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Questions - A Gaby Fanfic

Part 21

Jules couldn't help waking me as she got out of bed, but she quietly told me to go back to sleep. I was vaguely aware that she hadn't closed the doors as she went to the bathroom. I felt on edge suddenly, not nauseous like yesterday, I just suddenly felt nervous, and sat up quickly. Jules was back at the door in a flash.

“You Okay?” Jules asked quietly.

“Err, I think so.” I thought she was going to say something, but instead she turned and headed for her room; to dress I supposed. Jules returned far too quickly for that and carrying her clothes. I remember thinking, quite clearly, I was glad she was back and I lay back down again as she dressed behind me.

“Right, breakfast. Five minutes, okay Gabs?” said Jules as she headed downstairs. Ten seconds later I was nervous again and I realised I couldn't stand the thought of being on my own; I grabbed my robe and headed for the door to follow her. Jules had stopped halfway down and gave a nervous smile. “You feel it, too?” Jules asked as I joined her. I nodded and she put her arm around me as we descended. Maybe I should have been worried about it, but the feeling of calm returned as soon as Jules touched me.

Jules, soon had breakfast on the go as I got the plates and started the toaster.

We ate in silence, neither of us wanting to embarrass the other. Eventually, Jules broke the silence.

"How are your arms Drew? You look a bit stiff." I was sitting with my arms loosely folded, sitting upright on the stool; I couldn't rest them on the table, it was just too uncomfortable.

"All right I think, they itch a little, but they only really sting when I stretch them." Jules carefully lifted an edge of one of the dressings.

"Much better," Nurse Jules, announced, "they'll probably do that for a while as they close over. Doctor, Doctor, it hurts when I do this."

"Yeah, I know," I chuckled, "Don't do it then." I finished it off for her.

Jules went back up to dress while I tidied the kitchen before doing the same. I think we were both relieved to find we could manage that, and by the time Carol arrived, things were almost back to normal.

“You guys are being seriously strange,” Said Maddy, as I pushed a trolley around Sainsbugs. Carol was making a determined effort at creating a world shortage of groceries; having already filled the trolley that Juliet was pushing.

“What do you mean?” I asked, knowing full well what she meant. I thought we'd done rather well; at one time Jules and I got fifty metres apart; just not for very long.

“I mean, you two, you're acting like you've never been out alone before, you're not getting agro-whatsit are you?”

“Stop it Maddy,” Carol interrupted us by dumping a large bag of rice into the trolley, “I think it's very nice; they're just looking out for each other, that's all.”

“Holding hands in the car is looking out for each other?” Mad whispered.

“I held your hand too, you didn't complain about that.” I hissed back.

“Sometimes, people don't just want, to hold hands Maddy” said Carol dumping another load in my trolley, “Sometimes they need to.” Damn how does she do that? I could have sworn she couldn't have heard us. “This is the first time you've been left on your own isn't it?” Jules and I nodded. “It's good to see you taking it so seriously." She paused before asking. “How would you be feeling if it was you, Maddy?”

“Party time!” Said Mad, without hesitating.

“Exactly, my point.” Carol laughed; as she played hunt the right size cabbage.

“Doh!” Mad sulked, as she realised that was the wrong answer.

“Will you two be all right? I was going to drop this lot off then come back later. …”

“No we'll be fine, really; I think it was just the realisation we were alone.” Jules reasoned.

“I'll look after them.” Mad jumped in, suddenly feeling very important.

“And how about you, Drew? How do you feel about it?” Carol asked quietly.

Carols obvious sincerity threw me for a moment. How could I stay angry with her after that? I realised we needed her for the next few days, just as much, probably more than, Carol had needed Gaby, last week.

“We'll be alright, you go ahead; and thanks for the lift, aunty.” I hoped I sounded more convincing than I felt. Frankly, if Carol had asked for a volunteer to help with the unloading....

Carol beamed, but still seemed reluctant to drive off, “All right then, look out for each other. Remember, if you need me earlier for any reason, just ring and I'll come straight back.”

“Go on, Mum, the ice-cream is melting.” Mad joked.

"As long as you're sure, I'll see you here, ready, at one; that should give you enough time. Oh, and see if you can find some shoes, Drew, you can't live your whole life in trainers and your school shoes aren't much better." Then to Maddy “And you, Missy, remember we're baking this afternoon, so don't be late and stay out of trouble, clear?” Carol warned, as she moved off: leaving Maddy, speechless.

"What did I do?" Maddy pouted.

Things got better once we were in the mall. Being in the crowd must have helped, that, and having a list of people to get Christmas presents for, helped push the edgy feeling from my mind. In fact I started to feel a bit foolish about it.

Meadowhall was its usual hectic self. Now of course, it was bright, with Christmas displays everywhere, shoppers looking for presents adding to the crowds. Jules and Maddy were in their element in the various stores; both had bags full of purchases, when we met up for coffee.

“What's up, Drew? You haven't bought a thing yet, I thought you needed trousers?” Jules asked.

“I do, I just haven't found any yet. They seem to be out of my size. When I find the right leg they're too tight in the seat, when I get the seat to fit you could wrap the waist around me twice.” I moaned.

“Ha, it's those thunder thighs of yours,” Jules said rather unkindly. “You need taking in hand; what do you think, Maddy?”

“It's beginning to look that way; these are, for school, right? Mad asked, “Marks and Sparks will do for those,” she added referring to Marks and Spencer's and dragged me in that direction. In the store we were soon at the racks of trousers. Maddy taking my inside leg measurement would have been more fun if the store hadn't been so crowded, but then again we were shopping.

“Try these on.” Jules said and pointed at the changing rooms. “I'll, go find some more.” She added, as Mad pushed me into the changing area.

"See what I mean Mad? They never seem quite right.”

You're just looking on the wrong rack. Try these,” Jules said as she entered.

“Why do they all seem to fit so low?” I moaned as I got the new pair on. These were in no danger of falling down, even without a belt, but I knew I'd be forever trying to tuck my shirt into them. Maybe I needed longer shirts.

“That's just the cut, Drew. Do they fit though?” I had to admit they did, and Jules disappeared to the racks again.

“These are higher cut, but you may not like them.” Jules said quietly as she handed me another pair.

After trying them, they seemed fine, though the pockets were a bit small. it was when I looked in the mirror that I got a shock. The high tapering waist just seemed to show Gaby, looking back at me. I hurriedly took them off again. We did manage to find another pair that weren't so high waisted though, and I settled for those and the lower cut pair. I was heading for the checkout when Maddy asked about jeans.

“We'll try the market for them; there's a denim shop there,” So off we trooped. It was called the market but really it was just a square of small specialist shops. The trader's tried to live up to the market image though and many of them set their ware's out on mobile racks and tables. It was just the place to find that special T-shirt or unusual gift.

Now this place was crowded. “Hey, Drew, check these out!” called Maddy, from one of the racks of clothes. “I wouldn't mind a pair of these myself.” She held up a pair of black trousers. “Good enough for clubbing,” She added as she found a second pair and headed into the shop.

“Just how many clubs have you been to, Maddy?” Jules giggled, as we entered.

“ MADDY! This is a dress shop ,” I hissed at her.

“Well, yeah, but we're buying trousers, come on.” With Maddy dragging me and Jules, close behind, there was no escape. We ended up in yet another changing room. “Hurry up, Drew; we've got loads to do yet.” Maddy was already stepping out of her jeans.

Jules attacked my trainers. “Carol was right, Drew, These trainers are ‘minging'. Haven't you got any better ones?”

“Yeah, but I'm keeping them for best.” I blustered; I could never figure out why girls had to put their best clothes on for a shopping trip. “Jules, I can manage!” I protested. she had pulled my jeans to my ankles as soon as I'd released the fly.

"Maddy!" I protested when again I saw the high waist.

"Dre-ew!" mimicked Maddy, raising a giggle from Jules. "What's wrong with them? They fit you really well." I couldn't argue that, they fit almost too well. I pointed out the almost useless pockets and the thinness of the material. If I had a postage stamp in there, the outline would have shown.

"So! Besides your hands, what, are you going to put in them that you can't carry in your jacket pockets, Drew?" Mad asked as she came to stand next to me. With her blue top showing beneath the snowy white gilet, she looked smart as paint. The shiny stripes down the seams of the legs making her look taller somehow. I looked at my own legs, sure enough, there was the stripe. It was printed on; it was more a difference in texture than colour. It wasn't really that obvious, but having noticed it, my eyes kept drifting back to it like a mismatched piece of wall paper.

“The right jacket and a waistcoat or cummerbund and people will think you're wearing a DJ, Drew.” Jules enthused, “But only with the right shoes.” She giggled, I sighed.

"And just what is this 'Comer', whatsit?" I asked,

"It's a kind of sash, Dad wears one with his DJ. Mum calls it his corset," Mad giggled,

"Corset, I'm not wearing one of those." I protested.

"Don't worry Drew, it looks nothing like a corset. Mum, just calls it that 'cause it holds his tummy in." Mad was still giggling. "I'll show you when we get back."

"At least they won't break the bank." I observed, looking at the tag.

"Right, shoes next," Jules said.

"Hang about, I came in for jeans," I reminded her, as I started to strip again.

"Wait there, Drew, I think I've got the hang of your sizing now.” And she vanished through the curtain. She was back before I'd put them back on the hanger, “Try these for starters.” said Jules, handing me a pair in black.

If I thought the last pair were snug, these made them feel positively loose by comparison, it was like pulling on a second skin.

"Am-I-good or what!" Jules grinned smugly.

"I thought they were a bit long." I ventured cautiously in the face of Juliet's enthusiasm.

"You haven't got shoes on, that's why; try these, Mad said taking of her shoes, giving me a stern look to ward off my protests.

I squeezed into the pointed toed boots. They had a slight heel and I realised I could now look Maddy in the eye for a change.

"They're perfect; see? it's all in the cut."

We left the shop after exchanging £50 for two pair of jeans and the slacks. I made a mental note to return for something else I'd seen.

At least I was back in my trainers as we headed for the shoe emporiums; but that was going to change soon if Maddy and Jules had their way.

Déja-vu, struck again as we entered 'Shoe World', followed by: "Gabeeey!" from Sarah, as she wiggled across to greet us. She was sporting a shiny new badge, I noticed, proclaiming her 'Assistant Manager', "Thank you Gaby," she said when I congratulated her, "My boss said it was my perky personality that got me the job." I smiled at that, Perky, wasn't quite how I'd have described her.

"So, what can I show you today Gaby?"

"Shoe..."

"Boots!" interrupted Maddy. "Something like these, but maybe chunkier." She added pulling at her jeans to show them off.

“For smart every day wear,” Jules added.

“Not dancing shoes then,” Sarah giggled. “Oooo-Kaaaay, lets see, pointed, square or round; though the rounded are a bit grannyish. Then, we have ankle, calf or knee high? I take it you'll want a dark colour for everyday use?” Sarah paused, not even out of breath after that rush. It finally dawned on me that she was waiting for a reply.

“Err… ”

“Don't bother with the round, they look better with a long skirt Gabs. I'd try the square; they'll be great with your new slacks or jeans.” Jules, came to the rescue…if you could call it that.

“You mean I'm not your first stop, Gaby! I'm surprised at you.” Sarah pouted. “But, as you're my favourite customer, I'll let you off,” She giggled as she measured my foot before dashing off to the stockroom.

I was quite relieved when she returned and showed me a high ankle boot, from the front or back they looked almost normal, it was from the side that you could see the sculptured heel that defined them as a lady's shoe.

After half an hour of this we were surrounded by boxes. It seemed I'd tried on every boot in the shop; make that almost every boot. Sarah was putting some of the rejects back in their respective boxes. “Maybe something higher would suit you, there's a pair of specials in the stock room.” She was gone so fast she didn't even notice me shaking my head, there was no way I was going to wear a higher heel. Even these were pushing it.

“We haven't even sorted these yet, they came in yesterday.” Like a magician she produced what looked like a pair of cowboy boots. I ended up with the bottoms of my jeans rolled up as I tried the boots on. Although they were cut with the traditional scoop top they were really soft leather and fitted snugly to about mid calf; not that anyone would see that with my jeans at the right length. In fact from that point of view, these were least ‘girlie' of the shoes I'd tried on.

As I took a few steps in them, I glanced at Maddy and Jules. They were grinning like fools. “If you don't buy those you're crazy!” Jules gushed while Maddy nodded slowly.

Have you somewhere Gaby, can change Sarah?" Mad asked. "Then we can see the look properly."

Mmm," she pondered, "There's the staff room, that should be empty. Don't bother trying the loo though, the last cat we tried to swing in there still has concussion." she giggled as she showed me the way and Mad followed with one of her bags.

"Err, why do I have to do this again, Mad?"

"To see the total effect of course,” Mad answered, as though it was the most natural thing in the world. “Here, you'd better put these on,” she added as she handed me a new pair of panties. “Mum, said to get you some, err… ‘essentials', so I picked out a few things.”

I was lost for words and then I remembered overhearing Carol and Dad. “Why Mad? I'm only trying them on.”

“Because your kecks were all bunched up the last time you tried them on, it looked terrible. Sarah, is bound to comment on something like that.” Mad opened the package and handed me a pale blue pair. “I got you briefs as they're similar to Y-fronts; Mum say's you probably don't use the fly anyway.” I stared at her, how the hell did she know that?

“See? Much better.” Mad enthused as I pulled the Jeans up and fastened them. “Now let's try the boots again.” She bundled my old jeans into the carrier and pushed me toward the door. The jeans fitted where they touched and they touched everywhere. They felt like my cycling shorts, snug but still comfortable, they seemed to stretch when I walked or bent over.

“Ooh, Gaby, I wish I could fit into jeans like that.” Sarah gushed, “My bum looks huge when I try them,” she added giggling. I didn't see why, she looked perfect to me. I was standing in front of the mirror on Maddy's instructions, trying to see if the boots could be seen for what they were. “Your bum on the other hand, I'm positively jealous of.” Sarah added, giggling.

“Try the blue ones, Drew, while you have the chance,” Mad suggested. “If you wear them out we can bin those manky old ones.” She whispered as she pushed me back into the room.

“They're my best jeans.” I moaned

“Not any more, they're not! And you said they were tight.”

“That's no reason; there are others at home to clear out before these,” I pointed out, a bit miffed that Mad thought they were bin fodder.

Maddy grudgingly conceded, but insisted I wear the white sweatshirt I'd bought earlier. That's much better,” Maddy smiled. “You might as well go for the all new look, put the old stuff in the bag.”

“We'll take them.” Maddy, decided for me after a second trip to the mirror. The boots looked fine, and the two inch heel wasn't so bad, as the jeans covered half of that; so I started to go through the carrier bag in search of my wallet, finally pulling it out of my jeans pocket.

“You'll have to carry a bag now.” Sarah pointed out. “We've got a great selection over here.” I was beginning to see why she got promoted.

“Gaby keeps loosing them.” Jules put in quickly. “Here, let me look after it for you.”

“Oh, I know what you mean. I'm forever doing that, but I've got the answer right here. They only came in last week and they're proving very popular. I've sold three this morning! I even sold one to a very dishy Italian guy yesterday.”

Sarah sped off, returning with a selection of bags, well pouches and belts. “You won't lose these,” she pointed out as she modelled one of the small pouches. Shiny black leather, she wore it slung low on her hip like a holster from a wide belt. “These are great; you can mix and match the belts for different outfits.” Sarah demonstrated by pulling the belt tighter settling the pouch at her waist, then picked another, this time in blue denim and held it to Maddy's jeans. “You can wear it anyway you like, side, back even at the front like a sporran.” She laughed. “Hey, and check this out, this is looks really cool.” Sarah threaded a scarf through a loop at the bottom of the pouch and tied it around her leg, leaving the tails long. “See, very ‘Now'. Or just leave it draped through without tying, it makes a feature out of an accessory. Neat or what?”

“Hey, this is great, Gaby,” Jules said. “There are compartments for your mobile and everything. There's even a soft pocket thing for your change.” I could definitely see why Sarah got promoted, as I caught a glimpse of the manager smiling on the other side of the shop.

I ended up with one of the smaller pouches, just big enough for a mobile and my wallet -- neater, was Maddy's term -- and a wide plaited belt. The buckle was almost normal compared to the large butterfly that adorned the one Maddy chose.

Sarah was looking triumphant as she rang through the purchases; as well she might, three pair of boots and three bags in a half hour would certainly help her commission, even after the generous discount she gave us.

Maddy had us traipsing around looking for a suitable jacket to wear with the slacks, but sidetracked herself when she fell in love with a fur trimmed short parka instead. She ended up wearing it as well. “Can't have Drew being the only one showing off new clothes, can we?” she giggled, as she made me wear her gilet instead of my fleece. We split up then, so we could buy presents without the others around and I made a beeline for the market again.

‘He shoot's, he scores!' Yes! I found the perfect gift for Jules, a huge black lacy scarf thing, in the accessory section of one of the boutiques. Nearly every manikin in the display area had one either tied at the hips, or draped over the shoulder. I thought of a Pashmina, for Mum, but they were really expensive, so I decided to confer with Jules about Mums prezzie. Maybe we could join forces and get her something special.

Virgin records was another story though. It was jam-packed and the struggle to get to the racks was enough to convince me to get out. I made my selections quickly and joined the queue at the checkout. At least the girls working the tills seemed to know their business and I was soon back on the main concourse breathing a sigh of relief.

We had arranged to meet near one of the food courts, so I made my way there. It was a rest area really, about fifty metres away from the coffee shops and eateries. Most of the seating was taken, so to kill some time I spent a few minutes looking at the shiny toys in ‘Jessops'. While I was deciding which camera I couldn't afford, there was an excited squeal from one of the Mall Bunnies that were taking up a whole bench behind me.

" See, look over there.”

"Ooh, yeah, come on."

Suddenly there was lots of seating, as a whole bench cleared. The girls charging off in pursuit of whatever it was they had seen; probably some handbag or shoes that they couldn't live without.

Seizing my chance, I commandeered the bench. How anyone could sit here for long I'll never know, the bench was really hard. So, I pulled my fleece out of the bag and made a cushion of it. I settled back to contemplate the world going by, while waiting for Jules and Maddy, to find me.

I knew the Bunnies were still around, from the giggles and turned in the direction of the squeals. They were quieter now as they seemed to be following.… Good grief… a cross between that TV character ‘Angel' from Buffy, and that Froggy footballer, Ginola something or other, (well a skinny, younger version). With his leather bushman's raincoat, flaring open as he walked, you could see the expensive looking suit he was wearing underneath. His jet black hair tied in a longish tail, this kid defined the word cool. No wonder the Bunnies were hopping; I chuckled at my own pun and their antics, as they tried to attract his attention.

He paused outside ‘Jessops' and consulted a list from his pocket, then peered at the display before going in. The pack of bunnies circled for a moment then headed back to the bench. I was now in their spot, and vaguely wondered if they were going to try and reclaim their lookout post, but they circled around the bench and waited for their Idol to exit, which he duly did a few moments later, with, what looked like the manager in tow.

It was pretty obvious from their gestures and attempts at conversation, that this guy didn't speak English too well.

“Ooh, he's Italian. That explains the suit.” One of his admirers gushed behind me. “And the shoes.” Another pointed out

He finally got his point across and the pair entered the shop again. I went back to my prezzie list, lounging on the bench and generally looking bored as I went through it. I'd bought Jules, that lace shawl thingy, I knew I was safe on the colour, black; I'd used her current favourites as a guide. Dad was easier, he was always complaining about the light in the garage, so I'd got him a lamp that would strap to his head. All right, it was a bit of a joke as well, but I knew he'd use it. Maddy, yes I know, I'd already given her the locket, but it's nice to have something to unwrap on Christmas morning, so I'd found an Anime film in Virgin; I hoped she hadn't already got it. Mum was trickier, I needed Jules advice on her present, that's why I was getting anxious; I was running out of time, and the mall was filling up.

There was still no sign of Mad or Jules, as the bunnies started to get giggly again. I glanced up and saw that the boy in black was holding a camera, just outside the shop, while the manager was trying to explain the features. Broken Italian, versus broken English; not a good mix. After a while, I realised they were haggling over the price. Now that was unusual. In this country, our idea of getting a bargain is to shop around for the best price and then try to get a price match. But this kid was going for it. Calculators in hand, they were spouting Euros, Pounds and Dollars, until eventually, they agreed a price. I was amazed to hear a figure £200 less than the ticket price for the camera and accessories and had to suppress a gasp, while trying to look as though I wasn't eavesdropping by looking away. I doubt he'd have noticed though, he was too busy trying the camera out.

“Come on girls, we're wasting our time with Blondie, over there,” came from the bunnies. There were a few murmurs of agreement and they wandered away. Jules and Maddy were now ten minutes late and I was getting anxious again. Eventually Jules, hove into site, dawdling alongside Maddy.

“Ciao, questa è per voi signorina giovane bella. Er, Prego, Er…. This is for you, please accept, Ciao.” The boy in black was standing right over me. He didn't seem as self-assured as he'd been when talking to the shop manager though, as he nervously thrust a folder into my hands, flashed a row of gleaming teeth at me then walked away.

“Drew? Was he bothering you?” Juliet gasped.

“Er…I don't think so. He wanted to give me something, but I couldn't understand him. He was Italian I think.”

“You didn't recognise any words?”

Well, I got Ciao, that's hello, I think, oh, his name might be Giovani, I got that then Bella something, but nothing else.” I thought Jules was going to choke as she started coughing.

Maddy, was thumping her on the back, “What's the matter, Jules?”

Jules took a few breaths, “I think Gaby, just clicked.”

“You mean, he was, chatting me up?”

“Uh, huh. You are sat on the pickup bench after all,” Jules grinned. “The pack normally sit here, girls this side, boys the other. If you see any one you fancy, you start the chat. Simple as that.”

“And, just how do you know about this, Jules?” Maddy raised an eyebrow.

“Well, erm, I mean…everyone knows.”

“We-eeee, didn't,” Mad pointed out. “Come on, Jules, you were one of the pack, weren't you?” Mad giggled.

“Well yeah, but I….”

“Yeah right,” Maddy said, sarcastically, as she winked at me.

“Well, maybe, just the one time,” Jules allowed. “So, what did he give you, Drew?” she asked, trying to change the subject. It seemed to work, as they both looked at me.

“I don't know, I haven't looked, yet.” I hadn't had a chance; they'd both arrived at the run. I looked at the folder in my hand. ‘Jessops' Photo Service embossed in the corner, I had a bad feeling about this.

Maddy removed the problem by grabbing it from my hand, and holding it close so I couldn't see, she slowly peeked at it. “Oh, wow! You really look good in this,” She squeaked, before passing it to Jules.

“Oh, Shit!” I moaned.

“That's not the sort of language Gaby should be using.” Jules pointed out.

“But that's the point isn't it? He thought I was a girl,” I huffed and hurriedly stripped off the gilet before pulling my fleece back out.

“Stop being so paranoid, Drew. That's probably the last you'll see of him. He's obviously not from around here.” Maddy put in. “Come on, we've got a bit of time before Mum gets here. Let's do the balcony, or get a sticky bun somewhere while we wait.” Trust Maddy to want to want more shopping. I shrugged and started gathering up the bags; then we headed for the escalator.

We ended up passing most of the shops, Maddy and Jules content with just window shopping. “I'm beat,” Jules eventually conceded. “Lets find somewhere to sit, my feet are killing me.” We were near the ‘Oasis' and Jules immediately headed for the seats in the café area. This one was a bit more upscale than the takeaways that populated the ground floor and I found myself instinctively reaching for my pocket, to check my cash, before I realised that I had transferred everything to the pouch.

“Don't worry about it, Drew, I'll get these.” Jules volunteered when she saw me. “Besides, I'm not moving now.” She added massaging her calves.

I nearly dropped the menu I was looking at, when I heard that Italian accent again from behind me.

“Good afternoon Signorina's, what may I bring you.” He said very slowly almost as though he was reading it. I buried my head behind the large menu and left it to Jules and Maddy, hoping he wouldn't recognise me.

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