The CBB :: View topic - Happily Ever After

#1: Happily Ever After Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 5:22 pm

I was getting a bit fed up with the way the story was going, so have decided to take this opportunity of getting it back on track. Maybe I shall rediscover some enthusiasm, as I haven't touched this since the weekend (most unusual for me). Here's the beginning again...

Dr. Arminel Laroche banged her locker closed and locked it. It had been a very long day and she was exhausted. All she could think about was getting home to her son, for he would be concerned about her if she was too late. He was being looked after by her mother, but at nine years old Philippe knew exactly when to expect Arminel home and did not like it if she was detained at the hospital. Arminel slid the locker key into her handbag and left the staff room. As she went down the corridor, she noticed a tall, blond doctor coming towards her, his stride purposeful and his face set in its habitually grim scowl.
"Dr. Laroche," he said, his voice as accusing as ever, "Where are you going?"
"I'm going home, Dr. Maynard," she said deferentially, for she was still very much in awe of the fearsome head of the Gornetz Hospital.
"We've just had two children admitted to your department with strange rashes, amongst other symptoms," Dr. Maynard said brusquely. "Please go and take a look at them."
Arminel managed to refrain from sighing with annoyance and turned on her heel, heading back to the pediatric department where she was a very junior doctor. Fighting back a sudden wave of dizziness, Arminel entered the department and a nurse indicated the room where her patients had been waiting for her to arrive. She found two small Swiss boys lying on neighbouring gurneys, both looking listless and miserable. Their anxious-looking mother was standing beside them, holding the hand of the smaller boy, and Arminel smiled reassuringly at her as she introduced herself. She conducted a quick examination of the boys, during which she reached some alarming conclusions, and then found Dr. Maynard at her elbow.
"Would you step outside for a moment?" he asked her.
Wondering what she could possibly have done wrong now, Arminel followed him into the little office that she shared with her colleagues.
"Well?" he demanded. "What's wrong with them?"
"It looks like meningitis," she told him.
"That's what Dr. Stadelmann thought," said Dr. Maynard. "Organise spinal taps and arrange isolation for them." He turned and left without waiting to hear anything more.
Arminel duly did as he had asked, doing her best to reassure the boys' mother that her sons would receive the best care they could give them and helping the nurse to settle the two boys in a quiet room well away from other patients. Finally, more than two hours after she had first tried to leave the hospital, Arminel succeeded in going home.
She walked the short distance to the chalet where she lived with her mother and step father, and her son, but that evening it did not feel like a short distance at all. She had to stop half way home and lean against a low wall, fighting off feelings of nausea and dizziness, hoping that she would not pass out before she got back home. It had been a long time since lunch, and she had only grabbed a sandwich then. Resolving to make more of an effort to eat properly, Arminel took several deep breaths and then resumed her journey. It was with great relief that she turned into the quiet street where she lived and with her gaze fixed firmly on her home she walked the last few metres to her door.
As she opened her bag to search for her key, the front door opened and Arminel found herself smiling brightly at the tall, serious-looking boy before her. "Hello," she said, reaching out to ruffle his dark hair. "Sorry I'm so late, but there were two little boys brought in just as I was leaving." Aware of the way that outbreaks of meningitis could occur, Arminel looked closely at her son for any sign that he might be feeling unwell.
Philippe closed the front door and carefully locked it. "Gran has made lasagne for dinner," he told her, knowing how much she liked it. "And I'm starving."
"You shouldn't have waited for me," she said, following him into the kitchen. "Hello, Mum, sorry I'm so late."
Gill turned to smile at her eldest daughter. "I know what it's like working at the San," she said. "Go and change and call Alex, dinner is all ready."
Arminel did as she was bidden and soon they were sitting down for a rather late dinner. As she started eating, Arminel began to feel better. The light-headed feeling passed and she realized how hungry she must have been. She noticed how well Philippe was eating, and decided with relief that there was nothing wrong with him. She stopped worrying about whether or not anyone was ill and concentrated instead on listening to Philippe's account of his day and how he had got all his spellings correct and was now reading the most difficult book his teacher could find for him.
Arminel smiled to herself at his enthusiasm; she remembered being obsessed with getting full marks all the time and being the best at everything when she was his age and she never ceased to be amazed at how much of herself she could see in her son. She told Gill and Alex about the possibility of the two little boys having meningitis and they were duly concerned that there might be further cases. After a second helping of lasagna, Arminel suddenly found the feelings of nausea return with a vengeance and was obliged to dash from the table with more haste than dignity.
She was violently sick and afterwards felt so dizzy that she had to sink down onto the bathroom floor and wait for the room to stop spinning. It was only when she heard Gill calling her that she managed to stagger to her feet and unlock the bathroom door. "I've been feeling odd all day," she admitted to her mother. "I think it was just because I was so hungry and now I've eaten too much too fast."
"Go and have a lie down," suggested Gill sympathetically. "I'll bring you some tea."
"Thanks, Mum," said Arminel gratefully, aware that she would very much like to lie down in a darkened room for a while.
Arminel sipped her tea and heard Philippe coming up to clean his teeth and get ready for bed. He slipped into her room when he was dressed in his pyjamas, coming to sit on the bed beside her and look worriedly at her. "Are you feeling better?" he asked with concern. "Gran said you are feeling sick."
"I'm just tired," she assured him, hugging him closely. "I'll be fine in the morning."
"That's good," he told her, "'Cos you promised we'd go for a walk together."
"We'll definitely go for a walk together," she assured him. "I'll go to the hospital in the morning and we'll go off together after lunch. Come on, let's get you in to bed."
Arminel got up slowly and managed to put Philippe to bed without feeling any worse. She kissed him goodnight and tucked him in, then slipped out, leaving his door ajar. She decided that she might as well have an early night herself, so she got changed and ready for bed and climbed wearily in between the sheets. Unfortunately, because she felt completely exhausted, she just could not fall asleep. She lay comfortably, her mind busy, thinking about the two little boys and hoping that the test results she had ordered would come back negative. She had a sneaking suspicion that they would not, however; she had learned a lot about meningitis and although she had not seen a case before, she felt convinced that she had made the right diagnosis.
From them her thoughts turned to her own son, feeling the usual stab of regret that he had never known his father. He didn't seem to have suffered as a result, though, for he was a very well-adjusted boy, and he had a positive male role model in Alex. Arminel sometimes wondered what their lives would have been like if Matthieu had lived; it wasn't that she was unhappy with her life, more that she knew it could have been very different and she wished that she had had the chance to experience it. How easy it could have been, being married to Matthieu. She would not have had the succession of unsuitable boyfriends then, or the constant disappointments as she saw potential relationships crumble. With a groan she recalled her last boyfriend, a very handsome American ski instructor. He had spent the winter on the Gornetz Platz and they had met during the course of the Christmas festivities. After that they had gone out together as often as their long working hours allowed and Arminel had enjoyed spending time with him. Then, as the ski season ended, he had returned to America and she had not heard from him since.
Being a doctor and a mother left little time for relationships, Arminel decided. Perhaps she was better off on her own. How would she manage to fit in caring for a husband on top of looking after Philippe and working all hours in the Gornetz hospital? Arminel rolled over and closed her eyes resolutely. She would have to be up early in the morning so that she could do all of her work and still have time to take Philippe out in the afternoon.
Still sleep would not come, and Arminel found herself thinking about the big hospital where she worked. Her father had worked there in the days when it was still called the San. It had originally been a big TB hospital, specializing in helping those with that particular disease. As the number of cases of TB dropped, however, the San had turned to other kinds of medicine. It now served as a general hospital for the residents of the Gornetz Platz and nearby towns and villages, and specialized in cancer treatment and research. This specialization brought people from further afield and ensured the survival of the hospital. Its current manager, Dr. Maynard, had made sure that his staff kept up with all the latest developments and employed a good number of newly qualified doctors to work with his experienced team, so that they combined experience and enthusiasm with a good knowledge of new practices. Arminel had been thrilled when she had secured her job at the Gornetz Hospital; she had decided that it would be pleasant to return to the land of her birth once she had finished her training in Paris, and she had been competing against a score of very good doctors for the job. She and Philippe had gladly left Paris and returned to live with Gill and Alex, where they were made very welcome, and where they had been living quite happily ever since.
The next morning Arminel got up and had breakfast and was ready for work before anyone else was awake. She left a note for Philippe, reminding him that she would be back at lunchtime and repeating her promise to take him out that afternoon. Shoving an apple in her handbag so that she would not feel hungry, Arminel set off for the hospital. She was already thinking about the best treatment for meningitis and all that she would need to do for the two little boys as she strode down the street, and by the time she reached the pediatric department office, she was eager to look over the test results and to see how her colleagues were treating the virus.
Arminel had her usual busy morning, spending time with some of the young cancer patients and following up on some other cases of interest. She made herself eat her apple as she completed some paperwork and then decided to go back and see how the little girl undergoing dialysis was getting on. She got up and set off towards the stairs, running lightly up the first flight and turning to go along the corridor. As she neared the ward, she suddenly felt very light-headed. Blackness engulfed her and she would have fallen to the floor were it not for the doctor that leaped forward to catch her as she fell.
When Arminel came to, she was lying in a bed in a small room near the children's ward. She was about to sit up when she saw that she was not alone. Dr. Maynard, his scowl fixed firmly in place, was standing beside her, and as her eyes opened he reached down and took her wrist, feeling for her pulse. "I'm sorry to be so much trouble," she said, finally managing to sit upright.
"How are you feeling?" he positively growled at her.
"Fine, thank you," she replied, swinging her legs over the side of the bed.
"Please don't get up yet," he told her, putting a hand out to keep her from standing. "I think we need to have a talk."
Arminel felt a sudden sense of foreboding. Dr. Maynard was known for his 'talks', which were invariably unpleasant. "Of course," she replied, wishing she didn't sound quite as nervous.
"I took the liberty of bringing you here after you fainted," he told her, "And have discovered the reason for your dizziness."
"Yes?" she asked, puzzled.
"Did you know that you are pregnant?" he asked.
As he said that, Arminel realized how foolish she was not to have known. She had been feeling sick and dizzy and had put it down to being busy, and yet there had been the other symptoms, too. Then she realized that while she had been unconscious Dr. Maynard had examined her and she felt furious. "How dare you…" she began angrily, but he cut her off before she could say anything more.
"I merely felt your abdomen," he informed her. "I should think you are setting something of a record for a Chaletian," he went on, his voice low and disapproving. "Two children by different men, neither of whom is your husband."
"How dare you…" she began again, and again he interrupted her.
"I am the head of this hospital," he said coldly. "I like my staff to be above all sorts of malicious gossip."
Just for a second, Arminel was tempted to ask him if she was to continue as a member of the hospital staff, but the thought that he might take the opportunity to sack her stopped her. She contented herself with glaring at him as fiercely as he was glaring at her, and then she stood up. "Thank you, Dr. Maynard," she said, pushing past him and going off to check on her patient.
The little girl, Liesl, had been ill for most of her life, and was very patiently lying in bed while the machine at her side cleaned her blood. Arminel hoped that there would soon be a transplant for her, as it was heartrending to see her accepting her suffering so bravely. She spent some time there, making the little girl laugh and then went back to the office to collect her handbag and return home. She did notice Dr. Maynard in the distance, but he seemed not to see her, and she was glad to be spared another lecture. First she would have to sort out her own thoughts and feelings, and then she might be ready for another of his little talks.
After lunch Arminel set off with Philippe. She had called the Chalet School, where her sister Heloise was the history mistress, and ascertained that Heloise was not on duty that afternoon and then arranged to meet her at the school gates. Philippe was thrilled to think that they would see Aunt Heloise, for she lived at school in term time and they did not see her nearly often enough for his liking. Heloise was waiting for them as promised and she greeted her nephew with a big hug and her sister with a questioning look.
"I'll tell you later," Arminel promised, wondering how Heloise had kept her life so well on track when she herself could only seem to keep on making mistakes.
They headed towards the auberge, enjoying the sunshine after so many weeks of cloudy and wet days. Philippe chattered away happily, enjoying having such a captive audience, and Heloise listened attentively to his tales of school life. When they finally reached the auberge, Philippe dashed off to make full use of the splendid echoes and Arminel and Heloise sat together at a small table in the sunshine. Heloise looked across at her sister, knowing that she had something on her mind, but that she would only speak about it when she was good and ready.
Arminel sighed as she gazed lovingly at her son. "I fainted at work this week," she said quietly. "I'm pregnant. Do you remember Jack Davis?"
"The ski instructor?" asked Heloise.
Arminel nodded. "What I ever saw in him I can't imagine," she said sadly. "It's the story of my life."
Heloise put her hand on Arminel's arm. "He's not been in touch with you?"
Arminel shook her head. "I don't know why I thought he would," she said, "But I really thought he was different."
"Mummy!" Philippe came running over so Arminel surreptitiously wiped her eyes. "These are for you." He thrust a handful of spring flowers at her. "Now I'll get some for you, Aunt Heloise."
"Thank you, darling," Arminel said with a smile. Philippe beamed at her, enjoying nothing more than the chance to spend some time with her, and ran off to collect some more flowers for Heloise.
"Oh, Arminel, I'm sorry," said Heloise. "I know how much you liked him."
"Well, I thought I liked him." Arminel gave a wry smile. "Anyhow, he's not the problem now. Dr. Maynard has already had a go at me and I think he'll sack me."
"Why?" demanded Heloise, shocked.
"I'm not behaving like your typical Chaletian," said Arminel, "And the staff of the Gornetz Hospital have to be above reproach."
"So what will you do?" asked Heloise.
"Wait and see what happens." Arminel shrugged, a very Gallic gesture that clearly proclaimed her French ancestry. "I can't say I'm thrilled to be having another baby, but there's not really much I can do about it now."
"You'll be glad once you get used to the idea," Heloise predicted. "Do you remember how sweet Philippe was?"
Arminel smiled. "Yes," she said, sounding more cheerful. "He was gorgeous. Don't tell Mum yet, will you?"
"No, of course not," Heloise said at once. "Though I can't imagine why you wouldn't tell her. She's always been so supportive."
"But that was when I was young and foolish," Arminel pointed out. "I think she believes I've got a little sense now, and I don't want to prove her wrong."
"She'll be great, you know she will," said Heloise with confidence.
"Why do I make such a mess of my life?" Arminel wondered.
"How can you say that?" Heloise sounded completely amazed. "Look at yourself, Arminel. You are a successful professional woman and a wonderful mother. You're clever and beautiful and you have a succession of handsome men waiting to throw themselves at your feet."
It was Arminel's turn to look astonished. She looked at Heloise, the tallest of the three sisters, with her father's very dark hair and eyes. A very private person, Arminel suddenly realised that she did not even know what Heloise had planned for her life. Was she content to teach until she retired, making the school her life as so many others had before her, or did she dream of marriage and children, a family and a home of her own. For years Arminel had thought that she was close to Heloise - it had been quite natural to call her and ask to see her so that she could share the news that she was pregnant, but now she realized that she scarcely knew Heloise at all.
"Enough about me," she said. "What about you? Where's your life heading?"
Before Heloise could answer, Philippe came running up, his arms full of flowers. He gave them to Heloise, who thanked him so happily that Arminel knew she was glad of the opportunity to avoid the question. Silently rebuking herself for her usual lack of tact, Arminel let the matter slide for the time being, although she vowed she would get to the bottom of Heloise’s worries soon.

When she got back to the school, Heloise went up to her room. She did not think she could face the merry chatter of the staff room at the moment, as she wanted to do some quiet thinking. She was still fighting down her feelings of jealousy, knowing that Arminel was going to have another baby. Heloise had been very happy as a mistress at the Chalet School, and really enjoyed her job there, but she hoped that she would not spend the rest of her life teaching at the school. The opportunities for meeting young men were limited, though, especially during term time, and over the last year or two, Heloise had been wondering if she would ever meet anyone she could consider marrying. Perhaps she was doomed to spend the rest of her life alone, existing solely to teach and offer support to her elder sister.
Heloise looked out of the window, across to the mountains. They looked so close that she felt sure they would be in for some more rain. How appropriate rain would be, she thought, misery outside reflecting the misery inside. Why was it always Arminel who found the dark and handsome strangers, she wondered. How come Arminel only needed to walk down the street and men were queueing up to meet her. Heloise knew that she could be described as shy, which Arminel certainly was not, but even when she made a big effort to seem confident and outgoing she did not seem to attract any attention. It was not that she begrudged Arminel her happiness or her children, it was just that she wished she could have some of it for herself instead of always having to listen to Arminel bemoaning her bad luck in life.
Heloise pulled herself up there; Arminel might often complain about all the men she saw being unsuitable, but she did not usually moan about anything else. In fact, she was actually a very thoughtful person, especially when compared with the rather domineering teenager she had been. Heloise remembered wondering how she would ever be friendly with Arminel when they were growing up, but now she counted her as one of her closest friends. She loved Arminel dearly, and yet she was so jealous of her. Heloise frowned, wishing that she did not harbour such bad feelings towards her sister. It was not Arminel’s fault that she was everything Heloise wanted to be, and it was very wrong of Heloise to think such awful things about her sister, especially as she had not told Arminel how she felt. Heloise sighed. Maybe she ought to tell Arminel that she was envious of her, and admit that she wanted nothing more than to meet a nice man and settle down with him. Perhaps Arminel would be sympathetic and would help her by sending some of the many that she was not interested in herself in Heloise’s direction.
Heloise thought back over the stories of the marriage of other Chalet mistresses. They often went out for a walk with the girls and some disaster overtook them. A doctor would magically appear and fall in love with the mistress, and the result would be wedding bells and then a chalet filled with children and happiness. Heloise smiled wryly to herself. All she had to do, then, was to think of some accident that could occur the next time she took the girls out for their daily walk and then see what happened – or to be more accurate, who appeared.

Over the next few weeks, Arminel ate and slept properly and managed to carry on pretty much as normal. For some odd reason she only felt nauseous in the evenings, and so she was able to get her work done effectively and not bring Dr. Maynard’s wrath down on her head again.
When she finally got together the courage to tell Gill that she was pregnant, she found her mother everything that Heloise had said she would be. Gill hugged Arminel tightly and managed not to ask any questions other than when the baby was due. Although she had yet to visit one of her colleagues for a check up, Arminel had done some calculations and expected the baby in November.
“I’m sorry to let you down again,” said Arminel sadly.
“Oh, darling, you haven’t let me down,” said Gill, hugging her again.
“But I can’t do anything right,” Arminel went on.
“Don’t be silly.” Gill drew Arminel into the kitchen and put the kettle on. “I think we need some tea,” she said practically. She put the tea in the pot and added the boiling water and then took it to the kitchen table. She sat down and Arminel pulled up a chair beside her. “Now, what’s all this nonsense?” she asked bracingly.
“Dr. Maynard told me that I am not behaving like a Chaletian,” said Arminel, then, noticing Gill’s surprise that she had shared her news with the crotchety head of the Gornetz Hospital before with Gill herself, she added, “I fainted at work. He caught me and examined me. He wasn’t very nice about it.”
“Don’t worry about him,” said Gill dismissively. “Mike Maynard has a huge chip on his shoulder.”
“Why?” Arminel tried not to look too eager to discover Dr. Maynard’s secrets.
“He’s never been very happy,” said Gill, “Even as a child. His mother always called him the naughty one and it was as if he got into trouble just to prove how right she was to say that. His eldest brother, Steve, became an engineer and the second brother, Charles, went into the church. Mike wanted to join the navy, but his father insisted that he became a doctor. He didn’t want to, but they left him no choice. Once he’d qualified, he went into the navy – Jack agreed to that then, since Mike had done the medical training as they had told him to.”
“I’m starting to feel sorry for him,” said Arminel. “Fancy being forced into a career like that.”
“Oh, that’s not the whole story.” Gill poured two cups of tea and put one down in front of Arminel. “He met his wife while he was in the navy.”
“I didn’t realize that he’s married,” Arminel put in. “No one ever mentions his wife.”
“Very few people know all this,” Gill warned her daughter. “Don’t discuss it with anyone, will you?”
“I think you are confusing me with Genevieve,” said Arminel with a chuckle, her own worries temporarily forgotten as she learnt about Mike Maynard’s life.
“He got married without telling his family,” Gill went on. “I suppose he thought that they couldn’t stop him if they didn’t know about it. He was still young, you see, and his parents believed you should only marry when you were well established in your chosen career and could afford to support your wife properly.”
“So what happened to his wife?” asked Arminel curiously.
“About six months after the wedding he discovered that she was pregnant – a colleague of his at the naval base told him. He was thrilled and rushed home to see her, only to discover her in a compromising position with his best friend. They said that the baby wasn’t Mike’s and that they would be leaving the navy and setting up home together with or without Mike’s consent.”
By this time, Arminel was wide eyed in amazement. “I can’t believe it!” she gasped. “It’s like the plot of a soap opera!”
“Oh, it doesn’t end there,” said Gill. “Mike was furious and very upset. He obviously wasn’t thinking straight. He went around to his former friend’s apartment with a baseball bat.”
“He killed him?” Arminel was stunned.
“No, he didn’t kill him, though he must have felt like it. He contented himself with smashing up the apartment. To cut a long story short, he was thrown out of the navy, the only job he’d ever wanted, and he’d lost his wife, too. I think he worked in a big London hospital after that, until Jack Maynard decided he was ready to retire and he wanted Mike to come back and take over the running of the San.”
“I’m surprised Dr. Maynard agreed,” said Arminel.
“I imagine he wasn’t given a lot of choice,” said Gill. “That was why he became a doctor, after all – to follow in Jack Maynard’s footsteps.”
“I’ve been so lucky with you, Mum,” said Arminel fervently. She reached for Gill’s hand and squeezed it. “Thank you.”
Gill smiled at her beautiful, clever daughter. “So don’t worry about Dr. Maynard,” she advised. “Concentrate on providing me with a second beautiful grandchild instead.”
“I’ll try,” Arminel promised with a smile.

Just before the summer holidays began, Arminel realized that she should find out about her maternity leave from the hospital. She would not be able to take a lengthy summer holiday, time off in November for the birth of the baby and then more time off over Christmas, so she decided to meet with Dr. Maynard and discuss the situation with him. She was not looking forward to facing him again, but now that she was aware of his rather sad life story, she felt more sympathetic towards him than she had done. It did not excuse his rudeness, but it did explain his habitual bad mood.
Arminel appeared at Dr. Maynard’s office at exactly the time his secretary had told her to. The secretary waved her in and she found the director of the hospital sitting at his desk, a thick file open in front of him and all his attention focused on it. He looked up a moment later. “Dr. Laroche,” he said, sounding completely disinterested.
“Good afternoon, Dr. Maynard,” she said respectfully. “I came to ask you about my maternity leave.”
Dr. Maynard scowled at her. “I really don’t think we need to discuss this,” he told her coldly. “Write to my secretary.”
Somehow Arminel managed not to tell him that he was an extremely impolite man. “Thank you, Dr. Maynard,” she said, her voice carefully neutral. She turned and left the office, returning to her own department, where she had a few more reports to write up and a couple more patients to deal with.
As she worked, she found it increasingly difficult to concentrate on what she ought to be doing. All she could think about was the rudeness she constantly received from the head of the hospital, and she wondered how much longer she would be able to take it from him without snapping rudely back at him.
“I hope it’s nothing I’ve done,” came a voice from the doorway.
Arminel looked up and saw her colleague, Dr. Stadelmann, standing there. “No,” she reassured him. He was just the same age as her, and they had started work at the same time, becoming firm friends right from the start. Kurt was tall and ruggedly good looking, blond haired and blue eyed, with a lovely bedside manner, too. Arminel had considered going out with him, but had finally decided that he was better as a friend than a prospective partner. They often discussed cases together and gave one another advice when they came across something unusual or difficult to diagnose.
“That’s a relief,” he said with a grin. “You looked positively fearsome and I was almost scared to come in.”
“I was thinking about the boss,” she said. “He’s truly unpleasant.”
“Yes, he is,” Dr. Stadelmann agreed. “I have yet to meet anyone who likes him.”
“I went to ask him about maternity leave,” Arminel explained. “He told me that he wouldn’t discuss it and that I should write to his secretary. I think he’ll tell me that I can’t have any and then sack me.”
“He’ll have to let you have some time off,” said Dr. Stadelmann placatingly. “I’m sure it’s illegal to sack you for being pregnant. Now, I need you to come and see one of my patients with me. I’d like your opinion, Arminel.”
Arminel willingly abandoned her reports and stood up. “I’d be happy to give you my opinion,” she said, following him from the room.

Last edited by Fatima on Wed Apr 26, 2006 6:01 pm; edited 24 times in total

#2: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 5:24 pm

Heloise was half relieved and half disappointed when her next walk yielded no big misadventures that required the services of a handsome doctor. She made herself think about all the things she liked best about her job; the girls she taught, the ladies she worked with, the beautiful setting of the school and its proximity to her family. Really she was very lucky to be doing something she enjoyed in a place where she was happy.
The following weekend, Heloise called Arminel and asked if they could meet again. They decided to go for a walk together, as Philippe enjoyed the fresh air and exercise, and then have tea in the café together. That would give them time to talk to each other and also to Philippe, thereby keeping everyone happy. Heloise had almost decided to remind Arminel of the question she had asked last time they were together and to explain how desperately she hoped to meet a nice man and settle down with him; she vowed to do her best to manoeuvre the conversation around to that particular subject and let Arminel ask her again. And this time she would answer the question and ask Arminel for her help.
On Saturday afternoon Heloise met Arminel and Philippe at the school gates. The weather had abandoned its attempts to provide day after day of rain and was now warm and sunny as befitted early June. Philippe greeted Heloise with his usual lively chatter and then ran on ahead, suggesting that they visit the auberge once more, as he had brought a whistle with him and he wanted to hear what the echoes did with it. Arminel and Heloise agreed, and they had a lovely time there, talking and listening to the fairy music that the echoes sent back to Philippe. Arminel chatted away easily about the baby; she had just had an ultrasound and had finally begun to feel excited about the whole thing. Her sickness had disappeared and she felt full of energy and vitality and did not even look as pale as she usually did.
To Heloise’s disappointment, Arminel seemed to have forgotten her brief interest in Heloise’s dreams and aspirations. She made no further inquiry into Heloise’s future plans, concentrating instead on discussing the family’s plans for the summer holidays. Once Philippe had tired of the echoes, they walked back towards the Platz again, deciding which of the cafés would be the best to visit. At the height of the tourist season they would all be full, but so early in June they should be able to pick and choose their favourite one. They finally agreed to give into Philippe’s request to go to the one that served the best ice creams; it had been a very warm walk and an ice cream would be most welcome.
As they reached the Platz Ice-cream Parlour, Heloise saw a tall, very handsome man waving to them. Knowing that he could not possibly be waving at her, she glanced at Arminel and saw her sister wave back. Jealously she realized that even when pregnant, men found Arminel irresistible.
“Hello,” said Dr. Stadelmann as he reached them. “Hi, Philippe. How are you?”
“Hello Dr. Kurt,” said Philippe, smiling up at the newcomer. “We’ve been making echoes with my whistle and now we’re going to have ice-cream.”
“Why don’t you join us?” Arminel suggested casually. Kurt knew a good many of the other young doctors and Arminel began to wonder if she should persuade him to introduce them all to Heloise.
“Thank you,” said Kurt, then he turned to Heloise. “Hello,” he said, “I’m Kurt Stadelmann. I work with Arminel.”
“Hello,” Heloise answered politely. “I’m Heloise, Arminel’s my sister.” As Kurt looked at her in astonishment, Heloise knew that he was comparing her unfavourably with her sister and she began to wonder if she should just leave then and there. What was the point in trying to meet new people, particularly new men, if they were only going to think how big and unattractive she was beside Arminel?
“No!” Kurt exclaimed, shooting a look at his colleague. “Arminel, why on earth haven’t you introduced me to your sister before this? And how can a girl like you have such a beautiful sister? I’m sure she’s not really any relation to you at all.”
Arminel ignored his comment. “What ice cream do you want, Philippe?” she asked her son.
Taking advantage of Arminel’s preoccupation with Philippe, Kurt turned to Heloise. “What would you like?” he asked her, all hint of teasing gone from his manner. “Ice cream or coffee or something else?”
“Coffee, please,” said Heloise, still feeling rather in awe of the handsome doctor.
Kurt supplied coffee and some rather delicious looking cakes that he noticed and sat down opposite Heloise. “Where do you work?” he asked her. “And why haven’t I seen you before?”
Heloise, who was wondering the same thing, merely answered, “I teach at the Chalet School.”
“My sister’s a teacher,” said Kurt. “She works in a big secondary school in Zurich, which is where we’re from.”
“I was at university in Zurich,” said Heloise in surprise, until she suddenly wondered if Arminel had mentioned her to Kurt and he was merely using information that he had been fed. However, they began a discussion of the beautiful city and it was obvious from the way that he spoke, that Kurt had lived there for a number of years. Arminel and Philippe sat with them, but Kurt took very little notice of them, and for a wonder, Arminel seemed content to talk to her son and let Kurt monopolise Heloise’s attention.
By the time that they left the café, Heloise was smitten. Kurt had been attentive and pleasant and they had seemed to get along very well. The only problem was that he did not ask if he could see her again. He shook Heloise’s hand warmly as he took his leave of them, slapped Arminel’s shoulder in a matey way and ruffled Philippe’s hair and then he was gone. Resigning herself to another disappointment, Heloise said goodbye to her sister and nephew and trudged back to the Chalet School.

When Arminel went back to work the next week, she found a letter to her from Dr. Maynard’s secretary. Nervously she opened it, wondering if she was going to be fired or merely asked for her resignation. When she opened the letter, however, she was pleasantly surprised to discover that Dr. Maynard had agreed to her request to take a month off work after the birth of the baby. After that she would be able to return to her job, which would be kept open for her. Feeling surprisingly relieved, Arminel tucked the letter into her handbag and went off to do her rounds.
Later, back in the office, she met up with Kurt Stadelmann. He seemed to be in a very good mood, gladly congratulating her on the positive tone of the letter from Dr. Maynard and then skillfully turning the conversation to Heloise. Once he had ascertained that she had no current boyfriend that Arminel knew of, he abandoned attempts at subtlety and said, “How do I get in touch with Heloise? Can I just call the school, or is that not correct?”
“She’s a very private sort of person,” Arminel told him. “I’ll call her and then let you speak to her if you like. I think she’d be embarrassed if you called and everyone knew about it.”
Kurt glanced at the clock. “It’s lunch time,” he told her. “Could you call her now?”
Arminel grinned at him. “Yes, I could try,” she said reaching for the phone.
Fortunately, Heloise was not in class when her sister phoned her. She had been sitting in the staff room, trying to mark the essays handed in by her A level students that morning, but unable to stop thinking about Dr. Stadelmann. She knew it was foolish of her; he had been very handsome and suave and so far out of her league that he had probably already forgotten about her, yet she could not forget him. She thought back over their conversation, remembering how interested he had seemed in her memories of Zurich and how he had ignored Arminel to talk to her, Heloise. And yet he had left when they had finished in the café without even asking if he could see her again. Heloise was just wondering what it was about her that put men off when the phone in the staff room rang. As she was the only occupant of the room at that moment, Heloise got up and went over to answer it.
“Hello,” came Arminel’s voice down the line. “Heloise?”
“Yes,” Heloise answered. “Hello, Arminel. Is everything all right?”
“Yes, it’s fine,” said Arminel. “Heloise, Kurt Stadelmann is here and he wondered if he could speak to you?”
Heloise sat down abruptly on a rather hard chair. “Really?” she asked breathlessly.
She just heard Arminel’s chuckle and then Dr. Stadelmann was speaking. “Hello, Heloise,” he said, his voice sounding just as warm on the telephone as it had done in real life. Then he was hissing, “Go away, Arminel!” before saying, “Hello? Heloise, are you there?”
Trying not to laugh, Heloise managed to admit that she was there. “Hello,” she said, feeling shier than ever.
“I hope I’m not disturbing you,” Kurt said. “Do you have time to talk to me now?”
“Yes, for a little while,” said Heloise, hoping that she did not sound too unwelcoming.
“I really enjoyed talking to you at the weekend,” he told her sincerely. “I understand that you are probably really busy, but I wondered if you would like to meet me again, perhaps we could have dinner one evening?”
Heloise discretely pinched herself, sure that she had fallen asleep over the essays and was now dreaming. “Ow!” she inadvertently exclaimed, discovering the hard way that she was actually wide-awake.
“What’s the matter?” he asked with concern.
“Nothing,” she hastily assured him. “Which evening were you thinking of?” she asked him, still hardly able to believe that he was asking to see her again.
“I have to work tonight,” he answered, “But any other evening this week is fine by me.”
Heloise quickly considered her schedule for the week ahead. “Tomorrow?” she suggested, hoping that she did not sound too eager, and yet wanting to give him little time to change his mind.
“Tomorrow would be great,” he answered enthusiastically. “May I collect you from the school, or would you rather meet me somewhere?”
“I’d rather meet you somewhere,” Heloise said at once. She could not bear the thought of the girls seeing her going off with a man and all the gossip it would spark.
“I’ll meet you at the Gornetz Café at six,” said Kurt decisively. “I’m really looking forward to it.”
“So am I,” Heloise admitted, her voice so soft that Kurt could hardly hear her.
“Goodbye,” said Kurt.
“Goodbye,” Heloise repeated and listened to the click as he hung up. She replaced the receiver herself just as the bell rang for lunch. Hastily tidying the desk at which she had been working, Heloise found herself smiling foolishly as she thought of Kurt Stadelmann and the prospect of spending a pleasant evening with him. Just as long as he didn’t change his mind, she warned herself.

The next evening arrived far too quickly for Heloise’s liking. She felt that she had not had enough time to think about Dr. Stadelmann, and to prepare herself for her date with him. She felt very nervous as she put on a smart pair of trousers and a new blouse, wondering whether she would look over-dressed for dinner in the Gornetz Café and finally deciding that it would be better to make a good impression on Kurt than to worry about being too dressed up. She slipped out of school, not wanting anyone to see her go, and made her way quickly to the café. When she arrived she was rather early, and she knew that she would face an agonizing wait, worried that he would have changed his mind and stood her up.
“Heloise!” Kurt was already sitting at a table in the café, with a cup of coffee in front of him. He was wearing a suit and looked even more handsome than he had done at the weekend.
She went over to join him, relieved to discover that he had decided to turn up. “Hello,” she said, slipping into the seat opposite him.
“I thought we’d go to the Mirlhof,” he said, mentioning a rather classy hotel where there was a superb restaurant. “Is that all right?”
“Yes,” she replied, surprised. “That would be lovely.”
“Would you like some coffee before we go? I’ve just finished work and I didn’t want to disgrace myself by yawning all through the meal,” he said with a smile.
“Thank you,” she said, and he waved to the waitress. Soon she had a cup of coffee in front of her and was beginning to feel more relaxed in Kurt’s company. He was friendly and amusing to speak to, and seemed to realize that she was feeling nervous, for he did all that he could to put her at her ease. When they had finished their coffee, they walked across the Platz to the Mirlhof, and the headwaiter showed them to the table that Kurt had booked.
They ordered their meals and then Kurt drew Heloise out about her work and her life in Zurich. He seemed to find her interesting to talk to, and by the time that they were choosing their desert from the wonderful array on the trolley, Heloise was feeling completely at ease in his company. He made her laugh with tales of some of his antics when at medical college and she actually began to feel that he liked her. It was hard to believe, especially when he worked with Arminel, but Kurt had not even mentioned Arminel’s name all evening. Heloise had wondered if he had asked to see her again so that he could talk about Arminel, but that did not appear to be the case.
Once they had finished their after dinner coffee, Kurt reluctantly called the waiter over and paid the bill. “I’ve had a lovely evening,” he told Heloise. “Thank you so much for coming out with me.”
“Yes, it’s been very nice,” she agreed.
“Maybe we could do something at the weekend,” he suggested hopefully. “I’d really like to see you again, Heloise.”
Heloise met his gaze, surprised to hear that she had not put him off. “I’d like that,” she told him.
Kurt grinned at her. “How much free time do you get?” he asked. “If I wanted to take you to Interlaken, would I be able to?”
“Yes, as long as we went after lunch,” she replied. “I’m on duty until one o’clock.”
The waiter returned with Kurt’s change and once he had given him a tip, Kurt stood up. Heloise got up, too, feeling a little thrill of delight as he took her arm and steered her between the tables and out of the restaurant. Once outside, Kurt released her elbow and took her hand instead. Heloise was relieved to notice that he was several inches taller than her, even though she was not wearing her flattest shoes. It made a pleasant change to be shorter than her date, she thought with a smile.
“What’s so amusing?” he asked her.
“You’re tall,” she answered with a giggle.
“Yes, I’ve been told that before,” he answered, laughing down at her. “Six foot three, if you wish to know exactly.”
“Do you like being tall?”
“It has its uses,” he told her. “You won’t lose me in a crowd!”
They walked along the quiet streets towards the school, both sad that the lovely evening was coming to an end. At the end of the drive Heloise stopped. She did not want anyone glancing out of the window and seeing her arriving so late with a man in tow. “Thank you,” she said, turning to look up at him.
Kurt pulled a card from his pocked. “This is my number at work,” he said. “I share an office with Arminel, but don’t let that put you off calling me. My home number is on the back, just in case.”
“Thank you,” said Heloise again.
“And I’ll see you on Saturday,” he reminded her. He looked down at her for a moment, wondering if he would be able to kiss her without making her flee nervously from him, and decided to risk it. He leaned down and kissed her very gently, pleased beyond measure as she kissed him back. When he drew back her cheeks were pink and she looked absolutely delightful. Kurt smiled at her. “Call me,” he said firmly.
“I will,” she promised. “Good night.”
“Good night,” he answered, watching as she walked briskly up the path to the school. As she reached the bend in the path, she turned and he waved to her, then she was gone. Kurt walked away, his step light as he thought back over the evening. He had enjoyed spending the evening with her and liked her more than he had any girl that he had seen for a very long time. With his thoughts firmly fixed on the forthcoming weekend, he strode back to his apartment in the building where many of the younger members of the Gornetz Hospital staff lived, hoping that Heloise felt as happy as he did himself.

At the end of June Genevieve was due to come home from Milan, where she was doing a degree in modern languages. She was working hard, but she was also partying hard, enjoying her new-found freedom to the full. When she came home, Alex met her at the station and brought her up to the Gornetz Platz, where her sisters and mother were eagerly awaiting her return. They had not seen her since Christmas, as she had spent her Easter holidays in Italy with some of her friends, and they were keen to welcome her back into their midst again.
Alex pulled up outside the chalet and Genevieve got out of the car. She was wearing a very short skirt and a halter necked top, and she had her long hair loose over her shoulders. She walked decorously up the path and then forgot her new-found dignity and hurled herself into Gill’s arms. Gill hugged her warmly, aware of how much she had missed her youngest daughter and how pleased she was to see her again.
Alex carried Genevieve’s bags in from the car, ably assisted by Philippe, and soon they were all sitting in the living room drinking tea and nibbling sandwiches and all talking at the same time. Arminel listened with half an ear to what her sister was telling them of her life in Milan, noticing things that Gill and Alex seemed unaware of. Genevieve was very slim, far thinner than she had been at Christmas, and she did not touch the sandwich on her plate. She sipped her tea, which she had taken without milk or sugar, and although she seemed happy to be home, she had changed an awful lot since they had last seen her. She seemed to exude a nervous energy and Arminel noticed that the open handbag on the floor contained a packet of cigarettes.
Over the next few days, Arminel did not find anything that made her worry less about her sister. Genevieve hardly ate at all, but she smoked all the time. They all knew that Gill disapproved of smoking, and although Arminel had tried it herself while away at university, she had never really enjoyed it and happily given up that particular attempt to make herself look sophisticated. Finally, after a really delicious Sunday lunch, for which their brother Louis and his wife, Chantal, had come up from Interlaken to join them, Arminel discovered her sister being sick in the bathroom. Even though she knew she would probably be able to do little good, Arminel waited until Genevieve came out of the bathroom and intercepted her on her way to her room.
“Are you all right?” she asked, looking with concern at Genevieve’s pale face.
“Yes, I’m fine,” Genevieve answered, going into her bedroom and taking out a cigarette. She lit it and inhaled deeply then she smiled at Arminel. “I think I ate rather too much dinner.”
“You will be ill if you carry on like this,” Arminel told her quietly. “You are so beautiful, Jen, you don’t need to lose any more weight.”
“I’ve only got a couple more pounds to lose and then I’ll stop dieting,” said Genevieve earnestly. “The other girls on my course are all so slim and elegant and I just want to be like them.”
Arminel reached out and gently stroked Genevieve’s silky hair. “You really don’t need to lose any more,” she said. “You’ll worry Mum if you get any thinner.”
Genevieve frowned. “No,” she said firmly, “I won’t worry her. She thinks I look great. I suppose you’ll go on about smoking next.”
As Arminel had been planning to mention that, she did not argue. “It’s bad for you, Jen,” she said patiently.
“While we’re on the subject of worrying Mum,” Genevieve said thoughtfully, “Perhaps we should discuss you. I hear that you are not planning to get married. Who will look after this baby while you are working? Don’t you think Mum deserves some time with Alex, not another baby to look after?” Aware that she was carrying the war into the enemies’ camp, Genevieve sat back and waited for the explosion.
“Mum is happy about the baby,” Arminel said, managing to keep her temper. “We’ve already talked about it.”
“Mum would tell you she’s happy even if she wasn’t,” Genevieve pointed out with a good degree of truth. “She only wants to be supportive. She’s hardly going to tell you to get rid of it.”
Arminel turned away, saddened by the change in her young sister. “Please be careful,” she said as she left Genevieve’s room. She closed the door quietly behind her and went to her own room, needing to spend some time thinking about Genevieve’s comments. Could it be true that Gill was not happy about the baby? Had she only said she was willing to look after it while Arminel was at work because she felt obliged to do so? Arminel knew that she would have to have a serious talk with her mother just to see how close to the mark Genevieve’s shots had gone.

Over the next few days Arminel did her best to avoid Genevieve. She was not eager to have a fight with her sister, which would definitely upset Gill. She tried to keep an eye on Genevieve, but that was not easy to do, as she was at work each day and Genevieve went out a lot in the evenings with some friends she had on the Platz and in Interlaken. Arminel heard her coming in very late, often sounding as though she had been drinking and invariably spending some time in the bathroom being sick. Whether that was because of the drink or because of the ‘diet’ Arminel could not decide, and she did not like to press Genevieve further. She was looking forward to her sister’s departure for France, hoping that their Aunt Monique would be able to see what was wrong with Genevieve and to take the appropriate measures to sort her out. Arminel herself had pleaded work as an excuse to postpone her departure to France, and Heloise had decided to stay with her, as she wanted to spend more time with Kurt. Gill had begged to take Philippe with her to France, and when asked, he had said that he would be happy to go on ahead with his grandparents and Aunt Genevieve while Arminel and Heloise remained on the Platz for another couple of weeks.
Heloise had admitted to Arminel that she really liked Kurt. He had continued to see her as often as he could, trying to take her out to dinner at least once a week and meeting up with her every weekend she was free, too. At work, Arminel had to listen to Kurt extolling Heloise’s virtues and discussing the best place to take her for their next date. Arminel was not jealous because she knew that she and Kurt would not have been particularly compatible despite their good friendship, but it just served to show her how much of a mess she had made of her own life and what a good job Genevieve was doing of emulating her.
As the day of departure grew closer, Philippe became more and more excited. He helped Arminel pack his suitcase and they discovered that he would need some more clothes to take with him, for he was growing so fast that his trousers were getting short and his t-shirts tight on him. Arminel decided to do some shopping in Interlaken, for the shops on the Platz were still very basic despite the increasing number of tourists that now flocked there both summer and winter, and she knew she could get everything she needed in the city. She was feeling extremely well, full of energy, and as yet with only the tiniest bump to give away the secret of her pregnancy. A day in Interlaken would definitely be a pleasure rather than a chore, and so she set off mid-morning in Alex’s car.

Mike Maynard was shopping in Interlaken when he saw her. She was wearing a short, floral print summer dress that showed off her slim, lightly tanned legs, a big shady hat and her hair in a loose braid down her back, and she looked almost ridiculously young. She was carrying a handful of bags and trying to open the heavy door of the department store. Before he had stopped to think about anything more than how attractive she looked, Mike found himself stepping forward to help her. He held the door for her and as she turned to thank him he offered to help her carry her bags.
“Thank you,” she said, but as she realized who was speaking, her friendly smile froze. “Oh, it’s you,” she said, a cold edge entering her voice. “I can manage, thank you.” She walked briskly away.
“Arminel…Dr. Laroche,” said Mike, catching her up again. “You shouldn’t be carrying all those bags.” Without waiting to hear her protests, he deftly took her shopping from her hand.
“They aren’t heavy,” she told him, reaching out to take them back. “I don’t need your help at all.”
Mike stopped walking. “I’d like to help,” he said humbly. “After being so rude to you I should try to make amends. Do you have much more shopping to do?”
Arminel gave up her attempts to take the bags from him. “Yes,” she agreed gravely, “You have been exceedingly rude. Not like the son of a Chaletian at all.”
“I think we are rather in the way here.” Mike took her elbow and steered her through the shop to the elevators. “There’s a rather nice coffee shop on the third floor,” he told her as he pressed the button to call the lift. “They make wonderfully ordinary coffee – none of those ‘featherbeds of whipped cream’ my mother always raved about.”
As he said this, Mike was getting into the lift, so Arminel either had to abandon her shopping or follow him. Just for a moment she thought how satisfying it would be to leave him with the bags and vanish into the crowd, until she realized that she would like to hear him apologise properly for his rudeness. She followed him into the lift and soon he was putting her shopping beside a table near the window and pulling out a chair for her.
“Coffee?” he asked her.
“Yes, please.” Arminel watched as he went to procure two cups of coffee and wondered what could suddenly have caused him to make such an effort to be pleasant.
He returned to the table and put a large mug of coffee in front of her. As she thanked him he gave her a smile that completely transformed his normally grim demeanour. His blue eyes positively twinkled and Arminel noticed for the first time that he was actually rather good-looking. As he was her boss, and the one to suggest that they have coffee together, Arminel contented herself with thanking him and sipping the steaming brew. It was now up to him to make conversation with her, she decided.
“You’re looking very well,” Mike told her, saying the first thing that came into his head. “Are you feeling better?”
Arminel saw that he was trying to be pleasant and decided to make it easy for him. “Yes, much better now, thank you,” she answered.
“And how is your son?” Mike went on, wishing he knew what else he could say to her. It was a little odd to be asking about the very things over which he had expressed such disapproval.
“He’s fine. He’s off to France at the weekend with my parents, so he’s very excited.”
“You won’t be going?” asked Mike, surprised. From all that he had heard, Arminel was devoted to her son, and it seemed strange that she should allow him to go on holiday without her.
“Yes, but not for another fortnight,” she told him.
“Where do you stay in France?”
“Near Nice,” she replied. “My father’s family live there and we go and stay with them.”
“It’s supposed to be beautiful there,” he said. “I’ve never been. We used to go to Austria for our holidays, back to the Tiernsee.”
“Where the Chalet School began?” Arminel had grown up with the legends of the school, although she had yet to make the pilgrimage to the location of the original chalet.
Mike rolled his eyes expressively. “Yes,” he said. “The thought of another holiday like that makes work sound so much more appealing.”
Arminel sipped her coffee. “Will you go away?” she asked him.
“No, I will probably just take a couple of days off to do some walking in the mountains here. I see no point in going away when everything I need is right here.”
“You don’t have family to visit?” she asked, and then immediately wished she had not.
“No,” he answered shortly. “Or none that would care to see me,” he added. “I prefer not to discuss them.”
“I’m sorry,” she said at once. “I didn’t realize.”
Mike drank his coffee and then sighed. “I’m sorry to be so rude,” he said. “Of course you didn’t realize. Have you a lot more shopping to do?”
“No. I just need to go and find some clothes for Philippe and some books to keep him busy on the journey.”
“I hope you’ll let me help you,” Mike said, regarding her with his intensely blue eyes.
“I would feel very guilty keeping you from your own business,” said Arminel standing up and reaching for her shopping. He had evidently decided that their coffee break was over and she had no desire to overstay her welcome.
“I’m just pottering around the shops,” he told her. “I’d be happy to help you, Dr. Laroche.”
Arminel looked quickly at him, sure that she could detect a note of loneliness in his voice. He was usually so horrible that she was not surprised he had few friends and she found herself feeling suddenly sorry for him. “Thank you,” she said graciously. “I need to get Philippe some clothes. He’s grown so much lately.”
Mike took the bags from her and accompanied her to the children’s department. He helped her pick out some trousers and shirts for Philippe and once she had paid for them, he gravely took the carrier bag from her. From there they headed to the bookshop, where Mike recommended some titles that he and his younger brothers had enjoyed when they were growing up and soon Arminel had a basket full of books for her son. She slipped a couple of novels in for herself, assuring Dr. Maynard that she knew that they were hardly the sort of books read by Chaletians, but explaining that she liked them to read at the end of a long, hard day’s work, when she just wanted to relax.
“I’m really sorry,” he told her in response to her remark. “I had no right to say those things to you.” He did not specify which things, but they both knew to what he was referring.
“No,” she said, “You were well out of line.”
“I can’t bear to think of you making all the same mistakes as me,” he told her suddenly. “I hate the thought of everyone gossiping about you as they did about me. It’s horrible, knowing that everyone is talking about you in a disapproving way.”
“I pay no attention to gossip,” Arminel assured him. “I survived it all when Philippe was born and I’m sure I can survive it all again.”
“Yes, I’m sure you can,” Mike said, taking the basket from her. “Have you finished?”
“Yes, I don’t think he’ll have time to read all these as it is.”
Mike put the basket up onto the counter and watched as Arminel counted out her money and paid for them all. He took the two heavy bags that the sales assistant had prepared and then followed her out of the bookshop. “Where next?” he asked.
“That’s all,” she told him. “I’m going back home now. Thank you so much for your help.”
“It was the least I could do,” he said with another of those surprising smiles. “Where did you park your car?”
Arminel led the way to the car park in which she had found a space for the car and soon he had all of her purchases loaded into the boot. “Thank you,” she told him. “I’m sorry I took up so much of your time.”
“That’s quite all right,” he assured her. “Goodbye, Dr. Laroche.”
“Goodbye.” Arminel got into the car and started the engine. She drove towards the exit of the car park, glanced in her rear view mirror and found that Dr. Maynard was standing where she had left him, watching her leave. She waved and then pulled out into the traffic, heading back up to the Platz once more.

Arminel and Heloise said goodbye to the rest of their family and enjoyed a quiet weekend together. Arminel found that she missed Philippe dreadfully, and spent her spare time moping around the chalet, wishing that she had gone to France with the others. Heloise had finished work, and so was able to spend time at home while Kurt was working, and to be with him all evening. Although she knew she shouldn’t, Arminel waited up for Heloise each evening, just to be sure that she had come home. With two sisters seeming to do little more than try to give their mother grey hair, Arminel wanted to be sure that Heloise was doing nothing that might worry Gill. She need not have been concerned, however, for Heloise turned up each evening generally before eleven, always sober and seeming incredibly happy.
At work, Kurt continued to talk about Heloise, and he, too, was very happy. He admitted to Arminel that he really liked Heloise and that he was worried about how he would manage while she was in France, for he knew that he would miss her terribly. He seemed very serious about her sister, and Arminel was thrilled for them both. They made a lovely couple and being with Kurt had made Heloise less shy and given her more confidence, which pleased Arminel no end.
A fortnight later, they duly headed to Nice for their holiday, with Kurt seeing them off at the airport. He had held Heloise close to him for a long moment before they went through to the departure gate and Heloise had looked tearful for some time after he left them. They had not been together for very long and although she believed that he was very fond of her, Heloise worried that he would soon forget her if she was not there to remind him of her existence.
They received a rapturous welcome in France from all of their family, even Genevieve seeming pleased to see her sisters arriving. While they were there, Arminel and Heloise enjoyed a quiet holiday – or as quiet a holiday as it was possible to have with Monique arranging beach parties and dinner parties and garden parties and any other sort of parties that she could think of. They spent lots of time together on the beach, lying lazily on the warm sand or swimming in the tranquil waters. Genevieve joined them, already tanned by her fortnight in the sun, although Arminel felt she still looked far too thin.
They soon discovered that Genevieve was having anything but a quiet holiday. She went out every night with a crowd of young people and seemed to drink too much and yet eat nothing. She stayed out very late, even returning home when they were all having breakfast the next morning on more than one occasion. Gill and Alex said nothing to her, as far as Arminel knew, although she did notice Gill looking increasingly worried when Genevieve’s party habits were discussed, and Arminel managed to stop herself from interfering. She still clung to the hope that Monique would decide to take matters into her own hands and do something to halt Genevieve’s headlong flight into self destruction.
While they were in France, Arminel felt the baby begin to move and noticed that her stomach was growing almost by the day. She knew that everyone would notice the difference when she got back to the Platz and she could expect the gossip and the snide remarks to begin. She took Philippe to one side just before the end of their holiday and explained that she was going to have a baby. He listened attentively and then looked thoughtfully at her.
“But how can we if Papa is dead?” he asked seriously.
As she hugged him, Arminel did her best to explain that the baby had a different father, also an absent one, and hoped that Philippe would not wish to probe too deeply into the matter. She had always done her best to be honest with her son, and did not want to mislead him in any way, but it was an awkward subject to discuss with him. She was relieved when Heloise appeared, asking if Philippe was ready to go to the beach, and although she fully expected him to raise the subject with her another day, she would at least have time to think a little more about what she should tell him.
They all returned to the Platz at the end of August, much rested and actually looking forward to returning either to work or to their studies. Genevieve set off cheerfully for Milan, and Arminel managed to take her aside for a moment or two just before her departure and to ask her to be careful while she was away. Genevieve took Arminel’s words well, giving her big sister a hug and a kiss and telling her that she shouldn’t worry, as the diet was just about over and Genevieve was more than happy with herself. She also reassured her sister that she did not drink very much during term time, and that she was an absolute paragon of virtue while in Milan. Arminel did not believe her for a moment, but she returned the hug and the kiss and repeated her ‘Be careful’ as Genevieve left. Glad that they had at least parted on good terms, Arminel hoped that some of her words would stick in Genevieve’s mind and that she might think twice before indulging in more of her self-destructive behaviour.

Not long after they returned from their holiday, Kurt came around to see Heloise. He greeted her with a hug and a kiss and then produced a large bunch of flowers, which he gave to her with a flourish. She could scarcely believe the warmth of his welcome to her, even though he had phoned her whilst she was in France, and also sent her a couple of cards and short letters. He was thrilled to see her again, and took her out to dinner that night, returning to the Mirlhof, the scene of their first date. He told her how much he had missed her and as she watched him across the candlelit table, Heloise knew that he meant every word he said. He was evidently far keener on her than she had given him credit for, and she was incredibly happy to hear it. While she had been away, she had thought often of him, although she had only sent him a couple of postcards, and although she was reluctant to use the word ‘love’, she knew that she cared deeply for him. Kurt was not so reticent, however, and on the doorstep of her home that night, he took her in his arms and kissed her and then held her a little away from him.
“I love you,” he told her so seriously that she knew instinctively that he was speaking the truth.
Heloise merely smiled enigmatically at him and drew him closer to kiss him again. If Kurt was disappointed by her failure to repeat his words, he did not let on. He had been hopeful that she would respond to his declaration of love, but on reflection he realized that she was unlikely to have admitted to being in love with him. She was very happy to see him again, he knew, and as they had not been together for very long he decided to be content with that. Perhaps she would begin to trust him more now that they were back in the same country again, and now that he could see her more often and speak to her on the phone more easily. Meanwhile, he was content to shower her with love and affection and wait for her to realize how much she cared for him.

#3: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 5:26 pm

Back in the Gornetz Hospital, Arminel overheard several people discussing her while they were drinking morning coffee in the canteen. They obviously did not realize that she was seated near them, and that she could hear every word they said. As she was neither tall nor well built, her pregnancy was increasingly obvious, and she knew that she would have to get used to all the unkind comments again. She found it hurtful when people called Philippe names, for he was a sweet boy who did not deserve to have the sins of his parents vested on him, and it upset her to hear that people thought she was a woman of no morals; she had slept with a couple of her boyfriends, just as many women did, and had fallen pregnant. She had married neither of the fathers, because she had been thwarted by events out of her control - Matthieu had died and Jack had taken off without looking back. Arminel knew that if Matthieu had not been tragically killed before Philippe was born, she would have married him. Whether the marriage would have worked was another, entirely different, matter; she would have had that all-important ring on her finger though, and that would have been enough to silence the gossips.

Arminel was at work when her waters broke. She was in the middle of the corridor between the children’s ward and the examination room, when suddenly the dull ache she had felt in her lower back all day intensified. She cried out and a nurse who was passing stopped to see what had happened. One glance at the wet floor around Arminel’s feet was enough to inform her of what the problem was.
“You should go to the labour ward,” the nurse told her.
“Yes, I’ll go down in a moment.” The pain had subsided and Arminel walked slowly away down the corridor. She made it to the pediatric department before the next pain gripped her. Glad that Kurt was nowhere around, Arminel clung to the back of her chair and waited for the pain to subside again. Once she could feel it passing, she picked up the phone and dialed her mother’s number. Fortunately Gill was at home and she assured Arminel that she would come immediately to the hospital and that Alex would make sure that Philippe was collected from school. Knowing that Gill and Alex would take all her responsibilities from her, Arminel made her way slowly to the labour ward.
They seemed unsurprised to see her, for the nurse she had met in the corridor had come to tell them to expect her and a room was ready for her. Arminel shed her white coat and sank down onto the bed, glad to surrender herself to the ministrations of the midwife, a competent young Swiss girl called Anna.
Just half an hour after Arminel had arrived, Gill appeared, looking both excited and anxious. Arminel was glad to see her, for the pain was getting worse and she found her mother’s presence a great comfort. Anna made sure that everything was progressing well and then disappeared for a while, giving Arminel the chance to change into an old nightdress. When she returned, Anna hooked Arminel up to a monitor, so that they could keep a check on the baby’s heart rate and make sure that there were no problems, and then they discussed the types of pain relief that Arminel wished to use.
Six hours later, the pain was almost unbearable and there seemed no indication that the baby was ready to be born. Arminel was doing her best to manage without any major pain killers, and had almost been reduced to cursing at the midwife and the young nurse that had arrived to help her; only her mother’s calming presence helped her to control herself.
Finally, after a whispered conversation, the nurse dashed out and the midwife turned to Arminel. “The baby is getting distressed,” she said, “And so we’ll have to perform an emergency caesarian.”
All the colour drained from Arminel’s face and she clutched at Gill’s hand. “Is the baby all right?” she demanded.
“Yes, there’s nothing to worry about,” said Anna reassuringly. “But we’ll have to go straight to surgery. Nurse Kern has just gone to see if there’s a surgeon available.”

Mike Maynard had heard about Dr. Laroche’s waters breaking while she was on duty and that she had gone down to the labour ward to deliver her baby. He had plenty of work to do, though, what with some accounts to look over and numerous files that he really ought to read. He would not be hurrying home; he had enough work to keep him in his office for the whole night if need be. Before he went to his office, he did take a brisk walk around the hospital, just to see how things were going. There had been a bad coach accident and all the doctors on duty had been called down to the accident and emergency department to help out with the victims of the crash. He had seen a few patients himself and only left there when they had things more or less under control. He had strolled by the maternity ward, too, a place that he seldom visited, and found that there were two women having babies that evening, Dr. Laroche and a young Swiss woman from one of the nearby villages. He had only remained there long enough to be sure that they anticipated no problems, and then he had returned to his office and his work.
When Nurse Kern arrived, Dr. Maynard was sitting at his desk, staring unseeingly at a file, his mind far away. For the first time in more years than he cared to remember, he was thinking about a woman. In fact he just could not get her out of his mind; the way she walked, the way she talked, everything about her captivated him. He longed to get together the courage to tell her how he felt, but after his past experiences, he just could not. She was so beautiful and so vital that she had dozens of men at her feet. She could pick and choose between the handsome and the brilliant, so why would she want to have anything to do with him when he was neither handsome nor brilliant?
The young nurse looked very anxious. No one liked to approach Dr. Maynard in his office, for it was like giving him an open invitation to bite one’s head off.
“Excuse me, Dr. Maynard,” she said nervously. “We have an emergency caesarian needed and all the staff are tied up with the bus crash.”
Dr. Maynard pushed his dreams from his mind. “I’ll come,” he said gruffly. “Prepare the patient.”
The nurse scampered away, grateful that her interruption had not resulted in an angry outburst. Dr. Maynard went off to the surgical room nearest the delivery suites and prepared for the operation. He was just ready when the patient was wheeled in, accompanied by a couple of nurses. He glanced down at the woman on the gurney, shocked to see that it was Arminel Laroche. Arminel was equally shocked to see Dr. Maynard preparing to perform the caesarian. To everyone’s surprise, Dr. Maynard did his best to put her at her ease.
“Everything will be fine,” he told her as the nurses erected a screen across her chest. “I’ve done this once or twice before, so you don’t need to look so worried.”
“I don’t doubt your ability,” Arminel shot back at him. “Just hurry up.”
Dr. Maynard gave her a running commentary as he performed the operation and in a couple of moments he was holding up a howling infant. “Congratulations,” he told her and she was sure that he was smiling behind the mask he wore. “It’s a girl.” He passed the baby quickly to one of the nurses, and she hurried off with her.
“Is she all right?” Arminel demanded, tears pricking the back of her eyes.
“Yes, she seems fine,” Dr. Maynard answered. “They’ll tell you when there’s any news.”
Arminel closed her eyes and let Dr. Maynard’s comments about stitching her up pass over her. She could only think of the baby, wondering if she was all right after the distressing experience of her birth. Finally, she was being wheeled out of surgery and into a recovery room, still unsure of the fate of her daughter. She felt very agitated, and all anyone would tell her was that she should just try to rest.
“But I need to know!” she shouted, unable to put up with the worry any longer.
“Now what is happening?” Dr. Maynard had arrived just in time to hear his patient’s outburst. “What’s the matter, Dr. Laroche?” he asked.
“They won’t tell me anything,” said Arminel, close to tears now. “Is she all right?”
“She’s going to be fine,” Dr. Maynard assured her. “They are keeping her in an incubator for tonight, just so that she can get plenty of oxygen, and you can see her in the morning. Your mother is with her now.”
Arminel closed her eyes and bit her lip, not wanting to cry in front of her boss. She was at enough of a disadvantage lying on a bed with machines beeping around her without giving him any more power over her. “Thank you,” she finally managed to say.
To her surprise, Dr. Maynard gently patted her shoulder. “You don’t need to worry, Arminel,” he said quietly. “Just try to rest. When they take you downstairs they’ll let your mother in to see you for a moment and she can fill you in on all the details.”
“I can’t wait until tomorrow to see her,” Arminel said, tears leaking from the corners of her eyes. “Please let me see her now. Please.”
Dr. Maynard sighed. “I’ll see what I can do,” he said, “But I’m not promising anything. Please lie quietly until I come back.”
“Thank you.” Arminel wiped her eyes on the back of her hand and did her best to relax. All she could think of though, was the tiny baby that had been distressed enough to require a caesarian delivery, and was now lying alone in a strange place, far away from the only person she knew. Just the thought of that broke her heart. She lay quietly, unable to stem the tears, hoping against hope that Dr. Maynard would be able to let her see the baby, even if only for a moment. She knew that there was no way she would be able to relax or sleep if she had not seen her daughter, and both would be essential for her own well-being.
Eventually Dr. Maynard returned to the recovery room, carrying a tiny bundle, wrapped in a pink blanket. “Here you are,” he said, sitting down beside the bed and holding the baby so that Arminel could see her. “I’m allowed to keep her for five minutes.”
Arminel looked at the baby’s pale face and very fair hair. Her eyes were screwed tightly shut and that was all that she could see of her. Everything else was tightly wrapped in the blanket, allowing no glimpse of fingers or toes. “Is she all right?” Arminel asked.
“Yes, she’s fine,” said Dr. Maynard reassuringly. “The oxygen is just a precaution, nothing more. They wouldn’t have let me take her otherwise. Here, you’d better kiss her and then I’ll take her back.” He manoeuvred the baby so that Arminel could drop a kiss on the tiny forehead and then he stood up.
“Thank you,” said Arminel gratefully. “You’ve been really kind.”
“You had better not let anyone know, then,” he told her with a grin. “Otherwise my reputation will suffer.”

By the time that they moved Arminel into the maternity ward, Gill was waiting anxiously for her. She looked very tired, and Arminel realized how late it was.
“Did you see her?” Gill demanded, pulling up a chair and sitting down next to Arminel.
“Yes, just for a moment,” Arminel answered, realizing that she felt very tired herself. “She’s gorgeous, isn’t she?”
“Absolutely beautiful,” Gill agreed, reaching out and gently smoothing Arminel’s hair. “How are you feeling?”
“Uncomfortable and exhausted,” Arminel admitted. “You look tired, too, Mum. I think you should go home and get some sleep.”
“I will,” said Gill, “But I wanted to see you first. She looks a lot like you did when you were born, although she’s much bigger. They said she was almost nine pounds.”
“Wow!” Arminel said, surprised. “She was big! Dr. Maynard says she’s fine. Is that what they told you?”
“Yes,” said Gill, guessing that Arminel was still suspicious about the baby’s health. “They said you can have her tomorrow, once she’s had a good night’s sleep. And you must sleep, too.”
Arminel nodded. “I will sleep now,” she said. “And I’m going to call her Lily.”
“I thought you’d decided on something like Antoinette or Antonia,” said Gill, for Arminel had mentioned a liking for both names.
“When I saw her I changed my mind,” said Arminel with a smile. “She looks like a Lily.”
“It’s very pretty,” said Gill. “Now I’m going home. We’ll come back tomorrow and bring Philippe in to see you. Sleep well, darling.” She leaned down and gently kissed Arminel’s forehead in much the same way that Arminel had kissed her daughter such a short while earlier.
Arminel kissed Gill back. “Thanks, Mum,” she said gratefully. “I couldn’t have done all this without you. You are terrific.”
Gill smiled at Arminel. “You do exaggerate,” she said, but Arminel knew that she was touched by her remarks. “Go to sleep.”
“Goodnight,” said Arminel. She watched as Gill left and then closed her eyes. She did expect to be too excited and emotional to sleep, but in the end she fell asleep quickly and got her last good night’s sleep for quite some time.

A week after the birth of baby Lily, Arminel and her daughter left the hospital. She was glad to be home, able to spend longer with Philippe and help him get used to his new sister. He was very sweet to them both, often offering to help Arminel with Lily, drying and dressing her after a bath, amusing her when she was crying and gently rocking the crib to help her fall asleep. Lily herself was a darling; she was everything Arminel could have hoped for, a good feeder, a sound sleeper and extremely well behaved. She was also a very pretty baby, and all the visitors to the hospital and to Arminel’s home were able to honestly compliment Arminel on her lovely baby.
Heloise came over from the school as often as she could, and as Arminel watched Heloise holding Lily, she knew that her sister was wondering if she would ever have a baby of her own. She looked down at her niece with such adoration that Arminel hoped she would soon be in the same position; maybe Kurt would see how much Heloise wanted a family of her own and would ask her to marry him. Arminel knew that Kurt wanted to propose to Heloise, but that he was worried about rushing her. Perhaps her evident delight in Lily would help him to realize that she ought to be rushed.
Gill and Alex were wonderfully supportive. Gill did all she could to make Arminel’s life easier, without taking over the care of the children. She helped out and did many thoughtful little things that saved Arminel worrying about finding time to do them herself, and was always ready to sit and talk to Arminel and offer advice. Alex did his best to keep up with Philippe, taking him to school and collecting him again in the afternoon, and always being ready to listen if there was something worrying Philippe and Arminel was too wrapped up in the baby to notice.
Arminel was surprised by how much she loved Lily, and how it made her want to spend all of her time cuddling her and caring for her. She did try to find time to spend with Philippe, but she found that she did not really want to be with him as much as she had done before the baby was born. She was content to hold Lily in her arms and gaze endlessly at her, admiring the baby’s big blue eyes and wispy hair, her tiny fingers and her rosy cheeks. It was not that she loved Lily more than Philippe, she told herself, it was just that Lily needed her so much and Philippe did not. Once she was bigger, Arminel would be able to spend time with Philippe again, but until then she wanted to enjoy having someone completely dependent on her, needing her, and only her, every minute of every day.
While they were in the hospital, Arminel had been surprised to receive several visits from Dr. Maynard. Much to Arminel’s amazement, he had appeared the morning after Lily was born, just after Arminel had been given a checkup, and had brought the baby up to her. He had helped Arminel sit up a little and had then placed the baby in her arms.
“She can be with you as much as you like now,” he had told her. “She’s absolutely fine and the nurse in the special care baby unit says you should feed her as soon as possible.”
“Thank you,” Arminel had answered, overjoyed to be holding her daughter for the first time.
“Can I do anything else for you?” he had asked, pulling the curtains around her bed so that she could feed the baby in private.
Arminel had assured him that he had done more than enough for her, and so he left her to begin the bonding process with her daughter. He had returned a little later in the day, telling her that he had been wondering what she had decided to call the baby, and had expressed approval at her choice of name. The following day he had been back again, and every day thereafter, using increasingly unlikely pretexts for his visits. After all, he was the director of the Gornetz Hospital. If a patient needed any follow up care after an operation, there were plenty of other doctors who could provide it. If newborn babies needed to be checked over and given vaccinations against TB, there were plenty of other doctors able to do that. It was definitely not usual for the director to oversee such mundane tasks himself.
Once she got home, Arminel had more time to think about Dr. Maynard’s odd behaviour. She thought back over all her mother had told her about his life, and guessed that he was a very lonely man. He lived in a huge house all by himself, and seemed to have no family or friends interested enough in him to spend any time with him. He worked long hours at the hospital, seldom taking time off, and yet few people in the hospital actually liked him. He was a good doctor, despite his rather brusque bedside manner, and an efficient administrator, but he was too plain speaking for most people’s liking. Once she had realized that he probably only checked up on her because she had been pleasant to him on that long ago day in summer when they had sipped coffee and the shopped together, Arminel dismissed him from her mind. She was no longer interested in men. She had two lovely children and a supportive family. She had no need of a man in her life, for they could not give her anything she did not already have, and they would surely complicate her life more than they would complement it. Not that she could imagine Dr. Maynard being romantically interested in her; he was much older than her and she was the sort of woman of whom he disapproved wholeheartedly. There was no way that he would ever consider getting involved with someone like Arminel Laroche, even if she was interested in him. Which she most definitely was not.

When Arminel went back to work it was a real wrench leaving Lily. She knew that she would be fine with Gill, but Arminel wished that she had been able to remain home with her a little longer. Once she got back to the hospital, though, she remembered why she had not chosen to be a stay at home mum. She really enjoyed her work and it was lovely to be back on the ward, seeing the children and knowing that she was able to help them. Some of the hospital’s regular patients were glad to see her back, and she found that the day at work flew past leaving her with very little time to worry about how Lily was. She had worked hard when Philippe was a baby, and had still managed to have a wonderful relationship with him, so there was no reason to doubt her ability to do the same with Lily. She would be able to spend quality time with her children at the weekend, and in the evenings, and would probably appreciate them more since she was not with them all the time. Besides which, it was not long until Christmas and then she would have some time off and would be able to spend it with the children.
To her relief, being away from home for several hours each day reminded Arminel of the love she had for Philippe. Towards the end of her maternity leave, she had noticed him looking increasingly glum and although he had assured her that there was nothing wrong with him, he had admitted to Alex that he felt Arminel did not love him any more. Once Alex had told Arminel how left out he was feeling, she made a big effort to spend time with him, and by the time she got home from work after her first week back, she realized how selfish she had been. She made sure she greeted Philippe first, hugging him and taking no notice of the occupant of the crib in the corner of the room.
“How was school?” she asked him, an arm around his shoulders.
“It was fine,” he told her. “Mum, do you still love me?”
“Oh, darling, of course I do,” she reassured him.
“What about Lily?”
“I love her, too,” said Arminel, feeling very guilty. “I’m so sorry, Philippe, for making you feel unhappy. It’s been my fault. I was a little too wrapped up in her, and I forgot that you need me too.”
Philippe threw his arms around Arminel and hugged her. “Grandpa told me that you still loved me,” he said, his voice muffled because his face was buried against her. “But I was worried that you didn’t want me now you have Lily.”
“Of course I want you,” she told him, pulling him down onto the settee beside her.
“You see, I packed my suitcase,” he announced gravely. “I thought that if you didn’t love me any more, I should go and live with Uncle Louis. He hasn’t got any children, so maybe he’d love me instead.”
“Please don’t do that,” said Arminel, feeling like crying. “I would miss you terribly if you left.”
Philippe still looked serious. “If I stay, will you spend time with me, only me and not Lily, like you used to?” he asked her.
“Yes,” she agreed. “What do you say to finding out what’s on in the cinema in Interlaken and going down on tomorrow afternoon?” she suggested.
Philippe looked happier than he had done for some time. “I’d like that,” he told her. “But I’m not unpacking my case yet, Mum. I’m not sure I want to be Lily’s brother any more. It might be better to go and live with Uncle Louis.”
Arminel nodded, realizing how much work she would have to put into saving her relationship with Philippe. “You don’t have to unpack your case,” she assured him. “But please give me a chance to show you that I don’t want you to leave.”
Philippe nodded. “All right,” he agreed. “Now, you’d better go and see Lily, or she’ll be jealous, too.”

By Christmas Philippe had unpacked his suitcase. Arminel had made a big effort to spend time with him and although he admitted that the novelty of having Lily around had rather worn off, he was more or less resigned to her presence in his life. Genevieve, who was supposed to be coming home early in December, finally turned up just two days before Christmas, thinner than ever, seemingly intent on continuing partying and having fun for all she was worth. Arminel found that she did like to spend time with Lily, though, cuddling her and seeming to enjoy the opportunity to experience some peace in her frenetic lifestyle. Heloise came back from school and the three sisters went shopping together on Christmas Eve, looking for last minute Christmas presents. It felt good being all together again, and Genevieve managed to avoid antagonizing Arminel, so they got along very well. They got gifts for Gill and Alex, Louis and Chantal, and the children and then spent a further hour closeted in Arminel’s bedroom wrapping them.
By the time Christmas day came, Philippe was very excited and the atmosphere in the Laroche home was one of great anticipation. He was not to be disappointed, either. Louis and Chantal came up from Interlaken for the day and everyone had a wonderful time. Arminel was thrilled with the video Philippe had chosen for her and he was further gladdened by the big pile of gifts he received compared with the tiny pile given to Lily. He was not really a materialistic boy, but he did feel comforted to know that everyone loved him more than her because they gave him more than they had given her.
In the afternoon Arminel and Louis celebrated their birthday. They were 29 and as Arminel went to bed that night she thought seriously about the coming year, when she would turn 30. She was a doctor, which she had always wanted to be, and the mother to two beautiful children, yet she still lived at home. She had no man in her life, and was, in fact, quite certain that she did not want one, but she knew that in many people’s opinion that made her something of a failure. She wondered what the future held for her, and how she would manage spending the rest of her life alone. Would she finally meet someone she wanted to marry, or had she got too much baggage now for anyone to be interested in her?

On New Year’s Eve Arminel fed Lily and then went upstairs to get ready to go out. Kurt had arranged for tickets to the party in the Gornetz Hospital, and had persuaded Arminel to go along, even though she had no one to go with. Louis and Chantal were coming up from Interlaken to attend and Genevieve would also be going, although she had declined to accompany her brother and sisters, preferring to go with a group of the younger doctors and some of the unmarried nurses. Gill and Alex declared that they had been to more than enough balls at the San, and that they would be more than pleased to look after Philippe and Lily should Arminel wish to go out for the evening. Hoping that she was not imposing on them too much, Arminel had agreed to go with Kurt and Heloise, and had dug out a little-worn ball gown to wear.
Once she had dressed and done her hair, Arminel returned to the sitting room, where Gill was cuddling Lily and Philippe was reading a book with Alex. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather go to the party?” Arminel asked them.
“Of course not,” said Gill with a smile. “You go and have fun. We’ll be fine here with Philippe and Lily.”
Arminel kissed the children and whispered a reminder to Philippe to be good, then she pulled on her thick winter coat and went after Heloise. Heloise and Kurt were standing close together in the street, holding hands and talking quietly.
“Everything ok?” Kurt asked as she joined them.
“Yes, thank you,” answered Arminel, pulling her hat further down over her ears. “Come on, it’s freezing tonight.”
They walked briskly to the Gornetz Hospital and joined the groups of people arriving for the party. It was something of a tradition now, the annual fundraising ball, and was always well attended by the residents of the Platz and by visitors looking for some New Year’s Eve entertainment.
Kurt had reserved a table and when they got into the large room where the ball was held, they found Louis and Chantal already there. Chantal greeted Arminel with a hug – they were old friends and did not see each other nearly often enough. Genevieve was also there, looking stunning in a long, close fitting red dress, laughing a little too loudly with a group of the younger doctors. Just for a moment Arminel envied her, until she recalled Philippe and Lily and realized how lucky she was. Having men dancing in attendance might be fun, but it was a very shallow pleasure when compared with the joys of motherhood.
During the evening, Louis and Kurt did their best to ensure that Arminel got to dance, and a few of the other single doctors approached her, too. Despite her relative lack of popularity, Arminel still enjoyed herself. It was fascinating to watch Genevieve flirting and to see how happy Heloise was with Kurt. Louis and Chantal were still devoted to one another, too, even after eight years of marriage, and Arminel could not help but smile as she watched them dancing, gazing adoringly into each other’s eyes as they did so.

Dr. Maynard arrived fashionably late for the party. He had deliberated long and hard as to whether he should attend or not, and had then decided that since it was a fund raising event for the benefit of his hospital, he ought to be there. Once he had reached that decision, all he could think about was whether she would be there too. And if she were, would he be able to pluck up enough courage to ask her to dance with him?
As soon as he entered the room he saw her. She was sitting alone, which surprised him. Maybe her date had just gone to get her a drink he decided, getting himself a very large glass of whisky. He found a table well away from everyone else and sat alone. He knew that he was unpopular and until that moment he had not cared. At least he was not letting anyone get close to him, so no one could have the power to hurt him as he had been hurt before.
He watched her friends return and then she was standing up to dance. She looked exquisite in her simply cut dress, which was the exact shade of ice blue her eyes became when she was angry. He could not take his eyes off her as the tall, dark-haired young man whirled her around the floor, obviously entertaining her for she was laughing up at him, happy to be in his arms.
Mike finished his drink and went to get another one. He returned to the same table and found that she was not dancing with the dark-haired man any longer. Now she was talking earnestly with Dr. Stadelmann as he waltzed her around the floor. Mike took a big mouthful of the drink, knowing that he would spend the rest of his life regretting it if he did not ask her to dance with him. It would actually be better to ask her and give her the opportunity of saying ‘no’ than it would be to sit quietly and let the chance pass by. At least he would know that he had tried, and there was always the chance that she would say yes. It was only a dance, after all.
He set down his glass and stood up, but as he got near her she said something to her partner and then headed for the exit. Mike decided he should follow her, so he left the room after her and saw her disappearing along the corridor. As he turned the corner behind her, she went into the ladies’ bathroom, so he hovered uncertainly outside the door. A few moments later she came out again almost walking into him as he loitered just around the corner.
“I’m sorry,” she said politely.
“That’s ok,” he managed to say, overwhelmed to find her standing so close to him. He could smell her perfume, a light, delicate fragrance that he would associate with her forever more. She stepped to the side, obviously about to return to the ball, so he knew he had to seize the moment. “Would you dance with me?” he asked her. “Please.”
“Out here?” she asked with a smile.
“No, back in there,” he replied. “You came out before I could ask you.”
“So you followed me out here just to ask me to dance?”
Wishing that he was more eloquent, Mike nodded. She looked so lovely, smiling up at him, that he found himself stepping nearer to her and leaning down to kiss her. Just for the briefest instant he felt her respond to him, her mouth soft beneath his, then she was pulling away.
“You’re drunk,” she scolded him.
“No,” he protested, although he guessed he probably was. He was so unused to drinking that it would not take much to intoxicate him. “It’s Dutch courage.”
“And why do you need that?” she asked, surprised.
“To talk to you,” he admitted, knowing that the more he said the more he would give her reasons to despise him. “Dr. Laroche…Arminel…please,” he went on, fighting the urge to abandon his attempts to speak to her and to run away. “Just one dance.”
“Yes, if you like,” she said, realizing that he had spoken truly about needing Dutch courage. Dr. Maynard, the much-feared head of the Gornetz Hospital, scourge of the nursing staff and the doctors alike, was not nearly as terrifying as his reputation made out. In fact, he was actually a very shy man, and Arminel suddenly found that she not only felt sorry for him, but that she might actually be able to get to like him. She slid her hand through his arm and together they walked back into the ball.
When they got back they discovered that the band was playing some very soft music and that someone had dimmed the lights. Mike expected her to renege on her promise to dance with him, but she didn’t. She moved closer to him, slipping her arms around his neck and smiling up at him. He tentatively put his arms around her and could hardly believe how delightful it felt to be holding her close and dancing with her. It was as if all his dreams had come true. After wanting her for so long, he had finally managed to take the first step, albeit a very small and hesitant one, towards letting her know exactly how he felt about her.
“You do realize that you’ll be the talk of the hospital now,” he said once he had got used to feeling her so near to him.
“Oh, I think I’ve been the talk of the hospital for quite some time,” she said with a chuckle. “I’m getting used to it now.”
“How is Lily?” he asked, a question that he had wanted to ask every time he saw her and yet seldom managed to do so.
“She’s thriving,” said Arminel contentedly. “She’s a lovely baby.”
Before Mike could say anything else, the music came to an end and some of those who had been dancing went to sit back down. He expected Arminel to pull away from him and vanish into the crowd, but she did not. She kept her arms around him and gave him another of the smiles that melted his heart.
“I’m here alone,” she told him. “My brother is with his wife, my sister is with her boyfriend and I’m the wallflower. I’m planning to go home at midnight and you are a very good dancer. Shall we have the next dance, too?”
“Going home at midnight?” he asked, feigning shock. “Who are you – Dr. Laroche or Cinderella?”
“Oh, not Cinderella!” Arminel assured him. “I hate housework!”
Mike laughed, feeling far more relaxed. “I’d love another dance,” he told her.
In the end they danced for the best part of an hour. Arminel did wonder if she ought to go off and find some other partner, but when she suggested that they might find someone else to dance with, he looked so unenthusiastic that she remained in his arms. He explained that no one else liked him enough to want to dance with him, and Arminel privately agreed with that.
“I can’t understand why you are so horrible to everyone,” said Arminel at length. “You are actually a very nice man. Why do you have to pretend to be so vile?”
“It’s a habit, I guess.” Mike said with a shrug. He did not feel ready to go into details with her yet, even though he felt that she would be sympathetic. “It’s in keeping with my exalted position here.”
Just before midnight Arminel declared that it was time for her to go. She said goodbye to Louis and Chantal and they promised to make sure Genevieve got home safely. Kurt and Heloise reluctantly stopped dancing to say goodbye, and then Mike was taking Arminel’s coat from her.
“May I walk you home?” he asked.
“There’s really no need,” she answered, pushing her arms into the coat as he held it out to her. “We don’t live far away.”
“It’s a good excuse for me to leave,” he told her, pulling his own coat on. “I’ll be bored stiff when you are gone.”
Arminel said goodbye to her friends and assured Louis that she would not be walking home alone, then she found Mike waiting for her at the door. They set off down the road together, enjoying the stillness of the evening after the noise of the party. Mike wished he could think of something witty or even romantic to tell her, but his mind was empty of such niceties. He had to make do with feeling her arm through his and the memories of the lovely time he had spent with her. As he was wondering if he dared suggest that they meet up again, she was stopping outside a well-kept chalet and turning to look up at him again.
“This is where we live,” she told him. “I imagine my parents have gone to bed. Would you like to come in and have some coffee?”
Mike was surprised by her offer. “I don’t want to disturb anyone,” he said hesitantly.
“Heloise and Genevieve aren’t home yet,” Arminel said. “Mum probably won’t be asleep. You won’t disturb anyone.”
“Thank you,” he said, knowing that he desperately wanted to go in and sit with her for a while longer.
She opened the gate and they walked up the path to the front door. She found the key in her handbag and unlocked the door quietly. She flicked on the light and led him through the silent house to the kitchen, where she directed him to sit at the table while she made the coffee. As he watched her, he tried to imprint the image of her firmly on his brain. He wanted the memory of that moment to be as clear as he could make it, so that when he was lying alone at night, he could replay it in his mind, remembering how lovely she looked making coffee with a glamorous ball gown on, her hair now twisted casually into a pony tail. It just about summed her up, he realized, so carelessly elegant, the dedicated doctor and loving mother who really did not mind about conventions and who did not care what people thought about her. She was very young to be so confident, but he realized that she had needed to grow up quickly, having had her first baby so early.
“Dr. Maynard!” her voice broke across his thoughts. “You haven’t been listening to a word that I’ve said,” she accused him.
“I’m sorry,” he replied. “What did you say?”
“I asked if you wanted milk and sugar,” she repeated.
“Yes, please,” he said, “And please call me Mike, not Dr. Maynard. The latter reminds me too much of my father.”
As she thought of her father every time someone called her Dr. Laroche, Arminel could understand that. She passed him a mug of coffee and sat down next to him.
“I’ve had a lovely evening,” he told her. “Thank you so much.”
“It’s been fun,” she agreed.
Mike gently took the mug from her hand and put it on the table. He took her face between his hands and leaned closer, his lips coming down on hers, gently at first and then, as he felt her arms come around his neck, with more passion. He kissed her for a long time and her response was everything that he had hoped it would be. When he finally had to draw back, she gave him a sweet smile and he knew that he was lost. Against his better judgment he had fallen in love again and goodness only knew how he would be able to stop himself from being hurt this time.
“Oh, Arminel,” he said softly. “I’ve dreamed about this moment for so long now.”
“Really?” she asked in surprise.
“Really.” Mike ran a hand over her hair, finding it just as soft and silky as he had imagined it would be. “You are so beautiful,” he told her sincerely. “May I see you again? Perhaps I could take you out to dinner or something?”
Arminel nodded. “I’d like that,” she realized, but before they could say anything more, they heard a baby crying. Arminel leaped to her feet. “That’s Lily,” she said. “I’ll just go and fetch her.”
Mike finished his coffee and rinsed the mug. He was just thinking that he ought to show himself out when Arminel reappeared, now dressed in an ancient looking jumper and jogging trousers. She had Lily cradled in her arms, and Mike went over to look at the baby. He had not seen her since she left the hospital, and he could not get over how much she had changed in the six weeks since then. “She’s lovely,” he gasped. “She’s grown so much.”
“Would you like to hold her?” Arminel asked him. “She’ll be all right for a moment.” Without waiting for an answer, she put the baby into his arms, smiling as he cuddled her very awkwardly.
“I’d better let you feed her and then get some sleep,” Mike said as Lily’s face wrinkled and she looked ready to wail again. He passed her back to Arminel and went off to get his coat.
Arminel rocked Lily gently and then followed Mike to the front door. Just for a moment she wanted to ask him when she would see him again, but somehow it didn’t seem right. He was her boss and she had just had another man’s baby. It was hardly the best combination, and she was sure that he would think the same once he had gone home and slept off his Dutch courage. She certainly did not want him to think she had set her sights on snaring the head of the Gornetz Hospital, or for him to think he should see her again just because he was too much of a gentleman to go back on his word given when under the influence of alcohol.
Mike leaned over and kissed her again, then he opened the door and stepped out into the darkness. “Good night,” he said softly and then he was striding up the path and along the road.
Arminel closed the door quickly, not wanting Lily to get cold, and then returned to the living room to feed her. She could not get Dr. Maynard out of her mind, the way he had asked her to dance, and the way he had looked at her, how he had held her and kissed her and finally asked to see her again. She had enjoyed being with him more than with anyone she had met for a long time, and yet it was difficult to see why. He was her boss and she had never liked him very much. He was rude and inconsiderate and she did not like the way that he made her feel young and foolish when he spoke to her at work. And yet recently he had not been that way with her, she realized. Since Lily’s birth, he had been far nicer to her than to anyone else at the hospital, so that even Kurt suggested that she was turning into Dr. Maynard’s blue-eyed boy, something she had dismissed without a second thought at the time. Now, though, she began to wonder if he did fancy her and whether he would try to see her again. And if he did, Arminel decided that she would be very pleased. She would definitely agree to go to dinner with him, or whatever else he suggested, because there was some inexplicable attraction between them and, however foolish it might sound, she wondered if she could be the one to make Dr. Maynard stop being irritable and unfriendly and turn him into the pleasant and popular person he had once been.

#4: Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia

Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 6:54 pm

Yay! Great to see this and am looking forward to seeing more.

Laughing

#5: Author: keren, Location: Israel

Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 7:23 pm

I am glad you posted this, I was very depressed today and thought of asking you to email me the rest of the story

#6: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 8:14 pm

Thanks Becky,

It was interesting reading the story from the beginning again. I enjoyed it the first time round but I noticed and enjoyed some of the changes you've made.

#7: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 10:07 pm

I was so far behind in drabbles on the board that I hadn't read this. I have enjoed what I have read and look forward to more.

#8: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 5:49 pm

A little tiny update, and here's where things become different! Thankfully! I have not written any more, but hope to at the weekend (which begins on a Thursday night here - yay!).

Arminel was up early the next morning, as Lily was no respecter of her mother’s need for a lie in after a particularly late night. Philippe was also up early, so the three of them had breakfast together. As she told Philippe selected details about the party, Arminel found half of her mind wandering to the big house on the other side of the Platz where Dr. Maynard lived alone. She wondered what would happen between them next, whether he would call her and ask to see her again, or would he realize what a mistake he had made and put the events of the previous evening out of his mind? Gill and Alex came down for breakfast and asked Arminel if she had enjoyed the party, and she told them that she had, without going into details. She did not want to admit that she hoped Mike Maynard would be calling her, just in case he changed his mind. Although she always considered Heloise to be the very reserved member of the family, Arminel could also be extremely discrete about her private life. She had no intention of making anyone feel sorry for her if yet another relationship failed to work out, and so she kept her own counsel on that score.
Genevieve and Heloise came down for breakfast, giggling together in a way that strongly reminded Arminel of the days when they had been schoolgirls together. Heloise made some toast and, for a wonder, Genevieve accepted a slice, although she did not put anything on it. She drank her usual black coffee and then scooped Lily out of Arminel’s arms and sat for a long time cuddling her.
“You had a nice evening,” Heloise said pointedly, regarding Arminel across the table.
“Yes,” agreed Arminel, frowning at her sister.
“Yes,” Genevieve chipped in, too far away to see Arminel’s scowl. “Dancing with Dr. Maynard!”
“Really?” Gill asked with interest.
“All evening,” Genevieve obligingly supplied.
“It was not!” protested Arminel. “It was only for a while. And I felt sorry for him because no one else would dance with him.”
“I don’t think he ever asked anyone else,” said Heloise, grinning at Arminel.
“I don’t think he’s ever danced with anyone at one of those balls,” said Gill, wrinkling her brow as she considered the subject. “But be careful, Arminel. I don’t know if he’s still officially married to his wife or not.”
“His wife?” Genevieve was immediately intrigued. “I didn’t know he was married.”
“It’s none of our business,” Arminel declared firmly. “Since no one knows about it, he obviously wants no one to know. We should respect that.”
Genevieve looked disappointed, but refrained from comment. She glanced down at the baby in her arms and said, “Lily’s asleep, Arminel. Shall I put her down?”
“You are so good with her,” Arminel said, glad of a change of topic. Until Mike called, or didn’t call, she preferred not to discuss the subject. “Yes, you could put her in her basket.”

#9: Author: Róisín, Location: Gaillimh, Eire

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 5:49 pm

Brilliant - thank you Fatima Very Happy

#10: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 7:19 pm

And now I want to know whats happening all over again!

*must remember this is a new version and Jen is obviously fine, and not get confused*

Thanks Becky

#11: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 7:37 pm

I'm getting slightly confused, but following the hacking I think a happier version of this is just what we need to cheer us up! Thanks Becky.

#12: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 8:36 pm

Thanks, Fatima. It is interesting to see the different way this drabble is going. I'm happy for it to go in a different direction.

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

Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 9:45 am

Thanks Fatima, it's interesting to see the changes, and I hope you are enjoying writing it again!

#14: Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 11:30 am

Thanks Fatima, being away most of last week I didn't see the other version, but am very much enjoying this one!

#15: Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester

Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 9:33 pm

It's confusing but also interesting to see the changes you're making! Thanks Fatima, looking forward to more! Very Happy

*reminds self Jen is okay now*

#16: Author: jacey, Location: Ireland

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 4:07 pm

Looking forward to the next update Fatima
*hint hint* Smile

#17: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 4:54 pm

Sorry, I am completely lacking in inspiration.

They had a late lunch, and as Mike still hadn’t called, Arminel knew that she would have to resign herself to the fact that her excess baggage had frightened off yet another man. She realized that she would have to get used to the idea of being single for the foreseeable future. It was not that she had any objection to being single, for it was nice to make all the decisions herself without having to take anyone else’s feelings into consideration. She had sole responsibility for the upbringing of Philippe and Lily and so could follow her own instincts entirely. She had no need to compromise for the sake of agreement with a partner, and she knew that she was doing a good job, for Philippe was a very pleasant boy, not that she was biased in any way, with excellent manners and it was always a pleasure to talk to him. But despite a review of the advantages of being single, Arminel could not help but think of the way it had felt to be held by Mike and kissed by him. It had been such a surprise to find him wanting to dance with her, and yet as soon as she had stepped into his arms it felt so right. It was as if she belonged there, providing a little light in his dark life.
“Arminel!” Genevieve’s voice broke across Arminel’s thoughts. “Telephone!”
Arminel was surprised by the mixture of excitement and nervousness that gripped her. She ran down the stairs and looked interrogatively at her sister. “Who is it?” she asked.
“He didn’t say,” said Genevieve. She passed the receiver to her sister with a cheeky wink. “Good luck,” she whispered, before heading off to the kitchen.
Arminel took the receiver. “Hello?” she said.
“Hello, Arminel,” said Dr. Maynard, sounding so near it was as if he was in the next room.
“Hello,” she said again, feeling unaccountably shy. After all, it wasn’t every day her boss called her at home.
“How are you?” he asked, and she guessed he was feeling as nervous as she was. “Did you manage to have a lie-in this morning?”
“No,” she answered with a chuckle. “If I get to bed late, my children seem to think that we must be up earlier than ever the next day.”
“I was wondering if you’d like to bring the children over to Freudesheim this afternoon,” said Mike. “My housekeeper has made the most magnificent chocolate cake and I shan’t do justice to it. I hoped you could come over and share it with me.”
“That would be lovely,” said Arminel, surprised that he had asked the children to come with her. Maybe they would not be an obstacle in this relationship after all. “I hope you know what you’ll be letting yourself in for, though,” she went on. “Philippe will drive you mad with all his chatter.”
“I grew up with lots of younger brothers and sisters,” Mike told her. “I’m sure I shall be able to cope. Come at about five, Arminel. I’m really looking forward to seeing you again.”
“Thank you, Mike,” she said. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Goodbye,” he replied, and she heard him hang up.
With a smile, Arminel went off to tell her family of the plans she had just made for the afternoon. Philippe was excited at the thought of going somewhere new and Heloise and Genevieve just giggled and gave one another knowing looks. Gill, however, looked vaguely concerned, and Arminel could see that she was worried about her daughter getting mixed up with a man that had the history Mike Maynard had. “We’re only going for tea,” she said, patting Gill’s arm comfortingly. “How could I refuse chocolate cake?”

#18: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 5:29 pm

Thanks Becky, I'm glad that you've still got most of it and I hope you find this new version nicer to write Very Happy

Kathryn

#19: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 5:44 pm

Thanks Becky Very Happy

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

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 7:41 pm

Thank you Becky.

Hope this version will give you more inspiration.

#21: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 5:32 am

Happier inspiration, anyhow!

Arminel set off just before five. Both children were well wrapped up, Philippe running and sliding ahead and Lily snuggled deep inside the baby carrier. Arminel walked briskly, glad of the fresh air and exercise after such a lazy Christmas and New Year holiday. Very soon they were arriving outside Freudesheim, the large house that had once been home to the extensive Maynard clan and was now lived in by Mike Maynard and his housekeeper. Arminel went up the path, Philippe now holding her hand, and rang the doorbell. She half expected the housekeeper to answer the door, in the style of big houses of yesteryear, but it was Dr. Maynard himself who came to open the door and usher them in out of the cold.
“Hello,” he said, smiling at Philippe. “Let me take your coat.”
“Hello,” Philippe replied politely. He was not usually shy, so he removed his outdoor clothes and handed them willingly to Mike. “Are you Dr. Maynard?” he asked.
“Yes, I am. And you must be Philippe,” said Mike. “It’s really nice to meet you.”
Arminel removed Lily from the baby carrier and smiled as Mike gently held the baby so that she could take off her own coat.
“Come on into the sitting room,” Mike said. “Tea is just about ready.” He led them into a huge room, dominated by a roaring fire. “This was my mother’s salon,” he told Arminel, waving her to a comfortable armchair and putting the baby into her arms. “She insisted on having a real fire when she moved here from England.”
“It is rather comforting,” Arminel agreed.
“You have a really big house,” Philippe put in. “Do you live here by yourself?”
“I have a housekeeper,” Mike told him. “She lives here, too, with her husband and children.”
“How old are they?” Philippe wanted to know.
“Jakub is ten and Joachim is eight,” Mike said. “Perhaps you would like to meet them after tea?”
“Yes, please,” said Philippe. “I’m nine.”
“Perfect!” said Mike with a smile. “Arminel, would you like tea or coffee?”
“Tea, please,” she answered, liking the way he was taking the time to talk to Philippe. “I’ll just tell Ilse and then we can start.”
“On the chocolate cake?” asked Philippe eagerly.
“There are some sandwiches first,” said Mike. “But the cake is ready. I’ve been to see it and it looks amazing. Ilse’s cakes are delicious.”
Mike disappeared to tell Ilse that they would have tea, and Arminel carefully settled Lily amongst a pile of cushions in an armchair. “Don’t forget to be polite,” she reminded Philippe.
“I know,” he said impatiently, going to the end of the room to look out across the back garden. “Wow!” he gasped. “They have a lovely garden. Shame it’s getting dark.”
“You’ll have to come earlier next time,” said Mike, reappearing in the doorway. “Maybe we could build a snowman.”
Mike was followed into the room by a young woman wearing jeans and a jumper. She was pushing a big trolley, on which sat the famed chocolate cake, some plates of sandwiches and a large pot of tea. “Do you want anything else?” she asked, turning to her employer.
“No, we’ll be all right now,” Mike answered. “Thank you, Ilse.” Ilse left and Mike passed Philippe a plate. “Help yourself,” he suggested. He passed a plate to Arminel and soon they were sitting together on the settee nibbling Ilse’s delicious sandwiches. Philippe behaved very well, eating some sandwiches and then waiting patiently for Mike to cut him a slice of cake. They chatted easily, much as any family might do over tea on New Year’s Day, and Arminel found herself liking Dr. Maynard more and more.
The cake was every bit as good as Mike had told them it would be, and both Arminel and Philippe had two big slices each. As Arminel accepted another cup of tea, Lily began to cry, obviously feeling that as everyone else was eating, she ought to be, too.
“I’ll take Philippe to meet Jakub and Joachim,” said Mike. “You can feed Lily here. Is there anything you need?”
“No, we’ll be fine, thank you,” she said, touched by his concern. She settled down with the baby, thinking back over her recent dealings with Dr. Maynard. He was turning out to be a thoroughly nice man, she realized, and she knew that she liked him an awful lot. He was very considerate and kind and he treated Philippe very well. Arminel looked around the salon, noticing how few personal items there were. She thought of her mother’s home, where there were photos of her children and grandchildren, and how homely it all was. Mike’s home was rather more like a comfortable hotel, pleasant but impersonal. It gave no sign of the personality of the owner, and it made Arminel wonder whether he was happy with his solitary existence, or whether he was lonely. Having grown up in such a big family, perhaps he enjoyed his own company and the peace and quiet of living by himself.

#22: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 6:41 am

I'm sure he's lonely Wink

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

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 7:09 am

Fatima wrote:

“You’ll have to come earlier next time,” said Mike, reappearing in the doorway. “Maybe we could build a snowman.”

So glad he's already planning a next time Very Happy

Thanks, Fatima

#24: Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 7:16 am

Awww. What a thoroughly nice Mike. He does sound a bit lonely though. I hope they can go from strength to strength! Thankyou!

#25: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 2:24 pm

Let's hope this is the beginning of a good relationship for Arminel.

#26: Author: Róisín, Location: Gaillimh, Eire

Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 4:46 pm

Yay an update I finally caught up on - thank you Fatima Very Happy

#27: Author: Becky, Location: Newport, South Wales, UK

Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 4:58 pm

Really glad to see this back - thanks Becky Very Happy

#28: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 6:18 pm

When she had finished feeding Lily, Arminel went to the door of the salon and looked into the hall. The door of the room opposite was open, and so she went quietly across and peeped in. To her surprise, it was obviously Mike’s study, and it was there that she found her son. He was sitting in the middle of the floor with Mike and they were busy making a very complicated looking model. As she stood there listening to them talk, Lily started cooing and they both looked up.
“My brother’s old meccano set,” Mike explained with a grin. “I found it last weekend and was planning to give it to Jakub and Joachim.”
“But it’s too much fun?” Arminel suggested with a smile.
“It is!” said Philippe enthusiastically. “Look what we’ve made.” He indicated a splendid crane. “And it works, too!” He demonstrated the way the hook could be lowered and raised and Arminel smiled fondly.
“That’s very good,” she said.
Mike scrambled to his feet. “If you want to build something else, go ahead,” he suggested.
“Thanks, Dr. Mike,” said Philippe happily.
Mike took Arminel’s arm and led her back to the salon. “After all that, I think I need another cup of tea,” he said. “Come on, let’s go and sit comfortably.” They sat together on the settee and Mike took Lily from Arminel and gave her a cuddle. She looked trustingly up at him, her blue eyes serious, and Mike smiled down at her. He seemed a lot more comfortable holding her now, after just a few times, and Arminel was reminded again of how much Philippe and Lily had and would still miss out on having no father around.
“Thank you so much for asking the children to come round this afternoon,” said Arminel. “Philippe has obviously had a lot of fun playing with you.”
“I’ve had a lot of fun with him,” Mike assured her. “He’s a very smart boy, Arminel. You are so lucky, having Philippe and Lily.”
“Yes, I am,” she agreed wholeheartedly.
“Are you back at work tomorrow?” he asked her.
“Yes,” she answered.
“So am I. Why don’t you come up to my office and have coffee with me at about ten,” he suggested. “I’d really like to see you as often as I can, if that’s all right with you.”
“That’s very much all right with me,” she assured him. She leaned closer to him and gently kissed his cheek. Mike turned a little more and their lips met for the briefest instant before Philippe came dashing in.
“Look at this, Dr. Mike!” he exclaimed, showing Mike the motor he had found. “What can I make with this?”
“All sorts of things,” said Mike, too busy thinking of Arminel to be concerned about possible uses for the motor. “Maybe a car, or…”
“Brilliant!” Philippe did not wait to hear any more. He dashed out again, obviously needing no further inspiration.
Mike grinned at Arminel. “Oh, the enthusiasm of the young,” he said, then he went on more seriously, “Thank you for coming this afternoon, Arminel. It’s been lovely.”
“Yes, hasn’t it,” she agreed.
Mike leaned closer and kissed her again, trying to remember that he was holding the baby and could not just slide his arms around Arminel. She put her arms around him and kissed him back, making him feel suddenly optimistic for the future for the first time in many long years. Perhaps he had finally found someone who really would care about him, someone who he could love without worrying about being hurt all the time.
Finally she drew away. “I’d better be off,” she said quietly. “It’s getting late.”
“All right,” he agreed, although he really wanted to beg her to stay.
He carried Lily to the hall, holding her as Arminel called Philippe to get ready to go home, and then pulled on her own thick coat. Mike helped her put Lily into the baby carrier and wrap her warmly, and all too soon they were on their way. He stood in the doorway watching as they walked down the road together, Philippe clinging to Arminel’s hand, obviously chattering away about the models he planned to make with the meccano. Once they had gone out of sight, Mike closed the door and walked slowly back to the sitting room. He sank down into the seat that Arminel had occupied, as if it would make him feel closer to her, and thought back over the afternoon, the way she had looked at him and the smiles she had given him and, most of all, the way she had kissed him. He hoped he was not wrong about her, for he knew that he was already getting very involved with her and he had long ago vowed never to let himself be so vulnerable again.

#29: Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham

Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 7:36 pm

I'm not at all comfused because I never read any of the other version- I was in Salt Lake City!!
I'm glad that Mike and Arminel are so happy, and Philippe is sooo sweet!!
Thanks Fatima Very Happy

#30: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 8:14 pm

Glad they're getting on so well - they've both been hurt in the past and they both deserve to find someone nice.

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

Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 7:05 am

Awwwwww - luffly Very Happy

Thanks, Fatima

#32: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 12:06 pm

Thanks, Fatima. I hope they'll have a happy ending.

#33: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 4:13 pm

Ok, a little more. Thanks for your comments. I hope you aren't too bored with the unadulterated happiness!

The next morning, Mike was sitting at his desk when his secretary announced that Dr. Laroche wished to speak to him. “Send her in,” he barked, before standing up and going over to the door. Arminel opened it and came inside. “Good morning, Doctor,” said Mike, giving her a smile that his secretary could not see. “Birgit, send in some coffee for us, please.”
“Good morning,” Arminel replied. She closed the door and then he was taking her in his arms and kissing her as if he had not seen her for a week, not just a few hours. When he finally released her she giggled. “Does this happen a lot in your office?” she asked him. “Kissing the staff, I mean.”
“No,” he replied, “Although I do plan to change that. Maybe not all the staff though, just selected ones.” He drew her over to his desk and as there was a knock on the door, he handed her a file. “Pay particular attention to page two,” he told her as the office door opened to admit Birgit again, carrying a tray of coffee.
Mystified, Arminel opened the file and turned to the second page. Birgit put the coffee on the table and poured out two cups, placing one in front of Arminel and handing the other to Dr. Maynard. Arminel found a small paper inserted in the file, bearing Dr. Maynard’s surprisingly neat handwriting. She was startled to find that it said, ‘Would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow night? I’ll pick you up at six. M.’
“Do you need anything else?” Birgit asked, replacing the coffee pot on the tray.
“No, thank you,” replied Mike, sitting down opposite Arminel. “Unless you have some of those biscuits stashed away somewhere,” he added.
“I’ll see what I can do,” Birgit promised.
Arminel waited until she heard the door close behind the secretary and then she grinned at Mike. “Yes, please,” she told him. “I’d love to.”
“Great,” he said with enthusiasm. “How would you like to go down to Interlaken? We could watch a film, too, if you liked.”
Arminel blushed. “I’d rather just have dinner with you,” she admitted, hoping he didn’t think she was wanting too much too soon. “I’d like to sit with you and talk to you without interruption. It would be nice to get to know a little more about you.” As she realized that she was making it sound as if she wanted his life story, Arminel hastily added, “I don’t know what books you read, or what films you enjoy, or if you are mad keen on gardening, or anything.”
Mike grinned at her. “I’m definitely not mad keen on gardening,” he told her.
“Neither am I,” she confided. She looked at him across his huge desk and felt suddenly optimistic. He seemed genuinely nice, and she knew that she would spend the next day looking forward to their date and worrying about what she should wear and hoping that it would all work out with him. They had both had a difficult time finding someone to have a lasting relationship with, so what could be better than finding they had plenty in common and were as compatible as they were already attracted to each other.

#34: Author: Becky, Location: Newport, South Wales, UK

Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 6:26 pm

Not too bored at all - this is lovely! Very Happy

#35: Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham

Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 6:34 pm

Mike is so sly- it's funny!! Very Happy

Thanks Fatima Very Happy

#36: Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth

Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 7:17 pm

This is fabulous. I love watching their relationship develop. You write it so well!

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

Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 8:23 pm

Thanks, Becky. I'm glad they are getting on so well and that Mike is taking time to talk to Philippe as well.

#38: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 8:24 pm

Thanks, Fatima, this is lovely. Please, don't let Jo stick her oar in.

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

Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 3:08 pm

This is gorgeous, Becky.

I'm glad it's so happy!

#40: Author: SadFatima,

Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 8:34 am

Well, they say it never rains but it pours, and it's true. Having just got my laptop back from the repair shop, my modem has decided that it no longer needs to work, so I can't connect to the internet! How unfair is that?

I am more inspired, however, and have been writing off line.

Jennie wrote:

Please, don't let Jo stick her oar in.

I'm thinking that Joey has probably passed away by now!

#41: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 8:41 am

Oh dear, hope the modem starts behaving soon.

Joey's passed away Rolling Eyes

?? She'd be in her late '80s if she was alive now, so if this is the late '80s/early '90s she could well still be with us ...hmmm...

#42: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 9:50 am

*pokes modem*

Thanks for the updates!

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

Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 12:50 pm

*pokes modem*

Hope you can get back online soon, Becky *hugs*

#44: Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham

Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 4:05 pm

Aww no poor Fatima!!! Sad

But it is great that Joey cannot interfere... Very Happy

#45: Author: alicat, Location: Wiltshire

Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2006 9:08 am

this is lovely! I hadn't read the first version so am not confused at all....ignorance is sometimes bliss......I'd often wondered what happened post-Joey. But surely if this is the 90s need arminel be worrying so much about morals...or does the contenent treat these things differently from us???

#46: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2006 12:05 pm

Poking your modem, let's hope you get another one soon.

#47: Author: Michelle, Location: Near London

Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 7:59 pm

How lovely! Arminel and Mike make such a lovely couple - it's good to see two formerly lonely people making each other happy. And Kurt, too, is turning into a very fine SLOC.

I'm worried about Genevieve, though...

#48: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 11:27 am

Thank you for all your comments. I've just had the modem sorted out, and so have rushed online to post this!

In between all her usual duties, Arminel managed to find time to have afternoon tea in Mike Maynard’s office, too. If Birgit thought it odd that Dr. Laroche felt the need to visit the director twice in one day, she said nothing, and Mike knew that the information would remain with her, probably until her dying day, for she was an extraordinarily discrete woman, hence her success in her position at the hospital. As she walked home from work that evening, Arminel thought hard about Dr. Maynard. She could not get over how much she liked him, how much she had enjoyed talking to him and laughing with him. He had seemed to enjoy her company, too, looking very pleased to see her when she turned up unexpectedly at four o’clock, bringing sandwiches and plastic cups of tea. He had smiled at her across the desk and she had felt unaccountably shy, as if she was a schoolgirl in the throes of her first crush. Once they had finished their sandwiches, she had stood up to leave and he had come around the desk to take her in his arms. When he kissed her she was sure that she could feel the earth spinning far beneath her feet and her heart lurched in a way that it had not done for many years. In fact, she was shocked to acknowledge that she had not felt that way about anyone since Matthieu, Philippe’s father. Jack Davis had been attractive and fun to be with, but anything she had felt for him had been very superficial and if it had not been for Lily, she would probably have forgotten all about him as she had about so many others.
After dinner, once Arminel had finished admiring Philippe’s drawings of the cars he planned to make with ‘Dr. Mike’s’ meccano, and had bathed Lily, she took Gill to one side. “Would you be able to baby-sit Philippe and Lily tomorrow night?” she asked. “I’d like to go to Interlaken.”
“With anyone in particular?” asked Gill, looking interrogatively at her eldest daughter.
“With Dr. Maynard,” answered Arminel.
“Oh, Arminel, I wish you wouldn’t,” said Gill, looking concerned. “It’s nice to see you getting out and about, and getting over Jack, but I would rather it wasn’t with Mike Maynard.”
“Why?” asked Arminel, surprised by Gill’s attitude.
“He’s a married man,” said Gill. “And he’s an awful lot older than you. He’s not got a very nice reputation; you have always said how rude and unpleasant he is.”
“He’s very nice underneath his rather brusque exterior,” said Arminel. “He’s obviously protecting himself from being hurt again.”
“Exactly,” said Gill. “So it’ll be you that gets hurt again. He’ll run from any suggestion of commitment and you’ll be left alone again, probably with another baby.”
“That’s not fair,” protested Arminel, although deep down she knew that it was no less than she deserved in the light of her life so far.
“No, it’s not fair,” agreed Gill, “But it’s realistic, isn’t it? You don’t need any more trouble, Arminel, and Mike Maynard is trouble with a capital T.”
“I like him a lot, Mum,” Arminel said quietly.
Gill recognized the note of determination in Arminel’s voice. All her life Arminel had been sure of herself and what she wanted and she always went all out to get it. In recent years this determination had been less evident, mainly because Arminel had all that she wanted; now Gill saw that Arminel had not changed in that respect. She still intended to let nothing stand in her way and Gill realized that she was faced with the choice of supporting Arminel and being there to pick up the pieces when her newest relationship crumbled, or opposing her and being forced to sit back and watch Arminel do exactly as she pleased before picking up the pieces. Gill knew that she had to at least try to make Arminel see reason, though, so she sighed.
“It’s not going to work,” she said softly, putting her arm around Arminel’s shoulders. “It is so much easier to end it all now, than wait for him to break your heart.”
“If I did that, I’d break his heart,” said Arminel simply. “And I couldn’t do that to him. Not after all he’s been through. I’m sorry, Mum.”
“I’ll look after Philippe and Lily,” said Gill. “But I have to say this once more. Mike Maynard is not the one for you and you are going to be the one who ends up getting hurt. I won’t tell you that I told you so, but I’m getting too old to keep on picking up the pieces of your shattered dreams.”
Arminel looked quickly up at Gill and realized the truth of what she had said. She saw that Gill was definitely not looking as young as Arminel always pictured her in her mind. She had never really noticed it before, but she could clearly see all the lines that had appeared on Gill’s once smooth skin and how her hair was now not so much chestnut as salt and pepper. Arminel threw her arms around her mother and hugged her. “I’m sorry,” she said sincerely. “I wish I had been easier on you, Mum. And I really wish that I could tell you that I wouldn’t see Mike tomorrow, but I can’t do that. If you would prefer me to move out into hospital accommodation, I will. Then you will be able to see us all the time, but we won’t be in your way.”
“Don’t be silly,” said Gill at once. “I didn’t mean that at all. We love having you living here. I just can’t bear to see you get hurt again. There are so many nice young men out there, men far better suited to you than Mike Maynard is, and I don’t want you wasting more time and energy on someone who is only going to leave you a week or a month or a year down the line.”
Arminel reached up and kissed Gill’s cheek. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, releasing her and disappearing upstairs to bed.

#49: Author: Becky, Location: Newport, South Wales, UK

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 12:21 pm

Yay, it's finally back! Thanks Becky Very Happy

#50: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 12:48 pm

Thanks, Becky. It's good to see Gill still looking out for Arminel.

#51: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 3:47 pm

Thanks, Becky. It's great to have this back. I hope that Mike won't break Arminel's heart.

#52: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 4:31 pm

Glad you're back on-line Very Happy

. Feel sorry for Mike - I can understand Gill being worried about Arminel but she seems to have such a bad impression of him and to be very reluctant to give him a chance.

#53: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 4:43 pm

As she lay in the darkness, Arminel could not stop thinking about her conversation with Gill. She was surprised by all that her mother had said, for in the past Gill had never criticized any of the men that Arminel had been seeing. She had never told Arminel that her boyfriends had been unsuitable or undesirable and she had never so much as hinted that she was fed up with Arminel and her problems. Now, though, it seemed that she had had enough of Arminel and her children and no longer wanted to deal with the roller coaster of emotions that a new relationship brought with it. Arminel thought back over the years, wondering if she had really been as awful as Gill obviously thought. She remembered the car accident that had resulted in Matthieu’s death, and how wonderfully supportive Gill and Alex had been at the time. They had helped her get back on her feet, to adapt to the idea of motherhood and to get used to the thought of a future without the father of her baby. They had helped her return to her medical degree, and supported her as she began work. They had always been there, listening to her worries about Philippe and her job and anything else that bothered her. She had felt so welcome when she finally moved back to the Platz; they had seemed genuinely glad to have her back under their roof and she had thought that Gill had volunteered to look after first Philippe, and later Lily, because she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Now, though, it appeared that Gill merely saw it as ‘picking up the pieces’ as Arminel dealt with yet another failed relationship.
Arminel rolled over and thought about the men she had seen. For a long time after Matthieu’s death, she had not been involved with anyone. She had thrown herself into motherhood and her studies and her days had been so full that she had no time to worry about men. It was only when she got her first job that she began to date again; there always seemed to be so many handsome doctors around, all wanting to take her out for dinner or to the cinema, and although she tried to pretend that she was merely being friendly with them, Arminel knew that there had been times when she had thought about how nice it would be to fall in love with Sebastien, or Jean Claude or Dieter. It would be lovely to get married and settle down in a little chalet of her own, with a handsome doctor husband and Philippe and perhaps some other children, too. Maybe she had tried a little too hard to find Mr. Right, perhaps she had got just a little too involved with some of them and been unnecessarily upset when they decided that they no longer wanted to run around with someone who already had a baby. After she had overheard Fabian telling his friends about his plans to wine and dine her and take her to bed because she was ‘easy’, Arminel had started to apply for other jobs. She had never got involved with colleagues since then, and had kept away from men until she had met Jack Davis. When it had all gone horribly wrong again, she reminded herself.
Suddenly, like the answer to a prayer, Arminel heard Heloise coming home from an evening out with Kurt. Arminel was filled with a sudden longing for her sister’s sensible and objective views and so she threw back the covers and padded softly out of her room, so as not to wake Philippe or Lily. Heloise was just about to close the door of her room when she discovered Arminel behind her.
“What’s the matter?” she asked in a low voice.
“May I talk to you for a moment?” asked Arminel. “I know it’s late, but I’d really like your advice.”
“Come in, then,” said Heloise. She was still feeling the happiness that an evening spent with Kurt Stadelmann gave her, and knew that she would not fall asleep quickly, besides which it was not in her nature to turn down a call for help. They went into Heloise’s room and Arminel sat down on Heloise’s bed while Heloise quickly changed into her pyjamas and then sat beside her. “What’s up?” she asked.
“I had a chat with Mum this evening,” said Arminel, “And she said I shouldn’t go out with Mike. Apparently he’s too old for me and he’s scared of commitment and is generally unsuitable. Besides being married already, of course.”
“Surely you aren’t surprised to hear all that?” asked Heloise.
“Yes, I was,” said Arminel, surprised that Heloise obviously felt the same as Gill. “He’s really nice, Heloise.”
“Look how worried Mum was when Louis said he was going to marry Chantal,” Heloise reminded her. “She kept on about how they were too young and had never really given themselves a chance to meet anyone else. They have proved her wrong, though.”
“So you think I can do the same?”
“If you think it’s the best thing for you and the children,” said Heloise.
“Do you think Mum’s disappointed in me?” asked Arminel, getting to the point that was making her the most concerned. “She said she doesn’t want to pick up any more pieces of my life for me. I got the impression that she’s fed up with me.”
Heloise put her arm around Arminel. “She’s not fed up with you,” she assured her. “She’s worried about you, though.”
“Because I’m always having babies with strange men?” Arminel suggested dryly. “She’s already told me that Mike will get me pregnant and then leave me.”
“She just wants us all to be happy,” said Heloise, “And in her opinion happiness is being married to someone nice, and having some children and living the same sort of life she has led with Papa and with Alex.”
“She doesn’t know how lucky she’s been,” said Arminel, pulling the covers up over them. “She found two nice men. We can’t find any.”
“I think I have,” Heloise confided. “Maybe you have, too.”
“So you think I should ignore her warnings and see Mike?”
Heloise chuckled. “I didn’t say that,” she said. “I know your mind is already made up on that score.”
“Yes,” said Arminel, giving her sister a quick peck on the cheek. “Thanks, Heloise. You are the best.”
“Any time,” said Heloise. “Goodnight.”
“’Night,” said Arminel, slipping softly back to her own room. She lay down in her bed once more and thought about Mike and how much she was looking forward to spending some time with him the next evening. All she had to do now was convince Gill that Mike was not as bad as everyone thought and that the difference in their ages was nothing to worry about. Once Gill saw how well Mike got on with Philippe, she would begin to change her mind about him and all would be well once more. That Gill might be right about Mike never occurred to Arminel; she fell asleep at last, still trying to decide what she should wear when she went to Interlaken with him the next evening.

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

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 7:59 pm

Thanks, Becky. I'm glad that Heloise reassured Arminel about the fact that Gill isn't fed up with Arminel.

#55: Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 8:07 pm

Eeeeeep. Please let them be happy. Mike deserves it.
Thankyou Fatima!

#56: Author: ibarhis, Location: London

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 8:39 pm

I've just caught up on this; a really nice Sunday night treat. Thank you!

#57: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 10:24 pm

Given Arminel's track record I can understand Gill being worried, especially as Mike's unhappiness seems to've made him be less than pleasant to people and get a reputation for not being a very nice bloke, but hopefully it'll all work itself out. Please Wink

#58: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 2:18 pm

Yes, Mike's not exactly every mother's dream son-in-law at the moment, is he?! Thanks for your comments and here's the next installment.

At work the next day, Arminel did her best to resist the temptation to go to Dr. Maynard’s office and see him. She kept on telling herself that she would be seeing him that evening, and so had no need to disturb him unnecessarily. She managed to keep busy all morning and then grab a quick lunch with Kurt, after which they did their afternoon rounds. The hands of the clock seemed to crawl around, and Arminel began to believe that the day would never end. She sat in the office writing up some of her notes and finally five o’clock came. Calling a cheerful goodbye to Kurt, Arminel threw on her coat, slung her scarf around her neck and dashed off home.
She tried to ignore the look of disapproval that Gill gave her as she kissed Philippe and Lily and rushed upstairs to change, but she could not deny that it hurt, knowing she was seeing Mike against her mother’s wishes. It did not matter that she was almost thirty; she lived under Gill’s roof and owed her mother so much that she would never be able to repay. The least she could do, if she was any sort of worthy daughter, would be to agree that Mike was wrong for her and stop seeing him before it got too difficult to end their relationship. But Arminel just could not make herself do that. She had suddenly realized that she found Mike really attractive. She knew that she had actually started to be attracted to him when he had invited her to have coffee with him back in the summer, before she had gone to France. She had put him out of her mind, though, knowing that he would never be interested in her, for she was the sort of woman he despised, carrying a second illegitimate child. If there was no way that Mike would like her, it was better to leave her feelings unacknowledged; now, though, he was obviously very interested in her, and Arminel knew that she could not feign disinterest even if she wanted to.
She pulled on a pair of charcoal grey trousers and a white blouse that she had had for many years but seldom wore; she had discovered that having children was not really conducive to keeping white blouses clean. She brushed her hair until it shone, then clipped it loosely back. She always put it up for work, but otherwise liked to wear it down. It was very long and straight, hanging almost to her waist, and Arminel knew that it was her best feature. As she sprayed on some perfume she heard the doorbell ring, so she chucked the bottle onto her bed and ran downstairs, not wanting Gill to answer the door in case she said something inappropriate to Mike.
Mike looked surprised to see Arminel wrenching the door open, breathless from her mad dash down the stairs. “It’s nice to see you so eager to greet me,” he said with a grin.
“I’ll just get my coat,” she told him, unable to stop herself from smiling happily. She went into the sitting room and Gill noticed how radiant she looked, but managed to say nothing. Arminel found her coat and handbag and went over to quickly kiss Lily, called goodbye to everyone and went back to Mike. “I’m ready,” she told him.
Philippe was already on the doorstep, chatting to Mike as if he was a long lost friend. “Goodbye, Dr. Mike,” he said. “Bye, Mum. Have a nice time and don’t worry about Lily. I’ll look after her.”
Arminel bent and kissed Philippe. “I certainly won’t worry about her now,” she assured him. “Goodnight, darling. Be good for Gran and Grandpa.”
“I will,” he promised. “Goodbye.”

#59: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 2:21 pm

I hope they have a nice time, and that Mike manages to win Gill over at some point. Phillipe is so cute!

Thanks Becky.

#60: Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham

Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 2:44 pm

I'm so glad that your modem is working again Fatima!! Arminel definitely knows what she wants so Gill can't stand in her way, which is good. I hope she has a great date with Mike. Thanks!! Very Happy

#61: Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 2:47 pm

Maybe if Gill could see Mike with the children and see how good he is with them it would set her mind at ease a little.

#62: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 5:31 pm

I've known plenty of people in this situation: it's very difficult when you're more than old enough to make your own decisions but still living under your parents' roof, and they don't approve of your boyfriend/girlfriend. Hope it all gets sorted out.

#63: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 6:09 pm

Thanks, Becky. I hope that Mike and Arminel will have a wonderful evening.

#64: Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth

Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 7:22 pm

Thankyou Fatima!

#65: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 7:30 pm

Thanks, Fatima. I always enjoy these drabbles of yours.

ETA: I'd really like to know about Mike's past.

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

Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 8:57 pm

Adding to pleas to know more about Mike's past. Has Gill heard something we haven't?

It's good to see you back online, Becky. Thank you!

#67: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 1:43 pm

I don't know that there's much more to Mike's past than already mentioned. I imagine Gill would be concerned that he was already married and perhaps not divorced, and that he had a nasty temper as well as being very grumpy. Here's their first date!

Mike drove down to Interlaken and was lucky enough to find a parking space very close to the restaurant in which he had made the reservation. It was a bitterly cold evening, so they hurried inside, and Mike told the headwaiter that he had booked a table. They were soon being shown to a quiet table near the heavily curtained window, and the waiter took their coats. They studied the menu and finally decided on the house speciality, a delicious sounding lamb dish with seasonal vegetables and roast potatoes. Mike ordered a bottle of fruity red wine and then they settled back to wait for their meal.
“Ok,” said Mike, turning to Arminel with a smile. “You said you wanted to know a bit about me, so here goes. I like action films and reading thrillers. I sometimes watch football on television, and I’d watch cricket if it was ever shown here. I love the water – I used to be in the navy – and enjoy swimming and sailing. Now you know all about me. Tell me about yourself.”
Surprised by the barrage of information, Arminel smiled. “You have been practicing that,” she said. “That’s not fair.”
“You could have practiced, too,” he told her. “You said you wanted us to get to know one another a little better.”
“My interests are my children,” Arminel found herself saying. “The last time I went to the cinema it was with Philippe, and the only things I get to see on television are cartoons.”
“Can I ask you a personal question?” said Mike, reaching out to take her hand. “If you don’t want to answer you don’t have to.”
“Then you can ask, but maybe I won’t answer,” she said, looking decidedly nervous.
“Do you still see Philippe and Lily’s father?”
Arminel thought how kind he was to make it sound as if they were one and the same man; that way she did not seem quite as promiscuous. “Philippe’s father died,” she told him. “Before Philippe was born.”
Mike’s hand was warm over Arminel’s. “I’m sorry,” he said sincerely. “That must have been difficult.”
Wordlessly she nodded, memories of Matthieu coming flooding back and threatening to overwhelm her. She held tightly to his hand and finally managed to control herself enough to speak. “Lily’s father is in America. I’m not expecting to hear from him again. He knows nothing about her.”
“I’m sorry,” he said again. “I shouldn’t pry. Arminel, there’s something I have to tell you, too.”
Arminel looked across at him, wondering what he was going to tell her. He looked rather anxious now, as if he was unsure how she would receive his revelations. “It’s best if we get all our skeletons out now,” she said softly. “We know just where we stand then. Let’s face it, we aren’t exactly young any more. We both have pasts.”
“You aren’t exactly young?” he asked, relaxing for a moment. “You have got me here under false pretenses, then, Dr. Laroche. I only wanted to take you to dinner because I thought you were young.”
As Arminel wondered if he was thinking of letting his skeletons remain in the closet, the waiter arrived with their food. It looked superb and was giving off the most promising of aromas. “We made the right choice here,” she told him approvingly.
Once the waiter had checked that everything was satisfactory and left them to enjoy their meal, Mike turned again to Arminel. “I was married,” he told her. “Almost twenty years ago. She died of cancer last year.”
“I’m so sorry,” Arminel said, shocked to hear that his wife had died so young.
“Oh, I hadn’t seen her for the best part of twenty years,” said Mike, “And I can’t say that I was prostrated with grief.”
Arminel saw that he had been saddened by her death, though, whatever he might say. After all, no one had ever heard of him being interested in anyone else since his wife left him. He had never remarried, and Arminel wondered if that had been because of a fear of being hurt again, or because he was still in love with his wife.
Mike had a few mouthfuls of his meal and then put down his knife and fork again. “She had left me within a year of our wedding,” he said, his voice wistful. “I was devastated.” He smiled suddenly. “You are the first person outside the family that I have told this to. I’m sorry. Let’s enjoy our evening. It wasn’t such a good idea to reveal our darkest secrets before the second course, was it?”
“No,” she said lightly. “We ought to have waited until the coffee arrived.”
Mike laughed at her, distinctly relieved to discover that he had not scared her off with his questions and his revelations. “You seem to be very good for me,” he said, sounding rather surprised. “You actually make me feel cheerful.”
“I’m glad,” she said softly.
They turned their attention to the food, discovering that it was every bit as good as it looked. They both cleared their plates and then sat back, sipping the wine. Mike found that he now felt very relaxed and it was beginning to seem a little more natural to glance across and find Arminel’s eyes upon him. He had spent a lot of time thinking about her and wondering what it would be like to spend time with her and now he was discovering how good it was. She was a delightful companion, able to be serious or lighthearted, and he was impressed by her intelligence and broad outlook on life. In all, it was a pleasure to sit next to her and talk to her, and he was enjoying himself far more than he had even dared hope he would.
“I’d like to do this again,” he told her. “It’s been a lovely evening, hasn’t it?”
“Yes,” she agreed. “I’ve really enjoyed myself.”
“How about we take Philippe to the cinema at the weekend,” Mike suggested. “We could collect Lily afterwards and perhaps I could persuade Ilse to make another fabulous cake for us. What do you reckon?”
“I reckon that would be lovely,” she told him. “Philippe would be thrilled. He hasn’t stopped talking about the models he wants to make with you.”
“I’ll call the cinema and find out the times,” said Mike decisively. “If you come to my office tomorrow for coffee, we can finalise our plans then.”
“Won’t people talk if I’m always in your office?”
“They’ll think you are being negligent and that I’m having to give you some of my little talks,” said Mike with a grin. “I don’t think they’ll notice,” he added more seriously. “And Birgit won’t tell them. She’s a wonderful secretary. What would you like for desert?”
“I don’t think I could eat anything else,” she told him, leaning back in her chair and sighing contentedly.
“How about coffee?”
“Yes, please.” Arminel watched as he summoned the waiter and ordered coffee, wondering what Gill would think when she heard that Arminel had enjoyed the evening with Dr. Maynard and planned on seeing him again. Maybe the discovery that he was a widower would make Gill happier about the situation, although somehow Arminel doubted it.

#68: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 1:59 pm

Glad they had a nice night. Thanks Becky.

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

Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 2:05 pm

Caught up! Thank you Becky!

#70: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 2:12 pm

I'm very sorry that Mike's wife died, but can't help thinking that it means he can remarry without it causing any religious problems.

#71: Author: jennifer, Location: Taiwan

Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 2:15 pm

Heh, I think Mike's being naive about office gossip - I'd bet that someone guesses within a few weeks if they keep meeting at work.

Or maybe he'll be so mellow that everyone will tiptoe around pretending not to notice, to keep him in a good mood.

#72: Author: ibarhis, Location: London

Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 2:17 pm

Surely, after they were so conspicuously together at the fund raising ball - their 'secret' is already out!

#73: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 3:07 pm

Thanks, Becky. I'm glad that the meal went well.

#74: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 3:35 pm

Thanks for all your comments Very Happy

Gill sat on the settee, cuddling Lily as she gave her a late night bottle of milk. She loved both of her grandchildren dearly, but somehow Lily seemed very special. Perhaps it was because she was so like her mother and brought back memories of the days when Louis and Arminel had been tiny. It had seemed so long ago that she and Armand had brought the twins home from the hospital and as soon as she looked at Lily, it felt as if it was only yesterday. It had been hard work, Gill remembered, looking after two tiny babies, and she had been very depressed for a long time, but they had been so sweet. Tiny Arminel with her coppery hair, her fierce determination to do everything for herself, had been the apple of her father’s eye. Louis, bigger and far more placid, had been content to follow in the wake of his sister.
And now Louis was married and living in Interlaken while Arminel was still at home. Gill was worried about both of the twins; Louis and Chantal were still very happy together and it was clear that they still adored each other, but she knew that they longed to have a baby. And Arminel, despite her successful career and brilliant intellect, seemed unable to attain happiness in her personal life. Gill knew that Arminel adored her children and would never wish to be without either of them, but Gill wished that she did not have to bring them up alone. She did not see Mike Maynard as the answer, though it was clear that Arminel was in the process of falling in love with him. She was not surprised, as he was a good looking man, and he had seemed unusually interested in Arminel when she had been in the hospital following Lily’s birth. She was very worried about it, though. Mike was an awful lot older than Arminel, and, for all they knew, could still be married to his wife. He had certainly sworn never to divorce her, and they had never heard that he had done so. Again there seemed to be nothing more than heartbreak and misery ahead for Arminel, and, in typical Arminel style, she was going joyously to meet it.
Worries about Arminel led Gill onto other worries she had, this time about Genevieve. She knew that she had rather spoiled Genevieve, the youngest child, the one who had always found it most difficult to adjust to the tragedy of her father’s death, and this had left Genevieve with the belief that she should be able to do exactly as she wanted. She had seemed so happy, going off to Milan for the first time, ready to work hard and hone her language skills, and everything had gone well for the first year. Now, though, she was living with some glamorous friends and seemed intent on becoming exactly like them. Gill was worried to death about Genevieve’s dislike of food and had even considered forbidding her to return to Milan. Alex had advised against that, though, telling her that if she kept Genevieve at home, she would only make her daughter angry and uncooperative and more likely to do something silly. So, reluctantly, Gill had been obliged to sit back and watch another of her children making themselves unhappy.
Finally, Gill thought of Heloise, and she began to feel that she was not quite so much of a failure as a mother when she thought of her middle daughter. Heloise had been a joy to them since the day of her birth. She had never been any trouble, doing everything right from the start. She had been quiet and well behaved and unspectacular, always pleasant and helpful and never adding to the grey hairs that Gill had as the others had done. She had worked hard, won a good degree and got a good job. She now had a lovely boyfriend, and Gill hoped that Kurt realized how lucky he was to have such a wonderful girl as Heloise in his life. She cherished the hope that Kurt would want to marry Heloise and that they would live happily ever after. If anyone deserved the fairytale ending, it was surely diligent and conscientious Heloise.
Lily drank the last of her milk and Gill took the bottle from her mouth so that she would not suck down too much air. Lily’s eyes were tightly closed and her little face peaceful and Gill hoped that she would have a happier life than her mother had had. She put the baby onto her shoulder and gently patted her back, and then she stood up, ready to take the baby up to bed. As she stood, she heard a car pull up outside, so she peeped out from behind the curtains to see who it was. She was just in time to see Dr. Maynard lean across to kiss Arminel, so she let the curtain fall back into place and went upstairs. She had hoped that Arminel would not enjoy her date, that she would find she had nothing in common with Dr. Maynard and that they would agree that they merely shared a passing attraction. Gill gently put Lily into her cot and pulled the covers over her, tucking her in warmly and gently smoothing her fine hair before creeping out and heading for her own room. She felt that she could not face Arminel again that night. She did not want to see her radiant happiness or hear how well she and Mike had got on. She knew that she would do her best to listen and smile and look pleased in the morning, but she just could not manage to appear optimistic and supportive now.

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

Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 4:37 pm

Poor Gill - so many things to worry about!

I hope she is reassured about Mike soon, and Genevieve starts to eat properly again.

Thanks, Becky

#76: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 6:49 pm

Thanks, Becky. It was interesting to see Gill's thoughts. Heloise sounds just like my sister in the fact that she always does everything right!

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

Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 8:21 pm

Poor Gill - she really is a wonderful mother even though she might be doubting it at the moment.

Do I spy another story with Louis and Chantal here?

Thanks Becky

#78: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 8:23 pm

francesn wrote:

Do I spy another story with Louis and Chantal here?

Oooh, yes please!

Thanks Becky, another great update. Poor Gill, though I suppose Mike isn't ideal son in law material!

#79: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 3:04 pm

No, I'm hoping to wrap up Louis and Chantal here, along with all the other children! I'm planning this as the last in the Gill saga, the grand finale, even if it does become a bit of an epic in the process. Here's today's bit.

Outside, Mike kissed Arminel as he had been wanting to do all evening. She clung to him, kissing him back with every bit as much passion as he could have hoped for.
“Will you come in?” she asked as he finally drew away.
“It’s getting late,” he reminded her. “We have to get to work in the morning.”
“Just for a moment,” she suggested, not wanting him to leave yet.
Mike switched off the engine. “Just for a moment,” he agreed.
Hand in hand they walked up the path and Arminel unlocked the front door. “Come in,” she said, standing aside to let him in. They went through into the kitchen as they had done after the New Year ball, and Arminel put the kettle on. Mike came to stand behind her, sliding his arms around her waist and leaning over to kiss her again. She giggled and turned in his arms, forgetting about the tea as he kissed her some more.
When Heloise and Kurt crept in a few moments later, they found Mike and Arminel in the kitchen, in each other’s arms. They weren’t kissing, but somehow the look that they were sharing made them look even more intimate with one another. Heloise put out a hand to stop Kurt from going on in and disturbing them, knowing that neither of them would wish to be interrupted. Kurt, glimpsing the couple in the kitchen, gave Heloise a startled look.
“That looks serious,” he observed in low tones.
“Perhaps we should pass on the coffee,” said Heloise softly. “They don’t look like they want to be interrupted.”
“I hope she knows what she’s doing,” said Kurt, heading back to the front door. “He’s not the sort of man she ought to be getting mixed up with.”
“She doesn’t see it that way,” said Heloise.
“Hello?” They heard Arminel calling from the kitchen, then she came into the sitting room and found them heading into the hall. “Hello,” she said, giving them a radiant smile. “Did you have a good evening? Are you going to stay for coffee, Kurt?”
“No, I was just seeing Heloise safely home,” said Kurt, who had no desire to sit across the table from his boss and make polite small talk.
“Good evening.” Mike appeared in the doorway, outwardly composed, but inwardly feeling very nervous. He was not used to meeting members of his staff in a social way.
“Good evening,” said Kurt politely.
“Heloise, Dr. Maynard, and Mike, this is my sister, Heloise.” Arminel introduced them and watched as they shook hands.
“I won’t disturb you any longer,” said Mike, turning to Arminel. “I’d better go.”
At once Arminel saw that he was uncomfortable, meeting Kurt and letting him see the man behind the façade he usually kept in place. “All right,” she agreed, returning to the kitchen to collect his coat. She followed him to the door, understanding why he had to go, but still a little reluctant to let him leave.
“I’m sorry,” he told her, putting a hand to her cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Arminel.”
Arminel smiled up at him. “For sure,” she said, “And thank you for a lovely evening.”
“It’s my pleasure,” he said, leaning down and lightly kissing her forehead. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.” She watched as he went quickly down the path and got into his car, waving briefly before he drove off into the night.
“Come in, Arminel,” Heloise scolded, bringing her abruptly out of her reverie. “It’s freezing with the door open.”
“Sorry.” Arminel closed the door and turned to her sister. “I’m off to bed,” she said, suppressing a yawn. “See you in the morning.”
They called goodnight to her and she slipped off upstairs to bed.

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

Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 3:07 pm

I'm morethan happy for it to become an epic! Thank you.

#81: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 3:09 pm

I didn't think about Mike being Kurt's boss. It can be quite weird seeing certain people from work in a social situation. Maybe they should try going back to Mike's for some peace and quiet another time? Thanks Fatima Very Happy

#82: Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth

Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 5:15 pm

Wot Nell said. Thankyou!

#83: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:16 pm

Thanks, Becky. I hope that the rest of the family will feel more relaxed when Mike is around as time goes on.

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

Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 7:22 pm

That was nice - hope things aren't awkward for Kurt and Mike at work now, though.

Thanks, Becky Very Happy

#85: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 8:00 am

Yaya for an epic!

Thanks Fatima.

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

Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 10:33 am

I hope that Kurt won't gossip about Arminel and Mike - they've done SO well so far to keep it quiet.

Thanks Fatima

#87: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 12:06 pm

Thanks, Fatima. I hope Kurt respects their privacy.

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

Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 12:22 pm

I don't think Kurt would talk, but he would probably be concerned for Arminel like Gill is. I hope it all works out!

Thanks Fatima Very Happy

#89: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 1:52 pm

Thanks Becky Very Happy

#90: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 3:26 pm

Thanks for all your comments; now a brief, boring interlude!

Arminel and Mike took Philippe to the cinema at the weekend, and followed it with a splendid tea at Freudesheim. Philippe thoroughly enjoyed himself and admitted afterwards that he really liked Dr. Mike. Arminel continued to visit Mike in his office almost every day, and they drove down to Interlaken once a week for a quiet meal together. Arminel even persuaded Louis to invite them to dinner and Mike to accept the invitation, and the four of them had spent a very pleasant evening together. Once they left, though, Mike began to think more seriously about Arminel. Seeing her brother and his wife had brought it firmly home to him that she was so much younger than he. He had enjoyed spending the evening with them, but had felt that he had little in common with them. They seemed so carefree, so jolly, and very much different from Mike himself, for he felt that he carried the worries of the world upon his shoulders. Alone with Arminel, or spending time with the children, Mike felt differently, but in the company of others he could not help but notice how old he was in comparison with her.
Arminel was thrilled to discover that her relationship with Mike seemed to be going from strength to strength. She enjoyed spending time with him, finding that he was a genuinely nice person, interesting to talk to and, best of all, that he seemed happy to take the children out or have them come to Freudesheim to visit him. He was endlessly patient with Philippe, happy to talk to him on a variety of subjects, and to play with him as well. He also seemed to enjoy spending time quietly cuddling Lily, and had even managed to feed and change her, too. In all, Arminel could not believe how well they were all getting along. She wondered if it could be too good to be true, for something always spoilt relationships in which she was happy, and yet as the weather improved and the blue skies and bright sunshine of summer arrived, they were still together and Arminel knew that she was falling more in love with Mike each day.
Gill remained worried about Arminel's infatuation with Dr. Maynard. She did meet him a few times, although she tried hard not to, and he was always perfectly polite and pleasant, but this still did not put Gill's mind to rest. She wanted nothing more than to see Arminel happily settled with a loving husband, but could not imagine Mike Maynard in that role, however devoted he appeared to be. She knew that Philippe really liked 'Dr. Mike' for he often talked about him, and she was glad that Mike was making the effort to be nice to the children, but she was convinced that nothing good could come of Arminel's relationship with her boss.
Kurt and Heloise continued to see each other as often as their busy working lives allowed. Gill really liked Kurt, for he was everything she could want in a prospective husband for her daughter. At work, Kurt kept well away from Dr. Maynard, preferring not to put any kind of strain on his relationship with his employer. He and Arminel remained good friends, and he heard all about 'Mike', but he managed to pretend that Arminel was seeing someone completely different from the moody head of the Gornetz Hospital. Owing to everyone's busy schedules, it was possible for Kurt to go out with Heloise and Arminel to go out with Mike and for the two couples' paths never to cross. Arminel and Heloise did discuss the chance of going together to a restaurant and the sisters knew that they would both enjoy socialising together, but that it would be too uncomfortable for Mike and Kurt, so they had to give up on their plans.

#91: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 3:36 pm

Not boring at all - but life does seem to be very complicated! It'd probably be easier if Gill and her 2 grown-up daughters weren't all living under the same roof, but I suppose neither Arminel nor (unless she lived in at the school which would probably be worse!) Heloise are in a position to get their own homes.

#92: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 3:44 pm

I think Heloise does live at the school in term time, but returns home for the holidays and her weekends off (If she's allowed such luxuries!). I imagine them as a very close family, though, enjoying each other's company whenever possible, and think that the girls (Arminel, Chantal and Heloise) would like nothing more than hanging out together.

#93: Author: Róisín, Location: Gaillimh, Eire

Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 4:20 pm

Thanks Fatima Smile

#94: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 7:53 pm

Thanks, Becky. I look forward to seeing how things progress.

#95: Author: ibarhis, Location: London

Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 8:46 pm

All sorts of potential stresses and strains. I hope they all manage to weather them.

#96: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 5:35 am

Towards the end of May, Arminel was busy writing up the case notes on one of her patients when suddenly Louis appeared in the doorway. Surprised, she stood up and told him to come in and sit down. “Would you like some coffee?” she asked him.
“No, thanks,” said Louis, sitting down
He looked very serious and Arminel felt worried. “What’s happened?” she demanded, reminded of the day he and Gill had come to school to tell her that her father had died. “Louis, what’s wrong?”
Sensing her concerns, Louis smiled and hastened to reassure her. “Nothing’s wrong,” he said. “Everyone is well. That’s not why I’m here.”
“You never visit me at work,” she said, nonetheless reassured by his answers.
“I came to ask a favour of you,” he answered. “You can say no if you like, and you can have as long to think about it as you like.” Louis paused and looked at Arminel, unable to work out what her reaction to his request might be. He might be her twin, but they had never shared any especially close bond. He loved her dearly, but often felt closer to Heloise than to Arminel. Arminel was so driven, so single minded in her determination to do whatever it was that she had set out to do, and Louis had never been like that. He had Heloise’s diligence and thoughtfulness and could understand what made her tick. Understanding Arminel was a whole lot harder than that, and it was something that Louis still had not quite mastered, even after all these years.
“Well?” Arminel asked, as Louis remained silent. “What can I do for you?”
“Chantal and I have been trying to have a baby,” said Louis, “And it’s just not working. We’ve been for tests and they can’t find any explanation for it, so we put our names down on the list for adoption a couple of years ago. We got a call last night to tell us that they have a baby we can adopt.”
“Oh, Louis, I had no idea,” said Arminel, wondering why none of her siblings confided in her. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s one of those things,” he said, sounding resigned. “Arminel, we wondered if...” Louis fiddled with the plain silver wedding ring he wore. “You don’t have to tell me now, you know.”
“I can’t tell you now,” she said gently, “Because I still have no idea what you are asking me.”
“Would you…do you think…we wondered…”
Arminel sat back, eager to know what it was that Louis wondered. Was he going to ask if they could adopt Lily? How would she ever be able to part with her? And yet it was not fair that Louis and Chantal could not have children of their own.
“Surrogate mother,” Louis finally managed to say. “Would you?”
“I thought you were going to ask me if you could have Lily,” said Arminel, feeling unutterably relieved.
Louis laughed, feeling a lot better now that he had finally managed to put their proposition into words. Chantal had warned him that Arminel would probably throw him out of her office and refuse to speak to them ever again, but Louis had wanted to ask her. He had been the one to suggest they put their names on the list of adoptive parents, but somehow he felt that they would be happier if they adopted a baby carried by Arminel than if they adopted the child of unknown parents. At least the baby would be related to them by blood if they were to do that. “Not Lily,” Louis reassured her. “Another baby. You don’t have to tell us now. Think about it. It would mean so much to us.”
Arminel got up and went around the desk. She perched on the edge of it and reached out to take Louis’ hand, something she had not done for many years. “I don’t know if I could do it,” she said apologetically. “I’m really sorry, Louis, I wish I could help you, but I don’t think I could give up the baby once I’d carried it for nine months. I think I’d be too attached to it to want to hand it over. And then to see it with you all the time would be awful. I’m really sorry.”
Louis squeezed her hand. “I understand,” he said quietly. “Thank you for listening to me. Chantal was sure you’d just kick me out of your office and refuse to see me again. We’re going to call the adoption agency this afternoon and say that we’d be delighted to take the baby they have for us. Apparently she’s almost a year old and the sweetest little thing we could ever hope to get.”
“Then I’m so pleased for you,” Arminel told him. “Once she’s settled in you will be so happy. I’m sure it won’t matter that she’s not any blood relative once you all get to know one another.”
“I’m sure you’re right,” Louis agreed. “Arminel, please don’t tell Mum that we’ve got the adoption coming up, will you? We’d like to make sure it’ll all work out before we let her know. I know she’s been concerned that we haven’t had any children, and I don’t want to get her hopes up while there’s still a chance that it’ll all fall through. It would be bad enough to disappoint Chantal without having Mum upset, too.”
“Of course I won’t tell her,” said Arminel, almost hurt that he should think she might.
Louis stood up. “I’d better get back home,” he said, obviously relieved that the conversation was over. “Thanks, Arminel. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Take care, Louis,” she responded. He walked over to the door and turned back for a moment then he was striding down the corridor, leaving Arminel with plenty to think about.

#97: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 6:47 am

Hope the adoption works out. Louis and Chantal sound as if they'd make lovely parents.

#98: Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 6:48 am

Oh, poor Louis and Chantal.

I hope that the baby is as sweet as she sounds.

#99: Author: keren, Location: Israel

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 7:40 am

oh my goodness

#100: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 8:07 am

I had a feeling thats what he was going to ask. Hope everything goes ok with the baby.

Thanks Fatima.

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

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 10:19 am

Poor Louis and Chantel - I do hope the adoption works out for them and they soon become a happy family.

Thanks, Fatima

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

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 11:31 am

Oh poor poor them.

I hope they get on with the baby - and bless Louis for being so understanding. It's strange how different twins can be!

#103: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 12:36 pm

Let's hope for a successful adoption.

#104: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 2:59 pm

Thanks for all your comments, I love reading them. I know nothing whatsoever about adoption procedures, so I hope you will excuse anything that seems odd in the next couple of posts.

Louis returned to Interlaken unsure as to whether he was looking forward to adopting a baby or not. He knew that he wanted children, and that Chantal was very disappointed that she had not managed to have a baby of her own, but they were still young. They had plenty of years ahead of them and as nothing appeared to be wrong with either of them, there was still the chance that Chantal would have a baby soon. But adoption was not easy. When they had first made enquiries about the procedure, they had been told that newborn babies were rarely given up for adoption and that they would be better advised to adopt a small child. Chantal had admitted that she wanted a baby, though, which left Louis wondering if a child of almost one was too old for her. And yet if they did not agree to take this baby, perhaps they would not get another chance.
Louis sighed as he parked the car in their parking space and got out. He went upstairs to the small flat where he and Chantal had lived ever since she had moved to Interlaken ten years previously. They had been very happy there and although they could have afforded to move to a bigger place, Chantal refused, telling Louis that the sentimental value of the apartment was too great for her to want to leave. He unlocked the door and Chantal appeared from the kitchen, obviously having been awaiting his arrival with a mixture of eagerness and trepidation.
“Hello,” she said, turning her face up towards his so he could kiss her. “How did you get on?”
“She’s still speaking to us,” Louis assured her with a grin. “But she didn’t agree. She said she could never have a baby and then give it up.”
Chantal hugged him. “We’ll go and see the baby, then,” she said, hoping he was not too disappointed.
“Are you sure this is what you want?” he asked, for perhaps the hundredth time.
“Yes,” she told him. “I want us to be parents. If this is the way it has to be, then I’m happy. Are you sure?”
“Yes,” he replied. “I’m sure too.” He drew her closer and held her tightly, aware of a sudden feeling of excitement growing inside him. It might not be the conventional way of having a baby, but it was going to be their way. Very soon they might be welcoming a baby into their home, and finally they would be a family. All the worries of the past few years could be forgotten. There would be no more anxiety, no more counting the days whilst being filled with a mixture of hope and a belief that they would never have a child of their own, waiting to see if Chantal was pregnant or not, hoping and wishing and praying and being disappointed again and again. They would have their hands full with a baby, and there would be no time left for worrying; all their energies could be poured into making sure that the baby, their daughter he corrected himself, was happy and well.
Louis smoothed Chantal’s hair and kissed her again. “I’ll call them now,” he said, smiling at her.
She smiled back, looking happier than he had seen her for a long time. “Maybe they’ll let us take her this week,” she said hopefully.
“Maybe,” he agreed. He slung his arm around her shoulders and walked her into the living room, where the letter from the adoption agency was waiting by the phone. He lifted the receiver and dialled the number, Chantal watching his expression eagerly. The phone rang briefly before Frau Forster answered it and Chantal listened to the conversation with mounting excitement. Finally he said goodbye and grinned at Chantal. “We can go and meet her now, if you like,” he said, knowing that Chantal would like very much.
“Really?”
“Really. Can you halt the dinner?”
“Of course I can,” she said at once. “Oh, Louis, I really hope this works out.”
“So do I, darling,” he said fervently. “Come on, let’s go.”

#105: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 3:03 pm

Oooh, a new post just before hometime! How nice!

Thanks Fatima. I know nothing about adoption either so will accept whatever you choose to write. I hope they're happy when they see the baby.

#106: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 3:05 pm

Hope it goes OK.

#107: Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 3:38 pm

I'm really excited about this meeting!!! Louis and Chantal really are so sweet together as well. Very Happy

Thank you Fatima Very Happy

#108: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 4:24 pm

Thanks for the updates Becky, I can't help feeling worried about Gill's concers for Arminel - I hope the girl sticks to her guns! And it's so lovely to see the insight into Louis and Chantal's relationship.

Thank you Very Happy

#109: Author: ibarhis, Location: London

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 11:28 pm

Nice to have a change of viewpoint... although I hope it isn't too long before we catch up with Arminel and Mike!

#110: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 3:52 am

Sorry, no Mike for a while! He will be back, though.

Three weeks later, Louis and Chantal were the proud parents of Sabine. She was to celebrate her first birthday just a month after she went to live with Louis and Chantal, and she was the most delightful child they could have hoped for. She had a mop of blond curls that never looked tidy and the biggest blue eyes that they had ever seen, both features making her look very much like Chantal. She was sturdy and lively and settled in far faster than they had either hoped or expected. She bonded with both of her adoptive parents very quickly, seeming to recognize that Louis was there to entertain her and Chantal was there to comfort her. She could say Mama and Papa and was using it to them within a very short time, which made Chantal cry the first time she heard it. Frau Forster had warned the Laroches that they would have to wait several months for the adoption to be finalized, but that she could see no reason why they would not be allowed to keep Sabine.
As they had not told many people that they were planning to adopt, or that they had finally been given a baby, Louis and Chantal decided to have a surprise birthday party for their daughter and introduce her to her new relatives then. They invited Gill and Alex, Arminel and the children and Heloise, along with Chantal’s parents, Hans and Helene, but gave no reason for the sudden invitation. They baked a cake for Sabine, putting one candle proudly in the centre of it, and bought some gifts for her to unwrap. Chantal, who had been shopping with Sabine, tearfully admitted to Louis that she had had one of the best days of her life, choosing some pretty dresses for the little girl and letting her select the doll that she liked the most. As Sabine had toddled over to him on his return from work, calling ‘Papa! Papa!’ Louis could understand why Chantal felt so emotional; little Sabine was the best thing that had happened to them for a very long time.
By the time the guests were due to arrive, Louis and Chantal felt that they had had Sabine living with them forever. She was a sunshiny little soul and had adjusted well to her new surroundings, finding her way around the flat with ease and behaving as if she had lived there all her life. From time to time Louis did wonder what would happen if the adoption fell through; they would be devastated if they had to give Sabine up. He did not mention this concern to Chantal, though, for there was no point in worrying her unnecessarily.
At exactly four o’clock, Gill and Alex arrived, with Arminel and her children. Chantal opened the door and greeted them with a very evident feeling of suppressed excitement. Before anyone could say anything, though, Sabine toddled through from the sitting room and said, “Mama?” in a very questioning way.
As Chantal scooped the baby up and kissed her, Hans and Helene appeared in the doorway. “Oh my goodness!” cried Helene, sounding thrilled. “Chantal!”
Delighted with the sensation she had caused, Chantal said, “Come on in and meet Sabine.”
“Not another girl!” exclaimed Philippe, making everyone laugh. “Why didn’t you have a boy, Tante Chantal?”
They followed Chantal into the sitting room and Gill hugged Louis warmly. “Come on, tell us the story,” she urged him.
“And explain why you didn’t give us any warning,” added Hans, shaking Louis’ hand warmly.
Louis told them about the call they received from the adoption agency and explained how they had not wanted to get anyone’s hopes up only to find that the whole thing fell through. He did briefly mention how the adoption would not be finalized for a few months, but only Arminel noticed how he looked worried about that. Before anyone could ask anything else, the doorbell rang again, and Heloise and Kurt came in.
“I hope you don’t mind me bringing Kurt,” said Heloise, giving Louis a hug. “And this is for Sabine.”
As her sister gave Louis a neatly wrapped little parcel, Arminel found herself consumed with jealousy. Obviously Louis had told Heloise about the baby’s arrival, even letting her know her name. She looked at Heloise and Louis, still standing close together, and realized that they looked more like twins than she and Louis did. Both were tall and dark and good-looking, with the same dark eyes and wide smile. Louis evidently felt closer to Heloise, too, for he confided in her where he did not share his feelings with Arminel. Arminel cuddled Lily more closely, kissing her and listening to her giggle, glad that there was one person who adored her unconditionally. Kurt stood beside Louis, chatting easily to him as if the two of them were old friends. Arminel guessed that Heloise and Kurt often visited Louis and Chantal and she tried to be glad that they all got on well together. It was difficult to be the one left out, though. Chantal had been Arminel’s best friend since they were children, and it was odd to think that she spent more time with Heloise than with Arminel herself.
“And Sabine’s one today,” Chantal was telling them. “So we thought a little birthday party would be fun.”
“But we didn’t bring a gift,” protested Gill.
“You don’t need to,” Louis answered. “She won’t be able to cope with a lot of presents, so we just got a couple of things for her to open after tea.”
Arminel looked at Sabine, thinking how much Louis and Chantal had wanted a baby and feeling glad that they finally had a child of their own. She smiled at the toddler, and then Sabine was scrambling off of Chantal’s lap and coming over to Arminel. She was not a bit shy, and she was plainly interested in the baby Arminel was holding. Lily, now seven months old, looked equally interested in Sabine, holding out her arms to the bigger girl and chattering unintelligibly.
They had the birthday tea, and as she watched her family, Arminel began to feel less upset that Louis had not told her about Sabine. It was clear that they were all so delighted for Louis and Chantal, as indeed she was too, and she felt mean when she realized that her first thought on hearing about Sabine had been jealousy. Why couldn’t she have just been thrilled for her brother and her friend as everyone else was? Louis provided champagne and they drank toasts to Sabine’s happiness and then they watched her opening her presents. She was more interested in the wrapping paper and boxes than in the gifts inside, although she did enjoy trying to kick the brightly coloured ball they had given her.
“We have to be off now,” Heloise finally announced, standing up and looking at Kurt.
Kurt stood up, too. “Congratulations,” he said again, grinning at Louis. “We’ll see you soon. Goodbye.”
They all called goodbye and Kurt and Heloise were gone.

#111: Author: ibarhis, Location: London

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 6:06 am

Nice to wake up to! Thank you.... I shall possess my soul in patience to see Mike again.

#112: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 7:40 am

I have to say I think she is being mean - she's been lucky enough to've had 2 children and she should just be happy for Louis and Chantal that they've now got a child as well. I can kind of understand her being jealous that Louis seems closer to Heloise though.

Thanks for the update Very Happy

#113: Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 8:51 am

ibarhis wrote:

Nice to wake up to! Thank you.... I shall possess my soul in patience to see Mike again.

Ditto. Thankyou!!!

#114: Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 9:46 am

Sabine is gorgeous- I'm glad Louis and Chantal are so happy. I think Arminel is closer to Louis than she realises though, because she was the only one to notice that he was worried about the adoption being finalized.
Thanks Fatima Very Happy

#115: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 12:14 pm

I can understand Arminel feeling a little bit jealous about not being told - I think that's quite a human reaction really, especially the way that she tells herself off for feeling it.

Thanks Becky Very Happy

*wants a Sabine of her own*

#116: Author: Michelle, Location: Near London

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 1:39 pm

Poor Arminel. I hope Louis and Chantal get to keep Sabine. I'm glad Heloise and Kurt are so happy - I didn't think happy couples were allowed in your drabbles, Fatima, unless they've gone through a certain amount of suffering first! Thank you for another lovely installment.

#117: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 2:32 pm

Michelle wrote:

I didn't think happy couples were allowed in your drabbles, Fatima, unless they've gone through a certain amount of suffering first!

Well, the aim of this was for everyone to be happy! I'm fighting against the bunnies all the time, as they want lots of misery, but so far so good! Thanks for all your comments; here's a nice long (happy) bit for the rounding off of the weekend. My weekend, anyhow.

As they walked downstairs together, Kurt took Heloise’s hand. “That’s so wonderful for them,” he said, sounding very pleased for her brother. “And Sabine is going to be a handful, isn’t she?”
“She’s gorgeous,” Heloise sighed. “And it’s amazing how much like Chantal she looks.”
“Don’t adoption agencies try to match children with prospective parents so that they have similar colouring?” Kurt suggested. “Do you want to go for a walk, Heloise? After all that cake I’m not at all hungry.”
“That’s unusual!” said Heloise with a laugh. Kurt was well known for having a hearty appetite. “Yes, it’s a lovely evening. Let’s go alongside the river.”
They walked for a long time, enjoying the fresh air and the exercise, talking about the things they had done over the week and planning an evening out during the forthcoming week. Finally, Kurt decided that his appetite had returned and suggested they go and get some dinner together. They strolled back to the town centre again, heading for a quiet little restaurant where they could sit and chat without having to make themselves heard over loud music or the voices of scores of other diners. They sat at a table in the window, where they could watch people going up and down the road and ordered their favourite dish from the menu – a splendid lasagna that was served with a crisp salad.
As they ate, Heloise thought again about Louis’ happiness; he had called her to invite her to the impromptu party, and had been unable to keep the truth about the gathering to himself. He had told her that a baby had been found for them to adopt and how delighted they were with her. Heloise had been thrilled for them, knowing how desperately they had wanted a baby, and Sabine seemed to be extremely happy with them. It was clear that Louis and Chantal were both besotted with her and finally their happiness was complete. Seeing the baby made Heloise realize how her own time was running out. She was approaching thirty and was still single. Although she knew that she was in love with Kurt, she did not see any sign that he was interested in marriage. He was just a year older than her and Heloise believed that he did not see any reason why he should rush into commitment. He was happy the way things were, going out with her a couple of times a week and calling her almost every day, sometimes even posting little cards to her as a surprise, but he had never mentioned wanting to settle down and have children.
Once they had finished, they returned to the car, and Kurt drove them back up to the Platz. If Heloise was a little quiet on the return journey, Kurt put it down to tiredness. She worked hard at school and in her time off she spent a lot of time with him, so she was often tired. He arrived outside her home, where she was spending the weekend, and stopped the car. Just for a minute he thought she was not going to ask him in, but as he began to ask if he might come in, she said, "Will you come in for coffee, Kurt?"
"Yes, please," he said, reaching over into the back of the car for his jacket.
He followed her up the path and into the house, sitting in the living room while she went to make coffee for them. When she came back, she set their cups on the coffee table and sat down next to him.
"What's up?" he asked, suddenly nervous.
"Nothing, I'm just tired," she told him. "And it's been emotional, seeing Sabine."
"Yes," he agreed. "Heloise, I've been thinking." Kurt slid off the settee onto the floor and looked up at her, taking her hand in his. "Heloise, we've been going out together for a year now, and I love you so much. I want everything that Louis and Chantal have, marriage, children, and a home. I wondered if you would do me the honour of agreeing to marry me."
Startled, Heloise looked down at him, hardly able to believe what she was hearing. She had spent the whole evening wondering why Kurt hadn't asked her to marry him, and here he was, on his knees in front of her, asking just that.
Kurt got up. "I'm sorry," he said, mistaking the reason for her surprise. "If you think it's too soon, that's fine. I understand."
"Yes, Kurt," she said, a slow smile spreading across her face. "I love you, too, and I don't think it's too soon."
Kurt looked immeasurably relieved. He felt around in the pocket of his jacket and pulled out a small velvet covered box. "You had me worried for a moment there," he admitted, opening the box and showing her the ring he had chosen. "I hope you like it," he added, drawing out the slender gold band on which flashed an exquisitely cut ruby. He gently took her hand in his and slid the ring onto her finger, where it fit perfectly. "Phew!" he said, for he had been concerned that it would need to be altered.
"Oh, Kurt," she breathed, amazed by the way he had planned everything. She loved the ring, it was unusual and yet exactly what she would have chosen, and she was speechless.
Kurt gathered her into his arms and held her tightly. "You have made me the happiest man in the world," he told her, his voice full of emotion. "I'll make you really happy, Heloise, I promise."
"You already do," she answered, clinging to him.
Kurt kissed her then, his mind filled with images of a rosy future with Heloise, in a pretty little chalet with several children playing in the garden.
Finally Heloise drew away. "The coffee is getting cold," she said practically.
Kurt laughed, but obligingly passed her mug to her. "Back to earth with a bump," he observed. "Heloise, I'd like to take you to Zurich so that you can meet my family. I've told them all about you and I'm sure they'd like to see you. Do you think you'd be able to come one weekend?"
"Of course," she agreed at once, although the thought of meeting Kurt's family made her feel nervous. What if they didn't like her and advised Kurt not to marry her?
"They'll love you almost as much as I do," he said, knowing exactly what she was thinking. "My mother has long since given up hope of me finding a nice girl and settling down; she'll be thrilled to know that I found you. And my father will think whatever my mother tells him to!"
"I hope so," said Heloise, nonetheless reassured by his words. "I'll find out when I get my next free weekend and perhaps we could go then."
Kurt finished his coffee and reluctantly stood up. "I'd better go," he said, "I've got to be at work tomorrow morning. I'll call you." Heloise followed him to the door, unable to stop herself admiring the beautiful ring she now wore. Noticing, Kurt grinned down at her. "So you like it, then?" he asked.
"It's beautiful, thank you," she answered, reaching up to kiss him once more. "Goodnight, Kurt."
Kurt smiled tenderly down at her. "Goodnight," he said softly, before heading off home.

#118: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 2:46 pm

Thanks Becky, that was really lovely Very Happy

Kathryn

#119: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 3:30 pm

Thanks, Becky, the happiness was lovely. Please fight the wicked, misery-loving PB's.

#120: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 4:25 pm

Aww, that was lovely.

#121: Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 4:57 pm

Awww. So fluffly. Thankyou!

#122: Author: Becky, Location: Newport, South Wales, UK

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 5:56 pm

Aww that was lovely, thanks Becky.

If Kurt's parents are as nice as he is, I'm sure there won't be a problem! Very Happy

#123: Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 8:31 pm

Two posts today - we're so lucky to have you writing for us!

I'm basking in the waves of happiness emanating from the drabble - may it go on being happy for as long as possible! You keep those evil bunnies at bay!

Thanks, Becky!

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

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 8:27 am

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Very Happy

Thanks, Fatima

*heading off hat shopping*

#125: Author: ibarhis, Location: London

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 10:23 am

Lots of lovely romance... thank you ...

#126: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 3:22 pm

I suppose this is the last post of this before the board closes for revamping. Thanks for all your comments Very Happy

The next morning, Heloise found that she felt very nervous about telling her family that Kurt had proposed to her. She knew that she was being foolish, for they all liked Kurt very much and would surely be pleased for her. She almost removed the ring before going down for breakfast, but then decided that she should get the announcement over and done with, so she held her head up high and went into the kitchen, where Arminel was giving Lily her breakfast and Gill and Alex were sipping coffee and reading the morning paper together. "Good morning," she greeted them, going over to pour herself some coffee.
"What did you think of Sabine?" Gill demanded, looking up from the newspaper.
"She's gorgeous," Heloise said warmly. "Adorable. And it's great to see Louis and Chantal so happy, isn't it?"
"How come…" Arminel began, meaning to ask why Louis had told Heloise about the adoption but no one else then she managed to stop herself. "How come they kept it all so secret?"
"Louis didn't want us all to get our hopes up," explained Gill, "and then be disappointed. He said it can be quite difficult to adopt and they wanted to be as certain as possible before they told us all."
Heloise brought her coffee to the table and sat down. “Kurt asked me to marry him,” she blurted out.
“Oh, Heloise!” exclaimed Gill delightedly. “I’m so pleased for you. That’s wonderful. I take it you said yes,” she added, just to be sure.
“Yes,” said Heloise with a smile. “Look.” She held out her left hand towards her mother and watched as Gill took it in her own and gasped at the beautiful ring. “Isn’t it fabulous?” she said happily. “And he chose it himself, too.”
“It is gorgeous,” agreed Gill.
“Congratulations,” Alex put in, smiling over at Heloise. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you,” she said, wondering why she had been worried about telling her family her good news. As if they would ever be anything other than completely supportive.
“I’m really pleased, too,” said Arminel, leaning over to admire Heloise’s ring. “What is it about my best friends and my family?” she wondered. “How come they all end up married to each other?” Heloise looked up quickly, wondering if Arminel was upset by her announcement, but Arminel smiled and put her mind to rest. “I am happy for you,” she said sincerely. “I know how Kurt cares for you and how happy you have both been since you got together.”
“We’ll get Monique matchmaking in the summer,” said Gill, looking over at Arminel. “I’m sure she can come up with lots of eligible young men for you, Arminel.”
Arminel managed to bite back the remark that she was more than happy with Mike Maynard, knowing that Gill considered her to be on borrowed time with that gentleman. Despite Arminel’s having been seeing him regularly for five months, Gill had still managed to avoid him most of the time and insisted on believing that the affair would run its course and that Arminel would be left alone again. She did not say very much about it, but her silence on the subject spoke volumes. Presumably when they visited France that summer, Arminel would be the centre of attention at all the parties organized by her aunt and the guests would be chosen on account of their availability as husbands for herself.
“When do you think you’ll get married?” Gill asked, returning to Heloise once again.
“Oh, we didn’t speak of that last night,” said Heloise smiling. “He only asked me once we got back here and then he went home.”
“Did he go down on one knee?” Arminel asked, hoping that Kurt had done the proposal properly.
“Yes,” said Heloise contentedly. “He was perfect. I’m glad you are all happy about it.”
“How could we be otherwise?” asked Gill, finally releasing Heloise’s hand. “Kurt is lovely and it’s obvious that he makes you happy. That’s good enough for me.”

#127: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 3:24 pm

Ah, some romance to see us through the downtime. Thanks, Fatima.

#128: Author: keren, Location: Israel

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 4:37 pm

Will we seriously be without drabbles for a whole week??????

#129: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 4:47 pm

*Wibbles at the thought of a week with no drabbles.*

Thanks Becky Very Happy

#130: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 4:48 pm

Thanks for the update Becky, I really hope that Gill manages to see what a nice young man Mike is underneath...

Thanks Very Happy

Kathryn

#131: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 5:05 pm

Thanks, Becky. I'm really happy that Heloise and Kurt are now engaged. It is also great news about Louis and Chantal being given the chance to adopt Sabine. I will definitely miss reading this drabble while the board is down.

#132: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 6:22 pm

I hoe Gill soon see's that Mike makes Arminel happy too! Thank you - so many lovely posts to catch up on.

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

Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 10:38 am

Well done Kurt! Glad they're so happy and yay for baby Sabine. I do feel a little sorry fro Arminel though - she's obviously feeling left out.

Thank you Fatima.

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

Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 10:48 am

Hope something (not nasty please) happens to make Gill view Mike in a different light

Thanks, Becky

#135: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 3:53 pm

As we're still here, I thought I'd post the next part of this. Thanks for all your comments!

Mike collected Arminel that evening and took her to the Gornetz Café for a light supper. They often ate there, for it was cheap and cheerful and the food was good and they had got used to people on the Platz seeing them together. If they were talked about at the Gornetz Hospital, it was behind closed doors; even Kurt had not reported hearing anyone discussing the relationship between Doctors Maynard and Laroche. Arminel teased Mike, telling him that they were enjoying his newly discovered mellow side and did not wish to gossip in case they made him revert to his former grouchy self.
As she waited for her omelette and chips to arrive, Arminel told Mike about Louis and Chantal adopting Sabine, and about Heloise getting engaged to Kurt. She had given the matter careful consideration, and decided against mentioning Gill’s plans for the summer holiday, not wanting to push Mike into anything he was not already thinking about. Arminel knew that she would feel dreadful if he asked her to marry him just because he felt that he ought to, although she was more and more convinced that she really would like to get married to Mike and that if she couldn’t have him, she didn’t want anyone.
As he sat opposite her, Mike thought a lot about his companion, too. He always enjoyed spending time with Arminel, with or without the children, finding her a joy to talk to and a delight to be with. He found that he thought about her all the time, even when he was in his office, working on the hospital accounts, or dealing with any of the day-to-day problems that arose there. He thought of her as he walked to work, as he ate his lunch, almost all the time she was in his mind. He still felt a thrill of excitement every time he saw her, whenever she walked in the door of his office or opened the door of her home to him. She was the most delightful woman he had ever known and he could not imagine how he had lived before he met her. He had been grumpy and miserable and the days had dragged past, all dull and each as empty as the one before. Now she had brought sunshine into his life. He knew it was corny thinking like that, but he could find no other way to describe the way he felt now that she was part of his life. He also loved to listen to Philippe and to answer some of his questions, and Lily was so sweet, lying in his arms and smiling up at him, obviously completely comfortable with him, as he was with her.
“But I felt so left out,” Arminel told him. “Louis and Heloise obviously share more with one another than with me, and I was upset to think that they tell one another things that they don’t tell me. I always thought I was close to them, but they are closer to each other than I am. I almost felt as though they were the twins.”
“It’s difficult in big families,” Mike agreed, speaking with the voice of experience. “We had so many twins and things, and they were always close; my two older brothers were also close, and I felt left out. They all seemed to have someone to confide in and I never did.”
Arminel reached out and put her hand over his. He didn’t often speak about his younger days, and she was always touched when he did mention some part of his life before he met her. Presumably his dislike of telling people about himself came from his lack of confidante when he was younger, and Arminel was thrilled to think that he was actually comfortable enough with her to share some of his experiences with her. “And then I felt so mean,” she went on. “They are both so happy and I’m spoiling it all by being jealous.”
“But did you say anything?” he asked, entwining his fingers with hers.
“No,” she admitted.
“Then you probably haven’t spoilt it for them,” he told her. “Perhaps they don’t realize how you feel and so they’re just enjoying their happiness.”
“Perhaps,” she agreed doubtfully. Heloise was very perspicacious and might well have picked up on Arminel’s feelings.
“We’d better go shopping this week,” Mike said, following his own line of thought now. “I’d like to get something for Heloise and Kurt, and something for Sabine.”
“That would be nice,” agreed Arminel. “We could go after work one day.”
“Perfect,” he said.
Their food arrived and they found that it was every bit as excellent as they had come to expect from the Gornetz Café. They finished their meal off with coffee and then Mike walked Arminel home. He declined her invitation to come in, knowing that it was early and that her family would still be up. He would have liked to have cuddled up on the settee with her and watched a film, but not with Gill there. He knew that she did not like him; she said very little to him and was always extremely polite, but she was as icy towards him as Arminel had been when he had first discovered that she was pregnant. He kissed her lingeringly on the doorstep and then reluctantly let her go into the house while he returned to Freudesheim.

#136: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 3:59 pm

Oh dear - he really needs to spend some time with Gill if she's to change her mind about him, but I can understand why he doesn't want to.

Thanks Becky.

#137: Author: ibarhis, Location: London

Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 4:06 pm

Oh I am enjoying this.... Thank you

#138: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 4:16 pm

Just caught up on this. I'm really enjoying it. Thanks Becky.

I do think Gill is being too harsh on Mike, particularly in suggesting that Monique should set Arminel up with other people.

#139: Author: keren, Location: Israel

Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 5:09 pm

Pleased everyone is updating now the board is still here

#140: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 5:59 pm

Thanks, Fatima. I am not sure why the board is still here, but I am definitely not complaining about having these extra lovely updates to read! I liked Mike's suggestion about getting the presents.

#141: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 7:56 pm

Thanks, Becky, a lovely long update, and so true to life.

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

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 9:19 am

Thank you Becky - lovely.

The Board will still be here until Thursday - but from Thursday the mods will be archiving everything for the new board so don't post anything you want keeping after that. Then liss is hoping to rebuild the board over the weekend.

#143: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 9:35 am

Thanks Becky! I love Mike and Arminel.

#144: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 1:15 pm

Here's the next bit, thanks for all your comments. Isn't happiness lovely?!

Once again the summer came, school was almost finished and plans were made for the Laroches to go to France for August. Arminel had arranged some time off work, but was not looking forward to going to France at all. She did not want to be away from Mike for so long, but neither did she want to send Philippe to France and be without him. Knowing that she wanted to have her cake and eat it, Arminel felt guilty, but she just could not help it.
Heloise had been to visit Kurt’s family in Zurich. She had had a wonderful weekend with them and left completely reassured by their warm welcome. She knew that they were happy for her to marry their only son, and that they would be glad to have her as their daughter in law. Monique, hearing of Heloise’s engagement, had invited Kurt to come to stay with them for part of the holiday, and they were both thrilled that they would be able to take their holiday together.
Genevieve came back from Milan for the holidays, looking radiantly happy and perhaps a little less emaciated than when they had last seen her. She kept on mentioning a new ‘friend’ that she had made, by the name of Antonio Moretti, and just saying his name seemed to put a big smile on her face. Not long after she had returned to Switzerland, he began phoning her and letters from Italy kept arriving. Genevieve herself seemed completely different. She was happy and cheerful and often sang as she helped with the housework, and everyone was actually very glad to have her back again.
Louis and Chantal had arranged to travel to France for a couple of weeks in August, along with Sabine. They had been assured that the paperwork for the adoption would be finalized at the beginning of August and were ecstatic about the prospect of Sabine being legally their daughter. They both adored her and could hardly remember what their life had been like without her, and she was as happy with them as anyone could have wished. They often brought her up to the Platz to visit their relations there, and Gill and Alex usually travelled down to Interlaken once a week to visit them, too.
Arminel was delighted when Genevieve popped into her room one evening and perched on the windowsill, regarding Arminel with a friendly smile. “I’m sorry I have been so awful to you the last few times I’ve been home,” she said sincerely. “You were right about me – I was being completely stupid. I’m getting over that now, though. I’ve given up smoking. Antonio says it’s a disgusting habit and how anyone could possibly think it’s sophisticated he doesn’t know. And he told me that I was far too skinny and that I should eat properly. I’ve promised him that I’ll do my best this holiday.”
“I’m so glad to hear it,” said Arminel, pleased that one of her siblings wanted to share their feelings with her. “You do look lots better already, Jen. In fact, you actually look more beautiful now than you did last year.”
Genevieve laughed depreciatingly. “I hardly think so,” she said affectionately, “But thanks for being nice, Arminel.”
“Tell me about Antonio,” suggested Arminel.
Genevieve was only too happy to oblige. “He’s a law student,” she explained. “I’m glad he’s not a doctor – we have enough of those as it is! He’s a year ahead of me, but he is from Milan, so when he’s finished his degree he’ll work in Milan and we’ll still be able to see each other. He’s really nice, Arminel. He did wonder if he’d be able to come to France for a while in August, but he’s going to be working in his father’s practice over the summer and he doesn’t know if he’ll get enough time off. I really miss him.”
“And he misses you, too, judging by the letters and phone calls,” said Arminel.
“Yes, he’s so sweet, writing almost every day,” agreed Genevieve happily. She slid off the windowsill and threw her arms around Arminel’s neck. “Thank you,” she said, giving her sister a hug. “I’d better get off to bed. Mum wants to go to see Louis tomorrow, and I said I’d stay here and mind everything.”
“If you’d rather go, I could take Lily to the kindergarten,” said Arminel, feeling guilty that her children might be stopping Genevieve from enjoying her holiday.
“No!” protested Genevieve at once. “I love looking after Lily. I’m happy to see to them, Arminel, honestly.”
“Thank you,” said Arminel gratefully. “It’ll be so much easier once Lily is in school!”
“Oh, don’t wish her life away,” scolded Genevieve. “She’s adorable as she is. Long may she stay little and cute.”
Arminel glanced over to the cot where Lily was sleeping peacefully. “You’re right,” she agreed. “Long may she stay so sweet and lovely.”
Genevieve disappeared, and Arminel got ready for bed, slipping gratefully between the sheets and closing her eyes. There were days when she wished that she was a stay at home mum, for she would have plenty of time to spend with her children then, instead of running around at work all day and then having too little time for the children. Then she reflected that she probably appreciated her children more, not spending all day and every day with them. She probably had more patience with them and gave them a better quality of time than if she was always with them. Before she could reflect any further, however, her tiredness overtook her and she slept as soundly as her little daughter.

#145: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 1:21 pm

Thanks, Fatima. I look forward to meeting Antonio.

#146: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 1:22 pm

Happiness is indeed lovely!

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

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 1:24 pm

Glad that Jen is getting better and seems happy and that she's talking to Arminel.

Thank you Fatima.

#148: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 1:56 pm

Thanks Becky, it's so lovely to see them all so happy. Now if we could just sort out Gill's feelings towards Mike, everything would be perfect Very Happy

Thank you

Kathryn

#149: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 2:42 pm

A teeny little bit more...

The next day before Arminel went off to work, Genevieve repeated her assurances that she was happy to look after Lily, and Philippe once he returned from school. Gill and Alex planned to go to Interlaken just after lunch. Arminel waved goodbye to the children as she set off to work, wanting to get there early so that she would be able to sort out the never ending pile of paperwork that seemed to accumulate on her desk before she started on her rounds. She briefly noticed that it was a lovely morning, with the promise of a hot and sunny day ahead, before dashing into the Gornetz Hospital and beginning her day’s work.
She managed to do a substantial pile of paperwork before she set off to visit her patients and to see some new cases, and still have time to pop into Dr. Maynard’s office for her morning coffee. She met up with Kurt for lunch, and then they went back to the pediatric department together to liase over some of their trickier cases. As they returned to the office, Kurt glanced out of the window.
“Look at all that smoke!” he exclaimed, seeing a plume of smoke in the distance. “I should say there’s a house or something on fire.”
Arminel stood beside him at the window. “I hope it’s no one we know,” she said. “It’s over in our direction.”
They heard sirens wailing, and an ambulance sped away from the hospital, presumably going to the assistance of the people from the burning building. Knowing that someone would call them if they were required, Arminel and Kurt returned to their files, checking some of the observations they had made about their patients and finding that they were, as usual, completely in agreement.

#150: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 2:47 pm

Oh no. Nonononononono. It's not Jen and Phillippe and Lily. It's not. No.

*crawls under the desk to wibble*

#151: Author: ibarhis, Location: London

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 2:50 pm

Not another cliff... please

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

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 2:51 pm

*wibble!!!!*

NOOOOOO!!!
Please let them all be okay!

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

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 3:22 pm

Nooooo.

Please don't let it be Jen, Phillippe and Lily.

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

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 3:52 pm

NOOooooooooooo!

*wibbles violently*

#155: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 4:02 pm

Oh Becky!

*Hopes there are some nice firemen around though Wink

#156: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 4:07 pm

Thanks Becky...I hope you are going to come back and tell us what happens before the board goes down otherwise it's going to be a week of wibbling!

Kathryn

#157: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 4:13 pm

I have faith in the title of the drabble. Keep fighting the bunnies Becky.

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

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 6:02 pm

AAARGH!

*wibbling muchly*

Please let everything be okay, Becky. Please....

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

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 7:13 pm

Thanks, Becky. I am wibbling as well.

#160: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 2:12 am

Oh, no, good readers, please don't wibble! Here's the next bit...

Genevieve had taken Lily to collect Philippe from school and then returned home with them. She had promised to cook chips for lunch, and had already cut up the potatoes and left them ready for their return to the chalet. Philippe went upstairs to change out of his school clothes and Genevieve left Lily in the pushchair, where she was slumbering peacefully. She headed into the kitchen and put the frying pan on, deciding to cook the chips and then fry eggs to go with them. She was busy with the food by the time Philippe came back to set the table for the meal.
“This is going to be so delicious,” Philippe said gleefully, watching as Genevieve carefully cracked the eggs. “Mum doesn’t let us have chips very often.”
As Genevieve smiled down at him, the telephone rang. “Go and see who that is, Philippe,” she said, lifting the first batch of chips out and putting them onto some kitchen roll. She put some more chips into the pan, and Philippe came back.
“It’s someone called Antonio,” he informed her.
“I’ll have a quick word with him,” said Genevieve, putting more paper over the chips and rushing off to the telephone. She knew that she would have to ask Antonio to call back when she wasn’t quite so busy, but she wanted to tell him herself, not ask Philippe to relay a message for her. She had a brief chat with him, then explained that she was in the middle of cooking dinner and would have to speak to him later, or she would burn the food. Antonio reminded her to have a good meal herself, and promised to call back that evening.
Genevieve replaced the receiver just as Philippe let out a howl. She dashed back into the sitting room and Philippe came running out of the kitchen, a look of terror on his face. “Fire!” he screamed. “Aunt Genevieve, the pan is burning!”
Genevieve looked beyond him in time to see the fire catch onto the kitchen curtains. By the time she reached the cooker, she knew that there was no way she could deal with the fire, she could only turn off the gas and get the children out of the house. “Grab Lily!” she yelled at Philippe. “Get her out!”
Fortunately, although Philippe was frightened, he kept his head. He seized the pushchair and ran with it to the front door, and flung it open. The sudden draught from the open door made the fire flare up some more and Genevieve was driven out of the kitchen. She pulled the door closed behind her, vaguely remembering that closed doors could slow a fire for a couple of precious moments, then she ran back to the telephone. She called the fire brigade and then looked into the sitting room. She discovered that the door to the kitchen was on fire and smoke was billowing into the living room. Genevieve looked around wondering what she ought to try to save. Glancing at the bookcase, she remembered the photograph albums that Gill had painstakingly made up of her children when they were growing up, and Genevieve knew that she had to take those out of the house with her. Everything else could be replaced, but not the pictures. There were photos of Armand, too, and Genevieve could not bear the thought of never looking at them again.
“Aunt Genevieve!” Philippe was shouting from the front garden, obviously worried by the fact that she was still in the burning house.
Genevieve coughed as the smoke entered her lungs, but she was determined to bring all of the albums safely out of the chalet. She grabbed the whole pile in her arms, her eyes watering as the smoke got into them, and she staggered out of the chalet and into the fresh air. Philippe was looking anxious and when he saw her, he flung himself into her arms and, much to his embarrassment, burst into tears. Genevieve held him tightly, realizing for the first time how foolish she had been to go to the telephone when she was frying the dinner, and how lucky she was to have got the children out. Or how lucky she was that Philippe had got his sister out, she amended; all she had done was saved a few photographs, while Philippe, a young boy, had kept his head enough to rescue the baby.
Genevieve hugged Philippe tightly. “You are so brave,” she told him over and over. “You saved Lily. You were wonderful, Philippe.”
As she looked over his head, the outside of the chalet began to burn, and Genevieve knew that unless the fire brigade came quickly there would not be much of their home left.
Some of the neighbours appeared, trying to stretch their hosepipes across the fences that separated the burning chalet from their own homes, and spraying water onto the fire. No one was willing to sit back and wait for the fire brigade; there was too much wood used in the building of their homes for anyone to want to risk the fire spreading.
Before anyone could do much, the sound of approaching sirens was heard and a huge red fire engine roared into the street. Genevieve got the children and the precious albums out of the garden and into a neighbour’s garden, and they all watched, fascinated, as the firemen leaped from their vehicle and began to tackle the blaze. An ambulance screeched to a halt behind the fire engine and the medics jumped out, eager to question the neighbours about the possibility of anyone still being in the chalet. Once they discovered that Genevieve, Philippe and Lily had been inside the chalet when it caught fire, they insisted on putting them in the back of the ambulance and examining them. They overrode Genevieve’s protests, telling her that a baby as young as Lily needed to get medical attention straight away, and should be taken to the hospital for a pediatrician to examine. Once some of the neighbours assured Genevieve that they would keep an eye on the chalet and watch for the return of Gill and Alex, Genevieve consented to go to the Gornetz Hospital in the ambulance.

#161: Author: keren, Location: Israel

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 4:04 am

And who is the peadiatrician?
Arminel isn't it.
I hope she does not get too much of a shock or get too angry with her sister

#162: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 6:39 am

At least they all got out.

#163: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 7:48 am

I thought Arminel and Kurt were the paediatricians? (sp?)

Thanks Becky - glad everyone is safe.

#164: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 9:14 am

Eeek glad they're all safe! Shocked

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

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 9:40 am

Phew glad they're all ok - hopefully Phillippe got Lily and himself out so fast they won't have any effects at all.

Thank you Becky.

#166: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 10:41 am

Thanks, Becky. I hope that Lily will be ok.

*Clare reminds herself of the title of this drabble*.

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

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 11:14 am

Lily has to be okay, Lily has to be okay.

I hope Genevieve won't be told off too badly, and I'm very glad she managed to save the albums. It might not seem like much but we know there are a lot of precious memories in there.

#168: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 2:31 pm

Phew, thanks Becky. I'm glad they all got out safe - although Jen probably shouldn't have left these cooking, it's good to see her become more responsible and grown up.

Thank you Very Happy

Kathryn

#169: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 2:55 pm

Yes, Kurt and Arminel are the pediatricians, and as the children are all right, they didn't get called to the E.R. to deal with them. Thanks for your comments, and here's some more.

The ambulance arrived at the hospital and Genevieve and the children were taken into the emergency department. Fortunately the nurse on duty there recognized them, and hastily slipped away to inform Dr. Laroche that her sister and children had been brought to the hospital. Arminel was still in her office with Kurt when the nurse came to tell her, and on hearing the nurse’s words, all the colour drained from her face and she turned and ran from the room. Kurt waited to hear that they all looked well enough, and then he nervously put a call through to Dr. Maynard’s office, to tell him what had happened. Mike was grateful to Kurt for telling him, and immediately hastened to the emergency department himself, to make sure that Arminel and the children were all right.
Arminel ran into the emergency room, looking all around for any sign of her family. “Where are they?” she demanded urgently, glaring at the staff there.
The doctor on duty was relatively new to his post, and did not realize that the red headed doctor was related to the newest arrivals in his department. “Who?” he asked blankly.
Arminel gave him a look that told him how low her opinion of him was, and turned to the nurse. “Where are they?” she repeated.
“Room two,” the nurse supplied.
“They are my patients,” the doctor began, but he had no chance to say more, for Arminel had disappeared into the little treatment room.
“Mummy!” Philippe cried as she entered. He had been sitting beside the bed and wanting nothing more than for his mother to appear. He got up and ran at her, burying his face against her and clinging to her, still in shock from having watched his home catch fire.
“Philippe!” Arminel exclaimed, holding him tightly. “Oh, darling, are you all right? What about Lily?” she demanded, looking across at Genevieve, who was sitting on the bed, still clutching Lily.
“She’s fine,” Genevieve assured her.
“What happened?” Arminel asked, sitting down on the chair and pulling Philippe onto her lap. He was obviously the most in need of comfort, for it was most unlike him to cry, and now that she could see that Lily was fine, Arminel was able to leave her in her aunt’s arms.
“The chip pan caught fire,” Genevieve explained. “The phone rang and by the time I got back the kitchen was on fire. Philippe got Lily out, Arminel, you should be so proud of him.”
Arminel kissed Philippe and wiped the tears from his cheeks. “Really?” she asked him, noticing that he was physically unscathed after his ordeal. “Thank you, Philippe, you are wonderful. I’m really proud of you.”
“Will all my books be burnt?” he asked, turning big dark eyes to her face.
“We’ll have to go and see,” she answered. “But maybe they will. We’ll get new ones, though, Philippe. We’ll replace anything that has been burnt.” Arminel looked again at Genevieve. “And why would you have been on the phone when you were frying chips?” she asked, her voice dangerously soft. “Was it Antonio?”
“Yes,” said Genevieve, “And I was only on for a moment or two. I told him I was cooking and he said he’d call back.”
“And how come Philippe had to rescue Lily?” Arminel still spoke very quietly, and Genevieve knew that she was keeping a tight hold on her temper.
“I called the fire brigade,” she explained. “And then I went back and took all the photo albums.” Even as she said it, Genevieve realized how foolish it sounded. She had left Arminel’s children to get out of the burning house while she went back to collect some photos
“So you were more interested in pictures than making sure my children were all right,” said Arminel. “That’s really comforting.”
Mike, who had arrived in time to hear Arminel’s comment, put his hand on her shoulder and gently squeezed it. “Is everyone all right?” he asked, looking anxiously at Lily. “What happened?”
“Genevieve has burnt our house down,” said Arminel, “But there’s no need to worry, all the photos are safe.”
Genevieve got up from the bed and almost flung Lily into Mike’s arms. “Thanks, Arminel,” she said, her voice breaking and tears coming into her eyes. “It’s really difficult trying to be as brilliant as you, and I’m sorry I don’t make the grade.” She left the room, giving the door a resounding slam as she went.

#170: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 3:03 pm

Oh dear.

Thanks Becky.

#171: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 4:06 pm

Oh dear - poor Genevieve.

#172: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 4:11 pm

Meep.... poor Jen.

(I would have saved the books as well as the photos! Laughing

)

#173: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 4:29 pm

Thanks Becky, poor Jen - she was just trying to do what she thought was right in the moment. I hope Arminel doesn't stay too angry at her.

Kathryn

#174: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 6:00 pm

The last installment before we go to the shiny new board! Thanks for all your comments.

Mike looked down at Arminel and gently disentangled Philippe from her lap. “Go after her,” he said firmly. “She’s in shock and you must look after her.”
“After she almost killed my children?” said Arminel furiously. “I don’t think so.”
“We have all been young and foolish,” said Mike quietly. “She’s your sister. Go after her.”
There was no arguing with Mike when he spoke like that, and Arminel found herself meekly leaving the room and going off to find Genevieve. It did not take her long, for her sister was in the waiting area of the emergency department, standing looking out the window, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. Knowing that she would receive one of Dr. Maynard’s infamous ‘little talks’ if she did not comfort her sister, Arminel went over to Genevieve and put an arm around her shoulders.
“I’m sorry,” she said, realizing that she actually meant it. “I should never have said that. Did you get the pictures of Papa?”
“Only once I knew the fire brigade was on its way and the children were out,” said Genevieve, turning to look at Arminel. “I would never have grabbed anything ahead of the children, you know that.”
“I do,” Arminel agreed. “I’m sorry, Jen. I was shocked and I didn’t think about what I was saying. Are you all right? Do you need a doctor to examine you?”
Genevieve shook her head. “It all happened so fast,” she said, wiping a tear from her cheek. “One minute I was saying goodbye to Antoine and the next the kitchen was blazing. Philippe was brilliant, Arminel. He really kept his head. He took Lily straight out, while I called the fire brigade. Then I felt I ought to try to save something, and I just grabbed the photo albums.”
“I’m glad you did,” said Arminel fervently. “I would be really upset if we’d lost all the pictures of Papa.”
At the mention of her father, Genevieve began to cry in earnest. Arminel put both arms around her and held her tightly, smoothing Genevieve’s dark hair and whispering comforting nonsense in her ear, as if she were no older than Philippe. Finally, Genevieve gulped and pulled away a little.
“I’m so sorry, Arminel,” she said sorrowfully.
“Please don’t say that again,” said Arminel firmly. “The children are fine, and so are you. That’s the important thing. I know it was an accident; you would never hurt the children. I’m the one who should be sorry, being so mean to you after all you have just been through.”
Mike came up then, Lily in his arms and Philippe holding his hand. “We’re going to get some lunch in the cafeteria,” he told them. “Why don’t you come and join us?”
“A chap can’t think on an empty stomach,” Philippe added, as if repeating something he had just heard Mike say.
Arminel took Lily from Mike, cuddling her closely and kissing her rosy cheek.
“She’s fine,” Mike said, knowing that Arminel probably wanted to examine the baby herself just to be completely sure she was all right. “I’ve just checked her over.”
They went up to the cafeteria and soon had big plates of chips and sausages before them. Genevieve had protested about Mike’s choice of meal, declaring that she never wanted to see another chip as long as she lived, but they told her that she needed to eat, and she had given way and was tucking in with as much enjoyment as Philippe. Lily sucked happily on a chip, obviously unaffected by the events of the day, much to Arminel’s relief.
Once the others were busy eating, Arminel turned to Mike. “Thank you,” she said softly. “I’m glad you made me go after Jen.”
Mike smiled. “It was the right thing to do,” he said simply. "Arminel, if they discover that you can't stay in your house, you are all very welcome to come and stay at Freudesheim with me. It's a huge house, far too big for me, so you could have one of the wings and all be quite private there. There's plenty of room for you and your parents and Genevieve and anyone else you'd like to come."
"Thank you," said Arminel gratefully. "You are too kind. When my parents come back from Interlaken we'll find out what they plan on doing. If the house is uninhabitable, and you really don't mind, I'd like to come to Freudesheim with the children."
"We're going to go and live at Freudesheim?" asked Philippe, sounding hopeful. "Really, Mum?"
"We might be," answered Arminel. "First we'll have to talk to Gran and Grandpa."
"I really hope we can go," said Philippe, obviously believing that he would be adequately consoled for all that he had lost by Mike's meccano set.

#175: Author: keren, Location: Israel

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 6:08 pm

Such a lovely post

#176: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 7:45 pm

It's frightening how easily accidents like that can happen Rolling Eyes

. Hope that at least this might show Gill that Mike is a decent bloke, and looking forward to reading more of this on the new Board Very Happy

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

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 8:16 pm

I wonder how Gill will reac to Mike's offer. I can see Arminel moving in there anyway, no matter what Gill says.

#178: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 8:30 pm

Thanks, Fatima. I'm glad that everyone has been declared ok and that Genevieve and Arminel have made up.

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

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 9:09 pm

Eeek!!!

Thank goodness Jen and the kids are safe, and I'm glad that Arminel and Jen made up, and that the photos were saved. I just hope Gill won't be angry with Jen. *crosses fingers the house isn't TOO badly damaged*

#180: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 9:14 pm

Thanks Becky - isn't Mike wonderful...sigh...and Philippe is absolutely adorable! I love the way he parrots back things that Mike has said. This seems like the perfect chance for Gill to get to know Mike a bit better and realise how lovely he is underneath.

And now my bath has overrun because I was so caught up in this...oops!

Thank you Very Happy

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

Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 9:31 am

Lovely, thank you Becky.

#182: Author: ibarhis, Location: London

Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 9:44 am

Thank you so much.

#183: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 10:50 am

Thanks, Fatima. As always, this is enthralling. I do feel sorry for poor Genevieve, she'll blame herself for ever.

The CBB -> Starting again at Sarres...

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