Questions - A Gaby Fanfic

Part 22

“Tre Cappuccinos Prego.” Jules answered without batting an eyelid.

“Graci, una momento.” he spun around and disappeared.

“It's all right Drew, you can come out now,” Maddy giggled

“Jules, did you know about him being here?” I hissed.

“Of course not! And it's too late now, I've ordered. Just stay calm.”

“When did you learn Italian Jules?” Maddy asked.

“I didn't. It's just what I picked up when I went to Milan with Mum; Just don't ask me to count past ten or for directions to anywhere but the bus station. All right?”

Despite my embarrassment, I joined in the laughter, which began to diminish when we heard the steady stream of Italian coming from the depths of the restaurant. Whatever was being said by a clearly female voice, was judging by the tone, not intended to be pleasant to listen to. In fact I was glad it wasn't directed at me.

“Excitable, aren't they?” Maddy giggled, earning a nudge from Jules. The voice reduced in volume and ended in the unmistakeable sound of someone getting slapped.

“You are not in Milano now Lorenzo, behave yourself or you'll find yourself back there. Now, go see to table three, while I clear up your mess.” Moments later a waitress appeared, carrying a tray containing not only our coffees, but fresh croissant's as well.

“Compliments of ‘ MAMMA AMALFI'S',” she said, as she arranged the goodies in front of us.

“Err, Jules …?” I queried, wondering about her Italian.

Jules was just as puzzled. “Err. Scusi …” she began, but was interrupted by the waitress.

“It's all right, pet, ‘ I speaka da lingo,' she chuckled, “it's Enzo's first day. In fact, you were his first customers.” She paused and smiled “It seems you have reduced the arrogant little sod to a quivering wreck. Well done.”

“But, we didn't do anything! And bad as my Italian is, I'm sure I didn't order croissants,” Jules protested.

“They're a little extra, to make up for the photo incident.” She paused and turned her attention to me. “It was you he took the picture of?” a puzzled frown crossing her face.

I was wishing the menu was even bigger than it was, so I could really hide behind it, but Mad gave me a nudge. “Err… yes,” I admitted.

“ Enjoy your snack, ” she smiled and re-entered the restaurant.

“Not bad Drew, that saved a few bob,” Mad giggled. “Do you think that was Mamma Amalfi?”

“She looked too young for that. I liked her shawl though,” Juliet responded. I was too busy trying to be invisible and hadn't taken much notice of the waitress who was now serving customers at the next table. She looked younger than Mum, so I guessed at 26 or 27, a trim figure dressed in the usual black skirt and white blouse of a waitress but had added the black lace shawl about her shoulders, the tails crossed at the front and held in place with a large gold pin.

“I do like your shawl.” Jules told her as she passed us.

“The ‘Mantilla'? Thank you, my sister, Enzo's mamma sent it over with him. It is Sicilian lace. It looked so beautiful, I couldn't resist showing it off.” Oh, Geeze, please don't go there, if Jules got too interested, she might try and find something like it; that would screw my surprise completely.

Juliet was side tracked beautifully by her mobile chirping. Her face lit up when she looked at the display. Enzo's auntie disappeared back into the restaurant, while Jules was franticly pushing buttons on the phone. As she had that soppy look on her face it wasn't hard to work out who had sent the text.

“When is he picking you up Jules?” Maddy asked with a grin on her face.

“Six o'clock,” Jules blushed.

“Ooh, a whole afternoon to get ready,” Maddy laughed.

True to her word, Carol met us at the entrance. "All done kid's?" she asked as we settled into the back. "Did you get everything you wanted? Even, if you didn't need it?" she added, eyeing Maddy's new parka.

"Drew, got this wicked pair of boots, mum."

"Boots, Drew? I thought you wanted smart shoes?"

"Oh, these are really smart, aren't they Drew? What do you think, Jules?"

"Very smart! If they'd had them in my size, I'd have bought a pair." Carols eyes rose at that, "Especially at that price! I don't know how he does it; everyone seems to fall over themselves to give him discounts. We'll have to take him more often," Jules giggled.

"And the coffee's, we didn't p... even have to ask, most times," Mad finished after catching the look I gave her. I glanced at Carol, but she was too busy checking the seat belt lights.

"All right, let's get you back," Carol said as she started the engine. "Oh, did you remember those extras, I asked you about, Maddy?"

"Yes Mum," Mad, chirped brightly, as we moved off. Thankfully the ride back home was pretty quiet. Mad and Jules keeping up a non-stop patter about the clothes they'd seen and tried on.

"I thought you were going to help with the baking, Drew?" Jules asked as I opened our front door.

"I want to get my home-work out of the way, and then start on the talk for Friday," I replied. Jules nodded.

“Are you okay, about tonight?” She asked. I didn't know what she was getting at, at first. “I mean, leaving you on your own.”

“Yes, you go ahead. Its not as if you're going to be very late is it?” I turned toward her suddenly, thinking that just might be, what she had in mind.

“Of course not,” she said quietly, almost hesitantly. “No, I meant after this morning, will you be all right on your own?”

“Oh, yeah, silly wasn't it...?” Jules dropped her bags on the table and gave me a hug.

“Maybe.… No, not really, I kind of liked it. If it's still a problem, I can stay in, Drew.”

“No, it's all right…really. You go ahead.” I didn't want to spoil her night out. The look on her face when she read Gareth's text told me how much she was looking forward to it. “I've got lots to do. I've still got to ring Freddie and sort out tomorrow as well .”

Jules tightened the hug. "Thanks Drew." then made her way upstairs, as I retrieved my book bag.

I was quite pleased with myself. I'd made a huge dent in the homework in the last hour and decided to take a break. I went to the kitchen to grab a full fat coke, before gathering the shopping bags that still cluttered the table. I was about to start upstairs to put them away but snagged an extra can first.

Juliet was just coming out of her room as I reached the landing level. She'd probably heard me bouncing the bags off the walls.

"Oh, thanks, Drew," Jules said as she accepted the offered coke. "Can you give me a hand? Well, two actually. I'm struggling here." Jules said while holding her hair back with one hand. Now I could see why she hadn't helped me with the bags, she had rolled her hair at the sides and was trying to hold the loose plait she had started at the nape of her neck.

I dumped the bags on my bed and followed her into her room. "What's up Jules?"

"I'm going for the preppy look. I've started the braid, but I can't reach now. Can you finish it for me?”

"Err…how? I'm not really supposed to know how to do this, am I?"

"Oh, err…sorry, I didn't think. Erm...what if, I mean…maybe if I called you Gaby, it would help.

“Just how is that supposed to help?”

“Well, Gaby should know how to plait.”

“Oh, I see. What do I do then?”

If you look at what I've done so far, you'll get the idea.” Jules sat on the stool in front of the mirror while I fumbled with her hair. “Just keep bringing the outside strand to the centre; I finished on the left so start with the right. Try and keep an even tension; you should end up with a flat rope. if it's too tight it goes round.”

I was saved from making too much mess of her hair, by the phone ringing. Juliet fixed the end of the plait with an elastic at the point I'd got to, while I dashed downstairs to answer it.

"Drew? You gotta help me," Paul's voice pleaded down the line.

"Paul, slow down, what's the problem?"

"I'm looking after Tamesin for Becky; she was as good as gold this morning, so I took her to the video store, to get a film for this afternoon."

"So, where's the problem?" I asked.

"The problem is that after we picked out a kids cartoon, Tami spotted a cycling video and insisted she wanted to see it."

I chuckled "That's not a problem, she'll be bored out of her mind in two minutes and then you can put the cartoon on."

"Yes, that's true, but she'll be disappointed. I mean, she's been watching me set up some slides for Friday…and after meeting you and your mum Thursday, she's been asking all sorts of questions that I can't answer." Paul paused for breath. It was so obvious, and I knew what was coming next, but waited for him to ask. "Drew, could you pop over and give me a hand? You could see the slides at the same time," He suggested.

I needed to do that anyway and how much trouble could Tami be? I paused before answering, just for the hell of it.

“Give me a half hour to finish up here and I'll wander over, Okay Paul?” I didn't think he needed to know I'd be finishing Juliet's hair.

“That's great. I can keep her occupied ‘til then. To be fair though, she's been as good as gold all day,” he lowered his voice, “it's just that I keep having to stop and answer her questions all the time.” So that was it, a distraction for Tami while he got the work done? Fair enough, I thought, Paul was helping me after all.

I wandered back into Jules room, “What do you think, Drew?” Jules was trying her outfit for this evening. A thick creamy sweater, which had a huge rolled collar and a scrubbed black denim skirt decorated with large felt flowers, quite long by her standards. Her hair, that I was expecting to have to finish, was tied with a black bow where I'd left it, leaving the last three inches of hair fluffed out. Preppy didn't do it justice, a sort of mix of Willow from Buffy and a fair dollop of Meg Ryan for good measure.

“You look great,” I said, and meant it. “Bit of a change from your usual style though. Why?” Her usual style of late, meant mostly black and vaguely weird.

“It just seemed appropriate for a ride in a Jaguar.”

“A Jag! But, Gazza's not old enough to drive!” I gasped at her.

“True, but his dad will be driving, he's driving us there and his mum is bringing us back.”

“His parents are taking you on the date?” I asked incredulously.

“Hey! It beats walking, and its not as if they'll be in there with us, is it? The downside is, now I've got to impress them, hence the preppy look.”

“Ah!” I nodded sagely; it still seemed odd.

“Uhmmm, Gaaaabbby?” Oh, Oh. “Erm, can I borrow your boots? Only, they'll set this outfit off a treat. Pleeeeease?”

I thought I was going to choke, but pretty soon we were both laughing at the stupidity of it. “Didn't you say they weren't your size?” I managed to ask through the giggles.

“That was just for Carol to hear. I was tempted to buy the white or light tan ones, but Dad said he'd kill me if I spent any more on shoes.” She giggled as she helped me get them off. “Of course, you can borrow any of my stuff if you need to….” She trailed off as she waited for my answer. I shrugged, apart from the new factor I had no reason to object so I just nodded.

I retreated back to my room and started to put the new stuff away feeling slightly numb, when I realised that, for all my good intentions, I hadn't bought a stitch of male clothing -- well, apart from the sweatshirt I was wearing -- but looking in the mirror, even that was sort of androgynous, not many would pick a white sweatshirt.

I was pulling my trainers on, my best ones this time, my Nikes, When Jules appeared at the door. “Are they ok Drew? You don't mind, do you?”

I looked up, yup they did look good, and I was a little annoyed with myself for lending her My Boots.

“You look great, Jules, but you scuff them and you won't have to worry about Dad killing you, I'll do it first. Okay?”

“I promise I'll look after them. Thanks, Drew,” She smiled. “Who was on the phone?” I explained about Paul and the video. “Wasn't Tamesin calling you Gaby on Thursday?” I'd forgotten that, damn! “Gaby Bond, the cycling babysitter,” Jules giggled.

“Jules! It's not like that at all,” I protested.

“Isn't it? Oh, okay then.” Jules was still giggling.

“And she's not exactly a baby either,” I pointed out.

“Okay, Okay!” Jules held her hand up in mock surrender when she saw my expression. “Rug-rat minder then,” She added, once she had me in a hug. “What time will you be back? Before six?”

“Should be, will you be alright?” I asked

“Me? I'll be fine, I'll have Gareth with me. No, I was thinking of you being on your own tonight.” Oh, I hadn't thought that far ahead and Jules noticed my hesitation and frowned. “I'll ring Gareth and tell him were staying in.”

“Don't you dare! I'm not having you blame me for that. I'll be fine. In fact, I've got so much to do, I probably won't notice you're gone.” Okay, I lied; sue me.

"Well, if you're sure, but promise you'll tell me if you change your mind. I'm serious, Drew, if you call I will come back. Alright?” I nodded, she knew I wouldn't ring her, but we had reached a kind of truce, where we both knew what the other was thinking.

Paul's place was similar to ours, maybe a little larger. The only difference from outside, were the fake Tudor beams. They looked very odd on a modern house, but the whole row was done in the same style. The first thing that hit you when you entered was the heat. Paul's folks obviously made the most of their central heating. The second was, Tami, who bounded out of the living room, like an excited puppy and dragged me into the living room before Paul had had a chance to close the door.

The video was already running, I noticed, and prayed that she wouldn't want to rewind it to the start as she led me to a leather recliner chair.

“Sit here, Gaby, this is the best chair. It's Gramp's really, but he won't mind.” Tami hurled herself into the sofa along side me, ending up perched on the arm right next to me, after deciding that her body didn't really fit the large leather covered seat.

“I hear, you've been giving your uncle Paul a hard time?” I teased her.

“Me?” she protested, trying to look horrified and pout at the same time. Paul passed me the remote and the tape box, before making the tickly wave at her, I ended up reeling from the squeal she let out three inches from my ear. Thankfully, it didn't last long, but it was obvious that the video wasn't getting any attention while Paul was in the room. It was obvious, too, that Tamesin worshiped her uncle Paul the way her eye's followed his every move.

“So, what did you want to know?” I asked, once Paul had retreated upstairs.

“I'm not sure really, I saw your mum on the telly a few times and wanted to know what it was all about. I thought this tape would help but I'm just muddled up now.” I picked up the tape box again and suppressed a sigh when I saw the title. It was a history of the Tour de France. She couldn't have picked a worse introduction to cycling, but I suppose there aren't that many films about it, and from the box art, it looked exciting enough. It had a picture of Lance Armstrong, on the front, his arms raised in triumph as he rode through the ‘Champs Elise.' The back cover sported a picture of Duffer and I chuckled, as I thought that his voice would send anyone to sleep. For an enthusiast, the tape would be manna from heaven, but to a beginner, even after wading through the historical stuff, it would be confusing. The Tour is such a complicated race that you'd have to be in it to get the whole picture.

I checked through the chapter headings then hit the fast forward to get to the more recent stuff, then hit pause when the title I wanted came up. I gave her a brief rundown of what she was about to see, then told her to ask if she didn't understand or wanted to go back over something.

I found myself talking almost non-stop as the video ran. Tami was intrigued by the fact that the riders got paid whether they won or not. Okay, if you won, you got more, but they still got something. The fact that it was possible to win the whole tour, without winning a single stage, was another point that took some explaining as well.

Other points, like the king of the mountains and the green jersey for the most points in the sprints, Tami picked up straight away, but the thought of riders forming alliances to block others, or achieve breakaways, was just too much for her to understand. I kept it simple after that.

It was as I was describing the slipstreaming team work of a time trial that I could see her attention waning, but not before I'd had to quickly fast forward to cover the shot of one rider, who was obviously taking a leak while the other riders bunched around him, it still drew a “Eeeeeeeeww,” from Tami, even Duffer commented on it and drew the attention back to the following peloton. At least I could honestly say I'd never had to do that, but only because my races were so short compared to the Tour stages.

With Tami growing quieter I suggested she might like to watch the cartoon now. She happily changed the video to “Ice Age,” while I settled back in the armchair breathing a sigh of relief. I just hoped I hadn't put her off cycling for the future.

Tami wasn't satisfied with the arm of the chair this time and flipped a lever on the side. I found my legs pushed out from the floor as the padded foot rest shot out and Tami perched between my legs on it, using me as a cushion. So much for me sneaking up to see what Paul had come up with.

“It's a shame to wake them, they look so sweet,” I heard in whispered tones, “But, if Tami sleeps too long now, she won't want to go to bed tonight.” It was Becky, Paul's sister, talking to her Mum.

“Well, leave them while we put this lot away, then I'll see about tea.” I raised an eyelid and found I couldn't see much past the swirl of dark curls belonging to Tami. She had worked her way up to my lap and was sleeping with her head resting on my shoulder. I couldn't move at all without waking her, so I closed my eyes, giving way to the inevitable and dozed off again.

The warmth of the house must have been getting to me, as the next thing I knew Tami was shaking me. “Come on, Gaby, wake up. You'll miss the chocolate cake if you don't!” Oooh, another magic word. I struggled back to the surface, not sure of where I was, but yes, I could definitely smell the aroma of chocolate. Becky was wafting a plate with a slice of the layered sponge cake under my nose. I jerked upright as I realised Tami had called me Gaby. Sheesh, I was hoping to be gone before they got back.

“Tamtam, can you give Grams a hand with the tea?” Becky asked

“Right, mum.” And she scampered out of the room.

“All right, Gaby, Care to explain?”

“Err. Would you take no for an answer?” I asked hopefully.

“No.” Becky mouthed at me, and then giggled, “You know, if it hadn't been for Paul asking if you could stay for tea, I might not have twigged.

“It's my fault Becky,” Paul said from the doorway. “I got Drew to sign the Chad for Tami. I didn't think it would hurt.”

“Humph,” Becky snorted, “and you signed it Gaby, Drew?” she asked turning to me.

“It's his middle name,” Paul, quickly put in “Well, Gabriel is, so we didn't really.…”

“Deceive Her?” Becky supplied.

“That's right; it's the Chad that did that, we, err… I just thought it would make her happy.”

“But what about, Drew?” she asked looking at me.

“It's not the first time I've been mistaken for Gaby; the Chad has never got it right.”

“Haven't you complained?”

“What's the point?” I sighed. “Even if they admit they're wrong, they'll only print a retraction in small print, tucked in the back somewhere.”

“That's true, I suppose. They even printed the wrong photograph when I got married.” Becky joined in the sigh. “We never even got a reply to our letter, let alone a correction.… But what do we do now? Keep calling you Gaby?”

“Why not?” asked Paul. “Tami got a real buzz out of meeting Gaby. I don't want to disappoint Tami, neither does Drew. And besides, you'll be going home tomorrow, so it won't matter, will it?”

We were interrupted then by the door opening. Tami was carefully pushing a small trolley into the room, loaded with more cakes and a pot of tea.

Tami insisted on being 'mother' and carefully poured out the tea. "Milk and sugar?" she asked me, then like a good hostess handed the first cup to me. A huge grin lit her face when I thanked her.

Paul produced prints of the slides he'd been working on. "We could do with some photos to illustrate the points. Could we do that tomorrow...Gaby?"

"It'll have to be after lunch, but yes, I don't see why not."

"Great, I'll bring the camera over."

"Aww…I'll miss that, we're going home tomorrow," Tami pouted. She was looking at her mum, hoping for a late return I suspected.

"Would you like another piece of Grams' cake, Gaby?" our little host asked. I glanced at my watch, five- fifteen; damn, I'd been asleep over an hour.

"I should be going soon, I promised Jules that I'd be back by six. But yes, I think I could manage another piece, thank you, Tami."

Tami beamed me another smile as she took my plate. "Grams, makes the best chocolate cake," she declared as she passed it back. I had to agree, it was a total chocolate experience, chocolate sponge with chocolate creamy filling, awesome.

“I'll run you back, Drew, its bitter out there, relax and enjoy the cake,” Becky said, as she refilled my cup.

I was in serious danger of falling asleep again after two large helpings of cake and only just managed to answer Becky's questions about how Mum was doing.

"Come on then, I'll drive you home," Becky, eventually volunteered, reaching for her handbag."

"I'm coming, too." Tami insisted and followed her mum into the hall, waiting for me at the doorway as Becky blipped the alarm and opened the door of the Lanos.

“I think it's really ‘kewl' having a secret identity like Superboy, Drew.” Tami announced as I was getting into the car after her. I was so shaken; I rapped my head on the door frame.

“You knew, all the time, didn't you?” I moaned, while rubbing my head. Tami nodded while Becky dissolved in a giggle fit.

"Err…" I mumbled, "When did you realise?" I asked sheepishly.

"I worked it out Thursday," Tami said with more than a hint of pride. "Uncle Paul said he'd seen you on that tandem thingy last Sunday, so that was definitely you on the front page, but, they put Maddy's picture on page three, didn't they?

“Was that before or after you got lost?” I asked, trying to make light of it; chuckling along with Becky as I began to see the funny side.

“I was not lost!” Tami humphed, as she moved closer to me. “I knew exactly where I was. Anyway, I think If Paul had hit a girl as hard as he hit you coming through that door, she might have done more than just help him up and laugh.” She giggled. “Besides, he's always talking about you, Drew. I mean, it's always Drew did this or Drew won that. You're his hero.” She finished brightly.

“Now, you're winding me up,” I choked, not that I could blame her; the car felt awfully warm suddenly. But Tami hadn't finished; she might be seven but she wasn't stupid.

“Then, when I asked Uncle Paul, if you were his girlfriend. He laughed and said you were just a school friend. But I think that Paul really likes you Gaby.” The giggles that were coming from the drivers seat, turned into a shriek of laughter and Becky braked to a halt almost before we'd got moving. Tami wasn't going to let that stop her. “So I asked him about Maddy. He said she was Drew's girlfriend. And that's when I knew!” Tami triumphantly finished, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“How did that tell you anything…?” I wondered aloud.

“ ‘Cause you kept touching each other,” she proudly announced, “My friend Sharon says it's a sure sign,” She giggled.

I suddenly realised that Tami had entwined her arm in mine when she said that. Oh, gawd where was this going? I felt the car brake, surprised we had reached my place. Becky twisted around in her seat. “All right Superboy, we've found your secret hideout, cleverly disguised as the Bond hacienda,” Becky giggled. “Now, Drew, don't go spoiling the fun, no ringing Paul before we get back. Okay? I'm going to make him squirm a little. Serves him right for thinking up this little plot.”

I'd have got out then but Tami held on. “You're my hero too.” She said quietly before letting me go.

By the time I reached the door, I was beginning to feel sorry for Paul, I was sure that Becky would string him along for as long as possible. If Tami could restrain her giggles, that is.

The door jerked open while I was fumbling at the unfamiliar pouch for my key. "Oh, good, you're back. Freddie called; she wants you to ring her back,” Jules said as she dragged me into the living room, only stopping when we reached the phone.

“Erm, can I have my hand back?”

“Oh!” Jules let me go and then tried to change the subject. “Hey, I smell chocolate! Maybe I should have come with you.” She was trying to sound chirpy but it didn't quite work.

“Mmm, that was Paul's mums, death by chocolate cake. Maybe Gareth will bring you some?” I teased her. “Shouldn't he be here soon?”

“Ten minutes yet. So are you going to ring Freddie?”

“Yes, but why the rush?”

“Because, I want to know if you're going out, Drew. I need to know where you are, alright?”

“Oh, yeah, I see.”

“Hi Freddie, its Drew, What's up?”

“Hi Drew, I just wanted to check, are you still going to the parade tomorrow?”

“Should be, no reasons not to yet.” I chuckled, thinking about Jules; it would take a lot to get her there.

“On the Bike?” She asked hopefully. Ah, I think I know where this is heading.

“I'm not sure yet Fred, it depends on the weather, the forecast is wild and woolly, but we may get lucky. I take it you fancy another outing on the tandem?”

“Yes please Drew.”

“Fred, are you sure? We'll be stuck in the same place with no shelter for half an hour or more. In fact if it's wet I'll be looking for a lift myself.” I shuddered as I thought about last year; it had been really unpleasant, even dry it would be cold.

Although we wouldn't be part of the marching parade, we would be part of the static assembly at the local war memorial, as part of the cycle club. Now if you're wondering why? Nearly every part of the community would have representatives there, remembering the people who had died in the conflicts. The main Services would be there of course, but there would also be representatives from the civilian organisations, every one of them, from the police and Fire Brigade to the Nurses and Bus Drivers, even the Pony Club would be there. The Wheelers? Well, we would represent the Bicycle Battalions, the Dispatch Riders -- they didn't always have motor bikes -- and of course the Telegram boys who had to deliver sometimes, the worst news that anyone could receive.

“Please Drew; it can't be much worse on or off a bike. Why don't you aim to get here at ten, then we can make a decision at the last moment.” Fred had a point there; it wouldn't matter much either way. But I decided I would definitely draw the line if it was wet.

“Mmm, all right then, but only if your mum says okay, clear?” I could almost feel Freddie smiling down the phone as we said our good byes.

“So, you're not going out then?” Jules asked as I put the phone down.

“Nope, I'll be here to do an impression of Dad when you get back.” I chuckled, as Jules giggled her way upstairs. Dialled again, Maddy's number this time, to tell her of the arrangement with Freddie I was still chuckling when the doorbell rang; there was a muffled ‘Eeeep' from the bathroom, so I opened the door for Gareth.

“Hi, is Jules ready?” He asked as I let him in.

“Well, I thought she was,” I laughed. “Come on Jules; Gaza's waiting!” I called up the stairs.

“Coming!” was the muffled reply. I wondered what the hold-up was, after all, Jules, looked fine not two minutes ago.

“Not on the bike tonight?” asked Gareth as we waited.

“No, and that's a sore point at the moment,” I sighed “Mum thinks I've been overtraining, so she's put a block on that for now.”

“What...You can't? What about Friday?” he sounded panicked.

“Fri…Oh you mean Timbers marathon,” I chuckled, “I'll still prepare for it, just not my usual two to three hours a day.”

“HOW MUCH?!!!” Gaza almost yelled at me.

“What's all the noise?” Jules asked as she descended the stairs, distracting Gareth's attention nicely.

“Wow, look at you.” Gareth managed to get out before his jaw stopped working and seemed to stick on the open setting. I was chuckling to myself as Jules, just slipped her arm through his, gave him a peck on the cheek then closed his mouth for him.

“So, where are you taking me?” Jules asked sweetly.

“Err, I thought we'd head into Mansfield. The Odeon's showing the new Hugh Grant film." Gareth suggested cautiously. "Unless you'd like to eat first." he added quickly.

"Let's see what the queue is like first." Jules put in quickly, saving him from tripping over his tongue. “See you later Drew….And stay off that bike. Okay?” Jules warned as they closed the door. Mmm, I hadn't thought about it ‘til then, maybe later, I chuckled to myself as I got stuck into the homework again. It was never going to take long given the amount of prep work I'd done, just a matter of tidying it up for presentation really, and by nine, I was casting around for things to do.

I knew what I wanted to do, but Mum wanted me to cut back and Jules knew it, but then again they weren't here. Come to think of it nobody was here; I shuddered and turned the stereo up. I found myself pacing like an animal in a cage, damn; I'd been okay, ‘til that thought crept in. Sod it!

I was changed and on the rollers five minutes later, promising myself, one CD's worth. Of course it doesn't work like that does it? When Avril had finished on the skateboard, there was just ten minutes to go for the hour. I'd been doing exercise sets during the music, so I knew I wasn't going to make any sort of distance, certainly not 26 miles but I still wanted to finish the hour and it was only ten minutes more.

The computer said 21.3 miles as the timer warbled, the last sprint at over 27.2 Miles an hour. I, was well pleased with the session as I put the bike back on its hooks, then paused to check the tandem over before hitting the shower.

I was crashed out on the sofa, wearing my bathrobe and generally dozing in front of the telly after running my washing through the machine, when Jules returned.

"There's a slice of pizza here for you Drew," Jules called from the kitchen, emphasising the point with the clunk of the oven door. "I'm making chocolate, do you want a cup or are you going to stick with tea?"

“Urg?” Pizza and hot chocolate…“No, I think I'll stick with tea thanks” Chocolate sounded just a bit too heavy for this time of night, after all,. I'd already had enough chocolate cake to last a week. “How was the film?” I asked the duty question as I entered the kitchen.

“It was really neat; the kid stole the show though.” Jules enthused, “But I don't think Gareth was very impressed with it, not enough violence.” She giggled as she continued to give me a blow by blow description of her date. "Gareth wants to be a doctor, like his dad." Jules informed me as she described parts of her night out, some of which went under the too much information heading.

I was at a loss as to how to respond, Juliet had never talked like this to me before. I was almost at the point of doing the nodding dog impression when Jules asked "So, how many miles did you do, Drew?"

"Err,"

"Don't, look at me like that. I can see your skins in the dryer.”

"Just an hour's worth," I admitted as I washed the remains of the pizza from my hands.

"I knew you wouldn't stay off it." Jules grinned "Come on snuggles, bed time. Or are you watching that drivel?" she added; trying to get her own back after my comment last night.

I don't remember going to sleep. I can remember Jules brushing my hair and a vague recollection of her pushing me down onto the bed but the next thing I was aware of was wakening spooned with Juliet again. Not that I'm complaining, it was wonderful and I was happily enjoying the feeling of contentment.

I was having extremely happy thoughts of another time I'd spooned with someone like this, with Maddy, the way she had squirmed against me was making me feel even warmer. I was in heaven as I pushed back against her, she responded by stroking my nipple through the nightie. I groaned in delight as she nibbled my ear, then gasped as I felt her leg snaked over mine, pinning me even tighter. “Ooooh, don't stop.” I moaned as she continued to kiss her way down my neck. It slowly dawned on me that this was not Maddy, I couldn't sense the almond scent, and besides Maddy wasn't tall enough to be able to do that. It didn't seem to matter though and a wonderful glow spread through me as the kisses continued down my spine. The vague worry that it might be Paul was removed when the long fingernails circled my nipples once more. The little kisses continued down my spine and the leg tightened pulling me firmly back as I recognised Jules scent.

Jules was nuzzling her head between my shoulders, I had the feeling she was enjoying her dream, I certainly was until I realised who it was; a big part of me just didn't want it to stop. The warm feeling seemed to be spreading to the roots of my hair as well as awakening ‘little Andy'. Then I felt an even warmer sensation at my shoulder blade.

“Oooh, Saaam.” The squirming slowed.

“Jules?”

“Mmmm?”

“Jules!”

Angela Peters 11.05.05 © 2005

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