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Questions - A Gaby Fanfic

Part 18

“That, was well cool,” Maddy enthused, “and it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. What do you think, Drew?”

“Yes,” I replied, still trying to get some movement back in my thumb. It felt really odd, tingling and numb at the same time. Every time I tried to massage my arm the shooting pain came back.

“You okay Drew?” asked Dad as we got back. He coughed, “And, can you, not do that in public?” he added quietly.

“What?”

“Rubbing your chest like that, it looks as….”

Mad was giggling, “You got clipped by the string, didn't you?” the giggle was getting stronger, but then so was the burning sensation on my nipples. I quickly turned and sat on the tier in front of Mum; who promptly pulled me back to lean against her knees, wrapping her arms around me. Mum must have felt me stiffen as she hugged me, maybe it was the “Unggggh!” noise I made as her arms squeezed my chest, but she eased up and asked me what was wrong; I wasn't sure what it was, although Mad seemed to be pretty sure.

Then it happened, I found myself looking at the ‘Chad', folded to page 3 with ‘That' picture, a pen had appeared as well. As I looked up, I was at eye level with a young girl with the biggest eyes I'd ever seen.

“Could, could you sign this please?” she asked in a rush. Mum leaned closer and whispered “Go on, sign it, Gaby .” I would have, but I was having problems holding the pen, let alone writing with it.

“Drew? What's wrong with your hand?” Mum asked in alarm, taking hold of my arm.

“Ah!” another stab shot through my thumb. “The bowstring caught on the guard Mum, my thumbs been numb ever since.

“Come on; let's find the first aid room.” Turning to the girl she added, “I'm sorry pet, as you can see Gaby has a problem, we'll be back soon.” And we were off, heading for reception.

“Have you got a ‘First Aider' on duty?” Mum asked the girl behind the counter; she didn't look any older than Jules.

“Of course Mrs Bond, who's the patient, not you Gaby?” she asked, looking straight at Maddy, Maddy dissolved in a giggling fit.

“Yes and no,” she managed to get out between giggles, “I'm Maddy.”

“Well, it was a fifty fifty chance, the receptionist, giggled. Checking a clipboard she picked up the phone and, “Holly Watson to reception!” boomed out of the P.A. system.

“So, how have you been keeping Mrs Bond?” Mum blinked a bit before smiling in recognition.

“Tasha … Utley?”

Tasha beamed a smile back, “I wasn't sure you would remember me.”

“Of course I do, it wasn't that long ago was it? But weren't you going to Uni?”

“Oh, I am, I got this job during my Gap, I started at UMIST last month. They sent me straight back on a months work placement, doing exactly the same thing, only this time I have to write it up. Neat Huh?” She laughed.

“Typical,” Mum chuckled, “What are you studying?”

“Business Studies and Modern Languages, I'm hoping to get into Sports Management. That's why I ended up back here…. Ah, here comes another of the ‘Merry Men', Hi Fred.”

“Hi Tasha, You Okay Drew? Your Dad said you were here, getting first aid, he said.”

“Roit, who's t' payshunt then?” came a ‘Brummie' accent from behind us. About half a dozen fingers pointed at me.

The accent belonged to a tall, (well, taller than me, taller than Mum too, come to that.) Red haired woman, wearing a green tracksuit when she turned ‘PHYSIO' was emblazoned in white letters on the back.

“Roit, follow mee.” The tracksuit said, and led us to a door next to the reception desk. With Mum, Maddy, the tracksuit and I the little treatment room was filling up quickly “I'm sorry Fred, we've run out of room.”

“It's okay Holly, I'll lose the wheels.” I was on pins as Freddie got out of her chair, and stomped toward us, the tiled floor looked so slippery, I was convinced we'd have to pick her up any second.

“Roit then, I can't see any blud, but if you've been playing Robin Hood with Freddie here, it has to be either, blisters, scraped arm, Numb Thumb or Nipped Nipple, which is it Lady Marion?” Maddy was a basket case by this time, holding her sides as she tried to stop laughing, Mum was looking bemused at her blunt manner.

“Umm, all of them?” I ventured.

“Let's see then, taik off your top.” Holly sighed. I slipped my arms out of the singlet and lowered it to my waist.

“Just how many arrows did you shoot tonight?”

“Just four.”

“Four and you managed to do all this? Come and sit here Gaby, put your arm up on the table, that's it.” Holly had some sort of lamp positioned over the table. I didn't think it was working, at first, but after a few minutes a warm feeling started moving up my arm.

“Roit, we'll let that cook for five minutes, the numb feeling should ease up soon and by tomorrow you'll have forgotten about it. In the mean time, we have some creams and embrocations on sale at reception that will help the scrapes.” Mum nodded and left with Holly.

Fred had a pensive look on her face, Maddy was scheming; I could see it in her eyes.

“You know what's going to happen now, don't you, Drew?” Mad asked; that scheming look was still there.

“Come on Mad. I'm not in the mood for guessing games.” I sighed. The scrapes on my chest were really starting to burn, yet there wasn't a mark to be seen.

“Just about everyone here with a copy of the Chad is going to want Gaby's autograph. You'd better practise a bit.” She said looking around.

“Here, use this.” Mad thrust a pad and pen at me after rifling the desktop.

“How am I supposed to do that? I'm stuck under this.” I protested.

“Well, Duh! Use your left hand Drew. You've done it before, I've seen you.”

“Wha … When?” I gasped out, I couldn't remember even picking up a pen left-handed.

“In Art Class,” Mad said smugly “I've seen you using Pastels with your left hand.”

“Come on Mad, it's hardly the same is it?” Mad, was not to be put off though, as she put the pad in front of me.

“Just, try it will you?” I sighed again, before picking up the pen and placing it against the pad. I couldn't seem to make it work; my mind was a complete blank.

“Try closing your eyes Drew.” Freddie suggested. I couldn't see what difference that was going to make, but tried anyway.

“You know what to write, just do it, Drew.” Oh, great help you are, I thought, but managed to produce a squiggle, or so I thought.

“Wow, that ones mine!” cried Maddy as she ripped it off the pad. As I opened my eyes, I saw her in front of the mirror.

“Wow, that is so cool. It's perfect, backwards, but perfect. Oh, and you'd better sign the next one as Gaby, not Drew, okay.” She showed me the paper and I realised what she meant, it was backwards, a mirror image of my normal signature.

“Okay, now you know you can write, try again. Maybe with your eyes open this time.” After about six attempts, the spiders scrawl started to become almost legible, “Try making it bigger.” Mad suggested, as I struggled to control the pen.

“I, think you're gripping too hard, try and relax.” Put in Freddie. Finally I produced a reasonable mark and put the pen down.

“I still think it needs to be bigger,” said Mad as she ripped off yet another sheet of the pad. “And it needs something extra.”

“How about a smiley?” Freddie added.

“That's, IT! ” Mad almost yelled, “Go on Drew, try it.” I shrugged and picked the pen up yet again. And filled yet another page, this time adding the dots and squiggles.

“See what I mean? If you make it bigger, it's easier to add the eyes.”

Hearing voices outside, Mad quickly gathered up the paper and replaced the pad and pen on the desk. As if on cue, the timer on the lamp ‘pinged' just as Holly entered.

“All roit sunshine lets see if you're done yet.” Holly held her arm out, “Grip my 'and … How does that feel?”

“A lot better thanks, it's still tingly but I can move it a bit now.” Mum was smearing the cream on my chest as Holly wrapped a wad of cotton dressing around my elbow, taping it in place.

“Look, I know the waif look is fashionable at the moment, but if you'd been wearing a bra, it might not have hurt so much.” I felt myself blush and before I could answer Holly started again. “I'll have to rush you I'm afraid, I have another customer waiting. Now be sure to keep warm, it will help ease the tingling you're feeling. Yow should be okay tomorrow but if yow's still worried, go see yow doctor.” Mum put her fleece around my shoulders and we trouped out. “Owroit, ‘Jacky Chan' lets see what we can do for youze then.” Holly was saying as we left, a large boy wearing some sort of judo outfit limped into the treatment room.

Mum scooted ahead to catch Juliet's match, but as we arrived I was surprised to see Jules pacing and swatting imaginary flies with her racquet as we entered, “Her opponent has only just come off court, the match was put back for ten minutes.” Dad told us, so I took the time to play hunt the fleece with Maddy while Fred wheeled off to find her mum. Retracing our steps till we found it, it had fallen under one of the benches. I was struggling to get the sleeve over the cotton wool when I felt someone holding the fleece for me. Just as I was about to turn and say thanks Mad, I heard Paul's voice ask.

“Need a hand Drew, or should I say Gaby?” A shiver ran down my back yet my ears were burning, I hoped my face wasn't going as red as Paul's hair as I turned to face him.

“I see Gaby made it as a ‘Page Three Girl' then,” Paul chuckled then laughed as he added, “Pity they tucked you up like a kipper in the process.” I groaned and felt my ears burn again as I looked at him. Paul must have misread the look on my face as he raised his hands defensively. “Whoa! Calm down Drew, I was joking. Come on, you've got to admit its funny.”

“I'm not laughing.” I grumped.

“I knew it was you, I saw you both riding through the village Sunday, but I didn't think anything of it until I saw the ‘Chad'; it almost made Clive's day, until I called after you. I guess you didn't hear me.”

“What brings you here Paul, I didn't think you were into this stuff?” Maddy asked.

“I'm minding the ‘Rug Rat', tonight; it's her swimming night, ‘The Ducklings'.” He chuckled.

“Er, Paul, if you're minding her, shouldn't she be, like, around here somewhere?”

“What? Shit not again, that's twice this evening.” He spun around before dashing off.

“Paul wait! What does she…?” It was too late; he'd already gone.

Drew, do you know her?” Mad asked. I shook my head.

“I've no idea. There's no-one that you could describe as a Rug Rat anyway.” Paul had dashed out to the corridor, towards reception. I looked around, looking for what? A rug rat on her own? After a few minutes searching, I spotted her, the girl with the big eyes. No, it couldn't be, could it? I nudged Maddy, “Watcha think?” I asked pointing toward her.

“Could be, her hair looks damp.” The girl was sitting on the stand in front of Mum; that's what made me look at her; nobody had taken that spot all night. Clutching her ‘Chad' she was totally engrossed in Jules match, her head moving back and forth following the play. “You go this way; I'll go around, that way if she moves we'll still find her.” Maddy suggested. I nodded; for some reason it felt as though we were tracking a pet that didn't want to be caught, and we were talking in whispers so as not to spook it. - Crazy right? We'd be looking stupid if she were the wrong girl.

As I got level with one of the side doors, it flew open as Paul burst through, “Have you seen Tami?” he gasped, looking like me, after a race.

“Slow down Paul, you'll get slung out running around like that. Who's Tami, and what does she look like?”

“Tami – Tamsin, my niece, I'm s'posed to be looking after her. Shit my sisters going to kill me; then mum will do it again when she finds out I lost her. I pointed to the girl.

Is that Tami? I asked. Paul still hadn't told me what she looked like, but I thought, even if I'm wrong we've reduced the possibilities by one.

“Oh, shit! Yes, thanks Drew.” He seemed to shrink as he sagged back into the door; it was one of those that opened both ways, but I grabbed him before he fell through, nearly getting dragged through after him. Sheesh he was heavy. We started to move to her, but Maddy had already reached her and gave us a thumbs up, grinning.

Suddenly Paul grabbed my elbow, yeah that elbow, ”Er, Drew, sorry but it looks like she wants your autograph.” Tami had seen us and was getting her pen out ready.

“Well, I think I can handle that.”

“No Drew, er, she w w wants er, Gaby's autograph.” He finally got out as I stared at him.

“Didn't you tell her?” I gasped. I didn't mention the earlier attempt

“How was I supposed to know you'd be here? She must have picked up the Chad in the foyer. Please Drew, just keep her happy, if she tells sis I lost her, I'm dead meat.” I gave him a frown; I'd been going to do it anyway but he didn't need to know that. “Please Drew.” He added quietly as we got nearer, grabbing my elbow again in the process.

“Stop it Uncle Paul, you're hurting her.” Tami cried, I almost laughed it sounded so strange, Paul an uncle.

“Hello, Uncle Paul.” Maddy smirked. “Tami's been waiting here for ages, haven't you pet?” Tami nodded furiously to emphasise the point. She seemed to have lost her tongue again as those big eyes turned toward me. And again held out the Chad and a pen.

“So, this is Becky's girl?” Mum asked. Paul jumped as he realised mum was speaking to him.

“Er. Yes Mrs Bond, Tami's visiting for the weekend.” Paul explained.

“Well, I'm very pleased to meet you Tami, though isn't it time you were tucked up snug in bed?

“I was waiting to see if Gaby could sign her picture Mrs Bond,” Tami spoke in a very quiet voice, “Is your hand better now?” she added, once again holding out the paper to me. Mum coughed a bit but recovered enough to hand me one of the glossy versions of the same photo.

“It's a good job Gaby's left handed isn't it?” said Mad. I concentrated on signing the photo before passing it back for Mum to do the same. Paul suddenly leapt and struggled with his coat pocket before pulling out his mobile.

“Yes Mum … she's fine … no mum we're leaving now, it's just that Tami wanted some autographs … yes real celebrities … the Bonds. … Yes mum, see you in a bit, bye mum.” he reached for Tami's hand. Come on munchkin; time to go. Let's not get your Gran in a tizzy.” Paul pocketed the phone before adding quietly “Thanks Drew I owe you.” I was about to follow him, I wanted to try and explain the mix up somehow. Before I could stand though, two more copies of the Chad appeared, and I was stuck. I lost count after a dozen and was massaging my left hand after its unfamiliar workout, when Mad came and sat next to me.

“It's okay Drew, Paul knows it's a misprint because it said we were twins right?”

“Yeah, but what about the rest of the school, Mad?”

“Er, well how many read the Chad Drew, most of them only see it when it's wrapping their chips.”

“It only needs one Mad, one with a big mouth and I'm dead.”

“Hey, cheer up; remember what you said to Paul, Monday? Follow your own advice, It'll work I'm sure of it. Just keep up the misprint side of it.” Mad didn't sound that sure, but it seemed to make sense, the way Paul was talking he'd seen nothing out of the ordinary.

Some ragged applause woke me from my gloomy thoughts. Not only had Jules match started, I'd missed the first set. I looked at Mum and whispered “what happened?” Jules was pacing like a tiger; she seemed angry, very angry.

“Love game,” Mum whispered back.

“You mean, she lost?” That would explain her anger, but I didn't think she could lose every point, it didn't seem possible.

“No, I mean she won.” Mum whispered again. I was now totally confused, Jules should be pleased not angry, but she continued to pace around the Court; until the second set started.

If this had been a tennis match, I'd have been running for cover from Juliet's serves, she seemed to be trying to prove something, as she put everything into the game. Yet again the set was a walkover, and Jules barely touched hands with her opponent before walking of the court. She seemed to be in control, not throwing her racquet around anyway, but she was angry about something. I walked over to her with Mum.

“Mind telling me what that little display was all about?” asked Mum. Jules was still wound up.

“Stupid little upstart, thought she could grab some easy points by winding me up.”

“Pardon? What do you mean?” Mum asked

“It was a ladder match, members can challenge anyone above them on the ladder league, and she obviously waited till I had a hard match then put in a late challenge hoping I wouldn't be up to the second game.”

“But you didn't just win Juliet; you stamped on her, why?”

“I told you Mum, she was winding me up.” Mum didn't ask how, she just folded her arms and waited.

“She just was, okay.” Jules said quietly, Mum wasn't having any of that and started tapping her foot; a bad sign. Jules said something I didn't catch, but Mum seemed satisfied, she nodded, Jules went back to packing her kit, but Mum stopped her.

“There's a free court over there Jules, lets go and work off some of that energy, and you're obviously in need of some cooling down.” Jules was about to complain; but shrugged, picked up the sports kit and followed Mum to the vacant court. I hoped this wasn't going to take long.

Jules let loose a mighty serve at Mum, who just stood there smiling, as it dropped just past the base line, “Feel better now?” Mum asked,

“Yes Mum.” Jules laughed, as she launched a more reasonable serve, which Mum deftly flicked back.

“Come on Drew, give me a hand.” Called Mum, as the match developed into a game of keep up. As I grabbed a racquet out of Jules bag, Freddie was coming out of the nets and I had a better idea.

“Fred, your needed.” I said passing her the racquet.

“Drew, this isn't table tennis.” She sounded slightly panic struck as I pushed her toward the court with Maddy.

“Really? … Is that important? … I suppose if we asked nicely, they'd get us a table; but can't you make do with the net for now?” Fred gave a twisted smile as she parked herself on the base line, but she called, ‘ Mine', loud enough to stop Mums move across the court. Fred flicked at the shuttle but it wasn't going to make the net.

“ Volley Ball Rules!” “ Mum called as she touched it over to Jules.

“Hey, that's three against one, come on.” Whinged Jules. It was four really, but only two racquets on our side of the net.

“Better get some help then, Jules.” Said mum,

“HEEEELLLLPPP!” Wailed Jules. It might have been more effective if she hadn't been giggling at the time.

We did manage to get a ten shot rally going, Jules placed her returns right where Freddie could reach them; it ended when Jules tried a drop shot which clearly was going to skim the net on our side until Mum reached up and pulled the net towards us.

“CHEAT!” Jules yelled, as we all dissolved in laughter, including Mrs T. who had joined us.

Almost as one, Mum and Mrs T spoke the words known to kids all over the world:

“Come on Kids time to go, you've got school in the morning”

And as one we answered loudly:

“Oh, Mu…um!” before dissolving in a gale of giggles. I slowed down a bit as I saw Carol walking toward us.

“Come on Maddy time to go.”

“Oh do I have to?”

“Yes you do; look, the cleaners waiting for you as well.”

Mad shrugged and called “See you tomorrow guys.” As she hurried after Carol.

“What time is it?” I asked Mum; there were only a few players left in the hall and like us, they were packing their kit and leaving.

“10,30, and I hope you've done your homework?” Mum looked back and forth between us.

“Yes Mum.” Jules, then I, replied.

“Can I have a word, Mrs Bond?” asked Mrs T.

“Of course, but call me Jenny please, you must be Annie-frids Mum, I can see the likeness. I hope you didn't mind us kidnapping her just now.

“Of course not, Jenny, and please call me Maggie. No I wanted …” And that's all I heard before they turned away, so I went back to helping Jules to pack the kit away.

“So, what do you think Fred, still prefer table tennis?” I asked with a grin, as Jules slung the sports bag on her shoulder.

“God, Drew, things certainly happen when you're around. Thursdays will never seem the same again.” She laughed.

“They do, don't they.” I sighed.

“Fit, Annie-frid?”

“Coming Mum. … Any news on the weekend Drew?”

“Not yet, I'll ring tomorrow night, okay?” Fred grinned and wheeled after her.

Mum seemed to bounce as she came toward us, as she raised her head she was beaming.

Uh uh, she's up to something.” Mused Jules.

“Uh huh, I think your right. Mum wheeled around behind us stuck her arms through ours and we set off for the exit

“How's the arm Drew?”

“A bit better now, there's some feeling coming back”

“Well remember what Holly said keep it warm.” She held my hand and stuffed both hers and mine into the pocket of her fleece then did the same for Jules.

“ Where's Dad, Mum?”

“Warming the car up.” Mum was still grinning about something. Jules started humming “Dat Darra Dat Dah, Dat Darra Dah Dah.” I joined in; and by the time we passed the desk we were doing the walk, much to the amusement of the girls behind it.

“We are the self preservation society… Eat your heart out Michael Cain.” Jules laughed.

“Hold it, we'll wait here I think.” said Mum as a ferocious burst of rain battered the glass of the outer doors. We didn't have long to wait; Dad pulled up right outside and opened the doors. We were still laughing as we piled in and slammed the doors.

“Good job it's not a Mini, Dad” Laughed Jules.

“Glad some people are happy,” Dad chuckled, “Carol, hardly said a word when she picked up Maddy, just now.”

“She did seem a bit short with Maddy,” said Mum, “I wonder…?”

“What Mum?” Asked Jules, I was all ears, was Maddy in the doghouse?

“Carol was fine when we got back from the airport, and when Drew and Maddy got home, so whatever it is, it happened since then.” Mum often did this, going over everything ‘til she got to a conclusion. “I was wondering if it's the ‘Chad'.

“But the photo only showed Drew and Freddie, you don't think she's miffed Maddy wasn't in it?” Jules cut in.

“Maybe, I was thinking more along the line that Maddy was Gaby's twin sister, not a mention of Peters at all.”

“Argh…” I couldn't help it I had to bury my head in the back of Mums seat trying to stifle my laughter, it was so poetic. I risked a look at Jules; she was struggling to keep a straight face as well.

“You alright back there Drew?” I was biting my sleeve in an effort to keep quiet, but Jules lost her struggle and collapsed across the seat laughing. Dad was just shaking his head as he pulled onto the drive.

“What's, got into you two?” Mum asked, as we staggered into the house supporting each other. Jules recovered faster than I did and let me fall onto the sofa. Mum sat beside me, but Jules left me to face the music as she dashed for the shower, Dad was muttering about last minute packing and disappeared as well.

“Drew, It's not that funny, Carols probably feeling hurt right now.” It dawned on me, Mum didn't know.

“Mum, it's classic; she's been trying to get me to call her Mum for ages. Now she's had a taste of her own medicine. I leant back still chuckling.”

“What? I think you'd better start explaining, right now.”

“I don't think Carols been telling you everything in those phone calls, has she? … I know she doesn't tell Dad much.”

“Go on, I'm listening.” Shit, Oh well, better get it over with.

“I know you spoke to her on Thursday, just what did she tell you, Mum?”

“That you went to Newark to get a Christmas present for Maddy,” Mum, was calming down a little as she sensed I was serious. “Carol said you got a little stressed and threatened to walk out of the store. Was it that bad?”

“Worse, Mum, the first time I was halfway down the high street looking for the station.” Mum gasped.

“The first time?” I felt my eyes stinging as I remembered every detail of the afternoon in hell.

Mum went to her briefcase and pulled out a folder “Carol gave me these.” Mum gave me two small photos', they showed Gaby modelling the gowns at ‘Clements'

“Not up to her usual standard are they?” Carols Digi-pics are normally first class; these were grainy and slightly blurred. Mum took the photos' back and looked at them closely before going back to the folder and pulling out a CD.

“Carol might not have meant to leave this.” Mum put the disk into the DVD player and grabbed the remote. There was nothing wrong with the picture this time; it started with a caption, “Your Visit to Clement's Couturier's” The camera must have been mounted high on the back wall of the shop, and showed the area in front of the dressing rooms in front of the large mirror. There sound was very low, Mum hit the remote and you could just make out Carol's voice, mine was too muffled to hear.

I couldn't bear to watch it. I left Mum and went to my room and sat on the bed, still clutching the cushion from the sofa.

I heard the door open, “Drew are you okay?” It was Jules, fresh with the scent of flowers from the shower. I vaguely thought I ought to wash up too. I felt her try to pull me away from the cushion, “SHIT, hang on Drew.” When she came back she had a face cloth and towel and started cleaning my face. “Is this about school tomorrow, Drew?” School? School hadn't crossed my mind since speaking to Paul earlier; I just hugged the cushion tighter as Jules gently rocked me. “It'll be alright Drew, I'm sure it will, I'll tell Anna and the gang about the ‘Chad' they'll help to spread the word.”

The bed lurched again and Mum put her arms around me and held me tight as I sobbed again.

“Go on to bed Jules, I'll be in soon, okay?” Mum had to shoo a reluctant Jules out. “Go on pet, I'll sit with Drew for a while.”

“I'm sorry Drew, I had no idea, was that when you walked out?” Mum continued rocking me, as I got some control of my voice.

“N no Mum, that was the second time.” I went on to tell her about my strop in front of the sales assistant then my quest for a bus station, finishing up with the jewellers.

“Then … why did you go back, Drew?”

“I ... Carol said she understood and wouldn't do it again … and we still had to get Maddy's present, and …” Mum hugged me again as I dried up.

“So, you did it for Maddy.” I nodded, as Mum eased me back pulling the covers over me. “Are you really worried about school Drew?”

“A bit, Mum but Juliet's right. It might raise a few laughs but no more than that.” I hoped I sounded more confident than I felt.

“If you get any problems I want you to see Mr Wood, understand Drew? Anything at all; I'll ring him in the morning.”

“But you'll be in London.”

“Yes, and it's a lot closer than Germany, I can be back here two hours after you call. I'll give Mum a ring as well and I want you to promise that you'll ring her as soon as you get in from school, right?”

“Okay, Mum.”

“Make sure you do, she'll be on her way here if you don't. Have you seen Carol since Thursday?” I nodded.

“Carol can get carried away sometimes, I know you probably don't think so, but she really does care about you.” I sniffed into the cushion; Carol had a funny way of showing it I thought.

“Drew, I'm sure that hurting you was never her intention, she probably got carried away in her own little fantasy.” Mum suddenly changed tack as she asked. “Which dress did she buy? Not the formal?” I nearly choked into the cushion.

“God, I hope not. I told her that Mad would only wear it after cutting it up for a costume.” Mum chuckled quietly.

“I suppose it was poetic in a way, but it gives us a problem doesn't it?” I looked up; my face must have looked a mess. Mum picked up the flannel and wiped my eyes. I knew what the problem was, Carol was the baby sitter for us; I was worried I was going to spoil their time together. “Drew?” I nodded. “Is, it a problem?” I tried to swallow the lump that had found its way to my throat. “Drew, it might help if I told you something about Carol, but you must give me your word not to mention it to anyone, especially Maddy.”

“Mum, you know I can't lie to her, she always finds out.” Mum smiled

“If, Maddy mentions it first, it won't be a problem, just act surprised if she does. When I tell you, you'll understand why.” Damn, now I had to find out what it was. I couldn't leave it there; perhaps Mum was banking on my curiosity.

“Can I have your word, Drew?”

“Yes Mum.” I sighed, not knowing what I was promising really. Mum paused before saying.

“Well, it may not sound much but it's important to Carol and John, you see they were trying for a baby for a long time before Maddy was born and things like IVF weren't available to her, but fertility drugs were, do you understand Drew?

“You mean medicine, to help get a woman pregnant?”

“It's a bit more involved than that, but that's basically it.” I couldn't see what all the fuss was about it seemed logical to me.

“There was a drawback Drew, things were not as refined as they are these days, a lot of women had multiple births. Mum paused to let that sink in. I was getting a feeling I knew what was coming next. “You see Drew, Carol, gave birth to twins, identical twins, unfortunately Josephine, Maddy's sister died soon after the birth.” Mum choked to a stop and we just hugged each other for a while, as the news sank in.

“You mean Carol might…”

“I think it's possible that Carol was just trying to see what she had lost, and let it go too far. … I'm pretty sure that's all there is to it, Drew.”

“But, why not just tell Maddy?”

“Well, that's for John and Carol to decide isn't it. They decided to wait until she was older; I think their just putting it off now, but it's still their decision and we have to respect that.” Mum tucked the duvet around me and turned out the light. “Get some sleep Drew.”

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