All things deniedЕ.

A Gaby FanFic by PB

Chapter 5

УCome on sleeping beauty Е breakfast is on the tableФ Jules voiced as she shook her sister awake. As Gaby reluctantly got out of the warm bed she noticed that Jules was already dressed. УYou'd best put something warm on, it's cold out!Ф Jules added as she left the room.

УWhateverЕФ Gaby weakly acknowledged.

Following a quick shower to wake up, Gaby quickly dried her hair, threw on some make-up and surveyed her clothing choice. The only warm option really available to her was a long denim skirt and jumper combo she'd purchased the other day. Her jeans were in the wash and her new pair of jeans needed to be washed before she could wear them.

Smelling the hot food, she made her way down to the kitchen and breakfast.

УGabeee!Ф Britney exclaimed when she saw Gaby and Jules coming out of their bedroom. УDidn't I tell you that skirt looked great? Е C'mon girl!Ф

УWhere we going?Ф Gaby wondered.

УYou'll see!Ф Britney affirmed.

УMeet the gang?Ф Gaby pressed.

УIt's a surprise,Ф Brit coyly replied as they entered the kitchen.

УYou look very nice, Gaby Е but I think you'll have to change before you go anywhere,Ф Mr. W voiced as the girls entered the kitchen and he saw what Gaby was wearing. She looked at him with a blank expression upon hearing his comment. УLook at the other three Е didn't they tell you that you'll be outdoors most of the day Е skiing?Ф

УN-n-n Е noooo,Ф Gaby weakly replied.

Britney turned pale when she heard her father's remarks and her cheerful mood changed drastically when Gaby's gaze fell upon her.

For the first time Gaby really bothered to look at what she was wearing versus what the other three chose to wear. УA skirt n' jumper's not exactly appropriate, is it? Е I just thought we're going shopping or to meet the others Е this is all I had Е I need to do a washing,Ф Gaby sheepishly remarked.

УIt was my fault Mr. W Е Gabs wasn't up for the phone call last night an' I just told her to dress warm Е I thought she'd notice how I was dressed,Ф Jules volunteered.

УDidn't you tell her what was planned?Ф Donald asked.

УWe thought we'd surprise her,Ф Deb timidly added, feeling Jules was setting herself up to take all of Gaby's resentment.

УAnd just when were you going to tell her? Е When you got there and Gaby was thoroughly humiliated? Е Did you honestly think your mother and I would allow it to go that far?Ф Deb's father pressed. Before Debbie could answer, in a no-nonsense voice he asked her, УJust Е who is Е Сwe'?Ф

УBrit Е Jules Е and me,Ф Debbie reluctantly offered.

УWhose brilliant idea was this charade?Ф Mr. W sternly asked.

Seeing her dad was not amused with these developments, Debbie reluctantly told him it was Brit's idea, but in an attempt to save her sister from taking full blame, she quickly added that they all agreed.

УWhy am I not surprised?Ф Donald mumbled under his breath.

Turning his attention the elder Bond girl, Mr. W calmly mentioned, УJules Е I strongly suggest that before you agree to any more schemes hatched by my two ... particularly my youngest Е you carefully think it through Е this may have had dire consequences if allowed to go on Е you follow me? Е We may be acting as your parents while you are here Е but it remains a fact that you are her only real family Е you're her sister Еand considering what you're both going through with your mum Е she needs you to be there for her Е what do you think will happen to your relationship if she knows she can't trust you?Ф Mr. W calmly asked.

Jules felt ashamed as she slowly shifted her gaze to Gaby. УI'm sorry, Sis Е I really am Е I never thou Е I promise Е it won't happen again.Ф Gaby immediately walked over to Jules and gave her a big hug.

УMay I suggest you help your sister find something more suitable?Ф Mr. W proposed.

УI don't have anything clean Е my jeans are in the wash and my new jeans need to be washed Е sumpthin' in new jeans makes me break out,Ф Gaby replied.

УWear your leotards under them Е then they won't bother your skin,Ф Jules suggested.

УThey're in the wash with the rest of my P/E stuff,Ф Gaby quietly admitted.

УI've got a pair you can wear Gabs,Ф Debbie offered. УAnd a warmer sweater.Ф

УC'mon sis Е guess we should go get you changed,Ф Jules quietly urged. Before the three could exit the kitchen, Mr. W cautioned against any more Сpranks' while the Bonds were in Grottoes. Even though he spoke to all the girls, everyone understood the remarks were directed at his two and specifically Britney.

УOnce you get changed Е c'mon back down for some waffles Е I've also got some cross-country ski boots for both of you to try on,Ф Donald mentioned.

When she returned, along with Deb and Jules, Mrs. W had joined her husband and Britney at the kitchen table.

УMuch better!Ф Donald remarked as he took a plate of waffles over to the table, before putting more on to cook. УNow why couldn't you have done that for Gaby, earlier?Ф

Gaby stood there wearing her new straight-leg jeans over Debbie's black leotards and her heavy cable-knit turtleneck sweater. Even Britney had to admit how Сhot' Gaby looked.

УYou girls look like regular ski-bunnies!Ф Mrs. Walters commented at seeing Gaby standing with the two older girls.

УThe sweater's a bit big on her Е but in this weather Е it might be to her advantage,Ф Debbie remarked. When Gaby looked at her, Deb informed her that loose clothing is preferable when doing a lot of physical activity in cold weather, like skiing.

УEat first Е ski later!Ф Mr. Walters urged, while the food was still hot.

Following breakfast, Donald took Gaby and Jules aside and produced two pair of cross-country ski boots and some wool socks. Mr. W admitted sneaking a look at their boot sizes and poking around the Second Chance Sporting Goods store

УThey may be used Е but they're in really good shape Е put the socks on first,Ф Donald mentioned as he offered the boots to the girls.

Both Mrs. W and Debbie got new skis the previous Fall but held on to their old pair knowing that they may be used by Jules and Gaby once they came to Grottoes. With everyone suitably outfitted, they grabbed their coats and took their skis out to the Forester where Mr. W had already put the ski racks on the roof.

As they started out of town, Gaby noticed they were heading out towards Jack's Diner. Several minutes later, Mr W turned the car off into a car park already boasting at least a dozen others.

УHey Gabs Е you made it!Ф Em gleefully exclaimed.

УUh Е yeah,Ф Gaby replied. She was still not sure of how to take Em.

Em made her way over to Gaby, bundled in a red ski suit and trying to manage carrying a pair of skis on her shoulder.

УThis is really cool eh? Е Can you imagine doing this at home?Ф Em enthused.

УNever! Е When's the last time we had snow like this?Ф Gaby cheerfully replied. Both kids spent the next few minutes talking about all that's happened to them since they last got together. They each admitted the biggest downside to the visit was the rural aspect of the county. Unlike Warsop, the gang was scattered and was therefore, denied being able to get together as much as they were used to. Attending AHS didn't help too much either. With Gaby being on an alternate lunch schedule, classes and even lunches didn't allow the gang to see much of each other.

УThe others should be here soon!Ф Em's comments brought Gaby out of her daydream. At that moment, Donald approached the two girls, with Gaby's skis.

УHere you are Gaby Е step onto these and I'll show you how to work the bindings,Ф Mr W instructed. He also helped Em with her skis.

УIf you can walk Е you can cross-country Е only slide your feet Е not step Еuse the poles when on the flats and climbing the hills Е and glide when going down.Ф Mr. Walters continued his instructions until it was evident the others were heading over to the start position.

Em and Gaby continued their chat as they found themselves comfortably in a gaggle of about fifty skiers. They eventually found the others as they zipped down the forested trails. Gaby could see Maddy was starting to labour as she strove to keep pace with the group. In what seemed like minutes later, the group arrived at a clearing, which appeared from all the tables that were set up, was the scheduled lunch stop.

Once Gaby got her skis off, she discovered walking in ski boots and heavy snow was almost as much a skill as walking in her cycling shoes. She was also aware of several aching muscles. So much for an easy day of skiing! After the gang had stuck their skies upright in the snow like the others, they made their way to the barbecue along with the rest of the skiers.

УThere you guys are!Ф Brit exclaimed as she walked up to Gaby and the gang. УMom sent me to find you Е they're just about to start serving the food.Ф

УGreat! I'm starving!Ф Bernie put in. The other s eagerly nodded in agreement.

Brit led the way to where a small crowd waited patiently for the food to be served up. Debbie explained it was a communal thing Е that whenever the Сcall' went out Е everyone donated something to a Сpot luck' lunch for the skiers. By the time the gang got through helping with the clean up, the more dedicated skiers were itching to set off on the return trip.

УIt's a bit further going back,Ф Deb cautioned. УIf I were youЕФ Debbie's thoughts were interrupted by her sister.

УYou could go back the short way Е if you want to,Ф Brit proposed and then with a sense of mischief, she added, УBut it's more fun going the full route!Ф

Gaby took the bait! Five minutes later she slid to a halt at the back of some of the more dedicated skiers in the group. Her shoulders and forearms had already started to complain.

УYou sure this is a good idea, Gabs?Ф Mad softly asked sliding in beside her.

УIf Brit and the others can do it Е we can!Ф Gaby told her.

УWell Е okay then Е but let's not get carried away, huh? Е My arms are aching from the trip out here,Ф Maddy confided, still unsure of the soundness of her decision to follow Gaby.

УI promise Mad Е no racing!Ф Gaby assured her girlfriend.

УOk,Ф Maddy weakly replied.

With the shrill sound of a whistle, the now reduced group broke into a free-for-all that quickly sorted itself out. Gaby and Maddy soon fell behind with the less technical skiers, but even they were keeping a brisk pace. As Gaby kept checking on Maddy, it soon became evident that they would have to slow to their own pace and let the others go ahead.

УYou go on Gabs,Ф Maddy panted as Gaby again checked on her progress.

УNo way! Е I'm not leaving you alone Mad,Ф Gaby firmly stated. She fell back to parallel Maddy, both slowing down and working into their own synchronized rhythm with the sound of their breathing and the whooshing of the skis.

УSoЕФ Mad stated uneasily.

УSoЕФ Gaby softly replied.

УAre you really okay? Е You know Е with having to be GabyЕФ Maddy's voice faded as she asked the question.

After a short thoughtful silence, Gaby softly replied, УSort ofЕФ

УSort of?Ф Mad echoed.

УI think Mrs. W isn't convinced Е an' I have five more weeks of her? Е I'm not a girl Е like you, Mad Е an'ЕФ Gaby softly admitted as her voice faded with her uncompleted thought.

УSorry darlingЕФ Maddy tearfully replied. Gaby laid a hand on Maddy's arm, bringing the two to a stop.

УI told you at the house Е it's not your fault Е Brit an' Deb decided things for me,Ф Gaby softly assured her.

УWell Е I feel sort of responsible Е I should've said something when Miss C told us about the cheer competition Е instead I pressured you to do it!Ф Mad's soft voice was filled with emotion.

УOk Е let's not forget Miss C an' Mr. Woods, then!Ф Gaby added.

УBut I shouldn't have asked you Е ( sniff ) the competition wasn't that important!Ф Maddy replied.

УYes it was Е at the time Е an' you did Е what's done is done Е besides ... I agreed to go on with it,Ф Gabs pointed out.

УUnder pressure!Ф Maddy firmly restated.

УWhatever ... Anyway how are you getting on with Miss Bell?Ф Gaby asked changing the subject.

УOkay I guess Е you'll have to come over some evening Е or maybe we can make it a weekend? Е She's got this cool cabin that her dad built Е it was supposed to be their holiday place but her folks have both moved and her dad gave her the house,Ф Maddy unenthusiastically explained. УI miss our chats, Gaby Е ( sniff ) an' Е I miss youЕФ she softly added.

УMe too,Ф Gaby softly replied. УMad? Е Who do you miss more Е Gaby Е or Drew? Е I know you've told me you love Drew and Gaby Е but if you had to choose,Ф Gaby asked in a serious whisper.

УPlease, Gaby Е don't make me choose Е just accept that I love you Е ok?Ф Maddy pleaded.

УPlease, Mad Е it's important!Ф Gaby quietly pressed.

УWhy?Ф Mad whispered as she held Gaby in her arms, tightly. Maddy could see the turmoil in Gaby's eyes as she whispered, ( sniff ) УI love you Е Gaby!Ф She then leaned in and gave Gaby a tender kiss on the lips.

As they broke the kiss, Maddy saw the resignation and disappointment of her apparent refusal to choose, etched on her love's face. Gaby politely returned the hug she offered, but Maddy felt there was an emptiness. She wisely decided to allow Gaby some space as they skied along in silence for a bit.

The trail was relatively easy to follow, considering the number of skiers that preceded them. The weak winter sun was already low in the sky and the temperature was dropping, which started to cause their snow covered clothes to stiffen.

Both girls were skiing side-by-side when Maddy decided to break the silence, УDarling? Е Why did you ask me to choose? ЕWhat were you going to say Е back there?Ф

Deciding she'd have to tell Maddy, the pair stopped. Turning to Maddy, Gaby took hold of her gloved hands and looking her in the eyes, softly explained, УRemember back in September Е when I blacked out after a race Е an' again in October?Ф

УScared the life out of me when I saw you go down Е (sniff) Е you never did tell me what the doctor told you Е you're not sick are you? Е I don't know what I'd do if I lost you!Ф Maddy tearfully confessed.

УIt depends on Е oh bum! Е It'll have to wait until later,Ф Gaby whispered as she heard voices.

A couple of dark figures came toward the two and as they got closer, Gaby recognized the shadows as Jules and Debbie.

УThank God Gabs! Е We've all been frantic! Е Where have you two been?Ф an obviously relieved Jules exclaimed.

УWe knew where we were Е the trail was easy enough to follow Е we just couldn't keep up,Ф Gaby stated as Deb and Jules made their way down the hill and stood beside the young couple.

УJust wait till I get hold of Britney!Ф Deb fumed.

УWhat for?Ф Mad asked.

УShe knew you wouldn't turn her down and go for the long route! Е What she didn't tell you was Е it's a fun race! She should've known that there's no way you'd keep up for long,Ф Debbie elaborated.

УGabs would've if she didn't stay with me!Ф Maddy defended.

УWe didn't have to go!Ф Gaby quickly shot back.

УCome on Gaby Е when was the last time you turned down a challenge? Е And Mad Е you always go with her,Ф Jules pointed out. УBesides Е everyone here ski's and it's your first time Е no contest!Ф

УThey're over here!Ф Deb shouted out to a bunch of adults. As they got closer, the dimming sunlight revealed them to be Mr. Walters, Miss Bell and a couple of officers from the Augusta County Sheriff's department. Maddy nudged Gaby and nodded towards one of the policemen and his dog.

УYou two okay?Ф Mr W asked as the small group stood around the two skiers.

УI think we're both a bit cold,Ф Gaby admitted.

УLet's get you two inside Е Jack's isn't too far Е just over that small rise,Ф Miss B suggested.

УAfter what I told her this morning Е she goes and pulls this!Ф Mr. W fumed.

УWho?Ф Miss B asked.

УBritney! Е This was her doing! Е She practically signed a confession back in Jack's,Ф Donald angrily explained.

The rescued and the rescuers made their way back to Jack's and soon found themselves inside the warm diner. After some initial questioning and repeated reassurances they were only cold but other than that, okay, both Maddy and Gaby snuggled in a booth under some thermal blankets, sipping on mugs of hot chocolate. After about twenty minutes, the two started to feel normal.

By that time, the only ones remaining in the diner were the gang, their American hosts and a few paying customers. Eventually there was an exchange of farewells and Gaby found herself alone with Maddy again.

УHow's Aunt Jenny?Ф Mad softly asked.

УDad said they operated earlier in the week,Ф Gaby whispered.

УOhЕФ Maddy breathed and then added in a whisper, УYou didn't tell me she went into the hospital.Ф

УSorry Mad Е not much of a chance to get together around here Е is there?Ф Maddy reached under the blanket and gave Gaby's leg a squeeze with her free hand. Gaby quietly continued talking about her mum, after acknowledging Maddy's touch. УJules and I didn't know Mum actually went under the knife until Dad told us last night.Ф

УMaybe he had his reasons?Ф Maddy suggested.

УMum didn't want us to know about her surgery Е but Dad told Jules and me she was being assessed Е before we left,Ф Gaby quietly confided.

УMaybe she had her reasons? Е likeЕФ Maddy offered, but left the thought incomplete.

ФActually Е I had a good chat with Dad last night Е an' he says Mum's feeling a bit better!Ф Gaby tried to sound cheerful.

УThat's good Е innit?Ф Maddy quietly asked.

УWell Е he said that she's still pretty sick Е but he says the doctors are optimistic they got it all,Ф Gaby explained.

УSo when will they know for sure Е if Auntie Jen's cured?Ф Maddy asked in a hushed voice.

УMight be weeks or even months Е Dad said,Ф Gaby softly replied in an uncertain voice. Maddy embraced her girlfriend in a much needed hug. УI'm really afraid Mad Е I'm not gonna see her again Е ( sniff ) ЕI'm scared.Ф Maddy held Gaby even tighter.

УWe'll see her again, darling Еyou'll see,Ф Maddy whispered into Gaby's ear.

УWhat are you two up to?Ф Jules' cheerful voice broke the moment and the two girls reluctantly released each other.

УTalking about Auntie Jen,Ф Mad quietly admitted while Gaby dabbed the tears from her eyes with a napkin.

УOh.Ф Jules mood immediately changed.

УIf you're thawed out Maddy Е we should be going!Ф Miss Bell mentioned as she approached the teenagers.

УI guess that means I have to leave you Е thanks for staying with me Е g'nite darling,Ф Maddy whispered. Using Jules as a screen from the other patrons, Mad planted a gentle kiss on Gaby's lips as she rose to get up from the booth.

УEveryone's heading homeФ Jules stated as Mad made her way over to the door and Jessica. УI was just coming to fetch you, S is. Ф Jules handed Gaby her coat and the two joined the Walters family at the door.

As they walked out to the car, Gaby noted that Em, Ally and Bernie had already left and Sab was catching a lift with Miss Bell and Maddy. Out in the parking lot it was clear that what could best be described as a Christmas postcard, would be no more. The pavement of the parking lot was now mostly clear and signs of a thaw were all around. Britney elected to ride back with her mom while Deb, Jules and Gab rode with Mr. Walters. By all accounts, the drive back for the occupants in both cars, was quiet, but for very different reasons.

Once back at the house, Jules and her sister retreated to their room where Gaby jumped into a hot shower. When she got out, Jules did Gaby's hair. Once they were both dressed for bed, they put on their robes and slippers then started to go downstairs to join the others. Before leaving the room, Jules turned to her sister and hugged her. In an emotional voice, she whispered, УI was so scared Sis!Ф

УI've told you before Britney Walters Е one of these days your pranks are going to get you into serious trouble!Ф Mr Walters booming voice carried clearly to Jules and Gaby as they wisely decided to sit at the top of the stairs, upon hearing raised voices behind a closed kitchen door. Brit's reply to her father was scarcely audible to the two girls.

УAnd Е if I find out that you are up to any more of your tricks Е or are trying to involve the Bonds in any of your plots Е you will be grounded indefinitelyФ Mrs W joined in, equally angry with her daughter's behaviour. УGaby and her cousin could have been lost out there! ЕIt was only last year that the Williams boy died right outside town when he got turned around.Ф

More mumbles were heard.

УI don't care Е it was a damn stupid thing to do! Е And don't think we've forgotten about what you tried to pull on Gaby this morning, either!Ф Mrs Walters went on.

УHate to be Brit, right now,Ф Gaby whispered.

УDoesn't look good,Ф Jules agreed in a hushed voice.

УIf Brit slips up an' Еyou know Е Brit and Debs might as well join a monastery.Ф

УThat's a nunnery Е but I know what you mean,Ф Jules again agreed.

The family discussion had decidedly gone quieter, it still sounded like the Spanish Inquisition! Questions, replies, more questions and so on. After about half an hour the door opened and a thoroughly brow-beaten and tearful Brit hurriedly exited.

УDinner will be in thirty minutes Е tell the girls!Ф Mrs W called out after her retreating daughter.

УYes mom!Ф Brit tearfully acknowledged before starting up the stairs.

УYou okay Brit?Ф Jules asked. Britney jumped and nearly missed her step.

УShit Jules! Е You scared me!Ф Britney half-shouted.

УSorry Е you okay?Ф Jules wondered. The three girls spent the next little while in the bedroom Brit shared with her sister, quietly talking about what just transpired downstairs.

УIs it true about that boy?Ф Jules finally asked in a hushed voice.

УLittle Geoff Williams? ЕYeah Е he got lost out by the nature grounds and they found him a week later Е but he was only Е like ten!Ф Britney explained. The full weight of the afternoon's events suddenly impacted upon Gaby and Jules.

УAnd mom was hinting at something going on with you two Е I think she suspects something ... if she finds out you're a boy Е I am like so much toast!Ф Britney whispered. The two Bond girls knowingly looked at each other.

УWell we're not going to say anything Е are we Gabs?Ф Jules coyly asked.

УNo!Ф Gaby quickly agreed. The last thing Gaby wanted was to be exposed to all. The implications could be disastrous, not only for herself but possibly the exchange program and her friends. One thing was certain though; Brit and Deb would be grounded for life!

УBut Е what if they work it out?Ф Brit whined.

УAnd just how will they do that? Е Gabs' boobs are glued on an' her other bits are taken care of too!Ф Jules shot back, all the time keeping her voice down.

УReally?Ф Britney replied.

УThere's no way Е unless they saw Сhim' naked and even thenЕ.Ф Jules offered. Gaby thought Jules seemed more confident than she herself felt.

УAfter all Е Gabs is never mistaken for a boy Е is she?Ф Jules continued.

УErin knows,Ф Gaby softly admitted.

When Jules looked at her with a puzzled expression, Gaby explained, УWell Е we talked a lot when we went to her house yesterday to get her spare kit Е She knew Mum had a son and a daughter ... an' that the son rode! Е So I came clean Е she's ok with it, though!Ф

The next day at breakfast, Gaby felt Mrs. W was watching her every move. She was sure Jocelyn was trying to Сsee past Gaby and discover her secret'. The three other girls nervously watched Jocelyn for any hint that she saw through Gaby.

It was Monday, and the British kids were starting their first full week at Augusta High School. It was a full day of classes, but they did have excursions scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday with Thursday's trip including the American hosts.

УCan all members of the Sherwood Foresters please meet Miss Cowlishaw in the gym after final period today?Ф Principal Roberts announced over the school's PA system following morning exercises.

Gaby's first class was Health, with Miss MacDonald. She soon learned that her classes were all-girl and that it was one of two subjects that all the gang would be brought together. The other subject was their weekly Gym class, also taught by Miss M. Brit told Gaby that Miss M insisted on being called by her nickname of СBunny' by her students.

УShe claims it builds a better relationship with her girls,Ф Brit whispered as she led Gaby into the room.

Normally Science was a good subject for Gaby, but her next class sent her scrambling for Brit's notes later that evening, in an attempt to familiarize herself with what was currently being taught.

The next two periods before lunch proved routine for her. Her Math class was more like a review as they'd already covered the material back in Warsop. It was all she could do to get through English, it was so boring. They were discussing one of Shakespeare's plays in agonizing detail. Gaby concluded that although the play may have been different from her classes back in Warsop, the inflicted torture upon the young mind was the same.

At lunch, Gaby and Brit got their food and sat together. It was only after some of the American cheerleaders joined them and monopolized Brit in conversation that Gaby began to notice how alone she felt. Several of the other kids stared at her and then quickly turned away in hushed conversation whenever they noticed her looking at them. Even in the halls, Gaby started to notice a few of the kids singling her out as they talked in whispers, when she walked past.

She seemed to go through her afternoon classes on autopilot, thinking about the behaviour of the kids at lunch and in the halls. Eventually her thoughts turned to the Foresters as she found herself seated in the gym's bleachers. The other Foresters were all chatting away amongst themselves. Maybe they weren't intentionally leaving her out of their conversation but after her lunchtime experience, Gaby was starting to feel a bit isolated.

After a while, Miss Cowlishaw came in talking animatedly with Miss Bell. Miss C confirmed that they'd have practice every other day for about an hour and that Miss Bell would assist.

УSo starting on Tuesday we'll be having practice after class alternate days. Make sure you have your gym kit, poms and cheer shoes. Any questions?Ф

Mrs W was waiting in the parking lot when Gaby emerged from the school, the other three having already explained the reason she was late. Soon after Gaby got into the car, she reluctantly found herself in a discussion about cheerleading with Britney finally revealing that they were also entered in the State championship the following month.

УWell Е that's something to look forward to then Е here we are girls!Ф Mrs. W beamed as she put the car in park outside the local beauty parlour. Gaby noticed it was in the same mall as Erin's, only a few stores down.

УPlease Gabs Е just go with it Е Mom might figure things out if you don't!Ф Debbie whispered as they got out of the car and followed their mom inside.

УYou forgot Е didn't you?Ф Jules quietly asked as she saw the apprehension on her sister's face. УRelax Е you've been to Sylv's many times.Ф

УShe cut my hair!Ф Gaby hissed.

УYou're a girl, now! Е Girl's like to be pampered Е So relax! Е Got it?Ф Jules sternly whispered as they walked up behind Mrs. W.

УWell Е hi, Jocelyn Е girls Е and these two must be your British visitors!Ф a middle-aged woman gushed.

УMary Е meet Juliette and Gabrielle Bond.Ф Mrs W made the introductions. УGirls Е this here is Mary Е owner of this oasis of calm.Ф

After getting the others settled for their preferred treatments, Mary turned her attention to Gaby. УSo Gabrielle Е what about you? Е Trim? Е Pedicure? Е Manicure? Е Facial?Ф

УUmm Е it's just Gaby,Ф Gaby timidly replied.

УOkay Е so what's it to be then, Gaby?Ф Mary asked.

УUmmm Е I had my hair done before we came,Ф Gaby offered.

УThen Е how's about we do something with those nails Е Jocelyn's treat!Ф Mary coaxed.

After Gaby inspected her nails, she readily agreed. The manicure quickly turned into a pedicure as well. At the suggestion of the Сnail technician', Gaby also got her first sugaring. After Mary cleared it with Jocelyn, she returned and informed Gaby and then had an assistant take Gaby out back.

УThe others are going on home Е can you walk back yourself Е when we're done?Ф Mary asked.

УI think so Е I've walked back from Erin's Cyclery a couple of times,Ф Gaby replied.

УOkay then Е Sandra will get you ready and I'll be in shortly,Ф Mary mentioned.

УCome on Gaby Е we do this out back Е I'll just fetch you a robe!Ф Sandra enthused. Realising she'd have to remove her jeans, Gaby hoped that Mary wouldn't go too high with the sugaring.

After she was finished, Sandra handed Gaby her jeans. As she slid them on it was clear that her legs were much smoother than even straight after a shave. Gaby thought it was worth the pain, just as Sandra said!

УYou're legs might be a bit sore this evening Е so Е put a skirt on when you get home Е any redness will be gone by morning,Ф Mary advised as Gabs exited the beauty parlour.

By the time she arrived back at the Walters, Mary's comments about sore legs was becoming a reality. Her first stop once inside, was their bedroom and a quick change into one of the mini skirts that she brought with her.

Gaby heard the others in Deb's bedroom, busy arguing about something so she continued on down the stairs and walked into the living room. Finding the book Jules was reading, she picked it up and settled down on the couch, in front of the fire to await her Dad's call or dinner, whichever happened first!

As time progressed, Gaby and Jules fell into a routine with the Walters girls. On school nights, they'd usually read or watch TV until dinner, talk to their Mum and or Dad, do any homework they may have then return to either reading, listening to music or watching TV.

Weather permitting, on Saturday mornings, Gaby would go riding with Erin and her cycling friends and on Wednesdays after school again weather permitting; she'd often go for a training ride on her own.

(to be continued)

PB 26.02.08 © 2008
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