All things deniedЕ.

A Gaby FanFic by PB

Chapter 6

Gaby awoke in her attic bedroom, to the sounds of the rain gently hitting the windows. She was sure it was raining because the British kids were scheduled for an all-day field trip to the Luray Caverns and parts unknown. With Miss Bell tagging along as guide, Gabs was also sure the day would include a Civil War battlefield or two.

Sizing up the weather and the known agenda for the day, Gaby decided to play it safe and dress like her sister, a blouse, black jeans, tights and trainers. After spending time on her hair and makeup, an overly perky Brit showed up and begged Gaby to let her put her hair up into something she called Сpractical bunches'. Gaby wasn't really thrilled with the Сcute' hairstyle, but to keep the peace, she allowed them to stay inЕ for now.

At the school following homeroom, all the kids assembled outside the main entrance to await their bus for the hour-long ride. Instead of the usual big yellow school bus, the kids saw a Mercedes minibus pull up. After Miss Cowlishaw took attendance, they climbed aboard to begin their trip.

УHi,Ф Maddy softy mentioned as she stood beside Gaby. УMind if I sit beside you?Ф

УI'd really like that,Ф Gaby softly replied as Maddy sat down beside her, then quietly added, УI like that skirt you're wearing ... you look very nice.Ф

УThanks Е I wanted to look pretty for a very special someone,Ф Maddy replied in a hushed voice as she discreetly squeezed one of Gaby's hands. УI got it just after New Year's when Bernie and I went to Sheffield.Ф

As soon as she uttered the words, Maddy saw the disappointment in Gaby's changed expression when she mentioned the shopping trip. УI woulda asked you Е but it was just before some sort of family meeting your dad called Е an' Mum thought it wouldn't matter if I was there or not Е so she let me go Е sorry Gabs.Ф Maddy gave Gaby an apologetic hug.

УIt was important Е wasn't it,Ф Maddy quietly stated. Gaby silently nodded. УDid Е did it have anything to do with what you were trying to tell me last weekend when we were skiing?Ф Again Gaby nodded. УLook at me, darling Еtell me now Е please?Ф whispered Maddy, ever mindful of being overheard.

УToo many people around Е when we're alone Е ok? Е I promise,Ф Gaby whispered.

Now it was Maddy's turn to silently nod as she gave another squeeze to Gaby's hand. УCheer up! Е If it'll make you feel better Е I am not dying an' I still love you,Ф she whispered with a smile. Maddy looked her girlfriend in the eyes and managed a weak smile before she gave Gaby a quick hug.

УCute bunches Gabs!Ф Mad mentioned with a smirk in an effort to change the subject. Gaby was not amused and she let her feelings be known with a deep sigh.

УDon't tell me Е Brit's idea,Ф Maddy offered in a sympathetic voice.

УShe said it was Сpractical' Е whatever that means Е an' Mrs. W just thought it was sooo cute!Ф Gaby sarcastically replied.

УWell Е it is Е sort of Е c'mon Е lets take Сem out,Ф Maddy offered. Gaby happily turned her head to allow Maddy to re-style her hair. УShe's always doing this to you! Е You think you would've learned from Warsop Е you really ought to stand up to her and say Сno' once in a while Е you know?Ф

УEasier said than done Е I bet you wouldn't do any better,Ф Gaby sharply pointed out.

УDon't have to Е I'm not the one staying there!Ф Maddy sweetly replied.

УYou couldn't last the weekend at the Walters without Brit involving you in some scheme of hers,Ф Gaby challenged.

УBet I could!Ф Maddy replied.

УProve it!Ф Gaby shot back.

УAn' pray tell how do I do that?Ф Maddy sarcastically asked.

УI dunno Е everyone says we look like twins Е so Е maybe Е we Е like Е could just swap places Е you know Е you go to the Walters Е and Е I'll stay with Miss Bell,Ф Gaby ventured.

УUh huh Е that'd never work Е we'd be found out before long,Ф Maddy reasoned.

УBy who?Ф Gaby asked.

УI think Jules would notice when I got ready for bed Е if she didn't figure it out before then Е an' then there's Jessica! Maddy hissed.

УWe could let Jules in on it,Ф Gaby suggested.

УWhat about Jessica?Ф Mad pressured.

УI bet I can pretend to be you well enough that she won't notice!Ф Gaby postured, then after a short silence asked, УYou two don't walk Сround naked or anything over there do you?Ф

УCertainly not! Е least not intentionally,Ф Maddy hissed.

УSo Е what's the problem?Ф Gaby posed.

УI guess,Ф Maddy replied in a thoughtful fog. УWhat's the bet then?Ф

УHow about? Е If you last two days Е we swap back. If Brit gets you in one of her schemes Е you have to suffer with her for a whole week.Ф

УIf I loose Е what about school?Ф Maddy wondered.

УI guess we do each other's sets,Ф Gaby quietly replied.

УAn' how will you know if Brit catches me? Е You'll be with Jessica,Ф Maddy quickly pointed out.

УWe could have Jules to call me around lunch, Sunday,Ф Gaby suggested.

УOkay Е but why should I agree Е there's nothing in it for me,Ф Maddy allowed.

УThis whole thing is about you staying free of Brit's little schemes Е so if you win, you get to crow about it!Ф Gaby smugly offered.

УAn' just when do we do this?Ф Maddy wondered.

УNo time like the present!Ф Gaby stated.

УI dunnoЕФ Maddy whispered. After she seemingly gave the proposal some thought, she agreed. УOkay Е until Sunday!Ф Almost at once, Gaby felt something didn't feel right, like it was too easy to get Maddy to agree.

УWe'll have to swap clothes and stuff later Е we have to have a washroom break sometime! Е I figure we can change then Е I'll put your hair back up so Jessica doesn't think we're up to something.Ф

The remainder of the drive to the caverns was spent with the two girls briefing each other about their life with their respective hosts, with as much detail as they could recall. Gaby even came up with a plausible plan to get Jessica to take С Maddy ' into town the next morning so Gaby could go for her usual ride with Erin. Maddy was sure that Jessica would go for it.

By the time the bus pulled into the parking lot for the Caverns, the rain had eased but not stopped. Mr. Pilling again took charge.

УOkay Е we've got some time before our tour starts Е so I suggest you make use of the facilities if you need to ... do not go into the gift shop! Е There will be ample time for that later! Е Pay attention to the tour guide Е there will be a test later!Ф That bit of news was greeted by the predictable chorus of groans. УFive minutes thenФ he finished.

After everyone got a chance to use the facilities, they re-assembled in the main hall where they were introduced to their guide.

УGood morning everyone, my name is Agnes andЕФ For the next two hours, Gaby and the others were led from cavern to cavern showing them the wonders of the underground world. The kids found places like Titania's Veil, Saracens Tent and Totem Poles intriguing with their brilliant colours, stalactites and stalagmites of all sizes. After winding their way through the Giants Hall, Frozen Fountain and the Empress Column, they finally arrived full circle back at the main entrance hall.

Mr. P thanked Agnes on behalf of the students then turned his attention to his charges. УI know it's a bit early but we're going to break for lunch now Е back here at twelve sharp Е we've got a lot planned for later.Ф

УC'mon Gabs Е let's swap now Е we might not get a chance later!Ф whispered Maddy as she guided Gaby towards the ladies restroom.

УBefore lunch?Ф Gaby asked.

УIf you hurry Е we'll still have time to eat!Ф Maddy pointed out.

Once in the ladies restroom, they headed for the larger СDisabled' toilet cubicle. As soon as Maddy secured the door, she proceeded to remove all her clothes.

УC'mon Gabs! Е Strip! Maddy hissed.

УIs this necessary, Mad?Ф a surprised Gaby wondered. УI just thought we'd chanЕФ

УIf you want to pull this off ... yes! Е It's necessary! Е Jessica saw me this morning in my bra and panties Е soЕФ Maddy reasoned.

Gaby wasn't surprised to find herself changing her warm jeans for a mini skirt. Maddy always seemed to show a preference for skirts over pants, no matter the weather. Once dressed, Maddy used Gaby to change her appearance accordingly and then went to work on Gaby. After swapping their jewelry, they stood back and eyed each other. It was an eerie feeling, looking at themselves. The only thing they didn't change was their nail polish and that was only because neither carried it in their purses.

УOops!Ф Maddy stopped Gabs as they were about to leave the restroom.

УWhat now? Е if we hurry we can just grab something to eat and maybe hit the gift shop!Ф Gaby impatiently stated.

УGimme my Е umm Еyour bag,Ф Maddy instructed. As Gaby handed it over, she quickly snatched it out of Gabs' hands and after opening it, removed a few of the sanitary napkins that she had put in that morning.

УThis should do me until I can get to the store Е I left a couple for appearance's sake Е I don't suppose you have a box at the Walters?Ф Gaby shook her head. УJess knows I'm on Е so ... just remember what we talked about in our Health sets Е an' you should be ok,Ф С Gaby ' cautioned. УThis is for luck, darling.Ф She then embraced Gaby and gave her a tender kiss on the lips before they exited the restroom to re-join the others.

УJust remember Е I'm Gaby and you're Maddy!Ф С Gaby ' whispered as they approached the food line.

УDon't worry Е I'll remember,Ф С Maddy ' assured.

Jessica smiled to herself as the English kids joked amongst themselves while they were walking over to the nearby СSinging Tower'.

У They're a great bunch of kids and far more mature than a lot of our students their age. Hell Е the younger ones put some of our seniors to shame! Too bad we couldn't have had them come over here in the summer, there's so much more we could've offered them Е but then again, they don't seem to be bothered by the weather. Ф

УJules and Gaby seem a lot happier today Е their mother must be doing better. And that letter Fran showed me ЕI don't know how I'd cope if it was me. I should really talk to Gaby and find out how she's making out.Ф She chuckled to herself . УAnd Maddy Е she's such a dear! Е She and Gaby are nearly inseparable on these field trips. Maybe I should ask Gaby if she would like to stay over for a couple of nights with Maddy. She could have the third bedroom.Ф

УNow that I look at Maddy Е there's something different about her Е but I can't put my finger it.Ф

УЕWas built in 1937 and stands almost 120 feet high. There are forty seven bells and its one of America's finest Carillons.Ф Mr. Pilling droned.

УWhat's a carillon, Sir?Ф Bernie asked.

УA carillon is a set of bells Bernie,Ф Mr. P answered.

УLike St Johns?Ф С Maddy ' interjected.

УThat's correct, С Maddy ' Е church bells are technically called a carillon when they are automated otherwise you need bell ringers or campanologists.Ф

У That's it! Е Maddy changed her nail polish at lunch .Ф Jessica thought as she listened to the exchange between Mr. Pilling and Maddy.

Thankfully, following the visit to the СSinging Tower', everyone re-boarded the bus for their next stop. The cold rain had subsided then briefly stopped, but had started up again.

Gaby noticed they were heading east, following signs on Route 211 for Thornton's Gap, only to turn onto a road with a familiar sign Ц Skyline Drive. They were going through the National Park again! As she relaxed in her seat beside Maddy, she thought how strange it was to be sitting next to herself. Although she knew it was only Maddy wearing her clothes and make-up as well as it being her idea to make the switch in the first place, it was still a weird feeling.

As the ride continued through the park, Gaby noted the various conversations amongst the other kids and a sense of uncertainty enveloped her. Despite the briefing Maddy had provided, Gaby realised that regardless of how well she knew the gang, there was stuff they knew that she didn't, either because in Warsop, Drew wasn't one of the girls or in Grottoes, Gaby simply wasn't around to talk to the others. However, Maddy would know all of the gossip and if challenged, it could prove a problem. As if to comfort herself, Gaby reached over and gently squeezed Maddy's hand. In return, Maddy turned towards Gaby, sweetly smiled and mouthed УI love youФ as she returned Gaby's squeeze.

The rain eased somewhat as they pulled off of Skyline Drive, into the СFranklin Cliffs Overlook' viewing area. The wind whipped around them as we went to look at the panorama. Gaby silently cursed Maddy's love of skirts!

УLet's get a group photo,Ф Mr Pilling suggested. An elderly tourist couple was recruited to take a selection of photos of the group and then after taking in the view, it was off to their next destination. They continued on Skyline Drive until they hit Route 33. This change in direction took them out of the park and out of the mountains, back down into the Shenandoah Valley. As they descended, the weather and the misted bus windows cleared giving the kids views of wildlife as they passed through heavy forest.

They briefly stopped at Elkton for a quick history lesson from Miss Bell. She told the kids that during the Civil War, Stonewall Jackson, a general for the Confederate States, made his headquarters here about 140 years ago to plan his spring campaign. Since the house itself wasn't open for tourists, Miss B could only point out his living quarters on the first floor. After that stop, it was back onto the bus and back to Grottoes.

Before they got to Grottoes, Miss B guided the group to a Civil War battlefield just as Gaby had predicted. Turned out there were two battlefields - the Port Republic and the Cross Keys, which was just across the river. Since the rain had stopped, she proceeded to conduct a walking tour of the sites explaining, to a largely uninterested audience the events of that far away conflict over these currently peaceful meadows. Gaby recognized the place because it was where she overtook Diane and Derek while out on a training ride earlier in the week. Following the History lesson, they once again boarded the bus for Grottoes.

It had been arranged that due to the expected length of the field trip, the school would drop the kids off at their homes rather than have the host parents come to the school to pick them up.

When the bus stopped in front of the Walters residence, Jules and Сher sister' got off and were met by the two Walters sisters. The four made their way into the house where Jules quickly removed her coat and boots at the same time urging С Gaby ' to do the same. Grabbing her by the arm, Jules forcefully marched Сher sister' upstairs to their room and once inside, quickly closed the door.

УOk Maddy! Е What's going on here and where's my sister? You got one minute Е better make this good!Ф Jules hissed. Maddy had never heard her cousin sound so angry and it was unsettling.

УWe switched!Ф Maddy uneasily admitted. She went on to explain to Jules the terms of the Сswitch' and how the two arrived at the idea.

УYou mean if Brit pulls one of her stunts on you Е this weekend ... the deal is that you have to stay С Gaby ' an' suffer with Brit for a whole week while my sister has it easy with Jessica Е but if not Еyou switch back Sunday?Ф

УYeah Е but I need your help to pull it off,Ф Maddy confessed.

УYou claim you did this just to prove to Gaby that she's too easy a target for Brit's schemes an' you could avoid them?Ф Jules asked.

УI said I did ... didn't I?Ф Maddy quickly responded.

Jules seemed to calm down a bit and thought it over for awhile. In a way, it was pulling one over on Brit. Unfortunately, if it worked, Britney would never know. Still pinching Maddy`s arm just below the elbow. Jules offered her conditions.

УOk Е Against my better judgement I'll go along with it Е for now! Е But you listen and you listen good!Ф Jules sternly warned. УI've seen how you operate, Maddy Peters Е always manipulating my sister for your own amusement! Е I even bet you got something planned and con'd her into this!Ф Maddy winced in pain as Jules increased the pressure of her hold on Maddy's arm.

УWith everything that's happening to her now ... If I ever Е find out Е that you've set my sister up Е for anything ... or have even played mind games with her ... at any time Е during the ENTIRE visit Е I promise you Е you Е will Е be Е paid Еback Е in spades! ... I don't know who might have that pleasure Е maybe our parents Е maybe me Е or Е maybe even Gaby herself Е an' I don't know when or where it will happen Е but you will get yours ... is Е that Е clear ? ... An' I won't hesitate for a millisec to report you to Miss C!Ф Jules hissed.

She then released her tight hold on Maddy's arm with a violent downward jerk. For Maddy, there was no mistaking the sincerity of Jules' warning or the contempt with which it was issued.

УYeah Е ( sniff ) ... I heard you Jules,Ф Maddy quietly acknowledged as she rubbed her arm. У( sniff ) Bet I`ll have a real good bruise, there ... thanks to you!Ф

УYer welcome! ... Just wear long sleeves an' quit yer whining!Ф Jules snapped back.

УNow ... dry those eyes an' let's go! Е С SIS ' Е the other's are probably wondering where we disappeared to so quickly,Ф Jules sarcastically ordered, as she held the bedroom door open for Maddy. When they started to exit their room, Jules gloated, УTechnically Е you know you were discovered by me ... on the bus ... С Gaby '...Ф

Maddy stopped in her tracks and stared at Jules, with pleading eyes, УJules? ... You promised!Ф

УJust remember .... one wrong move Е or thought!Ф Jules whispered the promise as she nudged Maddy through the door. Maddy hesitated and turned to face Jules.

УHow'd you know?Ф she whispered.

УOn the bus Е you may look like my sister Е but you don't act like her Е an' I do know how my sister acts!Ф responded a smug Jules. УIf you're gonna pull this off Е just looking the part won't be enough with this crowd!Ф

УHow do I act like Gaby?Ф Maddy quietly asked.

УThat's your problem Е now GO!Ф Jules hissed as she showed an evil grin. As Maddy looked worriedly at the elder Bond, Jules led С Gaby ' towards the stairs. Before they got far, Jules whispered in Maddy's ear, УIf you promise me that you'll not do anything to hurt her Е I'll help you.Ф

УI promise Jules,Ф Maddy emotionally whispered a reply.

УC'mon Е quick! ЕBack in here an' I'll tell you a few things you need to know,Ф Jules quietly mentioned as she guided Maddy back into their bedroom. In the following few minutes, Jules quickly briefed Maddy on the house, Gaby's habits and mannerisms, plus anything else she could think of.

УI know you're use to calling Miss Bell by her first name Е but don't forget Е we don't use first names for the Сrents Е just Mr. W an' Mrs. W Е ok?Ф Jules asked as she completed her talk with Maddy.

УGot it!Ф Maddy replied as she repaired her make-up. When they again left the room and reached the top of the stairs, С Gaby ' stopped Jules and whispered, УThank you.Ф

Both girls went downstairs and helped set the table for dinner. During dinner, both Jules and С Gaby ' were drawn into conversation about their field trip and school in general. With subtle hints from Jules, С Gaby ' was able to stay in character to the extent that she wasn't challenged by the Walters.

After supper, she and Jules adjourned to the living room to watch the news with Mr. W while Debbie and Brit took their turn helping their mom clean up.

Briiiing ЕBriiing ..Brii УGot it!Ф Debbie called out. УHello? Е Oh hi, Mrs. Bond Е it's Debbie Е yeah, they're both here Е I'll get them Е GABS Е it's your mom!Ф Jules silently urged С Gaby ' to run for the phone.

УHi Е Mum?Ф She enthused as Debbie handed her the handset.

Once Gaby had the phone, Debbie returned to the kitchen. In short order, Jenny determined she was actually talking to Maddy in a way that only a mother can. In a hushed tone Maddy confessed the switch to her aunt and told her that Gaby was over at Miss Bell's. Maddy then slowly held out the receiver for Jules after Jenny asked to speak to her after only a few words with С Gaby '.

УWhat's wrong sis? Е you're quiet,Ф Jules quietly asked some time later, as the two sat on the couch.

УI don't think Auntie Jen was too happy with Gabs and I,Ф Maddy turned and confessed in a whisper.

УC'mon Е upstairs!Ф Jules quietly suggested. УWe'll be right back, Deb!Ф

As Gaby followed Jules along the upstairs hallway, she passed Brit's open bedroom door.

УYou know I can't, Casey Е unless I bring Gaby Е an' I know how you an' the others don't want her hanging with us,Ф Brit allowed in hushed tones. Her back was turned to the door so she didn't notice С Gaby ' standing there.

As С Gaby ' slowly turned and walked to her bedroom to meet with Jules, she didn't know why what she heard bothered her, but it did. Upon reaching her bed, Maddy flopped down and buried her face in the pillow.

УI just heard Brit talking on her phone Е she was telling Casey that she can't go out because she'd have to take Gaby Е an' she knew they don't want her around! Е Why?Ф Maddy solemnly asked. She was aware of her eyes tearing up the more she thought of Brit's comment. УI thought you guys were so lucky to have Deb and Brit as your hosts Е I've only got Jessica.Ф

УFrom what Gabs has told me in the last couple of days Е Brit's ok in the house ... but it would be unusual for Brit an' her friends to include Gaby in anything,Ф Jules quietly confided, aware their door was still open. УI don't know what's going on Е but I do know Е the only times I've seen my sister really happy Е is when she's been with her cycling friends Е I don't think she has any at school.Ф

Maddy looked at her in disbelief as a lone tear escaped her eye. УI had no idea ЕФ ( sniff )

УNow you know,Ф Jules whispered as the sound of footsteps in the hall drew near.

УHere you guys are!Ф exclaimed Debbie as she bounded up the few steps and into the room. She came over and sat cross-legged on Jules' bed as the other two occupied Gaby's bed. Seeing Gaby had been crying, Deb wondered, УYou ok Gabs?Ф

УYeah Е just talking about Mum's call,Ф Jules quietly explained.

УOh Е I can leaveЕФ Deb respectably offered.

УPlease stay, Debbie,Ф С Gaby ' requested. Jules nodded her agreement as Deb looked at both girls.

The three girls were enjoying some Сgirl' talk and listening to some music, when some time later. Britney found her way into the room. She still had her cell phone in her hand when she came into the room and approached Gaby.

УUmm Е Gabs? Е Want to catch a movie next Friday?Ф Brit coyly asked.

УOk Е I guess Е what's on?Ф Gaby asked after quickly glancing at Jules.

УWe'll decide when we get there Е I'll tell Rich it's ok!Ф Britney enthused as she flipped open her cell phone.

УHold it Sis! Е You never said anything about Richard Е what about Gaby? Е Being third wheel is not fun!Ф Debbie interjected.

УOh Е that's ok Е Richard's cousin from Richmond is visitin' next weekend,Ф Brit casually offered.

УNO!Ф both Debbie and Jules chorused.

УWhat are you? Е Insane?Ф Deb asked a bit more loudly than she intended. УSure Е Gabs here Е is a pretty girl Е but you're fergittin' somethin' Sis Е THAT's Drew!Ф Deb hissed pointing at Gaby. УThat is a boy!Ф

УI haven't seen Rich since Gaby came,Ф Britney whined.

УI don't care Е Drew is a boy Е Drew is not gay!Ф Debbie forcefully whispered and then turning to Jules, mouthed УIs he?Ф Jules shook her head as Debbie continued her scathing attack. УFor the sake of seeing your boyfriend-of-the week for an evening Е you'd risk Drew's health Е maybe his life? Е You've seen those stories in the paper like I have of attacks on gays Е how well you know Richard and his cousin? Е You willing to bet Drew's life? Е Whatddya think they'd do to Drew if Rich's cousin thought he was copping a feel on his date and found she was a he? ... You gonna visit Gaby in the hospital or stand with Mr. Bond as they watch the metal box being loaded on the plane for the last ride home? Е At the very least Е what would happen to Jules and Gaby Е us? Е Now you gonna tell Richard no date Е or shall I?Ф Debbie sat glaring at her sister as she asked Jules if she had anything to say.

УYou about covered it Deb,Ф Jules replied as she sternly looked at Gaby.

A brow-beaten Britney knew Debbie was right as she reluctantly dialled Richard's number. УHello Е Rich?Ф

Later that night in their darkened bedroom, Maddy was engaged in a quiet conversation with Jules, as they lay in their beds.

УJules? Е What you and Deb were saying to Brit Е I did the same thing with Gaby back Сome Е didn't I? Е With the dances an' all.Ф Maddy lamented.

УDon't forget Harry,Ф Jules whispered.

У And Sam .Ф Maddy mentally added.

УI never thought about it Е but I guess there was always a danger,Ф Jules figured.

Following an uneasy silence, Jules added, УI never thought about it until tonight Е but when you brought Harry and Gaby together Е we both thought Е but talking to Gaby this last while Е I think it was the worst thing we could've done to someone we both claim to love.Ф

УWhaddya mean?Ф Maddy whispered.

УThink about it Е we thought ... Gaby's a girl Е girls like boys Е so no problem! Е But does she? Е Gaby is Drew Е Drew likes girls Е loves you Е so Е does a boy putting on a dress means he likes boys if he didn't before?Ф Jules let that sink in before she answered her own question. У No Е it doesn't Е we see Gaby Е but Drew's still there Е inside Е same person we all love Е same likes Е same dislikes Е Drew's not gay Е but Gaby is Е she's never denied she's a lesbian Е an' she's in love with you Е but I guess you knew that Е didn't you?Ф

(sniff) УYes Е an' Е I love her ЕФ Maddy softly replied. Hers tears had returned, but this time she made no attempt to stop them. У Е more than DrewЕ. Ф thought Maddy. Jules came over and sat on the edge of Gaby's bed as Maddy sat up and fell into Jules' arms.

(to be continued)

PB 16.03.08 © 2008
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