Finale
The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles

#1: Finale Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 8:08 pm


The English church was completely full, there were people standing in all the aisles, at the back, down the sides. The old lady seated right at the front looked round, she’d never seen so many people attend a funeral before. At least, not for someone who wasn’t famous. And her friend hadn’t been famous, at least not to the world at large. She looked round again, the spread of ages was wonderful to see, everything from tiny babies to elderly women, although she acknowledged, sadly, that she was by far the oldest - that felt strange, she had always been the younger, until eight days ago.

She saw women in their sixties and seventies, already feeling some of the infirmities that age brought on. The old lady counted herself lucky, even after passing her ninetieth birthday some time ago, she had remained in full possession of her faculties, she was still able to walk, though admittedly it was slowly and with the aid of a walking stick. Thinking about it she smiled slightly. Her friend had been most indignant that she had been the one to end up in a wheelchair, “Especially as I was the one who injured my leg, twice!” she said softly.

A tall woman sitting next to her turned at the sound, in her sixties, with her once chestnut hair now streaked with grey, she looked toward the old lady with concern, “Are you alright, Aunt Nell?” she asked, her soft violet-grey eyes showing signs of recent tears.

The old lady smiled slightly, “I’m fine Len,” she said gruffly, “Just wish this was over with.”

 


#2:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 8:15 pm


You are going to post more tonight aren't you Lesley?

 


#3:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 8:16 pm


Crying Shocked

This reads like Hilda's funeral...but with Lesley writing who knows, real or not, Hilda or not, it is still a beautiful piece.


*Waiting*

 


#4:  Author: XantheLocation: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 8:32 pm


*reaching for the tissues*

 


#5:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 8:35 pm


*turning to borrow one of Xan's tissues* Crying or Very sad

This is going to be a real weepy isn't it?

Is it Hilda?

 


#6:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 8:45 pm


* Also borrow's one of Xan's tissues*.

*Puts tissues on shopping list*.

Is it Hilda?

 


#7:  Author: CathyLocation: Australia PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 9:13 pm


Is this more RCS? Have you begun by killing Hilda? NOOOOOOOOO!
I knew I shouldn't have come into work today ...

Cliff

 


#8:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 9:22 pm


RCS starts on the 18th Cathy.

 


#9:  Author: KateLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 9:30 pm


Ohie, I'm all weepy already!!!!

 


#10:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 9:33 pm


Crying or Very sad Hoping that we find out what is going on soon.
*Huggles Nell*

 


#11:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 9:36 pm


Lesley that was beautiful. Hoping this scene is not a prologue or whatever you call it for RCS5 ...

 


#12:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 9:38 pm


*wail* I thought RCS was going to go on forever and ever and ever?

*torn between knowing that this will be beautifully written, and not wanting to read it because it will be so sad Crying or Very sad*

 


#13:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 9:42 pm


This is not RCS

The funeral proceeded in the way that funerals always did. Nell Wilson considered that, at her time of life, she had heard enough of them to be able to take the service herself. She smiled to herself, that would shake up some of the elders of this church, she thought. As it was the vicar had scandalised enough of the regulars by allowing someone who was not only not a member of the church, but also a Roman Catholic, to read one of the Lessons. Nell shook her head, even now, in a new century, there were still so many divisions.

She listened to the priest, he had a good presence, he included everyone. A proper man of the Church, she looked across at the choir, the woman who ran the choir was his wife, Nell still thought that odd. But they were good people. Before the last illness, when they were both as fit and healthy as it was possible for two very old women, they had been visited, many times, by the vicar and his wife. They’d come, to begin with, out of duty, they’d returned out of friendship. Nell’s mouth turned up in a slight smile as she remembered some of the theological debates they had all participated in, after a while she had taken to inviting the local Catholic priest, so she wasn’t so out-numbered - he was a good friend too.

Of course, regardless of the subject, there was only ever one winner when it came to theological argument, but then, her friend did have an advantage! Nell remembered however that there was one occasion when her friend hadn’t won the argument, not because of any outstanding debate from the others, but because Nell had wheeled her friend, in her wheelchair, out into the garden and locked the back door!

Nell looked up, it was time for the reading, Len Entwistle gave her hand a squeeze then rose to walk over to the pulpit, she looked the picture of a retired Headmistress, Nell was proud of her. She listened while her Goddaughter spoke the phrases with love and devotion.

 


#14:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 9:46 pm


Lovely Lesley.
Liked Nell looking Hilda out doors!

 


#15:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 10:01 pm


Ohhhhhhh Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad I have to admit it had crossed my mind what it would be like if Hilda had gone first, although as others have said, knowing Lesley it may not be as it seems.

*sniffles some more* Lovely Lesley, thanks.

 


#16:  Author: CathyLocation: Australia PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 10:36 pm


Lesley wrote:
This is not RCS


Well I feel marginally better then, but still slightly panicked. I have a nasty feeling I'm going to be crying a lot reading this.

Settles down patiently to wait for more. Erm, maybe I should get back to work while I'm waiting. (Impatiently dismisses rational thought.)

Edited because I am anally retentive about my commas.

 


#17:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 10:39 pm


Afterwards the vicar stepped forward to deliver the eulogy. Nell watched with interest. She had been to some funerals where it was obvious that the priest knew nothing about the person, where they were almost reading from a prepared script. She had always felt this constituted a dreadful insult to the person themselves, and embarrassment to any so-called friends and family. Even in the midst of her own grief, she was determined that her friend would be remembered properly. She listened as the vicar continued.

"I've known this lady, and her great friend Nell Wilson ever since I moved to this parish, nearly eight years ago. I am proud to say they have both been good friends to my family and myself. When Gemma and I first went to visit all those in the sheltered housing complex nearby, we could not know that we would meet two very special ladies, ladies who became friends. This eulogy has not been written by me, but by Nell Wilson. It is sent with love." He read from a sheet.

"There are very few marriages or friendships that last more than seventy years, especially between two people who, on the surface at least, seemed so different. Different personalities, different interests, even different faiths. Yet rather than being repulsed by those differences, we seemed to rejoice in them, as though we were both intrigued by how much we could like, and yes love, someone who was so dissimilar. It took some time before we even recognised just how close we had become, a near tragedy in fact.

By the time you reach our advanced years, all the opportunities have passed you by, it is with pride that I can relate that neither of us ever wanted anything to be different. We felt, and I feel, completely at peace with all the choices we made in our lives, all the decisions. It is a wonderful feeling.

There’s no point in saying that you will be missed, one look around this church will confirm that, there’s no point in being angry at your passing, not many reach their one hundredth year, and I think you enjoyed the day - even if you did scold me for sending your details to the local paper! Am I sad that you have died? Of course I am, but I can also rejoice for you."


Last edited by Lesley on Sat Oct 16, 2004 7:58 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#18:  Author: MoraLocation: Lancaster PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 10:57 pm


*crying* and in the light of that last line, feeling bad about it. Lesley you are wickedly wonderful writer.

 


#19:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 11:40 pm


*sobs*

Does anyone have any tissues left please?

 


#20:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 3:54 am


I can't believe you've killed Hilda! Shocked Even at over 100!
But this is very sweet. Happy Angel
*wonders what will happen next*

 


#21:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 6:25 am


How lovely.

I've just been through from the start to read the details - I was too curious to know who it was to take them in!

"Len Entwistle gave her hand a squeeze then rose to walk over to the pulpit, she looked the picture of a retired Headmistress," So Len made Headmistress! I was just working out the ages and I think it must be set somewhere around the present day?

It is sad but beautiful.

 


#22:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 10:08 am


PatMac wrote:
I was just working out the ages and I think it must be set somewhere around the present day?


Well it would have been Hilda's 100th birthday sometme this year (ish)...

Lesley, this is lovely. Very poignant but also with a great sense of peace and joy, thank you.

 


#23:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 11:00 am


Beautiful Lesley, thank you Very Happy

 


#24:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 11:11 am


This is so moving.

 


#25:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 11:51 am


This is wonderful Lesley. I am really enjoying reading it, even if it is upsetting!!! And yes, you can enjoy being upset!!!

 


#26:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 11:57 am


Crying Beautiful. Thanks Lesley.

 


#27:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 12:55 pm


This is wonderful Lesley - but it should come with a warning not to read it if you're anywhere you don't want people to come up to you and ask if you're ok!

Liz (getting out her handkerchief)

 


#28:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 2:05 pm


*sobbing in the library*

 


#29:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 3:35 pm


The rest of the service continued, and, afterwards, the burial. Nell knew that Len and her husband Reg had tried to persuade her not to attend this part. Feeling that it would be too much, seeing her friend actually lowered into the earth. She had actually smiled at that, as if her friend was still there, the spark, the essence had gone, only the housing remained.

“It is necessary, child,” she’d said, patting Len’s face, “an ending, nothing to get upset about.” She’d then chuckled at the expression on Len’s face at being referred to as ‘child’; it was almost more than her sixty-four year old dignity could bear! But, of course, Nell was probably the only person still alive who could get away with it.

The weather was warm, but cloudy, not too uncomfortable for the few standing around the grave. Nell stood between Robert and Will Entwistle, Len’s son and grandson. The two men were both tall and reminded Nell of Len’s father, Jack Maynard. Between them they supported the old lady as she stood to say goodbye to her friend. Hers was the first clod of dirt to be thrown onto the coffin.

“Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.”

Later, in the hall that had been booked for the purpose, people gathered to pay their respects and drink a toast to a long life. Nell Wilson sat at the end of a table, looking around she could recognise many, she smiled to them and received smiles back, but not many people seemed to want to come over to speak to her. “They don’t know what to say,” she thought sadly, “afraid of saying the wrong thing.”

There was a slight disturbance as a young boy attempted to reach Nell, he was stopped in his tracks by Len herself, “Auntie Nell doesn’t want to answer your questions today, Mark.” Len said firmly to one of her grandsons.

“Oh, but Grandma, I wanted to ask about Auntie Hilda,” the little boy, he was perhaps seven or eight, looked very disappointed.

“Now’s not the time, Mark.”

Nell looked up, “Len, now is the time,” she said, and her voice, although with the characteristic quaver of the very old, was firm. “If I cannot answer his questions now, he may never have another opportunity.”

Len looked over at her Godmother and nodded reluctantly, Nell looked down at the little boy, “What did you want to know about Auntie Hilda, Mark?”

The lad looked down for a few seconds, then swallowed, “James said that you and Auntie Hilda were teachers when Grandma was at school.” he said, his tone indicating that he didn’t believe it.

Nell thought for a moment, ah yes, James was one of Maeve’s grandsons, technically a second cousin, but the Russell-Bettany-Maynard clans remained close. She smiled, “Well Mark, James is correct. Both your Auntie Hilda and I taught your grandma, we also taught James’ grandma Maeve.” She laughed at the boy’s expression.

“But Grandma Len is old,” the boy complained, “That must make you both really, really old!”

“Mark!” The exclamation came from both his grandmother and his mother.

Nell laughed, “He’s honest, at least!” she remarked, she looked at the boy again, “Yes Mark, I’m very old, and your Auntie Hilda was older still, in fact we not only taught your Grandma, but her mother too!”

“Great-Grandma Joey!!” The words came from a number of lips and Nell looked round to see that a number of other youngsters had gathered around her. She nodded,

“Yes, your Great-grandmother, Joey Bettany, she then married to become Joey Maynard.” Nell looked across to where Len stood, she saw that Len’s eyes were misty once more, “Now she died some years ago, do any of you remember her?”

“I do,” the voice belonged to a young girl, Nell struggled for a moment before remembering, oh yes, Philippa’s youngest, Sally, she was fifteen, “I saw her when I was five, but she was not very well.”

“No, Sally, that would have been just before she died.” Nell said sadly.

“Auntie Nell,” it was Mark again, “What was Auntie Hilda like?”

Nell Wilson looked across at the boy for a minute, remembering, “She was a very special lady,” she said, almost to herself, “She was gentle and kind, devout and caring. She never complained when things went wrong, or at least, not too loudly! She was an excellent teacher and the best Headmistress I’ve ever known.”

One of the older boys spoke in what he obviously thought was a whisper, but Nell’s hearing was as acute as when she was still teaching, “They always say that, a person never had any faults – ‘speak no ill of the dead’, it’s called!” he said disparagingly.

Nell chuckled, “Ian Richardson, you have certainly inherited your grandmother Con’s knack of speaking before you think!” She watched as the lad, he was about thirteen, went red. “So you want faults then? Well that’s easy; she was an absolute pedant when it came to correct English, far more so than was necessary, even when we were teaching. She was somewhat old-fashioned, both in her outlook and her expectations, when we retired it was the 1960’s but the Chalet School had remained in the early 1950’s. This translated in her life afterwards, she distrusted a great deal of new technology, I once asked her to adjust the clock on the video, to see how long it would take, after three months I did it myself!”

The children all laughed, “She would always tell me off when I spoke to her,” Sally complained, “She'd say I used the same word too often.”

Nell smiled, “Let me guess, she would say, ‘English is one of the richest languages in the world, there…” she stopped and looked round, Len was repeating the words, along with a number of others, Nell saw Con, Felicity, Maeve and many daughters and even granddaughters. Nell laughed, “Ah, you see, Sally, you were not the only one!”


Last edited by Lesley on Fri Oct 15, 2004 8:15 am; edited 2 times in total

 


#30:  Author: XantheLocation: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 3:40 pm


*making subdued wibbly noises*

 


#31:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 3:42 pm


Beautiful, thank you Lesley. I love Nell's memories of Hilda both her strengths and her faults and the way she's still so perceptive and on the spot and has time for the children, the Maynard/Bettany/Russell clan obviously stayed in close contact with Hilda and Nell and the families love for them is so tangible...

 


#32:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 3:49 pm


Lovely, thank you Lesley. *sniffles a little*

 


#33:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 3:52 pm


Wonderful Lesley, I love the closeness of the Bettany/Russell/Maynards and the fact they want to know about Hilda, and Nell is willing to share her memories. I loved the bit about the video!! Very Happy

 


#34:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 4:06 pm


I love the fact that "the clan" are there for Nell at this time.
Thank-you Lesley!

 


#35:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 4:13 pm


Teary eyed! Not because Hilda has died. If she lived to 100 that's longer than most and she was probably ready to go. More because I love the way Nell is sharing Hilda's memory with the youngsters.

Somewhere I read (and I'm paraphrasing here because I'm having a senior moment Wink ), As long as one person remembers, the dead live on..

I love Nell for her attitude and would like to be like her when I'm (how old is she here?)

 


#36:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 4:14 pm


Lesley this is lovely - beautifully written. Thank you.

 


#37:  Author: keren PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 5:56 pm


That last bit was so moving

 


#38:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 6:34 pm


oh...

*sniffs*

I was managing to keep a hold of myself till Nell answered Ian about Hilda's faults... it's always bits like that that get me, makes the whole thing feel real and not over romanticised.#

 


#39:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 6:37 pm


I know this would be a weepy. Have to go buy a bumper box of mansize tissues now Crying or Very sad

 


#40:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 6:42 pm


The children remained gathered around Nell for some time, listening to her reminiscing, then, as evening approached, she started to doze. Len had been keeping a close eye on her Godmother, and immediately moved the children away. Then, with her sister Con, she gently awoke Nell.

“We’re taking you back to my place, Nell,” Len spoke firmly, “You shouldn’t be alone, not tonight, and you need to rest.”

“I’ll have plenty of time to rest later,” Nell responded, she looked more closely at the worried expression on the two women’s faces and sighed, “Oh very well, you’ll only fuss otherwise!”

She made to stand up, but Con stopped her, “No need, Aunt Nell, Sam will take you to the car.” She pulled forward her youngest son, Sam Richardson had been a definite afterthought in the Richardson household, now aged 22, he was more than nine years younger than his closest sibling. He towered above his mother and aunt, measuring 6ft 3inches in his bare feet.

Reaching for the old woman with a murmured “Excuse me, Aunt Nell,” He swiftly lifted her up in his arms. The days of Nell Wilson having an athletic frame and muscular physique were long past, though relatively unbent from arthritis, unlike Hilda, Nell had become almost fragile. She was little more than skin and bone. Her doctor had pronounced it purely as another part of the aging process, nothing to worry about, and Nell certainly had a good appetite.

She glanced round, a little annoyed, “Well really, I could have walked, you know! What will everyone think?”

“They’ll think that someone who has reached the age of ninety-eight and has just buried their closest friend, deserves all the help we can give!” Len hissed, half in exasperation. At this Nell subsided, smiling slightly.

Sam bore his aunt to the Entwistle’s car and settled her on the back seat, “Will you be able to manage when you get to Aunt Len’s house, Aunt Nell?” he asked, (both Hilda and Nell had long ago refused to be addressed as ‘Great-Aunt’ so all generations of the clan used the same title).

Nell reached up to gently stroke his face, “I’ll be fine, thank you Sam,”

Later, in Len’s comfortable house, she was helped into bed by Len and Con, sitting up in bed, with a number of pillows holding her upright, she ate the light meal that Len herself cooked. Con sat on the end of the bed and smiled across at her aunt.

“I still feel guilty about doing this, even after all this time!” she confessed.

Nell smiled, “Me too!” she returned. She thought for a while, then, “Con, I haven’t had the chance before, but I’d just like to thank you for the article you wrote, as Hilda’s published obituary. Hilda was so proud of your skills.”

Con smiled slightly, “I know I said I’d retired from journalism five years ago, Auntie Nell, but there was no way I’d allow anyone else to write that.” She took the tray from Nell’s lap as the sound of the door opening and the murmuring of voices reached them.

Footsteps outside and a quiet knock on the door, a tall, slender figure stood in the doorway, dressed in the flowing robes and wimple of a medical missionary. The third of the Maynard Triplets had arrived.

Nell sat up a little straighter, “Reverend Mother…” she began.

The woman smiled, and beneath the changes that age had wrought to her face it was still easy to see the features of the most mischievous and beautiful of the Maynard family, “Not from you, Auntie Nell, I could never accept that title from you.”

“Margot, then,” Nell said, smiling, “You have to return to your abbey?”

“I do, but I wanted to see you before I left.” The woman came into the room and bent to kiss Nell’s cheek. “It was a beautiful service, Aunt Nell, and I loved your eulogy. The Abbess herself must have loved it too, though I’m sure she scrutinised it for mistakes in grammar!”

Len and Con re-entered the room and the three sat chatting with the old woman for some time before finally leaving to allow Nell to sleep. Left alone in the darkened room, Nell lay on her side, staring out into space. She had already said her prayers and felt she should be falling asleep, but something was stopping her. As she thought of the day a solitary tear slid down her cheek, the first she had shed that day, though she had cried a lot in the days running up to the funeral. She lifted a shaking hand to wipe away the tear. “Goodnight Hilda,” she said silently. She closed her eyes and slept.

 


#41:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 6:45 pm


Takes a lot to bring a tear to my eyes for real. I managed to remain dry eyed during the funeral, although touching, but the way nell spoke about Hilda, the tenderness and the honesty, the love filling all her descriptions did it and I'm filling up.

 


#42:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 7:25 pm


That last post cracked me up. So tender and true without being maudlin.

Thank you Lesley for the insight and feeling you brought to that last post.

 


#43:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 7:27 pm


Crying or Very sad Lesley that was beautiful ...very realistic and moving.

 


#44:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 7:31 pm


Oh, that last part was posted while I was posting so I've only just seen it.

Heart wrenching.

 


#45:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 7:44 pm


Here's another in tears!!! That was so moving Lesley. Thank you.

 


#46:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 7:52 pm


Thank you Lesley, this is a beautiful story. I can't be too sad over Hilda's death, coming as it did of extreme old age after a long and fulfilled life, though I'm very sorry for Bill as I'm sure she'll miss her terribly.
It's lovely to see that so many people cared enough to attend her funeral - evidence of how many other lives she touched.

 


#47:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 8:06 pm


*reaches for the tissues*

Absolutely beautiful Lesley.

 


#48:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 8:40 pm


*sob*
any tissues left?

Lesley, this really is beautiful, thank you!

 


#49:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 8:41 pm


This is so moving!
Is there any more or was that the end?

 


#50:  Author: EllaLocation: Staffordshire PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 8:50 pm


*Replenishing the tissue supply* Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad
Very moving, Lesley.
Interesting to see that you let Hilda go first. (and 100 is a good age to get to!)
Thanks.

 


#51:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 9:25 pm


That was beautiful Lesley. So moving. I too got teary with that last post.

Thank you.

















Especially for the lack of cliffs tongue

JackieJ

 


#52:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 9:30 pm


Just read this straight through.

Here's another with tears in my eyes - but it was lovely.

How much did you cry while you were writing it, Lesley? Crying or Very sad

 


#53:  Author: DonnaLocation: Liverpool PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 9:34 pm


I was doing ok until I got to everyone repeating 'English is one of the richest languages' and that broke down my defences so that when i got to Nell and her one solitary tear I had more than one flowing down my face!

Thank you lesley - this is beautiful.

 


#54:  Author: ellendLocation: Bow, London PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 10:05 pm


It's lovely, Lesley. The last post moved me to feel tearful.

Ellen

 


#55:  Author: MoraLocation: Lancaster PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 10:17 pm


*awwing softly* Crying

 


#56:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 12:34 am


Dang, this is good. Crying or Very sad Such a realistic mixture of reminiscence and sadness. Loved the idea of Margot as Rev. Mother, by the way. Smile

Quote:
“I’ll have plenty of time to rest later,” Nell responded
*hopes this isn't meant as a dire foreboding*

 


#57:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 3:55 am


I do wish people wouldn't make me cry at work.

People here are s'posed to think I'm tough and scary!

Still...if Margot had to be a nun, at least she got to be Boss Nun!

 


#58:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 8:49 am


Perfect - completely and utterly flawless

The way it must have been ...


Thank you, Lesley

 


#59:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 10:21 am


Agrees with Rachael, perfect. And another one sitting here with a tear in my eye.

 


#60:  Author: keren PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 10:27 am


someone took all the tissues,
where do you get more from?

 


#61:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 1:05 pm


Thank you Lesley - a really beautiful and moving piece. Yet another one with tears in her eyes.

 


#62:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 1:56 pm


That was amazing and very moving, thank you Lesley Very Happy

 


#63:  Author: NicciLocation: UK PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 5:14 pm


*crying*

The last line got me.

I know she's not really dead, but I still miss her.

 


#64:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 7:33 pm


Over the next few weeks Nell slowly adjusted to being on her own. Some of the younger nieces and nephews visited to help her to clear out some of the clothes and possessions that Hilda had left. The spacious, three-bed roomed flat, part of a sheltered housing complex, had been owned by Hilda. But a reading of her Will, the week after the funeral, had left almost everything, the flat included, to Nell. It had also set up a scholarship for a student wishing to attend Oxford University to study English, and left a large sum to charitable organisations and the local church. After hearing the Will, Reg Entwistle had taken Nell to one side.

“Now Aunt Nell, I know you’re a proud woman, but you would tell me if you needed help, wouldn’t you?”

Nell looked up at the tall doctor, Reg Entwistle was retired now, and in his mid seventies, but still looked the picture of a successful hospital consultant. His entire appearance shouted affluence. She smiled, “Reg, I have more than enough for my lifetime.” Her look was mischievous as she stressed the word lifetime.

Dr Entwistle frowned, “I’m serious Nell, I don’t want Len coming over to visit and finding you sitting freezing one day because you can’t afford to switch on the heating. Remember your income has dropped by half because…because…”

“Because Hilda has died, yes I know Reg.” Nell said gently, “You mustn’t worry, with the money Hilda left me, and my own savings, I have more than enough.” She reached up to squeeze his shoulder before continuing, “But thank you for asking, my dear.”

A visit by Father Anthony, the local Catholic priest, and a great friend, also touched on the subject of money. The priest looked around the sitting room of the flat, Nell watched, Father Anthony was a short, rotund man in his early fifties, the first time Nell had seen him she had been reminded, most irreverently, of Father Christmas. Later, when she had come to know him, she realised that he actually used that resemblance when visiting the nearby Children’s Home and hospital.

“You’ve not got rid of very much, Nell,” he remarked, “from the way you and Hilda used to speak, I thought all the books would go!”

Nell smiled, “I’ve had the Chief Librarian from the local library here, she was practically salivating at the thought of having the entire collection.”

“Hilda left them to you?”

“She did, although I’m sure she thought I’d get rid of them straight away. I’ve promised the Library can have them when I’m gone, the librarian seemed to think that was a reasonable time to wait!” she laughed.

“So why haven’t you disposed of them then?” Father Anthony’s face lit up remembering the number of times he had been a witness to the two friends ‘discussions’ about Hilda’s book collection. The books filled shelves in the sitting room, Hilda’s bedroom and the spare room. There were even shelves in the kitchen. Practically the only room without books was Nell’s room. “After all, it’s not as if you’ve ever read them!”

“Oh I have,” Nell replied quickly, “I’ve read practically every book in this flat!” The priest looked surprised and Nell continued, “I’ve been fairly lucky with my health,” she said, “I can still walk, after a fashion, and I have my hearing and sight, admittedly with glasses. Hilda wasn’t so lucky. As well as the arthritis, she developed diabetes in her seventies. Mainly it was controlled with diet, but it affected her eyes. She had a number of laser treatments on them but even so, her vision deteriorated.”

“You mean she couldn’t see? I never noticed.”

“She didn’t want anyone else to know. And she could see well enough to recognise people and watch the TV,” Nell replied, “But she couldn’t read, not even the large print books. So I’d read to her, over the last seven years or so we’ve probably got through every book in the place at least once!”

Father Anthony reached forwards to clasp Nell’s hand, “You’re a very special person, Nell Wilson.” He said gently.

Nell shook her head, “No, I did no more than she would have, if our positions were reversed. Do you know how we came to be living together?”

The priest shook his head, “I assumed it followed on from when you both retired from your posts as Headmistresses.”

“No, Hilda retired a couple of years before I did, and although we kept in touch with letters and the odd call, we were apart for the next eight years or so. We both decided we wanted to travel, but had different ideas on where we wanted to go. Hilda travelled around Europe, visiting cultural centres in France, Germany and Italy. She even managed to visit Russia – and this was during the Cold War of the late ‘60’s and early 70’s. She then moved to Tibet and then on to Japan.”

“And you?”

“I travelled to the Caribbean and Peru, then Hawaii, before moving on to Japan.” Nell smiled, “But I’m afraid my travels were to view volcanoes, not for the culture. We met up in Japan, travelled down to Australia to visit some old friends before returning to England. I was intending to settle in a cottage I owned on Dartmoor, Hilda was planning to buy a place here.”

“What changed your mind?”

“When I returned to this country, I found that a number of my investments had not performed well. I’d always gone for the higher risk investments, up until then they had given me a good income. But suddenly they collapsed. I was left with practically nothing in the bank and a cottage that needed extensive refurbishment if I were to live in it for my old age. I was seventy years old and, apart from my pension from the Chalet School, had nothing.”

Father Anthony was silent for a time, realising just how difficult a confession that had been for the intensely proud woman in front of him, when he spoke it was very quietly, “What did you do?”

Nell smiled, “I told just one person, Hilda, I knew she’d never have had the same problem – her investments were always in safe institutions. She appeared the next day with a removal van. We lived together from then on.” Nell’s eyes filled with tears as she remembered, she looked across at the priest, “She never referred to it again, and I paid my way, the sale of my cottage allowed that, didn’t allow her to subsidise me when it came to ordinary living expenses. Still, had it not been for her….well, you can see why I didn’t begrudge reading all her damn books!”


Last edited by Lesley on Sun Oct 17, 2004 8:22 am; edited 1 time in total

 


#65:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 8:12 pm


Oh, how loving of them both. I am still shivering.

 


#66:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 8:16 pm


Loved that Lesley!

 


#67:  Author: NicciLocation: UK PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 8:17 pm


I really hope i'm as lucky as Nell and Hilda when I'm that age.

 


#68:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 8:25 pm


lovely ..can just imagine Nell reading to Hilda and Hilda complaining about her inflections or something!

 


#69:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 8:33 pm


The words on the headstone are my paraphrasing of a quote sent to me from Nicole - thanks Nicole.

Over the next few months Nell settled in to a sort of routine. She may have lived alone, now, but she was never alone for long. Apart from all the friends she and Hilda had made in the village, there were any number of friends, mainly from when the two of them were part of the Chalet School. Hilda Annersley and Nell Wilson had been brevet aunts for many of the school’s pupils, and for almost all the Russells Bettanys and Maynards. Unusually, they had continued to be regarded as such by all the later generations, before Hilda’s death their flat had been a haven for countless troubled teenagers and a resting place for harassed business men and women. This continued and Nell was grateful for the company.

She also enjoyed the ritual of Sundays spent with Len and Reg Entwistle. They would arrive first thing in the morning and join her at Mass in her local church, then drive her back to spend the day with them. A lavish roast dinner would be provided mid-afternoon and most Sundays they would be joined by others of the family, not only the Entwistles themselves but any of the other Maynard clan who happened to be in the neighbourhood. It was, however noticed that at least some of the spark that was Nell Wilson had died at the same time as Hilda. Some put it down solely to a symptom of age, but Len herself, inheriting in full her mother’s empathy, and knowing both Hilda and Nell for all her life, was able to guess the truth.

The local Anglican vicar continued to visit Nell too, both of them enjoying the company, and the discussions. On one occasion she had spoken quite seriously to him on the subject of death.

“Do you feel it’s wrong to want to die?” Nell’s question was very quiet.

The vicar looked a little startled, “I’m the wrong one to ask that, Nell,” he began, “Perhaps you should wait until Father Anthony gets here.”

Nell shook her head, “I’ve already asked his opinion,” she said, “I wanted yours,” she paused, then, “Oh, I know the answer, you’ve no need to reply. But after living as long as I have, I must admit to be looking forward to the next stage.”

There was silence for a time, then the priest began diffidently, “You’re not being left on your own, are you? I mean your family are still visiting.”

“Yes, yes, they have all been wonderful,” her grey eyes, somewhat filmed now, stared into the distance, “I’ve not been allowed to stay on my own, I’m hardly ever alone. But that doesn’t stop me being lonely.” She paused for a time then continued, “I read in one of Hilda’s books, about someone who said that, when the last person who can remember you as a young women has died, then you are totally alone. My nephews and nieces are wonderful people, I couldn’t ask for better, but no one else can now remember the things I remember. And I have never felt so lonely.”



Almost five months to the day after Hilda Annersley’s funeral, Len and Reg received notification that the headstone had been placed. It was not an untimely delay, the earth had to be allowed to settle before a headstone was placed. The following day, a Sunday, Len proposed that, on the way back to the Entwistle home for lunch, they stop off there, so that the old lady could see it. Nell was agreeable and midday on a cold and damp October day saw them in the cemetery. They walked over to stand at the foot of Hilda’s grave, the headstone was a fairly simple one, it had only her name, date of her birth and death and, at the bottom, a short phrase.

If someone loses their parents, they are known as an orphan; their spouse and they are a widow or widower. Yet in all the languages of the world there is no word to describe the one who has lost a friend. As though the Earth itself has rebelled against having to describe that loss.

Len and Reg read it with tears in their eyes, both of them with an arm around Nell. After some time, as it was getting cold, Len suggested that they move on.

“Leave me here for a minute, Len,” Nell’s voice was very quiet, “I’ll not be long.”

They helped Nell to kneel beside the grave, then Len and Reg withdrew to the road and stood watching her. Nell first traced the words on the headstone then, sitting back on her heels, bent her head in prayer. After about five minutes Reg stirred, “Len, it’s cold, go tell Nell, she shouldn’t take much longer.”

Len nodded and moved back to the grave, Reg watched her walk up to the old lady and place an arm around her shoulders, he then saw her kneel beside her, she looked across at her husband, “Reg, come here!”

On reaching the pair the doctor needed mere seconds to diagnose, kneeling beside Nell he raised his hand to her throat and felt for her pulse.

“Is she…?” Len asked, tears starting to slide down her cheeks.

Reg nodded gravely, “You don’t want me to resuscitate, do you?” he asked.

Len shook her head, “No, this seems to be an appropriate time and place.” She stood up and Reg held her in a hug for a few minutes, her head on his shoulder. After a time she looked up, “I’ll stay with Nell, can you contact the authorities?”

Reg nodded and moved back toward the car and his phone, Len’s voice stopped him and he turned back, “Reg, I don’t care how, but can we bury her here, next to Aunt Hilda?”

Reg looked where Len was pointing, it was the plot next to Hilda's grave.

“I-I know there may be problems because of different religions and everything…”

“Leave it to me Len,” and Reg Entwistle’s voice was surprisingly hoarse, “I'll speak to the local vicar and Father Anthony, if necessary we'll get the rest of the clans involved. What’s the point of all this money and influence if we can’t use it occasionally?” He moved off.

Len knelt beside her Godmother one more time and placed an arm around her shoulders...


There is one more post to come.


Last edited by Lesley on Wed Nov 03, 2004 9:08 pm; edited 2 times in total

 


#70:  Author: NicciLocation: UK PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 8:40 pm


I'm not sure what to write in response to that last post Lesley. Except to thank you for making such a wonderful friendship perfect in life and in death.
The words on the headstone say everything about Nell and Hilda and their friendship.

*sitting with tears streaming down my face*

 


#71:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 8:41 pm


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

There are no words to say. *stunned* Lovely Lesley.

 


#72:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 8:47 pm


Exquisitely beautiful.


Thank you, Lesley.


Crying or Very sad

 


#73:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 8:48 pm


Lesley, both of those posts are totally beautiful. I don't know what else to say.

 


#74:  Author: ellendLocation: Bow, London PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 8:54 pm


Lovely Lesley

*suspiciously bright eyed*

Ellen

 


#75:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 8:58 pm


Wonderful, thank you Lesley

Crying

 


#76:  Author: DonnaLocation: Liverpool PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:08 pm


perfect Lesley. Thank you.

 


#77:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:11 pm


Lesley that was absolutely beautiful. And the way they should have gone too. Thank you.

 


#78:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:13 pm


 


#79:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:16 pm


Thank-you Lesley, this has been so moving.

 


#80:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:18 pm


"So what happens now?” Nell sat up and looked around her, it was a featureless and colourless landscape that met her eyes. She stood up; surprising herself with how easily she managed, and looked around again.

“Try looking over here, Nell!” The voice was amused, deep and low, Nell had heard that voice for more than seven decades, she spun round.

“Hilda! It can’t be!” her face showed her disbelief, there in front of her stood Hilda Annersley, but not how she last remembered her, this woman was young, barely in her thirties, she stood straight and tall, her blue-grey eyes piercing and unclouded, her hair a soft brown, without any grey.

“Who were you expecting, Nell?” Hilda laughed, “The Holy Ghost?”

“B-b-but,” Nell swallowed, “Look at you, you’re young again, no arthritis, no illness, it’s a miracle!”

“I’m not the only one, Nell!” Hilda said softly, “Look at yourself!” She handed across a small mirror, Nell looked with wonder, she had also reverted to an earlier self, no lines, rich auburn hair, and no limp.

“How?”

“As you said, Nell, a miracle.” Hilda smiled over at her friend and suddenly the two were hugging each other, crying tears of joy.

After some time they broke apart, Nell looked around, “Is this it then?” she asked, “the Afterlife?”

Hilda shook her head, “No, I think this is an interim place, the Afterlife is over there.” She pointed and Nell looked across to see a huge shaft of light in the distance. It reached far up into the sky, it shimmered slightly and Nell could suddenly feel it pulling her. “That one’s been there ever since I got here, whenever other people appeared another one would materialise. They’d step into it and vanish.”

“So why haven’t you done the same?”

“Because I was waiting for you!” Hilda smiled at her friend, “You don’t think, after all we’ve been through, that I’d want to go on without you, do you?”

“You’ve been waiting more than five months?”

Hilda shrugged, “What’s five months, compared to eternity?”

The two women linked arms and walked over to the shaft of light, as it enveloped them both they could be heard continuing their conversation.

“We’ll finally discover who was right then.”

“Yes, so whichever one of us is right, they’ll smuggle the other one in, agreed?”

“Agreed!” a pause, then, “And if neither of us are right we storm the Gates?”

“Right! They’ll not keep us out!”


That's it, people.


Last edited by Lesley on Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:35 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#81:  Author: pimLocation: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:22 pm


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

Lesley, that was just perfect. And I loved the last line!

 


#82:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:23 pm


Oh that was terrrific! So typical and funny. Even though i have tears in my eyes.

 


#83:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:23 pm


I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
that was perfect!

 


#84:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:24 pm


Lesley wrote:

“Because I was waiting for you!” Hilda smiled at her friend, “You don’t think, after all we’ve been through, that I’d want to go on without you, do you?”

“You’ve been waiting more than five months?”

Hilda shrugged, “What’s five months, compared to eternity?”


Quote:


“Yes, so whichever one of us is right, they’ll smuggle the other one in, agreed?”

“Agreed!” a pause, then, “And if neither of us are right we storm the Gates?”

“Right! They’ll not keep us out!”



Amazing. Real tears, streaming down my face. This was...!

I could just see this, and it was so real, so touching, so...right!


Last edited by Carolyn P on Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:26 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#85:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:24 pm


Wow, thank-you!
I love it that they were both young again.

 


#86:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:27 pm


Thank you
so moving
K

 


#87:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:27 pm


The perfect ending Lesley so funny and moving Very Happy

 


#88:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:33 pm


Wonderful ending, Lesley! So true to their characters!

 


#89:  Author: MihiriLocation: surrey england PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:50 pm


fantastic lesley. thank you so much

 


#90:  Author: DonnaLocation: Liverpool PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:55 pm


That was such a good ending - the tears started again! Thank you so much for this Lesley - it's been wonderful reading!

*wonders where the tissues are*

 


#91:  Author: EmilyLocation: Land of White Coats and Stethoscopes. PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 10:01 pm


Crying Crying Crying Crying Crying
Lesley that was perfect. Thank you We are not worthy

 


#92:  Author: Nell guesting PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 10:32 pm


Lovely, thank you Lesley.

I was in tears at the end of the penultimate post and laughing out loud by the end of the last one. Perfect.

Thank you.

Nell

 


#93:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 11:23 pm


Lesley, this drabble has been simply amazing. Like everyone else, I was sobbing by the end of the penultimate post, and I loved the last one. No, check that, I loved them all. But the last one was particularly perfect... not sure how much sense I'm making...

Thank you so much, Lesley! Kiss

Gem *probably spent too much time at the pub*

 


#94:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 11:32 pm


Gem may have spent too much time at the pub but think she summed it up perfectly Very Happy

Lesley, that drabble was perfect and one of the most powerful pieces of writing I've read in a long time. Thank you so much. You should be very proud.


Last edited by Josie on Thu Oct 14, 2004 11:46 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#95:  Author: ravenseyesLocation: New Zealand PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 11:35 pm


This was brilliant. Thank you very much

 


#96:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 11:44 pm


Not enough superlatives. Crying or Very sad Crying Smile Crying or Very sad Crying Smile

 


#97:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 1:33 am


*speechless*
*very teary*
*snickering over various lines*
Lesley, you're the only one who can do that to me! 'Nuff said.










..and you've done it again! *mumbles* how many times does this make for killing/attempting to kill H&N? *eyes Lesley suspiciously* You're sure they're really dead this time? Rolling Eyes ROFL

 


#98:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 2:58 am


Crying at lunchtime again!

Well I was 'till I read the last post which totally cheered me up.

 


#99:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 8:43 am


Thank you Lesley that was perfect. Exactly how the end should have been.

 


#100:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 9:05 am


Exquisite and definitive - thank you, Lesley! Kiss









*surprised that there hasn't been flooding this morning following the collective weeping of the CBB!*

 


#101:  Author: RobinLocation: London, England PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 10:01 am


that was lovely, thanks lesley

 


#102:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 10:51 am


Absolutely wonderful and perfect!

I really didn't see Nell's death coming, but as soon as it did I realised it was the only place for it.

Tears here too!

 


#103:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 11:21 am


Thank you Lesley.

Liz

 


#104:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 12:56 pm


That was perfect Lesley. You can imagine that's the way they'd have wanted it to end.

*giggles at the thought of Hilda & Nell storming the pearly gates*

Now I just have to clear this lump from my throat.

Thank you

JackieJ

 


#105:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 1:02 pm


I'm so pleased to have read that. It was perfect all the way through.

I don't often re-read drabbles as there just isn't time but I shall read that one.

Also thanks for that quote, Nicole. I've felt that but not had the words to express it.

 


#106:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 9:08 pm


Lesley that was incredible

Crying We are not worthy Crying We are not worthy Crying We are not worthy Crying

 


#107:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 9:29 pm


*floods of tears*

I never cry at drabbles, and you've made me cry till I have tears dropping onto my lap.

That was simply perfect.

 


#108:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Oct 16, 2004 4:30 pm


That was so moving, Lesley, a tribute to a friendship, and to friendship itself.

 


#109:  Author: keren PostPosted: Sat Oct 16, 2004 8:51 pm


Lucky I am reading this at home and not at work tommorw!

 


#110:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Sat Oct 16, 2004 9:53 pm


That was just perfect. Even if my brother does now think I'm insane because I'm sitting here with tears running down my face. Thanks, Lesley.

 


#111: Finale Author: Guest PostPosted: Sat Oct 16, 2004 11:29 pm


Lesley:

This was just beautifully done. Very moving - but what a wonderful touch of humour at the end to cheer us all up. Thank you.

 


#112:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 2:47 pm


Fabulous Lesley. Crying too hard to attempt to say more.

 


#113:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 7:02 pm


Thank you Lesley - that was perfect and the ending was so right. *crying*

 


#114:  Author: MoraLocation: Lancaster PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 8:35 pm


*laughing and crying* This is so so beautiful.

 


#115:  Author: NicoleLocation: New Zealand PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 6:26 am


I finally get around to reading this, Lesley and wow. This is just an absolutely perfect way for Nell and Hilda to pass on.

I'm thrilled you liked the quote - BTW, if anyone's interested, I came across it at about the time Lesley single handedly shut the old board down during the first RCS, lost it when my puter crashed and found it again when she had all of us believing a certain character was no more. Apologies for being cryptic, but I know there's a lot of newish members who haven't read RCS and I don't want to deprive them of any of the cliffs.

 


#116:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 11:09 pm


*crying again* Lesley, I've just read this straight through for a second time and it's fantastic!!! I love the glimpses of Hilda and Nell in old age, and their continued closeness with the clan. I suppose you couldn't write a drabble about their lives post- retirement? That's one we've never done.













After the current RCS installment, naturally...

 


#117:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 11:20 pm


*Gets out machine gun to shoot the myriad tiny plot-bunnies that suddenly appeared at that suggestion!!!*


Glad it still affects you, Lisa - be assured it does me too - never any need to act as though I'm sad, a quick read through this and I'm bawling my head off! Crying bawling

 


#118:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 11:46 pm


Lesley wrote:
*Gets out machine gun to shoot the myriad tiny plot-bunnies that suddenly appeared at that suggestion!!!*


Glad it still affects you, Lisa - be assured it does me too - never any need to act as though I'm sad, a quick read through this and I'm bawling my head off! Crying bawling


hehehe im so aglad toy aht toy Very Happy

 


#119:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 2:50 pm


Kat wrote:
Lesley wrote:
*Gets out machine gun to shoot the myriad tiny plot-bunnies that suddenly appeared at that suggestion!!!*


Glad it still affects you, Lisa - be assured it does me too - never any need to act as though I'm sad, a quick read through this and I'm bawling my head off! Crying bawling


hehehe im so aglad toy aht toy Very Happy




*wonders how much Malibu and coke Kat had drunk when she posted this! And also, just what she THOUGHT she was typing........* Wink

 


#120:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 4:05 pm


Guessing by the time, i think I was on my 5th/6th triple malibu n coke Embarassed

I can make out the first 3 words, but after that it's anyone's guess!!

 


#121:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 4:13 pm


Well, at least you had the burnt kitchen as an excuse. Very Happy

Hope the head's a little less delicate now.

 


#122:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 4:57 pm


Head is fine ty - just normal headache state which it's been in for a few weeks Confused

Kitchen has scrubbed up well though Very Happy

 


#123:  Author: Emma ALocation: Peterborough PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 5:39 pm


I read this all the way through today, and I had tears in my eyes by the end. Beautiful and tender and funny, too.

Thank-you, Lesley.

 


#124:  Author: James PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 10:30 pm


I've only just found this, can't believe I missed it.

Really beautiful Lesley, and I was nearly crying up til the last post and then laughing as Nell and Hilda prepared to storm the gates Smile

Thank you,

James

 




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