Our uniforms were quite plain, with white pointed collars and cuffs on the short sleeves. The moderately full, above the knee skirts were pouffed out some by the gathered cotton petticoats we wore.

"Are you two really maids?"

"Yes, we are really maids," I found the courage to reply, even though I was still trying to understand what that meant.

"Melissa," I screeched. "He tried..."

I slept. While I slept I dreamed. I saw images, snapshots. An accident. Being taken to the hospital, feeling my spirit leave my body. Going into the next room where more doctors and nurses were working.

Chapter 11

Andrew and Alexandra leave the children at their meal hall explaining to them that they will return for them in a half hour's time. If they finish before Alexandra returns, they are to wait at the benches outside the meal hall. Now they go to the Sister's hall for their luncheon and while there discuss together the afternoon lesson plan then order many more honey cakes, milk, water and wine for the afternoon.

The Outsider's Way...

Have you ever been to outside,
Beyond the well trodden byways?
Have you ever marked elapsing time,
And watched the world pass by?

The Rats of Hell by Tanya Allan

 
In a Galaxy, far, far away, there was a peaceful planet called Devia. On this planet lived a young man called Carl and his family.

This planet was invaded and overwhelmed in a surprisingly quick time by an army of sinister humanoid warriors. Leaving a devastated landscape and the civilisation in ruins, our young man is herded by the soldiers, with thousands of others, into an enormous transport ship. Men and women were segregated for an unknown, but ominous purpose.

With all other members of the family missing, believed killed, Carl and his mother have little time left together. On the urgings of his mother, he assumes the appearance of a girl in a vain attempt to remain with her.

The invaders seem to believe it...

WHEELCHAIR

Quietly it sits in a corner, no movement can it make
But when you sit, go outside, the world begins to shake

When you come near, some people, they would balk
As if they had seen some fright, like Carroll’s jabawac

If they knew you, as all who do, and I am no exception
They would take another look, and love upon reflection

Why do some, when they see, someone different than their own self
Stick them into a box, and put them on a shelf

My dear friend, don’t be sad, if someone turns from thee

This story explores the progress of Sian's project to create a trekking centre. In searching for custom she manages to persuade a large inner city social services unit to bring some children for a short respite, trekking. The project proves a success and there are some unexpected developments for Mac,Skipper's old shipmate when one of the social workers proves to be his nephew.

Last time...

I groaned, "That's not the only thing I have to remember not to do! She's been drilling into me how I should sit, stand, walk, you name it!"

"Why don't you tell me about it while we wait for Mom to arrive?" Marcie suggested.

"Okay." I agreed. "I guess I should start with when she picked me up, after you left..."