Troubles of Jessica - Part Three - updated 10 July, page 22
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The CBB -> St Agnes' House

#1: Troubles of Jessica - Part Three - updated 10 July, page 22 Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 9:31 am
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The Troubles Of Jessica
The Troubles Of Jessica - Part Two
Ally


Have reposted the bit where Jess goes mad at Rosamund. Today's installment is in blue. So great to have the board back!


Dinner over, and Jessica curled up on a chair in the sitting room, having rescued Bleak House from where she had thrown it on the floor. Fortunately, it was not damaged. Rosamund was seated by the fire, a table across her invalid chair, and she was making great inroads to the jigsaw Jessica had given her as a present. It was not a difficult jigsaw, having only five hundred pieces and Rosamund was going at it great guns.

The two girls ignored each other, Rosamund having learnt that there was no point at all in trying to talk to Jessica when she had such a black chip on her shoulder. A short time later, Rosamund gave an impatient exclamation and Jessica looked up to see that she had knocked several pieces of the jigsaw onto the floor, well out of her reach. They were corner pieces that Rosamund had already set in place. Jessica gave a little grin to herself and turned back to her book, pretending to be completely absorbed. She could see Rosamund twisting and turning in her chair to try to reach pieces, but it was futile.

“Jessica!” the younger girl said tentatively.

Jessica ignored her, turning over a page in her book and turning slightly away.

“Jessica!” Rosamund said again, slightly more forcefully this time.

Again, there was no response from Jessica except what could have been a slightly contemptuous sniff.

“I say, Jess!”

This did make Jessica look up. She allowed no-one other than her mother and her friends to call her Jess. What did Rosamund think she was doing using that name!

“What?” she snapped. “And my name’s Jessica.”

Rosamund ignored this. “I’ve dropped some jigsaw pieces on the floor and I can’t reach them, though I’ve tried. Could you pick them up for me?”

Jessica smiled nastily. “What’s the magic word?” she asked, having had it well drilled into her from babyhood that you should always say “please”.

“Please, Jessica,”

Jessica considered for a moment and then picked up her book again. “No,” she said. “Sorry.”

“Why do you hate me so much?” Rosamund blurted out. She had always shied away from confrontation with her step sister but Jessica’s response had forced her into it.

Jessica turned back to Rosamund. “I don’t hate you,” she said carefully. “I loathe you. There’s a difference.”

“But why?” Rosamund demanded. “What have I ever done to you? I want to be friends with you.”

Jessica looked incredulous. “If you don’t know what you’ve done to me, I’m not going to explain it. Are you thick as well as everything else?”

Rosamund was completely confused. She had no idea what Jessica was driving at. However, having started off on the collision course she decided that she may as well continue.

“Jessica, I’m sorry if I’ve hurt you or upset you,” she said. “Can’t we forget about it and be friends? I… I get really lonely and I’d love us to be friends.” Her tone was wistful but it was wasted on the other girl.

“I’d love you to go away and leave my mother alone, but we can’t all have what we want, can we?”

“Leave your mother alone?”

“Yes!” Jessica cried. She slammed her book down on the coffee table and stood up. She was tall for her age and quite well built and she towered over the smaller Rosamund intimidatingly. “She’s my mother, not yours! Why should she spend all her time looking after you when she should be looking after me!”

Rosamund gaped as Jessica advanced on her. She deliberately bumped into the table attached to the invalid chair and several more jigsaw pieces were dislodged and fell to the floor.

“You can’t even walk! You’re just a cripple. What use are you to her? At least I can help her and go out with her and have fun with her. All you can do is sit in your chair all day and sing stupid songs and do silly jigsaws!”

Jessica bumped the table again and the remaining pieces descended to the floor. In a fit of temper, Jessica stamped on them, bending some of them out of shape and rendering them useless.

“That’s my jigsaw!” Rosamund cried in dismay. “How dare you!”

“How dare I?” Jessica shouted. “How dare you come into my life and take my mother away from me? They don’t even want me at home anymore. I’ve been sent off to school so she can spend all her time with you. It’s all your fault and I hate you! You’re just a stupid, useless cripple and I wish you’d never been born!”

In her fury, Jessica had advanced on the helpless Rosamund who cowered back into her chair. There was no escape, however, from the glancing blow that Jessica dealt to the side of Rosamund’s face.

“There!” Jessica cried triumphantly. “Maybe that will show you that I don’t want you and I don’t want to be your friend!”

“JESSICA!”

Jessica swung round to find Emily standing in the doorway, a look of absolute horror on her face. Rosamund burst into tears.

“Go to your room, Jessica. NOW!” Emily was furious. To think that Jessica could talk to Rosamund in a such a fashion, not to mention hit her, made her ashamed to be in the same room as her daughter. Jessica stormed past her mother, pushing her roughly out of the way and fled upstairs. She threw the door of her bedroom closed behind her and collapsed onto the bed in a flood of sobs. She had surprised even herself with her misconduct



Downstairs, Emily had her work cut out to calm Rosamund down. The girl had felt really threatened by Jessica’s actions and the marks from Jessica’s hand stood out prominently on her cheek. Eventually, Emily gave it up as a bad job and decided bed was the best thing for her step daughter. She was working herself up into a frenzy and would make herself ill if she continued. Emily managed to get her into bed and brought her a drink of warm milk which contained a very mild sedative. At least that would ensure that Rosamund would doze off and hopefully, when she woke up in the morning, would be calmer.

Adam had gone out for the evening and so had not been party to Jessica’s shocking outburst. Emily knew that Adam would be furious if he heard about Jessica’s behaviour. He had stood up for her on numerous occasions, but Jessica had abused – physically and verbally – his own daughter and Emily knew that her husband would not less this go lightly. She decided to try to deal with this herself, though she felt out of her depth. Jessica’s behaviour had been appalling and she must not be allowed to think she could get away with treating another girl in such a fashion. To cast Rosamund’s disability up to her in such a way was unforgivable. Emily prayed for the wisdom to deal shrewdly with the situation.

Once Rosamund was settled, Emily went up to Jessica’s room and, on hearing the heartrending sobs that were coming from within, she went inside and found her daughter huddled on the bed.

“Go away!” Jessica screamed. “I don’t want to see you!”

Emily backed off. Jessica had worked herself up into a fine state of hysteria and Emily had no desire to make matters worse.

“I’ll be downstairs, Jess,” she said. “Come and find me if you need me.”

And, feeling there was little else she could do but obey her daughter’s wishes, Emily withdrew.

Adam had not been back five minutes before he realised that something was wrong. Emily was very quiet and withdrawn and she responded to him without really thinking about what she was saying. She was thinking furiously about how to handle Jessica and didn’t notice Adam go into Rosamund’s bedroom to check on her. It was unfortunate that the girl was lying with her injured cheek uppermost and the marks of Jessica’s fingers could still be plainly seen.

Adam went back into the sitting room with his face creased into a frown.

“What’s been going on, Emily?” he asked.

“What?” Emily said absentmindedly. She pulled herself together. “Oh, nothing. I’ve just had a bit of bother with Jessica, that’s all. Nothing unusual.”

Adam was silent. It was obvious to him that Emily was not telling the truth.

“Was Rosamund involved?” he asked sharply, determined to get the whole story.

Emily looked at him and guessed that, having seen Rosamund, he knew that something more serious than usual had taken place. She wanted to protect her daughter from his anger and wondered if she could make the story any prettier than it really was. Deciding that there wasn’t, she cursed herself for failing Jessica and told Adam all about it.

Adam sat back in his chair when Emily had finished and regarded her thoughtfully. “You shouldn’t have thought about keeping this from me,” he told her. “I know Jess is your girl and you want to protect, but this is too big a thing for you to cope with on your own.”

“But she said terrible things to Rosamund and slapped her!” Emily exclaimed. “Of course I want to protect her. I… I know you’ve been very lenient with Jess, even generous, but you can’t make excuses for her for this type of behaviour.”

“No excuses at all,” Adam said. “She obviously felt she had her reasons, but she’s going to have to learn to control her temper. She can’t go through life lashing out at people weaker than herself to make her feel better. I am furious with her, Em. I know she feels hard done by and that all the world is against her but acting like a hooligan won’t get her anywhere.”

“Oh, I know!” Emily cried. “I’m not going to make excuses for her. But she’s very muddled up in her own mind. I’m worried that, if we’re not careful how we handle this, we’ll make things worse. If we punish her, it may only fuel her belief that we don’t love her or want her. Goodness knows what she’d be capable of then.”

“We need to think about this carefully. Jessica cannot get away with this, but we need to approach it the right way.”

“Do you know what the right way is?” Emily queried. “Because I’m at my wits’ end. Nothing we’ve done seems to have helped.”

“Perhaps nothing we do will ever help,” Adam said, sorrowfully. “It may be that we have to leave Jess to sort things out in her own mind, in her own time and in her own way, but, at the moment, her own way is wrong. Where is she now?”

“She’s in her room. She was crying as if her heart would break. I wanted to hug her and tell her everything would be all right, but she screamed at me and told me to go. Oh, Adam, I do wish there was something we could do to help her.”

Adam took Emily in his arms, holding her close. The episode had upset her badly and, what was worse, she could see Jessica’s point of view whilst being unable to condone it.

“Leave this to me,” Adam said eventually. “I don’t want Jessica to take it out on you anymore than she already has done. She sees me as the wicked step father as it is, so if I’m the one who punishes her, I’m the one she’ll rail at. Besides, Rosamund is my daughter and I’m not scared to tell you that I am furious at Jessica for what she has done.”

“You won’t be too harsh on her, though, will you?” Emily pleaded. “I know she did wrong, and I’m sure she knows it too.”

“I’ll do what’s right,” Adam promised. “I can’t say fairer than that. But you must promise to back me up in whatever I decide.”

“Of course, provided you discuss it with me first and I think it’s reasonable.”

“Then,” Adam told her, “I’d like to sleep on it. Things might seem clearer in the morning. And, if Jessica should apologise of her own free will, a punishment might not be necessary.”

“You’re optimistic!” Emily almost managed a smile.

Adam was as good as his word and he “slept on” the problem. He was aware that treating Jessica wrongly or too harshly could tip her over the edge altogether. What he wanted to do was to make Jessica see that her behaviour to Rosamund had been unacceptable, whatever her opinions of her step sister or grievances against Emily and Adam. It was not going to be easy.


Last edited by leahbelle on Mon Jul 10, 2006 12:07 pm; edited 47 times in total

#2:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 9:34 am
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Too right it won't be easy!

Good to have this back.

#3:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 10:20 am
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Thanks, Leahbelle. I wonder what Adam will decide to do.

#4:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 10:33 am
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Thanks Leahbelle Sad

#5:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 1:11 pm
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Just to let you all know that I've uploaded this story to the Sally Denny Library, so if anyone's missed out on any installments please visit!

http://www.sallydennylibrary.co.uk/viewstory.php?sid=40

I've only posted the first eighteen chapters - up to where I am on the CBB, so there can be no sneaking ahead to find out what happens next!

Thanks for reading, folks.
Sue

#6:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 1:35 pm
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I hope Adam finds a way to get through to Jess - however upset she is at what's going on in her life, she can't go round behaving like that.

Thanks, Sue

#7:  Author: La Petite EmLocation: Cheltenham PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 5:12 pm
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That was very bad of Jess. I have no idea how I would deal with her, I hope Adam does!
Thanks Leahbelle Very Happy

#8:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 7:08 pm
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I can't help wondering if, in their wish to not upset Jessica any further, they are actually fuelling her conviction that they don't love her - after all, when very young children attempt to push the boundaries, those that are rebuked and shown that their behaviour is wrong are far more secure than the ones that have no boundaries and feel their parents don't care.

Jessica deserves punishment - and screaming at her mother to go away - and her mother obeying - have only confirmed for her that her mother doesn't really care that much for her.

Thanks Leahbelle - this is so thought provoking.

#9:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 8:05 pm
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Oh Emily -- you should have gone back to her after a little while longer ....

Thanks Leahbelle.

#10:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 8:51 am
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Next morning, Adam discussed his plan with Emily who agreed that it was fair, though Jessica would feel it keenly.

Jessica appeared for breakfast mainly, it is to be feared, because she was hungry. She looked dreadful and Emily nearly ordered her back to bed straightaway. Her eyes were puffy and swollen and her nose was bright red. Her hair was all mussed up and she clearly had not bothered to run a brush through it. She was still wearing her clothes from the evening before and it looked as if she had slept in them, though how much sleeping she had done was debatable.

Rosamund took her breakfast in her room. The marks of Jessica’s fingers had more or less faded from her face and all that was left was a red blotch. When Emily had gone in to wake her and get ready for breakfast, the girl had told her that she did not want to see Jessica. Emily had tried to insist, but her step daughter had shown signs of working herself into a frenzy again and Emily had agreed that she could have breakfast in bed. Rosamund appeared to be almost scared of Jessica and Emily could not blame her – Jessica’s behaviour had been horribly intimidating.

After breakfast, Adam issued his fiat. Jessica must apologise to Rosamund – that was something that he would not be moved on. Further, instead of being allowed to stay at Redferne on many weekends, from now until the end of term, Jessica would come home every Friday evening as had been originally agreed. If there was a netball match on, that would be factored in to the arrangements but Jessica was no longer to be allowed to decide to stay at school when the whim took her. She would come home and try to integrate herself into her new family, and that included trying to get on with Rosamund.

Jessica said nothing. She merely stared at the ground with downcast eyes. She was ashamed of her behaviour. She had never intended to lose her temper to such an extreme but her jealousy and anger had got the better of her. The punishment was a just one and it would be tough on her. She decided that there was no point in trying to argue with Adam. He had made his mind up and he had said some very cutting words to his step daughter before telling her what her punishment would be. If she protested, he might say that she did not deserve the privilege of playing in the netball team and ask Miss Cain to allocate her place to someone else. Even for Rosamund, Jessica was not prepared to forgo her place. Her punishment was stringent enough without making things worse for herself.

Jessica trailed into Rosamund’s room and delivered her apology. She had expected to find the other girl complaisant and ready to forgive, but Rosamund had looked at her out of slightly averted eyes and only nodded when Jessica had asked for forgiveness. She was still in shock from Jessica’s outburst and it would take more than an apology to prove to her that Jessica really was repentant.

For the next month, until the end of term, Jessica came home to Moorlands every weekend. She was not happy about this, as there were lots of school events that she would have liked to have taken part in, but she knew that Adam would be immovable and that there was no point in trying to get him to change his mind.

As a result of coming home each weekend, Jessica found herself becoming more integrated into the life of her new family, although it has to be said that it was more by accident than by any effort made by Jessica. She kept herself very much to herself, taking herself off for long walks in the surrounding countryside or shutting herself in her room with books or prep. Adam felt that this was not at all productive, and so he evolved various activities which involved everyone, even Rosamund, and insisted that Jessica join in. These were mainly in the form of short walks close to the house where it was easy to push the chair across the ground and drives to nearby towns where they would have afternoon tea. Although Jessica put little effort into integrating herself and joining in, she found that she simply had no choice but to interact to some extent and she found that she was beginning to feel a little less like a stranger in her own home.

Strangely enough, the things Jessica missed most were the shy little comments and friendly advances that Rosamund had used to make to her. Jessica’s behaviour on her birthday had caused Rosamund to retreat well in to her shell as far as her step sister was concerned. Rosamund had suffered a lot at Jessica’s hands and that had been the last straw. Rosamund kept out of Jessica’s way as much as she could, though there were times when they were alone in the sitting room, and she kept Jessica at arm’s length. No more did she try to make conversation or interest Jessica in her handcrafts.

Jessica shrugged inwardly as she got used to her sister’s new attitude. If Rosamund did not want to try to be friendly, there was no point in her, Jessica, making an effort. And so the two girls became as polite as strangers to each other and there was little warmth between them. Adam and Emily did not see this as much improvement on the previous hostility that Jessica had shown, but at least arguments were kept to a minimum and they had hopes that, over time, things would sort themselves out.

#11:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 8:58 am
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Thanks leahbelle - this is fascinating and so realistic.

#12:  Author: TanLocation: London via Newcastle Australia PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 12:04 pm
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Poor Jessica and Rosamund.

And yet, 'hearing' Jessica's thought processes you can see how she has backed herself into this corner.

#13:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 1:59 pm
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Thanks, Leahbelle. I think that Adam chose the right punishment for Jessica.

#14:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 2:45 pm
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Definitely the right thing for Adam to do, and strange that Jessica should miss Rosamund's tentative friendship.

Thank you, Sue. This is a wonderful read, and I can't wait until it's ALL up in the SDL so I can read it time and time again.

#15:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 4:07 pm
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Pleased that Jessica actually misses Rosamund's attempts at friendship - don't blame Rosamund in the slightest.

Thanks Leahbelle.

#16:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 5:19 pm
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Poor Rosamund, whether she's friendly or not, Jessica is annoyed with her. She just can't do the right thing. Thanks, Sue, this is such an involving tale.

#17:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 10:51 am
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What a shame they didn't try all these things to integrate Jessica and make them a family before they announced they were getting married - things could have been so different!

Thanks, Leahbelle

#18:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 2:33 pm
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Christmas fell on a Sunday this year and Redferne did not break up until the Friday before. The girls would go back to school in the second week of January.

Christmas was a strange time for Jessica this year. In previous years, she and Emily had travelled up to Ambleside for part of the break or, if the Rigbys felt up to the long journey, they had come south to stay with their daughter and granddaughter. The Rigbys had been invited to stay at Moorlands over the holiday, but John was recovering from a bad dose of flu and was not strong enough to travel. Besides, Kate felt that her daughter and new family should spend their first Christmas alone without any interfering parents to worry about.

Jessica was upset about this. She did not get to see her grandparents very often and had assumed that she would see them this holiday as usual. Jessica had begged Emily to let her go up to stay with the Rigbys for at least part of the break, but Emily had refused. Apart from anything else, there was no-one to escort the girl and she was not going to let her daughter travel across half of England alone. Sulks from Jessica had followed, but Emily would not be moved, and Jessica had to become resigned to the fact that she would be spending the break at Moorlands.

Emily and Jessica spent Saturday decorating the house and putting up the tree. Jessica had always enjoyed this part of Christmas – the anticipation of the day was almost more exciting than the day itself. Rosamund, of course, could not join in, but she had made some pretty decorations with Emily’s help and these were hung up in the sitting room. The tree was a huge one and it took Emily and Jessica nearly two hours to dress it and they used up all the baubles in the process. It looked delightful when they had finished and Rosamund clapped her hands in excitement.

Christmas day itself was spent quietly. Presents were opened in the morning and there was much exclaiming as eagerly awaited gifts were unwrapped. A festive breakfast followed and then the whole family went to church. Christmas dinner was scheduled for mid-afternoon and Rosamund was sent off to rest when they returned from church. The meal itself was delicious and all agreed that Mrs Childs and Emily had done them proud. Adam brought in the Christmas pudding, flaming madly, to a host of cheers. The remainder of the afternoon was spent in reading new books and playing new games, though Jessica kept herself very much in the background. She had received a copy of Wuthering Heights and was already fathoms deep in it. The family had been invited to join the minister and his family for supper and this was a pleasant end to the day.

In spite of herself, Jessica had not had too miserable a time. She yearned for the companionship of her grandparents, and railed against going to the ministers for supper, but she went and found that she had a nice time. What was more, under the festive atmosphere, Rosamund had started to thaw towards her and Jessica, in turn, had not rejected her advances quite so strongly as she had done in the past.

On Boxing Day, feeling stifled by the house and her family, Jessica took herself off for a long walk in the country. She loved walking and was capable of going for miles without actually realising how far she had gone. Emily had warned her to be back for tea at four o’clock and so she kept a close eye on her watch. She had discovered that it was quite nice not to be in trouble all the time and had decided to keep a check on her behaviour for the time being.

On the way home, Jessica came to her favourite spot – a little hillock of ground overlooking a stream – and sat down on the cold ground for a few moments to catch her breath. She gazed across the countryside that was spread before her and took great satisfaction in the beauty that she saw there. It was not long before her bottom began to turn numb but, just as she was getting to her feet, a little dog bounced into view. It was cream and white, and quite fluffy and it came up to Jessica and snuffled round her. Jessica didn’t know much about dogs, but she had met Beth’s Westie during her stay there at half term and this wee chap looked very similar.

“Hello, boy,” Jessica bent down to stoke the little animal and he responded by rubbing his head against her lovingly. Jessica glanced round, but there was no-one else in site. She presumed that the dog had wandered ahead of his owner and was now waiting for that person to catch up. She patted the dog again and set off on her way. A few moments later, she turned round and saw the dog sitting on the hillock looking after her forlornly. To her left, she also saw two hikers and guessed that the dog was with them. Jessica began the long tramp home and, by the time she had reached Moorlands, the dog was a distant memory.

#19:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 2:41 pm
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How nice that Jessica has realized that it's better to stay out of trouble! Long may that last. Thanks, Sue.

#20:  Author: ElleLocation: Peterborough PostPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 2:46 pm
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I have just caught up with all this. I cannot believe Jessica hit Rosamund! She really is a horrible, obnoxious little girl.


Thanks for the updates Leahbelle.


Very Happy

#21:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 3:04 pm
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Thanks Sue - things seem to be looking up but I don't suppose it'll last ....

#22:  Author: La Petite EmLocation: Cheltenham PostPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 4:58 pm
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It never does with Jessica!
Thanks Leahbelle Very Happy

#23:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 5:05 pm
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There is definitely an improvement there. But I have a feeling it won't go much further than that.

#24:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 7:44 pm
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Pleased that Christmas Day went well - wonder though if the dog is important...

Thanks Leahbelle.

#25:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 10:02 pm
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Yippee - two trouble free days. I hope the relationship starts to develop between the two girls, though I suspect the dog spells trouble ahead...

Thank you Leahbelle.

#26:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Sat May 06, 2006 6:55 pm
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It was Wednesday before Jessica found herself able to escape from the house again. Peter and Rebecca had come down to stay for a few days and the Tuesday had been spent in entertaining them. Relieved to be by herself again, Jessica set out through the woods, across the fields and began to head towards the hills in the distance. This was one of the times when time was lost to her and, when she glanced at her watch, she realised that she had been walking for nearly three hours and was horribly late for tea. With a sigh, for she was enjoying herself immensely, Jessica turned and set off for Moorlands.

She rested again on the grassy hillock – she was so late already, another ten minutes would make no difference. She made herself as comfortable as she could on the cold, hard ground and then something bumped into her from behind. Jessica uttered a little shriek as she leapt to her feet and turned round to see what had touched her. She was not used to encountering anyone on these walks and had thought herself to be completely alone. She looked down and there, at her feet, looking up at her expectantly, was the little dog she had encountered two days before.

“Hello, again,” Jessica stroked the dog and sat down beside him. He squatted at her side, leaning against her. Jessica noticed as she patted him that he was very cold and his fur was full of knots and mats. He was nuzzling around her pocket and Jessica remembered that she had put a chocolate bar in there before leaving the house. She took it out, unwrapped it and held it out to her new friend. The chocolate disappeared in one go and the dog nuzzled the pocket again. “I don’t have anymore,” Jessica told him fondling his ears. “Are you hungry, boy? Where’s your mum and dad?”

If the little dog had understood her and been able to reply, he would have told her that his owners had abandoned him on the moor several days before and he had been running wild ever since. He was cold and hungry and thirsty, not to mention lonely for comfort and love. Jessica read something of this in his eyes as he gazed up at her.

“Oh, you poor little thing!” she cried. “You haven’t got a home, have you?” She pulled the mutt towards her, hugging him closely. It was as well that she couldn’t see the fleas leaping about in his coat! The dog snuggled against her, taking some warmth from her body, and was reluctant to be pushed away eventually. “Well,” Jessica told him, “I can’t leave you here. You’d better come back with me. I’ll get you cleaned up and feed you. How does that sound?”

The dog gave a bark and Jessica could have sworn that he understood every word he spoke to her. The girl set off in the direction of Moorlands, the dog trotting along at her heels.

Jessica burst in through the front door of the house. Paying no heed to the fact that her boots were filthy, she ran into the sitting room in search of her mother. The dog followed her, sniffing eagerly as he passed through new surroundings. Only Rosamund was in the sitting, resting in her chair close to the fire. She looked up as Jessica bounded in and issued a cry as she saw the dog behind her. The little animal heard her and, instantly realising that she didn’t like dogs, he flung himself on Rosamund, yapping wildly.

“Oh!” Rosamund screamed. “A horrid little dog! Get him off me!”

Jessica rushed forward and pulled the mutt off Rosamund, but not before she had had her face well and truly cleaned.

“He smells!” Rosamund cried. “Keep him away from me!”

“He does not smell and he’s not horrid!” Jessica stormed. She had the dog clasped in her arms, and he cuddled in close to her chest.

“What on earth is going on in here?”

Both girls turned to the door where Adam and Peter stood, wondering what all the shouting was about.

#27:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat May 06, 2006 7:09 pm
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Oh dear - and, for once, all Jessica has been guilty of is having a compassionate heart and being a little thoughtless - don't think this is going to end well.

Thanks Leahbelle.

#28:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sat May 06, 2006 7:26 pm
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Oh dear - another no-win situation for Adam and Emily to try to sort out!

Thanks Sue Very Happy .

#29:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2006 7:28 pm
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Hmm shame Rosamund's afraid of dogs. And Jess- the dog probably does smell.....

Thanks leahbelle

#30:  Author: ElleLocation: Peterborough PostPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 11:28 am
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Ooohhh....

If she wants to keep the dog I do hope they let her, after all it's not her fault that Rosamund is scared of them, and Jessica didn't know that anyway...


*tries to think of more excuses*

#31:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 11:59 am
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“Where have you been, Jessica?” Adam demanded. “Tea was two hours ago!” Then his gaze took in the dog still clutched in her arms and he saw that Rosamund was cowering back in her chair. “Is… is that a dog?” he asked, unnecessarily..

Jessica released the dog and he ran forward to sniff at Adam’s legs.

“Good lord!” Peter exclaimed. “He’s jumping with fleas!”

“Jess, I don’t know what this is about, but that dog cannot stay in here. Take him to the utility room immediately,” Adam ordered. “And, Rosamund, stop that silly whimpering. You aren’t hurt and aren’t likely to be, not by that mutt, anyway.”

Jessica took hold of the dog by the scruff of his neck and led him through the hall way and kitchen to the utility room. By this time, Emily and Rebecca had appeared on the scene and there was a cast of hundreds in the little room. Emily, about to chastise Jessica for missing tea, gaped when she saw the scruffy little animal that was cavorting around, trying to make friends with everyone.

“What’s this, Jess?”

“A dog,” Jessica said, innocently. “His name is Spud,” she couldn’t say where the name had come from, but it seemed to suit her new companion. “I found him outside. He doesn’t have a home and he’s cold and hungry. I can keep him, can’t I?” Jessica looked imploringly at her mother. If only she could keep Spud, she would never misbehave again.

Emily, who had nothing against dogs in their proper place and when they were clean and flealess, looked askance at Spud. He was snuffling round her ankles now, having thoroughly examined Rebecca.

“He must have an owner,” she began doubtfully.

“He doesn’t!” Jessica assured her. “Look at him. His coat’s all matted. He hasn’t been groomed for ever and he ate my chocolate bar in one gulp. I don’t think he’s eaten for days.”

“He’s a bit of a mess,” Peter admitted. “Poor mutt.”

Rebecca touched his arm, and the pair withdrew leaving Jessica alone with her parents and Spud.

“Please, Mother,” she pleaded. “Can I keep him? I promise to take good care of him.”

Adam and Emily looked at each other. Another situation to handle with care!

“How will you be able to look after him if you’re at school all week?” Emily asked reasonably.

“Well, couldn’t you or Mother look after him during the week and I would do it at weekends?”

Adam shook his head. “Rosamund is terrified of dogs. She was bitten by one as a child and has hated them ever since. I don’t think we could keep a dog in the house.”

“We could build him a kennel. He could live outside.” Jessica suggested hopefully. “And Spud would never hurt anyone! He’s so friendly.” As the dog was engaged in licking her hand clean at the moment, there was plenty of truth in her statement.

“He couldn’t live in a kennel in this weather,” Emily pointed out. “He’d freeze.”

“No, Jess,” Adam said, gently. “It just won’t work. We’ll have to think of something else.”

“But I want to keep him!” Jessica cried. “I found him! He’s mine. He trusts me. What will happen to him if I don’t keep him? He’ll die if we send him back outside on his own.”

“We’re not going to do that,” Adam said. “He can stay here tonight and we need to think about what’s best. He needs a good feed and a good brush and a warm bed for the night. Tomorrow, we can decide what to do.”

“But…” Jessica began to protest, but Adam interrupted.

“That’s my last word, Jess. I promise we’ll find a good home for him.”

“I hate you!” Jessica spat at her step father and, sinking to the ground, gathered Spud into her arms again. Emily shuddered, thinking of the fleas and decided that Jessica’s clothes would have to be boiled.

“Jess!” Emily scolded. “We’ll do what’s best for Spud, and we can’t do anything more.”

“Staying with me is best for him!” Jessica cried, and her words were muffled as she spoke them with her head buried into Spud’s side.

The sound of the doorbell ringing sounded loudly in the kitchen.

“That’ll be Miss Winter,” Emily said. “She’s come for dinner. Come with me, Jess, and I’ll put some tit bits together for Spud. Then we’ll find him a bed for the night. Adam, would you let Miss Winter in and get her a drink? Dinner will be about half an hour.”

Adam went off to do Emily’s bidding and Jessica reluctantly relinquished her grip on Spud and followed her mother into the kitchen. Emily was as good as her word and put together a plate of tasty leftovers for the dog. While Jessica took these into the utility room, Emily went upstairs to rout out some old blankets on which Spud could make a bed for the night. The little dog ate the food eagerly and lapped up the water which Jessica gave him. Emily returned with two ancient, moth-eaten woollen blankets which would provide a warm and comfy resting place for Spud. Then she ordered Jessica upstairs to change and told her to bring her clothes back downstairs – they would be boiled on the morrow!

#32:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 12:04 pm
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Poor Adam and Emily - whatever they did would've been wrong.

#33:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 3:00 pm
    —
I think Jess is going to latch onto the fact that Adam said they couldn't have the dog because Rosamund doesn't like them. I know they had other reasons, but that is probably going to be the one she thinks about (to be honest, I would as well).

#34:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 3:16 pm
    —
Oh, absolutely, because Rosamund's wishes are so much more important than Jessica's! However, I really hope they can come up with a satisfactory home for the dog, as it would make Jessica so much happier if they could keep him.

Thanks, Sue.

#35:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 7:23 pm
    —
It's not going to work out, is it? And she'll blame Rosamund for it.

Poor kid.

Thanks Leahbelle.

#36:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 8:07 pm
    —
Oh dear, not promising.

Thanks leahbelle

#37:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Tue May 09, 2006 4:10 pm
    —
Very reluctantly, Jessica left Spud making himself at home on the blankets. He was very tired now that his hunger and thirst had been sated and he was looking forward to a good sleep. He gave his rescuer’s fingers a little lick before she went off.

Jessica was furious that Adam had refused to even consider keeping Spud and she thumped her way upstairs. However, she did obey her mother, being sensible enough to realise that, if she had any hope of persuading her step father to keep Spud, it was better to be on her best behaviour.

Once she had changed, she came back downstairs to leave her clothes in the utility room. Spud was sleeping peacefully, and little snoring noises came from him every so often. He was deeply asleep and did not even stir when Jessica bent down to bestow a kiss on his scruffy head. She left him alone and went to join the family and Miss Winter in the sitting room.

Over dessert, the story of Spud and his rescue was told to the visitor. Miss Winter listened attentively.

“…and I’m not to be allowed to keep him,” Jessica ended bitterly.

“So he’ll need a home?” she asked, thoughtfully.

“He will,” Adam said. “It really is impossible for us to keep him here. Do you know anyone who’s looking for a dog?”

“I might,” Miss Winter took a moment to apply herself to her trifle, then she said, “I used to have a dog. He died two years ago. I’ve been thinking about getting another one for a while…”

“Oh, you could take Spud and I’d still be able to see him!” Jessica cried.

“He’s in pretty poor condition,” Adam warned. “His coat’s a mess and he’s crawling with fleas.”

“But he’s very friendly,” Jessica put in. “He loves me already.”

“I’d need to think about,” Miss Winter said, cautiously. She was not one for making snap decisions.

“Come and see him,” Jessica suggested. “I bet you’ll love him.” She jumped up from the table, despite the fact that most people were still eating and Emily instantly ordered her to sit back down.

“Let her go,” Adam intervened. “Miss Winter has finished her trifle. Unless, you’d like second helpings of course?

“No, thank you, that was delicious but I haven’t even the merest millimetre of space for anymore! I’ll go with Jessica.”

The pair went off. Spud was still fast asleep, and his little feet were twitching as he dreamed. Miss Winter fell in love with him instantly, despite the fleas she could see leaping about his coat. She knelt down beside him and fondled his ears. Spud didn’t stir. He was out for the count.

“He’s lovely,” Miss Winter told Jessica.

“Then you’ll give him a home?” Jessica demanded delightedly.

“Yes,” Miss Winter decided. “I’ll give him a home.”

“Will I be able to come and visit him?” the girl asked shyly. She had never had much to do with Rosamund’s governess before.

“Of course you will,” Miss Winter told her warmly. “You can come round tomorrow and help me bathe him and start to brush out his fur, if you like. And you can take him for walks. I know you like walking.”

“Oh, thank you!” Jessica breathed. It was almost as good as being able to keep Spud for herself.

#38:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue May 09, 2006 4:38 pm
    —
Oh good - that sounds more helpful.

#39:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 09, 2006 6:53 pm
    —
That nice - hope Jessica will be happier because of it.

Thanks leahbelle.

#40:  Author: ElleLocation: Peterborough PostPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 7:10 am
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Phew! A near crisis, luckily avoided!

Thanks Leahbelle.

#41:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 4:28 pm
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And if Jessica becomes friendly with Miss Winter, maybe she can help Jessica's attitude towards Rosamund.

Thanks, Sue.

#42:  Author: La Petite EmLocation: Cheltenham PostPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 4:35 pm
    —
This looks promising! Very Happy

#43:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 4:43 pm
    —
Thanks, Leahbelle. I'm really glad they were able to find a solution.

#44:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 8:10 pm
    —
Oooh goody.

Thanks leahbelle- things are definitely looking up for Jess. Hopefully she'll be happier to come home at the weekends now.

#45:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:24 pm
    —
At the end of the evening, Miss Winter departed with Spud trotting at her heels. He had woken up and taken an instant fancy to her and she to him. Jessica watched as the pair walked down the path and waved good bye to the little dog. She wasn’t as sad as she might have been. Emily had agreed to her visiting Miss Winter on the morrow and Miss Winter had promised that Jessica could visit whenever she liked. Jessica would have liked Spud to make his home at Moorlands, but she knew that he would have the best possible home with the governess.

The advent of Spud had upset somewhat the uneasy truce between Jessica and the Seftons. Although her heart told her that Spud had found a happy home, she was disappointed that she had not been allowed to keep him for herself. Jessica had expected that her mother, at least, would have been willing; she knew that Emily had had a dog herself in her extreme youth. But Adam had put his foot down. Jessica deliberately ignored his very sensible reasoning that she could not look after a dog when she was away at school all week and decided that it was Rosamund’s silly fear of dogs that had sealed Spud’s fate.

Cue an end to the neutrality that had existed for the past few weeks.

Jessica spent much of the rest of the holidays at Miss Winter’s house. The governess lived in a cottage about a five minute walk away from Moorlands House. Between them, they spent a lot of time bathing and brushing Spud until his fleas were a thing of the past and his coat shone with health. There was nothing much else wrong with him except for under-nourishment, and Miss Winter began to feed him up with tasty tit bits. He was a friendly, endearing little dog and he provided some much needed companionship for Miss Winter.

Jessica had never had much to do with Rosamund’s governess until now. She had seen in her passing and had thought of her as a dull, middle aged lady with too much time on her hands. She discovered that the older lady was far from dull and she had a wonderful sense of humour. Jessica and Miss Winter quickly became firm friends and the pair were often to be found roaming the countryside together with Spud at their heels. When Miss Winter had other things to attend to, Jessica would take Spud out by herself.

This meant, of course, that she spent little time at Moorlands House. The time she did spend there was mostly spent in her room. Relations between Jessica and Rosamund had returned to normal. Jessica either ignored her step sister or was downright rude to her. Adam Jessica tolerated, mainly because she was worried that he would put his foot down about her visits to Miss Winter if she was too outrageous. To Emily, she was distant, only speaking when spoken to and she made little or no effort to integrate herself into the rest of the family’s holiday plans.

The elder Seftons worried about this, feeling that any momentum they had gained was swiftly being lost, but they did not want to stop Jessica going to visit Spud. They knew that would only cause more ructions and no-one wanted Jessica to revert to her previous behaviour. It became evident to Jessica that, as long as she didn’t rock the boat, her visits to Miss Winter would be looked on favourably. Otherwise… This kept her in check to some extent but befriend Rosamund, the main reason for her being unable to keep Spud, she would not. Similarly, Adam, who had forbidden her to keep the dog, received treatment that was no more friendly but stopped short of impudence.

It was with some reluctance that Jessica returned to Redferne at the end of the holidays. She was desolate at having to leave Spud, even though she knew that Miss Winter was more than capable of giving him all the care and attention he needed. Jessica had fallen in love with the little dog and she wished more than anything that she had been allowed to keep him for himself. A few of the girls at school had been granted permission to bring small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. Perhaps she would have been allowed to have Spud at school, but Adam and Emily had not even thought about this as a solution. It has to be said that Jessica was angry at Adam and Emily for not considering her wishes and the fact that Spud had found a loving home was irrelevant.

Worse, because the term began mid-week, Jessica was not to return to Moorlands House until the following weekend, so she had not even the consolation of knowing that she would see Spud in a few days. It spoke volumes for her relationship with her new family that she would miss her dog and Miss Winter more than her own mother.

#46:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:56 pm
    —
Oh dear - she's just not got to the stage of considering anything other than her own wants and needs, has she? Probably on going to the CS she'd have come round anyway - as she was a little older, without all the elaborate machinations of Joey and Mary Lou.

Thanks leahbelle.

#47:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:58 pm
    —
What Lesley said!

#48:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 4:23 pm
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At least she's not being as awful as she could, though, even if it is because she doesn't want to stop seeing her dog. Thanks, Sue.

#49:  Author: La Petite EmLocation: Cheltenham PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 5:12 pm
    —
At least she is being sort of civil.
Thanks Leahbelle Very Happy

#50:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 5:38 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I'm sorry that she isn't going to see Spud the 1st weekend of term.

#51:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sat May 13, 2006 8:58 am
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Just caught up - I love the dog!! It's promising that Jess has found an adult outside thefamily and school who she can relate to. But as ever with this story, I can sense a big "but" just around the corner. Thank you Leahbelle.

#52:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Sun May 14, 2006 11:06 pm
    —
Thanks Leahbelle, just done a big catch up and really enjoying this Very Happy

Kathryn

#53:  Author: alicatLocation: Wiltshire PostPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 9:46 am
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Oh dear oh dear...am just waiting for the next Rosamond crisis


leahbelle this is a fantastic story

#54:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 12:42 pm
    —
Back at school, and Jessica kept up her commitment to keeping her weekly average at the stated level. She was astute enough to realise that Miss Simmonds would soon speak out if she thought that Jessica was merely doing enough to get by and no more and so she aimed at keeping the average a point or two above 55%. That way, no-one could have any complaints and, even though there were no official netball matches this term, they would begin again in the summer term and she was determined to ensure that her place remained safe.

Although there were no official netball matches this term (it being considered too cold and the weather too dodgy – Redferne had indoor courts, but most of their opponents did not have this luxury) netball practice was still held and there were “friendlies” held on two occasions at Redferne, plus a couple of inter-form matches. With these, and her school work, Jessica found herself kept busy at school and she no longer railed against going to Moorlands for the weekends. In fact, she was desperate for half term so that she could spend some proper time with Spud.

Half term came in the second last week of February. It would begin at the end of morning school on the Wednesday and the girls would return to school on the Sunday evening. As usual, the majority of girls were going home with those that weren’t for whatever reason being invited to the homes of friends or relations and the school would be closed for the duration. Jessica had been invited to spend the break with Beth again and, though she longed to try riding again, her desire to see Spud again was greater even if Emily had granted permission.

Over the past week, the weather had deteriorated. No-one would guess that spring was a mere three or four weeks away. The temperature had plummeted and heavy rainstorms and gale force winds were the order of the day. This showed every sign of continuing over half term and Jessica was disappointed because no-one would allow her to go for runs with Spud in such weather.

Late on Friday afternoon, the weather began to improve slightly and Jessica pulled on her coat and hat and ran across to Miss Winter’s.

“I’ve come to take Spud for a walk,” she said breathlessly as the governess opened the door.

“Come in, Jess,” Miss Winter stood aside to let the girl in. “Hang up your gear and come through to the living room. I’ve just boiled the kettle and there’s plenty for two.”

Jessica obeyed and went into the small living room. She expected to see Spud lying asleep in his usual place, on a cosy blanket in front of the fire, but he wasn’t there. She sat down in one of the comfortable but well worn arm chairs and waited on Miss Winter to return with the tray of tea and biscuits.

“Where’s Spud?” she asked, when they were both served.

“I let him in to the garden about twenty minutes ago,” Miss Winter explained. “He’s been so fed up with this weather and he’s had to keep to the house like we all have. He shot off in the direction of the woods. When you’ve finished your tea you can go out and call him back him. He’ll jump at the chance of a walk with you. He’s missed you!”

Jessica gulped down her tea and only accepted two biscuits. Then she rushed out to the garden to shout on the little dog. But, though she shouted for a good ten minutes and ventured as far as the edge of the wood, there was no sign of him. She went back indoors and Miss Winter told her not to worry. He had probably over-excited himself being outdoors again and had gone off on a little wander of his own. She expected that he would be back for lunch, which Spud knew came at six o’clock everyday like clockwork.

“I did so want to see him and take him for a walk!” Jessica sighed. “But I’ll need to get back for dinner then, too.”

“Never mind,” Miss Winter consoled. “With a bit of luck the weather’s on the turn now and you don’t go back to school til Sunday night. There’s still plenty of time for you to walk his little legs off.”

Jessica waited for another half hour and then reluctantly decided that she’d better go home. The rain had begun to fall again and she could see the trees waving about as the beginnings of another gale began.

“You will let me know when he comes back?” she pleaded, and Miss Winter promised to give her a ring on the telephone.

#55:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 12:47 pm
    —
It's good to see that Jessica is concerned about someone, even if it is a dog.

#56:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 1:02 pm
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I do hope he hasn't run away. I can just imagine Jessica doing something mad to try to find him again.

Thanks, Sue.

#57:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 2:38 pm
    —
I hope Spud turns up soon otherwise I can imagine it effecting Jessica really badly...

Thank you!

Kathryn

#58:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 3:03 pm
    —
I have a bad feeling about this...

#59:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 4:16 pm
    —
Oh dear!
I can't help feeling this is NOT going to be a happy half term......

#60:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 4:55 pm
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This doesn't sound good ...

#61:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 5:28 pm
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Eeeeep!

And it was all sounding so promising.

Thanks leahbelle

#62:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 7:11 pm
    —
Something's happened to Spud, hasn't it? Crying or Very sad

Thanks Leahbelle

#63:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 7:33 pm
    —
Thanks, Leahbelle. I am wibbling about Spud - I really hope that he will be ok.

#64:  Author: Rosy-JessLocation: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 8:03 pm
    —
*hopes that a wet muddy and bedraggled Spud comes home soon*

#65:  Author: ElleLocation: Peterborough PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 9:47 am
    —
*hears Jaws type music*

Oh dear! I hope nothing terrible has happened to Spud.

#66:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 5:23 pm
    —
At eight o’clock, there came a frantic knocking on the door of Moorlands. The family had just finished dinner and Emily and Adam were enjoying coffee in the sitting room while Jessica had been sent up for a bath and Rosamund was reading quietly. Wondering who on earth was hammering on the door at this time of night, Adam got up and answered it. Miss Winter stood there, drenched from head to foot in an old mac and beret. As soon as he opened the door, Adam felt the force of the storm that was raging outside. The rain was pelting down like fury and the wind threatened to rip the door from his hands. The temperature had dropped again and he doubted it was more than three or four degrees. Adam reached out a hand to Miss Winter and dragged her in to hall, wondering what had sent her abroad in such awful weather.

“It’s Spud!” Miss Winter gasped as Adam closed the door, shutting out the cold and wet. “He went out this afternoon and I haven’t seen him since. I’ve been out looking. I’ve called and called and searched, but there’s just no sign of him…”

“The first thing,” Adam interrupted the tirade that was rapidly becoming hysterical, “is to get you out of those wet clothes and get a warm drink inside of you. Emily!”

Emily appeared and Adam asked her to find some dry clothes for Miss Winter while he went to the kitchen to boil the kettle. A few moments later, Miss Winter was sitting in front of the fire, wearing some of Emily’s clothes, and sipping a mug of warm, milky coffee, liberally laced with sugar. When she was feeling warmer, Miss Winter turned to the Seftons.

“What am I to do about Spud?” she asked. “He’s not here by any chance, is he?”

“Jessica’s in the bath,” Emily said. “I’ll pop up and ask her.”

“If he’s not here, then where is he?” Miss Winter cried. “I don’t know where else to look! But if he’s left outside in this weather all not, he could die!”

“He’s a sensible little dog,” Adam reassured her. “He probably got carried away chasing a rabbit or something and has lost himself. I expect he’s settled down somewhere to take shelter and he’ll find his way back to you tomorrow. There’s nothing more you can do tonight. You can barely see a foot in front of you in this rain. You’ll only get ill yourself if you wander round in a storm.”

Miss Winter sighed. “I hate the thought of him being out there all alone.”

“I really am sure he’ll be fine,” Adam said. “There are plenty of sheltered places in the wood. He could even have taken refuge in a rabbit hole. Now, when you’ve warmed up, I’m going to take you back to the cottage. Tomorrow morning, if he still hasn’t come back, give me a call on the telephone and Jessica and I will help you to look for him.”

Adam’s sensible handling of the situation had calmed Miss Winter down, though she was still desperately unhappy at the thought of Spud being outside all night in such terrible weather. Emily came back downstairs at that point to inform the governess that Jessica had not seen Spud all day. Miss Winter signed again and stood up. She had better get back to the cottage in case the dog had turned up there in the meantime.

#67:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 5:31 pm
    —
*wibble*

Poor little Spud!!! Crying or Very sad

#68:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 6:22 pm
    —
Also wibbling Sad .

#69:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 6:49 pm
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Thanks, Leahbelle. I am wibbling as well!

#70:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 7:08 pm
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Poor little dog. I hope he comes back safe and sound.

#71:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 8:00 pm
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Have a bad feeling about this - hope I'm wrong. Crying or Very sad

(Wonder if Rosamund will say something tactless about it?)

Thanks Leahbelle.

#72:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 10:14 pm
    —
Oh, no! Poor Spud! And here I was just thinking that having an adult confidante would help Jessica no end....hate to see J's reaction if anything's happened to the puppy.

#73:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 11:22 pm
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Oh no Sad Poor Spud...I hope by some miracle Spud turns up safe and sound...

Thanks Very Happy

Kathryn

#74:  Author: ElleLocation: Peterborough PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 11:44 am
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What do you call a mass of wibblers?

*wibbles in chorus with everybody else*

#75:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 12:29 pm
    —
*provides harmonic wibbling*

Please tell us what's happened soon leahbelle!

#76:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 4:17 pm
    —
In response to the wibbling, prepare to wibble some more!!!


Adam saw Miss Winter back to her cottage and then returned to Moorlands to find Emily and Jessica in the middle of a screaming match.

“What’s this about?” he demanded. The two were standing glaring at each other, arms akimbo, fury plain in Jessica’s face.

”Jessica wants to go out and look for Spud,” Emily began, but Jessica butted in.

“How can you leave that poor little dog out there all night in this weather? He’ll die, and it’ll be your fault!”

“Be sensible, Jessica,” Adam implored. “You simply cannot go out and look for Spud. You’d be soaked through in less than five minutes and, if you don’t mind a bout of pneumonia, I do. I’m certain that Spud will have found shelter somewhere and he’ll be back in the morning when the weather’s cleared up.”

“You can’t know that!” Jessica cried. “He could be lying injured somewhere. He could be badly hurt and he’ll die if we don’t find him tonight! I’m going to go and find him and you can’t stop me!”

“You will not go and look for him, and I can stop you,” Adam said firmly. “Let’s have no more of this nonsense. If Spud isn’t back in the morning, you, me and Miss Winter will get up a proper search party, but I’m sure that he’ll be back in time for breakfast. No, Jessica,” as that young lady tried to interrupt again, “that’s my last word on the subject. There will be no looking for Spud tonight.”

“I hate you!” Jessica cried. “You don’t care about Spud at all! You wish I’d never brought him back. He’s just a nuisance to you! Well, I love him and I’ll never forgive you if he dies, either of you!”

Jessica stormed upstairs to her bedroom. Emily and Adam tried to settle back down to relax for the rest of the evening, but it was difficult with Jessica fuming upstairs. If only she would take two minutes to think about things, she would realise that looking for Spud with a storm going on was nothing less than madness.

In her room, Jessica flung herself down on to the settee, thinking furiously. Adam and her mother might have no problems with their conscience leaving Spud out all night but Jessica just could not do it! The thought of the poor little dog, out there in such a storm, frozen to the bone and possibly injured was too much for Jessica to bear. She made up her mind. She would go out and look for him. Adam and Emily need not know anything about it.

Jessica laid her plans carefully. She knew that, after putting Rosamund to bed, her mother and Adam spent an hour or so in the living room listening to the radio. That would be Jessica’s chance to sneak downstairs, She would take her coat, raincoat, beret and boots from the hall and go through to the utility room at the back of the kitchen. She would need a torch and there was a big powerful one in the utility room, together with several sets of batteries. If she left by the back way, no-one would hear the door open and close.

The first part of the plan went off without a hitch. In the utility room, Jessica pulled on her coat and beret. The plastic outer coat would help to protect her against the driving room and her boots were waterproof. She found the large torch and rummaged in a drawer until she found several sets of spare batteries. She had no idea how long she would be, but it was better to be safe than sorry and she had no plan to be wandering around in the countryside with no light.

Jessica was ready. She unlocked the back door and slipped outside, closing the door as quietly as she could behind her. As the biting wind caught hold of Jessica and she saw the driving rain, she almost changed her mind and slipped back inside. But she set her jaw. If it was bad for her, it would be a hundred times worse for a tiny dog.

#77:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 4:29 pm
    —
*Wibbles even more.*

#78:  Author: La Petite EmLocation: Cheltenham PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 4:54 pm
    —
*Wibbly wibbling like the wibbliest wibbler!!!* Poor Spud...
Thanks Leahbelle

#79:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 5:35 pm
    —
She is so silly. I really can see why she's doing it, but she's out of her mind! Thanks, Sue.

#80:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 6:22 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I hope that Jessica will be ok.

#81:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 6:34 pm
    —
Oh, bad move from Adam, there. Couldn't he have just put his wellies on and gone out for a little look? Hope Spud turns up. Thank you Leahbelle.

#82:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 7:45 pm
    —
Silly little girl. Rolling Eyes

Thanks leahbelle.

#83:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 12:58 am
    —
But it's so awful to have to abandon a lost animal and to feel like that. Of course it's not sensible, but oh, so understandable.

Joins wibbling choir.

#84:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 4:34 am
    —
*agrees with Tara*

And for once, Jessica's thinking of someone other than herself, even if it is a puppy.

#85:  Author: ElleLocation: Peterborough PostPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 12:30 pm
    —
*wibbles again with all the other wibblers*

#86:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 3:49 pm
    —
Prepare to keep wibbling a bit longer!!!


She began to run to the wall at the end of the garden which would take her straight into the woods. The rain was so heavy that, when it hit the ground, it leapt back several feet into the air. The wind was strong and Jessica had to battle to keep herself on course. By the time she had reached the end of the garden and struggled over the wall, landing awkwardly on the wet, muddy ground, she was soaked through and the beret was already a thing of the past. Jessica gritted her teeth, turned on the torch and set off on her lonely mission. Over the wailing of the wind, she shouted for Spud as she crashed her way through undergrowth and brush. The rain coat was ripped to shreds within half an hour and she eventually abandoned it, caught on a bush.

Jessica moved quickly to keep herself warm, but it was in vain. The rain soaked her clothes and almost seemed to chill her to the very bone. There was no warmth in the air at all, and the gale made it seem colder than it really was. But Jessica battled on. Soon, she lost all track of time. She lurched from one part of the woods to another, yelling on Spud, shining the torch here and there, but there was no sign of the dog. Jessica trudged on and on, and she got colder and wetter with every step.

It was not until she eventually came to the edge of the wood and stood on open farmland that she realised just how cold she was. She had no idea of the time. It seemed that she had been searching forever, and yet she was sure she had only left home ten minutes earlier. As she stopped and shone the torch across the countryside, its feeble beam only picking out shapes and shadows two or three feet in front of her, a terrible pain gripped her chest. Jessica gasped with the intensity of it and almost dropped the torch. She knew that she had to keep hold of it, otherwise she would never find her way home and so she fought through the pain, doubled over, but with the torch firmly grasped in both hands. The pain eased off and Jessica was able to stand upright again. She thought it must be something to do with the cold and the fact that she was hungry and desperate for a drink. She had not thought to bring sustenance with her.

#87:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 3:51 pm
    —
Oh dear Sad .

#88:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 5:18 pm
    —
I really hope she decides she's being insane and goes back home now, before she gets lost.

#89:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 5:24 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I am wibbling about the pain as well now.

#90:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 6:00 pm
    —
Oh dear, that really does not sound like a good thing...I'm wibbling for the long haul now.

Thank you

Kathryn

#91:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 6:30 pm
    —
Can someone tell me when it's safe to come out from behind the sofa please?

#92:  Author: AliceLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 7:11 pm
    —
Oh dear.

Just caught up with loads of this. Thanks Leahbelle.

#93:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 7:20 pm
    —
Poor girl - and she'll have nothing but trouble when she does get home....

Thanks Leahbelle.

#94:  Author: MichelleLocation: Near London PostPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 8:30 pm
    —
Poor Jessica... she loves Spud so much, but she never thinks things though. I hope she's okay.

#95:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 9:09 pm
    —
Would wibble even more if we didn't know she does get home... or she couldn't go to the CS.

#96:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 11:52 pm
    —
But what's hapened to Spud? No cosy CS home for him!

Goes out in the rain and wind to call him.

#97:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Fri May 19, 2006 5:44 pm
    —
A bit more wibbling....


“SPUD!” she yelled at the top of her voice. She laid the torch down carefully and cupped her hands round her mouth. “SPUD! SPUD!!!”

Just then, she heard a rustling from behind her and she spun round. She could see nothing as the torch was pointing in the other direction and she caught her breath.

“Spud?” she called.

“Woof!”

From she knew not where, a little dog flung himself at her, almost knocking her over.

“Oh, Spud!” Jessica cried in delight. She picked the little dog up. He was soaked through and his nose as he nuzzled her face was freezing. He was obviously as delighted to see Jessica as she was to see him. “Where have you been, boy, eh?” she asked cuddling him fiercely. “Woof!” he answered.

Eventually Jessica put him down. Standing still in the rain and cold had not been a clever idea and she found that she had grown stiff. She wondered how she was ever to manage to put one foot in front of the other to get back home again.

She was no coward, however, and she bent down to pick the torch up. As she did so, that same pain assaulted her chest. It was much worse this time, and she could barely breathe. Spud barked in anxiety as he saw his young friend double up in pain, crying out. Once again, the pain eased off and Jessica was able to stand up, but she felt weak and all she wanted to do was sink to the ground and fall asleep. Spud’s barking brought her round, and she knew she must set off on the long journey home.

Jessica took a step forward and then gave a cry of pain as it felt as if rods of iron were being pushed through her chest. It was no good. She could go no further. She felt herself sway and tried to save herself, but her strength was gone and she fell to the ground. The torch fell from her grasp and it’s light went out. All was darkness. As Jessica fell, her head hit on an upgrowing tree root. Her eyes closed and she knew no more.

#98:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri May 19, 2006 5:46 pm
    —
Sue! Shocked How can you do this to us?! Poor Jessica, let's hope she gets found soon.

#99:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Fri May 19, 2006 6:31 pm
    —
Glad Spud's OK but wibbling lots about Jessica.

#100:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri May 19, 2006 6:37 pm
    —
Glad she's found Spud - but poor girl - hope she's found soon.

Thanks Leahbelle

#101:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri May 19, 2006 9:06 pm
    —
Aaaargh!!!

I'm wondering if she's broken a rib getting over that wall, and maybe punctured a lung??

*crosses fingers that Spud can get help!*

#102:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri May 19, 2006 10:07 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I'm really glad that she's found Spud. I hope that Jessica will be ok.

#103:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Sat May 20, 2006 12:11 am
    —
Eeek! Poor Jessica, maybe Spud can save the day!

Thank you Very Happy

Kathryn

#104:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sat May 20, 2006 1:22 am
    —
Aaargh and eeek.

Really glad Spud's ok, but major wibbling now essential. Advises Vikki to stay behind the sofa.

If Spud was lost, he's not going to find it easy to fetch help ... Perhaps someone will realise Jess isn't around - they hadn't gone to bed, had they.

#105:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sat May 20, 2006 1:06 pm
    —
*crawls under desk with laptop*

Maybe Spud could go and bring help?

Thanks leahbelle

#106:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Mon May 22, 2006 12:20 pm
    —
And the wibbling goes on...


At around 2.30am, Miss Winter was woken by a frantic barking and scratching on her front door. She had fallen into an uneasy doze in the living room, sprawled out on the sofa. She had not wanted to go to bed in case Spud returned and she did not hear him. In her dreams, Miss Winter heard the barking.

“Spud,” she muttered.

The barking became louder and Miss Winter sat bolt upright, wide awake immediately. The noise was not in her dream and it sounded as if Spud was doing his hardest to dig through the front door. She leapt up and, dashing into the hall way, threw open the front door. Spud launched himself at her, and she fell backwards under his weight, landing with a thud on the floor and Spud on her chest. He was soaking wet and cold, and something wet and nasty was caught in his mouth, but Miss Winter was so pleased to see him that she allowed him to give her face a good lick before setting him on the floor and returning to her feet.

Spud, however, continued to bark and, when Miss Winter tried to take the length of gray material from his mouth, he growled and backed off. Then he ran back to the door and stood in the open doorway, wagging his tail and staring out down the front path.

“What on earth’s the matter?” Miss Winter demanded of her prodigal pet. She closed the door firmly, shutting out the still cold, blustery weather and Spud issued a long, low howl. “Come on, boy,” the governess coaxed. “What’s in your mouth?”

She eventually persuaded him to give up his prize, and it proved to a piece of material which looked as if it came from a raincoat. Examining it closer, Miss Winter recognised the Redferne colours and she gave a cry.

“This is Jess’ raincoat. Spud, where’s Jess?”

Spud emitted another howl as he recognised his friend’s name, and he began to paw at the door. He had found the raincoat caught around some bushes on his journey home and, tugging at it until it had ripped, had brought it with him. He knew had to bring help to Jessica and he was getting desperate.

Miss Winter was thinking furiously. She would not have put it past Jessica to go out looking for Spud, even in this weather. If she had gone out and had been hurt….

“All right, boy” she consoled the animal, at the same time pulling on her own raincoat and beret. “Let’s see what we can do.”

She wrenched open the door but it was immediately obvious that she could do nothing on her own. The weather had not improved one iota and she possessed no torch. She must go to Moorlands for help.

With Spud running ahead of her, Miss Winter ran as fast as she could to Moorlands. She banged on the door and waited until, a few moments later, an anxious Adam opened the door.

#107:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon May 22, 2006 1:49 pm
    —
Yay!!! Go Spud!!!!
What a little star!

*hopes Jess is okay*

#108:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Mon May 22, 2006 1:59 pm
    —
Well done Spud Very Happy .

#109:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Mon May 22, 2006 3:03 pm
    —
I hope Spud has managed to save the day!

Thank you Very Happy

Kathryn

#110:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon May 22, 2006 3:17 pm
    —
Now Emily and Adam will be glad for Spud! I just hope Miss Winter can find Jessica without any harm coming to herself. And I do believe you are enjoying all the wibbling that we are doing, Sue!

#111:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Mon May 22, 2006 5:21 pm
    —
Fatima wrote:
And I do believe you are enjoying all the wibbling that we are doing, Sue!


Well, maybe a little!

#112:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon May 22, 2006 7:59 pm
    —
Well done Spud! Obviously an illegitimate offspring of Lassie there! Wink

Thanks Leahbelle.

#113:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon May 22, 2006 9:42 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I'm glad that Miss Winter was able to understand what Spud was howling about.

#114:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Mon May 22, 2006 11:31 pm
    —
Cheers for Spud!

Thanks, Leahbelle.

#115:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon May 22, 2006 11:55 pm
    —
Go, Spud, go!

#116:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 11:54 am
    —
Spud to the rescue!!!


“What’s going on…” Adam demanded and then stopped short as he saw the bedraggled Miss Winter standing on his door step for the second time that night.

“Is Jess here?” Miss Winter demanded.

“She’s in bed,”

Miss Winter shook her head. “I don’t think she is. I think she went out looking for Spud. He brought this home five minutes ago.” She shoved the rain coat at Adam.

“Yes, this is Jess’,” he said slowly. He turned round as Emily called down from the landing to find out what was going on. “Em, look in on Jess, will you?” he asked.

Emily obeyed and a second or two later, they heard a cry from Jessica;’ room.

“She’s not here!”

“You better come in,” Adam told Miss Winter, and the governess was only too glad to come in out of the rain. Spud followed her, but he sat and pawed at the door, issuing that same mournful howl from time to time.

Emily came downstairs and she was as white as a ghost.

“Where’s Jessica?” she demanded of her husband and Miss Winter and then looked on in horror as Adam handed her the piece of material. “She went after Spud! But, Spud’s here – where’s Jess?!”

Emily swayed and would have fallen but Adam caught her in time.

“Calm down,” he said. “Jessica has gone after Spud. Spud has come back by himself. That might simply mean that Jessica hasn’t found him and is still looking. Or…”

“She’s had an accident!” Emily gasped. “I just know it. I can feel it in my bones. Oh, Adam, we must find her!”

Adam turned to Miss Winter. “Would you take Emily to the kitchen and make her a warm drink? I think you need something yourself, too. I must find Jessica.”

“You can’t go out there on your own!” Miss Winter protested. “The weather’s dreadful!”

“I won’t be on my own,” Adam said, even as he pulled on his warm coat and gloves. “I’ll wake up the Tennants. John’s a big strong fellow and I know he’ll help.”

With difficulty, Miss Winter persuaded the distraught Emily to come through to the kitchen. Emily wanted to go with Adam to find Jessica but he would not hear of it. Adam himself set off for the neighbour’s house where he roused his friend, John Tennant. John barely waited until Adam had told his story before throwing on his clothes and outer garments. Adam had brought Spud along since, if the two had been together, the dog would be able to lead them straight to Jessica.

#117:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 12:04 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I hope they will find Jessica soon.

#118:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 12:44 pm
    —
*more wibbles*

*hopes Jess will be okay*

#119:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 1:51 pm
    —
Fingers crossed they find Jessica soon...Spud's such a hero!

Thanks Very Happy

Kathryn

#120:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 1:51 pm
    —
V impressed with Spud!

#121:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 3:07 pm
    —
Let's hope they find Jessica before she goes down with pleuro pneumonia!

#122:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 4:19 pm
    —
Finally caught up with this.

Thanks leahbelle. Hope they find Jessica soon too.

#123:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 5:31 pm
    —
Go Spud - Super Dog! Laughing

Thanks Leahbelle

BTW Is Emily a wimp or what???? Rolling Eyes

#124:  Author: Joan the DwarfLocation: Er, where am I? PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 9:02 pm
    —
Lesley wrote:
BTW Is Emily a wimp or what???? Rolling Eyes


Ah, but what can you expect when you haven't had a Chalet education??

#125:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 11:22 pm
    —
What a dog!! It could teach those big brutes of Joey's a thing or two. Hope we find her soon and I don't have to join the crush behind the sofa.

#126:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Wed May 24, 2006 12:14 am
    —
I think if I were Emily, I'd be in those woods like a shot, whether Adam 'let' me or not!

Spud for President.

#127:  Author: ElleLocation: Peterborough PostPosted: Wed May 24, 2006 7:05 am
    —
Superhero Spud!


(Does he wear his underpants on the outside?)


Thanks for the updates.

#128:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Wed May 24, 2006 2:15 pm
    —
Super Spud and Winter-woman!

#129:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Wed May 24, 2006 2:41 pm
    —
Super Spud!!!

The next few posts will constitute what I fondly refer to as "an EBD illness special". Watch this space!!!



Neither of the men would forget that night. They trudged through the forest, trusting in Spud to lead them to Jessica. The weather was still wild, though the rain had eased slightly and the gale was not as noticeable in the forest as it was outside of it. It was still bitterly cold and the two men raced along, hurrying to find Jessica, but also to keep the blood flowing through their veins.

After what felt like hours, they came upon the prostrate figure of Jessica. She had not roused since Spud had left to fetch help and she lay where she had fallen. She was soaked through and barely breathing. With a terrible thought in his head, Adam bent down and searched for her pulse. It was there, but thready and weak. He knew that they must get Jessica to warmth and proper medical care as soon as possible. Time was of the essence. Jessica was wrapped in blankets and hoisted into Adam’s arms and the long homeward journey began. They had to stop three or four times to transfer Jessica between rescuers. She was not a particularly heavy girl, but she was a dead weight in their arms as she could not support herself at all and the bundle of rugs were an added burden.

It was nearly four o’clock in the morning when Jessica was finally returned to Moorlands. Miss Winter had taken charge of Emily and, between then, they had got the girl’s bed ready and stuffed full of hot water bottles. Fresh pyjamas were warming and there was oodles of hot water ready for a bath. The doctor had been warned and was on standby. Hot drinks awaited the rescuers and they warmed themselves in front of the rekindled fire in the sitting room while the two women saw to Jessica.

Even when she had been soaked in a warm bath and was bundled up in a cosy bed, there was no change in her condition. She had not roused at all and her breathing was harsh, but very shallow. The doctor was summoned and the Seftons and Miss Winter waited anxiously for his arrival.

When the doctor arrived, he was very grave. Jessica must be transferred to hospital immediately. He could not say straight away what was wrong but he feared pneumonia.

When she had been fully examined at the hospital, the consultant broke the news to the Seftons. It was not good. Jessica was suffering from double pneumonia, with the added complication of moderate concussion from a head wound. He was unable to say whether or not the girl would pull through.

#130:  Author: TanLocation: London via Newcastle Australia PostPosted: Wed May 24, 2006 2:57 pm
    —
Does that mean she was lying there still, grey and to all appearances dead?


Shocked

#131:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed May 24, 2006 3:14 pm
    —
Very CS Very Happy ! Thanks Sue.

#132:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Wed May 24, 2006 3:37 pm
    —
Tan wrote:
Does that mean she was lying there still, grey and to all appearances dead?


Shocked


Yes!!!! I managed to hold myself back though!

#133:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed May 24, 2006 4:56 pm
    —
*starts singing the Red Sarafan*

Thanks, Sue.

#134:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed May 24, 2006 5:05 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I hope that Jessica will pull through soon.

#135:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Wed May 24, 2006 5:35 pm
    —
That was a very realistic EBD illness!

Thanks, I hope in a suitably EBD manner, she will make a remarkable recovery!

Kathryn

#136:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed May 24, 2006 5:52 pm
    —
Darned worrying - double pneumonia to develop that quickly! Wink

Thanks Leahbelle.

#137:  Author: EilidhLocation: Macclesfield PostPosted: Wed May 24, 2006 5:55 pm
    —
Very EBD!

Thanks leahbelle

#138:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Wed May 24, 2006 11:32 pm
    —
Sings the alto to Fatima's Red Sarafan.

We're all going to be gutted if Jess doesn't recover quickly.

#139:  Author: ElleLocation: Peterborough PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 7:30 am
    —
Tara wrote:
Sings the alto to Fatima's Red Sarafan.



*joins in the singing (but somewhat out of tune)*

#140:  Author: alicatLocation: Wiltshire PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 11:14 am
    —
send doggy chocs for Supud and lots of treats for leahbelle's bunny so we got more of this...I love it!!

#141:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 3:51 pm
    —
Wait til you see what brings Jess out of her coma! A truly inspired EBD moment if I do say so myself!! (Not today, though!)


For just over three weeks, Jessica lay in a coma in a little private room in the hospital. The doctors remained grave over her condition. She ran a high fever and did not seem to respond to treatment. On two occasions, the doctors told Emily and Adam to prepare for the worst, but Jessica was tough and was fighting for all she was worth and she rallied both times. However, as time went on and there was no obvious improvement, the doctors began to fear that her heart would not cope with the continuing strain. The fever that she ran was high, and she was often delirious. If this continued, there could be no hope.

For the first four days, Emily remained by Jessica’s side night and day. She refused to leave her daughter, except when it was absolutely necessary. Jessica was unaware of her mother’s presence as she lay in the narrow hospital bed, but it helped Emily to think that, should Jessica come round, she would be on hand.

Back at Moorlands, Rosamund’s belongings were packed up and Peter came down from Manchester to take her back to stay with him and Rebecca. There was no saying how long Jessica would be in hospital but, even when she had been released, she would need a lot of care, and Emily could not cope with two invalids. Rosamund had been distraught when she learned about Jessica’s illness and she felt guilty that she had not made more of an effort to forgive her step-sister for slapping her. She was a sensible, matter of fact girl, however, and she knew there was no point in fretting – that would only make her ill and cause Adam and Emily more worry. Rosamund determined that, when Jessica was better, she would renew her efforts at befriending the elder girl and she went off to Manchester happily enough after making Adam promise to keep her informed of Jessica’s progress.

Emily, meanwhile, was worn out with sitting at Jessica’s side all day and all night. Adam feared that she, too, would become ill if he did not put his foot down. He took leave from the bank, while Miss Winter offered to help out as well. She and Jessica had become very close because of Spud. Thus, the days were split into three and no-one spent more than eight hours with Jessica in one go. A camp bed was set up at the side of the room so that whoever was watching her could take a rest or, if they were there at night, at least try to get a couple of hours sleep.

The weeks went on and the days took on a nightmarish quality of sameness for those who cared about Jessica. Sometimes, she would move restlessly in bed, muttering incoherently with fever. Other days, she would lie motionless and breathing so quietly that a nurse had had to show Emily how to take the girl’s pulse so that she could reassure herself that the worst had not happened.

As the weeks went on, the doctors became graver about Jessica’s chances. Her heart was under tremendous strain and, though the fever had seemed likely to break on one or two occasions, it had always returned, worse than before. The latest treatments seemed to be doing no more than keeping Jessica stable. For Emily, those weeks were the worst in life, worse even than when she had lost Richard.

The doctors had given permission for the little room to be made as homely as possible. Emily had brought in several of Jessica’s pictures and ornaments from home and, when Beth and Charlotte had been allowed in for a very brief visit, they had brought the photos of Richard and Emily and of Emily, Adam and Jessica cutting the cake. These sat on the little table beside Jessica’s bed.

Towards the beginning of the fourth week of Jessica’s coma, there was a slight change. She was muttering feverishly, but it was possible now to work out what she was saying. Emily and Miss Winter bent closely over the bed to catch Jessica’s words, spoken in a strange, harsh little voice unlike her usual clear tones.

“Spud,” Jessica was mumbling. “Must find Spud. Can’t let him die. Must find him and bring him home. Spud, where are you? Come to Jess, Spud, please!”

#142:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 4:16 pm
    —
Rosamund is such a sweet girl, such a contrast to Jessica. And I bet Emily's upset that Jessica's first words are calling for Spud and not for her! Thanks, Sue, this is just wonderful.

#143:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 4:42 pm
    —
Oh poor Jess.

#144:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 4:56 pm
    —
Hmmmm, have an inkling as to what will bring her out - won't say in case it spoils it for others.

Thanks Leahbelle.

#145:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 5:05 pm
    —
Ooooh the tension!

I read all of this and still land up on a whacking great cliff.

Thanks leahbelle

#146:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 5:30 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I look forward to finding out whom brings Jessica out of her coma.

#147:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 8:51 pm
    —
Just done masses of catching up - thanks Leahbelle, this is terrific

*wondering if my inkling is the same as Lesley's*

#148:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Thu May 25, 2006 11:43 pm
    —
Oh dear, she doesn't remember she found him! No wonder she's unconsciously frantic.

How shattering this must have been for the adults - eight hours sitting beside a bed can't be fun.

#149:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Fri May 26, 2006 1:52 pm
    —
On and on Jessica went, calling for Spud and, in her fevered dreams, searching for him frantically. Miss Winter suddenly darted from the room, leaving Emily alone with the fevered girl. Emily tried to talk to Jessica, to get through to her that Spud was safe, that he had been rescued, but the fevered mumblings continued.

A little while later, Miss Winter reappeared, looking guilty. She sidled into the room and, behind her, came Spud wagging his tail and blissfully ignorant that he was the cause of all this trouble. Emily gave an exclamation as Spud, seeing Jessica in the bed, leapt up beside her and sat down looking expectantly at the girl. When there was no reaction, Spud snuggled down on the bed, his head resting on Jessica’s chest and went to sleep.

Miss Winter looked sheepish. “I thought if I brought him, she might somehow feel that he was here, that he might be able to bring her round.”

Emily smiled wanly. “It might work,” she said hopefully. “Nothing else has worked so far. It’s worth a go.”

The two women had reckoned without the wrath of the Matron. The Matron was a tall, imposing lady with slate gray hair who took nonsense from no-one. She arrived in the room to check Jessica’s observations and stopped dead when she saw the little dog curled up asleep on the bed.

“What’s this?” she demanded imperiously.

Feeling a little like a naughty school girl, Emily ventured, “It’s Spud, Matron. Jessica adores him. We thought it might help.”

“A dog! In a hospital!” Matron was almost speechless. “This must go to Dr Vernon.”

A few moments later, the Matron returned with Dr Vernon, Jessica’s chief physician, in tow. Matron was talking nineteen to the dozen and there was clear disgust in her tone. She indicated the bed.

“A dog, Dr Vernon, in a hospital. It’s not to be borne for a moment!”

Dr Vernon was a sensible chap and was well able to deal with Matron. “Thank you, Matron Rogers. I’ll deal with this. Perhaps you would be good enough to go and see to the young man in Ward 7?”

Matron almost bowed to Dr Vernon, and withdrew from the room. The doctor turned to Emily and Miss Winter and smiled.

“Well, what’s going on here?” he asked.

Emily explained again and the doctor went to Jessica and gave her a brief examination. The dog did not move at all, but snored gently.

“Hmm,” he said. “Obviously, having a dog in a hospital is not the most hygienic of things, but – and I don’t think this is my imagination – Jessica seems to be resting a little bit easier.”

“Oh, Dr!” Emily cried, rushing to the bedside and taking Jessica’s hand in hers. “Do you really think so?”

The doctor nodded. “Her pulse is a shade stronger. Well, I’ve seen it before. The strangest things can bring people round from comas when nothing else has been successful. Perhaps this little dog is going to be Jessica’s saviour.”

“He can stay?” Emily asked.

“I’ll bear the wrath of Matron Rogers,” Dr Vernon laughed. “I don’t think him staying can do any harm and it may just be doing some good. This room is nowhere near any of the other wards. If you take him in and out the back entrance, he shouldn’t come into contact with any other patients. He’ll need to be taken outside if we’re doing any procedures and so on, but otherwise he can stay with my blessing.”

“Thank you!” Emily breathed.

#150:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri May 26, 2006 1:57 pm
    —
Hurrah for lovely Dr Vernon!

Thanks, Leahbelle Very Happy

#151:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Fri May 26, 2006 2:04 pm
    —
Ah, one of those lovely doctors!

#152:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri May 26, 2006 2:26 pm
    —
Perhaps Miss Winter would like a nice Doctor husband?! I hope Jessica wakes up soon.

Thanks, Sue.

#153:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri May 26, 2006 2:29 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I'm glad that Spud is helping.

#154:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Fri May 26, 2006 3:22 pm
    —
Yay for Spud!

Thanks Leahbelle Very Happy

Kathryn

#155:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Fri May 26, 2006 10:14 pm
    —
Miss Winter is such a sensible woman.

#156:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Fri May 26, 2006 11:25 pm
    —
Love Miss Winter. Love Spud. Perfectly prepared to love Dr Vernon ...

Thanks, Leahbelle.

#157:  Author: Rosy-JessLocation: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sat May 27, 2006 9:28 am
    —
Awww. Spud. I can just picture him. He sounds lovely. Thankyou for this lovely story!

#158:  Author: ibarhisLocation: London and Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Sat May 27, 2006 9:37 am
    —
Dr Vernon seems very enlightened; I foresee an article in The Lancet!

#159:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat May 27, 2006 3:49 pm
    —
Now's the time for the 'Red Sarafan' as the final cure.

#160:  Author: MichelleLocation: Near London PostPosted: Sun May 28, 2006 1:06 am
    —
Thank you, Leahbelle, but let Jessica wake up soon!

I don't know why, but I'm thinking that Miss Winter might marry the nice doctor! Or will he wait for Jess to grow up so he can marry a CS girl like every other doctor?

#161:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Sun May 28, 2006 4:28 pm
    —
Thanks to all those kind CBB-ers who finished what Spud started by singing the Red Sarafan!! Jess wouldn't have pulled through without you!


And, miraculously, the news continued to be good. Next day, the muttering began again but this time, Jessica seemed to be bringing Spud home. She was telling him off for running away and asking him never to worry her in such a way again. The dog heard his name being spoken and nudged closer to the girl. By the end of the day, Jessica’s muttering had ceased. Her temperature had gone down to just a point above normal. Her colour was less flushed and breathing was easier.

The following day, just after breakfast time, Jessica opened her eyes. She looked straight at Spud and lifted one weak hand to pat him. “Spud,” she said, smiling. Then her eyes closed and she fell into a natural sleep.

Later on that day, Dr Vernon broke the happy news to Emily and Adam that, humanly speaking, Jessica was out of danger. She would live, although her convalescence would be long and slow. It was too much for Emily and she sank to the floor in a dead faint. The strain of the past few weeks had been immense and she was in need of a good few days in bed.

Now that she had turned the corner, Jessica began to make slow, but steady, progress. She was in hospital for a further four weeks before she was considered fit for discharge. After coming round from the coma, she remained very weak, but the nurses gradually built up her strength and there was great celebration on the day when she was finally allowed to leave her bed. Emily shrieked long and loud because the girl had grown a good inch and a half!

The Easter holidays were more than half over when Jessica was released from hospital. She was not to go back to Redferne until the Christmas term. Although she was well enough to go home and regained a lot of her strength, she was anything but strong and Dr Vernon forbade school to her in any shape or form.

#162:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun May 28, 2006 4:37 pm
    —
Emily is such a wimp! Rolling Eyes

So pleased that Jessica is better.

Thanks Leahbelle.

#163:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun May 28, 2006 4:37 pm
    —
Oh, I'm so glad she's going to be ok. I'm just a little worried about Rosamund now, though. How will Emily cope with two invalids to look after, but if they don't get Rosamund back, how will she feel?

#164:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun May 28, 2006 4:47 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I'm glad that Jessica has come out of the coma and she is able to go home.

#165:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Sun May 28, 2006 5:10 pm
    —
Phew, am very relieved to see that Jess has pulled through in a suitably EBD manner!

Thanks Very Happy

Kathryn

#166:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sun May 28, 2006 6:27 pm
    —
Glad she's OK!

#167:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sun May 28, 2006 10:45 pm
    —
Lesley wrote:
Emily is such a wimp!


A properly sensitive female, surely? Wink

So glad Jess is better, but agree with Fatima about possible problems ahead.

#168:  Author: La Petite EmLocation: Cheltenham PostPosted: Wed May 31, 2006 7:48 pm
    —
I also forsee trouble and rough seas up ahead...
Thanks Leahbelle

#169:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 11:23 am
    —
Tara wrote:
Lesley wrote:
Emily is such a wimp!


A properly sensitive female, surely? Wink

Or perhaps a sensitive soul whose gifts made her more highly-strung than most! Wink

Thanks Leahbelle. Glad Jess is on the mend.

*wants a Spud*

#170:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 4:30 pm
    —
Nope, she's a wimp! Think for a minute - how would your own mother have reacted in similar circumstances? Mine would definitely not have fainted! Rolling Eyes

#171:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 11:57 am
    —
Agrees with Lesley - though even good old Joey was known to have be put to bed on occasion!!

Sorry there hasn't been any of this for a while. I've been away for a bit, but am back now, so here's another installment....



Once back at Moorlands, Jessica’s improvement continued. Dr Vernon had been right when he had said that the convalescence would be long and slow. She spent the first couple of weeks confined to her bed- and sitting room before she was declared well enough to come downstairs for part of the day. She progressed from being allowed downstairs between breakfast and dinner, with a nap in the afternoon, the being allowed short walks outside. These did Jessica more good than anything else, because Spud always accompanied her. Towards the end of the summer term, Jessica was declared fit, though she must continue to take things easily and not overtire herself for several months to come. This, to her despair, included being unable to play in the netball team when the new term started. She sulked about this for several days but Dr Vernon told her that, if she did not obey orders when she went back to Redferne, she would have to be educated at home with Rosamund. Jessica was no more pleased about the edict, but she did promise to do as she was told.

Rosamund had returned to Moorlands when Jessica’s recovery was almost complete. It was unfortunate that Jessica’s illness had done nothing to change her attitude to her step-sister and things were no better in that department. Rosamund, though she persevered in trying to befriend Jessica, gave up once more – there was a limit to how many times you could put up with your overtures being rebuffed.

To complete her convalescence, and to give Emily a break, Jessica was shipped off to Ambleside and her grandparents for the summer holidays. She went happily, the more so because Spud was to accompany her. Miss Winter had been invited to accompany a friend on a trip to Cyprus and she was more than happy to let Spud go with his young friend instead of finding kennels for him. The only blight on the holiday in Ambleside was that Jessica was set to studying for three or four hours each day. She had missed an immense amount of school work and, although she had done a little studying during the last few weeks, was horribly behind her class mates and there was some talk about keeping her down in Lower Fourth instead of going up with her friends to Upper Fourth. Jessica felt that she could not bear the disgrace of this and so she reluctantly agreed to spend part of the day in trying to catch up. What with that and some intensive coaching when the Christmas term began, the mistresses had hopes that Jessica would be able to hold her own in Upper Fourth.

With the exception of the enforced hours of study, Jessica had a lovely time at the Coach House. Kate and John spoilt her – they had still not got over the shock of her illness and had been scared that they would never see her again. Trips and expeditions were planned, though they had to take it easy because Jessica tired quickly and a lot of her old energy had not yet returned. But she enjoyed the quiet walks, the trips on the lake and expeditions to nearby villages where she could rest quietly in a café if she got too exhausted. In short, the holiday did Jessica the world of good and she returned to Moorlands almost as good as new.

#172:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 12:43 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I'm glad that Jessica is recovering and I hope that she will be able to move up to Upper Fourth.

#173:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 12:57 pm
    —
Glad she's better Very Happy .

#174:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 2:15 pm
    —
Pleased she is better - but note her attitude toward Rosamund hasn't changed. Rolling Eyes

Thanks leahbelle Laughing

(And Joey is a wimp too! Wink )

#175:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 2:18 pm
    —
Yes, you'd think her forced inactivity during the latter parts of her convalescence would have made her realize how dull Rosamund's life is. Thanks, Sue.

#176:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 4:36 pm
    —
Thank you Sue, I'm glad that Jessica has recovered and although it sounds like she's had a good holiday in terms of getting better, I'm not sure the treatment she received will help in any way to improve her attitude.

Thank you Very Happy

Kathryn

#177:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 10:04 pm
    —
Thanks leahbelle. Very Happy

#178:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 5:47 pm
    —
Here's today's update. Read the little bit at the end as well, cos I know what everyone will be thinking... Wink

A few days before Jessica returned to school, Emily came up to her bedroom to say good night. There was nothing unusual in this. Emily always tried to spend a few minutes at the end of each day with her daughter. Today, however, Emily had some important news to impart and she was not at all sure how Jessica would react. The girl had been much more even tempered since her illness, but Emily was unsure how deep this went. Nothing much had happened to try Jessica’s patience, but this piece of news was likely to try it sorely.

Jessica was reading on the sofa when Emily came in and she put her book down and made room for her mother to sit down beside her. Emily was unsure about the best way to break the news and so she decided not to beat about the bush but just to come out with it straight.

“Jess, I’ve got some news for you,”

“Good news?” Jessica asked.

“I think so, and so does Adam,” There was a little pause. “Jess, I’m going to have a baby.”

This time there was a longer pause. Jessica stared at her mother in disbelief.

“A baby?” she echoed.

Emily nodded happily. She was delighted at the news. She and Adam had been trying since the wedding and it had seemed that they were not to be blessed. She had found out for definite a few weeks before and she was ecstatic.

“When?” Jessica demanded.

“At the end of March,” Emily told her. “Isn’t it exciting? You’ll have a little brother or sister.”

Jessica did not answer. She was horrified at the news. As if it wasn’t enough that she had to share her mother with Rosamund, now she was going to have to share her with a stupid baby as well.

“Congratulations,” she said eventually, in a hard, emotionless little voice.

“Jessica!” Emily cried. “Aren’t you pleased? Don’t you think it will be nice to have a baby brother or sister?”

“Does Rosamund think it’s nice?” Jessica asked.

“Yes, she’s very excited,”

“I don’t think I want to have another sister or brother,” Jessica said, distantly but quite definitely. “You already have me… and her. Why do you want another baby?”

“Because Adam and I love each other,” Emily said, “and we want to have a child that’s all our own.”

“So you’ll love it more than you love me?”

“No, of course not!” Emily cried. “Don’t start this again, Jess. I will always love you. You’ve got a very special place in my heart because you are Richard’s child. His only child. And you were my first baby. This baby will be different. It’ll be Adam’s child and I’ll love it just as much as I love you, but in a different way. Can you understand that?”

“No,” Jessica said. “I don’t see why you want another baby. Amn’t I enough? You’ve got her as well. Don’t you want Rosamund anymore either?”

“It’s not about not wanting you two anymore. Of course we want you both. We’ll always want you. It’s just that there will be another little person to want and to love.”

“Will it be born like Rosamund?”


OK, so there's no mention of Jessica having a baby brother/sister in "Mary Lou". You'll just need to keep tuning in to future installments to find out why!!... Laughing

#179:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 6:34 pm
    —
Sniffle - as there's no mention of a baby when Jessica's at the CS, I assume that things don't go well Crying or Very sad .

#180:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 6:45 pm
    —
*wibble wibble wibble*

Thank you Very Happy

Kathryn

#181:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 6:52 pm
    —
Well her reaction was pretty obvious, wasn't it? Pure jealousy, no more.

Suppose the fact that Rosamund was pleased will be another black mark for her.

Thanks Leahbelle

#182:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 7:29 pm
    —
Oh, I know I should be happy for them, but somehow I just feel worried about what might go wrong. Thanks, Sue.

#183:  Author: Rosy-JessLocation: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 9:22 pm
    —
*wibbles too*

Will be watching for more updates!

#184:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 1:16 am
    —
Oh, wibble. Very ominous.

Predictable reaction from Jess, of course, but easy to understand how she feels. This must seem like the last straw.

#185:  Author: ElleLocation: Peterborough PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 7:03 am
    —
The good thing about having a week away from the computer is that there are lots of lovely new drabble posts to catch up on!


Thanks Leahbelle.

#186:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 11:58 am
    —
“Will it be born like Rosamund?”

“No!” Emily said sharply. “This baby will be healthy and normal.”

“What if it is?” Jessica persisted. “Will you still love it then?”

“I’ll love this baby no matter what,” Emily said firmly, “in the same way that I love you even when you’re naughty and in the same way that I love Rosamund even though she can’t walk. But the baby will be fine. Can’t you be happy for me, Jess?”

“I don’t care,” Jessica said. “You’re going to have a baby whatever I think, so what does it matter if I’m happy for you or not?”

“I want you to be happy to be having a little brother or sister,” Emily said. She was trying very hard to be patient with Jessica. It was big news and she had known that it was never going to go down well. She had hoped, deep down, that Jessica could find it in herself to be happy for her. “And,” she went on, “I want you to know that I will always love you. You’ll always be important to me. I can’t tell you how important, Jess. You’re my own little girl.”

“But you’re still going to have a baby, even though I don’t want you to.”

“I’m not having the baby because you don’t want me to,” Emily tried to explain. “I’m having a baby because it’s what I want, and what Adam wants. I think you just need some time to get used to the idea. It’s a lot to take in – that you’re going to be a big sister. Maybe in a day or two, we could have another talk and see how you feel then?”

“I won’t change my mind,” Jessica said. “I don’t want a brother or sister. You already spend all of your time with Rosamund. When will you be able to spend time with me if there’s a baby as well?”

“You know that’s not true, Jess.” Emily was hurt. “What about all those days and weeks that I spent with you at the hospital? We even sent Rosamund away so that we would be able to spend all our time with you and concentrate on making you better.”

Jessica shrugged.

“And,” Emily went on, “when you’re home from school, you’ll be able to help me with the baby and that way we can spend more time together. You won’t be left out, Jess. Rosamund will be left out more than you because she won’t be able to help with bathing and feeding and so on. I promise that you won’t feel left out. Do you trust me?”

Jessica’s reply was another shrug. She did not want another sister or a brother and that was an end to the matter. It had been difficult enough adjusting to sharing Emily with Rosamund and Adam and now there was another intruder coming along.

Emily felt helpless. She had guessed that there would be problems with Jessica over this latest news, but she had hoped that the thought of a baby in the family would reconcile the girl to the family. Emily thought that everyone loved babies, and how Jessica possibly be jealous of a tiny scrap of humanity like that?

“Perhaps you could help with choosing a name,” Emily coaxed. “You’ve always liked Elaine. Maybe we could think about Elaine if it’s a girl.”

“I don’t care what you call the stupid baby!” Jessica burst out. She had kept a grip on herself for as long as she could. Her feelings could be contained no longer. “Call it whatever you want. It’s nothing to me! I’ve told you I don’t want a brother or sister and that’s that. I don’t want anything to do with it. It will just be Rosamund all over again – you’ll spend all your time with the baby and won’t have any left over for me. Anyway, I’ll be at school the whole time, so how could I be involved even I wanted to be? You’ll be here and the baby will be here, and I’ll be away!”

“There’ll be the weekends…” Emily began, but Jessica butted in.

“What’s the use of just weekends? It’ll be my little brother or sister, but I’ll only be able to see it at weekends. Rosamund’s not even a real sister, and she’ll be able to see it every day. It will think she’s its real sister and I’m just a visitor! So, I don’t want a baby. Why would I?”

“Jessica!” Emily was shocked. There had been real hatred in Jessica’s words. She stood up. “I’m not going to talk to you when you’re like this. When you’ve calmed down, we can have a proper talk.” And Emily walked out of the room, leaving a despondent Jessica behind her.

#187:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 12:01 pm
    —
Poor Emily - it's one thing after another. I can understand that Jess would feel left out though.

#188:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 12:16 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I am wibbling about what is going to happen to the baby as well.

#189:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 1:54 pm
    —
SOmeone needs to point out to Jess that Rosamund will be just as much a 'real' sister to the new baby as Jess herself is.

Perhaps Jessica just never mentioned her younger sibling to ML Confused

#190:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 3:22 pm
    —
At the moment I'd like to give Jessica a good slap! She really doesn't think about Emily's feelings at all, even when Emily asked her if she could just be pleased about it because Emily herself is pleased.

#191:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 3:28 pm
    —
Jessica has a point...but then she'd kick and scream if they took her away from Redferne.

Thanks Sue

#192:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 5:15 pm
    —
I can understand why Jessica is reacting the way that she is but surely she's old enough not to behave like such a child!

Thanks Sue!

Kathryn

#193:  Author: La Petite EmLocation: Cheltenham PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 5:19 pm
    —
Ooooooooooo dear... Crying or Very sad

#194:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 7:11 pm
    —
Nasty little girl. She doesn't deserve a family like hers - they've bent over backwards to accomodate her jealousy.

Thanks leahbelle.

#195:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 12:29 am
    —
But Emily really doesn't seem to understand her very well.
Quote:
Emily thought that everyone loved babies

Sorry, Emily, but no!

Jess is being a total pain, of course, but I can see how excluded she's going to feel.

#196:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:24 pm
    —
Jessica could not explain why she felt the way she felt about Emily’s pregnancy anymore than she could have explained why she felt the way she did about the wedding and her new family. All she knew was that the baby would take her mother even further away from her than Rosamund had. Jessica yearned for the days when it had just been her and her mother. Her life had changed so much since the wedding. She felt that she could not cope with another such drastic change. She was still not strong after her illness and she needed to feel that she was all-in-all to Emily. This piece of news only served to prove that Jessica was no longer number one in her mother’s life and, in fact, hadn’t been for quite some time. This led Jessica back to her way of thinking that Emily no longer cared about her. She could not see that Emily’s love for Adam, for Rosamund and now for the new baby was very different to the love she felt for Jessica and that there was room in Emily’s heart for her to love everyone, if they would only let her.

Jessica conveniently forgot the long hours that Emily (and indeed Adam) had spent by her bedside in hospital and the fact that Rosamund had actually been sent away so that all the elders’ energy could be concentrated on Jessica’s recovery. She forgot that she had received no scolding for going out after Spud after she had been told to stay indoors and for the grief and heartbreak she had caused her family. She also forgot that, if you love someone, that love has to be big enough to allow other people into the circle – otherwise, your love is a pretty poor affair.

Since her illness, Jessica had been much improved. She was still quiet with Rosamund and unwilling to make much of an effort with either her step-sister or step-father, but her tantrums had ceased and her behaviour had been more stable. Now, with the news that Emily was going to have a baby, all her old anger came rushing back to consume her and she returned to school three days later determined to give her family something to really think about.

Jessica had been very much looking forward to returning to Redferne and Emily’s news had only made her more eager to get away from Moorlands. She had seen little of Beth and Charlotte during her illness. They had been allowed to visit once or twice in hospital and had once been invited to Moorlands for tea but other than that the girls had had little contact except through short letters and postcards while Jessica was in Ambleside. All three had been promoted to Upper Fourth this term. It was Redferne’s custom to keep girls together in age groups except when it was absolutely necessary. Jessica had a lot of work to catch up on. The studying that she had done at Ambleside was to stand her in good stead but she had still missed out on much groundwork and only several weeks of extra coaching would put that right. Jessica had been warned by her new form mistress, Miss Byatt, that if she found the work of Upper Fourth too much, she must go back down to Lower Fourth for another year. Jessica was not prepared to bear the disgrace of demotion which, she felt would be almost as bad as being dropped from the netball team, and so she had made up her mind that her work would not give the mistresses any reason to send her down.

Jessica and Beth shared a number 7 dormitory again this year and their partners in crime were still Gillian, Caroline, Rose and Jennifer. Again, Redferne preferred to keep girls in the same dormitories for as long as possible to minimise disruption. Charlotte, having begged yet again to be allowed to board weekly to no avail, was a reluctant day girl.

Miss Byatt was form mistress to Upper Fourth this year and she was a very different kettle of fish to young Miss Simmonds. Miss Byatt had been teaching at Redferne since the Middle Ages and some of the younger girls felt that she must be one hundred years old at least. In fact, she was only in her early fifties, though her habit of wearing her gray hair pulled back into a tight severe bun at the back of her head added years to her appearance. Miss Byatt was an “old school” mistress. She believed in strict discipline and immediate obedience and there was none of the friendliness between her and her form that there had been between Miss Simmonds and the girls out of school hours. Most of the girls held her in such awe that they were almost afraid of her and she possessed a tongue that could lash a girl at twenty yards.

Miss Byatt had impressed on Jessica the need for hard work and dedication if she was to remain in Upper Fourth for the year. Jessica had realised immediately that this was not a lady to be crossed and that she had better watch herself in those classes taken by Miss Byatt. However, she knew that there would be ample opportunity for her to “show” Emily (as she phrased it) exactly what she felt about the baby.

An opportunity showed itself early on in the term, during the first week of school.

#197:  Author: ElleLocation: Peterborough PostPosted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:29 pm
    —
Oh dear....


She is the most obnoxious little brat!

#198:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:51 pm
    —
I was hoping school might help but it doesn't seem like it...Thanks Sue!

Kathryn

#199:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:53 pm
    —
So stupid too - can't she see the person she's going to hurt is herself?

Thanks Leahbelle.

#200:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:53 pm
    —
Oh dear, sounds like there's more trouble ahead.

#201:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:07 pm
    —
I was just on the verge of thinking that Miss Byatt's discipline would be good for Jessica, too. Thanks, Sue.

#202:  Author: alicatLocation: Wiltshire PostPosted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:47 pm
    —
leahbelle thanks for this, it is so good

I think Jessica will kick against discipline of any sort, because to her it always seems that she is being 'told' what to do, and never allowed to 'do what she likes' - and as she is behaving like a much littler girl at the moment, that's all she can see.

it is so sad to see the tangles there are in her mind so clearly, you do a wonderful job of drawing her character and making her very real

#203:  Author: La Petite EmLocation: Cheltenham PostPosted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 6:59 pm
    —
I take it that this year isn't going to start off too well!!
Thanks leahbelle Very Happy

#204:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 11:50 pm
    —
I still feel very sorry for Jessica, despite her spoiled brat-ness. I don't really think Emily has handled it very well from the start, she's never properly understood J's feelings of isolation and abandonment. She's (J)going to make herself so unhappy.

Thanks, leahbelle.

#205:  Author: Rosy-JessLocation: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 8:53 am
    —
I don't think that Emily is handling this particularly well. She is just expecting Jess to understand, and in many ways, she is just a little girl, and she's not always had it easy. Yes, to an extent she IS spoilt, but a lot of her behaviour, in context is understandable although not necessarily justifiable.

Thankyou!

#206:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 1:07 pm
    —
A new mistress had been appointed that term and all forms above Lower Fourth were to take lessons in what was known as “Community Involvement”. The girls were rather mystified by this at first, it being something completely new to the Redferne timetable. Miss Doyle, the new young mistress, explained to them that they would be learning something about the communities in which they lived and what they could do to make those communities better places for the less fortunate. They would also have a chance to think about where their future careers fitted in. The girls of Upper Fourth were thrilled, not least because the classes sounded easy going and they would be an excuse to slack off one afternoon a week.

In her first lesson, after explaining what Community Involvement was, Miss Doyle told the girls that their first assignment would be to go out into the community. In small groups, they would be placed in old peoples’ or children’s homes, kindergartens or similar. They would observe the sort of work that went on, help out under supervision and then write a report on what they had seen. The placements would take place on Thursday afternoons for three weeks.

At this news, a communal groan went round Upper Fourth who realised that Community Involvement was not going to be the breeze they had expected.

Miss Doyle went on to say that she had a list of establishments who had expressed an interest in having the girls to visit and she wanted them to get together in groups and discuss where they would like to go and why. She would then allocate them to a hospital, home or kindergarten. Beth, Charlotte and Jessica gathered together at the back of the classroom in a huddle.

“This is foul!” Charlotte said in disgust. “I have to help out with Andrea at home all the time. Now I have to help out other folk at school, too. It’s too much.”

Jessica was of the same mind, but Beth – who possessed the most compassion of the three – thought it would be interesting.

“It won’t be too bad,” Beth said, “and I bet your mum, Jess, would have loved to do something like this. Then she would have known what it would be like to look after Rosamund all the time.”

“Oh!” Jessica said suddenly, and then stopped.

“What?” Charlotte demanded.

“I’ve got an idea,” Jessica said slowly. “Quiet, while it comes to me.”

Jessica was silent for a few minutes, then a broad grin spread across her face.

“I’ve got it!” she cried, but with due care that she was not overheard by anyone else in the form.


The idea of Community Involvement is probably a bit radical for the 1950s, but the bunny insisted! And thanks to alicat for giving me the original idea. Very Happy

#207:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 1:41 pm
    —
Thank you Sue, I really hope that Jessica isn't going to do anything silly...

Kathryn

#208:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 1:59 pm
    —
We used to do "community involvement" in the 6th form - we were supposed to teach English as a second language. We had no training so I don't think we ever did much good, but we did our best!

Thanks Sue.

#209:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 2:40 pm
    —
Oh, I do hope Jessica's idea isn't too awful. Thanks, Sue.

#210:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 6:04 pm
    —
I think Jessica is going to get into a great deal of trouble - and drag her friends in with her.

Thanks Leahbelle.

#211:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 12:55 pm
    —
[quote="Alison H"]We used to do "community involvement" in the 6th form - we were supposed to teach English as a second language. We had no training so I don't think we ever did much good, but we did our best!

quote]

Ditto! Only in my case, I was sent to a primary school to teach drama to a group of unwilling 8/9 year olds. They soon talked me out of the idea of becoming a primary school teacher!


“I’ve got it!” she cried, but with due care that she was not overheard by anyone else in the form.

“Got what?” this was Beth.

“Listen,” Jessica said, urgently, drawing the two closer towards her. “We all think this is a waste of time, don’t we?” Beth made a little movement as if to disagree, but Jessica did not give her the chance and she carried on. “Rosamund’s an invalid, right? And she’s a member of the community.”

“So?” Charlotte asked somewhat densely.

Beth, however, had a good idea of what was coming. “You mean we should do our placement at your house, looking after Rosamund?”

Jessica gave a quiet groan. “You’re so slow!” she protested. “I don’t mean anything of the sort. At least, Miss Doyle will think we’re at Moorlands looking after Rosamund, but actually we’ll be in town doing something that we want to do.”

“I don’t understand,” Beth said.

“But I do!” Charlotte cried, raising her voice in her excitement and Jessica hushed her. “You mean that we’ll get permission to go to Moorlands and we’ll say that’s where we’re going, but instead we’ll go in to town and go to the cinema and stuff like that?”

“That’s exactly what I mean,” Jessica said triumphantly.

“Genius!” Beth said. “I don’t think I’ll mind this Community Involvement stuff, but this is much better! How will we manage it, though? Won’t Miss Doyle have to get in touch with your mum?”

“Leave it to me,” Jessica said, smirking. It was a brilliant idea and she knew it. She raised her hand. “Miss Doyle!”

#212:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 1:01 pm
    —
Yes, a brilliant idea, as long as they get away with it! I was worried that she'd really want to go home and be unkind to Rosamund. Thanks, Sue.

#213:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 1:04 pm
    —
Not sure how Rosamund'll take that - she could be really pleased about the idea of them all going out to the pictures etc, or she could feel that she's being used.

#214:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 1:28 pm
    —
I don't think Rosamund will ever know - I don't they are planning on taking her with them!

Jessica beware! This is a recipe for disaster!

#215:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 2:30 pm
    —
It's going to go wrong!

*Feel like Cassandra here! Shocked *

Thanks Leahbelle.

#216:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 2:43 pm
    —
Yup, whilst it seem like a good idea to to the girls, I don't think it's going to work at all!

Thanks Sue Very Happy

Kathryn

#217:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 4:17 pm
    —
I hope Miss Doyle isn't going to be as silly as to allow Jess and her cronies to get away with that.

Thanks Sue

#218:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 10:40 am
    —
Miss Doyle looked up from her desk and came across to the little group.

“Yes, Jessica, isn’t it?”

Jessica nodded. “Miss Doyle, I’ve had an idea for our placement but it won’t be on the list you’ve given us.”

“What is it, Jessica?” Miss Doyle asked with interest. The girl sounded very sincere and enthusiastic.

“I have a sister… step-sister at home, Rosamund. She’s an invalid and she can’t walk or even move much by herself. My mother looks after her and she has a governess, too. We wondered if maybe we could go to my house and find out how my mother cares for her?” Jessica was the picture of innocence and Miss Doyle did not suspect anything, but then she had no reason to.

“I see,” the mistress said. “That sounds like a good idea, but I’d need to check with your mother first.”

“Our telephone’s not working at the moment,” Jessica said promptly, “but its Friday tomorrow and I’m going to be spending the weekend at home. I could ask her then, and maybe you could give me a letter for her to explain things?”

“Very well,” Miss Doyle agreed. “I’ll need to run it by the head mistress first. We’d only agreed that you girls would go to formal institutions, but I don’t suppose there will be a problem. I really ought to speak to your mother, though. Perhaps she could give me a ring next week when the telephone line is fixed?”

“That should be fine,” Jessica beamed.

“How will you get there and back?” Miss Doyle asked. “You live about ten miles away, don’t you?”

“That’s no problem,” Jessica assured her. “My step-father works a half day on a Thursday so he could collect us from school and bring us back at the end of the day.”

“You seem to have thought this out thoroughly,” Miss Doyle commended Jessica, while Charlotte and Beth were impressed at the ability of their friend to tell such bare faced lies. “I’ll have a talk with the head mistress after school today. Then I’ll give you a note for your mother. She can give me a ring next week to confirm that she’s happy and that your step-father will be responsible for the transport. Well done, Jessica, I’m very impressed.”

Miss Doyle nodded and went off to speak to another group who needed her help.

#219:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 10:45 am
    —
Such a pity she didn't keep her ingenuity (sp?) for law-abiding options! Rolling Eyes

Thanks.

#220:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 10:47 am
    —
The phone's not working? Miss Doyle believed that?!

Thanks Sue Very Happy .

#221:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 10:48 am
    —
Ah, but remember, Miss Doyle is new and young (not long out of college). She has no idea that girls can be so devious!

#222:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 11:21 am
    —
Thanks, Sue. I wonder if Jessica will be able to keep up the lie for long.

#223:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 12:03 pm
    —
Thanks Sue, Jessica is very devious isn't she? I really look forward to seeing what happens!

#224:  Author: La Petite EmLocation: Cheltenham PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 12:33 pm
    —
Oh dear, this is Bad with a captial B!
Thanks Leahbelle

#225:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 12:45 pm
    —
Why do I get a very worried feeling about what's going to happen next? Thanks, Sue, this is a brilliant story.

#226:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 11:51 am
    —
Beth turned to Jessica, looking worried.

“If your mother is going to phone Miss Doyle, how will we manage it?”

“Easily,” Jessica said, somewhat surprised at how well this plan was pulling together. “My mother won’t phone Miss Doyle. I will.”

“And pretend to be your mother?” Charlotte queried.

“Precisely!”

“Won’t she guess?” Beth asked. “I mean, you don’t much sound like your mother.”

“But she’s never spoken to my mother, so how would she know? Voices always sound different on the phone and sometimes the lines are so bad it’s impossible to recognise who you’re talking to anyway. There’s a call box at the end of the road. I’ll sneak out sometime on Monday and make the call. Miss Doyle will never guess.”

“There’ll be a fearful row if we’re caught,” Charlotte said, her conscience giving a little twinge.

“Then we’ll just need to make sure no-one finds out!” Jessica retorted. “It’ll be easy. And the report will be no bother, either. Haven’t I watched my mother deal with Rosamund day in, day out for the last year?”

“I think it’s fabulous!” Charlotte pronounced. “Much better than having to go into some stupid home and play nursemaid to someone else’s granny.”

#227:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 12:26 pm
    —
The best laid plans ... this has just got to go wrong, hasn't it Rolling Eyes ?

#228:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 12:42 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I am agreeing with Alison that I think things are going to go wrong.

#229:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 3:17 pm
    —
Yep, I agree that there's trouble ahead! Thanks, Sue.

#230:  Author: La Petite EmLocation: Cheltenham PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 9:01 pm
    —
This is so spiteful!!! Sad
Thanks Leahbelle- it's easy to see from this how Jess got as bad as she did!

#231:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:08 pm
    —
Miss Doyle doesn't know Jessica's history - but surely the Head will want to actually speak to Emily to check how it's all going? She might well allow though, it believing that Jessica's finally come round.

#232:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:37 pm
    —
Jessica thinks she's thought of everything doesn't she? Thank you!

Kathryn

#233:  Author: ElleLocation: Peterborough PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 7:24 am
    —
Oh dear me....


This is all going to go horribly wrong isn't it?


Thanks for the updates.

#234:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 11:44 am
    —
The naughty three continued to lay their plans. Miss Doyle sought, and received, approval for the plan from the headmistress and she prepared a letter for Jessica to give to Emily on the Friday evening. That letter was ripped to shreds and placed in the nearest waste paper basket.

At break time on Monday, Jessica managed to slip out of the school grounds to the telephone box situated at the end of the road to make the call Miss Doyle had requested. She had brought with her some crackly paper so that she could make rustling noises to imitate a bad line, but there was no need. The line was appalling and the call was very brief as a result, but the outcome was positive. Both Miss Doyle and “Mrs Sefton” were happy for Beth, Charlotte and Jessica to do their community involvement placement at Moorlands House with Rosamund.

Jessica returned to school and slipped back in to the grounds without being seen. She hunted down Beth and Charlotte to the common room and gave them the good news. They were both over the moon, and they had to remember to keep a lid on their excitement as they decided what they would do with their first Thursday afternoon.

They all agreed that the cinema would be the ideal location for their first expedition and Charlotte checked the papers when she went home to find out the times of the shows. All three were nervous as they left the school grounds for that first time. As Beth had pointed out, there would be a row to end all rows if they were caught, but as no-one had any reason to suspect that anything was afoot, everything went smoothly.

The second Thursday went off just as well, and this time the three treated themselves to a cream tea at a hotel and then a wander round the shops.

It was the third, and last Thursday, when nemesis descended.

#235:  Author: lizarfauLocation: Melbourne PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 12:05 pm
    —
I've only read Part 3 of this, but have really been enjoying it. This latest idea of Jessica's is such a great one that it's a pity they have to be caught.

I like Jessica and feel a lot of sympathy for her - I think at her age I would have found it difficult to cope with so many family changes and would have been similarly anti-stepsister and anti-new baby for quite some time.

#236:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 12:11 pm
    —
They must have known it was too good to last...thanks Sue!

Kathryn

#237:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 12:42 pm
    —
Oh dear!

#238:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 2:33 pm
    —
So what did they get up to the third time, then? And who caught them?

Thanks, Sue.

#239:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 7:29 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. It will be interesting to see what happens on the 3rd trip.

#240:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 8:32 pm
    —
It was inevitable, wasn't it.

Thanks Leahbelle

#241:  Author: La Petite EmLocation: Cheltenham PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 9:16 pm
    —
How long is there until Jess goes to the CS now? I am worrying about how much worse she will get! Shocked
Thanks leahbelle Very Happy

#242:  Author: ElleLocation: Peterborough PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 7:17 am
    —
Doesn't she get sent to another school before she ends up at the Chalet School? Is that what the result of this latest stunt will be? Hint hint. We need answers!

Thanks.

#243:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:54 am
    —
This is Jessica's last term at Redferne. Then she has two terms at another school before finally ending up at the CS. Lots more Jessica to go, though I am afraid that I am making her into a right little devil that no school would keep for five minutes, let alone two terms!!

Charlotte had suggested a trip to the skating rink and the others had agreed with alacrity, Jessica conveniently forgetting that she was not supposed to overtax herself physically this term. For the first hour, the girls had a wonderful time. The rink was quiet and, apart from a few other skaters who were practising moves under the watchful eyes of coaches, the girls had the ice to themselves. After the first hour, Jessica was feeling tired. Her legs were feeling like jelly and she felt that she needed to sit down. But the silly, stubborn girl was having a lot of fun and she did not want to go to the edge of the rink and have a rest. As a result, she began to feel more tired and light-headed. She stumbled twice, but saved herself. Then, just as she was beginning to feel that she really could not go on anymore, her vision blurred and she saw everything through a swimmy, red light. Then everything went black.

When Jessica came round, it was to find herself in the school sanatorium. She had fainted as a result of overexertion. Charlotte and Beth had been terrified, but one of the coaches on the ice had seen what had happened and had driven the three girls back to school in his car. Matron had taken charge immediately. A doctor was summoned to Jessica while Beth was sent to her dormitory with strict instructions to speak to no-one. Charlotte was sent to an empty classroom and told to remain there until the end of school. Both girls were in deep disgrace.

Jessica was examined and was pronounced fine. It had been nothing more than a faint and she could get up the next day. When the doctor left, Miss Doyle appeared with the head mistress in tow. Both were looking their sternest and Jessica knew that she was in for it.

“Well, Jessica,” Miss Doyle, began and her voice was very cold. “I understand that you are stay in bed until tomorrow. I want to stay put until Matron has brought your breakfast. Then you will come straight to Miss Burn’s office. Beth and Charlotte will be there too. Is that understood?”

Jessica nodded, and she was quaking inwardly. Although the head was known to favour tempering justice with mercy, Jessica knew that justice in this case would be minimal and she did not kid herself that their behaviour deserved any.

“I’m very disappointed in you, Jessica,” Miss Burn added. “I had expected more from you.”

Jessica went red and hung her head. She had known that it was unlikely their actions would go without discovery, but she had been optimistic. The most optimism she could have now was that was that some leniency would be shown.

#244:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 1:54 pm
    —
& I think even that may be over-optimistic after all the trouble she's been in already Rolling Eyes !

#245:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 2:26 pm
    —
She's so silly, keeping on skating even when she knew she was feeling tired. I think Emily and Adam are going to go mad...

Thanks, Sue.

#246:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 3:06 pm
    —
It's difficult to say that you doesn't deserve everything that she gets!

Thanks Sue Very Happy

Kathryn

#247:  Author: La Petite EmLocation: Cheltenham PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 5:05 pm
    —
She does! Emily will be so disappointed... Sad
Thanks Leahbelle Very Happy

#248:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 7:31 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I wonder what the punishment will be.

#249:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 8:09 pm
    —
Wonder if she'll be allowed to stay....

Thanks

#250:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 12:11 am
    —
I'm quite worried at how much sympathy I feel for Jessica! I know exactly how she felt, not stopping when she was feeling bad and knew she should! Embarassed She's certainly done for herself now - and for Charlotte and Beth, for that matter. Oh dear.

#251:  Author: alicatLocation: Wiltshire PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 10:51 am
    —
am wondering what charlotte and beth's parents are going to make of this...difficult to expel one sinner without expelling all three.

#252:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 12:14 pm
    —
A stay of execution...


It was a forlorn hope. Next morning, three very sheepish and regretful girls presented themselves to the head mistresses’ office. Miss Burn dealt with them swiftly and justly. First, she wormed out of the reluctant Jessica just how they had laid their plans for the schemes. She then read the three a lecture on lying, deceitfulness and dishonesty that she had never bettered. By the time she had finished, Beth was weeping openly and Charlotte was not far behind. Only Jessica, by dint of digging her nails in to her hands, kept the tears from flowing.

Miss Burn then issued her punishment. The three would take no more part in the Community Involvement lessons that term. Instead, they would be given extra work to do by Miss Byatt and they would do this under the supervision of whichever mistress or prefect happened to be free. As the mistresses’ free time was precious, the three were also likely to be lectured severely by whoever had the misfortune to be off duty. As they were clearly not to be trusted, they were forbidden to leave school grounds without a prefect or mistress as escort until half term. One of Upper Fourth’s privileges was that they might take walks to the shops and the park without escort so long as they told someone in authority where they were going. Being a full boarder, Beth felt the loss of this privilege more than Charlotte and Jessica. Finally, letters would be sent home to their parents informing them about their offspring’s’ conduct. Beth wept even more copiously at this; her parents were strict and she knew they would show her no leniency. Jessica and Charlotte knew that their respective parents would be no more lenient and it was a very subdued group of girls who crawled from Miss Burn’s study.

Their own form had found about their exploits and, by unspoken agreement, the three were sent to Coventry. The other girls felt they had brought disgrace on the form and they were a well behaved, if somewhat lazy, group as a rule. The three felt this punishment every bit as much as they felt that meted out by Miss Burn.

Jessica returned home to Moorlands that weekend in some trepidation. Her mother and step-father had been informed about their behaviour and she knew that they would be disgusted with her. She was right. Emily was horrified that her daughter had lied with such cunning and audacity and she read her such a lecture that Jessica wondered if this could really be her mild mannered mother talking. Adam finished up with another lecture on the iniquities on involving her family in her lies and duplicity.

The result was another tantrum on the part of Jessica. She had not quite dared to do this at school, but at home she shouted and fumed and even threw a glass at the wall in her anger. Adam took his step-daughter firmly by the shoulders and marched her up to her bedroom where he told her to stay until she had calmed down. Jessica, sulking, remained in her room for the whole weekend, even forgoing the chance to talk Spud for his daily walks in her defiance, and it was not a happy girl who returned to school on Monday.

The staff were all on the lookout for further problems with Jessica. Their hope that her illness might have helped to reconcile her to her home situation had been in vain. Jessica returned to Redferne with the blackest of black dogs on her shoulders and the staff prepared for the worst.

In fact, apart from out-and-out sulks and impudence, Jessica was no more badly behaved than the average girl of her age. She was furious at the punishment that had been meted out but had decided to play her cards close to her chest and keep a look out for where she could cause the most trouble. And, in typical Jessica fashion, she found it.

#253:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 12:31 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I wonder what Jessica will do next.

#254:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 12:43 pm
    —
Oh no, what's she going to do now?

#255:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 4:34 pm
    —
Did she get expelled from this school? Poor Jessica, she just can't help herself, can she? Thanks, Sue.

#256:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 4:37 pm
    —
Oh dear, that's not going to help matters at all Sad

Thanks Sue

#257:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 7:54 pm
    —
Silly girl - she doesn;'t learn does she?

I really think that her transformation at the Chalet School has less to do with Mary Lou and the School - and more to do with Jessica finally maturing.

Thanks.

#258:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 12:44 pm
    —
I think Lesley is right. I think given the new experiences of living in another country amongst a multitude of girls from all over the world and (especially) that atmosphere that pervaded at the CS, Jessica would have reformed eventually without Mary Lou. Perhaps ML just speeded it up a bit, but I think that's all.

The following week, Beth and Jessica were both feeling the restrictions that had been placed on them in terms of being grounded to the school unless they had an escort. (Charlotte was away from school, ill.) They had not previously particularly taken advantage of the privilege of being able to leave school grounds if they had permission, but now the privilege had been rescinded they felt it. It was worse for Beth, for whom the punishment extended to the weekend, but even Jessica felt like rebelling against the edict during the week.

Two of the prefects, Victoria Hart and Louise Morris, noticed that the two girls were particularly restless, especially during prep. Being kind girls at heart, they went to Miss Burn and asked permission to take the two girls on a trip to the post-office before prep that afternoon. Miss Burn agreed, with the proviso that the prefects should take no nonsense from either miscreant. Miss Burn, too, had recognised that Beth and Jessica would be the better for a trip outside the school.

Beth was delighted when Victoria approached her at morning break and broke the news to her. She had been feeling the effects of being cooped up badly, and she looked forward to the walk even if it was just to the post office which was only ten minutes away. Jessica was more dubious. While the walk would be nice, spending the time in the company of the prefects did not appeal to her. As a rule, prefects were to be avoided and no girl went out of her way to be in their company. Jessica had no choice but to thank Victoria and Louise for their thoughtfulness and agree to meet them at the front door at 1530.

The outing began well. The two prefects were aware that their juniors would not want to walk or converse with them and so they sent the younger girls on in front of them where they could talk freely by themselves, but a close eye could still be kept on them.

On arrival at the post office, Louise and Victoria went inside, ordering Beth and Jessica to wait just inside the door, unless they wanted to buy anything – which they did not. There was a long queue and the prefects settled down for a long wait while the two girls waited with slightly more impatience.

After five minutes, Jessica’s impatience overtook her and she suggested to Beth that they could wait outside and walk up and down for a bit. Beth was bored too and agreed.

“We should tell Louise and Victoria. They’ll wonder where we are,” she suggested. “I don’t want to get into another row.”

“They’ll realise where we are,” Jessica said. “Where else could we be?”

Beth followed Jessica outside, wondering if she ought to over-rule her friend and let the prefects know their plan. As this is exactly what she ought to have done, she had to accept part of the blame for what happened next.

The two wandered aimlessly down the road, past the little row of shops that marked the beginning of the town. When they came to the end of the street, they turned and Beth began to walk back. Jessica, however, had been attracted by noise in the High Street and she poked her head round to the corner to see what was going on. A large crowd of people were gathered around a booth and they were laughing loudly. From her vantage point, Jessica could just make out that a puppet show was going on and the harsh, nasal voice that she could hear over the laughter told her that the show was Punch and Judy.

“Beth!” she called to her friend who was walking back towards the post office. Beth turned round and came back to Jessica. “Look!” Jessica pointed excitedly. “ A Punch and Judy show! Shall we go and take a look?”

Beth looked uncertain. “I don’t think we should. Louise and Victoria might come out in the meantime. They’ll give us into terrible trouble if they can’t see where we are.”

“Oh, rats to that!” Jessica retorted. She had seen a Punch and Judy the previous year when she had gone to Brighton with Charlotte and had enjoyed it immensely. She had been dying to see one again and this was the first opportunity that had presented itself. “Don’t you want to see the show? Come on. It’ll be fun!”

Jessica tugged on Beth’s arm and tried to draw her toward the crowds of people. At first, Beth drew back, unwilling to be drawn into more trouble, but Jessica’s taunt of “Are you scared of getting into a row?” persuaded her, and she allowed herself to be pulled into the throng.

#259:  Author: ElleLocation: Peterborough PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 1:00 pm
    —
Ah hah! I am the first to comment on the update! Hurrah!


*tries to think of something deep and meaningful to say*


*fails*


The silly, silly girl!


Thanks for the update.

#260:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 1:12 pm
    —
She just can't keep out of trouble, can she?!

#261:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 1:26 pm
    —
The poor silly girl.

Thank you Sue

#262:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 1:58 pm
    —
She's just stupid, isn't she? Rolling Eyes

Thanks Leahbelle.

#263:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 3:06 pm
    —
She certainly never thinks about the consequences of anything she does; or she just doesn't care. Thanks, Sue.

#264:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 9:44 pm
    —
It's Beth I feel sorry for! You'd think Jessica could manage to think a bit and not KEEP getting her friend into rows!

#265:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 10:06 pm
    —
Jessica is such a pain. Thanks Sue!

#266:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 10:21 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I'm sorry that Jessica keeps dragging Beth into everything.

#267:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 11:22 pm
    —
That really is a bit much, when Louise and Victoria were being so decent to them.

And what's wrong with Beth, she doesn't have to do everything Jessica suggests. Perhaps it's time she stopped being a spineless jellyfish and exerted some influence over J - she could certainly do with it!

Thanks, Leahbelle.

#268:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 3:10 pm
    —
Jessica had genuinely only meant to stay for a few minutes, guessing that the two prefects would still be waiting in line in the post office. Unfortunately, her attention was grabbed by the show and, within minutes, the two girls were in fits of laughter and even Beth had forgotten her misgivings. They completely lost track of time and, before they knew it, the show had ended and a glance at Jessica’s watch showed them that it was well after four and they had been gone from the post office for over twenty minutes.

Meanwhile, Victoria and Louise had finished their business in the shop and had returned to the entrance to look for their protégées. Seeing no sign of them in the shop, they went outside, expecting to find them waiting patiently on the pavement. They were nowhere in sight.

“Where on earth are they?” Victoria demanded in annoyance. “We told them to wait at the entrance.”

“They must have got bored and wandered off somewhere,” Louise said sagely. “Pair of little nuisances.”

The prefects grumbled amongst themselves as they walked down to the edge of the street in search of their missing lambs. They were not especially worried as they assumed that, being in so much trouble already, the pair would not go to extremes to get into another row. They did, however, think of the choice words they would mention to Beth and Jessica when they caught up with them.

Louise and Victoria reached the end of the road and there was no sign of the girls anywhere. They saw the crowds of people gathered round the Punch and Judy show and went a little closer to see if they could spot their charges. Unfortunately, Beth and Jessica had pushed right to the front of the crowd and they were out of sight to the prefects. The elder girls took a quick look in some of the shop fronts in case the girls had decided to do some shopping on their own account but, obviously, there was no sign of them.

“They must have gone back to school,” Louise said, eventually.

“Wait til I get hold of them!” Victoria said wrathfully. “They promised us faithfully they’d behave. It would serve them right if we took this to Miss Burn. Then they’d have something to cry about. She wouldn’t let them out of school for the rest of the year.”

“Come on,” Louise began to walk back in the direction of the school. “The sooner we get back and find them, the sooner we can tell them exactly what we think of them. That’s the last time I’ll be taking any of that lot for a walk, I can tell you. Ungrateful little wretches.”

The prefects departed and later wished that they had searched the street that little bit harder.

#269:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 3:15 pm
    —
Can't blame the prefects at all, it was really nice of them to offer to take the girls out of school and I hope Jessica gets in a suitable amount of trouble because nothing seems to be making much of a difference at the moment.

Thanks Sue Very Happy

Kathryn

#270:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 4:43 pm
    —
Also don't blame the Prefects - especially as they seem to have accepted that the girls might be waiting just outside - Jessica and Beth deserve all they are going to get.

Thanks Leahbelle.

#271:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 5:55 pm
    —
Jessica deserves a rocket! She's a thoroughly naughty girl, and so completely thoughtless that she makes Carola look good! Thanks, Sue.

#272:  Author: AparnaLocation: India PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 6:43 pm
    —
Poor Beth..

Nice prefects..

Can't understand why Jessica takes her trouble at home to school...

I hope Beth doesn't get expelled because of this...

#273:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 8:23 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I am also hoping that Beth won't be expelled.

#274:  Author: PadoLocation: Connecticut, USA PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 11:57 pm
    —
Oh Jessica......get it together, wont you? Sad

#275:  Author: La Petite EmLocation: Cheltenham PostPosted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 12:25 pm
    —
Silly Beth for allowing Jess to drag her along!
Thanks Leahbelle- I wonder where things will go from here? Shocked

#276:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 4:49 pm
    —
“Oh, lord!” Jessica cried as she saw the time on her watch. “Louise and Victoria must have finished in the post office ages ago.”

Beth looked horrified. Another row had not been on her agenda when they had set out from Redferne earlier. “They may still be there. If we’re quick, we might just get back before they find we’re gone,” she said hopefully.

Jessica cast a disparaging look at her friend. There was going to be trouble and she knew it, but she followed behind Beth as that young woman ran towards the post office. A glance inside told the pair that the prefects had gone.

“They probably thought we got bored and headed back to school,” Jessica said.

“I wish we had!” Beth said. “There’s going to be an unholy row, now. I knew we shouldn’t have gone to the stupid show.”

“You enjoyed it, though, didn’t you?” Jessica demanded. “I didn’t make you come. You could have stayed here, like a good girl.” Jessica made being a good girl sound like the worst possible thing in the world whereas, at that particular moment, Beth was wishing like anything that she had followed her own conscience and told the prefects what they had planned.

“I did enjoy it,” Beth admitted, “but we still shouldn’t have done it. Louise and Victoria are going to be furious.”

Jessica shrugged. Rows were more or less in a day’s work for her now, and the prospect of another one did not faze her unduly. The two headed back towards school in silence. Beth was angry at Jessica. Her friend did not seem to think about things before she did them and now she was going to be in another row. Her father had had some nasty, cutting things to say to her about the Community Involvement stunt and she had promised that nothing similar would happen again. If he heard about this latest stunt, his comments would not be at all kind.

Jessica, on the other hand, could not have given two hoots about being in trouble again, though she did wonder why Beth had suddenly seemed to develop a conscience. Beth had always been the most thoughtful of their trio, but she had always been game for a lark. Jessica hoped that they could arrive back at school in time to find Louise and Victoria before they reported the two as missing.

They were about a minute too late. Just as they ran in through the front door, Louise and Victoria were reporting them as awol to Miss Burn.

#277:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 4:59 pm
    —
Poor Beth, it is so difficult to stand up to Jessica when she's like that. I hope they treat her with leniency, although I don't imagine they will. Thanks, Sue.

#278:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 6:03 pm
    —
Feel sorry for Beth here - hope she has another chance - don't think Jessica will have one though.

Thanks Leahbelle.

#279:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 6:42 pm
    —
Jessica is being a real pain now! Feel a bit sorry for Beth.

#280:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 6:58 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue.

#281:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 12:52 pm
    —
No mercy was shown to them. Not only had they to face the anger of Miss Burn, but there was the prefects’ wrath to deal with as well. Miss Burn delivered a lecture that cut Beth to the quick, though it barely seemed to register with Jessica. As it was obvious that they were not to be trusted, they were to be supervised at all times for the remaining week til half term. This meant that they were removed from Number 7 dormitory and had to sleep in the observation rooms in the San, under the watchful eye of nurse. During their free time they were to report to a prefect who would sit with them. At break and lunch they would only be allowed to leave their form rooms in the company of a mistress or prefect.

Beth cried heartbrokenly. This punishment, on the top of the one they were already enduring was too much, and they had still to face the judgement of Louise and Victoria. For the first time, she began to wonder why she followed Jessica around like a sheep. She always protested if she thought Jessica’s schemes were too outrageous but she never actually did anything to stop Jessica. Beth could quite see that this was partly her fault. She should have stood her ground and told Louise and Victoria where they were going, or else refused to go at all. Beth began to see Jessica in a different light from that day forth.

Jessica took the punishment with a pinch of salt and a lot of cheek. In fact, Miss Burn, realising that Jessica was mainly to blame, sent Beth away and had a quiet talk with Jessica alone. For all the good it did, she may as well not have bothered. Jessica stood in front of the desk and stared ahead of her, but it was obvious that she was either not listening or not taking in what was said to her. Miss Burn eventually sent her away with a sigh, thinking that, if her behaviour did not improve, her future at Redferne would have to be reconsidered.

The most obvious outcome of what was referred to by staff and prefects as “Jessica’s latest” was a cooling of the friendship between Jessica and Beth. After their punishment had been pronounced, Beth betook herself to a quiet corner in the cloakroom and cried her heart out. She was annoyed with herself for allowing Jessica to pull her into exploit that had led to yet another row, but most of her anger was directed at her friend. She simply could not understand why Jessica seemed to want to get in to trouble at every opportunity and Beth wondered to herself why she had not considered this before. The result was that Beth decided to give Jessica a somewhat wide berth for the next day or day. She wanted to think things out in her own head.

Jessica was not overly concerned when Beth shied away from her. She knew that Beth was annoyed with her and admitted that the Punch and Judy stunt had been mainly her fault and she should not have taunted Beth for wanting to do the right thing. Jessica expected that, in a few days, when the edge had worn off the scolding and punishment, Beth would come running back to pick up their friendship.

In this, Jessica was to be disappointed.

#282:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 1:24 pm
    —
Glad Beth's seen sense, but get the feeling Jessica isn't going to do the same Sad .

#283:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 1:37 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I'm glad that the staff realised that Beth was less to blame than Jessica.

#284:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 2:03 pm
    —
Glad Beth has 'wised-up' - Jessica will be left alone if this continues.

Thanks.

#285:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 2:08 pm
    —
I'm glad that Beth has seen how bad Jessica's example is and has decided to withdraw from her. But being abandoned by her friend isn't going to make Jessica improve, I don't think. Thanks, Sue.

#286:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 2:27 pm
    —
Good for Beth, standing on her own two feet but I can't help feeling that this is only going to make Jessica worse...

Thanks Sue!

Kathryn

#287:  Author: La Petite EmLocation: Cheltenham PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 8:36 pm
    —
For once, I don't care if this is going to make Jess worse- Beth has finally done the right thing!
Thanks Sue Very Happy

#288:  Author: arky72Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 8:48 pm
    —
I am totally addicted to this story! I always liked Jessica, and this story has just been the icing on the cake for me Very Happy

#289:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 11:46 pm
    —
I'm glad that Beth has come to her senses and is taking resposibility for her actions, but agree with others that losing her friends will just make things worse for Jess. She'll be resentful, and will dig in her toes even deeper, I fear.

#290:  Author: ElleLocation: Peterborough PostPosted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 7:16 am
    —
arky72 wrote:
I am totally addicted to this story!


Me too!

Thanks for the updates.

#291:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 8:06 pm
    —
Sorry I haven't posted any of this for a while. I'm away from home til Friday so should be able to post again soon. Glad you're all enjoying it!

#292:  Author: jaceyLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 8:41 pm
    —
Oh no, I thought that was an update Sad
Have a nice time, keep your creative juices flowing!

#293:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 3:05 pm
    —
Here we go - an update at last!!

The week before half term passed quietly and without incident, Jessica having decided to keep a low profile for the time being. All the prefects and mistresses had their eyes fixed firmly on her for any breach of rules and she decided that she would not give them the satisfaction. Charlotte had been off sick with flu for the past ten days and so she had missed out on all the excitement. Beth had kept herself to herself and had not gone out of her way to seek Jessica’s company, but she had not socialised much with the other girls in her form, either. Beth had found it impossible to think about Jessica in the busy atmosphere of school and she was looking forward to some peace and quiet at home during half term. She thanked her lucky stars that Mrs Sefton had refused to allow Jessica to join the Hudson’s for the break.

Jessica, too, was looking forward to going to Moorlands for the holiday, even if was only because she wanted to get away from the disapproving looks that were cast on her from all quarters at school. Several people in her form had made nasty remarks about her behaviour that she did not like and it was likely that arguments might have broken out if the break had not come along.

Jessica spent the majority of the break out of doors. Emily’s pregnancy had started to show and Jessica felt an inexplicable disgust whenever she looked at mother. She also found Adam’s continual attention and attendance on Emily rather nauseating. Rosamund was still thrilled at the thought of having a new brother or sister and most of her conversation revolved around the new arrival. Jessica preferred not to be involved in these conversations, feeling that the new baby was already pushing her further away from her mother, so she made the most of the cold, crisp winter weather and took Spud for long runs through the countryside. The pair had missed each other and their reunion had been joyful. Jessica had also been pleased to see Miss Winter with whom she now had a firm, if quiet, friendship.

The Seftons had been told about the Punch and Judy exploit, but had decided not to mention it or to scold Jessica on their own account. From what they heard from Miss Burn, Jessica had already been dealt with faithfully and there was no need to scold further.

Beth arrived back at school after half term with her mind made up. She had made a difficult decision – that she should not have so much to do with Jessica and Charlotte in future and that she would steer completely clear of them when any wild or silly plans were in the air. Her work had improved drastically while Jessica had been off sick but, since the other girl’s return, her marks had fallen. Both her parents had spoken to Beth seriously during half term and had warned her that, if her marks and behaviour did not improve, they would have to think about taking her away from Redferne and sending her to a day school. In part, this made Beth’s decision easier. She had already worked out for herself that Jessica was not necessarily a good influence on her and her parents threat had helped her to see that more clearly.

Jessica arrived back at school certain that Beth would be ready to be friends again. Charlotte came back too, now totally recovered from the flu. She had no such qualms as Beth had and she and Jessica picked up from where they had left off, greeting each other as if they had been parted for centuries.

Jessica was confused at Beth’s attitude. The trio had been such good friends for more than a year now and they had done everything (good and bad) together. It felt strange to Jessica to only be part of a duo again. Moreover, she could not understand Beth’s sudden refusal to get involved in the pranks of the other two. Jessica owned to herself that Beth had always spoken up about the madder affairs, but she had never before declined to take part. Thus, such gems as locking the first formers in their common room (which, incidentally almost caused a riot as the little girls thought they were stuck in the room forever and some needed to be excused) and humming in class (Charlotte and Jessica sat at opposite ends of the room and so they had done this to great effect) were left to the original bad girls.

#294:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 3:11 pm
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Jessica is a total idiot! She is so stupid that I actually feel sorry for her for that reason. Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes

#295:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 5:06 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I wonder what Jessica will do next.

#296:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 5:58 pm
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I'm glad that Beth has seen sense, but I feel sorry for her, she must miss her old friends. I only wish Jessica could see a little sense herself. Thanks, Sue.

#297:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 6:19 pm
    —
Thanks Sue. It's a shame that Jessica didn't learn anything from what happened before...

Kathryn

#298:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 6:50 pm
    —
That's the problem, isn't it? She hasn't learnt that her behaviour is the reason she is unhappy - a very immature, silly and sad little girl.

Thanks.

#299:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 9:10 pm
    —
Wibbling a lot about the baby - I assume that Emily is now four or five months gone.

#300:  Author: lizarfauLocation: Melbourne PostPosted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 2:35 am
    —
leahbelle wrote:
[color=darkblue]She also found Adam’s continual attention and attendance on Emily rather nauseating. Rosamund was still thrilled at the thought of having a new brother or sister and most of her conversation revolved around the new arrival.


Poor Jessica. I can't imagine anything worse - even at the age I am now - than having to spend a whole week with people who can't stop talking about the new baby. Especially with Adam doing his new man bit. Ugh. If I'd been Jessica, I'd have locked Emily, Adam and Rosamund in a room and left the poor first-formers alone.

#301:  Author: arky72Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 10:21 am
    —
Alison H wrote:
Wibbling a lot about the baby - I assume that Emily is now four or five months gone.


I'm also wibbling about the baby too Crying or Very sad

#302:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 1:46 pm
    —
lizarfau wrote:
leahbelle wrote:
She also found Adam’s continual attention and attendance on Emily rather nauseating. Rosamund was still thrilled at the thought of having a new brother or sister and most of her conversation revolved around the new arrival.


Poor Jessica. I can't imagine anything worse - even at the age I am now - than having to spend a whole week with people who can't stop talking about the new baby. Especially with Adam doing his new man bit. Ugh. If I'd been Jessica, I'd have locked Emily, Adam and Rosamund in a room and left the poor first-formers alone.


That made me laugh!!

The climax came when Charlotte brought in a forbidden book one morning. Her elder cousin was visiting and had presented the young girl with a copy of Forever Amber. The authorities at Redferne did not feel the need to police the girls’ reading material, but certain books were absolutely forbidden and Forever Amber was one of these. Only the previous year, a fifth former had got into terrible trouble for smuggling in Lady Chatterley’s Lover. Charlotte was well aware that Forever Amber would not be welcomed at school but she had read the first couple of chapters and had thoroughly enjoyed it. She brought it in with some thought that the three of them could read it together.

Jessica, as might be expected, was up for it, but Beth refused point blank. She had made a vow that she would not get into any rows this second half of the term and she was determined not to let herself down. Beth was well aware of what would happen if they were caught with the book and it wouldn’t be pleasant.

The three girls were alone in the cloakroom, Charlotte having shoved the book safely to the back of her locked. The rest of their form had departed on more lawful occasions, to make the most of a free fifteen minutes before lessons began. Jessica looked strangely at Beth as she declined Charlotte’s invitation to the communal reading.

“Look here,” she demanded, not at all pleasantly and in a manner which could only be described as confrontational, “what’s the matter with you? You never want to join in with us at all anymore. Aren’t we good enough for you anymore?”

Beth was not quite sure how to answer. She did not really want to have to tell Jessica that she felt the other two were a bad influence on her. It sounded horribly stuck up.

“Yes,” Charlotte added, “I’ve noticed that, too. We used to do everything together. What’s the problem?”

Beth decided to bite the bullet. “My parents were furious with all the trouble I got into before half term. They’re going to take me away from Redferne unless I start to behave myself and do better in class. They…eh, they… and I… don’t think we should be quite so friendly with each other.”

“So mummy and daddy think we’re a bad influence on you?” Jessica jeered. “They want you to be a good little girl and do what you’re told. You don’t have to do what they want you to do, you know. You can do what you want to do.”

“I know that,” Beth said, “but I hate being in trouble. Miss Burn was really horrible about that Community Involvement and Punch and Judy stuff. I want to try to keep out of trouble for the rest of term.”

“But why?!” Jessica demanded, her jeering manner forgotten as she tried to digest this extraordinary piece of news from Beth.

“Honestly, Jess,” Beth said earnestly, “don’t you just hate being in trouble all the time? I think it’s horrid and it must be much nicer not to have to always be in rows.”

Jessica looked nonplussed. Prior to her mother’s remarriage, she had always been a relatively well-behaved child, but she could barely remember what that had been like. The rebellious, troublesome Jessica ruled her world at the moment.

“So you’re going to be a goody goody?” she asked eventually. “A pi?”

“No!” Beth cried. “I just don’t want to be in trouble all the time and when I’m with you we just seem to go from one row to another. I don’t want that anymore, so I think that I should stay away from you.”

“But you’ll miss on all the fun of reading the book,” Charlotte coaxed. She had been silent til now, but she could not understand Beth’s attitude anymore than Jessica could.

“I don’t want to read the book,” Beth said honestly. “It doesn’t seem like my sort of thing at all. And you know you’ll get in to frightful trouble if you get caught.”

“We won’t get caught. No-one knows we have it…except you,” Jessica said pointedly.

“I won’t tell anyone, but I don’t want to join in.”

“Well, fine, that’s up to you,” Jessica said, “but you won’t have any fun anymore. Are you going to be friends with some of the others? They’re all dull and never do anything exciting. You’ll be bored and wish you could be friends with us again, but we might not let you.”

“I’m not saying I don’t want to be friends,” Beth tried to explain, “but I don’t want to do anything that’s going to get me in trouble.”

“So you’ll be friends with us when it suits you, but not when we’re being bad little girls?”

“Jess…”

“No,” Jessica said with decision, “you’re either our friend or you’re not, and it sounds like you don’t want to be friends at all so that’s how it’ll be.” She turned to Charlotte who was feeling somewhat uncomfortable about this rather nasty exchange. “Come on, Char. The bell will be ringing in a moment and we wouldn’t want to get in trouble, would we?” She took Charlotte by the arm and the pair swung out of the cloakroom, leaving Beth behind them looking distressed. She’d known it would be difficult, but she hadn’t expected Jessica to be quite so nasty. Beth gave a mental shrug as she followed her erstwhile friends along the corridor. If Jessica could be so horrid perhaps it was just as well if they had nothing more to do with each other.

#303:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 1:48 pm
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Poor Beth; but I'm pleased she did stand up against Jessica. I'm glad she wants to keep out of trouble.

#304:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 2:50 pm
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Poor Beth, but she's probably better off out of it.

#305:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 2:51 pm
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Thanks, Sue. I'm also glad that Beth has stood up for herself.

#306:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 2:58 pm
    —
Good for Beth although Jessica's reaction was really nasty.

Thanks Sue!

#307:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 6:01 pm
    —
Well done Beth for standing her ground - especially as Jessica was very nasty there. Glad that Charlotte was also feeling uneasy. Wonder what's going to happen about that book though...

Thank you.

#308:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 8:36 pm
    —
I suspect that the book will be the last straw, at least as far as Jessica is concerned.

#309:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 11:20 pm
    —
Poor Beth, what a horrible position to be in. I'm glad she stood firm, though - perhaps in the end it'll have some effect on the others. I'm afraid someone's going to find the book, and Jess will think Beth has 'told'. Then the fat would be in the fire!

Thanks, Leahbelle.

#310:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 11:21 pm
    —
poor Beth. That was just out and out bullying.

#311:  Author: lizarfauLocation: Melbourne PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 12:56 am
    —
Now, that's the first time I've not felt sympathy for Jessica in this story. That was very nasty bullying. Good for Beth.

#312:  Author: Rosy-JessLocation: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 9:07 am
    —
Am glad Beth stood up for herself. She sounds rather more mature than the other two.

#313:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 11:31 am
    —
Jessica is about to get her just desserts over the next day or two!


Jessica was angry with what she thought of as Beth’s desertion. She simply could not see that, because Beth was a relatively sensible girl at heart, such a breach between them was almost inevitable. Jessica was also hurt at Beth’s behaviour. She had been fond of the other girl and the only way she knew to relieve her own feelings was to hurt Beth in return.

A few days passed, during which time Charlotte and Jessica managed to read the greater part of Forever Amber. They had never read anything quite like it before and enjoyed it thoroughly though they were intelligent enough to see exactly why it had been banned in school. They were lucky and no-one had caught them so far with the forbidden book. Jessica, however, took a risk one afternoon that was not to pay off. She and Charlotte had been reading in the form room after lunch when no-one else had been around. They were due at art immediately after lunch and found themselves without time to return the book to its usual hiding place at the back of Charlotte’s locker. With only a few minutes to make it to the art rooms at the other end of the building, Jessica grabbed the book and shoved it into her book locker any old how. She did not stop to make sure that the door was closed properly as the two tore through the school in an effort to make it to art before the mistress, Miss Grant, arrived. They did it with two seconds to spare, but were soon to regret it.

Miss Grant had been teaching Upper Fourth the intricacies of oil paintings that term. Jessica had no aptitude for art and saw the classes as a necessary evil which were bearable only because the girls might sit where they wished and talk quietly. Charlotte was interested in the subject, though her ability was limited. Of the old trio, it was Beth who had the most talent and she had created a charming painting showing a view of the side of the school. She was putting the finishing touches to it that lesson. Just before the end of class, Beth picked up her frame in order to take it to Miss Grant who would put it away safely to dry. As she passed by Jessica, that young lady deliberately stuck out a foot and Beth tripped. She went headlong, teetering for a moment before falling forward – fortunately narrowly missing the desks that were on either side of her – and landing full length, the oil painting underneath her.

#314:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 11:37 am
    —
Poor Beth Sad

I'm looking forward even more to seeing Jessica get her comeuppance!

Thanks Sue

#315:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 11:39 am
    —
Poor Beth - what a childish thing to do! One really annoying girl in our class at primary school used to do that, but not at secondary school!

#316:  Author: lizarfauLocation: Melbourne PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 11:40 am
    —
Oh, she's becoming a really nasty person now ...

I bet Beth will be glad to see the back of her - presumably soon.

#317:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 11:45 am
    —
That was so mean of Jessica. She really deserves whatever comes her way after that. Thanks, Sue.

#318:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 7:22 pm
    —
Very, very nasty - she deserves everything she has coming to her.

Thanks.

#319:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 7:43 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I'm sorry that the painting will be ruined.

#320:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 11:25 pm
    —
Not to mention Beth's clothes, if she's fallen on top of it. That was really unkind.

#321:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 1:23 pm
    —
The class gasped in dismay as they saw Beth fall and Miss Grant was beside the girl in an instant. Jessica smiled triumphantly to herself and Charlotte, who, as Jessica thought, had been the only girl to see what had really happened, looked somewhat shocked. In the middle of this, the door opened, and Victoria Hart came in. She stood somewhat uncertainly at the door as she saw Miss Grant bending over the prostrate figure of one of her pupils. The mistress looked up impatiently.

“Yes, Victoria?”

“I’m sorry to bother you, Miss Grant, but Miss Burn would like to see Jessica Wayne in her office immediately after class.”

“Very well, Victoria, thank you. Jessica, did you hear that?”

Jessica nodded, wondering what the head mistress could want. She could only think of one thing – someone had discovered Forever Amber in her locker. She groaned inwardly and then gave a little shrug. It was only a book, after all, and it wasn’t even hers. How annoyed could Miss Burn be?

Victoria withdrew and Miss Grant turned her attention to Beth who was struggling to her feet and was a sight to behold. She was not injured, thankfully, but she was smeared from head to foot in oil paint and her picture was ruined. Her face was a mish mash of browns while her tunic was streaked with green. Miss Grant gave a horrified gasp and immediately ordered her off to matron. The class, realising that Beth was unharmed, had seen the funny side of it and were sniggering quietly. Beth was upset and near tears as she left the room. She knew that Jessica had tripped her up deliberately.

Miss Grant released the girls a few moments later, though one girl who had seen exactly what Jessica had done to Beth stayed behind unbeknownst to Jessica. Charlotte had guessed why Miss Burn had asked to see Jessica and she had offered to go along to share the blame. After all, she had brought the book in and she felt she ought to share part of the row. Jessica was only too happy to agree and the pair presented themselves to the head mistress who was looking severe. She held up Forever Amber as the two girls stood in front of her desk.

#322:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 1:33 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I wonder what their punishment will be.

#323:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 2:02 pm
    —
Looks like she's in for it now!

#324:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 2:18 pm
    —
Thanks Sue, I can't imagine the school putting up with her for much longer after all this.

#325:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 3:28 pm
    —
Oh, but thinking of her daughter being expelled isn't going to be good for Emily right now. Thanks, Sue.

#326:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 7:25 pm
    —
Did someone else see whay Jessica had done? Not sure if I read that properly - but think they did.

Not so bothered about the book - it's not such a terrible crime whatever EBD says! But tripping Beth was a very nasty action and she deserves to be punished for it.

Thanks.

#327:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 7:39 pm
    —
Charlotte saw it. Wonder if that's the start of a rift between them. I suppose it depends on whatever punishment they're going to get for the book.

#328:  Author: arky72Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 9:30 pm
    —
I think someone else saw it - I read it as someone else stayed behind while Charlotte went with Jessica.

Hmmmm.... wonder what the latest punishment will be?

#329:  Author: lizarfauLocation: Melbourne PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 11:47 pm
    —
arky72 wrote:
I think someone else saw it - I read it as someone else stayed behind while Charlotte went with Jessica.


Yes, I read it that way too.

Does Jess get expelled from this school? In Mary-Lou, I think it says she was moved by her parents to another school farther away and then got expelled from that one. Or have I got that completely wrong?

#330:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 11:47 pm
    —
I thought it was Charlotte at first, but on re-reading, it does sound as if someone else saw as well.

It's clearly shocked Charlotte a bit - enough to make her reconsider her friendship with Jess, I wonder? Nice of her to share the blame anyway.

#331:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 1:12 am
    —
Things really aren't looking good here - but it's so believable! You can just see why Jessica rocked up at the CS the way she was.

Thanks Sue

#332:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 12:07 pm
    —
Hi Folks. Sorry not to make it clearer. Someone else did see what Jessica did to Beth and they have stayed behind to sneak - so watch out Jessica!

Jessica isn't expelled from Redferne. It says in Mary Lou that her parents took her away and sent her further away because she was so unbearable at home. I've translated that quite loosely as you'll find out over the next few posts. *hopes it's not too loosely!*


“To which of you does this rubbish belong?” Miss Burn asked.

“Please, Miss Burn,” Charlotte said, as ever in slight awe of her head mistress, “it’s my cousin’s. She lent it to me.”

“Perhaps one of you could explain why Miss Byatt found it in Jessica’s locker?” Miss Burn asked sarcastically. “I assume you know that this sort of trash is not allowed in school, or had you forgotten?”

“I put it there, Miss Burn,” Jessica said. “I was in a rush and I didn’t stop to make sure the locker door was closed properly. Had it fallen out?”

Miss Burn silenced Jessica with a look. “Miss Byatt was doing a locker check. The book would have been found regardless of whether or not you had bothered to put it in the locker properly. Who else has been involved with reading this?”

“Only us. We did ask Beth but she wasn’t interested.” Jessica was quite nonchalant about the whole affair.

“I’m glad to hear that at least one member of your form has some common sense. This,” Miss Burn waved the offending book at her pupils, “will be confiscated until the end of term.”

“Oh, but..” Charlotte began and stopped. Her cousin was expecting Forever Amber to be returned to her that weekend and she was not going to be pleased when she heard that she would not see the book again until Christmas.

“Yes, Charlotte?” the head mistress asked sweetly, but Charlotte hung her head.

“You can’t do that!” Jessica burst out. “It’s not your book!”

“And it’s against rules to bring this book into school, therefore I reserve the right to do as I wish,” Miss Burn said sharply.

“What will Charlotte tell her cousin?”

“That is up to Charlotte, Jessica, and is no business of yours. Now…” Miss Burn paused as there was a knock at the door. “Come in!”

Miss Grant came in. “Miss Burn, could I have a word, please?”

“Of course. I am not quite finished with these two little girls. Perhaps we could talk outside?”

Miss Burn rose and joined the art mistress in the corridor, passing the two girls who were red with embarrassment at being referred to as “little”. The head mistress re-entered the room a few minutes later looking very grave. She spoke quietly but in a tone that brooked no argument.

“You will get the book back at Christmas, Charlotte. Meanwhile, every girl in your form will turn out her lockers and drawers this evening. Any other forbidden reading material will be confiscated. I am quite sure that you are not the only two dishonest girls in your class. Charlotte, I am finished with you. You may go.”

Charlotte flashed an inquiring look at Jessica as she left the room. Jessica faced the head mistress alone and there was something about Miss Burn’s steely glare that she did not quite like.

#333:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 12:43 pm
    —
Hope she has the sense not to keep making "smart" remarks!

#334:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 1:55 pm
    —
She's such a pain isn't she? And she will deserves the epithet 'little' because she's acting like such a child.

Thanks Sue

#335:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 2:04 pm
    —
Ah, wondered if someone else had seen her - thought that's how it read but wasn't sure. Jessica is making herself no friends here - and she deserves all that's coming to her.

Thanks.

#336:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 11:41 pm
    —
She certainly does for being so foul to Beth - much worse than 'dubious' reading material.

#337:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 11:49 pm
    —
I hope she'll get her comeuppance, much worse than the confiscation of the book and the locker inspection because Jessica got off really rather lightly for that.

Thanks Sue

#338:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 4:55 am
    —
I also hope she really gets into trouble for tripping Beth. Poor girl. Thanks, Sue.

#339:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 11:55 am
    —
Just realised I am up to chapter 32 with this, so oodles more to go. When I started it, I thought it would run to about 40 pages max. Now I am wondering if it will ever end, or if Jessica will haunt me to my end!!

“Miss Grant tells me that Beth Hudson had an accident in art class. Is there anything you would like to tell me about that, Jessica?”

“Oh, she sneaked, did she!” Jessica cried. “I should have known she’d tell tales!”

“Be silent!” Miss Burn thundered, and Jessica actually jumped at the vehemence of her words. “Beth is currently with matron being cleaned up. It appears that someone else saw your cruel trick. You don’t deny do you, Jessica, that you deliberately tripped Beth up?”

“No, she deserved it.”

Miss Burn regarded Jessica thoughtfully. She leant back in her chair and rested her chin on the tips of her fingers. “I wonder why you think that?”

Jessica stared. The head mistress’ tone was deceptively calm. “Well,” Jessica began, and suddenly realised how terrible it would sound if she told Miss Burn the reason she had tripped Beth up – all because Beth no longer wanted to be involved in Jessica’s ploys. “I…emm…” she dried up.

“Well?” Miss Burn prompted. “It must have seemed like a good thing to do. You must have had a reason.”

“She didn’t want to join in with us anymore. She thought she was too good for us and said we always got her into trouble and she didn’t want to be in trouble anymore!” Jessica burst out. What did it matter what Miss Burn thought of her reasons for tripping Beth?

“We?”

“Charlotte and I. We always did things together and then Beth didn’t want to.”

“And so?” Miss Burn was determined to get the full story.

“I…er…I just thought I’d show her that she can’t just dump me as a friend because she’s decided to be a goody goody.”

“I see,” Miss Burn sat upright and the look she gave Jessica made even that young lady flinch. “So you decided that you would trip her up? You didn’t stop to think that you might have seriously injured Beth, did you? If she had caught her head on one of the desks as she fell, she could have been badly hurt. Luckily, she’s fine though she’s a bit shocked. Her tunic, however, is likely to be ruined. I doubt if Matron will be able to get the oil paint off it. You must pay for a replacement, of course. Is there anything else you would like to tell me about this?”

“Like what?”

“I had hoped that you might want to tell me that you’re sorry,” Miss Burn said.

“I’m not sorry,” Jessica said unrepentantly. “Why should I be? She’s not hurt, so what’s the big deal?”

“Fetch the chair from under the window, Jessica, and set it down in front of the desk,” Miss Burn ordered. Jessica did so and was instructed to sit down. She did so, and couldn’t help but notice the hard look in the head mistresses eyes.

#340:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 12:06 pm
    —
Let's hope that the words of a wise headmistress will do some good. Personally, I'm now in favour of bringing back caning! Thanks, Sue.

#341:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 12:29 pm
    —
She really does need a good telling-off.

#342:  Author: LottieLocation: Humphrey's Corner PostPosted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 1:45 pm
    —
Let's hope Miss Burn can make Jessica see some sense at last - she's going from one row to another at the moment, and I'm sure she doesn't want to do that really, she just doesn't know how to stop any more.

I'm really enjoying this, leahbelle.

#343:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 2:58 pm
    —
No remorse - at the cs that's sufficient for them to feel she can no longer remain.....

Thanks.

#344:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 3:43 pm
    —
Thank you Sue, I wonder how Miss Burn is going to deal with her *this* time!

#345:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 4:40 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I'm sorry that Jessica is still not showing any remorse after that lecture.

#346:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 1:26 pm
    —
When Miss Burn spoke again, her tones were flinty. “You’ve had a lot of problems at home recently, Jessica, I’m well aware of that. You have had a tough time settling in as a weekly boarder, though I can see little attempt on your behalf to make that process easier. You seem to have spent most of your energies in making as much of a nuisance of yourself as possible, instead of trying to fit in with your form and with the school and, indeed, with your family. Perhaps you don’t realise how lucky you are, Jessica, to have a family that will love and care for you regardless of how hard you to try to push them away and how badly you behave. Mr Sefton may not be your real father but I happen to know that he cares for you as if you were his own daughter. And to grudge your mother the chance of happiness that her remarriage has given her is selfish in the extreme.”

Jessica bit back a yawn. Lectures were all in a day’s work for her and she could not see where this one was going nor what Miss Burn hoped to achieve by it.

The head mistress went on. “Your behaviour this term has been shocking. It even out does your exploits during your first term as a weekly boarder. I don’t know if you realise, Jessica, but Redferne is a community. All communities have their rules and all members of that community must abide by the rules if there is not to be trouble. I cannot allow one girl to continue to upset Redferne’s community. You have upset the staff and you have disrupted the girls in your form. They cannot be expected to concentrate on their work when you are doing such childish things as humming in class.”

“That was Charlotte, too!” Jessica protested.

“Indeed. And who’s idea was it?”

“Mine,” Jessica muttered unwillingly.

“In fact, would it not be fair to say that all of the ploys this term have been your idea? Charlotte and Beth have merely followed you like so many little sheep.”

“Probably,” Jessica’s tone was careless but she had realised that Miss Burn was talking in all seriousness and she was beginning to worry about what the outcome of this conversation might be.

“And, if I remember right, both Charlotte and Beth have always apologised for their part in your activities. I cannot remember you apologising at all for the mischief you have caused. You do not seem to care about the disruption you have caused.” Miss Burn paused and Jessica squirmed in her chair. “This latest exploit is your worst yet. No girl at Redferne should expect to be bullied and physically assaulted by a fellow pupil and, make no mistake about it, Jessica, that is what your behaviour today has amounted to. If you had apologised or shown the slightest remorse, I would have been prepared to give you another chance.”

“I don’t understand,” Jessica said. “Another chance?”

“I’m sorry, Jessica, but for the good of the school I can no longer accept you as a pupil at Redferne.”

“You’re expelling me!” Jessica cried. “You can’t!”

“No, I’m not expelling you, and you can be very grateful to be spared the disgrace of a public expulsion. I will merely be telling your parents that I will not be accepting you as a pupil here after the end of this term. You’ve left me no choice, Jessica. You’ve shown no repentance and you do not seem to care who you upset. I simply can’t condone this sort of behaviour any longer. You have upset the pupils and the staff for long enough and I can’t allow it to continue. You have been given chance after chance to improve and I am afraid that your luck has run out.”

“But…”

“No, Jessica, there is no use in trying to persuade me. My mind is made up. I will speak to your parents tomorrow and give them every assistance in trying to find you a new school. Now, I am sure that I have given you a nasty shock and you will need some time to take it in. I am going to call for Matron. She’ll take you up to your dormitory and you can remain there for the rest of the day. I want you to have a good, long think about things. I won’t tell any of the girls about our conversation. You’ll be able to tell them that your parents have decided to send you to another school after Christmas. I’m sorry it has come to this, Jessica, but I know that once you have seriously thought about things you will realise that I could have done nothing else.”

Jessica sat, fixed to the chair as if turned to stone. She could not believe it. Expelled – whatever Miss Burn had said, that is what is amounted to. She had never in her wildest dreams imagined that her behaviour would have resulted in such a terrible punishment. Tears pricked at the back of her eyes, but she was determined not to cry in front of the head mistress and she dug her nails into the palm of her hand to stop the sobs from bursting from her. But when Matron had collected her and seen her back into her cubicle, she threw herself down on her bed and let the storm break.

#347:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 1:31 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. Wouldn't it be nice to think that she's learnt her lesson from this, but somehow I don't think she'll see it in the right light at all.

#348:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 3:29 pm
    —
Well, she has asked for it....

#349:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 3:38 pm
    —
Thanks Sue, I'm glad that being asked to leave has had an effect on Jessica but I still don't hold out much hope for her yet. It will be interesting to see what happens next.

#350:  Author: PadoLocation: Connecticut, USA PostPosted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 7:22 pm
    —
Sort of like watching a train derailment in slow motion ... even though I know the end result, I'm absolutely spellbound by the process ...

You've done a marvellous job drawing Jessica's complexity.

#351:  Author: arky72Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 7:39 pm
    —
Pado wrote:
Sort of like watching a train derailment in slow motion ... even though I know the end result, I'm absolutely spellbound by the process ...

You've done a marvellous job drawing Jessica's complexity.


I agree! Totally!

#352:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 9:19 pm
    —
She deserves it - as the Head said, yes, she's had problems, but she's never thought of anyone but herself, and she's never shown any remorse.

Thanks.

#353:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 12:29 am
    —
She definitely deserved it.

Thanks Sue

#354:  Author: lizarfauLocation: Melbourne PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 1:28 am
    —
This was inevitable, though I do feel sorry for her. She seems to have turned to trouble-making to cope with family issues in the way that some folk turn to alcohol, drugs or food. Watching her self-destruct has been very entertaining, though! And obviously there's plenty more self-destruction to come.

And the head is talking out of her backside about Adam loving Jessica as if she were his own daughter. You never love your stepchildren in the same way as you love your own children, however much you care for them.

#355:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 11:44 am
    —
Jessica cried herself into such a frenzy that she eventually fell asleep from sheer exhaustion. She woke up in the early evening to find Matron hovering over her, carrying a tray laden with dinner. Jessica groaned. Food was the last thing on her mind and the aroma of the chicken casserole made her feel slightly nauseous. Matron would take no excuses, and Jessica found herself having to sit upright and do her best with the little meal. She managed what she could, though she drew the line at the treacle pudding. She would have refused the glass of milk as well, but Matron stood over her sternly until she had drained the glass. Jessica had to admit that the meal had made her feel a bit better, though the memory of that conservation with Miss Burn still smarted and she knew it was likely to do so for sometime to come.

Miss Burn had decided that Jessica would be best separated from her dormitory mates that evening. For one thing, word had somehow escaped that Jessica had been responsible for Beth’s trip earlier in the day and some of the Upper Fourth were inclined to be angry with Jessica about it. She seemed to do nothing these days but bring their form down, but bullying was something they were not prepared to have any patience with. For another, Miss Burn knew that Jessica had wept herself to sleep and she knew that the girl would have no patience to deal with the recriminations of her class mates. No-one wanted to give Jessica cause to flare up again, and so Miss Burn had asked Matron to take Jessica to the San for the night. The Seftons were coming to see the head mistress the next day, Friday, and Jessica would go home with them straight after lunch, giving her the weekend to gather her thoughts. Miss Burn hoped that her last few weeks at Redferne could be peaceful.

Jessica did not have the energy to argue with Matron when that lady told her to get up and gather her things. She was exhausted after her crying fit and she was also beginning to feel very sorry for what she had done to Beth. Like so many of her plans, it had seemed like a good idea at the time, and a great way to get her own back on Beth for “dumping” her, but Jessica bitterly regretted ever sticking her leg out in the aisle in front of her old friend – not that she would ever admit that to anyone. Even now, with the disgrace of being told she was not to return to Redferne, Jessica was not prepared to relax her attitude an inch.

Jessica spent the next morning in the day room of the San. There were no other invalids there at the moment, and so she had the run of the pleasant, airy room with its open fire blazing away in the grate. Most girls enjoyed the time they spent in the day room. It meant that they were on the road to recovery and would soon be back in the bosom of their forms, but they could enjoy the books and games the room had to offer in the meantime. Jessica spent her morning staring blindly out of the window. She had never felt so miserable. It had been one thing when it felt like her whole family was against her, but now the school had become her enemy too. She was glad that she was not to come back after Christmas. Perhaps her mother could be persuaded to find a day school for her. Jessica felt that, if only she could be a day boarder again, she might even be able to accept Rosamund.

At twelve thirty, Jessica saw her mother and Adam walking through the grounds. Her stomach lurched. In her heart, she had hoped that Miss Burn would reconsider. Perhaps her words had only been a threat, but now it was obvious that she had been deadly serious. Jessica knew that she was in for no end of trouble.

#356:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 11:46 am
    —
Oh Jess, at least apologise!

#357:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 11:48 am
    —
Even though she is getting exactly what she deserved, I do feel sorry for Jessica. And I'm pleased that she is starting to feel a little sorry about what she's done. Thanks, Sue.

#358:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 11:57 am
    —
Thanks, Sue. It's good that Jessica is starting to realise what she has done.

#359:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 12:36 pm
    —
Do feel sorry for her - but she hasn't yet got to the point where she can apologise has she - even if she does feel sorry for her actions. As for going to a day school - why should her mother and step-father think this will help when nothing else has?

Thanks.

#360:  Author: lizarfauLocation: Melbourne PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 12:44 pm
    —
leahbelle wrote:
Food was the last thing on her mind and the aroma of the chicken casserole made her feel slightly nauseous. Matron would take no excuses, and Jessica found herself having to sit upright and do her best with the little meal.


I do loathe these bossy, obnoxious Matrons of Chaletland. I was sort of hoping as I read that Jessica would puke the casserole up all over Matron ...

Poor old Jessica. She'd like a day school, but she's going to be sent even farther away ...

#361:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 2:24 pm
    —
Thank you Sue. I do feel sorry for Jessica now but it's a shame that being upset is seeming to just make her more stubborn.

#362:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 12:52 pm
    —
lizarfau wrote:
leahbelle wrote:
Food was the last thing on her mind and the aroma of the chicken casserole made her feel slightly nauseous. Matron would take no excuses, and Jessica found herself having to sit upright and do her best with the little meal.


I do loathe these bossy, obnoxious Matrons of Chaletland. I was sort of hoping as I read that Jessica would puke the casserole up all over Matron ...

Poor old Jessica. She'd like a day school, but she's going to be sent even farther away ...


Now that would have been funny!!


In Miss Burn’s study, that worthy lady was breaking the news to Emily and Adam. Both were aware that Jessica’s behaviour had been less than exemplar since her illness and both had done all they could at the weekends to bring her into line. It had all been in vain. Emily, who was more or less five months pregnant and very emotional with it, burst into tears which she instantly tried to check, but she spent most of the rest of the interview mopping her eyes and nose with a handkerchief. Miss Burn was sympathetic, but she made it quite clear that she would not be prepared to accept Jessica as a pupil in the new year under any circumstances.

“I can help you with finding a new school for her,” Miss Burn said. “She’s not been publicly expelled so there should be no problem in finding somewhere for her.” She pushed a shiny, colourful brochure across the table. “My sister is head mistress at this school. It’s up in Yorkshire, so it’s a fair distance away. I’ve spoken with her, and they do have places available. And this,” she pushed forward a smaller, thinner leaflet, “is information about an agency who will be able to send you information about good private boarding schools.”

Adam took both of the booklets and put them into his briefcase.

“Thank you, Miss Burn,” he said. Emily was beyond talking. “You have been very understanding and I know that you have put up with Jessica for a lot longer than many schools would. In fact, we’ve been wondering for the past few weeks if it wouldn’t be better if we removed Jessica from Redferne and sent her somewhere else. She has certainly achieved nothing here since her return from her illness, and I don’t think we can blame your mistresses for that, Miss Burn. They seem to have given Jessica every help and encouragement, not to mention numerous chances to improve herself. Your decision had made us see that we were right and perhaps we should have done something earlier to save Jessica this disgrace. Her behaviour at home has been appalling as well. I don’t think it would be good for Emily or Rosamund for us to continue in this vein.”

“I don’t think you should blame yourselves,” Miss Burn told Adam. “You couldn’t possibly know that Jessica would come back from her illness determined to make even more of a nuisance of herself than before. She has gone too far this term, as you yourself have seen, but if it hadn’t been for the incident with Beth, I wouldn’t have been forced to take such drastic steps. I have a feeling that, if you had told Jessica that you were taking her away from school, she might have played up to that and done something even worse. As it is, she’s going to have to think very carefully about her behaviour in future, not just for the rest of her time here, but also when she starts at her new school. It will be an opportunity for her to make a clean break across the board and I hope that you will notice a difference in her at home, too.”

“I hope so too, Miss Burn,” Adam acknowledged. “I don’t want things to be anymore difficult for Emily than necessary at the moment because of the baby.”

“I’m fine, Adam,” Emily herself interjected. “I just want Jessica to be happy. I can see that she is never going to be happy here and so maybe it’s a good thing that you have decided not to take her back, Miss Burn.”

“We would value your help in finding a new school for her,” Adam said, “and we’re more grateful than we can say that you have decided not to expel her publicly. She deserves to be punished, but that would have been a blight on the rest of her life.” Adam stood up, helping Emily to her feet as well. “Is Jessica ready? If she is, we’ll take her now. She’ll be back first thing on Monday morning, though.” Miss Burn had explained how important it was for Jessica to finish the term at Redferne. She must learn to face up to the consequences of her actions

#363:  Author: lizarfauLocation: Melbourne PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 1:02 pm
    —
I hope Adam and Emily (if she has any say in it at all, that is) won't take up Miss Burn's suggestion of her sister's school. That wouldn't be a fresh start for Jessica, with every little misdeed passed on between sisters.

Of course the problem could be easily solved by Emily dumping Adam! Laughing

ETA Look at Adam, turning up to a meeting with his stepdaughter's headmistress with a BRIEFCASE. What a prat.

#364:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 1:12 pm
    —
Thanks for that - feel that the school and her mother and stepfather are being as understanding as they can - basically it's now up to Jessica - unfortunately we know that she doesn't take the opportunity straight away.



(BTW, what's wrong with having a briefcase? Until I had a laptop I always had one - men don't have bags so they are useful to carry things - and he may have come stright from work.)

#365:  Author: lizarfauLocation: Melbourne PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 1:22 pm
    —
Lesley wrote:

(BTW, what's wrong with having a briefcase? Until I had a laptop I always had one - men don't have bags so they are useful to carry things - and he may have come stright from work.)


I just don't know why he needed to carry the briefcase into the meeting - it was to discuss his stepdaughter's behaviour/removal from school, not a business meeting with papers to refer to. Even if he'd come from work, he could have left the briefcase in the car.

#366:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 1:27 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I wonder where they will send Jessica to school.

#367:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 1:32 pm
    —
lizarfau wrote:
Lesley wrote:

(BTW, what's wrong with having a briefcase? Until I had a laptop I always had one - men don't have bags so they are useful to carry things - and he may have come stright from work.)


I just don't know why he needed to carry the briefcase into the meeting - it was to discuss his stepdaughter's behaviour/removal from school, not a business meeting with papers to refer to. Even if he'd come from work, he could have left the briefcase in the car.


Fair enough but it might have just been habit, can't see why he's a prat for that. Had he not turned up, or, on turning up, made it obvious that he didn't care about Jessica or how her behaviour upset his wife, yes, but he's always come across as someone that did care. he doesn't appear to have done things maliciously, even when he's made mistakes they were no different to any other parents mistakes.


And it's quite possible that Leahbelle just mentioned the briefcase because Adam had to put those brochures somewhere.

#368:  Author: lizarfauLocation: Melbourne PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 1:50 pm
    —
Lesley wrote:
[And it's quite possible that Leahbelle just mentioned the briefcase because Adam had to put those brochures somewhere.


And here's me thinking Adam is a real bloke ... Rolling Eyes

#369:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 1:52 pm
    —
Also hope they avoid the Head's sister's school.

Wibbling lots about Emily and the baby.

#370:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 2:47 pm
    —
Lesley wrote:
lizarfau wrote:
Lesley wrote:

(BTW, what's wrong with having a briefcase? Until I had a laptop I always had one - men don't have bags so they are useful to carry things - and he may have come stright from work.)


I just don't know why he needed to carry the briefcase into the meeting - it was to discuss his stepdaughter's behaviour/removal from school, not a business meeting with papers to refer to. Even if he'd come from work, he could have left the briefcase in the car.


Fair enough but it might have just been habit, can't see why he's a prat for that. Had he not turned up, or, on turning up, made it obvious that he didn't care about Jessica or how her behaviour upset his wife, yes, but he's always come across as someone that did care. he doesn't appear to have done things maliciously, even when he's made mistakes they were no different to any other parents mistakes.


And it's quite possible that Leahbelle just mentioned the briefcase because Adam had to put those brochures somewhere.


My father would have almost definitely showed up with a briefcase (my mum might have as well). Not that my parents would have to show up at an interview to learn I was being expelled Embarassed Rolling Eyes

Sadly this is going to get worse before it gets better.

#371:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 3:13 pm
    —
I hope they find a school where Jessica really can have a second chance, where they won't hear of her doings and be prejudiced against her before she's even started. I'd like to think that she'll take this chance to make good, but somehow don't think she will.

#372:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 3:44 pm
    —
My dad took his briefcase everywhere. I guess that's what I was thinking of. Good that he had it though, cos otherwise where would he have put the prospectuses?! (Emily having only a tiny winy ladies handbag!)

#373:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 6:28 pm
    —
Thanks Sue, definitely think she needs a completely fresh start.

#374:  Author: La Petite EmLocation: Cheltenham PostPosted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 9:39 pm
    —
Jess won't like being pushed further away; they really should let her be a day girl somewhere. Confused
Thanks Leahbelle Very Happy

#375:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 12:53 pm
    —
The unhappy party made their way back to Moorlands. Neither Emily nor Adam had spoken to Jessica beyond a stern “hello” and she had moped in the back of the car during the journey. Back at the house, she had ran upstairs and shut herself in her room, refusing to come out even for Miss Winter. Emily eventually inveigled her way into Jessica’s room and spent a good hour having a stern talk with her daughter. How much Jessica took in was dubious; she certainly contributed very little to the proceedings. Emily’s words stang, though. She was very disappointed that her daughter could deliberately set out to hurt another girl, especially one who had been such a close friend. For a wonder, Jessica did not break out into a passion, but she sat staring into space, refusing to look at her mother, and Emily had no way of telling if what she was saying had sunk home.

Emily and Adam had agreed that no further punishment from their point of view was necessary. Jessica had been punished enough by Miss Burn’s decision not to re-admit her to Redferne next year. Anything else was likely to make matters worse and they had no intention of hardening the girl beyond all hope.

It was a very subdued Jessica who went back to Redferne on Monday morning. She had spent a very bleak weekend with no treats. She was lucky in that she had still been allowed to take Spud out for their usual long walks, Emily thinking that time alone with her favourite companion could only do Jessica good.

School was very different. The entire Upper Fourth had discovered that Jessica had been to blame for Beth’s fall on the Thursday and the fiat had gone forth. Jessica Wayne was to be sent to Coventry until she apologised to Beth. Jessica had no intention of apologising. She had already found herself docked of pocket money for the foreseeable future to pay for a new tunic for Beth. Her last weeks at Redferne looked like being very bleak indeed.

Jessica tried to turn to Charlotte, but even Charlotte felt that Jessica had gone overboard this time. Charlotte was not exactly popular with the other girls, either. Because of her they had had to have a locker inspection and several pieces of contraband had been confiscated. The form, however, could forgive Charlotte’s indiscretion more easily than they could Jessica’s, especially as Charlotte was wise enough to realise that an apology would go a long way towards mending the rift and she was not (unlike Jessica) too proud to offer one. Charlotte was very cold towards Jessica, though she did not subject her to the same treated meted out by the rest of Upper Fourth. She liked and admired Jessica and felt let down by the other girl’s cruel act.

Jessica tossed her head and pretended that she did not care, but she did care – just not enough to apologise and put things straight.

Meanwhile, Adam and Emily were busy trying to find a new school for their recalcitrant daughter. They had spoken to Miss Burn’s sister who ran a small, select school near York but decided that they did not want to send Jessica so far away. The agency had sent through details of other possible schools and Emily wrote for details to four of them, including the private girls’ high school in the town centre. They only took day girls, but it was just possible that having Jessica as a day girl again might tip the balance.

Unfortunately, the High School responded to say that they had no vacancies until the start of the school year, though they would be happy to consider Jessica then. The same was true of one of the other boarding school to which they had applied. The third school, the Chalet School at Carnbach, replied that they had a waiting list to which they would add Jessica’s name. Emily decided that Carnbach was too far away as well, and wrote to decline the school’s offer. That left the fourth, and final, school, Cor-Lan in Devonshire. It was situated in the countryside near the town of Taverton and was small, accepting only girls aged fourteen and over and there were never more than sixty five pupils at any one time. This sounded perfect to Emily, and she and Adam took a run down to the school one day to interview the head mistress. They were impressed with what they saw there and Jessica was immediately entered. She would begin there straight after Christmas.

Now that a school had been chosen, the next thing was to break the news to Jessica. Emily was aware that she had hoped to go to the High School as a day girl and prayed that Jessica would not be too disappointed when she learned that they had no space for her. Because things had had to move so quickly, there had not been time or opportunity to involve Jessica in the decision making process and, in any case, Adam was not at all sure that she deserved to be involved.

#376:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 12:56 pm
    —
I don't think Jessica is going to be too impressed by her new school. I don't envy them having to tell her about it! Thanks, Sue.

#377:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 12:59 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I wonder how Jessica will react to the news.

#378:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 2:51 pm
    —
And I'm not sure it's really going to be the best choice for Jessica...

Thanks Sue!

#379:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 3:35 pm
    —
Not convinced either Rolling Eyes .

#380:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 5:32 pm
    —
Well we know that it's not the right choice, don't we? But Adam and Emily, although doing their best, have erred again in thinking that Jessica will be happy - perhaps if she had some imput, discovered that the High School couldn't accept her - perhaps if Adam and Emily had said she could go there come the New year? But unfortunately it's not going to happen.

So sad...

Thanks Leahbelle

#381:  Author: Rosy-JessLocation: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 10:03 pm
    —
I know Jessica has been really quite nasty, but I still feel sorry for her in some ways. I really hope this works out for her soon, because she is undoubtedly a small and very unhappy child.

#382:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 1:42 am
    —
Jessica isn't going to like being sent away again at all. In some ways it would have been better for her to stay at home and do lessons, then start at the High School when they had space.

Thanks Sue

#383:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 1:27 pm
    —
Beware - this is an extra long post. Also, prepare to start wibbling!!!


Two weeks before the end of the term, a very unhappy Jessica arrived home for the weekend. She had found school an ordeal over the past few weeks. She had stubbornly maintained her refusal to apologise for her treatment of Beth and the form, with one accord, ignored her. What made matters worse was that Charlotte had renewed her friendship with Beth and the pair had become very close. It even looked as if Beth had managed to impart some commonsense to Charlotte as the pair had not been in trouble for several weeks – or perhaps it was just that, away from Jessica’s influence, Charlotte was able to see the error of her ways. Jessica was very hurt at what she saw as Charlotte’s desertion, but Charlotte had secretly been shocked at Jessica’s actions, though she had not said anything, and she had begun to think that Beth had a point. On two or three occasions, Jessica had tried to come between the two, but to no avail. One or other of their form mates had always intervened and sent Jessica packing. Jessica was finding out what it was like to be shunned by the community in which she lived, a just punishment, some might say, for the trouble she had inflicted on that community over the eighteen months since Emily’s wedding.

Emily’s plans to talk to Jessica as soon as she got home were scuppered as her daughter managed to slip out and cross the common to Miss Winter’s where Spud was waiting her arrival eagerly. It was dinner time by the time she returned, and Emily decided to wait until the girl had got ready for bed and was in her sitting room. Emily had a feeling in the pit of her stomach that another argument was about to ensue and she did not feel that she had the energy for it. Adam had offered to break the news, but Emily had refused. She knew that Adam’s patience with Jessica was wearing thin and he would be unlikely to sympathise much with her if she was upset.

Thus, at just after nine, Emily presented herself in Jessica’s bedroom. She was curled up on the settee reading. She sat up when her mother entered, looking obviously annoyed at the interruption. She had had to get used to being in her own company over the past weeks and had got used to it. Unfortunately, this meant that she saw any interruption as an intrusion.

“What is it?” she asked, putting her book aside reluctantly.

Emily bit back a tart reply with some difficulty. She had not been feeling well all day and wished that she had left this task until the morrow. Now she was here, she felt she may as well get it over with. “Move up, Jess,” she said. “Let me sit down. There’s a lot more of me than usual!”

Jessica grimaced at this mention of Emily’s growing pregnancy which she had studiously ignored since her mother had begun to show, but moved up enough to let Emily sit down.

“Adam and I have been talking about a new school for you in the new year,” Emily explained.

“Oh, yes!” Jessica actually sounded enthusiastic. “I want to go to the High School in town. Clare Hogan from my form last year went there and she says its simply stupendous. Much better than mouldy old Redferne. I’m glad Burny says I’m not to go back there.”

Emily sighed. As she had feared, this was not going to be easy. “The High School don’t have any room for you, Jessica. They don’t have any spaces until the new school year starts.”

“Well, that’s ok,” Jessica said brightly. “I could stay at home for the next two terms and Miss Winter could teach me. She’s a good teacher, you know. And then I could go to the High School in the autumn.”

Emily decided that the best way to handle this interview was going to be tell Jessica the arrangements straight away. “No, Jessica,” she said firmly, “I’m afraid that won’t be possible. You must go back to school straight after Christmas. Adam and I have investigated several good schools and we’ve found a lovely small school in Devon. It’s called Cor-Lan and there are only sixty-five pupils. We’ve met the head mistress and seen round the buildings and the grounds. Look,” Emily produced a small brochure from her pocket and handed it to Jessica, “this is the prospectus. Why don’t you have a look and see what you think. The dormitories are really pretty.”

Jessica looked at her mother in disbelief. “You’re sending me to Devon?” she cried. “I won’t even get to see you at weekends?”

Emily bit back a smile. This statement, coming from a girl who had always balked at the thought of spending each weekend at home, was too much.

“What about Spud? Who’ll take him for walks?” Jessica demanded. “He’ll miss me, even if you won’t!”

“Of course we’ll miss you, Jess,” Emily assured her, “but we have to think about what’s best for your education. Spud will be fine. He’ll miss you, too, but you’ll be around in the holidays and at half term and you can see him then.”

“But he’ll think I’ve deserted him!” Jessica wailed.

“You seem more upset at leaving Spud than you do about leaving your family.”

“Well, you’ve got Rosamund and… and that,” Jessica pointed at Emily’s stomach. “You won’t miss me much. You’re probably glad to be rid of me since I’m such a nuisance.”

Emily decided to ignore this. “Read the leaflet, Jess,” she said. “I’m sure you’ll think that it’s a lovely school. The girls in the photos look so happy and some of them are really pretty.”

Jessica slammed the brochure down on the little coffee table. “I won’t read it,” she said. “I know I’ll hate the school and I know you won’t care how unhappy I am! Why won’t you let me go to the High School? I promise to be good if you do. I’ll even be nice to Rosamund.” Her tone had turned pleading.

Emily shook her head. “No, Jessica, you must go to school. You can’t just hang round the house for two terms. You know that. You are entered for Cor-Lan and you’ll go there when the Easter term starts.”

Jessica began to work herself up into a typical frenzy. “I won’t go!” she cried. “I’ll run away. You can’t make me go all the way to Devon when I don’t want to! If you try to make me, you’ll be sorry! I…”

“That’s enough, Jessica,” Emily said in disgust. “Stop behaving like a silly baby and be grown up about this. The decision has been made and that’s that. Read the leaflet and learn something about the school. You’ll soon see that it won’t be so bad, even if you are away from home.”

Jessica picked up the brochure and threw it to the floor. Then, leaping to her feet, she stamped on it, rather like the baby to which Emily had likened her. “I hate you!” she cried. “And that’s what I think of your horrid school!”

Eyes blazing, Jessica faced her mother, ready for a confrontation which Emily had decided she would not allow.

“Pick that leaflet up, Jessica,” she said quietly, “and don’t let me see you acting so childishly again. Perhaps you’ll be prepared to discuss this in a more rational manner in the morning.”

Emily stood up and left the room, closing the door firmly behind her. She could hear Jessica’s passionate cry of “I hate you!” in the hallway. Emily stood at the top of the stairs, one hand gripping the banister. Things had not gone well, and perhaps she should have let Adam be the one to break the news. Emily felt light headed. She had been determined that Jessica would not upset her, but her daughter seemed to know that “I hate you” was just about the most hurtful thing she could say. Emily loved her daughter fiercely, despite all Jessica’s attempts to push her away. A wave of nausea swept over Emily. She had been suffering these on and off all day and she admitted to herself that it would have been far more sensible to leave talking to Jessica until the morning. Emily put her hand up to her forehead to wipe away the beads of sweat that had suddenly appeared and, in doing so, she managed to lose her balance. She swayed at the top of the stairs for a moment, her hand reaching out frantically to grasp hold of the banister again. A flash of black pain engulfed her poor head and, in her confusion, she missed the banister, lost her balance and went toppling down the flight of stairs, with Jessica’s “I hate you!” echoing round and round in her head.

The crash that was Emily landing in a crumpled heap at the bottom of the stairs brought Adam running into the hall. Jessica heard the commotion and wrenched open her door. She looked down from the balcony in horror at her mother lying motionless at the foot of the stairs and her first thought was the she was dead. Rosamund managed, with difficulty, to wheel herself in her chair from the living room to see what was going on and, in fact, it was Rosamund who kept her head and managed to telephone for an ambulance. Jessica, at the top of the stairs, had sunk to the floor in hysterics, issuing pathetic little cries of “I’ve killed her. I’ve killed her!” Adam was too busy trying to stem the flow of blood that was issuing from Emily and he was terribly afraid that she was going to lose the baby.

#384:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 1:37 pm
    —
Crying or Very sad Oh no, I hope Adam doesn't see Jessica at the top of the stairs saying that and think that she pushed Emily. Thanks, Sue.

#385:  Author: lizarfauLocation: Melbourne PostPosted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 1:50 pm
    —
Quite why Emily and Adam couldn't let Jessica have lessons at home for two terms and then go to the high school, where she wants to be, is unfathomable. No wonder she feels unwanted. And listen to Emily ... " ... Some of them are really pretty" ... Rolling Eyes

BTW, what does Rosamund do for lessons? (This must have been mentioned before but I've only come in here in Part 3.)

Good for Rosamund for keeping her head and phoning the ambulance.

#386:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 2:02 pm
    —
Wibbling lots Crying or Very sad .

#387:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 2:50 pm
    —
Thanks Sue, also hoping that Adam realises that it's an accident. Poor Emily Crying or Very sad

#388:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Coventry PostPosted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 3:25 pm
    —
lizarfau wrote:
Quite why Emily and Adam couldn't let Jessica have lessons at home for two terms and then go to the high school, where she wants to be, is unfathomable. No wonder she feels unwanted. And listen to Emily ... " ... Some of them are really pretty" ... Rolling Eyes

BTW, what does Rosamund do for lessons? (This must have been mentioned before but I've only come in here in Part 3.)

Good for Rosamund for keeping her head and phoning the ambulance.


Rosamund has lessons at home with Miss Winter, her governess (the one who looks after Spud). Funny thing is, Adam and Emily let Jessica have some lessons at home with Miss Winter after her illness, but they won't allow it this time. I guess she is just too disruptive and its a case of having to look out for the many rather than the one (Jessica). Horrible situation for them all. I don't think any of them handle it well. Emily and Adam (with the best of intentions) keep making things worse but can't see it. I do feel sorry for Jessica. Its been hard to make her out to be as bad as EBD seemed to indicate, but I think I am succeeding - possibly too well!!

#389:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 4:42 pm
    —
The thing is that she has to be pretty bad for a school to get rid of her! Let's face it, it was only the CS ethos, and the fact that she was growing up that made her able to hear what ML was trying to tell her. she'd been told the same things before with no effect.

#390:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 6:40 pm
    —
Not well handled at all - though considering how badly she'd behaved before, it's not really surprising that Adam and Emily don't want her home for two terms. Wonder if Adam is going to blame Jessica? Wonder if Jessica is going to blame herself?

Thanks

#391:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 6:54 pm
    —
Thanks, Sue. I am wibbling about Emily and I feel sorry for Jessica.

#392:  Author: arky72Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 10:04 pm
    —
*cries*

#393:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Jul 05, 2006 12:07 am
    —
*wibbling desperately*

We never hear about another child in the family, do we? Crying or Very sad

Thanks Sue



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