Through Thick and Thin
The CBB -> Starting again at Sarres...
#1: Through Thick and Thin Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 4:03 pm

Here we go again...

I also have my completed-but-not-archived drabbles saved on the pc. Once the board gets organised and up and running properly again I'll probably repost them too so they can go in the archive.

Charles and Anna stood a little apart from the others in the airport, but as close to each other as they could.

“I’m going to miss you.” he said, eventually. Anna felt tears welling up in her eyes. “Don’t cry!” he warned. “You’ll set me off! I’m coming to see you at the end of next month, remember? It’s only eight weeks.” Anna fought back her tears and even managed a weak smile as they headed back towards the others. Cecily and Nick had said their goodbyes and were looking impatient. Quickly Anna embraced her mother and Charles, hesitating for a long, lingering moment in his arms and went to join them. Knowing exactly what she was like, Nick put his arm around her at once and, with Cecily on her other side they walked down the long passage to the plane.

“Don’t look back.” Cecily said, catching at Anna’s elbow as they went round the corner. “It’s all going to be fine.” Anna obeyed her without thinking, her mind already dwelling on the homesickness she knew she was going to have to face over the coming weeks.

They found their seats and the plane took off. As she watched the scenery which had become so dear to her fade into the distance, a solitary tear rolled down Anna’s cheek. She blocked out Cecily’s excited chatter and Nick’s calmer replies, and sat motionless on the flight, staring out of the window and desperately trying to hold together her self control.

The flight was quick and before long they were departing in London and collecting their belongings. Nick escorted the girls to the house they were to share with two friends, and then, refusing the invitation to come in, went off to his own, which he was sharing with some of his friends from school.

Cecily unlocked the door, worried over Anna’s continuing silence, and they went inside. After a brief tour of the house they selected their rooms – side by side with a bathroom between them. An identical layout on the other side they left for Elisabeth and Emily, who wouldn’t arrive for another two weeks. Anna went into her room, closing the door behind her, and unzipped her first bag. On the top lay a flat package, with her name on it in Charles’s characteristic scrawl. She opened it curiously, and found a photo of them together, taken by Cecily on New Years’ Eve the previous year, just days before Charles’ accident and in the very earliest stages of their relationship. She looked at it for a long moment, and then carefully placed it on the bedside table. That done, she sank to the floor in a ball and wept broken-heartedly.

Dear Charles,

Well, here we are in London. Thank you so much for your present, it’s sitting on my desk beside me while I’m writing this. Last night was bad – like we expected. I’ve never been so miserable in all my life, but I’m feeling better today (much to Cecily’s relief, I expect). She discovered me crying my heart out in my room and made me go to bed and sleep. I felt better when I woke up this morning – maybe I was just tired last night?

We have the loveliest little house – Elisabeth’s done a fantastic job finding it. Downstairs there’s a kitchen, with space to eat and a little sitting room. There’s also a study-type room but I think we’ll use it as a spare room; otherwise we have nowhere to put people. Upstairs there are four bedrooms – two pairs with a bathroom between each. Cecily and I have taken the front pair, and left the other two for Elisabeth and Emily.

It’s strange being back in England after so long – I keep expecting people to speak to me in German and getting a shock when they don’t. I’ll need to be careful I don’t ask for anything in German – can you just see the face of a bus conductor if I spoke German to him? Especially as I’m quite obviously not! I’d probably get thrown off the bus! But enough nonsense, news!

We went today to register at the colleges. Mine’s about twenty minutes walk away, through a nice park, and Cecily’s is about fifteen in the other direction, through some shops. We went to both together – mine first and then across on the bus to register Cecily. Both colleges were really busy, with hundreds of people everywhere – it was as bad as my first day at the Chalet. Everyone seemed to know what they were doing and where they were going, then there were Cecily and I standing in the middle of it all looking lost. Not for long, however. Your little sister wasn’t a Chalet School Head Girl for nothing. Within ten minutes of being inside the Royal College of Music we were not only in the right line, we had collected another person! I’m serious!

Cecily spotted a girl looking rather lost and lonely, and totally miserable, to be honest. So, C being C, she dragged me over and introduced herself. The girl’s name was Violet, and she plays the flute. She’s living in the University Residences, and she say’s its awful, a tiny pokey little room and hers is cold and damp. Naturally, Cecily adopted her straight away and she spent the rest of the day with us.

Anyway! (I must learn to write letters in a sensible order and not side-track) We got registered and entered Cecily and Vi for practice times (which was another nightmare, because we got lost and wandered round for what felt like hours trying to find the right place, but we managed in the end) and we met some of the music tutors. Cecily’s classes start in two weeks so she has a while to get settled in first, although I think she is going to spend most of it practicing! She heard some of her class mates play today and she was horrified.

My classes start next week and I’m terrified every time I think about it. I didn’t manage to meet anyone from my class when I was registering and I’m convinced they’ll all know each other and I’ll be left standing around on my own. But back to today.

We went exploring after that, around the city. It was strange being with Violet instead of Lois but I suppose we’ll have to get used to it. She’ll be almost in New York by now. Nick has come round tonight and taken Cecily out for a meal. They asked me but I couldn’t have! I’d have been such a spare part. I’ll wait until you come to visit and then go somewhere they recommend. I have to go now, it’s so late, and this is an enormous letter! I expect one back just as long!

All my love, Anna. xx.

Dear Anna,

Glad you seem to be settling in OK. This won’t be the long letter – it’s already after midnight and I want to catch the morning post and get some sleep, so…

Can’t wait to see the house – sounds fantastic. Am snowed under with work as always – this having a dedicated GP in the San seems to be bringing people out of the woodwork with all their little problems! Who would be a doctor?

Hope things go ok at college next week – I’ll be thinking about you. Tell Cecily she needs to study as well as socialise – she’ll never be a concert performer if she goes out for dinner ever night.

Violet sounds nice. Hope you meet loads more people soon and settle in well. Am missing you like mad – everywhere I look there are things that remind me of you and I can’t wait to see you. Am counting down the days.

All my love darling,

Charles.

P.S. Will write you a long letter soon – I promise! Short ones during work time and long ones on my days off, OK?

Dear Lois,

How’s New York? Hope you’re having a fantastic time. Send us some postcards! Would love to see everything.

Our classes started today – loads of things to read up on already, not to mention assignments to do. Cecily has even more than me, but luckily Violet is doing the same course as her so they can help each other through it. I don’t know if Cecily told you about Vi – she’s the girl Cecily adopted on her first day when she thought she looked lonely (wouldn’t Miss Annersley hate that sentence – so many pronouns! I hope you understood!)

Elisabeth and Emily arrive tomorrow – it’ll be nice to have some more people around. Cecily goes out with Nick a lot and they always ask me and I always say no and I don’t mind, Lois, but sometimes it gets a bit lonely at night, compared to school where I was always with other people. I’m just feeling sorry for myself because Charles is so far away.

Nick said if I was writing to you tonight to tell you that he is going to reply to your letter when he gets a chance, but other more important things always seem to come up first. Those were his words, not mine.

There is a bit of a problem, though. I hope you won’t get angry about me asking your advice but I can’t really ask anyone else. Nick seems to spend half his nights here, and he doesn’t always sleep downstairs, if you get my meaning. In fact, I don’t think he has at all. And judging from the noise he and Cecily are coming in drunk most nights. Do you think I should say something to Cecily? I know she’s grown up and allowed to live her own life but if anything goes wrong they could ruin her career.

This has turned into a rather dismal letter and I didn’t mean it to – I must just be feeling a bit down tonight.

Please reply soon - I can’t wait to hear about your adventures,

Anna.

Dear Anna,

This is just a quick note because the postage is so expensive. NY is fantastic! I have never in all my life seen anything like it! Lou having wonderful time too. Have job as waitress – it’s superb. Miss A would be shocked at the language I’m picking up. Glad college is fun – not my cup of tea but have a great time.

Re: idiot brother and friend – am writing to him. Have a word with C if you get a chance and she doesn’t lose her temper. If they won’t see sense it’s their lookout – leave them to it. Don’t worry! It’ll be fine. And obviously don’t tell Charles – would like some brother to come back to!

Missing you all loads – big letter coming with photos when I get paid! Must go now – we’re going roller-skating!

L xx

Lois,

I have spoken to Anna and now I am writing to you. Please do not interfere in the way I choose to live my life. I am an adult and perfectly capable of making my own decisions without any input from with you or Anna. Similarly, leave Nick alone. He showed me the letter you wrote and you had no right to do it. Nor did Anna have any right to tell you anything, and I have told her so.

I don't need your concern, or Anna's and neither does Nick. We know what we're doing. Please do not write again.

Cecily.

Dear Lois,

Well, that was a disaster. Thanks for sending me the letter C sent you – she said much the same to me but it's nice to know we both got it. Although said, I will admit, is an understatement. Screamed would possibly do her more justice. She completely lost her temper, and I'd never seen her do that before. Nick's not happy with us either - I won't write what he said about us but I'm sure you can imagine. The gist of what I got from both of them was to keep my nose out. Well, I will. It's just a shame that it'll be you and I who need to pick up the pieces when something goes wrong.

I can't believe she can't see that we're just concerned for her. She wouldn't even consider that. Nick, I will say, at least looked ashamed of himself for a minute before he decided to shout as well. Well, neither of them are speaking to me now, and a nice atmosphere there is here as a result. To be honest, Lois, I could quite cheerfully slap both of them. Three weeks into the year and already we're fighting. E & E are keeping out - they don't want to be involved and I don't blame them.

They know something’s going on - I think the way Cecily refuses to even admit that I exist has something to do with it. She won't even look at me when she walks past me. I'm swinging between being really angry with both of them, worried about them, and miserable about it. But I am not going to apologise. I was acting out of concern - there was no need for her to react the way she did.

And here I've spent a fortune on postage just to moan to you. Well done Anna. Have a great time at Meg's.

Love,

Anna.

P.S. You – a waitress! You must be mad! You’ll lose all your pay in breakages!


Dear Nick,

If you've opened this (and I think you will have - it you haven't then this will be the most angry you have ever been at me) I'll take it as a positive step. I thought about getting Lou to address the envelope so you didn't throw it out when you saw my writing, but then I realised the American stamp would give it away.

OK, if you're still reading (even more positive) then why are you being so horrible to Anna? I'm not writing to Cecily because she's made it perfectly clear that she wants nothing more to do with me, and to be honest I'm so angry I don't think I could, but you're my twin and as such I can't actually be as angry with you. Well, not much. And not all the time. Also, you can't decide to stop having anything to do with me. (That's what she thinks. – you think. Yes?) I'm probably the only person in the world who loves you more than Cecily does - you're the other half of me. (Ah-ha! That made you think 'well, maybe I'll finish the letter.')

Anyway, to return to the point. I know you're feeling guilty about Anna (For how I know - see above. I always know.). She was only trying to give you some advice on behalf of both of us and you're being horrible to her. If I had been in her shoes, I'd have slapped you both then and there. And I can't believe that you're still not speaking to her. How childish can you get? OK, I know I'm not known for my maturity (see - I prove that I can read your mind from three thousand miles away and a week before you think it!) but honestly, Nick! You and C are behaving like a pair of children, and not at all giving the impression that you are adults qualified to make your own decisions.

Come on Nick - Anna's like a sister to us. We've spent every holiday together for the past four years, almost. Make things up with her, even if Cecily won't. Prove to me that you're more mature than I think you are. And if you want to start shouting again (although I don't think you do) you can write to me. I'm used to it.

Well, if you've got this far I reckon I've got you convinced. I have, haven't I?

Love you too,

Lois.

Dear Lois,

Thanks for whatever you did that made Nick come to see me. He wouldn't tell me, just that it was rather uncomfortable having a twin at times, especially when she chose to know him so well? I don't know what's going on.

Anyway, he turned up last night when Cecily was out at a concert with Vi. It might please you to know that he looked utterly ashamed of himself when he came in and asked Emily very politely if I would mind seeing him. As I had spent three hours writing six lines of essay, I naturally had no problem with seeing him! He apologised for being so immature and gave me a hug, and said he realised we were only trying to help. I admitted that I probably hadn't been as tactful about the whole thing as I could have been, and we agreed that we could go back to the way things were before. He said he couldn't speak for Cecily, though, which it seems was true because she's still sulking. Anyone who says that the Maynard’s don't have a temper doesn't know what they're talking about, that's all I've got to say about it.

So thank you! I can cope as long as at least one of them will speak to me. Now I just have to wait for Cecily to come round. Hopefully nothing awful will happen before she does, but if it did, I'd be hard pushed not to say "I told you so". Now I must go and write this essay! Sometimes I wish I'd done the same as you and would never have to do any learning ever again. My head feels like it's about to explode!

Love, Anna.

Dear Charles,

This will be just a short letter because I'm really busy and I'll be seeing you next week anyway. (10 days!) And there's nothing really happening here - we're all just working and working and working.

I'm well enough, but Cecily's been off ill the last few days. She's been very tired and sick some days as well. She says it's a bug. I think she's been drinking too much, to be honest.

My course is going well - I've had some of my essays back and have had good marks for all of them, so I'm pleased. Lois has left New York and is staying with Meg van Alden - one of the girls we were at school with, do you remember? She and Lois were always friendly.

I think I'll keep the rest of my news until you get here - otherwise I'll have nothing to talk to you about!

Love, Anna.

Dear Anna,

It’s my day off again so here, as always, is your long letter. It’s been mad here the last few weeks – the school have managed to contract German measles, of all things, so we’ve been run off our feet trying to deal with them and our own work as well. Dad’s exhausted; Mamma has sent him to bed today and is telling anyone who phones that he’s not in. I suppose if it’s an emergency I’ll have to go, but it so seldom is, which is the problem.

Phil (Pippa, as she now wishes to be called – wish my sisters would stick to one name!) has just been in to ask me to let you know that Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson have announced their retirement for the end of this year. They all seem very cut up about it, considering how often one or the other seems to be punishing them. She would like to ask you and Cecily for ideas to mark the occasion. I thought they got to Head Girl at that place by showing a bit of intelligence? Why does she need to ask you two?

I’m glad to hear Elisabeth and Emily have arrived to make things a bit more interesting for you – from your letters I gather Cecily and Nick are out more often than they’re in! I hope Cecily’s feeling better – don’t worry about her, it’ll teach her not to drink so much and stay out so late.

Mike turned up the other night – well, at two in the morning. I wasn’t long in from the San and was laying reading, so he climbed up the tree outside my window and scared me half to death by peering in at me. I yelled, he yelled, fell out the tree, and I had to go down and let him in. Amazingly Mamma slept through it all, and Dad was on nightshift. He had an unexpected leave and didn’t think to phone and let us know. It’s been good to see him again though – I haven’t seen him for a year and it’s been rather lonely round here since you four and Felix went away.

Anyway, to go back to that night. We sat up talking until five when I suddenly remembered I had a shift starting at twelve, so went up to bed. Mike stayed up and shocked Dad when he got in from work, then Mamma when she got up. He’s still here and we’re going to do some touring round now I’ve got a few days off. I can’t wait until I can drive again!

On that note, they’ve taken my crutches off me at last and given me walking sticks instead. I feel like I’m about 80 but hopefully it won’t be for long.

Only 10 days until I come over – I’ve missed you so much.

All my love, Charles.

Lois – you will never believe what I did this morning. I was putting my hair up and it was all over the place and I decided then and there that I didn’t want to spend the time putting it up every morning for the rest of my life, so I put it into a plait, put my coat over it and went out.

I went to the hairdresser Elisabeth keeps raving about and told them I wanted it cut off – and they did! It’s wonderful! My head feels so light! I have enclosed a photo for you to see – I can’t wait now for everyone to get here to see what they think.

And Charles comes tonight too – can’t wait!

A.

Anna was sitting anxiously at the sitting room window, watching the cars rush past up and down the street. Every time a taxi turned the corner her heart leapt into her mouth, but they all drove determinedly past the gate.

“The plane’s probably been held up.” Emily said, coming in with some tea. “Have this, and I’m sure he’ll be here soon.” Anna’s new haircut had caused many remarks among her housemates, but after the initial shock they had all declared she suited it shorter. Just as Anna sipped the tea, a black taxi pulled up at the gate and the door opened. With a gasp of pleasure she got to her feet and hurried out of the house, meeting Charles halfway down the path. He stared at her in shock, taking in her new look, but she gave him no chance to say anything as she rushed into his arms.

Anna curled up comfortably in Charles' arms later that evening, enjoying being with him again.

"Happy?" he asked. She nodded. "Have you and Cecily had a fight?" he continued. "You don't seem to be very friendly." Anna thought fast. Why hadn't Cecily managed to look at least slightly happy when they met earlier in the evening? Just to make thins easier for both of them.

"Not a fight, as such." she said. "She's sulking about something I said. She'll come out of it."

"Do you want me to speak to her?"

"No!" the reply was slightly too emphatic and Charles' eyebrows went up.

"Are you sure? What did you say that she's sulking?"

"Yes, I'm sure. She'll come round in the end. Look, I really don't want to talk about it. Let's not waste our weekend discussing Cecily's sulks."

"If you want, then. You can tell me if there's a problem."

"There's not." Anna said firmly. 'And telling you is the last thing I can do.' she added to herself.

Cecily lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, her head spinning. Would Anna tell Charles what they had fallen out over? Why couldn't she just go and talk to her friend? What had made her write such a terrible letter to Lois? Lois had never been in touch since, although both Anna and Nick received fat parcels from her on a regular basis over the past six weeks, full of news. It would take nothing to go and speak to Anna, to give her a hug, to say sorry. Anna would accept, she knew. If only she could get the better of her pride. And the sickness. It wasn't a bug, she knew that. She tried desperately to suppress the thought that insistently lurked at the back of her mind. She should find out, she knew she should. She could hear Anna laughing downstairs with Charles, heard Elisabeth and Emily challenge them to a game.

Would Anna help her? After she had refused to listen to advice, was their friendship strong enough that Anna would support her? She knew Anna must have heard her sometimes, being sick. She had never come to her though. She supposed she only had herself to blame. She had been unfair and pushed Anna away, and she didn't suppose she would get her back until she apologised. There was a knock at the door.

"Cecily?" Emily asked tentatively, pushing the door open. Cecily closed her eyes, pretending to be asleep. "Cecily, are you awake?" she forced herself to stay still. Emily waited for a few seconds and then the door swung closed. Cecily opened her eyes again. They probably wanted her to join their game. She couldn't, though. She couldn't concentrate on anything while she didn't know for sure. How long would it take before It got too obvious? Before she couldn’t hide it any more? Maybe it was just drinking too much, like Elizabeth had suggested. Her thoughts spun again.

Would she have pretended to be asleep if it had been Anna who had come upstairs to find her? If she had, would Anna have fallen for it? She didn't think so. It would have been so easy to ask Emily to get Anna to come to her. It would be so easy to go downstairs and get Anna herself. But Charles was here and she didn't want Anna to resent her for deciding to make it up when she should be with Charles. Would Nick be round? She didn't know. He might turn up later, he had said. Was going out somewhere. He had wanted her to come but she had said she didn't feel up to it. Really she had just wanted to lie and think.

She wished she could go back and begin the last two months again. She would do everything so differently. They had thought they were so safe, but – she forced herself to think of it - they had forgotten one night when they had been drinking. She could remember it so clearly - they had thought it would be ok. She had been sure that it would be ok. After all, only forgetting once. Still, It might still be something else. She clung desperately to that thought for a few seconds, and then her mind jumped again, to the interview she'd had with her tutor earlier in the week.

He had said that her work wasn't up to scholarship standard. That if she didn't pull her socks up they would refuse to have her back after her first year. She knew she wasn't doing as well as she should. It was going out with Nick at night, she knew. It was making her feel ill the next day, and she never seemed to have enough time to do her work properly. She had scribbled things down and handed them in, knowing they were wrong. Thinking about her course brought the conditions of her scholarship to mind. What would happen to that if It was true? She didn't suppose the school had thought of that when they set it up. Would she be able to resume her studies afterwards? She pulled her knees up to her chest and began to cry softly. Matey would call it being a spineless jellyfish, she knew, but she didn't know what to do. She didn't know where to turn, or who could help. She was terrified of It being true, terrified of everything It would mean. Would Nick even still want to be with her? At this last thought the tears came in real earnest. She couldn't imagine being without Nick ever. Surely he would stay with her? Having started to cry, everything that Cecily had been bottling up for the past few weeks came out at once and a wave of misery swept over her.

At this point Anna, who admitted to being awful at monopoly, found herself expertly bankrupted by Elisabeth in under twenty minutes. Aware that the other three would play for a while yet, she excused herself and climbed the stairs to her room, meaning to get her book and read while they played. She went in silently; remembering that Emily had told her Cecily was sleeping. The bathroom door into her room was open, and looking through she saw that so was the one into Cecily's. She left the light off and tiptoes across the carpet to pick up her book from beside the bed.

Cecily turned over violently, and for a moment lost control of herself and a moan escaped her lips, followed by a sob. Anna froze, looking through towards Cecily's room. She knew that Cecily wouldn't want her, but equally she knew that she should go to her. Nobody should be allowed to sound that miserable on their own, Anna thought. She paused at the door between the bathroom and Cecily's room. The lights were out but her eyes had grown accustomed to the gloom and she could see her estranged friend. Cecily was lying on her side, her hands clutching her stomach and her knees drawn up to her chest. Her eyes were tight closed and her face screwed up into an attitude of misery that touched Anna's heart and decided her course of action for her. She seated herself on the edge of Cecily's bed and gently put a hand on her shoulder. Cecily didn't take any notice. Anna took a deep breath to calm herself. The worst that could happen was that Cecily would tell her to leave.

"Cecy?" she said softly, "Cecy, what is it?" Cecily turned towards her, still crying bitterly, and Anna lay down beside her and put her arms around her, thankful that Cecily didn't push her away. Cecily clung to her, crying as Anna had never seen her cry before, and she held her silently until the catches in Cecily's breath showed how near hysterics she was coming. At that point Anna gave her a gentle shake.

"That's enough, Cecily." she said firmly. Cecily gulped hard, but continued to cry. "I mean it." Anna said. "If you don't stop you're going to make yourself ill." Cecily made a tremendous effort and got herself more or less under control, although there were still catches in her breath. Anna brought a sponge soaked in cold water and a towel from the bathroom and bathed and dried her face, then went to the chest of drawers and found a clean pyjama top to replace the soaked one Cecily had on. Cecily lay passively while she worked, only moving when Anna lifted her up to swap the pillows around. Once she was satisfied that Cecily was as comfortable as she could get her, Anna sat back down on the edge of the bed.

"Do you feel ok?" she asked.

"Bit sick." Cecily said quietly. "And my head hurts."

"Lie flat." Anna advised. Cecily did as she said and found that the feeling was much less pronounced.

"Do you want to tell me about it?" Anna asked. Cecily shrugged. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"I doubt it." Cecily said. "Unless you can turn the clock back."

"No." Anna said slowly. "I can't do that. Why do you want to?"

"Because I've been an idiot." Cecily said frankly. Anna smiled.

"Possibly." she said. Cecily looked ashamed.

"I'm sorry for the way I treated you and Lois." she said. Anna shook her head.

"Forget it." she said. Cecily smiled and put one hand out from under the quilt to squeeze Anna's. She still looked distracted, however, and after a few more minutes Anna spoke again.

"What's really bothering you?" she asked.

"Nothing else." Cecily lied. Anna shook her head.

"That's not going to work, Cecy. There's something on your mind and I know there is. Now what is it, while we're on our own and they're all busy with their game?" Cecily stared at the ceiling again. "You'll feel better if you tell me." Anna said coaxingly. "You know you will. Then maybe we can do something about it together." Cecily felt her resolve weakening, but before she could say any more the sickness returned in full force and she rushed towards the bathroom, getting there just in time. Anna followed her and helped her back to bed when it was over.

"It's not a bug, is it?" she asked. "That's what you're not telling me." Cecily looked down at the bed.

"Will it make you feel better to say 'I told you so'?" she asked miserably. Anna sighed, unhappy at having her suspicions confirmed.

"I'm not going to say that." she said. "Is it definite?"

"No." Cecily said. "I'm too scared to find out."

"You have to." Anna said firmly. Cecily nodded.

"Yes, I know. But I'm scared."

“How far do you think it’s got?”

“It was really near the start of the year – just a week or so in. We were drunk and we forgot to…well. I think it must be about eight weeks. But why me, Anna? Why is this happening to me, for one mistake? I mean, hundreds of people must make the same mistake and don’t all get pregnant right away! Why did I?” Anna shrugged.

“Bad luck, I suppose. I don’t know. There’s not much you can do about that now, anyway. Does Nick know?"

"No."

"Are you going to tell him?"

"No."

"At all?"

"Oh, at some point. Not until I've seen a doctor though."

The front door banged just then and Cecily sat up.

"That'll be Nick."

"Do you want me to tell him to go away?"

"No. He can stay. He knows I'm not well, so it'll be ok." Anna got up.

"I'll leave you to it then." she said.


The following morning Anna was woken by now familiar sounds. Deciding it was time she and Cecily sorted things out once and for all, she got out of bed and made her way quickly to the bathroom where she found Cecily sitting on the floor, leaning back against the wall.

“Again?” she asked softly. Cecily nodded, looking miserable. Anna immediately felt relieved that at least she had responded. “Is it over?” Anna asked, holding out a hand. Cecily grasped it and allowed her friend to pull her upright, before sinking back to her knees again as another wave of nausea overtook her. Anna, holding the black curls automatically, decided that it was about time something was done and when Cecily, pale and exhausted, confessed that it was over Anna took her back to her own room and put her into the bed.

“Why in here?” Cecily asked.

“Because I want to talk to you privately.” Anna replied. “You need to see a doctor.”

“We don’t have one.” Cecily said. “And anyway, I can’t stop being sick long enough to go and see one.” Anna took a deep breath.

“There’s one in our spare room.” she pointed out. Cecil shook her head firmly.

“No.” she said. “Not Chas. He’s my brother. And anyway, it’s not like there’s much doubt.”

“No.” Anna said. “But he might be able to give you something for the sickness. And you’ll need somebody later on.” Cecily took a deep breath.

“He’ll tell Mamma and Papa.”

“Not if we tell him not to – I trust him to keep his word.”

“He’ll hurt Nick.”

“He’ll do that regardless when he finds out, and he will someday. It’s inevitable.” Cecily accepted this.

“Ask him to come up.” she said eventually. “I suppose someone will have to know.” Anna nodded and set off downstairs.

Charles was still asleep in the tiny room that they had for guests – just big enough to hold a bed, table and chair – when Anna crept in and shook him gently.

“Charles!” she hissed. “Charles!” he opened his eyes sleepily.

“What is it?” he demanded.

“Can you come to Cecily?” Anna asked. “She’s in my room.” Charles sat up, awake at once.

“I’ll be there in a second.” he replied, reaching for his clothes as he spoke. Anna went back out and ran quickly up the stairs, stopping outside Cecily’s bedroom door. Entering, she felt anger welling up inside her as she saw Nicks brown head on the pillow and she stormed across the room and shook him violently.

“Get up!” she snapped. He jumped awake and stared at her. “Up!” she repeated.

“Why?” he asked, groggily.
“Because I thought you’d rather have your trousers on before Charles starts breaking bits of you.” Anna shot back, spinning on her heel and going back downstairs, passing Charles on the way. He entered Anna’s room and saw his sister lying in the big bed, with an expression on her face which seemed to be a mixture of worry and terror.

“What’s up?” he asked. Cecily gulped.

“I think I might be pregnant.” she whispered. Charles suddenly remembered the words of Anna’s last letter.

“Oh, Cecily.” he groaned. His sister flinched.

“Just tell me Chas, please.” she begged.

“I don’t think I want to.” he said, but moved over to the bed and examined her briefly, asking questions. Cecily lay still, hardly daring to breathe, praying desperately that it wasn’t true. After a few minutes Charles looked up. His face was white and set in anger, and even as Cecily began to cry again he spun on his heel and limped out of the room.

"Where is he?" he demanded, his voice thundering through the house, just as Nick came out of Cecily's room. Without giving himself time to think, Charles lashed out and hit him in the face, and then again in the stomach. Nick doubled up, but held out one hand in front of him.

"Wait." he gasped. Elisabeth and Emily appeared at their bedroom doors and Anna paused half way up the stairs. Charles halted in the middle of a third swing.

"Before you hit me again." Nick said, trying to get his breath back, "And I agree, if it's what I think it must be then I deserve it and nothing you can do will make me feel any worse than I already do, but I want to say two things." he straightened up slowly.

"Go." Charles said.

"First - while I agree that I deserve it, and you have every right to hit me as often as you want - I know how I'd feel if it was Lois - please can we take it outside and away from the girls?"

"Oh, don't do that on our account, it was just getting exciting." Elisabeth said. Cecily appeared in the hallway as well and Anna and Emily both moved to stand on either side of her.

"Second?" Charles asked through gritted teeth,

"Second, if you think that I'm going to run off and leave her to cope, you're sadly mistaken." Nick said. "I love your sister - I'm with her all the way. If she has a baby then I'll be beside her, I'll go with her while she's touring and look after it. I know I've made a mistake Chas, but please, you're my friend." Cecily, working on the assumption that her guess was correct, to judge from the look on her brother's face, suddenly shook off Anna and Emily's hands and went across to stand beside him, putting an arm around him.

"It finishes here." she said quietly. "Chas, you don't lay another finger on him. You've done enough damage. It's done now and we'll have to deal with it and we can't do that on our own. Chas, Anna, I'm going to need your help. Elisabeth and Emily too. But just now, I'm going back to bed. I want to be alone for a while." she went towards her room and then stopped, her eyes meeting Anna's. "Come up in an hour." she said. Her friend nodded and Cecily closed the door behind her. Elisabeth let out a sigh.

"I'm going to put the kettle on." she said. Charles made an indescribable sound, spun on his heel and walked off. They heard the bang of the front door.

"I'm going after him." Nick said.

"You're going nowhere!" Anna replied. "It's emptying down out there - you'll end up back in hospital and that's the last thing anybody needs. Go downstairs and have something to eat." He opened his mouth to argue but she gave him a look so reminiscent of his twin sister that he closed it again and agreed meekly, although he shut himself in the sitting room while the girls ate in the kitchen. When the hour was almost up, Anna got to her feet.

"Make some breakfast for Cecily, Em, will you?" She asked. Elisabeth had gone out shortly before. "I'm going to see him," she jerked her head in the direction of the sitting room "Before I go up."

She went into the room and found Nick sitting motionless on the sofa. Realising suddenly that he was as shocked and upset as Cecily, she sat down beside him and put an arm around him.

"I've been an idiot." he said.

"Yes." she replied. "You have."

"Should've listened to you and Lois." he said, in the same expressionless tone.

"It's too late for that now." Anna replied. "You can't change anything."

"I've ruined her career!" he said. "She knows it, she doesn't even want me." His voice broke on the last words and he slid off the sofa, sitting on the floor at Anna's feet and resting his head in her lap. She stroked his hair, not knowing what to say, until the storm was over and he sat up, looking more natural.

"Go and get some more breakfast." Anna said, looking at the cold meal he had taken an hour before. "I'll go and speak to Cecily." he nodded, looking rather sheepish and obeyed.

"Tell her I love her." he said awkwardly. Anna smiled and nodded.

"Cecily?" Anna said, pushing open the door.

"Is that an hour already?" Cecily asked. "I've been thinking."

"Breakfast." Anna announced, placing the tray on the bed. Cecily smiled at her and picked up a piece of toast.

"I'm not getting rid of it." she said suddenly. "That's what I've decided."

"OK." Anna said, unsure what else to add.

"I didn't want a baby." Cecily continued. "I still don't. But I'm having one and I just have to cope with that."

"You don't have to cope alone." Anna said. "We're all here. Nick's heartbroken, Cecy. He loves you. I love you; Charles would go to the ends of the earth for you." Cecily reached up and gave her a hug.

"I'll get there." she said. "I'll finish this year. Then if I have to take a year or so off I will, and then we can see."

"When's...when's it due?" Anna asked.

"June." Cecily replied. "I think." Anna nodded.

"You'll be just about alright to go home for Christmas then. We'll still be able to hide it if need be." Cecily nodded.

"I will tell them." she said. "But not now - not soon. Nearer the time. Chas won't say anything. I'll make him swear doctor-patient confidentiality if need be. Where is he, anyway?"

"He hasn't come back." Anna said quietly.

"You worried?" Cecily asked. Anna nodded.

"He hasn't walked so long since the accident."

"He'll be ok." Cecily said, comfortingly. "He does this when he's upset - goes off for hours on his own." Anna remembered suddenly what Charles had told her of the night his previous girlfriend had left him as he was about to propose, and how he had walked for hours that night as well, and was slightly comforted.

The door downstairs banged just then and she heard Emily and Nick moving about.

“Oh God!” floated up the stairs, followed by cries of “Anna!” Anna jumped to her feet and raced downstairs, Cecily, struggling madly into a dressing gown, at her heels.

“I knew it was too long.” Anna moaned, regarding Charles who seemed to be upright only with the help of Nick. His face was white and drawn and he looked exhausted, as well as being soaked through. “You idiot!” she added. “Go and get changed, now!” Nick escorted him into the tiny room.

“Still want to hit me?” Nick asked. Charles shook his head.

“Not at the moment.” he said, and then took in the bruise blossoming around Nick’s eye. “Did I do that?” Nick nodded.

“Yep. That was you.” He touched the area gingerly. “I’ll need to come up with a better excuse before Monday!” they laughed.

“I’m still not happy.” Charles said.

“Neither am I!” Nick exclaimed. “It’s hardly how I saw our relationship going – a baby before we’re twenty!” Charles accepted this.

“I suppose.” he held out his hand. “I’m sorry I hit you.” Nick shook it.

“It’s ok.” he said. “I’d have done the same if our positions had been reversed. And I bet it felt good at the time.” he added with a grin. Charles laughed.

“Well, yes. Now would you ask Anna to come in? And put something on that eye!”

Dear Lois,

Well, it’s happened, and they can’t say we didn’t warn them. Cecily’s pregnant, and the baby’s due in June. Feel free to call your brother as many names as you can think of – I have and Charles gave him the best black eye I’ve ever seen. He is genuinely upset and worried though, and it’s not helping that Cecily keeps losing her temper with him.

As you can imagine, it’s all fun and games here at the moment, but luckily we’re going home for Christmas in a few weeks. Hopefully that should sort some things out.

Love A.

Dear Charles,

Christmas is going to be so much fun. Can you hear the sarcasm?

Cecily has had to buy a new dress - she tried hers on yesterday and it was very tight and the bump was very obvious (although it’s still small). I did tell her at the time not to buy such a tight dress, but she wanted to show off her figure – seems rather ironic now. We're going out shopping later - the idea is to get something loose and floaty so that it hides it as much as possible, and if anyone comments she can just say she’s put on some weight. It would be so much easier if she would just tell your parents, but she says she doesn't want to, especially not before Christmas. She thinks they'll take it really badly and it would spoil the day for everyone. I suppose she could be right.

I have a new friend – another member of my course who was feeling rather out of place. His name is Edward (now you see why he feels out of place). He's from the south of England and really nice - we get on really well. Cecily is working even harder than I am to try and keep on top of her work - she's getting up early every morning and going in to practice. She says to tell you she’s feeling much better and she'll write to you soon. I think she's getting used to the idea of having the baby and Nick is being a - what's your mothers phrase? - A solid lump of comfort? He's coming across to take her for lunch every day, since she's generally too tired to go out at night. It means I don't see as much of her during the day, but I've been having lunch with Mirry (the girl I met on my first day) and Edward and Vi and a guy she knows from her course (and she's very keen on).

Jesanne has written to Nick to tell him that they are spending Christmas at Dragon House. Lois is staying in America though. He doesn't want to, I don't think - well, he wants to go home and see Lois, but he doesn't want to leave Cecily. I keep trying to tell him she'll be fine but he doesn't seem convinced. Still, he won't have any choice. Jesanne has said it and you know what she says goes.

I've had a letter from Mother as well. She's talking about selling our house over here and living on the Platz permanently. I'm not sure how I feel about that. All my memories from my childhood are there, and all my memories of Father and Mark, but at the same time I haven't been near it for over four years. I think it will always feel like a prison to me - like it did towards the end. I'd be terrified going back in, thinking I was going to go back to how I was then - feeling like everything was detached from me and that nothing was real. I think I had tried so hard to block out everything so that I could try and get used to it, but it never really worked. I still remember the day Pam came to tell me I was leaving. I think I thought it was a dream - after all, it was what I had dreamed of for so long.

I'm sorry to go on like this - I suppose thinking about selling it made me remember it all the more. I have to finish - I need to get ready to go out. Elisabeth and Emily will be waiting if I don't hurry and Ed and his friends should be here at eight – it’s nearly seven now.

Love, Anna.


Dear Steve and Adrienne,

I know, I know, you see my handwriting (if you can call it that) on the envelope and you think 'idiot, what has he done now?’ Well, it's not so much what I've done this time as what I should do (you see Adrienne - I'm asking before I make a mistake this time - be proud) and I've got loads of time tonight (assuming no one goes and falls off the mountain or finds a flood or an avalanche – just as well the school are indoors tonight!) so I'll try and keep it legible and in a decent order.

I need some advice about Anna. I don’t know what to do any more, and I don’t think I’m what she wants any more.

I suppose it started a week or two before I went to see her, when I overheard a couple of my patients outside my office window. They were discussing what a nice young man I was, and what a nice doctor (don't laugh Steve - I am!). Naturally I was feeling pretty cheered up by all this when suddenly one of them said

"It's such a shame he's a cripple - and that nice James girl feeling she's tied to him, I expect. You'd think her mother would do something."

Bang! Good mood gone. Firstly, I'm certainly not crippled, as you very well know, and secondly, that comment about Anna feeling she had to stay with me. Well, Mike arrived that night (scared the life out me while he did, but that's another story) and I talked it over with him. He said not to worry about it, and he was sure Anna knew her own mind, so I forgot about it (well, mostly). And she seemed pleased to see me when I was over a few weeks ago, so I thought everything was going ok.

But then yesterday I got a letter from her, and every second sentence was about some guy called Edward who's on her course. (OK, not quite – I’m exaggerating.) She goes for lunch with him, goes out with her friends and his at night, studies with him, refers to him as ‘Ed’... you get the picture. And I can see your faces while I'm writing this - you're thinking 'Ah-ha! Chas is jealous.' and yes, Chas is jealous! Why the hell should this guy get to see her everyday and do everything with her when I'm lucky to see her once every two months? And is she going to decide that since he’s there all the time then she’d be better off with him than me?

My first instinct was to jump on a plane to London and sort it out (preferably with my fists), but that's not really possible at the moment (and could possibly be classed as over-reacting). Then I thought I'd ignore it, but I don't know if I can write normally to her, and I don’t want her to think I'm not speaking to her. I can’t just not write for the next three weeks until she gets back. So please help!

Hope you are both doing ok,

Chas.

Hi Chas,

First off - good news. Adrienne's expecting again. A sibling to keep your goddaughter company - and hopefully stop her getting so spoiled. I’m ecstatic, as you can imagine, and Adrienne's not much better. Don't tell the parents and so on yet - we'll tell them a bit later. I eventually got her to agree to me telling you before I burst with excitement.

As far as your problems go - give the girl a break! She's making friends. If they're male, that’s just how it is. A say's that you're far more likely to drive her away by being jealous and over possessive and getting annoyed about it. If you just relax and realise that she's still yours at the moment, and do your best to keep it that way, then it'll be far better all round. She’ll be coming back to you at Christmas, won’t she? I take it her and her mother will be at Freudesheim with the rest of us like they normally are?

You did say you didn't want to tie her down just now – that’s why you didn’t ask her to marry you before you went, remember? And that you wanted her to go to University and live her own life. Well, she is. You can’t complain. And in case you couldn’t tell, that bit was my advice.

Hope it goes ok, and we’ll see you at Christmas,

Steve.

P.S. Having now asked for and received the wisdom of your all-knowing big brother, I presume you’re going to take it?

P.P.S. You’re right – your handwriting is appalling. Is it something they teach you at medical school?

Last edited by Eilidh on Wed Apr 26, 2006 8:13 am; edited 13 times in total

 

#2:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 4:04 pm

Christmas was, as usual, spent at Freudesheim. Jesanne, Nick, and Lois had decided to spend the festive season at Dragon House, however, so Cecily wasn’t as happy as she would otherwise have been. Anna and Charles both watched her anxiously, in case she should give anything away to her family, but as the day wore on they relaxed their vigilance. When Anna and Cecily retired to bed on Christmas Night in the room they had so often shared, Anna thought her friend looked rather pale.

"Are you ok?" she asked. Cecily nodded.

"Just a bit of a stomach ache." she said. "I've probably had too much to eat. Don't worry."

"Are you sure?" Anna asked. "It's not anything more serious?" Cecily shook her head.

"Tell me if it gets any worse." Anna instructed, getting into bed. Cecily followed her example a few minutes later, but while Anna, worn out by her busy day, rapidly fell asleep, Cecily lay awake, one hand resting on her stomach, worrying. Despite what she had told Anna, she was concerned, and she debated whether or not to wake her friend up. She decided against it and lay still, hoping she would be able to sleep. The niggling pain was becoming more insistent however, and she eventually decided to leave Anna sleeping but to go and find Charles, and got out of bed. As she was pulling on her dressing gown, a sharp pain shot through her, making her cry out and double up. Anna woke immediately and was at her side before she had straightened up.

"It's serious, isn't it?" she asked. Cecily nodded, biting her lips to stop herself crying. "Go back to bed." Anna said, helping her across. "I'm going for Charles, I'll be back soon." She threw back the covers and they both stared in horror at the spots of blood on the sheet until another moan from Cecily broke the spell. Hastily helping her into bed, Anna ran through the silent house to Charles' study. She explained quickly and Charles was out of the door almost before she had finished. When they got back to Cecily's room they found that she had given up all pretence and was moaning softly in pain and terror, clutching a pillow to herself. She had tears streaming down her face as Charles, knowing he was too late to take her to the san, tried to do all he could with the small amount of equipment and drugs he and his father kept in the house. Anna sat beside her, holding her hand as Cecily tried to stifle her cries of pain by stuffing the corner of the pillow into her mouth. After what seemed like an eternity to Anna, Charles stood back. Cecily had fallen quiet over the past few minutes, and they both looked at him. Charles shook his head slowly.

"I'm sorry, Cecily." he said, his voice breaking. Cecily looked lost, and followed instructions blindly as Anna helped her get cleaned up and Charles gave her something to make her sleep, before leaving, looking ten years older than he had before. Glancing down to see Cecily already asleep, Anna hurried after him, catching him as he got to his bedroom door. He looked at her silently as she sat down on the side of the bed and held out her arms. Slowly he moved towards her and then almost collapsed on top of her, crying more bitterly than even Cecily had done.

"Why couldn't I help her?" he demanded. "All my work - all my training. Why couldn't I help? Why couldn't I save the baby?" Anna stroked the thick brown hair, not knowing what to say. "I should have been able to help." Charles said.

"You did all you could." Anna said. "Sometimes these things just happen."

"That's rubbish." Charles replied. "They shouldn't."

"I know they shouldn't, but they do." Anna replied. "There was nothing more you could do." Charles looked unconvinced but much calmer, and Anna ventured to suggest that he should get some sleep and eventually was able to return to her own bed where, unable to take her own advice, she lay awake for the rest of the night.

The rest of the holiday seemed like a nightmare to the residents of Freudesheim. Maria and Anna returned to the Elisehutte, although Anna spent most of her days sitting with Cecily or Charles, who found he was being ignored by assorted members of the family.

Charles had taken it upon himself on the morning of 26th December to tell Joey and Jack the news. Joey had been upset, especially at the thought of the suffering Cecily had gone through the night before without her, and had gone immediately to her daughter’s side to comfort her. Jack, however, had lost his temper and refused to have anything to do with either Cecily or Nick, refusing that young man entry into his house ever again. Charles had taken the worst of his rage, trying to keep him away from Cecily, and in the end had taken charge and ordered that Cecily was to be moved to Len’s house on the Rosleinalpe for the rest of her holiday.

She spent the time being thoroughly spoilt by her sister and mother, while Charles stood up to his brothers and father at Freudesheim, reminding them that he had had no right to tell them anything Cecily had asked him to keep from them. Jack had raged continually at his son until Charles’ self control snapped and he had returned the accusations with outbursts of his own. Eventually, Steve and Adrienne cut short their holiday and returned to Paris before New Year. They had supported Charles in his decision and Stephen in his turn had come in for more than his fair share of his father’s anger. Worried about the effect that the continued fighting and upset was having on Adrienne and her baby he calmly removed his family from the scene, informing Charles that he was more than welcome to go with them if he wanted to.

Charles had refused the offer, though wished he hadn’t when Con and Roger had followed suit a few days later and returned with their offspring to the Tiernsee. Felicity coped with the tense atmosphere by spending hours at a time in the school’s dance studio practicing, but even she had had enough by the first few days in January and returned to London with Felix.

Although Cecily was away from the fuss, she knew what was going on and insisted on returning to her studies when Anna did.

“It’ll be easier for everyone else if I’m away.” she explained to her mother. “Papa will stop thinking about it so much and then he and Charles will stop fighting so much.” Privately, Joey doubted that. Jack was struggling to cope with his children – the boys in particular – growing up and becoming adults.

He disapproved of Len because she had insisted on continuing to work when her children were born. Con he approved of because her life was similar to what her mothers had been, although she and Roger were frowned upon because they had decided to take steps to stop them having ay more children. He had no idea of the amount of writing she did, or how much her and Roger’s income was boosted by it. Margot he had always approved of – as a medical missionary, she could do no wrong in her father’s eyes. Stephen and Adrienne he regarded neutrally – he hadn’t been pleased by the idea of their marriage, but had accepted it. Felicity was smiled upon – she had dedicated herself to her career and was becoming almost a household name. Felix had done no wrong that Jack knew of. Cecily would now have gone down further in her father’s estimation. Geoff, Pippa and Claire were still young enough to not have come up against their father. And Charles. Joey thought finally of her second son. He and Jack argued almost continually about whatever they happened to come up against, and Joey knew that the first chance Charles got would see him leaving the san and the Platz. She knew there had to be a way that Jack would see that their children were growing up without resenting them, but she couldn’t find it and hoped against hope that when she did it would not be too late.

Dear Charles,

It was as bad as we thought. Cecily spends all her time in her room and she won't see Nick. I had to break the news - there was no one else. He was devastated, more so because Cecily has pushed him away. I don’t know what to do.

Please help. Cecily’s not speaking, eating, sleeping, anything. What can I do? I’ve tried everything. I’m desperate. Please.

Anna.

Dear Charles,

I did what you suggested and it worked. Elisabeth went to Felix’s flat while Em and I screwed up all our courage and went to the Royal Ballet. We went in asked for Felicity Maynard. A very posh receptionist told us that Mademoiselle Maynard was resting and must not be disturbed by visitors. I begged and begged until she agreed to take a message and I wrote,

Felicity, Please come. Cecily needs you. Anna. I wasn’t sure if she would actually deliver it but Felicity arrived within minutes, wanting to know what was wrong. We got a taxi back (she paid) and I told her how Cecily had been since we got back. She was horrified and as soon as we got to the house she raced upstairs and straight into Cecily’s room. Cecily just looked up, said

“Fliss.” and burst into tears. When Felix got there he made her eat some dinner and then they stayed with her until she went to sleep. Felix stayed for a few days, as it happened – Felicity had to get back to the company but she came over every day until Cecily was back on her feet.

Just to let you know – I’ve totally changed my opinion of Fliss after this. I wasn’t awfully keen on her before, but she’s been an angel about this. Cecily’s much better now, anyway and she’s going beck to classes today, though she still won’t see Nick. I’ll write again at the end of the week and let you know how things are going.

Anna.

Nick picked up the pen, and put it down again. Anna looked anxiously over the top of her book.

"Do you want me to write?" she asked. Nick shook his head.

"I'll do it. I just don't know how."

"She won't mind. She'll understand regardless."

"I know." He picked up the pen again. “Simple and to the point?”

“Sounds good.”

"Lois. Please come. I need you. Nick." Just as he finished the final letter there was a knock at the door. Anna answered it and smiled.

"I didn't think we'd need to write. He's in the sitting room - on your right." Lois dropped her bag on the floor.

"I knew something was wrong." she explained. "I thought it was worth the expense - now why am I here?"

"Cecily lost the baby." Anna said in a low voice. "At Christmas." Lois swallowed.

"Right." she said, attempting to make her voice sound firmer. "It's just as well I came." she pushed open the door and went into the sitting room. Anna heard Nick give a cry of delight, and decided to leave them alone for a while.

She went instead up to Cecily's room.

"Do you want anything?" she asked. There was no response. "Lois is here." silence. "She’ll want to come and see you when she's finished with Nick. Can I tell her it's ok?" A tiny, almost imperceptible shrug. "I guess you don't want to talk yet." More silence. "You know where I am if you need me. Any time." Still more silence. Anna picked up the almost untouched lunch tray and went back downstairs miserably.

"Still nothing?" Emily asked, looking up from her work. She often worked at the kitchen table,
saying that it meant she had more space than in her room.
Anna shook her head, and Emily stretched up in her seat to see the plate on the tray. "She's hardly touched it!" she exclaimed. "And I spent ages on that. Why do we bother?" Anna shrugged and took a seat beside her, looking at the sheets covered in complicated equations.

"Where are the numbers?" she asked. "I mean, I thought maths was numbers." Emily made a face.

"I wish it was." she said. "I've made a mistake somewhere."

"Lois is here." Anna said. Emily nodded.

"I heard her." The twins came into the kitchen just then. Nick looked much better, and his face had lost the drawn look he had worn for the last ten days, since they had returned and Anna had broken the news as gently as she could. Lois, immediately at home, opened the fridge and scowled at it. Then she spotted Cecily's lunch.

"Can I heat this up?" she asked. Emily nodded absently.

"As long as someone enjoys it." She slammed the papers down on the table. "Where is it?"

"Where is what?" Nick asked, leaning on the back of her chair. They were on the same course and often helped each other with their assignments.

"The mistake." Emily said. "I've made one somewhere." Nick leant over her shoulder for a few seconds.

"There." he said, pointing. "You've put those two letters in the wrong place." Emily groaned.

"Thanks." she said, "I'll need to start again now." she sighed and got up. "Run out of paper." she explained. "I'll have to go and buy some. Back shortly."

"How are you now?" Anna asked. Nick sat down on Emily's vacated chair and Lois perched on the worktop.

"Better." he admitted. "How’s Cecily?"

"The same." Anna said. "Not speaking."

"Do you want me to try?" Lois asked. The other two looked at each other.

"You can if you want." Anna said. "I don't know how much luck you'll have, but you can try."

Before Lois had a chance to go upstairs, the door opened again and Felix came in, looking windswept. Lois narrowed her eyes.

“Everyone.” Felix said, by way of greeting. “Lois. What are you doing here?”

“I came to help.” she replied. Felix smiled in the way that was guaranteed to infuriate her and she snapped “I wouldn’t have bothered if I’d known you’d be hanging about.”

“But then you wouldn’t have seen me!” Felix protested. “And its ages since we had a really good fight. I didn’t even see you at Christmas and I was so looking forward to it.”

“It hasn’t been long enough.” Lois replied. “I could quite happily go the rest of my life without seeing you.”

“Now, I don’t believe that.” Felix said slowly, leaning against the wall.

“Not my problem.” Lois returned.

“One of these days you’re gong to realise you’re actually mad about me.” Felix said. As he had intended, Lois rose.

“When Hell freezes over, possibly.” she said. “Until then I’m far more likely to be mad at you, and I’d rather you were in another hemisphere!” and with that she stormed out the room and up the stairs to see Cecily, ignoring his laughter.

“You shouldn’t tease her.” Anna admonished, but she was smiling.

“She enjoys it.” Felix replied complacently.

“No, she actually does believe she hates you.” Nick said. “I’ve heard her on the subject.” Felix shrugged.

“She’s my sister’s friend. She’s no great loss to me personally. No offence, Nick, but if I can amuse myself with her then what harm does it do?”

“You shouldn’t though.” Anna said. “I know you’ve never got on very well but the last few times you’ve seen her you’ve just been trying to make her rise.”

“Would you deny me the pleasure?” Felix asked, looking so pathetic that Anna and Nick both laughed at him and he considered himself forgiven.

Lois returned then.

“Anything?” Nick asked anxiously. She shook her head.

“No. Didn’t even look round when I went in.”

They all looked at each other.

“She’ll get there in her own time.” Felix said eventually.

“I hope so.” Nick replied miserably.

Anna opened her eyes suddenly and rolled over to see the clock, groaning when she saw the time. She lay still, wondering what had woken her, and her attention was caught by quiet footsteps outside her room. Curious as to who was walking around at two in the morning, she got out of bed and went to investigate. It was Cecily, fully dressed including her coat and carrying her shoes, making her way quietly downstairs. Without hesitation, and suddenly feeling much more awake, Anna pulled on some clothes and followed her friend. Cecily had gone out by the time she got to the ground floor, so she quickly shook Lois awake and they followed her.

"Where's she going?" Lois demanded, fifteen minutes later, as they walked. Anna shrugged.

"We can't exactly leave her on her own." she pointed out.

"I know that!" Lois replied. "I feel a bit like a detective." she added. Anna giggled, but just then Cecily turned into a large building, and they exchanged glances.

"That's her music school." Anna explained, as they went in. Cecily, seemingly oblivous to them, led them through the maze of corridors and entered a tiny room.

"She's playing the piano?" Lois exclaimed, as the first notes sounded. "It's half past two in the morning! I'm going home." Anna sat down in the corridor.

"I'm not." she said. Lois looked at her.

"Music means a lot to Cecily." Anna said. "More than anything else in the world - even more than Nick."

"Well, Nick doesn't mean much at all to her, the way she's been treating him." Lois replied.

"You know that's not true." Anna said. "I think, if she's playing, she'll be better when she's finished. She might be ready to talk to us. I'm staying here." Lois sighed and sat down beside her.

"Fine." she said. "We'll wait. But you had better be right."

They sat together in the empty hallway, growing steadily more cold and uncomfortable as the night wore on. Anna's head dropped onto Lois' shoulder and she dozed fitfully. Lois adjusted her position as well as she could and pulled her coat tighter around her, shivering.

"She must have played everything she's ever learnt." Lois groaned after two hours. Anna had woken up again, and the two girls were sitting huddled together, beginning to doubt their plan. Just as Anna opened her mouth to reply, the piano stopped. Both girls got to their feet, stiff and cold. Cecily opened the door of the music room and came face to face with them. She looked more natural, although still very tired.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded. Anna gave Lois a looked that said clearly 'I told you so.' Lois made a face at her.

"We could ask you the same question." Anna replied. Cecily looked at the floor.

"I asked first, though." she pointed out.

"You woke me up. I saw you going out and I followed you to see where you were going." Anna said. "I wanted to make sure you were ok."

"I felt like doing some practice." Cecily said. "I thought it would make me feel better."

"And has it?" Lois asked. Cecily nodded.

"I fell like I've got my head sorted out." she said. Anna smiled.

"Do you want to talk to us now?" she asked. Cecily nodded again.

"If you want to listen." she replied.

"I hate to point out the obvious." Lois began. "but this building was certainly not designed for midnight practicing. It's freezing cold. Can we go home and talk about it there?" The other two agreed.

Lois retired to bed soon after they got in, pointing out that she was still suffering from jet lag. Anna and Cecily talked for a while and then followed her example. Just as Anna was getting into bed, there was a knock at the door and Cecily came in.

"Can I sleep in here too?" she asked. "I keep having nightmares about it. I'd rather be with someone else." Anna nodded and they lay down together.

"Are you going to talk to Nick as well?" she asked. "He's been almost as miserable as you. He needs you." Cecily was quiet.

"I didn't realise." she said eventually. "Have I been selfish?"

"No." Anna said slowly. "But you need to speak to him. Maybe it'll help if you can go through it together."

"He doesn't blame me?" Cecily asked.

"No!" Anna said. "Why should he? He just wants to help you, just like everyone else." Cecily thought this over.

"I'll speak to him in the morning." she said. "Or, later on this morning, since it's nearly six."

"Yes." Anna said. "And I'm going to sleep." And she suited the action to the word. Cecily lay awake for a few minutes, thinking things over, and then followed her example.

Charles arrived for another few days visit in February, without his sticks and fully healed, he told them all proudly. To Anna he seemed distracted; something which got worse when Edward arrived to borrow some notes from her. He didn’t seem to want to talk to her, and eventually she retired to bed early, feeling miserable and unloved, to lie and read until she fell asleep.

Some hours later the door creaked open, and Anna looked up from the book she'd been trying to read, expecting Cecily, and knowing she couldn't discuss anything with her.

"It's me." Emily said. "I saw your light and I guessed you couldn't sleep. Do you want to talk?" Anna put her book to one side, and Emily climbed into bed beside her. "What's wrong?" she asked. "Is it Charles? I noticed he was in a weird mood tonight."

"I suppose." Anna said. It felt strange to be talking about her problems to someone else. She and Emily were friendly, but they never confided in each other. She always went to Cecily, and Cecily came to her. Elisabeth went to Emily. And Emily...Anna paused in her thinking. Who did Emily talk to? She often looked unhappy, but Anna had never seen her talking to anyone about it. "I was wishing Lois was here." she said, honestly. Emily flushed.

"I'm sorry. I'll go." she said. "I can’t measure up to Lois, I know." Anna put out a hand and stopped her.

"I don't know if you can, and Lois isn't here." she pointed out. "And I'm unhappy and you're unhappy. If you go, we'll both lie awake all night. Why don't you stay?" Emily agreed, and lay down, staring at the ceiling. Anna had had many experiences of midnight confessions and reached over and switched off the lamp before lying down beside her.

"So what's wrong?" Emily asked when they were both comfortable. Anna hesitated.

"I don't know. I want...I don't know what I want. Yes I do. I want Charles to treat me like Nick treats Cecily." she said. "Do you know, in all the time we've been together, he's never told me he loves me? I don't think he does. And tonight he was just being strange.”

"Of course he does." Emily argued. "He wouldn't keep coming to visit you here if he didn't. Anyone can see he loves you. And tonight he was jealous of Ed."

"I can't." Anna said stubbornly. "What if he's just using me to keep himself occupied until someone better comes along? And as for being jealous – Ed’s just a friend. Charles knows that. I wouldn’t swap him for Edward in a million years!"

"Why don't you talk to him?" Emily suggested. "That would seem to be the obvious answer, and you could sort out both problems."

"I can't do that!" Anna sounded horrified.

"Why not?"

"I just can't."

"That's not a reason."

"It is."

"No, it isn't. Why don't you?"

"I...I don't know."

"Go now!"

"No! It's one in the morning, Emily! Don't be silly."

"I'm sure he won't mind if you wake him up."

"I'm not going to. But thanks, Em. I hadn’t realised he was jealous."

"It's ok." There was silence for a while. Anna was trying to think of a way to introduce the topic of Emily's problems, and Emily was wondering if she could bring herself to talk about them to anyone. They would probably think she was silly, getting upset over such little things.

"Come on, Em, talk to me." Anna said, eventually. Emily took a deep breath, but remained silent, and Anna twisted round to face her. "What's bothering you?" she asked again. There was no response, and they lapsed into silence again. After a while, still feeling wide awake, Anna tried a different tack. "Is your sister still coming to visit next weekend?" she asked.

"Yes." Emily sounded anything but pleased.

"You don't sound like you're looking forward to it." Anna hazarded.

"I'm not. The last thing I need is another good looking girl around this house flaunting her boyfriend at me." Emily stopped short, gave Anna a horrified glance, and burst into tears. Anna wriggled around until she could get her arms around Emily and then lay holding her for what seemed like an eternity while she cried. Eventually, when the storm seemed to be passing, Emily lifted rather ashamed eyes to Anna's face.

"Feeling better?" Anna asked. Emily shrugged. "Listen, I want to know what you meant. You can't offend me - just talk to me. It'll help, I promise." Emily looked at her again.

"It's true." she said, defensively. "You and Cecily and Elisabeth are always so perfect looking and Nick and Charles and whoever Elisabeth has on the go are always around, or writing, or phoning. And I always look awful and what man would be interested in me? And then at home I have five sisters – all younger than me, and they're all going to be the same. Helen already is." Anna lay silent. "I have offended you." Emily said. "I knew I would."

"You haven't." Anna replied. "I just don't know what to say. Or do. How can we make you feel better? I'm sorry I didn't realise you were unhappy earlier." Emily shook her head.

"Why should you have?" Anna was still thinking.

"What if we tried to make you feel better about yourself?" she suggested. "I mean - you could get your hair cut, Cecily could show you some things with her makeup - she won't mind, she showed Lois and I! She's the one with seven older sisters, remember?"

"Seven?" Emily was momentarily distracted. Anna thought.

"Yes - if you include all the adoptee’s. Len, Con, Margot, Ruey, Adrienne, Erica and Felicity. But what about it? And then we'll see about introducing you to some eligible young men!" Even in the dark room she could see the horrified expression on Emily's face. "Well how did you expect to meet them?" she demanded. "Look, Emily, we're your friends. We'll help. Why don't you go back to bed and get some sleep, and we'll start tomorrow." Emily agreed, her mind whirling and her head aching from her crying. Anna, unsure if she would even be able to find her own room, got up as well and saw her safely into bed before she left her. As she made her way back to her own room she hesitated at the top of the stairs.

"No time like the present." she said firmly, and forgetting that she was wearing only her pyjamas she made her way downstairs.

"Charles!" she hissed, leaning over the side of the bed. "Charles, wake up!" he opened his eyes suddenly, worried.

"What's wrong?" he demanded, sitting up. "What are you doing here? What time is it?"

"About two." Anna replied. "Nothing's wrong, I have to ask you something." Charles rolled his eyes.

"Couldn't it have waited? Even for four hours or so? Until a semi-civilised hour?" Anna shook her head, her teeth chattering.

"You're freezing!" Charles exclaimed. "Where's your dressing gown? And what have you got on your feet?" Anna held up one bare foot for his inspection. He hesitated for a few moments, and then threw back a corner of the quilt. "Get in." he instructed. Anna stared at him for a few second, realising that he was only wearing a pair of shorts, and then obeyed. Charles insisted she lay down, and made sure she was warming up before he returned to the original subject. "Right then." he said. "What was so important that you've come down here at two o’clock on a February morning to ask me without a dressing gown on?" Anna sighed. It sounded silly to her now that she was lying here beside him, and he sounded annoyed with her.

"Are you annoyed?" she asked. Charles sighed.

"No." he said, wrapping an arm around her. "I'm not. But I will be if you don't tell me soon!"

"Do you love me?" Anna asked, nervously. Charles stared at her in disbelief, and for a second she thought she'd got it all wrong.

"You ridiculous woman!" he said at last, but he was smiling. "Of course I do! Didn't you know?" Anna shook her head.

"You never said." she replied. Charles looked ashamed.

"I'm sorry. I'm not very good at telling people that sort of thing. I just assumed you knew." Anna shook her head again.

"I'm not a mind reader." she pointed out. Charles twisted her head round and looked into her eyes.

"I love you, Anna James." he said. Anna felt almost unbearably happy.

"I love you too, Charles Maynard." she replied, and kissed him.

After a few minutes Charles drew away with a groan.

"What's wrong?" Anna asked, anxious. He shook his head.

"Nothing’s wrong. You're going to have to go." he said. She refused.

"No. Why should I? You're the only one who sleeps in here - Elisabeth's boyfriends and Nick have all slept upstairs. I'd like you to do that as well." Charles shook his head.

"No, Anna, I can't." Anna sat up.

"Why not? You're not going to try and tell me you never have before! Adrienne told me what you were like at Uni." Charles silently cursed Adrienne, and then Stephen, who had presumably passed on the information in the first place.

"No, I'm not. But you're...you're different."

"Don't you want to?" Anna asked.

"No, it's not that! I just...you're...do you understand what you're saying, Anna?" Anna nodded.

"I'm saying that I want you to come upstairs to my room. I want to fall asleep in your arms and wake up in them. I don't think I want anything else - not yet. I'm too scared by what happened to Cecily. But I’m willing to talk it over and I do want you to come with me. Or I'll stay here all night and it'll be far less comfortable." Charles gave in.

Cecily raised her eyebrows the following morning when she saw Charles emerging from Anna's room, but where she would have previously teased she remained silent. Charles realised that she had grown up - had had to – but he felt regret that all her sense of fun seemed to have gone. He suspected some of it might come back over time, but knew she would never be so carefree again. Emily had seized the chance to talk to Felix, whom she found at the breakfast table explaining that there was nothing in his flat to eat, and he and Charles disappeared out for the morning. Anna and Emily then went to the same hairdresser who had cut Anna's hair off, and Emily had her own heavy locks cut into a shorter, more flattering style.

The haircut over, Anna handed her over to Elisabeth, who marched her friend off to the shops. By the time they returned, heavily laden with bags, and with Emily's bank account a good deal lighter, Cecily was ready. Anna had explained to her what was wanted and they had covered the kitchen table in all the make up the three of them owned. Elisabeth seated herself at the table with Cecily and Emily while Anna perched on the worktop, and as Cecily
worked steadily they discussed the relative merits of all the single young men they knew. Emily protested wildly at most of the names suggested, pointing out that they wouldn't be interested in her, but the other three cried her down. It seemed they were right as when they finally sat down to lunch with Emily in new clothes, new haircut, and with the minimum amount of make up that she and Cecily had compromised on, she looked like a different person.

"The test." Cecily said with a grin as the front door slammed and Charles and Felix returned. Charles raised his eyebrows when he saw the new Emily, but Felix stopped dead in the doorway, unable to reconcile the Emily sitting in front of him to the one he had been talking to that morning.

"What's this in aid of?" he asked, when Cecily began to giggle at the look on his face.

"We felt like it." Elisabeth said, calmly. "What do you think?"

"I think she looks amazing." Felix replied. Emily blushed. "I think I'm going to look like a bit of a fool now, but do you want to come out to dinner with me tonight? I promise I was going to ask you anyway - it's not just because of your transformation." Emily turned even redder.

"I'd like that." she said softly. Under the table she caught Anna's hand and gave it a delighted squeeze.

"I'll be in alone tonight then." Elisabeth said. "Why can I have men all year round but not on Valentines Day?"

"We're not going anywhere, are we?" Anna asked Charles.

"Don't be ridiculous." he replied. "Of course we are!" Elisabeth’s face fell even further, while Anna's lit up. She and Charles spent the afternoon in London, while Felix returned to his flat and the other girls occupied themselves at home.

"Is Felix really interested in Emily?" she asked. Charles nodded.

"Why else is he turning up at yours before breakfast? He hardly likely to be after Elisabeth, is he?"

"He might have been." Anna said. Charles laughed.

"She's a bit...Amazonian...for Felix, I think. No, he spent all morning trying to figure out how to invite Emily out for dinner - driving me up the wall in the process, I might add, and then we got back and found her looking like that! You all made some difference!" Anna laughed.

"She needed her self-confidence boosting a bit."

They returned to the house in good time, and Charles shut himself in the sitting room with a newspaper while Anna joined Cecily and Emily in getting ready to go out, although most of their efforts were concentrated on Emily.

When Anna and Charles returned, late that night, they were forced to wait patiently around the corner from the house while Felix and Emily occupied the doorstep, effectively blocking any entrance. Eventually, seeing that they were well occupied, Anna led the way around the back of the house and in through the kitchen, where they found Cecily. Charles, who had had far too much to drink and was uncomfortably aware of that fact, vanished upstairs while Anna went to see her friend.

"Where's Nick?" she asked, accepting the glass of water Cecily held out.

"He went home." Cecily replied. "Where did Charles go?" Anna pointed at the ceiling. "Is he drunk?"

"Yep." Cecily grinned.

"Good night then?" Anna nodded.

"And for Em as well - we had to come round the back because they're blocking the front door." Cecily laughed.

"Listen, Anna. Charles is staying in your room, right?"

"Yes." Anna said firmly. "Why? Is there a problem?"

"No, I didn't mean that." Cecily said, wishing she'd left this until another time. Anna had a tendency to be rather argumentative and on occasion unkind when she'd been drinking, and Cecily was in no mood for a confrontation. "I just wanted to say, don't...well."

"Don't do anything you wouldn't do? What exactly does that rule out?" Cecily flushed and looked at the floor, biting her lips, and Anna was immediately sorry. "Cecily, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that." she said. Cecily turned her head away, but Anna gave her a hug. "Please, Cecily. I'm sorry. I've had too much to drink and I'm going to bed. I'll see you in the morning."

"I was only trying to help." Cecily said quietly.

"I know. I'm sorry." Anna repeated again. Cecily didn't respond, and after a few seconds Anna - scared she was going to say something else she would regret - decided to leave it until the morning and went upstairs, where she found Charles already in bed and asleep and quickly joined him.

The following day was spent quietly, and in the evening Charles took a taxi back to the airport, reflecting as he boarded the plane that he hadn't managed to work up the courage or find the right moment to propose, despite his vow to do it when he got rid of his sticks.
"Still a coward." He told his reflection in the window as the plane taxied out of the airport. "Maybe next time."

Elisabeth, leaning on the bar and flirting idly with the handsome young man beside her, kept one eye on her housemate whom she had just spotted on the other side of the room. Anna was with some of the people from her course, sitting between a red-haired girl who Elisabeth guessed to be Mirry, and a tall young man with curling brown hair who she knew was Edward. She could see Anna had had rather a lot to drink, and was watching her as she flirted outrageously with him.

"Em?" Elisabeth asked, eventually, excusing herself from the young man. Emily and Felix looked up. "What do you think of this?" Elisabeth continued. It was against her best principles to do it, as normally she believed that everyone should be left to make their own mistakes, but she could well imagine the scene with Cecily if a drunken Anna continued the way she was going.

"I know what I think of it." Felix muttered. "I think that's not my brother."

"I didn't ask you." Elisabeth replied. "Em, what do you think?" Emily shrugged.

"She's not doing any harm." she pointed out. "It's not like she's seen Charles for weeks. She's only flirting."

"He's not chatting up other women though." Felix defended his brother.

"You don't know that." Elisabeth retorted. "Just shut up for a bit!" the two girls watched Anna for another few minutes. Edward was leaning closer to her now, obviously unable to believe his luck.

"Can't you just go in and drag her out?" Felix asked impatiently.

"No!" the word came in chorus, and Emily sat down on his knee so he couldn't do it himself.

"Why not?" Felix asked. "He's going to kiss her. Anyone can see that."

"I've got faith in her to pull away. She won't do it." Emily said. "And if we go barging in and drag her away we're interfering, and Liz doesn't approve of that."

"I can't sit here and watch this." Felix said. "She's going to break my brother's heart and you two are just going to stand here and let her?"

Emily and Elisabeth exchanged glances.

"You do it if you want." Elisabeth said. "You know I don't think you should." Emily got to her feet.

"He's right, Liz. We can't let her do this." Followed by Felix, she began to push her way through the crowded room. Elisabeth watched them, and Anna. Before they got to her, Edward had kissed her. Elisabeth took a deep breath. Anna was making no effort to pull away from him, and gave no sign that she even remembered Charles' existence. Elisabeth gave a groan. Quite apart from thinking that Charles was a nice person whom she got on well with, she knew exactly what effect this was going to have in their little house. Finishing her drink, she went to join Emily and Felix. They were standing a little distance away from Anna and her friends, and Emily seemed to be having problems in stopping Felix hitting someone. Elisabeth strolled up to the table and banged her hand on it, making everyone jump.

"Time to go, Anna." she said, in her best head girl voice. Anna looked up.

"I'm not ready." she said.

"Yes you are." Elisabeth replied, pulling the other girl to her feet. "You're in enough trouble already, come on. We've got a lot of sorting out to do in the morning. Assuming you can even get out of bed in the morning" She helped Anna into her coat and scarf, ignoring her protests. "Do you see that blond guy by the door?" she asked Edward, who was protesting at her removal of Anna from the party.

"What about him?" he asked.

"He'd quite like to kill you." Elisabeth said calmly, ushering Anna out of the bar.

Anna stopped outside the kitchen door. From the sounds of it, there was a free fight raging inside.

"Of course I'm going to tell him!" That was Felix, and her heart sank.

"Shouldn't you let her do it?" Elizabeth, Anna could picture her leaning against the worktop, examining her long nails.

"As if she will." Felix again.

"She will if she knows the alternative is you doing it." That was Emily.

"I still don't understand what happened." Cecily said plaintively. "One minute, I'm asleep, the next you all come bursting in shouting. What happened and why did you bring Anna back with you? What has she done?"

"That might get us somewhere." Nick agreed. Anna stood rooted to the spot as Elisabeth, after shushing Felix, retold her doing of the night before. When she had finished there was a silence.

"I see." Cecily said eventually. Anna let out the breath she had been holding, and tried to bring herself to open the door. Eventually she managed, and forced herself to walk into the room through all their gazes. Except Felix's, she realised. He had his eyes fixed firmly on the mug in his hand. Cecily's gaze was hostile, Nick's puzzled. Emily looked concerned and Elisabeth just curious. Anna poured herself a coffee, picked up a slice of toast, and seated herself in the corner.

"Don't let me stop your conversation." she said. The others looked at each other. Elisabeth was the first to pick up the threads.

"Well, now you've heard." she said to Cecily and Nick. "What do you think?" Nick looked at Anna.

"Why did you do it?" he asked. She shrugged.

"I didn't mean to." she said, and even Felix smiled at the excuse. "No, I didn't!" Anna said. "I'd had too much to drink, I was getting carried away. I'm sorry." This last was addressed to Felix and Cecily.

"Not much point in saying sorry to us." Felix muttered. Cecily looked more forgiving though.

"You have to tell Charles." she said. "I know you didn't mean it. It was still wrong, though!" she added, and for a moment Anna felt like a middle being summoned before the Head Girl.

"I know I have to tell him." she replied, ignoring Felix. "I’ll do it next weekend. He'll be here on Thursday night. It can wait that long." Cecily nodded.

"I agree." she said. "I don't think you did anything right last night, but it was an accident. I can see that. I just hope Charles can." Felix got to his feet at that point and stormed out. Emily, looking annoyed, followed him, and Elisabeth picked up her bag and departed to work.

"You're really not angry?" Anna asked. Cecily shook her head.

"No point, is there?" she said. "I mean, it's done now. And you didn't do anything to me. We won't mention it again until you've spoken to Charles." and her tone as well as her words implied that the discussion was over.

On the Thursday evening, Anna waited anxiously and guiltily for Charles' arrival. The enormous hug he gave her, and his obvious delight at being back with her, made her feel even worse, and she ushered him into the sitting room.

"I have something to tell you." she began.

Anna stared nervously at the back of Charles' head. She had broken the news as well as she could, but she didn't think she would ever forgive herself for the hurt look that had come over his face. He had gone away from her and was standing staring out of the window, motionless. She felt tears pricking at the back of her eyes and buried her face in a cushion to try and hide them.

Charles stood still, seeing nothing. His head felt as though it was spinning. He heard a stifled sob from Anna and felt a momentary surge of satisfaction. As least she was hurting as much as he was. He knew he should forgive her, knew it had been a mistake, but he couldn't bring himself to say the words. Instead,

"I'll leave on the first plane in the morning." he said, shocking himself with how cold and calm he sounded. "In the meantime I'll move my things downstairs." Another sob from Anna. He turned around to face her as she lifted her face from the cushion and he was shocked by the distress it showed.

"Please don't." she said, her voice trembling. "Please. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Charles' heart softened, but his pride wouldn't let him give way.

"You should have thought about that beforehand." he said coolly. "It's late and I'm tired. I'll move my things and then go to bed." Anna stayed where she was until she heard the spare room door close, and then ran upstairs, almost knocking over Emily and Cecily and jumped into her bed, pulling her quilt over her head and bursting into tears.

Charles tossed and turned. Despite what he had told Anna, he didn't feel the least bit tired, and was finding it impossible to get comfortable. He switched on the lamp, and saw that it was 3am, and groaned. His conscience was also busily at work. The room was directly underneath Anna's and he had heard her crying well into the night. The noises had ceased for the last hour or so, but the fact that she had presumably cried herself to sleep over him made him feel incredibly guilty. He knew that he wanted to forgive her. Yes, she had hurt him dreadfully, but the obvious remorse she had shown had gone a long way towards mending that hurt. Unfortunately his pride still stood in the way, and being a Maynard, he knew there was little chance of him defeating it. Besides, he was still angry with her. He made a decision, turned over, and tried again to go to sleep.

The following morning Charles rose early, wrote a note to Cecily which he left on the kitchen table, and called a taxi.

“The airport, please.” he said, when it arrived. From her bedroom window, Anna watched him go. That evening, she phoned Edward, and joined him, Cecily and Nick on a night out, hating herself every time she touched him.

Charles threw himself into the plane seat and looked out at the rapidly darkening afternoon. There had been no flights available until the evening, so he had spent the day wandering in the city, and several times had been tempted to go back and forgive Anna. With the daylight fading, however, his anger towards her had returned and he found himself turning her words of the night before over and over in his head. An accident? He didn't believe these things could happen by accident. And if she loved him as much as she said, why had she done it in the first place?

"Drink?" the stewardess asked. Charles accepted, and was handed a large measure of whisky, which he drank in one go.

"You looked like you needed that." a familiar voice said beside him, as a woman slid into the next seat. Charles looked round.

"I did." he said.

"Charles!" she exclaimed.

"Claire." Charles responded, unenthusiastically. "What are you doing here?"

"Don't sound so pleased to see me." she said, looking hurt. She waved her hand to the stewardess and got them another drink. "I'm please to see you." she continued, putting her hand on his arm. "The same as you I expect - going to Basle. I've got a meeting there on Monday. I've missed you."

"You left me." he pointed out.

"Yes, I know, but that didn't work out. And then I looked for you and no one had a clue where you were!" Charles had never thought before what his friends in England must have thought when his brothers bundled him back to Switzerland. "They thought you might have gone home, but since all we knew was that it was somewhere in Switzerland, and near a Sanatorium, we didn't get far." No, she never had been able to remember the name. He didn't think she had looked to hard, though. After all, she knew his name and his father was well known in medical circles. If she had wanted to she could have found him. Unfortunately, this small voice of sense was being rapidly drowned by alcohol and she was continuing. "I have missed you. I made a mistake that night. Maybe we could give it another chance?"

"Maybe." Charles heard himself say. Her fingers traced a pattern on his thigh as she ordered yet another drink.

"It'll be dark when we get to Basle." she said. "Where are you going to?"

"Train to Interlaken." Charles replied.

"You could get one in the morning." Claire suggested. "I don't have to be anywhere until tomorrow evening." Charles downed another drink, adding more fuel to his resentment of Anna.

"Why not?" he agreed.

They checked into a hotel in the centre of the city, and found their room, as soon as they were inside, Claire kissed him passionately, and Charles suddenly remembered all the reasons he had wanted to marry her. All thoughts of Anna gone, he returned the kiss before retiring to the bathroom for a shower. He relaxed in the hot water, decidedly tipsy, but feeling his bad mood lift. He leant back, accidentally leaning on the temperature control. The water immediately turned icy, drenching him, and sobering him up considerably. With a curse he jumped out, just as Claire, half undressed, opened the door to see what the problem was. Embarrassed, Charles seized a towel, and she raised her eyebrows at him.

"Since when were you shy?" she asked. "I don't remember that." He made his way into the bedroom and rummaged in his bag. His hand suddenly closed on the box containing Anna's engagement ring, which he had been carrying with him, hoping that a suitable moment would arise. He felt suddenly and incredibly guilty at what he had almost done. How could he condemn Anna, when he had been going to do so much worse? He pulled his clothes on.

"Claire, I can't do this." he said. She looked angry.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm with - I was with someone else."

"Was."

"Yes. It was a mistake. I should never have left her. I can't do it, I'm sorry."

"Even if you do have someone else, that never stopped you before. I remember what you were like, Charles. And she's not here."

"It's different now. She's different."

"No. You're different. You've changed."

"I've grown up." Charles said calmly, picking up his bag and leaving the room. Claire chased him, continuing to talk, until her got to the kerb and hailed a taxi. As it pulled up she grabbed him and kissed him again.

"That's what you could have had, Charles."

"That's not what I want though." he said, and got into the car. "Bahnhoff, bitte."

On the opposite side of the road, a young woman who had paused to adjust her shoe had seen, but not heard, the whole exchange. She watched them thoughtfully, until her friend called to her.

"Come on, Carlotta! What are you staring at?"

Dear Cecily,

Has something gone wrong between Charles and Anna? The last I heard he was crazy about her, but when I was on my way home one night last week I saw him coming out of a hotel, kissing someone else, and then getting into a taxi.

I don't want to cause problems, but Anna's my friend and no one is going to cheat on her and get away with it, your brother or not! I'll leave it up to you if you let her know or not, you probably have a better idea of what’s been going on than I do. Its ages since I heard from either of you, although I did get a postcard from Lois last week. She sounds like she's having a great time!

We will have to meet up over the summer. It's a shame you were too ill to come to Basle at Christmas. Mater and Gretchen send their love.

Love,

Lotta.

Anna read the letter Cecily gave her and handed it back without comment. It had taken Cecily almost a week to pluck up the courage to show Carlotta's letter to her friend, and the term was almost over. Anna had spent the past few weeks sunk in silence, barely talking to any of them and shutting herself in her room at night to study. For the first time Cecily noticed the photo of Charles was gone from Anna's desk and she wondered what had happened to it.

"I thought you should know." Cecily said awkwardly. " I don't think what you did was right, but I think Charles should have seen that it was an accident. Emily says he's always been jealous of Ed?" Anna nodded. "That could explain it. But this isn't right." she waved the paper "It's not Charles. You know that!"

"Carlotta knows Charles when she sees him." Anna said, deliberately misunderstanding.

"I mean it's not the sort of thing he would do." Cecily said, annoyed. "It's ridiculous!"

"It's nothing to do with me." Anna said. "Charles is nothing to do with me. He's your brother, nothing else." She was amazed at how easily the words came out.

"Anna, please." Cecily said. "Give him a chance. He might have an explanation."

"Cecily, this hasn't upset me." Anna lied. "This happened after Charles left me. He had every right to do whatever he liked with whoever he liked."

"You're lying." Cecily said. "I can see its upset you. The whole things upsetting you, Anna, why don't you write to him?"

"He'll write to me if he wants to." Anna replied. "Now, I have to study." She turned her attention back to her books and Cecily left the room in a temper. As soon as she was gone, Anna pulled open the drawer of her desk and stared miserably at the photo inside.

“How am I going to fix this?” she asked. “Or don’t you want it fixed? Who were you with? And what did you do?” and with this final, most important question, she closed the drawer again and tried to focus on her notes.

"Charles? It's Cecily." Cecily kept her voice low. Anna was asleep upstairs, Emily had reported, but she saw no point in taking chances.

"What is it?" he sounded tired, she thought, and unhappy.

"I've had a letter from Carlotta von Ahlen. She saw you in Basle a few weeks ago - the weekend you left here." there was a dull thud, as if Charles had just hit his head off the wall.

"Did she?" Charles fought to keep the note of panic out of his voice.

"Yes. Coming out of a hotel with a woman."

"Oh."

"Please tell me it wasn't what it looked like." There was a silence. "Chas?"

"Cecily, it's complicated. I can't explain just now, I'm on the phone in the hall." There was a lengthy pause while Cecily aired the full extent of the vocabulary she had picked up since leaving school, causing Charles to raise his eyebrows, and then asked;

"Did you sleep with that woman?"

"Cecily, not here! I told you, I’m in the hall. Anyone can hear me."

"Did you? Yes or no? No one can hear me."

"No."

"Did you do anything with her that I wouldn't approve of?"

"That covers everything but polite conversation, doesn't it?"

"More or less."

"Yes, then."

"Were you drunk?"

"A bit."

“How big a bit?”

“Quite a lot.”

"Did you kiss her?"

"Yes."

"More than once?"

"Yes."

"You haven't got a leg to stand on any more Chas. Tell me how that was any different from what Anna did?"

"I know, I know."

"You owe Anna an apology."

"Yes, I know."

"And you better hope she forgives you."

"She knows?" This time there was definite panic in Charles’ voice.

"I showed her Carlotta's letter."

"Why?"

"I thought she should see that you're not any better than she is – if anything worse. Did you even know her?"

"Cecily!"

"Did you?"

"Of course I did! What sort of person do you think I am?"

"Who was she?"

"You don't need to know that. You don't know her."

“Chas…”

“Someone I knew a long time ago.”

“Why haven’t you written to her?” There was a lengthy pause

“I didn’t know what to write.” And I didn’t want to get the letter back unopened, he added silently. That would make me feel even worse than I already do.

"Can I tell Anna what you've told me?"

"I’d rather do it myself. I’ll speak to her over the holidays."

“Sure?”

“Sure.”

Charles glanced down at his watch, and spared a second to think of Anna going into her penultimate exam and silently wish her luck, and then tried to force her out of his head, reflecting on the fact that the weeks that had passed since he had last seen her had been among the worst of his life. He was about to turn back to his notes when he heard running feet in the corridor and jumped up, dragging on his coat. Sure enough, the door burst open after a hasty knock and he found himself summoned to a new patient.

"...collapsed...friend found her....brought her straight here...they don't think she'll make it..." the words gasped out by the flustered nurse washed over him as he strode through the corridors and halted at the door of the room where the San's newest patient had been admitted. Matron Graves was bent over her, and as she straightened up Charles read everything there was to know in her face. He looked at the woman lying in the bed and turned away for a second.

"I can't do this." he said to the corridor at large. His father, who was passing, looked over him into the room and paused. Charles glanced up. "I can't do it." he said. "What if I can't save her? What will Anna think?" Jack put a hand on his shoulder.

"You don't have any choice, Chas." he said. "It could be worse. Do your best. You'll be ok." Charles looked up at the older man, took a deep breath and walked across the room to Maria's bedside.

She smiled weakly up at him as he stood beside her.

"Hello Charles." her voice was quiet and weak. "You'll need to get someone to call Anna." Charles nodded, and turned to one of the nurses, but Maria spoke again. "Not today, though. Tomorrow, after her exam. I don't want her to fail anything. And I don't want her worrying, so someone can phone tomorrow and she can come home then." Charles opened his mouth to argue, but the expression on Maria's face said that everything was settled, and he knew that Maria was well aware that she would never walk out of the San. They exchanged a look of mutual understanding, and Charles walked across the room and closed the door.

"Thank you." Maria said. "Now I can be honest. I'm not getting better. I don't want to." Charles looked down at her with a mixture of amazement and disbelief.

"What about Anna?" he asked. "You don't even want to get better for her?" Maria reached out and gripped his hand.

"You'll look after her." she said. It was a statement of fact. "I can trust her to you and Jesanne. I'm selfish, I know. I always have been. That's why I gave her such a horrible upbringing. She'll be fine with you. I know you'll always look after her."

"Anna and I aren't even together any more." Charles argued. "And we hardly parted in the best of circumstances." Maria waved a hand dismissively.

"Irrelevant." she said. "She loves you. I've had frequent lengthy letters from her on the subject over the past few weeks - general theme on how much she loves you and how miserable she is interspersed with how she knows she should be angry with you but can't be. And occasionally a few paragraphs on Maynard pride and how much she hates it." Charles smiled despite himself, and the sick woman in the bed smiled back.

"This Maynard has no pride left." he said honestly. Maria nodded.

“Have you written to her?” she asked. Charles nodded.

“I left it at the Elisehutte on my way to work.” Charles replied. “So that she can get it when she comes home.”

"I'm pleased to hear it. I'll speak to her." she promised. "If I have time. She'll come straight here?"

"I don't think she'd have it any other way." Charles said. "I'll get the nurse to come now." Maria nodded and lay looking at the ceiling, as Charles went away trying to decide if she was being courageous or selfish, and trying to stop himself wondering if Anna would take him back, even although he was well aware that he didn't deserve to be taken.

"You'd have to be the luckiest man alive." he told his reflection as he passed a window. "Do I feel that lucky?"

 

#3:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 4:05 pm

And today's update!

Cecily cursed, threw her composition across the room, and stormed downstairs to answer the phone.

“Yes?” she snapped irritably, thinking that whoever had interrupted her had better have good reason.

“Cecily? It’s Papa.”

“Oh. Hello. What is it?”

”When do Anna’s exams finish?”

“This afternoon, as it happens. But why?”

“Jesanne got home from a walk yesterday and found Maria unconscious on the floor. She’s in the san but I don’t think she has much time left. Can you pack some things for Anna and put her on a plane? You and Nick can bring the rest of her things, can’t you?”

There was silence.

“Cecily?”

“Sorry Papa. It’s just rather a shock. Yes, I’ll sort out this end. Will someone meet her in Basle?”

“I’ll make sure they do. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye.”

Cecily hung up the phone and sank down on the bottom step of the stairs, her work forgotten. She sat for a long time, her head in her hands, trying to get her mind around what her father had told her. She knew she’d done right asking for Charles – she knew he had made a mistake in leaving Anna, even after Anna had told her why. Getting to her feet rather shakily she made herself a cup of tea and set off upstairs to pack some of Anna’s things.

A few hours later the front door slammed, announcing Anna’s return. Cecily took a deep breath and got to her feet. She wasn’t looking forward to what she had to do next.

“How was it?” she asked, keeping her voice carefully neutral. Anna made a face.

“Could have been worse. Had a good day?”

“Well…Listen, Anna, you have to sit down.” Anna obeyed, suddenly looking worried.

“What is it?”

“It’s…I had a phone call.” She was interrupted as the door swung open again and Nick came in.

“What is it?” Anna asked again, ignoring Nick’s greeting. “Tell me Cecily!”

“It was my father. You have to go home – your mother’s worse. “ Anna turned pale.

“How much worse?”

“They don’t think she’s got much time left.” Cecily said in a low voice. Anna gave a cry and swayed in the seat, but Nick threw an arm around her and steadied her. “I’ve booked you a flight and packed.” Cecily continued, tears in her eyes. “I thought…” Anna nodded.

“Thank you.” she said. She got rather shakily to her feet and took a step forward. Cecily wrapped her arms around her and the two girls stood together for a long minute, Anna drawing strength from her friend. “I’m ready.” she said eventually. “When’s the flight?”

“Eight.” Cecily said. Nick looked at the clock. It was half past five.

“Phone them Cecy.” he instructed, picking up his jacket again. “Book another seat. I’m coming with you.” he added to Anna. She shook her head.

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I do. I want to. And beside, Lois would never forgive me if I didn’t.” Cecily nodded and smiled her understanding as Nick ran home to pack some things. He was back within the hour with a taxi. Anna was waiting, wrapped up and looking calm. Cecily gave her a hug.

“I’ll be over at the end of the week.” she said. “Don’t worry; I’ll bring all your things. And Nick’s.”

”Thanks.” Anna said, picking up her case and turning away. Cecily hesitated.

“I’ll pray for you.” she added softly. Anna paused, knowing how much that meant coming from Cecily.

“Thank you.” she said, and then got into the taxi.

 

#4:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 4:08 pm

I'm so glad to see this up, Eilidh!

I can't decide if I want Charles to meet them at the airport or not; it might be too stressful for Anna, or it might be just what she needs.

 

#5:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 4:31 pm

Horrible thing for Cecily to have to do - poor Anna. Crying or Very sad

Thanks Eilidh.

 

#6:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 5:25 pm

Thanks for the update, Eilidh.

What horrible circumstances for poor Anna to be going back to Switzerland under.

 

#7:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 7:44 pm

*hugs them all*

What a dreadful situation all round, and how lovely of Nick to go with her!

 

#8:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 7:54 pm

Oh poor, poor Anna Crying or Very sad

 

#9:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 10:36 pm

Poor Anna. Glad Nick's going with her.

Thanks for reposting everything Eilidh

 

#10:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 11:47 pm

Oh poor Anna, but at least she's not going alone - that's the worst thing to have to do.

 

#11:  Author: JosieG, Location: Yorkshire Dales PostPosted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 2:37 pm

Thanks Eilidh. I'm glad Nick's going too, think Anna might need his company.

 

#12:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 7:22 pm

I hope this is ok. I wasn't sure about it at all.

Eugene Courvoisier was waiting at Basle with the car. He looked surprised to see Nick, but said nothing. Anna gazed dreamily out of the window for the entire journey, the tight grip on Nick’s hand the only sign that she knew what they were going to. The journey passed almost in silence, the talk between the two men dying out after a time, and quicker than Nick had thought they were on the Platz and pulling up in front of the san.

Anna got out the car and looked mutely at the doctor. He led her through the quiet hospital to a small room where her mother was lying in bed.

“Maria, why aren’t you sleeping?” he scolded as he entered, leaving Anna outside.

“I’ve done so much sleeping, Eugene.” Maria replied, her voice quiet.

“I’ve brought you a visitor.” he said. A slight spark of interest showed in Maria’s eyes.

“At two in the morning?” she asked. Anna stepped into the room and her mother’s face lit up in a delighted smile.

“Anna!” she whispered. “I didn’t expect you until tomorrow.” Anna smiled.

“I finished this afternoon.” she said, and to Nick, watching from outside, she seemed to find extra reserves of strength. “Last exam. They weren’t as bad as I thought they would be. And my tutor thinks I’ll pass well.” Maria smiled at this and Anna continued, talking almost continually for the next two hours. Nick sat in corridor, drinking coffee and struggling to stay awake. At nearly four, Maria’s eyes closed. Anna got up to leave, but her mother stalled her with a slight sound.

“Anna.” she said, struggling with the words. “You know I love you.” Anna nodded.

“Of course.” she replied. “And I love you.” Maria smiled.

“It’s such a shame you’ll be all on your own soon.” Anna shook her head.

”Don’t talk like that.” she said. Maria put a hand in her daughters.

“You find that nice Charles.” she ordered. “That one was meant to be, my love, like your father and I. I’ve missed him so much, my Anna. I’ll be sorry to leave you, but I know you’ve good friends who’ll look after you.” Anna fought the tears welling up in her eyes.

“Please Mum.” she begged, “Please don’t go.”

“Don’t cry.” Maria said. “Everyone has a time Anna, and this is mine. I’ll see your father and my boy again before the sun comes up.” Anna struggled to keep back her tears.

“Tell them I love them.” she said. “And I love you.” Maria smiled and closed her eyes again for a second.

“You graduate well.” she said. “Your father would have been so proud of you. Even prouder than I am.” Anna gave up the fight and the tears flowed freely down her cheeks. Maria closed her eyes again and lay still. After a few minutes Anna put her fingers to her mother wrist, and felt nothing. Bending forward, she kissed her for the last time, and automatically pressed the buzzer on the wall, before walking out of the room and into Nick’s arms.

Charles came round the corner just then to answer the bell and saw them. Anna didn’t even notice him, but Nick did, and gave the other man a look which said quite plainly that Charles should be in his position. Charles stalked past them and into the room as Nick led the exhausted Anna out and found someone to drive them to the Elisehutte.

Jesanne was asleep, but woke and let them in, realising immediately what had happened and sending Nick to bed. She sat with Anna until the dawn broke over the mountains and the girl fell asleep, exhausted, in her arms.

 

#13:  Author: Mrs Redboots, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 7:40 pm

Oh, Eilidh, that was lovely. Thank you.

 

#14:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 8:43 pm

Thanks Eilidh!

That was beautiful, and so sad.

*hugs Anna*

 

#15:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 9:00 pm

Very sad Crying or Very sad , but I'm glad Anna was able to be with her and that the end was peaceful.

 

#16:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 10:53 pm

That was sad, but at least Anna was able to be there. Now Charles, get your act together - she needs you.

 

#17:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 10:55 pm

Eilidh that was lovely - I have tears in my eyes. Crying or Very sad

But I'm also angry with Charles - hope he finds Anna as soon as his shift is over.

Thank you.

 

#18:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 7:38 am

That was sad but lovely Eilidh. I hope Charles gets his act together soon. He SHOULD have been there. What a first-class idiot!

 

#19:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 8:09 am

Anna wandered around the Elisehutte, picking things up and putting them down, tidying up, and generally putting off any time when she would have to think about her mother. She should have been at Freudesheim, but she couldn't face the noise and the fuss and people being around her all the time. She wanted to be alone. Well, no, she corrected herself, she didn't want to be alone, but of the people she would have wanted with her, Cecily was still in London, Lois was in America, although she was coming home, Nick had vanished somewhere, and she hadn't seen Charles since she had returned the night before.

She climbed the stairs and went to her own room. The sun was flooding in the window and the room danced with light. She went to sit in her favourite place, on the broad window ledge, noticing as she did that the cushion she always left there was in position. On top of it lay an envelope, her name printed on the front. Curiously, she picked it up and opened it, and then began to read.

Dear Anna,

This is a hard letter to write. So far I've had five attempts, and none of them have turned out like I wanted.

I really just wanted to let you know that I love you and I'm sorry. I've never stopped thinking about you since I left, and I know I made a mistake. I was stupid and angry and proud and if I've lost you and everything we had then it's my own fault. If you can bring yourself to forgive me though, even after everything I've done, I'll be amazed. If you can though, by some miracle, then please let me know somehow.

I know I should have spoken to you instead of writing, but I'm a coward. At least if you tear this up and burn it then I won't be there to see you do it.

I love you so much, and I'm so sorry,

Charles

Charles left the san at the end of a long shift and walked slowly back along the path towards Freudesheim. It had been a difficult night, Maria's death and a bad car accident meaning he'd had far more to do than normal. He had stayed on after his shift as well, to see how the accident victims were, and he was tired out.

As he passed the Elisehutte he looked over almost automatically, as he always did, and was startled to see Anna's face at the upstairs window. He knew she would be alone. His mother had phoned to say that Jesanne had flown to England early that morning to deal with the lawyers, and she had also mentioned that Nick had gone to Interlaken. No one else had a key to the pretty chalet. He pushed the door open and set out up the stairs.
Anna was sitting on the window seat in her room, her arms wrapped around her knees and looking about twelve. He noticed the sheets of paper on the ground beside her and wondered if she'd read them. She looked up rather drearily as he came in.

"Hello." she said. Pam Slater would have recognised the tone and voice as the same as Anna had used when she first met her. Charles only saw the deep grief in her eyes and longed to help her. He crossed the room towards her, trying desperately to work out how.

"What are you doing here?" he demanded. "On your own, as well. Why aren't you at Freudesheim? I thought Mamma said you could stay there?" Anna shrugged.

"I got bored." she said, and Charles wondered suddenly if she had been staying away from Freudesheim to stay away from him.

"I'm sorry." he said. "I'll go and leave you to yourself." He turned to leave and his actions more than his words penetrated to Anna.

"Don't go." she said, in the same listless tone. "I was wishing I had someone here."

"Not me though." Charles said, pausing nonetheless. "Do you want me to ask Nick to come over when I see him?"

"No." Anna said. Didn't he want to stay? Had everything he'd written been a lie? Charles opened the door. "Please stay." Anna said. "Please." He closed it again.

"Are you sure?" he asked. Anna nodded. Then suddenly she burst out,
"Oh, Charles, what am I going to do? I'm on my own! Everyone's gone! They're all dead and there's nobody left!" Desperate to help in any way he could, Charles pulled her to her feet and hugged her tightly. Anna stood passively for a second and then the barriers broke and she began to cry for the first time since her mother had closed her eyes. Charles held her tightly, stroking her hair and she clung to him tightly, as if they had never separated.

"I'm all on my own," she repeated, wonderingly. "How can I have no one left? I'm only nineteen!"

"You've got me, if you want me." Charles said, rather nervously. "I'm sorry about the letter. I'd written it and left it here before I knew about your mother. I can't stop loving you. I made a mistake. Will you take me back? I'm sorry for what I did. It didn't mean anything to me, I promise. I know its terrible timing, but if I can help...I'll do anything." Anna began to cry again.

"It doesn't matter any more." she said. Charles tightened his grip around her

"I'm still sorry." he said. "Don't ever let me walk out on you again." Anna buried her face in his shoulder

"Don't leave me." she sobbed. "Please don't ever leave me again."

Charles picked her up, carried her carefully across to the bed and made her lie down before settling himself beside her.

"I won't leave you." he promised. Anna squeezed his hand.

"I can't imagine my life without you." she said simply. "The last month - I haven't known what to do with myself. And then Mother...and I knew I needed you. And I've wanted to come and find you and beg you to take me back. I love you so much." Charles lay down beside her, wrapping his arms around her.

"Why don't you get some sleep?" he suggested. "You look exhausted. I'll not leave you, I promise." Anna lay still in his arms, feeling comforted, and before long both fell asleep.

And I shall leave them there asleep until I come back from my holiday next weekend. I go away tomorrow morning so I won't have time for any more updates, and I thought that was quite a nice place to leave it.

 

#20:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 8:11 am

Poor Anna Crying or Very sad , but so glad Charles was there for her and that they're back together.

Hope you have a nice holiday Eilidh.

 

#21:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 9:46 am

Oh poor Anna, Maria's death made me cry, but Im glad she had Charles again.

 

#22:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 10:54 am

So, so pleased that they are back together again - she won't be alone. Crying or Very sad

Thanks Eilidh - enjoy your holiday.

 

#23:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 11:37 am

Oh I'm in floods - but thanks for sending Charles over Eilidh Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

Have a nice break

 

#24:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 3:17 pm

That was so touching, thanks, Eilidh. I'm so glad Charles overcame his pride and that he's back with Anna. Have a fab holiday and I'm looking forward to your return immensely!

 

#25:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 6:51 pm

Thanks, Eilidh. I'm sorry about the loss of Maria. Crying or Very sad It is good that Charles and Anna are back together.

 

#26:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 8:36 pm

This is so sad Crying or Very sad

 

#27:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 10:19 pm

Thank you for getting them back together Eilidh! Very Happy
So sad though!

 

#28:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 11:11 pm

Oh poor Anna, trying to deal with the fact that she is so alone...thank goodness Charles was able to respond to her cry for help.

Enjoy your holiday.

 

#29:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 8:12 pm

That was a lovely place to leave it - very sad, but so touching.

Hope you have a wonderful holiday Eilidh.

 

#30:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Apr 13, 2006 1:49 pm

Very sad but very lovely as well.

Thanks Eilidh. Glad I've caught up with this again. Hope you have/had a good holiday.

 

#31:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 3:06 pm

And I am back again. So many posts to read..although I am not unpacked...and there is no food and I must go to Tesco...and I am writing drabble instead of any of these things. Hmm. Does this make me addicted?

They awoke many hours later, feeling cold and stiff. Anna didn’t want to return to Freudesheim, not feeling up to facing the riotous household, and Charles telephoned to tell them where they both were before attempting to make some dinner. He finally produced something edible and Anna obediently picked at it, trying her best to eat it. She knew she had to have some strength to face flying back to England the following day.

When the meal was over, Charles collected the dishes and washed them up, somewhat inexpertly, then poured two glasses of wine and joined Anna on the porch where she was watching heavy black clouds gathering. It was unnaturally dark and the air was hot and still.

"It's going to rain." she said unneccessarily. He agreed, sitting down beside her. She leant against him and sipped the wine, and Charles leant his cheek on her dark head and thought for the thousandth time how lucky he was.

"Are you feeling any better?" he asked, eventually.

"A bit." Anna admitted. "I still can't believe she's gone. I don't know what I'm going to do. Although I suppose I should have been expecting it. She's
been ill for so long, though I did think she was gwtting better out here.
And at the same time..." she stopped, and Charles waited for her to continue as the first big drops of rain fell on the dry ground. When she didn't, he asked,

"What?"

"It sounds so bad." Anna said, wiping her face with her hand.

"I don't mind. Come on. At the same time what?"

"I'm almost relieved she's gone." Anna said in a low voice. "Now I know that she won't go ridiculously unreasonable again and stop me seeing you or stop me going back to university or something similar. All last year I was waiting on her telling me I had to come home. When Cecily said she'd had a phone call, that was the first thing I thought - that she wanted me back, or worse, that she wanted us to go back to the house. And now she can't ever do that I'm so glad, even though I'm so upset that she's gone because I loved her so much." she paused and looked up. "Does that make sense?"

"I think so." Charles said. "I know what you mean." There was a roll of thunder overhead and a flash of lightning as the rain grew heavier, battering off the porch roof and bouncing off the road in front of them. "Do you want to go inside?" Charels asked, raising his voice to be heard over the noise. Anna shook her head.

"Stay here." she shouted over the thunder. She curled up beside him and he put his arms around her as they watched the storm travel around the
mountains until darkness fell.

 

#32:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 3:16 pm

Awww. That's fab. So powerful.


And yes, addiction seems a good word for it. No food but I have drabble!

 

#33:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 4:09 pm

Hope you had a nice holiday, and it's good to see more of this.

I got home at about half 11 one night recently, when I was working the next day, and I just had to look on the CBB before I went to bed, so I quite understand about the addiction Embarassed Laughing !

 

#34:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 4:55 pm

Yay, thanks Eilidh Very Happy

 

#35:  Author: jacey, Location: Ireland PostPosted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 6:46 pm

Great to see more of this.
Thanks Eilidh, hope you had a good break.

 

#36:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 6:55 pm

Thanks, Eilidh. I can definitely understand about being addicted to the board!

 

#37:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 10:20 am

The funeral itself was difficult. Anna remembered little of it afterwards, knowing only that Charles had been at her side all through it, steering her to the correct places and responding to the kindly-meant comments of her neighbours when they spoke to her. She hadn’t cried. She knew some of the other mourners thought that was wrong, but she couldn’t bring herself to cry for the mother she had loved so deeply. She shivered in the cold graveyard, watching as her mother’s body was lowered into the earth beside the husband and son she had loved so well.

“I’m the only one left.” she said, and Charles tightened his grip on her.

Afterwards, her mother’s lawyer approached her.

“It will take a long time to sort out the estate.” he said. “I will contact you when it’s done.” Anna nodded mutely. “In the meantime, you need a guardian until you are twenty-one.” he said. Joey Maynard immediately stepped forward.

“I don’t mind.” she said. “One more won’t make any difference.” Just as the man turned to talk to her, there was a commotion and two figures appeared at Anna’s sides.

“No.” Lois said simply.

“Anna belongs with us.” Nick qualified. “Mum will take it on.” The lawyer looked over at Jesanne, whom he knew well.

“Lady Gellibrand?”

“Certainly, if that’s what Anna wants.” Jesanne replied. Anna nodded mutely, overcome, and Lois and Nick both hugged her at once.

 

#38:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 10:24 am

She's probably better off with them than with the Maynards! At least she knows that she's not unwanted though, with them both offering. Thanks Eilidh.

 

#39:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 11:31 am

Thanks Eilidh. It's nice that they all want her

 

#40:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 11:52 am

Thank you Eilidh. Poor Anna, so alone and trying to come to terms with this. Yes, definitely better with the Gellibrands!

 

#41:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 1:25 pm

Poor Anna - it was good of Joey to offer so quickly but I think she'd prefer to be with the Gellibrands - as others have said though, knowing there were two offers will have given her some comfort.

Thanks Eilidh.

 

#42:  Author: Becky, Location: Newport, South Wales, UK PostPosted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 2:18 pm

Thanks Eilidh - so sad but really enjoying this.

Becky

 

#43:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 10:25 am

I'm not sure where I'm going from here - there is more written but its later in the story and I'm not sure what happens between now and then. And the bunnies are being uncooperative.

Cecily got off the train in Paris, holding Nick's hand very tightly. She looked around the station for her brother.

"You don't have to do this, Cecy." Nick said.

"I do." her voice was very quiet. Just then she saw the September sun glinting off a blond head, and she moved towards Stephen.

"Sorry I'm late." he gasped, as he got to them. "The parking is awful. Come on, let’s get back." Cecily didn't speak on the way back to the appartement, and Nick and Stephen exchanged only occasional comments. He let them in and they went into the sitting room, where Adrienne was waiting on them, Emilia playing in a corner and a small bundle in her arms. She got up to greet them as they came in, looking very serious. Cecily sat down with Nick beside her and Adrienne placed the tiny baby in her arms, and then left the room discreetly.

Cecily sat very still for a long time, staring at the little boy. Nick had his arm around her and was watching both her and the baby. After a while, Adrienne came back in and Cecily got up and returned the precious burden to her sister in law.

"He's beautiful." she said, before turning away. Nick got up and put his arms around her as she cried, and held her until she was calm again, and then escorted her to their room and made her get into bed.

"Someday." he told her firmly, leaving her to go to sleep. "Someday we'll have one of our own."

"Three." Cecily told him sleepily.

 

#44:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 10:36 am

Ohhhh! Poor Cecily, that must have been SO hard for her!

 

#45:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 10:52 am

Oh poor Cecily Crying or Very sad .

*Sending Easter chocolate for the bunnies ... there's something back to front or upside down about that, but anyway Very Happy !*

 

#46:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 11:35 am

Thanks, Eilidh. What is the baby's name, please? I'm glad that both families were happy to offer but I also think that Anna will be happier with the Gellibrands.

 

#47:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 11:37 am

Thanks, Eilidh, it's so great to see this back. Hope you had a good holiday and that you now have food!

 

#48:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 12:04 pm

Well done Cacily - and Nick.

Thanks Eilidh.

 

#49:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 3:22 pm

I'm glad Nick was there for Cecily, he is a nice SLOC!

 

#50:  Author: Alex, Location: Cambs, UK PostPosted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 3:30 pm

Poor Cecily.

Personally I think it was a bit remiss of Maria not to have appointed a guardian for Anna, especially as she knew she was dying.

 

#51:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 3:33 pm

Thanks Eilidh... poor Cecy Crying or Very sad

 

#52:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 11:01 am

Thank you Eilidh - that was really emotional, but I'm glad Cecy did it, and that she wants children of her own.

*sends bunny food*

 

#53:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 1:03 pm

Anna returned to University in the September of that year, three months after her mother’s death. Over the summer she and Charles had grown closer than ever and she could hardly bring herself to leave him. Her second year work was much harder than her first, and coupled with the grief she felt for her mother made her often feel like packing everything in. Only the memory that she was qualifying to help people like her mother, father and brother kept her going.

"And that will be all for today. Please look over your notes before Tuesday. Oh." the lecturer continued, raising his voice above the chatter that had become audible. "Can Cecily Maynard please see Dr Brown this afternoon at two?" Cecily paused in the act of packing up her notes.

"Me?" she asked, surprised. After her bad start to her first year she had worked hard to pull her marks up, and being summoned to see the head of department in the first month of her second year seemed like a bad omen.

"You're the only Cecily Maynard here." Vi pointed out. "It's probably about your scholarship or something. Didn't you say you had to go to Paris next year? You probably need to organise something. Come on, let's get some lunch before you have to go." Cecily followed her out, agreeing, but unable to shake to feeling of unease that had settled on her.

After a quick lunch in a nearby cafe they returned to the music building, Cecily to attend her meeting and Vi to do some practice. She paused outside the door to make sure she was tidy, and then knocked and entered.

The elderly man was seated behind his desk, looking serious.

"Cecilia?" he asked. Cecily nodded. "Take a seat." she obeyed, perching herself on the edge of a chair. "I wanted to speak to you," he continued, "On the subject of your exam results."

 

#54:  Author: Caty, Location: New Zealand PostPosted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 1:11 pm

Aaagh. Poor Cecily. Please be good news.

 

#55:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 1:23 pm

Nice cliff! Laughing

Hope it's good news.

 

#56:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 2:04 pm

Oh nooo!!

*gets the hot chocolate and cookies ready to comfort Cecily*

 

#57:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 3:07 pm

Hope this isn't too bad news... Sad
Thanks Eilidh Very Happy

Last edited by Le Petite Em on Tue Apr 18, 2006 9:37 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#58:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 5:29 pm

Oh, what a place to leave it! Hope it's good news and not trouble.

 

#59:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 6:11 pm

Thanks, Eilidh. I am hoping it will not be bad news for Cecily.

 

#60:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 7:21 pm

I agree she's probably better with the Gellibrands. Poor Anna, and poor Cecy.

 

#61:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 8:05 pm

Eeeek!

Fantastic cliff though, Eilidh....

 

#62:  Author: JosieG, Location: Yorkshire Dales PostPosted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 10:16 pm

Oooh...this is not looking good!

Come back Eilidh....Please?!

 

#63:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 11:22 pm

Poor Anna, still working slowly through that first year of grief.

Nice cliff.... Very Happy

 

#64:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 7:49 am

Cecily looked confused.

"I thought I'd done quite well." she said. He nodded.

"Oh, you did, Cecilia. Far better than we expected judging from your early course work, which is the problem. I'm afraid that the examining committee are not convinced that all the work you submitted was your own." Cecily's mouth dropped open. "I'm sure you are aware of both the conditions of your scholarship and the laws of this university. There will be an enquiry held." Cecily tried desperately to pull herself together, while she wanted to run out of the room and burst into tears.

"May I ask which pieces there is a problem with?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. Dr. Brown nodded, and pulled a bundle of papers which Cecily recognised as her own work from a drawer. He glanced through them and removed two items.

"An example will suffice." he said. "This is one of your early essays." Cecily looked it over and nodded. She remembered writing it. "This is one of your later essays." he continued, laying it beside the first. "And this is one of your exam scripts. The main problem is that as you can see, the handwriting is drastically different between the second essay and the other two pieces, as is the content. The essay here," he laid his hand on it, "is of a far better standard of content and presentation than the other two pieces." Cecily paled.

"I can explain." she said weakly. He looked sternly at her.

"I'm sure you can, Cecilia." he replied. "However, I am afraid that at the moment I don't have time to listen to you. There will be a meeting of the university's examination board in three weeks time. You may put your case to them." He placed the papers back in a drawer and turned away from her. Cecily got to her feet and stumbled out of the room, struggling not to cry.

Forgetting Violet, she headed out into the street and headed for home. As she walked, her head down and her hands in her pockets, she crashed into someone going equally fast in the opposite direction.

"Sorry." she muttered automatically, moving to the side. The person put out a hand and caught her arm.

"Cecily? What's up?" Cecily looked up, blinking hard to focus through her tears.

 

#65:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 7:57 am

Aaagghhh, another cliff Laughing !

 

#66:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 8:03 am

Poor Cecily - life just keeps getting harder, doesn't it? Crying or Very sad

Thanks, Eilidh.

 

#67:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 8:40 am

What a pig of a tutor. Not got time to listen? What's that all about! *pokes him lots*

Thanks Eilidh - and who has Cecy met? Smile

 

#68:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 9:39 am

Nasty tutor, he should be supporting Cecily!!! Evil or Very Mad
And what a place to leave it Eilidh!! Who has she bumped into???
Thanks!!! Very Happy

 

#69:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 10:20 am

Thanks, Eilidh. I'm sorry that the tutor didn't have time to speak to Cecily. That was really out of order.

*Chair starts poke the tutor very, very hard*.

 

#70:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 11:54 am

*wibble*

Poor Cecily! And what a rotten tutor! Sad

*waits eagerly for the next part*

 

#71:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 12:07 pm

Terrible tutor! No wonder she's in tears.

 

#72:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 12:31 pm

Argh. Where did that come from? Please put us out of our misery soon!

 

#73:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 1:29 pm

Shocked Didn't see that coming!

*wondering who she's bumped into*

thanks Eilidh - fab as ever.

 

#74:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 1:47 pm

Poor Cecily. And what a horrible tutor. Shouldn't he be wanting to hear her explanation so that he understands why her work is of such differing standards?
Thanks, Eilidh.

 

#75:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 6:26 pm

WHAT!!! No time to listen and she's got to wait three weeks? What an unfeeling brute! He obviously thinks she's guilty already.

Cecily should complain - hope her friends manage to help her.

Poor Cecily.


(Oh and thanks Eilidh)

 

#76:  Author: JosieG, Location: Yorkshire Dales PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 9:20 pm

You've replaced the cliff with another one!

I want to know who Cecy's bumped into, hopefully someone helpful?

Thanks Eilidh.

 

#77:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 9:25 pm

Yikes!

Just when I thought everything was going to be srted out.

 

#78:  Author: Michelle, Location: Near London PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 10:54 pm

Poor Cecily! Yes, he should have listened to her. Horrible man.

 

#79:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 7:27 am

The horrible tutor is based on one of my own. My degree is in Forensic Chemistry, and he is a handwriting expert, who regularly gives evidence in court. He informed me that the first page of one of my reports was written by a different person to the rest of the report. I argued (naturally!) and was told "I am an expert in this field". I feel sorry for anyone convicted on his evidence! Luckily it didn't go any further than that meeting, but if it had, I would not have been happy.

And now, who has Cecily met...

Felix." she said miserably, seeing her brother. "They think I've been cheating!" Felix stared at her for a second in confusion, wondering who 'they' were, and then decided to find out later.

"And have you?" he asked.

"Of course I haven't!" Cecily said, frustrated.

"Just checking." Felix replied calmly. "Where are you going?"

"Home." his sister said.

"You're walking in the wrong direction." he pointed out.

Cecily looked around her, realised he was right, and put her head in her hands.

"Come on." her brother said, pulling her to one side. "I'll buy you a coffee." Cecily allowed herself to be led into a nearby cafe and took a seat beside the window while Felix purchased their drinks. She took advantage of the few minutes to get herself under control, and was much calmer by the time her brother returned, carrying two cups, and smiling after a brush with a particularly fliratatious waitress. Cecily had observed it and shook her head at him as he sat down.

"What?" he asked.

"How's Sarah?" she asked, sipping at the hot coffee. Felix looked puzzled.

"Sarah? Oh, Sarah! Oh she's not..." Cecily sighed as he tailed off.

"You could at least do them the honour of remembering their names." she commented dryly. "Even if you do pick them up and drop them within a week. What's this one called, then?"

"Louise."

"Is that Louise?" Cecily jerked her head in the direction of the waitress, who was regarding her with annoyance, presuming she was Felix's girlfriend.

"No. That was just a bit of fun. And I know Emily's name." Feilx pointed out, trying to redeem himself.

"Your entire life revolves around having fun. And you only know her name because she's my friend." Cecily said. "And because she was one of the few women that you actually liked, rather than just tolerated because she liked you." Felix waved a hand dismissively. "One of these days you are going to get hurt, and then you'll see what you've done to everyone else." Cecily said sternly. "Either that or you're going to fall in love. And then you won't know how to cope."

"I'm not the falling in love type." Felix said "And if they don't know what they're getting into with me now, its about time they did. I've told you and Fliss a hundred times, I am not going to marry a Chalet School girl, settle down, and have tons of children. I had enough of kids at home. I've got a job now, and I'm going to make the most of my freedom." He raised a hand and impatiently pushed a strand of hair out of his eyes.

"You're going to end up with one of your pupils." Cecily said warningly. "And woman all seem to think they can reform you. Even Emily tried. and had more success than most, I might add." Felix raised one eyebrow.

"Please, Cecily. I have some standards." he muttered, taking a cigarette from the packet in his pocket. "And I refuse to be reformed. I'd like to see them try." Cecily frowned at the cigarette.

"Not while people are eating." she said firmly. "It's a horrible habit, anyway. You shouldn't do it." He sighed and put it away again.

"Don't lecture." he said. "You sound like Fliss. Now, finish the lecture. I'm well aware I'm a good-for-nothing with a list of bad habits a mile long. You don't need to tell me again. What's this about cheating?"

"My university work or your love life?" Cecily demanded. Felix lowered his dignity for long enough to make a face at her. "They think I've had someone else do some of my work." she said. "Because it's better and a lot neater than the other bits."

"And you haven't?" Felix asked. Ceily shook her head.

"You know I haven't." she said. He agreed.

"So why, then?"

"They were comparing my work from the beginning of last year - before Christmas - to what I produced nearer the end. And the exam paper they had was the last one I sat - after we heard about Anna's mum and she went home. But all my exam papers were a bit of a mess - they always are. They said that someone else had done the second part if my coursework."

"So you do better work when you're not trying to do it hung-over or upset, or in a tearing hurry because its an exam?" Felix clarified. Cecily blushed. "Imagine that." he added. "So why wouldn't the guy listen to you?" Cecily shrugged.

"Because they've made up their minds that I done it? I don't know. He said I would have to talk to some committee."

"You'll just have to tell them the truth." Felix said. "They can't not believe you."

"They can." Cecily said gloomily. She glanced at her watch. "I've got a piano lesson." she said. "I have to go."

"When's the thing?" Felix asked. She shrugged.

"Three weeks, he said."

"You can let me know." he said as she got up to leave, before turning his attention back to the waitress.

 

#80:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 7:40 am

Shocked at your tutor, that really worries me! I know I have about three different styles of handrwriting, and it then depends on the pen Im using.

*hugs Cecily* I hope she is able to prove it to them, surely they will test her on her knowledge to see if she does know it?

Thanks Eilidh Very Happy

 

#81:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 8:08 am

My old uni tutors all seem very nice by comparison now! To be fair, most of them were very nice. Hope things get sorted out for Cecily.

& I'm sure that Felix could be reformed if he met the right person Wink .

 

#82:  Author: Caty, Location: New Zealand PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 11:06 am

Eilidh wrote:
"I'm not the falling in love type." Felix said "And if they don't know what they're getting into with me now, its about time they did. I've told you and Fliss a hundred times, I am not going to marry a Chalet School girl, settle down, and have tons of children. I had enough of kids at home. I've got a job now, and I'm going to make the most of my freedom."

ROFL ROFL ROFL Will they ever learn.....

 

#83:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 11:08 am

Thanks, Eilidh. I'm glad Felix is being supportive.

 

#84:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 12:17 pm

What a complete prat your old tutor sounds Eilidh! Hope he gets tripped up by someone when in court and his evidence is shown to be false!

Glad Cecily has support from Felix - hope she is able to convince the committee.

Thank you.

 

#85:  Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 12:33 pm

When I was in Berlin on the weekend I went to 'The Story of Berlin' exhibition. They had a display of signatures from various documents Hitler signed. It was amazing to see the difference!

Loved the line about Felix not settling down ... a case of famous last words?

 

#86:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 12:36 pm

Hehe Felix sounds madly attractive! *g*

Thanks Eilidh

 

#87:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 3:26 pm

And he sounds very sensible, not wanting to marry a Chaletian!

Thanks, Eilidh.

 

#88:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 4:37 pm

Felix is the typical bad boy!!! Very Happy
Thanks Eilidh- I really hope that the commitee listen to Cecy!!

 

#89:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 5:11 pm

Eilidh wrote:
"I'm not the falling in love type." Felix said "And if they don't know what they're getting into with me now, its about time they did. I've told you and Fliss a hundred times, I am not going to marry a Chalet School girl, settle down, and have tons of children. I had enough of kids at home. I've got a job now, and I'm going to make the most of my freedom."


I believe those are known as Famous Last Words.

Looking forward to more Eilidh!

 

#90:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:35 pm

You don't mean Cecy's work got better over the year? Good grief! What are the teaching standards like if this surprises them?!

 

#91:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 10:47 am

I really really hope that idiot of a tutor is proved wrong and Cecily is vindcated.

*pokes Eilidh's old tutor*

 

#92:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 1:18 pm

The three weeks that followed seemed to Cecily to be the longest of her life. She didn't see much of the others - Emily and Nick were revising furiously for an exam that neither was confident in passing, Elisabeth flitted in and out in her usual style, and Anna was still wrapped up in her own grief, and was not helped by the fact the Charles' visit was cancelled due to illness among the staff at the san. He wasn't ill himself, but so many were that they were working frantically to try and keep up with the things needing done, and a long weekend's holiday was the last thing he could afford to take. Anna had taken this as she had everything else over the past few months - silently and without any display of emotion.

The morning of Cecily's meeting with the exam board, she rose early, dressed smartly, and headed off before anyone else was awake, intending to spend a while practising before her meeting. She felt she had to do something to keep her mind off the fact that by the end of the day she might have lost her scholarship, although she was determined that it wouldnt happen if she could prevent it. Why, she would even offer to sit the exams again, and prove to them that she could do it. She was going nowhere without a fight.

The hours dragged by slowly. Nick, anxiously feeling that if Cecily lost her scholarship it would be at least partly his fault, sat in silence, watching the hands of the clock inch around. Anna seemed to be immersed in a book, but in reality was staring blindly at the page, thinking about her mother. Eventually, Nick noticed that she hadn't turned any pages, leant over, and gently lifted the book off her knees. Anna didn't move. Grateful for something else to think about while they waited for Cecily to return, Nick moved over beside her.

"Good book?" he asked. Anna shrugged.

"I wasn't reading it." she said. "You know that."

"Yes." Nick agreed, searching his mind for something else to say and desperatly wishing Lois was there instead of him. The only thing he could think of to discuss was Christmas shopping, and he knew that Christmas was hardly likely to be a good subject to bring up. He resigned himself to having to buy presents for Lois and Cecily without assistance this year, and continued to think hard. There had to be something he could say, or something he could do, to get through to the old Anna hidden below the layer of silence and grief. The problem was that Lois and Cecily, and even Charles, were so much better at these things than he was.

 

#93:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 1:22 pm

Poor Anna, I'm a little worried about her now, having read:

Eilidh wrote:
Anna had taken this as she had everything else over the past few months - silently and without any display of emotion.


And Nick is so nice, wondering what to say to Anna.

Thanks, Eilidh.

 

#94:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 1:25 pm

Also worried about Anna, and hoping that Cecily's meeting goes OK.

 

#95:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 1:29 pm

I hope Cecil can prove her innocence. Pokes nasty tutor. For a start, that was the wrong place to discuss it with her.

 

#96:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 1:30 pm

Thanks Eilidh, I hope both Anna and Cecily are going to be OK... *wibbles a little*

 

#97:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 2:34 pm

Thank you Eilidh.

and Nick you'll be fine - just try and get her to talk to you. Hope Cecy's board goes ok too...

 

#98:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 6:32 pm

Nick's a good bloke - poor Anna - deprived on Charles too.

Good luck to Cecily - hope she not only proves herself but gets an apology from that nasty excuse for a tutor.

Thanks Eilidh.

 

#99:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 7:47 pm

Thanks, Eilidh. I hope that Cecily has not lost her scholarship.

 

#100:  Author: Alex, Location: Cambs, UK PostPosted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 9:34 pm

I was very gently (but wrongly) accused of copying some homework once - it's now over 10 years ago and I'm still annoyed about it. What annoyed me most was that the person I was accused of having done similar work to wasn't accused. Poor Cecily, I hope the pbs are kind to her Eilidh.

 

#101:  Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK PostPosted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 10:24 pm

Another drabble I've only just caught up on!
Thanks, Eilidh - hope Cecily is allowed to explain properly.

 

#102:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 10:16 am

Nick sat helplessly, watching Anna, who continues to stare at her knees, where the book had been. If she had been Cecily, he would have given her a hug and it would have helped. If she had been Lois, he would have suggested something energetic, and she would have talked to him once she had her thoughts in order - activity always helped Lois get herself sorted out. But he had no idea how to tackle things with Anna. Thinking of Lois turned his thoughts in another direction again - what she would say if she knew he was considering taking this on. Lois had always insisted that he had all the tact and sensitivity of a brick, and she would probably laugh scornfully if she could see him just now. Still, they had tried sensitivity and tact with no effect. Maybe, Nick considered, his sort of approach was what was required. It wasn't like he could make things any worse. And without giving himself any more time to think, he plunged in.

"Are you in there?" he asked her. Anna looked up.

"What are you talking about?" she asked. Nick watched her carefully, wondering if he had imagined the spark of interest in her eyes.

"Well, presumably the Anna we know is somewhere." he continued. "I wondered if you had just covered her over."

"You're not making any sense." Anna said.

"Sorry." Nick replied. "I thought I was. I'll put it bluntly - where's the Anna we had living here last year, because you aren't her." A red flush slowly crept up Anna's cheeks. Nick congratulated himself, prepared to meet the storm, and continued. "I mean, that Anna knew it was important not to shut yourself away when you're upset. She knew that other people could help you with your problems. You obviously don't." Anna jumped to her feet.

"Nick, my mother is dead!" she exclaimed. "How can any of you help? Do any of you know what it feels like to lose someone you loved so much?" Nick felt himself getting angry, and tried not to.

"Cecily does." he said, his voice strained. "And so do I. You're not the only one who lost someone last year, Anna. Maybe you should remember that." Anna stared at him wildly, and he wondered if she had even heard him. "People are only trying to help you, Anna." he said. "But we can't help if you won't let us. The only person you've let close to you in the last six months is Charles, and he's not here just now. You need to let us in. You're going to make yourself ill, Anna!" Anna sat down, shaking slightly.

"I can't." Nick knelt in the floor in front of her.

"You can." he said. "Come on." he held out his arms. Anna slid of the sofa until she was sitting on the floor beside him, rested her head on his shoulder, and began to cry. They were still there when Cecily appeared half an hour later, looking flustered.

"Whats going on?" she asked. They both looked up, and Anna smiled at her.

"I'm getting a hug from my brother," she said, "Are you guilty?"

Last edited by Eilidh on Fri Apr 21, 2006 10:38 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#103:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 10:26 am

I hope she's not... well done Nick!

Thank you Eilidh...

 

#104:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 10:28 am

What Nell said!

 

#105:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 10:29 am

Good for Nick! Thanks, Eilidh.

 

#106:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 11:19 am

Awww I'm so glad Anna sees Nick as her brother.

*really wants to know what happened about Cecily*

 

#107:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Leeds PostPosted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 12:42 pm

That could prove to be a bit of an insensitive comment from Anna if something has gone wrong for Cecily. Glad to see she's opened up though.

 

#108:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 3:13 pm

Definitely well done Nick!

Thanks Eilidh

 

#109:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 3:30 pm

Good one Nick!!! Very Happy
*fingers still crossed for Cecily*
Thanks Eilidh Very Happy

 

#110:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 9:33 pm

I'm glad Nick's made a break through with Anna.
Hope that Cecily has been cleared.

 

#111:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 7:13 pm

Thanks, Eilidh. I am also hoping that Cecily has been cleared. I'm glad that Nick has taken the plunge and he is talking to Anna.

 

#112:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 12:04 pm

Just a short bit today - the bunnies don't seem to like this year so I'm trying to get through it quickly. They would quite like to have skipped straight from one summer holiday to the next, but I didn't think that was a good idea. There might be a longer bit tomorrow if I can fit it in tonight.

"No." Cecily replied, smiling. "They made me wait for ages - I had to tell them everything and then they discussed it and made me write things, quickly and slowly, and compared the handwriting, but eventually they believed me."

"So you can still go to Paris?" Anna asked anxiously. Cecily nodded, beaming, and only a very keen observer would have seen the disappointment in Nick's eyes, quickly masked and replaced with a delighted smile as he jumped to his feet and gave her a hug, while Anna clapped her hands.

"Wonderful!" she exclaimed. Cecily nodded, looking happier than she had for a long time, and disappeared to the telephone to tell Felix. That young man arrived shortly afterwards, followed by Elisabeth and Emily, by which time Anna and Nick had managed to produce a celebratory meal and they all ate together, squashed around the table, and Nick was pleased to note that even Anna ate properly and some of the sadness was gone from her face.

 

#113:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 1:04 pm

Yay - thank goodness they believed her. Glad Nick seems to have got through to Anna a bit as well.

Thank you Eilidh.

 

#114:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 1:05 pm

Glad it worked out OK - and hope Nick and Cecily manage a "long-distance relationship" OK.

 

#115:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 1:07 pm

I am glad they believed her in the end. Thanks, Eilidh.

 

#116:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 1:22 pm

Phew its a good thing that they believed Cecily, I also hope that she and Nick manage to cope with a long distance relationship.

 

#117:  Author: Mrs Redboots, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 2:34 pm

Phew! I dreamt I'd missed an update of this and was going to have to wait until the new board before I could find out what happened to Cecily. Thank goodness it was only a dream.

 

#118:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 4:05 pm

I hope that Cecily's tutor apologises - his treatment of her was appalling.

Thanks Eilidh.

 

#119:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 6:18 pm

Thanks, Eilidh. That is really great news.

 

#120:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 9:08 am

"Cecily, welcome. It's lovely to see you here at last. Anna darling, how was your trip? Nick, you're filthy!" Jesanne said, as they climbed up the steps of Dragon House.

"Nice to see you too." Nick said, grinning at his mother. She shook her head at him and continued,

"Anna, you know where your room is, don't you? Cecily is sharing with you." Jesanne said, ignoring Nicks muttered comment of,

"She should, she's been here often enough."

"Don't leave those there!" his mother snapped, as he set off upstairs, leaving his bags in the hall. Nick groaned, rolled his eyes, and came back to collect them.

"Your parents are coming tomorrow." Jesanne said to Cecily, who was looking round her in awe. She had never been inside Dragon House before and everywhere she looked found something else to wonder at. She nodded.

"Thank you for having us all here," she said, shyly. "It's good of you - I hope Papa isn't rude." Jesanne's lips tightened for a second before she recovered herself and sent the two girls upstairs to unpack. Jack Maynard had insisted that his declaration that he would not have Nick under his roof again held, and as Jesanne had given up the Elisehutte to return to her family home after Maria's death she had invited Joey to bring her family to Dragon House, pointing out that they had spent the last four Christmases at Freudesheim and it was surely her turn to host. After lengthy discussions with her husband, Joey had agreed, while apologising for his attitude to Nick.

And so she would arrive the following day with Claire to stay until after New Year, and Pippa was already on a train from Edinburgh, where she was studying veterinary medecine. Geoff would be there the day after his mother. Jack was arriving on Christmas Eve, and would not stay for long at all, but Joey was relieved that he would at least be around for Christmas Day. Trying to work out when she had to send the car to the station again, Jesanne recited all these facts through in her head, and wondered if she was likely to go mad before all her guests went home again.

Meanwhile, Anna and Cecily were unpacking in the room that Anna had occupied whenever she visited Dragon House, to the accompaniment of Cecily's amazed talk.

"I had no idea it was so...well, big, and it's so nice! I don't know how they can keep it up - I didn't think anyone lived in houses this size now."

"The National Trust help with the upkeep," Anna explained, checking her case was empty and throwing it on top of the wardrobe. "They have tours around it in the summer and that helps to keep it running. Jesanne refuses to sell it to them entirely, although I think Nick might be tempted when he inherits it."

"He couldn't!" Cecily sounded appalled. "It's glorious!"

"Fancy being Lady Marya Cecilia Gellibrand of Dragon House, do you?" Anna asked, lazing back on her bed.

"Don't be stupid," Cecily said. "As if I could be."

"You could if you married Nick," Anna said. "Don't tell me you haven't considered it!"

"He has to ask me first," Cecily said. "And he won't, so stop talking rubbish."

"He might," Anna said. "Would you say yes, if he did?" Cecily ignored her.

"Where did you live?" Anna sat up and waved a hand behind her.

"About eight miles that way," she said. Cecily noticed the sadness in her voice.

"I'm sorry," She said immediately, climbing up beside Anna to give her a hug.

"It's ok." Anna said. "It would have been worse in Switzerland. I don't have any memories of her here - at least, not in Dragon House. And I'm not going over there. I can't. I'll be ok." Cecily looked at her doubtfully, but before she got the chance to say any more Nick arrived.

"Are you unpacked?" Anna asked. He shook his head.

"Don't be silly. Did you know Lois wasn't coming home again?"

"I didn't think she would be." Anna replied. "I don't think Charles will be here either - he was struggling to get the time off. He's been working so hard for the last few months though..." she tailed off and Cecily glanced at her sympathetically.

"Come on." she said, looking at the two miserable faces. "It's Christmas. How about one of those riding lessons that you two promised me?" This cheered them up slightly, and even Jesanne joined them as they attempted to teach Cecily to ride.

Last edited by Eilidh on Wed Apr 26, 2006 9:48 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#121:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 9:18 am

It's funny reading about Christmas in April! Very Happy
I hope Christmas brings some nice surprises for them all though.

 

#122:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 9:19 am

Thanks Eilidh. I think they all deserve a nice, happy Christmas!

I like Lady Marya Cecilia ! Smile

 

#123:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 9:38 am

Thank you Eilidh. Hope it's a good Christmas and Jack isn't rude to Nick.

 

#124:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 9:44 am

Thanks, Eilidh. I'm sorry that Charles might not be able to make it. I'm glad that Jack is prepared to spend Christmas with Nick.

 

#125:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 10:46 am

Oooh the Dragon House! It sounds very impressive - and just imagine Cecily as Lady Marya Cecilia. Wouldn't Jo be proud?!

Thank you Eilidh

 

#126:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 12:49 pm

Jo would indeed love it!

 

#127:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 1:17 pm

I hope they have a lovely Christmas, even if things will be different for most of them. Thanks Eilidh Very Happy

 

#128:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 1:21 pm

Not at all impressed with Jack - where's his Christian spirit? Interested to see what he'll do if Cecily and Nick do get married.

Thanks Eilidh.

 

#129:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 1:29 pm

I hope Jack isn't too horrible over Christmas. He should remember that it's Nick's home and he is the guest there and behave accordingly.
I hope they all have a lovely Christmas.

Thanks, Eilidh.

 

#130:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 8:12 am

It's very strange to be writing about Christmas when its so sunny outside!
Mia wrote:
I think they all deserve a nice, happy Christmas!


No misery? Shocked No bad things? Shocked Oh well, if you insist.
*chases misery loving bunny outside to play in the sunshine and hands over control to happy bunny, appropriatly named Merry.*

Joey poured out Jack's breakfast coffee and handed it to him as he sat down.

"You're sure you sorted the flights?" she asked. He nodded.

"Stop worrying! You and Claire fly out tomorrow."

"And Chas?" Joey asked, noticing the ommision.

"Joey, I can't give him the time off. We need him. I don't even know if I'll be able to let him have a few days over Christmas - he might need to work."

"Why him, Jack? Why not someone else? It was the same with Steve and Mike, you're too hard on them. It's no wonder that Felix hardly comes back here any more. What if..." Joey broke off suddenly as Charles himself rushed into the room. He seized a cup of coffee from the table, drank it in one go, picked up a slice of taost, and rushed out. "That's not right, Jack." Joey said, "He didn't get in until ten last night - it's not even eight yet. He's exhausted, he's losing weight, and he's limping again - did you notice? He needs some time off!"

"He's a grown man, Joey." Jack said.

"That doesn't mean he can work non-stop!" Joey responded. "Now he comes to Dragon House with Claire and I tomorrow until we come home, or I phone Jem and get him transferred to Wales where he'll get treated properly!" Jack could see there was no point in arguing and gave in, reluctantly.

Charles, meanwhile, sat in his office. He swallowed a painkiller with another cup of coffee to try and stop his head aching, and tried to read the case notes Daisy Rosomon had left on his desk for him. The words looked jumbled up and confused, and he couldn't focus on the paper. He put a hand to his head and closed his eyes for a few seconds before trying again. And that was where his father found him, an hour later, his head on his desk, sound asleep.

Jack stared at his son for a long time, in his mind's eye seeing the frail baby they had never expected to survive, and thought for the first time that perhaps Joey was right - maybe he was too hard on his sons. He put a hand out and shook Charles gently to waken him, shocked to feel how hot he was. Charles sat up groggily.

"I'm sorry." he said. "I didn't mean to fall asleep - I'll stay later tonight to make up for it."

"No." Jack said firmly. "Your mother's right, you're doing too much and you're not well. You're going home, and then you're going with your mother and Claire tomorrow. And don't argue." Charles, who was feeling too weak and tired to even consider it, allowed his father to help him to his feet and out to the car, where Jack drove his son home.

*************************************************************

"God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay..." Cecily's clear voice rang through the house the following morning as she dressed and made her way downstairs to the breakfast table, where Anna and Jesanne were already sitting.

"Lovely." Jesanne smiled, as Cecily finished the carol just as she slid into her seat.

"We should do some carol's when Mamma gets here." Cecily said. "Anna and I can manage the accompaniments."

"Jesanne can help." Anna suggested wickedly. "You still have you 'cello, don't you?" Jesanne raised her hands in horror.

"Anna!" she protested. "I haven't played for years."

"You can do Christmas Carols though." her ward argued amiably. "But we'll let you off if you really don't want to."

"We'll see." Jesanne said firmly, turning her attention back to the pile of post beside her.

Cecily spent the morning wandering from window to window, joined by Pippa when that young lady arrived, while Anna settled herself with a book overlooking the drive and Nick retired to the stables to get out of their way. It was almost lunchtime when the car arrived, and as soon as it drew up Cecily was flying down the steps towards her family, closely followed by her sister. Anna watched, smiling from the window as Joey and Claire climbed out of the car, and then in confusion as Claire turned to help someone else, and then gave a shriek that made Jesanne jump and raced downstairs as fast as she could. Charles kept his eyes turned to the door until she appeared and, barefoot, ran down the steps and across the driveway to him.

"Merry Christmas." he whispered as he hugged her tightly. Anna gazed up at him, her eyes full of tears, and then rested her head on his shoulder.

 

#131:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 8:35 am

Awww how lovely!
Glad Jack realised that Charles was overdoing it.

 

#132:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 8:46 am

Awww *sniffles*

Thank goodness Jack saw sense and gave Charles the time off! *pats him*

Thanks Eilidh

 

#133:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 9:08 am

Awww, that was lovely Very Happy .

 

#134:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 9:37 am

Yay! How sweet - thank goodness Jack capitulated!

Thank you Eilidh.

 

#135:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 10:48 am

Thanks, Eilidh. I'm really glad that Charles got the time off after all.

 

#136:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 11:03 am

Awww Eilidh that was absolutely gorgeous!

Anna was so pleased to see Charles it made me all gooey inside.

*feeds Merry lots of lovely bunny treats*

 

#137:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 12:40 pm

Oh, that was nice!

 

#138:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 2:51 pm

Lovely - and well done Joey for forcing Jack to see - is he trying to alienate his sons???

Thanks Eilidh.

 

#139:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 3:03 pm

Thank goodness Jack saw for himself how he was overworking Charles. I'm so glad he got to spend Christmas with Anna. Thanks, Eilidh.

 

#140:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 8:36 pm

Aaaawwwwww!!
That was lovely! Thanks Eilidh!

 

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