Date: Tue, 10 Aug 1999 13:10:12 -0000
From: Eleanor Green
To: Louise
Cc:
Subject: Cornwall Gossip Update

Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to decieve.

At least, I think we do. It's getting so cobwebby down here that it's difficult to tell what's going on, and who, precisely, is doing it. I fear I might be tangled up in these webs forever, unable to tear myself free…

So, hello from Cornwall again – and a particular tangential silken thread in our Roger Corman horror film cobweb today – at least I think so… not sure what to make of this, except that there's something going on… and this is hot off the presses, as well, having just been witnessed by yours truly…

Just came down to the computers to see how things were going: Tom and Cat were doing their online journals for the site today and I don't trust either of them with technology. So I get down there and the computer room is empty – but unlocked – which is not good, so I go to look for them. No sign, anywhere, nary a footprint or a lost hair.

Finally I try the loos – ladies first, before I try and pluck up courage to try the gents (come to think of it I don't think I have ever, in my life, been in a gents – weird: I wonder what they're like? Actually, I think I'd rather not know) – anyway, I walk in and I'm sure that as I open the door I hear someone moving about, but then it stops and the place is silent, except I think can hear someone breathing heavily.

Anyway, one of the cubicles is shut so I say: 'Cat?' and she says 'Yeah?' and it sounds like she's trying to sound bolshy, like she usually does, only she sounds a little flustered. Anyway I just said I had been wondering where she was, and that the computer room shouldn't be left unlocked and un… personned (!) and made myself scarce.

God alone knows what she was doing, but she showed up again in five minutes her old anti-social self again. But no Tom. Anyway about ten minutes later I'm going to get a glass of water, and I pass the corridor leading to the ladies, and I see something moving, so I go back to look and its Tom, walking down the corridor towards me. He says hello and I do my speech about the computers, and he says that he thought Cat was there, and he wanders off.

So, what do you think?

I, personally, don't know what to make of it – I think they were taking drugs – but knowing Cat she'd probably rather do that where everyone could see her, but then again I'd rather not think about what else it might be. Maybe nothing, of course, but coincidence – but we don't want to believe in that, do we? Because contrary to popular belief, a world that rests purely on coincidence is a very boring one indeed…

Oh, how do you like my new pseudo-present tense style? I feel it might be a little too American, and a little too unreliable narrator – but I am rather enjoying it. Anyway, you believe me don't you, dear.

E.

PS – remember me to Piewacket – tell her I'll be back soon. Stop making those retching noises.

PPS – Could this get any more interesting?