Hello, everyone!
I know, it's been a while. I've been studying for my exams. I'm sorry I haven't updated regularly.
Thus chapter is a little different, but I've done my best to keep it Blyton-esque.
Here's the new chapter, leave me a comment telling me what you think.
Enjoy!
-Estelle
"I feel awfully tired, still." Julie said, spooning some porridge into her mouth.
"Yes, well, we don't have to attend lessons. Funny that the fourth formers were drenched by a downpour, while we are getting sun and wind. We shall simply laze around all day and enjoy the good weather." Nora said.
"No, we shan't!" June and Bonnie chorused immediately.
"I want to find out how Julie's cupboard became such a mess." Bonnie said determinedly.
"And there is something terribly suspicious about it." June added.
"You two don't have many clues to go on, though." Amy said, helping herself to toast.
"'You two'? What do you mean by 'you two'?" June asked, her hazel eyes narrowing, "We are all going to work together to find out what happened to Julie's belongings."
"Every single one of us." Bonnie agreed, "We have 7 glorious days."
"Of course we shall all help." Susan said, "What's Malory Towers without a bit of mystery and adventure?"
"Exactly." June said brightly.
"How is Josh going to deal with you, June?" Felicity asked in amusement, "He's quite easy-going, and you're awfully stubborn."
"Well, he'll just have to listen to me, then, won't he?" June replied with a grin.
"No, he always did have a talent of getting June to listen to sensibility and talk her out of her ridiculous ideas." Pam said, remembering their time in University.
"I still don't understand why you didn't join the detective agency or police force, June." Delia joked.
"I looked into it, briefly, and help them out during my break times." June said in an offhand voice, ignoring the others dropping their silverware.
"What?!" Gillian exclaimed.
"Alicia works there, remember? And so does Roger." June informed her friends, "Every once in a while, when there is a new case or arrest scene, I tag along to help them out. Not something I would want to do every single day, but it is fun when it's just one case every few months. It's serious work, but quite exciting."
"Solved any cases?" Alice asked with interest.
"The usual, house robbery, child kidnap. You'd be surprised how much crime happens in a month."
"Alicia's doing well, then?" Lizzie asked, "I remember her from the old girls' reunion. She's very much like you."
"Yes, she's doing brilliant. She's in a very high position indeed in the police force." June said.
"Is she married?"
"No." June's brow furrowed, "Why?"
"You're getting married." Lizzie pointed out, "I just thought maybe she was, too."
"No, actually, people think Josh and I are too young, and are rushing into things." June said, rather tiredly.
"You might be young, but you've always had good instinct." Felicity assured her, "There's no age for falling in love. My mother and father got married when they were only 21."
"Yes, and while we've got a lot of support, we've got an equal number of warnings. An old family friend told me that 75% of people who get married in their early 20s get divorced."
"That's a terrible thing to tell you when you've shared some amazing news." Susan frowned disapprovingly.
"I know. But I'm quite sure that this is what I want and is the right thing to do, so I've turned a deaf ear to all that. It's not as easy for Alicia or Sam. They get awfully offended if anyone tells me I'm rushing into things." June said.
"Well, you're not." Delia said firmly, "You know what you're doing, and that's what matters."
"Quite right." Bonnie agreed, "Personally, I think it's romantic."
June looked amused, "Yes, you've mentioned that. One too many times, in fact."
"Girls." Freddie said suddenly, "I don't mean to bring up a dreary topic, but I think we should tell the sixth formers about the little incident."
"Why?" Susan asked, surprised.
"They know all the girls awfully well-"
"-we have Miss Boardman for that-" June interjected.
"And I just think they would be helpful." Freddie continued, as if she had never been interrupted, "They're trustworthy girls, and intelligent ones. I feel we could use their help."
"Unless it was one of them." Amy said darkly.
"No!" the others all cried at once.
"Some of them might be impish, but they are sixth-formers, and have matured very well." Pam said firmly, "Even Violet has grown up- nobody could call her spiteful anymore, though she is rather haughty."
"Much like you, dear Amy, and I don't see any of us accusing you of anything." June said sharply, "How did you feel when Gwen thought you were guilty of Daisy's act all those years ago?"
"Alright, alright." Amy sighed, looking irritable, "It was just a thought. I suppose we could use their help."
"Good. We shall talk to them after breakfast." Freddie said, satisfied, "They have a free period in the morning, don't they, Pam?"
"Yes, but I think Daffy is taking the second and third form for tennis practice." Pam replied, "We could brief them before the youngsters turn up, and then maybe we could watch the practice again. Yesterday was very enjoyable indeed."
"Yes, that's a good idea." Alice nodded approvingly.
"Very well." Susan said, "We shall catch up with the sixth after breakfast."
That is exactly what the girls did, managing to find them all together out on the tennis courts. They recalled the events that had occurred, the sixth formers exclaiming in astonishment.
"Are you quite sure you didn't hear anything?" Daffy asked for the hundredth time, "Quite sure?"
"Extremely sure." June said, and Daffy nodded.
Felicity hid a smile. After all these years, Daffy still looked up to June enormously, and was still willing to do whatever June asked without a question.
"Hmm...you don't think someone was looking for something in there, do you?" Katie asked.
"We did think that, but I've nothing of any real value." Julie said, "Not to others, at least. And I hardly heard a thing. If it was an intruder, she must have been as quiet and quick as a mouse."
"Well, that is possible, or we were just sleeping soundly." Gillian said.
"Or both." Violet said, "You were all sleeping soundly, and someone snuck in extremely quietly. Not a chance to be heard or seen. Was your door locked?"
"No- but that's a jolly good idea." Lucy said, "Let us lock the dormitory room door tonight, girls- then whoever tried to enter yesterday shan't be able to do so tonight as well."
"We shall do that...but what if she doesn't come today?" Bonnie said, looking troubled, "Say someone did enter, and couldn't find what they were looking for, why would they come back tonight and risk getting caught?"
"That's a good point." June agreed, "But we shall lock the dormitory doors anyway, and stay up as late as we can, to see if we can hear anything- or something suspicious happens."
"Stay up late again!" Julie groaned, "And arrive late for breakfast again! And spend the day longing to sleep."
Everyone laughed at this.
"We can sleep in tomorrow, then. And request Cook to save toast and tea for us." Lucy said sensibly.
"Or we could all go into town tomorrow for brunch. There's a shop with the most marvelous scones." Delia suggested.
"That's a first-rate idea!" Nora cried, "We shall go into town tomorrow- we must! I've been dying to try those scones as well."
"Of course, Nora." June said, amused, "The scones are actually very good, but they have the best muffins. You must try a muffin. It's fabulous."
"Ooh, you're right, June, I adore those." Violet said, "Don't tempt me, I can't step out of my study this term at all, except for lessons. I've decided to take on Higher Cert. with everyone else."
"I'm sure you'll do very well." Susan said encouragingly, "Just study hard- we all did, and we came out with flying colors."
"I shall." Violet promised, then frowned, "June, that shop is quite new. How on earth have you been there? Don't you live in London?"
"Well, yes, but we came to a nearby place as judges for a local diving competition recently, and we had a lovely breakfast in that shop." June explained.
"'We'?" Faith said, confused, "You and Freddie?"
"No, Josh and I." June clarified, "The reason why I'm in London in the first place is because I live in his apartment. Otherwise I would still be on Archer's Avenue."
"I am absolutely dying to meet Josh." Bonnie said, "You talk about him so glowingly."
"I do not talk about anyone glowingly." June said with dignity.
"Of course not." Freddie said with a grin, "But I suppose Josh is an exception."
June did not reply, instead hurriedly striking up a conversation with Daffy about the tennis practice.
Everyone else laughed.
"Good old June!" Felicity said, "I'm looking forward to seeing Josh again, too. I knew he and June were a good match ever since University. Remember, Susan? Pam?"
"Yes, he kept her quite balanced, and vice-versa. Otherwise, I think June would have gone mad, and Josh would have blown up the school. They are both quite brilliant- even University work was easy for them, and they participated in every event imaginable." Susan said.
"Alright, girls, please do clear off the court." Daffy interrupted, "The youngsters are here for practice."
"Do you mind awfully if we stay and watch again?" Freddie asked.
"No, of course not!" Daffy answered, "Make yourselves comfortable." she turned to address her own form, "Are you all staying as well?"
"Why not?" Faith said, "It's good weather, and we are free."
"But I wanted to study for Higher Cert.!" Violet protested, "I must do well!"
"Take a week off." Bonnie suggested, "Dive back in during the hols. Spend some time with us."
"Very well." Violet sighed, "I must redouble my studying time this vacation, then."
"Ever heard of over-sincere?" June smirked, and Violet scowled at her.
"You're in no position to scowl at June." Katie said laughingly, "She did teach you to swim- think of all the occasions you might have drowned if not for her."
The girls laughed, even Violet.
"Yes, yes, that was wonderful of June, now all of you- clear off the court." Daffy said impatiently, "They're waiting. No, not you, June! Here's a racket, you can help me and Katie.
After everyone was settled and eager to watch the practice, Daffy started talking about serving, and the techniques that had to be used.
She really was a good games captain, Felicity thought proudly, and Katie was a perfect assistant.
Maryanne, a third-former, let out a loud yawn.
"Maryanne! Didn't you sleep well last night?" Katie asked.
"No-not really, Katie." Maryanne said, "Sorry to disturb everyone. I just heard quite a lot of rattling last night while I was half-asleep."
"Oh." Katie and Daffy both exchanged a surprised glance, while June swiftly eyed Julie.
"Well, you need to concentrate on- Elsie, please don't tell me that you did not sleep well either." Daffy sighed as Elsie let out a yawn.
"No, I didn't sleep good." Elsie said, with her American drawl, "Long night."
"More noises?" June asked.
"Nah, I didn't hear noises or rattling or anything, I just couldn't fall asleep. I was awake all night."
"Did you see anything rattling last night, then?" Maryanne asked.
"Nope." Elsie said, "Didn't see a thing moving, but there was a lotta wind."
"Odd." Maryanne frowned, "I really heard so much rattling. Maybe it was a strange dream I had."
"I guess." Elsie shrugged.
"Alright, girls, back to tennis." Katie said firmly. Elsie groaned at this, but no one paid her any attention.
"By the way, Janet." Katie addressed the head of the third form, "Where is Emily?"
"She's inside. Matron has returned a pile of mending to her, and ordered her to finish it at once." Janet replied, "And she won't come tomorrow, either."
"Why not?" Daffy asked in concern.
"She has detention for sleeping in too late today. She woke up along with all of us- but she looked simply dreadful. So she went back to sleep and arrived late for breakfast. Miss Potts had her by the ear."
"Poor girl. I don't think she's fully recovered from the flu she had last week." Pam murmured.
Katie said the same thing to Daffy, who nodded, "Janet, ask her to go up to the San today. Tell Matron to check her, and even if she's fine, ask her to get some rest for a day or two. She can't fall ill again."
'Of course, Daffy, I shall certainly make sure she does so." Janet said, "Will you help me talk her into it, Elsie?"
"Me?" Elsie looked quite alarmed, "Why?"
"You know how Emily hates being ill, and she so dislikes spending nights in the San." Janet explained, "She shan't go if I ask her, she'll simply insist that she's fine! But you two have become quite chummy this week, haven't you? So maybe she'll listen to you."
"Chummy?" Elsie repeated, puzzled.
"Friendly, I mean."
Elsie frowned, "What makes you think that?"
"You two have spent an awful lot of time this week whispering to each other." Janet said.
"Oh." for a fleeting moment, Elsie's face showed worry, but it cleared as quickly as it flashed, and the girl said, "She's got a pony at home. She understands how much I like horses."
"Well, that's nice, but will you help me talk to her?"
Elsie bit her lip, not looking at all pleased with this idea, "She'll be okay."
"You heard Daffy. She can't fall ill again. She just needs a couple of nights in the San to rest. Please, Elsie? I really feel she might listen to you." Janet asked.
"I guess." Elsie said darkly.
Before anyone could contemplate the irritation in Elsie's voice, June cut in, speaking about pros and cons of backhand serves, and everyone's focus shifted back onto tennis.
The youngsters played quite well, and Felicity, Susan and Freddie were mentally keeping track of the talented players.
"I hate this stupid game." Elsie scowled, hitting the ball into the bushes.
Her partner, Lily, sighed in frustration and went in search of the ball, knowing that Elsie wouldn't do so herself. Daffy shook her head wearily.
Elsie ignored all this and turned to June, "You're name's June, right?"
June nodded.
"Are you famous or something? Why was everyone freaking out when you came?"
"Erm..." June took a moment to interpret the American phrase, before saying, "No, I'm not famous."
"Then why was everyone so excited?"
"I'm not quite sure. I played in the National Lacrosse Cup a month or two ago, and our team won, so maybe that is why people are a bit excited." June said.
"Oh." Elsie seemed to process this for a moment, before saying, "How do you know Bill and Clarissa? I used to keep my horse at their stable."
"Of course the talk turns to horses." Ivy mumbled to the others, and they stifled their laughter
"My cousin Alicia was in their form here at Malory Towers." June said, "And Bonnie and I helped save their stables from a man who nearly burned it down so they would sell it."
Elsie's eyes flashed, "Why did they want Bill and Clarissa to sell it?"
"So they could buy it for themselves, of course." June said to the group that had by then gathered to hear the story. The youngsters looked disgusted at the behavior of Mr. Banks, the man who had tried to sabotage Bill and Clarissa so many years ago.
Elsie's eyes darted briefly to Bonnie, before settling on June again, "Do you really have a boyfriend?"
The youngsters gasped. They were used to the term 'special friend', and even that was used very sparsely. They thought Elsie was acting terribly vulgar.
The older girls stiffened. "Romance is another one of Elsie's favorite topics." Pam frowned, "Something quite inappropriate for a 14 year old."
June raised a perfect eyebrow, "How does it concern you?"
"I mean, you live with a boy. I just wanted to know why."
June's eyes narrowed, "How do you know with whom I live?"
Elsie shrugged, avoiding the question, "Do you love him?"
June stepped back as if she had been slapped, "Excuse me, who are you to ask me such questions?"
"Aren't you a bit young to get married?" Elsie countered, completely ignoring June's questions.
June looked about ready to explode. "It doesn't concern you." she repeated, forcing her voice to remain calm.
But Elsie was ready to keep talking, clearly forgetting who she was talking to, "Are you going to have children as well?"
"Why- that girl-" Nora gasped. Pam's eyes widened, "I can't interrupt games practice- if you can call this one- but I must have a talk with Elsie later."
"Well, I most certainly can interrupt." Bonnie stood up and marched over to stand next to June, who had a dangerous expression.
"I advise you not to rush into children after marriage. I've read stories where a couple has kids and then realize they don't really love each other." Elsie was clearly enjoying the spectacle she was causing. It was obvious she had forgotten the company she was in.
The youngsters looked quite horrified. They would never speak to one of their elders like that! How absolutely terrible Elsie was being! Was this how it was in her old school? No wonder she was the way she was.
"Enough." June said, her voice quivering with rage, "My personal life is none of your business, Elsie, and you are far, far too young to be discussing such things. I am certainly not as vulgar as you seem to be. Though I shouldn't speak like that to a youngster, you've brought it upon yourself. You need to change your attitude if you want to settle in anywhere. I suggest you return your focus to your tennis, because it's atrocious."
A few onlookers snickered, and Elsie's cheeks burned.
"I'm surprised June hasn't boxed your ears- I would have in her position." Bonnie said angrily. Something flickered in Elsie's eyes. The same emotion that had flashed when she had met June. Bonnie continued her rant "You're to have a talk with Miss Boardman after this- and possibly Miss Potts, too. You'll never settle down anywhere with this terrible behavior. Do you have no respect for your elders? June has grown jolly patient- if she hadn't, you would be in right trouble. And you would deserve it!"
Elsie met both June's and Bonnie's furious gazes, and looked away at once, muttering an apology. How she hated June and Bonnie! How dare they humiliate her in front of everyone! Who did they thing they were?
"Tennis. Now." Daffy seemed to have snapped out of her reverie.
The rest of the practice was tense, and everyone was relieved when it ended.
"That was certainly eventful." Lizzie said, as they helped put the balls back in the basket.
"Wasn't it, though?" Edith answered ruefully.
June glowered after Elsie's back, "That girl needs a thorough shaking up."
"And a shaping up." Bonnie added, equally annoyed.
Lucy put an arm on June's shoulder, "Don't lose your temper over her, old girl. Pam's going to have a nice long chat with her later today. Apparently, she enjoys romance and love stories, the way she likes horses."
"The King and Queen of sports, falling in love at school and marrying at a young age." Freddie mused, and everyone laughed.
"We are certainly not King or Queen, Freddie, I assure you." June handed Katie the ball basket.
"Still, it seems to be a love story interesting enough to captivate Elsie, I suppose." Susan shrugged, "What do her parents teach her? I'm sure not all Americans are like that. I've met a few, and they're all lovely people."
"No, this fault is simply in Elsie's character, and her upbringing has added to it's growth." Felicity said, "Don't listen to what she says about yours and Josh's marriage, June. She's ignorant, and she's young. She has a lot to learn in life."
June gazed at the giant stone structure that was their beloved school, and when she turned back to her friends, her eyes were shining, her smile true, "You know." she said softly, "I've never felt more sure about anything in my entire life. I'm only twenty-three, but I know I'm making the right choice."
Susan felt sudden tears in her eyes at the confidence in June's voice. How much she must love Josh, how much Josh must love her, to bring that expression out of her, to make her smile even in her worst moments.
Felicity smiled softly, "I'm glad. June, I'm really so pleased for you."
"I know."
"Do you really expect us to believe that you don't speak of anyone glowingly now?" Nora teased, and everyone laughed again.
"Maybe Josh is an exception." June looked sheepish, "Don't tell him."
"Why not?" Daffy asked.
"He'd never let me hear the end of it, really." June shook her head, half-fond, half-exasperated, "Though I'm quite sure he already knows."
Lucy grinned, "I'll make sure to mention it."
"Fabulous." June said sarcastically.
"I can't believe dear June has gone soft." Amy said.
"I have not gone soft!" June protested, "I can't help it! Did you see me hit the girl with my lacrosse stick in the match? Do you call that soft?"
"Did you actually do that?" Gillian gaped.
"Well, no, I would've gotten disqualified." June admitted, "But I wanted to."
"June?" Delia said, looking unusually grave, "Sorry to interrupt the pleasant conversation, but did you notice something different in Elsie's expression when she caught sight of you? Or Bonnie?"
"I...well, yes, but I thought I might be imagining it." June said, unsure.
"Have you met before?"
"No, but she looks terribly familiar." Bonnie said, "I'm certain I've seen her somewhere."
"I think she's visited your shop, as one of us said yesterday." Felicity said, "And June, I think she already recognized you. She might know more about lacrosse than she lets on."
"Well, there is no love lost between the two of us and Elsie." Bonnie gestures at herself and June, "Though we are far to old to be picking fights with youngsters."
"We do not have to fight with her." June said, "But we can shape her up, in our own way."
"I shall start that by a lecture about respect and appropriate topics for a Malory Towers girl to discuss." Pam said solemnly.
"Alright, girls, hurry up, we're going to be late for French." Faith called.
"We'll take these to the games room, you lot run." Alice offered, taking the sports equipment.
"Thanks awfully." Violet said gratefully, "We shall see you at lunch."
In a flash, the sixth formers had disappeared into the school, and Felicity and her friends headed to he games room.
"That was an interesting tennis practice indeed." Julie said with a shake of her head.
"And a rather embarrassing one." June said conversationally, "Fancy having to explain love to a group of second and third formers."
"You didn't, though." Freddie pointed out.
"It was still quite mortifying."
"There's something else bothering me." Bonnie frowned, "And that is Elsie's behavior. She acts terribly suspicious."
"And looks terribly familiar." June added.
"The mystery intensifies!" Lucy exclaimed, "She looks familiar to quite a lot of us. But the first thing is first- Julie's cupboard."
"Whew!' Felicity said, "We were silly to think of a week of relaxation at Malory Towers. There really is always something going on."
"And that's why we love it." Alice said brightly.
"You're right, of course, Alice." Susan grinned, "Good old Malory Towers! I do hope that it doesn't take too long to find out the mystery behind Julie's cupboard. It's not too big a mystery- at least not compared to the Five Oaks Mystery in third year. Or the Miss Tallant mystery in fourth year."
"I daresay you're right." Julie agreed.
Little did they know how big the mystery truly was!