“So, did Dr. Johnson offer any thoughts on why our son is sprouting breasts?” Dave quietly asked his wife as they climbed into bed. He was making an effort to keep Jen's mum, and the rest of the house, from hearing this topic of discussion, as he hoped to avoid embarrassing Drew.

“She just said we should know more next week when we go back. She did mention calling with test results, hopefully Tuesday, so maybe we'll start finding things out then,” Jen whispered as she lay down and pulled the duvet up to help keep warm.

Doing the same, Dave joked, “So, did your mum always keep the house this cold? Or is this something special she does because she doesn't like me?”

“Oh, it's something special just for you, definitely,” she joked in reply. Then more seriously, she said, “I'm just as anxious to find out what exactly is going on as you are. But I'm afraid at the moment we're going to have to continue to be patient. It takes time to run and analyze all these tests, and to figure out what is to be done about the results. There's no rushing things where my child is concerned.”

“Of course, you're right about that. It's just that, before their trip, whatever changes were going on were so gradual that I hadn't really noticed them, but it's as if during those six weeks in America, Drew had completely disappeared, leaving Gaby in his place. Oh, he still answers to the name Drew, but I don't think anyone would ever even consider the possibility that the person answering to that name is male in any way, shape, or form.”

Jen looked at him for a moment, then said in as soothing a voice as possible, “Accept what we've been given, and don't concern yourself with the things we can't control.”

“That's very philosophical of you.”

“Let's just say I've had a lot of time to think lately.”

“Well, I suppose for lack of another alternative…” Dave started.

“…We wait for the test results, and go from there,” Jen finished.

“I suppose so.”

Jenny leaned over and gave Dave a kiss goodnight, then rolled over to face the other direction as she prepared to go to sleep. “Good night,” she said once she was settled in position.

“Good night,” echoed Dave, though he seemed less than convinced that it would be good in any way.

__________________

Things just keep getting curiouser and curiouser, don't they? I don't suppose this bit with the breasts will just resolve itself in the near future, will it? More likely, things will just continue to get murkier, rather than clearing up. It's bound to be difficult for the child to continue going to school as Drew if he's sporting a fully developed bosom. I don't know if that thought would bother him or not, at this point. Before that trip, I suspect he'd have been mortified by the prospect, but now? I don't get that same sense anymore. Drew and Gaby were always separate entities, with some personality traits in common, but others that were unique to each. Now, the two are starting to join together, and so far Drew is coming out on the short end. Of course, other than when on a bike, Drew was always a bit shy and awkward. Compare that to Gaby's vivaciousness and exuberance, and it's easy to see which traits someone would prefer to have, isn't it? It's probably good that the two personalities are starting to join together, but will there be any Drew left over when all is said and done?

And what part is Jenny playing in all this? She's always encouraged these Gaby-sodes, sometimes even setting up situations where there was no other choice for the child. I wonder why that is? I don't understand it at all. She says she's just allowing Drew to do what he wants, exploring his gender and sexuality, and so on, but Jen has taken far too active a role in all this for it to be nothing more than allowing her child to grow. I'm not trying to sound suspicious of Jen's motives, but you do have to wonder about all of this, don't you?

Okay, maybe I'm allowing my paranoia to run away with my brain. I just hate being stuck in this limbo where I can't really do anything to help my child. And no matter how things eventually work out, I need to make sure there's never any question concerning whether I'm here to help. If Drew is the one who needs my help, great, but if it's Gaby? That's great as well. Whatever makes my child happy. But how long is it going to take for him to figure out what does and does not make him happy?

Speaking of happy, or the lack thereof, I'm surprised Jules is still carrying her full load of vitriol over the impending move. I expected her to blow her top, then once the initial steam was gone, she'd start to see all the pluses for the family in this move, but she's still not exactly open minded on that topic. And what on Earth possessed her to do that to her hair? Or apply all that makeup? It simply doesn't look becoming at all, but at the moment, I don't know that such comments would be accepted in the spirit in which they are intended. I'm sure she'll resort to something like, “It's all the rage” or something, but I have to say to me it looks like a bad imitation of the old punk look from when we were kids. I didn't get it then, and I definitely don't get it now, but I suppose we need to pick our fights with her, and that's not one we need to get to deeply entrenched into, is it? No, best save it for the move to Germany. If she thinks she's won the argument over the ‘Goth' look, maybe she'll be more amenable when the time comes to actually move. At least, that's my theory. The more I think about things, the more I'm starting to believe we might have overreacted with Jules. She is just trying to find her style, after all. Can't say that I like it, but then…

___________________

Eventually, Dave did manage to join his wife in the land of nod.

___________________

Dave was sitting in the front room in his favorite chair, when in burst Gaby through the front door, shouting, “No time! Have to hurry!” She ran up the stairs, followed by a cacophony, which could only be the sounds of a teenage girl changing clothes. A few minutes later, she reappeared in the front room in a wedding dress.

Dave nearly choked on his own tongue before he managed to ask, “Um, Gaby? Why are you wearing a wedding dress?”

Gaby giggled, and responded, “Well, Duh! Why does any girl wear a wedding dress? I'm getting married.”

“Aren't you a bit young for that?”

“Daddy!” There was a honk outside. “When are you changing? You're not giving me away in that, are you?”

___________________

Dave awoke from his dream, got up and went to the bathroom, where he stood looking at his reflection in the mirror while he tried to figure out what this latest dream was about.

___________________

All right, so why have I started having dreams about Gaby? I know I've been having strange dreams for some time now, but these are in a different class altogether. Gaby getting married? Wow, I'm not certain I'll ever figure that one out.

I could stand here trying to make sense out of this, or I can go back to bed and try to get some sleep. I know what I ought to do…

__________________

Dave did in fact return to bed, and after a little tossing and turning, did manage to go back to sleep.

__________________

Dave found himself in a courtroom, and more specifically in the witness box. He looked around trying to figure out what was going on, when Jules approached the box.

“State your name for the record,” she said with an air of authority she had never possessed in real life.

After looking at her for a moment, Dave stammered, “D-David Bond.” He looked at her again, and it seemed she was enjoying his discomfort.

“Tell us, Mr. Bond, have you any children?”

“Yes, two. I would think you…”

She cut him off, “…There is no need to elaborate at this time. What are their names?”

“Juliette Bond, what are you playing at?” he managed to ask without completely blowing his top.

“Yes, I am one of your children. Who is the other?”

Dave stood silently for a minute before Jules spoke again.

“Is there a problem?”

Dave continued to look at Jules silently, unable to answer her question.

“Do you not know your own child's name?”

He still could not answer.

“Do you know this child?”

“Yes, quite well.”

“And yet, you cannot tell the court the child's name? How can this be?”

Dave continued to stare at her in uncomfortable silence.

“Is this child a boy or a girl?”

Again, Dave stands silent, unable to answer the question.

Finally, Jules addresses the court, “Your honor, I request that this witness be held over for contempt, for refusing to answer a question under direct examination!”

Dave shouts, “It's not like that!”

There is the sound of a gavel, followed by the judge, who it just so happens is Jenny, saying, “Take this man into custody until such time as he is able to answer the questions.” She strikes the gavel once again as the court bailiff takes Dave by the arm and begins pulling him toward the door.

“No! Wait! This is all just a mistake!” he shouts as he is taken through the door.

_______________

Once again Dave found his sleep interrupted by strange dreams, but this time as he looked around the room and realized where they were, he also noticed the first signs of dawn peeking through the bedroom window. Once certain that his chances of returning to sleep were slim and none, he decided to get up and start the day, so he headed downstairs into the kitchen, where he found Josie up and starting water for tea. “You read my mind,” he said as he took a seat at the table and waited for the water to boil.

“S'not difficult,” she joked as she poured the now boiling water into cups and began the process of mashing the tea.

“Yes, I know, it's a very short book,” Dave replied, then once his tea was ready he took his first sip. After a moment or two, during which they both took several sips of their tea, Dave asked, “Mum, do you have any ideas how we can get Jules to not fight us so much on this move?”

“Dave, I think the first thing you need to do is sit down with her and have a good long chat about things. I know she frequently feels a bit left out, what with Drew needing so much time and attention that ultimately takes time with you or her mum away from her. In short, she's jealous of Drew and all the time he gets to spend with you. I don't think she'll be willing to admit that openly without administering a truth serum, but it's the truth nonetheless.”

“Yes, as usual you're probably right. Every time we try to talk to her about things, she blows up, and at that point it's not the simplest thing in the world to carry on a serious discussion with her.”

“I hear what you're saying son, but you need to try, hard, and the sooner the better.”

“Yes, mum,” Dave said, then took a sip of his tea. Just then, Jenny wandered into the kitchen.

“Beautiful day, isn't it?” she said to her husband and mum.

“That it is,” replied her mum.

Jenny went to the cupboard, removed a teacup, and started preparing her morning tea. Once sat at the table with her cup, she said, “I was thinking Drew and I could go for a little ride this morning. Maybe I could show him some of my old training routes from when I was young.”

Josie spoke first, “That sounds like a grand idea.” She then looked pointedly at Dave as if to say ‘here's your chance to talk with your daughter'. Dave was not oblivious to the nonverbal communication being directed toward him, but didn't say anything. Instead, he just took another sip of tea.

Soon thereafter, the kids made their appearances in the kitchen, and as everyone settled in with their tea and toast, Jen decided to be the first to break the morning silence. “So Drew, fancy a training ride this morning?”

“Absolutely.”

“Good. Soon as you finish up here, run up and get ready. Then we can get underway.” Following this statement, Jenny left the kitchen to get ready for the ride herself, followed quickly by Drew.

Josie then said, “You know, I've just remembered something I need to tend to,” then exited the kitchen leaving Dave and Jules alone.

As Jules began to rise from the table, Dave said, “Wait a moment. We need to have a chat.”

She returned to her seat, folded her arms across her chest, and scowled at her father before finally saying, “What about?”

“Well, Germany for one thing. I understand why you don't want to move, I really do.”

“Then why are you making me?”

“Well, the main reason for doing this is so we can all be together instead of being strewn across Europe like we were last year.”

“But why couldn't I stay in Warsop and finish school?” she asked in an almost whining voice.

“You mean by yourself?” Dave said in a rather surprised tone. “I'm not trying to upset you, but you've not really demonstrated that you're responsible enough to do something like that, even if you were old enough.”

“Gee thanks, Dad,” Miss Sarcasm had indeed made an appearance this morning.

“I wasn't trying to hurt your feelings, but you must admit your track record in the past year or so doesn't really inspire much confidence in your ability to take care of yourself.”

“But…” Jules started, raising her voice.

“Please,” Dave interjected. “Let's not have this break down quite so quickly. As I said, we're trying to keep us all together, so we don't have to live apart like last year. You can't tell me you didn't miss your mother at all.”

Indignant that she was being forced to make such an admission, Jules said, “No, I can't tell you that, all right? Of course I missed her.”

“Well then, wouldn't it be better if we were all living together so we don't have to miss her so?” Dave asked, pausing momentarily before adding, “Even if we do have to do so in Germany?”

Jules sat silent for a moment, trying to think of a response that wouldn't be a complete admission that her father was indeed correct before saying, “But what about all my friends? What about school?”

Aware that her resolve was wavering, but not wanting to add fuel to her fire so she would have reason to continue this argument, Dave quietly responded, “We'll all be leaving friends behind we're going to miss, but that's a part of life.” He then continued in what he hopes would seem a calm voice, “The sooner you learn how to deal with things like this, the better off in life you'll be.” Then after a short pause, he continued, “I truly am sorry if that sounds cold, but it is true.”

“So now you're going to try to tell me that dragging me off to live in Germany is going to be good for me?” Jules retorted, thinking she had found a hole in Dave's thinking.

Sensing where he felt his daughter was trying to go with this line, Dave responded, “I suppose if you want to put things like that, then maybe the answer is yes, but we haven't thought in those terms. The important thing is that the family will be together. There will be new challenges in schooling and life in general.” Forging ahead toward the chink in Jules argument, he added, “It'll be a bit like getting to start life over again, with a clean slate. Whether or not you choose to believe this, we're not doing this to be mean or hurt you in any way.”

“I find that difficult to believe.”

“Unfortunate, but I suppose I could say I understand that. But think about this a moment, will you?” Hoping this would be the way to bring an end to the subject, he continued, “Last year, how many times were you sad, or angry, or hurt by the fact your mum wasn't at home with us? Wouldn't it be better for us all to be together all the time?”

Not quite willing to concede defeat, Jules countered, “But why does she have to go back to racing? Why couldn't she just stay home like she used to?”

Pausing to at least make it seem he was thinking of his response, Dave responded, “So, you would ask your mother to give up her greatest pleasure in life just so you don't have to make new friends?”

Sounding exasperated, Jules replied, “It's not like that.”

Trying not to sound condescending, Dave said, “It sounds like that.”

“Well, it's not. But how am I supposed to go to school in Germany?” Thinking she had finally grasped an unbeatable argument, she continued, “I'm working on my GCSE's this year. What am I supposed to do about that?”

Aware that she was running out of steam, and hoping not to add fuel to her fire, Dave said, “I think we may have mentioned to you about the school in Bonn for British and American diplomat's kids and such. The layout is slightly different, but you would at least be able to finish school in an English speaking environment.” Then after a brief pause, he continued, “From what I understand, your brother thought it would be fun to go to the German school with Kat Pinger. He seems rather in favor of the whole arrangement.”

Sounding somewhat defeated, she said, “So, I'm supposed to just roll over and do what you all want me to do, even though I don't want to do it at all, because all of you want me to? How is that fair to me?”

“I am sorry if it doesn't seem fair. It seems that life often isn't what you'd call fair. At least we'd all still be together.”

“Why do you want to do this so much?”

“Well, for one thing, we don't have to be apart from your mum. I don't' know whether you noticed or not, but I for one was rather miserable the entire time she was away, and since she came home I've actually had moments where I have been happy, for the first time in a long time.” After pausing for a moment to take a sip of his long cold tea, he made a disgusted face and continued, “For another, this job I'm taking is a new challenge, with more responsibility, more interesting tasks, and more money. Need I continue further?”

“I still don't like it, and I still don't want to move.”

“And we appreciate the fact that you are opposed to the move. We would also appreciate it if you'd start reacting to it in a more adult manner,” Dave said, sensing that he had gone too far as the words came out of his mouth.

Jules, indignation rising once again, said, “So what are you saying? I have no right to be upset about being forced to move to another country against my will?”

In as placating a tone as possible, Dave replied, “No, that's not what I'm saying at all. Being upset is a perfectly reasonable reaction to what's been thrust upon you. How you express yourself concerning all of this is what I'm talking about.”

“So, I should just be quiet and do what I'm told?” Jules said, her intensity rising with each word.

Sounding defensive, Dave replied, “No, that's not it either.”

Her anger once again in evidence, Jules said, “Then what is it you expect me to do?”

Dave thought about this for a moment before replying, “If you feel we aren't aware of how you feel about something, tell us, but do so calmly and maturely. And since in spite of your position, I'm afraid the move is going to happen regardless, and I am going to expect you to be an adult and just make the best of the situation that's being placed before you. Who knows, if you go into this thinking that it will be a positive experience, then just maybe, it will be.”

Muttering to herself, but loud enough for Dave to hear, Jules said, “On top of everything else, I'm going to have to let Anna and Charlie down, and we had worked so hard trying to put that band together. Just as we had got back together after the Virginia trip.”

Trying to restore some calm to the proceedings, Dave said, “I realize your life is being turned upside down. Let's just try to get by as best we can, shall we?”

Tentatively, Jules replied, “I don't know.”

Taking a moment, then realizing something Jules had said a moment before, Dave asked, “Now, what's this about a band?”

“We decided to start last Autumn. We're called ‘The Liquorice Toffees, and I'm the singer.”

“Who else is in it?”

“Like I said, there's Anna and Charlie. We're still trying to settle on the rest of the lineup. I guess that won't matter now, will it?”

Sounding genuinely interested, Dave asked, “So, does this band have anything to do with the recent alterations in your appearance?”

Realizing that the argument portion of this conversation had been brought to a close, Jules smiled and said, “I suppose you could say they're related, but it's not like I dyed my hair because of the band.”

“Fair enough. So, do you really like it like that?” he asked, not sure he wanted to know the answer.

“Yeah, I think it looks really cool.”

“I'm sure if you want to, you'll be able to find some people to start a band with in Germany. They do, after all, have musical instruments there as well,” Dave said in an attempt to inject some humor into the morning.

“It wouldn't be the same. These are my best friends!” as she said it, she nearly started crying.

Trying to calm her, Dave softly said, “You really will make new friends. And there's no reason you can't continue to be friends with Charlie and Anna.” When she looked up as if to say ‘How?' he continued, “There is this invention I think you're familiar with, called a telephone, something I seem remember hearing about called letters, and what was that other thing? Oh yes, email.” Smiling in an attempt to bring her back from her depths of despair, Dave looked into her eyes and reached over to place his hand on his daughter's.

“You know, it's really not fair that I can't ever win an argument,” she said, nearly breaking out with a smile as the words came out. “Don't think for a moment this means I've changed my position. And you can bet I'll continue to express my displeasure with the whole situation, because the truth is, I don't want to move.”

Thinking that the argument was indeed over for the moment, Dave decided to breach another subject he'd wanted to discuss with his daughter. “There are some things I wanted to ask you concerning your trip.”

Understanding that they had now moved on from the confrontation, Jules said, “Would you like some fresh tea?” then got up, taking both cups with her. As she began making both their drinks, she said, “What were you wondering about?”

Unsure how to proceed, Dave finally said, “Well, this is partly about you, but also about Gaby.”

Jules returned with the tea, and sat back down in her chair to continue the conversation, “What were you wanting to know?”

Dave took a sip, savoring the fresh hot beverage, then said, “I know you two shared sleeping quarters on the trip, and while I know this wasn't the first time, I was wondering how the two of you got on in such close proximity for such an extended period?”

Setting her cup back down on the table, she looked at her father and replied, “Well, frankly from my perspective, Drew was only really there for about a day. Once we got there, Deb and Brit informed us that their ‘rents were under the impression that Drew was a girl, and they told the olds her nickname was Gaby. I guess most of the pictures the girls brought back from their trip here showed Drew in skirts, so they assumed…”

“Yes, that part I had gathered. What I was wondering about was how the two of you got on, and how Drew seemed to be?”

“I don't think we've ever got along better in our lives, I'm afraid to say. The girls took Gaby shopping, donating their rather substantial clothing allowance by the way, so Drew had enough girls' clothes to get by for the duration of the trip. Not surprising, really, considering the fact that he had only packed enough clothes for about three days, not counting Gaby stuff, which apparently Maddy had slipped into his case when he wasn't looking.”

“I did notice that a lot more girls' clothes came back from America than left England. I suppose that explains why. You say the two of you got on better than usual. In what way?”

Jules drained the last remnants of tea from her cup, setting it down before looking at her father and saying, “Drew was nowhere to be seen for the whole six weeks. It was Gaby 24/7, and it was actually kind of cool having a sister to share stuff with. Although, it was kind of annoying when I'd think about the fact that my little brother was the hottest girl on the trip.” Jules actually giggled after saying this last bit.

Dave couldn't help himself, and began to chuckle also. Once he had himself back under control somewhat, he asked, “Were there ever any times you felt uncomfortable about the situation?”

“Only the time I had to borrow a bra because all mine were in the wash, and once I had it on I noticed that Gaby has nicer lingerie than I do.”

“I suppose I can understand how that would be a bit disconcerting. Anything else?”

“Oddly enough, not really. There was that moment just before the Valentine's dance when I saw Gab getting ready and couldn't help but notice how much of a total vixen she had become over the course of the trip. It's no wonder every boy in Virginia was drooling over her, really. It was kind of sickening if I let myself think about it too much.”

Dave took a moment to let his saucer shaped eyes return to something more closely resembling normal, then decided to ask the question that's really been itching at the back of his head, “This may sound a bit odd, but do you think Drew's back?”

“What do you mean? I haven't really been paying much attention to the squirt the last few days. I've been a bit preoccupied you might say.”

“I noticed some of what you were saying when we saw Gaby in Atlanta, and it seems to me that while the name being responded to most of the time is Drew, the person wandering around the house is definitely more Gaby. I was just wondering if you had seen anything similar?”

“Honestly, I haven't been paying that much attention. I figured he was getting plenty of that from you and mum.”

“I'm sorry if you've been feeling left out a bit.”

“A bit?”

“Sorry about that. I'll try not to let myself get quite so preoccupied from now on.”

Jules looked at her father and said, “I appreciate that. But I still don't want to move.”

“We really ought to start getting around. Your mum and brother should be back from their ride soon, and I'd like to get started as soon as they're ready.” Deciding he had tempted fate enough for one day, Dave got up to leave the room, then turned and said, “I'd like to continue the discussion about our move another time, but not right now.”

“All right,” Jules replied. “Listen, thanks.”

“For?”

“For talking with me about this stuff like an adult. I still don't like the idea at all, but I can at least understand why. Just don't expect me to be happy about it.”

“Fair enough.” Dave then left the kitchen, leaving Juliette alone in the kitchen. He headed upstairs to get ready for the upcoming family excursion, and as he climbed into the shower, he began going back over the just completed discussion with his daughter.

______________________

Well, that was enlightening, at least. I was afraid Jules had been feeling left out, but hadn't considered that it was that bad. Maybe our conversation this morning will help smooth things over some for the changes coming up. I get the distinct impression that Juliette prefers having a little sister to a brother. I wonder if she's going to get her way?

‘The Liquorice Toffees' eh? Well, I had hoped she'd eventually find something that really interested her, the way Drew is with bikes. Is music going to be her ‘obsession' of choice? I wonder if she'd be willing to let me hear them? I might have to look into that, it could be fun. I used to really enjoy going out and listening to bands now and again.

I hope the ground I picked up in the battle of wills doesn't disappear as quickly as it was won. I'm afraid we've still got a huge battle ahead of us with that girl over this move to Germany. By the end of our chat, she was at least less hostile than before, but I'm guessing we'll see that hostility back again full force before too long. I'd love it if I were proven wrong on that, but…

______________________

As Dave turned off the water and got out of the shower, he could just barely make out the sounds of his wife and son coming in the house following their ride. He wrapped a towel around his waist and was on his way back to the bedroom when he heard Jenny telling Drew, “Shower and change, Drew. Your Dad wants to get off sharpish.”

As he started digging his clothes out of his bag, Dave heard Drew reply to his mum, “Okay,” then the sounds of him climbing the stairs on his way to the shower. As he got dressed he could hear not only the sound of Drew taking his shower, but also of Jules making her final preparations for the day, and Jenny climbing the stairs on her way to take her turn getting ready.

She came into the bedroom to lay out her things for the day, and said to Dave, “Hello, luv. How was your morning?”

Dave looked up at her after he finished tying his shoes and said, “Jules and I had a long chat about things. We didn't really get anything resolved, but if we're lucky, maybe she'll at least be a bit more civil in her protests for a bit.”

“Even that much would be a welcome improvement,” Jen said as she headed for the shower.

To himself, Dave said, “That it would, luv. That it would.”

Jillian 17.09.06 © 2006
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