Happily Ever After - Part 3. Completed 25/6, P6
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The CBB -> Ste Therese's House
#1: Happily Ever After - Part 3. Completed 25/6, P6 Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 9:30 am
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Links to previous parts:

Part 1
Part 2

~pim~

This is all I have written of this, and as I'm losing interest, I am not sure what I'll do with it now. Kill them all off in an air disaster perhaps.

By the time Giovanni Moretti called her, Genevieve was all packed and ready to dash back to the Platz for the weekend. She listened politely to his descriptions of Antoine’s improving health and managed to ring off before he could suggest that they met anywhere. As she hung up, Genevieve began to worry that she had been rather abrupt with him, and to feel guilty for not wanting to talk to him. After all, he was probably just being friendly and she had never found anything odd about his behaviour towards her before. Genevieve had never especially liked Giovanni, thinking that he worked far too hard and at the expense of his family’s wellbeing, and knowing how upset Antoine often felt because he was virtually ignored by his father, unless it was to compare Antoine’s usually excellent marks with the even better marks Giovanni had always attained.
Genevieve pushed thoughts of Mr. Moretti to the back of her mind and went happily off to the station to begin the long journey to the Platz. She was not looking forward to the traveling she would have to do over the following weeks, but the thought of Antoine’s disappointment if she did not come to see him would help to convince her that she was doing the right thing, rushing backwards and forwards between Milan and the Gornetz Platz. Besides, sitting on the train gave her plenty of time to read and think, two things it was not always easy to find time to do when she was working so hard in Milan, getting all her work done so that she did not have to worry about it at the weekends.
As she neared Interlaken, Genevieve began to wonder how she would stop herself from telling Antoine that she did not feel comfortable around his father. She had a feeling that he would be happy to have received a visit from Giovanni, and so she would be expected to talk about her meeting with him. There was no way she could say how uncomfortable he made her feel, though, without upsetting Antoine. Genevieve sighed and packed away her book and pulled on her hat as the train rolled into the station. She picked up her bag, congratulating herself on having learned how to travel light, and was one of the first passengers off the train as it ground to a halt. To her delight, it was not Alex that had come to collect her and drive her up to the Platz, but Arminel.
“Mike said I could have the car for the evening,” Arminel told her as they left the station together.
“How’s Antoine?” asked Genevieve eagerly.
“Doing well,” answered Arminel. “He’s even allowed out of bed for a while each day, and is walking well with crutches. I think you’ll notice a big difference in him.”
“Thank goodness,” said Genevieve fervently. “And did you meet his father?”
Arminel gave Genevieve an odd look. “Yes,” she said neutrally.
“What did you think of him, Arminel?”
“To be honest, I didn’t see very much of him.”
Genevieve put her bag in the boot and climbed into the car beside her sister. “You are hiding something,” she said shrewdly. “What happened?”
“Nothing really,” Arminel assured her. “I just didn’t like him very much.”
Genevieve was not content with Arminel’s answer. “Why not?” she demanded. “It’s all right, I don’t like him either. He asked me out to dinner and I was disgusted.”
Arminel sighed. “I didn’t like the way he looked at me, that’s all. He didn’t do anything, but the way he looked me up and down made me feel uncomfortable. It was as if he was appraising me. I didn’t tell Mike, though.”
“I’m so glad,” said Genevieve, relieved to discover that her feelings about Antoine’s father were not just the result of having an over-active imagination. “I’m not going to tell anyone, least of all Antoine, but I shall keep away from Mr. Moretti in future. Thanks for being honest with me, Arminel.”

Last edited by Fatima on Sun Jun 25, 2006 5:03 am; edited 13 times in total
#2:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 9:37 am
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*Sends bunny treats.*
#3:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 9:44 am
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*sends more bunny treats, and chocolate for the Becky-Fatima*
#4:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:18 am
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Sending loads of bunny treats, all fresh and lots of champagne truffles for Fatima.
#5:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:33 am
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Thanks Becky! Pls don't lose interest Smile
#6:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 11:48 am
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Don't you dare kill anyone off Becky, remember the title of the drabble!
#7:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 12:47 pm
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Thanks, Becky. I've just caught up with this. I'm sorry that Giovanni has made Arminel and Genevieve feel uncomfortable.
#8:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 2:51 pm
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Thanks Becky *pats the bunnies*

Kathryn
#9:  Author: Ally, Location: John Bettany's Cabin! PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 3:48 pm
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Ooh err, Ive just caught up with loads! But Im glad Antoine is ok, thanks Becky Very Happy
#10:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 4:53 pm
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*sends bunny treats and chocolate and wine for the Becky*

Please don't stop writing this, it's absolutely wonderful and we want to see them all married safely, and Chantal's baby needs to be okay and..and...and....
#11:  Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 12:30 pm
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No air disasters please!!!!!!!!! *pops bunny treats in the post*
Thanks Fatima, and keep writing pleeeease!
#12:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 5:55 pm
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Thank you so much for all the support and treats! The bunnies have been persuaded to provide a little more of this now.

Antoine was sitting in a comfortable chair, gazing thoughtfully out of the window when Genevieve arrived at the hospital that evening. He turned as he realized that someone was beside him and Genevieve was thrilled by the look of happiness that he gave her.
“Thank you so much!” he said, pulling himself to his feet so that he could take her in his arms. “You are a miracle worker!”
“Really?” she asked, hugging him tightly. “It’s so good to see you up and about,” she said happily.
“My father told me that you had seen him. He was lovely, Jen. We had a really good talk and he’s going to come back again to see me.”
“I’m pleased he did,” said Genevieve, knowing how much a little parental interest would have helped Antoine get on his feet again. “He didn’t even know you were here.”
“My mother doesn’t talk to him very much,” Antoine explained, wishing his family was more conventional. “He said he’s sorry that he’s not been more involved with my life, but that he’s going to try from now on.”
Genevieve hoped that he did not see the shudder that went through her at the thought of Giovanni being more involved in Antoine’s life. She did not like the idea of seeing him more often, especially after what Arminel had said. However, Antoine was obviously delighted to think that his father wanted to spend time with him, and Genevieve was glad about that. Surely she would be able to put up with Giovanni for Antoine’s sake. Genevieve kissed Antoine. “Sit down again,” she suggested, “and tell me what the doctors say now.”
“They are going to let me out in a couple of days time and Gill’s asked me to stay with her for at least ten days, just until I’m well enough to come back to Milan.”
“That’s wonderful!” exclaimed Genevieve joyfully. “I can’t wait to have you back there, Antoine. I’m so lonely without you.”
“You have dozens of friends,” he reminded her with a grin.
“But you are my best friend,” she said, for he was perhaps the best friend that she had ever had in her life. He was always there when she needed him and they could discuss any topic under the sun and even agree to have differing opinions without getting angry with each other.
Antoine raised the slender hand he still held to his lips. “You are the sweetest girl,” he told her. “Genevieve, I’ve been thinking.”
“You certainly have had plenty of time to think,” she agreed. “You must be so bored, lying around in here all the time.”
“Oh, I’ve had plenty of visitors, so I’m not that bored,” he assured her, but he did not intend to let her sidetrack him. “Jen, we get on really well, don’t we?”
“Yes,” she said happily.
“So I was wondering.”
Genevieve stopped gazing adoringly at him, realizing that he was far more serious about the thoughts he had been having than she had suspected. “Wondering what?” she prompted him.
“I was wondering if we ought to get engaged,” said Antoine. He had absolutely no idea what she would think of his suggestion, but lying in hospital for hour after hour had given him plenty of time to be completely sure about his own feelings. She was the person around whom his world turned and he knew that he never wanted that to change. He had fallen in love with her the first time he had seen her and every day he fell a little more in love with her. She was clever and gentle and kind as well as being the most beautiful girl he had ever seen and his mind was quite made up. They might be young, but there was no reason why they should wait for years before deciding what they meant to each other. He knew they would not get married for several years, but he was more than ready for the commitment of an engagement. Now he just needed to find out how she felt about it all. “I love you,” he told her, “And once we’ve finished our degrees I’d like to marry you. I’d like to spend the rest of my life with you. What do you say, Genevieve? Will you marry me?”
#13:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 6:00 pm
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Glad the bunnies are happy again.
#14:  Author: Rozzie, Location: Edinburgh PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 6:48 pm
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And it's not just the bunnies, I'm happy to see more lovely drabble too!
#15:  Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 8:54 pm
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Awww yay, how lovely!!!
Thanks Fatima

she'd better say yes...
#16:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:14 pm
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What a lovely proposal.
#17:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:17 pm
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Thanks, Becky. I really hope that Genevieve does say yes!
#18:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:53 pm
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It is a little hot for hat shopping at the moment but I'm sure I can make the sacrifice for Jen Very Happy

Thanks Becky, I'm glad the bunnies are back!
#19:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 1:45 pm
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Thanks for all your comments.

Genevieve looked at him with wide eyes. She could hardly believe what she was hearing; her beloved Antoine was telling her that he loved her, and that he thought they ought to get engaged. She was just twenty and he was a year older, and the first thought that crossed her mind was that Gill was bound to say they were too young to make such a serious commitment and that they should just carry on as they had been doing, seeing one another as often as their busy courses allowed them to and wait and see what happened to them over the next few years.
“I’m sorry I can’t get down on one knee and ask you,” he added, for his leg was heavily plastered and bending it was impossible. “You can have all the time to think that you want – you don’t have to give me an answer now, or even this weekend. Just think and see what you reckon. I just want to say that I think we’d have a wonderful marriage. You were right when you said we’re best friends, but there’s more to it than that. You make me happier than I’ve ever been before, and I’d like to think of us staying together for ever.”
Genevieve gently squeezed his hand. “I know Mum won’t let me marry you any time soon,” she said slowly, “But I’d like us to get engaged, Antoine. I love you, too, and I’d love to be married to you.”
Antoine pulled her nearer and gently kissed her then he pressed a small box into her hands. “I hoped you would say yes,” he said, “So I thought I’d be prepared.”
Genevieve opened the little box and found that he had bought a pretty solitaire diamond ring for her. “It’s lovely,” she gasped, “But how on earth did you get it?”
“My father went down to Interlaken and got it for me,” said Antoine complacently, taking the ring out of the box and sliding it onto her finger.
As she realized that the ring had been chosen by Giovanni, Genevieve suddenly felt hollow inside. All the joy that she had felt on seeing the ring vanished. It was being given to her by Antoine, with all his love, but it had been chosen by his father and Genevieve did not like the idea of wearing a ring that was being provided by Antoine’s father.
“What do you think?” asked Antoine tenderly, not noticing anything amiss.
“It’s beautiful,” she told him, hoping she sounded sincere.
“Because if you don’t like it, we can always change it,” Antoine went on, completely oblivious of the inner turmoil she was trying so desperately to hide.
Genevieve looked up at him, not quite able to stop her eyes filling with tears. Antoine just presumed that she was overcome with emotion at the thought of being engaged to him, and he hugged her tightly. Fortunately, before he could probe more deeply into her sudden show of emotion, Arminel appeared to take Genevieve home. Visiting time was over, and Antoine needed to be left to rest. Genevieve kissed his cheek and left with Arminel, actually feeling quite glad that she had the chance to go home and compose herself before she could upset Antoine with her negative feelings about his father.
#20:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 1:58 pm
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Oh good, another hat to buy! Hoping that she's got the wrong end of the stick about Antoine's dad.
#21:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 3:20 pm
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I really hope Jen's feelings about Antoine's father aren't going to cause problems for the two of them...

Thanks Becky Very Happy

Kathryn
#22:  Author: pim, Location: Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 3:24 pm
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*thinks about hat shopping instead to drown out the sound of the wibbles*

Thanks Becky.
#23:  Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 5:03 pm
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*doesn't know WHAT to think!!!!!*

Thanks Fatima Very Happy
#24:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 7:33 pm
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Thanks, Becky. I'm sorry that her enjoyment of the ring has been spoilt.
#25:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 10:16 am
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This really is a bit of a struggle now, so thanks for bearing with me!

As Gill and Alex lay in bed that night, they were suddenly aware of the sound of sobbing. Gill flung back the covers and leaped out of bed. “That’s Jen,” she said unnecessarily.
“Whatever can have upset her?” Alex asked, half tempted to get up and go and find out as well. He realized that Genevieve might not appreciate an audience for her tears, though, and remained in bed. “Surely there’s not bad news about Antoine?”
“Not as far as I know,” said Gill, reaching the door. “I think someone would have told us if there was.”
Gill left the bedroom and went into the next-door room, where Genevieve was tucked up in bed, face buried in the pillow, sobbing her heart out. Gill sat down on the edge of the bed and gently pulled the covers off Genevieve’s head and patted her shoulder comfortingly. “Don’t cry, Jen,” she advised. “What’s happened? Is it Antoine?”
Genevieve rolled over and turned a tear-stained face to her mother. “He asked me to marry him,” she said, reaching for a tissue from the box beside the bed.
“Shouldn’t that be a reason for happiness?” asked Gill, who was not at all surprised to hear that Antoine had proposed to her youngest daughter. It had been clear from the very first moment she had seen him that Antoine adored Genevieve and Genevieve’s devotion to him had been equally obvious. They were too young to marry, but Gill was not surprised to discover that they were thinking about it.
“Yes,” agreed Genevieve with a gulp. “But his father got the ring.” She leaned over to the bedside cabinet again and passed Gill the velvet covered box that Antoine had given her.
“Antoine could hardly go and get one himself,” Gill pointed out logically. She opened the box and then smiled at Genevieve. “It’s beautiful,” she told her. Time enough later to discuss the reasons why Genevieve should not agree to marry Antoine. “What’s wrong with Giovanni?”
“I don’t like him,” said Genevieve, and then the whole story came pouring out, how he had asked her to dinner and how uncomfortable she had felt about that, and then Arminel’s feelings when she had met him. “And now he’s bought the ring and I really don’t want to wear a ring that he chose and probably paid for. But how can I tell Antoine that I don’t like his father, especially now he’s so happy that he came to visit? I feel awful.” And Genevieve leaned forward into Gill’s waiting arms and started to cry again.
A discrete knock at the door heralded the arrival of Alex, bearing a tray of tea. “I thought a nice cuppa might help,” he said, setting the tray down on the bedside table.
“Thank you, darling,” said Gill, passing Genevieve some more tissues. “Come on, Jen, a cup of tea will do you a power of good.”
Genevieve sniffed and wiped her eyes again. “Thank you, Alex,” she said. “So what am I going to say to Antoine?”
“I gather you have already said ‘yes’,” said Gill, “So either you have to tell him that you have changed your mind or that you don’t like the ring.”
“He did say we could change it if I didn’t like it,” Genevieve recalled, suddenly feeling a little more hopeful. “I could just think up a reason why I need to change it and then maybe everything will be all right.”
“You see,” said Alex with a smile, “A cup of tea does make everything all right again, doesn’t it?”
Gill rolled her eyes. “Go back to bed,” she told him. “And Jen, don’t worry. Antoine is such a lovely young man that I’m sure he’ll understand if you say you would like a different ring. He just wants you to be happy.”
“But I feel guilty disliking his father,” said Genevieve sipping her tea. “How are we going to be happy together if I can’t stand Mr. Moretti?”
“That’s something you just have to live with,” said Gill. “You’ll have to see him from time to time and you’ll just have to hide your feelings and treat him with respect and politeness. It won’t change the way you feel about Antoine, though.”
“And you don’t mind me getting engaged?” asked Genevieve.
“No,” said Gill with a smile, “But I don’t want you to think of getting married just yet. You are so young, both of you, and you need to finish your degrees and discover what you want from your lives before you get married.”
“I have already told Antoine that,” said Genevieve, giving Gill an answering smile. “You see, I am starting to get some sense.”
Gill laughed and smoothed Genevieve’s tousled hair. “I know you are,” she assured her. “I’m even beginning to think that you’re going to turn out quite well after all.”
Genevieve joined in with Gill’s laughter, feeling so much better now that her mother knew the whole story. “Thanks, Mum,” she said contentedly.
“I’d better get back to Alex,” said Gill, leaning forward and kissing Genevieve’s cheek. “Goodnight, darling.”
“’Night, Mum,” said Genevieve, putting her empty cup on the bedside cabinet and lying down again. “See you in the morning.”
#26:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 10:40 am
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Aw, mother always knows best Very Happy

Thanks Becky, I'm still really enjoying this *sends some more bunny food*

Kathryn
#27:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 10:55 am
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*Also sends more bunny food.*
#28:  Author: pim, Location: Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 11:52 am
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Fatima wrote:
“You see,” said Alex with a smile, “A cup of tea does make everything all right again, doesn’t it?”


Oh look, a man talking sense!!!

*sending more bunny bribes*
#29:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 1:35 pm
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Isn't Alex a real SLOC? Solutions to problems aren't always so easy, but perhaps Giovanni has a hearing problem that means that he has to look closely at people.
#30:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 1:36 pm
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What a lovely Mummy Gill is. This is wonderful!

Thank you Becky.
#31:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 9:29 pm
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Thanks, Becky. I'm glad that Genevieve has shared her worries with Gill.
#32:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 8:29 am
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Antoine left the hospital the following weekend and went to stay with Gill and Alex. Genevieve came home again, delighted to think that she would be able to spend the whole weekend with Antoine and not just visit him for a few hours at a time. She brought him some of his books, so that he could catch up on his studies during his convalescence, although Gill, sounding just as if she was Antoine’s mother, warned him that he would not be allowed to overdo it. He could study for a while each day, but would definitely be spending plenty of time resting. Once again Genevieve begged to be allowed to stay on the Platz, but Antoine stood beside Gill in her determination that Genevieve should not miss out on her lessons, and she duly returned to Milan once the weekend was over. However, it was not too bad, as she had discovered that Antoine would be staying for a fortnight with Gill and then would be returning to Milan to try to take up his studies once again. Knowing that she would only have to wait two short weeks until Antoine was back in Milan made it a little easier for Genevieve to leave him.
Finally, two weeks later, Alex dropped both Antoine and Genevieve at the railway station in Interlaken and they took the train together to Milan. It was not easy for Antoine to travel with his crutches, so he had left most of his luggage behind. Gill had happily agreed to welcome him back for Easter, or before should he wish to come sooner, so he had shoved a few things into Genevieve’s bag, thanked his kind hosts for their hospitality and promised to return as soon as his leg was out of plaster. Moping round the house after her guests had left, Gill confided to Alex that she was going to feel worried about Antoine, living alone and trying to look after himself, and that she would miss him terribly. She liked him enormously and had been thrilled when he had hugged her warmly just before he left, pressing a neatly written note into her hand, which thanked her for her kindness to him. She had been glad that she had provided him with some of the mothering he so desperately wanted, and sincerely hoped that he would return to the Platz soon.
When they arrived in Milan, Genevieve and Antoine took a taxi to his flat, and with some difficulty, got him up the stairs and into the apartment. There was no lift in the building, and Antoine suddenly realized how difficult things would be until he got his leg out of plaster. He began to regret being so eager to return to Italy, thinking that it might, after all, have been sensible to remain in Switzerland until he was more mobile.
“You can’t stay here,” said Genevieve, echoing his thoughts. “You’ll never be able to manage.”
“No,” he agreed reluctantly. “I suppose I shall have to go back home.”
“Why don’t you come and stay with me?” she suggested. “We’re on the ground floor and so much nearer everything that you. And I can look after you there. Pack some things and come with me tonight.”
“But what about Teresa?” asked Antoine, mentioning Genevieve’s flat mate.
“She won’t mind,” Genevieve assured him. “She’s out most of the time, anyhow. Come on, go and get a few things and let’s be on our way.”
“You don’t think I’d be better off going home?” he asked.
Genevieve shook her head. “Your mother won’t look after you, will she, and you’ll still have all those stairs to climb. At my place it’s only the front doorstep. Stop arguing, Antoine, and let’s go.”
Antoine obediently went into the bedroom and packed a few things into a small case, and then joined Genevieve in the living room again. She took the case from him and together they left the flat, struggling downstairs but eventually managing to reach the pavement safely. From there it was very easy to hail a taxi and very soon Genevieve was settling Antoine comfortably on the sofa, for he looked very weary after his long journey. There was no sign of Teresa, which did not surprise Genevieve; she had a new boyfriend and spent almost every moment with him. She had all but abandoned her studies and Genevieve seldom saw her any more. They had a spare room, and so Genevieve ensconced Antoine there, and devoted herself to caring for him.
#33:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 9:26 am
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Thanks Becky Very Happy .
#34:  Author: Rosy-Jess, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 11:35 am
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Aww. Gen is fab. This is lovely, as always Fatima.
#35:  Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 11:45 am
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I just caught up on a couple of posts and I'm so glad that Antoine is getting better! I hope Jen can get along with Mr Moretti! Very Happy
Thanks Fatima
#36:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 12:33 pm
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Thanks, Becky, wonderful.
#37:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:10 pm
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Thanks, Becky. It's good that Antoine has been allowed to return to Milan.
#38:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 1:51 pm
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Thanks for all your comments, and here's the next bit.

Chantal had her baby early in March. She had been in the Gornetz Hospital since Christmas and had been thoroughly bored there. She had cried and shouted and finally accepted that she would be confined to bed for the remainder of her pregnancy, but she had been miserable, lying in bed day after day, receiving visitors and trying to keep herself entertained. She missed Sabine, who she only saw for a short time each day, and was desperately worried that once she got home, she would find her daughter a stranger and, worse still, that Sabine would not want to be left alone with Chantal any longer, especially when she had a new baby to care for. Louis was a tower of strength, listening patiently while Chantal cried out her worries, and doing his best to find her magazines and books to read and cassettes to listen to, and although he had to work very hard, he came up from Interlaken to visit her just about every night she was in the hospital. At the weekend he stayed with either Gill and Alex or Hans and Helene and spent as much time with Sabine as possible, so that she would not be overwhelmed with ‘new’ people once they returned to their normal lives in Interlaken.
When March began, the doctors stopped giving Chantal the medicine to delay the baby’s arrival, and within a couple of days, she had gone into labour. Fortunately, Louis had arrived for his evening visit not long after the contractions got painful, and he had happily accompanied her to the delivery suite. Once again he had been the ultimate solid lump of comfort, wiping Chantal’s brow, encouraging her as the waves of pain came and went and intensified, and supporting her every step of the way. After a long labour, just as dawn was breaking the next morning, Chantal delivered the baby, a lusty boy weighing just over nine pounds. And as the doctor in attendance delivered the placenta, Louis, tired by a long day at work and an even longer night, and revolted by the things he had seen, fainted clean away.
The midwife soon brought him round and, looking suitably embarrassed, Louis apologized to everyone for inconveniencing them at such a time. He felt even worse when he realized that after all she had been through, Chantal was reclining tranquilly in bed, feeding their new son, and regarding him with a faintly amused expression. Once the doctor and midwife had left, Louis sank down gratefully into the chair beside the bed, and sighed heavily. “Thank goodness that’s over,” he said with relief. “Chantal, you were amazing.”
Chantal gave a low laugh. “I hardly think that having a baby qualifies as amazing,” she said quietly, her eyes never leaving the face of her newborn son. “Louis, I want to call him Théo.”
“Theo?” asked Louis, surprised, for it was not a name they had discussed. “Why?”
“He looks like a Theo,” she told him, her eyes meeting his.
Louis smiled indulgently at her. After all she had done, she deserved the honour of naming their son. “Then Théo it is,” he said. He stood up and came over to the bed, perching nervously on the edge, hoping that he would not tip the bed over and add to the embarrassment of the morning, then he leaned over and tenderly kissed Chantal. “You are amazing,” he told her sincerely. “You look as fresh as a daisy, even after being up all night.”
“Which is more than you do,” she told him affectionately. “Go home, Louis, and come back when you’ve had a rest. I’m sure they’ll make me rest soon, because I certainly don’t feel as fresh as a daisy!”
“I can’t bear to leave you,” he said, nonetheless standing up again. “Take care of Théo for me, won’t you? I’ll come back later, and bring some other interested parties with me.” He leaned over and kissed his wife and son again, then he quietly left them, more eager to get some sleep than he would have admitted.

Last edited by Fatima on Mon Jun 19, 2006 4:39 pm; edited 1 time in total
#39:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 2:27 pm
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Glad Chantal and the baby are OK Very Happy .
#40:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 2:40 pm
    —
Thanks, Becky. Welcome to the world, Theo!
#41:  Author: Rose in Toronto, Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 2:52 pm
    —
Pronounced with the "th" as in "three", or as in the French: "thee-oh" or "tay-o"?

Sorry, but my imagination needs to know how to say this.
#42:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 2:52 pm
    —
Yay! A lovely baby!

Thanks Becky Very Happy

Kathryn
#43:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 3:00 pm
    —
Pronounced the french way - but I had a go at putting the accent on the 'e' last night and it caused some big problem for the word document that meant it had to close! So I was reluctant to try again. If anyone is clever enough to get an accent on the 'e', I could always copy and paste and edit it....
Thanks!
#44:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 3:40 pm
    —
I'm glad Chantal is Ok, and Baby Theo too; thanks, Becky.
#45:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 9:57 am
    —
Another lovely new baby, hurrah !
Thanks Becky !
#46:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 4:35 pm
    —
Just a little more for today. Thanks for your comments - and I've managed to get an accent for Théo now!

Later on, Louis brought Sabine to visit Chantal and Théo. Sabine was briefly interested in the baby, then she wanted Chantal to put him down and cuddle her instead. She chattered non-stop, leaving Chantal relieved that her daughter was still relaxed and wanted to spend time in her company. She was still somewhat nervous of taking Sabine home, in case she should cry for Helene, but in a few days that was what she would have to do. Louis, knowing her worries, had already promised to take time off work when they came home, so that he could help them both adjust to their new lifestyle.
Hans and Helene arrived, thrilled to bits with the arrival of their first grandson; it was a good thing, Chantal reflected, cuddling Sabine tightly and watching Helene falling in love with Théo, that Sabine was such a gorgeous child. There was no way Théo could oust her from her position in her new family’s hearts, even if he was their own flesh and blood. She had already got everyone so wrapped round her little finger that they were unlikely to neglect her in favour of her brother.
The day passed in a blur of visitors and by the time that Louis arrived in the evening for a last visit before getting a good night’s sleep, Chantal hardly knew whether she was coming or going. She felt as though she had spent the whole day either feeding Théo or passing him to someone who had come to see him. Once Louis laid him down in his cot, she heaved a sigh of relief and snuggled down beneath the covers.
Louis leaned over and gently stroked her hair. “Tired?” he asked softly.
“Exhausted,” she told him. “But so happy.”
Louis positively beamed at her. “So am I,” he admitted. “I can’t believe how lucky we are, Chantal, to have two such beautiful children. There were times I never thought we’d even have one. We’re doubly blessed.”
Chantal managed not to yawn. Similar thoughts had gone through her head during the day, and she agreed wholeheartedly with him. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy,” she said sleepily. “Or so tired. I’m sorry, Louis.” Her voice tailed off, and Louis realized that she was already drifting off to sleep. He felt regretful, for he had hoped to sit with her and enjoy the peace and quiet of an evening after the other visitors had left, so that they could talk about their son, but evidently that was not to be. She deserved her sleep, though, for her hard work was only just beginning, and so Louis contented himself with sitting next to her and watching as Théo slept as peacefully as his mother.
#47:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 4:40 pm
    —
Glad all's going well.
#48:  Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 6:41 pm
    —
Congratulations Chantal!! Here's to a happy family. Very Happy
Thanks Fatima Very Happy Very Happy
#49:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 8:23 pm
    —
Thanks, Becky. I'm glad that Sabine has accepted Théo.
#50:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 8:30 pm
    —
Aww! Happy tears.
#51:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 12:00 am
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So glad that everything's gone so well for them. They really deserve it. Thanks Becky Very Happy
#52:  Author: pim, Location: Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 9:05 am
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Awwwwwwwwwwww *happy*
#53:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 1:49 pm
    —
Once back in Milan, Genevieve had been unable to hide her engagement ring in a drawer; Antoine would expect her to wear it, so she dutifully slipped it onto her finger each morning and did her best to wear it with pride. It was wonderful having Antoine to stay, and as Teresa seldom visited, they had the place to themselves. He tired easily, so they did not go out very much, other than for their classes, and spent the evenings quietly together, sometimes studying, or watching television, or just chatting. The weather improved and spring slowly turned into the lovely weather of summer, and Antoine got stronger and stronger. He had the cast removed from his leg, so became a lot more mobile, but somehow he never quite got round to moving back into his flat. Teresa moved out, deciding to live with her boyfriend, and Genevieve and Antoine were getting on so well together that they were more than content to stay together.
Early in June, not long before the end of term, Genevieve arrived home and began to get the dinner. Antoine was unlucky enough to have a late lecture, and so would come home tired and hungry and Genevieve liked to get a decent meal for him and have it ready as he arrived. She had recently bought some easy to follow recipe books, and had decided to treat him to a fabulous lasagna, so she had picked up all the ingredients on the way home and spent a happy hour in the kitchen preparing the dish. Once she had put it into the oven, she went off to have a shower and wash her hair.
As she got ready for her shower, Genevieve went to take off her engagement ring and put it on the windowsill, so that she would not get it tangled in her hair, but made the discovery that it was no longer on her finger. Presuming that she had taken it off in the kitchen and forgotten to put it back on again, as she had done from time to time, she thought no more about it and had her shower.
Antoine came home and threw his books into the nearest chair before collapsing onto the settee. “When will I be able to work a whole day without feeling completely worn out?” he asked plaintively.
Genevieve perched on the arm of the settee and leaned down to kiss him. “It’s nice to see you, too,” she said with a smile. “I’m sure you’ll be all right after the summer holiday,” she added. “Go and have a wash and I’ll get the dinner.”
“Do I have to?” he grumbled, but he knew she would insist, so he got up and went off to wash and change his clothes. By the time he got back, he could smell the dinner and his mouth started watering. “What have we got tonight?” he asked with interest.
“Wait and see,” she called back from the kitchen.
Antoine sat at the table and soon she had presented him with a steaming plate of lasagna. “Wow!” he exclaimed, impressed.
Genevieve put her own plate on the table and produced a bottle of wine, which Antoine opened and poured into their glasses. As she sat down, Genevieve thought, not for the first time, how happy she was with Antoine. They did almost everything together and were not at all fed up with each other’s company. He was a wonderful companion, and she enjoyed every moment she spent with him. He did look tired, though, and she was glad that the weekend was coming up, and then they would begin on their last week of term.
“You have done yourself proud this time, Jen,” said Antoine, as he ate his dinner hungrily. “This is amazing. Are you sure you don’t have Italian blood in you? You certainly cook like an Italian!”
Genevieve laughed. “I’m so glad you like it,” she told him happily.
Antoine finished his meal and sat back to sip his wine. “Where’s your ring?” he asked, noticing that her finger was bare of the beautiful diamond.
“In the kitchen,” she told him. “I took it off while I was cooking.”
As she rose to go and fetch it, Antoine said, “You don’t have to rush off and get it now. Let’s wash up first.”
“I’ll wash up,” she said at once. “Go and sit down and I’ll bring you a cup of tea.”
Since he was feeling tired, Antoine did not argue with her. He went over to the settee and sat down, putting his feet up and reaching for the daily paper.
Genevieve went into the kitchen and began to wash up, and as she stood by the sink, she realized that her ring was not in the kitchen. Thinking back, she could not remember actually having taken it off before she began making her lasagna; in fact she could not remember seeing it since she had put it on that morning. Once she had cleared up, she checked that she had not put it on any of the worktops in the kitchen, and when she had satisfied herself that it was not there, she decided to go and look in the bedroom. Hoping that Antoine would not question her, she slipped through the sitting room, but he was engrossed in the news and said nothing.
A thorough search of her room revealed an empty box, but no ring. Genevieve sank down onto the bed, feeling tears pricking the back of her eyes. How could she have lost it? How would she explain that to Antoine? He would be very upset and might perhaps guess that she had never really liked it as much as she had made out, and perhaps he would want to call off their engagement. Genevieve buried her face in her hands and wept quietly.
#54:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 1:54 pm
    —
Poor Jen. I'm sure he'll understand, Jen, just tell him.

Although I have to say, I kept expecting it to turn up in the lasagne!
#55:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 1:57 pm
    —
Poor Jen.

I thought of the Lasagne too, but maybe that's because of an old Friend's episode where the same thing happened!
#56:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 1:59 pm
    —
Hope no-one chokes on it if it's in the lasagne!

It's awful when you lose something important Rolling Eyes .
#57:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 3:07 pm
    —
Poor Jen, it can happen so easily. My mother once lost a diamond ring that my father gave her for some reason while we were in Waitrose doing the weekly shop *rolls eyes*

Thanks Becky!
#58:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 4:14 pm
    —
It's all right, it's not in the lasagne (How is it spelt? Lasagne or lasagna? I liked the 'e' ending but word prefers 'a' on the end.) It might have been better if it had been in the food, though!

Antoine finished reading the paper and realized that Genevieve had not reappeared after doing the washing up. “Jen?” he called, looking over to the kitchen doorway, but she did not appear, so he pulled himself to his feet and went to see what had happened to her. When he found the bedroom door closed, he tapped lightly on it and went in, surprised to find her in tears. He sat down beside her and took her in his arms, patting her back and saying, “Whatever’s the matter, Jen? What’s happened? Please don’t cry, darling.”
“Oh, Antoine, I’m sorry,” she sobbed, pulling away from him a little. “I don’t know how it happened, but I can’t find it.”
“What?” he asked, puzzled.
“The ring.” Genevieve hid her face in her hands again and sobbed harder.
“You’ve lost it?” he asked, gently pulling her hands away from her face.
Genevieve nodded unhappily. “I’m so sorry, Antoine.”
Antoine leaned forward and gently kissed away the tears that were rolling down her cheeks. “There’s no need to be upset,” he told her. “Please don’t cry about it, Jen.”
“But it must have cost a fortune,” she said brokenly. “I feel awful.”
“Shall I let you into a secret?” he asked, smiling tenderly at her.
“What?” she asked, his words making her forget her tears for a moment.
“I never really liked that ring much,” he said. “My father chose it, and I would rather have chosen it myself, or with you. But I needed something for when I asked you, and he offered to find something suitable. I’d have preferred something less flashy.”
Genevieve flung herself into Antoine’s arms, almost knocking the pair of them off the bed in the process. “Why didn’t you say something?” she asked. “It was a pretty ring, but I wished we’d chosen it together, too.”
“Then we’ll just have to go out and get another one,” he told her with a laugh. “You should have said something, Jen.”
“How could I?” she said. “You can’t tell the man who’s asking you to marry him that you don’t like his choice of ring, can you? Maybe you’d have been upset.”
“I’d be more upset if I thought the girl I want to marry was only putting up with things because she didn’t want to upset me,” he answered at once. “We’ll go tomorrow, Jen, and get something we both like. All right?”
“All right,” she agreed, happy once more. “Thank you, Antoine.”
“So no more tears?” he suggested. “Let’s go and see what’s on television this evening. I’m feeling very lazy.” Antoine stood up and pulled her to her feet, keeping hold of her hand and taking her into the sitting room, where they soon found a lovely film to watch together.
#59:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 4:17 pm
    —
Lasagne, as far as I'm concerned. Word is silly.

Quote:
It might have been better if it had been in the food, though!

Wibbling slightly about this bit - where is it?
#60:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 4:56 pm
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Hope they find the ring - even if she doesn't want to wear it, it'd be a shame to lose it!
#61:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 5:03 pm
    —
Eilidh wrote:
Lasagne, as far as I'm concerned. Word is silly.


Word doesn't like Italian unless it's set for it!
#62:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 5:59 pm
    —
Sigh...Antoine is so luffly Very Happy

Thanks Becky!

Kathryn
#63:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 6:22 pm
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Thanks, Becky. Antoine is a wonderful SLOC.
#64:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 10:28 pm
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Antoine is so sweet. Smile
Genevieve should have more confidence.
#65:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 7:15 pm
    —
On Saturday they went shopping together and managed to find a very pretty ring to replace the missing engagement ring. They were both pleased with their choice, and Genevieve felt deeply contented as Antoine slid the new ring onto her finger. It was just a tiny bit smaller than the previous ring, and they hoped it would not fall off as the other had done. They had agreed to tell Giovanni the truth about the new ring when they next saw him, and Antoine assured Genevieve that his father would not be angry. He was very security conscious and would probably have some sort of insurance policy that would pay out for the lost ring.
By the time they went back to class on Monday, Genevieve had almost forgotten about the diamond ring. She was overjoyed to be starting on the last week of the term, and although she had exams to sit, she was unworried about them. She had worked hard and knew the material well. Her Italian had improved beyond her wildest dreams, especially since Antoine had moved into her flat, and she spoke it all the time with him, so she was sure that she would pass the exams.
As she left the exam hall just before lunchtime, Genevieve was surprised to find one of the young men from her course waiting for her. She did not like Mario at all, for he was arrogant and very aware of his own good looks and athletic build, and she would have preferred not to speak to him. He took her arm, though, as she passed him, and she was obliged to stop and glare at him.
“What are you doing?” she demanded.
“I’ve found something and I’m told it belongs to you,” said Mario, giving Genevieve what he considered to be a winning smile.
“Really?” Genevieve finally managed to pull her arm from his grasp.
“You might sound a little more grateful,” Mario complained, pushing a hand deep into his pocket.
“What have you found?” she asked, curious despite herself.
Mario pulled his hand out of his pocket and opened it. Lying in his palm was the diamond engagement ring that Genevieve had lost the previous week. As she reached out to take it, he closed his fingers around it once again, and gave her another smile. “Not so fast,” he said, grinning. “I think I deserve to be rewarded, don’t you? I don’t think a kiss is too much to ask in exchange for something so valuable.”
Genevieve snorted. “Keep it,” she said dismissively.
“No, I wouldn’t dream of it,” said Mario, positively leering now. “I can easily give it to – what’s his name, Angelo? – and tell him where I found it.”
“Which was where, exactly?” she asked.
“On my bedside table,” he said, taking her hand and pulling her back towards him again. “After all, Alfonso has so many classes to go to that he can hardly blame you for needing distraction while he’s busy, can he?”
Genevieve pulled away from him again. “He won’t believe you,” she assured Mario coolly. She turned and walked away, her mind in a whirl. What should she do, she wondered. Obviously she could not let Mario give the ring to Antoine, because although she was almost certain that he would never think she had been unfaithful to him, she just could not take the chance. It would be too awful to contemplate Antoine leaving her, so she would just have to think of another way to get the ring back.
#66:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 7:16 pm
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Bless!!! Very Happy

I'm so glad they get to go and choose a new ring together now!

(and I THINK Lasagna is the most commonly used spelling in the US, and Lasagne in the UK - not sure which camp the rest of the world sits in....)


ETA - AAAAARGH! Mario needs slapping!!! what a stirrer!
#67:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 7:28 pm
    —
Vikki wrote:

(and I THINK Lasagna is the most commonly used spelling in the US, and Lasagne in the UK - not sure which camp the rest of the world sits in....)


I have consulted my Italian expert (Lynne) who lived in Turin for some years. Lasagna would be a single sheet of the pasta, but is never used because pasta is always in the plural. Lasagne is the plural form of lasagna, so is correct, both for the type of pasta and for the dish.
#68:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 7:30 pm
    —
Poor Jen, what a mess for her. I'm sure Antoine would believe her if she told him the truth.

Thank you Becky!

And thanks for the lasagne info Pat, you learn something new everyday Very Happy
#69:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 7:58 pm
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Thanks, Becky. I'm wibbling about what is going to happen now.

*Clare pokes Mario with poking sticks*.
#70:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 10:52 pm
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I wish she'd stop stressing so much!!

Thanks Becky Very Happy .
#71:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 7:43 am
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Thanks for resolving the lasagne/lasagna issue, Pat!

Genevieve met Antoine outside his class and hurried him off to the coffee shop for lunch. They had just sat down with their sandwiches and coffee when Genevieve saw Mario come in, grab some lunch and sit down at a table just behind Antoine. She ignored the big grin he gave her and did her best to chat naturally to Antoine, but all the time she was wondering what she would do if Mario came over and tried to join them. Surely he would not bother telling lies about her to Antoine; there would be no point in that, as Genevieve was obviously not going to want to spend time with someone who had ruthlessly broken up her engagement. If he really did want to start dating her, he would need to find some other way of getting close to her and showing her that he was a genuinely nice guy, as opposed to a scheming liar.
Although Genevieve did her best to ignore Mario, she found her eyes constantly drawn to him, and he was always watching her. Feeling uncomfortable and uneasy, she could not manage to do more than nibble at her sandwich, which brought a mild rebuke from Antoine. Once they had finished, Genevieve could not decide whether it would be better to stay with Antoine so that Mario could not speak to him without her knowledge, or to leave him and hope that she got another chance to speak to Mario and perhaps persuade him to return the ring to her. Sighing, she sipped her coffee and tried to smile cheerfully as Antoine looked concerned about her.
“Were the exams that bad?” he asked sympathetically.
“Oh, they are going well,” she said. “I’m just tired.”
“It’s just a few more days,” he reminded her consolingly. “After that, we’ll go and do really lazy stuff until the results are in. How would you like to go to Lake Como for a couple of days?” He had not intended to ask her until after the exams, but he decided that she looked anxious and unsettled and needed something nice to look forward to.
“Really?” she asked him, shaken out of her worries for a moment. “Oh, Antoine that would be lovely!”
Antoine grinned at her. “I’ve asked my father to book something for us, and he’s promised that we’ll have a lovely time there. Is that all right?”
Hoping that did not mean Giovanni would be accompanying them, Genevieve agreed. “Very much all right,” she assured him. “Thank you, Antoine.”
“I’d better go,” he said, looking at his watch. “I’ve got another exam in fifteen minutes.”
“I’ll walk you there,” Genevieve said, standing up. She slipped a hand through his arm and they left the coffee shop together, and she managed to avoid glancing in Mario’s direction at all.
Genevieve waited with Antoine until he went into his exam, and then she strolled off towards the library, knowing that she had an hour before her own exam. She thought she might as well re-read a particularly helpful volume that she had found, but before she could reach the door of the building, Mario was at her side once more.
“Now what?” she snapped at him.
“Is that any way to greet an old friend?” he chided her, taking her arm and walking her off around the side of the library. “Genevieve, I have something you want, so let’s just reach an agreement about it, shall we?”
“Actually, I don’t want it,” she informed him. “So go away and leave me alone.”
“Genevieve,” said Mario with exaggerated patience, “I am so much better than that Alfredo boy...”
“Antoine,” she said, starting to feel more angry than anxious now.
“Just dump him and go out with me instead.”
“No, thank you.”
“Then I shall meet him after his exam and return the ring to him.” Mario released her arm and walked away.
Genevieve watched him go, unsure whether to go after him and politely ask him to return the ring, or to let him go and hope that she could keep Antoine away from him for the rest of the term. Not feeling particularly studious, Genevieve went into the library and found the book she wanted. She settled down at a quiet table and did her best to concentrate, but her thoughts kept wandering to Mario and wondering what she ought to do about him. She considered phoning Arminel, for she would be sure to have some suggestions, but it would be difficult to call her and discuss the problem without Antoine knowing. Genevieve sighed loudly and wondered if it would be more sensible to explain what had happened to Antoine. Maybe if she got in first, he would believe her and then she would not need to worry any more. Knowing that was the sensible course of action did not make it any easier to contemplate, though, and by the time Genevieve went off for her exam, she still felt apprehensive.
#72:  Author: Rosy-Jess, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 8:43 am
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*wibbles*

*has faith in Antoine*

Yes, it will all be okay. That Mario is a nasty piece of work.
#73:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 8:51 am
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Just wondering where Mario did find the ring.
#74:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 8:59 am
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Yes, Jen, tell Antoine *nods*

Thanks Becky. I *really* don't like Mario one little bit.
#75:  Author: pim, Location: Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 9:15 am
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*grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs* at Mario.

*keeps muttering to self "it will all be okay, it will, it will*
#76:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 1:12 pm
    —
Genevieve worked hard in the exam and left the room feeling fairly confident of having done well. Outside she found Antoine waiting for her, so she dashed over to him before Mario could try to talk to him. He slid his arm around her and they set off for home, discussing their exams as they went. Once at home, Genevieve put the cheese and potato pie she had made at the weekend into the oven to heat up, and they prepared some vegetables to have with it. Although she kept thinking about telling Antoine about the ring, it seemed very difficult to actually put the problem into words, and by the time that they were washing up after dinner she had still said nothing.
By the next morning she felt that the time to introduce the discussion had passed. He would wonder why she had said nothing the previous evening, and so they set off to the university with Genevieve’s worries still unresolved. As Antoine’s exam was due to begin a little later than Genevieve’s, he left her beside the exam hall and disappeared off to the library. She chatted to some of her friends from the course, exchanging opinions on the set texts of the course, and then went in to do the exam. Mario, sitting across the room from Genevieve, kept looking over at her, but she was fathoms deep in her work, scribbling furiously and not once looking in his direction.
After the exam, Genevieve headed home, planning to have dinner waiting on the table when Antoine returned. She spent a happy hour in the kitchen making chicken casserole and cooking rice to go with it, and by the time Antoine came home everything was ready to put on the plates. Genevieve heard Antoine come in, and went into the sitting room to say hello, but he had already gone through to the bedroom. She served the dinner and then put it on the table and called Antoine to tell him it was ready. Five minutes later he had still not appeared, so she went through to the bedroom to see what was keeping him.
“Antoine?” she called, tapping on the door. “The dinner’s ready.” She waited a moment, but there was no reply, so she opened the door and peeped into the room. Antoine was standing at the window and he did not even turn as she came into the room. “Is everything all right?” she asked him. “Was the exam awful?”
“No.” Antoine turned and held out his hand to her, and as she reached out to take it, Genevieve realized that he was not offering her his hand, but was showing her what he was holding. As she saw the missing diamond ring, Genevieve felt cold inside. Mario had not been bluffing. He had given the ring to Antoine and goodness only knew what tale he had spun to account for it being in his possession. She looked up at Antoine, whose face was expressionless, and could not think of anything to say. “You don’t seem very surprised to see it,” he observed.
Genevieve looked away, her mind blank. How could she tell Antoine that she knew Mario had found the ring, but had never mentioned it to him?
When she said nothing, Antoine dropped the ring onto the windowsill and left the room and before Genevieve could stop him she heard the front door open and close and he was gone.
#77:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 1:13 pm
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Thanks, Becky. I am hoping that she will tell Antoine and that he will believe her.
#78:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 1:40 pm
    —
*pokes Antoine*

Don't go jumping to any silly conclusions boy!

Thanks Becky Very Happy
#79:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 4:31 pm
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So far I'm having a productive holiday!

Genevieve ran after Antoine and called out to him, but he did not answer and then she heard him leaving the building, banging the front door behind him. She walked slowly back into the flat, tears coming into her eyes, and went over to the window. She watched as Antoine reached the end of the street and turned the corner, going out of sight without once looking back. She glanced over at the table and then shuddered at the thought of eating, so she took the plates into the kitchen, covered them with clingfilm and put them into the fridge. Perhaps Antoine would come home feeling hungry and would want his dinner then. Genevieve wondered what Mario had told Antoine. Had he said that she had left the ring on his bedside table as he had told her he would? Did Antoine really believe that she had been unfaithful to him, with Mario of all people? She had known him for a long time, but she had never liked him, finding him arrogant and now he had proved himself to be unpleasant and manipulative, too. How could Antoine ever believe that she would be attracted to Mario? Genevieve crossed to the window and looked out into the street, hoping to see Antoine reappear round the corner, ready to tell her how sorry he was for ever thinking that she could be unfaithful to him, but he did not appear. She stood there for ages, wondering where he had gone and whether she ought to go and look for him, but she did not want to be out when he came back. That really would confirm his suspicions, if she dashed out as soon as he left the house.
Genevieve tried to busy herself tidying the flat, but could not stop herself from continually going over to the window and watching the street to see if Antoine was coming home. She was filled with fear at the thought that she might not see Antoine again. Maybe he would not come back; he had his own flat, after all, and could easily go back there and avoid meeting up with Genevieve again. Genevieve sniffed as she wondered what she would do if he didn’t come back. He had been such a wonderful boyfriend and she adored him. She could not imagine how she would get over losing him, especially as it would all be her own fault. She ought to have told him about the ring at once, she realized, although that could not help her now.
Abandoning the tidying as a lost cause, Genevieve stood by the window, her elbows resting on the sill, staring out across the street. It had just started to rain and she could not help but worry about Antoine, who had gone off in a pair of jeans and a short-sleeved shirt, taking no coat or anything. He was going to get soaked to the skin. Unless he was going to his own flat, of course, in which case he might just have arrived and avoided getting drenched. She wondered if she ought to call him, to apologise or to beg him to come home and listen to her explanations, but she was worried that he would absolutely refuse to see her again.
Darkness slowly fell, and Genevieve knew that she ought to abandon her vigil. If Antoine had intended to return, he would have done so already. Presumably he had returned to his own flat and was putting Genevieve out of his mind as fast as he had put her out of his life. Genevieve leaned her head against the windowpane and let the tears run unchecked down her cheeks. She had messed up again, managing to lose the man she loved through a combination of her own carelessness and foolishness.
Genevieve dragged herself away from the window and sank down onto the settee. Worn out by a hard day at university and a long, fruitless wait by the window, she fell into an uneasy sleep.
#80:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 4:37 pm
    —
Poor Jen Crying or Very sad

Antoine needs to come back and soon...and I really hope he isn't out in the rain.

Thanks Becky Very Happy
#81:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 11:38 pm
    —
Thanks, Becky. I missed your last post, so that is why my last post doesn't make any sense. I'm sorry that Antoine didn't give Genevieve a chance to explain. Though actually, she hasn't got anything to explain as she hasn't done anything wrong.

*Clare is feeling very annoyed on Genevieve's behalf. She feels very strongly about people being accused and not being given a chance to explain*.
#82:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 4:24 am
    —
I'm going to be winding this up soon, thank goodness. Hopefully they'll all be happy soon!

The sound of the door closing awoke Genevieve almost an hour later. She sat up, yawning, and found that Antoine had just come in. He was soaked to the skin and in the dimly-lit room she could see that he looked as miserable as she felt. She got up slowly, not knowing quite what to say, uncertain as to why he had come back again. He looked at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable.
In order to break the uncomfortable silence, Genevieve spoke first. “You’re dripping on the carpet,” she said. “You should change your clothes or you’ll catch your death of cold.”
“I’m sorry,” Antoine said, looking down at the wet patch growing around his feet. “I’ll go and change.”
Genevieve watched as he limped into the bedroom. She still had no idea as to what he was thinking and she was worried about him, obviously in pain and so wet and presumably cold, too. She went into the kitchen and put the kettle on, deciding to make him some tea, and as she poured the boiling water into the pot, she heard his footsteps behind her. She made the tea with great care and then slowly turned to look at him. She was longing to ask him if he still loved her, but there was something to the set of his jaw that told her he might not be sure of the answer to that question yet.
“I’ve made tea,” she said, so nervous that she felt the need to keep breaking the silence between them. He stepped closer and as he stood under the kitchen light, she noticed that he had a bruise coming on the side of his face. “What have you done?” she demanded anxiously. Antoine put a hand to his face and Genevieve saw that his knuckles were cut and bleeding, too. Managing not to say anything, she filled the bowl with water and splashed in some disinfectant. He put his hand into the water, gasping as it stung him. “Well?” she demanded.
“I went to talk to Mario,” he said at last, carefully drying his hand on the kitchen towel. Genevieve passed him some antiseptic cream and he rubbed some in before continuing. “He found the ring in the library,” he told her. “He thought it might be yours, so he decided to hang onto it and use it to upset you.”
“And?” she prompted him.
“And we had a bit of a disagreement,” said Antoine succinctly. “He’s going to have a black eye tomorrow, though,” he added, a touch of pride in his voice.
“And it looks as though you will, too,” she informed him.
“Jen, I’m really sorry,” he said, reaching out to touch her cheek gently. “I wanted to just forget what he said, but I couldn’t.”
“I love you,” she told him simply. “I would never do anything to hurt you.”
“I know,” he assured her. “But look at you, and look at me. How on earth can you be more interested in me than in someone like Mario?”
“What, other than because he’s obnoxious and arrogant and you are the sweetest person I’ve ever met?” she asked. “Or perhaps because you are gentle and caring and you make me feel special, whereas sees me as a sort of property? Or because you are the most wonderful man I’ve ever met and he’s a…a lout?” Genevieve stepped closer to him, her worries evaporating as he put his arms around her. “Have you hurt your leg as well?”
“No, it’s just aching from the rain,” he assured her. “Thank you, Jen, for being so nice about this. I wouldn’t blame you if you’d wanted to slap me or something.”
Genevieve gently brushed his lips with her own. “Never,” she assured him. “Let’s have some tea, and then you should go to bed and get thoroughly warm.”
Antoine’s eyes looked seriously into hers. “That sounds like a very good idea,” he told her, leaning down to kiss her properly.
#83:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 5:00 am
    —
Awwwwww.... So nice to see Antoine has more sense than we thought for a moment there.

Thank you, Fatima!
#84:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 7:46 am
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Glad that got sorted out.
#85:  Author: pim, Location: Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 9:08 am
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Awwwwwwww, glad they've got things sorted out Very HappyVery Happy

*dusts off wedding hat*
#86:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 10:35 am
    —
After all the ups and downs, I'm definitely springing for a new hat this time!

Thanks Becky, glad they got things sorted.

Kathryn
#87:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 12:43 pm
    —
Thank goodness that's sorted. Breathes a big sigh of relief. Thanks, Fatima.
#88:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 2:11 pm
    —
Gosh caught up on loads - thanks Becky. *hunts for a nice hat too*
#89:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 5:19 pm
    —
Thanks, Becky. I'm sorry that I got a bit annoyed at Antoine last night. I'm glad they have made up.
#90:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 5:00 am
    —
Thank you for all your comments.

Genevieve and Antoine went to Lake Como once the exams had finished and enjoyed a very romantic break. They stayed in a quiet little guesthouse, and enjoyed exploring the town together, sightseeing and relaxing, eating in quaint restaurants and forgetting all about the outside world for a few days. Fortunately, Giovanni did not accompany them, and they were left to enjoy each other’s company in tranquil surroundings that helped them get over the stressful week they had just experienced.
When they got back to Milan they were tanned and relaxed and ready to collect their exam results and then head off to the Platz for Heloise’s wedding. Much to his regret, Antoine would not be staying for long; Giovanni was expecting him to come and work in his law firm for the summer, and Antoine knew that it was an invaluable experience for him and one he could not pass up. He was not happy at the thought of leaving Genevieve, but they had spent a long time talking while on holiday and had decided to move into a flat together for the following year. Antoine planned to sell his flat, and they handed in notice on Genevieve’s place, and once she returned to Milan in mid- August they intended to look for somewhere else to live.
When they arrived on the Platz they found everyone busy with preparations for the wedding and they willingly gave a helping hand. They also found time to visit Louis and Chantal, who were very happy with their children, and Genevieve was glad to see how well they looked. Théo was growing apace, and was a chubby and cheerful baby. Sabine adored him and was always desperate to help look after him, which meant that Chantal had to keep a close eye on her, especially when she had put Théo down for his nap. None of Chantal’s worries about Sabine wanting to live with her again materialized, for she had been delighted when Chantal left the hospital and they returned to Interlaken together.
Genevieve also visited Arminel at Freudesheim, where she spent ages talking to her sister and found that Arminel was really happy. Philippe and Lily were delightful, and when she saw them with Mike it was almost impossible to believe that he had only been their father for such a short time. Genevieve admitted to Arminel that she and Antoine were planning to live together in Milan, and Arminel managed not to spoil her sister’s confidences by giving her any unnecessary advice. She had not yet told Gill, for she had been unsure of how her mother would react; there would be plenty of time to talk to her about it after the wedding, when Gill would be feeling a little more relaxed.
The wedding was beautiful. Heloise looked stunning and radiantly happy as she married Kurt, and it was clear that Kurt was equally delighted to be getting married at last. Genevieve, as bridesmaid, got to wear another gorgeous dress, this time a pretty peach colour that perfectly set off the wonderful tan she had got while on holiday by Lake Como. And Antoine had given her such a look of admiration as she had appeared in the dress that morning that Genevieve had scarcely stopped smiling since.
Antoine, sitting on one side of Gill for the ceremony, could not help but contrast his feelings on this occasion to his feelings at Arminel’s wedding. Then he had felt very much an outsider, but now he felt as though he was part of the family. When he had arrived at Gill’s house, she had rushed out to hug Genevieve and then had hugged Antoine, too, kissing him warmly and telling him how well he looked and how she hoped that he would stay with them for the whole summer. He compared that with his mother’s greeting when he had called upon her after his accident during the winter, and how she had merely told him to get the cook to send up some lunch for him because she had to go out to lunch with her friends.
The wedding reception was held in Interlaken, which was where many of the guests were staying, and just before she left for her honeymoon, Heloise took Gill to one side and threw her arms around her.
“It’s been such a wonderful day, thank you, Mum,” she said, almost in tears. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy.”
Gill hugged her tall daughter, feeling uncommonly like crying herself. Now there was only Genevieve left, and it seemed unlikely that she would remain unmarried much longer. “I’m so glad,” she said sincerely. “Kurt’s a good man, and he’s very lucky to have you. I hope you’ll always be this happy.”
“But I’ll miss you,” said Heloise, wiping her eyes.
“Don’t be silly,” Gill chided her. “You’ll be living so near us that you will see just as much of me as ever.”
“But it won’t be the same,” she protested, knowing that Gill was right.
“No, but we’ll be the same,” said Gill. “Here comes Kurt, so you’d better go.”
“Thank you, Mum,” Heloise said again. “See you soon.” She released Gill and went to take Kurt’s hand, smiling up at him in such a way that Gill knew she would be all right.
Kurt shook hands with Gill and Alex and said goodbye to his own parents, and then they were leaving, heading off to the airport and flying to the south of France for their honeymoon. They would then be able to meet up with the rest of the family again when they went to stay with Monique in a couple of weeks time.
Alex put his arm around Gill and took her back to the party, which was still going on in the large room they had taken. He guessed that she would feel Heloise’s loss badly, for she had always been a quiet and yet comforting presence in the house, and had seldom done anything to worry them or upset them. He put his arms around Gill and took her out into the middle of the dancing, smiling down at her.
“Do you think we’re too old to dance?” he asked, making her smile too.
“Probably,” she admitted. “But I don’t care.”
“That’s the attitude,” he said approvingly. “And I expect that the next time we dance will be at Genevieve’s wedding.”
“Then we should make the most of this,” she suggested, glad that even though the children would all leave, she would still have Alex.
#91:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 8:03 am
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Glad the wedding went well. & Alex is so nice!
#92:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 11:42 am
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Thanks, Becky. I'm glad that the wedding went well.
#93:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 12:42 pm
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Awww that was lovely. Thank you!
#94:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 2:12 pm
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Lovely wedding, and Alex is such a lovely SLOC.
#95:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 2:16 pm
    —
This is the penultimate post of this; I just hope that I haven’t got into too much of a muddle with everyone’s ages and so on – please excuse any mistakes in that direction! Thanks for reading it all, and for all your comments.

Several years later:

Gill was sitting in the large living room at Freudesheim, surrounded by her family. She looked around the room, smiling contentedly. Alex was at her side, as ever, and she could hardly believe that they had been married for fifteen years. It seemed such a short time ago that they had been struggling to come to terms with the deaths of their first partners, and now they had spent fifteen wonderful years together. Gill turned her attention from Alex to Monique, still looking wonderful even though she was now well into her seventies. She was slim and straight and her hair showed only threads of grey. Her husband, Andre, had only recently died, and Monique could not quite hide the sorrow in her eyes, but she was coping with her loss with the same strength she dealt with anything life threw at her.
Mike and Arminel were busily organizing the buffet, ably assisted by Philippe. Despite her initial reservations about Mike, Gill had to admit that he and Arminel had a wonderful marriage. Mike had been an excellent father to Philippe and Lily, and they adored him. He managed to maintain a perfect balance of discipline and fatherly affection, and even after the birth of his own daughter, Gill could not fault him on the way he treated all the children with scrupulous equality.
Gill smiled to herself as she remembered the day that Arminel had come to visit. She had trudged through the snow and burst into the house looking like the cat that had got the cream, and when she found Heloise already ensconced in the sitting room, she had greeted her with a warm hug. Heloise had told Arminel how pleased she was that Arminel had called over at the same time, for she had been sharing some exciting news with Gill and Alex – she had just discovered that she was pregnant and that the baby was due at the end of June. Arminel had shrieked with delight and then admitted she had come to see Gill on the same errand, for she, too, was expecting a baby at the end of June. To their amazement, the babies had been due on the same day, and it made a very strong bond between the sisters. Even more amazingly, the babies had been born within two hours of each other. Now, Erika Stadelmann and Grace Maynard were firm friends and virtually inseparable. They were like chalk and cheese, Grace being a dainty little soul, very amenable and gentle, while Erika was tall and strong and a born leader. Heloise was sure that their characters somehow got muddled up though, for Erika was, in personality, exactly like Arminel, and Grace far more like Heloise, whatever they may have looked like. Both girls were a joy to Gill and Alex, and they loved having them to visit.
Heloise and Kurt were both very happy, with Heloise being delighted to devote herself to being a stay at home mum to Erika and little Lukas, who was just two years old. She did plan on returning to work when the children were older, but enjoyed spending time with them while they were young, and Kurt was more than happy for her to do so. They lived on the Platz, very near to Gill and Alex, and saw them several times a week. Gill smiled as Heloise presented her with a laden plate, having supplied all the things that she would have chosen for herself, and then Heloise slipped into the seat beside her mother.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” she asked.
“Very much,” said Gill, almost sad to be shaken out of her thoughts of the past. “I’m always happy when I’m surrounded by my family.”
Heloise was obliged to dash off at that juncture, for Lukas had just noticed that the table held innumerable delicacies and was trying to take a plate of sausage rolls down, and Gill turned her attention to the her son. Louis looked more like Armand than ever, perhaps because he had now reached the age Armand had been when Gill had first met him, and yet sometimes it was very difficult to remember Armand. He had been gone for so long that it was hard to call his face or his voice to mind and to be sure that she was thinking of Armand and not of Louis. Louis was a thoughtful and caring father and husband, and he and Chantal were as much in love as ever. Gill considered herself very lucky that in a time of such a high divorce rate, the three of her children who were married were so happy.
Sabine and Théo were delightful children, beautifully mannered and lively, and neither was at all shy. Gill watched as Théo scrambled onto Hans’ lap; she was worried about Hans, as he had started to look very frail ever since having a very bad case of pneumonia during the winter. His hair was now snow white and he was thinner than ever, and Gill knew that Helene was very anxious about him. Helene was almost unchanged since Gill had first met her; she was still very beautiful, with lovely skin and bright eyes, and if her hair was going at all grey, it was very difficult to notice. Gill had decided that it must be in their genes, and she was not a little envious, for she was now completely grey and was sometimes shocked to see the elderly face that regarded her so earnestly from the mirror.
#96:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 2:18 pm
    —
Please don't finish this off by killing off Hans! It was all so lovely until those last few sentences!
#97:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 2:51 pm
    —
Thanks, Becky. I noticed that you said that three of her children were married. Where are Genevieve and Antoine, please?
#98:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 3:35 pm
    —
Chair wrote:
Thanks, Becky. I noticed that you said that three of her children were married. Where are Genevieve and Antoine, please?


I'm hoping that this is Genevieve and Antoine's wedding day. I think they have been off travelling around the world (Antoine having escaped his father's law firm) and are now back to settle down.

Looking forward (kind of) to the last post. I will miss this drabble Becky.

Last edited by Alice on Sat Jun 24, 2006 4:43 pm; edited 1 time in total
#99:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 4:06 pm
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No, I'm not killing off Hans! I just wanted to show how time had passed and that the first generation are not getting any younger. The occasion of the party is Gill and Alex's fifteenth wedding anniversary - sorry for not making that clearer.
#100:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 11:42 pm
    —
Oh no...can't believe this is almost finished. It's been so fantastic.

Thanks Becky, that was a lovely post. catching up with everyone over the years.
#101:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 5:02 am
    —
Thanks everyone. Here's the last part, complete with the latest news about Genevieve and Antoine!

Gill nibbled on one of Ilse’s excellent vol-au-vents and watched as Grace and Erika helped themselves to sandwiches. Erika carefully put two sandwiches on Grace’s plate and Gill chuckled to herself, still enjoying the differences between her children and grandchildren. When they had taken enough food, they went off together and sat in a big armchair near the fireplace, talking earnestly in between mouthfuls of food. Lily came to sit nearby, for she kept a motherly eye on the two younger girls, and then Philippe arrived with drinks for them. He was just sixteen, a serious boy who had decided that he wanted nothing more from life than to follow in his parents’ footsteps and become a doctor. Mike had even tried to dissuade him, but Philippe was determined that he would become a surgeon and then return to the Platz to work in the Gornetz Hospital. He was very clever and hard-working and Gill knew that he was Alex’s favourite grandchild; he frequently came to visit Alex and the two would go for long walks together or spend hours pouring over books or watching informative television programmes.
Gill finally let her gaze reach her youngest daughter. Genevieve was sitting on the windowsill, looking a lot younger than her twenty-eight years, her long dark hair caught up in a pony tail and all of her attention on her fiancé, Antoine. Gill sighed as she watched Genevieve sharing a plate of food with Antoine. He was standing very close to her, and, as usual, it was obvious that they were very much in love with one another. The other thing that was equally obvious was that Genevieve was pregnant. She had been living with Antoine for years now, and somehow they had never quite got round to getting married. They lived on the Platz, where Antoine had indulged in a change of career and now taught law to the sixth formers at the Chalet School. He had practiced in Milan with his father for a couple of years and hated the constant pressure to work endless overtime and had almost wrecked his relationship with Genevieve in the process. She had gone into teaching, and had been terribly homesick, especially while Antoine was at his busiest, and in the end they had both quit their jobs and fled to the peace and tranquility of the Platz. They had been lucky enough to be employed by the Chalet School, Antoine teaching a pioneering law course, and Genevieve teaching French and Italian, and they lived in a small chalet not far from that establishment.
Everyone had assumed that they would get married during their first year of teaching at the school, but they had not, and now they cheerfully joked that they were trying to set a new record for the world’s longest engagement. Even Genevieve’s surprise pregnancy had not motivated them to set a date – Genevieve freely admitted that she had no intention of wearing the sort of dress she would need to hide her growing waistline. Now they said that perhaps they would finally marry once the baby had arrived, but somehow Gill did not imagine that they would. They were perfectly happy as they were, and relationships such as theirs were far more common than they had been when Gill was growing up. Even Jo Maynard and Len Entwhistle, those sticklers for old fashioned values, had come to accept that Genevieve and Antoine would continue in their own sweet way regardless of what anyone else thought, and had given up dropping their not so subtle hints about weddings.
Arminel came around and took people’s plates from them when they had finished their food, and then she brought in the huge cake that she and her sisters had baked and decorated especially for Gill and Alex’s anniversary. Mike passed around glasses of champagne and Louis stood up to say a few words. Finally, he proposed a toast to his parents and, with a lump in her throat, Gill managed to drink some of the champagne in her glass. Alex looked emotional, too; he had come to think of himself as the father and grandfather of Gill’s children and grandchildren, but he was always touched to discover that they felt the same about him.
Swallowing hard, Alex stood up and pulled Gill to her feet beside him. “Thank you,” he said, looking around at them all. “Marrying into this family was the best day of my life, and since then things have just got happier and happier. I’m really proud to stand here and look around at you all and think that I’ve been lucky enough to share so many years with you.”
“But really we ought to be thanking you,” Genevieve said, coming over to hug Alex. “It can’t have been easy taking us on – well, taking me on - and yet you have done an absolutely wonderful job. You have been like a father and a friend all rolled into one.” She reached up and kissed Alex’s cheek. “I love you,” she whispered in his ear then she quickly released him and went to bury her face against Antoine’s shoulder.
As Alex had been rendered speechless, Gill surreptitiously wiped her own eyes. “Please can we stop making one another cry and have some cake,” she suggested, taking Alex’s hand and leading him over to the splendid creation on the tea trolley. “Pull yourself together, Alex, and help me cut this thing.”
Recalling all the reasons why he loved her so, Alex laughed and helped her cut the cake. After the symbolic first cut, Arminel and Heloise took over, providing slices for everyone who wanted some and the moment of emotion passed. Gill and Alex returned to their cosy seat on the settee and nibbled contentedly on their cake. Sabine and Lily had an argument over who should eat the marzipan roses from the top of the cake and Lukas got into the most awful mess eating his piece of cake. Grace and Erika slipped out to see Ilse, who generally spoiled them rotten, and Philippe went around refilling everyone’s champagne glasses. Gill sighed contentedly and turned again to Alex.
“You are turning into such a sentimental creature,” she told him, the affection in her eyes taking the sting out of her words.
“They have been such a beautiful fifteen years, Gill,” he told her seriously, “And I can’t help looking back and feeling sentimental. I just hope the next fifteen are as wonderful.”
Gill leaned over and kissed him. “So do I,” she said contentedly.
#102:  Author: JoW, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 7:29 am
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So lovely - It really is Happy Ever After. Just what I like to read!
#103:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 9:04 am
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Lovely, Thank you Fatima.
#104:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 9:05 am
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Thanks Becky - that was lovely.
#105:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 9:46 am
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*sighs happily*

So nice. Thank you Becky.
#106:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 11:38 am
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Thanks, Becky. I'm sorry to see this end. Will we find out in the future what Genevieve and Antoine's baby is called, please? I'm glad the end of this drabble lived up to its title and everyone is so really happy.
#107:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 1:41 pm
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I had tears in my eyes too at the end of that...I'm so glad that everything has turned out happily. That was a wonderful story, thank you Becky Very Happy
#108:  Author: Ally, Location: John Bettany's Cabin! PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 2:30 pm
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I can't believe it's all over! Thank you fo a lovely ending Becky and sharing so much of Gill with us! Very Happy
#109:  Author: pim, Location: Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 9:19 am
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Awwwwwwww *all mushy* Thank you Becky - it's all been wonderful. *sighs happily*
#110:  Author: Karoline, Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 10:56 am
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Thank you Becky, I've really enjoyed your Gill drabbles
#111:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 12:59 pm
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How lovely, thank you Fatima!
#112:  Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 10:20 pm
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Wow!!! Thank you so much!!! Very Happy
#113:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 10:53 am
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*sighs a sigh of happy contentment*

Thanks, Becky - have just finished a massive catch up and I'm so glad you were completely true to your title Very Happy
#114:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 8:38 pm
    —
*agrees with Liz*
The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


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