An Education: Changes and Lessons

By Kev Pickering

The new school year is about to start, and for Cassie, Suzie and friends that means a new school. For Alicia, Jenny and their friends, it means taking on new responsibilities as babysitters and godmothers - and for Patty's friends, a new level of school and a big change.

The latest collection of stories in the An Education series takes us through Christmas and beyond, as we learn more about the families, Sarah and Brian and their American friends, and about Jay Edwards and Mrs McPhee as they ply their trade.

The An Education books have been praised for their content and twists - enjoy the latest tales...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 10, 2015
• ISBN: 9781326301552

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An Education: Changes and Lessons

An Education: Changes and Lessons

By Kev Pickering

Copyright (C) 2015 Kev Pickering

All rights reserved

ISBN: 978-1-326-30155-2

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The Tale That Keeps On Growing

Welcome to the fifth collection of tales of the Craig and Holderness families, as well as their friends.  Before I say anything else, my thanks need to go out once again to Tom Ford, William F Somebody, Imp Caeser Augustus, John Kennon Smith, and Skybird – they had an incredible influence and input to this set of stories.

As the girls get older, their focus changes, and so do their experiences.  This particular collection deals with the time from February to the summer, and introduces a number of new friends and characters.  There is a bit more of a focus in the younger generation, and as the Williamson family become part of their social circle – well, that would be telling.  Suffice to say by the end of this book, all the families have changed in some way.

As always, the vast majority of these stories originally appeared on the Tie-Up Games Forum, but we have some new tales as well, looking both forward and back, from when John and Mark used to play together as boys, to answers to questions that the stories published here may raise – possibly.

As for the future – well, that, as they say, is yet to be written.

Enjoy

Kev Pickering.

A Short Historical Interlude

June 1825

Holderness Manor

Lord Horatio Holderness was at his desk in the reading room of the manor house when there was a soft knock on the door.

Come, he called out, looking up as his butler came in.

Forgive the interruption, your lordship, but there is a young man from the village here to see you?

Ah – I have been expecting him, he said as he put his pen down, show him in.

The liveried man stood to one side as the young man came in, his hat in his hand as he said You asked to see me, your lordship?

I did, Horatio said as he stood up and walked round, I don’t know if you remember me, but...

I do, sir – you were very kind to me and my father on the night your brother died.

Yes – I’ve never been one for stopping those who have real need from taking only what they need, Horatio said as he stood by the fireplace.  I was saddened to hear of the passing of your father.

It was a mercy in the end, your lordship.

So – have you considered what you may wish to do now?

I have not, your lordship – I imagine I will try and find work somewhere.

Looking at the young man, Horatio said I wish to make a proposal to you – I have been steadily starting to build a fleet of ships, to take supplies to the colonies.  In a month, one of those ships will be setting sail from Portsmouth for the Australian colonies – I have a crew selected, but my man who will be travelling on the ship requires an assistant.

Looking at the young man, Horatio said I know your father was the only family you had – would you be willing to accept a commission from me to travel to the colonies, and assist my work there?

The young man looked at Lord Holderness, before he said It is an honour to be asked, your lordship, and you are right – there is nothing here for me now.  If this is a way i can repay your kindness, then I accept it.

Excellent – I have a carriage leaving tomorrow.  Collect your belongings together, and you will travel with me.

The young man bowed and stepped out, passing as he did a raven haired young woman who came into the room.

Who was that, Uncle Horatio, she asked as she watched him walk away.

A good man, Sara, Horatio said with a smile, deserving of a new life.  His name is Robert – Robert Carter.

A very comely young man, Sara said as she looked at him.  I came to tell you that luncheon is ready.

Summer Loving

1975, Bermuda

I have no idea why you invited me to come with you, but I’m glad you did, Miranda said as she walked down the street.  I hadn’t realised I needed the break so much.

Well, Desmond and I had, Lucinda said as she stopped at a market stall, and besides, there’s someone here we want you to meet.

Oh lord; you’re not trying to matchmake again are you?

Lucinda just smiled as she picked up the throw and looked at it through her glasses.  She was wearing a front buttoning sleeveless mini dress, with a purple and red diamond and check pattern, and brown cork wedge sandals, and looked to the vendor as she said How much?

Miranda had her blonde hair cut short, and was wearing a short sleeved white top with a round neck, and a blue checked mini skirt with white shoes.  She looked round as Lucinda took some money and handed it over, before they walked away with her purchase under her arm.

So when does Desmond meet us?

He finishes his meeting at about six – I said we’d meet him at the hotel bar at seven, give him enough time to deal with any after meeting issues and get back.

The two women walked on, not seeing the two Bermudans who followed them from a distance.

That’s better, Lucinda said as she sat on the sun lounger, looking out over the pool and sipping her cold drink.  As much as I love shopping, just sitting down and enjoying the sun is infinitely preferable.

I have to agree with you Luci, Miranda said as she sat down, so how long is this posting of yours for?

The next six months at least – I mean, I didn’t expect it to happen so soon after the honeymoon, but – well, here we are...

And loving every second of it – I mean, they billet you here?

So what’s Seth doing right now?

Looking at her watch, Miranda said probably locking up for the night.  Anyway, what did you do with...

Miranda’s words were stopped by a knock on the door.  I wonder who that could be, Lucinda said as she stood up and walked into the house, Miranda lying back and closing her eyes.

Miranda?

Opening her eyes, Miranda saw Lucinda standing there – and a large Bermudan man was standing behind her, holding her arm behind her back.  Ah, she said quietly, I presume this was whoever was at the door?

Him and another man – I guess they think we have something they can take?

I don’t believe we do, Miranda said quietly, but on the other hand, I don’t want you to get hurt.  So I presume he would like me to come inside?

I think that is his intention, yes, Lucinda said as Miranda stood up, brushed some dust from her top, and walked inside.  There was a second man in there, grinning as he held up some lengths of rope and said Look what I found – let’s make sure they can’t move.

Well, this is rather unfortunate, Lucinda said before she grunted.  Please, let go of my arm.  If you must tie us up, tie us up, but I’d rather not have a broken arm as well.

Turn round, the man said, Miranda raising an eyebrow as she looked at Lucinda, the rough fibres of the rope rubbing on her wrists as they were secured together.

I do not understand, Lucinda said as she felt the fibres around her wrists, why are you doing this?  We have no money or valuables here.

We’ll be the judge of that, the man said as the two women were made to sit back to back, Miranda watching as one of them bound her ankles together, and she heard Lucinda complain about the rope behind her.

Does it have to be so tight?

Be quiet, she heard the second man say, before there was a muffled grunt – followed by her own as a cloth was pushed into her mouth, the edges sticking out from between her lips as their bodies were lashed together at the waist and their shoulders.

Whtruggndtddd, Miranda said as she felt Lucinda’s fingers gripping hers.

Don’t move, the man said as they both left the room, the two women listening as their footsteps disappeared up the staircase.

Wllhtsnffrfnmss, Miranda said with a laugh.

True, Lucinda said as she pushed the cloth out of her mouth, can you speak?

Now I can, Miranda whispered as she spat the cloth out, are they just common thieves?

I think they want us to believe that – but common thieves around here use knives.  My handbag is on the seat over there – do you think we can both shuffle over to reach it?

We can try, Miranda said as she felt Lucinda push at her back, and bent her knees as she moved over.  They both kept an ear out for the two intruders, as they finally managed to reach the seat.

Can you tip it over with your feet, and press the buckle down?

I’ll try, Miranda said as she leaned against her friend’s back, and lifted her bound ankles up, using the wedge heels of the sandals to push the bag over and then thump down on the buckle.

Hey – what are you doing?

Damn, Miranda said to herself as the two men came back in, and dragged them both into the centre of the room.  She could see long chiffon scarves in their hands, which they used after pushing the cloths back into their mouths to keep the gags in place.

Now, then, one of them said as they knelt in front of Miranda, stroking his hand down her chest, you need to be punished for what you just did.

Nnn, Miranda said, shaking her head as the man looked at her.

I agree, the other man said, as she heard Lucinda call out, and then a little moan.  Closing her eyes, she felt the man’s hands on her body, and then...

Don’t make a bloody move!

She opened her eyes to see Desmond Holderness with two police officers, and a tall fair haired man in an army uniform.

You’re under arrest for burglary and aggravated assault, the office said as the two men were led out, and the army officer knelt down, untying the scarf around Miranda’s head and pulling the cloth out.

Sorry we took so long, he said as Miranda shook her head, let me get you out of there.

The alarm worked then, Lucinda said as Desmond helped her to her feet.

Like a charm – forgive me.  Lucinda, Miranda, this is Lieutenant David Craig.  David, my wife Lucinda, and her friend Miranda.

Pleasure, David said as he helped Miranda to stand up, and then untied her wrists.  Are you all right?

I am now, Miranda said quietly, but are you stationed here?

For a short while – Desmond asked me to join him for dinner.  I guess I’m the fourth person.

Miranda smiled – she liked this young man...

The Christening

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hungry?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jeannie Brewster, Uncle Alex said with a smile.

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

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

So she’s a famous woman, Lisa said.

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

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

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

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

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

I won’t?

Nah – I’m here for the day as well.

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

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

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

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

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

So how’s your summer been, Heidi said.

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

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

Oh yeah?

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

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

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

How are the others?

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

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

Sure – so long as Uncle Alex knows.

Would he object?

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

Sounds like a plan, Heidi laughed.

So when are you heading back?

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

Yeah – then I get to babysit these two tomorrow.

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

Who’s Freddie?

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

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

OK – see you at the weekend, she said as she walked off, leaving me to wonder what she had meant.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hey, what are you doing to my sister?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fell asleep?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That’s right – do you know the others?

Well, did you meet Amy at the wedding?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A little – how’s Susan?

Growing as well.

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

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

So I hear – and how are those twins?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Katherine’s invited us round to her place.

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

Sounds good, I said as I sipped my coffee.  I was sure we had a lot to talk about with each other…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Him?  At their age?

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

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

Sure – what could possibly happen?

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

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

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

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

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

Jannifer looked at Heidi, and then stood up.

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

Sure – what about you two?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oh yeah – but the others are playing catch up.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morning, I said as I looked in.

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

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

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

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

Hey, Lisa said, we just got here, and came to pay respects to the others.  How’s your week been?

Not bad, I said with a smile, yours?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I’ve heard of this, but…

Ali, just get it over with.

It suits you.

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

Alicia, Natalie said, this is Fi, a friend from school.  Fi, Alicia Holderness.

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

Right – pizza is ordered, drinks are here, Heidi said, what are we going to do first?

Well, I don’t know about you lot, Natalie said as she sat down, but I think we need to get all the gossip out of Ali here about what’s going on in the UK – all the stuff she hasn’t told us yet.

Oh yeah – and what do you think I haven’t told you yet?

Have you and Martin kissed yet?

I blushed and nodded as the girls clapped and cheered.  Who’s Martin, Fi said.

Alicia’s boyfriend – actually, tell you what.  Heidi got up and went to a cupboard, removing a DVD and putting it in.  Before we do anything, let me show you a film of a party that Alicia’s grandparents hosted last year.  She can tell you who everyone is.

So she put on the film of the summer ball, and I explained to Fi who everyone was – the friends, cousins, parents, aunts and uncles, as she watched.  The best bit was when her eyes nearly popped out of her head at the bound and gagged dance.

Oh my, she said quietly, and I thought this lot were ingenious?

Oh believe me, Cindy said as she picked up her drink, we are rank amateurs compared to what happens when the Craig girls get going.  Tell her about your lost weekend, Ali.

Your lost weekend?

She means when a group of us were kidnapped by a gang of criminals, alongside Cassie’s mum, to force her dad to do a series of robberies for them.

You were kidnapped?

Yeah, I said as I told her about spending the weekend with Jay Edwards and the gang, wearing old fashioned clothes while bound and gagged most of the time.

Oh my, she said again, I mean, it must have been exciting and terrifying at the same time.

I looked at Heidi, who shook her head and said nothing.

PIZZA! she suddenly said as the front doorbell rang, and she went out, returning a few minutes later with several boxes, the contents of which we soon consumed.

So just how tightly have you been tied, Fi said as she swallowed a bite of pepperoni.

Want to find out, I said as I looked at the others.  Do you think she could cope with the full job?

Only one way to find out, Cindy said as she stood up and left the room, returning with a box of supplies.

Challenge – Accepted, Fi said, how do we start?

With you holding these, I said as I passed her two sponges.  Makes fists with these, and then we cover your fists in duct tape.

As Fi held the sponges, Natalie covered her fists with the tape, before Cindy pulled a pair of sports socks over her arms, and then taped them to her arms so they stayed in place.

Very clever, Fi said as I crossed her wrists behind her back and tied them tightly together, and then tied them to her back with the rope around her waist.

How old are you, Fi?

Thirteen – why?

Do you think she needs both bands of rope?

Yeah, Jannifer said, I want to see what she thinks of it.

So Alice and Jannifer took a length of rope each and tied her arms to her side, Jannifer below her chest and Alice round her shoulders, before they used shorter lengths under her arms to tighten the bands.

Oh my, Fi said as she walked around, that does feel – different.

In what way, I asked as I looked at her.

Oh it’s secure, and it’s not uncomfortable, in fact…  She bit her lower lip and said I don’t quite know how to describe it.

None of us really do, Heidi said as she helped the young girl to sit down.  Right – ankles and knees next.

She watched as Heidi and Cindy tied her ankles tightly together, as well as her legs below her knees, the rope going between her legs as well.

So far so good, she said with a smile, what’s next?

The gag, I said quietly, and we’re going all out with this one.  Jannifer, stage one.

Open wide, Jannifer said as she held a folded cloth in front of Fi’s mouth, pushing it in before Natalie pulled a knotted strip of towelling between her lips, Fi closing them over it as she tied the ends tightly at the base of her neck.

Thtsnttsbd, she mumbled, but then she heard the sound of Cindy tearing free the end of a roll of micropore tape, as she wound it round her head several times, covering the towelling and sealing her mouth further.

Lrrrtttthsgd she then said, but her eyes widened as Alice folded a blue bandana, and tied that tightly over the band of tape, the knot at the base of her neck.  Finally, Heidi took one of her mother’s large scarves, folded it into a triangle, and tied it over Fi’s hair and head, the ends knotted neatly under her chin.

All that was coming out now was a low whimper as I helped her to lie on the floor, pulled her ankles back so that her heels were touching her bottom, and tied them to her chest ropes.

There you go, Fi, Heidi said as we sat back, the full works.  Just as good as when Chloe really gets going, right?

Fi could do little more than nod as she wriggled on the floor, and by the look on her face she was wondering if she was in too vulnerable a position.

Relax, kiddo, Natalie said, No tickling – yet.  See if you can get even a little bit free, however.

We all watched as Fi struggled, and then shrugged her shoulders as Alice said Giving up all ready?  I could get out of that, you know?

Really?

Uh oh, she said quietly as she saw all of us descending upon her, and fifteen minutes later she was on the floor next to Fi, her bare feet ready for the tickle torture.

You’re mine, Natalie said as she started to tickle Alice’s bare soles, and I started to tickle Fi.  As they screamed into their gags and struggled, the other girls joined in, attacking their sides and the back of their knees.

Eventually, I sat back and said all right – I think we need to let them catch their breath.

Agreed, Natalie said as she smacked Alice’s bottom, earning her a funny look from her fellow gymnast.  As we sat back and looked at them, Jannifer’s phone pinged to say she had a message.  She picked it up and looked at it, before she burst out laughing.

What is it, I said as I looked at her.

Tell me, Jannifer said as she looked at me, Charlie in the habit of tying his sister up as well?

You could say that – why?

Take a look at this, she said as she passed me her phone.  There was a picture there of Lisa, Britney and Margo waving at the camera, but that was not the main thing to see.

Charlie and Freddie were sitting in two dining chairs, tied tightly to the seats with ropes around their chests, their ankles tied to the front legs of the chairs.  Their mouths were covered with tape, and there was a look of revenge in their eyes.

OH my god, Heidi laughed when she looked at it, I knew they had it in them, but Lisa?

Lisa has been spending time with Cassie, brushing up her skills, I said with a smile, "so it doesn’t surprise me too much.  I’d be amazed if they stay triumphant for too long, however.

We’d better untie these two – give them a chance to collect themselves.

Once Fi and Alice had – shall we say, recovered, Cindy suggested a game of Spin the Bottle.  Not a game I was overtly familiar with, but when I heard the words Truth or Dare I knew what was involved.

I’ll go first, youngest and all that, Fi said as she spun the coke bottle round, the open end pointing at Cindy.

I’ll take Dare for one hundred dollars, Bob, Cindy said as she looked round the room.

I dare you, Fiona said with a smile, to kiss one of the girls on the lips.

Cindy looked round the room, and then stood up, walking over and kissing Fi firmly on her lips.

You dare it, you take it, Cindy said quietly as she spun the bottle, the open neck pointing to Alice.

Truth Alice – do you have a crush on someone?

Alice actually blushed at this point, and said Yeah – I do have a bit of a crush on someone, and I think they feel the same way about me.

Really?  Who is it, Jannifer said, but Alice just smiled and spun the bottle around, the open neck pointing this time at Natalie.

Oh boy – why do I sense a dare coming, she said as she rolled her eyes.

Oh yes – and you’ll like it.  I dare you to eat a bowl of ice cream – with your hands tied behind your back in a reverse prayer.

What’s that, I asked innocently.

My arms are bent behind me and my wrists tied with my hands back to back – a test of flexibility Elena likes to put the senior squad through, Natalie said as she did just that – moved her arms behind her back and put her hands back to back between her shoulder blades, Alice tying them together and then taking the rope around her upper body under her chest while Heidi went to fetch some ice cream.  As she returned with a bowl – and a cloth – she placed it on the floor and said on you go Nats – eat it all up.

We all then watched as Natalie leaned over and started to eat the ice cream with her mouth, the food getting all over it, but she managed to eat most o fit before she went AAAHHHH  BRAIN FREEZE and straightened up, looking at us.

Not bad, Alice said as Cindy wiped her friend’s mouth.

Alicia – do me a favour and spin the flaming thing, will you, Natalie said, so I span the bottle and it stopped in front of Fi.

All right young lady, Nats said as she looked at her, truth time – when you went with us on the trip to Washington, did you really have no idea of the sort of games we play?

Oh yeah – what happened there?

Young Fi surprised us all by tying and gagging herself, only for us to discover her, Cindy said.

Honestly and truthfully, I had no idea, Fi said.  I mean, I knew about the escapology club, and that some of you were members, but I really had no idea.  Mind you, after we went away a couple of weeks ago, I see all of you are into it – the mums and aunts as well.

She looked off into the distance for a moment, and then said My folks can be a bit distant, and appear as if they don’t have time for me, but they really do.  They just have a hard time seeing what I need – and you guys give me a chance to do that, so thank you, all of you.

Hey – our pleasure, Heidi said as she and Cindy hugged the young girl, before she said right – my turn to spin the bottle.

Want us to untie you, I asked Nats, but she shook her head and sat next to Alice as the bottle slowly went round, and ended up pointing at me.

All right then, Fi said, I’ve heard a lot about your skills Alicia – I dare you to let Heidi and Cindy tie you in a way you’ve never been tied before.

And what would that be, I said as I looked at both of them.  They exchanged a glance and nodded as they each picked up a roll of duct tape and walked over…

Now then, Heidi said quietly, stand up and put your hands by your side.

Why, I said as I watched them rip the ends loose from the tape, what are you going to do?

Watch, Cindy said as she stuck the end of the tape against my left wrist, and then wound it down my body, covering my hands and then my legs.  As she did so, Heidi stuck the end of the other roll to my right wrist, and then started to work up.

It only took about ten minutes, but by the time it was done I was covered in a silver sheath from neck to ankles, and could hardly move at all.

Oh my goodness, this is mummification, I said as Alice and Jannifer lay me on my side on the couch.

Why so it is, Heidi said as she looked at my bare feet, and this is my spare electric toothbrush.

Your spare…. Oh no, don’t you DareeEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Now, I have found myself over the last few years in many situations where I haven’t been able to stop people doing things with me, some by choice, some not – but believe me, encased in silver tape as a running electric toothbrush is run over the soles of my