11

I won't bore you with the whole journey suffice to say what should have been a three or three and a half hour journey stretched to nearly five.

We went cross country to Newark and hit the first of the jam's trying to get on the A46 then on south to meet the M6, That was SCARY .The M5 not much better. The M50 was Bliss, Dad called it the best kept secret of the motorway network. After three hours we were all getting edgy.

I had the headphones on listening the Alex Parks and Annie Lennox, I caught sight of Auntie Carol's reflection in the window, I looked up and saw her and Maddy grinning.

"What?"

"You were singing." Laughed Maddy.

"Don't worry, at least you were in tune." Said Carol

The Black Mountains appeared in the distance, at least that's what Dad called them.

We stopped at a Little Chuff near Hereford.

At last the sign said Welcome to Wales. Croeso y Cymru which cheered us up no end. I was amazed at the road signs, with the Welsh names over the English, sometimes the name was just a slight change in spelling other times it looked like gibberish. Dad told us it was a very phonetic language the trouble was the alphabet is different and the sounds didn't seem to connect. Croeso y Cymru comes out as "Kroyso I Gumri"

The Border!

It took another half-hour to reach the M4 and we swung west.

"What's Maes Awur Dad?"

Air port I think judging by the little picture of an aeroplane at the side." Which I hadn't noticed.

"That's Cardiff Wales Airport, we'll pass that Saturday on the way to Saints."

"Saints what's that?" Maddy joined in the game

"That's local speak for R.A.F.St. Athan. If you live in the village you call it Tathan, I was stationed there six months before I met Carol" added Mr. P.

"Here's our turn" said Dad as we saw a sign for Caerphilly / Risca and Tredegar House.

"Not a castle Dave we haven't reached the Hotel yet" moaned Carol.

"Umm. Let's see there's Caerphilly Castle or the Roman Settlement at Risca or a Stately Home, only joking, I was told if we hit the A48 at the right time we'd find the Ajax club to get directions to the hotel."

We swung of the motorway onto dual carriageway. The difference was amazing after the noise of the motorway. Sure enough as we approached a roundabout the first cyclists came into view.

Dad slowed right down put on the hazards and waited as the two cyclists creamed the roundabout and hared off ahead of us, we followed them until we got to a lay-by where a Shogun and a rather swish Beamer were parked amid a crowd of cyclists.

"I'm looking for Mike Preece." called Dad.

"You Dave Bond?" said the guy acting as timekeeper. "Shouldn't be more than five minutes for the last few. Nikki. Can you sort out the Bond's?"

"Sure Mike." As a tall leggy blond girl dressed in the red green white strip of the Ajax Club sauntered over.

"What can I do for you Mr. Bond, OH! Your Gaby's Dad." She squealed "I didn't make the connection. So you'll want the "Aston Hotel." On Newport road then?"

"That's the one." Said Dad.

Nikki forged ahead without taking a breath.

"I think it's so cool, a mother and daughter team." I thought Dad was going to choke.

"We saw Jenny's Italian race last week, on the big screen at the Velo. Totally, Awesome!" she finally ran down

"Directions?" Dad said quickly.

"Oh just follow me, I'll introduce you to Mama Morris."

She spun on the toe trap, strode to her bike and hiked it up onto the roof bars on the Beemer and flipped the catches. Total time about ten seconds. Even on our best day Dad and I take three minutes per bike.

She opened the door and slid in, waiving at Mike she moved off Dad following.

"Do you think she has pedal trap's fitted to the Beamer Dad?" that raised a chuckle from Dad.

"Reminds me of Sarah." Said Carol

As she reached the slip for the road Nikki screeched to a halt. We saw the door fly open and she raced back to us the trap's sliding on the tarmac.

"Forgot to mention there's two Radar traps. One in St. Mellons at the bottom of the hill going up and one halfway down Rhumney hill it's 30 there. 40 at St. Mellons. At the bottom of the hill keep left for the filter then move to the middle stay in the middle till the road forks right and then left lane again watch out for the bus lane. If you lose me I'll loiter there Ok.?"

"Ok. Gasped Dad. To be fair we did wait for her to get back to the car before we totally lost it.

We followed her all the way with no problem until we saw the hotel when Dad said.

"Where the hell do we park?"

Nikki pulled around the next side street and pulled up to a gate got out pushed a button on the grill to one side and the gate slid smoothly sideways. She waved us through before following. Pushed another button on the gate which smoothly closed again.

I looked around the car park was huge one corner held a container off the back of a lorry.

"You can put the bikes in there later." said Nikki." Let's go meet Mama Morris"

We each grabbed a case and trooped after her through the rear entrance eventually reaching the front desk.

"Hi Mama!" she called and a short woman with very dark hair, almost black looked up. She'd been talking to a younger man who had his back to us. As he turned around I gasped.

"Y. Y. YOUR James Fox." I stammered.

"Yes I am and you are Gaby Bond

"How do you know?"

"I knew that a family called Bond was arriving. And I saw your cycle helmet. And my little brother has got your pictures up all over his bedroom wall!" he replied.

"A Fan" chirped Maddy

"And just how old is this little brother?" asked Carol.

"This year he reaches the ripe old age of twelve." Said James

"Cradle Snatcher!" Pouted Maddy

"To be fair he says they're of your Mum, but I think there are more of you than her."

"Stop teasing the girl James. Now who is Mr. Bond?"

"That's Me." said Dad "You must be Mama Morris."

"At your service, would you like to register?"

12

"There seems to be a problem Mr. Bond. You see. I was expecting your son."

"Ah. I wonder if I might have a word in private? Mama Morris."

"Certainly. Through here."

Two minutes later.

"That's sorted. You'll be in with the Peters, Gaby Ok.

"Fine Dad, the same as Germany then?

"You got it Gaby."

"You've been travelling a long time, I'm afraid I can't offer you much as the hotel has been quiet and the kitchen staff wont be on duty until tomorrow morning but I can arrange cold meat salads or you could eat out there are plenty of good eatery's around here.

"No cold plates will be fine thank you." Said Carol.

"Not to much for me please I'm not very hungry"

"Watching you figure Gaby? " Said Nikki

"Tell you what. I'll put the food up as a buffet you can take what you need. And please just call me Mama alright?"

"Can I organise a Pasta dish for tomorrow please I'll be racing Saturday?"

"Of course Gaby I'll make a note of it. Now leave your cases I'll get Joe to get them up to your rooms if you'd like to follow me?"

"I'll set the food out in the bar shortly the dinning room has been set out for breakfast."

"Don't bother Joe, Mama. We'll help. Ok Sis?"

"Sure Bro."

"You're Brother and Sister? " I asked.

"Yeah" James laughed "Mum and Dad took a breather between each of us."

Mama showed us the rooms they large double rooms though mine, the Peters, that is. Had an extra bed, which would be changed for a bunk.

We went back down to the bar, Joe Morris (call me Joe). Was laying out the food, while James was attempting to give Nikki a piano lesson on the Baby Grand at the other end of the bar. After I'd eaten my fill I wandered over.

"So how come you're here?" I asked during a pause.

"I've got some gigs here this weekend."

"The Party in the Park?"

"That's one yeah. But I'm pretty busy all weekend, lets see I'm due at Cymbyant Studio in the Bay at 10 to lay a piano track. At 3 I'll be at the Beeb with Liberty X recording a session for the Steve Wright Show. At seven I play a set at the Exchange, Saturday probably two sets with Liberty X at the Party and one on Monday. Sunday I'll spend with my folks."

"So why here not with them"?

"Because it's nearer to the work this weekend. The Bands I work for usually stay here. In fact most of the artists try to stay here. Have look around the walls."

I looked up and saw that walls were covered with photographs most of them signed

"Plus the fact that Mama makes the best Bolognaise around and she lets me have the room cheap if I help the entertainment Saturday nights."

"There's entertainment, Who's that?"

"The guests of course." He laughed

I wandered away as Nikky abandoned her attempt to master "chopsticks" and James resumed playing. I settled into a real comfortable armchair and dozed.

I woke in a strange bed, and started to panic until I heard Carols voice.

"Shower's free Drew."

"Kay" I grunted.

I discovered that I was in the top bunk when my feet didn't reach the floor. Eventually my soggy brain worked out how to reach the ground and I found the bathroom.

"I've laid out some clothes on your bed Drew." Maddy called, as I was finishing up.

"We're going down, don't be too long Drew." Called Carol.

I found a thin T and a pair of shorts on the bed , Oh well could be worse I thought.

As I pulled on the T. I found it was worse, Maddy had laid out a bra as well. No Way, I thought much to soon for a full Gaby appearance and left it on the bed. I made my way to the dining room.

"It's A Buffet again Gaby but if you want anything special please ask?"

My that's a nice top it would look better with a bra though don't you think? Gaby" said Mama Morris.

I felt my face burn and my eyes sting as I lost it.

"The name is Drew Mrs. Morris." I hissed

"Oh. Fed up with the nickname are you."

"It's been wearing thin since Christmas." I replied I couldn't take any more and fled back up stairs.

I reached the room and tried the connecting door to Dads room it opened. There on the floor was my suitcase I tried to open it. It was locked, I hadn't locked it in fact Dad always refused to give us keys in case we lost them. I found I was shaking with rage as I looked around the room.

Finally finding the small tool-case that Dad always had handy selected a screw driver and set to on the lock I had one off and was setting about the second when Dad came in.

"What the hell are you doing Drew?" at least he remembered my name I thought.

"Why did you lock my case Dad?" I cried

"I didn't," he said

"Then how did it get locked? I don't have keys remember."

"Yes, you're right but what's the rush to get into it?"

"I need clothes Dad."

"But you're dressed already."

"Mrs Morris thinks I should be wearing a bra Dad"

"But she knows about you, I told her yesterday when we registered. But she thought it best that you shared to ward off comments from the other guests."

"Oh. Sorry Dad, but I still need clothes."

He set about the lock with a piece of wire. Cool I thought as the lock sprung free. I changed into a thicker T and a pair of jeans, As Dad said.

"Er... you know of course that Gaby will probably have to put in an appearance sometime this weekend?"

I sighed

"Yeah but let me hang on to Drew for a bit longer, Ok. I'm beginning to wish I'd gone to Gran's instead of Jules."

"Don't' say that son. Do you want to move back in here"

"Well it's a comforting thought, I'll see what happens Ok?

"I can always throw myself out of the window."

"Knock on the door before it gets that bad Ok."

"Ok. Dad."

We went back downstairs. I heard rather than saw Maddy drop her fork as we entered. I went straight to Mama Morris and said

"I'm sorry Mama, but it just gets too much sometimes"

"It's alright Drew. I'm sorry too I thought, I was helping. Now what can I get you?"

Nothing for me I can't eat now. I'll just have tea, thanks. Mama. Oh and Mama. You'll know when to call me Gaby Ok."

She chuckled before throwing up her hands and disappeared into the Kitchen. I got myself a tea and joined Dad.

Mr.P finally got the hint that something was up and said.

"What's wrong Dave?"

"Oh it seems Drew got locked out of his case John, I don't suppose anyone around here would know anything about that would they?"

Maddy dropped her fork again.

"It's a pity really" said Dad "I mean it wasn't exactly new but it was serviceable."

13

Just then James came in.

"Morning everyone Oh. Gaby thanks for last night."

"What did I do?"

"Sang of course"

"I did no such thing."

"Oh yes you did and very well too" said James."

"I think I might have remembered it. What am I supposed to have sung?"

"Well I could hear you humming along to the Beatles stuff and Carol suggested "Mad World" and you started singing it."

"Oh. Anything else?"

"A pretty amazing Wonderful from Annie Lennox."

"Was that it?"

"No I went back to the Beatles numbers and you sang them as well. Yesterday was quite outstanding."

"But I don't remember it, come on Dad help me out here."

"Its true, after that it was getting late so I carried you up and put you to bed"

"I looked around the table and they all nodded. Just as Mama plonked a plate of scrambled eggs in front of me and said.

"Now eat little songbird eat."

"Guess that makes it official" I said as I discovered I was hungry after all.

"Trust me," Mama said, "you were on form"

My eyes stung as I whispered.

"Please don't say that. I've learnt that people are about to lie to me when I hear those words."

Maddy fled.

I felt better having made a stand, but guilt set in and tears where falling on my plate.

"Go to Her." Mama whispered in my ear.

I found Maddy crying on her bunk, I sat beside her and touched her shoulder.

"I'm sorry Mad, that was cruel, I'm sorry." I choked out.

"No Drew you were right, I think back over the year and people have lied and tricked you into being Gaby. And here you are asking me to forgive you. You're pretty wonderful do you know that Drew Bond. That's why I love you." she added in a very quiet voice.

"I love you too Mad" I hardly dared breath. But I got it out.

"Right now that's settled, can we get on with the weekend" said Carol from the connecting doorway.

I looked up and saw Dad with Mr. and Mrs. P. They must have gone into Dads room and probably heard everything.

We got cleaned up and were soon headed out the door. As we passed the desk I mouthed a 'Thank you' to Mama who smiled as she dealt with a couple of new guests.

We trooped out to the camper and were soon in the centre of Cardiff, it was hardly worth driving. I thought as Dad managed to park up next to the castle.

"Why do I have a feeling I know where were going." said John" as we walked into the north entrance of the park.

"I thought we'd get it over quickly." Said Dad who went quickly into tour guide mode as we passed across the wooden bridge, towards the castle. He was in his element as we entered but I could see why when we got inside and saw the Keep atop its hill. Complete with moat, it was a real story-book Castle.Dad pointed out the original Roman walls and generally told us more than we needed to know.There was a tour just leaving and we ended up joining it.

"Not long," said Dad. He needn't have worried though as we all found something of interest.

I was struck by the chapel. It was covered in gold leaf, not paint, the real thing. And the smells, each room had a different aroma. The guide told us it came from the different woods used in the panelling.

We left via the main gate under the portcullis. The front face of the castle had long banners hanging from the ramparts proclaiming the Cardiff Festival. It really did look Medieval.

Almost the whole of the City centre was closed to traffic for the weekend and we found ourselves walking down the middle of St. Mary street, joining the crowds that were already there.

As we past one corner the aroma of hot food attracted us and we followed our noses to a corner shop.

"The Oggi Shop" the sign said, John explained that we probably new the Oggi as a Cornish Pasty and that the miners would take them as a meal down the mines. They'd have meat and potatoes one end and jam in the other so there was a complete meal inside the pastry."

Eiyooo! Mad and me said together. Carol laughed and said we ought to try them. So we trooped inside.

The Pasties where amazing I had a Chicken Tikka filling Dad and John settled on the Beef in Beer. John told us the Queue would be 50 deep tomorrow as people bought them to take into the match.

We settled down on a bench outside and scoffed the lot. The buskers across the street entertained us. They where dressed in full evening suits and played the classics on the violin and oboe.

Dad checked his watch.

"I said I'd meet Mike Preece at 2:00 and go over the brief for tomorrow. You all right here?" asked

"Sure Dad."

"How will you find us?" said Carol

"Tell you what, I'll meet you at the National Stadium at 3:00 how's that?"

"Fine said John I reckon we can find that."

So we moved on past the buskers. Their were Jugglers Stilt-walkers and Musicians everywhere but what blew us away was the stage set up in the Hayes where a troop of African drummers and dancers were pleasing a huge crowd.

We just couldn't keep our feet still as the drummers would subtly change rhythms. Every so often people were spontaneously getting up to dance, At one change Carol grabbed John and then started what looked like a slow Jive. I was stunned, me and Mad looked on in amazement.

They looked so good together. In seconds several more couples joined them. The Drummers kept that rhythm going for several minutes before changing again, the whole crowd was laughing and smiling. What a feeling! Talk about "feel good" factor.

After the exercise we headed into the St. David's Centre. Maddy grinned at her Mum, and together they set about some serious shopping. John and me just groaned. In 'Debenhams' Maddy made a beeline for the fashion department and was soon laying waste to the racks.

St David's Centre

"What do you think Drew?" I heard from the next aisle. Maddy was holding a light weight long blue number against herself.

"You going to try it on?" I said. She grinned and vanished into the changing rooms.

"Maddy you look awesome" I said as she came out, the top was sort of fitted and really showed her off.

"Needs something extra said Carol. "How about a thin stole for the shoulders." And set off to find one. Coming back with several different colours. They settled on the white.but hung on to the rest.

"Gaby would look great in the lilac." mused Maddy." I'll try it on so you can see.

She reached to just the right spot on the rack and extracted as if by magic the lilac dress.

Here we go I thought. As usual she was spot on and a Smokey grey stole was selected to match.

"Shoes!" she cried.

The trawl continued until just the right shade of pale blue sling backs with a two inch heel appeared.

"Try these." She said holding a silver pair out to me. I shrugged but tried them on any way. They didn't look right with socks so I took them off.

"Try walking" She hissed. I took a few steps.

"Ok?"

"Yeah I think so."

"Good."

The stalk had taken an hour but the kill was over in seconds and Maddy beamed as we walked out of the Mall.

Right outside was a large church. The Mall seemed to have been built around it.

"St. David's Cathedral said John.

We headed north to Queen Street and turned back toward the Castle.

"This place is amazing!" cried Maddy, Clearly enjoying herself as John and I brought up the rear.

We'd only seen a fraction of the centre when Carol decided we'd better find the National Stadium.

"Which way John?"

"Straight on past the Castle" he replied ."We weren't far from it when Dave left us".

Back down St. Mary Street John pointed to a turning to the right 'Golate' the street sign said. John told us it used to be a gennel that was used when the river ferry past that point. If people had missed the ferry they could go later, using the gennel. I wasn't sure I believed him, but it was a good story.

We passed through the Golate and right in front of us was the stadium. As we were half hour early we went to the visitor Centre and found we could walk right in. The pitch looked fabulous, the groundsmen putting the finishing touches to it ready for the big match.

The big screen was showing a video describing how the pitch was actually removed and stored when concerts and other events were using the stadium. The pitch was made up of hundreds of pallets. Each about two metres square.

While we looked around there was a clunk above us and the centre section of the roof started to open.

The whole place was VAST, it made me feel very small indeed.

We made our way back and waited for Dad.

I felt a nudge in my back and turned to see Maddy grinning at me.

"What?" I started but never finished. As I looked over her shoulder to Carol I saw.

"MUM!" I yelled. I was rooted to the spot I couldn't take my eyes of her in case she disappeared.

I couldn't speak. I just stood there shaking, grinning. While tears of happiness rolled down my face. I didn't care. I'd never felt so happy in my life. I felt frustrated I wanted to speak to her to tell her I loved her. But I couldn't get my breath. The more I tried the worse it got. I felt myself sway and then.

14

"DREW...DREW...Wake UP. Come on Drew I'm here. Breathe, come on slow and deep breathe that's Better, again slow and deep, keep it up," Something tasted foul in my mouth I started to cough.

There was a man kneeling over me what's going on?

"You say she's done this twice this week"

"Yes" I heard Carol speak

"Twice?" I heard Mum say. Oh. Thank god I thought I was dreaming.

"Ok. The ambulance is here."

"Wha." I managed to get out.

I still couldn't see properly but I could make out a green shape above me. I heard the man say.

"Drew Bond" collapsed about five minutes ago. Just started to show signs of recovery Pulse high but weak. Pupils normal but sluggish response. Second time this week apparently."

"You her mum?" I heard a female voice ask.

"Yes"

"Right Hop in the back, we're off to University"

I felt a lurch as the stretcher was lifted. Stretcher? I don't remember that bit.

"You're a lucky girl." the female voice said "Not many people get a lift in my ambulance."

"Not..." I managed to get out before my voice went again.

I felt some thing pulled over my mouth and nose, there was a strange smell, and At last my eyes started to clear. There was a blond girl leaning over me.

"Where's M...." I managed to get out.

"I'm here Love its alright."

And it was. I started to relax as I felt her squeeze my hand.

The ambulance stopped and the doors flew open. A nurse I think got in and checked me over while talking to the paramedic so quickly I couldn't make any thing out.

I was wheeled into a cubical and I heard someone say

"Mrs. Bond, will you come with me please."

A doctor pulled back the curtain and started to examine me checking the same thing everyone else had.

"Hello Young lady I'm Doctor Ashton." before I could say anything the nurse started.

"This Is Drew Bond. She collapsed outside the National Stadium about 15 minutes ago. No signs of impact apparently her mother caught her on the way down, possibly emotional upset but this is the second event in a week. No other history but her mothers outside." She finally ran down.

"Ok, I'll talk to her. " He rattled off a series of instructions and left.

A needle was pushed in my arm at the wrist and she took about six samples of blood from my arm, it felt like six anyway, that she plopped into a tray that another nurse collected.

She then hooked a bag above the bed and connected it to the needle in my wrist.

"What's that?" I asked quite pleased that I'd managed to complete a statement.

"A saline solution it will help stabilise you the Doctor thinks you might be dehydrated. How are you feeling now Drew"

"A lot better thanks. One thing though"

"Oh what's that love" I took a deep breath.

"Drew is short for Andrew. "

She looked at me carefully then started to chuckle.

"'Snot funny" I huffed. She stopped quickly, studied me carefully again, then

"Is this why you fainted?"

"Partly, its been getting so bad lately. That's why I fainted on Tuesday. Today was relief that my mother was here. I haven't seen her in six weeks. I just felt so happy to see her. And now it's gone all wrong." Tears were falling again.

"So what's gone wrong?"

"I just wanted to hold her and tell her how much I missed her. I can't even do that right."

"Oh. Drew she's just outside, shall I get her?" I nodded

Mum came in and quickly gathered me up in a hug

"I'm Sorry Mum I missed you so much I."

"Hush now. Quiet now It's alright I'm here now."

The next ten minutes were absolute bliss, eventually the doctor returned.

"The best medicine in the world." he said as he saw us, "Pity I cant prescribe it".

He went over to the monitor and spent a few moments scanning the trace back and fore across the screen.

"Right young la,'er lad, the early results of the blood samples show nothing nasty. There are more that I want done but they'll take longer and I'm sure you don't want to spend this fine weekend in here. Your sugar levels are down so we'll add some dextrose to the drip. I'll sign off on that but I'll have a letter for your GP. I want you to see him as soon as you get back. I'm not worried about this afternoon what concerns me more is that it's the second time in a week. So I want you to relax with your family for the rest of the weekend. Alright Drew?"

"I'm racing tomorrow, Doctor."

"Well if that's how you relax then go for it. But if anything doesn't feel right don't do it. Just remember you don't have to race and you can stop any time even after the start of a race. Alright."

"Yes Doctor"

"Right then it seems your friends are clogging up the waiting room shall I send them in?"

"Yes please." I Grinned.

"Can I have a word Mrs. Bond?" Mum gave me hug and followed the doctor out.

Maddy poked her head through the curtain her eyes wide as she took in the drip and monitor still running, The nurse pulled back the curtain above here and shooed her all the way in, as she entered and busied herself with the drip.

"You alright Drew?" she said as she reached me.

"I think so Mad, the Doctor says I can leave when the drip finishes"

"How longs that?"

"Oh about twenty minutes I think, then you'll have to wait around 15 minutes after we take the needle out. Just in case." said the nurse

"In case of what?" asked Maddy.

"Just in case" she laughed as she left.

Mad was nervously looking at the needle in my wrist.

"What's wrong?" I asked

"I want to give you a hug, but I'm afraid I'll break something"

I lifted my arms and she flung herself at me.

"God Drew I was so scared" floodgates opened not just tears, she was trying to tell me all that happened after I flaked.

"Hey slow down Maddy or you'll find yourself in the next bed." It was Carol. Behind her was Dad with John bringing up the rear it was suddenly very crowded.

"I'm sorry Drew." Dad started

"What for Dad?"

"For springing your Mum on you like that. I thought it would be a nice surprise."

"It was Dad, I spoilt it by fainting. I was just too happy I guess."

"That's a new one, I can see it now. A government health warning on nice surprises." said the nurse as she came in.

"Come on the lot of you I need to work here" she held the curtains open as a hint. And the whole gang trooped out.

15

Back at the Hotel things were getting busy. There were six or seven huge men wearing black blazers blocking the desk as we entered. But Mama saw us and came bustling out from the counter.

"Oh honey are you alright I heard it on the radio I was so worried." She gave me a hug before saying "and you must be Jenny Bond welcome."

"The radio?" said Mum

"They didn't say much, just that a young girl believed to be the daughter of cycling champion Jenny Bond had collapsed outside the National Stadium and was being taken to University Hospital by ambulance."

I groaned and Mama realised she'd said it too loudly and she bit her lip. Mum blinked a bit put her hand on my shoulder and said.

"Come on Gaby lets get freshened up."

At dinner I was desperately trying to keep Bolognese sauce off the silky peach top I was wearing, courtesy of Maddy's wardrobe. We'd discovered that the seven guys in blazers were part of the New Zealand rugby team and that there where several other new guests in the hotel.

Mama came over.

"I'm very glad to meet you properly Gaby, I new you'd be beautiful just like your mother, And looking a lot healthier too" she chuckled. I gave a weak smile as I thanked her.

"What are your plans this evening?" she asked

"I thought we might find somewhere quiet" said Dad

"One thing you can say about Cardiff, on a bank holiday weekend it is not quiet." She chuckled.

"You could try the Bay though, lots of clubs and pubs down that way and it's a good spot for the fireworks later. You could do worse than the Exchange."

"Isn't James playing there?"

"That's right it's a shameless plug." Mama grinned

"Who's James?" asked Mum.

"That guy from Fame Academy." Maddy chirped "Gaby sang with him last night."

"And very well too I might say." Added Mama

"Gaby?"

"Some people talk in their sleep mum apparently I sing."

The rest of the table cracked up. But Dad did back me up on the sleeping thing.

"You mean you don't remember a thing." Said Maddy.

"The last thing I remember is settling into the armchair." I Huffed

"But we've heard you sing before." Said Carol

"When?" I asked

"On the trip down here you were singing away with the headset on all the way from Birmingham to Monmouth " said Carol.

I had visions of making really annoying noise like you see some people doing on buses.

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"We did and you stopped."

"Sorry"

"What for?"

"For being a pain on the way down."

"Don't be silly you were great I'm just sorry we stopped you."

The Bay was an amazing sight as we drove south to Cardiff's docklands, the evening sun glinting of the new high rise buildings and sparkling off the waters of the Bristol Channel. After seeing all there was to see by road we parked up near the County Headquarters and walked back to James Street.

John told us that this was the heart of Tiger Bay that it used to be a warren of small streets and seedy pubs. But the people who lived in the area were mostly nice people just trying to get by, it was a real community sort of place. Now it's all been knocked flat and rebuilt and the only reminders were a few buildings like the Coal Exchange where we were headed.

As we turned a corner we entered a large square. It looked like something from a French film there were perhaps thirty or so tables with umbrellas with people sat around them enjoying drinks in the evening sunshine.Behind them was a large ornately decorated building. The contrast to the surrounding buildings was shocking.

The inside was just as ornate with woodcarvings and archways all over the place. The music came from a small stage where a four piece band were playing and quite a few couples on the dance floor.

"This looks just right," said Dad and we found a clear table, John and Dad scooted off to get the drinks.

The Music was good and it wasn't long before Carol grabbed John's hand and said come on lets see if you've still got it.

Mum and Dad joined them after a while leaving Mad and me at the table.

After a while Mad said

"Come on it doesn't look that difficult." as she dragged me up.

We started swinging around but couldn't quite get the hang of it. Until Mum saw us, she grabbed my hand and Dad took Mad's.

"Like this." She said and about ten minutes later we were swinging with the rest of them.

It doesn't take much of that to build up a thirst and we headed back to the table. The others soon followed. I was sipping my coke when I heard.

"Hi Gaby, good to see you up and about. Nikki told me about your trip to Uni." It was James.

"Er. How did Nikki know?"

"Oh. Didn't she tell you she works at the Beeb in Llandaff. She's a P.A. on one of the sports programs. So any news item remotely concerning sport ends up on her desk."

"She was really worried about you, said she'd call in to Mamas after training this evening."

"You must be the famous James." Said Mum

"Oh Sorry yes, and you're the much more famous Jenny Bond."

"Hardly famous James I don't even ride much in the UK."

"My little brother would disagree with you on that score, He's got his bedroom wall plastered with your photo's. Personally I think it's because most of them show Gaby as well." Dad coughed a bit at that.

"Speaking of Gaby. Can I persuade you to sing for us this evening?"

I was busy trying to find a hole in the floor when Mum saved me.

"I think Gaby has had quite enough excitement for today without adding stage fright to her problems don't you James?"

"I'm sorry yes you're right of course, Will you stay for my set?"

"We'll have to be going soon so please don't be offended if we leave before you finish."

"Happens all the time." James laughed as he made his way to the stage.

James started his set with "Uptown" girl and embarrassed us yet again by dedicating it to me, wishing me luck in the Championships tomorrow.

I was astonished when the audience joined him and started clapping, I had to stand and wave in acknowledgement before they stopped.

"What was that all about?" I gasped

"Welcome to Wales." laughed John "The Welsh are just like that. They welcome visitors and welcome the chance of showing their appreciation."

"That's why you have to stand and wave" said Mum, "It's a two way thing, they applauded for their reasons, you have to say thank you whether you wanted it or not. That's the way it works"

Just before 10:00 Dad said.

"Come on girls it's time we were heading back."

There were calls of "Good luck Gaby." and more applause as we left. I turned and waved at James and the crowd and we finally made it out. Mum was laughing and John said

"Told you so."

I was glad it was nearly dark as we left my face was burning again.

We were walking back to the Vdub when the first rocket exploded over the Bay. For ten minutes we stood at the Marina, back from the crowds as the sky above us was filled with multicoloured balls of flame changing colour with each detonation.

The display ended as a huge sign proclaimed

"CROESO Y CAERDYDD"

"So Dad" piped Maddy "2 F's = 2 D's in Welsh huh."

"Fraid not Maddy DD is TH."

"Oh"

"My Welsh doesn't go very far, but any town that begins Caer was a Roman fort or settlement."

Angela Peters 10.02.04 © 2004

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