An Education: The Christening

Postby KP Presents » Mon Aug 18, 2014 3:59 am

When I opened my eyes, I was surprised by two things. The first was that it was still dark outside. The second was that I was wide awake, and did not want to go back to sleep despite the fact it was so dark outside.

I had to lie there for a few minutes wondering what was going on, and then I remembered. Actually, how could I forget, given I flew into Boston last night with Uncle Alex, and we were staying here for a couple of days so that I could visit some of the sights of the city before we went up to Maine for the Christening.

It was still a little bit of a shock to me that I had been asked to be a godparent, even more so that I was out here on my own without the others. Last time I came to the US I was accompanied by Suzie, Jenny and Cassie, and we spent the whole week with Heidi and the others. This time, I was with Uncle Alex, but we had also flown over with the Williamsons – Lisa, Charlie and their parents. Charlie’s dad had some business to take care of in Boston, and then they were heading up to Martha’s Vineyard while we went to stay with Heidi and Cindy at their place. The middle weekend would be the big event – I was to be one of the godmothers for little Bart and Sarah, the children of Brian and Sarah Holderness-Carter.

Sitting up, I put on a dressing gown and switched on the television, idly switching through the news channels. It was actually six in the morning, but my body clock had it at eleven. Even though we caught a later flight over, and it was nearer ten by the time we checked in, this was probably all the sleep I was going to get tonight.

Uncle Alex had sprung for business seats, as had Mister Williamson, so we at least had a decent and comfortable flight, even if Charlie proved to be a bad flyer. It was the first time for both of them, and they were excited - but even after the special meal the airline laid on for them, I don’t think Charlie expected to test out the air sickness bags quite so late on in.

Anyway, by the time we landed he was all right, and we enjoyed the ride through the underground roads and to the airport. As I said, however, it was late when we got in, so I made my excuses, opened my bag enough to get my night stuff out, and – well that just about brings us up to now.

I took the bottle of water that was by the television and opened it, sipping it as I looked out onto the river. On the flight over, I’d agreed to help look after the other two while Dad and their father talked business, and also to babysit for them a couple of days later while Mr and Mrs Williamson enjoyed a night out with some other friends over here.

Apart from that, I was looking forward to a bit of shopping for me and the others. The day before we flew out, I’d spent the day with Martin, and he’d asked me to pick up some CDs you can’t get for some reason in the UK. I’d also spoken to Jenny that night – she’d ended up with some of the other girls the ‘guest’ of Charlie and Lisa for a few hours, and told me to be very very careful if I was babysitting them. Especially Charlie – he could apparently be very persuasive.

Well, I had to look forward to that – right now, I was looking at a case with the lid open, so I decided I may as well spend some of the time unpacking and hanging my clothes.



It was eight when I heard a knock on my door, and opened it to see Uncle Alex standing there. I had showered and changed into a black t-shirt, some white shorts, black leggings and sneakers. He was dressed casually as well – for him, in an open necked shirt and trousers.

“Sleep well,” he said as I grabbed my door key and went out with him.

“Woke up at six, so I unpacked and then showered,” I said as we walked to the lift.

“Yeah – I was up about the same time, watching the news. I also phoned your Aunt Susan – she went for a scan this morning, and mum and baby are doing fine.”

Aunt Susan was expecting – a long prayed for event, and she was beginning to show the bump now. My cousin Bobby was looking forward to another sibling and Suzie was looking forward to no longer being the youngest member of the family. Well, she wasn’t really – Andrew gets that job, but not for much longer.

“Hungry?”

I actually was, so we went down to the lobby where Lisa and Charlie were waiting with their parents. Charlie had on a polo shirt and jeans, while Lisa was wearing a white sun dress that came to just above her knees, and a cardigan.

“This is a funny place,” Lisa said as we walked into the restaurant, and the waiter showed us to a table for six, “more channels on the television, and less worth watching.”

“Yeah, but you get used to that,” I said, without mentioning I had put on a channel showing a program called Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

“Agreed,” her father said, “I ended up firing up my laptop and watching the BBC instead of the news channels on my set. Before the week’s out, I’ll probably give up on watching it anyway.”

We sat down and the waiter poured us all orange juice and iced water, before I took Lisa and Charlie up to get some breakfast cereal. I put some fruit in a bowl and added some yogurt instead – I truly, honestly can’t stand Fruit Loops.

Which didn’t stop Charlie putting some in a bowl, adding milk, sitting down, taking one taste – and pushing the bowl away from himself, before he went and got some melon slices instead.

“Gotta learn the hard way sometimes, son,” his dad said, as he came back with some pancakes, bacon and maple syrup.

“I might try that instead,” Charlie said as he watched Lisa eating her rice krispies and milk.

“Well, if you want to go and get some hot food after that, feel free,” their mother said. “Did you recognise the girl who was sat next to you on the plane, Alicia?”

I had sat next to a young dark haired girl on the flight, and it had struck me as funny that she had not got up throughout the flight – she had been seated there when we had got on the plane. She chatted with an older woman, about the same age as Mum, who I took to be her mother, and I gathered this was them moving full time to live in the states. But apart from the fact she was going to Connecticut, I didn’t pay that much attention.

Until we landed, and a wheelchair was brought up while a security guard lifted her into the chair, her mother pushing her off as the rest of us waited.

“I can’t say I did,” I said quietly, “who was she?”

“Jeannie Brewster,” Uncle Alex said with a smile.

I must have looked a picture – I spent the entire flight next to one of the most famous models in the world, and I didn’t recognise her? Cathy and Mary were going to kill me when they found out.

“Don’t feel so bad – I didn’t recognise her either, but when Mark was in the shower I watched a news clip on Good Morning America of her arriving in the US. Caused quite a stir she did.

“So she’s a famous woman,” Lisa said.

“Very famous – I watched her on the Graham Norton show when she got a modelling contract.”

I finished my fruit, and went up to get an omelette, coming back and sitting with the others as Uncle Alex and Mister Williamson talked business.

“So where are we going today Alicia,” Lisa said as she looked at me.

“Well, I’m going to take you down to the docks this morning,” her mum said, “but I hope you can get them some lunch Alicia, and then show them round some of the museums for an hour or two – Mark and I need to meet someone for lunch.”

“It’s only for an hour – I’m done at two today, so I’ll meet you after that. And you won’t be alone?”

“I won’t?”

“Nah – I’m here for the day as well.”

I jumped up and embraced Heidi, who had apparently been standing behind me for some time.

“Good to see you as well, Ali,” she finally said as I stopped hugging her. “Anne had to come into town, so she suggested I come in and help you out with the youngsters.”

“I’m not a youngster,” Charlie said as he cut into a pancake.

“No, but you are the youngest of all of us.”

There really was no answer to that, so we went to our rooms to do our teeth, and then met Heidi in the lobby before Mrs Williamson walked out with us.

“So how’s your summer been,” Heidi said.

“Quiet for once – I start back at school in a couple of weeks. You?”

“We went as a group up into the woods last week – it was – interesting?”

“Oh yeah?”

“I’ll tell you about it later,” Heidi said with a smile. She took Lisa’s hand and showed her some of the buildings as we made our way down to the docks.




We spent most of the day walking round the docks and looking at the historical displays, with Heidi and me left in charge while we got lunch. Uncle Alex then took us back to the hotel, and we sat by the side of the pool while Lisa and Charlie enjoyed a swim.

“Cindy’s looking forward to seeing you this weekend,” Heidi said as the two youngsters swam up and down. “She’s sorry she couldn’t be here today, but she and Dorothy had to go see a lawyer about something.”

“How are the others?”

“Jannifer and the girls are fine, so are Nats and Alice.”

I nodded as we watched, and then Heidi said “Listen, while you’re up we’re going to have a sleepover – interested?”

“Sure – so long as Uncle Alex knows.”

“Would he object?”

“Nah – it’s the deal. He knows what I’m up to, he won’t ask what I’m doing in excruciating detail while I do it.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Heidi laughed.

“So when are you heading back?”

“When Anne gets here – about five thirty I think. I hear you have tickets for a show tonight?”

“Yeah – then I get to babysit these two tomorrow.”

“Sounds fun – can’t be worse than when I babysat the twins and Freddie.”

“Who’s Freddie?”

“A friend of theirs from school – I’ll tell you the full story later in the week.”

Which was the cue for Anne Duncombe, FBI Agent and friend of all of us, to show up. “Hey Ali,” she said as she looked in, “Heidi, sorry but we need to go now.”

“OK – see you at the weekend,” she said as she walked off, leaving me to wonder what she had meant.
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby John Kennon Smith » Mon Aug 18, 2014 4:40 am

What fun!!!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby Tom Ford » Mon Aug 18, 2014 5:40 am

Welcome back, KP!

So Alicia, Alex and the Williamsons are in Boston! And Heidi is there to meet them!

Alicia would have a fun vacation, with all the catching up that she would have to do, but I guess she won’t have that much to learn since she, I assume, would talk to Heidi on a regular basis, not to mention the fact that they still write to each other by snail I assume.

Alicia would babysit Lisa and Charlie! Charlie I have no doubt would want to tie up his sister, and even his babysitter and her friend, but the question is, is there enough rope for them to do that? Not in the hotel in Boston, I think, but they’ll only play TUGs in Maine where the rural and small town environment would be more conducive for such a game than urban Boston.

I wonder, when will the American adventure of Jay Edwards, the one that Brian called them about before, begin? And will Sarah again join them? And do Jay Edwards have associates in America with whom he could rely to do the right thing?

Also, would Charlie attempt to do some of his old tricks? I’m sure he would try, and I’m sure the older girls will let him do it! As was said, he’s not only persuasive, but as a ten year old among mostly 14 year olds, he would look cute and adorable!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby Imp Caesar Augustus » Mon Aug 18, 2014 5:44 am

Welcome back, KP!!! I missed the stories of the gang of An Education!!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby The Wrapster » Mon Aug 18, 2014 5:47 am

Welcome back KP!! great to have you writing once more and I hope you had a wonderful holiday!!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby John Kennon Smith » Mon Aug 18, 2014 6:06 am

Welcome back, KP! And Alicia, welcome to Boston!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby John Kennon Smith » Mon Aug 18, 2014 6:17 am

Great chapter!!!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby John Kennon Smith » Mon Aug 18, 2014 6:29 am

Great update!!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby William F Somebody » Mon Aug 18, 2014 8:12 am

I join the others in saying, Welcome Back, KP! Hope you had a fun holiday!

Speaking of holidays, its Alicia and the Williamson’s turn to have another one at the US! It is Charlie and Lisa’s first one, but Alicia’s second. And I’d like to see what Brian and Sarah has for Jay Edwards and Mrs McPhee. I’m betting this would be very important for them to have to call on their friends to cross the Atlantic to help them solve it!

I wonder how much Jay would pocket from this operation?

I’m sure Alicia would tell Heidi that Mary and Cathy had boyfriends too. She could tell a lot about Mark Cottrell, but about Sam Stewart? Not much other than he is the younger brother of Uncle Alex’s housekeeper.

And of course, she’ll tell her about her new friends, well acquaintances. Louise and Fiona would get a mention, I guess. And Britney and Margo could be playmates for Lisa, but Charlie would be all alone as the sole ten year old.

Anyway, I can’t wait to see what Heidi, Cindy, etc had planned for their American guests!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby John Kennon Smith » Mon Aug 18, 2014 8:24 am

Please please update really really soon!!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby skybird137 » Mon Aug 18, 2014 10:24 am

Thanks for starting a new story, KP. I hope that your holiday went well.

It's good to see another An Education story set in the USA, and I'm sure that Alicia will have a lot of fun.

There is likely to be another story to go along with this one, as Jay Edwards and Nanny McPhee are going to make an appearance. I doubt that Brian and Sarah would need their help unless it is something that is very important, The biggest question must be who will be their accomplices on the mission?

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby John Kennon Smith » Mon Aug 18, 2014 3:03 pm

Great beginning!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby John Kennon Smith » Mon Aug 18, 2014 3:20 pm

Hope you update soon!!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby KP Presents » Wed Aug 20, 2014 5:02 am

“Come on you two,” I said to Charlie and Lisa, “out of the pool – your parents will be home soon.”



The next day Mister and Mrs Williamson had arranged to go and see some old friends, and then go out to dinner with them, which meant Uncle Alex and I had the joy of watching the two kids for the day. We spent the late morning and afternoon in one of the main parks, and then took them out for a meal, but it was when we got back that the evening got interesting.

Uncle Alex left me to supervise their bedtime, but as Lisa went to get changed Charlie looked at me and smiled.

“Alicia,” he said quietly, “Lisa and I were wondering if you would help us play a little game?”

“Oh – what sort of game?” I’d heard what happened last time Charlie got an idea.

“Lisa and I want you to pretend to kidnap us and hold us hostage in the room.”

“Well, Charlie, I’d normally say yes, but we don’t have any rope or the other usual materials, so it might be a little difficult.”

“I know,” he said with a smile, “which is why we snuck this over in my rucksack.” He opened it up and took out a full roll of the white tape we use as part of what Patty likes to call “the full service gag.”

“It’ll be like in the movies – the bad girl uses tape to secure and silence the kids.”

I knew it would at least make things easier for me, so I nodded and said “all right – when Lisa comes back into the room, you go and get yourself ready, and I’ll play with her first.”

“Play what with her,” Lisa said as she came in, wearing a pink vest top and knee length bottoms. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail.

“What we talked about earlier,” Charlie said as he left, Lisa looking at me as she said “Great – can I just ask you put Cartoon Network or something like that on?”

“I’ll decide that,” I said as I grabbed Lisa from behind, putting my hand over her mouth and saying “You’re going to be a good little girl, and do whatever I say without making a scene, aren’t you?”

“Lbgddd” Lisa mumbled as she nodded, so I picked up the roll of tape and said quietly “Good – lie face down on the bed, and put your hands behind your back.”

“Who are you, and why are you doing this,” she said in a shaky voice as she lay down, and I arranged her arms behind her back so that her elbows rested in the palms of her hands.

“Someone who knows your parents will pay a great deal of money to have you back safely,” I said, trying to be as evil as possible as I taped her wrists to her arms.

“Sorry, Ali,” Lisa giggled as she turned her head and looked at me, “you can’t do an evil voice to save your life.”

“I know, I know – Angie’s much better at it than me,” I said as I taped her ankles together, and then her legs below and above her knees, then helped her to sit up while I taped her upper arms to her sides. “But don’t think that means you can get the better of me…”

“Hey, what are you doing to my sister?”

I turned round to see Charlie standing there, wearing a pair of blue cotton pyjamas.

“Charlie, run,” Lisa said, but before he could take two steps I grabbed him and put my hand over his mouth.

“I wondered where little brother was,” I said as he squirmed under my grip, “you’re going to do whatever I tell you, got it?”

“Ltmgggunstwwgrl,” he mumbled under my hand, but I held firm and smiled as I said “Tell him.”

“Please, Charlie, she said she’d hurt me,” Lisa said, so Charlie stopped and then nodded.

“Good – hands behind your back please,” I said, and as Charlie moved them behind I crossed and taped his wrist together, then taped them to his back with a band around his waist, followed by one around his arms and stomach.

“Sit on the bed next to your sister,” I said, so Charlie got on the bed, saying “I’ll make sure she can’t hurt us,” as he watched me taping his ankles and legs together.

“Now then – I need to make a little phone call, so you two need to be quiet,” I then said as I tore off two strips of the tape, and pressed them over their mouths – yeah, not a really effective gag, but it was a simple game, after all, and they played along, mumbling to each other as I put on the cartoon network channel and let them watch it while I caught up on some messages on my phone.

Do you know how sometimes, you fall asleep and don’t realise you have until much later? Well, they were so good and so quiet, and the room so warm, that I must have dozed off in the chair I was sitting in – because when I came to, they were both free, and I had my arms taped down to the arms of the chair, and my ankles and legs taped together – not to mention a strip of tape pressed down firmly over my own mouth.

“Hswttlrrddd,” I mumbled as I wriggled round, more for show than anything.

They’d slipped my shoes off me as well, as Charlie said “We got the bad woman, Lisa – what do you say to the idea of punishing her?”

“Whtrufnkkg – hnnnnn,” I mumbled as they knelt down and started tickling the soles of my feet, making me laugh out loud into the tape. For once, I was glad it wasn’t a full gag – because the way I was laughing, I could have started choking if the tape hadn’t come away, and I was able to laugh out loud.

This went on for a little while, before there was a knock on the door and Lisa went to see who it was. Uncle Alex took one look at me when he came in, and said “All right kids – time for bed, but gather all the tape up and put it in a bag to give to me first.”

“Yes Mister Holderness,” Charlie said as he freed me, and then helped his sister to clear up.

“Fell asleep?”

I nodded as I said “I won’t make that mistake again.”

“Never say never,” he said with a smile as Charlie handed him the bag, and I made my way back to my own room.




“Ah there you are,” Mrs Williamson said as I came down to breakfast the next morning, “I hear my children gave you a little trouble last night.”

“Not really, just fun and games,” I said with a smile as I sat down. “How was your day?”

“Very interesting,” she said with a smile as the kids came over, saying “Hi Ali” as they sat down with their breakfasts.

“You’re heading up to join Heidi and her family later today aren’t you,” Mrs Williamson said as she looked at me.

“That’s right – after breakfast, Uncle Alex has a hire car ready and we’re going to drive up.”

“Well, you might like to know we’ve changed our plans, and we’ll see you there on Friday.”

“We have,” Lisa said as she looked up, “what’s happened?”

“Brian and Sarah Holderness-Carter have asked if we can also be godparents to their baby twins, so we’re going to delay going to Martha’s Vineyard until Monday, and stay there with them for the weekend instead. They’re having the ceremony in the same town as Heidi lives in, so you’ll get to meet all her friends as well.”

“Fine by me,” Lisa said, but Charlie picked at his food.

“Heidi said there was a boy some of them knew – Freddie. I’m sure there will be other boys as well, so you don’t feel like Bobby does when we get together,” I said with a smile.

“Morning all,” Uncle Alex said as he sat down, “Mark says you’re going to be Godparents as well, Yvonne.”

“That’s right – do you know the others?”

“Well, did you meet Amy at the wedding?”

“Only in passing – she’s Heidi’s mother, right?”

“That’s right – well, Jack Hawkins is a friend of Brian’s, while Chloe and James are young friends of theirs. Angela knows Chloe well – a French student who looks as if she is going to settle over there.”

“Well, I look forward to getting to know them all better – we’re meeting you lot on Saturday for a rehearsal and lunch, and then the event on the Sunday, right?”

I nodded – this was going to be a more interesting holiday than I had thought it would be.



Maine in the summer is an interesting place – like England in a lot of ways, but a bit warmer. We left Boston at about ten, and stopped for lunch on the way up at a roadside diner, but it was nearly five by the time we arrived at the address Amy had given us.

We’d never been to their new home, so it was quite a revelation to see how large a place it was – but it was even better to see Heidi come out with Cindy to greet us as we got out of the car. Heidi was wearing a sleeveless red cheesecloth blouse, the front tied under her chest, and denim shorts with trainers, while Cindy was wearing a black t-shirt and leggings, her dark hair slightly longer than I had remembered it.

“Welcome to Casa Strong Elsworth,” Heidi said as we hugged. “Come on in – mom’s just brewing up some coffee.”

They led us into the house and through into the kitchen, where Amy Strong was standing at the coffee machine. She smiled at us and said “Hey there – ready for a drink?”

I could see how much Heidi had grown – she was almost as tall as her blonde haired mother now, while Cindy was still a little smaller and not as thin.

“Where’s Dorothy,” Uncle Alex said as he sat down.

“Work – she’ll be back in a few minutes. Did you hear about Mark and Yvonne?”

“Joining the throng of godparents? I heard – these two kids are going to have quite a bit of support. I imagine they have grown a bit as well?”

“A little – how’s Susan?”

“Growing as well.”

“Do you know if it is a boy or a girl yet?”

“No comment – besides, Connie is due to give birth next.”

“So I hear – and how are those twins?”

“Walking, and causing merry mayhem for their parents. We took them with us and Andrew to a play group, and they virtually monopolised the bricks between themselves.”

“I’m home,” we heard a voice say, and Dorothy Elsworth came in, putting her briefcase down and kissing Amy before she took a mug of coffee.

“How was the drive up,” she finally said as she sat down.

“Very nice – so what are the plans for the next few days?”

“Not much – you’re free to do what you want, but be warned – the girls are having a sleepover Friday night.”

“So Ali told me – I presume we’re getting out of the way?”

“Katherine’s invited us round to her place.”

“We’re going round to see Jan after dinner, lay the plans for Friday,” Heidi said as she looked at me, “want to come along?”

“Sounds good,” I said as I sipped my coffee. I was sure we had a lot to talk about with each other…
Last edited by KP Presents on Wed Aug 20, 2014 7:50 am, edited 1 time in total.
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby John Kennon Smith » Wed Aug 20, 2014 6:57 am

What fun!!!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby Imp Caesar Augustus » Wed Aug 20, 2014 7:13 am

What an interesting update! Keep up the good work, KP!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby John Kennon Smith » Wed Aug 20, 2014 7:16 am

The weekend would be fun!!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby Tom Ford » Wed Aug 20, 2014 7:21 am

Once again, Charlie strikes again! Well, Charlie and Lisa. They do have to tie up their babysitter, I assume. Otherwise, what kind of naughty kids are they?

Looks like the mission of Jay Edwards, as expected, was a success!! And it seemed as if they sprang the news of the Williamsons being godparents while they were Jay and Mrs McPhee!

So Alicia will join the gang from the US, while Lisa, I would assume, would have a grand time with Jannifer’s little sisters, as they are of the same age! Charlie I’m sure will find Freddie a lot of fun!

Lots of good thing will happen, but not yet, I assume. The Christening will be a grand event, but I’m looking forward also to the weekend tie up games that will be cooked up by the Americans!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby Tom Ford » Wed Aug 20, 2014 7:48 am

Just a minor quibble, but...

KP Presents wrote:“You’re heading up to join Heidi and her family later today aren’t you,” Mrs Williamson said as she looked at me.

“That’s right – after breakfast, Dad has a hire car ready and we’re going to drive up.”


That should be Uncle Alex as Simon remained in England.

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby KP Presents » Wed Aug 20, 2014 7:51 am

Tom Ford wrote:Just a minor quibble, but...

KP Presents wrote:“You’re heading up to join Heidi and her family later today aren’t you,” Mrs Williamson said as she looked at me.

“That’s right – after breakfast, Dad has a hire car ready and we’re going to drive up.”


That should be Uncle Alex as Simon remained in England.


Fixed
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby John Kennon Smith » Wed Aug 20, 2014 6:02 pm

Great chapter!!!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby John Kennon Smith » Thu Aug 21, 2014 12:32 am

Great update!!!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby John Kennon Smith » Thu Aug 21, 2014 1:27 am

Please please update really really soon!!!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby William F Somebody » Thu Aug 21, 2014 1:46 am

Charlie strikes again! There’s really no rest for the wicked!!

Alicia might not be able to pull an evil voice, but I bet she could still pull the arrogant rich haughty girl voice!

And Alicia would join her American friends for a weekend of fun!!! Lots of tieups would happen, I can’t wait!

It’s gonna be a great great vacation, that is for sure!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby John Kennon Smith » Thu Aug 21, 2014 2:32 am

Hope you update soon!!!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby KP Presents » Mon Aug 25, 2014 5:30 am

Dinner was fun, as Amy had cooked a fish pie, so we sat round and talked about events. Uncle Alex told them how Grandfather was doing – he was recovering well, and slowly getting back to his old self. Grandmother had also sent her love, as well as some christening presents – but they were a secret for now.

“Is it right that Cassie Jr and Suzie are coming to your school this year,” Cindy said as she passed over the jug of lemonade.

“Yup – I don’t think Jenny is too bothered about it, but it’s not just them – Pippa, Hazel and Clare are coming as well.”

“The gang of five in the same school? Any idea if they will be in the same class?”

“I don’t know,” I said, “they find out when they start, but the poor darlings start the day before us.”

Dorothy brought out a Key Lime pie, which we ate with great gusto, and then we excused ourselves and left the house, walking through the estate as we talked about absolutely nothing in particular.

As we got to Jannifer’s place, Heidi knocked on the door, and we waited until it was opened by a thin, blonde haired woman wearing a floor length skirt and a white blouse.

“Oh hi girls,” their mother said, “Jannifer’s in the front room if you want to go through.” She opened the door and allowed us to go in, where Jannifer was sitting, wearing a pair of yellow leggings and a matching t-shirt.

“Hey,” she said as she stood up and hugged me, “how was Boston?”

“Warm and tiring,” I said with a smile, “especially with Charlie and Lisa to watch over.”

“Yeah, I remember them – did you know they’re coming here this weekend?”

“So Uncle Alex told me - they’re going to be godparents as well.”

“Quite a collection isn’t it,” Jannifer said as we sat down, “you and your Uncle Alex, Anne, Alice’s dad, and now the Williamsons. Wonder why they picked you?”

“Because we will be loving and caring godparents, of course,” I said as I sat down. “Where are the twins anyway?”

“Upstairs – a friend from their class called round and they took him up there.”

“Him? At their age?”

“He’s not that much younger than Cassie, and neither are they,” Jannifer said as Heidi looked at her.

“Freddie? You let them take him up to your room?”

“Sure – what could possibly happen?”

“Jan, my dearest friend, did you not hear what happened when I babysat last week?”

“The way I heard it,” Cindy said, “you got taped real good by both of them – something they did to both of us while we were away.”

“Half right,” Heidi said as Blossom brought in some drinks, and then went back out again. “I got taped real good, and tickled real good, but it wasn’t them who did it – it was Freddie.”

“Freddie? He looks as if butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth.”

“Really? Have you heard anything from them since they went upstairs?”

Jannifer looked at Heidi, and then stood up.

“Mind if I come and see as well,” I said.

“Sure – what about you two?”

“We’ll wait here – shouldn’t take you too long “

I followed Jannifer up the stairs and into one of the bedrooms, waiting as she opened the door and looked in.

“Oh great,” she said as she turned and looked at me, “are you sure none of you guys know Freddie?”

She opened the door to see Britney and Margo lying on their beds, looking at Jannifer and saying “Hlllshee” through the white scarves tied between their lips.

Both girls were wearing shorts and t-shirts, with their bare feet tied at their ankles and to their wrists, which were secured behind their backs.

Between the beds stood a ten year old boy, with short brown hair, who looked at both of us and said, “Hey Jannifer – I was just playing with the twins. Who’s your friend?”

“Alicia,” Jannifer said with a sigh, “this is Frederick Cork the Second, Freddie to one and sundry. Freddie, Alicia is a friend of Heidi’s from the UK.”

“Hey,” the boy said, “good to meet you. I’ll let them go once they ask for it.”

“Which, knowing those two, may be some time,” Jannifer said with a sigh. “All right, but try and keep the noise down, all right?”

Closing the door, Jannifer shook his head as I looked at her.

“Charlie is going to get on very well indeed with him,” I said as I heard the laughing behind the closed door.

“Let’s just leave them to it,” Jannifer said as they walked down the stairs, just in time to see Natalie and Alice come in. Nats was wearing a white sleeveless blouse and long skirt, but I could see the rope anklets above her bare feet, while Alice had her hair back in a ponytail, and was wearing a red crop top and leggings with her trainers.

“Hey Ali,” Nats said as we hugged each other, “Left the oldsters to their own devices, did you?”

“More like we dragged her out to plan some fun,” Heidi said from the doorway. “Come on – we want all the gossip. How’s Martin?”

“Great – he sang a special song for me at my birthday party, and I’m going to take him to a football game at some point. Bobby threatened to take him to a Chelsea game, but we settled for an international instead.”

“So you’re slowly getting him out of his shell?”

“I prefer to think we’re finding a shell we can both be comfortable in,” I said with a smile. “What about you and Dave?”

“Going great, so are Cindy and her guy,” Heidi said as we grabbed some drinks. “And I presume all’s well with Cassie and Jenny?”

“Oh yeah – but the others are playing catch up.”

“Really? Don’t tell me Mary and Cathy have beaus as well?”

“Oh yea – Mary is stepping out with Mark Cottrell, a guy from our class, and Cathy has met a young man called Sam Stewart. He’s the little brother of Mrs Boyle.”

“Good – about time they found someone to step out with,” Nats said as she tucked her legs under her skirt. “So what else are we missing out on?”

We spent the next hour or so discussing girls, boys, and life in general, eating snacks and drinking soft drinks. I actually managed to unwind more than I had during the trip – as evidence by the fact Heidi shook me and said “Hey, sleepy head – are we boring you?”

“Sorry,” I said as I shook myself, “I must have dozed off.”

“Well, we’re done for now anyway,” she said as I stood up. “Come on – we’ll get you back and into your bed.”






I woke up the next day unsure of what time it was – the light was shining through the windows, and I could hear birds singing outside, but I had no idea what time it was.

So I got up and walked down the stairs, where Amy and Dorothy were sitting in the front room with Uncle Alex.

“Morning,” I said as I looked in.

“Afternoon – it’s just past midday,” Amy said as she stood up, “come and sit down and I’ll get you something to eat.”

“Thanks – for letting me sleep in and for the food,” I said as I sat down. “Where are the girls?”

“Went out for some stuff for Friday night,” Dorothy said. “They said to let you rest, and then the three of you are going out for pizza tonight.”





The next few days passed like a blur, as all of us spent time at the mall, at the cinema, all the things a bunch of fourteen year old girls would do. In fact, I kinda lost track of time – unusual for me, I know, but I did, because I hadn’t realised Friday had come round until we came in and saw Lisa and Charlie sitting in the room.

“Hey,” Lisa said, “we just go there, and came to pay respects to the others. How’s your week been?”

“Not bad,” I said with a smile, “yours?”

“Mum and Dad kept us busy,” Charlie said with a smile. “Anyway, what’s this I hear about you girls having a sleepover tonight?”

“You’re not invited,” Heidi said as she looked at him.

“It’s all right – the twins asked if we wanted to go round. They said they had a friend for Charlie to talk to as well.”

The three of us looked at each other, before Dorothy said “Listen, about that friend,” and took Lisa out of the room.

“What is she talking about,” Charlie said as he looked at me.

“Nothing for you to worry about, nothing at all,” Heidi said as she sat next to him. “Where are your parents?”

“Talking to your mum and aunt in the kitchen,” Charlie said.

“We’ll be back in a minute,” Heidi said as we went through, to see Mr and Mrs Williamson sitting with Amy and Heidi’s Aunt Veronica.

“Hey,” Veronica said, “I was just saying to Mark and Yvonne that the ‘oldies’ are coming round to my place tonight. We’ll leave the house to you lot, while Charlie and Lisa sleep over at Blossom’s place.”

“Sounds good – so long as you leave the money for the pizzas,” Heidi said.

“Of course - why would we forget the most important things,” Amy said with a smile as she looked at her watch.

“That’s my mom,” Heidi said with a smile as she hugged her.


As seven o’clock came round, the adults had disappeared, and the three of us were sitting in the drawing room, DVDs and drinks at the ready. I was wearing a pair of light blue pyjamas, Cindy was in a knee length white nightgown, and Heidi in a powder pink vest top and shorts.

The next to arrive was Jannifer, who nipped upstairs and came back in her by now infamous Disney Princess nightgown, this time in purple.

“I’ve heard of this, but…”

“Ali, just get it over with.”

“It suits you.”

Jannifer smiled as Cindy went to let in Alice and Natalie, but when they came down I saw they had brought a friend as well.

“Alicia,” Natalie said, “this is Fi, a friend from school. Fi, Alicia Bowden.”

“Pleased to meetcha,” she said as she sat down. Fi was wearing a short sleeved pink nightdress, which came to above her knees, while Nats had on a shorts and t-shirt combo, and Alice an old black t-shirt over some tights.

“Right – pizza is ordered, drinks are here,” Heidi said, “what are we going to do first?”
Last edited by KP Presents on Mon Aug 25, 2014 6:39 am, edited 1 time in total.
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby The Wrapster » Mon Aug 25, 2014 6:31 am

Oops! Alicia's second name is Bowden, not Holderness!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby KP Presents » Mon Aug 25, 2014 6:39 am

The Wrapster wrote:Oops! Alicia's second name is Bowden, not Holderness!


Fixed
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby John Kennon Smith » Mon Aug 25, 2014 6:59 am

What fun!!

Re: An Education: The Christening

Postby Tom Ford » Mon Aug 25, 2014 7:12 am

I like this update! Alicia finally meets with most of Heidi’s gang! I am anticipating the fun that they will have!

Something’s amiss about Freddie! I wonder what that is? But I’m just happy Charlie won’t be alone! They can play together with Lisa, and of course, the twins. Speaking of which, just how old are Britney and Margo? Freddie is the same class as them, and he is ten, so maybe they are ten too. But I thought that they were 12, so they were suitable playmates for Cassie and Suzie when they visited two years ago?

I wonder if we could have a sneak peek into the dastardly plans that the boys have for Lisa and the twins?

I really am looking forward to some tie up games!!