Vendetta Finished 28th may
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The CBB -> Ste Therese's House

#1: Vendetta Finished 28th may Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Wed Apr 25, 2007 9:13 pm
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"Why is Lizzie crying mum? She keeps crying! She won't come out and play cricket like she used to! She's not going all silly is she?"

Tom Harris was frustrated. His sister was the only person his age in their tiny hamlet tucked away in the West Country. She was no dainty girl, but a garrolous, bouncy creature, just like her brother. However, she was crying. She never cried! This was not like her! Tom had tried reason, he had tried talking, he had tried jokes, he had tried small gestures, then he lost patience and had to be dragged from his sister's room by his mother.

Mrs Harris knew why Lizzie was upset. She could see why Tom was frustrated, but this was no time for boy psychology.

"She didn't get into the school she wanted to!" Mrs Harris said with bitterness.

"That Swiss school?" queried Tom. He felt some disappointment for his sister. She had promised great fun if he came out with mum and dad during the holidays: skiing, ice skating, sledging. Now all those plans were washed out!

The initial interview with Hilda Annersley MA had gone very well. It had taken place in London and the headmistress had seemed impressed by Lizzie's bouyancy and intelligence. Rarely for an English girl, she was already trilingual (French, German, English) and she had an excellent academic record. So what was the problem?

Tom Harris resolved to find out. He remembered how he and Lizzie had stuck by each other. Both of them at their last school had found a gang of bullies terrorising some younger kids. Lizzie and Tom had sent that gang packing, with interest! Yes, he and Lizzie had bitter squalls at times, but these were usually over fairly quickly. Tom would lord it over Lizzie that he was the better one at sewing and Lizzie would mercilessly tease Tom about the time he scored an own goal in a crucial end of term match before the Headmaster and Governors!

Tom meant to have answers and he knew who would have them. That kid with the blond hair in his class. That quiet young lad who was interested in automobiles and locomotives. That kid who was always telling stories about what his sisters and cousins got up to, that kid whose own Aunt founded the Chalet School! That STEPHEN MAYNARD! Steve Maynard was going to suffer and suffer badly for hurting Lizzie!

Tom Harris meant to hang Steve Maynard out to dry.

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Lizzie was staying to thirteen rather than eleven at her current school. Tom returned to his school. His heart ached as he said goodbye to Lizzie. No farewell practical jokes from his subdued sister! This was terrible! By gum, Maynard was going to pay!

After a long journey, Tom got out at the school. He was making his way up the drive when he saw a shock of fair blond hair and a familiar voice!

"Hey there Whitehouse! Had good hols? You won't believe what my sister Margot did! Nearly drowned herself in Lake Lucerne! What a dumbo! Still, she's OK! I ragged her about it of course.."

Tom's resolve wavered for a second. Maynard was such a nice lad. Surely if he just had a chat with him, he would understand where Lizzie failed, but then he misinterpreted Steve's next words and they made his wrath surge to the top like a volcano.

"Your sister is going for the Chalet School isn't she? I'll have a word with mum and Auntie Madge! Might be able to get you in for free! All the brevet nieces and cousins have got in this year, so no one has got a look in! In a way that's good, keeps it in the family!"

Tom was now certain to wring Maynard's neck!


Last edited by Phil on Mon May 28, 2007 7:33 am; edited 12 times in total

#2:  Author: ClareLocation: Liverpool PostPosted: Wed Apr 25, 2007 11:27 pm
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This is looking good Phil! Poor Steve...

#3:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Thu Apr 26, 2007 10:35 am
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This is good. Am curious as to why Lizzie didn't get in?

#4:  Author: Laura VLocation: Czech Republic PostPosted: Thu Apr 26, 2007 12:39 pm
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me too!

#5:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Apr 26, 2007 3:35 pm
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And me!

I have a sneaking suspicion that Steve might well be up to dealing with Tom, though, if he does try to be revenged on him.

Thanks Phil.

#6:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Thu Apr 26, 2007 5:12 pm
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Would also like to know why Lizzie wasn't accepted. Thanks, phil.

#7:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Thu Apr 26, 2007 10:00 pm
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Things started to go wrong for Stephen Maynard. His books went astray, his geometry set turned up broken and his bag was moved around the school.

Steve was puzzled.

"Maynard! Where is your chemistry book?"

"It doesn't seem to be in the desk sir, where I left it last night."

"This isn't like you Maynard! I have heard reports of your carelessness from other masters! be warned! If you don't pull your socks up, there will be very severe consequences for you!"

Stephen was frustrated nearly to tears now. he liked Mr Andrews, why couldn't he see this wasn't his fault! Steve slammed his desk lid down. Unfortunately Mr Andrews took this the wrong way.

"Insolence!" he breathed
"Impertinence!" he barked
"Impudence!" he bellowed

"Headmaster! With me, now!" he roared.

He grabbed the unfortunate Steve by the arm and fairly hurled him outside the form room.

Some of the nastier boys sniggered. Steve's friends had a look of anxiety and compassion for their friend. If only they could help him! Tom Harris looked coldly at the retreating back of Mr Andrews and the limp form of Steve Maynard.

Steve was white with terror. What would Papa and Mama say? What would they say? Papa would be furious; furious! Mama would be so disappointed. Steve thought of his sisters. He felt a yearning for Margot. She would know what to do, she knew how to cope with being in trouble. Being in trouble was something alien to Steve. Then there was sweet gentle Con, so keen on her stories. Steve would give anything to be with his gentle dreamy sister! Then he wanted Len! His confidante! Len in her big sister / pretend mother role. Wouldn't Len be disappointed and reproachful too?

Mr Andrews had stormed off in search of the majestic figure of Mr Gale. Thankfully he was unsuccessful. He bellowed as Steve quailed before him.

"I was going to ask the Headmaster to show you how rude little boys are dealt with! How dare you! Happily for you, he is not in!"

"Please sir, I was only unhappy I couldn't find my chemistry prep! I'm so sorry sir!"

Steve's voice was barely intelligble amongst the choked sobs.

Mr Andrews relented. His "flash in the pan" temper had a lot to answer for. He knew little Maynard of old and couldn't believe he was being naughty on purpose.

Steve could not stop crying. It was the end of the world to him. He had prided himself on being good and earned his father's hard won affection!

Mr Andrews felt enough was enough.

"Come on lad."

He said ever so gently.

"I'll take you to Matron's and she'll put you to bed. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to shout!"

Steve was too exhausted to protest.

In clas, Tom Harris felt guilty. That was a mean and rotten trick to play on Maynard. On the other hand, Lizzie was devastated not to get into that school and Maynard had said to his mates how all his relatives had got in that year and nobody else had got a look in! The vendetta was not over.

#8:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Thu Apr 26, 2007 11:09 pm
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Poor Steve. I'm glad the teacher cooled down. Thanks Phil

#9:  Author: WoofterLocation: Location? What's a location? PostPosted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:05 pm
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Poor Steve.

Thank you Phil.

#10:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Wed May 02, 2007 12:33 pm
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Any more Phil? (Looks pleadingly at you. Think Puss in Boots eyes in Shrek)

#11:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Wed May 02, 2007 12:55 pm
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Eep. I don't think Steve is going to have a very fun time of it. I'm glad Tom seems to have at least a bit of a twinge about being so mean!

Thanks Phil

#12:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Sun May 06, 2007 11:13 am
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Stephen Maynard's belongings stayed where they should from that day forth. Tom Harris still wished to pursue his grievance against that young man, but he felt little was achieved through landing Steve in trouble with "temper tantrums" Andrews.

Tom tried the direct approach. He had received a letter from Lizzie that morning describing how miserable she was. He found Steve chatting to some friends outside the gym.

"...Then my sister, Con painted Len's face while she was asleep! Len was bright green and she looked so funny! Then by sheer bad luck, Matey came round from the school and ticked Len off for looking silly! Len was furious! She thought Margot had done it and she and Margot had a row!"

Steve's friends laughed. They were all familiar with Steve's family and the people of the Chalet School, such as Matey.

"Steve, is it really that fun living next to a school?" asked Toby, a recent addition to Steve's circle of friends.

Steve looked at Toby.

"Well, sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming, you know, too many girls for a chap to cope with at any one time, but at least it is not a boy's school! That would be horrid! It is fun. There are so many stories of tricks, games and sheer pranks and its all true!"

From what Steve was saying, it was 'a laugh a minute' living next to the Chalet School. Tom stiffened. Lizzie was missing out on this!

Steve admitted that although he had to be a good little angel when he was at home and at school, he didn't quite have the same pressure as Len and his sisters, having the teachers living next door! Steve would have felt supremely uncomfortable if Mr Andrews or Mr Gale was his neighbour!

Tom felt it was time to interrupt.

"Maynard, I should like a word with you."

"You can have two if you like Harris! I'm generous!"

"It's about the Chalet School!"

"Thinking of going there? You'll need a skirt!"

Stephen's cheeky sense of humour was not appropriate in this case and Tom flared up.

"Why didn't my sister get in? You seem to have all the answers Maynard! Why is my sister so upset she didn't get in? She did a good interview, she did well on her exam papers, I want to know why Maynard, WHY?"

Tom shook the unfortunate Steve.

"Don't shake me." said Steve quietly.

Tom pushed Steve over. Steve cut his knee.

"Leave him alone!" roared Toby. Toby was pushed over for his pains.

Steve got up and hobbled. He looked Tom in the eye.

"Use your brain Harris! How would I possibly know why some girls do and some girls do not get into the Chalet School? My Auntie Madge doesn't ask my opinion on which girls should come to the Chalet School!

Steve pictured in his mind an image of his beloved Aunt going through a list of names and asking him which ones should come to the Chalet School. It was an amusing image and he smirked.

"You are going to find out for me! Or else!"

Having uttered that spine chilling threat, Tom stormed away.

Steve was puzzled. He got his cut knee cleaned at Matron's and hobbled over to the letter rack. There he recognised a letter in Len's neat script.

An idea formed in his mind. Maybe a quick note to Len...

#13:  Author: Mrs RedbootsLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Sun May 06, 2007 1:02 pm
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Thanks, Phil.

#14:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun May 06, 2007 2:50 pm
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Thanks, Phil.

#15:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2007 9:47 am
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Thanks Phil. I am intrigued as to why his sister wasn't accepted to the school.

#16:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2007 10:14 am
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Mary Helena Maynard stretched her long limbs as she sprawled in the comfortable armchair in the common room. She smiled benevolently at her sister Margot who appeared to be smirking with Emerence about some evil act they were plotting.

At length, Con wondered in, her nose buried in a letter. She bumped into some of the other girls who rolled their eyes and muttered, "Con! Lookout!"

A glance at Con's letter made Len give a double take. there was no mistaking that handwriting. It was a neat version of Margot's and the way the "a"s and "h"s curled was just like Papa's writing. There was no doubt it was Stephen Maynard who had written quite a lengthy epistle!

"Con! A letter from Steve!" exclaimed Len.

Con nodded. "Fascinating!"

Letters from Steve, or any of the male members of the family were like gold dust. This was a once in a lifetime! Steve actually put pen to paper and wrote a letter!

"What's that?" barked Margot.

"A letter from Steve , Margot!" Con enlightened her sister.

"Oh!"

Margot paused. She was dying to know the contents of that letter as much as her sister Len, but she felt it necessary to remain aloof where her male relatives were concerned.

"Oh! Probably some daft boy's stuff!"

"Then you won't want to read it after I give it to Len! Chuck it on the fire when you've finished, Len!" replied Con.

"No don't Len!"

Margot made a grab for the letter and knocked Len out of her armchair. This was no way to please a big sister and Len promptly tried to scratch at Margot's arms for this. Unfortunately for the girls, their mother was paying a visit and was seeking them out with the help of Miss Annersley.

"Well! I come to visit you for a quick half hour and you reward me by having a fight!"

Joey was in "don't mess with stern Mamma" mode.

Miss Annersley decided to add a few comments.

"Margaret! Helena! How dare you behave like a pair of common boys! I should ask your Father to take you away and put you into a boy's school if that is what you would prefer!"

Margot unwisely thought Auntie Hilda was joking.

"Oh, that would be fun!"

A steel gaze assured Margot that Miss Annersley was not joking.

"Sorry Miss Annersley."

"So I should hope, young lady!"

Margot felt like weeping.

Miss Annersley left the room for Joey to talk to her daughters. Emerence decided to depart too. Joey picked up a crumpled and torn letter!

"Well, you brother finally writes to you and you three tear his letter up! I wonder why?"

Margot mumbled that it was her fault and she was trying to get the letter from Len and she didn't mean to tear Steve's letter. She was quickly forgiven. Mother and daughters read the letter together. Joey was shocked.

"I don't understand! Is Stephen being bullied because someone's sister did not get in to the Chalet School?"

"Can't we help him?" asked Con.

"We can get Papa to go to Steve's school and give that other boy a good punishment!" Margot's temper was starting to flare up.

"Why didn't the other girl get in?" asked Len.

"That is something I can find out!" Joey replied with decision. She took Steve's letter to Miss Annersley's office. She was going to get to the bottom of this or her name wasn't Josephine Mary Maynard!

#17:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2007 12:35 pm
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I never know in drabbles whether Joey getting involved is a good diea or a bad one, judging by some of your recent drabbles though Phil you'll forgive me if I wibble just a little Very Happy

Nice to see a normal sibling fight between the triplets!

#18:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2007 3:27 pm
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Tahnks,Phil, this actually shows the Maynard triplets as normal girls. Such a refreshing change!

#19:  Author: WoofterLocation: Location? What's a location? PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2007 5:08 pm
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Interesting! Thank you Phil.

#20:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Tue May 08, 2007 12:52 am
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Thanks for th update so quickly after the other one Very Happy Hope Joey gets it sorted out all right as she is the only one who could really find out

#21:  Author: ClareLocation: Liverpool PostPosted: Tue May 08, 2007 7:02 pm
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I feel sorry for Steve! He wrote to Len for advice and now his mother's read it. Poor lad.

#22:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Thu May 10, 2007 7:59 pm
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Thank you Phil. Looks like things are about to get interesting!

#23:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Thu May 10, 2007 10:02 pm
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Hilda Annersley rolled her eyes as she heard Joey's golden voice preaching to Rosalie outside her office.

"Herein!" Hilda commanded in her most majestic tone.

"What's the matter, Joey?"

"An injustice, Hilda! Poor little Steve! My poor little man!"

Hilda was puzzled. What could she do about any problems young Steve Maynard may be having at school?

"Stephen is being bulllied Hilda! A boy at his school has taken exception to Steve because the boy's sister did not get in to the Chalet School!"

Hilda looked very grave.

"That is very serious. Has Jack contacted the Headmaster?"

Joey shook her head.

"I have only just found out! Steve wrote to Len for advice. I can't think why he didn't write to his Mama! Perhaps he didn't want to upset me!"

"But Joey, this is an internal matter for Stephen's Headmaster to investigate. If you like I could call him..."

"No, I want to do this my way. I need to ask a favour Hilda. Could you tell me why a girl was unable to get into the Chalet School?"

"I have reports of unsuccessful candidates, or rather Rosalie has in her little archive, but I shouldn't do this Joey! This is a matter of confidentiality!"

Joey was afraid Hilda would bring this up!

#24:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Thu May 10, 2007 10:32 pm
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does anyone else think Joey doing things her way is just going to make things worse?!

Thanks Phil!

#25:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Thu May 10, 2007 11:18 pm
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Don't know if it'll make things worse but surely the parents of the child would have been told why and perhaps telling the headmaster or someone at Steve's school would be able to check it out thouroughly. Thanks for the update. Does this mean your other drabbles are updated too? Goes off to search hopefully Laughing

#26:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Sun May 13, 2007 12:51 pm
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The torrent of rain beat against the window of Stephen Maynard's classroom. It was the evening after prep. Time for letters. There was the occasional crack of thunder and flash of lightning which made some of the more nervous boys jump; much to the laughter of the unsavoury characters of the classroom.

Steve opened his letter from Len.

"Sorry Steve! Mamma grabbed your letter! It's all Margot's fault!"

A garbled explanation of what had happened followed. It appeared that Mama was on the warpath! Oh this was the last thing Steve wanted! To have one's parents interfere! Why it would make him look like a softie! The disgrace and humiliation that would occur! Every boy would call him names! He would never be picked for another football team! He would be labelled a sissy for life! Rage boiled up in Steve.

Steve Maynard was rarely angry. Joey once called him the most placid of all her children; but there had been moments! This was one of them! He would write back to Len telling her what he thought of her and as for Harris he would jolly well soon know that Steve Maynard was someone to be reckoned with!

Steve eyed Tom Harris from afar with fury. Suddenly and without thinking, Steve launched himself at Tom and landed him a box on the ear. Then the supervising prefect was upon him. Something the strength of a blue whale grabbed him and pinned him against a wall. Something that had fists like a sledgehammer pummelled him ruthlessly and he was outside the headmaster's door before he knew it! Poor Steve had to pay the price of his momentary loss of control.

Meanwhile back at the Chalet Schoool, Joey had appealed to Madge for further information. Len however, was more concerned over the letter she had sent Stephen.

"He's bound to be cross! It's all your fault Margot!"

"My fault? Well I like that! Con shouldn't have been reading the letter first! It's all her fault!"

"Don't you dare say it was my fault Margot Maynard! Len's quite right it is your fault!"

"Oh shut up! There's Mary Lou! Do you want her on our case? She's not family!"

It was too late. The steel grey eyes had focussed upon the bickering triplets and like an eagle descending on her prey, so Mary Lou descended on the Maynards. Margot tried to run, but Mary Lou quelled her with a look!

Things were not looking good for the four eldest Maynards.

In the meantime, Madge was alarmed at the story Joey had told her. Somewhere there had been a terrible mistake and an injustice committed. Madge looked through the exam marks and interview reports and references.

She remembered how she had been sorting out rejection letters and acceptance letters in her study. She had sprained her wrist and had needed some help putting them into envelopes. Could it be possible a mistake had been made? Her own children had not been present in the house that day and Rosa had had the day off. Then Madge remembered! Somebody had been helping her!

#27:  Author: SandraLocation: Oxfordshire PostPosted: Sun May 13, 2007 3:21 pm
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Please let it be either Mary-Lou or Joey so that they get the telling off that they so richly deserve.

#28:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Sun May 13, 2007 8:02 pm
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The final swish of the Headmaster's cane had descended. The punishment was over. Steve had tried to be strong, but he broke down after the fourth. He had been given a choice: forfeit his half holiday or take "the six". He was aware his parents and triplet sisters would be visiting that half holiday. A rare event; besides he really needed to talk to them! So he opted for "the six". As his friends escorted him away to a quiet place to rest and recover, he wondered whether his option was such a good idea after all.

As was customary in boy's schools, the friends of the condemned man would escort him to and from the place of execution for moral support and to ward off any ghouls who might be gloating over the forthcoming execution. Stephen John Maynard was unlikely to forget his experience in a hurry. Steve's friends had performed their duties admirably. Steve's breathing became slower as the pain faded. By George, the Head could wallop!

Steve had not given the Head any reason for his apparent unprovoked attack on Tom Harris. Steve would not "snitch". Therefore, the Head had no option to assume this was pure belligerent mischief; something he was not prepared to tolerate in school.

Tom Harris knew the fate that had befallen Stephen Maynard. He felt no pang of guilt; Maynard had asked for it! One of Maynard's friends came up to him.

"What do you want, Whitehouse?"

"You vile specimen, Harris! What have you got against Maynie? That's what I would like to know! You look through him like he doesn't exist. It was you who was last seen meddling with his geom set that time he got into trouble with old stinky Andrews! You then threw him in a ditch, you keep tripping him up during the soccer! What is going on? Maynie has just taken six on the bags because of you!"

"Well Maynard shouldn't suddenly attack a chap during prep. Most ungentlemanly! It says a lot about his breeding! I understand his sister is a bad tempered treacherous fiend!"

Stephen had been returning to the common room when he heard this colourful description of Margot.

Steve had often described Margot's temper and her childish attempts to "get him into trouble" but he was not going to have his sister's name bandied about like that!

"Don't you dare talk about my sister like that, Harris! She's twice the person you are!"

Harris regarded Steve with a snort of contempt.

"I thought you described her as a monster last term!"

This was sadly true. Steve decided to take the war into the enemy's camp.

"Well what about your sister! It is so sick hearing about how great she is all the time! 'Oh Lizzie this and Lizzie that and Lizzie smells!' I'm sick of hearing about her! She wouldn't get into my sisters' school! The Chalet School is too good for the likes of her!"

This stung Harris. It was what he had feared and went to the core of the vendetta. Steve saw this in Harris' face.

"Don't tell me she applied and didn't get in?" Steve jeered.

After taking "six on the bags" he felt it was time for payback.

Harris was about to retaliate when the burly form of Wilson, the prefect who had first arrested Stephen entered the common room.

"What is going on here, you young scoundrels?" he snarled. Wilson had little time for the juniors.

Silence reigned. Wilson would get no answers here!

"Something is up! Maynard! Care for another six from the Head?"

Steve shook his head.

"Well you and Harris keep well apart! If I see you two bickering again, the pair of you will be up before the Head so fast you won't know it! Now behave yourselves!"

Neither boy wanted a visit to the Head. "Old Whacker Gale" was known for his preference for harsh punishments. The boys glared at each other.

Now the vendetta was out in the open and it split the form!

#29:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue May 15, 2007 10:02 am
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I'm on Steve's side in this! I wonder what he's going to do next.

#30:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Tue May 15, 2007 6:52 pm
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The half holiday saw Dr Maynard's large, sleek black car roll up the school drive; one of many. Jack hopped out with all the agility of his young sons and scuttled round to the passenger door to open the door for his beloved Joey, resplendent in her favourite lime green.

From the rear doors, the subdued triplets emerged. They were in unfamiliar surroundings and this was their first visit to Stephen's school. The girls looked smart in their Chalet School uniforms. Mama had insisted they look smart and show that they were Chaletians!

"I still don't see why we have to wear school uniform Mama!" grumbled Margot.

Margot fiddled with her hat and decided it would never feel quite right. She began to feel less self conscious of her uniform when she saw other girls awaiting their brothers dressed in their own schoolgirl uniforms.

"Mum, that's the Chalet School uniform!" One girl, a vivacious young creature pointed at the triplets. The girl looked disappointed.

Margot felt very smug and smirked. "I'm a Chaletian, you're not! Ner, ner, ner, ner, ner!" she mocked under her breath.

Fortunately for Margot, nobody heard her. If they had, she would have spent the entire visit to Stephen's school staying locked in the car all by herself whilst her parents and sisters were given a guided tour.

A stocky young man in red blazer and shorts with a shock of fair hair appeared at the top of the great stone steps in between the grey pillars. He scanned the horizon. Then he saw his objective. Jack and Joey were just in time to see their eldest son come tearing down the steps, throw his cap in the air and with a grin that stretched a mile run straight for his parents.

"Well that's a warm welcome!" chuckled Jack as Joey embraced her son muttering embarrassing cooings of "My Little Man!"

"We've brought your sisters!"

Steve's eyes lit up! At last a chance to talk to Len, Con would like the library and Margot....

Brother and sister eyed each other respectfully if with a little nonchalance.

"Hello Steve!"

"Hello Margot!"

"How's the games? What's the gym like? Won any matches?"

Margot was eager to know, but as one of the triplets and eldest three she felt a certain dignity had to be maintained when dealing with the young 'uns. Stephen found this pathetically amusing! So did Len and Con.

"Would you care for a tour?" Stephen Maynard asked of his family.

"We would be honoured, young sir!" smiled Jack.

Stephen's priority was the tuck shop and the tour started there. Margot deliberately tutted and rolled her eyes muttering something about "greedy pigs". Joey noted this and kept an eye on the troublesome triplet. Margot was making a rod for her own back! Even the placid Stephen was becoming riled with all the comparisons to the Chalet School that Margot kept dropping in.

"Right young lady, that's enough! Any more rudeness from you and you will stay in your father's car for the whole visit to Stephen!" snapped Joey.

"What has been going on?" queried Jack, a dangerous note in his voice.

Margot had been careful not to make her snide remarks within earshot of Papa! However, Mama soon informed him of her misdeeds. Jack was not amused.

"Margot! In the car, now!"

Jack marched his daughter off to her prison, muttering humiliating rebukes and reproaches. Appeals for mercy were brushed aside. Papa even mentioned telling Auntie Hilda, Margot was unfit for the Chalet School, behaving like that! A tearful Margot was locked in the car to reflect on her sauce. Jack made his way back to his well behaved family; whilst a sobbing Chaletian wept on the back seat.

Five minutes later, there was a knock on the window. It was the girl who Margot had laughed at earlier for not being a Chaletian.

"I say, are you allright? Can I help? my name is Lizzie, Lizzie Harris."

Gulping down a sob, Margot wound down the window. She needed a chat!

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Madge Russell was very angry. She was driving to Stephen's school to intercept her sister! She reflected upon who was responsible for a major mistake! Madge's face was grim!

"Joey! Of all the people! How could you do this to me?"

#31:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Tue May 15, 2007 10:18 pm
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I'm glad this is all going to get sorted out. Thanks for all the updates

#32:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Tue May 15, 2007 11:21 pm
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Lovely Lizzie there - true Chaletian material. And I just knew that this had to be Joey's fault!

#33:  Author: WoofterLocation: Location? What's a location? PostPosted: Wed May 16, 2007 5:29 pm
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Oh interesting, thank you Phil.

#34:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Thu May 17, 2007 9:43 pm
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Margot had spilled her woes upon Lizzie Harris, eager to find an understanding soul who would rally to her cause.

"Do you have to stay in the car? I mean you can climb out the window and then get back in before your Dad returns! You needn't leave the car! It's a bit awkward talking to you like this and I don't fancy squeezing in through your car window!"

Margot considered this.

"I can't come out of the car! It's disobedience! Papa will be so cross! We were going to take Steve to the cinema and if I disobey he might not let me go into the cinema with the family!"

The mere thought of "disobedience" was such a heresy to all the Maynard children they shuddered when they heard the "d" word!

"Well, what would your friend do? the Ozzie one you told me about?"

Margot considered this too. Emmy would probably just leap out of the car! Oh well, might as well be hanged for a sheep as well as a lamb!

"So, Lizzie!" as Margot squeezed out of the car window, ripping her skirt in the process.

"What's your school like?"

"The Head is a gorgon! Her nephew's here! I just saw her a moment ago and I nearly said 'It's the Flaming Catherine Wheel'"

"Why do you call her that?"

"She's as round as a wheel, she has a flaming temper, her name is Catherine and her last name is Neill."

Margot roared with laughter.

Lizzie elaborated on the Victorian routines of her school.

"We have to shake hands with the Head each morning and she always has something to say liike, 'Your stocking has a hole in it dear, or chin up and chest out!' Sometimes she won't talk to you at all and Matron grabs you to deal with your appearance!"

Margot listened with incredulity! The Chalet School sounded like a holiday camp! She did not notice as they talked, they walked away from the Maynard's car. She did not realise this until she met her Auntie Madge!

"Margot!" Madge embraced her niece and kissed her.

"Have you seen your Mama? I need to talk with her urgently! Why aren't you with the rest of your family and how did you tear your skirt?"

#35:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Fri May 18, 2007 12:46 am
    —
Really like how Margot and Lizzie have gotton along. Hope she doesn't get into too much trouble with everyone for absconding. Am looking forward to the clash between Madge and Joey especially if Lizzie finds out the truth

#36:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Fri May 18, 2007 4:40 pm
    —
Lizzie and Margot seem to be getting on well there. And Madge is being nice Madge like at the beginning of the series it seems.

Thanks Phil

#37:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Fri May 18, 2007 8:52 pm
    —
Margot gave a guilty start.

"I...I...I...don't know Auntie Madge! It is good to see you though, but why..."

Madge smiled.

"You have mislaid you mother and father! That was clumsy of you! Not even your mother managed to do that with me! Anyway I must find them! I need to speak to your mother! Who is your friend?"

Madge smiled at Lizzie who offered her hand to Madge.

"I am Lizzie, Lizzie Harris! Margot has been telling me about the Chalet School! It sounds wonderful!"

Madge's eyes widened in astonishment.

"Is anything wrong Auntie Madge? You look as if you had seen a ghost!"

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Unaware that his daughter had absconded, Jack Maynard lit his pipe and chatted to Stephen about the all important football matches. Stephen was leading the family to the school's piece de resistance: the library, which contained such a display of silverware as to give any prospective burglar thrills of excitement!

Joey and Con were knocked for six by the beautiful smell of the leather bound classics. I am sorry to say that these were hardly ever used by the boys who preferred comics to the great classics!

With Joey and Con immersed in books, Len strolled around the room. She giggled at the school photographs and found one where Steve was pulling a very serious face! Steve and Jack broke off their conversation and Steve was about to ask his sister what the joke was, when Tom Harris strode into the room with his parents.

"So where has that girl got to?" Mild irritation from Mrs Harris.

"She always likes to wander off on her own, mum!"

"I know! Oh I do wish she would pay more attention when we come to visit our little Tommy!"

Tom Harris was mortally embarrassed at this baby name his mother still used in public. He was further mortified when he saw the jeering face of his enemy mouthing 'little Tommy' at him. Tom Harris was moved to punch Maynard very hard!

It was Steve's turn to be embarrassed as Joey looked up and saw him pulling faces at Tom.

"What are you pulling faces for my little man? Have you seen one of your little friends?"

Stephen Maynard could have had an apopleptic fit! Len could not resist laughing at her brother's discomfiture. It was not malicious, but it was so funny!

"Hilda, don't call Tom 'little Tommy' at his school!"
"Joey, don't call Steve 'little man' at his school!"

Mr Harris and Dr Maynard spoke in unison. The two men shot resigned looks at each other and then laughed.

"Jack Maynard! How do you do?"
"Eddie Harris! How do you do?"

Both fathers had an instant rapport and found it convenient to isolate themselves from the world of their families and discuss mutually interesting things such as whether or not the Chancellor was going to raise income tax, their jobs and the size of their automobiles.

Both mothers had an instant rapport with Joey commenting on another Hilda she knew and Mrs Harris talking about how much she liked the Josephine M Bettany classics! Len and Con politely chipped into this conversation.

The two boys were forgotten!

"So 'little man' Maynard!"

"So 'little Tommy' Harris!"

But the hatchet was not to be buried here!

Both boys eyeballed each other and exchanged insults made up of the latest in schoolboy vocabulary.

"You gruesome gizzard swindler!"
"You bloated bandersnatch!"
"You baby's nappy!"
"You stale school bun!"

"I am nothing to do with your silly sister not getting into the Chalet School!"

"Ha! I shall believe that when I see it!"

"Are you really that thick Harris or are you just pretending?"

"Boys! Boys!" It was Joey's golden voice.

"We've decided both families will visit the cinema and have tea together!"

Stephen and Tom were amazed, but nobody seemed to realise this!

#38:  Author: WoofterLocation: Location? What's a location? PostPosted: Fri May 18, 2007 9:08 pm
    —
Thanks for the two updates Phil, i wonder what will happen at the cinema?

#39:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sat May 19, 2007 9:43 am
    —
I'm wondering what Madge is going to do to Joey and you are so mean to leave us hanging at the cliff like that!

#40:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Sat May 19, 2007 9:58 pm
    —
Apologies for any meaness as regarding cliffs! Here is the update...

This was the worst outcome Steve and Tom wanted! They could not stand each other. They trudged back to their respective cars in silence and fathers, mothers (and Len and Con) chatted. Suddenly they were confronted by Lizzie, Madge and a sheepish looking Margot.

"I thought I told you to stay in the car, young lady!" Jack fixed Margot with a piercing stare.

Another piercing stare was added from Joey and from Auntie Madge!

"Margot! So that's why you weren't with your mother and father!"

Madge gave a frown that would have down credit to the Lord High Executioner.

Madge's attention turned away from Margot who was mumbling her apologies with Lizzie mounting a spirited defence of her new found friend!

It was Joey who was now in Madge's gunsights.

"Josephine." Madge practically whispered in a voice that still made Joey shake in her shoes!

"A word in your ear if you please, Josephine!"

"Hello old thing! What brings you down here?" Joey's voice shook.

Madge's glare was unwavering.

"I came very near to eating a large helping of humble pie in front of a girl who had every reason to be at the Chalet School but is not because of somebody's error!"

Joey was dumbstruck.

"Now I don't like humble pie, Josephine."

"Who, my dear sister was sorting out rejection and acceptance letters for me, when I had injured my wrist?"

Joey literally wobbled.

"Let me refresh your memory." Madge said acidly.

"My children were away, Jem was at work and Rosa had the day off. Who else was in the house with me? You!"

"So sorry Madge, I mean Madame! I...I...I..."

"Don't 'Madame' me! You are the one going to to make an apology to that family and inform Elizabeth Harris that she is welcome to attend the Chalet School from next term! I might as well get Kevin and Kester to help me with the letters next time I injure myself!"

There was no more to be said and Josephine Maynard (nee Bettany) crawled out of the room like a crushed Middle! Even in her adulthood it was quite clear she could "goof up" again, as Evvy Lannis might have put it.

On rejoining the families, Madge was smiling merrily. It was amazing what a crushing retort could do!

"And now, I should like to accompany you to the cinema if I may!"

She had a quick word with Jack about the unhappy Margot. Madge had been pleased to meet Lizzie Harris and begged Jack to show some mercy. A hang-dog Margot was given a reprieve from incarceration in the car; and she was allowed to go to the cinema.

Eddie Harris and Jack Maynard could not work out what was wrong with the boys. They seemed so silent and sullen all of a sudden! This was overshadowed by the joyful news which Joey broke to Lizzie that she was to start at the Chalet School! For some reason unknown to their families, Steve and Tom simply glared at each other.

#41:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun May 20, 2007 2:03 pm
    —
I'm sure that you'll work things out for the boys, Phil. As for the cliffs, what would we do without them?

#42:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun May 20, 2007 2:20 pm
    —
Madge hasn't lost her touch! I'm glad Lizzie will get the chance to go to the CS.

#43:  Author: SalLocation: Walsall / Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sun May 20, 2007 4:12 pm
    —
Phil wrote:

"Now I don't like humble pie, Josephine."
...
"Don't 'Madame' me! You are the one going to to make an apology to that family and inform Elizabeth Harris that she is welcome to attend the Chalet School from next term! I might as well get Kevin and Kester to help me with the letters next time I injure myself!"


rofl at this

Thanks Phil

#44:  Author: WoofterLocation: Location? What's a location? PostPosted: Sun May 20, 2007 7:20 pm
    —
rofl at Joey!

Thanks Phil, i hope the boys can sort out their diferences.

#45:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Wed May 23, 2007 9:36 pm
    —
A western! Of all the films that could have been chosen, the parents had to choose a western! How old did they think their sons were, three?

These were the thoughts shared by both Steve Maynard and Tom Harris as they sidled into the cinema. Still, a family visit was a family visit and not to be refused. Indeed, boys who refused their family visits were judged to be criminally insane masochists who had a desire for extra latin with the most cantankerous of school masters!

Steve fell asleep as the damsel in distress squealed for the umpteenth time. He was woken by a rough prod in the ribs from Margot. Tom's eyes never left Steve.

"Tom, what's up? Don't you like that bloke?" Lizzie enquired.

Tom shook his head.

"Why?"

Silence.

"Why?"

Silence.

"Why?"

"Oh Lizzie! Just shut up!"

Lizzie raised her eyebrows at Tom in a move that made him feel inferior and was designed to get a reaction out of him.

"Rude little schoolboy!" Lizzie uttered disparagingly.

Tom felt humiliated. His anger told him it was all because of Steve Maynard.

Tom remained in this state until the lengthy western ended.

Then it was time to visit the park.

There had been excavations in part of the park. It was not known why. An impromptu game of catch was arranged and Len, Con, Lizzie and Margot joined with Steve and Tom. Unfortunately, Con fluffed a catch and knocked it towards where the excavations were taking place. Steve and Tom tore after the ball both shouting "Mine!" at the tops of their voices and suddenly there was an almighty blast.

"What the blazes?" bellowed Jack.

He and Eddie Harris sped off towards where the blast was. Con and Lizzie had screamed. Margot held on to Lizzie and Len caught Con as she fainted. Mrs Harris, Joey and Madge consoled the girls. The sound of sirens was heard and a park keeper rushed up to the women.

"No ball games! This is what happens if rules are broken! Didn't you realise there was excavations for unexploded wartime bombs in this 'ere area?"

"How can we, when we are not local? And where are the signs? Surely your borough council should have put some signs up?" bellowed Madge in response.

The Park Keeper blushed. He had been slack in putting up the signs. He had been officious in pursuing his tea break and he had not put up the brand new signs warning of unexploded bombs and for no ball games.

"Where are the boys? Where are they?" hissed Len.

"Steve! Tom!" Margot shouted at the top of her voice.

"Now Margot! No hysterics!" Madge said firmly.

The ambulance had arrived and Jack and Eddie appeared carrying their respective sons!

#46:  Author: SalLocation: Walsall / Aberystwyth PostPosted: Wed May 23, 2007 10:58 pm
    —
*wibbling* Oh no, please let them be alright...please...

Thanks Phil

#47:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri May 25, 2007 11:43 am
    —
Thanks, Phil. You always manage to give us such a shock, don't you.

#48:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sat May 26, 2007 2:46 am
    —
Jennie wrote:
Thanks, Phil. You always manage to give us such a shock, don't you.


Yo certainly have!!

#49:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Mon May 28, 2007 7:31 am
    —
"They're still alive! Probably shock! Looks like they both fell, knocked some branches over and that set off on old grenade from the war!"

Jack's breathless explanations were accurate. It was merciful that it was not an unexploded bomb or that would have been the end of both boys.

Whilst both boys were sleeping, Jack had a talk with Eddie Harris.

"I get the impression my son and your have had some sort of row. Steve isn't acting normal."

"Neither's Tom. I think we should get to the bottom of this."

Unaware of the interrogation being planned for them, both boys slept peacefully.

Steve and Tom did their best to ignore each other in hospital. It was only a couple of days later once out of hospital that their fathers took them aside for an all important "discussion".

"Now then, Steve and Tom. We should both like to know why you seem to have some animosity towards each other."Jack announced.

On one side of a table were a stern faced Eddie Harris and Jack Maynard. On the other were two ashen faced schoolboys who realised their vendetta with each other was about to come to a sharp end! Both boys knew their fathers were no fools and dreaded a paternal interrogation.

Silence reigned.

"Well if you just don't like each other, then say so!" snapped Mr Harris.

Tom wanted to say how fed up he was about Maynard bragging about the Chalet School especially as his sister had not got in and Steve wanted to say that he thought Tom's vendetta was so small minded that he thought it beneath contempt.

"Anything to do with Lizzie not getting into the Chalet School, Tom?"

Mr Harris was very perceptive! Tom shuddered.

"So that's it, young man and you took it out on young Maynard?"

Mr Harris was not pleased his son was at fault. Tom Harris looked so woebegone, Steve owned up to his part in the affair.

"I did goad him sir!" Steve said to Mr Harris. Jack flashed his son such a cross look that Steve felt pure terror rush down his spine!

"Stupid boy!" Jack growled.

"You young idiot, Tom!" Mr Harris said contemptuously.

Both boys felt exceedingly foolish.

"Well you have a lot in common boys! You clearly think the world of your sisters and you are both stubborn in refusing to see another man's point of view!"

"What do you think your sisters will think of this vendetta?"

Steve and Tom could well imagine their sisters' respective responses to a silly boyish vendetta about them! Sisters had a way with words which made a brother feel very stupid and Tom was not anxious to incur Lizzie's unvarnished opinion of his stupidity. Less anxious to have a similar experience was Steve, who would have got a similar dose threefold!

"We shan't tell your sisters! Both of you have had a horrid shock where you might have been killed and we hope we can trust you to make up and become friends! And by the way Tom, Lizzie is going to the Chalet School! It was only an administrative error that caused the problem in the first place!"

Both boys eagerly made up with each other. Luckily for Steve he never knew the 'administrative error' which had caused him so much trouble was his own Mama! Thankfully, neither did the Harrises.

#50:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Mon May 28, 2007 10:02 am
    —
I think that's definately a case of least said soonest mended. Glad to see it get sorted out. Thanks Phil I've really enjoyed this

#51:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon May 28, 2007 10:35 am
    —
Just read this all the way through - excellent - thanks Phil. Laughing

#52:  Author: SalLocation: Walsall / Aberystwyth PostPosted: Mon May 28, 2007 2:38 pm
    —
Great ending Smile
Thanks Phil I've really enjoyed this

#53:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon May 28, 2007 2:52 pm
    —
Phil, this was far too short, but thanks.

#54:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon May 28, 2007 3:05 pm
    —
I'm glad they sorted that out! Thanks Phil.



The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


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