THE GIRlS SCHOOL (the crossover from FOL)
The beginning of the story unfolds during the 'DIFFERENT STROKES' pilot episode 'The girl's school', and the main characters are MRS GARRET, BLAIR and KIMBERLY along with the rest of the 'lost girls crew', as well as Arnold, Willis and Mr Drummond. The reason I decided to write a story from the very beginning of the show, is to give the characters a chance to shine: a fact that I felt the show failed to do. The first chapter reflects on what really happened during the cross over between DIFFERENT STROKES and FOL (although I have altered some of the original in my story).
Eastlake spring 1979.
14 year old Kimberly descends the stairs leading to the kitchen where her beloved housekeeper, Edna Garret worked: she was a slightly plump, feisty middle aged red haired woman who had quite a great sense of humour, although quite a temper when provoked. Smiling amused at the ginger haired girl with the freckles, she asks:
"What's with you today, Kimberly? You look like you haven't slept all night."
Arnold Jackson, a 9 year old street wise black kid and the youngest of Philip Drummond adopted son, answers amused: "don't worry Mrs Garret! She isn't hangover!"
"Arnold!"
The housekeeper shakes her head disapprovingly, and turning her attention back to the ginger haired girl with the freckles, she continues: "so what's wrong with you, honey?"
"Our headmaster Mr Crocker, 'the crock' as we call him has given me quite a hard task: he wants me to take care of the costumes for the 'Eastland spring play', and I don't have time with all my homework!" Kimberly exclaims exasperated.
"Well, what about the housemother? Isn't that supposed to be her job?"
"She quit. Mr Crocker drove her into insanity!" Kimberly continues.
"Well, I'm quite good with sewing and I'd be willing to help." Edna replies, starting on the breakfast.
"Would you? Oh that's great! Thank you Mrs Garret!"
"Of course she can: Mrs Garret is like superman in a woman!" Arnold adds, winking an eye at the feisty red haired housekeeper.
"Of course, it all depends if Mr Drummonds allows me to leave the kitchen duties on him." Edna continues, winking at them.
"Oh I'm sure dad won't mind, if it's to help his only daughter!" Kimberly replies laughing.
"As long as he can take care of himself while I'm away, I guess I've nothing to worry about."
As if on due, Philip Drummond, a tall middle aged man with silver hair enters the kitchen, and walking towards him, Kimberly begs: "please daddy, can Mrs Garret come to my school today to help me sew the costumes for my play? You know how important it is, and our last housemother has left."
"I don't have any objection, as long as it has anything to do with school. If Edna can help, then she shall go with you." Philip Drummond replies kindly.
"Thank you daddy: I knew you wouldn't let me down!"
"Well, then it's settled!"
"Can Mrs Garret stay overnight? It's Friday, and we'll be coming home together on Saturday morning." Kimberly continues.
"Well….."
"Daddy, please?"
"Alright, I suppose I can take care of the boys for one day." Philip Drummond answers, hesitantly.
"Hey Mr Drummond, does that mean we'll have junk food for dinner?" Arnold asks, frowning.
Willis Jackson, the eldest adopted black son of Philip Drummond walks into the kitchen and asks: "did I hear something about having junk food for dinner? Is Mrs Garret sick or something?"
"Boys please! Mrs Garret is staying overnight at Kimberly's school, and since when do I serve junk food in the house? The middle aged man with silver hair continues.
"Well, we know for a fact that you cannot cook. So what else is it left to do?" Arnold replies, giggling.
"I repeat Mr Drummond: what are we going to have for food tonight?" Willis continues.
"Well, how does, a 'juicy steak and French fries' sound to you?" The silver haired middle aged man asks, winking his eye at the boys.
"Where are we going to get that kind of food?" Arnold asks, widening his eyes.
"We're going to the best restaurant in town!" Philip chuckles.
"I knew it!" Both boys yell in unison.
"Boys, won't you have breakfast?" The housekeeper interrupts giggling: she enjoyed so much watching the interaction between the two black young boys and the middle aged white man.
"Great idea: I'm starving!" Arnold yells, grabbing a chair.
"Yes, something smells nice." Willis agrees joining him at the table.
Turning her attention to the ginger haired girl with the freckles, Edna continues:
"What about you, Kimberly?"
"I'll just have coffee: I'm not hungry anyway, and I need to get ready for school."
"Don't you know breakfast is the most important meal of the day?" The housekeeper insists.
"Mrs Garret is right Kimberly. And besides, I'm the one driving you, there so you've got plenty of time." Philip Drummond agrees.
"Alright, I'll have some of your omelette Mrs Garret."
"That's my girl!" The feisty red haired housekeeper exclaims, clapping her hands.
"So, what are you going to wear, Mrs Garret?" Kimberly asks her curiously.
"Wear?"
"Well, you're not going to leave the house naked!" Arnold giggles at his own joke, but Willis kicks him hard on the leg to silent him.
"Boys, that's enough!" Philip Drummond says, eyeing them severely.
"Boys will always be boys!" Kimberly says, rolling her eyes.
"Well, I better get ready. I think I know exactly what I'm going to wear!" The feisty red haired housekeeper answers, winking an eye at them before heading to her room to change.
8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
Eastland School for girls, on Friday morning
Making her entrance towards Kimberly's school, Edna is taken aback at the imposing building in front of her: the 'Eastland School for girls' was exactly the kind of place she'd always dreamed to be as a little girl. It had a huge playing ground too, and its green surrounding with the smell of fresh pine reminded her so much of her home town 'Appleton Wisconsin'. Everything about it felt so familiar to her, and yet she she'd never been there before.
"So, what do you think of it?" Kimberly asks, taking her out of her reverie.
"Oh Kimberly, it's beautiful! When I was a little girl, I always wanted to go in a school just like this!"
"You look very smart today: who are you trying to impress?" The ginger haired girl with the freckles asks, eyeing the red outfit with the black trench coat her housekeeper was wearing.
"Well, I want to make a good impression. You know, like when you go to a job interview." Edna answers, winking an eye at her.
"Wait until you see what's inside!" The ginger haired girl giggles, and as she opens the main door, Edna finds herself staring a bunch of loud screaming girls, jumping up and down at the sound of the disco beat. Widening her eyes in chock, she tries to take a step inside but is pushed by several rolling skating teenagers who are busy dancing to the music beat. Shaking her head disapprovingly, the feisty red haired housekeeper tries to whistle to get her attention, failing miserably:
"Quiet, GIRLS!"
"Hey Mrs Garret, let me see if I can help you calm down the noise."
And walking towards the noisy students, the ginger haired girl shouts: "hi guys! Can we please have your attention?"
"Is it always that loud, Kimberly?" Edna asks her bewildered.
"No. This is actually a quiet day: it normally gets louder."
"If it got any louder I'd probably get a heart attack!" Edna laughs incredulously, and whistling with all her might, she finally manages to quiet down some of the noise.
"Hi guys, let me introduce you my housekeeper: this is Mrs Garret!" Kimberly screams loudly to be heard.
"Hi girls my name is Edna Garret!"
"Here, let me introduce you all my friends: this is Nancy."
"Hello Nancy." Edna says, extending her hand to the beautiful dark haired girl.
"This is Sue Ann." Kimberly continues, nodding towards the pretty blond haired girl with the long hair.
"Hello Sue Ann."
"This is Cindy."
"Hello Cindy." Edna says, shaking her hand with another pretty blond haired girl wearing a ponytail.
"This is Natalie."
"Hello Natalie." Edna shakes hands with a chubby girl.
"This is Molly."
"Hello Molly." Edna smiles, at the little red haired girl with the freckles.
"And, this is Tootie." Kimberly says, pointing to a small black girl on a roller skate.
"Hello Tootie."
"Oh, I almost forgot: That's Blair!" Kimberly finishes, rolling her eyes.
"Hello Blair." Edna continues extending her hand, but the pretty golden haired girl just ignores it, and not even bothering to look at the middle aged woman, she simply answers:
"Hi!"
Edna frowns at the rudeness of the teenager: she was holding a guitar in her hands, and seemed to be avoiding eye contact with her on purpose. She was also an astonishing beautiful girl and probably knew it, but something about her posture indicated loneliness and vulnerability. The way she kept holding the instrument as if her life depended on it, was proof for the housekeeper that the golden haired girl needed comfort and security. Taking a deep breath, she is ready to approach the lonely girl, but Kimberly interrupts her:
"Mrs Garret, let's start on the sewing. Hey guys, my housekeeper is willing to help us with our costumes!"
"Great! Can you help me first with mine? I think I chipped my nail!" The pretty blond haired girl with long hair exclaims.
"Poor Sue Ann: have you been sewing your nails instead of the material?" The beautiful golden haired girl says, rolling her eyes.
"Blair, my nails are chipped!" Sue Ann moans.
"Sue Ann, true blood would never mix with your kind of blood." The beautiful golden haired girl continues, getting up the sofa with her guitar in her hands.
"You know Blair, it's a shame you're not part of 'A midsummer night': you could have played both mean sisters from Cinderella. Nancy retorts with sarcasm.
Rolling her eyes, Blair continues to walk with her guitar in her hands, and smiling amused, Edna watches in fascination the interaction between the teenage girls: it reminded her so much of her youth back in 'Wisconsin' with her friends from school.
"So will you help us with the sewing?" Various girls interrupt her, and rolling her eyes, the feisty red haired housekeeper yells:
"One at a time, please? God helps the ones that are willing to put effort and….."
Suddenly her eyes catch a smoke coming from behind one of the sofas, and running towards it, Edna screams: "FIRE!"
Her surprise is obvious when she spots the golden haired girl with a cigarette in her hands, and glaring at her disapprovingly, Edna exclaims: "Oh, it's you!"
"You know, in my home, housekeepers know their place."
"And in my home, so do little girls!"
And kneeling down right in front of the teenage girl, Edna glares at her to show her authority. In all her years of experience looking after children, she had never come across one as arrogant as the ill- mannered girl who kept inhaling the cigarette, oblivious of the older woman's glare at her. She is about to add something, when the sudden interruption distracts her:
"It's Mr Crocker!" someone yells, terrified.
"Hello Mr Crocker!" The little black girl with roller skates yells, and rolling towards a middle aged man with grey hair, she stumbles into one of the stand for the play.
"When will you learn how to walk, Tootie? You're already eleven years old!" The headmaster yells in frustration. But suddenly he begins to sniff:
"I smell SMOKE!"
And coming closer, the grey haired middle aged man stops in front of each girl: "Who is smoking? Is it you?"
The red haired little girl with freckles shakes her head.
"Or you?"
Various girls shake their heads afraid. Edna snatches quickly the cigarette from Blair's hand before Mr Crocker reaches her, and at the sight of the red haired middle aged woman holding the cigarette in her hands, the headmaster frowns:
"You were smoking? But you're not a girl!"
"That's right. What are you going to do? Are you going to expel me?" The feisty red haired woman asks, amused.
Kimberly burst out laughing, and coming closer, she takes the cigarette out of the housekeeper's hand, frowning: "but you don't smoke Mrs Garret!"
"Oh Kimberly, I smoke all sorts of things: Bamboo, joints, you name it!"
"Weird lady, you are!" The headmaster exclaims, shaking his head.
Edna waits until Mr Crocker is out of sight, and turning towards the golden haired girl, she glares at her angrily.
"You shouldn't have taken the cigarette out of my hands: I don't care if I get nailed." The ill-mannered teenager answers stubbornly to the middle aged woman, to show her that she wasn't intimidated by her.
"If you keep smoking like that, your mortician is going to nail you."
Blushing, the golden haired girl lowers her eyes to avoid the older woman severe glare on her. Suddenly, Edna is pulled away by a bunch of screaming girls asking at once help with their sewing, and raising her voice, she yells:
"I said one at a time, please!"
"Do you know that we haven't had anything to eat in two hours, and to you have any candy?" The little red haired girl with freckles asks, approaching the feisty red haired housekeeper.
"No, I don't." Edna answers surprised.
"I shouldn't eat them anyway: cyst!" The red haired girl with freckles continues, pointing at her cheek.
"Please Mrs Garret I don't know how to saw!" One short haired girl moans throwing the dress at her.
"Me neither!" Another group of girls add, throwing more dresses at the housekeeper.
"Alright, let me take a look at it, but I'll go inside one of the rooms to get away from the noise if you don't mind."
And grabbing all the dresses with her, Edna opens the first bedroom door she spots, but to her surprise she comes face to face with the pretty dark haired girl, who was crying her heart out:
"Oh honey, there is no need to cry. I'll help you with the dresses too."
"It's not the dress I'm worried about. I just got a letter from my father saying he's lost his job, and because I'm on a scholarship I may have to leave school." Nancy answers in tears.
"Oh dear I'm so sorry to hear that. Maybe I can help?"
"This is a terrific school and I've got all my friends here: what am I going to do?" Nancy whimpers.
As if on due, Mr Crock enters inside the room, and at the sight of the teenager crying, he explodes: "Nancy, what on earth are you doing? You need to practise for the play!"
"The girl has just found out she lost her scholarship: maybe you can help?" Edna suggests.
"The play is the only important thing right now. Never mind her scholarship!"
"In that case, why don't you give her one for the theatre? I'm sure the girl is very talented." Edna insists.
"Listen lady, there are no scholarships for the theatre: it is based on academic records and not a play!"
"This is important Mr Crocker, and I will see that this talented young girl gets her scholarship, even if it's the last thing I do! And now if you'll excuse me, I have plenty of sewing to do."
"What a feisty lady you are!" The headmaster exclaims before leaving the room.
Looking imploringly at the middle aged red haired woman, Nancy asks in a little voice: "will you really do that for me? I mean, you hardly know me at all."
"Leave it to me honey. I have my connections you know." The feisty red haired housekeeper answers, winking an eye at her.
8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
Meanwhile, back at the 'Mansion Drummond'…
Philip Drummond is reading the daily newspaper, seating comfortably in the sofa of his living room when the phone next to him suddenly rings. Picking it up, he answers it:
"Hello! Is that you, Edna? Is something wrong with Kimberly?"
Hanging up the phone after a few minutes, the silver haired middle aged man dials another number: "Mr Williams? It's Drummond on the phone, how are you? I have a favour I need to ask you. It's for my daughter's school…"
888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
'Eastland School for Girls', late afternoon
It was time for the play, and Nancy was a nervous wreck: "what if I fail Mrs Garret?"
"Just remember what I told you about my connection Nancy. Have faith in me, and concentrate!" Edna replies, smiling at the dark haired girl with kindness.
"I hate to interrupt your chat, but it's time for the play, and you ARE the main Nancy, you have to act NOW!" Mr Crock bellows, entering the room again without knocking.
"Go on honey, you'll be terrific!" Edna exclaims reassuringly, and putting her arms around the dark haired girl's shoulder, she heads with her back into the noisy living room.
"There you are Mrs Garret! I've been looking all over for you!" Kimberly exclaims excitedly: she was dressed as a tree for the play, and her outfit was stunning.
"I was with Nancy."
"I wanted to thank you for sewing all our dresses for the play: you really are terrific Mrs Garret!" The ginger haired girl with the freckles continues excitedly.
"I do my best!" The feisty red haired housekeeper answers, winking an eye at her.
"Wait until you see Nancy perform: she's a terrific actress!"
"I don't know about that, Kimberly…." The dark haired girl answers, nervously.
"Of course you are, so show them!"
"Ladies and gentlemen, the play begins: 'a midsummer night!'"
The loud speaker announces interrupting them, and stepping forwards, the dark haired girl begins with her lines…
Edna cast a quick glance at all the girl's outfits, until her eyes spot the ill-mannered golden haired girl: she was sulking but looked radiant in her light purple outfit. Was she supposed to be a fairy? Focusing her attention back to Kimberly, she says:
"Will the tree come back here for a minute? I need to talk to you."
"What are you cooking at, Mrs Garret?" The ginger haired girl with the freckles asks, putting her arms around the housekeeper's shoulder.
"I need to confess something to you: I rang your father earlier on, and they might be a chance for your friend Nancy to get a scholarship for the theatre."
"That's great Mrs Garret! Arnold may be right: you are a superman dressed in a woman's outfit!"
Both of them giggle, and suddenly Kimberly continues: "my line is coming up!"
"Break a leg!" Edna replies, winking an eye at her.
"Thanks!"
Edna focuses her attention back to Nancy: she was a terrific actress indeed, and when the play is finally over, everyone claps their hands.
"Bravo!" A middle aged man shouts coming closer to the dark haired girl, and shaking hands with her, he continues: "my name is Bruce Williams and I'm an agent. I believe you have a future in the acting department young lady, which is why I'm granting a scholarship for the THEATRE!"
"WHAT?" Mr Crock screams bewildered, but before he has time to answer, the doorbell rings, and Arnold, Willis and Philip Drummond walk inside.
"Oh Mr Drummond, you're here!" Edna exclaims excitedly.
"Well of course I am! I kept my promise and spoke to my friend Bruce, then went to pick up the boys from school, and now we came to pick you and Kimberly up, to treat for a dinner at a fancy restaurant."
"Great! I don't have to cook!" The housekeeper yells excitedly.
"Can someone tell me what's going on?" Kimberly asks, stepping forwards, to hug her father and her two brothers.
"Well, after Mrs Garret found out that your friend Nancy was going to lose her scholarship, she contacted me knowing I had some connections, and so I rang immediately Bruce Williams." Philip Drummond answers excitedly.
"Does that mean I can stay? Wow! You were right Mrs Garret, and thank you!" Nancy exclaims hugging the housekeeper.
"You are, BRUCE WILLIAMS: the greatest theatre director in Peekskills?" Mr Crock interrupts, bewildered.
"The one and only, which is why I'm giving this young lady a chance to shine!"
"How long have you been watching the play? I didn't see you come in?" The headmaster continues, gaping.
"I was here long enough to spot a talent when I see one. Young lady, you have earned a scholarship for the 'Eastland School for Girls!"
"Are we allowed to do that?" The headmaster asks, speechless.
"We are from today on!" Bruce Williams replies, shaking hands with Nancy.
"Thank you! Oh, thank you so much!"
And walking towards her friends, the dark haired girl yells: "hey guys guess what, I don't have to leave anymore! I can stay now!"
"That's great Nancy!" Tootie replies, rolling with her skates towards the teenager.
Arnold, who had just spots the small black girl walks towards her: "what's your name little girl?"
"My name is Tootie, and I'm barely a little girl next to you, dwarf."
"Who are you calling dwarf?" Arnold replies, frowning at her.
"I am calling you dwarf, little boy."
"My name is Arnold, and I'm probably older than you, so show some respect!"
"Hardly: I'm already eleven and you're probably under ten!" The black little girl answers laughing.
"You're eleven? Oh well, excuse me older lady for being so cheeky to you. I'm nine but very mature for my age." Arnold insists, shaking hands with Tootie.
"Hey, who's that pretty girl seating by herself?" Willis interrupts, watching the golden haired girl seating on the sofa.
"That's Blair!" Kimberly replies, rolling her eyes.
"She's the most beautiful girl I have ever seen!" Willis exclaims in awe.
"I wouldn't go near her if I were you: she's the nastiest girl at school, and I hear she even dates college guys." The ginger haired girl with the freckles continues.
"She dates college guys? I cannot believe it! She's like our age man!"
"She is definitely pretty, but not as pretty as my Tootie!" Arnold exclaims, winking at the black little girl.
"I'm going to talk to this Blair!" Willis replies, leaving them.
"There is going to be TROUBLE!" Tootie yells, watching the black teenage boy heading towards Blair.
"Why do you say that?" Arnold asks.
"Because Blair is nasty, and she might hurt your big brother."
Kimberly, Tootie and Arnold watch in anticipation as Willis approaches the golden haired girl:
"Hi, my name is Willis!"
Watching the black teenage boy with disdain, Blair replies: "so what is it to me if your name is Willis?"
Taken aback by the rude tone of the golden haired girl, Willis blurts: "well, I thought you and I could be friends. My sister Kimberly goes in this school: you probably know her."
"Kimberly is a pest, and I don't relate to inferior human beings like her." Blair sneers.
"How dare you talk to my sister like that: if you were a boy I would have punch you by now!"
"Why don't you try? You're probably just a coward!" The golden haired girl challenges him.
"Leave my brother alone, or I'm the one who's going to punch you!" Kimberly yells, coming closer to them.
"Punch her Kimberly! Come on!" All the girls shout in unison waiting to see a girl fight, but running toward them, the feisty red haired housekeeper interrupts them:
"Stop it GIRLS! That's no way for young ladies to behave!"
"What are you, her chaperone?" Blair asks, rolling her eyes at Edna.
"I'm her housekeeper as you nicely put it earlier on, and I reserve the right to protect who attack my loved ones." Edna answers sharply.
"The housekeeper, who's coming next: the cook?" The golden haired girl continues with insolence.
"You are very lucky that I am not your housekeeper, otherwise I would have spanked you until you beg for mercy." The feisty red haired housekeeper replies, giving her a murderous look.
"Those are little words for little minds." Blair replies sneering.
"Let's go Kimberly otherwise I won't be responsible for my actions."
And grabbing Arnold and Willis hands in hers, Edna walks towards Philip Drummond: "what about taking us to that fancy restaurant you suggested?"
"Great plan! And on the way to the restaurant, you can tell me all about what you think of my daughter's school."
"Is it alright if we come later tonight, Mr Crock?" The ginger haired girl with the freckles asks, turning towards the headmaster.
"Of course Kimberly, after all it is Friday night!"
"Goodnight everyone and see you tomorrow morning!" Kimberly shouts to all her friends.
"Have fun Kimberly, and don't do anything I wouldn't!" Nancy shouts back.
888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
"That girl is unbearable!" Edna yells angrily once they are in the Drummonds car.
"You mean Blair?" Kimberly asks, eyeing her housekeeper curiously.
"Yes HER of course!" The feisty red haired housekeeper continues furiously.
"Don't mind Blair: she's used to get her way. After all, her parents are wealthy so she gets away with anything." Kimberly continues, rolling her eyes.
"Well if she were my own child, I would have sitting her between my legs for a spanking until she begs for mercy!" Edna bellows.
"I'd like to see that!" Arnold joins, cheekily.
"But she is so beautiful!" Willis adds dreamily.
"How can you say that after the way she spoke to you?" Kimberly asks bewildered.
"I'm afraid your brother has a crush on that ill-mannered girl." Edna says, frowning.
"Willis, you have to forget her: Blair is a bad seed." Kimberly continues, worried.
"I wouldn't call her a bad seed. All she needs is a firm hand, and someone to guide her to the right path." The housekeeper replies firmly.
"Mrs Garret, you're too nice for your own good! Blair is REALLY evil, and she doesn't deserve any mercy!" The ginger haired girl with the freckles replies, shaking her head.
"Who's this Blair everyone is talking about?" Philip Drummond interrupts.
"She's a bad seed." Arnold replies giggling.
"Well, here we are!" Philip Drummond says suddenly stopping his car, and opening the door for them, he escorts them to the elegant restaurant.
"Mr Drummond! Welcome to the best restaurant in town!" The manager of the restaurant exclaims, and as they walk inside, Edna and the children gap in awe: this was going to be brilliant night!
8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
"Thank you for the lovely dinner Mr Drummond!" Edna exclaims, a couple of hours later.
"Well I'm glad you liked it Edna, but I hope you'll be back tomorrow: the house is falling apart without you!" Philip Drummond chuckles.
"Of course I will, and I'm bringing with me my favourite girl!" The housekeeper replies, hugging the ginger haired girl with the freckles.
"What about us? Aren't we your favourite boys?" Arnold asks cheekily.
"Well, of course you are!"
And carrying the little boy, Edna plants a hard kiss on his cheek.
"That's more like it!" Arnold giggles amused.
"Come on, let's all get in the car! It's past everyone's bed time!" Philip interrupts them.
"Is it past your bed time too, Mr Drummond?" Arnold asks, winking at him.
"Wait until I get my hands on you!"
And taking the little black boy in his arms, Philip plants him a hard kiss on the cheek too.
"Are you ok Willis? You haven't said a single word tonight." Kimberly asks, approaching the black teenage boy.
"I guess I'm just tired."
'Or more like thinking about bitch Blair.'
Kimberly frowns: his brother was definitely heading for TROUBLE! Like Tootie always said.
88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
'Eastland School for Girls', late at night….
Getting out of the Drummonds elegant car, Kimberly walks with her housekeeper towards the 'Eastland School for Girls, but as soon as they open the main entrance door they hear giggles:
"Come on Sue Ann, try one: it won't kill you!"
Turning on the lights, Kimberly and Edna discover Blair and Sue Ann with a cigarette in their hands:
"It's you AGAIN!" Edna yells, shaking her head disapprovingly at the sight of the ill-mannered golden haired girl.
"Well hello Kimberly and housekeeper." Blair greets mockingly.
"Are you both crazy? If Mr Drummonds find you smoking in the living room you'll be expelled!" The ginger haired girl with the freckles shouts.
"But you won't tell on us, will you?" Sue Ann pleads.
"Of course she won't. Right, Kimberly!" Blair sneers.
"You should be ashamed of yourself young lady! Didn't your mother teach you how to behave?" Edna continues, eyeing Blair severely.
"I hardly get to see my parents at all: they're always busy… travelling." Blair answers nonchalant.
"That's explains your bad manners. You're very lucky I'm only here to visit: otherwise I would have straightened you by now!" The feisty red haired matron exclaims, giving Blair a warning look.
"Come on Sue Ann, let's go to my room."
"Alright Blair, but what if we get caught?" The pretty blond hair with long hair whines.
"We won't, unless they tell." Blair answers, glancing briefly at Edna before running back upstairs with Sue Ann at her heels.
"That girl brings out the worse in me!" The feisty red haired housekeeper bellows.
"Don't mind her Mrs Garret: luckily I don't room with her. Actually, my roommate is away for the weekend, so you can sleep in her bed."
"You know, I can't believe I'm going to sleep in a dorm: I've always wanted to be in a boarding school when I was a little girl!" Edna exclaims excitedly.
"Well, you could if you took a job as our housemother."
"A job as a housemother me? Here at 'Eastland'? Oh, that's right: you're last one quit because of that headmaster of yours."
"It would be great! You could work for daddy during the week and here on the weekends!" Kimberly yells excitedly.
"It is quite tempting I must say. But what if your headmaster doesn't approve? We didn't exactly hit it off when he found me with the cigarette in my hands."
"With Blair's cigarette and I can't believe you covered up for her after the way she treated you, calling you housekeeper!" Kimberly yells angrily.
"Well, I am a housekeeper."
"You're much more than that Mrs Garret, and never forget that!" Kimberly exclaims hugging Edna briefly, and stopping in front the last door upstairs, she opens it.
"Wow! You've got a lovely room Kimberly! I still cannot believe every housekeeper quit their job because of Mr Crock: that headmaster of yours is a joke, and he doesn't scare me at all!" Edna exclaims amused.
"Well, it wasn't only because of Mr Crock." Kimberly begins reluctantly.
"Oh?"
"The truth is: Blair drove most of them away with her haughty behaviour. They just couldn't stomach her, and left."
"Is that so? Well, if that girl thinks she can get so easily rid of everyone she's wrong: she hasn't met her match yet, and she doesn't know who EDNA GARRET is!" The feisty red haired matron exclaims passionately.
"Are you saying now you've decided to stay, because of BLAIR?" Kimberly asks astonished.
"Oh no, not only because of her: the school does need a housemother, right?" Edna smiles mysteriously: it was time somebody taught the ill-mannered girl a lesson!
Kimberly eyes widen as the sudden realization hits her: Blair Warner, the richest and most cruel girl at school, was in deep TROUBLE….
8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
The next morning after they finish packing, Kimberly and Edna are ready to leave the room, but grabbing her arms, the housekeeper stops her: "what if your headmaster doesn't want me as the housemother of this prestigious school? After all, I was only a housekeeper at your house."
"Have more faith in you Mrs Garret. Like I said, you were more than a housekeeper: you were more like a mother to the boys and me."
"Thank you Kimberly: your words mean a lot to me." Edna answers with tears in her eyes.
"Then let's go to Mr Crock's office."
And walking hand in hand with the feisty red haired housekeeper, Kimberly heads downstairs.
"Hi guys! We're going to Mr Crock's office." Kimberly exclaims, waving at the bunch of girls seating in the living room.
"Why? Are you in trouble?" Tootie asks nosily.
"It's a secret." The ginger haired girl with the freckles answers her, smiling mysteriously.
Kimberly and her housekeeper continue walking towards the hall, until they finally arrive in front of the headmaster's office:
"Come in!" They middle aged man yells, after hearing a knock on the door.
"Good morning Mr Crocker. This is my housekeeper Mrs Garret, the one who helped us with the sewing yesterday for the play, remember her?"
"Oh yes the lady who smokes Bamboo." The headmaster answers, eyeing her curiously.
"Well, I don't usually smoke it at school." Edna begins, but Kimberly interrupts her:
"It wasn't her fault… you see… It was…."
"Leave it Kimberly!" The feisty red haired matron interrupts her, giving her a look of warning.
"Well, what can I do for you, ladies?" The headmaster interrupts impatiently.
"Well…."
"Mrs Garret wants to be the new housemother!" Kimberly replies for her.
"What do you mean by the new HOUSEMOTHER?" Mr Croker shouts widening his eyes.
"Well, it was just an idea… You see…." Edna begins, but the headmaster continues:
"It's not a bad idea at all: in fact, I liked what you did with the girl's dresses, and you even got Nancy Olsen a scholarship."
"Does that mean Mrs Garret gets to stay?" Kimberly asks excitedly.
"Yes, but on one condition: I need you full time."
"Full time: but I work for the Drummond as well!" Edna replies disconcerted.
"You can work weekends for them, and you will work during the week for me: I don't have time to look after the girls, I'm a busy man!" the headmaster shouts impatiently.
"Is it a deal?"
"It's a deal! Are you able to begin on Monday? I will have the contract ready for you to sign when you come in."
"Alright, thank you Mr Crock! You won't regret it." The feisty red haired housekeeper exclaims excitedly.
"Then it's all settled. Is there anything else I can do for you, ladies?"
"Thank you Mr Crock, that's all." Kimberly finishes.
"Have a good day, and see you on Monday morning!" Edna exclaims, closing the door behind her.
"Wow! This is so exciting Mrs Garret: now you're not only going to be my housekeeper, but you'll also be my HOUSEMOTHER!" The ginger haired girl beams happily.
"Kimberly, a new chapter has begun for me: beware GIRLS!"
As they both leave the building, Edna inhales the fresh scent of pines: the 'Eastland School for girls' was truly like 'Appleton Wisconsin'…..
8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
Eastlake, 'Mansion of the Drummonds' on Saturday at noon….
"What do you mean you've got a job as a housemother at the 'Eastland School for Girls'?" Philip Drummond asks bewildered: he had a hard time taking care of the house during the absence of his housekeeper, and now that she was here she'd said she'd leave him.
"I will still work for you on Saturday, and get Sundays off." Edna reassures him.
"But what about the week: I'm a busy man with two kids."
"Why don't you put them in a boy's boarding school, like you did with your daughter?" The feisty red haired matron suggests.
"You want me to put them in a boarding school? No way! The reason I adopted was to spend more time with them."
"Is that why you put me in a boarding school then: to spend less time with me?" Kimberly asks hurt.
"You know very well that's not the reason: when your mother died I was in grief, and putting you in a boarding school was the only thing I could think of at the time. I didn't have our wonderful Edna Garret back then." The middle aged silver haired man replies, smiling warmly at the housekeeper.
"Well, thank you Mr Drummond. That was quite touching!"
"Ok, forget I said that. But will you at least let Mrs Garret work at my school, so she can get a life?" The ginger haired girl insists.
"Well, I suppose I could get someone to cook and clean the house during the week." Philip Drummond relents.
"That's called a housekeeper!" Edna winks at him.
"Oh please daddy, will you let her come and stay with me?" Kimberly pleads.
"Stay where?" Arnold asks, coming out of nowhere.
"Arnold! How long have you been eavesdropping?" Philip Drummond asks, eyeing him severely.
"Hey, I just arrived!"
"Well, you might as well find out soon enough: Mrs Garret is starting a new job, as my housemother for my boarding school." Kimberly replies.
"Whatchoo talking 'bout Mrs Garret?" Arnold asks, frowning.
"I will still work Saturdays here, but during the week I'll be at the 'Eastland School for Girls'."
"Did you say the 'Eastland School for Girls?" Willis interrupts, entering the living room.
"Willis, have you been eavesdropping too?" Arnold asks amused.
"I did it unintentionally. I just happened to walk downstairs, when I heard your raised voices."
"So now you know that Mrs Garret will be working on two jobs: as a housekeeper here on Saturdays, and as a housemother for my school during the week."
"Great! Now I'll really get to see Blair!" The black teenagers exclaims dreamily.
"Willis Jackson, get her out of your head! She's a lost case, I'm telling you!" Kimberly shouts frustrated.
"Not for long: I will straighten that ill-mannered girl, even if it's the last thing I do!" The feisty red haired matron answers, with a twinkle in her eyes.
"What are you cooking at Mrs Garret?" Willis asks frowning.
"Just wait and see. That girl will learn not to mess with Edna Garret!" The feisty red haired matron replies firmly.
"Now there is definitely going to be TROUBLE!" Arnold yells in the Tootie way.
"Why don't you set the table while I prepare lunch, Kimberly?"
"Sure. You know, I'm really looking forward to Monday morning, Mrs Garret."
"So am I Kimberly, so am I. My life will definitely change drastically…."
88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
'Eastland School for Girls' on Monday morning
As soon as she walks towards the tall building with its green surroundings, Edna is taken aback by the beauty of the landscape: this would be her home from now on.
"Come on Kimberly, let's go inside." The feisty red haired matron says taking the girl's hand in hers, and opening the main entrance door, they step inside.
"Let's go into Mr Crocker's office before he changes his mind." Edna says, nervously.
"He won't change his mind, but he likes punctuality."
And walking towards the long corridor, Kimberly and her housekeeper knock at the headmaster's door: "come in!"
"Good morning Mr Crocker." Edna begins.
"Good morning Mrs Garret. Here are the papers for you to sign, as promised." The headmaster answers sharply.
"Where do I sign?"
"You will sign right at the bottom of course." The headmaster replies, handing her a form.
"Mr Drummond, in what room is Mrs Garret going to stay?" Kimberly asks curiously.
"Well, in the housemother's room of course." The headmaster replies drily.
"That's interesting." The ginger haired girl replies, smiling mysteriously.
"Why don't you show our new housekeeper where her room is?" Mr Crocks finishes.
"With pleasure: come on Mrs Garret!" Kimberly answers, grinning.
"Why are you grinning like a Cheshire cat, Kimberly?" Edna asks her as they walk out of the headmaster's office.
"You'll see." Kimberly answers giggling, and heading upstairs, they stop in front of the last door.
"Here is your new room, Mrs Garret." Kimberly says, opening a white door.
"Wow! I've got quite a big room to myself! I wonder who lives opposite me."
As if on due, Blair opens the door and finds herself face to face with the feisty red haired matron: the shock in obvious for both of them, but feigning indifference, the golden haired girl sneers:
"Well, if it isn't Kimberly's housekeeper! Are you here for a visit?"
"As a matter of fact, I am the new HOUSEMOTHER, and this is going to be my room from now on, so beware, because unlike all the others housemothers, I do have curfews!"
"Curfews: what do you mean?" The golden haired girl asks in fear.
"Just what you think I mean, and I'll be keeping my eye on you, so beware!" The feisty red haired matron replies, giving her a look of warning.
Turning pale, Blair goes back inside her room, slamming the door behind her.
"Talk about manners!" Edna yells, shaking her head.
"I think she's afraid of you now." Kimberly replies, smiling.
"Good. And now I'd like you to show me the school and introduce me to everyone, as the new housemother."
"Great idea, so let's go!"
88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
Meanwhile back in her room, Blair was having a hard time: why on earth of all the people, did that horrible woman had to become the new housemother? Full of remorse, she remembers how rudely she had spoken to her just a couple of days ago, and now she had to endure her presence. Sighing, she knew she was in deep trouble. How would she be able to face her now? Kimberly was surely going to make her pay as a revenge. Pacing up and down she wonders what to do, when an idea occurs to her. She was Blair Warner, the richest and meanest girl at school and she'd already driven most of the housemother's away, and this red haired woman was no exception, was she? But somehow deep down, she had doubts. Getting up her bed, she finally decides to be brave and face the world, and opening the door she steps out quietly. The hall was quiet, and the classes had probably begun. Running fast, she bumps into the feisty red haired matron who is on her way up, and eyeing her severely, the middle aged woman reprimands her:
"Are you late for your classes, young lady?"
"No mam'." The golden haired girl replies blushing, and walking as fast as she can, she heads towards the long hall.
888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
"Sorry I'm late…I was… busy…" Blair stammers taking a seat in the last row.
"Please take a seat, Miss Warner." The teacher answers calmly.
"I guess when you're rich and spoiled you get away with anything." Kimberly sneers, eyeing the golden haired girl with disdain.
"Do you care to tell me that on my face, grease monkey?" Blair asks, eyeing the ginger haired girl with the freckles fiercely.
"Ladies please, there is a place and time for discussions, but right now you're in biology class, so I demand attention and concentration: is that understood?" The mousy haired teacher commands.
"Of course we will do as you wish Miss Mahoney." The golden haired girl replies sweetly, and sticking out her tongue at Kimberly, she turns her back on her.
'I will get you for that, Blair Warner!'
8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
As soon as the biology class is over and Miss Mahoney is out of sight, Kimberly grabs Blair by the neck, and pushing her towards the living room, she yells: "It's about time you pay for all the nasty things you've done in the past!"
And before the golden haired girl has time to react, she is knocked down on the floor and Kimberly slaps her on the face.
"Go and punch her harder Kimberly!" All the other girls shout in unison.
Pulling Kimberly's hair hard, Blair hits her several times on the face and both girls roll over the floor: "there won't be a hair on your head when I'm through with you, Kimberly Drummond!
"Great, a girl fight!" Tootie screams delighted.
Edna Garret, who is entering the living room at the same moment, spots both teenage girls on the floor fighting, and raising her voice, she commands: "GIRLS! If you don't get off the floor right now, you're in trouble!"
Ignoring the feisty red haired housemother, both girls continue kicking each other and pulling their hair out, until they are yanked off the floor by a pair of strong arms: "enough I said! This is a girl's school and not a market!"
"She started it!" Blair blurts, but Edna interrupts her:
"I've had it with you Blair Warner! I want you to go up to your room and stay in there until I tell you otherwise! You're grounded!"
"What? Who do you think you are to give me orders? You're just a housekeeper, and you don't belong in this prestigious school!" The golden haired girl answers back with insolence.
"How dare you talk to Mrs Garret like that? She's a lot more than just, a housekeeper, if you don't apologize now I'll kick your face!" The ginger haired girl with the freckles shouts at Blair in fury.
"Oh Blair, you're so in trouble!" Tootie intervenes, smiling cheekily at her.
"Shut up!"
"Upstairs with you young lady: it's an order!" Edna commands, shooting daggers at Blair.
"What if I don't?"
"Would you rather sit between my legs for a good spanking? I know exactly how to treat naughty little girls like you, so march up to your room!" Edna fires back at Blair angrily.
"You don't have the guts to do it!" The golden haired girl fires back.
"Watch me!"
And as the feisty red haired housemother approaches her, Blair takes a step back.
"Upstairs with you little girl before I lose my patience!"
"I'm hardly a little girl: I'm almost fifteen!"
"Well you certainly behave like one and it's about time you learn some discipline: I want obedience, and I want it right now, march!" Edna orders her in a firm voice.
"Way to talk Mrs Garret! Bravo!" Several girls yell in unison.
"Why don't you go back where you belong? We don't want you in here!" The golden haired girl answers haughtily.
And sticking her tongue at the feisty red haired housemother, she makes a run upstairs.
"What a troubled teenager!" Edna says sighing.
"Mrs Garret, were you really going to spank Blair?" Kimberly asks bewildered.
"Well she certainly deserves it! I have never come across such a rude person, and if she were my own child I would have spanked her a long time ago!"
"I would have loved to see you doing it: just to see proud Blair turn red crimson!" Kimberly laughs amused.
"You did it Mrs Garret: you put Blair in her place!" Nancy gushes in admiration.
"Well, they don't call me feisty for nothing!" The red haired housemother replies, with a twinkle in her eyes.
"It will serve her right!" Cindy adds laughing.
"But Cindy, Blair is my friend!" Sue Ann interrupts.
"How can you be friends with such a snob, Sue Ann?"
"Well, you have to admit that she's sophisticated."
"She's plain shallow!" the little red haired girl with freckles replies.
"Molly!" Natalie exclaims, shaking her head.
"Are you going to be on Blair's side, Nat? She's never done you any favour." Tootie says, rolling her eyes and they all laugh in unison.
"Girls, please! It's not nice to talk behind's people's back!" Edna admonishes them.
8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
Meanwhile back in her room, Blair was livid: it was the first time someone had exercised authority on her, and it had to be no other than a simple housekeeper! She hated to admit it, but the feisty red haired matron had character, and she knew for a fact that given the opportunity, Mrs Garret would undoubtedly had her down on her knees begging for mercy. Too stubborn to give in, the golden haired girl decides it was time to take matters into her hand. After all, she was the rich bitch from school that could away with anything, and she would show everyone, and ESPECIALLY that new housemother, that nobody was strong enough to mess with her. Still fuming, she empties her closet and packs in a hurry one of her suitcases. She would elope tonight with her latest conquest, Steven Hardy.
888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
After packing all her clothes neatly in her suitcase, Blair seats in her bed and decides to flip a magazine: it was only 10 o'clock in the morning, and who knows how long the housemother would keep her grounded. Not that she was bothered missing any classes or anything. She was just bored to death and still angry at being treated like a little girl. Sighing, she decides to light up a cigarette, but the sudden appearance of her roommate takes her by surprise:
"Nancy! Do you mind knocking on the door before entering? I could have being caught!"
"Smoking is strictly forbidden as you know, and this is my room too." The dark haired girl answers nonchalant.
"If only I could have my own room…"
"Blair, you very well how the rules are: each girl has to share a room, regardless of her status."
"So why are you here, anyway? Aren't you supposed to be in gym class?" Blair asks, inhaling her cigarette.
"I came here, to tell you that Mrs Garret expects you to be in the cafeteria for lunch at 12 o'clock." Nancy replies.
"Tell her I'm not hungry!" The golden haired girl answers nonchalant.
"I would obey Mrs Garret if I were you. You are no match for her." Nancy insists.
"I'm not scared of her, and I will do as pleased." Blair replies stubbornly.
"Don't say I didn't warn you."
Watching the dark haired girl leave the room, Blair shrugs her shoulders: nobody would tell her what to do, and certainly not a HOUSEMOTHER!
8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
The 12 o'clock bell rings, and walking towards their locker, the girls leave all their gym clothes before heading towards the cafeteria: the aroma of freshly prepared food was lingering in the air, and as soon as they all walk inside, Edna notices the absence of the golden haired girl.
"Where is Blair?"
"Oops! Sorry Mrs Garret, I tried my best, but Blair said to me she wasn't hungry and wouldn't come down." Nancy answers, smiling nervously.
"Is that so? Well, we'll see about that!"
And leaving the cafeteria, the feisty red haired housemother walks upstairs.
"Somebody is going to be in TROUBLE!"
"Is that all you can say, Tootie?" Molly asks, rolling her eyes.
"Well, let's put it this way: I wouldn't want to be in Blair's shoes right now!" Natalie chimes in.
88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
Blair is too absorbed inhaling the cigarette she is holding in her hand to notice the presence in her room, but at the sight of the feisty red haired housemother standing just above her, she widens her eyes in fear:
"How long have you been watching me?"
"Long enough to see you smoking like a chimney, although you know that's against the school rules." Edna answers, glaring at her disapprovingly.
"What are you going to do about it?" The golden haired girl challenges her.
"That's not the point. I came here to order to come downstairs for your lunch, unless you want me to drag you out of the room forcefully." Edna replies sharply.
"If you think you can scare me with your threats you're wrong. And I don't care if you tell Mr Crock you saw me smoking: the worst that can happen to me, is that I get kicked out of school and I get transferred into another one, big deal." Blair answers nonchalant.
"You think because you're rich you think you can get away with anything, don't you?"
"I always have. It's the advantage of being rich, unlike you're sort." Blair replies disdainfully.
"My sort, as you so nicely put it doesn't take any nonsense from spoiled little girls, so get the hell out of here before I lose my patience! So, march!" The feisty red haired housemother bellows.
Too chocked to argue, Blair runs out of the room hurriedly: the feisty housemother might have defeated her now, but she would get her victory tonight!
88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
"Hey guys, look who's finally arrived!" Kimberly exclaims, at the sight of the golden haired girl entering the cafeteria.
"Hey Blair, I guess you're no match for Mrs Garret after all." Nancy comments mockingly.
"We'll see who gets the final laugh!" The golden haired girl replies, heading towards an empty table to seat by herself.
Joining her, Sue Ann asks nosily: "what did you mean by that, Blair?"
"Just wait and see."
"Can't you just give me a hint?" The pretty long haired blond girl begs.
"I'm sorry Sue Ann, but it's my secret." The golden haired girl answers mysteriously, but at the sight of the feisty red haired housemother entering the cafeteria, her smile freezes.
"Let's go and grab some lunch!" Sue Ann says, oblivious of Blair's change of humour.
"I don't know…"
"Come on!" The pretty long haired blond girl says, pulling her towards the kitchen.
"Sue Ann! Do you mind not pushing me like I was some rag doll?" The golden haired girl answers, rolling her eyes.
"What can I get for you girls?" Howard, the cook asks, amiably to Blair and Sue Ann as they enter the kitchen.
"We'd like to have everything that's on the menu." The pretty long blond haired girl answers excitedly.
"Not for me. I'm on a diet, so I'll only have salad." The golden haired girl answers drily, and casting a quick glance at her, Howard is surprised by her haughty tone of voice in contrast to her friend.
"You're on a diet? But you're beautifully shaped Blair!" Sue Ann answers astonished.
"Why do you think I get to keep all the hot guys, Sue Ann?" The golden haired girl answers in a flirty tone.
"You're terrible Blair!"
Howard watches as both girls walk back to the table giggling, and shaking his head he continues with his kitchen duties. A little while later the loud sound of the bell ringing startles Blair, and glancing towards Edna, she waits for the ultimatum.
"Well, I got to go to classes!" Sue Ann exclaims at the sight of the feisty red haired housemother walking towards them.
"What about you Blair? Aren't you going to classes like the rest of the girls?" Edna asks the sulking teenager.
"I thought I was grounded."
"Attending classes are far more important than staying in the room smoking like a chimney." The feisty red haired housemother answers sharply.
"Alright I'll go. I was getting bored in my room, anyway."
And getting up the table, the golden haired girl joins the rest of the girls.
Howard, who had been watching the interaction closely, approaches Edna, and eyeing Blair he comments:
"There is something disturbing about that girl."
"The only disturbing thing about Blair is her lack of sensitivity and her spoiled behaviour, but I'm going to change that in no time."
"What do you have in mind, Edna?" The cook asks, raising his eyebrow.
"Just wait and see."
And smiling secretively, the feisty red haired housemother leaves the cafeteria to return to her duties. The remaining of the day runs smoothly, and when the last bell announces the end of the classes, all the girls run back to their room excitedly, but none as happy as the golden haired girl who had a smile plastered on her face, waiting for the perfect opportunity to escape…..
To be continued….