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A Gaby FanFic by PB
Chapter 20
“Wake up sleeping beauty ... we're here!” Erin carolled as she pulled into the Walters' driveway.
“Huh?”
“We're home! ... Ya know? … Grottoes? ... C'mon rise an'shine ... Good Lord, girl! ... I never could sleep in a car like you can!”
“What time is it?” Gaby asked as she slowly returned to the living.
“Just after seven ... c'mon, I'll help carry your stuff,” Erin stated as she got out of the truck. Opening the back door of the pick-up's extended cab she reached in and grabbed the smaller of the two bags and gave it to Gaby as she materialized behind her. Erin grabbed Gaby's larger bag, then after locking up the truck, the two proceeded up the porch steps. Noticing no other car in the driveway, Erin turned to Gaby, “Got your keys, hun?”
“Yeah,” Gaby replied as she sat her load down and rummaged through her purse. Finding the keys, the two entered the house where they were greeted by silence. “Hello? ... Anybody?” Gaby called out.
At the same time, Erin noticed the glare of headlights coming in through the front windows and sweeping across the opposite wall as a car pulled in the driveway behind Erin's truck. “Someone just pulled in, Gabs.”
A minute or two later, Jocelyn came in the house, followed a couple of minutes later by her husband, Donald.
“Sorry ... just dropped the girls off at Jack's Diner ... several of their friends were getting together and we thought we'd be home before you got here,” Jocelyn explained. “Have you two eaten yet? ... I can offer you some pot roast with all the fixin's.”
“Tell ya the truth Jocelyn … I'd love some! ... We last stopped about three ... right Gabs?” Gaby nodded her agreement before Erin went on, “An' we've been driving ever since ... I was hoping to make it here before dark … but I guess that just wasn't to be.”
Donald began reading the paper while Jocelyn was putting out the plates for the two.
“Tell me about your weekend ... was it all you expected it to be?” Mrs. W inquired of Gaby.
“It was brill!” With those three words Gaby and Erin relived the entire weekend with a special focus on the race.
Erin made sure Jocelyn heard a detailed account of Gaby's antics with Lance Armstrong. As she and Gaby continued to eat, Jocelyn started to notice there was something different about Gaby but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
When they both started telling of the Apollinaris reception, Jocelyn interrupted by exclaiming, “That's what's different! ... You're wearing your hair differently! ... I guess I never noticed how long it was … but it looks very nice like that, Gaby ... I like it.”
After excusing herself, she gathered up the plates and headed out to the kitchen to bring in the fresh-baked apple pie. Once in the kitchen, both Erin and Gaby were startled by a loud shriek, followed by an excited Mrs. W appearing at the dining room door.
“Your hair! ... How?”
“Like it? ... Courtesy of her mom!” Erin calmly spoke up for a blushing Gaby.
With Mrs. W staring at Gaby, she now had to recount how her parents were at the race, and how she was introduced to the world media as the first member of the Apollinaris Youth Project. Of course Gaby had to give a detailed account of the visit to the beauty salon, complete with all the little details she had omitted the first time through, like getting the extensions put in.
It was a little after nine when Erin finally noted the time and said her “g'nites”. Before she went out the door, she gave Gaby a long hug and commented, “I'll see you Tuesday night ... if not before!”
Mrs. Walters soon followed Erin to leave after informing her husband and Gaby she was off to pick up the girls from Jack's. Gabs had declined the offer to tag along saying she still had to unpack and gather her laundry for the next day.
“Mrs. W? ... Please don't say anything to the girls ... about this,” Gaby playfully asked, as she grabbed the ends of her hair. “Let them find out tomorrow.” Jocelyn smiled and nodded her agreement, then turned and went out the door.
It was after 10pm before Mrs. Walters returned from picking up the girls from Jack's Diner. Upon entering the house, she found Donald alone in the living room, watching the news on the television.
“Where's Gaby?” Jocelyn inquired
“Probably fast asleep by now ... amazing she was able to keep her eyes opened for as long as she did,” Mr. W replied.
“Ok, girls ... school night ... see you in the morning!” Jocelyn hinted and amid a chorus of “g'nites” the three quickly ran up the stairs to their respective rooms.
When Jules entered the darkened room, she was glad Gaby at least left their bathroom light on, even if the door was partially closed. As she walked by her sister's bed, she took notice of the large mass of blonde hair lying there and knew that all the planning she and her mother did had come together. Unfortunately, she'd have to wait until morning to see her sister's transformation. In some ways, she felt like a child on Christmas Eve, anticipating opening her gifts in the morning.
The next morning, Jules shook her sister's shoulder, as she walked between their beds. “Time to get up, Sis! ... Last Monday at ol' AHS.” As Gaby mumbled an unknown greeting to her sister, Jules cheerfully added, “Shower's free.”
Gaby slowly rolled over and even more slowly, opened her eyes only to be assaulted by the bedroom light. She rolled out of bed, then walked to the one of the bedroom windows and pulled back the curtain.
“Look! … It's still dark out there! …Turn out the light and go back to bed!”
“Oh, no, Sis! ... You're not going back to bed! ... It's six in the bloody morning and time to get up!” Jules exclaimed as she prevented Gaby from climbing back under the covers. “You'll feel better after a nice shower.” As she heard Gaby starting to run the water, Jules called out, “I'll do your hair when you get out!”
Jules was finishing her make-up as Gaby emerged from the ensuite bathroom. Dropping the towel that was wrapped around her, Gaby grabbed a bra and panty set out of her drawer. As she sat on her bed staring at her sister, Jules could only marvel at the ease with which Gaby put on her bra and make-up.
“Crikey ...'ow'd you do it so fast, Sis? ... I've been a girl all my life and it still takes me longer!” Jules asked with an envious smile on her face. Her only reply was a smile and a shrug of her sister's shoulder.
“C'mon ... let's get your hair sorted.”
As Jules removed the turban and started brushing out Gaby's hair, she saw the length of the extensions for the first time. While she was drying her sister's hair, Jules commented, “Ya know you're really gonna cause more than a few heads to perk up when you get to school.”
“Which ones?” Gaby flatly asked.
“GABY! ... You cheeky little ...!” Jules replied through howls of laughter.
With her hair and make-up done, Gaby playfully asked Jules, “I think it's about time for the new Gaby to declare herself ... what'dya think ... ‘La denim skirt' or ‘Le tight jeans' with the white poet's blouse?” She had laid out a denim mini-skirt and a pair of tight straight-legged jeans on her bed.
“Hmmmm ... tough call ... hmmmmm ... will Maddy see you?” Jules pondered.
“She will if she's at the lockers when we get there,” Gaby replied.
“Le tight jeans, definitely!” Jules firmly stated, quite pleased with her decision. “With your ‘pixie' boots!” Jules loved the way Gaby's soft-leather, mid-calf boots looked when worn on the outside of her jeans. She then added with a smile, “Shoulda picked up a pair when I had the chance.”
Gaby proceeded to get dressed, easing on some pantyhose before she attempted her jeans. After pulling on her blouse and putting a pair of studs in her ears, Jules loaned Gaby her cross necklace. Taking a final look at her sister, Jules pronounced the new Gaby ready to face her public and they started downstairs for her first real test – Debbie and Brit!
Before they exited their room, Gaby turned to her sister, wrapped her arms around her in a tight embrace and softly whispered in her ear, “Mum told me what your part was in all this ... an' I know what it must've felt like ... knowing mum was so close an' not being there. Somehow a simple thank you doesn't seem enough ... but it's all I have ... THANK YOU, Sis ... thank you!”
Gaby gave a final squeeze and a sisterly peck on the lips, before letting Jules go free.
“Ohmygod! ... GABEEEEEE! ... turn around ... c'mon ... let's see!” Britney squeeled when she caught sigh of Gaby and Jules entering the kitchen. “You're so ... like ... WOW! ... How ... when.... ho...” Brit started to fall over herself trying to learn about Gaby's transformation.
Debbie just stood with a plate of toast in her hand and stared at a blushing Gaby, in disbelief.
Since Mrs. Walters saw Gaby the pervious night when Erin brought her home she just stood back grinning at the reactions of her daughters.
“Geez, Gaby ... you're gonna need a couple of body guards ... looking like that!” Deb finally managed to comment.
Both Debbie and Brit secretly wondered if this could really be Drew Bond, BROTHER to Juliette Bond. When Jocelyn went out of the kitchen, Debby leaned over and whispered, “You shore yer a boy?”
“Maybe,” Gabs coyly replied in a soft voice.
“But why now? … Like … you're going home in a few days,” a confused Britney quietly asked.
“Let's just say … Gaby has something to ‘say' before she goes back ‘ome,” Gaby softly responded.
“What about Drew, huh?” Britney whispered.
“Jules an' me have thought about it,” a smug Gaby hissed.
With Jocelyn presiding over breakfast, Gaby summarized the weekend's events to those now gathered at the table. It came as no surprise that Brit and Debbie were more interested in the details of her make-over. Jules found it a bit hard to listen and appeared slightly upset when Gaby told about meeting her mum and dad, but she understood.
After quickly washing up their breakfast dishes, the four girls darted for the front door, pausing only long enough to grab their coats and for Gaby to slip her boots on. Saying their good-byes to Jocelyn, the four joined the few other kids waiting at the stop for their school bus.
With the exception of the bus driver's greetings and the odd ‘good morning' directed at Deb or Brit, the short ride was quiet.
As the bus unloaded it's cargo at the school, the four girls entered the building under the watchful eyes of Maddy and Em.
“Cor! ... Lookit Gabs!” Em excitedly exclaimed.
Maddy reluctantly followed Em as they threaded their way past the other students, to join Gaby at her locker. Memories of Chii Light at last year's Easter Disco at Warsop College and the Obicon weekend, intermixed with recent events to flood Maddy's mind as she saw Gaby's new look for the first time. It was then it hit her with a sickening feeling, Gaby wasn't hers anymore. With her new look, Maddy knew Gaby had just declared her independence.
Once she reached her locker, Gaby had to suppress the contempt for her two main antagonists as they approached. When she removed her coat and started to brush her hair, Em walked up beside her.
“Umm ... hi ... Gaby? ... Didn't see you at the dance,” Em timidly observed. Without saying a word Gabs stopped brushing her hair, picked up her books and slammed her locker closed before securing the lock. After throwing Em an icy glare, she turned on her heel and walked away at a steady pace.
“Wait! ... Gaby!” Em called out and both Maddy and her ran to join Gaby in the corridor. “What did I do? “ Em seemed genuinely puzzled. In a hushed tone, she added, “I thought we were mates … Drew.”
Gaby abruptly stopped walking and with a cold stare, turned to face Em.
“ Were ... we were mates! ... Rhod! ... If you really want to know what you and Maddy have done … both of you think real hard about how you've treated me these last few weeks! … I would've thought I explained things well enough at the cheer comp ... I do hope you feel our years of friendship was worth the few weeks of ‘jollies' you two had carrying out your schemes … because … that … was the price!” Gaby angrily hissed. She started off for her homeroom, leaving Em and Maddy standing in shock in the middle of the hall then abruptly turned and with a softer expression on her face, walked back to face Em.
“A last bit of friendly advice ... You want to be a girl more than anything … right? ... Then … unless you grow-up and lose the prissy … little-girl … bitch attitude ... you've shown here in Virginia … you'll never be pretty ... not where it counts, anyway … right now you're nothing more than a caricature of a girl ... cute maybe ... but still a caricature. Look … Em ... look's aren't everything ... Rhod has what Em needs … but fears because he has it … an' she's scared of him … please ... don't let her shut him out!“
Given Gaby's anger, Em had braced herself for a scathing verbal onslaught and didn't expect anything like this. She was even more taken aback when Gaby pulled her close with her free arm and then still holding her, tenderly kissed her on the lips.
As they parted, Gaby whispered into Em's ear, “Let Ally learn to love Em like she does Rhod ... don't turn her away … like Mad did to me ... it's not too late. Tell her how you feel...” In a normal voice, Gaby unemotionally suggested, “Better fix yourself before you go to homeroom!”
Once again, Gaby turned to go to her homeroom and proceeded down the crowded hall without so much as an acknowledgement of Maddy. She couldn't help but smile to herself, knowing full well she and Em were seen kissing in the crowded hallway. “Now maybe Em will learn a tiny bit of what it's like to be ‘outted' as a lesbian in this place … shame I didn't kiss Maddy…”
On the way to Miss Jackson's room, Gaby was aware of the lustful stares she was getting from some of the boys, many of whom had been quick to condemn her as a lesbian. She also took note of the girls. Some were indifferent, some stared with renewed suspicion while others, and there were a few, looked at her in the same way the boys did.
In the back of her mind was the hurt expression that was fixed to Maddy's face the entire time she stood there and looked at Gaby. As much as it pained her, Gaby knew she had to ignore the feeling. Maddy had to be shown that she could survive without her.
As she approached the classroom, Gaby noticed some of the same boys who had ‘threatened' her before the Valentine's Dance were gathered near the door. Holding her head up and taking a deep breath, she braced herself to continue to walk through the group and into the room rather than around them.
However, as she approached, they surprised her by respectfully parting to allow her unhindered passage into the classroom.
“Daaaaamn! ... If'en she's a lezzie … I wanna be a girl!” one of the boys quietly exclaimed to his friend as she passed by them. Overhearing the whispered comment, Gaby couldn't help but smile in triumph as she strode into the room and up to her desk.
As the final bell rang, Gaby sat at her desk aware of the stares and gossip of the kids as the remaining stragglers entered the classroom.
When the PA mounted on the wall over the chalkboard crackled to life, the class participated in the morning exercises by rising for the Pledge of Allegiance. While Gaby sat through the pledge, she reflected upon how the class first reacted to her, compared to their present attitude. Generally speaking, their behaviour towards her now that she'd had this make-over had changed, compared to how she was viewed last Thursday.
She was jolted out of her reflections by the words “Atlanta”, “Grottoes Express” and “race”, only to realise that Principal Roberts was taking a page from Mr. Woods and singling out her cycling exploits. It was a bit more palatable when Gaby realised that Aidan was being equally embarrassed. She also felt for him. At least she was somewhat used to it, even if she was more of a target for attention in this relatively small room. By comparison, Aidan was a newbie and his attempts to disappear into his desk only showed his uneasiness with all the attention.
Only the bell signalling the first class change saved both Aidan and Gaby from the inevitable questions that were etched on the faces of some of the kids and Miss J, alike. As they walked out of Miss J's classroom and made their way to Bunny's Health class, they could feel other kids looking at them as they passed in the hall.
“Gaby? ... Come here please?” Miss B asked as Gaby was walking past on her way to class.
“See you in Science Gabs,” Aidan mentioned as he continued to his first period class.
“Miss?” Gaby responded as she turned and approached Miss Bell.
“Maddy didn't tell me you got your hair done! ... You look lovely!” Jessica whispered.
“Thanks Miss … but ... Maddy didn't know until she saw me this morning,” Gaby quietly replied.
“Your hair wasn't that long last Thursday,” Jessica quietly pointed out.
“Ummm … extensions … Jules gave Mum the idea … an' Mum had it all planned for after the race!” Gaby admitted in a hushed voice.
“Your Mum was at the race?” Jessica inquired.
“An' Dad!” Gaby enthused.
“You're going to have to tell me all about it later... ok? ... Now run along before Bunny shuts the door.”
“Ok.”
“Before I begin, I'd like to personally congratulate Gaby on her finish in last weekend's Atlanta Winter Classic, as mentioned in the morning's announcements,” Bunny stated. Without missing a beat, she started into the planned lesson, “Now ... if you'll turn...”
When the bell rang to signify the second period class change, Aidan was again waiting in the hall, opposite the classroom door for Gaby to emerge from Bunny's class.
“Aidan ... you waited? ... Why?” a flattered Gaby asked.
“I wanted to? ... Is that ok?”
“Of course it is ... but you know...”
“I don't care what ya said last weekend ... I still think yer still the prettiest girl around these parts,” Aidan said with a new-found self-confidence. “Anything wrong with me enjoying the company of someone who's both beautiful an' a good friend?”
“Ummmm … I'm social poison?” Gaby ventured.
“Don't care,” Aidan playfully shot back.
“Well … since you put it that way ... how can I refuse?” a blushing Gaby cooed as she gave Aidan a quick peck on the cheek. This did not go un-noticed by Em and Maddy as they passed the two in the hall.
“Looks like Gaby's found herself a cute boyfriend,” Em naively observed.
“Em? ... Shut-up ... just ... shut ... up!” an exasperated Maddy admonished Em.
Science came and went all too quickly for Gaby. She was really getting into the experiment the class was conducting when the bell signifying the ten minute morning break rang.
The two teens quickly made it to their lockers to retrieve the books they'll need for their final two classes of the morning. Gaby reminded Aidan of the schedule change that Mr. Roberts mentioned in the morning announcements. After Aidan had his materials for his rescheduled wood shop class, he returned to Gaby's locker to walk her to her rescheduled Home Ec class.
Soon after Mrs. Pryce had closed the classroom door, she told the class their assignment was to write a report on how their dance ‘experience' was affected by what they wore and to turn it in at the end of class.
“Mrs. Pryce?”
“Yes, Gaby?”
“Ummmm ... I can't do this report ... I ... uh ... I didn't go ... an' neither did Brit,” Gaby timidly explained.
“You didn't go?” a sceptical Mrs. P echoed.
“No ma'am.”
“Anyone else not attend the Valentine's dance?” Mrs. Pryce asked the class in general. When she got no response, she continued her cross-examination of Gaby. “I thought Britney told me that you were both going … and that you were quite excited about it.”
“Things changed … an' we stayed home,” a now uncomfortable Gaby offered, aware of all the eyes on her.
“May I ask why you didn't attend?” Mrs. P pressed.
Brit was now staring at Gaby, unsure of where the questioning was leading or how Gaby would respond.
Gabs looked over at Brit and then turned back to Mrs. Pryce, “I can't say.” Sensing Mrs. P was about to get angry at her seemingly insolent answer, Gaby quickly added in a confident voice, “You'd have to talk to Miss Bell about that.”
Gaby's response quickly removed any desire Mrs. Pryce had to continue challenging the validity of her claim about not attending the dance. Brit thought it only natural for Mrs. Pryce to challenge Gaby as it was practically unheard of for a girl not to attend the annual Valentine's Day dance. Gaby saw it as another example of Mrs. Pryce coming down on her. Ever since she started in the Home Ec class and Mrs. Pryce found out she didn't know how to sew, Gaby felt this teacher ‘had it in' for her.
Finally, Mrs. Pryce relented and allowed the two to do some baking while the others finished their reports. Lunchtime, like the rest of the day, was uneventful. Despite an earlier request from Miss C, Gaby declined to attend a post-competition meeting called by Bunny, of the three cheer teams after final dismissal. With no cheer practice, Gaby even managed to catch the bus home with Jules and Debbie.
Monday evening at the Walters was subdued with both Jules and Gaby starting in on their packing while Brit and Deb kept them company.
“Why you packing tonight Gab?” Brit inquired.
“Miss C suggested that we pack a bit tonight and the rest tomorrow ... Wednesday will more than likely be a write-off for packing!” Gaby replied with a smile. “Besides, I'm having dinner at Erin's tomorrow and I don't know how much packing I'll get done ... so I'm doing most of it now.”
Throughout the evening, the four girls talked while the Bond sisters packed. Every piece of clothing that went into their suitcase's seemed to give reason for someone to re-live another memory of the visit. After the Walter's girls had retired to their own room for the night, Jules made an observation to Gaby.
“Noticed you didn't pack the dress you made... gonna wear it to Erin's tomorrow?”
“Nope ... not taking it! ...Just because I was forced to make it for Home Ec, doesn't mean it's mine ... I made it for Maddy ... only she's hardly gonna take it, now ... is she?” Gaby softly related.
“You nuts? ... It looks hot on you!” Jules snapped. “Besides … how will Mrs. W feel if she finds it after we leave? ... She paid for all the material an' spent a lot of time helping you!”
“Well … what else can I do? ... It doesn't exactly radiate warm an' fuzzy feelings about this trip,” Gaby whispered.
“I dunno ... how about taking it to DC ... an' ... an' if you still feel the same about it ... leave it at the hotel,” Jules suggested.
“Hmmm ...thas' a thought … ok ... I guess … turn out the light? ... G'nite Sis!” Gaby yawned as her head hit the pillow.
Tuesday was just another routine day at school. With no more field trips planned for these last couple of days in Grottoes, the days were spent in the classroom. After school, the girls had the luxury of being picked up by Mrs. W rather than suffer yet another ride in the school bus.
Following a shower, Gaby changed into her denim mini, mauve blouse, black tights and her dress pumps. After checking her make-up and throwing on her jacket, she made her way downstairs then after saying her good-byes and grabbing her bag with the borrowed cycling kit, made her way to the side of the house to retrieve Erin's GT. Even though she was walking to Erin's Cyclery, Gaby still arrived early.
“Hello? ... Erin?” Gaby called out as she entered the store through the back double doors.
“Oh … hi, Gaby … lean that up somewhere and c'mon in.” Gaby put down the bag and propped the bike against the wall and walked through to Erin's workshop. “Yer early!”
“Sorry … if you want I can come back?” Gaby innocently asked.
“Don't be silly … ya want a cof …(sigh) .. Don't mind me Gab, I'm having a blonde moment … one tea coming up,” Erin joked as she put the kettle on. “You take just one sugar … right?” Gaby nodded her answer as Erin looked back at her. “After we leave here I have to run home to change … then we'll go.”
“I though we're having dinner at your place,” Gaby mentioned.
“It's a special night,” Erin replied. “We've got reservations.”
“Hi Gaby!” Don called out as he emerged from a box of bike parts he was sorting. “Ya'll look purdy tonight!”
“Thanks,” Gaby replied as her face quickly assumed a deep shade of red.
Two hours later, Erin and Gaby pulled up to a large house over in Piedmont.
“Who lives here, Erin?” Gaby asked.
“Frank … We're having supper here … c'mon,” Erin flatly stated as she moved to get out of the truck.
As they started up the stone walkway, Gaby noticed that some lights in the house went off and the curtains in the front windows moved.
Ding Dong . Erin rang the doorbell as Gaby came up the porch steps. The door opened a little too quickly for Gaby, or so she thought.
“Hi Erin! … Gaby! … Glad you could make it! … Come on in!” Frank greeted them at the door.
As soon as Gaby entered the darkened house, the lights were immediately turned back on, followed by a loud chorus, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY GABY!”
A stunned Gaby stood there in silence, looking at the entire ‘Grottes Express' team. Even Hooch and his girlfriend, Manda, showed up.
“We did a little digging and found out your birthday's next week … but since you won't be around then … we thought we'd celebrate it while you're here,” Diane stepped forward and explained.
“Ummm … I don't know what to say,” Gaby managed before Erin handed her a much needed tissue.
Once Gabs got over the initial shock, the dinner party got into full swing with Frank's wife pulling out all the stops on a fried chicken dinner with all the extras! Conversation ranged in topics from cycling in general to Atlanta, Lance, the Express and anything else they could think of.
It reminded Gaby of the cycling club events back home. It doesn't matter about your age or anything else about you; everyone gets on with everyone talking about what they love to do. She never expected any presents but only thought she was having an ordinary dinner with Erin, so Gaby found it quite embarrassing to end up with quite a stack of gift boxes and cards. Instead of opening them right away, she informed everyone that she'd keep them until her actual birthday the following week.
“Gaby? … Jocelyn made me promise to get you home on time … this time,” Erin told her. When she got some questioning looks from Diane and Derek, she added with a smile, “My track record with Gaby hasn't exactly been great!”
“Aww. Okay... if we really have to,” Gaby replied.
“Unfortunately … we do!” Erin answered.
“Time we were off folks!” Erin announced to the party in general.
“Erin! … Don't forget,” Diane mentioned.
“Frank?”
Gaby found herself once again blushing in front of all her new friends.
“Gaby … I don't think its any secret that you've made a lot of friends in the time you've been here. You've entertained us … worried us … taught us and even inspired us. In Atlanta you amazed us and through it all you've remained the quiet English rose we've all come to love. We'll miss you Gaby.”
Pausing briefly to gather himself, Frank continued in a solemn voice, “You have great things ahead of you … but all of us here … hope … that you'll remember us and maybe someday come back for a visit.”
It was obvious to all just how affected Gaby was by Frank's little speech. She wasn't crying, but she was very close.
“Just to remind you of us … this is from everyone.” Frank then handed Gaby a package.
“Thank you … I … Ummm ( sniff ),” Gaby caught herself before she completely burst into tears.
“Come here, Gabs.” Erin's hug soon evolved into a series of tearful hugs with all her new friends.
Back at the Walter's, Gaby said her last farewell to Erin and then slowly took her presents upstairs. She was soon joined by Jules and the two Walter's girls, anxious to learn about her evening.
The next morning was like any other school-day morning at the Walters household with the exception that Mrs. Walters decided to drive the girls to school.
As Gaby entered her homeroom for the last time, Miss J called her aside.
“Gaby? ... Please come here?”
“Yes, Miss?” Gaby questioned as she arrived at Miss J's desk.
“Two things ... I want to apologize for not being able to prevent these kids from treating you like they did. Believe me … that's not how the majority of Americans are!” Miss J quietly imparted.
“That's ok Miss ... you couldn't very well tell the other kids to like me ... now ... could you?” Gaby solemnly replied.
“No … I couldn't … but I wish I could've ... maybe if I did … some might've gotten to know the sweet girl I have standing in front of me … instead of showing the contempt they did because of a label.” She continued with a request.
“The other thing might be a bit harder … but I have to ask ... I refuse to just spring it on you.” After she was sure she had Gaby's attention, Cathy finally asked her.
“The class schedules have been modified today to allow the grades that hosted exchange students to remain in homeroom for first period. The reason for this is to allow those that participated in the exchange program to informally share their experiences ... maybe even answer some final questions and say good-bye to their classmates.”
Before Miss J could ask, Gaby responded with a flat ‘no'.
“I'm not going to lie … so I'm not going to say anything ... the few good memories and friends I've left are all outside the school ... they at least accepted me for me!” Gaby felt herself near tears as she emotionally replied to her teacher's unasked question.
“I know, honey ... but ... I really believe you have something to say ... and I think it needs to be said! ... Won't you reconsider?” Miss J pleaded.
“Can I think about it?” a composed Gaby asked.
“Of course you can, dear ... I'm not going to force you to do it,” Miss J softly agreed.
“I won't lie,” Gaby reiterated.
“I won't stop you from saying what you feel ... either ... I just think they should hear what they've done,” Miss J. whispered.
After the Valentine's dance, Jessica had a long talk with Cathy and gave her an edited accounting of everything she knew that Gaby had endured since arriving. Miss Bell's intent was to ask Gaby's teachers about what they had observed during the visit, all the while keeping Gaby's confidentiality. Jess was most interested in learning how the other kids had interacted with Gaby.
As a result of that talk, Miss Jackson was sympathetic to Gaby's situation and she had a fair idea of what to expect should Gaby let her emotions run free.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance and the morning announcements over the PA, Miss Jackson made her own announcement as several of her students started gathering up their books in preparation to go to their first class.
“Well … we can see who wasn't paying attention to the announcements,” she stated with a smile. “To reiterate ... first period for those grades that had students that participating in the exchange program, will be spent in homeroom … during which time those students that participated in the exchange program will have an opportunity to share their experiences with us and if time permits … we'll open it to a Q and A session so you may all have the opportunity to ask questions and maybe learn something you didn't already know ... so … here we stay!”
Cathy looked at Britney and Gaby, apparently deciding who would go first. Of course, she had decided long before ‘opening exercises'.
“Britney? ... Why don't you start us off? ... After all … you visited England first! … C'mon up front where we can all hear you ... sit at my desk if you feel more comfortable.” Miss J and Brit exchanged seats as Brit began her account of her British visit with Gaby and the ‘gang'. She was extremely proud of how Mr. Bond had included her and Deb on many outings around the countryside.
The big highlight of her Warsop visit went to her trip to visit Jenny in Germany at the big bike show in Friedrichshafen , with Gaby and her Gran. She was the only American student in the exchange program to venture from Britain's shores. Not only did she travel to Germany, but she had to go through Switzerland then back into Germany! Britney also made sure to mention the cycling show's fashion show, much to Gaby's embarrassment.
She also mentioned Gaby's cycling interest and the few time trials and races she attended with her host. Of course, her edited version of the visit omitted all the times she and her sister had ‘encouraged' Gaby to appear. In all of Britney's talk, she only referred only to Gaby, never Drew.
When she finished, several hands went up for questions but Miss J politely asked them to wait until after Gaby finished, then thanked Brit. As Britney returned to her seat, Miss Jackson walked over towards Gaby. Standing beside Gaby's desk, Miss J looked at her with pleading eyes.
“Gaby? ... Yes? ... No?” Miss J quietly asked.
“I guess it's ‘yes', Miss,” Gaby unenthusiastically replied.
“Gaby ... You don't have to do it and if you agree to do it … I meant what I said earlier ... I won't stop you,” Cathy whispered in Gaby's ear as she went to take her place at Gaby's desk.
“I said I would…” Gab quietly replied as she rose from her seat. As Gaby slowly arrived at Miss J's desk and turned to speak, Cathy motioned for Gaby to wait.
“I think we should all listen very carefully to Gaby ... you just might learn something!” and with that she gave the floor to Gaby.
As Gaby was about to start, whispers and snide comments could be heard amongst a few members of the class prompting Miss J to spring to her feet and casting a steely gaze over the entire class, she soon silenced the dissenters.
“You will all give Gaby the respect she deserves and NOT ... what some of you apparently think she deserves ... is that clear? ... Anyone have a problem comprehending my instructions? ... No? ... Good! ... Sorry for the interruption, Gaby ... please … carry on.” Miss J laid down the rules to her class in a calm but firm voice that conveyed displeasure with the class's attitude as a whole.
Gaby leaned against the edge of Miss J's desk and calmly began, “When Miss Jackson told me what to expect this morning … I told her that if she had me get up an' talk … I wasn't going to lie ... and I'm not.” Gabs paused to collect herself for the rant she knew she was about to unleash. At the same time, she surveyed the mixed expressions of her captive audience.
“Out in the real world … the phrase “Ugly American” is not just the title of an old Hollywood movie ... it describes how many non-Americans see Americans ... loud … obnoxious … demanding … pushy and arrogant! ... All one has to do is go to any European town and it's very easy to pick out the American tourists by how they act. The simple reality is that the world doesn't always share your over-inflated opinions of yourselves. Many also see America as a place full of prejudice and bigotry ... Maybe Hollywood should share a part of the blame for that, I dunno. ... but I do admit ... I shared in those views ... quite a lot of what I did know of America an' Americans ... came from movies an' the telly ... but … that was before Britney and the others came over. ( sigh ) ... In the few weeks we all spent together … many of those beliefs were broken down … and when it came time for us to come over here ... I came here with an open mind … ready to prove my old ideas wrong ... I ... really ... hoped ... they were...”
Gaby shuffled her weight on the edge of the desk, then continued, “Problem was ... it wasn't too long after I got here that you not only confirmed all I had believed about Americans … but strengthened those beliefs. You never gave me a chance to get to know you ... or you to know me ... instead you were quick in turning your noses up at me … all because someone made some assumptions about me before I even got here. Based on those assumptions … a few of you thought I wasn't worth getting to know and the rest of you ... ( sigh ) ... the rest of you ... or at least … many of you ... felt that you had to go along with whatever the few thought ... anything to be accepted by the upper circle, eh?”
The emotion in Gaby's voice started to rise as she got further into her talk.
“That I could live with ... I'd made my own friends ... friends outside of AHS who accepted me for me! ... But … the real damage was that you destroyed several long-time friendships and relationships when … in order for my friends to be accepted … ( sigh ) you forced them to think of me in the same way you did!” Gaby felt as if the dam was about to break.
“WHY COULDN'T YOU JUST ACCEPT THEM AS THEMSELVES? … WHY DID THEY HAVE TO BE AS BIGOTED AS YOU?!!! ... Why?”
Gaby couldn't hold back any longer. Her voice was that of an extremely hurt girl, a mixture of shouting and pleading while all the time trying very hard not to give the class the satisfaction of seeing her break down in tears. After a short pause to compose herself, Gaby tried to continue in a somewhat calmer voice.
“Those American kids who came to Warsop were perfectly fine with me and my friends … but here … they also had to conform to your bigoted standards! ... Now those friendships are among those that have been ruined and may be lost forever!”
In a voice dripping with sarcasm, Gaby added as a final thought, “America ... Land of the Free ... not bloody likely!”
As Gaby finished, she bolted from the classroom and the tears she held back flowed freely once she was out into the hall. Exiting the classroom, she quickly took refuge in the nearby girl's washroom.
Back in the classroom, Miss Jackson was trying to restore a bit of order to the class. Many of the kids were stunned that Gaby would dare to speak about them in that fashion, still others agreed with her and a few others were ready to hunt her down for even daring to think of criticizing them or America.
In the confusion, Aidan and Britney told Miss J their intentions and then quickly ran out after Gaby. After a few minutes, it was Aidan who located Gaby and told Britney. Britney went in and seeing Gaby was the only other person in there, came out and tried to persuade Aidan to go in while she stood at the door.
“She's my friend too ... but we're not exactly on good terms right now ... I'll stand guard ... you go in an' talk to her ... please? Brit pleaded. Aidan reluctantly agreed to venture into the forbidden room.
“Gaby? ... Please don't cry ... you only said what you felt an' no one with an IQ higher than room temperature could blame you for that,” Aidan softly affirmed as he approached Gaby.
With her impeccable timing, they both heard Brit's voice, “You're assuming these kids even have an IQ.”
“I could say something,” Gaby angrily mumbled in hushed tones. As close as he was, Aidan barely heard Gaby's response and looked at her, surprised at her comment.
“I thought she was your friend?” he whispered.
Gabs turned and glared at him and despite themselves, both kids started giggling.
“Crikey ... look at me! I look a right mess,” Gaby exclaimed in a voice that was a somewhere between crying and laughing, as she stood and saw herself in a mirror.
“I still think you're beautiful,” Aidan quipped.
“Iszat supposed to make me feel better?” Gaby laughingly replied as she wiped the tears from her cheeks.
“Do you?” Aidan asked.
“Do I what?” Gabs replied between sniffles.
“Feel better.”
( sniff )” Yeah ... I guess ... kinda,” Gaby acknowledged. “Fer a shy kid ... you certainly know how to cheer a girl up ... you always follow a girl into the loo to chat her up?”
Hearing traces of what she thought was laughter, Britney called in, “You ok, Gabs?”
“Nothing a little make-up won't fix!” Aidan called back while Gaby was busy wiping off the tears.
“I'll get your purse ... Aidan?” Britney replied, then briefly stopped short as she realised she answered Aidan. A moment later she ran back to the classroom, leaving him alone in the girl's washroom with Gaby. Her departure was followed by a fresh outbreak of the giggles.
“I ... I'll ... be outside,” an embarrassed Aidan quickly announced once he realised Britney had left.
Britney entered a silent classroom with Miss J sitting and facing a class full of statues. Seeing one of the boys start to whisper to another as Britney entered, Cathy snapped, “Greg! ... Sit up! ... Face the front! ... No talking!”
As Brit was leaving the classroom with Gaby's purse, Miss J turned her attention on her. Fearing she was next to feel her teacher's wrath, Britney sheepishly lifted the purse, only to be met with a smile and an understanding nod.
A few minutes later, Britney, Gaby and Aidan re-entered the classroom and returned to their seats. Gaby had regained her composure and looked none the worse for wear. Once they silently took their seats, Miss J, still seated at her desk, slowly started to speak in a quiet but calm and deliberate voice. Her disappointment and disapproval was unmistakeable even to the most un-attentive student.
“For the last five weeks ... I could ... only ... observe ... the treatment given by this class … to a guest of this country ... and what I saw ... disgusted me ... to no end!”
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Gaby's Address ... upon reflection .... By Karen J. Taylor
At several times during the writing of this chapter, and especially the speech given by Gaby at the end, PB consulted with me about the accuracy of Gaby's comments. He was concerned that these comments did not accurately portray the way Americans are regarded by the citizens of other countries and unfairly criticized the United States.
I want to say that, based on my own experiences as an American living, working and traveling in Western and Northern Europe as well as the United Kingdom, Gaby's comments accurately reflect the prevailing attitude of many of the people in those areas of the world. Like it or not, most non-Americans have a low opinion of my country and its citizens; an opinion that is sometimes deserved, and sometimes isn't.
It has also been my experience that when meeting these people one on one, we had no problems getting along with each other; and I made many friends while living there. It's the abstract “bogeyman” American, as represented by too many of my fellow citizens, which has earned their contempt.
As the saying goes: “You get what you brought.” You are more likely to get respect if you give respect.
As for Gaby's treatment in the mythical American high school she visited, I experienced much the same thing when I returned to the U.S. after living in Europe for several years. I was different; I was not a member of any of the cliques, or ‘in' groups, so I was shunned or worse. I imagine many of us have similar tales from high school.
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(to be continued)
PB 22.06.08 revised 09.07.08 © 2008
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