THE GIRL'S SCHOOL (part 2)….
'Eastland School for Girls', later the evening
"Mrs Garret! Blair is gone!" Nancy shouts running back downstairs into the living room, where all her friends and the housemother were hanging together.
"What do you mean 'gone?'" The feisty red haired housemother asks frowning.
"When I went upstairs to check on her, she wasn't in the room and her closet is empty too!" The dark haired girl continues anxiously.
"But I don't understand: where could she be? She couldn't have just vanished?" Edna continues puzzled.
"Hardly: she's probably out with Steven Hardy." Cindy comments nonchalant.
"Are you saying she's eloped with a boy?" The feisty red haired housemother asks in disbelief.
"That's the way it usually works, right Sue Ann?"
"How would I know, Cindy?"
"Because you hang out too much with boy crazy Blair, that's why!" The tomboy answers, giggling.
"I cannot believe she would do such a thing! Why would she deliberately get herself in trouble?" Edna continues, chocked.
"Probably to defy you: Blair is not used to authority, and that was her way in getting back at you for punishing her." Kimberly finishes.
"Is that so? Well she doesn't know yet who Edna Garret is, but she is about to find out!" The feisty red haired matron shouts furiously.
"What do you have in mind?" Tootie asks terrified: she had never seen the older lady so livid, and for a minute she almost fell sorry for Blair.
"Wait until I get my hands on Blair Warner! She will be sorry she disobeyed me!"
"What are you going to do to her?" Kimberly asks fearful: she knew better than to mess with the feisty red haired housemother.
"First, I want you to tell me where exactly I can find Blair, and fast." Edna commands Kimberly in an authoritative tone.
"She's probably at the 'Bates school for boys". The ginger haired girl with the freckles answers, reluctantly.
"Thank you. But before I go: I want you to promise me not to say a word to Mr Crock about it, is that understood? I want to handle the situation by myself."
Kimberly nods as she watches the feisty red haired housemother leave.
"Now there is definitely going to be major TROUBLE!" Tootie exclaims, widening her eyes.
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As soon as Edna spots the massive building, she gets out of the taxi. The 'Bates school for boys' was quite impressive, although not as beautiful as the 'Eastland School for Girls' she confirms proudly. Opening the main front door she walks toward the receptionist, and as casually as she can, she asks her:
"Can you please tell me where Steven Hardy's room is?"
"Who are you?" The receptionist asks, frowning.
"I'm his… aunt." Edna replies quickly.
"Really, Steven didn't tell me he was expecting his family."
"It's a surprise visit." Edna continues tentatively.
"I understand. When you go upstairs, it's the first door on the left." The receptionist answers, smiling.
"Thank you."
And without wasting any time, Edna walks upstairs towards the first door on the left, and opens it:
Sure enough, she spots the golden haired girl smoking a cigarette with an older boy; they were both laughing without a care in the world, but at the sight of the feisty red haired housemother, Blair's eyes widen, and turning ghostly white she asks her in a trembling voice:
"How did you find me?"
"The question is why you disobeyed me, when you should be in your room meditating about your behaviour." Edna answers her sharply.
"So what is it to you if I'm here? You are not my mother!" Blair answers defiantly.
"Lucky for you I am not your mother, otherwise you would be seating between my legs, getting a big spanking right now." The feisty red haired matron continues, giving her a murderous look.
"I am not following this conversation. Who is that lady?" Steven interrupts.
"No one: just the help from school." Blair answers haughtily.
"Well I'm Steven, and it's nice to meet you." The handsome young man continues.
"At least your friend has got manners, unlike you."
"Are you going to tell Mr Crocker I'm here? Because if you do, I can tell you right away that I don't care." Blair answers nonchalant.
"I know you don't care, but it's me you have to worry about, not him." Edna continues, eyeing her severely.
"What do you mean?" The golden haired girl asks, widening her eyes in fear.
"That from now on, you will do as I say: It's about time someone taught you some manners, and when we go back to school you will follow my rules." Edna commands in a firm tone.
"I will not do such a thing and you cannot threaten me: you're only a servant!" Blair answers weakly.
"I am beginning to lose my patience with your lack of respect, and if you don't come with me right this minute I'm going to drag you myself!"
"You wouldn't dare!" Blair answers, taking a step back.
"Look lady, why don't we settle that in a civilized manner?" Steven asks nervously.
"Either you come with me on good terms or on bad terms: you choose." Edna continues, ignoring the handsome young man.
"No!" Blair shouts stubbornly.
"Come along Blair!"
And grabbing the golden haired girl by the arm, Edna pushes her towards the door forcefully.
"Don't touch me!"
Blair tries to push Edna away, but the older lady has a firm grip on the girl's shoulder and forces her to walk. Kicking as hard as she can, she tries to escape, but the housemother's arms are as hard as steel, and as they descend the stairs her grip tightens on her.
The receptionist, who is back at the desk casts a worried look at them, and asks tentatively: "do you need any help?"
"If you'll excuse me, I think I need to straighten out this young girl."
"Let me go!" The golden haired girl yells furiously.
Edna ignores her, and grabbing her by the elbow she pushes her towards the front door: "outside with you! You strongly need to be disciplined, and from now on you will show me some respect!"
"Why don't you tell Mr Crocker so he can expel me? I don't care if they don't let me come back!" Blair continues, full of rage.
"I've had enough of your tantrums, and it won't work on me naughty girl!"
"I hate you!" Blair screams shaking with rage.
"Well you don't win any popular contest with me either, now get in the car!" The feisty red haired housemother commands, pushing her forcefully inside the first taxi they spot.
"Is everything okay, mam?" The taxi driver asks, glancing briefly at the sulking girl who is seating at the back of car.
"Yes. I'm just having a bad day with one of my students." Edna replies, eyeing Blair whose eyes were fixed on the floor.
"Just go easy on her: she's only a kid." The taxi driver continues laughing at his own joke, but the look he gets from Edna silent him.
Finally after what seemed an eternity they arrive, and grabbing the golden haired girl by the elbow, Edna walks with her towards the 'Eastland School for Girls': it was dark outside, and there was no one in the living room as they walked inside.
Glaring at Blair, Edna continues in a firm voice: "You've caused me enough problems for one day and you should be grateful I won't be telling the housemaster about your behaviour. Tomorrow I'll decide on your punishment, and now i want you to march straight to your room.
Too shaken to argue, Blair walks slowly upstairs, and once she reached her room she throws herself into the bed.
"Hey Blair, is that you?" Nancy asks, rubbing her eyes.
"I thought you were asleep." The golden haired girl answers tentatively.
"Were you at the 'Bates school', then?" The dark haired girl continues intrigued.
"I don't want to talk about it."
"Did Mrs Garret find you?"
"I especially don't want to talk about her." Blair replies with resentment.
"I guess she did." Nancy adds.
"I'm actually quite tired. Goodnight."
"Goodnight then. And I hope you didn't get into much trouble."
Blair closes her eyes to try to sleep but as much as she wants to, she cannot get the feisty red haired housemother out of her mind: Edna had put her right in her place, and as much as she hated to admit it, she had a new respect and admiration for her. Still shaken, she begins to dread what kind of punishment the older lady had in mind, and she knew without a doubt it would be something major. Finally she succumbs into a deep sleep, and only the loud ring of the alarm wakes her up the following morning.
"Wake up sleepy head!" Nancy says, coming out of the bathroom.
"What time is it?" The golden haired girl asks, yawning.
"Almost 7h30 Am."
"What? Why didn't you wake me up before? You know I take forever in the bathroom! Mrs Garret is going to kill me if I'm late, and I don't think I can face another lecture." Blair moans getting up fast, and rushing into the shower, she lets the water run.
"Don't worry: you still got 30 minutes to get breakfast and an hour before class begins." Nancy reassures her.
"Who cares about breakfast? I'm not hungry anyway."
After a few minutes Blair steps out of the shower, and grabbing a hand towel she walks slowly towards her closet to select one of her school uniform: "maybe I should wear my summer outfit. It's beginning to get too hot for the long sleeve one."
"Just hurry, otherwise you're really going to be late and you don't want to get into more trouble as it is, do you?" Nancy warns her, but the golden haired girl is too engrossed with herself to hear her.
"I'll see you in classes then." The dark haired girl finishes, walking out of the bedroom.
Blair finally decides on a green shorted sleeved school uniform, and applying some make- up she admires at herself in the mirror: with her golden haired loose on her shoulder and her red lips she looked like a goddess, she decides praising herself. The loud bell ringing takes her out of her reverie, and running downstairs to make it on time to her classes, she bumps once again into the housemother.
"Late again for classes, Blair?" Edna asks, glaring at her.
"Not really… I was just…."
"Never mind: I was looking for you anyway to discuss your punishment."
"What kind of punishment do you have in mind?" Blair asks in a trembling voice.
"I'm glad you asked. As a matter of fact, you will be working in the kitchen with Howard on the weekends for a whole month."
"But I cannot work in a kitchen: I have never done any domestic tasks." The golden haired girl whines.
"It's never too late to learn. And besides: it will teach you how to be humble."
"But what about my school work? I still have to study for exams." Blair continues in a weak voice.
"Well you should have thought about it before deciding to run off with a boy." Edna reprimands her.
"A whole month is a long time. What about my social life?"
"You won't have any for a month: you will be going straight to your room to study after classes, and there won't be any television either." Edna continues with authority.
"What? No TELEVISION? But that's not fair!" The golden haired girl exclaims, widening her eyes.
"A month is not so terrible. At least you will make yourself useful in the kitchen, and get to know the help better." Edna replies, punctuating the last word.
Blair blushes at the last implication, and feeling embarrassed she lowers her eyes.
"You better go to your classes now. And please wipe off this ridiculous make-up: it makes you look like a Lolita!"
And walking past her, the feisty red haired housemother heads back upstairs.
Blair walks reluctantly to the girl's bathroom, and opening the water tab and cleanses her face as best as she can: she was beginning to feel sorry for herself, and a little ashamed too…
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"I asked you a question Miss Warner." The history teacher, a middle aged man asks the golden haired girl who seemed absent in mind.
"Could you please repeat the question?" Blair answers, offering a smile.
"Please name a Shakespeare play with a dramatic ending."
"I know: Romeo and Juliette!" Blair beams with pride.
"Very well, but please pay more attention in class next time: there is a major test coming next up next week." The history teacher points out, giving her a warning look. And walking towards the blackboard, he continues with his writing.
The sound of the bell ringing finally announces the lunch time, and gathering their books, all the students get up in a hurry to find a good table to seat in the cafeteria. Blair follows her classmates reluctantly: she was certainly in no mood to go into the cafeteria knowing it would soon become her work place, and especially not in the presence of Kimberly Drummond. The ginger haired girl with the freckles was bound to make fun of her if she knew she'd been punished by her housekeeper. Changing her mind, she decides to skip lunch and eat some of her snacks in her room until it was time to go back to the next class.
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"Where is Blair?" Edna asks Sue Ann, as soon as she notices the absence of the golden haired girl.
"Why are you asking me?" The pretty blond longed haired girl answers puzzled.
"You two are friends, aren't you?"
"She's probably in her room." Nancy intervenes.
"But it's lunch time, not studying time!" The feisty red haired matron replies, shaking her head.
"She's probably doing something she shouldn't!" Cindy chuckles.
"Like what?" Tootie asks intrigued: she loved to hang around the older girls.
"Will you two cut it out?" Nancy replies, giving them a warning look.
"They were just kidding!" Natalie giggles.
"I'm sure she's just resting Mrs Garret." Nancy continues, trying to protect her roommate.
"Well, I guess there is no harm in that as long as she is on time for her next class." Edna replies, heading towards a large table where the rest of the teachers were seating.
"So what's the story with Blair?" Cindy asks, eyeing the dark haired girl.
"Yes, tell us! We know she was off curfew last night!" Natalie insists, nosily.
"Did she get in trouble with Mrs Garret?" Tootie asks excitedly.
"I don't know. She wouldn't talk to me last night when she came back." Nancy replies, shrugging her shoulders.
"I bet Mrs Garret would tell me!" Kimberly gushes, getting up the table to join the feisty red haired housemother who was seating with the rest of the adults.
"Who cares about Blair's whereabouts? Now can we continue eating?" Molly says, rolling her eyes.
A little while later, the bell ringing announces the end of the lunch time, and getting off the table: Nancy, Sue Ann, Cindy, Molly, Natalie and Tootie head towards the door leading them to the living room.
"Hey! Wait out for me guys!" Kimberly yells, rushing up to join her friends.
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"So, did you find out what happened to Blair last night?" Sue Ann asks Kimberly, intrigued.
"No. Mrs Garret wouldn't budge, but she seemed furious when I mentioned her name, so my guess is that something bad must have happened between them."
"Well, whatever it is, we have maths classes now, so hurry up or else we'll be late!" Molly interrupts them, and walking side by side, the 7 friends are surprised to find the golden haired girl seating in classes with a book in her hands.
"Blair is already here? She's normally late!" Cindy exclaims bewildered.
"Silence everyone! The class is about to begin!"
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Finally the day comes to an end, and as the students walk out of the classroom excitedly, Blair cannot help but feel envious: instead of hanging out in the living room watching TV with the rest of them, she had to go back to her room to study. Trying to walk quietly to avoid questions, she is on her way upstairs, when Sue Ann's voice stops her:
"Hey Blair, 'Charlie's Angels' is on TV now. Don't you want to see what's on this episode?"
Out of the corner of her eyes, Blair spots the housemother watching her closely, and smiling nervously to Sue Ann, she answers her: "I'm actually quite tired and I've got lots of studying to do. Some other time okay?"
"What do you mean, some other time: I thought 'Charlie's Angels' was your favourite TV show!" The pretty blond long haired girl exclaims bewildered.
"I can't… Excuse me."
Blair rushes upstairs in order to avoid any more questions, and as soon as she is in the safety of her room, she breathes relieved. Sitting on her bed she begins to flip through a magazine, but the sudden entrance of the housemother takes her by surprise:
"Where were you today during lunch hour?" Edna asks her severely.
"I wasn't hungry, so I decided to read a book until the next class begin." The golden haired girl answers, lowering her eyes.
"It isn't healthy for a growing girl to skip meals, but that isn't the reason why I'm here. I came to remind you, that your kitchen duties begin on Saturday at 9 am. I've spoken to Howard so he is expecting you sharp on time, is that understood?"
"Yes mam."
"Good."
As Blair watches Mrs Garret walk out of the room as abruptly as she came in, she has mixed feelings: having the feisty red haired housemother live opposite her dorm as a warden was one thing, but having to endure her cold attitude towards her, was more than she could handle. Would there ever be peace between them?
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The rest of the week goes uneventful and soon becomes a routine for Blair: she got up every morning to go to classes, had her meals at the cafeteria and went straight to her room to study afterwards. She is finally relieved to see Friday coming, until she remembers what it meant. Instead of going on dates and having fun like the rest of the girls, she'd be slaving in the kitchen. Tears of frustration starts rolling down her cheeks, and wiping them off furiously, she hurries upstairs to hide in the safety of her room. Luckily she was alone for now; her roommate Nancy was probably in the living room, waiting for her boyfriend Roger to call on her. Seating on her bed, the golden haired girl flips through a magazine but is too distracted to concentrate on the reading. What has she gotten herself into by defying Mrs Garret, when it was more than obvious that the older woman was a strong match for her?
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Meanwhile in the living room: Kimberly, Nancy, Sue Ann, Cindy, Mollie, Natalie and Tootie were sitting on the large sofa watching TV while Edna was reading a book.
"Don't you think it's strange that Blair keeps skipping her TV shows? First it was 'Charlie's Angels', then 'Fantasy Island' and now 'Wonder Woman'? I mean I cannot believe it!" The pretty long haired blond girl exclaims bewildered.
"Maybe she realized that you cannot go through school without studying hard." The red haired girl with the freckles adds.
"Or, she's got a secret she doesn't want us to know." The chubby girl chimes.
"What secret Nat?" The small black girl asks nosily.
"I think Mrs Garret knows something." The ginger haired girl with the freckles concludes, eyeing the housemother.
"Well, as a matter of fact I do." Edna begins.
"So tell us!" The pretty blond haired girl with ponytails begs.
"I don't know if I should."
"Please?" They all ask in unison.
"I will, if you promise me not to say something to upset her, and especially you Kimberly. The feisty red haired housemother says, glaring at the ginger haired girl with the freckles.
"Me?"
"I know you have quite a temper, and I don't want you to get the worse out of Blair: she's been through a lot." Edna continues, eyeing Kimberly meaningfully.
"So now you're on her side?" Kimberly asks in disbelief.
"I am on no one's side. Blair's been grounded for a month: she has to study in her room during the week, and on weekends she will work in the kitchen alongside Howard. That should keep her out of trouble." The feisty red haired housemother answers in a firm voice.
"You punished Blair for a whole month? Now there's a god!" Nancy exclaims in disbelief.
"That will serve her right!" The ginger haired girl with the freckles answers with a smug.
"Kimberly!" Edna yells, giving her a no nonsense look.
"I'm sorry, but I cannot help disliking her: she is such a pest!"
"You shouldn't be so hard on her Kimberly: she is the one that has been punished, not you." Sue Ann intervenes.
"Look, I know she's your friend, but she's the most despicable human being I ever met and nothing is going to make me change my mind!" Kimberly insists hotly.
"Girls, please!" Edna admonishes.
"Poor Blair: she's mean, but you were tough on her!" Tootie says, shaking her head.
"I'm only doing it for her own good: that girl needs to learn some values in life." The feisty red haired housemother answers in a firm voice. Would she ever be able to reach out to the ill-mannered teenager?
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When Nancy goes back to her room later that night, she finds Blair reading a book in her bed.
"You're back early!" The golden haired girl says, putting her book aside.
"I never went out with Roger: I think he forgot to call."
"What?" Blair starts to giggle.
"It is pretty funny, isn't it?" The dark haired girl agrees, and they both laugh hysterically.
"So did you get some study done?" Nancy continues.
"What do you mean?"
"Listen Blair, I know you've been grounded." The dark haired girl continues.
"Did Mrs Garrett tell you: how could she? I bet now she's pleased that everyone's is laughing behind my back!" The golden haired girl replies hurt.
"Actually, she was quite sympathetic about it and even told Kimberly to leave you in peace."
"She did?"
"Yes. Mrs Garret might be tough, but she's also a very kind and warm person once you get to know her." Nancy says tentatively.
"But she hates me! She's always so rough and mean with me." Blair whines.
"Well she has every right to be: you've been behaving like a spoiled brat ever since she got here." Nancy answers, shaking her head.
"Then why are you so nice to me?"
"Because I'm your roommate, and I know there is more to you than you let people believe. And I suspect Mrs Garret knows it too, or else she wouldn't get into so much trouble for you."
"What kind of trouble?" The golden haired girl continues, perplexed.
"Sometimes I think you're pretending to be thick on purpose! I'm talking about Mrs Garret not going to Mr Crock to report you: that shows what a loyal person she is, and you should be grateful for it."
Blushing deeply, Blair begins to experience feelings of remorse: she knew she hadn't made life easy for the housemother, but at the same time she had resentment towards her. No one had ever exercised authority towards her before (not even her parents), and it only took a feisty red haired middle aged housemother to defy her. Too proud to give in, she continues:
"Well it would have been better if she had report me: at least I'd be out of school instead of being at her mercy."
"You're talking about Mrs Garret as if she was some kind of monster or dictator!" Nancy answers, rolling her eyes.
"Well, she is!" Blair answers stubbornly.
"You're just angry, because she is the only person who was able to put you right where you belong!"
"Stop it! I don't want to talk about it anymore!"
"Fine, because I'm too tired and I'd like to go to sleep now." Nancy answers, yawning.
"But it's only 10 pm!" Blair replies astonished.
"You should go to sleep too: you have to get up early tomorrow."
"Don't remind me!"
"Would you please turn the lights off? I'd like to get some sleep." Nancy continues, closing her eyes.
"Sure."
Turning off the light, Blair goes back to bed but is too angry to sleep: tomorrow she would be working in the kitchen like an ordinary person, and the very thought made her shudder. Sighing, she turns and tosses all night, and when she finally manages to fall asleep her alarm goes off.
"Turn it off Blair I'm trying to sleep…" Nancy moans, tossing in her bed.
Blair gets out of bed after turning the alarm off, and heading towards the bathroom she takes a quick shower: what should she wear today? Reaching out the towel, she dries herself off, and walking towards her closet, she selects a short sleeved yellow dress. She wanted to look good for her first day as an ordinary person. Glancing at her watch, she realizes it was almost quarter to nine, and adjusting some lipsticks, she closes the door quietly behind her. On her way downstairs, Blair spots Kimberly with her arms around the housemother's shoulder near the entrance door, and her heart skips a beat: where were they going this early? As if on due, the feisty red haired matron glares at her and their eyes meet. At the same moment the phone rings taking them both by surprise, and coming out of nowhere, Mr Crocker yells:
"It's for me! I'm expecting an important call."
Trying to walk past Edna and Kimberly as casually as she can, the golden haired girl heads towards the kitchen flushed, and approaching the cook, she asks in a haughty tone: "What can I do to help? This is my first day work."
"I know. Edna told me you'll be helping out in the kitchen during the weekends. Why don't you put your apron on, so I can show you where everything is?" Howard answers in an icy tone of voice: if that spoiled girl thought she was going to patronize him, she would soon realize she was no match for him!
Taken aback by his dry tone, Blair tries to take another approach, and smiling tentatively at him, she continues: "I just saw Mrs Garret and Kimberly on their way out. Were they going somewhere?"
"So what is it to you? You're here to work, not to gossip!" Howard answers sharply.
"Sorry, I was just curious."
"Well if you must know: Edna works for the Drummonds on Saturday as a housekeeper, and at 'Eastland' during the week as a housemother."
"It must be tough not getting any time off." Blair answers, shaking her head.
"She gets Sundays off at least. And some of us need to work for a living, so enough gossip and start peeling the potatoes." Howard orders her, hanging the peeler over.
Widening her eyes, the golden haired girl babbles: "peeling? How do I do that?"
"I forgot you never had to lift a finger in your life. Here, let me show you."
And taking the peeler out of Blair's hands, Howard starts on one potato.
"Now you can do the rest."
Grabbing the peeler reluctantly, Blair picks one potato, but the sensation of the wet vegetable is too much to handle for her, and shuddering she drops it on the floor.
"Watch it!"
"I'm sorry! It just fell of my hand!"
Howard shakes his head in disbelief: this was going to be a long day!
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Finally the 12 o'clock bell rings, and Blair takes her apron off.
"Thank you for your time Howard, and sorry I was too clumsy but you must realize it was my first day."
"You'll get better tomorrow."
"Well, bye and I'll see you tomorrow."
"Why don't you grab a tray: after all, it'll be the first meal you cooked?" Howard answers, smiling at her for the first time.
"Right, thank you."
As Howard watches the golden haired girl leave the kitchen, he realizes something: the girl had spirit and that was probably why Edna was drawn to her, because as much as she denied it, the feisty red haired housemother had a soft spot for Blair.
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"Hi Blair, how was your first day work?" Sue Ann asks, as soon as the golden haired girl enters in the cafeteria.
"Hell! Although it could have been worse, but at least you'll get to try my first meal."
"I'm sorry to hear you're grounded for a whole month, but don't worry: I'll keep you informed about all the gossips!" The pretty long blond haired girl answers excitedly.
"Thanks."
"Why don't you seat with us today? Kimberly is at her house for the weekend, and no one else is going to bother you." Sue Ann continues.
"Thank you, maybe I will."
And grabbing her tray, the golden haired girl follows her friend.
"Hi guys, do you mind if I sit with you today?" Blair asks the group of friends sitting on the table.
"Sure, but only if you tell us all about working in a kitchen." Tootie answers cheekily, and they all laugh in unison.
After lunch is over, Blair decides to go out in the garden to get some fresh air: it had been a long week, and she needed to get some strength before starting her second day in the kitchen tomorrow.
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Meanwhile, at the 'Drummond Mansion'…
After lunch was over, Philip is sitting in the large living room sofa with both his sons, Kimberly and Edna Garret, when Willis asks out of the blues: "Hey Mrs Garret how is Blair?
"Boy! You certainly know how to ruin a perfect afternoon!" Kimberly exclaims irritated.
"Do we have to talk about her? I've had my hands full with that bad mannered teenager, and I don't want it to let it spoil my weekend, thank you." The feisty red haired housemother replies angrily.
"Sorry I got you mad. I didn't mean to upset you." Willis apologizes, noticing how agitated the housemother was.
"Well, I think she's so beautiful she can get away with anything!" Arnold giggles.
"Wrong: that girl needs to learn some discipline. In fact, she's been grounded for a whole month."
"What did you do to her?" Willis asks worried.
"She's been assigned kitchen duties on the weekends, and she has to spend her time off in her room." Edna continues in a firm voice.
"Now, that is harsh! Couldn't you just go easy on her, Mrs Garret?" The little black boys ask in a pleading voice.
"No Arnold. Blair needs to learn her lesson: it's the only way she'll be able to stand on her own two feet when she grows up." The feisty red haired woman replies firmly.
"I think Edna is right: it's up to the adults to straighten up the younger generation." Philip adds.
"I don't think it will ever work on Blair: she's impossible to rule!" Kimberly adds exasperated.
"Don't be too sure Kimberly: if I managed to raise two sons, surely I can handle a teenage girl." Edna answers with a sparkle in her eyes.
"Whatchoo talkin' about, Mrs Garret?" Arnold asks, frowning.
"I know exactly what you mean Mrs Garret. I just hope I can see her soon." Willis answers in a dreamy voice.
"Oh boy: my big brother surely has lost his head over a girl! I'm glad I don't have to worry about girls for a while!" Arnold laughs.
"What about Tootie, little brother?"
"I already got over her!"
"You're lying! I just saw you blush!"
"Alright boys, why don't we let Mrs Garret relax a little? I'm sure she's like to have a cup of coffee with us." Philip interrupts.
"Great idea: let me go to the kitchen to make a big pot!"
"Boys, isn't it great to have Mrs Garret back with us, even if only Saturdays?"
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Sunday morning comes, and at 9 am sharp, Blair walks into the kitchen: "good morning Howard. What can I do today?"
"I will show you how to set a table and make it look presentable, so follow me into the cafeteria." The cook answers, nodding.
Blair watches closely as Howard folds some napkins in a certain way, and tries to imitate him, but fails miserably: "I'm sorry. I'm just not used to do any domestic work."
"Practise takes time: I'm sure you'll be an expert by next weekend." Howard reassures her with a smile. He was finding himself warming up to the golden haired girl, despite the fact that she was still a little spoiled.
"I will try it again: I don't give up that easily." Blair answers smiling, and taking the napkin delicately, she manages to fold it right.
"Well done. And now that you've got the hang of it, I will let you do all the tables while I continue with my cooking in the kitchen, is that a deal?"
"It's a deal!" Blair answers winking an eye at Howard, and picking up more napkins, she continues with her work. After a while she approaches the cook again, and unable to contain her curiosity, she asks:
"Tell me Howard, where is Mrs Garret originally from?"
Staring at the golden haired girl surprised, Howard finally answers: "'Appleton, Wisconsin', but why do you ask?"
"Just curious: it must be really pretty up there though. I would have loved to live in the country." Blair says wistfully.
"'Wisconsin is definitely beautiful with its green landscape and fresh air!" Howard agrees.
"Does Mrs Garret have a large family? I mean, I always picture people in the country living with all their relatives."
"She does indeed: Edna is the youngest of 7 children, and she's got 2 adults sons too."
"I wish I had brothers and sisters, but I'm an only child." Blair replies in a sad voice.
"I'm sorry to hear that, and that explains a lot about you."
"You mean it explains a lot about my behaviour, I know. And I'm sorry if I caused you trouble, but I will try my best to be more agreeable." Blair answers with a little smile.
"Hey, you haven't caused me any trouble at all, on the contrary, I enjoy working with you and I'm pleased to see you progress so fast: I'm sure Edna would be proud of you too."
"I doubt it: she hates my guts!" The golden haired girl exclaims.
"Edna doesn't hate you, on the contrary: she cares about you more than she'd like to admit." The cook insists.
"Then why does she always act like she can't stand me?" Blair continues, surprised.
"It's just an act: Edna loves to be tough, but deep down she's got a soft heart."
"Well it's hard to imagine!"
"She really cares for you, so let's go back to work so we can finish with our task, shall we?"
"Yes of course, and thank you Howard."
The morning goes fast, and by the time the school bell rings, they realize it is 12 o'clock:
"Your shift is over Blair: I'll see you next weekend then!"
"Of course you will Howard, and thank you again for your patience."
As he watches the golden haired girl leave the kitchen, Howard realizes what a great job the feisty red haired housemother was doing with Blair: gone was her haughty attitude, to be replaced by a more caring and soft approach.
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Taking a tray, Blair enters inside the cafeteria. She was relieved that Kimberly wasn't there on the weekends; it meant she could sit with the other girls and not worry about having to listen to any nasty remarks coming from the ginger haired girl with the freckles. Ever since they've known each other they haven't been able to get on, and now that she had her housekeeper at her side, things could turn for the worse. Sighing, she heads towards Sue Ann who is sitting with the rest of the girls, and asks: "mind if I join in?"
"Of course not Blair: right girls?" The pretty long blond haired girl answers and they all nod.
"So how was your second day working in the kitchen?" Natalie asks politely.
"It wasn't too bad. I actually learned how to fold napkins a certain way. In fact, I set all the tables in the cafeteria." Blair boasts with satisfaction.
"Wow, really: all by yourself?" Tootie asks impressed.
"I didn't have a choice. Howard had to do the cooking, although I wonder how he copes by himself during the week."
"I think Mrs Garret helps him most of the time." Nancy adds.
"So, how's the studying going? You must be having really good grades spending so much time with your nose under a book." Molly asks, nonchalant.
"Well, as a matter of fact, I don't spend my time off only studying: I flip through magazine! Isn't that cool?" The golden haired girl answers, flipping her hair.
"It figures." The red haired girl with the freckles replies, rolling her eyes.
"At least we don't have classes to attend on the weekends, thank god! How about getting some fresh air after lunch is over?" Sue Ann suggests.
"It's a great idea!" Blair exclaims excited.
"Aren't you supposed to head straight to your room, since you're grounded?" Natalie asks.
"Mrs Garret and Kimberly aren't here, and besides: I need some fresh air too!" Blair answers, smiling with satisfaction.
"There is going to be TROUBLE!"
"Shut up, Tootie!" They all yell in unison, and leaving the cafeteria, the girls head straight into the main entrance door to enjoy the warm days of spring: May was just around the corner…..
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Monday morning comes, and getting up early to start a new day, Nancy and Blair walk at the same time into the bathroom:
"Do you mind? I go first." The dark haired girl says irritated.
"Sorry… I guess I'm just too sleepy to think."
"I'll be quick." Nancy retorts, closing the bathroom door behind her for some privacy.
Blair walks toward her closet, and picking up her school uniform she stares at herself in the mirror: she looked terrible with her sleepy face, and her eyes were swollen. Sighing, she knew she'd have to add some heavy make up to cover her unattractive appearance (at least for today).
"The bathroom is free now." Nancy interrupts, entering the bedroom.
"Thank you. I'll be quick too." Blair answers, hitting the shower.
"You better be: you don't want to get into any more trouble with Mrs Garret, do you?"
At the thought of the feisty red haired housemother, Blair's heart begins to pound hard on her chest: she had missed her over the weekend, even though she would never admit it to herself. The truth is, Edna was the only person who had dared challenge her, and she was actually looking forwards to seeing her again despite the fact that they hated each other.
"Hurry up Blair, or I'll go downstairs without you!" The dark haired girl yells impatiently.
"I'm here." The golden haired girl replies, entering the room dressed in her uniform.
"Wow, you were really quick!" Nancy exclaims surprised.
"I have to if I don't want to be late: I still need to apply some make up to look presentable."
"Now: but we don't have time!"
"Relax Nancy: I'll just be a minute. I want to look my best."
And choosing a red lipstick, Blair begins to apply it on her lips.
"Are you crazy? You know make up isn't allowed during classes!" The dark haired girl continues exasperated.
"Well, I certainly don't want to look like the bride of Frankenstein!" The golden haired girl retorts.
"Just hurry up!"
Both girls jump at the sound of the school bell ringing, and leaving the room at the same time they start descending the stairs. On her way down, Blair eyes catches Kimberly hugging Edna and she feels a sharp pang of jealousy: it was obvious how close the two were. Lowering her eyes, she decides to ignore them and continues her direction towards the classroom. Shortly afterwards, the ginger haired girl with the freckles enters inside the room as well, and at the sight of the golden haired girl, she exclaims:
"Well look who's here: if it isn't Blair Warner!"
And walking towards her, she continues: "so how is it like to work in the kitchen like an ordinary maid? Have you broken one of your nails by scrubbing the floor?"
"So what if I do? It still doesn't make me look like an ordinary maid, unlike your housekeeper. "
"Take it back, or I'll punch your face!" Kimberly says, grabbing the golden haired girl by the neck.
"I won't take it back: you and your housekeeper are below ordinary!"
"Hey, what's going on in here?" Miss Mahoney asks, running towards both girls to prevent a fight.
"Blair just called Mrs Garret an ordinary maid! She even said that we were below ordinary!" The ginger haired girl with the freckles whines.
"Is it true, Blair?"
"Yes. And I don't regret saying it." The golden haired girl replies, smiling at Kimberly in victory.
"Wait until Mrs Garret finds out what you said about her: you'll be grounded for life!"
"I don't care!" Blair replies defiantly but inside she was dying: because deep down she hadn't meant any of the words she'd said, and now she was in real trouble…
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Finally the bell ringing announces the end of the biology class, and gathering their books, the girls begin to leave the classroom to head towards the gym. Halfway through the hall, Kimberly spots the housemother walking in their direction, and raising her voice she exclaims:
"Mrs Garret, you'll never believe all the nasty things Blair said about you."
Glaring at the golden haired girl, Edna notices her heavy make-up, and frowning at her, she replies: "haven't I told you before not to wear such a red lipstick? It makes you look cheap, and it's forbidden during classes."
Lowering her eyes, Blair mumbles: "I'll go and wash it immediately." And before anyone can reply, she heads towards the bathroom, with her heart pounding hard on her chest.
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"Good morning Edna! How are you today?" Howard asks the feisty red woman as she walks in the kitchen.
"That girl will turn my hair grey before my time: she's nothing but trouble!"
"If you're talking about Blair, I find her rather sweet."
"She has charmed you too, by the look of it!" Edna answers sharply.
"What's this all about Edna?" Howard asks frowning: he had never seen the feisty red haired housemother so furious before.
"I just found out from Kimberly, that Blair has been saying nasty things behind my back."
"Really: I find it hard to believe it!" Howard replies surprised.
"Well, i wouldn't put it past her: that girl is the rudest teenager I ever seen, and no one has ever irritated me as much as her!" The feisty red haired housemother exclaims hotly.
"Why don't you admit that you care about her, once for all? It would do you both good to break the ice, don't you think? Go and talk to her." Howard continues tentatively.
"Stop being a fool Howard, and better tell me how she behaved: Did she give you any trouble?"
"On the contrary: she's a very obedient girl, and really tried hard for someone who's never done any kitchen duties."
"Good."
Howard wants to add something, but at the furious look on the feisty red haired housemother's face, he changes his mind: "that girl is progressing very rapidly. She turned out to be a very fast learner and eager too."
"Well at least she's of use to you. Thank you for your full report: I'll go and check the menu to see what I need to get from the shop."
And before Howard can answer, Edna walks out of the kitchen fuming.
Shaking his head, Howard knows for a certainty that he'd been right all along: Edna had did have a weakness for the golden haired girl. Why else would she go all the trouble to straighten her out if she didn't? And the fact that she'd gotten so mad at her was more than prove that she cared. Would she ever admit it, thought? He doubted it. The feisty red haired housemother was more stubborn than a mule!
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At 12 o'clock sharp, all the girls enter the cafeteria to head towards their usual table, and as soon as Howard spots the golden haired girl, he walks towards her:
"Can I have a word with you, Blair?"
"Yes of course, what about it?"
"In the kitchen, please."
And leading Blair inside the kitchen, Howard asks her in a sharp tone: "I'd like to know, if it's true you say such nasty things about Edna today".
"Did Kimberly say something to you too?" Blair asks in a trembling voice.
"So it is true. How could you Blair? You should be grateful Edna takes a genuine interest in you! Do you know how much effort she put on you, to get you out of trouble with Mr Crocker? If she 'd gone to the headmaster you'd be expelled by now." Howard says with reproach.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it. I just said it to get back at Kimberly." Blair whimpers.
"Well you should think twice before you say something that might hurt people. Kimberly put a bad word on you, and now Edna is fuming."
"What difference does it make? Mrs Garret hates me already anyway."
"Is that what you really think? On the contrary: she cares about you." Howard insists.
"I don't believe it." The golden haired girl retorts stubbornly.
"Well you should. Edna is too proud to admit that she cares about you and I don't blame her: you've been treating her very badly ever since the first day she arrived.
Lowering her eyes, Blair doesn't know what to say: she was beginning to feel ashamed for all the bad things she'd done in the past and guilty too. Up until now, everyone has given on to her whimpers and she'd been able to get away with anything without regret, until now. Unable to hold back her tears, she runs hurriedly out of the kitchen.
"Blair, wait!"
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Throwing herself in her bed, Blair cries like she has never done before. All of a sudden she was beginning to have a conscious, and she didn't like at all the new feeling she was experiencing. For as long as she could remember, she had been used to get her own way one way or the other; her parents had given on to her every wimp every time she threw a tantrum, shoving her with money and changing her from every school each time she ran away or got in trouble. Up until the sudden arrival of the feisty red haired woman: Edna had changed it all with her imposing character and authority, taking no nonsense from a spoiled teenager and putting her right where she belonged. Red with shame, she realizes she had been behaving like a five year old instead of an almost fifteen one, treating the loyal housemother like dirt, when all Mrs Garret had done is try to straighten her out. Sobbing harder, she wonders how she ended up doing so much wrong in her life, and if she'd ever been able to change it. Tiredness was beginning to wear off, and closing her eyes, she falls into a deep sleep…..
Edna, who is on her way upstairs heads towards her own room, but changing her mind she stops right in front of Blair's dorm, and opening the door hesitantly, she enters without knocking it. At the sight of the golden haired girl asleep in her bed, her heart softens: she looked like angel with her hair disheveled, and she was wearing the sweetest smile on her face. Walking towards the girl, she picks up the blanket lying next to her, and after covering her with it, she watches her for the longest time. It was hard to believe, that the peaceful teenager sleeping was normally a very spoiled one when awake. Sighing, she finally leaves the room, closing the door quietly behind her.
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As the weeks goes by, Blair begins to notice the changes in her: she was in no longer need to smoke like she had done it so many times in the past to attract boys, and she didn't even miss going out on dates with them. On the contrary, she felt rather relieved not having to pretend anymore that she was only a tease, and instead she was happy to concentrate her time to progress with her studies. She had good grades in general, but her lack of interest had gotten her in trouble with some of the teachers occasionally, and now that she had discovered a genuine passion for poetry, she spent most of her time off reading books. She hadn't seen much the housemother either since their last encounter, and had tried to avoid her as much as possible. She wanted so much to reach out to her and tell her how repentant she was and how much she admired her and respected her, but she didn't know how to approach her. She knew it was up to her to make the first move, but she was too ashamed to face her after how badly she had treated her. One day, unable to keep her emotions buried any longer, she curls up in the living room's sofa, and starts to cry like a little girl.
Edna had also noticed the changes in Blair as she had been watching her closely, but every time she tried to approach the girl, she'd just ran off babbling one excuse or another. Howard hadn't been much of a help either, always coming to the defense of the teenager and blaming the feisty haired housemother for anything. Until the day she finds the golden haired girl curled up in the living room's sofa crying, and her heart goes out for her:
"What is it Blair? Why are you crying?" Edna asks taking the weeping girl in her arms, and sitting next to her, she cuddles her. Crying harder, the golden haired girl buries her head into the housemother's chest, and clinging tightly to her, she continues to sob. She had never felt so nurtured and protected in her life before, the way she did in Edna's soft arms. In all her young life, no one had ever held her so tenderly, and closing her eyes, she decides to enjoy the warmth while the moment lasted. Taken by surprised, the motherly matron hugs her tightly and strokes her hair lovingly.
"Talk to me Blair." Edna continues in a soothing voice while stroking the girl's hair tenderly, and lifting her chin up, she continues: "what's wrong?"
"How can you be so kind to me after I treated you so badly?" Blair wails.
"So there is a tenderhearted little girl inside you after all." The housemother answers, wiping Blair's tears off.
"I am not a little girl." Blair whimpers.
"You are to me, and a rather naughty one."
"I'm sorry about all the nasty things I said to you. I didn't mean it." Blair continues in a little voice.
"I know. You were only trying to get my attention." Edna replies, stroking the girl's cheek.
"How do you know?" Blair asks, puzzled.
"Well, I didn't study psychology for nothing, and I have been a little girl once too."
"You studied psychology? But weren't you supposed to be Kimberly's housekeeper?"
"I was, but before I was married and had kids, I went to university, thinking of making a career for myself."
"I'm sorry you couldn't fulfill your dream: you would have made a great psychologist." Blair smiles through her tears.
"Are we finally becoming friends?" Edna asks her, stroking her face.
"Why would you want to be friends with me?
"For one simple reason: because you need me."
It was true: Blair needed the feisty red haired housemother tremendously although she would never admit it. Mrs Garret was her conscious, the one person who saw her true self, and the only one who didn't take any nonsense from her. The golden haired girl had been drawn to Kimberly's housekeeper then, from the very first moment she'd laid her eyes on her, but too proud to be challenged by any authority figure, she had chosen to rebel against it. Edna on the other hand had seen right through the unruly teenager, and had felt it was her duty to do everything in her power to straighten her out.
Resting her head in the housemother's shoulders, Blair asks her tentatively:
"Do I still have to be grounded?"
"You've still got one week to go. Besides, Howard is delighted with your progress and so am i."
"What about Kimberly? She's going to hate me even more when she finds out we get along." Blair says hesitantly.
"You mean, when she finds out that we are now friends." Edna answers, winking at her.
"And all this time I thought you hated me." The golden haired girl says in a timid voice.
"I never hated you: I was only trying to teach you a lesson. Will you behave from now on?"
"Yes." Blair answers softly.
"Good girl."
And taking a deep breath, the feisty red haired housemother continues: "because believe it or not, I have always had a weakness for the trouble makers."
Giving the housemother a warm embrace, Blair rests her head in her shoulders again, and they remain in each other's arms, until they hear someone shout in a loud voice:
"Take your hands off MY housekeeper!"
"KIMBERLY!" Blair and Edna cry in unison.
"Why are you hugging each other? I thought you hated one another!" The ginger haired girl with the freckles continues, furiously.
"What?"
Turning pale, the golden haired girl looks into the housemother's eyes for reassurance.
"I never said that Kimberly and you know it. I think we need to talk." The feisty red haired housemother replies taking the ginger haired girl with the freckles hands firmly in hers, and as Blair watch the two leave she feels a pang in her heart: it was obvious that Kimberly shared a special bond with the housemother and it hurt her tremendously not to be part of it, because as much as she wanted to deny it, Edna had grown deep in her heart, and no one would ever be able to replace her….
Here is the ending of my second chapter, and what is going to happen now with KIMBERLY's jealousy over BLAIR and MRS GARRET new found friendship? Follow me, and you'll find out soon enough….
PS: and i hope you are still following me Freebird87!