The CBB :: View topic - Hilda's Secret

#1: Hilda's Secret Author: Guest,

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 4:58 pm

"Hilda! Hilda!"
Hilda Annersley, Headmistress of the Chalet School paused on the threshold of the school library and peered down the darkened hallway, hugging a pile of books to her chest. "Nell? Where are you?"
Nell Wilson, her friend and co-head stepped out of the shadows with a large grin on her face. "I've been hunting for you everywhere" she declared. "I've never known anyone for sloping off as you have in the last week". Her tone changed and she looked anxiously at Hilda. "There's nothing wrong is there?"
"No, everything is fine Nell." she replied, wondering if Nell would keep her for long. She was her dearest friend, but Hilda had important work to do, and she was mindful of keeping it to herself. Nell glanced at her suspiciously, eyeing the precariously balanced pile of books.
"Anything of interest?" she asked idly, while quickly cranning her neck to view the titles.
With equal cunning, Hilda used the oportunity to adjust the pile so her arms covered most of the spines, leaving Nell virtually hopping out of curiousity.

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

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 5:00 pm

*Wide eyed with curiosity* Oooooooooooooooooooooh, do we get some more pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease? *puts on extra-nice face*

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

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 5:03 pm

*starts chanting at the mystery poster*

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

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 5:47 pm

*joins in the chant*

#5: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 5:59 pm

*adds to chant*

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

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 6:19 pm

Adds musical accompaniment - Guitar

#7: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 7:09 pm

*sings along tunefully*

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

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 7:55 pm

*joins in as tunefully as I can*

#9: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:30 pm

A very mysterious beginning. What is Hilda up to now?

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

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 9:36 pm

Interesting! Are you going to post some more and tell us who you are?

#11: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 10:50 pm

A mystery!
*joins in the tuneful chant*
Surprised

#12: Author: Guest,

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 11:05 pm

With twinkling eyes that she kept well hidden from the science mistress, Hilda stepped forward, expecting Nell to let her pass. "Oh Nell, don't be such a kid!" complained Hilda, as the stocky woman blocked the passage, with her arms crossed.
"You're up to something Hilda! Now tell me what it is before I - I... oh hang! As if I could do anything to stop you!" cried Nell annoyed, admitting defeat, at least for the time being.
Smiling smugly and thinking of her precious secret, Hilda chuckled. "Then be a lamb and move out the way" pleaded the Head grinning wickedly, knowing how much Nell hated pet names.
"I'll 'be a lamb' you" started Nell, pausing as Debbie Richards, the second prefect exited the library. As if caught out in a game of statues, Nell leaped to attention and stood stock still. 'Bill' as she was known to the school, had a strong sense of dignity and didn't exactly relish the idea of her childish side being revealed by a pupil.
The second prefect ignored the pair as she walked past, apart from a cursory acknowledgement, but once she reached the outside door she paused and looked back. However, Miss Annersley had vanished, taking the opportunity to slip away, leaving Nell looking increasingly flumoxed.

Hilda reached her cosy study in the annexe without further complication, and dumped the books on the heavy oak desk, scattering sheets of paper far and wide as she did. Picking up the phone that connected her to the school secretary Rosalie, she requested that she not be disturbed until Abendenson (help- sp anyone?). With a patient sigh, Rosalie agreed. It was the third time this week that Hilda had made such a request, and it was only wednesday! The pretty secretary picked up a pile of work and dumped it in her boss's overflowing intray. So much for catching up with the correspondence tonight!

#13: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 11:11 pm

Fantastic - more mystery what is she up to? And we still don't know who you are! Confused

Like the fact Nell admits to not being able to stop Hilda Laughing

#14: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 11:14 pm

Intriguing!

Who are you? And it's Abendessen, if you still want the spelling.

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

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 11:39 pm

Curioser and Curioser.

#16: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 11:39 pm

I like the childish side of Nell, and that the prefect looked back Very Happy

Who are you Question

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 12:16 am

Are you a registered member who is posting as a guest to remain anon, or a guest who is seeing if we are friendly or not?

Whatever, this is looking good so far, love the prefect!

#18: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 12:40 am

Hello guest, please may we have more of this drabble, I've loved it so far, it is very intriguing and I really want to know what secret Hilda is keeping

#19: Author: Guest,

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 1:01 am

Alone in the office, Hilda slipped off her shoes and wandered over to the corner cupboard which she generally used to store coffee and biscuits, which she had found to be a useful distraction for over-wrought pupils, along with her little sink and sponge that had dried many a tear. She pulled out a padlocked case and unlocked it, using the key concealed under her blouse. She set to work, and sooner than she realsied, the bell for Abendessen (thanks Catherine!) pealed forth.
Dreading the thought of arriving late for dinner, Hilda shoved the contents of the case together and quickly locked it, leaving the case under her desk for the time being. She was snatching her gown from the hook on the door when Rosalie tapped timidly, and popped her head round the door.
"Oh good you're rea" She stopped mid-sentence as she surveyed the disaster that was the Head's study. She stared at the Head as if she was going loopy until Hilda sweeped out of the office, dryly commenting that she had seen worse in the secretary's bedroom!

#20: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 1:23 am

*Wonders what Hilda was doing in her seceratary's bedroom*
(Sorry)
More please.

#21: Author: Guest,

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 1:30 am

Ellie wrote:

*Wonders what Hilda was doing in her seceratary's bedroom*
(Sorry)
More please.

*g* I'm sure she had been invited Ellie! Although from the the sound of it, maybe Hilda caught Rosalie slighty off guard!

#22: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 1:43 am

ELLIE!!!!!

This is good, Guest. I've a feeling we know you- you seem too at home to be a real guest!!!! Anyway- more please. And is this SCS or FCS???

*wavering between the harness and trampoline or the hysterical tissues box*

#23: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 1:49 am

I too think this Guest must be a regular... who though I have no idea! Funny seeing Miss Annersley being messy though.

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 7:49 am

*wonders if there might not be a connection between Guest and a certain unfinished story*

#25: Author: Emma, Location: Lichfield

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 9:47 am

*really enjoying this one, may we have some more soon please!!*

#26: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 10:08 am

Great start, Guest - loking forward to more ...

One thing though - describe Nell as athletic if you like but she's not stocky, even if Hilda is a little taller and slimmer! Very Happy

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 10:51 am

Well, Guest, this is intriguing and sounds like it could be amusing. Who are you?

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 11:31 am

*asks very politely* more please?

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 1:40 pm

Guest where are you we'd like some more please!

#30: Author: Guest,

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:07 pm

*its just an ickle bit of fun CS really. An ickle chalet school short-story*

As it was, Hilda still managed to be a minute late for Abendesson, a fact which only Nell raised her eyebrows at. Fortunately, as Rosalie walked in behind the Headmistress, the rest of the staff and girls assumed they had been detained on offical business.
Her flushed face and sparkling eyes made Nell consider having a sly word with Matey about the Head's health, but on further consideration, Nell decided that she would prefer to live a little longer. Next to Nell's healthy athletic build (happy Racheal?! Wink

), Hilda seemed more delicate than normal, and Nell wondered why no one else seemed to see it.
the rest of the dining room had been waiting patiently for the Headmistress to arrive and say grace so that they could tuck into Karen's delicious ostrich stew. Miss Annersley reached the staff table, on a raised platform - useful for overseeing the naughty middles. Taking her palce a the head of the table, she glanced around the hungry girls whose eyes were raised to the Headmistress. Putting her hands together for the grace, she announced in her usual beautiful tones, "Let's all please take a moment to say Abendesson.
There was a pregnant pause. Followed by an unmistakeable giggle from the junior's table which was quickly hushed by a hasty kick under the table by the junior prefect. All eyes remained on Miss Annersley, and she began to colour furiously. Her co-head fought hard to keep down the laughter that was bubbling up inside her, and had tears streaming down her face. With one loud hic-cup followed by an incomprehensible squeak, Nell Wilson set the entire dining room rocking in the seats with mirth as Miss Annersley slunk into her seat completely overcome with embarrassment.

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:16 pm

*giggles madly* Oh, poor Hilda!

#32: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:25 pm

Quote:

*its just an ickle bit of fun CS really. An ickle chalet school short-story*

Definately a regular - most people don't use the term 'ickle'

*loving Hilda's gaff. May we please have some more?

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:29 pm

You're right about that, Chelsea!

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:35 pm

Well regular or not i'd like some more please!

#35: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:40 pm

KB wrote:

*wonders if there might not be a connection between Guest and a certain unfinished story*

Which unfinished story?!! Do you mean New Family?

More please, mystery guest!

Last edited by catherine on Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:41 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:41 pm

Actually, no, I meant EBD_herself's story. But now that you mention it...

#37: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:43 pm

Ah! I'd forgotten that story!

Re New Family - do you think poor Beth is still in bed? I can't remember where she left her, it's been that long! If she is, she'll have bedsores by now!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:46 pm

*Begins a chant for more*

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:47 pm

*lol* Yes, she probably does! Poor thing!

#40: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 7:01 pm

*joins in pims chant*
megaphone

Whoever you are, we'd like some more please so get typing! typing

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 9:18 pm

*chants for more from the mystery poster*

#42: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 9:22 pm

*wonders if Vikki saw hint about NF*

#43: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 10:25 pm

*joins chanting with a will*

More, please!
Especially now that I'm happier ...... thanks! Very Happy

What's up with Hilda??

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 11:16 pm

catherine wrote:

*wonders if Vikki saw hint about NF*

I was going with the selective blindness tactic.........

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

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 11:22 pm

*joins in the chant*

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

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 12:16 am

*wonders if the chant should be moved to the Auberge so we get the echoes and therefore a DOUBLE chant*

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

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 1:10 am

Want more!

Hilda's not drunk is she? Shocked

Love the gaff!

#48: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 2:57 am

Have just read this all the way through. Thank you Guest for your posts of an interesting story.

Think you are definitley a regular the way you use people's names when they have commented on your story is suggestive of being at ease here.

#49: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 3:04 am

*Joins in chant and bangs drums* drummer

More please whoever you are, whatever Hilda's secret is, it's certainly occupying her thoughts isn't it Laughing

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

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 7:29 am

Vikki wrote:

catherine wrote:

*wonders if Vikki saw hint about NF*

I was going with the selective blindness tactic.........

No true CS girl would ever do that! Shocked

#51: Author: keren,

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 12:00 pm

maybe Hilda is writing a book??

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

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 4:20 pm

I an becoming more of the opinion that this is a regular as well, but I'm not sure who, yet!

Let's hear what up with Hilda then!

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

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 6:20 pm

*joins the chant*

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

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 8:23 pm

I think all the regular drabblers (?) should post a short story anonymously and we can guess who they really are ...

*joins chant, more, more, more*

#55: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 8:35 pm

That could be fun!

#56: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 8:41 pm

Who's on your list of regular drabblers then Mandy?

#57: Author: Guest,

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 9:17 pm

The dining room went quiet again as Miss Annersley pulled herself together and stood up. Her face was still pink, but her eyes were full of mirth and it was to some relief of the rest of the school, not least Nell Wilson, when she smiled at the girls.
"Well, I suppose that's something you people will insist on reminding me about for many years to come" she said laughing. "However, I think we should forget about it at the moment as we have waited for our dinner long enough..." Hilda gulped as she suddenly remembered why Abendesson had started so late. "So let's say grace, and enjoy our meal!"
The girls and staff murmured their thanks, and soon there was nothing but the sound of merry chatter and scraping of knives and forks throughout the room. At the staff table, Hilda sat in silence, ignoring sly nudges from Nell Wilson who was still suffering from the hic-cups every two minutes.

When Abendesson was over, Nell followed Hilda to the Annexe, ignoring that lady's protestations that she was busy.
Biting back a gasp at the Head's study - there were sheets of paper everywhere, piles of books on the floor some open some closed, half-empy coffee cups at various stage of infestation lay about the room - Nell marched across to Hilda's cupboard and opened the door. Hilda looked on warily, wondering what she was trying to find. She sighed with relief when Nell retracted her arm from the cupboard along with bottles of the finest whisky and brandy money could buy.
Nell looked at the labels and grinned. "I'm impressed Hilda. What happened to that awful stuff you used to provide?" And then, as understanding dawned she added, "O-oh, you little rat-bag. This is your own private stash is it. No doubt the rest of your visitors recieve the staff supplies."
Nell poured two glasses. Knocking back hers in one she ran her tongue over her lips. "mmmm. jolly good stuff Hilda. Far better than Jo's offerings. Poor Jack."
Hilda grinned. "There's no need to say 'poor jack' Nell. Why, I'm not the only one with secret stashes you know!"
"So why one earth does Jo order such crap for the house then?" demanded Nell.
"I imagine because she doesn't know any better" retorted Hilda dryly.
"It must cost a bit" commented Nell.
"Its not as if I get through six bottles a week Nell!" Hilda grinned, using her partner's occupation with the drinks as a chance to slyly tidy up the office. There were a few books around she wouldn't want Nell to see.
"but still..." Nell wondered.

#58: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 9:27 pm

*wonders why Hilda's office is a mess
*wonders how Hilda can afford a secret stash

*really wonders who the mystery guest author is!

#59: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 9:41 pm

*wondering all of the above*
*wondering when we get more!*

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

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 10:35 pm

*Thinking it's about time there was further development, and an answer to some questions*

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

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 10:39 pm

Ditto. Shall I start the chanting?

#62: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 11:47 pm

I suspect whoever it is has discovered that email addresses can help to give you away!! Sometimes! Laughing

#63: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 11:59 pm

I love the idea that Jack has to have a private stash away from Joey Very Happy

I still don't see why our guest won't show themselves!

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

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 12:08 am

catherine wrote:

Who's on your list of regular drabblers then Mandy?

Anyone who writes the drabbles Catherine. I didn't want to say everyone as I for one seem to live in a 'PBunny free zone'.

#65: Author: Guest,

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 1:09 am

Sarah_K wrote:

I still don't see why our guest won't show themselves!

call it an identity crisis! Wink

#66: Author: Guest,

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 1:51 am

"Can I help you tidy up?" asked Nell quickly, hoping this was her chance so snoop around.
Hilda grinned wickedly. "The question is may..." Nell flushed at falling into such an easy rebuke, "but actually I'd rather you didn't". Nell looked at Hilda, not bothering to hide her suprise.
Before Hilda could come up with a half decent excuse, Nell turned on her heel and walked away. Hilda looked upset, and turned away herself. This wasn't what she wanted to happen. She suddenly realsied the perils of keeping a secret from one's nearest and dearest. nell was that to her, but for some silly reason, Hilda couldn't bring herself to share her secret.
At the door Nell paused, struck by a sudden thought. She had recognised one of those books, before Hilda had shoved it into a drawer.
"Why on earth are you reading Chemistry for General Certificate?" demanded Nell, turning around.
Hilda blushed uncomfortably. "I - I was just, uh, researching something Nell. You know science stuff isn't my forte!"
Nell smiled. "Well, no Hilda, it certainly isn't. But why didn't you just ask me? And what are you researching?" she asked, as an afterthought.
Hilda's face was a picture. A point blank question had to be answered. But how? She slightly worried about Nell's reaction.
She needn't have worried. Nell looked at her sharply, thinking of all the other occasions that Hilda had behaved oddly, although none as bad as this. She smiled at her friend. "Hilda, I can't say I like us having secrets, but I can see that you want to tell me about it. So whenever you can feel you can trust me with it, I'm listening."

#67: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 1:56 am

Yay for an understanding Nell but what on earth can Hilda be hiding from her... who on earth would read about chemistry voluntarily... who on earth is our mystery poster with the identity crisis?

All these questions and more will probably go unanswered until we've all driven ourselves mad wondering id the rest of the board is anything to go by Rolling Eyes

#68: Author: Guest,

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 2:02 am

Sarah_K wrote:

All these questions and more will probably go unanswered until we've all driven ourselves mad wondering id the rest of the board is anything to go by Rolling Eyes

Don't worry. Questions will be answered soon. This is only a short story!

#69: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 4:16 am

*wonders if Hilda needs to get her school certificate. Maybe the MA gown is a fake Wink

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

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 8:19 am

While these posts are nice, I would like to get some answers!

#71: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 10:47 am

Is this a carry-over from Surfeit of Rach(a)els?

Is Hilda slyly studying science so she can get a qualification and thus wave two fingers at Nell if she makes any more comments about her lack of scientific knowledge

... or do I just need to get out more? Confused

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

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 2:09 pm

*thinking to the point of brain death*

Chemistry, voluntarily? She must be mad! Very Happy

#73: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 4:11 pm

There's usually a good reason for whatever Hilda does, it's just that I can't think of one at the moment.

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

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 7:39 pm

*trying desperately to suss out the identity of the mystery drabbler*

#75: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 7:41 pm

Even though we are no closer to the identity of the mystery drabbler, at least we are closer to the revelation of Hilda's secret.

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

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 7:47 pm

Please may we have some more!

#77: Author: Guest,

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 10:28 pm

*enjoying the guesses and thanks for the comments guys*

This isn't an extension of any drabble (that I know of). The science thing was no doubt influenced from reading surfeit but wasn't intentional. I don't even know if this story has been 'done' before. I hope not, but it seemed fairly obvious to me, so it probably has. What can I say, if I've nicked anyone's ideas, apologies all round, but I know I've not come across it before.

oh and Vikki, I wouldn't want to see you get too worried about Who I Am - I'm not going to be revealing myself so it would just be a lot of wasted effort! Wink

*plans to write more tonight*

#78: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 10:31 pm

Lovely story whoever you are, thank you. Echoes cries for 'More please'.

#79: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 10:36 pm

Well, the only thing that occurs to me is IVF. Though why Hilda should want a cert in Chem is beyond me. Guest, please stop being provoking and tell us!!!!!!

#80: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 10:41 pm

Agrees with Lisa. Please start giving us some answers! And why won't you reveal yourself? We'd all like to know who you are!

#81: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 10:45 pm

Maybe she's self-diagnosing herself and been researching the cause of headaches - another drabble about her eyesight?

Anyway, never mind the conjecturing, more story please!

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

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 10:55 pm

Echoes all the other requests for more story please!!

(Quite funny really - one of the two reference books I've got for Surfeit is GCSE Chemistry! - The other is Geography!)

#83: Author: Guest,

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 12:20 pm

Sorry I didn't post last night, I got tied up (don't even say it! *looks meaningfully around CBBers*)

After Nell left the study, Hilda returned to her desk and picked up her pen. But her thoughts were too busy and she pushed her work away in frustration. She couldn't keep it a secret for long, there were already eight around, and she knew it wasn't long before people would start to make connections.
She book marked her spot in the chemistry book - it hadn't been very useful anyway, she still didn't understand it. Oh well, she considered, it wouldn't harm her not to be thorough for once.
She turned over a sheet on her desk and tapped her pen against her temple.

There was a tap at the door. Julia Berton, the library prefect entered and curtseyed in front of the Head.
Miss Annersley looked up and smiled charmingly at the girl. "Yes dear?"
"Miss Annersley, I'm sorry to bother you, but I have the orderlist here for the new library books next term. Could you possibly sign off on it please, as it needs to be posted today."
"may I read through it?" asked Miss Annerlsey, reaching out for the form. Julia passed it over, and awaited the Head's agreement.
She looked up in surprise as the Head gasped and turned a funny shade of purple.
"Miss Annersley, are you ok? Should I call for Matron?" this last sugegstion was quelched immediately as hilda regained all the self control she had left to administer a withering look. Julia blushed deeply and apologised.
"I'm sorry my dear, I was just a little surprised at something, that's all" explained Miss Annersley.

"Surprised at what?" queried Miss Wilson, walking past the study at that moment. Sweeping past julia and ushering her out of the study, Nell marched over to Hilda and snatched the sheet out of her clammy hands.
"I don't see wha-" Nell stopped, speechless for once. "I didn't know there were books called the Chalet School! How very bizarre" she commented, staring at Hilda, "or is it?" she wondered. "I don't recognise this name, she's not an old girl is she?"
Hilda said nothing.
"Elinor!" the name was said so softly, but Nell Wilson still succeeded in making Hilda start.
"They're very popular Nell" explained Hilda quickly. "I - I only wrote one, and then, oh I don't know, it started getting out of hand." Nell stared in amazement.
"you?" she said incredulously. "Am I in it?" she asked curiously. Hilda nodded embarassed.
"I've been ever so nice about you" she tried.
"I guess I'll have to read them to see won't I"
Hilda leaped over the table and clutched Nell's arm. "Oh please don't Nell. They're kids books. You wouldn't be interested."
"Its only fair Hilda." Nell shook her head. "As if the girls' exploits aren't enough, we have to have mistresses running around getting themselves into all sorts. Well, at least I know you've not been going mad then. I was starting to wonder you know..."
Hilda looked up, and saw a glimmer of a smile twitching on Nell's stern face. "Oh Nell, I'm so sorry. I should have told you."
"That's ok I suppose" mumbled Nell, shyly reaching out her hand to shake Hilda's proffered one. "Friends again?" Hilda nodded.
"Now then," began Nell looking around the office, "where do you keep your copies?"
Hilda's shoulders sagged. She wasn't going to dissaude Nell after all. Heaving a gusty sigh, she unlocked her desk drawer and pulled out a gaily jacketed hardback book. "Here's the first" she said, with an air of resignation "Bring it back when you've finished with it. they reckon it'll probably be quite valuable in the future, as its so popular".
Nell hopped off, cheerfully clutching the book, her mind swirling with thoughts.
Hilda sat back down, finding her mind was much more relaxed now that she had come clean. She would have to have a word with Julia later, but she was sure things could be smoothed over.

Something Nell had said struck her. Uncapping her pen, she turned to the title page. She never had been happy with that title. Putting pen to paper, she scribbled the line out and began writing, Exploits of the Chalet School. Looking over it, she nodded in satisfaction. 'And Joey Maynard thought she could write!'

The End.

#84: Author: Guest,

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 12:23 pm

oops, could a mod remove one of these please? over eagerness with the old submit button I'm afraid! Rolling Eyes

#85: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 12:44 pm

You should be able to remove it yourself - When you post something there are three wee boxes in the top right hand corner of the post - quote, modify and delete (a small cross) - just hit the cross
(When you look at other people's posts, you only get the quote box in the right hand corner)

But back to the story!
Marvellous! I LOVE the idea of Hilda being the real author - what a fabulous secret!
Nell will be a bit disappointed though if Hilda gave her the first one to read Wink

And I wonder what she'll think of all the abuse and suppression she gets from Joey!

Sadly I fear this may be it but we'd love more ....!!

#86: Author: Guest,

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 12:53 pm

Rachael wrote:

It doesn't work for a guest Rachael, unless I'm doing something wrong. we guests only have the quote box. We can't even edit our own texts!

#87: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 12:57 pm

Oh!! *chuckle*

Hoist by your own petard then?! Wink

#88: Author: Guest,

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 1:03 pm

yup!

Your other post inspired me Rachael. If any of the mods read this, could they (as well as deleating my gazzillion extra posts) please change the title (am doing a Hilda here!). I think it should be Hilda's Secret.

#89: Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 1:12 pm

What a wonderful idea Smile

Love it.

Ray *applauding* *and wondering if the Guest would like to identify herself now?*

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

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 1:29 pm

Yay, that was a very clever idea!

*agrees Ray - unmask yourself, writer!*

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

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 2:22 pm

*begins a chant for the mystery writer to reveal themselves*

ROFL, that was great!

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

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 2:28 pm

*joins in the chant*

#93: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 3:57 pm

Who are you?

#94: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 4:17 pm

We've loved the drabble, so now please tell us who you are.

#95: Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 4:40 pm

*giggles* That was really good Guest. But couldn't you tell us who you are please? *wishing she could write...anything. I'm currently taking a (long) break from the french essay I'm making a hash of!*

#96: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 4:49 pm

Now the chemistry book makes sense! ROFL

Also why we never hear just how Evvy blew up the lab. (to my satisfaction, anyhow)

Adds to demands that Guest reveal herself.

(And the same to the rest of you recalcitrant masqueraders. Robin, for example.)

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

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 4:58 pm

Oh excellent, what a wonderful twist! Thank you - now please, who are you?

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

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 6:09 pm

Thank you very much Guest!! That was lovely, now may we know your identity please?

#99: Author: gigagal, Location: London

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 6:34 pm

I've just read all of this, and I enjoyed it lots!!! ^_^ I'd like to know who Mysterious Guest is as much as anyone else now...

#100: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 6:44 pm

*joins in chant*

Please reveal yourself so we can praise you to your face, as it were! This has been a lovely story.

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

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 7:43 pm

Fantastic twist at the end there! Please do tell us who you are!

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

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 7:49 pm

Praise to the face may be an open disgrace, but we'd love to try.

That was a wonderul twist at the end, and we would love to know who you are, please do tell us.

#103: Author: Guest,

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:06 pm

aw, you guys are so lovely, thanks for all the great comments. I really began to worry part way through that the story had already been done.

*cunningly ignores all requests to reveal self*

#104: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:09 pm

Give us a good reason why you won't reveal yourself!

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

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:10 pm

*suggests that appropriate revenge would be for a mod to delete the thread so that our Guest gets no more feedback*

#106: Author: Guest,

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:22 pm

*howls* KB! You're so mean to suggest such a thing. Sad

ok, when I said I was having an identity crisis, I was. In the sense that I'm writing something else for the board at the moment, and I found it was easier to write Hilda if I seperated myself from the person writing the other drabble. So I suppose I could reveal my name now, but its such fun being mysterious! Laughing

#107: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:26 pm

Oh no please! Don't be mysterious anymore! Tell us!

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

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:27 pm

Could we not do it by a process of elimination?

#109: Author: Guest,

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:30 pm

What, you mean by who's writing on C&D at the moment? Well, you could try, but I've not actually posted any yet! Wink

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

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:30 pm

Anonymous wrote:

*howls* KB! You're so mean to suggest such a thing. Sad

Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind, hun. Kiss

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

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:31 pm

I meant by eliminating the people we knew who hadn't written it as most of us have already said it's not us.

*eliminates self from list*

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

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:32 pm

*also eliminates self*

#113: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:35 pm

Well that's not going to work if Guest eliminates herself as well, is it?!! Confused

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

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:37 pm

Ahh. And there is the mouche in the ointment.

*returns to chanting instead*

#115: Author: Guest,

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:37 pm

pim wrote:

I meant by eliminating the people we knew who hadn't written it as most of us have already said it's not us.

*eliminates self from list*

But anyone could bluff. What's to say I haven't been cunning and posted properly here as a reader?

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

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:38 pm

Wouldn't surprise me in the slightest!

#117: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 9:18 pm

Don't you want people to accredit you properly?

#118: Author: Guest,

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 9:31 pm

I'm trying not to be dense, but what does that mean?

#119: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 9:38 pm

Accredit you with the story - give you the credit for the story - i.e. give you, the real you, the credit for writing such a really good story so we can say oh read Hilda's secret by so and so and not just, read Hilda's secret by Guest.

#120: Author: Guest,

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 9:44 pm

*vanity begins to get the better of guest*

hmmmmmmm. ok then....

.......

#121: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 9:45 pm

#122: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 9:47 pm

I thought it might be when you said you were trying to write something as I know you're doing a sequel to tensions!

Congrats, Nicci! It was fantastic!

*congratulates self on getting Nicci to own up*

#123: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 9:50 pm

I was just on my way back to delete my post before anyone saw it, lost my nerve!
but you beat me to it!

thanks Catherine. it was fun to write a short story, knowing it would be very simple to conclude!

but if you thought it might be me, why didn't you say? I'm like Hilda, I couldn't have ignored a point blank question!

#124: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 9:56 pm

Praises Nicci for coming clean.
(As well as for story.)

#125: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 10:01 pm

Because I was mentally running through a list of possibles in my head and I just thought it might be possible. It was just a hunch but I wasn't sure how strong a hunch and I didn't think you'd admit even if I was right!

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

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 10:29 pm

Nicci, it was truly great! I loved the ending! Fabulous stuff, and thank you for coming forward!

#127: Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 11:39 pm

Yay! Way to go Nicci!! Personally, I don't know how anyone can manage to have another identity - I'd have to tell someone and blow my cover! Embarassed

#128: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 11:48 pm

And the mystery poster is revealed. Thanks for the story Nicci. Very Happy

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

Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 12:28 am

Nice one Nicci, that was so cool.

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

Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 12:33 am

Thanks Nicci, and thanks for telling us. It's much nicer to know whose written a story, even if you wait till the end to know.

I loved the twist in the tail to this.

#131: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 12:43 am

That was a really good twisty ending ending Nicci, the whiole story was so intriguing, thank you.
I'm glad that I found out who you were before I got to reply, it hasn't made any differnce to what I was going to say, but it feels a bit weird when you don't know who you're talking to.

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

Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:43 am

Thank you Nicci!!
It was a lovely story!!

#133: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 3:16 am

Thank you Nicci a brilliant story. Love the ending.

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

Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 3:45 am

Thanks, Nicci, have just read all this in one go - YAY! I was beginning to wonder if Hilda was writing a book when she thought the bit about there already being eight, but would never have thought she was writing THOSE books!

Very Happy

#135: Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England

Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 8:10 am

*applauds*

Well done Nicci Smile

Ray *who would never be able to keep two identities seperate...*

#136: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 9:57 am

Only just read this from start to finish. Very funny twist! Nice one, Nicci but I'm glad we know it was you.

#137: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 6:50 pm

I've just realised, this is the first story that I've written for myself (ie. not for school) that I've ever completed! Admittedly it was only a short story but hey, I'm amazed and prepared to crack open the bubbly!
drummer

#138: Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England

Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 7:04 pm

*gives Nicci applause*

Even more good on you, then Smile

Ray *only wishes her first story was this good*

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

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 12:37 am

Thanks for owning up Nicci it was great!

#140: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 1:54 pm

Do we call you 'Nicci, woman of mystery' now?

The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles

output generated using printer-friendly topic mod, All times are GMT + 1 Hour

Page 1 of 1