It was still dark when Gaby awoke to the unfamiliar sounds of rural Virginia. A tractor rumbled noisily past setting off a panic within the local bird population. She rolled onto her side and checked Maddy's alarm and saw it was only six thirty! Deciding to get up, Gaby found herself wondering how Maddy was doing at the Walters.

After showering and throwing on a pair of Maddy's jeans and a scoop-necked sweater, Gaby decided to venture down to the kitchen.

УI was just gonna come wake you up,Ф Jessica quietly exclaimed when she saw Gaby poke her head into the kitchen.

Gaby noted Jessica was seated at a large pine kitchen table with her breakfast and a pile of what she instantly identified as schoolwork. It reminded her of last year, before her mum stopped teaching. There were always stacks of stuff to be marked around the house. It's a funny thing to miss but Gaby felt that not having that clutter around when her mum went to Germany made the house feel even emptier.

УJust catching up on some marking while it was quiet,Ф offered Jessica. Noting Gaby's far-away expression, she asked, УYou okay Gabs?Ф

УYeah Е just seeing you marking those papers brought back some memories Е before Mum stopped teaching an' turned pro,Ф Gaby softly replied.

УGeography Е to third levels Е ummm Е grade nine's,Ф responded Gaby as she stood beside the table. УShe was always marking papers or something Е we always thought it was a pain ... but looking back Е at least she was home.Ф

УYeah ( sniff ),Ф Gaby replied. Miss Bell saw Gaby's eyes were beginning to glaze over as Gabs obviously thought of her mum.

УEverything will be ok Е I'm positive she'll be waiting for you when you get back,Ф Jessica quietly assured Gaby as she opened her arms to offer Gabs a hug.

When she saw surprise on Gaby's face after hearing that she knew of Jenny's cancer, Jessica quickly added, УI understood that Miss Cowlishaw told you she'd inform me of your mother, so we could both be there for you and your sister, if you needed us.Ф

УShe Е did Е I guess I forgot Е I'm so used to not letting people know,Ф Gaby softly replied.

Releasing Gaby from the hug, Jessica remarked in a more normal voice, УI'm sorry, honey Е would you like anything to drink before I get you some breakfast?Ф

УI just put the kettle on Е I really don't know how you and Maddy can drink it this time of day Е I need my caffeine fix!Ф Jessica jokingly answered.

УHow does eggs on toast sound?Ф Jessica asked as she started to clean up the scattered papers.

УNone for me Е thanks,Ф Jessica replied pointing to her empty dishes. УDid Maddy also tell you where things were in the kitchen?Ф

УNo Е seems she forgot that along with a few small details Е like not telling me about Sam,Ф Gaby sarcastically replied, then added in a more normal tone, УSorry Е I think I can find everything and if I have problems Е you're here!Ф

It was a quarter to eight when Jessica dropped С Maddy ' off in front of the Walters' house; С Gaby ' was sitting on the porch swing waiting.

УOf course Е I'll just grab it Е be right back!Ф СGaby' enthused as she ran back into the house. If she detected Gaby's tone of voice, she never let on. УI'm off! Е See ya later!Ф С Gaby ' called out as she pulled the door closed after grabbing the rucksack.

A couple of minutes later Gaby was holding her rucksack and Mad had Erin's bike, slowly walking towards Erin's Cyclery and talking as they went. If any of the Walters watched the two go down the street, they could've sworn it was Gaby that was walking the bike while Maddy walked beside her, carrying Gaby's backpack.

УMum? ... You talked to her? Е I shoulda been there Е not you!Ф Gaby stopped in her tracks.

УI'm sorry darling Е if it means anything Е we didn't talk much Е she knew it was me as soon as I said Сhi, Mum' Е once she knew Е she wanted to talk to Jules.Ф It was the first time Jenny had been on the phone since the kids left Warsop and she felt bad she took this away from Gaby.

УI had to Е Debbie gave me the phone and stood there when I took it Е I'm sorry Е I know you shoulda been the one to answer the phone Е but ЕФ Maddy quietly replied as she hugged Gaby. УI did tell her you were at Jessica's Е did she phone?

УNothing!Ф Mad's reply seemed a bit too quick and too sharp for Gaby's comfort.

УThat's not the impression I got from him Е he was trying his best to get up close and personal! Е an' Miss B made a comment that tells me the two of you did more than just homeroom last week!Ф Gaby angrily shot back.

УSo? Е What's it to you, anyway?Ф Maddy indignantly countered. Any thoughts of confessing all to Gaby were now forgotten with the unexpected ferocity of her verbal attack.

УWell, in case you forgot Е you're supposed to be my girlfriend!Ф Gaby sharply replied.

УI might be Drew's girlfriend Е but Е but I'm Е not Е your girlfriend!Ф Maddy hesitatingly admitted as she avoided eye contact with Gaby at the same time resuming her walking the bike down the alley towards Erin's.

УMaddy! Е Come back here! Е What do you mean by that?Ф Gaby angrily called after her as Mad kept walking away.

Turning around, she replied, УYou're just jealous that I've got a boyfriend!Ф Maddy then continued to head towards Erin's.

УFine! Е I'll just go back and see what Jules knows about it!Ф Gaby turned and started walking at a fast pace, back down the alley that led to the Walters' house.

Maddy stubbornly kept walking but when she realized Gaby wasn't following her, she turned around in panic. УGaby! Е. No! Е Don't! Е Please? Е Jules knows nothing Е I swear!Ф Maddy called out, pleading with Gaby, as she took the bike and followed after her.

( puff ) УIf you Е ( puff ) go back Е ( puff ) they'll know you're not me! Е We'll both get into trouble,Ф Maddy managed to get out after catching up to Gaby.

УI don't give a sod Е ( sniff ) Е it'll be worth it to get a straight answer out of someone!Ф Gabs shot back, a few stray tears rolling down her cheeks. Maddy now saw just how angry and hurt Gaby was by her earlier remark.

УWhaddyuh think? Е One moment ( sob ) you tell me you love me no matter if I was Е ( sniff ) Drew or Gaby Е n Е now you tell me Е ( sniff ) Е you don't Е if I'm not your girlfriend Е why do you want Gaby around Еs ( sniff ) Е. so much? Е Tell me that, huh?Ф Gaby tearfully reasoned. Maddy broke eye contact, suddenly finding the melting snow on the sidewalk of interest.

УAbout what?Ф Gaby spouted. УAbout dropping me in it or the fact I found out about Samuel?Ф Maddy started to say something and then went silent.

УThat's what I thought!Ф ( sniff ) The anger once again erupted in Gaby's voice as she yanked the bike out of Maddy's hands. УI'm going for my ride Е you can bugger off and do whatever you want Е I don't care!Ф

УDrewww!Ф Mad whined. УMiss Bell told us to act like girl friends for Е for your ... safety!Ф she tearfully argued.

УThat doesn't mean you have to flirt with other boys Е behind my back Е then deny it after I find out an' just because I'm a blonde Е expect me to be dumb enough to believe it!Ф Gaby shot back.

УNot if they're already in a relationship Е one you've admitted to, by-the-way! Е I don't see Ally falling over other boys an' last I knew Е she's a girl about our age Е an' in a relationship! Е I thought you and I were in a relationship Е no matter if I was Drew Е or Gaby Е but Е I guess not Е unless it's convenient for you, anyway!Ф Gaby's anger was rising with each comment.

As she started to walk off, she left a stunned Maddy tearfully standing several paces behind her. Gaby turned after walking a few steps and with all the venom left in her, looked directly at Maddy and stated, УAs Brit would say Е Stee-rike Е One!Ф

УGaby? Е ( sniff ) Е Let me come with you? Е ( sniff ) Е I've got nowhere to go Е ( sniff ) please?Ф Maddy quietly pleaded as she walked up to Gaby.

Without a word, Gaby again started walking while Maddy had to initially run the few steps to keep up. The rest of the walk to the Cyclery was done in a cold silence. Maddy quickly decided to stay back a pace or two behind Gaby to avoid feeling her wrath any more than she had to.

Their arrival at Erin's Cyclery prevented any further discussion and both girls were glad to see that no one else was outside the shop waiting. At least they wouldn't have to pretend to be civil to each other just yet. Upon entering the shop with the bike, Gaby could hear Erin was already tinkering in the back workshop.

As both girls started walking down a wide aisle, Maddy took hold of Gaby's arm causing her to swing around to face her. Mad quickly embraced Gaby in an emotional hug and in a soft, quiet voice she pleaded, УPlease, Gabs Е I don't want to fight with you Е you mean far too much to me.Ф She seized the opportunity to give Gaby a quick, gentle kiss on her lips.

As both girls squeezed each other a bit harder, Maddy whispered, УI'll wait for you here Е like we planned Е an' then we can go out to this Diane's, together Е ok Е darling?Ф

Gaby gave Mad a peck on the cheek and then reluctantly whispered in her ear, УOk Е a truce Е but I still want to know about Sam and what you meant back there.Ф They broke the hug upon hearing some activity at the back of the store.

УHiya Е Gaby?Ф Erin greeted us as she walked up the aisle, a look of confusion etched on her face.

УNope Е the ugly one is my cousin Е Maddy Peters.Ф Gaby introduced her Сdouble'. In turn, Maddy feigned a swipe to Gaby's ear.

УGeez, you look like twins! Е Very nice to meet you, Maddy,Ф Erin offered as she held out her hand.

УNice to finally meet you, Erin Е Gaby's mentioned you several times,Ф Maddy replied as she shook Erin's hand.

The two of them stood, briefly sizing each other up before Erin spoke, УSo Е Maddy Е what brings you here so early?Ф

УThat's my fault.Ф Gaby admitted, УWe kinda made a stupid bet and swapped places for the weekend Е so Е Mad's pretending to be me at the Walters but they were expecting Gaby to leave for her ride Е an' we sorta needed to swap back for the day Е so as far as the Walters know Е Maddy Е me ... had agreed to spend the day with Gaby Е her!Ф Gaby pointed at Maddy.

УIf it's alright Erin Е I'll just hang round here until you get back,Ф Maddy added.

Erin shook her head. УKids! ... Sure Е you're welcome to stay here Е I know Don won't mind the company. He usually holds the fort on his own when we go out riding on Saturdays.Ф

Gaby left Mad and Erin alone in the shop and took rucksack with her borrowed bike kit, into the washroom to get changed. When she returned, she found the two of them talking to a lad of about seventeen.

УThere you areФ Mad mentioned. Gaby noticed an element of sweetness had returned to her voice. Question was, was this genuine or an act?

Mad giggled. Gaby thought she saw the girl she loved back in Warsop, but memories of the morning's argument soon brought that image of Maddy into question.

УGaby Е this is my Saturday help Е Don Tanner Е Don Е this here's Gaby Bond.Ф After Erin performed the introductions, she indicated to Gaby that the others were already waiting outside.

УI'm sure we'll talk later, Don Е gotta go Е nice meeting you Е see you later Mad!Ф Gaby allowed as she hugged Maddy then left the two to follow Erin out to the other waiting cyclists. Gaby was really looking forward to the day's ride and despite their argument on the way over, she happily returned Mad's wave as the group departed.

The group of riders left the Cyclery and quickly exited Grottoes. They then turned onto Weyer's Cave Road, riding out past the airfield towards I-81. Gaby noticed they were heading towards what Diane identified as the Shenandoah Mountains, the highest peak being Shenandoah Mountain itself. They kept up a steady pace as they crossed the wide valley and with just over twenty miles under their wheels, they went under I-81 and turned onto Route 11, promptly passing a sign that read СChurchville 15 miles'.

The ride reminded Gaby a bit of the roads back home as it undulated up and down and twisted about the quiet Virginia countryside. They had been riding for about ninety minutes when the word went out that it was only two miles to Churchville. Gaby knew from the chatter and the posturing that there was something, possibly a sprint, coming up. However, unlike last week's ride, everyone remained pretty much together and the gentle undulations of the road made any thought of escaping the group that much more difficult for Gabs.

After the last ride when she beat Erin, Gaby knew how everyone riding with her, particularly Diane, Erin and Aiden, watched her every move and it was no different on this occasion. As they neared Churchville, Gaby found the temptation to make a move almost too much to bear, but she restrained herself until she saw Diane make a run for the Сline'. Waiting for oncoming traffic to clear, Gaby found it had the added benefit of distracting Erin's attention from her. That's when she chose to make her move.

Despite Diane's twenty-metre lead, Gaby saw the Сline' was about a hundred meters away. She clicked up a gear just as she noticed a wheel come up alongside her bike. Still, the gap to Diane shrank quickly. Gaby picked her line and just as she was closing in on Diane, Gaby made her big push. She upped the gears again and got out of the saddle to get that extra leverage when she came down hard on the pedals.

By then the wunderkind was committed to a plan of action, so when Erin pulled alongside her, there was nothing Gaby could do. They sprinted virtually wheel to wheel, until with one final effort, Gaby pushed half a wheel in front just as they sped pass the Churchville limits sign.

When she sat back into the saddle and coasted for a while, Erin and the others matched her speed as they rode up to her. They all were congratulating her and were eager to know her secret.

УSimple! Е When you went Е I knew it couldn't be too far and the way a few others reacted Е confirmed it!Ф Gaby explained to Diane and the others.

They looped through the town and reversed direction on Churchville Avenue back towards the city of Staunton. Diane informed Gaby they'd be stopping on the other side of Fishersville, about five miles away at a nursery that also had a small tea room.

Exiting Straunton, they turned off the more traveled Jefferson Highway onto a secondary road that ran parallel right into Fishersville. As they passed through the small town, Gaby detected a certain nervousness around her, telling her the café sprint must be coming up.

Diane was the first one to break from the group, with Derek giving chase. Gaby decided to stay where she was and Erin continued to scrutinize her every move. Thinking Gaby was sitting this sprint out, Erin and a few others decided to join Diane. As soon as Erin got a few bike lengths in front, Gaby decided to make her move.

Still playing the relaxed rider, she struck up a conversation with a couple of the other riders in the front of the second bunch in an attempt to find our where the sprint would take place.

УAbout a half mile Е they always sprint for the tea room sign just up by that tree at the top of the next rise,Ф he pointed out.

Gaby stayed back, watching the breakaway bunch for signs of a sprint. She didn't have to wait long as they turned a corner and she spotted both the tree and sign. After that she saw there was a double rise with a dip in the middle, just to make it difficult. Erin glanced back at Gaby and saw she was staying behind her. It was then she chose to make her move.

In a blink of an eye, Gaby dropped a couple of gears and raced up until she was even with Diane and Erin. After successfully holding them off through the first rise, Gaby noticed it was actually three hills - not two! She had just caught her breath when Derek challenged for the second crest, but at a price. Even though he took the second summit, he was spent when he hit the top. Gaby just managed to stay on the backend of the lead group as the made the second summit. Seeing she had been discovered by the back markers, Gaby quickly decided to power through the dip between the second and third crests.

Erin's big mistake was to wait for Diane to go. Gaby dropped the gears into fifteen and was already moving when they hit the start of the last climb with the result that her momentum easily carried her past the others. A quick downshift kept the momentum and she sped over the summit heading for the café. Erin was the first to notice Gaby's bike shudder just before she appeared to slump over and veer off the road into a ditch.

УI'll dial 9-1-1 from the tea room!Ф Diane called out as she re-mounted her bike.

УWe saw her pass you guys like a bullet Е then poof Е she just seemed to lose it!Ф another offered.

УWell Е I don't think anything is broken Е but I'm no doctor,Ф Erin calmly mentioned.

УDunno Е maybe Е her helmet is too dirty to see any impact point,Ф Erin replied as she knelt beside the limp girl.

Gaby had yet to move, she was in that grey area between being conscious and unconscious. She was vaguely aware of voices around her and her own thoughts. УI've done this before haven't I?Ф

Gaby heard a commotion of footsteps and a woman's voice calling out, УI'm a doctor Е let's have a look!Ф She felt someone touching her, but it was the light in her eye that caused her to jerk and brought her back to full consciousness.

УNot so fast, young lady Е stay still!Ф The doctor physically prevented Gaby from jerking upright.

УThank God!Ф a relieved Erin cried out. After concluding there appeared to be no broken bones, Derek was asked to carry Gaby inside the tea room and to lay her on one of the benches.

УLooks like she blacked out Donald Е have you got anything like Gatorade or fresh orange juice?Ф the doctor asked. УIf you only have the juice Е make it a big glass Е with a straw!Ф

Seeing Gaby come around, the doctor turned her attention to the patient. УWhat's your name, honey?Ф

As the proprietor handed the sport drink to the doctor, she urged Gaby to drink it all.

УYou done this before Е felt faint or even fallen off your bike?Ф The doctor asked in a quiet voice.

УA couple of times Е but only after I've gotten off my bike after a hard fought race,Ф Gaby admitted . УI guess I have to pay more attention to my intake of energy bars, eh?Ф

УCall Сem off!Ф Maggie instructed. As she turned back to Gaby, she ordered, УI don't think she should ride anymore today Е where're you guys headed?Ф

Told that their final destination was Grottoes and there was no one available to pick her up, Maggie offered to drive her back to Grottoes and the Walters. After Gaby hurriedly told Maggie the Walters were out, Erin suggested she be dropped off at her shop.

УSo Gaby, you do a lot of cycling in England?Ф Maggie asked as they drove through Waynesboro on the way to Grottoes.

УAs a girl or a boy?Ф Maggie asked and then spent the next little while explaining to a shocked Gaby how she figured it out. When the doctor finally asked Gaby to tell her about herself, Maggie added, УYou really don't have to tell me if you don't want to Е you know.Ф

УWhatever you say Е stays with me Е you're still my patient and there's such a thing as doctor-patient confidentiality,Ф Maggie stated.

УWell Е I don't think your friends will get back to Grottoes for about another hour Е we've got time,Ф Maggie suggested. Maggie pulled over off the road while Gaby related Gaby's story and how she came to learn she was intersexed, as well as her decision to remain Gaby . She also learned that Gaby was androgen insensitive and was on a daily dose of oestrogen to bring her levels up to normal. She also learned that Gaby had missed her medication that day.

УI don't think that had anything to do with what happened Е but I'm only a simple country GP Е not an expert in that field by any means,Ф Maggie lightheartedly confided. УStill Е no more missing your medication Е ok?Ф

As they continued onto Grottoes and Erin's shop, Gaby asked her to play it by ear. If Maddy was there, she cautioned Maggie that Maddy didn't know about the decision and to her, Gaby was only Drew pretending to be a girl.

УЕСbout time Dru ... Gabs!Ф Mad impatiently greeted as Gaby got out of the car.

УHow come you're in a car? Е Where's Erin? Е You're muddy! Е Who?Ф Maddy stumbled with her words.

УMaggie Е this is my cousin Е Maddy Peters Е Mad Е meet Dr. Maggie Wilson.Ф Gaby performed the parking lot introductions.

УDoctor? Е Oh my God! Е You crashed Е didn't you? Е Are you hurt?Ф Maddy was very concerned when she saw Gaby, all dirty and in Maggie's company. Recalling what they were told by Jessica, it was all she could do to keep from showing her affection and concern in public.

УDrew's fine now, Maddy Е no broken bones Е and from what I saw Е he had a soft landing,Ф Maggie assured Maddy. УHe had everyone very concerned for some time Е before he regained consciousness.Ф

УYou were unconscious? Е dar Еyou know?Ф Maddy stammered. Her gaze shot back and forth between the two as she realized Maggie was referring to Gaby as Drew.

УShe examined me Mad Е she knew Е so I told her the whole story Е you'd better call me Gaby now, Maggie Е just in case,Ф Gaby interjected.

Just then Erin entered the back of the store and quickly put her bike against the workshop wall and hurried out front where they were standing in the parking lot.

УGaby! Е You gave us such a heart stoppin' moment! Е Any idea what caused it Maggie?Ф Erin gushed.

УNothing to be worried about Е I figure she didn't keep herself hydrated Е did you?Ф Maggie offered with a smile.

УNo problem Е look Е I really must go, now Е I just went to the nursery looking for some indoor plants and I told my husband I wouldn't be too long,Ф Maggie explained. Turning to Gaby, she added with a wink, УAnd Gaby Е remember to eat those energy bars in future, huh?Ф

УIt was a delight to meet you Е in a way, I'm glad it happened Е take care dear.Ф Maggie departed leaving the three of them standing outside the shop.

УDon't worry about it hon Е besides there's no damage Е just a lot of mud Е Don will clean it up while we're gone,Ф Erin mentioned. She explained to Maddy that Gaby went off the road into a ditch full of melting snow and mud.

After speaking with Don, Erin ran the girls out to her place where Gaby showered and changed before the three went out to Biggs Fabrications for their tour.

The drive out to Biggs Fabrication didn't take long in Erin's pickup and they soon pulled into the yard of a very busy metal working company. Off to one side of a large covered area with racks of sheet metal and metal tubes of all descriptions, was a slightly run down house out side of which Erin stopped the truck.

УHey guys Е you made it!Ф Diane greeted them as she ran out of the house. Turning her attention to Gaby, Diane stated in mock anger, УGaby Bond! Е If you everЕФ It was all Diane could do to stifle the smile that threatened to appear. She immediately ran over and gave Gaby a huge hug that allayed any fears she had that Diane was really mad at her.

УHi Diane ЕI had to drag Gaby out of my shower Е oh yeah Е I don't think you know Maddy here Е Gaby's cousin,Ф Erin mentioned.

УWell Е let's go find Derek Е he's just itching to give you the full tour!Ф Diane enthused.

Diane led the way across the yard to the main building, where they found Derek waiting in Diane's office. After introducing Maddy, Derek began the tour.

УWe'll take this order Е it's for one of our bike frames.Ф Derek sat down at a computer monitor and started to demonstrate the entire process, from order to the manufacturing of a bike. He explained the process of changing the set of measurements on the order form into a drawing on the screen of a bike frame using a CAD program. Even Maddy was captivated when the special printer produced a detailed drawing of the frame complete with a materials list.

УNow we take the drawing to our cutting shop where the tube is selected and prepared,Ф Derek explained. They followed him into a garage sized space with a large steel topped table that took up most of the available floor space. Racks with all sorts of tubing lined one complete wall. Derek proudly announced that all of the higher grade aluminum and the expensive materials were kept inside.

Diane took some of the metal tubing and let the girls handle it and feel the weight, explaining how it would be used on a bike frame.

УWow! I wish my bike was built of this! Е This stuff is seriously light!Ф Gaby gushed as she handed it to Maddy.

Derek started to explain the next step and he let Diane take over as the guide for this part. She showed them the jig where the loose tubing was fitted for final frame assembly. Diane finished up by handing Gaby a full frame ready for finishing.

УThis is way light, Diane! Е an' I thought my frame was light Е this must be half the weight!Ф Gaby exclaimed.

УAnd strong, Gab Е. this stuff is stronger than steel or aluminum Е doesn't corrode and is more comfortable to ride than carbon,Ф Diane proudly gushed.

УI'll take your word on thatФ Gaby sighed. УMaybe I'll get one some day Е I don't think even the Apollinaris bikes are this good!Ф

УWell maybe you can test ride one while you're over here Е you too Maddy Е if you'd like,Ф she added.

The grand tour now evolved into a free-for-all discussion about bikes and kit. Diane was a Shimano freak and Gaby was a staunch Campag enthusiast, which resulted in a very lively debate on their various merits. Finally someone had to haul out a calculator and the catalogues to put together the ultimate super light road bike. Gaby's ten-speed Campag Record equipped Biggs was nearly fifty grams lighter than the nine-speed Dura Ace set up that Diane worked up!

It was dark outside when they finally left the Сfactory' to walk over to the Biggs house where they planned to send out for pizza. While they were waiting for the pizza and debating bikes, a worried Jessica called and inquired about Gaby's condition. After she was assured Gaby was alright, she asked if the girls could stay a bit longer saying the Walters and her were just sitting down to dinner at the Jones'.

An hour and an invitation to join Diane on her usual Wednesday ride, later; Gaby, Maddy and Erin piled back into Erin's truck and headed over to the Jones' place. As Erin told the girls, it was a bit of a drive from Diane's. Finally she pulled onto the Jones' property, bringing the pickup to a stop behind Mrs. W's Forester. Gaby also noticed Jessica's Jetta.

УI thought I heard a car Е c'mon in Erin Е girls,Ф Mrs. J greeted her visitors.

Mrs. Jones led them inside to where the Walters, Miss Bell, Jules, Em and the rest of the Jones family were socializing. Em and Sandy decided to give Em's friends the full tour of Sandy's apartment.

During the tour, Em was increasingly miffed by СGab s ' comments towards her. They seemed Сgirly' and out of character for Drew Ц almost sounding like something Maddy would say. In any case, Em's buttons were being pushed and she started concocting plans to get back at her friend.

УMadeline Е time to go, hon!Ф Jessica called from the bottom of the staircase that led to Sandy's apartment. СMaddy' retrieved her coat and came down the stairs to join Jessica. As Jules appeared at the top of the stairs, Jessica got her attention.

УI won't be too long, dear Е I just want to talk to С Gaby ' for a sec,Ф Miss B mentioned.

УJules? ... Please tell your С sister ' I'd like a word with her?Ф Miss B asked. Before Jules left, she saw her mouth СMaddy', telling her that Jessica knew of the switch. Soon both СGaby' and Jules were standing at the top of the stairs.

УYou wanted to see me Miss?Ф СGaby' asked as she came down the stairs. Jules followed and stopped a few steps behind her.

УAnd just when do you plan to switch back ... Maddy ?Ф Jessica quietly asked, placing a definite emphasis on Maddy's name.

УDon't play dumb with me Е Madeline ... Gaby and I had a very long and very enjoyable chat last night about the three of you ... Drew, Gaby and Е Maddy! ... What's more Е I have a nagging feeling you deliberately set her up with Sam and Е in doing so Е you put Gaby in very real danger of being discovered! Е She knew it ... and I saw it! Е As a result ... and after discussing this with your Miss Cowlishaw this morning ... we've decided you're a hair's width away from being sent home right now Е considering what you put Gaby through ... for your information Е what you did is called Сendangerment'! ... But we won't take any action ... for now ... and that's only because we don't have any direct proof of your intentions ... however Е Miss Cowlishaw has to keep records on each one of you Е and at the very least Е this weekend will be permanently entered on your record Е Consider yourself on a kind of probation Е and Е that you have been warned!Ф Miss Bell quietly, but sternly lectured Madeline while Jules looked on with total satisfaction.

УExcept for your dinner date with Sam Roberts Е Gaby and I have had a very enjoyable time together Е but now it's time to end it,Ф Jessica added, in a more normal tone of voice. She paused as she heard a commotion at the top of the stairs.

УExcuse me, Miss Bell Е C'mon Gabs ... Mom's just called to say she'll be waiting in the car! Е I've got your stuff up here,Ф Britney called down the stairs.

УIn a few!Ф Madeline shot back and then in a much quieter and more conciliatory tone, added, УPlease ... I ... I have to go, Jessica ... I'm ... really very sorry ... I'll ... catch her before homeroom ... I promise.Ф

As she started to follow Jules back up the stairs, С Gaby ' turned back to face Jessica & quietly asked, УHow long have you known?Ф

УOh,Ф a dejected Maddy voiced. УWhy didn't you sort us out last night, then?Ф

УI figured Gaby could use a break Е besides Е I quite enjoyed her company Е and she enjoyed Е as much as needed Е having someone to talk with Е and having that someone Е really listen to her,Ф Jessica allowed. Maddy looked as if she was going to cry as she cast her eyes down to the steps. She knew what Jessica had said was true, but that didn't make it any easier to hear.

"Can she?Ф Jessica softly challenged, thinking about what she believed Maddy had just put Gaby through.

"I dunno," Madeline whispered as she shrugged her shoulders. With moist eyes, Maddy continued to gaze at the steps as Jessica's words cut deep.

УOne last thing ... С Gaby ' ... I'll let Gaby have her Sunday Е BUT Е I'll be checking when you come for homeroom on Monday and it had better be the right Maddy that sits in her assigned seat! Are we clear on that?Ф Jessica quietly affirmed.

УYes Miss,Ф replied a shaken Madeline and as she started to turn, Jessica again stopped her. УYou may need this,Ф Jessica softly offered as she handed a tissue to her charge.

Just as she started to go back up the steps, Jessica caringly whispered to her, УMaddy Е I'm not angry that the two of you switched Е just terribly hurt that you've caused so much pain to someone you've told me, means so much to you.Ф

УI'm Е sorry Е an' Е she does mean everything to me Е an' that's the God's truth Е but ЕФ Madeline replied in a quiet voice. She tearfully accepted the tissue and dabbed her moist eyes then slowly turned and went up to retrieve Gaby's coat.

As Maddy retreated back up the stairs, Jules hurried back down to see Jessica. УHere Е Gaby will know what to do with this,Ф Jules stated as she turned to head back up the stairs to re-join the Walters girls and С Gaby '.