The CBB :: View topic - Josette turns nasty FINISHED 13/5/06 9.40pm

Josette turns nasty FINISHED 13/5/06 9.40pm

through

[^/[Print]\]

The CBB -> Ste Therese's House

#1: Josette turns nasty FINISHED 13/5/06 9.40pm Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 11:18 am
—
Just wanted to add a different side to Josette. She's too good. This is set during Trials for the CS.

Little Ailie Russell fled to an empty splashery. It was only a day since Mary Lou had uncovered her prank on the sixth form of acquiring pieces of their property and putting them in the lost property cupboard.

Oh how cutting and angry the sixth were as the "lost" property was returned! Every comment, every look, every action seemed to tear into naughty Ailie. She had learnt her lesson, but she was still terrified of one prefect in particular. Her big sister Josette.

As Ailie had left Josette the night before, the elder girl had said in a cold voice, "You'll keep for later!" Ailie felt very sick and could barely eat her meal, but for the watchful eye of Matey, she would have left it.

As they filtered out of the Speisesaal, she saw Josette! Josette had seen her and was advancing on her with menacing speed!

The terrified Ailie had fled.

The next thing she knew a vice like grip was on her arm and she was dragged into a nearby classroom. The door was slammed shut. Josette's eyes bore like gimlets into her little sister.

It was as if Josette were a snake constricting its prey.

"Josette, please I'm sorry for what I did! I'll never do it again! I'll tell Mummy for you, and I promise I'll work hard now!"

"Sorry! Sorry! SORRY??? As if that word is sufficient to pardon you for being the little nuisance you are! I am sick of you Aline Russell! You don't work, you make no effort at games, you are insolent to David Sybil and I at home, you don't help with the twins and you expect Sybil and I to bail you out of any library fines you have! You are a thorough little pest and a grave disappointment to mother! You don't deserve to be at Mummy's school, let alone be her daughter! I was so humiliated by your recent prank! But you never thought of that did you?"

All Josette's supply of patience had finally been used up and years of resentment over Aline's heedless actions spilled overboard.

Ailie was shocked, but she bit back,

"At least I'm not a goody two shoes like you, all boring and no friends! The only reason Mary Lou likes you is because you're Mummy's daughter and the only reason Auntie Jo likes you is because you are nearly the same age as the triplets!"

"HOW DARE YOU!" and Josette did something terrible, something she never thought she would do, she struck her sister.

There was a moment of shock when Josette regretted what she had done, then Ailie bellowed in pain,

"I HATE you! I wish Sybil had killed you with that kettle of boiling water!"

What Josette was to have said to this, we shall never know. For someone was at the door and had caught the full force of that last remark.

It was Sybil Russell.

Last edited by Phil on Sat May 13, 2006 9:42 pm; edited 5 times in total

#2: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 11:45 am
—
Oh dear, how will Sybil take that announcement?

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

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 12:25 pm
—
Poor Sybil. Will she never live that down?

Very interesting to see this side of Josette.

#4: Author: ibarhis, Location: London and Hemel Hempstead

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 12:31 pm
—
Ooh, ouch.... That isn't going to go away....

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

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 12:58 pm
—
Thanks, Phil. I agree with Tan that it's very interesting to see another side of Josette. I wonder what Sybil is going to do.

#6: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 1:01 pm
—
The problem is that the Russell girls are typecast by EBD.

Sybil is vain and jealous until redeemed, but still not allowed to be H Girl, whilst Josette is good all the way through, so is allowed to be HG, and poor Ailie seems to be a naughty middle all her life.

So, I'm definitely looking forward to more of this.

#7: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 1:59 pm
—
I love it when Phil's bunnies bite - you never know what might happen!

Thanks, Phil.

#8: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 2:26 pm
—
Thanks Phil - it's very interesting to see this side of Josette. I wonder whether Sybil is going to be able to sort the pair of them out.

Kathryn

#9: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 9:09 am
—
Ohhh a Russell girls drabble, how very shiny! Very Happy

#10: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 1:38 pm
—
It would be even shinier to have some more of it.

#11: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 3:38 pm
—
The door swung open with a great force and Sybil saw before her Ailie cowering under Josette's raised hand.

"WHAT is the meaning of this?" asked Sybil

"Josette's being a bully! She hit me!" squealed Ailie, in tears.

"And I'll do it again!" snarled Josette.

"STOP IT!" shouted Sybil.

But Josette was in too much of a passion, she shook Ailie and dragged her towards Sybil.

"Go on! Tell Sybil just what you told me! Tell her why I am so angry with you! TELL HER!"

"Josette, stand over there, I mean right over there. Ailie sit at that desk. I will stand in between you and I want to hear everything."

Josette and Ailie did as they were bid. However, Sybil was met by silence.

"Well?" (pause) "Is Mummy going to be pleased about this? Aline. I shall start with you. Incidentally I heard your reference to that dreadful time I nearly killed Josette, so you can start!"

"I'm sorry I said that."

"Well, why did you say it?"

"Please Sybs, can't we forget it?"

"Why did you say it?"

Sybil was relentless.

Ailie hung her head in shame.

"I played a prank on the sixth and the prees. Me Janice and Judy, we raided their lockers and cubeys and hid some of their things in the lost property cupboard. We thought it would be funny to see them get lost property fines. Josette came here to scold and I said she's always a goody, she hit me, but...but I suppose she has every right to be a little bit cross."

"Furious more like!" shrieked Josette

Sybil snorted in disgust.

"What a mean deceitful thing to do! That is as good as pilfering! A criminal offence, and it jolly well does matter even if it is your own relatives! No wonder Josette was so cross!"

Admonished by both sisters now, Ailie really was in the pit of despair.

"But I've BEEN punished already! Mary Lou made us give back all the lost property and pay all the fines that would have been given, we had to apologise to everyone and we were late for prep! We've had work returned and Matey has been cross with us! What more do I have to do to say I am sorry?"

Tears flowed, and for once she had a clean hanky to hand.

"Maybe a Head's report would have been better!" she sniffed.

"Not when Mummy would have got hold of you!" said Sybil, with feeling.

Sybil turned to Josette who had calmed down.

"Come on Josette, it's not just Ailie's latest, is it? She's really pushed you over the edge hasn't she?"

Sybil had picked up that last expression from their brother David.

Josette took a deep breath.

"It was certainly the trigger. Why can't she work harder Sybs? Whay doesn't she put in an effort at games? She's untidy, heedless and lazy. You know the fuss we have had over paying her library fines for her, and we do it to protect her from Mummy and Daddy! They only see the school reports with "Can do better!" written all over them. I am sick of this. I really am."

Sybil sat back and demurred. Hitting Ailie was not the right thing to do and she would speak with Josette later about it. At the same time, Ailie did need to pull her socks up and Josette really was at the end of her tether.

"I..I'm sorry I hit you Ailie." Josette shook.

"That's a start!" said Sybil encouragingly.

"Shall we go to Auntie Jo about this?" murmered Josette.

Sybil was inclined to say, "Yes" initially, then she stopped.

"No. We are all sisters, we should be able to settle this between ourselves without the school authorities or Auntie Jo knowing. We don't need to go running to Auntie Jo or Mary Lou all the time as if we can't cope with life! I know they have been very kind to us, but we should stand up on our own two feet and not be in thrall to Auntie Jo all the time. Besides, hasn't she got enough work with the triplets and other kids at school? I think Mummy would like us to sort this out for ourselves. Agreed?"

#12: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 3:41 pm
—
Agreed! Good for Sybil, wanting to sort this out themselves. Thanks, Phil.

#13: Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham

Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 4:30 pm
—
Sybil being allowed to be a responsible girl, now this is a nice change! Very Happy

#14: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 4:44 pm
—
Very nice to see such a responsible Sybil - think EBD forget that she was one. Assume she's over from St Mildred's?

Thanks Phil.

#15: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 6:18 pm
—
It's good to see Sybil taking control so effectively, she always had such a tough time.

Thanks Phil Very Happy

#16: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 7:04 pm
—
Then disaster struck!

A well known voice burst forth into the room:

"Oho! What plotting is this?"

There in all her glorious lime green, standing tall like the Colossus of Rhodes was Josephine Mary Maynard (Nee Bettany).

Sybil was gobsmacked.

Time stood still.

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

Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 7:16 pm
—
The twist! The twist!

Hurrah!

Thanks Phil

#18: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 8:29 am
—
All the tragedies of Shakespeare and of classical Greek playwrights could not have illustrated the feelings Sybil felt now.

Her chance to be strong and sensible and independent! Gone! She could hear a voice inside her head,

"Submit Sybil! It is for your own good! Throw yourself on the mercy of your Auntie Jo!"

This is what Sybil had had to do for many years now. Victorian melodrama had nothing on Sybil's unhappiness. However, she decided to bite the bullet and stand up to the dread Auntie J! Might as well be hanged for a sheep as well as a lamb...

"Good Morning Auntie Jo. I'm afraid Josette and Ailie have been squabbling. They are both very upset and I want to get to the bottom of it and see what I can do to help. If possible, I should like to do this without the school authorities or Mummy or anyone else knowing."

Sybil said her piece and awaited the wrath of Auntie Jo. Surely the storm was about to break?

But no storm broke, there were no scornful remarks poured upon Sybil's pretty head.

There was a full minute of silence as Joey strolled round the room, looking at each of her nieces in turn.

"Very well Sybs. I can see you want to stand on your own two feet. I shall let you do this. I know I say I am responsible for countless girls in the Chalet School and how they settle into the school, but it is different with you. You are my blood nieces. You are Madge's daughters. In a sense I am more responsible for you three than anyone else. But Sybil, I want a full report of what happened and how you have solved this problem between Ailie and Josette. And I don't mean if you solve this, but when. I do have some faith in you."

Joey had meant that last remark to sound encouraging, but it didn't. Unfortunately, she compounded this with another tactless remark in another attempt to be encouraging.

"I know you are not made of the same stuff as your mother, but do what you can. Remember I am only next door."

Sybil had heard that one before. Even if she needed Auntie Joey, she would probably be pregnant again! If that were the case, Uncle Jack would be guarding the gates of Freuedesheim like Cerberus of the Underworld.

Sybil blanched at Joey's comments.

"Thank you Auntie Joey. You are very kind. I had better take Ailie to Matey. She looks as if someone has boxed her ears."

Sybil shot a quick look to Josette, who blushed.

As the Russell girls left, Joey thought to herself.

"I don't like leaving this to Sybs. After all she's a Millie now. How can she sort out what has gone on between Josette and Ailie? Besides I'm not sure she has it in her. I know, I'll get Mary Lou on the case!"

And Joey hurried away to find her familiar.

#19: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 8:37 am
—
As always Joey has no faith in Sybil - and I did have high hopes at the beginning of her speech. Sincerely hope Sybil tells Mary Lou to get lost! Laughing

#20: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 9:19 am
—
Please let something horrible happen to Mary-Lou, she needs to learn to keep her nose out of other people's business.

#21: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 12:11 pm
—
Please let something horrible happen to Jo and OOAO before they can butt in.

#22: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 1:36 pm
—
"Vi! Vi! Vi! My back! Ow! Help!"

Poor silly Mary Lou had been moving tables round in the prefects room to do some spring cleaning and she hadn't bent her knees properly.

Vi Lucy had just gone to fetch some stationery for the prefects meeting and had just that minute disappeared. Unfortunately she was out of earshot for Mary Lou's clarion tones.

Mary Lou bravely tried to stagger to a chair but stumbled and ended up on the floor. She succeeded in knocking over a bottle of red ink, which soaked her hair and face.

"Grrr!" OOAO was not pleased. She lay on the floor considering whether or not Matey would take out her fury over the ink stained tunic on an invalid Head Girl.

She hoped Vi would not be too long.

Presently the door opened. Mary Lou could not see who it was, but she was very cross.

"There you are you silly ass! What took you so long? Why didn't you hear me? Come and help me up! Oh!"

Mary Lou recognised Joey.

"Mary Lou Trelawney!"

"I've hurt my back Auntie Joey and spilled this wretched ink over me!"

"Bother!" thought Joey. "This has really put a spanner in the works as Jack would say."

#23: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 2:24 pm
—
Laughing

Poor Mary-Lou, incapacitated at such a crucial moment!

Thanks, Phil.

#24: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 3:14 pm
—
Oh dear, what a shame, Mary-Lou is incapicitated...

Thanks Phil!

Kathryn

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

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 10:35 pm
—
I love that description of Mary-Lou as Joey's familiar!

Thanks Phil

#26: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 10:50 pm
—
Mary Lou was admitted to the San where she felt the rough edge of Jack Maynard's tongue.

"You are not Superwoman young lady and I thought someone of your intelligence would pay attention to their doctor and look after their back!"

Feeling a complete ass, Mary Lou sank beneath the sheets. Even Auntie Joey seemed annoyed.

Joey was furious. How could Mary Lou injure herself like that? Joey felt she had to keep an eye on Sybil. A close eye.

As she entered Freuedesheim, a voice she knew and loved called out to her.

"Surprise Joey!" It was Madge.

The answer to Joey's problems! Sybil would not dare oppose her mother!

Joey decided not to bother Madge with her daughters' escapades. She would tell her later.

In the meantime, Sybil was trying to impress upon Josette the importance of self restraint where Ailie was concerned.

"She's only so heedless because she knows she has got a wonderful sister to look up to. She thinks we will always be there to back her up. She mustn't think like that. We aren't her lifelong nursemaids. She has to take responsibility, but boxing her ears will not help Josette!"

"I know. I'm sorry."

"I hope so. You have been bottling this up for years now Josette. You know what happened when I bottled up my jealousy of you for so long! Do you know I never understood why you as a toddler used to follow me around so much. I was so nasty."

"Because you were my big sister that's why. I also remember getting cuddles from everyone but you and I suppose I wanted to know why."

"Thanks. Now I know. But I'm a cuddly enough person now, surely!" Sybil laughed.

"Seriously, I must know that you won't hit Ailie any more. You're the wrong age to start hitting people, and what if the Abbess knew?!"

"I know. I just wish Dad would stop being so besotted with her. If either of us slipped up on our schoolwork, we would be hung out to dry to quote David."

"Perhaps we should make AIlie realise this and make a full cnfession to mum and dad. It might help her grow up. But don't bully her into it."

"I won't. And I will try and show her some affection."

"That's the spirit!"

With this resolution Sybil and Josette went their respective ways.

#27: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 3:41 am
—
Somehow I feel that this is just the calm before the storm. Thanks Phil.

#28: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 7:56 am
—
Having made her resolution to refrain from smacking Ailie, Josette decided to seek out her younger sister and try to get to know her a bit better.

She smiled as she saw Ailie drawing in her sketchbook.

"Hello Ailie. What are drawing?"

Ailie nearly jumped out out of her skin!

"Josette...Hello... I..."

Josette thought her little sister was still scared of her and put an arm round her. Ailie shrank.

"Come on Ailie don't be silly. I'm not going to hurt you. Why don't you show me what you were drawing?"

Ailie could have died on the spot just then! Most emphatically, did she not want Josette to see what she was drawing!

But Josette had picked up the sketchbook!

"Ah here's that picture you drew of those kittens. Beautiful! You do have a talent there Ailie! Are these snowdrops in this one?"

Ailie nodded. Please God, don't let her look any further! she prayed.

But she did.

"And here's one of..."

Josette's eyes widened. Her face turned red and her jaw was set in a determined line. Ailie had seen that look before and it meant trouble for her!

Below a title of "Two Ugly Sisters" was a caricature of Josette and Sybil with red eyes, forked tongues, fangs, horns on their heads and forked tails, dressed in witches garb. The Sybil caricature was standing over a cauldron, whilst the Josette caricature was flying on a broomstick and wielding a cane.

"Explain yourself Aline Elizabeth Russell!"

#29: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 8:17 am
—
Oh dear, somewhat less than tactful, Aline! Wink

#30: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 8:20 am
—
But who can blame her? I just hope Josette doesn't turn too nasty now.

#31: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 9:18 am
—
Hehe! Poor Ailie, it looks that Josette can't take a joke.

#32: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 10:17 am
—
Oh dear.

Poor Aiilie knew she was for it this time as her sister glared at her.

"You know insolence to a prefect is insolence to the Head?"

Ailie had not realised Josette would make this connection. Suddenly the caricatures of her sisters looked horribly like Auntie Hilda.

"Please don't hit me Josette!"

"Hit you? I ought to skin you alive!" roared Josette with all the wrath of Armageddon and Judgement Day rolled into one.

"Come here Aline! You are coming straight to the Head! Oh I wish corporal punishment were used here!"

"No!" screamed Ailie.

Terrified, she fled and ran straight into her sister Sybil!

"Oh no!" she squealed, just as a vengeful Josette pounced.

Sybil looked at both of them. She saw the insolent cartoon Josette held in her hand.

"Well. This is the first time I've been called ugly. Makes quite a change from all those idiots going on about beauty."

Sybil started to laugh.

"I don't see what's so funny!" Josette was indignant.

"Oh come on Josette! Where's your sense of humour? Anyway, this gives me an idea. Ailie, how would like to draw proper portraits of us and of yourself for Mummy?"

Light dawned on Josette and Ailie. It was a way of showing Ailie herself and her family that she did have a talent and it was a way of paying a compliment to her older sisters. Josette would appreciate that!

"I'd like to Sybs, I don't know much about protraits though."

"Just try, Ailie. Come on. For Mummy."

"Very well."

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

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 10:41 am
—
Laughing

Poor Ailie.

#34: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 10:47 am
—
Well done Sybil! Much better than going to the Head.

#35: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:01 pm
—
Isn't Sybil sensible here?

Sharpens her poking stick to give Jo what for. It's none of her business.

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

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:50 pm
—
Thanks, Phil. I'm glad that Sybil has calmed everyone down. I also think that the portraits is a great idea.

#37: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 2:14 pm
—
"You see? You can do something right Ailie! Josette and I can't draw like that!"

The portraits were finished and they looked beautiful. This had taken place over a few days. During the sittings, Sybil and Josette had encouraged Ailie to talk and talk casually. Absolutely no mention of schoolwork was made, as this would only cause Ailie to retreat into a sulk.

Josette was glowing with pride over her little sister's artistic prowess. Ailie was so happy she felt she worshipped Josette. From Josette's point of view, she wanted to help Ailie by advising her on a career in art. There was lots of things she could do.

Sybil advised against this as it would frighten Ailie into panicking about work once more. it transpired the reason she didn't work so hard was partially down to laziness, but she was afraid she was going to make foolish mistakes and that she was expected to outshine Josette!

Just by talking to her sisters, she realised the laziness had to go, but she didn't have to feel she had to outdo her older brother and sisters.

All this was solved just by gentle infrequent chats. Josette kept her careers lecture to little comments at a time.

At length, Sybil felt it was time to report success to Auntie Jo.

Sybil went to Freuedesheim, clutching the protraits, where she was met by a tearful Auntie Joey.

"Auntie Joey, what's wrong?"

"Sybil. Just the person. W...We need to talk to each other."

Completely bewildered, Sybil followed her Aunt into the Speisesaal.

#38: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 3:17 pm
—
So pleased it's all gone right - so far!

But what's this? Joey needing help?????

Thanks Phil.

#39: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 3:44 pm
—
Isn't Sybil great here? Thanks Phil...wondering how she will be able to help Joey...

Kathryn

#40: Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 4:17 pm
—
I want Sybil as my big sister! Oo what does Joey want? Shocked

#41: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 7:45 pm
—
On entering Freuedesheim, Sybil was surprised to see her mother.

"Mummy! How lovely! Are you here for the Millie's pantomime?"

Sybil kissed her mother.

"Yes dear. I have also come over with you father. He has brought a patient over for your Uncle Jack. The twins are here too. They're just having a nap."

"Well it's lovely to see you, but why is Auntie Joey crying mummy?"

Madge took a deep breath.

"Josephine?"

"Do sit down Sybs. I had given some of my old diaries I kept in Tirol to Con to practice her typing. Only a few. I selected them. Unfortunately I gave Con one of the diaries I didn't want her to see. She just typed what I wrote without thinking. She's not to blame."

"Go on." said Madge.

"They contain my feelings. Stupid, childish, immature feelings of what I thought about...about."

"You can do this Joey" said Madge gently.

"About when your mother first had children."

Sybil was puzzled. "You mean, when David and I were born?"

Joey nodded.

"Con wanted to show her Auntie Madge what she had typed! She was so proud of her typing!"

"Then I found out what you wrote." said Madge quietly. "Joey, Sybil must know the truth. SHe is far more mature than you have ever given her credit for and I have every faith in her dealing with this."

Sybil started to feel sick.

"Here's what your Auntie wrote about you both."

Madge handed Sybil sheets of typed notes. In the meantime, she took the portfolio of Ailie's portraits from her daughter and looked through them her heart glowed with love for her children.

Joey held onto the big St Bernard, Bruno.

Sybil's face grew white at what she read.

#42: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 7:58 pm
—
Jealousy, perhaps? Of the fact that Madge has a beautiful daughter?

Thanks Phil, this is intriguing.

#43: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 8:54 pm
—
Sybil is lovely in this.
What did Joey write though?

#44: Author: Liane, Location: Manchester

Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 9:47 pm
—
Ooooh what did she write?

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

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 12:11 am
—
Thanks, Phil. I wonder what Joey had written.

#46: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 12:26 pm
—
Sybil took a deep breath. She read aloud.

The date was David's birthday.

"Madge has had a little boy. His name is David.

Oh I hate growing up! I don't want to be selfish, but I can't help it. We've always been together. I didn't mind Dick getting married so much, as Madge. Dick has always made it clear he's a brother, but Madge has been both mother and sister. I felt she was moving away when she married Jem.

Now with little Davie, she's moving further away. I don't want that. Oh I hate change!"

Sybil looked up. Madge regarded her little sister with sympathy. Joey was white faced. Sybil read on. It was her own birthday being described now. She felt a lump in her throat.

Joey had written her diary in hysterics that night.

"A Daughter! Madge has a daughter now! What about me? Doesn't she want me? She's even got red hair! That's not even in our family! I am Madge's daughter! Madge looked after me since I was a baby! I don't want her! I can't like her! It wasn't so bad with David, he's just a boy! But a daughter! Madge doesn't need a daughter! She's got me! Why can't she be happy with me? I shall never like her."

Sybil's voice faltered to a halt. She looked at her ashamed Aunt. Her expression said one thing, "Why?"

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

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 12:44 pm
—
Thanks, Phil. I feel sorry for Sybil. I do feel sorry for Joey as well.

#48: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 2:50 pm
—
It's very easy to imagine a selfish side like that to Jo. She had been the be all and end all of Madge's existance and it must have been hard to share Madge with the growing Russell family.

#49: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 2:55 pm
—
It's so easy to imagine that Jo would be jealous of Sybil, beautiful, poised, and her mother's daughter.

#50: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 3:04 pm
—
It actually does make sense - though you would have hoped that it was something she would grow out of - especially once she had a family of her own.

Thanks Phil.

#51: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 4:12 pm
—
Perhaps that's why she does so much boasting about her own children, and how many she has.

#52: Author: Kat, Location: Abertawe

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 6:31 pm
—
Ooooooh!

#53: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 6:36 pm
—
"Joey Baba" said Madge in the comforting voice she loved.

"I know now why you have taken such a dislike to Sybil in particular. Why couldn't you tell me at the time? Perhaps its something I should have realised."

"We never had time to talk, and I didn't want to hurt your feelings, Jem was always saying you shouldn't be worried, I was still at school, then after Sybil was kidnapped, you seemed to hang on to her, more than the others."

"I see. Sybs darling, I've been a bad mother. I was overprotective and spoilt you as a result of that kidnapping. The consequence of that was..."

"I thought myself better than the rest. I started to be nasty to everyone else in the nursery. It brought out the nastier side of my nature." Sybil finished.

"And I picked up on that and kept dealing with you, to deal with my own jealousy. Then when Josette came and you were upset..."

"You felt pleased Auntie Jo?"

Joey nodded.

"Joey this feud must end once and for all. I shall always love you, because you're my baby sister and I had to look after you from your earliest days. I'm sorry I didn't take better care of you when David and Sybil were born. I know your feelings can't disappear overnight, but try and see Sybil as she is now. She's nineteen. A young woman, she's put all her bad character behind her, she has moved on from Josette's accident. Please remember I have a right to love my own children as you have with yours. You've got so many children now Joey!"

Madge laughed.

Joey tried to laugh, she hugged Madge and then Sybil. She held her niece close to her. "I'm so sorry Sybil. I do love you."

Sybil wept. "Thank you Aunite Joey. Thank you."

Madge picked up the portraits Ailie had drawn.

"Sybs, did you come to show Auntie Joey these?"

"Reminded of her original intention for visiting, Sybil nodded.

"Yes Mummy, I was coming to let Auntie Joey know how I had solved a problem Ailie and Josette were having."

Madge sat down.

"Do go on dear"

#54: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 6:57 pm
—
It's nice to see that Joey can at last admit that she loves Sybil. Sybil is so great in this Very Happy

Thanks Phil!

Kathryn

#55: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 7:33 pm
—
Awww lovely!

#56: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 9:40 pm
—
Sybil told all.

Ailie's prank on the sixth form, and how it had all been too much for Josette and how Josette had struck Ailie. How Sybil came across them quarrelling and Sybil's determination to get everything sorted out. How Ailie had started to work, more because she found confidence in herself since she was finally good at something: drawing. Sybil finished by showing her mother and aunt the caricatures of Sybil and Josette which Ailie had drawn.

"...And Josette told her she was being insolent to the Head, and Ailie felt as if she had drawn pictures of Auntie Hilda instead of us!"

Madge and Joey laughed.

"Well, Sybil I'm proud of you! Sorting out a dispute like that. You are a fine woman!" said Madge

"Yes, you are a fine woman and I too am proud of you." said Joey with humility.

"I do think I should have a little chat to Ailie to help build her confidence in schoolwork, and I must speak to Josette and tell her not to bottle things up." decided Madge.

Presently two fair haired imps slowly descended the stairs and saw a sight which they were delighted with! Sybil! They crept up behind her, and leapt upon her with a warlike cry of glee!

"Kevin! Kester! Stop! You'll have me on the floor!"

"Play horsey Sybil!"

"Horsey!"

"Oh allright!" and Sybil was dragged to her fate.

"Be careful of Sybil's back! Don't hurt her boys!" called their mother.

Madge put her arm around Jo.

"Come on my very own Joey! You needn't have any worries about Sybil or any of my girls. It's important we musn't label our children! There is a lot more good in Sybil than you thought, Josette does lose her temper sometimes and Ailie does work!"

Suddenly a shriek from Sybil was heard.

"Put the kettle down Kevin! It's full of water!"

Terrified of history repeating itself, the two women fled to the kitchen just in time to see Kevin empty a toy plastic kettle full of water over Sybil's head.

There was a moment's pause, then the two women shrieked with laughter. So did the boys and so did Sybil.

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

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 10:01 pm
—
Thanks, Phil. I'm glad that everyone was able to laugh about the incident.

#58: Author: Liane, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 10:36 pm
—
Shocked

Scared me for a minute then. Thanks Phil.

#59: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 10:48 pm
—
Awwww, that was lovely - so good that Sybil gets on with her little brothers.

Thanks Phil.

#60: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 12:07 am
—
That was really great Phil, thank you so much. A very important lesson for everyone to learn Very Happy

Thanks

Kathryn

#61: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 10:24 am
—
Thanks Phil.
I'm glad Jo managed to learn how to value her nieces.

#62: Author: Mrs Redboots, Location: London, UK

Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 5:51 pm
—
Thank you, Phil. I enjoyed your story.

#63: Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham

Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 4:50 pm
—
Thank-you Phil- happily after for them all!!! Very Happy

The CBB -> Ste Therese's House

output generated using printer-friendly topic mod. All times are GMT + 1 Hour

Page 1 of 1