The CBB :: View topic - The Decision

#1: The Decision Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 9:33 am

OK, this is something that's been bouncing around in my head for a while (thanks to my PB, Barney) and I thought I'd share it. Not much written so far, but let me know what you think - haven't posted a drabble before so...

*******************************

Len Maynard fidgeted with the strap of her bag as the alpine train slowly wended its way up to the Gornetz Platz. The next few days were going to be a nightmare for her to get through, but it had to be done. She leaned her head against the back of the seat. Knowing this and actually getting through this visit home were two completely different things.
A tall attractive woman in her mid twenties, Len had lived on the Platz between the ages of ten and eighteen after which she had moved to Oxford to read Modern Languages. It had been a happy childhood as the eldest of 11, but it had been a very sheltered upbringing. She hadn’t realized how sheltered until she had attended university.
Len stood as the train pulled into the Gornetz Platz station.
She exited the train and collected her small bag from the porter. It was a beautiful late spring day, the kind that made her secretly long to be on the Platz, but today was blind to its charms. Although Len didn’t share the vivid imagination of Jo and Con she had a definite appreciation for the stunning scenery surrounding her.
As she wasn’t expecting to be met she began the walk to Freudesheim. It was a walk of only a couple of miles and Len wanted to try and get things straight in her head before the reunion with her parents and her fiancé.
Her fiancé. Len grimaced at the words. At 16, 17, 18 Len had believed herself in love with Reg Entwistle, a doctor at the Sanatorium headed by her father. Some time ago she realized what she felt for him was the delightful agony of a first crush. Now she had come home with the express purpose of breaking her engagement.
She wasn’t sure how her family would take the news, but suspected that her father would understand. Her mother probably wouldn’t. Joey needed to be the center of attention, and planning her eldest daughter’s wedding had meant that she was in her element regaling all and sundry with horror stories about venues and caterers and bridesmaid’s dresses. Then again, Joey would enjoy playing the martyr, having to cancel all the plans.
Len had only been walking for about five minutes when a car pulled over beside her. “Need a lift.” Behind the wheel was her brother, Stephen.
She smiled and opened the passenger door. “Since you’re asking, then yes,” she replied sliding into the car. “I didn’t realize you were home.”
Stephen shrugged and put the car in gear. “It’s a long story. Maybe I’ll fill you in later,” he said not meeting her eyes as he checked the way was clear before pulling back onto the road. “No need to ask why you’ve come home.”
Len looked at him in disbelief. “How did you know? I didn’t think it was that obvious.”
“Len, have you not learned yet – I know everything,” Stephen teased. The smile faded. “It’s been obvious to me that you’ve been uncomfortable…”
“That’s one way to put it,” Len interrupted.
“…with marrying Reg. Otherwise you would’ve done it when you finished university.” He shot a quick look at Len. “Besides I never thought he was good enough for you. He really is a complete and utter…”
“Steve!” But she was laughing. Steve had managed to lift her mood. “I just don’t know how the parents are going to take this.”
“They don’t have to live your life, Len. You’re the only one that can do that. Anyway Papa will be fine. Mamma will probably have hysterics, but you can handle that.” He pulled into the drive. “There we are – home safely.”
Len smiled and exited the car gracefully. She stood for a minute looking up at the house. It had been her home for such a very long time but now it almost felt like she was a visitor as she had been an infrequent visitor at best since she left Oxford. Familiar and yet strange at the same time. She noticed absently that there had been several changes to Freudesheim since her last visit – had it really been ten months since she had been there. A new coat of paint, a new garden, a rocking chair on the porch. The little unimportant changes that her mother didn’t think were worth mentioning to her.
Len took a deep breath, squared her shoulders and started to walk towards the door.

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

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 9:40 am

Wow!!! Love it Nicole - please continue - like that Steve is there and supportive.

More, more more!

#3: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 9:52 am

Yes, please carry on Nicole - good to see Len coming to her senses re Reg, but what is the story behind Steve's presence?

#4: Author: KB, Location: Berlin, Germany

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 10:11 am

It sounds very promising! *hopes more will come soon*

#5: Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 10:38 am

Thanks guys.

Still working on this - next scene is going to be Len and Jack and I may post it tonight my time - or tomorrow morning or tomorrow night. It depends how quickly I get it written (bearing in mind that it's now well after 10pm here, and I've got to get up for work at 6am)
As for Steve - Barney hasn't told me why he's home Embarassed

Yet

#6: Author: KB, Location: Berlin, Germany

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 10:42 am

*hopes Barney is prolific*

#7: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 10:50 am

Looks good, Nicole! More please!

#8: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 11:24 am

A lovely shiny new drabble, Hooray! I love the way Steve said "but you can handle that". On reflection, I think that is how the older Maynards would think about Joey's reactions to things.

More when you and Barney are ready. please.

#9: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 11:29 am

*doing the happy-drabble-dance*

Yay! Yay! And again, yay!

#10: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 12:14 pm

Lovely! More please!

#11: Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 12:17 pm

Oh goody - can't sleep and I now have ideas for at least 2 more drabbles. Just what I needed. Confused

(Well Vikki & KB don't seem to need much sleep)
Anyway - next bit

***********************************************

At 2 in the morning Len came to the realization that she wasn’t going to get any sleep that night. She crawled out of bed and quietly made her way downstairs, careful not to disturb anyone else. Entering the kitchen, she sat at the table and buried her head in her hands. Knowing she had to break the engagement with Reg and actually doing the deed were two completely different things, and she was scared that her courage was going to fail her.
The back door opened and she looked up in time to see her father walk through the door. “Hi, Papa,” she murmured.
Jack looked surprised to see her there. “You’re up late, sweetheart,” he said.
“Couldn’t sleep.”
“Want to talk about it?” Jack sat down next to her.
“Yes and no.” Len stood. “I think I need some coffee.” She walked over to the bench and filled the kettle with water. “Do you want one?”
“That’ll be lovely, thank you,” Jack responded. He watched his daughter get out two mugs. “Is it Reg?”
Len turned around and nodded. “I wasn’t going to tell you before I talked to him, but I can’t marry him. I just – I just can’t see myself as his wife and darning his socks.”
Jack smiled on hearing one of Joey’s favourite expressions coming from the mouth of their eldest. “I’m not surprised by that,” he said, getting the milk from the fridge.
That got Len’s attention. “I thought you’d be, well, disappointed in me. I know you like Reg.”
“Yes, I do. I like and respect him very much as a colleague and as a friend. Len, you’re my daughter, and I want you to be happy. God hasn’t put us onto this Earth to be unhappy.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“I know I’m right,” Jack said. “From my perspective I’d rather you break things off with Reg now than be miserable for the rest of your life.” He took the coffee mug from her. “And what about any children that you may have? They’d be the only innocents in this – and they would be the most hurt by an unhappy marriage.” He sipped his coffee. “So, have you met someone else?”

#12: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 12:21 pm

Oooooh, nice shiny new drabble. More, more, more please, as and when Barney is forthcoming Very Happy

#13: Author: James,

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 12:39 pm

Ooh, more please!

#14: Author: Alex, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 12:44 pm

If Len has met someone else, I suggest she keeps her mouth shut about it for the time being. Or maybe she thinks she might have met someone else but can't because the spectre of Reg's presence looms over her.

More please, Nicole!

#15: Author: Chloë, Location: London/Southampton: when away from home planet!

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 1:30 pm

Nicloe this is wonderful more soon i hope

#16: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 1:48 pm

Oooh, a lovely new drabble. More please!

#17: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 1:49 pm

Lots, lots more, please, Nicole. We all know that Len is doing the right thing in this drabble.

#18: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 1:50 pm

Not very sympathetic of me I know, but I'm glad you couldn't sleep. I hope you and Barney are going to produce lots more of this.

#19: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 2:01 pm

Ellie, have we had any more of 'Tensions' yet?

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

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 2:02 pm

Thanks for sharing your drabble with us.

#21: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 2:08 pm

Jennie wrote:

Ellie, have we had any more of 'Tensions' yet?

Actually, yes, Jennie vampire

(deputising as sticking out tongue smiley)

#22: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 6:07 pm

more more more more more
*bounces*
Very Happy

It's lovely Nicole. I love Jack's reaction, he's a great Dad and very realistic. I also liked Steve and Len's easy relationship, they sound like a real brother and sister pair.

#23: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 6:30 pm

This looks like it is going to be a great drabble, Nicole. I love Jack in it already. Let's hope that Joey is too awful.

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

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 8:32 pm

Thanks Nicole - love Jack's reaction - impatiently awaiting Reg's and Joey's reactions!

#25: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 9:46 pm

Thank you

#26: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 10:53 pm

Yay!!! Thank you Nicole!!!
*looking forward to more!!!*

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

Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 10:59 pm

Just what we need to finish off the weekend nicely, a new drabble. Great job Nicole!

#28: Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 1:10 am

Keep going Nicole. Hope Barney gives u some more inspiration soon.

#29: Author: KB, Location: Berlin, Germany

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 6:33 am

I can see Reg's pride being bitterly hurt! I may also be being influenced by Con, but I could see his dreams of 'inheriting' the San going down the drain and I wonder if he might not seek revenge...

#30: Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 8:31 am

OK - next bit.
I'm currently working on the scene between Len and Reg (why isn't there a tearing my hair out smiley?) which is causing me a few problems. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have that written.

**************************************************

Len shook her head. “No, not at all.” She sat back down at the table. “Papa, when I left school, I knew exactly where I was going. I was going to do my degree, teach for a couple of years and then come back here and teach at the Chalet and marry Reg. Along the way something changed.”
Jack nodded. “You changed – you grew up,” he said. “Len, when you went to Oxford, you left home. I know that you were boarders next door, but the majority of staff were – and still are – people who you’ve known for all of your life. It was very familiar to you. Then you start university and it’s something completely different.”
“I hated the first couple of weeks at Oxford,” Len said. “I didn’t know anyone except Con, and I didn’t know my way around at all. I just couldn’t believe how many people there were in my College, let alone the University.”
“And then you got used to the place and settled down.”
“I loved it. I realized that I couldn’t go through with teaching after working for the Foreign Office during the summer holidays. I loved that job.” She looked up and met her father’s eyes. “They’ve offered me a transfer to New York – to work with the UN as an interpreter. That made me think about what I wanted out of life and I’m going to take the job.”
Jack nodded. “Good for you,” he said. “It’s a long way though, Len.”
Len smiled. “Air travel is getting cheaper and more frequent, Dad,” she pointed out. “It’s the 1960’s, not the 1860’s.”

#31: Author: KB, Location: Berlin, Germany

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:06 am

Golly, hasn't Len moved up in the world!!! Shocked

#32: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:35 am

Oooooooooooooooooh Shocked

PLEASE can/may we have some more of this?

#33: Author: Nina, Location: Peterborough, UK

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 10:31 am

Go Barney!! Very Happy

*sending Barney lots of carrots to keep him going*
(and virtual choccy for Nicole too)

#34: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 10:44 am

Gosh, how exciting for Len - good for her. I', looking forward to seeing her tell Reg.

#35: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 10:53 am

Yay for Len! And may we have some more soon please? Smile

#36: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Leeds

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 11:34 am

That's a great career for Len. I wonder if Reg has a feeling she might not want to marry him.

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

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 1:05 pm

Can't wait to hear Jo's reaction never mind Reg, when she realises her first born is moving to USA.

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

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:21 pm

Ooooh, I've just discovered this Nicole! Good for Len........keep going please!

#39: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:26 pm

Great Nicole. The only thing lacking is some more.

#40: Author: Alex, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:32 pm

I can just imagine Joey producing long lists of American contacts for Len to stay with! Really enjoying this, Nicole.

#41: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:45 pm

I wonder if Reg is feeling just as trapped? This is really good Nicole and we are all sitting on the edge of our seats waiting for more.

#42: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 8:14 pm

Jo will probably object on the grounds that Len isn't old enough to be away from her parents. And of course, that Len isn't settling down on the Platz to produce lots of children.

#43: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:47 pm

Nice job for Len! Now does Reg suspect or is it going to be a horrible surprise? and how esactly will Joey react? So many questions... *gently nudges Nicole*

#44: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:49 pm

A gentle nudge won't be any good. Just this once you may poke her with a sharp stick.

#45: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 10:10 pm

Thank you Jenny.
*pokes Nicole gently*
poke

(well I've got to start off gently in case she doesn't post, then i can poke harder)

#46: Author: KB, Location: Berlin, Germany

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 10:37 pm

Please, Nicole, give us some answers!

#47: Author: Nicole-As-Guest,

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 11:30 pm

*Feeling very flattered by all the requests for more, but feels obliged to point out that nothing more can or will get posted till this evening when I get home from work*

Currently settling flood claims and for some reason Reg keeps popping into my head.
Well, I suppose he's a bit wet...
(Sorry, had to share that with you)

#48: Author: KB, Location: Berlin, Germany

Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 2:19 am

*giggles* Nice one, Nicole!

#49: Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 6:57 am

OK, the next bit - and there's still more to come with Len and Reg.

****************************************************

She knocked on the door before she changed her mind. This was, after all, why she had made the journey to Switzerland. “I just need to get this over with,” she murmured.
The door swung open and Reg was there. “Len,” he said. “This is a surprise.”
Len smiled briefly and turned her head so his kiss landed on her cheek. “Reg, I’ve got something that I need to discuss with you. Can we go inside?”
Reg looked confused. “Of course,” he said, stepping away from the door.
He followed her down the small hall into the living room. “Can I get you a coffee – or something stronger?”
She desperately wanted something stronger, but didn’t really feel alcohol would really help. “Coffee’s fine, thanks,” she said with a weak smile.
Reg was back a couple of minutes later with two mugs of coffee. “There you go,” he said, handing her a mug. He sat down in the seat opposite. “What do you want to talk about?”
Len took a deep breath. “I want to end our engagement,” she said.
To say that Reg was gobsmacked was an understatement. “What? I thought you were happy!”
“I was before I went to Oxford. But things change.”
“No, Len. Things don’t change. You changed.” Reg was clearly not happy with where this conversation was heading.
“All right, then. I changed,” Len agreed. “Reg, I was eighteen years old when we got engaged. You were twenty eight. There’s a big difference between eighteen and twenty eight.” She sighed. “I can’t see myself coming back to live here. Not full time. I want to do more with my life than be your wife and mother to your children.” She winced after she said this, realizing it was a statement that even Con would think twice about making.

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

Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 9:06 am

There's no beating about the bush with our Len. Smile

#51: Author: KB, Location: Berlin, Germany

Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 9:52 am

*lol* to Mandy's comment.

*a little worried about Reg's reaction*

#52: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 10:42 am

*wonders if maybe Reg might need a little hammer

*

Go Len!

#53: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Leeds

Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 11:27 am

Maybe Reg will react badly, but Joey will surprise us all and be understanding.

#54: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 11:40 pm

Poor Reg, can't be an easy thing to hear from your fiance but I hope he doesn't react TOO badly.

#55: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 3:40 pm

This is another I have just found. It is a few days since I made it into C&D.

Nicole this is fantastic. Len is wonderful, so are Jack and Steve. Reg ... well Reg is just Reg, born to be horrible. Hope he is not too nasty to Len.

Waiting eagerly for more.

#56: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 3:49 pm

Nicole, loving this. The only problem is that there doesn't seem to be any more of it yet.

#57: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 5:01 pm

*agrees with Jennie!*

This is great, Nicole and it will be very interesting to see what the Joey of this drabble is like!!

More, please!!

#58: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 5:03 pm

Well, since Jo has probably ordered the wedding and bridesmaids' dresses without once considering what Len would like, she probably won't be too pleased to hear that her oldest daughter is not going to marry a doctor.

#59: Author: Alex, Location: Manchester

Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 5:46 pm

There's still plenty of time for Len to marry doctors.....

Thought it was going to go

Len took a deep breath. “I want to end our engagement,” she said.
To say that Reg was gobsmacked was an understatement. “What? You mean you want us to get married right now!"

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

Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 8:35 pm

Thanks Nicole - hope to see Reg's reaction soon! Smile

#61: Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 7:18 am

Sorry all for taking so long. The characters went places that I didn't really want them to - Reg turned into Psycho Reg and Len turned into the most evil cow imaginable. There's only room for one horrible character in this drabble, and it ain't either of them!!!
Hope this works (mental note to self - never write break up scenes)....

****************************************************

Reg looked like he had just bitten down on a lemon. “You’ll forgive me if I think my wife and mother to my children is a role you should be proud of having.”
“That didn’t come out quite the way I intended,” Len admitted. “And I’m sorry if I’ve offended you.” She stood up. “Can we at least try and keep this conversation civil?”
Reg laughed bitterly. “You’re not serious. You come here to break our engagement and you think we can have a civil conversation.” He shook his head. “I wonder whether I really knew me at all.”
“I wonder whether we really knew each other,” Len said. “Reg, we’ve been engaged for seven years. Seven years and we haven’t so much as discussed setting a date. Have you ever wondered why that is?”
“I know why. Because you’ve been too busy to spend any time with me. Because your job is more important to you than I am.”
Len tried to remain calm. “I’ve changed. We’ve both changed in the last seven years,” she said. “Perhaps we’re going in different directions.” She took her engagement ring off her finger. “I think we’ve both been content to drift along for too long. We’re both comfortable with our engagement.” She put the engagement ring on the coffee table and straightened. “If you’ve felt like that, why didn’t you ever discuss it with me?”
“You were never here.”
“True, but you could have come to London to see me,” Len said. “I know you work hard, but you still get holidays. You could have taken a couple of days and had a long weekend with me.” She ran her hand through her hair. “I’m certainly not perfect, but there’s been mistakes made by both of us here.”
Reg shook his head. “The mistake made was yours,” he said. “You were supposed to come back here to teach.”
“That was the original plan, yes, but things change,” Len said. “You could always have moved to London and taken a job there.”
“Why should I? It’s your role to be with me, not the other way round.”
Len stood. “If that’s what you think, then there’s nothing we have left to discuss,” she commented, moving towards the door.
“But I love you.”
She turned and faced him. “Do you?” she asked. “Or do you love the idea of being in love. Reg, I know where I want my life to go and, I’m sorry, but I can’t see you as my husband in that future.” She opened the door. “I was hoping we could still be friends, but that doesn’t seem possible, does it?”
Reg watched Len walk out of the door and closed his eyes. Where, he wondered, did things go so wrong?

#62: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 10:05 am

Very good - they both come across as realistic in this and not the caricatures you were worried about at the top of the post ...

Len is definitely doing the right thing and she's handled it well

(loved the image of Reg looking like he'd bitten a lemon!!)

#63: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 12:32 pm

Loved this, Nicole. More, please.

#64: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 8:39 pm

*gets back into the chanting habit!*
More soon please Nicole!!

#65: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 9:03 pm

Finds the idea of Len as an evil cow quite intriguing, but not for this drabble, and she certainly didn't come across that way.
*Wonders which character is going to be the baddy Wink

#66: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 9:11 pm

I suppose it was inevitable that Reg would be upset but if he's never even been to see her in London, he deserves to be jilted!

#67: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 1:15 pm

Len was too young to know her own mind, anyway.

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

Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 3:33 pm

Thank you for that Nicole - wonder quite how Len kept her temper when Reg spoke of her role in life! Still, neither was an unrealistic reaction.

Now who could be the baddie??? Could it be J--Y?

#69: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 3:34 pm

*sitting quietly on a corner of the post waiting for some more* Mr. Green

#70: Author: Janet, Location: Ferndown, Dorset

Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 3:55 pm

An engagement break-off! Great idea - look forward to more and to seeing how Joey especially reacts. I can well imagine her sympathising with Reg and trying to get them back together - if so, oh dear!

#71: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 3:58 pm

So what does Reg think he was getting into if the marriage had taken place? Does having a degree in Modern Languages mean that you are able to hoover and dust better? Or do you call your dusters by the French name?

#72: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 6:10 pm

*splutters wildly at Jennie's comment*

#73: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 2:09 am

Poor Len, this just shows she was bright to break off the engagement.

Reg is just so pompous.

#74: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 1:46 pm

Yes, I hate the attitude of 'Oh, yes, run along toOxford and get a degree, than whan you come home, you can settle down to being my dear little wifey! Here's a pat on the head to be going on with.

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

Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 5:46 pm

*Wonder how pompous Reg would be if I were to show him a combination of my knowledge of male anatomy and Karate? Twisted Evil

#76: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 7:45 pm

I suspect his voice may go up an octave or two!!!! Twisted Evil

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

Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 9:23 pm

*Giggles* at the thought of speaking in French to a duster.

Love this.

#78: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 4:46 pm

Loves Lesley's idea!

#79: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 4:07 pm

Sending this up to the top, just to remind Nicole.

#80: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 11:19 pm

Loving this drabble - hope there's more soon!

Oh, and Reg is 35 and has waited all that time....!?

#81: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 4:12 pm

Well, you can hardly call it an active, ardent courtship if he never bothered to go to England to see her, can you?

#82: Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 8:41 pm

Just to let you all know that I haven't forgotten about this - RL issues this week have meant that I've had problems writing it. However, the weather is not very great here today, so I should (hopefully) get the next part posted today or tomorrow my time...

#83: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 11:04 pm

Yay!!

#84: Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:38 am

And the next bit. A long post, so thanks for your patience. Hoping this works....

**************************************************

Len got outside and took a deep breath. It didn’t go well, she admitted to herself, but it wasn’t the complete disaster that it could have been. At least it was done now and the only thing left to do was tell her mother.
Tell Joey. In a way she was going to be the most difficult person to tell. Her mother had been planning the wedding since just after the engagement was announced and couldn’t understand why Len hadn’t married Reg years earlier. After all, she wasn’t getting any younger. Joey couldn’t or wouldn’t understand that Len could and did lead a fulfilling, happy life without being married and having children of her own.
“It’s not that I don’t want that,” she muttered. “Just not now – and just not here.” As much as she loved the Platz, she knew that she couldn’t move back there permanently. She knew was now too used to living in the city and enjoying the lifestyle of a busy modern place to be content with a life that revolved around the school and the San.
Len began walking slowly back to Freudesheim trying to plan the coming conversation with Joey. About half of the way home she realized that there was no way to plan the conversation – it would be a case of trying to get Joey to listen to what she had to say. Len laughed to herself at this thought. – it would probably be easier to invade the Kremlin than to get Joey to see things from her point of view.
“Is that you, Len,” Joey called, when she heard the front door open. “Can you come into the salon? There’s something I’d like to show you.”
Len went into the salon. Her jaw dropped when she saw the swatches of material her mother had.
“Isn’t this just a gorgeous colour?” Joey asked.
It was, in fact, a rather disgusting shade of mustard. “It’s – well, I’m speechless,” Len said honestly.
“Antique Gold,” Joey proclaimed. “I thought it was just the colour for your bridesmaid’s dresses. Isn’t it stunning?”
“Well, it’s certainly … stunning,” Len managed. “Mamma, can I have a talk to you about the wedding.”
“Of course you can. Come in and sit down next to me here,” Joey invited.
Len decided the best way to tell Joey was to be as direct as possible. “I’ve called the engagement off. There’s going to be no wedding,” she said.
“That’s nice,” Joey said absently. “I think August would be nice for the wedding, don’t you?”
“Mamma, there isn’t going to be a wedding,” Len repeated. “Reg and I have ended the engagement.”
Suddenly, she had all of Joey’s attention. “What do you mean, you’ve ended the engagement? Len, how could you?”
“It wasn’t an easy decision. Mamma, I’ve been looking at my life and what I wanted to be doing with it. I’ve realized that the last thing I want to do is marry Reg,” Len said. “It would be an absolute disaster for both of us.”
“Len, he’s a doctor with a very promising career,” Jo told her. “You’re not going to meet such a man at your age.”
“I’m twenty five, Mamma, not ninety seven,” Len said. “And anyway, at this stage of my life I don’t want a husband. Maybe in the future, that’ll change.”
“Len, when I was twenty five I had four children and was pregnant with my fifth,” Joey said. “Don’t you want me to have grandchildren?”
“With eleven children I’m fairly sure you’ll have grandchildren,” Len said dryly. “Mamma, what you wanted for yourself is not necessarily the same thing that I want for myself.”
“I think you’ve made the wrong decision.”
Len shrugged. “I don’t. I think it’s something that both Reg and I should have discussed before now. If we wanted to be married, why didn’t we have the wedding years before?”
“Because you went to Oxford and you changed,” Joey told her. “You thought that coming back here and marrying a doctor was beneath you.”
“I never thought that at all!” Len flared up. “Mamma, I respect the choices that you made for your life. Can you understand that I want different things out of life than you do?”
“The most important role that a woman can have in life is to be a wife and mother,” Joey said.
“But it’s not the only role that a woman can have. Mamma, when you were at school and before the Anschluss, you felt that you would never get married. You were going to be the maiden aunt of the family. You changed your mind about that.”
“That’s much different, and you know it.”
Len shook her head. “The only difference is that you decided to get married to Papa and I’ve decided not to marry Reg,” she said. “I’ve made my decision. It was not an easy decision to make and, believe me, I’ve thought long and hard about this. “ She sighed. “What I’m asking is that you respect my right to make this decision. I can appreciate that this is a decision that you feel is incorrect, but it’s my decision to make.”
“Why this all of a sudden?” Joey asked. “You’ve been happy up till now?”
“I got offered another job,” Len answered. “It involves me moving to New York, and I had to decide between the job or marriage to Reg.”
“So you’ve decided to become a career woman then,” Joey said. “Just make sure that you don’t end up some bitter old spinster.”
“Some of the women that I respect most in this world are career women,” Len pointed out quietly. “Auntie Hilda, Auntie Nell, Nancy Wilmot, Kathie Ferrars are examples.” Len stood up. “I can understand that you’re … surprised by this decision, but it’s my decision to make.”
“Len are you sure you know what you’re doing?” Joey then remembered something else Len had said. “You’re moving to where?”
“New York, Mamma,” Len said calmly. “I’m going to be working with the UN.”
“It’s too far away,” Joey said. “We’ll never see you.”
“There are regular flights to and from New York, you know. I’m sure we’ll both take advantage of them on a regular basis.” Len privately hoped that the visits would not be too regular. “Just be happy for me, Mamma.”

#85: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 8:55 am

Another nice long post! thanks, Nicole. Good for Len.

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

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 12:07 pm

Thank you for the post Nicole - love Len's line about women she respects. Laughing

#87: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 3:07 pm

Thank you Nicole!!
Good for Len!!
Imagine mustard yellow bridesmaids dresses!!!!!
*looks for puking smiley*

#88: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 5:35 pm

That's just the colour I had to wear as a bridesmaid aged 6 in a high waisted style dress (and I certainly didn't have a waist at that point - think barrell shaped) with matching poke bonnet style hat Rolling Eyes

Excellent post - when can we have the next one? - PLEASE

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

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:32 pm

That was great Nicole.

Dresses, respected women, unregular visits...brilliant!

#90: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 8:04 pm

Thanks, Nicole - good on Len for being so firm. And tongue

to the dreadful Joey!

I especially love the line about the Kremlin being easier to invade than getting Joey to come round - made me gurgle out loud with laughter - so exactly right ROFL

#91: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 8:11 pm

Thanks Nicole, I'm glad to see Len being so firm, and I really liked the way she used the mistresses as examples of career women she admired. That at least ought to give Joey food for thought.

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

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 9:50 pm

Agreed Ellie -I was just flicking through the ending of CS at War and got seriouslyannoyed at a comment by Frieda as Simone gets married

"So the last of our old quartet is married," she said softly. "i am so glad. Simone is too dear and sweet to spend all her life teaching."

Ohhhhhh! That really makes me mad!!!! What does that say about their true feelings toward Hilda, Nell and all the others?

#93: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 10:42 pm

Well, they're obviously not REALLY fulfilled, Lesley - but at least they can be 'brevet aunts' to compensate ROFL

(I hate those comments too - why can't they say 'she's found what matters most to her', well I know it's more prosaic but the happiness=marriage thing is very very annoying!)

#94: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 11:58 pm

Well obviously the teachers couldn't be really fulfilled, after all they had to teach to get substitute kids because they hadn't married themselves...

Glad Len's standing up for herself and them!

#95: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 8:16 am

Well, good for Len. I too really got annoyed about marriage and children being the best thing for women .

#96: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Leeds

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 11:46 am

I'd forgotten about this, but now I've found it again and remembered I like it a lot. I have a feeling Joey is going to turn into the truly evil character in this drabble. Evil or Very Mad

#97: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 3:12 pm

Thanks Nicole - lots of lovely story. Really like the way Len stood up to Jo. But what is Jo going to say to Reg when she next sees him?

#98: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 3:50 pm

Yes, I'm longing to see that interview, I really am.

#99: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 8:29 am

It's been an awfully long time since we had any more of this.

Crying or Very sad

#100: Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 10:11 am

More will come tomorrow my time. I got a little stuck as to where to go next (3 different ideas) and tonight as I figured out where it was going I remembered that I'd promised to ref a game and play a game of netball this evening. Naturally, I remembered this 5 minutes before I had to be at the courts Embarassed

so my plans to write the next bit had to go on hold. (For the record we lost 21 - 16, but we won the second half. We're quite impressed with that considering that tonight was the first time half the team even met each other!)
If things go well, there should be more by late evening UK time.....

#101: Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 12:52 am

Apologies for spreeing, everyone.

I'm hoping to get quite a bit done this weekend, so hopefully you won't have to wait very long for the next bit

***************************************************

Len left the room and went out into the garden. At least she had told Joey now, but experience suggested to her that Joey wouldn’t give up this easily. Len comforted herself with the thought that she’d only be at Freudesheim for another two days – not really long enough for Joey to plan and execute anything too drastic.
Steve was sitting in the rose garden lost in thought. She went over to him and sat down beside him.
He smiled as she sat down. “You’re told her.” It wasn’t a question.
‘”I have,” Len said. “She took it better than I thought she would, but I’m going to stay alert for anything she may try.”
“Which she will,” Steve observed.
They sat in silence for a few minutes. “Steve?”
“Mm,” Steve responded.
“Why are you here now? Surely you’re not on holidays at the moment?”
“Yes and no,” Steve answered. “Easter holidays have just finished, but I’m not going back to the hospital.” He turned and looked at her. “I don’t want to be a doctor, Len.”
“So what are you going to do?”
Steve sighed. “It’s sort of complicated,” he said.
“I’ve got time.”
“I don’t enjoy medicine. It’s something that’s taken me a long time to figure out. As to what I want to do – I’ve got a couple of ideas.”
“Tell me about them.”
Steve shrugged. “Not a lot to tell at the moment. Everything’s a bit tentative at the moment. It’s something that I’m looking into at the moment.”
“Tell me about it when you’re ready,” Len said. “The big question is – have you told Mamma?”
He laughed. “You mean you haven’t noticed the way she’s not talking to me?”
“To be honest I haven’t,” Len admitted. “I’ve been too focused on my own problems.” She began to laugh. “Poor Mamma. It’s been a bad couple of days for her. Her eldest daughter breaks off her engagement and her eldest son decides to rebel against the family’s traditional occupation.”
Steve smiled. “She’s always got Margot. Doctor and nun.” He leaned back. “It’s kind of ironic, really. She spends all her life rebelling against authority and we spend our lives being good and responsible but we’re the ones that’ll get disowned.”
“We’re still good and responsible – we’ve just decided that we don’t want to play the roles she’s slotted us into,” Len said. “If one of the others had a problem we’d still be there for them – first and second in line.”
“You’re right there.” They sat in silence for a few minutes. “Ever get sick of being the responsible one?”
“Every now and then I wanted to do a Margot or a Mike – just to see what the reaction would be,” Len admitted. “You?”
“It would have been worth it to see Mamma’s reaction,” Steve said wistfully.
“And how is it?”
Steve nodded. “It’s worth it,” he said, with conviction. “If she chooses not to speak to me then it’s her loss as far as I’m concerned. I’m going to live my life the way I want to – not the way she wants me to.”
Len nodded. There was nothing else to be said to that.

#102: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 1:08 am

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

#103: Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 6:24 am

And here's some more...

************************************************

Joey didn’t speak to either Len or Steve at lunch, making the meal as uncomfortable an experience as either of the pair could ever remember. They made their escape from the table as quickly as was possible at the end of the meal.
Upstairs, Steve looked at Len. “I don’t know about you, but I’m not staying her and getting ignored for the whole afternoon,” he said. “Do you want to come?”
“Where are we going?”
He shrugged. “I thought perhaps a walk or a drive somewhere would do us both a world of good,” he said. “Certainly better than staying here.”
“Sounds good to me,” Len said. “How do you feel about catching the train up to one of the other shelves and having an explore?”
“Good idea,” Steve said. He checked his watch. “If we hurry we can probably make the next train, otherwise it’ll mean waiting for half an hour or so.”
Len looked at him in amazement. “You have the timetable memorized?”
“Doesn’t everybody?”
“Normal people do not memorize train timetables, Steve!”

They had an enjoyable afternoon up on the Rosleinalpe and made it back to Freudesheim just before dusk. Joey only said two sentences to them all evening.
“I’m inviting a few friends for Mittagessen tomorrow. I’d appreciate it if you would both be there.” With that she swept from the room.
“That’ll be fun if it’s anything like lunch was today,” Steve observed. “In fact, it could end up being downright embarrassing if she ignores us like that.”
“We’ve got nothing to be embarrassed for,” Len told him. “Let’s be sensible here. What can she do that she hasn’t already tried on one of us?”
Steve looked at her. “I don’t really think I want to answer that one,” he said.

Had they known what Joey was planning, they would have been more worried.

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

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 7:36 am

*Considers that Joey is acting like a spoilt child!*

Glad Len and Steve have each other - think they'llneed the support for whatever Joey has planned. Where's Jack?

Looking forward to more Nicole, this is excellent! Laughing

#105: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 10:18 am

Hope Len and Steve don't give in to her.

More please, Nicole.

#106: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 10:57 am

Echoes the requests. What has Joey got planned?

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

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 11:25 am

Glad Len and Steve are there for each other, and if Joey continues to behave like that it is her who will be shown up at Mittagessen, not them.

#108: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 11:29 am

I'm wondering if Joey had invited Reg!!! Don't know who she would have lined up for Steve though!

#109: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 2:22 pm

Tyoical Jo Maynard, wants everything her own way, thinking she knows best.

#110: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 2:25 pm

Never mind Len & Steve, I'm worried. Please come back and reassure me, Nicole.

#111: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Leeds

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 2:32 pm

I'm sure the people Joey has invited will be because she thinks they can talk 'sense' into Len and Steve. At least Len has Jack to back her up, though I'm not sure if he'll be as supportive with Steve.

#112: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 5:19 pm

*sits down on the cliff edge*

#113: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Leeds

Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 10:02 pm

*tries to resist the temptation to push Vikki* Wink

#114: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2004 11:54 am

Bouncing this up to the top as a reminder to Nicole.

#115: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2004 3:47 pm

*backs away from Sarah warily....*

#116: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2004 3:48 pm

I'll look after you,Vikki.

#117: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2004 4:06 pm

Thank you Jennie!
*snuggles up to Auntie Jennie!!!*

#118: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2004 5:10 pm

So does Steve want to be a Train Driver then? Very Happy

I love him and Len when they're chatting to each other, so very sibling like. Joey on the otherhand is a... well as I'm a good girl I shan't say what I'm thinking but I'm sure you can guess Twisted Evil

#119: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Leeds

Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2004 5:17 pm

Don't worry Vikki, I'm not dangerous. Wink

#120: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 11:46 am

You'll be all right now, Vikki.

The woman who thinks that a grotty shade of mustard is the ideal colour for bridesmaids' dresses is capable of anything.

#121: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 12:20 pm

I love Len and Steve in this as well.

*Hoping they remain firm, no matter what*

#122: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 1:15 am

LOvely bits of story. Do hope they stay strong. Have a feeling Mittagessen will be a very embarrassing meal. Hope it Jo that ends up embarrassed.

#123: Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London

Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 12:21 pm

Just read this from start to here - fabulous work Very Happy

Now, where's the next scene Wink

*sits down to wait patiently*

#124: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2004 6:31 pm

What, no more story?

#125: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 4:27 pm

Still no more. Runs off wailing.

#126: Author: Janet, Location: Ferndown, Dorset

Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 8:46 pm

This is great - the Len/Steve relationship is so very real and it's nice to see a couple of the Maynard siblings having the time and privacy for a real heart-to-heart

Also good to see the "responsible" ones acting in their own best interests instead of succumbing to Joey's wishes
(am also concerned re Joey's plans - can they really be worse than mustard bridesmaids dresses?!!)

#127: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 3:25 pm

Yes, they can. Still no more of this?

#128: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 7:46 am

I've just read this. Its brilliant Nicole. Can't wait to find out what joeys got up her sleeve.

#129: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 1:18 pm

Yes, it's definitely time for some more!

#130: Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 9:21 pm

Apologies to all for the delays with this. I haven't been very well and to be honest writing has been the last thing I've wanted to do. The good news is, I'm feeling MUCH better today and as I'm signed off work till tomorrow, there will (hopefully) be more at some stage today....

#131: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 7:39 am

Glad you're feeling better, Nicole. Looking forward to more when you manage to post it!

#132: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 2:04 pm

We'll look forward to that, Nicole.

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

Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 11:26 am

Have just all of this, can't wait to see who it is that Joey has invited!

#134: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 8:34 am

On very sharp tenterhooks!

#135: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 8:48 am

Be careful, Jennie, don't hurt yourself!

*supplies first-aid kit just in case*

#136: Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London

Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 11:39 am

*puts featherbed below Jennie so if she falls off it's onto something soft*

Hope you're feeling better, Nicole. I know what it's like to start something and then get ill Sad

*hugs*

Whenever you're ready.

#137: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 9:01 am

Thanks for the featherbed. Nicole, I hope you're feeling better soon.

#138: Author: Lynsey, Location: Fife

Posted: Sat May 22, 2004 1:13 pm

thought it might be time to bump this up

#139: Author: claire, Location: South Wales

Posted: Sat May 22, 2004 9:21 pm

Nicole I just read this far having missed it to start with (and not noticing the dates) please write some more1

#140: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu May 27, 2004 3:24 pm

Yes, it's definitely time for another installment.

#141: Author: Lynsey, Location: Fife

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 9:36 am

Me agrees with Jennie

#142: Author: Lula, Location: Midlands, UK

Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 5:24 pm

Ooh, I've just found this, and am liking it!

#143: Author: Lynsey, Location: Fife

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 5:35 pm

See everyone likes it! Please more.

Has anyone seen Nicole around lately?

#144: Author: dramafreak, Location: Leicester

Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 1:50 pm

Nicole
please post some more story, i'm dying to know what happens Rolling Eyes

#145: Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 9:08 pm

Hi Guys,

I haven't forgotten about this one, but have had a few RL issues over the last couple of months. I'm going to keep working on it, but it may take me some time to update. At the moment I've got a little bit written so hopefully....

Sorry - it hasn't been deliberate Smile

#146: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 9:16 pm

*hugs Nicole*
Don't worry sweetie, we understand completely!
whenever you can is great, but look after yourself first!

#147: Author: ellend, Location: Bow, London

Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 10:54 pm

Nicole is real life back under control? If so please could we have 'the lunch' and find out who Joey's invited.

I was really enjoying this and thought how you'd described Len's approach to telling her mother was brilliant.

PS. I agree mustard sounds awful for bridesmaid dresses.

Ellen

#148: Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Sat Aug 14, 2004 8:19 am

Thank you, Ellen and everyone else.

Sorry to annyone who thinks this is a new post, but the reality is it'll be a while before this is updated. The bunny seems to have decided to winter in Fiji, and while I'm writing Refugee I probably won't be updating this one. I will hopefully get back to this once Refugee's finished - or before if the bunny returns...

The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles

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

Page 1 of 1