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        Stories & Imaginings >> Cookies & Drabbles >>  Felicity - Life after School Mk2
        
(Message started by: Carolyn P on Jan 14^th, 2004, 3:52pm)

Title: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Carolyn P on Jan 14^th, 2004, 3:52pm

Archived for length

Link to first part
http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/felicityafterschool.htm

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Katarzyna on Jan 14^th, 2004, 4:08pm

The small café was clean and bright, green and white checked clothes covered the tables, each of which had a small real flower arrangement in the middle. Felicity and Solange took their seats and gave their order to the young girl waiting tables. As soon they were sat with their drinks in front of them Solange took a deep breath before she steered the conversation back to their meeting at the maternity clinic.

“So what did your midwife say” she asked bluntly
“I’m definitely pregnant” Felicity’s voice was a dull monotone
“me also” Solange confirmed with a smile “about 8 weeks, I will be due at the end of June”
“May” Felicity replied
“so you are a bit further along than me” Solange waited for Felicity to continue but as she showed no signs of doing so continued “does the father know?”
“I…” Felicity stammered again flushing a dull red colour
“you haven’t told him yet” Solange suggested “do you not think he will stand by you”
“I don’t know” Felicity whispered
“I am sure he will be pleased” Solange was desperately trying to cheer up the younger girl but from the look on Felicity’s face it wasn’t succeeding. Eventually Felicity gave a low sobbing moan and blurted out
“I don’t even know who the father is”.
“You were attacked” Solanage said in shocked hushed tones after a lengthy pause
“No, I, well, perhaps” was all Felicity could say.

Solange felt it would be better to say now more noting Felicity’s distress, she chattered gaily about life working at the florists and her visit to England during the summer, where she had met up with Audrey. Felicity didn’t really take in what Solange was saying but continued to stare morosely at the table. Eventually she looked up at the elder girl and sighed
“what’s that for” Solange asked
“I just wish I knew what to do” Felicity said desperately
“about what”
“everything”
“well, first thing’s first, do you parent’s know?”
“no” Felicity said abruptly
“do you think you should tell them”
“Well, yes, eventually I am going to have to” Felicity admitted “but not yet, I am going to be such a disappointment to them”
“why” Solange asked “whatever makes you think that”. Felicity gave a dry brittle laugh before she replied
“all my life I have tried to please them, I’m not as bright as the trips, or Cecil and Phil. I had to fight to come to university, to have a career, a chance of a life of my own, and now what, I can’t even manage one term without screwing up”
“you haven’t screwed up” Solange replied
“really” Felicity continued “I am not going to be able to dance, it’s all I ever wanted to do”
“perhaps not for a bit” Solange said realistically “but there will be nothing stopping you in the future”
“only a baby, born in sin”
“babies are born in sin throughout the world every day Felicity, yours will be loved and cared for, it may mean that your career gets put back a bit but it doesn’t mean everything has to end”

The two women sat talking for some considerable time, the waitress refilling there cups as they talked. Eventually Solanage signaled for the bill
“so it is decided” she said firmly to Felicity “you will see your tutor’s next week and withdraw from your dancing course. You will tell your tutor’s why and explain that you would like to re-start next year” Felicity nodded “as well you will speak to your languages tutor about doing this course part time and I will speak to my boss about finding you a part time job in the shop”
“all right” Felicity said with a sigh
“and you will go home at Christmas and tell your parents” Solange said finally
“Well see” Felicity replied without commitment.

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by xanthe on Jan 14^th, 2004, 4:11pm

*all caught up and starting to chant* ;D

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Vikki on Jan 14^th, 2004, 5:40pm

*joins in Xan's chant!!*
I'm so glad Felicity has found Solange to help her!!

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Chloe on Jan 14^th, 2004, 6:02pm

Kat that was brillant :)

*joins xan and vikki's chant*

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by PatMac on Jan 14^th, 2004, 6:53pm

Good for Solange. Just what Felicity needed. I've caught up now so you can post more ;)

(jsut a hint)

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by catherine on Jan 14^th, 2004, 8:17pm

Good for Solange! Thanks, Kate! More soon please!

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Carolyn P on Jan 14^th, 2004, 9:41pm

Solange's involvment may make all the difference to Felicity, can't see the family being too happy though!!

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by KB on Jan 14^th, 2004, 10:09pm

Hooray for Solly! I always liked her!

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Katarzyna on Jan 15^th, 2004, 2:03pm

First bit for today.....

The remainder of the term passed quickly and Felicity used the time to put Solange’s plan into action. Her tutors were understanding of her situation, which was something they assured her happened to at least one female student every year. It was arranged that as she was a part time student she could continue to live in the apartment for the rest of the academic year, particularly as the other three girls had lent their support to the idea.

As the Christmas vacation approached Felicity and the three girls spent more and more time together, the decorated the apartment and had their own festivities, including on the last day of term a lavish Christmas dinner. The following morning saw them all depart for home and Felicity boarded the train ready for the journey back to Switzerland.

She sat in the carriage thinking of the forthcoming meeting with her parents and family, unsure which family members would be at home at Christmas.
‘Mamma and Papa, obviously’ she thought to herself as she sat watching the countryside flash by ‘Cecil and the second twins too. I suppose that Len and Reg will be coming over Christmas day’ her face clouded as she thought of her eldest sister. That Len had been unhappy when Felicity first went away had been obvious and then there was her illness. Since the letter from her mother Felicity had written to Len on several occasions, bright chatty letters about what she was doing at university but the replies were always brief and emotionless, completely unlike the sister she knew and loved. ‘I know Margot and Steve won’t make it home, I don’t suppose Mike will get leave either. I hope Felix is home’

She smiled and put her hand on her stomach as she though of her twin. Although her pregnancy was not obvious in the last couple of weeks her stomach had started to expand slightly and whilst she was sure that she could hide the visible signs she wasn’t sure that her own twin wouldn’t notice that there was something different about her.

Eventually the train pulled into the station and Felicity disembarked. She picked up her bags and walked towards the gate, as she gave her ticket to the collector she noticed the two trim young schoolgirls waving from the concourse. She waved back with enthusiasm as her sisters Cecil and Phillippa ran forward to take her bags. Cecil threw her arms round her sister and exclaimed

“Welcome home, I can’t believe it’s 12 weeks since we last saw you. What’s university like, what’s Paris like”
“Fantastic” Felicity returned the hug her eyes sparkling “I’ll tell everyone about it later when we get home. How did you get down here”
“we were driven” Phillippa said solemnly
“Papa?” Felicity guessed and both girls shook their heads “who then”
“this way” Cecil said picking up a bag in one arm and tucking her other through Felicity’s. Phillippa did the same on the other side and laughing Felicity found herself marched out of the station by her sisters.

The light was almost gone as the three girls made their way across the car park to where the family’s runabout was parked. The car seemed deserted but as the got closer the door opened and the interior light illuminated the young man climbing out of the car. Forgetting any dignity she may have had Felicity pulled her arms away from her sisters and ran full tilt to the car
“Felix” she yelled catching her twin in a hug

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Jennie on Jan 15^th, 2004, 3:19pm

This is wonderful, Kate, thank you.

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Katarzyna on Jan 15^th, 2004, 3:33pm

The journey from the station to the Platz passed quickly with Felix and Felicity content to sit in comfort of each other’s company whilst listening to the two younger girls chatter behind them, mainly on the subject of the just passed school term. As the car pulled round the corner on the final leg of the journey Felicity saw the soft lights of Freudeshim spilling out in to the darkness of the night. The door to the house was open and as the car parked at the end of the path she saw her parents and two of her elder sisters waiting for her.

Felix offered her his arm as they got out of the car and side by side they walked up the path
“welcome home” her mother’s golden voice rang out as she came forward to greet her daughter
“It’s good to be back” Felicity gave a small smile as she replied
“tired darling”
“very” Felicity confessed
“I am sure Anna will have a supper for us shortly why don’t you go and wash up”
“I’ll take her bag’s up” Felix offered “Geoff can help” he indicated the youngest of the family who had been standing behind the rest of the family
“Geoff and I’ll do it” volunteered Felicity’s father “can you run the car round to the garage first”

Felicity was soon refreshed by a hasty wash in the cloakroom, she shed her outer garments and changed into her slippers, which were waiting for her. The salon was lit by a variety of lights set on the walls and Anna had laid out a buffet supper for the family on the side board. Settling herself in the comfortable chair she watched the rest of her family, renewing herself with them after the longest period she had ever been away from home.

Her parents, Jack and Joey Maynard, appeared little changed, though her father’s hair seemed to be grayer. Her mother looked no different from normal and Felicity marveled that for a woman of nearly 50 who had born 13 children she looked remarkably young and fit. Phillippa and Cecil appeared little changed, though both of them had grown during the previous term and Cecil appeared to be starting to grow up ‘the responsibilities of prefecthood’ Felicity thought to herself with a grin.

It was her two eldest sisters that appeared to have changed the most in her absence. She hadn’t seen Con and her husband Roger for about six months as they lived in London where they both worked. Both of them seemed extremely pleased to be at home and Con herself looked extremely content and happy. Watching the pair of them Felicity couldn’t help notice that they seemed to be sharing a secret and when she saw Con’s hand resting on the top of her stomach, much like she herself did when on her own, she wondered whether or not she was the only one expecting.

Glancing over at her eldest, and if it was owned most favorite, sister her eyes clouded. Although Len and Con were triplets and therefore obviously the same age Len appeared to be considerably older. Her chestnut hair, still pulled back from her face as it always had been, was shot through with grey at the temples. Her face appeared thin and drawn, her eyes which normally sparkled with life were dull. It was as though in the term Felicity had been away she had aged at least 10 years, looking nearer to her mother in age than her sister. Len’s husband, Reg, hovered over her concern for his wife clearly showing in his face as he watched her every move.

Through out the meal felicity answered her family’s questions about her first term at University, told them about her flat mates, her course and some of the things she had done. As the plates were cleared away her mother dismissed Phillippa, Geoff and Cecil up to bed. Len, Reg, Con and Roger got their coats to walk the short distance to Len and Roger’s Chalet at the other end of the platz. Left with her parents and twin brother the chatter in the room soon fell silent until Joey indicated that they too should seek their beds.

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Katarzyna on Jan 15^th, 2004, 4:04pm

It was early next morning when Felicity woke, despite the fact that she had had difficulty getting to sleep the night before and had lain awake for several hours listening to the familiar sounds of the house. She sat up carefully, all to aware that any sudden movements could bring on a feeling of nausea which would send her straight to the bathroom. Having a mother who herself had been pregnant on seven occasions made her feel that if she was to keep her secret until she was ready to tell everyone she had best hide her morning sickness.

She could open the curtains without getting out of bed and was sitting looking out over the gardens and the grounds of the school when there was a gentle tap on the door.
“I’m awake” she called out and the door opened revealing her brother
“I thought you might be” he grinned “I’ve bought coffee”
“come in” Felicity invited wondering whether she would be able to drink it. Felix wondered over to the bed and placed the mugs on the chest next to them before seating himself on the end of the bed
“so how’s Paris” he asked
“Fine” she replied shortly “what about London”
“you wouldn’t believe it” Felix answered with a smile “I am having a blast”
“tell” Felicity demanded
“oh no, it would horrify you” Felix laughed “well I might tell you some of it”
“go on” Felicity urged
“ok, I’ll tell you my secrets if you tell me yours” Felicity looked startled at Felix’s statement
“I don’t have a secret” she gasped
“really” was all Felix said with a raised eyebrow. The two of them sat in silence whilst Felicity’s mind raced with anxiety. She knew that as she and Felix were twins they were naturally close, but surely he couldn’t know.

The gong sounded from downstairs and the twins knew that they would have precisely 30 minutes to get ready before breakfast. There was a scampering of feet across the landing as the younger family members rushed for the main bathroom
“I think” said Felix getting of the bed “that I had better let you get up” and he slipped out the room.

After breakfast the family split up for the morning with Felicity deciding to make her way to her sister’s Chalet. Knowing that it would not be too early to visit she made good time on the short walk but when she knocked on the door Con answered with her finger to her lips
“Hi Felicity” she began “come in, but quietly, Len’s still in bed”
The two women went through the hallway in to the small but comfortable lounge, which doubled as a dining room when the couple were entertaining.

“where are Reg and Roger?” Felicity asked when they were settled
“Reg was called up to the san in the early hours, he hasn’t come back yet and Roger had gone down to Interlaken to pick up some bits that we ordered for Christmas”
“Con, Is Len all right” Felicity asked anxiously “she didn’t look well yesterday”
“she hasn’t been” Con admitted
“but she’s going to be all right” Felicity urged
“in time” was all that Con would say and the pair lapsed into silence. Eventually Felicity spoke again
“please, what’s wrong with her” Felicity asked carefully. Con considered her younger sister carefully before answering gently
“I can’t tell you” she began and as Felicity started to protest she held up her hand “it’s not up to me Felicity, if Len wants you to know she will tell you herself”
“I’ll tell you what myself” came a weak voice from the doorway

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Jennie on Jan 15^th, 2004, 4:19pm

Sitting down on the sofa waiting patiently for more.

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Chloe on Jan 15^th, 2004, 4:34pm

Yaqy we got more story!

*curls up to wait for more*

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Katarzyna on Jan 15^th, 2004, 4:39pm

Last bit for today - am off work tomorrow so probably no more till monday afternoon now.

warning - i am going to tissue box after writing this....

“oh Len” Con jumped at the sound of her sister’s voice “Felicity was just asking whether you were all right”
“Your not though are you” Felicity added quietly her face clearly showing her concern
“Felicity” Con warned
“It’s all right Con” Len made her way over to the sofa and sat down, curling her feet under her on the seat “she has a right to know”
“but Mamma” Con began
“she’s not a child anymore” Len argued “she can’t be sheltered her whole life”
“Please Len” Felicity begged “tell me what’s wrong”
“I will, but you might not understand all of it” she cautioned “if you don’t then say so and I’ll try and explain better”
“all right” Felicity agreed. Con picked up her book and stood
“I’ll be in the kitchen” she advised “yell if you want anything” as she passed her triplet on the way to the door she gave her arm a gentle squeeze “only if your sure” she whispered and when Len nodded she left.

Len took a deep breath and turned to face her younger sister, who was sitting attentively on the edge of her chair
“Firstly, it’s nothing serious” she began in an attempt to quell Felicity’s anxiety “what exactly do you know about having children” she asked carefully
“Probably more than you realise” Felicity said with a brittle laugh and when Len raised her eyebrow she continued “I know the basics”
“All right. Didn’t you think it was strange that Reg and I have been married for over six years and yet we haven’t started a family yet?”
“not really, I knew you wanted a career first, I just thought you were waiting”
“We weren’t” Len said sadly “it’s just happened this way”
“do you mean you can’t have children” Felicity looked shocked
“I don’t know” Len’s voice was shaky and she took a deep breath before continuing “Felicity, I desperately want to have a family of my own, but it appears to be God’s will that I don’t have one” she paused but when Felicity said nothing continued quietly “when I was sick it was because I lost my baby”
“Oh Len” Felicity’s eyes welled with tears “I didn’t even know you were pregnant”
“Reg and I didn’t want to tell anyone at first, after all that wasn’t the first baby I’d lost. This time was worse though, I got an infection and it took a while for me to recover”
Felicity left her chair and went to her sister’s side
“I’m sorry Len”
“So am I” Len replied she paused for a while before continuing “This last time was the fourth time I’ve lost a baby and to be honest I don’t know now whether or not I will ever have children”
“surely the doctor’s can do something”
“it’s not that simple” Len replied gravely “they have examined me, but can’t find anything wrong”
“will you keep trying” Felicity asked
“At the moment I would say no, I don’t think I could bear to go through it again” Len’s eyes had filled with tears “it’s not so much physically loosing a child, it’s the complete and utter feeling of failure and loneliness. That is what I can’t cope with any more”

Felicity held her sister for a long time in silence. This explained Len’s illness and the fact that rather than recovering she had been drawn into depression. All Felicity could feel at the moment was sorrow for her sister and an immense guilt that she was carrying a child she was not sure she wanted. She did not until this moment realise this was something someone else could want so much and not be able to have.

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Jennie on Jan 15^th, 2004, 4:42pm

This is great, Kate, but what a terrible position for both Len and Felicity to be in.

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Rosalie on Jan 15^th, 2004, 4:57pm

*bursts into tears and runs away*

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by xanthe on Jan 15^th, 2004, 5:07pm

*stifles her sobs as she's in the computer room*

thank you Kate :'(

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by PatMac on Jan 15^th, 2004, 5:15pm

*follows Kate to the tissue box*. That was so sad - and so true to life. Thank you.

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Vikki on Jan 15^th, 2004, 6:06pm

Thank you Kate!! Poor Len! And poor Felicity! This is going to make it so much harder for her to reveal her secret!! And if Con's pregnant too, that must be hard for her, knowing how much her beloved sister wants a child!!

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Rachel on Jan 15^th, 2004, 6:42pm

** sniffs and wipes tears away on back of sleeve **

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Vikki on Jan 15^th, 2004, 6:59pm

*passes Rachel a tissue!*

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Rachel on Jan 15^th, 2004, 7:04pm

** Blows nose thoroughly and hands tissue back **

Thank you Vikki ;D

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Vikki on Jan 15^th, 2004, 7:17pm

*quickly shoves hands behind back and tells Rachel to keep the tissue!*

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by LauraT on Jan 15^th, 2004, 7:29pm

Surrogacy!! (plus two words)

*Well, semi-surrogacy!

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Carolyn P on Jan 15^th, 2004, 8:27pm

Kate that was so, so, sad and so wonderfully written. No wonder you had to go for the tissue box. That must have been so hard, well done.

*rushes off howling.*

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Vikki on Jan 15^th, 2004, 9:40pm

*heads over to cram the tissue box as full as possible....*

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by LauraT on Jan 15^th, 2004, 9:50pm

.....in eager anticipation of.... (fill in space with appropriate drabble section) ;D

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Susan on Jan 16^th, 2004, 1:07am

More lovely story. Quite thankful I didn't get read this in work today. It does get difficult to hide the tears.

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by KB on Jan 16^th, 2004, 2:38am

I don't think this happened, but it wouldn't surprise me if Felicity gave her baby boy to Len and Reg, or at least offered to. And Kate, this was beautifully written!

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by LauraT on Jan 16^th, 2004, 11:11am

on 01/16/04 at 02:38:36, KB wrote:

I don't think this happened, but it wouldn't surprise me if Felicity gave her baby boy to Len and Reg, or at least offered to. And Kate, this was beautifully written!

I dont know how to do two quotes in one post, but that's what i meant earlier!

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Abi on Jan 16^th, 2004, 11:22am

*tries to choke back tears and fails VERY miserably*

Poor Len. Poor Felicity.

:'( :'( :'(

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Carolyn P on Jan 16^th, 2004, 11:30am

*sniff*
Just realised that we are in for a very sad weekend as Kat said she was off work until Monday, so no more of this today.

*sobs*

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Lesley on Jan 16^th, 2004, 4:27pm

Oh *%&"!) and other words the censor will not allow - why can't everyone have access at home?

I would also consider Felicity giving her baby to Len as a possible solution - but I don't think it happened because of Court.

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Chloe on Jan 16^th, 2004, 6:05pm

*mutters about never having a hankie when need one*

Thank you the was beautiful, but may we have some more please :)

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by KB on Jan 17^th, 2004, 3:43am

*calls over the Tissue Box*

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Kathryn on Jan 17^th, 2004, 4:15am

It had a flat tyre so that's why it was a little slow. All fixed now!

*gets flattened by the tissue box screaming into this thread*

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by KB on Jan 17^th, 2004, 4:21am

*forcibly stops box and snaps off wheels before running over to check on Kathryn*

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Vikki on Jan 17^th, 2004, 10:46pm

*hopes Kathryn wasn't hurt!*

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by KB on Jan 17^th, 2004, 10:48pm

*picks Kathryn up and looks for some way to reinflate her*

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Chloe on Jan 18^th, 2004, 2:12pm

Please may we have some more story!

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by xanthe on Jan 18^th, 2004, 3:32pm

*seconds smaller sib's request*

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by KB on Jan 19^th, 2004, 4:23am

*joins in chant, although I'm not a sister*

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Cathy on Jan 19^th, 2004, 5:53am

I can't wait to see where this goes. I don't want to see Felicity suffer because some evil fella took advantage of her.

Will he be brought to justice? Will there be a scene with a blunt knife?

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by KB on Jan 19^th, 2004, 6:20am

on 01/19/04 at 05:53:39, Cathy wrote:

Will he be brought to justice? Will there be a scene with a blunt knife?

Are you offering, Cathy? ;)

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Kathryn on Jan 19^th, 2004, 6:56am

on 01/17/04 at 22:48:47, KB wrote:

*picks Kathryn up and looks for some way to reinflate her*

I'm up, I'm up! Ooops, not my alarm, but reinflation.
*dusts self off and kicks tissue box*

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by KB on Jan 19^th, 2004, 8:42am

I'm so glad you're okay!

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Kathryn on Jan 19^th, 2004, 9:49am

I'm okay but the tissue box needs some repairs. I got stuck into a bit too much and it fell apart. Sorry :-[
Anyone got a spare box?!

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by PatMac on Jan 19^th, 2004, 9:57am

Idestructable tissue box (well padded to avoid repetition of previous accident) on it's way down the modem now.

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by KB on Jan 19^th, 2004, 10:03am

Thank you, PatMac! *offers to attach the wheels to the new box*

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by PatMac on Jan 19^th, 2004, 10:33am

thanks, KB, that would be most useful. You don't happen to have a spare engine around do you? Then we wouldn't have to throw it every time. I know the exercise is good for us, but sometimes we're weak with laughter. ;D

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Rachel on Jan 19^th, 2004, 1:24pm

But where's the STORY!!!

Kat - it's monday, we've all been sitting here with our tongues hanging out for more story - where are you??

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Sarah_L on Jan 19^th, 2004, 2:25pm

More, more, more. Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease.

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Vikki on Jan 19^th, 2004, 2:58pm

Kaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaate!!! Where are you? ???

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Katarzyna on Jan 19^th, 2004, 3:20pm

Mumbles apologetically :-[ .... its a nuisance when you have to work isn't it.

unfortunately day of on Friday = twice the amount of work to do today - haven't even had a lunch break!!

no garuntees that you will get any story today.... sorry :(

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Vikki on Jan 19^th, 2004, 3:24pm

*huggles Kate, but wonders why she needs to work anyway? ;) ;D*

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by crashbb on Jan 19^th, 2004, 3:31pm

on 01/19/04 at 15:24:47, Vikki wrote:

*huggles Kate, but wonders why she needs to work anyway? ;) ;D*

*Also huggles Kate.
*Suggest to Vikki that it might be due to the icky habit Kate has of wanting to eat and sleep in a bed

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Katarzyna on Jan 19^th, 2004, 4:27pm

Chelsea's right, i do need to eat and pay the mortgage!

anyway, cos I got most of my work done i have managed a tiny it more story.... here goes...

After spending the morning with her two eldest sisters, and listening to Len’s heartbreaking story, Felicity found that she needed some time to herself and for the rest of the day she wondered around the Platz deep in contemplation. Returning for supper her family noted she was pale and withdrawn though wisely none of them spoke to her about it. Choosing to go straight to bed rather than sit up with the rest of the family she missed their enquiring and worried looks.

The next day was Christmas Eve and Felicity woke knowing that she must pull herself together for the day, which as always would be spent as a family preparing for tomorrow. Although outwardly not a very religious family Felicity’s parents held a deep and sincere faith which they had tried to instill into their children. The morning would be taken up with ensuring the house was tidy and clean then in the afternoon her father would bring in the large fir tree which had been standing outside the back door since she arrived.

The whole family would take part in decorating the tree, a tradition going back as long as Felicity could remember. It was after the tree was decorated that Felicity joined her mother and eldest sisters in the salon.

“Are you alright Felicity” Len asked quietly as she entered
“Yes” Felicity’s reply was definite
“Sure” Con asked, knowing what Len had told their younger sister the day before. Felicity nodded not trusting herself to speak
“I am sure she’s just recovering from the change between Paris and here” her mother said serenely. The three girls looked at her and Felicity noticed for perhaps the first time that her mother appeared to live in her own world, slightly out of kilter with the rest of them. Part of her belonged in the past, in an age where you didn’t tell your children anything about what to expect from their lives, where women had no greater wish than to get married and have children yet were not expected to know how this happened.
“Something like that” Felicity replied
“Mamma” Len spoke gravely “I spoke to Felicity last night about why I was ill”.
“But Len, I thought we agreed, she’s only a child”
“No Mamma I’m not” Felicity said firmly “I’m nineteen years old”
“I know” snapped her mother not used to being argued with “I was there when you were born”
Felicity and Len looked at each other briefly and then down at their cups. Con however, the most outspoken of all Joey’s girls, continued
“Mamma, I think Len is right, Felicity does need to know”
“Con” Joey said warningly
“No Mamma” Con continued holding up her hand “let me finish. Felicity is a grown woman, she is making her way in the world and needs to know about certain things. You think that Len and I, having had such a sheltered upbringing were prepared for life at University or married life for that matter”
“You knew everything I knew at your age” Joey interrupted
“These days Mamma, that’s not enough” Con said with finality
“I just want to protect my girls” Joey looked hard at her second daughter
“I know that” Con replied “but there is such a thing as over protection”
“Con’s right Mamma” Len said softly “The school is a wonderful place and gives you a first class education but it teaches you nothing of real life”

Felicity looked at her two sisters in amazement, she had never even considered that they too would have felt so unprepared when they first went to university. Eventually she spoke
“Len and Con are right Mamma, there are things I would have been better knowing before I went away. I think you should consider being more open with Cecil and Phillippa when there turn comes”
Joey looked horrified at this statement, it was bad enough that her eldest children were old enough to be married but the mere thought of the last of her children leaving home made her feel incredibly old.
“well see” was all she said before changing the subject completely

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by crashbb on Jan 19^th, 2004, 4:38pm

Thanks for that bit. It gives hope that Len and Con, at least, will help Flick through this. It does, however, add worries as to how Joey will cope. I like Flick's thoughts about her mum being a bit off kilter.

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by LauraT on Jan 19^th, 2004, 4:41pm

Oh my gosh! I mean, I knew, subconsciously, that Joey was like that, but this has all really woken me up to it. This is amazing Kat, and more soon would be much appreciated! :D *hopeful smiley*

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Katarzyna on Jan 19^th, 2004, 4:47pm

little bit more before i go home....

Christmas day dawned brightly, over night there had been a small snowfall which reflected the early morning sunlight. Despite the fact that the whole family had gone to midnight mass they rose early and gathered in the lounge

“Mamma please may we have our presents before breakfast” Phillippa pleaded with her mother
“No” Joey replied firmly “and I would have thought after 14 years you would have known what the answer would be”
“no harm in trying” was the cheeky reply
“Breakfast will be in thirty minutes, I want everyone dressed in time please”
There was a general scurrying as the younger members of the family, including Felix and Felicity, raced for the bathrooms. Christmas day, no matter what your age, was full of excitement.

Breakfast was barely over when there was a knock at the door. Anna answered and from her delighted cries it was obvious that the rest of the family had arrived. The breakfast crockery was cleared away at speed and the whole family assembled in the salon to open presents. This aspect of the day was followed by morning mass and then a short walk home before the traditional Christmas dinner.

As usual, after the main course was finished Jack Maynard stood to propose a toast to the absent family members, who for various reasons could not be with them. This done he turned to face his second daughter and her husband
“I believe you wanted to say something” he spoke nonchalantly as he grinned at them
“Papa” Con blushed and rose to her feet. Felicity noticed that as she did so Reg slipped his hand into Len’s and she averted her eyes from her family to her lap.
“I just wanted to make a small announcement” she began looking straight into her mother’s face and placing her hand on her stomach. Joey gave a gasp of realization
“Your going to be busy” she said in an elated voice
“I’m going to have a baby” Con corrected “your going to be a grandmother”
“At last” Joey exclaimed and rushed round the table to hug her second daughter “after all this time I am finally going to be a grandmother, won’t it be wonderful”

There was a general outburst of congratulations for Con and Roger. As she joined in Felicity found herself watching as Len excused herself from the table and shakily made her way out of the room. Reg watched his wife leave and then sat staring blankly at the table his expression one of total dejection. There was one other person whose eyes were not on Con and Roger, Felix watched his twin sister with a speculative expression on his face.

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by PatMac on Jan 19^th, 2004, 4:49pm

Thanks for that bit. Sorry RL is interfering with you. :(

It made me think about bringing children up. I don't understand Joey really. If you really want the best for your children, you prepare them for life and she seems to want to hold the clock back. She's almost treating them as her property or toys to dictate what they do and know. I certainly don't think she has taken on board what Len and Con are saying and fear that Felicity has problems ahead.

This is very good, Kate. Keep it coming, please.

Oops, you did! Thanks. I like the way Len and Con are starting to stand up to Joey and her outdated and selfish attitudes. Hooray for Con!

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by crashbb on Jan 19^th, 2004, 4:56pm

Quote:

“Your going to be busy” she said in an elated voice
“I’m going to have a baby” Con corrected “your going to be a grandmother”
“At last” Joey exclaimed and rushed round the table to hug her second daughter “after all this time I am finally going to be a grandmother, won’t it be wonderful”

I like Con correcting Joey over "being busy". But how totally insensitive of Joey. I mean has been desperately trying to have a baby (and give Joey her grandchild), but has been unable to do so - Joey's comments must have hurt.

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Carolyn P on Jan 19^th, 2004, 4:59pm

I'm pretty certain that Felix has guessed, but I wonder if Con has some idea that there is at least a problem?

Love the old, outspoken Con coming to the surface.

Will there be any more today, or will we have to wait until tomorrow now?

Thank-you so much.

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Jennie on Jan 19^th, 2004, 4:59pm

I agree with you Pat. It may have something to do with the fact that she still thinks that she's a schoolgirl.

Did anyone else notice how tactless she was with Len? What a thing to say in front of a daughter who longs for a child and can't have one.

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by Chloe on Jan 19^th, 2004, 6:20pm

Yay thanks Kat that was beautiful :)

Title: Re: Felicity - Life after School Mk2
Post by LauraT on Jan 19^th, 2004, 6:39pm

How insensitive, tactless and downright nasty! How could she (Joey) say such a thing in front of Len! How selfish!

And yay! for Len and Con for beginning to bring Joey out of here bubble of innocence!