Auntie Madge - completed 9 June p7
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The CBB -> Ste Therese's House

#1: Auntie Madge - completed 9 June p7 Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:16 pm
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Another Jackie drabble... *g* This is dedicated to Ally and fits in with my Summer drabble too - it's an out-take I suppose and it's very soppy


Madge Russell walked down the corridor towards the nursery, with a smile. It was a miserable day outside, but she had slipped away from her many household duties to visit the children. The older ones were in school, of course, but her daughter, Sybil and Jackie, her nephew, were painting pictures in the day-nursery with Rosa in charge.

Josette was in her crib, and Madge spent some happy moments looking at her as she slept, admiring her black curls and perfect little face. With a gentle kiss, she left her newest daughter and carried on to see the others.

She smiled at Rosa, and said she could have a short break. Rosa nodded, and slipped out of the room.

“Mummy!” Sybil said, excitedly, abandoning her drawing and running over to her mother. “Are you going to tell me a story?”

“Mummy, look, I drew you!” Three-year old Jackie said, in his excitement forgetting to call his aunt by her proper title. Madge’s heart filled with love as she studied the drawing with care.

“Call me Auntie Madge, dear,” she said, gently. “What a wonderful drawing, thank you for drawing me! We’ll put it on the wall, shall we?”

“Yes, please,” Jackie nodded.

While his aunt was away, hunting for drawing pins, Sybil pinched her cousin, with some viciousness.

“She’s my mummy, not yours,” she said, hotly. “You’re only a cousin.”

Jackie looked at her confused, and rubbed his arm. “She’s mine too,” he said, but in worried tones.

“No, she’s not. You’re so stupid. Your mummy’s in India. She left you. Cos she didn’t want you.” Sybil sneered.

“Why didn’t she want me?” asked Jackie, horrified.

“Cos you’re a stupid boy.” Sybil, having shot her bolt, turned back to her own drawing.

*

“Auntie Madge?” Jackie had waited until naptime before he could whisper his questions. Sybil was asleep already and couldn’t hear

“Yes, darling?”

“Doesn’t my mummy want me?”

“Oh, darling, of course she does,” Madge hugged the small boy, wondering where this had come from. “Your mummy loves you very much. When you’ve had your nap, you can come to my room and we’ll look at the photographs again. Would you like that?”

“Sybil said -”

“Hush, try and have some sleep. Your own mummy will be here soon, I promise.” Madge had a good idea of what Sybil had said and resolved to have a stern word with her naughty daughter.

“I’m sorry I called you Mummy,” Jackie said, and the worry in his blue eyes made Madge’s heart constrict.

“You don’t need to be sorry, dearest. I’m looking after you like a mummy for the time being, after all.” Madge pushed his curls back from his face, and dropped a kiss on his forehead.

“I wish you were my mummy for real,” Jackie said, before his eyes finally closed.

Madge sighed as the thought flashed through her head; So do I. Very Happy


Last edited by Mia on Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:29 am; edited 15 times in total

#2:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:17 pm
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Oh, poor poor Jackie!! Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

#3:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:19 pm
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Aah! Will there be more of this?

#4:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:23 pm
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Awww, poor little Jacke - no wonder he was confused. Crying or Very sad

#5:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:24 pm
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This is a few years later

“Jackie’s doing well at school,” Madge said, looking up from the report in Miss Linton’s pretty handwriting. “Gillian Linton’s very pleased with him.”

Jem made a non-committal noise, and Madge noticed he was still reading up some medical notes for a new patient. She sighed, Jem was so busy, it would be nice if he could occasionally leave the work to others and pay some attention to his family. The problem was that she always counted her brother’s four children as their family and Jem did not.

He wasn’t cruel to them, Madge reflected, as she put away the reports and busied herself with getting the tea things ready, it was just that he was so busy and therefore most of his meagre free time was spent with David and Sybil and small Josette. The Bettany children came a good third or fourth place with him. It was probably the way it should be, she thought, trying putting out her pretty china, but it was a difficult situation.


Last edited by Mia on Fri May 12, 2006 12:43 pm; edited 1 time in total

#6:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:31 pm
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Ah, good. I can see an opening for lots more.

#7:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:40 pm
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Thanks, Mia. My heart really goes out to Jackie at the age of 3. This might sound very silly, but could some of Sybil's behaviour come from Jem?

#8:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:47 pm
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Thanks for this Mia.

I really do like this, and reading it is getting me all sentimental.

Good point Chair about Sybil getting her silliness from Jem.

#9:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:51 pm
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I've always thought it was very difficult for the Bettany children to be deposited with their aunt and uncle for all those years, and also for the Bettany parents to give up their children in this way, but this makes it all seem so much more difficult. Thanks, Mia.

#10:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 1:04 pm
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It must have been very difficult for all of them. Jem should've shown more interest in Jackie & co, but I suppose he hadn't bargained for bringing up Madge's brother's children ... as well as Madge's sister.

I know they ended up with his sister's children as well, but that was because Margot'd died - Dick and Mollie just weren't around, and of course it must have been very hard for them too.

Oh dear Rolling Eyes .

#11:  Author: AliceLocation: London, England PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 1:05 pm
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This is very interesting Mia, thank you.

#12:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 1:20 pm
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If Madge is that worried why doesn't she say something to Jem?

Thanks Mia.

#13:  Author: ibarhisLocation: London and Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 1:46 pm
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I knew an elderly lady who had been sent back to Scotland from India to attend boarding school aged 5, before WW2. She had had holidays with her grandparents and didn't see her parents for about 10 years.

As far as she was concerned it was nothing special, just what happened to ex pat children then....

#14:  Author: AllyLocation: John Bettany's Cabin! PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 3:01 pm
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Awww Mia how luffly thank you *hugs lots* poor Jackie and Madge, it must have been very hard for them all sometimes.

#15:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 3:42 pm
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Thanks Mia, Madge is so lovely Very Happy
Poor little Jackie...

Kathryn

#16:  Author: La Petite EmLocation: Cheltenham PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 4:41 pm
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I've always loved Madge and she's just as lovely as always here!
Thanks Mia Very Happy

#17:  Author: RuthYLocation: Anyone's guess PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 5:14 pm
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Poor little Jackie. It must have been really hard on the Bettany children being left alone, sort of abandonned by their parents. Sybil didn't really help either. It's a shame Jem couldn't make more time for the Bettanys as their own father wasn't really there for them, but them they weren't even blood nieces and nephews only by-marraige and it wasn't really his job.

Looking forward to reading more! Thanks Mia!!

#18:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 8:57 pm
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Poor Jackie Sad
He really did have a tough time of it.

#19:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sat May 13, 2006 12:35 am
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I imagine that for Jem, the family boundaries were clearly defined and hierarchical - and the Bettany children were not his, so he reacted to them in a different way. Poor children....

#20:  Author: Laura VLocation: Merseyside, UK PostPosted: Sat May 13, 2006 12:16 pm
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Poor Jackie! Sad Jem can be so cruel
As a child my grandpa went to live with some rich relatives during the depression and he has vivid memories of the father giving out pocket money and sweets to his daughters but none to my grandpa. So mean Evil or Very Mad

#21:  Author: aitchemelleLocation: West Sussex PostPosted: Sat May 13, 2006 5:27 pm
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Awww poor Jackie *pats*
Thank you luffly shiny mia!!

#22:  Author: Róisín PostPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 4:11 pm
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I've just found this -> please write more Mia *sends bunny food* It's shaping up to be a really good story Very Happy Pretty please?

#23:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 6:10 pm
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Oooh shiny Mia!

Thank you, sweetie. May we have more? Please?

#24:  Author: LizzieLocation: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border PostPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 7:10 pm
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Ooh, yes, please write more, this looks ace!

Thanks Mia!

#25:  Author: alicatLocation: Wiltshire PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 12:52 pm
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this is so touching.

what struck me reading it was the parallels you can draw with modern life, when so many children live in 'shared' families

my daughter's best friend lives with her mum and step-dad: she has a half-brother who lives with her blood father and his new partner; another half-brother who lives with her family but whose dad is not her step-dad; a half-sister who is her mum and her step-dad's new baby and another half-sister who lives with her own mum but spends holidays at their house as her step-dad is her blood father........

sometimes she can say quite spiteful and hurtful things to the half-siblings who do not live in her own house all the time, and she was certainly confused about whether to be pleased or not when the new baby was on the way. Hopefully adults these days do not act like Jem and realise the consequences their actions in forming new relationships can have on all the children involved - but I'm afraid some of them don't

#26:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 3:49 pm
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Alicat that made my brain hurt trying to work it out. The poor kid.

#27:  Author: EilidhLocation: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 3:51 pm
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francesn wrote:
Alicat that made my brain hurt trying to work it out. The poor kid.


Mine too. More Mia, please?

#28:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 4:28 pm
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Here's some more Smile


“Hallo, Jack! What have you got there?”

“It’s flowers – for Auntie Joey,” Jackie said, clutching the small bundle of bluebells and forget-me-nots. “I picked them in the meadow.”

“They’re weeds, my lad – no, don’t take them in. Leave them here for Anna to deal with. Come on then, don’t you want to see your new cousin?”

“Yes please.” Jackie nodded, solemnly, as his uncle ruffled his curls affectionately.

“Visitor, Jo!” Dr Jack Maynard said, cheerfully.

“Hello, Jackie! Have you come to meet Charles? Nurse, be a dear and fetch him for me, won’t you?” Jo gave her nephew a beaming smile and patted the side of her bed for Jackie to perch on. He put his arms around her at once and she hugged him back. “Have you got a day off from school?”

“Just a half-day. Rix and David have stayed to watch the rugby, but Auntie Madge said I could come and see you.”

“Well, I’m glad you have.” Jo said, though inwardly she wished Jackie had stayed with Rix and David at school. He always seemed so solitary and it would be nice to see him as interested as they in normal schoolboy activities. “You were lucky there was the petrol to collect you.”

“Uncle Jem had to go to Armiford anyway,” Jackie explained. “He said it was OK, but I needn’t make a habit of it. Auntie said to tell you she’d be along later and she’s made a christening cake.”

“Marvellous! Now, here’s Nurse with Charles. What do you think?”

“He’s really tiny,” Jackie said, once Joey had unwrapped the precious bundle. “Can I hold him, please, Auntie Jo?”

“Yes, you may", quoth Jo. “He is tiny, but we hope he’ll soon grow out of it.” She tried to hide her anxiety from her eight-year old nephew, but Charles was frailer than her other babies had been and he was only ten days old. Her eyes filled with tears as she handed the baby over.

“What’s wrong, Auntie, why are you crying?” Jackie asked, alarmed.

“I’m just being silly, dear. Ignore me. Now – tell me all your hanes. How’s school? What did you get in the spelling test?”

“Twenty out of twenty, but I only got nine in my arithmetic. Uncle Jem said I had to do better.” Jackie looked troubled, remembering his uncle’s sarcastic remarks in the car.

“Never mind,” Joey nodded for Nurse to take Charles back to his crib. “Some people just aren’t good at maths. You’re like me – and your father. Dick was always hopeless at arithmetic, if I remember rightly!”

“Is he?” Jackie asked, carefully, adding this new information to the mental store, to take away and muse over at intervals. “Bye bye Charles. I hope he’s big soon, Auntie Jo, then he can come over to the Round House and play with us.”

“I’m sure he will be,” Jo said, smiling. “There’s Uncle Jack calling you, so kiss me and run along. I’ll be seeing you soon.”

As Jackie left her bedroom and went down to see Anna for his milk and biscuits, he noticed that the wildflowers had been cleared away by that capable person and wished his aunt could have seen them.


Last edited by Mia on Tue May 16, 2006 4:36 pm; edited 1 time in total

#29:  Author: EilidhLocation: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 4:30 pm
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Jack might have let him take the flowers in! And Jem sounds nasty. *pokes him*

Thanks Mia.

#30:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 4:44 pm
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*Also pokes Jem.*

#31:  Author: La Petite EmLocation: Cheltenham PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 4:47 pm
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*Hopes all the pokes aren't used up and that there is some of Jem left to poke!*

#32:  Author: KatLocation: Abertawe PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 5:11 pm
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Thank you Mia.

Think Jem sounds an utter b*****d! And Jack could have been a little more sensitive to Jackie wanting to show Jo the flowers; sure she would have appreciated them, weeds or not.

*pokes them*

More please? Soon? Very Happy Thank you!

#33:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 5:57 pm
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Thank you Mia, little Jackie is so sweet. I would have loved the bunch of flowers if I was Jo Very Happy

Kathryn

#34:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 6:04 pm
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Thanks, Mia. I'm sorry that Jem is still being so horrible.

*Clare joins in poking Jem*.

#35:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 7:02 pm
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I'm certain that Joey would have appreciated the flowers - what's the matter with them being weeds???? Jack was a total twit there.

As for Jem - does he have to make it quite so obvious that he doesn't think anything of Jackie? The boy's only 8, how many other boys get 20 out of 20 for a spelling test? Nice that Joey could tell him that he was like Dick.

Thanks Mia.

#36:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 8:26 pm
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Well Jack and Jem should go and bang their heads together in my opinion! Neither of them seem to have a ounce of sensitivity in their bodies!
Joey seemed nice though.

#37:  Author: RuthYLocation: Anyone's guess PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 8:50 pm
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Nice of Joey to tell him he was like his dad.

Thanks Mia.

#38:  Author: AllyLocation: John Bettany's Cabin! PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 9:14 pm
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Aww Joey was lovely, but Jack and Jem Rolling Eyes

Thanks Mia Very Happy

*hugs Jackie*

#39:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 12:39 am
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Jack was insensitive about the flowers, but at least he was affectionate to the boy. Jem - well, what can be said about him?

Poor Jackie - gleaning and hoarding every scrap of information about his parents.

#40:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 11:34 am
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“Jem, dearest, there’s a letter from Mollie. She and Dick are coming home, at last!”

“Excellent – how long are they going to stay?” Jem looked up from his ever-present paperwork.

“For good! You remember I told you that Great-Uncle Tom had gone at last? Well, of course Dick was his heir, and so he’s decided to leave the Forestry and come home and manage the estate – oh, it’s a huge old house called the Quadrant, in Devonshire. Mollie says it’s the best thing, with the current situation out there. Oh, do listen, Jem!”

“I am!” Jem protested, with a smile for his wife. “That’s good news.”

“They’ll take the children, of course… Oh, how excited they’ll all be! It’s been such a long time.”

“Is Mollie going to tell them herself?” Jem asked, giving up on his reports.

“She says she’s going to write to the girls together, and Dick’s going to write to Rix and Jackie. I am pleased, Jem, but it will be a wrench. I’m so fond of them, and Peggy’s such a help to me.”

“They’re only moving to Devonshire,” Jem pointed out with calm practicality. “You’ll still see them, of course, and well, if this Canadian conference does come off in the next few years, then it will be for the best. We couldn’t take all of them with us! Besides, think of Dick and Mollie, they haven’t seen the kids for – what is it, eight years?”

“Nine. Jackie was only a baby, remember.” Madge could see his point, but it would be hard. She must remain positive, she decided, and not let her own selfish feelings stand in the way of the Bettany children’s reunion with their parents.

#41:  Author: EilidhLocation: Macclesfield PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 11:40 am
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Hope everyone is pleased that they're coming home. Or will Maeve and Maurice cause a problem?

Thanks Mia.

#42:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 11:45 am
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Must've been very hard for everyone.

It always kind of bugged me that Dick conveniently inherited a big estate!!

#43:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 1:01 pm
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Thanks Mia, never really thought about it from Madge's point of view. Must have been prtty heart-wrenching for her to lose the children that she has pretty much brought up.

Thanks!

Kathryn[/i]

#44:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 1:10 pm
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Thank you Mia

*huggles Jackie*

Poor lonely little boy

#45:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 2:24 pm
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It's going to be so difficult for them all. Thanks, Mia.

#46:  Author: Róisín PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 2:42 pm
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Thanks Mia. I really really don't understand Mollie&Dick having the children and then offloading them onto Madge. It's not like there wasn't contraception (there was). And what was the logic behind Maeve&Maurice being able to grow up there, but not any of the earlier ones? Bah and humbug, I have no time for it! Very Happy

#47:  Author: Mrs RedbootsLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 3:00 pm
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It happened, Róisín; think of poor Rudyard Kipling and his sister sent, not to a loving family, but to a woman who only took in such children for the money she made! And he was just one of many; the climate was not thought suitable for children, plus there was a snobbery issue - they could end up with an accent that was considered "undesirable". Rumer Godden and her sister were another two literary children who were "sent home" in this way.

My mother's great-aunts took in children whose parents were in India at one stage - I just hope they treated them better than Kipling was treated.

As I understand it, Maeve and Maurice ended up staying with their parents because of the War - I think they were born just before it started, and would have probably been left with Madge & Jem at the Tiernsee had Mollie & Dick been on leave at the right moment. Obviously with the War, no visit was ever made, and it was far too dangerous for children to have travelled in the care of strangers, as might otherwise have happened.

#48:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 4:23 pm
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Mmm this is more about Jackie and Madge to be honest... I don't think the Bettanys will feature much if at all...

And I do like Jem normally, I just think he'd be quite hard on his nephews out of responsibility to M&D... Anyway, I'll stop rambling now!




“Wake up, Jackie. It’s all right,” Uncle Jem said. Jack sat up and clutched at his uncle, still not entirely sure if he had woken up. The dream had been vivid – and horrible. It was the fourth or fifth time he’d had it and it seemed to be getting worse. He realised he was trembling.

“Don’t strangle me, that’s a good boy,” Uncle Jem sounded tired. “See if you can sleep, now.”

“I’m sorry…” Jackie said, drowsily. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“It’s all right. Go to sleep,” Jem said, quite kindly.

When his uncle had left, Jackie lay down again, rubbing his eyes. Ever since the nightmares had started, he had been moved to sleeping in his uncle’s dressing-room so that his aunt and uncle could keep an eye on him. Even though the nightmares were horrid, it was nice not to have to sleep with David and Rix, who had improved since they’d gone to Winchester, but still tended to tease him or act superior on occasion. They had spent most of the half-term talking about people he didn’t know.

He didn’t remember going back to sleep, but the next moment it was morning and Auntie Madge was there to wake him up with a cuddle.

“What are you dreaming about?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” Jackie said, truthfully. “I always forget when I wake up.”

#49:  Author: Róisín PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 4:28 pm
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Thank you Mia, that was lovely, if a little sad. Poor Jackie.

#50:  Author: La Petite EmLocation: Cheltenham PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 4:30 pm
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Poor Jackie!!! Sad
But Jem was nice, he was nice!!!!!!!!! Very Happy
Thanks Mia Very Happy

#51:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 4:31 pm
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Awww poor Jackie.

#52:  Author: AllyLocation: John Bettany's Cabin! PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 4:33 pm
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*cries* poor Jackie *hugs him lots and lots* Im glad Jem was nice though! Thanks Mia

#53:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 4:50 pm
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It's good to see the nice side of Jem. Thanks, Mia.

#54:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 5:53 pm
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Aw poor little Jackie.

Thanks Mia

Kathryn

#55:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 6:11 pm
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Thanks, Mia. I'm sorry that Jackie has been having nightmares.

#56:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 7:25 pm
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Well at least Jem is acting more like a kind uncle here. Feel sorry for Madge - she must look on them as hers.

Thanks Mia.

#57:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 8:11 pm
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Poor Jackie, he's going to be heartbroken when he has to leave Madge isn't he.

#58:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 1:02 am
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If Madge has had Jackie since he was a baby, than to all intents and purposes he is her child... and they will both grieve at the separation.

#59:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 11:46 am
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Yes, he won't remember his parents at all, so separation from Madge will be distressing for him.

BTW: bluebells and forget-me-nots are not weeds! I hate the superieor, 'I'm a doctor, obey me.' attitude in this.

#60:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri May 19, 2006 12:51 am
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Very unimpressed with Jack's attitude toward wildflowers! He should be finding a vase, or at least a jam jar, no matter what. Even if he does sound nicer than Jem.

Poor Madge & Jackie!

#61:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 12:29 pm
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Thanks for your comments, here's some more.

“Good afternoon, Sir James, and Lady Russell, how do you do?” The headmaster of Armiford Cathedral School, Dr Kendrick, was on the drive, meeting the parents, or in this case, the guardians of the boys. It was the end of term.

Mollie had planned to accompany Jem to collect Jackie, but had woken with a slight headache and Jem had suggested she spend the morning resting. Dick had gone to Winchester to collect Rix and David. Madge had originally been intending to accompany her twin brother, but had changed her mind, knowing that Jackie might be disappointed not to have his mother arrive and hoping she could soften the blow slightly.

“I wonder where Jackie is?” she said, brightly, after Dr Kendrick had moved on to the next group.

“He should be here waiting,” Jem pointed out, impatient as usual. “I’ll go and sort out the luggage.”

“Yes, darling,” Madge scanned the driveway for her nephew, but he did appear to be missing.

#62:  Author: EilidhLocation: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 12:39 pm
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Surely Mollie could have gone? Its hardly necessary to do nothing because of a slight headache! I really don't like Jem in this at all, he's completely unsympathetic and makes no effort to think about what might be nice for his nieces and nephews. And poor Jackie will be so disappointed.

Oh, and thanks Mia, and yay cos you seem to have a bunny back!

#63:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 12:49 pm
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Thank you Mia.

*sends bunny treats*

*pokes Jem*

#64:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 12:57 pm
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It's a tiny bunny, hurrah!

I like Jem normally, I just fancied writing him in a different way to how I normally do Smile

#65:  Author: ibarhisLocation: London and Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 1:08 pm
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The 'slight headache' is consistent with the mollycoddling (no pun intended) which seems to permeate the CS universe.

As for Jem, I suppose he must be under considerable stress, which can turn even the best of men into unutterable grouches on occasion...

#66:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 1:14 pm
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Jackie was in his dormitory, oblivious to the time, re-reading his mother’s last letter to him. She had sent photographs, although he already had one of her and Daddy and the Second Twins in a frame, in the top drawer of his bedside cabinet. He was supposed to put it on top, but he never had. He might do after he met them, if they were nice. Mummy sounded nice in her letters, but she might not be.

The Quadrant also sounded decent, from her description. It was on a cliff, above the sea, with Exmoor around the back of it. He could have his own room and could choose from dozens, Mummy had written. He could have friends to stay in the holidays, not this first holiday, for that they would be by themselves then, but any holiday after that.

Jackie tried to imagine a house with dozens of bedrooms, it would be larger than the Round House, and he wouldn’t have Rix and David sharing and making fun of him. Second twins looked older in this new photograph and he studied it, carefully.

“Bettany, your people have arrived,” Forster, the dormitory prefect, came in, to collect his night case. “And you know you’re not supposed to sit on the beds.”

“Sorry, bye Forster.” Jackie stuffed the letter and photographs into his pocket, scrambled off the bed and went downstairs, clutching his own case, half-excited, half-terrified at the prospect of meeting his mother.

#67:  Author: ibarhisLocation: London and Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 1:19 pm
    —
Oh dear... he is going to be VERY disappointed.

#68:  Author: KatLocation: Abertawe PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 1:25 pm
    —
Crying or Very sad *hugs Jackie tight*

#69:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 1:43 pm
    —
Or relieved to see Madge?

Thanks Mia!

Kathryn

#70:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 1:56 pm
    —
Trust Jem to tell Mollie to rest just because of a slight headache!

#71:  Author: EilidhLocation: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 1:57 pm
    —
Poor, poor Jackie. Sad

#72:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 3:42 pm
    —
This is just so sad, Mia. I hope Jackie isn't too disappointed to discover that Molly didn't come to collect him.

#73:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 3:50 pm
    —
Awww poor Jackie, I hope he doesn't feel too abandoned when he realises that his Mother isn't there.

#74:  Author: AllyLocation: John Bettany's Cabin! PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 3:51 pm
    —
Poor Jackie *cries* building himself up to see his mother, and now what will he think on seeing Madge instead. Thanks Mia Very Happy

#75:  Author: Róisín PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 4:10 pm
    —
Oh how annoyed I am at Mollie right now. For goodness sake, has she no feelings for her children at all?! *rant rant rant*

But thank you Mia, your writing is so nice and it really sounds like what the little boy is thinking.

#76:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 5:22 pm
    —
Another really annoyed with Mollie - and with Jem - don't they have any empathy for the child? Shocked At least Madge has some feeling for him.

Thanks Mia.

#77:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 7:52 pm
    —
so happy to see you back again

#78:  Author: KatherineLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 10:01 pm
    —
Delighted to see the bunnies have come back. Please make them stay; I want more of this!

#79:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed May 24, 2006 12:47 am
    —
Oh that poor child.

#80:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed May 24, 2006 12:08 pm
    —
Thanks, Mia. I'm sorry that Jem forced Mollie to stay at home instead of coming to meet Jackie.

#81:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed May 24, 2006 2:31 pm
    —
Some fresh air would have done her good.

#82:  Author: MaryLocation: Sussex University PostPosted: Wed May 24, 2006 8:58 pm
    —
Oh Jackie! He's lovely, despite the mean people round him. Is he the one who's actually Noel? Why call a child who's Noel, Jackie? Weird!

#83:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 10:17 am
    —
“Auntie Madge!” Jackie threw his arms around her, thrilled. “I didn’t know you were coming! Is – she here?” he looked around, half-fearfully, as if he expected someone to be lurking amongst the bushes.

“If by ‘she’, you mean your mother, then no, she’s still at home.” Jem said, sternly, but relented slightly when he saw his nephew’s disappointment and undisguised relief. “Give me your case. She’s waiting at the Round House for you, so the sooner we leave, the sooner you’ll see her. Had a good term? How’s the maths?”

“Mummy’s very excited about seeing you,” Madge intervened, with a smile. “And wait till you meet Maeve and Maurice, you’ll be able to play with them, won’t you?”

“Is – are they really here?” Jackie asked, doubtfully, as Jem put his foot down.

“Of course they’re here, why are you talking nonsense?” Uncle Jem asked, genuinely puzzled.

“I just – thought – well, maybe they weren’t here from India yet, and you – well, you might not want to tell me?” Jackie floundered in uncertainty and secret hope.

“No, darling, of course they’re here. Your mother and the twins are at the Round House, with Bride and Peg, and your Daddy has gone to Winchester to collect Rix and David.”

“Oh – sorry,” Jackie looked out of the window, at the countryside flashing past, embarrassed.

#84:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 10:19 am
    —
Poor little Jackie, I can well understand that he would rather spend the time with Madge. I just hope that it's not going to upset Mollie and Dick too much.

Thanks Mia

Kathryn

#85:  Author: Róisín PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 10:31 am
    —
Thanks Mia. Please let something nice happen to that little boy soon! (and slap Mollie Wink ) Laughing

#86:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 10:35 am
    —
Poor little Jackie.

#87:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 10:48 am
    —
Poor little boy. Sad

Thanks Mia

#88:  Author: little_sarahLocation: Liverpool/Manchester PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 12:00 pm
    —
*Pokes Jem for being harsh to the poor little boy*
Poor thing, it's not suprising that he doesn't know what to think abouthis mother not being there, it must be incredibly emotionally confusing.
Hugs for Jackie, and thanks for Mia.

#89:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 12:29 pm
    —
Penultimate post - I think

“Come on, Jackie, there’s Mummy waving, look!” Madge said, encouragingly. “Jem, shall we get out so you can park the car?”

Jem agreed, looking over his shoulder. Jackie looked utterly miserable; tears would probably be forthcoming shortly. He swallowed his impatience, knowing that if he were sharp it would make things worse.

However, as soon as Madge and Jackie had gotten out of the car and before Madge could say something, Mollie Bettany had appeared from the house and swooped down on her second son with so many loving exclamations, hugs and kisses that Jackie was quite overcome. He pulled away as soon as he could, and stood looking up at his mother, confused and frightened.

“Oh, I’ve missed you so much, my own little boy,” she said, holding out her hand for him to take.

“Why don’t we all go inside,” Madge suggested, wishing that Jackie wouldn’t look so terrified.

“Of course, Second Twins! Jackie, mavourneen, you must meet your little brother and sister, they’re dying to see you – Twins, where are you?” Mollie went in first.

Jackie’s throat hurt with the effort of keeping the tears back, he didn’t want to go to the Quadrant, and he was going to cry.

“Auntie Madge,” he said, as two fat tears rolled down his cheeks.

“Oh, no, dearest, don’t cry,” Madge knelt down, regardless of the muddy ground and her best silk stockings. “I know, it’s going to be fine, honestly.”

“I don’t want to go with her, I don’t want to go away, please don’t send me away, please… I’ll be good, I promise,” Jackie sobbed.

“Jackie, don’t say that, please,” Madge’s own eyes shone with tears.

#90:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 12:41 pm
    —
Oh dear Crying or Very sad .

#91:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 1:21 pm
    —
What did they expect? Jackie's security has vanished, and he's expected not only to accept it, but welcome it.

#92:  Author: ibarhisLocation: London and Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 2:11 pm
    —
Poor Jackie. The adults must seem very alien!

#93:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 2:18 pm
    —
I don't know if you have cases in England, but here there were a couple ofcourt cases about children growing with adopted or foster parents and the real parents wanting them back, and sometimes the court not allowing this as the child only knows the adopted parents

#94:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 2:41 pm
    —
Poor little boy - any one else want to kick Jem up the ****? Laughing

Thanks Mia.


Last edited by Lesley on Thu May 25, 2006 3:07 pm; edited 1 time in total

#95:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 2:49 pm
    —
Poor little Jackie, he must be feeling so confused. It's really traumatic for him. Thanks, Mia.

#96:  Author: groverLocation: Dublin PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 3:00 pm
    —
Lesley wrote:
Poor little poor - any one else want to kick Jem up the ****? Laughing

Thanks Mia.


YES!!!

*looking for extra-pointy shoes*

#97:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 5:37 pm
    —
*obligingly hands grover shoes*

Thanks Mia.

*huggles Jackie*

#98:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 7:40 pm
    —
Poor Jackie Crying or Very sad

#99:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 8:56 pm
    —
Poor little Jackie Crying or Very sad

Thanks, Mia

#100:  Author: MaryLocation: Sussex University PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 9:17 pm
    —
Oh it's so sad. In a good way, but oh! Poor little Jackie. I could eat him up.

#101:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 10:13 pm
    —
Lesley wrote:
Poor little boy - any one else want to kick Jem up the ****? Laughing


I do!

Thanks, Mia. I agree that it must be so confusing for him.

#102:  Author: Róisín PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 10:29 pm
    —
What on earth did any of them expect though?! Evil or Very Mad
Madge should have (if Jem had let her Rolling Eyes ) engineered a situation where it was just her, Mollie and Jackie, in a quiet room by themselves and that was how he got to meet his mother. Honestly, do these 'grown ups' have any sense at all? Bah.

But thank you Mia! Beautifully written. Love the 'fat tears'. You make it so alive Smile

#103:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 10:44 pm
    —
Mia, this terrific. The characters are so lifelike, and yes, I think Jackie in particular would have been very afraid of this lady whom he never remembers claiming to be his mother. It really would have been to much for him.

#104:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri May 26, 2006 12:04 am
    —
Oh poor Jackie - being handed over a person who is essentially a stranger, and Madge realises this. And poor Mollie too...

Thanks Mia

#105:  Author: AllyLocation: John Bettany's Cabin! PostPosted: Fri May 26, 2006 8:00 am
    —
*sniffles and hugs poor Jackie* It must have been quite traumatic for him, as it would have seemed that some one he was close to and trusted, was just handing him over to a stranger.

Thanks Mia

#106:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri May 26, 2006 11:47 am
    —
Joins Lesley in her desire to give Jerm a good kicking.

Madge is the only one who seems to understadn what the poor child is feeling.

#107:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Fri May 26, 2006 10:30 pm
    —
I hope Mollie is able to understand what is happening in Jackie's head. Madge is so caring here.

#108:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon May 29, 2006 11:41 pm
    —
Poor little soul.

Thanks, Mia.

#109:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 3:54 pm
    —
Oooh might get this finished today!


“What’s going on here?” A familiar voice asked, and Jackie looked up through his tears to see him uncle frowning over him and Auntie Madge.

“Oh, Jem…” Madge stood up, blinking rapidly, then giving up and dabbing at her eyes with her lace handkerchief. “Jackie’s a bit tired and – overwrought. Let me just take him upstairs, then Mollie can go in to him and – Jackie, ssh, darling, it’s going to be fine, you’ll see.”

“Madge, look at your stockings. Go and change them, and wash your face,” Jem’s tone was imperative, but the look he gave his wife was tender. “I’ll deal with him. Come on, young man, we'll go to my study," and with that he took Jackie by the arm and marched him indoors.

#110:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 3:55 pm
    —
Hope Jem isn't going to make things worse!

#111:  Author: EilidhLocation: Macclesfield PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 3:59 pm
    —
I have a feeling that that may be a vain hope. I really don't like your Jem, Mia!

But how productive you have been today!

#112:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 3:59 pm
    —
Oh, Jem had jolly well better be nice. Thanks, Mia.

#113:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 4:01 pm
    —
Thank you Mia, I managed to miss the last update so I've had two to catch up on, yay!

Poor little Jackie, be nice to him Jem!

Kathryn

#114:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 4:08 pm
    —
Please let Jem be kind and sympathetic!

#115:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 6:34 pm
    —
Wish Madge would tell Jem to mind his own business - what right has he to criticise her appearance? Sincerely hope he's going to be nicer to Jackie.

Thanks Mia.

#116:  Author: Róisín PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 11:43 pm
    —
I’m so glad that Jem’s look was tender, because his words were horrible! Hope he can comfort Jackie in some way and help him to see things in a better light. Thank you Mia Very Happy

#117:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:27 am
    —
Hope Jem thinks before he says anything to Jackie so he doesn't upset him even more

Thanks, Mia

#118:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 11:48 pm
    —
Jackie had stopped crying by the time they got there and was frightened. He knew he had been rude to cry when Mummy had appeared, and Uncle Jem disliked rudeness.

“Right, why don’t you go and sponge your face in the bathroom and come back here,” Jem said, and it was impossible to know whether he was angry or not. Jackie hiccoughed and nodded, and fled.

The cold water made him feel slightly better, but it was with a great deal of trepidation that he made his way back to see his uncle.

#119:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 12:02 am
    —
Thanks Mia, I wonder what Jem is going to see. I really hope he's going to be nice.

Kathryn

#120:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 5:02 am
    —
Yes, I can understand his nervousness, as Jem never seems particularly kind, even when he's not in trouble.

#121:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 7:47 am
    —
I think Jem'll be OK with him - *hopes*.

#122:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:29 am
    —
Uncle Jem stood by the window and motioned his nephew over to him. Jackie crept forward and froze when his uncle put a heavy hand on his shoulder and drew him closer.

“I’m sorry I was rude,” Jackie said, all in a rush.

“You weren’t rude. Look, your father’s arrived,” Jem said, pointing down to the driveway, where Rix and David were getting out of the car, with a tall, fair man who was laughing. He looked friendly, Jackie thought, looking down. Rix seemed to be laughing too, and Jackie knew from letters that he had been worried about seeing their father because of his bad report last term.

“Is – that him?” Jackie asked, just to make sure.

“Oh yes,” Jem replied. “Now, why don’t you tell me what all this is about? Don’t you want to go to the Quadrant?”

“I want to stay here,” replied Jackie.

“You can come here whenever you like, but the Quadrant will be your home now.” Jem explained, in kinder tones that Jackie had ever known him to use before. “Your mother and father are so happy to have you all together again and you’ll be going to a home all of your own. You can still come here for holidays, you know.”

“Can I?”

“Tell you what,” Jem sat down, his hand still on Jackie’s shoulder. “Why don’t you stay there for the summer and see how it goes. If you still don’t like living there after that, you can come back here.”

“OK,” Jackie said, cheering up. The summer wouldn’t last that long.

“Let’s go down. Your mother should have calmed down a little, and your father is here now and he’ll want to see you.” Jem hid a grin, knowing that Jackie would have the happiest summer of his life.

Which was, of course, how it turned out.


THE END

#123:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:30 am
    —
Aahhh! Thanks, Mia.

#124:  Author: ibarhisLocation: London and Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:35 am
    —
I'm glad Jem came good in the end!

#125:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:36 am
    —
Awww. Jem was lovely there.

#126:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:39 am
    —
Jem redeemed himself

#127:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:50 am
    —
Thanks Mia, this was a lovely drabble! Very Happy

#128:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 11:40 am
    —
Thanks, Mia, that was a lovely ending. I'm so glad that Jem was kind to Jackie; he made the whole thing seem all right once he'd said Jackie only had to try it for the summer and that was really nice of him.

#129:  Author: AliceLocation: London, England PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 11:44 am
    —
Aww, what a lovely ending. (though I am of course expect more of Jackie's childhood leater on...)

#130:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 12:39 pm
    —
Aww gorgeous! That's cheered up my crappy day a bit.

Thanks Mia. Very Happy

#131:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 12:56 pm
    —
Lovely Jem Very Happy

Thanks Mia - I've really enjoyed this.

#132:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 2:10 pm
    —
Well done Jem.

Thanks Mia

#133:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 3:00 pm
    —
That was so luffly Mia, thank you!

Kathryn

#134:  Author: AllyLocation: John Bettany's Cabin! PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 4:18 pm
    —
Aww what a luffly ending, yay for Jem!

Thanks Mia Very Happy

#135:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 4:40 pm
    —
Gorgeous ending to a luffly drabble.

Thank you Mia

#136:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 1:02 am
    —
Just read it all Mia. Loved it! Really felt for Jackie.



The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


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