The CBB :: View topic - Gabby goes to school

#1: Gabby goes to school Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 7:37 pm

What can I say, the bunny (not rupert - he's working on other projects) bit the other night. This is the result, not sure were it's going yet!

The roar of the car’s engine as it turned onto the Platz could be heard from the open French windows looking out onto the rose garden. With a smile, Len jumped up from her seat and briefly checked her reflection in the mirror before hurrying to the front door. A smart silver sports car had just stopped outside the garden gate.

She dashed down the pathway and pulled open the heavy gate as the driver emerged from the vehicle.

“I can’t believe it!” She exclaimed, “You don’t appear to have changed a bit.”

“I must have, it’s been nearly 5 years since I last saw you,” was the pragmatic reply. “I certainly didn’t have this many grey hairs!”

“Is this is?” She asked pointing at the small suitcase that had been sitting on the front seat of the car.

“Yes, that’s it,” the suitcase’s owner replied with a smile. “I’m not staying long and the car isn’t really built for carrying luggage.”

“You and your cars! How many do you have at the moment?”

“Oh, just the three, but this is my favourite.” The car’s owner shrugged before continuing, “well I have to have some vices and it’s better than smoking or drinking!”

“True,” Len replied picking up the suitcase, “come on in, teas ready and you’re not my only visitor.”

Last edited by Katarzyna on Tue Mar 22, 2005 10:59 pm; edited 45 times in total

#2: Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 7:41 pm

Very interesting start - can't wait to see where this is going (though I do wonder if I might have an incling as to who the person with the car might be...) Ray *curious*

#3: Author: ali, Location: medway, kent

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 9:10 pm

Who is it? Answers needed now.

#4: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 9:14 pm

Jack Lambert perchance? Wasn't she obsessed with cars? Looking forward to finding out...

#5: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 9:23 pm

Gabby being her daughter perhaps? Nice to see another drabble from you Kate. Laughing

#6: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 9:32 pm

Great start. Am very intrigued as to who is in the car. Thanks

#7: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 9:42 pm

Len lead the way up the path to the front entrance of the house. The reception area, which the last time her visitor had been there was the hallway of the family home, gleamed with polished wood.

“I know you said in your e-mails that I wouldn’t recognise the place but I hadn’t actually believed you.”

“I think you are in for quite a few shocks then,” Len’s eyes twinkled as she spoke. “The conversion back into a guest house took everyone a few years to get used to, as did going from living in a huge house to living in what was the guest wing. This way,” she added opening the door marked ‘private’.

A younger woman, whose almost black hair was now shot through with silver, rose from her seat as they entered.

“You remember my sister?” Len asked

“Of course I remember Cecil, though, I don’t think I’ve seen her since Tessa’s christening, and that must be what, thirty years ago!”

“Thirty three,” Cecil replied. “Actually, I have seen you since, at the triplets 50th birthday, but we didn’t get a chance to talk.”

Len poured out tea whilst her visitors settled themselves into the comfortable chairs in front of the windows, overlooking the garden.

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 2:53 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 10:28 pm

Hmmm, so they are speaking of emails -which must bring it almost to present day - certainly within the last ten years or so. Thanks Kate. Laughing

#9: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 10:34 pm

Is this a sort of continuation of Chalet Girls Grow Up? I think Len's daughter was called Tessa in that. It also featured the triplets being 50. Or am I barking up totally the wrong tree? It looks really good, anyway!

#10: Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 10:47 pm

It does look interesting, and is Len now running a guest house instead of teaching? JackieJ

#11: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 11:04 pm

Is in the same universe as the Felicity drabble and the CS at court? Have no idea about who guest is!

#12: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 8:07 am

No it isn't a continuation of CGGU - never read it! Yes it is using the same universe as Court/Felicity! As for the visitor!

Len lead the way up the path to the front entrance of the house. The reception area, which the last time her visitor had been there was the hallway of the family home, gleamed with polished wood.

“I know you said in your e-mails that I wouldn’t recognise the place but I hadn’t actually believed you.”

“I think you are in for quite a few shocks then,” Len’s eyes twinkled as she spoke. “The conversion back into a guest house took everyone a few years to get used to, as did going from living in a huge house to living in what was the guest wing. This way,” she added opening the door marked ‘private’.

A younger woman, whose almost black hair was now shot through with silver, rose from her seat as they entered.

“You remember my sister?” Len asked

“Of course I remember Cecil, though, I don’t think I’ve seen her since Tessa’s christening, and that must be what, thirty years ago!”

“Thirty three,” Cecil replied. “Actually, I have seen you since, at the triplets 50th birthday, but we didn’t get a chance to talk.”

Len poured out tea whilst her visitors settled themselves into the comfortable chairs in front of the windows, overlooking the garden.

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 2:54 pm; edited 1 time in total

#13: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 8:11 am

Cannot be certain - who is Head now? Is it Cecil? Thanks Kate.

#14: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 9:56 am

It doesn't seem that Cecil is still head... Looking forward to more of this!

#15: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 10:49 am

*Smirking because I didn't have to wait to find out who was driving the car* Glad to see another update on the Felicity/Court world.

#16: Author: Nina, Location: Peterborough, UK

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 11:56 am

Thinks Cecil IS head but Jack doesn't know ... interesting! Wondering who she's expecting...?

#17: Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 2:14 pm

This is very good! looking forward to more!

#18: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 4:44 pm

“Well,” Jack began, “as you know, what with one thing and another I never married or had children whereas my sister Anne, always the better Chalet girl, went in for nursing and having qualified found herself a doctor, got married, gave up work and started a family.”

“There’s more to being a Chalet girl than marrying doctor!” Cecil interrupted

“Anyway, it isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.” Len said with a grin, “I should know! Go on Jack, Didn’t Anne have two boys?”

“She did, Tommy and Jack. Well, the boys are now both in their mid thirties with families of their own. Tommy has three girls, Gabby, whose fourteen, and the twins, Charlotte and Laura, they have just turned ten. Jack has a boy, Paul, and two girls, Marie’s also ten and Josie’s eight going on about 40!”

“Aren’t they at the school’s English branch?”

“They are. Josie started last year, the twins and Marie are in upper second.”

“What about Gabby?” Len asked with a frown. “Judging by her age she should be in one of the fourths shouldn’t she?”

“Gabby doesn’t go to the Chalet School.” Jack sighed, her eyes clouding.

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 2:55 pm; edited 1 time in total

#19: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 4:59 pm

And why not? Must be some special reason - and I'm sure we're about to discover why. Laughing

#20: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 5:32 pm

Why doesn't Gabby go to the school?

#21: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 5:43 pm

Ooohhh thank you Kate *also wants to know why Gabby doesn't attend the CS*

#22: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 6:05 pm

*Joining the wondering crowd* Liz

#23: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 6:12 pm

“Why not?” Cecil asked simply.

“When she was four she was in an accident, she slipped on some ice and fell backwards landing on the edge of a concrete step. She was unconscious for about a week and when she came round, she couldn’t see anything. At first they thought that she would recover, that the swelling on the brain which had damaged the optic nerves would subside and her vision would come back, it never did.”

“She’s totally blind?” Len asked quietly

“Yes, she remembers though, from when she could see. In a way I think that makes things worse.” Jack sighed again.

“Go on.” Len urged quietly

“Until last year she went to a special school, the Rowans, it was designed for children with physical disabilities and they have a high staff to student ratio with most students having a teaching assistant for at least half of their classes. The trouble is that a school like that is expensive to maintain and so last year the Education Authority decided that the Rowans would close and that the children would be integrated into their local schools.”

“Typical,” Cecil snorted, her own history in state schools in England had given her a somewhat jaded view, “It doesn’t matter what is best for the children, at the end of the day it all comes down to the budget!”

“Doesn’t it always?” Len asked

“It shouldn’t have to.” Cecil’s reply was curt, “so what happened?”

“They thought about sending her to school with her sisters, but Gabby didn’t want to go, I think that she didn’t want to be known as the blind older sister.”

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 2:56 pm; edited 1 time in total

#24: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 6:17 pm

Poor Gabby. Crying or Very sad

And

insensitive bureaucrats that decide things solely on budget, with no thought of the human factor. Thanks Kate.

#25: Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 7:32 pm

poor, poor Gabby... Sad

#26: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 8:12 pm

Ohhh!!!! poor Gabby!! So, presumably, Jack wants her to come to the swiss branch? Hope they'll take her, and that it all works out!

#27: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 8:41 pm

Wow this will be really interesting! I'm sure they will take her at the Swiss branch - after all, look at the title of the drabble! Razz

I'm really looking forward to more of this!

#28: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 9:48 pm

I agree with Helen that the title of the drabble indicates that they will take her, but it will mean a lot of challenges for them. This could prove to be a very intersting idea. Like Jack's future.

#29: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 10:08 pm

Glad your all enjoying this, please bear in mind i have no idea where this is going!! - last post for tonight!!

“So she went to the local school?”

“Yes, it’s a big school, over 2000 pupils between the ages of eleven and eighteen. She was in a class of thirty and although there were a couple of teaching assistants, they were for everyone in the school that needed them. Gabby changed, in a matter of weeks she went from a lively outgoing clever girl who loved her school work and had a load of friends to being this quiet, withdrawn shell of a girl. Her confidence plummeted, she was barely eating and wouldn’t go out with her friends, then she started to refuse to go to school.

“Was she being bullied?” Cecil asked.

“That was my initial thought when Tommy told me what was happening, so I interfered,” Jack said with a grin. “I got myself invited to give a talk to some of the sixth formers at the school as part of their careers week. Whilst I was there I had a nosey round, talked to some of the staff. The school itself has an excellent reputation and a sound anti-bullying policy”

“But?”

“The school wasn’t set up to give disabled children the support they need. There are too many pupils and not enough staff, they staff are dedicated and believe in what they do but it just isn’t working.”

“So what happened?”

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 2:57 pm; edited 1 time in total

#30: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 10:42 pm

Thanks Kate - want to find out with you what happens! Wink

#31: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 11:02 pm

Poor Gabby. I am really looking forward to seeing how the school meets the challenge.

#32: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 11:55 pm

Just discovered this one, and wow! What a great premise! How weird! I've been seeing Jack as a little girl of seven for the last few days (and probably for the next few as well) and now here she is, old enough that Anne's got grandchildren!!!! Thanks for the story Katarzyna!

#33: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 2:02 am

Thanks Kate! This is going to be a lovely drabble. Poor little Gabby hope all turns out well for her.

#34: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 8:54 am

“Well, Tommy’s wife comes from quite big family and her mother and a couple of her sisters are quite involved with dogs.”

“Quite involved with dogs?” Len raised an eyebrow.

“They show them, breed them, have too many of them living in the house. They are great people, practical and down to earth, but if you get more than one of them together all they talk about is the dogs and believe me they can go on for ages!” Jack grinned at fond memories of family gatherings. “One of Gabby’s aunts does puppy walking for Guide Dogs and suggested that it might be worth applying for Gabby to have her own dog, to see if that would improve her confidence and bring her back out of herself.”

“Did it work?”

“Well, it’s a bit early to say for definite, the dog arrived about six months ago and Gabby has certainly started to regain some confidence, the trouble is, she won’t go back to school.”

“So this is where your appointment with the head tomorrow comes in?” Len queried with a grin.

“It is, I am here on Gabby’s behalf, to beg and plead that they let her come out to school here. She’s a bright girl and learns quickly, I’ve modified a laptop with a Braille keyboard so that she can take notes during lessons and write assignments.”

“Does Gabby know what your doing?” Len asked

“She does, I am here with her blessing. She’s always liked the stories Anne and I tell of our time out here and, secretly, I think she wishes she’d gone with her sisters to the English branch.”

“She still could.”

“No,” Jack shook her head. “She won’t and the younger girls have been promised that when they turn 14 they can come out to the Swiss branch. If Gabby came now when the others came out she would already be established here.”

“That makes sense. It’s never easy to have to live up to your sisters’ reputation, either older or younger.” Cecil smirked at her eldest sister as she spoke.

“So that’s it, in a nutshell. Oh, except for one thing.”

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 2:58 pm; edited 1 time in total

#35: Author: Emily, Location: Land of White Coats and Stethoscopes.

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 9:23 am

Yes...? What?! Thanks for the update Kate!

#36: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 10:07 am

Poor Gabby!What's the one thing then?

#37: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 10:08 am

Oh, an ickle cliff!Thanks Kate. Laughing

#38: Author: Miriam, Location: Jerusalem, Israel

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 12:16 pm

What happens about quarrentine regulations with the dog? Is that covred within Ec regulations and pet passports and so on, or would the dog (possibly with Gabby) have to stay in Switzerland/at Freudesheim during the holidays? THat wouldn't be the best thing for her development as part of the family, or her relationship with this dog - what's it's name, by the way?

#39: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 12:25 pm

It's the Chalet School, they'll get around quarantine regulations somehow, i'm sure!! Smile

Thanks Kate!

#40: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 12:56 pm

Katarzyna wrote:

“Well, Tommy’s wife comes from quite big family and her mother and a couple of her sisters are quite involved with dogs.” “Quite involved with dogs?” Len raised an eyebrow.

I read 'quite involved with drugs'! Dear oh dear. This is going to be veery interesting, thanks!

#41: Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 3:37 pm

hurrah! I cant wait to see Gabby at the Chalet School!

#42: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 4:21 pm

Oooh! Excellent idea Kate!! Your bunny is to be congratulated! (providing the pair of you produce more soon that is!!! Wink

)

#43: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 5:09 pm

If it's set around present day then the dog would have a Pet Passport and have been vaccinated - therefore there would be no problem with Rabies quarantine.

#44: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 5:52 pm

'twill be interesting to see how Gabby gets on at the CS looking forward to more!

#45: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 7:51 pm

Yes, I'm guessing it's set in present times (laptops with Braille keyboards) and I thought I'd read something in the Woman's Weekly about Pet Passports (here is where I admit to having bought the WW for the last 15 years, mainly for the serials) and surely anyway Jack would've investigated quarantine requirements, and the doggy part of the family would've known anyway? Um. You know what I mean. Thanks again Kate!

#46: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 8:12 pm

Having just gone through the process of getting some of rent-a-mob their passports I can give anyone who wants the complete and very long winded version of pet passports - however for those that want a simple explanation!........

“Which is?”

“Gabby will only come to school if Polo can come too.”

“Polo?” Cecil and Len asked together.

“Her guide dog.”

“How can he? England has such strict quarantine laws. She wouldn’t be able to cope without him during school holidays.” Cecil queried

“She wouldn’t have to,” Jack advised. “About four years ago they introduced a pet passport system so that dogs could come in and out of England to some European countries. The dogs have to been vaccinated for Rabies and have to have some form of permanent identification”

“Permanent identification?”

“Yes, either a microchip implanted under the skin or a tattoo, which is normally in the ear. Polo had his vaccinations, and the blood test to confirm that he has the required immunity, so there is no reason why he can’t come out and coming back shouldn’t be a problem providing he is treated with flea drops and wormers before he gets to the port.”

“I am sure that won’t be the strangest task one of our escort mistresses has ever had to supervise.” Len said with a grin.

“So, what do you think?” Jack asked sitting back in her chair. “Cecil, you teach at the school, do you think the head will go for it?”

“Well,” Cecil said with a grin, “I don’t know, she might.”

“What do you think my best approach with her would be? I don’t know anything about her, not even her name, to be honest I was a bit shocked when Len told me that Miss Wilmot was retiring.”

“I think she’s settled into the job really well,” Len said calmly, “She’s an old girl after all so she knew the ropes, and she’d taught at the English branch.”

“You must know her well then Cecil, weren’t you at the English branch too?”

“Oh yes, I do know her well, very well in fact.” Cecil grinned broadly as she spoke.

“No!” Realisation suddenly dawned on Jack, “why didn’t you say something sooner?”

“I didn’t want to interrupt!”

“So, will you be able to take her?” Jack asked eagerly.

“Lets keep the appointment tomorrow and discuss it then, when I’ve had time to think it over.”

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 2:59 pm; edited 1 time in total

#47: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 8:18 pm

*g* at jack!!! good for cecil making it to head of the CS!

#48: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 8:22 pm

Giggle at Jack not realising straight away! Thanks Kate.

#49: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 8:47 pm

Is that true about the pet passport thing? That's excellent, if so. ETA: Oh, I see it is. Embarassed

Thanks Kate!

#50: Author: ravenseyes, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 8:49 pm

Looking forward to more of this drabble Very Happy

#51: Author: Nina, Location: Peterborough, UK

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 8:51 pm

Yay! I guessed right for once! This is really good, Kate - I love guide dogs the RNIB centre is here in Peterborough and I see lots of trainee ones in the shopping centre.

#52: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 10:35 pm

The station platform was crowded and noisy, everywhere Jack looked she could see the familiar colour of the uniform that she herself had worn over forty years ago, the style was different with many of the girls choosing to travel in trousers rather than the skirts and tunics she had worn. Eventually, over the heads of the girls she saw what she was looking for.

“Come on Gabby, this way,” she touched the arm of the girl standing silently next to her and started to walk.

As they walked along the platform the sea of girls parted and Gabby, despite the fact that she could not see, knew that she was being stared at. In her left hand was the comfortable grip which attached her to her guide, allowing her to walk confidently alongside her aunt without having to childishly hold her hand.

“Hello there,” the woman’s voice was warm and friendly, “I’m Miss Redmond, and you must be Gabrielle Heath.”

“Gabby,” the owner of the name replied quickly.

“Gabby it is then,” Miss Redmond said with a laugh. “Now, lets see, your fourteen aren’t you?”

“Yes, fifteen next March.”

“Very good, wait here one moment and I’ll find you a sheepdog.”

“A sheepdog?” Gabby asked Jack whilst they waited for the mistress to return.

“Yes, it’s what they call those old girls designated to look after new girls and show them the ropes.”

It was only seconds later that Gabby heard two sets of footsteps approach and then stop directly in front of her.

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:00 pm; edited 1 time in total

#53: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 11:09 pm

This is excellent, and so exciting to see Gabby and Polo going to the CS together! We collect our used stamps for Guide Dogs Smile

#54: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 11:44 pm

Thank you Kate. Very Happy

#55: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 3:37 am

See what happens when you spend an entire weekend without switching on the computer - you come back to a really excellent new drabble! Thanks Katarzyna!

#56: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 3:46 am

Yay, a nice new drabble!

#57: Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 7:03 am

I expect by the present time the school will have more pupils with individual learning needs anyway, so should not be as phased by Gabby as in EDB's time. Sophoife wrote

Quote:

here is where I admit to having bought the WW for the last 15 years

You're not the only one, Sophoife Smile

#58: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 9:19 am

Thanks for the update!

#59: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 11:41 am

Only just discovered this. Wonderful! Thank you KAte.

#60: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 1:22 pm

Thank you Kate!! This is wonderful! I've loved guide dogs ever since I read the 'Emma' books by Sheila Hocken. Can't wait to see how Gabby and Polo will get on!

#61: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 3:56 pm

I hope the girls will make Gabby feel welcomeShe must feel nervous and feeling people looking at you can't have helped. At least she has Jack with her...and Polo

#62: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 5:31 pm

I've just managed to read my way through your other fics Kate, they're great, and no I'm looking froward even more to hearing about Gabby's time at school!

#63: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 8:31 pm

Thought some of you might like to reaquanit yourselves with some old friends!!

“Gabby, this is Melanie Edwards, commonly known as Mel. Mel, this is Gabby Heath. She’s the same age as you so would you, Pippa and Abi please take charge of her during the journey.”

“Yes Miss Redmond,” Mel’s voice was clear and crisp. “Do you want to say good bye to your folks and then come with me?”

“I, erm,” Gabby found herself suddenly tounge tied.

“Right then Gabby,” Jack said in her most down to earth tones, “You have all Polo’s paperwork, and your overnight bag?”

“Yes,” Gabby nodded in response.

“Good.” Jack lent down and hugged her niece, whispering into her ear. “I want you to enjoy yourself Gabby girl, work hard and play hard. If you need help you can always send an e-mail and I’ll do what I can.”

Jack stood back and gave Gabby a little push towards her escort.

“Come on,” Mel urged, “lets go meet the others.” She linked her left arm through Gabby’s right and set off. Polo, who had settled down on the platform whilst they waited suddenly sprang to his feet eager to carry out his job.

“Steady,” Gabby reminded him with a giggle.

“I say,” Mel stopped walking, “your dog thinks coming too?”

“He is.” Gabby’s voice had a hint of defiance in it.

“But we don’t have pets at school!”

“Oh, he’s not a pet,” Gabby explained, “he’s my eyes.”

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:01 pm; edited 1 time in total

#64: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 9:33 pm

Thanks Kate! Smile

#65: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 10:16 pm

That was such a great last line, must have left Mel totally Gob smacked!

#66: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 11:42 pm

I think that was a really nice matter-of-fact way for Gabby to broach the subject. Certainly she wasn't introduced as being blind which let her tell the girls in her own way. Looking forward to more.

#67: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 11:59 pm

That's truly a great way to introduce her "handicap" to her "little playmates" - hope the girls don't try to fuss over Polo too much - or give him his namesakes!

#68: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 12:20 am

Lovely introduction of Gabby Thanks Kate Liz

#69: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 1:22 am

Lovely posts Kate. Looking forward to seeing how Gabby and Polo get on at the school.

#70: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 12:58 pm

Lovely, thank you Kate.

#71: Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 4:32 pm

Thank you Kate, can't wait to see how Gabby and Polo fit in. JackieJ

#72: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 6:44 pm

“Your….” Mel’s voice trailed off and Gabby could feel her staring into her face.

“Yes, I’m blind,” she said brusquely.

“I, um,” was all Mel could stutter.

“Don’t we have a train to catch,” Gabby said coldly, prompting Polo to lead her along the platform.

“Oh, yes, of course,” Mel said trying to gather herself together. She put her arm onto Gabby’s again, “I’m sorry, I didn’t realise.”

Gabby didn’t say anything but allowed herself to be led along the platform and onto the train.

“This way, the aisle’s not wide enough for two, are you okay to follow me?”

“Yes,” there was still coldness in Gabby’s voice. In silence they walked down the aisle, the chattering girls already seated turned silent as they passed. Eventually Mel stopped.

“Shift up you two,” she said brightly and Gabby heard the rustling as who ever it was Mel had been talking to moved along the seats. “Can you get in there okay?”

“Of course,” Gabby replied, proving her point by sitting down as she spoke. “I have been on a train before!”

“Polo will be all right there won’t he?” Mel asked ignoring Gabby’s last comment. Without waiting for a response she continued, “I suppose I’d better do some introductions.”

“Gabby, on your left is Abigail O’Hara, but she only answers to Abi, and diagonally across the table from you is Pippa Richardson. Pip, Abi, this is Gabby Heath. I’m sheepdogging her.”

“Poor Gabby,” the voice came from next to her so was obviously Abi’s, the tone held an unspoken giggle. “I wonder whose idea that was?”

“Hey,” Mel tried to sound indignant but failed completely.

“Ignore them,” the third voice came from across the table and belonged to the girl identified as Pippa.

“Anyway,” Mel interrupted, “I hadn’t finished my introductions.” She paused dramatically, “Pippa, Abi, I’d also like you to meet Polo. Polo, these are Pippa and Abi!”

“Mel!” Pippa’s voice held a warning tone in it.

“Sorry,” Mel said so contritely that Gabby giggled.

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:02 pm; edited 1 time in total

#73: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 7:06 pm

Hope the giggle means Gabby isn't going to hold a grudge for Mel's initial shock!

#74: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 7:19 pm

Poor Gabby, it must be hard for her. But she's going to have to learn not to be so defensive, because people will be surprised, it's a natural reaction and she may alienate people if she reacts like that. Unfair, but true... Thanks Kate!

#75: Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 7:21 pm

This is great Kate. *wonders why staff didn't tell Mle, Abi and Pippa that Gabby was blind and had a guide dog*

#76: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 8:55 pm

Thanks for update! I hope they can all get passed the fact that Gabby is blind!

#77: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 9:44 pm

love the introduction to Polo!!!!! looks like Gabby's loosening up a little - that giggle gave her away

#78: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 9:47 pm

I think Mel, particularly, is already past the fact that Gabby is blind (viz. her introduction of Polo). I think it was wise of the mistresses not to tell the girls and to leave them to find out in their own way/time, so they don't have any preconceived ideas of how to treat Gabby and end up on the patronising side.

#79: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 10:11 pm

“Your dog’s coming to school?” Pippa asked, raising her eyebrows as she spoke.

“Yes,” was the blunt reply.

The four girls fell silent unsure of how to continue. Eventually, in an effort to break the silence Abi asked politely,

“do you know what form you’re in?”

“Not yet, I did the entrance exams but I won’t find out till I get to school.” Gabby replied. “What forms are you all in?”

“Upper IVa, it’s the highest form in the middle school, our last year of freedom and irresponsibility!” Mel sighed.

“Really?” the voice came from behind Gabby’s shoulder, “I seem to remember that the freedom stays about the same, and I should think by your age Mel you had gained a little responsibility, it doesn’t get given to you over the summer when your going into Inter!”

“I….” faltered Mel, totally embarrassed.

“Hello, you must be Gabby,” the newcomer said. “I’m Joanna Maynard, one of the prefects.”

“Pleased to meet you,” Gabby said politely.

“Are you Head Girl?” Pippa asked.

“You’ll have to wait and find out with the rest of the school,” Joanna replied with a grin. “Well if you four are all right here I shall go and check on the rest of the carriage.”

“Were fine,” Abi replied and Gabby heard the prefect move away.

“I’m sure she’s got Head Girl,” Mel whispered once she felt the coast was clear. “She’s been at school since she was tiny, and she’s got the pedigree for it!”

“What do you mean by that?” Gabby’s curiosity was sparked by this comment.

“She’s a Maynard!” Mel said as though that explained everything.

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:03 pm; edited 1 time in total

#80: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 10:17 pm

Looking forward to seeing Mel et al explain the Maynard clan!

#81: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 10:25 pm

she has the pedigree!!!!like she's some kind of dog?????*falls around laughing*lovely update though!

#82: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 11:42 pm

*giggles at Joanna's 'pedigree'!!!!!* Lovely post Kate!!!

#83: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 12:19 am

Thanks Kate lovely posts. Glad the other girls seem to be accepting Gabby and Polo.

#84: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 12:40 am

Thanks Kate. *wonders which Maynard Joanna is*

#85: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 1:14 am

Thanks Kate, this is really interesting. When I was at college I quite often saw a girl walking around with a guide dog - he had a notice hanging onto his collar saying 'Please don't pet me - I'm working' I wonder if Polo might need something of the sort.

#86: Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 1:52 am

hurrah! another Jo Maynard hey!! Wink

#87: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 12:59 pm

Does the Maynard pedigree come on a large, ornate form?

#88: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 2:41 pm

just read all of this at once - looks like it is going to be extremely goodcould someone point me to where I find the other two drabbles that have the same people in please?!?thanks Kate

#89: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 7:33 pm

I could probably do a huge long pedigree for the Maynard clan - just like the ones i have on the walls for rent a mob!! Don't think i could get KC approval for it though!

“That doesn’t make her automatically head girl,” Pippa snapped. “Touchy!” Mel replied, “just cos your family!” “Stop it you two!” Abi warned. “What are they talking about?” Gabby asked “It’s school history. Pippa and Joanna are cousin’s, sort of anyway, Pip’s granny and Jo’s dad are brother and sister. Their mother, Mrs Maynard, was the first pupil at the school and their aunt, Lady Russell, founded the school. So far there have been loads of head girls who have been part of the family.” Abi explained. “It’s a bit of a joke really,” Pippa interrupted. “At the moment there are about eight of us at the Swiss branch and more at the English branch.” “There aren’t many of us that don’t have some relation or other that went to the school,” Mel said with a sigh. “My grandma did, and my aunts,” Abi advised. “In fact my grandma was one of the first head girls.” “Well, my grandmother was a prefect, and my great aunt was head girl!” Gabby exclaimed. “Who?” All three of them asked simultaneously.“That doesn’t make her automatically head girl,” Pippa snapped.

“Touchy!” Mel replied, “just cos your family!”

“Stop it you two!” Abi warned.

“What are they talking about?” Gabby asked

“It’s school history. Pippa and Joanna are cousin’s, sort of anyway, Pip’s granny and Jo’s dad are brother and sister. Their mother, Mrs Maynard, was the first pupil at the school and their aunt, Lady Russell, founded the school. So far there have been loads of head girls who have been part of the family.” Abi explained.

“It’s a bit of a joke really,” Pippa interrupted. “At the moment there are about eight of us at the Swiss branch and more at the English branch.”

“There aren’t many of us that don’t have some relation or other that went to the school,” Mel said with a sigh.

“My grandma did, and my aunts,” Abi advised. “In fact my grandma was one of the first head girls.”

“Well, my grandmother was a prefect, and my great aunt was head girl!” Gabby exclaimed.

“Who?” All three of them asked simultaneously.

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:04 pm; edited 1 time in total

#90: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 8:17 pm

Lol I love all this swapping and comparing of relations!!Good to see Gabby settling down with the girls Very Happy

Thanks Kate!

#91: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 8:18 pm

Grin!!!!Loving this Kate!!! More soon please!!!

#92: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 8:23 pm

Hehe, Great scene with them comparing histories!

#93: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 9:42 pm

“My grandmother was Anne Lambert, and my great aunt is,”

“Jack!” Pippa exclaimed.

“Yes,” Gabby replied shocked by the tone of excitement in Pippa’s voice. “How did you know?”

“My own grandma, she was at school with Anne and Jack, she’s a couple of years older than Anne. Her sister used to be Jack’s dormitory prefect when she first came to school. Your aunt’s a legend!”

“A legend?”

“Yes, she glued someone to her chair, got stuck up a tree and she tampered with the mistresses bathroom by putting bubble bath in the tub so when the mistress turned the tap on it frothed!” Pippa laughed as she talked.

“Aunt Jack?” Gabby was astounded, she had never heard anything about this side of her aunt’s character, she knew she’d been head girl and that she had loved her time at school but nothing about the wilder side of her character.

“You’ll have to look her up in the book when you get to school.” Pippa started, then faltered. “Oh, I mean, I…..” She trailed off weakly.

“It’s ok, I’m sure that one of you can read bits to me!” Gabby had taken a shine to Pippa due to the friendly tone of her voice and felt sorry for her embarrassment. “Look,” she continued, “I can’t see, fact, don’t tiptoe about it, I don’t feel sorry for myself and I don’t want you to either.”

“Can I ask something?” Abi asked shyly.

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:05 pm; edited 1 time in total

#94: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 9:53 pm

Awwww! Lovely!!!

#95: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 10:08 pm

Aww bless! I like the fact that Jack has kept the mischief of her days as a middle a secret!

#96: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 11:57 pm

so who's abi related to? *thinks of early head girls* *fails to work it out*

#97: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 12:06 am

This is great! And can I echo the request for a link to the earlier stories please.

#98: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 5:32 am

Just caught up - thanks Kate - glad Gabby has got over her initial coolness - the girls will be surprised to begin with, and will keep asking her what she can and can't do. BTW, being a Maynard sounds like some sort of disease! Wink

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

Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 1:27 pm

Suspect that Jack is aware that Gabby will find out all about her misdeeds at school Lovely to see Gabby loosingher pricklines and joining in and reassuring the others. Very interested in Abi's question though

#100: Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull

Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 8:58 pm

*Looks back to find Abi's surname* Juliet! Very Happy

Lovely to see Gabby getting on with them though. Although I'm intrigued as to Abi's question as well. JackieJ

#101: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 9:34 pm

Only one post tonight folks - getting ready for the first Championship show of the season and were in the ring at 9.00 am tommorrow so a very early start. Enjoy! “You just have!” Mel interrupted with a grin.

“Go on,” Gabby urged ignoring Mel.

“Have you always been blind?”

“No, it used to be able to see, but a long time ago, I’ve been blind for over twice the length of time I was able to see for.” Gabby explained, “anyway, I have my eyes now,” she reached down to pet the dog asleep in the aisle, “I can manage just as well as the next person.”

“What sort of dog is he?” Abi asked, more than anything to change the subject. “I thought that most guide dogs were Labradors or German Shepherds.”

“Not all of them, the most famous guide dog in the country isn’t either of those!” Gabby replied.

“Most famous guide dog?” Mel asked, “I don’t think I know any at all, well, until I met Polo anyway!”

“The most famous guide dog is a curly coated retriever, she belongs to an MP and goes to the House of Commons.”

“Polo isn’t one of those either though is he?” Abi asked still staring at the dog.

“No, he’s not, he’s a standard poodle.”

“A standard poodle!”

“Yes,” Gabby’s tone was defensive.

“But, I always thought they were like, fluffy things, with silly haircuts.” Pippa replied.

“They can be fluffy with silly haircuts,” Gabby replied with a grin, “I couldn’t be doing with that so Polo has a pet clip. He was shaved right down last week, I just have to brush him each day and then he will get clipped again in the holidays.”

“Poodles aren’t working dogs are they though? How come you have him rather than a usual guide dog.”

“Poodles were working dogs, they retrieve from water just like Labradors. There very clever too. You don’t get a guide dog because it’s a breed you want, you go along to the centre and they match you with a dog, I got lucky, I got Polo.”

For the remainder of the journey to the coast the four girls chattered about school in general. As the train pulled into Dover the prefects came to oversee the gathering of belongings for the change onto the boat.

“Please, I need to exercise Polo before he gets on the boat.” abby explained to the prefect in charge of her section as they lined up to get off the train.

“That’s fine, Miss Phillips, our games mistress, is coming to take you to a grassed area. When we get off the train by the doors and she will fetch you, she’s got to see to the juniors first.”

“Thank you,” Gabby felt somewhat awed by the older girls efficiency.

“We’ll wait with her,” Abi volunteered.

“All right,” the prefect replied, “but no loitering when Miss Phillips comes for Gabby, I don’t want to get halfway across the channel to find I’ve left you three behind!”

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:06 pm; edited 1 time in total

#102: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 9:42 pm

Thank you Kate! And good luck to you and rent-a-mob tomorrow!!!

#103: Author: Nina, Location: Peterborough, UK

Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 9:58 pm

I'm really enjoying this! My Nan used to have a poodle, he did have the silly haircut but he was so clever, we taught him to sit down and do his Green Cross code when he got to the kerb. And he knew the difference between Kellogs and cheap Co-op cornflakes!

#104: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 10:18 pm

That was lovely, Kate - so nice to see the girls curious but accepting. Good luck with the show tomorrow.

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

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 12:01 am

Suspect you'll be in bed by now (or possibly near getting up to get ready and organised Very Happy

) but anyway Good luck Just loving this - so good

#106: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 1:25 am

Glad Gabby and the others are getting on so well. Hope you had a good day today.

#107: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 2:25 am

Hope the show goes well! This is great! Echoing Miss Di's request for a link to earlier stories...? Please?

#108: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 3:45 am

Hope you had fun in the ring. Look forward to another installement (when you have time!)

#109: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 10:16 am

I'm really enjoying this, looking forward to more soon!

#110: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 10:30 am

sorry, but I really don't like poodles! Our form teacher at school used to have a giant slobbery smelly one that has turned me against them for life, I fear. But other than that, lovely post. Good that the other girls are so accepting about it all!

#111: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 2:19 pm

Great drabble. Thanks Kate

#112: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 7:51 pm

Cos your all so nice and kind with your replies and good wishes for the show.............. (which obviously worked as Bertie got his second Challenge Certificate today - only one more to go and he becomes a Champion!)

The ferry crossing went a smoothly as could be expected for a breezy September day, some of the younger girls were overcome with sea sickness but we quickly attended to by the escort mistresses and duty prefects. Gabby and Polo, having been returned to the trio by Miss Phillips, seemed to enjoy the crossing spending much of the time on one of the decks so that Polo could have some fresh air.

After the ferry came further travel by train and after what was beginning to Gabby to seem like eternity they changed to coaches for the final leg of their journey.

“Tired?” Abi asked from the seat next to her.

“A little,” Gabby said not wishing to let on that in fact she was totally exhausted, not just with the journey but with the whole emotional stress of the journey.

“I’m shattered,” admitted Abi, “and on top of that I ache all over.”

“Not your leg?” Mel asked leaning over from the seat behind where she and Pippa had been sitting.

“Yes, but keep your voice down,” Abi said crossly, “I don’t want them fussing.”

“Abi,” Pippa’s voice held a warning tone in it. “You promised that you would tell them if you were in pain.”

“I know,” Abi’s voice was almost a hiss, “I will, just shut up before someone overhears.” The two girls behind sat back down, Gabby could still hear them muttering but couldn’t make out the words. Abi had sat back in her seat in silence.

“What’s wrong with your leg?” She asked timidly, hoping her question wouldn’t get her snapped at in response.

“I had an accident, about eighteen months ago,” Abi’s voice was strained, “I broke my leg, quite badly. Its more or less healed but occasionally it gets painful.”

“Can’t you take some painkillers?”

“No,” Abi gave a rueful laugh, “You have to give all your medicine to the staff and they dole it out. I don’t want them to know, the doctors said that if my leg was better I could go back to winter sporting this year.”

“Oh,” Gabby fell silent, pretty sure that she wouldn’t be able to join in any sort of sports the school had to offer.

The silence lasted until the coaches drew to a halt and, led by Polo, Gabby made her way off the coach, her legs unsteady after the long journey. She followed the others into the great reception hall of the school, she stopped suddenly when she felt a hand on her elbow.

“Come this way please Gabby, you three as well.” The voice belonged to Miss Redmond and Gabby meekly allowed herself to be steered out of the crowd. “Once Miss Maynard has given the usual address the rest of the girls will all go up to their dormitories and freshen up before supper. However, I think Polo might like a quick leg stretch before he has his supper too.”

“Oh, thank you Miss Redmond,” Gabby sighed, “what with everything else I’d quite forgotten about Polo’s dinner.”

“That’s quite all right.” She turned to the other three girls who had come with her, “we have arranged an area for Polo to use at the back of the sixth forms garden, close to the hedge, it’s been fenced off. Why don’t you all run along and when he’s finished go along to your own dormitory, your all in hyacinth.”

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:07 pm; edited 1 time in total

#113: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 7:55 pm

Thank you Kate!!! Lovely post! (and congrats to Bertie!!! Wink

)

#114: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 7:57 pm

Will Polo be sleeping in Hyacinth dorm too?Thanks for update Kate - and congrats for Bertie. Laughing

#115: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 9:06 pm

awww lovely updates!I finally managed to find the previous stories so I'm all clued up on who everyone is now!

#116: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 3:02 am

Katarzyna wrote:

(which obviously worked as Bertie got his second Challenge Certificate today - only one more to go and he becomes a Champion!)

You mean EBD had it right in Kennelmaid Nan? And it still works that way? Wow. I thought it was something she made up. Oh! Congrats to Bertie! Yay Polo's got his own garden/toilet area (I think!)

#117: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 8:09 am

Yes Kennel Maid Nan is a fairly accurately written book so far as the UK show scene is concerned for that period - will comment more when this one gets discussed.

The dogs needs having been seen too the four girls made their way back into the main building of the school.

As they walked through the corridors towards the staircase which would lead up to their dormitory Gabby appeared to be muttering under her breath. The other three exchanged startled glances before Pippa spoke.

“Gabby,” she said gently, “are you all right?”

“Yes,” Gabby stopped suddenly surprised by the question. “Why do you ask?”

“Your, well, erm,” there was a short pause whilst Pippa thought how best to say it, “muttering?”

“Oh,” Gabby laughed out loud, “I didn’t mean to startle you, I’m trying to memorise the route. The easiest way for me to do it is to say what I am doing.”

“How do you mean?”

“Well, I count steps, and turns. That way I can count back when I’m going the other way.”

“Good grief, you must have a fab memory!” Mel exclaimed.

“It’s not too bad,” Gabby said with a grin. “Anyway, I’m cheating. When Aunt Jack fixed up for me to come here she took some measurements of the school and got a plan. I’ve been trying to learn the layout for the last two months.”

The girls made their way up to their dormitory and Mel pushed open the door.

“Here we are!” she announced as she marched into the room, “which are our cubeys?”

“Hi there,” a new voice came from Gabby’s right as she walked through the door.

“Lizzy!” Abi exclaimed, “are you in here with us this year?”

“Not only is she in with us,” Pippa interrupted, “but judging where she’s just come from she’s our dormy pree!”

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:08 pm; edited 1 time in total

#118: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 10:28 am

Lovely updates! Very Happy

#119: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 10:52 am

Excellent, thanks Kate. Do you have contact with the RNIB or know someone who is blind, Kate?

#120: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 12:17 pm

This is great, Katarzyna! echoes Lesley's question...

#121: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 6:03 pm

Lesley wrote:

Do you have contact with the RNIB or know someone who is blind, Kate?

I've been wondering this as well Kate. Enjoying the drabble. Laughing

#122: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 6:51 pm

No I don't have any contacts in RNIB and although I had known several blind or partially sighted people that was many years ago. I have however used several of my own habits for when i am without my glasses as my own vision is almost nil without them

“It’s true,” Lizzy sounded embarrassed by this admission. “You three are in the cubeys down this side, Mel at the far end, then Abi then Pippa. We’ve got two third formers and then there are two new girls in the dorm this term, xxx who is opposite Mel and a Gabrielle Heath who has the cubey next to mine.”

“Gabby!” the owner of the name said quickly.

“Sorry” was Lizzy’s quick reply. “You four had better get a wriggle on if you want to freshen up before Abendessen.”

The door of the dormitory banged open and two giggling twelve year olds tumbled into the room almost knocking into Gabby and Polo.

“Hey!” Pippa admonished, “watch where your going Nell!”

“Sorry Pip,” the one identified as Nell replied, “I didn’t see you there.” She seemed to pause only to draw breath before she continued with a groan. “Don’t say your in here with us this year?”

“Yes, and?” Lizzy replied.

“This is going to be dreadful!” she said dramatically. “Not only do I have a sinking feeling that one of my cousins is going to be head girl but now I’ve got two in the dormitory with me!”

“Poor Nell” Abi replied with a laugh. “It’s worse than that though”

“How can it be!”

Lizzy was grinning broadly as she replied, “because I’m your dorm prefect!”

Nell gave a tragic sigh and stropped off to her cubicle muttering under her breath at the evilness of the authorities. Her contemporary, who had so far not said a word, slipped away after her.

“You three sort yourselves,” Lizzy instructed, “I’ll show Gabby round her cubey and then you can show her the bathroom.”

With that Lizzy took Gabby by the arm and led her over to her cubey.

“Okay,” Lizzy began awkwardly, “I’m really not sure how to do this, so how about if I explain where everything is and leave you to get used to things.”

“I’m sure that will be fine,” Gabby said with a grin not admitting to the poor flustered girl in front of her that she knew the lay out of the cubey already thanks to her aunt’s foresight in obtaining details.

For about three minutes she allowed Lizzy to “show” her where the meagre contents of the cubey were, the main feature being the bed, to the left of which was a bureau with three draws and a cupboard. Two chairs were at the side of the bed and then, unlike anyone elses cubey, a dog bed was set at the foot of the bed for Polo.

“Thank you.” Gabby said simply when Lizzy stopped talking, “I can take it from here.” She commanded Polo to wait in the bed and then inched her way over to the bureau. Placing her overnight bag on the bed she began swiftly to unpack, running her fingers over the front of the drawers before she decided which to use for each item. Lizzy stood watching with her mouth open as Gabby put away each item in the correct draw, as required by the authorities.

“You ready?” Mel enquired having seen to her own domains.

“Yes, lead on,” Gabby replied with a grin and the two, accompanied by Polo, made their way to the bathrooms leaving Lizzy standing open mouthed in the middle of the dormitory.

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:09 pm; edited 1 time in total

#123: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 7:00 pm

Go Gabby!!!!!! I love Polo's dog-bed in her cubey too

#124: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 7:04 pm

Supper was followed swiftly by bed and as Gabby snuggled down under the warm duvet she sighed with relief, she was finally here at the Chalet School following in the footsteps of her grandmother and her beloved aunt. In the final moments before sleep claimed her she felt a gentle pressure on the end of the bed as Polo crept to his usual sleeping place.

Cos like of course he was going to stay in the dog bed (just like mine do honest!)

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:09 pm; edited 1 time in total

#125: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 7:55 pm

Katarzyna wrote:

Cos like of course he was going to stay in the dog bed (just like mine do honest!)

Yes Kate - just like my cats - they never get onto the bed...... until I've switched the light off! Laughing

Lovely posts BTW

#126: Author: ravenseyes, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 9:06 pm

Oh - oh

What will Matey say - DOG ON BED

#127: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 10:09 pm

ravenseyes wrote:

Oh - oh

What will Matey say - DOG ON BED

That must go down as worse than SITTING on the bed!

#128: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 10:14 pm

Is anyone else confused with whose who out of the Maynard brigade? They really are taking over! Thanks for the updates!

#129: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 10:17 pm

Not a post but just a quick explanation.

Abi - Juliet's grandaughter (not a mayard though!)
Pippa - Con's grandaughter
Lizzy - Phillipa's daughter
Nell - Geoff's daughter
Joanna - Charle's daughter
Tessa - Len's daughter (oh she hasn't appeared yet!)

I think that's all that will get mentioned in person but maybe not as Rupert is having strange ideas!

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:10 pm; edited 1 time in total

#130: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 11:54 pm

Kate, this is one of my favourite drabbles at the moment! Can't wait to see Matey's reaction to Polo sleeping on the bed!!!! Wink

*scratches Rupert behind the ears!*

#131: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 3:51 pm

Thanks Kate - loads of updates. I hope when it comes to winter sports Gabby will be able to go on one of the big toboggans if nothing else. Liz

#132: Author: Katie, Location: London, but my heart belongs to Harrogate

Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 5:15 pm

This is brilliant, Kate. Thanks for the explanations of who's related to whom - I'd given up trying to work it out for myself!

#133: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 5:29 pm

Now what would matey be doing at school in 2004 (ie last term) at the age of nearly 100? I think you'll find there is a health centre now and housemistresses - anyway, Polo isn't going to get caught on the bed - he's a very clever dog!!

Cecil stood on the stage at the front of the hall and looked out over the sea of mainly eager young faces waiting to hear the start of term announcements. ‘Not a bad looking set of girls’ she thought to herself as her eyes ranged from the youngest members of the junior school, seated on the floor at the front of the hall, to the important body of young women commonly known as the prefects who occupied the final row of chairs.

“Good morning and welcome to the new school year,” she began her clear voice carrying to the back of the hall. “This term we have thirty six new girls and although the majority make up the two first forms, there are several new girls in higher forms. I expect that you will make all our new starters welcome and lend a hand to help them whilst they find their feet. In a short while, I will ask Miss Richards to read out the form lists and then you will all make your way to your form rooms. Most of your time today will be taken up with unpacking and getting your books and stationary ready for the start of lessons tomorrow.”

An audible groan arose at this statement from the ranks of the third formers and Cecil paused briefly. Having made those forms feel very conspicuous Cecil felt she could continue with her speech, knowing full well that the actual perpetrators of the groaning would be made to feel very sorry for themselves by their playmates.

“I just have a couple of general announcements to make, firstly, I am sure that you will all be pleased to know that winter sporting activities will resume this term.” General murmurs of excitement arose at this statement and Cecil waited patiently for silence to return. “Secondly, we have been invited to take part in a Carol Concert which will take place in Geneva towards the end of term, your form mistresses will explain more about this to you later on. Finally, I can advise that our head girl this year is Joanna Maynard, her deputy is Marie van der Graz and games will fall into the care of Heidi Dretscher.”

Cecil sat back down in her seat as her secretary made her way to the lectern and swiftly read through the form lists. As expected Pippa, Mel and Abi were in Upper IVa and Gabby was relieved to find she would be joining them. The other new girl, Rosemary Harper, was also in their form although it appeared she had not arrived yet.

As the school were dismissed, Mel linked her arm through Gabby’s. “Come on,” she whispered, “let’s go bag ourselves a decent desk!”

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:11 pm; edited 1 time in total

#134: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 6:04 pm

Excellent - sounds as though Cecil is as good as any previous Head at keeping order! Thanks Kate.

#135: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 8:01 pm

Thanks for the update, and at posting a list of Maynard who's who!

#136: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 9:08 pm

Cazx wrote:

Thanks for the update, and at posting a list of Maynard who's who!

Thanks from me too(I was starting to get confused!)

#137: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 9:12 pm

awwwww glad gabby will be with her new friends! does polo come to prayers too then?

#138: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 10:25 pm

Thanks very much for the updates. Oh and for unconfusing em by posting the who's who list

#139: Author: Miriam, Location: Jerusalem, Israel

Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 10:34 pm

Quote:

Now what would matey be doing at school in 2004 (ie last term) at the age of nearly 100?

Well I'd still have liked to see her reaction to it. It's called wishfull thinking, and is not required to bear any relationship to reality (or what passes for reality round here). And a housemistress could be equally unimpressed at the sight of doggy footprints on the sheets, so that scene is still a possiblity...

#140: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 12:05 am

Lovely! Thank you Kate!

#141: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 2:59 am

Ewww. Dog in bedroom. Double Ewww. Dog on bed. I like Gabby and Polo but am so glad I'm not in their dormy You noticed I'm not really a dog person did you? Cats are different. They don't smell.

#142: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 12:32 pm

not all dogs smell! thanks Kate, lovely updates Robin (definitely a dog person!)

#143: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 12:33 pm

Thank you Kate! Lots of lovely updates - I'm really enjoying this. *and congratulations to Bertie - though must admit I'm now confusing him with my aunt's airedale Embarassed

* ETA: 'cos I can't spell!

#144: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 6:41 pm

Gabby followed Mel through the rabbit warren of corridors leading from the main hall to their classroom. Although talking was forbidden in the corridors Mel occasionally whispered details of particular rooms they were passing. Gabby was aware from the sound of footsteps that they were not alone in the corridors and could tell by the way the foot steps stopped when she went past that she was being watched.

It wasn’t a new feeling, but it made her uncomfortable. Whilst she had been told that she looked no different to the others, she knew that none of them had their hand gripped tightly onto the harness of a dog who acted as a guide.

The stares had been one of the reasons that Gabby had only ever once gone out with a white stick, she shuddered remembering that all too brief trip with her parents to the shopping centre. It wasn’t just that she could feel the staring from other shoppers she didn’t like, being blind she had come to rely more on her other senses and her hearing was very good. She had heard the muttering, she wasn’t sure what was worse the condescending pity of the adults or the crueller comments usually made by those of her own age.

Eventually they came to a halt and Gabby heard the door being pushed open, inside the room was filled with the excited chatter of her new classmates, most of whom were discussing their holidays.

“Morning all!” Mel said loudly as she walked forwards into the room, “everyone had good hols?”

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:12 pm; edited 1 time in total

#145: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 7:05 pm

Awww poor Gabby Sad

#146: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 8:16 pm

I work with kids with special needs and those who come from mainstream schools tell awful stories of bullying, when we go out sometimes peolpe ignore them or move away,or even leave cafes.

#147: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 9:13 pm

Thanks Kate - poor Gabby, hope the CS girls can soon make her feel better.

#148: Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 9:14 pm

Poor poor Gabby Sad

stupid, evil bullies!

#149: Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 10:41 pm

Poor Gabby, hope the CS girls will make her feel one of them. Thank you Kate JackieJ

#150: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 1:21 am

*hugs Gabby, and slips Polo a doggy choc drop! (with Gabby's permission, of course!!! Wink

#151: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 1:25 am

(((huggles gabby))) kids can be so cruel

#152: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 9:13 am

Poor Gabby *pokes all evil bullies* Thank you Kate this is great Very Happy

#153: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 8:09 pm

Some what concerned that you have all jumped to the conclusion that the girls are bullies. They aren't, many people stare when they come accross disability for the first time and don't know how to react - it's not bullying, it's poor understanding and an inability to deal with something they don't understand.

A general chorus of girls replied, confirming that they had indeed had good holidays and asking Mel about her own.

“No time for that now, our form mistress will be here in a moment!” Mel warned, “Everyone, this is Gabby and Polo.”

Gabby was welcomed with a chorus of polite hellos and welcomes from around her.

“Thank you,” she said simply.

“Quick, our desks, where do you want to sit?” Mel asked.

“It has to be near a power point,” Gabby explained. “The laptop needs to run off the mains most of the time.”

“Here,” Pippa interrupted, “it looks like the laptop has already been set up on this side, look, there’s the socket under the window.”

“Come on, lets grab these ones around it,” Abi suggested, “there’s one next to it and two in front.”

Speedily Pippa guided Gabby to her desk where, once she was seated, she unclipped Polo from his harness.

“Well, he isn’t working at the moment,” she explained.

“Quite, mistresses coming!” a voice unknown to Gabby hissed across the classroom and almost immediately silence fell.

Gabby heard the door pushed open and footsteps cross the room. There was a generalised scraping sound as chairs were pushed backwards and the girls rose to their feet. Having realised what was happening Gabby quickly stood too but was unable to join in the chorus of girls greeting their mistress as till now she did not know who it was.

“Please be seated.” The mistress, now identified as Miss Williams, said quietly. “Welcome to Upper IVa, for most of you this will be your final year as a senior middle and, more importantly it is the first year of your GSCE course work. As you were advised this morning lessons will start tomorrow so today we need to make sure that you all understand your timetables and that you have your text and exercise books.” She paused to look round the room. “Yes Mel?” she said noting that young lady’s hand was raised.

“Please,” Mel said getting to her feet and speaking formally, “Can I introduce Gabrielle Heath?”

“Thank you Mel,” Miss Williams smothered the smile creasing the corners of her mouth at the formality with which the introduction had been made, particularly bearing in mind that Mel wasn’t renowned for being the most formal and well behaved of girls. “Welcome Gabrielle, I hope you will work hard and enjoy yourself at school.”

“Thank you,” Gabby rose to her feet as she spoke, Polo, who had been lying next to her desk, jumped up immediately in case he was needed. “I hope I shall enjoy myself too, but, please, can I just be called Gabby?”

“Yes of course,” Miss Williams replied promptly, “Gabby it is.”

Gabby settled herself back into her seat with a sigh thinking once again that family names had a lot to answer for.

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:13 pm; edited 1 time in total

#154: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 8:18 pm

Thanks Kate. Love that Polo was off duty. Laughing

#155: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 8:40 pm

Wonderful Kate!! Thank you!!!!

#156: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 9:25 pm

Katarzyna wrote:

Gabby settled herself back into her seat with a sigh thinking once again that family names had a lot to answer for.

I sympathise sweetie!!! thanks for the update - glad to see the CS girls are reacting well and that Gabby's being looked after by her friends.

#157: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 9:36 pm

There was a sharp knock on the door, which was almost immediately pushed open.

“Please Miss Williams,” the voice of Joanna Maynard was one which Gabby recognised, the tone however was somewhat more formal to the tone she had used when talking to them on the train. “I’ve bought your other new girl, this is Rosemary Harper.”

“Thank you Joanna,” Miss Williams replied, “come along in Rosemary.”

Gabby heard the door shut and one set of foot steps walk into the room.

“Welcome to Upper IVa,” she continued, “I hope you enjoy yourself whilst you’re at school Rosemary. Now, where is there a spare desk?”

“Please,” someone said from further forward in the room, “there’s one here.”

“Thank you Heather,” the mistress replied, identifying the voice for Gabby, “Rosemary, please take the desk between Heather and Marie.”

“Yes Miss.” Rosemary replied promptly though her tone was sulky.

“Now,” the mistress continued, “this morning they will be sending for you a dormitory at a time to unpack. In addition, Miss Maynard will be seeing all the new girls during the morning. Mel, I know your assisting Gabby, but who is doing duty for Rosemary?”

No one replied and after a while Pippa rose to her feet.

“I don’t think anyone was assigned Miss Williams, Rosemary didn’t arrive till this morning, but she’s in our dormitory.”

“Very well, in that case I would suggest that you look after Rosemary.” Miss Williams turned back to the other new girl. “Rosemary, Pippa Richardson will show you the ropes, any questions you have should be addressed to her. If she is unable to help then please come to me, the same goes for you Gabby, if Mel can’t help with something then I will do my best to assist.”

“Thank you Miss Williams,” Gabby replied properly. Rosemary didn’t reply.

“Now then,” Miss Williams began but was interrupted by yet a further knock on the door.

ps - I may need a beta for part of this im not to sure about later on - any volunteers?

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:14 pm; edited 1 time in total

#158: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 9:46 pm

me me me me me beta!!!! i want a preview! lovely update btw - can't wait to find out whats wrong with rosemary

#159: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 10:08 pm

Hmmm, eyes Rosemary suspiciously, why is she sulky? Why did she arrive later? Is she going to cause Gabby problems? *Answers on a postcard...* Thanks Kate.

#160: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 10:11 pm

Ohhh a mystery maybe?

#161: Author: Katie, Location: London, but my heart belongs to Harrogate

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 10:13 pm

francesn wrote:

Katarzyna wrote:

Gabby settled herself back into her seat with a sigh thinking once again that family names had a lot to answer for.

I sympathise sweetie!!!

Believe you me, it's just as annoying to have to explain over and over again that yes your full name *is* Katie, and yes you're sure that it *isn't* short for anything and is in fact what you were christened! It's amazing how many teachers didn't believe me!

#162: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 11:14 pm

Thanks Kate. hope Rosemary isnt going to cause problemd for Gabby

#163: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 10:33 am

Thanks Kate! Hope Rosemary does cause problems for any of that little group - wondering why she's so sulky? Glad Gabby seems to be settling in well.Oh and if you want more beta's Kate I'm always willing.... Smile

#164: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:11 pm

thanks Kate - you've really thought through all the problems that gabby would face that aren't immediately obvious. Also looking forward to hearing more about why Rosemary is sulky and late.

#165: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 8:16 pm

My ex-husband is a Billy not William and we always had problems over this with official things.

#166: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 9:35 pm

Thank you for all offers to beta! And i know what you mean about names - I don't answer to my full name!!

“Enter,” she requested.

The door opened and a high childish voice said primly.

“Please Miss Williams, may Hyacinth, Lavender and Jonquil dormitories please go and unpack now.”

“Thank you Annelise,” Miss Williams smiled at the second former who had bought the message. “Would the girls from those dormitories please go as quickly and quietly as you can.”

Aside from Gabby, the trio and Rosemary there were six other girls in the form who rose to their feet. Gabby quickly clipped on Polo’s harness at which he immediately stood to attention ready to work.

The girls left for the dormitory with Pippa falling in step with her new charge.

“Why has,” Rosemary began loudly before Pippa interrupted with a whisper

“We aren’t allowed to talk in the corridors,” was all she said before returning to silence herself. Rosemary stalked along the corridor next to Pippa her head held high and an injured look on her face, but she did so in silence as requested.

The door to their dormitory was already open and inside they found Lizzy, Nell and her friend, Jayne, hard at work unpacking under the supervision of their house mistress, Miss Redmond, and the second prefect, Marie van der Graz.

“Come along,” Miss Redmond urged, “I’ve got two other dormitories to oversee as well as yours.”

The Abi, Pippa and Mel went straight to their cubicles, where at the end of each bed sat a large suitcase. Gabby went to walk to her own cubicle but was stopped in her tracks by Rosemary.

“Here, you can’t bring a dog in a bedroom, it’s not hygienic. He’ll have to wait outside.”

“What!” Gabby exclaimed, completely shocked.

“You heard,” Rosemary put her hands onto the dogs harness to prevent him walking forwards.

“Ladies,” a chilly voice Gabby couldn’t identify came from behind Rosemary’s shoulder. “Perhaps I might be of assistance, Gabby, take Polo to your cubicle and wait for me to come and help you unpack.”

Gabby hurried past to the safety of her own domains where she instructed Polo to stay in his bed. There was nothing else she could do as she didn’t know where her suitcase was so she perched on the end of the bed, leaning over the end to scratch Polo’s woolly coat between his ears.

“Now then, has no one told you that your not allowed to sit on the bed?” Miss Redmond’s voice stated calmly from the entrance to the cubicle.

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:15 pm; edited 1 time in total

#167: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 10:36 pm

So she was just supposed to stand there and wait??? Thanks Kate - want to boot Rosemary's rear end - stupid girl! Evil or Very Mad

#168: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 10:39 pm

Grrrr at Rosemary, I wonder what her secret/mystery is?? Naughty Gabby sitting on the bed!! Very Happy

#169: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 10:47 pm

hmm Rosemary is evidently going to be a problem child..... Rolling Eyes

#170: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 11:51 pm

Okay, giving Rosemary the benefit of the doubt, perhaps she's never come across guide dogs before, but even so she could have been more polite in saying anything. And if she DID know then she needs a good smack!

#171: Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 12:25 am

She's either ignorant or mean! I'll go with ignorant for now...!

#172: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 1:55 am

Yes, as much as I don't like 'dogs in the house' I certainly exclude guide dogs from that category! (I'd still think eww, but would never dream of letting it show - and if it did would have to apologise to Gabby and Polo, explaining I am trying to overcome my prejudice!)

#173: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 9:44 am

Hopefully its ignorant - still rude but more excusable... Thanks Kate!

#174: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 9:56 am

I can see there's going to be problems ahead...

#175: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 10:28 am

Rosemary sounds as if she is a really nasty piece of work. I wonder how she can be redeemed?

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

Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 1:48 pm

Serious point - anyone who is asthmatic with attacks triggered by dogs would have 50 fits at being asked to share a bedroom with them (even if there are curtains between the beds) Even sharing a classroom could cause a lot of problems - the reason why there now aren't meant to be any furry pets (gerbils etc) in classrooms. Part of me thinks it's very sad that there can't be pets in classroms any more and part of me is really pleased Love the story Kate

#177: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 2:56 pm

Maybe Rosemary is afraid of dogs, but doesn't want people to know so is showing it in a rather aggressive way. Or maybe she's had to leave a beloved dog behind at home and feels it's unfair when Gabby has Polo. Liz *willing to give the benefit of the doubt for the moment*

#178: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 3:36 pm

Thanks Kate some lovely updates. Glad Bertie did well. MMmmhh! Can see Rosemary causing a lot of trouble here.

#179: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 3:43 pm

Perhaps she hasn't realised that Gabby is blind. Fancy me, thinking the best of someone!

#180: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 6:43 pm

Dawn wrote:

Serious point - anyone who is asthmatic with attacks triggered by dogs would have 50 fits at being asked to share a bedroom with them

Before anyone does have fifty fits bear in mind that a poodle is a none shedding dog and is one of the breeds (there are a few) which are considered to be less of an allergen risk. Will not now go into the fact that dog hair has nothing to do with triggering asthma but rather it is the dander. Guide dogs have done some serious breeding of poodle x labradors to try and reduce the asthma/allergen risk. Oh, and no one would have been put in the dorm if they had asthma!

“I, um, well,” she stuttered leaping off the bed

“Never mind,” Miss Redmond laughed, “just don’t do it again. Now, I am going to lift your suitcase onto the bed, the first thing to do is to empty the suitcase completely and lay out your belongings on the bed, either Marie or myself will then come and check the things off against the master list.”

“I can manage fine,” Gabby assured her and once Miss Redmond had lifted the case onto the bed and departed she made short work of unpacking it’s contents.

“Are you ready to have your things checked?” the voice that had previously spoken to Gabby and Rosemary at the door, though with none of it’s earlier iciness, said from behind her.

“Yes thank you,” Gabby replied before asking timidly, “please, who are you?”

“Sorry Gabby, I should have said earlier, I’m Marie van der Graz,” the prefect apologised, “now shall we get on?”

Marie read through the list of belongings that every student was meant to bring with them to school and when all was found to be in order Gabby was left to put her belongings away in their prescribed place. She worked swiftly and within twenty minutes she was adding the finishing touches to her bedside cabinet, a clock with a Braille face and a small packed of dog biscuits for Polo.

Gabby stood in the middle of her cubicle wondering what she should do next.

“All finished,” Mell asked from outside, visiting it had been explained last night was strictly forbidden except for emergencies.

“Yes, what do we do now?”

“Well we go back to the form room but Miss Redmond has just told me that Miss Maynard is waiting to see you.”

“Oh, I,” Gabby stuttered.

“It’s okay,” Mel said, “Miss Maynard sees all the new girls on the first day, well apart from the first formers, who are all new,” she finished with a giggle.

“Where do I go?” Gabby asked as she clipped on Polo’s harness.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take you to the door.”

The pair walked from the dormitory down the corridor, on each side Gabby could hear the other girls unpacking, talking together quietly and, in some cases, the scathing comments of one of the supervising mistresses or prefects.

Eventually they arrived and after prompting from Mel Gabby tapped timidly on the headmistress’s door.

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:17 pm; edited 1 time in total

#181: Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 7:06 pm

yay, good for Gabby. Nice upadate - thanks

#182: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 7:33 pm

That's nice, glad Gabby is OK so far.

#183: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 7:37 pm

“Herein,” Cecil Maynard’s voice rang out and Gabby pushed open the door with her left hand. Guided by Polo she made her way over to the desk, the office layout having been described to her by Mel only seconds before she left her outside the office.

“Take a seat Gabby, it’s just in front of you.” the voice was warm and friendly.

Once Gabby was seated, and Polo laying down at her feet her headmistress continued.

“First of all I want to say how pleased I am that you are joining us this term. I don’t expect everything to be plain sailing but if there is anything that we can do to help you during your time at school please don’t be afraid to ask. Now your settling in all right so far?”

“Yes thank you, everyone has been very nice and helpful,” Gabby replied not mentioning the comments made by the other new girl in her form. “Mel has been very good to me,” she continued.

“I’m glad to here it,” there was amusement in Cecil’s voice. “Now,” she continued, “we need to discuss your time table. As you are starting your GSCE courses this year there are some subjects that are compulsory, such as English and Maths.”

Gabby tried hard not to make a face at this announcement as she would most dearly love to give up maths, which she detested in all shapes and forms.

“Now, at this school we also insist on other core subjects at GSCE, obviously, as we speak the languages day and day about you will be doing French and German. In addition everyone does English Literature, geography and history. Then we come to your choices, we normally recommend that you take at least one form of science either chemistry, physics, biology or geology. However, I have spoken to Miss Ferdinand, our head of science, and she has advised that unfortunately our chemistry laboratory is not set up in such a way that it would be safe for you to do the practical work. She has suggested that you would be able to do any of the other three sciences should you wish.”

“Do I have to do a science?” Gabby asked plaintively, her previous experience with the subjects had not been good, the lack of support staff had meant that she basically spent the lessons doing nothing but sitting on her own to one side of the classroom.

“I think you should try one,” Cecil coaxed, “what about Geology?”

“Okay,” Gabby’s tone was not enthusiastic.

“Fine,” Cecil said moving swiftly on, “you then have a choice of two other subjects, either Religious studies, Physical Education, Music, Spanish, Italian or IT.”

“IT please,” Gabby replied promptly, her interest in the subject having been nurtured by her Aunt Jack since her earliest days. “Oh, and music.”

“Your sure?” Cecil asked and when Gabby nodded vigorously she continued, “very well, what instrument do you play?”

“Well, I used to play the clarinet, but mostly I just sing. I was in the choir at the Rowans.”

“I shall look forward to hearing you,” Cecil said simply. “Now we have your subjects we can ask Miss Richards to quickly draft up your timetable. Stay there a second.”

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:18 pm; edited 1 time in total

#184: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 7:47 pm

Katarzyna wrote:

“I shall look forward to hearing you,” Cecil said simply. “Now we have your subjects we can ask Miss Richards to quickly draft up your timetable. Stay there a second.”

And afterwards Miss Richards will do five more impossible things before breakfast! Always intrigued at how the School Secretary can do this so quickly! Thanks Kate!

#185: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 8:02 pm

Thanks for all the updates! Very Happy

#186: Author: Eleanor, Location: Eastbourne

Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 8:07 pm

Too many good drabbles!!! Enjoying this one lots.

#187: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 8:11 pm

Thanks Kate. glad to see that Gabby seems to be settling in

#188: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 8:12 pm

Two lovely scences - thanks. But, speaking as a science geek - the school seems to make taking lots of sciences difficult. I'd have taken all the sciences (maybe not geology) and give some of the arts courses a miss.

#189: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 8:36 pm

Yay!!! That's lovely Kate!

#190: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 8:57 pm

Lesley wrote:

Katarzyna wrote:

“I shall look forward to hearing you,” Cecil said simply. “Now we have your subjects we can ask Miss Richards to quickly draft up your timetable. Stay there a second.”

And afterwards Miss Richards will do five more impossible things before breakfast! Always intrigued at how the School Secretary can do this so quickly!Thanks Kate!

Having had to work out timetables, I know how long they can take!!

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

Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 1:25 am

Loving this Kate - sorry wasn't criticising re the dogs in bedrooms - jsut wondered if it was something the staff hadn't thought of re the other girls. I grew up with a westie and wasn't too bad with him - my friends semi persian massivly long haired cat didn't trigger me at all, but the tiny short haired ginger kitten had them almost calling an ambulance for me Rolling Eyes

Wish I could have done geology - sounds far more fun that chemistry

#192: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 4:33 pm

Pat wrote:

Lesley wrote:

Katarzyna wrote:

“I shall look forward to hearing you,” Cecil said simply. “Now we have your subjects we can ask Miss Richards to quickly draft up your timetable. Stay there a second.”

And afterwards Miss Richards will do five more impossible things before breakfast! Always intrigued at how the School Secretary can do this so quickly!Thanks Kate!

Having had to work out timetables, I know how long they can take!!

Mr James (our timetabler) has a computer programme which does it for him!Thanks Kate.

#193: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 5:59 pm

Gabby heard Cecil walk to the side of the room and a door, not the one she had come in by open. She could hear the quiet whisperings of the conversation between the head and her secretary and then the door closing and footsteps approaching the desk.

“Now then,” Cecil continued, “the school governors insist that all the girls get a certain amount of exercise and fresh air. Whilst the weather is fine we try and ensure that you go out for a walk each day, obviously you will take Polo and be with your class mates so that shouldn’t be too much of a problem should it?”

“No Miss Maynard,” Gabby replied promptly, glad that she wasn’t to be left out. “Please,” she continued, “what about games and suchlike?”

“Really, your English!” Cecil said with a laugh, causing Gabby to flush. “Your form began to play hockey last year, and also play netball, however, I don’t think that you will be able to participate in either of those games. Do you swim?”

“Yes,” Gabby replied eagerly.

“Good, we do have other girls who, for health reasons, can’t join in with the more energetic games, so during the winter they go swimming. In the summer you will do athletics with the rest of the girls but unfortunately not tennis.”

“What about winter sports?” Gabby asked tentively

“Well, I am pretty sure that we can arrange for you to go out sledding with the others.”

Gabby grinned widely at this pronouncement, what she really wanted was to be treated the same as all the other girls. She knew there would be some exceptions, where safety, either her own or the other girls, had to be taken into consideration but to be allowed to join in with the others pleased her immensely.

“Now, I need to talk to you about books and your laptop.” Cecil continued. “I understand that you can touch type?”

“Oh yes, at about 60 words per minute.”

“That’s good, you will be able to take notes during lessons using your laptop. I believe that your aunt has set up your machine so that you will be able to do your prep using the Braille keyboard but that this will print out using a laser printer.”

“Yes, there is a function on the printer so that I can switch from Braille print outs to standard print outs.”

“Good, so you will be able to check your work using the Braille printer first.”

“Yes, although I can also get the programme to read what I have typed in back to me before I print it.”

“Very well, though I would rather you didn’t use that programme during preparation as it might disturb the other girls.”

“Yes Miss Maynard,” Gabby replied properly.

“Now, your aunt also told me that your lap top has a built in translator which will not only automatically translate your work into another language but allow you to enter single words which it will then translate.”

“It does,” Gabby agreed.

“Now I know you can’t remove the programme from your computer but I want your word that you will not use the programme to translate your preparation from English into the required language of the day, all your work must be your own. Can you promise me that you will do that?”

“I promise,” Gabby said solemnly, to be honest she hadn’t even thought about doing this until Miss Maynard had mentioned it.

“Very well,” Cecil continued. “I will arrange for your text books, all of which are in Braille, to be sent to the classroom along with the rest of the forms books. Now, that just about sums everything up. Do you think you can find your own way back to your form room or do you want me to send for someone to take you?”

“Can I try and find my own way?” Gabby pleaded.

“I am sure that you can,” Cecil’s voice held the hint of a laugh, “the question is really whether or no you may. That was my own headmistresses own pet hate, the improper use of can and may.”

Gabby was confused and didn’t know how to respond. Cecil continued,

“Of course you may make your own way back, before you go however, I would just like to wish you the very best of luck at the Chalet School. I hope you have an enjoyable time with us. If you have any problems then my door is always open. Now run along, and ask Rosemary Harper to come to the office.”

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:19 pm; edited 1 time in total

#194: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 6:03 pm

Lovely - glad that she is being made so welcome. Thanks Kate.

#195: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 10:01 pm

Lovely Kate!!!! But could Gabby not use the readback function on her comp with headphones? then it wouldn't disturb the other girls.

#196: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 10:51 pm

Gabby slowly but successfully made her way back to the form room, Polo’s nails clicking on the wooden floors of the corridor was the only sound as she walked.

Before knocking on the door she believed was her form room Gabby took a deep breath and, for a moment her confidence slipped. What if this wasn’t her form room, what if she was about to try and go into another form room, worse yet, what if she wasn’t in the right place at all, in which case where was she and how would she get back.

Laying her hand briefly on Polo’s head, a comforting gesture, she gathered herself together.

“Well, if I am wrong, it probably won’t be the most embarrassing mistake I will make,” she said quietly before tapping on the door.

“Come in,” the familiar voice of her form mistress called out and Gabby stepped through the door with a sigh of relief. “All sorted?” Her form mistress asked.

“Yes, thank you,” Gabby replied, “Please, Miss Maynard would like to see Rosemary Heath now.”

“Of course, Pippa will you please take Rosemary to Miss Maynard’s office?”

“Yes Miss Williams,” Pippa said primly. “Come on Rosemary.”

Gabby heard the chairs scrape backwards against the floor followed by footsteps and the opening and closing of the door as the two girls left.

“Can you find your way back to your seat Gabby?” Her form mistresses asked.

“I think so,” Gabby replied, trying to sound confident and failing completely. She turned to the direction she thought her desk was in and, guided by Polo, began to walk down the narrow aisle between the desk. She was unsure how far she needed to go to reach her desk until, from her left hand side she heard Mel whisper. With a grin at her friend she safely located her chair and sat down.

The rest of the morning was spent collecting text books whilst others came and went to do their unpacking. Eventually the electric bell rang out harshly signalling the end of morning lessons.

“The bell for Mitagessen will be in half an hour,” Miss Williams advised. “Please go quietly to your cloakrooms and get ready then make your way to the dining room. After lunch as the weather is fine we to go out for a ramble, please make sure that after lunch you get into your walking boots and wrap up warm as there is a bite to the wind.”

The girls filed out, in silence and made their way to the cloakrooms, which Mel had explained to Gabby yesterday the girls called splasheries. Only once they were safely inside were they able to talk freely.

“I am so glad that we are going out this afternoon!” One of the girls exclaimed loudly almost as soon as the door was shut.

“Me too!” Was the general response which rose from around Gabby as she made her way to her locker which contained her hairbrush, handwashing kit and a small collapsible water dish for Polo.
“Gabby, are you coming with us?” someone she couldn’t identify asked.

“Of course she is Julie,” Mel replied for her, identifying the speaker.

“Mel’s right,” Gabby said with a smile. “Miss Maynard said this morning that I was to join in the usual walks with everyone else.”

“It isn’t a walk!” Another voice chimed, “it’s a ramble, there’s a difference.”

“Are you sure you can manage?” asked yet another girl, whose voice and accent sounded very similar to the voice identified as Julie.

Gabby nodded her head, confused as to who was who. Abi seemed to notice her discomfort and replied, essentially putting a stop to the questioning.

Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:20 pm; edited 1 time in total

#197: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 11:05 pm

Cecil is so good as head and its great Gabby can join in as much as possible.

#198: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 11:28 pm

Hope the girls get told they should id themselves - otherwise poor Gabby is going to have problems working out who is speaking. Thanks Kate.

#199: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 12:04 am

What no curtsey as you leave the august presence of the HM? Kate, you've removed a Very Important Tradition there! Laughing

Looking forward to see more of Gabby and Polo. How will Polo manage walks and winter sports in the snow? Do dogs get frostbite?

#200: Author: Chloë, Location: London/Southampton: when away from home planet!

Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 12:23 am