The CBB :: View topic - life after school 2

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

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 11:08 am

No, I think Joey is sensible enough to try to think things through a bit now that things have been pointed out to her. Even if she can't feel the situation(s) are right if she loves her children enough she'll try to tolerate them.

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

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 2:55 pm

The pair sat in comfortable silence for a while before Felicity pulled away and looked up at her father
“where’s mamma” she asked timidly
“your mother was having a bit of difficulty coming to terms with things, she didn’t sleep well last night and so after lunch, when Mary-Lou had gone back to Len’s to talk to you, I came down from the san and insisted she go lie down. She’s probably been asleep”
“surely she should be up by now” Felicity gasped
“she’ll be up soon” Jack reassured her

It was a further hour before Joey, still wrapped in her housecoat made her way into the lounge. Despite her sleep her face was pale and her eyes heavy
“what did you give me” she demanded of her husband
“just something to calm you down” Jack said blandly
“I really wish you wouldn’t do that”
“I was worried about you, when you don’t sleep you get sick, it’s my decision as your doctor” Jack explained with finality

“where is everyone” Joey demanded suddenly, knowing that continuing to argue of Jack’s use of sedation would get her nowhere
“Len and Mary-Lou are at Len’s, Felicity is here” Jack took a deep breath in before saying sadly “Felix and James have returned to England”
Joey didn’t respond to this last statement but turned to her daughter
“and how are you feeling” she asked politely
“fine thank you” Felicity replied. Joey walked round and took a seat opposite her daughter. She took both of Felicity’s hands into hers and said gently
“I’m sorry Felicity, I shouldn’t have doubted your honesty”. Felicity said nothing but tears welled in her eyes. “have you thought about what you want to do next” Joey asked her
“for now, yes” she replied.
“and what’s that” Jack asked. Felicity took a deep breath before replying
“I am going back to Paris, tomorrow morning, I will stay at University till the end of the term and work part time in the florists. The baby isn’t due till the beginning of June so I will come home, if that’s all right, in May”
“that’s fine by me” Jack replied “Joey”
“Yes fine” Joey replied vaguely “are you sure you want to work, people will know your pregnant and not married”
“Yes Mamma, I’m sure”
“well, no one knows us in Paris” Joey muttered “and afterwards” she said more directly “when it’s born, what do you want to do with it”
“I don’t understand” Felicity was genuinely puzzled at her mother’s questioning “when the baby’s born I am going to raise it, what else would I do”
“Well I could raise it for you, your far too young and have no support”
“Joey” cautioned Jack
“I’m just being practical, I didn’t think you would want to have strangers adopt it” Joey replied holding her hand up to silence him “you could give it to Len” Joey suggested
“Mamma” Felicity said in shocked tones “I’m not going to give my child away, to you or anyone else”
“you can’t mean to raise it yourself” Joey exclaimed
“Why ever not” Felicity replied heatedly “I’m not going to be much older than you were when the triplets were born”
“that’s different” was the snapped reply “I was respectably married, your not. Don’t you think it would be a great gift to give your baby to Len, after all, she desperately wants children”

None of them had heard the door open and all turned as they heard a gasp of dismay
“Yes Mamma, I desperately want children” Len said bitterly “but I want my own, no disrespect to Felicity, but I don’t want someone elses child, let alone my own sisters”

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

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 3:15 pm

*Fetches hugs from Hugs Box for Felicity and Len*

Joey hammer

I can't believe she's so insensitive

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

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 3:32 pm

Ow! I do think Joey is trying this time, she is just so insensitive, although to some that would have seemed the ideal situation. I know a few people who have been brought up by another family member, aunts and grandparents without knowing it. It was a common soloution at this time. It could have been broached better though.

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

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 3:52 pm

very short bit..............

Joey gasped as she took in her eldest daughter’s expression. It had been a long time since she had seen anyone look so hurt, upset and at the same time angry at something she had said.

“oh Len” she stuttered “I didn’t know you were there”
“would it have made any difference if you did” Len hissed
“Of course” Joey replied immediately
“really” was the skeptical response.
“well I would have”
“wouldn’t have what”
“Len I didn’t mean to upset you”
“well you did” Len replied calmly. Joey coloured deeply and looked away from her daughter.
“Len” Felicity said gently “I’m sorry”
“you’ve nothing to be sorry for” Len replied
“it’s not that I wouldn’t want you to have my baby, it’s just, well, it’s mine”
“I know, and I hope you realise that the reason I don’t want your baby is nothing to do with the fact that it’s yours”
Felicity nodded in response and walked over to her eldest sister embracing her she whispered
“I’m still sorry about what Mamma said though”
“I know” Len whispered back “me to”

“Girls” Jack Maynard said rising from his seat “would you go and ask Anna to arrange a supper for us, and after that go upstairs, I need to speak to your mother”
“of course Papa” Felicity replied and the two girls left the room

#6: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 4:04 pm

I hope Jack sorts Joey out. How could she be so understanding when Mary-Lou was pregnant, but so different with Felicity??!!

#7: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 4:08 pm

Please Jack see what is in front of your eyes. Support the girls,a nd tell Jo what she needs to hear!!! Rolling Eyes

#8: Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 4:15 pm

UGH! How stupid could Joey be! How complex does she want to make the situation?!

#9: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 4:16 pm

Well! How insensitive. All she's interested in is what 'people' will say. I think Jack has sedated her every time there is a problem and so she has never learned to cope!

I just hope Len takes Felicity home and never speaks to Jo again!!! Mad

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

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 4:21 pm

Argh! Joey is SO insensitive!!! How could she say that? Would she have let someone else bring up her child? Of course not! So why should Felicity?

#11: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 4:28 pm

Okay, Joey is an insensitive cow, BUT, in that day and age it wasn't unheard of for a mother to raise her daughter's child as her own. So the kid ended up thinking that her real mother was her sister. She shouldn't have said the way she did, but her ideas were not competely beyond normallacy for the time.

*still hopes that Jack sorts Joey out.

#12: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 4:30 pm

Not sure of the exact date here, but it's going to be about the mid-1960s. I know it happened that mothers raised their grandchildren as their own in the earlier part of the century, but would that have still happened in the 1960s?

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

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 4:37 pm

Actually children being raised by their grandparents still happens today - often when young single parents are involved or the parent is deemed unfit to raise a child. Custody and parental responsibility orders are more often granted to relatives than to anyone else.

The story is set in 1968 when there was a lot less formality about who raised the child, these days you would have to get a court order to do it.

I suppose from your comments you all want to see what happens between Jack and Joey *sigh* I was just hoping to skip right over that bit!

#14: Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 5:45 pm

Nope, sorry, we want all the details! (Well I do anyway!)

#15: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 5:56 pm

Kate, there is no evading the might of the CBB, resistance is useless. We want the scene, and we'll nag til we get it.

Is there a threatening smiley?

#16: Author: niscii, Location: Aberdeen

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 5:57 pm

I'll second the request for details!

Felicity has really developed into her own person as this progresses, I'm really glad to see her standing her ground against Joey but doing it in such a mature manner, go Flick!

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

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 7:41 pm

*forcibly reminded of the horrible scenes in "Con" and what resulted from a similar offer*

#18: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 8:44 pm

I've just caught up on about 10 pages of this. I was very close to tears with ML's confession of her own pregnancy, and I love how it explains the way her character has grown being v distant and aloof to other people.

I must admit, when Hilda arrived on the scene, my little heart skipped several beats, I was so happy! Isn't it wonderful (and slightly wierd) how we have this infinate trust in the power of hilda?!
I'm getting rather worried that next time im in a really bad scrape, I might honestly start beleiving she might show up for me! ...How cool would that be?!

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

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 8:59 pm

Nicci - that's what all of us hope for! Belief in the power of Hilda! A new cult!

Seriously - Kate this is wonderful stuff - and yes of course you must write the scene with Jack and Joey!! Laughing

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

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 9:12 pm

*imagines us all sitting at Hilda's feet*

#21: Author: niscii, Location: Aberdeen

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 9:28 pm

well it'll make a change from doers of evil deeds crying into her lap, I should think Miss Annersely( i just cant call her Hilda!) would be glad of the change Smile

[/i]

#22: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 9:46 pm

The scene between Jack and Joey is going to be very hard to do. I'm beginning to think that, far from being submissive to the 'head of the household' Jo has manipulated his dislike of scenes to get he own way at every turn.

If he doesn't manage to sort her out now, they can both kiss goodbye to the 'happy families' game they have been playing all along.

Good luck, Kate!

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

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 11:05 pm

*tries to work out how long until Kate can post again!*

#24: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 11:18 pm

Monday afternoonI would guess. That's the normal time!

#25: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 11:35 pm

Thanks Kat. I can actually understand Joey's POV view here, but she could have brought the subject up in a much more sensitive manner, I think, but from her viewpoint it would seem an ideal solution.
I also want to see the scene between Jack & Joey, I'm beginning to wondr if they ever actually talk properly at all.

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

Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 2:07 am

*realises she's going to have a very sore throat if she chants continuously from now until Monday*

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

Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 3:09 am

*sends Mandy some Butter Menthols to soothe her throat and suggests chanting in short but enthusiastic bursts for the next two days (and promises to join in)*

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

Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 6:47 am

Ooh, Butter Menthols. Nummy!

#29: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 3:51 pm

What are butter menthols?

I keep wondering whether Jack has the time, energy and willingness to sort Jo out. I think I'd probably give up, it's such an immense job to tackle. Still perhaps he could hire a JCB.

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

Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 6:04 pm

*suggests that the explanation of 'Butter Menthols' might distract us from the lack of drabble over the weekend.....*

#31: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 6:18 pm

That wasn't why I asked. I want to know what butter menthols are, AND more drabble.

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

Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 6:45 pm

Butter menthols are rather yummy cough lollies.

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

Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 7:46 pm

What do they taste of?

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

Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 7:48 pm

*points Vikki to the two words that make up the name*

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

Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 8:23 pm

Hey, I'm just trying to keep the conversation going!! (What with the lack of drabble and all!!)

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

Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 8:39 pm

But then she'll accuse us of yibbling and not post any more. How about we stop until we have something relevant to discuss?

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

Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 8:54 pm

Oh okay then!!!!

#38: Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire

Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 9:04 pm

But Butter Menthols ARE revelant: Drabble left in need of more

chanting

sore throat

need for Butter Menthols! (Like one of those idiotic games really...)

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

Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 6:28 am

But they're far enough off that we might still scare of the honoured author...

#40: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 3:39 pm

Wow

Love all the bits that have been potsed since I last read this.

Jo is behaving like a specious prig. But unfortunatley all too true to the age. Glad to see thr msturity of all characters other than Jo.

Hope Felicity's problem doen't overshadow Felix.

#41: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 1:52 pm

A message from Kate to say that she's having difficulty posting. Getting the Critical error message!

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

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 2:03 pm

*huggles Kate if she can read this* I've just been getting those although they seem to have stopped now. Hope you can post soon!

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

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 4:55 pm

Oh, poor Kate! That flaming message has been such a pain today!!! Evil or Very Mad

#44: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 4:58 pm

It's bad enough when I get that message, but when it starts to interfere with more drabble, then Evil or Very Mad

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

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 7:44 pm

Kate, post now, while it seems to be okay! *crosses wood and touches fingers* No, that's wrong...

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

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 8:51 pm

*thanks Tassie_Ellen for the butter menthols*

*thinks we should feed them to the CBB and it might get over its sudden illness (Critical Error)*

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

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 11:01 pm

KB wrote:

Kate, post now, while it seems to be okay! *crosses wood and touches fingers* No, that's wrong...

KB, she can't, she'll have finished work by now!

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

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 8:38 am

*sigh* Well, I'd hoped to get her before she finished...

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

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 1:21 pm

sorry about lack of posts yesterday - after the critical error message seemed to take over the whole pc i actually got side tracked by proper work! shocking isn't it!!

anyway.................

Jack turned to his wife, who had returned to her chair and picked up her knitting once more
“Joey” he said in a tone that caused her to look up sharply “what the hell’s got into you”
“I don’t know what you mean” she replied airly
“Really” the sarcasm in his voice was audible and she didn’t answer

“look at me” he commanded “ and put that bloody stupid knitting down”
“don’t talk to me like that” she hissed, although she obeyed his command “I’m not a child nor one of your patients”
“No, you’re my wife and the mother of my children. It’s just a pity you seem to have forgotten that”
“I beg your pardon”
“you heard, Joey what’s happened to you, your not the same person I married, your not even the same person you were 10 years ago”
“what an amazing thing, time does that you know, you grow up”
“you call this grown up?”
“what exactly is your point Jack, or don’t you have one”
“my point is, why are you determined to break up this family”
“I’m not doing anything to break up this family, there managing quite well by themselves”
“sorry” Jack gasped
“you heard” she said, mimicking his own comment and tone of voice. The pair of them fell silent, their initial outburst having got them nowhere.

Eventually Jack spoke again
“Joey, can’t you explain why your so upset”
“upset” Joey exclaimed “you think I’m upset”
“well I’m trying to be rational here, to think of a reason for your behaviour”
“my behaviour” Joey exclaimed “what’s wrong with my behaviour”
“can’t you see it” Jack asked
“she what”
“obviously not” Jack muttered under his breath before continuing out loud “the way your acting, towards your children, towards me”
“There is nothing wrong with the way I’m acting” Joey’s voice rose to an unpleasant screech “have you considered my feelings at all”
“your feeling about what” Jack asked in a somewhat exasperated tone “if I actually knew what had got you so wound up I might be able to help”
“I doubt that very much”
“why” Jack snapped
“your never here to help, this family is nothing more than a status symbol to you, if you could you’d live all your time at that hospital”
“now your over reacting”
“over reacting!!”
“yes, I am at home far more than you seem to realise, yes I am a doctor, I work unsocial hours, when I am home you are either locked in your study or out visiting friends or the school”
“so, do you think I am going to spend my life sitting around waiting for you”
“not at all” Jack replied and the pair again lapsed into silence.

“So, are you going to talk to me” Jack asked eventually
“about what” Joey snapped, her mood not improved
“about your feelings Joey, something is obviously upsetting you badly”
“oh you finally noticed”
“Joey” Jack said gently “talk to me”

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

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 1:26 pm

Talk to him Jo....please talk to him.....get this sorted out......PLEASE JOEY!!

#51: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 2:00 pm

Surely it's Joey that sees the family as a status symbol? I hope she does start explaining herself, before Jack loses patience with her.

#52: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 2:07 pm

Jack, sweetie, I think she's upset because her son is gay and her unwed daughter is pregnant Wink

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

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 2:57 pm

“Oh Jack” Joey sighed, looking up at her husband with tears shining in her dark eyes “I have a horrible feeling we may have left the talking far too late”
“Joey no, your wrong, it’s never too late”
“where did we go so wrong” Joey asked in a bewildered voice
“Where did we go wrong with what”
“everything” Joey sighed again “our lives, our marriage, our children, everything is just such a mess”
“tell me why you think our children are a mess” Jack urged settling himself on the couch, his earlier anger had drained him of energy
“you mean you can’t see it” Joey gave a brittle laugh “well that’s not exactly surprising, your never here”
“Joey your not being fair, the children themselves are never here either, there is only three of them living at home now”
“there should be five” Joey said sadly “my first twins have been taken from me”
“Hardly, they’ve grown up that’s all”
“not well though, not into the people that they should have become”
“who are you to say what they should have become”
“I’m their mother”
“but they are themselves”
“If I had bought them up better though”
“rubbish, you bought them up well enough”
“but, surely if that’s true then they wouldn’t have turned out so badly”
“badly, you think of them as failures”
“No, well, yes, sort of”
“they aren’t failures, they haven’t failed at anything”
“no? Felicity’s life is ruined, and Felix” she shuddered “I just can’t talk about him”
“why not” Jack asked gently “he’s still our son”
“Jack Maynard, don’t tell me you approve” Joey asked in shocked tones
“No” Jack said gently “I don’t approve, nor do I understand. I am having difficulty in coming to terms with it, mainly because I see it as a sin. But we are taught that our lord God created all men, why would he choose to cast my son into sin when he is a loving God. It is a great contradiction, I wish that it had been different for Felix but if that is to be his choice then I for one will accept it”
“I wish I had your faith” Joey said miserably “but all I can see is him cast into eternal damnation for his choice of lifestyle, he is lost to us”
“no Joey he’s not. Given time, I am sure we will both come to accept Felix’s choice”
“and if we can’t” Joey left the question to hang in uncomfortable silence.

“you said it wasn’t just the children Joey, but our marriage. Is that so bad”
“do we actually have a marriage anymore” Joey said mournfully
“Yes, of course we do, I still love you as much as I did that day in Austria when I asked you to marry me”
“are you sure”
“do you really have to ask that Joey” Jack spoke gently “or is it that you have lost faith in me, as a husband, as a partner”
“Jack, I rarely see you, we pass through this house like ghosts of our former selves. Apart from Christmas I don’t think we have really sat down for more than an hour together in the last six months. You sleep at nights in your dressing room, when was the last time” she broke of and blushed deeply
“Joey I’m sorry, I didn’t realise I had been neglecting you so much”

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

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 3:24 pm

“It’s not just you” Joey explained “it’s me as well”
“tell me about it” Jack said gently
“I feel, I don’t know how to explain, like a non-person”
“a non-person”
“yes” Joey nodded “I know, it sounds strange, but it’s how I feel”
“why”
“well, I was a school girl and Madge’s little sister, then for a brief time I was me, then I became a wife and then a mother, now I am going to be a grandmother. Never in all that time have I actually been me”
“but Joey, you are an established author”
“mainly of children’s fiction that is swiftly becoming out dated and unpopular”
“but your other books”
“have done ok, but do you realise that in all that time I have never written an adult book for myself”
“I don’t understand” Jack confessed
“my adult books have been commissioned work, every one, yes the idea is mine but the actual story is not something written from the heart”
“could you not write something from the heart”
“an adult book, to be honest I really don’t know”
“why not try”
“I might as well” Joey said mournfully “the publishers don’t require another children’s book from me till they have seen how this one goes down”

“Joey” Jack said gently “have you really never felt like you were yourself during the whole of our marriage”
“not really” Joey admitted to Jack’s dismay, catching sight of his face she continued quickly “no Jack it’s not your fault. Most of it, I suppose, is down to circumstances. During our early married life, after the escape, I was so caught up in helping to rebuild the school, looking after the triplets and you were away fighting” she paused briefly lost in her memories before continuing in a blank tone “then I thought I’d lost you for good”
“oh Joey don’t dwell, you didn’t loose me”
“I know that now, but then” she shuddered “After you did come home and the war was ended you were involved in rebuilding the san in Wales with Jem, I had three toddlers and Stephen, then a year later along came Charles. I had five children under the age of six at home. If it wasn’t for Anna I don’t know how I would have coped” Joey paused as she reflected “all the problems we had with Margot being ill, then Mike was born”
“then I dragged you over to Canada” Jack said bitterly
“I wouldn’t say dragged exactly” Joey smiled briefly “but your right, I didn’t want to go. I had just got everything settled in the new house, yes I missed Margot terribly but I didn’t want to leave my home”
“but you did”
“yes” Joey admitted “I did”

“Don’t get me wrong” Joey continued “ I liked Canada and I got time to spend with my sister, that time was very precious. But then there were more children, Felix and Felicity” she finished with a deep sigh
“and then” prompted Jack
“I followed you to Switzerland” Joey said simply “you were busy setting up yet another San and I was left at home, this time with a nursery of 3 under 5’s. Yes the older ones were away at school but initially there were very few people up here I knew outside the school and the San. Now I think of it, even today, and we’ve been up here nearly 18 years, there are few people I know outside of that circle. Anyway, we hadn’t even been settled up here for long and there is yet another baby”
“Cecil” Jack mused
“Yes, then Phil and Geoff”
“and then Clare” Jack added
“that was different, she had no one else”
“I suppose not” Jack said with a grin “are you telling me after all this time that you regret having such a large family”

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

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 3:25 pm

Wow! Kate, you've achieved what I though was impossible in this drabble. I'm actually feeling sorry for Joey Exclamation

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

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 3:38 pm

Kate that was lovely. Poor Jo, if that's how she's been feeling all this time! I really hope she and Jack manage to sort things out. Perhaps she'llw rite her book and that will help?

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

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 3:41 pm

“No” Joey said after a long pause “I don’t regret having such a large family, it’s just that, I don’t know, it’s all I have done for the last thirty years, raise a family, they are all growing up and leaving”
“that happens”
“I know, but the question is, after thirty years of being a mother, what have I got left”
“Oh Joey” Jack said with a laugh “you have lots of things left, and anyway, your family will still need you even if they do have homes and families of their own”
“do you think so”
“I’m sure” Jack hugged his wife close and the two of them sat like that in silence for a while

“I’ve made such a mess of things” Joey said suddenly pulling herself away from him
“of” Jack asked
“Felicity” Joeys said simply “and Len”.
“the idea was sound”
“but my method wasn’t” Joey winced “I have hurt them both badly”
“yes you have” Jack spoke matter of factly “not just with what you said before, but how you treated Felicity earlier”
“I know” Joey lapsed in to silence for a while before continuing “I need to speak to them, tonight, I can’t let them go home before I get a chance to explain” she swallowed deeply “and to apologise”
“and Felix” Jack said gently
“I can’t” Joey shook her head “not yet, give me time”

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

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 4:43 pm

Kate, all I can say is that it was well worth waiting for. We're quick to jump at Jack for always being at the San but Jo is always involved with the school. It seems that their relationship will be better now no matter who else's is. Thank you Very Happy

*we want more, we want more*

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

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 4:52 pm

This is my favourite drabble on the whole board, Loved that conversation between Joey and Jack it was beautiful!!!
Any chance of some more today? Smile

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

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 5:21 pm

ok, last bit for today.... am feeling somewhat drained after writing up the scene between Joey and Jack. Hopefully more tomorrow

“I’ll fetch the girls” Jack said rising to his feet “stay there”
He left the room and made his way through the corridors to where he could hear voices coming from the kitchen, pushing open the door he saw his firstborn stood in the middle of the kitchen, her arms round her younger sister, both girls were in tears

“Len, Felicity” he said gently walking towards them “it’s all right” His own arms encircled both girls where they stood.
“Papa” Felicity said finally breaking away “is everything allright”
“Yes Felicity” her father smiled down at her
“and Mama” Len’s tone was sharp
“wants to see you both, now”

Jack ushered the two girls along to the lounge where Joey sat looking pensive.
“Girls” she said rising to her feet. They both walked towards her and stood, almost identically in front of her
“yes” Len asked
“won’t you sit down, I want to talk to you”
the two girls took seats next to each other on the sofa, Jack, having delivered the girls withdrew to the far end of the room where he could listen to the conversation without intruding. The three sat in silence and Jack began to wonder whether anyone would start talking. Eventually he heard Len’s rather abrasive tone
“what exactly did you want to talk about mother”
“Len” Joey’s voice wavered as she spoke “Please, I want to apologise”
“for what” Len snapped
“for, well, everything” Joey continued “I am so sorry if anything I have said or done has hurt either of you. Felicity, I am sorry I didn’t believe you about the baby’s father and more importantly I am so sorry that I didn’t teach you any of the facts of life before you left home”
“and you’ll accept my decision to keep the baby” Felicity asked timidly
“Yes Felicity, I might not agree with your decision but I will accept it. Len” she continued turning to her eldest daughter “for what I said, about Felicity giving you her baby”
“Yes”
“I am so sorry, I never, not in a million years, wanted to hurt you”
“oh mamma I know that” Len’s voice lost it’s harsh edge “but I wish you would stop trying to run my life and arrange things for me”
“I’ll try” Joey promised “I’m not good at letting go of my children”
“I’m hardly a child, even Felicity isn’t a child”
“I know, it’s just for so long all I have had is my children, and now they are growing up and leaving home”
“And soon you will have grandchildren to keep you occupied” Felicity interrupted
“I know” Joey said softly. The three lapsed into silence and Jack heaved a huge sigh of relief. Perhaps this outburst from Joey would help her come to terms with the fact that her children were going to grow up and move away. Perhaps it would help him, to remember that Joey was not just the mother of his children but also his companion and wife.

“Mamma” felicity said gently after a short time “I am still going back to Paris tomorrow”
“I thought you would” Joey said quietly “Please Felicity, you must promise me that if you need me you will phone, no matter when, and I will come to you”
“thank you Mamma” Felicity smiled softly as she spoke “that means a lot”
“Mamma, what about Felix” Len asked suddenly. Joey didn’t reply and Jack sensing her unease rose from his seat and went round to stand behind her. Resting a hand on her shoulder he squeezed gently as he spoke
“Your mother and I are having difficulty coming to terms with Felix’s choice of lifestyle and partner”
“I see” Len replied
“He is welcome in our home, but at present that would have to be on his own, and we would prefer if he allowed us some time to come to terms with things”

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

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 5:22 pm

Kate, that's wonderful, and it begins to look like there may be some hope for them all........

.............more please! Wink

#62: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 5:22 pm

Thank you Kat, I think that that talk should have helped both Joey and Jack to strengthen their relationship, also pleased to see that Jack is trying to come to terms with Felix's sexuality, hopefully Joey wll too, eventually.
I feel a bit sorry for Joey too, now, I'd always thought she was happy being surrounded by lots of children and the school.

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

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 5:24 pm

see above - that's all your getting for tonight!

am assuming here that you posted when I did!!

#64: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 5:41 pm

This was great, Kate, it's a different side to Jo.

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

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 5:55 pm

Kat i just caught up htis is wonderful more soon i hope!

#66: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 6:32 pm

Wow, those posts were amazing. I can understand Jack and Joey needing time to come to terms with seeing Felix and his partner together - I don't like it, but I can understand it. At least they are willing to see Felix, given time, hopefully they will come around.

#67: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 6:40 pm

Well! What a different view of Jo. I can understand that she feels that her life's work is over and, having never built a life apart from her family, she now feels bereft.

I hope she manages to build a new life.

I hope someone gets in touch with Felix and tells him he is not cast out!

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

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 9:06 pm

Feeling so sorry for Joey now, This is great Kate. Hope to see things improving for the family from now on.

#69: Author: Shander, Location: Canada

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 10:12 pm

This is absolutley brilliant. I'm really enjoying it. Yay for you!

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

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 10:37 pm

Thank you Kate. I'm on a half day tomorrow so I expect to see a new installment when I get home at lunch time.

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

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 11:32 pm

Joey's suffering from the 'Empty Nest Syndrome' - Kate that was wonderful - and very realistic - you do wonder just how perfect Jack and Joey's marriage was when you see the hours they spend apart.

#72: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 2:41 am

Kate. those last posts were lovely. Glad you were able to write them. Feeling more hopefull for the whole Maynard family now.

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

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 8:50 am

I do love this. The only thing I don't agree with is going to Switzerland. I always felt that it was through Jo's urging that they went, not Jack's.

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

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 11:21 am

Ok, am going to have to move this story on by about 3 months..........

Felicity returned to Paris, pleased to be at peace with her parents and to have their love and support, if not, as she suspected, her mother’s understanding. For the next three months she enjoyed her life as a part time student and junior florist. Her friends from university frequently visited her flat and as she and Solange worked side by side in the shop they compared their pregnancies and growing bumps.

Towards the end of march Felicity couldn’t help noticing that there was a great deal of unrest in the student population as a whole and one evening, when she had invited her former flat mates to her home for supper commented upon the same.

“Madeline” she asked the elder girl “is there really going to be a strike”
“Yes, I am sure there is, the students are also planning a demonstration”
“what sort of demonstration” Anne-Marie asked
“against the politicians, against the war”
“war, what war” Meg asked lazily and Madeline turned round to her with a shocked expression on her face
“the war in Vietnam”
“oh, but that doesn’t involve us”
“not directly, but some students feel that there should be pressure put on the government to oppose the American intervention”
“surely they won’t have that much affect” Felicity asked
“we can only try” Madeline said grimly
“you would support them” Anne-Marie asked
“of course, war of all types are abhorant, and when such a large country as America joins someone elses war” Madeline shrugged
“but it’s not going to affect us, so what’s the point in getting all excited and demonstrating” Meg asked
“it’s not just about the war” Madeline said firmly “it is about the oppression by this government, rights for workers, for women”
“and you think demonstrating will help” Meg’s voice was sarcastic
“what other way have we of showing our feeling” Madeline said with finality and Felicity quickly changed the subject.

During the following weeks as she walked around Paris, on her way to and from university, she could feel a tense hostile atmosphere. Posters declaring the opposition to the war, to the government were appearing around the city faster than the government workers could remove them.

Easter fell towards the end of April and Felicity was seriously thinking of taking up her mother’s offer to return home and have her baby there.

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

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 12:53 pm

Love this bit about student politics, can we have more about it soon please? Very Happy

#76: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 1:41 pm

I love how you are weaving in bits of RL history - looking forward to reading more!

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

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 2:03 pm

I quite like the parts based in Paris. Felicity is like two different people - the independant young women in Paris and the schoolgirl daughter when she returns home.

Come on Kate, you've rested long enough on that pile of hugs, can we have some more please. ZZZZ

#78: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 3:01 pm

Thanks for that bit Kate. It's good to see CS girls being affected by issues such as Vietnam.

#79: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 3:30 pm

I hope Felicity does return home soon - I would hate to see her getting caught up in any trouble whilst she's pregnant. *Feeling anxious* It is nice to see real life being written into this drabble, apart from the war books the CS really was an enclosed world apart from the odd remark.

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

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 3:40 pm

Kate, this is so good. It was lovely to see Jo really doing something about her feelings and trying to make amends for her mistakes. Also to have RL in the story and Felicity affected by it.

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

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 4:28 pm

Kate, I was surprised by very impressed by the introduction of outside affairs! It will be very interesting to see how it all blends together. Will we ever see Felicity's baby's father again?

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

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 4:47 pm

Can you all bear with me for a bit the next section is prooving very difficult to write - i couldn't exactly ignore the outside world at the time i've set this but weaving it in is somewhat complicated!

hopefully i will have something to post tomorrow

*clutches hair in slightly deranged and frustrated way before going back to reasoning with the characters*

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

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 4:58 pm

*send carrots for Rupert in the hope that he will prove helpful to Kate*

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

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 5:09 pm

Oh, dear God, not carrots! He's allergic and goes hyper! Kate, Kate, don't let Rupert near them!

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

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 5:13 pm

*sigh* too late!!

actually Rupert is sitting here smugly telling me that he has told me what's going to happen in this story and it's down to me to finish it!

the carrotts have sent him into overdrive about what to do next! I was planning on having a break!!

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

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 5:17 pm

Oh, golly! No sleep tonight then! Still, at least we get more story...

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

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 5:21 pm

I am not starting anything new until i have finished this one so Rupert (not to mention the rest of you) will have to be patient until Felicity and Co behave themselves and finish up here!

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

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 5:22 pm

As long as we get more of something, Katarzyna, we won't mind!

#89: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 5:25 pm

You're doing something else after this, Kate? Yippee!!! Will it be another story linked to Court - I'd quite like to hear about Len and Reg's marriage.

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

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 5:33 pm

*groaning slightly at the thought*

After this one *sigh* i want to write the SCS of Bruno's winter adventure and after that, well, there might be something linked to Court or, there might be the next term following Court which i have had some ideas about

but no promises and no time frames.............

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

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 5:41 pm

Oooh! *gets excited already*

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

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 5:43 pm

suggests mildly that you refrain from getting too excited just yet. I will only work on one drabble at once and until i get these characters to behave themselves it can't even move this one forward!

*imports a large vat of patience from overseas (well it's normally not found in country's where CBBers lurk) and offers it to all those waiting*

oh, it's strawberry flavoured btw!

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

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 5:52 pm

I suggest you order two, Kate. They'll be needed!

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

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 7:08 pm

Today's bit was great Kate, I too love the RL thread in this. Felicity being a different person in paris and at home is so realistic too, I think that is something that happens to a lot of people, especially at that age.

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

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 7:14 pm

Thanks Kat more soon please!

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

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 10:26 pm

Thank you for the last post Kate - nice to see the real World enter. Re the characters having different ideas about how they want the story to go - my deepest sympathies!

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

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 12:20 am

Thank you Kate! And I hope the next bit will cooperate and come together soon! I'm allergic to that patience stuff!!! Wink

#98: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 3:01 am

Lovely post Kate, can just see Felicity being different people in Paris and at home. Wonder what she will be like if she does go home yo have her baby.

#99: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 9:48 am

That's an interesting post. The differing views of Meg and Madelaine will make Felicity think. I wonder if she will go home to have her baby?

I should think she is still wary of Jo trying to take over.

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

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 9:52 am

Would she really want to put either herself or the baby through that? On the other hand, could Jo be kept away? Can't you imagine her rampaging through the hospital, giving 'advice' left, right and centre, before sending the doctor away and taking over herself?

That's always assuming Felicity goes to hospital, of course...

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

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 3:02 pm

Extracts from Felicity’s Diary

Wednesday, 1st May 1968

I am so tired this evening as I write this. This morning I had the last of my French lectures, nothing left to do now except study for the exams. Met up with Solange before work, she had been to see the midwife as she is still getting some morning sickness even at this late stage. I am sure it will be fine for her in the end, but I have a craving for rich pastries so how I am going to get back in shape to dance I have no idea.

Meg and Anne-Marie came into the shop this afternoon, I think to escape from Madeline and her socialist group, who from what they were saying appear to have taken up residence in the flat. Apparently there was some sort of demonstration last night actually at the flats, Anne-Marie’s parents want her to go back home.

Thursday, 2nd May 1968

There is a horrible atmosphere at university, every time I walk down the corridors I get handed leaflets about how the government is failing the people. Groups of angry students seem to be all over the campus, thankfully tomorrow is my day off so I am in the florists all day, at least that will be calming.

Still very tired, this baby seems to want to use my insides as a punch bag, especially early in the mornings. I can’t believe I have at least another five or six weeks of this to go, I can’t remember the last time I saw my feet! Had a letter from Con this morning, Len told her about my baby, she’s quite excited and offered me all sorts of advice that her midwife had given her. There both due about the same time.

Friday, 3rd May 1968

The university has been shut!! I me Anne-Marie this morning after lectures and we were sitting in the café bar when all of a sudden there were armed police running through the building. The alarms started to sound and we were all ushered out of the building. I don’t think I’ve ever been so scared in my life, I got trapped in a large crowd being pushed towards the main doors. I thought at one point I would fall forwards but Anne-Marie grabbed my arm and pulled me to one side. She was so sensible, she pointed out to the policeman that I was pregnant and he got us safely out a side door.

There was a huge demonstration afterwards, against the police, the university and the government. Some of the students had to be run of by the police. Meg came round to the flat later and said that they had locked the university’s doors so there could be no damage done but apparently a load of cars were set alight and bricks thrown through the windows.

Maybe I should go home? I don’t want to, it will be so suffocating if I stay with Mamma. I couldn’t stay with Len, it wouldn’t be fair. Oh I don’t know, I’ll sleep on it and see how I feel in the morning.

Saturday, 4th May 1968

Woke very early again this morning and spent quite a lot of time walking around the Latin Quarter whilst it was quiet. There was debris everywhere, broken glass from shop windows, burnt out cars, even blood on the paving stones. I was pleased to be back at home.

Solange’s husband walked her to work this morning, he’s worried about the demonstrations. If they don’t stop he’s told Solange that she will have to give up her job until after the baby’s born as it isn’t safe. I wish I had someone to look out for me like that.

Sunday, 5th May 1968

Spent a quiet day at home, went to Mass this morning but it felt a bit uncomfortable as most people’s eyes went straight from my stomach to my left hand.

I can hardly fit in any of my clothes at all, even the hideous ones that Mamma lent me.

#102: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 4:19 pm

Might have known Joey's clothes would be hideous!
Things couldn't really have worked out worse for her though could they? I hope she does opt for the safety of home until the baby is born at least, and then gets right away again before Joey does take over her life, but I suppose she'll make her own decisions.

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

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 4:47 pm

Monday 6th May 1968

Letter from Felix this morning. He and James are coming to visit at the end of this week, they want to stay through for the weekend, I really home Felix has thought of booking somewhere to stay!

There were more protests this evening, a group of students were chased down the road by police officers right in front of the shop. The people that come into the shop have been telling us tales of how bad it is getting by the university. Most of the windows have been broken and there is a lot of damage in the grounds. Apparently several students have been arrested. Getting quite worried about Anne-Marie, Meg and Madeline, non of them have been to see me.

Tuesday, 7th May 1968

Madeline’s been injured!! Meg came round today at lunch time, apparently she was in part of a group demonstrating by a barricade they had built from old furniture. The police threw some sort of gas spray into the crowed which made Madeline choke, when she tried to run and one of the officers caught her, Meg says that she was beaten up by the police officers but I am sure that she is exaggerating, they wouldn’t do that.

Tried to book a ticket to go home this weekend, spoke to Papa who says that if I want I can have the baby at the san, I don’t have to have it at home with Mamma in attendance.

Wednesday, 8th May 1968

Went to visit Madeline this morning, she looks terrible, she has broken her arm and has two black eyes and a broken nose. Her head was bandaged and she was very very groggy. She couldn’t talk much but did manage to smile and say that her injuries were for a good cause. Can’t say that I’m convinced.

The whole city seems to have gone mad. There are large groups of police patrolling the streets and fighting with groups of students, who Madeline said were trying to demonstrate peacefully. Anne-Marie has gone home but Meg says she’s staying, at least for a while.

My back is really aching now and this baby feels so heavy, I really can’t see how I am going to manage another month.

Thursday, 9th May 1968

Felix arrives tomorrow – I am so excited at seeing him, after they raced off in January I’ve only had a post card from when they spent the weekend in Brighton.

More demonstrations and riots today, it’s not safe to go out after about 4.00 pm. The police don’t care who you are if they catch you near any of the demonstrations. Solange didn’t come into work today and I don’t think she will now before the baby’s born, which isn’t for ages. I shall miss her terribly she has been so good to me, and so reassuring. If Mamma is right and I do have a girl she will have Solange as a middle name.

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

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 4:55 pm

Poor Felicity and Madeline, hope they'll both be ok! Like KB I also want to know if we get to seethe baby's father again. Hope Felix and James will be ok in Paris. Can we have a lot more soon please? Very Happy

#105: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 5:06 pm

Perhaps Felicity will go to London with Felix and James? I'm getting worried for the weekend with them in Paris.

I suppose Jo doesn't even know there have been riots in Paris!

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

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 5:14 pm

oh they were pretty well documented and made most of the news bulletins at the time I'm sure she will have noticed! she might not do anything about it though!!

Actually, that's a bit mean cos i know what's going to happen next!!

(anyone who is really interested or just plain nosey go type 1968 paris students into google and you'll get an idea of what was going on)

ETA- no more tonight folks, hopefully will get quite a bit done tomorrow!

#107: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 5:42 pm

Argh! Crikey! *Gets quite excited about what is going to happen next*

Loving the drabble btw Very Happy

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

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 6:19 pm

Katarzyna wrote:

oh they were pretty well documented and made most of the news bulletins at the time I'm sure she will have noticed! she might not do anything about it though!!

But that doesn't mean Jo's been paying attention to the radio, does it?

Kat, these parts have been fantastic! I'm so glad Jack seemed to realise that Felicity might want not to have Jo around for the birth. I wonder if maybe Len might be...

#109: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 6:49 pm

Wow loved those bits of diary.

Looking forward to more tomorrow

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

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 8:48 pm

*sets up a tick chart, counting off the minutes until we get more story!!!*

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

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 8:51 pm

*hopes Vikki is adding minutes, not taking them away*

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

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 8:56 pm

This is great. I think the way you have included RL as seen and perceived by the characters is excellent.

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

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 9:04 pm

Thank you Kate really enjoyed the diary extracts. Worried about Felicity, Felix and james being in Paris. Also slightly worried about Solange having morning sickness. More please.

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

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 11:35 pm

Kate, I love the way you are using the diary extracts. We can really see inside Felicity's head.

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

Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 7:30 am

*begins to chant for more*

#116: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 12:02 pm

KB wrote:

*begins to chant for more*

*Joins in the chant if a little shyly and quietly* Embarassed

#117: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 3:25 pm

Shyly and quietly doesn't get more drabble, pim, chant loudly and tunelessly, that might do it.

#118: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 3:56 pm

Well I didn't want to scare everyone in my first chant!

#119: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 4:33 pm

No chance of that, pim! We're too busy chanting ourselves!!

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

Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 4:52 pm

Please may we have some more!

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

Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 5:37 pm

It's Friday teatime, does that mean we won't know if Felicity is safe until Monday now?

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

Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 5:40 pm

Felicity is being particularly stroppy at the moment and refusing to co-operate. i thought if i got the Bruno story out the way she might be more willing to do as she's told but unfortunately she just isn't playing right now!

I have e-mailed myself this at home so that hopefully i can get on and write some more over the weekend but no promises!

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

Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 5:41 pm

*sigh* Well, more would have been nice, but if you can promise that we'll have another lovely long lot on Monday, we can be satisfied...

#124: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 6:29 pm

I'm sure you'll do your best Kat but I should think this has to take it's time. Just so long as you remember you've left us worried about Felicity, Felix & James and Solange as well!

#125: Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire

Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 6:40 pm

Wow! This is amazing - it's so weird to read a personal (if fictional) account of the student riots as we've looked at them briefly in our A-Level french lessons but it didn't actually seem real as I haven't really thought about it properly until now.

#126: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 8:37 pm

I'm really impressed with how you've woven RL history ito your drabble. I don't know much about the 1960's demonstrations, just that all of our French assistants always went on about how important it was, and made us sing songs about it. Rolling Eyes

[/i]

ETA is Margot off to be a nun in this? (might be suffering from drabble-confusion). If so, I'd be interested to know what her attitude to Felix and felicity would be. Confused

#127: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 9:48 pm

I remember the riots fairly well. There was a fair amount of restlessness in the UK as well, though only from a small minority. When I went to Newcastle Poly (as it was then) students had a really bad reputation as trouble makers, but the activists had a lot of trouble getting anyone to join them. Mostly we wnated to get on with our courses and have a good time.

#128: Author: Marianne, Location: Bournemouth

Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 10:29 pm

Wow!
Very impressive, compelling stuff.
thanks
more please!

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

Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 10:39 pm

Looking forward to more Kate - either at the weekend or on Monday!

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

Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 3:12 am

*hopes Kate has a very successful and productive weekend*

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

Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 6:47 am

*echoes Vikki's hopes*

have just read all the diary section at once - a great way to see where Felicity's concerns are. Inspired, I call it, Kat!

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

Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 4:03 pm

Wow, Kat - poor Felicity! What awful timing for her.

*chants happily*

#133: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 4:45 pm

Looking forward to a lot more of this on Monday, Kate.

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

Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 8:51 pm

*hopes Kate will post early tomorrow!!!*

#135: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 9:00 pm

*joins the looking forward to more story tomorrow gang.

#136: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 3:42 pm

'Scuse me Kate it's Monday now. Thanks for the diary bits they were really good.

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

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 4:18 pm

Kate, I think there must be something wrong with this thread! Your posts from today aren't showing up.........

#138: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 4:27 pm

*wonders if Kate's been writing in invisible ink* Wink

#139: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 4:42 pm

*wonders if holding a match to the screen will help the invisible ink become visible.

#140: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 4:49 pm

*waiting eagerly for more when Kate has escaped from the men in white coats*

#141: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 4:52 pm

*wonders about Chelsea's sanity briefly before finding that she is too holding a match to the screen and is in danger of burning down the library... oh well

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

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 4:57 pm

Please may we have some more!

#143: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 6:02 pm

*suggests that unless people enjoy reading through brown bits, they don't try to look for invisible ink.

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

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 7:42 pm

But if it's the only way to read more story...

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

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 7:58 pm

Kate where are you?

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

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:06 pm

Lesley, would you like to organise a search party?

#147: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:17 pm

Bringing flasks of hot drinks, waterproofs, maps, food, anything useful, the bellowing

KATE!!!!!

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

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:39 pm

*suspects that, with bellowing like that, it won't be long before Kate is found*

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

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 9:54 pm

Oh, wonder what happened to Kate. Crying or Very sad

Hope she's OK.

#150: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 10:02 pm

Check out the Hugs Box, people!! Kate had more but she couldn't open it at work as her work computer said the attachment had a virus!

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

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 10:05 pm

Ah, thank you. I thought I had seen something similar, but I couldn't remember where!

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

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 10:20 pm

Am very very sad that there's no more about Felicity, hope we get a nice long piece tomorrow!
Am going to eat biscuits now to comfort me!

#153: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 10:20 pm

Feels very weird to be telling you something and not the other way round!

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

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 10:21 pm

I'm too busy trying to read all your posts to keep up. Wink

#155: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 10:24 pm

All MY posts?!!!!! Shocked

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

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 10:26 pm

All the ones from tonight, although I will sit down and read all your posts in the next day or two.

#157: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 10:33 pm

Thought you'd read them all already!! All I've done tonight is yibble in case you were wondering!!

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 7:33 am

I realise that, hun, but you yibble in response to my yibbling, which I have to read, and sometimes reply to...

#159: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 7:48 am

You mean you have to read all your yibbling before you reply to it?!! Can't you remember what you've said?!! Confused

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 8:10 am

I can remember the things I've said, but not necessarily where I said it!

#161: Author: Kathryn, Location: Melbourne/Hamilton until 11 September

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 9:03 am

Oi! Enough yibble, where's the story?

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 9:04 am

When we get more story, we'll stop yibbling here!

#163: Author: Kathryn, Location: Melbourne/Hamilton until 11 September

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 9:11 am

*shrugs* Sounds good to me. Though off for a walk so no yibbling yet for me!

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 9:12 am

Have a nice walk! I hope it's cooled down enough to make it pleasant.

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 11:05 am

There's no more story! Where's the story? Just pages and pages of yibbling....

*wanders off sadly*

#166: Author: Kathryn, Location: Melbourne/Hamilton until 11 September

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 11:28 am

KB wrote:

Have a nice walk! I hope it's cooled down enough to make it pleasant.

Just a little cooler. Only 40ish on Sat with high humidity. Now back to a poor imitation of summer with only 26 or something. Not that I want 40 degrees again, just some decent sunny days!!

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 11:37 am

*wonders at these people who claim to like hot weather then whinge when it gets too hot*

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 11:48 am

well the yibbling has sure kept this thread busy at the top of the board!

ok, brief update. worked on the story over the weekend on our allegedly newly fixed and upgraded pc. Emailed said story to self at work where it refused to open yesterday.

went home last night to find that my own pc will not open said word document as it is "corrupt"

am now extremely annoyed and hacked off cos i had written quite a bit more and am now going to have to write it again! please be patient folks cos i also have a stack of RL work to get through as well!

#169: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 12:06 pm

Hugs, tissues and a hammer to Kate! Poor you.

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 12:35 pm

*hugs Kat*

poor you but thanks for letting us know!

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 3:00 pm

It was early when Felicity woke, she washed and dressed as swiftly as her now ungainly body would allow.

“Oops” she laughed to herself “no need to hurry, they aren’t opening the shop today”. The shop’s owners had decided that due to the daily rioting that they would close for the weekend early. Nevertheless she felt restless and as soon as she had finished her breakfast she began to clean the flat ‘well’ she thought to herself as she dusted the window sill ‘I can’t have Felix and James thinking I keep a messy home’.

By 11.00 am the flat was spotless and as Felicity sank into the soft comfortable chair she admitted to herself that perhaps she had over done things. Her back ached and generally she felt exhausted. Suddenly she realised that she could voices from outside her window, she walked over and pulled up the lower pane, leaning out as far as her stomach would let her she looked down into the street.

At one end a large barrier of old furniture, brick-a-brak and other objects had been erected and was being guarded by what she could only describe as a mob of people, most of whom appeared to be just slightly older than herself. In the distance, over the rooftops she could see smoke rising. The group at the end of the street had begun to call out a chant, although Felicity could not hear clearly the actual words she could sense their anger.

From the other direction she could suddenly hear the marching of heavily booted feet and it was not long before a detachment of police officers, armed with wooden batons and shields. Behind them came a row policemen on horseback followed by others with police trained dogs.

Felicity felt the hairs rise on the back of her neck as the two groups faced each other down the length of the street beneath her. The noise from the crowds of students grew louder as one of the officers, armed with a megaphone called for the crowd to disburse. In retaliation the crowd threw insults at the officers who walked slowly and menacingly towards them. Suddenly, from her vantage point, Felicity saw one of the police dogs break free from his handler and make a sudden dash through the ranks of policemen towards the crowd.

A great cry went up from the students many of whom began to throw small objects towards the oncoming police officers, the dog caught in the middle faltered, unsure of what to do, and stood growling menacingly at the crowd. The police stood their ground in response to the onslaught of small missiles, seemingly undecided about what to do next.

The group of students moved forwards towards the police officers and as they did their chant continued. The police officer with the megaphone kept calling orders for them to back down but it did not appear that they had any intention of doing so. Suddenly there was loud shattering sound and Felicity watched as the pane of glass which held the window display of the butchers opposite, who like her own employer had decided to close for the weekend, smash into tiny pieces. Glass sprayed out onto the road, covering the closest police officers.

Felicity watched from her open window as a small canister was passed through the officers to the front where a light was held to it and it was the rolled, with some force along the road, a thin wisp of blue spoke escaping from it. Suddenly, the whole street was filled with a thick blue grey smoke. Pulling her head in from the window and slamming it shut Felicity suddenly felt very strange, she felt a sudden pain across her back and wetness on her legs.

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 3:08 pm

Kat how could you leave it there she's having her baby and you leave it there!

#173: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 3:53 pm

Huggles, Kate!

Sorry you're still having problems! Thanks for doing this for us and I hope things sort themselves out soon!

#174: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 4:47 pm

Argh *falls off chair*

Thank yooooooooooooooooooou so much, hope you get your comp problems sorted out soon. *offers hammer for computer bashing as a solution*

#175: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 5:04 pm

*very worried about Felicity having her baby in the middle of a riot.

Thanks for that bit, Kat. Hope your computers are behaving better

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 5:42 pm

Poor Felicity, hope she's going to be ok. I hope your not going to leave it there for the night, it's just not fair if you do Rolling Eyes

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 5:42 pm

Oh, goodness. Oh, goodness. Oh, goodness. *clings to edge of the chair* Please let things sort themselves out somehow! Although it would be interesting to see how Felicity coped on her own...

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 5:56 pm

ok last bit for tonight!

James sat opposite Felix on the train approaching Paris, they had been lucky enough to get a carriage to themselves and had spent much of the journey from Calais discussing their plans for the future. It was all decided, when their exams finished at the end of May they would be going to Montreal for the summer, both had got jobs working in the city and a place to stay. After the summer, if things worked out well they would make their way south through America, taking in the sights, to San Francisco.

“and then” James said with a warm smile at his partner “we can set up home, together”
“it will such a change”
“no more hiding in fear, no more having to go out occasionally with a girl just to keep the gossips away”
“I know” Felix said with a sigh “I just wish it wasn’t so far away”
“it’s getting closer and closer all the time, ships go faster, you can even fly now”
“true”
“what’s bothering you” James asked after studying the younger man for a while
“the family” Felix said shortly “I just wish” he didn’t finish his sentence
“I know” James said gravely “their acceptance and blessings would have meant the world to you” Felix nodded, his blue eyes filling with tears. “Oh, Felix” James said sympathetically and the pair fell into silence.

Another ten minutes down the track, as the train pulled into the outskirts of the city Felix suddenly sat bolt upright, his face drained of all colour
“Felix” James exclaimed
“Felicity” Felix whispered “in pain”
“your sure” James asked, although Felix had told him that often he and his twin connected he had never seen anything like this before
“yes” Felix said briefly, from his expression he too was in some considerable pain “we need to get to her, and quickly”

#179: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:00 pm

Aaaaaaaaargggggggggh! *promptly falls off chair again* (my own fault for tilting) *Hopes Felix and James get there okay* *crosses all crossable body parts*

#180: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:08 pm

*wails*

Ka-ate!

How mean of you to leave it there!

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:16 pm

*hope James and Felix don't get injured or arrested while trying to get to Felicity*

*hangs onto cliff by toenails*

#182: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:21 pm

*feels like a Weeble

*hopes Felix and James get to Felicity safely, and in time to help

*wonders what James' family thinks of Felix

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:27 pm

*joins in weebling with Chelsea*

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:30 pm

Please let them get to her soon and let us know more soon too please!

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 8:56 pm

OH, oh, oh!!
Kate I'm sorry you had so many problems earlier, and very glad you've posted more, but I do wish you hadn't left it where you did......

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

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 12:44 am

*Huggles Kate after all the comoputer problems*

That was a perfect place to leave the story, it keeps us coming back for more.

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

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 1:15 am

Thank you for those lovely posts Kate.

Hope your computer is fixed soon!

#188: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 3:06 am

Poor Kate it horrible when computers behave like that. Thank you for all the lovely posts. Hop you are able to post more soon.

#189: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 3:17 am

Grrrr I hate computers Screen of Death

Thanks for writing all that out again Kate, but I'm now extremely worried rather than just concerned - I don't see how Felix and James can possibly get to Felicity, I do wish she had gone to Fruedesheim, even Joey couldn't be as bad as a full scale riot.

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

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 4:52 pm

Kaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaateeeeeeeeeee!!! Get out of Brown Velveteen and start posting some more here! PLeeeeeeeease!

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

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 5:02 pm

am posting more at abi's request........... though that wasn't quite what you meant was it!

can't actually post any more story as i haven't written it yet, well i did, then it got corrupted, and now i don't like what i have re-written so am trying to do it again!

*wonders away muttering about stupid confusers and their ability to corrupt documents*

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

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 5:10 pm

*forgives Kate reluctantly and hopes the PB is well-behaved*

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

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 5:15 pm

*huggles for Kate and her PB*

#194: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 5:17 pm

Abi wrote:

*forgives Kate reluctantly and hopes the PB is well-behaved*

Seconded.

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

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 6:46 pm

*huggles Kate and Rupert and hopes we might get more tomorrow*

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

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 6:58 pm

*offers Vikki a cloth to wipe herself down after huggling Rupert*

#197: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 12:10 am

Poor Felicity, trapped in a corrupt file! Hope you can sort it soon, Kate!

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

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 2:30 pm

whilst the original version is apparently corrupted beyond belief i have finally managed to write something I am happy with!

so here you go.........

No sooner had the train pulled into the station than Felix was at the door, bag in hand. James followed as Felix lept from the train and literally ran along the platform, dodging other travelers and those waiting for people to disembark. By the time James caught up Felix was standing by the taxi rank, jumping up and down with impatience

“come on” he called as James dashed the last 10 metres, narrowly avoiding a station official. Felix pulled open the taxi door and threw his bag in
“can we afford” James asked as Felix pulled into the taxi
“yes” Felix said bluntly, clearly this was not up for argument
“where to” the driver asked and Felix gave Felicity’s address “I’ll try” the taxi driver said with a shrug and pulled away from the kerb
“try” Felix exclaimed
“it is difficult to get into the Latin Quarter right now”
“what, why”
“there are many protests” the taxi driver shrugged again “in that district, some roads, they are not passable”
“my sister” Felix exclaimed but subsided when James laid his hand on his arm
“Felix, we are doing all we can” he said gently, noting anxiously how troubled Felix was
“she’s in pain” Felix’s tone was pleading and tears filled his eyes
“your feeling the same pain” James asked quietly
“yes” Felix nodded “its strange, I’ve never felt it like this before”
“what do you mean”
“when we were children, if Felicity had tooth ache then I would have toothache, even if there was nothing wrong with my teeth, when she sprained her ankle, my ankle was painful too”
“and this time”
“its like, I don’t know, every so often I get these sharp pains in my stomach”
“not constant” James asked
“no, I can feel her, she’s confused and anxious, but the pain” Felix shuddered
“I wonder” James said cryptically and before Felix could ask why the car stopped. Looking forward out of the window the two boys saw stationary traffic in front of them, with no signs of it moving
“this is as far as I can go” the taxi driver said firmly
“but my sister”
“I’m sorry” the driver replied “but you can see the police are turning the cars back”

Towards the end of the street two policemen were turning the vehicles round, in the distance they could see smoke rising.
“thank you” Felix said simply, grabbing his bag and throwing open the door, leaping out of the car he turned impatiently to James “come on, hurry”
James followed his partner down the road towards the police officers, as they reached them one of the officers called
“and where do you think your going”
“please, my sister” Felix implored “she needs us”
“a likely story” the officer replied “you are students?” the question sounded more like an accusation
“No” Felix gasped “at least, not here, in England”
“you have come to join your comrades” the officer asked sneeringly “I think not” He began to signal to the other officer
“Now” James said suddenly and the two boys ran past the police officer as fast as they could not stopping until they were sure they were not being pursued.

#199: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 2:44 pm

*crossing fingers and all other corssable body parts that Felix and James make it*

*slaps the policeman around for a bit with a trout*

*teeters perilously close to the edge of the cliff*

ARGH!

Very Happy

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

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 2:51 pm