The CBB :: View topic - Felicity - life after school

#1: Felicity - life after school - Mark 2 Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 12:01 pm

More story hopefully this afternoon

Links as follows
Link to first part
http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/felicityafterschool.htm

Second part
http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/felicityafterschool2.htm

#2: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 1:21 pm

Thank you for the link's oh wise and wonderous mods!

ok, cos I'm a good girl and keep my promises.... here's the first bit for today....

After congratulating Con and Roger Felicity excused herself from the table and set out in search of Len. She found her in the old bed room she used to share with her triplets looking at the old photo albums

“hey there” Felicity said gently as she entered the room
“Hi” Len looked up at her younger sister, tears pouring down her face. Felicity walked through the room and settled on the bed next to her sister, slipping an arm round her hunched shoulders, after a while she spoke.
“did you know”
“yes, Con told Reg and I this morning before we left home”
“Oh Len” felicity sighed hugging her older sister. They sat in silence whilst Len stared at the picture of herself, Con and Margot taken on the last day of their school lives. Eventually Len spoke again, quietly but with a strength in her voice
“Felicity, I am pleased for Con, don’t ever think that because I can’t have children that the topic should be avoided all together”
“it hurts though”
“more than you can possibly imagine” Len spoke bitterly. Her eyes went back to the picture she was holding “you won’t remember when this was taken, you were only a child”
“I was eight” Felicity pointed out “and I do remember, it was so different here when the three of you finished school and left home”
“we were so excited, the rest of our lives to look forward to, now look at us”. Felicity wasn’t sure how to reply to this and kept silent looking between her sister and the photograph. “ten years, and what have I got to show for it”
“Len, thinking like this doesn’t achieve anything” Felicity was mindful of her own conversations with Solange about positive thinking and making the best of things.
“probably not” Len admitted “but I find it difficult at the moment to think of anything else, I had such plans, I would get my degree and then teach for a few years while Reg worked, we hadn’t planned to start a family straight away but by now we thought we would have at least one child”.

She began to turn through the photo album as they sat in silence, pictures of the triplets lives since school, graduation day, Len’s wedding followed by Con’s, Margot’s last visit before she took her vows and finally a picture of all three taken before Margot was sent overseas to the mission in South America, Len and Con either side of Margot all three smiling happily at the camera.

“do you miss Margot” Felicity asked
“of course” Len smiled “she’s a third of me, but she’s happy now doing what she was meant to do. When you have a vocation like Margot’s you can’t fight it, no matter how hard you try” she smiled at this recalling Margot’s own struggle with “my devil” throughout her childhood. “you ought to go back Felicity” she added eventually
“come with me” felicity stood holding her hand out to her sister
“not yet” Len replied “I need to get my thoughts together”

Felicity turned and made her way down the main stair case of the house, as she left her sister she thought to herself ‘I can’t say anything, not now, I know it’s going to anger Mamma and Papa, but it would destroy Len’. She took a deep breath as she reached the door of the salon, where the family had retired to after lunch, fixing a fake smile on her face she went in determined to make her family believe that she was enjoying her Christmas vacation.

#3: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 1:30 pm

*sigh* Poor Len, and poor Felicity! Good on Fee for being tactful, but I'm sure Felix is going to corner her and demand answers soon!

#4: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 1:41 pm

Oh thankyou Kate. Poor all of them! Felicity's so brave, isn't she?

*chokes a little*

#5: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 1:46 pm

Poor Felicity. Maybe Felix will be the comfort and support she needs.

#6: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 3:41 pm

The last day of Felicity’s holiday was overcast and miserable, she lay in bed for a long time reflecting on how life at home had changed in just the one term she had been away. Since Christmas if the weather had been good she had spent much of her time out of doors, normally on her own, using the time to think about her future. When the whether didn’t hold she had either spent the time in her room studying or with Len, whose depression seemed to be deepening with the news of Con’s pregnancy.

As usual her father had only spent a small amount of time with his family over Christmas and the new year, refusing to have more than one day away from his duties at the San. Her mother had spent much of the time fussing over Con, dragging her away for private conversations about the mysteries of pregnancy and childbirth. Con herself listened to her mothers words of wisdom serenely, not intending to do much of what Joey advised, after all this as the late 1960’s and things had moved on in the last thirty years. As a result the other family members had hardly seen their mother, as Phillipa and Cecil had complained when they returned to school the day before.

As she lay full length on the bed she realised for the first time in weeks she didn’t feel nauseous. Sitting up slowly she rejoiced that at long last her morning sickness appeared to be over. She showered and dressed, noting as she did that her figure was changing and that she could see the start of a swelling around her stomach. Putting her hands on the swelling she smiled as she thought of the child growing inside her.
“goodness” said out loud and she looked at her figure in the mirror “I’m not going be able to hide this for much longer”
“hide what” came her brother’s voice from the door
“nothing” Felicity replied far to quickly
“really” Felix raised his eyebrows
“really” Felicity said firmly “what are you doing today?” she asked in an attempt to change the subject
“oh, I thought I would pack ready for tomorrow and then spend some time with my twin, trying to determine what the big secret she is hiding is” Felicity could not help herself and flushed bright red at Felix’s nonchalant statement
“how do you know I have secret” she stammered
“Flick, come on, get real, were twins, I know that your hiding something” Felicity’s expression made Felix continue gently “and if you hadn’t been so wrapped up in your own secret you would have realised that I have one of my own to share with you”

The gong for breakfast sounded and the twins made there way to the dining room, at the last minute before entering Felicity made a decision and pulled her brother back, whispering to him quickly
“Ok, I have a secret” she admitted
“trade” Felix said quickly “my secret in exchange for yours”
“not now though” Felicity didn’t want to miss breakfast if she could finally eat in the morning, she paused to think before continuing “after we have done the chores, whilst I finish packing”
“deal” Felix grinned as he pushed open the dining room door

#7: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 3:46 pm

*biting nails*

What's Felix's secret? And please let him be good about Felicity's.

And PLEASE post more very soon cos I have to go home soon.

#8: Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 4:26 pm

<gasp>

Is Felix pregnant too?????

Rachel the Quidditch

#9: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 4:44 pm

By the time Felix had finished all the chores left for him and made his way upstairs to Felicity’s room he found her almost finished with her packing, most of her clothes had been left in Paris so there was only a small suitcase for her to take back.

“Almost done” she said as Felix entered the room
“Good” he replied sinking down onto the bed “then we can talk” He pointed at the other end of the bed and said sternly “sit down” Felicity obediently obeyed with a mock salute
“I can’t believe three weeks have passed so quickly”
“Well we’ll be back at University soon” Felix smiled at the thought “So, spill, what’s this secret”
“I, um, don’t know where to start” Felicity began
“at the beginning” Felix suggested
“Well, I don’t know, how about you go first” Felicity was foundering, as badly as she wanted to tell her brother she wasn’t sure how he would take it. Felix sensing his sister’s anxiety, which unbeknownst to her matched his own, made a suggestion
“Ok, one question each”
“fair enough” Felicity breathed out heavily “you first?”
“me first” Felix agreed before lapsing into silence. Eventually he continued “have you met someone”
“Loads of people” Felicity replied flippantly
“that’s not what I meant” Felix tried to sound offended
“I know” Felicity said soothingly “and the answer to your question is no, not really”
“not really” Felix queried
“my turn” Felicity replied “um, are you courting” she asked using a phrase of her mothers
“Yes” Felix replied immediately “or at least sort of”
“what’s she like” Felicity interrupted. Felix flushed red before replying
“hang on, its my turn. Are you ill”
“No” Felicity replied quickly “well, what’s she like”
“um, I can’t really answer that” Felix replied his face still red
“what do you mean, you say your courting and then can’t tell me what she’s like”
“it’s complicated, try a different question” he muttered
“ok, well then” Felicity watched her brother carefully, aware from the way he was sitting that he felt uncomfortable about something. She paused and watched as he stared at the bed clothes “Felix” she said gently “what is it”
“ladies first” he replied looking up at her. Felicity took a deep breath
“your not going to like this” she warned him
“go on” he replied
“Well” she paused before continuing in a tiny voice “Con’s not the only one whose going to have a baby”

Felix looked at his twin, his mouth open in a perfect circle
“Your pregnant” he exclaimed
“keep your voice down” Felicity warned “I don’t want everyone to know”
“but, how, when”
Felicity sighed as she explained what had happened to her on almost her first night away from home. When she had finished speaking Felix sat for some time watching her before he spoke
“are you happy Felicity” he asked
“I think so, I was shocked at first, but now” she shrugged “yes I suppose I am happy, I’m going to have a child”
“are you going to tell the olds?” Felix asked
“No” Felicity exclaimed immediately “not yet anyway” she continued “felix please, I don’t want them to know yet, particularly not Len after all she’s been through” Felicity put her hand to her mouth as she spoke remembering that her brother didn’t know
“it’s all right” Felix reassured her “I asked Reg what was wrong with her, he believes in being honest so he told me”
“Tell me you won’t say anything” Felicity pleaded
“not a word, it’s your secret, you tell them when your ready”
“thank you” Felicity breathed a sigh of relief “now about your secret” she prompted
Felix hung his head, flushed red again and took a deep breath. Looking up directly into her face he said
“well you’ve been honest with me, I should return the favour” he paused before continuing “you were right in away, I am courting, but, I’m not sure how to say this”
“say what” Felicity prompted and noting tears in her brother’s eyes continued “you’re my twin, whatever it is won’t change anything”
“It’s not a girl” he whispered so quietly that Felicity barely heard him.

#10: Author: Shander, Location: Canada

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 5:52 pm

Wow. Good for you. This is really well written and it's great to see issues like this addressed.

#11: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 5:57 pm

Oh my gosh! But Joey's reaction will be ... *resisting hilarious* very interesting!

But I'm so glad Felicity's being so sweet about the whole pregnancy thing.

More please! Very Happy

#12: Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 5:58 pm

Wow! So which one is going to be considered worse by their parents??

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

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 6:01 pm

This is such a great story and it keeps getting better and better Exclamation

How are Joey and Jack going to cope with a illegitimate grandchild, a gay son and a depressed daughter? I'm guessing not well! When's felicity going to meet Phillipe again?
Can't wait for the next update in this saga Exclamation

#14: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 6:33 pm

This is a great story! And I can see Len's depression getting to Joey almost as much as Felicity and Felix's problems. After all, the Chalet School is all about raising girls with a positive outlook on everything.

#15: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 7:40 pm

Oh, oh, oh, !!!!!!
Kate! Get back here and post lots more soon!!!! Shocked

#16: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 8:50 pm

Didn't see Felix's secret coming. I thought maybe he had made a girl pregnant. Great story. More please!

#17: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 9:10 pm

Sarah_L wrote:

I think Joey is just going to concentrate on driving Con nuts! I'm sorry for all of them dealing with the disfunctional family Joey has created - though Jack has to take some of the blame as he's never there and has a wider experience of life than Joey. He's not exactly a 'new man' is he!

Waiting with impatience for more!

#18: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 9:11 pm

Kate this is wonderful! I had a feeling that was going to be Felix's confession - Joey will definitely not be able to cope with that!

More please! *Feeling desperately sorry for Len - and really wanted to smack Joey for insensitivity - not everyone can produce children on demand!

#19: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 9:42 pm

Wow this is getting even better, and I didn't think that was possible.
I didn't guess about Felix until Felicity asked him about 'her', then it clicked.
Jack and Joey are going to have to have a good hard think about how they deal with their family, will there be anyone to any straight talking to them I wonder?

#20: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 9:45 pm

Looks like Joey is going tobe shaken out of her sheltered existence!! Very Happy

#21: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 10:45 pm

Oh, golly, poor Felix! No wonder he's keeping that a secret - goodness only knows what Joey will say!

#22: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 11:36 pm

Wow! I didn't see that coming, Kate! More please!

#23: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 12:49 am

Carolyn P wrote:

will there be anyone to any straight talking to them I wonder?

Was this meant as a pun Carolyn? Wink

#24: Author: Tassie_Ellen, Location: Tasmania, Australia

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 12:47 pm

still no more story?

Please, Kat, ma'am, we're waiting SO patiently for the next bit...

#25: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 12:53 pm

Vikki wrote:

Carolyn P wrote:

will there be anyone to any straight talking to them I wonder?

Was this meant as a pun Carolyn? Wink

No, just a unintentional one!

Kat, is there more of this story yet, please? Rolling Eyes

#26: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 12:56 pm

*jaw drops* Surprised

I did NOT expect that! I thought he was going to say he was going to be a daddy!!!!!!! wooooaaaahhhhh!!!!!!!!

*chants loudly for more*

#27: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 2:13 pm

*Joins in the chant* More please!

#28: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 3:09 pm

Glad your enjoying this I wasn't sure whether I was going to upset anyone, unfortunately the PB got carried away and appear to have lost all direction over the story.

first bit for today....

“I don’t understand” Felicity looked blankly at her twin and Felix sighed remembering her sheltered upbringing, something the boys of the family had avoided being away from home and at public school
“It’s quite simple” Felix watched his sister carefully as he spoke “I’m not attracted to women”
“that’s silly” Felicity replied “you just haven’t met the right one”
“no Felicity, it’s not as simple as that, I am attracted to other men” Felix watched his sister as quite clearly from the expressions on her face she struggled to absorb the information she had been given. Eventually Felix continued “can you accept that” he said gently.
“I don’t know” she whispered “the bible says”
“I know what the bible says” Felix said tersely “I’ve been bought up just as you have”
“but, it’s a sin”
“and having a baby out of wedlock isn’t” he said more sharply than he intended causing Felicity to flush.
“but surely you can change, you don’t have to be attracted to men”. Felix gave a hollow laugh at Felicity’s naïve words
“it’s not that simple, you don’t choose who your attracted to, who fall in love with, it just happens”
“your in love” Felicity asked looking directly into her brother’s eyes. She watched carefully as they changed to a deep lavender blue and the expression on his face softened
“I suppose I am” he admitted quietly
“and this other man, he knows”
“Yes Felicity, we’ve been together for a while. He was at school with me, two years above me”
“you’ve known for that long” Felicity gasped
“yes and no” Felix replied carefully “I’ve known for a long time that I wasn’t the same as the other boys but it took a while to reason why. When I first went to London I met James again, the rest as they say is history”
“so James is”
“Yes, James is, for want of a better description, my partner”

Felicity sat in silence taking in all that her brother had said, her mind racing. That she still loved her brother was undeniable, but she struggled to come to terms with what he had told her. In the eyes of God her brother was damned for his choice of lifestyle, but was God really that unforgiving, and if he couldn’t forgive her brother’s sin could he forgive her own. She looked up at her brother and noticed tears pouring silently down his face.

“Felix” she said quietly “I meant what I said you are still my twin and I love you”
“thank you” he replied simply
“are you going to tell Mamma and Papa and the others”
“no, not yet anyway” Felix replied “I can’t”
“But their our parents, they will still love you no matter what”
“I think there are some things that even our parent’s couldn’t forgive or understand. Isn’t that why you’ve not told them about the baby” he raised his eyebrow as he spoke
“Oh” gasped Felicity and lapsed into silence
“look Flic, I go back to uni tomorrow, I don’t intend to tell anyone about my secret or yours, I can hide mine from the family but you can’t. What are you going to do at Easter, if you come home with a baby there will be all sorts of questions”
“It’s not due till May” Felicity replied
“so you’ll be very obviously pregnant rather than carrying a newborn”
“I’ll tell them” Felicity decided “I’m just not sure how”

#29: Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 3:15 pm

Those poor wee kiddies!

Doesn't everyone else here just want to mother them a bit? (well, not Thomas obviously, but everyone else?)

Come on, write some more please Kat! I want to know when/how Joey finds out, and how she's going to react!

#30: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 3:36 pm

This is lovely. Please let us know what's going to happen!

#31: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 3:37 pm

This is lovely Kate, I'm glad they're being so supportive of each other. But how will Felicity tell her parents??? Please write more soon!

#32: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 4:08 pm

I did wonder if Felicity would understand what being gay meant. This drabble is certainly not an advert for a very sheltered upbringing.

#33: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 4:52 pm

Len had volunteered to take Felicity to the station next day as she had not really been up to spending much time with her during the holiday. There was a grand send of from Freudeshiem and the small car made it’s way along the platz and down the main road, winding through the mountains to Interlaken.

As Len drove Felicity watched her, quite clearly she could see the pain and depression etched in her sisters face.
“what’s that sigh for” Len commented
“Sorry, just thinking” Felicity replied
“penny for them” Len asked
“nothing important, certainly not worth a whole penny” The grin she received from her elder sister at this bit of nonsense lifted her heart ‘I think that’s the first time all holiday I’ve seen Len smile with her eyes and not just her mouth’.

They chattered about the Christmas holiday and Felicity’s course, keeping the conversation light and airy till eventually they ran out of steam and lapsed into companionable silence. Eventually Len spoke again

“Look Felicity, Con and I decided to treat you as an adult for a reason, your nineteen now and pretty soon your going to know all about men, courting and promises of romance” she smiled wistfully as she spoke. Felicity didn’t reply at once and Len, catching her expression in the mirror whistled softly “you know about those things already?” she asked

Felicity sat in silence for a long time while Len, wisely, appeared to concentrate on her driving. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Felicity’s long delicate hands twisting the fabric of her skirt in agitation. Before either spoke again they had reached Interlaken.

“Time for a coffee before the train” Len suggested looking at her watch and taking Felicity’s hand pulled her into the small café opposite the station. Seated with coffee and cake in front of them Len watched her sister as she picked at her food, spreading it round the plate rather than eating it.
“Worried you’ll get fat?” she asked
“No” Felicity replied “though I could do with a break from the rich food Anna cooks at home”
“She doesn’t cook like that all the time, I’m sure during term time she keeps Mamma on the most basic fayre”
“she must do or after so many children how an earth would she stay so thin” Felicity felt guilty almost as soon as she spoke, even mentioning children in front of Len made her feel uncomfortable
“Don’t” Len warned catching the change in her sister’s expression
“don’t what” Felicity asked blankly
“feel sorry for me” Len replied
“I, well, can’t help it” she admitted
“well try” suggested Len “I’m not the first woman in the world not to have children and I’m sure I won’t be the last” This was the old practical Len talking but Felicity couldn’t help wonder if it was a mask she hid behind to hide her own pain. “Look Felicity” Len continued “I’m coming to terms with my own lot in life and yes it’s difficult, particularly since Con is going to make me an aunt, the best way is for everyone to act as normally, no more walking on egg shells”
“Truly” Felicity lifted her eyes to meet her sisters “Con being pregnant doesn’t upset you”
“I am extremely pleased for Con” Len replied carefully

#34: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 5:41 pm

Love it! I've given up wondering what will happen next! I've been wrong each time so far. and yes, Rachel, it brought out the mother in me too!

This is really good, Kate. Hat's off to Kate!

#35: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 5:49 pm

i've given up wondering what will happen next too!!

last bit for today

“Len, do you think there would be anything one of us could do that Mamma wouldn’t forgive” Felicity said after a long pause
“I don’t suppose she could ever not love you, that’s not just in Mamma at all, but she might find things difficult to understand or accept. What makes you ask that”
“I was just thinking”
“about what”
“nothing in particular, just really whether parent’s would be completely forgiving”
“I think that Mamma and Papa would probably forgive most things, eventually”
“what if it’s a sin”
“there are many different types of sin Felicity, our God is a forgiving one. Hasn’t going to confession taught you that”. Felicity flushed at this, it had been almost three months since she had gone to confession and at present she did not feel that she could be totally honest with her priest so seeking absolution was not an option at the moment.
“But would they forgive me”
“Felicity what are you driving at” Len asked concerned where her younger sister was taking the conversation.

Felicity picked up her cup and slowly drank her coffee, giving herself time to get her thoughts together. Eventually she put her cup down and looked up at her sister, her face set in an expression of determination.
“I don’t really know how to say this” tears welled in her eyes as she spoke
“go on, what ever it is we can fix things” Len replied soothingly
“that’s just it, I don’t think this is something that can be fixed”
“tell me Felicity” Len urged, her voice gentle
“I’m pregnant” Felicity raised her eyes to her sister’s face as she spoke.
“Oh Felicity” Len’s voice was full of sympathy but at the same time edged with sadness “can you tell me what happened”

Given the opportunity to unburden Felicity poured out her entire story to her eldest sister, explaining that she had had too much to drink and could not remember exactly what happened. Eventually she finished her tale and sat looking anxiously at her sister waiting for a response.

“so what are you going to do” Len asked eventually
“I’m dropping my dance classes for this year and just doing languages, I have been offered a job part time in a florists to help pay my own way”
“and when the baby’s born” Len struggled to keep her voice even as she spoke
“I don’t know” Felicity admitted. The two girls sat in silence until Felicity spoke again “Len, I’m sorry”
“for what”
“for making such a mess of things, for dumping this on you, for having a child, everything” Felicity started to cry.
“Listen to me” Len’s voice had taken on the same tone she had used as a head girl and later mistress “you can’t change what has happened, the past is the past, you just have to get on and do the best with what you have got. From what you have told me the baby’s father took advantage of you, you didn’t encourage him. Yes getting so drunk was a stupid mistake, but that’s all it was a mistake, nothing you or your baby should have to suffer from”
“truly”
“definitely” Len replied “now what are you going to do about the family”
“I don’t know” Felicity admitted “Felix knows”
“Felix” Len raised her eyebrow
“he’s my twin, your telling me you don’t pick up on things that Con and Margot would rather keep to themselves” Len laughed at this
“Margot used to curse me for it when we were kids, but yes your right, I do pick up on things, like when there ill”
“Look Len, my train is in five minutes” Felicity pleaded “let me go back to university now and think about it”
“you need to tell Mamma and Papa soon”
“I know, I promise, I’ll tell them”

#36: Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet!

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 5:54 pm

*applauds*
Thanks Kat Very Happy

#37: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 5:58 pm

Ahh..bless Len.
Thanks for the last few parts, this is great.

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

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 6:03 pm

Oh bless! I feel so sorry for Felicity, Felix and Len (which is hard to come to terms with as she never really was a favourite in the books). When will there be more??????????????????????????????????????????????

#39: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 6:20 pm

This is excellent - I can't believe how much has happened since my enforced absence, I did sort of suspect about Felix, but I wasn't 100% sure. I hope Felicity will be understanding with him, but given hoe sheltered she has been, will she even know what he means?
More please, soon.

ETA Sorry - I jumped in and replied after reading page 1 again hammer

(hits self on head)

Last edited by Ellie on Thu Jan 22, 2004 10:47 am; edited 1 time in total

#40: Author: Jay,

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 6:23 pm

Kat, this is great!

Feeling sorry for them all - Felicity because she's going to have a baby, Len because she can't, Con because Joey's going to drive her insane but especially Felix. Don't think Jo will ever manage to get her head round that.

More please!

#41: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 6:34 pm

Jack was relatively understanding of Roger in Tensions, maybe we'll see the same Jack here.

#42: Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 1:06 am

Kat, you are doing a wonderful job of keeping the emotional levels perfect. I am really looking forward to more of this as soon as possible, if not sooner!

#43: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 1:54 am

*also feeling very sorry for all of them here* It's wonderfully written!

#44: Author: Cathy, Location: Australia

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 4:37 am

Sits down to wait for the next bit of the story. Takes out new packet of Tim Tams and offers them around.

Clears throat, preparatory to chanting for

M
O
R
E
Trumpet

#45: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 4:41 am

*chants at Kate in a very loud voice*

#46: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 4:47 am

*Adds harmony and instrumentation to chants.

Trumpet

#47: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 4:59 am

Ooh, very pretty, Chelse! *joins in chant*

#48: Author: Tassie_Ellen, Location: Tasmania, Australia

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 6:34 am

Thanks Kat, this is a fantastic story. Looking forward to even MORE!

Ellen *joining in the alto line of the chant* and waiting to reading

(LOVING the new smilies - thanks Liss!)

#49: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 9:19 am

Oh, I missed this section last night. How did I do that? Poor all of them, including Joey and Jack. When you think of it, parents do want the best for their children and Len and Felicity are not getting the best any parent would want! Even Felix has a hard time ahead with prejudice from other people. Even now, being gay can close doors.

At least Jack should have had experience of both the Fs situationss as a doctor so at least he should understand these situations are not uncommon.

*Decides to camp out here till there is more*

#50: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 10:52 am

I managed to miss yesterdays instalments too, then again, I've had the pleasure of reading them this morning, which I otherwise wouldn't have had.

Guitar

*Adds giutar accompamnient to chanting.*

Last edited by Ellie on Thu Jan 22, 2004 12:51 pm; edited 1 time in total

#51: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 11:10 am

Our chants are going to be very musical from now on!

#52: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 12:48 pm

Yes indeed! Adds to chant: piano

More please Kat!

#53: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 1:09 pm

Adds to the chants
drummer

Just to make them louder!

#54: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 3:29 pm

Sorry folks, your probably not going to get very much if any story this pm.
Have a stinking headache which isn't being helped by the fact that the office i work in has no proper heating/ventilation and horrible strip lights.

btw - what tune are you chanting too cos for some reason i keep hearing the theme tune to the muppets in my head...

#55: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 3:40 pm

Sending strong painkillers for the headache, Kate. We'll wait for some more with what patience we can get together.

#56: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 5:55 pm

Poor Kate. Hope you are better soon. Crying or Very sad

#57: Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet!

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 6:17 pm

I hope your head feels better soon Kat!

#58: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 7:34 pm

Kate, I hope your headache is better soon!!

*puts up sign saying 'No chanting until Kate's headache has gone!'*

#59: Author: Lulie, Location: Middlesbrough

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 8:42 pm

quietly subverts the system and chants in low tones *muneminem*

#60: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 9:08 pm

Have so much sympathy for you at the moment having been in a similar state most of the week. Hope you recover very soon.
*Tiptoes out so as not to disturb Kate*

#61: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 11:36 pm

Hope you're okay tomorrow Kate. Smile

#62: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 4:06 am

*goes to hunt up a doctor who can help*

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

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 12:29 pm

Please post more before one o clock, Im going home for the weekend and need to know whats happening to poor Felicity!

#64: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 12:39 pm

Poor you, Kate. Hope you feel better soon Kiss

#65: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 12:51 pm

*hopes for more soon*

#66: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 1:06 pm

*hopes to a greater extent for more soon!*

#67: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 2:46 pm

Trys to join in chant for more but then realises that this is my drabble

Thanks for your patience, headache is now better so here you go

The train journey back to Paris was slow. Felicity had the carriage to herself for the first part of her journey and although anyone looking in would assume she was lost in her book they were mistaken.

Felicity’s mind was a whirl. With her final promise to Len she knew that come what may she had to tell her parent’s about the baby but now, on her way back to Paris, she couldn’t see how. ‘I suppose I could write to them’ was her first thought but this was quickly put down as cowardice ‘if I don’t face them myself and tell them then I won’t ever do it and if I write them a letter I can’t answer their questions or provide any explanation. Mamma would say I was being spineless’.

‘I could phone’ she thought but again, this idea was squashed by the realization that no matter how she told them it would have to be in person, and soon ‘I’m going to be too big to hide it at Easter. Perhaps I should go and visit one weekend at the end of the month and tell them, I can afford a trip home what with the part time job’. With this thought her mind turned to her sister, who had taken her news much more calmly than she had expected, and her twin, whose own news was in all ways far more shocking than her own.

Tired and disheveled it was late evening by the time she reached the flat and the three other girls were already back from their holidays
“Welcome back” Anne-Marie greeted her warmly with a hug after she had removed her coat and hat “good holidays”
“Yes, what about you” she asked
“Fantastic” Anne-Marie answered
“what about you two” she asked Madeline and Meg, who were sitting on the comfortable chairs in the lounge area
“Excellent” Madeline replied “I spent Christmas with my family and then I was back here for New Year with the socialists”
“the socialists” Felicity queried
“yes, we have started a student group, to protest about the treatment of students in Paris”
“I see” Felicity didn’t truly understand much about current politics “what about you Meg” she asked
“Not bad at all” Meg said with a smirk “a lot of partying, some good food and some very interesting young men” Felicity raised her eyebrow at this remark
“she’s teasing” Madeline advised “I’m glad you had a good break, you needed it and no you have come back to us looking refreshed”
“Have I” Felicity asked surprised at this comment as she felt a bit like a wet dishrag
“You do” Madeline advised
“Truly” Anne-Marie confirmed “did you tell your parents” she asked timidly
“about the baby” queried Felicity
“Of course” Anne-Marie replied
“No” Felicity admitted “it was too complicated and not the right time at all”
“so when are you going to tell them” Meg asked bluntly
“soon” Felicity replied “when I’m ready”. She picked up her case and walked towards the door calling over her shoulder “I’m going to unpack”

She had almost finished when Anne-Marie appeared in the doorway, a large cup in her hand
“I thought you might like some tea” she offered
“Thank you” Felicity took the mug and sank down on her bed “I’m so tired all the time”
“it’s probably the baby”
“maybe” Felicity replied
“anyway” Anne-Marie carried on “I met some people that know you, well your whole family, whilst I was at home”
“oh, really, who”
“old Chalet girls actually”
“From the English branch?”
“no, well they did go to the English branch, but they went to Switzerland too”
“they must be much older than us if they went to both” Felicity replied
“yes about 15 years older than us, well me anyway”
“Who” Felicity said impatiently
“well, they were visiting Dr and Mrs Chester and their daughter Barbara”
“get on with it”
“A Mrs Taylor and a Professor Trelawney”
“Mary-Lou” Felicity exclaimed
“Yes that’s the Professor, the other you knew better as Vi Lucy”

#68: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 3:04 pm

“Gosh” Felicity exclaimed “I haven’t seen Vi in about 5 years”
“she said” Anne-Marie grinned at her “she was telling me all about you as a kid”
“Oh dear” Felicity blushed remembering that Vi had known her since she was a toddler
“she said that knowing you were all grown up and at university made her feel positively ancient”
“Is she still really pretty” Felicity asked
“Yes, and she has the most lovely daughter, but I think you’ve met her already”
“Yes she was only a baby though”
“she starts at the junior school next year”
“now your making me feel old” Felicity sighed “nineteen years old and about to become a mother”
“I bet that would make Mrs Taylor feel very old”
“You didn’t say anything” Felicity was struck by a horrible thought
“about the baby” Anne-Marie queried
“yes, I haven’t told my parent’s yet and if they found out from someone else” Felicity was frantically tugging at the bedding as she spoke
“calm down, I didn’t say anything”
“Thank you” Felicity replied
“Professor Trelawney had a lot of stories about your family” Anne-Marie said to change the subject
“I bet she did” Felicity said dryly
“why do you say it like that, the stories she had were quite funny”
“no reason” Felicity replied “it’s just I’ve known Mary-Lou for as long as I can remember and she still treats me like I am a junior, last time I saw her I was second prefect and she still did it”
“she is very bossy” Anne-Marie giggled “she tried to boss everyone over Christmas”
“she’s just used to getting her own way all the time” Felicity replied “she does it to everyone except Mamma and Papa when she visits us, she even does it to Len and Con, and their both married”
“I expect it’s just part of how she is” Anne-Marie replied
“Probably”
“Um, felicity” Anne-Marie said anxiously
“what” Felicity had a feeling that Anne-Marie was about to make some sort of announcement
“Professor Trelawney said that she would be coming to Paris towards the end of this term with some of her students from Cambridge”
“and”
“well, she said she would visit us”
“Oh no” Felicity groaned
“why oh no, it’s not like she’ll be staying with us”
“the baby” Felicity put her hand to her stomach
“I hadn’t thought of that” Anne-Marie admitted in a small voice “its just I couldn’t say “no” to her when she said she asked for the address”
“Never mind” Felicity sighed “but it does mean my parents have to know as soon as possible”
“sorry I don’t understand”
“trust me” Felicity said “if Mary-Lou finds out you can guarantee the first thing she’ll do is tell my mother”
“she wouldn’t it’s not her business” Anne-Marie was shocked
“oh you really don’t know our one and only Mary-Lou”
“what do you mean” Anne-Marie was truly bewildered and so Felicity spent much of the evening filling her friend in about what it had been like growing up with Mary-Lou as a frequent visitor to her home and some of the tales her sisters had told her about Mary-Lou’s time at school.

#69: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 3:06 pm

Interesting! Where's this meeting taking us I wonder?

#70: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 3:28 pm

I see you're keeping OOALML true to character! Felicity is sounding much more mature than she did in the earlier sections.

#71: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 3:29 pm

I'm kicking myself very hard. I have only just discovered that in the midst of chanting for more I managed to miss the bit after Felix told Felicity and the conversation with Len Exclamation

Wasn't Len lovely about it, it's such a shame they weren't able to have that conversation earlier in the hols, maybe Len could have helped her to tell Jack and Joey.

Mary-Lou spells trouble as far as I can see. Intefering old soapbox

#72: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 3:40 pm

Felicity and her friends returned to their studies the following morning, all in the knowledge that their mid-term exams would commence towards the end of the month. Every evening saw Meg, Felicity and Anne-Marie head to the University library to continue with their revision, although if Felicity was honest having dropped the dance element of her course meant she was easily sailing through the languages side of things. Madeline, extremely caught up in the group of socialists, spent more and more time away from the flat and her studies.

“Post” Meg called as she came back to the flat after breakfast on Friday morning
“Anything for me” Anne-Marie asked
“Hold on” Meg spread out the post on the kitchen side “one for you, one for you and Felicity and one for Felicity from the University”
“From the University” Felicity asked her forehead drawn into a frown “whatever” she said as she split open the envelope
“oh” Anne-Marie exclaimed, having opened the envelope addressed to both her and Felicity “it’s from Professor Trelawney” Felicity didn’t appear to hear as she was reading her own letter from the university. Anne-Marie looked up at her and immediately slipped her arm round Felicity’s waist “come and sit down, you’ve gone white” she said leading Felicity to the couch.
“what is it” Meg asked
“The University” Felicity replied blankly “I have to leave”
“have to leave” Anne-Marie exclaimed “what, why”
“because of the baby”
“your joking” Meg exclaimed “you’ve already sorted it with your tutors”
“let me see the letter” Anne-Marie coaxed
“I have to pack” Felicity said as she got up and walked unsteadily towards the door. Anne-Marie snatched the letter from the air where Felicity had simply let it go
“well” Meg demanded
“its from the accommodation department” Anne-Marie scanned the letter as she spoke “because Felicity is now only a part time student they have no obligation to find housing for her and because there are so many full time student’s not in accommodation she has to leave so that one of them can come here”
The two girls looked at each other in amazement eventually Meg spoke
“how could they” she exclaimed “turn out a pregnant woman, who has no means of support, onto the streets in the middle of January. It’s not fair, can we do anything”
“I don’t think so, there’s a number to phone though” Meg took the letter from Anne-Marie’s hand, picking up her hand bag flew from the flat, slamming the door behind her. Anne-Marie made her way to Felicity’s room where she was methodically taking all the clothes out of the wardrobe and folding them into piles onto the bed
“Felicity” Anne-Marie said gently “are you all right”
“I’m fine” Felicity replied still folding
“your just going to go” she asked
“I don’t have a choice” Felicity replied “I don’t want to but”
“then don’t go”
Felicity didn’t reply just continued with her packing and Anne-Marie, not sure what to say or do left her.

Felicity finished her packing and as she did realised that the effort and emotion had exhausted her, sinking down on to the bed she began to cry. What was she to do, she couldn’t go home and she couldn’t stay. As she sat there she heard the door open with a bang as Meg returned. After about five minutes there was a bang on the door and the sound of footsteps as someone went to answer it.

#73: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 4:03 pm

Oh Lord! How totally typical!!

#74: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 4:04 pm

Poor Felicity, it never rains but it pours. I really hope her nice nice friends manage to get something together for her. Please post soon and ressure me that things are gonna be ok - I don't think I can wait till tomorrow!

#75: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 4:21 pm

Hopefully that socialist group will help. Liking all Felicity's new friends - they're very supportive. OOAOML is in character Evil or Very Mad

More please Kate!

#76: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 4:27 pm

“Yes” Meg said curtly as she opened the door
“I’m here to see Felicity Maynard and Anne-Marie DeGrave” the new comer replied looking down at Meg
“I’ll see if there available” she said icily, long enjoying the long careful stare given to her by the newcomer “wait here please”

Meg hurried down the hallway to the lounge where Anne-Marie was pacing anxiously around
“Anne-Marie, there is a lady here for you and Flick” she said anxiously
“oh great” Anne-Marie groaned “that will be Professor Trelawney”
“a Professor” Meg exclaimed “that explains the attitude”
“I’d better go see her” Anne-Marie sighed
“I’ll go” Meg insisted “you go tell Flick”
“I can’t get to Felicity without her seeing”
“Ok, you go greet her and I’ll see to Flick”

Anne-Marie invited Professor Trelawney into the lounge and Meg after putting on the kettle slipped out of the kitchen area and knocked quietly on Felicity’s door. Receiving no answer she gently pushed the door opened
“Felicity” she whispered but the room was empty, the large suitcase had gone and the room was bare, the bedding folded neatly on the mattress. Meg bolted back to the lounge
“she’s gone” she declared dramatically
“who has gone where” Professor Trelawney asked
“Excuse me a minute” Anne-Marie said politely and pulled Meg out of the room

“Felicity’s gone”
“gone where”
“I don’t know, I went to get her and her room’s empty” Meg was obviously worried by this
“I didn’t hear her leave”
“me either, she’s probably only a minute or so away”
“All right, I’ll have to stay with Professor Trelawney, you go and see if you can find her”
“right” Meg replied heading straight for the door
“Coat” Anne-Marie yelled after her and she diverted into her own room for this.

“Sorry about that Professor Trelawney” Anne-Marie apologised as she returned “Will you have tea or coffee?”
“Coffee please” she replied “and I think you had better tell me who has gone”
“it’s nothing really” Anne-Marie replied, not wanting to get Felicity into trouble
“I think I should be the judge of that”
“no really, it’s nothing” Anne-Marie forced a smile “just Meg being over dramatic”
“not a Chalet girl that one”
“No” Meg admitted, thinking to herself that the world was not marked out into those who did and those who did not attend the Chalet school.

Coffee made the two women sat talking politely about Anne-Marie’s studies and the reason that Professor Trelawney was in Paris. Anne-Marie’s mind was drifting away from the conversation as the Professor continued to describe the excavation she intended to oversee just outside Paris when she caught the sound of the front door opening.
“Oh, will that be Felicity” Professor Trelawney asked rising to her feet
“I’m not sure Professor” Anne-Marie admitted.

Meg came tumbling breathless into the room, her hair windblown and her hands blue with cold
“Sorry” she gasped “I couldn’t find her, I tried everywhere I could think but she’s not on campus”
“Oh dear” Anne-Marie was dismayed
“I thought I saw her get onto a bus, I chased after it but I couldn’t see the number or catch up with it”
“excuse me” Professor Trelawney interrupted “what exactly is going on here”
“It’s nothing” Anne-Marie sought to reassure her
“the truth if you don’t mind” Professor Trelawney had put on a voice the same type which Anne-Marie had heard throughout her school career.
“Please” she said timidly in an unconscious imitation of a middle in trouble speaking to the head girl “it’s Felicity, she’s gone”

#77: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 4:32 pm

aaarrrggghh!! It's not helping Kate!! I'm still hanging off the edge of this durned cliff!!! (Hey, we should have a cliffhanger smiley!) I really hope OOAO isn't going to make this situation worse.

Abi *ready to go off and strangle ML if that would help*

#78: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 4:37 pm

Abi let go! We have the trampolines at the bottom!!

#79: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 4:42 pm

*lets go*

Whhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*boing*

*boing*

*boing*

Hey that was great fun! But that doesn't mean we don't want more story... Laughing

#80: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 5:08 pm

When Felicity fled the flat she had no idea where she was going, all that she wanted to do was to get away, from the others, from Mary-Lou and from the flat, the one thing she wanted to do but couldn’t was get away from herself. She ran down the stairs and over to the bus stop, hoping that the regular service into town would be there shortly. As the bus drove up she climbed aboard, pulling her heavy suitcase behind her.

“where to” the driver asked her
“terminus” she said vaguely and after paying her fee she pulled her suitcase down the aisle to a vacant seat. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Meg, running at full pelt along the pavement, arms flailing madly, trying to catch her attention. She sank back into her seat, shutting out the world around her. She was so long in her own thoughts that when the bus reached it’s destination she did not notice. One of the other passengers put her and on Felicity’s shoulder and shook her gently
“Madam” she said seriously “we have to get off now”
“oh thank you” Felicity flushed “I must have dozed off”
“are you all right” the woman asked scanning Felicity’s face
“I’m fine” she reassured her. The woman shrugged and made her way off the bus, Felicity followed pulling the heavy suitcase behind her.

The concourse of the bus station was fairly crowded, it was the start of the lunch hour for most of the office workers in the city and as it was Friday for some this meant the end of the working week. Unsure what to do or where to go she pulled her suitcase over to an empty bench and sat down. Her thought’s were troubled and in the end she allowed her mind to go blank as she watched the endless scurrying of the Paris citizens going about their daily business. Eventually she was pulled back to reality by the coldness of her hands hand feet
“This is no good” she said to herself “I need to decide what to do”

She knew she could not return to the flat ‘the University don’t want me there and as long as Mary-Lou is in town I will be steering well clear’ she thought ‘I can’t go home, I couldn’t get a train now if I wanted to. I can’t go to Felix, though I know he would help if he could. Len’s too close to home. Which leaves what’ she thought long and hard before the answer hit her.

To think was to act and Felicity soon found a public telephone on the bus station.
“Hello” she said into the receiver “is that Solange, it’s Felicity”
“Felicity, how are you doing” Solange sounded pleased to here from her
“I’m not too bad” Felicity replied evasively “how about you”
“I’m beginning to spread” Solange tried to sound doleful about this but it didn’t work
“Me too” admitted Felicity “Solange” she continued after a pause “I wonder if you could help me”
“what is it”
“The university have asked me to leave halls and I need to find somewhere to live”
“that shouldn’t be too difficult, when do you have to leave”
“that’s the problem” Felicity paused before she continued “today”
“Today” exclaimed Solange “but how long have you known, why haven’t you done anything before now”
“I didn’t know, I got a letter this morning” Felicity admitted, her voice shaking as the events of the day caught up with her
“Shocking” Solange exclaimed “where are you now”
“the bus station”
“stay where you are and I will come and collect you, you can stay with us until you find a place for yourself”.

#81: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 5:35 pm

Ok, this is probably going to be it for the weekend!

“Gone” Professor Trelawney exclaimed “what do you mean gone, explain yourself”
“She’s left” Meg interrupted
“I do not remember addressing you, kindly refrain from butting in” Meg tossed her hair, her eyes flashing in anger at being addressed in this fashion
“I, well, she’s left” Anne-Marie replied weakly. From the expression on Professor Trelawney’s face she knew this answer would not be acceptable.
“show me her room” Professor Trelawney instructed and Anne-Marie led her mutely along the corridor to Felicity’s room, the door to which was standing open. Professor Trelawney cast her eyes around the room noting at once that it was obviously unoccupied
“Has she left the university?”
“no” Anne-Marie replied carefully “just the flat”
“why”
“I am not entitled to say” Anne-Marie drew herself up to her full height and in doing so realised that she could look Professor Trelawney directly in the eye
“Not entitled to say” she exclaimed
“No” was the swift reply
“and you have no idea where Felicity has gone”
“No”
“so what do you intend to do now” Professor Trelawney challenged
“I don’t know” Anne-Marie admitted weakly
“I see” Professor Trelawney continued to stare at the younger girl.
“Do you think she would have gone home to her parents” Meg asked timidly
“Possibly” Professor Trelawney conceded “we should phone them”
“No” exclaimed Anne-Marie and when the other two looked at her she continued “you wouldn’t want to panic them”
“very sensible” Professor Trelawney commended her “what about friends away from the University”
“well, she did say she had met a French woman who was a few years above her at school and that they’d been out for coffee”
“Let me see” Professor Trelawney paced the length of the hallway as she thought. Eventually she stopped “The only person I can think of would be Tessa de Bersac or her family”
“I don’t know” Anne-Marie sounded miserable
“Right, that’s it, we can’t just stand around here” Professor Trelawney declared “I am going to find a phone box and make some calls, if we can’t find her then we will have no option but to call the police”
“the police” Meg gasped
“yes, she’s a missing person”

“what’s going on here” Madeline had entered the flat unnoticed by the other three
“It’s Felicity” Anne-Marie explained “she’s left”
“We don’t have time for this” Professor Trelawney pulled on her coat “Show me where the phone box is”
“I’ll go” Meg agreed and as she followed Professor Trelawney out of the room whispered to the other girls “I’ll try and stall her”

“All right” Madeline asked Anne-Marie once they were alone
“Oh Madeline, it’s terrible. Felicity got a letter from the University telling her that as she was only part time now she wouldn’t be entitled to a flat and that she had to leave immediately. She was packing and Professor Trelawney arrived”
“that woman, she is the professor” Madeline asked
“Yes she’s an old girl of our school, the Swiss branch, and a friend of Felicity’s family”
“Go on” Madeline urged
“Well, she arrived and whilst she was in here Felicity left, taking all her things with her”
“we don’t know where she’s gone”
“no. I don’t think she will have gone home though”
“What about that other old school friend”
“Solange, possibly, but I don’t know where she lives”
“the florists where Felicity will be working is still open, I’ll go along there and see if they have an address”
“Fine, I’d better stay with Professor Trelawney” Anne-Marie grimaced, the Professor was extremely overbearing. As Madeline went to leave she reminded her “what ever happens the Professor mustn’t know about the baby”
“I won’t say anything” Madeline confirmed “but what about Meg, did you tell her not to say anything”.

#82: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 5:35 pm

Thank you Kate, and thank goodness for Solange. She'll certainly deal with Felicity a lot better than OOAOML would.

#83: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 5:51 pm

thanks for that long section - I don't really see what can get more complicated. Trust ML to try and take control! I could see her in my mind's eye and hear a slightly barking 'pull yourself together' voice!

I'm glad Feleicity is with Solange even though it is only temprary.

#84: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 6:08 pm

I hate Mary-Lou. How dare she take over like that?

#85: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 6:23 pm

Sarah_L wrote:

I hate Mary-Lou. How dare she take over like that?

*Also not much caring for ML.

*But, very much caring for Kat and her new drabble sections.

#86: Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet!

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 7:55 pm

Yay thank you Kat this is wonderful!

#87: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 8:08 pm

I reckon Solange cxan take care of ML too!! Laughing

#88: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 8:19 pm

Thank you so much Kate.
I'm confirmed in my opinion of Mary-Lou, evil old soapbox

I think Solange will up to the job, if soapbox

doesn't find out first. Were they at school together or not? I can't remember.

#89: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 11:29 pm

Thank you Kate!!! Looking forward to more!!

Not liking OOAOML!!
Glad Felicity has Solange to turn to!!!!

#90: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 11:38 pm

Carolyn, Solange started in Wins the Trick, so that was after Mary-Lou had left the CS proper, though she might have been in her last term at St Mildreds.

#91: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 11:45 pm

Thanks for posting so much Kat, I'm loving this drabble. It's a pity the other girls didn't feel up to telling ML to clear off and mind her own business, or perhaps Meg will, but somehow I think ML is going to make evreything worse.

#92: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 12:23 am

Well, technically, Solange didn't actually start at the school until Feud..

#93: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 1:38 am

Enjoying the story!

(But still think the real ML
A. would not have spilled the beans to the parents if asked not to, and,
B. would have been more likely to butt in by finding Felicity a place to stay.
So there. (Where’s the sticking-out-tongue smiley when you need it?)

#94: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 8:20 am

Here it is Cathy!

I think the ML in this story is a possible extrapolation of her character - especially as, being a Professor, she would look on all students as the bane of her life! And still see Felicity as a child.

Looking forward to more of this - we'll have to wait though until Monday won't we? Crying or Very sad

#95: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 8:45 am

looks more to me as though it's licking its lips over a good meal than sticking its tongue out at someone!

Note: Not ALL students are the bane of my life. Just the ones who spend as much time as possible avoiding an education. Though I have to admit I tend to become paralyzed when my visitors start asking advice on personal problems rather than academic ones.

However, ML is much more perfect, and a friend of the family to boot. She probably would see Felicity as very young, though.

#96: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 8:56 am

I think OOAO is perfectly depicted, and she is annoying the heck out of me! I feel terribly sorry for Felicity!

#97: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 9:02 am

Oh, I agree that the ML in this particular story is way too officious for comfort at the moment. To put it mildly.

#98: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 11:31 am

Just hope her officiousness achieves something positive! It could do!

#99: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 11:54 am

Or it could make everything worse and be a sharp lesson for her.

#100: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 4:02 pm

Oh no! Why is ML so interfering? Blow her. I hope they manage to get rid of her Mad

I'm so worried about Felicity. If she knows ML is looking for her might she not even come back to Uni at all?

#101: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 5:16 pm

This is so typical of OOAOML, thinking that she knows best about everything, when she'll probably make the whole situation worse. This is so in character for her, it's great to read.

#102: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 8:57 pm

Abi wrote:

If she knows ML is looking for her might she not even come back to Uni at all?

I think that's very likely, Abi!

#103: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 9:57 pm

*wonders how long it is until Kate's next post!*

#104: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 10:11 pm

*sigh* Too long!

#105: Author: Sarah_G-G, Location: Nr. Guildford

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 11:27 pm

*looking forward to Monday*
Are we allowed to direct characters to the tissue box/ hugs box? I think some of these characters need it!

#106: Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet!

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 11:29 pm

*joins the group waiting for monday to come*

#107: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 11:32 pm

Sarah_G-G wrote:

*looking forward to Monday*
Are we allowed to direct characters to the tissue box/ hugs box? I think some of these characters need it!

Of course we can!

#108: Author: Tassie_Ellen, Location: Tasmania, Australia

Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 3:32 am

*brings the tea-trolley in so those waiting so patiently until Monday can partake of some refreshment - not long to wait now*

NOT liking ML at all in this drabble, hope she doesn't make things even worse for poor Felicity; liking Solange very much, though Very Happy

#109: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 10:30 am

Ooh! Tea, lovely. Just what we need while waiting.

#110: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 11:27 am

*agrees that tea is much appreciated* Thanks, Ellen!

#111: Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet!

Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 3:38 pm

Tassie_Ellen wrote:

NOT liking ML at all in this drabble, hope she doesn't make things even worse for poor Felicity; liking Solange very much, though Very Happy

I like Solange too as you don't hear anything of her after Wins the Trick

#112: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 2:28 am

Tassie_Ellen wrote:

*wonders if Tassie Ellen's trolley has hot chocolate, as I don't like tea!*

#113: Author: Mandy, Location: Derry, N.Ireland

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 2:39 am

Kate - Amazing! (I can see I'm going to have to take a leaf out of Len & Co when they were in Inter V and get some new descriptive words).

I love the way you are managing this. The receptionist in the doctors was terrible but there are still some nurses here who treat unmarried mothers like that now.

Can't wait to check in tomorrow.

#114: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 2:48 am

Chloë wrote:

Tassie_Ellen wrote:

NOT liking ML at all in this drabble, hope she doesn't make things even worse for poor Felicity; liking Solange very much, though Very Happy

I like Solange too as you don't hear anything of her after Wins the Trick

Actually, there are other mentions of her, particularly in "Adrienne".

#115: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 11:27 am

*Refreshes tea trolley and adds chocolate to selection of beverages*

*Thinks : It is Monday now so they'll all be back.*

#116: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 2:07 pm

KB wrote:

Chloë wrote:

Tassie_Ellen wrote:

NOT liking ML at all in this drabble, hope she doesn't make things even worse for poor Felicity; liking Solange very much, though Very Happy

I like Solange too as you don't hear anything of her after Wins the Trick

Actually, there are other mentions of her, particularly in "Adrienne".

Typical KB to know all about the minor characters. Very Happy

#117: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 2:12 pm

Kate, it's Monday. Yoohoo, Kate, it's time for some more drabble. Should we send out a search party?

#118: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 2:17 pm

Kate is online and posting now. Unfortunately, she's not yet posted on this thread. Sad

#119: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 2:36 pm

Hey! KATE!! where are yooooooouuu?

#120: Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 4:22 pm

Hopes RL allows Kate to post some more soon Smile

Rupert, please help Kate Very Happy

#121: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 4:24 pm

Ok, could some of you at least try having a little patience! or am i asking the impossible.

I am trying to hold down a proper job and like the rest of you I would like to catch up on all the drabbles and the other threads - which i only get a chance to do at work.

I can also only write at work as our pc at home is at the funeral parlor (sorry i mean repairers)

anyway, to keep you quiet for now i will post more story in a moment.

Oh, and Caroline - Rupert is helpful enough without encouragement - he has "ideas" for the next story and I don't think i am anywhere near finsihing this one!

#122: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 4:40 pm

Katarzyna wrote:

anyway, to keep you quiet for now i will post more story in a moment.

Yeah, thank you Kate!!!!!!!!!!

#123: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 4:48 pm

Felicity was wrapped in her warm dressing gown in front of the open fire which was the main feature of Solange’s lounge. She had been blue with cold when she arrived and the first thing Solange had done was get her a hot drink and arrange for a nice long soak in the bath. Still, it took Felicity over an hour of soaking, constantly having to let out the cold water and top up the hot, to feel warm again.

The room was lit only by the fire and two small laps near to the door, as a result the dim light was beginning to make her drowsy and she sat staring dreamlike into the fire.
“Felicity” Solange said gently so as not to frighten her guest “how are you feeling”
“much better now” Felicity smiled at her
“tired?”
“Yes” she admitted. The shock of getting the letter from the university followed by having to leave what had become her home in Paris had been huge, on top of that the sudden arrival of Mary-Lou and her panicked flight from the flat had reduced her to a state of exhaustion “to be honest, I think I could sleep for a week”
“Maybe not a whole week” Solange smiled at her “but your room is ready so if you want to go up”
“thank you” Felicity replied gratefully “I won’t ever forget all you have done for me”
“I know Felicity that if the positions were reversed you would do the same for me”
“I would” Felicity vowed “but I hope that you never have to experience this”

Solange showed Felicity upstairs to the small box room which would eventually become a nursery for Solange’s own baby. The house that Solange and her husband lived in was very small, just two up two down with a small garden to the rear. Felicity knew that there was no way she could impose on Solange’s hospitality for long and from the décor and size of the house, combined with the fact that Solange worked, led her to believe that the family’s income was not great.

The small room was already partially decorated in pastel nursery colours and Felicity felt like she was stepping back into the old nursery at Freudeshiem
“This feels familiar” she told her hostess with a grin
“I copied” Solange admitted “I liked the way your mother always made the nursery look fresh and clean with such colours”
“I can just picture it with a crib in and soft toys” felicity said wistfully, mind full that her own child would not enjoy this sort of surroundings.
“Don’t dwell, get some sleep” Solange commanded as she left the room.

Felicity quickly got into bed and with the trials of the day behind her was soon asleep. Solange made her way down to the stairs to the kitchen where her husband, who had not wanted to intrude on Felicity, was reading the evening paper.

“She’s sleeping” Solange advised quietly “poor thing, she’s exhausted”
“what is she going to do” her husband, who was aware of Felicity’s situation, asked
“I don’t know, she has been turned out of her flat because of the university’s beurocracy, her parent’s don’t know she’s pregnant, she doesn’t know who the father is”
“solange, it’s all right” her husband reassured her “I understand why you have bought her here”
“let’s just give her some time and space”
“Yes, but she also needs to find somewhere to live, somewhere more permanent than this”
“In Paris though, she wants to continue studying”
“Yes, in Paris, perhaps whilst she recovers you would like me to start looking for a small apartment”
“That would be good” Solanage smiled at her husband “but I have another idea, over the florists there is a small flat, just a bedroom, bathroom and lounge with a small kitchen off the side”
“is it to let”
“well it’s empty, I can only ask”

#124: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 4:52 pm

At least that would be something for Felicity. I hope everything turns out well for her.

#125: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 5:02 pm

Sorry if we've all been hassling you. It shows how much we are enjoying it! Take it as a complement.

#126: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 5:12 pm

sorry if it sounded snarky - should have put more emotes in it

actually there probably won't be anymore today as i have a stack of work still to do!

#127: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 5:46 pm

Sorry we nagged, Kate, but this is a 'must read' every time there is a posting! It is so strong and true to life.

Lots of thanks and hugs to you and hope work doesn't get you down too much and that your home computer is resuscitated very soon so you can be happily typing

at home.

#128: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 5:52 pm

This is excellent Kate. Sending huggles. Heart

#129: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 6:02 pm

Thank you for that Kat, this story really is excellent - hence all the nagging.
I'm glad that you are writing it at all, and obviously you can't spend all your time at work writing and posting, and reading the CBB.
I hope your home computer gets better soon.

#130: Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet!

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 6:07 pm

Yay thnak you Kat, some hope for Felicity then Smile

#131: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 6:34 pm

Thanks for the story. We wouldn't nag if we did really enjoy it (like the boy who only teased the girl he liked!)

Hope your work goes well.

#132: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 8:53 pm

Sorry for bothering you at work, Kate, it's just that we're all really enjoying this, and of course we want some more.

#133: Author: Tassie_Ellen, Location: Tasmania, Australia

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 11:05 pm

Thank you Kat, a lovely bit. Liking Solange's husband, too - what a kind man!

*sends huggles, and a get-well-soon card for Kat's home PC*

#134: Author: Mandy, Location: Derry, N.Ireland

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 12:38 am

If Felicity doesn't want that flat/appartment can I have it?

#135: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 12:59 am

Hurrah for Kate and hurrah for Solange!!!!!!!

*caught up and chanting already*

#136: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 4:50 am

*huggles Kate and sends round a doctor for the PC!!!*

#137: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 7:04 am

Sarah_L wrote:

Typical KB to know all about the minor characters. Very Happy

*waves my copy of "CS Characters*

And this latest part was lovely, Kat! How can we possibly be patient with the anticipation of such lovely writing to come?

#138: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 12:29 pm

Didn't mean to nag, Kate, but really, it's very hard not to with such a good story!

*zips up mouth to stop further nagging*

#139: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 2:23 pm

*sigh* seems like the only way to keep you all from nagging is to write more so here you go..... oh and Mandy, no you can't have the flat.....

Noting how pale she had gone Madeline made Anne-Marie sit down whilst she made more coffee
“have you eaten” she asked handing the younger girl a mug
“no, not since breakfast”
“and it’s now supper time. I’ll fix something for you”
“please no, I don’t think I could” Anne-Marie pleaded
“it won’t do any good starving yourself, besides which I am sure the Professor and Meg will be back soon, it can’t take that much longer for them to give Felicity’s description to the police”

“Were back” Meg called as she walked through the front door, followed by Professor Trelawney
“were in here” Madeline replied as she rose to make more coffee for them “what did they say”
Professor Trelawney sank down on one of the chairs, her hair, which when she had arrived had looked like neat perm was in wild disarray thanks to the high wind and she looked drawn and worried
“They can’t do anything” Meg explained
“why ever not” Anne-Marie asked “she’s missing”
“not officially” Professor Trelawney replied “she’s over 18 and hasn’t been away for long enough to be considered a missing person”
“it’s three days isn’t it” Madeline asked
“yes, if she’s still missing in three days then they will do something”
“but we can’t just wait” Anne-Marie gasped “she has no where to go”
“she might have gone home” Meg guessed
“no she hasn’t” Professor Trelawney said bluntly
“how do you know Professor” Madeline asked carefully
“I telephoned Joey” she explained and noting their blank faces continued “Mrs Maynard her mother”
“oh no” gasped Anne-Marie
“why oh no”
“have you told them she’s missing
“no, so you can wipe that look of your face” Professor Trelawney replied “I wasn’t going to send them into a panic. I just phoned to say hi and ask how all the family were, as far as there concerned Felicity is happily at university in Paris. I didn’t even say I was here”
The four women fell into a miserable silence.

A sudden bang on the door stirred them and Madeline went to answer
“Yes” she asked stranger on the other side of the door
“My name is Madam Routelle can I speak to Anne-Marie please”
“of course, come through” she said showing her to the lounge.
“please, which one of you is Anne-Marie” she asked
“I am” she stood as she spoke and the visitor smiled at her warmly “can I help”
“I have a message for you”
“from Felicity”
“yes, she is safe, please don’t worry about her”
“but where is she”
“she is staying with a friend” the visitor replied

“which friend” Professor Trelawney, whose back had been to the door stood as she spoke
“someone she was at school with”
“really” Professor Trelawney walked over to the newcomer “I don’t recognise you” she said looking her up and down
“I recognise you though Mary-Lou” the newcomer said with a grin “but last time I saw you must be nearly 10 years ago. I was a senior and you came to the sale, it was the triplets last term at school”
“Sorry” Professor Trelawney looked at her blankly “I don’t recall”
“Probably not, I wasn’t exactly forward” she put out her hand “Madam Routelle, I was Solange de Chaumentel”
“one of the kids who tried to set fire to the cricket pitch” Professor Trelawney exclaimed
“we’ve all come on a long way since then” Solange replied serenely.

#140: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 2:27 pm

Thanks for more story.

Good for ML not telling Joey that Flick was missing.

Will Solange forevermore be the girl who set fire to the pitch?

#141: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 2:34 pm

Yay!!! Thank you Kate!! *huggles*

#142: Author: Guest,

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 3:06 pm

Felicity woke with a start and looked round at the room in confusion
“where am I” she said out loud before her memory of yesterday’s events came flooding back. As Solange knocked again at the door called out “come in”
“Good Morning Felicity” Solange was carrying a laden tea tray as she entered. Placing it down on the small bedside cabinet she smiled down at the younger girl “I don’t know about you” she confided “but at the moment I just can’t drink coffee first thing in the morning without feeling sick”
“Me either” Felicity grinned as she pulled herself into a sitting position
“no stay there” Solange instructed as Felicity went to swing her legs out of the bed “you should rest, you were exhausted last night”
“I know” Felicity said quietly “Solange, I’m sorry”
“for what”
“for troubling you with my problems”
“what are friends for” Solanage sat on the end of the bed as she spoke “anyway, talking of friends, I am not your only one”
“I know, I wasn’t fair yesterday, fleeing like that”
“you were in shock, you panicked” Solange shrugged “you didn’t do anything that can’t be fixed, they want to see you”
“they know where I am” Felicity’s eyes widened in surprise
“No, but they know I know where you are, and that your safe”
“you’ve seen them”
“I went to the flat last night, after you had gone to bed. I couldn’t let them think the worst”
“of course” Felicity replied distantly “was Mary-Lou still there”
“yes. Does that bother you, she’s very worried about you”
“They haven’t told her about the baby”
“Anne-Marie showed me out and assured me that no one would say anything to her. It’s up to you who knows. No finish your tea and get up, after breakfast we are going to a café not far from here to meet them”

The café, which was where Solange and Felicity had gone after their first meeting at the hospital was almost empty at 10 am. The morning rush for breakfasts had come and gone and as the two women entered the only ones in the café were the four waiting for them
“Felicity” Mary-Lou exclaimed rising to her feet and hugging the younger woman
“Sit down” Madeline urged “we can’t stay long as we have a socialist group meeting shortly, but we wanted to make sure you were all right”
“I’m fine” Felicity reassured them with a tight smile “I’m sorry if I frightened you all”

Over coffee Felicity reassured her former flat mates that she was fine and promised that she would be attending lectures with them again in a couple of days
“I need to find somewhere to live first” she explained “once that’s settled I shall be back. Anyway, I start work on Monday, you can contact me at the shop”
Relieved the three girls slipped away to their meeting. Solange rose with them and explained she had to do some shopping
“I’ll be back in about an hour” she explained as she left.

Mary-Lou and Felicity sat opposite each other in silence. As she watched the younger girl Mary-Lou couldn’t help noticing her pale worried expression.
“Felicity” she eventually said “is there anything I can help with”
Mary-Lou’s tone was gentle and Felicity was reminded of the two very different sides to the older girl. At times she remained very much the head girl that Felicity remembered from her first terms in the junior school, slightly intimidating, always right and extremely self confident. At other times she was the woman who had stayed with her family after the death of her mother, who had lived in Felicity’s own home as Auntie Doris. That Mary-Lou had been unsure, upset and bewildered. Eventually she replied
“I don’t know Mary-Lou, I really don’t know”

#143: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 3:08 pm

Arghhh, I could get seriously fed up with this board kicking you out whenever it feels like it!!

#144: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 3:11 pm

OH, *chewing nails to elbow* I do hope ML is of help, if Felicity tells her, of course. Actually, she's probably the only person who could face Joey down and make her see sense.

*wails* but we'll have to wait and see Crying or Very sad

*clings to edge of emotional cliff*

#145: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 3:28 pm

Thank you Kat, I'm glad that Felicity is feeling a little bit calmer now, and I'm very pleased that Solange set the other girls minds at rest, and that ML was sensible enough not to worry Felicity's family.
I'm looking forward to more though.

#146: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 3:41 pm

oooh, there is hope for ML then - I hope she stays nice.

#147: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 3:46 pm

“I don’t know if I can help” Mary-Lou admitted “however, something is bothering you and I would like to try and help”
“it’s complicated and you might not like it, or me afterwards”
“I’m fairly broad minded and anyway, no matter what it is, I am sure that there would be no reason not to like you” Mary-Lou smiled as she spoke.
“I don’t really no where to start” Felicity took a deep breath before she continued “it’s all such a mess”
“Well, start with why you left the flat yesterday”
“I had to” Felicity said and fished in her hand bag “read this” she presented Mary-Lou with the letter from the university.
“All right, so you have dropped your dance classes and are studying part time” she confirmed after she had read the letter
“Yes, I have to” Felicity flushed as she spoke and then hung her head staring at the table, her hand had crept up to rest on her stomach. Mary-Lou catching the small gesture gasped
“Oh Felicity” she said it in such a manner that Felicity looked up in surprise, noting the tears in Mary-Lou’s eyes and the sympathy on her face Felicity could say nothing “your pregnant?” Mary-Lou asked quietly. Felicity nodded her confirmation, still unable to speak.

The two girls sat in silence finishing their own drinks, neither one of them sure what to say next. Eventually Felicity broke the silence
“Please don’t say anything to Mamma” she pleaded
“Of course not” Mary-Lou replied immediately “it’s not my place to tell anyone”
“thank you”
“you’ve not told your family then”
“no, I was going to say something at Christmas but then I couldn’t. Con’s pregnant too you know”
“Yes, your mother told me when I spoke to her last” Mary-Lou spoke carefully not wanting to frighten Felicity by telling her that this conversation had only taken place the day before.
“I have told Len and Felix” Felicity admitted “but Len wants me to tell Mamma and Papa myself, face to face”
“and your worried what they will say”. Felicity gave a hollow laugh at Mary-Lou’s statement
“They will probably never speak to me again” she replied
“Felicity, Jack and Joey love you as they do all their children, they might be angry but they would forgive you”
“I don’t know” Felicity sounded dubious “bearing children out of wedlock is a sin”
“but not a mortal one” Mary-Lou replied “tell me what happened” she coaxed

Felicity told Mary-Lou her story as briefly as she could and when she had finished looked up into her face. Again she was surprised to see that sadness and pity were the only two emotions she could identify.
“Felicity, you have no idea how this happened” Mary-Lou queried gently
“none” Felicity replied “well, I now know when and what must have happened, but I am not sure exactly what happened that night”
“your going to keep the baby” Mary-Lou asked
“Yes” Felicity said immediately “I couldn’t do anything else”
“I will help you” Mary-Lou said with determination which surprised Felicity
“but why, the baby’s nothing to do with you”
“no I know that, but it will be a way of me repaying your family, particularly your mother, for all the kindness she has shown me”
“but why me, why this” Felicity was confused by Mary-Lou’s offer
“Let’s go for a walk” Mary-Lou rose as she spoke “I want to tell you a story, I think it will explain why I want to help, and it may also go some way to helping you speak to your parents about the baby"

#148: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 3:49 pm

Oh now I really like ML. What's she going to tell Felicity? There are lots of things I could think of...

#149: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 3:51 pm

What story does Mary Lou have to tell (I can even bring myself to use her full name now) Is it something we know or is there a revelation to come?

#150: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 3:56 pm

I'm looking forward to more too, but having one of 'those' weeks at work, I know we must be patient.

#151: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 4:07 pm

TWO posts, so close and wonderful. good for ML! *possessing soul in patience for next posting*

this is really good (not sure which smiley to use as very happy at the story but don;t want to convey that I don't feel sorry for Felicity!)

#152: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 4:35 pm

The two women left the café and made their way down the tree lined street in silence, neither knowing what to say. Eventually they came across a small park and made their way to one of the wooden benches nestled in amongst sturdy evergreens which shielded them from the January weather.

“Please Felicity, what I am about to tell you goes no further”
“on my honour” Felicity replied seriously
“All right” Mary-Lou took a deep breath “do you remember when I came to stay at Freudesheim”
“when Auntie Doris died” Felicity asked
“no, the time after”
“When Len and Con were in their first year at University” Felicity asked
“Yes, I had had to re-start my course so I was in my final year. Well, the reason that I came to stay was that like you are now, I was pregnant”
Felicity gasped in amazement and Mary-Lou put her hand on hers to prevent her from speaking
“Please Felicity, apart from telling your mother, I’ve never told anyone about this, so let me finish” Felicity could hear the tears in Mary-Lou’s voice and gripped her hand tightly

“I will tell you the story from the start. In my last year at University, despite everything, I was still very naive and foolish. I had never really got over mother dying and was willing to grasp at any chance of happiness I could. Anyway, one of my professors, he wasn’t that much older than me about five years or so, and I had spent a lot of time together whilst I was preparing my dissertation and on several field trips around England. We had grown close and I fell in love with him, I thought he felt the same way about me. I even wrote to your mother, telling her and confiding that I hoped shortly to be engaged” Mary-Lou gave a bitter laugh “how stupid I was. Believing that he loved me I allowed our relationship to become physical and for a couple of months we were deliriously happy. Then one day Julian got a letter from the Dean of school asking to see him. It appeared that when we had been out one evening we had been seen together and someone had reported it, apparently professors weren’t meant to socialise with their students and any relationships were strictly forbidden”

“what happened” Felicity asked gently her eyes searching Mary-Lou’s face
“He was told that he had to end it” Mary-Lou’s voice had become monotone “I thought that if we were married it would be all right, I had hoped he would tell the Dean we were engaged but he didn’t. I waited for him, where we were meant to meet, but he never turned up. I tried his rooms, left him notes but he never replied. About three days later there was a notice on the board, he’d been seconded to a project in South America. A couple of weeks after he had gone I started to get sick in the morning”
“morning sickness” Felicity guessed from her own experience
“Yes, though I didn’t know at the time. I continued with my studies and tried to block out everything else around me. Then one weekend I went to see Verity, she was very pregnant herself and it was when she was talking about some of the things she had gone through in the early stages I realised that I had been suffering from the same things”
“did you tell her”
“no, I couldn’t. I didn’t want to talk to anyone about Julian or what had happened and I was pretty sure that whilst Verity would understand her husband wouldn’t”
“so you went to Mamma” Felicity guessed
“Yes” Mary-Lou confirmed “I was in a complete state when I arrived at Freudeshiem. She didn’t say anything just got the guest suite ready and put me to bed, by then I was in no fit state to do anything I was physically and emotionally drained”
“Please Mary-Lou what did Mamma say when you told her”
“that these things happened and that she would help me”

#153: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 4:52 pm

Thank you very much Kate. i really do appreciate your taking the time to write some more for us.

#154: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 4:57 pm

Oh, Kate you really are moving the story along. Thanks for that, the 3rd section in such a short time.

Aw, shucks! Now I've gone all weepy. Poor Mary Lou. How awful for her with no family - especially if she couldn't tell Verity.

But, what happened to her baby?????????? Will she advise Verity to have it adopted????????? Will Joey be quite so able to accept it happening to her own child?????????

#155: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 5:08 pm

Last post for today - sorry if this upsets anyone.....

“Mary-Lou” Felicity asked gently after the two had sat silently reflecting on their own situations for a while “what happened to your baby”
“As a result of what happened I was very sick when I got to Freudesheim. Your parents looked after me physically and tried to help me emotionally but with all that had happened I just became melancholic” Mary-Lou’s voice had returned to a monotone. “one morning, when I had been there for about four weeks, I didn’t feel at all well, my stomach started cramping really badly. Joey called for Jack, who took me to the san. I had gone into labour early, they tried everything to stop it but they couldn’t” Mary-Lou trailed off tears pouring down her face

“I’m so sorry” Felicity said quietly
“thank you. It still hurts even now. She was a little girl you know, I would have called her Juliet, after her father. She’s buried at the Platz, it’s one of the reasons I come and stay each year, so I don’t forget. She’s the reason I want to help you, I won’t ever have children of my own and so I would like to do what I can for you, as a thank you to your family”
“I appreciate your offer to help” Felicity said gratefully “but don’t give up on having your own family, it might happen one day”
“no Felicity, it won’t” Mary-Lou sighed deeply “Even if I ever trusted someone enough to get close enough to me to start a family it would make no difference, I had some tests done at the hospital and the results show that I would never carry a child”

Felicity watched the older woman with sympathy, first Len, who desperately wanted children but couldn’t have them and now Mary-Lou, who had lost a baby and then found she would never have the chance of becoming a mother. Why was life so unfair.
“Mary-Lou” she said eventually “thank you for trusting me with your story” Mary-Lou didn’t respond and Felicity continued “I had planned to go home for the weekend at the end of the month and tell Mamma and Papa then. Would you come with me?”
“I cannot travel with you as I have to go back to Oxford to lecture but I will arrange with your mother to be visiting the same weekend if you think it will help”
“Please” Felicity said “I would value your support”

#156: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 6:04 pm

*sniffles*
I can't believe it, but I actually want to hug Mary Lou!!!
She's had a terrible experience! I just hope she'll be able to help Felicity!!

#157: Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet!

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 6:18 pm

Thanks Kat!

*hands Vikki a tissues to stop her sniffing*

#158: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 6:20 pm

It's not often a drabble reduces me to tears, but this has. That was wonderful and Mary-Lou as she ought to be. I've just read all today's parts in one go and am so please that Felicity not only has the support of someone who has been there, but also someone who knows her family and is willing to help her.

You have written those scenes excellently Kate. Well done. Thank-you.

#159: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 6:21 pm

Chloë wrote:

Thanks Kat!

*hands Vikki a tissues to stop her sniffing*

Thank you Chloë!! much needed!!

#160: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 6:23 pm

I never thought I would stoop to this level - but poor Mary Lou! And she's actually just really sweet.....! Embarassed

More please! These are so lovely!

#161: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 6:29 pm

Poor Mary Lou Crying or Very sad

That's a side of Mary Lou I wasn't expecting. that was so good Kate and quite believable. I'm glad she's able to go to the Platz the weekend Felicity will be there.

#162: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 8:02 pm

Sniff...snifff...a good and lovely and truly helpful Mary Lou.

Thanks Kate.

*looking forward to more when you have a chance to post it.

#163: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 8:14 pm

Oh, poor Mary Lou, I feel so sorry for her, no wonder she is being so understanding and kind.
I'm glad that she is going to give Felicity moral support, and that Jo (and Jack presumably?) were understanding to her - I hope they treat Felicity just as well.

#164: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 9:25 pm

This is the way MaryLou should have grown up. Not like CCGU or the way she's usually depicted here. This is the right way to butt in!

#165: Author: Mandy, Location: Derry, N.Ireland

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 1:01 am

I hope Joey is as understanding when its her own daughter although I do think she sees Mary-Lou as an adopted daughter.

#166: Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 1:44 am

I love the way Mary Lou is being portrayed, I agree that this is the way she should have grown up.
Lovely!
More please!!

#167: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 3:25 am

Thank you so much for all of this, Kate!

Also extremely happy to see Mary-Lou her normal self instead of one of the pseudo-MLs Very Happy

#168: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 4:41 am

Kate, I've done a complete 180 degree turn and I'm rather liking Mary Lou in this now! I feel awfully sorry for her, but more so for Felicity. It seems that everyone she speaks to has had bad experiences, and surely that will only make hers worse, too!

#169: Author: Tassie_Ellen, Location: Tasmania, Australia

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 5:35 am

Having just read the last 4 or 5 parts in one go, I'm overwhelmed. Thanks, Kat, for so much great story - like KB, I feel much more in sympathy with ML than I did before. What lovely writing Very Happy

#170: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 5:39 am

Shall we chant, Ellen?

#171: Author: Tassie_Ellen, Location: Tasmania, Australia

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 6:01 am

Yes, let's! One, two, three...MORE PLEASE! megaphone

#172: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 9:00 am

Kate, thank you so much for the last few posts - feel very sorry for Mary Lou - hope Felicity has as much sympathy and understanding from her parents.

#173: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 12:58 pm

Tassie_Ellen wrote:

Yes, let's! One, two, three...MORE PLEASE! megaphone

*joins in the chant*

#174: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 3:57 pm

*Also begins channting - drummer

Using the drums to cover up the fact that I'm hopelessly out of tune.*

#175: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 4:04 pm

Poor, poor, poor Mary-Lou Crying or Very sad

But in a way I'm glad because it'll mean she can help Felicity so much better.

*joins in the chant*

#176: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 5:20 pm

I have changed my view of Mary-Lou, from hating her in this drabble to liking her now.

#177: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 5:45 pm

Sorry for lack of story folks but we had a power cut at 12.05 and have only just got the pc's working again - just in time for us to go home!

hopefully more story tomorrow
glad you all like it so far!

#178: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 5:49 pm

Hope it didn't affect your heating. Are you snowy. It did here for half an hour or so, but then stopped and froze. It's so cold though so I wouldn't be surprised fo we had more overnight, will you be able to get in and out of Garstang?

#179: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 5:49 pm

Katarzyna wrote:

glad you all like it so far!

Nah, I don't think we do Very Happy

#180: Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet!

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 6:18 pm

*jonis the chant*

#181: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 6:24 pm

*Curses the weather*

#182: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 10:23 pm

*agrees with Ellie!!! * I was looking forward to more!!!!!!

#183: Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 10:26 pm

*joins in the chant for more!*

#184: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 3:23 am

Have just read this through from the last archived post to now. All I can say is WOW!! Kate it's wonderful. So much emotion what a change in Mary-Lou!! It is a splendid story. More soon, please.

#185: Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 11:17 am

Kate where are you? May we have some more pleeease?

#186: Author: Guest,

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 4:15 pm

The flat, although small was neat and modern and Felicity soon made herself at home. The low rent and increased income from her job downstairs meant that she could afford to add some touches of her own to the flat. The living area was fairly open plan and painted in an off white colour which made the room seem larger than it was. Living above a florists meant that there were always fresh flowers on the table and window sills. Her old flatmates all came to see her new home and it was only Anne-Marie’s common sense that prevented Felicity from falling in with Meg’s idea of holding a housewarming party.

Felicity’s work at the florists was simple yet pleasing, the shop specialised in modern style seasonal bouquets as well as cut flowers ready for home arrangements. With Solange’s help she soon learnt how to put together simple arrangements which pleased her artistic temperament.

“So you are happy” Solange asked her one morning as they prepared a large winter flower basket
“More so than I would have thought possible two weeks ago” Felicity replied
“is that all it has been” Solange exclaimed
“Precisely that, two weeks ago since I fled the flat”
“but you are settled, you have work and you have a home”
“Yes” Felicity mused “it is a home you know”
“how do you mean” Solange asked raising one eyebrow
“well the flat was always a temporary thing and although Freudeshim is my family home it is just that, my parents home, not mine. I don’t think it ever has been really for any of us”
“do you really feel that way”
“Now I think about it, yes. Freudeshim is a busy place when we are all at home, fun, lively and exciting but not relaxing or restful”
“and now you have a home”
“I do” Felicity smiled “thanks to you” she gave her friend a small hug and as she did for the first time she felt a small flutter in her abdomen “oh” she gasped her hand moving to her stomach
“what is it” Solange asked quickly
“the baby, I felt it move”. Solange laughed gently at the shocked yet excited expression on the younger girl’s face
“It is about the right time” she said putting her hand on her own stomach “you have started to show, but then that’s probably because you are a skinny thing naturally. Now me, I and not showing yet and I don’t expect to feel movement for a couple of weeks yet”
“Are you scared Solange” Felicity asked suddenly
“of what”
“Everything, really, pregnancy, the birth”
“isn’t every woman a little apprehensive?” Solange asked
“probably” Felicity sighed “but so much can go wrong”. Solange watched the younger girl carefully waiting to see if she would speak further of her anxieties. When she didn’t Solange spoke calmly
“why don’t you tell me what it is that bothers you so much”
“I can’t” Felicity looked up into the elder girls face, her eyes clouded “it’s just you hear so many stories”
“about what can go wrong” Solange queried
“Yes. Before now I didn’t know anything, mamma just used to say that one of our aunts, or her, were busy and then a baby arrived”
“and now”
“I know that so much can go wrong” Felicity said quietly thinking of both her sister Len and Mary-Lou’s losses
“You are right Felicity, much can go wrong, but more often things go right. More women each year bear healthy children than don’t”
“I know Solange, I can’t help worrying about it though”
“don’t dwell on uncertainties, enjoy your pregnancy and think positively”
“I’ll try” Felicity pulled out a length of silver ribbon to finish the handle of the basket “If I get through this weekend in one piece”
“you go to Switzerland tonight”
“Yes, I will catch the over night train and get in early tomorrow. Len is meeting me at the station”

#187: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 4:16 pm

Now you all guessed that was me didn't you!

#188: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 4:27 pm

Er, yes. Unless someone had taken it upon themselves to hi-jack this drabble, but I'm sure no one would have done that.
It must be quite worrying for Felicity, thinking about Len and Mary Lou, not to mention the visit to Freudesheim, it's sad that she never really thought of it as 'home' though.
Looking forward to more.

#189: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 4:33 pm

As the train pulled into the station Felicity could see her eldest sister huddled deeply inside her fleece lined jacket against the chill of the sub zero temperature.

“Let me take that” Len commanded as soon as Felicity had left the train.
“It’s not heavy” Felicity held onto her case “I can manage”
“if your sure”
“Len, I’m not an invalid, anyway how do you think it got onto the train”
“point taken” Len replied “come on then it’s too cold to stand around”

They two girls crossed the station carpark with care for the patches of ice which had formed from the puddles. Although the sky was blue overhead and the sun was in the sky there was no warmth in the air, their breath formed clouds of smoke as they talked
“Have you told Mamma and Papa I’m coming” Felicity asked
“no” Len replied briefly “I didn’t want to upset them by saying that you were coming to stay with me”
“your cross with me” Felicity guessed
“Not really” Len admitted “but it might have been better if you had told them you were coming to visit”
“The thing is Len, until I got on the train, I wasn’t sure I was coming”
“I see” Len’s expression softened as she looked at her younger sister “your welcome to stay with me Felicity, any time”
“thank you” felicity said quietly as she opened the car door. She took of her coat and laid it over the case which she had thrown onto the back seat
“I think it’s a good job you’ve come now” Len said with a smile “you can’t really hide your bump for much longer”
“The doctor said it’s because I’m thin” Felicity advised “I can just about get away with it if I put my biggest winter jumper on”
“you had best do that then unless you want Mamma to know on site” Len advised.

The small car travelled up the hill to the platz and stopped outside the front door of the family home. Felicity pulled on her winter coat as soon as she got out the car, wrapping it carefully around her.
“I’ll go and change as soon as I get in” she advised Len
“I bet you don’t” Len said with a grin “you’ll have other things to do first”
“what does that mean” Felicity asked
“You’ll see” was the only reply she got.

As the two girls walked up the footpath to the front door it swung open and standing just inside was Felicity’s twin. She dropped her case on the path and ran to him
“I didn’t know you were here” she exclaimed as she hugged him
“I only knew you were coming last night” he replied laughing “we’ve just finished mid-terms so we have a week’s break between Semesters, it’s meant to be a reading week but I thought I would bring a friend up and spend the time skiing”
“a friend” Felicity asked with an eyebrow raised and her brother nodded in reply.
“anyway” he said taking the case from Len who had walked up behind them “you had better come in. Mamma’s waiting in the lounge”
“Give me my case, I need to change out of these outdoor clothes first” Felicity grabbed the case and fled to the downstairs cloak room where she quickly changed out of her coat and put her jumper on over her dress.

#190: Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet!

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 5:13 pm

*applauds*

Thank you Kat Smile

#191: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 5:15 pm

What is Joey going to say!! Please post more soon Kate!

#192: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 5:17 pm

The lounge was brightly lit from the sun light coming through the French windows and warmed from the open fire around which sat Joey Maynard, Felix and a young man that Felicity had not seen before but assumed must be James.

“Hello Mamma” she said walking over to where Joey was seated
“Felicity darling, I wasn’t expecting you so soon in the term” Joey stood to hug her daughter
“I fancied a break” she replied somewhat vaguely and then turning to the newcomer she put out her hand “seeing as my brother has forgotten his manners, I’m Felicity”
“James” he replied taking her hand “pleased to meet you”
“Felix and James were going skiing, you didn’t want to joint them did you” Joey asked
“Not today, I’m a little tired from my journey” Felicity advised her mother, well aware that in her condition she probably would be better avoiding such strenuous activities as skiing “I’ll stay with you and Len if that’s all right”
“oh, Len’s gone back home. It’s just me I’m afraid”
“That’s all right Mamma” she replied
“Go ask Anna to put the kettle on for us will you” Joey said sinking down into the chair and picked up her knitting which had been put on the small table next to her.

James and Felix followed Felicity out into the hallway
“sure you won’t join us Felicity” James asked again
“Thank you but I really can’t” Felicity replied
“she’s right James, she can’t” Felix confirmed
“can’t you ski, I thought all of you would be able to ski living up here since you could walk”
“oh I can ski” Felicity laughed “just not at present”
“I see” James replied the puzzled expression on his face clearly showed that this wasn’t the case
“Felix, explain it to James will you”
“are you sure Felicity” Felix asked somewhat surprised by his sister’s attitude
“You trust James don’t you” Felicity asked
“Yes” Felix replied immediately and cast a quick glance towards James who was fast loosing any grip he had on the conversation
“Look I’m telling the family later, so you might as well tell him”
“if your sure” Felix said finally
“I am, now go, I had best get some coffee sorted for Mamma”

Anna was busy preparing the family’s lunch so Felicity quickly made coffee and took some of the biscuits from the large tin where Anna kept them. She wheeled the trolley along the corridor to the lounge and placed it between her mother’s chair and the sofa, which she sat down on, curling her long legs up under her as he did
“I’ll pour” Joey instructed putting her knitting down again
“Yes Mamma” Felicity took the proffered cup “what are you knitting” she asked wishing to keep control of the conversation
“Oh, I started when Con told me that she was going to be busy, I’ve done loads of them” she held up a half finished pair of booties
“all in pink” Felicity asked with a raised eyebrow
“well, I am sure it’s a girl, and I was never wrong yet with my own children” Joey replied “I’m so exited Felicity, I can’t wait to be a grandmother and to have children in the house again”
“But Mamma Con lives in England, there not going to be here”
“they’ll come for holidays” Joey advised
“Of course” Felicity sounded dubious, Con since leaving home had become very independent of the rest of her large family
“Now tell me all your news”
“Not much to tell really Mamma, I’m enjoying my course and have a part time job”
“doing what” Joey replied immediately
“in a florist, just some flower arranging really”
“goodness” Joey replied “however do you find the time, what with your course and everything”
Felicity was saved from replying by the sound of the front door bell
“I wonder who that can be” Joey pondered
“I’ll get it” Felicity volunteered knowing Anna was busy. Jumping up she made her way to the front door to be greeted by the smiling faces of her eldest sister and Mary-Lou

#193: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 5:21 pm

This is terrific, Kate, but please don't keep us in suspense over Jo's reaction, or not for too long. I keep expecting her to react as she did in Rachel's 'Con', it seemed so typical of her there.

ETA: I must have posted a second after Kate. Please place my post mentally just before the above.

Last edited by Jennie on Thu Jan 29, 2004 5:41 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 5:28 pm

Love Joey's attitude to knowing what Con's baby will be!
James is a sweetheart!
Hope Felicity manages to tell Jo and that everything will be alright for her.

#195: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 5:30 pm

I love the way Jo's still talking of 'being busy', all oblivious!!!

#196: Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 5:35 pm

I'd love it if Con had a boy Very Happy

#197: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 5:39 pm

last bit for today - hopefully, work permitting, Joey will be told tomorrow!!

“You came” Felicity gasped
“of course” Mary-Lou replied with a smile “I said I would”
“Are you going to let us in or do we have to stand on the doorstep all day” Len queried. Stepping into the warm hallway Felicity volunteered to take their coats to the cloakroom and then the three woman made her way to the lounge.

“Mary-Lou” Joey exclaimed as they entered “what ever are you doing here”
“visiting” she replied nonchalantly and as Joey let out a strangled exclamation she continued “my student’s have a reading week, so I decided I would use the time to get away”
“and you came here”
“I did, though seeing as you already had visitors Len has kindly agreed to put me up” Mary-Lou replied
“I could have put you up here” Joey sounded offended and Len did her best to pacify her mother
“I wanted some company Mamma”
“I see, well you know your welcome here anytime don’t you”
“of course” Mary-Lou replied smiling at Joey
“your still knitting I see Mamma” Len said, eager to change the subject
“Yes, do you like them” she held up the half finished object
“There very nice, and very pink” Mary-Lou replied
“It’s bound to be a girl” Joey said confidently

Felicity, who had sat quietly on the end of the sofa watching her mother talk with the others felt very uncomfortable. She knew that she had to speak to her mother about her own baby, and sooner rather than later, but she really wasn’t looking forward to it.
“Where’s Papa” she asked eventually
“at the san of course” Joey said in a resigned tone “he’s always at the san”
“Mamma” Len’s voice held a warning tone
“sorry, but it’s true, I haven’t seen him since Wednesday”
“he’s very busy at the moment, there was a big accident on one of the ski slopes”
“I know but you would have thought he could have left one of the juniors to see to it”
“Jack’s dedicated Joey” Mary-Lou said gravely “he won’t ask any of his junior doctors to give more than he would give himself”
“oh I know, your right, I just seem to spend so much of my time on my own these days, what with the older girls gone”
“what’s happening at school” Len asked again trying to change the subject
“ah” Joey’s tone brightened at one “now there I do have some gossip”

They sat around and listened to Joey as she filled them in on the latest goings on at the school where all four had attended. The school was obviously still very dear to Joey’s heart and her whole mood lightened as she spoke. Time slipped on and before she had stopped speaking Ana had sounded the gong in the hallway indicating that lunch was ready.
“your staying aren’t you” Joey asked Len and Mary-Lou as they made their way out the lounge
“If there is enough” Len cautioned
“Of course there will be Anna knows not to stint, and here come Felix and James now” Joey said leading the way through as the two boys came in from door at the side of the house

Anna had made lunch into a buffet affair where they served themselves from a spread set out on the cabinet which lined one wall of the dining room. Taking her plate to the table Felicity found herself sat between Mary-Lou and James.
“Are you all right” Mary-Lou whispered to Felicity as they ate and she nodded in response “have you decided when” she asked not needing to complete the sentence
“this afternoon” Felicity replied “but I want Papa here as well, I’m not doing it twice”

#198: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 5:44 pm

I can understand Felicity's reasoning, I just hope thast she finds Jack is a real support during her problems.

#199: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 6:06 pm

Oh good! I'm glad Mary-Lou and Len are there for support. But I want to click for the next page and more story and....there wasnt any!

More please, when possible! And hopefully Jack will be more understanding than it seems Joey will be - especially - *gasp* - if it turns out to be a BOY!

#200: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 6:25 pm