 8:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 October
Thank you, I have really enjoyed this.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Oct 22, 2010 8:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 October
Really enjoying this. Hope the conference stuff goes well.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Oct 22, 2010 9:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 October
Good luck with everything, and please come back soon!

Thankyou for a beautiful drabble :D
Author:  Abi [ Fri Oct 22, 2010 9:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 October
Well, that's a very good place to leave it, if there has to be a pause! Hope your conference stuff goes well. :D
Author:  janetbrown23 [ Fri Oct 22, 2010 9:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 October
Abi is right, you have managed to leave it in just the right place. I have enjoyed this immensely and hope after all the conferences you will feel able to carry on with it.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Oct 22, 2010 9:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 October
Thanks, that was a good place to leave it.

Hope all your papers go well for the conference
Author:  Myth Tree [ Sat Oct 23, 2010 8:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 October
Thank-you for a heart-warming drabble- and I agree that it's a good place to stop.
Author:  Elbee [ Sat Oct 23, 2010 9:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 October
I'm really enjoying this and look forward to more when you can manage it.

Thanks, jayj. Good luck with your conference work.
Author:  marni [ Sat Oct 23, 2010 1:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 October
I'm really enjoying this too - I look forward to more when you have time - Good luck with all your conference work and I hope it goes well. Thank you!
Author:  Nell [ Sun Oct 24, 2010 7:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 October
Thank you for this I've really enjoyed it so far and look forward to more once you've got time!

Hope the conference papers etc. go well.
Author:  seven [ Sun Oct 24, 2010 9:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 October
I hope the papers go well and please, please continue this brilliant drabble when you have the time.
Author:  jmc [ Mon Oct 25, 2010 9:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 October
Hope the conference goes well and looking forward to more of this when you have the time.
Author:  Helen P [ Wed Oct 27, 2010 1:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 October
I've just caught up on loads of this and am loving it! Thank you jayj and I'm looking forward to more when your workload allows. :D
Author:  Chris S [ Thu Oct 28, 2010 2:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 October
Thank you jayj. I really enjoyed your moving drabble.
Author:  jayj [ Sun Nov 14, 2010 6:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 October
I've managed 1 complete paper that I'm meant to be writing, and .75 of another, and .25 of a third, so I thought I'd reward myself with a bit more of this...and this, being part 2 of this drabble, has a new title, which like the original, is nicked from a song.


Lass mich nie mehr los

‘Kath. Kathie love. You need to wake up,’ Nancy spoke softly, smiling fondly at the brown head which was resting on her shoulder.

‘Am awake,’ Kathie said sleepily, her eyes closed and her arm cosily tucked through Nancy’s. The pair were sitting in the waiting area of the Gare de Genève.

‘Kathie. The others are going to be here soon. You need to wake up a bit. Honestly,’ Nancy murmured, ‘Anyone would think you hadn’t just spent the last two days in bed.’

Opening her eyes just a little, Kathie playfully reached for Nancy’s hand. ‘Bed sounds nice. Let’s go back.’

‘Kath...’ Nancy said weakly, then, regaining her focus, ‘Seriously, the others will be here soon. You need to sit up, open your eyes, that kind of thing.’

Kathie shook her head. ‘Told you. Am awake.’ She raised her head slightly to look at Nancy, who saw a face that was not sleepy at all.

‘Are you just pretending to be sleepy?’ Nancy asked suspiciously.

‘Pretending? No. Acting? Yes.’

‘Are you pretending to be sleepy so you can sneak cuddles in public?’

‘No, I’m acting sleepy because your shoulder looked cold and lonely and wanted me to keep it warm and loved.’

‘Scandalous.’

‘You can’t tell me you haven’t been enjoying it though.’

‘Well.’ They sat in contented silence.

After a moment, Nancy asked, ‘So you’re not really tired at all?’

Kathie shook her head with a grin.

Nancy frowned. ‘Shame...if you were tired, you’d’ve had to have had an early night...’

The grin fell from Kathie’s face. She suddenly yawned rather theatrically.

‘That’s more like it,’ Nancy chuckled.

Kathie snuggled back into Nancy’s shoulder. ‘I’m just trying to get a few more minutes of it being just us, before everyone else appears, and it’ll be us and all our friends, and before we have to go back to school, and it’ll be us and all our friends and all our colleagues and all our students.’

‘I know. But it’s not like we’re not going to be seeing each other every day, is it? Think of Biddy and Eugen, miles apart and seeing each other only every month or so.’

‘Yes, but they’re getting married, and then they’re going to have forever together in the same house.’

‘Hmm.’ Nancy was quiet for a moment. ‘But my room is awfully close to yours, you know.’

‘That I have been consoling myself with, yes.’

‘And we’ll have weekends we can escape and be together.’

‘But I’ll miss having you all to myself all the time. This last two weeks has been ... splendiferous.’

‘Splendiferous? Is that a word?’

Kathie nodded. ‘I have it on good authority from Inter V that it is indeed a word.’

‘You’d get bored of me if I was all you had to see all day, every day.’

‘No I wouldn’t. I’d find ways to entertain myself. And you.’ And Kathie moved her head and whispered in Nancy’s ear, and what she said made Nancy turn rather red.

‘Kathleen Ferrars! Whatever am I going to do with you?’ Nancy wore a shocked look.

And Kathie gave a wicked grin and was about to offer some whispered suggestions but before she could make Nancy blush even more a loud shout interrupted her.

‘Nancy! Kathie! How good to see you both!’ Dragging suitcases, Ruth, Rosalind, and Peggy were suddenly in front of them. Tearing themselves apart, Nancy and Kathie stood up, and greeted their friends warmly.

A few moments later, Biddy and Sharlie appeared from a different direction and as Nancy led them all out of the station towards their hotel, Peggy uttered some words that would, for some among the party, turn out to be rather prophetic.

‘Right girls, one last weekend of freedom before we have to be back in school. Let’s make it one to remember!’
Author:  Finn [ Sun Nov 14, 2010 6:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 November
Yay more! I feel like one of those baby birds with its beak open begging for more please, more please, many more please...
Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Nov 14, 2010 6:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 November
Glad you have been successful in your paper writing and can give us more of this drabble. Thank you.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Nov 14, 2010 6:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 November
It's fantastic to see more of this. Glad most of you paper is written
Author:  Abi [ Sun Nov 14, 2010 7:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 November
Glad to see more of this!
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Nov 14, 2010 8:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 November
Glad to see this back - and hope they have a lot more fun this weekend than CS mistresses are usually allowed :lol: .
Author:  Nell [ Sun Nov 14, 2010 11:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 November
Yay! There's more glad to see this back and Nancy and Kathie being all sweet together. Am looking forward to hearing more about the coming weekend...

Thank you muchly!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Nov 16, 2010 6:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 November
Well, but did you have to leave us on a cliff and all?!?
Author:  marni [ Wed Nov 17, 2010 3:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 November
Lovely to see this again, Lovely to see that Kathie and Nancy have had the chance to spend time together - I look forward to the resolution of the cliff! Thanks
Author:  jayj [ Thu Nov 18, 2010 9:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 November
Cliff? what cliff? :D

Because Nancy and Kathie had been in Geneva for several days already, that evening Nancy was placed in charge of getting the group from their hotel to the restaurant. Unfortunately, not long after leaving the hotel she took a right instead of a left and very quickly became rather lost.

‘Well, seeing as I’m not a Geography teacher I’m not altogether sure why I was put in charge of map-reading. I have not been trained in the specialist skills required,’ Nancy complained.

In response, the Geography teachers objected that, as it was the holidays, they were not on duty and therefore could not in any way be expected to do anything which resembled work. But, Ruth added, despite being a holidaying Geography teacher, Kathie had been in Geneva at least as long as Nancy, and so was a reasonable candidate for the job. And, as Biddy pointed out, Kathie was also the youngest in the group, and it was only right that she showed due respect to her elders and submitted to being bullied into taking over the map-reading.

It took a bit of grumbling, and turning the map first this way and then that, and then some more grumbling before Kathie declared that she probably knew where they were and should be able to get them to their dinner.

Once they’d finally made it to the restaurant, a dinner of warmth and good cheer and wine of a reasonable quality and significant quantity followed. The friends swapped holiday stories; Sharlie had been to Paris; Biddy to stay near Eugen; while Peggy, Ruth and Rosalind had been to North Italy. And Kathie and Nancy, trying not to look too shifty, explained that they had been ‘quite busy,’ ‘sightseeing,’ ‘relaxing,’ ‘you know, that kind of thing,’ firstly in Bavaria, and then, for the last few days, in Geneva.

After dinner, the drinking and merriment was relocated to the hotel bar.

An hour or so later, Kathie looked at Nancy with intent and yawned. It was all Nancy could do not to laugh at Kathie’s performance but she nodded her head slightly to show she’d understood. And Kathie’s theatrics did the job. Rosalind noticed Kathie’s apparent tiredness, and suggested she might need to go to bed. Kathie agreed, especially as, she noted with a grin, the others seemed pretty solidly lodged in the bar, and rather likely to remain there for the foreseeable future.

‘Oh, if only Miss Annersley could see you all now,’ were her parting words, as five of her six colleagues set about demolishing another bottle of wine. The sixth colleague, meanwhile, though she took yet another glass of wine when it was offered, was largely preoccupied with making a silent vow to find the next possible opportunity to follow Kathie upstairs.

A short while later Nancy did manage to make her own excuses, having – to her own mild embarrassment – resorted to the same kind of yawning tactics that Kathie had earlier demonstrated.

‘It’s not like the old days,’ Ruth said, sorrowfully. ‘Then, no-one would have gone to bed this early. Do you think we’re getting old?’

Rosalind hurried to reassure Ruth that age wasn’t the determining factor: simply, it just seemed that Nancy and Kathie were lacking in stamina. And after collectively decrying their colleagues for a few minutes, Biddy doled out some more wine, and merriment resumed as Ruth began to reminisce about previous weekends away and she and the others set about educating Sharlie in the legends of the drunken exploits of the Chalet School mistresses.

It wasn’t too long before it became apparent that Nancy had taken a prominent role in many of the more outrageous stories they were telling, and Peggy suggested that that lady ought to be present to put forward her own account of the events and declare any mitigating circumstances. Like most ideas conceived after multiple bottles of wine have been collectively consumed, this seemed a perfectly reasonable plan, and so it was democratically voted that Peggy be the one to go and rouse Nancy – and while she was there, Kathie too – from their beds.

Peggy lurched to her feet, bounded rather hap-hazardly up the stairs, and made her way down one interminable hotel corridor after another, bouncing off the walls only occasionally until she reached room 214, tried the door, found it unlocked, burst in, and threw on the light.

‘We’ve decided now’s no time for sleeping, Nancy, and you need to come back downstairs,’ Peggy declared, and then gasped ‘Oh God, I’m sorry’ as she realized that the single bed nearest her was empty, and that nearer the window had two people in it – and one of them was Nancy and... she blinked a few times, dazed and drunkenly, as she realized that the other person in the bed, somewhat reluctantly attempting to extricate themselves from the tangle of limbs and bedclothes, was...Kathie?
Author:  cestina [ Thu Nov 18, 2010 9:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 November
Oh oh oh. Fat's properly in the fire now then! Great.....
Author:  Finn [ Thu Nov 18, 2010 10:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 November
Oh noes!
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Nov 18, 2010 10:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 November
I love the idea of the drunken exploits of the CS mistresses :D .

Oh dear, girls - if you don't want anyone walking in on you, you really need to think to lock the door!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Nov 18, 2010 10:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 November
Spider in the bed and too drunk to deal with it normally? :lol: Can't wait to see what they do say! And I, too, love the drunken exploits (further drabble?) Thankyou!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Nov 19, 2010 8:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 November
That's certainly the frypan to the fire in one leap. Hope Peggy is suitably tactful/understanding about it
Author:  Abi [ Fri Nov 19, 2010 12:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 November
Hopefully Peggy's too drunk to remember.... :shock: :lol:
Author:  Eilidh [ Fri Nov 19, 2010 1:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 November
Oops... Doors should always be locked. Always.

Thanks, looking forward to more!
Author:  jayj [ Sat Nov 20, 2010 10:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 November
So absorbed were Kathie and Nancy in each other that by the time they realised what had just happened Peggy had flipped the light back off and flung the door closed with as much vigour as she’d burst it open a minute before. Thrust back into darkness, Nancy reached out for the bedside light, and when she found it, she and Kathie regarded each other with horrified faces.

‘Didn’t you lock the door?’ Kathie was the first to speak.

‘Me? I thought you did.’

Kathie shook her head. ‘You were the last one in...’

Nancy groaned. ‘I was, wasn’t I? Oh... I’ll have to go and talk to her,’ she said, but for a minute or two stayed exactly where she was, holding Kathie close to her. Eventually she sighed and reluctantly got up and out of bed. ‘Though what I’m going to say...’

‘The truth...?’ Kathie suggested.

They looked at each other for a moment or two.

Then Kathie cracked into a grin. ‘But, lovely, you might want to put some clothes on first. I think she’s probably seen enough of you naked for one day.’

***

Confused and embarrassed Peggy stood outside of room 214 not entirely sure what to do with herself. Her own room, which she was sharing with Biddy, was just a few doors away down the corridor, and suddenly feeling rather sober, she remembered that somewhere in her suitcase was a bottle of something, and that right now what she needed most was a drink.

Thankful that she had the keys in her pocket and didn’t have to go back downstairs to find them, Peggy let herself into her room, opened her case and turned it upside down. With a muffled thud, the bottle ...of Campari? Whose idea had that been?... landed amongst the pile of clean- and not-so-clean clothes.

She poured a slug into a tea cup, and downed it.

And then another.

And then there was a knock on the door.

Peggy wasn’t very surprised to see that it was Nancy. She let her in.

The two women stood there, looking at each other awkwardly. Peggy spoke first.

‘Nancy – what was that all about?’

‘I could ask you the same,’ Nancy replied, rather defensively. ‘Barging into our room like that?’

‘I – um. We thought...we wanted you to come back downstairs...it seemed a good idea.....’ Peggy went quiet. What had they been thinking? ‘I think...maybe...’ She stopped again. ‘I have no excuse. I can only blame the drink. But what about you? What are you going to say – “It’s not what it looks like?”’

Nancy bristled. ‘It’s pretty much exactly what it looks like. But I wasn’t aware that I needed an excuse for what I – we - get up to in private.’

‘Yes. Well. I’m sorry for crashing in on you. But if you’re going to start ... well, you know ... you should have at least locked the door.’

‘I thought Kathie had.’

‘And she thought you had?’

Nancy nodded.

‘Has this been going on long?’

‘A few weeks.’

‘Do you think it’s wise, you two carrying on like this?’

Despite herself, Nancy chuckled. ‘I don’t think wisdom’s got an awful lot to do with it.’

Peggy tried to look sternly at her, and then started laughing too.

‘Well.’ She sat down on her bed, and invited Nancy to sit in the armchair. ‘Want some?’ she proffered the bottle of Campari.

Nancy nodded, and Peggy found her a clean mug.

Nancy drank. ‘Ew, that is vile.’

‘Acquired taste, apparently. Holiday souvenir.’ Peggy said. And then, ‘Well, that explains one thing – no, two actually.’

‘What?’

‘Well, firstly, why the pair of you’ve been looking like the cats that’ve got the cream lately.’

Nancy shrugged. ‘And second?’ she asked.

‘And second, why despite being here for several days, and being – and I quote - ‘quite busy’, the pair of you have absolutely no idea where anything is.’

Nancy grinned.

‘Nancy, just be careful. The pair of you.’

‘What are you going to do?’

Before Peggy could answer, there was a knock, and Kathie stuck her head round the door. ‘Can I come in?’ she asked. Peggy nodded.

‘Figured it wasn’t fair for Nancy to take the rap all on her own,’ Kathie said. She sat on the arm of Nancy’s chair, and looking defiantly at Peggy, slipped her arm round Nancy’s shoulders.

Peggy looked at the pair of them for a moment, and then made a decision.

‘Kathie, I was just saying I shouldn’t have barged in on you,’ she said. ‘...if I’d’ve known.... What you two get up to behind closed doors is absolutely none of my business. I’m not going to say anything...but you might try a bit harder to make sure those doors stay closed in future... ‘

Nancy and Kathie looked at each other, and smiled sheepishly. Nancy offered Kathie the glass she was holding. Kathie sniffed it, pulled a face and politely declined.

Peggy watched the interaction between the two of them with a slight flush of embarrassment– an embarrassment that was confirmed when she realised that Kathie was wearing clothes that didn’t seem to be entirely her own. But before she could reflect on this, the door to her own room burst open, and in poured Ruth, Rosalind, Biddy and Sharlie. And as the others came in, Peggy noted that Kathie withdrew the arm that had been resting on Nancy’s shoulders, and stiffened slightly.

‘Peggy, really, you were meant to be bringing them downstairs with you, not setting up a rival party here,’ Ruth declared.

‘We were... um...just coming,’ Nancy said quickly, and made to stand up.

‘Too late. Given it’s gone midnight, the bar’s closed,’ Biddy explained.

‘But it’s ok, because look what we snaffled before it did,’ said Sharlie, producing a bottle of wine from behind her back.

To this, was added Peggy’s Campari, a bottle of gin from Biddy, and, accompanied by much general hilarity and inappropriate jokes about sailors, one of Navy rum from Ruth. Raids were made on various rooms to pull together enough glasses and tea cups to drink from.

And Kathie – who, alone amongst her colleagues seemed to be not intent on getting completely obliterated, and thinking that, given what had just happened, at least one of her and Nancy ought to keep some measure of relative sobriety – was enormously thankful that Sharlie hadn’t managed her holiday’s ambition of acquiring a bottle of absinthe from ‘a friend of a friend of a friend’ while she was in Paris.
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Nov 20, 2010 1:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 November
Glad Peggy was OK about it - and hope they remember to lock the door in future!
Author:  Mia [ Sat Nov 20, 2010 1:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 November
This is fabulous; glad I missed the cliff though. Will Peggy be able to keep quiet I wonder..?

Thanks jayj!
Author:  Abi [ Sat Nov 20, 2010 1:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 November
Glad Peggy was ok about it!
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Nov 20, 2010 2:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 November
Wondering if they will give themselves away to the others of the party.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Nov 20, 2010 5:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 November
Hmm, well it all seems to be all right so far, long may it continue? Thankyou!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Nov 20, 2010 8:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 November
Glad Peggy was okay about it all
Author:  KJX [ Sat Nov 20, 2010 10:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 November
Love the boozy antics!
Author:  jayj [ Sun Nov 21, 2010 10:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 November
Nancy blinked groggily. It seemed to be quite light in the room. Her head hurt. Her mouth was dry. Her brain was oddly alert but simultaneously lacking in focus. Her left arm had gone numb where she had been lying on it, and as she rolled over to one side to free it and blood started to recirculate, it felt like a thousand tiny explosions.

Managing to lift her head slightly from the pillow she could see Kathie sitting up in the other bed, reading.

“Mmm... ello,” Nancy said.

“Ah, you’re awake, are you?” Kathie put her book to one side.

“Mmm. Or possibly dead. Not sure.”

Kathie came over and kissed her gently on the forehead. “I don’t think you’re dead, my love,” she said, sitting on the edge of Nancy’s bed.

“Oh.” Nancy gazed up at her. It was a beautiful sight, but unfortunately the world around Kathie was spinning in a rather unpleasant way. She closed her eyes.

“Oh, my love.”

“What happened?” Nancy asked, her eyes still closed. There was a pause, and when she opened her eyes, Kathie was looking at her with mild amusement.

“You got horrendously drunk.”

Nancy thought carefully for a moment. If she tried hard, she could remember bits of the night before but she wasn’t completely sure of the exact sequence of events.

“Oh...there was the wine, and then Biddy brought out the gin...”

“And the rest.”

“Why are you alright?”

“Because, unlike you, and, apparently, the rest of our colleagues, I know my limits. And I got to spend quite a long time in the bathroom looking after Sharlie who was being rather profusely sick.”

“Oh.” Nancy was hit by her own mild wave of nausea. “Oh, I shouldn’t drink.”

“Not that much, anyway,” Kathie agreed, handing her a glass of water from the bedside table. “Here, have this.”

Nancy did as she was told. Then a thought struck her. “Oh, God...I didn’t say – or do – anything stupid, did I?”

“More stupid than gin, rum and campari cocktails?”

“About us, I mean,” Nancy persisted.

“What, can’t you remember?”

Nancy looked horrified. “What?”

“Well, you did go on at length explaining why you find me so attractive.”

Nancy groaned. “Why didn’t you stop me?”

Kathie looked at her. “Vanity?” she shrugged.

“I didn’t do that at all, did I?”

Kathie shook her head with a grin.

“If I wasn’t currently immobile, I’d get you for that.”

“There was that whole bit where we got caught making love by one of our colleagues, though.”

“Oh. That. Yes.” Nancy paused, “But I’m pretty sure that happened before I got hideously drunk.”

Kathie nodded ruefully.

“I think that might be why I drank so much,” Nancy admitted.

“What, am I really that bad?” Kathie asked in mock indignation.

“No, you numpty, you’re perfect and you know it. But being caught...”

“Oh, Nance.” Kathie decided to get into the bed with her. Nancy suddenly frowned.

“What are you doing? Why were you in that bed?”

“My love, last night you were very drunk and largely insensible and not at all the most attractive proposition to share a single bed with.”

“Oh. OK. As long as you’ve not gone off me.”

“Now, is that likely?” Kathie kissed her gently, and they arranged themselves so that Kathie was sat with her back against the wall, with Nancy resting her head on her lap.

“Will she say anything, do you think?” Kathie asked, after a few moments, stroking Nancy’s hair back from her face.

“Peggy?”

“Hmm.”

“She said she wouldn’t.”

“Do you believe her?”

“We don’t really have a lot of choice.”

“We could stop all this– I don’t want you to lose your job over me.”

“Oh. Kathie. Frankly, I’d rather resign than lose you.” Nancy manouvred herself into a sitting position, wincing as she did so. “Goodness, that sounded rather melodramatic, didn’t it. We’ve only been seeing each other what, three and a half weeks. But I mean it. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me.”

Her face suddenly went white.

“But oh, can I have some more water, please? I really don’t feel too well.”
Author:  Abi [ Sun Nov 21, 2010 11:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 21 November
:lol: Poor Nancy....
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Nov 21, 2010 3:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 21 November
Oh dear :lol: One wonders if she'll really learn her lesson this time...
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Nov 21, 2010 7:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 21 November
Poor Nance, but she did need to let her hair down and forget for awhile.
Author:  jayj [ Mon Nov 22, 2010 7:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 21 November
It was a ramshackle crew that assembled in the hotel lobby just before lunchtime, with a number of rather sore heads and Ruth, quite inexplicably, displaying a pronounced limp. With desires ranging from “strong coffee” “..and dry toast” “...fried breakfast” “...cigarettes, please” “...water. I only want water,” Kathie and Nancy suggested that a nearby cafe (which they had discovered in one of their brief forays from the hotel) was certain to supply most, if not all, of these requests.

Just as they were on their way out of the hotel, Peggy stopped.

"Oh, bother, I’ve left my purse upstairs.” She said. “You go ahead. I’ll catch up. Or...Nancy, you’ll wait for me, won’t you?”

But as the others left, rather than going back upstairs, Peggy headed straight for the hotel lounge and ordered two black coffees.

Trailing behind her, Nancy asked with some confusion, “I thought you’d forgotten your purse?”

Peggy put her hand in her pocket and drew out that item. “A small lie. I thought we should probably have a chat away from the others.”

“Yes.”

While they were waiting for coffee to be brought to them, they discussed their relative hangovers and the probability of the both of them still being more than a little drunk. And then, just after the waiter had departed leaving them two steaming mugs, Peggy said, “So.”

And Nancy replied, “So.”

“Are you sure about this – the two of you? I mean - It’s not like there aren’t plenty of men who’d be interested in you....either of you....if this is just some kind of...game...experiment...it’s a bit of a dangerous one.”

“It’s not a game and it’s not an experiment.” Nancy paused. “It’s just the way I am. A husband, marriage, babies, just don’t appeal.”

“And Kathie does?”

“Oh, completely. She’s all I could want.”

“And what does she think?”

Nancy went shy. “Well, I don’t want to presume, but I get the impression she likes me...”

Peggy smiled wickedly, “From the little I saw last night she likes you a lot...”

“Peggy!” Nancy blushed to remember how she and Kathie had been discovered the night before.

“Is this the first time you’ve...I’m sorry – it’s not my place to ask. But I’m...trying to find my feet with this. You don’t have to tell me anything.”

Nancy tried to weigh up the odds of telling and not telling, trying to work out could be told, and what was hers to tell.

“We’re not going into this blind. We’re neither of us...” Nancy rummaged for a word “....inexperienced.” As Peggy smirked, Nancy grimaced. “That probably wasn’t the right word to have gone for. What I’m saying is, we’ve both of us had relationships before.” She paused. “With women, I mean.”

“Yes, I know that’s what you meant.”

“Sorry. I...I think I’m just out of practise of talking about...this. It’s been a while.”

“Has there been anyone else while you’ve been at the school?”

“No. But when I was in England there was... and....” She sighed. ”...It’s a long story. I’ll tell you about it one day. But...not now. Now’s not really the time. Lord, this feels weird.”

“What?”

“Talking about this. I mean – no-one here knows about this. About me. And it’s something I’ve barely spoken of to other people for so long. And now, there’s someone like you, who I’ve known for years, and there’s this big thing that we’ve never spoken of, and now I’m talking about it. It’s like there’s been a whole hidden part of me. I’d forgotten...I’d forgotten the sense of...relief...that comes from talking about this. From not hiding or...ignoring...a whole part of what I am.”

“Well, from what I’ve heard, this kind of thing’s becoming rather fashionable nowadays.” Peggy chuckled. Nancy shrugged. “You know,” Peggy went on, “I don’t think I’d have guessed, but now I know I can’t say I’m surprised.”

“I’m not sure how I should take that!”

“Oh...I mean...certain things make sense now. And you know, anyone with half a brain would have seen how close you and Kathie have been for the last few months, and all those little looks between the pair of you, and the making excuses to get an early night, and then have used that information in their half-brain to jump to the right conclusion...and prevent themselves from barging in on you when you were...well...rather preoccupied.”

“Indeed.” They laughed.

“I am sorry about that, you know. If I’d have known, I’d never have barged in like that...”

“Yes, you’ve said. As long as it doesn’t happen again. And thank you.”

“What for?”

“For taking this so...calmly.”

Peggy was thoughtful for a moment. “I don’t see the point in not being...calm...about it. I mean, it’s your life. And if it’s what you and Kathie want, then so be it. You seem like you’re...good together.”

“I think we are. Will you say anything?”

“I said last night...I think...the details are a wee bit hazy...that I wouldn’t. And even if I can’t really remember saying it, I mean it. If you want me to keep this to myself, I will.”

“I appreciate that. I’m...I’m not ashamed of what I am and I’m not ashamed of my relationship with Kathie. But it really is early days for us – less than a month. And I really...I really want this to work. So I appreciate you not putting us under that extra pressure.”

Peggy smiled. “We probably ought to be catching up with the others.”

“Yes, they’re going to be wondering where exactly it was that you lost your purse.”

“Aha, I’ve thought this through – given your display of map reading yesterday, I’m going to blame us being delayed on your getting lost skills.”

“Well, that’s hardly fair. Can’t we say it’s because you were throwing up in the toilet after drinking too much yesterday?”

“No, because my name’s not Sharlie Andrews and I can handle my drink. And you’re the appointed scapegoat here.”

Friendly banter took them almost up to the cafe where the others were waiting, but before they got there, Peggy had one last thing to say to Nancy.

“One thing, Nancy, you probably don’t need telling, but I’ll say it anyway. Be discreet. Not everyone’s going to like it if it gets out.”
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Nov 22, 2010 7:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 November
THanks for the update. Peggy is lovely here.
Author:  Elbee [ Mon Nov 22, 2010 8:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 November
Good for Peggy!

Thanks, jayj.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Nov 22, 2010 8:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 21 November
jayj wrote:
“No, because my name’s not Sharlie Andrews and I can handle my drink. And you’re the appointed scapegoat here.”


:lol: What a fantastic ending. Thankyou.
Author:  Abi [ Mon Nov 22, 2010 9:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 November
It's a good thing it was someone so sympathetic who discovered them!
Author:  jayj [ Thu Nov 25, 2010 9:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 November
I'm not even *meant* to be writing this at the moment...but since it's written, you may as well have it...

Lying on her front on a blanket in a patch of sun in the staff gardens, Kathie was trying to make sense of what IIIb had understood of European population distribution. And it involved quite a lot of red pen...sometimes she did wonder whether some of the girls actually paid any attention to what she said. Or what they read in their textbook. Or, rather worryingly, what they seemed to have copied from others in their class. She frowned. She was going to have to speak to them. It was one thing to copy someone else’s work, but when you were copying off someone who had completely missed the point, well, that seemed to defeat the purpose of cheating somewhat....

“Well, look at you and how you’ve managed to make marking look an appealing thing to do.”

Kathie looked up to see Nancy. “‘Though you do manage to make most things look rather appealing,” Nancy said quietly.

Kathie smiled at her, and patted the blanket “Hello you. I thought I’d make the most of the sun, while it’s here. Sit with me?”

“I’ve only got a few minutes.” As Nancy sat down on the blanket, Kathie pushed her marking to one side, rolled over onto her back and propped herself up on her elbows. Almost instinctively, her left hand reached out for Nancy’s, which was lying on the blanket. Their two hands lay next to each other, touching, innocently, unobtrusively. And also anything but.

“‘Why so? Oh...the planning meetings again?” Being on the organizing committee for the school’s anniversary celebrations meant Nancy had been particularly busy in the first few weeks of term.

“Actually, not this time. It’s all starting to come together. Which means a few more of my evenings might start to be my own again...”

“Is that a fact?”

“It is. Although what I’ll find to do with myself when there’s no work to be done...”

Kathie gave a wicked grin, a look Nancy was starting to know rather well, and a look that typically prefaced Kathie saying something that made her blush.

“Don’t even go there Kathleen Ferrars...it’s only...” Nancy checked her watch, “10.15 and it is, if you haven’t forgotten, the middle of a schoolday...and you’re supposed to be working...not thinking...things like that.”

“Things like what? I was only going to suggest we might go for a walk or something... It’s you who’s lowered the tone...”

“Really, I don’t think it was...”

“Well I do.”

“Well, you’re wrong.”

“No. You’re at least as bad as me. If not worse.”

This dispute could have gone on for some time, if Kathie hadn’t remembered that Nancy had said she had to be somewhere else soon.

“So where is it you’re going to be rushing off to rather than staying here to lose this rather important argument?”

“Ah. Rumours have reached me that half of the VIth are winding each other up about their exams. And obviously, it’s those who are going to do fine who are getting the most worried. So I’m going to meet up with some of them and see if some semblance of calm and sense can be restored.”

“I bet you never had any exam panics.”

Nancy shook her head. “Exams never really bothered me. I always seemed to be quite good at them. You?”

Kathie gave a shudder. “Uh, finals week at Oxford was horrible. Even when you know you’ve worked hard – it’s that fear: what if my questions don’t come up?” She smiled. “But if anyone can do the calm and reassuring thing, it’s you.”

...

They weren’t getting to spend a huge amount of time together, but the time they had was... special. Seeing Nancy at breakfast; catching her eye as she walked down a corridor; watching with quiet pride as she took a key role in school affairs; seeing the enthusiasm with which she related to the girls, and with which they related to her; noticing the respect and love with which her friends treated her. The buzz of excitement in her chest when she came into the staffroom in case Nancy was there. And the evenings, the snatched evenings, when it was just the two of them.

It was almost entirely perfect.

There was one thing, though. It had started out as a quiet nag at the back of Kathie’s mind. But every day it was growing bigger. And the more she tried to ignore it, the larger it got.
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Nov 25, 2010 10:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 25 November
O do I have to start wibbling again? thanks for the update.
Author:  Abi [ Thu Nov 25, 2010 10:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 25 November
That was lovely, until the last line....
Author:  janetbrown23 [ Fri Nov 26, 2010 8:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 25 November
Joins in the wibbling.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Nov 26, 2010 10:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 25 November
Thank you for leaving us to wibble like that :wink:
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Nov 26, 2010 6:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 25 November
And it was all going so nicely, too...
Author:  jayj [ Sat Nov 27, 2010 6:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 25 November
during the writing of this part I had a complete crisis of confidence about how to spell the word "knew" :dontknow: it's weird when you forget things you ought to know....


Nancy was worried.

For the last week, Kathie had been much quieter and paler than usual. Nancy was sure no-one else had noticed, but she knew Kathie. She knew Kathie, and she knew something was wrong. But every time she asked, Kathie said that she was okay, she was fine, she was just feeling the strain of work.

***

Kathie couldn’t sleep. Again.

She’d avoided Nancy’s gentle enquiries, and changed the subject in the face of her more direct probing, but this evening, when Nancy had finally pulled her up and demanded to know what was wrong, she’d had no way out.

And so Kathie had lied. She’d said she was tired because she wasn’t sleeping. Which was true. But she’d also said she wasn’t sleeping because she was worried about work. And that was a lie. And she hated herself for lying. But if she told Nancy what she was thinking, well, Nancy would never want to have anything to more do with her.

And she hated herself, because Nancy – kind, generous, loving Nancy – had then tried to help her. She’d talked to her about her work, and been understanding and reassuring.

“My brain’s just worrying away, and I can’t get it to stop.” Kathie had said.

“Ok, so what you need to do is something that’s engaging enough to distract your brain, but something that’s not going to excite you and keep you awake.”

Kathie had looked at her blankly.

“Right, so you know how some people count sheep? Well that’s never worked for me. It’s too...unfocused. My mind wanders back off to what was nagging at it in the first place. But if you do something that’s tedious but also a little bit challenging, you might be able to distract yourself long enough that you can shut down the worrying and fall asleep. So, what I do,” Nancy had smiled to herself, remembering when Meg had first come up with this idea, “I don’t count sheep, but I do something like mental arithmetic, or listing prime numbers. Basic stuff, nothing exciting, but enough to distract myself.”

“Listing primes? I don’t think I can really do that...”

“No, but...what about something that you know well...like listing all the countries in the world? Or capital cities? And, I don’t know, do it in French and German as well to make it more challenging?”


***

Eritrea; Ethiopa; El Salvador; Ecuador...

Tap! Tap-tap!

Kathie was part way through the Es but it wasn’t having the desired effect so she was sufficiently alert to hear a slight tapping at her door. She glanced at the clock. It was almost midnight. She swung herself out of bed and wasn’t at all surprised to see that it was Nancy; she was a little surprised, however, to see that Nancy was fully dressed and wearing her coat and shoes.

“Going somewhere?”

“No, we are. You’re still not sleeping?” Kathie shook her head. “Well, I have a plan. Put on your coat and shoes.” And, after an admiring look at Kathie in her pajamas, “Um, and I suppose some proper clothes, too.”

“What, are we running away from school?”

“Not quite. I thought a walk might be nice though. It’s a beautiful night.”

It was indeed a beautifully clear night. Nancy and Kathie walked hand in hand across the Platz, and after a short while they found themselves up behind the school. They sat down with their backs against a wall, looking down at the twinkling lights scattered across the valley below. With Nancy’s arm round her shoulders, Kathie leant into her, closed her eyes, and then asked in a quiet voice,

“What was she like?”

“What was who like?”

“Meg.”

Nancy thought for a moment. And then, truthfully, she said, “For five years, she was the other half of my soul.”

She felt Kathie flinch slightly.

“What? Kath – what is it?”

“Nancy, though, how can I compete?”

A chill of fear went through Nancy. So that was it. That was what had been bothering Kathie all week.
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Nov 27, 2010 7:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 27 November
How frequently the ghost of a previous partner can affect a new relationship. Pleased Kathy has brought it into the open.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Nov 27, 2010 8:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 27 November
I hope that they can work through it together. Thankyou.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Nov 27, 2010 10:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 27 November
Glad Kathie is finally able to talk about it with Nancy
Author:  Abi [ Sun Nov 28, 2010 2:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 27 November
Glad she's been able to talk about it.
Author:  jayj [ Sun Nov 28, 2010 5:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 27 November
“It’s not a competition,” Nancy said quietly.

“Oh, this is coming out all wrong. I obviously don’t want to compete. But she was so important to you and...”

“...and you don’t want to be second best? Second choice?”

“I don’t know if I could bear it, Nance.” Kathie tried hard to keep the wobble from her voice. She hunched forwards so she was no longer touching Nancy.

“You’re not second choice. You’re my only choice. That was then. That was...a different me.” After a moment, Nancy said, “You’ve been in love before.“

Kathie nodded.

“So why shouldn’t I feel threatened by Laura?”

“Because she’s an evil cow who broke me into a million pieces?”

“But what if she turned up now and wanted you back?”

“I’d probably smack her in the face.”

“Would you?”

“No. For a long time that was my plan. But I don’t even think I hate her anymore.”

“Why not?”

“Time...and...and you. You’re...oh, I don’t know if I can even begin to tell you how much more you mean to me.... And yes, I’m not the same person I was then. I’m not the person she knew. And I don’t think I ever really knew her anyway. I thought I did, but I think I never properly understood her.” Kathie paused. “But it’s different. You and Meg didn’t split up....”

The words hung there for a moment.

“I’m sorry, I know I’m being ridiculous. How can I be jealous of someone who’s...” She trailed off.

Nancy finished for her. “Dead?”

Kathie winced. “Yes. And...it’s not like I’d have been a credible rival for your affections then. I’d have been, what, ten when you and Meg got together?”

“Something like that, yes.”

“But...You hate me, don’t you?”

“Hate you? Why?”

“Because I’m being totally unreasonable. I hate me.”

“I don’t hate you, Kathie.” Nancy felt she was being torn apart. “I love you. Have I done anything to make you doubt how I feel about you?”

Kathie shook her head.

“We’re who we are now, and we’re together, and we’re meant to be together.” Nancy caught hold of Kathie’s hands. “Look, I know you’re not Meg. But you’re you. And you’re pretty damn amazing. Do I have to tell you the ways I love you? It’s not like I’ve jumped on the first, most likely looking girl, is it?”

“No. At least I don’t think so...?” Despite herself, Kathie gave a little smile. “And it took you long enough!”

“You weren’t too quick off the mark yourself. If I hadn’t said anything when I did, were you ever planning to do anything?” Kathie shrugged. ”I thought about this. Long and hard. For so long. At Christmas, you know I went to see Meg’s best friend?”

Kathie shook her head again.

“Caroline. She’s...I think you’d like her. She’s a bit...well, think the Radcliffe Hall type – oh, not the misery and self-destruction, but the being rather butch and confrontational about what she is? She’s settled down recently though...”

“Met a nice girl?”

“Something like that...Anyway. I had to see her. Because I had to tell her about you. It was like...I had to tell her, because it was like telling Meg.”

“And she disapproved?”

“Quite the opposite. She told me that I had to tell you how I felt.”

“You did that at Christmas?”

“I told you – when I first saw you, I think I knew. I knew I wanted you. That I needed you. And then I had to tell you about Meg. It’s like – I don’t know - I’ve obviously not handled it very well, otherwise you wouldn’t be this upset now. But the way it worked in my head was that I had to tell her about you, and you about her, so I wasn’t....cheating on anyone. Meg was such a big part of me. But she’s not here anymore. And you are.“

Nancy stopped.

“You know, in some ways, I feel blessed. So extraordinarily blessed. I’m privileged enough to have known and loved, and, what’s more astounding, been loved in return by, the two most wonderful women I’ve ever met.” Tears began to well in her eyes, and she reached out to draw Kathie closer to her. “I love you, Kathie Ferrars.”

Kathie allowed herself to be drawn into Nancy’s embrace. After a moment, and with tears rolling down her face, she said, “Oh, Nance. Let’s go back in. I – I think...and stay with me tonight. I need you. Just to hold me.”

Nancy stayed with Kathie. And for the first time in several nights, Kathie slept.
Author:  Bryony [ Sun Nov 28, 2010 5:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 28 November
Ohhhhhh lovely, thank you jayj.

Am getting a bit of a crush on your Nancy!
Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Nov 28, 2010 6:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 28 November
Thanks Hope Nancy slept as well.
Author:  seven [ Sun Nov 28, 2010 6:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 28 November
Thank you jayj, I am realy enjoying this take on Kathie's and Nancy's story.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Nov 28, 2010 6:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 28 November
So am I
Author:  Abi [ Sun Nov 28, 2010 8:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 28 November
So glad they were able to talk properly and sort things out. :D
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Nov 28, 2010 8:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 28 November
Thankyou for a beautiful scene.
Author:  Elbee [ Sun Nov 28, 2010 9:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 28 November
That was lovely. Poor Kathie, but she got the reassurance she needed.

Thank you, jayj.
Author:  gwynne [ Sun Nov 28, 2010 11:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 28 November
thank you! I am loving this.
Author:  jmc [ Mon Nov 29, 2010 7:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 28 November
Still really enjoying this. Thanks
Author:  jayj [ Mon Nov 29, 2010 6:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 28 November
Thanks for all your comments! You are very nice, you know :oops: And also thanks to PaulineS for helping out with a wee detail for this earlier today.

BTW A recurring trope of locked and unlocked doors is beginning to emerge in this drabble. I don’t know why – I’m sure something cleverly Freudian could be said about me being repressed, or yearning to be discovered, or suchlike. Or perhaps it’s a subconscious response to the time last year when I accidentally got trapped in a room when the door handle jammed....? Who knows... :D


The following morning, the school awoke to an air of chaos. Rumours spread among those who were gathered in the staffroom before Frühstück that the Police were on site, and that Hilda, Nell and Rosalie were walking round terribly grim-faced.

“Any idea what’s going on?” Kathie asked Nancy, as the elder woman poured them each a cup of coffee.

Nancy shook her head. “Not really. It’s looking like we’ve had a break-in, but no-one’s told me anything official.”

Kathie went pale at the thought of intruders having got into the building where several hundred schoolgirls were sleeping. And then she suddenly gasped and grabbed at Nancy’s arm.

“Nance, you did lock the door last night when we went out, didn’t you?”

Nancy frowned. “I’ve been thinking about that. And I know I did. I’m sure I did.” But she looked worried.

At that moment, there was a banging on a table. While Kathie and Nancy had been talking, Nell Wilson had come in, and was now attempting to attract everyone’s attention. As the chatter died down, she began.

“Ladies – thank you. Last night we had a burglary. The Head’s office, and the Secretary’s office were both targeted. Preliminary investigations suggest that the intruders stayed in that part of the building, so we don’t think they went anywhere near the dormitories. But, as I’m sure I don’t need to tell you, this is a very serious matter, and we will be reviewing security arrangements.”

“How did they get in, do you know?” Ruth asked.

“The window of the Secretary’s office was forced open, the Police think. Gaudenz is currently making it secure.” At these words, Kathie heard Nancy give a tiny whimper of relief, and briefly, she reached out to give her lover’s hand a squeeze of reassurance. She’d believed Nancy when she said she’d locked the door, and she trusted implicitly in Nancy’s sense of duty and responsibility, but she had seen from the look on her face that Nancy had been doubting herself.

“If anybody saw or heard anything, do let us know. Now, I think it’s time for Frühstück.” Nell finished.

Nancy and Kathie began to move with everyone else in the direction of the Speisesaal but as she was passing Nell Wilson, Nancy suddenly stopped dead. She turned to the Co-Head.

“Nell, I think I might have seen something last night.”

Nell drew her over to one side of the room. “When? In the evening?”

“No, later. Maybe midnight-ish?”

Nell looked intrigued.

“I was...I was... out. On the Platz, up behind the school.”

Nell’s eyes widened. “Alone?”

With Nell staring at her incredulously, Nancy realized that she hadn’t thought through the consequences of confessing to one of the Heads that she’d been beyond the school boundaries late last night. And should she say she’d been with Kathie? She blinked several times and her mind, inconveniently, went rather blank.

“No, she was with me.” Kathie, who had been hovering nearby, was suddenly at Nancy’s elbow. Nancy looked at her gratefully.

“What on earth were the pair of you doing out of school property at that time of night?” Nell demanded.

Sensing Nancy was still incapable of answering - flummoxed was the word she later decided best described her partner’s appearance - Kathie said quickly, “I couldn’t sleep, and Nancy thought a walk might clear my head.”

“Is that so?” Nell looked at them a little oddly.

Nancy chose to ignore the look and picked up the story. “When we were coming back in – I’m sure I saw lights on in the Head’s study. At the time, I thought it must have been Hilda working late...”

“She better not’ve been working that late...” Nell muttered almost inaudibly.

“I mean...I didn’t see anything more than that. But I presume that if it wasn’t Hilda, it might have been the intruders?”

“Did you see any of this?” Nell turned to Kathie.

Kathie shook her head. “No. I was...” She looked at Nancy for support, and Nancy smiled softly at her, “... a little upset. I wasn’t really looking at the world around me.”

Nell raised her eyebrows, but said nothing for a moment. And then,

‘Well, you’ll have to tell all this to the Police, of course. And then you’re going to have the unenviable task of explaining to Miss Annersley why exactly you were prowling round the Platz in the early hours of the morning.”

Stifling a wicked grin, Nell thought that for a moment or two the Head of Maths looked rather like a terrified Middle.
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Nov 29, 2010 7:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 29 November
Pleased i could help. Thanks for the update.
Author:  Nell [ Mon Nov 29, 2010 7:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 29 November
Love the last two paragraphs - I wouldn't want to be in Nancy and Kathie's shoes when they have to explain to Hilda!

Thanks for this and the last lovely scene - am always pleased to see more of this.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Nov 29, 2010 8:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 29 November
Isn't an open door representative of a lack of repression with regards to certain things? :D

Thankyou for the update! As long as they cry and promise to do better, I'm sure that they'll be fine!

jayj wrote:
“She better not’ve been working that late...” Nell muttered almost inaudibly.


:lol:
Author:  cestina [ Mon Nov 29, 2010 8:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 29 November
But surely the staff aren't forbidden to be out and about if they want to? They should tell Hilda where she gets off!!!
Author:  Abi [ Mon Nov 29, 2010 10:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 29 November
I can see why they're feeling like a pair of naughty Middles.... :?
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Nov 30, 2010 8:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 29 November
Surely Hilda would allow her staff to leave the grounds or are they still considered on duty overnight being a boarding school?
Author:  jayj [ Wed Dec 01, 2010 9:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 29 November
Cestina and Fiona – you’re probably right – I think Nell was just trying to wind Nancy up - wouldn't you, in her position? :)
Anyway, next bit – and if I'm allowed to have favourite characters in my own drabble, I'm starting to like Ruth quite a lot...

A few days after the break-in, Ruth, Peggy and Rosalind were in the staffroom.

“According to Joey, they tried to get into Freudesheim too, but Bruno kicked up such a fuss that they were scared away,” Rosalind explained.

“So that dog is good for something, then?”

“Ruth! I can’t believe you’ve just said that!” Rosalind laughed at her friend.

“But is there any indication why they thought the school would be worth breaking into?” asked Peggy.

“Well, there is a theory that they were after the money we’ve been collecting for the Chapel Funds.”

“But surely that’s in the bank, not kept on site?” Peggy said.

“Yes, it’s in the bank. And even if it were on site, it’d be in the safe, and they didn’t manage to get in to that. Rosalie’s quite annoyed at some of the dints they’ve made in it, though. Oh, and she was furious at the mess they’d made of her filing. I’ve never seen her so angry. If she ever catches hold of who did it....”

“Did you see her shouting at Bill?” Ruth interjected. “That was very funny. I’d pay to see that again. I’d maybe even pay some of the Middles to turn the office upside down just to see the look on Bill’s face once more...”

“Ruth!”

Peggy regarded Ruth suspiciously, then took the mug out of her hands and sniffed it. She raised an eyebrow.

“What?” Ruth said. “It’s a Friday night, and I’m not on duty tomorrow. I can have a drink if I want.”

“That’s not really the Chalet School way, you know,” Peggy said, sternly. “I mean, a good Chalet School girl would share her contraband booze out amongst her nearest and dearest.”

“Yes, come on Ruth, fair’s fair, share it out!”

“No.”

“Ruuuth.” “Pleeease.”

“That’s not going to work. And anyway, you’re both on duty tomorrow. So it wouldn’t be responsible of me...”

A rather flustered looking Biddy joined them at that point.

“Everything OK, Biddy?” Ruth asked quickly, thankful for the distraction.

Biddy shook her head. “Not really. Isn’t Nancy with you? I’ve been looking for her everywhere.”

“She’s not in her room?”

“No. And I need to talk through some of the plans for the wedding with her.”

While was Ruth muttering, not-quite-inaudibly, “Not that damn wedding again,” and Rosalind was surreptitiously hitting Ruth in an attempt to get her to be quiet, Peggy was scanning the room. And in doing so, she realized that a certain other person wasn’t there either. She shook her head slightly; she didn’t relish the thought of interrupting them again.

“Can’t it wait until tomorrow?”

“I don’t think so. I really need to see her now.”

Peggy sighed. “I’ve got an idea where she might be.” She got to her feet. Biddy moved to come with her. “No, you stay here. There’s no point us both going. I’ll go and get her.”

***

Peggy knocked gently on Kathie’s door. There was no answer. She knocked more loudly. Again, nothing.

She knocked once more, and this time, called, “I know you’re in there.”

“Er, just a minute,” she heard Kathie’s muffled voice say.

Peggy sighed, shook her head again, and leaned back on the opposite wall to wait. After a few minutes, the door was unlocked and opened just a crack, and a rather red-faced Kathie stuck her head through the gap.

“Oh, Peggy, it’s you.”

“It’s a good job it’s me, all things considered. Is she with you?”

“Who?” Kathie asked, innocently.

Peggy rolled her eyes. “You know who.”

Kathie nodded slightly. “Yes, she’s here.”

“Well then, can you tell her she needs to ahem, stop whatever it is she’s doing, and come to the staffroom with me?”

Kathie half-nodded, half-shrugged, and closed the door.

Peggy could hear the sound of muffled voices, a thud, a curse, and in a few moments, Nancy peered round the door.

“You knocked this time, then?” She grinned.

“You locked the door this time, then?” Peggy returned. Nancy blushed. “Nancy, Biddy’s on the wedding organizational warpath. If you don’t come down with me, she’s going to come looking for you. And it won’t take her long to think to come looking here.”

“Can’t you tell her I’m busy?”

“Oh yes, I’ll tell her you’re busy, and when she asks what you’re doing, I’ll tell her what exactly?”

There was a stand-off for a moment or two.

“Alright, alright, I’m coming, let me just put on my...” Peggy’s eyes opened wide, “er... shoes...” Nancy supplied quickly, “and I’ll be right with you.”

As she leant back against the wall to wait once more, Peggy sighed to herself. “This wedding. It’s going to be the end of us all...”
Author:  Abi [ Wed Dec 01, 2010 9:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 29 November
:lol: :lol: :lol: Good thing they locked the door this time....
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Dec 01, 2010 10:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 1 December
Good job Peggy told Biddy to wait in the staff room. Thanks jayj.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Dec 02, 2010 9:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 1 December
Thanks. Glad Peggy was so protective of them
Author:  Finn [ Thu Dec 02, 2010 10:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 1 December
Glad to see they have time to spend together - the Swiss days always seemed so frantic to me.

I am also just a little bit in love with Ruth. I also very much enjoyed Peggy extolling Chalet School virtues. Sharp, very sharp :)

Thanks jayj!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Dec 02, 2010 5:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 1 December
Thankyou for a wonderful update - they are all so real and human here, much more so than EBD paints them, and I really giggled! Thankyou!
Author:  Nell [ Thu Dec 02, 2010 10:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 1 December
Still loving this and wanting more! Thank you muchly.
Author:  Tara [ Fri Dec 03, 2010 12:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 1 December
Just discovered this and am enjoying it so much. Great characters and a very realistic schoool. Looking forward to more.
Author:  KathrynW [ Fri Dec 03, 2010 3:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 1 December
I've just read this through from the start and I've really enjoyed it. It's wonderful to see another side to the staff (and I feel the same about Ruth) although I can't help wondering what the wider reaction will be to Nancy and Kathie's relationship if it - inevitably - gets out. I can't help worrying that not everyone will be as supportive as Peggy!

Thank you very much!
Author:  cestina [ Fri Dec 03, 2010 3:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 1 December
A lovely scene - Peggy on the threshold and the other two heads popping round in turn :lol:

Thanks for this
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Dec 03, 2010 3:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 1 December
Thanks jayj - really enjoying this.
Author:  jayj [ Sat Dec 04, 2010 5:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 1 December
Thanks for all your nice comments! We’re just about at the end of the locked and unlocked doors, now, which I’ve decided to explain to myself as an interrogation of the nature of public and private space in the CS community :D You might be pleased to know that I sent the plot rabbit to the shop to come back with some new non-door-related plot elements. But he’s come back with a half-eaten sandwich, a tennis ball, and some pebbles. What on earth I’m going to do with those, I don’t know....
This is a bit longer than it was meant to be, but Nancy started introspecting, and I couldn’t get her to stop. Also, I apologize for the fact that Biddy has become a kind of Bridezilla. She’s not doing it on purpose – she’s just very excited about getting married. She’s just not expressing that very tactfully...


Nancy tapped gently on Kathie’s door.

“Kath! Kath, it’s me!”

There was no reply. Kathie must be already asleep, Nancy reasoned, and that was completely understandable given the sleepless nights she’d been having. It had been a difficult week for her. And in several ways, it had been tough for Nancy too. She was beginning to realize that while, on the one hand, she knew what it meant to live and work in this school, and on the other, she had ideas about what it meant to be in a relationship, how to juggle those two distinct...concepts? states of being?...simultaneously was something she hadn’t quite figured out.

That evening, while she had been listening – or at least, giving the impression of doing so – to Biddy, Nancy had been doing a lot of thinking. Living and working together in the school was fine most of the time, and it certainly meant that she and Kathie got to see a lot of each other. But when something important was going on, like Kathie’s problems this week, being in this place was not ideal. And having to answer to the Heads, when all you were trying to do was look after the woman you loved was really rather ridiculous.

Though that wasn’t completely fair, Nancy had reflected. After all, it had been her fault that Nell had found out about their midnight excursion, and it wasn’t like they were watched over by the Heads particularly closely. The lack of private space was, however, more of a problem. They had their rooms, of course, but that was still only a limited square footage in which they could be themselves. And even there, privacy had limits when colleagues could just turn up and knock on your door and demand your company. Sometimes she longed for her own house with her own front door, so she could shut it and shut them all out. Or almost all of them. If she did have her own front door, there’d be one person she’d make sure would have the key.

But the more she thought about it, the more Nancy had realized that it wasn’t actually more privacy that she really wanted, but its complete opposite: openness. She hated having to hide. The thought that there was just a little over 250 square foot in which she and Kathie could behave naturally around each other and then, only if no-one else was around, was starting to make her feel terribly claustrophobic.

It was hard always having to keep a careful watch on their behaviour around each other. Nancy was perfectly comfortable with those restrictions during working hours and she wasn’t a particular fan of public demonstrations of affection anyway, but she just wanted to be able to relax sometimes, to stop worrying worrying worrying about what people might be thinking when they saw her together with Kathie.

She longed for a situation where Peggy could say to Biddy, “Nancy’s with Kathie this evening”, and that would be enough, and that her colleagues – with nods and winks and plenty of innuendo, of course, she knew them well enough – would accept that, and leave them in peace. As the bride-to-be had demanded Nancy’s attention for this plan and that plan all evening, the comparison with Biddy and Eugen had kept coming back to her. Surely, if it had been the two of them spending an evening together, no-one would have come knocking to drag one of them away. It just didn’t seem fair.

But then, life wasn’t meant to be fair; she’d learnt that a long time ago. And she loved Kathie, and Kathie loved her, and that was more than she could ever have hoped for. And there was no doubt that there were advantages to their current situation. She couldn’t deny the snatched moments, secret glances and covert meetings they shared were exciting, and despite her grumpiness, she had grinned to herself thinking back to a recent incident when the pair of them had almost been discovered by Ruth in the book storeroom. And living in the school brought certain benefits, she had thought, remembering how often she’d slipped into Kathie’s room or Kathie had slipped into hers. So really, was it better for Biddy and Eugen? Did they actually get to spend much time together, alone? Nancy had thought of all the mornings she’d woken up next to Kathie, and she was glad that was something they hadn’t needed to wait to get married for.

Oh, it wasn’t all bad, Nancy mused, as she stood in the corridor outside Kathie’s room. She was just feeling sorry for herself because she’d spent all day looking forward to spending the evening with Kathie, and had ended up having to listen to Biddy’s plans for flowers and flower girls and floral arrangements and florists. And now Kathie was asleep, and though she’d told Nancy to come back as soon as she’d been released from Biddy’s clutches, Nancy thought of her sleeping on the other side of the door and as much as she wanted to be with her, couldn’t bear to wake her. She’d see her in the morning, she decided. She’d get up early, and go and get them a nice breakfast to share.

Consoling herself with that thought, she returned back down the corridor to her own room. It wasn’t until she reached in her pocket to get her keys that she realized that in her earlier hurry, she’d left them on Kathie’s desk. She hit the palm of her hand against her head. She was going to have to wake Kathie after all.

“Nancy Wilmot, what on earth are you doing?”

Nancy spun round.

“What? You’re not asleep?” Having been so convinced that her partner would be fast asleep, Nancy was somewhat confused to see her now standing in front of her.

“Hello Nancy!” Sharlie was there too. Nancy smiled a greeting.

“Not asleep, no. It’s not my bedtime yet,” Kathie said, with a grin and the ghost of a wink. “We’ve been playing cards in Sharlie’s, and now we’ve come back to mine to make some tea. Would you like to join us?” she asked, the polite friendliness in her voice betrayed by the dancing flirtation in her eyes.

Nancy liked Sharlie, she really did. But she was feeling tired and uncharacteristically grumpy, she’d spent two difficult hours with Biddy, and all she wanted to do was curl up with Kathie. And if that wasn’t an option, then she just wanted to go to bed. But she couldn’t do that, because her keys were in Kathie’s room, and she was too tired to work out how to communicate that to Kathie without making Sharlie suspicious. Having to be polite and friendly, and sufficiently on guard not to let slip any hint of their relationship was the last thing she wanted to do. Oh, if only they were able to be normal around other people, things would be so much easier.

But as things stood, she had no choice. So, summoning up an enthusiasm that she did not feel, she said, “Yes, that sounds lovely,” and followed the younger two into the room.

***

“I don’t think you’re getting your bed back tonight,” Sharlie said quietly as Kathie stood at the stove seeing to the tea. Kathie turned to her, puzzled. Sharlie, who was dealing the cards, nodded in Nancy’s direction. “Should we wake her, do you think?”

Nancy had stretched out on Kathie’s bed, and was fast asleep.

“No, let her sleep. She looks done in,” Kathie gazed at the sleeping figure, almost bursting with affection as she did so. She’d caught the troubled look on Nancy’s face as she’d come into the room, and had a hunch that all was not quite right with her. “I might take her shoes off, though,” she said, moving over to the bed and gently unlacing Nancy’s shoes. She picked up the blanket that was folded over the back of one of the chairs, and arranged it carefully over Nancy.

Catching the tenderness in those gestures, Sharlie’s brow furrowed slightly. Something was going on there. She just wasn’t sure what.
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Dec 04, 2010 5:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 4 December
Kathy and Nancy are going to have to share with their other friends at least I suspect. Thanks for the update.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Dec 04, 2010 6:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 4 December
Eeep. I wonder if she'll confide in the right person...

Thankyou for the update! I cannot wait to see what you do with the plot-bunny's items!
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Dec 04, 2010 6:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 4 December
Please do let Biddy become a Bridezilla and let her wedding totally overshadow the doings of the Maynards! Revenge for the way Joey always has to try to outdo everyone else by going on about how her kids weighed more than theirs did at birth and all the rest of it :evil: .
Author:  Mia [ Sat Dec 04, 2010 7:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 4 December
This just gets better & better. Thanks jayj
Author:  Abi [ Sat Dec 04, 2010 9:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 4 December
I hope that when other people realise they'll be as accepting as Peggy.
Author:  shazwales [ Sun Dec 05, 2010 7:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 4 December
Love Biddy in this :D
Author:  jayj [ Sun Dec 05, 2010 2:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 4 December
Just a weeny update today!

Returning from the tennis courts after a battle of epic ferocity – Kathie was personally thankful that Sharlie hadn’t succeeded in persuading any of the students to act as ball girls, considering the aggression, swearing and generally unsportsmanlike behaviour that had marked the last hour and a half – Sharlie went to put the tennis equipment back in the store, while Kathie went to make them both a drink.

Carrying two glasses of orange squash, she headed out into the staff garden and found Sharlie sitting with Peggy and Davida Armitage. Sharlie and Davida were talking animatedly. Peggy was looking worried.

“...a bit of a surprise, I’ll say that,” Davida was saying as she approached. Kathie handed over one of the glasses to Sharlie, and sat down.

“What’s this?” Kathie asked.

“Major bust up between Biddy and Nancy, apparently,” Sharlie said. “While they were out on their hike with the Middles.”

“Nancy?” Kathie asked, incredulously, putting down her glass.

“That’s been nearly everyone’s reaction, yes,” said Davida.

“What about?”

“That’s just it,” Davida replied. “No-one seems to know.”

The colour drained from Kathie’s face. She glanced at Peggy. Peggy returned the look with a worried shrug.

Kathie stood up quickly. “Er, there’s something...I’ve forgotten to do...I just need to...” Without attempting to explain further, she raced off, kicking over her glass of squash as she did so.
Author:  cestina [ Sun Dec 05, 2010 2:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 4 December
jayj wrote:
Without attempting to explain further, she raced off, kicking over her glass of squash as she did so.

Best thing to do with a glass of orange squash really. Loathsome stuff!

I'm loving this drabble. I could imagine that Biddy might find this revelation difficult to cope with, especially at the moment. On tenterhooks to find out what has been going on!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Dec 05, 2010 3:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 5 December
But you can't leave it there! We need to know what's happened! Though I love the idea of CS mistresses playing tennis in such an unsportsmanlike manner :lol: Thankyou for the update!
Author:  Abi [ Sun Dec 05, 2010 5:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 5 December
Oh dear... :shock:
Author:  Luisa [ Sun Dec 05, 2010 7:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 5 December
Just found this - and I love it! At last a realistic group of teachers - always found the lack of bad language and alcohol unreal!
Looking forward to seeing what happens.
Author:  jayj [ Mon Dec 06, 2010 10:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 5 December
Thanks for the comments!

During her first summer in Switzerland, Nancy had found, quite by chance – the opportunity thrown her way during a hunt for an awol Middle – her own secret hideaway. It was a spot, ten minutes or so away from the school, where some trees and bushes crowded near the edge of a stream, and you could sit, if you wanted, virtually unnoticed by onlookers. It was where, in seasonable weather, Nancy went when school was becoming too much. It was where she went when she wanted to disappear.

She’d never told anyone else about it. But one fine morning in early March, back before they’d got together, in the days when they were still eyeing each other cautiously, longingly, lovingly, secretly, apprehensively, inevitably, she’d shown it to Kathie. It had been Nancy’s private refuge. And once she’d welcomed Kathie into it, it became their own secret place.

So, when Kathie couldn’t find her anywhere in the school, that’s where she knew she’d find Nancy.

***

“Hello you. Nice shorts. Did you win?” Nancy smiled at her as Kathie clambered, in a slightly undignified way, through the shrubbery.

“We called it a draw. She’s a fighter, that Andrews.”

“I didn’t think you could draw in tennis?”

“It was either that or we’d still be going at midnight...but I’ll get her next time. I’m working on a plan.” Kathie stood for a moment, attempting to remove some of the leaves which had caught in her hair.

“What, to put stones in her shoes?”

“I was thinking of tying her shoelaces together, but that might be more subtle.”

"You could do both," Nancy suggested.

"I could. Then I'd be sure of winning - or at least, not losing."

Having done her best with the greenery, Kathie sat down next to Nancy, slipped an arm round her waist, and laid her head on her shoulder.

“So you’ve heard, then?” The cheerfulness which Nancy had forced into her voice was gone, and she spoke in barely a murmur.

“That you and Biddy have had a row?”

Nancy half-nodded.

“You want to tell me about it?”

“Not really,” Nancy bit her lip. “No-one comes out of this particularly well.”

“Oh, Nance...”

They sat quietly for a moment.

Then Nancy heaved a sigh, and began. “Oh, she was going on and on again about getting married, and when it would be my turn, and how Eugen has some lovely colleagues I’d like, and how she’d sit me with them at the wedding reception...”

“Hehe,” Kathie giggled.

“Don’t you laugh, she had plans for you as well – Eugen’s got a nice cousin called Matteo who she’s picked out for you.”

“Hmph.”

“Anyway, gospel according to Biddy is that getting married and having children are the only valid lifestyle choices. And there were a few jibes about me getting old and left on the shelf. And how it wouldn’t be until I found a man that I’d really know what it was like to be happy. And in the end I cracked.” Nancy picked up a pebble and launched it into the stream with some violence.

“What did you say? Did you tell her about us?”

“No. At least, not in as many words. But I think made it pretty clear that my...inclinations...did not lie in a male direction," (Kathie snorted at that), "and pigs would be flying before I ever got involved with a man. And then she said some pretty nasty things. And I may have said some pretty nasty things in return. And all to an audience of Middles.”

Kathie pulled a face. “Did they hear, do you think?”

“No, I shouldn’t think so. But they did see us arguing. And then, ah, not speaking for the return journey.”

“Oh, my love.”

“And she said she’s going to warn you to stay away from me, because, apparently, you’re a young innocent who’s been deceived into spending far too much time with me and I’m full of impure and evil desires to corrupt you....”

“A bit late for that, really.”

“Well, quite.”

Kathie giggled. “Young innocent?!”

“’s what she said.” Nancy launched another pebble into the stream.

“Well, if she says any of that to me I’ll tell her exactly what I think of her. I’ll give her nasty things – implying that I’m just here to be taken advantage of – by you of all people.”

Nancy hung her head. “I’m sorry, Kathie.”

“Sorry? What for?”

“I shouldn’t have blown up like I did. At this rate, half the school is going to know about us. And I don’t think that’s a good thing.”

“Nancy Wilmot, right now I don’t care who knows. This isn’t the only school in the world. If we have to leave, we have to leave. And I don’t blame you for blowing up at her. In fact, I’m surprised you’ve managed to hold your tongue this long. She has been going on and on about this – this – this bloody wedding.”

Nancy allowed herself a small, sad, smile. “She has.”

“Come on, it’s nearly time for Abendessen. I’m starving.” Kathie stood up, and held out her hand to help Nancy up. Nancy clasped her hand, but shook her head. “If you don’t mind, I’d rather not come.”

“Do you want me to stay with you?”

“No, you go - I can hear your tummy rumbling from here. I’ll be fine. I just...need to think a bit. And I don’t think I can be in the same room as her, not for a while.”

“We’ll talk later?”

Nancy nodded. Kathie set off.

“Kath, if she’s there, you won’t start a row, will you?” Nancy called, as Kathie was part way through the bushes.

Kathie came back, and shook her head, seriously. “No, I won’t start anything. But if she says anything to me, I won’t hold back.”

With a rueful smile, Nancy said, “I thought that’s what you might say.”

With a quick glance around to check there was no-one nearby, Kathie bent down and kissed Nancy. “Be brave, Nance. Be strong. I love you.”
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Dec 06, 2010 10:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 5 December
Oh dear and oh no! Something tells me that this is not going to turn out well at all - and as for Biddy, I should like to shake her, and then demand to know what she was thinking! Please have an explanation that makes her look a little better! She's one of my favourite characters.

Thankyou for the update.
Author:  Abi [ Mon Dec 06, 2010 10:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 6 December
Oh dear... *wibbles*
Author:  keren [ Tue Dec 07, 2010 5:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 5 December
ChubbyMonkey wrote:
Oh dear and oh no! Something tells me that this is not going to turn out well at all - and as for Biddy, I should like to shake her, and then demand to know what she was thinking! Please have an explanation that makes her look a little better! She's one of my favourite characters.

Thankyou for the update.

Biddy is a Catholic girl who has lived a fairly sheltered life.

Do not think too badly of her, she probably could not imagine any other path or inclinations in life. She probably has no idea that relationships between women exist and could not conceive of this.

See Biddy as a woman of her time and upbringing...
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Dec 07, 2010 6:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 6 December
Unfortunately, Biddy may not be the only one who'll react like this. I hope she doesn't go around discussing Nancy's business with everyone if that's not what Nancy wants.
Author:  c8bt [ Tue Dec 07, 2010 1:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 5 December
keren wrote:
ChubbyMonkey wrote:
Oh dear and oh no! Something tells me that this is not going to turn out well at all - and as for Biddy, I should like to shake her, and then demand to know what she was thinking! Please have an explanation that makes her look a little better! She's one of my favourite characters.

Thankyou for the update.

Biddy is a Catholic girl who has lived a fairly sheltered life.

Do not think too badly of her, she probably could not imagine any other path or inclinations in life. She probably has no idea that relationships between women exist and could not conceive of this.

See Biddy as a woman of her time and upbringing...


Also, she's probably in that bubble of happiness that makes people weant everyone else to feel as good, and thinks the best way of doing that is to set them on the same path (hence the matchmaking attempsts).
Author:  shesings [ Tue Dec 07, 2010 5:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 6 December
I don't think the Chalet School was ever in the vanguard of modern thought and in Switzerland the Wolfenden Report would probably not make the local papers! In RL an Oxford History graduate would be aware of same sex relationships from her reading if not from her contemporaries and lecturers.

But this is EBDland where people produce veritable battalions of children without appearing to have any idea what is causing it!
Author:  Pat [ Tue Dec 07, 2010 8:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 6 December
Also bear in mind that EBD probably had no knowledge of such things!
Author:  jayj [ Thu Dec 09, 2010 5:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 6 December
Thanks for the comments!

As part of what very loosely might be termed *research*, I've been watching The Children’s Hour (1961), with Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine; you can find it on youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK85OYo8HXg. I’d highly recommend it. It’s got some classic CS hallmarks: a small, private boarding school, attractive teachers, an eligible doctor and some naughty children. But it’s a lot, lot darker than anything EBD wrote. Watch it!

I also watched the German film Madchen in Uniform (1931), which is again available on youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duXOgKt0qO0. It’s very interesting but I’m really not sure what to make of it, and at the moment I’m feeling vaguely unsettled by it. There was a remake in 1958 of which I’ve only seen clips, and frankly, that just looks odd (with lurid technicolour and schoolgirls who look like they’re in their twenties) but I find it very interesting that it has a much more permissive attitude to same-sex relationships than The Children’s Hour. Anyway, enough of the film studies seminar, and on with the story!


Though she had rushed to get back to the school, and hurried to wash and change out of her tennis clothes, Miss Annersely was already saying Grace when Kathie finally made it to the Speisesaal, and she slunk towards a seat at the end of the table just in time to mumble ‘Amen’.

Sitting down, Kathie found herself flanked by Joan Bertram on one side, and Jeanne De Lachenais on the other, both of them senior colleagues that she didn’t know at all well. For this, Kathie was a little thankful; they were people around whom she was always quiet and reserved, so she could keep her head down and if she didn’t join in the conversation, it wouldn’t be remarked on. However, her sense of good fortune quickly evaporated when, as their food was brought to them, Joan nudged her and asked whether she knew what was going on between Biddy and Nancy. Kathie couldn’t supress a surge of paranoia. What if she knew? What if they all knew? Clutching her cutlery more tightly than was strictly necessary, Kathie wordlessly shook her head to Joan’s question. To her relief, Joan then turned to ask the same question of her other neighbour. Kathie relaxed slightly, realising that Joan knew nothing, and was just looking for gossip.

Her relief was short-lived, however, for Joan’s quest for gossip meant that Kathie had to listen, for the rest of the meal, to her speculation over what the row had been about. Joan’s theories were quite wide of the mark; she averred that a dispute over Eugen lay at the bottom of this, and that there was some kind of love-triangle going on. But while Kathie was glad that Joan was thoroughly on the wrong track, it was painful to listen to Nancy being the subject of so much speculation. And it was torture not to be able to defend her.

Well, at least she didn’t have to sit next to Biddy. She was further down the table with a face like thunder. As far as Kathie could make out, Biddy was steadfastly refusing to be drawn on the source of the quarrel, but Kathie couldn’t get rid of the sense that she was watching her intently, and it made her feel deeply uncomfortable.

Kathie had to shake herself. She’d told Nancy to be brave, and that’s what she had to be herself. And it wasn’t like the rumours were about her - not yet, at least - though if what Nancy said about her ‘inclinations’ ever became public, it wouldn’t be long before she’d be implicated in the gossip too.

She tried to work out if she wasn’t herself, if she was an onlooker - if she was Sharlie, say - whether she’d be able to tell that their relationship was something more (oh, so much more!) than friendship. She glanced quickly at Sharlie, who was sat towards the middle of the table. Did she know anything? Sharlie looked up at that moment, and catching Kathie looking at her, grinned at her. What would Sharlie do, if she found out? Would she still want to be her friend? And what about the rest of them? Joan was having plenty of fun imagining the triangle between Biddy, Nancy and Eugen; if she knew the real truth, her gossiping would be unstoppable.

Kathie tried to pretend that she didn’t care. But she did. She’d told Nancy that it didn’t matter who knew, and in some respects, that was perfectly true. But it was one thing to say those words in the abstract, and another, in a room full of your peers – no, not your peers, in many cases, your superiors - to say, yes, this is who I am, this is what I am, this is who I love, and yes, she’s a woman, and yes, she’s incredible.

Rather helplessly, Kathie pushed her food around her plate. Despite her hunger, she’d lost her appetite.

***

“Kathie, I need to speak to you.” Biddy caught hold of Kathie’s arm just as they were leaving the Speisesaal, and ushered her into an empty classroom.

“Do you?” Kathie answered coldly, shaking herself free of Biddy’s grasp. One thing was clear: she wasn’t going to let Biddy intimidate her.

Biddy registered the icy tone. “You’ve already spoken to Nancy? I don’t know what she’s told you about why we argued today, but I doubt it’s the truth. You can’t trust her, Kathie. She’s...she’s not well. What she is...it’s not natural. You have to stay away from her. I don’t think you’re safe around her.”

“What do you mean, I’m not safe around her? What exactly are you trying to say about Nancy, Biddy?”
Author:  Liz K [ Thu Dec 09, 2010 5:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 9 December
Oh dear! :(
Author:  cestina [ Thu Dec 09, 2010 6:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 9 December
Hmmm.....how very tricky. Crossing fingers that it all works out in the end but some choppy waters ahead I fear.

Thank you for posting those Youtube links. I've always wanted to see Mädchen in Uniform but would never have thought of looking for it there.....
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Dec 09, 2010 8:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 9 December
Well... hopefully she has good intentions, and Kathie can help her to see the situation more clearly. :?

Thankyou!
Author:  Abi [ Thu Dec 09, 2010 9:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 9 December
Oh dear indeed. She may have what she feels are good intentions but I suspect that means she's going to make things worse, not better.
Author:  jayj [ Thu Dec 09, 2010 11:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 9 December
Hmm, this evening I was meant to be doing ironing and packing to go away to the seaside. Instead, I procrastinated with this....oops.
thanks for the comments, as ever!

After a rather bitter encounter, Kathie decided that it was probably better if she didn’t go and join the others in the staffroom. She went to her own room, but just as she was about to throw herself despairingly on the bed, it struck her that Nancy might be back. She found Nancy in her room, rather forlornly curled up in a chair. She squeezed into the chair alongside her.

“You alright?”

Kathie shook her head. “I’ve had my own run-in with Biddy.“

“It didn’t go well?”

“Not really. She said – what you said she’d say – that I shouldn’t trust you and you weren’t safe and that you’d try to seduce me...and I said I didn’t need seducing, thank you very much, and that I knew my own mind. And she said – well, various things, really, but the general jist of it was that if we don’t change our ways we’re doomed to hell fire for all eternity.”

“Sounds a bit like what she said to me,” Nancy said glumly.

Kathie wrapped her arms tightly round Nancy.

“Did you manage to get some dinner?”

Nancy nodded in the direction of a plate with a half-eaten sandwich.

“It’s not like I’ve not heard all that bile before,” Nancy said. “Being friends with Caroline – well, she went through a rather provocative period at college, and Meg and I got caught up in that a little bit - but it’s one thing when it’s a stranger shouting things at you, and another when it’s someone who’s a close friend. You think you know someone – she’s been a good friend – and then you realize you don’t at all.” The tears came and Nancy began to sob.

“It’s ok, Nance, it’s ok.”

***

If Nancy thought things were bad on that Sunday evening, the following day they were to get even worse.

With the school’s gala celebrations planned for the coming weekend, Miss Annersley had decreed that lessons be cancelled for the first period after lunch, with the girls to be supervised by the prefects while the teaching staff met to run through, one final time, the plans for the rest of the week. Biddy and Nancy had been on the gala organizing committee, and had, in a previous meeting, put themselves forward as the official ‘meeter and greeters’ of the guests. It was something both women had been eagerly looking forward to; as old girls of the school, and current teachers, they knew, and were keen to see once more, a vast number of the guests they were expecting.

But as Miss Annersley came to recap this part of the plan, Biddy interrupted her and said, “No. I’m not working with her.”

“I’m sorry?” Miss Annersley asked, rocking back in her chair and blinking in confusion.

“I’m not working with her,” Biddy repeated.

Nancy gave a half smile but her eyes were coldly furious. “Well that’s fine, because I’d rather not work with you.”

Though it was generally known that Biddy and Nancy had rowed the day before, this public outburst took everyone by surprise. Breaths were collectively held, while eyes flicked nervously between Biddy, Nancy, and Miss Annersley.

It took the Head a moment or two to regain her composure.

“Ladies! What is going on here?” she demanded.

At that point, being one of the few in the room who knew what was going on, and knew that it was not something that would benefit from exposure in a staff meeting, Peggy decided it would be wise to attempt to defuse the situation. Quickly, she volunteered that she didn’t mind swapping with one or other of them, if that would be acceptable to Miss Annersley.

“Very well,” said Miss Annersley. “Work it out amongst yourselves.” There was something very clearly wrong here, but now was not the time to sort it out. “Now, next on the agenda...”
Author:  Abi [ Thu Dec 09, 2010 11:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 10 December
Once again, oh dear. I wonder what Hilda will say when she finds out...
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Dec 10, 2010 7:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 10 December
They need somebody sensible to have a word with Biddy, and Hilda's the obvious one - hopefully when she's got more time she'll ask what's going on.
Author:  KathrynW [ Fri Dec 10, 2010 1:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 10 December
Hmm...I can't say that Biddy's reaction is a huge surprise to me but it's such a shame and I hope it doesn't ruin Kathie and Nancy's relationship. Thanks for this very thought provoking drabble.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Dec 10, 2010 6:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 10 December
I'm wondering if Hilda will put this together with the midnight outing and work out what's going on - if anyone would, it would be her. Thankyou for the update, please don't leave us in suspense for too long!
Author:  jayj [ Mon Dec 13, 2010 5:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 10 December
Thanks for the comments!

“What on earth is going on in my staffroom? I’m meant to be writing a speech for this weekend about the virtues of a Chalet School education, and two of my teachers – both of them old girls – appear to be knocking lumps off each other. Is it a complete fiction that we educate girls in politeness and cooperation?” Hilda Annersley threw the papers she was carrying onto her desk in some frustration, and spun round to face her co-head.

“Let me deal with this, Hilda.” Nell Wilson had followed Hilda into her office, pausing only to close the door behind her.

“Nell, do you know what’s going on?”

“Really, Hilda, leave it to me.”

“No, Nell! Tell me what’s going on.”

Nell frowned and thought for a moment. When Hilda was in this mood, lies and evasions were, frankly, futile. But it was just a hunch she had – albeit a hunch she was fairly certain was correct – and she really wasn’t sure how Hilda would react to what she would say.

“Nell?”

Nell gestured to Hilda to sit down in the armchair, and then perched herself on the edge of the sofa. She took a deep breath, offered up a quick prayer that she wasn’t needlessly gambling with the futures of two people she liked a lot, and then said,

“I think it’s about Nancy and Kathie...”

“What?” Hilda looked puzzled. “Biddy’s jealous of them being friends? Well, I had noticed that they’ve become rather close...but Biddy’s going off to get married – surely she can’t begrudge Nancy making new friends?”

Despite knowing that she and Hilda were alone in the study, Nell looked around cautiously, instinctively checking that there was no-one able to overhear before she spoke next.

“Hilda, I don’t think Nancy and Kathie are friends.”

“Of course they’re friends – they’re always together, from what I’ve seen.”

“Hilda, listen to me. They’re not friends.”

Hilda looked utterly bemused, and Nell realized that she was going to have to spell things out a little more clearly. She leaned over, and murmured a few words in her friend’s ear. Hilda’s eyes grew wide as tried to digest what Nell was saying to her.

“Are you sure?” she stuttered, “Nancy....and Kathie...?”

Nell nodded. “I think so. At least – neither of them have said anything to me. But I’m reasonably certain that’s what’s going on. And I think that’s why Biddy’s refusing to have anything to do with Nancy.”

Stunned, Hilda blinked. “But where does Biddy fit into this? She and Nancy weren’t...were they...? And what about Eugen...?”

“No, I don’t think Nancy and Biddy were...together.” She trailed off with an awkward laugh. More seriously, she continued, “But I think Biddy thinks what they’re doing is...well...sinful. That’s what the church says, anyway.”

“Do you think that?”

Nell sat for a moment, without saying anything. Then slowly, she said, “I understand where Biddy’s coming from. But no, I don’t agree with her.”

Hilda leaned back in her chair, trying to gather her thoughts. Then, looking at her co-head curiously, she asked, “How did you know, Nell? About Kathie and Nancy?”

Slightly uncomfortable under her friend’s scrutiny, Nell found herself unable to maintain eye-contact. Suddenly finding a patch of carpet very interesting, she said, quietly, “I just...I just...knew.”

The pair sat in silence before Nell, regaining her composure, said, “So, I’ll have a word with them, shall I?”

“No. I will.” Grimfaced, Hilda went to the door of her office. “Rosalie, will you find Miss Wilmot and Miss O'Ryan and send them to me directly, please.”
Author:  AnneM [ Mon Dec 13, 2010 6:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 13 December
Hmm, interesting. I wonder what Hilda will say.... Glad she didn't appear to be too horrified.

Thanks, jayj, I'm really enjoying this.
Author:  KathrynW [ Mon Dec 13, 2010 6:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 13 December
Thanks JayJ, I loved Nell there!
Author:  shesings [ Mon Dec 13, 2010 6:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 13 December
Be gentle with them, Hilda!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Dec 13, 2010 6:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 13 December
Ooh, very interesting, I wonder which way this'll go! It's going to be very unpleasant for one of them, though, I fear. Thankyou! Please can we have more soon?
Author:  Nell [ Mon Dec 13, 2010 9:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 13 December
Interesting, I did like Nell there and Hilda's reaction isn't looking too bad - I hope.

Thank you!
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Dec 13, 2010 11:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 13 December
Nell was great there.

IME, people often assume that older people will be more shocked by things than younger people, whereas often they're less shocked because they've heard it all before.
Author:  Tara [ Mon Dec 13, 2010 11:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 13 December
I totally agree, Alison, though they often can't let themselves know what they know.
Nell reacted just as I would have hoped and I do hope Hilda can sort this out without any further damage (and that it's a learning experience for her ...). I also hope she and Nell can be a buffer for Nancy and Kathie - working in a girls' boarding school makes them so very vulnerable.

I'm really enjoying this, jayj.
Author:  Abi [ Tue Dec 14, 2010 12:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 13 December
I hope Hilda deals well with this....... *wibbles slightly*
Author:  jayj [ Tue Dec 14, 2010 7:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 13 December
Thanks for your comments...I'm not sure what you're going to make of this! :D

Acutely conscious that Biddy was currently with Lower IVb, and that in recent weeks that group of young ladies had proved themselves incapable of being left unsupervised, Rosalie gently suggested to Miss Annersley that it would perhaps be better to wait until break before the official summonses were sent to two mistresses, and, so for the next half hour the Head found herself sitting in her office, failing to do some paperwork, and desperately trying to work out what she was going to do about this rather unexpected revelation, and very unwelcome dispute.

Shortly after the bell rang for break, Nancy and Biddy both appeared in Rosalie’s office. As Biddy regarded Nancy with a look that, Nancy felt, was a peculiar mixture of pity, loathing and disgust, and Nancy, folding her arms across her chest, stared back defiantly, Rosalie went to let the head know that they were there.

“Send them in, please.”

Rosalie turned to the pair of them. “In you go,” she said. She sat down, and scratched her head. Ever since the outburst in the meeting, she’d been feeling very unsettled. What on earth was going on?

***

“Miss Wilmot, Miss O’Ryan, please sit down.” Miss Annersley exuded a fierce formality that neither Biddy nor Nancy had previously experienced, not even as recalcitrant schoolgirls, and they both obeyed instantly.

Without any preliminaries, Miss Annersley set to her task. “Now, from what I saw this afternoon, and from things that have been said to me, I understand there is a disagreement between the two of you.” She looked at the two of them, giving them a chance to nod their acknowledgement of her interpretation of the situation.

Misreading this as a chance to put forward her side of the affair, Biddy began to speak. “Miss Annersley...”

Miss Annersley held up a hand to stop her, and looked at them both sternly.

“Listen to me ladies. I’m not asking for an explanation. The rights and wrongs of your respective positions are something we’ll leave for another day. Right now, understand this: you will be civil to each other. You will not make a scene. And you will not draw attention to the cause of your dispute. We have been working towards this weekend for months, and we are about to have a school full of parents, old girls, and other guests. I will not have two of my best teachers embarrassing themselves – and my school – at such a time as this. Do I make myself clear?”

***

“So, are we looking for new jobs, then?”

It was the end of the school day, and Kathie and Nancy were sitting in Nancy’s room. When Nancy hadn’t returned to the staffroom at break, Kathie had started to fret, a fretting which had only increased when rumours reached her that the two warring mistresses had been summoned to the Head’s office. This anxiety meant that her final lesson of the day – a double period with Inter V – was not a resounding success, and she’d been rather sharper with Margot Maynard than she ought to have been. And so, when Nancy finally appeared in the staffroom at the end of lessons, Kathie had risen quickly to her feet to greet her, and the pair of them, ignoring the inquisitive glances of staffroom onlookers, decided to seek a more private sanctuary to discuss the events of the day.

“I don’t know. I honestly don’t know,” Nancy replied.

Kathie cocked her head to one side. “Why, what did she say?”

“Effectively, she told us both to play nicely in public.”

“What?” Kathie looked incredulous.

“We have to be civil to each other. And then we’ll revisit the subject after the weekend," Nancy said, wearing her own look of mild bemusement.

“Well! I didn’t expect that," Kathie blew the air out of her cheeks. "Sounds like the jury might still be out, then. But who’s got the temporary reprieve? Us or Biddy?”

“I’m really not sure," Nancy shook her head. "And, you know what? I don’t think Hilda knows either.”
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Dec 14, 2010 7:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 December
I really don't think that you should leave it there. I don't have many more nails left to bite.
Author:  Abi [ Tue Dec 14, 2010 8:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 December
Um. Well, that doesn't really resolve anything, though it's definitely better than sailing onto the battlefield with all guns blazing. Hopefully she'll have time to think it over and think of a good solution...
Author:  clair [ Tue Dec 14, 2010 9:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 December
Please don't keep us (or Nancy and Kathie) waiting too long for the outcome. Loving this story although it's the first chance I've had to comment :)
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Dec 14, 2010 9:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 December
It's always difficult when something blows up just before a big event, and I can understand Hilda saying that it can't be dealt with just now, but it means that they're all in a very awkward position.
Author:  jayj [ Wed Dec 15, 2010 5:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 14 December
Thanks for the comments! Today I've been fighting a losing battle with a powerpoint presentation and some graphs, so I've taken temporary refuge in this instead...

The following day, Miss Annersley’s instructions led to the establishment of what might very tenuously be described as a precarious truce. While neither Biddy nor Nancy could bring themselves to be civil towards each other, they were at least not arguing, for it is hard to row when you are neither speaking to nor acknowledging the presence of the person with whom you are in dispute. If Miss Annersley had had a moment to reflect on the situation, she would have seen that the ceasefire was unlikely to make it to the weekend, but as it was, she was struggling to stay on top of the preparations for the gala celebrations, and so she trusted that her staff would not let her down.

Other people were better placed to see that the truce was barely a truce, and that it would not last.

“Well, you know what Biddy’s been like about this wedding. I don’t blame Nancy for cracking." Rosalind said to Ruth and Peggy, having just witnessed Biddy come into the staffroom, see Nancy and Kathie chatting, and turn on her heels and leave, and then not long after, Nancy and Kathie themselves departing.

“But Nancy? Yes, Biddy’s been a bit much recently, but it’s not like Nancy to be like this at all. There’s got to be more to it,” Ruth replied.

Peggy, feeling glum and trying to look disinterested, said nothing.

“What do you think, Peg?” Rosalind asked.

Peggy shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“You know something, don’t you?” Ruth turned to her.

“Me? No. I don’t know anything.”

Ruth looked at her curiously.

Peggy looked back at her, then stood up and left the room.

“Peggy knows something,” Ruth said to Rosalind.

“She said she didn’t. Leave her, Ruth! We’ve got enough trouble here without you picking a fight with Peggy.”

Ruth, who had stood up just a second before, sat back down, chastened. “I’m not trying to pick a fight with her. I’m just trying to find out what’s going on.”

“You want the gossip, you mean.”

“Come on Ros, you know me better than that!”

Rosalind raised an eyebrow.

“Well, yes,” Ruth admitted, “I’m occasionally indiscreet about some things,” (Rosalind snorted at that) “but not this. I don’t know what’s gone on, but whatever it is, it’s got to be bad for those two to go for each other in a staff meeting. And if Peggy knows what it is, and can help sort it out...that’s all I’m saying.”

***

In the midst of all the tension and uncertainty, an evening spent supervising cricket practice felt like a blessed relief, Kathie thought, even as she had to step hastily out of the way of Emerence Hope’s wildly swinging cricket bat.

“Good catch, Francie!” she applauded, as that girl had run, jumped, and surprised herself somewhat by plucking the ball out of the air. “Sorry, Emerence, but you’re out.”

“Blistering barnacles...” Emerence swore quietly under her breath.

“Excuse me?” Kathie said with a grin.

“Er...nothing, Miss Ferrars. Just...there was no way she should have been able to get that shot,” Emerence blushed.

“Yes, well, I’ll let you off this time. But try to keep things like that to yourself in future. Sometimes public outbursts aren’t always the best way to respond to provocation.” She grimaced inwardly at her own words. Everything was such a mess!

After another couple of overs, Kathie decided to subcontract the umpiring to Emerence and Margot, mainly as a way of stopping those two messing about on the sidelines. As she kept a careful eye on them, ready to step in to resolve any disputes, she found herself joined at the side of the pitch by Sharlie. Sharlie was meant to be helping with the cricket coaching but had been collared by Matron just as she’d been heading outside.

“Everything ok with Matron?”

“Oh, she makes me feel about twelve again, but yes, I think we’ve got everything sorted. Though I don’t know how sympathetic she’ll be with the poor kid. I wouldn’t really want to face Matron if I was feeling miserable and homesick.”

They broke off to clap as Yseult hammered the ball in the direction of the boundary.

“She’s not really one for team games, is she?” Sharlie chuckled, watching the teenager uncomfortably responding to the congratulations of her teammates.

“No. But she’s had a tough time of it this year. It’s nice to see her getting on with everyone.”

“Unlike her teachers,” Sharlie said with a slight laugh.

Kathie grimaced. Sharlie saw the look, and became rather thoughtful. For a minute or two, she said nothing, and then, “Kathie?”

“Yes?” Kathie replied, with a half-smile that only partly masked the ominous feeling that had just engulfed her.

“Can I ask you a question?”

Holding her breath, Kathie nodded.

“You know what it’s all about, don’t you? The row between Biddy and Nancy.”

Kathie nodded slightly before Sharlie continued, “It’s about you, isn’t it? You and Nancy, I mean?”

***

Without knocking, Ruth burst into Rosalind’s room.

“Have you got anything to drink?”

Rosalind, part way through marking an essay, looked up and nodded in the direction of the top shelf of her bookcase. Standing on a chair Ruth reached for the bottle of whiskey, then clambering back down again, found two glasses. She poured them each a drink, sat down heavily, and waited for Rosalind to finish with her marking.

“Well? Have you spoken to Peggy?” Rosalind said expectantly, putting the lid back on her pen and taking the glass that Ruth offered.

“No. Spoke to Biddy instead.” Ruth took a sip.

“And?”

There was a long pause.

“Biddy said she’s not talking either of those....” Ruth’s voice became very quiet, “...lesbians.”

“Biddy’s said she’s not talking to who?”

“Those...” Ruth paused, and lowered her voice again, “...lesbians.”

“What? Who?”

Ruth bit her lip. “Nancy and Kathie.”

“No! That can’t be true, can it? Kathie and Nancy?” Rosalind looked incredulous.

“No. Surely not...but...I don’t know. Maybe?”

“Nancy and Kathie? No. I don’t believe it.”

“But why would Biddy make that up?”

“I don’t know – because she and Nancy have had a row?”

“But what if this is what they’ve argued about?” Ruth cautiously suggested.

They looked at each other for a moment.

“No....but...but...that might make sense, mightn’t it?” said Rosalind. Ruth nodded, and Rosalind continued, “She and Kathie, they do spend a lot of time together...”

Ruth shrugged. “Stranger things have happened.” She chuckled. “Our Nancy a...a...a lesbian, eh? Who’d’ve thought it?”

Rosalind pulled a face.

“What?” Ruth demanded.

“Don’t you think it’s a bit – well – weird? Wrong? Unnatural? I don’t know. Two women, I mean.”

“You’re not telling me you’ve never had a crush? When you were at school – on a teacher? On a prefect?”

Rosalind sat back sharply as if she’d been stung. After a few moments she said, “Well, even if I had...and I’m not saying I did...there’s a whole world of difference between having an adolescent crush and what they’re doing. Girls admire – idolize – older girls, sure, but that’s something they grow out of. I’m not sure it’s right for, well, two grown women. Shouldn’t they be thinking of marriage?”

“Should they? Neither you nor I are married, and we’re older even than Nancy.“

“You’re not saying you’re...like that?” Rosalind looked at her friend, horrified.

“And if I said yes, Ros, what would you do?” There was something about the look of disgust on Rosalind’s face that Ruth found she really didn’t like.

“Well?” Rosalind stood up angrily. “Are you?”

“No, I’m not. But if I were, would that be a problem? And if Nancy and Kathie are, is that a problem?”

“I don’t know. I just don’t know.” Rosalind sat back down in her chair. “Unless it is a kind of crush. You know, Nancy’s a lot older than Kathie; maybe that’s all it is. Just...excessive admiration on Kathie’s part, or something.” Rosalind looked relieved with this explanation, but Ruth shook her head.

“I don’t think so, Ros.”

Resignedly, Rosalind asked, “So what happens next?” She put down her glass.

“I don’t know, but right now it seems like Biddy’s the biggest problem. I told her not to go spreading rumours like that. Even if it is true – which, you’ve agreed, seems a reasonable possibility – it’s not really the sort of thing that needs to be spread about. It...it might not look good for the school. And especially with this gala weekend, we’re going to have to try to keep a lid on it, and somehow keep Biddy from talking. I’m going to speak to Peggy. I swear she knows about this. Will you come with me?”
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Wed Dec 15, 2010 7:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 15 December
Very interesting to see the different, though not unexpected reactions here. While I realise that, in addition to the breach between Biddy and Nancy the situation between Nancy and Kathie is bound to come into the open before much longer, I do hope everyone will be able to avoid it happening, publicly at least, during this special weekend.

Thanks, Jayj, you are certainly keeping us on the edge of our seats.
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Dec 15, 2010 8:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 15 December
It all had to come out sooner or later, and it'll be better for everyone to know the truth than speculating and getting it wrong, but it looks like it could be a bumpy ride.
Author:  Abi [ Wed Dec 15, 2010 9:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 15 December
Honestly, did Ruth have to dig? Everyone else can leave it alone, but there's always one... :roll:

Thanks!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Dec 15, 2010 9:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 15 December
At least Ruth seemed to take the news reasonably well - at least not condemning them - and even Rosalind seems to be reacting better than Nancy and Kathie might have expected. But it looks like the staff might be about to become split very badly *wibbles*

Thankyou - I think!
Author:  jayj [ Sat Dec 18, 2010 1:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 15 December
Hangover + being snowed in = a bit more drabble :D

Nancy wasn’t to be seen at Abendessen that evening, and when Kathie couldn’t find her in the staffroom, in her own room, or anywhere else in the school, she became increasingly anxious. Realizing that she’d be unable to settle until she’d found Nancy, Kathie decided to change her shoes and grab a warm jumper, and continue her search outside.

But as it turned out, when she got to her room to change, that was where she found the object of her quest: curled up, rather miserably, on her bed.

“There you are – I’ve been looking for you everywhere. You’ve missed dinner again.” Kathie sat on the edge of the bed, and gently stroked Nancy’s hair back from her face.

Wordlessly, Nancy shrugged.

“Come on Nance! Don’t be like this.”

Nancy struggled into a sitting position. “I’ve been thinking,” she began. “Maybe it’d be best if I went away this weekend. Say I’m not feeling well, or something. Just to keep out of the way.”

“You’re not giving up the fight?”

“Be fair, Kath. Think about it - who’s got the most to lose here, the staunch believer with the weight of the Catholic Church behind her and who’s soon going off to get married, or the sexually deviant teachers whose future livelihoods depend on their reputations?”

“You’re not a deviant.” Kathie said with a slight chuckle.

Nancy shrugged.

“Nance! You’re not.” Kathie reached out for her hands, but before she made contact, Nancy stood up and moved away from her.

“Maybe we should cool things for a while.”

“You’re not serious.”

Nancy nodded. “There’s no point us both getting caught up in this. If we stay together, then you’ll go down with me.”

“Oh no, Nancy Wilmot, don’t you even think about backing away from me. We’re in this together. I love you. And even if I didn’t, even if you weren’t here, that wouldn’t change how I am. I like girls, that’s the way it is. I like you best of all the girls, but were you not here, I’d still like girls, and not boys. So you’re not doing anything daft to save me. We’re in this together.”

Nancy shook her head. “It would only be for a short time. She’s leaving the school in a month. And then this mess will be over, and we can go back to normal.”

“But it’s not going to be over, is it? Because even if Biddy goes, what about the next person who finds out?”

“Well, what else are we going to do?”

Kathie shrugged, but there was a slight gleam in her eye.

“Please tell me you're not thinking about just coming out and telling everybody!” Nancy looked at her like she was crazy.

Kathie grinned. “Can you imagine their faces? Oh, I don’t know if that’s what I'm thinking. Maybe some people? Right now it feels like she’s holding a gun at our heads and it could go off at any moment. At least if we told some people we’d have a bit more control over our lives.”

“Kathie, we can’t tell anyone else. They’ll all go ballistic, like Biddy.”

“Peggy didn’t.”

Nancy ignored this.

“Sharlie hasn’t.”

“Sharlie knows? You told her?”

Kathie nodded.

Rather crossly, Nancy asked, “What did you do that for?”

“Well...she guessed, really. And I wasn’t going to deny it. Nancy, why did you tell Biddy?”

“Because she was going on and on about the wedding, and it just came out.”

“No. I don’t think that’s why you told her. Oh, maybe that’s what provoked you, right at that point, but I don’t think you can live with this as a secret. You’re not the secretive type.”

“I can keep secrets. I’ve never told anyone before about me.” Nancy folded her arms across her chest defensively.

“You didn’t say anything before – well, before us – because you had no need. And because you were grieving and you weren’t going to talk to anyone, and then, you were so thoroughly in the habit of not talking about it that it never occurred to you that you could talk about it. But you can’t hide this. I’ve seen you. Now you’ve stopped – ignoring it – ignoring yourself – you can’t keep it in. I think you told her because you’ve been on the verge of telling someone for weeks.”

Nancy sat down rather heavily on a chair, and Kathie continued.

“And I’ve been thinking about why she reacted in the way she did. You know what you were saying, the other day, about thinking you know someone, and then finding out you don’t? I bet she’s thinking the same about us. I mean, it must have been a shock for her. She’s known you half your life and then she finds out you’re not who she thought you were.”

“It’s not like I was hiding who I was – not really - just that there was...no occasion to talk about it.” Nancy said, in a small voice.

“You don’t have to explain yourself to me, my love. And it’s not just you, is it? It’s me too – it’s not like I’ve been waving flags and banners. I’m just trying to see where Biddy’s coming from. I’m just thinking that maybe – on top of her obvious revulsion for people like us – is a whole load of...I don’t know...betrayal?”

Nancy sat in silence for a while. And then she said, with a frown, “You’re meant to be on my side.”

“I am on your side. I’m always on your side.” Kathie moved over to where Nancy was sitting, and knelt at her feet.

“You’re not going to make me feel sorry for her.” Nancy put her head in her hands. After a minute or two she looked up. “But even if what you say is right, I still think it’s just too big a risk to tell anyone else. Let’s just keep our heads down and get through this weekend, and get to the end of term. And then we can work out what’s best to do.”
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Dec 18, 2010 2:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 December
Wondering how Nancy will react when she finds Ruth and Rosalind have guessed their secret as well.

Thanks for the update from another one snowed in.
Author:  seven [ Sat Dec 18, 2010 3:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 December
Just caught up with this great story jayj and so far, apart from Biddy, the staff seem reasonably accepting but how is Nell going to explain her comment below and what is Hilda going to make of it?

"Slightly uncomfortable under her friend’s scrutiny, Nell found herself unable to maintain eye-contact. Suddenly finding a patch of carpet very interesting, she said, quietly, “I just...I just...knew.” "
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Dec 18, 2010 5:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 December
I do hope that they can still be together - after all, they must be able to see - if they choose to look! - that people are guessing now anyway. Hopefully Hilda can step in and help.

Thankyou.
Author:  Elbee [ Sat Dec 18, 2010 6:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 December
Just had a catch-up, thanks jayj, hope it doesn't get nasty for them.
Author:  marni [ Sat Dec 18, 2010 7:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 December
Thanks Jayj. I hope that there can be a solution for them. Another one who is snowed in as well. Look forward to more when you have the time.
Author:  jayj [ Sun Dec 19, 2010 10:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 December
seven wrote:
but how is Nell going to explain her comment below and what is Hilda going to make of it?

"Slightly uncomfortable under her friend’s scrutiny, Nell found herself unable to maintain eye-contact. Suddenly finding a patch of carpet very interesting, she said, quietly, “I just...I just...knew.” "


I think Nell's desperately hoping that Hilda's got too much on her plate to ask her how exactly she 'just...just...knew' :D .

Just one more part to come after this, and then I'm taking a break until the new year.

With Kathie and Nancy having agreed to keep a low profile, and with Peggy and Ruth doing their best to contain and neutralize Biddy’s anger, somehow the weekend was reached without any further outbreaks of aggression. Saturday was a very busy day for everyone, with class reunions, guided tours of the school and local area, speeches from the Heads and from the first ever pupil, an afternoon concert, and in the evening, a new play by Josephine M. Bettany, entitled “The School in the Mountains (and on the Island, in England and Wales, and back in the Mountains again)”. Everyone present thoroughly enjoyed watching Chalet School legends brought to life on stage, and Vi Lucy surprised them all with her impersonation of Miss Wilson, Margot won applause for her creditable performance as Rufus, and the star of the show was universally declared to be Mary Lou as Matey.

Throughout all this, Rosalie’s careful timetabling of events kept the two warring women apart, and when, mid-afternoon, Eugen unexpectedly turned up to see his fiancé, he claimed all of Biddy’s attention so that Peggy and Ruth’s stress was eased considerably.

The following day was a much more relaxed and informal affair, and after Church the guests were invited to join with the current crop of schoolgirls in some traditional Chalet School weekend activities. Several parties set out on rambles to explore the local area, while others headed down to the lake for boating and swimming.

***

A group of mistresses, both present and former, were picnicking by the lake. As Hilary Graves started to cajole everyone into finishing their lunch and making a move for the boats, Sharlie caught sight of the half-eaten food on Kathie’s plate.

“You’re not hungry?”

Kathie shook her head.

“What’s up?” Nancy asked, concerned.

“It’s just a bit of tummy ache.”

“Time of the month?” Sharlie grinned.

“No!”

“Nancy’s cooking?” Hilary suggested. Nancy had been placed in charge of organizing the picnic that the friends had just enjoying.

“Don’t think so...” Kathie just managed a grin.

“Hey!” But despite this cry of indignation directed at Hilary, Nancy looked carefully at Kathie, and worriedly, she said, “You really don’t look too well. Maybe you should go for a lie down?”

Kathie shook her head, but so unlike herself was she feeling that she couldn’t even raise a covertly flirtatious eyebrow at Nancy’s suggestion. “I’m ok. But I think I won’t come out on the lake with you.” As the others looked concerned, she added, “Oh, stop looking at me like that, and go on and have some fun! I’ll be ok.”

“If you’re sure...?” Sharlie asked.

“Go on, go!”

As the others set off, Nancy hung back.

“Do you want me to stay with you?”

“No. Don’t let me stop you having fun!”

“You’re sure you’re ok? Maybe I should get matron?”

“No, you can forget that. I’m not being dosed with castor oil. Nance, don’t look so worried. I’m fine. Don’t fuss.”

Reluctantly, Nancy set off to join the others. As she moved out of the glare of the sunshine to sit with her back against a shady tree, Kathie watched her partner turn and wave, and then, a few moments later, be herded into a boat by Hilary, and pressed into service at the oars.

***

Having rowed herself and Hilary out into the middle of the lake, Nancy paused for a breather, and looked up to see Hilary, arms folded, looking at her intently.

“So are you going to tell me what’s going on?” Hilary asked.

“Going on?” Nancy flushed red. Going on? Where ever to start...?

“Between you and Biddy.”

“Oh. That. Can we not talk about it now?”

“Nance!”

“Look, we’re all having a nice time here, aren’t we? Let’s just leave it. It’ll be best all round. Trust me.”

**

Kathie watched Nancy’s boat head out into the lake, and couldn’t help but smile. She felt so lucky. Despite everything that had gone on in the last week or two, she couldn’t believe her good fortune. To have found someone like Nancy – it was just so beautiful, really, so precious. And today, Nancy was looking happier than she had in days, and Kathie had loved watching her as she interacted with her old school friends, and had enjoyed catching a glimpse of the schoolgirl she’d once been.

Suddenly, her smile became a grimace as a stab of pain in her side made her wince and breathe in sharply.

Oh Jesus that hurts...
Author:  Finn [ Sun Dec 19, 2010 11:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 December
Oh dear! Poor Kathie.

Lovely writing as ever, jayj. And I too enjoyed the implications about Nell...
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Dec 19, 2010 6:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 December
Oh dear, poor Kathie :( .

Hilda is going to have to referee as soon as the coming of age celebrations are over. Whatever the reasons for them, workplace feuds make life very awkward for everyonr.
Author:  jayj [ Mon Dec 20, 2010 8:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 December
OK, last post for this drabble before the new year, so I should probably take this opportunity to thank everyone who's read and commented and made this board a welcoming place to be. Happy Holidays!

***

No please God no not Kathie not Kathie not Kathie please God no please God no please no not again please not Kathie please no not Kathie no not again not Kathie not Kathie not again not again not again...

***

Nancy loved coming home. Or more precisely, she loved coming home to Meg.

As soon as you turned the corner of their street, you could see all the way down to number 23, and if the lights were on in the front room that meant Meg was home. Coming home to Meg, and their cosy little house, and their life together was something Nancy was sure she’d never get tired of. Nancy couldn’t work out what she’d done to get this lucky.

And today, the light was on, which meant Meg was in. And Nancy’s heart leapt like it did every day. She hurried down the street, keen to see Meg, keen to share her day, keen to see that face, that smile, that love.

Their cat sat on the doorstep miaowing. Nancy bent down to give his ears a quick scratch, then slid her key into the lock and opened the door to let them both in.

“Meg, it’s me!” she called.

It was nice to be in the warm after being out in the icy January evening. Slinging her satchel on the banister, she took off her coat, scarf and hat and hung them up.

There was a delicious smell coming from the kitchen. Nancy smiled to herself. For the last few weeks, Meg had been seized with something of a cooking obsession, and this week she had started on pies. Nancy half-remembered Meg saying something that morning about chicken and mushroom. She grinned; it was a good job she was reconciled to the fact she was never going to be particularly slim.

“Meg? Where are you my love?” She wandered towards the kitchen. “Meg? No. No....MEG? MEG?”

***

...no not again please God not again not again not again not Kathie please not Kathie please God please not Kathie please not Kathie...

***

“There’s someone who’s asked to see you, Nell. A...” Gillian looked down at the notepad in front of her “...Dr. Caroline Baker. From Cambridge.”

“Never heard of her. Did she say what she wanted?”

“No.” Gillian shook her head. “Just that it was important.”

Nell scowled at the pile of correspondence on her desk.

“I suppose you had better send her in.”

...

“Miss Wilson?”

“Nell,” Nell held out her hand, and the other woman shook it. Nell motioned that she should sit down.

“Caroline Baker. I’m a friend of Nancy – Nancy Wilmot’s. You’re the one who offered Nancy the job here?” Nell nodded. “And how is she, do you think?”

It was a rather an odd way to be questioned, Nell thought, but then there was nothing about the woman in front of her that wasn’t odd...or rather, oddly attractive. Nell flushed a little.

“I’m not sure that’s something I ought to be discussing with outside parties.”

“Yes, of course, I understand.”

“Maybe you should ask Nancy herself?”

Caroline sat for a moment, then shook her head. “I wrote to her to let her know I’d be in the area, but she told me not to come. Understandable, I suppose, but –“ She trailed off. “There’s something I need to tell you. In strictest confidence.”

Nell nodded.

“In January Nancy suffered a...a...a major personal bereavement.”

Caroline hated herself for the way those words sounded, for how convoluted she’d had to make this. Meg would have laughed at her. But Meg also would never have forgiven her if she’d let Nancy run away without some attempt to take care of her.

“Her lo...” Caroline stopped. She’d thought about how she was going to say this all the way here, and she still wasn’t sure she’d worked it out properly. “...A very close friend of hers died.”

Nell looked at the woman carefully. “Her friend?” she asked. Her stomach lurched slightly, and she flushed red again. She had a feeling she knew where this was going.

Caroline returned Nell’s gaze. And she gambled that this was someone who might just understand. Someone she might just be able to trust with Nancy. And with Meg.

“Her lover.” Caroline confirmed. “Meg.”

“Oh no, Nancy – poor Nancy.” Nell turned rather white, and raised a hand to her mouth.

“She didn’t tell you.”

Nell shook her head.

“I knew she wouldn’t. And – and – Nancy wouldn’t want me to be doing this, but I think – it’s important for someone here to know what’s happened. To know what she’s been through. What she’s still going through. She doesn’t need to know that I’ve been here. But she does need someone...to keep an eye out for her. You understand?”

Nell nodded. “Can you tell me what happened?”

***

“...please no not Kathie not again please not Kathie please not again not Kathie not Kathie please God no not Kathie...”

“No, my child, it’s not going to happen again, not this time, no it’s not, it’s going to be ok,” Nell’s strong arms wrapped round Nancy’s hunched form, holding her, rocking her gently, soothing her. “No, my child, it’s not going to happen again, she’s with the doctors and she’s going to be ok, it’s ok, Nancy, it’s ok, it’s different this time. It’s going to be ok.”

But despite those words of reassurance, Nell had seen the look of concern on the faces of the doctors as they’d rushed the young teacher into surgery, and she was seriously worried.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Dec 20, 2010 8:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 December
Poor Nancy. Am so glad Caroline followed her instinct and talked to Nell
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Dec 20, 2010 9:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 December
Thanks for the update. Looking forward to reading more in the new year.
Author:  jmc [ Mon Dec 20, 2010 11:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 December
have just caught up with heaps of this and am still enjoying it. Love the fact that the mistresses drink etc. So realistic. Looking forward to more in the new year.
Author:  ivohenry [ Mon Dec 20, 2010 11:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 December
So Nell has known about Nancy and Meg all along - this explains her conversation with Hilda!

Have a good Christmas - but come back soon after and tell us Kathie is going to be OK!
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Dec 20, 2010 11:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 December
Thanks, Have a positive break and come back soon let us know how Kathy is.
Author:  Chris S [ Mon Dec 20, 2010 2:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 December
I do enjoy this drabble. Thank you.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Dec 20, 2010 5:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 December
Thankyou, I can't wait for more in the New Year. I'm guessing this is when Kathie had appedicitis(?)? I hope that she comes through it, and that Nell can help.
Author:  Abi [ Mon Dec 20, 2010 8:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 December
Glad Nancy has someone who might be able to help. And great cliff... :D
Author:  Chair [ Tue Dec 28, 2010 9:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 December
I have just read the drabble from the beginning and it is written in a really amazing way. I hope Kathye will be ok.
Author:  KJX [ Tue Dec 28, 2010 10:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 December
This is so beautifully written. Much applause from Sussex.
Author:  jayj [ Mon Jan 03, 2011 12:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 December
thanks for the comments! And happy new year!

Kathie thought she’d been clubbed round the head, several times, with a blunt and heavy object. Without even trying to move her limbs, she knew she was largely immobile. There was a peculiar pressure round her abdomen, and she felt very, very sick.

She decided not to open her eyes.

If only she could go back to sleep. If she could go back to sleep, maybe when she woke up she would feel less bad. Or at least, while she was asleep, she might be able to forget how bad she was feeling. Sleep was what she needed. Everything felt rotten. Sleep would make things better.

But. But. There was something else. Amongst all the bad and peculiar feelings, at the edge of her senses, she knew there was something else. A warm hand in her own. It felt good. It felt like home. She squeezed the hand, and through the fog of her brain, she heard something important.

“Kathie, darling, oh, Kathie my love, I’m here, I’m here.”

She smiled. Nancy. Nancy was here. Whatever had happened, it would be fine, because Nancy was here.

Nancy was here.

**

Kathie felt a hand gently stroke down her face. Nancy? Didn’t smell like Nancy. Who? And what could she hear? It sounded like a voice, a quiet voice. Praying? Who was praying? Why?

**

When Kathie opened her eyes some hours later, the ache in her skull had slackened, but what she saw didn’t seem to make much sense. There, to one side of her, was Nell Wilson, curled up in a chair, engrossed in a book. What on earth? Why was one of the Heads sitting by her while she slept?

Her brain was foggy, but two important questions were starting to form. She’d have to ask Nell. She’d be able to answer them. Kathie was sometimes a little scared of Nell, but as there was no-one else around, she’d have to forget her fear and forget that she was lying in a bed in her pajamas and ask Nell, and hope that Nell didn’t ask her why she was lying around in her pajamas in the middle of the day. Wait, were these her pajamas? Looking down at herself, Kathie decided they probably weren’t. Wrong colour. They didn’t look like Nancy’s, either. Whose were they, then? Kathie frowned for a moment, but decided this was a question that could wait.

Pulling her brain back to order, she thought hard about the two questions she had to ask.

“Nell?” she tried to say, but her voice was barely a whisper. That was no good. She tried again, this time clearing her throat first. “Nell?” she said, more loudly.

At the croaky voice, Nell put down her novel and moved quickly to Kathie’s side. Looking at her with concern in her eyes, she said gently, “Ah, there you are. How are you feeling?”

Kathie blinked. How was she feeling? She tried to think about that, but it seemed too complicated a question to answer. She decided to ignore Nell’s enquiry, and hope that the Head wouldn’t be too upset if she didn’t answer. Besides, she had questions of her own to ask, and they were much more important.

“Nell?” she said, in a shaky voice, as her questions came out in a confused rush. “Where’s happened? And what’s Nancy?”
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Jan 03, 2011 1:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 3 January
And? And, what did happen?


Thanks for the update even if you missed some at the end!
Author:  Nell [ Mon Jan 03, 2011 10:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 3 January
Well I should think Nell is quite capable of answering both those questions which ever way round they are?

Thanks for more of this and for not killing Kathie off! Happy New Year!
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Jan 03, 2011 11:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 3 January
Thanks for the update. Please let Kathy and us know what has happened soon.
Author:  Chair [ Mon Jan 03, 2011 4:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 3 January
Thanks, Jay. I am wondering what has happened to Nancy and what the matter is with Kathie.
Author:  robinette [ Mon Jan 03, 2011 4:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 3 January
Thanks jayj, Please let kathy and the others be ok.

And please come back and tell us what happened to kathy and where Nancy is!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Jan 03, 2011 4:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 3 January
I'm sticking by my previous guess - I'll be interested to see how wrong I am! :lol:

Thankyou!
Author:  Bryony [ Mon Jan 03, 2011 9:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 3 January
Hurray that Kathie made it! Hope that Nancy is just having a nap... Thanks jayj, please post more soon, I love this drabble :D
Author:  KathrynW [ Wed Jan 05, 2011 12:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 3 January
Thanks JayJ, it's fab to see this back!
Author:  jayj [ Sat Jan 08, 2011 2:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 3 January
Gold star for Ariel for guessing what was up with Kathie! Yes, I’ve lifted Kathie's illness from Challenge – I figured that this drabble already travestied the canon in so many ways that it wouldn’t matter too much if I completely changed the timeline as well :D , and I had this mental image of Kathie’s appendix being like a ticking bomb, ready to go off at any moment. No idea at all if that’s medically correct or not...I do beg your collective indulgence for this butchering of the timeline, of course.


Twisting the tap with a flick of her wrist, Nancy leaned forward heavily on the white porcelain basin and waited for it to fill. From the mirror above the sink, a pale and drawn face stared back at her. It was a face that was lined, strained and tense, but at least it was now a face that was no longer sobbing. The eyes looking back at her were bloodshot red but that was because of lack of sleep, and not because of the howling, the wailing fear, the desperate sadness that she’d feared was to engulf her once more.

Kathie was ok. The doctors had said. They’d said she’d be ok. They’d explained it all to Nell, as Nancy had hovered frantically, anxiously, in the background, they’d explained that it had been a close run thing, but that she’d been found in time, and she’d been lucky that it had been a doctor who had found her when she'd collapsed. She’d been found in time, and the surgeons had operated as quickly as they were able, and they expected a full and sound recovery.

They’d explained all this to Nell, who, as Kathie’s employer, was treated by the doctors as the nearest thing to next of kin Kathie had in this country. Nancy, too numbed by events to kick up any kind of fuss about this was simply desperately glad that she was allowed to stay in the same room, to stay with Kathie and not to be sent away. And somehow, Nell had seemed to know, and had stood by her side, strong and comforting, just as Nancy thought the world was going to collapse away from her. Nell seemed to know – not just about her and Kathie, but also about what had happened before. Nancy didn’t question it; she didn’t have the energy or the curiosity for anything other than Kathie. But she was thankful.

Kathie would be ok, that’s what the doctors said. And so Nell had sent her out of the room, having threatened her with disciplinary procedures if she didn’t leave Kathie’s bedside and, at the least, get something to eat and have a wash. Nancy had forced down the bread and cheese that Nell had pressed on her, and she had to admit that though she had no appetite, her body was much in need of sustenance. And now she was looking at her strange self in the mirror, she had to admit that she did need a wash too. If – she hastily corrected herself – when Kathie woke up, she’d barely recognize her.

The doctors had said she’d be ok, but there was a dark shadow of creeping fear in Nancy’s mind that meant that when kept flickering into an if and worse, a what if she isn’t. Kathie would be ok, that’s what they had said but she wasn’t inclined to believe them until she’d seen Kathie, awake and lucid. She needed to hear it from Kathie, not these white-coated strangers.

With a shiver Nancy thought back to the horror of the day before. How, laughing and joking with Hilary, damp-footed from where she’d misjudged how far the boat was from land and jumped too soon, she’d headed back to the spot where they’d picnicked, and rather than seeing Kathie, the solemn figure of Biddy had been waiting for them.

Biddy had stood there, had looked at her, and had begun to speak.

“Nancy.”

Nancy had flinched. Not another row. Not here.

“Nancy,” Biddy had said again, “There’s something...” Biddy had trailed off.

Nancy had raised her hands, palms open towards Biddy, almost offering herself up, showing that right now, she was not a threat. And it was only then that Nancy had noticed: Kathie was gone. At that moment it hadn’t struck her as anything to worry about. She must have just wandered off for a walk, perhaps gone for an ice cream....

“Nancy.” Biddy tried again, and this time Nancy had realized there was something very odd about Biddy, something not quite right about how she looked and how she spoke. And as Nancy stood there, her body open and defenceless, it was then that Biddy had stuck the knife into her and stabbed her, carved open her chest and pulled out her heart and lungs and stolen her breath and stopped her blood. Biddy had looked at her, and then, it seemed, had decided that she wasn’t able to say what she needed to. And so she had turned, very deliberately, extremely awkwardly, to Hilary, and keeping her eyes steadily averted from Nancy, said,

“Kathie’s been taken to the hospital. Eugen’s gone with her. He thinks it might be her appendix, and...well...and...it’s not...it’s not good.”

As Nancy stood there in the bathroom, the tears began to come again; not the awful contorting howls of yesterday, but tears that were silent and ceaseless. Suddenly, a splash of water pulled her back from that awful moment of the day before. The sink had overrun and water was now flowing down onto the floor. Nancy scrambled to turn off the tap, and to find a paper towel to mop up some of the mess.

That was how Nell found her, a few moments later, scrabbling pathetically and frantically, on her hands and knees.

“What the...? Nancy, dear, what’s going on?” Nell said, but without waiting for an answer, strode quickly over to Nancy and crouched down at her side. “Nancy. Nancy, now, look at me.”

Nancy raised her head but wasn’t able to lift her eyes to meet Nell’s. Tenderly, Nell reached out and tucked a strand of Nancy’s hair behind her ear.

“Nancy, listen to me. You’re going to stand up and you’re going to wash your face. And while you’re doing that, I’m going to tidy up this mess. And then – well – there’s someone who’s very keen to see you.”

Not even daring to hope, Nancy warily raised her eyes to look at Nell.

Nell nodded and smiled. “She’s awake. Groggy, but awake. She is going to be ok, Nancy. You have to believe me.”
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Jan 08, 2011 3:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 8 January
thanks for the update, and explaining to us and Nancy what has happened,
Author:  Liz K [ Sat Jan 08, 2011 4:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 8 January
Wonder how Biddy's feeling now??
Author:  Nell [ Sat Jan 08, 2011 5:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 8 January
Poor Nancy but I'm loving Nell in this. I do wonder about Biddy too - that obviously wasn't easy for her.

Thanks JayJ!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Jan 08, 2011 6:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 8 January
*puts on gold star proudly*

Thanks for the update - I wonder how this will resonate at the school, and what the comeback will be. At least they seem to have Nell on their side!
Author:  Abi [ Sat Jan 08, 2011 9:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 8 January
Poor Nancy; it must have been so horrible for her.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Jan 09, 2011 2:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 8 January
Am really glad Nancy has Nell there with her
Author:  jayj [ Sun Jan 09, 2011 10:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 8 January
Thanks for the comments. If anyone can guess the rather obscure source from which Frau Doktor Herzog is taken, I'll award you a prize!


Hurrying along the corridor Nancy and Nell met Frau Doktor Herzog, the doctor who was in charge of Kathie’s care, just as she was leaving Kathie’s room. Doktor Herzog stopped to speak to them, explaining to Nell that Kathie was doing as expected but had just been given something to help her sleep. Nancy paused momentarily to listen, but catching a glimpse of Kathie waving to her from inside the room, decided that she could find out what the doctor said later. Right now, it was Kathie she needed to talk to, before she drifted off to sleep again.

And so it was, a moment or two later, that Nell came into Kathie’s room to hear the confused and slightly indignant patient complaining,

“I feel like someone’s been rummaging round in my insides, and they’ve not quite put everything back where they found it.”

“Funny you should say that...” Nell murmured with a wry grin, leaning on the doorframe.

“Well, if your insides will go exploding everywhere, you can’t really expect them not to go rooting round,” Nancy said, slightly sternly, as she moved a chair closer to Kathie’s bed, and sitting in it, took hold of Kathie’s hand.

Feeling like an intruder on a private reunion, Nell decided to make herself scarce. “So now you’re awake,” she said, “I’m going to ring the school to let them know.” But she might have been talking to herself, the amount of attention Nancy and Kathie paid her. She shrugged, smiled, and left them to it.

“The nice doctor lady told me what happened. It’s lucky you found me when you did, the doctor said. I think. I’m not quite sure. Her English was a bit dubious, and my medical Swiss-German isn’t what it could be. You know, maybe we should do lessons in it at the school. I’m sure it’d come in handy, and there’s plenty of doctors around who could help with the teaching.”

Rather quietly, Nancy said, “It wasn’t me.

Kathie blinked, uncomprehendingly. "What wasn't you?"

“It wasn’t me that found you. By the time we got off the lake you were already in hospital.”

“So I was rescued by a good Samaritan, then? How very biblical. You know, I once met a Spanish boy called Jesus. Was it him?”

“Kathie!”

“Sorry. You know I get a bit incoherently voluble and verbally disjointed when I’m tired. And now I’m very tired. I think I’ve been dosed, like Matron does, only worse. Not her castor oil doses, the other ones, you know, the ones that make you sleep.”

“I know, my love.” Nancy gazed at Kathie, almost bursting with love. “You should sleep.”

“So should you. You actually look worse than I feel.”

“Hush now, my love.”

Kathie obediently closed her eyes. ”I love you Nancy,” she murmured quietly.

“I love you.” And with a heart full of relief, Nancy settled back in a chair to wait for Kathie to wake up once more. And, she thought, perhaps now she might be able to doze a little herself.
Author:  Finn [ Sun Jan 09, 2011 10:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 9 January
Glad all's well. But what's going to happen with Biddy, that's what I want to know!
Author:  Abi [ Sun Jan 09, 2011 11:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 9 January
Me too! Glad Kathie seems to be ok, though. :)
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Jan 10, 2011 5:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 9 January
I really hope Biddy and Nacy and Kathie are able to make up and Biddy apologises for her behaviour
Author:  Elbee [ Mon Jan 10, 2011 1:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 9 January
I'm so relieved that Nancy has now seen Kathie and can now relax a bit.

Thanks, jayj.
Author:  cal562301 [ Mon Jan 10, 2011 3:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 9 January
Glad everything went so well.

Am I the only one who googled Frau Doktor Herzog with little success? :lol: :roll:
Author:  cestina [ Mon Jan 10, 2011 6:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 9 January
cal562301 wrote:
Am I the only one who googled Frau Doktor Herzog with little success? :lol: :roll:

Well she's a gynaecologist in Eschweiler but I can't help feeling she might not be the one we are after :?
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Jan 10, 2011 7:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 9 January
Finn wrote:
Glad all's well. But what's going to happen with Biddy, that's what I want to know!


I can only agree! And ask for this obscure source...

Thankyou!
Author:  Chair [ Thu Jan 13, 2011 1:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 9 January
Thanks, Jayj. It is good that she has woken up.
Author:  judithR [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 3:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 9 January
cestina wrote:
cal562301 wrote:
Am I the only one who googled Frau Doktor Herzog with little success? :lol: :roll:

Well she's a gynaecologist in Eschweiler but I can't help feeling she might not be the one we are after :?


I did wonder if it's one of the non-Ameila Peabody Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Michaels?
Author:  jayj [ Sat Jan 15, 2011 7:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 9 January
Tut! I’m slightly disappointed in your collective knowledge of German tv dramas of the last 10 years. :roll: :D To explain a little, alongside the CBB, of late my chief guilty pleasure has been DVDs of Hinter Gittern: der Frauenknast, and when I realized I needed a Germanic medical professional, the lovely Kerstin Herzog barged her way in. Sorry, I’ll stop being so self-indulgent now... :D


Meeting Frau Doktor Herzog in the corridor of the hospital, Nancy smiled a greeting, and was stopped in her tracks as the doctor, returning her friendly nod, said, “You’ve got better luck than your colleague – Frau Ferrars slept through her visit.”

Nancy looked at her, puzzled. “Colleague? Frau Wilson?” she asked, though she knew it couldn’t be her. Nell had gone back up to the school the evening before, various matters at St. Mildred’s requiring her urgent attention. Now that Kathie seemed to be on the mend, and Nancy had calmed down considerably, Nell had decided she could be spared from hospital duty, and (Nell hadn’t admitted this to Nancy) she also thought she needed to go back to calm the various grumblings that were emanating from her co-head about the entire Maths department going AWOL.

“Nein,” Doktor Herzog shook her head, “the other colleague, the one who was here before.” And as she proceeded to describe this mysterious colleague, recognition dawned on Nancy, and left her more than a little thunderstruck. But as soon as she entered Kathie’s room and saw her, lying in bed and frowning up at the ceiling, all thought of the mystery colleague was pushed out of her head.

“Hello you,” Nancy said with a smile.

Jumping slightly at the sound of Nancy’s voice, Kathie turned quickly and seeing her there, suddenly beamed happily. “Hello my lovely! What a nice surprise!” As Nancy leaned over to kiss her, Kathie continued. “I wasn’t expecting you. The doctor said it’s a Tuesday – I was imagining you wrangling with Upper IVa and was feeling rather sorry for myself that I wouldn’t get to see you today.”

“Got the day off,” Nancy replied, rather quietly. Kathie raised an eyebrow, and looked at her curiously. Nancy ignored Kathie’s unspoken question, and, forcing a smile, continued, “Back in tomorrow, though, so you better make the most of me now.”

“Not sure that I can, my love,” Kathie grinned naughtily. “I’m still rather sore.”

Nancy smiled, shook her head, and tried not to blush. “Well, it sounds like you’re feeling a bit better, at least.”

“Not as better as I’d like to be, but better than I was, I think. It all seems like a rather peculiar blur punctuated by pain and wooziness.”

Nancy nodded, a haunted look stealing across her face.

Catching that look, Kathie reached out for her hand and said, “I’m sorry, my love. For – well...” She gestured with her free hand in the direction of her abdomen, and shrugged.

“Don’t be silly! You don’t need to apologise. It’s not like you did it on purpose...and I’m sorry for leaving you. I should never have gone out on the lake while you were feeling ill.” Nancy looked guilty and unhappy.

“Now who’s being silly! You weren’t to know...! And anyway, you can’t wrap me up in cotton wool. I am a fully grown grown-up, you know.”

“But still, the thought of you, in pain, on your own...” Nancy silently cursed herself as the words slipped out. She was meant to be here to comfort Kathie, not to be the one needing comfort. She didn’t want Kathie to know...to know how badly she’d reacted over the last couple of days.

“Nancy! Stop that right now. It couldn’t be helped! And I’m fine. Really, I am. I’ll be up and running around before you know it.”

Nancy gave a small smile.

“I will! Anyway, it’s good of them to give you the day off,” Kathie said.

“Ye-es. Nell arranged it. I don’t think Hilda’s too thrilled about the whole Maths department being put out of commission, but I think...I think...I think Nell thought I was in no fit state to work, really.” Nancy looked guilty again. So much for keeping it from Kathie...

Kathie squeezed her hand. “You’ve had it bad, haven’t you?”

Nancy nodded slightly. And then, forcing herself to be cheerful, said, “So, thanks for creating this opportunity for me to have an impromptu holiday, but next time you want to give me an extra couple of days off work, can you try to do it in a less dramatic way?”

Kathie chuckled. “I’ll try. Anyway, so who was my good Samaritan? I don’t think you ever said. I’d like to thank them, whoever they are.”

Nancy pulled a face. “You might be closer to the mark with that Samaritan idea than you think.”

“What on earth are you talking about?”

“Your good Samaritan – it was Biddy. Or rather, Biddy and Eugen.”

“What?” Kathie tried to sit up, but a twinge in her side told her this was not something she ought to be attempting just yet. She lay back down. “Well,” she said, looking at Nancy. Nancy’s face was oddly unreadable. A thought suddenly struck Kathie. “She’s been here,” she said, with a distant look on her face as the memory came back to her. “I...I’ve got a vague memory of waking up, and hearing a voice, praying I think, and I don’t think it was Nell, and it wasn’t you.”

With an expression that was somewhere between a grimace and a wry smile, Nancy confirmed this. “She’s been here a couple of times, apparently. I just found out from the doctor. But I haven’t seen her here. I haven’t seen her at all since Sunday, when she met Hilary and me as we came off the lake.” Nancy shuddered as the memory of that moment washed over her. “I...I wanted to thank her, of course, her and Eugen...but...I just haven’t seen her.” She shrugged.

“Well,” said Kathie again, still trying to take it all in.

“Indeed,” said Nancy. “The fact she’s just saved your life adds an interesting dimension to our current disagreement, doesn’t it?”
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Jan 15, 2011 7:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 15 January
Quote:
“Well,” said Kathie again, still trying to take it all in.


Well indeed! Hope Nancy and Biddy can repair their friendship.

Thanks for the update.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Jan 15, 2011 8:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 15 January
She's right with that last line!

Thankyou, I can't wait to see where this all goes.
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Jan 15, 2011 8:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 15 January
Hopefully Kathie's illness will help Biddy to realise what's really important.
Author:  Chair [ Sat Jan 15, 2011 9:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 15 January
Thanks, Jayj. I hope that Nancy and Biddy can be friends again.
Author:  Abi [ Sat Jan 15, 2011 11:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 15 January
Also hoping that this will help to bring them together.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Jan 16, 2011 4:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 15 January
Thanks this makes it all the more interesting :D
Author:  jayj [ Sat Jan 22, 2011 6:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 15 January
Thanks for the comments!

“Anyway, let’s not talk about that now,” Nancy continued. “I’ll be back in the lion’s den tomorrow, and that’s soon enough for me to start worrying about it.”

“I hope you’re not thinking of trying to hide things from me, Nancy Wilmot. I might be bed-bound, but I’m still here for you, and if you want to talk about this...whole situation...you can.” Kathie squeezed Nancy’s hand sympathetically.

“I know...it’s just, not now. We’ve got a day to ourselves, and I’d rather not spend it dwelling on that – it’s not like we can change anything.”

“Well,” Kathie nodded her agreement. They gazed at each other for a moment, and then Kathie’s face fell.

“What?”

“If you’re back in school tomorrow, presumably that means I’m not going to see you again until the weekend? Oh – and you’re on duty all day Saturday. So that means I’m not going to see you until Sunday. If they let you come down and see me then...” Kathie looked desperately glum, and it was Nancy’s turn to give her hand a reassuring squeeze.

“Has no-one told you? You’re going to be moved up to the San on Thursday if they can sort out transport for you. So you’ll only have one day on your own, and then you'll be back up on the Platz and I’ll be over as often as I can, and on top of that I imagine you’ll have no shortage of visitors.”

Kathie looked relieved. “Really? Oh, that’s such good news. I thought I was going to be stuck here on my own...And it’ll be nice to have more company.”

“Am I not enough for you?”

“You know you are. But you won’t be able to be with me all the time, and it’ll be nice to see other people. And, you know, it was good to have Nell here, but I found it really hard to talk to her. I’ve always been a little scared of her, and when she was here I kept remembering I was lying in my pyjamas, and then I wasn’t able to speak properly...”

Nancy shrugged. “Nell’s been great, this last few days. I think...” A cloud passed across her face as she thought for a moment about the situation she wasn’t meant to be thinking about. “I think it’s good thing she’s on our side. She might be...” Nancy grimaced slightly, “...a good ally.”

“I don’t think I’d’ve expected it of her, really. She always strikes me as being...well, fierce and unsentimental, and it seems like she’s been...well...she’s been looking after you, hasn’t she?”

Nancy nodded, and after a moment or two's thought, decided to share with Kathie an idea that had come to her in the last few days. “Don’t say anything to anyone else, but I think...there might be a reason for that. I think,” here Nancy lowered her voice, “she might be on our side in more ways than one.”

Kathie looked at her, and then opened her eyes wide.

“Nell?”

Nancy nodded.

Kathie grinned and chuckled. “Actually, I can completely imagine that.”

“I don’t think I want to know what you’re imagining,” Nancy looked at her sternly.

“Nothing like that, Nancy! All that imagining is reserved solely for you.”

“Glad to hear it!” Nancy smiled at her, and then, resolving to put her anxieties to one side for the rest of the day, reached into her bag and brought out a rather large book. “And to reward you for that, I’ve brought you a present.”

Kathie looked at it and frowned.

“That, my love, is an atlas.”

“I did expect you to spot that, you know.” Nancy returned, “If you didn’t, I might’ve had to speak to Hilda and Nell about you having got your job on false pretences.”

“Well, since I didn’t get my job on false pretences and I know exactly what an atlas is, why have you brought it? It’s not really ideal present material, is it? Isn’t it a bit...hmm, insensitive...to bring the incapacitated geography teacher one of the tools of her trade? If I was a builder, would you bring me some bricks to taunt me with while I’m lying here? Or...if I was a plumber, some copper piping? Or if I was....a zoo keeper, a giraffe? Or if I was...”

Laughing, Nancy interrupted her at that point. “Oh my god, you’re so ungrateful...!”

“Well, come on, it’ll take a better present than that to win my gratitude.” Kathie frowned with mock-severity.

“Kathleen Ferrars! Do you want me to go and leave you here all on your own?”

“Yes! I’d like you to go and get me a better present. One that’s less about work, and more about...fun.”

“You are an outrage.”

“No, I am an invalid, and I need presents.”

“I don’t think presents are actually part of your prescribed treatment.”

“They are, ask the doctor.”

Nancy held up her hands, and sighed. “If you’d’ve let me finish before you launched into your diatribe about giraffes and turtles and antelopes...”

“I didn’t even mention turtles or antelopes,” Kathie huffed.

“...then you’d’ve found out that this atlas is actually a fun atlas, not a work atlas, because it comes with these train timetables, and this guidebook, and this list of campsites.” As she spoke, Nancy reached into her bag, brought out these items, and deposited them on Kathie’s bed. “And this notebook.” With a flourish, Nancy tossed the notebook in Kathie’s direction.

As Kathie reached up to catch it, she stretched and grimaced.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Nancy said, looking at her with concern.

Kathie shook her head. “It’s ok, my fault. And I’m fine. What is this, anyway?” Eagerly she flipped open the cover of the notebook to reveal the first page on which Nancy had written ‘Holiday Plans’ in big, bold script. Kathie looked up at her with a big grin.

“Holidays?”

“I thought, maybe, we could spend today doing a bit of daydreaming about what we might get up to this summer.” Nancy suddenly looked a bit worried, anxious that she was presuming too much. “That is, if you want to come away with me?”

“Nancy, you donkey, there’s nothing I want more. Now, hand me that fun atlas and I’ll show you how good I am with maps...”
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Jan 22, 2011 7:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 January
What a lovely, caring interlude. thanks for the update.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Jan 22, 2011 7:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 January
What an ace present - and what an idiot Kathie is! :lol:

Thankyou, that was lovely, and nice that they've 'figured out' Nell, too.
Author:  chris84 [ Sat Jan 22, 2011 7:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 January
That was lovely , Thank you am really enjoying this :) .
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Jan 22, 2011 7:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 January
That was really nice :D .
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Jan 23, 2011 2:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 January
Thanks, am really enjoying seeing Kathie and Nancy together
Author:  shazwales [ Sun Jan 23, 2011 3:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 January
Just caught up with this,thank you.
Author:  jayj [ Sun Jan 23, 2011 12:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 January
Glad that you're still enjoying this! :D


“How is she?”

It had been late when Nancy had returned to the school on Tuesday evening, and after a quick chat with Nell she’d gone to bed, avoiding the rest of her colleagues. The last few days had taken a toll on her and though she was grieved to be apart from Kathie, part of her was relieved to be going back into the classroom. The classroom was, peculiarly, a place she could hide, and sometimes she felt herself disappearing as she stood at the front of the classroom. She could become a function, a voice, a performance. She could feel as if she was outside of herself, like she was watching someone else on stage. She could become Nancy the teacher, and all the other Nancys that she could be – the complicated, the confused, the desperate, the passionate - they all faded.

Being in the classroom was one thing. The girls knew nothing – or very little – about what had happened that weekend, and performing in front of them was something with which she was comfortable. But going back into the staffroom was something rather different. There would be the concerned colleagues, the nosy colleagues and the indifferent colleagues, and Nancy felt she had a row to start with all of them. She’d flinch under the pity of the concerned, become annoyed at the curiosity of the nosy, and be furious at the indifferent ones who didn’t seem to care that Kathie was lying in hospital. And on top of those, there was Biddy.

So she’d avoided the staffroom before school but now it was break and she was going to have to go and face it. That people might know about her – about her and Kathie – and about this peculiar situation with Biddy – wasn’t really the problem. The problem, rather, was that she felt...naked, defenceless, armourless... without Kathie there.

And so she loitered in the classroom. Could she stay here over break time? No-one would notice, surely? A pile of text books was stacked rather untidily on a low cupboard. How long could she stay here, pretending that she was tidying them up?

“Nance, did you hear me?” A touch on her arm brought her back to earth. “I said, how is she? And how are you?” Peggy was stood next to her, and Sharlie was standing in the doorway. Nancy looked carefully, first at one of them and then the other, guessed she had nothing to fear from these two, at least, and almost managed a smile.

“She’s...she’ll be fine.”

Peggy nodded. “Good, that’s what Nell said. And what about you?”

“Me?”

Peggy regarded her sternly.

Quietly, Nancy said, “I’m fine.”

“Fine?” Peggy looked at her sceptically, then shrugged. “Fine. Well, come on, let’s go and get some coffee.” Seeing Nancy’s hesitation, she said, “Look, come with us, and we’ll ward off the inquisition. It’ll be...well...fine...” She ended with a grimace.

Flanked by her two protectors, and letting them absorb questions about Kathie’s wellbeing, Nancy felt emboldened and even able to chip in a word of her own here and there. And thanks to her white knights, Nancy got through breaktime and lunchtime and afternoon break, and, so, exhausted and lulled into an odd contentment that came from the regular rhythm of the school day, it was without trepidation that she entered the staffroom at the end of lessons. But as soon as she opened the door she cursed herself for letting down her guard, for there was one person in the room and it was the one person around whom she needed to be most careful.

Seeing her come into the room, Biddy stood up. “We need to talk. Away from here,” she said tersely.

Unprepared, and fumbling desperately for words, Nancy replied, “Biddy, I wanted to say, thank you. For what you did. Or...rather, I don’t know how I can ever thank you enough.”

“Please don’t thank me. I didn’t...I didn’t do it for you.” They both grimaced. “I mean...I – we – only did what anyone in that position would have done.”

“Perhaps, but thank you anyway,” persisted Nancy.

“Nancy, don’t. I don’t...just...please.”

An awkward silence descended. “Let’s...” said Biddy, gesturing in the direction of the door. She set off out of the staffroom, and as if she had no will of her own, Nancy followed.

Just as they were leaving the school buildings, Biddy felt a weight crash into her, and propel her backwards into Nancy. As the two mistresses found themselves in a tangled heap on the floor, the weight revealed itself to be Con Maynard, who, late for prep, had been dashing into school without looking where she was going.

“Miss O’Ryan! Miss Wilmot! Oh, I’m ever so sorry...” Con, looking mortified, tried to help the two teachers to their feet.

“Constance Maynard!” Biddy exclaimed, as she dusted herself down. “Are you meant to be here? No? And are you meant to be running? No? Well, you better get to where you ought to be before anyone finds out you’re somewhere where you ought not to be. And don’t run!”

For one brief moment, catching each other’s eye as Con hurried away as quickly as she could without running, Nancy and Biddy forgot everything that had happened, and grinned at one another. But as quickly as that moment of collegial camaraderie came, it fled again, and remembering themselves, their grins froze, they looked away, and without speaking, they set off again on their steady walk away from the school buildings.

They walked until they reached the edge of the cricket field, and it was then that Biddy broke the silence.

“Nancy, I’m sorry.” They came to a standstill and stood looking at each other. Nancy opened her mouth to speak, but no sound came. Biddy continued. “For...all of this. I wish it hadn’t happened. Oh, if only we could turn back the clock!”

At those words, Nancy felt a little hope tug at her heart, but she saw that Biddy’s face was solemn and that hope ran away and hid somewhere dark.

“If only you’d never....Nancy, why did you have to say anything? Couldn’t you just have left it? If you hadn’t said anything...If I didn’t know, then maybe...things could have stayed the way they were.”

Biddy looked at her desperately, and Nancy saw that she was crying. “I wish...I wish I could give you a hug, and say ‘It’s alright’, and then everything could go back to the way it was before,” Biddy was saying. “But I can’t. I wish I could say ‘It doesn’t matter’. But it does matter. I can’t get over that. I can’t. I’ve tried, and I can’t. I can’t...condone...what you’re doing. I just can’t, Nancy. I don’t believe it’s right. You might believe it is, but that’s between you and your God. And...I’ll respect that, but I can’t do any more than that. I can’t like it, and I don’t agree with it. I’m sorry.”

Nancy looked at her, barely comprehending. Biddy continued,

“What I wanted...what I needed to say to you is this. We can’t be friends. But let’s not row. I’m going to go to Hilda and tell her that there’ll be no more trouble from me about...this. I won’t make things difficult for you. Or Kathie. But let’s just...let’s just stay out of each other’s way.”

For a moment, Biddy looked as if she had more to say, but instead she shrugged, then she turned and went back to the school, leaving Nancy stood there, staring after her.
Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Jan 23, 2011 1:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 23 January
Biddy and Nancy may not think it but Biddy has come a long way in a short time. She needs to come further before she and Nancy can be friends again, but it is now possible.
Author:  marni [ Sun Jan 23, 2011 3:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 23 January
just caught up on this jayj. Lovely to see it again. I just wish that Biddy could accept that people have the right to do what they believe is ok and right for them without the risk of losing a friendship. What Nancy and Kathie do doesn't make a difference to Biddy's life. Losing a friendship that has lasted for since childhood will. Thank you.
Author:  Liz K [ Sun Jan 23, 2011 3:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 23 January
:( Ooooohhhhh dear! Very sad. :(
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Jan 23, 2011 5:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 23 January
At least Biddy's not going to make trouble for them, but what a shame that she's unable to accept that people have the right to do what they want. I suppose it's very hard if you've been taught that something is wrong, but it's sad even so.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Jan 23, 2011 6:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 23 January
I don't know, I think that there is sense in what she says. If she can't accept what Nancy feels - whatever the rights or wrongs of that - then she can't be Nancy's friend, because it's too big a part of Nancy's life. At least she isn't trying to force Nancy to choose between them.

Thankyou.
Author:  Abi [ Sun Jan 23, 2011 9:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 23 January
I think it's sad but realistic. If that's really how it feels then I think she's done the best and most mature thing possible. And maybe she'll feel, later on, that she can be friendly with Nancy and Kathie, even if she still doesn't believe that what they're doing is right.
Author:  Chair [ Mon Jan 24, 2011 10:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 23 January
Thanks, Jayj. At least they have cleared the air a little. They will still be able to both work at the school, even though it is sad that they aren't friends.
Author:  chris84 [ Fri Jan 28, 2011 11:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 23 January
Thank you Jayj. That was really sad, but at least theres hope Biddy might come to accept them eventually. :)
Author:  seven [ Sat Feb 05, 2011 4:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 23 January
Please can we know what happens next jayj? It's a brilliant story so thank you so much.
Author:  jayj [ Sun Feb 06, 2011 3:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 23 January
Not an update, I'm afraid - work's suddenly got rather demanding, and other bits of RL keep veering into being ridiculous, so my brain's a bit too fried to let me do drabbling at the mo...

Anyway, even though I don't have an update for you, I did think readers of this drabble might be interested to know that it's LGBT history month at the moment, and in honour of that, here's two bits of LGBT history for you.

Firstly, a sad but catchy song about gay pirates:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dysG12QCdTA

And secondly, and perhaps with both more historical accuracy and more pertinence for the subject matter of this drabble, an interesting video on 'Coming out in the 1950s', which, if you can get over the cheesily enthusiastic American teenagers at the beginning and end, is really rather interesting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGOnoPnmeH4

Normal drabble service will be resumed in due course, I promise!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Feb 06, 2011 6:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 23 January
Thankyou for the links - you're right, that song is catchy. Too catchy.

I shall keep my fingers crossed for an update soon! :D
Author:  jayj [ Mon Feb 07, 2011 10:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 23 January
ooh, look, it's an update! I wasn't expecting to be writing one today, but I had to go to a really awkward work/social event this evening (you know the kind I mean, where you end up saying the *wrong* thing to the *wrong* people) and, given there was nothing decent on telly when I got home, I thought I'd distract myself from the horror of the evening's events with this...


Nancy stood there staring after Biddy for a several minutes. She knew that the outcome of their conversation shouldn’t really have been a shock to her, but it was. It was a shock to have Biddy renounce their friendship, not in anger, but in sorrow. There was no going back.

Eventually, she began to move in the direction of school but stopped after just a few paces. The school didn’t seem like a good place to be. Sharlie and Peggy had been great with her all day but Sharlie was Kathie’s friend, really, and Nancy didn’t want to trespass too much on that friendship. And Peggy... For the last week or so, Peggy had been attempting to maintain a careful balance between Nancy and Biddy, trying desperately to favour neither one nor the other. Nancy knew that Peggy didn’t want to side with either of her friends – but if this breach between herself and Biddy was to be permanent, and that was indeed how it looked – then Peggy would have to choose. No matter how grown up they all tried to be about this, one way or another, Peggy would have to choose. And Nancy feared that she wouldn’t be chosen. And then she’d’ve lost two friends, not just one. And when Peggy went, who else would go too?

So it was she found herself at St Mildred's, in Gill Culver’s office, asking if Nell was around, being informed that she’d just popped out, and accepting Gill’s offer of a cup of tea while she waited for her to return.

“Or,” said Gill, “You couldn’t actually make the tea yourself, could you? I really need to get this finished as soon as I can.” She gestured at the typewriter.

“Course I can.” Nancy smiled at her. “They’ve got you working late,” she added, conversationally.

Gill scowled and shook her head. “Yes, I know,” she replied through gritted teeth.

Seeing that Gill really didn’t want to be distracted, Nancy quietly set about making the tea. Once she’d done this, she placed a mug on Gill’s desk, together with a biscuit she’d found in a tin. Having gained a grateful nod in return, she settled herself in a chair to wait.

It wasn’t long before Nell appeared. “Gill, you’re not still working on that. Stop, woman! You are aware that we don’t pay overtime, aren’t you?”

“It needs to be done, Nell,“ Gill replied, not looking up, and continuing her typing.

“It can be done tomorrow. And Abendessen’s going to be called in a moment...oh, hello!” she said, suddenly spotting Nancy. “How are you?” Before the words were even out of her mouth, Nell registered the haunted look on Nancy’s face, decided it was unlikely that she’d get a positive answer to that question, so followed it immediately with another. “Join us for dinner?”

“I...um...yes?” was the best that Nancy could do in response.

“Good. Now, Gill, put that typewriter down and do come along,” Nell declared, and herded the pair of them in the direction of the dining room.

***

After dinner, Nancy found herself sat in a comfortable armchair in Nell’s study. The evening had grown chilly, and while they were at dinner, a fire had been laid and was now roaring merrily.

Nell poured her a gin. “Tonic?” she asked.

Nancy nodded, with a wry smile. “I think so. Things are bad, but they’re not quite bad enough for neat gin...”

Nell fixed her own drink, and sat down in the other armchair.

“So, do you want to talk, or...”

“...or what, sit here and get drunk?”

Nell chuckled. “Well?” she said, with an eyebrow raised.

“A bit of both?” Nancy offered. After a sip or two, and staring into the fire, she began to tell Nell of her most recent encounter with Biddy. “I’m sorry for...burdening you with this,” she concluded. “Maybe I should have spoken to Hilary or Peggy or someone. They’d be sympathetic, sure, but...you understand, don’t you? You understand.”

If Nell nodded, the movement was barely perceptible. She stared into the fire for a moment. “Nancy, I’ll help you – you, and Kathie – as much as I can. But you know this isn’t a good situation. Biddy might not say anything, but other people might. And,” Nell grimaced as she swallowed down the feeling of disloyalty that swept over her, “Hilda...” she trailed off.

“Will she want us to leave?” Nancy asked quickly, worried.

“No,” Nell said quickly, and then hedged a little, “at least...no...oh...I can’t say, to tell the truth. She’s...finding this whole situation rather difficult to deal with.” Feeling guilty for passing on this insight, but recognizing that so much was at stake for Nancy and for Kathie, Nell decided to be honest. “I think...it’s not something she’s ever thought of before. As far as I’m aware, no-one’s ever mentioned anything like...this...to her before....I think it’s all a bit of a shock. I mean, I suppose she might have known about it, in the abstract, but to have it in her school...”

“But...surely we’re not the first...this is a school full of female teachers, for God’s sake!” Nancy interjected. “Me and Kathie can’t be the only ones...” She stopped and looked at Nell. “I mean, we’re not, are we?”

Both of them were well aware that though Nancy’s question was couched in general terms, she was asking something very specific of Nell.

Nell looked back at Nancy, wearing an expression that ordered her to stop fishing. And then slowly, that expression softened ever so slightly, as memories of her younger self flooded back, and she shook her head. “No,” Nell agreed with a sigh. “No, you’re not the only ones.”
Author:  Finn [ Mon Feb 07, 2011 11:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 7 February
Hmm! Interested to see where this is going, jayj! :D
Author:  Abi [ Tue Feb 08, 2011 12:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 7 February
Thanks for the update!
Author:  Liz K [ Tue Feb 08, 2011 6:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 7 February
Oh dear, so sad, all the ripples this is causing.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Feb 08, 2011 6:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 7 February
Thanks am really enjoying this
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Feb 08, 2011 7:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 7 February
Also looking forward to seeing what Nell has to say.
Author:  KathrynW [ Tue Feb 08, 2011 1:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 7 February
Thank you JayJ, I'm glad that Nancy feels she can turn to Nell and I think it's good for her to haver someone that she can talk to apart from Kathie.
Author:  Bryony [ Tue Feb 08, 2011 4:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 7 February
Thank you jayj!

Now, wondering if Nell in this universe...

a) has decided to put all that love business behind her now and concentrate on work;
b) is harbouring a deep but tragically unrequited passion for Hilda;
c) has some OTHER woman (perhaps installed in a secret cosy love nest on the Platz?); or
d) some combination of the above.

Please post again soon and let us know!
Author:  chris84 [ Tue Feb 08, 2011 4:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 7 February
Thank you for the update am enjoying this. :D
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Feb 08, 2011 6:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 7 February
Hurrah - thankyou for the update! I hope that Nell can help them, Nancy and Kathie, and Hilda too.
Author:  marni [ Tue Feb 08, 2011 6:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 7 February
Thanks for the update. I hope that Nell can help them without causing too many problems to herself.
Author:  jayj [ Wed Feb 16, 2011 6:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 7 February
Thanks for the comments!
Bryony wrote:
Now, wondering if Nell in this universe...

a) has decided to put all that love business behind her now and concentrate on work;
b) is harbouring a deep but tragically unrequited passion for Hilda;
c) has some OTHER woman (perhaps installed in a secret cosy love nest on the Platz?); or
d) some combination of the above.


Hmm...in an alternative universe, I'd go for c) and suggest that all the clues point to the other woman being...JOEY! Because, why else would Joey follow the school wherever it goes? And why else would she name her daughter after Nell....??

Sadly (or rather, thankfully :D ) however, that's not what happens in this drabble!


“Tea? Coffee?”

“Do – do you have anything stronger?” Hilda asked rather shyly, as she took off her jacket and hung it up on the back of Nell’s study door, before going to sit on the sofa.

Nell grinned, and went to open the cupboard behind her desk. “Of course,” she said, but as she picked up the gin she grimaced a little. There was a lot less in the bottle than there had been the previous evening. She and Nancy had given it a bit of a battering last night. No wonder she’d felt so rough this morning.

“I’ve just come from the San,” Hilda said, as Nell handed her a glass.

“How is she?”

“Kathie?” Nell nodded. “She’s looking quite well, considering she’s just had a major surgery. I spoke to Jack Maynard, though. He says there’s absolutely no chance of her being back before the end of term.”

“No, I thought as much,” Nell agreed. “But there’s only a couple of weeks left, and given it’s exam season, Nancy’s got fewer lessons with the upper forms, so it shouldn’t be too hard to tweak the timetable to make sure that none of Kathie’s classes miss too much.”

“Nancy was at the San,” Hilda said, trying to keep her voice calm and level.

Nell shrugged. “I suppose it’s going to be hard to keep her away from there.”

Hilda said nothing, but took a sip of the gin, and then sighed. After a moment, she said, quietly, “Oh Nell, I just don’t know what to do about all this. Biddy came to see me yesterday. She said she’s going to...well, that she and Nancy have...agreed to disagree over this.”

Nell nodded.

“You knew?”

“Nancy came to see me yesterday.”

Hilda narrowed her eyes.

“I don’t want us to...to end up taking sides over this, Nell.”

Nell looked at her carefully. “It won’t come to that,” she said firmly.

“But even if Biddy has decided to drop this – that doesn’t really mean that it’s over, does it?”

“No. It just means...we all have to tread carefully.”

They sat in silence for a moment or two.

“Oh, if only they’d stop this...foolishness!” Hilda exclaimed.

“Is that what you think it is? Foolishness?” Nell asked tentatively.

“Well, how else would you describe it? They can’t be serious about this, surely? It’s just wro- well, it’s hardly sensible. And they’re putting so much at risk – their reputations, their careers, this school – for a passing, foolish whim!”

Nell put down her glass. “I don’t think it’s a passing foolish whim. Have you seen them together?”

Hilda sighed and nodded. “Yes, this evening. Oh, they weren’t being inappropriate, or even demonstrative, but you can see they’re clearly...well, they’re...” She trailed off.

“In love?” Nell supplied with a grin.

Hilda grimaced. “Oh, that’s what it looks like, but...isn’t it just that...well, that they’ve not met the right man yet?”

Nell folded her arms across her chest. “Hilda, that’s not really how it works. It’s not about...passing time until the right man comes along. It’s just...it’s just the way some people are.”

Hilda exhaled deeply. “Well, that may be the case. But, well, it’s not normal.” Fleetingly, a dark look passed over Nell’s face. “Or, no, I don’t mean not normal, but it’s not accepted. It’s not what society thinks is right. And if the parents find out...? But Nancy’s one of us. I can’t just...throw her to the wolves. So I don’t know what to do. I mean, is it even possible to sweep this under the carpet?”

Nell chuckled to herself, “In my experience that’s generally what happens...”

“Really?”

“It’s not all that uncommon,” Nell said, matter-of-factly.

Hilda took a deep breath. “Nell, what do you know...about this...this kind of thing?”

“I know,” Nell said simply, and as Hilda looked at her questioningly, Nell recognized the unspoken question, and nodded, ever so slightly, flinching inwardly as she did so.

But the shock, the disappointment, the anger on Hilda’s face – all the emotions Nell had expected to see there – they never came. Instead, a quiet sadness revealed itself, as Hilda realized that it wasn’t the situation with Nancy and Kathie that had thrown her so badly off balance this last week, but rather her growing suspicion about Nell. It was the dawning revelation that despite their closeness, there was something about Nell that she’d never picked up on and had never quite understood.

“Oh Nell, why didn’t you say anything?” Hilda looked at her imploringly.

“Say what, exactly? It’s not something that I wanted – that I want – to talk about,” Nell replied stiffly.

“But this is me you’re talking to, Nell.”

“What good would it have done to tell you? And anyway,” Nell laughed slightly, but there was an edge of bitterness to her laugh, “For a long time, frankly, there’s been nothing to tell.”

“Don’t you trust me?”

“I - I didn’t want to lose you."
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Feb 16, 2011 6:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 16 February
This is interesting. It often seems that Nell and Hilda are a couple, but Hilda, perhaps because she places a lot of emphasis on religion, always seems far more conventional than Nell does. & Nell is very close to Con Stewart in the early days, but Con is engaged to Jock. I'd never thought of putting Nell and Joey together, though, I must admit :roll: !
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Feb 16, 2011 7:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 16 February
Thanks for the update. Hoping Hilda's response means she is starting to be more open and accepting.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Feb 16, 2011 8:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 16 February
Hmm, Nell and Joey... with Jack, the nights he can get off from the San.? :D

Thankyou for the update. I like that Hilda wants to be supportive, even if she doesn't quite know how yet.
Author:  Bryony [ Wed Feb 16, 2011 9:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 16 February
Super as always jayj - thank you!

Sounds like Nell and Joey might need a drabble of their own (though perhaps we're talking St Clare's here...)
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Feb 17, 2011 7:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 16 February
Thanks, I don't think some people realise that simply from the way they are and what they think, that others find it hard to talk about certain things
Author:  KathrynW [ Thu Feb 17, 2011 4:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 16 February
Thank you JayJ, it will be really interesting to see how Hilda works her way through this and the effect that it has on her relationship with Nell.
Author:  jayj [ Thu Feb 17, 2011 4:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 16 February
I'm feeling slightly traumatized by the idea of Nell and Joey - I think I'm going to scrub that one from my brain...

A bit of this next part is influenced by Finn's wonderful Tea and Militancy, which if you don't already read, you should, cos it's fab. I hope he doesn't mind me taking one or two hints from there :D


“I’d already lost too much,” Nell said. “I didn’t want to lose you too.”

“That wouldn’t have happened.”

“It happens. Look at Nancy and Biddy.” Hilda gazed at Nell for a moment, recognizing the truth of her words. “Anyhow,” Nell continued, “We’re not going to get anywhere with this whole situation by discussing my...my...past.”

Hilda looked at her sympathetically, and then, with a slight glint of mischief in her eye said, “No. But...you might have some valuable experience which will help us sort this out. So, let’s say you have experience of...relationships like this?”

Nell nodded.

“Taking place in a school...?”

Nell nodded again.

“In this school...?” Hilda asked, the mischief in her voice tinged with incredulity.

After a couple of moments, Nell nodded once more. Then, despite herself, she chuckled. “One or two,” she admitted with a grin.

“Nell!” Hilda’s eyes opened wide, and she thought furiously. Suddenly, something clicked into place. “Con?” she asked tentatively.

“Con,” Nell agreed, with a slight frown. She stared hard at the carpet.

Hilda gave vent to a low whistle. “And I had no idea...You said there was more than one? Who else?”

The gloom that had settled on Nell when Hilda had mentioned Con’s name lifted slightly. Leaning back in her chair, Nell said, “Oh, she left before you arrived. It was a glorious – well, glorious and rather complicated – fling in my first year in Tyrol...” Nell’s eyes became distant.

Hilda shook her head ever so slightly, and smiled to herself. She’d never seen Nell looking so whimsical before.

“Did – did Madge, or Therese, ever know?”

“Madge? No. One or two other people did know about that first one – Sally Denny did, would you believe? Therese, I think, might have had some idea about Con and I, but she never said anything.”

Hilda contemplated this. “So, from that, one might infer that there is a precedent for sweeping...this kind of thing...under the carpet?”

Nell nodded and then breathed in sharply. “I suppose so. But I feel...oh, a bit like I’ve got a big vested interest in what happens to Nancy and Kathie. As in, am I trying to save them to save my own skin? So...I don’t know if you can rely on my decision-making here.”

“But you think they should be allowed to stay?”

“Of course. Nancy’s an excellent teacher, one of our best. And like you said, she’s one of us. And Kathie’s very promising – she’s had one or two bumps but she’s looking like a real teacher.”

Hilda nodded her agreement. “But is their relationship likely to affect their work?”

“I’d say...ordinarily not. Obviously, this week it has, but in the normal run of things, I’d say, probably not. And I think they can be trusted to be fairly discreet. But...getting involved with someone you work with...it’s not always a good idea. When it goes wrong, it’s...it’s hell, frankly.” The dark gloom returned to Nell’s countenance.

“What happened?”

“With Con? You mean, why did she go off with Jock?”

Hilda nodded.

“You’d have to ask her that, I suppose.”

“Oh, Nell. I just wish that you’d been able to talk to me.”

“I couldn’t have told you about it, Hilda. It was...complicated enough as it was, without anyone else getting involved.”

“Oh, Nell.”

“Stop ‘oh Nell’-ing me! I’m fine about it, now. It was a long time ago. And back to the matter in hand...I’m not going to be the one to stomp all over their current happiness just because further down the line one of them might get their heart broken...don’t say it, Hilda!”

“What?”

“I could see you were about to ‘oh Nell' me again! Don’t.”

Hilda sheepishly grinned an apology. “Right, we want them both to stay. And we can’t stop them being together, as long as they’re discreet. But we need to keep this very low key. Will – will you have a word with them, and let them know that? I want to keep this unofficial, I think, and if I speak to them, it risks becoming official doctrine.”

“You want to keep it deniable, you mean?”

“No! Yes...perhaps...no...oh Nell, just pour me another drink, will you?”
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Feb 17, 2011 4:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 17 February
:lol: I think that if a certain young lady is now creeping into other drabbles, she's very close to becoming unofficial canon, in which case, we'd better all watch out!

Thankyou for the update. It was really nice to see Hilda and Nell together, and I loved Nell teasing!
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Feb 17, 2011 4:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 17 February
It's sad, but it's very believable that Con might have felt that she had to do the conventional thing and settle down with a husband.

I'm just imagining Hilda proclaiming that it's official doctrine that workplace relationships are tolerated provided that those concerned are discreet, and then half a dozen other pairs of mistresses coming forward to tell everyone that they're couples as well :lol: .
Author:  shesings [ Thu Feb 17, 2011 7:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 17 February
This gets more intriguing as it goes along -thanks! :D
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Feb 17, 2011 8:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 17 February
Thank you for the update.
Author:  chris84 [ Thu Feb 17, 2011 9:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 17 February
Thank you. :D
Author:  Finn [ Fri Feb 18, 2011 1:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 17 February
I don't mind - in fact I'm very flattered :) and also I just punched a wall, but htat's because I'm a bit addled (I wasn't drinking tonight, honest guv, I wasn't) but also over-enthusiastic. I love this drabble - Tahnks, jayj! You write everyone so realisitically.

I'm not pissed, honest - I really do enjoy it muchly and am v. flattered. But OW my hand.
Author:  shesings [ Fri Feb 18, 2011 4:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 17 February
Love this drabble and Tea and Militancy, love that little bit of crossover! (Clever jayj and Clever Finn).
Author:  jayj [ Fri Feb 18, 2011 9:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 17 February
Thanks for the comments! Finn, I hope your hand's better :) . And that your hangover wasn't too bad...

Some of this was written when I, like Kathie, was waiting to have some stitches taken out. Itchy stitches are not fun!


“My stitches itch,” a voice growled from the bed.

“And it’s lovely to see you, too, my love,” Nancy replied with a smile, as she came into Kathie’s room.

“It is lovely to see you. But my stitches itch. And I can’t do anything about it. And it’s been driving me mad all day,” said the impatient patient.

“Well, I think I know a cure for that,” Nancy said, approaching the bed.

“Do you?”

“Yes. Now, close your eyes.”

Kathie obeyed, and as she did so, Nancy bent down and kissed her gently.

“How are your stitches now?”

“Mmm, better,” Kathie said. “Oh, no wait, they itch again. You better do that again.”

“Again?”

“I think so, yes. Mmm, that’s better.”

“Good.”

Nancy perched on the edge of the bed, taking her partner’s hand in her own as she did so.

“How are you? Apart from the stitches?”

“Much the better for seeing you. Are you here on your own?” Kathie asked.

Nancy shook her head. “No, Sharlie and Ruth are here too. They – er - tactfully decided to visit the bathroom, and sent me on ahead.”

“How very nice of them.”

Nancy nodded. “It was. I think we better take some more advantage of their niceness,” she said, leaning down to kiss Kathie once more. She was interrupted by a knock on the door, and quickly she moved from the bed to the chair at Kathie’s side.

“Are you both decent?” Ruth said, peeking her head round the door. “I’ve heard about you two and unlocked doors.”

Kathie and Nancy both flushed red.

“I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Nancy said, mustering as much dignity as she could at the same time as looking very shifty.

“Oh, I’m fairly sure you know exactly what I’m talking about,” Ruth breezily retorted as she came into the room.

Sharlie, following Ruth into the room, looked at her enquiringly. “Am I missing something here?”

Ruth leaned over to Sharlie. “When you get a quiet moment, you might want to ask Peggy what she saw in Geneva.”

“Or, you know, you might not,” Nancy responded. “It’s not at all interesting...I’m going to kill Peggy.”

Ruth smirked, and Sharlie looked confused.

“What? What happened?”

“Oh, for God’s sake, all that happened is that she walked in on us! Can’t we all...grow up a bit? It’s not like it’s the biggest scandal in the world!” Kathie said, from the bed.

“Walked in on you...?” Sharlie said, and then, as her confusion lifted, she turned pink. “Oh...!”

Having successfully managed to turn her three colleagues three different shades of embarrassment, Ruth decided to change the subject. “So, are we playing cards then, or what?”

***

“Come on you ‘orrible lot, it’s time you were off.” Several hours later, Matron Graves stuck her head round the door of Kathie’s room.

“But Helen, it’s a Friday...” Ruth turned to look at her imploringly.

“Yes, I know it’s a Friday, but this is a medical establishment not a...drinking establishment,” she said, spotting the bottle that Sharlie was hastily hiding. “Ruth, you’ve not brought alcohol into my Sanatorium!”

“Of course I haven’t,” Ruth said, smiling sweetly and quite glossing over the fact that she’d bought the bottle of wine, but had handed it to Sharlie to carry into the building. “Be nice, Helen. You’re only grumpy because you’re working on a Friday night.”

“There may be some truth in that, Ruth Derwent, but the fact that I’ve had to come down here three times to tell you off for making too much noise hasn’t been particularly beneficial to my mood. And rules is rules, and the rules say you all have to leave now.”

“But aren’t you in charge of making the rules? Couldn’t you be...a little flexible?”

Matron Graves folded her arms, and glared at Ruth.

“Ok, ok...we’ll be going,” Ruth capitulated.

Helen Graves stood in the doorway as they packed up their various belongings, keen to ensure that the raucous visitors were actually leaving. As Ruth and Sharlie said their goodbyes to the patient, Ruth caught Nancy’s eye and winked. She’d seen how Nancy and Kathie were, respectively, becoming increasingly anxious and forlorn at the prospect of saying farewell under the Matron’s eagle eye, and she decided to do something about it.

“Oh, but Helen,” she said, going over to her friend, “Are you sure you don’t have time for a drink? Come on, when do you finish work? 10? Why don’t you come over to the school with us....” That was all Nancy and Kathie heard as Ruth led the Matron away down the corridor. Sharlie gave them a knowing smile and followed close behind.

“Ruth’s funny,” Kathie murmured, as Nancy caught her hand.

“She’s rather ingenious, sometimes. Sometimes, though, she’s a nightmare. Poor Helen...! Now, are you going to be alright for the rest of the evening? We haven’t been too rowdy for you, have we?”

Kathie shook her head, contentedly.

“No, I’ve had a lovely time. But it’ll seem awfully quiet when you’ve gone. I’m going to miss you. I wish - oh, I wish I could just curl up with you, Nance.”

“I know. Soon, I promise. And I’ll be back tomorrow. Hilda’s given me the afternoon off, so, if you’ve no objections, I’ll come over and see you?“

“No objections at all. I love you, Nance.”

“I love you. Sleep well.”
Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Feb 18, 2011 9:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 February
Thanks for the update. Ruth really had the others embarrassed there.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Feb 18, 2011 9:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 February
I'm glad Ruth was able to tease them about it as it puts the relationship on a normal level and she was extremely tactful at getting rid of Matron so Nancy and Kathie could say goodbye.

BTW I love the reference to Susie. She's up there with MA, Elsie Bradshaw, Butcher and Geri as one of my all time favourite original characters
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Feb 18, 2011 10:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 February
:lol: Ruth was great there.
Author:  Abi [ Sat Feb 19, 2011 1:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 February
Ah, isn't Ruth nice? Thanks for that, JayJ!
Author:  jayj [ Sat Feb 19, 2011 3:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 18 February
Thanks for the comments! Another update for you - I'm being rather prolific, this week :D

“Nancy, how many times do you need to check that bag? The passports and the tickets are in there. You’ve checked. And you’ve checked again. And you’ve thrice checked.” It was early evening in Interlaken, and the two women had just climbed aboard the sleeper train destined for Paris.

Ignoring Kathie’s mockery, Nancy reached anxiously into her bag and rummaged around once more for the documents.

“What’s that, Nancy?” Kathie continued, “They’re exactly where you put them? Of course they are. Now, put that bag down, stop fretting, and come and sit next to me.”

Giving her a slight frown, Nancy stowed the bag in the overhead compartment, and sat down.

“If you’re fretting like this when there’s just the two of us, what are you normally like when you’re trying to transport a herd of schoolgirls across the continent?”

Nancy sighed. “Hmm, I’m not normally this stressed. I think – I think I’m just anxious to get away. I don’t really fancy having to traipse back up to the Platz all sheepish-like because we’ve forgotten something. I just want to be away from there.”

Kathie smiled sympathetically, and reached for her hand. Back up on the Platz, that very evening, Biddy’s leaving party was taking place.

“It’s going to be ok, Nance. One day – one day, she’ll come round. I’m sure of it. She’s a good person, underneath...” Kathie could see tears forming in Nancy’s eyes, and she squeezed her hand. “And we still have some very good friends.”

“Yes, we do.” With a slight sniff, Nancy agreed. Peggy, Sharlie and Ruth had certainly proved themselves as such over the last few weeks. Added to that, they’d received encouragement and understanding from Nell and (to their surprise) a slightly distant but altogether genuine reassurance from Hilda. All in all, it meant that despite everything, Nancy and Kathie knew that the Chalet School was still their home.

“I don’t know what was going on with Rosalind though,” Kathie frowned slightly. The Head of Geography had been distinctly chilly towards them as they had taken their leave of her earlier that day. “Have I done something to upset her? Is she annoyed that she’s had to cover my classes while I’ve been ill? Or,” Kathie suddenly turned pale. “She’s not...discovered that I’ve somehow been teaching them wrong...oh, what if they’ve all started spouting nonsense....I bet it’s IIIb. After all those battles we had about which capital cities belonged to which countries, I bet they’ve gone and forgotten. I bet they’ve gone and shown me up. Oh, they’ll be in such trouble when I see them...oh, if she doesn’t sack me first...”

“I’m sure it’s nothing like that,” Nancy said, a little distracted.

“You could try to sound a bit more convincing, my love.”

“Sorry!” Nancy said with a slight grin. “I’m sure it’s nothing like that,” she said again, this time with more conviction.

“That’s more like it!” Kathie said. Nancy suddenly looked distant again. “What is it?” Kathie asked.

“Something Ruth said. I think Ros might have a problem with...us.”

Kathie rolled her eyes. “Oh, it’s not all going to kick off again, is it? Why can’t people just mind their own business?” She rested her head on Nancy’s shoulder with a sigh. “Honestly, don’t they know I just can’t help it? It’s not my fault you’re too lovely for words and I can’t keep my hands off you.” She turned her face up to Nancy’s and with a glint in her eye, placed her hand rather high up on Nancy’s thigh.

Nancy bit her lip. “Kath...” she said.

Kathie grinned back. “Nance...”

With a rattle and a thud, the compartment door opened, and the conductor ushered some people in.

“Every bloody time!” Kathie muttered with annoyance, as she tried, as unobtrusively as possible, to relocate her hand to somewhere slightly less improper.

“Here’s room for you,” the conductor was saying to the new passengers as he stowed their luggage for them. Turning to Nancy and Kathie, he said, “You don’t mind, ladies, of course?”

Nancy and Kathie politely agreed that they didn’t mind at all, but, when it became apparent that these fellow passengers would be alighting at the first stop, they couldn’t help themselves from sharing a delighted grin.

***

“So, what platform does the train to Calais go from?”

Nancy, rooting amongst the travel documents she was holding, gestured vaguely. “That one.”

“Have we got time for something to eat before it goes? I’m starving, and I’m rather fed up of eating while swaying from side to side.”

“I should think so,” Nancy nodded.

“Good. When does it go?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? What? Are there no trains today?”

“Yes, there are trains today. But, I thought, since we were coming through Paris, we might, you know, spend a little time here...? I’ve booked us a hotel,” Nancy finished, a little shyly.

“You really are a romantic fool. You know that, don’t you?” Kathie said, tucking her arm through Nancy's.

***

“I’m going to miss you.” Nancy and Kathie were standing on the platform at Kings Cross. Kathie’s luggage had been stowed on her train, which was just a few minutes away from departure.

Kathie nodded. “It’s only going to be a couple of weeks. And then you’ll be coming to stay.”

“Have you worked out what you’re going to tell your aunt about us yet?”

“Not yet. But...whatever I do say, I think it’s going to mean separate bedrooms. I’m sorry,” Kathie looked up at her, rather sadly.

Nancy shrugged. “I didn't really expect anything different. And, ah, there are ways round that. To be honest, as long as I’m with you, that’s all that matters.” As a whistle shrilled down the platform, Nancy bent down and kissed Kathie. “Come on, you better get on the train before it leaves without you.” As she spoke, Kathie scrambled up into the carriage. “Take care my love. See you soon!” Nancy called, as Kathie waved, and the train began to shuffle out of the station.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Feb 19, 2011 6:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 February
Ooh, two updates in one! :D They are all lovely here, but I hope that there won't be more trouble up at the Platz for them.

Thankyou.
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Feb 19, 2011 8:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 February
I wish someone'd whisk me away to a hotel in Paris! Lucky Kathie :D .
Author:  Abi [ Sat Feb 19, 2011 9:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 February
Sounds like fun. :D
Author:  jayj [ Sun Feb 20, 2011 11:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 February
It was a warm summer afternoon, and having come out of the station and not found Kathie waiting for her, Nancy put her case on the floor and sat on it to wait.

It had been three weeks since she’d last seen Kathie, and it felt like it had been three weeks since she’d been able to be herself. It had been good to see her family, and lovely to see her nephews and nieces, but her life was so different to that of her sister, and her sisters-in-law, and after three weeks of being on her best behaviour, bouncing from guestroom to guestroom, repeating again and again the same lies and half-truths about her life, she was tired and not a little lonely. It hadn’t seemed so bad when she’d had less to lie about, and to be fair, her family had become so used to her evasions that they thought those evasions were the truth. They’d stopped asking, years ago, when she’d be settling down with a nice man, and had completely bought into the story she told them about being too committed to her work to even think of such a thing. Nancy had herself, in recent years, begun to believe that story too, though in her version of the story, the lifestyle she’d rejected to devote herself to teaching didn’t feature a nice man.

And then Kathie had come into her life.

This year, as she stayed with her family, she’d been more uncomfortable than she’d ever been. It was good to see her family, she kept reminding herself, but as she watched her brothers and sister, and saw their families live their uncomplicated lives, she felt like her own life had been put on pause.

So it was with a light heart, and an eagerness to resume her life once more that Nancy sat on her case outside the train station, waiting for Kathie to turn up.

**

A little red car came to a halt just across the road and Kathie got out, wearing a beaming smile and a smudge of dirt across her face.

“Sorry I’m late,” she said, as she hurried across the road to greet Nancy. “Got a puncture, would you believe,” Kathie briefly interrupted her story to say hello to an elderly woman who was passing by, and then continued. “I’d almost managed to change the tyre when a handsome doctor...”

Nancy choked a little. “Not really?”

“Yes really - a handsome doctor stopped to help. Well, he had no idea what he was doing, and by the time I’d managed to shoo him away and finish the job, I was late.”

“I didn’t know you were a mechanic. Aren’t you a woman of many talents?”

“I am,” Kathie grinned and nodded, pulling Nancy into what any onlooker – and there were a few, and most of them knew Kathie’s aunt – would have described as an innocent and friendly hug.

***

After a few minutes driving along, during which each woman kept sneaking contented glances at the other, Kathie turned down a leafy lane. The lane rather quickly became rather overgrown and Kathie pulled over.

“Something wrong with the car?” Nancy asked, concerned. And then, rather more wryly, "You've not got lost, have you?"

“No - and stop trying to slander me! I know exactly where we are,” Kathie replied with a grin. “It’s just, with all those damn public spaces filled with passersby who know my aunt, I haven’t had a chance to say hello to you properly yet. And I’ve been so wanting to, for so long.”

She leaned over to Nancy, and, as far as was possible in the little car, threw her arms round her.

“Oh, I’ve missed you,” she murmured, and the two spent several minutes in a joyful reunion, delightedly reacquainting themselves with each other.
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Feb 20, 2011 3:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 February
jayj wrote:

“Yes really - a handsome doctor stopped to help. Well, he had no idea what he was doing, and by the time I’d managed to shoo him away and finish the job, I was late.”


:lol: :lol: :lol: Brilliant!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Feb 20, 2011 4:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 February
I wholeheartedly approve this attitude to doctors! :lol: Fantastic, thankyou!
Author:  Abi [ Sun Feb 20, 2011 4:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 19 February
Alison H wrote:
jayj wrote:

“Yes really - a handsome doctor stopped to help. Well, he had no idea what he was doing, and by the time I’d managed to shoo him away and finish the job, I was late.”


:lol: :lol: :lol: Brilliant!


Wot she said. :lol:
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Feb 20, 2011 10:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 February
Thanks, have really enjoyed catching up with the last 3 updates
Author:  jayj [ Mon Feb 21, 2011 7:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 20 February
Thanks for the comments! Well, this weekend I managed to write my way to the end of this, so I thought I should let you know, there's going to be 3 or 4 more installments, and then - finito - K&N have agreed to let me have my life back again! Thanks for reading thus far, and I hope you'll persevere for just a little while longer :)


“Thanks for lending Kathie your car to pick me up,” Nancy said later to Kathie’s aunt, as the three of them were sitting down to tea in the garden.

“It’s not my car,” Mrs Grayson said, looking at her niece in a pointed manner.

“Didn’t I say?” Kathie said, bouncing in her seat. “It’s my car. I bought it last week.”

Nancy turned to face her, a little gobsmacked. “What?”

“Didn’t I say?” Kathie said, now a picture of innocence. “We’re going to drive it back to the Platz.”

“You’re going to drive us back to the school?” Nancy looked at her as if she was crazy.

“Yes! Why are you looking at me as if I’m crazy?”

“Because you are!” Nancy turned from Kathie to Mrs Grayson, who seemed to be rocking gently with laughter, and then back again to Kathie.

“Come on, Nance, it’ll be an adventure!”

“But... ” Nancy scrabbled desperately to find a reason why driving across Europe wasn’t a good idea. “Surely you’re still in recovery from the operation? It won’t do you any good to be sat in a car for days on end so soon after you’ve been stitched up.” She looked to Kathie’s aunt again for assistance but none was forthcoming, for that lady was too busy laughing.

“Nope,” Kathie shook her head. “I’ve seen the doctor, and I’m fit as the proverbial fiddle, or at least I will be by the time we have to go back to school. Anyway, we’ll take it slowly, and maybe stretch the journey over a week? Come on, it’ll be fun!”

“I don’t know...”

“What is it Nance, don’t you trust my driving?”

***

After tea, Kathie announced that she was going to take Nancy on a tour of the local area, to show her what she rather grandly described as ‘the landscape of my youth’.

“You mean,” said Mrs Grayson, “you’re going to point out the tree you fell out of, and the stream you fell into, and the bus shelter in which you had your first kiss?”

“No!” Kathie said rather indignantly.

“She was only six, bless her,” Mrs Grayson continued, ignoring her niece and addressing Nancy, “And he was a lovely little lad, with the blondest hair and the brightest blue eyes. But she turned her nose up at him, and he’s never been the same since...”

“Honestly, I’m never bringing anyone here to meet you again,” Kathie stood up, scowling at her aunt as she did so. “Come on Nance, before she thinks of something else to embarrass me with.”

She extended a hand and hauled Nancy to her feet, and, keeping Nancy’s hand in her own, led her out of the garden.

“Thanks for tea, Mrs Grayson,” Nancy called, as she was led away.

“You’re very welcome, my dear,” Mrs Grayson replied. With a thoughtful look upon her face, she watched the two of them head out of the garden and along the lane.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Feb 21, 2011 8:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 21 February
No! It can't be ending!

Thankyou for the update :D It sounds as if someone has guessed...
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Feb 21, 2011 9:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 21 February
Yep, I think Mrs Grayson has twigged :D .
Author:  robinette [ Mon Feb 21, 2011 10:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 21 February
I agree I think Mrs Grayson has realised!

Although I read this I dont post very often but I just had to to say how very sad I'll be when this finishes as it is one of my favourites!

Thanks jayj
Author:  Abi [ Mon Feb 21, 2011 11:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 21 February
Mm, yes, I think she's guessed!
Author:  jayj [ Tue Feb 22, 2011 6:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 21 February
A week or so later, Nancy was sitting in the window seat in the drawing room, writing to Hilary and waiting for Kathie to come downstairs. Mrs Grayson’s voice startled her.

“Oh, hello Nancy, I didn’t see you there. Kathie’s not down yet?”

“No. She’s still trying to work out what to wear.” Nancy coloured slightly, “...at least, I imagine that’s what she’s doing...”

“Still? Oh, she can be utterly exasperating, sometimes.” Mrs Grayson said, overlooking Nancy’s embarrassment. Nancy grinned her agreement. For a slightly awkward moment, the two of them held each other’s gaze and then Mrs Grayson smiled and said,

“You’re good for her, you know. You make her very happy.”

Nancy coloured again. “I try,” she said.

Suddenly making a decision, Mrs Grayson moved over to where Nancy was sitting. With a serious look on her face, she put her arms round Nancy and hugged her, dropping a kiss onto her forehead as she did so.

“Look after her, won’t you?” she said. “She’s all we’ve got.”

***

“I don’t even live in this village, so can someone please explain to me why exactly I'm behind this stall?” Nancy plaintively exclaimed later that morning.

“Because you have umpteen years’ experience of Chalet School sales and other assorted fundraising tomfoolery, and if you can wring money out of the pockets of that tightfisted crew who live on the Gornetz Platz, you can clean up on this tombola stall,” Kathie explained sweetly, while Mrs Grayson looked on in amusement. Nancy’s visit had coincided with the annual village fete, and to her surprise, she found that she’d been volunteered as one of the helpers.

Nancy was unmoved by this explanation. Kathie tried another tack. “It’s for a good cause – the church roof. You don’t want the dear old parishioners – old Mrs Morgan, for example –“ Kathie inclined her head in the direction of the frail-looking but rather fierce lady in charge of the cake stall, “getting her head all wet while she’s trying to pray, do you? Have a heart – think of her salvation!”

“I’m sure she’s got an umbrella,” Nancy replied. “Couldn’t I at least go on the hook-a-duck stall? Or the splat-the-rat one? Or couldn’t I be the fortune-teller lady?”

“Nancy, my love, those are the most sought after jobs. You have to live in this village for at least fifteen years to even be considered for one of those. Now, if you want to join in with our fete, you have to work your way up from the bottom.”

“Wait, there’s something wrong with your logic there. I’m sure of it. I think it’s something to do with the bit where you said I wanted to join in.”

Kathie shook her head. “My logic is impeccable. Now, get tombolling!”

***

Despite Nancy’s initial grumbling, the fete – and the tombola stall – was a great success, and she had enormous fun watching Kathie charm the villagers – most of whom had known her since she was a child – into venturing their luck on the tombola.

They were still laughing and joking about it that evening as they took a stroll, arm in arm, along the river. They were on their way to the village pub, where they were due to meet Kathie’s aunt and uncle to join in with the post-fete celebrations.

“You know what day today was, don’t you?” Nancy suddenly said.

“The wedding,” Kathie said quietly.

Nancy nodded.

“You know, I wrote to her, a few weeks ago. I don’t know, I suppose I was hoping that somehow she’d relent. I had this daft little romantic fantasy that she’d change her mind, and tell me that that all was forgiven and forgotten and that I was invited to the wedding after all. I - I miss her.”

“I’m sure she misses you too. But she needs more time.”

They walked a little further.

“I think your aunt knows,” Nancy said.

Kathie stopped dead, and turned white. She unhooked her arm from Nancy’s.

“What do you mean?”

“I think she knows about us,” Nancy repeated, and explained what had happened that morning.

“Well, she’s right. You are good for me, and you do make me happy.”

“If that’s the case, why do you look so forlorn?”

“I think I’m a little freaked about her knowing. Do you think she seemed all right about it?”

“I think she loves you and she wants you to be happy.”

“I suppose I’ll have to speak to her,” Kathie sighed, anxiously.

“Only if you want to,” Nancy said.

“I think I ought to,” Kathie replied, and with a determined look on her face, she took hold of Nancy’s hand and led her in the direction of the pub.

***

An hour or so later, while the pub was filled with raucous singers and convivial drinkers, two people slipped outside for a quiet chat.

Twenty minutes later, aunt and niece returned to the pub. If you’d been one of the raucous singers or convivial drinkers in the pub that night, and if you’d been sober enough to observe them closely on their return, you might have noticed that while both seemed to have been crying they were now both smiling, as if something of momentous importance had just taken place.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Feb 22, 2011 8:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 February
Aww bless! And very discreet - I like it!

Thankyou!
Author:  shesings [ Tue Feb 22, 2011 8:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 February
Aww! It's good that Mrs Grayson understands. A shame about Biddy but only time, and maybe a bit more maturity, will help there.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Feb 22, 2011 8:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 February
Some people never will understand. Thanks am glad Kathie was able to tell her aunt
Author:  Bryony [ Tue Feb 22, 2011 9:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 February
Hooray for Kathie and Mrs Grayson and wanting the people you love to be happy first and foremost.

Boo to the end of this drabble being in sight. Couldn't you just keep writing it for ever jayj?
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Feb 22, 2011 10:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 February
That sounds hopeful :D .
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Tue Feb 22, 2011 10:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 February
I'm so glad Mrs. Grayson is understanding and approves - love it that she told Nancy that first, though. As for Biddy, we can only hope that time and maturity will allow her to revise her views of the relationship between Nancy and Kathy - I have a sneaking suspicion that Eugen may help there.

Thanks Jayj.
Author:  Abi [ Tue Feb 22, 2011 10:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 February
Most people seem to be very understanding. Thanks jayj!
Author:  jayj [ Thu Feb 24, 2011 6:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 22 February
The penultimate post...


“Day one of Kathie and Nancy’s grand adventure,” Kathie announced cheerfully at breakfast, as she tucked into her bacon and eggs.

“Nancy, are you sure you want to be doing this?” Mrs Grayson asked, with a fond and concerned look at her niece’s partner. A good deal of time had been spent planning a rather tortuous route that zigzagged across France, once or twice bounced off Belgium and Germany, and ultimately, and perhaps more in hope than expectation, landed in Switzerland. Several times during the planning, Nancy and Mrs Grayson had uttered their disbelief that someone with such a pronounced disregard for geography as Kathie had was employed as a geography teacher.

“Not really,” Nancy replied, with a grin.

“I don’t see why you’re both so sceptical! The car’s been checked over by the mechanic, we’ve got oodles of food and the camping stove, we’ve got a tent in case we have to camp out, the toolbox in case of breakdowns, the first aid kit, the maps, plenty of clean underwear....And you know, you don’t have to come with me,” Kathie said to Nancy, wearing her saddest, most desolate face. “I could go on my own. I don’t mind...”

“Ok then, off you go. I’ll get the train, and I’ll see you in Switzerland. If you ever get there,” Nancy teased.

As Kathie squealed her discontent, Mrs Grayson got up. “I’m going to make some more tea.” And by the time she returned, it seemed that Nancy and Kathie were once more reconciled and eagerly contemplating their forthcoming adventure.

***

“You will ring if anything goes wrong, won’t you?”

“Nothing’s going to go wrong!” Kathie exclaimed, hugging her aunt thoroughly. Unconvinced by that reassurance, Mrs Grayson caught Nancy’s eye, and she nodded her agreement that yes, she would phone were any disaster to occur.

“There will be postcards, though, plenty of postcards,” Kathie said. “Thank you for a lovely summer! You must come and visit us in Switzerland. You’d love it. Convince uncle! I’d so love to be able to show you round.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” Mrs Grayson replied, reluctantly untangling herself from her niece. And then, as Kathie went to get into the driver’s seat, and after a slightly awkward moment in which they both regarded each other rather nervously, she pulled Nancy into a hug. “It’s been lovely to meet you Nancy. It really has. I do hope you’ll come again. And – remember what I said. Look after her.”

“Of course. I will, of course,” Nancy mumbled into Mrs Grayson’s shoulder.

“Come on, Nance!” Kathie called from the car. “We better get going!”

***

Day one of Nancy and Kathie’s grand adventure didn’t actually get them very far, for a couple of hours after they set off, they arrived at their first destination, the Riverside guesthouse in Oxford, within sight of the River Thames, or at least, it was, Nancy declared, if you leaned out of the window at a rather precarious angle. The pair spent a happy evening revisiting some of Kathie’s student haunts.

The next day they got a little further, making it as far as Richmond where they were to stay with Caroline in her flat. After a contented afternoon exploring Kew Gardens, they went to the cafe in which Nancy had arranged to meet her friend. While Kathie was phoning her aunt to dutifully inform her that there’d been no punctures, deaths, or major rows, Caroline appeared.

“Well, look at you. You look about a billion times happier than you did the last time I saw you,” she said, as she greeted Nancy with a warm hug. Caroline went to order herself some tea, and as she did so, Nancy attempted to compose her features into a serious expression.

“What have I done?” Caroline said with a sigh when she returned and saw the look on Nancy’s face.

“You’ve got some explaining to do, young woman. I’ve been hearing about you and the tales you’ve been telling about me. To my boss.”

“Your boss? Oh, Nell Wilson,” Caroline smiled in recollection. “That was years ago.” She waved a dismissive hand, but a faraway look drifted across her face.

Nancy looked at her a little oddly. “Caroline!” she said in the tone of voice she normally reserved for errant middles.

“What?” Caroline replied, her innocent face betrayed by the mischief in her eyes.

“You didn’t! You did, didn’t you! Unbelievable! My boss! What, you got distracted from your mercy mission when found yourself a new conquest?”

“No, not then! Honestly, Nancy, you have such a low opinion of me!” Caroline looked affronted, but affront quickly gave way to teasing. “But...we – er – bumped into each other one summer in Italy, a few years later.” She grinned. “You’ll pass on my regards, won’t you, when you see her? She’s a fine woman.”

Nancy gawped at her, open mouthed with amused incredulity. “I can’t even be mad at you! You’re just....absurd.”

They both laughed, and then Caroline became serious. “You’re not really angry with me, are you? For telling her? I couldn’t...I couldn’t just leave you there on your own with no-one to look out for you.”

Nancy shook her head. “No, I’m not angry with you. Thank you,” she said, quietly sincere.

Just then, Kathie returned from the phone, and ever chivalrous, Caroline stood up to greet her.

“Well, unless I’m mistaken, you must be Kathie. I’m so pleased to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Likewise.”

“Uh oh,” Caroline said, looking worried.

“It wasn’t all bad,” Kathie grinned.

“Though wait until you hear what she’s just confessed to....” Nancy said with a chuckle.

***

As Nancy went to fetch more drinks, the eyes of her friend and her lover followed her across the room.

“She looks happy,” Caroline said.

Kathie smiled and nodded.

“Just...be good to her, eh?”

“I couldn’t be anything but good to her,” Kathie confided.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Feb 24, 2011 6:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 24 February
I'm sorry that this is nearly finished, but thank you for writing it - and looking forward to a happy ending (please!).
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Feb 24, 2011 7:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 24 February
thanks for the drabble updates.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Feb 24, 2011 8:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 24 February
I'm enjoying their grand adventure! Thankyou, I hope that this all goes well - though I am shocked at some people!
Author:  Abi [ Thu Feb 24, 2011 9:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 24 February
Things are looking good. Thanks!
Author:  marni [ Thu Feb 24, 2011 9:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 24 February
Thanks for the update Jayj. I really really don't want it to end.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Feb 25, 2011 10:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 24 February
That's so lovely. Really glad Mrs Grayson as accepted Nancy as part of the family. And love the link with Nell and Caroline
Author:  Liz K [ Fri Feb 25, 2011 5:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 24 February
Sad to hear that was the penultimate post, this has been so good. Thank you.
Author:  jmc [ Sat Feb 26, 2011 8:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 24 February
So I finally catch up with this only to find it at the penultimate post. quite sorry that it is finishing. Thanks Jayj
Author:  jayj [ Sat Feb 26, 2011 11:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: update 24 February
Right, this is it – the end! Thanks so so much for reading – all your comments have meant an awful lot to me. I’m fairly pleased with how this has turned out (though it was actually meant to finish somewhere on page 10....) and I hope no-one in it has behaved too badly out of character....and if you were to want more, there are two tiny spinoffs hanging around, one called No Place Like Home and one called Before and After.


“Hhhmmm Nance, what on earth are you doing?” Kathie said sleepily, barely moving her head from off the pillow. She’d fallen asleep against Nancy several hours earlier, delightfully warm and cosy, but now Nancy seemed to be fidgeting around and was disrupting Kathie’s comfortable bubble of contentment.

Sitting up, Nancy said, “Hush, my love, you go back to sleep. I’ll be back in a minute.”

“Back? Where are you going?”

“Just outside. Go back to sleep.”

The campsite was quiet, and in the tent there was no sound other than the rain drumming on the roof and a muted rustle as Nancy rummaged for some clothes.

“Nance, are you mad?” Kathie was suddenly very awake. “It’s raining outside. Come back here and cuddle!” she ordered.

“I’ll be back in just a minute,” Nancy repeated, turning on the torch she’d just found and blinding herself and Kathie in the process.

“Well,” Kathie said, crossly turning over so the light was no longer shining in her eyes, “if you insist on going outside, just make sure you don’t bring any rain back in with you.” She snuggled under the blanket as a draught of chill air slunk into the tent as Nancy slunk out of it.

A few minutes later, and having shed her damp clothes on the threshold of the tent, Nancy was back under the blankets with Kathie. Kathie curled up against her once more, reaching an arm across her waist.

“What was that all about?” she murmured, slightly mollified now Nancy had returned.

“Oh, I woke up and heard the rain, and it made me remember what John and Susan said about the guy ropes, and how they can get tight in the rain, and how you ought to loosen them so they don’t pull the tent apart. So I did.”

“Right,” Kathie said. Then, curiously, “Your brother John? From what you’ve said about him, I didn’t think he was the camping type.”

“No, not my brother,” Nancy agreed. “John Walker,” she said, as if Kathie ought to recognize that name.

Kathie didn’t. “Who’s John Walker?” she said suspiciously.

“You know, John Walker. I think he says it when they’re camping on the island, but it might be in one of the later books...” Nancy said, trying to remember.

Kathie sat up, and turned to look at Nancy. “You got up in the middle of the night and went out in the rain because of something you read in a children’s book?”

“Just because it’s in a children’s book doesn’t mean it’s not...well...true...” Nancy replied, rather defensively.

“Oh, Nance,” Kathie said, lying back down with her head on Nancy’s shoulder. She reached up a hand to stroke Nancy’s cheek. “You wanted to be an Amazon pirate when you grew up, didn’t you?” she said, tenderly.

“Hmm. Never got the chance, though,” Nancy replied, leaning into Kathie’s touch.

“Well, tomorrow, we’ll find a shop that sells little red hats, and we’ll find a lake, and we’ll go sailing,” Kathie said with a grin. And she turned her face up towards Nancy’s, and kissed her.

***

Over the next week and a half, Kathie and Nancy pursued a meandering path across Europe. Whenever they seemed to be heading in a straight line for Switzerland, Kathie would veer away.

“Anyone would think you were trying to avoid going back to work!” Nancy exclaimed.

“Well, they’d be right. Let’s give it up and be nomads.”

Nancy shook her head. “I don’t think you’d be a good nomad. I think you’re a fair-weather nomad. Come winter, I think you’re going to want a nice warm house.”

Kathie was a little affronted, but had to accept the truth of Nancy’s words. “Ok then, I’m a fair-weather nomad. But we’ve got fair weather right now and that means we’re keeping on nomading.”


***

As she emerged from the forest and the path widened, Kathie braked ever so slightly so that Nancy could catch her up. Nancy drew level, they exchanged a happy smile, and in the bright sunshine, they freewheeled down the sloping path, with green meadows whizzing by on either side, pedalling occasionally to go even faster.

Their nomading had come to a halt for a few days, and they had set up camp in a little campsite somewhere along the Franco-Swiss border. It was, Kathie reflected, nothing short of blissful. Cycling in the forest, swimming in the lake, cooking on an open fire, sharing bottles of beer, lying back under the stars, falling asleep in Nancy’s arms. There was nothing more she wanted from life.

School would start soon, and undoubtedly there would be problems. Nancy kept saying that the second year would be easier than the first and Kathie wanted to believe her but that didn’t stop her worrying. And it seemed likely that Ros was going to be difficult, and Kathie didn’t relish the prospect of being at odds with her head of department. And on top of that, there were rumours from Peggy that no replacement had been found for Biddy, and that lady would be returning to school. Kathie didn’t fear any more rows from Biddy, but she knew that their dispute took a terrible toll on Nancy, and it would mean that a number of friendships in the staffroom were liable to be strained.

But right now, it didn’t matter. It didn’t matter at all.

Kathie smiled at Nancy, and Nancy gave a grin, and accelerated down the hill.

“There she goes, my beautiful...” Kathie thought for a moment, considering a few options before settling for one. “...world. My beautiful world.”

THE END
Author:  Rafaella [ Sat Feb 26, 2011 12:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
And a beautiful drabble. Loved this, thanks Jayj.
Author:  Liz K [ Sat Feb 26, 2011 12:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Ooooohhhhh so sad it's come to an end but that was going to happen anyway. :(

Thank you for an excellent drabble.
Author:  delrima [ Sat Feb 26, 2011 1:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Thank you Jayj, I've enjoyed this immensely. Now we all know the truth of what EBD didn't dare write!
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Feb 26, 2011 2:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Thank you so much, Jayj: this has been excellent.
Author:  janetbrown23 [ Sat Feb 26, 2011 2:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
This has been my 'must read ehatever else is happening' drabble, Thank you so much Jayj.
Author:  Vick [ Sat Feb 26, 2011 2:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Thanks Jayj. Have really enjoyed reading this. :D
Author:  Joanne [ Sat Feb 26, 2011 4:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Thank you for this excellent (in every way) drabble. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I hope things go smoothly for Kathie and Nancy next term!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Feb 26, 2011 4:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Thankyou! It's been a wonderful drabble and I like the end, with the cautious optimism. And of course you have to believe what you read in children's books!
Author:  shesings [ Sat Feb 26, 2011 4:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
:( :shock: :( :shock: :( :shock: :( :shock: :( It can't be finished!!!!!!!!!!!! I need to know what happens next!

It's been lovely - thanks, jayj! :D :D
Author:  Pat [ Sat Feb 26, 2011 8:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
I've loved reading this. Thank you.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Feb 26, 2011 8:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Thanks. I've really enjoyed this and will miss reading it. No chance of a sequel?! Please
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Feb 26, 2011 9:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Thanks again I have enjoyed this drabble.
Author:  Abi [ Sat Feb 26, 2011 10:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
I love that Nancy got up in the middle of the night to attend to the guy ropes because of what John Walker said... :lol:

This has been a great read - thanks, jayj!
Author:  honey lamb [ Sat Feb 26, 2011 10:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Abi wrote:
I love that Nancy got up in the middle of the night to attend to the guy ropes because of what John Walker said... :lol:

This has been a great read - thanks, jayj!

She obviously didn't read "The Chalet girls in Camp" :D
Author:  Rafaella [ Sun Feb 27, 2011 9:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Oh yes, a sequel - we have to find out how they get from here to No Place Like Home!
Author:  Elbee [ Mon Feb 28, 2011 10:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
I've thoroughly enjoyed this, thanks jayj. I do hope you are inspired to write more in this Kathie and Nancy universe!
Author:  marni [ Mon Feb 28, 2011 2:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Really enjoyed this jayj. l really enjoyed entering Nancy and Kathie's world. I would love to see more when and if you want to write it. Will look for No Place Like Home. Thank you so much.
Author:  jmc [ Tue Mar 01, 2011 10:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Thanks Jayj. This was very enjoyable.
Author:  janetbrown23 [ Tue Mar 01, 2011 10:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
More about their world would be most acceptable Jayj. Please. :D :D :D
Author:  jayj [ Tue Mar 01, 2011 11:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Thanks for the love, guys! :oops:

It's fairly unlikely that there'll be a full dress part II in anything like the foreseeable future - I've got c. 130000 words of academic prose to write by the end of the year, and writing drabbles is sadly not conducive to getting that done. But since finishing this I've already had to skip out of the way of one or two plot rabbits that have been trying to nibble at my heels, so I'm not completely ruling out something smaller. No promises, though!
Author:  KathrynW [ Tue Mar 01, 2011 12:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Thanks JayJ; this was beautifully written and I have really enjoyed it.
Author:  Chris S [ Tue Mar 01, 2011 3:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Thank you jayj. I've really enjoyed your drabble especially the wonderful camping trip at the end. I do hope that the Chalet school mistresses can learn that people are all different, and that's what makes the world go round.
Author:  chris84 [ Mon Mar 07, 2011 4:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Thank you Jayj i have really enjoyed this. :D :D :D
Author:  Eleanore [ Mon Mar 14, 2011 11:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Just finished reading this - loved it :D
Author:  Beecharmer [ Tue Mar 15, 2011 9:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Just wanted to say loved this story, great introduction to the board. I'm just glad it was finished before I got to start reading, so I didn't have to hang on to all those cliffs for long !

I always mentally had Nell and Hilda as a couple though, which would have made her even more understanding !! Though also agree with Nell and Con Stewart too.

I'm sure I'm being really dense but can't work out who the person Nell was with before Hilda came to the school. Can anyone give me at least a hint ?

Looking forward to reading more from the board now I have found you all. Very nice to know there are others as keen on this series as me.

:)
Author:  shesings [ Tue Mar 15, 2011 10:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Hi Beecharmer23 (love the board name, btw), I think that's a cross-drabble reference! check out Finn's marvellous Tea and Militancy viewtopic.php?f=14&t=8330
Author:  Beecharmer [ Wed Mar 16, 2011 12:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Thank you shesings, will investigate the drabble ! And thanks, I've always liked it, set it up for yahoo about 14 years ago, and like keeping it going where I can :-)

Loving this board so far, can't believe I have never got into it before !
Author:  robinette [ Tue Mar 29, 2011 9:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
This was lovely jayj and I was very very sad to see it finish.
Author:  Lesley [ Wed May 04, 2011 6:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
Read this today - wonderful story.

Thank you
Author:  whitequeen [ Fri May 06, 2011 9:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Throwing Caution into the Blaze: completed 26 February
That was fantastic, funny, moving, just great. Thanks!
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