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        Stories & Imaginings >> Cookies & Drabbles >>  The Real Chalet School Mk7
        
(Message started by: Lesley on Nov 5^th, 2003, 12:49pm)

Title: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Nov 5^th, 2003, 12:49pm

New thread - anyone wanting to catch up please read Real CS Mk 2, 4, 5 and 6. Have included last post of last thread on here.
Here's the links!
Mark 2 (http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/realchaletschool.html)
Mark 4 (http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/Realcs4.htm)
Mark 5 (http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/realcs5.htm)
Mark 6 (http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/realcsmark6.html)
hope they all work ~ Vikki
For the next few weeks there was frantic activity; after consultation with Dr Venables, the pertinent scene was written and emailed to the publishers for inclusion in the book. The publishers themselves lost no time arranging for the book to be published. As it was not known how long, if at all, the information would take to work, it was decided that there had to be people in the area from before the book went on sale - prepared to stay if necessary. Although it was possible to pinpoint, with reasonable accuracy, the position of the School in the Real World, it was not know where in the School she would be when, hopefully, she would transfer across. More importantly, it was not know what her physical state would be.

Dr Venables and her trauma team moved across and set up a fully functioning field hospital, again using the fiction of a film set to reduce the number of tourists around - this proved to be far simpler to do on this occasion as, being the end of October, the season was at an end and the weather changing. There were also a number of others who went along to act as searchers - the nights were much longer and colder now on the upper slopes in Switzerland and Daisy Venables did not want her patient to have to suffer a night unprotected.

Two days before publication of the book saw Nell Wilson in the Head’s office,

“Madge, this is just to let you know I’m on my way to Switzerland,” she began, Madge made to speak but she cut her off, “I know it’s term time and everything but this is more important, if that’s a problem I’ll resign right now!”

Madge Russell smiled, “will you stop talking nonsense, Nell?” she said quickly, “Here take this,” she passed across some papers, “first class ticket to Switzerland, transport is arranged at both ends and Daisy is expecting you,” her smile widened, “now go find Hilda, and bring her home!”

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Nov 5^th, 2003, 12:52pm

*Next!*

On the slopes above Interlaken the camp had been in readiness for more than a week; Nell Wilson, out walking across the area known to cover the fictional School, before dawn, was getting worried. As Daisy Venables joined her she looked up,

“It’s not worked has it?” she said, unable to keep the hopelessness out of her voice,

Daisy shook her head, “we can’t say yet, Nell” she said gently, “after all, how long did it take for the book about the San to affect the story?”

“I hadn’t thought of that,” Miss Wilson thought for a moment, “It was eight or nine days, near as I can remember, so there is still a slight hope,”

“Always hope, Nell, you and Hilda drummed that into all of us!” the doctor smiled, “we’ll stay here for as long as…” her voice trailed off as a shout from one of the searchers claimed their attention, the two women stared at each other for scant seconds before running toward the person shouting. As they reached the person shouting she pointed, there, on the ground before them lay Hilda Annersley. Dr Venables knelt beside her and first felt for a pulse in the neck, shaking her head in frustration she removed a stethoscope from one of her pockets and instead listened for a heart beat. After a minute of intense anticipation she sat back slightly,

“There’s a pulse, it’s very slow but I’d expect that with the anomaly introduced in the book,”

As she finished speaking the trauma team arrived and gently lifted their patient onto a stretcher before, swiftly, transferring her to the field hospital. Inside the tented field hospital Daisy worked with two of her colleagues, Nell Wilson, watching from the sidelines, could hear their conversation,

“How long is she likely to remain unconscious?”

“No idea - it’s one of the variables introduced in the book - probably best if you ensure she has a viable airway, in fact intubation might be the answer for now - save us worrying about it!”

“Blood pressure almost non-existent, she is seriously dehydrated, we’re going to need some lines in her straight away!”

“Easier said than done, Daisy, she’s in shock, might have to try a cut-down,”

“Do that, Julie, start IV fluids, but slowly at first, until we see how the kidney‘s cope - we don’t want to overload them,”

“I’ve not seen malnutrition like this before in the developed world, could we also look at starting TPN…”

“What’s that?” Miss Wilson interrupted,

The Indian doctor, Mohini, turned, “Total Parental Nutrition,” she replied quickly, “it’s a way of giving patient nutrients when they are too unwell to eat, giving directly into the vein,” she turned back to her boss, “Daisy I would recommend starting that ASAP - once we know the kidneys are functioning,”

“Agreed - try and set up a Central Line - with these burns she’s going to need a huge amount of fluids.” Dr Venables turned to one of the nurses, “Kat, I need one gram each of Ampicillin and Flucloxacillin, IV ready to go, also be ready for catheterisation and possibly an NG tube.”

“Where the hell did she get all these cuts and bruises from? They are all over her hands and arms? Some of the deeper cuts will need suturing. They don’t appear self inflicted - none on the wrists.”

“Daisy,” Nell Wilson’s voice was quiet, but insistent and the doctor turned, “Daisy, I need to see her,”

“Nell, we’re busy,”

“It won't be for long, Daisy - I must see her,”

Daisy nodded and the doctors stepped back slightly, Nell Wilson walked to the head of the bed, looking down at her friend’s face she ignored all the tubes, she also ignored the burns, cuts and evidence of abuse. Instead she lightly kissed her on the forehead,

“Welcome to the Real World, Hilda, get well soon,” she whispered, she stepped back once more, allowing the medical team to work.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachel on Nov 5^th, 2003, 12:57pm

Woohoohooooooooooo!

And awwwww bless! Bill's so cute when she's with Hilda!

More more more more mroe more more more more more more more more more more more more more more more

please?

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 5^th, 2003, 1:07pm

Wow Lesley, what an impressive display of medical expertise!

I'm glad Hilda has people there to care for her. Not least, Bill :)

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachael P on Nov 5^th, 2003, 1:34pm

OMG! What has EBD been doing to her??

LESLEY! Come back! You can't leave it there .... we need to know exactly what you wrote into your story .....

*hoping that EBD gets a suitable come-uppance - perhaps we could unleash something unpleasant from one of the other drabbles, or a Bolrog (is that right?) or similar from LOTR so that she's doomed for all eternity ...*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Nov 5^th, 2003, 1:47pm

(Rachel - forgot earlier - no significance in other person in ITU)

*Next!*

The figure in the bed slowly awoke and opened her eyes, she looked around her in confusion, she could not remember going to bed. Her last memory had her in the School kitchens not…

“Well it’s about time you woke up, Hilda! Do you know how long I’ve been waiting?”

The well-known voice provoked an immediate response, “Oh, no Nell, not you too!” The words were uttered in complete despair as the figure turned toward the voice.

“Shhhh! It’s alright, Hilda, you’re safe now, you’re in the Real World, this is Australia!” Nell Wilson was smiling at her friend through eyes full of tears.

Hilda Annersley looked deep into the grey eyes of her closest friend, “Australia?” she whispered, almost afraid to hope she had just heard the word.

Nell’s smile grew even wider, “Yes, Hilda, this is Australia; we finally managed to discover a way to rescue you. You are no longer a character in a book - this is the Real World!” She helped her friend sit up while saying this and brought her a drink.

Hilda Annersley looked far removed from the almost dying specimen discovered on the Swiss Alps six weeks before. Most of the major burns and scalds were now healing and the cuts and bruises had faded. She was still very thin, however, while the TPN had provided nutrition and had started to add flesh, there was still a great deal of ground to make up. There was one immediate change noticeable, however, from the Headmistress of the Chalet School, the look in her eyes was haunted, that of someone who has lived through Hell.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Nell Wilson’s voice was gentle.

Hilda looked across at her friend, “to you Nell, yes, but no-one else,”

Nell Wilson nodded, “wait a minute then,” she disappeared outside for a short time then, on her return closed and locked the door, she also pulled the blind on the window and disconnected both the phone and the CCTV camera. She sat back down.

“OK, Hilda,” she said softly, “the nurses know not to disturb us, the door and window are locked and no-one can see in. And you know I’ll never repeat anything you tell me.”

Hilda Annersley sat staring into space for some time before speaking, “how long was I there, Nell?”

“On your own? Ten weeks,”

Hilda nodded, “there was no way to judge time, no daylight and all the clocks and watches had stopped. Elinor had retained one power, that of causing pain,”

“We thought she had,” Nell replied softly, “We used that knowledge to rescue you, I’ll tell you later,”

“I never knew when she would appear or how long the pain would last. She used to appear at random intervals, sometimes only hours apart, sometimes days. Mostly she seemed to time her appearances to when I was cooking, or holding a knife, or lighting a fire, that way, once she had stopped the pain I then had to deal with my injuries.” Hilda paused here for a time before continuing.

“The pain was like when we were camping - you remember? However, without the quick respite - the option of being unconscious was denied me - the characters in the story could not be affected. So I would just curl up, wherever I was, and try to endure. Imagine that your head was held in a vice, as tightly held as possible without the force quite breaking the skull. It was enough that, when experiencing that pain everything else ceased to exist. I could barely register anything but the pain.

“To begin with I did try to live a ‘normal’ life in between bouts, but it didn’t last, I would find myself praying that she would go that little too far and actually kill me. But she couldn’t, you see the story had ended, so any characters were frozen in time, they could not die, and, in the end, that was the greatest irony. All that time, before you’d all escaped, when she had tried to kill both of us, and we had survived, I found myself wishing that she had succeeded.” she swallowed convulsively here and took a few deep breathes.

“And then, as the time went on, and my everyday existence grew more and more unbearable, I even tried myself,” Hilda’s eyes closed as she made this confession, “I cut my wrists on a number of occasions, but even that would not work, the wounds just healed themselves, as though they were never there.” At this her voice faltered and she started sobbing,

“I-I-I’m sorry, Nell, I know your faith looks on it as a mortal sin, but I c-c-couldn’t see any way out, I didn’t think there was any hope of rescue, I really tried to kill myself, I’m so s-sorry.” At these words, Nell Wilson moved to sit on the bed and drew her friend to her; Hilda continued sobbing on her shoulder,

“Hilda, you listen to me,” Nell’s voice was cracked with emotion and there were tears streaming down her face, “in your place, I’d have done exactly the same, you hear me? I’d have done the same.”

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachel on Nov 5^th, 2003, 1:55pm

<sniffs and wipes nose>

any more coming soon please? I have to get the brats home from school in an hour, and it's so much easier to cry at a keyboard without a little voice asking "What are you crying for this time?"

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Nov 5^th, 2003, 1:59pm

Rachel - next bits will be a while - not written yet! (That last post is one of those I've had written for weeks!)

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lisa_T on Nov 5^th, 2003, 2:28pm

*appalled* Oh poor Hilda! I hope she doesn't suffer long term from this. But what was the thing that actually got her out of the fictional world? And what's happened to EBD?

*hoping Lesley posts lots more and soon!*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachael P on Nov 5^th, 2003, 2:46pm

Oh Lesley, this is awful ... :'(
We've seen Hilda taken to the edge before and also her vulnerability but now she seems so ... so fragile and broken ... as though her whole spirit has been crushed
(and mine, just reading it)
And if her self-inflicted wounds just disappeared, then how come she was so bruised and cut when they found her? *Stiilll asking what EBD was doing ....*
And how are we going to know what DOES happen to EBD if she's stuck?

I can't bear it - I want Hilda to get better and become her old strong, snappy self and for that awful haunted look to go

Your writing is so powerful - I know I should be pleased and relieved that she's escaped but everything seems so much worse now we're starting to see what actually happened ... and it's so horrifying I'm struggling to even imagine it ...

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk Sometime later, whe7
Post by Lesley on Nov 5^th, 2003, 3:20pm

*Next!*

Sometime later, when the initial shock had worn off, both Hilda and Nell were sat back, drinking tea brought in by one of the hospital Staff.

“You carry on drinking and they’ll remove that drip in your arm,” Nell Wilson observed.

Hilda finished her tea then turned to her friend, “Nell, how did you do it? How did you get me out of there? I didn‘t think writing anything would work as the Chalet School no longer existed.”

“It didn’t, we had tried with three people before to no avail,”

“Then how?“

Nell grinned, “You remember that CBB’er? The one who wrote about your reaction to me dying? I think you may have to change your opinion of her now! She has just had a book published - all about you - she and her proof reader devised a way to insert something about your health.”

“My health?”

“Yes, I don’t know all the details but apparently there is a reflex in very young children where if they are exposed to extreme cold or even are beneath water, that the brain goes into suspended animation, all the vital functions slow and, to the untrained eye, the child appears dead. Not sure but I think it’s something that water mammals have too. Anyway, Lesley and Rachael thought that if you had something similar, but as a reaction to severe pain, it could fool the fictional world into considering that you were dead - you would therefore enter the Real World - and it worked!”

“Because the book was about me, rather than the School?”

Nell nodded, “And it’s very interesting too. Told me a lot I didn’t know about you!”

“Nell!”

“Well it must be true - you were still a character when it was published!” Nell Wilson looked on the top of the locker, “Oh yes, thought so, she sent the first copy over, said to keep it for when you awoke, I brought it here a few weeks ago.”

“A few weeks? How long was I asleep then?”

“Almost six weeks, it was the one thing none of the doctors could give any estimate on - how long it would be until you awoke. Although seeing the state you were in when you first transferred over it was probably just as well,” Nell Wilson’s eyes darkened as she remembered, “You actually regained consciousness three days ago, but have been sleeping ever since,”

“I do feel very weak and shaky, also fairly tired still,”

“Sure to,” Nell replied, “when I think of what that b**** put you through, I only wish I could be sure that she’ll one day be punished for it!”

“She already is being punished, Nell,” Hilda’s voice displayed absolute certainty, “for the rest of eternity she will exist in a place consisting solely of shadow, she will have no one to share with, nothing to do, she will achieve nothing, she will produce nothing, and she will know that her greatest enemies are safe and well and will live full and productive lives. She actually told me herself, if I were not there her life would be purgatory.” she smiled slightly, “a fitting punishment, considering,”

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachael P on Nov 5^th, 2003, 3:50pm

Ooh - that's cheered me up no end! The last few posts had me in the doldrums but I feel much more positive now ... and how I WISH I could see Hilda's face when she reads your book, Lesley! :D
Can't wait for the post when they meet up - you'll have to be at least a little bit sheepish, Lesley, given some of the content that book!! However, your plan was such an inspired piece of genius, I'm sure she'll forgive you!

Isn't Hilda marvellous? Even though she knows what EBD is condemned to, she's not crowing over it (I suppose because you wouldn't wish it on your worst enemy) even though she'd be entitled to after everything she's been through ...
And I do love Bill, just for having such great gut reactions and not hiding them!

*happy to be Lesley's proof reader any time!*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by PatW on Nov 5^th, 2003, 4:38pm

I wish I could wring the emotions like you do, Lesley. More please! ;D

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lisa_T on Nov 5^th, 2003, 4:47pm

*starting to feel more hopeful now that Hilda is (slowly) returning to her normal self!*

More please!!!! ;D ;D

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by edith on Nov 5^th, 2003, 5:13pm

Yay! Hilda's out!
More please :Lesley I've not read it for a while but I'm back up to date now!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Vikki on Nov 5^th, 2003, 5:20pm

Thank you for saving Hilda, Lesley!! Please don't let her be too badly scarred emotionally! Let her become her old self soon!!
I don't know whether everyone else feels as wrung out as I do?

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Nov 5^th, 2003, 5:27pm

Yeah Vikki - I'd say that describes me - pretty much!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Carolyn P on Nov 5^th, 2003, 5:52pm

Thank-you so much Lesley.

That was such powerful writing.

Well done, and well done again.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by LauraT on Nov 5^th, 2003, 6:48pm

Wow Lesley!!
:o :o :o
Oh I'm so glad Hilda escaped!! Woohoo! Please don't kill her now though! I don't trust you after what you did to her! (meanie)
More please!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Nov 5^th, 2003, 6:55pm

*Next installment*

A short time later there was a knock on the door and the Medical Director appeared,

“How are you feeling, Auntie Hilda?” Daisy’s eyes were alight with mischief,

“Daisy, how wonderful to see you!” Hilda was genuinely pleased to see the doctor, Daisy came and kissed her ex-Headmistress.

“Wonderful to see you’ve recovered, Hilda, must admit I did wonder if we’d be able to save you at one point,”

“That’s not how I saw it, Daisy,” this from Nell, “Hilda, I believe she would have tried anything to ensure your recovery, and if she couldn’t have done it, no-one could!”

Hilda smiled, “thank you Daisy, how long before I’ll be ready to leave hospital?”

The doctor dragged a chair across the room to sit beside the bed, “well that depends,” she began softly, “physically, you’re in pretty good shape, you’re too thin, but a few weeks of Karen’s cooking will make a difference there, and any lost muscle tone can be rectified with some gentle exercise. Your cuts and burns have healed well and any tiredness will be resolved simply by getting enough sleep. As far as your physical health is concerned you will be ready for discharge in a week or so,”

“But you have concerns for my health that do not include the physical?” Hilda’s blue-grey eyes bore into the doctor,

“Hilda, for ten weeks you were subjugated to what can only be termed as torture, not just physical torture, but mental torture - as far as you were concerned there was no way of escape. That is bound to leave its impact on even the strongest minds. It will not be possible for you to work through the feelings left by this torture on your own, to even attempt it would be leaving yourself open to serious psychiatric problems for years to come.” the doctor glanced across at Nell Wilson,

“now it is possible, sometimes, with the help of very strong, supportive friends, to win through without any professional help. You and Nell have a very strong friendship - don’t think I didn’t notice how badly you were affected Nell, when it was thought Hilda could not be rescued - it is possible that Nell’s support, and that of all your other friends, will be sufficient.” Daisy stopped and reached for Hilda’s hand, staring into her eyes she continued, “however, if it’s not enough, I want you to promise me you’ll come back and see me. I’ve just recently recruited an excellent mental health team, they will be more than happy to help!”

The doctor waited until she received a nod of acknowledgement from her patient.

“Now,” she continued, “onto more pleasant subjects. Hilda Annersley, how old are you?”

Hilda looked astounded at the complete change in subject, “the short answer to that, Daisy is that I’ve no idea! Like Nell and all the others trapped in the original chalet school we lived in a time warp for years. I would estimate somewhere in my mid-fifties, Nell is two years younger,”

Daisy nodded, “yes, that’s what I would have said, however your body tells a different story, according to the parameters used today to estimate age I would say both of you are, at most, mid forties! Your transfer to the Real World has given you back some of the years lost.”

“There’s another thing, Hilda, none of the injuries or illnesses you had when in the fictional world have transferred across, you will never again be troubled by headaches,” this from Nell, “and guess what? Not only is my foot perfectly sound, but there’s no evidence that I ever suffered a cardiac arrest - my heart is completely healthy!”

At that moment there was a bleeping sound and Dr Venables retrieved a medical emergency bleep from her lapel pocket, “Ah,” she smiled, “it seems there are some visitors outside, even though you are not to have any visitors - they are able to totally disregard my orders!”

Hilda Annersley looked puzzled, “Why Daisy, if you are in charge of the hospital, who may overrule you?”

Daisy smiled, “only four people, Auntie Hilda, the four permanent members of the Board, now you and Nell are two of them, and it’s the other two who are on their way in.” She stood up to leave just as the door opened and Madge Russell and Joey Maynard rushed in!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lisa_T on Nov 5^th, 2003, 7:08pm

*all together now* AWWWWWWwwwwwwwwwwwww!

Can we see the next bit soon, Lesley?
BTW, you haven't forgotten KB's scene have you? ;)
*could do with a little light relief*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Vikki on Nov 5^th, 2003, 7:10pm

Yaaaaaaayy!!!
Waiting eagerly for the next bit, Lesley!!!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 5^th, 2003, 7:15pm

Totally overwhelmed, over come and speechless!

Please let Hilda get over this, Lesley.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by catherine on Nov 5^th, 2003, 7:30pm

This is wonderful Lesley but I can't begin to imagine how exhausted you must be feeling after writing all of this!

Title: Madge and Joey stayeRe: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Nov 5^th, 2003, 9:40pm

*Next installment*

Madge and Joey stayed only a short time; although she had made a good physical recovery, it was obvious that Hilda Annersley was still weak. After only a few hours awake she was extremely tired. Madge and Joey disappeared, promising to return the next day. Nell Wilson stood up as well,

“Hilda, you need to get some sleep, I can be back in the morning…” she stopped on looking at her friend’s face, Hilda’s eyes had shrunk back in her face, the haunted look even more obvious,

“Nell, would you mind staying? At least until I’m asleep?” Hilda spoke very quietly, “Elinor always made a point of appearing at times when I was vulnerable,” she was looking down at the floor while saying this, afraid to meet her friend’s eyes.

Nell Wilson walked around to squat beside Hilda’s bed, she raised her friend’s chin and looked into the blue-grey eyes,

“Hilda, I’ll stay for as long as you need me,” she said softly…

‘Three o’clock in the morning was not a good time to be awoken,’ Nell thought muzzily as she sat up in the chair, glancing at the clock on the wall, ‘what on earth woke me…’ she stopped, in the bed was Hilda, but she was not asleep, sitting bolt upright she was completely tense, fists clenched, staring in horror at a blank spot on the wall. She was uttering very low cries, these had obviously awoken Nell. In a trice Nell had moved across to the bed, her arm around her friend’s shoulders she had quickly shaken her, snapping her out of the nightmare. On seeing her friend, Hilda had immediately dissolved into tears, Nell sat there, soothing her friend, until Hilda indicated she could sleep again…

The following morning saw another bed being brought into the room, Hilda looked on bemused as the bed, a camp bed, was set up in the corner of the room. She looked across at Nell,

“More comfortable than the chair, Hilda,” her friend said with a grin.

Later that day Nell managed to arrange for another visitor to appear, Hilda Annersley had been sat out of bed for the past half hour when Nell suddenly appeared back at the door and asked if Hilda were up to seeing a rather special visitor. She had then opened the door wide to reveal Carol Leigh standing there, a grin on her face.

“Carol, oh thank God you were saved!” Hilda’s voice was full of emotion and there was a wide smile on her face. Carol came into the room and shyly hugged her old Headmistress,

“Miss Annersley, I’m so pleased to see that you’re alright!” she said quietly, “yes, I’ve been fine, back at School for nearly a month now, I spent nearly a month in Intensive Care but I’m fine now - I’ve even got the bullet as a souvenir!”

The girl stayed for almost an hour, promising to pass on Hilda’s best wishes to all of the Prefects.

Over the next week or so, Hilda was visited by any number of friends from the original chalet school, some of whom, like Rosalind Moore and Ruth Derwent, she had been with until recently, while others, like Con Mackenzie, she had not seen for years. They all could see evidence of how she had suffered, not just in her healing wounds, but in her expression and demeanour.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 5^th, 2003, 9:47pm

What a rock Bill is. I'm awfully sorry for what Hilda's undergone, but I have complete confidence that Nell will look after her and help her come through. Brilliant writing, Lesley.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 5^th, 2003, 9:55pm

I don't like seeing Hilda like this, but having been through 10 weeks of hell, it would be too unrealistic to expect her to be her normal self straight away.

Title: Elsewhere in the hosRe: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Nov 5^th, 2003, 10:23pm

*Final one of the night - a little light relief is needed!*

Elsewhere in the hospital, for the fourth time, Lisa was attempting to see the nurse for some vaccinations. Since their escapade in the cess pit, it had been recommended that both Lisa and Katherine have certain vaccinations - KB was lucky in that she was already covered, but Lisa needed three jabs - and had a pathological fear of needles! She had already attempted to see the nurse three times before, the first attempt had stopped at the hospital gates when, rather than go through them she had run away.

The second time, accompanied by her colleague Kathryn, she had got as far as the consulting room when, saying she needed to visit the toilet she had instead climbed out of the window. Kathryn, who had come to see what was taking her so long had ended up chasing after her as she had decided that she was going home to Ireland. They had finally got back to the school three hours after lights out!

Kathryn had explained everything to Madge Russell who had ordered Lisa to go along to the hospital the next day, this time accompanied by both Kathryn and Jennie, with strict instructions that they were not to let her out of their sight. This time Lisa had got as far as the consulting room, and even signed the consent form for the jabs. However when she saw the needles she had run screaming out of the room with Kathryn and Jennie in hot pursuit!

This fourth occasion was slightly different, after discussing the situation with the nurse, there were no needles in evidence and no consent forms. Instead Lisa, this time accompanied by Kathryn, Jennie and Carolyn, found that the room was filled with calming music and soft lighting. Lisa was invited to lie on the couch and softly breath the oxygen from a mask. It was explained that this was the first stages in a therapy to reduce her phobia about needles. Although sceptical, Lisa lay on the couch and started breathing the gas from the mask; it seemed to have a calming influence such that, very soon, her three colleagues felt that they could safely leave her in there. A short time later the nurse came out, smiling,

“All done,” she said,

“What, you mean you’ve given all the jabs?” Kathryn was astonished, “No screams, no yells for mercy, no patient legging it halfway through?”

“That’s pretty amazing therapy.” this from Jennie,

The nurse smiled, “not really,” she said, “you see it wasn’t just oxygen in that mask - it was nitrous oxide,” she looked around at the blank faces, “laughing gas? Never fails, she’s currently floating about a foot from the ceiling - didn’t even notice when I gave her the jabs! Oh don’t worry, it’s not dangerous - it’s used to relieve labour pains - she’ll have come down by the time you get her back to the School!”

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by KB on Nov 5^th, 2003, 10:25pm

on 11/05/03 at 16:38:11, PatW wrote:

I wish I could wring the emotions like you do, Lesley. More please! ;D

Actually, I'm wanting to wring her neck for what she's put us through, but that might just be me...

And Lisa, did you have to remind her? I'd just comforted myself with the knowledge that she'd forgotten!!!

Oh, and Lesley, I'm in hysterics over the image of Lisa on nitrous oxide! I'm just so glad you remembered that I'd had my shots...

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lisa_T on Nov 5^th, 2003, 10:29pm

*splutters and giggles*
*I guess I had it coming!*

Well Lesley, if you'd only asked me beforehand I'd have told you there was no need for the gas. Tell me weeks beforehand and then I work myself into such a state that as soon as someone mentions 'needles' I get dizzy!
*must confess the escaping to the loo is highly likely*
*as for the gas, there are times of the month when it would be handy too!* ;)

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Nov 5^th, 2003, 10:31pm

KB - I had not forgotten - I have a list of scenes still to write - one of them says KB explaining to Hilda and Daisy about Dr Venables thread! I've just got to write it! ;)

Oh and BTW - I have actually done that to someone once - given them Nitous Oxide (Entenox) so they could have their jabs! ;D

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by KB on Nov 5^th, 2003, 10:34pm

Drat, darn and blast it! Well, maybe it would get Hilda back to her old self (hoping) so it might be worth the humiliation and wanting-to-crawl-under-the-carpet-ness.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lisa_T on Nov 5^th, 2003, 10:35pm

*rubs hands in glee* oooh good. I'm very happy to hear that, Lesley! I've been looking forward to that scene for weeks!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Carolyn P on Nov 5^th, 2003, 11:03pm

That's a tonic I needed tonight Lesley. Thank-you very much.

Looking forward to what is still to come in this story.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Vikki on Nov 6^th, 2003, 1:18am

Brilliant Lesley!!!!
*wonders if Lisa's come down off the ceiling yet?* ;)

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachael P on Nov 6^th, 2003, 8:39am

Poor Hilda, and I agree, Bill really is a rock in her hour of need

More, please and soon!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lisa_T on Nov 6^th, 2003, 3:48pm

*grumble* What is Lesley doing today? She usually gets a snippet in by this time. And I have a class to go to and will have to leave after five sometime.
I want more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 6^th, 2003, 3:57pm

*adds to the pleas*

Dear, nice, kind Lesley - pleeeease may we have some more?

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by xanthe on Nov 6^th, 2003, 4:09pm

*giggles*

All caught up now with the very latest bits (Lesley, in her lovely way, had been emailing Real CS to me, which meant I was up to Miss Wilson being dispatched to Switzerland)... but you know what I want now don't you.................. [well other than riches, a nice doctor to marry, and to stop with the fitty-collapsyness *doesn't want much from life really*] MORE PLEASE LESLEY!!!!!!!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by PatW on Nov 6^th, 2003, 4:13pm

Joining in with the communal chant - MORE Please!!!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachael P on Nov 6^th, 2003, 4:45pm

She's at work today with access to e-mails but not the net so I wouldn't expect anything 'til she gets home ....
Which means I won't see any more until tomorrow anyway!

We must possess our souls with patience

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachel on Nov 6^th, 2003, 4:54pm

<links her tiny lickle mind with the hive mind of her fellow drabblers, opens mouth, allows words to fall out>

mmmmmmmmmmmmmooooooooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeee

<disconnects from hive mind, closes mouth, wipes dribble of saliva from chin, goes to check on the dinner>

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by LauraT on Nov 6^th, 2003, 5:01pm

Oh no!!!! And patience - what does that mean again??! :P

Incidentally, why have I gone back to first lesson, when 'm sure I had that about two weeks ago! (need for resigned to her fate smiley) :o

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Vikki on Nov 6^th, 2003, 8:53pm

*wondering what time Lesley gets in from work?*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by KB on Nov 6^th, 2003, 9:43pm

on 11/06/03 at 17:01:19, LauraT wrote:

Oh no!!!! And patience - what does that mean again??! :P

Incidentally, why have I gone back to first lesson, when 'm sure I had that about two weeks ago! (need for resigned to her fate smiley) :o

It's because Liss has rearrange the stars and things. Just post more and you'll be back up to where you were...

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Nov 6^th, 2003, 10:05pm

*Hi everyone! Sorry it's late!*

After ten days it was decided that Hilda could be discharged from hospital. She was not considered fit enough to return to work yet, however, so she and Nell had some discussion, along with Madge about her next step. Both Madge and Joey had offered her a room at their houses but Nell, with an eye on her friend’s face, proposed instead that she take a leave of absence from the School - it would only be ten days - and the two of them could rent a house near the beach. The next term didn’t start until the end of January which would give Hilda nearly seven weeks to recover before, hopefully looking at starting at the Real Chalet School sometime in the next term.

The two friends then spent the first day following Hilda’s discharge from hospital, out shopping for a complete new wardrobe for Hilda. Although astounded by the styles on offer, Hilda found herself drawn to those styles similar to the clothes she had always worn. Nell told her she was not alone, most of the Chalet School Staff had remained conservative in their dress.

“Although Peggy and Sharlie have adopted a totally strange style outside of work, they say it’s called ‘rap’ - whatever that is!”

Madge drove them to the house by the beach, and they quickly settled in, supplies were to be ordered via the Internet - the computer was a similar one to the one left in the fictional world. The two friends settled into an easy regime of short walks along the beach, cooking and evenings spent on the front porch overlooking the ocean.

On their third night, around three am, Nell was awoken by a short cry, she hurriedly arose and placed her dressing gown around her; when she peered into her friend’s room it was empty. A frantic look around, found Hilda Annersley standing beside the big picture window in the lounge, she turned as Nell walked into the lounge,

“I’m sorry, Nell, did I wake you again?” her voice was low and soft, but there was a shaky undertone to it.

Nell walked up to stand beside her, “you did, but don’t worry.”

Hilda smiled slightly, “I seem to have progressed slightly,” she said softly, “at least I now wake myself when having these nightmares!” she turned to look across at Nell, her eyes still full of pain.

There was silence for a short time, then, “I will beat this, Nell,” the words were uttered softly but with defiance and Nell Wilson suddenly felt like applauding,

“Of course you will, Hilda, I’ve no doubt,” she replied quietly, they stood there looking out of the window for a short time, then Nell went to make some coffee.

Two days later there was a knock at the door early one morning, Nell went to answer it as Hilda was in the shower, a Fed -Ex employee stood there,
“Pardon me, ma’am, but does a Miss Hilda Annersley live here?”

“She does, do you have something for her?” Nell held out her hand,

“Sorry, my orders are that this delivered to the person named and no-one else,”

At that point Hilda herself appeared, “I’m Hilda Annersley, you have a package for me?”

“Yes ma’am, but I have to ask you this first, when you first entered the Chalet School on your first day, what was the first thing you saw?”

Hilda Annersley looked puzzled but answered, “I saw the latest copy of the Chaletian,” she replied softly.

The Fed-Ex employee checked on his list and smiled, “excellent,” he said, he rummaged in his bag and brought out a small oblong package, “this is for you, ma’am.” He disappeared.

Hilda and Nell walked back into the sitting room, Hilda checking the package, “this went to the School first,” she said, Look that’s Madge’s writing, re-directing the thing,”

“What was that weird way of checking your ID all about?” asked Nell, “hurry up and open it.

Inside the package were two objects, an oblong shaped item, Nell recognised as a video cassette, and a letter. Hilda opened the letter, moving to check the signature, as she did she suddenly went deathly pale, Nell looked over at her in concern,

“What is it?” she asked frantically, for reply Hilda pointed to the signature on the bottom of the letter.

It said: Elinor Brent-Dyer
7th July 1969

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Emma_N on Nov 6^th, 2003, 10:06pm

on 11/06/03 at 20:53:24, Vikki wrote:

*wondering what time Lesley gets in from work?*

*thinking that Lesley must have got back from work by now*

Also many many thanks for saving Hilda, you had me worried for quite a while back there!! I can't wait for the speech about the 'Dr Venables' thread.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lisa_T on Nov 6^th, 2003, 10:11pm

*considering strangling Lesley*
come on, what's all this about! She's dead! or in purgatory!! Preferably both!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Emma_N on Nov 6^th, 2003, 10:13pm

Thanks for the latest post Lesley!!!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Vikki on Nov 6^th, 2003, 10:15pm

OH MY GOD!!!!!
Doesn't EBD know when to give up?
Lesley, what is on that videotape?
(and not to be picky, but did they have video tapes in 1969? ;))

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by xanthe on Nov 6^th, 2003, 10:16pm

*making funny little strangled noises*

Lesleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey! *frowns in the way that others assure her makes her look like an anxious rabbit* what's happening NOW!!!!!!!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by catherine on Nov 6^th, 2003, 10:23pm

Lesley!!!

Haven't we all, Hilda especially, suffered enough? What trauma are you going to put everyone through now?

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Carolyn P on Nov 6^th, 2003, 10:23pm

*frowns at Lesley*
"Caught teasing again. What do you have to say for yourself this time?"

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by KB on Nov 6^th, 2003, 10:41pm

*resignedly* Should have expected EBD to turn up sooner or later...

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachel on Nov 6^th, 2003, 10:54pm

<Bounces up and down in her chair shrieking "NOooooooooooo" like a loony, sending cats and cans of coke flying all over the living room>

Tell us about the Letter!

<Strange, anyone else getting a sense of deja vu over that question?>

Write some more about the letter and the video tape, and write it NOW!

Rachel ~ casting subtlety and patience to the winds for once.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Nov 6^th, 2003, 10:59pm

*OK Rachel, and Vikki? :P Next - no good asking for more cos I've not written it and am too tired!*

Nell snatched the letter from her friend’s hands and swiftly flicked through the pages, she stopped on seeing one, newer page, clipped to the front. Glancing over at Hilda she guided her friend to the sofa and they both read through the newer page. It was written on headed paper - from a lawyer’s office in Interlaken. The script was in German and Hilda and Nell read through it quickly,

‘Fraulein Annersley,

It was not thought that this office would ever be able to discharge our client’s wishes with regard to the enclosed package and letter. They have been stored in this office for more than 30 years. Luckily, due to Global Communication, it was finally possible to trace you - we first picked up information of your whereabouts five weeks ago.’

“That was when Madge put in for a passport and papers for you,” Nell interrupted, they continued reading,

‘The enclosed letter is untouched, the videotape is a more recent addition. Our client left 8mm film, however this was transposed onto video some years ago. She was the one who devised the foolproof way of knowing Hilda Annersley.

Yours Faithfully

Carl Brandt
Senior Partner’

Hilda and Nell looked at one another, Hilda, rapidly regaining her colour, spoke first, “this isn’t from EBD, this is from the Author herself! Look at the date - it’s only a few months before she died!”

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by xanthe on Nov 6^th, 2003, 11:03pm

Wargh! Lesley! *is sure that being so perilously close to the edge of the drabble-cliff CAN'T be a good idea given current collapsy tendencies*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachel on Nov 6^th, 2003, 11:04pm

Thank you Lesley, it's so nice to see *some* people don't make other people wait WEEKS to find out about letters!

Now, about this video tape......?

Rachel ~ biting toenails in suspense.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Carolyn P on Nov 6^th, 2003, 11:06pm

Hold my hand Xanthe, that way at least you won't fall down the cliff. Unless I do of course.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by KB on Nov 6^th, 2003, 11:12pm

*feels that this can only be an improvement on it being from EBD*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Carolyn P on Nov 6^th, 2003, 11:17pm

Is the mystery about the difference between the author and EBD going to be solved?

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by xanthe on Nov 6^th, 2003, 11:17pm

*clinging to Carolyn with a vice-like grip that may make her reconsider her kind offer*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by KB on Nov 6^th, 2003, 11:34pm

on 11/06/03 at 23:17:02, Carolyn P wrote:

Is the mystery about the difference between the author and EBD going to be solved?

My guess is that the author lived in the real world while EBD lived in the world of the books to control them. I can't help thinking that the author knew about the other EBD and is writing to Hilda to warn her or tell her about it or something. (Maybe even apologise...)

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Vikki on Nov 6^th, 2003, 11:40pm

*peers nervously over the edge of the drabble cliff, and goes all weak at the knees!!*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by KB on Nov 6^th, 2003, 11:43pm

*rushes up to give Vikki support*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Vikki on Nov 6^th, 2003, 11:54pm

*clings onto KB as if her life depends upon it!*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by KB on Nov 7^th, 2003, 12:03am

*relieved not to have pushed Vikki over the edge*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Vikki on Nov 7^th, 2003, 12:20am

*starts shaking and sobbing into KB's shoulder, rambling incoherently about falling.....*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by KB on Nov 7^th, 2003, 12:24am

*hugs Vikki reassuringly and gently pulls her away from the edge before taking her off to have a dose and a lie down in a darkened room*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Vikki on Nov 7^th, 2003, 12:37am

*begs KB not to leave her alone, because of the nightmares about the cliff!*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by KB on Nov 7^th, 2003, 12:38am

*goes off with Vikki to find Matey - the Matey from my story, the nice one*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Vikki on Nov 7^th, 2003, 12:45am

*very glad KB clarified that point!!*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by KB on Nov 7^th, 2003, 12:48am

You're welcome. *ushers Vikki inside, away from the horrible cliff (and the horrible person who created the cliff in the first place) into Matey room, gets a drink with something in it to help Vikki sleep and then escorts the Second Pree to her room*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Vikki on Nov 7^th, 2003, 12:51am

*feels far better now she's away from the cliff!*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by KB on Nov 7^th, 2003, 12:53am

*tucks Vikki in and sits next to her on the bed to wait until Matey's dose takes effect*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Vikki on Nov 7^th, 2003, 12:59am

*thanks KB for being a friend, and promises to return the favour one day!*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachel on Nov 7^th, 2003, 1:02am

on 11/07/03 at 00:53:11, KB wrote:

*tucks Vikki in and sits next to her on the bed to wait until Matey's dose takes effect*

Hey! I thought you were tucking ME in?

Grrrrrrrr, off to punish KB for her desertion

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by KB on Nov 7^th, 2003, 1:05am

*sigh* My dear girl, being dead and thus omnipotent, I can tuck both of you in. Vikki was distressed about the nasty cliff, and now another version of me will come and tuck you in. Come along...

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Jennie on Nov 7^th, 2003, 9:36am

Well done, KB. Just what a Head girl should do! Now, everyone, back off from the cliff edge(s), and join me in a chorus of 'That was so good, Lesley, we need MORE'.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by KB on Nov 7^th, 2003, 9:45am

*waits for Lesley to come and break away more of the cliff edge*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Trish on Nov 7^th, 2003, 10:56am

*Is not afraid of heights and so sits on the very edge of the cliff and waits not so patiently*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachael P on Nov 7^th, 2003, 1:59pm

Goodness!
Whilst yibbling elsewhere, I almost forgot to indulge in my weekly Friday gloat (which I fear will shortly be coming to an end :()

I'm sure you'll all be pleased to know that Lesley has "Done It Again" and produced more fabulous story which no doubt you'll be catching up with later .... suffice to say, I've had a sneak preview which cheered me up out of my grumps (see Off-topic)
It's marvellous and Lesley is a genius, she really is!

*hoping the rest of the CBB haven't fallen off the proverbial cliff edge and wondering why none of them have taken notes from New Mistress as to what happens if one strays too close to proverbial (or real) (or fictional) cliff edge*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 7^th, 2003, 7:08pm

Well! Seeing as it's already written...

...Lesley, would it not be too tiring for you to post it?

*tries to ask as politely as possible and not sound sarcastic*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by PatW on Nov 7^th, 2003, 7:41pm

She enjoys making us wait! Just like *some people* enjoy gloating! :P

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lisa_T on Nov 7^th, 2003, 8:07pm

*wails* What is Lesley doing? This is the second day running we've had to wait all day without even a snippet!

*goes off to sulk*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 7^th, 2003, 9:15pm

She's online now!

*takes a deep breath to start chanting*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Nov 7^th, 2003, 9:17pm

*OK for your information I have just walked in house, switched computer on and sat down! Was there something you wanted? ;) Oh alright then!*

Hilda Annersley took the papers back from Nell, “most of these are some form of certificate,” she said, “Hand written, there’s a note with them,” she read it out,

“My dear Hilda
Attached papers are for your use, do with them as you wish. Please view the film enclosed, it should answer many of your questions,
Yours sincerely

Elinor Brent-Dyer
7th July 1969”

“Well that’s definitely not the Elinor we know and hate,” Nell was adamant, “give me the tape, Hilda, I’ll set it up in the video,”

While she did so, Hilda disappeared into the kitchen and returned with breakfast on a tray, coffee and croissants – the habit of many years with regard to breakfast was now ingrained in both of them.

The video began, it showed an older woman, seated in the foyer of a hotel; the two women immediately recognised both the woman and the hotel as Elinor and the Grand in Interlaken. Elinor appeared to be far older than EBD and, to both Hilda and Nell, seemed to be very ill. She did, however, seem to be happy, and smiled at the camera.

“Hilda, my dear,” she began, “if you are watching this then my plans have all worked even better than I’d hoped. If there is someone watching with you then it’s almost certain to be Nell Wilson, so hello to both of you,”

At this the two watching women looked at each other in surprise, they then returned their attention to the tape,

“My one concern was that you, Hilda, would be trapped, I’m afraid I could see no solution for that, so am delighted that someone else has managed to find one! As I’m sure you are aware you had a number of extra abilities and aids that your colleagues did not have – I thought you deserved an explanation as to why that was so.”

The woman took a sip from her cup before continuing, “I began writing the Chalet School series in the 1920’s – more than 40 years ago – to begin with, although a pleasant enough pass-time it did not really grip me – I was writing any number of different books. It wasn’t until the third or fourth book that I noticed something strange. I’m sure as an English specialist yourself, you’ve heard that characters may start to dictate the story for you? Well at first I thought that was what was happening – but it seemed every time I tried to write something pleasant for the Chalet School, someone else was making unpleasant scenes.

It took me a long time to discover what had happened; when any writer writes about a character, they place something of themselves into the character. If the character is a good one or a bad one, their inspiration is the author. To my horror, I discovered that whenever I wrote about a bad character, the malevolence was taking on a shape of its own within the chalet school story. In short, you were being invaded by an author who looked just like me, but with pure evil in her soul.”

The woman stopped there to finish her drink; she placed the cup down, out of sight of the camera, and then continued. “Nothing I did, seemed to have any effect on this entity – not one of my characters – and I noticed that she was having a terrible influence on some of the characters within the story, including the one I loved most – Joey Bettany. I tried desperately to combat her story lines, she seemed to delight in any form of suffering, and also was extremely resistant to change of any sort. Some of the terrible things that occurred in the books – especially the earlier ones – were at her instigation.”

The woman on the tape laughed slightly before continuing, “I did consider telling others of my discovery. But I felt trying to explain that I was worried about the effect that a product of my imagination, was having on characters in a book, wouldn’t be viewed with a great deal of sympathy! Instead I looked at a way that the characters could help themselves. Nell, if you’re there, you should know that I seriously considered you as my chosen character. I eventually chose Hilda though as I felt that she had the attributes needed.”

“Damn!” Nell whispered, “I could have out-ranked you!” she squeezed Hilda’s shoulder while saying this.

Title: Hilda Annersley tooRe: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Nov 7^th, 2003, 9:19pm

“I did however feel that Hilda would need a lot of support and thought that Nell would be the one most fitted for that role. As I did not want anyone else knowing about my plans, I wrote a short story and presented it for publication at an obscure place in Switzerland. They had never heard of me and, in fact, I had to pay for publication – only one copy was ever produced and I later destroyed that. In the story I described a number of changes to the character of Hilda Annersley, firstly that she would know that she, and every one else, was a character in a series of books. Secondly, that she would be able to recognise whenever my alter ego controlled others, and, as important, would be able to remember what she had done when controlled herself.”

The woman stood up and was out of sight for a moment, when she returned she was holding another cup of coffee, she continued, “I didn’t make any changes to your core attributes, but I did enhance some, specifically Hilda your sense of responsibility and Nell, your loyalty. I hope you can forgive me, I wasn’t adding anything that wasn’t already there, just making them stronger. I should add that I couldn’t influence what you actually did – that was something you had to decide for yourself.

I made sure that these changes would apply from when you first entered the series. I was pleased to see the results within a very short time – both of you became far more prominent within only a few books – and the influence of my alter ego seemed to diminish. However, when she engineered the illness and then death of Mademoiselle, I realised that she had been biding her time. Since then the books have been a battle between the two of us – unfortunately I am mortal and I am dying – once I’ve gone there will be no one to hold her in check. I have recently done some other things that will hopefully help.

First I have ensured that my chalet school series can be affected by others, if the stories are written in a similar style and setting to mine, they can influence the story, either in total, or specific characters. The second part is to cause a telephone here at the Grand to act as a portal from the chalet school world into this; I have paid the management here a great deal of money to ensure that the phone is not changed. There are other portals available as well.

The story also has a finite life from now on, should the characters drop below a certain number the story will become unstable; in addition those far from the School itself may be able to enter this world. My hope is that all the characters will discover ways to enter this world – once here they will be ordinary people – no one will be able to force them to perform any action – they will no longer be characters. My one concern here is that my earlier changes will mean that you, Hilda, will find it significantly more difficult to leave the fictional world because of the adjustments I have made. However if you are watching this then someone else has solved that problem!

My final change is something of a gamble, and has been influenced by a young American lad, Billy; I met here at the Grand. He appears to believe that in the future, there will be a world-wide method of communication, and that everyone will have access to it, both at home and work. I have placed into the story that, should that ever occur, you Hilda will have access to it.

Young Billy was here on holiday with his family and found himself in need of funds. I gave him some money and he scribbled out some makeshift documents promising 1% of his total wealth at anytime in the future – I asked him to make them out to you Hilda, he seems quite an enterprising lad – if they are worth anything you are welcome to them!

Hilda, and Nell, enjoy your lives, I have enjoyed mine. I am proud to have been the one that started both of your characters – how you have developed has been solely your own responsibility.”

The tape stopped and Hilda looked across at Nell; “I could never equate the information I had read about Elinor Brent-Dyer with our Elinor, now I see why,”

Nell nodded, “did you see those certificates? Can’t see that they’ll be worth anything but it might be interesting!”

Hilda looked at the certificates, they were fairly simple, a boyish hand had written promising that Hilda Annersley would be paid 1% of his total wealth at any time in the future. There was a signature and even a thumbprint.

“Rather difficult to read the signature,” Hilda began, “Looks like W. Gates!”

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 7^th, 2003, 9:24pm

WOW Lesley. You excel yourself every time.

*just speechless in admiration*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lisa_T on Nov 7^th, 2003, 9:31pm

Lesley that was MAGNIFICENT! please if you're not too tired, can we have more?

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Carolyn P on Nov 7^th, 2003, 9:35pm

My flabber has been well and truely gasted.

That was a wonderful idea.

Now, how long a court battle will Hilda have to get that money out of Microsoft?

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Nov 7^th, 2003, 9:37pm

Gotta write it first and I've still got to look through the rest of the board - but OK will post later tonight!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Vikki on Nov 7^th, 2003, 9:38pm

Thank you for explaining some of the mysteries Lesley!! Love the introduction of 'Billy'!

More soon please!!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lisa_T on Nov 7^th, 2003, 9:38pm

AH thank you, Lesley. I DO love you!

*skips off to annoy someone else for a while*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by catherine on Nov 7^th, 2003, 9:41pm

Brilliant, Lesley! I don't know how you do it!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachel on Nov 7^th, 2003, 9:45pm

Lesley, that's fantastic! I loved the introduction of "Billy" - I wonder if Mr Gate's is called that in RL??

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by LauraT on Nov 7^th, 2003, 10:00pm

Wowee! But I was so worried it was going to be Elinor having manufactured some weird way of getting Hilda and Nell's subconsciouses to believe they were back in the CS world, and thus get them back there! *breathes a large sigh of relief*. More please!

By the way, you're not just going to end this now they're all safe in the the real world are you?? I may be saying safe very naively after all the bombshells you've dropped on us, but we want to know what happens next!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Nov 7^th, 2003, 10:05pm

There is a little more to come Laura - I've got to trace how far Hilda is going to recover and there are a few loose ends still to tie up - so I'll be posting for a little while yet!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Emma_N on Nov 7^th, 2003, 11:37pm

:) :) Thanks for the latest installments Lesley, I wish I had your imagination!! Please write the next bit soon because I can't wait to see how this is going to develop.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachel on Nov 7^th, 2003, 11:42pm

on 11/07/03 at 22:05:53, Lesley wrote:

there are a few loose ends still to tie up

mmmmm, tying up, ropes, chains, straightjackets.

Hello Mr Plot Bunny, how are you this evening?

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Nov 8^th, 2003, 12:17am

*Next installment! More tomorrow.*

A few days later, when Madge arrived for a visit, they showed her the tape and the certificates. She recognised the name on them and advised that contacting Bill Gates be left until after the Christmas break. It was barely a week before Christmas now and the School term was finished. However as a large percentage of the Middles and Juniors and all the Seniors plus almost all the Staff, had no other home, the School remained as lively as ever. In true Aussie style the plan for Christmas day was a barbeque on the beach and Madge invited both Hilda and Nell along. She left after a few hours, leaving a large sack containing a huge number of cards from the pupils and staff addressed to both Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson.

Hilda and Nell spent most of the afternoon and evening opening cards and reading the messages. They had decided not to bother with decorations, but had ordered a small Nativity Scene. This had arrived that morning and Nell set it up in one corner while Hilda was reading through all the cards and letters from the Prefects. It had taken Nell the best part of two hours to set up the Nativity scene correctly, as she stood back admiring it she was suddenly aware that she was alone in the lounge. She looked to see where her friend had gone, after checking the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom she finally tracked her down to the porch, sitting on the swing chair, staring out to sea.

“Hilda, I’ve been calling you, didn’t you…” Nell stopped, silent tears were running down Hilda’s cheeks as she stared stonily toward the ocean. Nell sat next to her friend on the swing chair and placed an arm around her shoulders. Hilda shuddered slightly but otherwise didn’t move. The tears continued to fall.

“Hilda, talk to me, you’ll feel better if you can talk this through,” Nell Wilson was at her most persuasive, she glanced down at her friend’s hands, they held a number of cards from Alison and others of the Prefects, Hilda was holding them in clutched hands, wringing her hands together.

“You see all these cards?” Hilda’s voice was very quiet and emotionless,

“The ones you’re screwing into a ball? Yes,” Nell replied softly,

“They’re from all the Prefects, such wonderful things they’ve said, Nell,”

“They all love and respect you, Hilda,”

Hilda Annersley shook her head, “I don’t deserve that love and respect,” her voice was so quiet that Nell could hardly hear her,

Nell was startled, “are you crazy?” she said loudly, then moderated her tones to add, “Hilda, for what you did for all of us, and for what you endured, you deserve all the love and respect we have to offer!”

Hilda shook her head, further tears running down her cheeks, “I don’t deserve any,” she repeated softly, she stood up abruptly, placing the cards on the seat and made to walk past Nell down the steps to the beach. Nell caught her arm,

“Hilda, what do you mean? Can you talk about it?”

Hilda stood still, she looked across at her friend, “Not this time, Nell.” she said softly, “Please let me go,” the request was delivered softly and Nell released her friend’s arm and watched as Hilda walked down to the beach and across the sand.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachel on Nov 8^th, 2003, 12:20am

Awwwww no!

Hilda's not about to do a Reggie Perrin is she??

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Vikki on Nov 8^th, 2003, 12:39am

Lesley!!!!!!
What's wrong with Hilda? Please solve it and make her happy again!! :'(

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachel on Nov 8^th, 2003, 12:41am

Perhaps Hilda has gone to have a private cackle and gloat over how rich she is about to become? And planning on how to ditch Nell so she doesn't feel obliged to share her windfall?

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lisa_T on Nov 8^th, 2003, 12:48am

Rachel, you are- *casting about for something appropriate* well, you're unspeakable! I was getting all teary until i read your post and ended up spluttering instead as pathos descended in bathos!

*shakes head over Rachel*
*deeply worried that Rachel has recieved 'best writer' accolade, given some of the stuff we've had lately. Why not 'best comedic writer'? Hear that, Liss?!*

Lesley, please please don't give poor Hilda either clinical depression or a nervous breakdown- and it looks like you're going that way!!!!! I want Miss Annersley back as herself!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachel on Nov 8^th, 2003, 12:52am

on 11/08/03 at 00:48:25, Lisa_T wrote:

*deeply worried that Rachel has recieved 'best writer' accolade, given some of the stuff we've had lately.

Maybe it's cos I write SO much that I got it! And why are you on this drabble and not writing more of Tara right now?

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Catherine_B on Nov 8^th, 2003, 12:53am

My guess is she betrayed them while holed up with EBD. "Do it to Nell!", that kind of thing. But who wouldn't? Poor old Hilda! Lesley, make her well again - pleeease.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lisa_T on Nov 8^th, 2003, 12:53am

Cos I'm out of inspiration for this bit, if you must know! I know how i want it to end, but I'm not sure how to get there!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachel on Nov 8^th, 2003, 12:54am

Do you need some help Lisa? ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lisa_T on Nov 8^th, 2003, 12:56am

*eyes Rachel cautiously*
*decides that having taken some of Vikki's wilder ideas on bard, only fair to do the same to Rachel*
*curiosity overcomes prudence and common sense*
Aw go on then. But pm them so noone else sees them before they're written in- I'll credit you! Honest!
Or post on Tara. I don't think Lesley 'd appreciate the hijacking

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Vikki on Nov 8^th, 2003, 1:04am

Well, if she will leave her thread unattended......
(she knows what we're like after all!)

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachel on Nov 8^th, 2003, 1:06am

If you think about it, we're actually HELPING her!

(Go on, ask me why! You know you want to!)

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Vikki on Nov 8^th, 2003, 1:13am

Okay then, "Why are we helping her, Rachel?"

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachel on Nov 8^th, 2003, 1:19am

heh heh heh, knew one of you would bite! ;)

OK, we are helping in a number of ways.

1 - By constantly posting, it keeps this thread near the top of the drabbles board, therefore making it one of the first people see when they enter the drabbles section.

2 - By constantly posting, it gives people something to read whilst waiting for the next official posting, and stops them getting bored of waiting.

3 - By constantly posting, it gives us something to type other than "More please!"

4 - By constantly posting, we are not in the kitchen snacking on high fat foods, therefore we are much less likely to suffer from high cholesterol, which would put us in the coronary care unit without access to the Internet, which would stop us posting, which would prevent the first three reasons.

5 - By constantly posting, we increase the number of stars we get under our avatars, making us happy and much more likely to be patient when waiting for the next installment of the story.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Vikki on Nov 8^th, 2003, 1:25am

Well, I'll give you all those, except the bit about being patient!!

LESLEY! MORE PLEASE!!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lisa_T on Nov 8^th, 2003, 1:38am

I must be seeing things. I definitely saw a clone of this earlier, but now it's gone!!!!
Maybe that's my subconscious saying that I really, really, need more of this story- and SOON!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by KB on Nov 8^th, 2003, 1:38am

*lol* Rachel, I love all your excuses! Very pertinent!

And Lesley, this was great! But you do know how to leave us hanging, don't you? *goes off to build a fence along the cliff*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachel on Nov 8^th, 2003, 1:39am

** Wanders off to watch KB and falls down the cliff instead **

Wheeeeeeeeee! Let's do that again!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by KB on Nov 8^th, 2003, 1:46am

*wonders whether, having just saved into a lake to rescue a Junior, I now have to hang over a cliff to rescue a fellow prefect*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachel on Nov 8^th, 2003, 1:52am

But I don't want to be rescued! I want to do it again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and then maybe once more.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by KB on Nov 8^th, 2003, 1:56am

*asks the men in white coats to come back with the straightjacket*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 8^th, 2003, 1:58am

And I thought there were three pages of STORY to catch up on!
Great instalments Lesley - Glad that EBD has finally been revealed, but please don't make Hilda suffer too much more, she's been through enough already.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lisa_T on Nov 8^th, 2003, 2:15am

*peers round hopefully* Did I see Lesley around? Does that mean more???? Now?

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Vikki on Nov 8^th, 2003, 2:19am

Well, she did say more tomorrow, and technically it is tomorrow......

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Nov 8^th, 2003, 9:43am

*Well done Catherine! Next installment! - and sorry if people are disappointed that Hilda isn't her old self straight away - but that's not realistic!*

Sometime later that evening found Hilda Annersley sat on a convenient rock, staring out to sea. She had walked for more than an hour before perching there. At a noise behind her she sighed softly and turned her head,

“How long are you going to keep following me, Nell?”

Her friend came up to sit beside her,

“As long as it takes, Hilda,” Nell replied softly, “you know what Daisy said, you can’t do this on your own. Talk to me, tell me why the Prefects’ comments have upset you so much. You’ll not shock me, I swear!”

Hilda remained silent for some time, then, “I cannot, Nell, not this,”

“You told me about trying to kill yourself, Hilda. Is this worse than that?”

“Yes,”

Nell Wilson stood and walked around to stand directly in front of her friend, she raised Hilda’s chin so that she could stare directly into her eyes,

“Hilda Annersley,” she began softly, “we have been friends for a very long time, you are my family, I would be willing to risk my life for you, and I know you’d do the same for me. Nothing that you have to say will mean that I will change my feelings for you. Now you are obviously in great pain about something - let me help.”

Hilda looked everywhere else before finally locking gaze with her friend, she nodded very slightly,

“I told you that, when Elinor was torturing me, I was in so much pain I could do nothing? That’s not strictly true, I could, just, think and hear, and I could speak,” Hilda swallowed a few times before continuing, “Elinor would stand there and watch me in agony, a wide smile on her face, gloating. Sometimes she would ask me things while I was still in pain,”

“Ask you? You mean interrogate?”

“Not quite,” Hilda’s voice was very quiet, “she would ask if there was someone else that I’d rather she did this too. Her best joke was to say she had discovered a way that, if I was agreeable, would mean that I could escape, if I nominated someone to take my place.” Hilda took a few more deep breathes before continuing,

“I swear, Nell, to begin with I didn’t answer that. But as time went on, and she kept returning, asking the same thing over and over again. With the agony returning each time, there came a day when I did reply. And I said that I could nominate someone else. So she would ask me who, and I’d say, you Nell, or Ruth or Rosalind or Kathie, any of the Staff. Then, as the game continued, I’d say any name in the hope that it would work, Alison, Louise, Carol, any of the Prefects,” Hilda’s eyes closed and Nell noticed she was crying once more,

“I betrayed everyone Nell, while I was in pain I would have said or done anything to stop it. The first time I said I’d rather she do this to you, instead of me - when she finally left me and the pain had gone - that was the first time I tried to kill myself.”

“Well I’m really glad that didn’t work,” Nell stood in front of her, tears in her eyes, “Hilda, we were very sheltered in the chalet school world, in the Real World this sort of thing is happening all over. I read a pamphlet from Amnesty International the other day - they are an organisation dedicated to helping those who have been tortured. Your reaction is no different to anyone else while being tortured - you will do anything to stop the pain. The body’s reaction is solely based on survival, nothing else, and you would say what you thought your torturer wants to hear.”

Hilda shook her head, “no, Nell, what about all those who risk their lives to save others - sometimes losing their lives in the process. What about you, stepping out to face Gwynneth instead of me? You were able to overcome the body’s survival instinct, I did not.”

“That’s different, Hilda, when you are experiencing severe pain the priorities change. If you know that there’s no other way that the agony will stop, you will say anything.” Nell looked into her friend’s eyes, “you are still my closest friend, Hilda, you are still my family, nothing you have said tonight has changed that. The comments the Prefects made on their cards are still just as valid and justified.” She sat beside her friend and placed an arm around her, Hilda continued crying for some time, her head on Nell’s shoulder.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by catherine on Nov 8^th, 2003, 9:49am

Aw! Nell's being so sweet; it's lovely!

Hope Hilda isn't too long in recovering.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Rachel on Nov 8^th, 2003, 9:51am

Well Hilda has certainly been throught it all!

Lesley, is there any hopes of a nice doctor lying around spare just waiting for a nice lady in her mid-forties? I really really hope there is a happy ending in sight for Hilda!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by KB on Nov 8^th, 2003, 10:19am

Lesley, I hope you've recovered from writing that, as I'm sure it left you pretty drained. Thank you for being realistic about it. Hilda back to her old self would have been anything but that!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lisa_T on Nov 8^th, 2003, 10:27am

Yes it is realistic, although uncomfortable to read. But beautifully written- more Lesley!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Carolyn P on Nov 8^th, 2003, 10:36am

Gut wrenching, tear provoking.

Thank you Lesley.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Jennie on Nov 8^th, 2003, 11:22am

Lesley, just to say that I really want to read the rest of this, so I hope the moderator will leave it on the board for a little longer.

Keeping all fingers crossed for a really happy ending, which makes keyboarding rather difficult, but hey, it's in a good cause!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Jennie on Nov 8^th, 2003, 3:59pm

Lesley, Lesley, cooee, I'm waiting for your next post.

Lesley, Lesley, wherefore art thou Lesley?

Lesley, please post soon, as my son will be home and he'll want his PC to play Kings of Chaos. Don't make me go home without another episode!

(If this moral blackmail doesn't make Lesley post some more, what will?)

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 8^th, 2003, 6:44pm

(((Hilda)))
I don't know what sort of time frame you have for this part of the story Lesley, but I can't see Hilda being back to her old self before the end - although I would be deliriously happy to be proved wrong - at least I can trust Bill to be there for her.

*Desperate for more.

Title: Over the next week bRe: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Nov 8^th, 2003, 7:54pm

*Sorry it's taken so long everyone but RL intervened plus I've been writing quite a lot - and it was rather difficult to write. I think, after this, that Hilda's recovery will proceed without any more need for me to detail it. So I can move on to tying up loose ends and endulging myself!*

Over the next week both Hilda and Nell prepared for Christmas Day. Not yet able to face crowds, Hilda did a little shopping on the Net and bought small gifts for Madge, Joey and Nell. The nights remained disturbed though, with Hilda awaking most nights because of nightmares. When asked what the nightmares consisted of she replied simply that EBD was asking her again who she wanted to nominate to take her place. Although she told Nell that she understood that her actions when in agony were understandable and not a betrayal, Nell wondered if she fully believed that.

On Christmas Eve they sat and watched the film “It’s a Wonderful Life”, considered a classic by television companies, neither of them had seen the film before, and its simple, beautiful message caused both of them to have tears in their eyes. They then sat out on the porch watching the sea and the stars until after eleven at night. Nell then announced that she was attending Midnight Mass at the small Catholic Church situated a mile away, Hilda asked to join her. On their return they drank a small toast stood in front of the Nativity Scene that Nell had set up, the baby Jesus was placed in the crib for the first time.

The following morning it was after ten before Hilda awoke, she quickly rose and placed her dressing gown about her shoulders before setting off downstairs. She found Nell sat in the kitchen, finishing breakfast, she quickly produced a coffee and some croissants for her friend,

“No nightmares last night, Hilda?”

Hilda smiled, “Perhaps the Day frightened them away, Nell,”

The morning passed slowly, they were being picked up by someone from the School just after one pm. A little before that Hilda confessed that she didn’t really feel she could face the School, after all. Nell looked at her thoughtfully for a moment before replying,

“If you can’t see them, that’s fine Hilda, but I want to go, if only for a short time. Suppose you come along and, if it really is too much, you can stay at the School in one of the offices? The School will be deserted anyway, everyone will be on the beach.”

Hilda reluctantly agreed to that, knowing that Nell wouldn’t want to leave her at the cottage on her own. Nell made a short phone call to Madge explaining the possible change in plans. When Nancy Wilmot appeared in her car just before one they both got in the back and were driven to the School itself. Nancy left them at the Front Door, explaining that she was going to join the party on the beach, Nell had a few words with her before she disappeared. Nell then showed her into the School itself, along a few passageways and into a Study.

The room was not particularly big, but a large picture window with views onto the undeveloped part of Point Nepean caused it to appear larger. There was a modern looking but comfortable desk and chair in one corner with the user sitting facing the door. A computer was in evidence on the desk. There were two chairs opposite the desk. In addition there was a small oval table and chairs in the middle of the room. An alcove hid a small sink and space for a kettle, while there was an interconnecting door to another room. The Study was a calm, seeming room, even the multitude of papers and books scattered all over the desk and table did not detract from the calm. Hilda was slightly surprised to see how untidy Madge’s Study was, but otherwise felt the room was perfect. She did not look at any of the papers or books, preferring instead to stand by and gaze out of the window.

“Before I disappear, Hilda,” Nell began, “there was one person who really wanted to see you today, I thought you wouldn’t mind,”

There was a knock at the door and Alison Martin appeared, “Miss Wilmot said you want…Miss Annersley!” the last almost shouted as the Head Girl caught sight of her old Headmistress, she rushed up to Hilda and hugged her, speaking quickly as though afraid that Hilda would disappear,

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Nov 8^th, 2003, 7:55pm

“So glad you’re OK now Miss Annersley. When will you be returning to the School? The literature lessons aren’t nearly as good without you!” At this she suddenly stopped, realising that, as Madge Russell was currently giving literature lessons, she had just insulted her Headmistress!

Hilda laughed at her discomfort and returned the hug, saying only that she wasn’t quite well enough yet to return,

“But you’re coming to the beach today, aren’t you? It’s really weird having Christmas Day on the beach but great fun too! Please say you’ll come!”

Hilda shook her head, “I am not quite well enough yet, Alison, I don’t think I will be able to attend. I’m just glad I had the chance to see you and wish you Merry Christmas! Please pass that on to all your friends.”

Alison looked disappointed but said nothing further about it, after a few minutes more conversation Nell suggested that Alison return to the party, with a final hug for Hilda she left.

“Thank you Nell, it was good to see her again,” Hilda said quietly,

Nell looked across at her friend, the haunted look in her eyes, that had been there since her return, had, slowly been easing over the weeks, however seeing Alison seemed to have caused it to return once more. Nell took a deep breath, her plans for now were not going to be pleasant.

“Hilda, before I go and join the party, there is one thing I should like you to do for me,”

Hilda Annersley turned to look at her friend, surprised at how solemn Nell sounded, “Of course, Nell, what is it?”

Nell Wilson looked across at Hilda, “I know you are still seriously troubled by what you were forced to do when in EBD’s clutches. I know that you still don’t fully believe that it’s something that was due to the torture, not any inherent weakness on your part,”

At these words Hilda’s face had darkened and she turned to look out of the window, “why are you saying this, Nell?” she asked quietly, her voice only a whisper,

“Because I want to know, Hilda, want to know whether or not what I said to you is true or not. I want to know whether you really are the type of person who would betray her friends,”

Hilda’s eyes showed their hurt as she replied softly, “I thought I’d already established that,”

“Not in that scenario, Hilda,” Nell was shaking her head, “Now, today, would you do it?” She walked over to stand behind her friend and, holding Hilda's upper arms, turned her to face the Study Door, Hilda was still far too thin and Nell, always the stronger physically, easily held her friend in place. Nell now spoke to Hilda very softly,

“Elinor herself, our Elinor, not the Author from the Real World, has just walked into the Study. She’s standing there in front of the door, right now. I know you can see her, Hilda, because you’re seeing her every night in your dreams. See her?”

“Nell, why are you doing this?” Hilda’s voice was faint,

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Nov 8^th, 2003, 7:56pm

“Do you see her?” the reply was almost spat back,

Hilda gulped, breathing fast, unable to move away, “Yes,” she admitted softly, “I see her,”

“Good, now she’s asking you a question,” Nell continued remorselessly, “ it seems that she has managed to escape from the fictional world, and has come looking for a victim. But she’s giving you a choice, Hilda,”

“Please don’t do this, Nell,” Hilda spoke very quietly, begging,

“A choice, Hilda, your choice,” Nell continued, “You see Elinor wants to know if you’ll agree to go back with her now, or condemn someone else, specifically Alison Martin. Elinor’s not bothered which of you it is, she just needs a decision from you.”

Hilda shook her head, “I can’t make that choice, Nell,” the voice was shaky, breathless.

“Of course you can,” Nell shook her friend slightly while speaking, “think about it, you’d be returning forever, no hope of reprieve, and you already know what to expect. So will you go along yourself, or tell Elinor to take Alison? After all, she’s young, strong, she’d be able to cope,”

Hilda’s breath was coming in short gasps now and she tried, without success, to wriggle out of her friend’s grasp, her eyes were steely grey and sunken,

“I’ll make it easy for you, Hilda,” Nell continued, “you don’t have to say the choice out loud, I don’t need to know, so if your choice is Alison, no one needs to know, you can just tell me that you’ve made your choice and this is all over.”

“Nell, please stop, I can’t do this,”

“Make the choice, Hilda!”

“I can’t!”

“Make the choice, Hilda!”

“No, no I-I-I don’t want to go back, Nell,”

“That’s your choice?”

“No, I don’t want to go, but if someone has to go then I choose me, you hear me, Nell? I choose me!”

At these words Nell spun her friend around and hugged her, Hilda was crying on her shoulder, Nell, tears running down her cheeks, soothed her,

“I’m so sorry, Hilda, for putting you through that, but listen, do you realise what you just did?”

Hilda looked up, her gaze puzzled,

“Hilda, rather than condemn one of your pupils, you volunteered to return to purgatory,” Nell’s words were soft and she watched as their meaning slowly filtered into Hilda’s brain. Although still crying, Hilda slowly smiled, a tremulous beginning but a genuine smile.

“Yes, Hilda,” Nell was also smiling, “you have just proven to me, and more importantly, to yourself, that you will not betray your friends. The next time that b**** appears in your dreams asking you to nominate someone else, just think of today. It should ensure that you’re not troubled any longer!”

The two women stood there for a while longer, then Hilda broke away,

“Thank you, Nell,” she said quietly, “I think, now, that I may be able to join the party after all,”

While she was speaking, Nell noticed that Hilda’s eyes had almost returned to their normal, blue-grey, colour. In addition, the haunted look, while it hadn’t disappeared totally, had definitely receded. Nell smiled,

“That’s good, you may want to fix your face first!” she nodded towards the alcove and Hilda disappeared there to restore her face to some semblance of normality.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 8^th, 2003, 8:06pm

Thank you Lesley. Very powerful and very moving. Thank goodness for Bill.

You have every right to indulge yourself now - enjoy!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Chloe on Nov 8^th, 2003, 8:37pm

Yay I've finally caught up this is as good as ever Lesley

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lisa_T on Nov 8^th, 2003, 9:01pm

*gulps over lump in throat* That was lovely, Lesley! Well done!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by KB on Nov 8^th, 2003, 9:30pm

Hooray for Bill! What a great friend!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Vikki on Nov 8^th, 2003, 10:06pm

That was wonderful Lesley! I don't know how you do it! But please carry on!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Nov 8^th, 2003, 10:27pm

*Final one of the night!*

A few minutes later Hilda Annersley returned to the Study, Nell Wilson, sat at the desk, looked up, “I’ve got a couple of things to do first, Hilda, you should go on ahead,”

Hilda took a deep breath, thinking, then nodded, she turned to the door, Nell’s voice stopped her,

“Oh, by the way, what do you think of the Study?”

Hilda looked around, “Apart from being untidy, I think Madge’s Study is perfect,” she smiled,

Nell grinned, “It’s not Madge’s Study, Hilda, it’s mine! Madge’s Study is next door,“ she nodded toward the interconnecting door, “And I thought you’d given up complaining about my untidiness years ago!” She rose and came to stand beside her friend, “take a good look around, Hilda, because soon, this will be yours!”

Hilda Annersley looked across at her friend, concern upon her face, “Nell, I’ve no wish to deprive you of the Deputy Head post,” she began,

Nell smiled, “come here, you need to see this,” she led her friend over to the computer, on-screen were the minutes of the first full Staff Meeting after the rescue of everyone except Hilda, “read Madge’s first speech, specifically the final paragraph, when she mentions both mine and Ruth Derwent’s titles,”

Hilda read through the paragraph, “you both accepted on a temporary basis,” she said quietly,

Nell nodded, “Ruth and I had each gone to see Madge independently, we didn’t know the other had seen her until the Staff Meeting. So the post is yours, it always has been, that is if you can bear no longer being the autocratic ruler any longer!”

Hilda smiled, “at least it’s a lot better than Staff Baby,”

“True, but you’d better hurry up and return, the longer you leave it the more of my stuff you’ll have to tidy up!” Nell grinned.

Hilda raised an eyebrow, “I will expect the Senior Mistress to leave this Study in an immaculate condition,” she said, her tones suddenly returning to normal. She smiled, “I’ll go on ahead, Nell, see you on the beach soon,” she left the Study.

Nell Wilson waited a few minutes then switched off the computer; she went and stood next to the window, looking out. A noise from behind told her that the interconnecting door to Madge’s Study had been opened, and someone walked over to stand next to her.

“Did you hear it all, Daisy?”

Dr Venables nodded, “the door was slightly ajar, I could hear all that was said. You did well, Nell,”

“You weren’t sure it would work,”

“No, but I don’t know Hilda as well as you, I was afraid she would choose Alison, then you’d have made the situation worse. That’s why I wanted to be here, in case it did go wrong,”

“I never had any doubt that she’d choose to return herself, she is going to be OK now, isn‘t she?” Nell’s voice was rather tired,

“She’s going to recover now, Nell, yes. But it’s not going to happen overnight, and she’s going to have other occasions when she’ll need someone else’s strength.”

“Well, that’s not a problem,” Nell said softly, “she’s family,”

The doctor looked across at Nell Wilson, “make sure you’ve got support too, Nell,” she said quietly, “all counsellors, psychiatrists and the like, need someone they can talk to, use me if you want to,”

“Thanks Daisy, I might just do that,” Nell Wilson said, she looked around her Study and smiled, “well, shall we go join the party?”

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Vikki on Nov 8^th, 2003, 10:32pm

*sniffle, sniffle!* Thanks Lesley!!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by catherine on Nov 8^th, 2003, 10:36pm

This is lovely, Lesley! Thank you!

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 8^th, 2003, 10:39pm

Didn't see that coming - but how could Daisy have ever doubted Hilda? Although I suppose she hasn't had the advantage of reading this story, or has she?

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Carolyn P on Nov 8^th, 2003, 11:11pm

OH, Lesley. I didn't think it would be possible to top what you have already written, but you just did.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by xanthe on Nov 8^th, 2003, 11:22pm

*sniffling and swallowing hard*

thank you Lesley - this is so well-written and emotive...

*trying not to dissolve all over the computer room*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lisa_T on Nov 8^th, 2003, 11:32pm

Lesley, that was better than fantastic. Sure there isn't gonna be a new installment tonight? *wistfully* And it's lovely to see Hilda returning to more like herself- that last line about tidiness was pure Miss Annersley! ;)

*looking guiltily around own messy study..*

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by KB on Nov 8^th, 2003, 11:52pm

Beautiful, Lesley, just beautiful. And I'm glad to see that Daisy (and presumably others) are also showing their concern.

Title: Re: The Real Chalet School Mk7
Post by Lesley on Today at 11:59am

Think I'll move this to Real CS Mk 8 - to the mods - please could you archive this thread - thanks!