A Scandal at the Chalet School
The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles
#1: A Scandal at the Chalet School Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 9:32 am

Joey Maynard gazed unseeing at the beauty of the mountains, her thoughts far away in time and space. She recalled the war years spent in England, the time when her beloved husband had been serving his country far away from his wife and young daughters. She remembered a promise made then, one that could never truly be forgotten. Now Stephen's 18th birthday was approaching it was time to fulfill that promise.

 

#2:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 9:58 am

It had seemed so easy at the time, to take on a newborn child and pass it off as her own as a favour to one of her oldest friends. The triplets were too young to realise that she had not been pregnant and both Robin and Daisy had been away at school. Besides Stephen's mother only Jack had known the truth, even Madge, to whom she had given the care of the triplets whilst Stephen's mother had come to Plas Gwyn to give birth, never knew that he wasn't Joey's son

 

#3:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 10:36 am

It had been extremely difficult to hide Rosalie's pregnancy, expecially as wartime rationing made it difficult to put on weight, but luckily Rosalie had not 'shown' very much, and was able to disguise her shape with judicious padding.
The move to Switzerland had helped her to keep in touch with her son without arousing suspicion, for which she was very thankful. Now Jp's task was nearly done.

 

#4:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 10:42 am

It was lucky that Jack was as fair as Joey was dark. Everyone on seeing Stephen would exclaim "But how nice for you to have your son look like your husband", while they actually meant "Why he doesn't look a bit like you". The legendary tale of her upsetting dye over herself had been done on purpose, to protect Rosalie from any observant eyes.

 

#5:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 11:00 am

In the whole of the time Stephen had been in her care there had only been one occasion when the story nearly came out. She hadn't intended on extending her own family quite so soon after Stephen was entrusted to her. She smiled to herself at Jack's resourcefulness, telling everyone that Charles was premature when in fact he was really a few days late.

The whole family would be assembling soon for Stephen's 18th birthday, not just the Maynards but the extended family and friends, including Rosalie. She had one telephone call to make though and she wasn't looking forward to it.

"I did promise" she said to herself sternly picking up the phone.

 

#6:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 11:48 am

The phone rang for quite a while, and Jo was just beginning to think that the person she wanted was out when he picked up the receiver.
"This is Jo Maynard," she replied to his query. "I think you need to know that we will be celebrating Stephen's 18th birthday soon."

 

#7:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 12:41 pm

The man on the other end of the line hurrumphed, and Jo reflected that he didn't seem to have changed much since the War years had brought him to the school after the mysterious lights that had been showing in the grounds after dark. She still had no idea what the man's attraction had been for Rosalie all those years ago, but felt that even so she must keep her promise.
“So do you think you will be able to come out here for the party, Colonel Black?”

 

#8:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 12:46 pm

There was a heavy silence at the other end of the phone and Joey found herself holding her breath.

"When?" The Colonel barked
"This weekend." Joey said quickly as she drew in breath
"In Switzerland?"
"Yes, the Gornetz Platz."
"It's very short notice."
"Eighteen years is hardly short notice!" As the words came out of her mouth Joey realised she may have overstepped the mark

 

#9:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 1:05 pm

There was a long silence at the other end, and Jo held her breath.
"You haven't changed very much have you young lady," the voice barked at her eventually. "You were rude then, and you still are. However, you did me a favour so we'll say no more on that matter. On the other thing - yes I will be there."

 

#10:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 1:11 pm

Joey sighed deeply as she replaced the earpiece back in the cradle. She then turned her attention to the guest list on her desk.
"Gosh!" She exclaimed suddenly jumping to her feet and knocking the chair backwards accross the floor "I'd better go tell Rosalie."

She quickly put on her coat and hat and made her way across the garden into the school's grounds. Sneaking into the side entrance she made her way straight to the secretary's office where, at this time of day, she would be hard at work.

 

#11:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 2:15 pm

"Joey!" Rosalie exclaimed as she saw the earphone sided face peer suddenly round the corner. "You startled me"
"Sorry." Joey grinned at her, "didn't mean to"
"Do you want Hilda?"
"Not today, it's you i've come to see."
"Oh!" Rosalie's eyes clouded. "About Saturday?"
"Yes." Joey spoke gently having seen the concern in her friend's face
"Well?"
"He's coming." Joey said simply. Rosalie merely nodded and turned back to her type writer.
"Rosalie." Joey's tone was gentle. "I can cancel it."

 

#12:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 3:40 pm

'Cancel what, Joey?' enquired Rosalie. 'Just how will you explain to Stephen that he isn't going to get a birthday celebration?'

'No, you goop, I meant cancel Colonel Black'

'We can't do that Jo, you know what we agreed all those years ago. What really worries me is Stephen's reaction to the news. I just wish that I'd had the courage to tell my father and step-mother all those years ago. We wouldn't be be doing all this worrying now, if only I'd had the courage to be honest then.'

With that, Rosalie burst into tears, and sank down into her chair, sobbing bitterly.

 

#13:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 3:46 pm

Joey walked round the desk and placed her arm around the sobbing woman.
"Ros, I know it's going to be hard," she said soothingly.
"Oh Joey, you have no idea." Rosalie fumbled for her hankerchief in her sleeve as she spoke.

"Rosalie, Joey, whatever is the matter?" Hilda had emerged from her study and was surprised at the scene in front of her.
"Oh Hilda!" Joey exclaimed. Not really knowing what to say she looked down at her friend "We, erm, I." She said incoherently.

 

#14:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 4:50 pm

"We er just um having a chat and Rosalie got a bit upset, we were talking about those awful days in Tyrol." Joey said quickly, trying to protect her friend.
Hilda had a lot of things on her mind and accepted Joey's story, "Oh Rosalie I am sorry, take some time off if you want."
Rosalie, pale and gallant, looked at her boss and said, "Hilda there's something I have to tell you... Something I should have told you long ago."
"Rosalie," Hilda said anxiously, "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."
Rosalie continued though, "No I want to tell you now, the truth will be out soon enough anyway."

 

#15:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 6:24 pm

"You remember when we were back at Plas Howell during the War, and Gwensi, Daisy and Beth got caught up with those paochers who were showing lights to catch their fish?"
"Yes, I remember that well," said the Head looking at Rosalie in some perplexity. "We had that Colonel Black and his men posted around the school for weeks trying to catch whoever was showing those lights. What on earth has made you bring that up now of all times? And why should it upset you so much?"
Rosalie gulped back her tears and lifted her face to the Head who was bending over her in concern.
"You see, that isn't all that happened that week," she said.

 

#16:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 8:38 am

Hilda looked from the tear stained face of her secretary to the worried frown on Joey's face, for the first time both women seemed to be showing their ages.

"Shall we go and sit down in the salon?" She spoke gently her grey eyes reflecting her concern.

Hilda turned and led the way, stopping to switch the kettle on, Joey and Rosalie followed.
"Your sure you want to do this?" Joey whispered and Rosalie nodded mutely.

Once they were all settled on the comfortable chairs Hilda spoke again
"So, what else happened that week?"

 

#17:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 3:30 pm

Joey looked at Rosalie, not sure whether the older woman was in any state to talk.
"No Joey." Rosalie said firmly, "this is my story."
"Very well." Joey took Rosalie's hand in hers and she settled back into the chair.
"That week," Rosalie spoke quietly, "with all the men on the grounds, well, I spent a lot of time with Colonel Black. You asked me to liaise with him, checking the grounds and the shelters"
"Go on," Hilda urged.
"Well, by the end of the week we were quite friendly and he asked me to go to dinner one evening."

 

#18:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 4:04 pm

Please carry on you three, very intriguing.
But who would have thought it of Rosalie?

 

#19:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 4:19 pm

"I was well, I can't really describe how I felt... a mixture of flattered and surprised I suppose. I had never been asked out to dinner by a man before." Rosalie paused thinking back to all those years ago, when she had been young and irreproachable. "We went to a hotel in Armiford, the meal was the usual standard for the war, but we had some wine.... Or no maybe I should say I had some wine."

 

#20:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 4:27 pm

"In fact I had a little too much, and Colonel Black suggested that I ought to stay at the hotel overnight. I aggreed, as I really couldn't face the drive back to Plas Howell. The room was spinning slightly as it was, and I thought the drive would make it worse. He booked us both in, but I didn't rrealise that he'd booked a double room.

 

#21:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 9:36 pm

Rosalie paused and looked down into her lap, her mind whirling
"So you stayed the night?" Hilda said calmly.
"Well, yes." Rosalie's voice was a whisper.
"and then?" Hilda prompted
"Nothing, well, no that's not quite true." Joey gave Rosalie's hand a reasurring squeeze. "I didn't really think anything of it to be honest, there was a war on, other things to occupy me. I just put it to the back of my mind and got on with things."

Hilda remained silent, pretty certain that her secretary had more to say.

 

#22:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 9:53 pm

This is really great! Please keep going.

 

#23:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 10:59 pm

Really enjoying this, might be the first ever serious communal drabble!

 

#24:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 4:31 am

Sarah_K wrote:
Really enjoying this, might be the first ever serious communal drabble!


Sarah - check out in the archives - Margot Expelled - we have done serious in the past!

This is wonderful and I'm really enjoying reading it - please continue!

 

#25:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 8:08 am

"I think," Rosalie continued in a low measured voice, "that it was during the holidays when I realised."
"Realised what?" Hilda looked confused.
"That I was pregnant," Rosalie said baldy. Hilda's eyes opened to their widest extent and her mouth dropped open in suprise.
"But," was all she could stammer.

"I didn't tell anyone at first," Rosalie continued. "I came back to work and wrote out my resignation letter. I had intended to go away, far away, pretend I was one of the unfortunate war widows, left pregant like so many were."

 

#26:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 8:17 am

"But then Joey guessed what was happening. I should have known that Jo would if anyone! She gave me an alternative solution, and I must confess I leapt on it. She suggested that she and Jack should adopt my baby and bring him or her up as their own." Rosalie turned and smiled rather tremulously at her friend, who grinned back at her in encouragement. "I leapt at the chance of keeping some contact with my child after the birth, and that's what happened. I disguised everything with padding, and went to Jo's when it was time."

 

#27:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 9:54 am

"Joey, I thought you were pregnant!" Hilda exclaimed
"Rosalie wasn't the only one who used padding," Joey explained.
"So, let me get this straight, Stephen is Rosalie's son, and Colonel Black is the father"
"Yes"
"but, his birth certificate, I saw it when I countersigned the boys passport applications." Hilda looked uncomforable
"Stephen was registered by Jack as our son," Joey explained calmly. "He was going to be bought up as such, there was no need for anyone to know any different."
"And now?"
"It's time for Stephen to know the truth," Rosalie said simply

 

#28:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 12:08 pm

'Why have you decided to tell him now, on his eighteenth birthday?' asked Hilda in her usual calm tones.

'We decided that he had to know the truth some time, and well, we thought that.....'

'Have you both considered that Stephen will be incredibly shocked, and, in all probability, distraught to learn that he is not in fact a member of the large, happy family to which he believes he belongs?'

'The real problem is that his father, that is, Colonel Black, has decided that he actually wants to know his own son.' replied Rosalie bitterly. 'He didn't want to do the decent thing by either me or his own child then, but now that someone else has had all the hard work of bringing him up, now he wants to get to know him!'

 

#29:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 12:34 pm

Wow. Fabulous writing - keep going!

*glad it didn't take the route I thought it could at the bottom of page one... or has it?*

(doesn't want to upset things too much and knows it's been done in Kate's "Felicity", but...)

 

#30:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 12:46 pm

"Stephen will always belong to our family." Joey spoke firmly in a tone that Hilda and Rosalie had never heard before but any one of her children could have told them that the point was not up for discussion.

"So your doing this just for Colonel Black?" Hilda's normally well moderated tones appeared to have deserted her.
"No," Rosalie said firmly. "Not just for him, for me as well. Stephen is my son too. I've watched from a distance for the past 18 years, I can't be a mother to him, Joey has been that, but I do want to be something in his life."
"I'm sorry," Hilda spoke softly her voice edged with sadness. "I know that the original plan was thought to be for the best, but I can't be party to what your about to do."

 

#31:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 12:51 pm

so... quite what can Hilda do? She can't exactly stop them from telling him!

*doesn't like the way Hilda's going in this drabble*

It's not as if she knows what Rosalie had to go through when she found out, all those years ago! What does she know?

 

#32:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 3:48 pm

Rosalie's face quickly lost what was left of the colour in it, she had been counting on Hilda's, a friend as well as a collegue, support.
Joey also did not like what Hilda had said, "Well I'm afraid Hilda that we have made this decision and that we intend to stick to it whether you like it or not."
Hilda realising she had handled the situation badly opened her mouth to try and explain.

 

#33:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 3:56 pm

"Do you not see" she said "if you just spring this on Stephen with everyone watching him his going to react badly. He will not be able to understand why you didn't tell him this earlier and will need time to adjust. You cannot just expect him to accept it happily and immediately be able to work out how to react and behave around you!"

 

#34:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 7:03 pm

It will come as such a complete shock to him that it may very well change his whole attitude to you both for the worse and I am sure that I should not blame him if it did. You must have a quiet talk to him before Colonel Black arrives and tell him everything. Be very honest and answer all his questions. It won't be easy for any of you I am afraid, but that is wholly your own faults. I do have every sympathy for you Rosalie my dear, don't think that I don't.

 

#35:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 7:12 pm

more please.... more please

anyone need any more ideas I am in MSN all day tomorrow !! Wink

 

#36:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 8:51 pm

I just want you to all to see the pitfalls. Stephen has always been led to believe that he is the eldest son, and that is an added complication. When he finds out that it is really Charles how do you think he will feel? This whole situation needs treating with kid gloves.

 

#37:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 8:56 pm

"But Hilda," Joey protested, "Stephen is my eldest son. I love him just as much as my other children, nothing will ever change that."
"Joey," Hilda said wisely, "You must realise that this will turn Stephen's world upside down, he is unlikely to see that you love him just as much as the other children. He's probably going to think of every row he's ever had and conclude that he was treated far more unfairly than any of the other children would have been"

 

#38:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 10:21 pm

Wow, this is amazing. Please keep going.

 

#39:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 8:48 am

The three women sat silently taking in Hilda's words. Eventually Hilda rose from her seat.
"Ladies, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do." Her words were final and the two younger women made haste to leave the study.

Leaving Rosalie in her own office, Joey hurried accross the grounds to Freudeshim. Shutting herself in the study for a long hard think about what Hilda had said.

"Whatever am I going to do?" She said to herself quitely and she stared blankly at the guest list on the table in front of her. "Hilda's right, I can't just let Rosalie and Colonel Black spring this on Stephen in front of everyone."

 

#40:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 9:08 am

After a great deal of thought, and in fear and trepidation, Joey managed a quiet word with Stephen that evening, asking him into her study for a chat about his birthday celebrations. Once they were both seated in comfort she hesitated, suddenly unsure how to begin a conversation that would be one of the most difficult of her life. Stephen looked at her in perplexity and as the silence lengthened finally opened the conversation himself.
"What was it you wanted to talk about Mother?" he asked.
Joey pulled herself together and looked at him soberly. "I've been thinking about what I needed to say to you," she started. "I think the best way is to start at the beginning. You see a long time ago, during the War when we were living at Plas Howell we had some problems with lights showing at night."

 

#41:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 9:21 am

Joey explained quietly, fighting with herself to keep her voice level, the arrival of Colonel Black at the school and the fateful evening with Rosalie. Stephen sat listening attentively, at first his attention wandering as he thought that this was yet one more of his mother's old yarns.

"So you see when I found out about the baby I came up with a perfect solution," Joey continued. "Aunt Rosalie never really wanted to leave her job and go away to have the baby. She couldn't keep you herself but she didn't want to have to put the baby up for adoption."

Stephen suddenly sat bolt upright in his chair.
"What did you just say!" He exclaimed.
"That Aunt Rosalie didn't want to put the baby up for adoption."
"No, before that, you said she couldn't keep you!"
"I," Joey stuttered her face flushing deeply as she looked at the shocked and outraged expression on her son's face.

 

#42:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 9:33 am

'Does that mean what I think it means?' asked Stephen in a voice that sounded as though he were having to force all the words through clenched teeth.

'I just want you to understand, Stephen. Please let me finish what I want, no, need to tell you.' begged Jo.

'Very well then, go on,' replied Stephen. 'But don't take too long about it. Just give me the plain facts, without any of your excuses or padding it out. The truth, that's all I want to hear.'

 

#43:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 9:41 am

Well Stephen, your father and I both agreed that we would adopt you. That way Rosalie would know that you had a good home and would also be able to keep in touch with you." Joey saw the look on Stephen's face and reached out her hands to him. "Stephen, you are our son as much as any of the others. Please believe me."

 

#44:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 9:50 am

Stephen looked down at his mother's drawn face and into her dark eyes, filled with unshed tears. He felt cold, numb, unable to take in what she was saying.

"I have to think," he said suddenly pulling his hands out of hers, whirling round he raced from the study slamming the door with force as he went.

"Hey Stephen where do you think your going!" Joey heard her husband exclaim as she broke down into uncontrollable sobbing.

 

#45:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 9:51 am

(Oh, poor Stephen!)

 

#46:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 10:10 am

Jack opened the door and came across to Joey, putting his arm around her tenderly. "What's got into Stephen?" he asked. "He went haring up the stairs like a bat out of Hell!"
Joey smiled slightly, but it hardly reached her eyes. "I told him the truth Jack. Hilda said that he needed to be told privately so I did. He's pretty upset."

 

#47:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 10:52 am

Jack swollowed deeply and tightened his grip around his wife's shoulders.
"Oh Joey, why didn't you talk to me first."
"What good would that have done?" Joey sniffed as she spoke
"I should have been here, for you, for Stephen." Jack's tones were anguished. "Why on earth did you decide to tell him now?"
"We agreed," Joey wiped her eyes as she spoke. "We always said we would tell Stephen the truth when he was older."
"Yes, I know," Jack sighed. "Why now though, and what has Hilda to do with it?"
"Rosalie told her, this morning, about Stephen," Joey spoke in short staccato bursts
"Whatever for!"
"Rosalie was upset." Joey looked up at her husband before continuing, "you see, Colonel Black, Stephen's father, he's agreed to come to his birthday."

 

#48:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 12:18 pm

oohh more please Laughing

This is really really good

 

#49:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 1:03 pm

This has to be the best communal drabble I've read.

 

#50:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 1:42 pm

Sarah_L wrote:
This has to be the best communal drabble I've read.


WHAT?!?!?!?

You think this is better than Dr. Venables?!?!?!


I think you might be right! lolol Twisted Evil

 

#51:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 2:49 pm

Stephen had at first run blindly upstairs to the bedroom he had shared with his brother Charles since the family moved to Switzerland.

Looking round at the organised chaos, he saw every familiar thing and yet, in his present state, it also looked so strange. The child still inside him would have given anything to have thrown itself down onto the bed and howled his eyes out, the adult he was becoming just wanted to get away.

Grabbing his rucksack from the top of the wardrobe he quickly stuffed in clothes, swiss army knife, the money from his savings jar and the secret stash of sweets he had Charles had collected since they'd come home.

Opening the bedroom window he checked the ground below and, as there was no one about, swung his leg over the cill and accross to the trellis that ran down to the ground. This had always been the fastest way to escape the house without anyone knowing and he was soon accross the back garden and under the hedge into the school's grounds.

 

#52:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 4:20 pm

Stephen paused as he entered the school grounds, he needed to think rationally. Where should he go? He did not have much money, he had been counting on having money for his birthday. He also had to stay in Switzerland as he did not have his passport.
He was standing deep in thought when a weak voice behind him tentatively called, "Stephen."

 

#53:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 5:29 pm

Rachel wrote:
Sarah_L wrote:
This has to be the best communal drabble I've read.


WHAT?!?!?!?

You think this is better than Dr. Venables?!?!?!


I think you might be right! lolol Twisted Evil


Maybe I should change that to the best serious drabble I've read. Wink

 

#54:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 6:10 pm

Wow!!!!

(can't have a one word post can we, but what else can I say!)

 

#55:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 6:45 pm

He swung round and saw that the voice belonged to Rosalie Dene. Now he knew he could see that she had the same mouth and eyes that he had, but had never noticed before.
"Stephen what's the matter? You look dreadful. May I help?" It was obvious she had no idea that he knew and he hesitated wodering what on earth he culd say to theis woman that he no longer knew. In the end the words tumbled out without any conscious thought. "Mother says you're my mother? Is it true?"

 

#56:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 8:09 pm

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh Crying or Very sad

You can't leave us there...someone....anyone....please Shocked

 

#57:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 8:38 pm

Rosalie blanched and swayed, stepping backwards to save herself falling. That was enough to confirm to Stephen that his mother, as he still thought of her, had been telling the truth.

Whirling round he ran blindly accross the grounds, tears stinging his eyes. Whilst he had the confirmation of his true parentage it didn't at this stage seem to make anything better.

Rosalie watched her son's flight, her face now flushed a dull red, she wanted to go after him, to tell him that everything would be fine, that she loved him. She couldn't, instead she simply stood watching, as if frozen. Not until Stephen was out of sight did she move, giving out a primative wail she sank to the floor in dispair.

 

#58:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 8:47 pm

Stephen ran blindly seeing only enought o stop himself running into objects in his path. Part of him - the logical part - knew and understood the dilemma Rosalie had faced, and the kindness of his adoptive parent. The other part - the emotional part- welled up in him flooding the logical reasoning and leaving just the hurt and despair behind.

 

#59:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 12:57 am

Oh oh oh, please all of your carry on! This is just wonderful.

 

#60:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 10:28 am

Poor, poor Stephen.

 

#61:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 12:36 pm

Stephen rushed blindly on, not caring about any obstacle that lay in his path. Part of him wanted to go back, to the well-loved home of his youth, Freudesheim. This part of him also knew that he was behaving foolishly.

But he was driven on by something akin to despair. The very foundations of his life had been knocked out from under him. The people who had brought him up, been supposed to love him the most, had, he thought now, been nothing but liars from the moment of his birth.

And what about the man who was his biological father? Who was he, and why hadn't he wanted him.

He hurried on blindly, not noticing where he was going, the tears in his eyes blurring all the sights of the once well - loved Platz.

 

#62:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 12:48 pm

He attracted strange looks at the train station but Stephen did not notice them. He paid for his ticket which would take him off the Platz, he would go to Zurich or Geneva, one of the big Swiss cities, where he could disappear.
Meanwhile back at Freudesheim Joey and Jack and realised that Stephen had gone and were frantically trying to wonder where he might be.

 

#63:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 7:45 pm

Ah ha! Now I understand why Pat urged me to read this today. A little plugging, eh?
MORE PLEASE!!!!!!

 

#64:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Apr 25, 2004 8:53 pm

their frantic searching brought them to the school grounds and Rosalie. She was sitting where Stephen had left her, parlty in shock and partly because she could see so little through her tears. Joey helped her up and she and Jack almost carried her back to Freudesheim where she sank into a chair exhausted.
"He was with me, but he ran away,! she said numbly. "Oh Jo he looked so hurt and bewhildered. Why did we keep it a secret? Pehaps if he's groen up knowing that he was adopted the shock of finding out who his parents are wouldn't have been so bad."
"That's water under the bridge," said Jack. "We have to find him or he might do something stupid."

 

#65:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 11:28 am

Stephen stumbled off the mountain train, and out of the station, not caring that people were looking at him with concern in their eyes.

He was about to head for his favourite cafe to get a cup of coffee, but memories of the last time that he he had been there with the rest of his family made him realise that he never wanted to set foot in the place again.

'My family,' he thought bitterly. 'They aren't MY family at all. They've been lying to me all these years, why shopuld I expect the truth from them now? No wonder SHE always seemed to prefer the others. That's probably why they sent me away to school so early. Look at what they did to Mike, sending him off to Montreux for lessons. Perhaps he's going to get a nasty shock when he's eighteen too.'

 

#66:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 12:08 pm

Up on the Platz Jack was becoming increasingly more and more worried. Worried about Stephen, worried about his wife and worried about Rosalie. Both Joey and Rosalie were becoming increasingly more and more hysterical, Jack was seriously considering slipping something into their coffee to calm them down.
They were all sitting in Freudesheim trying to work out what to do next when Anna walked in announcing that there was a visitor for them. Joey and Rosalie both paled, thinking that it might be Colonel Black.
"Show them in, Anna." Jack said wearily.
It was not Colonel Black who walked in to the room though, it was...

 

#67:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 1:58 pm

Don't leave it there. Quick someone, write the next bit!

 

#68:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 2:04 pm

why not you sarah?

 

#69:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 3:50 pm

Colonel Black sat on the bench overlooking the main square, to all intents he appeared to be your average older British tourist enjoying the afternoon sun. His mind however was a long way from the sights and sounds of Interlaken.

To say that he had been unnerved by the telephone call Mrs Maynard would be something of an understatement. Hardly shocked or surprised now, it may have been eighteen years since the birth of his son but not a day went past that he didn't think about him in some way.

He was torn, part of him longed to see his son after all this time, yet part of him feared that it would be better to leave things as they were. Mulling over this problem in his mind he began to doze off.

He was woken suddenly by the sound of footsteps approaching over the cobbles. He watched intently as a young fair headed man approached clearly in some distress. Clearing his throat he said asked in passable german
"Are you all right young man?"

 

#70:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 4:08 pm

Still seething in anger and not knowing the significance of Colonel Black in his life he began in a long tirade...
'No Sir, i am not alright, not that its any concern of yours! I've just been informed that my whole childhood was a lie - my parents - well, the people who have called themselves my parents just informed me that i was adopted!'
It suddenly dawned on Colonel Black what was going on...

 

#71:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 8:09 pm

Shocked oh no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Continuing from Cazx to finish that scene.

...Hilda, obviously annoyed at the disappearance of her secretary. "There you are, Rosalie," she snapped. "Where on earth have you been? There is a mountain of letters needing prepared for post and..." she trailed off as she actually looked at the miserable, broken girl. "My dear," she began, stopping as Rosalie lifted her head to reveal eyes full of hatred.

Rosalie was so furious she could not speak. She simply looked at Hilda, her face showing the frustration and venom that had begun to accumulate. Poor Hilda got it all - the underlying jealousy she felt for Joey and Jack, able to bring up HER son, Colonel Black, who had run a mile on hearing Rosalie's news - and for the very way he took advantage of her suggestive state, when they had all disappeared off to Canada, leaving her without contact for a whole year.

"You," it was all Rosalie could manage. She didn't dare to move or speak. Jack removed Hilda to his study to tell her in no uncertain terms that Rosalie wouldn't be in school for the rest of the term.

 

#72:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 9:39 am

Wow! Have just caught up with most of this it is yet another powerful story, so nice to see the collective mind of the CBB working together.

Please keep up the good work.

 

#73:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 10:14 am

No one at first noticed that Nell wilson had followed Miss Annersley into the room. She stood to one side watching in amazement as the scene unfolded for she had never seen her colleague like this in all the years they had spent together. She slipped out of the room when Jack took Hilda into his study and followed them. As Jack began to speak she quietened him with a quick gesture.
"Hilda my dear, what's the matter?" she asked gently. "You have never spoken to Rosalie or anyone else like that, so there must be something seriously wrong now."
The Head looked at her firend for a long moment, and then sighed deeply. "You're right Nell," she said wearily. "I don't know what came over me just now. I was going to ask Rosalie what had happened and found myself raging at her. I shall have to apologise but how I shall explain what happened I have no idea."
Jack Maynard had been looking at her very closely and now he took her wrist in his fingers and tested her pulse rate.
"I think you are totally exhausted Hilda. What you need is a few days in bed to recover your equilibrium. Come along my dear, you can have a quick word with Rosalie if you like, but you are giong to bed - doctor's orders."
Miss annersley found herself back in the Salon looking at her weeping Secretary. "Rosalie I'm so sorry. I have no idea what came over me just now but please be assured that I meant not one word of it. Jack thinks that I'm suffering from exhuastion and is taking me to bed. Take all the time you need to sort this situation out. We can catch up with any work later." Then she was hustled out of the room by an impatient Jack and across to her quarters where she was speedily tucked up in bed with a mug of hot milk.

 

#74:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 10:18 am

Glad Jack was there for her, I didwonder as that wasn't what you wouldexopect from Hilda, but I suppose in the circs...good on Jack for spotting it.

 

#75:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 10:34 am

"Well that is quite a pickle." Was all Colonel Black managed to say to Stephen.
Stephen scrowled, his whole life had turned upside down and all this old man could say was that it was a pickle. He was also ashamed at his outburst he had not wanted to tell the whole world his deep dark secret.
Colonel Black realising that his words had not been that supportive decided to take a different track.
"Now," he began, "My hotel is only just around the corner, why don't we go back there and have a cup of tea and see how we can sort out this problem.
Stephen ignoring the many warnings he had had over the years about going off with strangers nodded silently and followed Colonel Black to his hotel.

 

#76:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 11:54 am

Colonel Black and Stephen sat quitely in the hotel's dining room on opposite sides of the tea table. Both had drunk a small amount of their coffee but not touched the pastries that accompanied it.

Colonel Black watched the young man in front of him struggling with his thoughts, occasionally it seemed that he would speak but then he didn't. Eventually Colonel Black cleared his throat and said quietly

"Why don't you tell me all about it."
"I wouldn't now where to begin!" Stephen said bitterly, "it's all such a mess."
"Start at the beginning." There was just enough of a suggestion that this was an order rather than a request to make Stephen start talking.

For the next 30 minutes Colonel Black listened carefully to how this young man had today, just before his 18th birthday, discovered that his family were not really his family, his bevret aunt was actually his mother and that he was the result of a war time fling. Eventually Stephen ran out of breath and heaved an almighty sigh.

"I see," Colonel Black said carefully trying to keep all emotion out of his voice. "So what are you going to do now?" His voice had just a hint of a challenge in it.

 

#77:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 9:14 pm

Once Jack had made sure Hilda was alright he went back to Freudsheim. Nell Wilson was still there and had been filled in on the situation, she was surprised but also sympathetic and understanding. She realised how hard it must have been for all the people involved to have kept their secret for so long.
"What are we going to do next?" Joey asked as Jack came back into the room.
Jack paused to think for a moment, "I think," he said at last, "that we should go to the station and find out if they've seen Steve there. In the state he was in I somehow don't think that he would have stayed on the Platz."

 

#78:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 11:26 pm

*g* Poor Hilda! What has she done to be shuffled out of the way in that 'you're all in and off to bed with you' fashion?! LOL.

 

#79:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 11:31 am

Stephen sighed. "I don't know," he admitted. "I was just so - I couldn't stay on the Platz, where all my childhood has been - a lie."

"Has it?"

The question surprised Stephen. He hesitated for a while, before eventually replying, "I - well, maybe not quite. But Mother and Father - Jo and Jack -" he corrected himself, not noticing the COlonel pale slightly further at this confirmation "didn't even think to tell me before now! I'm eighteen years old. Why did htey have to tell me now, anyway, if they've kept the secret for this long?"

Recognising that Stephen was hitting a brick wall, Colonel Black spoke carefully. "Stephen, this may be the 1960s, but think back to when you were born. The middle of a war. Think how unacceptable it is even now for a child to be born out of wedlock. How much worse was this twenty years ago. And your birth mother couldn't have cared for you, because she'd have had no money coming in from work to do so. She was all on her own, and turned to her closest friend for help."

Stephen muttered bitterly, "but what about my father?"

 

#80:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 12:24 pm

Perhaps he too felt that he couldn't help. Perhaps his situation or his job made it impossible to admit to having a child. I know you are hurting badly, so badly that it is difficult to put yourself in other people's shoes, but I beg you to try. Do you really want to throw away the loving upbringing that you have had?"
Stephen looked at him in amazement. "Hoe do you know whether it was loving or not?" he asked.
"Because of the way you are hurting now. If you had not felt loved and truly part of the family then you would not be so unhappy finding out that you are adopted."

 

#81:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 2:01 pm

this is truly fabulous - such a caring side to Colnel Black that is written so well it just seems completely natural - thankyou

 

#82:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 3:46 pm

I'm just amazed it hasn't descended into farce yet! Wink And Dawn, I love your signature.

 

#83:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 11:49 pm

Colonel Black doesn't seem too bad in this does he? Hope someone carries on soon.
BTW - very glad it hasn't descended into farce.

 

#84:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 11:15 am

Would we do that, Ellie?

 

#85:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 2:34 pm

Stephen sat silent, wrestling with what the Colonel had just said. It was all true, he couldn't deny it, but - but... Finally he sighed a heavy sigh. "You're right. I just - it's such a shock."

"I imagine so," the Colonel replied drily, before continuing in a softer tone. "Do your folks know you're here?" As Stephen coloured, he continued, "because they'll be worried sick, you know. Give them a ring, just to say you're safe, eh?"

 

#86:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 12:38 am

Awwwwwwwwwwww bless


I like this Colonel Black

 

#87:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 10:19 am

Stephen looked at the man across the table from him properly for the first time. He saw someone of obviously military bearing, an old-fashioned bushy moustache, greying hair and a manner that he could sense could often be brusk. Now however, he was looking at Stephen with a kindly concerned expression, waiting for an answer.
"I suppose I ought to really," he admitted. "You're right, they will be worried. And Aunt Rosalie was very upset. I think she was crying when I ran away, and she never does that."

 

#88:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 10:32 am

"No, I don't suppose she does." Colonel Black muttered vaguely colouring slightly. Clearing his throat he continued, "why don't you ask the desk if you can use the phone."

Stephen rose and made is way shakily to the desk where an obliging receptionist dialed Freudeshiem's number.

"Jack, is that you, have you found him!" His mother's voice sounded frantic down the wires
"Mamma, it's me." Stephen mumbled as he spoke.
"Oh Stephen," he could hear the sigh of relief as she spoke. "Where are you, we were all so worried, Papa's out looking for you." Her words ran into each other.
"Mamma, I'm fine, I'm in Interlaken." Stephen paused before whispering quietly, "I'm sorry."

 

#89:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 11:18 am

"What are you doing down there? No, don't tell me! It's all right so long as you are. Are you coming back up? We all want to talk with you and try to put things right before your birthday."
Stephen listened to Jo's anxious loving voice and realised with relief that some things were still the same. His knowledge of who he was had changed drastically but the love and care he had received all his life was not the lie his emotions had told him.

 

#90:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 11:35 am

Stephen replaced the handset and walked slowly back to the table where Colonel Black had sat watching aprehensively as he had talked to the woman who had bought him up.

The shy smile on Stephen's face was enough to tell him that although he was still shaken by the events of the day he was at least sure that he had a family.

"Everything all right?" He spoke gruffly
"Yes, thank you."
"So are you going home?"
"Yes, on the next train," he glanced at his watch as he spoke. "Which is in about 10 minutes so I had best get a move on."
"Whereabouts is home?"
"On the Gornetz Platz."
"In which case," Colonel Black rose to his feet as he spoke. "If you've no objections will accompany you."
"Your going to the Platz!" Stephen exclaimed, "your not, well, sick?"
"No, should I be?" The Colonel was puzzled by Stephen's qustion
"No, well, it's just, the only reason people seem to come to the Platz is for the School or the Sanatorium, I didn't think you would be going for the school!"

 

#91:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 1:21 pm

love that last line, Kate! Laughing

"As it happens, I'm going to meet some people I haven't seen for nearly twenty years. I should have kept in better contact, but that's Army life. I've just come out of the Forces, you see."

Stephen accepted this with a nod of understanding, sicne he was intent on getting to the train station on time. Once there, Colonel Black insisted on paying for both tickets, after Stephen found he hadn't any change to pay him back.

They sat in silence for most of the trip, each contemplating what awaited them at the Platz station. Finally, they arrived. Stepping off the train, the Colonel just behind Stephen, they immediately came face to face with...

 

#92:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 2:14 pm

Jo and jack who had come to the station to meet Stephen. they barely glanced at the other passengers having eyes only for their son.
"Stephen! Thank God you are all right!" Jo grabbed him and gave him a huge hug, and Jacks eyes were suspiciously bright. Stephen wriggled free and turned to introduce his companion, but Colonel Black had melted away with the crowd of passengers. He shrugged to himself, confident that he would see the man again since the population of the Platz was fairly limited, and let Jo and Jack lead him back to Freudesheim. For their part they had no idea that Stephen had already met his natural father, even though he had no idea of the fact, for everyone else on the little platform had been little more than shapes to them.

 

#93:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 2:22 pm

Jack bundled his wife and son into the family car and drove carefully along the mountain road, always difficult in the fading light. As the car drew up in front of Freudeshiem Stephen leaned forward from where he had been slumped in the rear seat.

"I'm sorry," he spoke softly. "I don't know what came over me today, I should never have run off like that."
"It's all right Stephen." Jack said evenly, "let's go inside and get some supper." Joey merely reached her hand round to take hold of her son's and give it a gentle squeeze.

The three of them made their way up to the house in silence, before pushing open the door Jack turned to Stephen.
"I suppose I'd better warn you," he grinned at his son, "but the whole family have arrived."
"Wonderful!" Stephen replied sarcastically as he walked into the house.

 

#94:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 2:27 pm

Colonel Black had never, in fact, met Jack Maynard before but as the train had drawn into the station he recognised immediately the tall black haired woman standing on the platform, her eyes searching each carriage as it passed with an almost hungry expression.

He had been unsure what to do but after following Stephen out of the train had realised that he was not quite ready to force the reality of who he was onto the young man whose day had been such an emotional rollercoaster.

So, rather than wait to be introduced he turned suddenly and walked quickly in the middle of a large group of other passengers making for the station's exit.

A quick stroll along from the station and he discovered a small guest house with a vacant room he could rent for the night.

It took him a long time to fall asleep, even after recounting the days events to his invalid wife, who had passed away some years before but to whom he always spoke last thing at night.

 

#95:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 9:33 pm

Ooh, neat twist, Kate! Is it in the books about Col's wife? Can't remember it... Love the way he's sooo sensitive to Stephen's feelings as well as to the whole family!

 

#96:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 9:48 pm

Oh this is so lovely. I like the way Colonel Black is being portrayed as caring and considerate when all you see of him in the books is a gruff stern man.

More please ...... I would carry on but I have no inspiration!

 

#97:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 10:00 pm

His wife had always understood him and he was able to relax with her. With most women he was ill at ease, awkward in their presence and therefore gave the appearance of being a gruff sort of man and sometimes a bit of a buffoon. He had had the feeling that that was how the school and Mrs Maynard had seen him all those years ago and this made it more difficult for him to face them all now. he had had no experience in dealing with girls and that had made him worse than ever. He had been able to talk more naturally with Rosalie and Stephen had been the result.
Added to his concerns was his encounter with his son today. He had seen what a fine young man hew had become, even though he had been so frantic with hurt and grief and had felt as fierce pride. He and his wife had not been able to have children so her loss had hit him very hard. His conversation with her that night helped to clarify his thoughts and steady his nerves, and he finally drifted off to sleep looking forward to the next day more than he had thought possible.

 

#98:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat May 01, 2004 11:38 am

"Steve, where did you go?" Demanded Margot, the rest of the Maynard family did not know the truth of why Stephen had disappeared so suddenly.
"Yes it's not like you to run off somewhere without telling anyone." Remarked Roger Richardson, giving Steve a sharp quizical look.
Stephen did not know what to say, he wanted his siblings to know the truth but he did not know what to say. He turned to his parents (he still saw them as his parents and always would be) anguish in his eyes, pleaing with them to help him explain.

 

#99:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat May 01, 2004 3:05 pm

Jo, seeing the look on his face, decided that it would be a good time for her to intervene.

Breaking in quickly, she said, 'Never mind about the questions now, Stephen had something that he needed to sort out for himself. The real question that Stephen needs to answer is whether he is hungry and would like something to eat.'

Seeing Margot about to argue, she added firmly, 'No, Margot, it is really nothing to concern you. Now Stephen, would you like something to eat? I can get Anna to make you an omelette if that will do you.'

 

#100:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun May 02, 2004 6:02 pm

Jennie! You let Joey act like a reasonable human being, and a very sensible and sensitive one to. Shocked

Seriously, it is so good to see this drabble developing, thanks to everyone who has contributed, and more please.

 

#101:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon May 03, 2004 8:13 pm

I can if I want to, Ellie. It just seemed right at that point in the drabble.

 

#102:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Tue May 04, 2004 9:44 am

There were dark shadows under Stephen's eyes when he came downstairs the following morning, a clear indication of an unsettled night.

Meeting him outside the dining room Anna looked at him gravely
"Happy birthday Stephen," she said softly.
"Thank you Anna," he replied with a tight smile. "Would you like a hand with the breakfast things."
"No thank you, you go ahead and join your family, they are waiting for you." She ushered him forwards into the room.

The entire family were seated round the large table, which was something of a squeeze. The table itself, laid as usual for breakfast, also contained a pile of cards and a small set of family presents next to his place. Sliding onto his chair he looked round at those he had for either his or their entire lives. This was his family, no matter what, these were the people that he loved, that he called family and who loved and cared for him.

 

#103:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Tue May 04, 2004 9:56 am

Colonel Black had woken early, the morning sunlight filtering through the wooden shutters over the window had given early indications of a fine day. He had decided last night that before he reveled his identity to Stephen, which he knew he had to do, he would like to speak to Rosalie.

Despite making this decision he drew out his breakfast as long as possible, reading thoroughly yesterday's paper which he had purchased in Interlaken. Eventually he could put it off no longer and walked accross the platz to the school.

He was asked by one of the maids, who had let him into the building, to wait whilst she went to tell Rosalie of his arrival. The entrance to the building was impressive, a large double stairscase rising from the back and the walls on each side decorated with formal boards showing the achievements of some of the school's former pupils.

He was studying these boards when the maid returned for him. Asking him to follow he lead the way to the school secretary's office and left him outside the door. As he reached forward to knock on the door he suddenly felt extremely nervous and unsure of himself

 

#104:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Tue May 04, 2004 10:30 am

Ohhh its wonderful, more please.

Have just caught up having been away and my only compalint is that there wasn't more written in my absence, you arem all managing to write as if it was one author... Shocked

 

#105:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue May 04, 2004 4:27 pm

Rosalie had been told that there was a man who wished to see her, she guessed who that man was. Her hands were sweaty and there were butterflies in her stomach. It had been eighteen and a half years since she and Colonel Black had last met. They had not parted on good terms, she angry, resentful and also insecure due to the position he had left her in. He had believed that he was in the right and that there was nothing he could do to help her without attracting attention.
The door slowly opened and Rosalie saw Colonel Black walk into the room, an older Colonel Black than the one she remembered. The years of being separated from their son had taken the toll on both of them.

 

#106:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue May 04, 2004 8:56 pm

"Miss Dene, Rosalie... I'm so pleased to see you after all these years. You're looking not a day older you know. Thank you for seeing me." He halted, unsure of himself and afraid that he would revert to the blustering that had hidden his nervousness all his life.
"Colonel Black, no your name is Nigel I remember, I think we are both nervous. Come and sit down. Stephen already knows he is adopted but not that he is to meet his natural father. He took it rather badly and gave us all a dreadful fright yesterday, running away to Interlaken."
"Yes I know. I met him there and talked with him. He's a fine boy - one to be proud of. He had no idea who he was talking to and I thought it was not the time for him to find out. I am quite concerned as to his reaction when he does discover who I am."

 

#107:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2004 12:17 pm

"I am proud of him," Rosalie said firmly, "of how he's grown up, Joey and Jack have done a wonderful job with him."
"I know." The Colonel sighed, "but don't you wish." He left the sentance unfinished.
"If your asking if I wish I could have bought him up myself then the answer is yes. I have more regrets on that score than you can ever imagine. You have no idea."
"You think I don't have regrets?"
"I don't know, come to think of it I barely know you at all, and nor does your son."
"Which is something I hope to remedy, only having met the lad I really don't want to hurt him further."
"We agreed Nigel."
"It was a long time ago, we were both a lot younger, the world was a different place."
"And Stephen is still our son."

 

#108:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2004 12:22 pm

The birthday breakfast was over, the first lot of presents unwrapped and the family disbursed around the Platz attending to their chores. Stephen's birthday was not the only big family event to take place that year as Len's wedding to Reg would happen at Christmas.

Len had always been close to Stephen and could sense that he wasn't ready to talk about yesterday's events. She had suggested that she her triplet sisters should spend the morning attending to the housework and after that make a start on the guest list for the wedding.

Joey, also realising that Stephen would probably want time to himself this morning had rushed the younger girls off to help with preparing the village hall for the evening's party.

The younger boys, under the supervision of Jack were given the task of cleaning the families car and so Stephen found himself alone with Charles, the brother only just a year younger than him.

"How about a walk?" Charles suggested

 

#109:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2004 3:15 pm

The two set off along the well loved route to the Auberge neither wanting to talk of anything very much, just enjoying each other's company. When they arrived at the Inn they settled down with a cup of hot coffee and Stephen sat stirring his for a few minutes with his head bowed. Charles could see that his brother had something on his mind and said nothing, waiting for Stephen to get his thoughts into some sort of order. Finally Stephen sighed and looked up.
"I have to talk about something to someone," he said finally. "Someone in the family I mean. I found something out yesterday you see. Something that shocked me so badly that I had to run somewhere, anywhere, away from here. That's why I went to Interlaken. I met a man there who listened and was very nice and helpful, but I need to talk to family."
"That's OK Stephen," said Charles when his brother paused for breath. "I'm here, so fire away."
"I found out that I'm adopted, I'm not a proper Maynard - or not by birth anyway."
"Who is then?" Charles tried to hide his shock behind the question, but Stephen understood what he was feeling, and smiled sympathetically.
"You won't believe it - I didn't until I'd seen her," he said. "It's Aunt Rosalie."

 

#110:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2004 4:23 pm

Too much in shock to speak, Charles didn't move or show any sign of surprise. Stephen carried on, knowing that once that cat was out of the bag, his brother would be satisfied with nothing but a full explanation.

"Phew," he sighed, "that is such a weight off my shoulders, you have no idea. did you never wonder why there is so little time between us?"

Charles croaked, "I was early".

"Rot. Not two whole months early, not in 1942. Mamma didn't even need to go to hospital. If you'd really been early like that, both of you would have been at the San for months. " Stephen sighed again. "I was - like many a child of my age - the result of a love affair - where love was very much involved, between a Forces man and a naive young woman. Poor Aunt Rosalie, when she found out, and to then discover that the man she loves is already married! What's more, he'll have nothing to do with her. Part of me wants to tear the two apart, but part of me knows that Aunt Rosalie was in the most impossible situation. I tell you what, though, if I met the man who started all this, I'd give him a good piece of my mind!"

 

#111:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2004 4:50 pm

The preparations were all complete. The village hall was decked out with streamers and ballons, long tables down one side of the hall held the buffet meal which Anna and Rosali had painstakingly prepared. The evening light was enough for now but later candles would be lit on the tables which was preferable to the big overhead lights.

Most of the guests had already assembled, assorted cousins, aunts and uncles, friends from the Platz and even a few friends from school. Only the family itself were yet to arrive.

Rosalie had arrived with a few others from the school who had known Stephen since his earliest childhood, some of these had taught or been pupils at the school during the war years, yet none save the heads knew Rosalie's secret.

As the younger members of the family began to arrive Rosalie noticed Colonel Black slip quietly through the open back door to the hall and take a seat at the table in the far corner, where the evening shadows were already falling. Hidden in the darkness he had a chance to observe his son once more.

 

#112:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2004 5:37 pm

He would have been horrified had he known how Stephen had interpreted the happenings during the War for he had hated all but abandoning his son. Rosalie too would have felt the same. However, emotion had overcome logic, as happens so often in life, and Stephen would need to understand the human failings of the people concerned before he could come to terms with all that had happened. Luckily Jo, Jack and Rosalie had no intention of introdcing him to his father that night, a decision with which Nigel Black was in perfect accord after his meeting with Rosalie earlier in the day.

 

#113:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2004 7:47 pm

This really is excellent, you guys!!!
Whose turn is it now?

 

#114:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2004 8:11 pm

It's your turn, Vikki.

 

#115:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2004 8:18 pm

Oooh, no!!!
I'd ruin it!!
It'd end up going extremely silly!
Stephen would probably end up marrying Rosalie or something if I got involved!!!

 

#116:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2004 9:01 pm

Vikki, be a strong woman, not a SJF.

 

#117:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 12:06 am

*Doesn't know how to carry on from here... I seem to bring out the worst in Stephen and, like him, be blind to poor Col Black's situation!*

Someone, pleeeeeeeease write a nice happy party bit - pleeease don't let it be a Maynard family stand-up fight or something! Let the lad at least enjoy his 18th!

 

#118:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 12:21 am

Stephen's party would be remembered by the guests as one of the best they ever attended. Somehow, everything ran smoothly, and for once there were none of the minor disasters in which the Maynard family seemed to specialise. Felix had been persuaded to dance by his sister, and proved surprisingly good. Roger and Len caught Mike before he had really started his third drink and it only took Joey forty minutes to round up all the younger members of her family when it was time for them to go to bed. This acted as the signal for many of the adults to drift off, while those that were left gathered together round three tables. All except Colonel Black. He didn't want to leave, but could not bring himslef to intrude on them. Instead, he slipped outside for a cigarette. Finding peace in the quiet of the starry night, he was suddenly startled to hear a voice speaking close by.

 

#119:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 2:02 am

Are you sure this isn't just being written by one person? It flows so well, I don't even notice when someone else starts writing

 

#120:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 10:27 am

"Terrible habit isn't it."

Nigel Black turned to observe the speaker, her voice had immediately identified her although it had been some 18 years since he last saw her.

"Miss Wilson," he inclined his head politely as he offered her the packet.

She accepted the cigarette and he lit it for her and stood next to him, leaning against the wall.

"Well, what do you think of your son?" She asked bluntly.
"You know!"
"Yes, Hilda was slightly startled by Rosalie's revalation yesterday and needed someone to talk to."
"And you were that someone?"
"Of course." Nell smiled in the darkness, "you haven't answered my question."
"No, I haven't." Colonel Black inhaled deeply on his cigarette, "I recall you always were very blunt."
"Somethings don't change."
"Actually Miss Wilson I am extremely pround of my son, he has the makings of a very fine young man."
"He has had a good up bringing with Jack and Joey."
"I realise that."
"When do you propose to tell him who you are?"
"Soon." This was all the Colonel was prepared to say. Nell stubbed out her cigarette under foot and turned back towards the hut. Before she went in she turned to the Colonel once more.
"If you want to have even a fighting chance of Stephen accepting you as his father just make sure you tell him yourself, don't let anyone else do it for you."

 

#121:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 11:27 am

Stephen had throughly enjoyed his 18th birthday celebrations. For a few hours he had been able to put from the front of his mind the revalations about his parents and the tangle of emotions this had resulted in.

He stood next to Charles looking round at the last of the guests getting ready to leave he spotted his aunt Rosalie, at present he could not think of her as his mother. She looked tired and drawn, years older than the age he knew her to be. He watched his aunt's Nell and Hilda talking with her, noting that the smiles and laughter were all forced, put on for the benefit of the occasion.

"I say, Chas, can you cover for me for a bit?" He asked his younger brother.
"What for?"
"I need to talk to someone." Charles watched where Stephen was looking before he replied.
"Aunt Rosalie?" He asked, Stephen nodded mutely, "of course, I'll help Mamma and the trips start on the clearing up."

Stephen walked over to where Rosalie was sitting and gently tapped her on the shoulder. Nell and Hilda averted their eyes to the table, conversation stopping instantly.
"Aunt Rosalie," Stephen asked very formally, "may I walk you home?"

Rosalie stood up immedately her face flushing, her eyes uncertain.
"Of course," she replied, "I'll just get my coat."
"I'll meet you by the door."

 

#122:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 12:25 pm

Once outside the hall they walked in silence for a couple of minutes, neither knowing quite what to say. In the end Stephen stopped in his tracks and Rosalie halted beside him realising that he had finally got his thoughts together.
"I'm sorry I ran away like that yesterday," he said abruptly. "I was a bit upset."
"I don't blame you Stephen, so don't worry about it. I have realsied that we did everything wrong when you were born. We should have told you that you were adopted as soon as you were old enough to understand."
"Mum says that my real father is coming out to meet me. I don't know whether I want to meet him. Why didn't he want anything to do with me? And why does he want to meet me now?"
"Stephen is was difficult during the War. People behaved in ways that they wouldn't do normally and this was one of those times. He was married and he didn't want to upset his wife whom he loved very much."

 

#123:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 12:35 pm

Rosalie didn't notice as at this last statement Stephen stopped dead in the middle of the path.
"He loved his wife! How could he have loved his wife. If he had loved his wife then I would never have been born." His voice trembled with shock and anger

"Oh Stephen." Rosalie sighed gently and slipped an arm round the young man's shoulders. "It's really not as simple as that."
"I don't understand," tears leaked down Stephens face. "I am just so confused."
"I know, it's all been a very nasty shock for you. I am so sorry Stephen."
"Why didn't you want me?"
"Oh I did want you, more than you can imagine."
"But...."
"Stephen listen to me, I was a young woman on my own with no support, no where to go. My job was everything to me, and if I had kept you I would have had to have left, I couldn't go home, my family would have disowned me."
"Why?" Stephen was shocked, he couldn't imagine his own parents doing such a thing.
"My father was in the church, and a single parent wouldn't have been acceptable."
"I suppose not," Stephen conceeded. "So what about my father?"

 

#124:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 2:45 pm

Uh oh, *wibbles slightly* Poor Stephen, poor Rosalie, poor everyone. *sniffs and goes off to find tissues*

 

#125:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 3:02 pm

eeek,poor stephen

 

#126:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 3:44 pm

Poor Stephen, he needs answers, and he's getting them too slowly to suit him.

 

#127:  Author: lizzieb, Location: Ireland/France PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 3:52 pm

the confusion, the confusion! poor guy. these characters are really alive, this is great!

 

#128:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 4:25 pm

"Your father?"
"Yes, who is he, what's he like, why didn't he want me?"
"Your father was, at the time, serving in the armed forces, as well most able bodied men."
"Mamma said you met when he came to the school about some poachers,"
"True, he advised the school on their air-raid shelters. I got to know him when we were sorting out emergency rations and first aid equipment to be kept there."
"Did he know about me?" Stephen's voice was subdued.
"Not at first, oh Stephen this is so hard to explain."
"Please try, I really do need to know."
"I'll try." Rosalie paused before continuing "I didn't realise I was pregnant for some weeks by which time your father had been posted down to Cardiff, which had come in for some pretty heavy bombing. I had no way of contacting him, I didn't even know if he was still alive."
"But you did tell him." Stephen interupted impatiently
"Yes, he came back to visit the school shortly before you were born. I met him at Plas Gwyn, Joey arranged it."

 

#129:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 4:34 pm

Colonel Black lay on the bed, staring up at the wooden panelled ceiling of the room he was staying in. In all it had been an enjoyable evening, he had watched his son as he talked with family and friends. Heard him thank the people who had bought him up and cared for him for the first 18 years of his life.

As he lay there his thoughts turned back to almost exactly 18 years before. He had been passing through Howells village on his way back to his home in Shrewsbury, he had called in at the school and been told that Rosalie was at the Maynard's home of Plas Gwyn.

Although he had really no wish to speak to Mrs Maynard again he knew he must speak to Rosalie, to apologise for his behaviour, to explain that he never meant to hurt her.

He would never forget seeing her that morning, she had been sitting in the high backed arm chair when the Maynard's housemaid announced his arrival. Mrs Maynard had withdrawn, osteniably to arrange for some tea. He hadn't realised at first but as she rose from her chair he was shocked to notice that she was obviously very pregnant.

It hadn't taken a mathematian to work out he was the father, in his heart he knew that Rosalie was not the type to entertain the troops. It had been a difficult interview, Rosalie had made up her mind and Mrs Maynard would raise their child as her own.

As much as he wished it could have been other wise he knew that their decision made sense, Rosalie was not about to leave her job and try and bring up a child on her own and he was in no position to take the child, his invalid wife could only get about with the aid of a wheel chair and he could be posted anywhere in the country at a moment's notice with his platoon.

 

#130:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 10:36 pm

Stephen listened to what Rosalie said quietly. He was surprised that she did not sound bitter and resentful towards his Father. Stephen himself did not know how to feel about his Father. Half of him felt angry over how he had so casually abandoned him, while the other half desperately wanted to meet him to find out what the other half of him was like.

 

#131:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 11:49 pm

Wow, you are all interacting and developing this drabble so well, please keep going.

 

#132:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2004 1:46 pm

"Stephen, is that you?" Joey called out as she heard the front door slam
"Yes."
"We're in the salon, we've got some coffee going." From the tone of her voice Stephen could tell she wanted to talk to him.

He shuffled unwillingly towards the Salon, casting his outdoor coat as he went, and pushed open the door. Only Joey and Jack sat on the old over stuffed leather couch, the coffee tray on the table in front of them.

"Do you want a cup?" Jack asked
"No thanks, I'm pretty revved up already, I don't think a coffee at this time will help me much."
"Sit down Stephen, just for a moment," Joey coaxed and Stephen went to the high back chair next to the fire. "Did you enjoy your party?"
"Yes Mamma," the reponse was automatic. "I had a fine evening."
"And did you talk to Aunt Rosalie?"
"Yes." This short response was all that he was prepared to reveal.

There was a long pause and Jack watched the young man he'd bought up as his son carefully as he sat and stared into the empty fire grate.

"Stephen," he said eventually, "do you want to meet your father?"

 

#133:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2004 3:09 pm

Stephen sat up quickly and stared at his father. "I.... I'm not sure," he said eventually. "In some ways, yes of course I do. But I suppose I'm nervous. What if I don't like him? Would I be better off not meeting him?"
"You have to make the decision Stephen. But think of this - if you didn't meet him, and you never had a second chance, how would you feel? Would you always wonder what he was like? You would never know."
Stephen was silent for a long minute. "May I sleep on it please? Do I have to decide now?"

 

#134:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2004 3:19 pm

It was after breakfast the next morning that Stephen knocked on the door of his father's study.

"I've decided," he blurted out as soon as the door had shut.
"And?"
"I think I want to meet him."
"You think?"
"Well, yes, I mean whether I meet him at all I am always going to have questions, at least this way I might also get to have some of the answers."

Jack smiled at Stephen accross the big desk, piled high with paperwork and medical texts.
"Fair enough," he said simply. "The next question of course is when?"
"Is he here? On the Platz?"
"Yes, he came up the other day."
"You've seen him."
"Actually I haven't, in fact I've never met him, but Rosalie saw him yesteray."
"She did! She never said."
"No I don't suppose she did. Tell you what, Len was talking about piling all the kids into the old bus and taking them down to Interlaken for the afternoon, why don't I see if I can arrange for you to meet your birth father then."
"Here?"
"If you like, or we could use the San."

 

#135:  Author: Beth, Location: Sunny Isle of Man! PostPosted: Sun May 09, 2004 7:38 pm

*wanders idly through drabbles. finds this one on the second page and does a huge double-take*

What's this doing here?

*ushers it back to the first page so somebody will take pity on me and write some more*

 

#136:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London PostPosted: Sun May 09, 2004 10:33 pm

*'Nother bump* (can't think of a way to carry on from this point - faabulous writing, everyone!)

 

#137:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Mon May 10, 2004 11:30 am

As Stephen paced around his father's office with growing anxiety about the forthcoming meeting Colonel Black was making his way with the same trepidation accross the Platz.

He was torn, part of him wanted to tell the young man he'd met in Interlaken a few days before who he really was yet part of him felt that it would perhaps be for the best if he didn't get himself involved in his only child's life.

"Cowardice!" He said sternly to himself as he entered the big double doors leading to the administrative offices of the San. "I'd have no truck with it from any of the lads in my platoon."

The corridor seemed to strech away for miles in front of him, the clean antispectic smell so prevelant in hospitals reminded him of his late wife's last few weeks, the disease that had crippled her for most of her life finally taking what remained away.

As he reached the office door it burst open and Stephen strode out.

"Gosh!" He exclaimed, "I didn't expect to see you here. I thought you weren't coming to the San!!"

 

#138:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Mon May 10, 2004 1:51 pm

"Hello Stephen," the Colonel stuttered
"Are you hear to see Dad?" Stephen asked, "he's not here, well he is, but he's with a patient."
"Actually no, I'm not here to see Dr Maynard."
"Oh, well in that case your in the wrong place. You need to go back to reception they will tell you what ward you should be visiting."
"I'm not here to visit a patient," the Colonel's tone was gentle.
"Then why......" All colour left Stephen's face "You!" His exclamation was hissed through his teeth.

"Why don't we go inside." The Colonel propelled Stephen into his father's office.

 

#139:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Mon May 10, 2004 4:05 pm

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Poor, poor Stephen!

 

#140:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon May 10, 2004 7:21 pm

Stephen stood there silently, unable to move beyond the place where the colonel had left him. Anger had paralysed him, fearing that he would do something he regretted he did nothing, until a full minute later when he smashed his fist into the Colonel's nose.

 

#141:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon May 10, 2004 7:57 pm

Fortunately Colonel Black had been on the defensive, so he was able to move his head back so that the full force of the punch was lost.

Colonel Black was left with a bleeding nose and a suddenly shame-faced son.

 

#142:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Mon May 10, 2004 9:39 pm

I can understand how Stephen must be feeling now. Colonel Black didn't mean any harm, but it would seem like he'd got all the story out of Stephen by trickery.

 

#143:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue May 11, 2004 12:43 am

Oh crumbs, poor Stephen. Poor everybody. *very tempted to give hugs all round*

More soon, anybody, please? *pleading smiley*

 

#144:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue May 11, 2004 9:17 am

"I'm sorry," Stephen stuttered still not meeting his Father's eye, "I'm not usually a violent person."
Colonel Black holding a tissue to his nose said, "No I'm the one to blame, I shouldn't have taken you by surprise like I did."
"Did you know who I was when I met you the other day?" Stephen asked, this was an important question for him, and he did not quite know how he would react to which ever of the two answers that the Colonel would give him.

 

#145:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Tue May 11, 2004 9:29 am

"At first, no, I simply saw a young man visibly upset." The Colonel sank down onto the chair as he spoke.
"So when?" Stephen left the question hanging.
"Sometime during our conversation over tea."
"Why didn't you say something?"

The Colonel paused before he spoke. "Stephen, I may be your birth father but your family are those people who have bought you up as their son. It was more important the other day in Interlaken for you to resolve your issues with them, without me causing you greater hurt and confusion."

 

#146:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue May 11, 2004 11:50 am

"How would you have felt if I'd told you then? I thought it would make things a lot worse for you then, and was prepared to deal with any resultant problems when they arose. I did know that it would be difficult for us both when you found out."
"I just made it worse, didn't I?" said poor Stephen. "Hitting someone has never solved anything."

 

#147:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Tue May 11, 2004 12:13 pm

"Possibly not," Colonel Black grinned, "but I'll bet it made you feel better!"

Stephen blushed as the Colonel checked again to see if his nose had stopped bleeding.

"You haven't made anything worse, this was never going to be an easy meeting for either of us."
"So what happens next?" Stephen asked
"That is up to you, I'm sure you have questions you wish to ask."
"Well yes."
"Go on then."
"I don't really no where to start," Stephen admitted. "I've had so much to take in these last few days."

 

#148:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue May 11, 2004 6:01 pm

Colonel Black waited patiently.
"Could you begin at the beginning?" was Stephen's eventual question. "Why Aunt Rosalie? Were you married?"

 

#149:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue May 11, 2004 11:48 pm

Thought Stephen knew they were married?

 

#150:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 7:44 am

He wants the story from the beginning, and to hear everything...

 

#151:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 1:41 pm

Stephen sat in silence taking in most of what the Colonel was telling him. Eventually he realised that the room had fallen silent.

"Stephen, are you all right?" The Colonel asked quietly.
"Yes, I, well, it's just a lot to take in."
"Is there anything else you need to know?"

Stephen thought carefully before replying. "Well, only one thing, is this it?"
"what do you mean?"
"Are you just going to walk out of my life the same way you walked in?"
"That is entirely up to you."
"Up to me?" Stephen sounded confused
"Yes, if you want me to go and not trouble you again I will, not willingly, but I will."
"But if I don't?"

 

#152:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 2:26 pm

Wowww! *completely blown over by this* Poor Stephen! Keep going everyone, this is unbelievable!

 

#153:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 3:41 pm

"If you decide that you want nothing more to do with me, I will accept that and go out of your life for ever. Don't get me wrong, I will regret it for the rest of my days, but if that is what you want I will do it. I hope you will decide differently though. I have only just met you but I would very much regret losing you now. I like what I have seen and I would like to know more."

 

#154:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 4:31 pm

Stephen's head was spinning, he was still trying to get to grips with all the events of the previous few days. His Aunt Rosalie was his actual birth Mother, this man Colonel Black was his natural Father, the people he had thought for eighteen years to be his actual Mamma and Papa were in fact his adoptive parents.
Stephen stood up shakily, and moved towards the door, the room seemed to be spinning. Looking at Colonel Black he said, "I'm sorry but I need time to think."

 

#155:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu May 13, 2004 9:17 am

I'm not surprised that he needs time to think - I just hope that evryone respects his privacy and his need to sort things out in his own mind.

 

#156:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 10:32 am

Nigel Black looked at the closed door and sighed. He could perfectly understand Stephen's feelings and knew that they had made a mistake all thise years ago when they had decided to wait until he was 18 before telling him of his true parents. However, the damage was done and they would have to deal with the repercussions as well as they could.
Stephen almost ran out of the San and did run when he got outside the gates. He wanted to find somewhere where he could be private, somewhere to think where he wouldn't get interupted by well-meaning adults. He plunged up a path into the trees surrounding the San until he found a secluded glade just off the path where he threw himself down on the ground and stared up at the sky, his mind a complete blank.

 

#157:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 11:17 am

No one had seen where he'd gone, and it was several hours and a threatening storm before anyone realised he was missing.

 

#158:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 12:02 pm

Stephen's thoughts had been going round in circles ever since he had settled in the clearing, but gradually he began to sort his feelings out, and his churning emotions began to settle. It was then that he became aware of the darkening sky and jumped to his feet in alarm. The glade he had chosen was not inactual fact very far from the San, and he knew exactly where he was in relation to that building. Therefore he was able to ignore the twisting path that had brought him to the spot and make his way directly back to shelter. The first drops of rain were falling as he burst into the main entrance followed by the rumble of thunder. gathering his courage around him he walked down the corridor to the room where he had left the Colonel, though he did not expect him to be there any more.

 

#159:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 3:45 pm

As Stephen had entered the San, he had noticed that the board had indicated that his adoptive father was still on the premises.

Stephen decided to confront the man whom he had called Father for the whole of his life. What he really wanted to know was where he stood with Jack, did the man whom he still thought of as his father really love him, or had it all been a pretence on his part.

In his abnormally (for him) over-sensitive state of mind, Stephen wondered whether his father's long days away from home had been caused by his, Stephen's, presence in the nursery; had Jack, in fact, seen him as a cuckoo in the nest?

 

#160:  Author: keren,  PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 9:14 pm

I said that I would go to bed early tonight, after being up 2 nights till 1:30 reading drabbles, but yet again , I have been caught up in a drabble.
yet another brilliant story.
thanks everyone

 

#161:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 12:28 pm

Jack sat behind his desk and listened as the young man he considered to be his eldest son poured out his troubles. When he had finished Jack simply stood up and went round to him, enveloping him in a large hug he said simply

"Stephen, no matter what you decide, you are my son and you always will be, now lets go home."

 

#162:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 6:45 pm

Aaah! Just read this from start to (I won't say finish) and gave up looking at the author's names. It just flows so seamlessly. What a talented team!

 

#163:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 10:14 pm

Those words meant a lot to Stephen. He had had doubts over Jack's feelings for him as it had always been his Mother who had taken in various waifs and strays over the years. His Father had sat back and let his wife bring more peole into his home, and Stephen wondered if he was really happy about this.
Jack had been shocked when he had heard what Stephen had to say. Later that night when Stephen was remembering his conversation with his Father he smiled to himself as he remembered Jack's words, "Stephen I love you, you are my first born son. I've never stayed away from home because of you, I'm proud of you and the person you are. As far as I'm concerned you are my eldest son even if I'm not your biological Father and Marie-Claire is also my youngest daughter."
Stephen had forgotten his youngest sister and how she too was adopted, he knew their situations were different and that he could hardly talk to her about it now but one day when she was older they could share their experiences with one another.

 

#164:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 10:19 am

Colonel Black sat at the kitchen table, breakfast was long since over, although he had not cleared away the crockery. Instead he sat gazing at the envelope in his hands, trying to pluck up the courage to open it. Whilst he didn't know the hand writing the Swiss post mark had given away the sender.

Eventually, he slowly opened the seal, spreading the thin air mail paper on the table and began to read.

Dear Colonel Black

Thank you for giving me the time and space to think over the revalations about my past and what I want to do.

To be honest, I am at a loss as to what to call you, Colonel seems very formal yet I do not wish to call you father. Perhaps you would permit me to call you by your first name or is there some alternative form of address I may use.

No one can turn back time and change what has gone before and I cannot bring myself to think of you as my father. However, whilst I still consider those who raised me and who love me to be my parents I would like the opportunity to get to know you better.

I do not feel that it would be fair to either my parents or Aunt Rosalie that you visit me at the Platz, at least not without their prior knowledge. As you know I will be starting University in Edinburgh in September and would hope that we can meet up at some point during the term, if that is acceptable to you, and learn more about each other.

I hope to hear from you in response.

Regards
Stephen Maynard.

The Colonel put the letter down with a sigh and looked at the picture of his wife, which hung on the wall.

"It's all going to be just fine Agnes," he said with a sigh.

THE END

 

#165:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 11:44 am

Awwwwww that's just given me goosebumps


I have so enjoyed reading this, it has run effortlessly (well to the reader if not to the writers) and I have loved the character developements

In fact, the only criticism I have about the whole thing is those 2 words "the End"

 

#166:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 11:47 am

Wonderful last line, lovely last post, glad it all worked out well, you've all done so well and its been wonderful

 

#167:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 12:12 pm

Thanks for finishing it so well Kate.

 

#168:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 12:52 pm

Ooh its finished Crying or Very sad

Thank you everyone for a wonderful story, it flowed so seemlessly and is a great tribute to all your writing abilities!!!

(Wonders if they'll be another oneday???)

 

#169:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 2:27 pm

What a lovely ending, thanks, Kate.

 

#170:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 2:30 pm

Kate that was such a good ending, so in charchter for everyone and hitting just the right note. Thank you.

 

#171:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 3:25 pm

Thank you for that ending, it was just right.

 

#172:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 5:27 pm

Thank you everyone who contributed! This has been a lovely drabble, and it makes such a change to have a SERIOUS communal drabble!

 

#173:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 11:59 pm

Thanks everyone! wowowowowowow is all I can say, it's been brilliant.

 

#174:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat May 22, 2004 12:53 am

This has been one well put together drabble.
Congrats and thanks to all!

 

#175:  Author: keren,  PostPosted: Mon May 24, 2004 11:02 am

oh, it was so good, really shows that there can be completely serious communal drabbles, but there i was hoping that maybe rosalie and the colonel would get back together again!

 

#176:  Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth PostPosted: Mon May 24, 2004 3:26 pm

I can't beleive that it has finished!

 

#177:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 11:53 pm

I have just read six pages of this. I didn't realise I was so far behind. I too hgave up cheking the writers of each post as I read, it did come over as a story from just one writer. Thank you all very, very much.

 

#178:  Author: Lynsey, Location: Fife PostPosted: Sat May 29, 2004 1:51 pm

i was looking forward to saying more please about this drabble but by the time i caught it up it was finished! WELL DONE!

 

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