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Stories & Imaginings >> Cookies & Drabbles >> Geraldine joins the CS
(Message started by: Toria on Dec 20th, 2003, 7:10pm)

Title: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Toria on Dec 20th, 2003, 7:10pm
Well, this is my attempt at a CS story, timing wise it is most likely to be very inconsistent. Sorry! Please let me know what you think.

Chapter One

Geraldine stared out of her window with a growing dismay. The weather looked , well ……..bleak was the only word Geraldine could think to describe it. The snow had settled to a fine drizzle but there was a wind blowing like mad and great piles of snow were being thrown around on the icy surface. Geraldine could hear the trees groaning in the wind. There were be no school for her that day Geraldine reflected, she knew her parents would not want her to risk it, not after her sister Ellen Charlotte……
Geraldine abrubtly stopped herself, there was no point in thinking about that now. Instead she turned to thinking about the circumstances in which her parents had bought the castle.

Geraldine's father was a famous author who had established a great name for himself. Those in the literary world referred to him as the next Dickens. Of course this meant that he had no problems being housebound and it was that that had prompted him to take up the old Scottish castle. It certainly would make an excellent setting for a novel reflected Geraldine, she could see it now. However her thoughts were once again interrupted this time by a call of,
'Geraldine!' from her mother. Geraldine's mother had taken up the post of her husband's secretary, typing up his various novels, communicating with publishers and film producers. She too did not mind the isolation but frequently took weekends up in London. The only other resident was Miss Mills, the cook who was one of Geraldine's closest friends.
'No school for you today sweetheart' her mother concluded as Geraldine appeared at the foot of the stairs. 'Go and see if you can lend a hand to Mrs Mills in the kitchen for this morning. I'll ask your father if he'll let you use the library this afternoon and you can carry on your research for that novel.'
'Yes Mamma' replied Geraldine meekly and headed off to the kitchens.
'Mrs Mills!' Called Geraldine upon reaching her destination, 'Mamma says I'm to lend you a hand this morning.'

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by xanthe on Dec 20th, 2003, 7:11pm
*bounces excitedly*

oooh, new drabble!  good drabble!

*happy xanthe*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Abi on Dec 20th, 2003, 7:27pm
This is an intriguing start, Toria - but don't stop there!

*is completely ruthless to new drabbler and starts chanting immediately*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Toria on Dec 20th, 2003, 7:28pm
Well here's some more......

Mrs Mills smiled upon seeing Geraldine but frowned as she said, 'No school this morning Ali?'
'The snow is terrible, I doubt I'd even be able to get out of the front door'.
Mrs Mills frown deepened, in her opinion an isolated castle was no place to bring up children. Especially those as gifted as Ali who needed the company of others to keep their feet on the ground. That said, Ali was the loveliest child Mrs Mills had ever met, she had more of a will than her elder sister, Ellen Charlotte had had. That was when Mrs Mills made up her mind. She had recently had a letter from her own sister who had mentioned a school in Switzerland to which some friends of the family she worked for had been sent. She had thought of Geraldine and had written to Donya to tell her about it. Turning to Geraldine Mrs Mills spoke,
'Ali, you wouldn't mind getting on with these tarts would you? If the weather is as bad as you say I'll need to have a word with your Mamma about our supplies'
'Of course I don't mind, go on up now Millie as Mamma won't have started her work yet.'
Mrs Mills left the kitchen and headed upstairs to the office. If she got her way she would lose Ali, but she firmly believed that her plan was best. After all, I'd hardly be doing my duty if I let the poor child stay here for my own benefit she reflected. Determinedly she knocked on the door,
'Come in' came Elizabeth Hatherthwaite's voice,
'Oh Donya, what did you want?'
'Well actually Mrs Hatherthwaite it's about your daughter, my sister has sent me a letter in which she mentions a boarding school, the Chalet School. I know it's rude but I can't help thinking that it would be just the place for Geraldine. My sister has enclosed a prospectus…' Here Donya Mills tailed off, unsure how to continue. However Elizabeth Hatherthwaite was more than ready to continue.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Lisa on Dec 20th, 2003, 7:45pm
Ooh great! A brand new drabble to get into! Well done for starting!
*intrigued by Scottish castle, author father and mysterious older sister!*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Chloe on Dec 20th, 2003, 8:36pm
Yay another new drabble!

This is wonderful, more soon please!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Lesley on Dec 20th, 2003, 8:36pm
Also intrigued and looking forward to more! Want to know what Geraldine's great gift is - and why she's called Ali?

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Toria on Dec 20th, 2003, 8:43pm
Ali comes from the 'al' in Geraldine, I thought it would make a different short from Gerry!

'Why Donya, I was thinking just the same thing myself this morning. I hate having Geraldine stuck here, but of course I can't let her out in these conditions. Did you say that you had a prospectus with you? I shall certainly take a look and speak to my husband as soon as possible. If all goes to plan Geraldine could be headed off to school very soon'
'Thank you so much' replied Mrs Mills as she handed over the prospectus. 'If you don't mind, I'll leave you to look at it, I've left Geraldine making tarts in the kitchen.'
'Of course', replied Elizabeth, 'Don't mention anything to her will you Donya, I don't want her to raise her hopes.'
Mrs Mills thanked Elizabeth once again and then, dropping the curtsey that was customary in the Hatherthwaite household, left the room.

Meanwhile Geraldine had been carefully cooking the tarts, having completed the initial preparations she thought it best to wait for Mrs Mills before starting the cooking and slipped into the room next door, where she settled at the piano. Obviously she was unable to have lessons as the village tutor gave evening lessons, by which time Geraldine would be back at the castle. However Geraldine had developed a talent for playing by ear and last time that Mrs Mills had been in town, she had brought back some sheet music, Geraldine was now putting in every effort into learning that.
Presently Mrs Mills appeared her face glowing with delight and she and Geraldine settled to making the tarts and having a pleasant gossip about the others in the town.
That afternoon, Geraldine was tucked up in a library window seat, deeply involved in L'Avare, a French play by Moliere. The Hatherthwaites travelled widely and Mr Hatherthwaite had put in a lot of effort into teaching Geraldine the basic modern languages as well as Latin, in order that she would be able to read great texts in their own language. Geraldine found Latin easy to learn, especially as much of her study could be done by bookwork. Her French and German were fluent and she was rapidly picking up Italian. As it began to darken, her mother appeared,
'Geraldine, your father would like to see you in his office. He has some news for you' smiled her mother. Geraldine slipped off her window seat and headed off to the study.
'Well Geraldine, I have decided to send you to a boarding school in Switzerland. You mother and I agree that it is not right for you to be snowed in here, at school you will be able to share your talents with other girls. I have spoken to the head of the school, a Miss Annersley and after explaining our circumstances she has agreed to have you as soon as you can arrive. I'm sorry this seems abrupt but if you don't take the chance to leave now you could be stuck here all winter. They are trilingual so your languages won't suffer. What do you think?' Her father looked up anxiously.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 20th, 2003, 8:49pm
Hmm, ver intrestin'.

Look forward to more.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Pat on Dec 20th, 2003, 9:32pm
I scrolled down for the next bit and there wasn't any!!   :'( :'(  Please may we have some more as soon as possible?

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by xanthe on Dec 20th, 2003, 9:37pm
Yes, what does she think??

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Abi on Dec 20th, 2003, 10:15pm
What do you think, Geraldine?

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by RachelD on Dec 20th, 2003, 10:18pm
This seems interesting, but I have a pot plant called Geraldine, so I now have all these strange visions of my head of the plant at school. ;D ;D

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Chloe on Dec 20th, 2003, 10:49pm
May we have some more soon please Toria  :)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Lesley on Dec 20th, 2003, 11:59pm
*Starting a chant!*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Catherine_B on Dec 21st, 2003, 12:25am
*Joining in the chant!*

So what did happen to Ellen Charlotte?

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:45am
Come on, Toria, please, don't make us wait! It's a very intriguing storyline, as I have visions of a combination between Nina Rutherford and Amelia.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 4:26am
*hopes Toria will come back soon to post more!* ;) ;D

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 4:28am
*suggests we chant*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 4:42am
*thinks this is a good idea!!*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 4:44am
*joins in with Vikki enthusiastically*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Toria on Dec 21st, 2003, 8:27am
This is the conclusion of chapter one.

'Oh papa', breathed Geraldine. 'It sounds brilliant, I shall miss you, and mamma and Mrs Mills but it will be exiting. You will write to me and send me you latest novels won't you?'
'Of course, and you must do the same for me. Mrs Mills will take you into the village this weekend to get what you need and then you can head out to Switzerland on Monday. You'll be starting mid term so I expect it will be strange at first but I'm sure you'll settle.'
'I will do my best papa'
'Excellent, now I believe that Mrs Mills has prepared us some supper shall we go down?'
'Yes. Papa does Mrs Mills know that I'll be leaving?'
'Yes, it was her that suggested the chalet school to us in the first place. She doesn't like you being stuck here any more than myself and your mamma. She will miss you too Geraldine, it was a good sacrifice she made for you in suggesting the school to us. I know how you two gossip away in the kitchen.'
Geraldine smiled, half blushed and then looked suddenly sad at the thought of what she would be leaving behind. Her father put a supportive arm round her shoulder then drew her tightly to him, planting a kiss on her head.
'Keep writing Geraldine', he said.
All that was required was a loving glance from Geraldine and the two knew that Geraldine would carry on writing. It was what had made Geraldine her father's favourite, ever since she could remember she had been writing or her father had been reading to her with Geraldine suggesting the best ways for his novels to continue.
The meal was a good one after which Geraldine took an early night, in preparation for a busy days shopping in the morning. It would have stopped snowing by then and the rise in temperatures would melt the ice meaning that the pair would be able to make it into town. Saturday would be spent dashing round the shops and Sunday sewing on name tags and packing everything into a trunk that would travel with Ali.
Monday morning saw Geraldine awake early, fidgeting anxiously with her long braids, preparing to cross to France. She would then get the train to the Chalet School. Her parents had arranged for her to be met at the station by an old girl of the school, Josephine Maynard who lived near to the school. Mrs Maynard had said that she had triplet daughters about the same age as Ali and had promised to check that Ali settled in alright.
'Well, it looks like we're done Ali, here comes the taxi' said Mrs Mills.
'Goodbye Mamma, Papa, Mrs Mills'
'Goodbye angel, work hard' answered her mother.
'I will' replied Ali as she hugged each of them in turn, 'I'll write as often as I can too!'
With that she was off, on her way to the chalet school.



Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Lesley on Dec 21st, 2003, 9:03am
Oh wonderful - another writer eh? And does she know Josephine Maynard's alter ego?

More please!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by xanthe on Dec 21st, 2003, 11:14am
Thank you Toria  ;D

*starts the chant again*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Chloe on Dec 21st, 2003, 1:03pm
Thank you

*joins the chant*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Toria on Dec 21st, 2003, 1:55pm
This is probably it for today as I'm going out. This is a bit admin like as well as I'm trying to get Geraldine settled in.

Chapter 2

Geraldine stepped off the train and looked around for who was supposed to be meeting her. She supposed that they would be able to spot her as she was wearing the chalet school uniform. Glancing around again she saw a pair heading towards her, one of them in the same uniform.
'Geraldine isn't it?' asked the woman,
'Yes, Geraldine Hatherthwaite and you must be Mrs Maynard.' Responded Geraldine.
'Oh do call me Auntie Jo' Jo responded kindly, 'This is my daughter Len, she's about your age, eleven isn't it?'
'Yes'
'Hi Geraldine…… Hatherthwaite wasn't it? I'm sure I've heard that name before.' Len mused.
'You probably have, my father is an author, Richard Hatherthwaite, I know that his books are read quite widely. Do you study them at the chalet school?'
'Yes, in the senior years, I wouldn't expect that you younger girls would find them that entertaining. They are rather serious. Len, take Geraldine across to the school won't you. I really must be getting back' Jo responded, then to Geraldine, 'I'm sure I'll see you about.'
'Thank you Mrs…. Auntie Jo' responded Geraldine slightly puzzled. She had taken an instant liking to the friendly young woman but Jo's comments about her father puzzled her. She wasn't to know that Richard Hatherthwaite was Jo's favourite author and that Jo was feeling slightly jealous at the thought of a more prominent literary character than herself being connected to the school.
'Goodbye then you two. Len be good.'
'Yes Mamma, come on Geraldine I'll show you the chalet.' Len put her arm through Geraldine and the pair headed off. Once out of the station Len turned to Geraldine,
'Mamma is an author too you know, Josephine M Bettany. Have you heard of her? She's written lots of books, Cecily holds the fort, Nancy meets a Nazi and Gypsy Jocelyn'
'Oh yes, I remember her. I read them from our village library. They're really good, full of action and adventure. The only thing is that they are a bit too short!' Geraldine replied, rather kindly for she did not want to offend Len so early on. Besides the books were good thought Ali, just aimed at a slightly younger age category than her Papa's.
Len smiled at the praise for her mother and moved on to a new topic, 'Are you always Geraldine? It is quite long, do you have a short?'
'I'm Ali at home…. Len, is this the school? It looks lovely!'
'Yes come on in and I'll introduce you to Miss Dene, our secretary'
'Thank you Len you've been such a help. I would have struggled to find my here on my own.' There was something beautifully polite about the way that Geraldine spoke and Len felt herself rather taken aback as she knocked on the door.
'Come in!' came Rosalie's voice. 'Oh Geraldine Hatherthwaite how lovely to see you, I trust that you had a good journey?'
'Yes thank you Miss Dene'
'Excellent. Now to business, as you may understand we are trilingual here, speaking English, French and German. Today happens to be French day. How are your languages? Your father mentions that they are good in his letter, are you fluent?'
'In French and German, yes, we have travelled a lot and our library at home contains lots of the great works which I have learnt to read.'
'That will be a great help to you Geraldine.. Now your birthday is?'
At Geraldine's reply Len gave a gasp, 'that's the same as mine and Con's and Margot's…my triplet sisters!'
'Thank you Len, I suggest that you go back to class. Geraldine, I'll need you to sit a few tests so that we can decide the best place to put you.'

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by xanthe on Dec 21st, 2003, 1:58pm
Thank you Toria ;D

*hoping Joey's greeneyed monster and the TEM are not related...*  ;)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Chloe on Dec 21st, 2003, 3:27pm
Thank you Toria  :)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Lesley on Dec 21st, 2003, 6:42pm
Looking good! So nice to have a pupil who will not have problems with the languages.

Oh dear - Joey jealous!! And where does she get the idea that a girl she's never met before will feel right calling her Auntie Jo?

More please!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 21st, 2003, 8:11pm
I think Len might also feel the claws of the green-eyed monster!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 21st, 2003, 8:16pm
Thank you Toria!! Looking forward to more soon please! ;)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 21st, 2003, 9:37pm
Great Toria. I love the idea of a better author that Jo in the school, and has Geraldine actually been published herself yet?

More please, this is good.

I know a Geraldine and it is difficult to get her out of my head when I'm reading this. Very Wierd.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 22nd, 2003, 3:47am
*starts the chant while putting together the emergency trampoline that has just been delivered*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Jennie on Dec 22nd, 2003, 9:49am
I'm glad that they've all arrived. We can spend Christmas bouncing, if we are allowed to switch on our time-consuming PC's.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 22nd, 2003, 11:16am
*joins the bouncing!*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Chloe on Dec 22nd, 2003, 1:05pm
*bouces up and down*

More to come soon i hope Toria

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 22nd, 2003, 2:14pm

on 12/22/03 at 09:49:16, Jennie wrote:
I'm glad that they've all arrived. We can spend Christmas bouncing, if we are allowed to switch on our time-consuming PC's.


I'm rather hoping that you will all be allowed to switch on your PC's.
The Christmas special will have a lot of postings that day!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Katarzyna on Dec 22nd, 2003, 2:22pm

on 12/22/03 at 13:05:25, Chloe wrote:
*bouces up and down*


Please can you explain how to bouce?


Carolyn - what about those of us who aren't on the net at home over christmas???  I can't wait till 5th January!!!  help!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Lesley on Dec 22nd, 2003, 3:06pm
Carolyn - please post them all very early Christmas day - I'll be going out mid morning and not be back for rest of day!!!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Jennie on Dec 22nd, 2003, 3:27pm
Please Toria, let's have some more.

I'm installing comfortable sofas, footstools, floor cushions, drinks' cabinets and snack cupboards in front of every drabble. It's the festive season, and we might as well all relax and enjoy ourselves in our own ways.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Toria on Dec 22nd, 2003, 3:40pm
Well you can stop bouncing for a bit anyway.

As Len disappeared Ali nodded, smiling at the thought of such a large school. When they had moved to Scotland there had only been two classes covering everyone from the babies to the seniors. It was much more exciting being part of such a large group.
'Are you always Geraldine?' enquired Miss Dene pleasantly as she led Geraldine into a small study.
'I'm Ali at home'
'That's nice, lots of the girls here to have shorts, Len to start with of course!'
Again Ali gave a pleasant smile before seating herself at a desk and beginning the tests. On the whole she found them fairly easy, they seemed to be in a similar style to what she had already been taught. She struggled slightly with the science paper, that never having been something she had covered. However she found that quite a lot of the answers could be worked out by logical reasoning and at the end concluded that they had not gone too badly.
'Right Ali, I suggest you go along to matron now and ask her to help you unpack your trunk. I'll take you up myself. After that it will be the lunch break, I'll find someone to sheepdog you once I know what form you will be in.'
'Sheepdog?'
'Oh, show you around, make sure you know the rules and so on, here you are.'
Geraldine unpacked fairly quickly and managed to impress matron with her neat packing and labelling, another legacy of their frequent travelling. Just as they were finishing the bell went for the start of lunch and matron took Geraldine back to Miss Dene's office.
'Ah Geraldine, this is Con Maynard, Len's sister. You will be in her form, lower IV A. Con did you know that Ali shares your birthday?'
'No' came the reply, 'Really?'
'Yes! Now take Ali down to lunch Con, don't lose her will you!'
'I'm inclined to daydreaming' Con informed Ali as they left the office, 'I want to be an author like Mamma when I grow up.'
'And I want to be an author like my Papa' added Ali.
'Really? Does your dad write too then, oh but you call him papa like us don't you ?'
'Yes to both, he's Richard Hatherthwaite. Your mother said that you study some of his books further up the school.'
'We do. Con's eyes were shining with excitement. Did you know that he is Mamma's favourite author?'
'No.' responded Ali and was about to add that it hadn't looked like that from Jo's expression earlier but suddenly thought better of it and enquired. 'Is this the hall?' instead.

P.S I'm puttig them both in LIV, who else would be in the form about this time?, teachers?, prefects? is the form above this middle IV or would they go straight to upper IV?
I may just blunder along putting in whoever I like but I thought I could try and start off accurate at any rate, before Geraldine wreaks havoc on the entire chalet system!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Chloe on Dec 22nd, 2003, 4:02pm

on 12/22/03 at 14:22:18, Katarzyna wrote:
Please can you explain how to bouce?


Its a mix of over excitedness and bouncing normally without being spotted

Wonderful Toria, but must we stop bouncing it's so fun  ;D

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by NickiL on Dec 22nd, 2003, 4:17pm
Hey, another great drabble!!  ;D

Thanks Toria!

(I must have missed out on the trampoline ordering - is it too late...?!)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Jennie on Dec 22nd, 2003, 4:20pm
There's one at the bottom of each drabble cliff, please feel free to use them at any time, that's what I put them there for.There are also sofas, and anything else that we want to sit/lie down on in front of each drabble, with a large supply of goodies. That way, we can all be comfortable or entertained, just as we wish.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by NickiL on Dec 22nd, 2003, 4:24pm
Thanks Jennie!  ;D

*joins in the 'boucing' but then feels sick due to too many goodies and has to stop*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 22nd, 2003, 4:58pm
*provides a small medicine chest for each drabble!*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Toria on Dec 22nd, 2003, 5:00pm
'bouce' away but there won't be any more until I've worked out the prefects etc.

Have just realised that Mary Lou must be about somewhere. Wishes that she could ignore OOAOML comletely but fears that this would be very unrealistic. I'm also apologising in advance for my poor knowledge of this time period, I haven't managed to read many of the later books but I wanted Ali to be the same age as the triplets so I had to set it then.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by NickiL on Dec 22nd, 2003, 5:04pm

on 12/22/03 at 16:58:03, Vikki wrote:
*provides a small medicine chest for each drabble!*


Thanks Vikki!  ;D

*feels much better but convinced that Vikki's tonic could have tasted better and sure she had advice from Matey!*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 22nd, 2003, 5:13pm
*denies any input from Matey!!* :o

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by NickiL on Dec 22nd, 2003, 5:20pm
*gives Vikki benefit of the doubt but labels all sickness tonics as 'Matey-style version' to forewarn all other bouncers!*  ;)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Lesley on Dec 22nd, 2003, 7:44pm
More please Toria! ;D

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Jennie on Dec 22nd, 2003, 8:54pm
This is great Toria. May we have some more please?

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Toria on Dec 22nd, 2003, 8:56pm
Here you are! Please can someone give me some idea of teachers, prefects, others in the form or other prominent characters.

It was at this point that Julie Lucy, the head girl interrupted,
'Are you two unaware that this is French day, and that there is no talking in the corridors.'
Con jumped and swiftly replied,
'Je suis désolé, j'étais juste montrant Geraldine autour parce qu'elle est nouvelle et...' at this point she tailed off. Julie gave a look to Geraldine who also responded,
''Je suis désolé''
'Don't worry, as you are new I'll let you off. Try and speak French when you can though otherwise it will be fines. Con do try and give Geraldine some idea of the rules. Oh and Geraldine, welcome to the chalet school, I'm Julie Lucy, the head girl.'
'Merci, j'essayerai mon meilleur' replied Geraldine earnestly, somewhat overawed by Julie's presence, she had been one of the older girls in Scotland and Julie looked to her to be grown up enough to be a mistress.
Julie Lucy smiled again then went into the Speisesaal, it appeared that the new girl did not have much of a problem with French. It was Con's forgetfulness that was causing her problems.
Con turned to Geraldine again, 'Sorry about that, Julie is really very nice, I suppose she didn't expect us to a new girl this late on in the term.'
'She seemed nice enough'
'She is, Ali your French is really good do you speak German too?'
'Yes, otherwise my parents wouldn't have sent me here, it wouldn't be much good if I couldn't follow the lessons!'
'But you would soon pick it up, hearing it all around you.' Con responded vaguely
'Possibly, but it took me a year to learn French fluently when I was little and we lived in France'
'Did it? Everyone seems to pick it up fairly easily here.'
'Your teachers must have nightmares with your grammar though'
'Well…' here Con blushed remembering the French teacher's latest comments about her efforts in that field. 'Geraldine this is the speisesaal we eat all our meals in here, fruhstuck, mittagessen and abendessen' she continued, unsure how to respond to someone who seemed to be much more knowledgeable than herself.
'Sorry Con, I didn't mean to be rude, I just assumed that everyone who came would already be fluent, the school must have some excellent teaching staff.' Ali apologised to Con.
'That's alright Ali, normally people come without even knowing about us being trilingual that's all. Have you unpacked yet?'
'Yes I saw Matron before I came back down to you'
'I suppose the next thing to do is to take you to our head Miss Annersley, I'll take you along when we get dismissed.
'Hi everyone this is a new girl for our form, Geraldine Hatherthwaite or Ali. Her father is Richard Hatherthwaite.' Con felt rather proud to be making such an introduction.
There was an immediate response of welcome from the table, only Len looking slightly put out, upset at not having been asked to make the introduction herself. However flashed with a friendly smile from Ali Len soon responded.
Ali managed to obtain a good first impression of the girls in her form. They seemed very friendly and Ali soon found herself answering questions on her father and her home in Scotland.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Chloe on Dec 22nd, 2003, 9:06pm
*applaudes*

Thanks you Toria this is wonderful more to come i hope!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Lesley on Dec 22nd, 2003, 9:12pm
Toria - wonderful story - more soon please!

If you're setting it when the Trips are 11 and it's early in year it will be during Chalet Girl From Kenya - ie Mary Lou and co will be age 14, the Trips will be in different forms - I think Len and Con may both be in Upper IVb but Margot will be in a lower one.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 22nd, 2003, 10:24pm
Thank you Toria! This is great! ;D

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Abi on Dec 23rd, 2003, 12:15am
*"bouces" with great enthusiasm*

This is great Toria, mooooooooooooooooore please  ;D

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 23rd, 2003, 12:22am
*watches in horror as trampoline collapses, due to incorrect set up, and then rushes over to see if Abi is okay!*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 23rd, 2003, 12:23am
*Decides to forgo 'boucing' in favour of stretching out on the sofa to await the next part in comfort.
*Hopes it won't be too long coming.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 23rd, 2003, 4:37am

on 12/23/03 at 00:22:45, Vikki wrote:
*watches in horror as trampoline collapses, due to incorrect set up, and then rushes over to see if Abi is okay!*


*thinking that Vikki is almost as bloodthirsty as Rachel, with all the injuries and requirements for medicines that seem to follow her around*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by xanthe on Dec 23rd, 2003, 11:29am
Thank you Toria

*watches as Chloe "bouces" past*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 23rd, 2003, 8:42pm
*hopes Chloe is okay* :-/

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by xanthe on Dec 23rd, 2003, 8:44pm
Well, she spent the day "boucing" about with my dad, and doesn't seem any the worse for wear...

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 23rd, 2003, 11:16pm
*wonders why Chloe is 'boucing'?* ;)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by xanthe on Dec 23rd, 2003, 11:19pm
She's not any more - she is curled up asleep (aw, she looks so cute...)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 24th, 2003, 12:28am
*suggests Xanthe takes a photo and puts it up for all of us to enjoy* ;)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 24th, 2003, 4:41am
*giggles at the thought of Chloe's reaction to that suggestion!!* 8oo 8oo 8oo

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 24th, 2003, 8:54am
*hopes Chloe will soon be on to let us know herself*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Chloe on Dec 24th, 2003, 11:26am
no no no and NO

I never look cute and if she does i'd have to retallate and i know how much Xan loves having her photo taken and what wlse do you expect me to be doing at 11.19pm!

More story please!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 24th, 2003, 11:41am
*thinks Chloe is just NO fun*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by xanthe on Dec 24th, 2003, 12:48pm
*squeaks in horror at the thought of the retaliation*

she's wrong you know... she DOES look cute when she's asleep!  :P

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Chloe on Dec 24th, 2003, 1:22pm

on 12/24/03 at 11:41:45, KB wrote:
*thinks Chloe is just NO fun*


:( not just don't like my picture being taken especially when they end up on the net as my friends have set up two profiles including pictures of me on the net  :/

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 24th, 2003, 7:41pm
Well, we can all see how cute you look sleeping at the gathering in March!! ;) ;D

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by xanthe on Dec 24th, 2003, 8:16pm
*giggles* oh, yes indeed *looking forward to that weekend muchly*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 24th, 2003, 8:39pm
*hopes Chloe won't change her mind about coming!!* :o :o

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:10pm

on 12/24/03 at 13:22:32, Chloe wrote:
:( not just don't like my picture being taken especially when they end up on the net as my friends have set up two profiles including pictures of me on the net  :/


*waits to be told the URL*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 25th, 2003, 12:35am
*wonders what Chloe is doing in these pictures, and would also like the URLs!!*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 25th, 2003, 3:33am
*does SO wish either Chloe or Xanthe would give us that URL as I don't have anything to do right now and could do with some amusement*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 25th, 2003, 3:54am
*suspects that both Xan and Chloe are sleeping sweetly (or cutely  as the case may be! ;))*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 25th, 2003, 4:00am
*would hope so, at this hour!* Only rather strange people are still awake now, let alone conscious enough to yibble! *waits for Vikki to be offended*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by xanthe on Dec 25th, 2003, 11:40am
We were both curled up in our little beds, no visions of sugarplums though... as for the URL, I don't know it I'm afraid!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 25th, 2003, 7:18pm
Well, Chloe sent me the URL and I think she looks lovely in the pictures! Nothing whatsoever to be ashamed of!! :-*

Although I kind of had this mental picture of Chloe having curly hair, not sure why, perhaps it just seemed to fit with all the bouncing!!! ;)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Abi on Dec 25th, 2003, 7:23pm
*wonders sadly why there is no more story*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 25th, 2003, 9:42pm
I agree that Chloe is a lovely looking person - and even my Mum thinks she looks quite like me!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 25th, 2003, 10:21pm
*wonders if anyone else has their picture somewhere on the web?*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 25th, 2003, 10:46pm
*is thankful to be able to say 'no' in all honesty* What about yourself, Vikki?

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 25th, 2003, 11:07pm
Can we all see chloe's picture please?

Bet she doesn't look as cute as my baby nephew who is currently asleep in his moses basket in the startled bunny pose. :D

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 25th, 2003, 11:09pm
Carolyn, you're probably right. That sounds very cute!!!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 25th, 2003, 11:12pm
Not to my knowledge!!
I do think it'd be good if we had somewhere on here that we could put photos up though!
It's nice to know what the people you're chatting to look like!
(which reminds me, I found the thread about what we all look like, saved on my hard drive, and since it got gobbled I've archived it and put up a link! )

(This was written before Carolyn posted, I wasn't saying that Carolyn's nephew doesn't look cute!!)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 25th, 2003, 11:14pm
Put a link where, here or off topic, or news, or views, or somewhere else?

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 25th, 2003, 11:17pm
In off topic! Or you can get to it through the random archive.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 25th, 2003, 11:21pm

on 12/25/03 at 23:12:51, Vikki wrote:
It's nice to know what the people you're chatting to look like!


*reminds Vikki that that's what the Gathering is for*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 25th, 2003, 11:29pm
I know, but I want to know now! Plus not everyone can come to the gathering.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 25th, 2003, 11:33pm
*reminds Vikki about certain virtues*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 25th, 2003, 11:46pm
But KB, you know I have no patience!! ::)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 12:07am
Did I say you had it? Of course not! I just reminded you of its existence!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Toria on Dec 26th, 2003, 11:43am
When the meal finished Con duly took Ali along to find the head, Miss Annersley. The interview went well and the head was impressed with the new girl's character. At least it seemed as if they would not have any problems there. That done Con took Ali along to her first lesson, mathematics.
'Ah, Con and Ali, isn't it? Come in quickly and take a seat, we've just started the lesson, page 38' instructed Miss Edwards.
Con and Ali quickly sank into seats, Ali discovering a pile of books on her table. The lesson lapsed back into silence with much frowning and scribbling from the girls. Eventually Ali looked up and glanced across at Con however she noted that Con was still a page behind. Unsure of what to do Ali glanced around the rest of the class but they also seemed to be scribbling away.
'Geraldine is there a problem?' cut across Miss Edwards. Ali blushed as she responded,
'Sorry Miss Edwards, I was just wondering if you wanted us to start the next chapter, I didn't mean to disturb you.'
'Bring your work up here and I'll see how you are getting on' responded Miss Edwards calmly although there had already been a gasp of surprise from the girls who were glancing miserably at the 50 odd sums that they had left to do before reaching the next chapter. Miss Edwards had to admit that she was pleasantly surprised, Ali's work was neat and accurate. There were a few careless slips but they were the sort of mistakes that anybody would make.
'Very good Ali!' Miss Edwards responded. 'Look through the chapters that you've missed and try to work through anything that seems tricky. If you have any problems ask me.'
'Thank you Miss Edwards' responded Ali before sinking back into her seat and being flashed a chummy grin by Con who had been worried that her charge would get into trouble.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 11:52am
Ooh, I'm glad that Ali has such a useful strength! I hope she will break the mould of only nasty girls being good at maths!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Catherine_B on Dec 26th, 2003, 11:52am
Yay!  A likable CS girl who is good at maths - thank you, Toria  :D

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 26th, 2003, 11:54am
Wow - a girl who's good at maths and she's not a baddy!
Thanks Toria.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 11:57am
*lol* I feel that there's a theme developing here...

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Catherine_B on Dec 26th, 2003, 11:59am
Well, it's only because EBD was so horribly biased!   :)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by xanthe on Dec 26th, 2003, 4:50pm

on 12/25/03 at 19:18:43, Vikki wrote:
Well, Chloe sent me the URL and I think she looks lovely in the pictures!


*mutters* oh so I don't get to see which pics those reprobates her friends have put on the net... (yes, evidently I know what she looks like etc, but that is not the point)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 26th, 2003, 7:30pm
Xan, nothing embarrassing on the one she sent me the URL for! Just a nice piccie of Chloe!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 26th, 2003, 8:13pm
*wishing Chlow would send me the URL*


(BTW Chloe, A loves her Badge It! Thanks for your advice :D)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 26th, 2003, 9:31pm
*wonders whether Chloe might not feel the need to keep some space where even her sister doesn't go*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Chloe on Dec 27th, 2003, 9:41am

on 12/25/03 at 21:42:39, KB wrote:
I agree that Chloe is a lovely looking person - and even my Mum thinks she looks quite like me!

I'm now very intrigued to see what you look like KB propperley i mean it's all fairly odd that we should loook similar

on 12/25/03 at 23:07:25, Carolyn P wrote:
Bet she doesn't look as cute as my baby nephew who is currently asleep in his moses basket in the startled bunny pose. :D

I'm sure i don't i never look cute whatever xan may say!  :P


on 12/26/03 at 20:13:26, Carolyn P wrote:
*wishing Chlow would send me the URL*
(BTW Chloe, A loves her Badge It! Thanks for your advice :D)

Glad A likes it, happy to have helped
p.s i've sent you the URL

Please may we have more story!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 27th, 2003, 10:23am

on 12/27/03 at 09:41:09, Chloe wrote:
I'm now very intrigued to see what you look like KB propperley i mean it's all fairly odd that we should loook similar


I agree! *wishes March wasn't so far away*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Lesley on Dec 27th, 2003, 1:19pm
It's only ten weeks today KB - it'll fly past!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by xanthe on Dec 27th, 2003, 1:25pm
Ten weeks!  *squeaks in surprise and excitement*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 27th, 2003, 7:42pm
*squeaks in harmony with Xan and tells self how quickly ten weeks will go!!*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 27th, 2003, 8:46pm
I have so much to do between now and then, it can't be so close...please?

10 weeks is nothing.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 12:08am
*agrees that 10 weeks really is no time at all* 8oo 8oo 8oo

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 12:29am
*is glad and hopes the ten weeks fly by!*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 12:33am
:o *shocked at the thought that I will be leaving Australia in a month and three days* :o

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 12:57am
*starts missing KB''s presence already!!* :'(

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 1:09am
*ventures to remind Vikki that I haven't let yet, and that I will have Internet connections in Germany*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Catherine_B on Dec 28th, 2003, 1:17am
*knew that Vikki was capable of squeaking in harmony if only she tried!*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by xanthe on Dec 28th, 2003, 1:20am
*giggles*

*wonders what vikki will think of this!*  ;D

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 1:51am
*waits for Vikki to protest vigorously*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 3:10am
Well, I would have protested if two people weren't keeping me busy on MSN!! ::)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 3:45am
*innocent* I can't imagine what you mean, Vikki. Can you, Xan?

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 4:09am
Oh yes! Little Miss Innocence!! ;)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 4:23am
I'm glad you believe me!!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Chloe on Dec 28th, 2003, 11:06am
Dang you guys really yibble a lot i was all excited that there was more story (that's my big hinyt by the way ;)) but it's just you guys  ::)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Pat on Dec 28th, 2003, 11:35am
It's really frustrating isn't it?  You look at a drabble hoping for more, and it's all yibbling!!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by xanthe on Dec 28th, 2003, 5:12pm

on 12/28/03 at 03:45:18, KB wrote:
*innocent* I can't imagine what you mean, Vikki. Can you, Xan?


*thinks hard*  no, no I can't...

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 8:50pm
*feeling ganged up on!*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Pat on Dec 28th, 2003, 8:54pm
Poor Vikki.  No one would ever guess how easily you give as good as you get, would they, dear?   ;) ;)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 9:08pm
Who? Me? I wouldn't dream of it!!! ::)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Pat on Dec 28th, 2003, 9:24pm
*Gently patting Vikki on her head*

No of course not, dear.  We all know that.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 9:30pm
*hooks arm round Pat's knees, and topples her to the floor!* ::)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Pat on Dec 28th, 2003, 9:34pm
(Pulls Vikki down beside her and sits on her head*  ;D ;D

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 9:37pm
*sinks teeth into Pat's buttock and watches her leap up screaming!!* ;D

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Pat on Dec 28th, 2003, 9:40pm
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagghhh!  :'( :'( :'(

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 9:45pm
*huggles Pat and offers a tube of Savlon ointment*

Well, you did ask for it by sitting on me!!! ;) :-*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Pat on Dec 28th, 2003, 9:46pm
I sat on your head, not your face!!!  Thanks for the savlon.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 9:54pm
Well, my face is on my head!!! ::)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Pat on Dec 28th, 2003, 9:57pm
I wouldn't sit on the face part of anyone's head!  ::) ::) ::)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:05pm
Well, how did your buttock find its way between my teeth then? ;)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Pat on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:15pm
I suppose because I'm built more like Nancy than I'd like to believe!!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:21pm
Aww honey!! *huggles Pat!*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Pat on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:22pm
Glad my height disguises it a bit!  I was very skinny at 10 stone and size 16!!!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:35pm
*wonders if Lisa will have to suffer a similar fate thanks to Matey*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Pat on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:37pm
I suppose we'll have to wait till Ellie posts again to find out!  There's one thing - Matey's a lot older than Vikki, soi her teeth may well be much less sharp!  Also, she may wear dentures!!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:49pm
*imagines Matey's dentures falling into the mud and giggles*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Pat on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:50pm
That's a lovely picture!!   ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 10:54pm
Yes, I thought so. 8oo

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Dec 28th, 2003, 11:40pm
*imagines Matey's dentures stuck in Lisa's butt bottom!* 8oo

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by xanthe on Dec 28th, 2003, 11:43pm
Vik-kiiiiii!!!!!!! *looks suitably shocked*  :o

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Dec 28th, 2003, 11:48pm

on 12/28/03 at 23:40:20, Vikki wrote:
*imagines Matey's dentures stuck in Lisa's butt!* 8oo


*hopes Miss Annersley is still around to see how crass her Second Prefect is*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Today at 12:15am
What did I do? :o

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Today at 12:20am
*takes Vikki into her study and closes the door* Do you really think that sort of language is appropriate?

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Today at 12:45am
What's wrong with 'bottom'?

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by KB on Today at 3:50am
*tells Vikki I quoted your post just so that I could point out what you initially said, in case you tried to change or deny it*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Lesley on Today at 10:04am
What's wrong with butt then? I mean she could have said a*se!

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by xanthe on Today at 12:12pm
*points out to Lesley that our respected head is now giving her a very meaningful look*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Toria on Today at 12:24pm
Here's some more story!

When the lesson finished and Miss Edwards left, having set the end of chapter problems for homework, the girls once more fell to talking,
'How do you do that Ali?' remarked Margot who had only just gained her remove after a term of hard work and was finding the work somewhat hard going.
'Do what?' replied Ali.
'Get those beastly sums done so quickly of course.'
'Oh… I don't really know, I've done lots of them at home so I s'pose it's just practice.'
'I wish I could do sums like that' breathed Margot, 'Now we've got those horrible problems that I know will take me hours.'
'Same here' replied her sister Con, '…You don't suppose we could do a sort of…. joint effort at them.' She finished hopefully.
'That would be good' responded Ali, 'we could collate our ideas and… brainstorm, then go through the actual mathematics ourselves. It would be fun!'
There was a chorus of assent from the rest of the class with the exception of Len,
'I'd rather not. It's dishonest and you know it Con!' Len stormed off to stand by the door to wait for the entrance of Mlle Berné, the French mistress.
Con looked really put out, she hadn't meant her idea as dishonest, however Ali was ready to soothe the situation.
'It wouldn't be wrong if we asked Miss Edwards ourselves to form a problem solving club. We had one at my last school for the seniors, it's a skill you have to develop and you can share tactics into problems. I think it would be really useful. You don't already have one do you?'
'No' replied Con 'Would everyone here join if we did, with the exception of Len?' There was an immediate response which unfortunately for the girls was perfectly timed with Len ushering Mlle Berné through the door with a sweet,
'Bonjour Mlle Berné'
Mlle Berné stood silently at the front of the class for a few minutes, the group however had clustered round Con and Ali and could not see her. Eventually Margot, who was becoming increasingly annoyed at Con's favour and Ali's closeness to her sister, looked up. Her eyes met Mlle's. Margot gave a half strangled gasp that got a quick,
'Margot are you OK?' from a friend who had also got carried away at the thought of the burden of that problem solving homework being lifted. Mlle decided that enough was enough.
'Girls!' she called in French, banging the ruler on the desk. Eighteen pairs of shocked eyes looked up in horror and there was a deathly silence in the room before each girl hastily dashed to her place to stand behind her chair.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by xanthe on Today at 12:37pm
Thank you Toria  ;D

*thinks it might be chanting time*

(*very intrigued by the idea of the problem-solving club*)

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by LulieCat on Today at 12:58pm
Thank you, Toria.

I wish we's had a problem solving club at my school. I may have been better and more confident at maths then  :)

*hopes Mlle won't be too annoyed when she hears the reason why the girls weren't ready for her*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Lesley on Today at 2:02pm
Thank you Toria! More please!

*Thinks Len is rather mean in this - 'green-eyed monster'?*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Esmeralda on Today at 3:25pm
Thank you Toria, like the idea of the problem solving club.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Today at 4:43pm
*thanks Toria for more story!*
*also thanks Lesley for back up earlier on!!*

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Toria on Today at 5:14pm
Here's a bit more story.

Mlle Berné allowed her eyes to silently wander around the room. Her eyes fell on Geraldine and then she looked up, continuing in French, but slowly so that each of them would have time to translate her words,
'I am extremely disappointed in you, girls. I am delayed on my way to a lesson and arrive late to find myself at a scene of total chaos. You are not even speaking in the language of the day. What is more I find that we have a new girl with us. What kind of impression does that give her of the school?' at this point Ali blushed deeply, knowing the disruption to have been mainly her fault. However Mlle continued, 'Only one girl was able to give me the correct greeting and she along with Geraldine will be exempt from the extra preparation. Before I continue does anyone have anything they would like to say?'
Con and Ali simultaneously drew back their chairs and stood up.
'Geraldine?'
' Mlle. je suis très désolé pour la perturbation cet après-midi, j'ai peur que c'ait été mon défaut. J'ai pensé que ce serait une bonne idée de commencer un nouveau club à l'école et nous tous sommes devenus impliqués dans la conversation. J'ai su que les règles trop et moi n'estimons pas que je devrais être laissé hors de n'importe quelle punition, particulièrement quand c'était principalement mon défaut.'
Mlle Berné smiled,
'Asseyez-vous ma petite. Con?'
'Je voudrais dire désolé au nom de la classe pour la perturbation'
'Merci'
Mlle Berné looked round the class once more, the girls did look honestly sorry and the new girl had delivered a beautiful apology. Smiling at Geraldine she continued once more in slow French,
'Very well. As you have apologised to me and Geraldine is ready to take the blame, I will waive the extra preparation this once. However I expect your very best work in the lesson and in the preparation that I do set.' She had to raise her voice at the end to suffer a round of,
'Merci Mlle', 'Merci!' and then
'Mlle you're a real brick!' from Con.
Smiling once more, Mlle replied rapidly,
' Silence. Nous devons commencer la leçon. Con répétez votre dernière expression en français svp'
At this Con went blank. Mlle allowed her to receive help from the form and Ali leant across to whisper something in Con's ear. Smiling, Con stood up,
'Mlle. nous pensons que vous êtes merveilleux.'
Again Mlle smiled and the lesson continued with a much lighter atmosphere than it had been forced to begin with. Last week the girls had begun to discuss French literature with limited success, as none of the girls was able to confess to having read a French novel. Mlle had therefore set them reading homework in the library. This week, they were able to discuss what they had read and on asking Geraldine the question Mlle was able to discover that she had read many of what she considered to be the great works of the French language. The rest of the class was able to breathe a sigh of relief as Geraldine had well informed opinions on each of the books and was easily able to enter into conversation with Mlle. As the lesson drew to a close, Mlle set them the homework of writing a short story based on a piece of French literature. As the task was hard she would allow them to work in groups of two or three.
Con and Ali immediately agreed to work together however Con then found herself being signalled at by Margot to join her and Len. Frustrated Con shook her head indicating Ali. Margot frowned and turned back to Len who also frowned at Con.

Title: Re: Geraldine joins the CS
Post by Vikki on Today at 5:21pm
Oooh! Yay! Con is escaping from 'forgotten triplet' mode!!
Thank you Toria!! :-*



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