All the World's a Stage (Completed 11/07 p8)
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The CBB -> Ste Therese's House
#1: All the World's a Stage (Completed 11/07 p8) Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Mon May 01, 2006 1:13 pm
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Link to Part One

~pim~

The first part of this should have been archived on the old board and I will provide a link to it in due course. If anyone is just coming to this and wants the first part in a word doc, feel free to PM me and I will email you one.

I thought I'd just give a brief summary of Hippolytus before I start just in case anyone wants. Basically Phaedra (the part that Jane is auditioning for) is married to Theseus, the exiled king of Athens. The goddess Aphrodite causes her to fall in love with Theseus' son from a previous marriage, Hippolytus, although she never actually acts on her feelings. This being a greek tragedy, the stage at the end is strewn with bodies (not literally because they didn't have on-stage deaths but that's beside the point). Anyway, I digress...back to the drabble!

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For the next week, Jane buried herself in preparation for her audition for the role of Phaedra in a new interpretation of Euripides’ Hippolytus. The production was scheduled to tour the country from September, culminating in a home run in London in February. Jane was trying to ignore the part of herself that was willing her not to get the part, not to be away from London, not to leave Robert. They had only met a handful of times but he was the very first thing she thought of when she woke up in the morning, as if he had been a constant presence throughout her dreams. A knot had formed at the bottom of her stomach when José had called, on her return from Switzerland, and insisted on taking Jane out for lunch in return for, as José had put it, taking such good care of Robert while she had been away. Jane had managed to put their lunch off for another week while she tried to gather the courage to face her friend but she was still absolutely dreading it.

Jane’s father had always told her that the only way to play a part well was to get into the skin of the character and be that person. The lines that Euripides had written two thousand years ago might have been written for her and she felt the familiar pull of becoming a part of something much bigger than herself. Although the play was to be performed in English, she read the lines aloud in the original Greek, startled by their relevance.

‘Cheires men agnai, fren d’echei miasma ti…
‘Philos m’apollus’ ouk hekousan ouk hekon.’*

‘fren d’echei miasma ti’ Jane repeated to herself, ‘my mind is polluted’.




*My hands are pure but my mind is polluted…A beloved one unwillingly destroys me, unwilling as I am (lines 317-319)

Last edited by KathrynW on Tue Jul 11, 2006 3:48 pm; edited 20 times in total
#2:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon May 01, 2006 1:16 pm
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Poor Jane, what a tangle Sad

Thanks, Kathryn
#3:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Mon May 01, 2006 1:37 pm
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Thanks Kath. Poor Jane... Crying or Very sad
#4:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon May 01, 2006 2:54 pm
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Poor Jane. I hope this won't be the end of her friendship with Jose. Nice to see this back, thanks, Kathryn.
#5:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Mon May 01, 2006 5:11 pm
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I have had a most productive drabble day so here is some more for this afternoon. I had a dream last night that someone posted a really long reply to my drabble, tearing it to pieces! Your comments are, as always, greatly appreciate as is any constructive criticism Very Happy

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Jane stood around the corner from the restaurant where she was to meet José, idly wondering when she had started smoking so much. She had avoided meeting José for nearly two weeks but had finally decided to stop being so melodramatic. She was not living in a Greek tragedy. Feelings were just feelings and she was not going to be a slave to hers. What had Fardy always told her that the family motto was? ‘Strong to endure.’ That was it. She was a Carew and should hold her head high. And the first step towards reclaiming her life was to meet José for lunch. Stubbing out her cigarette, she gathered her new found strength and marched into the restaurant where José was already waiting for her.

‘José, my poppet, let me take a look at you! Don’t you look fabulous? Did you have an absolutely marvellous time in Switzerland? Oh, how good it is to see you again!’

‘It’s good to see you too Jane. I had a wonderful holiday. It was just a shame that Robert couldn’t come too. Sit down and let’s order some wine and I’ll tell you all the news from the Platz.’

Jane sat down and deliberated for a moment before choosing an exotic salad for lunch. José ordered a bottle of white wine and begun to fill Jane in with all the gossip.

‘You remember Miss Bertram don’t you? She’s married to one of the doctor’s at the San now and she has the most darling little boy, Duncan, who must be coming up four now. He’s full of beans and keeps her on her toes, I can tell you.

‘And you know that Jack is back at the school don’t you? Teaching something called ‘Technology’. Lots of woodwork and mechanical bits and pieces. It’s right up her street and she seems so happy. She told me to tell you that you’re the most awful correspondent and that you should write and enclose a photograph of yourself because she can barely remember what you look like!’

At this Jane had to laugh. She had always been fond of Jack at school but it had been years since she had seen her, let alone put pen to paper.

‘Who else did I see? Well the Maynards are still there of course. I felt quite elderly when I found out that little Cecil is a prefect now. And Felicity is at university now. Even Phil and Marie-Claire are quite grown up now and demons of middles! And Ruey Richardson is now Miss Richardson. She helps Miss Burnett with all the games at the school now although I have a feeling that she won’t stay a games teacher for much longer now. There is a rather handsome young accountant at the hospital who seems rather keen on her. Everyone sent their love to you of course Jane. You should try and get out there for a visit, I know the school would welcome you with open arms.’

‘Maybe I’ll try one day soon. There certainly seems to be a lot of old friends there. It would be simply super to catch up with them. It has been far too long. And how is your mother? Is she happy living up on the Platz?’

‘She’s very well. It was lovely to see Mother and spend time with her. I’m so glad she has settled up there; she and Joey have always been such good friends and my step-father is a complete dear. Although there are so many of us, I always worried about her being lonely once we all grew up what with father dying so long ago and there’s not much chance of her being able to go back to Belsornia at the moment but now I don’t have to worry about her. She seems years younger than when we were in Australia.’
#6:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon May 01, 2006 5:17 pm
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2 fabulous posts.

Thank you so much Kathryn - for all the news and for the education on Greek tragedy!
#7:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon May 01, 2006 5:20 pm
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That was wonderful, catching up on so many old friends. Thanks, Kathryn.
#8:  Author: RuthY, Location: Anyone's guess PostPosted: Mon May 01, 2006 9:33 pm
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Thanks Kathryn (and thanks for sending me the earlier part as well so I could catch up on it). It is great!!

Glad to see all the old friends bobbing up on the platz.
#9:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon May 01, 2006 10:38 pm
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Thanks Kathryn Very Happy .
#10:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon May 01, 2006 11:00 pm
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RuthY wrote:
Glad to see all the old friends bobbing up on the platz.


I suddenly had an image of people bobbing up and down to music when I read that!

Thanks, Kathryn. It was great to hear about everyone.
#11:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 10:48 am
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Lovely, thanks Kathryn. The Greek play info is really interesting too
#12:  Author: ibarhis, Location: London and Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 11:17 am
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Nice to see a catch up on people - but I get a sense of a sword about to drop - or is that Nemesis I sense?
#13:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 5:16 pm
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Thanks to pim for the beautiful archiving (I may have spent an inordinate amount of time already playing with the link and giggling...)

Thank you everyone for your comments Very Happy

Just a little update for now...

Edited because I am stupid and didn't read it properly before I posted

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As their food appeared, the chatter turned to inconsequential matters and much to her relief, Jane realised that she was actually having a very pleasant time. The only slight moment of awkwardness came when José thanked Jane for keeping Robert company while she was in Switzerland.

‘It means a lot to me to have a friend like you’ José had said and Jane could fill her eyes begin to feel with tears of remorse and she quickly changed to subject to something less close to home.

As they were finishing their coffee, José addressed Jane with a mischievous look on her face.

‘Now I have an invitation for you. I’m hosting a supper party next Friday and you must come. There will be lots of people that you know. I’m hoping Con Maynard will be able to come and Janice Chester is bringing her new man. I think my brother Carl will be there too. But, most importantly, Robert’s friend Johnny is coming and her particularly asked if I could invite you. He’s quite a charmer isn’t he? Besides, it’s about time you found someone special. You will come won’t you Jane?’

Jane took a deep breath. After all, what had she promised herself about getting on with things?

‘It sounds simply marvellous, darling. Count me in!’

Last edited by KathrynW on Tue May 02, 2006 5:30 pm; edited 1 time in total
#14:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 5:29 pm
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Why does the thought of this party make me feel nervous? Thanks, Kathryn.
#15:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 6:38 pm
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Oh dear - it would be so much better if Jane could distance herself.

Thanks Kathryn.
#16:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 6:48 pm
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Ooh I wonder if Robert is happy for Jane to meet Johnny?

Thanks Kathryn
#17:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 8:51 pm
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Thanks, Kathryn. I wonder how the party will go.
#18:  Author: RuthY, Location: Anyone's guess PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 8:59 pm
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Thanks Kathryn. I am also wondering how the party will go.
#19:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 9:17 pm
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Get the feeling that all won't go as José's hoping Rolling Eyes !
#20:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 10:10 am
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*demands more* Wink
#21:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 4:28 pm
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C'mon Kathryn! I want to know what happens!

More more more more more more more

And just in case the above didn't get it across clearly enough - I think this is brilliant and you should post more of it.
#22:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 10:59 am
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Not sure I'd trust Johnny! Thanks, Kathryn

*joins in Fran's chant*
#23:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 3:28 pm
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*agrees with Alison H*

thanks Kathryn
#24:  Author: Jools, Location: Sadly Broke PostPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 4:04 pm
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Really enjoying this - thanks Kathryn
#25:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Tue May 09, 2006 1:47 pm
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Sorry for the delay in posting this next part. Thank you to all the very, very lovely people who have said nice things about the drabble, it is much appreciated and has encouraged me to write more when I would otherwise have given up.

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Con Maynard was running late. As usual. She had been so caught up in a new idea for a short story that she had completely forgotten that she was due at José’s house for supper. Luckily she had found a cab almost directly outside her flat and so only had to resign herself to being a half hour late. The cab drew to a stop outside the Carmichael’s red-brick town house and Con hastily paid the driver before bolting up the steps and ringing the bell. The front door was opened by Robert who greeted Con tersely before directing her towards the party and excusing himself, bolting upstairs.

‘Con!’ José leapt up from where she had been chatting to one of her guests.

‘I didn’t hear you at the door. Did that husband of mine let you in? Where on earth has he got to? Honestly, how rude of him to leave you standing out there like a lemon! I don’t know what’s wrong with him tonight.’

Con was soon safely settled with a glass of champagne. Apart from the tall red-haired gentleman whom José had introduced as a friend of Robert’s from university and who now seemed very interested in Jane, she knew everyone in the room. José’s brother Carl, a doctor at one of the big London hospitals, was as dark as his sister with the same graceful bearing that the siblings had inherited from their mother. Janice Chester was another old family friend and had lodged with Con for a few months when she had first moved to London. Indeed, it was Con that had introduced her to her latest boyfriend, Paul, a gregarious young fellow who worked in the office of Con’s publisher. Con realised as she looked round that she felt rather like the elderly aunt of the party – José, Janice and Jane had all been three years below her at school.

Con saw José looking impatiently at the door several times.

‘Is everything alright?’

‘This is just ridiculous. I’m going to get Robert. He can’t hide away upstairs forever.’

As José got up to leave, Con turned to Carl with a questioning gaze.

‘It’s no use looking at me like that. I haven’t got a clue what’s going on. Robert seems to be in a foul mood. We’ve barely seen him this evening.’

Con and Carl both turned towards the door at the sound of raised voices from elsewhere in the house.

‘Do they often argue?’ Con asked.

Carl shrugged.

‘Hardly ever. They lived with me for a while when they first came to London and I don’t remember hearing them have one disagreement.’

At that moment, José appeared. Although she looked outwardly composed, her dark eyes were flashing.

‘I think we’re ready to eat now’ she announced with a tense smile
#26:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue May 09, 2006 2:00 pm
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Oh, this doesn't sound good. What on earth is Robert up to?

Thanks, Kathryn.
#27:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue May 09, 2006 2:06 pm
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*pokes Robert* Very Happy
#28:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue May 09, 2006 2:06 pm
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Oh no, it's so embarrassing when you go round to a couple's house and there's obviously something not right between them.
#29:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 09, 2006 6:27 pm
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Oh dear, wonder what the problem is - and whether it has anything to do with Jane.

Thanks Kathryn.
#30:  Author: ibarhis, Location: London and Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Tue May 09, 2006 11:29 pm
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Someone should tell Robert that is simply bad manners - rude to your guests and not done.
#31:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 4:46 pm
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Thanks, Kathryn. I wonder what has happened to make Robert so bad tempered.
#32:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 6:36 pm
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Thank you for all your comments Very Happy

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The party moved through to the dining room, José seating Jane and Johnny next to each other. Con was seated the other side of Johnny but was thankful to find that she was also sitting next to Carl as Johnny’s attention seemed completely preoccupied with Jane who in turn seemed to be hanging on his every word, occasionally touching his arm with her hand as she laughed at yet another of his stories.

‘Red or white?’ Robert snapped, standing behind Con with his eyes firmly fixed on the scene beyond her.

‘Sorry…what?’

‘Do you want red or white wine?’ he asked again, annunciating every syllable clearly as if to stress his impatience.

‘Red please and could I possibly have a glass of water?’

‘Fine.’ Robert set the wine bottles down on the table with a crash and stalked out the dining room. He returned a moment later with a bottle of water which he handed to Con, leaving her to pore it into her glass herself.

‘Thank you’ she said timidly. She had met Robert on several occasions and he had always seemed like the perfect gentleman. José seemed annoyed with her husband’s bad temper and shot several meaningful glances at him which he proceeded to ignore as he started intently down at his plate of food.

In the tense atmosphere, Carl retreated into silence, responding in monosyllables to Con’s questions. Janice Chester seemed to go to the other extreme as if to compensate, drinking a large amount of wine and becoming quite raucous. Paul looked on at his girlfriend with good-humoured irritation and rolled his eyes at Con. Only Jane and Johnny seemed oblivious to the cloud that hung over the table and the pair continued giggling like naughty school children. Thinking that she had never worked so hard in all her life, Con tried to keep the conversation flowing by asking about José’s recent holiday in Switzerland. José began to recover some of her good humour as the meal went on, completely ignoring Robert seated at her right as he fully occupied himself with keeping his wineglass topped up.
#33:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 6:39 pm
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Thanks, Kathryn. It's good that Jane and Johnny are getting on well.
#34:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 6:47 pm
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Glad Jane and Johnny are getting on well - which probably isn't making Robert any happier - but feel really sorry for José. It's awful when a partner/relative acts like that, especially in front of your friends!
#35:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 7:07 pm
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Oh dear....not a good sign. Wonder whether it is Jane that's bothering Robert or something else.

Thanks Kathryn, brilliant to see more of this.
#36:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 7:26 pm
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I wonder if it's Jane and Johnny that have upset Robert - complete bore though, isn't he? Acting like that in front of his wife's friends.

Thanks Kathryn
#37:  Author: ibarhis, Location: London and Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 7:35 pm
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If he feels like that he would be better to be *ill*...
#38:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 7:57 pm
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Yes, he's not being reasonable, even if he is feeling jealous. I did like the idea of Janice being raucous, though!
Thanks, Kathryn.
#39:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu May 11, 2006 1:55 am
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That's discourtesy in the extreme. And all the guests will remember....
Thanks Kathryn
#40:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Thu May 11, 2006 7:30 pm
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Apologies - I can't for the life of me remember what colour eyes Con has. I think they're grey but feel free to correct me...

Thank you for reading Very Happy

Edited to change eye-colour, thank you Lesley Very Happy

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‘Do you remember that Bobby?’ Johnny’s loud voice cut across the table.

‘What?’ Robert replied shortly.

‘I was just telling Jane about the time we managed to get locked out of college and had to scale that fence in full drag. That porter’s face was absolutely priceless. I don’t think I’ll ever forget his look of sheer horror when the wind lifted up that very fetching skirt of yours!’

Everyone laughed apart from Robert.

‘We were just stupid kids back then,’ he growled. ‘Some of us grew up.’

The laughter stopped abruptly and Johnny looked distinctly uncomfortable in the silence. Con saw him look towards Jane but her attention was fixed on Robert, appraising him with her level stare.

‘Well,’ said Con with a weak smile after a moment, ‘these plates won’t clear themselves. No don’t you get up José, you deserve a break after cooking such wonderful meal for us all.’

Con’s words seemed to break the spell and Robert got up at once and started gathering together the dirty plates and dishes, as did Jane at the opposite end of the table and they carried their piles through to the kitchen.

Con followed a few moments later but was stopped from entering the kitchen by the sound of voices. She froze where she was. While she did not want to interrupt or overhear a private conversation, she could hardly return to the dining room with the stack of dirty dishes that she was carrying. Robert was standing at the sink, studiously ignoring Jane as she tried to talk to him.

‘Is everything alright Robert?’

Silence.

‘Well?’

‘Robert? What on earth has got into you tonight?’

The sharpness left Jane’s voice and her tone softened.

‘Robert…I…’ She reached out to touch his back.

‘Just don’t say anything. Just go back to your boyfriend.’ Robert spat out the words as he shrugged off Jane’s touch and started banging dishes together in the sink with renewed vigour. Jane took a step back and paused for a moment, unsure of what to do. Eventually she turned and walked out of the kitchen, seeming not to see Con.

Robert’s back was completely rigid and he didn’t hear Con as she crept in and put her plates on the side, concern clouding her dark eyes.

Last edited by KathrynW on Thu May 11, 2006 10:07 pm; edited 1 time in total
#41:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu May 11, 2006 8:27 pm
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Robert deserves a slap!
#42:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu May 11, 2006 11:31 pm
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*joins the queue to slap Robert*

Thanks Kathryn
#43:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu May 11, 2006 11:58 pm
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Also joining queue to slap Robert - he's behaving like a little brat!
#44:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 3:39 am
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He's awful at the moment, isn't he? Thanks, Kathryn, I look forward to seeing how they resolve this.
#45:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Sun May 14, 2006 11:05 am
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*pokes Robert*

Thanks Kath Very Happy
#46:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 1:31 pm
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Thanks for all the comments. Sorry for a longish update but I am (hopefully) get a shiny new computer this afternoon and I don't want the bit that I've written to get lost in transit to to speak Very Happy

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As Con slipped out of the kitchen, she bumped into Jane.

‘I’m just going outside for a quick cigarette. Do you want to join me?’

Jane offered Con a cigarette from the packet and led the way out the front door. Jane perched on the step and lit hers, passing the light to Con who took advantage of the silence to try to work out what to say. Not for the first time, she wished she were more like her sister Len who always seemed to know the right thing to say. Con could see that there was something badly wrong but she had no idea how to go about broaching the subject with Jane without offending the younger girl.

As it was, it was Jane who opened the conversation.

‘So how are things with you darling? It’s been ages since I’ve seen you and I’ve barely had a chance to speak to you tonight.’

‘I’m very well thank you. I’ve finally finished my novel; I’m just looking for a publisher now. Mama has offered to send it to the people that deal with her books but I think I would rather do it all on my own really. Have you got much work at the moment?’

‘I’m rather in-between jobs at the moment. The life of an actress and all that. I’ve had a couple of good auditions recently but I’m just waiting to hear back from them.’

‘Good luck with them.’

‘Thank you darling, the same to you of course. You’re bound to find a publisher soon, I’m sure it’s an absolutely marvellous book. And believe me, I know exactly how you feel about not wanting to ride on the coattails of parents. Directors rarely seem to see me when they look at me, just my parents and the draw of their names.’

Con looked hard at Jane. There was a note of bitterness in her voice that had never used to be there. Close-up, she could see how tired and pale Jane looked beneath her artfully applied makeup.

‘It’s been a strange evening hasn’t it?’

‘Janice is going to feel wretched in the morning.’ Jane answered with a grin.

‘You seemed to be getting on quite well with Johnny. José was never the most subtle creature was she?’

‘It was never really one of her strong points, no.’

Con decided to tred carefully.

‘Do you know what’s wrong with Robert tonight? He seems in such a foul mood. It's most unlike him I would have thought.’

‘I wouldn’t know. I don’t really know him that well.’

However good an actress Jane might be, Con knew that she was lying. The scene that she had witnessed in the kitchen had convinced her that there was more to the relationship than Jane was admitting.

Jane stubbed her cigarette out on the step and stood up.

‘We’d better be getting inside otherwise the others will be wondering where we’ve got to.’

‘Jane, if you ever need a friend or anything, I’m always here if you want to talk.’

Con could feel herself blush as she stammered out the words, this sort of thing did not come so naturally to her as it seemed to for other people.

Jane paused a moment and caught Con’s eye.

‘Thank you’ she said quietly.
#47:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 2:04 pm
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Aww, Con was lovely there - wonder if she's realised.
#48:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 2:10 pm
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Don't apologise for long updates, Kathryn, we like long! That was really nice of Con. I hope she can help.
#49:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 2:52 pm
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Yes, Con was great, let's hope Jane takes her up on the offer of a nice chat. Thanks, Kathryn.
#50:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 3:14 pm
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Long updates= good.

Interesting that Jane felt she needed to lie to Con about knowing Robert

Thanks Kathryn.
#51:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 3:18 pm
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francesn wrote:
Interesting that Jane felt she needed to lie to Con about knowing Robert


Ooh yes, I was just thinking that! Thanks Kath
#52:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 6:58 pm
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Well done Con, that was very sweet.

Thanks Kathryn.
#53:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 6:58 pm
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Thanks, Kathryn. It's good that Jane will have Con to talk to if she needs someone to talk to.
#54:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 12:32 am
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Thanks Kathryn; there was a lot going on in that conversation.
#55:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Sun May 28, 2006 5:37 pm
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The bunnies would only give me a tiny and rather inconsequential update I'm afraid but I'm hoping they'll be a bit more generous soon!

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The rest of the meal passed with relatively little incident although the guests were not anxious to stay late, coming up with a variety of excuses to leave not long after half past ten. Although Johnny had offered to escort her home, Jane declined his offer and chose to take a taxi home by herself. The first thing she did when she walked through her front door was to pour herself a strong gin and tonic. Taking a large gulp, she walked through to the small bedroom at the back of her flat. The room was stuffy in the summer heat and she opened the window, settling herself down among the cushions on the bench below. The sounds of night time London drifted over her, helping to calm her nerves. She finished her drink and allowed the gentle breeze to lull her into a hazy sleep.
#56:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun May 28, 2006 5:46 pm
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Thanks, Kathryn. I'm glad that she was able to go to sleep quite quickly.
#57:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun May 28, 2006 5:47 pm
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*sending lots of bunny treats*
Thanks, Kathryn.
#58:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun May 28, 2006 6:29 pm
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Thanks Kathryn.

*Sends chocolate and carrots for the bunnies.*
#59:  Author: Sarah_G-G, Location: Sheffield (termtime), ? any other time! PostPosted: Mon May 29, 2006 1:28 pm
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I've just caught up on loads of this and found lots of interesting developments! Definitely feeling for everyone concerned, even if Robert was being an idiot throughout the meal- how's he going to explain that satisfactorily to Jose?
#60:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon May 29, 2006 11:17 pm
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Fab as ever Kathryn, thanks. I do like this story.

Never apologise for posts being 'too long' Wink Laughing
#61:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue May 30, 2006 2:00 pm
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Poor Jane

Thanks, Kathryn
#62:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue May 30, 2006 2:14 pm
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What an evocative little post. Thanks Kath Very Happy
#63:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Tue May 30, 2006 7:19 pm
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I am not quite sure why everyone in my drabble seems to drink and smoke so much...Jane is such a bad influence!

Thanks for all the comments and encouragement!

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

Jane was sitting in the same position when she woke up, the early morning sun already beating down on her through the open window. She felt stiff and uncomfortable and her clothes from the previous night clung to her. She slowly uncurled and stumbled through to the bathroom, giving a wry smile at the reflection that looked back at her in the bathroom mirror.

Having showered, Jane found fresh clothes. The air in the flat hung heavily today, filled with city heat and humidity. Even the open windows failed to dispel the staleness that seemed to have invaded. Jane had not spent much of the last week at home keeping herself busy as much as possible with an energetic social life as well as the tradition audition trawl. Now the walls seemed to be creeping towards her, suffocating her.

This was not really what she'd had in mind when she had determined to get on with her life and stop moping over a man that she had no right to be interested in. And yet all that Jane could see was the look on Robert's face as he watched her and Johnny last night, his eyes, it seemed to Jane, had burned with hatred. For her? Jane didn't know but she feared the answer.

It was no good. Jane knew if she stayed in her little flat a moment longer then she would scream or cry or something and she could not afford to break down now. A quick survey of the fridge revealed very little that was edible so Jane grabbed her keys and purse from the table when she had thrown them, briefly pausing to apply some fresh lipstick in a vague attempt to entice the old Jane back.

As Jane opened the front door she almost fell over Robert who was sitting on the steps that led down to the street. He was still dressed in the suit he had been wearing the previous night.

'Robert! What on earth are you doing here?'

Robert got up and turned to face her. His eyes were no longer filled with emotion. Instead they seemed dead, gazing at Jane without really seeing her.

'Have you been here all night?'
#64:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 30, 2006 7:30 pm
    —
Shove him out, Jane, I think he's dangerous! Crying or Very sad

Thanks Kathryn.
#65:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue May 30, 2006 8:29 pm
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If he's been hanging around outside her flat all night I think there's a major problem Rolling Eyes .
#66:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue May 30, 2006 8:30 pm
    —
*meeps*

Thanks Kathryn
#67:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed May 31, 2006 12:30 am
    —
Thanks, Kathryn. I hope that Robert won't turn nasty.
#68:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed May 31, 2006 12:39 am
    —
This is very worrying....
#69:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed May 31, 2006 3:13 pm
    —
Nononononononono!

Please make Jane be sensible, Kathryn
#70:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 1:33 pm
    —
Shocked SO not good!

Thanks Kathryn
#71:  Author: Róisín,  PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 4:59 pm
    —
OK I have just read through the entire archived bit and all the updates up til now. It's BRILLIANT. Oh my god what is going to happen next. Maybe it's truly a romance though, and Robert is sitting there, pining with love or whatnot.

Whatever it is, please update soon Kath!!
#72:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 4:25 pm
    —
Agrees with Roisin. Laughing

What is he up to??

Thanks, Kathryn.
#73:  Author: Kat, Location: Abertawe PostPosted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 3:24 pm
    —
Just read this from the first part Kathryn!

Please post some more for us soon!
#74:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 6:42 pm
    —
Thank you everyone for saying such lovely things. I'm glad (not to mention surprised) that you're enjoying it!

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

Robert got up and turned to face her. His eyes were no longer filled with passion. Instead they seemed dead, they gazed at Jane without really seeing her.

'Have you been here all night?'

'I was walking for most of the time. Just walking. What time is it now?'

His voice had a curious flat quality to it.

'Almost 8. Does José know that you are here?'

'No. I said there was some business in Australia that needed my attention. She thinks I'm in the office.'

Neither of them spoke for a moment.

'Why are you here Robert?' Jane's voice was soft, questioning.

'Truthfully?'

Jane nodded.

'I don't know.'

He sat back down on his step. Jane waited a moment and then sat down next to him. He took her hand in his but continued to stare straight ahead, avoiding meeting her eyes.

'I'm sorry about last night Jane. I was being a fool. I just couldn't stand it. I couldn't stand to see you with him when I know you should be with me.'

There. He'd said it.

Jane wasn't sure how she should react. There was a certain sense of inevitability about the whole stupid thing.

'And José?' Jane asked quietly.

'She's my wife.'

'She's my best friend.'

They stayed sitting where they were, holding hands, neither of them knowing what to say next. People walked past, casting curious glances in their direction but Jane didn't notice. All she was aware of was the tension between her and Robert that crackled in the oppressing heat.

Suddenly, Robert turned to her. His eyes were how she remembered and his voice had taken on an intensity that she had never heard before, as if it had all become too much for him

'For god's sake. Why did I have to meet her first?'

Their eyes locked and Robert lent forward. For the briefest of moments his lips touched hers but Robert recoiled almost at once and the kiss was over almost as soon as it had begun.

'I'm sorry Jane, I should never have done that.'

He stood up and walked away from the steps, never once looking back at Jane.
#75:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 7:01 pm
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I do feel so sorry for Robert. After all, you can't help who you fall in love with. Poor Jane, having to deal with it all. Thanks, Kathryn.
#76:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 7:31 pm
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Thanks Kathryn, very well put.
#77:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:20 pm
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Thanks, Kathryn. It will be interesting to see what happens next.
#78:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 9:25 pm
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I feel sorry for José - she presumably doesn't suspect a thing. It's one of those awful situations in which there are no winners Sad .
#79:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 9:34 pm
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So sad! Crying or Very sad

Thanks, Kathryn
#80:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 12:41 am
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How sad, and how painful.
#81:  Author: LL, Location: Bermondsey/ Woodside Park, London PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 9:14 am
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Thanks a gazillion Kathryn....
*lovin' it Laughing*
#82:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 12:11 pm
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Thank you Kathryn - this is really good. Can we have some more please?
#83:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 6:47 pm
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Ohhh Kathryn. They're both hurting. Please make it better.

Thank you
#84:  Author: Róisín,  PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 11:42 pm
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One part of me wants him to get a hold of himself and decide what on earth he wants, the other half of me realises how little control he has of himself at this time. I think he needs to get away from Jane, if he wants to save his marriage, and stay away from her.
#85:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 12:53 pm
    —
Oh dear. What a tangled web. Poor both of them.

Thanks Kathryn.
#86:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 12:56 pm
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Just caught up with loads of this, thanks Kathryn.
#87:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 4:34 pm
    —
A nice cheery little update for a Wednesday afternoon Laughing

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

Jane did not know how long she sat there for, staring after the long departed shadow of Robert. She was barely away of the people who lazily strolled past, casting curious glances at the blonde girl, on the steps, silently crying.

An old man stopped in front of her,

'Are you alright, love?' he asked in kindly tones.

'Yes, yes, I'm fine,' Jane said hastily as she turned and bolted through the still open front door, slamming it behind her, embarrassed about the scene she had created.

She wondered aimlessly into the bedroom where she found the remnants of the previous night's gin and tonic. She downed it in one large gulp. She found the half-finished bottle of gin in the kitchen and mixed herself another gin and tonic. And another. And another. Until there was no more tonic water left and she was just drinking straight gin. Anything to stop herself from thinking and feeling and crying. Eventually, when the bottle was empty, she retreated back to her bedroom where she collapsed on her unmade bed.
#88:  Author: Róisín,  PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 4:37 pm
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Crying or Very sad Poor Jane. I really feel for her, not being able to function because of this huge sway on her emotions. Please give her something cheery soon Kathryn.
#89:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 4:39 pm
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Poor Jane. How awful for her. Thanks, Kathryn.
#90:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 4:44 pm
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Oh dear, poor Jane Sad

She's going to have headache to rival her heartache when she wakes up Confused
#91:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 5:09 pm
    —
Oh dear Sad .
#92:  Author: Kat, Location: Abertawe PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 5:18 pm
    —
Pauvre Jane *hugs her*
#93:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 7:30 pm
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Feel so sorry for Jane - this isn't her fault. Crying or Very sad

Thanks Kathryn
#94:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 7:48 pm
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Oh dear. Not a good idea, but so understandable. Crying or Very sad

Thanks, Kathryn.
#95:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 3:38 am
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Poor Jane.... Crying or Very sad
#96:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 2:42 pm
    —
Oh, so been there! Poor love.

Thanks Kathryn. Loving this as ever.
#97:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 11:21 pm
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Thanks, Kathryn. I hope that things will improve for Jane.
#98:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 3:00 pm
    —
Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you, I'm actually updating this! I'm sorry it's all a bit grim going at the moment, I keep hoping things might get a little better for them all but then those darn bunnies intervene!

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

When Jane finally awoke, it was dark outside although the evening still retained some of the heat of the day. Her head was pounding unimaginably and any attempt at movement seemed to set off wave upon wave of nausea. She reached for the glass that she had left by her bed and was overpowered by the acrid smell of pure gin. With strength that she didn't know she had, she threw the glass at the opposite wall where it shattered into jagged pieces. Jane curled up on her side, turning her back to the room so that she faced the wall, and there she lay and gave in again to the tears that seemed to overwhelm her.

The storm passed after what felt to Jane like a lifetime and she slowly crawled out of bed and staggered into the bathroom. She looked at herself in the cracked mirror over the sink. Her eyes were red with sobbing and her skin was pale and blotchy, tinged with grey.

'What has happened to me?' she asked her reflection out loud but was unable to answer her own question. How could one day make such a difference? Just yesterday, she had been so excited about the future. So determined to move on with her life. So happy. And all it had taken was one slight glimpse of how her life could have been to bring everything crashing down around her.
#99:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 3:26 pm
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Thanks, Kathryn. I feel so sorry for Jane.
#100:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 3:47 pm
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Oh dear - sometimes you just feel like everything's going wrong. Poor Jane.
#101:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 3:51 pm
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Oh dear, poor Jane - hope she's not going to retreat back into alcohol again.

Thanks Kathryn.
#102:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 4:18 pm
    —
KathrynW wrote:
And all it had taken was one slight glimpse of how her life could have been to bring everything crashing down around her.

Mmmm! Looking back is as bad as looking forward - leads nowhere.

Poor Jane. Crying or Very sad
#103:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 5:07 pm
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I'm so glad that it's not just my bunnies that like doom and gloom and tragedy! Thanks, Kathryn; I'm looking forward to see where Jane goes from here.
#104:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 8:45 pm
    —
Poor Jane Sad

Thanks, Kathryn
#105:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 11:19 pm
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Oh dear, it all seems so grey and pointless doesn't it? Poor Jane.
#106:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 10:04 am
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Oh poor Jane! Thanks Kathryn - I think! Crying or Very sad
#107:  Author: Róisín,  PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 1:42 pm
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OK I think we're ready for some happiness now Kathryn! Laughing Although I can't see how that's going to happen unless you kill Jose... Shocked
#108:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 3:57 pm
    —
You actually got off easy, I originally wrote a much gloomier bit. So grim that I think this would have had to have been moved to St Hild's but I decided I wasn't going to be that mean to Jane!

Thank you for comments Very Happy

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

As she stood in front of the mirror, transfixed by the ghost of her former self, the telephone began to ring insistently. She tried to ignore it at first but each shrill note seemed to reverberate incessantly around her head until she could no longer bear it.

'Hello?' she said faintly, as she picked up the receiver.

'Jane, darling, is that you? It's Lloyd here. I've been trying to ring you all day but I haven't had an answer.'

'Sorry,' was all Jane could think to reply.

Lloyd was far too excited to notice the hesitation in Jane's voice.

'I have some fabulous news darling. We've decided to offer you the part of Phaedra. You were simply magnificent in the audition. And the backers are thrilled to the teeth with the idea of having a Carew in a starring role! You will say yes won't you darling?'

At that moment, all Jane wanted to do was escape from her life and everything that went with it. This time there was no hesitation.

'Yes. Thank you Lloyd.' In her sincerity, she could say no more.

'Rehearsals start on Monday, I'm afraid. We have a lot to get through before this show goes on the road. And there are a couple of other projects that I want to talk to you about as well. Oh darling, it will be wonderful!'

Jane had put the 'phone down, hardly able to believe what had just happened. Despite everything, she began to feel the familiar knot of excitement and anticipation begin to grow in the pit of her stomach. As she swept up the broken glass from her bedroom floor, she looked at the sharp shards. It would be so easy, she thought, as she cradled the jagged pieces in her hands, momentarily tempted. But no. It wasn't meant to be that way. She had a new play, a way out. It was fate. It had to be.
#109:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 4:01 pm
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I'm so glad she didn't do anything silly. Hopefully she'll feel happier once she starts rehearsals. Thanks, Kathryn.
#110:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 4:03 pm
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Hope she'll feel happier once she's concentrating on the play.
#111:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 4:31 pm
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Acting in a play is as good an escape as any - and better than the alternative. Crying or Very sad

Thanks, Kathryn
#112:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 7:04 pm
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Pleased about the play - hope it will help her.

Thanks Kathryn
#113:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 7:31 pm
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Thanks, Kathryn. I hope that the play will be able to help her.
#114:  Author: LL, Location: Bermondsey/ Woodside Park, London PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 7:44 pm
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yay a part!
#115:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 6:20 pm
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Yes...happiness...anyway...

Thanks for all the comments!

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

Jane threw herself, head first, into rehearsals. She was always the first person there, and the last one to leave at night. Even when she was not rehearsing, she worked on her part, willing the distant Athenian queen to absorb her completely. She read Seneca and Racine and numerous translations of Euripides' play. She even immersed herself in academic literature until she could no longer remember a life outside the play. Telephone calls and letters went unanswered, social invitations were turned down and appointments were cancelled. In her obsessiveness, eating and sleeping feel by the wayside, casualties of her desire to be utterly consumed by something other than pain.

When she woke up from the few meagre hours sleep she allowed herself, for a moment, she forgot about everything but Robert, replaying the image of him walking away from her until she felt like her heart was breaking all over again. It was those lonely and desolate minutes, at the start of each and every day, that gave her the impetus to bury herself further, relentlessly, in her work. Jane felt that if she allowed them to creep in and steal more and more of her self, she would never be able to claw her way back to life.

It had become increasingly clear to Jane that Lloyd was attracted to her and, although she did not share the attraction, she began to find herself falling into a relationship of convenience. Lloyd had big plans for their future, mainly dependent on using the Carew name and the fame of her parents, and Jane did not have the strength to argue with him.
#116:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 6:21 pm
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Poor Jane, that's no life for her. Thanks, Kathryn.
#117:  Author: Róisín,  PostPosted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 6:21 pm
    —
((((((((Jane))))))))))
Thanks Kathryn. Poor Jane. Sad
#118:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 6:49 pm
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Thanks, Kathryn. I am wibbling that Jane is going to make herself ill.
#119:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 7:06 pm
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Oh dear, it's going to be no good for either her or Lloyd if she just gets involved with him because he's there Rolling Eyes .
#120:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 7:24 pm
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Nooooo, nasty Lloyd and poor Jane, without the strength to fight it. Crying or Very sad

Thanks Kathryn.
#121:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 7:33 pm
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No, find the strength to fight it Jane, or you'll be so much unhappier Crying or Very sad

Thanks, Kathryn
#122:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 11:29 pm
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Something has to give or she'll be ill. Please make it all okay, Kathryn.
#123:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 12:36 am
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Oh dear..work helps incredible much, but she still has to deal with the other aspects of her life. And Lloyd - ah yes....
#124:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 9:46 am
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Poor Jane, all these non-perfect SLOCs hanging around her!

Thanks Kath Smile
#125:  Author: Kat, Location: Abertawe PostPosted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 12:00 am
    —
*pokes Lloyd*

Thanks Kathryn!
#126:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 5:03 pm
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Poor Jane, the pain is so great she can't bear to think about it, just wants to bury it. Crying or Very sad But this isn't the way, Jane....

Thanks, Kathryn.
#127:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 10:10 pm
    —
Huzzah! We are finally approaching the end of what has been, for those of you that have missed it (myself included), the world's longest flashback. We are now, therefore, coming back towards where this whole thing started in the theatre with the roses etc. There will probably be one more post after this set in the past until it goes back to the beginning. I have got myself very confused in the process so please excuse any glaring mistakes!

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

One hot wednesday afternoon, Jane stepped out of the theatre, through the stage door. She was not needed that afternoon and could think of no reason to justify staying there any longer that day.

Leaning against the opposite wall was Robert. Suddenly, it seemed like this moment had been inevitable.

'How did you know where I was?'

'José told me you were rehearsing a new play. I think Con told her.'

Con Maynard. Of course. Jane wasn't sure how Con had found out about the part but she had send a card full of warm congratulations along with the news that she had managed to find a publisher for her novel.

'I think it's best if you leave.'

'I can't. I need to talk to you. Please. Just come for a walk with me. To the park.'

Against her better judgement, Jane nodded her agreement and the two of them walked through the busy London streets without exchanging a word.
#128:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 10:19 pm
    —
Oh dear - now what's going to happen? Shocked

Thanks Kathryn
#129:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 10:34 pm
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Oh Jane, you should be steering well clear of him Rolling Eyes !
#130:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 11:07 pm
    —
Sorry for spreeing and apologies for the mild bad language.

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

They found a bench, sheltered from the sun and far removed from the pleasure-seeking crowds enjoying the weather. Jane could not remember when exactly Robert had slipped his hand and to hers and why exactly she had not shaken it off.

Jane could think of nothing to say and Robert seemed uncharacteristically hesitant, so for a while they just sat there, watching life go on around them.

Finally, Robert spoke.

'I'm ready Jane.'

Jane turned a questioning gaze towards Robert but did not trust herself to say anything.

'I'm ready to leave her. And make a life with you. I've tried to fight it – we both have – but I know that we are meant to be together. I think I've known it since I first saw you. We can make it work, Jane. Just the two of us.'

'No.' Jane spoke for the first time. 'We can't.'

'Why not? Just give me one reason why not!'

'We just can't.'

Neither of them could bring themselves to mention José's name.

'I love you Jane. Doesn't that mean anything to you?'

Jane removed her hand from Robert's and looked out to the lake where happy families were swimming and boating; where merry children were throwing stale bread to the ducks; where carefree couples lazed in the sun. When she spoke, her voice was distant.

'I'm going away. On a tour, around the UK. I'll be gone for the next 6 months at least. And I'm seeing someone else.'

Robert recoiled at her words, as if he had been shot. Then he erupted angrily.

'This was all just a game to you wasn't it? You've just been playing with me all this time haven't you?'

'You know that's not true,' Jane answered, still unable to meet his eyes.

'You're such a bitch. Why the hell did you make me fall in love with you?'

Robert made a move towards her as if he was going to strike her. Jane flinched and her movement seemed to bring Robert back to his senses.

They sat in silence again. Jane found that every second seemed to last an entirety yet she felt powerless to break the spell.

'I would have given it all up for you.' At last Robert spoke, with a quiet sincerity that Jane thought for a moment would break her defences.

'Goodbye Robert.'

Jane stood up, turned and walked away from him, not trusting herself to do anything but keep walking.
#131:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 1:11 am
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Very painful, but so believeable. Thank you Kathryn, that was beautifully articulated.
#132:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 4:23 am
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Even though he's a fool, I do feel sorry for Robert. It's not been easy for him, either. Thanks, Kathryn; I'm looking forward to seeing where they go from here.
#133:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 5:19 am
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Well done Jane, that must have been so hard. Robert - you should appreciate just what Jane has done.

Thanks Kathryn.
#134:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 7:44 am
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Feel sorry for everyone Crying or Very sad - Jane's done the right thing, but José's got a husband who really wants to be with someone else.
#135:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 8:58 am
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Poor everyone. Thanks Kathryn.
#136:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 12:15 pm
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Thanks Kath, this was really realistic and sad. Poor Jane, but I think she's done the right thing...

*sobs at lost love*
#137:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 12:53 pm
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Thanks, Kathryn. I'm glad that she was firm with Robert.
#138:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 1:27 pm
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Sad Poor Jane. She must feel like the whole world's against her.

Thanks Kathryn.
#139:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 3:02 pm
    —
Well done Jane!

Thanks Kathryn
#140:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 3:09 pm
    —
Fatima wrote:
I'm looking forward to seeing where they go from here.


Where they go now is right back to the beginning! That last post was the end of the flashback, and so we know go back to just after what I have called the prologue which can be found here.

Hope that all makes sense... Confused

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

As Jane stood in front of the house, the first few flakes of snow began to fall, dancing in front of Jane's eyes.

From inside the house, a shadow watched her leave.

It took Jane an hour to walk back to her flat. A hot bath and fresh clothes took the edge of the icy chill that had seized hold of her. Wave upon wave of exhaustion crashed over her and Jane felt suddenly hopeful that she might be able to sleep that night. She was just beginning to doze off when the doorbell rang. At first, she thought to ignore it. They probably had the wrong flat. Or it might just be Lloyd amd Jane did not think she could face him again tonight. But it seemed to grow more insistent until Jane was forced out of bed.
#141:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 3:12 pm
    —
*pokes people who ring doorbells insistently when you're trying to sleep* Wink

Thanks Kathryn
#142:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 3:13 pm
    —
Thanks Kathryn.
#143:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 4:04 pm
    —
I have been most productive today although, as it happens, this is the first bit of the story that I wrote and the bit that inspired this whole drabble. Can't believe I've actually got here! I hope it's not too racy for here Very Happy

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

She opened her front door. Robert took a step towards her.

‘Please, Robert, don’t. We can't do this again.’

He took her in his arms kissed her violently. All thoughts of resistance faded as he pushed up against her and she responded hungrily. Jane could feel every curve of his body and she could taste sour whisky.

Almost as soon as he had started kissing her, he stopped and withdrew.

‘I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.’

‘No you shouldn’t’ Jane responded angrily. ‘Why are you doing this? I think you should just leave. Just get out.’ Jane’s voice had risen in her agitation.

‘Please don’t make me leave, Jane. Can I come in? Please. I just want to talk to you.’

‘I have already told you to go.’ Jane’s voice carried a steely determination, hiding the turmoil that she felt beneath.

‘Jane, please. There’s nobody else that I can talk to. I need you.’ His insistent, breathless tone conveyed his desperation and Jane relented, silently standing aside to let Robert pass through into the darkened sitting room. She followed him in and reached to turn on the electric light.

‘Don’t turn the light on, Jane. Can’t we just sit like this?’

In the gloom Jane could see Robert, his head in his hands, sitting at the other end of the sofa. She reached out her hand to his shoulder and he jerked upright, as if he had suffered an electric shock. Without thinking, she started stroking his back, feeling his spine shudder at her touch.

‘Robert, I…’

‘José’s pregnant.’

Jane felt like she had been punched in the stomach.

‘She’s what?’

‘Four months. It’s due at the start of July’

‘Is she happy?’

‘Overjoyed. It’s all that she can talk about; she and her mother.’

‘And you?’

‘Me?’

‘Are you happy?’

Robert gave a hollow laugh.

‘I’m here aren’t I?’

‘What is that supposed to mean?’

He turned towards her.

‘I still love you Jane.’

‘And José? Do you love her?’

‘Yes. No. I don’t know. It’s not as simple as that; she’s my wife. She’s carrying my child for god’s sake. It’s all such a mess. It’s killing me.’

All Jane could feel now was anger; anger at the way she had been treated; anger at the way she had been made to feel; anger at the whole stupid situation.

Robert turned pleading eyes to her,

'I just don't know what to do.'

'Well I will make the decision for you,' She had not meant to shout but she could no longer control herself.. 'Get the hell away from me. Just grow up and stop acting like a spoilt child. You can't have everything you want. I never want to see you again.'

At first, it looked like Robert was going to argue with her but then, without a word, he got up and left.
#144:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 4:07 pm
    —
Oh poor José - she really needs Robert's support and all he can do is chase after her best friend Crying or Very sad .
#145:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 4:07 pm
    —
Shocked @ Robert *pokes him lots*

He's starting to lose all my sympathy!

Thanks Kath
#146:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 5:27 pm
    —
Also got no sympathy for Robert - but buckets full of it for Jose and Jane.

Thanks Kathryn.
#147:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 6:58 pm
    —
I feel so sorry for them all. What a dreadful situation.

Thanks, Kathryn.
#148:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 7:44 pm
    —
Thanks, Kathryn. I am still feeling very sorry for Jane.
#149:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 2:24 am
    —
I'm feeling most sorry for José here. She really has no idea what's going on. Crying or Very sad

Thanks Kathryn
#150:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 4:27 am
    —
Robert needs to grow up a little and start really thinking about other people.

Thank you Kathryn
#151:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 8:59 pm
    —
Jane is showing such dignity and strength - which is more than can be said for Robert. Crying or Very sad

Thanks, Kathryn.
#152:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 5:20 pm
    —
Want to give Jane such a huge hug. What a mess.

Thanks Kathryn
#153:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 11:59 am
    —
Well said Jane!

*pokes Robert*
#154:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 3:45 pm
    —
I rather forgot that I hadn't actually finished this...

This is the last part of Jane's story. There will probably be a prequel/sequel at some point in the not too distant future though.

Thank you all for reading and for all your comments and I hope you've enjoyed it Very Happy

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

There was a knock at the door of Jane's dressing room.

'Who is it?' she called, looking up from the magazine that had failed to capture her attention.

A stage hand, dressed in black, popped his head round the door.

'Please Miss Carew. There's a lady outside to see you. A Mrs Carmichael.'

'Could you show her in here? Thank you Jim!'

Jane gathered every ounce of strength and readied herself for her greatest ever performance.

José looked as chic and trim as ever, despite the growing bump. Remembering that she was not supposed to know of the expected arrival, Jane tried to act surprised.

'José, darling! I see that congratulations are in order. Don't you look fabulous? You are simply glowing. I am just thrilled for you. For you both.'

'Thank you Jane,' José rested a hand protectively on her stomach. 'I can't believe how happy I am.'

'Don't you look fabulous? You are simply glowing!'

José blushed.

'What can I say? Pregnancy seems to suit me. I hope you don't mind me popping in like this tonight, I know it's your last night and I'm sure you have a million things to do but I wanted to see you so much.'

'Of course I don't mind, darling! It's wonderful to see you. Besides, I've done this so many times before that I could probably play the part in my sleep.'

'Well I'll be watching tonight. I'm afraid Robert couldn't make it tonight but I'm sure he sends you his love.'

Jane nodded and smiled non-committedly.

'There's another thing Jane. This is probably not the best timing but I wanted to tell you myself and you're so hard to get hold of these days! We – Robert and I – have decided to go back to Australia. He's never seemed entirely happy here in England and it will be nice to be close to his family and to grandfather.'

So Robert had finally done the right thing, Jane thought to herself. And it was if a great weight was lifted from her shoulders.

'What a fabulous idea. I know how much you love Australia.'

'I do. And it's Robert's home. And now that mother is happily settled on the Platz, I feel like I'm free to do what I want to do. And I really think this could be the best decision we've ever made. You will come and visit us won't you? First the London stage, next stop the world. You'll never be too big a star for us will you?'

'Of course I won't, you silly thing. You just try and stop me!'

The two friends embraced warmly and Jane felt herself blinking back tears of regret. She knew that this was – that this had to be – goodbye forever.
#155:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 3:51 pm
    —
Even though it's for the best, it still seems terribly sad that they are off to Australia. Thanks, Kathryn, I've really enjoyed this and will be eagerly awaiting the sequel/prequel!
#156:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 3:51 pm
    —
Crying or Very sad Sad ending, but definitely the right thing.

Thanks Kathryn, have really enjoyed this.

*sends copious amounts of bunny food for prequels/sequels and anything else* Very Happy
#157:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 3:52 pm
    —
Poor Jane. Thanks Kathryn, I'm glad Robert did the right thing.
#158:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 4:32 pm
    —
A very poignant ending, Kathryn. I'm pleased Jane feels as though she has shed a burden, but I'm sure it will take her some time to come to terms with it all.

Thank you.
#159:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 4:34 pm
    —
Thanks Kathryn - hope Robert manages to get his act together now.

Would love to read a sequel when you have time!!
#160:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 5:37 pm
    —
Finally Robert found some backbone -sad but probably the only way.

Thanks Kathryn.
#161:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 12:35 am
    —
Thanks, Kathryn. I'm glad that Robert has decided to go to Australia. Thanks for a wonderful drabble - I've really enjoyed reading it.
#162:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 3:40 am
    —
Glad that this is resolved, but it's so poignant....
#163:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 10:06 am
    —
Thanks Kath, I really enjoyed this.
#164:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 1:41 pm
    —
Well it was going to be sad whichever way it ended but I'm glad he did the right thing.

Thank you, Kathryn
#165:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Jul 29, 2006 3:06 pm
    —
Just right - thank you Kathryn, that was lovely Very Happy

Hope there is a sequel - want to know if José has a boy/girl/twins/triplets/quads etc. etc.

And of course want to see Jane find happiness with someone who's not already taken.

*sends bunny treats*
The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


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