Jules told him it was a bad dream, witches were remnants from fairy tales. She had to be right, he was being silly and neurotic. How could some stupid old woman affect a young, healthy male? It didn't bear thinking about, no it was rubbish, rot, hogwash, balderdash, bollocks - it had to be. So why was he still letting it rattle around his brain? Easy, he couldn't stop it, it seemed to have it's own motion system and he was powerless to stop it.

He heard movement and finding his watch, saw it was eight o clock. His stomach rumbled and he decided to get up and feed it. Jules was still asleep, so he crept out of the bedroom door and slipped down the stairs. Dave was in the kitchen, filling the kettle.

“Hello kiddo, I'll soon get a brew going. You alright?” He said, looking at Drew's face.

“Yeah, a bit tired, that's all. Didn't sleep too well.” Drew yawned as he spoke.

“Watch it, you nearly swallowed me then.” Joked Dave. “Would you like to do some toast?” he asked Drew. Drew nodded, yawned again, and reached for the bread, putting four slices in the large toaster.

“Jules told me you had a chat about me, last night.” Said Drew, looking his father in the eye.

“Did we?” Dave looked rather shifty, and refused to meet Drew's gaze, “I can't remember.”

“Yes you did, she said you discussed our argument last night.”

“Oh yes, now you remind me, we did.” Dave smiled, thankful for the straw to clutch which Drew had thrown him. However, Drew was about to take it back.

“She also said, you were worried about me.”

“Did she?” Dave was back on the ropes. “Oh look the kettle's boiling, let's make a brew and talk while we drink it.” He bustled about with teabags and teapots, mugs and milk. “If that toast is done, shall we have some with our tea?” The toaster popped up the charred bread, and if he wasn't saved by the bell, then he was by the dinger on the toaster.

Drew buttered the toast, and spread some strawberry jam on his, Dave opted for marmalade. They sat and ate their toast, sipping tea occasionally. “You were saying?”

“Was I?” said Dave once more looking embarrassed. “ Remind me.”

“Daddy, you sound like an old man with Alzheimers.” Said Drew, feeling irritated by the evasion of his father.

“You haven't called me ‘daddy', since you were about seven. It's always been ‘dad', since then.” Said Dave, looking beyond Drew, at the wall behind.

“I'm sorry, don't you like it?” He tried desperately to engage his father's eyes.

“It's okay, it's what Juliette sometimes calls me, especially when she wants something. Girls often do apparently. Are you after something?”

“No, only what you were telling me.” Drew lied, he wanted to go out on his bike, he wanted to be hugged by his father, he wanted to be a boy again and fight these terrifying things in his head. He wanted his mother to come home from Germany and stay home. Oh yes, he wanted things allright.

“I told her I was worried for you, especially out on your own on a bike, until they catch that maniac. Then you can go back to your usual routine for training. That's what we talked about.”

“Oh.” Said Drew, not believing a word of it, his dad was holding back on him. This thought hit him quite hard, because a month ago he wouldn't have known that. Was it something he'd learned from normal development, or had he acquired it via his alter ego? “Bugger!” thought Drew, “Why can't any of this be straightforward, it's all so complicated.”

They finished their breakfast in silence, then as Dave collected up his dirty dishes and put them on the side, Drew jumped up and hugged his father. “I love you daddy.” He said.

Dave turned within the embrace, and wrapped his arms around his son. “I love you too sweetheart,” the lump which formed in his throat prevented further conversation and they stood holding each other. It was a timeless moment, which may have lasted seconds or hours for Dave, holding his younger child close to his body, both arms surrounding this precious object. He could smell the perfumes of various creams and lotions, it was a very feminine smell. He had hoped for just a tiny hint of his son, quite what that would have been, he didn't know. Perhaps fresh sweat, or simply an absence of perfumes, just plain, ordinary shampoo or soap. It wasn't there, only the girlish smells of the perfumes. Feeling he had lost his son, he sniffed back the tears and tried to embrace wholeheartedly this new daughter. It was going to be tough, but he'd do his best.

“You alright daddy?” asked Drew, concerned at both the sniffing he could hear, but also the lack of any words being spoken. At the same time he felt so safe and secure. He could smell his father, a scent he'd learned very young and he liked it. It reminded him of a big, strong protector. Part of him riled at this, it was too girly and besides he was going to catch the loony himself, whilst part of him loved it. His father felt warm and comfortable, like an old quilt.

“Yes, I'm just fine.” Answered Dave eventually, and his voice was firm and strong. He broke the embrace, held Drew at arms length, looked him in the eye, and said, “I feel just fine young lady, just fine.”

“Oh good.” Said Drew who then reengaged the hug resting his head on his father's chest. “I'm glad.” He purred a moment later.

“Is this a private hug or can anyone join in?” Called a voice from the edge of the kitchen.

“Only fathers and daughters.” Said Dave.

“Oh, that's alright then.” Answered Jules and immediately turned it into a group hug.

After breakfast Jenny spoke to Dave. “You seem in a better mood today.”

“Yeah, I'm okay.” He said back. He gave no indication as to why, and as he didn't volunteer it, she didn't ask.

“I thought I'd take Gaby out for a ride, today.” Said Jenny, “I suspect we could both do with a work out.”

“If you think it's a good idea.” Said Dave, trying to stay neutral, although he knew she knew, he didn't like it.

“We'll look after each other. I thought we could end at the bike shop and you could pick us up, I'll give the bike back, so this will be a one off.”

“Yeah, why not? What about Maddy, didn't she borrow a bike too?” asked Dave, back to his usual capable self. He did feel better.

“Could you bring it down on the bike rack?”

“I suppose so, she isn't going with you then?”

“I don't think she'd be able to stay with us, I want a good work out and Gaby will be pushed to stay with me.”

“Just make sure you keep an eye on her. You know what I mean.”

“I'll take my mobile, and she can take hers. That good enough?”

“It feels a bit safer. I know you think I'm being neurotic, but…..”

“I agree with you, but we are athletes Dave and we are both stir crazy, not being able to train.”

“You might be, I'm not so sure about Gaby.” Said Dave challenging perhaps what he might have thought was a bit of selfishness from Jenny.

“Go and ask her then.” Said Jenny.

“If you've already said you're going out, then she's bound to agree. She loves riding with you.”

“I haven't said anything yet. Go and ask her what she'd like to do.”

Dave decided to call her bluff, if necessary, Jenny would have to train on her own. He found Drew being ‘combed out' by Maddy. “Right kiddo, what would you like to do?”

“Let's go shopping.” Said Maddy, playing with the curls she'd produced in Drew's longish hair.

“Dunno.” Said Drew, looking at his dad, he was wearing a tee shirt and short blue denim skirt. His made up eyes sparkled at his dad. “What would you like to do?”

“I'm asking you. You have two seconds to tell me what you'd really like to do.” Said Dave, looking at his watch.

“You know what I'd like to do, but it isn't possible.”

“What's that?” asked Dave.

“Go for a ride with mum.”

“Go on then.” Smiled Dave.

“See I told y….what? I can go.” Drew jumped up, much to Maddy's annoyance, her comb stuck in his hair. He rushed to his father and hugged him, “Thanks daddy, that's wonderful.”

“Don't thank me, thank your mother, she twisted my arms until I agreed.”

“This is ace.” Said Drew, Maddy stood and pouted.

“Just one thing, anything looks slightly suspicious, you call for help. Agreed?”

“Agreed. This is just so ace.” Called Drew as he rushed up to change.

“This yours?” asked Dave, holding up the comb to Maddy.

“What's wrong with shopping?” grumbled Maddy as she recovered the offered comb.

“Nothing, but for some people it doesn't compare with riding a bicycle.” Said Dave smiling. He felt too anxious to really feel like smiling, but he was putting a brave face on things, like men do. His son might not be destined to achieve manhood, but that needn't stop him from setting an example.

Jenny and Drew appeared wearing matching cycle kit, advertising the Team Specialized logo of a stylised S in the shape of a lightning flash. Dave felt a sense of pride well up inside him, here were two champions and he loved them both, and he knew they loved him too. “Got your phones?” he asked. They both answered in the affirmative, and displayed them for him. “Good. Any sign of anything suspicious, get help. Okay?”

“Yes.” Said Jenny, winking at him. She kissed him, “We'll be fine, see you in two hours at the shop.” Dave nodded.

“I'll look after her.” Said Drew, “So she'll be fine.” Then he embraced his father and kissed him too.

“I'll hold you to that young lady.” Said Dave, smiling broadly. “Just be extra careful.”

“Yes daddy.” Said Drew, making Jenny stop and look first at Drew and then at Dave. She opened her eyes widely at Dave, who understanding what she was silently saying, shrugged his shoulders.

They went to the garage and checked out the bikes. Everything seemed in good order, then they began their stretching exercises, touching toes, lifting legs, twisting and bending backs and limbs. Drew sat on the floor and pushed his legs together, then parted them by quite a distance.

Jenny who was watching him said, “You can abduct your legs that far without it hurting?”

“Yeah, since the cheerleading started, I can do the splits too. Wanna see?”

“No, I'll take your word for it. You're exceptionally supple for a…… , you're exceptionally supple.” Stuttered Jenny.

“For a boy, is that what you were going to say?” Said Drew, looking at his mother.

“Yes, yes it was.” She blushed red enough for him to see it shining through her tanned face. “Will you forgive me?” She continued to look mainly at the floor, shooting him little glances.

“What's to forgive?” He said nonchalantly, “I am a boy. Shall we get going?” He pushed his bike out of the garage and mounted in the drive. As his mother came out, he checked his drink bottle was properly in its cage.

Dave watched them set off, Jules was with him. “They'll be okay dad.”

“I know love, but I worry all the same. I do when they're racing, with those clipless pedals they don't have time to get their feet off in an emergency. I've seen some awful falls.”

“Surely they practice releasing them, don't they. I've seen Drew going up and down the road putting his foot on the pedal and taking it off.” Said Jules looking puzzled.

“It's okay when you are anticipating releasing your foot, but if something happens you didn't foresee, you don't have time. You must have seen them going down like dominoes in bike races.”

“I thought that was ‘cos they were going too fast.”

“I believe speed is part of the object of the race, but it takes a moment to unclip your shoe and at speeds of twenty five and above, sometimes less in the peloton, you don't have time or space. Then crash, down you go. Why do you think Gaby has so many scrapes.”

“I always thought it was being too careless, you know what boys are lik……….. Oh!” She paused. “Is it going to be Gaby from now on? I thought this was a temporary thing, while the police were prowling about?”

“I don't know my sweetheart, that I suppose is up to Drew or Gaby and the gods.”

“Don't you and mum get a say in it then?” Jules gave a questioning look to her dad, and felt him put his arm around her and squeeze her against him.

“A bit, but only to say we accept or don't accept what Drew may or may not want to do.”

“Is there a problem with that, I mean, you like, always seem to accept Gaby when she puts in an appearance? Even when it's a surprise. I've never known anyone forget their trousers as often as he does, do you think it's because he prefers to wear skirts, so he sort of engineers it?”

“I don't know lass. But whatever happens, he or she is my son or daughter, and your brother or sister, and we have to take care of them, don't we?”

“Of course we do.” Said Jules, slipping her arm around his waist and squeezing. He reciprocated by squeezing her shoulder.

Meanwhile our peripatetic duo were slipping along the road towards Dorchester. To their pleasant surprise, the roads were comparatively quiet and some conversation was possible.

“Mum, have you ever knocked anyone down on a bike?”

Jenny felt a cold sensation in her stomach, “Why, you haven't have you?”

“No, but you've been doing it longer than me.”

A sense of relief surged through her body. “I hit a marshal at a race once, we both went flying. Thankfully, no one was really hurt.”

“What about when you were training?”

“Don't remember anyone, why?”

“Did you train when you were pregnant, with me?”

“You know I did. We often joked about it, that's why you're so keen. Where is all this leading?” She had no idea what Drew was on about.

“Nothing.” Said Drew. Jenny wasn't so sure and she wanted an answer, so she pulled into a roadside layby.

“Right Gaby, you are going to tell me what all this is about.” She was staring straight into Drew's eyes. “Well?”

“It's nothing.” He stared down at the road surface.

“There is something Gaby Bond, and I want to know, so please give.”

“It's stupid.” Said Drew, a tear now forming in his eye.

“Can I be the judge of that?” Said Jenny, mollifying her tone.

“I had a nasty dream, that's all.” He blushed as he spoke.

“What about? What happened in this dream?” She lay her hand on his shoulder.

“I can't remember it all, but you were cycling when you were pregnant and nearly knocked an old lady down, she asked for money and you said you didn't have any, and she cursed you.”

“What do you mean, cursed me?” Jenny, had dismounted her bike and was holding Drew with both arms, he dismounted too.

“It was a dream, I can't remember.” He looked away, avoiding her gaze.

“Gaby Bond, I think you do remember, please tell me, or was it that awful?”

Drew was now crying, and had taken off his helmet and sunglasses and was hugging his mother. “She said you'd never have any boy children, and you said she was wrong because you knew you were carrying a boy. They had done a scan or something.”

Jenny felt herself go cold. She had a flashback and it was exactly as Drew had described, except she hadn't heard the last bit. She hadn't heard what the curse was. The old woman looked horrible, so she hadn't waited. She had no money, so she legged it. She remembered the old biddy shouting something at her, but until now she hadn't known. Were curses real?

“I think she was a witch,” sobbed Drew, “and she's put a bad spell on me.” He continued to sob.

“Hey there, you're not frightened of a dream are you? This is the girl who raced on despite someone knocking her into some lake…”

“Radipole, “said Drew, sobbing.

“…..and went out on a bike a few days later knowing it might be dangerous. Who was nearly killed by the same lunatic, but who still gets on a bike and trains, refusing to be cowed by this monster. And this girl is frightened by a dream?”

“It was a horrible dream.” Said Drew defensively, “and it might be why I am….”

“It was just a dream, Gaby. It never happened, and I'm no psychologist so I can't even begin to explain why you had it, but it's gone now, it can't hurt you, can it?”

“No.” said Drew shaking his head, “But it felt so real.”

“That's the nature of dreams, my lamb. Now dry your eyes, here.” She gave him a tissue, “and let's have a good ride. Think you can stay with me?” She issued a challenge hoping it would boost his spirits.

“No, but I'll try.” With that, they set off again, this time at speed. Jenny stayed within herself, she didn't want to lose him or demoralise him, and she was getting enough of a work out. Actually, she was pleasantly surprised, he pushed her harder than she expected, this was quite an improvement. She wasn't riding her own bike, but the one she had was acceptable, and she worked up a reasonable sweat.

She had planned a route from the atlas, and they went around Dorchester, to the north, climbing up onto the downs, then round and back through the back lanes past Cattistock, and down to Maiden Newton, then up through some tiny villages to the west of Dorchester, crossing the main east west road, the A35, near Winterbourne Abbas and up over Portesham hill. From here, Drew knew where he was. This gave him extra confidence, and at one point he led his mother by several seconds. She upped her game and caught him.

“Right kiddo,” she puffed at him, “how about we work together now? I'll show you what to do.” She pulled past him, “I'll lead for a couple of minutes, then when I move my right arm, so.” She demonstrated a small shake of her arm, “You come through and set the pace. Okay.”

“This is what you do when you're racing isn't it?” Said Drew.

“Yes, I haven't shown you before, because you don't usually race in teams.”

“Kewel,” said the wunderkind, let's give it a go.” Jenny led for a few more minutes, then gave the signal and he came through. They did this alternating until they approached Chickerell, and the traffic began to make it too dangerous. However, Drew had learned something new, and so had Jenny, but only one felt positive about this new information.

They arrived at Matt's shop, and he was outside with Tim, who took pictures of them riding up. Drew was at this point leading, and poked his tongue out when he saw the camera.

“Matt Davis, if you show any pictures which imply I race for Specialized, it will result in my lawyers speaking to yours, is that clear?” said Jenny, feeling a bit annoyed.

“Of course dear lady, these were for Karen.”

“Who's Karen?” asked Jenny, looking mystified.

“The bike's owner.” He smiled.

“That's different,” she relaxed, “please thank her for me, it's a nice bike.” She said, sighing with relief.

“How'd it go?” asked Matt.

“What the bike? Yeah, it went okay, the gears need a bit of adjustment, they're bit slack down hill.”

“Fine, you got that Tim?”

“Yeah, I'll check it out after lunch, won't take a moment.” He took the bike from her.

“And what about this young lady?” said Matt, putting his hand on Drew's shoulder, “a future champion, or what?”

Drew blushed. He felt very self conscious being praised in front of his mother. “In the near future, I'd say, especially the way she pushed me the whole way here.” Jenny was exaggerating, but then as his mum, that was allowed.

“Have you thought anything more about the contract?” asked Matt, still holding onto Drew's shoulder. Drew looked at his mother, his eyes asking for her to deal with the question.

“With all this kerfuffle over that boy's death, and the police investigation, we haven't had much chance to discuss it. I also need to speak to the school. Don't worry, we'll get back to you as soon as we've decided, won't we Gabs?”

“Yeah, course.” Said Drew, feeling the greatest relief since Mafeking.

“Oh Dave phoned, he couldn't start the car, so he's coming in Carol's. He had to switch the rack over, or something.” With that, Carol's Honda drew into sight, and the horn tooted. Drew waved, and Dave parked the car outside the shop.

“Sorry about that, the Passat was dead as a dodo.” He apologised, and lifted up Drew's bike, carefully placing it on the bike rack. “Good ride?”

“Great!” said Drew, beaming a smile which was in danger of blinding his father.

“Good. No incidents, then?”

“No, why?” asked Jenny, “We didn't really think there would be.”

“Okay, okay.” Said Dave, “See you Matt, Tim.” He waved and got back in the car.

Drew had taken off his helmet and glasses. Matt hugged him and gave him a peck on the cheek, “Just in case we don't see you for a while.” Drew pecked him back on the cheek, then went over to Tim and repeated the process. Jenny shook them both by the hand, then pecked each of them on the cheek. “Good luck, with the racing. Come on the Brits!” said Matt, smiling at her. She raised her hand in salute and waved, then she and Gaby got into the car, and Dave drove off, tooting as he went.

“So do we need a new battery?” asked Jenny as they drove.

“No, I got a new one about a month ago.” Said Dave, paying more than his usual attentiveness to the road and other traffic.

“What happened then?” asked Jenny, her knowledge of car mechanics being limited.

“Some bas……nice person cut the brakes! That's what.” Said Dave through gritted teeth. He glanced in the mirror, Drew had nodded off to sleep in the back of the car. “ That kid,” he thought, “ could sleep on a clothes line.”

“Did you call the police?” asked Jenny, almost whispering, she had also noticed the sleeping passenger on the back seat.

“Yep. Some copper's coming over later.”

“Oh great, just what we need.” She sighed, “How did you spot it?”

“I saw the fluid on the drive, at first I thought it was where we'd washed the cars, but then I tried the brakes and there was no pressure there. I got under the car and you can see the severed pipes, both front wheels.”

“Our little friend then?” suggested Jenny, implying Meadows.

“Probably. Thankfully, he's a halfwit, and he overdid it. If he'd put a small hole in one of them, I might not have noticed until we were half way up the motorway, and then we'd have been in trouble.”

“My God, yes!” Jenny imagined a crash at speed, and felt sick. “Thank God you spotted it.”

“My feelings exactly. Now was this a cock up, or is he much cleverer than we thought?” Said Dave, exploring the options.

“What do you mean?” asked Jenny, still reeling from the crash scenario.

“Well, if you wanted to upset someone, keep them on edge, then what do you do?”

“Show them you are still about and can do things whenever you want.” Said Jenny, feeling even sicker. “Maybe I should take the girls back to Germany with me.”

“Let's get home and see what the police have to say about it.” Said Dave, still watching other traffic suspiciously, thinking, “If he takes this car out of commission as well, we are stuffed.”

Angharad ap Gwilym 05.04.06 © 2006
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