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A Gaby FanFic by PB
Chapter 3
“Gaby … Sweetheart … time to get up!” Dave softly shook his slumbering daughter until she opened her eyes and saw her father towering above her. “Sh-h-h-h … quiet … your Mum's still asleep!”
“Isn't she coming with us?” Gaby whispered.
“She is … but I'm going to let her sleep as long as she can. I'll get her up only when I have too … we can always eat after we see you kids off … before I forget … Jules told me to let you know she's done in the bathroom.” Dave replied. “If your case is packed, I'll take it down with me.”
“Just have to pack this nightdress … I'll leave my case in the hall in a few minutes,” Gaby mentioned. Once Dave left her room, she removed the full-length blue silk nightdress her mum had given her when they were in Dorset and neatly packed it, just like Jules showed her.
The three girls were all showered and dressed in short order. Gaby had even managed to pass Jules her bag to pack in her suitcase, before Dave took it down to the van. They found time for a quick tea while Dave finished loading the van.
“Relax, Gabs! … With your jacket on, no one will see anyone other than Drew,” Jules reassured Gaby as they sat at the table.
“What if I take my jacket off?” Gaby shot back.
“Keep your sweatshirt bunched and loose ... don't pull it down,” Maddy offered.
“An' keep your necklace tucked inside … certainly until Gaby appears!” Jules cautioned. “Drew will have to be around until we've gone through American immigration … then I'll give you your bag before we get on the coach in Washington and Gaby can arrive in Grottoes!” Gaby wasn't too sure just who her sister was trying to reassure by restating the plan.
Dave entered the kitchen and told the girls to head out to the van as soon as they finished their tea. While he was taking Gaby's case out, the girls put their coats on and filed out to the van.
“It's unlocked … you girls wait in the van while I go see what's keeping your mother,” Dave quietly commented for fear of waking the neighbours. A short time later the elder Bond's came out of the house and entered the van - that was when Jenny first noticed Drew sitting in the back.
“( YAWN ) Morning … girls … Drew ... excited to be finally going?” Jenny greeted as she got into the front seat beside Dave. All three greeted Jenny and politely responded to her question with a ‘yes', even if the response from Jules and Gaby was a little less than enthusiastic. If Jenny detected their tone of voice, she ignored it and tried to be cheerful herself.
As Dave backed the van out of their close, Jules leaned over and whispered to Gaby, “See? … If Mum saw Drew … so will everyone else!” Gaby smiled back and started to think that their plan might work.
The Bond's van pulled into the Warsop College car park a little after six AM and immediately headed for the small gathering of cars and people at the far end. The coach hadn't arrived yet, but both escorts were busy checking the kids in as they pulled up with their parents.
As the girls emerged from the van, Dave unloaded their luggage and took it to an assembly area to await loading upon arrival of the coach. Mr. Pilling was tagging the luggage as it arrived. Gaby introduced her mum to Miss C and soon the three were engrossed in conversation. Jules and Maddy joined the other kids and tried to keep warm and awake in the cool early morning air. With Mr. Pilling watching the luggage, Dave returned to join Gaby and Jenny, who were still deep in conversation with Miss Cowlishaw.
Finally the hired coach appeared and Mr. Pilling organised the loading of the luggage while the kids dispersed to rejoin their parents for family farewells. It soon became obvious to Jules that they were the last to board the coach.
“We really have to go Mum … Miss C is waiting for us to board,” Jules reluctantly observed.
“I know, dear … take care, you two!” Jen pulled both girls into a hug that she only released when Dave put his hands on her shoulders.
“They do have to go, luv … the coach is waiting,” Dave quietly pointed out.
“I love you guys … make me proud!” Jenny enthused. She was trying hard to keep it together.
“We will,” Jules replied.
‘Look after your brother … won't you, Jules?” Jenny asked as she offered her outstretched arms to her oldest.
“I will Mum … ( sniff ) I promise!” Jules tearfully replied as she threw herself at her mum. On the verge of completely loosing it, she whispered, “I love you Mum! ( sob )”
Before it got completely out of hand, Dave gave both girls a quick hug and steered them towards the waiting coach.
“I'll call each night and keep you informed on your Mum's condition … okay?” he whispered once they were out of Jenny's earshot. “If the worst happens … I promise … I'll get you girls back here before…”
“Thanks Daddy,” Gaby replied while putting on a brave face as they got closer to the bus.
With each step, the painful reality of the situation became increasingly obvious to both girls, Gaby in particular. By the time they reached the coach, Jules had her arm around Gaby's shoulder. As both girls got on board and proceeded down the aisle Jules grabbed an empty seat beside Justine, another girl from her form while Gaby continued down the aisle towards some of the ‘gang'.
She just started to sit in the seat Maddy had saved for her, when Mr. Pilling started to speak, “Now that we're all here…” The thinly-veiled sarcasm in his voice caused Gaby, Jules and Miss Cowlishaw to quickly turn their heads and glare at him, leaving him with a very uncomfortable feeling. He hesitatingly continued by saying, “Mr Woods has a few words.”
As Mr. P sat down beside Miss Cowlishaw, she hissed at him, “You naturally that insensitive? … Or you have to work at it?” He looked at her with a blank stare but he knew that he hadn't heard the last of it, whatever ‘it' was.
“Thanks Mr Pilling … I'll keep this short … I want to get back to bed.” He paused for effect and got a few giggles for his troubles. “I've said this before but I'll repeat it again…”
As Mr. Woods started to speak, Gaby continued to sit down. Maddy saw that her girlfriend was pre-occupied with other matters and listening to Mr. Woods drone on about something was not one of them! After Gaby was settled in her seat, Maddy took hold of Gaby's hand and leaning over to her, softly spoke in her ear.
“Auntie Jen's a strong woman, Gabs … it'll work out … she'll beat this cancer thing … an' she'll be back at the school to meet us … I know she will!” As Gaby looked up at her face, she saw tear tracks down Maddy's cheeks.
Both Maddy and Gaby were brought out of their thoughts by a small round of applause by the other kids. Whatever Mr. Woods said, he was obviously finished. After a quick word with Miss Cowlishaw and Mr. Pilling, he stepped off the coach and the kids all turned their attentions to waving at family members and anyone else in the car park at that hour! The door hissed closed and they started on their way to Manchester and their transatlantic flight to Washington. Gaby tearfully watched as her mum and dad waved until the bus turned on to the main road and drove out of sight. “Bye Mum.”
Knowing the family situation, Miss Cowlishaw watched both of the Bond girls as they fell silent once the bus left the school. The trip to the airport at Manchester turned out to be a very quiet one. Except for the occasional muted conversation, the majority of the kids had decided to get some additional sleep. Gaby spent the majority of the trip with her head on Maddy's shoulder, tightly holding her hand and trying her best to hold back the tears.
As they neared Manchester International, Miss Cowlishaw leaned over in her seat to address Mr. Pilling who was sitting beside her and in a quiet but stern voice; she raised the issue of his earlier faus pax.
"Apparently you weren't listening when I told you about Mrs. Bond earlier this week! …You realise that may have possibly been the last time those two will see their mum alive? … That remark that you made when the Bond girls boarded, was totally ‘un-called for' and I should think a little more sensitivity to their situation on your part would certainly be in order! … In the future … when dealing with Jules or Gaby … especially Gaby … it would serve you well to keep that in mind!
“Sorry … it slipped my mind … won't happen again … promise,” Mr. Pilling quietly replied.
“See that it doesn't!” Miss C admonished. She then sat back in her seat as the coach entered the airport property.
Upon arrival at Manchester International's departure terminal, the coach driver flicked on the internal lights and Mr. Pilling rose from his seat to coax the sleeping students to return to the land of the living.
“Ok people! … Listen up! … Our driver is unloading our luggage now … so after I finish … everyone will file off the bus … claim their luggage and re-assemble beside Miss Cowlishaw, just inside the main entrance … then we'll proceed to the check-in and security. There should be enough time after that, for some breakfast … if anyone's interested.” As they rose from their seats to exit the coach, Mr. Pilling stopped in the door and turned to face the kids.
“Remember! …You're representing Warsop College … even if you're not wearing uniforms … so … act accordingly!” he firmly cautioned. He then turned and exited the coach, allowing the students to get off and claim their luggage.
As they filtered from the drop-off point to inside the terminal, the gang drifted together near Miss C. With the last few entering the building, Miss C turned to look at Rhod and ‘ Drew '. Fran wasn't as concerned about Gaby as her choice of attire at least ensured she looked like her passport.
On the other hand Rhod looked more like ‘ Em ' than Miss C would've liked to have seen even though Rhod was dressed androgynously like Gaby. She made a mental note that she'd stay close to these two whenever they had to present their passports, especially Rhod.
“People! … It may be one building … but we've got some hiking to do before we get to where we're supposed to be … now let's get going. The faster we get squared away … the faster we can get some food!” Mr. Pilling urged as he indicated the three porters standing nearby, with their luggage trolleys at the ready.
The group of twelve stood by while the porters loaded their luggage and then with a word from Miss C, led them off in the direction of the British Midland's check-in counter.
Once at the counter, the party was checked in with no apparent problems, but at immigration, it was another matter. Julia, a senior, was taken aside and questioned. Her bag was emptied by Security because she had a pair of nail scissors and they were considered a possible weapon. Miss Cowlishaw intervened and some time later they both joined the rest of the group in the departure lounge.
“Sorry I wasn't able to speak to you earlier but how did you make out with immigration, Rhod? … I noticed the officer gave you some questioning glances … but I saw he let you through before I could get over there,” a concerned Miss C asked.
“He kept looking at my passport and then at me,” Rhod admitted.
“Maybe it's because he thought he saw Em,” Ally suggested indicating Rhod's appearance. The others in the gang tactfully agreed with Ally.
“I thought you wanted Em to arrive in America … an' this is all Em had that looked like boy's things!” Rhod whined.
“Sh-h-h-h-h … please keep it down! … Calm down dear … you look fine ... but I'll be close by when we get to Washington … just in case … ok?” Fran offered in a quiet soothing voice. When she turned to ‘Drew' and asked about ‘his' experience, she found out that ‘he' had no such problem. Miss Cowlishaw took on a look of relief when everyone was finally reassembled and discussions about food had begun . “We've got through the first hurdle … hopefully US immigration will be less nerve racking.”
"Okay … now that they've decided we can leave the country … who's for breakfast?" Mr Pilling enquired. As the group was herded down the length of the secured departure area by the escorts in their quest for a cafeteria, the students became aware of the armed police presence and initially were taken aback.
“Unfortunately … a sign of the times, kids,” Mr. Pilling quietly offered as they continued walking.
They soon found a cafeteria that everyone agreed upon. Upset as Gaby was about leaving her mum, Jules noticed that she had no problem putting away a ‘full English', proof a bit of Drew was still inside Gaby. Something about that single thought sent a warm comforting feeling through Jules as she smiled to herself.
After everyone finished, it was announced that they still had over an hour to kill, before their 11 AM boarding. As they paused to allow Mr. Pilling to grab a morning paper, Jules took the opportunity to pull Gaby into a hug.
“What's that for, Sis?” Gaby softly asked as her sister held her.
“( sniff ) I dunno … I just had to ( sniff ),” Jules whispered. The two released each other upon Mr. P's return to the waiting group. As they started walking and discovering the window displays of the various retailers, Miss C approached the Bond girls.
“You two ok?” she inquired.
“I … think so … Miss,” Jules hesitatingly replied.
“Ok … but I'm here if you want to talk,” Fran softly replied as the three walked along behind the others.
They quickly caught up to the rest as Maddy continued to lead the group on a window shopping expedition. When that was exhausted, Bernie produced a pack of cards and an impromptu Pontoon tournament got underway that involved all ten kids while the two escorts looked on.
" All passengers for BMI flight 613 … non stop to Washington … please proceed to gate 6. "
"Come on, kids! … That's us!" Miss Cowlishaw enthused upon hearing the PA announcement.
"Eleven already?" Rhod asked as he put down his cards.
"Actually … they're a bit late calling the flight … it's ten past,” Miss C replied with a quick check of her watch.
“Miss? … How long is the flight?” Ally asked.
“About eight hours … maybe nine … depending on headwinds,” Miss C answered.
They gathered all their stuff and joined the queue slowly inching itself towards the last pre flight hurdle, the boarding desk.
" All passengers for BMI flight 613 … non stop to Washington … please proceed to gate 6. "
The announcement repeated again as they shuffled towards the desk, boarding cards and passports in hand. Fran looked around and noticed both Rhod and Ally looked a bit apprehensive so she fell back in line to join them. Gaby and a couple of the others got separated from the main group as the line shuffled it's way closer to the desk, but once through, they quickly found the others waiting in the boarding tunnel. Once everyone was back together, they made their way as one, down the ramp, into the waiting airliner.
"Row 26, seat A, next to the window" the stewardess confirmed as she checked Gaby's boarding stub when she entered the cabin. As Gaby followed Maddy on board, they soon joined the meleé for locker space before settling into their seats. Being the experienced flyer she was, Gabs quickly removed her CD player and a few CD's then put her small flight bag, containing all the basics she'd require later - the New Year's copy of the Comic, a new Pratchett novel and a bag of toffees – under her seat.
They were already well over the Atlantic, when Gaby opened her eyes and mechanically started to change the CD in her player. As she closed the case after inserting another CD, she once again closed her eyes and resumed thinking about her mum and reliving the good times they had together before and after she signed to turn Pro. She also recalled her mum's acceptance of ‘Gaby' over the last couple of years. How she wished for the day she could tell her mum that she always did have two daughters.
The flight soon became a boring routine of watching in-flight movies, reading a good book, listening to CD's or thinking – that and eating, It was after dinner had long been served when Gaby was gently roused from a nap.
“Thinking of your Mum in happier times?” Gaby opened her eyes when she heard Miss Cowlishaw's voice.
“Ummm … yes … Miss?” a confused Gaby replied.
“She'll be okay … she's tough … your Mum is,” Miss C said reassuringly.
“How did you know?” Gaby asked.
“You were smiling … first time I've seen you smile today,” Fran softly replied and then indicating Maddy's vacant seat, she asked, “Alright if I sit here a while and talk?”
“Yeah … Maddy's gone off to see the others … Miss? … Why?” Gaby replied.
As she slid into Maddy's seat, in almost a whisper Miss C quietly replied, “I don't know Gaby.”
“She's never hurt anyone and she's hardly ever sick,” Gaby argued.
“I haven't any answers dear … and nothing I say can make it go away … but if it'll help to talk … I do know how you feel … my Mum had cancer,” Miss C admitted.
“Did … did … she die?” Gaby quietly asked.
“No she's still very much around … they caught it early and were able to operate straight away.”
“Mum's ( sniff ) … dying … but Dad said something about an operation … that ( sniff ) means there's a chance isn't there?” Gaby hopefully asked. “Maybe they're wrong … an' she's not gonna die in a couple of months?” Fran could see that Gaby was desperately reaching out
“You keep believing that and think positive ... it won't do your Mum any good if she sees you and Jules are miserable …she needs all the help and moral support she can get right now!”
“We shouldn't be here … we should be at home with her!” Gaby tearfully stated.
“I spoke to your mum before we left and I know you're here because your mum wanted you to be here … and for both of you to have this experience! … She'll be happier knowing you're having a good time here than having you mope around at home.” Fran lectured.
“But…” Gaby started to reply.
“But nothing, Gaby! ... She needs all of you … you … your sister and … your father … to be positive and up-beat right now! … The better you all feel … the better she'll feel … an' that can do nothing but help her.” Fran admonished her young student, in a hushed tone.
“I s'pose you're right Miss,” Gaby sheepishly replied.
“You know I am! … Now … I'm gonna have to check on everyone else … but remember … if you need to talk you can come to me anytime … okay?”
“Yes Miss ... thank you,” Gaby replied.
As she rose out of the seat Gabs asked, “Miss?”
“Gaby?” Miss C quietly responded.
“Does anyone else know? … About Mum … I mean,” Gaby whispered.
“No … not unless you or Jules have said anything … Mr Pilling and I won't say anything unless you want us to … with one exception … I'll have to inform Miss Bell so she'll know what to expect … just in case … but that's as far as it'll go! … I promise,” Miss C replied assuring Gaby it was still a family secret.
“I understand … thanks Miss,” Gaby acknowledged.
“I'll leave you to it for now …eh?” Fran quietly mentioned as she gently touched Gaby's shoulder before starting to walk to where some of the others were sitting. “Looks like Maddy's heading back … now remember … anytime okay?” As she walked away, Gaby smiled as she heard Miss C talking to herself. “Why they put us all over this bloody airplane, I'll never know!”
As Maddy approached, Gaby closed her eyes and tried to pretend to be asleep. Reclaiming her seat, Maddy saw through Gaby's deception and leaned over, kissing her gently on the lips.
“I love you, Gaby Bond!” Maddy whispered. Gaby replied by mouthing the words “I love you”, while gently squeezing Maddy's hand. As much as the seats would allow, Maddy snuggled up to Gaby and closed her eyes as she laid her head on her girlfriend's shoulder.
The pair were awakened out of their sleep by the sound of the cabin intercom.
‘ Bong! Good afternoon ladies and gentleman, we hope you've had a pleasant flight with us today. We will shortly be starting our final approach into Washington where local time is just coming up to three pm. The weather is currently clear and sunny with an air temperature of one degree Celsius or thirty-four Fahrenheit. So wrap up warm! Thank you for flying British Midland, we hope you will join us again soon.'
The announcement ended and the seatbelt light came on. The pilot applied the thrust reversers as soon the plane touched the runway and after a sufficiently slowing down, they turned onto a taxiway and headed for the main terminal.
“Welcome to Dulles International Airport Washington DC where the local time is quarter after three..." The cabin attendant issued her final farewell message as the aircraft crawled up to the boarding ramp. A couple of minutes later, the cabin crew had the doors opened and people were starting to de-plane.
Forty minutes later the entire group was through security and were queuing at immigration. Apart from more odd looks at Rhod nothing unexpected happened and they all emerged unscathed. As they made their way to the baggage collection area, the kids couldn't help but notice armed security in the form of State police and even some National Guardsmen. Coupled with the humourless attitudes of the various airport and immigration officials, it was a bit intimidating to the new arrivals. Eventually, they emerged from ‘officialdom' and collected their luggage. Both escorts were amazed that none of the luggage was ‘lost'.
“Hey guys! … Lookit the ads an' stuff … just like ‘ome!” Rhod exclaimed.
“They put them up just for you guys … so's you don't go feeling homesick!” Jules quipped as she quickly walked past the ‘gang'.
“Really? .. That's awfully nic…” Rhod started to reply before he caught what Jules had really said. Ally and the others burst out laughing as Rhod turned several shades of red.
“People!” Mr Pilling once more called our attention, “Do not wander off … I need to make a phone call then we'll go find our transport … okay?”
“Yes sir,” a few voices chorused.
As Gaby chose to sit on her luggage, Jules came up to her and handed her Gaby's bag. Nodding towards a sign indicating public restrooms, Jules quietly suggested, “Better pop in there and fix yourself, Sis … while Mr. P is busy … an' use the ladies!”
“Thanks … be out in a mo' … watch my luggage!” Gaby replied as she started off towards the women's restroom. In a short time she returned and again sat on her luggage, watching the people go by.
“You okay Gaby?” Miss C asked, causing Gaby to jump. “Sorry … didn't mean to startle you.”
“Ummm … that's ok Miss … I'm ok … thanks,” Gaby quietly replied.
“Feel better now that Gaby's here?” Fran playfully asked while trying to engage Gaby in some conversation.
“Uh huh,” Gaby acknowledged.
“I understand you've traveled a fair bit … this isn't that different to any other airport, eh?” Miss C asked.
“I guess not.” Fran could see that Gaby's mind was still back in Warsop and her mum.
“Still thinking about your Mum?” Miss C softly inquired as she pulled up her own luggage and joined Gaby on the improvised chairs. Gaby turned to face her and slowly nodded in response to her question.
“Tell you what … give her a call while we wait for Mr Pilling to return … here … use my phone … speed dial seven.” Fran softly suggested as she handed her cell phone to Gaby. “All your home numbers are already programmed.”
“Thanks Miss!” Gaby smiled as she took the offered cell and started to dial. After several rings, Gaby heard a welcome voice. After talking for several minutes, a much relieved Gaby handed the mobile back to Miss C.
“Thanks Miss … I guess I needed to hear my Dad,” Gaby quietly commented.
“Everything ok with your Mum?” Fran asked.
“She's asleep … Dad says it's been a long day for her,” Gaby replied.
“How's your Dad holding up?”
“Tired … scared … I guess not knowing what's gonna happen next is…” Gaby mumbled.
“Well … it's good she's sleeping … isn't it?” Fran asked. “Come on … up we get …. I can see Mr Pilling on his way back.”
“Ok ladies and gentlemen,” Mr Pilling announced, “I've just spoken to Miss Bell and she'll be here with our transport in about twenty minutes … so I suggest you all use the facilities and then we'll go over to the pick up area … questions?” His question was met with silence.
Leaving Mr Pilling in charge of the luggage, the group quickly dispersed to the offered facilities. It was a half hour later when the small yellow school bus rolled up to the curb side at the arrivals.
“John! … Fran!” Miss Bell excitedly greeted the two escorts as she stepped off the bus.
“Hi Jess!” Miss C called back. Mr. P started to direct the kids to take their luggage up to the bus.
“Hi kids … sorry we're late but there was a bit of a pile up on the Interstate … traffic backed up for miles!” Miss Bell explained.
“You planning on loading up or just standing here and freezing our butts off?” a tall middle-aged man abruptly asked as he approached the three teachers.
“Sorry guys … and this pleasant soul is George Wentworth … our driver,” Miss Bell said as she introduced George.
“Nice to meet you George … John Pilling.” George and Mr. P shook hands.
“Then by process of elimination … this fair young lady must be Miss Cowl-e-shaw … Jessica's been going on about you all the way up here!” George gently took Miss C's hand and kissed it. All ten teenagers saw Miss C blush a deep shade of red.
“Now come on George …let's get these folks on the bus and out of the cold,” Miss Bell uttered, completely shattering the moment.
“Sure Jess … come on kids … when I open this here door … hand me them cases … they should all fit in!” He hopped back onto the bus and walked towards the rear door. Once the door was opened a couple of the senior boys took it upon themselves to pass everyone's luggage up to him.
“Get yourselves on board” Miss Bell instructed, “We'll leave as soon as George secures your luggage in back.”
“Gaby? … I thought you told me in Warsop that I'd see Drew in America,” a surprised Jessica very quietly stated as Gaby stood beside her, while waiting to get on the school bus. Gaby avoided eye contact and was about to answer when Miss Cowlishaw softly told her to get on the bus.
“We've got to talk, Jess … but not with the others around,” Fran whispered to Jess as she passed her a folded piece of paper. “Read it … but I need it back … it's not the thing you'd like to have copies of floating around.”
Once on the bus, Gaby couldn't help but notice the stereotypical American school bus seating. Compared to the coaches they had for trips back at Warsop College, the plastic seating looked very uncomfortable for anything but a short ride. As she found a seat beside a very cute Em, she noted that by the look on her face, she was having the same thoughts about the seating.
“How far is it?” Em whispered.
“Too far! … I think it's about 145 miles if Yahoo maps was right!” Gaby hissed.
“How far's that in kilometres?” wondered Em.
Overhearing their muted conversation, Bernie turned in her seat and offered, “That's 232 kilometres! … See?” Bernie raised her mobile.
“Bummer!” Em breathed.
“You're not kidding,” Gaby quietly agreed.
Miss Bell closed the door behind her and as she stood at the front facing into the bus, she addressed the group.
“Well … welcome to America everyone! It's good to see you all again. George wants to clear DC before rush hour but once we're on the Interstate … it should be approximately two and a half hours … we'll stop once or twice for a ‘pit stop' along the way ... okay with you guys?”
After Jessica surveyed the faces of the British kids, she turned and nodded toward George. “Okay then … let's hit the road!” Jessica enthused and hearing his cue, George put the school bus in gear.
Jessica took her seat next to Fran and discreetly took the paper from her purse and began reading. Once she finished, she turned and looked at Fran with a disbelieving look.
“This is a joke … right?” she whispered to her friend as she returned the folded paper.
“Nope … also … you have to remember the only one's here that know of this are John and I … you … Jules and Gaby … and that's how those two girls want to keep it … everyone else still thinks she's a boy named Drew pretending to be a girl called Gaby,” Fran cautioned.
“None of Gaby's friends know?” Jessica questioned.
“Uh huh … and on top of that … their mother has cancer!” Fran replied in hushed tones. “Mr. Bond's already warned us that we might be sending the three girls … that's Gaby, Jules and Maddy … home … on very short notice!” Fran quietly related.
“Why are they here?” Jessica whispered.
“Their mum insisted Jules and Gaby not miss this opportunity and still come on the trip,” Fran explained in an almost whisper.
“That explains Gaby's reaction when I tried to talk to her earlier … life's really not fair … is it?” Jessica hissed under her breath.
Despite the early start and the shift in time zones, the kids found themselves staring out the windows of the bus as they wound their way out of Washington. When the bus warmed up, Gaby took her coat off and folded it up to provide extra padding for her seat. Em soon followed suit and the idea quickly spread amongst the gang. After that, it was much easier to ‘enjoy' their ride.
Once they hit the Interstate, they found the traffic was rather light and Gaby was impressed at their progress as well as the scenery. A little more than two and a half hours later, George pulled into a roadside restaurant named “Prue's”.
“Okay people!” Miss C raised her voice just enough to be heard over all the excitement. “I know it's been a long day but we're finally here … Grottoes, Virginia!”
“Yay!” someone called.
“Quiet!” Mr. Pilling shot back.
“Now they've got a little reception arranged in this place and strangely enough, we're a little earlier than planned (George took a little bow) … Miss Bell is ringing all your host's right now to let them know we're here … so for now just collect your cases and go on inside.” As Miss Cowlishaw was speaking, she looked down the bus and noticed Gaby looking at her.
“Everyone okay?” Fran asked as a silence befell the bus.
“Yes Miss!” everyone chorused.
“Up and at ‘em then!” Miss C enthused.
As the kids entered Prue's, the staff warmly welcomed them. It was apparent that they were set to cater a full-sized buffet reception for the exchange students. George left with the bus as the tired students soon started to collapse into the scattered lounge chairs to await the arrival of their hosts.
A few minutes later the first of the host families started to arrive. Gaby thought it was really strange seeing people she knew again but in this strange place and with a whole bunch of other people she didn't know. After some crowd searching, Gaby spotted the Walters sisters coming in the door and soon she and Jules were renewing their friendship with Deb and Brit.
“Mom … Dad … this is Jules and Gaby,” Brit started the introductions with a wink to Gaby. “Guys … these are our parents!”
“The girls have never stopped talking about you two and all your friends … welcome to Grottoes!” Mrs W remarked.
“Umm … thank you … Mrs. Walters,” Gaby replied.
“Excuse me ... Gaby … didn't you tell me her name was Drew, Britney?” Mrs. W asked her daughter.
It is … kinda,” Gaby admitted, taking the pressure off Britney. “It's my middle name … my given name is Gabrielle ... Gaby … for short.”
“In that case … do you prefer we call you Gaby, Gabrielle or Drew?” Mrs. Walters inquired.
“Gaby…” Gaby replied.
“I've converted part of the attic into a large bedroom and you two will be the first to occupy it,” Mr Walters attempted to enlighten the girls about the sleeping arrangements. “It's to be Debbie's after you return to England.”
“C'mon Gabs … Sab's over here!” Brit exclaimed while dragging Gaby away from the senior Walters, leaving Deb and Jules to make their own exit.
“Brit?” Gaby asked in all seriousness.
“Uh huh…” Brit sounded as if she expected Gaby to explode, after her dad let it slip that the two ‘sisters' were to share a room. “I can expl…”
“Over here!” Once she took Brit's hand and pulled her to a relatively secluded spot, Gaby continued, “Look … Jules and I know that you didn't tell your ‘rents … didn't you even once wonder why Gaby showed up … boobs an' all?”
“With all the excitement … it didn't occur to me,” Brit softly admitted.
Gaby quietly explained, “Truth is … when Jules talked to Deb the other night … she told us … an' I just wanted to let you know that … it's ok … I'm Gaby 24/7 while I'm here … besides … Miss Bell entered the Sherwood Foresters into some cheer competition … so we figured Gaby has to be seen around school and practices … for that anyway.” Upon hearing the news, a relieved Britney threw her arms around Gaby's neck and hugged her for all she was worth.
“Hi guys!” Sabrina beamed as she and Maddy approached the two. “This is so cool … you guys being here!”
“What's up Gabs?” Mad sarcastically asked as she glared at Brit. As Gabs started to reply, Brit sheepishly removed her arms from around Gaby's neck . “You better take your bloody hands off of her … that's my girlfriend!”
“I told Brit that she doesn't have to worry about Gaby with her ‘rents,” Gaby whispered lest she was overheard by any one of the people now standing within hearing. By this time, Debbie and Jules had joined the four girls.
Turning to Debbie, Gaby wondered, “What was your dad saying about your room?”
“We thought you two could use the attic. Like Dad said … it's gonna be mine afterwards … I persuaded Dad to put in two twin beds instead of a single queen … thought that'd be easier to take … and Dad even gave me my own private bathroom! … You'll love it!” Deb enthused.
“Okay girls? …Hello Sabrina,” Mrs. Walters greeted as she walked up behind the girls.
“Hi, Ms Walters,” Sabrina answered.
“And who is this? … I thought there were only two Bond girls?” Mrs. W inquired.
“I'm their cousin … Madeline … Maddy for short,” Mad replied.
“I showed you the pictures Mom!” Deb stated.
“Well … I never realised that you and Gaby were so … identical. You two look more like sisters than Gaby and Jules!” Mrs Walters told them before excusing herself and heading off to talk to some of the other parents.
After she left, Deb again turned to both Gaby and Jules and softly asked, “I'm really sorry it came to this … but are you two really ok with it?”
Jules and Gaby looked at each other and quietly replied in unison, “Yes!”
“Thank you … you guys!” Brit squealed. She gave both Gaby and Jules a big hug.
After the buffet dinner, Principal Roberts gave the standard welcome speech before passing the floor to the American ‘student co-ordinators', namely Jessica Bell and John Fredericks. Following a few words from both of them, they introduced Miss C and Mr P to the hosts before giving some general notices.
With the next day being Thursday, the British students were to board their buses at the usual stops and meet at noon, in front of Augusta High School for what Miss Bell called a ‘Day of Familiarization' with Virginia and more importantly, Augusta County. Mr. Roberts also announced that the American hosts would have the day off to help their British friends make it through their first full day in American. That bit of news received a very generous round of applause from the American kids. Friday would be the first full day at AHS for the British kids.
Once the speeches finished, the evening officially ended with the British kids going home with their hosts.
“Attention please! … Before you go … a word to our British visitors … just to clarify Principal Robert's words … by the ‘usual bus stops' … he simply meant where your hosts usually get their bus for school. Please make sure they show you!” Miss Bell announced as everyone was beginning to leave.
“Any plans for the next few days?” Mrs. Walters asked as they arrived back ‘home'.
“You gonna keep training, Gabs?” Brit eagerly asked.
“Training?” Mr. Walters echoed.
“Sure … she's a national cycling champion!” Britney enthused.
“Whoa … it'd be nice … but I don't have any kit, let alone a bike,” Gaby pointed out.
“Yet…” Brit said with a knowing smile and a wink. Gaby was familiar with Britney's scheming, but she was at a loss to figure what she had up her sleeve this time.
As soon as Mr. Walters had deposited the girl's bags in ‘their' room, all four decided to get ready for bed then talk a while longer.
While Jules and Gaby were changing, Jules noticed Gaby appeared less confident than usual.
“Sis … something wrong? … You look … scared…” Jules stated with hesitation.
“I don't know Jules … being Gaby with family is one thing … but six weeks of Gaby … here?” Gaby blurted out as she straightened her nightdress. “What if….”
“Sh-h-h-h …Gabs!” Jules interjected. “I'll be here to help you … don't worry … but I doubt you'll need me … you're such a natural girl!” Both girls held each other in a tight hug until a knock at the door broke the moment.
“Comin' guys? … Mom's made us some hot chocolate,” Deb offered.
Gaby slipped into the blue silk and white lace housecoat that matched her nightdress and then stepped into her blue fluffy slippers before following Jules and Deb downstairs.
“Wow! … Sex-eeee!” Britney enthused when Gaby appeared in the living room.
“Show her the nightgown, Gabs!” Deb urged.
“My … that IS a lovely negligee set!” Mrs. W agreed as Gaby opened her housecoat.
“Beats anything I've got!” Brit sighed.
“Your idea of a sexy nightgown is an oversized T-shirt with Garfield on the front!” Debbie sarcastically replied with a big grin.
“It was a present from Mum … she brought this from Germany when she visited us in Dorset, last summer,” Gaby softly replied.
“I thought you lived in Warsop?” Mrs. W asked.
“We do … we were holidaying in Dorset when Mum visited,” explained Gaby.
“Don't worry about your training Gabs … we'll walk into town tomorrow and see a friend,” Britney casually mentioned as Gaby sat down on the couch beside her and reached for a mug of hot chocolate.
(to be continued)
PB 19.02.08 © 2008
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