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Title: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Vikki on Jan 6th, 2004, 7:16pm Archived for length!! part one (http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/moreshocks.html) part two (http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/moreshocks2.html) part three (http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/moreshocks3.html) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 6th, 2004, 7:37pm I wrote some more at work, and it is saved there. The Interent connection for the whole college went down before I could post, so there will be nothing more till I get in tomorrow. It's my late night, too, so I won't be in till after 11.00. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Vikki on Jan 6th, 2004, 7:47pm Well, as long as it's up by 3.30, when I finish work! ;) Hope it's a big chunk Pat? ;D |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 7th, 2004, 12:54am Wonderful stuff, Pat! I love the reactions of the men! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 7th, 2004, 11:56am “If you prefer to stay in a Pension, please accept an invitation to dinner, and to use my house to meet your daughters.” Leaving an open invitation, Jo and Jack took their leave, and headed home, considerably lighter of heart than when they had arrived. The men seemed to be decent people, well brought up, and sympathetic to the situation. Jack was extremely relieved that they had all known that they were adopted, as he knew that there was every reason to expect that at least one had not been told. The shock in that case would have been immense. The next evening saw Jo and Len putting the final touches to the dinner table. There was to be a new family get together, and Len fond that she was distinctly nervous. Her brothers had arrived on the Platz during the late morning, and after booking into their Pension, had gone straight to the school, collected their respective daughters, and taken them back to the Pension for lunch. What had happened then was anyone’s guess, though presumably the girls now knew that they shared a Grandmother. When the door bell rang, Len stayed in the Saal as Jo went to the door to greet her guests. Although she had been forewarned, she was startled at how very much they resembled her mother. She came forward to be introduced, trying to hide her nerves, but became aware that the men in front of her were as nervous as she was. That gave her a little more confidence, and she smiled her welcome. Part way through the meal, the front door crashed open, and there were general sounds of arrival. Jack excused himself with a word, and left the room. Outside, he saw Stephen taking his coat off, a big beaming smile on his face. “Hello, Pater,” he said. “I’ve been thinking hard, and I’ve realised that I over reacted to this business. I thought the best way to make amends was to come out here myself.” “We’ll delighted to see you, Steve. Especially as your brothers are all here having dinner with us. Come along into the Speisesaal, and meet them.” “Dad, you’re joking, aren’t you? They’re not really here?” “They are, son. Come and see.” Jack opened the door, and Steve was stunned by the sight of his four identical brothers. Feeling very unsure, he came slowly into the room. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 7th, 2004, 12:12pm Goodness, poor Steve! Not even a moment to get used to the idea! :o |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 7th, 2004, 12:14pm Well he knew they existed, didn't he? ::) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 7th, 2004, 12:20pm I meant getting used to the idea that there were on the Platz! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Chloe on Jan 7th, 2004, 12:30pm *applauds* Thank you Pat, Steve just needs to get over himslef and try to see it from Joey's point of view! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Ally on Jan 7th, 2004, 12:44pm Oooh what will Stephen say, more please Pat ;D |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Esmeralda on Jan 7th, 2004, 2:46pm Wow - an unexpected developement to be sure! More please Pat.... |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by LauraT on Jan 7th, 2004, 2:58pm Oooh, that's interesting! But poor Steve! (ish). Now he's officially gone from being the eldest son to one of the middlies! ::) And I wonder how the girls reacted.... :P |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 7th, 2004, 4:49pm “Hello, everyone,” he managed to say. “Sorry to barge in on everyone like this, but I’ve only just got here. “ He stood just inside the door, looking at everyone, and feeling a perfect fool. Why couldn’t he do and say the right thing for once in his life, he thought despairingly. Here he was, trying to make things right with his parents, and it had all gone wrong again! Len correctly interpreted his expression, and came to the rescue. “Steve, you goop, come and sit down, then we can introduce you all. I’m glad you could make it.” Steve came forward and took his place at he table. He was beginning to get over the initial shock of finding all his new brothers in his home, and his natural manners came to the fore. Len introduced his new members of the family, and he had time to register how very like his mother they all were – more so than any of the others. He found to his surprise that he was rather pleased about that – at least the influence of the father must be pretty minor! Conversation continued normally after that, Jo’s older six children began to take stock of each other. Three of the four quads had, of course, already met, and they had had a chance to get to know the fourth on the journey from Berne. It was obvious that they had a lot in common – their taste in music and books, the clothes they preferred – although they had been brought up by different parents. Len and Steve were fascinated by the similarities to themselves and their siblings, and also the differences. Their outlook on life was very different to the Maynard’s, who had lived so long on the continent, and were more at home in Europe than they were in their own country. This was less so for Steve, of course, having attended a public school in England, but even for him, living in Switzerland in the holidays had given him a broader outlook. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 7th, 2004, 5:38pm After coffee had been served, Jo and Jack left the younger element to get to know each other better, and retired to Jack’s study. “That seemed to go very well, don’t you think?” remarked Jack as they settled themselves. Even Steve barging in like that!” “I’m so pleased he’s decided to get on with the situation. Just like him to come out with no warning though.” Jack grinned. “You should have seen his face when I told him the boys were here! A picture doesn’t start to describe it! Was I very cruel to throw him straight into it like that?” Jo giggled like a school girl. “I saw his face when he came into the room. Gobsmacked would be an accurate description, I think. He responded pretty well, though, in the circs.” “He did, and I’m proud of him. I’m also proud of the way you are dealing with all this, Jo. It’s not easy, I know that, but you are behaving with dignity and aplomb, my dear.” Jo swallowed the huge lump in her throat, and smiled shakily at him. “It’s so very difficult, Jack. I don’t know how I’m keeping going at times. It has all blown up so quickly that I haven’t had time to get my head around it all. I just know that I have my first babies back again!” The younger element had retired to the Salon, relieved to have time away from their mother to discuss things amongst themselves. “This must be quite a shock, finding your mother like this, and brothers you didn’t know you had?” asked Len of the quads. “I’ll say,” said Nigel. “At least Jim and Peter were together, but I was dumbfounded when the letter arrived. I suspect you and your brothers and sisters had as bad a shock though. After all, we were all told that we were adopted, )and am I grateful that my parents told me!), but you had no idea, did you? Aren’t you the eldest, Len?” “Yes, though my two sisters were only minutes behind me! Steve was the eldest of the boys too. We both found it hard to come to terms with the knowledge that were weren’t the eldest after all.” |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Vikki on Jan 7th, 2004, 5:59pm Pat, you've handled this beautifully! Thank you so much!! (may we have some more please?) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by PatMac on Jan 7th, 2004, 7:26pm thanks, Pat. We're all waiting for more when you have time. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Chloe on Jan 7th, 2004, 7:42pm *applauds* Thank you Pat that was wonderful :) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Esmeralda on Jan 7th, 2004, 7:47pm Ooh Pat, this is brilliant, I'm so glad that everyone is finally being very grown up and sensible about all this, and good for Steve! Please may we have some more? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Ally on Jan 7th, 2004, 10:00pm *sighs* It's wonderful to have a story that's sorting out problems rather than creating them for a change. But I keep wondering what's going to go wrong :-/ thank you Pat :D |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Carolyn P on Jan 7th, 2004, 10:38pm Thank-you Pat. That was wonderful, hope there is more soon. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Abi on Jan 7th, 2004, 11:32pm oh, Pat, this is so wonderful. Thank you for posting such a large chunk. May we have a little more soon, please? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 8th, 2004, 5:30am Wonderfully done, Pat! It will be interesting to see how all of the family shake down together! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by xanthe on Jan 8th, 2004, 10:59am Thank you Pat ;D *chanting quietly, in case Pat is at work* ;) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 8th, 2004, 11:04am Oh, yes, good point. *chants more softly* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 8th, 2004, 11:07am I am at work! where else would I be at this time of the morning. If I was at home, I'd hopefully only just be getting up! ;D |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 8th, 2004, 11:13am Ah, but think of the lovely money you're earning by being on the CBB! ;) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 8th, 2004, 11:15am Don't you mean by being at work?!! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 8th, 2004, 11:19am On the CBB at work - what could be better?! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Rachel on Jan 8th, 2004, 11:30am (Having decided one can never have too many adopted relatives . . . ) Aunty Pat! More please! ASAP! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 8th, 2004, 11:32am That is NOT the best way to go about getting more, kid! (ie Rachel!) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Rachel on Jan 8th, 2004, 11:35am But aunty! As my newest relative, you qualify for all those So, with that |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 8th, 2004, 11:38am Gee, lucky you, Pat. *stated in dull monotone* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by LauraT on Jan 8th, 2004, 11:40am Wish I had some of those... *states rather gleefully and sarcastically, in the fully knowledge that the |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 8th, 2004, 11:42am My fridge is already full of grand-daughter's artwork! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Rachel on Jan 8th, 2004, 11:43am For the kiddies "Aunty LauraT" nothing is too much trouble. A bundle of "artwork" is on it's way ;D |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by LauraT on Jan 8th, 2004, 11:52am on 01/08/04 at 11:43:47, Rachel wrote:
Noo! (a long saga has led to this hate of artwork, one story of which involved my nephew making me a picture with shells he'd found on the beach, and my leaving it in my room, by my window, to dry. Next morning: ALL of the sea creatures living in the shells were crawling happily around my room....! ::) ) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Chloe on Jan 8th, 2004, 12:17pm Pat please may we have some more! :) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Jennie on Jan 8th, 2004, 12:26pm This is wonderful, Pat, may I hope for another sizeable chunk very soon? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 8th, 2004, 2:19pm “I would guess that there is no way for you four to know who’s first, either? At least that means you’re all equal. Poor Len had to be responsible for the lot of us when we were growing up, just because she’s the oldest of us. I think it must have been hard for Mother, though. Ever since Geoff and Phil were born she’s been threatening to have quads. Now we know why.” “It must have been sheer hell to have her babies taken away,” put in Len. “She never saw you, you know. Not from when you were first born until now. I don’t know how she coped.” “How will the girls manage at school once this becomes common knowledge?” asked Ed. “I’m concerned that they may suffer.” “It should be fine with most people. Mum was the first pupil the school ever had, and it was started by her sister, so it would give them a certain amount of kudos. There again, family are supposed to set a good example, and that isn’t always easy!” Jim grinned at her. “That sounds like personal experience talking!” he said. “Too true it is! Also, as I was the eldest, it was expected of me for that reason too! I’m trying very hard not to load my own children down with that sort of expectation.” |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Rachel on Jan 8th, 2004, 2:25pm Yaaaayyyyy! When do we get the next bit AP? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 8th, 2004, 2:32pm When are you going to post on yours, Rachel? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Rachel on Jan 8th, 2004, 2:38pm When Primula gets out of the way so I can look under the tree of course! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 8th, 2004, 2:40pm *Thinks Rachel must have been infected by at least one of her menagerie* Eh? ??? ??? ??? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 8th, 2004, 4:11pm By the time the quads returned to their Pension, most of the awkwardness had gone from the relationship with Len and Steve at least. Only time would tell how the rest of the siblings would react. The question of how the news should be made public had yet to be decided, and a family meeting was planned for the following day. As the ones most involved in the situation, Jo and the quads would have the deciding voice, and Len and Steve would represent the rest of the family. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Rachel on Jan 8th, 2004, 4:14pm Can't wait to see how the "going public" goes! In your own time AP. As long as it is today :D |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 8th, 2004, 4:18pm It's going home time, LN! We're going to Asda tonight for a massive shop - just so we can eat, you understand!! Tomorrow, maybe? And yours, my dear? Where's yours? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Rachel on Jan 8th, 2004, 4:28pm I'm shocked AP, shocked I tell you. I never thought you would descend to the "I'll show you mine if you show me yours" type of conversation! :o |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Vikki on Jan 8th, 2004, 8:40pm In response to Laura's story about the shells and sea creatures ~ Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!! Pat, this is wonderful, but pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeease may we have lots more soon? Rachel, you reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaally have to go and post more on Primula please!!! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Sugarplum on Jan 8th, 2004, 9:37pm ooooooh I do like this story ..... I wonder what the reaction in school would be ? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by xanthe on Jan 8th, 2004, 10:46pm *chants very VERY loudly* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Susan on Jan 9th, 2004, 12:08am Pat this is fantastic love all the reactions, they are all so good. Waiting for todays instalment. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Esmeralda on Jan 9th, 2004, 2:22am Agreed Pat, this is terrific, please post some more soon, like aerlyish tomorrow, before I have to go to work....... |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 9th, 2004, 4:28am Pat, this is great! I can't wait to see the school's reaction! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 9th, 2004, 9:48am Nor can I!! I don't know how I'm going to do it yet!!! ::) ::) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 9th, 2004, 10:05am *lol* I know that feeling! *tickles Pat's PB under the chin* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Carolyn P on Jan 9th, 2004, 12:40pm Pat, this is wonderful. Looking forward to more, soon, very soon. Rachel, I have |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 9th, 2004, 2:23pm The group came together the following morning at Freudesheim, having thought hard and long overnight. Nobody had any real idea of the best thing to do. Obviously, something needed to be said, as the speculation in the school was increasing, and the rumours were doing nobody any good. “I don’t believe that an announcement to the whole school is called for, “ Jack said as the meeting started. “It blows the whole thing up out of all proportion, and gives it an importance that it does not have outside the family.” “On the other hand, we must squash all these rumours. People have to know the truth.” said Jo. “What about telling the staff at as a group. They are responsible for the girls, and need to be given the correct information.” Suggested Jim. “I know that if there were rumours like this going round at work, I would want to be told exactly what was going on. They would be in a position to stamp down on gossip, then.” Len agreed. “They have a right to know. Many of them were at school with Mum, or taught her when she was at school.” Ed came to the brunt of the matter. “What about the school at large?” he asked. “I agree that a formal announcement at Prayers is inappropriate, but they need to know something.” “I wonder if the Form Mistress for each form that the girls are in could say something?” said Peter. “That would not be fair on the staff,” said Jo at once. “If anyone does that it should be a family member, preferably myself.” Len looked round at them all, and came to a decision. “No Mamma,” she said, reverting to the old childhood name. “That is equally unfair on you. The strain you have been under recently is enough, without having to tell the story to a lot of kids, who will have difficulty understanding why it all happened. Don’t forget that these days they are taught about such things, and can have little idea of just how ignorant girls were in those days. They could give you a hard time. No, I think I am the best person. I’m family, and I was at the school myself, both as a pupil and as a teacher, though all the girls that I taught have left by now, of course. I can speak to each class in an informal manner, putting the matter as simply as I can. Your daughters can have the choice of staying in, or going to the library while this is happening. In small groups like that, I can answer any questions that come up, and the girls will feel easier asking when there is only their friends around. If we keep this only to the forms directly affected, I think you’ll find that any comments form other forms will be squashed quite effectively by the girls themselves.” Nigel sighed a little. “We told our girls yesterday, when we saw them. As you say, it is very difficult for their generation to understand, but I think they do, now. It will take them time to come to terms with it, as it will the four of us. I would like to decide how we are to address you, Mrs Maynard. Being formal like that seems rather absurd in the circumstances, but saying Mother seems equally difficult.” Jo laughed rather shakily, it must be said. “I know exactly what you mean. I am not your mother in any way except by birth. We are adults, and should be able to behave as such. I have no objection to you using my Christian name, if that is easier. I agree we need to get that sorted, as I suspect we will be seeing more of each other now we have met at last! Len, if you are really prepared to do that, my love, I would be eternally grateful. I was rather dreading it, to tell the truth.” Len smiled reassuringly at her mother, though she was rather dreading it herself. She was wishing that she hadn’t given into her impulse and come out to support her mother. Then her natural sense of responsibility reasserted itself, and she was glad she had come. “All I can say is ‘rather you than me’”, said Steve. “For Heaven’s sake don’t be formal with me, chaps. We’re brothers after all, and family shouldn’t be formal.” |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Jennie on Jan 9th, 2004, 2:40pm This is terrific, Pat. I'm hoping for lots more. How is 'Librarian' coming on? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Ally on Jan 9th, 2004, 2:43pm Oohhh Len's being very brave, I hope she doesn't get asked any awkward questions. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 9th, 2004, 2:43pm on 01/09/04 at 14:40:09, Jennie wrote:
I was *supposed* to be revising it over Christmas, but the decorating bunnies invaded!! I did get some done though. the trouble is that it takes so long to catch up on here! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Rachel on Jan 9th, 2004, 2:51pm Glad to see this tale isn't going to be ignored in favour of the TEM! And I know all about the revising issues Pat since I am supposed to have been reworking mine ever since I finished in the summer! I still haven't even finished writing all the extra chapters let alone started rewriting the blessed thing! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Chloe on Jan 9th, 2004, 7:36pm *applauds* Thank you Pat adn as yuo've gopne ahead with this so well it means the Robin can on hers now too! ;D |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Vikki on Jan 9th, 2004, 7:38pm Pat, this gets better and better!! What I'd like to know is, what will the girls call Jo? Will she be Granny? Or Auntie Jo? Or just Jo? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Susan on Jan 10th, 2004, 12:42am Nice part of story. Feeling a bit sorry for Len but can understand her doing it. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Esmeralda on Jan 10th, 2004, 12:50am Thanks Pat, thats really good, of course, it isn't really any business of the school at large, but given that they are going to start gossiping, it obviously makes sense to tell them. I think if I was Jo, I would just want to move right away and never be seen by the school again. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 10th, 2004, 12:58am I'm enjoying this a lot. I also can't wait to see the school's reaction! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 11th, 2004, 11:24am Thus it was that Hilda called a staff meeting that evening, at which Jack was to tell Jo’s story. Or at least enough to give an understanding of what had happened all those years ago. When all were settled with coffee and cakes, Hilda came in with Jack, and the staff sat up in astonishment, as they had expected a normal staff meeting. This was obviously to be anything but normal, or Jack would not be there. One or two had a good idea of what it was all about, especially Nancy, who had picked up the resemblance of the girls to Jo so quickly. She glanced at Hilda, who gave her an almost imperceptible nod. Nancy smiled to herself, and settled back to listen with interest. Some of the others had an inkling, but most were totally bewildered. Jack sat down and accepted a cup of coffee gratefully, wishing that it was something stronger to give him the courage he needed to start. However, he knew he couldn’t just sit there, so he looked around at them all, and began. “I think most of you have noticed how much two of the new girls look like Jo, and I expect that you have wondered why, since the members of her family are pretty well known in the school! We have been wondering the same thing, and have been trying to find out. So have the girls fathers, two of whom met on the station platform for the first time. I want to tell you what we have discovered, but first of all please be aware that most of what I am going to tell you was known only to Jo, Robin, Dick and Mollie at first, and then Jo told me when I asked her to marry me. You will understand why as the story progresses.” Jack went on to tell the now familiar story of Jo’s trip to India, and the quads adoption. The mistresses nodded understandingly when the adoption was told, as many of them knew what the attitude of the time had been. “Now you know everything,” Jack continued. “Jo is very afraid that she willed be judged harshly in this. She had no say in the matter, and though she was a victim of her own ignorance, she has suffered very much ever since. That is why she has threatened quads so often! She is very nervous of meeting you all again. We have decided that it would be a good idea to tell the girls in the appropriate forms what is happening, as they have obviously been discussing things amongst themselves. Len has said she is willing to talk to each form - that would be how many?” “Just the two thirds,” said Rosalie. “That is a good idea, Jack. I knew Jo had grown up a lot during that holiday, but put it down to the travelling. No wonder she had matured so much. Poor Jo.” |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Rachel on Jan 11th, 2004, 11:27am So glad to see more story Aunty Pat! When will the next bit be ready? :D |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 11th, 2004, 11:29am Perhaps after I've developed your split personality a little further, Rachel! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Esmeralda on Jan 11th, 2004, 11:34am Thank you Pat, of course now you've posted this part there are going to be immediate demands for more. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by PatMac on Jan 11th, 2004, 11:42am Thank you, Pat. As Esmeralda says, It keeps getting better. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Vikki on Jan 11th, 2004, 8:40pm Yay!! Thank you Pat!!! So, when do we get some more then? ;) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Carolyn P on Jan 11th, 2004, 11:46pm Thanks Pat. That was great. Wonder how the girls will take it, and what kind of letters will be written home? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 11th, 2004, 11:53pm *sigh* Another lovely part. I wonder if all the staff will take the news that well though. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Kathy_S on Jan 12th, 2004, 2:08am Thank you, Pat. It's nice to see people being so understanding :) . *wonders whether Pat's bunnies can be trusted to keep it that way* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 12th, 2004, 2:24am on 01/12/04 at 02:08:21, Kathy_S wrote:
Kathy, think about it. Plot bunnies - trust. Come on now... |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Kathy_S on Jan 12th, 2004, 2:43am That's what I'm afraid of. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 12th, 2004, 3:52am *promises to protect Kathy from the PBs* ;) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Chloe on Jan 12th, 2004, 10:53am *applauds* Thank you Pat that was lovely, decides to go hassle Robin instead of Pat for more story now! :) (but i'd still like some more from you too please ;)) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Kathryn on Jan 12th, 2004, 10:59am Hmmm....trust and PBs; more like protection from untrustworthy PBs! I mean when you have no time whatsoever to do anything work on writing, they attack. When you have time they go into hibernation. *sets the tracker ferrets (they don't like bunny) onto mine* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Abi on Jan 12th, 2004, 1:04pm That was really really good Pat, thank you!! I'm glad the staff were so understanding, it would have been easy for someone like Matron to be very angry about it. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Vikki on Jan 12th, 2004, 3:20pm Auntie Paaaaaaaaaaaaaat? May we have some more story please? :-* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Chloe on Jan 12th, 2004, 6:09pm Please may we have some more story :) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 12th, 2004, 7:46pm Jack left the staff room, thankful to have got a difficult meeting behind him. A general buzz of conversation broke out as the door closed behind him, and one voice rose above the general babble. “Well! Who would have thought it! Lady Russell’s sister, who thinks so much of herself, and her connection to the school, having illegitimate kids!” The voice belonged to Margaret Owens, who was new to the school. She had had difficulty settling in and making friends, for she had a most unfortunate manner, that saw the worst in every situation. “Just you keep quiet, young lady. You haven’t been here long enough to pass judgement on anyone.” Matey was over the normal retirement age, but all attempts to suggest that she might leave her post and take life easy had met with incredulity, and a demand to know what she was supposed to do with all that free time. Jo had always been a favourite with her, and this incident would not make any difference to that. Even Margaret Owens obeyed her, though her expression showed her feelings well enough. “OK! I know she’s everyone’s blue eyed boy,” she muttered, though only those nearest her heard her. Shortly afterwards she left the Staffroom, ands made her way to her own room. She had already decided that the Chalet School did not suit her, and was looking forward to an interview at another school immediately after they broke up for the holidays. Her comment in the Staff Room had served one purpose, though not the one she would have wished for. The rest of the staff universally pulled behind Jo and Jack, which was a comment on how well Margaret’s view were received. Some of the staff were privately shocked, but liked Jo too much to make a fuss about it. Len came into school the next day, having spent most of the night deciding how she would speak to the two forms. She did not want to go into details, and the girls had all had lessons in the Facts of Life, so they would be unnecessary. On the other hand, the gossip and speculation had to be stopped, and this needed to be done in a sympathetic manner. After all the three girls - her nieces - had to live with the rest of their forms after she had finished. It was clear that the shock was going to reverberate around the school for some time to come. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Jennie on Jan 12th, 2004, 7:55pm Great, Pat. Will there be some more very soon? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Esmeralda on Jan 12th, 2004, 8:51pm Well! It's a ******** good job that that Miss Owens isn't planning on staying - how uncharitable. Three cheers for the rest of the staff though. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 12th, 2004, 9:47pm Thank you for introducing some conflict, Pat. That always makes stories more interesting! And I can't wait to see what the girls say! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Vikki on Jan 12th, 2004, 10:22pm Thank you Pat!!! Eagerly awaiting the reactions of the girls!!! :-* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Susan on Jan 13th, 2004, 1:20am Pat those scenes in the staff room were really good and very natural. Dare I say more please? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 13th, 2004, 1:21am *joins in the plea for more* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Chloe on Jan 13th, 2004, 4:44pm That was lovely Pat i can't wait for the girls reactions :) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 13th, 2004, 9:39pm *sigh* No more story while I was sleeping sweetly? Oh, well... |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Vikki on Jan 14th, 2004, 1:07am *wonders where Pat has got to today!* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 14th, 2004, 1:13am *suggests perhaps she's having a nervous breakdown at the realisation of how many stories she has on the go at once* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Vikki on Jan 14th, 2004, 2:18am *wonders whether Pat may possibly have bitten off more than she can chew!!!!* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 14th, 2004, 2:34am *suspects she may have* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Vikki on Jan 14th, 2004, 2:37am *waits for Pat to confirm or deny our suspicions* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 14th, 2004, 2:43am *suspects Pat is sitting in the corner of a padded room, rocking and giggling to herself* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Carolyn P on Jan 14th, 2004, 9:47am That sounds like a nice safe place to be, especially compared to here. Just think, a warm comfortable room with a rocking chair, or a virtual place where you are chased from thread to thread by shouts of more? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 14th, 2004, 10:53am Now that you mention it, Carolyn, it does sound nice... |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 14th, 2004, 1:34pm I posted to my other drabble! I only have 2 you know! I'll try to write a little more thisafternoon, when it gets quiet! I *am* supposed to work during the day, you know! No, I am not going round the bend, thank you very much!!! :o :o :o |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Vikki on Jan 14th, 2004, 2:44pm Are you quite sure about that Pat? ;) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 14th, 2004, 2:59pm Sure about what, Vikki? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Vikki on Jan 14th, 2004, 3:02pm Why, that you're not going round the bend of course Pat! What else could I have meant? ??? |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 14th, 2004, 3:10pm That I'm supposed to work during the day, of course!! 8oo |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Vikki on Jan 14th, 2004, 3:14pm I'd missed that bit of your post Pat! Apologies for skimming!! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 14th, 2004, 3:24pm Accepted! I'm sure you didn't really mean to imply that I was mad, did you? :o :o |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Vikki on Jan 14th, 2004, 3:27pm We-ell, it was KB who introduced the subject...... |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Jan 14th, 2004, 5:07pm She entered the first of the two form rooms as the girls returned there after Prayers, feeling a good deal of trepidation. She saw Susan and Rachel sitting near the back, and smiled at them. They looked as nervous as she was, having a good idea as to why she was there. Len brought the mistresses chair round in front of the desk, hoping to bring a little informality into the proceedings. “Girls, I’ve come to have a chat with you about the rumours that are going around at the moment, concerning Susan, Rachel, and Joy. I know that you have all noticed the resemblance of Joy and Susan to my mother, and we all wanted you to know exactly why they look like they do, rather than have increasingly wild speculation going about.” The form looked at each other a little shamefacedly, but made no comment. They were too interested in what Len was going to say. She smiled at them, and continued, “A long time ago, in the Dark Ages as my mother would say, when the school was at the Tiernsee, my mother and my Aunt Robin went to stay with Uncle Dick in India. My mother did not have the advantages of education that you girls have now, and was totally ignorant of a lot of very personal things that are taught to you now. It was not considered correct to talk of the relationship between men and women with unmarried girls, so they were only told what happens when they were about to get married, and even then, not all girls were told anything at all. I can see that you all understand what I am talking about,“ Len remarked. “I don’t really want to get too explicit if I can help it! Mother met an Army officer on the boat out to India, and one night he got her drunk. The result was that some months later she had four sons – the fathers of Joy, Susan and Rachel. They have only just found out that they are brothers, since they only met when they brought the girls to the station. You see, Mother had to have them adopted, so not only has she never seen them before this term, but they didn’t know they were brothers. Two were adopted together, but the other two went to different families. You know, it was an enormous shock for them to find out they had so many brothers and sisters!” That brought the laugh that Len had been aiming for, and she smiled at them. “That’s it, pretty much. Does anyone have any questions?” “Why did they have to be adopted, please? Couldn’t your mother have brought them up herself?” asked Beth Langton, whose sister was an unmarried mother, though no one knew of this. “In those days it was considered a dreadful thing to have happened, and the woman was looked down on, as if she had committed a crime, even if it wasn’t her fault. That’s why it was all kept such a secret. Not even my Aunt knew.” |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Chloe on Jan 14th, 2004, 5:14pm *applauds* Thank you Pat :) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Kathy_S on Jan 14th, 2004, 5:46pm Lovely installment, Pat! But forlornly hopes the drabble math is faulty with respect to Quote:
(Forsees going through life with the guilt of disturbing the Accidents muse. Chemistry – who needs it?) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Vikki on Jan 14th, 2004, 5:59pm Yay!! Thanks Pat!! Glad the girls don't seem to be horrified by the revelations!! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by PatMac on Jan 14th, 2004, 7:14pm on 01/14/04 at 17:07:53, Pat wrote:
Thanks Pat, I noticed this little touch though. It's not easy for unmarried mothers, even now! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Carolyn P on Jan 14th, 2004, 9:38pm That was very sensitivly dealt with, I hope the girls will remain as understanding once Len has left. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Jan 14th, 2004, 10:05pm I think that was very well handled, Pat! Great work! And Vikki, it's very rude to shove the blame onto someone else in that way! |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Susan on Today at 1:11am Lovely Pat. Very well written instalment. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Today at 1:53am *suggests we chant* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Vikki on Today at 2:31am *joins the chanting with gusto!!* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by KB on Today at 3:28am *bangs a drum in time to the chanting with gusto* |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Today at 1:52pm When Len realised that there were no more questions, she departed to speak to the other Third form. Sharlie Andrews entered as she left, giving the girls no chance to discuss events, and she kept them hard at it until the bell for break. However, once they had their milk and biscuits, they headed outside to discuss everything in peace, away from the listening ears of authority. “I still think it was awful that she gave her babies away,” declared Beth; she loved her sister’s baby, and could not imagine giving her away. “What do you two think? You’re the ones most affected.” And she looked at Rachel and Susan. They looked at each other, and shrugged. “If you really want to know, I think that it’s our families business, and no one else’s,” said Susan belligerently. “It happened the way it did. I understand why Granny Jo had to give Daddy and the others away, he explained it all very carefully. I know that Granny Jo never forgot them, and always wished she could have kept them – she told us so. Yes, it was a shock, but I already knew that Daddy was adopted; it was a bigger shock to discover how big our family was, let me tell you. If you lot want to talk about it any more, please do it when I’m not around.” “That goes for me too,” said Rachel. “And I bet Joy will say the same. It’s fun having another Granny, and a big family, and I’m looking forward to getting to know them all. So now you know!” The two girls grabbed each others hands, and marched off, their heads in the air. “Well, what do you know!” said Beth. “I didn’t think those two had it in them!” |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Pat on Today at 3:52pm Susan and Rachel disappeared round the corner, and started to run, wanting to get away from the others as quickly as possible. As the passed close to rose garden they heard muffled sobbing, and stopped to investigate. Hidden under the shrubbery they found Joy, crying her eyes out. “What’s up, Joy?” asked Rachel. “Have the others been getting at you?” Joy managed to nod, and gulped back her tears. “Some of them think Granny Jo should have kept our Daddies. They don’t understand.” “We must stick together, Joy. We understand everything, and we told our form so, didn’t we. It was easier for us, though, as we’re two. I’d hate to have been on my own when Aunty Len told everyone.” “They all stared at me. I felt like a freak!” “Come on, Joy. You can’t stay there or you’ll get filthy. Then you’d be in trouble with Matey. Come with us, and we’ll ignore all those idiots.” Susan gently pulled Joy to her feet, and tried to brush her down. Most of the dirt came off, so they wandered off, talking together about their families. |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Chloe on Today at 4:43pm *applauds* Thank you Pat :) |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Vikki on Today at 7:13pm Thank you Pat!! I'm glad the girls have each other!! I can't help feeling they might be in for a difficult time... :-/ |
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Title: Re: More Shocks for the CS ~ Part four Post by Carolyn P on Today at 8:15pm Thank-you Pat. I was scared of the girls response, they can be much harsher than adults sometimes. I'm glad the girls are sticking together. |
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