All things deniedЕ.

A Gaby FanFic by PB

Chapter 10

УWell Е good morning, sunshine!Ф Jessica greeted and then looking at the kitchen clock, added with a smile on her face, УWondered when you planned on getting up!Ф

УBefore we do anything Е I need to call someone,Ф Gaby slowly mentioned as she sat down at the kitchen table. She looked at the clock and noticed it was just after eight.

УWho?Ф Jessica asked as she was getting ready to put the eggs on.

УMaddy Е after what you told me last night Е I owe her an apology,Ф Gaby lamented while starting at her tea cup.

УBefore you do anything Е here!Ф Jessica gave Gaby two of her pills, wrapped in aluminum foil.

УHow'd you get these?Ф Gaby asked.

УJules sneaked them to me last night after I finished talking to Maddy,Ф Jessica replied. She watched as Gaby got a glass of water and took one of the pills and then she re-wrapped the other pill.

УThe other one's here for tomorrow hon,Ф Jessica mentioned as she put it on the kitchen window sill.

Jessica then told her to make the call while she held breakfast. In her heart, she hoped the rift she felt she caused between Maddy and Gaby would be healed. Just as Gaby started to dial, Jessica eased the receiver from her hand. She quickly explained that it might be better if whoever answered thought С Gaby ' was getting a call from her.

УLet me Е then I'll put you on Е okay?Ф Jessica suggested. After a couple of rings, a voice answered at the other end. УOh, hi Jocelyn Е it's Jessica Bell Е is С Gaby ' around? Е ok Е I'll hold Е hi Е Maddy? Еit's Jess ЕI've got someone here who really needs to talk to you.Ф

As Miss B passed the receiver to Gaby, she gathered her thoughts before putting the phone up to her mouth. УMad? Е I'm Е sorry Е about yesterday Е Jessica explained about how she accepted Mrs. Robert's dinner offer Е not you Е I'm sorry for thinking you Е I'm sorry Е I love you.Ф Before she hung up, Gaby sent a kiss to Maddy.

УThings ok now, Gaby?Ф Jessica asked.

УI dunno know Е I guess so Е but she still said some awful things to me yesterday Е is she Е maybe ЕФ Her thoughts fading as she uttered the words.

УLook Е just remember what I told you last night,Ф Jessica softly mentioned. УЕ about her being hurt?Ф Gaby slowly nodded. Sensing Gaby's depressed mood, Jessica wrapped her arms around the teenager and held her tightly.

Later the two sat down to a breakfast of eggs, bacon and toast, all the while discussing plans for the day. After they cleaned up the kitchen, they went upstairs and got ready to clean out Paint and Tonto's stalls.

УMad doesn't have much in the way of old jeans,Ф Gaby called out as they were in their rooms, changing.

СWait a minute and I'll be right there!Ф Jessica called back. When she came into Gaby's room, she found Gaby had succeeded in finding a suitable top, but Maddy's two pair of fashionable jeans were totally unsuitable for mucking out a stall. УHere Е try these on,Ф Jess suggested as she held out an old pair of her jeans.

УToo big!Ф Gaby squeaked, after pulling them on and holding out the pants waistband with her thumb.

УHmmmm Е I wish I had your figure when I was your age!Ф Jessica mischievously replied. Gaby instantly turned a crimson red. УAnyone ever tell you Е you're cute when you blush?Ф Gaby turned an even deeper shade of crimson.

Changing the subject and holding out a length of rope, Jessica told Gaby to use it as a belt. УAt least the length is about right,Ф Jess observed as she left the room to go downstairs. УThrow this sweater on as well Е you'll get too hot in your coat.Ф

When Gaby arrived at the back door, Jessica presented her with a pair of rubber boots and some heavy wool socks.

УWhere you have horses Е you have horse-shit!Ф Jessica jokingly offered in response to Gaby's screwed-up expression to the boots. УShall we go?Ф

УWhat do we hafta do?Ф Gaby asked as they walked out to the shed.

УWell ... we have to shovel out all the manure and straw that's on the floor of their stalls and then put down some fresh, dry stuff Е if we don't Е the horses hooves might get infected from stepping in it. We should also take some time and clean their hooves before we go riding,Ф Jessica explained. УA neighbour of mine takes the stuff we muck out and uses it for fertilizer.Ф

Still curious, Gaby asked as they entered the shed, УHow often you do this?Ф

УThree or four times a week Е it's a small price when you own horses,Ф Jessica replied with a smile. УReady?Ф

Between the two of them taking turns shovelling and working the wheelbarrow, they had it done in a couple of hour's time, all the time chatting away like two girl friends. While they were working away, Jessica proudly told Gaby about her horses as well as giving her tips on riding. By late-morning, both Tonto and Paint were back in their clean stalls.

УC'mon Е let's clean up and then grab some lunch,Ф Jessie suggested. УWe'll go for a ride after lunch Е howszat sound?Ф

УЕ'Kay,Ф Gaby replied as they made their way into the house.

As they were removing their boots, Jessica turned to Gaby, УYa know what? Е Leave the dirty stuff right here Е that way you don't track it through the house Е I can throw it in the wash while we're eating.Ф

УUh, Jessica?Ф Gaby was clearly embarrassed as Jessica started to peal off her outer clothes.

УGabs Е we're both girls hereЕФ Jessica softly replied. Once Gaby had removed her jeans and sweater, the two ran upstairs giggling like two schoolgirls. УYou go first Е I'll wait Е just don't be too long Е and don't forget your hair!Ф Jessica added with a smile as the reached the top of the stairs.

Not being much of a hair stylist, Gaby had allowed Jessica to blow-dry her hair in a straight style. After Jessica finished, Gaby noticed it seemed a bit longer compared to how she and Maddy usually wore it. For clothes, Gabs had no choice but to wear a pair of Maddy's good jeans for riding. She paired the jeans up with Mad's red cotton blouse to complete the look.

While both ladies were sitting at the kitchen table finishing lunch, Jess asked Gaby if she wouldn't mind washing up as she had a matter to attend to. As Gaby was drying the last plate, Jessica called her to the phone.

УG'wan ... take it, girl!Ф Jessica urged as she handed the receiver to Gaby.

УHullo? Е Mum!Ф Gaby squealed with delight when she heard her mother's voice.

Looking at the clock in the kitchen, Gaby figured it was late afternoon back home. For the next fifteen minutes, Gaby questioned her mother about her health and generally caught up on the local news. For her part, Gaby related her cycling exploits for her mother. At one point, Jessica overheard a concerned daughter gently chastise her mother for doing too much so soon after surgery. Other times, she heard laughing as Gaby and Jenny obviously shared a light hearted moment. Finally, Gabs said her good-byes and hung up the phone.

УFeel better? Е C'mon Е let's go for a ride!Ф Jessica suggested. As they grabbed their jackets, Jess presented Gaby with one of her three pair of western boots explaining she needed a good pair of boots to prevent the stirrups cutting into the leg if she put her foot too far in.

УThe proper way is to only let the ball of the foot Е this part here Еand not the arch Е rest in the stirrup Е also Е there's a safety issue Е less chance of trapping your foot in the stirrup if you fall off,Ф Jess explained while Gaby pulled on the boots. УHow'd they feel?Ф

УGood!Ф Gaby replied as she took a few steps in them.

УToo big?ЕToo loose?Ф Miss B pressed.

УNope,Ф Gaby confirmed.

УThat's good Е I was thinking I'd have to stuff the boots Е but I guess after seeing how my moccasins fit you Е I needn't have worried, huh?Ф Jessica stated with a smile.

Before they got out the door, Gaby turned to an unsuspecting Jessica and planed a kiss on her cheek. УThank you for calling her,Ф she whispered.

УYou're welcome,Ф Jessica quietly replied with a hug after which they proceeded out to the horses.

Jessica proved to be as good a teacher in the stables as in the classroom. She carefully showed Gaby the correct way to saddle a horse and explained each step, starting with the thorough inspection of the tack for any wear or damage to the various straps and leather. She also stressed the importance of grooming the horse, especially after a ride. After saddling Tonto, Jessica assisted Gaby in getting Paint ready for her riding debut.

Once they led their horses out of the shed by the reins, Jessica effortlessly mounted Tonto.

УEver done this before, Gabs?Ф Jess inquired. Gaby shook her head. УQuite simple really Е I know it's a big step, but Е stand on Paint's left side facing him Еput your left hand on his neck in front of the saddle horn Е that's it Е that thing sticking upЕ oh Е an' hold the reins in your left hand as well Е Ф

УJessica!Ф Gaby shrieked while she turned a few shades of red.

Amid their laughter, Jess carried on, УNЕ now put your left foot in the stirrup Е an' using your right hand Е grab the cantle Е turn your head and look at me Е. it's this part of the saddle Е good Е now swing Е o Е kayЕФ Jessica was surprised with Gaby's Сhorsemanship'.

УWhat can I say? Е So I watched a lot of westerns,Ф Gaby smugly replied as she reined Paint around and with a gentle nudge to her sides, began her ride at a walking pace.

УAre you sure you've never done this before?Ф Jessica asked with a smile.

УThat's all I know Е honestЕ that an' Сwhoa' stops him,Ф Gaby joked.

УOtherwise Е how do you feel? Е You nervous?Ф

УKinda,Ф Gaby admitted.

УWell, relax Е horses can pick up on that,Ф Jessica urged.

УЕ'KayЕФ

УReady for some more operating instructions?Ф

УYes ma'am!Ф Gaby enthused.

УOk Е you already seem to know how to guide a horse with the reins and you were right back there Е you don't kick a horse in the flanks to get him to move Е a gentle nudge is all it really takes Е and don't hold the reins tightly Е give the horse some slack,Ф Jessica explained as they continued into the large field behind the house.

УSuppose you'd like to know how to stay on?Ф Miss B smiled.

УThe thought had crossed my mind,Ф Gaby responded.

УSimple enough Е use your knees Е but there's no need to squeeze hard unless you're at a gallop or making a sharp turn Е remember Е if you're always holding on too tight Еa horse'll know you're nervous Е think you'd like to try a gentle trot?Ф Jessica asked.

УUmmm Е ok ... I think.Ф

УHey! Е It's your ride Еyou set the pace,Ф Miss B reminded.

УЕ'kayЕ I'm ready,Ф Gaby answered.

УЕ Сmember Е just a gentle tap with the heels on the flanks!Ф Jessica got Tonto to break out across the field in a trot while Gaby followed on Paint. Again, when the two were riding beside each other, Jessica commended Gaby on her riding.

УYou seem to be a natural at this,Ф Jessica called over.

УNawww Е Paint's just making me look good!Ф Gaby replied with a laugh.

Jessica led Gaby in a few lazy figure eight's to let her get the feel of controlling the horse, as well as stopping and starting several times.

УC'mon back to the house Е we got to get a few pictures of this,Ф Jessica excitedly suggested one time they were stopped in the middle of the field. The two kept the pace of the return trip to a trot. Gaby was tempted to coax Paint to a full gallop but she was still a bit unsure of herself on the back of a horse.

Slowly riding up to the back of the house, Jessica dismounted and gave Tonto's reins to Gaby to hold. УStay here Е I'll be right back!Ф Almost as quickly as she entered the house, Miss B poked her head out of the door. УIt just dawned on me Е if I needed to pick up some new batteries for Maddy's camera Е who's camera did I see her using on Friday? Е Was it yours?Ф

Gaby thought back to Friday's field trip and then called out, УThat probably was me you saw Е not Maddy Еcheck my Е erm Е Maddy's bag Е I think I put it in there!Ф Moments later Jessica reappeared brandishing the camera and a small box.

УOk Е get down and come here ... we're going to do this up right!Ф Jessica instructed with a mischievous grin, as she took Tonto's reins. After Gaby dismounted and stood in front of her, Jessica began brushing out her hair. УYou looked so natural in these last nightЕФ When she was finished, Gaby was again wearing the aboriginal jewellery she wore the previous night. УNow Е mount up and let's get some pictures!Ф

Shortly after heading back out, they once again found themselves in the same field, kicking up the snow as they took the horses through the few deep snowdrifts that had built up in the wide open expanse of the gently rolling countryside.

Several times during the afternoon, Jessica reined in Tonto and took photos as Gaby rode past her. At one point when Gaby reined in Paint and walked back towards her, Jessica knew by the look on Gabs' face that she had been successful in giving Gaby at least one memorable, happy, weekend in Grottoes.

УYou look like a girl who's having a lot of fun,Ф Jess called out as Gaby and Paint drew near.

УI am!Ф Gaby enthused.

УWell Е the sun's starting to go down Е we should start heading back,Ф Jessica stated, then without waiting for any reply, reined Tonto around and started to head back at a walking pace. As she drew parallel to Gaby, she asked, УFeel like you might like to do this again?Ф

УYes I would Е I really had fun this afternoon,Ф Gaby thoughtfully replied.

УMaybe we could arrange it, then Е let's see how things go,Ф Jessica mischievously mentioned with a grin and put Tonto into a fast trot, leaving Gaby no choice but to make the same request of Paint.

Outside the shed they both dismounted and walked the horses back to their stalls, where Jessica instructed Gaby on the removal and post-ride care of the saddle and the other tack, as well wiping down their horses.

УЕ and don't forget to clean the mud and stuff from their hooves Е to prevent infection,Ф Jessica lectured as she inspected Paint's hooves, under Gaby's watchful eye.

That evening, they decided to order-in some Chinese food while they plopped themselves in front of the television. However, most of the evening was spent quietly reliving the weekend. Both were a bit reluctant to acknowledge the time until the evening wore on to a close and they headed off to their respective beds.

The following morning when Gaby came down for breakfast, Jessica immediately suggested she go back upstairs and change into a skirt or dress. She pointed out that wearing jeans would look out of place for Maddy and that she rarely wore jeans to school, preferring skirts.

УI don't know how she does it in the kind of weather we've been having Е but she does,Ф Jessica mentioned.

УEven with our school uniform Е the girls can wear pants in bad weather Е but Mad always seems to choose to stay with her skirts,Ф Gaby related as she turned to go back up to Mad's room and change. Doffing her jeans, she decided Maddy's black pleated mini would go best with her off-white top she was wearing. Gaby added Mad's dress pumps with the 2Ф heel as a final touch.

Once again, when she came into the kitchen, Jessica passed comment on Gaby's fashion sense. After her breakfast Gaby went back upstairs and sorted herself out before again presenting herself to Jessica. Soon they were going through the final checklist before they left for AHS.

УYou have everything, Gabs?Ф Jessica inquired.

УThink so Е didn't bring any of my own stuff Е I'm all set!Ф Gaby cheerfully replied as she held up Maddy's books.

УYou remembered your pill for today?Ф Jessica asked.

УYep!Ф Gaby replied. УTook it at breakfast.Ф

УYes Е young ladies say Сyes' Е not Сyep' Е got it?Ф Jess pointed out with a smile.

УYep,Ф Gaby impishly replied just before she started a minor giggling fit that quickly overtook Jessica.

УWell Е I guess that's it Е I don't suppose it would matter too much if you left anything behind, would it? Е Simple enough to return anything you forgot.Ф Jessica mentioned as they both finally calmed down.

As Jessica turned to pick up her briefcase full of marked papers and some loose textbooks from the small table near the front door, Gaby caused her to pause.

УI won't be able to say this when we're at school Е so I'll say it now Е even with the dinner and the argument with Maddy Е this weekend has meant a lot to me Е an' thanks for listening Е Auntie JessЕФ Gaby embraced Jessica in a long hug and when they parted, she kissed Jessica on the cheek.

УI loved having you here, GabyЕФ Gaby heard Jessica's voice break as she softly spoke. УUnfortunately, all good things must end Е it is Monday.Ф Jessica gave Gaby a quick hug and then asked her to help carry her books out to the car. Gabs agreed and quickly scooped Jessica's loose books in her arms while Jessica grabbed her briefcase and opened the door. Seeing that it had begun to snow, Jessica directed Gaby to get in the car while she quickly cleaned it off. УI hope this doesn't keep up.Ф

УYeah Е I was hoping for a quick ride after school,Ф Gaby stated as she got into the car.

Gaby found the short drive to Augusta High rather interesting with bands of snow flurries alternating with clear blue skies and all the time, Jessica talked about how she enjoyed having Gaby for the weekend. As they drew closer to the school, Gaby's thoughts were again drawn to her amazement of how many of the students at the school drove their own cars.

Miss Bell pulled into her customarily parking spot. Although Gaby noticed that none of the school buses had yet arrived, she did notice that Sandy and Em had already left Sandy's car and were just about to enter the building.

Jessica locked the car up and walked together towards the entrance. Miss Bell smiled to herself when a sudden gust of cold wind made Gaby stop in her tracks and hold her skirt down.

УBlimey! Е That's cold! Е СOw does she do this?Ф Gaby exclaimed.

УI asked you first,Ф Miss B replied, laughing.

As they approached the doors, they noticed how deserted the place looked. Usually a lot of kids hung about outside until the first bell but given the cold wind pretty much everyone was going straight inside to the warmer temps. The resulting chaos in the halls made Gaby momentarily pause at the entrance.

УYou okay С Maddy '?Ф Miss Bell asked as several students walked past.

УSorry?Ф Gaby replied, not really paying attention to Jessica's question. She was thinking about having to walk into the school as Maddy. УWhat if someone talks to me and twigs? I don't know what's gone on between Mad and her friends.Ф

Seeing Gaby's far-off look, Miss B gently grabbed Gaby's arm and pulled her out of the crush of students into a quieter corner, once they got inside.

УAre you okay, hon?Ф Miss B quietly asked.

УYes Е thanks Miss,Ф Gaby sheepishly replied as she was abruptly brought out of her thoughts.

УI'll see you and Maddy before homeroom,Ф Jessica quietly confirmed.

ФI'll be there Е thanks,Ф Gaby replied.

Without knowing Maddy's locker combination, Gaby realised she'd have to kill time until С Gaby ' arrived. Miss B gave Gaby's shoulder a reassuring squeeze as she disappeared into the crowded hall. Gaby didn't have to wait long before the first of the school buses pulled up outside and some familiar faces got off.

УHiya Mad!Ф

УCrikey!Ф Gaby jumped at the voice, then turned around to see Em standing behind her.

УAre ya okay Mad? Е You look a bit pale,Ф Em wondered.

УOh Е it's only you, Em Е you scared the crap outta me Е I was watching for С Gaby ',Ф С Maddy ' revealed as her heart rate returned to normal.

УSorry,Ф Em apologized. У Mad's sounding more like Drew everyday.Ф

УUmmm Е yeah Е С Gaby '!Ф С Maddy ' called out as she saw the Walters girls and her sister come through the main doors with С Gaby '. She approached the four girls and taking hold of С Gaby ', С Mad ' told the others, УI need to talk with С Gabs ' before class Е in private like.Ф

УSee you there then,Ф Brit stated as she started to go to her locker. Jules gave the two a knowing look as she steered Debbie to their own lockers.

УWell Е yeah Е see ya later guys Е I've got to talk to Sab before class.Ф Sensing that she was being ignored by С Maddy ', Em reluctantly decided to take Brit's cue and leave.

УLaters!Ф С Maddy ' called out as she steered С Gaby ' through the crowded hall. УC'mon Е we've just got time to swap and get to our lockers before home room!Ф Gaby hissed.

УWhere we going?Ф Maddy asked.

УMiss Bell's gonna let us use her Сoffice' to swap back Е more private than the girl's loo Е less chance of someone walking in on us!Ф Gaby explained. Jessica's Сoffice' was a former stock room adjoining her classroom that she used to manage the exchange program.

As Jessica closed the office door, Maddy confessed to Gaby, ФUmm Е I don't think we'll change underwear this time, Gabs ЕI'm Е uh Е on.Ф As they were swapping clothes, Maddy told her how Mrs. W had to come to her aid when she was stuck in the loo without a change of towels. She also mentioned that Mrs. W had to drive her to the store to get a box of her own.

УShe saw you?Ф Gaby excitedly asked.

УUh huh,Ф Maddy acknowledged.

УThat's great! Е Now maybe she'll stop looking at me all funny like Еshe'll have to believe I'm a girl!Ф Gaby enthused as she held Maddy's face between her hands and kissed her on the mouth.

When they were doing their make-up, Gaby asked, УJust curious Е but Еwhy'd you hafta go and wear a skirt on a day like this?Ф

УWhy not? Е I'm a girl Е Gaby's a girl Е an' girls wear skirts,Ф Maddy offered.

УDrew doesn't,Ф Gaby mumbled. УSurprised Jules didn't tell you Gaby doesn't wear skirts to school.Ф

УShe did Е I just thought you needed to change your image,Ф Maddy playfully replied.

УThanks!Ф Gaby sarcastically mentioned then for no apparent reason, she began to giggle while looking at Maddy.

УWhat's your problem?Ф Maddy demanded to know.

УYer hair Е yer not gonna tell me that you put it into bunches!Ф Gaby managed to get out between her giggling. УI bet Brit did them Е didn't she?Ф

УYeahЕФ Mad sheepishly admitted.

УThen I won the bet!Ф Gaby gloated as she took them out of Maddy's hair. After fixing her own hair, Maddy started to put Gaby's hair up,

УUh huh Е no way!Ф Gaby playfully replied.

УYou got to Е Brit will know!Ф Maddy pleaded.

УAll she will know is that I took them out Е an' that I don't like Сem!Ф Gaby firmly stated. True to her word, Jessica came into the back room and lifted Maddy's hair, checking for Gaby's piercing. Satisfied they had swapped back, she told them to quickly go to their lockers and get sorted, then get to their homerooms.

Gaby entered Miss Jackson's classroom just as she was finishing Сtaking the attendance'. УGlad you could join us, Gaby.Ф

(to be continued)

PB 22.04.08 © 2008
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