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A Gaby FanFic by PB
Chapter 9
As they drove home from the Jones', Jessica thought about the talk she had with Gaby the previous night. As far as she was concerned, any exchange visit should be about new experiences and new friendships. However, it seemed that neither was happening for Gaby, except for her cycling friends.
The more she mulled it over, the more resolved she became to give Gaby a memorable weekend, or what remained of it. Miss B was brought back to reality when she pulled into her driveway and turned off the ignition.
Gaby? I have some friends I'd like you to meet you think you'd like to meet them? Jessica coyly asked as she paused upon exiting the car.
Ok, Gaby replied. Thinking Jess meant to go somewhere else she turned to get back into the car.
Oh we won't need the car they're waiting back here, Jess mentioned as she came around the front of the car and playfully took hold of Gaby's hand. Wishing to surprise Gaby, she intentionally ignored any questions as they walked down the extended driveway beside the house.
Rounding the back, Jessica led Gaby past a fenced paddock and over to a medium sized shed. She turned and gently taking both of Gaby's hands in hers she asked, You're not scared of horses are you?
Umm not really ... I don't know I guess not, Gaby replied with some apprehension.
I have to check on them, anyways do you want to come in and meet them or would you feel more comfortable out here and watch from a distance? Jessica asked, still holding Gaby's hands.
Lead on I guess, Gaby nervously replied. Obviously happy, Jessica gave Gaby a hug and again leading her by the hand, approached the building. Uh you said horses how many you got? Gabs inquired.
Two! Jessica replied as she opened the shed's large door. When I got the house from my parents I also got Tonto and Paint. As by way of an introduction, she added, Tonto's a Quarter Horse' and Paint's a Skewbald Pinto'.
Skewbald Pinto? Gaby parroted.
The breed is called a Pinto and because the dark portion of his colouring isn't black, Paint's referred to as Skewbald, Jessie explained as they walked down to the stalls.
Maddy never said anything about your horses, Gaby revealed as she watched Jessica enter one of the stalls.
Oh Maddy knows but I suspect she's not a horse person she prefers to stay in the house while I'm out here with the boys, Jessica replied with a smirk. She then walked back out of the stall and closed the gate. Stay here, will you? I won't be but a few minutes talk to them until I get back.
She ran out of the shed leaving Gaby standing there looking over the gate, wondering what to say. Ummm hi! I'm Gaby an' I guess you're Tonto?
Tonto turned his neck to look at Gaby, or rather the source of the sound just as Jess came running back in. As she stood beside Gaby, Jessica unlocked the gate and started to enter the stall while asking Gaby to join her.
C'mon, Gaby! Don't be afraid Tonto won't hurt you, Jessica urged.
As Gaby timidly entered the stall, Miss B took hold of Gaby's wrist and gently pulled her in and instructed her how to hold her hand, palm up and flat. She then placed an apple on Gaby's palm. Now offer it to him don't take your hand away Tonto won't bite!
Sensing the apple, Tonto swung his head towards Gaby and using his lips as feelers, located the fruit in Gaby's hand. After he took the apple, Jessica saw Gaby's face light up. See? Friends for life! Gaby started to giggle as she joined Jessica in giving Tonto a pat on his neck. Basking in the attention of the two ladies, Tonto responded by shaking his head and snorting his approval.
Now we can either go into Paint's stall or you can hop up onto the wall and give him his apple your choice, Jess offered.
With the aid of an overturned wooden crate, Gaby promptly climbed the chest-high log wall that separated the stalls and straddled the top log. Once she was firmly seated, Jessica handed her the apple and removed the crate. Since Paint was watching the whole scenario unfold, he was over to her as soon as he saw the apple. Gaby gave him the same attention she gave Tonto with much the same results.
Looking at her watch, Jessica told her they should be getting in. As Gaby reluctantly swung her leg over the top log and slid down off the wall, Jess saw a look of happiness in the teen's face that she hadn't seen since the kids arrived.
I have an idea! Tomorrow morning you can help me clean out their stalls and after we can go for a ride if you'd like, Miss B cautiously put forward. Gaby grinned like a Cheshire cat as she hugged Jessica. I take it that's a yes'?
Uh huh. Gaby was still grinning as she released Miss Bell.
Have you ever ridden a horse before? Jess posed.
Uh uh, Gaby grunted.
Well then! You'll have your chance tomorrow won't you? Jess cheerfully replied.
As the two closed up Tonto's stall and walked back into the house, Jessica and Gaby were planning a quiet evening at home.
You like music? MTV has a documentary series on the history of rock n' roll tonight's supposed to be dealing with the late 60's if you'd like to watch it, Jessica mentioned as they walked in the back door.
Do you think we can just talk? I rather enjoyed last night maybe even listen to some of your CD's, Gaby wondered. When Jessica gave her a puzzled look, Gaby innocently added, I kinda looked through your collection when you were upstairs.
I must say you do seem to go against the preferred musical trend for your age group, Jessica mentioned as they walked in the back door. You really like the stuff I have? Jessica asked as she hung up her coat.
Yeah, Gaby giggled as she removed her coat and boots. Dad brought me up on the 60's stuff but mix in some Led Zep, AC/DC an' a little Pink Floyd an' I'm one happy girl!
O kay, then sounds like you're the disc jockey for the night! Let's get changed into our nightgowns and get comfortable I'll make us up a large bowl of popcorn with real melted butter and a touch of salt and there's plenty of soda in the fridge how's that sound? Jessica cheerfully suggested.
Gaby wandered into the kitchen after changing into the same emerald green nightgown she wore the previous night. Jessica had arrived in the kitchen only moments earlier having had changed and was grabbing some butter out of the fridge.
Anything I can help with? Gaby asked as she watched Jessica searching the cupboards.
Not at the moment, dear thanks anyway but I will need a hand in a few minutes, Jessica replied as she pulled out a large mixing bowl and a package of microwaveable popcorn. Gaby pulled out a chair and sat down at the small kitchen table. How did your day with Maddy go? Jessica cheerfully wondered.
Brill! The ride with Erin was really good we went out to Waynesboro and ended up in the National Park then I kinda blacked out and ummm crashed, Gaby related.
I know about the crash I was more curious about when I dropped you off you know Maddy? Jessica elaborated. She immediately detected a drop in Gaby's mood as she cast her eyes down towards the floor.
Setting the unopened package of popcorn on the counter, Jessica walked over to Gaby and took her by the hand and led her out to the couch in the living room. While Gaby took a seat at one end of the couch, Jessica got a fire going in the fireplace then came and sat beside Gaby.
Tell me what happened, Jessica softly encouraged.
We had a fight Gaby mumbled as a tear peaked out from under her eyelash.
About Sam? Jessica softly asked. Gaby nodded.
She kept calling me darling but ( sniff ) when I asked her about Sam she got angry an' denied anything was happening between them when she asked why I even cared ( sniff ) I told her I thought she was my girlfriend she said she maybe was Drew's girlfriend .. but ( sniff ) she wasn't my girlfriend ( sniff ) she's always told me she loved me no matter if I was Drew or Gaby, Gaby quietly offered as she recounted her morning walk to Erin's. As she looked at Jessica with tear filled eyes, she added, In Erin's store she told me she ( sniff ) didn't want to fight with me cuz I ( sniff ) meant too much to her.
Clearly dumbfounded at Maddy's mixed signals, Jessica briefly thought about what Gaby said and then quietly admitted it was her fault. With no hesitation, she quickly offered her sincere apology to Gaby. I'm sorry honey if I hadn't accepted Amanda's invitation to dinner this Sam thing wouldn't have happened.
It wasn't Maddy? Gaby asked.
No it was me Amanda and I are friends I thought Maddy might like to take a break from just having me around and enjoy an evening out with someone her age so when Amanda asked us to dinner I'm sorry, honey Jessica cooed as she cuddled Gaby and gently stroked her hair. I may have been wrong with my earlier comment about Maddy and Samuel, too thinking back over the last week it was Sam who always seemed to go after Maddy I never saw it he's seemed so quiet in school I had no idea he was like that until last night.
Why'd Maddy say those things to me, then? Gaby whispered as she wiped the few remaining tears from her cheeks.
I don't know, Gaby maybe she was hurt at your accusations and her first reaction was to hurt you back even if she didn't mean those things she said girls can be like that I can even remember doing the same thing a couple of times when I was a teenager talk to her on Monday, Jessica softly offered.
Gaby again, silently nodded. She gently untangled herself from Jessica, then got off the couch and suggested they go back into the kitchen and get the food ready after which she'll pick out some music. Jessica happily complied with the suggestion and followed Gaby.
Later, with a Byrds CD playing softly in the background, the two girls were seated on the couch facing each other. Again, Jessica marveled how feminine Gaby's mannerisms were when she sat down, automatically folding her legs under her and adjusting her nightgown as she made herself comfortable.
What's on your mind, Gabs? Jessica inquired.
Umm you? Gaby quietly replied. I know I'm gonna cock this up but how come you're so nice to Rhod Em an' me? I mean to hear you on our first day bout people might hurt us if they found out the truth about us an' to hear some of the things kids talk about at school you're totally the reverse.
After a long thoughtful pause, Jessica softly replied. I don't really know, Gabs maybe it's the way I was brought up maybe it's the kinds of friends I've had or both I dunno does it really matter? Seeing Jessica's eyes start to get moist from unknown memories, Gaby moved over on the couch and gave Jessica a sisterly hung.
Sorry I didn't mean to , Gaby started to whisper when Jessica put up two fingers to her lips, stopping her from saying anything more.
Nothing to apologize for, hon now tell me more about yourself I'm curious, Jessica prompted after she gathered herself. You mainly told me about you and Maddy, last night but you never really spoke about your parents and Jules ... how have they been with Gaby all this time?
Umm really great! Gaby admitted. Before all my tests they seem to enjoy having Gaby around I mean they've all encouraged her to appear at different times but I have to give top honours to Mum and Mad for that Jules had asked Gaby to be with her a few times, though Gaby's voice faded as she seemed to be deep in thought. Ya know I really think she likes having a sister.
What about your dad?
He just went with the flow I don't remember anytime when he questioned Gaby but he's always been there for me, Gabs answered. It wasn't hard for Dad or Jules to accept Dr. Sanwari's letter.
Compared to some I've known you're extremely fortunate to have family that loves Gaby as much as they did Drew, Miss B allowed.
We-l-l-l I think Jules loves having Gaby around a lot more than she did with Drew There even was a couple of times when she encouraged Gaby to appear but I have to admit she made sure I'd be ok, Gaby ventured with a smile. To tell the truth I think Jules an' I are a lot closer as sisters ... I mean Drew an' her were always at each other somehow.
And now? Jessica asked.
We can tell each other things we couldn't before share things an' comfort each other Drew couldn't do any of that. Gaby confided. I can't explain it but I like being her sister it's like we're really close ya know?
Yeah I do, Jessica quietly admitted.
Ya know since we went skiing the other weekend she's changed kinda, Gaby disclosed.
How?
She looks out for me maybe she always did in her own way ... but ever since you guys had to come looking for Mad an' me we've talked every night kinda like us wanting to know if I'm ok with things how I feel an' all that. Gaby continued and in a soft voice added, Sometimes she just holds me while I let it all out it's almost as if she knows when I need someone
Big sister's can be like that at times, Jessica whispered. Gaby was about to say something but instead relaxed into the couch before sitting up as if she was about to speak. Pausing for a moment, Gaby had an idea.
Gaby's first dance was fancy dress last Easter at the school. If you logon your system for me I can show you photos of the costume that Jules chose for Drew wear! Gaby enthused as she nodded towards Jessica's computer.
She mentioned that the gang, including Jules went as Manga characters and they drew for their costume choices from a short list of characters. She was quick to mention that she later found out that as the one running the draw, Jules had fixed' it so that Maddy and Drew would wear matching costumes.
Within mere moments, Gaby was at the keyboard going to the Obicon web site that Maddy's Mum posted their photos on. She explained that she and Maddy again went as Manga characters and it was the same costume Drew wore earlier to the Easter dance.
That's Maddy and me I was Chii Light and Mad was Chii Dark, Gaby pointed out.
If it was Drew at the dance then I assume those are wigs you and Maddy are wearing, Jessica observed as she stood beside Gaby, looking at the monitor screen.
Yeah Jessica smiled to herself as she noted Gaby's voice had a dreamy quality to it.
You're both very pretty in those costumes I can see where you got the idea to switch this weekend the two of you could be identical twins, Jess commented. She put her hand on Gaby's shoulder as she knelt beside her and without taking her eyes off the screen, softly pointed out, I think you look quite beautiful with long hair.
Maddy's told me the same thing a few times, Gaby replied in that same soft, quiet, dream-like voice Jessica heard earlier.
You going to let it grow it out now that you're really Gaby? Jess quietly asked.
I think so. Gaby smiled as she replied in a quiet, whisper-like voice.
After Jessica shut off her computer, the two adjourned back to the living room. When Jessica went into the kitchen to put on the water for a coffee, Gaby changed the CD and soon Led Zeppelin, could be heard throughout the house.
I'm having a coffee you want tea or soda? Jessica called out.
Ummm tea please! Gaby called back as she stood reading the play list of the CD she just put on.
Nice choice! Miss B remarked as she returned to the couch with her coffee and Gaby's tea. As she settled back on the couch with her tea, Jess asked Gabs to continue telling her about her family.
Now tell me about your mom! Jessica playfully enthused. I know you mentioned that she doesn't know of Dr. Sanwari or the tests how'd you think she'll react to Gaby?
Ummm Ecstatic? Gaby playfully replied. In the same cheerful tone, she went on to explain, I really think Mum already knew an' accepted that she had two daughters a long time ago an' she thought Drew only dropped in from time to time.
Gaby c'mon now! a disbelieving Jessica answered.
Would you believe me if I told you that Mum hasn't spent even a half day with Drew since she signed with Team Apollinaris over a year ago? It's always been Gaby, Gaby revealed.
Go on, Miss B urged.
From the time Mum first dressed me as Gabrielle to her Xena for a charity tandem bike race Mum an' Dad have always had a rule when I'm dressed as Gaby I'm treated as Gaby even when I'm alone with the family! They said if they always treated me as Gaby, there was less chance of anyone calling me Drew if we went out, when I was Gaby.
Logical but I still don't see
Even before Mum joined Team Apolloinaris Mum was interviewed for the Comic ... a cycling magazine she said it was just to wind up the reporter but she encouraged both Drew and Gaby to appear with her in the article an' whenever Mum an' Drew were out together on a ride or something she'd never correct people if Drew was mistaken for a girl. The couple of times Drew made the local paper for something they always identified me as Jenny Bond's daughter, Gaby an' Mum never asked the papers for a correction an' don't even get me started with Gaby and Team Apollinaris! Gaby joked.
You opened the door, Jessica smirked.
Well let me put it this way Drew's never been to Germany! It's always been Gaby or if Drew started the trip an' since people always mistook me for a girl Gaby soon appeared an' Mum being the only one knowing German, never corrected people she said it was easier just to go with it . Dad always followed her lead.
Did it ever bother you? Drew I mean, a curious Jessica asked.
A bit Mum tried to correct people once ... an' they didn't believe her.
What happened? Jessica questioned.
It was the first time we visited Mum at the Team's training facility in Bad Neuenhar Jules was with us an' it was the first time we met Kat she's Maria Pingers daughter . Jessica gave Gaby a confused look, so Gaby added, Maria's the team captain anyway the three of us were in our hotel room talking when Kat asked why Jules an' me were sharing a room. That's when Jules told her about the hotel insisting I was a girl an' I was to share with her instead of Dad or we wouldn't be allowed to stay there! Welcome Gaby! Gaby sarcastically joked.
Upon seeing a smirk appear on Jessica's face, Gaby continued, Don't laugh it gets worse! Jessie put her finger to her lips and the smirk disappeared. Stifling her own giggle, Gabs went on with the story.
After Jules told Kat all about Gaby she thought I made a cute girl then Mum comes in the room an' announces there's a fancy reception being held later an' like usual Drew had nothing suitable to wear Kat jokingly suggests I go as Gaby an' Mum likes the idea! So when it came time to get ready Mum took me back to her team apartment lent me some clothes including a cocktail dress and helped me with my make-up an' hair an' at the reception she introduced me to the team an' all her friends as her youngest daughter. Later, when she saw me to bed I mentioned to her that it bothered me a bit an' she apologized to me. The next day when I joined Mum an' the team for a training ride ... she tried to introduce me as her son an' they wouldn't believe her they thought she was joking so she let it go an' now the team only knows me as Gaby except for the Pingers, anyway.
You do have some interesting times don't you?... I've always been curious since I saw Britney's photos what about the trip she took with you and your Dad, to Germany? Jessica questioned.
Dad couldn't go it was my Gran who took Brit an' me an' yeah Gaby did go but only because they didn't put my bag on the plane an' Britney shared her things. Gaby started to blush when she revealed that to Jessica.
I saw Britney's photos of Gaby, but you mean you spent the entire trip as Gaby? How'd you get back? Jessica wondered.
Gran told the guy at immigration I was transitioning' whatever that means, Gaby confessed.
She told him you were in the process of changing your sex from male to female, Jessica explained.
Oh she wasn't far off was she? Gaby smiled.
In a much more quiet and sombre tone, she added, Ya know what? In spite of everything Mum was right somehow she knew
I think it comes with motherhood my mom was the same way with me couldn't sneak a thing even a thought past her, Jess smiled.
In a normal voice, Gabs added, I think you and Mum would really like each other maybe you'll get to meet her some day.
Maybe someday I will I'd really like to meet her, Jessica agreed.
When we talk next I think I'm gonna thank her an' tell her how much I love er, Gaby pondered.
Maybe we can make that sooner than you think, Jessica smiled to herself.
Dad's something else, Gaby began. He's the bike genius behind Mum an' me after Mum went pro he focused on helping me with my cycling working on my bikes taking me to races an' things like that, Gaby began.
How's he with seeing his son one minute and Gaby the next? Jessica quietly asked.
Dad's never encouraged Gaby to appear, even though he's agreed with Mum's decisions but he's never said no' or questioned Gaby when she is around they've always accepted me even Dad. Gaby's voice went quiet as she recounted the morning they got Dr. Sanwari's letter and how Dave accepted his daughter with open arms.
Dad knew even before I got the letter... Gaby's voice faded as she reached for her tea.
Taking a small sip, she relaxed into the cushions against the back of the couch and looked at Jessica while she told her what Dave was like and how much he helped with her cycling. She mentioned how he wanted to be an archeologist when he was at university but settled on his present job for the money, after he married Jenny.
Dad still loves old things I think he knows where every castle an' old ruins are, in England sometimes it feels like we've been to them all, too! Gaby jokingly added.
I've something in common with your father, then I like history too, Jessica offered.
Why don't you teach it, then? Gaby asked.
I do History and Geography alternate terms at AHS I taught history in the Fall term and now I'm teaching Geography this term, Jessica explained. Gaby looked over at the bookshelves by the computer and noticed all the titles covering the American Civil War and the American Indian. Following Gaby's gaze, Jessica commented, What your father sees in old castles and other ruins I see in the artifacts and the battlefields of the Civil War.
No mo' battlefields around here are there? Gaby jokingly asked.
Getting tired of history, are we? Jessica playfully responded.
Just the fields, ma'am, Gaby replied in a deadpan voice. After the two had a short giggling fit, Gabs asked, Seriously what got you interested in the Indians?
Not sure I've had an interest in the American Indian since I was a little girl I can remember my dad taking me to a real pow-wow at a Sioux Reservation when I was eight after that I was hooked! Since then I've collected things did a lot of reading and had a chance to visit Reservations and talk with the elders, all over still do when I can, Jessica offered.
Kewel! Gaby enthused.
I've got a bunch of things upstairs wanna see? C'mon! Jessica enthused as she got off the couch and headed for the stairs. Gaby quickly finished her tea and was soon was following a couple of steps behind Miss B.
Don't stand there, Gaby c'mon in I'm sure you've been in a girl's room before, Jessica playfully coaxed.
B but it's your room, stammered Gaby.
Uh huh now come over here and sit beside me how can I show you anything if you're out in the hall? Jess urged as she patted her bed.
As Gaby came over and sat on the edge of the bed, Jessica looked thoughtfully at her before exclaiming, First we get rid of those slippers! Go on take them off, Jessica coaxed and then disappeared into her closet.
She quickly found what she wanted and walked back to Gaby. Smiling to herself, Miss B looked at the teenaged girl sitting in front of her and looking every inch like a proper young lady in her nightgown, kicking her bare feet like a little girl.
Here these shouldn't be a problem just guessin' but we look to be about the same shoe size. Jessica presented Gaby with a pair of moccasin boots. Real buckskin they make great slippers for cold nights. As Gaby pulled them on, Jess explained they were part of her Aboriginal collection and that they like many items in her collection were Mohawk in origin. Try walking.
They feel nice! Gaby enthused as she walked around the room.
Gaby returned to the side of the bed as Jessica was laying out an assortment of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, a photo album, a hawk feather and a rawhide string. As Gaby was thumbing through the photo album, Jessica also laid a few items of clothing on her bed.
These are things I picked up while visiting Indian Reservations around the country and in Canada everything made by native artisans, Jessica proudly explained. That album is a scrap book of stuff I've collected over the years whaddya think? Gaby was full of questions as she looked at everything on the bed closely and Jessica did her best to answer all her questions, demonstrating her knowledge of the North American Indian.
What's this? Gaby asked as she carefully examined the feather, Jess gently took it out of Gaby's hand while explaining the story behind the Hair Feather'.
Want to see what it looks like on you?
Yes, please! Gaby enthused.
Do you know how to braid?
I sometimes do Jules' hair, Gaby replied.
That's a start this is worn on the left side of the head so it's not as hard to braid as if you were trying to braid your own hair at the back, Jessica explained. I'll put it on myself first you watch then you can try it ok? Jessica explained everything she did it, as Gaby followed along.
Wow! So simple yet so beautiful! Gaby enthused once Jessica had finished.
Want to try? Jess asked as she started to take it out.
She handed both the feather and the rawhide to Gaby and watched as she tried to put it in her own hair. After some initial struggling, Jessica had her try it in front of her dresser mirror and following a few less-than-successful attempts, Gaby was able to do it by touch without looking in the mirror.
A short time later at Jessica's urging, Gaby was looking over the various pieces of Aboriginal jewellery on the bed. Finally she settled on trying on a wide, colourfully beaded, choker and pair of earrings, each with a single small real feather which she felt complimented the Hawk feather that she still wore in her hair. After helping Gaby with the choker, Jessica took a step back to admire her teenaged guest.
Well? Jessica asked as she had Gaby turn around to look in her dresser mirror. Gaby beamed as she moved her head side to side.
( giggle ) These tickle! ( giggle ) Gabs managed as the earrings touched her neck when she turned her head. You wear these?
Not to school but fairly often when I go out, Jessica suggestively replied.
You'll have to tell me where you got these maybe when Mum comes to the States again with the team she can find time to pick me up my own, Gaby cheerfully suggested. As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she realised what she said and suddenly became very quiet.
She will, honey you know she will , Jessica quietly replied as she hugged a misty-eyed Gaby. When they released the hug, Gaby dabbed her eyes.
Sorr Gaby was stopped mid-sentence by Jessica shaking her head.
What did I tell you downstairs?
Gaby broke into a smile as she gave Miss B a quick hug.
For the next while, the two sat on Jessica's bed enjoying each other's company, at times sounding more like sisters candidly talking about most everything. As midnight approached, both agreed they had a full day planned for the next day and set about cleaning up and getting ready to turn in.
Never did do that popcorn did we? Gaby mentioned.
No no, we didn't gives us something to look forward to for next time right? Jessica suggested.
I'll remember you said that! G'nite Auntie Jess, Gaby allowed as she gave Jessica her good-night kiss on the cheek.
(to be continued)
PB 22.04.08 © 2008
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