All things denied….

A Gaby FanFic by PB

Chapter 17

"So we'll see you on Sunday then Gaby?" Mrs. W asked.

"I'll ring if we're going to be late,” Gaby mentioned as Jocelyn gave her a good-luck hug.

"Good luck, Gabs ... Have a good race," Brit whispered while giving Gaby a sisterly hug.

“Show ‘em how it's done! ... Good luck Sis," Jules added.

"Thanks," Gaby replied as she hugged Jules before picking up her borrowed sports bag and heading out on the short walk to Erin's Cyclery.

“Morning, Gaby!” Erin loudly greeted Gaby as she entered the parking lot from the alley.

“Mor ... morning,” Gaby responded as she watched her breath as she spoke. “Friggin cold!” Before Erin could say anything, remembering her words from a previous cold morning, Gaby playfully spoke up. “An' don't you dare say it!”

In a more serious tone, Gaby asked, “Is it gonna be like this in Atlanta?”

“Nooo ... more like a summer's day compared to this! ... I reckon we'll be shedding our winter jackets before too long ... Wanna help me with this stuff? ... Warm you up a mite!” Erin offered with a cheerful grin.

Gaby soon got into a rhythm helping Erin load spares into the back of her pickup, along with four of the team's bikes.

“Put your bag in the truck and all we have to do after we pull the tarp over the bikes is to wait for Diane and Frank to show up.”

“What about the other bikes?” Gaby wondered.

“Diane's got a custom trailer that holds a few bikes, along with some other odds an' ends ... works quite well ... we've used it a few times now.” Erin explained.

Just then a car pulled into the parking lot and Aidan got out from the front passenger seat, as his dad got out and retrieved his son's sport bag from the trunk. Erin waved to Aidan and walked over to have a few words with his dad. Aidan came over to Gaby.

“Morning, Gab.” he meekly offered.

“Hi Aidan!” Gaby replied.

“Ummm ... what should I do with this?” Aidan asked, indicating his bag. Erin looked over and seeing his problem, called over to inform him he'll be going in Frank's van and to put his stuff in there when he arrived. Aidan looked around for a relatively dry spot to put his bag down. When he did so, he very carefully pulled a wrapped item from his bag and presented it to Gaby.

“I thought it would be better if I gave this to you here … rather that at the dance,” he quietly explained as he handed her the package.

“Umm ... Maybe it's better you did do it now ... I never went last night,” Gaby softly replied as she carefully unrolled a single red rose. Holding the flower in her hand, she looked at Aidan and lovingly commented, “It's beautiful, Aidan ... thank you.”

“A beautiful flower for a beautiful girl.” Gaby's colour appeared to match the rose as she blushed a deep red in response to Aidan's compliment.

“Aidan ... I love the rose and you're a sweet boy … but … I think I should tell you I do have someone ...” Gaby's quiet voice faded to a whisper as she never completed her train of thought.

“I'd be very surprised if you didn't,” Aidan's response got Gaby blushing even more.

“Gaby? ... Can I ask a personal question?” Aidan finally managed to quietly ask after a short uneasy silence. Gaby gave a tight smile and nodded. “Is what the kids at school saying … true? ... I mean … there's ... talk … that you …ummm … like girls.”

After a deep sigh, Gaby quietly but firmly replied, “You want to know if I'm a lesbian … right? … Well … the short answer is … yes … I do have fairly strong feelings for one girl!”

The happiness in Aidan's eyes faded as he cast his gaze downwards, his quiet voice trailing off into an inaudible mumble. “Figures ... I'm alone with the most beautiful girl in the school … and she's a lesbian ... sorry … I shouldn't of asked … it was none of my business.” Gaby gently took his hand in hers.

“Don't be … I've never denied what I am … I'm sorry if that's made you uneasy,” Gaby whispered. “If my being a lesbian bothers you … maybe I shouldn't go.”

“No! …Please … I'm not like some of the other kids at school … it's your life … I … I just … hoped…” Aidan softly mumbled. Gaby felt bad as he saw the disappointment on his face.

“I'm sorry I'm not what you hoped for ... but that's who I am and I can't change it,” Gaby softly explained, then changing the subject, she asked, “You really think I'm beautiful?” Aidan's shyness showed as he, still with eyes cast down towards his feet, nodded his head.

Gaby put her finger under his chin and gently raised his head until they were looking at each other, then holding his head between her hands, planted a kiss on his lips.

Gaby softly stated. “I think you're the only kid at school with the courage to be themselves and not feel they had to follow the crowd ... for as long as I've been here … you've always acted like a perfect gentleman towards me... even if a wee bit shy.”

“But…” Aidan started to say.

“But … why did I kiss you if you're a boy? … Is that what you were going to ask?” Gaby softly interrupted.

“Yeah,” Aidan whispered. “I mean … you just told me you're a lesbian!”

“If it bothers you … think of if as a thank-you … for being you … an' for the lovely rose,” Gaby softly answered.

“But … I'm a boy!” Aidan hissed.

“That's obvious … silly,” Gaby playfully quipped and then it dawned on her, “Oh! … You thought because I like a girl ... that I must hate boys?” Aidan timidly nodded his head.

“I guess I'm the first one you've met, huh?” Gaby whispered. Again he nodded.

“Aidan … look at me … please?” Gaby pleaded.

As he lifted his gaze, she continued in hushed tones, “Now let me tell you something … It's true … I like this one girl … very much ... just the same way you'll like that special girl when she comes into your life... but ... I don't hate boys … I have several friends back in Warsop, who just happen to be boys … an' other than feeling as I do about this girl … I'm no different than any of the girls you know ... ok?”

“Yeah … sorry … I just thought...” Aidan started to whisper an apology.

“Quit while you're ahead, kiddo … it's ok,” Gaby playfully whispered as she hugged him. Gaby knew she was stretching things a bit with her explanation, but she wasn't about to tell all and complicate matters.

“Let me put this in Erin's truck where it'll be bit warmer an' as soon as we get to the hotel, I'll find something to put it in with some fresh water.” Gaby said, carefully holding the rose. “It really is very pretty ... thank you.” After giving Aidan another peck on the cheek, she carefully re-wrapped the rose and went and placed it on her seat in Erin's truck.

Aidan took Gaby over and introduced her to his dad, then bade him good-bye as he put the car in gear and drove out of the Cyclery's parking lot.

Frank eventually arrived with the others, in the van. After a last minute check of all the cargo and getting everyone squared away, they prepared to begin the drive to Atlanta. Aidan found a place in Frank's van, leaving Erin and Gaby to drive some of the distance in Erin's truck, at least until their first rest stop and a change of drivers. As they climbed into Erin's truck, the small convoy was officially on their way with Diane's Envoy bringing up the rear, towing her custom bike trailer.

“Oh! ... This is for you ... thought you might appreciate something hot ... hope I made it right,“ Erin offered.

Erin pointed to two large travelling mugs in the cup holders in the centre console between the front seats. As Gaby took one and took a taste, Erin saw a look of utter disgust cross her face when she glanced over at Gaby.

“That's my coffee ... the other one's for you,” Erin pointed out as she indicated the mug closest to Gaby.

“Earl Grey ... that ok?” shed asked.

“Great! ... Thanks!” Gaby replied as she cupped her bare hands around the mug and savoured the hot tea.

"So ... you looking forward to tomorrow?" Erin asked as they joined the Interstate, marking the beginning of the long drive south.

"Kinda," Gaby timidly admitted.

"Ya ain't nervous … are ya?" Erin cheerfully asked.

"Sort of ... well ... not exactly ... I've raced ... but not in anything as big as this," Gaby quietly mentioned.

"I think I know what you mean," Erin assured her.

"Erin?" Gaby ventured.

"What hun?" Erin replied.

"Um ... tonight ... where ... ummm ... who am I sharing with?"

"I've got it covered Drew ... Diane is sharing with Patty and I've got you as we are the only ‘girls' left..." Erin left the thought incomplete.

"Oh." Gaby thoughtfully pondered.

"You ok with that?" Erin asked.

"Yeah ... it actually works out better ... I thought I might be sharing with you and Diane ... I didn't know Patty was coming."

"Well … it was a bit last minute ... but with Derek coming to help out … she insisted on coming ... as you say … it's worked out well ... so if you fancy some Drew time later you can."

"Thanks Erin,” Gaby quietly replied.

"Why don't you catch a few zees ... it's a damn long drive." Erin quickly gave a motherly glance over at the girl sitting beside her.

Gaby stared out of the window as the miles of the interstate disappeared beneath the wheels of Erin's pick-up, the truck's radio becoming background noise. Erin was happily tapping her fingers on the steering wheel in time to the latest Shania Twain CD, which made Gaby smile to herself. It was exactly what her mum would do and despite being very tone deaf, she would occasionally sing along! Soon her thoughts were filled with those of her mum and even projected forward to the following week when she'd once again, be back home with the both her parents.

Erin wasn't kidding about the long drive! Gaby couldn't remember ever being on a road trip as long as this one was. According to Erin, it was a 9.5 hour drive, if they drove straight through with no stops. In any event, they did stop every couple of hours for toilets and driver changes at the service centres that lined the interstate at fairly regular intervals. Sometimes Gaby rode in the van with Aidan or with Diane in her Envoy, but there was something cool about riding in Erin's pickup.

The weather took a dive in southern Virginia, much cooler and threatening rain but by the time they had crossed the Carolina's it was looking decidedly more spring-like. They stopped for dinner about seventy miles from Atlanta.

"Is it much further, Erin?" Gaby asked while they continued driving on the interstate..

"Roughly an hour ... we're booked into a motel in a place called Stratford. It's only a couple of miles on the other side of Atlanta … but we're about a half hour dive from the assembly area for the race. A lot of the other teams use the same place … a far better arrangement than trying to get a room in downtown Atlanta." Erin answered.

The convoy exited the I-20 onto Route 139 as soon as they were through Atlanta and drove last few miles to Stratford, passing through a mix of urban areas and large open fields. Frank signalled right-hand turn and a few minutes later they pulled into the parking lot of a Best Western Hotel.

When she emerged from Erin's truck, she was surprised that it wasn't that cold. As Erin suggested, it was more like a spring evening. Gaby saw that there were several other buses and vans emblazoned with shop names and team logos.

After they got settled in their assigned rooms, everyone decided to go for a last coffee except Gaby. She elected to head straight for bed. After awhile, Erin crept into their shared room.

“Sorry ... I didn't mean to wake you,” Erin softly allowed as she stumbled against Gaby's bed.

“Ummmm ... that's ok,” Gaby wearily replied as she rolled over and propped herself up on her elbow.

“That's a purdy nightgown ... Drew?” a confused Erin observed. She had somehow expected to see Drew in pyjamas.

“Like it? ... It was a gift from my Mum,” Gaby admitted. Seeing Erin's confused expression, she added with a knowing smile, “You're wondering why Drew's in a nightdress when he could've been in pyjamas ... aren't you?”

Erin silently shook her head. “Did cross my mind.”

“Sit down an' I'll tell you a bedtime story ... ‘member what I told you at your place about Gaby back when we first met? ... What I didn't tell you was...” Gaby confided. For the next while, she brought Erin up-to-date, telling her about Gaby and the decision that followed Dr. Sanwari's letter.

“Right now … please keep it to yourself? … You're the only one outside of the family, Miss Cowlishaw and Jessica, to know this…” Gaby requested.

Erin slowly shook her head in amazement. “Gab? ... I'm honoured that you felt comfortable enough with me, to tell me ... thank you,” Erin gushed as she hugged Gaby.

“You knew about Drew ... I thought it was time you knew about the real me,” Gaby softly replied.

“Nite, Gab ... see ya in the morning ... I've asked for a wake-up call at six,” Erin informed Gaby before getting under her own covers and turning out the light.

“G'nite Erin,” Gaby replied.

Brrring!, Brrring!, Brrring! “Ummm ... hello? ... Oh ... thank you very much,” Erin wearily spoke into the phone's handset before replacing it on the phone's cradle. “Gaby … hun ... time to get up ... we have a race to ride.”

To Gaby's mind, six o'clock came too early as she reluctantly got up. As Erin was thinking about heading for the shower, the phone rang again.

Brrring!, Brrin ... “Hello? ... Mornin' Diane ... nope ... already up!” Erin allowed then upon hearing the water running, looked around the room. “Dang she's quick! ... What? ... No ... Gabs must've snuck into the shower while I've been jawin' with ya! ... Just hafta wait is all ... see ya in a bit ... bye.”

A few short minutes later, Gaby emerged with her hair in a towel turban and wearing a sports bra and panties.

“Shower's free!” she playfully announced with a grin.

As Erin made a dash for the shower, Gaby started to get ready, opting to wear her skins with matching warm-up pants and her trainers to complete the ensemble. When Erin came out, Gaby was brushing out her hair.

“Gabs ... we're going to compete in a bike race … not a beauty pageant!” Erin jokingly exclaimed as Gaby applied the finishing touches to her eyeliner.

“Don't feel right without some mascara and lippy!” Gaby shot back.

“No doubt about it ... yer a girl!” Erin mumbled.

“What?” Gaby asked.

“Nuthin' hun ... you go ahead ... I'll follow in a few minutes and meet you and the others at the truck then we'll head over to that Bob Evans across the way, for some breakfast before heading out,” Erin answered as Gaby grabbed her team jacket and started for the door.

“Mornin' guys!” Gaby cheerfully greeted the few bodies assembled around the van.

“Morning Gaby ... where's Erin?” Diane asked.

“She'll be out in a few minutes,” Gaby replied then spying Aidan, softly cooed, “Hi, Aidan.”

“Mornin' Gab,” Aidan replied. Once he got close to her he whispered with a grin on his face, “I know what you told me ... but I still dreamt about you, last night.”

“Was it a nice dream?” Gaby coyly asked?

“Yep!” Aidan eagerly replied.

Upon hearing his answer, Gaby immediately turned a deep shade of red, much to Diane's amusement and Gaby's embarrassment. Now it was Aidan's turn. He placed his hands on her shoulders and gently pulled her towards him, sneaking a kiss on her lips.

“Ummmmm ... makes getting up worthwhile,” he softly whispered as he took her by the hand and followed the others as they made their way across the hotel parking lot to the restaurant.

“Aidan ... I told yo...” Gaby started to quietly protest.

“Sh-h-h-h-h ... I know what you told me ... but it's my last weekend with you ... please?” Aidan pleaded.

“Ok... just as long as you know,” Gaby playfully warned as she continued walking along, hand-in-hand.

When they arrived in the restaurant and were waiting to be seated, Gaby noticed they weren't the only ones to come for breakfast in their skins.

“Why don't they just start the race here? ... It looks like everyone's here!” Aidan quipped.

“It does, doesn't it? ... But there'll be many more once we get to the start line,” Erin observed. “C'mon kids ... we're being seated.”

Soon after being seated, Frank and Erin pulled together their two tables, while Derek and the rest of the ‘support crew' ended up seated at a separate table. After ordering and throughout the meal, Frank tried to give Gaby and Aidan a sense of what they could expect even though the competitors varied greatly, year to year. They wisely opted to try to decide on the details of their ‘game plan' once they saw the competition and instead decided to discuss things in generalities.

With breakfast over and the bills settled, everyone headed for their respective vehicles and the short drive to their final destination.

Gaby knew she'd arrived when at the end of short twenty minute drive, the small convoy pulled into the sports complex on the grounds of Georgia State University.

“Ok ... curtain's about to go up! ... Feel free to look around while Frank and I register this lot ... but don't go far ... we've got work to do!” Erin instructed.

The scene that greeted Gaby as she got out of the truck was a bit like a cross between the time when she went to see her Mum in the ‘Tour' and one of the club's Cuckney ten's. The more professional looking set ups had big campers and trucks while the amateurs like the ‘Express' just had their own cars or vans. At least, they did have one of those gazebo-like tents to prepare the bikes and stuff under. Although it was only nine o'clock it was already getting to be quite warm.

Erin and Don had Gaby's bike through the stand first so she was able to have a ride around the park just as a leg stretch. Frank wanted the team to have a short warm-up ride at nine-thirty. The race was scheduled to start at ten-thirty.

Like a moth to light, Gaby was drawn to the vendor area near the registration area. All the big names were there, Trek, Shimano, Specialized, Giant and even Campag! It was like a miniature bike show but interspersed were some retailers who were doing a good business with tires and stuff. Reluctantly, Gaby pulled herself away from the vendors and quickly made her way back to the Grottoes Express tent where the others were just about set for the warm up ride.

On her way back, Gaby noticed some familiar strips, both the men's and women's T-Mobile teams, the light blue of Gerolsteiner and she thought she caught a glimpse of a couple of lads in what appeared to her as the black and white of the CSC strip. Seeing evidence of that line-up, made her realise how serious this race was. When she arrived back at the Grottoes Express tent she mentioned what she observed to the others.

“Just like ol` home week ... huh, Gabs?” Diane joked.

“All that's missing is her mum's Team Apollinaris ... right Gaby?” added Erin.

“I wish!” Gaby enthused. As she grabbed her bike to join the others, she realised that she was actually in the same race with these pro teams.

“Everyone ready?” Frank's call brought her back out of her daydream. With everyone signalling their readiness, Frank and Erin led the team off for a short warm-up ride then it was off to the race assembly area.

(to be continued)

PB 15.06.08 © 2008
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