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        Stories & Imaginings >> Cookies & Drabbles >>  An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
        
(Message started by: Vikki on Nov 20^th, 2003, 1:54am)

Title: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Nov 20^th, 2003, 1:54am

Archived for length!
Here's the links!

part one (http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/altrom.html)
part two (http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/altromance2.htm)
part three (http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/altrom3.html)
part four (http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/altrom4.html)

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 21^st, 2003, 2:57pm

Old part:
“I’m sure you have good reasons for saying that,” Kathie remarked carefully. “But if someone wishes to hurt us, wouldn’t it be better if we knew who?”
The head of geography frowned slightly to herself. “Perhaps I should explain. Someone has been spreading rumours. But she will not be doing so again.”
“How can you know?” Nancy was apprehensive.
“Because I have spoken to her in private.” Rosalind gave a grim smile. “As it happens, she has certain skeletons in her own cupboard, and I am one of the few people who know what they are. When it became clear that she was deliberately causing trouble for the two of you, I informed her that I would make my own knowledge public if she persisted. Unfortunately, it was too late to stop her talking to the pastor,” a shadow crossed Rosalind’s face. “But I doubt that the speculation will continue, without her support. You are both too widely liked for that.”
Kathie was still uncertain. “Are you really sure?”
“Yes. She will be giving you a very wide berth in future,” Rosalind’s tone was confident. “Moreover, should I leave the school before you, while she is still here, I will share my knowledge with you, so you have some means of defence. But in the meantime,” she paused, “I truly believe it better not to tell you her name. You would be too angry to act normally towards her, and it would only make your situation worse.”

New part:
Nancy shrugged her shoulders eventually. "Oh well. I suppose you're right, Rosalind."
Kathie looked less convinced, but could see that her colleague was unlikely to change her mind at this moment. "Thank you for all your help, anyway," she said ambiguously.
"Good." Rosalind glanced from one woman to the other. "I suspect you two would like some time to talk alone. I'll leave you to it." She rose and left the room quietly.

--

The two women stared at one other for a moment. Then Nancy took the initative, and moved over to sit on the small table in front of her partner.
"Kathie. I'm so sorry about how I reacted yesterday. I must have hurt you horribly."
Her friend's gaze softened visibly. "It was a horrible day for both of us."
Nancy gave a crooked smile. "You handled it a lot better though." She looked down at her feet. "I watched you at lunchtime, smiling and laughing. I couldn't think how you managed."
Kathie reached instinctively for her friend's hand. "I'm not sure that makes me a better person, Nance."
Their eyes met for a moment. Then Nancy looked down at the ground again.
"It's funny, isn't it?" she asked with a shaky laugh. "I can't suddenly turn of loving you, even though I've been told it's immoral."

Kathie suffered for her partner, hearing the pain in her voice. "I love you too, Nancy." She hesitated, unsure of what to say next. Over time she had come to her own very firm conclusions about Christian teaching and sexuality, but she suspected that her companion had given the matter little thought.
Nancy saw the reserve on her friend's face. "Your own mind is made up, isn't it?" she inquired quietly.
"I - yes, it is," Kathie acknowledged honestly. "I just wish we'd talked about it earlier. Perhaps yesterday wouldn't have upset you so much. I do think it's possible to interpret Scripture in such a way that relationships like ours become acceptable - valued, even." She paused. "But it's not a simple conclusion. And I think you need to discover it for yourself, otherwise you'l always feel, deep down, that I pushed my opinion onto you." She hesitated again. "I wouldn't be able to live with myself, Nancy, if I took advantage of you - however unintentionally - at a moment when you were vulnerable."

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 21^st, 2003, 3:00pm

(Can't believe I'm posting from the office - dread to think what my Ugandan colleagues would make of this, urk - but it's just demanding to be written!!)
--

Nancy nodded slowly at this long speech. "I appreciate that. All of it." She mused for a few moments. "To be honest, it just didn't occur to me to think about our relationship in terms of religion. Except to give thanks," she added with a blush.
Kathie gave her friend's hand a light squeeze. "Is there anything wrong with falling in love innocently?"
Nancy grimaced. "I just don't know." She took a deep breath. "Kathie, what you said last night. About - about staying together, even if just as friends. It meant a great deal to me. And it definitely stopped me from making a rash decision. I - I am going to think for myself from now on."
Her partner eyed her carefully. "Go on."
"But," continued Nancy with painful resolution, "If, at the end of the day, I can't share your convictions, then - then - I still believe we'd better go our separate ways." She saw the look of protest in her companion's eyes, "No, Kathie, I mean it. It would be a - a difference of faith, on something so fundamental to both of us."

Kathie frowned slowly. "Well, I understand what you're saying," she said at length. "You think I'd end up resenting your beliefs, is that right?" Her partner acquiesced. "Oh, my love. You may be right, though I honestly can't imagine it. But - but don't you think we could leave that bridge till we come to it? If we do?"
The two women sat in silence for a few moments. Then Kathie added gently,
"And in the meantime, we should both pray." She caught the doubt on her partner's face, and winced. "I'm not the voice of temptation, Nancy. I swear I won't touch you until you've made up your own mind. But we both need Help right now."
The doubt faded from Nancy's face. "Sorry. You're right," she said briefly.
Kathie, so composed for so long, suddenly found her eyes filling with tears at her partner's gruff words. "Can't I - won't you -" she choked, "That is - mayn't I ask you for a hug?" She buried her face on the older woman's quickly proffered shoulder. "Oh, Nancy!" she sobbed. "It hurts so much."

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Katarzyna on Nov 21^st, 2003, 3:07pm

Thank you, thank you, thank you... etc....

_{ps any chance of some more!}

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Lesley on Nov 21^st, 2003, 3:29pm

Thank you so much Catherine, for what you have written and for daring to post while working!

Please post more soon!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by xanthe on Nov 21^st, 2003, 4:14pm

Thank you Catherine ;D

Poor Kathie and Nancy though - this is a horrible situation for them, but you're handling it REALLY well!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Nov 21^st, 2003, 4:55pm

Thank you Catherine!!!
Poor Kathie and Nancy though!! :'(

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Chloe on Nov 21^st, 2003, 5:40pm

Awww poor Nancy and Kathie.

More soon please :)

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 21^st, 2003, 6:11pm

"Sha-arlie," Kathie's tone was wheedling as she sat down on the desk where her friend was marking papers. "Could you spare me a couple of minutes for a chat?"
"Of course!" Little Miss Andrews put down her pen and looked up at her fellow Staff Baby with a smile. "Do you want to go outside?" she added with a glance at the other mistresses in the staffroom. "We'll only disturb people if we talk in here."
"Sure. Thanks." Kathie was relieved to have manoeuvred this conversation so easily.

---

"So, what was it you wanted, then?" Sharlie inquired when they reached Vb's formroom, the nearest private space available. She perched on the form mistress's desk. "Fire away, Kathie."
"O.K." Her friend had made up her mind to be direct. "Sharlie, someone has been gossiping about me in the staffroom. I want to know who."
The usually jolly Miss Andrews gave a heavy sigh. "Oh." She looked distressed. "Kathie, if I tell you, are you going to beat her up?"
"I - well -"
"Because if you don't, I may be forced to!" exploded Sharlie. "Honestly, Kathie, I've never heard such malicious talk in all my life!"
Kathie's jaw dropped at this astonishing response. "I - but - but - who was it?" she ejaculated.
"Joan Bertram," her colleague said fiercely. "And I hope you scrag her. Horrible woman!"
"Joan?" Her listener looked shocked. "Good heavens!" She sat down on the table, next to her friend, thoughts whirling about her brain. "But why on earth would she care?" She looked up in sudden anxiety. "Sharlie, you said 'malicious talk'. What did you - what -" she floundered in her question.

Her friend eyed her steadily. "Kathie, I don't give a damn if what she said about you and Nancy is true. It's the way she said it to which I object."
Kathie gave an enormous sigh of relief. "Thank goodness!" she said shakily. "For one moment, I thought..."
"You could have told me though," Sharlie ignored the last part of her friend's remarks, and slipped a supportive arm around her waist. "I'd have been happy for you."
Kathie gave a smothered exclamation of dismay. "Oh, Sharlie. I'm sorry. It's just... I had no idea how anyone would react." She looked suddenly curious. "How did people react in the staffroom to what Joan was saying?"
"Mostly didn't pay any attention," the response was succint. "Nobody wants to listen to somebody spreading rumours about you two. I wouldn't worry."
Kathie looked relieved all over again.

"How's Nancy taking it?" Sharlie asked, some minutes later.
Kathe pulled a face. "Badly."
"I thought so - she looked pretty dreadful yesterday."
"Whereas I was cheerful and smiling?" her friend asked wryly.
"Well, yes." Sharlie paused. "I'd never have believed what Joan said if I'd just looked at your reaction."
A wave of misery washed over Kathie. "Well, there may not be anything to believe any more. Nancy's talking about calling everything off."
Sharlie looked disbelieving. "Surely she wouldn't do that? Anyone can see how much she cares about you."
"I know. But thanks to yesterday's sermon she thinks what we're doing is immoral." Kathie's voice wobbled. "I'm just going to have to wait and see..."

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Nov 21^st, 2003, 6:21pm

GGRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!! >:( >:( >:(
*leads wave of angry CBBers to go and beat up Joan Bertram!!*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Lesley on Nov 21^st, 2003, 6:29pm

Who the hell is Joan Bertram anyway? The only thing I can remember about her is bilious attacks!! Seriously wish someone would write a short story with her as the one being persecuted.

Like Sharlie's reaction!

More please Catherine - I gather there were some others in the Staff room as bigoted?

(BTW you never did give me my scene with Hilda and Nell ;D)

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 21^st, 2003, 6:46pm

*snorts*
Lesley, patience is a virtue :P
But because I'm soooo nice (and also afraid that I won't get online tomorrow) I'm going to give you the showdown scene with Joan. Hope it satisfies!
--

"Joan. I want a word." Kathie's tone was Arctic.
"S-sorry?" Joan Bertram stammered as she saw her colleague's face.
"Outside. Now."

"Right," said Kathie, once they were alone in the Speisesaal. Her eyes were like gimlets. "I want to know exactly what you've been saying about me."
"I - I don't know what you're talking about," Joan blustered feebly.
"Don't give me that," the diminutive woman seized her colleague's collar and pulled her close enough to hiss into her face. "I know you've been spreading rumours about me in the staffroom. Now I want to know what you've said, and to whom."
"I - I -"
"You b*tch," Kathie tightened her grip so firmly that Joan's eyes began to water. "What were you playing at? Tell me!"
"L-let go of me!" Joan squeaked. She gasped as Kathie released her all of a sudden. "How dare you treat me like this?" She began to recover her bravado. "It's you who brought this upon yourself anyway, sleeping around with that tart of yours."
"Don't you dare talk about Nancy in that way," Kathie glared at her venomously.
"Why not?" Joan spat out. "Isn't that what she is?"
"That's it!" Kathie slammed the other woman against the wall. "Listen closely, Joan, because I'm saying this only once. If you ever talk about me and Nancy like that again, I will personally take great pleasure in tearing you limb from limb. Do you understand?" She was so incensed that she pinned her colleague to the wall, and stood with her face just inches away from the other woman's face. "Well?"
"I - I - oh, yes!" Joan gave a sudden shudder as though something inside her was collapsing.

Kathie stared at her. "What's this, Joan?" She took a step back and eyed her colleague slowly up and down. "Don't tell me you - you're one of us?"
The older woman met her gaze weakly. "Don't insult me! I'm nothing like you, indeed." She dropped her eyes.
Kathie nodded slowly. "You're right," she said at last. "You're worse. At least I haven't betrayed what I am." She took another step away. "You make me sick, Joan Bertram." So saying, she turned on her heel and departed without a backward look.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Lisa_T on Nov 21^st, 2003, 6:52pm

Erk. Well, I suppose it could have been worse. Hilda or Nell could have walked in on the middle of that lovely scene!
I'm with Lesley- I want to have a scene with them!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by catherine on Nov 21^st, 2003, 7:07pm

Me three, Catherine! I'm really glad you've managed to post some more!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Lesley on Nov 21^st, 2003, 7:09pm

Thank you Catherine - love Kathie's reaction! Now where's my scene - I delivered!!! ;D

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Carolyn P on Nov 21^st, 2003, 9:13pm

WOW!

This is excellent, the reactions of Kathie and Nancy are so tenderly written, and so real that it eats you up to read them, then the swop to Kahtie's temper, wel deserved with Joan, brilliantly handled.

Joan Bertram is already lined up to feature in a Christmas drabble...

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by KB on Nov 21^st, 2003, 9:45pm

*takes a deep breath* I could understand and completely sympathised with Kathie's reaction. It will be interesting to see if Joan is 'one of us' (and I'm inclined to think she is, or how would she have known) and what her reaction to this will be.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Nov 22^nd, 2003, 12:19am

I'm now wondering if Joan has a crush on Kathy, and was motivated by jealousy?

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by xanthe on Nov 22^nd, 2003, 12:31am

Thank you Catherine *pondering where this might be going*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by KB on Nov 22^nd, 2003, 2:01am

on 11/22/03 at 00:19:50, Vikki wrote:

I'm now wondering if Joan has a crush on Kathy, and was motivated by jealousy?

Or on Nancy, but had never dared broach the subject...

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Nov 22^nd, 2003, 2:04am

Could be either, or possibly she's just jealous they've found each other?

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 22^nd, 2003, 1:26pm

She could be harbouring a secret passion for one of them, or, if she's spent years suppressing her own sexuality, she may be resentful of the fact that Nancy & Kathy are enjoying their relationship. On the other hand she may just be a malicious spiteful old woman (not sure how old she was actually). Or, again, she might be wanting to save them from a life of sin, depending on her own beliefs and how she interprets them.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 22^nd, 2003, 2:04pm

Oooops! Was just imagining to myself how Hilda & Nell might wander into this story, and one of my Ugandan colleagues looked over to me - "Something has amused you, Catherine, you are smiling to yourself. What is it?" Had a mad moment's temptation to tell her the truth - then remembered that she's a devout member of the evangelical Church of Uganda. Hmmm. Think I made the right call, there!

_{In a very small voice: I need my copy of Richenda for the next installment, so won't be able to post before Thursday at the earliest. Sorry!}

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Emma_N on Nov 22^nd, 2003, 2:06pm

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance - Part IV
Post by Emma_N on Nov 16th, 2003, 1:05pm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope that you have a brilliant trip Catherine! My bets are on Joan Bertram!!

WOW!! I actually guessed right and it was Joan Bertram!! I
never liked her as a character, all those nasty billious attacks (period pains?!) must have made her bitter and twisted!!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by catherine on Nov 22^nd, 2003, 3:12pm

on 11/22/03 at 14:04:33, Catherine_B wrote:

*giggles*

Very glad to know you managed to restrain yourself! Wouldn't like to think of what might have happened if you hadn't!!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Nov 22^nd, 2003, 5:13pm

on 11/22/03 at 14:04:33, Catherine_B wrote:

_{In a very small voice: I need my copy of Richenda for the next installment, so won't be able to post before Thursday at the earliest. Sorry!}

Catherine, if you PM and tell me what you need to know, I could look it up for you so you can carry on?

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by xanthe on Nov 22^nd, 2003, 5:16pm

*hopes Catherine will take Vikki up on her suggestion*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by KB on Nov 22^nd, 2003, 8:02pm

*also thinks it was a good idea that Catherine_B managed to restrain herself or all hell could have broken loose* :o :o :o

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 23^rd, 2003, 12:19pm

*giggles* I do value my life, actually, KB!

Thanks Vikki for the offer of info, and Lesley who did indeed PM me with stuff from Richenda. My plot bunny is hiding under the bed at the moment (see 'Introducing Our Bunnies') but if she's very, very good and keeps quiet for the next few hours, I might let her out again. Maybe...

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Nov 23^rd, 2003, 2:14pm

*hopes Catherine's plot bunny will be good enough to merit release from under the bed!!*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Lisa_T on Nov 23^rd, 2003, 6:57pm

*points out firmly that not having a copy of Richenda to hand is no excuse. I'm sure it's on the transcripts site!*

More, Catherine???? Please please please!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Rachael P on Nov 24^th, 2003, 9:38am

Wow - what a powerful scene - love it!!

And who would have guessed Joan Bertram?
(well, apart from Emma, of course ;))

I'm not sure how to react - Joan has acted terribly but if the root cause of her behaviour is her own sexuality and inability to deal with it, then it makes her a rather sad and pathetic figure. I certainly can't excuse her actions but it's rather sad that she will never experience the happiness that N&K have ..

Wonderful stuff, Catherine - looking forward to MORE!!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 27^th, 2003, 1:29pm

Back in the UK! PB has dictated the last dozen scenes! And the ones in between are gradually being eked out... :D

--

The rest of that week passed in something of a blur for the two women, who did not find another chance to meet privately. In part this was for practical reasons; certain members of the Chalet community might still be discussing their relationship. There was also – dividing them - the more complicated question of theology, which both were acutely aware of but hesitant to address. Nancy was still coming to terms with the trauma of Sunday’s sermon, while Kathie, seeing her companion’s troubled state of mind, was anxious not to rush her into any hasty decisions. This was not an easy choice for the younger woman, who knew that her future could depend on the conclusions which Nancy reached in the coming days, and who at times longed simply to expose her partner to the full gamut of liberal theology that she herself had absorbed at college. She prevented herself from doing so in the belief that it would prejudice Nancy’s own decision-making process, but had considerable doubts as to whether this was the right policy. In short, it was a difficult week for both women.

On Friday morning, Matron bustled into the staff-room before Fruhstuck to announce that a number of girls would be paying a visit the following day to Herr von Francius, the Chalet School’s dentist in Berne. Nancy and Kathie pricked up their ears separately at this. Each woman had been feeling the constrictions of the school environment during the past week and the thought of a day away – from school and also, it must be admitted, from one another - was appealing. Nancy sought Matron out in the San later that morning to volunteer as escort; Kathie consequently received something of a shock after Mittagessen when she offered her own services, and discovered that her friend had already signed up! The young mistress managed not to betray her feelings outwardly, but inwardly she wondered at the fate which always paired the two of them up on excursions when their relationship was at its most strained. “Surely,” she asked herself silently, “it’s not too much to hope for a peaceful trip?”

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Rachael P on Nov 27^th, 2003, 3:11pm

*starts the chanting*

Yeah - Catherine's posted
I love this story ;D

More, please!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by xanthe on Nov 27^th, 2003, 6:00pm

*joins in the chant*

Thank you Catherine ;D

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Lesley on Nov 27^th, 2003, 7:01pm

*Adds to the chanting*

Lovely story Catherine now more please!

(BTW know how it feels to have certain scenes written and have to write the ones in between! My sympathies!)

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Emma_N on Nov 27^th, 2003, 8:35pm

*also adding to the chanting...*

Catherine, I'm going to send your plot bunnies a supply of carrots so they can continue with this story. Glad you got back to the UK safely.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 27^th, 2003, 8:59pm

<munch, munch> (sounds of PB enjoying Emma's kind consignment of carrots).

--

Saturday began cheerily, with the girls in good spirits despite the visit to the dentist. Nancy and Kathie were as much favourites out of school as they were in lessons, and their charges were delighted at the prospect of an afternoon touring Berne in the two mistresses’ company after Herr von Francius’s work was over. With fifteen girls plus Matron, the group was large enough for the pair to ignore the troubling undercurrents between them, while both women felt more relaxed away from the Platz than they had at any time since the previous Sunday.

The party’s good humour waned somewhat in the surgery waiting-room, however. Not only were a number of the girls apprehensive about their upcoming encounters with the dentist, their peace was disturbed further by the intrusive stares and comments of a six or seven year old boy who roamed about the room making personal remarks about the girls and their escorts. His mother had evidently given up any attempt at controlling him long ago, and the entire Chalet School party was fuming after just a few minutes of the boy’s unwanted attentions. They were too well bred, of course, to make any direct comments on his behaviour, but Nancy muttered darkly in German to her companions about what she would like to do to him, and most members of the group were thinking along similar lines.

Trying to provoke the girls further, the boy darted suddenly at Rosamund Lilley’s thick pigtail, which had fallen over shoulder, and gave it a violent tug. As Richenda hauled the him away from her friend, the young pest seized something from his pocket, aimed it straight at Richenda’s face, and squeezed vigorously. A wild scream rang through the room as the girl doubled up in agony, her eyes burning with the ammoniac mixture he had stolen that morning from his hotel garage.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Emma_N on Nov 27^th, 2003, 9:20pm

I'm glad they did the trick Catherine!! Do they need any more? ;)

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 27^th, 2003, 9:22pm

Thanks Emma, but I think the current supply is enough to last for one more installment at least - Francesca is still dictating ;)

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Lesley on Nov 27^th, 2003, 9:27pm

Excellent Catherine - more please! ;D

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 27^th, 2003, 10:39pm

The waiting-room was in mayhem for the next few seconds. Kathie grabbed the boy and prevented him forcibly from escaping, while her two colleagues tried urgently to identify the substance he had used. Richenda was in a seat, rocking in pain despite Matron’s supportive embrace, and the other girls were crowded round, horrified by their friend’s sharp cries.

Though she kept her head, Kathie was by far the most distressed of the three staff members. Despite being only twenty-three, as Richenda’s form mistress she felt a responsibility for her pupil that went far beyond mere professional duty. Recalling that the girl was motherless, she felt absolutely sick with anxiety as she heard the heart-rending moans that continued to come from Richenda's direction. She clutched the author of her charge's troubles desperately and prayed with all her might that the girl's eyesight not be permanently damaged.

Meanwhile, sensing her partner’s reaction almost instinctively, Nancy took charge of the other girls. Though only in her early thirties, she had an authority which went beyond her years, and certainly beyond her younger colleague’s. As Matron and Herr von Francius got Richenda into another room to minister to her eyes, Nancy tackled the boy’s mother forcefully before marshalling the other girls to order.

“Kathie – bear up,” she instructed her colleague in an urgent undertone as Matron returned to the room looking grim. “I’ll take the other girls back to the Platz, but you’ll have to accompany Richenda to the hospital. Ring Hilda as soon as you can, she’ll come down at once. Rosalie will call Professor Fry and get him to fly out if necessary.” She scanned her partner’s face. “But for goodness’ sake don’t make yourself sick with worry. It’s not your fault.”
The strain began to fade from Kathie’s countenance. “I know – but – but – I am responsible for her,” she said nevertheless.
The elder woman put a hand on her friend’s shoulder and gave her a squeeze. “Your responsibility is to keep calm now. You have to.”
The words were firm but Kathie recognised - and was grateful for - her partner’s support. “O.K. I will,” she said briefly.
Nancy nodded, then turned back to the girls.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Lesley on Nov 27^th, 2003, 10:47pm

Excellent! It's wonderful seeing these scenes from a slightly different angle!

More please Catherine! ;D

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 27^th, 2003, 10:59pm

Sheesh, aren't you ever satisfied? :o

My PB and I are crashing with exhaustion and just yearning for bed after 15 hours of flying last night. So Nancy and Kathie can jolly well wait until tomorrow!

*admits nevertheless to feeling flattered by such swift demands for more*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 27^th, 2003, 11:09pm

Brilliant posts Catharine - Get a good nights sleep and be ready to post lots more tomorrow please.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by xanthe on Nov 27^th, 2003, 11:29pm

*applauds wildly*

*hoping for some more as soon as Catherine gets out of bed, pretty much *doesn't have unrealistic expectations, really*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Nov 27^th, 2003, 11:48pm

Catherine, that was wonderful!! Huge thanks to you, and Francesca!!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by KB on Nov 28^th, 2003, 12:13am

Wonderful work! *tickles Francesca under her little furry chin* Despite knowing what's going to happen, I'm still waiting anxiously to see how it will appear through Kathie's eyes!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Lesley on Nov 28^th, 2003, 5:17am

Catherine - you should know that producing lots of story will only satisfy for a very short time! Then even more is requested!!!

That said, I really appreciate all your hard work - especially as you have only just returned to the UK.

would really like more soon though! ;)

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 28^th, 2003, 7:51am

on 11/27/03 at 23:29:05, xanthe wrote:

*hoping for some more as soon as Catherine gets out of bed, pretty much*

*gets out of bed*

*looks at computer regretfully and thinks of xan*

*goes to work, promising to write more this evening*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Rachael P on Nov 28^th, 2003, 9:11am

You're so good at weaving this into the real story - very clever!

Next time I read Richenda I'll be searching through the sub text!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Carolyn P on Nov 28^th, 2003, 12:04pm

I love these drabbles where we see EBD scenes from another perpective, an thought Nancy's support of Kathie at this point was great.

Looking forward to more, epecially the scene with Bill and Hilda!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Nov 29^th, 2003, 2:43am

*wonders whether to mention that the evening went, with no post from Catherine?* :-/

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Nicolette on Nov 29^th, 2003, 4:07am

Gaaah. I've just read the whole of this drabble and am now an emotional wreck. But I'm so pleased that you wrote this about N&K. I always felt they had something that ran deeper than friendship and I'm so pleased. I just hope things work out.
*suspects it won't be that easy though*

Incidentally, Kathie kicks ass.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by KB on Nov 29^th, 2003, 5:35am

*also noticed the absence of posts from Catherine*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 29^th, 2003, 5:41am

Sorry! Jet lag got me, I got home from work at 7pm and collapsed >:(

*gets up to regard world map on her wall* it's still evening in San Francisco *desperately clutching at straws*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by KB on Nov 29^th, 2003, 5:43am

*sternly tells Catherine to stop procrastinating and get posting* If it's still dark outside your time when it goes up, we might forgive you.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 29^th, 2003, 6:29am

*thanks goodness for long winter nights*

--

As Nancy had forecast, the Abbess came down from the Gornetz Platz immediately to join the school’s Matron and Staff Baby at the Berne Augenklinik. Her first concern was to meet the hospital’s oculist, Herr Fincke, who explained that it was still too early to make a full examination of Richenda’s eyes, though he hoped to do so the next morning. In the meantime, the hospital staff had relieved the pain by sedating the girl, who was now asleep and feeling nothing. The Chalet School’s headmistress thanked the great specialist for his work, but her expression was grave nonetheless as she stood at Richenda’s bedside, listening to the pitiful involuntary moans that her charge was emitting.

After some time, Miss Annersley rejoined her youngest mistress, who had been waiting in the corridor.
“How are you bearing up, Kathie?” she asked quietly.
“I’m all right,” Vb’s form mistress had had time since the accident to pull herself together, “But I don’t mind admitting that I’m awfully glad you’re here. It’s been a difficult afternoon.” Her tone was still strained.
“Let’s sit down,” the Head led her colleague towards a couple of nearby seats. “Would you like a coffee, Kathie?” She raised her hand to prevent the Staff Baby from getting up again, “No, don’t move. I’ll get it.” She disappeared around the corner and returned a few minutes later with two steaming cups. “Here you are.”

“Rosalie has cabled Professor Fry, and he’ll be flying out first thing,” Miss Annersley informed the younger woman as she sat down.
“Good,” Kathie’s expression was clouded, though, and her senior was quick to observe it.
“I know this is a difficult experience, but please don’t make yourself sick with worry. None of what happened was your fault.”
Kathie gave a weak smile, “That’s just what Nancy said.”
The headmistress regarded her thoughtfully, “Is it? Well, that doesn’t surprise me. Nancy always talks sense.” She saw the continuing concern in the young mistress’s eyes, “Kathie, it's natural that as Richenda’s form mistress you’ll feel a special responsibility for the girl, but you mustn’t blame yourself for today’s events. There was nothing you could have done to prevent the accident.”
“I know,” the younger woman was relieved to hear the Abbess saying this, “But she’s in so much pain – and I dread to think what Professor Fry will be feeling right now. I can’t help feeling responsible.” She felt a calming hand on her arm.
“If it’s anybody’s, Kathie, the final responsibility is mine.”

Kathie glanced sideways at the school’s headmistress. “I can’t think how you cope with the strain,” she admitted honestly after a brief pause. “It’s hard enough with a form of twenty-something. But a whole school!”
Miss Annersley smiled slightly, “Long experience of Chalet School alarms and excursions would stand anyone in good stead.” Her tone grew serious again, “Don’t forget that there is always Help available, Kathie, if we ask.”
The younger woman nodded shyly.
“Now,” Miss Annersley added after a moment, “I shall stay with Richenda this evening, but I think you should get some rest. Professor Fry will be arriving before dawn tomorrow, and someone will have to meet him at the airport.” She eyed her youngest mistress carefully. “If you would rather not go, though -”
Kathie demurred hastily. “Oh no! I wouldn’t dream of letting you take my place. I’ll go,” she had gathered her resolve.
“Excellent,” the Head nodded slightly. “I’ll ask Rosalie to come down, and she can drive you. Thank you, Kathie.”

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 29^th, 2003, 7:02am

(May I just grouse? I was planning just to write one scene about the Richenda incident - and now it keeps getting longer and longer! Pchah! *annoyed*)

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Chloe on Nov 29^th, 2003, 7:13am

Yay this is great, more soon i hope.

It can get as long as it likes i like it! :)

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Lesley on Nov 29^th, 2003, 8:52am

Thank you Catherine! Hope the jet-lag resolves itself soon!

(There and I didn't even ask for more!)

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by KB on Nov 29^th, 2003, 10:04am

Okay, I'm positive Hilda knows and is reserving judgement! I was really hoping to find out whether she suspected it or not, and now I'm sure.

And Catherine, that's the curse of writing, dear. There's not a lot you can do, once you've begun. The PBs never leave!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 29^th, 2003, 10:37am

What makes you think that, KB? ::)
--

"I was absolutely terrified, though," Kathie confided to her partner the next evening, having slipped in to Nancy's room to talk over the weekend's events. "Professor Fry hardly said a word - he must have been beside himself with fear, poor man - and I ended up talking for the entire journey." She looked sober. "Imagine making the trip out from England, wondering what had happend to your only daughter."
Nancy's expression showed her sympathy. "But the oculist's verdict was positive?"
Kathie nodded. "Well, you heard the latest news at Prayers. It seems she'll be able to see again, even if she has to wear glasses."
"Thank God," Nancy's response was heart-felt.

Kathie glanced across at the friend and felt an almost overwhelming surge of gratitude, admiration and affection. She loved Nancy in all her moods, but the recollection of her partner's display of capability and strength the previous day took her breath away all over again. She moved over to kneel at the armchair where her companion was sitting.
"You were such a rock, my love, I can't tell you how much I appreciate it."
Nancy gazed down at her tenderly. She had not found the previous day easy either, having been torn between wanting to protect her partner, and at the same time willing her to be strong. "I'm sorry it had to happen to one of your girls. It's hell seeing someone suffer for whom you feel so responsible."
Their eyes met, and Kathie felt almost dizzy at the physical attraction between them. She reached out her hand towards her partner, but at that moment a cloud passed suddenly over Nancy's face. She rose abruptly from her chair, walked over to the window, and stood gazing out into the darkness with her back to her friend.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by KB on Nov 29^th, 2003, 10:40am

Just a lucky guess, Catherine. ;)

And poor Nancy and Kathie. I just hope Kathie is patient - she is going to need to be!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Emma_N on Nov 29^th, 2003, 11:03am

This is excellent Catherine. make it as long as you like ;) !!

I hope you recover from your jet-lag quickly!!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Nov 29^th, 2003, 12:21pm

Thank you Catherine! Lots of lovely story!!
Hope you beat the jetlag soon!!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by xanthe on Nov 29^th, 2003, 3:25pm

Thank you Catherine
*hoping everything works out okay in the end*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Nicolette on Nov 30^th, 2003, 12:06am

Thanks to this story (and now that I;m back home) I;ve submerged myself in all the Kathie/Nancy books. I just started comparing the Hb of New Mistress with the Pb. I can't beleive how much is changed even in the first page! I know its nopt the most frightfully important aspects, but still, its the detail.
Please more!

*wondering if Catherine quite understands how moved Nicci is by this drabble*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by KB on Nov 30^th, 2003, 12:57am

*hopes that Nicci plans to type up New Mistress for the transcripts page*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 30^th, 2003, 12:11pm

Thanks Nicci! I appreciate your comments :)

Just a snippet to whet your appetites for tonight's installment(s?)...
--

The elder woman stared sightlessly out into the school grounds for some time. When she turned back, it was not the capable, professional Nancy Wilmot that faced her friend, but the vulnerable one who was struggling to reconcile her personal desires and her faith.
"I went to Church this morning."
Kathie nodded almost imperceptibly. She and Rosalie had returned too late from Berne to attend the service, something for which it must be admitted she had been thankful. "How was it?"
Nancy's mouth twisted at the corner. "Well, not great from a personal point of view; I - I'm finding it difficult to hear God's voice at the moment." She shrugged. "The sermon wasn't too bad though - based on Romans 3 - about redemption."
"Right," Kathie waited, suspecting there was more to come. Nancy's next words confirmed this.
"The minister came up to me after the service."

Kathie felt her insides tightening. "What for? And - and - how?"
"Discretely," Nancy answered the second question first. She shifted uncomfortably, "He said that if I wanted to talk about anything, he'd be happy for me to call upon him."
"And what did you say?" Kathie kept her voice steady, not permitting herself to reveal how desperately her partner's answer mattered to her.
"I said I might." Nancy dropped her eyes from Kathie's face, unable to meet her friend's gaze.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Lesley on Nov 30^th, 2003, 1:32pm

Oooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Nancy please resolve this in a way that ensures both you and Kathie are happy!!! (ditto Catherine!)

BTW Also have sneaking suspicion that Hilda knows more than she's letting on! Could she and Nell??????

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Chloe on Nov 30^th, 2003, 1:38pm

:'(

Awww poor Nancy and Kathie, please let them both be happy!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 30^th, 2003, 1:43pm

Thanks for that little bit Catharine, consider my appetite whetted.
Please let them find a way of working this out without too much pain.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Angel of the North on Nov 30^th, 2003, 3:08pm

I'm loving this story, it's such a lovely one.

Please can we have some more. And if we can, please may we have some more?

AotN

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Carolyn P on Nov 30^th, 2003, 3:32pm

Looking forward to tonight if it brings more of this. Hope all parties can be happy with the final outcome of this. Will we find out more about Joan Bertram as well as Hilda and Bill?

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Emma_N on Nov 30^th, 2003, 5:19pm

Also looking forward to more of this and hoping that both parties can eventually be happy!!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Nov 30^th, 2003, 8:07pm

Catherine, this is wonderful!!
*looking forward to the next bits!!*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Nicolette on Nov 30^th, 2003, 8:09pm

I'm starting to wish I hadn't begun reading this and just waited til it was all finshed. I don't know how I stay sane between postings. More please, and as soon as possible!

Also, I've been wondering about Bill. She takes her religion VERY seriously aswell, and although I figured she and Hilda would be fairly accepting of it, I'm begining to wonder whether Bill might have serious problems with their relationship (even though I desparetly want her to be understanding).

KB: I'd be happy to provide a transcript, if some can explain to me how I go about it..

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by xanthe on Nov 30^th, 2003, 9:10pm

Thank you Catherine

*hoping for some more, soon, please!*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by KB on Nov 30^th, 2003, 9:50pm

on 11/30/03 at 20:09:32, Nicolette wrote:

KB: I'd be happy to provide a transcript, if some can explain to me how I go about it..

Either type up or scan the book and send the file to Raya.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 30^th, 2003, 10:00pm

Sorry it's short. I'm finding this part difficult to write. *emotionally exhausted!*
--

Kathie closed her eyes in despair for a second. She had scrupulously tried not to encroach on Nancy’s thinking over the last week, but faced with an opponent who was prepared to be so blunt, how could she possibly continue in this vein? Then she pulled herself together, and came to a decision.

“Well, that doesn’t sound like such a bad idea,” her tone was casual.
Nancy’s head jerked up in surprise at this response. “What?”
“I said, that doesn’t sound like a bad idea,” Kathie repeated. She smiled at her friend. “I doubt that the minister will take my position, but it would hardly be reasonable of me to ask you to listen to my arguments and not his, would it?”
“I - ” Nancy looked astonished. “Kathie, I thought you’d be horrified at the thought.”
Her partner sighed slightly. “Sweetheart, it’s obvious how worried you’ve been since last Sunday. I admit I don’t like the thought of what the minister might say to you, but if you want to keep your options open about talking to him, who am I to stop you?”
A wave of relief passed over Nancy’s face. She had expected Kathie to oppose the suggestion vehemently, and this wholly unexpected reaction eased a lot of her doubts.
“And, in a way,” the younger woman continued thoughtfully, with an eye on her partner, “it would make me feel better about telling you what I believe. I’ve been a bit afraid to do that this week, to be quite honest, not wanting to put you under pressure." She hesitated for an instant. "If you’d feel able to listen now, I’d like to start, though.”
Nancy relaxed visibly. After a moment she moved back from the window to settle down in her armchair, “All right, then,” she looked at her friend, “I’m listening, Kathie...”

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by xanthe on Nov 30^th, 2003, 10:05pm

*applauds*

Thank you Catherine, that was beautiful :)

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Chloe on Nov 30^th, 2003, 10:06pm

Yay thank you catherine ;D

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Nov 30^th, 2003, 10:08pm

*contributes to the applause!*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Lesley on Nov 30^th, 2003, 10:25pm

Thank you Catherine - more please!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Angel of the North on Nov 30^th, 2003, 10:41pm

8oo

:'(

That was beautiful.

* sits back happily, calmly waiting for the next section, and seeing no reason whatsoever to put any pressure on the author whatsoever.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by KB on Nov 30^th, 2003, 10:43pm

This is indeed wonderful, but I can see how it would be emotionally draining.

AotN, one thing. You actually aren't allowed to post in colour as it takes up too much bandwidth. If you want thoughts, put them between asterisk (sp?) stars.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Angel of the North on Nov 30^th, 2003, 10:55pm

I'm not deliberately posting in colour. The server does it automatically, when you write a '/' followed by 'me'.

Normally this doesn't come up on BBs, but this one seems to want to understand it.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Sarah_L on Nov 30^th, 2003, 11:08pm

BBs are strange things, this one especially!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by KB on Nov 30^th, 2003, 11:09pm

My mistake anyway. As Lesley pointed out to me, you can and may post in colour so please accept my apologies. But for thoughts, you probably don't need the '/' followed by 'me', as with stars, we know what you mean anyway.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Carolyn P on Nov 30^th, 2003, 11:15pm

I like the stars for thoughts/actions. Colour to me seems to indicate an edit.

Catherine, this is great. Have a good rest and do somehting to make you feel good, then please give us some more.

Title: "/me"
Post by Angel of the North on Nov 30^th, 2003, 11:16pm

"/me" has the added advantage of doing things automatically :)

It's used on IRC, IIRC.

so *wanders off whistling*
becomes
* wanders off whistling.

with the addition of three characters. IYSWIM.

WIll desist, and thanks for the heads up.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by KB on Nov 30^th, 2003, 11:19pm

Thank you for not getting miffed and taking it so well.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Angel of the North on Nov 30^th, 2003, 11:25pm

I'm generally quite an amiable soul, and have lived on various virtual communities for some time (about 6 years).

Some things do wind me up, but not mods as polite and well mannered as this lot. Nor the generally nice welcome I've received, even though I'm an accidental interloper.

*AotN wanders off, having just picked up Mary Lou on ebay*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Nov 30^th, 2003, 11:29pm

*grin*
Now that could be a drabble! Mary Lou getting picked up....... ;D

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Carolyn P on Nov 30^th, 2003, 11:35pm

Hmm, I needed a ML idea. Now, who would pick her up... :-/

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Nov 30^th, 2003, 11:40pm

How about GWB? :o

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Angel of the North on Nov 30^th, 2003, 11:40pm

"Mary lou shook herself out of the jiffy bag where she'd been unceremoniously stuffed by some auctioneer. She looked around her, realising that she'd travelled forward in time and space, and was now living in 2003, having remained a fourteen year old schoolgirl.

She looked at the slips in the envelope, querying who had the right to do such a thing to *her* of all people.

Something called "Ebay" by the looks of things. She looked round the room in which she had unfolded. Something sat in the corner, humming, and she raised her eyebrows, noting that there was something about Kathie Ferrars on the screen. Noting the door was shut, and she was concealed by pine bookshelves, she settled down, looking at the screen.

Ten minutes later, she gave a low whistle, and wondered whether she should really be reading this. One thing was certain, she was going to fix Joan Bertram when she worked out how to get back. She might not always have been friendly with Miss Ferrars, but that wasn't simply gossip, that was heartfelt and malicious nastiness, and teacher or no, it shouldn't be allowed to continue.

She looked to see what the Abbess had had to say, but it seemed that Catherine hadn't yet completed her re-telling of this familiar episode. She tapped at the desk impatiently, only to find herself being tapped on the shoulder.

"And precisely what are you doing here?"
Confronted by a 24-year old woman of Sally Denny proportions even Mary Lou blanched.
"Not a sausage."
"Sit down again. Now, some explanations. Exactly who are you, and what are you doing in *MY* room...."

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 30^th, 2003, 11:42pm

*grins*

Mary-Lou is going to make an appearance in this drabble in the next week, don't you worry!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Nov 30^th, 2003, 11:45pm

*rubs hands together with glee!* ;)

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by KB on Nov 30^th, 2003, 11:48pm

*giggle* Go, Angel! Can't wait to see ML get told off!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Angel of the North on Nov 30^th, 2003, 11:58pm

"A hint of her usual self-possession grabbed Miss Trelawney, and in her best impersonation of Bill she replied "Mary Louise Trelawney. And what, may I ask, are you doing ordering me to be packed up and exported from Switzerland."
"Actually, it was sittingborne. And do calm down. Now, would you like a cup of tea. I see we've got a Sophie's World situation, here." Miss Trelawney looked somewhat discomfitted, as she considered herself as well read as anyone else her age.. She found herself being handed a book with a gay red cover, and a picture of a girl, from the bookshelves behind her.
She noted that the bookshelves were double thickness of books, and other books were doubling as temporary table legs.
THere didn't seem to be a bed, and the woman in front of her took a seat on a large squashy chair in the corner.

"What is this thing."
"That, my dear miss inquisitive is a computer, and they (she pointed to a shelf integral to the desk) are the books you belong to."
"1, 2, 3...10, 12 - you've got one missing."
"More than one, actually. Not many with the presence of your good self, I'm afraid. And Chambers are being dreadfully slow. That, is a computer, that is my desk, and this is my room." The woman paused.
"And I'm Angel. We appear to have a situation."
"Angel - is that really your name." Mary Lou blurted this out somewhat unthinkingly.
"As real as any other name. I mean, do you think you're really Mary Lou, or is that just a name given to an idea in the collective unconscious."
"I don't know, but I mean to go to Oxford, and..."
"Cambridge is far better, didn't you know, I went there myself." THere was something rather smug about this girl, and Mary Lou wasn't entirely sure that she liked her. "Do you want a drink? Matey will be appearing next, if I don't take care of one of her precious charges. I wonder, can you drink tea?"
"Of course. Why?"
"It's just that with you wandering out of the story like that, you might not be able to do the same things as the rest of you."
"I'm as real as you are. I bleed the same blood."
"No nuts, Shylock."

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Angel of the North on Dec 1^st, 2003, 12:07am

It didn't originally say 'nuts' as you can imagine.

----------

Mary Lou seemed to be quite shocked, and benefitting from the temporary theft of her speech, Angel responded.
"OK, it's two thousand and three, you're in South West London, and someone seems to have put your book in the wrong sort of package. Otherwise, in your usual wilful and irregular manner, you seem to have deliberately escaped the confines of your story book. Now, I suggest you get back in that Jiffy bag, and I'll post you back where you belong."
"No. It was most uncomfortable, and I'm sure Dr Jem and Miss Annersley would not approve. And anyway, what gives you the right to read stories about my mistresses."
"The same gift that means I'm blessed with your presence until I can figure out how to get you back where you belong. You see, you don't really belong here. Miss Dyer, who used to write about you, died some time ago, and we've kind of carried on what she started, reporting the tales of the chalet school. This is about Miss Ferrars and Miss Wilmot."
"So I see. I didn't realise..."
"I don't expect you did. Do you really expect to be the confidante of your teachers in every last aspect of their intimate relationships."
"So *that* was why we had that sermon the other week."
"Mary Louise, I suggest you pay attention. You are in the wrong place, and I'm not sure what to do with you." Angel paused, and then handed her a selection of books to read. More kindly she added:
"Maybe you'd like to occupy yourself with these. These ones are school stories - maybe you'd fit in here. And these ones are allegories - well they're both allegories, really. Very popular - more so than Jo Bettany, in fact."
"Fit in"
"Well, see if you fit in these books, just until your real book arrives, and we can see if you can slip back between the covers, so to speak."

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Dec 1^st, 2003, 12:17am

Angel, what did you give her? Is it Harry Potter and Narnia, by any chance?

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Angel of the North on Dec 1^st, 2003, 12:17am

This is going onto its own thread:

Mary Lou: between the covers (http://www.chaletian.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=drabbles;action=display;num=1070237811;start=0)

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 1^st, 2003, 12:22am

Good idea. It sounds a good story, and I'm glad you are writing for us.

Point, if you are going to continue to include Catherine's story alongside your own it might be a good idea to PM her, especially as I think she might be planning to include ML.

I love you FCS take on it.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Angel of the North on Dec 1^st, 2003, 12:27am

It's actually quite a specific style, called MST3K, where the characters are able to comment on the story. I've not done it precisely in the usual manner, which is often line by line. It doesn't matter whether ML comes in or not - I've got devices for explaining anything away. (Yes, HP and Narnia, and there's such a thing as a quick Obliviate)

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Sarah_L on Dec 1^st, 2003, 1:52am

You know so much bulletin-board speak Angel ???

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Dec 1^st, 2003, 3:49pm

Just thought I'd highlight today being World AIDS Day, in case anyone missed it...

A couple of links for those who want to know more:
http://www.stopaidscampaign.org.uk/
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/what_we_do/issues/hivaids/index.htm

Sorry this isn't an installment - I know it really should have gone in the "completely off topic" section - but figured folks might be more likely to read it if I posted on here ;D

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by KB on Dec 1^st, 2003, 8:15pm

Oh, you just wanted us to think that you'd written a part for the story, Catherine, I know. ;)

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Emma_N on Dec 1^st, 2003, 8:22pm

*enjoying both of the stories*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 1^st, 2003, 9:13pm

Catherine, have you got any more of alt.rom for us? It has been a really good story so far, and I'm really enjoying seeing how your characters deal with the situation.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Sarah_L on Dec 1^st, 2003, 10:27pm

*Seconds Carolyn's polite request*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Dec 2^nd, 2003, 1:09am

*thirds the request!!*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Dec 2^nd, 2003, 8:44am

“…It seemed like a good idea at the time,” Kathie wrote miserably to a college friend in mid December. “I suppose it might have been possible to stop her visiting the priest, but I still think that approach would have backfired in the end. You know, at least this way Nancy listened to my point of view. She told me about her conversations with the minister, and we managed to discuss them relatively calmly. But after a couple of weeks something changed – don’t know what – and she just withdrew into her shell, refusing to talk.

I simply don’t know what I did wrong. Honestly, I did my best not to put her under any pressure; never tried to force her into agreeing with my interpretation of Scripture, nor into making any quick decisions. I just told her about my beliefs, and let her debate her own way through the issues without interfering - even when she was telling me that our physical relationship was unnatural and immoral (not a great feeling, as you can guess). My official line was “if you don’t agree at the end of the day, we’ll just be close friends” – there simply shouldn’t have been anything to make her shut down on me like this, without a word of explanation.

But I obviously made a mistake somewhere along the line, though I can’t think where, because now I can hardly eke a word out of her. She’s completely blanking me out, both in private and in public. In the staff room she walks past me with the merest greeting, then sits and chats pleasantly with the older women and never once looks in my direction. It’s so humiliating - not that many people officially knew that we were a couple, but it must be fairly obvious that Nancy’s turning her back on our friendship. Sharlie Andrews, bless her, has rescued me on a couple of occasions when I've been almost overcome with mortification, but she’s not always there. And it hurts anyway.

Back when this spell began and Nancy was still talking – of sorts – I asked whether the priest had warned her against talking to me. It was the only explanation I could think of. But she said ‘no’, and I had to believe her... Nancy’s a lousy liar. But unless she’s suddenly become completely indifferent to me (surely that’s not possible?) she must be a better actress than I thought, because I have absolutely no idea what’s going through her head. Or her heart. I simply can’t think how to break through this barrier of polite reserve that she’s erected between us, short of shouting or crying or pleading on my knees. The only thing I do know is that she’s not resurrected the idea of resigning, because I asked her point blank last week in the corridor – the only place I could get her to talk to me – and she shook her head. Which I suppose is something to be grateful for. But really, I’m at my wits’ end. We’re supposed to be going away for the New Year, but at this rate it’s going to be the most silent vacation in history! …”

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Rachael P on Dec 2^nd, 2003, 9:24am

Oh no - *groan*

Catherine, this is so well-written but I'm loving it in a love/hate kind of way. Poor Kathie, she must be desperately unhappy and it's so very intense in a boarding school environment :'(

I just want to bang everyone's heads together - why can't two people fall in love in a caring, mutual respect kind of way and why can't everyone else butt out and stop putting pressure on them?!
Who's going to show Nancy the other side of the argument - I've had enough of the man of the cloth - we need some gool old-fashioned common sense thrown into the pot!

"Let them be happy!"
PLEASE!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by KB on Dec 2^nd, 2003, 10:28am

*agrees wholeheartedly with Rachael's views*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Angel of the North on Dec 2^nd, 2003, 12:01pm

*Angel has visions of ML accidentally butting in on a walk."

Wonderful update. Looking forward to more.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Dec 2^nd, 2003, 2:27pm

Thank you Catherine, this is great, but please let them have a happy ending!!!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by keren on Dec 2^nd, 2003, 2:32pm

If this story is true to where it fits in to the books,
well..
think about jane and the car that they share

nancy and kathie with appendicitis

etc.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Dec 2^nd, 2003, 8:16pm

Nancy Wilmot sat huddled up in bed. It was one of the drawbacks of working in a boarding school, she reflected despondently, that there was little private space even for the senior staff. What with the onset of the harsh winter weather, the only place to which she had been able to escape recently was her small bedroom, and that was starting to feel decidedly claustrophobic. She sighed, looking out of the window into the snowy blizzard. It wasn’t really the room that she wanted to escape, she knew, but her own thoughts. The voices that had been echoing through her head for the last month were with her again, and showed no signs of going away…

“Nancy, look at the passage,” it was her lover’s voice this time. “Think about the context. Paul was writing to Roman Gentile believers, and he was worried that they were continuing their pagan rites, their temple cults. Yes, it’s clear that he was condemning their sexual practices, but it was the exploitation and excess that he was worried about, not the homosexuality. Listen,” she quoted, “‘when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened… they changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things’. Is that you, my love? Are you unthankful? Have you been practicing idolatry?” The voice was laughing softly, but there was sadness in its undertones. “Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents…’ Well, it’s hardly surprising that such people had relationships based on contempt and abuse! Nor that Paul condemned them for it. But that’s not what we have – is it, my love?” A silence lingered in the air. “Nancy, I’ve never known anyone less malicious or hateful than you…”

Another, deeper voice cut across these thoughts. “Paul was writing about what happens to those who ignore God’s Creation. ‘For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen…’. Don’t you know the Book of Genesis, Nancy? Don’t you know that God ordained man and woman to be together?” There was another silence, a pained, uncomfortable one. “What do you think Paul was referring to, when he said ‘unnatural’, if not the relationships between man and man, woman and woman?”

Her own voice entered now, quietly, hesitantly. “But pastor… if God has created me this way, is my love not natural? How can love, freely given and received between two believers, be inspired by anything other than the Divine?”

The minister’s voice pushed her again, “God made woman to have children, Nancy. Don’t you want that? Doesn’t Kathleen?” Its owner heard her hesitation and pressed home its advantage. “Has she ever had the chance to meet men? You have brothers, Nancy, and have lived in a mixed environment. But Kathleen came straight from college to teaching - when has she ever had a chance to choose for herself? Don’t you think she would enjoy being a mother? Is her feeling for you really more than a schoolgirl’s admiration?”

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 2^nd, 2003, 8:49pm

Poor Nancy, this is not something she will be able to decide overnight, and I think whatever she decides, it will be a long time, if ever before she is totally happy with it.

Will we be getting Hilda and Bill's views at some point?

Title: Wonderful
Post by Angel of the North on Dec 2^nd, 2003, 9:05pm

This is great - really touching and moving.

That pastor is a manipulative *beep*. As if there aren't lots of doctors around the place....

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Emma_N on Dec 2^nd, 2003, 9:44pm

Thanks for the latest installments Catherine. Please let Kathie and Nancy be happy! Please.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Dec 2^nd, 2003, 11:17pm

Oh, sorry. Was it getting depressing? ;D

Btw should apologize to Vikki for borrowing her PB's name. It just inspired me for some bizarre reason 8oo
--

“Bitte, Fraulein,” one of the school maids entered the staffroom timidly and approached the desk where a rather subdued Kathie was spending Saturday morning marking the last few assignments of term. “I am sorry to disturb you, but there is a message from Fraulein Dene. Your presence is requested in the Study.”
“Oh?” Kathie’s eyebrows shot up at this. She could think of no reason for such a summons. “Vielen Dank, Gretel,” she thanked the maid politely, however, “I will come at once.”

“Rosalie?” Kathie entered the School Secretary’s office a couple of minutes later. “I got your message.”
“Ah, Kathie,” Rosalie glanced up. Had the younger woman been more observant, she would have noticed that the Secretary’s eyes were slightly wider than usual. “Thank you for coming so quickly. I’m sorry to summon you so unexpectedly, but it seems you have a visitor from England.”
“From England?” Kathie looked startled. “Are you sure?”
“Weren’t you expecting anyone?” Rosalie looked almost as surprised as her colleague. Unannounced guests were something of a rarity at the Chalet School. “Well, I don’t think it’s anything wrong at home, so don’t be worried. It’s just a – a lady who’s asked to see you.”
“But – but Rosalie, who on earth is it?”
The School Secretary glanced down at the calling card that Kathie’s guest had produced. “An old college friend of yours, she says – Lady Cartwright.”
“Good God!” Kathie’s jaw dropped.
“I’ve put her in the Study as Miss Annersley is away for the day. You can catch up on your news there. And then perhaps you’d like to bring her to Mittagessen…?” But Rosalie was talking to thin air. Kathie had headed straight for the Study door and flung it open.
“Mabel?” she stared incredulously at the figure in the centre of the room, who turned to grin broadly at her. “What in heaven’s name are you doing here?”

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Dec 2^nd, 2003, 11:23pm

Mabel?
*wonders what inspired Catherine to pick this name?* ;)
Come on Catherine, who is this mysterious Mabel?

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Angel of the North on Dec 2^nd, 2003, 11:34pm

Oh, wonderful. Looking forward to the next bit.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Dec 3^rd, 2003, 1:05am

Mabel Cartwright was without any doubt the most extraordinary-looking woman that the Chalet School had ever seen. Dressed in a shirt and tie, with a corduroy waistcoat and suede leather trousers from which flying goggles were dangling casually, she completed the outfit with black, heavy workers’ boots. Her fair hair, cropped to a masculine cut, was tousled and messy from the long journey to the Platz, in a manner that would have called down wrath upon any schoolgirl. Despite this remarkable attire, her bearing was unmistakeably aristocratic, and her tones when she greeted Kathie confirmed this.

“Kay Ferrars! What a sight for sore eyes!”
“I – you – what -?” Kathie gasped as her friend embraced her with a huge bear hug. “Mabel, what in the world are you doing here?”
“Was in the area, thought I’d visit.” The answer was nonchalant, but Mabel’s eyes were sparkling.
“You thought you’d visit?” Kathie couldn’t believe her ears. “But how did you come?”
“I flew,” her college chum waved the goggles playfully in her face.
”You flew? Yourself? All this way?” Kathie was one big question mark.
“Well, not all the way,” Mabel amended her statement. “I flew out to Dijon last night, then on to Switzerland this morning. No, of course I didn’t land on the Platz,” she saw her friend's look of surprise, “It’s far too icy up here. I parked the plane on a little airstrip ten miles or so away, and hitched a lift up with a nurse from the San. A very pretty nurse,” she added mischievously.
The shorter woman – at five foot two, Kathie was a good head shorter than her friend – began to laugh. “You must be completely crazy!” She leant against her chum nonetheless. “Well, it’s wonderful to see you. But tell me, why did you come now? You can’t possibly have been passing through the Platz – there’s nothing here except the School and the San.”
Mabel gave a slight frown. “For goodness sake, Kay. How could I possibly have let such a bloody miserable letter go unanswered?”

“Oh!” her friend looked dismayed. “But I only sent it last week – it can only just have arrived.”
“Quite. That’s why I flew,” Mabel regarded her seriously.
“But – but - ” Kathie was distressed, “Surely it wasn’t worth coming all this way just because of that?”
The taller woman gave her a little shake by the shoulders, “Listen to yourself, woman. What are you talking about?” She stared down at her college friend. “Go on, tell me that you’ve been eating properly,” Mabel’s voice was challenging. “Or sleeping properly. Or having any fun at all, this past half term.”
Kathie couldn’t.
“I’m sorry to say this, but you look like a washed-out wreck,” Mabel’s words were blunt, but the corners of her mouth were twitching. “It’s obviously high time you had a break, so I’m kidnapping you for the day!”
Her friend looked up once more, and the strain began to disappear from her face as she saw Mabel’s humorous expression. “Oh, honey,” she head-butted her friend lightly. “You’re quite, quite mad, but I love you. Thanks for coming”
“My pleasure,” Mabel slung an arm around Kathie’s shoulders. “And now,” she grinned, “How about that meal your secretary mentioned? I want to see your school!”

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Dec 3^rd, 2003, 2:07am

Catherine, Mabel (the plot bunny that is! ;)) says she's honoured to have a character in this wonderful story named after her!! ;DThe only problem is, she now wants to know why she can't have her own aeroplane!!! ::)

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Katarzyna on Dec 3^rd, 2003, 8:58am

*suddering at thought of alcoholic plot bunny flying an areoplane*

Catherine - more story please!!!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Rachael P on Dec 3^rd, 2003, 9:09am

Catherine - THIS IS SUPERB!
*running rapidly out of superlatives*

Mabel is a fantastic character! I loved her from your description - so easy to picture!!
She'll do the world of good for Kathie and hopefully might jolt Nancy into making the right decision (a bit of the green-eyed monster might prod her into standing up for her feelings)

AotN is right - the minister is manipulative and very patronising - Kathie is in her twenties and well capable of making up her own mind about her sexuality - there would have been plenty of guys on her course at uni - I assume she did Geography - so what's the problem? He's out of order to be pushing Nancy into making a decision on behalf of Kathie - the age gap is their issue, no one else's and if they're happy with it then the relationship is on an equal footing and he shouldn't be trying to guilt Nancy into ending it

Like Carolyn, I'm keen to see Hilda and Nell's reactions although I bet they're difficult to write!

Beautifully written, sensitively handled and utterly compelling - thank you verymuch, Catherine!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by KB on Dec 3^rd, 2003, 11:12am

*also supremely worried at the idea of Mabel at the controls of a plane* Great part, though! And I think Mabel in the story is going to play a very big part! I hope Nancy is very jealous!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Dec 3^rd, 2003, 6:44pm

But KB, just think, if Mabel had her own plane, she could save you a fortune by flying you over here next year!!! ;D

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 3^rd, 2003, 6:56pm

*Sincerely hopes that no-one would be so reckless as to entrust themselves to a flying PB with a penchant for Baileys.

As for the other Mabel, the one in the story, what a wonderful character! I am so looking forward to the next scene.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Chloe on Dec 3^rd, 2003, 6:57pm

YAy! Thank you lots of lovely long posts for me to read.

*wonders when the next bit will be posted*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Julie on Dec 3^rd, 2003, 7:35pm

I've really been enjoying this Catherine - thank you so much :)

will Mabel ever meet Jo?

*sniggering at the thought*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by KB on Dec 3^rd, 2003, 7:37pm

on 12/03/03 at 18:44:33, Vikki wrote:

But KB, just think, if Mabel had her own plane, she could save you a fortune by flying you over here next year!!! ;D

*thanks Mabel for the offer* But I prefer to entrust my life to the pilots at BA and QANTAS.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Dec 3^rd, 2003, 7:40pm

The pair walked through the school corridors - Kathie decorously and Mabel slightly less so - with several heads turning towards the stranger as she passed. As they walked past the Prefects’ Room, a tall girl, very handsome with short golden-brown curls, a glorious complexion and a firm chin was locking the door.
“Oh! Good morning, Miss Ferrars,” she greeted the two women as they approached, glancing at the geography mistress and her companion with politely-veiled curiosity.
“Good morning,” Kathie nodded pleasantly, while Mabel returned the girl’s look with considerable interest.

“So? Who’s that?” Mabel raised an eyebrow at her chum when they were out of hearing.
“Mary-Lou Trelawney. Head Girl. Completely off limits,” Kathie shot a severe glance at her friend. “Rule number one, May – absolutely no flirting with the girls!”
“Oh, of course not,” Mabel didn’t seem noticeably suppressed. “Going to Oxford, is she? You must tell her to look me up.”
Kathie rolled her eyes. “Do me a favour. Just confine your attentions to the staff today, OK?” She steered her friend in to the Speisesaal without waiting for an answer.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Dec 3^rd, 2003, 8:03pm

Catherine, pretty please let Mabel and Mary Lou get it together!!! That would be a great twist!! ;)

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Dec 3^rd, 2003, 8:40pm

Mabel Cartwright was something of a sensation at the staff table that lunchtime, and again afterwards in the staff room when the mistresses adjourned for coffee. Kathie, who as Staff Baby was generally one of the quieter members of the community, though she had been more forthcoming earlier in the term under Nancy’s influence, was much amused at her friend’s complete lack of inhibitions. Half a dozen of the younger mistresses were hanging on Mabel’s every word, completely transfixed by the latest apparition, while Kathie suspected that Nancy at the other end of the room was not quite as engrossed in conversation with Mlle de Lachenais as she appeared to be.

“Well?” Kathie put an arm around her college friend after some minutes. “Are you ready to go?”
Mabel turned with a smile. “Sure. Ready to fly?”
The pair grinned at the gasps this drew from their audience.
“Oh – just one thing!” Kathie suddenly recalled that she was supposed to be on duty that afternoon with her form. She thought rapidly for a second, then suppressed a wicked smile. “Nancy,” she called across to her partner, whom she knew to be free that day, “Cover my walk with Vb this afternoon, will you?”

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by PatW on Dec 3^rd, 2003, 9:01pm

Catherine how could you? That's cruel!! :o :o

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Sarah_G-G on Dec 3^rd, 2003, 9:18pm

Yay! I was half expecting to check the thread only to discover that the replies were only comments on the story's progression but there was lots to read! Of course that shouldn't suggest that more wouldn't be greatly appreciated. ;)

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Lesley on Dec 3^rd, 2003, 9:34pm

Excellent Catherine - loving the character of Mabel!

Looking forward to more.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Dec 3^rd, 2003, 10:28pm

Kathie’s sense of elation at this revenge for weeks of being publicly ignored by her partner was short lived. By the time she and Mabel were installed in her little Morris Minor, her conscience was smiting her heavily.

“I shouldn’t have done that,” she said guiltily, as she started up the car. “Nancy’s been having a hard enough time lately without me making it worse.” She bit her lip. “That was really cruel - what on earth possessed me, May?”
“Never mind that now.” Judging from her friend’s letter, Mabel privately wondered whether Nancy didn’t deserve worse for her behaviour over recent weeks. “Let’s start from the beginning. Tell me exactly what’s been going on.”
“I – well - ” Kathie was still worrying about the look of confusion in her partner’s eyes back in the staffroom, but she pulled herself together in order to answer her friend’s question. “I think I told you everything in my letters, really. We got together in Geneva, in summer, and it was just – blissful. Yes,” she added, in answer to Mabel’s querying look, “In every way. But then someone started gossiping about us at school, there was a sermon about immoral passions, and Nancy has been wrestling with her conscience ever since,” Kathie put the whole affair in a nutshell at last.

“Ouch.” Mabel lit up a cigarette. “That’s horrendous.”
“Yes.”
“And when did you last talk properly?”
“Four weeks ago,” Kathie kept her eyes fixed on the road.
“Four weeks?” Mabel was truly appalled. “She’s been ignoring you all that time?”
“Well – sort of,” her friend paused, “That is, I don’t think it’s just me she’s ignoring. It’s herself as well.” She sighed. “I think she’s still worrying about the religious side of things. We did talk about it frankly for a while, but recently she’s just shut down, and I don’t know how to get through to her. At first I was scared to force my opinion on her, but now I don’t think I could even if I tried.”
“Force your opinion on her?” Her driving companion stared at her. “For heaven’s sake, Kay, don’t you think your opinion is right?”
“I – yes, I do,” there was a moment’s hesitation. “But you know, Mabel, hearing a minister warn an entire congregation about your corrupting and sinful ways is a pretty painful experience. Not one you forget easily.” Kathie’s hands were shaking.
“No. I can see that.”
There was a silence as Nancy’s partner stared bleakly at the road before her. Then, with a sideways glance at her friend, she reached across suddenly to pluck the cigarette from Mabel’s fingers, and took a long, long drag.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Lesley on Dec 3^rd, 2003, 10:32pm

Oh poor Kathie - please let Mabel give her some words of wisdom!! BTW are we to assume that she and Kathie at uni ??? ???

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by xanthe on Dec 3^rd, 2003, 10:48pm

Yay for Mabel! And hurrah for Catherine, who is v v talented!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Dec 3^rd, 2003, 10:49pm

*eagerly awaits next bit!*

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Angel of the North on Dec 3^rd, 2003, 10:55pm

Great, thanks for that, Catherine. Looking forward to some more.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Catherine_B on Today at 12:44am

“Well, OK,” said Mabel after a pause, “It must have been a horrible experience. But four weeks, Kay -” she looked doubtful, “Sounds to me like Nancy may be straight – or prepared to make believe so, anyway, which amounts to the same thing.”
“She’s not!” But Kathie’s reply was too swift to sound convincing. “She’s just thinking.”
“Don’t waste your time on a woman determined to be straight,” Mabel ignored her friend’s comments. “Believe me, she’ll break your heart. Remember how I spent my first year at St. Hilda’s pining after that neighbour of mine?”
“Lindsay?” Kathie did remember, vividly.
“Yes! Tease that she was, damn her,” Mabel grimaced. “Do you know she invited me to her room every single night for a year to talk about poetry, politics and the meaning of life? And when I’d completely lost my heart, lock stock and barrel, she went and got engaged to that cursed Jack Allenby. Pchah!” She looked fierce at the very recollection.
“Poor old thing!” Kathie was laughing at the memory. “But you did get over her, eventually.”
“Yes,” Mabel sighed plaintively. “But it’s not an experience I’d want my nearest and dearest to go through. It left too many scars.” She eyed Kathie meaningfully.

“Hmm,” Kathie turned the subject. “How’s Charlie, by the way?”
“We broke up in September.” Mabel caught her friend’s glance, “Oh, no need to worry about me. There’ve been two more since her – or three, if you count the girl at the Randolph.”
Kathie threw up her hands in mock despair. “Honestly, you’re incorrigible! Aren’t you ever going to find the right woman and settle down?”
“Not while all the nicest women are spoken for,” Mabel spoke lightly. She gazed for a moment at the Jungfrau, which was looming before them in all her glory. “But look here,” she returned the conversation to its original topic after a pause. “I know you never played the field at college like I did. But I thought you were confident in your sexuality, at least.”
“I was – I am,” Kathie’s response was somewhat defensive.
“Hmm. How many people are you out to, here?”
“Three. Two at school.” She read her companion’s expression correctly, “It’s no good looking that way, May. I’m not ashamed of my sexuality in the slightest. But there’s no way I could come out to the world and be sure of keeping my job.”
Her friend pulled a face. “I can’t think how you bear such a straight-laced environment.”
Kathie laughed dryly. “It’s evident that you’ve never had to work, my dear.”
Mabel leant forward impulsively and placed a hand on Kathie’s knee. “You wouldn’t have to work either – not if you came with me…”

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Angel of the North on Today at 12:54am

OOOOOOOOOOOOoh, nothing like a bit of jealousy to bring nancy into line. Or make Kathie aware of her true feelings...

That's stunning.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Vikki on Today at 12:55am

:o :o :o
Ooooooh! Love triangle coming up, methinks!!!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Rachael P on Today at 8:40am

Oh my word! :o

Mabel is a minx, isn't she? ;D

However, I think she could be just the thing to get N&K back together again

Perhaps Nancy needs a chat with Hilary? She's got piles of common sense ........

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by KB on Today at 10:11am

Have to say I'm loving Mabel in this story! Good on her!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Alex on Today at 1:32pm

I'm glad this is such a happy story, even though it's kind of sad as well at the moment. The Well of Loneliness (as mentioned earlier) is possibly the most depressing book I have ever read. I'm so glad everyone made you keep writing Caroline!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Rachael P on Today at 1:45pm

Psst, Alex - it's Catherine!

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Esmeralda on Today at 3:14pm

But how can Nancy be jealous wen she doesn't know what's going on? And if she persists in avoiuding Kasthie she isn't going to find out either!
Please post some more very shortly Catharine - I really need to know what is going to happen next.

Title: Re: An Alternative Romance ~ Part V
Post by Rachael P on Today at 4:32pm

Oh but Nancy does know!

- all the staff room saw Mabel and Nancy wasn't paying attention to Jeanne's conversation
- Kathie specifically asked Nancy to cover her walk so she could spend time with Mabel
- she watched Kathie and Mabel leave the staff room together and there was confusion in her eyes ... and it's not as though Mabel hides her sexuality!

She doesn't need to know what's happening between Kathie and Mabel while they're out together to be jealous - she'll be jealous just because they are together

*taking this story far too seriously - all credit to the writer :)*