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        Stories & Imaginings >> Cookies & Drabbles >>  New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
        
(Message started by: Carolyn P on Jan 1st, 2004, 12:03am)
Title: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Carolyn P on Jan 1st, 2004, 12:03am
Loveday didn’t return before Nicola fell asleep, Dr Maynard having decided to ensure a good nights sleep in the usual way. Nicola slept soundly that night and woke early to find the room flooded with light. The first day of the year had dawned with a bright frost and when Loveday entered the room her cheeks were shining with the unaccustomed cold.
“Good morning darling, you look much better today.”
“My arms still hurt a lot, but I can lie on my back now and I slept so much better last night.”
“That’s good news. Look, I’ve brought you some of your books, would you like me to help you sit up?”
The morning was passed very quietly, Loveday deflecting all attempts by Nicola to bring the subject back to her father, and when the nurse settled Nicola down to sleep after a light lunch Loveday left the San and began to walk towards the hotel.

She had not gone far when Hilda fell in beside her. After a brief query about Nicola’s progress the head fell silent, waiting. Loveday told herself that she was an adult, and tried to quell the slight sick feeling she could feel in the pit of her stomach.
Hilda knew the mixed emotions that were going through Loveday’s mind and was content to walk silently besides her for a while, waiting for Loveday to work her through the turmoil. Eventually Loveday broke the silence, as Hilda had known she would.
“Thank-you for your care of Nicola, and for being so understanding towards her. She told me that you know all about us now.”
“Indeed,” replied Hilda, “It was rather hard of you to expect a child of Nicola’s age to deal with that type of situation by herself.”
“I know,” sighed Loveday ruefully. “But I so wanted her to have a good start here without all the questions and explanations that I knew would come if she was entered under my birth name.”
“You let the child down badly though, you should have taken me into your confidence. We would have helped.”
“I don’t trust people, not easily.” Loveday shivered as they had come to a stop. Miss Annersley fished in her pockets and offered a small hip flask.
“Don’t look so shocked, in these climes a hip flask is necessary. I only keep a nip in it, and you look cold enough to need it.”
Loveday took the flask as she commented, “I never expected my former headmistress to offer me Brandy.” A mouthful was all she needed and soon the two were walking along the Platz, Loveday finally pouring her story, along with all her hopes and fears for their future into that ready and understanding ear.

“I do wish she had come to me all those years ago, during that term when she suspected that she was pregnant,” said Hilda to Joey later that day as they sat besides the roaring fire at Freudesheim. “All this trouble could have been saved, and Loveday never need have gone through that horrendous experience. What a waste.”
“Yes, there has always been room for another child here, how many children have I taken in for exactly the same reason? We don’t make a fuss about it, but we always support Chalet Girls, no matter what trouble they find themselves in.”
“Nicola will remain with the school of course now, and we will find a scholarship for her when the time becomes appropriate. Loveday will continue with her current job for the time being but will request a transfer to her company’s Central European office when a position becomes vacant.”
“You have it all under control again don’t you Hilda.”
“Of course!”
“Did Loveday tell you everything?” queried Joey, looking into the fire, away from Hilda as she asked.
“Oh, yes, I made sure of that. Don’t worry, she won’t tell another soul about it now and her parent’s reaction ensured that she kept it from them at the time. That is one thing we can be thankful for.”
Joey risked a look at the Head, “So the school is safe?”
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Lesley on Jan 1st, 2004, 12:10am
Hmm - so how many other children were because the Chalet Girls got themselves 'in trouble'?

And why is Jo asking if the School is safe unless the father is someone intimately involved with the school? Jack or Jem?

Suppose all these questions will be answered by Rachel!

Thanks Carolyn! ;D
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Esmeralda on Jan 1st, 2004, 12:24am
Thanks for not making us wait longer than necessary Carolyn, but, "The school is safe?",  where did that come from, why shouldn't the school be safe?
So many questions, so long to wait for the answer!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Abi on Jan 1st, 2004, 12:53am
*waits with baited breath for the answer*
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Jan 1st, 2004, 1:16am
oooooooooooh, me too!


oh hang on, I already know, don't I?

Mwahahahahahahahahaha!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Vikki on Jan 1st, 2004, 1:34am
*pokes Rachel for being a provoking tease, and thanks Carolyn for a lovely beginning!!* :-* :-*
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Jan 1st, 2004, 1:35am
I'm not a tease!

Do you want t to know who Loveday's father is?
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Abi on Jan 1st, 2004, 1:38am
*unbaits breath in a gasp*

Go on...... just tell us! Please!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Jan 1st, 2004, 1:42am
Her father was

(scroll down spoiler space  )

>

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>

Mr Perowne!

Well I did ask if you wanted to know who LOVEDAY'S father was!

Mwahahahahahahahahahha!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Vikki on Jan 1st, 2004, 1:51am

on 01/01/04 at 01:34:23, Vikki wrote:
*pokes Rachel for being a provoking tease
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Jan 1st, 2004, 1:54am
I'm not a tease!

Do you want to know who Loveday's Nicola's father is?
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Catherine_B on Jan 1st, 2004, 1:56am
YES!  So get on with it!   ;D
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Vikki on Jan 1st, 2004, 1:59am
*adds in a couple of pleases!*
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Jan 1st, 2004, 2:00am
well, since you asked so ni cely

>
>
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>

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>>
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I'm at my aprents and the story ins on my hoome PC!

Mwahahahahahaha!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Catherine_B on Jan 1st, 2004, 2:01am
*considered adding extra words like 'please' to previous comment but decided that short, succint messages might find their way through to Rachel's brain better given her current condition!*
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Abi on Jan 1st, 2004, 2:02am
*debates whether to prod rachel with my sword*
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Jan 1st, 2004, 2:03am

on 01/01/04 at 02:02:53, Abi wrote:
*debates whether to prod rachel with my sword*



I'll see your sword and raise you a badger
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Vikki on Jan 1st, 2004, 2:04am
*admits that Catherine is probably right*
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Abi on Jan 1st, 2004, 2:08am

on 01/01/04 at 02:03:42, Rachel wrote:
I'll see your sword and raise you a badger


*wonders with suspicion what Rachel means by that*
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by @ustria@my on Jan 1st, 2004, 3:59am
*wonders along with Abi*
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Pat on Jan 1st, 2004, 10:46am
Suggest dosing Rachel with whatever is in Hilda's hip flask!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Ally on Jan 1st, 2004, 11:19am
All these answered questions, hurry up and finish them Rachel!!!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Esmeralda on Jan 1st, 2004, 2:45pm
*Wondering just how long we are going to have to wait for the rest of this.
*Sending Rachel a packet of those new Russian thingies.
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Lesley on Jan 1st, 2004, 3:00pm

on 01/01/04 at 14:45:42, Esmeralda wrote:
*Wondering just how long we are going to have to wait for the rest of this.
*Sending Rachel a packet of those new Russian thingies.


Sp-oons? Or Vodka? What new Russian thingies?
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Catherine_B on Jan 1st, 2004, 3:51pm
Don't know if this is what Esmeralda had in mind, but I did notice some vodka & chocolate concoctions in my local off licence last week.  I think they were called Vodka Shots.  Chocolate filled with vodka - what a thought!  ::)
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Susan on Jan 1st, 2004, 4:42pm
Patiently waiting for Rachel.  Sitting on sofa surrounded by empty Bailies bottles and boxes of chocolates - why does New Year alway meant the end of the chocs etc. At least until you find the box you hid for Boxing Day at Easter.
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Vikki on Jan 1st, 2004, 5:49pm
*wonders if Rachel has recovered from last night's overindulgence yet?*
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Esmeralda on Jan 1st, 2004, 5:53pm
The vodka shots sound delish, haven't tried them yet though.
The Russians have, apparently, developed a pill which rids the body of the worst effects of alcohol, leaving you bright eyed and bushy tailed the following morning.  It was supposedly used by KGB agents so they could get their targets drunk but remain clear headed themselves.
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Catherine_B on Jan 1st, 2004, 6:05pm
Verrrry interesting!

The non-KGB employ a slightly less sophisticated method in Russia: drinking beer first thing in the morning.  The beer kiosks open early in the day, and it's pretty startling how many people are on the street holding bottles of beer to get over their vodka hangovers.  8oo (<-- feeling queasy smiley)
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Esmeralda on Jan 1st, 2004, 6:08pm
What better way to avoid a hangover - stay drunk! ;)
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Jan 1st, 2004, 6:48pm
Fortunately I am one of those wonderful creatures who never gets a hangover!

I put this down to the ability to drink sufficient to thoroughly enjoy life whilst staying the right side of "too much"!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Esmeralda on Jan 1st, 2004, 7:27pm
*Disgruntled because Rachel's post wasn't more story.
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Pat on Jan 1st, 2004, 7:53pm
She's doing that deliberately, of course.
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Jan 1st, 2004, 7:54pm
Doing what deliberately?

:D
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Pat on Jan 1st, 2004, 7:56pm
Posting yibbles rather than story, as you well know!!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Jan 1st, 2004, 8:03pm
I do apologise!

I sha'n't do it again!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Pat on Jan 1st, 2004, 8:09pm
Ththththththththththt!!!!!  
*that's the nearest i can get to that lovely sound you get when you stick your tongue between your lips and blow!!  Raspberries I believe they're called!!*

Get on with it girl!!!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Jan 1st, 2004, 8:17pm
<wibbly lip>

I shall cry if you're mean to me!



And then I shall thcream and thcream and thcream until I am thick!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Pat on Jan 1st, 2004, 8:24pm
Go on then!!  You'll have to clear it up yourself though!  
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Jan 1st, 2004, 9:25pm
No I wont because Matey will pack me off to bed with a scolding for making myself ill, whereupon I shall begin to cry again and she will soften slightly and do the

"Tch, there's no need for that now! Off you go to sleep."

at which point I shall stifle my tears, and apologise to Matey for being so silly, she will forgive me, give me a huge bullseye to suck on and I shall tell her that I love peppermint.

So there!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Pat on Jan 1st, 2004, 9:39pm
But of course, none of that would happen if you'd post the next bit!!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Vikki on Jan 1st, 2004, 9:42pm
*thinks Pat should know by now that those tactics just don't work with Rachel!!!*
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Pat on Jan 1st, 2004, 9:45pm
Vikki, *nothing* works with Rachel.  I'm just upping my post total, that's all.  If Rachel thinks I'm trying to get her to post, that's her look out!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Jan 1st, 2004, 9:50pm
weeeeeeeeeeeeell, my section is actually quite long today - would you like a bit now to keep you going?

of course, if you would prefer, I will keep it all until midnight to post   ;D
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Pat on Jan 1st, 2004, 9:57pm
As you like, my dear.  Feel free to follow either suggestion!   :P :P :P
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Jan 1st, 2004, 10:10pm
(A little to whet your appetites ;) )

“What a stupid question!” replied Hilda, her tones just dripping with scorn. “Of course the school is safe. It always has been and always will be!”
“I know,” replied Joey slightly shame faced. “Only, this is such a risk, allowing Loveday the freedom to roam and the chance that one day she will remember!”
“Joey, I made sure she drank from my hipflask this morning. Within the next three hours, she will be either insane or will have forgotten anything there was to remember. This latest batch from Jack is far superior to the old stuff. If she starts to remember, the implanted memories will kick in, and she will start to lose her reason. Hopefully with the additives Jem has been developing over the past few years, the memories just wont surface.”

Joey looked at her old friend suspiciously. “Jack’s dosage?” she queried.
Hilda looked at Joey, wondering where this was leading. “Yes Joey,” she answered at last. “Jack is still developing the drugs, moving them on through various processes. Every batch is better than the last.”

Joey put a hand to her head, rubbing her eyes. “But he, I mean, oh!” she cried, sinking back in her chair.
Hilda’s eyes narrowed with interest as she watched the spasm cross Joey’s face. Within a few moments, Joey was sitting up bright eyed and bushy tailed, chatting merrily about potential changes within the Chalet School curriculum, and Hilda sat back satisfied that the new improved dosages really did work.
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Esmeralda on Jan 1st, 2004, 10:15pm
Oh well, at least I got to read some of it before going to bed.
The rest will have to wait until tomorrow, and the TEM had better keep it's grubby fingers off this thread - or else!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Pat on Jan 1st, 2004, 10:21pm
Well done, Rachel!  I hope the effort didn't strain you too much!   ;) ;)
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Jan 1st, 2004, 10:32pm
I survived - barely - but I may need a fortifying drink in order to post the rest  ;)
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Pat on Jan 1st, 2004, 10:33pm
Can't help you there, I'm afraid - we don't have any in the house!  Wish we did!!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by LulieCat on Jan 1st, 2004, 10:34pm
*offers Rachel a choice of vodka, port, sherry, champagne, wine,beer, lager and ginger wine*

*please help you to any/all of these*
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Jan 1st, 2004, 10:37pm
Lulie, your house sounds wonderflubble! When may I move in with you?

I'm house trained! (just)
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Chloe on Jan 1st, 2004, 10:38pm
Rachhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhelllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!!  

No fair i've got to wait ages for the next but now please post it soon!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by LulieCat on Jan 1st, 2004, 10:42pm
You can move in when you've finished posting drabbles  ;) :P

I'll save you some alcohol  ;D
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Lesley on Jan 1st, 2004, 11:07pm
Thank you for the small amount you posted this evening Rachel.

Will read the rest sometime tomorrow as I've got to go to bed now - working tomorrow!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Abi on Jan 1st, 2004, 11:23pm
*emits a wail of anguish and threatens Rachel with the sword unless she comes and posts the rest soon!*
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Jan 1st, 2004, 11:26pm
Your sword holds no fear for me! I have a badger AND Travel Kittens (TM)!

Don't you all like being teased and made to wait? You all do it to me so often, I felt sure this is how you like your drabbles!

You'll get it all before midnight - at the latest  ;D
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Abi on Jan 1st, 2004, 11:33pm
*pretends not to notice that Rachel has posted*
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Jan 1st, 2004, 11:45pm
The following week Nicola was released from the San to the Maynards home for continuing recuperation.
“She’ll be better off in a home environment now,” Jack told Loveday. She looked at him with a glint in her eye, which vanished to be replaced by the vacant expression she was beginning to wear constantly now as she happily agreed to this plan.

The evening, after Nicola was safely tucked up in bed, Hilda Annersley popped in to pay the Maynards a visit. To Joey’s astonishment, she was accompanied by Sir James Russell.
“Jem!” she cried happily. “I had no idea – is Madge with you?”
Jem nodded at Jack, who handed Joey a cup which she absentmindedly took and drank from, still rattling on at speed. Mid sentence, her eyes glazed, the cup slipped from her hand and Jack pulled her through to the Salon and lay her on a couch.
“She’ll be fine,” he commented, looking at his wife lying there, still, grey and to all appearances drugged to the eyeballs.

The merry trio went to Jack’s study to discuss latest developments.
“Does Loveday remember anything?” asked Jem in his most pompous manner.
“Not now,” replied Hilda. “I administered the dosages you suggested, and fortunately her brain was feeble enough to accept  the alterations in her memories fairly easily.
“How can you be certain?” Jem asked, still not convinced.
“I saw her earlier Jem, she couldn’t remember a thing. Nicola was asking for over an hour, and Loveday still couldn’t remember. We’re safe Jem, there was no need for you to make such a production out of it all,” remarked Jack.

A noise outside the office made the three pause, but hearing nothing else, they continued their discussion.
“I think,” said Jem, clearing his throat nervously, “that the time has come to abandon our project.
“No chance,” replied Hilda. “The school needs the money! You can’t stop just like that!”
“Hilda, my dear woman,” started Jem.
“I am not your “dear woman” and I will not have you condescending to me in this manner. The project has been successful! This is the first time there has ever been a problem, and it is contained! We carry on as before,” Hilda said firmly.

Jack sighed. He was sick of the whole project now. It had seemed so simple back in the beginning, and back then it had been. It had also been motivated by far more laudable aims than money. In the early days, he and Jem had discovered quite by chance that a certain combination of drugs produced a non-lethal dosage that caused complete eradication of certain areas of the memory. Either that or total insanity. The two doctors had agreed that the side effects were worth the effect of the drug, and had approached the military with a view to this combination drug being of use during the war. They had been laughed at, the military saying, with some reason, that they already had all the drug technology they wanted.

Later on, Jem had realised that there were so many young women out there, unable to provide for their children adequately, and wouldn’t it be nice if those children could be helped. This had led to the “programme” – which involved drugging parents into believing they never had children, the children into believing they were all orphans, and gullible rich people into believing they were now the guardian of said orphans and solely responsible for providing for them. This had been successful for many years – and wasn’t it a coincidence that all the guardians always picked the CS!

Of late however, Jem and Hilda had been getting greedy, and had started drugging people at random and suddenly the school had found numerous scholarships, bequests and donations being given to it. Jack had noticed this, and had wondered, but he knew himself to be very much the lesser of the triumvirate and had accordingly kept his mouth shut.
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Jan 1st, 2004, 11:45pm
“So, what to do with Loveday,” mused Jem.
“How do you mean?” demanded Jack, not liking where this conversation was headed.
“Come on old man, you must realise it is far too dangerous to leave her kicking around! We have to take her out of the equation now. And that means sorting Nicola too,” he ruminated.
Hilda said nothing, but her eyes gleamed with the excitement. She loved taking people out of the equation.

The door was flung open, and Loveday stood glaring at the trio.
“I may not have wanted to be a mother, but you are NOT taking it away from me,” she declared, brandishing a knife she had taken from the kitchen. (Yes, it’s a carving knife J )
“Now Loveday, dear girl, do see sense,” said Jem, moving closer to the doorway.
“Back off old man!” snarled Loveday, her true maternal instincts rising for the first time as she contemplated how she would really feel if she ever lost her only child.
Jem crept ever closer until, with a howl of pain, he backed off hurriedly, grabbing his wrist where Loveday had slashed at him with the knife.
Jack looked at the man, who was obviously bleeding badly. “Want me to bandage that up?” he asked quietly.
“Yes! Yes, of course I do you fool!” said Sir James, not quite so cool calm and collected as he had been before.
“Tough titties!” giggled Jack. He had had Enough.

Loveday stood in the doorway, not allowing anyone near, despite the fact that neither Hilda nor Jack had any intention of trying to get out the door, and Jem was almost dead now anyway.
A slight sound from the stairs caught Loveday’s ears, but she refused to turn around. A voice asked incredulously “Mother?”
“Yes Nicola, don’t come any closer please. It’s not a pretty sight! Go and pack and come back down here as soon as possible please. We’re going home.”
Nicola scuttled back up the stairs as Jem breathed his last. “One down, two to go,” smiled Loveday.

Jack began talking quietly, in a voice guaranteed not to inflame Loveday into doing anything mad. He gently told her the truth, about how all this had come about, and how he and Hilda were stopping now, today, this very minute.
“She isn’t!” said Loveday, having overheard enough of the conversation to work this out. “She wanted to keep it going! She was agreeing to me being wiped out of my daughter’s memory!”
“I know Loveday,” said Jack soothingly, but I’m not going to let that happen. Nicola is your child, and you two are finally beginning to understand each other! You two belong together, and need time to adjust. Becoming a mother was a huge thing to happen to you at that age Loveday, you weren’t ready, and nobody blames you for how you have dealt with it all. Now you are ready to be more than just a Mother, you’re a mum!”
Loveday looked at Jack, amazed that he could apparently see inside her mind to her innermost thoughts.
“Yes,” she whispered. “I’m Nicola’s mum.”
With one smooth action Loveday flung the carving knife at Hilda, where it landed in her chest, swaying slightly from side to side after the impact.
Hilda looked down at it in astonishment. “Why you ungrateful” she said, but dropped to the floor dead before being able to complete her line.

Jack looked in stunned silence at Loveday, not having expected that from the girl.
“She had it coming. You all do,” said Loveday in her quiet way, drawing out a meat tenderizer from behind her back.
With a shriek of anguish, Joey threw herself on Loveday, grappling and bringing the girl to the ground at Jack’s feet. He looked relieved, but soon began to tremble when Joey did her best Molly Weasly impression. “How DARE you!” she shrieked at her husband, and tore him off a strip about his actions over the previous thirty years.
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Jan 1st, 2004, 11:46pm
Nicola came down the stairs and went straight into Loveday’s arms, the pair hugging tightly for the first time ever. “I’m so sorry,” whispered Loveday. “It doesn’t matter now mum,” replied Nicola, feeling safe, secure and loved at last.



A month later, the mother and daughter were sitting down to dinner in the small flat in England where they were living for a while.
“Mum, I know you don’t want me to keep asking, but do you remember who my father is yet?” Nicola asked.
Loveday looked at her daughter carefully. “I think so darling,” she replied. “But it’s not going to be easy telling you.” She sighed, knowing that easy or not, she was going to have to do it.
“Darling, do you still have the porcelain fairy?” she asked at last.
“Nicola looked startled. “Why, yes I do actually. It’s upstairs. Do you want it back?” she asked with some anxiety.
The fairy had been her mothers prized possession at the time of Nicola’s birth, and she had given it to Nicola at the age of five, with stern instructions on how to look after it, and dire warnings if anything should ever happen to it.
“No sweetie, you can keep it. Your father gave it to me,” she added hesitantly.
“He did?”
“Yes, he bought it for me during the short time we had together, before my parents sent me away. And then he bought me the other fairy, you know the hideous one?”
“I’m afraid I don’t have that one anymore,” Nicola admitted shamefaced.
“No matter, it really was hideous. He bought it as a joke! But the first one, the beautiful porcelain one, he bought and asked me to keep to remember him by. You see, it turns out that he knew what James Russell was up to, and was trying to stop him, but he was afraid that James was on to him. He wanted someone to remember him as he really was – a generous, kind, loving young man. And he was Nicola, before James, Hilda and all those connected to that awful school got to him. He was as near to perfect as any imperfect human can be, and I loved him with all my heart. He wanted to marry me darling, we loved each other. Don’t ever feel that you were conceived in anything other than love, for you weren’t.”
Nicola absorbed all this, her face shining as she thought of a man such as her mother described.
“Can I meet him?” she asked eventually.
A tear rolled down Loveday’s face.
“I’m sorry darling, but that is impossible.”
“But why mother? Is he married to someone else? Does he hate you? Was he driven insane by the drugs?”
“No sweetie. His memory was altered by the drugs, and to keep him close to hand, James Russell decided he would have to be kept within the family, so he implanted him with the idea that he was in love with someone else.” Loveday watched Nicola’s face closely. “James wanted Jack’s own daughter to marry him, to keep him safe. But Len wouldn’t go along with it, and Jack refused to drug his own child. Do you understand where this is going darling?” asked Loveday hesitantly.
Tears trickled down Nicola’s face. “You mean Reg was my daddy.”
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Jan 1st, 2004, 11:47pm
** And on my computer is says 23:59 so you got it before midnight  ;D  ;D  ;D **
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Abi on Jan 1st, 2004, 11:55pm
*shocked, amazed*

well, well, well. three holes in the ground. what do you know about that? must say that was unexpected! Thank you RAchel!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Catherine_B on Jan 1st, 2004, 11:56pm
Oh, wow!  WOW!  This is fiendishly clever.  I'm soooo impressed.  Did you make it all up yourself, Rachel, or have you and Carolyn been in cahoots?  

*awestruck*
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Today at 12:02am
Carolyn came up with her bits, I came up with mine, and we occasionally collaborated over particular ideas. I got to read all her bits, but she only saw a few of my parts before I posted them on here! She saw none of the one-off advent drabbles before posting!

I can tell you, I nearly wept buckets when I saw the ending Carolyn gave me on her part for today   ;)  - that question! Aaaargh! "Is the school safe?" what did she mean, what was she referring to? just as well my brain does weird so often! And this one ended up far longer than I anticipated because there were so many loose ends and things still to explain - but it has been great fun, and I *think* we both enjoyed the experience!


ETA: Carolyn hasn't seen this bit yet - do you think she will like it?  ;)
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Abi on Today at 12:05am
Well, we certainly have!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by xanthe on Today at 12:08am
Thank you Lovely Rachel and Lovely Carolyn  ;D
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Vikki on Today at 12:20am
*huggles Rachel and Carolyn*
Thank you both for everything!! :-*
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Today at 12:30am
You're very welcome.

You and KB can do next years advent drabbles  ;)
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Vikki on Today at 12:36am
Yurgle!!!!!



*reminds Rachel that December is my absolute busiest time at work!*
*also points out that neithr KB or I have the creative insanity which distinguishes Rachel*
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Rachel on Today at 12:49am
Well I've given you plenty of notice, so you can't blame lack of tim ein December! Start writing them now, and then all you will have to do is post them at the appropriate time   ;D

Back me up everyone! Tell Vikki that she CAN do it!
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Susan on Today at 12:59am
Carolyn and Rachel this is brilliant. Thank you so much for all your hard work.

Yes Vikki you can do it - especially now you are saying you've abandonded New Family.
Title: Re: New Years Day (advent drabbles: an Epilogue)
Post by Vikki on Today at 1:05am
*reconsiders possible abandonment of NF!!*


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