All things deniedЕ

A Gaby FanFic by PB

Chapter 4

"So Е where are we going?" Gaby asked as she walked quickly to keep up with Britney.

"A place called Erin's Cyclery," Brit replied.

"What's that?" Gaby pressed.

"Duh Е A bike shop?" Brit sarcastically replied. "You'll like Aunt Erin Е she went to high school with mom!"

"Uh huh Е Aunt Erin?" Gaby questioned.

УNot my real Aunt Е least I don't think she is Е but that's what I've called her as long as I can remember,Ф Brit revealed.

They walked to the end of the block and turned up Birch Street, then walked a short distance until Brit crossed the road and ducked down an alley only to emerge at the corner of a parking lot for a small group of retail stores. At times, Gaby had to jog to keep up to Brit's hurried pace.

"Where're we going?" Gabs asked again.

УThe Cyclery Е it's in this strip mall Е c'mon Е not much further!Ф Brit encouraged.

From what Gaby noticed in the window, Erin sold mostly mountain bikes, Trek, Cannondale and Marin. She followed Brit through the door into a warm store and a venerable paradise for any bike enthusiast.

"Be right with you!" a woman's voice called from the back of the store.

"Neat huh?" Brit enthused.

"Yeah!" Gaby panted as her attention was grabbed by a very clean Klein hanging on the wall.

"It's me Aunt Erin Е I brought a friend!" Brit called out.

"Britney!" exclaimed a tall attractive woman with light brown hair. She was wiping her hands on a rag as she approached the girls. "To what do I owe this visit? Е and who's this?"

"This is my friend from England Е Gaby Bond!" Britney proudly announced.

"Nice to finally meet you Gaby Е Brit here, hasn't stopped talking about you," Erin greeted.

"Hi.Ф Gaby returned.

"When I first heard your name Е I immediately thought of Jenny Bond Е then when Brit and Debbie told me who they lodged with last summer I couldn't believe it! Е Your Mom doing well?" Erin gushed.

Caught off guard, Gaby replied, УWhen I left she wasn't quite herself Е she's back home right now Е restingЕФ

"Cold huh? Е Gets to the best of us, sooner or later," Erin dismissed. "So Е what can I do for you gals?"

"How do you know we want something?" Brit innocently asked.

"Britney Е you always want something when you drop by!" Erin replied with a large grin on her face.

"I don't! Е Well Е maybe sometimes," Brit quietly allowed.

"So what is it?" Erin asked.

"Well Е you know that Gab here is Е like Е a junior cycle champion?" Brit coyly mentioned.

"Come to think of it Е you did mention it a few hundred times Е but who counted?" Erin grinned.

"Well Е I was wondering Е would you have a bike and some riding stuff Gab could borrow while she's here? Е Like Е so she can keep training?Ф Brit sweetly asked while trying to look innocent for her Aunt. Britney's latest scheme finally dawned on Gaby.

"We-l-l Е I'm not sureЕ" Erin replied with some trepidation.

"She'd look after it real well," she turned to address, "Wouldn't you, Gabs?Ф Turning back to face Erin, Brit continued to plead her case, УAnd it's only for like Е a few weeks!"

Erin's face softened a bit. УNow Е just how many weeks we talkin' about, huh?Ф

УSix?Ф Brit weakly squeaked.

"Hmmm Е how Сbout I have a look to see what I've got out back and you guys call around later this afternoon?" Erin suggested.

"Great!" Brit enthused, У'That works perfectly! Е Gabs has to go to this orientation thing Е but she should be back by three Е if Е that's not too early!Ф Brit squealed with delight.

"Gaby? Е How's that with you?" Erin asked.

"That would be great Е thank you!Ф Gaby enthused.

"What kind of bike you prefer Е mountain or road?" Erin asked.

"A road bike Е please Е that's if it's not too much trouble," Gaby replied.

"I'll see what I can do Е ok?" Erin grinned, УSo Е you two like some hot chocolate?Ф

УNo thanks, Erin Е I really have to get back,Ф Gaby replied as she looked at Brit for support.

УOk Е see you when you get back!Ф Erin called out as the girls waved Сbye' before they left the store.

УHurry up Gabs! Е We're being picked up in an hour!Ф Jules urged as the two girls arrived back in the Walters house. Gaby ran upstairs to their shared room and quickly changed to a presentable pair of jeans and a turtleneck, since temperatures were still on the cool side.

Debbie and Britney escorted Gaby and Jules down to the corner of their block to await their school bus transportation.

УSee you guys later!Ф Brit smiled as Jules and Gabs climbed aboard. As the two took their seats and waved back, George closed the doors and put the bus in gear.

УOne more stop Е then Е it's on to Augusta High School!Ф George called back to his passengers.

After picking up one of the senior students in their group, George headed the bus out of town for a short ten mile drive west, past the Regional Airport to a town called Fort Defiance. About twenty minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot of a very modern and large school. Gaby noticed several other buses already in the lot. Upon disembarking from George's bus, Gaby and the others joined the rest of the British exchange students that were already assembled with Miss Cowlishaw and Mr. Pilling, near the main entrance to the school.

They soon saw Miss Bell heading towards them and after greeting the two escorts, she soon had the visitors started on their tour of the school. Before she led everyone inside, Miss B began the tour by informing the kids that Augusta High School was actually situated a mile outside of Fort Defiance and that it served all of Augusta County.

Once in the school, Miss Bell and Mr. Fredericks informed the British kids that a block of lockers had already been assigned for their use and proceeded to show the kids where they were. The entire group then assembled in a classroom. From what Gaby noticed around the room, she concluded it belonged to Miss Bell.

They were joined a short time later by the school's counselor, Mrs. Jones, and the principal, Mr. Roberts. After a few words of greeting and short introductions about themselves, they departed to return to their respective offices.

Miss Bell then took to the floor, telling the students what they could expect. Like the American students when they were in Warsop, each of the British students would Сshadow' their host in all their classes on the three days they actually attended classes. The remaining two days would be occupied with field trips with one field trip per week to include their American hosts and the weekends would be Сfree' to spend with their host families.

She also mentioned that the day began at eight o'clock with Сhome room', for morning exercises and attendance. Due to the school's student population, lunch was scheduled in two relays, depending on a student's class schedule. She continued her talk by saying school finished at three and any extra curricular activities like sports and cheerleading would be done after that time. She concluded by stating that the buses they arrived on will be their transportation to and from the school. A bus schedule was handed out to each of the exchange students, along with their individual class schedule, a combination lock and various forms to fill in.

The kids had some spare time before re-boarding George's bus for the Сcounty tour', so the gang found themselves together for the first time since arriving, comparing notes on their host families and otherwise just catching up with things.

Seeing all the gang in one place, Miss Bell took the opportunity to quietly say a few words to them in private. After giving them something to think about, she went off to organize the next part of their orientation.

УCome on you lot Е time to go and get on the bus!Ф Mr. P announced. Once everyone was on board, George headed back into Grottoes and Miss Bell acted as tour guide as George drove past any and all points of interest in the town and the surrounding area. After the tour, George once again turned the bus back to AHS where the kids were dismissed along with the rest of the school and allowed to get on their designated buses for the trip home.

УSee you kids tomorrow morning!Ф Miss Bell enthused as she saw the exchange students head for their own buses. Gaby noted with some envy that both Maddy and Em wouldn't have to endure the bus each day. Since Maddy's host was Miss Bell, she naturally got a ride with her, and Em's host, Sandy Jones, was an eighteen year old who had her own car.

It was just after three thirty when Jules and Gaby returned to the Walters' place.

УC'mon Gaby! Е We have to go!Ф Brit enthused as she grabbed Gaby's arm when she entered the house.

УI only just got in!Ф Gaby exclaimed as she physically stood her ground.

УWe told Erin we'd be back when you guys finished up Е remember?Ф Britney replied.

УI'm sure Erin won't mind you being a few minutes late!Ф Mrs. W admonished.

УBut mom!Ф Britney whined as she threw her arms up in the air in frustration.

УLet Gaby get changed if she wants,Ф Mrs. Walters firmly restated her position.

УGo on then ! Ф Brit was being a bit of a pain.

Gaby didn't need to be told twice. She was up the stairs and in her room in a flash. In truth, a change of footwear and a chance to freshen up was all Gaby needed. After few minutes, she re-joined an impatient Britney Walters at the bottom of the stairs.

УWhile you're there Е invite her back for dinner!Ф Mrs. W called out as the girls ran out of the house.

As soon as they entered Erin's store, Britney sought out Erin. УDid you find anything Erin?Ф Brit impatiently demanded.

УI think so Е c'mon out back!Ф Erin suggested. Once they entered Erin's workshop, she pointed to a very well maintained cherry red GT road frame outfitted with a Campag Chorus. It didn't take Gaby long before she identified it as Erin's old bike, despite the concocted story Erin told the girls.

УYou got any kit with you Gaby?Ф Erin asked.

When Erin discovered Gaby didn't have any kit, she informed her that she may have some spare kit back at her place. Leaving Britney in charge of the store, Erin and Gaby drove out to her place to see just what Erin had.

УCome on in, Gaby Е or do you prefer Е Drew?Ф Erin mentioned as they got out of her truck after pulling up to her house.

УDrew,Ф Gaby quietly replied. She was surprised that Erin knew about Drew but had the presence of mind to remember she was supposed to be Drew, pretending to be Gaby.

УI thought you probably did young man,Ф Erin replied with a knowing look.

УHow did you know?Ф Gaby asked.

УWell Е I try to keep up with things over in Europe Е and I know that it was Jenny Bond's son that took the National title last summer,Ф Erin revealed as they walked into the house.

УYou gonna tell?Ф a frightened Gaby wondered.

УI dunno Е this sound's like Britney's doingЕ is it?Ф Erin softly mentioned after seeing Gaby was worried.

УSort ofЕФ Gaby weakly admitted.

While Erin collected her spare kit, Gaby told an edited version of her story, leaving off the events following Britney's departure from Warsop. While Erin wasn't the least bit pleased with Britney's scheme to have Gaby come to Grottoes, she gave in to Gaby's pleas not to talk to Mrs. W, but only after Gaby promised to come to her if she ever wanted out of Britney's little game.

It was almost six and quite dark when they finally returned to the shop.

УI was about to start calling Е I thought something happened to you guys,Ф a worried Brit exclaimed as Erin and Gaby entered the shop.

УJust talking about Drew's cycling careerФ Erin emphasised .

УOhЕФ a devastated Britney whispered.

After informing Britney what she thought about her little scheme, Erin revealed that it was only after hearing Gaby out, that she wasn't having a long talk with her mother. Erin also told Britney that if the situation changed, so would her decision to talk to Jocelyn.

When they were having supper back at the Walters, Brit kept nervously glancing at Erin every time it looked like she'd say anything to her mother. Both Erin and Gaby knew exactly what Britney was thinking and they were enjoying every minute of it.

The following morning found the four girls waiting for the school bus, under a clear sky with some wind swept snow swirling around.

УCold or nervous, Gabs?Ф Debbie asked.

УBit o' both Е I guess,Ф Gaby replied as she glanced at Jules and Brit.

When the bus finally arrived, they quickly climbed on board in search of some heat. Gaby instantly noticed two things different from the previous day. George wasn't driving and the bus was already fairly full of AHS students, making the task of locating seats together all that more challenging.

Once at Augusta High, the girls parted company to head off to their lockers. Having got her books, Brit met Gaby at her locker to help her sort out the books she'll require for her first two classes. Once that was done, the two went off to find Brit's friends in the remaining time before homeroom.

A short time later, the first bell cleared the halls of students as they all retired to their homerooms for attendance and morning exercises , including the Pledge of Allegiance. Miss Bell had mentioned the previous day that as British citizens, the exchange students were not required to stand and participate in that particular exercise. During the morning exercises, Gaby noted that any announcements or school news the principal had to convey, were delivered to each classroom by a P/A system.

Once the announcements were over, Miss Jackson introduced her only exchange student to the rest of the class. Gaby was politely received by her new classmates, but she couldn't help sense more than a bit of disinterest from several of the kids. She initially thought this as nothing more than being the new kid, but when walking with Brit to their first class, the reaction from a few of the kids could only have been described as a Сcold shoulder'.

Gaby's situation was a bit different than the rest of the gang. Although the lower level exchange students were scattered over three Grade 9 homerooms, Gaby was the only one to be on the early lunch rotation. As she found out, it meant she was on a different class rotation schedule than the others. Her only common weekly classes with the rest of the gang were P/E or Gym as Brit called it, and Health. She soon started to feel the first pangs of her unintentional isolation.

Gaby's first Friday class was a double period of Home Ec. with Mrs. Pryce. While Britney and the rest of the class worked on their current course Сdressmaking' project, Mrs. Pryce strived to learn of Gaby's knowledge as it applied to Home Ec. While Gaby's experience allowed her to keep a tidy home, she admitted her sewing skills were almost non-existent, much to Mrs. Pryce's dismay. She had a firm belief that all girls by their teens should know how to sew.

As they completed their talk, Mrs. Pryce took Gaby back over to where Brit was working and with Brit's help, she got Gaby started on her own Сdress' project.

УI've never sewed in my life!Ф Gaby whispered after Mrs. Pryce left the pair.

УDon't worry Е I'll help you!Ф Britney hissed.

The rest of her first day went better. In Math, Gaby was back in her comfort zone. She was surprised at how far advanced in Algebra she was compared to the rest of the class. After English, there was lunch followed by History, Geography with Miss Bell and finally a double of Art with Miss C helping out in the classroom.

It was only after dismissal, as the kids waited in the cold wind for the bus back into town that Gaby realised that unlike Warsop College, most of the cars in the huge parking lot belonged to students.

Later that evening after helping Mrs. W clean up, Gaby went up to her room to freshen up. A few minutes later, she came back downstairs and joined the others in the living room, to await her dad's call.

УWell, don't you look purdy,Ф Mr. Walters commented as Gaby walked to one of the cushy chairs in the living room. As she sat down she unconsciously tucked a leg under her. Jules gave Gaby a smile while Brit looked perplexed at Gaby's feminine mannerisms.

УDaaaad! ЕNow you've got her blushing!Ф Deb mockingly berated her father.

Except for some small talk, both Jules and Gaby remained silent and shared an expression that told the elder Walters that the girls had their thoughts elsewhere. Debbie and Brit both followed their parents lead and found themselves sitting in front of the TV that was showing a program that no one was really watching. Gaby had the nagging feeling the Walters had been warned of their mum's cancer judging by the way everyone was behaving that evening.

When the phone rang, the tension in the room was such that the girls visibly jumped. After it rang a few times, Mrs. Walters finally answered it. Following a few hushed words, she quietly handed the receiver to Jules as she was the closest.

УIt's your father,Ф Jocelyn softly mentioned.

УHi DadЕФ Jules nervously greeted. Like her sister, she wanted to hear news of their mother, but at the same time dreaded what she might hear. Both girls knew Jenny may be in surgery if they decided to operate. After several minutes of Сokay' and Сuh huh', with the odd Сyes' thrown in, Jules slowly handed the phone to Gaby.

As she took the receiver, Gaby noticed the clock on the fireplace mantle said it was past seven o'clock. That meant it was past midnight back in Warsop.

Once she put the phone down, Jules walked up to her and hugged her.

УThey operated SisЕФ Gaby solemnly whispered into her sister's ear. УDad said it went well Е but Е they won't know for a few days if they got it all Е Dad said even if they did get it all Е she may not be cured.Ф

УI know Gabs Е all we can do is wait Е and pray Е like Dad,Ф Jules replied, the tears starting to roll down her face.

УHe's gonna call tomorrow,Ф Gaby quietly mentioned as she let go of her sister.

Instead of heading back to join the others, both girls said their Сgood nights' then went up to their room. As Brit heard their door close, she started to get up and follow the girls upstairs.

УWhere do you think you're going, young lady?Ф Jocelyn quietly asked.

УUpstairsЕФ Britney replied.

УLeave them be Е they need to be alone,Ф Mrs. W advised.

Next morning Gaby awoke minutes before her clock radio went off. As she turned off the alarm, she got up and headed for the bathroom for a quick shower. While in the shower, she heard Jules come in for a wee.

УYou still going for a ride with that Erin woman, Sis?Ф Jules asked. It was clear to Gaby that her sister wasn't fully awake.

УThat's the plan!Ф Gaby enthused. Jules shook her head and headed back to bed. She thought it was depressing to see anyone so awake and cheerful at that hour.

After she emerged from the bathroom Gaby saw that her older sister was back under the covers and fast asleep. She was soon dressed in her borrowed cycling kit and following a light breakfast, she left the house while the other girls were still sleeping. The overcast skies foretold of the promised snow, while the temperature remained on the cool side.

Gaby was a bit surprised when she exited the alley-way and entered the parking-lot of the strip mall and Erin's Cyclery. She thought she would be riding alone with Erin, but instead saw several other cyclists patiently waiting outside the store. Gaby hung back a few doors, observing the small group and waiting for Erin to show. All the time, the others either didn't notice her or decided to ignore her.

To Gaby they looked like a typical group of club cyclists from back home. She saw three older men talking with a lad of about 17 or 18 who clearly wasn't one of the cyclists, and a couple of what her mum called Сboy racers', they looked better than they could ride. She also saw a couple of familiar faces in the crowd. Diane Biggs and Derek were there as well as one boy she recognized from homeroom. After rolling a few names around in her mind, Gaby recalled his name was Aidan. Just then a pickup drove into the parking-lot and Gaby recognised it as Erin's as she drove past her and around the back of the stores.

A few minutes later she returned to the storefront pushing a mint Colnago. As she approached the group, she looked towards Gaby and gave a faint smile.

УSorry I'm a bit late, guys Е we just need to wait for one more,Ф Erin explained.

УSomeone new joining us?Ф one of the riders asked.

УYeah Е h Еshe's just visiting for a few weeks,Ф Erin replied as she again looked at Gaby and with a wave of her hand, motioned her to join them. УGaby Е what're you doing over there? Е C'mon ... don't be shy Е we won't bite!Ф Gaby carefully pushed her borrowed GT along and joined Erin at the centre of the group.

УEveryone Е this young'un is Gaby Bond Е she's here from England as an exchange student at AHS.Ф Erin did the introductions and Gaby shyly returned the greeting of everyone welcomed her.

УBe gentle with her Е she's not used to our style of riding Е so look out for her, ok?Ф Erin extolled as she gave Gaby a wink. Since Erin knew about Gaby, it was obvious to her that Erin had something up her sleeve, so she just played along.

With that, everyone prepared to set off and in just a few minutes they were speeding out of town towards the Regional Airport, two abreast at a steady fifteen mph. Gaby decided she better stay with Erin. A couple of miles in, Erin signaled a turn onto Battlefield Road and continued through Piedmont and New Hope, until they came to Crimora Road. Again Erin signaled a turn. This time they followed the road right into Crimora where they caught Route 340 into Waynesboro.

УSo Е how far are we going?Ф Gaby wondered.

УDepends on the weather Е we'll make a decision at Waynesboro and if its okay Е we'll catch Route 250 and swing down to catch Skyline Drive and come back through the National Park Е otherwise we'll just turn around and take this here Route 340 directly back to Grottoes,Ф Erin stated.

УI thought it would just be the two of us,Ф Gaby mentioned.

Erin smiled. УThese are my best customers Е we go out just about every Saturday Е all year round Е we manage to pick up a few extra bodies when it's warmer Еtwenty Е twenty five Е in summer.Ф

Erin and Gaby soon fell into conversation about Gaby's impressions of the area, and the bike. As Gaby guessed, the GT was Erin's old bike.

By now the two had rotated to the front of the bus and Gaby pushed harder to keep the pace up. They made good time and the pace quickened a bit, but not uncomfortably so. When Waynesboro appeared in the distance they were slipping along at a steady 20mph. Erin moved along the bus to chat with her friends and make a decision on the rest of the ride. Gaby took the opportunity to talk to some of the other riders. Despite the accents and some strange terminology, Gaby concluded cyclists were the same everywhere.

From what she'd picked up so far, Gaby figured only Erin and Diane were of a level that might best her. Aidan would give her a ride for the money, but she didn't figure he had the staying power if it came down to that and unless the others were talking themselves down, they'd fade pretty fast in a race. Erin drifted back to Gaby as they came up to the Waynesboro sign.

УIt's looking pretty good Е so I figure we'll go through the park and after a stop at Turk Mountain then head on home.Ф

УMountain?Ф Gaby asked in a slight panic Ц visions of her Mum in the Pyrenees last year came to mind.

УDon't worry Е the climb is long but it's a steady grade, then once we get up there it rolls up and down some but nothing too bad,Ф Erin mentioned in a reassuring voice. The route into the park reminded Gaby of a cross between the Pennines and the area where Appollinaris are based in Germany. The traffic, not heavy heading south was even lighter now, one or two huge trucks loaded with timber heading downhill. , but still they climbed. The pace had dropped back to about steady 15 mph.

УWe usually have a bit of a race from the next summit to the cabin, you up for that?Ф Erin asked after checking on Gaby's condition.

УSure!Ф Gabs confidently replied.

УOkay then Е Frank will shout Сgo' Е then we'll show this lot some real riding huh?Ф Erin enthused.

Before Gaby could reply, Erin had removed her cell phone from her jacket and was talking to someone. As she re-replaced her phone, Erin glanced over to Gaby and cheerfully explained, УJust ordering coffee.Ф

Gaby had just barely passed a sign proclaiming СJarman Gap 2175 feet', when a shout of Сgo!' went up, followed by a bit of a free for all. The two Сboy racers' quickly broke away as the pace climbed to over twenty five mph. Gaby tucked herself in behind Erin and Diane and left them to do the work while she sat in their draft. The road twisted about a bit and then started to climb once more. The breakaway pair soon faded and Derek, Frank and Rob took up the slack. Gaby noticed that Aidan was watching things carefully as Diane eased forward.

Gaby was carefully, but discretely, watching things around her, including passing a small sign for a footpath that said СTurk Gap 3mi'. Erin's glance to the rear telegraphed her intentions, causing Gaby to drop a gear in preparation for her move, then she made it! She stayed on Erin's wheel as they went through the pack, picking up Diane and Aidan in the process. Despite being waved through, Gaby remained where she was feigning exhaustion, instead letting Diane and Aidan pass. This left her at the end of a four person line.

Aidan also chose to remain where he was, allowing Diane to launch a premature attack for the finish Ц which was more than two miles away. Her lack of experience meant the small gap she'd managed to open, remained a small gap. Erin and Aidan concentrated on watching each other, convinced Gaby was tired and out of contention. To help her deception, Gaby dropped back a bike length but not far enough to fall out of their combined slipstream.

They rounded a bend and their destination came into view about half a mile away across a small valley. Gaby saw it was closer to a mile by road. It had a slight rise for the last half-mile so seeing Diane was quickly tiring, Gaby prepared for her move. While the other two were sizing each other up, Gaby chose a small dip in the road to go for it. Her plan was to power through the dip, while hoping her friends would be like most riders and ease up slightly in the descent and add power on the climb out.

Quickly checking the traffic behind and ahead of her, Gaby dropped another gear and sped past the others. Assuming the traditional tuck position as she entered the dip, she dropped yet another gear to power through the dip. She was now committed to her plan. Once out of the dip, Gaby risked a glance back and saw her companions left far back behind her. Settling down and getting comfortable for the last hundred meters, Gaby already had her bike parked outside the restaurant when a minute or two later, Aidan rolled in, followed by Erin, then Diane.

УThat was fun!Ф Gaby mentioned in a disinterested voice.

When the others caught their breath, Erin ushered everyone inside.

УPunctual as always, Erin!Ф a woman's voice cheerfully called out, УFirst agin?Ф

УNope Е not this time Paula Е got beat by these young'uns!Ф Erin replied loudly.

УYou Diane?Ф Paula asked turning her attention to Diane.

УNot me Paula,Ф Diane replied, УYoung Gaby here!Ф Aidan moved and Paula finally noticed Gaby.

УHow did a small thing like you take these three? Е These twoЕУ Paula swept her hand towards Erin and Aidan, УЕRide for the State teams Е and Diane hopes to try out this summer!Ф

УIts in her genes Paula Е never guess who her Mom is,Ф Erin challenged.

Paula studied Gaby for several minutes before Erin provided a clue. УShe's English!Ф

Aidan's expression brightened as if he had won first prize on a game show. УJenny Bond!Ф he offered in a loud voice.

УWhat about Jenny Bond?Ф Derek asked as entered with the rest of the group.

УGaby's her daughter!Ф Aidan announced.

УGeez Е if I'd known we had royalty with us,Ф Frank started, УI'd have cleaned my bike!Ф

Gaby blushed as she joined in the laughter that was sparked by Frank's remark.

Paula quickly had everyone grab a seat while she served up breakfast to the cyclists. Talk predictably enough, centred around Gaby's victory and how she accomplished it.

With everyone listening in, Erin stated, УToday is the first time this winter anyone has beaten me up here Е Aidan has almost done it once or twice Е but Е this morning you annihilated the both of us ... and not because you're stronger than us Е but because you used your head Е somehow Е you knew what we would do Е before we did.Ф

УNot hard to figure out Е reallyЕФ Gaby started, УЕeveryone normally eases off through dips like thatЕФ

УBut you didn't,Ф Aidan pointed out.

УWell Е I saw it as an opportunity Е you andЕФ Gaby continued to explain to the others how she accomplished what she did. Erin also revealed Gaby's national titles to the others

УHey Erin Е I just spoke with Marty up at Blackrock Е he says it's snowing like crazy and the road back to town is already closed,Ф Paula announced as she brought another pot of coffee out for everyone.

УDammit! Е I thought we'd be back long before it hit,Ф Erin stated. As they weighed their options, the first flakes of snow started hitting the window behind where the group was seated. Derek wanted to start back immediately, but was out voted by Paula.

УNow y'all finish up that food Е I ain't slaved over the stove for you to up an leave it all Е the bus is out back Е now when you finish up Е y'all kin take that down and one of y'all kin bring it back up when the weather clears Е ok? Е good! Е Now finish up!Ф

The bus was an old school minibus that seated twenty. After packing in ten bikes, they climbed in and with Frank at the wheel they set off back to Grottoes via Waynesboro through an already white countryside. Back in Grottoes, there was a little blowing around when they got back to Erin's shop just after one in the afternoon, but nothing like it was up in the hills.

Gaby was barely in the door at the Walters residence when Brit started to accost her.

УHurry up! Е Shower and get dressed Е Mom's taking us shopping at the mall at Harrisonburg!Ф Britney enthused.

УCor! ЕI only just got back!Ф Gaby protested.

УGabeee!Ф Brit went into her customary whine.

УBritney Walters! Е Let the poor girl catch her breath!Ф Mrs. W chastised her youngest.

УYes, mom,Ф Brit sheepishly replied. Turning to Gaby, she hissed, УHurry up! Е now git!Ф

Hurrying up stairs, Gaby stripped off her cycling togs as soon as she got into her room, then made a dash for the adjoining bathroom and a quick shower. After drying herself, she passed on the idea of wearing a dress or a skirt for shopping, favouring warmth in the form of jeans and a layered look.

Gaby was able to cat-nap during the thirty minute drive and once they pulled into the parking lot, they decided they'd split up, agreeing to meet in the mall's food court two hours later.

УSo Gab Е we need to get you some clothes!Ф Brit declared.

УI've only got so much Е an' I've got to make that last Е I've still got prezzies to get for everyone back Сome,Ф Gaby mentioned.

УLook Gabs Е a girl needs more clothes an' things than you got Е an' Deb and me got you into this Е so we'll get help get you through this!Ф Brit offered.

УWhat Brit is trying to say, Drew Е we got you into this girl thing an' although we can't bring Drew back ... we can help Gaby look good while she's here Е will you let us? Е please?Ф Debbie pleaded.

УOkay Е butЕФ Gaby started to reply as she looked at Jules for support.

УTell you what, Gabs Е let's go shopping and take it from there Е ok?Ф Britney proposed. Gaby and Jules agreed and soon the four girls set off in search of things for Gaby. They hadn't gone very far in the crowded mall when Debbie led the others to Сcalm spot' away from the other shoppers.

УUh Е Gabs? Е Just to make sure we're on the same page Е we are shopping for СGaby' Е right?Ф Debbie nervously whispered.

УI told you two Е for as long as I'm here Е I'm СGaby' Е 24/7,Ф Gaby quietly replied.

УJules?Ф Deb and Brit looked at Jules for her reaction.

УYou heard my sister,Ф Jules replied with a grin. Britney squealed her thanks as she embraced each of the Bond girls in a hug.

With Gaby's reassurance, they hit many of the clothing stores offered in the mall; Sears, JC Penny's, the Gap, Aeropostale, and Banana Republic. It was Gaby's idea to also look for dress shoes.

У You want a pair of heels?Ф a surprised Britney asked.

УSure Е Lookit the girls around here Е I like the way they look with jeans,Ф Gaby allowed.

УWhat's Mum gonna say?Ф Jules whispered. УShe won't even let me wear heels.Ф

УMum didn't let you get your ears pieced until Maddy did mine, either!Ф Gaby quietly pointed out. Jules eyes lit up as she followed her sister's logic.

УYou know what Sis? Е Even if Mum gets mad when we get Сome Е it'll be nice to hear her yell at me,Ф Gaby quietly mentioned. Jules' eyes glazed over and she immediately threw her arms around Gaby in a tight embrace.

УI know, Sis Е I Е know,Ф Jules breathed as tears started to run down her cheek. Even Debbie and Britney could feel their eyes getting moist.

УC'mon Е let's go get us some shoes, beforeЕФ Debbie suggested. She didn't need to complete her thought, they all knew hat she meant.

When they met Mrs. W two hours later, all four girls were laden with a few bags. With some of her own money and the generosity of Deb and Britney, Gaby had acquired a new pair of jeans, a few tops, more underwear and hosiery, a LBD that Brit said was to die for, two skirts for school and a couple of nightgowns. Some new cosmetics, earrings and a pair of 3Ф black dress pumps topped off Gaby's purchases.

The drive back to Grottoes was uneventful until they were about five miles from town when they hit the heavy snow. According to the weather on the car radio, it was expected to continue throughout the night.

(to be continued)

PB 26.02.08 © 2008
Want to Comment? click here to Email me