The Chaletian Bulletin Board


    
      
        The Chaletian Bulletin Board
        (http://www.chaletian.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl)
      

        Stories & Imaginings >> Cookies & Drabbles >>  Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3 
        
(Message started by: Sarah_G-G on Jan 3^rd, 2004, 12:13pm)

Title: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Sarah_G-G on Jan 3^rd, 2004, 12:13pm

I don't know if anyone even remebers this, let alone cares about it- I can't remember when I last posted anything but the thread cloned and wouldn't disappear, which scared me a bit so I thought I'd lie low, plus I've been really busy anyway. Well, I've written some more and thought I'd post the next bit and see if anyone's interested. I'll post the last bit before archiving as well, since it was so long ago I posted.

“It is best if just the parents come now. We do not want to upset the little girl.”

Her father smiled apologetically at her but followed Doris out of the room without argument. Verity paced around the room, frustrated. Mary-Lou was her sister and friend; why shouldn’t she see her? What was going on? Wait a minute. Did the doctor mean he didn’t want to upset her, or did he mean Mary-Lou? How dare he anyway? Neither of them were ‘little girls!’ Oh, what on earth was going on in there? She simply had to know, before she went crazy! But surely the news must be good? They wouldn’t take her parents to see a dead body! Would they? Was that why the doctor thought Verity shouldn’t go?

Verity shook herself frantically, trying to get rid of such thoughts. Deep breaths, she told herself. I must keep calm, be adult about this. They’ll never let me in if they see me in this state. Very slowly, she released the breath she was holding and sat down. There were books on the table so she picked one up and looked at it. It happened to be the book they were reading that term so, very carefully controlling her emotions, she began to read it from the point where they had left off last lesson.

A little while later she looked at her watch. They had left her there for half an hour! Whatever was going on?

Just as she thought this, her father turned up at the door.

Verity got up. She just had time to note that his face was grave and his eyes red before he spoke.

“Verity, I’m so sorry that we didn’t come to you before,” he paused, collecting himself. Verity just waited. “I’m afraid…your sister…the operation was a success but then,” he paused again, unable to speak for the lump in his throat. “I’m so, so sorry. Mary-Lou passed away ten minutes ago.”

“No,” it was a whispered protest. Verity felt her world falling around her as she tried to hold it together. “No, it can’t be true, it can’t be.” She sat heavily back on the chair, her mind a blank.

“I’m so sorry,” her father repeated helplessly.

“No,” she whispered again, but even more quietly than before. In spite of her denial, belief was creeping in and tears began to prick at her eyes. Before she knew it she was crying stormily as her father came forward to take her in his arms and stroke her hair.

“I know,” and Verity could hear the tears in his voice now, “She was just too weak. She’s lost too much blood… I didn’t really understand what happened except that she was too weak to withstand it… the shock…but the operation was necessary… it was…”

What else it was Verity never found out for the lump in his throat forced her father to stop talking. Not that it made much difference since Verity had hardly been listening anyway. Her own thoughts were in a whirl. A part of her couldn’t believe that it was really true and half expected someone to come in and say, “I’m so sorry, it was all a mistake. Mary-Lou’s fine!” She wanted it to be a cruel practical joke but most of her knew that this was all too real. Mary-Lou may only have been her “sister-by-marriage,” as they called it, but she was a close relation and Verity almost knew her better than she knew her own father, who had been away for so many years. Not only that but quiet Verity knew that Mary-Lou was her best friend and her other main friends were brought about partly because of her close friendship with Mary-Lou, since Verity herself tended to be very shy and self-contained, not to mention in a fairly permanent state of ‘mooniness,’ as they all called it.

Gradually the storm abated a little and Verity managed to gasp out, “Where is Mother?”

Her father took a deep breath and wiped his eyes. “Doctor Maynard sent her to have a lie down. I think she would like to see you, though, before she tries to sleep. We must be strong together, just now. Come, my little one. We should go and find her.”

Verity nodded and accepted the hand extended to her to help her rise. Commander Carey put an arm around his daughter, more dear to him now than ever, and the two of them walked to the small room to which Doris Trelawny had been assigned. As they walked in, Doris looked up and, with a faint moan, held her arms out to Verity, who had hung back slightly, unsure of her welcome by the woman who had just lost her only surviving blood relative.

“Oh, my dear,” the grieving woman sobbed, her arms tight around Verity’s neck as if she feared that she would lose Verity, too, if she relaxed her hold. “How could this have happened? I don’t understand it! She was just here, talking to me- oh, my little girl, it was not supposed to happen like this!”

Verity had nothing to say but merely hugged her step-mother closely, vowing that she would do all she could to prove that Mary-Lou was not the only one who could help people who needed it.

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Sarah_G-G on Jan 3^rd, 2004, 12:15pm

New bit

New Chapter: School Again

“Ver-ity! Are you about ready?” Joey’s golden voice filtered up the stairs to the pretty bedroom that Verity had been occupying for the past two weeks.
“Almost. I’ll be down in a minute,” Verity called back. She looked at her reflection and sighed to herself. None of this seemed real. Not the death, not the funeral, not her parents finally having to go back home and certainly not herself returning to school. Without Mary-Lou. Impatiently, she shook the thought away. There was no time to dwell on that now, and to tell the truth she didn’t want to anyway. It seemed like she had barely stopped thinking, and talking, and crying in two weeks and she just couldn’t take any more of it. She had done everything she could to make life easier for her parents but, now they had gone, she had no idea how things could ever become any easier for herself.

Verity had reached this point in her thoughts when she heard Joey’s soft footfalls coming up the stairs so, closing her eyes briefly with a wordless cry for help, she turned to her bed and picked up her small case of belongings. A soft knock on the door made her turn again.

“You don’t have to go back yet if you don’t want to, you know,” Joey said, her eyes luminous with sympathy. “No one would blame you if you wanted a few more days.”

Verity shook her head. “It’s very kind of you to offer,” she replied politely, in a voice that seemed to her to belong to someone far away, “but I’d rather go back as soon as possible, if I may. Father and Mother said I could and I think I would prefer it.” She didn’t say it, but privately she felt that the sooner she was back at school, the sooner she could begin to return to something resembling normality. Besides, although Joey was very kind, Verity had always felt slightly awkward about being welcomed into her house. After all, she wasn’t really family, however much she liked to say that her home was the home of every Chalet girl, but she wasn’t really school either. Her presence had never been fully understood by Verity, though she had naturally not said any of this to even her closest friends.

Joey seemed to be able to read something of her desire for normality in her eyes for she didn’t try to persuade any more but just reminded Verity that if ever school became too much for her, she was very welcome at Freudesheim. “If ever you need to talk to someone outside of school or you just want some time without all your friends around you, you know there will always be a place for you here.” Here she paused and a wistful look came into her eyes as she continued, “Mary-Lou was very dear to us all and we shall miss her immensely but you are just as dear and we want you to feel as at home here as Mary-Lou always did.” Joey swept the girl, small and slight still despite her fifteen years, into her arms, her eyes glistening with tears. “Now, off you go,” she said as briskly as she could, “You don’t want to be late, do you! And remember I’ll be here if you need anything, anything at all!”

Verity gave a small smile, picked up her bag, which she had put back on the bed when Joey came in, and walked out of the room, head erect on her slim shoulders. Well, here I go, she thought to herself as she walked down the stairs and out across the lawn that separated Freudesheim from the school grounds. If I can just get through today, everything will be all right. I just have to take one day at a time and before too long things will start to get back to normal. Verity squared her shoulders as she walked into the school grounds and refused to listen to the little voice inside that said nothing would ever be normal again.

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Lesley on Jan 3^rd, 2004, 4:09pm

Thank you Sarah - I had missed this story. The new part was excellent and it will be very interesting seeing how the rest of 'The Gang' manage without Mary Lou - there had already been interesting developments with both Vi and Barbara - now we also see Verity start to come out of her shell.

Please write more - I will be very disappointed if this story is not finished - howver long that might take!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Pat on Jan 3^rd, 2004, 4:30pm

I'm glad to see this back again. More soon please!!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Sarah_G-G on Jan 3^rd, 2004, 5:10pm

Here's the next little bit.

The first people she saw were Vi Lucy and Barbara Chester, who had been looking out for her. The pair had become even closer since Mary-Lou’s death and Vi had emerged, unwillingly but not altogether unexpectedly, as the new leader of the Middles. She had not officially taken over any of Mary-Lou’s positions, although Miss O'Ryan had remarked to Miss Wilmot only that day that it would not be long before she did, but the others respected both her opinions and her kindness. She would not butt in as Mary-Lou had been so famous for doing, nor lead in the unconscious way that her friend had done but her calm steadiness had long ago won her the respect of her peers and teachers alike so that her friends turned unthinkingly to her when they needed support. It had been her suggestion that for all of them to meet Verity could be overwhelming and she and Barbara had been voted unanimously as the pair who should greet her at the door and take her to the office on her arrival.

“Welcome back. We’re so glad to see you!” the pair chorused, smiling in welcome. Verity smiled back as first Vi and then Barbara gave her a quick hug.

“Here, let me take your bag,” offered Barbara, holding out her hand. “I can put it up the dorm for you, if you want, while you go to office.

Verity smiled gratefully, trying to clear the tears that threatened at the warm greeting of her friends. “Thank-you,” she replied in her silvery voice. “That would be nice of you.”

“Ass!” Barbara said uncomfortably. “What are friends for? You’d do the same in my position.”

There was a moment’s silence before Vi interrupted, saying, “Come on! Deney will be waiting for us.” She linked arms with her two friends and walked with them along the corridor to the office, with a confidence she did not feel. Then she stopped at the door to let Verity knock and enter when a kind voice called out “Come in!”

Verity hesitated a moment, looking uncertainly at her friends. They were clearly waiting for her to say what she wanted to do, Vi having already determined that she would not simply take up Mary-Lou’s role of mothering Verity to the extent that Verity could almost give up thinking for herself.

“Shall I meet you in the Common Room?” Verity asked, hesitantly.

“Yes, that would be sensible. We’ll see you in a few minutes,” responded Vi. Then, “We’re so glad to have you back,” she said honestly, before turning and walking back down the corridor.

_________________________________

I'll probably post a bit more tomorrow, before I go back to college on Monday. :-/

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Catherine_B on Jan 3^rd, 2004, 5:42pm

Thank you very much, Sarah. This is a really well thought out drabble; it's especially nice to see Vi coming to the fore, because she so obviously had leadership potential and just got unlucky by being in Mary-Lou's year. And great to see Verity developing, too. Looking forward to lots more (when you have time)!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Lesley on Jan 3^rd, 2004, 6:04pm

Thanks Sarah - also like to see Vi fulfilling her potential - so nice that she's even thought about ways to ensure Verity starts to think for herself.

More please!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 3^rd, 2004, 7:28pm

Yay! This one's good, glad to see it back! :-*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Esmeralda on Jan 3^rd, 2004, 8:52pm

I'm also pleased to see this one back - the new parts are great too, it's really interesting seeing the other girls coming out from ML's shadow.
May I be allowed to ask how Emerence and Margot reacted please?

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Abi on Jan 3^rd, 2004, 11:14pm

Also glad to see this back - I like the way Verity is reacting so maturely - please post more soon!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Susan on Jan 4^th, 2004, 12:58am

Sarah, it is so good to have this back. You have drawn the characters so well and developed them nicely. Waiting for more when you have time.

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 4^th, 2004, 7:54am

Wonderful, Sarah! I'm so glad you're sharing this with us again!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Sarah_G-G on Jan 4^th, 2004, 8:46am

:-[ *blushing furiously* :-[

Thank you for all your lovely comments! And you may ask how Margot and Emerence react but I have to get Verity safely to the common room first! I wasn't really expecting her to do so much but she now seems to want her voice heard for once! Maybe I should rename the story 'Voices of the underdogs!'
__________

Quick tears came into Verity’s eyes but, again, she shook them away in a manner that was fast becoming familiar to her and then entered the office. Rosalie Dene looked up as she entered and smiled kindly. “Here you are! We wondered what time Jo would send you back. There’s just no knowing with her sometimes!” she studied Verity’s face carefully, seeing telltale signs of strain around the eyes and mouth. “We are all so sorry for your loss and we know that this is a hard time for you. All of the mistresses are here for you should you need anything.”

Verity nodded soberly. How many times had she heard those words lately? What did they mean anyway? It was just a phrase, a custom, something you had to say. Empty words. I’m sorry. Why? It’s not your fault my sister died, she wanted to tell them, why are you apologising. And if you just mean you feel sorry for me then I’d rather not know that I’m being pitied. I’m pitiful. Thank-you so much.

At this point in her thoughts, Miss Annersley walked into the room. “Verity, my dear girl. It’s good to see you back. Are you glad to be back?”

Miss Annersley’s eyes looked into her own searchingly, forbidding Verity to rattle off “Yes, thank-you” unthinkingly as she had been about to do. She paused and then said honestly, “I think so. I’ve always been happy here and it’s good to be beginning to come back to normality, but it’s strange as well.” She stopped, not knowing what else to say and Miss Annersley smiled understandingly.

“It will be strange at first, I expect. No one expects you to find ‘normality’ all at once. It will creep up on you gradually. And all of us here knew Mary-Lou and cared for her deeply so you are, at least, not among strangers. Now, I should think you would prefer to go and sit with your friends instead of talking with us.”

She smiled and Verity took this as her dismissal. She bobbed her usual curtsey and turned to leave the room. Just as she was about to leave, she heard Miss Annersley say, “And Verity, things will get easier, believe me. I know it seems impossible now but it will happen.” Verity nodded mutely before leaving the room.

The two mistresses watched her leave. “Do you think it is wise to plunge her straight back into school life?” Rosalie asked.

Miss Annersley looked thoughtful. “Verity is tougher than she looks and it is probably best that she doesn’t have too much time to dwell on what has happened. At this point her friends can probably help her and give her the support she needs far better than any adults can. That group of friends has really pulled together and shown their maturity these past couple of weeks and I think Verity will be better off with them than with anyone just now.”

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Lesley on Jan 4^th, 2004, 8:58am

Thank you Sarah - that was wonderful!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 4^th, 2004, 9:22am

*sigh* Thank you again, Sarah.

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Esmeralda on Jan 4^th, 2004, 10:44am

Thanks Sarah, I'm really liking Verity, you've really filled out her character, and I didn't mean to be impatient, sorry

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 4^th, 2004, 9:32pm

Thank you Sarah! Looking forward to more soon please!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Abi on Jan 4^th, 2004, 9:46pm

oooh, thanks Sarah......may I chant?

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Lesley on Jan 4^th, 2004, 10:52pm

*Joining Abi in a chant. Also have all these goodies left over from Christmas that just have to be finished - chocolate biscuits, shortbread, Christmas Cake...Anyone care to help?*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Abi on Jan 4^th, 2004, 11:04pm

*rushes up to share the feast ;D and provides mince pies (without Rachel's nice little additions)*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 4^th, 2004, 11:37pm

oooooohh! A midnight!!!!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Esmeralda on Jan 5^th, 2004, 1:07am

*Gratefully accepts shortbreads, makes a nice milky coffee to dunk them in, and settles down to wait for more.

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 5^th, 2004, 1:41am

*makes cocoa for those who prefer it*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 5^th, 2004, 2:06am

*makes some special cocoa with soya milk so that anyone who can't have milk doesn't feel left out!*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 5^th, 2004, 2:07am

*prods Vikki and points out that the milk I used was of that type*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 5^th, 2004, 2:19am

Well, you didn't say so!!! :P

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 5^th, 2004, 2:24am

I wouldn't have thought I'd have to. Being the considerate HG I am, surely you know I think of all members!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 5^th, 2004, 2:28am

Well, I was just taking precautions in case you'd forgotten!!!!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 5^th, 2004, 2:29am

*thanks Vikki for her concern, but wonders what we're going to do with all this extra cocoa*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 5^th, 2004, 2:32am

*suggests drinking it!!!* ::)

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Esmeralda on Jan 5^th, 2004, 2:40am

Might be a good idea - Apparantly drinking hot chocolate/cocoa keeps you looking young!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 5^th, 2004, 2:41am

*wonders from which book this useful piece of information came*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Esmeralda on Jan 5^th, 2004, 2:44am

It was a piece of research published in one or two of the papers - the good news is that ordinary choccie has the same effect, except it has more calories.

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 5^th, 2004, 2:45am

*wonders if that is reason enough for another party*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 5^th, 2004, 2:45am

So now we have the perfect excuse!!!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 5^th, 2004, 2:46am

Did we need one?

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 5^th, 2004, 2:49am

Well, no, probably not!!!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 5^th, 2004, 2:50am

*wonders if maybe parties don't really belong on the C&D section* After all, it's not very fair on the authors!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 5^th, 2004, 2:52am

*admits that KB may have a teeny tiny point!!!*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 5^th, 2004, 2:54am

*becoming resigned to all these agreements*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Pat on Jan 5^th, 2004, 9:40am

Did you lot spend all night yibbling? ::) ::) ::)

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Kathryn on Jan 5^th, 2004, 9:45am

Do you really need to ask that, considering the number of posts they have accumulated?

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 5^th, 2004, 1:58pm

*giggles*
Who? Us?
*looks innocent*
We had to celebrate KB's return somehow!!!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 6^th, 2004, 12:46am

Of course we did!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 6^th, 2004, 2:00am

And what better way to do so!?

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 6^th, 2004, 2:09am

It was fun, too, wasn't it?

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 6^th, 2004, 2:30am

Of course it was!!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 6^th, 2004, 2:36am

*wonders if Kathryn's jealous because she missed out*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 6^th, 2004, 2:41am

*thinks she might be!*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 6^th, 2004, 2:58am

*huggles Kathryn, just in case*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 6^th, 2004, 3:06am

*huggles Kathryn too!*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 6^th, 2004, 3:10am

*hopes Kathryn appreciates the huggles*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Sarah_G-G on Jan 6^th, 2004, 8:54pm

I hope I'm not interrupting anyone...
Well, here's the next bit anyway.

“Now,” she continued briskly, “we should be getting on with work and leaving the girls to their own business. Do you have any letters for me, Rosalie?”

“No,” her secretary replied calmly, retrieving her own pile of work from the drawer underneath her desk.

“No?” Miss Annersley replied, taken off guard by the unusual reply.

Her secretary placed her own pile of work to her left and removed the top one in order to read it through. “No, I have no letters for you. There is, however, some correspondence that I believe is addressed to you on your desk. Was that what you were looking for?” Rosalie looked abnormally innocent as she started to type a reply to the letter that she held in her hand.

“Rosalie Dene, you knew perfectly well what I meant. You must have been spending too much time with Jo lately!” Try as she might, Miss Annersley could not help the smile creep into her voice. She shook her head laughingly. “How old are you again?” she asked her assistant as she walked over to her desk and picked up her pile of correspondence. Rosalie smirked to herself but made no reply and soon there was only the sound of typing and the rustling of papers to be heard in the office.

Meanwhile the Middles and Seniors were sitting, chatting in their Common Rooms, making the most of their time before they were sent to get ready for bed. In the room where Vb were sat, the atmosphere was more cheerful than it had been for many a day. Verity’s return to school signified a beginning of the return to normality for not just Verity but also her classmates, who had missed her quiet presence more than they had realised. More than one of them agreed with Hilary’s dictum that “Verity might be a quiet kid but you do notice it when she’s not here!” Of course it went without saying that they all missed Mary-Lou but that was far harder for them to admit to, since to say that would be to talk about her death and the fact that she would not be returning in a few weeks. The return of one of their missing classmates filled a space that had been empty and somehow lifted, for the moment at least, the constraint that they had all felt and, in varying degrees, reacted to. They didn’t talk about the accident, it was too soon for that, but they related to Verity all the school news that she had missed and, if laughter was scarce, smiles were to be seen for the first time in what felt like years to the girls sat around. Although Verity said as little as she ever did, she felt relieved to be back among her friends in the school she had loved for so many years.

Only one small event slightly marred the evening. Just before the Middles’ bedtime, there came a soft tap at the door of the Vb Common Room. The friends looked surprised at the interruption but Lesley, sat nearest the door, called out “Come in!” The door opened to reveal Emerence’s small figure. She looked scared but determined and took a step inside the room.

“Please,” she said nervously, talking directly to Verity and ignoring the rest of the room. “I just- just wanted to say that- that…” here her breath seemed to desert her for her sentence ended in a rush of air. She carried on hurriedly. “I’m sorry about- about Mary-Lou and for-” she gulped “for my part in it.” Her courage apparently gave out at this point for, after pausing a moment for a reply- any reply!- she turned and fled.

She left a silence heavy with expectation and anxiety behind her. No one quite knew what to say, or even how to meet the eye of someone they were chatting with so casually only a second before. Eventually, after a pointed nudge from Hilary and many glances thrown her way, Vi said, “Well, it was nice of her to make the effort anyway.” This aroused no response. Verity seemed to be sunk in her own thoughts and no one seemed willing to comment on Emerence’s apology attempt. “I wonder what Herr Laubach will make us do in Art tomorrow,” she attempted, a little desperately.

“You’ll come out on top whatever it is!” Hilary laughed, relieved at the change in topic. I can’t think how you do it, my child. But then, Art never has been one of my gifts!”

They all smiled in relief and chatted happily enough about their respective talents in Art. However, the conversation did not flow as easily as it had done earlier and there was a marked strain in the air that would not dissipate. Verity herself was only drawn into the conversation by mammoth efforts of people such as Vi, Barbara and Lesley so that everyone was thankful when the bell finally went for them to go upstairs to bed. Clearly it would not be that simple to get over the aftermath of the accident.
__________
Emerence and Margot will be around in the next part, I think.

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Lesley on Jan 6^th, 2004, 9:36pm

Thank you Sarah - very realistic response.

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 6^th, 2004, 10:18pm

*huggles Sarah thank you for more story and to apologise for the yibbling!!* ;) :-*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Cathy on Jan 6^th, 2004, 10:53pm

Thank you -- really enjoying this.

Are we going to see a new, stronger Verity, who takes on more of a leadership role? I hope so.

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 7^th, 2004, 12:24am

Bringing Margot and Emerence in will certainly make this very interesting! Bravo!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Esmeralda on Jan 7^th, 2004, 2:00am

Oh. thank you Sarah, I can just imagine them acting like that, I do feel sorry for Emerence though....

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 7^th, 2004, 3:31am

*suggests a chant is in order*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by LauraT on Jan 7^th, 2004, 10:02am

Two pages and ONE bit of story!! :o *mutters 'yibblers'... and stalks off to do some chemistry revison.* Grr. >:(

*begins chant!* ;D

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 7^th, 2004, 11:13am

*runs after Laura to huggle her*
*joins in chant*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by LauraT on Jan 7^th, 2004, 11:37am

*runs thankfully away from quantitative chemistry for huggle*
*runs back when she realises quite how much she has to do before the end of the day....! :o *

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 7^th, 2004, 11:42am

I'd offer to send my Chemistry mole over, but I haven't seen him for years! *goes off to hunt for him*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 7^th, 2004, 5:28pm

Chemistry Mole....?
*raises eyebrows and turns inquiring gaze in KB's direction!*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Sarah_G-G on Jan 7^th, 2004, 5:56pm

*runs away screaming at mere mention of chemistry but hopes Laura managed to get it done all the same*

Had they been able to see Emerence as she dashed out of the room and up the stairs, they would have been less comfortable still. Emerence was not entirely sure what she had expected to happen when she apologised, but the scene that had just passed had not appeared in her mind when the frantic idea occurred to her! Perhaps, she mused, she had expected that Verity and the others would forgive her, fairly publicly, and then her own form would follow suit and start talking to her again. However, that was clearly not going to happen! As Emerence reached her dormitory, she met another girl coming out.

“Where have you been?” Jane asked, not kindly but more as a challenge.

“I- I had to do something,” Emerence muttered, red faced, eyes lowered.

“Really.” Jane looked suspicious. “I can’t think of anything that would keep you at this time of night. Or were you in trouble?” she asked slyly. “You’d better hurry up if you don’t want Matey to catch you.”

There was truth in what she said so Emerence could only say, “So had you,” before hastily going into her dormitory and into her cubey. She got ready for bed in record time, thinking that the last thing she needed now was to get into trouble with Matey. Even so she was the last one to be ready and was only just getting into bed when Matey came in. To her surprise, Matey only bade her hurry about getting into bed and told her not to be late in future before tucking her plumeaux around her and closing the curtains.

If she had been fully aware of everything that was going on around her, Emerence would have realised that Matey was being unusually lenient with her, although in fact she was being slightly less strict with everyone, since the whole school had naturally been badly affected by Mary-Lou’s death. However Matey was keeping a particular eye on Emerence, who had an unhealthy pallor and was showing signs of strain. Emerence may have cried herself sick again and again immediately after the accident, but she had taken Miss Annersley’s words to heart, resolving not to be so selfish in future. More than that, since the news came of the outcome of the operation, Emerence had found herself unable to cry. Guilt racked her soul over what she had done. Margot, scared and grieving, was no support to her former best friend and everyone, or so it seemed to Emerence, hated her because it was her fault and hers alone that Mary-Lou was now in Heaven instead of safely at the Chalet School, where she belonged. Emerence, in common with the other girls most affected by the accident, had been taken aside and told that she could speak to any mistress whenever she needed help but Emerence only nodded mutely for the words would not come. In her heart of hearts she wondered if someone like her deserved the same help and support as the other girls.

She lay awake for some time but at some point sleep must have overcome her to give her the relief she so badly needed. When the rising bell rang she rose groggily from a deep sleep that had left her feeling as though she was struggling up as from deep water. She got dressed in her now customary silence amid the friendly chatter of the dormitory before following the other girls down to Fruhstuck. Once there she would have made a poor meal if it were not for her own desire to attract as little attention as possible and the actions of the duty prefect, whose intentions may have been good as she reprimanded Luise for not passing the butter as soon as Emerence asked for it, but who in no way succeeded in improving the situation.

As she rose from her own table just next to the one at which Emerence was sat, Con Maynard happened to glance over just in time to see Luise cast an icy glare at Emerence, who looked away, miserable but unsurprised. Con frowned slightly. She had seen little of Emerence over the past couple of weeks, although they were in the same form, as most of her attention had been taken up with her own grief and that of her triplets, Margot’s in particular. Margot also felt guilty, believing that if she had held out against Emerence from the first then none of this would ever have happened, so that both Len and Con had spent most of their time with her and with each other, finding their tripletship anew as grief and fear drew them closer together. Because of this, the earlier incident that she had observed between Luise and Emerence had been driven out of her mind. Now, however, she remembered it with fresh force and wondered how she could have missed what was happening right under her own nose.

“Wake up, dreamer!” Len whispered in her ear, making Con jump. “What’s up with you?”

Con turned disturbed brown eyes on her sister. “Do you suppose Emerence is quite all right? She looks a bit upset-”

Len half interrupted her. “I expect she is upset, we all are. But we can’t exactly force Margot to be friends with her if she doesn’t want to, now can we? Besides, it’s probably better for them both to make friends with people their own age. Now, come on or we’ll be late for Prayers.”

Con allowed herself to be led away but she didn’t forget what she had seen and decided to keep half an eye on Emerence, whatever Len said.

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 7^th, 2004, 6:08pm

Thank you Sarah!! Looking forward to your next bit! :-*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Lesley on Jan 7^th, 2004, 6:14pm

Thank you Sarah, nice to see that Con is the more thoughtful one - would make sense as she's the writer. Feel desperately sorry for Emerence - after all it was an accident - it was not done deliberately or maliciously. The time in New Mistress when Yseult would try to injure ML was deliberate - and there have been any number of other injuries caused by people deliberately meaning to hurt - they were all lucky none of them resulted in a death.

Surely one of the mistresses, Matron or even the Head would see how Emerence is being treated and step in?

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Esmeralda on Jan 7^th, 2004, 8:15pm

Thanks Sarah, I'm glad that Con at least is looking out for Emerence, I think it must be worse for her than for anyone.

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Abi on Jan 7^th, 2004, 11:44pm

Ooooh, thank you Sarah. I like the way Con seems to be thinking about Emerence more than Len is, I hope she manages to make Emerence feel better. (subtle hint there for more, maybe, please?)

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 8^th, 2004, 4:54am

Sarah, I love this portrayal of Emerence! I can also imagine the rest of the school reacting to her in this way. I'm waiting for the Head or someone to notice, though. And if Con starts chumming up with Emerence, will Margot get jealous?

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Susan on Jan 8^th, 2004, 10:17pm

Sarah I really enjoyed the parts |I have not previously read. Like the others I agree that it is good to see Con grow up and become more thoughtful of other people.

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 9^th, 2004, 4:39am

*softly begins to chant*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Lesley on Jan 9^th, 2004, 6:01pm

Adding to chant as it's more than 48 hours since Sarah added to this!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 9^th, 2004, 9:52pm

*dashes over to join in the chanting*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Susan on Jan 10^th, 2004, 1:04am

Joins in chanting as expected more story today

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Kathryn on Jan 10^th, 2004, 1:12am

on 01/06/04 at 03:10:13, KB wrote:

*hopes Kathryn appreciates the huggles*

Huggles muchly appreciated. Haven't been in a yibbling frame of mind after talking to general public all day/week.
There are some instances when you feeling like saying to someone: Yes, to check if you have a gas leak, get your cigarette lighter and lean close to the meter......

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 10^th, 2004, 1:26am

*huggles Kathryn and sympathises completely*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 10^th, 2004, 3:24am

*suggests Kathryn try this one day, to see if her supervisor is paying attention*
Seriously, feel free to vent on Friday!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Lesley on Jan 10^th, 2004, 9:21am

on 01/10/04 at 01:12:50, Kathryn wrote:

Can remember an occasion some years ago when an engineer from the Gas Board was called to our house as my parents could smell gas under floorboards. Said engineer had forgotten his torch and proposed striking a match to see - father rather upset - said engineer's feet did not touch ground as he was thrown out of house!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 10^th, 2004, 10:51am

*makes the insightful discovery that the screen looks very pretty through the green jelly with which it is now smeared, thanks to Lesley's story*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 10^th, 2004, 2:38pm

*giggles wildly, and wonders if KB managed to get her screen jely free?* ;D

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Lesley on Jan 10^th, 2004, 2:48pm

on 01/10/04 at 10:51:33, KB wrote:

*makes the insightful discovery that the screen looks very pretty through the green jelly with which it is now smeared, thanks to Lesley's story*

Very sorry KB :-[ True story!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Esmeralda on Jan 10^th, 2004, 8:08pm

Actually, my dad used to work for British Gas, and I'm pretty sure that in his younger, gas leak detecting days, he used the match method more than once - but he said it was ok because he knew what he was doing.

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Sarah_G-G on Jan 10^th, 2004, 9:10pm

Well, here's the next (very little) bit. Not much happens I'm afraid but the characters seem to be thinking slightly more than expected!

Prayers went ahead as usual, with one or two of the girls quite thankful for the peace that always accompanied it. The focussed devotion of Emerence and Margot need not be wondered at, since both of them had found a solace in religion, peace and the thought that there was someone there who understood totally without needing explanation, that their often wild spirits had formerly rebelled against. Len and Con were also more devout than usual, asking for guidance on how best to help their sister and, for Con at least, Emerence.

Nor was Con the only one to be thinking about Emerence for Vi had found the picture of the frightened, half-defiant small girl hard to get out of her mind. Truth to tell, the thought of Emerence’s reaction had not really entered Vi’s mind, a fact for which she now reproached herself. Mary-Lou wouldn’t have forgotten about her, Vi thought. But there was so much to think about, more immediate concerns over her friends, Verity in particular. How was she supposed to think of everything? Why couldn’t someone else take charge for a change? Vi tried to rid her mind of these thoughts but she couldn’t help feeling a bit resentful at the thought of all the responsibilities she had suddenly had thrust upon her. It seemed like the Gang couldn’t think for themselves anymore, and she was just as shocked as anyone by what had happened. She shook her head to dislodge such thoughts (thereby earning herself a strange look from Lesley) and forced herself to concentrate on Prayers.

Verity was also distracted. She was finding it more difficult than usual to get herself in the proper frame of mind for Prayers and was more or less just going through the motions of the organised hymns and Prayers. The only time she felt herself to be truly involved was when she uttered her own silent prayer, asking for support and for God to take good care of her sister, wherever she was now. As hard as she tried not to, Verity kept getting lost in her own thoughts, observing what was going on around her without really feeling a part of it.

‘I feel like a camera,’ she thought to herself. ‘I can see everything going on, can record it and act on autopilot, but I’m not really here.’

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 10^th, 2004, 9:21pm

What an excellent reaction from Vi! I can imagine her feeling just like that! I'm glad she's stepping into ML's shoes, too.

And to those who asked, thank you, my screen is now clean again.

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Esmeralda on Jan 10^th, 2004, 10:21pm

Thanks Sarah, this is all very feasible. Please may we have more soon.

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Lesley on Jan 11^th, 2004, 12:03am

Thank you Sarah - think Vi's reaction very lifelike - she's obviously the one most suited to take over from ML - doubt any of the others in the Gang even thought of Emerence's feelings.

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Kathryn on Jan 11^th, 2004, 1:24am

Quote:

*suggests Kathryn try this one day, to see if her supervisor is paying attention*

No matter how tempting it would be, I'd could get sued if I did say it!

Though my boyfriend's mother did try the match thing one day when she smelt gas in the kitchen. She still has her eyebrows!

*wonders how some people manage to stay alive for so long*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 11^th, 2004, 6:06am

Presumably she's made of asbestos or something equally non-flammable!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Lesley on Jan 11^th, 2004, 9:12am

*Wonders if Kathryn's boyfriend has inherited his intelligence/common sense from his mother or his father?* ;D

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Kathryn on Jan 11^th, 2004, 9:22am

Intelligence from none of them (He's smarter than they are). But most definitely he has inherited common sense and keeping time from his father. Hah!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by PatMac on Jan 11^th, 2004, 9:39am

Thanks, Sarah, very true to life and you have got into their characters. I like it very much.

Kathryn, common sense and time keeping are not generally male traits - though you probably know that already!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 11^th, 2004, 10:10am

on 01/11/04 at 09:39:25, PatMac wrote:

Kathryn, common sense and time keeping are not generally male traits - though you probably know that already!

*hopes his other traits make up for what he may lack in those areas* ;)

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 11^th, 2004, 7:36pm

*wonders what other traits KB could possibly mean?* :o

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 11^th, 2004, 11:59pm

Well, obviously the good ones - the ones that made Kathryn love him in the first place!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Kathryn on Jan 12^th, 2004, 9:51am

Leaving the :o side of things out of it (not an age restricted board!) he is a sweetie who looks after me.
As for common sense and time-management skills, the entire male population must have missed that queue when it was handed out. So how does that explain that men are in charge of US, UK and OZ at the moment?

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 12^th, 2004, 10:40am

on 01/12/04 at 09:51:00, Kathryn wrote:

Leaving the :o side of things out of it (not an age restricted board!) he is a sweetie who looks after me.

As long as you love him, Kathryn, that's the most important thing, isn't it? ;)

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Susan on Jan 13^th, 2004, 12:17am

Kathryn that is a lovely part. I can empathise with Verity as I felt like that in similar situations. Also with Vi as I was doing all sorts of things and wondering why no one else was taking charge. There was no one else to do it that's why!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 13^th, 2004, 12:27am

on 01/13/04 at 00:17:29, Susan wrote:

Er, Sue, do you mean Sarah?

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 13^th, 2004, 12:36am

Well, it's not surprising Sue got confused, what with the discussion of Kathryn's love life!! ;)

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 13^th, 2004, 12:40am

Yes, that's very true.

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Lesley on Jan 13^th, 2004, 8:57am

*SARAH!!! Please post more of this story - I'd really like to know more about how they all cope!*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Susan on Jan 13^th, 2004, 3:30pm

on 01/13/04 at 00:27:57, KB wrote:

Er, Sue, do you mean Sarah?

OOPPS Sorry I did mean Sarah. I think the talk with Kathryn must have over exerted my tired brain.

Humble apologies to both of you.

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 13^th, 2004, 10:26pm

Don't worry, Sue. We all make mistakes. Some of us more than others. :-[

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 14^th, 2004, 1:30am

Why the embarrassed look, KB? ;)

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 14^th, 2004, 1:31am

Never you mind, little one. :P

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 14^th, 2004, 2:21am

*bites KB's ankle!* :P :P

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 14^th, 2004, 2:37am

*smirks, having donned by 'teeth-proof' suit today*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 14^th, 2004, 2:40am

Yes, but my teeth are made of galvanised steel........

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 14^th, 2004, 2:45am

You think I didn't take that into account?

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 14^th, 2004, 2:50am

Well, that might've saved you, if you hadn't bought your trousers too short!!! ;)

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 14^th, 2004, 3:21am

*reveals tube of fake blood* Foiled again, my love. ;)

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 14^th, 2004, 2:18pm

*points out the gaping wound in KB's leg*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 14^th, 2004, 10:49pm

*peels off 'gaping wound'* You mean this? *waves 'gaping wound under Vikki's nose*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 14^th, 2004, 11:01pm

Nope, not your fake gaping wound, the real one on the other ankle dearie!! ;)

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 14^th, 2004, 11:09pm

*peels of the other fake 'gaping wound'* Ha ha!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 14^th, 2004, 11:17pm

*takes advantage of KB's distracted gloating and fake wound waving, to inflict a real gaping wound!!! ;)

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 14^th, 2004, 11:25pm

*bleeds all over Vikki, not allowing her to break away, and inflicts a similar, only larger, wound on her*

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Jan 14^th, 2004, 11:48pm

*thinks KB must be delirious with pain to imagine this stuff!*

*wonders if we've both spent too much time with Rachel?* ;)

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Jan 14^th, 2004, 11:55pm

*suspects we might have been*
Shall we return this thread to the story?

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Today at 12:07am

I think you're right!!
Sarahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh? May we have more story please? ;)

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Today at 12:10am

Yes, Sarah, please!!!!

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Lisa_T on Today at 12:49am

Bah!
I wonder if I'd have a case for suing you two- for undue and injurious stress incurred as a result of thinking there was more story, only to be crushingly disappointed when it became evident it was simply you pair up to your normal tricks!
;) ;D

Hey- it can't be any sillier than SOME compensations cases..

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by Vikki on Today at 12:58am

Go on Lisa, do it! It'd be worth it just to see the judge's face!!!
8oo 8oo 8oo

Title: Re: Mary-Lou at the CS alternative- Pt3
Post by KB on Today at 12:59am

*lol* Well, it could be amusing to see the outcome! And more story would be very welcome...