A Rebel in the Maynard Clan
The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles
#1: A Rebel in the Maynard Clan Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 10:28 pm

Just an idea that popped into my head but i lack the artisitc talent to turn it into a story so take it up people!
Oh yeah...and this is why i asked for her peers!

A Rebel in the Maynard Clan

Philippa sat silently staring into space, perched on the edge of a child’s swing that she had long since ceased to use. Phil was sixteen years old, slightly built with delicate features which led to an air of delicacy that was not real for Phil was as robust as any sixteen year old girl. Phil had been brought up immersed in Chalet School traditions, her mother had been the first pupil, her sisters Len, Felicity and Cecil had been head girl as had many of here cousins but Phil, Phil was different.

She had been approached the previous day by her Hilda Annersley, her head mistress;
‘Hallo there Philippa, Jo said I might find you here, mooning! I’m glad to see you are enjoying the garden in such fine weather, now I wanted to talk to you.’

For the first time Phil looked up at her head mistress, for some reason she didn’t feel as comfortable as her sisters with their head, she couldn’t treat Hilda as an aunt, to Phil she would always be the Head. ‘Oh…right, um…is everything ok?’ she stammered.

‘Certainly Philippa, everything is wonderful and I hope to brighten up your day also. Phil, I’d like you to be Head Girl next term.’

Phil gasped and looked at Hilda in complete disbelief, ‘Me? Why? I’m the youngest in my form; surely there are others who can do it much better! I’m not ready Miss Annersley!’ exclaimed Phil.

Hilda Chortled, ‘oh my dear child, you’re so like your mother. You’ll be wonderful as Head Girl; it’s in your blood.’ And with that strolled off to have tea with Joey laughing quietly at Phil’s reaction.

Ever since then and up unto the point our story opens Phil had been thinking, she was confused, who she was, what she wanted to be she didn’t know. Did she do what she wanted and risk offended her family and greatly extended family or did she take on the role as head girl, without the confidence, and respect it required and risk making a bad job?

 

#2:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 11:40 pm

Marianne - this is an excellent beginning to what may be an intriguing story - please add some more - you've obviously done some research into it.

 

#3:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 5:14 am

Yes, we won't pull the carpet out from under your feet. It's all yours!

 

#4:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 11:33 am

Yes, go for it Marianne, we're all agog to see what happens next!

 

#5:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 12:08 pm

You've obviously thought this through, Marianne and I'm sure you can write it. I make Phil 16 in 1970 and, having had polio as a small child as well as being baby (with Geoff) of the family, I should think she would have a struggle finding her adult identity.

I really like this.

 

#6:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 2:59 pm

okay, well i'll write a bit more in a bit then! see what happens!

 

#7:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 3:17 pm

‘Phil! You ought to come inside poppet, Kaffee und Kutchen is ready!’ came the cry from the house. Her mind trained to obey her mothers call; Phil got up and trailed inside the house unable to hide the angst and depression that had befallen her over night. ‘Oh Phil, cheer up darling, you will make a marvellous head girl, it’s in your blood’

At this point Phil boiled over, ‘Oh! I wish people would stop saying that! I am not you, or Len, or Margot or Con, or Felicity or Cecil I’m just me! That’s all I want just to be me!’ shouted Phil, then she suddenly realised she had deeply hurt her mother; Joey was so sure each of her girls had the mantra of the Chalet School engrained on there very souls, how could one of her daughters shirk her responsibility in this manner? ‘Oh, Mamma, I’m sorry, it’s just, I can’t be head girl, I can’t do it and…well…I wont!’

‘I see,’ choked Joey , ‘well I think it best you take your tea to the nursery and don’t speak to me until you have seen sense.’ Continued Jo coldly before stalking out of the room and into her study. Phil sat down and cried, she was so lonely, the summer was coming to an end and al her siblings had left, she wanted to be an individual, stand out from her long family but she didn’t know how to be, just Phil, she didn’t really know who Phil was, how could she be a role model and lead the school when she didn’t understand where she alone was going. To top it all off she had gone and upset her mother and would be told off by her father for being rude!

 

#8:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 5:06 pm

Oh, poor Phil! And she probably won't get sympathy from anyone, as not even Hilda would be willing to think of Phil as anything but another Maynard who should take on the role of HG!

 

#9:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 5:24 pm

*hugs Phil*
It can't be nice being stuck at the end of such a long family anyway let alone the Maynard clan!

 

#10:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 6:02 pm

Thinking of all the above average families I know, the youngest always has problems finding his/her identity. there must be a PhD in that somewhere for someone.

It is good Marianne don't doubt your ability.

 

#11:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 6:09 pm

This is great more please Marianne!

 

#12:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 6:21 pm

What a typical Jo reaction, when you consider all the fuss she made about being Head Girl!

 

#13:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 6:45 pm

PatMac wrote:
Thinking of all the above average families I know, the youngest always has problems finding his/her identity. there must be a PhD in that somewhere for someone.


Actually, a recent study came up with several very interesting conclusions about the positions of people in families.

The eldest is most likely to conform to rules and to be more patient. They will often be more responsible and cautious. 'Eldests' often get more traditional jobs that require thought and consideration such as law, medicine, etc.

The youngest will often grow up to have a job in a very visible position. Many famous actors are 'youngests' because they have developed the habit of making noise and acting in usual ways to get attention from their parents. 'Youngests' often end up coming up with new and very different ideas, like Einstein.

 

#14:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 6:54 pm

That's really interesting KB and definitley makes sense!
thanks for the encouragement, i'll post a little more this evening!

 

#15:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 7:11 pm

Promise? Ooh! *looking forward to it already*

 

#16:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 7:43 pm

Phil cried herself into an uneasy sleep, her hot head rested on her arms, she was shaken lightly awake by her father a few hours later, ‘Come on darling, drink up this milk and we’ll have a chat shall we?’ said Jack kindly.

‘Oh Pa!’ cried Phil using that forbidden title, ‘I’m so glad you’re home!’ For Phil Jacks return meant the return of tranquillity, she had been brought up, primarily by her mother who at the best of times was excitable and highly strung but with Phil these tendencies were accentuated for she had been a sickly child. Phil had never been close to her mother, they had never understood each other but Phil and Jack were like soul mates.

‘Dear oh dear old lady! Don’t strangle me for I won’t be a lot of help to you in the morgue! Now tell me what the matter is.’ So Phil poured out the story, how she had been invited to be head girl, the row with her mother and all the angst that had come along with it.

Jack pursed his lips, he knew this Joey well, for a grown women she could be so immature, ‘Listen darling, I need you to try at head girl, will you, for me?’ requested Jack unable to think of a better solution but aware of his influence over his youngest child.

Phil looked up at her father, then man who could, in her eyes do no wrong, but he had let her down, she was expecting him to tell her off for rudeness but she was expecting understanding. She nodded, tears not far off, ‘Okay Papa, I’ll try…now I need to go to bed.’

 

#17:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 7:47 pm

No, I didn't think he'd understand! Silly man!

 

#18:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 7:50 pm

Poor Phil. Jack is out to keep the peace with Joey at any price by the sound of that! Oh, dear!

 

#19:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 8:04 pm

Poor kid. Jack may think hes doing his best, but he's just trying to patch things up, he didn't listen. Wonder who might be around that could help Phil? Who would understand? And what does Geoff think?

 

#20:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 8:21 pm

Ah, you'll have to wait and see, characters are at present refusing to do what they are told!

 

#21:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 8:37 pm

Let them do as they like, Marianne!

 

#22:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 10:59 pm

Poor Phil she should stick to her own guns instead of doing what other people want her to do!
Looking forward to hearing how this turns out!

 

#23:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 11:24 pm

Poor Phil.

You'd think Joey would be more understanding. She didn't want to be HG, and Len got her to get Hilda to agree not to make Len a prefect.

 

#24:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 11:37 pm

*hugs Phil*
Well I can see why Jack said that but it was hardly helpful!

Hope the characters start being more helpful soon Marianne!

 

#25:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 12:58 am

No use fighting them Marianne, they will do what they want to do, regardless of what you think.
Please carry on.

 

#26:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 3:38 am

Looking forward to more soon Marianne!!!!

 

#27:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 8:09 am

Arrow What Vikki said!

 

#28:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 10:59 am

Oh dear, poor Phil. Of course, maybe Jack's advice will turn out to be the best thing for her?

 

#29:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 1:30 pm

Not if she's set against it! Why try to make her feel guilty? jack was basically telling her that she would be letting the family down if she doesn't become Head Girl, when what she needs is understanding. It seems to be a commodity in short supply in the Maynard household.

 

#30:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 2:44 pm

Interesting story Marianne - and you've certainly managed to get us all arguing once again over the Maynard family.

I seem completely unable to decide any more if I like Joey or not! My opinion of her changes so fast I'm spinning!

 

#31:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 4:11 pm

Rachel wrote:
I seem completely unable to decide any more if I like Joey or not! My opinion of her changes so fast I'm spinning!


I know, and when you switch between drabbles it's hard to remember if we're being sympathetic or annoyed.

*feels like a spinning top*

 

#32:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 5:06 pm

A wee bit more for you...i'm not quite happy with it, but there it is!

The last two day’s past in a blur, Joey had begun talking to Phil now Phil had accepted her head-girl ship but Phil’s depression had lost lifted, she knew in every possible way that she couldn’t be head-girl, she didn’t even look the part; small, slight without an ounce of presence about her yet Miss Annersley seemed to think the experience would be character building. Finally the morning came however when Phil would move back into school as Head Girl.

‘Bye Bye darling, I know you’ll be wonderful and I’ll see you soon with all the newbie’s I’m sure. Now off you trot!’ said Joey, kissing her youngest on the fore-head; Phil was the only one of her children not to have caught up with her in height.

Phil smiled a watery smile, tears not far off, ‘See you soon Mamma, I’ll be off.’ Replied Phil before walking out of the door and across to the school ready for the start of term.

 

#33:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 5:16 pm

Oh poor Phil. It does seem so mean to send her off to be Head Girl like that!

 

#34:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 5:17 pm

Poor Phil! What a way to start the term.

I think Jack (as prtrayed in many of the drabbles) just wants a quiet life and either gets people to do what Jo wants or sedates her to shut her up!

As a doctor, you'd think he'd have found a more permanent solution by now. Twisted Evil

 

#35:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 5:21 pm

*huggles Phil*

Poor kid, eben if she could be a brilliant Head Girl that's hardly the best way to start a term. Sad

 

#36:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 5:24 pm

life may get worse before it gets better i'm afraid!

In the common room Phil’s soul lifted a little as she saw her two closes friends; Marie Courvosier and Geraldine Granger sitting on one of the comfy sofa’s engaged in excitable chatter, ‘Hello there you two, good hols?’ asked Phil.

‘Oh! If it isn’t our infant protégée, the youngest in the form and head girl already, I say!’ sassed Marie. Phil felt like she had been kicked in the stomach, Marie, one of her closest friends didn’t like it that she was head girl, ‘I suppose it helps that Mama was the first pupil and auntie started with establishment!’ finished Marie as she headed from the room, Geraldine on her tail.

‘Gerry-‘ choked Phil as the pair left her being stared at by the rest of the form, but to no avail, it seemed to young Phil that Gerry’s main aim in life was popularity and the more out going Marie could give that to her.

‘Don’t worry about them Phil, they’ll come round, you know how Marie is about making her mark, sit with us,’ said a calm voice behind Phil. Phil turned round and saw Lois Graves, a dark haired, tall girl who looked much older than her 17 years.

‘Oh Lois, thank you.’

‘No worries, I’m here to support – second pree!’

 

#37:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 5:28 pm

What a horrible response from Marie. Glad that Lois is being supportive.

 

#38:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 5:30 pm

Also Huggles Phil, glad Lois is being nice but am shocked that Biddy's daughter could be so mean!
More soon please!

 

#39:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 5:31 pm

Hilary's girl, what else could you expect? Note, I really liked Hilary.

*feels very sorry for Phil.

*would like to kick Marie and Gerry

 

#40:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 5:37 pm

Oh dear, looks like Marie's jealous! Gerry sounds thoroughly annoying though, just out for popularity Evil or Very Mad *scowls at Phil's "supposed" friends*

Lois sounds sensible though, can't be fun being second pree to a girl a year younger than you though.

 

#41:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 7:31 pm

Oh, please have some characters in this who are nice!

 

#42:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 8:30 pm

Yes, don't worry KB! This wont last forever!

 

#43:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 8:31 pm

Okay, thanks.

 

#44:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 10:27 pm

Oh!!! poor Phil!!!! More please Marianne!!

 

#45:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 2:41 am

PatMac wrote:
Poor Phil! What a way to start the term.

I think Jack (as prtrayed in many of the drabbles) just wants a quiet life and either gets people to do what Jo wants or sedates her to shut her up!

As a doctor, you'd think he'd have found a more permanent solution by now. Twisted Evil


Shocked Whatever are you suggesting Pat Question

*Feeling very sorry for Phil - thank goodness for Lois*

 

#46:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 6:44 am

I think we all know, Ellie! Wink

 

#47:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 2:52 pm

Marianne - just caught up on this again - excellent - really feel for poor Phil - her 'so-called' friends need a good kicking - hope Biddy finds out and administers same! Like Lois.

Looking forward to more.

 

#48:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 3:41 pm

Yes, some heads really need to be knocked together, and I suspect the list will get longer.

 

#49:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 4:09 pm

Oooh! Poor Phil, Lois and Jack, and personally I think Marie and Gerry need to have their respective heads banged viciously together. But how did Phil end up with such appalling friends?!

 

#50:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 4:18 pm

Well, where do they all live? I bet they were forced together as children, told to play nicely, and it's carried on as a habit.

 

#51:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 4:29 pm

Chelsea wrote:
Poor Phil.

You'd think Joey would be more understanding. She didn't want to be HG, and Len got her to get Hilda to agree not to make Len a prefect.


Ah but Len did become a prefect so Joey's influence obviously didn't work!


More please, Marianne!

 

#52:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 5:24 pm

Len only wanted to delay it for a year. She knew she would have to take on the mantle of the Maynard/Bettany/Russell clan in the end.

 

#53:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 7:22 pm

*Wondering if there are wheels within wheels, plots within plots and tricky curves within tricky curves*

Just caught up on this and wondering if Phil has been influenced too much by her so called friends. Perhaps (but note above wonderings) she has not found herself because her friends have dominated her?

*Settles down to wait and see.*

 

#54:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 7:41 pm

Right-O folks, in from work, will post in a bit!

 

#55:  Author: ali, Location: medway, kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 9:14 pm

Maybe its just me but in some ways I don't blame Marie for resenting Phils position. Even Phil knows she isn't suited for the post and if Maries anything like Biddy she would probably do a good job of it. Its just a shame she didn't wait to see how phil felt about it.

 

#56:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 11:59 pm

teeny weeny bit

That night Phil slept better than she had in weeks due to sheer exhaustion caused by the day’s events, and, a series of sleepless nights.’ Come on sleepy head!’ said Lois, Phil’s new right hand women, ‘We’ve our first prefects meeting this morning and you can’t exactly be late can you!’ chortled Lois before returning to her own room to dress. Phil clambered out of bed, washed and pulled on her uniform, not stopping long enough to dwell on what may await her after Fruhstuck.

 

#57:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 12:06 am

Well a very little bit is better than none....... but i would like more please! Smile

 

#58:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 6:37 am

Good for Lois.

Ali, while I agree with you to a certain extent, I think it's a bit presumptive of Marie to assume she would be HG. Phil clearly didn't.

 

#59:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 2:25 pm

The Prefects meeting


The Prefects meeting soon came round,
‘Er, hello folks, it looks like I’m Head Girl.’ Began Phil as light heartedly as possible. ‘Is everyone here, we can get on with appointing other pree’s?’

‘Marie isn’t, nor is Geraldine,’ whispered Lois who was sitting beside Phil.

‘I see,’ said Phil Icily, ‘well they know they have to be here, they’ll get the jobs the rest don’t want I’m afraid!’ continued Phil with all the assertiveness she could muster. ‘Shall we begin…’

This last statement was approved of by the rest of the prefects, Phil was touched by the support she was receiving outwardly but she wondered how many felt the same way as Marie or Geraldine, besides, it was the support of her two best friends that would have meant the most.

‘Right then, Lois is second Pree, hands up for Library.’ Katherine’s hand shot up first, ‘Anyone contest that? No? Katherine you have it then.’ Said Phil noting down the new appointment. The list went on until only Junior Prefect and Staff Prefect left, Phil decided, almost maliciously that Marie should have Junior Prefect and Gerry should have Staff Prefect for she knew that Marie hated small children.

Phil drew up a neat list which she would submit to the head and post on the Prefects notice board;

Head Girl: Philippa Maynard
Second Prefect: Lois Graves
Games Captain: Caroline Hunter
Assistant Games Captain (sub- Pree): Naomi Green
Library Prefect: Katherine Fowler
Magazine Prefect: Simone Kennard
Stationary Prefect (Sub): Natalie Jones
Staff Prefect: Geraldine Granger
Junior Prefect: Marie Courvoisier

The list was observed later that day by staff and many raised their eyebrows, particularly at the last two appointments but nothing was said.

‘Okay, I think that’s it, is there anything else?’ asked Phil, finding it relatively easy to take the lead in such controlled conditions – she quite liked it. ‘No? Sure? Right then, well I hear by declare the meeting over!’ she finished with flourish.

The girl filtered out of the room leaving Phil alone, angry that Marie and Gerry had been childish enough to just skip the meeting.

 

#60:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 2:34 pm

Good for Phil! They deserve it! I wonder how Miss Annersley will react.

 

#61:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 2:40 pm

Yay thanks Marianne more soon i hope!

 

#62:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 2:44 pm

So Phil can find decisiveness if she wants to. Well done, Marianne.

 

#63:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 2:46 pm

I can't see what else Phil could have done but it's not going to help bring them round.

*Waiting to see what happens next*

 

#64:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 3:05 pm

Even if it doesn't help bring them around, it might make them realise that Phil isn't going to buckle down under their bullying tactics.

 

#65:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 5:31 pm

Have just caught up with all of this. well done Marianne it is a fantactic story. Nice to see Phil trying to be herself. Jo and Jack's reactions are just what you would expect.

Would like to see more please.

 

#66:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 5:58 pm

Good for Phil to give them jobs they'd hate! Hope there's more soon!

 

#67:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 6:01 pm

Good on Phil, but I agree that this is not going to help matters.

 

#68:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 6:06 pm

A very natural reaction on Phil's part. Really looking forward to the girls reactions though! serves them right!

 

#69:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 6:39 pm

Its's so very interesting listening to you guess what might happen!

 

#70:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 6:44 pm

I've been trying to think of why Geraldine Granger sounds familiar, and now I know. She's the Vicar of Dibley.

 

#71:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 7:00 pm

oh yeah! How bizarre - not intentional i can assure you!

 

#72:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 7:47 pm

I keep thinking of Hermione Granger!

I also keep thinking that seeing Marianne post on this thread means that there is more story - obviously wrong on both counts Wink

 

#73:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 8:56 pm

The girls filtered out of the room leaving Phil alone, angry that Marie and Gerry had been childish enough to just skip the meeting. Phil waited and by and by Marie and Gerry turned up, curiosity having got the better of them, they read the notice board before noticing Phil.

‘Good Heavens, what’s Phil playing at making me junior pree, I’ll have them all in tears, I’m rubbish at ‘there, there’s’ and the like!’ was Marie’s reaction, she had realised earlier that her behaviour had been out of order and she had had every intention of supporting her friend.

‘And me! Staff pree, that alright I suppose but I wanted Magazine, its what I want to do for God sake! Honestly! She knew!’ cried Gerry.

‘Indeed,’ nodded Marie gravely, ‘but we haven’t exactly been nice to her have we?’

Out of the corner arose Phil, ‘No! You haven’t, I’m sorry you wanted Head Girl Marie, but I have it and you’ll just have to live with it!’ declared Phil.

As soon as Phil saw Marie’s face she regretted saying what she had, she knew she hadn’t handled that particular situation very effectively.

‘Philippa Maynard! How dare you listen to our conversation? Come on Gerry, let’s leave this…her…alone!’

 

#74:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 9:15 pm

Thanks Marianne, oh dear things don't seem to be getting better

 

#75:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 10:02 pm

Oh dear, Phil is not making her life any easier!

 

#76:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 10:13 pm

It's a shame that they didn't realsie Phil was there, but being in the room quite legitimatly she couldn't help but overhear. Sad as it seemed Marie had been regretting her behaviour and Phil just made it worse with her comment. I do think she handled the situation of the meeting well though. Wonder if Miss A was trying to split her from the other two in order to bring out a better side of her.

Pity the Juniors.

 

#77:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 11:17 pm

Phil was rather tactless wasn't she? But it's understandable given the circumstances, I suppose, and it's making a good story.

 

#78:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 7:30 am

I don't know what else she was supposed to say really. Certainly something had to be said.

 

#79:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 1:01 pm

Oh dear, nobody's being very tactful really are they! I feel sorry for the poor juniors myself, stuck with a prefect who doesn't like them Exclamation

 

#80:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 1:08 pm

Oooooh dear, it's all going a bit pants for Phil - hope things get better soon, Marianne (HINT HINT)

 

#81:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 2:20 pm

How ironic! Hope we get more story soon please!

 

#82:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 5:03 pm

Oh dear! Things are not going well, are they?
More soon please Marianne!!!

 

#83:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 7:48 pm

*agrees that more would be very welcome*

 

#84:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 10:36 pm

Strikes me that Marie and Gerry are too immature to be prefects. Perhaps they'll be stuck off?!

 

#85:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 8:36 am

I think that would be a first, wouldn't it?

Except, of course, for EBDisms.

 

#86:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 9:23 pm

The next few days past with relative ease, there weren’t too many duties to be done and while Marie and Gerry were not being particularly friendly, rows didn’t take place and Phil thought she might just be able to fall into her role. She felt a growing sense of importance, a growing confidence that she never had before, all she could hope for was that the peace may continue.

Not too long passed though and there was an eruption;

The new Head Girl was passing through the splasheries on her way to kaffee and kuchen where she observed a scene that disturbed her slightly. Marie being the junior prefect was attending to her role as such and was meant to be supervising the lower second in their washing. But she was no where to be seen.

‘Hallo there little folk, where is Marie?’ asked Phil who had a way with the small ones.

‘She has not come today, she said we could look after ourselves for once!’ informed Melanie Cusac one of the more outspoken eight year olds.

‘I see. Well get on and I’ll look after you for today.’ Replied Phil grimly, more than ready to wring her so-called friends’ neck.

 

#87:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 9:24 pm

Oho, what is going to happen when Phil confronts Marie?

 

#88:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 9:36 pm

This!


Evening came and sixth usually spent their evenings sitting round in the common room,

‘Marie!’ called Phil, storming into the room, she had been bubbling over with rage all through kaffee and kuchen, watching her smirk and giggle with Gerry.

‘Keep your hair on ma’am!’ sassed Marie, ‘what’s up?’

‘You! You left the little ones to wash themselves, if I can’t rely on my team, who can I rely on? It’s not fair Marie!’

‘Oh! I see! We’re YOUR prefects now are we? And as for the snooty nosed eight year olds, I don’t want them, you can have them if you love them so much!’ shouted Marie in argument.

‘LADIES!’ came a shout from the door way.

Marie and Phil turned round sheepishly , their head mistress standing at the door, ‘This I’m afraid is no way for two sixth formers to behave, much less our Head Girl and Junior Prefect. My office please ladies – now.’ Said Hilda grimly.

 

#89:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 9:52 pm

They're in trouble.
They're in trouble.

PLEASE make it an open door session!!!

 

#90:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 10:04 pm

If I were Phil, I'd be writing out a resignation and pinning it to the board.

*wonders what Hilda will make of the no-show at the prefects meeting.*


*Is tempted by the idea of a drabble where Geoff Maynard is headboy of the CS*

 

#91:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 10:14 pm

The two girls followed the Head Mistress out of the room as meekly as any junior; both knew they had behaved absurdly but neither knew quite what affect their row might have on both of them.

Marie was interviewed first,
‘Sit down’ ordered Hilda, indicating a chair that was just opposite her desk. Marie obeyed. ‘Explain yourself…’

Marie couldn’t defy the eyes of the women she admired so much, she looked so disappointed. ‘It was just, I felt so jealous of Phil, I wanted to be Head Girl, and then she got it. I thought…I thought perhaps it was because of her family connection, which, well, I know is stupid but I couldn’t help it…’ finished Marie.

‘I see, but what caused the row earlier?’ prised Hilda

‘Well…it was because of my job. Phil knew I didn’t get on with juniors yet she gave me the job out of spite, because I skipped the meeting – I was angry! So today I left them to it.’ Said Marie defiantly.

‘That was very wrong Marie. No matter how much you dislike a job, you still have to do it. We have our duties Marie, you know that.’ Said Hilda calmly.

‘I know.’

‘Marie I want you to write a written apology to Philippa for your rudeness and disrespect. You will continue to be Junior Prefect but under the supervision of Belinda Partridge who is at present a sub-pree but marvellous with the juniors. Finally I want you to write a letter to your mother explaining exactly what has gone on – show it to me when it’s done. That is all, you may go, send in Philippa.’

Marie left the study, much less arrogant than before and feeling rather guilty that she had behaved so badly.

 

#92:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 10:21 pm

You double posted - and I thought we were getting two bits of story Crying or Very sad Though we have gotten lots this afternoon, so I cannot really complain.

Angel - whose resignation Wink

 

#93:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 10:28 pm

Oh dear... now Marie is under a sub pree too although she did appear to be repentant. I wonder what Miss Annersley's going to say to Phil though...

 

#94:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 10:34 pm

*wonders if Hilda is too old for this*

 

#95:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 1:49 am

OOHH Eagerly awaiting the scene between Hilda and Phil

 

#96:  Author: Tassie_Ellen, Location: Tasmania, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 10:01 am

Susan wrote:
OOHH Eagerly awaiting the scene between Hilda and Phil


*joins Susan in the waiting room, bringing a cosy quilt and some light refreshments to share*

 

#97:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 4:08 pm

Phil, of course was next, Hilda had to offer up a prayer for guidance when it came to dealing with the youngest Maynard. The others she had understood to quite a degree but Philippa was a different kettle of fish. In babyhood she had been a fragile creature, over mothered and had rebelled against this mothering even as a very small child, probably due to her brilliant mind.

‘Phil, do you know why I made you Head Girl?’ she began.

‘Honestly, no.’

‘I see, well I shall tell you. You are probably one of the cleverest girls we’ve ever had at the Chalet school and we need the Head Girl to be able to juggle the academic study with the extra work-load that the post brings. Secondly I believed you understood people, I believed you to have the qualities of a leader. Phil I am sorry. I thought you were like your mother, as is Len but you’re not, you are Philippa, nobody else.’ Said Hilda, pausing and studying Phil’s face for a reaction.

‘Yes, that’s how I felt,’ whispered Phil.

‘Well my dear, I shall relieve you of your duties as Head Girl, Lois will take the position instead,’ smiled Hilda kindly. It had occurred to her that Phil was a very different Maynard girl, she didn’t fit the mould and Hilda in her eagerness to preserve the old Chalet School tradition had failed to see it.

‘Er…thank you Miss Annersley, ‘ replied Phil, somewhat shocked by the news, she felt that she should be happy, after all, she didn’t want to be Head Girl, yet she didn’t really believe that everything could be back to normal, ‘Miss Annersley, could I be excused from lessons, I need to think.’

‘Certainly Philippa, now off you go.’

 

#98:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 4:13 pm

Phil headed to her study, mind whirling, but already she knew what she had to do, she had to leave, leave the Chalet school for good. She didn’t want to be part of the Bettany – Maynard – ascendancy anymore, she didn’t want to have to try and fit in, she just wanted to be herself.

 

#99:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 4:13 pm

Ooh er, I'm feeling even more sorry for Phil now, not being HG is one thing, but being given the job and then having it taken away, that's something else entirely.
I'm not sure that Hilda has got it right this time.

 

#100:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 5:11 pm

Is Phil going to run away or ask her parents if she can leave? If she tells Joey that she wants out then I bet there'll be fireworks! More soon please!

 

#101:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 5:25 pm

For once, I disagree with Hilda's handling of the situation. Surely she knows that to just dismiss Phil like that is not just so easy. What will the other girls think? It sounds like a punishment and I think if I were Phil, I too would be thinking of leaving fairly fast!

 

#102:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 5:33 pm

Oh poor Phil, she got what she wanted except it looks like she didn't really want it after all Crying or Very sad Now is she just going to leave? And if she does where exactly is she going to go? Confused

 

#103:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 6:03 pm

*wonders if Hilda is starting to slightly mental in her old age* What a silly thing to do! Marie and Gerry will get what they want, I'm sure, as I don't think Lois is as strong a character as Phil. For all her strength, I don't see her staying at the CS after losing so much face. After all, she must be nearly old enough to leave on her own anyway.

 

#104:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 7:11 pm

Maybe Hilda is too old - to take the job of HG away from Phil makes it seem like Phil was no good. They didn't even do that with Grizel.

 

#105:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 9:17 pm

Oooh-er!!!
*sits back to await developments!*

 

#106:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 9:39 pm

Now I definitely think Miss Annersley has been mistaken there. There'll be rumours all over the school.

 

#107:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 9:51 pm

*agreeing that this reaction is not characteristic of Hilda. Also the shouting earlier! Laughing Laughing *
What will Phil do? She may decide that since she's known the Head as Auntie Hilda (even if she doesnt feel it) she can turn straight round and tell her what she thinks of this...

 

#108:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 10:03 pm

sorry this is a bit tragical at the moment folks, i'm hoping it will cheer up soon!

 

#109:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 10:17 pm

That was a bad decision, every one will see it as punnishment, and Phil was no where near as bad as some HG's were. She could have been offered the chance to resign, at a push, but demotion!

What will Jopey say I wonder, to Hilda as well as to Phil?

 

#110:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 3:43 am

I have to agree Hilda is wrong in this situation. Hope she is not ill or anything. Would like to hear what the rest of the staff and pefects have to say.

 

#111:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 7:52 am

Marianne wrote:
sorry this is a bit tragical at the moment folks, i'm hoping it will cheer up soon!


What are you apologising for? It's wonderful!

 

#112:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 8:45 am

Marianne wrote:
sorry this is a bit tragical at the moment folks, i'm hoping it will cheer up soon!


We're not complaining at the story, Marianne. It's really good. We're just concerned for Phil and also that Hilda's halo has slipped!

 

#113:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 1:54 pm

*g* I think her halo slipped a long time ago, PatMac, but normally only in FCS!! Laughing Laughing Maybe it is old age. How old would she be now, someone?
Not that that's any excuse. Whatever happened to age and experience?!

 

#114:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 10:48 pm

Plans and an escape

Phil went to her wardrobe and pulled out the biggish holdall that she kept for short trips home, in it she put her second pare of jeans a skirt a couple of blouses, jumpers and nightdress ready for her treck – to London. She knew what she had to do, the plan was to get to Zurich where she could get a flight to Heathrow, and she had plenty of money since she had been saving to buy a car but getting away was more important.

That night she left.

The sun rose to reveal a bright and clear morning, the tree’s were a shinning golden brown and Felicity, despite her broken nights sleep on the coach, felt free and happier than she had done in a long time. The place she had left though was not to be so tranquil….

‘Lois, Lois!’ whispered Marie sharply, shaking the new Head Girl awake.

‘What?’ yawned Lois, ‘I’m not late am I?’

‘NO – it’s Phil, she’s gone! Her bags gone and so are her a load of her clothes! I went into apologise after my talk with the Head last night, but she’s gone!’ explained Marie.

‘Good Heavens! Is there a note?’ replied Lois, alert and already pulling on her uniform.

‘No! This is terrible, this is all my fault!’ cried Marie, bursting into tears.

‘Calm down Marie, hysterics isn’t going to do anyone any good, we just need to tell the powers that be and it will be fine. Phil’s a big girl!’ assured Lois, the strength, maturity and calmness of her character coming through.

‘ok,’ sniffled Marie, pulling herself together.

 

#115:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 10:50 pm

i'm afraid your going to have to ignore the Geography in the next bit!

 

#116:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 10:51 pm

Felicity? *confused* Did you mean Felicity or Phil, Marianne?

 

#117:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 1:18 am

Lisa_T wrote:
Felicity? *confused* Did you mean Felicity or Phil, Marianne?


Echo's this question.

*confuzzled*

 

#118:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 2:45 am

Marianne is just emulating our idol.

Don't worry, we'll ignore geography.

 

#119:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 9:04 am

Don't agree with Hilda's handling of Phil, thought Phil hadn't actually done anything too bad, felt she was coping with HG OK. Wonder if Hilda did it precisely to allow Phil her own space - or if that's just me not wanting Hilda to show such a huge flaw.

Marianne - definitely want more of this!

 

#120:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 9:07 am

*suspects it may be the latter*

 

#121:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 5:30 pm

What on Earth was Hilda thinking of? Now look what's happened.

 

#122:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 5:40 pm

*pulls up a chair to eagerly await more of this*

Poor Phil.

 

#123:  Author: Sarah_G-G, Location: Nr. Guildford PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 6:28 pm

I've just caught up withi this and am really enjoying it! I am a bit worried about Miss Annersley though- that situation was not dealt with well and what will the staff say when they find out that Phil has run away!
More please! Smile

 

#124:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 7:38 pm

Meanwhile Phil had arrived at the airport; slightly scared and unsure but fairly happy she arrived at the check in desk. Eventually she found herself on the plane, bound for London, amazed at her own prowess at plane catching since she had never done it alone before.

By this time the Chalet school was on full run-a-way action stations; all Hilda had to do was confront Joey.

‘Hallo there Hilda! What have my bad girls been up to? Do come in!’ chuckled Joey in her usual whirlwind fashion.

‘Sit down Jo, I’ve some bad news,’ ordered Hilda, determined not to prolong the issue.

‘Go on,’ whispered Jo, bewildered.

‘It’s Phil, Jo; she’s run away, we’re not sure where yet.’

‘My baby?’ chocked Jo in reply, ‘why?’

So Hilda told the story from beginning to end,

‘Hilda! You beast! How could you do that to the poor darling? It was obvious that she didn’t want to be Head Girl, but she would have pulled through, she was just beginning to find her feet, she made a mistake in the management of her friends, both of whom are older than her, I’m sure we can forgive her that!’ shouted Jo, more out of shock that her dear old Head Mistress could have made such a mistake. Hilda sat down, slowly, onto a wicker chair that stood in the corner,

‘I’m sorry Jo, you’re right of course.’

Jo looked carefully at Hilda and it suddenly struck her how elderly Hilda Annersley was looking,

‘No Hilda, sorry I shouted, I’m just a little shaken, I’ll get Anna to make us some tea.

 

#125:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 7:40 pm

Yay we have more story Exclamation
Can we please get more soon Laughing

 

#126:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 7:45 pm

Gee, Jo's jolly forgiving and unworried, isn't she?

 

#127:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 7:45 pm

‘Thank you Jo, that would be much appreciated.’

The aftermath

The two women sipped tea together all afternoon, waiting for a phone call, when it finally came it was Con.
‘Hallo there, Mama? It’s me, Con!’

‘Hello darling, how are you?’

‘Fine mother, listen, I’ve had a phone call from Phil, Rog has gone to get her from the airport. Thought I should let you know!’ informed Con excitedly. ‘I’ll call you later mother when I’ve chatted to Phil.’

‘Alright darling, thank you!’ ‘Hilda! Hilda! It’s ok, Phil’s in London with Con!’

 

#128:  Author: ali, Location: medway, kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 9:05 pm

hurrah for con, she'll sort it all out. I thought Hilda was trying a bit of reverse psychology and expected Phil to say she would continue as head girl. But Phil wasn't falling for it, clever girl.

 

#129:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 9:47 pm

Marianne is managing the impossible! A drabble where Joey is right and Hilda is wrong Shocked

Looking forward to more soon, please Marianne. this is good.

 

#130:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 1:43 am

Personally, I'm putting it down to a temporary aberration on Hilda's part. Maybe that old head injury flaring up, Lesley? Wink
*quite happy to join with Lesley in cooking up excuses*

 

#131:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 10:20 am

Laughing Funny, we don't like to think that's Hilda's made a mistake. and a fairly significant one at that!

Think their reaction to her disappearance is very muted - where are the search parties?

 

#132:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 10:32 am

Now that I've thought about it, I suppose it's inaccurate to assume that Hilda never made mistakes! Certainly this is a big one, but she wasn't exactly psychic. "To err is human..."

 

#133:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 9:32 pm

‘Alright darling, thank you!’ ‘Hilda! Hilda! It’s ok, Phil’s in London with Con!’

‘Thank God, I don’t know what I would have done if anything would have happened to her…’ croaked Hilda before collapsing in a heap.

Even Jo could see that Hilda’s collapse was no simple faint, she wasn’t breathing and her face was grey and lifeless, panic struck Jo’s heart, ‘Hilda, Oh God, Hilda, wake up darling,’ wept Jo.

‘Jo! Is that you?’ shouted a voice from the front door.

‘Jack! Oh thank God! Phil’s safe, she’s with Con, but Hilda’s I’ll, she just collapsed, I don’t think she is breathing Jack!’

‘Right, call an ambulance then Jo,’ ordered Jack firmly before hurrying over to see Hilda. ‘Hello Hilda, can you here me? It’s Jack. Tell them she has a pulse, but its weak and she’s breathing now, it just required a tilt of the head.’ Said Jack calmly.

By and by the ambulance arrived and Hilda was loaded into it, ‘What do you think is wrong Jack?’ asked Jo.

‘I’m not sure Jo, she’s not a young women anymore, it looks like she could have had a stroke I’m afraid.’

 

#134:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 9:44 pm

No Marrianne don't do it, Don't kill Miss Annersley!
Hope that Phil doesn't get the blame for this!
When do we find out what happens next?

 

#135:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 9:45 pm

Could the 'mistake' have something to do with this stroke?

*hopes Hilda will be okay.

 

#136:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 9:51 pm

argh noooooooooooo! Don't kill Hilda pleeeeeeeeeeeeassssse. Oh no, who put that cliff edge there?

 

#137:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 11:10 pm

Oh Marianne! Don't do it. Once of that experience was quite enough. Do you want to reduce this board to the same state we were all in in the last one?!!!

 

#138:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 11:27 pm

NO!

That was an unexected cliff. Bad enough finding Hilda making mistakes, but now facing her ill/dying... Crying or Very sad

 

#139:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 12:31 am

Oh, NO Shocked !

I never saw that cliff coming!

 

#140:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 1:53 am

*lies in a crumpled heap at the bottom of Marianne's cliff*

 

#141:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 7:46 am

Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

 

#142:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:27 am

*trips over the cliff and screams delicately all the way down*

 

#143:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 1:00 pm

‘Oh Jack…’

‘Come on darling, let’s go to the hospital, I’ll give Con a ring from there.’

In London Phil was safely at home with her sister and brother in law and their twins Simon and Dominic,
‘Now young Philippa, we need to have a talk, don’t we.’

‘Con – I’m not going back to The Chalet School, I can’t. At the Chalet school, I’m just another Maynard; I’ll live with you and enrol in a sixth form somewhere. I can have a normal life, talk to boys, go to Pubs – maybe it’s wrong but that is what I want!’ explained Phil, quite calmly but emphatically.

‘That is assuming I’ll have you my dear! Think of mother Phil, she’ll think your rejecting her.’

‘But I’m not Con, I love mother, she’s a wonderful person but she’s so – so old fashioned!’
‘Yes – I know mother well Philippa and I know she loves the school with all her heart, she would be destroyed if she knew one of her children didn’t love it as much.’

‘Yes Con! Buts surely she loves me, more than she loves the school. Surely she will see that I have to live my own life, do what is right for me!’

‘Perhaps Phil. Indeed – hopefully.’

 

#144:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 1:04 pm

I'm glad I decided on an erly lunch break. Very Happy

Poor Phil
Poor Con, caught in the middle.

How is Hilda?

 

#145:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 1:34 pm

At the hospital Jack was having a private chat with Hilda’s doctors a grim expression on his face,
‘Right Jo, it seems they can confirm my assessment, Hilda has had a stroke. It’s not known how bad the effects will be but she will probably survive.’

‘She will have to retire then, ‘ commented Jo, to which Jack would have laughed had the situation not been so serious.

‘Yes, of course she will Jo.’

‘But she’s going to live?’

‘Yes darling,’ assured Jack. ‘Now sit there, grab a coffee if you want, I’ll go and ring Con, get her news and explain ours to her.’

‘Alright Jack, what a day.’

‘I know honey.’

Jack went into his office to make his phone call to Con,
‘Hello there darling, how is Phil, ok?’

‘Yes father, she’s fine, but listen…’ Con explained the situation to her father who felt the same foreboding of his wife’s reaction that Con had.

‘I see Con, I suppose I’d better talk to Jo. Now we’ve some bad news this end I’m afraid. It’s Hilda, she had a stroke this afternoon, she’s going to be fine, well, she’ll live at any rate but I don’t know how much damage has been done as yet, she is still under sedation.’

‘Oh Papa, poor Hilda, poor mama, I’ll explain to Phil, I just hope she doesn’t blame herself. Good heavens! What a couple of days this has turned out to be!’ exclaimed Con before ringing off.

Jack went to sit with his wife,
‘Jack! You’ve been ages, how is my baby?’

‘In excellent health.’

‘And?’ questioned Jo exasperated, ‘why did she run away? When is she coming back?’

‘She’s not Jo, she doesn’t want to be a Chalet School girl, she’s found it so difficult to find her own identity there, coming from such a long and successful family, she feels she would be happier with Con in London,’ explained Jack studying his wife for signs of reaction.

‘I see, you two thought I’d loose my head didn’t you? Well I’m not, I know my children well Jack, I could see she was floundering, the school was my first love but my children’s happiness means more to me than anything else.’

 

#146:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 1:50 pm

*feels suddenly limp* Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Oh my gosh Marianne! I've just caught up with this and I thought you'd killed Hilda!

*crawls away to recuperate*

 

#147:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 3:58 pm

Good on Jo for taking the news about Phil so well. I guess we've come to expect the worst from her due to the other drabbles.

Thank you for not killing Hilda.

 

#148:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 4:02 pm

Thank you for not killing Hilda off Marianne! And thank you for letting Jo be understanding for a change!!!

 

#149:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 4:18 pm

Thank you Marianne.

 

#150:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 5:05 pm

Thank yooooooooooooooooou, this is fab! Thank goodness you didn't kill Hilda off Very Happy Poor old Con. And, oh-oh I'm beginning to like Joey... crikey penfold!

 

#151:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 5:36 pm

Eep. Just caught up and I feel like I've been on a rollercoaster! Hilda made a mistake and Joey was right except Hilda had a stroke and then Phil was alright and with Con and then Hilda is going to be ok and Joey understands why Phil left and...
*takes a deep breath*
Anymore twists to this plot and I'll be all tied up in knots! Confused
Thanks Marianne

 

#152:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 7:39 pm

I'm astonished that Jo gave in as quickly as she did!

 

#153:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:56 pm

Ah, but has she? What if she flies over to London and starts interfering?

 

#154:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:58 pm

Of course, she might, but not while she's still worried about Hilda.

 

#155:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 9:41 pm

*collapses in relieved heap* Shocked
*glares at Marianne* Don't you ever do that to us again!!!!

Now what? Laughing Laughing Laughing

 

#156:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 10:08 pm

What indeed?

Hilda had better be all right, Marianne!

 

#157:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 10:15 pm

Thank-you for not killing Hilda Marrianne Laughing
Liked what Phil said about wanting to go to pubs and meet boys!
More please and soon!

 

#158:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 2:38 am

hank you Marrianne, for writing more story, I'm not going to thank you for not killing Hilda until I see how much of a recovery she is going to make, sorry.
I'm glad that Jo seems to be understanding about Phil at the moment, but how much trouble could she have avoided if she'd been like that earlier.
Please may we have more soon *still worrying about Hilda*

 

#159:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 2:11 pm

Thank you Marianne for lots of lovely story to catch up on. Now waiting for more story please.

 

#160:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:55 pm

The next few days passed by a in a blur for all involved with the events of that week, Hilda had come out of her sedated sleep and doctors were still testing and assessing to determine the extent of the damage, it transpired that Hilda, like many stroke victims had lost the use of her left side but some recovery was hoped for, worse for Hilda was the deterioration in her speech. Hilda Annersley had always been famed for her clear, deep voice that had been a great asset and talent of hers, now it was slurred as if she were intoxicated by alcohol. Jack broke this news to Jo on one of her daily visits to see Hilda,
‘Oh Gosh Jack, what does Hilda know?’

‘She knows all we do, she’s an intelligent woman, she is aware that she cannot move her right arm or leg and we have prepared her for the possibility that she may have to get about in a wheelchair.’

‘A wheelchair Jack? Poor Hilda…and her speech will it get back to normal?’

‘Perhaps, with some speech therapy it should recover a little but we must not get her hopes up.’

‘Oh God, why did this have to happen to such a good women?’

In London they were all feeling the same, Phil unsure whether she should blame herself, did she cause her headmistress so much stress that it caused a stroke? Her head told her otherwise, Miss Annersley was elderly and had undergone equal amounts of stress, it couldn’t possibly have been entirely her fault, everyone around her echoed these sentiments but it didn’t help her sleep at night.

Phil had enrolled in a girls grammar school in London with the intention of taking three ‘A’ levels; History, Maths and Latin. She had spent one afternoon their getting used to the place, she already loved it, the gritty academic atmosphere suited her slightly agitated nature, she enjoyed being the only Maynard in the school, the teachers had no one to compare her to, except her peers. Phil had a fantastic feeling about her move.

 

#161:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:58 pm

*whew* Poor poor Hilda *worries*

Can't believe Phil is being so rational - I know I wouldn't be able to her. Glad she's enjoying her new school though.

 

#162:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:59 pm

Oh, goodness, poor Hilda! And poor Phil, too.

 

#163:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 7:04 pm

Thanks for that bit.

*feels very sorry for Hilda
*feels happy for Phil

 

#164:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 7:06 pm

This is exploring a whole new situation. Hilda, recovering from a stroke which will leave her somewhat dependent on others and a Maynard getting out into the real world.

More please

 

#165:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 7:07 pm

I'm glad Phil is settling in to the real world well, I think it might be harder for poor Hilda to adjust to her new situation though Sad
Thanks Marianne.

 

#166:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 9:00 pm

Thanks Marianne i just caught up more soon please!

 

#167:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 10:15 pm

Oh! poor Hilda!!
Hope it all works out for Phil!!!

 

#168:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 9:17 pm

Afterward

Dear darling Phil,
Thank you so much for your last letter and remembering to write so often; I know that you are very busy with school and your new life! I trust that you are being looked after and your health is not suffering? Sorry, I won’t go on.

Everyone is very well here, Len, Reg and your nieces and nephew are doing fabulously; Baby Jocelyn is coming up for one next week and we intent to spend the day as a family, it will be sad not to have you here but I’m sure we will see you over the long summer holidays. Mathew is a charming boy and you’ll never believe that his hair is turning brown; he’s going to look exactly like Reg! The eldest, Martha is starting Kindergarten in September, at the Chalet school of course; they’ve got a lovely knew park for the babes with climbing things on it.

Hilda is doing very well, her speech is almost back to normal but I’m afraid it seems her walk won’t recover although she can just get about with two sticks. I will get Papa to update you further in his letter!

You must tell me more about your friends in your next letter.

Lots of love
Mamma

Phil smiled as she folded her mother’s latest letter; it had been Easter the last time she had been to Switzerland and a strange experience it had been too; her Old Chalet school friends had suddenly seemed so young, they looked young and behaved in an immature manner. Phil picked up a pen and wrote her reply,

Dear Mamma,
It’s lovely to hear from you as usual, I’m glad to hear Miss Annersley is doing well and good news about the family! I’m sure Con will update you but her guys are fine too –so cute!

My friends! Well I have a crowd I hang around with at the Grammar, Chris (short form Christine) is probably my best friend, she’s doing exactly the same subjects as me and we both plan to read Law at Cambridge – if we can get in that is! There is also Mary-Anne who is a sciencey type, Sophie, Bernie (Bernadette) and Caroline. They are all great people; you would like them I think.

Over and out – I’m meeting people for dinner!

Love Phil.

 

#169:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 9:24 pm

Glad to see that Joey and Phil seem to have a strong relationship.

Glad Hilda's speech is back - I think, if it could only be one, speech would be more important to Hilda than walking.

 

#170:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 10:31 pm

I think Hoilda would face either with fortitude, but always choose to have her voice over her movement.

 

#171:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 11:56 pm

I agree that having her voice back is probably the best thing for Hilda although not being able to walk is hard to (do you think she need glasses yet?)

Glad Phil's made friends so quickly and that she seems to be on good terms with her mother still.

 

#172:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 12:03 am

I'm glad Phil has struck such a nice balance. She got away but maintained her relationship with her parents - that's nice.

I'm sorry about Hilda though. I'm sure she will cope but she's used to being at the centre of things and it won't be easy for someone like her to be dependant.

Looking forward to hearing more.

 

#173:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 12:07 am

Glad Phil and Joey seem to have resolved a few differences.

Poor Hilda, but I agree with everyone else about her having speech over moevement.

 

#174:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 12:54 am

Thanks Marrianne, I'm glad that Phil is happy and she has the sense not to brood and blame herself for Hilda's stroke, and that she and Joey are communicating so well.
I'm also really pleased that Hilda has recovered her speech.

 

#175:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 5:15 pm

Don't underestimate Hilda, she's more likely to walk again than many people.

 

#176:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 8:59 pm

*echoes all the previous posts and starts a chant!!!!*

 

#177:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 9:16 pm

I've just caught up, this is brilliant! It's nice to see the point of view of a Maynard who does not go to the Chalet School!

 

#178:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 9:20 pm

Mum finds the dysphasia from her stroke dreadfyul. She keeps forgetting words, or wrong words come out and she doesn't notice. It affects her writing too - sometimes her letters a pure gobbledegook!! Although she finds losss of mobility frustrating, she hates her speech problems!

 

#179:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 9:46 pm

As Jo read the letter, she sighed, her baby was growing up, going out to dinner at the age of 17, not something they would encourage at the Chalet school but Jo was intelligent enough to realise that the school she loved was not exactly up to date!

Inspired…Jo composed her own letter

Dear Governors

I am writing to apply for the post that has arisen at the Chalet School after the tragic illness of Miss Hilda Annersley.

Please find included a copy of my CV.

Yours sincerely,
Mrs Josephine Maynard.

This letter caused quite a stir in the board meeting a few days later,
‘Right – first on our agenda, the Headship; we’ve had three applicants Miss Wilmot who has been acting head for the past few weeks, an outsider named Miss Sandra Coe and, you’ll never believe, Josephine Maynard,’ declared Anthony Burgess the chairman of the board of Governors.

There came a series of gasps, titters of approval and a few frowns from the ladies and gentleman sitting around the table,
‘give us an overview of them all-read us their CV’s,’ piped up a voice.

‘Right well there’s Nancy Wilmot who has been with the school for many years, she knows it inside out. You know all about her really. Sandra Coe is an English women, she’s been in charge of a small girl’s private school – Wentworth College in Bournemouth. She seems brilliantly clever, three ‘A’ levels in Geography, Biology and Geology at grade A and a degree from the University of London. Josephine Maynard you al know, and most of you love – her plan seems to be to modernise the Chalet school, personally I’d like to hear more about this.’

‘I vote that we interview all three then,’ chimed in a parent –Governor

 

#180:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 9:55 pm

Ohh...interesting twist. I wonder what the board will do.

 

#181:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 9:57 pm

Ooh, twist. *shudders at the thought of Jo in charge of CS*

 

#182:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 10:05 pm

Yep, i know, another twist, i've completely lost control of this story... thought that it would end with a few letters!

 

#183:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 11:35 pm

*chants wildly for more*

 

#184:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 11:49 pm

There has certainly been lots of twists in this story. Keep it going Marianne!

 

#185:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 1:01 am

Joey wants to modernise the Chalet School? Maybe she's the rebel in the title and not Phil!
Very Happy

 

#186:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 2:08 am

This has become even more interesting

 

#187:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 2:12 am

It certainly has, I'm very intrigued by the idea of a 'modernising' Joey, but what will Nancy have to say?

 

#188:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:58 am

I'll also be interested to see what Phil thinks about Jo's ideas.

 

#189:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 11:13 am

How on earth could the board appoint her though, no matter how interesting her ideas, she has no where near the right experience for running a large school?

 

#190:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 4:02 pm

‘Right then, in that case I’ll compose letters to all three candidates and we will interview as soon as possible, Jo and Nancy can surely come within the next week but I suspect we will have to give the British women a little notice.’

The first applicant who came up for interview was Nancy Wilmot a couple of days later;
‘Take a seat Miss Wilmot,’

‘Thank you,’

‘Now, firstly will you please explain to the board why you have applied for the position of Head Mistress of the Chalet School.’

‘Yes, of course; well the school has been my life for as long as I have been teaching here, I know its values, its principles, its history and its pupils better than almost anyone else. It would be my greatest ambition to lead it in the future.’

‘I see. Admirable, but how would you change the institution, perhaps for the modern day?’ probed the chairman.

‘Well, I have to say that I wouldn’t, I believe that the school is doing a marvellous job in educating the girls as it is.’

‘Very well, what do you believe you can offer the school then Miss Wilmot?’

‘Well, my skills, my experience, and, above all, continuity - a rare facet of today’s world it seems.’
‘Indeed Miss Wilmot, indeed. That is all you may go, I think we understand your qualifications.’

As Nancy left the interview room she felt disheartened, she hadn’t expected an interview really, she thought the position would be just handed straight over to her, lost in her thoughts it took her a while to notice the frantic waving of a women she recognised,
‘Hello there Jo, good to see you!’

‘And you also Nancy, just had your interview? Oh yes, mine is next!’ informed Jo.

‘You – you’re applying for Headship?’

‘Indeed Nancy, indeed – there’s nothing healthier than a little competition,’

‘Well, I say…’ trailed off Nancy as Jo hurried towards her interview.

 

#191:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 4:13 pm

Please don't let Jo get the job, she'd make a right hash of it. Compulsory earphone hairstyles for all.
Love the way your characters are taking over, Marianne.

 

#192:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 4:15 pm

ROFL ROFL Brilliant last line by Joey there!! Poor Nancy.

 

#193:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 4:23 pm

Right - i'm going to set up a pole so that you can vote who gets the job after reading all three interviews!

 

#194:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 4:33 pm

*wibbles at propsect of Jo in charge of the school*

*giggles at idea of compulsory headphones*

 

#195:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 4:44 pm

Jo breezed into the room in her usual way,
‘Good afternoon chaps – am I in the right place? I’m here for the job!’

‘Hello there Mrs Maynard – yes you’re in the right place for the interview,’

‘Excellent.’

‘Right, Mrs Maynard, explain to us why you would like the Headship of the Chalet school please.’

‘Well, recently my youngest daughter left the Chalet school, which was of course of great grievance to me but I want my children to be happy sir and she is happier in London.’

‘Admirable sentiments Mrs Maynard – admirable…go on.’

‘Well, she’s having a marvellous time in London and getting a wonderful education, she will be the best prepared of all my children for the outside world. I’d like to bring some of that experience to the Chalet school, bring it somewhat up to date with the British Education system.’

‘I see, that’s quite interesting, how exactly would you do this?’

‘ I would introduce the sixth formers to boys, nice ones from a good public school, perhaps give them lessons known as ‘sex education’ and I’d like to give them proper career guidance,’ said Jo, surprising the board.

‘Right Mrs Maynard, you have given us a lot to think about, we have one more person to interview and we will let you know.’

 

#196:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 6:03 pm

*grin*
Wondering what the board will make of Jo's suggestions!!

 

#197:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 6:54 pm

Is this a drabble with a good Joey? We're sadly lacking in them!

Looking forward to the outsider's interview and to hearing what Nancy will do if Joey gets the job! It's going to be interesting whichever way it goes!

 

#198:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 7:51 pm

*wonders what exactly constitutes a 'good Joey'*

And poor Nancy! What a shame she didn't know before!

 

#199:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 7:57 pm

Not sure how I'll vote when the poll appears, it would be fun to see Joey in charge, even though there is no way she could do it.

 

#200:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:14 pm

Hmm..I don't actually like either of them for the job (based on the interviews). Times do change and it doesn't sound like Nancy is planning on doing any changing with them. On the other hand, the though of Joey is just plain scary. Hopefully the wildcard will be good.

 

#201:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:15 pm

*crosses fingers on wildcard* *still shuddering at prospect of Jo in charge*

 

#202:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:19 pm

*joins Pim in shuddering*

 

#203:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 9:00 pm

I'm not sure about either of them either but I'm reserving judgement until we see the third applicant... she could be awful after all.
(thanks Marianne)

 

#204:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 9:03 pm

I hope she's not better than Nancy!

 

#205:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:55 am

Have a horrible feeling they will appoint Jo, they seemed to think in Nancy's interview they wnated modern.

 

#206:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 9:46 am

*hopes in that case this third person is very, very modern*

 

#207:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 2:08 pm

Nancy does seem very backward in her opposition to change, but I can't see Jo being given the job either as she has no qualifications or experience. She simply wouldn't know how to do the day-to-day duties of a headmistress.

 

#208:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 2:41 pm

Jo left the room, happily confident that she had gotten the job,
‘well she was…interesting…’ commented on of the governors.
‘Indeed, rather, perhaps a little too…too interesting, how ill the parents react to the introduction of ‘sex education?’ asked another, chocking rather on the word ‘sex.’

‘Hmmm, well let’s see Sandra, I believe she’s waiting. Come in Miss Coe.’

‘Good afternoon,’

‘Good afternoon to you, please take a seat, now I’ll think we will begin straight off, why have you applied for the post?’

‘Good question – well I’ve been Head Mistress of Wentworth College on the south coast of England – Bournemouth for many years now and when I saw this advertised in the Times Education Supplement I realised it was a chance not to be missed. I love teaching, it’s my life, my passion, seeing young brains develop and to do this in the stunning surroundings and wonderful climate of the Swiss alps would be a dream come true.’

‘I see, and what do you feel could be changed about the school?’

‘As yet I have only been in the school for a day so I would have to get a feel for the place and become part of it before I could implement change but I know that old blood becomes stale, people become so used to the set up that the leaders are no longer answerable to anyone, people become afraid of change, I could offer the fresh blood, shake up the institution – expose its failings perhaps.’

‘And what do you perceive to be the failings?’

‘As I said I have only been in the school for a day but at Wentworth every girl is regarded as an individual and I wonder if in such a large school, every girl is an individual?’

‘I see, thank you, I think we understand, we’ll get back to you as soon as possible, enjoy your stay in the school.

 

#209:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 2:46 pm

It has to be Sandra, she has the most balanced approach.

 

#210:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 3:13 pm

*thinking very hard* hmmm.... (yes it hurts)

 

#211:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 3:57 pm

Try not to do it at the weekends so you don't overstrain yourself.

 

#212:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 6:04 pm

Thanks Marrianne!
I agree with Jennie I think Sandra would be the best head! But how would Joey and Nancy react to a none CS related person becoming head?

 

#213:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 6:57 pm

Hmm, not sure about Sandra either, it sounds as if she would change things for the sake of it, and would be going out of her way to look for faults.

Mind you I'll vote for the one I thinkwould make the funniest story.

(Marriane, was there a reason you started a new thread for the vote, you should have been able to add it here?)

 

#214:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 8:12 pm

I have to say that surely it's a bad idea to criticise a place in an interview!

 

#215:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 10:41 pm

So, Marianne, is Sandra your RL headmistress by any chance?

 

#216:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 11:38 pm

Mmmm.... Sandra comes over as if she would want to change the whole school to be the same as her old one.

 

#217:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 7:48 am

She seems like one of my old HMs! Shocked

 

#218:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 3:01 pm

Marianne this ios great please may we haev soem more i can't wait to see what happens

 

#219:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 3:41 pm

How long are you going to let the poll continue before writing some more. If you think there will be more votes for Joey then you could always write a bit in between the interview and appointments in the meantime.

 

#220:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 6:54 pm

Yeah, i'll write some more very soon! Just v.v.v.v.v busy at the mo! and nope i couldont add it to this thread...didn't know how anyway!

 

#221:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 4:58 am

Do you need to know the result of the poll before you can write the next bit?
I'd better jump across the thread and get voting then.

 

#222:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 4:17 pm

A whole week, Marianne, a whole week, and no more of this. Sending it to the top to remind you that it still exists.

 

#223:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 7:45 pm

Oh goody!!! Another thread to play drabble bumping with!!!! Very Happy

 

#224:  Author: gigagal, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 7:47 pm

Yes, please can we have some more sooon, Marianne?

 

#225:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 8:08 pm

More please, Marianne!

 

#226:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 8:35 pm

More please! And I'm anti-Sandra. She seems too Miss Bubb-ish, a bit icy. However, I'm also anti-Joey (I forsee comments of "Well, if you were like my triplets, well balenced etc.." coming up in assemblys!)

 

#227:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 8:48 pm

Oh, no more yet? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease Smile

 

#228:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 9:42 pm

Marrianne, Please finish this.

 

#229:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 11:23 pm

Please write more Marianne. And soon too. Very Happy

 

#230:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 12:17 am

*joins in the chant for more!*

 

#231:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 4:57 pm

Bumping it up to the top again.

 

#232:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 5:40 pm

*joins in the chant

 

#233:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 6:52 pm

Marrianne where are you? *Joins Chant*

 

#234:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 7:23 pm

*Sings along with Cazx*

btw What tune are we singing Cazx?

 

#235:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 9:49 pm

The tune doesn't matter, PatMac, just as long as the word, MORE can be heard clearly.

 

#236:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 9:54 pm

Like this MORE you mean Jennie? Laughing

 

#237:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 10:39 pm

Please may we have some more!

 

#238:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 6:14 pm

starting to drabble bump again. Wheeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

#239:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 6:20 pm

Drabble bump? Is that anything like bumper cars Jennie?

 

#240:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 12:43 am

It's kinda similar Sarah!!

 

#241:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 2:15 am

*joins in bumping*

 

#242:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 2:17 am

Still no more? Sad *bumps with all her might*

 

#243:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 3:05 am

Very neglectful, isn't it?

 

#244:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 11:50 am

MARRIANNE Where are you?
We've had no more drabble for nearly three weeks Crying or Very sad
*Bumps thread to top hoping to gain Marrianne's attention*

 

#245:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 12:50 pm

Please give us soem more Marianne!

 

#246:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 1:15 pm

More bumps!

 

#247:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 5:21 pm

If Marianne keeps this up, we're all going to be selected for the Olympic Drabble-bumping team. Still we should get Gold.

 

#248:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 9:51 pm

Well, we ARE the experts at it........

 

#249:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 11:34 pm

Bump's it up again, to get in some Olympic practice! Very Happy

 

#250:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 12:27 am

And again......

 

#251:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 3:26 am

And still no more *sad sigh* Right time to BUMP!

 

#252:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 10:14 pm

And again, right up to the top.

 

#253:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 12:54 am

decides to join the drabble bumping team

 

#254:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 3:44 am

*bumpity-bump*

 

#255:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 11:05 am

I'm starting to think it's a wasted effort and we should just let it sink if it really wants to go down!

 

#256:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 3:59 pm

Has anyone actually seen Marianne since we returned? Maybe she doesn't know the board is back? Or maybe KB's right and we should give up Sad

 

#257:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 5:34 pm

Has anyone contacted Marianne to see if she's all right?

 

#258:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 11:27 pm

Doesn't seem like it...

 

#259:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 7:14 pm

Hi folks!
thanks for your concern, i'm okay, just extremely busy!

BUT....
here is some more story!

A new era

Joey announced her news to her friends, families and colleagues and was met with varying degrees of enthusiasm; her family were of course delighted, if a little surprised, her friends and colleagues were somewhat ambivalent. Already there were murmurings of mutiny within the chalet school staff room; the staff had divided themselves into two or three ranks, those who supported Jo and those who had supported Nancy, plus there were a few diplomatic souls who weren’t willing to make a judgement.

Jo breezed, very Jo-like into the staff room on her first day, ready to give her staff a little pep talk,

‘Hello, good morning, welcome back.

I’m over the moon to announce that I have been made Head Mistress of the Chalet School. Now, I entered my application with a view to benefiting the school, those with reservations about my application can assure themselves that I mean the school no harm. My intentions are good. As head, I want to modernise slightly while still retaining the fundamental principles the school holds dear, the health of the girls is still paramount but my experience with my own girls suggests we need to further educate the girls about the outside world. The Chalet school is a bit of a bubble.

I know some may say that I am not fit fore this role but I have had some teaching experience, I know teenage girls and I know this school. I will need the support from my staff, I beg of you to give it to me. My dear people, let us keep an open mind.

Thank you

I dare not keep you any longer’

Jo finished, left the room and headed back to the study. If truth be told she was nervous, she had to run a large, famous girls school with little experience and she was already sensing some negative feelings from some of her staff. She knew she could bring a lot to the school, after all, she was Jo Maynard, first pupil! Thus assured, she got on with letter writing.

In the staff room, most were stunned by the composed nature of Jo’s pep-talk; they were forgetting her years at the Chalet school –they have a certain composing affect. Chalet school girls learned to control themselves, they learnt superior social skills, to hide their anguish and nerves. It seemed Jo had eon the first battle.

 

#260:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 7:53 pm

Ohhh can't wait to hear more Marrianne! Will there be a fight between Jo and Nancy by any chance? Shocked

 

#261:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 7:54 pm

Oooooooooooooooooooh, thanks for that Marianne Smile *wonders what Jo has up her sleeve*

 

#262:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 10:50 pm

I think Nancy isn't likely to behave in such an undignified manner.

 

#263:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 1:12 am

*huggles Marianne*
Just glad to see you're haven't been eaten by the RL monster, more drabble is the icing on the cake Very Happy

I'd be a little destabilised by Jo breezing in!

 

#264:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 1:14 am

Thank you Marianne. Good beginning by Jo. Looking forward to seeing how she copes as the term goes along.

 

#265:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 6:07 pm

Looking forward to seeing the school with Jo at the helm.

 

#266:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 7:53 pm

YAY! Thanks for the more drabble, Marianne.

*looking forward to seeing what Jo does as HM

 

#267:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 8:07 pm

Thanks Mariannne.

Looks forward with interest.

 

#268:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 9:47 pm

*awaits developments with great interest!!*

 

#269:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:37 am

*hopes we get those developments soon*

 

#270:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 1:50 pm

No more yet?

 

#271:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:44 pm

Jo however had many more firsts to encounter; there was Lunch, Supper as well as bed times and already she was exhausted, it seemed you had to have your wits about you all the time! Jo sat at her desk, a pile of letters waiting to be answered.

‘Hello there Jo, can I get you a cup of tea, you look exhausted?’ asked the Head’s secretary.

‘Oh thank you kindly that would be marvelous.’ Sighed Jo opening the first letter which was of course addressed to Hilda as Head Mistress.

‘Dear Miss Annersley,

I received a prospectus from you last term after discussing the school with an old-girl and I have decided that I would like to send my two daughters to you; Caroline and Louise, Caroline is nearing her 15th birthday and Louise if just 13.

I’m afraid that it is necessary for them to leave England as soon as possible, unfortunately my wife and the girls mother died last year while I was away with the navy. It grieves me to admit that they appear to have run wild for the months they had no parent, just a governess and a maid and they are in need of a little discipline!

I will send them as soon as I hear your reply.

Yours Sincerely,

David Hewitt

‘Well, I say.’ Exclaimed Joey aloud, ‘I dare say those girls are in need of a bit of love, there father not being there like that when their mother died. Jo however picked up a pen, ready to accept the girls.

 

#272:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:57 pm

Well, it seems that she can't read properly, either. It should be fun to see how she goes about tackling this problem, shouldn't it, my lambs?

 

#273:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 7:05 pm

Ohhh...this should be interesting.

*looking forward to more.

 

#274:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 7:16 pm

Welcome back Marianne. so glad you managed to escape the clutches of RL. I just wonder if she has any real idea of what she is letting herself in for!

More when you can please.

 

#275:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 8:12 pm

Thank you kindly Marianne Very Happy

Can't wait to see Joey dealing with new girls when she's HM and not just an interested outsider... actually haing to be there for the trouble and not laughin about it afterwards and all!

 

#276:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 2:21 am

Ooh this is getting exciting. How long before Jo rsigns?

 

#277:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 6:53 am

Jennie wrote:
Well, it seems that she can't read properly, either. It should be fun to see how she goes about tackling this problem, shouldn't it, my lambs?


In a way, she did read it correctly because he was away when their mother died. But the letter of response should be very amusing! I wonder if the girls will still turn up...?

 

#278:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 3:59 pm

It should be fun to read the letter, hope Marianne gives it to us.

 

#279:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 10:35 pm

OOh Thank you Marianne!!
more please!!

 

#280:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:43 pm

MARIANNE, WHERE ARE YOU?

 

#281:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 11:22 pm

*wibbles at the sheer volume of Jennie's shout*

 

#282:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 9:20 pm

*Wibbles in unison* but agrees with Jennie's sentiments!

 

#283:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 10:15 pm

Thanks for that last bit, Marrianne. I wonder how the girls will react to Joey's mothering!

 

#284:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 2:37 pm

alright alright! i'm here!
RL gone a lot crazy; my world of guiding is somewhat falling apart; the rainbow guider has just been diagnosed with a Brain Tumour although, thank God, it's benine, but then her daughter who's the guide guider had a stroke, she's only 28! i mean - how much bad luck does one family deserve! i was going to leave Brownies but i can't now really can i?!
I am also trying to set up and run, bournemouth young labour, carry on my duties as a youth councillor and do three lovely A levels. Also my friend is being very depressive, he's just been signed off school for two weeks.
on a lighter note! am also trying to organise the latest social gathering, mainly in aid of our oxford friend being down from uni! but thanks to the very tangled love lives of all my friends it could be interesting! Rolling Eyes

but, for you, more story!

‘Well, I say.’ Exclaimed Joey aloud, ‘I dare say those girls are in need of a bit of love, there father not being there like that when their mother died. Jo however picked up a pen, ready to accept the girls.

‘Dear Mr. Hewitt

First, i must introduce myself as the new Head Mistress of the Chalet School. I have taken over from Hilda Annersley who has now retired. Please see the attatched news letter.

I am glad you chose the Chalet School as the institution most suitable for your daughters. We would be delighted to have them at the beginning of next term when we shall have a substantial intake of pupils, it is not Chalet School practise to take in girls once term has started.

In the mean time may i suggest you attempt to prepare your daughters for a life of routine and discipline otherwise i fear their first few weeks at the school will be very hard.

I will send you two entrance packs in due course

Yours Sincerely
Josephine Maynard

Signing it with flourish, Jo made a mental note to write a letter and send it out to all the parents.

 

#285:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 6:17 pm

Can you imagine, as a parent, getting that letter!

I hope life gets easier, Marianne. What a situation. *huggles*

 

#286:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 6:19 pm

I don't think I'd have sent my kids to the school after receiving that letter!!

 

#287:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 7:02 pm

What a letter! Poor girls and I wonder if they'll still come after that Very Happy

I hope things get better for you soon Marianne, we can be perfectly paitient and wait for you- well probably Wink

 

#288:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 7:15 pm

Thanks Marianne for the latest bit hope you find time to get to write more!

 

#289:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 5:35 pm

Poor Marianne - what a situation to be in, hope things improve soon.

What a letter from Jo. Can now see parents on the warpath, and less new pupils for the school!

 

#290:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 5:36 pm

Well, I'd be on the look out for a completely different school for my daughters, if that were me.

 

#291:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 3:11 am

Thank you Marianne! And huggles!!!!

 

#292:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 1:53 pm

Hope you're feeling less upset today, Marianne.

 

#293:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 4:43 pm

Your drabble, Marianne!

*bumping it up from Page 3*

 

#294:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 6:47 pm

Just readthis from the very beginning and I WANT MORE PLEASE!!!!

 

#295:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 9:39 pm

right, good stuff, glad its here! couldn't find it!
there wil be a nice big chunck in a sec...just let me write it!

 

#296:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 9:59 pm

Joey moved on to her next pile of private correspondence, most were friendly acquaintances of Hilda but there was one thick package in the pile…

‘Oh Phil! Good Girl!’ exclaimed Jo when she saw the post mark, her youngest had written her a good long letter.

‘Dear Mamma

If my timing is good you will be getting this letter on the first day of your new job as head of the Chalet School, I’m so glad you’ve got the job! I see great things happening! The best of luck mamma, everyone has the greatest respect for you, I know you can do a fine job!

Everything here in London is, well, ok, I’m completely exhausted! I had no idea life could be so complex. At the Chalet School relationships were simple if a little intense but hey, bring boys into it and the world goes crazy! I’ve gathered a group of about 15 or 20 people which is great but I miss the close friendships I used to have, people you can always rely on to be there, people who know you better than you know yourself.

Take my latest situation, I had a bit of a thing (sorry Mamma) for this boy who is now one of my best friends and (I guess I still care about him but I don’t FANCY him anymore) is at Uni and he’s back in London for a while so I try to meet up with him. So some idiot started up a rumour that we were ‘going out’ – dating I mean – which we aren’t and never will be! The thing is everyone has loved him at some point so a few were upset by this, they don’t like it when people regard me as a better friend to him than them – understandably I suppose! Anyway, the final twist to this bizarre tangle of love lives is that the idiot who began the rumour accused one of my dearest friends of telling him the story, so me, being me, believed him and had a go at my friend, upsetting him greatly. Finally the guy who I’m supposed to be going out with suggested to the guy I upset that I was enjoying it which made me look really stupid for being concerned about what he thought while I was upsetting one of my best friends! Honestly such a mess but hopefully I’ve sorted it now! I’m beginning to think I’m entirely devoid of social skills!

If you can sort that out you’re a better woman than me!

Con and Co. say hello, she’ll write soon. I’ve had a fabulous time with them, they’ve looked after me and shown me London, they showed me the Place of Westminster – I’m going in tomorrow! I think perhaps I’d like to be the first lady Prime Minister! Yes – didn’t think you would approve!

Anyway, better dash, need to sort the latest saga out!
Ciao
Take care
Love Phil
xxxxxx

 

#297:  Author: Kate, Location: Ireland PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 12:13 pm

I've just caught up with this - I'm loving it! Some more soon? Smile

 

#298:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 1:18 pm

I second that request.

 

#299:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 1:39 pm

Jo swallowed heavily as she read the last line of her daughter’s letter, Phil was not living the life she expected her daughter to live but she would not condemn Phil and push her away. Phil clearly expected understanding, the scenario, the life she was describing had become the norm, the Chalet School alien.

 

#300:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 5:00 pm

Is that all? I'm looking forward to more of this.

 

#301:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 12:34 am

Glad you found your drabble Marianne. And that you were able to add to it.

Is Jo going to confine the girls even More?

 

#302:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 1:13 am

Glad that Joey is being so understanding to Phil. Like to see a little bit more next time

 

#303:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 5:10 pm

Ellie, Ellie, ask for a lot more!

 

#304:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 12:45 pm

right
well i'm back from Eastern Europe! i only grabbed a couple of hours kip last night - not solid ones at that so no creative writing going on today!

 

#305:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 6:07 pm

Welcome back Marianne. Get some more sleep and then write some more... pretty please with sugar on top.

 

#306:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 7:43 pm

Yes, we would like some more, please.

 

#307:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 10:13 pm

Hope you had a good trip Marianne, would like some more when you're good and ready!

 

#308:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 10:32 pm

Hope you had a good trip, Marianne. Also hope you'll be rested tomorrow and that the plot bunnies have had a good nibble at you while you've been away. Wink

 

#309:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 11:10 pm

*hopes very vengefully that Joey has a complete nervous breakdown and that Nancy gets restored to her rightful place as Head!* Laughing

 

#310:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 9:52 am

Joins in the hopes!

 

#311:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 10:58 am

Hope you had fun on your trip, but i'm also hoping for more of this Very Happy

 

#312:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 12:27 pm

We all are, Chloe. We've seen what a ludicrous start Jo has made, and it can only get worse.

 

#313:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 1:46 am

Welcome back Marianne. Hope you are more rested now and able to add to your drabble.

 

#314:  Author: Cathy, Location: Australia PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 7:40 am

Politely hints that a tad more drabble would not be unappreciated ... Wink

 

#315:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 10:12 pm

Bump
BUMP
BUMP
BUMP

 

#316:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 7:12 pm

Jo continued with her letter reading and replying, her youngest child weighing heavily at the back of her mind, she knew not what advice to give her, this realisation made Jo more determined to reform the Chalet School to suit the needs of modern girls.

Jo’s debut speech – and consequences

Jo Maynard walked into the dinning room to take her first supper as head of the Chalet school,
‘Good evening girls,
It’s wonderful to see you all back looking healthy. Most of you will of course know who I am and you will most certainly know one of my girls so I am delighted to now be your Head Mistress.

Now, I’ve been putting a lot of thought into the school and its future, and, since we live in a democracy I thought I’d put my idea’s to the whole school family. First, you may have heard that my youngest, Philippa is living with her sister in London and having a marvellous time but she is finding the social-life complex, particularly when it involves boys. Thus, I’ve decided to make the school co-ed, that is allow boys to become pupils at the Chalet School.

Any questions you have I shall answer.

Let us say grace.’

 

#317:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 7:23 pm

Hmm... will be very interesting to see everyone's reactions to that...

 

#318:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 9:35 pm

Coed? That'll be interesting! They'll have to get some male teachers in!

Nice to see this back Marianne!

 

#319:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 8:34 am

Can't wait to see the reactions of the staff and pupils to this announcement.

 

#320:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 11:18 am

Have just caught up on this! Loved Phil's letter, life is always complicated when there are guys around Laughing

 

#321:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 1:20 pm

I'm sure the staff will be delighted with Jo's announcement!

 

#322:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 2:52 pm

wb Marrianne, and ta, will there be more soon plse?

 

#323:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 3:49 pm

The atmosphere later in the staffroom was hostile; the staffroom had divided itself into two camps, those who supported the new heads move and the rest who wanted the school to run along the same lines as it had for the past three decades. Mrs Ferras lead the pro-Jo camp in support of making the Chalet School mixed. She had dealt many times with confused young girls, neglected by their parents; deprived of love if not wealth, girls suffering from a certain lack of ‘normality’ in their lives, who had only known boarding schools and lonely homes. ‘Ferry’ moved camps in support of state education, specifically the new system of Comprehensive schools, but felt she could do more staying where she was, at the Chalet School. Ferry was supported by many of the new staff who had been teaching in the comprehensive system, Andrew Farmer a physics teacher and Caroline Quinn the historian. Grizel Cochrane and Sharlie also supported the same camp!

 

#324:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 4:13 pm

Whose in the other camp? Is Nancy a member?

 

#325:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 4:43 pm

*intrigued and at the same time a little on the nervous side*

 

#326:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 7:03 pm

Well come on, Marianne, give us some more!

 

#327:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 8:29 am

Thank you for that little bit Marianne. A divided staff should start making life difficult for Jo.

 

#328:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 11:34 am

It should, it will and we want to see it.

 

#329:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 2:47 pm

*sorry, at heart i'm a pro-jo type!*

The ring leaders of the rebels were Nancy Wilmot, a recently appointed French teacher Mme Dupont and the famous Matey! They were huddled in the corner, plotting and making plans, hoping to foil Jo’s plans for a mixed school. Matey and Nancy remembered their new head from her own school days and the very fact that she was dictating what was to be changed was somewhat grating, moreover, while none of them would say it the very fact that her own daughter had left spelt a certain incompetence in Jo.

Jo walked into the staff room to be greeted with a divided staff; she was famed for her sensitive nature and ability to understand people and situations and today was no different. Matey spotted the reaction on Jo’s face, Jo was always her darling she had nursed the young Jo through many a complaint and it grieved her to make her life difficult yet common sense told her that Jo was a grown up, and something’s, principles must be held dear.

Jo took a deep breath, ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, members of the staff, I understand that you have reservations about making the school co-ed I would have done until very recently but let me read you my latest letter from young Philippa,

‘Dear Mamma,
Thank you so much for your last letter; I look forward to yours the most!
I am having a fantastic time here in England, the dilemma I told you about in my last letter has been pretty much solved, I think I’m beginning to understand the minds of 18 year old men!

My school work is going well but it’s a bit of a change from The Chalet School; they leave you to yourself much more which is much nicer in some ways because it means I can spend more time in the library reading about whatever I like. I think my favourite subject is History (got that from you!) and mamma, my teacher thinks I should apply to Oxford to study the subject, its so exciting. I’m going for a visit, I’ll probably go to St Hilda’s, every girl does from our school and by friend Bridget is also applying there.

Anyway, enough about me, Con is doing well, in one of her moons she’s got some epic poem brewing, her boys have got to understand her and leave her be when she’s in that state!

Hope things are all going well at the school,
Good luck with the new plans

All the best
All my love
Pip

‘There’, choked Jo, ‘my daughter has not become depraved from contact with Boys, merely a well-rounded individual who is having a fantastic time. Please, please support my idea. I will not go ahead with out the backing of all the staff as well as approval of parents but I need your support so I can make my case to them.’

 

#330:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 3:47 pm

If Jo is so sensititve and good at understanding people, why hasn't she understood that the staff might not want to have her making announcements about taking the school in a new direction, without any prior discussion with said staff. As for the letter from Phil, one swallow doesn't make a summer!

 

#331:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 4:41 pm

poke Jo, HARD. She needs to get a grip.

 

#332:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2004 12:06 am

Presumably Jo has had more letters from Phil than the ones we've been allowed to see, though I'm not sure that quoting from one of them is likely to win over the anti's.
She might have introduced the subject in a more sensitive manner though, but it appears likely that some of the staff would still have opposed her.

 

#333:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2004 1:43 pm

Poor Jo, she just doesn't understand, does she?

 

#334:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2004 5:25 pm

Jo went into her office, tears not far off, she had always been a good leader, a strong leader and held her followers in the palm of her hand, she was not prepared for rebellious behaviour. She got out a pen, a piece of paper and drafted a letter to her sister Madge who had of course founded the Chalet School and was living in Canada with Jem, living in wealthy retirement.

She poured out her troubles onto the paper in a letter to her sister, about how no one would follow her lead, understand what was right, see that she had learnt from her daughter’s plight.

Madge read the letter later in earnest; she had been dubious about her sister’s appointment but was sure she would keep true the values of the Chalet school. Se knew her sister was a good person, she would never be malicious or manipulative but she was also aware of her sister’s faults.

Dear Jo

Many thanks for your letter; things are going wonderfully in Canada.

I am sorry you are having difficulties with the staff but I can understand their sentiments, while mixed education might be desirable for some parents and, granted, even better for some children we cannot deny the rights of parents to choose single sex education for their children. The Chalet school prides itself on providing an alternative, stress free educational environment, perfect for less robust young women.

I wont forbid you to implement your plans but you aren’t Head Girl now, you’re the Head Mistress, leading a staff of adults, don’t patronise them include them in decisions they have been teaching longer than you, so know better.

Sorry for sounding preachy
Hope all works out
Love, Madge

Jo read the letter and came to a sudden realisation that she wasn’t fit for the job, she couldn’t lead a staff, she was ready to leave the Chalet School, in fact she wanted to cut all ties, move on properly.

 

#335:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2004 6:37 pm

0_o
*goggles*
Joey's going to leave altogether!? Sounds like she's the rebel then. Possibly a slight over reaction but then again we all like complaining that she's too involved don't we...

Thanks Marianne

 

#336:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2004 7:59 pm

ShockedShockedShockedShockedShocked

Good grief, I need to go and lie down in a darkened room after that!

 

#337:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2004 8:04 pm

Hmm, she hasn't given the job very long has she?
A bit like a sulky child who won't play with the others anymore.

 

#338:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2004 2:59 pm

She's showing some sense at last. She isn't going about things in the right way, and she needed to discover that before too long.

 

#339:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2004 10:17 pm

Jo read the letter and came to a sudden realisation that she wasn’t fit for the job, she couldn’t lead a staff, she was ready to leave the Chalet School, and in fact she wanted to cut all ties, move on properly.

In a \childish fit of temper, tears rolling down her cheeks she stormed to her bedroom and began to pack, her plan, to join her youngest daughter in London, with, or without Jack. It was finally time to move on.

Matey, knowing something was wrong sought out Jo and found her throwing her clothes tearfully into her bag,

‘Jo! What an earth?!’ she explained, stunning her head into silence

‘Oh hallo, I’m leaving matey, it’s time t go, I’ve no place here. I apologise for the tears, this is very difficult for me.’ She said.

‘I can see. Such a decision would be hard, this school has been your life, are you sure you want to leave now?’ asked the stunned Matron.

‘No. But the time has come. I loved my own time here, my time spent teaching here but my youngest has left the school, I have no ties here anymore; Madge has moved on, must to.’

‘And Jack? Don’t you think you are being a little selfish? Don’t you need to think this through? I suspect you are right Jo, you ought to move on, have a few more experiences, you are still very young but you need to do this thing properly.’ Reasoned Matey.

Jo stopped and starred, regained her composure and dried her eyes, ‘Good Heavens, you’re right, let me clean up, go for a walk, talk to Jack…’

 

#340:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2004 10:18 pm

Glad to see that Matey can still be supportive of Joey, evebn though she disagreed with her ideas.

 

#341:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2004 10:20 pm

Another cliff to hang from. Orders some more trampolines, and makes sure that the drabble siting rooms are well-equipped.

 

#342:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2004 10:33 pm

Matey knew her Jo very well and could see that she needed some space to calm down and think, Jo left the school campus to the confusion of the girls who watched her, what sort of head wandered out of the front gates mid-week? Jo’s first call was to the Sonnalpe where she hoped to find her husband,

‘Hello there Mrs Maynard! What brings you here? Nothing wrong I hope?’ asked the nurse who spotted her first.

‘Oh – no nothing’s wrong, but I need to see Jack, it’s important, is he around?’

‘Yes of course, I think he’s just having a coffee in his office, do go in.’

‘Thank You,’

Jo went into her husband’s office, ready to drop quite a bombshell,

‘Jo! What brings you here?’ asked Jack in surprise.

‘Sit down Jack, I’m fine, I just need to talk to you.’

‘Jack – honey – I want to leave this place, go back to London, cut ties from the Chalet school, I’ve finally grown out of the Chalet School, ‘ she finished with a short laugh.

‘oh?’ probed Jack

‘Yes darling, can’t we leave, can you change jobs? Jack? Please Jack?’

‘Are you sure Joey the Chalet School has been your life.’

‘I know, but no more, it isn’t right, I don’t belong in this place any longer.’

‘I see, I love you Jo, thank you!’ exclaimed Jack, seemingly delighted, ‘this calls for a celebration! Let’s do something exciting! Let’s travel!’

 

#343:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2004 10:35 pm

So which way is this drabble going to go now? Do we get J & J's travels, or do we get more problems for the school?

 

#344:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2004 10:43 pm

bit of both?
whatever they like i'm afraid

 

#345:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2004 10:44 pm

So when can we expect it?

 

#346:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2004 11:48 pm

Ohhhhhhh, so what's going to happen now? *looks pleading*

 

#347:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sun May 09, 2004 11:25 am

Jo was somewhat stunned by her husbands reaction, she had expected him to try and talk her out of it, or, at the very least bid her to think long and hard about her decision,

‘Oh…Jack…’ she muttered before fainting into his arms causing Jack to chuckle out loud.

‘Oh honey, you’ll always be a Chalet School girl, fainting like that.’ He said before swinging onto the red couch that was in his office.

A nurse knocked on the door,

‘Come in!’

‘Hello Dr Maynard, is Mrs Maynard alright? I heard lots of noise!’ said the young nurse tentatively – Jack could be a formidable boss.

‘Quite alright Nurse, a simply faint, a little too much excitement. Wait Nurse, I need you to do something for me, my wife and I are leaving this place soon, we will go and visit Robin and Madge and Co. in Canada, then I suspect we’ll go to London and beyond…we have all our children to visit!’ said Jack excitedly.

‘I see! When do you depart?’

‘Tomorrow, give Dr Strauss a ring will you, tell him to cover me.’

‘Gosh, yes of course, have a good trip.’

 

#348:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sun May 09, 2004 11:30 am

By the next morning al their bags were packed and on the way to Canada thanks to their team of staff and the school had turned out to see them off, Nancy in the forefront ready to take her place as acting Head.

‘Bye bye Jo, God bless,’ said Matey tearfully kissing her Jo on her forehead.

‘Take care both of you….Adieu…’ came the calls from the staff, but all Jo wanted was to vanish, she knew she had had enough of the Chalet School and had already cut herself off from the place.

The two jumped into Jacks car, headed for the airport.

 

#349:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun May 09, 2004 4:14 pm

Oooooh, I can't wait to see what they get up to on their travels!

*flops down to wait for the next bit*

 

#350:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun May 09, 2004 8:24 pm

That's a turn up for the books isn't it?! CS and no Maynards around!!! Could be interesting.

Wish I could get organised as quickly, even a simple weekend away takes three months to orghanise never mind a round the world trip...oh for a Anna!

 

#351:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun May 09, 2004 10:24 pm

They didn't waste any time did they? perhaps Jack is glad to get her away from the school at last.

 

#352:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Mon May 10, 2004 5:55 pm

Wow i've just caught up and this was not what i had expected! More soon though please Smile

 

#353:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Mon May 10, 2004 9:14 pm

*this is a bit Rubbish but here it is anyway*

 

#354:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Mon May 10, 2004 9:15 pm

Canada

‘Madge darling, it’s so good to see you, and Jem! My, my, retirement is suiting you old man!’ exclaimed Jo.

‘Hey, less of the old! But thank you, I am very well. Good to see you Jack, old chap,’ said Jem, shaking Jack’s hand.

The four headed for the Salon,

‘Madge, you must tell me everything, about all the children!’ prised Jo

‘Wow, what a lot to tell…’ began Madge, slightly misty eyed.

‘Go on…’

‘Ali is in India, she wants to teach I think, David is working in an ER in Chicago, Kevin and Kester are army and navy, Bride, Josette and Sybs are all wed you know the rest really, they are all very well, I just wish I saw them more. Keep hold of your kids kido!’ finished Madge, having no wish to make her time with Jo too depressing.

Jo saw pain in her sisters face but sensed she would be wrong to pursue it, ‘I will Madge Darling, mine are doing well, I’m lucky with my babes,’ sighed Jo, ‘gosh Madge, how things change…’

‘I know honey, but you have made the right decision, we have to move on sometimes, even though it’s scary.’

‘Thanks Madge, I know, I just never thought I’d ever leave that place, I loved that school, but, you know, a new phase…we’d better find the men, have a Coffee and go and see Robin.

‘Come on darlings, come and join us for Coffee, I want to see my Robin today…’said Jo excitedly.

‘Yes my Jo, we shall,’ said Jem, jumping up to lead them to the sitting room for afternoon tea.

‘So what did you ladies gab about, you both look a bit bleary?’ questioned Jack, mildly concerned.

‘Oh, you know, the offspring change…life…’ said Jo.

‘Indeed, a lot of that going on…have another scone and we’ll make a move.’

‘Sure Jem.’

They polished off the tea and coffee that had been laid out for them and Jem drove them over to the convent where Robin was living in her com

 

#355:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon May 10, 2004 9:40 pm

Have just had loads of lovely drabble to catch up on!
Thanks Marrianne Very Happy

 

#356:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon May 10, 2004 10:55 pm

love David's fate!!!

 

#357:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Mon May 10, 2004 11:13 pm

Wonder if that was inspired by ER? Smile Is Marianne a fan?

 

#358:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue May 11, 2004 12:40 am

Someone mention ER? *stops drooling momentarily*

Thanks Marianne!

 

#359:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Tue May 11, 2004 10:18 am

Picturing David as the lovely Carter...appologies.... Very Happy

 

#360:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Tue May 11, 2004 12:11 pm

Marianne wrote:
Picturing David as the lovely Carter...appologies.... Very Happy



Don't be so mean. After the last episode you can't make David be Carter - unless you don't like David.

 

#361:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Tue May 11, 2004 9:47 pm

argh! missed the last episode!
what on earth happened to Carter....???!!! Shocked

 

#362:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Tue May 11, 2004 9:57 pm

I'd guess Chelsea gets ER at the same time as the Americans, so they're a couple of episodes ahead of us. I have read the spoilers though, so I know what is happening.

 

#363:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Tue May 11, 2004 10:27 pm

Have just a had a marathon drabble-reading session and my head is spinning! So many unexpected twists! Shocked

Well done Marianne, it's brilliant! You've managed to bring the CS into the real world without going all 'Chalet Girls Grow Up' on us!

 

#364:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 1:14 am

I forgot that we were ahead on ER - what is happening in it for you?

If it makes you feel better, we are WAY behind on Cornation Street. Peter just got arrested for bigamy on today's episode.

 

#365:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 12:57 pm

*now worrying about Carter*

i'll right a bit more in a sec

 

#366:  Author: LL, Location: Tottenham, London PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 1:03 pm

OOOOh yesss! Can't wait for that Marianne!
Very Happy

 

#367:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 1:14 pm

They polished off the tea and coffee that had been laid out for them and Jem drove them over to the convent where Robin was living in her community,



‘Rob, my darling, you look wonderful!’ exclaimed Jo on seeing the Robin.

‘Hello Jo, Jack, Madge, Jem…’ responded bestowing them all with a kiss. ‘Jo, you’ve done the right thing you know, leaving the Chalet School, people have to move on.’ She continued wisely.

‘Thank-you sweetie, I know, I’m glad…’

‘Well come on girls, lets not start blubbing here, can we go to a sitting room Rob?’ asked Jem pragmatically.

‘Course Jem, come on folks…’ Robin lead them to a small cosy sitting room where they could sit and drink coffee.

‘So tell all Robinette, what have you been up to?’ questioned Jo.

Robin smiled at the use of a baby name, ’Prayer, reflection, some teaching, you know…I’m not sure…I’m not sure I want to do this anymore.’

The four looked shocked, ‘Oh, my Robin, why?’ prised Jo.

‘Don’t look so concerned, I’m very well, I’ve been talking to Reverend Mother about it, she understands, I haven’t seen much of this world I live in, I joined at such a young age and the world has changed much.’

‘I see…’

‘So Robin, do you think you will leave?’ continued Jack

‘I’m not sure Jack at the moment; I must do Gods will.’ Replied Robin causing the rest to smile.

 

#368:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 1:23 pm

They did some more catching up and then left, rather shocked by Robin’s bombshell;
‘So when are you too off to see young Phil?’ asked Jem on there drive home.

‘The day after tomorrow, we’ll get and early flight and plan the rest of our travels from London.’ Assured Jack.

‘Good-o, well I hope you have a good trip!’

 

#369:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 1:40 pm

Ohhh loved the meeting with Robin! Looking forward to the meeting with Phil! Very Happy

 

#370:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 2:39 pm

I think the title should be the rebellious Maynard Clan 'cause as far as I can tell they all seem to be having a go at the rebel thing (if you count Robin as a Maynard that is and I often do)

Very Happy Confused

 

#371:  Author: LL, Location: Tottenham, London PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 3:15 pm

So do I! Great work Marianne!

 

#372:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 3:45 pm

so vote people, should Robin leave the convent and enter the bif wide world?

 

#373:  Author: LL, Location: Tottenham, London PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 3:50 pm

Yes please! I was always sorry we hardly saw her after she went to the convent.

 

#374:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 4:11 pm

Noooo, I don't think she should leave the convent entirely. But perhaps she could transfer somewhere a leetle closer to wherever Joey and co. end up.

*really looking forward to seeing how Jo gets on away from the CS*

 

#375:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 6:12 pm

caz wrote:
*really looking forward to seeing how Jo gets on away from the CS*


Me too! I'd never have though it! As for Robin, I don't know, let her do what she wants!

 

#376:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Thu May 13, 2004 8:45 pm

London

By the time the travelling pair reached London Jo was exhausted and causing Jack concern,

‘Gosh Jack, I hope Con has some nice beds waiting for us, I feel like I could sleep for England!’ exclaimed Jo with a yawn.

‘Really? Are you unwell my Jo?’ asked Jack sizing her up and down.

‘Oh Jack! I’m quite well, stop fussing do, I’m a big girl!’

Jack laughed, ‘I know sweetie, look we are here!’

The black London taxi pulled up outside a family home, Jo saw her daughter’s small frame at the window and a cry of ‘Mamma’ from inside the house, then the door was flung open and Phil barrelled out of the house.

‘My darling daughter, can’t tell you how pleased I am to see you…’ said Jolocked in embrace with Phil.

‘Me too Mamma…and Papa, kiss?’ said Phil offering her cheek to her father who she always regarded with some awe.

‘Hello darling, good to see you honey.’

The three went inside to greet Con, Roger and the two boys, James and John,

‘Mamma, you look exhausted, have a cup of tea and go to sleep, the boys are just off now.’ Said Con.

‘Oh, good good, night boys!’ said Jo bestowing each with a kiss, causing the pair to grimace.

‘Oh Con, its good to see you two darling, lets have that tea and a natter,’ lead Jo.

 

#377:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu May 13, 2004 9:36 pm

Will we hearing of Phil's exploits in London?
I hope so Laughing

 

#378:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Thu May 13, 2004 9:57 pm

I'm hoping so too! So more please Marianne!

 

#379:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu May 13, 2004 10:09 pm

Keep writing Marianne. You can't keep us waiting too long you know!

 

#380:  Author: Beth, Location: Sunny Isle of Man! PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 10:23 am

Yes yes yes let Robin leave the convent! Let her go and be a governess for a Captain with seven children - what's so fearsome about that?

 

#381:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 1:24 pm

Well, we know she has a good singing voice, but will she know the proper songs after being in her convent for so many years?

 

#382:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 6:12 pm

Jack and Roger went in one direction to talk about things that wouldn’t interest the women and Con, Phil and Jo went off to discuss things that wouldn’t interest the men!

‘So Phil, what have you been up to? Do expand on the interesting stories you told me in your letters!’ said Jo.

‘Oh mamma, I’ve had a wonderful term, I made a big group of friends pretty quickly, its nice knowing some boys as well!’

‘A love interest?’ questioned Jo openly.

‘Not really Mamma…’

Jo smiled; she could tell she wasn’t going to get much more out of Phil that evening so she turned to her elder daughter,

‘What about you Con, how have you and Roger been?’

‘Great Mamma, we don’t earn a fortune but we earn enough with his teaching and my writing and the boys are doing well at their school. It’s a little inexpensive but excellent prep school.’

‘Good stuff…Con, I hate to say it, and James didn’t look well; considering they are identical twins he’s a lot smaller than John.’

Con’s eyes clouded, ‘You noticed? He was very ill with Flu quite recently he never really recovered…’

‘Oh Connie, darling, why didn’t you say? You must speak to Papa, he’s good at what he does you know!’

‘I know mama, I just wanted to be independent, I’ve relied on so many people, it was great being on my own…’

‘But Con, its ok to ask advice from you family, it doesn’t make you any less successful, my Con I love you and I’m deeply proud of you. You’ll never be anything but a wonderful, good, intelligent person.’

‘Thank-you mamma, that means a lot to me…’

 

#383:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 7:00 pm

Jo seems to be saying the right things all of a sudden: long may it continue!

 

#384:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 8:22 pm

Oh dear!
I hope little James will be okay!

 

#385:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 8:45 pm

Jo does seem to be doing very well, being tactful and loving and not upsetting anyone.

 

#386:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 9:26 pm

Marrianne I hope James is ok! Love this Joey Very Happy
More soon please!

 

#387:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sat May 15, 2004 6:41 pm

Con and Jo shared a long hug, making Phil slightly uncomfortable, Jo laughed softly,
‘Why don’t you go to bed darling, you look shattered, we will catch up tomorrow,’ suggested Jo.

‘Ok mamma, I am very sleepy, see you in the morning,’ replied Phil kissing her mother and sister god night.

‘I too! I’ll be up soon, night night honey! So Con, you will talk to Papa about James wont you?’

‘Yes Mamma, thank you…we better retire you know, it’s getting late.’

‘Indeed Con! I’m very tired and Jack won’t be to impressed if I have to spend the day in bed!’ exclaimed Jo.

 

#388:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sat May 15, 2004 6:44 pm

very interesting...

Looking forward to the next bit.

 

#389:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sat May 15, 2004 11:29 pm

Thanks Marianne. *eagerly awaiting more*

 

#390:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sun May 16, 2004 10:20 pm

The next day the family decided to do the tourist thing in London; visit Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster, Buckingham palace and a picnic in Hyde Park. Con was decidedly stressed about taking her two six year olds on the underground when they were so excited but never the less she took them!


Their first stop was Westminster, they were going into Central Lobby and the Public Gallery of the commons and lords; Jack had made arrangements allowing them to skip the queue’s. Con was naturally ambivalent about taking two small boys into the Palace of Westminster but there was no where else for them to go.

Their MP met them inside central lobby where ID was checked; there was heightened security because of the activities of the IRA but they went in with ease. The first thing that struck Con on the commons was its size, she imagined it to be much larger and grander than it was. The House of Lords was far more exciting, its red and gold décor conjured up marvellous images in the authoress’ mind. They didn’t stay long because there were huge queues and the boys were getting restless.

‘Alright darlings, we’re off. Say bye bye to Mr Edward Heath!’ she said laughingly as they left.

‘Yes, and wish him adieu kido, he’s a bad man, a Tory,’ commented Roger in a pseudo-joking manner.

‘Your not a Labour supported Roger?’ questioned Jack who was a staunch Conservative.

‘Indeed Jack, have we not yet managed to discuss politics?’

‘Oh stop you two!’ cried Jo who had no wish to be between a lengthy political debate, ‘Lets show these kids Big Ben and go for our picnic, I’m famished!’

 

#391:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 4:58 pm

Laughing At the ending. You'd have thought Jack would have checked out the political beliefs of his son-in-law. And major kudos to Con for taking small kids on the underground, not a fun job iin my experience.
Thanks for that bit!

 

#392:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 5:40 pm

Lovely descriptions there Marrianne! Looking forward to the next bit!

 

#393:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 7:02 pm

Just caught up with umpteen pages of this. I like it because it is so different from any of the other drabbles. Keep letting them have their own heads, Marianne!

 

#394:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 7:34 pm

Lol great Marianne more to come soon i hope Very Happy

 

#395:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 8:33 pm

The family took a quick look at Big Ben but wisely decided to hurry to Hyde Park for their picnic; Con unpacked the hamper that Roger had been carrying around all day and pulled out two bottles of cloudy lemonade, sandwiches, crisps and a big chocolate cake much to the excitement of James and John.

‘Oh wow Con, this looks marvellous darling!’ cried Jo in awe that one of her babies was grown up enough to produce such a feast.

‘Thank-you mama, I’ve had a good teacher,’ smiled Con.

The family munched away, Roger and Jack managing to restrain themselves from debating politics, after a while John piped up,

‘Mamma, can we go and buy an ice cream?’ he questioned pointing at the ice cream van.

‘No honey, you’ve had enough sugar for one day’ replied Con certainly expecting that to be the end.

‘Oh let them Connie,’ said Jo, angering Con, ‘I’ll pay!’

‘No Mamma!’

‘oh please Mamma, can we? Grandma says we can!’ begged John.

Con gave her mother a decidedly annoyed glance; her ability to interfere was what irritated her most, ‘fine, if grandma will buy you one…’

‘Goof, here Phil, take them over there will you?’ asked Jo.

‘Yes, I suppose so, come on boys,’ replied Phil amicably taking James’ hand but she was to slow for John who ran towards the van.

What happened next happened so fast that Phil barely had time to take it in, a tall man, dressed in black from head to foot came out of nowhere and grabbed the small six year old and headed off towards the car park.

 

#396:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 8:39 pm

Eeeep!!!!
Wasn't expecting that one!

 

#397:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 9:03 pm

EEEEEEEEEEEK!! MARIANNE!!!!

yes I know it's rude to shout but..........................................

 

#398:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 10:48 pm

Argh! Marrianne please come back and post some more soon!

 

#399:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 11:55 pm

*screams and wibbles on the cliff edge*

 

#400:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Sat May 22, 2004 12:37 am

!
Confused
help

wasn't expecting THAT

 

#401:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Sat May 22, 2004 9:15 am

aargh! Exclamation

 

#402:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat May 22, 2004 1:42 pm

Now, Marianne, was that fair? Come back and post more immediately!

 

#403:  Author: Lynsey, Location: Fife PostPosted: Sat May 22, 2004 2:25 pm

Brilliant Marianne well not about John but please more soon!

 

#404:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon May 24, 2004 1:18 pm

Goodness me!! Was just revelling in pages and pages of the latest doings of the Maynards liking the way they have moved on but stayed true to their original characters ..........then this!
Marianne this is a cliff worthy of Lesley. PLease put us out of our misery soon.

 

#405:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Mon May 24, 2004 3:23 pm

It was Roger who reacted first; within seconds he had sprinted off towards the car park, dragging Jack along with him,
‘Don’t worry Con, I’ll get that bastard!’ shouted Roger on his way.

‘Phil come here honey!’ called Jo, taking control; neither of her daughters were in a state to, ‘Come on James, daddy has gone to find John. Con call the police!’

Jo, Phil and James came together while Con ran off to a phone box.
‘Why Mamma?’ asked Phil tearfully.

‘They’ll find him sweetie, its not your fault, John was within your sight, he ran off,’ assured Jo.

Con came running back, ‘the police are coming, oh God mamma, I can’t believe that this is happening…’

‘I know darling,’

‘Why us? Why now? I simply don’t know what to do…Oh my God…it’s Phil and Jack! Where’s John? They haven’t got John!’ cried Con hysterically before collapsing in a faint.

Jack came over shaking his head grimly, ‘Have you called the police?’

‘Of course,’ replied Jo.

‘Then we wait.’

 

#406:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon May 24, 2004 4:58 pm

And the next part?

 

#407:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon May 24, 2004 5:34 pm

Marrianne how could you leave it there?
*wibbles*

 

#408:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon May 24, 2004 5:40 pm

*joins in the wibbling and hopes that we won't get left on the cliff for too long*

Anybody want a brew?

 

#409:  Author: Lynsey, Location: Fife PostPosted: Mon May 24, 2004 6:39 pm

No thanks I can't reach for it from my very high tenderhooks without falling.

 

#410:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 10:47 am

The family sat in wait in the park, not speaking merely offering each other silent support. Within minutes, although it felt like hours a police car arrived and two grave looking police officers stepped out, Jack and Roger jumped to their feet,

‘Hello officer, I’m Sir John Maynard, with is my son-in-law Mr Roger Richardson, it is his son who has been snatched.’

‘Afternoon, sir, now I need you all to come down to the police station, we need to get the search underway as quickly as possible. Perhaps if Mr and Mrs Richardson would come with us and the rest go in your car Sir Maynard,’ suggested the officer.

‘Certainly, Phil, Jo, James, quickly now,’ ordered Jack, very much the man in control.

They hurried off to their respective modes of transport and soon found themselves at a London Police Station where they were expected to give their statements; Phil was understandably extremely shaken up,

‘Mamma, you know what they say don’t you about kidnap?’

‘Shhh, darling don’t talk like that,’ replied Jo, frightened, she hadn’t really acknowledged that her grandson had been kidnapped.

‘I read that if they don’t find them within 24 hours then…then…well…’ trailed off Phil.

Soon the family came together again after having chats with the police officers who were In charge of the investigation, Jack was crying,

‘I’m sorry, it seems me, Jem and the San are fairly famous here in London with the wealthy, I didn’t realise. They think that the man, if you can call him that, who took John is after money, so we wait for the ransom.’

‘Oh my God, a ransom, how much are they expecting?’ queried Con.

‘Anything…but anything we will pay.’ Jack took Con by both hands, ‘Honey, you are my daughter, John is your son, I would lay down my life for either of you, we will find him, whatever it takes.’

 

#411:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 10:59 am

‘I know Papa, this is just so hard…my baby…my poor baby,’ choked Con.

The police didn’t know where to start with the investigation, no one had seen the mans face in detail, or known what car he had driven off in, it was a highly well organised kidnap. At two the next morning the police station got a phone call…

‘Jack, it’s for you,’ called an officer gravely.

In minutes Jack walked back to where the family was sitting, ‘We were right, they have asked for one million pounds,’ swallowed Jack.

 

#412:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 11:47 am

*relieved that it's nothing worse than a ransom demand*

*still scared for John*

 

#413:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 12:42 pm

Marianne, please let John be ok Confused

 

#414:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 12:45 pm

*wibbling* Please, it will all be okay won't it? Won't it?

 

#415:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 5:54 pm

The police officer in charge of the investigation and search walked in, ‘It appears the man and his associate who took young John are highly organised, I don’t think they intend to hurt him but its best to follow the instructions directly which means you have to hand over the money, in cash, at midnight.’

Jack gulped, ‘Right, where?’
‘Hyde Park. I don’t know why...’ commented the officer

‘And they’ll give John back?’

‘I hope so.’

‘But officer,’ jumped up Con, ‘that’s a whole other day! Its three am now and we’ve got to wait until midnight?’

‘I know its hard Mrs Richardson but you must understand we’re fighting a defensive fight, it’s on their terms now.’

The following hours were spent at home; they needed to wash and to rest, Jack nearly emptied his business account and drew from the family savings; he couldn’t ask Roger for money, he only thanked God that he was wealthy and suddenly realised the nature of capitalism; it served him well but what would have happened if Roger and Con didn’t have him? It didn’t bear thinking about.

That night Jack, Roger, Con and Jo went to Hyde Park with four accompanying police officers,
‘Over there,’ said the officer calmly. There was a black van underneath a tall oak tree and two men stood alert outside it, ‘You have to leave the package on the monument, stay their and they will let John go, Roger you then get hold of John, Jack you leave the money and leave the rest to us, ok?’

Roger and Jack nodded grimly, terrified that the plan might go dreadfully wrong at the last minute; they were both shaking as they stepped out of their car. Jack walked over slowly to the monument and lay down the package, John was released into Roger’s arms and a car chase began…

 

#416:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 6:47 pm

i like car chases in films - but this one has just got me worried as to what's going to go wrong Crying or Very sad


please let it all be ok

 

#417:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 6:51 pm

I'm STILL wibbling!

 

#418:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 8:33 pm

At that moment it mattered not whether the criminals would be caught they all just thanked God that John was back with them, safe and as well as can be expected considering the ordeal he had been through. They went home and to bed although Roger lay awake worrying about Con and her tendency to sleep walk.

 

#419:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 10:01 pm

*relieved that John is back safely*

*joins Roger in worrying about Con's sleepwalking*

 

#420:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 10:07 pm

Thanks Marrianne, glad John is safe but I'm also waiting to see if they catch the kidnappers!

 

#421:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 12:27 am

Hope the kidnapper get caught very soon. Nice to see the family being supportive to each other,

 

#422:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 11:38 am

I'm glad they got him back safely but poor Con i hope she doesn't sleepwalk for her own safety

 

#423:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Fri May 28, 2004 9:45 am

By and by Roger drifted off into an uneasy sleep…

Chicago

Joey and Jack next stop on their trip was Chicago where they were going to visit their son Steven who had been called to practise a different sort of medicine to his father; Casualty or ‘Emergency Room’ medicine. The plane landed in Chicago mid-afternoon; there plan was to go to county general where they would be able to find Steven and Jack would be able to explore completely new territory.

They waved down a Taxi, or a ’Cab’ as it was known in the US,
‘County General Hospital please driver!’ asked Jack.

‘Good Lord, you folk are English; what are you doing in good old Chicago…and going to county?’ asked the driver in surprise.

‘My son, Steven Maynard, is a doctor there, we’ve arrived mid-shift and we are staying with him!’

‘Right-O, we wont be long now; look, here we are. They’ll be busy tonight since it’s a Friday, just praise the lord the first snow hasn’t fallen yet!’

Jack thanked and paid the driver and the pair walked tentatively into the ER, not accustomed to such a scenario, there was real poverty through those doors and terrible injury. Jack was used to dealing with Tuberculosis cases and more recently, since the final decline of TB, childhood cancer. He had been knighted for his work.

‘Pa!’ came a call from across the ER.

‘Steve! Hello there!’\called Jack excitedly.

‘Come on you two said Steve putting an arm around each of his parents, I’ll make you a coffee, I’ve got a minute until they want me again,’

‘Good stuff, yes, I could use a coffee!’

Steven took Jack and Jo into the staff room and created them instant coffee, another first for the pair although neither dared to comment. They were talking when a nurse came to the door looking very grave,
‘Hang on; it doesn’t look like and emergency, she’s not screaming for me so – Oh God, she must have news about Geva, my patient, she’s only seven, I suspect Bone cancer.’

‘Oh gosh how terrible’ commented Jo.

‘Well let me take a look son, my doctors hands are itching now anyway.’

‘Ok, hang on…’ Stephen went out for a while, ‘as feared its cancer, Christ this world is terrible, if she was somewhere else, England even, her chances of survival would improve massively, but she’s an orphan, she has no health insurance, we can give her one course perhaps but that’s it…’ said Stephen angrily.

‘Come on son, lets go and see her, at least let me look at the X-rays,’ ordered Jack taking off his coat.

‘Hallo Geva,’ began Stephen gently, ‘this is my Pa, he’s a doctor too, he’s one of the best, famous for treating little girls like you.’

‘She knows?’ exclaimed Jack astonished

‘Of course! This isn’t the Sonnalpe, this is Chicago, besides children are far more resilient than you think, you know that.’ Explained Stephen.

‘Indeed, alright Geva, I’m just going to take a look at your x-rays,’ so Jack took the x-rays over to a light box that was on the wall just outside the cubical, her diagnosis was certainly correct but her social worker had seen the limp quickly, luckily, her condition was treatable.

 

#424:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Fri May 28, 2004 9:50 am

Thanks for the new post, Marianne. It's interesting to see Jack unable to keep away from the patients; gives the sense that he has a real vocation.

Please continue soon - the kidnappers are still on the loose...

 

#425:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri May 28, 2004 1:03 pm

Nice to see Jack and Stephen there. Further drabble soon please!

 

#426:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Fri May 28, 2004 1:07 pm

Isn't a huge breach of confidentiality and ethics for Dr. Jack to help examine/diagnose/look at x-rays of a patient? He doesn't work at County and he isn't liscenced to practice in the US. That being said, I hope he can help her - maybe he can send her to the San.

 

#427:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Fri May 28, 2004 1:08 pm

Pedant!
This is the Chalet School!
Honestly, i can't work under such conditions... Wink

 

#428:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri May 28, 2004 2:15 pm

he is only looking at the X-rays, perhaps to give a hint ot two, and if he doesn't ask for any money, it ought to be all right.

 

#429:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Fri May 28, 2004 2:48 pm

I was just thinking about it in terms of our discussions about the lack of confidentiality about students at the CS. If he's not on staff at the hospital, he has no right to see anything about a patient.

I know I'm being pedantic and it fits in well with the story (and CS canon), it just struck me as I was reading it.

BTW - I can now say more!

 

#430:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Fri May 28, 2004 3:20 pm

‘Stephen!’ called Jack

‘Yes, Pa? Hang on Geva…’

‘Look Steve, this girl can be treated with a course of chemo and a bit of radio therapy!’ exclaimed Jack excitedly.

Steve looked sad, ‘This is the states Pa that treatment is expensive and this child doesn’t have health insurance,’

‘How absurd! I thought she was within the care system?’

‘She is, but only recently, its complex, she had been living with her Gran but her recently passed away. This happens all the time here. Anyway, I’m breaking every rule on the book, you better go and find Mamma,’ ordered Stephen.

‘Ok son, see you later,’ replied Jack but the case had got him thinking, he remembered telling Roger that he was a staunch tory, he suddenly wasn’t so sure…

‘Hi Jo,’

‘Where have you been, I’ve had a couple of chats with nurses but they just look at me like I’m mildly insane! You look terrible, what on earth has happened?’

Jack re-told the story of Geva,
‘Well that settles it; we can do something about this! Surely we can send her up to the San? Reg and Len will look after her!’

‘Yes maybe, I’m not sure Steve will like us interfering.’

 

#431:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri May 28, 2004 3:23 pm

Well, Steve won't be much of a doctor if he turns down free treatment for the child, just because he lives in the USA.

 

#432:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Fri May 28, 2004 4:05 pm

What did Joey say to the nurses to make them think she was mildly insane? Shocked

 

#433:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri May 28, 2004 5:52 pm

*wonders what Joey's been saying*

 

#434:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri May 28, 2004 7:08 pm

Is Geva going to become another one of Joey's strays?

 

#435:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat May 29, 2004 4:51 am

I also hate to be pedantic, but despite the major and unforgivable problems facing those without health insurance in the USA, it would be illegal for the hospital to withhold chemo & radiation. Whether the cancer would have been caught in time is another question, particularly if her family is above the official poverty level and therefore has too much money to be on Medicaid. Chances are it would have waited until she was taken to the Emergency Room, which is about the only thing open to people in the not-poor-enough, not-rich-enough, no-insurance category, since they can’t be turned away (and this is causing lots of problems, including bankruptcies among hospitals in poor areas and endless waits exacerbated by people coming in for things normally handled by a GP.) Access to medications and therapy after she is released from the hospital might also be difficult to arrange.

However, this is the CS, and I vote for Joey & Jack to whisk Geva off to the San, if not reform the entire US system.

 

#436:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sat May 29, 2004 3:20 pm

hmmm, yes, i suspected there might be fundamental flaws with this bit! serves me right for not researching...

oh welll....

i think they plan to wisk Geva away...maybe ill think of a different reason, bare with me

 

#437:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 10:16 pm

Their wishes came to rights however and little Geva was whisked off to the San in Switzerland to be met by Reg and Len who would act as her legal guardians.

‘Geva, hello, I’m Reg and this is my wife Len and these are our two daughters Bernadette and Virginia, Bernadette is 9 and Virginia is 5 so they can both play with you,’ said Reg kindly when the family met her off the plane.

‘Hi,’ replied Geva quietly, feeling very shy and very confused.

India

Jack and Jo’s next stop took them all the way to India to visit Margot who, like Robin had become a nun and was working as a doctor in the slums of India and doing a fine job. She was working on the south coast of India in a town called Tuticorin; their flight took them to Mumbai (Bombay) where they got a transportation boat to Cochin and finally a bus down to Tuticochin.

The journey was hot, sticky, dirty and frightening for the pair who had lived remarkably sheltered lives; they were regarded with much curiosity and suspicion by the locals. It was the first time they had first experienced poverty; the trip was beginning to turn Jack into a socialist and he resolved to have a proper political debate with his son in law in the hope of being turned off the philosophy!

‘Look Jack; those poor kiddies in rags,’ exclaimed Jo out loud causing others on the bus to turn and stare.

‘Shhhh, Jo! We’re in India what did you expect?’

‘I don’t know, I suppose, the India of story books…’ replied Jo sheepishly causing Jack to be irritated for the first time by his wife’s mildly immature outlook on life.

The pair sat in silence for the rest of the journey absorbing the sights and smells and sounds of India until finally they arrived, hot and sweaty but delighted to see Margot.

‘Hello darling! You look wonderful, ever so brown!’ exclaimed Jo.

‘Indeed Mamma, it gets rather hot in this country,’ explained Margot sarcastically.

‘Cheeky! And you, a nun!’

‘God understands…’replied Margot in a pseudo sanctimonious style.

 

#438:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 10:18 pm

I like Margot.

And wouldn't Joey have compared it to the India of her youth?

 

#439:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 10:25 pm

good point Angel
forgotten about that!

 

#440:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 11:13 pm

Bet Joey in her late teens saw a very sanitised India - wasn't there soemthing about that on another thread a while back????? - about how she was unlikely to have gone into the *native quarters* at all, so would only have seen the *white* areas with their servants

 

#441:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 12:26 pm

Also, as Dick was working with the forestry people, she probably did not see anything of the plains areas where the poverty and heat are the worst.

Here is the Wikipedia entry for the Deccan.

The Deccan Plateau is a plateau encompassing most of Central and Southern India. It lies south of the Indo-Gangetic plain. It is bounded by The Western Ghats in the west, Eastern Ghats in the east, the Nilgiris in the south and the Satpura and Vindhya ranges in the north. The plateau elevation is about 500m on average. It is composed of black volcanic basalt soil. The chief crop is cotton, however sugarcane, rice and other crops also common.

The name Deccan is anglicized form of the Prakrit dakkhin, itself derived from the Sanskrit dakshina, meaning south.
Perhaps a geographer would be able to help sort this out?

 

#442:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 3:05 pm

Thanks Marrianne, I love it that all of Joey's children are scattered so far across the world, do you think they did it on purpose to get away from her? Wink

 

#443:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 7:21 pm

Thanks for the last bit Marianne.

 

#444:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 3:30 pm

The three walked closely towards the open Convent where Margot was living and working;

‘I saw a very sanitised India as a child…’ commented Jo quietly as she witnessed the truth.

‘Yes Mamma, but that’s not your fault, it was the nature of the times,’ assured Margot, not wanting her mother to feel guilty.

Jo didn’t reply.

‘Look Pa, here we are, see, through that window, that’s the Paediatric wing of the hospital!’ exclaimed Margot excitedly.

‘Oh yes, I see! Gosh Margot, you’ve done wonders with very little funding…’

‘Well, it is amazing what you can do with a strong will and a prayer!’ explained Margot.

‘Oh indeed!’ laughed Jack.

Jo smiled with a hint of jealously; her husband and third child were getting on famously despite being apart for so long when relations between herself and Margot were, at best, awkward. She suddenly felt a surge of anger, it wasn’t fair that they were so close who had it been who had walked up to the school to pacify Hilda after a wild exploit of Margot’s? Her! Who had nursed Margot through her frail babyhood despite the baby’s father being a doctor? Her! Who had bore Margot, lived through every pain, every suffering, every triumph, every failure…her…and where had Jack been? Jack had been at the San, earning his knighthood. Jo didn’t realise there was so much bitterness inside her,

‘Mamma, are you ok?’ asked Margot concerned, ‘Your very quiet,’

‘Oh…yes dear…fine thank you, just a little tired,’

‘Oh, right, good.’

On arrival a young Indian nurse-in-training showed Jo and Jack to rooms in the you of the hospital; it was smaller than they were used to but clean and fresh, and, it contained beds which was all they really cared about.

The next morning Jack rose early and left Jo to ‘have her sleep out’ – a true chalet tradition. He ate a light breakfast and put on a light coloured suit and made his way down to the paediatric wing where he was told he could find his daughter,

‘Hello there Pa!’ she said giving him a hug.

‘Look children this is my father, he’s a Doctor in a hospital in Switzerland,’

 

#445:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 4:18 pm

Oh oh, another Joey situation boiling up?

 

#446:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 5:55 pm

Ooooh, this is all mind boggling!! Did the kidnappers ever get caught Marianne??

Love all the travels though Smile

 

#447:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 6:43 pm

Is Jo and Jack's marriage going to go rocky? I hope not!

 

#448:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 8:43 pm

The children oo’ed and ahhed about Margot’s daddy although none had any real concept about where Switzerland was but Jack was a novelty all the same. By and by Jo got up, dressed and opened their mail; her heart leapt when she saw a London post mark, it was from Con!

‘Dear Mamma,
I hope India is keeping you well and you’re not too tired from all that travelling!

Now, the news I know you’re looking for; those men who took little John, they’ve been caught, or, rather they know who did it. The police know where they are but they’re a little harder to get hold of than we hoped, we were right you see, they are in an organised network, looking for money. It seems Papa is pretty famous, they heard he was coming, it frightens me to think they knew where we were and probably still do.

I’ll keep you up dated!

Everything else is going well; James does seem to be picking up now thanks to that tonic Pa gave him, thank God. Phil is ok, she’s still a bit shaken up, understandably, by the drama’s of recent weeks but her friends have been great to her, young Magnus is a very down to earth chap and so good to her, although she assures me that they are just friends!

Now, some better, neigh, excellent news! Me and Roger are going to have another child, I can’t help myself but hope for a little girl!

Anyway, take care

Lots of love Connie.

Jo felt gladdened by the letter, that would be her Seventh grand child, she had to take it to Jack immediately, but where was he? She rolled her eyes in realisation of where he would be but swallowed her bitterness; she preferred joy in her heart.

 

#449:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 6:23 pm

Jo felt gladdened by the letter, that would be her Seventh grand child, she had to take it to Jack immediately, but where was he? She rolled her eyes in realisation of where he would be but swallowed her bitterness; she preferred joy in her heart. She took the letter down to her husband, who greeted her with genuine warmth,

‘Hello darling, I hope you don’t mind, I thought I’d better let you have your sleep out,’

Jo couldn’t fathom why but this statement irritated her, although she lied, ‘I know, I feel very refreshed now thanks, look we have a letter from Con,’

‘Oh good stuff!’ said Jack heartily, trying to hide his concern that Jo seemed slightly cold towards him. Jo walked out giving Margot a quick smile; she had no idea what she was going to do with herself, all she knew was that she needed to think.

Christmas

Christmas was drawing near so after a few more days in India the Maynard’s decided to return home to Switzerland to prepare for a big family Christmas; Jo hoped to get as many people there as possible, at some time during the holidays if not on Christmas day itself!

 

#450:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 6:24 pm

So what is going to happen at Christmas??

 

#451:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 1:39 pm

Seems rather odd to be looking forward to CHristmas on a hot June afternoon but I am.

Does people mean non family i.e school people to massage Jo's feelings?

 

#452:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 9:56 pm

Christmas

Christmas was drawing near so after a few more days in India the Maynard’s decided to return home to Switzerland to prepare for a big family Christmas; Jo hoped to get as many people there as possible, at some time during the holidays if not on Christmas day itself!

The flight back to Switzerland was a long one but Jo, ever the excitable, was sustained by the thought of a perfect family Christmas, and, for the moment at least, all bitterness was free from her mind and she set about being the mother and host she had been trained to be. Con, Roger, James, John and Phil were the first to arrive a day after Jack and Jo; the normal greetings were made and the preparations began;

‘Phil, why don’t you and the boys go and make some paper streamers to decorate the nursery for when all the wee ones arrive?’ suggested Jo enthusiastically, Phil amicable agreed, just glad that she wouldn’t have to make small talk with the guests that arrived, she knew that she would have a lot of explaining to do!

Len popped in with her daughters (Virginia and Bernadette) for lunch,
‘Len! How good it is to see you!’ exclaimed Jo, ‘and you too, my, you’ve grown all over again. Phil, come downstairs honey, Len is here! Why don’t you too go up and say hello to James and John; they are making paper streamers.’ Directed Jo, and the pair of little girls ran up the stairs in search of their cousins.

‘Hello Phil,’ greeted Len warmly, giving her youngest sister a hug. Len was taller than Phil by a bout a head but you could tell they were related with similar colouring and manner.

‘Hi Len,’ replied Phil slightly shyly but with genuine pleasure at seeing her eldest sister.

‘We’ve got so much to catch up on, I can’t wait until everyone gets here!’ commented Jo, she was almost in ecstasy; there was nothing she liked more than having her whole family around her.

Suddenly there was an almighty crash from upstairs and all three women’s thoughts turned towards the nursery in thought of the four small children who were supposed to be quietly making paper streamers!

 

#453:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 10:21 pm

Uh-oh what has happened now? Confused

 

#454:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 10:35 pm

Confused
Leaving four smallish children alone seems like a recipe for bumps, bruises and trouble.

Still enjoying this very much Marianne

 

#455:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 5:42 pm

Con, Jo, Len and Phil jumped up and ran up the stairs, not wanting be cause alarm but decidedly worried – it had been a loud noise. Within seconds they were all in the room,

‘Oh no!’ cried Len bursting into laughter, ‘Virginia and Bernadette, you naughty girls!’ It seemed that the children had attempted to fix their paper streamer to the ceiling and had a put a chair on top of the desk. Young Virginia had tried to climb up on top of the precarious tower, Bernadette judging that she was the lightest. The tower had of course wobbled and collapsed causing poor Virginia to fall, thankfully Bernadette had managed to break the fall but at her expense; consequently Virginia was sprawled, wailing on top of her elder sister who was attempting to blink back tears, more of shock than anything else.

‘James, John, come here sweeties!’ ordered Con, thinking it wise to get the two little crying boys out of the way.

‘My girlies, jump up, your not killed!’ began Len, springing into action.

‘My arm Mamma, she squashed it!’ sniffed Bernadette once Virginia had got up.

‘Oh honey, come here, I’ll kiss it better! What about you Ginny darling, are you hurt?’

‘No Mamma, I don’t think so,’ hiccoughed Virginia examining her arms and legs for injuries.

‘Good good, well you’d better come down and have some lemonade and a biscuit. There you are Ginny, take Grandma’s hand,’ said Len and the four headed down the stairs, tears cured and Jo deeply proud of her eldest daughter, what a mother she had turned out to be.

‘Good Heavens! I don’t believe it!’ cried Jo, bursting into tears and Len could see why, somebody had arrived while they were sorting out the little ones.

 

#456:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 5:48 pm

Ooooo who's arrived?!???????

 

#457:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 6:49 pm

‘Robin!’ exclaimed Jo, rushing towards her beloved adoptive sister.

‘Hello Jo,’ said Robin crying quietly as they embraced, ‘Madge and Jem are with Jack in the study.’

‘Good, good stuff, I can’t tell you how pleased I am to see you, in this house, home’ replied Jo drying up slightly. ‘I take it you carried out your threat?’ asked Jo wryly causing Robin to smile.
‘Indeed honey, I’ve left the nuns, I love them but it’s not what I want anymore.’

‘I know, we understand, have you had a coffee?’

‘Yep Jo, I’ve been well looked after, guests always are in your house! I wouldn’t mind a room though; it’s ok if I stay?’

‘Of course it is! That would be delightful!’

Somebody coughed from behind Jo, ‘Hello Robin, good to see you, may I speak to you for a minute?’ asked Jack.

‘Of course darling, what is it?’

‘In the study, sorry Robin,’ replied Jack leading Jo from the room.

‘What do you mean by letting Robin stay without consulting me?’ questioned Jack causing Jo to choke.

‘What on earth…of course she can stay! Its Robin you silly man!’

‘I know and at any other time she would be more than welcome but what about our travels, we still haven’t seen Kracow and Warsaw and Prague and Kiev and Moscow and all those wonderful cities!’ complained Jack.

 

#458:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 7:02 pm

Ohhhh I don't like Jack and Joey disagreeing. Sad

 

#459:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 10:51 pm

‘Y-yes…but…Jack…well…I don’t know what to say! It’s Rob Jack, she needs me…she needs us!’

‘She needs to stand on her own two feet Jo!’ relied Jack raising his voice.

‘Maybe so Jack, but right now I won’t walk out on her!’

‘But Jo! For Gods sake! We are retired, our children have flown the nest, they’re grown up! Its time for us!’ shouted Jack, furious at Jo.

‘Grow up Jack. Phil and Geoff are still at school; Cecil is about to leave and doing exams; Felix and Felicity are only at university, they still need us! You can’t walk out on them; the trip was fun and I’d like to travel more but it still comes second!’ explained Jo, somewhat exasperated by her husband.

‘Oh Jo…’ was all Jack said before stomping out of the back door causing Jo to burst into tears and sit down heavily at his desk, head in arms.

By and by Madge who had been talking to Cecil, Phil, Robin, Len and Con noticed that her sister had been gone a while so set off to hunt for her, knowing, somehow that all was not well; she found Jo weeping quietly into her arms.

‘Jo, Joey what’s the matter sweetie? Where’s Jack?’ questioned Madge, not having seen Jo cry like that since Robin was a small, sick child.

‘Oh Madge, Jack – he doesn’t love me anymore!’

‘Shhhhh, did he say that?’ asked Madge hugging her little sister whom she had mothered since babyhood.

‘No, no, but I felt it, he just doesn’t understand that I need to be needed, I must be here for the ones I love!’ explained Jo.

‘Oh, I see,’ Madge didn’t really know what to say.

‘You do?’

‘Well, you see, men…they sometimes feel jealous…jealous of the attention women give their children, over them,’ Madge tried to exclaim.

‘Oh I know, but not Jack, he’s different, he’s mature, grown up, not like some men,’ defended Jo.

 

#460:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 9:48 am

Sounds like Jo is more concerned about her children than Jack...not looking good.

 

#461:  Author: Lynsey, Location: Fife PostPosted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 10:21 am

Couldn't Robin stay in the house herself while Jo and Jack are travelling? They must know they can trust her!

 

#462:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 5:34 pm

Meanwhile preparations were still going on; Geoff and Felix and Felicity arrived late that evening, ready for Christmas Eve, they were greeted by their siblings rather than their parents who were in no fit state to play host.

‘Geoff!’ cried Phil in delight when she saw her twin, they had been forced apart all through their school careers, it was rather like forcing apart the sea and the sand; they had an almost symbiotic relationship and never felt entirely whole without each other.

‘Hiya Phil,’ replied Geoff allowing Phil to size up her brother for the first time; they were obviously twins, Geoff was only taller than his sister by an inch or so making him small for a 16 year old boy.

‘Geoff…come on up,’ ordered Phil concern in her eyes, something was wrong, very wrong.

‘It’s ok Phil, I’ll tell you tonight,’ explained Geoff, knowing Phil could read him like a book.

Arm in arm they headed downstairs for dinner, snow had begun to fall outside adding a fresh look to the already white scenery; on a day that should be joyous all was not well in the Maynard household.

 

#463:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 5:40 pm

Oh oh, what's wrong with Geoff?

 

#464:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 9:36 pm

Arm in arm they headed downstairs for dinner, snow had begun to fall outside adding a fresh look to the already white scenery; on a day that should be joyous all was not well in the Maynard household.

Finally the trial of supper time was over; Madge, Jo and Robin went to Jo’s study to talk. Jack, Jem, Roger and Reg went to his; Con and Len put their respective off spring to bed and went off to chat and the two sets of twins went their separate ways, keen to catch up and rekindle the bond that always resides between twins.

‘Geoff?’ questioned Phil immediately they had got away from the family.

Geoff sighed and tears pricked up in his eyes prompting Phil to place a comforting hand on his shoulder, ‘Come on? What is it?’ she asked quietly.

‘I’m a terrible person Phil; I’ve sinned against Mamma and Papa, against God against everything I hold dear…’ explained Geoff; tears now rolling freely. The Maynard children had been brought up deeply religious; their Catholic upbringing engrained on their very souls.

Phil paled; Geoff was clearly in great turmoil, ‘Please Geoff…’

‘I met this girl, Cosima, I love her Phil, I really do, but, we…we made love. Phil, Phil she’s going to have a baby, I’m going to be a father!’

‘Oh Geoff, well this is difficult but it doesn’t make you a bad person! You’ve done something wonderful; created a life, fallen in love, God shall not condemn you for that. The God of my church Geoff is a benevolent, understanding, loving God who knows that we humans lack in judgement! It is Mamma and Papa you may have to answer to, that is all!’

‘Yes, I suppose you’re right. Poor Cosima…she was going to tell her folks, I offered to marry her but she doesn’t want to, not yet, she says that the baby is a big enough thing to think about,’

‘well indeed! I can’t imagine what she is going through, you could walk away you know,’ said Phil, torn between love for her brother and her moral conscience.

‘You think I’d do that?!’

‘No, of course not, but you must have thought about it?’ asked Phil incredulously.

‘Yes…yes I suppose so. Oh Phil, I’ve considered everything, I can’t decide what is right!’

‘I wish I could give you an answer, I need time to take this all in,’

‘Should I tell the olds?’

Phil frowned, ‘Not yet…I suspect all is not well,’

 

#465:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 9:39 pm

I think it would be the last straw that breaks the Maynard marriage into tiny little pieces.

 

#466:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 10:36 pm

The next day dawned glistening and clear; Christmas day. Joey, being Joey had organised for a Catholic priest and an Anglican vicar to join together in a Christmas morning celebration at the Chalet schools own chapel. Everyone was making a concerted effort to be joyful and amicable; if only for the sakes of the children; Bernadette, Virginia, James, John as well as Charles’ children; Catherine, Anne and Joseph – they had joined with the family the next morning. Margot and Mike were expected at lunch time.

Mass was characteristically beautiful; they sang ‘The First Noel,’ ‘Away in a Manger,’ ‘Silent Night’ and ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem,’ with great gusto and with a palatable unity, one God, one motivation; only divided by more trivial concerns.

‘Beautiful, thank you father,’ greeted Jo, smiling, eyes damp, making that seldom crossable barrier between the two denominations.
The family headed for home, quiet but each determined, inspired with a renewed desire to make Christmas wonderful and make real strides within their family.

 

#467:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 10:37 pm

I'm afraid the solution to this may have to be tragic. Just to warn you.

 

#468:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Jun 13, 2004 2:33 pm

Perhaps you shpould give us more then, just so we can get over the shock, of course.

Goes off, humming a selfless little hum.

 

#469:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Jun 13, 2004 5:02 pm

Have just caught up on this - write some more soon Marianne!

 

#470:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 3:10 pm

Jack walked back alone; he had a lot of soul searching to do; he was a fundamentally gentle and kind man, if liable to loose his temper. He held a firm belief in love conquering all; the ability to love is a mans greatest strength, and, his greatest weakness. Love allowed him to meet, marry and have a long family with Jo but it also, though he hated to admit it limited his achievements and experiences. He felt in turmoil between his head and his heart.

Christmas day, the only occasion for many years when the entire Maynard clan would be together was not a day for an epiphany or a revelation.

A fine, traditional Christmas lunch followed; each family member had a Christmas cracker, a paper hat, a joke and the meal set off to a jovial start. There was however a palpable undercurrent to proceedings; Jo and Jack kept shooting each other glances across the table and Phil was being visibly protective off her twin. The whole scenario looked certain to explode.

 

#471:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 3:11 pm

So write the explosion, please.

 

#472:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 3:50 pm

Jennie wrote:
So write the explosion, please.





Love the subtlety Jennie Wink

 

#473:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 4:31 pm

‘Papa; make a speech!’ said Mike excitedly, like Jo he liked to have his family around him.

‘Oh no Mike…’

‘Yes come on Pa!’ said Felix, only those who had not been perceptive enough to notice the undercurrents wanted a speech.

‘Oh, gosh, alright then,’ complied Jack, smiling slightly; he wasn’t averse to speech making. ‘Well, Happy Christmas family, it’s wonderful that we can all be together when we’re all scattered all over the globe. The last few weeks have been, eventful, Jo and I decided we needed to move on slightly; you’re all very much grown up and we wanted a bit of travelling before we get to old and grey…’

Jo could see where the speech was going…

‘We saw India and Canada and London but we have plenty more to see, personally I’m very much excited by the prospect of Eastern Europe. Family is a wonderful thing, I’m a great believer in the institution, but I want to ask…of all of you…’

Jo stood up, her face red with anger, ‘Jack…’

Jack raised his voice slightly, ‘Please, fly the nest; Phil, Cecil, Felix and Felicity, you’re more than welcome in your home; of course you are and your mother and I will be home for holidays but the rest of you, please visit but please, please move on! Or, well, let your mother move on…’

By this point Jo had tears rolling down her face and Madge and Robin were having to physically restrain her,

‘out…OUT! Get out Jack! I love my children more than life itself, if they want to stay here until they are old and grey then they bloody well can! Me and MY children come as a package!’

Jack looked saddened, genuinely, what he hoped to gain from his little speech he wasn’t sure but he wasn’t expecting that, he bowed his head, grabbed a winter coat and left.

‘Mamma, are you alright?’ asked Len, no one noticed Phil and Geoff slip out.

‘See?’ grimaced Phil, ‘I can see what Pa means though, Mamma is tied rather to that school and there’s only Cecil in it and that’s not for long.’

‘Yes, but, you know, I don’t feel grown up at all, despite…’ Geoff began to laugh harshly but Phil finished his sentence,

‘Despite being a father to be?’

‘Indeed,’

Meanwhile…

‘No Len, I don’t know what’s got into your father, oh God, I shouldn’t have told him to go, I want to work this out, Felix, Felicity, Cecil, Phil and Geoff please don’t be hurt…’ she said, almost randomly, hysteria setting in while Madge, Robin and Len tried to pacify her.

 

#474:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 4:34 pm

Wow - quite the Christmas dinner speach! The children must feel so hurt. I hope that they can patch this up.

Though, I must admit that my dad gave me pretty much the same speach when I began grad school. Not that I'd been living in the house full time since I finished high school.

 

#475:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 4:39 pm

When I used to arrive home at my mother's, her first words to me would be 'When are you leaving?' the second would be ' Where's the money for your food?'

Loving and welcoming, uh?

 

#476:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 4:41 pm

*i'm afraid i couldn't resist the last line*

Jack had taken his car; he was angry, confused, frustrated and rather upset, he was driving very fast, the whitened tree’s were blurred in his wing mirrors, his hands were sweaty on the steering wheel, the ground was covered with snow. Suddenly, without warning, he hit a patch of ice and the car spun out control, and flying over the edge of an alpine cliff, only coming to rest some minutes later on a crevice about 30 feet below the road. Jack lay in his seat, cold, grey, and to all appearances, dead.

 

#477:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 4:47 pm

Well, it was a dirty job, but somebody had to do it.

 

#478:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 6:06 pm

Ah! Another cliffhanger involving a cliff!

 

#479:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 11:35 pm

Noooooo....

*goes off to plot happy drabble somewhere else*

 

#480:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 11:40 pm

caz wrote:
Noooooo....

*goes off to plot happy drabble somewhere else*


*hopes that means more 'All in a Day's Work'*

 

#481:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 1:40 pm

Smoke poured readily from his car engine, no body had seen his car fly over the cliff and no body, at that moment anyway, really cared about where he’d gone.

The Maynard house was in shock but everyone had calmed down, Jo had stopped crying and everyone had relaxed somehow; no one feared shouting anymore. Geoff felt ready to drop his own little bombshell despite his twin’s better judgement.


Harriet
‘Mamma?’

‘Hi there Geoff, I have hardly spoken to you, what’s wrong?’ questioned Jo; there might have been a lot going on but she still noticed that one of her babies was in trouble.

‘I – I’ve been bad…well…I made a mistake!’ replied Geoff.

‘Oh?’

‘Mamma, I met a girl, we…we made love and she is going to have a baby…I just didn’t realise, we didn’t think, it just felt right…’

Jo swallowed, she suddenly realised Geoff wasn’t a boy anymore, he was a man, young man, but nevertheless, not a child, ‘Oh Geoff, I’m so glad you came to me…have you spoken to…?’

‘Harriet,’ supplied Geoff.

‘On the phone yesterday, she told her parents, they threw her out…Mamma, she’s heading here! I’m sorry, but I couldn’t ignore her…’

‘Of course you couldn’t! Poor girl, when does her plane come in?’

‘In a couple of hours,’

‘Well we’ll go and get her, grab a coat Geoff and I’ll borrow Jem’s car…since Jack took ours.’

‘Really Mamma? Thank You I’m sorry I didn’t realise you would be so understanding, I thought you’d be very upset,’

‘At first my Geoff that was my reaction, but you know you’ve sinned and you’re trying to put it right. And God knows I’m not going to divide this family further,’ replied Jo before the pair set off out of the door. Jo drove carefully along the pass and noticed in the distance that a tree had been damaged and the snow heavily disturbed at the edge of the cliff; she had a nose for trouble and they had enough time so she stopped the car to see if she could do anything.

‘Oh my God! Geoff, its Papa, the car’s gone over!’ exclaimed Jo.

‘Dear God…he looks…’

‘Dead,’ Filled in Jo.

‘Umm, yeah, I’m sure he’s fine, we need to get help!’

Jo wasn’t entirely sure how to react, she’d pictured the seen in her nightmares so often it was surreal, plus she wasn’t sure how she felt about him. Geoff had never been close to his father, not like Stephen but the thought of him dead was terrible.

‘Stay there and shout to him! There’s a house over there! They might have a phone!’

Jo ran to the house and managed to get hold of mountain rescue…

 

#482:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 5:35 pm

That's right, leave us on the cliff-edge! Wibbling madly, is Jack REALLY DEAD?

 

#483:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 6:58 pm

*clips on drabble safety harness*

 

#484:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 7:08 pm

Solves it nicely.

Jack *can't* go anywhere for a few months.

 

#485:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 7:13 pm

Argh! Argh! Argh! I catch up on this and wind up on a great big HUGE cliff. Please please please please let us down soon or I'll be holding my breath for days on end... Wink

 

#486:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 8:55 pm

Geoff and Jo sat at the top of the cliff, staring down at Jack, not really knowing what to do, Jo suddenly paled, it seemed to dawn on her that this was the man she married, had called a ‘solid lump of comfort’ and had twelve children with. Not taking her eyes off Jacks grey face she said,

‘Geoff, that house, they have a phone, they said to shout if we needed anymore help – get hold of Jem or Reg and tell them to get down here!’ ordered Jo, panic suddenly setting in. Geoff ran off without a reply, tears’ pouring down his face, Harriet was forgotten for the moment.

 

#487:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 10:31 pm

another cliff-edge-rescue!

*hopes it concludes faster than the conqueror one*

 

#488:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed Jun 16, 2004 10:31 am

Marianne wrote:
...and had twelve children with.


Have I missed someone?

 

#489:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Jun 16, 2004 12:18 pm

Do you really think that Jo would stop at eleven?

 

#490:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Wed Jun 16, 2004 1:57 pm

ummm, actually, dan't invented anyone! Was counting Marie-Clare! Call it an EBDism...

 

#491:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed Jun 16, 2004 2:52 pm

* hammer Ann for doubting Marianne's CS knowledge!*

I apologise profusely.

Please continue...

 

#492:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Wed Jun 16, 2004 10:54 pm

*continues to hold breath and hopes it will be safe to breathe out soon*

 

#493:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Thu Jun 17, 2004 6:27 pm

Jo sat perched onto of the cliff, leaning over so that she could make out Jacks face,

‘Jack! Jack…I’m sorry darling, we can work this out can’t we?’ called Jo in vain.

By and by Reg and Jem arrived in separate vehicles in case more than one was needed;

‘Joey! Come away from the edge!’ shouted Jem jumping out of his car.

‘Oh Jem, thank God!’

‘Thank Geoff…now Joey, go home with Reg and Geoff, Madge has hot baths and beds waiting for you both!’ ordered Jem, already assessing the situation.

‘No Jem, I’m not a twelve year old weakling anymore…and Geoff needs to go to the airport!’

‘What, why?’ questioned Jem confused.

Jo was getting more and more frustrated, ‘Not now Jem, just trust me. Reg! Reg! Come here dear and take Geoff to the airport, he’ll explain on the way, go both of you!’ and they did.

 

#494:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Thu Jun 17, 2004 8:51 pm

‘W-what on earth Jo?’

‘Not to worry, oh thank God its mountain rescue!’ cried Jo peering into the grey sky.

‘So it is, looks like they are going to and over there,’ said Jem, indicating a clearing behind the tree’s on the other side of the pass, ‘they can’t get to Jack from the air because of the trees.’

‘Oh yes, come on…’ replied Jo, jogging towards the helicopter, closely followed by Jem.

‘How long has he been there?’ questioned the mountain rescue team.

‘Oh…er…lunchtime I guess, two maybe,’ replied Jo.

‘Five hours? Has he regained consciousness in that time?’

It dawned on Jem what the outcome was going to be, there was no chance of Jack being alive. Jo read Jems body language with accuracy; she had a knack for understanding other people. The rescue team had gone off to winch Jack off the crevice.

‘I’m sorry Jo, you have to understand, Jack…well…’

‘He’s dead, isn’t he?’

 

#495:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Thu Jun 17, 2004 10:45 pm

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

 

#496:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri Jun 18, 2004 10:49 pm

*screams and beings helpless pacing up and down*

 

#497:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sat Jun 19, 2004 5:09 pm

would you like me to save Jack???

oh the power.... Laughing

 

#498:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Jun 19, 2004 5:46 pm

I'm afraid that you'll just have to be like the rest of us, Marianne, and do what your characters tell you to do. The joys of writing.

 

#499:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sat Jun 19, 2004 8:06 pm

‘Probably,’ agreed Jem, desperately trying to predict Jo’s reaction. True to form Joey swooned and fainted, caught safely by Jem who carried her over to the remaining car where she could be comparatively warm.

Meanwhile Reg and Geoff were arriving at the airport…

‘There! Look!’ exclaimed Geoff obviously delighted.

‘Geoff! Oh, thank you so much!’ said Harriet before bursting into tears.

‘It’s ok Harriet…this is my brother – in – law Reg, Lens husband. But Harriet, I must warn you, my Pa, he had an accident earlier…’

‘Oh?’

‘He drove off the cliff, mountain rescue are recovering him and the car at the moment,’ explained Geoff simply.

‘Come on you two, let’s go home…’ interrupted Reg, rather confused.

Reg stopped the car when he reached the site of the accident; Jem and Joey were standing over a stretcher, ‘stay in the car in for a minute guys,’ requested Reg, wanting to asses the situation before he exposed the two strung up teenagers to more angst.

‘Jem!’

‘Oh hallo again Reg, we don’t think he’s going to make it, his pulse is weak,’ informed Jem, moving Reg away from Jo.

‘Oh, good heavens, this is terrible!’

 

#500:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Sat Jun 19, 2004 8:11 pm

Jack passed away later that day, he never regained consciousness, Jem said that his head injuries were too severe; he died peacefully, in the san with the family at his bedside. Jo had talked to him and had genuinely forgiven him, she held onto the theory that hearing is the last thing to go.

 

#501:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Jun 20, 2004 3:49 pm

Crying or Very sad Marrianne I can't believe that you were brave enough to kill Jack!

 

#502:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 1:10 pm

*ok, the last ever bit*


And into the future…

Jack’s death was a massive blow to them all but time is a great heeler and by and by the pain grew less and each of the family members went back to their own lives. Interestingly, the family was more united; it seemed Joey was the crux of their family even if Jack had been the breadwinner. Thankfully they were financially secure and Jo was able to live happily. Robin moved in to the Maynard house in order to keep Joey Company; as a pair they decided to open up their house as a foster home for children whose parents were in the san.

Phil finished her education in London and went to Peterhouse College Cambridge to read Social and Political science, breaking the mould in true Phil style. Cecil went to Paris to study Art, Felix became a teacher like Charles and Felicity went to work as a dancer in the west end.

Geoff and Harriet didn’t get married; they both realised that they were too young and not prepared so Geoff was able to finish his A levels and went to the University College London to read Maths. Harriet’s parents forgave her and supported her and her son Christopher, she later trained as a nurse with a view to moving to Switzerland to work in the san; she had fallen in love with the place.

John’s kidnappers were caught and imprisoned and James got better after some time… Con’s third child was a baby girl, they called her Phoebe Josephine much to Jo’s delight.

The Chalet School lived on to educate Jo’s Grand Children and Great Grand Children and their children…

 

#503:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 3:20 pm

Thank you, Marianne, that was lovely.

 

#504:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 3:38 pm

Thanks for tying up all the ends, Marianne. The story of the Maynards has come so far since the beginning, it's good to know that they survived as a family.

 

#505:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 6:10 pm

Thanks Marianne, I thoroughly enjoyed that.

What will you be writing next? Wink

 

#506:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2004 12:53 am

Thanks Marianne, I have enjoyed this so much and it's very sad now that it's finished Crying or Very sad

 

#507:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2004 10:24 am

Thanks Marriane, you really stuck with this, and rounded all the ends off nicely.

 

The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles


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

Page 1 of 1

Powered by phpBB 2.0.6 © 2001,2002 phpBB Group