The Path You Choose
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The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles
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Reflections in the wind
11%
 11%  [ 4 ]
Given away but still loved
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 0%  [ 0 ]
The past catches up
11%
 11%  [ 4 ]
Secrets at the Chalet School
37%
 37%  [ 13 ]
Lost daughters of the Chalet School
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 34%  [ 12 ]
Other (please feel free to suggest away)
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Total Votes : 35


#1: The Path You Choose Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 3:48 am


I was going to ignore this for a while but my small sparkling purple leaf was a bit overactive this evening. This is my first attempt at drabble-ing (some of it's a bit tongue in cheek I'm afraid) but please tell me if it's a load of rubbish! HERE GOES *deep breath*

Nell Wilson laid her pen down and paused, thoughtfully for a moment, tilted her chair back ever so slightly then set it down again suddenly mindful of the occasion she’d tilted just a little too far back in the Tyrol. She realised that she’d had a particularly unproductive morning and wondered about crossing the Platz to visit her great friend, Hilda Annersley. Nell sighed with gusto, she’d slept badly and that meant that everything was an extra effort. That was it, she was going out.

However, someone had other ideas and just as Nell half rose out of her seat there was a knock at the door and Gill Culver popped her head round.

“There’s a Mrs Cartwright wanting to know if she can see you? She says she knows it’s on the off chance…” Gill broke off.
Nell racked her brains wondering who this could possibly be, names, names and too many of them to remember. “Yes, show her in Gill. I hope it’s nothing too important mind.”

Gill slipped out again leaving a very puzzled and confused Nell behind. The name didn’t ring any bells from amongst Old Girls and Mistresses. Well, she would just have to wait and see.

There came a second knock at the door and a woman in her mid thirties entered at Nell’s call to do so. Nell stood up and crossed the room to shake the visitor’s hand.

“Mrs Cartwright, how do you do” said Nell cautiously eyeing the woman in front of her.
“Miss Wilson, I’m glad you could see me without an appointment or anything. I didn’t want to risk trying to make one, as I wasn’t sure you would want to see me.”


Meanwhile, across the Platz, Kathie Ferrars, or Rogerson as she was now known, had her morning disturbed for the umpteenth time by the only too familiar wail of one of her children. Like all good Chalet girls she had found Dr Right following a spectacular accident involving Inter V, married him two years previously, and produced twins at the first attempt and was now busy, tired and not to be disturbed. Despite all that, there was just one small fly in Kathie’s ointment.

Bon, time to put the small sparkling purple leaf to bed now.


Last edited by pim on Sat May 22, 2004 7:06 pm; edited 3 times in total

 


#2:  Author: Tassie_EllenLocation: Tasmania, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 8:04 am


Great beginning, Pim - keep it going!

Ellen *thanks Pim for nice new drabble*

 


#3:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 9:25 am


Hooray, a new drabble! Can't wait to see what Kathie gets up to, being married!

 


#4:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 10:10 am


Hmmmm intersting! Lots of mystery and catching up to do. Like it.More please!

 


#5:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 2:58 pm


Echo's pleas for more! This sounds very mysterious! Can't wait to hear more! Laughing

 


#6:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 3:22 pm


This looks good Pim, hooks us right from the start.

 


#7:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 3:28 pm


Don't stop there Pim!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We want more!We want more!
We want more!We want more!
We want more!We want more!
We want more!We want more!
We want more!We want more!
We want more!We want more!
We want more!We want more!
We want more!We want more!
We want more!We want more!
We want more!We want more!
We want more!We want more!
We want more!We want more!

 


#8:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 3:30 pm


*hopes Pim appreciates the enthusiasm of her first chant*

 


#9:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 5:00 pm


Embarassed Thanks for the flowers.

Unfortunately I put the small sparkling purple leaf to bed last night at about 4am and now it won't wake up again! I'll try and post some more later.

 


#10:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 5:04 pm


Feed him chocolate.

 


#11:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 7:35 pm


OK, I slapped the small sparkling purple leaf about a bit with a large trout to wake it up. So here's a wee bit for now, maybe more later.


Nancy Wilmot was taking full advantage of it being the last few days of the summer holidays as she ran down the corridor of St Mildreds only stopping to collide with Gill who promptly dropped everything she was carrying in all manner of directions.

“Argh Nancy, can’t you look where you’re going yet?” Gill groaned as she began crawling around the corridor to retrieve her possessions.
“Sorry Gill, I was just taking advantage of the last few days of silence before chaos and mayhem descends once more.”
“Well that may be over at the School proper but over here I like to think people are a little more dignified” retorted Gill with a smirk. “What did you want anyway?”
“Oh just popped over with some stuff for Bill from the Abbess. She free?”
Gill gathered the last of her things up and stood up. “No, she’s not. It’s quite funny actually.”
“Oh right. Who’s she with?” asked Nancy, not bothering to hide the curiosity in her voice.
“Some Mrs Cartwright, she just showed up out of the blue. I have no idea who she is but she looks awfully familiar.”
“Familiar, in what way?”
Gill shrugged. “I don’t know. I can’t quite put my finger on it but she has this air about her that reminds me of someone I know.”


The doorbell rang and Kathie stifled a groan, crossed her fingers and prayed very hard that it wouldn’t be Jo Maynard coming round to offer yet more advice on how to bring up her family and keep her husband happy. She’d become more unbearable than usual on the subject of late. With her heart sinking through the pit of her stomach Kathie approached the door.

I have a funny feeling there may be more 'Jo-bashing' to come...

 


#12:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 7:39 pm


Jo-bashing is an essential ingredient in every good story! And I love Kathie's fear of her!

But this mysterious visitor is most intriguing...

 


#13:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 7:42 pm


Good, good about the Jo-bashing. I'm going to go and feed the small sparkling purple leaf now before it goes back to sleep again.

 


#14:  Author: aliLocation: medway, kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 9:11 pm


Who is this Cartwright, give us some clues. And any mistress who marries a doctor, stays at the platz and then has the gall to have a multiple birth which we all know is Jo's right and perogative deserves all the advice she gets. Why couldn't she marry a dentist or chiropodist and move away? Wink

 


#15:  Author: KathrynLocation: Melbourne/Hamilton until 11 September PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 10:19 pm


More please. Looks like it is going to get interesting. And we're not against any more Joey-bashing, are we? Evil or Very Mad

 


#16:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 10:41 pm


More please! And no, we're not averse to some more Joey bashing!

 


#17:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 11:46 pm


That was good, and looks set for fun. Do continue soon please. Razz

 


#18:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 12:41 am


A wee bit for tonight to stop the PB being too active in class tomorrow and distracting me.


Kathie opened the door with fear and trepidation, which was really quite unnecessary as the open door revealed her good friend Biddy Courvosier, her sigh of relief could be heard the entire Platz over.

“Thank goodness it’s you Biddy, I was terrified it was Jo. Come on in.”
Biddy giggled as she entered. “What’s Jo been doing now? Been passing on more pearls of her wisdom has she?”
Kathie nodded as she collapsed on the nearest chair. “That’s the one. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the advice it’s just that some of her ideas are a little, well, outdated.”
Biddy nodded sagely. “Nothing you can’t tell me about that. I think she’s just suffering from ‘empty nest’ a little. Where are your children anyway?”
“The twins are upstairs. Claire’s over at Freudesheim with Cecil, that’s why I was so worried you were Jo bringing her back.”
“Poor old Claire. She has had a time of it this last year, still she’s turning into a very nice young Chalet girl isn’t she?”
Kathie groaned. “If I hear that one more time about Claire I swear I shall strangle the person who says it. It was a shock all round when Annabel dumped her here last summer, but I suppose I knew it would happen sooner or later.”


Nell eyed her visitor cautiously. It had been an unusual introduction, one that had taken her back a little.

“Mrs Cartwright…” she began.
“Please, call me Laura” her visitor interrupted.
“Laura, I’m not quite sure what you expect me to say in reply to that.”

Laura Cartwright sighed, it hadn’t been the best introduction. It was something she’d played in her head a thousand times over the last couple of years and she’d never intended it to come out like that. She suddenly felt shaky at the prospect of what she had to say next. She looked at the older woman not quite sure how to continue.

“You wouldn’t have known me as Laura” she said suddenly. “In fact, I’m not sure what you would have known me as.”

 


#19:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 1:35 am


*wonders if Jo will give Kathie an autographed copy of her book
*wonders who Laura Cartwright is
*wonders who Claire is
*wonders who Annabelle is
*wonders when there will be more story

 


#20:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 1:41 am


Chelsea wrote:
*wonders if Jo will give Kathie an autographed copy of her book
*wonders who Laura Cartwright is
*wonders who Claire is
*wonders who Annabelle is
*wonders when there will be more story


All will be revealed...






















...soon. I should really think about doing some *real* work this week in the library instead of just playing around.

 


#21:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 1:47 am


Marvellous, pim! I hope there's going to be lots and lots more of this very soon Smile

Can't help wondering at the coincidence of the names Nancy Wilmot, Kathie Rogerson-nee-Ferrars and Cartwright featuring so closely together in a drabble...?

And the only thought that the "You wouldn't have known me as Laura" line summons in my head is that it's someone who was once a man... (?)

 


#22:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 2:40 am


Poor Kathie! *giggles*

Very intrigued by all the mysteries, more when you can, please pim.

 


#23:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 2:42 am


*wonders if maybe 'Laura Cartwright' is Nell's illegitimate daughter who she gave up for adoption many years ago?*

More soon please Pim! This is really good!

 


#24:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:23 am


*thinks Vikki has been too influenced by Matey's Secret*

 


#25:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 10:51 am


New bit, the PB kept me awake most of last night but was refusing to play ball this morning. Catherine, Laura did not use to be a man - but thanks for the suggestion it kept me giggling to myself last night!


“So, tell me about this mystery visitor then” said Nancy as Gill poured out the coffee.
“Not much to tell really” shrugged Gill as she handed Nancy her mug. “She just waltzed in here this morning asking if she could see Bill, wouldn’t say what it was about, just that it was important.”
Nancy stirred her coffee thoughtfully. “An Old Girl of some sort do you think?”
Gill shrugged again. “Couldn’t tell you, but it is driving me mad not being able to put my finger on who she reminds me of.”
“Here, you don’t think it could be somebody like Betty Wynne-Davies do you, not wanting us to know who she is?”
“That’s a name I haven’t heard in a while.”


Kathie and Biddy had just settled the twins down in the corner of the room with a garish selection of toys when the front door opened and in a mass of arms and legs Claire whirled into the room and threw herself at Kathie, followed by none other than Jo and a disgruntled looking Cecil.

“Well here we are, back safe and sound” declared Jo in her usual clarion tones.

Biddy winced and debated making her excuses and a quick run for it. Then she thought better of herself and realised she’d have to stay to support her friend through this ordeal.

Kathie untangled herself from Claire’s grasp. “Were you trying to kill me then?” she asked with a grin.

Biddy looked at the two of them thoughtfully, wondering how Jo could be so dim as not to notice what she already knew.

“Well look at your twins!” exclaimed Jo. “Don’t they just grow so much at that age. You know, I really must let you have a peek at the new book I’m writing on parenting. I’m sure you’d find it very useful.”

Kathie raised an eyebrow at Biddy who stifled a giggle in return, she wanted nothing less in the whole world that a book on Jo’s ideas of parenting, goodness only knew what it would be about!


Nell regarded her visitor for a moment. “Don’t think me rude” she began. “But I have absolutely no idea who you are. You’re not an Old Girl are you?”

PatMac, couldn't resist the temptation to pinch 'I don't see what all the fuss is about' - it's too good to pass up! *Will send royalties to you, acknowledges copyright.

 


#26:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 11:43 am


No problem, pim. I had a giggle at that! I transported the ghost of Lesley from the holocaust to Bruno last night. fun isn't it. Very Happy

More soon please. Most intrigued.

 


#27:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 2:21 pm


Ah, this is so good Pim!!! Love the inclusion of parenting book.

*sits down to wait for more*

 


#28:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 4:00 pm


*love the carry over between the drabbles

*wonders what Joey is too dim to see

 


#29:  Author: NicciLocation: UK PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 4:22 pm


*sits down and waits eagerly for mroe drabble*

This is great Pim. Very Happy

 


#30:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 4:43 pm


*plumps down next to Nicci*

 


#31:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 4:58 pm


*feeling the pressure* I've got some bits written (my PB was playing up in French Lit this afternoon...) so there should be more tonight depending on how long my meeting drags on for. Gah!

 


#32:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 6:04 pm


I love it pim, great start to a first drabble! I'm wondering why Laura isn't sure how Bill will remember her, has she lost her memory or something?

 


#33:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 6:06 pm


New bit:

Unfortunately a sudden freak accident caused all the polar icecaps to melt simultaneously and the entire world was washed out by a large tidal wave so Bill never did get to discover who Laura was.

Tant pis. Fin.

 


#34:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 6:50 pm


Umm...Pim, if you value your life, might I suggest that you edit the last bit you posted Wink

You MAY NOT do that to us Exclamation Exclamation

 


#35:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 7:02 pm


*cackles wickedly* had you there Very Happy

(I said the PB had been misbehaving)

 


#36:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 7:54 pm


That was fantastic! I love the idea of our characters crossing over to other stories, although it will get confusing! But will you please get on and tell us who the mysterious visitor is?!

 


#37:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:33 pm


Pim, you just aren't playing fair. Stop keeping us in suspense.

 


#38:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 9:42 pm


This is great Pim, and you certainly know how to tease, and keep us all in suspense.

More when you are ready please.

 


#39:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 9:55 pm


Yes, she learned that quickly, didn't she? Evil or Very Mad

 


#40:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 10:34 pm


I'm a fast learner! The PB is wide awake now so I shall post some more before I go bedward bound. As for finding out about the mystery visitor oooh there's a wee while to go yet. *cackles* (I was scribbling it in French translation this morning and thought I'd lost it earlier, lucky it was in my notebook not my folder...)

 


#41:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 10:45 pm


Pim you can't do this to us, it's not fair! Love the fact that Joey and Biddy think Jo's parenting is outdated! Claire is not Marie-Claire is she? I don't think so now but when I first read about Claire I did wonder...

 


#42:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 10:46 pm


Claire is not Marie-Claire just to clear that one up. And I am working on this as we speak!

 


#43:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 11:06 pm


Well I'm glad to hear you're working on it, that last bit was just plain mean! Evil or Very Mad If there's more before bedtime I'll forgive you though Very Happy

 


#44:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 11:35 pm


Here you go then...


“No, I’m not an old girl” said Laura simply. “I’ve never had any contact with the school until a few months ago when my husband and I were looking for somewhere to send our daughter and a friend recommended here. It was only when I saw your name in the prospectus… I knew the I had to come and find out for myself.”
Nell raised an eyebrow. “Find out what exactly?”
Laura fished in her handbag and brought out an old looking, slightly crumpled piece of paper. “I think you’d better read this, it should explain things.”
Nell took the paper from her and scanned over the words written on it. The colour drained from her face. “But you can’t be…” she stammered.


“Mum can we go now?” groaned Cecil to Jo. She for one did not want to stay and allow her mother to hold forth in the manner she so favoured.
“Well I just need to have a chat with your Auntie Kathie.” Cecil rolled her eyes and groaned inwardly. “Why don’t you run along to Claire’s room for a bit?”
“Come on Cecil” muttered Claire as the two of them left the room.

Joey settled herself into the comfiest chair by the window and looked up, beaming expectantly at Kathie and Biddy who settled themselves on the settee side by side looking most uncomfortable. Biddy jumped up suddenly despite a pleading look from Kathie.

“I’ll just go and put some coffee on” she announced, any excuse to get out of Jo’s clutches would do at this point in time.
“Oh what a lovely idea” said Jo, not noticing the grimaces being passed between Biddy and Kathie at the prospect of this. “Then we can catch up on all the hanes.”
“Well I must say your Claire is coming along very nicely from the unruly girl that woman dumped on you last summer, turning into a proper Chalet Girl.” Kathie resisted the temptation to leap up and throttle Jo on the spot, tempting though it was. “You know you can come to me if you have any problems, I’m used to dealing with poor abandoned waifs and strays you know. There’ll be a chapter about it in my book I expect.”

If only Jo knew the truth, Kathie thought to herself. Still, it was probably just as well that she didn’t.

“Now, are you getting plenty of bed rest? You should really be taking things easy you know with the family extending at Christmas.”

Kathie’s eyes glazed a little as she drifted off into her own thoughts merrily blocking out the sound of Jo’s voice.


Claire had settled herself on the windowsill of her bedroom looking out across the Platz whilst Cecil had flung herself rather unceremoniously on Claire’s bed.

“My mother!” groaned Cecil.

Claire smiled weakly thinking that Cecil didn’t properly appreciate how lucky she was.

 


#45:  Author: NicciLocation: UK PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 11:44 pm


and to get back to who ms cartwright is?

lovely post Pim. But I'm afraid we want, need more

 


#46:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 11:47 pm


So not an old girl... sounding more and more like she's someone's illegitimate child! Which I have to say is my guess for Claire too, one of the Maynard boys maybe? Then again perhaps my imagination is running a little too wide.
Thanks for that (much more sensible) bit pim, even if it did leave us with a heap of questions! Confused

 


#47:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 11:58 pm


Love this and love the crossovers!

More please pim!

(Lesley now scurrying over to see self in Bruno!)

 


#48:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 12:20 am


I thought that maybe Claire was Kathy's child from before marriage?

Please write more Pim, I love the mystery.

 


#49:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 1:58 am


I'm confused - but enjoyably so, I'm glad you decided to write a drabble Pim. but I can't help wishing you hasdn't been so influenced by the proliferation of cliff tops that some other people leave their drabbles on Very Happy
So, who is Laura Cartwright?
Who is Claire?
Why does she think Cecil is luckier than she knew?
Who is Annabelle?

Please come back and answer some of these questions soon.

 


#50:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 2:09 am


*joins the confused gaggle*
I refuse to speculate- even if it does clear the deadwoods in the thickets of deduction...or something like that! Wink

congrats, Pim. As you say, a quick learner. More, please!

 


#51:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 7:54 am


If I may offer you a hint, Pim, it's wise to start answering questions. Too many questions confuse people and readers start dropping off, as it's too much work to keep up, particularly as some peope can't spend ages on the board trying to work things out.

 


#52:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 8:45 am


I'm about to start guessing (yeah! stupid, I know Shocked )

Laura Cartwright is someone from Nell's murky past, judging from her reaction.

More please!

 


#53:  Author: Sarah G-G PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 11:23 am


*intrigued*
So, any chance of any of the many questions being answered soon?

 


#54:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 11:27 am


You'll get some answers tonight at some point... I'm on the library PCs right now and am not in any cirumstances entrusting my beloved drabble to those!

 


#55:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 11:36 am


No, I wouldn't either! Shocked

 


#56:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 1:23 pm


Pim i only just read this and its wonderful, please answer our questions soon!

 


#57:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 4:40 pm


OK, some questions answered. My PB's being VERY noisy at the moment.


“Do you miss her?” asked Cecil suddenly.
“Who?”
“Your mum, silly.”
Claire shrugged. “Sometimes.”
“Aren’t you happy here?”
Claire turned away to look out of the window again. “I suppose.”

Cecil frowned, wondering what had got into Claire of late. She slithered off Claire’s bed and went downstairs with the express purpose of making her mother leave so Claire could talk to Kathie.

“Mum, time to go” announced Cecil on entering the room.
“But Cecil poppet, I’ve only just started my coffee. I was just telling Auntie Kathie and Auntie Biddy about my new book.”
Cecil had heard too much already about this new book and turned to Kathie. “Auntie Kathie” she said decidedly. “I think Claire’s really upset about something.”
“I’ll go and talk to her.” Jo had leapt into the breach before anyone could stop her.
“No Jo” said Kathie standing up slowly. “I’ll go. She’s my responsibility. Biddy, do you mind…” She gestured to the twins still playing happily oblivious to the going ons around them.
“No problem” said Biddy.
“Time to go mum.”

As Kathie headed up the stairs she could hear Jo grumbling away at Cecil. She sighed, it would be easy to pass Claire’s problems on to someone else but Claire was her responsibility and one she knew she needed to keep taking seriously. She tapped lightly on the door to Claire’s room before entering. Claire was still sitting on the window sill, her eye and thoughts a thousand miles away. Kathie crossed the room to her.

“What’s the matter Claire?” she asked, placing her hand gently on Claire’s shoulder.
“I was just thinking” replied Claire.
“What about?” Claire’s silence spoke volumes. Kathie knew exactly what was on her mind. “Claire, you belong to us now, remember.”
“But I don’t really. The twins do, and the new baby will, but I don’t.”
“Claire, no matter what happens you’ll always be my daughter and I’ll always love you.”
Claire wiped away the tear that had settled on her eyelashes. “Then why did you leave me with her?” she practically spat out the last word. “She never wanted me. You never wanted me either, you don’t want me now.” Claire made no attempt to stop the tears falling now.
“Claire, I did want you. I did what I thought was best” said Kathie softly. Claire slid off the windowsill into her mother’s arms. “I promise I’ll never leave you again.”


Laura’s face fell. “I thought you wouldn’t believe me. I brought all my papers with me, just in case.”
Nell looked up at Laura, and the realisation dawned. “I should have known” she said softly. “You look just like him.”
“My father?” asked Laura with a puzzled tone to her voice.

Nell could only nod in reply. She looked down again at the crumpled paper she held in her hand and read the words again. She didn’t need to, they were exactly the same as they had been when she’d written them down thirty seven years ago. ‘I want to keep you, but I can’t. I hope you can forgive me.’ Nell looked up and her eyes met Laura’s.

“You’re my mother” whispered Laura.

 


#58:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 5:18 pm


Wow, not one but TWO unknown children come back.

Thanks.

Please, may we have some more?

 


#59:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 5:28 pm


Pim, I'll echo KB's advice, this is just too tantalising, so we need more answers.

 


#60:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 5:34 pm


I was saving this particular answer for later but since my Nell PB is being too noisy and it's scribbled down in front of me I'll let you have it now.

Again, Nell could only nod in reply. She seemed to have lost all power of speech in the shock of it all.
"Who was my father?" asked Laura suddenly. "You said I looked like him."
Nell bit her lip. This was the secret she had never wanted to reveal to anyone. "His name is James Russell."

 


#61:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 5:49 pm


Shocked Nell and Jem? Shocked

And I'll be intrigued to know more about Kathie and Claire when your PB decides it's time for you to tell us.


Last edited by KB on Tue Feb 17, 2004 5:51 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#62:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 5:50 pm


I'm a bit irritated with Nell actually, she wasn't meant to say Jem but she went off and did it anyway. Pah.

 


#63:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 5:52 pm


*evil chortle* Welcome to the world of your characters...

 


#64:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:22 pm


Shocked Nell and Jem! What, when, where, how?
I hope Claire's father doesn't turn out out to be Jem to!
We need more answers Pim and soon! Laughing

 


#65:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:27 pm


*lol* Knowing Jem, it wouldn't surprise me! Spreading his seed...

 


#66:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:34 pm


0_o
I hope Claire isn't his as well, that could be interesting (as if it wasn't already!)

 


#67:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:42 pm


Pim i hope your PB decides to tell us more and soon!

 


#68:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:44 pm


*echoes Chloe's hope*

 


#69:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 6:53 pm


Please give us some more answers soon, pim!!

Who, what, where, when, why?!!

 


#70:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 7:19 pm


I'd never have guessed in a month of Sundays! pim, you have me gobsmacked Shocked What on earth is Nell going to do now?

Loved Cecil trying to deal with her Mum!

 


#71:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 9:48 pm


Yay! I was right about who Laura was!!!

More soon please Pim!!!

 


#72:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 12:35 am


Tada! Although my PB is getting right on my nerves at the minute and putting words into peoples mouths that it shouldn't. *bashes PB over head*


Claire looked up at Kathie. “I hate lying to everyone,” she said. “I hate not being able to tell people that you’re my mum and that she is.”

Kathie sighed to herself, she had no idea how to continue the conversation. How on earth was she supposed to explain to a ten year old everything that had happened to her. How was she meant to explain that she’d been stupid enough to have an affair with her friend’s fiancé? It had been so stupid of her and she knew that, but Annabel had been so insistent that she and Nick, Claire’s father, would bring her up.

“She hated me.”
“I thought it was the right thing to leave you with your father”
“But she didn’t want me” spat Claire. “She made that quite clear. When she said that she wasn’t my real mum I felt so happy, but now I’m not sure you and Uncle Peter want me either.”

Kathie pulled Claire closer to her, not wanting to let her go. It hurt her to see Claire so upset, but right now she didn’t know what to do. Kathie suddenly felt out of her depth.

“Of course I want you darling.”
The sincerity in Kathie’s voice made Claire look up again. “Really?” she asked in a very small voice, trying to stifle her sobs.
“Of course.” Kathie kissed the top of her daughter’s head before fishing in her pocket to find a hankie. “I promise” she said as she wiped away Claire’s tears.
Claire managed a weak smile. “Good.” She paused. “I think I’ll have a quick lie down now” she said decidedly. “Can you check on me in a few minutes?”
Kathie hugged her daughter again. “Of course I will.”

Kathie pulled away from Claire and left the room closing the door quietly behind her before making her way down the stairs. On hearing Kathie on the stairs Biddy came to meet her at the bottom.

“Well?” she asked. One look at Kathie’s pale face told her that not everything was well.
Kathie shook her head. “It’s all such a mess Biddy, and I don’t know what to do.”

Biddy slipped a comforting arm around her friend. “Maybe you should explain everything to Claire. She only knows barest facts about herself, it can’t be easy for her. I know you don’t like talking about what happened with Nick but Claire has a right to know, even if se doesn’t understand it all now she will do eventually. Maybe it’s also time everybody else knew the truth, I know you hate lying and telling people that she’s not yours.” Biddy paused and looked at Kathie. “Oh Kathie darling, don’t cry, I’m sure you’ll work things out.”

Even Biddy’s calm exterior was no help for Kathie as she broke down in her friend’s arms.


Laura looked at Nell. “But isn’t he…?” she began.
“He’s married to Madge Russell, the school’s founder. He’s also one of the big TB specialists” supplied Nellas she sat down feeling rather wobbly. She motioned for Laura to do the same.
“Does he know?”
Nell sighed. “No, he doesn’t. And nobody else does either. I should really tell you everything, shouldn’t I?”

 


#73:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 12:42 am


*waits for the fireworks*

 


#74:  Author: PollyLocation: Essex PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 1:32 am


Just read this. Really intrigued!
Pleeeeeeeeasssssssssseeeeeeee don;t leave us on this cliff-edge!!!!! More more more please Pim!!!

 


#75:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 2:56 am


*agrees that both Bill and Kathy should tell everything.

Thanks for those lovely bits.

 


#76:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 3:11 am


Thank you Pim, there are still lots of things I want to know though, so post more soon please.
I don't know if the fact that I'm not shocked about Jem & Nell is more shocking than than Jem & Bill getting together in the first place, it must have been really hard for Bill though.

 


#77:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 7:33 am


I think telling everything sounds like an excellent idea!

 


#78:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 8:14 am


This is intriguing - lots more please pim!

 


#79:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 9:56 am


How could you leave us at a top of a steep like that?
*Begins to chant for more*

 


#80:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 12:20 pm


pim, somehow I missed this yesterday. Glad I did in a way as I didn't have to wait for the explanations. It is a really good story - more soon please.

 


#81:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 1:17 pm


Poor everyone. Can you imagine Jem's reaction, or Madge Shocked

Is Nick another name for another character we know?

 


#82:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 3:15 pm


Nope, Nick's no one we know.

*whispers* I did a very baaaaaaaaaaad thing to my PB. Sad

 


#83:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 3:35 pm


Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked

 


#84:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 3:59 pm


Come on Pim, what have you done to the poor bunny, and just as he was being so obliging as well.

 


#85: Pim and the small sparkling purple leaf Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 5:01 pm


It was 1am on Wednesday morning and quite frankly Pim had had more than enough of her small sparkling purple leaf. It was bad enough that it had insisted on being flourescent pink with lime green spots (a look that would put Mr Blobby to shame) but it was obnoxious enough to follow her around 24/7 and insist on gatecrashing all her classes. Pim was quite convinced it had been the PB that had forced her to doze off in Gustavo's workshop on Delmira Agustini on Tuesday morning (except for the brief foray into discussing masochism). She was also suspicious of Jamie McThick who she'd been forced to spend the whole of Tuesday evening cooking lunch for the French Society with, she believed him to be the personification of the PB. She had also decided that it had been the PB's doing to make an absolute muck up of the cakes she'd been baking, one had come out flat as a pancake, one had got burnt and the third had fallen to pieces in her hands as she took it out of the tin. Sonya had naturally found it all hugely amusing, but she wasn't the one cooking, and more to the point Sonya didn't know how to cook. Pim's PB was really being an absolute pain making her write things that weren't supposed to happen and putting words into her characters' mouths that they were never supposed to say. Pim blamed the PB for distracting her from her uni work, reading the delightful Agustini poems in particular as well as preparing a French presentation on anti-capitalism. By 1am Pim was exhausted and had enough. Taking the PB by the ears she dragged him down the stairs to the amusement of Alyson and carted it across Gatty and left it in the manky stray cat shelter until it had come to its senses. Pim headed bedward hoping for a peaceful night's sleep but it never came. Things were quiet when she awoke from a difficult sleep at 8am, and it wasn't just because Debbie had manged to make it up to go to work, there was no bouncing sound in her room. Pim suddenly remembered about the PB outside and decided to collect him on her way to town. She left the house at 9.30am clutching her precious French translation to hand in but to her horror the PB had vanished! Pim was worried but didn't have the time to look for it, so she headed into town to hand in her work, remade the disastrous cakes and enjoyed her lunch with the French Society (particularly playing with the nice, shiny pennies in the cash box) and then headed home. As she walked back through Gatty she noticed a Gatty bunny convention taking place outside House 10 under the washing line. Among them Pim spotted her PB, well it was fairly obvious which was hers. Launching a handy cake tin projectile at the PB, Pim was able to restrain it and drag it indoors to her room for a damn good talking to.

And that is what happened to my PB. (Gatty is the nickname for my hall, Sonya, Alyson and Debbie are my flatmates - Debbie works as a cleaner at the Union and has to be there for 7am, Gustavo is my rather boring Spanish tutor who is undergoing a midlife crisis we think, Delmira Agustini is the Uruguayan poet we're studying at the moment)

 


#86:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 5:09 pm


Well, that explains everything! Thank you, Pim!

 


#87:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 5:14 pm


*repeats earlier post*

 


#88:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 5:52 pm


*hopes that Pim's PB is behaving after the talking to.

 


#89:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 6:54 pm


*feels sorry for Pim's PB*

 


#90:  Author: NicciLocation: UK PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 7:35 pm


Jem and Nell Shocked Shocked Shocked

Hope your PB is behaving better now Pim, and that we get some more drabble!

 


#91:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 8:20 pm


Feeling slightly shell-shocked having read all this in one go... Shocked

Its great though, could you find time to give us some more pim.

Jem and Nell - scarily not a surprise I was there before I'd read it!

Love Cecil dealing with Joey!

 


#92:  Author: aliLocation: medway, kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 8:40 pm


Scandal, and very enjoyable scandal at that. Poor Kathy, I'm glad Biddy is being so supportive and encouraging her to get things into the open.

 


#93:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 10:17 pm


So now you've given you PB a talking to may we have some more story please?

 


#94:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 10:21 pm


*echoes Carolyn's words*

 


#95:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 10:26 pm


Well... I, um, accidentally squashed the old PB and cooked it in a nice pie and served it up to my flatmates. Wel lthe colours were a bit too ludicrous for a start and they were hurting my eyes.

Anyway, I had a quick tootle out and found a nice new Gatty Bunny to help, there's a bit scrawled on some kitchen roll in front of me but I'm not happy. Tomorrow.

 


#96:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 11:49 pm


pim!!! Get your PB working on this right now!

Oh and you're lucky you didn't give yourself food poisoning - eating plot bunnies is a dangerous occupation!

 


#97:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 11:54 pm


Don't be silly Lesley I didn't eat it myself. I just fed it to my flatmates.

The Gatty Bunny and I are getting on very well at the moment.

 


#98:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 11:56 pm


*thinks pim needs a few lessons in caring for PBs*

*Sends a bunch of carrots over the pennines to Manchester*

ETA: *realises it's term time and diverts them up the M6*


Last edited by PatMac on Wed Feb 18, 2004 11:58 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#99:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 11:56 pm


That's alright then - flatmates can eat anything!

 


#100:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 11:58 pm


PatMac wrote:
*thinks pim needs a few lessons in caring for PBs*

*Sends a bunch of carrots over the pennines to Manchester*


My poor parents will get back from holiday at the weekend and wonder about the mouldy carrots in the hallway! *asks the post office to reroute them up to St A's, I don't think they'll keep another 6 weeks down there*

 


#101:  Author: PollyLocation: Essex PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 1:14 am


Please cultivate your PB to provide some more drabble. Ta!

 


#102:  Author: NicciLocation: UK PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 2:30 am


*echoes polly's request*

 


#103:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 8:03 am


What's wrong with serving up a PB? Does them good!

 


#104:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 2:13 pm


I don't think my flatmates were too chuffed... but hey if they want to eat what I leave lying around it's up to them, lol.

The Gatty Bunny and I are getting along very well, so well in fact that I doezed off during French oral and dreamt the whole next bit Very Happy So you can have it tonight, just sit tight a little longer Very Happy

ETA: Thank you for the carrots Pat, they arrived this morning delivered by our very good looking postman. Very Happy

 


#105:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 3:53 pm


There'll be lots of questions to answer on this one, Pim, such as, Will Madge divorce Jem?

Who is Claire's father, and why is Claire with her mother now?

Welcome to the world of drabble writing where the characters do as they please and refuse to fit into your plot scheme, and stamp their feet and shout if you try to make them.

 


#106:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 5:07 pm


Isn't this much more interesting than uni work? Much more please Pim!!

 


#107:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 7:19 pm


Oof, bit long this bit but I need to get all the long winded explaining out of the way so I can get on to some more Jo-bashing, haven't had any of that for a while!

Biddy peeped around Claire’s door, she was already in bed.

“Where’s mum?” she asked.
“She’s just a bit tired.”
Claire’s face fell. “Will you tell her I’m sorry Auntie Biddy? I didn’t mean to be horrible. It’s just Auntie Jo makes me mad sometimes because she keeps saying things about my dad.”

Biddy smiled to herself. She had heard Jo’s opinions of Annabel and Nick once too often. On reflection she decided it was probably best that Jo didn’t know the whole truth. Biddy shuddered at the prospect of Jo holding forth on that one.

”Of course I’ll tell her. And you shouldn’t always listen to your Auntie Jo.”

Biddy closed the door chuckling quietly to herself.


Kathie curled up on the sofa, a million different memories buzzing around her mind. She was suddenly that very scared girl on her first day at Oxford trying to make sense of her new life again. She’d been so glad when the glamorous and sophisticated Annabel Moran had taken her and a few other first years under her wing. Annabel had been in her final year at the time and knew the place like the back of her hand. She was already engaged to Nick Fisher who she used to smuggle in to her room as often as she could get away with it. Kathie hadn’t had much to do with Nick at first but by they end of the year they’d struck up an awkward friendship.

Over the summer holidays they’d kept in touch by letter and had grown closer, Annabel was away touring Europe for the summer and Nick missed her a lot. Kathie had met up with Nick again that October when she’d got back to Oxford, Annabel had decided to prolong her visit until Christmas when she’d come home and plan the wedding which was to be the following Easter. Kathie remembered how she’d felt that time she met him, even now her heart skipped a beat when she thought of it. When he’d kissed her at the end of the evening she’d been an absolute wreck. Nick had told her he’d fallen in love with her and would break it off with Annabel when she got back.

Kathie knew what she’d been doing to her friend was wrong, especially when Annabel had been so good to her but Nick had forced her to confront her feelings for him, she loved him too.


“There’s not really that much to tell about Jem, your father, and I” began Nell. “It wasn’t some grand, passionate love affair if that’s what you’re thinking. I’m still not sure about it now. You see Laura, I met him when I was at the LSE, I was reading geography and sciences so all my good friends were men, they considered me as one of them. They even called me Bill, something which has managed to haunt me all my life.” Bill paused and smiled to herself as she remembered hearing Evadne Lannis holding forth about her and using that name. “I didn’t think of any of them as anything other than my friends, but then I met Jem, quite by accident really. He was a friend of a friend’s brother and we were introduced at a party, I remembered him because he treated me differently to the others, like a lady. I didn’t see or hear from him for three months after that, but then I suddenly received a letter one day saying he was in London and could he take me out. I was flattered which is why, I suppose, I agreed. He was the perfect gentleman – kind, generous, considerate – but after two months he changed. He became moody and arrogant, he wouldn’t let me have an opinion or live my own life, so I broke things off. I sometimes wonder how his wife has put up with him for as long as she has.”
“How long have they been married?” asked Laura suddenly.
“Oh, years and years. About thirty.”
“And he has no idea about me?”
”None at all. When I found out I was pregnant it was suggested that I should contact him and get married, but I couldn’t. I’d seen a side to him that I didn’t like and I didn’t want it on a permanent basis. I didn’t want it for you either so I decided to give you away. I honestly believed I was doing the right thing.” Nell broke off.
Laura felt the tears begin to build up and reached out for Nell’s hand. “You did. My parents were wonderful, I had the happiest childhood.”

Btw, any title suggestions anyone? I'm totally stumped.

 


#108:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 7:33 pm


Yay thnak you Pim this is great

*goes off to ponder possible titles*

 


#109:  Author: AngelLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 7:36 pm


Reflections in the Wind

 


#110:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 7:39 pm


I'd suggest Shocks for the CS, but Pat got there first.

 


#111:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 9:39 pm


Can we have more soon Pim it's so great!
How about "Given away but still loved" Question

 


#112:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 9:44 pm


*loved the scene with Bill and Laura

titles..hmm...The Past Catches Up

 


#113:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 10:32 pm


Some explanations, great. So what happens next?

 


#114:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 11:55 pm


Thank you Pim!! Looking forward to more!!

 


#115:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 12:01 am


Carolyn P wrote:
Some explanations, great. So what happens next?


Err... pass. I daresay my GattyBunny will let me know in Spanish tomorrow morning, there's some more explaining to do and hopefully some Jo-bashing and then I think it'll all get a bit messy.

 


#116:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 12:05 am


Oh good, I'm always up for a spot of Jo-bashing.

 


#117:  Author: PollyLocation: Essex PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 12:58 am


Thanx Pim!
Looking forward to the next bit.

How about 'Secrets at the CS'?

 


#118:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 1:07 am


I'm useless at titles so I'm not even going to try, plus you've got a lot of good suggestions already. However that last bit was lovely, it's rare in a story for a child to find their birth parents and still say they had a lovely childhood.

 


#119:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 2:22 am


Super pim. Love the 'You shouldn't always listen to your Auntie Jo.'

title - Lost Daughters Of The Chalet School

 


#120:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 2:27 am


Thanks Pim, glad to see the explanations, now looking forwrd to both the Jo bashing and when it all starts to get a bit messy.

 


#121:  Author: Tassie_EllenLocation: Tasmania, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:35 am


Ellie wrote:
Thanks Pim, glad to see the explanations, now looking forwrd to both the Jo bashing and when it all starts to get a bit messy.


Me, too. Just read all this except the very first bit in one go, and it's wonderful, Pim. Looking forward to MORE PLEASE.

 


#122:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 5:16 pm


Lovely, Pim, hope there's some more very soon.

 


#123:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 5:28 pm


Here you go then. Jennie, looks like you asked at just the right moment.

Cecil marched back across to Freudesheim a good ten paces or so in front of her mother. Cecil found it hard to believe that Jo didn’t realise just how embarrassing she could be at times – always forcing herself on people and going on about how they should be bringing up their families. Cecil was also bored of her mother’s incessant tales of her school days, which she seemed to think were far superior to anything Cecil and her friends could produce. All Cecil wanted was a nice, normal mum who didn’t seem to think she was still a schoolgirl. Cecil found herself envying the way Claire got on with Kathie, but then Kathie wasn’t Claire’s mum so it was bound to be different…

Jo was too lost in her own thoughts to notice that Cecil had stomped off ahead. There was something niggling her about Kathie and Claire. Surely it was her, Jo Maynard’s, prerogative to adopt all waifs and strays to the Platz? What right had that dreadful Annabel had to dump Claire on Kathie? Had Annabel never heard of her prowess as a mother figure? Jo sighed gustily, obviously that Annabel had no idea about being a mother. But she still couldn’t get rid of that niggling feeling in the back of her mind.


Kathie had realised that Christmas when Annabel came home that Nick had been full of empty promises. She’d been to a party at Annabel’s parents’ home just after Christmas to welcome her back. Nick had been there too, his arm proudly draped across Annabel’s shoulder like she was some sort of prize. Annabel had been so full of the wedding that Kathie had known there was no way she could carry on seeing Nick as she had been doing. It had been a terrible mistake.

Nick hadn’t been happy when she told him on her return to Oxford. She’d written him a letter saying that she didn’t want to hurt Annabel and that he should look forward to his wedding and his future. He’d sent her back an extremely unpleasant letter calling her all sorts of names; she’d been hurt at first but then realised he wasn’t worth it. She continued to see Annabel, who was full of wedding plans, with a heavy conscience; but seeing her friend so happy meant she could never spoil it.

It was Nick who did that.

I think I'm going to set up a poll for the titles and let you lot choose it - if I can work out how to do it.

 


#124:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 5:31 pm


The title bit should be easy now you've got into the cliffhanger bit so well.

 


#125:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 5:42 pm


Nope, I'm hopeless at thinking up titles. It took me six months to get one for my dissertation Very Happy

 


#126:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 5:52 pm


To set up the poll you need to edit your first post. If you can't do it contact a mod, with the poll question and all the possible answers you want included.

 


#127:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 6:49 pm


Oooh! Another lovely part!! Thanks Pim!!!

 


#128:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 7:53 pm


Wow, poor Kathie! What an awful situation for her to be in! And I love Jo assuming she should get all adoptees on the Platz!

 


#129:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:10 pm


It's a very Joish assumption, isn't it?

 


#130:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:11 pm


Tragically so, yes.

 


#131:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:11 pm


*very Joeyish indeed.

*wonders if Joey will twig onto why Kathie got Claire

 


#132:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:14 pm


Yippee! Got the poll working. *feels very proud of self*

Thanks Carolyn for telling me how to do it.

 


#133:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:47 pm


Thanks for that last bit Pim! Hope Joey doesn't find out, I can imagine she won't be 100% supportive!

 


#134:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:53 pm


I've just caught up with several episodes.

I loved the way Nell told Laura the story and think she was wise to let Jem go! I wonder what she thought when she joined the CS and found him again + his wife. Did they just pretend that they had never met or did he not even remember (Huh!).

I think this might be a drabble where we boo and hiss everytime Jo comes on stage! Whatever she thinks, she should have kept her big mouth shut when claire was around. (Huh! again)

I think Cecil may rebel before long!

More, please pim!

 


#135:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:56 pm


Thanks for that pim. I hope Joey doesn't work out what is nigglin her about Claire and Kathie... fairly sure she will though Confused

 


#136:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 12:13 am


I hope Joey doesn't ruin things between Kathie and Claire.

 


#137:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 12:16 am


I can see trouble looming between Kathy and Joey. Wonder what the school will make of it.

Hope to see more of Bill as well.

 


#138:  Author: PollyLocation: Essex PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 12:42 am


Enjoyed that bit! Thanx! Very Happy

 


#139:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 2:27 am


Super pim thank you. Eagerly awaiting for more.

 


#140:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 3:52 pm


Looking forward to Kathie telling Jo what she thinks of her and her assumptions.

 


#141:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 5:01 pm


Some more, I seem to be drabble-ing like an I don't know what at the minute, still better to get it all out of my system before the work piles up too high *gulp, fearing that this is going to turn into a bit of an epic, suddenly feels Con-like*

A quick tap at the door made Nell jump and she suddenly pulled her hand away from Laura’s.

“Come in.”
Nancy poked her head around the door. “Sorry to interrupt, Hilda asked me to bring you these.” Nancy waved a bunch of papers at Nell. Suddenly she caught a glimpse of Laura and her eyes practically popped out across the room.
Nell caught Nancy’s boggling expression and got up to take the papers off her, fixing her with her best glare as she did so. “Thank you Nancy.”

Nancy slipped back into the corridor where Gill was waiting for her.

“Well?” Gill demanded. “You look a bit shell shocked.”
Nancy paused… “That woman… she reminds me of Jem Russell.”
Gill stared at Nancy. “Oh. Because, on reflection, I thought she had an air of Bill about her.”


“Sorry about Nancy” said Nell sitting back down, using the pause to gather her thoughts again. She looked up at Laura. “I’m glad you were happy. It was all I ever wanted for you. I couldn’t keep you on my own, but I couldn’t tell Jem, I didn’t want to be anywhere near him.”
“I do understand” replied Laura. “It must have been hard to see him marry someone else, knowing what he could be like.”
Nell shrugged. “It was, but I could hardly tell Madge. It would have created all sorts of problems, it would even now. It was quite a shock when I saw him in the Tyrol for the first time, he was polite enough but there was no recognition from him. It was probably for the best.”
“Did he ever talk to you about it?”
“Once. He said our relationship was staying in the past where it belonged and no one was ever to know. It was fine by me, as far as I was concerned I’d never met him before in my life.” Nell’s tone carried a bitter edge to it.

 


#142:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 5:11 pm


Just caught up on this pim, love it - think Nell made the right decision re Jem. Looking forward to trials and tribulations - also looking forward to Joey bashing!

 


#143:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 5:40 pm


That was an awfully cold thing for Jem to say to Nell when they met up again.

 


#144:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 5:58 pm


Please don't let Nancy and Gill go and tell people what they've noticed! Think Jem is evil but am glad that Bill got away from him when she did.
More soon please Laughing

 


#145:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 8:03 pm


Poor Nell! I hope that word does get out somehow, just to spite Jem!

 


#146:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 9:19 pm


OK, another bit before I head off to my ex-flatmate's party that I don't really want to go to... just gone off and poked myself in the eye with my mascara again (I really thought I'd got the hang of it now!)

Kathie looked up as Biddy re-entered the room. “How is she?”
“Feeling a bit sorry for herself, and a bit confused. Seems Jo has been saying a few things about Nick, and probably Annabel too I would have thought.”
Kathie groaned remembering why she’d not told Jo that she was Claire’s mother. “Marvellous. Just what I need, Jo casting aspersions.”
“Maybe it’s time the truth came out. Well some of it anyway, I don’t think you’d enjoy the reputation as a scarlet woman too much.”
Kathie managed a half smile. “If the truth came out, it’d all have to come out. How I had an affair with my friend’s fiancé and that he told her the day after they got married; that Annabel tried to kill me and then decided to bring Claire up as her own as some sort of twisted revenge only to dump her on me when it all got too much. Funnily enough Biddy, I don’t see that one going down too well.”
Biddy sighed. “You’re probably right. Although it wasn’t entirely your fault, Nick’s got quite a lot to answer for, and so has Annabel – after all she did try to kill you.”
“That was an accident. I never mean to make it sound so dramamtic. We were having an argument, or rather she confronted me, she just saw red I suppose and pushed me – it would have been fine if we’d not been at the top of the stairs.” Kathie shuddered as she remembered that fateful day. “I know Annabel regretted doing it, she came with me to the hospital, she stayed with me whilst I was unconscious… She told me I was pregnant, she knew Claire was Nick’s child without even asking me.”
“I think Claire’s fed up of living a lie, and if you’re honest you are too. She spent all those years thinking Annabel was her mum, only to discover that you were and she was being sent to live with you. Now she has to tell everyone that Annabel is her mum when she knows you are. You have to remember that only you, Peter, Nancy, Sharlie, the Heads and myself know the truth.”
“It’s all a bit of a mess isn’t it Biddy?”


“Well now you know about me. Tell me about you.”
Laura smiled. “Not much to tell either. I was the only one, my parents were wonderful though. They always wanted a child of their own but couldn’t so I was always made to feel that I was special; I never knew I was adopted. It’s funny though, I always wanted to teach when I was growing up so I went and got my degree and got a teaching job, geography actually. But then I met Sam, my husband in my first term so I only ended up teaching for a year, I do miss it though – it was obviously something I was born to do. We’ve got three children, Elizabeth’s thirteen, Patrick’s ten and William’s seven. My parents were killed in a road accident two years ago, that was when I found out I was adopted. I was completely shocked when I found out – my parents’ lawyer let it slip by mistake. I was never going to try and trace you, I thought it would be a slur on my parents after everything they’d done for me. Sam was quite insistent that I should though, he won eventually.” Laura paused.
“And?” Nell wasn’t sure she wanted to hear the answer to this question.
“I’m glad I did. I understand why you gave me up, I would have done the same thing in your place. But I would like to contact my real father.”

Jo-bashing next time I promise.

 


#147:  Author: aliLocation: medway, kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 9:30 pm


Looking forward to the meeting with Jem, but it could create all sorts of problems for poor Nell. Hope Madge doesn't take it out on her if she finds out, divorce Jem he couldn't handle the shame and scandal.

 


#148:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 9:44 pm


I hope Jem's daughter has inherited certain of Jem's traits - the confrontation could be hysterical!

 


#149:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 11:04 pm


Thanks Pim! Can't wait for the Joey bashing to begin!

 


#150:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 11:09 pm


OOh lots more to look forard to. Couldn't imagine Jem and Nell as a couple - she would never have knuckled under his 'I know best atitude as easily as Madge.'

 


#151:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 11:32 pm


Yay!!! Go Pim!!! More please!!

 


#152:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 12:39 am


*wonders if Nancy and Gill will put two and two together

 


#153:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 12:42 am


I keep forgetting that I've written/typed far more than I've posted and keep wondering why you're asking me all these questions... d'oh Very Happy

 


#154:  Author: DotLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 12:44 am


Well hurry up and give us more and we'll stop questioning you.... for about two seconds.... if you're lucky!! Rolling Eyes

D

 


#155:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 12:58 am


More please, pim!

 


#156:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 1:02 am


Pfffffffft, since you all asked so nicely. This was sitting on my E drive anyway so I may as well get it up here before it bugs me. *Mental note: must write more in library tomorrow* Oh and here's some more Jo-bashing Very Happy I think I've found a new hobby Smile

Jack Maynard was in the Saal of Freudesheim reading the newspaper with his feet on the coffee table when Jo burst in and engulfed him in a bear hug. Jack groaned inwardly, he’d been enjoying the peace and quiet.

“Jack Maynard! Feet on the coffee table”

Jack didn’t like to mention what little things such as this that Anna let him get up to when Jo wasn’t around.

“I thought you were taking Claire back to Kathie’s.” Jack slid his feet off the table. “Wasn’t expecting you back for ages.”
“Well…” Jo was about to launch into a tirade.
Jack stopped her. “Jem phoned up today. He and Madge are coming over for a flying visit, San business. They’re arriving tomorrow afternoon, I’ve said they can stay here.”

Jack had another reason for stopping Jo before she got into her stride. Peter Rogerson, Kathie’s husband, had accidentally let it slip to Jack the previous day about Claire’s true parentage. Jack didn’t trust himself not to let this out if Jo started off about the preposterousness of somebody else adopting a waif and stray. He didn’t know how she’d react, more to the point Jack didn’t want to know; he also didn’t want the whole Platz knowing.
“I’m sorry” said Laura. “It must be hard for you, me suddenly showing up like this and dragging up the past. I suppose there are just so many questions I want answering.”
“I often thought about you, all the time at first. I only held you once, I was lucky to have a young and sympathetic nurse look after me. She left the note I wrote to you in with your things. I remember thinking that you were the most perfect thing in the whole world, I wanted to keep you more than anything. You were mine, you were a part of me. As the years went by I thought of you less often, but I always wondered how you’d turn out.” Nell broke off trying to gather her thoughts.
“Will I do?” asked Laura blinking back the tears, all her thoughts out of the window, she was now seeking her mother’s approval.
Nell’s eyes twinkled as she looked at her daughter. “Very nicely my dear.”

Laura blinked to try and stop the tears and failed. As if in a dream Nell found herself taking Laura in her arms to comfort her.

“My precious daughter” she whispered to herself.

 


#157:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 1:05 am


Pim this is seriously good. Hope you can get some more wtitten soon.

 


#158:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 1:16 am


Mwhahahaha, actually I have I just haven't typed it yet. Very Happy The GattyBunny (copyright) is being unltra generous at the moment, luckily Very Happy

*wonders if she can use the GB for upcoming Spanish Lit essay*

 


#159:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 1:33 am


This is developing into one of my favourite drabbles. I hope you write more soon Pim.

 


#160:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 1:41 am


Wonderful Pim, can't wait to see what happens when Jem shows up, but I do hope that Madge doesn't get hurt.
Looking forward to more soon.

 


#161:  Author: Tassie_EllenLocation: Tasmania, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 6:07 am


Sarah_L wrote:
This is developing into one of my favourite drabbles. I hope you write more soon Pim.


...mine, too. Loving this, Pim, please don't make us wait too long for the next bit(s) Smile (is there a pleading smiley?)

*eagerly awaiting the next bit of Joey-bashing*

 


#162:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 8:15 am


I love the comment about what Anna LETS Jack do. Does Jack have no power in his own house?

 


#163:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 10:29 am


This is lovely Pim! I hope Jack doesn't tell Joey what he knows about Claire!

 


#164:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 10:44 am


If he did, it would be all over the Platz inside of half an hour!

 


#165:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 11:12 am


This is great, Pim. More please!

 


#166:  Author: pip_penguinLocation: Melbourne PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 11:29 am


I've only just gotten around to reading this, and think it's fantastic! I love the Joey-bashing! Thank you, pim!! (any chance of more soon??)

 


#167:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 2:16 pm


I'm not sure I think much of Kathie's husband since he let Kathie's secret slip quite easily.

 


#168:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 2:33 pm


Pim i just caught up agin this is great please may we have some more!

 


#169:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 3:11 pm


Oh dear, I'm not sure how long Jack's going to be able to keep that secret!

*hugs Laura and Nell for being totally wonderful*
*stumbles off to look for the tissues*

 


#170:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 3:23 pm


I liked that last scene with Bill and Laura, very good.

Look forward to seeing where this goes, glad Madge and Jem are showing up, that should help put the cat amongst the pigens, especialy as they don't know about Kathie.

 


#171:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 6:37 pm


A wee bit for now after yesterday's post-fest.


Claire had decided that she couldn’t sleep and was far too restless to be in bed, her thoughts were in turmoil and she really wasn’t looking forward to going back to school in three days time. Suddenly Claire reached a decision, wriggled out of bed and into her dressing gown and slippers and headed downstairs.

Kathie looked up as Claire entered the room. “You’re meant to be in bed.”
“Couldn’t sleep” replied Claire.
“Claire!” Nancy, the younger of the twins spotted her elder sister and half toddled, half crawled over to her.
Claire bent down to pick up Nancy. “Now then Nancy” she began.
Kathie eased herself into a sitting position. “Claire, we need to talk.”
“Mum I’ve decided. It doesn’t matter, we don’t have to tell everyone you’re my mum. I know you are, you know you are and that’s what’s important. And Uncle Peter’s a better dad than my real one. I don’t want to mess things up any more than I already have done.”
Kathie was taken aback by the maturity of Claire’s reasoning. “Claire, you haven’t messed anything up” she began.
Claire interrupted. “I know people say things about my dad and her, especially Auntie Jo, but Auntie Biddy says I don’t always have to listen to my Auntie Jo.”
Kathie suppressed a giggle at Biddy’s advice. “If that’s what you want to do Claire.”
“Not really. I want to tell everyone you’re my mum, but it’s probably better that we don’t.”

 


#172:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 6:54 pm


Thanks for that Pim! It would be so horrible for Claire to have to deal with Jack telling Joey when she's decided she doesn't want anyone to know the truth! Do we get some more soon?

 


#173:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 7:04 pm


*thinks Claire is being very, very mature.

*likes that Kathy called her daughter Nancy.

 


#174:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 8:19 pm


*wonders if Pim is going to be a sweetie and post some more?*

 


#175:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 8:21 pm


Err... I've mislaid my GattyBunny, I think it's floating in the remains of last night's bottle of wine which is why I've written the next bit four times and chucked them all in the bin Sad

 


#176:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 8:32 pm


*huggles Pim*

 


#177:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 9:27 pm


Oh, good for Claire! I'm glad she can be mature about this - taking after her mother!

 


#178:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 10:02 pm


Have we been told how old Claire is?

 


#179:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 10:17 pm


That's some girl. Kathy should be proud of her.

 


#180:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 12:36 am


Claire is being very mature but I'd like it if she could have everyone know who her mother is... if only it wasn;t for the judgements Joey and those like her might make!

*also loves that Kathy called her daughter Nancy*

 


#181:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 1:16 am


Glad Kathie's daughter is called Nancy. Hope she doesn't have to call one Jo. How ever old Claire is she's too young to have to put up with Jo talking about her family like that.

 


#182:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 1:24 am


Thanks Pim, I reallly hope that Jack does manage to keep the secret from Joey, it's none of her business anyway, no matter what she might think.
Claire seems nice and sensible anyway, thank goodness, it must have been confusing for her.

 


#183:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 1:58 am


*wonders if anybody fancies being a sounding board for the next bit????* *winning smile (it's not written yet)*

 


#184:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 4:42 am


*Looks around, notices place is deserted, sticks hand in air to volunteer*

 


#185:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 9:56 am


Can I volunteer to please? Laughing

 


#186:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 10:25 am


Cazx wrote:
Can I volunteer to please? Laughing


You both can and may Very Happy and Ellie too... I'll get on with it in the library this afternoon Smile

 


#187:  Author: pip_penguinLocation: Melbourne PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 12:24 pm


Ahh! I saw your name, pim, and thought there was more!!

*checks time difference* Oh well, hopefully that means there will be more when I wake up in the morning!

 


#188:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 12:33 pm


I'd love to be your sounding board, Pim, so please send it to me if you want to.

Looking for hopeful smiley.

 


#189:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 3:39 pm


*hopes Pim is getting on with her writing!!!*

 


#190:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 7:12 pm


*seconds Vikki's motion*

 


#191:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 7:59 pm


DONE IT! Whew, I was in a very big hole with very steep sides but I treated myself to lunch out and suddenly everything was sunshiney again. Thank you for the sounding board offers Very Happy Should not really let my GattyBunny anywhere near vino bottles... Smile


« I’m sorry » stammered Laura, pulling away from Nell. “I didn’t mean to start crying. I’ve wondered for so long about this, I can’t believe I’m actually here.”
“I can’t believe you are either. I never dreamt that you’d turn up like this. But I’m glad you are.” A knock at the door stopped Nell. “Come in.”
Hilda gently pushed the door open and entered the room. “Nell…” she began, breaking off when she saw Laura, as her eyes practically popped out of their sockets.
“Do you want something Hilda?” asked Nell with a wicked twinkle in her eye, knowing full well that Nancy and Gill had spilled the beans.
“I, errr…” For once Hilda was at a loss for words, completely floored, she couldn’t think of a single reason why she should be here.
Nell stood up. “Oh how rude of me, not introducing my visitor. Hilda, this is Laura Cartwright, Laura this is Hilda Annersely, head of the school proper and my very great friend.”
“Pleased to meet you” said Laura standing and offering her hand to Hilda. She turned to Nell. “You can tell her the truth you know.”
“Nell, what’s going on?” demanded Hilda.
Nell grinned. “Laura’s my daughter.”

The telephone chose a very inopportune moment to ring, Nell dashed to answer it. Hilda stared at Laura momentarily before realising she was doing an excellent impression of a stranded codfish and stopped. Then it hit her.

“You just like….” She broke off. “You can’t be Jem Russell’s daughter? But you do look just like him.”
Laura smiled. “So I’ve been told.”
Nell hung up the phone and turned to the others. “That was Jo. Madge and Jem are coming out tomorrow morning for a flying visit, San business. We’ve been invited to Abendessen at Freudesheim tomorrow Hilda. Looks like you might get to meet your father sooner than we thought Laura.”
“Does he know?” asked Hilda quietly.
“No, and I fear it’s all going to get very messy.”

 


#192:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 8:22 pm


Ooh, i think it's all going to get very messy too - I hope so, anyway.
Please treat yourself to lunch more often.

 


#193:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 8:48 pm


Understatement of the millenium!!!

 


#194:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 9:24 pm


What I'd like to see is Madge give Jem a really good smacking round his pompous chops.

 


#195:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 9:26 pm


*lol* Yes, that would be rather amusing...

 


#196:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 9:54 pm


Thanks Pim this is heating up nicely! Can't wait for more!

 


#197:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 10:03 pm


At least Nell, Hilda and Laura all know he's coming and that it's going to be messy.

 


#198:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 11:22 pm


I think messy might be the understatement of the century if she looks so much like him, what if Madge works it out before anyone has a chance to talk to her *worries*
Confused

 


#199:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 11:33 pm


*not really that fussed about Madge*-but I hope that if Jem gives Laura any trouble, Nell Hilda and Laura herself will make him feel like some kind of prehistoric slug...

 


#200:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 11:34 pm


I think Laura sounds capable of the smacking round his pompous chops if Madge doesn't get in first!

Waiting somewhat impatiently for such a scene Twisted Evil

 


#201:  Author: PollyLocation: Essex PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 12:58 am


Ooooooo! Looking forward to the next bit. Just caught up on the last few days worth! Thanx! Very Happy

 


#202:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 3:41 am


Thank you Pim!! More please!

 


#203:  Author: pip_penguinLocation: Melbourne PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 12:07 pm


*laughs at some of the previous comments* I'd like to see Jem smacked around his pompous chops, too... would be quite amusing. Laughing

Thank you, pim! Looking forward to more...

 


#204:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 2:19 pm


Looking forward to the next bit! When will that be?

 


#205:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 2:42 pm


Hi pim, I started reading this and then forgot it Embarassed but have just caught up and loved it!

Can't wait for the meesy bit with Jem and Madge - could be very interesting. Might keep Jo's mind off Claire and Kathie too!

 


#206:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 4:51 pm


Next bit! It's coming along very nicely now Very Happy

“I can’t believe you never told me Nell.” There was an edge of pain to Hilda’s voice. “All these years…” She broke off. “I’m sorry Laura, it’s just a bit of a shock.”
Nell turned to Laura. “Laura, why don’t you go and find Gill and get her to make you a coffee? We’ll only be a minute.” Laura nodded in agreement and left the room.
“All this time I’ve known you Nell.”
“I didn’t want to keep you in the dark Hilda, but it was something I wanted to put behing me. It was too risky to ever tell anyone once I joined here, what if Madge had found out? Jem never wanted to talk about it, I thought it was best that he didn’t know. My relationship with Jem was brief, only three months and I saw a side to him that I didn’t like. I ended things because I felt trapped with him, I never once contemplated telling him about Laura, I knew all along I was going to give her up. I just never expected to see her again. Besides, it’s not exactly the sort of thing you bring up in polite conversation. But he has a right to know I suppose, and Laura has a right to know him. I just wish I could guess how he’ll react. I’m sorry Hilda.”
“You don’t have to be sorry Nell. I understand totally, it would have got messy if anybody else had known. It’s going to get very messy anyway. Will you tell Madge?”
“I won’t. That’s Jem’s decision. I just wish I knew what to do.”
“Well there’s not much you can do right now, but coffee sounds like an excellent idea. I’d like to get to know this daughter of yours.” Nell giggled suddenly. “What’s so funny Nell?”
“Oh Hilda. I’m a grandmother, I do feel old now. How’s my hair looking?”
“Oh honestly Nell” grinned Hilda.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Being so understanding and being my friend.”

 


#207:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 5:17 pm


Thanks Pim!! This is great!!!

 


#208:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 5:19 pm


Agrees with vikki - glad I got to see this before I go home!

 


#209:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 5:34 pm


Thanks Pim that was lovely!So glad Hilda was understanding, think Bill may need her support-I cant see Madge or Joey (especially Joey) taking this news well!
Can we have more soon please Laughing

 


#210:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 6:36 pm


Hilda is a great friend, I'm glad Bill has her there for support. Bill's observation that she's a grandmother amused me, does that mean she's ahead of Joey or does Joey have grandkids too?
*can see Joey throwing a fit when she hears all this*

 


#211:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 9:36 pm


Hmm, I'm glad that Hilda is so supportive, but think that Nell is going to have a hard time.

 


#212:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 10:06 pm


Perhaps they'll tell Jem privately - though Laura looks like him, doesn't she?

 


#213:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 11:55 pm


chanty time, i think!! Wink

 


#214:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 11:59 pm


Yep, chanty time it is.

 


#215:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 3:50 am


*joins the chant*

 


#216:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 10:48 am


This is going to get bad! I agree that neither Madge nor Jo will be happy about things...

 


#217:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 11:26 am


Thought I'd best get this bit posted whilst I'm up before RL bites a bit too hard over the next couple of days (starting teaching Beginners French tomorrow on top of the ever growing mountain of work).

Kathie suppressed a yawn and snuggled closer to Peter on the sofa.

“Hard day?” he asked gently.
“Just a couple of problems with Claire.”
“I thought she went to Jo’s today?”
“That was the problem, seems Jo’s been shooting off about Annabel and Nick again. Claire was just a bit fed up about telling people that Annabel’s her mum, rather than me. But she’s decided to carry on as she is; I must say I was really impressed by the maturity in her reasoning. She was even nice about you.”
“Me?” Peter sounded shocked.
“You shouldn’t sound so surprised, you’re great with her. She thinks of you as more of a father than Nick.”
“That’s nice. Look, Kathie, I’ve got a bit of a confession to make.”
“What about?”
“Claire. I didn’t mean to, but I let slip to Jack that Claire’s your daughter.”
“You did what?” Kathie pulled herself away from Peter and sat bolt upright, her eyes blazing. “I don’t believe you were so thoughtless. If Jack’s as stupid as you and tells Jo then the whole world is going to know within about five minutes. How could you be so stupid?” Kathie hadn’t realised she was shouting. “Especially when Claire’s been so mature and reach her decision. It’s not fair on her if everyone else finds out because you were stupid enough to tell Jack.”
“I know it was stupid Kathie but it was an accident.”
“Of course it was” retorted Kathie sarcastically.
“I just needed someone to sound off at. You’re okay, you can go and talk to Biddy or Nancy or Sharlie or Nell or Hilda if you need to. All your friends Kathie. I can’t talk to anyone about how frustrating I sometimes find this, except for you.”
“She’s not your child Peter.”
“It feels like she is.”
“I’m sorry Peter, you’ve betrayed my trust. I don’t want any explanations now, I’m too angry. But you can be the one who explains to Claire if it gets out that it’s down to your stupidity.” Kathie stood up. “I’m going to bed. You can sleep down here tonight, I don’t want to be anywhere near you right now.”


Lying wide awake in bed Claire heard Kathie and Peter arguing. ‘I bet it’s about me’ she thought miserably. ‘Everything that goes wrong these days is my fault.’

Jo-bashing next time, not had some of that for a couple of days Very Happy

 


#218:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 11:33 am


Oh, golly, poor Claire...

 


#219:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 11:48 am


Sends huggles to Claire! This has got me nearly in tears, never has happened in a drabble before!

 


#220:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 3:00 pm


I do think Peter was very careless in letting it slip to Jack. I suppose he has a point that he has no-one to talk to about it all though, unlike Kathie.

 


#221:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 4:10 pm


Oh no!! poor Claire!!!

 


#222:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 6:42 pm


Oh poor Claire - this really is getting messy isn't it!

 


#223:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 11:45 pm


Poor all of them Crying or Very sad
Poor Claire for feeling like that, poor Kathie for feeling so betrayed and poor Peter for needing to talk to someone so badly.

 


#224:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 10:36 am


Agree with Sarah. If Peter needed someone to talk to so badly why couldn't he have spoken to Eugen instead of Jack ?

 


#225:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 2:08 pm


Looking forward to more of this, Pim. Hope RL isn't too bad.

 


#226:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 5:05 pm


Thanks Pim, feeling very sorry for Claire, it must be hard for her thinking that ebverythings her fault.

 


#227:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 7:07 pm


Yeah, why couldn't Peter have spoken to Eugen. With Biddy knowing, Eugen would be the ideal person.

 


#228:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 8:34 pm


Sarah_L wrote:
Yeah, why couldn't Peter have spoken to Eugen. With Biddy knowing, Eugen would be the ideal person.


Don't ask me! I can't be held responsible for the actions of my GattyBunny it's even worse than the old PB for doing things it's not supposed to! Gah Laughing

More later I think if I can be bothered to type up what I've written...

 


#229:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 9:02 pm


Sarah_L wrote:
Yeah, why couldn't Peter have spoken to Eugen. With Biddy knowing, Eugen would be the ideal person.


But did he know when he told Jack that Biddy knew?

 


#230:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 10:12 pm


A wee bit that's taken me two days to thrash out, still not 100% on it. Thinking I need to sort out some of this 'men mess' I seem to have got myself into. *horribly confused* *biffs GattyBunny*

Kathie sighed as she finished washing up the lunch plates and wished that the black mood that had been plaguing her since she’d woken up would leave her alone. She hadn’t seen Peter since last night and she was beginning to feel a bit guilty over the way she’d reacted. She realised now that she’d been selfish over telling only her friends and expecting him to carry on with no one to talk to, it had just never crossed her mind. ‘Men’ thought Kathie crossly. ‘I’ll never understand them. Why did he have to go off and tell Jack of all people, why couldn’t he have talked to Eugen, or even Phil Graves. Anyone but Jack!’

“Mum.” Claire’s voice broke Kathie’s thoughts.
“What?”
Claire finished drying the plate she had just picked up and put it away. “You and Uncle Peter were arguing last night. I heard you shouting at him. It was about me wasn’t it?”
Kathie was taken a back, she most certainly did not want to tell Claire why she’d been arguing with Peter. “No Claire, we weren’t.”
Claire eyed her mother suspiciously. “Well what were you arguing about then?”
“Oh nothing. We argue about lots of things you know. It’s what grown ups do” replied Kathie quickly.
“Well I don’t want to grow up then” replied Claire thoughtfully, not sure whether to believe Kathie or not. “But then again I don’t think I’d like to stay at school forever either, I don’t much fancy a lifetime of maths!”
Kathie chuckled. “Here” she said suddenly taking Claire’s hand and placed it on her stomach. “Can you feel the baby kicking?”
Claire’s eyes opened wide with amazement. “It feels funny. Does it do that all the time?”
“Well, a lot of the time.”
“Did I do that?”
“You most certainly did my girl.” Claire suddenly enveloped her mother in a bear hug. “What’s that for?”
Claire looked up. « I just felt like it » she said smiling. ‘I know you’re not telling me the truth about the argument’ she thought.

A cry of ‘cooee’ distracted them, Kathie glanced up and swore vehemently under her breath when she saw Jo at the window, waving enthusiastically.

“Oh no, it’s Auntie Jo” groaned Claire.

 


#231:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 10:45 pm


I think everyone should move and not tell Jo where they are going.

 


#232:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 11:16 pm


I wish Joey would stop sticking her nose in to other people's business!

 


#233:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 12:00 am


Grrrrrrrrrrr! To Joey!!!
More please Pim!!!!!

 


#234:  Author: KathrynLocation: Melbourne/Hamilton until 11 September PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 12:08 am


*creates a diversion to prevent Joey from sticking her nose in*

This is a great drabble, please continue!

 


#235:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 12:29 am


Sarah_L wrote:
I think everyone should move and not tell Jo where they are going.


that's the best idea anyones had yet for the suppression of Jo. She could be sent off to Madge for a couple of weeks and when she comes back everyone has gone - then she calls Madge and gets an unobtainable number. Serve her right!

This is quite gripping, Pim!

 


#236:  Author: PollyLocation: Essex PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 12:33 am


More please!!!! Very Happy

 


#237:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 1:22 pm


PatMac wrote:
Sarah_L wrote:
I think everyone should move and not tell Jo where they are going.


that's the best idea anyones had yet for the suppression of Jo. She could be sent off to Madge for a couple of weeks and when she comes back everyone has gone - then she calls Madge and gets an unobtainable number. Serve her right!



The school and san would have to move too. Maybe they could all go to Australia, like in Lesley's stories.

 


#238:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 3:44 pm


Kathie should fall back on a time-honoured remedy for Jo's visits.

Sweet, brave smile and 'I'm afraid the doctor has told me to rest in the afternoons.'

 


#239:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 4:40 pm


That might work Jennie but what if Joey offered to stay and help out, or look after poor Claire!
Claire is such a lovely girl, she deserves to be able to tell the truth about her Kathie when they obviously love each other so much.
*tapes Joey's mouth shut*

 


#240:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 5:58 pm


Is there any tape strong enough to gag Jo Maynard?

 


#241:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 6:30 pm


Sadly, no, I don't think so!

 


#242:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 8:00 pm


*Thinks that kathie ought to invent an urgent appointment for herself and Claire - maybe a trip to the de**ist, Joey wouldn't want to follow them there.*

 


#243:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 9:42 pm


Just a tiny bit for now, I'd planned more but it's not quite coming out how I want it to, silly GattyBunny. Thanks for all the mad suggestions to get rid of Jo - I'm not moving anybody it'll be far too complicated for me and I seem to have confused myself more than I ever intended to in this drabble! And I don't believe there is any way of shutting Jo up!

« Still no playpen yet Kathie ? » asked Jo as she swept into the salon and sat down, on the best chair of course.
Kathie glanced over at Nancy and Simon who were playing quite happily. “No, there’s no need really.”
“Well Jack and I still have ours for when you want it. We kept it for those quads we never quite got around to having.”
Kathie perched on the edge of the sofa bracing herself for a lecture from Jo. “Claire, why don’t you run on ahead to Auntie Biddy’s and tell her I’ll be there shortly” she said as Claire entered the room.
“OK” agreed Claire who was out of the room like a shot, anything to avoid spending time with Jo was good.
“I’m sorry Jo, I haven’t got much time. I promised Biddy I’d go and visit her and Hilary in about half an hour.”
“You should be resting!” exclaimed Jo in shock. “Really Kathie, you are taking on far too much in your condition. You don’t even have any help for the children, I can spare you Rosli a couple of afternoons if you’d like that.”
“Jo, it’s fine we don’t need any help.”
Jo looked bemused. “Madge and Jem are coming out today for a flying visit to see about some things at the San” she announced.
“It’ll be nice for you to see Madge again” said Kathie wondering what Jo’s ulterior motive was for visiting. “Look Jo, I need to talk to you about something concerning Claire.”
“Oh?” Jo arched an eyebrow and patted her earphones carefully.

 


#244:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 10:28 pm


I love Jo, 'arching an eyebrow'! The stupid woman thinks her advice is needed. don't envy Kathie at the moment! Rolling Eyes

 


#245:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 10:28 pm


*tumbles down Pim's cliff!!*

 


#246:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 11:07 pm


Biioooooing!

Thanks Pim.

I presume that Kathie is NOT going to tell Joey about Claire, so is she going to tell her to butt out?

 


#247:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 11:21 pm


Falls down cliff to!
What is Kathie going to tell Joey? You have to tell us soon!

 


#248:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 11:58 pm


I'm sure Kathie is too polite to tell Joey to butt out, but there again I can't see her telling Jo about Claire's true parentage, so I wonder what she is going to say.

 


#249:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 12:05 am


I don't think Kathie would just tell Joey like that but I'm not sure what else she'll say...
*clings to edge of seat*

 


#250:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 2:52 am


screeches to a halt before falling off cliff.

come back soon pim and tell us some more.

 


#251:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 3:44 am


More tomorrow, so long as I remember to take my longhand version of it to the library to work on, I forgot it on Friday hence the short post. I thought about finishing it tonight but I've been out with my flatmates and I'm very, very sleepy indeed right now Very Happy

 


#252:  Author: Tassie_EllenLocation: Tasmania, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 4:03 am


Thanks, Pim, this is great! Looking forward to the next bit...

*off to grab a front-row seat for Kathie's chat with Jo* (hopes K will be telling J to butt out Evil or Very Mad )

 


#253:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 2:35 pm


pim - for some reason I've managed to miss this for the last week or two so have just had a marathon catch up! I love it - so glad Nell and Laura met up, so glad that Hilda's so supportive. If Madge or Joey kick up a fuss Nell can tell then to bog off - Jem wasn't married at the time so there's no betrayal.

Re Kathie and co - love Clare, think she's very mature, pity they can't tell everyone her true parentage. Think Joey should be muzzled!

More please! Laughing

 


#254:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 2:41 pm


Don't, Don't, DON'T tell Jo Maynard anything, Kathie.

 


#255:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 6:50 pm


OK new bit... I did more or less s*d all in the library as far as RL goes but lots and lots of lovely drabble so I can have a mammoth post-fest over the weekend. It's getting out of my system nicely now *wibbling about work levels for next few weeks*

Kathie sighed. « I don’t mean to be rude Jo, but do you think that you could be careful of what you say to Claire about her parents? It’s still quite upsetting for her.”
« Well of course it must be upsetting for her being dumped so suddenly like she was, even though she’s had a year to get used to it. Not much of a mother that Annabel was she? And to bring her all the way out here to you rather than someone closer to home, someone in her family even.” Jo was going full steam now. “I’m not saying you haven’t done a good job with her Kathie, she’s almost unrecognisable from the moody and downright disobedient girl she was last summer, but I think a lot of that’s down to the school really. In fairness Kathie, you’ve had lots of teaching experience but it’s not really the same as bringing up somebody else’s child. Now I on the other hand… »
Kathie flipped, unable to take anymore. « I think you should stop right there Jo. Annabel had very good reasons for leaving Claire with me. We’ve been friends for a very long time, it’s not as though she was leaving Claire with a total stranger. Anyhow, I think Peter and I have managed very well with Claire thank you very much, but I grant that the school has been a big help as well.”
“Well if you want my advice…”
“No Jo, I don’t. I’d like to be allowed to bring up my children and Claire in the way that I best see fit, and as far as Peter and I are concerned that means no Annas, no Roslis, no sending Simon off at the earliest possible opportunity. I intend to be there for them all as much as I possibly can and so far I think we’ve done quite a good job. Before you start casting aspersions over here you should take a look a bit closer to home and ask why your own children choose not to come home once they’ve left.”
“Well.” For once Jo was quite flabbergasted. The comment about her own children had struck quite a nerve. “Since that’s the way you feel, I’ll be going now.”

Kathie stared as Jo stormed out, she hadn’t meant to snap quite so viciously and she certainly hadn’t meant to bring Jo’s own children in to this. ‘Still,’ she thought. ‘At least Jack hasn’t told her the truth about Claire.’


“Jack, have you got a minute?” asked Peter poking his head around Jack’s office door.
Jack glanced up from his work. “So long as it is just a minute Peter, although I think I can guess what it’s about.”
“You haven’t told Jo about Claire have you?”
Jack grinned. “I’m not completely stupid. If I told Jo the whole Platz would know within about ten minutes and I don’t think that would be fair on Kathie or Claire or you. So your secret’s safe with me.”
Peter smiled gratefully. « Thank you Jack. »
« Just one question Peter. Why tell me and not Eugen ? I’m assuming Biddy knows. »
« Yes Biddy knows, but unless she’s told Eugen he doesn’t. I don’t know why I told you, right time, right place I suppose.”
“I’m glad you felt you could trust me Peter.”

 


#256:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 7:10 pm


Thanks Pim! Glad Kathie put Jo in her place, I only hope now though that Joey doesn't seek revenge for the way she was spoken to! More soon please Very Happy

 


#257:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 7:11 pm


*grabs Jo and slaps her thoroughly. I think we need that cliff and a goot shove...*
More please Pim. You did say something about a post fest! Laughing

 


#258:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 8:04 pm


Thanks for that Pim- it needed to be said to Jo - just worried if Jo will seek revenge in some way - she could try and make trouble at the School for Clare, or try to ostracise Kathie.

More please soon!

 


#259:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 8:14 pm


Kathie was right to say that, but I hope it doesn't backfire.

 


#260:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 8:29 pm


More please Pim!!!!

 


#261:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 8:43 pm


Continuing the post fest... since you all asked so nicely and i have nothing better to do with my Saturday night Very Happy

“You’ve been awfully quiet Nell” remarked Hilda as they walked from the School over to Freudesheim. “Did you not have a good day with Laura?”
“I had a lovely day with Laura” replied Nell. “We had a good look round Interlaken, we talked a few things through. Do you know Hilda, she showed me some snaps of her children and her daughter, Elizabeth, looks just like Cherry, my sister. You know, Laura’s still thinking about entering her here, I’m not so sure it’s a good idea, it would only complicate things more. I know Nancy and Gill have promised not to tell anyone until I say they can, but all the same…”
Hilda laid her hand on her friend’s arm. “Whatever happens Nell, I’ll stand by you. You can come to me any time.”
“I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve you as a friend Hilda, but I’m glad you are” Nell paused as they opened the gate. “Well here we are, let’s go and face our doom.”


Dinner at Freudesheim passed quite uneventfully. Jo had begun regaling the party with tales of her exploits and Hilda had been quick to notice the speed with which everyone’s eyes had glazed over. Hilda herself had perfected a different tactic, the symphony had begun playing in her head and she was conducting it; it gave her an appearance of being totally engrossed by the speaker when in fact she wasn’t listening at all. Suddenly Jo changed the topic of conversation.

“Well you know what that Kathie Ferrars…”
“Rogerson” corrected Jack automatically.
“Details Jack, details” retorted Jo dismissively waving her hands. “Anyway, do you know what she had the audacity to say to me this afternoon? That she did not want my advice about parenting, I who has been asked to write a book on bringing up children!”

Hilda noticed that Madge suddenly seemed to have developed a nervous twitch at the mention of Jo’s latest book.

“Jo, just leave it” muttered Jack. “People like to do things in their own way.”
“I think Kathie’s managing fine myself” put in Nell.
“And what would you know about brining up children?” returned Jo furiously, not noticing the colour drain from Nell’s face.

Anna suddenly bristled in to collect the empty plates, breaking the tension momentarily.

Jack cleared his throat. “Thank you Anna. I think we shall have coffee in the salon, why don’t you four go on ahead?” He laid a hand on Jo’s shoulder. “We need to have a quick chat Jo” he said quietly.

Hilda and Madge had strolled off ahead of Nell and Jem who followed in an awkward silence.

“Jem” she said quietly. “I need to talk to you privately.”

Jem looked bewildered but followed Nell anyway.

 


#262:  Author: DotLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 8:54 pm


Looking forward to this!! More please!

 


#263:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 8:54 pm


Hope Jack's going to smack Joey. hammer

Hope Jem will be a gentleman.

Hope there's lots more to come! Laughing

 


#264:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 9:02 pm


Lets see if Joey listens to Jack at all, stupid woman! Also I hope Jem reacts well... or not badly anyway. This could be one heck of a dinner party otherwise! Twisted Evil

 


#265:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 9:12 pm


I was interested to note that Madge 'developed a nervous twitch' has even Madge seen through her.

*Nervously, developing a nervous twitch at the thought of Nell telling Jem Shocked *

NOT behind closed doors, please pim.

 


#266:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 9:14 pm


oh oh oh oh OH! C'mon, Pim!!!

 


#267:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 9:50 pm


Wayhey Pim.

Enjoying this and looking forward to more.


(How many drabbles are currently interconnected with this book that Joey is writing via Pat?)

 


#268:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 10:01 pm


Looking forward to seeing what Jack says to Joey, looking forward to seeing Nell tell Jem, looking forward to lots more story.

 


#269:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 10:28 pm


Last bit for tonight, suddenly realised I'd written less than I thought I had Embarassed

What’s this about Jack?” demanded Jo.
”You, Jo. You have to accept that people have different ideas about brining up children to you and that doesn’t make them wrong. Tomorrow you can go and apologise to Kathie, she probably didn’t mean to snap at you. Besides, do you want to spoil the friendship between Claire and Cecil?”
Jo glowered at Jack. “Fine” she mumbled. « But I don’t see why… »
“Jo” warned Jack. “And another thing, maybe you should leave that childcare book alone for a couple of weeks. It’ll do you good to have a break.”
Jo continued to glower but didn’t dare answer back to Jack.

***

« What do you want to talk to me about Nell ? » asked Jem abruptly.
Nell sighed. “It’s something I should have told you a long time ago. About us.”
Jem’s face hardened. “I thought I told you we were to keep that in the past, where it belongs.”
“I know. But I don’t think we can anymore.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” snapped Jem.
Nell felt her confidence slip a little. “I had a child Jem, your child.”
“I don’t believe you” spat Jem, his face stony and emotionless.
“I thought you wouldn’t” replied Nell sadly. “But she looks like you. She’s staying down in Interlaken for a few days, she wants to meet you.”
“She’s not my child, she can’t be” retorted Jem angrily. “She could be anybody’s, any one of those chaps you were at the LSE with, you were friendly enough with them.”
“But not like that Jem, not like we were.”
“Nell, we were never anything. Whoever this person may belong to she is not my daughter. She might be yours but she is not mine.”
“I’m sorry Jem, but I know that she is” replied Nell quietly. “And if you don’t believe me, Hilda will tell you.”
“So she’s in on your little game as well? Trying to discredit me?”
“It’s not a game and I’m not trying to discredit you. Hilda’s seen Laura, but she didn’t know about her until yesterday. You can deny it all you like Jem but Laura is as much your daughter as she is mine.” Nell hadn’t realised that she had been shouting.
“What’s going on?” asked a quiet voice from the doorway.

Nell and Jem turned to see a white faced Madge in the doorway with Hilda standing just behind her.

 


#270:  Author: gigagalLocation: London PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 10:30 pm


...Argh, poor Madge!

 


#271:  Author: Sarah G-G PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 10:33 pm


*mouth opening and closing like a stranded cod-fish*
I can't believe you left it there! That's just... just cruelty to dumb (well, perhaps not) CBBers!

 


#272:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 10:47 pm


How dreadful for Madge, what a way to find out.

Pim, whatever happens on other threads, cliffhangers get people shouting like crazy for MORE MORE MORE

 


#273:  Author: gigagalLocation: London PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 10:48 pm


Tonight...that only means until midnight, right? Wink

 


#274:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 11:03 pm


*wails* PIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIM! You can't leave it there. You must not leave it there. We will lynch you if you leave it there!
*goes looking for a nice stout parasol, preferably with a reinforced steel tip*
*waves threateningly at Pim*

 


#275:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 11:27 pm


Hits Joey and Jem violently hammer hammer hammer hammer
Pim we want and need more soon!

 


#276:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 11:36 pm


Excellent cliff Pim - congratulations!

Looking forward to more!

 


#277:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 11:43 pm


Good grief you lot Very Happy You've had three lots tonight so I'm going to leave you to stew on the cliff edge 'til tomorrow now.

*leaves a picnic behind*

 


#278:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 11:43 pm


I didn't like Jem's reaction there. I feel sorry for Madge, but Jem hasn't done anything to hurt her, it's Nell that will suffer.

 


#279:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 11:46 pm


How nice to see the expertise of the top cliffhangers rubbing off onto others!! Well doen Pim. Now tell us some more please.

 


#280:  Author: gigagalLocation: London PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 11:52 pm


Pretty please? I'll have to wait til tomorrow evening now! Crying or Very sad

 


#281:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 2:31 am


Thank you Pim. This is a wonderful story. Loved all todays episodes.

 


#282:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 3:32 pm


Handing out smelly codfish so we can all hit Jem with them!

 


#283:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 3:32 pm


Nice shiny new bit, hope it didn't get too cold out on the cliff last night Very Happy

“You told him then Nell?” asked Hilda softly.
“Told him what?” demanded Madge.
Jem got in first. “It doesn’t matter, there’s no truth in any of it. Nell’s just making it all up, she’s just being a bitter and twisted old spinster.”
Crack! Nell didn’t realise she had slapped Jem across his pompous chops until after she’d done it. “I’m not lying” she said through clenched teeth, her eyes blazing angrily.
“Madge, I knew Nell a long time ago, years before we met. We were in a relationship, a very short one but Nell just couldn’t stand it when I broke things off and she’s invented some story about having had my child and giving it up for adoption. It may have been Nell’s child but it’s certainly not mine.”
Madge paled. “You never told me you knew each other. I can’t believe you’d make such a thing up Nell.”
“I’m not lying Madge, I swear.”
“I wish I could believe you Nell. But my first loyalty is to Jem.” Madge turned to Hilda. “Hilda?”
Hilda crossed the room to Nell and slipped her arm around her friend’s shoulder. “I’m sorry Madge, but I believe Nell. I’ve seen Laura and there’s no denying that she’s Jem’s daughter.”

 


#284:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 3:57 pm


Way to go Nell, slapping Jem across the face! Shame that Madge is to blind to see what's in front of her! Does Joey find out soon? More Please!

 


#285:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 4:10 pm


Good for Nell! She should have knocked him out.

 


#286:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 4:14 pm


Knocking him out sounds like a good idea. Then again
*wondering when Nell became a violent character*
*scanning memory of original series for evidence*
*concludes it's all Lesley's fault!* Laughing Laughing

MORE PIM!

 


#287:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 4:17 pm


And ours, let's be honest, Lisa.

 


#288:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 4:58 pm


*injured* I never turned Nell into a violent character! Neither did you, as far as I can remember!
Of course, if you mean the egging on we all gave Lesley- well, that's another thing! Wink

 


#289:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 5:03 pm


Good on you Nell!!!!

*Proud to think I may in some way be responsible for how Nell is seen - but think it was in her character all along!*

More please Pim - hope Madge is just being loyal until she sees Laura - she'll know the truth then.

But *oops* hope she doesn't decided that she'll back Jem regardless - otherwise the Chalet School could be short a couple of Heads!!!

 


#290:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 5:04 pm


Oh no, I hope this doesn't turn into a war between Madge and Jem on one side, and Nell and Hilda on the other.

 


#291:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 5:11 pm


Well! He is a pompous old twit! She must have been waiting for the chance to do that for years! Good on Nell.

 


#292:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 6:22 pm


Good for Nell! He deserved that (and a lot more) I feel very sorry for Madge though, not a nice way for her to find out at all. I don't think I blame her for sticking with Jem though, he is her husband, but I hope she realises the truth soon.

 


#293:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 7:14 pm


Pity Madge is so blinkered!


Post some more soon, Pim, please!

 


#294:  Author: gigagalLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 7:45 pm


*prays for Madge to see the light soon*

 


#295:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 8:56 pm


*wails*
Piiiiiiiiiiiiim!!!
Please come back and post more!!!!

 


#296:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 9:54 pm


I think I agree with Madge as well. In spite of her knoweldge of and trust in Nell, Jem is her husband and she has had no previous experience of him lying or being false so she is right to trust him until he is proven wrong. In the end anyway he didn't actually have an affair whilst married to her, this was before he met Madge and his fault is in not being open and honest with her. It must have come as a shock to him as well as he didn't actually know about Laura and Nell has had all these years to tell him if she had wanted to, I'm not surprised he's deneying it. The Russells haven't actually seen Laura yet have they?

Come on Pim, lets have some more.

 


#297:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 11:21 pm


Not as yet they haven't. Laura does want to meet Jem though.

 


#298:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 12:19 am


Pim please may we have some more and soon!

 


#299:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 1:42 am


Lisa_T wrote:
*wondering when Nell became a violent character*


Err, that would be when my GattyBunny thought it would be a good idea!!! It's really doing terrible things to my drabble - it's not working out at all like my original plan, gah! Last bit fer noo...

The uncomfortable silence was broken by a call of ‘cooee’. As Jo entered the room followed by Jack, the other four stared at each other n abject terror not sure about what they should say to Jo.

“What on earth are you all doing in Jack’s dressing room?” she trilled.

Jem threw a furious glance at Nell who scowled in reply. Hilda was the first to regain her composure, realising she would be the one most likely to keep her head given present circumstances.

“Nothing for you to worry about Jo” said Hilda.
Jo eyed them all suspiciously. “Hmmm.”
“Come on Nell, it’s high time we were getting back to school. Remember you’ve got to go and see that woman in Interlaken tomorrow afternoon.” Hilda left a big enough hint for Madge and Jem to pick up on.
“On a Sunday afternoon?” asked Jo incredulously.
“Yes, only time she could see Nell. Conflicting schedules explained Hilda hurridly as she practically dragged Nell from the room. “Goodnight and thank you for dinner. It’s been lovely.” She swept out of the room throwing a suitably evil glare at Jem as she did so.
“Well, time for bed I think” said Jem. “I’m done in with all that travelling today. Come along Madge.”

Madge pulled herself together just long enough to follow Jem, leaving a very bewildered Jo and Jack behind.

And thus endeth the weekend's post-fest *whew*

 


#300:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 1:53 am


*sits down to wait for the next bit*

Thanks Pim!

 


#301:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 1:59 am


Joey would arrive just then wouldn't she Evil or Very Mad
Thanks pim!
Very Happy

 


#302:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 2:01 am


I bet Jo is bursting with curiosity! Thanks pim. Good to see more and longing for Laura to meet Jem Twisted Evil

 


#303:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 3:11 am


Hmmmm.... I don't imagine Madge will sleep well.

 


#304:  Author: Tassie_EllenLocation: Tasmania, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 8:15 am


Thanks, Pim, A lovely lot of story to catch up on!

*glad Jack told Joey where to get off - hope she takes the lesson to heart, but doubt it, somehow*

*glad that Hilda is giving Nell such great support*

*hoping that Madge will be able to get past this and not let it wreck years of friendship with Nell*

*goes to find coffee to keep me going until the next bit*

 


#305:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 1:10 pm


Please don't let Jo interfere. What a forlorn hope that is!

 


#306:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 2:25 pm


Thanks for that bit Pim! Wonder if Madge will follow Nell out of curiousity!
More soon please!

 


#307:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 2:58 pm


Why oh why does Joey always just happen to show up?

 


#308:  Author: Caroline OSullivanLocation: Reading, Berkshire, UK PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 3:02 pm


Looking forward to Jem meeting Laura. Great stuff Pim

 


#309:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 3:11 pm


Thanks for that post fest Pim, pity I couldn't get to see it last night, I'm glad that Joey is going to apologise to Kathie, I'm glad that Bill hit Jem, he did deserve it for the way he spoke to her, but I think that Madge is doing the right thing in standing by Jem, at the moment.

 


#310:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 3:45 pm


*chants at Pim!!*

 


#311:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 4:48 pm


She must be letting RL get to her.

Shakes head sadly.

 


#312:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 6:48 pm


Indeed Jennie, RL did get to me a bit today - double French, blood donating and then campaign plotting with my friend who is running for Union President. I have a nasty feeling RL is about to catch up with me big styl-ee *beats it off with a big stick*

Madge gazed out of the window trying to make some sense of the evening’s events.

“Madge, don’t be mad with me” said Jem laying a hand on her shoulder.
Madge shook his hand off. “I can’t believe you never told me.”
“It wasn’t important. It was all in the past long before I met you.”
“All these years Jem.”
“Madge, it was over, finished years and years ago.”
“How am I supposed to know that? How do I know that you haven’t been carrying it on all these years.”
“Oh talk sense. How would that have been possible?”
“You can’t blame me for being suspicious Jem.”
“She won’t be my daughter Madge. You didn’t know Nell back then, you weren’t there. I don’t think I was the only man in her life at that point.”
“I don’t know what to think Jem. But Hilda said she looked like you.”
“Oh come on Madge, Hilda’s is in on this as much as Nell.”
“All the same, I want to see this Laura for myself so I can make up my own mind. Don’t try and stop me Jem, I need to know for myself.”
“Are you doubting me Madge?”
“No” she replied miserably. “But I don’t know what to make of it all. I need to be allowed to make up my own mind. I said that my first loyalty is to you, and that’s true, but I can’t believe Nell would lie about such a thing. That’s why I’ll go down to Interlaken with her tomorrow to find out for myself. I’m not doubting you Jem, I’m just confused.”
“If you really believed me you wouldn’t go.”
“You can’t talk me out of this Jem. I’ve made up my mind, you’ll just have to live with it.”
“But Madge, I’ve already told you. This has got to be some insane revenge act on Nell’s behalf. I don’t think she ever got over me breaking things off with her.”
“Then why wait until now to get her revenge Jem?”
“She wants to destroy everything I’ve worked on over the years, it’s obvious. She wants to destroy my marriage, my career, my reputation because she’s jealous that I have everything that she never has.”
Madge sighed. “I have to talk to Nell and I have to see Laura for myself. You can continue denying it, but I want to know the truth. I’m sorry Jem.”


Peter crept into the house quietly and tiptoed up the stairs. He hadn’t intended to stay at the San so late, he’d wanted to get home to sort things out with Kathie, but there’d been an emergency and he and Eugen had had to stay to sort things out. He gently pushed open the bedroom door, Kathie was already fast asleep. He crept over and kissed her gently on the forehead.

“I love you” he whispered. Kathie stirred and opened her eyes. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”
Kathie smiled. “It’s okay. I tried waiting up for you, I’m sorry I lost my temper yesterday.”
“I don’t blame you, it was all my own stupid fault.”
“I shouldn’t have been so selfish, I didn’t think about how you were feeling.”
Peter gently stroked Kathie’s hair. “Let’s not argue about it anymore. We’ll just cross bridges as and when we come to them. You get back to sleep, you look done in.”
“It’s been an odd day. I had a fight with Jo.”
Peter chuckled. “I thought you might eventually.”

 


#313:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 6:53 pm


*really likes Peter (even if he is a blabber mouth)

*wonders if Jem really believes that Nell is lying

*wonders what Madge will do when she sees Laura.

 


#314:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 7:21 pm


Ahhhh, I'm glad Kathie and Peter made up. Madge is being great, sticking to her guns in the face of Jem's emotional blackmail!

Evil or Very Mad Jem hammer

 


#315:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 7:44 pm


I'm now on tenterhooks about the trip to Interlaken.

*Feeling rather sorry for Madge*

I like Peter, too. He is in a difficult situation and he's probably aware that it will all come out sooner or later.

 


#316:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 8:36 pm


Leading the chanting! More please!!!

 


#317:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 8:50 pm


It's good that Kathie and Peter have made up, but what a shock Madge is going to get when she goes to Interlaken. Will her marriage survive? I bet Jem blames everything on everyone else, and never thinks of his own responsibility.

 


#318:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 11:17 pm


Yay thnak you Pim!

 


#319:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 11:44 pm


Is Jem basically telling Madge he never slept with Nell? That's the only way he could certainly deny Laura was his daughter, and therefore Madge is right to be hurt when she discovers the truth.

 


#320:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2004 11:51 pm


fume Really annoyed with people who start an arguement - if you loved me you would/wouldn't do this - emotional blackmail and nasty with it!

Good for Madge for sticking to her guns.

Looking forward to more Pim!

 


#321:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Mar 02, 2004 2:40 am


Glad to see Madge making up her own mind, and Kathie & Peter doing so well. Jem, on the other hand .... Grrrrrr.

 


#322:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Tue Mar 02, 2004 3:07 am


Has Jem been upsetting you all? I wonder why.......
Thanks Pim, glad that Kathie and Peter have made it up, now anxiously awaiting Madge's reaction when she sees Laura.

 


#323:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:19 pm


Wee filler bit (already in the unyibblified version on the archive) til I can be bothered to type up the next bit...

Nobody on the Platz slept particularly well that night; Jack and Jo were quick to notice a tension between Madge and Jem over breakfast. Jo was the more curious of the pair but mindful of Jack’s words the previous night decided to leave Madge to stew for a while. Jem’s conscience was talking too loud for his own liking but he’d made his stance now and nothing was going to make him back down. He allowed his thoughts to wander as far as what he would do if Hilda had been right about Laura looking like him but soon pushed them aside, telling himself that there was no way she could be his daughter. His relationship with Nell had been brief and not overly serious, besides surely she would have contacted him about Laura if she had been so convinced she was his child. Jem hated to admit it but his pride had been sorely dented when Nell had broken things off with him; he’d always thought that it was a man’s prerogative to do that.

Nell had been shocked when Madge had rung up to say she wanted to go down to Interlaken to meet Laura and hadn’t been quite sure how she should react to her offer. She’d agreed, of course, hoping that if Madge realised that Laura was Jem’s daughter it would go some way towards Jem accepting it. Nell knew, even now, that she’d hurt Jem’s pride by breaking their relationship off, but it had been the right thing to do at the time. Even wild horses could not have driven her back to Jem Russell after everything he’d put her through. She’d been able to cope with his pompous and arrogant attitude within reason, but the emotional blackmail and his monitoring of her every move had pushed her over the edge. She’d definitely been better off without him, so had Laura.

 


#324:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:32 pm


Lovely, Pim. Please hurry up and bother to type up the next bits.

 


#325:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:32 pm


Thanks Pim. That was a tension building bit.
It will be interesting to see how Madge reacts, and how she talks to Laura, who after all is the innocent party here.

 


#326:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:48 pm


Nice new drabble Very Happy I love the board being back! It appears Jem does have a conscience then... lets hope it pricks him noce and hard, idiot Evil or Very Mad

Looking forward to Madge meeting Laura (who sounds like Madge's sort of person if it weren't for the circumstances)

 


#327:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:57 pm


Thanks Pim, have missed reading this! Hope Madge realises Nell is being truthful and Joey keeps away from everyone! More soon please Very Happy

 


#328:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 6:28 pm


It will be interesting to see how Madge reacts to Laura. Will she refuse to accept the clear evidence before her eyes?

 


#329:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 6:34 pm


Poor Laura, her dad won't believe he is! Hopefully Madge will not say anything mean/rude to her.

May we please have some more?

 


#330:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 8:54 pm


Thanks for that last bit pim - hope Madge doesn't try to take it out on Nell - and that she realises just how controlling Jem is!

 


#331:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 10:13 pm


More soon please! Laughing

 


#332:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 10:44 pm


Where is Pim anyway?! Surely she hasn't gone out?!!!
*off to investigate msn and drag Pim back, by force if need be*

 


#333:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 10:48 pm


She doesn't need to be on MSN - we've got this back now!!!! Shocked

 


#334:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Fri Mar 12, 2004 10:51 pm


And MSN isn't working anyway - at least mine isn't.

 


#335:  Author: Guest PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 12:52 am


It is now! Silly Msn...

 


#336:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 12:53 am


*chants loudly at Pim!!!!*

 


#337:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 2:17 am


Okay, okay, I hear you all the way up here in the frozen wastes of the north! Honestleeeee, yes I did go out! My friend was having a launch party for her Union presidential election campaign, I didn't mean to stay out so late but I had to wait for a lift off my flatmate (too flipping cold to trek the 3/4 mile back to my house). I spent the evening cutting out badges and flyers and being surrounded by hacks being bored rigid. Roll on next Friday when the madness is over! Anyway here's the next bit...

The trip down to Interlaken had passed in a stony silence with an air so thick it could have been cut with a knife. Madge knew she was still in a stage of denial but this was something she had to do. After she’d met Laura, that would be the time to start asking questions of Nell, right now she didn’t want to risk sparking off an argument. Nell was too preoccupied with driving to think over the situation, she found herself wishing Hilda were with her.


“Nell!”
Nell spun round on hearing her name, almost colliding with Laura in the process. “Laura, lovely to see you again” she said as they hugged briefly.
“Did you tell him?” asked Laura.
Nell nodded. “He wouldn’t come, he refused to believe me. I’m sorry Laura.”
Laura shrugged. “Maybe I should just go and see him myself.”
Nell glanced over to Madge. “I don’t think that will be strictly necessary. Madge!” she called over to her.

Madge turned to face Nell and Laura. The woman with Nell looked remarkably familiar. The hair, she realised, was the colour Nell’s had been before the flight from Tirol, but there was something else about this woman.

“Madge, this is Laura Cartwright, my daughter. Laura, this is Madge Russell.”
Madge reached out to take Laura’s offered handshake as realisation dawned on her. “You look just like…” Madge found herself staring into a face that unmistakably inherited Jem’s features. Madge now held no doubts as to who had been telling her the truth. “Nell, I’m sorry” she stammered.
Nell smiled. “It’s okay. I don’t think I expected you to believe me without any proof.”
“I apologise for my husband Laura” said Madge. “He will most certainly be hearing all about this.”
Nell decided to stop Madge. “Anyone for Kaffee?” she asked brightly.
“Sounds like a good idea” answered Laura.


On reflection, thought Kathie as she settled herself on the sofa with a book, things could be a lot worse. Peter had taken the twins and Claire out for a walk to give her some peace and surely having a row with Jo wasn’t the end of the world. Kathie felt a sudden twinge of guilt over the argument, she hadn’t meant to bring Jo’s family into it as it was obviously still a sticking point for her, especially Len. Kathie decided that she’d go over to Freudesheim tomorrow and apologise.

 


#338:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 2:24 am


Ooh!! thanks Pim!!!
When do we get the next bit?

 


#339:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 2:27 am


Patience my dear is a virtue. You'll have to hang on til tomorrow, it's too late for me to be copy typing now, goodness knows what I'll make of my handwriting!

 


#340:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 2:29 am


Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!

 


#341:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 2:41 am


Thanks for making Madge be nice to Laura.

*fears that Kathie's apology will not go over well.

 


#342:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 3:07 am


I can't help feeling that an apology will only make things worse...

 


#343:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 3:47 am


I'm glad Madge apologised to Nell, I hope she gets on with Laura too. I'm kinda afraid that Kathie's apology might not go entirely smoothly though...

 


#344:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 9:33 am


Personally I don't think that Kathie should apologise anyway - Joey deserved it!

Glad that Madge was so kind - and apologised to Nell - a return to the Madge pre-marriage is good to see. Almost (I said almost) feel sorry for Jem! He now has 3 formidable women against him!

 


#345:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 11:15 am


Thanks for that last bit Pim! What's happened with Len though?
More Soon Please! Very Happy

 


#346:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 12:52 pm


Yay thnak you Pim more soon i hope!

 


#347:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 1:14 pm


Great Pim. I liked seeing Madge thinking for herself and that she is coming across as honest. I think Kathy should let Jo stew for a while but .......... Tell us about Len, please!

 


#348:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 5:23 pm


It's about time Madge put Jem in his place. I hope we get ringside seats for it.

 


#349:  Author: PollyLocation: Essex PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 6:28 pm


Thanx Pim!
Really looking forward to the next bit!!

 


#350:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 13, 2004 9:34 pm


That was good to see Pim. I'm pleased that Madge was convinced so easily but hope that she is sensible about things as well.

 


#351:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 3:15 am


Argh, got bitten by the GattyBunny just as I was away to my bed and now I'm wide awake again Sad So you may as well have the next bit now.

Madge sipped her coffee awkwardly, wondering how, in the space of a couple of days Nell and Laura had established the sort of relationship she could only dream of having with her daughters. Madge suddenly realised how selfish she’d been in insisting that Sybil and Josette had joined her and Jem in Australia rather than allowing them to continue their education. Even Ailie, now at Bedford training in PT, she saw very little of as she preferred to spend holidays with school and college friends. She’d always encouraged David to follow in Jem’s footsteps but he’d chosen to work with the Red Cross instead, she hadn’t seen him in at least two years since he’d gone to Africa. Kevin and Kester were still at school of course, but that left little time for her to form any sort of bond with them at all. Madge reflected sadly that she’d probably never have any sort of real relationship with her grandchildren.

“Madge” Nell’s voice cut into her thoughts. “Have you heard a word we’ve been saying?”
“Sorry, my mind was elsewhere.”
“No it’s our fault” said Laura. “We shouldn’t have expected you to accept this straight away and just jump into our conversations. We’ve had a little time to get used to this, you’ve only just met me.”
Madge smiled. “It’s not your fault Laura.”
Laura blushed. “I should have known that me coming here would set the cat amongst the pigeons, so to speak.”
“You did what you thought was right Laura, you have a right to know who you really are. I just hope Jem will accept it” replied Madge gently. “Even if he doesn’t, I have. I think, though, that it’s time you two told me everything.”


Jo stomped across the Platz to go and deliver a very begrudging apology to Kathie. She didn’t see why Jack had insisted on her doing the apologising, all she’d been trying to do was pass on a few words of wisdom gleaned during her many years of experience as a mother. Had Kathie been grateful? No, she had not, what right had she got to speak to her in that manner! Jo was thoroughly annoyed with Jack for the way he treated her last night, insisting that she was in the wrong – he hadn’t even been there! And there was something very fishy going on between Madge, Jem, Nell and Hilda that they weren’t letting her in on. And how she hated that!

And so to bed...

 


#352:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 4:28 am


Nice sympathetic picture of Madge, Pim! (And Nell & Laura, of course, but they've been positive characters from the beginning.)

 


#353:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 5:50 am


*waits for the fireworks between Kathie and Jo, which are sure to come with Jo in this mood*

 


#354:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 11:16 am


I have a ominous feeling about Jo going to Kathie's, hope she doesn't find anything out! Confused
Nice to see that Madge feels she doesn't have a relationship with her children!
More soon please Very Happy

 


#355:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 11:20 am


Thanks for that last bit pim - feel very sorry for Madge - hope she can do something to rectify the problems with her own children before it's too late - how terrible for her to realise that Nell has a better relationship with a daughter she's only just met than she has with Sybil, Josette or Ailie.

Looking forward to more fireworks from Jo and Kathie! Laughing

 


#356:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 12:02 pm


Yay, thank you Pim.

Looknig forward to Jo and Kathie next time they talk

 


#357:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 3:51 pm


*feeling sorry for Madge for a change*
*looking forward tos eeing Jo get her come-uppance*

 


#358:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 3:59 pm


New bit before I have to go out for the ball...


“Jo!” exclaimed Kathie as she opened the door. “I didn’t expect to see you.”
Jo scowled. “Yes, well, Jack seemed to think…”
“I’m glad you came” interrupted Kathie as she shut the door and ushered Jo into the sitting room. “I was going to come over tomorrow to see you and apologise for losing my temper the way I did yesterday. I was out of line.”
Jo settled herself into the nearest chair. “Well” she began, patting her earphones. “You were a little, but I suppose I shouldn’t butt in where I’m not wanted” she added grudgingly, almost sanctimoniously.
Kathie felt completely floored by Jo’s reaction. “I wasn’t telling you to butt out completely Jo” she stammered. “I just need to learn from my own mistakes. And you have been a great help and I’m very grateful for everything you’ve done to help. And I realise it was wrong of me to bring your children into this. I know how upset you were when Len broke off her engagement to Reg to stay in Oxford and do her doctorate; and when Con went off to Hollywood because they wanted to turn her play into a film; and when Margot decided against being a nun and took that doctor job in London…” Kathie trailed off, aware that she was babbling. “I think I should stop there.”
“I think you should too” snapped Jo. “I came over here to apologise and you fling it back in my face by pointing out everything I’d rather you didn’t.”

Jo was stopped short of developing a full blown rant as the front door opened accompanied by the only too familiar sound of a child crying.

“Nancy!” cried Kathie, leaping to her feet as Peter entered the room carrying a sobbing Nancy followed by Claire and Simon. “What on earth happened Peter?” she asked reaching out to take her youngest daughter.
“Oh just a little tumble” replied Peter airily. “No, don’t take her Kathie, I’ll go and get her cleaned up and put her to bed for a bit. Come on Claire, you can give me a hand.”

With that Peter left the room with a grateful Claire scurrying after him, she for one did not relish the prospect of time with her Auntie Jo.

“I’m sorry about that Jo” said Kathie stooping to pick Simon up, who promptly buried his head in his mother’s shoulder.
“Sorry Kathie?” asked Jo distractedly, surprised by the scene she had just witnessed. “I’d best be getting back to Freudesheim, looks like you’ve got enough on your hands right now. I’ll see myself out, you’d best be getting to Nancy.”

And with those words Jo swept out of the room, leaving behind a very puzzled Kathie.

As Jo headed back to Freudesheim she reflected that maybe, just maybe, Kathie and Peter had got some good ideas about parenting after all. Jo was suddenly amazed at herself, that she’d been able to butt out without being told to. Although she didn’t realise it, Jo had begun to turn a corner in her outlook on life.

 


#359:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 4:20 pm


YAY thank you Pim enjoy the ball!

 


#360:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 4:28 pm


*faints* You mean Jo is going to give up her mantle? You must be joking!


Have fun! Wink

 


#361:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 5:08 pm


Yay for turning new corners!

Thanks for that bit, Pim.

 


#362:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 5:54 pm


I'm so glad Joey seems to be changing although I can't help but wonder whether she'll hold to that when she finds about Laura...

I hope Nancy's alright! (and I hope you enjoyed the ball)

 


#363:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 5:59 pm


Thanks for that bit - Joey not butting in? Wonders will never cease!!

 


#364:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 6:04 pm


Thanks Pim - have just read the last three parts at once.

Glad Madge is being sympathetic would love to see her give jem a piece of her mind!!

And think Jo turning corners is great - found myself cheering at the end of that part as she left without butting in...I like Jo really so hoe she keeps up with her good intentions...

 


#365:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 9:08 pm


Enjoy the ball Pim.

It's good to see the way the chasracters are developing and I'm glad Madge is being so thoughtful, we don't see a lot fo her once she gets older. You show her reaction as being one that appears natural to her and I like that.

You painted a wonderful picture of Joey stomping across the platz feeling that somehting was being kept from her, it will be interesting to see how deep any change os when she finds out.

 


#366:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 11:39 pm


Awww! thanks Pim!!
Have a great time at the ball and post more soon please!!

 


#367:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 11:53 pm


Thanks for that Pim!
Hope your having fun at the ball!

 


#368:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 1:36 am


Glad to see Madge so sensible over Laura. Would love to se Jem being faced with Madge, Nell an Laura.

Thought Jo had twigged about Claire then. Nice to see her being normal for a change.

 


#369:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 3:23 am


Since I'm on such a high after the ball I'm going to post you a nice new shiny bit

“Nell.”
“Hmm?” Nell wished Madge hadn’t decided to strike up a conversation as she tried to negotiate the tricky bit of road back up to the Platz.
“I’m sorry I didn’t believe you.”
“Why should you have done? I have to admit, it does seem a bit far fetched.”
“It was certainly a shock. Jem, he never really talked much about his life before he met me. I always suspected there may have been a few skeletons in his closet, I just never expected something so… big.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know.”
“I’m sorry Madge.”


“Madge! You look terrible!” exclaimed Jo as Madge entered Freudesheim.
“It’s none of your business Jo. Why don’t you just butt out for once? I’m fed up of you poking your nose in where it’s not wanted!” snapped Madge

Madge pushed past Jo, leaving her younger sister bearing an uncanny resemblance to a stranded codfish, to go and find her husband. Madge found him, bizarrely, in Jo’s study surrounded by a mountain of paperwork.

“We need to talk” she announced shutting the door behind her.
“Come to apologise have you?” asked Jem barely glancing up.
“Apologise for what Jem? I’ve done nothing I need to apologise for, you on the other hand…”
Jem looked up. “What are you trying to say Madge?” he asked dangerously. “Nell’s sucked you into her little fantasy hasn’t she?” Jem banged his fist on the desk, causing several things to jump.
“Nell’s not lying Jem.”
Jem scoffed. “What is this? Why are the three of you suddenly out to get me?”
“We’re not Jem. I just want you to face up to the past and accept this. Until you do…” Madge trailed off, unsure where to go next.
“What are you implying Madge? I can’t believe you’ve been stupid enough to fall for Nell’s stories.”
Madge drew herself up to her full height. “Whilst you continue to behave like this Jem, I think it’s in everyone’s best interests if you go back to England on Tuesday as planned and I stay on here a few extra days to try and work out how to begin repairing my relationship with my children.”
“Are you leaving me Madge?”
“No. I just need some time to sort things out for myself. You could use the time to think about your relationship with the children too. And, if I might add, Laura’s wonderful, you’d be proud of her.” With this parting shot Madge left the room to hunt down her sister.

 


#370:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 6:09 am


I'm glad the Ball was fun Pim.

Thanks for that very lovely bit of a very lovely Madge.

 


#371:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 8:09 am


Pim that was wonderful - I suddenly feel really proud of Madge!

And I want to poke Jem - hard!

Lesley poke Jem

 


#372:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 9:05 am


*cheers Lesley on and offers her a red-hot poker that RTW apparently secreted in my luggage*

Good for Madge and Joey, both finally waking up to themselves!

 


#373:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 10:16 am


Way to go Madge Laughing
I hope Jem listens to her and I hope Joey is understanding towards Bill!

 


#374:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 11:37 am


*Cheers Madge on*

Joins Lesley in poke ing Jem

 


#375:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 11:50 am


There are a couple of stories now where Jem is copping it!

 


#376:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 1:51 pm


Yeah, Jem is the bad guy on the C&D board at the moment. I love the portrayal of Madge here though. Very Happy

 


#377:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 2:27 pm


Well, someone has to cop it on this board, it might as well be Jem as anyone else. Great to see Madge back in such snapping form.

 


#378:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 3:16 pm


pim where's the next bit????

 


#379:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:07 pm


Madge found Jo in the nursery looking through a pile of photograph albums, lost in a world of her own. Madge wondered whether telling Jo would be a good idea or not, it didn’t seem the right moment to interrupt her.

Jo looked up. “Madge?” she asked gently. “Something’s happened?”

Madge nodded as she sat beside Jo on the floor and looked at the open page of the photograph album. She recognised the picture instantly, she and Jo on the doorstep of the original chalet in the Tirol the day after they had arrived. Dick had taken the picture as a reminder for himself, Madge wondered how it had ended up amongst Jo’s snaps.

“Life was so much easier then, wasn’t it?” asked Jo.
“It certainly was” replied Madge simply.
“What’s happened Madge?”
“Is it so obvious?” Jo nodded. “I’m not sure how to explain it.”
“Tell me to butt out if you want.”
“No, I need to tell someone who’s not involved, or I’ll go mad.”
“Madge?”
“Nell and Jem.”
“What?!” interrupted Jo. “Are they… I mean…”
“A very long time ago, long before I even met Jem. Nell, she… she had a child Jo. Jem’s child.” Madge broke off.
“Oh Madge.” Jo reached for her sister’s hand.
“Nell had the child adopted, she and Jem, the relationship didn’t last very long. He never knew, she never told him.”
“So how do you know?”
”Laura, their daughter, she arrived a couple of days ago having traced Nell. The other day, after dinner, Nell told him. Jem won’t accept it, but it’s true.” Madge turned to Jo. “I’ve met her, she… she looks like Jem. She is his daughter.”
Jo remained speechless for a few moments. “Oh Madge, I’m sorry.”
“Jem thinks it’s some sort of conspiracy against him. Jo, I need a few extra days here to get my head around this, can I stay?”
“Of course you can.”
“Thank you” whispered Madge. “I… I don’t know…”
Jo took Madge in her arms. “You don’t need to say anymore. I won’t tell anyone, I promise.”

Jo’s head was spinning at Madge’s revelation. It seemed so unrealistic, but there was something in the way Madge had told her that made Jo believe her without question. She wondered how Jem could have reacted so coldly, but Jo reminded herself that this was one occasion on which she could not go barging in.

 


#380:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:14 pm


Glad Jo realises that she cannot go barging in.

I hope that Jem comes to his senses soon.

 


#381:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:49 pm


I'm glad Jo isn't barging in for once, but what if she inadvertantly lets something slip?

 


#382:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:53 pm


Thanks Pim!
It's nice to see Jo being sensible for a change!

 


#383:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:58 pm


Thanks Pim, though how you found time!!! Glad to see Jo remembering her promise!

 


#384:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:59 pm


*whispers* I'd already written that bit! No more done for now though, you lot have been keeping me occupied elsewhere... *koff koff*

 


#385:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 6:00 pm


us...*innocently*

 


#386:  Author: RosieLocation: Huntingdonshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 6:10 pm


Phew! Finally caught up on this! From page 5 I think. *keels over*

 


#387:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 6:36 pm


Look, Madge and Joey both being nice and being good sisters
*drops dead from shock*

I suppose Jem is being the meanie for this drabble but still...

 


#388:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 8:12 pm


Thank you Pim. I'm not surprised you couldn't write anything this afternoon!

 


#389:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 8:57 pm


Thanks Pim - please write more soon!

 


#390:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 9:02 pm


Can we start chanting?

 


#391:  Author: KathrynLocation: Melbourne/Hamilton until 11 September PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 9:26 pm


KB wrote:
*cheers Lesley on and offers her a red-hot poker that RTW apparently secreted in my luggage*


Is that the special intercontinental version, suitable for use anywhere in the world? Smile

 


#392:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 9:38 pm


But of course. would anyone offer you an inferior variety of red-hot poker?

 


#393:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 9:40 pm


*wondering why Lesley would want a red hot poker* RTW I understand, but Lesley..?!
Oh, alright, maybe you have a point. Wink But this isn't RCS...*very confused*

 


#394:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 9:47 pm


If life is getting too confusing, Lisa, just give in and scream.

 


#395:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 11:13 pm


Yes, it's what the rest of us do!

 


#396:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 11:28 pm


Pim if you've written the next bit then please post it! Very Happy

 


#397:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 12:47 am


*obligingly screams* Piercingly.
*decides to kill two birds with one stone*
*screams again* PiiiiiiiiiiiIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIM!!! MOOORRE!

 


#398:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 1:07 am


I wanted the poker to poke Jem - I felt he deserved it - a red hot one sounds even better - especially as I can remember a King of England being despatched in that way - left no external bruises either! Twisted Evil

 


#399:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 3:29 am


Thank you Pim looking forward to more soon. Hope Jo keeps her mouth shut.

 


#400:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 4:54 am


thank you Pim!!! More please!!

 


#401:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 8:44 am


Just caught up (seem to be saying that everywhere at the moment Surprised ).

Really good Pim and I like the way Madge and Jo are developing, you could call theis drabble 'The redemption of the Bettany Sisters'.

When you've finished with the poker, could you reheat it for me, please, Lesley!

 


#402:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 10:02 am


Lesley, you're not suggesting that we do an Edward 2nd on Jem, are you?

 


#403:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 10:53 am


well it would be one way to get rid of him...painful though!!

Pim is there any more of this yet????

 


#404:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 11:19 am


Lesley wrote:
I wanted the poker to poke Jem - I felt he deserved it - a red hot one sounds even better - especially as I can remember a King of England being despatched in that way - left no external bruises either! Twisted Evil


It's all yours, Lesley. *feeling unusually generous*

 


#405:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 1:06 pm


Hope you're not so busy campaigning this week that you have no time to write more story Pim!

 


#406:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 1:15 pm


more please pim...leave the campaigners to get on with it themselves...this is far more fun!!!

 


#407:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 6:01 pm


A tiny wee bit for now... There may be a wee bit more later on.

Claire and Cecil had decided to take advantage of their last day of summer holiday freedom to enjoy the early September sunshine in the garden of Freudesheim. Jo had settled herself in the shade of a corner to read her book, although she hadn’t read a word so far. Her mind was too busy trying to make some sense of the last couple of days. The tension between Madge and Jem was approaching unbearable but Jo vowed to remain restrained; it was something Jem and Madge had to resolve between themselves. She still found it hard to believe what Madge had told her was true but Jo knew how much her sister needed her support right now.

“Can’t believe it’s back to school tomorrow” groaned Cecil.
Claire looked up from idly bouncing a tennis ball. “Me neither” she said glumly.
“Not looking forward to it?” asked Cecil.
“No, not particularly.”
“Not still worried about Caroline are you? I thought that had been sorted out last term? I would have thought the Head had squashed her good and proper for those tricks she played on you.”
Claire shrugged. “Maybe.”

 


#408:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 6:04 pm


Awwww poor Claire, it seems that her school life is just as probmatic as her home life was before she and Kathie sorted everything out.
Pim I hope you post soon, I need to be reassured about Claire!

 


#409:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 7:09 pm


*hopes Pim will post soon!!!*

 


#410:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 7:10 pm


Poor Claire - who's this Caroline - sounds like bullying!!! fume

 


#411:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 9:23 pm


OK, the other wee bit I promised for tonight...


“The staff will be casting aspersions about me taking Mittagessen in my study” chuckled Nell to Hilda and Laura.
“Let them cast away” replied Hilda, a wicked twinkle in her eye. “We deserve a bit of fun every now and again.”
“I’m not sure I should be hearing this” said Laura with mock severity. “Besides, Nell, I have a proposal for you.”
“Oh?”
“I’d like you to come out to us for half term, if you can be spared that is. I’d like you to meet Sam and the children. Of course, if half term is a problem, we’d love to have you for Christmas.”
“I… I….” faltered Nell completely floored. She turned to Hilda who smiled encouragingly.
“Hilda, you’re included in the invite too. You… you’re Nell’s best friend and you’ve been such a support these last few days…”
Hilda blushed furiously. “Thank you” she managed. “I think Nell and I can excuse ourselves from half term excursions. The Millies are sensible enough after all and Nancy’s more than capable of being left in charge of the school proper for a weekend.”
Nell smiled. “In that case, I’d be delighted to accept.”


“I’m glad you agreed to see me again Madge” said Laura as they strolled across the Platz together.
“I wanted to see you anyway. Especially after talking to Jem last night.”
“He…”
“He still won’t accept it I’m afraid. He’s going back to England tomorrow, I’m staying on here until the weekend. I don’t see enough of Jo, so I thought I’d take advantage. But, I think I have a plan for you and my husband which just might get him to face facts.” Madge’s eyes twinkled wickedly.
“Do tell…”

 


#412:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 9:35 pm


*love the thought of Madge's 'wicked twinkle'

 


#413:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 10:16 pm


Awww poor Claire

Thanks Pim more soon i hope

 


#414:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 10:19 pm


Oh what does Madge have planned? Twisted Evil

Love the characterisations in this Pim. Laughing

 


#415:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 10:53 pm


Can't wait to hear what Madge's plan is Pim,
Hope we find out soon!

 


#416:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 11:02 pm


Pim there's no messing about on msn till you've posted more of this! do you hear me?
*Thinks, if they're all going to call me 'Aunty' I might as well get bossy with them*

 


#417:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 11:17 pm


*wibbles* B-b-b-but Aunty Pat, the GattyBunny hasn't told me the next bit yet, I think it's sulking cos it needs a name.

*realises this is a lousy excuse*

 


#418:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 11:21 pm


*agrees that that was a lousy excuse*
I'm starting to get confused between Madge and Jem here and Madge and Jem in Shocks. Oh well. I'll just have to pay more attention!

 


#419:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 11:24 pm


What took you so long, Pat? *g*

Pim - that's the worst excuse I've ever heard! Decide on a name and use it!! And don't let GattyBunny sulk over silly things like that! Really! Wink

 


#420:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 11:25 pm


Pim, I think the only thing you can say in response to that is 'yes, miss, whatever you say, miss'! Wink

 


#421:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 11:27 pm


Razz tongue to you Miss Townsend!! Evil or Very Mad

Last edited by catherine on Tue Mar 16, 2004 11:35 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#422:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 11:31 pm


Pim, I love your madge, she is somehting else isn't she. Thank you for making her so sympathetic. Glad to see Joey keeping her resolution, does this mean she hasn't told Jack?

 


#423:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 11:59 pm


I hope not! Shocked

 


#424:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 12:07 am


I loved Madge's twinkle, what's her plan? Pim? More? Please? Pretty Please? Pretty please with sugar on top?

 


#425:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 2:58 am


Oh Pim, I've just caught up with loads of this, and then it suddenly stopped!
I do hope you post more soon - I really want to know Madge's plan, and how Claire is going to get on, and ig Joey can continue minding her own business, and, oh well, I'm sure you get the picture.

 


#426:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 4:42 am


It's my guess that Ellie wants more...

 


#427:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 2:01 pm


KB wrote:
It's my guess that Ellie wants more...


So intuative KB, guess that is why you are HG Very Happy

Intuative doesn't look right, but I keep changing it and it never looks right.

 


#428:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 3:04 pm


Just looked it up! - intuitive.

 


#429:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 6:30 pm


Bit more for now, but I'm 'fraid the GattyBunny's not being too forthcoming at the moment Sad

Claire stood amongst the crowd of girls milling around outside the school searching in vain for her own particular group of friends. A short distance away she spotted Cecil chattering away eagerly with her cousin Daphne Bettany.

“Claire!”

Claire turned around suddenly to be confronted by her best friends Polly McKendrick, known rather bizarrely as Pumpkin out of school, and Léonie Digabel who were followed by a rather shy looking new girl.

“Pumpkin! Léo! So good to see you again. How were your hols?” she asked enthusiastically.
“Fine, fine” replied Polly. “This is Joëlle Fontaine, she’s French, Miss Burnett asked me to sheepdog her. She met us at Paris.”
“Bonjour Joëlle” said Claire.
“Claire, je suis heureuse que tu n’as pas oublié ton français pendant les vacances ! » chuckled Léonie from her vantage point of being fluently bilingual thanks to a French father and English mother.
« Mais je parle l’anglais aussi, juste un petit peu » put in Joëlle.
« Pas de souci » retorted Léonie. « Nous allons t’aider. »
Claire turned to Polly as Léonie went off in a torrent of French at Joëlle. “Have you seen Caroline?”
“Yes, she was on the train with us. So were Amelia and Emma, I hope they’ve managed a remove to Upper III, I don’t fancy being stuck with them.”

Polly stopped short as the girls began to form their lines. Claire caught a glimpse of Caroline Webster, with whom she’d had a run in the previous term. Caroline glowered at her, Claire turned away to face the head who was about to begin her word of welcome. Cecil, a few lines away, had noticed Caroline’s glower and resolved to keep her eyes open for Claire.

 


#430:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 6:38 pm


*joins the hope that they got a remove - I do not like Caroline!!

I hope your small sparkling purple leaf cooperates soon.

 


#431:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 6:38 pm


Thanks for that bit Pim - PB's are annoying aren't they? Are we to know what happened between Claire and Caroline Webster last term?

 


#432:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 7:45 pm


Thanks for that Pim, joins in hoping that they do get a remove!
Hope bunny comes back soon!

 


#433:  Author: KathrynLocation: Melbourne/Hamilton until 11 September PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 10:44 pm


Any suggestions of names for Pim's Gattybunny?
We want more and if this is the only way of getting it so be it!
*preparing the nomination forms for names*

 


#434:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 11:00 pm


I'm sure Pim will be nice enough to tell us what happened...

 


#435:  Author: KathrynLocation: Melbourne/Hamilton until 11 September PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 11:12 pm


I hope so for all our sakes!

 


#436:  Author: Guest PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 1:27 am


I hope we get to hear the history between Claire and Caroline although I'm tending to think Claire was probably the innocent party... Caroline sounds thouroughly unpleasant.

 


#437:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 1:30 am


That was me, first time it's thrown me off to.
*sigh*

 


#438:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 2:10 am


Thanks Pim, this is getting very interesting. Wondering what Madge's plan is. Hope Claire is OK!

 


#439:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 3:43 am


*chanting loudly at Pim*

 


#440:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 7:29 am


*joins in chanting at pim*

 


#441:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 12:26 pm


Lisa_T wrote:
*agrees that that was a lousy excuse*
I'm starting to get confused between Madge and Jem here and Madge and Jem in Shocks. Oh well. I'll just have to pay more attention!


lisa I find I have to consciously readjust too...
Thanks pim...don't suppose there's any more....hurray up and placate the gattybunny by giving him a name!!

 


#442:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 12:39 pm


How about just capitalising Gatty Bunny? Now there's a name, can we have more story? Wink

 


#443:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 3:11 pm


Eebles! No more yet, this is the first free minute I've had all day. Should be some tonight with any luck... *goes off to hunt down bunny*

 


#444:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 5:48 pm


We'll look forward to that Pim, and hope someone manages to sort out the miscreants.

 


#445:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 8:57 pm


Ho diddly hum. Not quite sure that this bit is meant to fit anywhere in here, so I could call it an interlude or an aside or something. Anyway all I know is that the GattyBunny nearly nibbled my toes off for this bit but won't tell me anything else about the story. And no chance of anymore before the weekend - elections tomorrow!

Nell sighed as she made her way to her room that night, things were as back to normal as they ever were but she felt as though something was missing. She knew exactly what it was. Laura. Opening a drawer Nell took out a small box she hadn’t opened in years. The diary looked a little worse for wear than it had done when she’d been twenty. Nell perched on her bed and opened it with trembling fingers, she knew what it would say, yet she was still afraid to read it.

10 October
I’m having a baby. Susanna finally forced me into seeing a doctor. I couldn’t believe it, I still can’t. I don’t want it to be true but I know that it is. It has to be Jem’s child, but I haven’t seen or heard from him since I broke things off between us at the end of May. More to the point I don’t want to see him again after everything he put me through. I don’t believe I would want him to bring up a child of ours. Susanna said I have to tell him, and that we should get married and bring up the child together. But I can’t do that, I’d grown to hate him when I broke things off – I couldn’t face a lifetime with him to compensate for a moment’s stupidity. There’s only one option I have, the child must be given up, it’s only fair. I can’t bring it up alone and I won’t bring it up with Jem.

I’m so scared, the thought of having this baby terrifies me. What if something goes wrong? I’m sure it’s a punishment of some kind, all I want to do is cry but I can’t. I just feel so alone.

...

15 February
It’s all over. I feel so empty. Roisin, the nurse, let me hold her just briefly when it was over and there was no one else in the room. I held her in my arms, my daughter, she was so tiny, so perfect. For a moment I didn’t want to let her go, but I knew I had to. She’s the most amazing thing that’s ever happened to me and it hurts so much to know that I’ll never get to see her grow up and most likely never see her again. That moment when I held her will remain with me forever, there’s a piece of me missing that I can never get back. I carried her, felt her growing, beginning to move and now it’s over. My head is spinning with a thousand different thoughts, but the one that keeps coming back to me is the image of her, my child, my daughter. I call her Cherry after my sister, I know it’s a name she won’t keep. I hope one day that the pain of losing my child will fade.


Nell looked up from her old diary the tears streaming down her face. She was suddenly twenty years old again, holding her baby in her arms, that tiny bundle, and feeling an overwhelming rush of love as she bent forward to kiss her daughter knowing that this moment would stay with her for the rest of her life.

 


#446:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 9:12 pm


That was lovely, Pim. It really gives us an insight into Nell's feelings.

 


#447:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 9:13 pm


Thanks Pim thats so moving Crying or Very sad

 


#448:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 9:52 pm


Thanks pim, that was a lovely interlude. Poor Nell having to live for all that time knowing nothing of her daughter Sad

 


#449:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 10:17 pm


*sniffle* I think I must be tired. I'm nearly crying now and it takes a lot to make me do that!!!!
Come on, Pim! If you're on msn get off! Wink

 


#450:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 11:01 pm


*sigh* That was just lovely! *surreptitiously wipes away tears*

 


#451:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 1:46 am


*doesn't bother being surretitious

That was lovely Pim.

 


#452:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 4:27 am


Poor poor Nell. She has done a good job of hiding her feelings for all these years.

That bit made me cry,

 


#453:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 9:47 am


Poor Nell Crying or Very sad Thanks for that Pim!

 


#454:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 10:56 am


Thanks Pim another lovely part, poor nell having to cope with that knowledge for all these years.

 


#455:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 12:25 pm


May we have some more please Pim?

 


#456:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 1:17 pm


That was very moving Pim. Will you be writing more soon?

 


#457:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 2:55 pm


Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad That was a tender touch Pim. Thank you.

 


#458:  Author: RosieLocation: Huntingdonshire PostPosted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 8:39 pm


That was lovely Pim. *wipes away tears*. Poor Nell.

 


#459:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 8:41 pm


No more today I'm 'fraid, not had a minute to myself - been freezing outside all day campaigning. I might get some written later when they're counting the votes if I don't fall asleep but I can't promise any more before tomorrow night Sad

 


#460:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 11:07 pm


Thank you Pim!
*sniffles*

 


#461:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 5:26 am


Lovely, Pim!

*thinks Gatty Bunny may be perfectly happy with the pen name of Gatty Bunny*

 


#462:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:56 am


All right, Pim, we'll try to be...

Darn it, what's the word? Starts with 'p'.

 


#463:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 12:45 pm


think KB may mean patient...but not suprised she had difficulty remembering it, its a foreign word on here!!

 


#464:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 1:26 pm


Patient, patient, is that a real word, or one that someone has made up to tease us?

 


#465:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 5:47 pm


It sounds made up. What does it mean do you think?

 


#466:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:00 pm


Oh, I don't know, it could mean anything. You never know with these new-fangled made-up words.

 


#467:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:43 pm


Pim just said she was about to try and write some more.

Hooray!

 


#468:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 7:59 pm


Well it's about time! Laughing

 


#469:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 9:10 pm


For your information: Patience: The ability to accept delay, trouble or suffering without becoming angry or upset.
Just a tiny bit for now, it's not coming out too well, I'm too tired, cranky and upset to be doing much I think Sad


Back at the Round House, Jem was digging into his past as well. Sitting in his study he looked at the slightly creased photograph, it seemed like a whole different lifetime. It was the only picture he had of him and Nell, the only record he’s kept of their time together. Well almost, somewhere he’d kept the letter she’d written to break things off, Nell stared out from the photo at him, a wistful smile on her face, her head leaning against his shoulder, her arm around his waist. It had been a formal dinner at the LSE, Jem remembered he’d never seen Nell look more beautiful than that night. He remembered the chap who’d taken the picture, Stephen his name was, a good friend of Nell’s. She’d been good friends with all the chaps, he’d been jealous of them. Laying the photograph down on his desk Jem found himself wondering about Laura, Nell’s daughter, the one she claimed was his. Maybe, just maybe, thought Jem, it could be true. Just because Nell had been friends with the chaps on her course didn’t mean she had been unfaithful to him; but he’d never trusted her completely when they’d been apart. She had been so different from any girl he’d ever known he would have gone to any lengths to keep her. Jem realised that in trying to keep Nell he’d only succeeded in pushing her away. His thoughts turned to Madge, his wife, there was so much they needed to discuss, so much they needed to work out. Jem couldn’t even pinpoint when things had begun to fall apart.

 


#470:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 9:13 pm


Thank you Pim - take no notice of all our threars and begging for more - post when it's ready! Very Happy

Hmmm - is Jem having a change of heart? (Ducks squadron from porcine division of RAF)

 


#471:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 9:14 pm


At least Jem is now entertaining the possibility that Nell is not lying and that he might be cause of problems between he and Madge. Hopefully, things will look up from here.

 


#472:  Author: aliLocation: medway, kent PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 9:24 pm


I know its omly 20 minutes since you posted but I'm chanting in a round (which isn't easy on my own so I hope some of you join in.) What aboyt Kathie and what about Madges plan.

 


#473:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 11:54 pm


It's good to see Jem thinking, maybe there will be a happy ending.

 


#474:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 12:30 am


A tiny wee bit more... The Bunny is being mildly forthcoming at the minute. I've tried to go to bed three times tonight and keep getting bitten Sad

Sharlie Andrews finished taking the register and looked at the sixteen smiling faces which made up Lower III. They ranged in age from Caroline Webster at almost twelve down to Claire who had turned ten at the beginning of August. Caroline and her faithful cronies, Emma Ritchie and Amelia Foster, had failed to gain their removes to Upper III and had faced stiff words from the Head at the end of the previous term. Sharlie cast her eye over the form and smiled.

“We’d better sort out form positions before you have to go to stationery, hadn’t we?” Sharlie paused momentarily. “Polly McKendrick is to be form prefect with Claire Fisher as her second.”

Claire and Polly both flushed brilliant shades of red and turned to grin at each other, but it was Léonie who noticed the thoroughly filthy look Caroline threw in Claire’s direction. Sharlie picked up on it as well and made a mental note to keep a close eye on Caroline.

 


#475:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 12:50 am


Glad Sharlie noticed the look - wonder what happened to make Caroline hate Claire so much.

Thanks Pim!

 


#476:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 12:53 am


I think you and your Gattybunny or should I say Gatty Bunny are doing rather well. I hope Jem and Madge sort things out but with Madge getting the upper hand for a change!

*Prods Sharlie to remind her to keep an eye on Caroline*

 


#477:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 1:24 am


Thanks Pim, it's good to see Jem starting to think a bit - I hope this can end happily, but...
I hope things work out for Claire too, and that Sharlie manages to foil whatever dastardly plan Caroline comes up with.
Now when are you going to post the other bit that you've written?

 


#478:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 2:49 am


eek for poor Claire but yay that Jem seems to be rethinking his position. Hopefully he'll sit down and talk to Madge properly and maybe even meet Laura.
Thanks pim.

 


#479:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 3:25 am


Thanks Pim this is seriously good. Glad Jem seems to be coming round to Laura, hope he talks to Madge.

 


#480:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 5:39 am


poke who or whatever's been aggravating Pim.

Impressed that Jem has finally dredged up a teeny tiny grain of sense. Is there hope for the man?

poke Jem in his pomposity organ.

 


#481:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 7:32 am


Lesley wrote:
Glad Sharlie noticed the look - wonder what happened to make Caroline hate Claire so much.


I'd guess Caroline thought she would have an important position in the form, as she was one of the oldest, and is jealous because she doesn't.

And I like Jem starting to wonder when things began to fall apart... Rolling Eyes

 


#482:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 1:29 pm


Bit of a long bit, I tried going to bed three times last night and every time I did the Bunny bit me Crying or Very sad All I wanted to do was sleep!

“What’s the matter Léo?” asked Polly, as Léonie rushed her away from the rest of the form in the common room during the first free minute they’d had all day.
Léonie looked around to make sure no one could hear her. “Caroline and Claire?”
“What about them? I thought that had all been sorted last term?”
Léonie shook her head. “Obviously Caroline is still bearing some sort of grudge. You didn’t catch the thoroughly nasty look she gave Claire this morning when Miss Andrews said she was to be your second.”
Polly gulped. “You don’t think she’d try anything again, do you?”
Léonie shrugged. “I’d hope not after the Head had sat on her last term. But it looks as though she may still be bearing some sort of grudge against Claire.”
Polly shook her head. “It was all so pointless in the first place, and it was an accident. Claire didn’t mean to rip Caro’s tunic, besides wasn’t it Caro’s idea to try going round the room without touching the floor? If Claire hadn’t grabbed her when she tried to jump from the cupboard to that pile of books it’s likely Caro would have come a right cropper. Claire was only trying to help, no reason for Caro to go off ruining Claire’s things the way she did.”
Léonie thought for a moment. “It was slightly better last term when we were in Upper II and she was in Lower III, I get the feeling it could get worse now we’re all in the same form. Oh how I wish Caro had got her remove.”
Polly nodded in agreement. “There’s only one thing for it Léo, we’ll have to keep as close an eye on Claire as is possible and stick up for her if Caro starts saying things about Claire’s parents again.” Polly looked across the common room to where Claire was eagerly chatting with Joëlle the new girl and Bella Deglan, another friend. “Claire seems happy enough now, I think she’s had a good summer.”
“Did she go back to England to see her parents at all?” asked Léonie.
“No, she stayed up here all summer, Cecil Maynard told me earlier. I’ve been worse than useless at writing letters this summer.”
“Me too. Anyway, so we’re agreed? We need to keep an eye out for Claire?”
“Yes. We’d better go and talk to the others before they get suspicious of us.”

Polly and Léonie cast a glance over to Caroline, Amelia and Emma who were engrossed in their own conversation before joining Claire, Joëlle and Bella.

“What have you two been yattering about?” asked Claire as Polly and Léonie plumped down beside her.
“Oh nothing” replied Polly airily as she turned to Joëlle. “How are you finding school Joëlle?” she asked slowly. It was Wednesday and therefore English day, but as they had discovered Joëlle’s English was practically non existent.
“I like it very well” she replied. “It is better than my school in Paris.”
“I wonder when we’ll get to go for a ramble” said Bella suddenly.
“A ramble?” put in Joëlle with a puzzled air.
“A walk” clarified Polly. “I hope we get one tomorrow. The weather looks quite nice, Claire?”
Claire shrugged. “It’s been quite sunny the last few days, hopefully it’ll hold a bit longer. I don’t want another autumn like the last one, that was horrible.”

“That Claire Fisher thinks she’s really something doesn’t she” remarked Caroline to her friends. “Someone should really take her down a peg or too.”
“Don’t start Caro, not so early on in term. Especially not after everything the Head said” said Emma.
“Oh the Head” replied Caroline airily. “She doesn’t have to put up with Claire every day, thinking she’s so great because she lives with that old mistress and spends her holidays hanging around with Cecil Maynard and her family.”
Amelia threw a suspicious glance to Emma, they’d both been disappointed to be left down in Lower III and were determined to achieve removes at the end of the term. “Caro, I don’t think you should do anything, we should just concentrate on getting our removes. My parents weren’t too happy on me staying down in Lower III.”
“Amelia’s right Caro” said Emma. “I don’t want to stay in Lower III either, and I don’t want to risk any more trouble with the Head.”

Caroline regarded her two friends with amazement, wondering what had come over them. As far as Caroline was concerned Claire needed taking down a few pegs and if Amelia and Emma wouldn’t help her then she’d do it herself or find help where she could.

 


#483:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 3:11 pm


Oh dear, Caroline does need to be taught what being a proper CS girl means.

 


#484:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 3:18 pm


Never mind, I sure that Caroline will get her just desserts eventually, though I do hope she doesn't get the opportunity to do anything realy nasty to Claire before that happens. And I'm glad that her friends are showing more sense.

 


#485:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 3:24 pm


This is really great i can't wait for the next bit!

 


#486:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 3:36 pm


Why is Caroline so bitter and nasty?

 


#487:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 3:41 pm


Thanks Pim. Glad you wrote those bits, and good to see some of the school as well.

 


#488:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 3:42 pm


More, please, please, Pim.

 


#489:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 7:10 pm


Oh dear, I see trouble ahead, especially if Caroline is going out on her own Confused

More please pim Very Happy

 


#490:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 9:37 pm


This isn't looking good for poor Claire.

 


#491:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 9:41 pm


Interesting - hardly seems worth it for Caro to get herself so worked up over such a little thing - but perhaps there's more than a touch of jealousy there too. Glad her friends are not going to join her.

 


#492: Please miss I want some more Author: Marguerite PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 9:49 pm


More please. This is intriguing

 


#493:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 11:08 pm


*chants at Pim, and encourages Gatty Bunny"!!!!*

 


#494:  Author: pimLocation: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 1:25 am


Some more for you to be going on with. *eebles* I've just realised that in total (excluding yibble to myself on the word doc) that this is now three times longer than my dissertation was... err...

In the staff room that evening Sharlie shared her concerns with Nancy.

“You don’t think Caroline would be that stupid as to start up her campaign against Claire again do you?” asked Nancy.
“I don’t know Nancy” replied Sharlie. “But the look she gave Claire when I said that she was to be Polly’s second was unpleasant to say the least. I had hoped the holidays would change Caroline for the better, especially after the Abbess spoke to her last term. And more especially after the trouble she landed herself in for her dirty tricks campaign against Claire. I suppose now I can only hope that the holidays have made Emma and Amelia grow up a bit and that they can influence Caroline.”
“What are you to yacking about?” asked Peggy Burnett as she plumped down in the chair next to Sharlie. “You can’t be having problems this early on in the term surely?”
“Just Caroline Webster” replied Sharlie.
Peggy frowned. “She needs a good shake that girl, but I thought the Abbess had dealt with her last term?”
“I would hope so, but after the filthy looks she was throwing at Kathie’s Claire this morning I’m not so sure.”
“Poor kid” commented Peggy. “As if she hasn’t got enough to worry about. I’m assuming she didn’t see her so-called parents all summer.”
Nancy shook her head. “She stayed here with Kathie and Peter. In some ways it’s for the best Peggy, Claire’s much more settled now. She needs some stability in her life after being dumped the way she was, Kathie can give her that stability. Claire’s grown up an awful lot over the last year.”
Sharlie nodded in agreement. “The last thing she needs right now is Caroline messing things up for her again. How I wish that girl had got a remove to Upper III.”
“I’m sure Joan Bertram would thank you for that one” chuckled Peggy. “She’s got enough tearaways of her own in that form!”

The subject moved on but Sharlie couldn’t quite shake the niggling feeling in the back of her mind that this term was not going to go smoothly and that there would be plenty of problems for her to face.

 


#495:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 1:36 am


Glad that Sharlie is aware anyway.
Hopefully she will be able to nip any trouble in the bud

 


#496:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 7:23 am


I think Sharlie is completely right! It would be interesting to see what Caroline would do if she learned the truth about Claire...

 


#497:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 1:13 pm


Sharlie seems like a form mistress I'd like to have.

 


#498:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:19 pm


More understanding than any of mine were.

More, please, Pim.

 


#499:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 10:32 pm


And mine! But I think that goes for the CS in general!

More please, Pim!!

 


#500:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 11:25 pm


*agrees wholeheartedly with Catherine*

 




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