УUh huh ... Dr. Sanwari said it may be related to her current low oestrogen levels and how the rest of her system would react to physical exertion. Further tests would answer that. Meanwhile, he's prescribed a daily oestrogen pill to help bring those levels up to those of a normal girl her age. Sometimes, she forgetsЕФ Dave mentioned. УBut considering the race she just rode Е I bet she just Сran into the wall'!Ф

УI hope that's all it is!Ф Jen was beside herself with worry for her youngest child as Dave knelt down beside Gaby's cot.

"Gaby! ... Gaby! ... C'mon girl ... wake up!" Gaby thought she heard a familiar male voice.

Just then, a female paramedic came in to check on Gaby. УAre either one of you related to the girl?Ф she asked as she wrapped the blood pressure cuff around Gaby's arm.

The EMT's worked quickly, putting Gaby on oxygen, taking her blood pressure and pulse before checking her pupil responsiveness. УDoes she have any medical conditions that might have contributed to this?Ф one of the two female EMT's inquired.

УNooo Е not that we're aware of Е but she has a bit of a history of getting caught up in the race and forgetting to keep up her intake of energy bars,Ф Dave's voice trailed off as the paramedic nodded and then began assisting her partner in inserting a dextrose I.V drip into her left arm.

УSounds familiar ... c'mon ... wake up, Gaby!Ф she encouraged as she came over beside Gaby and gently patted her cheeks. УFollow my pen ... good! ... Now Е how many fingers do you see?Ф

УThanks hon Е you can sleep now Е if you want,Ф the EMT softly mentioned and then turned to Jenny and Dave. Gaby closed her eyes and laid her head back onto the cot.

The EMT stepped away from Gaby's cot and motioned for Jenny and Dave to join her.

УIn this case Е I would tend to agree with your husband Е given that this course was more suited to a mountain goat Е it's probably more physical exhaustion than anything else ... hopefully she'll be all right in a bit. She's young and in good shape Е but ... if her condition doesn't improve Е we'll need to transport her to hospital ... probably the Atlanta Medical Center ... for further examination and treatment. However Е all her vital signs are good Е and as far as I can tell Е there's nothing really wrong with her Е other than exhaustion. Let her rest until the I.V bag is finished ... I'll be back to check on her a couple of times before then.Ф

УThank you!Ф Jenny breathed a sigh of relief that it didn't appear to be something more serious.

УYes Е thank you very much,Ф added Dave. After the EMT left to look after another case, Dave gave Jenny's hand a reassuring squeeze as they both watched their youngest daughter, appearing so content lying on her cot.

In the background the Bonds heard the PA system blaring, as the last of the riders came across the finish line.

УYou blacked out after you crossed the line ... again! ... A race marshal picked you up off of Tina and carried you into this medical tent,Ф Dave explained. УDon't you remember? ... You challenged Lance and a few other pros to a sprint.Ф

УWish I was there to see it!Ф Gaby managed as a smile crept across her face. УWhere's my bike?Ф

"Entschuldigung, ... Ich hab' ihr gesagt, sie soll nicht sprinten ... Jenny!" Jenny was unaware of Tina's presence until she spoke.

УI know you tried to tell her, Tina ... we shouldСve known that she just can't stay away from any sprints.Ф Jenny turned around and consoled her teammate.

УJa ... ( sniff ) ... like her mama!Ф Tina quietly replied. Jen could plainly see by Tina's reaction that she was deeply concerned for Gaby. Her guilt wasn't helped as she stared at Gaby lying on the cot with an I.V in her arm.

УShort of deflating her tyres Е there was nothing you could've done to stop her ... it wasn't your fault,Ф Jenny quietly pointed out while wiping the odd tear from Tina's cheek.

УUmmm ...I ... think ... I'll live,Ф Gaby mumbled, still feeling a bit groggy. УMy bike?Ф

УYou sound just like your mama!Ф Tina sternly replied with a smile. She leaned over Gaby's ear and in a hushed tone she confided, УUnd you ride like her, too!Ф Gaby managed a wide grin upon hearing the compliment.

УYour bike is safe mit your team mates ... now that I see you feel bet-ter Е I must get back mit der team Е but ... I'll see you later, ja? ... You now spend time mit your Mama und Papa Е Auf Wiedersehen,Ф a much relieved Tina whispered as she gently touched Gaby's shoulder.

У Tschüss Е Tina,Ф Gaby wearily replied with a smile, pleased to show off her limited German.

УBeing around your ol' mum, has rubbed off ... eh, Sweetheart?Ф Dave asked in reference to his daughter's use of German. Still not quite Сwith it', Gaby gave her dad a weak smile.

"You've caused quite a stir today young lady ... that was quite the race you rode!" Lance piped up as both he and George Hincapie wandered into the tent and up to the side of her cot.

УYou're one remarkable girl! Е Like your mom,Ф Lance offered as he looked over at a blushing Jenny. УNow you just lie there and rest ... you'll be on your feet in no time.Ф

УWe have to attend a press conference Е but maybe we'll catch you later ... ok, Gaby?Ф George offered. Gaby followed them with her eyes, as they waved to her and walked out of the tent.

"What are we gonna do with you?" Jenny softly asked while holding one of Gaby's hands.

"I'm not complaining Е but Е what are you doing here?" Gaby asked as she became more alert and she clearly saw her mum sitting beside her.

"Your dad thought we'd come and I could finally see you ride ... you feeling better now? ... By the sounds of all the commotion out there ... you're not getting out of here quietly ... it seems there are a few people outside who want to see you!" Jenny replied as she fought back her own tears while she tightly hugged Gaby.

УOK Е let's take a look!Ф the EMT exclaimed as she approached the Bonds. She examined Gaby, removed the oxygen and the I.V from her arm and then told Dave and Jenny, she was free to go. After a few words with Gaby's parents, she went off to join her partner in another part of the tent.

"Come on, Lass ... easy does it," Dave encouraged as he helped Gaby to her feet. Once on her feet, Dave gently held her shoulders and looked her in the eyes. He spoke to his daughter in a soft, caring voice. УSweetheart Е you've got to remember to keep eating out there Е if not Е we'll be doing this more often Е ok?Ф

УIf no one's already told you Е you rode one hell of a race Е your Mum and I are proud of you,Ф Dave whispered as Gaby released her hug.

A few minutes later, as they slowly stepped outside the St. John's tent and into the bright Atlanta sunshine, they were greeted with cheers and clapping from the spectators who remained to learn of Gaby's condition. Near the crowd control barriers that lined the finish area, Jenny spotted Maria talking to George.

"Ahh Е there you are! Е You look a lot better now than when you were carried into the tent!Ф Maria spouted as she looked over George's shoulder. She was obviously relieved to see Gaby back on her feet.

У Fräulein Bond! ... Wonderful to see you on your feet Е that was a very impressive race ... und a scary finish,Ф George commented after turning around and spotting Gaby and her parents.

УDanke Е Herr Müller,Ф Gaby replied, again taking the opportunity to try her fledgling German. George gave her a sharp bow at the neck and kissed the back of her hand.

"Oh Е thank heavens you're okay, Gaby! Е When we didn't see you at the finish Е I saw Tina with your bike Е she told me that you passed out Е again Е I got real worried that weЕ" Erin exclaimed giving Gaby a hug.

УI'm fine Е now Е an' it was my choice to ride Е you didn't make me do anything,Ф Gabs sheepishly admitted and then remembering her manners, she added, "Ummm Е Mum Е this is Erin Е Erin this is my Mum and Dad Е an' this is George Müller Е the Direktor for Team Apollinaris .. an' I guess you know Maria..."

"Pleasure to meet you Е Ms. Bond Е Mr. Bond Е Mr. Müller Е it was an honour to ride with you Maria,Ф Erin allowed, nodding to each one in turn. Turning her attention to Jenny, Erin added, УI can see where Gab gets her looks.У

УDanke Е excuse me? ... I haff to get back to der team Е later Jen? Е Gaby? Е Hope maybe to see you later Erin?Ф Maria interjected.

УWe'll all catch up later Е У Tschüss ,Ф Jenny allowed as Maria left, she turned back to Erin.

УWe've talked a few times Е good to finally meet you Erin! Е Thanks for looking after her while she's been in Grottoes Е and please Е do call me Jenny Е everybody else does,Ф Jen replied.

УThank you Е Jenny Е any chance of you and your husband joining us for supper this evening?Ф Erin asked.

УWe'd love to but I don't think George here would appreciate it if I missed the team presentation tonight. Which reminds me Еdid you bring anything you can wear tonight Gaby?Ф

УFor once Е yes! Е And no!Ф she admitted as she gave her mum her best puppy-dog eyes.

УErin promised we'd go out to a fancy СSouthern' restaurant before we left Е so I brought an outfit I bought last weekend Е but like everything else Е they're back in our room Е I mean Е me an' Erin's room,Ф Gaby explained

УNonsense!Ф Jenny gently grabbed Erin's arm and turning to look at her boss, called out, УGeorge!Ф

У Für die Freund auf Gabi?Ф George asked Jenny while Gaby looked at him expectantly.

ФJa Е der radler team von Grottoes!У Jenny replied with the intent on having the entire Grottoes Express at the Team Apollinaris reception.

It was strange hearing Gaby's mum so fluent in German. Even though Erin liked to pride herself of her knowledge of Jenny Bond, this was an unexpected talent.

УTen Е nine! Е If you don't count Gab,Ф Erin allowed after thinking about it for a very brief moment.

УNeun! Е Mein Gott!У He skeptically looked at Gaby, Erin then back to Jenny. УOkay Е Ich bilde alle Vorbereitungen !Ф

УSorry guys Е Erin Е do you think your team could join us at tonight's presentation? Е Free food ... and there might even be a few faces you'll recognise,Ф Jenny implored.

УNope Е George already said he'll take care of all the arrangements Е just show up,Ф Jenny confirmed with a straight face.

УJa, Gabi?Ф George replied in a soft voice that reminded her of how Brit's Grandad sounded when he talked to her.

УDanke!Ф she replied. Gaby gave George an unexpected but very appreciative hug then returned to her mum and Erin.

УDave Е ein moment, bitte?Ф George led Gaby's dad off, leaving the Сgirls' alone.

УFirst time I've seen George blush,Ф Jenny whispered to her daughter as George and Dave left the ladies. Turning her attention back to Erin, Jen pressed for an answer, УWell Erin?Ф

УPlease say yes,Ф Gaby pleaded. УBesides Е you've really got no choice Е Mum said George is going to make the arrangements Е anС now Е they're expecting all of us,Ф Gaby added with a bit of a pout.

Fixing a stare on Gaby, Erin quietly replied with mock annoyance, УYer really working this Сgirl' thing for all it's worth Е aren'tcha?Ф As she broke out in a smile, Gaby latched onto her with a hug.

УThe others would hunt me down and lynch me if'en I said no! Е Thanks Jenny!Ф Looking at Gaby, then back at Jenny, a grateful Erin accepted on behalf of the 'Express'.

УI'd best go find the others Е Diane and I need to get the bikes squared away and I know Patty will need a while to get ready! Е Thanks again! Е See ya later Gab,Ф Erin mentioned. As she turned to head back, Jenny had another thought.

УErin? Е Why don't you ЕDiane and Е Patty is it? Е Join Gaby and myself? Е We have an appointment at the hotel's beauty salonЕФ Jenny started to say.

УYes we do!Ф Jenny flatly stated, then continued, УAs I was saying Е Gaby and I already have an appointment and I imagine they could probably fit the three of you in Е for the time we'll be there.Ф

The last part of that statement sounded ominous to Gaby. As she was pondering her mum's statement, Jenny continued talking to Erin.

УSince you're all coming tonight ... how about us five girls go back to your hotel Е shower and whatnot Е then we all come back here for our appointments? Gaby can get her change of clothes and you can all change for the reception in our room,Ф Jenny proposed.

УDave? Е It'll take time him no time to get ready Е so he'll just have to wait his turn!Ф Jenny playfully replied.

УSounds good to me Е I'll be right back!Ф Erin agreed. She walked over to the rest of the Express and Gaby saw she was talking to Diane, Derek and Frank. Returning to Gaby and Jenny, she laid out the gist of her conversation.

УOk Е so we can leave now Е the men folk will pack the bikes in the trailer. Diane will take the five of us in her SUV. We'll have to be quick though; Diane's Envoy is our tow vehicle so these guys will need it back here! Е Derek can drive it back Е and Rob can handle my truck with the spares Е so we`re good to go! Ф Erin revealed her plan.

Once at the hotel, everyone went to their respective rooms to shower and change. Jenny went with Erin and Gaby. As they entered the room, Jenny suggested, УErin? Е Why don't you go first Е I'd like to talk to my daughter.Ф

УOkay Е out in a jiff!Ф Erin agreed. Jen sat on the side if the bed and motioned for Gaby to sit beside her.

As Erin closed the bathroom door, Jenny turned to her youngest child. УNow Е before we go to that appointment ... I need something from you.Ф

УWhen Jules first suggested I make this appointment for you Е she said it was because she wanted to do something nice Е for her sister Е and Е my daughter! Е When I asked her to explain Е she only told me to ask your father Е which I did! Е He wanted to leave it up to you Е but when I told him about your sister's idea Е he finally relented and told me about Dr. Sanwari Е but I got the feeling that you knew long before the good Doctor Е right?Ф Jenny softly revealed. As Gaby slowly nodded, she gently added, УI'd really like to hear the whole story from you Е please?Ф

Gaby sat on the edge of her bed, beside her mother and explained everything she could think of, including when she first noticed the changes in her body and how she tried to convince herself they were because of her training, or whatever other explanation she could think of.

УI dunno Е you really weren't around Е an' when I did get to see you Е you only saw Gaby Е I don't think you ever saw Drew once when you were in Germany Е an' I know you never saw Drew when you visited us in Dorset,Ф Gaby admitted. As Jenny was planning to refute her daughter's statement, she thought of all the times she did see Drew and realised that Gaby was right. УI didn't tell you after you came home because you were so sick an' Dad said we wanted you to only think about getting better,Ф Gaby allowed in a hushed voice. УI'm sorry, Mum.Ф

УFor what?Ф Jenny was starting to get emotional. She tightly hugged and held Gaby for several minutes.

Jenny continued in a soft, quiet voice that was almost apologetic. УYou were right about one thing, darling Е I know in the past I've allowed others to see Gaby rather than to correct them Е I even let the media see Gaby Е and at times I even insisted Gaby just appear Е just because I wanted her around.Ф

Following a few more minutes of silence, Jenny softly continued, УLet me ask you something Е in all those times Е did I ever do anything Е or insist on any change that would've prevented Drew from reappearing?Ф

УOkay Е am I right in saying that you're no longer concerned about Drew having to reappear?Ф

УOkay Е so Е how Сbout we do something that says СGaby'?Ф Jenny softly suggested.

УYup!Ф Jenny replied with a giggle. УAnyway ... Jules suggested I have Carol show me some online photos of you and Maddy at that cosplay convention Е Obicon, wasn't it? Е You remember Е the one where you and Maddy went in matching costumes?Ф

УYeah Е Mad and I both wore long wigs Е she looked lovely with long hair,Ф Gaby fondly recalled.

УCarol said Maddy made it very clear she felt the same about Gaby,Ф Jenny quietly stated.

УIf you could Е would you like to look like that again?Ф Jen pressed the point.

УGood! ... I could've always cancelled the appointment if you felt different,Ф Jenny revealed.

УJules and I agreed that hair extensions were the way to go, considering how active you are.Ф Gaby immediately threw her arms around her mum and gave her a long, tight hug. УGuess that means you agree?Ф Jenny whispered.

УYou're next, Kiddo!Ф Jenny mentioned. Without hesitation, Gaby stripped down to her bra and panties in front of both her mum and Erin. When Jenny looked alarmed, she whispered in her mum's ear that Erin knew all. As she grabbed a clean bra and panty set then started off to the shower, her mum's confused expression did not go un-noticed. Even with Gaby walking around in her underwear, Jenny saw no trace of her son.

When everyone was ready, they got back in the Envoy for the short drive back to the site of the race. Sandwiched between Jenny and Patty in the back seat Gaby turned to her mum and quietly asked,

УYou never told me why you an' Dad are here Е how com' you never said you were coming?Ф

УHold on dear Е one question at a time!Ф Jenny quietly replied then attempted to answer Gaby's questions. УAs for not telling you Е your father and I planned this once we heard you were going to ride in this race Е but it all depended on Dr. Sanwari Е and he only gave me permission to travel last Thursday Еneither one of us wanted to get your hopes up in case he wouldn't allow me to fly Е we both have to go back Сome on Tuesday, though.Ф

УOkay Е I guess Е but why'd George bring the team here? Е I mean it's a long way to come for something that wasn't even on the World Cup schedule!Ф Gaby inquired.

УThere's a sort of mini tour of pre season warm-ups over here Е Atlanta Е Austin, Texas on Monday then San Francisco, LA and finally, Mexico City ... George thought it would be a good opportunity to present the 2004 team as a lot of cycling journalist's come this thing,Ф Jenny explained. УBesides Е your father thought it would be a nice touch for me to sign another contract extension while we're here Е whaddya think?Ф Jenny added.

УWell Е I might be still Сunder the weather' right now Е but I'm still officially on the team and I intend to keep riding!Ф Jen proudly admitted. УOh, yes Е Kat sends her love.Ф

УNo Е she's still in school Е you do remember school Е don't you?Ф Jenny sarcastically asked. Gaby just snuggled into her mum's side while she continued with her explanations.

УSo you had a good time in Grottoes?Ф Jenny asked, attempting to learn about Gaby's time in America.

Gaby snuggled closer to her mum and whispered an answer with a shrug of her shoulder, УCould I answer that later?Ф

УOk, darling Е Jules hinted you might say something like that Е an' I'm sure you'll tell me when you're good an' ready,Ф Jenny quietly replied in a sympathetic tone as she lovingly bundled her daughter closer to her. The rest of the drive was spent in relative quiet with mother and daughter just enjoying each other's company.

When they reached the former site of the СExpress' tent, they hooked the trailer to the Envoy and together, the small convoy drove to Jenny's hotel, where the women took their leave and left it up to the men-folk to deal with taking the bikes back to their hotel and return for the evening's festivities.

Upon entering the hotel's beauty parlour, Jenny announced herself and Gaby to the receptionist and inquired if it would be possible to accommodate Erin, Diane and Patty, explaining they would be attending the same reception that evening.

УNo problem Е we can take one of you ladies now Е and the other two would have to wait until one of the other girls was free. Good news is that I'd say y'all be done before young Gaby, here,Ф

УPatty Е you go,Ф suggested Erin. As Patty left for her wash n' set, Erin and Diane took a seat and watched Gaby flip through some styling photos while her mother gave final instructions to the stylist.

УSweetheart Е this is Denise and she'll do your hair Е now off you go,Ф Jenny instructed.

УHi, Gaby Е any idea how y'all want me to style it after I've finished putting the extensions on? ЕYour mom said we should bring your hair down to hereЕФ Denise asked as she indicated the proposed length on Gaby's back.

"Nothing fancy Е just straight Е an' parted in the middle ,Ф Gaby replied as she showed Denise a photo she found in one of the magazines lying around the shop.

УYa know? Е With your face Е I think that'll look very nice on you.Ф Denise agreed with Gaby's choice. Looking at the model in the photo, Denise suggestively asked, УHow Сbout we shape those eyebrows while we're at it?Ф

As Gaby sat in Denise's chair, she looked at her reflection in the mirror in front of her and responded with a firm, УWhy not?Ф

Jenny looked forward to a quick wash and blow-dry. Following the stylist to her station, she noticed that Gaby was already starting to get her nails done while Denise was preparing to work her magic on Gaby's hair.

Diane walked past Jenny before she was seated in her chair. When asked, Diane explained that she only wanted some highlights and a trim. Not long after, Jenny went out front and Erin was led back to have her turn at having her hair done. While all four women were waiting out in front of the salon, Jenny went back to talk to Gaby and Denise.

After finding out Gaby probably had another hour before she was done, Jenny gave her the room number and told her to come up after she was done. She then went back out front to settle up, after which the four ladies went up to the Bond's room to prepare for the evening. Forty -five minutes later Gaby arrived at the room, knocked on the door and entered to join the others.

While the girls were getting changed, Dave arrived at the room and started to open the door when Jenny stopped him and instructed him to wait outside. A short while later, Jenny came out of the room and joined him in the hall.

"Gaby and I invited Erin, Diane and Patty to join us at the salon and I'm letting them use our room as a changing room for tonight Е so you'll just have to wait until they're done Е now Е how did it go with George?" Jenny asked.

"You already know what he wanted to talk about Е why didn't you say anything? Е Even just to let me know he wanted to talk to me," Dave replied as he came up to her.

"Sorry luv Е but he wanted to be the first to mention it ... So what happened?" Jenny replied.

УThat's understandable Е but what was your impression?Ф Jen asked, pressing for an answer.

УIt sounds good Е but like I said, I need to give it a lot of thought and we have some time before I need to give George an answer Е give me five Е I need a quick rinse,Ф Dave stated as he turned to open the door of their room.

УWait! Е Not so fast Е let me check that the coast is clear!Ф Jenny had Dave continue to wait outside the room while the other women finished dressing. As they finished, each of them filed out into the hall.

УOk Е you can come in now, dear.Ф A smug Jenny allowed Dave into the room where the first thing he saw was Gaby wearing a grin on her face and standing by the bed, hands behind her back, wearing her black pleated mini-skirt with a pearl-grey blouse and her black dress pumps with the 3Ф heels. Dave silently stood there, looking at his daughter for the first time. This was not Drew in a dress!

Gaby took a step back and gave a slow twirl to allow her dad to look her over. Gone was the young teenaged girl with the impish shoulder-length Сmushroom' hairstyle. Instead, what Dave saw standing in front of him was a sophisticated and confident young woman with long strawberry-blonde hair reaching down to the middle of her back.

УYou look Е very lovely Е just like your mother when we were dating,Ф Dave emotionally whispered as his daughter threw her arms around him.

УDon't forget to thank your sister when you see her Е she masterminded this whole Сhair thing',Ф Dave quietly insisted.

As Jenny approached, Gaby quickly hugged her mother. УThanks, Mum Е thank you!Ф

УC'mon dear Е leave your ol' man to get dressed,Ф Jenny told her daughter while she gently steered Gaby out of the room. As Jenny was shutting the door, she called back, УWe'll meet you in the lobby dear!Ф

The two walked along to the elevator, which opened straight away after Gaby hit the down button. Jenny hit СG' and they started to descend.

УThings are going to be okay aren't they?Ф Е With you and Dad Е I mean,Ф Gaby quietly asked as she took hold of her mum's hand.

Jenny stood in thoughtful silence past the 7th and 6 th floors. Looking over at Gaby, she sighed deeply and then in a soft apologetic voice, she offered, УI think so darling Е we've talked a lot while you've been over here ... I never realised how insecure and selfish I was Е all the time I was in Germany Е signing contracts and everything Е without even consulting my familyЕФ

УThat kinda did hurt ... it was kewel to say you were our mum Е but there was lots of times Jules an' I wanted her back Е even on visits you didn't really have time for us Е an' now you're saying you're gonna leave us!Ф Gaby was on the verge of tears when she was interrupted by her mother.

When the elevator stopped on the third floor, she took Gaby's hand and quickly exited the elevator, pulling her youngest behind her. Finding a secluded alcove by the stairs, she turned to Gaby and pulled her into a tight hug.

УNow you listen to me, Gaby Bond! Е I'm Е not Е leaving Е your dad Е or you Е or your sister Е ever! Е OK? Е Now that I've had time to think about what I've done and even more time to talk with your dad Е I realised just how much of what I did Е hurt everyone ... especially your dad Е the man I love and married Е for life! Е I know it'll take time Е but I hope all of you will forgive me,Ф Jenny quietly, but emotionally explained.

ФI love you Mum!Ф Gaby squeezed her mother harder and held it until the ding announcing the elevator returning to that floor, brought the two back to the present.

УI guess we had better go meet the rest, hadn't we?Ф The two reluctantly broke the hug and made their way back to the elevator to resume their silent descent to the lobby.

УSo what did George want with Daddy?Ф Gaby inquired as they exited the elevator.

УWell Е it's not exactly a secret although we'd prefer if you didn't let it go beyond your sister Е but Е George has offered your father a job with the team Е working with Mike and looking after the development squad.Ф Jenny calmly explained.

УKewel! Е Does that mean you're really going back to race?Ф Gaby enthusiastically replied.

УI told you I intend to sign a new contract before your dad and I leave here,Ф Jenny softly replied.

УBut you're still sick! Е How long until you're cured an' you can compete again?Ф asked a puzzled Gaby.

УThe doctors are optimistic that I can return to something like light training in a few weeks. If it goes well I should be back racing by Whitsun. So until then, I'm afraid you'll be stuck with me at home for a few more months.Ф Jenny cheerfully answered.

УBrill! Е If Daddy takes the job Е does that mean we'll be moving to Germany?Ф Gaby's excitement with her dad's job offer was beginning to show.

УWe've not talked about it yet Е knowing your father, he'll want to involve both you kids in any discussion before he makes a final decision,Ф Jenny speculated.

УBetween you and me, darling Е yes, I would Е it could be a new start for all of us,Ф Jenny softly replied. Gaby only smiled as she looked at her mother.

УWhat are you two plotting?Ф Dave enquired as he finally joined his two girls.

УWe'll see,Ф Dave flatly stated as the rest of the Grottoes Express showed up.

УI see you found the boys!Ф Jenny exclaimed as Diane and Erin came up to where the Bonds were standing.

УYep! Е They finally showed Е some lame excuse about changing a tire on the trailer,Ф Diane chipped in, displaying mock annoyance with the men.

УMore likely Derek's alleged allergy to anything other than jeans,Ф Patty jokingly suggested as she draped her arms around her fiancé.

As they neared the hotel's conference room in which the reception was to be held they saw some invitees milling around the hall while others were entering the large room. Seeing Dave offer his arm to Jenny when they arrived at doors, Aidan was not going to be outdone and immediately walked up to Gaby and started to offer her his arm.

УWOW! Е I didn't think you could look more beautiful!Ф Aidan breathed. He stood there motionless as he looked at his fantasy girl for what seemed like hours, before Frank's cough brought the lad back to reality.

УThanks,Ф Gaby softly replied. A very noticeably blushing Gaby gave Aidan a peck on the cheek as she took his proffered arm and with the rest of the СExpress' following behind them, the two teenagers followed her parents as they entered the hotel ballroom where the reception was being held.

As a team, the СGrottoes Express' soon found themselves embroiled in various conversations with Jenny making introductions to some very well-known faces. As the winning amateur team, individual members also found themselves in largely unfamiliar territory with the invited cycling press.

At the stroke of seven, George took a position behind the podium that was offset to one side of the front of the room. Looking over the assembled crowd, George noted the Gerolsteiner boys were in attendance as well as both T-Mobile teams.

The invited guests made their way to their seats scattered amongst the many large round tables in the room. Team Apollinaris and the Grottoes Express sat at neighbouring tables with the former sharing their table with some members of the СExpress' while Dave and Jenny sat with the Grottoes Express and their daughter.

УAidan seems like a very nice boy Е you fancy him?Ф Jenny whispered as she and Gaby took their seats. Both Jenny and Dave had noticed the interaction of the two prior to entering the room.

УHe's very nice, Mum Е an' yeah Е I do like him Е but only as a friend. I know how he feels about me Е an' he knows that I like girls Е but Е he's ok with that,Ф Gaby explained in a hushed voice. Then, as if to answer her mother's unasked query, she quietly offered, УDr. Sanwari's letter may have changed me in some ways, but it'll never change the way I feel about Mad!Ф

УLadies und gentlemen Е let's get right into the spirit of the evening with a video presentation of Team Apollinaris' 2003 season highlights. This marked one of our best season's to-date so sit back und enjoy!Ф

As the lighting in the room dimmed, the large screen to the right of the podium came to life, showing a well-edited montage of the 2003 season. Much of the footage featured Jenny in all her races; including some that even Gaby was unaware she rode. The rest of the team also got a fair share of the spotlight including Tina's GC win in Andalusia and several of Maria's wins.

During the video presentation, various comments were directed to Jenny and Gaby by the other members of the Grottoes Express at the table. Looking over the table at her youngest and her new friends, Jenny couldn't help but feel a lump of pride in her throat.

As the video ended and the lighting levels came back up in the room, George once again took his position behind the podium.

УJenny Е bitte?Ф George asked as he indicated she should join him at the front for his opening remarks and the planned presentation.

УPlease, darling Е I'd feel much better if you came Е please?Ф Jenny asked her husband as she prepared to get up from the table. As Dave got up from his chair and assisted Jenny to get up, she looked at her daughter and remarked, УIt seems you're the hostess now, dear Е we'll be back.Ф Once they joined George to the applause of the room, he continued with his planned presentation.

УTeam Apollinaris have made some exciting plans for this season, which I will be officially introducing at our post race news conference in Los Angeles, but because a certain individual is here ... now ... I would like at this time to officially announce our new Youth Development Program. This program will be subsidizing the training und travel costs for selected girls who have demonstrated an excellence in cycling. Now before you jump all over me for not being politisch korrekt Е. erm Е politically correct Е since Team Apollinaris is a Women's Pro Cycling team Е our junior development program will naturally be restricted to the young ladies.Ф He paused for a brief moment to survey the assembled guests.

George continued, У ...Und the first member of our junior development program will be our own Welt Champion's wunderkind Е Gabi Bond!" As Jenny motioned her daughter to come forward, a surprised Gaby had to be prodded by Diane and Erin. As Gaby timidly reached George's side, he continued with his introduction after letting the applause die down.

УWe've all just seen a tremendous effort put forward by this Mädchen Е erm Е girl Е at her age Е her ability to keep pace with several pro cyclists was nothing less than remarkable! Е Gabi Е like her Mutter Е was born to race bikes Е und if this race was even a small indication Е we can all expect great things in the future from both generations of Bond women.Ф

George turned and shook Gaby's hand, then allowed Maria and Jenny to put an Apollinaris team jacket with her name embroidered over her left breast like the other team member's, on over her blouse, followed by a kiss on the cheek and hug, from both ladies. They all posed for pictures before Gaby was allowed to remove the jacket and head back to Сher guests'. On the walk back to her table, Gaby was showered by applause and well wishes from those in the room.

УI told you guy's way back when we first rode together, we were in the presence of royalty!Ф Frank gushed when Gaby sat back down. A blushing Gaby received hugs from Diane and Erin.

УI knew you were special,Ф Aidan commented as he rose from his seat and offered Gaby a hug.

When they rejoined the others back at the table, Gaby asked her mum exactly what it meant to be part of the Youth Program.

УWhat it means is that the team is going to sponsor you Е help with travel expenses and stuff,Ф Jenny explained.

УWhat about the thing with BC? Does this mean I can't join that?Ф Gaby asked, referring to Caro's efforts to get Drew into the British Cycling Program.

УNo Е of course not! All this means is that you'll get extra support. George is arranging some stuff and your ol' mum has been talking with the powers-that-be back home to give everyone at Manchester at least some extra help.Ф Jenny offered.

After all the business stuff concluded, it turned into a regular party and Gaby, along with the СExpress', had a good time, mixing with the other competitors Ц pros and amateurs alike. It didn't escape Gaby's attention that Diane and Tina seemed to get along quite well as did Erin, Maria and her mum.

Despite her mum looking tired as the evening wore on, Gaby and Dave were elated to see Jenny so happy, after the events of the preceding few months. There had been an awkward moment earlier when one of the journalists asked why she wasn't riding the US series, but Jenny responded with the team's official line - at least for now, which was that she was recovering from an un-named lingering illness.

The party broke up a bit after ten and after a hectic and eventful day everyone was quite keen to get to their beds. Jenny and Dave made arrangements to meet everyone for breakfast the following morning.

The next morning following breakfast, Gaby reluctantly joined her friends for the long drive back to Grottoes after one long tearful hug with both her parents. It was really hard for Gaby to say good-bye to her parents a second time, but her mum was quick to point out that she'd be back home in a week.

As their small convoy crossed the State line into the Carolinas, Erin led them into a service area for gas and food. After gassing up the vehicles and pulling into the main parking lot, the ten members of the Grottoes Express secured the bikes and walked over into the restaurant.

УOkay Е I could do with a break Е and I'm sure Gab can do with someone else to talk to Е right young Сun?Ф Erin offered.

"Packing Е we've got something scheduled for Wednesday night so Miss Cowlishaw suggested we start on Tuesday."

They continued on for a while longer until just outside of Waynesborough at another Сtruck stop', they made their final stop and once again Erin and Gaby took to Erin's truck. It was dark long before they arrived back in Grottoes. They had been on the road since Gaby had said goodbye to her parents about eight that morning. Even though they made good time it was just after seven in the evening, when Erin finally dropped Gaby back at the Walters.