Questions - A Gaby Fanfic
Part 25
“Drew, you're soaking,” Carol scolded, as I entered the kitchen after putting the hose away. Ten out of ten for observation, I thought, as Carol went back to her task of opening just about every cupboard in the kitchen. “You're not doing badly; I thought the cupboards would be half empty by now,” Carol clucked, giving me the impression she was disappointed. “Are you two eating properly?” she added to her mother hen impression.
“Dad stocked up last week,” Jules told her, “and it is, just the two of us.”
“Mmm, I'm still not convinced. I suppose you had more than a taste of the Bread Pudding though.”
“Aww, that's not fair, it was a fine piece of pud; anyway, Drew finished my helping.”
"Ooooh, you fibber! There were only a few crumbs left when you gave me the plate," I protested.
"So, you won't want these then," Carol gave a theatrical sigh as she produced several covered plates from one of the boxes. My taste buds went on full alert as the aroma of roast beef assaulted them.
"Oh well, they'll need warming anyway; so a little later won't hurt. I've put the gravy in this pot and the Yorkshire's are in these paper bags. Just make sure you warm everything properly."
"Mmm, we will, thanks auntie," I said, still savouring that wonderful aroma.
"And just what are you doing, hanging around in wet clothes? It's not that long ago you were laid out with that virus is it? Go on, scoot." Carol was right, but I had the feeling I was missing something as I climbed the stairs.
I wasn't that wet, it was mostly my legs where the spray from the hose had got me; I still needed to get out of my cleats and leggings though. Pushing open the bedroom door I was greeted by the sight of Maddy, sat on the end of my bed. Now that's cool; it's what she was doing that was weird.
“Maddy?” She hurriedly pulled the boot she was holding from her face, she looked as though she was trying to hide it for a moment, before sheepishly laying it on her lap.
“I just love the scent of leather when it's new, I can't resist it.” Mad was going a delightful shade of pink, “Can I try them on Drew?” Why is everyone so keen to try my boots all of a sudden? I haven't worn them myself yet; not in anger anyway.
“It's okay, I suppose,” shrugging as I ripped the Velcro fastenings of my bike shoes and pulled them off, together with my leggings. I kept a couple of old towels for just this purpose, and rolled them up before stuffing the shoes with them. They are supposed to be stiff; but only the soles. I hated it when the uppers dried out of shape.
Maddy had finished pulling the boots on and was now wearing the wrap skirt I'd packed into the bag earlier. “These boots are so neat with this skirt,” she muttered almost to herself as she twisted in front of the mirror. I had to smile as I watched her pose. She finished by sauntering back to me then wrapped her arms around me. “That's better, that's the first time you've smiled properly since the Legion.”
My mind went blank as Maddy gave my lips and tonsils a serious massage.
“Feel better now?” she asked, once we had recovered a more normal state.
“Better?”
“Come on Drew, you've been down since the Legion.”
“Everyone was down after the service.”
“No Drew, you were alright when we got there. I was watching you, when the video was on, you seemed to change.”
“I was just embarrassed.”
“Only at first, you brightened up when your mum was on, and then you seemed to crumple. I wanted to give you a hug but Paul was in the way. I thought you were going to lose it when all those credits came up.
“Er, did anyone else notice?”
“I don't think so; you seemed to pull it back when Jules pinched you.”
“You caught that huh?”
“I was watching, remember?”
“Oh.”
“Look, your doing it again” Maddy tightened her hug, “It's as though…” “I don't know. You seem to shrink somehow … Tell me Drew please? I'll help if I can, you know that. Is it your mum?
“Sort of.” I sniffed.
“Go on,”
“You'll think I'm stupid.”
“Nah, a little crazy maybe, but not stupid… Let me help Drew, please.”
“Mum's, never seen me race.” I said quietly, waiting for the laugh.
“You're kidding,” Mad stared at me for ages, before,
“I said it was stupid,” I sighed.
“No! I didn't mean it was stupid, I mean… I can't believe it … Ever?”
“Not when it mattered. My races are usually in the morning and Mum's were later, so she'd spend time with Jules so she wouldn't feel left out, and now... ” I trailed off.
“She's in Germany, just as you start winning.” Mad finished for me.
“Am I being selfish Mad?”
“No, I don't think so; but I bet she annoyed the hell out of her team-mates whenever you won Drew. Anyway we're pretty lucky really aren't we?”
“Huh?”
“Well, if you ask a lot of the kids in class when they last saw their father, they'll ask if it's an odd or even numbered week cos their parents have split. Hell some of them have never met their fathers. At least your dad's here for you.”
“True but that's another thing,”
“God Drew! You can't possibly think your dad's not proud of you? Geez, you should have seen him when you won the championship. I thought he was going to burst he was so made up. He couldn't speak for five minutes; it was just as well we couldn't get to you straight away; he'd have hugged you to death. Mad finally paused for breath.
“Whoa, Mad! That's not what I meant at all!”
“Then why are you so miserable?”
“I'm not sure …” Maddy just waited for me to carry on, “It's like, everyone thinks it's easy,” I said at last. “A forgone conclusion. ‘Oh, young Bond, Jenny's kid, a chip off the old block, bound to be good'. It's not like that Mad. You've trialled with me; you know it's not like that.
“Humph, I'm beginning to think the only way I'll catch you is if I sabotage your bike,” Mad chuckled. “But you'd still beat me, even if you rode a penny farthing.”
“Maybe if Dad prepared it, I could,” I sighed.
“So, you're saying, it's your dad that helps you win; not your mum?” I nodded. “In that case, can you get him to wave his magic wand over me? I might get better then.”
“Maybe he already has, Mad.”
“What do you mean Drew?”
“Remember what happened when he let you use Mum's bike?”
“Yes, but anything would be better than my old clunker.”
“Dad spends a lot of time, making sure all the bikes are perfect. Even the ones we don't use very often, like his old Carlton.”
“But having the best bike doesn't mean you'll win Drew.”
“True, but that's not all he does. That's why he's my secret weapon, Mad.”
“You're taking this ‘Bond' thing a bit far aren't you 005 and ¾?”
“He's more like ‘Q'.” I managed a chuckle, “Without him I wouldn't do half so well, Mad.”
“Oh, and he's not here to help on Friday, is that it?
“No, Mad. Yes, I'd like him there but…”
Talking it out with Mad was making it easier to get my thoughts straight, but it was a while before I could go on. Mad just waited for me.
“So, what's brought this on?” Carol asked from the door. Shit! How long had she been there? Mad was waiving at her to back off, she left but I didn't hear her on the stairs.
“It's Dad that makes sure I train properly, it's Dad that works all hours so he can take time to get me to races. It's Dad that gets up at five in the morning, just so he can drive for two or three hours to get me to a race or to train on a particular hill. … No, if I ride like Mum, it's because he did those same things for her before she went to Germany.”
“I'm getting confused here. I don't see what your upset about, you've just told me that your mums your hero; heroine I mean; and your dads the greatest thing since sliced bread, where's the problem Drew?”
I was getting frustrated; I'd been hoping talking to Mad would help sort it out but…
“Hang on, this all started with the video, what was wrong with it? I thought it was great, I mean it was so … exciting; everyone thought so, it was like watching a music video. Or was it the credits? I expect he had to put those on to get permission to use the clips Drew.” That was it, now, how do I explain it?
“But the most important name wasn't there Mad, none of those things would have happened without Dad; it was all about Mum and me again, as though he wasn't there yet without him I wouldn't win anything; I … “
“So get him to change it. How about Drew Bond appears by kind permission of; or something?” Mad suggested. “Oh, does he know about Friday?”
“I think so, I haven't spoken to him about it, but Timber said he'd check with him and Mum. He didn't mention it this morning though.”
Maddy grabbed the phone from my nightstand. “Call him,” she said firmly, while looking at the phone, “Hey, this isn't your mobile?”
“No, it's a Dect phone, Dad got a deal on them last week, their scattered all over the house. He said it was better than running extensions everywhere.”
“Cool, but why pink?”
“It's red!” I huffed, Mad giggled. “I asked for a red one and that's what arrived, okay?” All right, I suppose it might have looked pink under certain lighting; I just wasn't prepared to admit it just then.
“Okay, it's a red phone, what's the number?”
“It's on speed dial, hit hash, then one and then the green button.”
“Cool, just like a mobile … Its ringing.” She handed me the phone and headed for the door.
“Wait, what do I say, it's awkward.”
“Try starting with ‘Thanks Dad' and take it from there.” Mad giggled “… Hey, you're the one that tells me it's rude to listen to other peoples con…” I heard as the door closed.
“… Bond!”
“Hi, Dad.”
“Drew? … What's wrong?”
“Nothing Dad, really … I just wanted to check with you about Friday.” Darn, why couldn't I just say it? maybe there'd be a lead in later.
“Yes, Mr Woods did ring, we told him it was okay; as long he remembers the reason for the ride is to raise money. How is Maddy? Was she hurt?”
“She's fine; in fact she wouldn't have known it was an attack if one of the first-years hadn't seen it.”
“She was lucky then. So, this Gareth, he was the ringleader?”
“We're pretty sure, but unless someone dobs him, T, Mr Woods can't act on it.”
“Mm, I'm sure they don't teach you words like ‘Dob' in that school. Look Drew I haven't got long, I'm just waiting for your Mum, and we have to be at the ‘Eye', soon, I just want you to think about why you're doing this Drew.”
“You mean raising the money.”
“Exactly, leave anything else to Mr Wood. After all, he could still wriggle out of the ride. So concentrate on the real reason for doing it. Got that?
“Yes Dad. … Dad?”
“Yeah? … GOOD GRIEF!”
“You like?” I could hear Mum ask.
“Well, yes … Won't you be cold?”
“Shouldn't think so, I've got my wrap.”
“Er, what's holding it up?”
“Magic,” Mum giggled. “You can find out later; who's on the phone?”
“Oh, it's Drew.”
“Dave, why didn't you say? Give it here.”
“Hi, champ; you haven't burnt the house down already have you?”
"Not yet Mum, give us a chance, it's only been a few days," I chuckled.
"I'm not sure how I should take that," Mum said before joining in. "How are the two of you doing? Did Freddie enjoy the ride this morning?” Grief! Was it on telly or something?
“How? … Yeah I think so. Her mum drove her back though; I think she got a bit cold.”
“I rang earlier; Juliet told me that you'd already left. How was it? Besides cold.”
“Okay, I think; the Colonel was pleased anyway.”
“Oh, you met Bill, did you?”
“Yeah, he turned out to be a friend of Timbers, I mean Mr Wood. I had to take the bucket around for the Telethon.”
“Really, what was the result?”
“Six hundred and seventy pounds. It was amazing Mum; Paul's video did the hard work really, all I did was go around with the bucket.”
“Video? … Yes Okay Dave, it's only a five minute ride to the embankment. … Sorry Drew, we do have to go. If we miss the slot we'll be stuck like lemons on the embankment for twenty minutes, the sponsors won't get their photos and George will, well, let's just say he won't be very happy.”
“Okay Mum, go and work your magic on them. Not too much though; save some for that dress.” It was great to hear Mum laugh. And on this new phone she could have been in the next room, not a hundred miles away in the ‘Smoke'.
“Oh, Drew?” Mum, asked more seriously. “Any more nightmares?" The question stunned me for a moment, what had Jules told her I wondered. It was my silence that probably told her that I was having trouble at night.
“Drew, it's alright, Juliet told me how much you've helped her,” I started breathing again. Jules must have been having the same problems; I hadn't considered that. “I'm really proud of the way you support each other; it's a sign you're both growing more mature.” What had Jules said? I wondered.
“Mature? I … I ”
“Sisters can be there for each other more easily than brothers can't they?” Mum asked quietly. “Juliet could hardly sleep with her brother. So, I'll have to thank Gaby when I see her next.” I felt my face burn as I realised that Jules must have been very frank with Mum this morning.
“I've got to run Drew. Give my love to Juliet ... and a hug to Gaby .” Mum added, before the phone went dead.
I stared at the phone in my hand for a long time before the sound of raised voices from downstairs distracted me; now what? I asked myself as I made my way to the kitchen.
“… I'm not sure your mother would agree with that young lady.” I heard Carols voice. That's all I needed. I had enough on my plate.
“Mum doesn't have a problem with me seeing Gareth; it's only a run after all. Anyway what's…”
“I can't see the problem,” I quickly interrupted as I entered, “after all; I'll be with them,” I added, hoping to defuse the atmosphere.
“Oh?”
“We arranged it this morning, but if you're worried, you can ring Mum,” I bluffed. I was banking on Mum having switched her phone off by now.
“See?” Jules pouted.
“Well, if Drew is going as well … then maybe I was a little hasty. If you had told me that … I'm sorry Juliet. But Jenny asked me to keep an eye on both of you.”
“I'm sorry too, but you didn't have to scare Gareth off like that; I'll never live it down.”
“Mmm, I expect you'll get over it, and if he's as decent as you say, so will he.” I was making ‘cool it' signs to Jules. She must have seen them as she sat back down. “I'll leave you to it then. Come along Maddy.” She swept out, as though nothing had happened, but I got a quick hug from Maddy before she followed her.
“Can you believe that woman; I've never been so embarrassed,” Jules wailed, as she buried her head in her hands.
“I can actually,” I chuckled, as I filled the kettle. “You'd better ring Gareth; he might be worried about you.” Jules looked up a funny expression on her face.
“Oh, you're right, thanks Drew.” Jules hugged me as I gave her the phone. “If you hadn't stepped in, I don't know what would have happened. I could feel myself losing it; I almost screamed at her at one point … Thanks for volunteering, I'll tell Gareth you're joining us.”
“Huh, Jules I didn't re…”
“But you'll have to now. Carol's probably organising her spy network as we speak. Besides, you'll be bodyguard tonight.”
“I thought that was Gareth's job?”
“It is, he's my bodyguard,” Jules giggled as she looked down and stirred her tea, “you're his.”
I don't think Gareth needs protecting Jules.”
“He might do, from me.” Jules was looking at me sideways, watching for my reaction.
“Jules! You only met him Thursday?”
“So? Doesn't mean I haven't fancied him for ages though, does it?” Jules giggled.
I groaned, Jules was right; it pays to be paranoid around Carol. I made the tea then left her to her phone call. As I nursed my mug I thought about how my big mouth had dropped me in it again; At least Gaby wasn't involved this time.
“Six-thirty, Okay Drew?” Jules voice broke into my thoughts.
“Wha. Oh yes, I …” I smiled to myself as I realised that Jules wasn't even listening for my answer, she was cuddled up to the phone with her eyes closed; as she had been for almost all of the last fifteen minutes.
I glanced at the clock, nearly two hours to go, yet it seemed I'd already had too much happen in my day. Still maybe if I was really tired I might sleep better. I knew I was ready for a kip now; I'd felt listless for the last few days, but that was probably due to the lack of exercise. I really missed the buzz I got from training and this morning's bimble up the lane to St Pete's hardly counted. Still an all, no matter how much I loathed running, a jog with Jules and Gareth might just help.
Stretching out on the sofa probably wasn't helping, so I found the remote. Sue Barker's cheeky smile was filling the screen. It looked like I'd just missed “A Question of Sport”. Damn, I liked that Programme. The words … “And next weeks guests will include people from the worlds of Athletics, Swimming, Association-Football and Professional-Cycling. I do hope you'll join us. Until then, Goodbye.”
Cool, I wondered who that would be. It was useless to try and guess; when they said world, they meant World! I mean, they'd had people like George Forman and Bjorn Borg on the show. Wow, it could even be Lance. I must remember to watch next week.
“Come on, Drew, its time you got changed.”
“Wha …” The opening music from ‘Songs Of Praise' was coming from the eedjut box, and Jules was shaking my foot, already wearing her tracksuit, she was waiting for me to surface properly. “Come on, you've got thirty minutes to sort yourself out.”
“Oh yeah,” I groaned glancing at the clock. Now, what to wear? The same as Jules dummy; I scolded myself before hauling myself up the stairs.
“Shit!” I yelled as I got to the top. “What's the weather doing Jules?”
“It's stopped raining, but it's still wet on the ground. At least it's not cold. Why? You're not trying to wimp out are you?” she demanded, as she pounded up the stairs after me.
“No, not really, I just don't want to get my kit grungy. I've got that Gym Test tomorrow.”
“You are! You're trying to get out of it.”
“I am, not! ” I protested. “It's just that my trainers will never dry out in time,” I pointed out while waving my arms around in my frustration.
“What's wrong with those, Drew?” Jules was pointed under my bed. “I can see two pairs from here.”
“I can't wear those, they're Maddy's … Shit! She's walked out in my boots,” I wailed, and Jules doubled up laughing.
“It's not funny,” I moaned, “I haven't had a chance to wear them yet.”
“Oh, stop whingeing; I'm sure Maddy will look after them. Anyway, it looks as though you might have the better half of the deal here.”
“How do you mean?” I asked
“Well, look at them Drew, those trainers must be worth at least a hundred; how much did you pay for those boots?”
“So? That's not the point is it,” I huffed.
“And,” she continued as if I hadn't said anything, “They're already a bit muddy from this morning, so a bit more won't hurt will it?”
“But they're girl's trainers.”
“Its pitch dark out there; no-ones going to notice, are they?” Jules pointed out. I shrugged in response; maybe I could put some more mud on them to hide the pink and purple trim. “Come on, Drew. He'll be here soon,” Jules called over her shoulder as she headed for her own room.
I picked up one of the monsters for a closer look. Maddy preferred the chunky style; she said they made her ankles look smaller; maybe it did, she certainly looked cute in them. Almost without thinking I gave them a sniff, No nasty smells just a strong hint of Maddy.
“Ewww, that's gross!” Jules threw a bundle she was carrying at me.
“Just checking,” I said quickly, turning away to hide my blush. “What's this?” I asked examining the bundle.
“Trackie bottoms, they're too small for me; I think they shrunk in the wash.” I thought better of the sarcky comment that was about to leave my mouth and tried them on instead. Unlike the fleecy tracksuit that I wore these were made of a smoother material, almost like a pair of slacks, apart that is, from the stripes down the sides and the zips at the bottom.
“Is there a top Jules?” I asked, once I'd got them on.
“I didn't think you'd like that, as it's got ‘G A' on the back. You can wear it if you want.”
“G A?”
“Netball, Drew, Goal Attack, remember?”
“Oh, yeah,” Doh! It was bad enough wearing the trainers.
Jules was still trying to rush me as I laced the trainers. I had to admit they felt much better than mine; they seemed to hug my feet and the cushioned sole made me feel as though I was walking on air, maybe this wasn't going to be so bad after all, I thought as I tried a few paces.
I grabbed a fleece and a pair of my mitts, and then followed her downstairs to the kitchen. Just as I was passing the front door, the bell rang, so I opened it to see a nervous looking Gareth on the step.
“Er, is she gone?” he almost whispered.
“Yeah,” I laughed, as I invited him in and pointed at the kitchen.
“Looking buff, Drew, Jules told me you don't like running, so, I guess it's a bit above and beyond for you. Thanks for doing this.” Buff? Nobody's called me that before, Way cool.
“Want any thing before we leave?” Jules asked wiggling her eyebrows but offering a coke that Gareth accepted. “How about you Drew?”
“How long will we be out?” I asked, wanting to gauge the effort in cycling terms. Jules looked at Gareth who shrugged.
“An hour, hour and a half, I thought we might run to the school and back.” I must have gulped; that was a four mile run. “We'll take it easy and see how it goes, okay Drew?”
“Okay, we'll see how it goes,” I agreed reluctantly.
“I can't see the problem,” Jules snorted, “I've seen you having to be dragged off that bike after nearly three hours.”
“That's different, it's a totally different set of muscles, I get to pull as well as push, so it's easier, and you can't freewheel when you jog can you?”
“Well, it does get easier going downhill, but I take your point, you can rest without stopping. But I don't run in a twenty five mile an hour wind.” He turned to Jules, “Three hours?” Jules nodded. “I don't take that long over a marathon!”
“You've done a marathon?” Jules was obviously impressed.
“Two now,” Gareth admitted.
“Cool! Why aren't you riding as well then?”
“Because I'm no more a cyclist than Drew is a runner; so, Drew agreeing to this, impresses me no end,” He grinned while I blushed.
“Keep that up and we can throw the toaster out,” Jules joked, while I stuck my head in the fridge pretending to find my energy drinks. At least I was hoping she was joking, she sounded a bit on edge.
“I er, sorry, I didn't mean,” Gareth stammered.
“Stop digging Gareth, the hole is deep enough. Fit Drew? I think we should get warmed up.”
I stuffed my pockets with a couple of cereal bars, a tube of energy gel and a small bottle of my electrolyte. After drinking a glass full of the wretched stuff I followed them outside.
Jules and I helped each other with the tension moves, and then started stretching. I was going to use a cut down version but habit took over and I ended up doing my normal kata. Jules joined me for part of it, but Gareth was content with just a few practise starts before jogging on the spot, as he'd warmed up just getting here.
I finished with my toe walking and found both Jules and Gareth staring at me.
“Do you do the same routine every time?”
“Usually, sometimes it's a bit longer. I like to do a bit on the bike before an event but sometimes you can't, and lugging the rollers around is a pain; there's not much room in the car.”
“We'll have to send you out five minutes earlier next time; we can stay in the warm then.”
“Looks good though; very thorough. Shall we get started then?” said Gareth, still bouncing on his toes.
“Lead on Mac Duff,” Jules laughed and we set off, with Gareth setting an easy pace.
I've said it before, running, is not my favourite pastime, its so mind numbingly boring. Why run when there's a perfectly serviceable bike in the garage? At least I could watch telly while using the rollers; well, I could if I moved the junk off the old one in the garage.
Gareth was taking the pace higher and higher, but to be fair, he kept a careful eye on both of us, even hanging back and getting between us and the chavers that were hanging around the Spar Offy; there were a few jeers and whistles but nothing nasty.
The trainer's were a revelation, the thick cushion sole was a vast improvement on mine. I found myself keeping up with no problems; I did pass when Gareth suggested a couple of laps of the small the small park in the village though, and took the opportunity to top up the carbs. Jules took him up though, and they disappeared into the gloom. I zipped my fleece right up and concentrated on keeping warm.
Gareth seemed to be sporting a trace of lip gloss when they returned five minutes later and they were both breathing heavily; I'm not sure it was from running though.
Ten minutes later we were on the slight downhill road to the school. I was hoping we'd turn when we got to the fence, but, oh no. Gareth led us right down and around the bus turning point. Please make this the halfway point, I silently prayed as we began to slog our way back up the hill.
“Okay Drew?” Jules voice interrupted my thoughts up ‘til then, she had been content to chat with Gareth, leaving me to listen to my own breathing and the sounds of our feet going in and out of step.
“So far,” I replied; surprising myself when I didn't have to gasp the answer. In truth I felt good; bored but good. The backs of my legs were starting to feel the effects the most, the thick cushion reducing the usual shocks to my heels to a tolerable level. No, what annoyed me was knowing I could cover the same distance on the bike in six minutes, instead of the nearly forty it had taken us so far. Ah well, at least we were running instead of jogging. That form of torture I considered no more than bouncing and jarring your body until all the loose bits shook.
“Everything Okay?” asked Gareth as he eased back. At least somebody's enjoying it, I thought as I waived him on. He wasn't breathing hard and apart from the thin film of sweat on his brow, he didn't look bothered at all. Jules looked slightly more ragged, I suppose I did too, her hair was starting to look stringy, and her breathing a little harsher as we toiled to the top.
“Is your chest hurting?” Jules, asked, as we paused before descending to the village.
“No I'm fine. Just a little sticky that's all.” I was trying to rearrange my T shirt under the fleece that was flapping open. Jules had removed hers and tied the arms around her waist, and by the time we'd covered another quarter mile I was copying her, the cold air more than enough of an incentive to keep moving.
“When did you add the prancing to your warm up?”
“Prancing?” I asked, trying to sound puzzled. I knew what she meant though; I had intended to leave the toe walking out; old habits I suppose.
“You know; the high stepping. It looked like a dance move when you turned.”
Shit, some of Maddy's cheer moves must be rubbing off on me. I shrugged and tried to make out I was too short of breath to answer.
The crowd outside the Spar had grown since we first passed and a police car was now in attendance; the manager must have called them. We had no trouble this time but Gareth still shepherded us through though.
“You two up for the sprint?” Asked Gareth as we neared our road, “We'll take it easy, Drew, to give you a chance, but we like to have a final burn.” My shoulders would be aching in the morning, with all the shrugging I was doing.
“Don't!” put in Jules.
“Don't sprint?”
“No,” Jules laughed. “Don't hold back; if you do, you'll lose.”
“Oh? Feeling confident tonight are you?”
“Three, two, one. Go!” Jules yelled as she set off, With Gareth and I in pursuit.
Gareth had overhauled Jules by the half way point; I was getting into my rhythm as well and caught her not long after.
Jules grinned as I passed; she slowed as she waived me on. “Go get him champ.” I heard as I chased Gareth.
That's when Gareth did something that Mum always chewed me out for; he looked back. Unfortunately for him, he was looking over his right shoulder as I overtook on the left; going like a train.
With fifty metres to go, the house looked like a bridge to far, but I was committed now and went for it.
I could hear Jules' laughter over the pounding of Gareth's feet as I overshot the gate, not slowing until I was well passed it; another thing that Mum warned me about.
By the time I had returned, doing my warm down. Gareth was sat on the low wall, still gasping, and Jules was just jogging up to the door. “I did warn you,” she giggled.
“Yes … but that … was sneaky,” He gasped out. “I was expecting you … not … Twinkle toes here.” Too late I realised I was doing my toe walking thing again. Oh, well.
“You coming in, or shall we bury you there,” Jules laughed, leaving the door open for us.
“Well I was going to jog back, but I think I'll have to ring dad for a lift after that.” Gareth was still breathing hard but at least he could string more than two words together now. “Shit that was quick, and Jules told me you didn't run.”
“I said Drew doesn't like running, that's true, isn't it Drew?” Jules asked, handing out towels as I sagged heavily into a chair.
“Yeah, right. You knew that was going to happen didn't you?”
“I wasn't certain Drew would win. But, I was certain you'd be pushed. Drew has this thing about winning; it is usually on a bike though,” laughed Jules.
“Shit, remind me never to play cards with you two,” Gareth chuckled. “Hey, how's your swimming? Maybe a triathlon would suite you.”
“No thanks, I'll stick with the bike I think.” I shook my head to emphasise the point.
“If its any consolation Gareth, if that had been a race from the start, I would have bet on you to win; but that was so much like a bike race, you had no chance.” I shouldn't really have been surprised because it was true; I just never expected Jules to be that observant. Jules saw the bewildered expression Gareth was wearing and helped him out. “A bike race is ninety-nine percent getting into position and one percent sprint for the line. Isn't it Drew?”
“I wouldn't have put it quite like that,” I laughed. “There's a bit more to it, but Jules is right, it's all about being in a position to make any attack hurt, just when it counts most.
“Like crossing the line?” Gareth chuckled.
“At the end yes, there are other things like being first over the hills or at the sprints or even chasing down breakaways, but Jules is right. The whole race is all about being in the right spot to make the final move.”
“I didn't have a chance did I?” He smiled.
“Not really,” Jules laughed as she gave him a hug and a peck on the cheek. “Are you stopping for supper?”
“Best not, I need to get cleaned up and ready for the morning; besides, the spy's may still be out.” Jules grimaced as she walked him to the door. “Put the oven on Drew,” she called over her shoulder.”
“But it won't fit, Jules” I called back.
“Shouldn't that be, Henry, not Jules,” Gareth surprised me by correcting the quote. “Dads got all the tapes.” He explained. Mine did too. “Who's your favourite?”
“Bluebottle,” I chuckled.
“He's fallen in the water,” Gareth did an awful impression of ‘little Jim'.
“What are you two like? Go on, you'd better go; the last thing I need is Goon-Show impressions tonight.” Jules told him as she pushed him through the door. It was still five minutes before she returned though.
While I was waiting I loaded the oven with Carol's offerings and set it for a low heat. “'Bout fifteen minutes Jules.”
“Goody; just time for a shower.” She was gone in a flash.
“If you'd run like that earlier, we'd both have beaten Gareth,” I yelled after her.
“Drew, there are some times, when it pays to come second,” Jules' giggle reached me as the bathroom door slammed.
‘Nah!' I said to myself as I laid the table.
Carol had done us proud, even after a reheat, the roast beef was superb, the roasties still crisp and the Yorkshire Pud just melted in the mouth. The only thing that suffered was the cabbage; still you can't have everything can you?
“Right, my turn for the shower,” I told Jules, patting my tum. I was in danger of scraping the pattern off the bowl as I'd polished off the last of the ice-cream.
“Hey! What about the washing up?”
“I did the cooking,” I laughed as I dashed for the stairs, narrowly avoiding a roll of kitchen towel that sailed past my ear.
“And don't use my conditioner.” I heard as I sought shelter behind the airing cupboard door.
Thank heavens for power showers. Turned up full it was almost as good as a massage and I let the water pummel me for a good five minutes more than was necessary; it also made short work of the thick lather that Jules conditioner generated.
Juliet was putting the finishing touches to her hair when I got back to my room; I'd never seen her so covered up, the nightie she wore almost reached the floor.
“Feeling cold?” I asked.
“It's one of Mum's, I thought it might help,” Jules, said quietly as she stroked the long sleeves. “I put another on your bed for you.”
I was about to object, but Mums thoughts about helping each other stopped me, and it really wasn't any different than last night, or the night before for that matter.
“Sit here when your ready; I'll dry your hair,” Jules said as I struggled with the nightie. There seemed to be blue cloth everywhere; on Jules it looked long, on me it draped the floor, and I had to gather it up to get to the chair.
“That conditioner really works doesn't it,” Jules giggled. “I knew you'd use it if I told you not to. I don't mind Gaby using it though.” Jules smiled at me in the mirror as she quickly detangled my hair before reaching for the hair drier.
I was starting to zone out, the warm tingle from the shower giving way to the equally warm but soft feeling of the nightie, while Jules played with my hair.
“Feels good doesn't it?” Jules said breaking the trance; I was stroking my arms through the nightie. I would have nodded but Jules had put the drier down and was now using both hands as she massaged my head just above my neck.”
“What are you doing Jules?”
“Looking for bumps.”
“Found any yet?” I chuckled.
“Er, Nope.” She laughed as she continued to play with my hair, a serious look on her face pulling it from side to side as she ran her fingers through it. The warm fuzzy feelings returned as she worked, using a brush occasionally with the drier.
“There, not bad if I say so myself. You know? A side parting really suits you Gaby.” I was about to say I haven't got a side parting when I caught site of myself in the mirror.
“Jules, we've got school tomorrow,” I reminded her as I reached up to feel my hair. “It feels sort of stiff, what have you done to it?”
 |
"It's just a little serum to stop the drier making it dull, I've been wanting to try it out.”
“Jules, Sunday, before school is hardly the right time to experiment with my hair,” I protested.
“Don't panic so, Gabs, it say's it just brushes out. I'll have to redo it anyway before we go to bed, there's loads of time yet, it's only nine o'clock.”
“Grief, it feels much later than that.”
“It has been a busy day hasn't it, I was just thinking of making some chocolate while I check my school stuff. Want some?”
“Yes Please Jules.” I could never resist chocolate. I rose to follow her and ended up sprawled against the bed as my foot got caught up in the nightie.
“Here, use this.” Jules handed me the purse belt I'd bought Saturday; it felt an age ago, not yesterday.
“Come on then twinkle toes.” Jules laughed after pulling the nightie up through the belt making a sort of blouse effect. At least I could see my toes now.
I ended up stirring the hot milk and making the chocolate, while Jules checked her book bag. I'd done mine yesterday; including the sports kit I needed for the morning. I quickly put the mugs on a tray and carefully carried them into the living room. Jules was already settled on the sofa. I carefully handed her a mug before sitting beside her. I was just dozing when Jules asked if I was sure I had everything ready.
“Yup, books, home work, sports kit, all checked,” I told her. “Oh, Shit, Shit! Maddy's trainers; Mad has the same fitness test; She'll need them.” I was instantly awake and running to fetch them.
They didn't seem too bad; a little damp, but no more muddy than they appeared this morning; a quick wipe soon had them looking presentable. I filled them with the old towels out of my bike shoes and spread out a piece of newspaper on the kitchen table.
I had no sooner sat down when there was a tapping on the door, the letterbox rattled.
“It's only me, pet!” Carol called through the door. We stared at each other for a nanosecond.
“Go on, scoot Gaby. I'll tell her you're already in bed.” I didn't need telling twice. I hoisted the nightie around my waist and hurtled back up the stairs … Again.
I made it to my room, rubbing my toe that I'd stubbed on the stair and pushed the door too, not quit closing it. All I could hear though were muffled voices, so I sat on the end of the bed and waited for Jules to give me the all clear.
I really didn't feel up to facing Carol, but by the sound of footsteps on the stair I wasn't going to avoid it.
“Drew? Are you asl … eep? …. Gaby! you look fabulous; the nightie's a bit mumsy, but your hair, Wow!” I was making shushing motions as Maddy launched herself at me. “Maybe I should ask mum about a sleep-over,” she grinned as she wrapped herself around me.
I chuckled. “With your mum checking on us all the time, that's really, likely to happen, isn't it?”
"Oh, you never know. After the guilt trip I've been laying on her this afternoon, anything's possible."
"Guilt?"
"Yeah, you should have heard her interrogating Gareth; talk about embarrassing; Jules took him outside in the end.
“I didn't know that; Jules had a bit of a cob on, but she didn't tell me why. What did you do?”
“Gave her the silent treatment for a while, then I made the ultimate sacrifice, when mum asked if I wanted to go shopping; I told her I'd rather do my homework. Dad thought I was sick or something.” I laughed with her.
“That must have hurt you more than Carol. Did she crack?”
“'bout ten minutes ago, when I told her I was going to ring you, to remind you about my trainers for tomorrow; thanks for cleaning them by the way. Anyway, mum said she'd drive me over. So, here we are; she's probably having a heart to heart with Jules now.” Mad ended triumphantly.
“Err, how did you know, I …”
“Saw you through the kitchen window.”
“Did Ca…”
“I doubt it, mum was locking the car; I only saw you for an instant.” Maddy was almost hyper, she seemed to be unable to keep her hands from roaming. Not that I cared, I was already in that fuzzy warm zone; and had been since her first kiss.
“ Come on petal, Time to go, you've all got school in the morning, ” Carol called.
“Awww, just when I was getting comfy and you smell so good.”
“I've only just got out of the shower; it's the shower gel I expect.”
“Maybe… See you tomorrow Gabs.” I thought my ribs were going to break as Mad squeezed me before making for the door.
“Yeah, goodnight Petal,” I chuckled.
“Sweet dreams Gabykins,” Maddy giggled, obviously in no mood to let me have the last word before she left.
“I don't believe it,” Jules was muttering to herself as she came in my room and plonked on the bed next to me. “I don't believe it, she actually apologised … Do you think she's ill?”
“I don't think so; Maddy said she's been working on her.”
“Even so, that was quite a turn around.”
“Mad said she refused a shopping trip.”
“Really? That must have been the first time ever, was she ill?”
“Ha, that's what Uncle John thought; seems to have worked though; at least ‘til the next time.”
“And on that scary thought … bedtime,” Jules pulled the duvet back and started to climb in my bed.
“Err, Jules; my hair?” I reminded her.
“Oh, yeah,” Jules sat me down again before fetching what looked like a plant sprayer. “It's just water,” she told me when she saw the apprehensive look on my face. “I have to wet it down to get rid of the setting gell; unless you want to wash it again?”
“What setting Gel?”
“I used some with the serum, that's why it felt stiff. This'll fix it though.” I had no choice but to trust her; but then it couldn't be worse than Sylvia's, or even some of Maddy's hair fixes; could it?
Jules went through the whole routine with the brush and the drier again but I didn't start to relax until I began to see my usual style return.
There you go. How's that feel?” Jules asked as she tied the lace at the nape. “It looks a lot better now it's grown a little; it seems to sit better,” she added, as I gingerly felt the back of my head.
“That's better, thanks Jules,” I let out a sigh of relief as Jules put the drier away.
“Shall I put it up?”
“Yeah ok, it'll save some time in the morning, thanks Jules.”
“Right, I've locked up, the kitchens clean and there are beef salad stotty's in the fridge for lunch tomorrow; now are you sure you've got everything ready for school?”
“Ye-es mo-mmy,” I chuckled … “Whoa, alright, alright ,” I yelled as Jules attacked my ribs with her fingertips.
Chaver: someone who thinks it's cool to wear sports kit as the height of fashion, even on formal occasions; designer labels essential.
Divvy/ Divot: Clod of earth.
Dob: Ausie slang; to inform on someone. Also to ‘Grass up', or, ‘squeal on'
Goon show: really old radio show, inspiration for ‘Monty Python'; total insanity from Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers, and Harry Secombe. Still broadcast at regular intervals on the Beeb.
Offy: Off Licence section of the corner shop (Spar)
Roasties: Roast potato's but applies to parsnips as well; yummy.
Stotty: Sarnie, but can apply to any snack e.g. stotty-cake.
Angela Peters 21.09.05 © 2005
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