Indulge me please
The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles

#1: Indulge me please Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 6:10 pm


First part archived at
http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/indulge.html

Second at
First part archived at
http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/indulge2.htm

Carolyn

 


#2:  Author: EBD_Herself PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 6:57 pm


Thankyou Carolyn P for providing the links to my earlier work.



Realising it would be impossible to learn the game of squash by herself, Emily made her way through the sports hall and back into the changing area, where she showered and put her ordinary clothes back on. She did all this slowly, and thoughtfully, trying to piece together what she already knew, but was unable to think of a reason for Konnie and Helayna's bizarre behaviour, and Aimee's incredible meekness where those two were concerned went far beyond belief.

Just as Emily was thinking she ought to go back across to the school for lack of anything better to do, a whole crowd of girls came in and spotted her.
"Hiya! You're the new girl in Lower Four aren't you?" asked one with a friendly grin.
Emily smiled back, relieved to find some apparently normal people within this school.
"Yes, Emily Chapman," Emily offered.
"Lutfee Houtari, Upper Four. I'm from Kuwait," she added seeing Emily struggling to think where the name could be from.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude," stammered Emily, "But you speak English so well I would never have guessed you weren't!"
Lutfee laughed outright. "What a compliment! In Kuwait, at the school I attended until I was nine, we spoke both English and Arabic, so it was not a great difficulty to speak more English and less Arabic."
Lutfee finished throwing her clothes on in a gloriously random fashion and turning saw that Emily was still stood there, rubbing one foot against the back of her other leg.
"Would you like to come with us for tea?" asked Lutfee gently, guessing that Emily was feeling at a loose end.
"Oh may I?" asked Emily in a rush. "That really would be kind of you, I don't exactly know many other people yet, and the couple I do know seem to have gone off and I wasn't sure if I was supposed to go in by myself or not." Emily's words came tumbling out, all her uncertainties pouring out at this unexpected show of friendship.
"Poor you," said Lutfee with a sympathetic smile. "We have all been new at some time or other. I had the advantage of coming here when I was nine, and with a whole group of girls all starting new at the same time, so we were guided round the school by the mistresses for the first week or so. As you have come now, it is expected that you will just muddle through and find things out yourself. I do not envy you in the slightest!" finished Lutfee, who seemed keen to make Emily feel at home.

 


#3:  Author: EBD_Herself PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 6:57 pm


Lutfee, Emily and the rest of the Upper Four girls who had been playing hockey on the astroturf pitch made their way back to the school, but Lutfee walked slowly and Emily found that very soon the two of them had fallen some way behind the other girls.
"I just wanted to speak to you privately, if you do not mind?" Lutfee asked with a slightly anxious expression.
"Not at all," replied Emily, wondering what was coming next.
"It is just, if you are in Lower Four, you must be with Konnie and Helayna, yes?"
"That's right." replied Emily shortly, not much liking where this conversation seemed to be heading.
"Then please do not upset LKonnie if you can help it. Just be nice to her, and try not to do or say anything that should upset her. It would not be kind of you to do so, and you do not look like an unkind girl."

Emily stopped and whirled round angrily. "Why does everyone go on about Konnie like this? So far, she has been rude, lazy, arrogant and a complete bully, yet everyone seems to let her get away with it! Obviously, Miss Rosomon is her sister, and is showing favouritism for that reason, and Helayna is Konnie's cousin, but why are YOU telling me to go easy on her? Shouldn't she be going easy on me since I'm a new girl, the only new girl in her form this term, and I've never been to boarding school before? Well? Shouldn't she?"

Lutfee looked hard into Emily's eyes. "Pleas Emily, I know it sounds hard, but Konnie really needs everyone to help her out at the moment. For you, as a new girl, it must seem strange. Miss Rosomon has never shown much favouritism before, but if she is, then it is because it is necessary. Wont you at least try?"
"Why?" Emily's question was short and to the point.
"Oh dear," replied Lutfee. "It is very difficult, especially as it is not really my business, and Mrs Maynard tells us always not to spread gossip about others."
"Fine! But don't expect me to bend over backwards for that cow!" Emily ran from Lutfee, almost in tears, upset that the older girl seemed to be so much on Konnie's side; unaware that until that moment there had even been sides. Emily ran into the building, changed her shoes as quickly as she could, and then crept upstairs to the dormitory, to lie on her bed, read her book and pretend she had never wanted tea tonight anyway.

 


#4:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 7:35 pm


The mystery deepens.
Please Please post some more soon.

 


#5:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 7:49 pm


Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease tell us what's going on with Konnie!!!!!!! Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked

 


#6:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 8:36 pm


Well I can't see how Emily is supposed to have any sympathy for the girl if they won't tell her why Konnie is acting like a total b*tch!

Caught up with this in the archives and here - many thanks for the posts - looking forward to more. Smile


Last edited by Lesley on Tue Jan 20, 2004 8:39 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#7:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 8:37 pm


WHY do we have to be nice to Konnie?? Emily is right - we should be nice to Emily!

 


#8:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 9:16 pm


The mystery deepens. Did anyone notice that EBD did not post on Monday but Tuesday? - did she know the new board was going live? that might narrow down the alter ego of the illustrious authoress.

It's good, though, more please!

 


#9:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 10:33 pm


I have to say that I don't like a single character in this whole story! Are we going to get anyone nice?

 


#10:  Author: MandyLocation: Derry, N.Ireland PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 10:34 pm


More please - and btw I like your sig.

 


#11:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 10:45 pm


Well now I'm confused (now?) I wonder what's the matter with Konnie? Something to do with her mother I'm guessing.
Did anyone else notcie that as soon as we got Emily's grandmother sorted out we were left with a question mark over Aimee's!

 


#12:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 10:57 pm


I hadn't until you mentioned it, Sarah...

 


#13:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 12:37 am


EBD obviously wants to keep us on our toes!!! Rolling Eyes

 


#14:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 2:13 am


And also apparently annoy us!

 


#15:  Author: EBD_Herself PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 6:56 pm


PatMac, monday's posting is in the archive my dear.



Emily lay on her bed with her book, hardly taking in a word of it, despite the fact that it was the latest Terry Pratchett. With a sigh, she flung the book to the floor of her cubey, regardless of the fact that it was extremely bad for the pages.
"I hate this stupid school," she grumbled aloud, not realising the door had opened and someone was walking through the dorm.
"Isn't it a little soon to form such a strong opinion?" asked Katy Brown, popping her head into Emily's cubey.
Emily flushed with embarrassment. "Are you checking up on me?" she asked suspiciously.
"Not at all Emily. As a prefect, one of my duties is to tour the dormies to make sure that everyone who missed tea knows that they've missed it. You'd be surprised how many of our girls get absorbed in their books and never realise they've missed a meal until Prep bell rings of an evening!"
Katy sat herself on the side of Emily's bed. "I don't want to be nosy, but what is it in particular you hate about this school? The buildings are pretty harmless, so I assume it must be some of the people? Yes?"
Emily nodded slowly, watching Katy's face, not wanting to tell, but certain she was about to spill everything. And after everything Grandmother had said too!
"Come on kiddy, spit it out, and if I can't help you, I might at least be able to share in your hatred! You never know until you try," she finished with a wink.

Emily decided there and then to tell Katy everything that had happened from the minute she arrived at the school, all about Konnie and Helayna's behaviour, Aimee's meekness to the point of being a complete doormat, how Konnie was a bully, and how she couldn't understand why people kept advising her to make allowances for Konnie. "She's downright nasty Katy, and I know I've only just met her, and you've all known her for years, but I really don't like her!"

Katy sat so quietly for a minute that Emily wondered if the older girl had even been listening, but eventually Katy stirred herself and looked at Emily. "I'll tell you why everyone is making allowances for Konnie, but this is between you and I and goes no further. If I find out from anyone that you've repeated this, I'll slay you, got that?" Emily nodded. "It's not so much that it's a secret, not up here anyway. But we're all trying to help Konnie get over it, and the last thing she'll thank me for is telling a new girl her story. She's an intensely private little girl, and she hated everybody talking about her at the beginning of the Autumn term. Right, now listen closely, because this is the only time I will tell you all this.

 


#16:  Author: EBD_Herself PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 6:57 pm


"Konnie's mother was an old girl of the school. Her whole family had been, and Konnie's grandma was the first old girl. Well, Konnies mum was really ill as a baby - apparently she had polio or something like that, and although she got better, it was never completely better. Then she grew up, fell in love with another local lad, and they got married. They had Sharon, or Miss Rosomon as she is now, although it's hard to remember to call her that when she was here at school with me until a couple of years ago! Anyway, after Sharon, there didn't seem to be any more kiddies, and then they had Konnie. It was a bit of a shock, cos Mrs Rosomon was in her late thirties, and her health was getting worse."

Emily sat silently, wondering how all this fitted together, uncertain if she should make any comment, but Katy continued her tale.
"I wish you could have seen Mrs Rosomon Emily, she was a truly beautiful woman. Very frail the whole time I knew her, but with a kind of ethereal beauty - do you know what that word means?" Katy asked, and when Emily shook her head, replied, "Well, look it up. It describes Pippa Rosomon to a tee. Anyway, there were only Sharon and Konnie, and then suddenly, Konnie was telling us all about a year ago that her mum was pregnant and there was going to be another baby. Sharon was quite unhappy about it all, because although Konnie didn't know it, her mum had had several miscarriages after her birth, and Tony, Konnie's dad, was really worried. To cut an already long story short, Konnie's mum wasn't well enough, and that coupled with ehr age, killed her. Konnie was devastated, she had lost ehr mum, and her baby brother or sister, and her sister had left school. She was alone and struggling to come to terms with her grief - in many ways she still hasn't faced up to her loss. Do you begin to understand now why everyone is going easy on her Emily? She's the same age as yourself, but has no mum, her sister is a mistress here and her father is in England. It's hard for her Emily. Very hard."

Emily nodded her head slowly as the tale concluded. "It must have been awful. You said it was last summer it happened?"
"During the holidays," confirmed Katy.
"Well, I don't mean to be horrible, but shouldn't people stop treating her with kid gloves all the time now? I mean," she added as Katy's face closed up in anger, "I mean, can't I be sympathetic without being her whipping boy?"
Katy smiled at the expression. "OK, I think I see what you mean. No, nobody wants you to be her whipping boy, just as nobody will permit bullying. That is not something I have heard Konnie accused of until today, but sadly I can believe it all too easily. Alright kiddie, you be nice without letting her trample all over you! And remember, this is between you and I!"
"Not a word," promised Emily as she slipped off the bed to go and seek some companionship.

 


#17:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 7:04 pm


Well i didn't expect that, but thanks EBD_Herslef Smile

 


#18:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 7:20 pm


Oh, poor Phillipa. I have to admit though, that part of me things that it is selfish for women whose health obviously cannot well sustain it to continue to try to get pregnant. Not that Pippa necessarily did that. But, I've known women desperate for another baby (usually of a sex different to their current children) that they'd risk abdoning their current children (by dying).

*Chelsea gets off her soapbox.

 


#19:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 8:18 pm


Poor Phil! That does explain Konnie's behaviour but Emily's right it doesn't giver her an excuse to bully anyone. student

 


#20:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 8:33 pm


Thank you - Emily is right - Konnie is to be pitied but does not have the right to bully others!

 


#21:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 9:06 pm


Poor Phillipa! Crying or Very sad I'd guess that pregnancy wasn't planned as such.

Emily is right, but it does shed light onto some of Konnie's behaviour, especially if she had been a bit of a spoinled youngest child before all that as well.

Look forward to tomorrows part.

 


#22:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 10:22 pm


So what are Helayna and Aimee's excuses??

 


#23:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 10:31 pm


Good point Rachel.
I'd guess that's why Helayna doesn't seem too happy at some of the things she is joining Konnie in. Not sure about Aimee though, she is a strange one.

 


#24:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 10:41 pm


Emily is right, it's time to stop treating Konnie with kid gloves, and she certainly can't be allowed to bully anyone.

 


#25:  Author: MandyLocation: Derry, N.Ireland PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 11:14 pm


and I take it that Tony is Daisy and Laurie's son. I keep forgetting that Daisy wasn't actually blood related to Joey. It seemed strange until I remembered that.

ps can we have some more please?

 


#26:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 11:20 pm


Please may we have more story!

 


#27:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 1:12 am


Although Konnie does have some reason to be pitied, if she doesn't want to make people constantly wonder what's wrong with her, and wants to keep her family situation secret, she shouldn't behave in a way that makes her stand out. And she should be at least threatened with expulsion for her bullying!

 


#28:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 4:03 am


Thank you EBD!!!
It's good to know why Konnie is as she is!!
I DID wonder if she'd lost her mum!!
More soon please!!!!

 


#29:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 4:14 am


I don't remember any other motherless waifs receiving this sort of special treatment before EBD - getting soft in your old age?

 


#30:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 4:53 am


Obviously she is. Sad, isn't it?

 


#31:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 4:56 am


Perhaps it was all Lesley put her through.

 


#32:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 5:05 am


*giggles* It might be, at that!

 


#33:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 12:20 pm


Isn't it about time we got some more, EBD? Please? Heart Kiss Heart Kiss

 


#34:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 1:21 pm


Come on EBD, where is today's chapter?
We need a daily dose of this story because it is so good.

 


#35:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 1:43 pm


First of all apologies, EBD. I guess I rushed over to the new board without checking if you had posted on Monday - drat, another theory out of the window.

I've caught up now and it is fascinating and can't wait to find out the mystery surrounding the other 2!

 


#36:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 6:53 pm


Where are you EBD?

 


#37:  Author: EBD_Herself PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 7:18 pm


Katy smiled as Emily slipped from the dorm, and automatically picked up Emily's discarded book and pulled the duvet straight. Outwardly she was the epitome of a calm prefect; inwardly she was wondering how Konnie had been getting away with bullying without anyone in authority noticing. With a final twitch of the duvet, Katy made up her mind and strode purposefully downstairs to the prefects room.

Yasmin Al Hassan, Head Girl of the Chalet School, glanced up as her friend came through the door.
"Whats wrong with you Katy?" she asked noticing Katy's expression.
Katy flung herself into a chair, and poured out all that she had learned from Emily, omitting any mention of Emily learning Konnie's story. Yasmin frowned as Katy told of Konnie's bullying.
"That is a very serious situation," she said at last. "I think we will have to get Konnie in for a prefects meeting. She cannot be permitted to think her behaviour is acceptable." Yasmin pulled out her pocket diary and scanned it quickly. "OK, Monday after Kaffee. You and I are both free from duties, and Megan and Rosanna can swap with some of the others for once, so we four can have Konnie in. I don't think we'll make it a full pree's meeting. I'll write the summons now, and perhaps you could deliver it to Konnie's pigeon hole for me?"

Katy took the note and ran lightly along to the post room. This was a fairly small room, with great racks of pigeon holes labelled for every student in the school. It was by far the easiest method of distributing mail and non-urgent messages, and all the girls were in the habit of checking every morning. The post room also contained a locked post box for all outgoing mail; a cupboard which Katy herself was responsible for contained notepaper, postcards, envelopes and stamps, as well as pens. As Stationary Prefect, one of Katy's duties was to sell such sundries the girls required from this cupboard, as well as to pass on her ordering requirements to Mrs Richardson in the office.

Emily had made her way to the common room, and shyly entered. Everyone seemed settled for the evening in various activities, and although people looked up and smiled at her as she entered, nobody called her over, and Emily knew that she would be intruding if she just went and joined any of the groups. She wandered over to a sofa, with a coffee table in front of it, and picked up a bundle of magazines. One, in German, caught her eye in particular, mainly due to the dilapidated condition, and the old fashioned photographs. Looking at the front cover, Emily realised it was over fifty years old, and threw it down in disgust.

 


#38:  Author: EBD_Herself PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 7:19 pm


"It looks like the builders left it here!" she muttered under her breath.
"Not quite, but close." said a voice from above her. Aimee had entered the room to even less notice than Emily had generated. "It was one of the first magazines the school bought, and for some reason has attained cult status within this common room. Do not let the others see you treat it with disresepct. For some of them, it is almost a mascot, a good luck charm."
"Whatever! It's boring, this room is boring, the people are boring and I am so bored!"
"Would you like to go for a walk?" asked Aimee politely.
"Is there nothing else to do round here?" asked Emily in despair. She felt at this moment that she would rather be doing lessons - anything to kill the crushing boredom.
"We have Abendessen soon, and afterwards there will be a film in the Hall. Or you may go to the Games session and play table tennis and other games like that. Or you may read. You may do anything you like this evening, as it is the first Saturday of term. Next week, we will have entertainment provided by other forms. It is a tradition in this school that we learn to consider others needs as well as our own, so we put aside our desire to follow solitary pursuits for one night a week, and spend the time with our peers."

With a sinking feeling, and wondering if the following Saturday would be even more boring than this one, EMily checked her watch and saw with relief that Abendessen was only half an hour away. Ostensibly going to wash her hands and face before the meal, Emily slipped away from Aimee and ran along a passageway she thought would lead her to the garden, and was rewarded by the sight of a door standing wide open, sunlight spilling through to make patterns on the white walls and wooden floor.

Emily stood in the doorway, trying to recapture her appreciation for the mountains, for the scenery, for the beauty all around her; but somehow it wasn't the same without a friend to share it. With a pang, Emily realised just how lonely one could be even whilst surrounded by people. For a whole minute, Emily felt the weight of her lonliness crushing in on her, making her feel as if she was about to burst into tears. She blinked rapidly, trying not to let tears spill, and gradually forced the emotion away. She still stood, looking out over the gardens, still alone. Turning slowly, she made her way back through the buildings and into the Splasherie. She washed her hands in silence, listening to the hum of happy chatter thrumming throughout the building; the sounds made by hundreds of happy and contented girls. The sound of the bell ringing at last startled Emily, and she realised that she had spent a good fifteen minutes soaping her hands. She rinsed them quickly, dried and made her way to the Speisesaal, alone. She queued for her food, alone. She scanned the room, looking for a friendly face, but seeing none, made her way to a table near the door and sat down to eat, alone. Emily could hardly choke down her food, becoming overwhelmed with homesickness, when Aimee made her way towards her.
"May I sit with you Emily?" she asked.
Emily smiled up at her, a genuine, kind, appreciative smile for the first time since she had entered the airport in London.
"Please!" she said, pulling out a chair for Aimee, who sat down and made quiet conversation throughout the meal.

 


#39:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 8:32 pm


Oooh!! Thank you!! Looking forward to more!!!

 


#40:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 8:37 pm


This is so good! Keep writing please Exclamation Exclamation

 


#41:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 9:14 pm


Thanks EBD. Love the slow build up of story.

 


#42:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 9:59 pm


Thank you for that - glad the Prefects are going to do something about Konnie!

 


#43:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 10:09 pm


Thanks for those installments EBD.

*also glad that the prees are taking a hand.

 


#44:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 11:11 pm


Thank you EBD. Glad to see the prefects are going to do something about the bullying and even gladder to see Emily try and be properly friendly with Aimee. It's looking up Very Happy

 


#45:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 11:18 pm


I hope the prefects are firm with Konnie, and don't get put off my her past. More please!!!

 


#46:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 11:59 pm


*starts to chant*

 


#47:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 12:07 am


Thank you EBD this is wonderful

*joins Vikki's chant*

 


#48:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 12:18 am


** merrily carols along with the chant despite not knowing the tune **

 


#49:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 12:44 am


It's 'Puff the Magic Dragon' tonight!
Check your drabble chant tune schedule dear!!

 


#50:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 12:50 am


Vikki wrote:
Check your drabble chant tune schedule dear!!


I think I used it to rough out the finale of Prim! Embarassed Sorry!

Please may I have another copy?

 


#51:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 1:03 am


*sends Rachel another copy*
(her twelfth!!)

 


#52:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 1:59 am


Oh my gosh! I've only just caught up with all of this (I'm finding it a bit harder to keep track of what I have or haven't read than on the old board)
There's certinly a lot going on - where does Aimee fit into the mystery?
Konnie certainly shuldn't have the right to bully anyone because of her own grief, but there must be some reason for her going for Aimee in particular.
To be honest, Katy is the only character that I can really smpathasise with, but I suppose that there should be some allowance made for Emily, since she's new and more r less friendless.

 


#53:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 2:03 am


Ellie, I'm finding it harder to keep track too!
I'm realising how much I relied on the 'new post' icons!!!

 


#54:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 12:14 pm


the liitle icons on the left turn brown when there's something new, but I have a feeling that they only stay that way for a limited time Exclamation I may be wrong, but I'm sure that I've found things unread when the thing is white Exclamation Exclamation
Presume we'll get more form EBD tonight - can't call her Ellie any more Exclamation Twisted Evil

 


#55:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 4:26 pm


Yay, I've just caught up on this - lots of mysteries elucidated there! Very interesting, but I hope Konnie gets sorted out.

 


#56:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 4:47 pm


Glad I'm not the only one having trouble keeping up with new posts! Would really like more story before noise of chanting breaks sound barrier Rolling Eyes

 


#57:  Author: EBD_Herself PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 7:01 pm


Sunday passed swiftly; church in the morning, roast dinner, and an afternoon in which Emily and Aimee began to become properly acquainted. Emily began letting a few barriers down, and Aimee began to open up juts a little about her home life, but still retaining her privacy. Emily didn?t push for further details, despite her curiosity, and Aimee likewise allowed Emily to leave unsaid many things she would have been interested to hear more about. By bedtime, both girls were well on their way to becoming friends.


Konnie and Helayna spent the day after church at Freudesheim, with their aunt and uncle. Konnie had been literally jumping with rage upon finding the note in her pigeonhole. Helayna did her best to calm her cousin down, but it was a very angry Konnie who marched off after church.

Monday dawned in a blaze of sunshine, and Emily felt a little fearful of facing her first proper day of school. She hurled the duvet off the bed and galloped off to the bathroom, determined to get up and ready as soon as possible. Not looking where she was going, she charged straight into another girl bent on the same errand.
?I?m very sorry,? gasped Emily when she got her breath back. ?I didn?t see you there ? you came out of nowhere!?
?Not nowhere! The bathroom! And while I think of it, this is Monday and German day.? With a rapid change, the girl began firing rapid German at Emily, who struggled to keep up.
?Sie können nicht gerechter Lastkahn in ein Badezimmer, wann immer Sie mögen, Sie müssen warten, bis es Ihr einschaltet Schuletage ist. Die Liste sollte auf der Schlafsaaltür sein, also gehen Sie und überprüfen Sie und wenn es die Leute vor Ihnen gibt, fragen, ob einer von ihnen austauscht, wenn Sie früh gehen möchten. O.K.??
?Uh, I think so,? replied Emily flatly. She had known of the school?s trilingual policy ? indeed her Grandmother had attempted to raise her own children in such a manner, and her own parents had also tried to do the same for their daughter. But somehow, at home with ehr family, speaking slowly and clearly so she could understand, that was a completely different experience to hearing this girl fire out instructions at break neck speed.
?Auf Deutsch, bitte. Montage und Donnerstage bist Deutscher, Dienstage und Freitag, Franzosen. Die sind die Richtlinien und obgleich sie etwas Genehmigung für Sie seiend neu bilden, ist sie nicht viel, nicht seit dem die Richtlinien änderten!?
?What rules?? asked Emily in German.
?The old rules used to be that new girls got two weeks grace period for forgetting to speak the language of the day, but they changed so that all the girls who come here have to be able to speak a certain level of each language. So the grace period went out. You forget, you get fined. Simple as that,? replied the strange girl with a grin. ?Now scoot off and check that list!?
Emily scooted. She found the list pinned to the back of the dormy door, and realised that she had to wait for Aimee to shower first. Tapping gently at the edge of Aimee?s cubey, Emily poked her head through the curtain to ask if Aimee would be going to the bathroom in the next five minutes. The cubey was empty. Emily decided this was as good as getting permission to jump the queue and galloped back off to the bathroom ? this time keeping any eye open for other girls!

 


#58:  Author: EBD_Herself PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 7:03 pm


Emily found Aimee already seated in the Seisesaal when she went down for breakfast, and the two girls shared a chummy grin over their meal.
?Where did you get to this morning?? asked Emily.
?I just went out for a walk. I?m allowed to, in the summer. Never in the other terms though! If you care to walk early in the day, you must speak to Mrs. Richardson, and she will make it ok. Sometimes it?s better to go out early in the summer as it gets so hot here in the middle of the day. Next week probably we?ll begin our siesta?s again. In the middle of the day it?s no good trying to work ? we would all be like limp rags the whole time!?
?Which lessons have we today then?? asked Emily who hadn?t looked at her timetable since it had been handed to her. She had a sneaking suspicion she might have lost it already, which she had a feeling would be frowned upon. Emily?s only hope was that she would find it in one of her books that she had left in her desk at the end of Friday afternoon.
?Geography, History, Science, Literature and Maths. Like any of them?? asked Aimee in response to Emily?s groans.
?Literature doesn?t sound too bad, depending on which books wwe are covering, but the rest! And then I have to start piano lessons after that lot. I may have to serioously think about getting myself expelled at this rate,? wound up Emily glumly.
?Oh please don?t do that Emily,? began Aimee anxioously. ?This school does so hate having to expel anyopne, and although they have done so several times, it is only for the most serious of offences. Your parents would be desperately unhappy if you were to do that!? Aimee was extremely sincere in her anxiety, and totally missed the grin Emily quickly hid in her mug of coffee.
?Well, if they keep making me do all these extras, I will Aimee, so don?t ever say I never gave you fair warning!? replied Emily.

With one last worried glance at her new friend, Aimee suggested it was time they made a move. They cleared their plates away and made for the entrance hall, where the two girls went their separate ways for the time being

 


#59:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 7:13 pm


Yay thanks EBD this is great stuff!

 


#60:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 8:17 pm


Poor Emily thrown in at the deep end like that with the German. I understand them making sure the girls speak the languages but still, a bit of a shock!

I don't think an angry Konnie is a good thing Confused
More please Very Happy

 


#61:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 8:18 pm


I like the way we get a nice longposting every time. Just wish you posted more often! Just greedy, that's me

 


#62:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 8:24 pm


Thank you so much EBD, a good long post as well. Longing to see what happens next, and the prefects meeting with Konnie.

BTW did you have a formatting problem, ? appeared everywhere during that last posting, was it babelfish screwing up your languages seting by any chance?

 


#63:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 9:00 pm


*Adds thanks for nice long posts.

*Anxious to see how the prees deal with Konnie.

 


#64:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 9:13 pm


Thanks for the latest posts!

That language thing is a bit unfair isn't it? Definitely looking forward to seeing Konnie and the Prefects!

 


#65:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 9:33 pm


Like so many other people, I'm not finding it as easy to keep up and find the threads I want when I want them, however, having caught up on this one, I find it rivetting and can't wait for the next instalment. Do we have to wait for Monday now? I think EBD didn't post at the weekend?

 


#66:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 11:57 pm


Thank you EBD!! More soon please!!!!!

 


#67:  Author: KateLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 1:01 am


I just read this story - the entire thing, the two archives and the new posts - iin one hour... it's so good! Loving it... MORE!!! Smile

Why does Aimee talk like that? Strange girl, that one.

 


#68:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 1:02 am


Thank you EBD, also looking forward to seeing Konnie & the prefects.
And Pat, I'm sorry. Would you like me to change my name again? I think I could quite happily become a Coralie, or Saskia, or Seraphina maybe.

 


#69:  Author: MandyLocation: Derry, N.Ireland PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 1:11 am


at least if we have to wait until Monday it'll give me a chance to get stuck into some of the other drabbles. I'm starting on Liss' 'New Girl' next.

*joins the call for more*

 


#70:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 3:33 am


Thank you EBD for all the lovely story.

 


#71:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 3:50 pm


EBD may we have some more please Smile

 


#72:  Author: EBD_Herself PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 8:32 am


The days lessons passed rapidly for Emily; it was not that the work was any harder than at her previous school, but the change from working solely in her own language to suddenly having to take lessons in German had meant she had to really concentrate for the whole day. She felt justifiably proud however that she hadn't required extra assistance in any of the lessons, as she had feared that the mistresses would talk at such a speed the whole time that she would get no benefit from the class. Much to her secret satisfaction, there were at least two other girls in the A stream whose languages were not quite up to her own level, and as they often asked for clarification of certain words, Emily gained the advantage of learning the words she required without having to ask.

Emily and Aimee sat together once more for Kaffee, during which Emily's spirits began to sink.
"What is the matter?" asked Aimee presently when her new friend showed no sign of cheering up. "Lessons are over, we only have preparation after Kaffee and the rest of the day is our own."
"Maybe for you!" snapped Emily, sinking once more into her own personal gloom. "I have to go and start piano lessons! In German! I don't even WANT to be able to play the piano - I'd far rather learn the drums!"
"We do not have a drum miostress, but we do have a piano mistress. I am sure you will be fine Emily. And it is only today - the rest of the week you needn't think about piano."
"Apart from my daily practice times!" Emily was not in the mood to be cheered up, and was determined to look on the dark side of life right now.
Sighing Aimee continued with her own Kaffee and lapsed into silence.

Once the meal finished, Emily slouched off to find music room 3 and a Miss Harrison, which she managed far sooner than she would have liked. While Emily was being initiated into the inner secrets of piano playing, Konnie was dragging her feet along the corridor towards the prefects room. The summons had been as brief as Prefects Summons always were - merely stating the time at which she was to be at the Prefects room, and no hint of the crimes for which she was to be tried. Reaching the door, Konnie kicked at it twice by way of making her presence known. The four girls inside raised their eyebrows at one another, but remained silent, until Yasmin called "Herein".

Konnie threw open the door and stared defiantly at the four elder girls. Up until this point, all of the upper school had been feeling sorry for Konnie, and hadn't realised just how adverse the effects had been on Konnie's everyday behaviour. The evidence that their treatment of Konnie during her grief had been wrong suddenly confronted the four prefects sitting behind their table.

"Won't you sit down Konnie?" asked Yasmin politely, indicating the chair in front of the table.
"What do you want with me?" asked Konnie, remaining on her feet. "You told me to come, so here I am. Can't you just get this over with and be done?"

Yasmin was, as she admitted later to her own friends, floored. The last thing she had expected was outright confrontation on Konnie's part. She had expected the girl to present herself in her usual manner to authority - sweet, slightly mischievous and friendly. The sullen, surly child before her now bore little resemblance to her expectations.

Katy, seeing that Yasmin was temporarily bereft of speech took over.
"Sit down Konnie so we can discuss the reasons for you being summoned. As you can see, this is not a full prefects summons, merely a chance for us to have a private discussion with you over matters that we fear are getting out of hand."
At the direct command, Konnie found herself responding and sitting, albeit on the edge of the chair and with an air of great reluctance.
Rosanna Belshaw, second prefect, drew towards her a notebook upon which the four girls had been scribbling notes in preparation for this meeting.
"Konnie, it has been brought to our attention that you are acting in a manner which we would not expect from any Chalet School girl, especially one with your background and traditions. In short, you have been accused of bullying. Is this true?"
"So what if it is?" asked Konnie recklessly.

"Are you admitting that this is true Konnie?" asked Yasmin gently. "It is a very serious allegation."
Konnie let out an exaggerated sigh. "Yes, it's true - if you call it bullying to tell that sap Aimee to grow up on occasion."

"But there's more to it than that isn't there Konnie?" Megan Crawford took a turn. "One of the new girls has accused you of being physically violent towards her. Is that true?"
Konnie sat back, attempting to outstare the bigger girls.
"Answer the question please," said Yasmin slowly. She knew that if these allegations proved to be true, and if Konnie showed no signs of repentance, this matter would have to go before the Head. It was something that happened to each body of prefects perhaps once during their time in office, but each set of prefects when confronted by bullying always felt it worth taking the time and effort to confront the accused first. On several occasions in the past, as the minutes book showed, when informed that the school authorities were aware of the issue, the bully would back down, being a coward at heart, and no further action would be required. In rare cases however, an unrepentant schoolgirl would have to be referred to the Head. Konnie showed signs of being one of the latter.

Katy smiled at Konnie. "You do realise we want to help you, don't you? We have been thinking hard about this and trying to work out how a girl such as yourself has come to this. You have been in the school for long enough to know what is acceptable behaviour and what isn't. Up until a year ago, this would never even have been thought of you. If this is connected to events a year ago when you lost your mother, we want to help you."
"I didn't lose my mother!" Konnie shouted, jumping to her feet. "She DIED. She's DEAD. If she was lost, I could find her, but I can't. You don't know what it's like - none of you do!" Konnie was close to losing control over her deepest emotions, but was battling to prevent this happening.
"Oh you lot sit there smiling and telling me what a good girl I always was - do you think I care? I'm not that girl any more. Last year I had a mum and dad, and a big sister. Now I haven't. Don't you understand? Are you so thick that you can't try to imagine how that feels?"

"That's enough Konnie," said Megan when Konnie stopped for breath. "I think you forget where you are and to whom you are speaking."
"Go stuff yourselves," replied Konnie as she marched out the door.

 


#73:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 8:59 am


Oh, dear! Well at least this will go to the Head. It sounds as if she needs help, real fast. I have some sympathy over the euphemism 'lost' when someone dies. More please. when you can.

I guess you are on earlies this week?

 


#74:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 9:24 am


Thank you EBD that was marvellous as always. Who are you??????

Glad Konnie might now get sorted by the head. Wish Miss A was there to do it.

 


#75:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 11:09 am


I do understand the loss she is feeling, or at least, has felt. After a year it should be easier, as I know! She needs professional help to come to terms with her bereavement, and it's very bad that it has taken so long for anyone to help her. On the other hand, she knows the way she is behaving, and she should be able to behave properly to others by now.

 


#76:  Author: LissLocation: Harrow, London PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 4:47 pm


I am really enjoying this. More please! Feeling real sympthay for Konnie.

Story wrote:
She had expected the girl to present herself in her usual manner to authority - sweet, slightly mischievous and friendly. The sullen, surly child before her now bore little resemblance to her expectations.

 


#77:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 4:55 pm


Oh, starting to feel some sympathy for Konnie (argree with the stupid 'lost' term). She needs help. And fast!

 


#78:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 4:57 pm


I do feel sorry for Konnie, and she certainly needs help on how to deal with her grief.

 


#79:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 5:05 pm


Thanks EBD. I do feel a little sorrier for Konnie now but still, bullying os never right. "Lost" as a euphmism for dead isn't right either however.

 


#80:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 6:34 pm


Well Konnie needs a slap!

Thank you EBD may we have some more please!

 


#81:  Author: MandyLocation: Derry, N.Ireland PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 12:28 am


I'm surprised her sister hasn't noticed a change in her. Although I suppose it can sometimes take a stranger to point things out to us.

 


#82:  Author: XantheLocation: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 12:42 am


All caught up and already wanting more...

 


#83:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 4:36 am


More please EBD!! I hope someone can help Konnie work through her problems!!!

 


#84:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 5:29 am


Thank you for the last post - the prefects will have to take it to the Head now - hope it gets Konnie sorted.

 


#85:  Author: EBD_Herself PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 8:31 am


The four prefects were left looking at one another in shock. They hadn't realised just how out of control Konnie's behviour had got. They couldn't find words to express their feelings; there had been girls who had gone against the prefectorial system before, but never in such a blatant manner, and never a girl who came from such a strong background as Konnie.

"There's no alternative," said Yasmin. "This has to go to the Head."
"I suppose so," sighed Katy, "But it's going to be horrible for her too - Konnie is her niece after all!"
"That's irrelevant in this case Katy," Yasmin reminded her. "This has gone beyond our control, and therefore must go to the Head. We wouldn't even be having this conversation if it were anybody other than Konnie. We would be failing as prefects if we pretended that nothing had happened here."

The four girls stood up and made their way towards the Heads office, to be confronted by Mrs Richardson.
"Well girls? What can I do for you?" she asked with a smile.
"We need to speak to Mrs maynard," said Yasmin politely.
"And what is it in connection with?" asked Mrs Richardson, getting out the Head's diary. "If it's urgent I could probably squeeze you in on Wednesday."
The four girls exchanged glances.
"I think Mrs Richardson, it is a little more urgent than that. We really need to speak with her tonight." katy tried not to sound impatient, but worried that it wasn't working.
"I'm sorry girls, her diary is full until Wednesday, and even then I would only be squeezing you in for a minute. You can see her at ten past two on Wednesday, I'll writre the slip out for you now if you like."

"But," began Katy, her temper beginning to rise, "This is really important! Can't you bump somebody else down a day or so and let us in to see her?"
The smile was beginning to leave Mrs Richardsons face, and a frown was taking it'splace. It was getting late, and Cecil Richardson wanted nothing more than to go home to Freudesheim and relax; instead she was being faced by a bunch of school girls looking to see the Head to settle some silly squabble probably.
"Don't be ridiculous Katy! Imagine if everyone thought their problem was serious enough to emrit that kind of treatment! There would be absolutely no point in running the diary system at all!"
"Might be better!" muttered Katy under her breath. Mrs Richardson's sharp ears caught the comment, and her lips compressed into a thin line.
"That will do! You may be in the sixth form, but that is absolutely no excuse for rudeness to a mistress! Now, do you want this appointment for Wednesday or not?"

Yasmin placed a hand on Katys arm. "Perhaps I should stay and make the appopintment with Mrs Richardson," she suggested, "And perhaps Rosanna you would be kind enough to wait for me? There's no need for four of us to stay here to make one appointment." Yasmin was very deliberatley serparating herself and her second prefect from the other two, trusting that Megan would guess her intent and lead the tempestuous Katy away, which she did instantly. Once the other two had gone, Yasmin turned back to the irritated mistress.

"Perhaps I may explain briefly to you why we need to see Mrs Maynard?" Yasmin suggested politely.
"Look, I know you think your problems are the most important - everyone always does! But there really isn't a gap in the diary any sooner than Wednesday!" Cecil Richardson was becoming exasperated, and wondered how many more times she would need to repeat herself.
"I understand," Yasmin replied. "But if we cannot see Mrs Maynard, perhaps you could help.

Truth to tell, Cecil Richardson had very little to do with the girls in the school these days. After being a successful Head Girl herself, she had taken a training course in Interlaken, preferring not to stray too far from home, and had wound up as school secretary almost by accident. The job entailed very little day to day contact with the students, yet allowed her to remain close at hand to her own daughter Helayna. During the term, she and her husband lived at Freudesheim with her brother and his wife, returning to England only for the holidays.

Now Cecil found herself wondering in what way she might be able to help these schoolgirls. As she hesitated, yasmin pressed ahead with her explanations.
"It's Konnie you see - she's dreadfully unhappy, but she has also been behaving not very well. We had to have her up before a prefects meeting. Mrs Richardson, she ran off after getting very angry - and she was also dreadfully upset. I'm sorry, as I knopw Mrs Rosomon was your sister, but Konnie really needs help - and we can't give her it. I think," Yasmin added humbly, "as schoolgirls ourselves, we are touu young to understand her grief, and she is now turning into something else." Yasmin really didn't wish to tell Mrs Richardson that her niece was a bully, but without that piece of information, Yasmin felt that Konnie's story would only be half told. "She has been bulllying some other students," Yasmin said at last.

Cecil sat down heavily on a chair. It was a little elss than a year since she had lost her littlest sister, and the memory was still a painful one. The two women had been very close, being the two youngest girls in a long family. They had both married but stayed close to home, and Cecil had rejoiced over Phillipa's first pregnancy depite her despair over her own fertility problems. At last, when she had been 38, Cecil had fallen pregnant and had been ecstatic. The news that Phillipa had also fallen pregnant with Konnie, had linked the tow sisters even closer together as they went through all the trials and tribulations of pregnancy and child rearing. Cecil had been content to have her one child, expecially after all the long years of coming to terms with the idea that she would have none, and Helayna was well loved, even whilst her parents attempted not to spoil her. Cecil had a sneaking suspicion that they failed at times, but it was not something that kept her awake at nights.

Phillipa on the other hand had been desperate to have children - lots of them. Cecil had been the first to point out that 36 was offically an older mother these days, and that had been Phil's age when Konnie was born; Phillipa had insisted that women were capable of having children far later in life these days, and was determined to prove to everyone that she would and could have more than just two children. Cecil had spent hours arguing with Phillipa over the dangers of later pregnancies, even using the argument of the age difference between Sharon and another child, but Phil had refused to listen to reason. Even her husband had tried to make her be reasonable, but she had lied to him in her desperation to have another child. He, beliveing her to have had an IUD fitted, had never given contraception another thought, and the result had been Phillipa's death from pre-eclampsia.

Cecil would never forget the day that Tony Rosomon had telephoned her with the news. It had been during the summer holidays, when Cecil, Roger and Helayna were home in England. They had been to the beach, and when they got home, still covered insand, they had spotted the answering machine light flashing rapidly. Roger had pressed the button, and the whole family had stood silently listening to Tony's voice sobbing down the telephone. His sobs had been raw and he had obviously been byond speech when he made the call, but Cecil had known why he called. He had known the bond that existed between Phil and herself - he had known that Cecil would never fogive anyone who kept news like this from her. She had sat down, very very gently, as if she were made fo porcelain and about to shatter. Once she was sat on the carpet, listening to her brother in laws sobs, she had very gently tucked her head into her knees and wept silently.

All this ran through Cecil's head in a matter of seconds as she looked into Yasmin's face. She knew now why they had asked for her help, and she wouldn't let them down.
"I understand," she said simply. "You were quite right, this is beyond you. Hold on a moment and I'll get the Head."
She stood, with immense dignity and walked into the Head's study.

 


#86:  Author: LissLocation: Harrow, London PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 8:49 am


Oh, this is wonderful, Elinor! More please! (I know, we're so demanding!)

 


#87:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 8:50 am


*reminds Liss about her own current works*

 


#88:  Author: LissLocation: Harrow, London PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 8:56 am


tongue

 


#89:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 9:33 am


Right back atcha, Miss Fluffy!

 


#90:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 9:41 am


Really good, though for a moment I thought they were not going to get a hearing!

 


#91:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 9:53 am


This is great! I wish Elinor would post more than once a day though, whoever she is!
Wonder if she'll manage to finish this before March?

 


#92:  Author: XantheLocation: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 12:37 pm


Thank you EBD_Herself...

*not a phrase she'd thought she'd be uttering*

 


#93:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 1:32 pm


Thanks for that bit. I'm glad Cecil let them in in the end, it looked for a moment as if they were going to have to go away, I think the head needs to be more accessible.
That's Helayna's mum sorted out too, now is it just Aimee we don't know?

 


#94:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 2:18 pm


Yay!! All the mysteries are becoming clear!!!
More please EBD!!!!

 


#95:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 4:00 pm


Yes more please, I'm glad it looks as though Konnie is going to get some help. both for her sake and everyone elses.

 


#96:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 8:38 pm


When did the head do away with the her hours each evening (when students could come see her?)

*is glad that Konnie will get some help.

 


#97:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 8:43 pm


*points out that we still don't know who the head is!!!!*

 


#98:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 8:50 pm


*gaaaaaaaaasp*

Relieved that Cecil sounds sensible and as if she will help, wonder about the head, and about the diary system.

Wishes it was tomorrow when there might be another posting.

 


#99:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 8:50 pm


Thank you EBD this really is wonderful!

 


#100:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 8:53 pm


That's true! Cecil was acting like the worst doctor's receptionist! What was she thinking about? Shocked

 


#101:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 1:16 am


Thank you EBD very satisfying post.

 


#102:  Author: MandyLocation: Derry, N.Ireland PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 1:19 am


*waits eagerly for the next installment*

 


#103:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 8:19 am


Echoes concerns about stupid diary system - doesn't look as though they kept the tradition of the Head being accessable to the girls - perhaps the Head is related to Miss Bubb!!!

Wonderful excerpt - looking forward to more.

 


#104:  Author: LissLocation: Harrow, London PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 11:52 am


Where's the next installment? :mopes:

 


#105:  Author: EBD_Herself PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 6:01 pm


"Got a minute Margaret?" Cecil asked sticking her head round the door to the Head's study.
Margaret looked up and smiled at her sister in law. "Sure, if it is only a minute! I'm up to the eyeballs in paperwork - why is it computers, far from making our lives easier, seem to have made them even more complicated?"
Cecil laughed softly. "No idea! But I'm afraid I may have lulled you into a false sense of security. This problem will take more than a minute, but it is important."
Margaret Maynard groaned and put her head in her hands in mock despair. "Sadly it always is! Can't it wait until after dinner? I'd like to get back to Mike before nine tonight if at all possible - couldn't we discuss this over coffee at home?"

Cecil shook her head. "Sorry Margaret, this concerns family - and you know what it's like if we try to discuss family in front of the men!"
"Don't I!" remarked Margaret with feeling. After Phillipa's death, Cecil and Margaret had tried to discuss the impact this would have on the students and the school as a whole, and had had their conversation hijacked everytime by their husbands who felt they should have just as much input to the decision making - depite never having attended a girls boarding school, nor being involved on any level with one now. From Mike's point of view, it was his sister they were discussing and he felt he was entitled to have a say in how the matter of her death would be handled in the school. In vain Margaret and Cecil had argued that they had to view her death in exactly the same way as they would the death of any of their student's parents; Roger had wanted the subject left completely knowing how distraught Cecil had been over the whole issue. Now Margaret pushed aside the paperwork which was overflowing from her desk onto a chair and waved Cecil in the vague direction of a third chair in the room.

"Come on then, out with it or we'll be here all night," sighed Margaret.
"I'll just get rid of the girls out in the office - will you see them later this evening, please?" Ceil asked with a note of pleading in her voice, most unlike herself. Margaret looked keenly but nodded briefly. Cecil slipped out of the door to have a hurried conversation with Yasmin and Rosanna, and reappeared in just a few moments.

"Ok, here's the whole thing in a nutshell" she said, sitting down. "Konnie has turned into a bully right under our noses and we hadn't spotted it. She hasn't coped with Phil's death at all, and to cap it all has just set herself up in complete defiance of the prefects. That succinct enough for you?" Cecil asked with a grin. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the two women knew and liked each other enough to be able to have this light hearted approach to the subject. It was no reflection on how they would deal with Konnie, but in many ways it was a relief to both of them to know they always had the support of the other, and a shared sense of humour.

"Priority. . .?" asked Margaret, wondering which of the three main issues Cecil would select as the most important.
"From the prefects point of view the defiance. Poor Katy Brown nearly wet herself when I told her you hadn't a space in your diary to see them until Wednesday! By the way, I told Yasmin and Rosanna you might not be able to see them until tomorrow - so it's your choice if you want a late night or early morning," Cecil paused to grin, knowing full well that her sister in law would far rather sit up all night than rise a second before the alarm went off. Margaret made a face at her before saying "Come on, what do you think?" She had her own opinion, formed as soon as Cecil had uttered her list of Konnie's problems, but the Head always liked to bounce ideas off of other staff members, feeling that the more input they had the happier and more democratic the working relationship she had with her staff would be.

"Her grief obviously," said Cecil, as Margaret nodded. "We all thought she was dealing with Phil's death remarkably well for a little girl who wasn't quite thirteen at the time. Now it seems it has all been an act for the benefit of those in authority. I felt at the time Konnie would have benefited from a half term or so at home, but with Sharon about to start as House Mistress, and Tony still in such a state, we agreed we had better let her come back to school."

"Yes, I think you're right - we should have made her stay at home. In many ways," Margaret said thoughtfully, "She hasn't yet actually confronted the reality of her mother being dead. As it happened at the end of the summer holidays, she was back here literally a week later. And of course, you took her and Sharon home with you for Christmas. How was she then?" asked Margaret abruptly.
"Her usual self," replied Cecil promptly. "In fact, I suppose looking back, her acting as usual was unusual in itself. I suppose you think me an absolute fool not to have noticed something before." She added gloomily.

Margaret looked at Cecil with a wry grin. "Is that a subtle way of calling me a fool? For if you failed to notice, so did I. And I certainly spend far more time around the girls during term time at least than you do. Perhaps I should have noticed. But I don't think having a mutual self-blame session is really going to help, do you?"

Cecil shook her head. "No, and of course," she mused, carrying on with her train of thought, "over Easter Sharon went off to Paris by herself, and Konnie came back with Helayna, Roger and I and Tony picked her up from our house. He still seems completely lost himself. Do you think he's even stopped to consider how his grief affects Konnie?"

"I doubt it," said Margaret softly. "He loved her so completely, she was his life. And with Phil gone, he has only half a life. Or at least, that's how it appears. It would never occur to him that Konnie needs him desperately right now, especially as he expects Sharon to fill that void for Konnie."
"Which is ridiculoous. How can Sharon do that? She doesn't have the depth of experience yet herself to show that kind of insight into her sister's mind. I do wonder sometimes," said Cecil, before blushing and shutting herself up.

"Why she got the job of House Mistress? Yes, so do I!" Margaret gave such a sigh that the papers on her desk rippled gently. "If you really want to know, it wasn't my decision as such. The board for the school is tied up in so many ways that I don't really have the free hand everyone thinks. I don't suppose you realised it, but when Lady Russell died, all her shares in the school were sold to a single person, so that one person became the chief stakeholder."

"Surely Mamma and Uncle Dick's shares made a greater majority?" asked Cecil.
"Yes, but apparently when Dick died the year before Lady Russell, HIS shares were also snapped up - and apprently it was the same bidder! So now you see the situation. The school as a PLC is actually under the control of one major player - and what they say more or less goes. Of course, they can't walk in and make any huge changes, but they do have the casting vote, and when it came to a new House Mistress, they voted for Sharon with her lack of experience over a good many other far more suitable candidates. Don't let on about this to sanyone will you?" asked Margaret anxiously.

"Of course not," replied Cecil, all the time thinking it a remarkable position for a headmistress to be in. "So, back to Konnie then?" sugested Cecil.
"I think the first thing will be to get her in for a little chat," said Margaret, pulling her big desktop diary towards her.

 


#106:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 6:11 pm


Thank you may we have some more though!

 


#107:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 6:17 pm


Looking forward to tomorrow morning! wonder who that mysterious share holder is? You do love to tantalise, don't you EBD?

 


#108:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 6:29 pm


*wondering along with Pat*

Cribbing from the Maynard ages that someone posted (sorry I can't recall who now but am grateful) we must be up to the present day or nearly?

Looking forward to this story unfolding, EBD.

 


#109:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 6:37 pm


Mysterious share holder? An old girl do we think or someone else altogether? I like the look of Margaret, even if I do still wonder about how hard it seems to be to get to see her.

 


#110:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 7:18 pm


So is Margaret a complete new comer, or is she a friend/OG? Like Cecil and love the way this is developing.

 


#111:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 8:22 pm


Loving this - more mystery - who is the mystery shareholder? Whoever it is does not seem to have the school's best interests at heart! Like both Margaret and Cecil.

Would really like more please.

 


#112:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 8:34 pm


I like how this has been turned around, with Cecil rather than Con marrying Roger, and the wife of one of the Maynard boys becoming Head rather than Len or Cecil, as we've had in previous drabbles.

 


#113:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 11:05 pm


Tis very intrigueing!! Am wondering if Aimee is Margaret and Mike's daughter!!! And if OOAOML is the mystery shareholder?

More please EBD!!!

 


#114:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 11:22 pm


At first I thought Margaret might be Margot, 'til EBD said she was Mike's wife.
*very intrigued about the share holder

 


#115:  Author: MandyLocation: Derry, N.Ireland PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 12:04 am


I don't know about Aimee being Margaret and Mike's daughter, I thought she might be Geoff's daughter. Konnie could be taking it out on her because Geoff was her mother's twin.

 


#116:  Author: EBD_Herself PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 9:25 am


"Ok," said Margaret. "Shunt my meeting with the kitchen staffto tomorrow afternoon, Head of Depts meetings from tomorrow afternoon to Wednesday and that should clear me some space for the morning. I want the prefects on standby for the meeting - they can loiter in the entrance hall; tell them to bring books and then if I want them in with Konnie I can do that. Who is it she's been bullying?"
"New girl, Emily Chapman. And apparently there's still something going on with Aimee." replied Cecil.

Margarets eyebrows shot up. "Still? But I thought that was all settled! This isn't good enough! I think we may have to get Sharon in for an official chat - after all she is Konnie's housemistress. It is her responsibility to deal with matters such as these. I'm seriously considering transferring her to another house. What do you think Cecil? Do you think that would make any difference?"

Cecil shook her head. "I doubt it," she sighed. "From what I can gather Sharon see's herself as some kind of ministering angel, beloved by all the girls. Most of the girls avoid going to her with any problems, and wouldn't dream of going to her unless they had another option. She's not exactly good at her job. But if you move Sharon now, Konnie will quite likely take it as a personal affront and be even worse!"

Margaret sat back and thought for a few moments. Eventually she said "Yes, I think I see where you are coming from but I don't think Sharon is helping Konnie at all. In some ways, I think she is making the situation worse. No matter - I shall speak to Sharon tomorrow too. Would you invite her to visit with me for Kaffee? I'd like to chat with her as informally as possible at this stage!"

Cecil scribbled notes to all the relevant people and looked up. "Is that everything then?" she asked Margaret. Margaret glanced over her desk. "It is, and might I suggest you type those notes as rapidly as possible, grab some child or other to deliver them to pigeons and then get home! Mike promised to make grilled salmon tonight, and he's probably thinking we're never coming home!"
Cecil laughed and ran off on her errands.


Emily had actually found herself enjoying her first piano lesson. Her tutor, Herr von Falck, was gentle and patient and very obviously in love with his instruments and music. His passion communicated itself to Emily who found herself unable to do anything other than respond to the master's joy in music. After a discussion on the way music is written, the way the piano is constructed and a little chat about famous musicians of all instuments, he started Emily very simply on a few basic notes and fingering exercises, which they ran through several times until Emily had the feel of how they should sound, and then he bade her farewell. Stunned at the brevity of the lesson, she had stammered out "That's it?" and then blushed as she realised how rude she sounded.

"That is all for this week," Herr von Falck smiled. "Too much too soon and you would remember nothing. Today, you have played the piano for the first time. You will play these notes every day this week, and next week you will be ready to move on. Perhaps also this week at some time you could find a piece of music you love. It need not be piano, it need not be classical. Just a piece of music that speaks to you, and then we shall discuss it during our lesson next week." Emily had promised she would, and bestowed a dazzling smile upon the music master, certain that despite all hre previous fears, she would actually enjoy these lessons.

Emily ran happily along to her form room, mentally thinking about all she had just learned and wondering what kind of music she would take to the next lesson. So wrapped up in her thoughts, she failed to spot Konnie moping along the corridor in the opposite direction, and the two girls came together with a crashing thud, falling to the ground. Emily smacked her head against the wall hard enough to bring tears to her eyes, and Konnie managed to scrape her leg along the floor boards hard enough to break the skin.

"You idiot!" Konnie screamed at the dazed Emily. "You bloody stupid cow - are you blind? Anyone with half an eye could see me - or do you somehow think you need an entire corridor just to let your head through?"

Emily sat up, swaying a little. "I'm really sorry Konnie. I should have been looking more carefully-". Konnie swore loudly. Before this delightful conversation could continue however, Sharon's voice broke in . "Girls! Get up immediately! What on earth have you been doing? Oh!" This last she spotted the blood oozing along Konnie's leg. "Konnie, you had better come and get this seen to right away! Emily, where should you be right now?"
"Umm, prep I think," muttered Emily through her headache.
"Then hurry up and get there please," Sharon snapped out, before turning all her attention back to her sister. Konnie limped off, leaning heavily on Sharon, who was murmuring sympathetic words the whole time, leaving the dazed Emily to get to her feet and stumble off to the form room.

Emily went to the form room, and entered as quietly as possible for the sake of the other girls already at work on the day's preparation. When asked why she was late, the prefect in charge nodded impatiently at Emily's explanation of "music lesson", and waved the girl towards her seat. Emily sat down, her head spinning and feeling rather sick. Aimee glanced over.
"You ok?" she whispered softly. Emily triedd to nod her head, but had to stop as it made her headache so much worse. Putting her hand up to her head, Emily felt a dampness; pulling her hand away she saw a smear of blood and correctly surmised she must have split her head when she fell.
"What's wrong?" Aimee whispered, unable to see what Emily was finding so fascinating on her fingers. By way of answer, Emily held her hand up for Aimee to see. Aimee's eyes widened, but before she had a chance to say anything more, Emily announced in her normal voice, "I think I'm going to be sick!" and was.

 


#117:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 9:36 am


I hope this rebounds on Sharon very hard!!

 


#118:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 11:02 am


I hope Margaret can sort Sharon out. She's useless if she's going to be so biased. If this gets Emily to Matron, perhaps she'll put 2 and 2 together.

I liked the music lesson. I hope Herr von Falk is ready for the Beatles!

 


#119:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 11:46 am


Oh dear, I hope poor Emily is alright. I'm glad she enjoyed the piano lesson though Very Happy I love playing.

Lets see what happens when Sharon hears her little sister is a bully.

 


#120:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 1:34 pm


*is worried that the matey in this story is biased against Emily too.

*hopes Sharon gets her comuppance - would feel sorry for her (she lost her mum too) except that she only got the job because of the mystery shareholder.

 


#121:  Author: LissLocation: Harrow, London PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 2:12 pm


Oh, where's our Matey when we need her?

Who on earth is the share holder?

Where does Aimee come into it all?

And I was really glad to see Emily enjoying her music lesson. Perhaps she'll have something to thank Mary-Lou for after all! I hope Sharon gets her comeuppance though - she's obviously not very sensible. Is Daisy Venables still alive? I'm sure she would have something to say about her granddaughters' behaviour. She might be more reasonable as well; Phil - sorry, Pippa - was only her daughter-in-law.

 


#122:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 4:06 pm


Ooh thank you, now very intrigued, why would the mystery shareholder, or anyone at all for that matter, want Sharon to be a housemistress when she is so obviously unsuited for the job?
I'm not liking her very much at all - though I suppose she is in need of sympathy herself.
I hope that someone is nice to Emily soon.

 


#123:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 5:39 pm


Poor Emily!!! Sharon needs a good smacking!!!

 


#124:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 7:11 pm


Thanks EBD Very Happy i can't wait for and Sharon is soo dumb and unfair

 


#125:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 10:00 pm


Will tomorrow ever come?

 


#126:  Author: BethCLocation: Worcester, UK PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 11:45 pm


Quote:
So is Margaret a complete new comer, or is she a friend/OG?

Wasn't Kitten Lucy's middle name Margaret? Would she be the right age?
Can't think of anyone else (am fairly sure that I imagined a Meg Rosomon, or got her from a drabble or something!)
-----------
Slightly confused, btw:
Quote:
Emily slouched off to find music room 3 and a Miss Harrison, which she managed far sooner than she would have liked. While Emily was being initiated into the inner secrets of piano playing...

then
Quote:
Her tutor, Herr von Falck

Maybe Miss Harrison suddenly became "busy"!

Anyway, MORE PLEASE![/quote]

 


#127:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 12:30 am


BethC wrote:
Slightly confused, btw:
Quote:
Emily slouched off to find music room 3 and a Miss Harrison, which she managed far sooner than she would have liked. While Emily was being initiated into the inner secrets of piano playing...

then
Quote:
Her tutor, Herr von Falck

Maybe Miss Harrison suddenly became "busy"!


I think you'll find there's a really simple explanation - EBDisms! Wink Laughing

Well, either that or the piano teacher underwent a sex change in the time it took the prefects to see Konnie and go to the Head! It's possible!

 


#128:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 7:33 am


Thank you for the last post - poor Emily - hope someone realises how badly she hit her head - and how unfair Sharon has been!

More please!

 


#129:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 12:41 pm


*sulks because there's no more!!*

 


#130:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 1:04 pm


*joins in Vikki's sulking, but then brightens up because there's bound to be more soon*

 


#131:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 2:20 pm


Surely you're not starting an early weekend EBD, not without giving us more story.

 


#132:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 4:01 pm


*wonders if the Stephen boards (on which we pledged to be angels) will notice the sulking here and decide that we don't deserve the treat.

*decides that it is not worth the risk.

*asks for more, very, very politely.

 


#133:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 7:08 pm


No story Crying or Very sad

 


#134:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 12:45 am


I thought that there'd bound to be more by now!!

 


#135:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Feb 01, 2004 3:29 am


Enjoyed the last posts, like the others wondering who everyone is.

Would appreciate more story so we can find out.

 


#136:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 12:54 am


*hopes EBD will post more soon!!*

 


#137:  Author: LissLocation: Harrow, London PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 5:08 pm


Where's the more? :sulks:

 


#138:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 5:11 pm


*strops down next to Liss to join the sulkfest!!!!*

 


#139:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 5:21 pm


considers joining sulking school girls but then notices that they look very silly with their bottom lips stuck out like that.


*sigh* which we knew who was really writing this so we could go and kick them into writing some more!

 


#140:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 6:03 pm


Still no more. *stomps off again*

 


#141:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 6:40 pm


Katarzyna wrote:
*sigh* which we knew who was really writing this so we could go and kick them into writing some more!


Agrees with this Kate - at least when the rest of us keep everyone waiting we can be yelled at using our real names!

 


#142:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 8:18 pm


Hasn't she posted yet? I wonder if she's out of touch with a computer for some reason?!!!!!!! Confused

 


#143:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 8:18 pm


Crying or Very sad *wails*

There's still no more!

Are you ok EBD?

 


#144:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 8:33 pm


I'm thinking of someone who hasn't been able to get to a computer all weekend! She's been travelling a fair distance instead! Idea Idea

 


#145:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 8:41 pm


I'm wondering about that as well. Interesting isn't it!

 


#146:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 8:43 pm


Especially as we all agree that the style of writing is familiar! Some of the morning posts have been a little too early for someone in the UK!!

 


#147:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 11:34 pm


My guesses don't look so silly now do they Pat!

Where's the smug smiley?? Mr. Green <~~~~close enough Wink

 


#148:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 11:38 pm


Only trouble is that I'm pretty sure I challenged her in a PM, & she denied it! It's still very fishy though!!

 


#149:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 3:32 am


*wonders who Pat could possibly be talking about!*

 


#150:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 3:35 am


Came here to wonder if anyone else was wondering if KB was EBD, since they've been hors de combat at the same time. Then, read the posts and realised I wasn't as clever as I thought (since many others seem to be thinking the same thing). Of course, it could be someone trying to frame KB, or someone else who just happens to be busy now.

In any event - I WANT MORE!!!!! Please

 


#151:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 4:24 am


Have to admit, the framing option did cross my mind too!!

 


#152:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 11:18 am


*shocked that any self respecting CS girl could be so decietful as to try and frame KB*

 


#153:  Author: LissLocation: Harrow, London PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 1:36 pm


I before E except after C...

 


#154:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 1:47 pm


welcome to the wonderful world of being dyslexic!

 


#155:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 5:19 pm


Still no post, I'm very suspicious now, and if we're wrong then I'm slightly worried about our author.

 


#156:  Author: EBD_Herself PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 6:11 pm


Apologies for the delay.


Within minutes the room was in uproar as girls attempted to leave the room, Aimee tried to assist Emily and the prefect in charge, Jessica Schubert, completely failed to keep control of the situation.

It was at this point that Miss Phillips, passing by en route to the staff room, entered the room. Her eyes took in the scene, and she allowed hr gaze to roam across the full width of the room, pausing here and there to glare at individuals before continuing her assessment. Finally she spoke.
"Well." One word, and such a small word. The effect was instantaneous. Those girls still struggling to leave the room found themselves sliding back onto their seats with their faces flaming, Aimee managed to help Emily to her feet and Jessica stood stock still, embarrassed, humiliated and fully aware that she had failed in her duty.

"Aimee, perhaps you would be kind enough to take Emily to Matron dear?" Miss Phillips made her request in icy tones, and Jessica flushed further. This was how she should have taken control - how she should have dealt with the girls she was supervising.
"Victoria, run along and ask Herr Schmitt to come and clean up in here please, and don't waste time. The rest of you girls, pick up your books and make your way to the common room. You can finish prep in there for once. Wait a minute! Sara, would you please go along to the prefects room and ask whoever is free to come and sit with you since none of you apparently know how to behave like girls of fourteen. Off you go."

The room cleared rapidly until Miss Phillips was left alone with the scarlet Jessica.
"I am so sorry Miss Phillips," Jessica stammered out. "Everything happened so quickly."
"Jessica, I know just how silly fourth form girls can be. As a prefect you should have been able to deal with a little silliness. However, I do not ecpect you to deal with an ill child throwing up all over the classroom which is what appears to have happened!" Miss Phillips smiled at Jessica. "Come along - we'll pop into my cubby hole and you can tell me the whole story." Miss Phillips knew healthy schoolgirls weren't sick for no reason and was determined to get to the bottom of it all.

The staffroom was mercifully empty, most of the staff back over at the staff hostel at this time of day, so Miss Phillips managed to make coffee for herself and Jessica in peace. Once the pair were settled into Miss Phillips cubbyhole, they sat sipping the coffee before Jessica told her tale. As Jessica's tale unfolded, Miss Phillips became more and more concerned, but hid her fears from the prefect. At last, after glancing at the clock, Miss Phillips suggested that Jessica should go and prepare for Abendessen. "And don't worry dear - I don't hold you responsible for the stupidty of my form in the slightest. They will be hearing all about it from me tomorrow. And if the prefects wish to take it up with regards to their rudeness to you, well, that's your business." Jessica gave a half hearted laugh before leaving the room.

Aimee had tried to take Emily straight to Matron, but half way up the stairs, Emily had turned sick again. In despair, Aimee abandoned her friend on the stairs and ran to Matron's room. She threw open the door, and could hardly speak. Matron glanced at Aimee's face and shot out "Where?" even as she grabbed her bag. "Stairs," gasped Aimee, sitting on the floor in an attempt to get her breath back.

"Quite the heroine of the hour," sneered a well known voice. Konnie was sitting on the examing couch swinging her legs to and fro and watching Aimee. "So who's life have you just saved precious girl?"
Aimee stod up slowly, still slightly breathless. "It was Emily. She's sick. And bleeding," added Aimee as she recalled Emily's hand covered in blood. "What happened to you?" asked Aimee in curiosity since Konie appeared the picture of health and well being.

"Emily shoved me over in the hallway - skinned my knees and gashed my legs," replied Konnie, not adverse to talking to Aimee when there was a chance to be the center of attention.
"Where?" asked Aimee, peering at Konnie's still swinging legs. "I can't see so much as a scratch!"
"Then you must be blind as well as stupid," snapped Konnie.

A slight noise made both girls look towards the door. Matron entered, carrying Emily and being closely followed by Sharon in her capacity as Emily's housemistress.
"- is your job!" Matron was saying angrily to the younger woman. Seeing the other two girls staring infascination at her, Matron clamped her mouth shut and satisfied herself with an angry look thrown over her shoulder. Sharon's face had set in stubborn lines, every inch the offended party. Sadly for her though, Matron was having none of it.

Crossing the room, Matron snapped out "Off!" to Konnie.
"But my legs!" protested Konnie indignantly.
"Your legs as are as well as mine," responded Matron heatedly. "Now get off of there instantly!"
Konnie slid to the floor and sidled from the room without a backward glance. Sharon started to follow her out but was stopped by Matron's voice. "And where do you think you are going?"
"I was - well - Konnie did hurt herself too you know Matron. I thought I would check on her."
"I see, and Emily here who is currently only half concious, is bleeding from a serious head injury and has been sick four times in the last half hour doesn't require assistance. Very well. I shall make sure it is all noted in the report."
Sharon stood still, choking back her anger at being spoken to in this way in front of the silent Aimee. With a small angry gesture, Sharon tossed her hair out of her face and moved across to the examining table.
"What do you want me to do then?" she asked.

 


#157:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 6:27 pm


Well, if Matey is on Sharon's case, it could be an instnce of the proverbial ice-cube.

 


#158:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 6:29 pm


Nice to see Sharon getting her comeupance!

Thanks for that bit - even if it did take a really really long time!

 


#159:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 7:20 pm


Thanks for the update EBD. Sharon really needs to get her priorities right!

 


#160:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 8:00 pm


I do hope that there will be a lot more tonight, EBD! Afterall you have had a very long weekend in which to write plenty for us!!

 


#161:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 8:13 pm


Unless of course you were busy doing things other than writing this weekend EBD! Wink

 


#162:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 9:04 pm


Thanks EBD, nice to see someone telling Sharon where to get off for once. I wonder if the board member would still insist on keeping her if gross incompetance was proved.

 


#163:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 1:05 am


Sarah_L wrote:
Unless of course you were busy doing things other than writing this weekend EBD! Wink


heh heh heh - you used the "b" word!



















(Oh dear, I'm becoming a five year old)

 


#164:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 1:06 am


Depends who the board member is doesn't it? If it's one of the family am sure they will find a way Exclamation

 


#165:  Author: MandyLocation: Derry, N.Ireland PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 1:13 am


Thank you EBD, can't wait for more.

 


#166:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 1:15 am


Wow, dramatic! I'm glad that Matey isn't biased against Emily, as someone suggested, and I'm even more pleased to see Matey dealing with Sharon as she ought to be dealt with.
I do hope Emily is going to be all right though....

Please don't let it be as long before the next part, whoever you are.

 


#167:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 6:54 am


Good for Matey!! Hope that Sharon realises her mistake.

More please - *joining in the speculation about identity of writer.*

 


#168:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 5:51 pm


Thank you EBD please may we have some more though please!

 


#169:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 8:16 pm


Rachel, every time someone uses the 'b' word, are you going to titter like a schoolgirl? Razz Razz

 


#170:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 8:21 pm


No more story! bawling

 


#171:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 9:24 pm


Sarah_L wrote:
Rachel, every time someone uses the 'b' word, are you going to titter like a schoolgirl? Razz Razz


You ask as if there is a problem with that?

*admits that she tittered through much of anatomy

 


#172:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 10:31 pm


No story today? Crying or Very sad

 


#173:  Author: EBD_Herself PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 11:06 pm


Matron was examining Emily's head, parting the hair gently to see the scalp. Peering closely at the wound that was still oozing blood, Matron asked Sharon to open the medical case which stood ready always in the medical room.
"What do you need?" Sharon asked quietly, suddenly having realised just how far from expectations she had fallen.
"Distilled water, gauze pads and some steri-strips should suffice," Matron replied. The wound, although still bleeding, was not as serious as matron had first thought; head wounds were notorious for producing quantites of blood way out of proportion to the actual injury.
Sharon passed all these things to Matron who rapidly cleaned and dressed the injury, and then tucked a blanket around Emily's shoulders, before pulling up the drop down side on the examining table. Emily's eyes closed and she let out a deep sigh as dropped off to sleep. Spying Aimee who had remained silently by during the whole procedure, matron let out a brief laugh.
"Don't look so scared pet," she told the little girl. "She's not going to die - but I expect she'll have a headache when she wakes up! Now, where should you be right now?" Matron asked thoughtfully while glancing at the clock, "OK, prep is all but over, I'll sign you a permit for no prep and you can go straight to Abendessen."
"Can I come back and see Emily afterwards?" Aimee asked anxiously.
Matron's eyes twinkled. She too was an old girl of the school, and had had the pleasure of being a student during Hilda Annersley's reign, so it was no surprise that matron's response to this question was a grin followed by "You certainly can. The question is. . . ?"
"May I," Aimee finished with a weak grin of her own. She should have known better than to misuse can for may in front of Matron!
Matron smiled once more. "Of course you may, as long as you don't expect any wild shenanigans! I'll keep Emily here until she wakes up, and then I rather think I'll chuck her in the San at least overnight until we see how this concussion goes! Now, off you go child!" Aimee went, finally convinced that Emily wouldn't die.

As Aimee left the room, the smile left matron's face and she turned grave eyes on Sharon.
"Come through to my office." Matron indicated that Sharon should preced her through the doorway to the little room adjacent to the medical facilities. Matron closed the door after opening the blinds so she could still observe Emily, and then turned to Sharon.
"What?" asked Sharon defensively.
"Do you have any idea what happened this evening Miss Rosomon?" Matron asked formally.
Sharon flushed as she replied. "I'm not certain. I mean, I came across her and Konnie on the floor earlier on, but Konnie was obviously injured and needed attention! I couldn't leave her!"
"And what of Emily's injury? Was that not at least as equally obvious as Konnie's exceedingly minor leg injuries? For goodness sake Sharon! The child was bleeding and suffering mild concussion and you didn't even notice? You are paid to be a House Mistress, to oversee the care of the girls in your house."
"I know!" Sharon burst out. "I'm doing the best I can! Everyone makes mistakes occasionally!"
Matron's eyes softened. "They do. But you are being paid to take care of all the girls in your house - not just Konnie. I'm sorry Sharon, but as your immediate superior, I am going to have to make an official report to Mrs Maynard regarding this incident. You failed your duty of care to Emily Chapman."
"That's not fair!" Sharon was almost in tears. "You can't do this to me!"
"I can Sharon, and I will. Don't you see how serious this could have been? You are very fortunate that Emily's injuries weren't more severe, but you were so blinded by your devotion to Konnie, that you completely missed another child's need - which I must also say was far greater than that of your sister. Konnie grazed her leg very slightly. It was the kind of graze the girls get every day during sports lessons, and hardly notice. It was not a life threatening injury, yet you immediately brought her here and demanded medical treatment."
"Which you gave," Sharon replied. "You wouldn't have done that if it wasn't necessary!"
"Sharon," Matron sighed. "I rubbed a small amount of cream onto it! That's hardly in the same category as steri-strips and concussion! Can't you see all this Sharon?" Matron finished in slight bewilderment. It was almost beyond comprehension that someone as young and biased as Sharon Rosomon could be in such a trusted position within the school, and Matron was determined to make a full report to Margaret Maynard. Naturally, with so many family links within the staff of the school, matron was prepared to tread carefully, but she was determined to do her duty to Emily, and make sure an official report of Sharon's behaviour was lodged with the school's hierarchy.

 


#174:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 11:11 pm


Just caught up and relieved that Matey is going to take official action. I can't see Miss Phillips ignoring it either. However much of a problem Konnie has, she needs a good slap!

 


#175:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 11:15 pm


Yay thnak EBD for a nice long post more soon i hope!

 


#176:  Author: MandyLocation: Derry, N.Ireland PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 11:22 pm


Thanks EBD, it looks like its all about to come out in the open.

 


#177:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 11:33 pm


Thanks EBD. I'm glad Matron's going to report her officially although goodness knows if it'll have any effect if Sharon's got such a powerful supporter!

(and now we have another mystery ex student, just who is Matron? and we still don't know about Aimee's mother do we?)

 


#178:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 1:27 am


I'm also glad that Matron is going to do something about Sharon, I just hope those in charge take notice.

 


#179:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 5:33 am


Would love to know who matron is??????

Hope she gets somewhere with her action against Sharon - stupid girl doesn't even acknowledge that she made a potentially serious error!

 


#180:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 1:56 pm


Sharon is a stupid git. Glad to see that Matron is going to report her - I hope it comes to something. Given that Miss Maynard has had Konnie brought to her for bullying, I expect that she will listen to Matron.

 


#181:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 5:12 pm


High drama and more mystery.

Hope for some resolution soon.

 


#182:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 6:49 pm


Please may we have some more!

 


#183:  Author: EBD_Herself PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 8:55 pm


"I think you should go to your room and stay there," Matron advised Sharon.
Sharon drew herself up to her full height. "I am not a school girl any longer matron, although you seem to forget that fact."
"Indeed you are not, but you are in a subordinate position; therefore, as your immediate superior, I am advising you to wait in your room until further notice. I will be going to Mrs Maynard shortly, and have no doubt she will wish to speak with you. It will make life so much simpler if we know where to find you!"
Sharon, feeling tears prickling at the backs of her eyes turned tail and fled from the medical room, flinging herself onto her own bed and weeping as if she were no older than Konnie.

Matron used the inter-house telephones to request Miss McPherson, House Mistress of St. Agnes, to come and sit with Emily. The two women were long standing friends, and matron knew she could trust Emily to the House Mistress without any fears of neglect.

Rebecca McPherson sauntered into the medical room and glanced at Emily who was still sleeping before passing through to matron's office.
"What on earth has she been up to?" asked Rebecca interestedly.
"Goodness only knows!" replied Matron. "Although it would appear that young Konnie was in on it all too. You don't mind keeping tabs on Emily do you? She has a concussion, and is likely to be rather vague for several days, as well as having an outsize in headaches too. I'm just doing obs on her at present, every half hour. Breathing, pulse, temp and colour - nothing too intruisve. If she wakes up, you can run through the standard questions for head injuries, but apart from that, there isn't much else we can do - short of trepanning the poor kid and I'm not sure my drill is clean," Matron finished with a wicked chuckle.

Rebecca pushed her friend out the door. "Go on, I'll sit here good as gold and keep an eye on your patient for you. But since I am missing Abendessen for you, the least you could do is hand over your box of special biscuits - we all know you keep them hidden in your desk!"
"Can a woman have no secrets in this place?" Matron asked with an exaggerated sigh, whilst throwing the key over. Rebecca grinned, and waved a farewell before turning to the desk in search of the biscuits.

Matron ran lightly down the stairs and made her way rapidly to the Head's suite of rooms, hoping that Mrs Maynard wouldn't have gone home for the night yet. She was reassured to hear the murmur of voices from behind the closed door, and rapped sharply. The buzz of talk died immediately and Matron heard Margaret Maynard call out "Herein!"

"I'm sorry to intrude Margaret," Matron began, "Only a very serious situation has arisen, and I didn't feel it would be appropriate to leave it."
"That doesn't sound good Robina," said Margaret gravely. "Sit yourself down and tell us the worst."

Matron told her tale concisely, omitting nothing but embellishing in no way either. It was apparent to the other two women that Matron was making a valiant effort to portray Sharon's actions accurately and without bias.
"I see," said Margaret at last. "I quite agree that this is far too serious to leave. For goodness sake, Emily has only been in our care since Thursday! I shall have to see Sharon immediately and suspend her pending a full inquiry. Cecil, would you mind running up and asking Sharon to see me? Robina, thankyou. This can't have been easy for you. I may as well tell you that Cecil and I were already discussing Sharon and whether she should remain in position as House Mistress of St. Clares. This would appear to be the confirmation I needed that she should not."

"She's not a bad kid," Matron said thoughtfully.
"I know," replied Margaret. "But she is just a kid herself, she should never have been in a position of such responsibility at her age."
"Are you going to sack her?" Matron asked.
Margaret sighed. "I hope not," she said at last. "I hope not, but I have a horrible suspicion I may have to - and that may mean a nice little beaurocratic wrangle with our governors! Oh I may as well come clean Robina. There's a single stake holder on the board of governors who is in a monopoly position - whatever they say goes right now. And they said Sharon should have the position as House Mistress."

Robina was shocked. "But surely they cannot tell you who to hire or fire?"
"It would appear they have certain rights of veto - and in this case I was over-ruled. I felt Sharon could hardly have the experience and wisdom to act as a mother to the girls in her care - especially those girls only a couple of years younger than herself, many of whom she was at school with. However, her application for the job cited her trusted position as a successful Head Girl here as being proof of her capabilities of understanding school girls and being able to deal with their problems - and that was appareently what swung it with the governor. None of the other applicants had any ties with us, nor did they cite Head Girlship as previous experience! One can only conclude," Maragret wound up in some bitterness, "That our governor places an awful lot of faith in the power of prefects, and none at all in the benefits of maturity."


Matron shok her head in disbelief, and as she returned to the medical suite, she turned this news over and over in her mind, trying to understand why anyone would place such a young and inexperienced girl in such a high pressure position. Her thoughts couln't untangle the problem and Matron arrived back in her office having got no further with the question.

"She's still sleeping, although she did mutter a few times about having a headache. Temps the same and breathing and pulse are stable. Colour is the same too - although I toyed with the idea of painting her green to see if you would notice," reported Rebecca.
Matron managed to summon a grin as she looked Emily over once more for her own satisfaction. "And do I have any biscuits left?" she demanded.
"Fraid not," Rebecca replied with a smirk. "My need was definitely far greater than yours, so I ate the lot."
"And now my need is even greater since I have missed Abendessen AND biscuits. Be a pet and see if you can cadge something from the kitchen for me would you? Before I fade away into mere nothingness!"
"Chance would be a fine thing!" flung Rebecca over her shoulder as she headed off to the kitchens.

 


#184:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 9:04 pm


Thank you for that - even curiouser - tempted to say the mysterious share holder is Joey - but I think it said earlier in the story that she was dead?

 


#185:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 9:47 pm


Obviously this Matron doesn't have the pull of Matey - Matey would be able to get food from the kitchen staff with no problem whatsoever!

 


#186:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 10:08 pm


Times have definitely changed!!

 


#187:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 11:52 pm


I like Rebecca, sounds sensible and yet fun Very Happy a very CS sort of Mistress. If there's a problem over sacking Sharon maybe the mysterious shareholder will have to reveal themselves
*crosses fingers that this is the case*

 


#188:  Author: MandyLocation: Derry, N.Ireland PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 12:14 am


*wonders if matron is Robina McQueen?*

 


#189:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 12:22 am


*Very glad that Sharon is going to be dealt with.*
*Still hoping Emily is ok*

 


#190:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 2:31 am


Thank you EBD!!!!!
*settles down to await the next installment!!!*

 


#191:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 1:15 pm


The plot thickens. What I want to know, is why did those shares come on the market? Surely Madge left them to her children as they were part of her estate?

ETA: She was proud of having started the CS, surely she would not have wanted the company to go out of the family?

 


#192:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 2:46 pm


Just caught up - so many questions answered but so many more asked! Aaaaaarggghhh!

 


#193:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 3:38 pm


Every question that gets answered seems to sprout another dozen unanswered questions.

Hmm, I wonder if that means the author is...

 


#194:  Author: EBD_Herself PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 7:44 pm


Sharon came to the study, desperately attempting to regain her dignity. Cecil had told her gently that Mrs. Maynard wished to see her, and this use of her Aunt Margaret?s formal title was nearly the complete undoing of Sharon. She had cried on her bed, but her mind had been racing. In hindsight, she was beginning to see just how awful her action s had been, and she had uttered a wordless prayer of thanks that Emily?s injuries had not been more serious. She knew that if she had come across the situation between Konnie and Emily while she had been at school as Head Girl, she would have stopped at nothing to get to the bottom of the matter, before marching the pair of them off to Matron. It was this final realization that proved matron?s point about her bias blinding her to the truth, so that when Cecil tapped on the door, Sharon?s only surprise was that she wasn?t being commanded to pack her bags.

?You wished to see me?? Sharon said properly once she was in the Study.
?I did. Matron has just been to me with a report, and I would like to hear your side of the matter before I make any decisions.? Margaret Maynard hoped that Sharon would be able to tell the story accurately, as life would be made even more difficult if the young woman still believed her actions to have been appropriate.
?I?m so sorry,? Sharon choked out. ?It was all my fault ? I shouldn?t have left Emily like that.? Sharon poured out the story of the afternoon?s events, stumbling frequently in her haste to lay the facts bare, and confessing to her own dereliction of duty with a candour that surprised the Head. ?I should have seen that Emily needed me ? but Konnie-?
?I know dear,? Margaret said gently. ?Sharon, your devotion to Konnie, although understandable, is crippling you both. You are clinging to her so hard, and she to you, that neither of you is able to have a healthy view of life and relationships. In many ways, I think both you and Konnie would be better apart for a while and-?
?You?re sacking me,? Sharon said in a dreary voice.
?No my dear, I am not sacking you outright. I do however think you need some time out away from both the school and Konnie. Have some time to think, to decide where you want to go in life. If you wish to continue at the school, there will have to be changes, but I am not going to force anything right now. I will however,? continued Margaret with an inward groan, ?have to inform Mr. and Mrs. Chapman of the injury their daughter has sustained, and obviously there will have to be an internal enquiry into the circumstances surrounding it.?

?Aunt Margaret,? Sharon said, hanging her head low.
?Yes dear??
?What if I resign?? was Sharon?s question.
?Isn?t that a knee-jerk reaction dear? Are you offering to resign because you truly want to or because you feel it would be the easiest solution to the problem?? Margaret asked her niece seriously, watching Sharon?s face closely for clues as to the underlying reasons for this sudden idea.
?I can?t do it,? Sharon burst out. ?I thought it would be just like when I was Head Girl! Everyone liked me and respected me then, but now nobody cares. They laugh at me, I know, and I?m so lonely.?

Margaret passed the sobbing girl a box of tissues, but made no effort to stem the flow. As far as she knew, this was the closest Sharon had come to grieving since her mother had died, and Margaret felt it would be beneficial to Sharon in the long term to get it all out in the open.
?The mistresses don?t like me, they all still treat me like a silly school girl, and the girls aren?t the same any more. I thought it would be just the same as it used to be, but it?s not!? Sharon was beginning to repeat herself, so Margaret asked some gentle questions.
?Why do you think the mistresses dislike you Sharon?? she asked.
?They send me off out on errands any time I try to sit in the staff room, and they?re always finding tasks for me to do that mean I haven?t any free time over at the hostel. And because I?m House Mistress of course I?m sleeping in the school, so I spend all my evenings over here, and nobody ever talks to me. They never ask me to go to Interlaken with them, or go for a walk, or offer to lend me a book ? nothing! I might as well not exist as far as they are all concerned,? Sharon wound up in dramatic fashion.
?Oh Sharon, don?t you understand? They are treating you in exactly the way I was treated in my first job ? as staff baby! The youngest member of the staff is always asked to run errands and fetch and carry. And if you?ve been shutting yourself up over here in the school at times when you should have been at the hostel, can you blame them for not inviting you or including you in activities??
?But the girls don?t like me either,? argued Sharon.
?Sharon, to the girls you are now a mistress, with all the supposed power and glories which that esteemed position brings. You can?t expect them to continue to treat you as a schoolgirl. And have you considered that by expecting that, you are merely feeding into your secondary belief that the other staff are treating you as a schoolgirl? You cannot have it both ways. You have reached adulthood, and you have to choose your own path now. At present you are feeling mixed up and confused, mainly I suspect because you have never had a chance to adjust to what vast opportunities are open to you beyond the school. Take some time out now, go away, find yourself and decide what you really want to do. I don?t think your heart is in your job at present Sharon, and that is not a pleasant position for any woman to be in.?
?But I don?t know where to go,? cried Sharon.
?And that is part of your problem. You are welcome to stay with Uncle Mike and I at Freudesheim for a few days while you decide, but you need to get out and investigate all the other options that are open to you. Don?t make the mistake of tying yourself to something that will eventually make you bitter and unhappy. You are young enough now to change careers, find something that absorbs your interests, something that you will develop a passion for. Go out and find it Sharon. You wont find it here.?
?But Konnie,? muttered Sharon, torn between the appeal of her aunt?s suggestions and the feeling that she would be deserting her young sister.
?Sharon, Konnie needs help. But not from you. You have tried to help her by loving her, and she knows she is loved, but now she needs the kind of help you are too young to give her. She needs professional help.?
?A shrink,? Sharon said flatly.
?Yes. A shrink! She needs a psychologist who can dig her out from the hole she has fallen into and can throw her a life line to get her out.? Margaret was choosing her words with care, but trying to get Sharon to understand her failure of duty included her sister.
?I thought I was her lifeline,? Sharon said, beginning to cry again. ?I?m a complete failure aren?t I??
?Sharon, you are a wonderful young woman, and a loving sister. But Konnie?s problems go far deeper than you realise. In fact, I only discovered today for myself how deep Konnie?s problems go. Come on,? she added, rising to her feet and putting an arm around Sharon. ?Let?s head off home and see what Uncle Mike has made for dinner!?

They arrived at Freudesheim, where Margaret dispatched Sharon off to the guestroom to wash her face and tidy up before dinner. One Sharon had left the room, Margaret rapidly filled the rest of the family in on latest developments, before remarking with a rueful grin that it looked like she would have to break the habit of a lifetime and get up early the following day to meet with the prefects.

 


#195:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 8:22 pm


Margaret seems to have taken over the mantle of the Abess - tempering Justice with Mercy.

Hopefully things will get better for everyone, now.

 


#196:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 8:28 pm


I very much like how Margaret has dealt with Sharon. And I'm also glad Sharon has proven herself to be, underneath it all, a sensible young woman.

 


#197:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 9:12 pm


Thank you - love the way Margaret dealt with Sharon, and that Sharon realised her faults.


*Lesley also having a quiet snigger at Staff Baby too!*

 


#198:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 10:46 pm


Thank you EBD!!!! Glad to see Sharon has seen sense!!!

 


#199:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 11:41 pm


I bet that's the last we get until Monday though! bawling bawling

 


#200:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 12:39 am


Glad to see some sense from Sharon at last.

Wonder why the ? as there was no language differences to cause it?

 


#201:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 12:48 am


I'm glad to see that Sharon has been honest enough with herself to admit to her failures, I suppose in a way she needed something like this to happen, unfortunate for Emily though.

 


#202:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 12:49 am


It's nice to know Sharon realised she was wrong in the end and I like the way Margaret dealt with her but Konnie is NOT going to be pleased when she hears! Confused

 


#203:  Author: MandyLocation: Derry, N.Ireland PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 1:21 am


I agree, if we think Konnie was bad already, she'll probably get 10 times worse now.

 


#204:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 4:23 pm


Ah, but if she has the sense to realise that she won't be pampered and cossetted, she might just pull up. But, she'll probably take it out on Emily.

 


#205:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 6:30 pm


*hopes for Emily's sake that this doesn't happen!*

 


#206:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 1:01 am


Glad to see Sharon is being sorted out. Perhaps she only became a teacher because of the family's connection with the school.

Hope Matron keeps Emily in the San for at least a week so Konnie can't get her.

 


#207:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 9:08 am


I would hope, now they know about the problem, that the mistresses will keep a watchful eye. Plus I think Emily can look after herself!

 


#208:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 2:46 pm


Thanks EBD i just caught up!

 


#209:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 2:53 pm


What? No more story yet?

 


#210:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 3:15 pm


EBD, I just caught up with this, I'm glad to see Sharon is being more sensible now and hope Konnie will be sorted out soon.

 


#211:  Author: MandyLocation: Derry, N.Ireland PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 10:54 pm


I thought there would at least be more story today.

*chants for more*

 


#212:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 11:13 pm


Still no more. Who's been absent from the board a lot recently?? Twisted Evil

 


#213:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 11:26 pm


Laughing

I have!

So who ELSE has been missing lately?!?

 


#214:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 11:40 pm


No one else Rachel! Twisted Evil

 


#215:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 11:46 pm


Is this an admission Rachel? Twisted Evil

 


#216:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 11:55 pm


I wish!

But you will NEVER catch me up at stupid o'clock in the morning when EBD appears to like posting!

 


#217:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 11:58 pm


Whoever it is seems to like trying to implicate others. She didn't post when KB was flying to Europe either! Rolling Eyes Shocked

 


#218:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 12:14 am


I can't think of anyone who's that calculating, maybe it is just all co-incidence. We all have RL issues from the sound of things at the moment.

 


#219:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 1:09 am


I still think that it is KB!

I'm fully ready to be proved wrong, but...

 


#220:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 3:28 am


Not sure who it is. Know it isn't me though.

 


#221:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 10:30 am


EBD where are you?

 


#222:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 10:31 am


Susan wrote:
Not sure who it is. Know it isn't me though.


Unless of course this is one of those incredible quadruple bluff type statements!

 


#223:  Author: MandyLocation: Derry, N.Ireland PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 3:01 pm


I've just realised that Liss hasn't been around for a while and as she is the only one who knows all our identities, ... ... ... Question

Anyone else agree?

 


#224:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 3:04 pm


Is it definitely someone we know, and not just a lurker who is too shy to reveal their true identity?

 


#225:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 3:32 pm


Well, I don't know who it is (and I can assure you it isn't me Laughing ) but whoever it is is a very good writer and I hope she posts again soon!

 


#226:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 3:35 pm


Whoever it is has an AOL email address! I emailed her, and got a reply when Liss accused me of being EBD - she miss-remembered the name! The AOL address gave absolutley no clue at all! Rolling Eyes Mad

 


#227:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 3:42 pm


Actually there is someone who is on holiday at the moment, and her posts often have the ? instead of the " if I remember correctly.

 


#228:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 5:43 pm


Oooh, that might be a good clue. Who is it?

 


#229:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 6:05 pm


Kathryn!! Very Happy

 


#230:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 7:02 pm


That email adress sounds vaguely familiar, it tugs at a faint memory. Will nag at me now until I remember what it was.. Question Question Question

Last edited by Carolyn P on Thu Feb 12, 2004 9:19 am; edited 1 time in total

 


#231:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 8:53 pm


*disappointed moan*

Is there still no more story?!!!

(not that I've any time to read it!)

 


#232:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 11:57 pm


EBD dearest, please may we have some more?

 


#233:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 2:30 am


Rachel wrote:
Susan wrote:
Not sure who it is. Know it isn't me though.


Unless of course this is one of those incredible quadruple bluff type statements!


It truely truely really isn't me.

 


#234:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 2:56 am


Carolyn P wrote:
That email adress sounds vaguely familiar, it tugs at a faint memory. Will nag at me now until I remember what it was Question Question Question


Which email address Question Question Question

 


#235:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 5:54 am


Would really like more story.

Would also like to know writer's true identity - why are they ashamed of it?

 


#236:  Author: LissLocation: Harrow, London PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 12:18 pm


EBD!! More please! Where on earth have you gone?

 


#237:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 1:27 pm


I wish whoever it was would get on with it! i have a horrid feeling that this will turn into one of those unfinished drabbles. Which would be rather a pity as I was enjoying it!

Now who do know who doesn't finish her drabbles, looking at no mistress in particular! Twisted Evil

 


#238:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 1:35 pm


Lesley wrote:
Would really like more story.

Would also like to know writer's true identity - why are they ashamed of it?


They can't possibly be ashamed of this, Lesley, so I'm sure there must be some other reason for hiding their identity.
I'm missing it too! It's a brilliant drabble.

 


#239:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 1:38 pm


I can't see why they'd be ashamed of it Pat - but can't think of any other reason not to admit to their identity. Are we so frightening? (Well apart from Rachel I mean Kiss to Rachel the Quidditch )

 


#240:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 1:47 pm


I can't see why the writer is keeping their inentity silent, unless it's cos they never intended to finish the story and can't stand our reproaches.

What a horrid idea.

I still think we need to look through to see who has unfinished stories?

 


#241:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 5:03 pm


Very, very disappointed with your inefficiency, EBD. I'd expected better of you.

 


#242:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 5:08 pm


*Calls* VIKKI!!!! Come here and deny it!

There, that's stopped all the hinting and pussy-footing around!

 


#243:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 6:46 pm


We have to pussy foot, we can't risk upsetting anyone.

Vikki does have an unfinished drabble though, maybe she thought she'd add another to the list?

Another thing I noticed is that this drabble writer seemed to loose interest at around the time the current Real Chalet School started? Lesley, anything you'd like to share?

 


#244:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 7:14 pm


I think perhaps we'll just have to wait patiently for whoever it is to come forward and admit it. Would be nice to have some more, though.

 


#245:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 8:28 pm


I know what I would find lovely. Another nice long posting waiting for me when I come back on Wednesday! I do hope that isn't wishful thinking! Smile

 


#246:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 9:44 pm


It really and truly isn't me! I swear on my teddy bear's life!!!

 


#247:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 9:49 pm


Admits that she has to believe Vikki. No one would swear on their teddy's life if they weren't telling the truth.


*makes note to call the SPCTB if Vikki turns out to be EBD

 


#248:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 12:12 am


Thank you Chelsea!

 


#249:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 7:36 am


Carolyn P wrote:
Another thing I noticed is that this drabble writer seemed to loose interest at around the time the current Real Chalet School started? Lesley, anything you'd like to share?


Carolyn - the one name I wouldn't use is EBD_Herself. Anyway my writing generally involves Hilda and Nell - neither are in this!

 


#250:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 10:16 am


Gosh are we still waiting for more of this?

 


#251:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 10:22 am


And we still don't know who she is!! Is my life any longer worth living?

 


#252:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 2:11 pm


Crying or Very sad EBD had dissappeared! Where are you?

 


#253:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 12:31 am


And still no sign of her Exclamation

 


#254:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 1:07 am


I don't care who it is I just WANT SOME MORE.

Of course if we don't get any more and then I do find out who it is... Evil or Very Mad

 


#255:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 5:41 pm


*has a strop because there's no more yet!!*

 


#256:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 9:41 pm


Shunts tis back up to the top so that whoever is writing itmught take some notice, Vikki, Ellie, whoever!! Twisted Evil

 


#257:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 10:16 pm


*Rolls eyes in exasperation* It's not me!
I do think it's a possibly a shift worker though, (unless that's another attempt to throw us off the scent) but she has always posted while I'm at work, be it morning or evening, and I never post to this board from work.

 


#258:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 11:34 pm


I'm disappointed, EBD! I will say no more.

 


#259:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 5:17 pm


Agrees with Pat, this is very disappointing, most inefficient.

 


#260:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 9:06 pm


Ellie wrote:
*Rolls eyes in exasperation* It's not me!
I do think it's a possibly a shift worker though, (unless that's another attempt to throw us off the scent) but she has always posted while I'm at work, be it morning or evening, and I never post to this board from work.


*joins Ellie in the exasperated eye rolling!!!*

 


#261:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 9:08 pm


Why are you exasperated Vikki?

Is it because I suggested both you and Ellie as authors. I don't see why not, it has to be someone!

 


#262:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 9:29 pm


She did promise to reveal herself, ages ago. She's also going to TG remember!!!

 


#263:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 11:11 pm


Carolyn P wrote:
Why are you exasperated Vikki?

Is it because I suggested both you and Ellie as authors. I don't see why not, it has to be someone!


I'm exasperated because I've told you who knows how many times that it's not me!!!!!

 


#264:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 11:16 pm


Sorry. Crying or Very sad

 


#265:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 11:17 pm


Calm down, honey! We believe you!

I do wish whoever it is would continue though! Or reveal themselves! I can't think of anyone who's gone away for a while!

 


#266:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 12:10 am


Carolyn P wrote:
Sorry. Crying or Very sad

Awww! Honey!
*huggles*

 


#267:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 9:48 pm


I've thought of a way we can identify who has written this, and then beg them for more. Moderators of forums can look at the IP addresses of the person posting every post, and there is an option to look up any other users with the same IP addresses.

 


#268:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 10:55 pm


But that would only tell us mods!!!! It wouldn't be fair to give her away, now would it?

 


#269:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 11:33 pm


I tried that but the IP adress is only a series of numbers and sometimes you can have quite a few depending on your ISP. On mine there is a different one almsot everytime I dial up as we are with Tiscalli and they have dynamic ones. (Don't understand but that's what D says)

 


#270:  Author: RayLocation: Bristol, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 11:48 pm


*ten tonne web techie gorilla weighs in*

Yup - Carolyn's absolutely right; while in theory your IP address can be traced back to you, in practice, unless you have a fixed IP address (and 99% of people using the 'net don't) all that would be tracable would be your ISP - and given that most ISPs are pretty big (think about how many people subscribe to AOL, for example), that doesn't really narrow it down.

I will say that (unless you happen to be an AOL subscriber*), your IP address would be the same through out each internet session, but in all honesty, you would have to have complete logs for the periods EBD_Herself posted in and you would have to be VERY eagle-eyed to spot the instance of the same IP address, even assuming that EBD_Herself posted as someone else the same nights as she posted on this thread.

Ray *hoping that made sense*


*AOL does do some fairly weird IP address tricks (as we've discovered at work) - which can be a bit of a nightmare when it comes to certain types of web programming (not that I'm speaking from bitter experience or anything...)

 


#271:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 11:48 pm


Damn! Pity whoever it is doesn't have broadband, then they'd have fixed IP addresses (I think).

 


#272:  Author: RayLocation: Bristol, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 11:52 pm


And the web gorilla throws in some more:

Nope. I have broadband at home and I don't have a fixed IP address - I automatically get allocated one when I turn the PC on (same as for dialup, just a bit sooner).

If you want a fixed IP address (and we have one at work), you have to pay extra for it.

Ray *who wishes she could afford to pay said extra for one since that would then enable her to work from home*

 


#273:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 11:54 pm


Ray, do you know if I'll currently have a fixed IP address (I'm getting online on my own laptop in my room through the Oxford uni network). And if someone got my IP address from ntl broadband, would they be able to trace it to me?

 


#274:  Author: RayLocation: Bristol, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 12:05 am


*and this is where the ten tonne gorrilla wishes she'd kept her fingers off the keyboard...!*

Who are you actually connecting to the internet with, Sarah? It sounds a bit unlikely, seeing as you're probably online through the Oxford Uni network, not NTL. The most anyone would be able to trace would be the IP of the Oxford Uni network.

(Note: Through a very neat trick, a network can have one OUTWARD IP address [that is, the IP address that gets logged by the sites you visit] while inwardly having many different IP addresses for each individual computer on that network [please no-one ask me to explain how that works beyond that!])

So knowing your NTL IP address wouldn't track you back to Oxford Uni.

Ray *hopes that makes sense*

 


#275:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 12:08 am


I really meant separately. I'm on the Oxford uni network at the moment, and on ntl at home. But thanks for the help. Very Happy

 


#276:  Author: RayLocation: Bristol, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 12:11 am


In that case, unless you have a fixed IP address at home, they'd have to find your session IP address before they could trace you, but once they had that (and assuming they had access to NTL's customer records' database) yes, they could trace you.

Ray *hopes that clears that up*

 


#277:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 12:36 am


*confuzzled*

 


#278:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 12:39 am


When I look up my own IP address on the Profiles thread (i'm a mod there), it actually comes up with my personal student number at Oxford. Is that because I'm currently on the internal network?

 


#279:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 8:39 am


Vikki wrote:
*confuzzled*


I think it's better not to get involved, Vikki...

 


#280:  Author: RayLocation: Bristol, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 8:39 am


Without knowing the exact way the Oxford uni network is set up, I'd say that was a pretty good guess.

Ray *suggesting if Sarah's got any more questions about this we take it to private messaging so as to avoid puzzling everyone else!*

 


#281:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 7:14 pm


Thanks Ray. And EBD, I'm sorry we hijacked your drabble.

 


#282:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 10:18 pm


Well, hey, she hasn't posted in ages!!!!!

 


#283:  Author: RayLocation: Bristol, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 10:22 pm


Very true.

Ray *wondering where EBD_Herself has wandered off to*

 


#284:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 10:41 pm


Maybe EBD can wander back and tell us herself.

 


#285:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 10:42 pm


If we don't here from EBd soon i wonder if she will really have the nerve to make herself known at the gathering?

 


#286:  Author: RayLocation: Bristol, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 10:44 pm


Probably not - although she may have a very good excuse as to why she hasn't written any more.

Ray *trying to see both sides*

 


#287:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 4:38 pm


Whilst sitting on the fence, Ray?

 


#288:  Author: RayLocation: Bristol, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 7:21 pm


Usually Wink

Ray *has iron knickers to avoid splinters*

 


#289:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 10:15 pm


Ray wrote:
Ray *has iron knickers to avoid splinters*


Do they have a key as well? Wink

 


#290:  Author: RayLocation: Bristol, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 10:18 pm


Naturally - how else would I be able to sleep?

Ray *Smile*

 


#291:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 10:38 pm


I gave up on this one a long while ago but obviously missed some interesting yibbles! As for EBD - perhaps someone will post at the Gathering to tell us poor forgotten souls when she owns up. Is she does of course!

 


#292:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 6:06 am


But who was it that got Sharon hired?
And will Sharon survive her failure as matron?
And what about Konnie & Emily?
(Hopes EBD isn't seriously ill or otherwise unpleasantly RLed.)

 


#293:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 3:17 pm


MMM, Katy's just opened up another can of worms. Do we all ened to feel guilty?

 


#294:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 4:10 pm


*hopes EBD is ok and will come back to finish this soon*

 


#295:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 4:14 pm


*definitely hopes EBD is okay, and comes back soon to answer all Kathy's queries*

 


#296:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 9:35 pm


Do hope EBD is OK.

 


#297:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 10:46 pm


*echoes above thoughts*

It would be a shame to leave this drabble where it is, with so many unanswered questions. EBD, if you're not ill and you've just got writers block or RL has taken over but you've got five mins to surf the board, post to let us know where you're at!

 


#298:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 12:05 am


Hope you're OK EBD!!! Look after yourself, please. We want you to be fit for TG next weekend.

 


#299:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 2:49 am


Adds to the pleas of the others.

 


#300:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 3:34 pm


Perhaps she's sitting laughing at us, it could be her form of revenge.

 


#301:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 6:16 pm


Jennie wrote:
Perhaps she's sitting laughing at us, it could be her form of revenge.

I'm not sure. I think that she's not very well myself.

 


#302:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 7:08 pm


*wonders if it could be Rachel as she's not posted very much recently*


Whoever it is, please post some more if you can!

 


#303:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 12:32 am


Crying or Very sad well i hope that they can post agin soon for whatever reason has stopepd them!

 


#304:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 4:53 pm


Well, we can only hope for more, I suppose.

 


#305:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 11:23 pm


Crying or Very sad still no more!

 


#306:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Tue Mar 02, 2004 12:09 am


catherine wrote:
*wonders if it could be Rachel as she's not posted very much recently*


Rachel was having a drunken orgy (as Carolyn says) at Butlins in Skegness!

It was very good with lots and lots of alcohol!

 


#307:  Author: RayLocation: Bristol, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 02, 2004 12:13 am


Rachel wrote:
catherine wrote:
*wonders if it could be Rachel as she's not posted very much recently*


Rachel was having a drunken orgy (as Carolyn says) at Butlins in Skegness!

It was very good with lots and lots of alcohol!


*giggles* Puts me in mind of a possibly apocryphal story of something someone entered on a job application form:

SEX: Not often but once in a bus shelter in Skegness

Glad you had a good time, though, Rachel Smile

Ray *giggling*

 


#308:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:41 pm


Ok, I know who ever is maskerading as EBD_herself decided to reveal herself at the gathering, but for us lesser mortals could she

(a) let the rest of us in on the secret; and
(b) get on with this story

Katarzyna *whose patience has left for the weekend*

 


#309:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:47 pm


Wish that the person who is EBD_herself would write a little more, or she may find herslef unmasked to the entire board.

(Oh, have a threat now.... Twisted Evil )

 


#310:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:49 pm


perhaps you could send a few pm's to her on behalf of those of us that don't know who she is!!

or you could just accidently on purpose call her by her real name then we coudl all send PM's to her!! Twisted Evil

 


#311:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:51 pm


That would be rotten, although...

 


#312:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:52 pm


Seconds thirds and fourths Kat's request, please!

 


#313:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:52 pm


Although what?

*whistling innocently*

 


#314:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 6:04 pm


What's wrong with that idea?

 


#315:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 6:06 pm


*joins in the backing up of Kat's request

 


#316:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 6:25 pm


Kate's idea is a good one as far as I'm concerned. I want to know!!

 


#317:  Author: LissLocation: Harrow, London PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 6:37 pm


Patience is a virtue, girls!

*secure in the knowledge of EBD_Herself's identity*

 


#318:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 7:07 pm


Are there still some people that don't know then? Twisted Evil

 


#319:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 7:18 pm


Oh yes, some people still haven't been told of EBD_Herself's other persona.

RTW and I had a few on msn the other night making wild attempts at bribery, but no one offered the right bribe.

Maybe the real EBD would like to stand up and take a bow, and then slowly remove her mask to reveal...

 


#320:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 7:18 pm


*throws a temper tantrum*
Yes there are Lesley, and you weren'y all so paitient when YOU didn't know
Razz

 


#321:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 8:39 pm


Sarah_K wrote:
*throws a temper tantrum*
Yes there are Lesley, and you weren'y all so paitient when YOU didn't know
Razz


*Catches temper tantrum, throws it back at Sarah, grins Twisted Evil *

 


#322:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 10:21 pm


Well although I promised her not to tell, when I guessed who it was ( Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil ), I don't think the others did!!!

 


#323:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 10:55 pm


Who didn't promise not to tell?

 


#324:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 12:24 am


I promised not to tell when I wworked it out as well, although that was pre gathering (just to boast a little). The problem is that she has been online when it's been discussed and still nit said anything and I think people are a little wary of saying anything because of that.

 


#325:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 12:37 am


Okay so the gatherers know and the rest don't. Could you please stop rubbing it in our faces that (a) we weren't there and (b) don't know how EBD_herself is?

 


#326:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 12:38 am


Sorry.

I think we're just trying to get her to post.

 


#327:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 12:38 am


*seconds Chelsea's requests*

 


#328:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 1:36 am


*huggles everyone who doesn't know!*

 


#329:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 2:41 am


I can't remember whether I promised not to tell or not...
































Actually, I think I did...

 


#330:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 3:41 am


Razz to Lesley.
I can't think of a single decent bribe to get EBD to own up... any suggestions?

 


#331:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 3:47 am


Well, you could volunteer to be the subject of her next drabble...

 


#332:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 3:48 am


Um... I'm not sure I want to know quite THAT much... give it a few more days though...!

 


#333:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 3:51 am


*lol* I hope EBD_herself pays attention to that!

 


#334:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 4:41 am


Stocking up on bookends. Any other non-gatherers care to join me for target practice? We could assign points for beaning gloaters while we await EBD Herself.

*losing temper*

 


#335:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 5:41 am


*sends huggles to Kathy*

 


#336:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 12:57 pm


Please may we have some more!

 


#337:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 2:23 pm


Kathy_S wrote:
Stocking up on bookends. Any other non-gatherers care to join me for target practice? We could assign points for beaning gloaters while we await EBD Herself.

*losing temper*


Joins Kathy. Bigs up heavy things to throw.

*is ready to stop reading the CBB

 


#338:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 2:40 pm


*hides from Chelsea and Kathy*

Being killed with a bookend once was enough thanks!

 


#339:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 11:00 pm


It's not that bad being a subject of her drabbles!!! Very Happy

 


#340:  Author: BethCLocation: Worcester, UK PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 11:03 pm


Chloe wrote:
Quote:
Being killed with a bookend once was enough thanks!

Hmm... not sure everyone would agree Twisted Evil Being killed once on this board is no protection against a second death - rather the opposite...

 


#341:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 11:44 pm


Rachel wrote:
catherine wrote:
*wonders if it could be Rachel as she's not posted very much recently*


Rachel was having a drunken orgy (as Carolyn says) at Butlins in Skegness!

It was very good with lots and lots of alcohol!



That's a truly interesting piece of information Rachel and my life is so much richer because of it....................... Very Happy Wink

 


#342:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 1:42 am


I do what I can to improve other's lives.

 


#343:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 5:17 am


Yes, my love, your generosity is overwhelming! Twisted Evil

 


#344:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 12:14 pm


BethC wrote:
Chloe wrote:
Quote:
Being killed with a bookend once was enough thanks!

Hmm... not sure everyone would agree Twisted Evil Being killed once on this board is no protection against a second death - rather the opposite...


Yes but in a differnet manner would be prefered to always with a bookend!

 


#345:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 10:04 pm


Rachel wrote:
catherine wrote:
*wonders if it could be Rachel as she's not posted very much recently*


Rachel was having a drunken orgy (as Carolyn says) at Butlins in Skegness!

It was very good with lots and lots of alcohol!





This may come under the heading of 'Too much information'!!!!

 


#346:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 10:06 pm


Vikki wrote:
Rachel wrote:
catherine wrote:
*wonders if it could be Rachel as she's not posted very much recently*


Rachel was having a drunken orgy (as Carolyn says) at Butlins in Skegness!

It was very good with lots and lots of alcohol!


This may come under the heading of 'Too much information'!!!!


I don't know, it was certainly interesting infomation. Wink Laughing

 


#347:  Author: BethCLocation: Worcester, UK PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 10:34 pm


Chloe wrote:
Quote:
Yes but in a differnet manner would be prefered to always with a bookend!

Oh, I don't know. Think of the publicity -
megaphone "Girl Killed By Bookend For the 56th Time: "Is this a Record?" asks Chloe"

(sorry, still can't make the e have dots - isn't it Alt 137?)

 


#348:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 10:40 pm


Laughing True

*sits down to wortk out ways in which it could be achieved*

 


#349:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 12:03 am


Firstly by a miracle, I'd imagine!
Secondly by a miracle.
Thirdly, by a miracle!
etc, etc......

 


#350:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 8:15 am


Are there any possibilities that don't involve miracles?

 


#351:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 10:33 am


There are lots of possibilities as to what will happen if this drabble either doesn't get finished or EBD_herself doesn't identify herself.

*seriously considering ignoring this thread if everyone who went to the gathering, and particularly the author, is going to continue being unfair*

 


#352:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 11:05 am


Kate, check the new Tara thread! All is revealed there!!

 


#353:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 1:53 pm


Oooh, I'm straight over there. Surprised

 


#354:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 10:08 pm


Yes, but that doesn't solve the problem of no more story.

 


#355:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 10:27 pm


Jennie wrote:
Yes, but that doesn't solve the problem of no more story.


Terrible, isn't it?

 


#356:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 10:28 pm


Well now you know who to beg....if you dare! Twisted Evil


Why do you think we didn't dare say!!!!

 


#357:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 10:29 pm


*half wails half giggles*

Rachel! Please come back and post some more!

 


#358:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 10:32 pm


But I haven't written any more yet! I want to write something else at present anyway - not this moaning, whinging, miserable tale of manic depressives at the CS!

 


#359:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 10:49 pm


But Rachel, we need you to write more.

Can't you multitask?

 


#360:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 11:26 pm


Shocked I think she already is! Shocked

 


#361:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 1:50 am


Please RTW we need more

 


#362:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 4:12 am


Ahh! So the truth is out........

 


#363:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 11:08 am


Well and truly!

 


#364:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 12:23 pm


but she's still not posted any more....

 


#365:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 6:09 pm


Rachel, where's the next bit?

 


#366:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 6:59 pm


Rachel, my dear sweet little pussy-cat!! We want some more!!! Twisted Evil

 


#367:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 9:11 pm


Please Rachel? Pretty please?

 


#368:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 10:23 pm


Please may we haev some more!

 


#369:  Author: MandyLocation: Derry, N.Ireland PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 5:12 pm


*joins the clamering (?) for more*

 




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