The CBB :: View topic - You Both Need A Break!

You Both Need A Break!

The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles

#401: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 11:53 am

NEED........MORE.............STORY hammer

#402: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 12:17 pm

Lesley, this is fantastic, I loved what Rosalind said to Ben.
Lots more please, to relieve our worries.

#403: Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 12:32 pm

*pointing out that it's now tomorrow!*

More soon PLEASE!!!

#404: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 3:39 pm

whhaa aaat? Lesley I did not just catch up on the last ten pages to be faced with a cliff like this. Evil or Very Mad

Rescue Nancy immediately, or suffer at the hands of the CBB....

(on a nicer note, that was all very very fab) Laughing

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

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 5:05 pm

#406: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 5:27 pm

Hope you're enjoying yourself Lesley!!! Wink

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

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 5:48 pm

Rachael wrote:

Hope you're enjoying yourself Lesley!!! Wink

Of course she is Rachael!
The ratbag is sitting in front of her computer sniggering away to herself as we type, I daresay! Rolling Eyes

#408: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 6:38 pm

Well if everyone reacts to order what to you expect? I hope you're going to post heaps tonight Lesley.

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

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 6:46 pm

Fine. In that case I'm starting the Ratbag chant!

R is for Rotter, that's Lesley the Tease...

#410: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 6:52 pm

A is for Ambitious and Aiming to Please.

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

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 7:15 pm

LESLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY. I catch up on 4 days of this and where do I get to? A great big cliff. Humph. So WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

#412: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 7:45 pm

T is for Tormentor, which art you have studied to the nth degree!!

#413: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 8:24 pm

Lesley, my week has been stressful to say the least so please could you be extra lovely and relieve any cause for further stress by telling us what's happened to Nancy? Thank you.

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

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 8:26 pm

B is for bloody aggravatoreeeeee
Wink

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

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 8:28 pm

Music to my ears!!! Laughing

Beneath the flattened coral reef, two figures stirred. Although unable to move out of the way of the debris, the fact that the water slows any falling object meant that, when the basking shark’s tail had swept around, the two divers were able to react. Nancy had suddenly felt herself pushed down, toward the seabed, there was a small cave at the base of the reef and Col had slammed both of them into the cave just before the rest of the reef fell and blocked the cave entrance.

Inside there was barely enough room to move, although not pitch black, the sunlight had been severely curtailed by the coral and Nancy reached for the small, but powerful torch in her wetsuit pocket. Glancing round quickly she saw that Col was in trouble, somehow, possibly by a piece of falling coral – it had very sharp edges – the tubing between his mouthpiece and the oxygen tank had been severed. Huge bubbles of air were escaping, despite his frantic attempts to stop them. Nancy reached across and tapped him on the shoulder, when he turned round she offered her mouthpiece. Col took a couple of deep breaths before returning it; he reached for his slate,

“Thanks, my tank’s useless!”

They both looked at the dial on Col’s oxygen tank, it read empty.

““Can we get out of this cave?” Nancy wrote, they both moved to the entrance of the cave, it was completely blocked with debris. The both tried pushing at some of the blocks in an attempt to move them. All they received for their troubles were two pairs of bloody hands where the coral scratched them.

““Does the back of the cave lead anywhere?”

Col shook his head, ““Dead end!” He paused then wrote, ““Best if we sit still, use less oxygen, we may have a wait until Ben can get help.”

““How much oxygen do we have?”

““With both of us? 15-20 minutes or so, and all we can do is wait…”

The two continued to pass the oxygen mouthpiece back and forth, breathing in life each time. Unable to do anything but wait, they continued writing to each other, carrying on a conversation. Col passed the mouthpiece back to Nancy, while she sucked in more oxygen he wrote on the slate,

““Good to see you have big lungs!”

Nancy passed the mouthpiece back and wrote,

““Hey, first it’s my buoyancy, now big lungs!”

““I admire big lungs…and buoyancy…in a woman!”

On reading this Nancy started to laugh and had to quickly control herself so she could use the mouthpiece again. Col rubbed the slate clean and wrote again,

““You are very pretty when you laugh.”

Nancy looked across, then replied,

““Why thank you! But I’m much older than you, Col,”

““Doesn’t matter, I like older women,”

Nancy smiled slightly, then wrote.

““I’m spoken for,”

Col took the slate back, after glancing across at Nancy he wrote,

““Hmmm, no ring, so no husband. Boyfriend?”

Nancy shook her head, Col thought for a moment,

““Girlfriend?”

Nancy nodded a little diffidently,

““Figures, just my luck! Let me guess – Kathie?”

Nancy nodded again,

““Good taste!”

““You’ve no problem with that?”

Col looked across at the woman, he shrugged,

““No problem, why should I? So long as you’re happy!”

Nancy thought for a while then wrote again,

““Some people think it’s unnatural,”

““Dinosaurs! No wait, that’s unfair – to dinosaurs! I’m sure there were any number of gay T-Rex’s about! Can’t see Hollywood showing them in Jurassic Park 4 though!”

Nancy started laughing again. Trying desperately not to drop the mouthpiece while she did so!

#416: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 8:33 pm

Aw

I like Col. That is cool, even though she's not out of danger yet.

#417: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 8:35 pm

Thank you, Lesley but could you post a bit more please? Preferably the bit where Nancy and Col reach safety? And preferably tonight?

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

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 8:37 pm

A is for At Last!

Thank you Lesley. That was very sweet. But I think they should save their energy and oxygen right now!

#419: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 8:39 pm

Thank you Lesley dear. That was lovely. However, since we are all already sitting on the settees at the bottom of the cliff you might as well post the rest now.

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

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 8:44 pm

That was very nice Lesley! And isn't Col sweet!?

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

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 8:51 pm

Next bit - haven't written any more.

On the surface, in the boat, everyone waited in silence. Kathie stood, very pale beneath her tan, saying nothing, just staring out to sea, watching the ocean for any signs that the instructors had found them. Ruth and Rosalind stood with her, one on either side, protecting her from any outside interference.

“Why haven’t they found her?” she whispered, “They said it would be easy, only a small area to search, why haven’t they found her yet?”

Ruth and Rosalind exchanged glances over Kathie’s head, “They’ll find her, Kathie,” Ruth said persuasively, “They’ve still got plenty of time, didn’t you hear Mark? He said they had more than 30 minutes air left, lots of time.”

“They are probably stuck under some coral,” Rosalind continued, “Nancy’s too tough to be beaten by a load of microscopic animals!”

“I can’t lose her now, you know,” Kathie continued, oblivious to everything her friends were saying. “I’ve only just found her.”

...

Inside the cave time ticked away, Nancy and Col continued to write messages to each other. When Nancy’s torch failed there were a few minutes in semi darkness until Col was able to retrieve his own torch and switch it on. He took the opportunity to check the dial on Nancy’s tank, Nancy was unable to see it due to the cramped confines of the cave. She looked at Col with a question on her face.

“Five minutes or so,” Col wrote abruptly, “There’s always some leeway though.”

Nancy nodded soberly, the pair continued to share the mouthpiece, swapping back and forth.

“Are you planning to stay a diving instructor, Col?”

“Probably, I enjoy it. Eventually I’ll run my own business, teach Commercial diving as well as the ordinary. What about you? What do you do?”

Nancy told him, Col read the message then shook his head in disbelief, “Can’t be, all Maths Mistresses are dragons! All mine were anyway.”

Nancy smiled and shook her head reprovingly, Col wiped the board and wrote again,

“Course, if my Maths teacher had looked like you…”

“Behave!”

They both stopped writing as the sound of air being sucked out of the cylinder changed. Col took one breath then passed it on to Nancy, she breathed in once without problem, but on her second breath it cut out. The tank was empty. She looked across at Col who shook his head, his face grim. After a few seconds he wrote again,

“Do you believe in God, Nancy?”

“Yes, you?”

“Yes. Really glad I met you, Nancy, Kathie was a lucky woman.”

“Good to know you, too, Col.”

The two smiled slightly at each other and reached out to hold hands. They both leant back against the cave wall and closed their eyes…

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

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 8:57 pm

LESLEY !!!!!!!

#423: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 8:58 pm

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
HHHHHHHH Crying or Very sad

Lesley, this is cruelty to dumb CBB's, arn't there laws to outlaw cruelty ?

Last edited by Kathye on Fri Jun 04, 2004 8:59 pm; edited 1 time in total

#424: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 8:59 pm

Thanks Lesley. On past form that means they are about to be rescued.

#425: Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 9:12 pm

Now, I know Lesley is unlikely to kill Nancy, but that didn't stop me screaming at the computer screen when i read the last bit! (you are unlikely to kill Nancy, aren't you Lesley?) When you said you hadn't written any more, you did mean that you are now writing it, didn't you Lesley? Please?

*wishing Col really existed and lived in Liverpool - he's so sweet*

btw, thank you for those two posts Lesley! Smile

#426: Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 9:16 pm

Lesley, have you any idea what you are doing to my sanity????? It's in a pretty poor state as it is.... popper

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

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 9:19 pm

Oh, she knows alright Rosie! Wretch that she is!!!!

#428: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 9:20 pm

This is with malice aforethought!!!!

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

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 9:24 pm

*gibbering wreck*

please - more - need

*eebling*

#430: Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 9:29 pm

*pokes Xan to remind her to keep breathing this time*
*skips away merrily, singing, to greet the nice white-coated men at the door*

#431: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 9:30 pm

LESLEY

#432: Author: Sophie, Location: Cambridegeshire

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 9:38 pm

I can't write anything...don't trust myself, and besides, this is a family board. But Lesley.......!!!!!!!!! Come on woman! You're cutting it a bit fine this time!

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

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 10:12 pm

Lesley that is brilliant. Just the right place to end it, the episode would not have been right if you had continued any further.

But please may we have the next one soon!

#434: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 10:13 pm

Two updates! Yay! Loved them both, but since I've now read them both twice, the only possible thing for you to do is

WRITE MORE!!!

(please?)

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

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 10:45 pm

You'd better hurry Lesley cause I'm holding my breath for them.

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

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 10:54 pm

Lesley, if you kill Nancy, I am never, ever, ever going to read RCS again. OR speak to you again.

NOW HURRY UP AND RESCUE THEM!!!! A breath can only last so long!!!!

#437: Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 11:12 pm

I think it is about time Lesley brought some grief and suffering to the world of the RCS.

Will we get a really weepy funeral scene Lesley?

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

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 11:16 pm

RACHEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! fume

#439: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 11:43 pm

Brilliant idea - and would it be more modern in keeping with the move, or more traditional in the spirit of the school.

#440: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 1:08 am

Lesley would NEVER EVER DO SUCH A THING! They must escape. Quickly! Even if they have to shine the powerful flashlight on immense quantities of convenient local algae and somehow trap the resulting oxygen.

#441: Author: Ella, Location: Staffordshire

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 8:33 am

NOOO!! Don't suggest things like funerals! She will rescue them, she must! (Please!) Crying or Very sad

Love the scenes between Nancy and Col - he is really sweet. (And I think Ben is a nutcase) But I'd be happier if their continued conversations could take place nice and SAFELY on dry land! Sad

Lesley, come back and put us out of our misery! I have to drive up the M6 this afternoon - I won't be able to concentrate!

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

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 8:39 am

*incoherent spluttering*

Maybe when they leant back, they dislodged the coral - ?

*clutching at straws*

G is for Get On With It and post the next installment

please???!

ETA: Why these wretched CS mistresses stay at home and keep out of trouble? Any one of us could have warned them that on past form, diving would not be a good option!

#443: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 8:57 am

But Catherine, they would have done it anyway. And you think staying 'safely' at home would be anything remotely *resembling* safe?

#444: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 9:58 am

Sob.......... cry.............. Crying or Very sad

There isnt any more Crying or Very sad

I had hoped there would be more.............

Lesley its Saturday............... surely your not actually letting Real Life get in the way of posting more RCS !!! Shocked

PLEASE LESLEY

#445: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 11:56 am

Leasley, sobbing with terror, please post more.

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

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 1:06 pm

It appears that people wanted to see this post. devil

On the surface two of the instructors swam up to speak to each other, Mark, the senior instructor was despondent,

“It’s a complete mess down there, God only knows what happened, but the entire reef has collapsed. There’s no sign of them.”

The other man, Danny, an older and even more experienced diver nodded. “Thing is, Mark, that turd, Ben, might be right - there’s so much debris they could be dead.”

Mark shook his head, “I refuse to believe that,” he said adamantly, “Col knows these waters better than anyone, if there was a way to survive he’s found it.”

The two prepared to dive again when Danny stopped suddenly, “Not sure of the details,” he said quickly, “But wasn’t there a cave at the base of that reef system? If they’re going to survive that’s a good place to start!”

‘It was actually a fairly peaceful way to die,’ Col thought sleepily, ‘Once you’d accepted that it was going to happen, and were not trying desperately to draw air in to your lungs, when there was only water. It was really quite pleasant, falling asleep in the company of a friend,’ he felt the slight pressure of Nancy's hand in his. The cave was in darkness, he had switched off the torch, however a small amount of light filtered in, through the coral debris and some of the still living coral. ‘Perhaps they would be preserved along with the coral,’ he thought his mind sinking toward unconsciousness as the light was suddenly blocked out.

Col came awake with a start, ‘the light? What could block out the light? There was something swimming just above the cave entrance!’ Quickly, ignoring the burning pressure in his lungs, the almost unbearable need to take a breath, he moved to the cave entrance, Nancy, jolted awake by his sudden movement, joined him. There was someone outside!

Mark looked with despair at the cave entrance, the bulk of the reef appeared to have fallen around it and there was no sign of life. He’d swam round the entrance a number of times, searching for a light, tell-tale bubbles, anything that would show that the missing divers were there. He had seen nothing. With a heavy heart he prepared to surface and give the other three women the bad news about their friend, he’d speak to Col’s parents later tonight. As he was slowly rising something caught the corner of his eye, puzzled he turned round, there was nothing ther….wait, a flash of light! Swimming faster than he’d ever swam before he reached the blocked up cave entrance, the light was inside! He shone his torch inside.

In the cave, suddenly, a powerful light lit up the interior, showing both Col and Nancy, he’d found them! He was just about to surface and announce the fact when he realised something strange, although they were both obviously alive and had seen the light, neither was sucking on a mouthpiece! He swam closer, able to see Col’s face through a chink in the coral blocking the entrance, he was obviously holding his breath.

Mark took a deep breath then took the mouthpiece of his tank out of his mouth and stretched toward the gap in the coral. There was a split-second when he didn’t think it would fit but, with a strength augmented by desperation he managed to push it through.

Inside the cave, Col and Nancy had watched intently as Mark tried to force the mouthpiece through. As it finally fitted Col reached for it and immediately proffered it to Nancy, two quick breaths from her then she passed it to Col. For both of them, that first breath felt like the most wonderful sensation in the world. Smiling at each other, they settled back into their earlier routine with mouthpiece and slate, chatting.

#447: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 1:32 pm

Thank you, Lesley Very Happy

#448: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 1:41 pm

Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you
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Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you

Just in case you didnt notice, Thanks Lesley Wink

Last edited by Kathye on Sat Jun 05, 2004 1:42 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 1:42 pm

Sighs with relief after the panic of them turning off the torch

thankyou Lesley

now how will they get them out & will Mark get back OK or will something happen to him...................

#450: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 1:47 pm

Thank you!!!!! Very Happy

See, you write updates, you get thank yous. It's a nice system. You want more thank yous, don't you, Lesley? *hint hint* Very Happy

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

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 1:54 pm

Gem, I write the story as it happens, regardless of the comments!!! Laughing

Check in the archives at Real Chalet School MK6 if you want proof!

(I do however, enjoy the comments, even when I get insulted by half the board! Wink

)

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

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 2:12 pm

Thank you Lesley, and I'm glad you enjoy this cos we want you to continue enjoying it, a lot, often, and soon!

#453: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 2:25 pm

Thank you Lesley. you will let us see that little t**d, Ben, getting what's coming to him, won't you?

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

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 3:19 pm

Next little bit! And Jennie? Trust me!

It took another forty five minutes to free Nancy and Col, the coral was packed so tightly across the entrance of the cave that no amount of pulling or tugging by any of the instructors moved it even an inch. In the end they had to use an underwater drill, carried by the Coastguard, before they could shift it. All of this time, Nancy and Col continued sharing the mouthpiece leading to Mark’s tank, when they had exhausted the air in that tank, another was swiftly connected. There wasn’t even space to pass a second mouthpiece through to the two trapped divers, and Mark felt they were exceptionally lucky to have discovered enough space to pass one mouthpiece through.

Eventually, after drilling through the coral for some 20 minutes, a large enough gap was made that the two could escape. They were brought to the surface as quickly as possible, allowing for other safety considerations. A quick check by the Medic on the Coastguard vessel pronounced them both perfectly healthy other than requiring dressings to their hands. They both immediately requested that they go back to the diving boat.

On board, Kathie and the others waited; although they had been told immediately Nancy and Col had been found, they had been unable to go to them. Kathie, in particular was almost dancing with impatience. When the coastguard boat drew alongside almost everyone gathered along the rail to watch the two climb back on board. Nancy appeared first, she had changed out of her wetsuit and had obviously been given some clothing from someone on the coastguard boat. Dressed in jeans and tee-shirt, she was barefoot and had bandages on both hands. Her short, blond hair had almost dried in the sun and her blue eyes were sparkling. She looked around as she reached the deck and caught sight of Kathie. She smiled, the slow, placid smile she always had.

Kathie ducked out of Ruth’s supporting arm and ran across the deck. Oblivious to everyone else in the boat she threw her arms around Nancy,

“I thought I’d lost you!” she said, her voice breaking slightly with emotion.

Nancy returned the hug, stroking the glossy brown head that fitted beneath her own, “You’ll never lose me, Kathie.” she said quietly.

Behind them Col appeared and watched the two women for a few seconds,

“Would you look at that,” he said, apparently to the air, “Two of the best looking women on board, and what happens?”

Kathie looked across at him, her expression darkening slightly, Nancy’s smile grew wider still, she reached out a hand and grabbed Col’s arm, pulling him toward the two women.

“Kathie, I’d like you to meet Col, he saved my life, kept me sane while we were trapped, and is terribly jealous of you!”

Last edited by Lesley on Sat Jun 05, 2004 5:33 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 3:25 pm

*happy dancing with relief*

(and oh, how scared do the med-students at the end of this row look Wink

)

#456: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 3:27 pm

Thank you Lesley. Next post for the dire retribution which we all want to see fall on the head of the lying scumbag?

#457: Author: Rebecca, Location: Kendal/Oxford

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 3:51 pm

Thank you, Lesley!!! Now I can breathe again!

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

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 4:36 pm

Lesley, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Although I AM intrigued as to how Kathie managed this......

Lesley wrote:

Kathie ducked out of Ruth’s supporting arm and ran across the desk. Oblivious to everyone else in the boat she threw her arms around Nancy,

[/b]

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

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 5:31 pm

Oh picky, picky, picky!!! Laughing

Have corrected typo! tongue

#460: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 5:43 pm

Thank you Lesley! You see I was right! When the straights get *really* dire they are nearly saved!!!
Now please may we see Ben get his due reward?

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

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 5:49 pm

*breathing very deeply*

Oh my goodness, I think I've been semi holding my breath all day! Thank goodness they're still alive!

Lesley, that was a truly magnificent cliff. Now, could you please save your torment for Nell and Hilda - just for a bit - 'cos I have more faith in your not killing those two? Laughing

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

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 7:04 pm

Here you go, Jennie,and anyone else that wanted to see Ben get what he deserved!

Seconds later both Ruth and Rosalind appeared to greet their friend, both of them had known and been friendly with Nancy for a very long time, and with Kathie from when she had first joined the Chalet School. With the four women and Col in the centre, most of the rest of the boat, trainees and instructors, gathered around to hear exactly what had happened. Col related how they had come to be trapped and the cause, as he finished speaking all eyes swivelled to look at the one person that had not joined the crowd.

Ben looked across at the silent group with some defiance. In the time it had taken to find and rescue Nancy and Col, he had disappeared below to have a shower and change. Unlike most of the trainees he had dressed and was stood in designer slacks, shirt and expensive trainers - perfect for the late afternoon Australian climate.

“I thought you had surely been killed,” he said sullenly, “I’m glad that is not the case, but from all I’ve heard, it was a genuine mistake, I could not have known about the cave.”

“You were the cause of the accident!” it was Kathie, her temper flaring as she viewed the complacent man protesting his innocence, she stepped forward as though to confront the man.

Col stepped forward and pushed her back, “Kathie, you’re a lady, please allow me.”

He turned to face Ben, shaking his head he said quietly, “Ben, you’re a worm!” he then punched the man in the face.

Ben slid backwards along the deck and slammed into the side, Col stood there, watching him and shaking his hand, the bandages on the hand showed further blood leakage. “Damn,” he said ruefully, “That hurt!”

Nancy stepped forward, shaking her head at Col she merely passed a one word comment, “Men!” she said, her tone amused. She walked across to stand looking down at the man on the deck.

“You not only caused the accident, Ben, you didn’t even think to go for help, instead just looking out for yourself. Don’t know about the rest of you, but that doesn’t sound like the behaviour of a diver.”

She looked round, everyone was agreeing with her, “So I can’t see why you should be on a diver’s boat.”

“What do you mean?” Ben asked quickly, “I’m leaving here as soon as it docks,”

“No you’re not, Ben,” Nancy had suddenly vanished, in her place stood Miss Wilmot, Mathematic Department Head at a large Boarding School, and someone who, though normally a very placid creature, was well able to keep discipline. She turned to one of the crew and requested a life jacket, it was passed across.

“Put it on, Ben,” her tone did not allow thought of refusal and Ben quickly obeyed, “Now, we’re about half a mile out and there are no dangerous currents between here and the shore. I suggest you start swimming.”

Ben swallowed, “You can’t do this, you can’t force me over the side, the Coastguard has gone, suppose I got into trouble?”

Mark stepped forward, “Well, unlike you, we’d make sure you were OK, Ben,” he said, “But you’re not coming back on board.”

Ben looked round the faces, seeing only agreement with Nancy’s actions, he saw a familiar face, “Karen, you’ll help, won’t you?” he pleaded with his wife.

Karen looked across at him, “I don’t know you,” she said flatly.

“Jump into the sea, Ben,” Nancy ordered, “Or I may just forget I’m a lady and throw you in!”

Ben looked round once more but saw no help, he jumped.

#463: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 7:13 pm

Yay!!! Thank you Lesley! My only worry now is whether he will decide to take revenge. Knowing Lesley's devious mind, I think it on the cards.

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

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 7:19 pm

That was BRILLIANT!

ondered how you make him pay, although very sure that you would.

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

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 7:24 pm

heh heh heh...

(though also wondering about possible revenge-type-happenings Shocked

)

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

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 7:28 pm

*giggles!!!*
Thank you Lesley!!
That was a most satisfying installment!!
make Ben suffer a lot please!!!

#467: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 7:57 pm

Oh no.

THat's just begging for major trouble.

#468: Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 10:16 pm

yay! huge grin has spread across my face! Thank you Lesley - it was worth the wait! Smile

Can't help wondering if Ben is going to get his revenge at some point in the future though!

#469: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 10:16 pm

What a wonderful few parts to read together. I feel Nancy's punishment for Ben was entirely fitting and still actually very merciful. I bet it felt good to punch him though (Go Col!) I'm guessing there's going to be more trouble for him with Karen though...

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

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 10:19 pm

I can go to bed & sleep well without having to worry about RCS Very Happy

well, not unless Lesley posts again tonight???????

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

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 10:20 pm

Hah!

Very satisfying, thank you Lesley Laughing

I can't see that Ben would get anywhere by trying to press a case. The rest of the people on board could just deny all knowledge - can't see anyone standing up to support him in court.

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

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 10:25 pm

Thank you Lesley, I loved the rescue. I'm also delighted at how Ben got his comeuppance.

#473: Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 10:36 pm

I wanted death, misery and suffering!

#474: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 10:45 pm

Perhaps its just as well that Lesley's writing this then!!!
That doesn't mean that we don't want a nice typically peaceful RTW drabble as well!

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

Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 12:04 am

Rachel wrote:

I wanted death, misery and suffering!

Well they are still in the first week of the holiday! Twisted Evil

#476: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 12:20 am

*cheers rescue and Ben’s comeuppance* Mr. Green

*relieved that Lesley cannot be influenced by Rachel*

*nevertheless rather worried about the rest of the holiday*

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

Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 1:20 am

I have decided it is a good idea to get behind on RCS by a few posts cos u are less likely to break your neck on Lesley style cliffs ! Can't see me staying away if i can help it though!

Just read the latest bits ...loved the stuff with Nancy and Col ....but Ben is a ***** and that shark should have eaten him ... CS and Jaws!

Can't wait for the next bit !

#478: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 11:00 am

WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW

Lesley, thank you so much. that was amazing. I loved the Nancy and Col scenes.

#479: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 11:35 am

Thank you , dear, kind, vindictive, vengeful Lesley.

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

Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 12:01 pm

Next bit! Going out soon, so no more till tonight at the earliest!

Early morning saw Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson drop off the girls at the driving centre. The course they had booked the girls on lasted the entire day and included both theory and practical. Although it didn’t claim to have it’s trainees ready for their test by the end of the course, it did provide significant instruction and the two friends were in no doubt that, once they returned to Melbourne, all three would be able to pass their test during the next term.

While Miss Annersley was being told of the main hazards to driving in Cambridge - the main one apparently being cyclists - she noted that Miss Wilson was talking to a man in motorbike leathers. She walked over just as Nell finished speaking and looked across,

“Hilda! I’ve just discovered that, if we can stay here until tomorrow, they’ve got some cancellations on a course, we could join it!” Nell smiled.

Hilda raised an eyebrow, “I didn’t think either of us were in need of a refresher course for driving, Nell” she said quickly.

“Not a car, no,” agreed Nell, “But I’m talking about a motorbike riding course!”

There was silence as, in the process of signing in for their course, all three girls turned to hear Miss Annersley’s reply, Hilda glanced behind her at the girls before turning back to face her partner,

“Nell, if you want to learn how to ride a motorbike that’s fine, our schedule is very fluid, we can stay in Cambridge another day or so. I’m sure the girls would appreciate another day driving…” she began, Nell interrupted her,

“Not just for me to learn, Hilda, you too!” Nell said quickly, she continued before her friend had a chance to object, “I’ve thought about this, it makes more sense for us to hire motorbikes for the trip to Scotland.”

“No, Nell!””

“But it’ll just be the two of us, the girls are staying at Center Parcs, and we’ll find it so much easier to travel with bikes, can reach all the more isolated places,”

“No, Nell!”

“Now you don’t want people to think that you’re scared do you, Hilda?” Nell produced the innocent question.

“No, Ne…” Hilda stopped, “Scared?”

“Why yes, Hilda, that’s the only reason I can think of for you refusing.”

Hilda Annersley stared across at her friend, Nell grinned back, “I’m not scared, Nell,” she said eventually, “But it’s hardly dignified is it?”

“Well I thought you had got over that,” Nell replied, “I thought, being in the Real World, you were keen to embrace all new experiences. After all, that’s what you’re always encouraging the girls to do!”

There was silence for quite some time, then, “I hate you Nell Wilson!”

Nell’s grin grew even wider, “No you don’t, Hilda, you love me, you told me so yourself!”

“Hah!”

“I’ll book the course for both of us tomorrow then, shall I?”

“Oh good grief!”

“Knew you’d come round, Hilda!”

#481: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 12:06 pm

Lesley, another of your torments?

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

Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 12:55 pm

*snickering*

poor Hilda...

#483: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 1:16 pm

Oh dear!

Poor, poor Hilda! I do hope she gets her revenge on Nell for this!

#484: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 2:22 pm

I'm sitting at my computer giggling away and scaring my sister here - can't wait to find out what happens with the motorbike riding.

And thank you so much - Ben SO deserved all he got. But I, too, am a little apprehensive of his possible revenge.

Anyways, thank you so much for lots of updates Lesley Smile

Off to practise my own driving now - I have great sympathy for the girls!

#485: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 3:41 pm

I really pity the girls driving in Cambridge...

And as for motorbikes...

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

Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 4:53 pm

I'll need some real description of Hilda on a motorbike Lesley cos I just can't picture it at the minute. Now Nell that was no problem. Very Happy

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

Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 6:19 pm

*imagines Hilda pulling on a set of bike leathers..........*

#488: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 6:35 pm

Just read the last few posts together. Going from deep relief that Nancy and Col were saved, through pleasure at Ben being thrown off the boat, to hilarity at Nell's method of getting Hilda on the motorbike course! Thank you, Lesley.

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

Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 7:48 pm

Hilda in leathers!!!!!!

Yes please Lesley. GO GO GO!!!! Razz

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

Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 8:06 pm

Hilda on a motorbike ...this is going to be interesting !

#491: Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 4:56 am

Looking forward to the next installment, Lesley! Hilda and Nell let loose on motorbikes...

#492: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 6:55 am

I presume Nell will want at least a Harley! Thanks Lesley. It's great and I can't wait for more.

#493: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 8:34 am

Magnificent, Lesley!!

Are you quite sure that there aren't any man-eating sharks about a half mile out from the coastline?? Turdman has got off quite lightly!

Am still picturing Nell & Hilda as Two Fat Ladies - if Hilda doesn't want to bike then she'd look cool in the sidecar!!

#494: Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 9:34 am

Oh yes! Hilda in a sidecar would be brilliant!!

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

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 12:52 pm

Wonderful - love the image of Nell and Hilda on bikes! Needed the light relief after reading all the way from the beginning of the diving lesson in one go! Well done Lesley! Wonderful yet again! Glad I didn't have to sit on that cliff though!

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

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 3:28 pm

Next bit.

After booking the course the two women had to show they were licensed to drive motorbikes, luckily, when Madge Russell had arranged the appropriate papers for all those transferring over from the fictional world, she had included licenses for both cars and motorbikes. Miss Annersley did spare a thought to wish that Madge had not been quite so thorough!

Afterwards they travelled back into the centre of Cambridge, leaving the car in one of the ‘park and ride’ car parks. Walking along the main streets they followed instructions given them by Catherine Barber, Maths Mistress.

“You do realise, Hilda,” Nell began, “That if we manage to buy all the books the CBBer’s have requested, it’ll take us over the weight limit for the flight home?”

Hilda smiled, turning down a little side street and walking with a church to her left, “We can always arrange for the books to be packaged and sent to Melbourne, Nell,” she said, “I think the idea is, that we’re more likely to find the books than anyone else!”

“Don’t know why,” Nell grumbled, “After all, until entering the Real World we hadn’t read any of them!”

They stopped outside a small shop, “Is this it?” Hilda asked doubtfully, the shop seemed to be far smaller than had been described.

“Must be, apparently it’s much bigger once you get inside,” Nell said, opening the door as she spoke. The two women entered the shop; speaking to the woman sat next to a till, they discovered that there was a large number of books upstairs, plus some hardback Chalet School books in a box downstairs, the woman pointed. The friends looked then decided to go upstairs first.

Although somewhat cramped looking, the upstairs held a surprisingly large number of books, they both started to flick through them,

“Hmmm, first edition of School at the Chalet,” Hilda murmured, “I think that’s on Catherine’s list,”

“Have you seen the price?” Nell sounded scandalised, “Be far cheaper if we just invited her and Madge to dinner so Madge can tell her what really happened!”

“Not sure if that will be enough,” Hilda replied absently, “Oh, here’s a copy of the book I make a first appearance in. Think I was mentioned about three times in total, but still!”

“At least your first term was mentioned,” Nell replied, “I just appeared out of nowhere in my second term, when Elizaveta was at the School. Plus, let’s not forget that you had an entire book just about you, not EBD, but close enough!”

Nell turned to look at the top shelf and suddenly grabbed for a book, “I take it all back!” she said breathlessly, “Did you know about this?” she brandished a book in front of Hilda, A Chalet School Headmistress, “This is about me!” she said triumphantly, flicking through the pages, “About when you were off,” she read a small amount, “Hey that didn’t happen!”

Hilda looked over, “It was published after you escaped to the Real World,” she said softly, “So didn’t affect the characters, the one about me was published while I was still there!”

“Pity, still it’ll be a laugh to read it,” Nell continued flicking through the pages quickly. Hilda smiled and went back downstairs to ask about shipping rates to Melbourne.

Back upstairs Nell continued reading; lost in the book she jumped slightly when an unknown voice said, “I wonder, could you reach up and get a copy of that book down for me?”

Nell turned to the young woman standing next to her, smiling, “Of course,” she said, reaching up to bring down another copy down, “They should provide steps really, I’m Nell, by the way,”

“Sophie,” the woman replied, “So nice to see other woman with an interest in these books!”

“Oh you’d be surprised at just how much my friend and I are interested in them!” Nell grinned.

At that moment Hilda reappeared, unable to see the other woman, who had just crouched down to look at some books on the bottom shelf, she spoke, “Nell Wilson, are you going to be reading about yourself for the rest of the morning? Just buy the thing, it’ll make good bedtime reading,”

“Oh all right, Hilda,” Nell returned quickly, “Think I should really get a copy given to me though!”

They both stopped as the woman, Sophie stood up, looking from one to the other she swallowed sharply, “You’re Nell Wilson,” she said, pointing at Nell, “And she called you Hilda, meaning Hilda Annersley. Oh my God!” She gave a slight hiccup and slid gracefully to the floor.

Hilda looked across at Nell, “If this keeps on for much longer,” she said, “We’ll be given our own public health warning!”

Last edited by Lesley on Mon Jun 07, 2004 3:38 pm; edited 1 time in total

#497: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 3:31 pm

That gave me a great giggle Lesley! Thanks.

#498: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 3:39 pm

Although if I met people calling themselves Nell Wilson and Hilda, I think I'd be far more likely to assume they'd changed their names in honour of the characters...

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

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 3:43 pm

caz wrote:

Although if I met people calling themselves Nell Wilson and Hilda, I think I'd be far more likely to assume they'd changed their names in honour of the characters...

Perhaps, but Hilda did say that Nell was reading about herself! Laughing

(BTW Congrats on all you've done so far caz for your thesis! See someone does care!)

#500: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 3:51 pm

Lesley wrote:

caz wrote:

Although if I met people calling themselves Nell Wilson and Hilda, I think I'd be far more likely to assume they'd changed their names in honour of the characters...

Perhaps, but Hilda did say that Nell was reading about herself! Laughing

Sorry, my fault for not reading properly Embarassed

#501: Author: Guest,

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 4:00 pm

Love Nell reading about herself - btw, does anyone know when GGBP are actually going to publish it? Or have I missed it?

Great update Lesley - am still looking forward to the motorbike riding though! Very Happy

#502: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 4:01 pm

Gr, that was me - sorry. Stupid internet, kept logging me out.

#503: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 4:14 pm

Fabulous, Lesley!!

Thanks Laughing

#504: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 4:17 pm

Great, Lesley, thank you.

#505: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 5:07 pm

oh lesley lesley lesley.

Hilda in leathers (I do like the sidecar idea), Nell reading about herself, their general effect on any poor CBBer who meets them... I'm still trying to wipe the grin from my face but its just too funny.

Dearest, loveliest, most wonderful Lesley, please post the next bit soon (ie by tonight...) Very Happy

#506: Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 6:01 pm

At least Sophie was slightly more graceful than the Squeen managed to be!

And Lesley, I am still waiting for the pain, death and suffering to begin - if you need some assistance there, feel free to ask Wink

#507: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 7:53 pm

I know Lesley is on the board, so where is the next installment? I have only ten minutes more, oh woe is me!

#508: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 8:15 pm

Whew! Thanks for sending me the first part Lesley, that made it easier to catch up, but you've written so much more since then. At least I missed the cliffs though!
This is, of course, as brilliant as ever - love the idea of Hilda as a biker, what I would really like to see is Nell buting a GSXR1000 and taking Hilda on the pillion, (for non bikers - top speed @ 186 mph)

Naturally, this was the first drabble I went to, question is, where on earth do I go now?

*Totally overwhelmed by the sheer qty of drabbles*

#509: Author: Sophie, Location: Cambridegeshire

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 9:14 pm

Yay! Yay! Yay! I met Nell and Hilda! What more can life have to offer? OK, so I fainted, but at least Matey wasn't there with some noxious concoction. I especially like the hiccup. It's a great scene...I can just imagine meeting those two in the Haunted Bookshop. I hope I remember to get them to sign a copy of something while we're there. Can't wait to see what happens next. Thanks lovely Lesley! (I apologise for anything I may have said in the past in relation to certain cliff-hanging activities of yours...)

#510: Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 10:14 pm

Lesley, quit lurking around the board grinning evilly and get on with posting the story for goodness sake!

There are loads of us who (a) have given up and gone to bed distraught or (b) are propping eyelids open dismally waiting for more story!

#511: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 10:24 pm

I keep coming back to see if there is more - and there isn't. Sad

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

Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 10:53 pm

Sorry for those of you waiting - have got totally stuck on next bit so will sleep on it!

More tomorrow!

#513: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 5:18 am

loved the bookstore scene, Lesley Very Happy

public health warning ROFL

#514: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 7:28 am

Sort of what this thread needs......

*Warning this Thread could be hazardous to your Health and that of those immediately around you*

*Extreme caution to be taken at all times, cliffs appear with no warning*

*This thread is highly addictive*

Mind the Gap (oh no thats the tube !)

though could still apply Wink

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

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 9:12 am

So does someone need to add another cliff warning to this? Wink

#516: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 3:29 pm

Steep cliff immediately ahead, oops, sorry, right under your feet.

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

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 6:36 pm

Lesley wrote:

“Hmmm, first edition of School at the Chalet,” Hilda murmured, “I think that’s on Catherine’s list,”

“Have you seen the price?” Nell sounded scandalised, “Be far cheaper if we just invited her and Madge to dinner so Madge can tell her what really happened!”

Could I please have the book and be invited for dinner? *very innocent smiley*

#518: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 6:54 pm

I would be quite happy with the dinner invite alone.

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

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 8:43 pm

Next!

The friends managed to revive Sophie and took her along to a nearby coffee house, it took some time, but eventually they were able to persuade her that she wasn’t dreaming or losing her mind. They treated her to lunch as well and, when she left, she had both of their autographs inside her brand new book. Standing outside the restaurant they waved good bye, she had to leave because of meeting someone at the station.

“I don’t know, Nell,” remarked Hilda, “Do you think that we should use pseudonyms while in the UK?”

“You mean in case anyone else recognises us, you mean?” Nell replied, she turned to a young man selling river rides, “No thanks, not interested,” then turned back to her partner, “I don’t think so, I mean that was an unusual situation, anywhere else and our names would have meant nothing. I told you, we’re not interested! I don’t care how good a deal it is!” This last to a persistent seller.

The two walked along the road a little further, coming to a bridge crossing the river Cam, they stopped there to admire the view, while there they were interrupted three more times by students attempting to sell them trips on the river, by this time both women had had enough. When the next one walked over to extol the virtues of river trips the two looked at each other.

“You had first refusal with the Earl, Hilda,” Nell said grimly, “It’s my turn.”

Hilda nodded slightly and leant back on the bridge, waiting to enjoy the show.

Nell Wilson turned to the young man, “You appear to have trouble hearing plain English, young man.” she began, and her voice was deceptively quiet, “might I ask where you are from?”

The student looked surprised at the question, “I’m from Rochdale,” he said, “I’m sure you’ll enjoy the ride on the river, ladies,” he smiled slightly.

Nell nodded, “And you are a student at one of the many colleges of Cambridge university?”

“Yes, but…”

“But, you either have a serious, unresolved hearing problem, or the entrance criteria for Cambridge has dropped considerably since my day and you are unable to comprehend a simple English sentence. Both my friend and I have repeatedly told you and your colleagues that we are not interested in a trip on the river. We are also, most definitely, not interested in propelling ourselves along the water in an unstable flat bottomed boat with nothing but a long stick. Should we ever change our minds it will be because we are in Venice and can pay for the services of a professional gondolier.”

Nell stopped for a moment and smiled, “Now, does that answer your question, or would you like me to repeat it in words of one syllable? Take your time, please, while my friend here is the English expert she doesn't have my expertise with regard to these words. I have a vast repository of words, many of them archaic and obscene, that I will be pleased to share with you, if you don‘t stop bothering us!”

The man gulped slightly and stepped back, “I-I-I’ll go and bother someone else,” he said faintly.

“Wise decision.”

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Jun 10, 2004 9:53 am; edited 1 time in total

#520: Author: Dot, Location: Ireland

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 8:50 pm

Ex-cell-ent!!!

That put him in his place!

Last edited by Dot on Tue Jun 08, 2004 8:53 pm; edited 1 time in total

#521: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 8:50 pm

I'm glad that wasn't a CBBer!!

#522: Author: Ella, Location: Staffordshire

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 9:03 pm

Brilliant! Very Happy

I think Lesley is very sensible to keep Nell and Hilda away from the river. There's been rather a lot of water in this recently - and potential for disaster... even if that was in Australia!

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

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 9:06 pm

Love it, sounds like revenge for the hassle on the Cambridge gather.

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

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 9:12 pm

Do you think you could act Nell & Hilda as well as write them, Lesley? It would have made the Cambridge Gathering even more entertaining!

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

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 9:24 pm

*grin*
Sounds like Nell has been taking lessons in squashing punt sellers from our one and only Jennie............. Very Happy

#526: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 9:37 pm

*takes issue with Nell's description of punting and the expertise of Puntspersons but agrees that their grasp of history and geography would upset Kathie and Biddy*

Anyway, a lot of the Puntsperson are APU and Homertonians Smile

*grins*

I generally don't have problems - then again, I tend to be wearing something from Methsoc - aka the kings of the upper river Very Happy

- or otherwise Cantab related.

And I would have loved to see them...

#527: Author: Sophie, Location: Cambridegeshire

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 10:12 pm

Another excellent episode! Very glad that I got their autographs. Wonder how much they'd go for on ebay? (Although no one would believe they were real autographs, hmph.) I'd love to see Hilda and Nell dealing with being crashed into by screaming teenage hysterics while punting...maybe the prefects could take them out? Please?

#528: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 10:24 pm

I have had to deal with those people too - i just brush past themas if they aren't there!!!

#529: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 10:49 pm

Well I haven't read the other parts of RCS before but I got tempted and plunged into this one. I'm now truly madly deeply in love with the whole thing! Lesley, has anyone ever likened you to a God? Wink

#530: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 11:10 pm

ahhhh Mora dont encourage her, her ego is surely the size of Wales by now......... Wink

*addictive isnt it * Rolling Eyes

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

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 11:12 pm

Loved those parts Lesley, thanks. Can't wait for more (hint, hint).

#532: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 11:17 pm

Kathye wrote:

*addictive isnt it * Rolling Eyes

Incredibly! I went into rehab while I was doing exams but the need for drabbles is just too strong. Wink

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

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 12:46 am

Kathye wrote:

ahhhh Mora dont encourage her, her ego is surely the size of Wales by now......... Wink

*addictive isnt it * Rolling Eyes

*Grin!*

The two friends spent the afternoon exploring the city; they also managed to get to look around a number of the colleges. Late afternoon saw them making there way back to the driving instruction centre to pick up the girls. All three had enjoyed the course and booked themselves onto a similar course for the next day. The five returned to their hotel, intending to have a meal in the restaurant. However, as they entered the hotel, the receptionist said they had a visitor. She disappeared to the lounge only to return minutes later with Andrew St John!

All three girls greeted him excitedly, he hugged both Alison and Carol, however when Louise walked over he reached out a hand,

“I know I said I wasn’t starting back at Cambridge for another week,” he said softly, staring directly into Louise’s eyes, “But I really wanted to see you again. I hope you don’t mind.”

Louise smiled slightly and stretched out her hand to brush his, “I’m really pleased to see you, Andrew,” she said. “Are you alright now? How’s your head?”

Andrew lifted a hand to touch a bump on his head, “A little sore,” he admitted, “But no real damage. It’s really difficult to hurt a law student, you know!” He smiled at Louise then turned to look across at Hilda and Nell.

“I understand you are Louise’s family?” he said a little shyly, “My name is Andrew St John, how do you do?”

Both friends shook his hand.

“We’d like to thank you for all you did yesterday, Andrew” this from Hilda, “The girls told us of how you tried to help.”

Andrew smiled, “I didn’t do a great deal,” he said, shaking his head, “They managed perfectly well themselves! I um, would like to ask Louise out to dinner, if that’s OK with you?”

Nell smiled, a twinkle in her eye, “Well, Andrew, she standing right next to you, go ahead!”

Later, after a meal in the restaurant, Alison and Carol walked into town to a nightclub. Hilda and Nell went out for a walk along the river.

“Not something we’ve ever had to deal with before, Hilda,” Nell spoke apropos of nothing. However Hilda had obviously been thinking along the same lines,

“I known, Nell, we’ll just have to watch and wait. Andrew seems like a pleasant companion, I don’t think he’ll try to hurt Louise.”

“He’d better not!” Nell replied grimly.

They walked back to their hotel room, while Nell was reading through some leaflets describing the motorbike course they were attending the following day, Hilda retrieved their laptop from their luggage and logged-on to check their emails, she laughed,

“Sounds as though Ruth and the others are coping well and having a good time,” she said, she passed the laptop across,

From: Ruth and co.
To: Hilda and Nell

Hope you had a good journey and are enjoying your holiday! Everything is going well here, the Chemistry Lab refurbishment is almost finished and they’ve made a start on the foundations for the new boarding houses. The park is going well, Ros says it should be ready by midway through the term for the girls to start visiting, earlier if they want to participate in the conservation side.

We’ve also been enjoying ourselves - we’re halfway through a scuba diving course - going well and we should all get good passes (Of course, considering our professions!) We’ve also made some new friends including one of the instructors and another trainee.

Anyway, hope to hear from you soon, make sure you’re having a relaxing time!

“Are we having a relaxing time, Hilda?” Nell asked with some amusement.

“Of course we are, Nell,” Hilda replied promptly, she typed for a few minutes then showed the result to her partner.

From: Hilda and Nell.
To: Ruth, Rosalind, Nancy and Kathie.

Thanks for your email, good flight to Singapore and a fairly early night; some of us went exploring the next day before the flight to London. Have managed to see a few old friends and made some new ones. Made the acquaintance of an Earl, no less! The girls met a few young men and one of them has invited Louise out to dinner. Nell and I are on a motorbike course tomorrow!

Will be moving on to Centre Parcs in Nottingham after that, the girls will be staying there, but Nell and I plan to travel on to Pitlochry for a few days!

Take care.

Nell read the email, “Hmmm, very clever, Hilda,” she said, “You’ve told the truth but not the whole truth. I’d hate to allow a lawyer to see that!”

Hilda smiled, “They want to think we’re having a stress free time, Nell, if that means telling them only part of the story, well so be it!”

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Jun 10, 2004 9:59 am; edited 1 time in total

#534: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 1:08 am

My, my, such, um, understated letters. Shocked

#535: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 3:34 am

*giggles* I seem to be spending a lot of time reading this drabble doing that (or holding my breath). How very diplomatic of them.

#536: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 7:34 am

*sighs with pleasure*
Caught up again! Lovely as ever Lesley.

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

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 8:25 am

Brilliant!

Wonder if Nell and Hilda realise they're not the only ones who can write understated messages!

#538: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 9:01 am

LOL! Both parties will be somewhat surprised when the various stories do come out - presumably at the beginning of term over coffee and cakes!!

Loved Nell's putdown over the punting!

Hope things go well for Louise on her date ...

Thanks, Lesley - glad to see that inspiration struck!!

#539: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 9:38 am

Nell's put-down was fantastic - but now I don't knw who I love the most, her or Hilda. Confused

Loved the letters, can't wait for the expressions on their faces when they hear the real versions of events!

#540: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 9:47 am

I love the emails!

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

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 11:43 am

*sighs* s'not fair... I've been in Cambridge for almost a whole year and haven't met anyone like Andrew....

(now is not the time for someone to point out that he is fictional...)

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

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 11:50 am

Well Xan, he might be just round the corner or sitting at the other end of the row in the computer lab wondering why you are there yeebling to yourself again!!

Lesley, thank you again. More wonderful posts - loved Nell's putdown, wish I had her sarcastic ability sometimes! Also love both the understated emails - think it will be rather enlightening when they all meet up again - cos I'm sure there are more dramatic events to come!

#543: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 4:18 pm

Lovely posts, Lesley.

Vikki, I might have known you'd drag me into it!

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

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 6:16 pm

Nell, I don't think Xan's dream man is likely to be sitting in her computer lab, since hers is an all female college....... Wink

And Jennie, I was just drawing the obvious conclusions from Lesley's writing..........

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

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 6:22 pm

Oooops.... Embarassed

Well she's probably safe then he won't have picked up on her CBB habits yet!

#546: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 6:56 pm

Unless she's in the computer lab under Oriental Studies, which has Aircon, and has some *very* nice grads in it.

oh - loving it, Lesley.

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

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 7:41 pm

Next bit - and you can't have Andrew - he's for Louise!

The following day all five drove over to the driving centre; Louise had returned to the hotel after one am, having obviously had a wonderful time out with Andrew. She had swapped telephone numbers and addresses with him and planned to see him again. Neither Hilda nor Nell had mentioned the fact that they had both remained awake until certain that she had returned.

The course itself was interesting; although termed a refresher course, the instructor explained at the beginning that he was not expecting anyone to have any knowledge, instead ensuring that everyone started from scratch. In fact, the very first thing that was necessary was ensuring everyone had on the correct equipment for biking. While some people had their own bike, helmet and leathers, a number had appeared in the same situation as Hilda and Nell. The centre had a number of bikes for use by students and also helmets and leathers and boots for hire.

When another student queried the need for wearing biking leathers the instructor, Alan Short, smiled, removing his jacket and rolling up one sleeve he showed all the students a large scar on his left forearm.

“I got that at the age of 17 while riding my first bike - just a little moped, top speed 25mph.” He said ruefully, “At the time I was wearing a helmet - it’s the law, after all - but no other protection. I broke the arm in two places and needed three operations, including skin grafting from my thigh, before it healed. Two years later, I was involved in an accident when riding a 500cc Triumph, going about 50mph, I was wearing full leathers and got away with just bruising. That answer your question?”

The students all nodded, somewhat subdued at his mention of accidents, however everyone managed to find clothing to fit. In the changing room Nell was ready first, dressed all in black, with her helmet held casually under one arm she grinned across at her partner. Hilda finished fastening her boots before returning her friend’s grin,

“Nell, you look like a pirate,” she smiled.

“I feel wonderful,” Nell replied, “I’m going to have to get myself some of this equipment!” She looked across, critically, at her partner, “You, however, look as though you’re wearing fancy dress!”

“Thank you, Nell,” Hilda replied indignantly, “It’s probably because I’ve been tricked into attending this course!”

“You’re going to love it, Hilda. Trust me!”

“Why do those words fill me with foreboding?” Hilda smiled across at her partner and, suddenly, managed to look almost as piratical as Nell. “Come along, we’ve still to learn how to ride the darn things!”

The course was, surprisingly as far as Hilda Annersley was concerned, enjoyable. The class were all give instructions in basic care of their bike and in how to operate it. They also had the opportunity to ride it within the confines of the centre before heading out onto the roads. The bikes were surprisingly easy to handle although a few students, Hilda among them, made the mistake of not balancing the bike properly when coming to a halt. When Hilda did this, the 400cc machine decided to topple over onto its side, taking Hilda with it! Racing over to help, Nell was the first to reach her partner,

“Hilda, are you OK?”

“Of course I am, Nell, I just love having half a ton of inert metal lying on top of me!” Miss Annersley’s tone was rather sharp.

“Ah, silly question,” Nell said, trying desperately to control a grin that threatened to engulf her entire face. “I’ll just help pull this off,” she reached for the bike just as the instructor appeared.

Once they had righted the bike and helped Hilda to stand, the instructor told Nell to go back to her own bike, he stayed to have a few words with Hilda,

“When I was 19 I got my first big bike,” he said, amusement flickering in his eyes, “Now I’m 6ft 2 and weigh about 14 stone, but at 19, although I’d completed growing up, I hadn’t started to fill out. I think I was less than 10 stone! The bike was delivered to my home address and I rushed outside to try it out. The bike did exactly the same as your one, trapping me underneath. It was 40 minutes before anyone heard my shouts!”

Hilda smiled slightly, “You think Alan, that I’m not strong enough to handle the bike?” She said this with an air of resignation in her tones.

Alan shook his head, “No, just that you need a different technique. I’ve known of people a lot smaller and far weaker, who can ride the large bikes without any trouble, they just have to know how. I’ll show you.”

The rest of the course proceeded smoothly, even once out on the roads everything went well. At the end of the day, with Alan proclaiming that everyone had passed the course, Nell turned to Hilda, “Well?” she said.

Hilda smiled, knowing the question her friend was asking, “Alright Nell, we can bike to Scotland,” she said gently.

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

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 7:45 pm

Wonderful as always. Only you could make me see Hilda Annersley as a pirate, Lesley Kiss

But I'm a bit worried about the motorbiking. It's so easy to have an accident - what's the betting that one of them ends up in a near-fatal crash and we spend days fretting over whether she'll recover from her coma Confused

#549: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 7:47 pm

All I can say is "Rather them than me!" No way would I want to bike from Cambridge to Scotland and not just because I prefer the comfort of a car either.
I wonder what Lesley is planning to do with them on the way or once they get there?

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

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 7:47 pm

Hooray that made staying at work until 8pm worth it! Thank you Lesley! Wonderful to see how Hilda's attitude changed and loved Nell looking like a pirate but Hilda like she was in fancy dress!

Am concerned that biking in scotland might lead to further incidents though...still they must be halfway through the holiday now and nothing really bad has happened yet.... Wink

#551: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 7:48 pm

Talk about tempting fate Nell!!!! That's asking for trouble!

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

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 7:51 pm

I know, I thought that halfway through writing it but somehow couldn't resist posting it anyway!

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

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 8:07 pm

Actually they are one third of the way through the holiday. They are currently on Thursday 30th September, and have another two weeks to go!

Friday 24th - Told going on hols
Saturday 25th - Visit to prison
Sunday 26th - Travel to Singapore, Nell got drunk!
Monday 27th - Nell hangover, travel to London, incident on plane.
Tuesday 28th - Visit to Liss, attack by James and Harry. Scuba diving in sea.
Wednesday 29th - Nancy and Col trapped, girls driving, meet Sophie.
Thursday 30th - motorbike course.

Can't understand why you feel anything terrible is going to happen! Twisted Evil

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

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 8:10 pm

Loved that Lesley, but starting to worry about how bikes are going to become central to your plot...and what evil nasty thing is going to happen to Hilda and nell next.

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

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 8:13 pm

Lesley, we are suspicious because we know you.......... Wink

#556: Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 8:15 pm

*scared now* Sooooo many things can go wrong in 2 weeks! Confused

On another note, the sweetness of those two, and the funniness. Smile

Thanks Lesley.

#557: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 8:15 pm

Experience tells us to be VERY suspicious!!

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

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 9:03 pm

Very VERY suspicious!

But what a lovely thought that we're on page 28, and yet we're still only 1/3 of the way through the holiday Very Happy

#559: Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 9:15 pm

Thank you lesley - just caught up on the last few days' worth. I loved so many things about the installments! I am getting worried that something really nasty is about to happen though! Smile

#560: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 9:27 pm

I am envious about the biking holiday - the opportunities for that journey are immense...

#561: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 11:50 pm

Great stuff Lesley.
And my husband (five foot ten and 14 stone) has managed to do exactly the same as Hilda on more than one occasion, despite riding since he was about 15.
I wish I could ride to Scotand with them.

*Goes away to try to work out how to take two adults, luggage and a dog on one bike*

#562: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 4:55 am

*would feel much more comfortable if doctor friend didn't routinely call motorbikers "organ donors."*

#563: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 9:04 am

Quote:

Neither Hilda nor Nell had mentioned the fact that they had both remained awake until certain that she had returned.

Bless them - I can just imagine it!!

Also love the image of Nell as pirate and Hilda in fancy dress!! Cool

I can't wait to see them getting off their bikes in Scotland - unaccustomed to biking and after travelling all the way from Cambridge, I expect they'll be hobbling around like John Wayne ...

*has vivid memories of doing much the same after one and only occasion of riding pillion, clinging on with every muscle for dear life ...!!*

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

Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 10:11 am

Lesley wrote:

Can't understand why you feel anything terrible is going to happen! Twisted Evil

Can't you? Wink

Well theres plenty of scope in two weeks especially where motorbikes are concerned and added to the fact that they're leavign the prefects behind...the only question is who will get into trouble first?

#565: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 10:19 am

Ellie wrote:

I wish I could ride to Scotand with them.

ME too Ellie, one of my greatest desire's is to have a motorbike.....sigh

BD (before Darren) I used to date men according to what motorbike they rode Twisted Evil

and the liklihood of them allowing me to ride, without them on it !!

Sigghhhh...............Darren isnt into motorbikes............. sigh Crying or Very sad

When most of my friends had pictures of Take That on there bedroom walls, I had pictures of Harley's.....

Great installment Lesley.....are they going to meet up with a biker gang ??

#566: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 1:49 pm

The real question is: will Hilda and Nell join the Hell's Angels?

When I get a motor trike, I'm going to form an organisation called Hell's Grannies. The idea is that we bike up to unsuspecting young louts, hit them with our handbags and bike off at top speed. Anyone want to join?

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

Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 3:54 pm

I know I'm severely late to this, but I've spent the past few days (no exaggeration, except of course for exam breaks...) reading this, and what's in the archives. I don't think I can possibly say how great it is, let it be enough to say that my family think I'm insane for laughing and crying at a computer screen.

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

Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 4:15 pm

The descriptions worked so well Lesley, I'm having no trouble picture Hilda - thank-you. The only problem now is I'm also picturing Jennie and her Hell's Grannies! Very Happy

#569: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 4:49 pm

You are quite welcome to join, Mandy. We have to knock some of the CS virtues in their heads, now don't we.

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

Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 6:33 pm

Lesley, maybe Jennie's 'Hell's Grannies' could make an appearance?
pretty please?
Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?????

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

Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 8:49 pm

Well! Lula - welcome to the board! Am seriously impressed that you read all 3 previous installments with yibble! Jennie - love the image!

Melbourne

After the trials and excitements of the scuba diving on Wednesday, the rest of the week seemed almost tame by comparison. Nancy had insisted that the four complete the course, indeed she seemed keener than ever following her ordeal. On the Thursday, when they appeared for the dive, they were welcomed enthusiastically by all the instructors and trainees. Looking round Kathie noticed that Karen was there too, and walked across to say hello,

“How’s things, Karen?”

Karen smiled slightly, she appeared somewhat pale and had dark circles under her eyes, “I’ve left him, Kathie.”

“Left Ben?” Kathie was shocked, Nancy seeing her partner’s face came over and asked what the problem was, on being told she immediately turned to Karen,

“Oh Karen I’m so sorry, I never expected anything like that to happen!”

Karen smiled slightly and reached out to touch the Maths Head’s arm, “Don’t be,” she said with authority, “The events yesterday just gave me the push I needed. Things have been bad between us for some time but seeing how he acted yesterday, when he could have been responsible for the deaths of two people.” She smiled again, “Let’s just say I saw him in his true colours, and it wasn’t a pretty sight!”

At that moment Mark appeared, “Good to see you Kathie, Karen” he smiled, “Nancy, your return today has just gained Col a great deal of money!”

Nancy Wilmot looked puzzled and the Chief Instructor continued, “Some of the others bet that, after yesterday, you’d not want to continue…”

“While I said you’d be here same as always!” Col himself appeared, grinning, “And I’ve just won a ton of dosh. Come out to dinner tonight, help me celebrate.”

Nancy looked a little worried but Col continued, “Invite includes Kathie of course!” he said, winking at Kathie as he said this, “Oh and you Karen, if you’d like?”

Karen made to refuse but stopped herself, smiling she replied, “Thanks Col, I’d love to!”

“Good, that’s settled then, now get on the boat the three of you, or we’ll be late!”

The afternoon’s dives went perfectly; as there was now an odd number of people Karen joined up with Nancy and Kathie, she did extremely well and, by the end of the lesson seemed to have lost some of the dark circles under her eyes. They left after arranging where to meet in Melbourne for dinner with Col and some of the other instructors.

That evening, in the Staff House at the Real Chalet School, Ruth sat in her room, the largest, by virtue of her position, watching TV. Nancy and Kathie had left earlier for their meal with Col and Rosalind was down at the hospital. She had invited Ruth along but Ruth, not wanting to intrude on her friend’s happiness, had claimed a slight headache and told her friend she was having an early night. She looked round with a slight sigh, ‘the rooms were far superior to anything the mistresses had had when in the original chalet school,’ she thought with satisfaction, ‘en-suite facilities, enough space for TV, Hi-Fi, fridge and computer, as well as room to host anything up to half a dozen people before it felt crowded. And if Hilda was serious when she said that a fully equipped kitchen was going to be built, well that would make it almost perfect.’

“So why do I feel miserable then?” she said out loud, “I’ll tell you why, because you’re jealous. Jealous of what Nancy and Kathie have, and, mainly, jealous of what Rosalind is feeling for Geoff Stevens.”

The words said out loud forced Ruth to think deeply about them, her friendship with Rosalind had never been as powerful as that between Hilda and Nell, and certainly not as charged as that between Nancy and Kathie even before they moved across to the Real World. It had been a far lighter comradeship, one almost borne of necessity, among the senior people in the chalet school they had been thrown together most often. After a time, Ruth had come to see beneath the hard, sarcastic exterior that Rosalind showed the world, to the funny and amusing companion hidden there.

In her turn, Rosalind had seen what no one else, not even Hilda, with her famed insight, had been able to detect. Ruth, the English Department Head, felt that her qualifications, experience and abilities, were not good enough. Hilda had more qualifications and experience, she always knew the answers whenever any English language or literature question was asked and her classes were wonderful. Ruth had never allowed anyone else, and especially not Hilda herself, to know just how much she was intimidated by the Headmistress.

Had Hilda known Ruth was sure she would have acted to dispel Ruth’s fears, but that would have meant admitting there was a problem, and she did not want to do that. Funnily enough, what finally caused her to start to see past her feelings of inadequacy, was the realisation that, for the two weeks when Elinor had attempted to change the story line, she, Ruth, had been the most senior person with respect to English. She had given orders and advice to Hilda Annersley in her role as Junior English mistress, and been the one everyone else had turned to whenever there was a question. And she’d been able to cope without any problems!

Now, the situation had resolved itself, during the four months when Hilda was Deputy Head and Head of English, she had shown Ruth exactly how the English Head should act, that example, coupled with her new confidence, was such that, when Hilda was made Headmistress once more, Ruth was able to bring a far greater dimension to her role of English Department Head. Hilda still taught classes, but Ruth was the one that any queries went to, and Ruth was now sufficiently confident in her own abilities that, if there was a problem she couldn’t answer, she had no difficulty with asking the Head. Ruth smiled at this, truth be told, it was likely that Hilda’s words about Ruth being Headmistress material could also be due to Ruth’s growing confidence in her own abilities.

“So why do I feel jealous of Rosalind being with Geoff, then?” she said out loud, once more returning to her original question, “I think because I don’t want to lose the person that first saw the problems I had, and tried to help.”

“You’ll never do that, Ruth,” Rosalind’s voice suddenly cut across Ruth’s musings, and Ruth spun round to see her friend standing in the doorway. “I did knock, but you can’t have heard, so I came in. And I’m glad that I did,”

Rosalind walked over and knelt beside her friend’s chair, her brown eyes soft and thoughtful, “Ruth, just because I’ve found Geoff, doesn’t mean I want to lose you. You’re my closest friend, that means a lot to me.”

Ruth smiled, “I know Ros, I’m just feeling sorry for myself, that’s all!”

“Well I’m not surprised, moping in here,” the slight sarcastic tone was balanced by the light in Rosalind Moore’s eyes, “Geoff has asked if you will please join us for dinner, Ruth,” she said gently, “He said he wants to know everything about me, and that includes my friends,”

A deeper voice from the doorway spoke, “The last thing I want, Ruth, is to try and isolate Ros from her friends,” Geoff Stevens smiled, “You are the reason she is the person she is. A person I may just be falling in love with.”

Ruth blushed slightly, “Well, put like that,” she began, “how can I refuse?” She stood up to join them.

#572: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 9:12 pm

I love that interlude, but I'm pretty sure that it *is* only an interlude!!!

#573: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 9:49 pm

Awww! Such an insight into another friendship.

#574: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 10:40 pm

awww
*melts*
That was a lovely little piece, I'm glad Ros came back just then!

Thanks Lesley.

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

Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 11:07 pm

Thank you Lesley!
That was so sweet!!!

#576: Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK

Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 11:12 pm

Lovely bit there, Lesley - I really enjoy hearing about the slightly less prominent characters, and you've made Ruth's situation so realistic. Still want to know how the others are getting on, though!

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

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 12:05 am

Thank you Lesley Very Happy

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

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 12:09 am

That was really beautiful. What an insight into Ruth's friendship with Rosalind & relationship with Hilda and how thoughtful of Rosalind & Geoff to realise how she would be feeling.

Even though it's about "minor" characters, Lesley, I think that was one of the most moving RCS episodes you've ever written. Wonderful.

#579: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 4:01 am

Thank you, Lesley, for continuing to make characters more real!

#580: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 8:58 am

Very, very real, Lesley.

#581: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 9:44 am

Catherine_B wrote:

Totally agree - I had tears in my eyes ... quite unexpected and brilliantly observed.
Lesley, my dear, you seem to have a knack of getting under the skin of your characters Wink

(So, are Col and Karen going to get together then? Cos if so, there should be any number of wedding scenes coming our way!! Col & Kaz, Andy & Lou, Ros & Geoff ....... any chance of Ruth finding someone in the meantime??)

#582: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 10:04 am

Lesley, that was a lovely post. Made Ruth Derwent seem very real Wink

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

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 10:52 am

That's beautiful... not sure if that's a word normally applied to writing, but true, nonetheless.

#584: Author: Nicci, Location: UK

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 11:02 am

Lesley, that was so moving, sweet and thoughtful.

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

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 6:48 pm

Lesley, just caught up on a WHOLE week's worth of this... hadn't realised I've been holding my breath since last Friday... Brilliant as ever.

#586: Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 7:35 pm

Just caught up on about 10pages of this! It's SOOOOO good! And it's very nice not to be on a cliff Very Happy

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

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 8:32 pm

The following morning, while Ruth Derwent was sat at the Head’s desk, working through some correspondence and reports, she had a visitor. A knock on the door heralded the arrival of Madge Russell.

“Morning Ruth, do you mind me interrupting?” Madge smiled across at the Senior Mistress.

“Oh, Madge, how lovely to see you,” Ruth smiled, genuinely happy to see the owner of the School and Chief Executive of Real Chalet School Industries, “Please, come in, I’ll make us a drink, tea or coffee?”

“Tea please,” Madge replied, settling herself at the oval table. She looked around appreciatively at her former office. After a few minutes Ruth appeared with a full teapot, two cups, some milk and a biscuit barrel, she placed them on the table.

“How is Joey?”

“Very well, thanks for asking, Ruth,” Madge smiled, though her eyes darkened slightly on thinking of her younger sister. “She has been home for more than a week now, and Jack is looking after her. She’s had a few nightmares but seems to be coping with them.”

“I’m glad, please give her my love.”

Ruth looked across at her visitor, seeing Madge looking round the office she smiled,

“Any regrets, Madge? About giving it up I mean?”

Madge shook her head, “Not really Ruth, I really enjoy all I’m involved with in business now. It seems that I have a knack for business, in a way that shouldn’t be a surprise, after all the original chalet school was a very viable concern for a number of years. Unfortunately I always put that down to Jem’s expertise, rather than my own!”

“Elinor’s influence, I expect.” Ruth said with some decision.

Madge sipped her tea then spoke again, “And what of yourself, Ruth? Is everything going well here?”

Ruth nodded, “Everything is going fine,” she said quickly, “We’re all working well in the mornings and have the rest of the day to enjoy ourselves. It’s the others really, I’ve not done very much…”

“Oh no, in the same way that when Hilda is here, she doesn’t do very much!” Madge replied dryly, “I’ve heard some very good things about you, Ruth Derwent, from both Hilda and Nell!”

“From Nell?” Ruth was intrigued, and more than a little pink with embarrassment and pleasure.

“Yes, Nell mentioned that, when the appraisals are due in, the end of the year, she will be recommending you for promotion. She mentioned it because she said it felt strange recommending someone for promotion to her own post!”

The English Head smiled again, “That’s nice to know,” she said rather quietly, “But it’s not likely to happen. I cannot see either Hilda or Nell retiring any time soon.”

“Nooooo, but at least, if anything untoward were to happen, I’d know I could promote you to either Deputy Head, or even Headmistress without a qualm.” Madge smiled again at the woman opposite. She finished her tea and nodded when Ruth asked if she would like another, while Ruth was pouring out a second cup she spoke again.

“I understand that the four of you will be away for the weekend?”

“Yes, we’ve got our final diving lesson this afternoon, then we have an early evening flight to Sydney, we’ll be spending the weekend there, returning Sunday afternoon.” She explained about the gift Hilda and Nell had left the four.

“Ah, I see now why you wanted me to cover this weekend,” Madge said quickly.

“If it’s not too much trouble, Madge,” Ruth began, “There’s not much to do, but the contractors want to finish the Chemistry Lab refurbishment and I think there’ll be some ecologist looking over the plans for our nature park.”

Madge smiled, “No problem at all,” she said quickly, “My pleasure! Enjoy yourself in Sydney.” She drained her cup and stood up, “Well I must be going, I’m meeting my niece, Daisy, for lunch. She has a new member of staff starting,”

“Anyone we know?”

“Well she’s a CBBer, name of Alex Farmer, she’s starting in the Pharmacy Department and will be attending Monash to complete her studies. So I imagine that any of the Staff that are on-line frequently will know her. Anyway, I must go, see you next week!”

#588: Author: catherine, Location: York

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 9:35 pm

Thanks, Lesley.

You made Ruth very real and it's nice to see Madge letting Ruth know how much she is appreciated.

#589: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 10:54 pm

Something happening to Nell and Hilda - this sounds like foreshadowing - either for this installment or the next...

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

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 11:15 pm

Hmm, can see somehting building up slowly...but Hilda and nell hyad betterbe kept safe!

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

Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 12:22 am

Please Lesley, what time do you have the next installment scheduled for? Wink

#592: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 11:59 am

Yes, I want to know too.

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

Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 12:36 pm

Sometime today. Laughing

#594: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 12:37 pm

Bitterly disappointed with Lesley's post.

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

Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 12:39 pm

Today? Awwww... I'll just have to sit tight til I can next get on the net to find out what happens next then. *prepares self for a long wait*

Thanks for the last bit Lesley.

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

Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 2:21 pm

Next bit - more to come later!

The evening after the motorbike course saw all five out in Cambridge for a meal, the plan was to leave for CenterParcs first thing the next morning. After the meal Hilda and Nell had planned to return to their hotel, however the girls persuaded them to go to a night club. The night club in question appeared to be very popular, and extremely selective as to who was admitted. In the queue, Hilda and Nell watched as the three burly bouncers on the door accepted or rejected people, almost randomly.

“Have you seen the size of that bouncer?” Nell said, sotto voice to Hilda and the others, “6ft 4 if he’s an inch, and built like a brick sh…..out house!” She changed the word on registering Hilda’s eyes upon her!

There did seem to be certain criteria, no one looking, or appearing to be under eighteen was admitted and there seemed to be a ban on those wearing scruffy clothing, smart wear was essential. In addition, the bouncers seemed to have an upper age limit, turning away anyone appearing to be in their late thirties. Hilda mentioned this to Alison, but she seemed confident that they would be able to bluff their way past.

“You’ve notice the other criteria they seem to have?” Nell whispered to her partner, “They’re turning away any girls who appear grossly overweight!”

“Oh well, you can always wait back at the hotel then, Nell!” Hilda responded quickly, “We can’t all have a size ten figure!”

Nell glared across at her partner with narrowed eyes, “And you’ve just been waiting months to be able to say that, haven’t you?” she hissed, “For your information, I’m the correct weight for my height, size 12 - 14 is normal, and it’s muscle not fat!”

Hilda grinned.

A few minutes later they reached the bouncers, Alison, Louise and Carol were ushered through without problem, then the bouncer looked over at Hilda and Nell,

“We operate within an age range here ladies,” he said, somewhat bored, “Ages 18 to 35 are acceptable, can I ask your ages?”

Nell poked Hilda in the ribs to stop her correcting the bouncer’s English, still smarting about the weight comment Nell turned to look at him, “Last birthday I was 98,” she said flatly.

Hilda looked over at her partner and smiled, she looked at the bouncer, “And I was 100, but I don’t think I look older than her. What do you think?”

There was silence for a time, the bouncer swallowed slightly, registering the two pairs of eyes on him, one pair blue-grey, the other grey. All of a sudden he felt extremely vulnerable. He swallowed again, “Right,” he said, “No problem here then, you can go on through!”

Inside the three girls were waiting, they did not seem surprised that their Guardians had been admitted!

#597: Author: Dot, Location: Ireland

Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 2:36 pm

Ha! Ha!

More please!!

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

Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 2:54 pm

*giggles*

It's great!

#599: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 3:34 pm

That was great Lesley - love to see people with a bit of authority dealt with like that!!!

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

Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 3:36 pm