The School By The River
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The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles
#401:  Author: Mora as guest,  PostPosted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 9:52 am

*in shock* Shocked

 

#402:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 2:21 pm

Well the next bit is excellent!!

*Enjoying a mini gloat!* Wink

 

#403:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 3:25 pm

Stop gloating, Ally, it's most unbecoming!

 

#404:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 4:14 pm

Ally wrote:
Well the next bit is excellent!!

*Enjoying a mini gloat!* Wink


*glares* hammer Ally.

*wails* Gemmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

 

#405:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 4:19 pm

Gem, I shall start whinging if you don't post some more.

 

#406:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 4:46 pm

Sorry folks! Needed food, and in order to eat, I needed to go shopping. A starved Gem cannot write drabbles. There MAY be another update up later on today, and probably one tomorrow as I don't have any lectures then.

It seemed hours to Nell before Hilda awoke; in actual fact, she came around in only a few minutes. Sitting up with a start, she immediately regretted it as the room span around her.

“Hilda?” Nell, who had been pacing over by the window, crossed swiftly to her friend and pushed her firmly back down on the bed. “You gave us quite a scare, just lie back for a while.” As Hilda conceded to her suggestion, Nell pulled the blanket, which had been displaced by the swift moment, back up over her friend, then sat down on the edge of her bed. “Yes, I know Matey would disapprove,” she said in response to Hilda’s smile, “but she’s not here.” She absently brushed the back of her hand against Hilda’s forehead, something which she’d already done several times over the past few minutes.

Hilda shook her head impatiently. “Nell, I’m fine, I promise.” She frowned as she looked more closely at her friend, noting the lines around her eyes, and, more worryingly, the reddened rims which suggested that tears had been shed recently. “Are you all right?”

Ignoring the question, Nell jumped to her feet and disappeared, returning a few minutes later with a glass of water. “Sip it,” she ordered, and Hilda rolled her eyes as she obeyed.

“Where’s Madge?” she asked presently.

Unexpectedly, Nell grinned. “Banished to my room. I told her that there was no need to get Matey and worry everyone else straight away. I slipped in when I got the water, and told her that you’d come around. She can stay in there for the night.” Pausing for a moment, Nell admitted, “You scared her – I thought she was going to faint as well for a moment!”

“Not likely,” Hilda returned with decision. “Madge isn’t the type. I’m not usually the type either – I can’t believe I was so idiotic!” For a moment, Hilda slipped into a schoolgirl’s slang as she berated herself.

“Yes, you certainly were idiotic,” Nell responded sarcastically. “You’ve just lost two of your closest friends, had all the stress of moving school, dealing with Joey and Madge’s problems, and on top of it had Madge and I arguing like a pair of schoolgirls! Really, Hilda, there was no cause to faint at all!” She glared furiously at her friend. “When am I going to be able to get it into you that you are not invulnerable, Hilda Annersley? You have an amazing ability to be able to do everything and anything at once, but you can’t carry on like that! Today’s little escapade proves that quite well. Now, whether you like it or not, you are going to rest, and Joey and Madge and I are going to sort out our problems because it’s utterly selfish of us to expect everyone else to deal with them. And then we are going to buy this wonderful property and go home. All right?”

Hilda blinked as she heard what her friend had to say. “Do I have a choice?”

“Absolutely not,” Nell returned with decision. “Now go to sleep, if you can. I’ll slip in later on, and if you’re not asleep, I’ll let Matey lose on you with one of her doses!” She gave a conspiratorial wink. “That threat should hold you if nothing else!”

Snuggling down on the pillows, Hilda nodded with decision. “She’ll have to wake me up to give it to me!” Nell smiled in response, then paused as she rose from her seat on the bed. Leaning down, she wrapped strong arms around Hilda’s shoulders in a rather awkward embrace, since her friend was still lying down. Sitting up, Hilda returned the embrace, leaning against Nell for a moment, then lay back down again. “Now scram! I’ll see you later.”

As her friend turned to leave, Hilda sat up again. “Nell?”

“Yes?” Nell asked in exasperation. “Go to sleep, Hilda!”

“I will,” she promised. “Just remember, Nell – I’m not the only one who’s suffering here.” Both were silent for a minute. “I want you to be all right, Nell. I need you safe, and healthy.” She stared intently at her friend. “All right?”

Nell’s voice was suspiciously choked as she responded. “I need you too, Hilda.” Then, seeing her friend’s weary expression, she fled.

 

#407:  Author: Elzbie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 4:53 pm

This is just soooo good! I love the realism of the characters- not un-EBD-ish, but so much more 3D (I know what I mean!)

 

#408:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 4:54 pm

Thank you Gem. Although I'm rather worried since you seem to be quite good at this cliff business as to what might be coming next... *prepares to wibble*

But, awww, that was so nice between them. Glad you didn't do anything nasty to Hilda!

 

#409:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 5:21 pm

Gem

I think this is fantastic. The books always make Hilda out to be untouchable and though she definitely comes across as human in them somehow she seems even mroe humanish in this. Im probably not making much sense but you've made her so real

 

#410:  Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 5:25 pm

Oh why do people always try to make me cry when I'm in the library?! That was absolutely beautiful Gem. Thank you.

 

#411:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 6:47 pm

Thank you Gem. Kiss

 

#412:  Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 7:50 pm

Thankyou Gem. Glad Hilda is OK.

I loved Nell being sarcastic to Hilda - that rang very true!

Also the fact that Hilda recognises that Nell needs support too. I'm glad they have each other.

Now, what about Madge? What's been rattling her cage? Confused

 

#413:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 8:03 pm

Thanks Gem, as wonderful as ever, and the next bit is just as fine Very Happy

 

#414:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 8:07 pm

Thanks Gem. It's lovely to see them both admitting they need each other.

 

#415:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 9:05 pm

That was beautiful Gem. Thank you.

Now any chance of any more Very Happy

JackieJ

 

#416:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 12:53 am

Thank you Gem, glad that Hilda is ok now, well that she isn't going to remain unconscious for several days anyway.

 

#417:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 2:59 am

Thanks Gem, glad to see Miss A is OK.

Soooo...what are you going to do about Menopausal Madge?

 

#418:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 8:51 am

Thank you Gem, a lovely scene.

 

#419:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 9:01 am

Superb, Gem - you've captured Hilda and Nell perfectly and I love those kind of scenes between them ...

*chuckling at Ally!*

 

#420:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 12:12 pm

Thanks, Gem, that was good.

 

#421:  Author: Robin, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 2:08 pm

thanks Gem
Now that you've eaten, perhaps you could leave the pub for a bit and write us some more???

*looking hopeful*

 

#422:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 2:59 pm

Much to Nell’s relief, Hilda agreed to remain in bed the next day – the quiet Miss Annersley could match even Matron in obstinacy when she liked – under the condition that Nell would give one of her headaches, which had become frequent over the past few weeks, as the reason. Seeing nothing else for it, Madge and Nell both agreed, but inwardly resolved to keep a constant eye on the Head of the Chalet School.

The subject of St. Mildreds had been abruptly dropped, much to Nell’s relief. Madge, quiet and pale, had only said that there was enough to be dealing with for the present, and then disappeared to the gardens.

It was there that Joey found her on the day before they were due to leave, a mere five days after they had arrived in Italy. Madge was curled up on a bench, hugging her legs, resting her chin on her knees with impressive agility for a woman in her fifties. As she came closer, however, Joey noticed the greying hair, the tightness of her posture, the lines on her face which showed the strain of the past few years. No, Madge was more than her fifty-four years – far more.

Coming up quietly behind her sister, Joey slipped her arms around Madge’s shoulders in an affectionate hug. “I’ve been looking for you, old thing! What are you hiding out here for?”

Madge turned around to face her sister, smiling tiredly at Joey’s enthusiasm. “Sorry, Joey, I didn’t realise that you’d missed me.” She meant the words lightly; but they struck a chord all the same.

Frowning, Joey moved around to sit beside her sister, imitating her position with a wince as her back reminded her of the accident of a year ago. Stress always seemed to bring out the worst in it; and goodness knows there had been enough of that lately. “Sit properly, Jo, you’ll hurt your back,” Madge said mildly, glancing briefly at the younger woman, who grimaced but obeyed.

“Madge,” she said seriously, once she’d wriggled into a comfortable position. Her sister didn’t appear to hear her. “Madge, please, just listen to me.”

Preoccupied with her own thoughts, Madge turned to face Joey. “Hmm? Oh!” as she saw the irritated expression on her sister’s face. “I’m sorry, Jo, I’m listening. Fire away!” She gave a forced grin, a fact which was not lost on Joey.

“What’s the matter with you?” she asked, deciding that the direct approach was best. Had she thought about it, she probably would have realised that it was not the most tactful thing that she could have said.

Madge knew that her sister meant well, however, and she bit back the sharp reply which came almost instinctively. “Everything’s fine, Jo,” she responded, looking away. A dreaminess seemed to touch her eyes as she stared across the waters of Lake Garda, seeing instead the glistening lakes of the Tiernsee. For one moment, she and Joey weren’t women in their forties and fifties, she wasn’t a grandmother, and Joey wasn’t the mother of eleven children. No, they were twenty-four and twelve and her life was just beginning.

 

#423:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 3:54 pm

I suspect that Jem is a major cause of the trouble! Yes, I know I always do, but Madge looks and sounds so downtrodden, that's why she's trying to control what happens to the school, so she feels that she hasn't lost all vestiges of control.

 

#424:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 7:44 pm

Thanks for that Gem. Agree, there's definitely something wrong there - could be Jem, but why wait all this time before suddenly seeing it? And why take it out on Hilda and Nell?



(Not that I'm biased or anything - my two favourite characters! Laughing )

 

#425:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 8:07 pm

Perhaps because she partly resents Hilda and Nell for being so competent meaning that not even here is there a position for her, even though she still feels it her school?

 

#426:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 8:10 pm

catherine wrote:
Perhaps because she partly resents Hilda and Nell for being so competent meaning that not even here is there a position for her, even though she still feels it her school?


Could be - still peeved at her though! Wink

 

#427:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 8:13 pm

Or perhaps it's that Jem has deliberately stayed in Australia because...well there might be any number of reasons, but I'm sure Gem will explain soon, won't you Gem?
We are not worthy The nearest thing I could see to a pleading smiley

 

#428:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 8:53 pm

Thank you Gem.

That last paragraph gave me goosebumps.

 

#429:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 10:43 pm

Looking forward eagerly to the next bit Gem!!!

 

#430:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Oct 09, 2004 9:07 am

Gem, isn't there another episode for us?

 

#431:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 6:00 pm

Thanks to Catherine for looking over this one for me!

Joey stared at her sister, tears springing to her eyes, and her voice shook as she spoke. “Madge, talk to me. I’m your sister. We’ve always shared everything; why won’t you let me in?” Joey suddenly recalled a time when Margot, fifteen at the time, had come to her asking the very same question. She’d never quite understood the changing relationship between the triplets – though she recognised that Margot’s time in Canada, away from Len and Con, had been the catalyst. She and Madge, separated by distance but never by their sisterhood, had never faced such a problem. Until now.

Hearing the change in Joey’s voice, Madge turned reluctantly. “Oh, Jo,” she murmured sympathetically as she saw the tears rolling down pale cheeks. Whether they were for her, or Jeanne and Ruth, or Joey herself, she didn’t know. Moving closer, she slipped an arm around Joey’s shoulders, wondering when she had lost so much weight, and squeezed her tightly. After a minute, Joey wriggled violently, searching for a handkerchief – which, characteristically, she couldn’t find.

Accepting Madge’s handkerchief with a nod of gratitude, Joey turned to her sister with a resolute expression – one that her children knew very well. “Out with it, Madge! I know something’s bothering you, and I don’t want to push you, but I don’t see the alternative. If you ask me, you’re being jolly selfish over the whole thing!”

As soon as the words came out of her mouth, Joey cursed her tactlessness. How many times had she scolded Con for the very same fault? Madge’s eyes flashed with anger, and for a moment she looked ready to argue. Then she simply nodded, looking down at her hands. It was as if all the fire had gone out of her. “You’re right,” she said simply. “Don’t worry, Jo, I’m not going to argue. I’ve caused enough trouble by doing that.” Her voice was low, and the dark eyes, when she raised them to her sister’s, were ashamed.

Frowning in momentary confusion, Joey pushed the admission aside. “Madge, what is it?” she asked gently, for a moment not seeing the elder woman as her sister, but a new Chalet girl who was scared and lonely. “Can’t you tell me?”

“I don’t know.” The words were low and choked, and Joey passed the handkerchief back hastily. “You have to understand, Joey. Nell – she said to me that I didn’t know Jeanne and Ruth, not any more. She was right, I don’t. They were my friends, once upon a time, but I’ll admit freely that I have no friends left. I’m completely detached from my own school.”

“You must have expected that, surely?” Joey questioned. “Some friendships will be maintained – such as the one between you and Hilda, but things will change. It’s the choice that you made, Madge. You chose to marry Jem, have children and move to first Canada and then Australia. Do you regret that decision?”

“No, of course not,” Madge insisted, but there was a lack of conviction in her voice that concerned her sister. “I love my children and my husband, Joey, but they don’t need me. Not any more. Sybs and Josette are married, and anyway – things have changed between us. Sybs, in particular – she’s angry.” Her tone was low. “I don’t blame her. We made Sybil a promise – if she worked, then she could go to a Needlework school. I had my dream, Jo – I set up the school, but I took my daughter’s away from her.”

Joey’s tone was very soft. “Sybil is married now, Madge. She’s happy. If there’s anything missing in your relationship, it’s only because of your own guilt. You need to let go of that if you want to mend things with your daughter. How many times have you and Jem visited her this year?” The silence told her all she needed to know. “You visit Josette often enough. Once, Madge, just once, go and see Sybs instead. She’ll want you there.”

Madge was silent for a moment, thinking back to a time when she’d been certain she had love beyond anything superficial – the comforting knowledge that she was absolutely needed. How she longed for those days again – their marriage had been passionate, desperate for each moment that they could spend together in a way that only newlyweds could understand. Some marriages remained that way, others relaxing into a comfortable relationship, surrounding the other like a blanket. She saw that in Jo’s and Jack’s relationship. And hers?

She really wasn’t sure any more.

 

#432:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 6:06 pm

I'm glad Madge is opening up to Joey and I'm feeling sorry for her. I hope things get worked out ...

Thanks Gem! (More please?)

 

#433:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 6:15 pm

Lovely to see their sisterly relationship and hear Madge's thoughts on her school and family. Thanks Gem Very Happy

 

#434:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 6:18 pm

Lovely, thanks Gem!

 

#435:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 6:48 pm

Guess I'll have to desist from Madge-bashing in this drabble. Confused Glad she was able to open up to Joey! Thank you, Gem!

P.S. How are Hilda & Nell?

 

#436:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 9:00 pm

OK feeling sorry for Madge - that is so long as she leaves Hilda and Nell alone.


Thanks Gem - really sensitive portrayal.

 

#437:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 9:13 pm

Thanks Gem. I have to say, that if Madge doesn't make any effort with Sybil, she has only herself to blame if they're not close anymore, but I guess Joey has already told her that, and it isn't much consolation if you're feeling unloved and unwanted.

 

#438:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 8:36 am

*starting to warm towards Madge ... a little ...*

Thanks, Gem!

 

#439:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 9:37 am

Actually starting to feel sorry for Madge. She must feel like her life has passed her by somewhere, after all the drive and purpose she set out with when she started the school Sad

This drabble is wonderful Gem and the interraction between the sisters was lovely. Thank you, and keep it coming! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 

#440:  Author: Robin, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 10:14 am

thanks Gem
Also like the way that you can see echoes of the Trips in Joey.
Hope Madge sorts herself out soon!

 

#441:  Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 11:21 am

Poor Madge. I love the insight into her and Jem's relationship-as-was, and how much it must have changed.

 

#442:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 11:02 pm

Just a little bit!
_________________________________________________

The next day found the small party packed and ready to leave. Signor D’Amico, his children and his grandsons, were beginning the arduous task of beginning to organise and remove all their belongings. After a conversation on the subject with Hilda, Aberto and his children had decided that the five granddaughters and the youngest two grandsons of the family would attend the Chalet School, since they all spoke excellent English and could be expected to pick up French and German quickly. The eldest, Diana, at 18, would attend St. Mildreds whilst Guiliana, only 7, would join St. Nicholas’s. She would be joined by the six-year-old twin boys Federico and Ernesto, and Katina, Noemi and Serena, at 11, 14 and 16 respectively, would join the school proper. This was hailed with delight by the younger children; only Diana, who had been looking forward to leaving school altogether, and Serena, seemed annoyed by this pronouncement. After hearing her grandfather’s loud announcement that most of the girls in the valley seemed set to join the school, however, Serena began to take an interest. Diana, after a few conversations with Nell, since she was keen on science, also seemed likely to come around. The problems associated with setting up a modern, traditionally English school in a quiet Italian valley, however, would not disappear overnight.

Kathie, having left her belongings in the hallway for the elder boys to load into the vans – they had insisted on driving the party to the airport – came into the lounge in search of her friends. Finding that empty, she headed out to the gardens where she was certain she would find both Rosalie and Matron. The two elder women had united through necessity over the past few days, something which Kathie had realised with more than a little guilt. She herself had drawn away from her friends, worrying more than she had admitted to anyone, desperate to get home as soon as possible. Joey had offered more silent support than she’d expected, but then again, she understood. Kathie had heard about the times when they’d all believed Jack Maynard was drowned at sea, though Joey didn’t speak of it. Still, there was something in those dark eyes, something which pushed away each mask and layer until Kathie was certain she could see every emotion, each truth and terror. Or maybe she was just worrying too much - always Nancy's opinion - and Joey Maynard was as endearingly oblivious as she had always been.

 

#443:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 8:43 am

Thank you Gem! Lots more pupils for the school - will be interesting to see how easily they all settle in. Interesting to see Kathie's thoughts about Joey, and hear her fears and worries...

 

#444:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 8:56 am

Thank you Gem. Very Happy

 

#445:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 8:56 am

Thanks, Gem
*impressed by the D'Amico family's single-handed achievement in providing so many new pupils!!*

Looking forward to the beginning of term and how they'll all cope without some of the lynchpins of the school ...

 

#446:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 11:21 am

Thanks Gem, its good to see the school beginning to get a foothold in the area with the D'Amico family, I just hope there arn't too many other problems!

 

#447:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 3:29 pm

*hides behind desk before things get thrown at me Wink *

I know it's not a popular opinion, but I always figured Joey would be pretty open minded about things like sexuality. I think she'd just be glad her friends were happy. Never took her for one of those 'the bible is the only view to have' types, more of a spiritual, God loves you whatever type.

Madge, on the other hand, ....

 

#448:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 3:59 pm

I'm not so sure about that. As a practising Catholic, Jo would feel morally obliged to condemn any form of homosexuality.

 

#449:  Author: Cath, Location: Cornwall PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 5:56 pm

josie:
Quote:
God loves you whatever type


I misread that, and thought you said 'God loves you whatever you type' Embarassed But, I do agree with what you said there.

Stunning update as usual, Gem. Sorry for you having to pester me to comment, I've been lurking. Embarassed Starting to feel sorry for Madge also at the moment.

 

#450:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 7:03 pm

Lovely update Gem. Thank you.

 

#451:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 7:17 pm

Quote:
josie:
Quote:
God loves you whatever type


I misread that, and thought you said 'God loves you whatever you type' Embarassed But, I do agree with what you said there.


Yes, probably could have explained that better!! Embarassed


Quote:
I'm not so sure about that. As a practising Catholic, Jo would feel morally obliged to condemn any form of homosexuality.



Well, get your point, but doesn't always hold true. My family's Irish-Italian catholic (imagine that at the family reunions!!! Shocked )
and my god-fearing grandmother never condemned my gay cousin and welcomed his boyfriend with open arms. Although to be fair she's a barking mad Italian Mama, and doesn't tend to do anything she morally should as a catholic anyway!!

 

#452:  Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 11:09 pm

Thanks Gem.

I'm in the Joey being open minded camp, at least not totally outrightly condemning. I always remember some line about her having worked out her faith to herself (or something like that) which suggested that she didn't just strictly adhere to religious rules. Afterall, she must have had to do some serious theological thinking to square a shift from Protestant to Catholic.

 

#453:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 1:19 pm

Thank you Gem, lovely new updates since I managed to catch up here. Feeling a little sorry for Madge, hope someone can help her soon.

 

#454:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 6:39 pm

Still reading even if I haven't commented in a while (sorry Gem!)

I'm feeling very sorry for Madge right now, and poor Kathie. It was nice to meet the D'Amico family though, why was Serena less keen I wonder...

 

#455:  Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 6:56 pm

Thank you Gem.

 

#456:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 7:39 pm

Super as ever, Gem. Given that EBD never really tackled difficult subjects (for her generation), I've always seen Joey as open minded and, even given the rather conservative attitude of the later books, she still must have met 'modern' ideas.

I don't see her as judgemental, even in the later books.

 

#457:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 7:59 pm

Thanks for the story Jem, this is soooo gripping and I'm looking forward to more.


As for Joey, I'm not so sure that she would be tolerant, she was rather judgemental about the beatniks she met on the train.
It isn't just a matter of religion, I think you also have to take into account her upbringing and her class, and her age, but I hope that in this instance, I'm wrong about her.

 

#458:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 8:46 pm

hmm...mot sure about whether joey would be open-minded or not. she would want her friends to be happy but at the same time she seems to elieve that everyone should be a good chalet girl and being gay probably woudlnt fit that mould. is nicer to think she'd be supportive though

 

#459:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 10:15 pm

Quote:
Madge hesitated. “That’s going to cause a problem. Kathie and Nancy are the only ones who’ve seen the buildings and know the location well, and from what I’ve seen Kathie’s most likely to stay with Nancy.”

Despondently, Joey sat back in her seat. “You’re right. Well, be prepared to drag her kicking and screaming onto the plane, for that’s what it will come to!” She gave her sister a quick grin, which Madge returned warily. The events of the past few days had opened her eyes to more than her distance from the Chalet School, and she wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. She was still shocked at Joey’s apparent indifference to the situation, and beginning to think that she’d misjudged her younger sister in a great many ways.


It's up to you to decide why I've quoted this, what Kathie's worried about, how much Joey knows and how much Kathie thinks she knows! Wink

Twisted Evil

 

#460:  Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 10:18 pm

Tease! tongue

 

#461:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 7:32 am

Yes, and I can't remember whether I said this at the time, but I'll say it again anyway (!) - how utterly horrid of them to drag Kathie away like that Evil or Very Mad

 

#462:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 8:20 am

Gem! I've read about three interpretations into that - all of them likely to produce tears before bedtime!

 

#463:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 10:08 am

Hmm, if it means that Joey was OK about N&K and that Madge isn't and is planning to cause trouble, I shall be VERY Angry

 

#464:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 1:23 pm

Update! There may be one up tonight, if not then definitely tomorrow. After that updates may become slightly less regular - Uni life has hit with a vengeance. Crying or Very sad Will try and get them up as regularly as I can though.


As Kathie had suspected, Matron and Rosalie were seated on one of the benches around the back of the hotel, a site which had already been designated as staff stamping-ground. She smiled as she came up behind them, hearing slow conversation in Italian. Matron had, apparently, learnt the basics whilst she was at school, and though Rosalie had never learnt, she had insisted that those who spoke even a little begin to teach her.

“Ciao,” Kathie said with a smile as she came up to her friends. “I think we’re leaving soon,” she warned them, taking a seat beside Rosalie.

“Italian, please, Kathie,” Rosalie interrupted, laughing at the expression on her junior’s face. Whilst both Kathie and Nancy knew enough to get by, having spent a great deal of time in Italy over the past few years, neither could be considered to be fluent.

Kathie laughed. “I keep getting mixed up with French. It’s fortunate that Aberto speaks French as well as Italian and English, since my conversation with him last night left something to be desired!”

“It’s only because you’re tired,” Matey returned, rising to her feet and brushing her skirt off. “I’ve a good mind to dose you tonight,” she added, frowning. She turned away as she spoke, luckily, since Kathie’s response was a fearful grimace at Rosalie.

“We’ll worry about that when tonight comes,” Rosalie said, knowing that Kathie would object most strenuously to being ‘dosed’, as Matey put it. “In the meantime, I’d suggest that we attempt not to miss our flight,” she added practically, getting up also and hauling Kathie most inelegantly to her feet. “Hilda said to gather by the vans. Come on!” She led the way around the building to the wide driveway at the very front, where two vans were parked and the three eldest grandsons were packing the small amount of luggage into the back.

“Everyone here?” Nell demanded, looking around at the party which had gathered. She counted heads quickly, ignoring Joey’s protests that this wasn’t a school party, and, satisfied that no-one was missing, ordered them into the vans.

It was a bare twenty minutes journey to the airport; to Kathie, almost dancing with impatience, it seemed to take forever. Eventually they arrived, however, and an hour later they were in the plane. She heaved a sigh of relief as it rose steadily into the air, heading towards home and Nancy.

 

#465:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 1:30 pm

Thank you Gem, like the way Rosalie is getting everyone to talk Italian to her, also like the way they all interact with one another. So are we heading for a blissful reunion between N&K?

 

#466:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 1:32 pm

Poor Kathie!

And I'm glad that she objected to being 'dosed'! Evil or Very Mad

 

#467:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 1:37 pm

Thank you Gem.

*whispers* What do you mean uni life has hit with a vengeance? That's a bit impolite!

 

#468:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 1:43 pm

LOL, Pim! I meant that I have loads of work to do Sad Which I should be doing now instead of yibbling on here...

 

#469:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 1:50 pm

Gem, hush, you're appealing to my conscience...

 

#470:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 1:56 pm

*hands Pim a pair of earmuffs before dashing out of thread at top speed to go and research Mary Queen of Scots*

 

#471:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 2:01 pm

Thanks Gem Very Happy Poor Kathie I'm glad she will be reunited with Nancy soon.

*Enjoy the research Gem Wink *

 

#472:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 2:09 pm

Gem wrote:
*hands Pim a pair of earmuffs before dashing out of thread at top speed to go and research Mary Queen of Scots*


Gem, you're a fresher! Freshers don't work!!!! And what more do you need to know about Mary Queen of Scots than she became queen on the death of her father at a very young age, was brought up in France, married the wrong man (thrice), was imprisoned by her cousin, the focus of several plots and was eventually beheaded!!!

Or go to here

Then come back and post some more!!!!!

ETA: for typo's

 

#473:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 2:32 pm

lol Nell

May I just add my favourite fact about Mary..... it took them three goes to behead her and when the executioner picked up her head to show everyone it rolled away and he was left holding her wig.



Me bloodthirsty? Never! Wink

 

#474:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 2:37 pm

Lol Ally!! Love that fact - one I didn't know....

 

#475:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 3:16 pm

Thanks Gem, I'm glad for Kathie's sake that she is going home. I just hope that all's well when she gets there.

Just remember - drabbling is the perfect antidote to too much essay writing.

 

#476:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 7:42 pm

Lovely update Gem, good luck with the research!

 

#477:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 2:12 am

...and apparently her mouth kept moving for fifteen minutes after she got the chop. Like chickens. And then they found her little dog who died a week later... *sniff* *always felt sorriest for the dog* A good crash course is 'Elizabeth R' if you have it.


oh, and this is brilliant as usual! But if you're a historian, don't worry. Read enough to sound knowledgeable, chose the most contentious fact you can, and engineer an argument with everyone else. Then you can sit back and watc\h the fun! Very Happy

 

#478:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 4:11 pm

Thanks for beta-ing, Ally!! This is the last update for a little while Twisted Evil Oh, and Nell, my lecturers seem to be terribly confused as to how much work a Fresher should have to do - would you like to set them straight for me? Wink


The eleven members of the party sat silently, grateful to be returning to the place they called home, yet afraid. There was no understandable reason why; only the knowledge that returning where old memories lay, would tear apart the wounds which had begun to heal through time spent away.

Madge, seated between Hilda and Nell as before, glanced over at her two oldest friends with an expression on her face closely resembling pride, relief that they had survived this when she had feared they would fall – and where, then, would she have been? Alone, she decided bitterly and hated herself for her selfishness. Her friends had lost those closest to them and she worried about a marriage still surviving. It barely held on, admittedly, Jem was little more than a stranger to her now, but he was alive. In less than a week, he would be in Switzerland. With her. And suddenly she wanted nothing more than to see him in front of her, stern expression with a hint of a smile, and strong, comforting arms. She wanted to fling herself at him, hold him tight, and never let go.

Joey, seated in the opposite aisle, glanced over at her sister surreptitiously, not wanting to aggravate an already turbulent temper but unable to hide her concern. For once, though, she needn’t have worried. Madge was looking out of the window, waiting eagerly for the time when she would find herself on solid Swiss land once more. As though she sensed Joey’s gaze, she turned to meet her sister’s eyes, and within her smile Joey saw a glimpse of the sister she loved so dearly, the friend that she’d feared she’d lost forever. Relief flooded her very being. She had lost two of her oldest friends, there was a tension between her other friends that tormented her, but Madge, it seemed, had found the turning point in her own struggle.

Grateful that she needn’t worry about her sister for the present, Joey looked towards Kathie, who was seated beside her, lost in thought, with a hint of a tear in her eye. She opened her mouth to offer some comfort, some understanding, and then closed it again. A slight smile touched her lips as she reached for the younger woman’s hand, squeezing it briefly before returning to her book. Kathie’s smile, brighter now, seemed to lift a weight from her heart as they headed towards home with no idea of the news that awaited them.

 

#479:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 4:16 pm

Thanks Gem, I think... Although I am a bit wibbly about what they'll get back to in Switzerland.

Lovely post though!

 

#480:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 4:29 pm

Thanks Gem, its good to see Madge being more positive Very Happy

*Agrees with Pim about what may be in store for them*

 

#481:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 4:35 pm

Thanks Gem, and good luck with the onslaught of Uni! Very Happy

I do hope Nancy's still OK. Or has something happened to Jem?

That's a steep old cliff you've left us teetering on young lady!! Shocked

 

#482:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 5:07 pm

Gem wrote:
as they headed towards home with no idea of the news that awaited them.


*wibbles* uh oh...

 

#483:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 5:15 pm

Echoes Ann

*wibbles* uh oh...

*checks drabble harnesses*

*checks trampolines*

*Drags entire contents of Asda's stock of tissues into drabble*

*wibbles some more*

 

#484:  Author: Cath, Location: Cornwall PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 6:26 pm

Am now pestering Gem to tell what this nasty cliffhanger is leading to. She's not budging. Crying or Very sad Lovely update anyhow, despite that evil cliff. Thank you!

 

#485:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 6:27 pm

*hopes the news awaiting on this cliff is GOOD news.*
*wibbles all the same*

(more, soon, please)

 

#486:  Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 7:09 pm

*wibbling wildly* Confused Confused Confused
Am not liking the jump from Kathie to suspicious sounding news. *wibbles* I'm not going to be able to look at this all weekend either cos I'm being stupidly busy.!

 

#487:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 7:59 pm

Gemmmmmmmmmmm!

You can't leave it there! Please, please, come back and tell us that Nancy is OK Confused Confused Confused

 

#488:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 9:57 pm

*Thinks Gem may be Hiding from Cathy B.......*

 

#489:  Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 10:33 pm

Eeeek!

What news???

Gem, please get through your work quickly and come back and tell us!

Pleeeeeeaaaaassssse? Smile

 

#490:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 11:39 pm

It's FRiday night. More likely to be a case of getting through the latest drinking session....

 

#491:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Oct 16, 2004 4:05 pm

Gem, what are you thinking of to leave us hanging off this cliff?

 

#492:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Sun Oct 17, 2004 8:42 pm

*holds out treats* c'mon c'mon c'mon, Gem! Be a good girl and give us lots more.... Laughing

 

#493:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 9:24 am

Nice cliff, Gem!!

Hope you get your reading/essays done quickly as I want to know more about Jem & Madge's relationship
And a reunion scene with Nancy & Kathie would be nice ... Very Happy

 

#494:  Author: Robin, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 10:27 am

Thanks Gem, although am v keen to know what they are going to find.
I always found that lectures provided the perfect time to do some writing... you can always pretend you're taking notes... Wink

 

#495:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 12:24 pm

Lisa_T wrote:
*holds out treats* c'mon c'mon c'mon, Gem! Be a good girl and give us lots more.... Laughing


Are you mistaking me for a small sparkling purple leaf, Lisa? Wink (It changed my p.l.o.t b.u.n.n.y for "sparkling purple leaf"!! Does it always do that??)

There will be an update (though it might be small) later on today. Have LOADS of work to do - just spent two hours in the library trawling through the Journal of Popular Culture with absolutely no luck Sad

ETA: Just noticed my avatar quote has changed, think it might be trying to tell me something... Embarassed

 

#496:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 2:12 pm

Gem, Gem, Gem *shakes head and sighs* How many times do we have to tell you, drabble first, uni work second. Take it from one who knows! besides drabbling is the perfect antedote to essays going lousily Wink

 

#497:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 4:01 pm

Agress with Pim wholeheartedly and yes if you'd like I'm in Aber in four weeks time so if you'd like to make me an appointment I'll gladly tell your lecturers they need to give you more drabbling time... Laughing

 

#498:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 5:15 pm

Am a happy Gem cos I did well on my first history assignment and eventually managed to find the article that I wanted - took so long cos it was published in 1919 as opposed to 1920s - d'oh!! Nell, yes, please do tell my lecturers that I need more drabbling time. I had an "information services" lecture today on using the library - what do they think I've been doing for the past two weeks?? The update got written in there, lol.


Blinking blearily, Joey appeared at the entrance to the train, struggling to keep hold of her bags whilst attempting to avoid the crowd. It irked her that people didn’t seem to stop and give way to others any more, each passenger desperate to escape the claustrophobic confines of the plane. Finally escaping, she waited at the gate for her friends, noting guiltily that Kathie looked distinctly crushed as she came up to her. Matron was just as small, but it would be a brave person indeed who tried to push Gwynneth Lloyd.

Standing on tiptoes, Joey finally managed to catch a glimpse of the most attractive sight in the world to her at the moment; Jack Maynard, striding towards them with a purpose. Dropping her bags, Joey pushed forward into his embrace, grateful to be home at last, ignoring for the present the reminder that she would be leaving her happy home once again very shortly.

Joey pulled back as she felt his resistance, frowning at her husband. “Jack, what is it? What’s the matter?”

He seemed to ignore the question, reaching instead to grab as many bags as he could carry. “Is everyone here?” he demanded. “I’ve two porters waiting over there,” nodding towards the two men, “and Reg and Roger, you’ll have to manage the rest.”

“Not yet!” Joey interrupted, her voice rising. “Jack, what’s the matter?” She glanced at Kathie as she spoke, then slipped an unobtrusive arm around her friend’s waist.

Jack noticed, and mentally cursed himself. “No, it’s nothing like that, I promise. Nancy is fine – doing brilliantly in fact. We’re all very pleased with her.” He smiled in a way that he hoped portrayed calm and reassurance, and the relief on the expressions of each member of the party showed that he had succeeded.

With the exception of his wife. Joey had an innate ability to see beyond the obvious, to know him inherently in a way that even his twin had never managed, and her expression was concerned. “What is it, Jack?” she persisted. “Something’s happened.” Her voice shook as she spoke; she was dangerously close to tears, and no wonder. The strain of the past few weeks had told on them all, him included, and Jack’s voice was none too steady as he related the events of the past few days.

Last edited by Gem on Mon Oct 18, 2004 5:27 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#499:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 5:21 pm

GEM! Get back here now and post some more - you can't leave it there!

 

#500:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 5:22 pm

GEMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM you CANNOT CANNOT CANNOT leave us on a great big cliff like that. Between you and Lesley I'm in danger of becoming the world's biggest gibbering wreck.

On the plus side, at least we know Nancy's okay...

I AM CHANTING IN YOUR GENERAL DIRECTION!

 

#501:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 5:34 pm

Laughing Well done Gem! Wink

 

#502:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 6:19 pm

Lesley!!!! No fair if you're gloating again!! poke Wink

Gem - come back and tell us more pleeeeeeaase...

Well done on your first history assignment by the way We are not worthy We are not worthy

 

#503:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 6:32 pm

Well done on your history assignment Gem, now, why don't you celebrate by posting more drabble so we know just what, exactly, has been happening.

 

#504:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 7:11 pm

Oh thank goodness!

I don't care what's happened now that I know Nancy's OK!

(erm... *realising I sound a bit too much like Kathie here!* Laughing)

 

#505:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 7:22 pm

Glad Jack is ok!! But Gem really!!, Get back here now!!!

 

#506:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 7:29 pm

Gem, you're scaring me. What's gone wrong now? Tell us soon please please please

 

#507:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 7:54 pm

GRRRR! Bomb Evil or Very Mad Angry
that's a nasty cliff!!! GEEEEEEMMMMM!

 

#508:  Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 8:12 pm

Well done on the history Gem!!! Very Happy

If anyone needs me, I'll be lying at the bottom of the cliff in lots of little tiny pieces.

 

#509:  Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 8:17 pm

Gem!
Please, please - more? *smiles sweetly* HOw can you leave it there?

Congratulations on your history assignment.

 

#510:  Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 10:17 pm

AAARGH!

I was delighted to see more of this - and then went hurtling over the edge of the cliff to the rocks below!

I do hope the next update is not too far away. Confused

 

#511:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 12:58 am

Oooh! Have the school and Freudesheim fallen down the mountainside?

 

#512:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 2:55 am

Arggghhh!! I'm away for just a few days, stupid me thinking cliffs would be resolved on my return and they're not. Gem what are you trying to do to me.


Sits down prepared to wait patiently but starts fidgeting immediately anyway...

 

#513:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 10:55 am

GEM!!!! How could you....

Glad Nancy is ok - but really leaving us on this cliff....come and post more!

How many lecturers do you think need telling? And will they be available on Friday afternoon...

 

#514:  Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 12:10 pm

GEM!!!! Nasty nasty cliff!

poke Pleeeeze come back and tell us what's happened

wibbles quietly

 

#515:  Author: Cath, Location: Cornwall PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 8:18 pm

Now that was just pure evil. Glad Nancy's okay and all, but what's with the giganticnormous cliffhanger, eh? Come back here right now and update! Laughing Please?

 

#516:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 9:36 pm

Now it's not only giganticnormous (nice word) it's also Very very looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooonng...

 

#517:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 9:42 pm

Gem, whilst you're travelling around the drabbles my dear...any chance of putting us out of our misery?

 

#518:  Author: ellend, Location: Bow, London PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 9:49 pm

Gem, great writing, until you left me wibbling on the edge of a precipice.

Put that essay on one side, and finish and post the next chapter by lunchtime tomorrow (Wednesday). I can read it over lunch.

Ellen

 

#519:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 9:46 am

Gem!!!! Still no more??? You can't have got lost - Aber's not big enough!

 

#520:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 2:28 pm

Not sure when the next piece will be up - this weekend if Cath nags a lot, as I'm going home. After that the amount of updates will seriously be going down since I have a lot of deadlines coming up.


“There was – an accident,” Jack began cautiously, mindful of their surroundings but knowing at the same time he couldn’t delay telling them for much longer. “The ground on the Platz was already at risk, and it was considerably weakened by the avalanche.” He glanced at his wife as he spoke, anticipating an interruption, but she seemed perfectly calm, content to trust his judgement. “We’ve had a lot of snow lately, and very little ice – and you all know what that means.”

Hilda’s breath caught in her throat. “Avalanche – again?” she demanded incredulously. “Surely not!”

“Those were my exact sentiments at the time,” Jack said grimly, though there was a dark sympathy in his voice. “Nevertheless, it’s true, Hilda.” He hesitated, reaching out an arm to her. “Are you all right?”

She shook his arm away. “Is anyone hurt?” she asked, brusquely, seeing the concern in Nell’s eyes at her uncharacteristic curtness but ignoring it.

Jack gave a smothered exclamation. “No,” he said firmly, cursing himself for not reassuring them of that fact straight away. What had he been thinking? “No, absolutely not. I’m so sorry, Hilda, I should have said straight away, especially after…” he stopped abruptly, swallowing hard. “The slopes, behind the school, where the girls used to ski,” Jack said finally. “The pines just weren’t strong enough to stop the snow, and it hit the school. The structural damage was immense – it’s barely standing.”

“No-one was hurt?” Hilda checked again. “None of the kitchen staff? Gaudenz?” As Jack nodded, she allowed herself a sigh of relief. “Thank God,” she murmured. Seeing the moderate surprise on his face at her lack of concern for the school itself, she gave a quick, tired smile. “The Swiss Chalet School was a wonderful home to me and hundreds of others for many years, Jack, but it was just a building. The most important thing is that everybody is safe.” Her voice trailed off as she seemed to lose herself in thought, thinking of the two that weren’t safe and never would be again.

“Hilda?” Nell asked quietly, and her friend snapped back to attention.

“Thank you for coming to tell us, Jack,” she said sincerely. “I appreciate that it must have been a very difficult thing to do.” Her expression changed suddenly. “Jack, I’m so sorry, I wasn’t thinking! Freudisheim – is it very badly damaged?” She glanced at Joey Maynard, but Jack had already turned to his wife.

Slipping an arm around her waist, he motioned to his daughters and drew the three away from the crowd a little. Gesturing Len and Con to two plastic chairs, and Joey to another, he sat down in front of her and took her hands in his own. “It’s still standing, Jo,” he said quietly, “but it will never be our home again. It was too badly damaged. I’m so sorry.” His tone was low, sympathetic. Freudisheim had been a home, and a happy home, to him, but it had been Joey’s house. It was she who stood in the doorway greeting visitors, she and Anna who took pride in the joyous chalet. It was Joey who had memories of “English Tea” in the Salon, of playing with their children in the nursery. His memories were of the San, and of time spent earning the money to keep their beautiful chalet and look after the children he adored.

Joey shook her head. “It doesn’t matter,” she said decisively. She pulled into his embrace again, and, as she withdrew, caught her sister’s expression. The desperate need in Madge’s eyes was almost more than she could bear, but she pushed the thought away for later consideration, instead turning back to her husband. “Freudisheim was a happy house indeed, but where you are, where our children are – that’s home, Jack.”

 

#521:  Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 2:40 pm

Ohhhh! Glad everyone's safe but poor Joey (never thought I'd say that)

Hope the hectic schedule lets you keep drabbling!

Nicky

 

#522:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 3:03 pm

I'm glad everyone is safe too, a lovely post, thanks Gem Very Happy

 

#523:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 4:02 pm

Glad no one was hurt, but worried about Hilda and Madge. Crying or Very sad

 

#524:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 4:03 pm

Thank goodness they're all safe! It'll be hard starting without anything from the old school though I'd imagine, and think of everything Jack and joey will have lost.

Thanks Gem.

 

#525:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 4:03 pm

Glad everyone's safe.

Thanks for the upadte Gem Very Happy

 

#526:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 4:32 pm

*breathes sigh of relief*

Maybe this will make the move to Italy less of a wrench - if they're having to start over it really will be a new beginning.

 

#527:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 4:58 pm

Oh, thank goodness they're all safe.

*breathes massive sigh of relief, while still mourning the loss of Freudesheim & the school building*

 

#528:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 5:44 pm

Oh no, no more school or Freudesheim. Still, at least everyone's okay.

*breathes for the first time in days*

 

#529:  Author: Alex, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 7:34 pm

Gem wrote:
“No,” he said firmly, cursing himself for not reassuring them of that fact straight away. What had he been thinking?


Yes, JackcoughGemcough what were you thinking? Leaving them all on such a cliff edge indeed!

 

#530:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 8:05 pm

Oh, it wasn't too horrific then, thank goodness. I like Joey's attitude to home being where Jack and her family were.

I hope Uni doesn't become too time consuming.

 

#531:  Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 8:13 pm

THank you Gem.
*sigh of relief*
I'm glad they're all ok.

 

#532:  Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 9:03 pm

Ohhhhh... how sad Sad

I'm glad and relieved that no-one is hurt, but am much sadder than I expected about the loss of the buildings Sad

Good luck with all the deadlines, Gem, and don't forget us completely will you Smile

 

#533:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 9:23 pm

My guess was close then! More soon please!

 

#534:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:15 pm

how sad...but bit is very true...it is just a building

 

#535:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:48 pm

mg99 wrote:
but bit is very true


meant to say it not bit. sorry my typing skills are not too good Sad

 

#536:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 11:19 pm

Don't worry mine aren't either mg - but that might have something to do with the fact that I've been at the pub all night... Wink

 

#537:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 11:49 pm

Again?! oh Gem! What would Miss A say? Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

'nother lovely post, but worried about Hilda..and, I suppose, Madge..

 

#538:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 12:03 am

*mutters about Gem being a lickle pisshead!!!!* Wink

 

#539:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 12:39 am

Vikki wrote:
*mutters about Gem being a lickle pisshead!!!!* Wink


Vikki, she's 18 years old and just started Uni - cut the girl some slack! Laughing

 

#540:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 1:28 am

That was a very exciting post Gem. Congratulations on not killing anyone in the latest avalanche.


...glad I live in coastal NSW where it never snows...

 

#541:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 10:29 am

Phew! Glad I missed the cliff and caught up here!

What an end of an era - both the Chalet buildings and Freudesheim gone in one fell swoop! Shocked

Hope the essays (and the socialising Rolling Eyes ) continue to go well - when you can spare a minute or two, please could you concentrate on Madge's story?
*hopeful*

 

#542:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 12:12 pm

Gem glad of the update - and very pleased that everyone is ok even if you did wipe out the school and Freudesheim...

Remember fresher's don't work...and enjoy your weekend at home!

 

#543:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 1:34 pm

Thanks Gem, glad everyone is safe. At least with the buildings nearly destroyed they might find it easier to begin somewhere else.

 

#544:  Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 4:44 pm

Aww poor Jo. Sooo relieved that everyone is safe though. Good luck with your work Gem, I'll miss this.

 

#545:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 5:19 pm

Rolling Eyes Could we have the Nancy/Kathie reunion please? Kiss

 

#546:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 8:00 pm

Now WHY would you want that particular scene? Wink

 

#547:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 9:11 pm

Because I'm too lazy to write any more of my own drabble tonight but I love reading about them! tongue

 

#548:  Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 9:15 pm

Catherine you're shameless!






Not that I personally would object to more of either yours or Gem's drabbles, or more N&K *looks innocent*

 

#549:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 12:54 pm

Lesley wrote:
Vikki wrote:
*mutters about Gem being a lickle pisshead!!!!* Wink


Vikki, she's 18 years old and just started Uni - cut the girl some slack! Laughing


Thank you Lesley! Wink

Am home this weekend and very, very, very happy as my tutors have all agreed to me dropping the English part of my degree (woohoo!!!! Historian take-over bid here I come!!!!) so there will probably be an update today or tomorrow since Cath is nagging with the best of them Smile

Know exactly how you feel Cathy - half the time I can't be bothered to write my own updates and want to read yours - so where are they?? Sad Although admittedly you probably work a lot harder than I do Embarassed

Just to warn you people, changing my degree means that I've had to pick up a module halfway through, with the first deadline halfway through November. Which means that I'll be working non-stop over the next few weeks. I'll try and get some updates written up this weekend as there's not much I can do work-wise at home, but after that catching up will have to take full priority. Sad

Last edited by Gem on Fri Oct 22, 2004 3:52 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#550:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 1:10 pm

Have a lovely time at home Gem, write lots on the train, and have some fun. Glad to hear the good news about the degree and another one for the Historian's takeover bid!! Hope the new module's ok and doesn't involve too much work!

Look forward to more when I return to work on Monday!

 

#551:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 1:14 pm

Good news about the degree Gem! Very Happy

Have a fab weekend at home.

 

#552:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 2:12 pm

*hugs Gem*
We'll try and be patient and understanding, sweetie! Wink

 

#553:  Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 2:19 pm

Vikki wrote:
We'll try and be patient


If they are, Gem, it'll be the first time in CBB history! Wink

(*gives Vikki a huggle*)

Ray *still very much enjoying this drabble and looking forward to more*

 

#554:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 2:21 pm



Welcome to the world of Historians Very Happy I am glad you have got things sorted

 

#555:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 2:31 pm

Welcome to the historian takeover Gem, it's always good to greet another one! Of course work comes first and we'll try our best to be understanding :S

Have fun at home, being pampered by parents is always good.

 

#556:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 3:25 pm

Good to hear about the degree, Gem!




Will wait............sort of patiently! Wink

 

#557:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 5:12 pm

Echoes Lesley Very Happy

 

#558:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 7:33 pm

With Stupid *prepares Historian Takeover Banner* yaaaaaaaaayyyyy!
C(K)athe(a)ri(y)nes here we come!!!

 

#559:  Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 7:39 pm

Go Historians!! Mexican Wave

Good news about the degree Gem, and although I love this drabble, I will be patient while you get your work done! Smile

 

#560:  Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 8:51 am

*promises to be patient* Good luck catching up Gem!!!

 

#561:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 2:56 pm

Best wishes for the changed degree Gem. We will wait for more with as much patience as we can.

 

#562:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 6:24 pm

Thanks to Kat for beta-ing - and thanks to Ally for saying she would - hope you had a nice dinner! Wink Not sure when next update will be up, but hopefully soon-ish.


“We have rooms booked for the next week, at least,” Jack said, glancing over his shoulder as he responded to a question posed by his second daughter. He dared only to look away for a second, though, recent events preying on his sense of danger, and he turned his attention back to the road as he elaborated. “I spoke to Herr Bauer the day before yesterday, and he’s agreed to give reduced prices to everyone from the Platz who needs them. Since this is his busy season, it’s more than generous of him. I’m very grateful to him indeed.”

Joey couldn’t help objecting to the prospect of staying in Interlaken for too long, much as she loved the town. “Must we stay so far away from home though, Jack? There are a few hotels up on the Platz, and I’m sure that someone would be happy to put us up for a while – Grizel, for instance.”

Jack glanced at his wife, seated beside him, briefly. “I daren’t risk it, Jo,” he said quietly. “The danger to the Platz is becoming more and more severe. I for one would be a great deal happier if I knew you were safe in Interlaken. I’m staying overnight at the San myself, but we’re discharging and moving all of the patients as soon as we can. I spoke to the Board of Directors yesterday, and it’s agreed that it’s best for all concerned.”

A frown crossed her face. “Jack, I really would be much happier up at the Platz. Especially if you’re staying at the San.”

“Well, I’m afraid it’s impossible,” he said firmly. “Don’t argue, Jo! The children, Rosli and Anna are in the hotel in Interlaken, and you must be with them. And that,” he added sharply as she opened her mouth in protest, “is my last word on the subject.”

Con leant forward from the back seat, placing a calming hand on her mother’s shoulder. “Who is still at the Platz, Papa? Is anyone left at all?”

Grateful for the interruption, Jack smiled at his younger daughter through the rear-view mirror. “Graves and Courvoisier and their families are still up there, since Aldernest is to the far end of the Platz. Peters took Phoebe, Lucy and the baby down yesterday, and they’re staying in a small chalet that he’s rented. He thought that the hustle and bustle of the hotel might be rather too much for Phoebe.” Jack hesitated for a moment, then decided not to elaborate on Phoebe Peters’ condition at present, it being rather too precarious for his liking. “Sheppard and family are in the hotel, and Geoff has adopted Nigel somewhat. Oh, I know there’s a good few years between them – all the same, it’s not good for Phil and Geoff to be everything to each other, and it helps Grizel tremendously.”

Con sat back in her seat, satisfied with the turn that the conversation was taking. “Are the babes all right, Papa?” she asked quietly. “You’ve said that they weren’t hurt, but they must have been so terrified when it hit.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Con!” he said sharply, noting Joey’s widened eyes and Len’s pallor. “They’re none of them babes any more – and besides, they weren’t even in the house when the full force struck. As soon as Anna realised what was happening, she gathered the family – including Bruno – piled them all into Minnie, and marched, so to speak!”

Len’s eyes widened. “Anna drove?” she asked in shock, remembering all the times that the friendly Tiroleon woman had refused to drive the family minibus.

Jack shook his head. “No, Mike did – he really is a very good driver, for his age.”

Con chuckled. “That surprises you? Mike always was mad on anything to do with motors.”

“That he is,” Joey agreed with a smile, forgetting her grievances for the present. “He’s worth his weight in gold,” she added loyally, remembering all the worries that her impulsive third son had given her and loving him all the more for it.

 

#563:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 6:27 pm

Always a pleasure Gem!

Will say it again - love Len being shocked at the thought of Anna driving the minibus!!

And Joey loving Mike even though he was apparently a git when he was younger Wink

You know what I'm going to say now, don't you Gem dear? MORE!!

 

#564:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 7:17 pm

yay, thanks for the update Gem Very Happy Got round to reading it finally!!

Have fun in the pub! Cheers

 

#565:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 7:32 pm

Thanks Gem!


It's lovely to see more of this - though Joey is being rather a pain about not going back to the Platz!!

 

#566:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 7:53 pm

Thanks Gem, the family seeme to be dealing with the situation well. I hope the others on the Platz are safe Confused

(Dinner was lovely ty) Wink

 

#567:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 7:58 pm

Thanks Gem, I can understand Joey wanting to be with Jack, and I can understand him wanting her to be elsewhere too.

Lovrd the bit about Mike.

 

#568:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 8:43 pm

Rather patriarchical of him to have laid down the law in that manner though, but that's Jack for you!

Lovely, Gem!!! *giggling at the minibus*

 

#569:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 9:19 pm

Gem, that was great!
Glad Anna had the sense to get the kids away! And lucky Mike was there to drive!

 

#570:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 10:43 pm

Just had a big catch up, Gem. Good news on the changed degree Very Happy

*A bit wibbly about Jack going back to the San*

*Also wibbly about Phoebe*

 

#571:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 10:47 pm

PatMac wrote:

*A bit wibbly about Jack going back to the San*


Gem, you wouldn't!! Shocked Surely not.....

 

#572:  Author: Cath, Location: Cornwall PostPosted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 10:52 pm

Yay, update! Very nicely written, and lovely ending to the update Smile

 

#573:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 8:27 am

Lovely update, thanks Gem

Joey certainly seems to be under-estimating the danger on the Platz!

I'm not so worried about Jack - after all, he has to lead the exodus from the San but it certainly sounds as though Phoebe is not long for this world Sad

And then we have to hope that Nancy (and presumably Kathie) also manage to move from the San OK ...

 

#574:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 9:34 am

Hurrah! An update! Thank you Gemberta Very Happy

I'm still wibbling though! (and it's very embarrassing in the computer room)

 

#575:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 1:33 pm

Isn't it nice to see Joey saying nice things about Mike Very Happy Thanks for the update Gem, it was lovely, btu I'll take that all back if you let anything happen to Jack!

 

#576:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 4:09 pm

Lovely post, thank you Gem. Laughing

 

#577:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 11:47 pm

Thanks Gem lovely new episode . Very typical of Jo and Jack.

 

#578:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 5:00 am

Do you think Joey needs the danger pointed out to her in words of one syllable? She always was careless and heedless!

 

#579:  Author: Kathryn, Location: Melbourne PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 5:13 am

Lisa_T wrote:
With Stupid *prepares Historian Takeover Banner* yaaaaaaaaayyyyy!
C(K)athe(a)ri(y)nes here we come!!!


What happens if the C(K)athe(a)ri(y)nes are also historians? Wink

 

#580:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 11:11 am

Then we get to join both sides at once... Twisted Evil

Thanks for the update Gem!

 

#581:  Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 1:01 pm

Thank you Gem!!! I hope everyone else gets out safely.

 

#582:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 2:11 pm

Gaaaah. I've just started reading this but could only read up to page five. When I tried to go to the next page it wouldn't let me. Sad

Please could someone either let me know how to view those pages, or could Gem perhaps send me the rest so I can catch up?

The thunder like sound has just happened, and joey's just gone to answer an ominous sounding phonecall. Please please please, I need to know what happens.

 

#583:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 9:12 pm

Hope you enjoyed it Nicci! Smile Small-ish update to keep you going until essays are finished, and after that I'll get some more up. Apologies for not having replied on everyone else's drabbles lately, things have been hectic. And Ally and Lisa_T, I promise I will pm you back soon Embarassed

Thanks to Vikki for looking over this one for me - and Cath for nagging me to post it! Wink Oh, and this one's for Pim - I told you you'd have an update by Sunday! *g* Babbling over now, here's t'update!



“I’ll pick you two up in an hour; do you think you can be ready by then?” Jack asked as he drew up outside the big San doors. “I’m going to go down to the end of the Platz and see how things are getting along down there.”

Kathie, seated in the passenger seat, nodded. “We’ll be ready. Thank you for the ride, Jack, I’ll see you in an hour.” She gave him a quick smile of thanks as he reached over to open the door for her. Jumping lightly out of the car, she turned to wave as Jack drove down the road leading to the end of the Platz and the ruins of Freudisheim and the Chalet School.

Moving to face the doors, Kathie mounted the steps with growing apprehension, a deep gnawing ache in the pit of her stomach. She had to force herself to walk calmly down those never-ending corridors, smiling at various staff who knew and liked her. It seemed as though every nurse and doctor had all the time in the world at that moment, and it was an effort to break away from cheerful greetings without seeming too rude. She was eager to see her friend in the way that a colleague would be; but she dared to show nothing more. How could she fling caution to the wind in the way that she longed to, and simply run? No, she was an actress, and a good one, accustomed to wearing masks which only Nancy had ever succeeded in seeing beyond.

Lost in thought, Kathie very nearly walked past the very place where she was so desperate to be. She backtracked hastily to stand outside Nancy’s room, resting a shaking hand on the doorhandle.

Why was she so nervous?

‘Don’t be a goop,’ Kathie told herself firmly, thinking out loud as usual. In her childhood, she had spent much of the time talking to herself, imagining brothers and sisters where none existed. Sharlie, an only child herself, had justified that as being common, whilst Nancy had always laughed affectionately and said that she was going mad. She herself had grown up with brothers and sisters both, never a moment alone, and yet Kathie had realised long ago that her partner had been the lonelier of the two. Somehow, it was easier to be alone in a crowd, where another was always the centre of attention, and it was that desperation to be noticed that had first drawn Kathie to her.

Realising that she was still standing outside the door, Kathie pushed the brief recollection firmly from her mind. Taking a deep breath and murmuring a swift prayer for guidance, she turned the handle and, after a moment’s hesitation, entered the room.

 

#584:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 9:15 pm

((((Kathie))))


And isn't it strange how Cathy B's drabble has influenced everyone? Wink

Thanks Gem! Laughing



(Edited to correct some really unfortunate phrasing! Embarassed )

Last edited by Lesley on Fri Nov 05, 2004 9:28 pm; edited 3 times in total

 

#585:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 9:19 pm

Erm, Lesley dear, I think Cathy might like it if you rephrased that comment! Wink


And thank you for the update Gem!!


(edited to remove quote of Lesley's unfortumate phrasing! Wink )

Last edited by Vikki on Fri Nov 05, 2004 9:44 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#586:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 9:39 pm

I think we'd have realised what you really meant Lesley!!! Laughing Laughing
There is even talk of rumours about Kathie and Nancy on GO!!!!

 

#587:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 11:22 pm

Thanks Gem. That bit works much better- its completely clear now.

Looking forward very much to the next post!

 

#588:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Nov 06, 2004 12:57 am

ooo, lovely welcome home to an update of this Very Happy
Glad to see Peapo made his way home OK, wasn't sure if I'd given him enough chocolate and flasks of coffee Wink

Thanks Gem and (((Kathie)))

 

#589:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sat Nov 06, 2004 9:49 am

Surprised What was that all about?!

Gem, that was lovely and well worth the wait. I do wish we could have seen Kathie run though.... *sigh*

Interesting seeing Kathie's thoughts on the difference between her only-childness and Nancy's big family. I've also thought that must have had a big effect on how they interact with other people and one another.

I do hope Nancy is OK! (And you are going to give us the reunion scene next - aren't you?)

xx

 

#590:  Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Sat Nov 06, 2004 9:21 pm

Thank you Gem, I'm so glad you found time to write this. *on tenterhooks* Please please please write the next scene...

 

#591:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Nov 07, 2004 1:03 am

Thanks Gem, nice to see an update, though you did choose rather an evil point to leave it.
Looking forward to seeing more after the essays.

 

#592:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Sun Nov 07, 2004 1:39 pm

Thanks for the update Gem, I like Kathie talking to herself out loud. It's an interesting comparison between her as an only child and Nancy's big family. Of course personally I have a brother and a sister and still talk to myself out loud, that probably really does make me insane Wink

 

#593:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Sun Nov 07, 2004 10:08 pm

Gemmmmmmmmmmm, yes that definately does have cliff tones! You meanie!

But lovely post, lovely Kathie, *hoping that Gem hasn't done anything nasty*

 

#594:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 10:24 am

*looking forward to the reunion scene ...*

 

#595:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 11:37 am

Thanks Gem, poor Kathie, but I'm looking forward to the reunion *hinting* Wink

 

#596:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 1:21 pm

Thank you Gem, but as has been said a very cruel place to leave us....write those essays fast, its perfectly posible to start the reading for an essay at 9am and have it handed in by 9am the next day...

Oh and I'm in Aber from Friday...

 

#597:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:44 pm

Please could we see Nancy and Kathie's reunion soon, Gem? Very Happy

 

#598:  Author: Guest,  PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 7:42 pm

Having just read the whole of this drabble from the beginning, I would like to jump up and down in appreciation for the exceedingly talented writer and the fabulous tale!

Eagerly looking forward to more when you can Gem Smile

 

#599:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 8:34 pm

Update! Will try and get another up Thursday, maybe Friday night. Thanks to Pim for beta-ing Very Happy

(Pim, if the next post turns this drabble into an FCS, I'm blaming you Wink Kiss)




Nancy turned as she heard the door open, a smile crossing her face. She knew that Kathie had been waiting outside for quite some time, but had trusted that she needed this time alone.

Scrutinising her partner’s face carefully, Kathie couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief as she came to the conclusion that Jack had already reassured her of; that Nancy, though slightly paler than usual, looked as healthy as she had ever done before.

“Welcome back, love,” Nancy’s smile broadened as she crossed the room. Kathie didn’t respond in words, instead simply lifting her face to her taller partner’s, and Nancy’s breath caught in her throat as sensitive blue eyes met the laughing brown irises of her companion. The eyes are the windows to the soul – she’d always found the adage beautiful but never before had she so passionately believed it. Kathie’s expression betrayed each emotion, the deep brown eyes almost frighteningly intense as she absorbed the sight that she’d missed so desperately.

“It’s good to be back,” Kathie murmured. “Italy just isn’t the same without you.”

Her companion gave vent to a low chuckle. “Well, I should hope not,” she kidded lightly. “I’ve missed you,” she added quietly. “I know it’s been less than a week, but still…” her voice trailed off.

Kathie drew back slightly. “I know. It seemed like forever.” She hesitated for a moment, chewing on her bottom lip as was her habit when she was thinking. “Nance, I’m sorry.”

“For what?” Nancy frowned in confusion as she moved to perch on the edge of the bed, patting the space beside her briefly to indicate that Kathie should join her.

After a moment, Kathie sat beside her partner, almost unconsciously reaching for her hand. “I’m sorry for leaving,” she said, her tone so low that Nancy had to strain to hear her. “I didn’t want to.”

“Of course you didn’t!” Nancy exclaimed, startled, and lowered her tone as her friend winced. “Kathie, I didn’t think for one moment that you wanted to go. Equally,” she added gently, “I knew that you would have to. You know Aberto and the area, and no-one else did. The most important thing at the moment is settling the school in Italy,” she reminded her partner. “Especially now.”

Shaking her head, Kathie squeezed the hand in hers. “It’s important,” she allowed, “but it’s not the most crucial thing, Nance.” Raising her eyes to Nancy’s, Kathie smiled warmly. “I can think of a few things that I’d rather think about.”

“Oh yes?” Nancy’s eyes danced wickedly. “Can’t think what they might be,” she teased.

Kathie flung her a glare of mock indignation. “I’m back for less than an hour and already you’re ragging me,” she pouted. “I’ll go again if this is the kind of greeting that I’m going to get,” she threatened, not meaning it for even a second.

Holding her hands up in a gesture of surrender, Nancy shook her head laughingly. “I’ll be good, I promise. Don’t you dare go anywhere without me again,” she added, more seriously, then berated herself as her partner flinched. “I didn’t mean it like that, Kathie.” Her tone was anxious.

Shaking her head as though to try and rid herself of the last vestiges of guilt, Kathie smiled tenderly. “I know you didn’t. As you said, I didn’t have a choice.”

“No,” Nancy frowned. She had a very definite feeling that Biddy Courvoisier would be sharing her feelings on the matter with Rosalie Dene in the near future. “You should have had.” Seeing her partner’s look of confusion, Nancy smiled. “Yes, I know I’m contradicting myself. Kathie, you have to understand. I knew that you’d need to go – that you’d have to be there. I just hate that they made you leave with little or no consideration for our feelings.” Her voice was ferocious, and Kathie jumped slightly. She was used to Nancy being the calm and placid partner; she herself had temper enough for two, Nancy always said, with a chuckle at the end that made it impossible to be annoyed at her. “I’m not referring to everyone, of course, and no-one meant it maliciously – just thoughtlessly,” Nancy added. “Hilda and Nell, I’m certain, would have done everything in their power to stop you going, but there’s only so much they can do subtly.”

Kathie decided it was time to halt her partner’s uncharacteristic outburst. “Nancy,” she said softly, gripping her friend’s hand briefly. “Leave it. It doesn’t matter.” She smiled at Nancy’s look of surprise. “It doesn’t. I’m here now, and I’m not going anywhere.”

Her eyes suspiciously bright, Nancy choked on a sudden lump in her throat. “Promise?” she asked quietly.

Her eyes are the windows to her soul.

“I promise.”

Last edited by Gem on Tue Nov 09, 2004 8:39 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#600:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 8:36 pm

Thank you Gembertine.

*adopts best innocent expression* Direct all queries to me if you want to know what ideas I've been putting into Gemmykins' head!!!!

 

#601:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 8:57 pm

Thanks Gem. That was lovely!


And Pim - what are you encouraging her to do?!!

 

#602:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 9:01 pm

Can't tell you on here Catherine... Gem will kill me!

 

#603:  Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 9:34 pm

Oh how I love these two! Gem that was absolutely beautiful. Perfect.





So do we get to see the Pim version in an alternative take on the scene? Twisted Evil

 

#604:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 9:48 pm

Lovely Gem, thank you.

 

#605:  Author: Meg,  PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 10:22 pm

Wonderful story, I cant wait to read more! You must find it hard to fit CS in with a busy Uni schedule! *wibble*! Keep up the good work!

 

#606:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 1:02 am

Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

Yay - Nancy's OK! Loveluy lovely post

Thanks Gem!

 

#607:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 9:31 am

Beautiful reunion, thank you Gem. Lovely a wonderful way to start the morning!

 

#608:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 10:11 am

That was wonderful, Gem - a beautiful reunion, thank you! Very Happy

 

#609:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 11:55 am

Thanks Gem, a lovely Reunion!!! Very Happy

 

#610:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 2:04 pm

It's so good to see them back together, Nancy's right though they were being thoughtless forcing Kathie to go, I forsee problems in the future.

 

#611:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 8:30 pm

Thank you Gem! Lovely scene there!

 

#612:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 1:36 pm

Oh God, I'm in the office and my eyes are filling with tears. I'm unbelievably glad they're back together. But you've shown how painful the separation was as well. Crying or Very sad

 

#613:  Author: Bookwormsarah, Location: Cambridge, UK PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 3:58 pm

Awwwwww! My insides have gone all gooey and I have the soppiest grin on my face Very Happy

 

#614:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 5:20 pm

*joining in with the 'aws'* but Im also intrigued about Pimmykins suggestions Very Happy

 

#615:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 5:54 pm

Thank you Gem. I definitely agree that Kathie should not have been forced to go

 

#616:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 9:14 pm

I missed seeing this had been updated until now - thanks Gem.
It was hard for Nancy and Kathie, with Kathie being forced to go to Italy, but the CS did tend to be quite keen on putting personal feelings aside and doing one's duty, so it may not have been much different if they were acknowledged as a couple.
I'm not saying it's right, just how things were.

 

#617:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 11:29 pm

That was lovely Gem, can't wait for more.

JackieJ

 

#618:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 2:07 am

C'mon Gem, it's nearly the weekend. Delay that swotting and write some more School for us. Pleeeeeeze!

Sitting down to wait with my distinctly unhealthy lunch of flathead and chips...

 

#619:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 6:39 pm

Thank you Gem lovely update. Hope the essays are going well.

 

#620:  Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 8:29 pm

Adds plea for more story

Sad to the hints about something going wrong for Nancy and Kathie

 

#621:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 1:17 am

Miss Di wrote:


Sitting down to wait with my distinctly unhealthy lunch of flathead and chips...



flathead?????????? Shocked

 

#622:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 3:04 am

It's a very tasty estuary fish (which I happen to be very fond of eating grilled or even better, deep fried in batter). See a picture at http://www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au/rec/sw/bag_and_size.htm

 

#623:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 10:47 am

Ohh ty for explaining a long wondered nickname (aka Donald Fisher on Home and Away ~ unashamedly admitting I once watched it)

 

#624:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 11:30 am

Gemmikins!!! Where are you????

I seem to remember you saying there would be more of this by the time I logged in today... in fact I seem to remember you saying you were going off to post more cos you'd lost motivation for the essays....

*dunks and hides from Gem*

Oh and I look forward to seeing reactions to a certain scene...

 

#625:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 6:51 pm

Am so sorry it's taken so long to update! Have had heaps to do regarding essays and planning this American exchange (for those of you who haven't seen my post in BV I'm considering spending next year in America). Thanks to Pim for beta-ing - also thanks to Lesley for responding to my frantic pm for help regarding medical matters a week or so ago! This update's for Cath for UCAS offers - so proud of you honey! Very Happy


Twisting her hands nervously, Madge wondered for the thousandth time what exactly was going through her husband’s mind. The telegram that she had received as soon as they’d arrived had simply said: COMING TO PLATZ STOP SYBIL TOO STOP JEM STOP. Part of her hoped, prayed even, that he’d had the same thought that she had. That desperate need to see her, in the way that she had to be with him. Yet something inside of her heeded Joey’s quiet warning as she’d left – Be careful, Madge. Whatever happens, I love you. She hadn’t understood it then; had simply marched off with her head held high in indignation that Joey Maynard presumed to know her husband better than she did.

Even a stranger knew her husband better than she did now.

Madge saw that now; saw the two bodies living together but so very apart. Her clarity, once all that she had needed to live by, was now irrevocably twisted, merging awkwardly with Jem’s ever-perfect definition. And once again she strove to understand the incomprehensible, to recognise some part of the strangers that they had become. People changed; she knew that – oh, how she knew that. But she hadn’t expected the absolute lack of appreciation that they would have for each other, nor the stranger that inhabited her body, forced out hurtful words in an attempt to define her own pain and only succeeded in causing more.

There was no time for ruminations now though; the plane had landed, passengers streaming through the big double doors. Where was he? Standing on tiptoes, Madge searched the room for the familiar face. She was searching so hard for something that she’d never find that she missed the voice calling her name; saw him only when he touched her arm.

“Jem!” Madge exclaimed, turning to face him, pulling him into an unwilling embrace. He pulled away stiffly after a moment, noticing her eldest daughter standing quietly behind Jem. Even as she moved over to greet her daughter, Madge couldn’t help but notice the tension between father and daughter, the anger in Sybil’s eyes as she looked at Jem. “It’s good to see you again, Sybs,” Madge said warmly, grasping her daughter’s hand and squeezing it gently.

A smile crossed Sybil’s face. “It’s wonderful to see you, Mummy,” she responded quietly. “I’ve missed you.” Her words had a thousand meanings, and her mother saw every one of them.

“Well, shall we make a move?” Madge asked cheerfully, pushing her guilt to one side for the present. “I have Jo’s little runabout – it’s just outside. She’s in a bit of a state, for reasons I shall later explain,” she added with a grin, realising that neither her husband nor her daughter would have heard about the latest events. “She’ll run well enough though.”

Jem’s hand on her arm stopped her. “Wait a minute, Madge,” he said, haltingly, hating himself more than he had ever done before. Behind Madge, Sybil’s red-haired temper was making itself known in the form of a fierce glare – Jem was more grateful than ever that looks could not and would not kill. “We need to talk.”

 

#626:  Author: Bookwormsarah, Location: Cambridge, UK PostPosted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 7:20 pm

Oooo...

Is Sybs angry with Madge or her father? Who were the glares aimed at?

<settles in to ruminate while waiting for the next chapter>

Thanks Gem!

 

#627:  Author: Cath, Location: Cornwall PostPosted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 8:06 pm

Yay, a dedication! Thanks honey - am feeling rather sorry for Madge and Jem is being rather evil. Crying or Very sad More soon... please? Smile

 

#628:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 8:09 pm

Don't think Sybil is angry with madge -her reply to Madge was friendly, but she's definitely angry with her father.

What is Jem going to say?

Oh, and thanks Gem!

 

#629:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 9:22 pm

Is Jem having an affair?


It certainly doesn't look like Madge is going to have a nice homecoming!

 

#630:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 9:39 am

Oh dear ... I'm thinking affair too ... and that they're going to split ...

 

#631:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 9:44 am

Oh god, what's Jem done now Confused

So lovely to see an update of this Gem, thanks Very Happy

You won't keep us hanging on so long for the next bit will you? Wink

 

#632:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 10:35 am

Thank you Gem Very Happy *Pokes Jem*

 

#633:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 10:39 am

Tra la la, *refrains from gloating*

Lovely Gem! Wink

 

#634:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 11:22 am

Thank you Gem!

Poor Madge. Sybil definately seems to be angry with her father rather than Madge. What has he been up to?

Gem feel free to wait as long as you want before posting again - I'm unlikely to be online again before Thursday...

 

#635:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 5:25 pm

poor Madge, she really doesnt need any more problems right now. I wonder what Jem has done

 

#636:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 8:21 pm

Gem!!!!!!!!

Cliffs not fair!!!!!!!!!!!!! Crying

 

#637:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 4:48 am

Gem... Where are you? Yooohooo...

Please come back and post s'more. I may not be smart enough to write drabble, however it means I rely on people who are to keep me entertained.

 

#638:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 4:24 pm

Apparently the more demand there is for an update on this drabble, the more chance there is of us getting one...

*begins chanting and encourages everyone else to join in*

piano drummer megaphone

 

#639:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 5:40 pm

eep.

I can't even guess what's wrong between those three! Who's Sybil angry at? If it's Jem then why is Jem also cross with Madge?

Come back and explain yourself... please.

 

#640:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 9:05 pm

More developments Gem...great stuff, now why is Sybil so angry, and what does Jem want to talk about?

 

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