A drabble from me
The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles
#1: A drabble from me Author: Lisa-Lou,  PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 11:23 am

Hi all, I'm new but your drabbles inspired me, here is my beginning.

A SECRET AT THE CHALET SCHOOL

‘But Aunty May, I don’t want to go to school. I’m sixteen, I want to stay here and get a job’ exclaimed Beth-Ann.

‘What nonsense, child’ said her Aunt sternly. ‘You are still a child. A year or two of school is just what you need. I’m surprised you aren’t as ignorant as a baby with the wandering life you have led. I don’t know what your father was thinking about. If he’d had any sense, you would have been sent to school as soon as your mother died.’

Beth-Ann flushed miserably. She was fully aware that the life she had led up to now had hardly been ideal training for her future and the gaps in her education bothered her more than she would admit.

Left motherless at the age of twelve, she had spent the last four years travelling with her father. Hillary Ellroy had been a poet, a romantic, dreamy man lacking in even the most basic common sense. Without his beloved wife to keep him grounded he had become even vaguer and more absent minded. He had kept Beth-Ann with him, first because he had had no idea how to go about finding her a suitable school and later because she had learned to deal with the practicalities of life for him so well. He had dealt with the pressure from his sister May to put more thought into Beth-Ann’s life and future, by merely absenting himself from the situation. Thus Beth-Ann knew how to shop and find accommodation in French, Italian and Spanish and even Hungarian. She knew plenty about literature and poetry from reading her fathers collections, she could cook and clean house in a makeshift manner. But she was completely lacking in any knowledge of mathematics, science, geography (apart from the locations of most of the railway stations in Europe) and history.

Just three weeks ago, Hillary Ellroy had finally come back to Britain, settling in the Welsh village of Howells not far from the famous Chalet School. It was to this school that May Ellroy had determined to bully her brother into sending her young niece. However the news of her brother’s arrival had been followed almost immediately with news of his death. His health, never very robust, had finally broken down after years of neglect. A bad cold had turned to pneumonia and now Beth-Ann was an orphan.

‘Beth-Ann’ said her Aunt, more gently now, because she could see that the young girl was on the verge of tears, ‘you must see that you can’t stay here alone. You are only sixteen, there is a war on and it just isn’t safe.’

‘But Aunty, I know I can get a job. With all the men in the forces, I could find work as a bus conductress or in a shop. The rent for this cottage isn’t very high and I’m used to housekeeping. I know I could manage it’.

May looked round the small room. The cottage was tiny and old, but the flagged floor was scrubbed white, the fire was burning brightly and the brasses hung around the hearth gleamed in its light. A pot of homemade soup was bubbling on the stove, filling the little room with a savoury smell. Through the small window she could catch a glimpse of the gloriously beautiful Welsh hills and the tumbled graveyard where Hillary Ellroy had been laid to rest only that morning.

‘Bethy, it’s not that I don't think you could manage very well if you had to. I loved my brother, but no one was more aware of his limitations than I. I know very well that without you he would probably have starved or frozen himself to death long ago. But, sweetheart, you don’t have to manage alone anymore. Your father left enough money for you to go to a good school and to University afterwards if that’s what you want. Let earning your own living wait until you are in a better position. The Chalet School is very well-regarded and it isn’t far from here, you’d still be able to visit your father’s grave as often as you liked. And it isn’t as if you have anything else to tie you is it? Now, I have to go now, I’m back on duty early tomorrow so I need to get the train. I will buy your uniform on my next days leave and get it sent down to you here. I have arranged with Miss Annersley, the headmistress, for one of the gardeners to pick up your trunk and all you need to do is present yourself at the school on Tuesday. You will be alright here until then won’t you?’

Beth-Ann realised that this was an argument that she wouldn’t win.

‘Yes Aunty May,’ she said. ‘The lease on the cottage has another two months to run, so I can stay here until then’.

Her Aunt kissed her affectionately then left. Beth-Ann watched the tall figure in her WAAF uniform with a lump in her throat. Now she was really alone. But Aunty May was wrong about one thing, Beth-Ann did have something tieing her to the cottage and now she just didn't know what to do. Swallowing back the tears she turned to the stairs.

'Haroun, Shaheeda, you can come downstairs now. She's gone and lunch is ready.'[/b]

 

#2:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 11:33 am

*intrigued*

PLEASE may we have some more soon!

 

#3:  Author: Lisa-Lou,  PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 11:36 am

Well, I'm going to the gym now and then to work, but I have it all in my head so will try to post more later! This site is far too addictive anyway, I am still sat at my pc in pyjamas instead of doing jobs!

 

#4:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 11:38 am

Come... come to the dark side... Twisted Evil

(And everyone knows that PJs are the most sensible item of clothing...)

*looking forward to some more later, not least as I am going back to Uni tomorrow*

 

#5:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 12:24 pm

Lisa-Lou, it hasn't taken you long to get addicted, has it. Join the club, i should be putting clean bedding on my bed and hoovering and dusting, and then gardening. Oh well, such is life.

 

#6:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 12:52 pm

More please, Lisa-Lou! This is looking good!

 

#7:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 1:03 pm

More please! And there is nothing wrong with sitting around in your jammies reading the CBB instead of doing all those things you're meant to be doing... Embarassed *kicks work pile under desk*

 

#8:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 1:15 pm

Hooray! A new Drabbler. That's good Lisa-Lou and we're all looking forward to more.

 

#9:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 3:40 pm

*echoes calls for more and wonders whether the Lisas could ever take over from the Rach(a)els and K(C)athe(a)ri(y)nes...

 

#10:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 4:41 pm

Oooh! thank you Lisa-Lou!!
*looking forward to more!*

 

#11:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 4:57 pm

This looks interesting Lisa-Lou. I presume Miss Annersley has no idea that Beth-Anne has been left on her own at the cottage (or not as the case may be!) Would love to hear her and Matey's comments if they ever find out!

 

#12:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 5:19 pm

Ooh! shiny new drabble from shiny new CBBer!

Thank you, Lisa-Lou! This is most intriguing - I suppose the question is, who are Haroun and Shaheeda?

BTW what do the names mean?

Kirsty *hooked already*

 

#13:  Author: Lisa-Lou,  PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 7:53 pm

Four years earlier, Beth-Ann and her father had been travelling in India. A severe attack of dysentery had forced Mr Ellroy to stay for longer than he had intended in a small mountain village. There, to his surprise he had met a retired British officer and his wife. George Faraday was in his early fifties but was plainly deeply in love with his gentle, young Indian bride Shameela. Reading between the lines, however, Ellroy had realised that the marriage had caused a great deal of consternation and anger amongst the British community in India, hence Faraday’s move to such a remote area. But both Beth-Ann and her father became very fond of the Faraday’s and their little girl Shaheeda and a very pleasant few weeks were spent before they moved on. A few months later they returned that way and found their friends in some distress. George Faraday had been killed in a horse-riding accident leaving his wife and daughter with very little money. Shameela’s situation was desperate indeed. Rejected by her own family for marrying someone of another race, she was not accepted by the British community either. In one of the few unselfish acts of his life, Hillary Ellroy married Shameela and took her and Shahida away with him, intending to return to England. How this altruistic behaviour would have turned out is difficult to say, Shameela was certainly sweet natured and biddable but how she would have managed in the social climate of England is debatable. But this was never put to the test. Two months after the hasty marriage she died, worn out with her grief and knowing that Beth-Ann was more than capable of caring for Shaheeda and a new, tiny son, Haroun.

Beth-Ann had loved her step-mother dearly for the brief time she had been with them. On her death that devotion transferred to the two little ones. Shaheeda was now twelve, Haroun two. She knew that life for two half Indian children in England was not going to be easy and she was determined to care for them to the best of her ability. She had had very little contact with people of her own nationality, due to the extensive travelling; the British people she had met in India had treated the Anglo-Indian family with contempt, even spitting on them as they had walked about the streets. Beth-Ann couldn’t bear to think of Shaheeda and Haroun suffering anymore of this kind of treatment.

Her intention had been to find a job and care for them herself, until she was eighteen and came into her fathers money. Then, she had decided, it would be best to move away to a big city, where Haroun and Shaheeda would not be so noticeable and might have a chance at a happy life.

But then Aunty May had turned up and destroyed all her plans. Beth-Ann knew that if she didn’t arrive at school on Tuesday, there would be enquiries and investigations, the children would be discovered and taken away from her, maybe even put into a home and it would be two long years before she would be able to rescue them. She could not allow that to happen, there had to be a solution.

 

#14:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 7:57 pm

Oh gosh!!!!
Intriguing twist, Lisa-Lou! May we have more please?

 

#15:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 7:59 pm

Lisa-Lou wrote:
Well, I'm going to the gym now and then to work, but I have it all in my head so will try to post more later! This site is far too addictive anyway, I am still sat at my pc in pyjamas instead of doing jobs!


PJ's are the best thing to wear when on the site (as long as you're at home you may get odd looks at work or internet cafe)

This looks very promising more soon please! Smile

 

#16:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 8:10 pm

Oooh, intriguing. Thanks!

 

#17:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 8:10 pm

*imagines loads of CBBers sitting in internet cafes, and offices, dressed in their jammies!!!*

 

#18:  Author: Lisa-Lou,  PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 8:30 pm

Pyjamas are my favourite item of clothing ever. I'm beginning to think that I have accidentally stumbled across my soulmates. How do you all feel about chocolate? Very Happy

Anyway, I am at work just now so not in pyjamas. I will try and do some more of my story but pesky clients keep interrupting me so I'm not sure how much I'll get done.

 

#19:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 8:34 pm

There is only ONE way to feel about chocolate!!!

 

#20:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 8:35 pm

Oooooooooooooohoooooooooooooooooohoooooooooooooooooo!

Thank you for the shiny drabble Mr. Green

*thinks all CBBers should have jobs that do not distract them from drabbling*

 

#21:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 9:05 pm

You need to ask how we feel about chocolate??? Here is a clue, it gets mentioned on just about every single thread! Razz

 

#22:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 9:08 pm

Along with Baileys!!!! Very Happy

 

#23:  Author: Lisa-Lou,  PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 9:25 pm

Tuesday came round far too quickly for Beth-Ann, but still she had managed to formulate a rudimentary plan. The only thing that stopped her from running away immediately and putting her original scheme into action was the fact that Haroun was still frail after a bad cold caught during the damp, cold English spring weather. He was not fit for long, crowded train journeys and staying in damp bedsits. The rent on the cottage was paid up for the next three months. Beth-Ann proposed to leave the children in it, inventing for them a sick mother. Shaheeda was capable of caring for Haroun during the day; the cottage fortunately was on the edge of the village away from prying eyes. Shaheeda was also able to pass as Welsh without too much comment. She was tall for her age and imitative enough to pick up the accent with little trouble and in a land of dark-eyed, dark-haired Welsh children she blended in well enough to collect groceries from the village shop. There was sufficient money left from the allowance her father had made her for housekeeping to ensure that Shaheeda could buy enough food for her and her brother. Beth-Ann then proposed to find a way to sneak out of her dormitory at night, to return to the cottage and check on her family. She would be able to cook food for the following day, mend clothes and do some housework before returning to her dormitory in the early hours.

The wild stupidity of this plan was lost on Beth-Ann. She had timed the two mile walk between her cottage and the school to the last second and she didn’t think about the obstacles that were bound to arise. Never having attended school before it didn’t occur to her that sneaking out of her dormitory at night might not be as easy as she thought. In fact, it didn’t even occur to her that she would be in a dormitory, never having heard of such a thing. She did think a little about the dangers of wandering about alone at night, but whenever she felt afraid, she just set her teeth and focussed on not losing the only family she had left. She also knew she would be tired at school but without knowing the rigorous schedule she would be following she just supposed that she would be able to force herself to keep awake.

Easter term, she knew from the prospectus sent with her uniform was just twelve weeks long. If she could just last out for that long, the weather would be better and Haroun would be well enough to travel. Then Beth-Ann knew that she could take the children and disappear into a big town.

 

#24:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 9:36 pm

She is going to be in for a big shock.

 

#25:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 9:36 pm

*wonders how Beth-Ann will manage*

 

#26:  Author: Chickpea,  PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 9:37 pm

This is so good! I am def. hooked!

Even better, this drabble could go on for months! Yay!

*executes an uncoordiated happy dance, trying not to spill her wine*

 

#27:  Author: Lisa-Lou,  PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 10:23 pm

Aw, I'm glad you are liking it. Very Happy I am currently torn between writing more and reading 'Tensions' which is so exciting!! And there are so many other stories, decisions, decisions........
Anyway here is a bit more, probably all there is for tonight as I must do SOME work!

Her mind made up, Beth-Ann slipped out of the cottage and made her way along the road to the Chalet School feeling odd and self conscious in the brown and white gingham frock that was the summer uniform. Her trunk had been collected by a dour Welshman the previous evening and she carried only her light case containing night clothes and indoor shoes as instructed.

For the first time she approached the School by the front drive and her beauty-loving heart was lifted by the grace and exquisite proportion of the Queen Anne house. Meadowland near the gates had been marked out for playing fields; she could see cricket nets and a tennis court. Over to the left just past the house there was an orchard covered in a white and pink mist of blossom; in the distance was the lush green of the Welsh mountains. For a few second, Beth-Ann found herself thinking wistfully about what it would be like to be coming to this lovely place with nothing to do but enjoy and learn. Then she pulled herself up sharply.

‘The children are depending on you’ she scolded herself sharply. ‘Don’t start getting carried away and being selfish’.

The truth was Beth-Ann was so accustomed to taking care of everyone it never occurred to her that she ought to ask others for help.

As she approached the circular steps at the front of the house, the first of three big buses swept past her and began to disgorge themselves of dozens of merry, chattering girls. Beth-Ann found herself in the middle of what appeared to her inexperienced eyes to be total chaos. She watched as a dark, slight, vividly beautiful creature dashed past her to fling herself on a pigtailed girl getting off the bus.

‘Lorenz,’ this vision of loveliness exclaimed ‘I thought you weren’t returning’. Lorenz laughed and returned her friends embrace,
‘So did I, my Robin, so did I’, Beth Ann heard her say before her attention was distracted by a tall, yellow headed girl who nearly crashed into her in her haste to greet three of her friends.

‘Here you are, isn’t this gorgeous’.

Laughing and talking the four girls swept past Beth-Ann and into the hall. All around her conversations were continuing at full pitch in a mixture of several languages, unexpectedly Beth-Ann felt tears pricking her eyes. Hearing French and German again reminded her of her travels with her beloved father and suddenly she felt alone, lost and afraid.

‘Are you new?’

Beth-Ann swallowed hastily and turned around. She saw a dark, stocky girl holding a tennis racket and wearing a friendly smile.

‘Yes, yes I am. What about you?’

The girl put down her racket and case.

‘Me too. I’m Monica Marilliar. I used to go to school at Medbury but it closed. Our head retired and now the building’s being pulled down for a Woolworths, so here I am. What about you?’

‘I’m Beth-Ann Ellroy. I used to travel round a lot with my father, but he died a few weeks ago and my Aunty said school’.

‘Oh, bad luck’ said Monica, her brown eyes full of sympathy. ‘Still, this looks like a wizard place and we should be able to have some fun. Shall we go and look at where we are supposed to be?’

And tucking a matey arm through Beth-Ann’s she dragged her away up to the steps and into the big, cool hall.

 

#28:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 11:01 pm

*claps*

Thanks for the latest installments Lisa-Lou its really great, more soon i hope Smile

 

#29:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 11:08 pm

Wow, this is so good, and lots of it to, please write more Lisa, I'm really intrigued.

 

#30:  Author: Chickpea,  PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 11:13 pm

more, more, more, more, more, more,more, more, more, more, more,
more, more, more, more, more, more,more, more, more, more, more,
more, more, more, more, more, more,more, more, more, more, more,
more, more, more, more, more, more,more, more, more, more, more,
more, more, more, more, more, more,more, more, more, more, more,
more, more, more, more, more, more,more, more, more, more, more,
more, more, more, more, more, more,more, more, more, more, more,
more, more, more, more, more, more,more, more, more, more, more,
snake

please!

 

#31:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 11:31 pm

*doing the happy-drabble-dance*

PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASE may we have some more soon Mr. Green

 

#32:  Author: Shander, Location: Canada PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 12:11 am

Just found this and I'm loving it.
Wonderful job Lisa-Lou.
More Please, as soon as you can manage it.

 

#33:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 1:23 am

A new drabble from a new drabbler Very Happy It's great Lisa, I'm hooked already!

 

#34:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 1:46 pm

THank you Lisa-Lou for a wonderful new drabble. Am so happy you feel able to post so much already.

Looking forward to hearing how Beth-Ann copes with the children and school life.

 

#35:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 4:20 pm

This looks really good, Lisa-Lou.

BTW, chocolate is the most important food group for all dedicated CBB'ers.

 

#36:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 10:01 pm

May we have some more please Lisa-Lou???

 

#37:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 1:27 pm

This is looking great, Lisa-Lou! I like the timing of the story and the introduction to Monica Marilliar. Looking forward to more!

 

#38:  Author: Lisa-Lou,  PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 7:39 pm

A little more, I've been dying to write it but they keep wanted me to actually WORK at work. Tut! Rolling Eyes

The next few hours were among the most confusing that Beth-Ann had ever spent. Used to being fully in control of both her own, and her father’s lives she found it exhausting to be constantly told where to go and what to do.
She and Monica had added themselves to a group of new girls waiting in the panelled hall. The group included Monica’s cousins Vicky and Alixe McNab. Vicky was a rather stately young lady of seventeen, with a long tail of black hair and dark, serious eyes. Alixe was younger and fairer; Beth-Ann was immediately attracted by the spice of mischief in her glance and her dimpled smile.
The girls spoke in near whispers, a little overawed by the beauty and antiquity of their surroundings, not to mention the incongruous presence of a large number of noisy girls.
‘Those two are my cousins’, said Monica softly. ‘We were at school together before too. The tall one is Vicky; she’s really clever, she’s going to be a doctor we hope. Alixe is clever too, but she’s usually too busy causing trouble to study so we don’t know what she’ll end up doing, but it won’t be medicine that’s for sure’.
‘Why not?’ whispered Beth-Ann
‘She faints at the sight of blood’ said Monica with a small giggle. Straightforward and practical, Monica hadn’t enough imagination to understand her more sensitive young cousin.
Just then a clear voice was heard calling for, ‘All new girls to me please’. This proved to belong to a short, stocky girl with cropped yellow hair, glasses and a very determined chin.
The new girls made their way to this young lady, packed together in a huddled nervous group.
She beamed round at them cheerfully.
‘Well, don’t you lot look a sight’ she laughed. ‘I know the first day is a bit much but we none of us bite, honestly! I’m Cornelia Flower, I’m the Head Girl and I want to welcome you all to the Chalet School. I’ve been here for most of my school life, starting out when we were in the Tirol before the war began. I’ve been very happy here and I hope you will be happy too. Now, I’m going to organise you a little bit. I’ll show you the splasheries so you can wash up and tidy yourselves, then I will take you to the heads office to report. After that I’ll hand you over to Matey for unpacking, then it will be almost time for Mittag….I mean lunch. Any questions? You there, what can I do for you?’
This, needless to say, was Alixe who was waving her hand in the air wildly.
‘Er, what are splasheries? And who is Matey?’
Cornelia laughed.
‘Of course, I’m sorry you won’t know any of our slang yet, will you? Splasheries are the form wash rooms and Matey is our Matron Lloyd. She’s in charge of our manners and morals as well as our health. Don’t call her Matey to her face though, or you’ll soon know all about it.’ She ended with another laugh, and the girls joined in, more because of the Head Girl’s jolly face than anything else. Beth-Ann in particular was still feeling a bit confused.
‘OK,’ said Cornelia ‘Shall we……yes what is it?’
Alixe’s hand was flappng again.
‘Why are they called splasheries?’ she asked.
‘Er..because you wash there and sometimes that involves splashing’, said Cornelia a touch impatiently this time. ‘Don’t ask me why they were christened that in the first place though as I don’t know’.
She began to shepherd them firmly up the stairs
‘After today, you won’t use these stairs’ she called as they followed her along the corridor. ‘They are for the mistresses and prefects only. The rest of the rabble use the back stairs, I’ll show you where in a minute. Here we are.’
She directed the girls into a large room fitted out with washbasins and mirrors along one side and coat pegs along the other.
‘OK, coats and outdoor shoes on that side, please. Then wash and tidy yourselves over there, you all have flannels, towels and combs with you, don’t you? This is the fifth form splashery, you won’t all be sharing this usually, sorry it’s a bit of a scrum. Can you hurry it up a bit please?’
Beth-Ann washed her hands and face and changed her shoes at breakneck speed then attempted to get her comb through her tangled red curls. Seeing her difficulty the Head Girl came over.
‘I say that is a mop isn’t it? Gorgeous colour though. Here let me. Taking up the hairbrush she proceeded to give Beth-Ann’s head the most thorough brushing it had ever had.
Presently, scalp tingling and conscious of the fact that her curls were shining like never before, Beth-Ann found herself trotting down the back stairs, into the hall again then across it to an oak door.
‘This is the Head’s office’, said Cornelia briskly. ‘Wait here a minute, please’.
She tapped on the door and a low, pleasant voice bade her enter. The new girls were just able to catch a glimpse of the Head Girl dropping a respectful curtsey then the door closed behind her.

 

#39:  Author: gigagal, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 8:11 pm

Ooh, the cheek. I mean, don't they realise you have drabbles to write?! *grin*

 

#40:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 8:23 pm

What a wonderful description of the breakneck intro to school life.

 

#41:  Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 9:01 pm

Yay new drabble! I tried to say this earlier but the board wasn't being very friendly. Poor Beth-Ann, I wonder how she's going to cope.

 

#42:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 9:54 pm

Oooh!! More of this please Lisa-Lou!

 

#43:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 10:20 pm

That's a great description of how confusing first days can be. I'm just worried about the kids at home though!

 

#44:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 10:53 pm

More please, I'm wondering how long it will take Beth to realise hoe dificult it will be to carry out her plan

 

#45:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 11:25 am

This is great, I'm looking forward to more.

 

#46:  Author: Lisa, Location: South Coast of England PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 11:53 am

Hurrah! A drabble I can follow from the beginning! It looks great, can't wait to find out what happens next!

Welcome to another Lisa (clearly the best name) Very Happy

 

#47:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 12:03 pm

Thank you Lisa-Lou Mr. Green

 

#48:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 6:31 am

Jennie wrote:
BTW, chocolate is the most important food group for all dedicated CBB'ers.


Er, Jennie - there are other food groups?

Lisa-Lou - only just managed to catch up on this - I'll be watching from now on - excellent!

 

#49:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 11:02 am

Yes, I have a slight acquaintance with them, but always put chocolate first as the most important food group.

 

#50:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 3:42 pm

ooh, this is fab.

Love cornelia's response about the splasheries!

beth-ann is a very interesting character. I can't wait to see where you take this.

 

#51:  Author: claire, Location: SOUTH WALES PostPosted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 7:08 pm

Lesley wrote:
Jennie wrote:
BTW, chocolate is the most important food group for all dedicated CBB'ers.


Er, Jennie - there are other food groups?


Yes Lesley tere are marshmallows and (at least for me) crisps

Really enjoying this Lisa-Lou, wonder how long Beth-Ann will get away with it for

 

#52:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 7:56 pm

Yes, but they can't compare with chocolate! Is there any more of this, Lisa-Lou?

 

#53:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 8:34 am

Nothing compares with chocolate!

This is looking really good Lisa-Lou. Could we have some more please?

 

#54:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 10:26 am

Oh I don't know there is one thing I can think of which can compete with Chocolate Wink Wink Twisted Evil Rolling Eyes

 

#55:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 12:36 pm

and what was Vikki being accused of on Saturday...

 

#56:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 3:03 pm

Come on, tell us what Vikki was being accused of.

 

#57:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 3:21 pm

smuttiness but i think Kathye might be challenging her...

 

#58:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 3:38 pm

Are you lot corrupting my innocent mind AGAIN?

 

#59:  Author: Lisa-Lou,  PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 5:12 pm

There will be more story soon, I am persecuted by relatives and having to work at work - how unfair is that?!

Thank-you all for your kind comments and can someone please explain to me what Vikki did?

I am very new and innocent........... Wink

 

#60:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 6:29 pm

Work at work?

*shakes head in disapointment*

Never work at work Lisa Lou, unless its of the drabbling variety!

 

#61:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 6:54 pm

Oh have just read this!
More soon please, can't wait to see how Beth-Anne manages!

 

#62:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 1:04 pm

there is another group - alcohol! (although admittedly not food)

Is that what Vikki was being accused of - Baileysism? Laughing

Love this, Lisa-Lou. MORE pelase!!!!!

 

#63:  Author: ali, Location: medway, kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 8:17 pm

ahhh, a new drabble, chocolate, crisps and pyjamas! My life is fulfilled.

 

#64: Hello, it's me again! Author: Lisa-Lou,  PostPosted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 8:22 pm

Here is a bit more, sorry it took so long, I have been studying.

Beth-Ann waited nervously as one by one the new girls went into the Head’s study. Finally, her turn came and she entered hesitantly, wondering whether or not to curtsey as Cornelia had and ending up bobbing down and up again gracelessly, feeling too bewildered to even look at the woman sat behind the great oak desk.

The first thing she noticed about Miss Annersley was her voice, low pitched and sweet as she spoke a few words of welcome; glancing up she found herself looking into clear blue-grey eyes. Beth-Ann had no ideas about what a headmistress ought to look like, having never encountered one before as far as she knew, but still she felt a moments surprise at how warm and kindly Miss Annersley appeared to be. For a moment she felt an urge to confide all her troubles to this friendly, smiling woman, but the habit of managing for herself and trusting nobody was too ingrained so she said nothing.

In many ways, Beth-Ann’s upbringing had been a pitiful one. Only too well she remembered her earliest travels with her father, before she had taken charge. Lost luggage, mislaid bank drafts, not enough to eat or anywhere comfortable to sleep had been the rule rather than the exception. For a long time she had known that the only person she could rely upon was herself and if she failed, disaster loomed. So now she smiled back gratefully at her new headmistress, but she kept her problems to herself.

She found herself back in the sunny hall and was quickly whirled upstairs again to greet ‘Matey’ who was directing the unpacking in a big room filled with trunks. These were taken away to the boxrooms as quickly as their contents were emptied on to the big trays which were then carried down to the appropriate dormitory. There was an air of subdued haste and the process seemed to be running as smoothly as a factory line. Each group of girls was being supervised by a prefect; Beth-Ann and Monica found themselves still with the Head Girl.

Beth-Ann opened her trunk reluctantly; she had never enjoyed packing or unpacking, and had done far too much of it in her short life, but with Matey’s eye on her she began to take out the tunics and dresses she had put in only the night before. At first all was well, Beth-Ann was an expert at the loathed task and Matron looked with approval as the neatly folded clothes emerged.

The first check came when Beth-Ann took out her Sunday frock. Matron took the pretty green cotton from her to shake out its folds and immediately spotted something.

‘Beth-Ann, this garment has no name tag. You will have to sew one on as soon as possible, with so many girls name tags are essential’ she said briskly.

Beth-Ann said nothing immediately, but the flush that deepened her fair skin did not go unnoticed.

‘You do have name tags, don’t you?’ asked Matron sharply. ‘We always stipulate that you bring several spares, just in case. Didn’t your mother put some in?’

‘My aunt got my school clothes’ said Beth-Ann going even redder as several girls looked over at the little group.

‘Well, did she pack the tags, do you know?’ Matron was rummaging through the few items left in the trunk now.

‘Er…I did my packing’ said Beth-Ann unhappily. ‘I didn’t see any name tags’.

Matey said no more, but began to examine the rest of her unfortunate victims clothes, her face looking grimmer and grimmer.

‘None of these clothes are marked’, she said finally. ‘What was your aunt thinking of?

Beth-Ann was as red as her hair now and she was fighting back tears.

‘I don’t know,’ she said unhappily. ‘She just sent the things down to me with a carrier. She bought it all in London, I just packed what she sent. I didn’t know about name tags’.

Matron looked at her shrewdly. Experienced with girls, she realised that Beth-Ann was becoming over-wrought. She also realised that the sensitive girl would suffer an agony of embarrassment if she gave way to tears in front of her new schoolmates. However, something was not quite right here, and Matron intended getting to the bottom of it.

‘Cornelia,’ she said, ‘Leave Beth-Ann’s things for now and go and help Robin. I will take care of this; I think I have some spare tags in my room. Come with me, please’.

She trotted off, her well-starched uniform rustling vigorously and Beth-Ann trailed behind her feeling miserable and confused.

 

#65:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 8:27 pm

A lovely long post, thank you, Lisa-Lou.

 

#66: A bit more.... Author: Lisa-Lou,  PostPosted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 9:06 pm

Matron pulled her into a sunny room, clearly a dispensary, with wide shelves filled with various remedies and trays of bandages and plasters.

‘Now’ she said ‘What is going on here? Why did you do all your own packing and what do you mean your Aunt ‘sent’ the things to you? Who do you live with?’

Even the competent Beth-Ann was aware that leaving a sixteen year old girl alone in an isolated cottage was hardly responsible but in many respects her flighty Aunt wasn’t too different from her careless brother and it had never occurred to the foolish woman that she could easily have got leave to stay with her niece for the few days until school had started.

Beth-Ann struggled with conflicting desires to both tell the truth and protect her aunt. But with Matron’s eye upon her she couldn’t think quickly enough.

‘My aunt had to go back to London’ she said hastily. ‘I stayed in the cottage in Howells village for a few days’.

‘On your own?’ asked Matron with disbelief. ‘What about your parents?’

This was the last straw for Beth-Ann. The tears started to slide down her face and her voice became almost inaudible.

‘My mother died when I was little and daddy died a week ago. His funeral was on Thursday, Aunty May came down for that then she had to go back on duty, she’s in the WAAF’s’.

Then she gave way to the sobs that were choking her.

No-one knew better than Matron how to deal with a weeping child. She sat Beth-Ann down on a chair and got her a glass of water and waited for the sobs to subside. Then she bathed the hot tear-stained face in cool water. When Beth-Ann recovered herself, she merely said,

‘Come to me this evening after supper and we will sort everything out. Don’t worry about it. Now you better go down to lunch. There’s a mirror over there, tidy your hair’.

Then she turned her back while the proud girl smoothed her hair and made sure that she was free of tear stains, before escorting her down to the dining room for lunch.

Matron never said anything further about the situation to Beth-Ann in fact she sewed the name tags on herself that evening. Privately, however, she was furious with May Ellroy and resolved to give that young woman a piece of her mind if the opportunity ever arose. As she said to Miss Annersley in the staff room later,

‘What kind of woman leaves a child who has just lost her father alone in cottage miles from anywhere? The day after the funeral too, it’s inhuman that’s what it is and so I’ll tell her if I ever get a chance!’ As it happens Matron did get her chance, but that comes later.

Meanwhile, Beth-Ann, feeling oddly better for her storm of tears was consuming lamb hotpot and green peas in company with Alixe McNab, allowing the gnawing anxiety Haroun and Shaheeda to retreat for just a little while in the face of her companion’s eager chatter.

 

#67:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 10:15 pm

How lovely of Matey to do that for her. Beautifully understated kindness.

 

#68:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 11:01 pm

It was kind of Matey, it's just a pity that Beth feels she can't trust anyone. She is going to find it so difficult to to try to be a schoolgirl and deal wwith real adult responsibilities,

 

#69:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 12:33 am

That was kind of Matey but I do wish Beth would just tell somebody because otherwise I don't see this drabble going anywhere very cheerful!

 

#70:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 1:05 am

Awwwww!!!
Poor Beth Anne!
I'm so glad Matey was nice!

 

#71:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 7:46 am

Matey's kind heart coming out - lovely. I do wish beth Ann would tell someone, then she might be able to enjoy the very last days of her childhood.

 

#72:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 7:58 am

It's so sad that Beth Anne has the weight of the world on her shoulders, she deserves a child-hood.
Loved sympathetic Matey!

 

#73:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 12:30 pm

Good for Matey. Hope Beth-Ann trusts them soon and it all comes out right. Can see somebody from the school adopting them all.

 

#74:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 6:12 am

Maybe the Chalet School will work its magic soon and Beth-Anne willbe able to confide.

Lovely post, more soon please!

 

#75:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 9:55 am

Thats was really lovely

Thank you, I suggest you hit RL over the head hammer and write us some more........Please Wink

 

#76:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 4:42 pm

Poor Beth-Ann, but how lovely of Matey.

 

#77:  Author: Lisa-Lou,  PostPosted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 6:44 pm

You're all so nice! Smile It's quite addictive posting bits of story and having people say nice things about it! I may do some more tonight but I am feeling a bit mentally battered after a job interview and anyway I want to read lots of lovely drabbles. Wink

 

#78:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire PostPosted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 6:49 pm

One of our 'current issues' in psychology last year was on internet addiction...

 

#79:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 7:02 pm

wonderful Lisa-lou i just got caught up more soon please though Smile

 

#80:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 3:47 pm

Yes, the drabble addicts are screaming for their next fix.

 

#81:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 3:25 pm

It seems an awfully long time since we had any of this. Is there more to come?

 

#82:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 9:33 pm

Lisa....

IS there no more, has Real Life suddenly gone and taken over !!!!

Hoping that maybe some more will appear soon ?? Wink

 

#83:  Author: FionaW, Location: Johannesburg, South Africa PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 2:49 pm

she must be attending a drabble addiction course

 

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