A Gaby FanFic
The first thing I have to do is to publicly thank Angharad, KarenJ and last, but certainly not least, Jillian, for all their efforts to decipher my scribbles. It was also their encouragement that gave me the courage to submit this to Maddy, in the first place.
I also extend a warm ‘thank you' to Maddy, for creating this ‘universe' and giving my mind a place to occasionally wander.
Seven
“Ting-a-ling” The door chimes sounded as Jenny and the other eleven ladies of the wedding party stepped into the Ye Ol' Faire, the Renaissance-clothing store that the girls had previously visited on the occasion of Maddy's graduation.
“Ah, heat!” Ann exclaimed. Although early October, Manchester and the surrounding area were experiencing some relatively cool weather for the region.
“May I help you ladies?” A middle-aged gentleman inquired as he approached Jenny.
Jenny and Carol both greeted the gentleman and pointed at Maddy and Gaby. “We're the Bond-Peter's wedding party … I believe you set up an appointment with our daughters to ….”
“Ah yes, my wife and I have been expecting you … Oh, I'm sorry … I'm Jay and this is Linda”, Jay said pointing to his wife. Maddy and Gaby handled the introductions for their own bridal parties.
Linda mentioned that she had been the one that the girls were actually in touch with most of the time and that according to the information they emailed, she had all their dresses hung up in the back.
Leaving a clerk to watch the front, Jay motioned for the ladies to go through where they had some tea waiting for them as they waited to get fitted. Linda and Amber, another saleslady, followed the wedding party out to the back. The plan was to fit one bridal party at a time and since Gaby was standing closest to Linda, they started with Gaby's bridal party.
As Jay brought Gaby her ‘frock', Maddy grabbed hold of Gaby's arm. “It's beautiful!” Gaby exclaimed.
It was love at first sight for Gaby. The white velvet frock was of a sleeve-less design with boned re-enforced front for tight lacing of the low bodice and ties on the shoulder, ending in a full skirt.
“I'd like to point out a couple of things, that you may find … different … from what you're used to.” Linda commented.
She explained these period fashions were not to be worn with a bra. She assured them the laced bodices would give them all the support they required. All the dresses were to be worn with a chemise. When Gaby inspected hers, she noticed the chemise was a loose fitting, knee-length cotton garment with drawstrings around each wrist and the neck. To her it looked like a very plain cotton nightdress.
Also as the fashions were recreations of 16 th century designs, they used laces instead of zippers or elastic.
Linda told Gaby, her frock was to be worn with a crinoline or a hoop in addition to the chemise. After she looked at the options, decided that she'd wear the crinoline with the chemise – much easier to negotiate sitting in an armchair.
“Want to try it on, Gaby? … it may be your dress size, but we want a perfect fit, don't we?” Linda asked as she gathered up the dress, its chemise and a crinoline and waited for Gaby to join her.
As Linda started to take her back to a change room, Gaby made a move to remove her ‘feather'.
Both Maddy and Kat quickly protested. The consensus among the rest of the girls was it would be interesting to see it with the dress. Out voted, Gaby agreed but said she would remove it to put the dress on, then put it back on. She then turned for the change room.
“Gaby! … Your shoes!” Jules stepped forward and handed Gaby the bag as she followed Linda.
A short time later Gaby emerged from the change room and with a hand from Linda stepped up onto a small stage and allowed her to mark a few small alterations.
Jules was the first one to remark that the ‘feather' was the perfect headpiece for the dress and they all agreed. Kat suggested that Gaby should go for the full ‘Indian look'. Once Linda was finished, Gaby and Linda returned to the change room.
Amber soon appeared with one of their ‘Fair Maiden' style dresses and a chemise. Looking at the tag she called, “Jules”. The two women went off to another change room.
A few minutes later, Gaby and Linda returned to where the other ladies waited and then Linda immediately retrieved another dress and chemise. This time she asked that Em accompany her to a second change room.
“No way you're getting dressed by yourself! Gaby piped up, addressing no one in particular.
As Jules came out Gaby gave her a typical ‘wolf whistle' much to the amusement of the store staff. Jules smiled back as a reply then told both Gaby and Maddy she really loved their sense of style.
‘It'll take a bit getting used to these sleeves, but I like it!” Jules said as she held her arms out straight letting the ‘drop sleeves' of the chemise hang to their full extent.
Unlike Gaby, Jules wore a floor-length chemise. Over that she wore a dark blue sleeve-less ‘dress' with decorative trim on the edges of the low bodice. As Jules pointed out, the ‘dress' was more like a floor-length vest, entirely opened at the front and only joined by the lacing of the bodice.
After Amber finished with Jules, Em came out with Linda and followed the same procedure of stepping up onto the small stage and getting the odd alteration marked off. The bridesmaids dress was also the ‘Fair Maiden' style, except the bridesmaids all had a red dress to Jules' blue dress.
The style of dresses chosen meant that few alterations were required and the fitting of the remainder of Gaby's bridal party went quickly. As Amber was finishing up with Judith, Linda took charge of Maddy and led her to a change room.
All eyes were on Maddy as she came out and stepped up onto the small stage. As Jules watched for a reaction from her sister, Gaby turned to Jules and softly remarked, “That dress looks beautiful on her, doesn't it?”
“… That it does, Sis.”
Her knee-length chemise had full drop sleeves but unlike the one Jules wore; the ‘Celtic' style had a drawstring at the wrists. The arms of the ‘Celtic' chemise had an embroidered strip of the intricate ‘Celtic knot' design running along the top of each arm from the wrist to the shoulders. It also had a drawstring neckline, which allowed a choice of different neckline styles to be worn. Maddy elected to show a lot of cleavage and wear her chemise in a low, scooped neckline.
Her dress was a similar style to the ‘floor-length vest‘ that Jules would wear, but with ties at the shoulders as well as the front bodice. The lacing on Maddy's bodice was a simpler pattern compared to that on Jules' dress, plus the edging of the bodice along the lacing had a wide embroidered strip of the same ‘Celtic knot' design that was on the sleeves of the chemise. While her heavy cotton dress was an off-white, the chemise and floor-length cotton petticoate* were white, providing a subtle contrast with her dress.
The fitting of the rest of her bridal party went quickly, with each one also wearing an identical ‘Celtic Maiden' style of dress, petticoate and chemise that Maddy wore, only in different colours. As Maid of Honour, Kat wore a rouge dress with a burgundy bodice, over a marine blue petticoate. The bridesmaids each wore dresses of hunter green over a burgundy petticoate.
Other than the brides, both bridal parties chose to wear their chemise with a more modest neckline.
With most of the required alterations being minor in nature, the girls were told that everything would be ready in a couple of weeks. Plans were made to arrange a time for all the girls to come together again to pick up their dresses.
As they left the shoppe, Carol asked, “Anyone fancy a bite to eat?”
“There's a good Italian place very near here” Cathy volunteered.
Hearing no protests, the group of twelve soon found themselves seated in an upscale Italian eatery.
“How's the guest list coming, girls?” Jenny addressed either Maddy or Gaby.
“We're done … not a large list … but we're done“, Gaby replied. Both Jenny and Carol agreed to finalize the guest list with the girls, once they got back to Bad Neuenahr.
While they were waiting for their food to arrive, Gaby asked, “Do you guys really think my ‘feather' looks ok with the dress?” Everyone agreed it did.
Turning to Maddy and Kat, Gaby asked, “You guys really think the ‘full Indian' would look ok with my dress … for that matter, how about with both of our dresses?”
Before they could answer, Jenny inquired, “What do you mean by ‘full Indian'?” The others listened in on the conversation, with interest.
“The ‘Indian Look' … that's Kat calls the stuff I got from Jessica, but I think she's only talking about my ‘feather', the earrings and my beaded choker … right?” Gaby looked directly at Kat. Kat nodded in reply.
Jenny and Carol thought about it for a while then agreed with Kat. “Too bad you didn't have your choker with you at the fitting but I really think Kat's on to something.”
“What're you thinking about, luv?” Maddy could see that Gaby had that detached look in her eyes.
“I'm not sure … I agree with Mum … Kat has a good idea … just got to think it through.” Gaby replied.
During the meal, it was decided that everybody would meet at a time to be determined later, to pick up their dresses and a final fitting. Gaby mentioned she would have to consult the team's schedule to find a date two weeks hence and notify everyone.
Accommodations were also agreed upon for when the wedding party was in Germany. With more of an eye to having fun rather than an attempt to help the girls with costs, Kristen proposed the local members of the wedding party would host the others; Gaby - Em, Maddy - Ally, Kristen - Ann, Nina - Brenda and Judith – Cathy. All adopted that idea with great enthusiasm.
After dinner, they all said their good-byes and ensured everyone had everyone's contact information. While Em and Ally drove back to Warsop, and Maddy's friends went off to their respective homes and the ‘German contingent' went back to the hotel.
“Ya gonna tell me what you were thinking back there, luv?” Maddy cooed to Gaby, when they were alone.
“I think we could use a holiday … how's Toronto sound?” Gaby mischievously asked Maddy.
“Hmmmm, just the two of us? … Tell me more.” Maddy seductively replied.
“Well, a ‘working' holiday … we need a few things for the wedding party.”
“The Trading Post?” Maddy quietly asked.
“Uh huh … interested?” Gaby playfully replied.
“Spill!” Maddy insisted.
“… 'kay … if I'm going to wear the ‘full Indian', so are you … an' even though we both have everything from when we were there in 2008, we should get new stuff for the wedding.” Maddy just shrugged her shoulders as Gaby pointed out the obvious.
“… But”, Gaby continued, “Why not have the whole bridal party go ‘Indian' as well? … Each bridal party wearing the same jewellery, yet both bridal parties will be different.”
“Which earrings you like to wear … dream-catcher or ‘feathered'?” Gaby asked.
“The ‘feathered' earrings are like … your trademark … I'll wear the dream-catchers.” Maddy replied, not quite knowing where this is all going.
“Then … all your girls would wear the dream-catcher earrings … an' a choker that's a different style to my mine and the shield for you ‘feather' will be a different design than mine, too.” Gaby softly explained.
She continued, ”All my girls will then wear ‘feathered' earrings … an' beaded chokers.”
Gaby ended the explanation of her idea by stating, “The earrings and chokers will tie each bridal party together like team jackets, the ‘feather' is for the brides … what'd ya think?”
“We go back to Toronto!” Maddy squealed as she threw her arms around Gaby.
Gaby added, “Assuming we find time with my schedule … a lot of P/A's … ya know? … Personal Appearances?” Gaby added to Maddy's questioning look.
“An' we go commercial this time. The gift of free air travel applied only between England and Germany.” A concerned look crossed Maddy's face.
“Hey … cheer up! … Between Apollinaris' wedding gift and Kat's idea for hosting everyone, we don't have to budget for air travel or the girl's hotel rooms … I'm pretty sure we can afford a trip to Canada.” Gaby quietly reassured her fiancée as she leaned over to kiss Maddy on her lips.
“Oi!” Jenny suddenly exclaimed. Gaby jumped as neither Maddy nor her had heard their mother's come into the room when Jenny used her room pass.
“We're just talking about the wedding.” Gaby offered.
“We can see you two were having a serious discussion.” Jenny jokingly replied.
The two girls let their mothers in on their plans for the wedding party and for going back to Canada. Knowing what Jenny was going to say and before she could say it, Gaby added that she'd have to check with George to ensure there was a gap in the schedule that would allow them to go – just to ensure he didn't commit to any additional P/A's.
“You know your ol' mum pretty well, don't ya?” Jenny said as she walked over and hugged her daughter.
Both Carol and Jenny took a chair and sat opposite the girls. “We came up with our own idea … what about getting everyone, including your grandparents together for Christmas … in Bad Neuenahr?”
Even though news of their engagement had gone through their extended families, for Gaby and Maddy it would be the first time since their engagement that both girls would be seeing their grandparents. Both Jenny and Carol had already called the girl's fathers and had the idea approved.
“You've got to see them sooner or later, dear … your Dad and I will ensure there's no unpleasant scenes, as will Maddy's parents.” Jenny saw the slight apprehension in Gaby's face.
“Besides, it's not like they haven't been told.” Carol added.
“It's too late now but tomorrow, Carol and I will call your grandparents and tell them our idea.” Jenny stated, addressing neither girl in particular.
She then looked at Gaby and added, “ … but for now, Carol and I want to get to bed, so say ‘ gute Nacht' to Maddy so they could go to their room.”
“gute Nacht, Liebling”, Gaby cooed as she once again, leaned over to kiss Maddy. Carol and Maddy then went next door to their own room.
The next morning the eight women met for an early breakfast then after checking out of their rooms, caught the hotel's shuttle bus to the airport and had the driver take them over to the General Aviation complex to the FlightLinks terminal. As soon as their luggage was stowed and they were on board, the plane departed for Bonn.
Mike volunteered to drive, so along with Dave, he met the ladies in Bonn with the teams' mini-bus at the Apollinaris corporate hanger.
“Good weekend, dear?” Dave asked Jenny.
“Very … but remind me to call Mum once we get home?” Jenny replied.
Soon after Jenny arrived at work on Monday, George walked up the hall and knocked on the doorframe of her office.
As she looked up, George asked, “Jenny? … Could you please ask Gaby to join us in my office?”
“May I ask why? … What's she done?” Jenny was a bit worried by the directness of George's request.
George looked at her and sensing Jenny's concern, stated, “Nein … nein … nothing like that.”
He then added, “We've received requests for both of you to make a few appearances and I just wanted to discuss them.” A short time later, they were in sitting in front of George's desk going over these requests.
“Just to bring you two up to speed … while you were gone last Friday, we've received a request from ‘Das Erste'. Seems they're making a documentary on Germans and sport and they want to do a piece on the team. They indicated they'd like to do about a week of filming here sometime next month, but there's a good probability they'll be tagging along for a time when we go to Australia in February.”
“The next request is from the American-based OLN television network … kind of a sports network as I understand it … they wish to come here in two weeks … Oct. 30 to be exact … to do a story on the team and you two, specifically. I've already ok'd their request.”
“We also have one from that new shopping complex in Bonn. The sports chain Fuss-Schließfach is opening up a large store and they've requested the team along with you, Jenny and Maria to do a public appearance and autograph session. That's the 14 th of December… a Saturday … any problems?”
“Nein”, both women answered.
“Now this request is from an acquaintance of yours – Caro?” George stated. Hearing Caro's name got the undivided attention of the two women.
“The Cycling Federation in Manchester is having a charity track event to help some local food banks and they're asking that the both of you make an appearance … do a few laps, show yourselves … that kind of thing.”
Re-adjusting the papers on his desk, George continued. “Caro also asks that Gaby compete in a few team and individual heats and if you feel up to it Jenny, Caro says they'd simply love to have you also compete in those heats with Gaby – but she strongly emphasizes that it is totally up to you.”
Jenny told George Caro knew all about her cancer and that Caro is Gaby's Godmother.
After pausing for effect, he added, “I know that's very short notice for you Jenny, especially if you compete … but think about it? … The date that was given is Dec.7, which is a Saturday ... if you do it, we can have you there the Friday morning and bring you home Monday … let you have a day with your friends, ja?”
As Jenny started to rise, Gaby put her hand on her mum's arm. “Mum? … I want to do it!”
Jenny regained her seat and thought about it for a brief time, then told George she'll do it as well. She also mentioned that she'd phone Caro and tell her that both she and Gaby accepted the Federation's invitation, when she got back to her office.
On the way back to her office, Jenny turned to Gaby and commented, “That gives you and the team about a-month-and-a half to get me in shape, kiddo!”
As she ran off to find the others, Gaby called back to her mum, “We'll do it!”
Later on the way home, Gaby asked her mum about the possibility of having Maddy and the ‘girls' come with them to Manchester. She went on to explain that if they arrived on the Thursday night, they could arrange the final fitting and get their dresses on the Friday morning and be at the Federation in the afternoon, as expected.
“Kill two birds with one stone, eh? … I'll ask George to arrange it, first thing tomorrow.” Jenny said with a smile.
The next morning at the team building, Jenny came into the weight room and announced George's decision to Gaby and ‘her girls'.
“Everything's arranged for Manchester and … ummmm … I'm all yours in the afternoons.” Jen had a silly little grin on her face when she mentioned she'd be training with the girls, every afternoon. Gaby knew her mum was thrilled to be getting back in her element – even if it was a one-time effort for a ‘home-town charity event'.
A month later……
As Gaby took the key out of the ignition, Maddy leaned over and firmly planted a kiss on Gaby's lips; she said for luck. Gaby knew it was nerves, because she felt the same – this marked a big step in their plans. Upon breaking the kiss, Gaby let out an audible sigh before the girls got out of the car. The chill of the early November evening air was refreshing as Gaby walked around the car to join Maddy.
They were finally going to have their meeting with Reverend Albrecht and his assistant, Reverend Gotthard. Taking Maddy's hand, the girls walked up to the church and entered the South Door and waited just inside as suggested
At the appointed time a tall middle-aged man wearing a minister's collar but looking more like a Canadian lumberjack with his plaid flannel shirt and blue jeans, approached the girls with a cheerful “Gutenabend, Damen … Fräulein Bond und Fräulein Peters? … Ich Bin Rev. Albrecht”.
“Gutenabend”, they both replied.
“Ich bin Gabrielle und dieses ist mein Verlobtes, Madeline.” Gaby introduced herself and her fiancée.
Rev. Albrecht bade the girls accompany him to his office. As the girls entered he introduced them to his assistant, Reverend Gotthard. Introductions done, they all sat down and got to know each other. The girls were visibly relieved when eventually reassured them that there would be no problems with being married in the church.
“I recall when I last spoke to your mama, she mentioned you had some ideas for the ceremony?” Rev. Gotthard asked Gaby.
Gaby turned to look at Maddy and then grasping her hand, returned her attention to Rev. Gotthard. “We do a few ideas but we don't know if … you'll allow them.”
“Why don't you tell us and let us decide?” Rev. Albrecht asked with a smile.
For the next little while, both girls outlined their ideas and what was the significance behind each. The two ministers listened very intently and then Rev. Albrecht informed the girls that it would all be possible since he saw no conflict with church teachings in their suggestions.
At that point, Rev. Gotthard asked the girls to wait in the office and give her and Rev. Albrecht a moment. Both girls were a little apprehensive when the two ministers left the office, but a few minutes later they returned and Rev. Albrecht addressed the girls.
“Sorry about that but Rev. Gotthard is subordinate to myself and she raised a point about your wedding that she felt needed a decision before she mentioned it to you.”
“Rev. Albrecht has agreed with my request and now I ask you.” Rev. Gotthard quietly stated.
After pausing to see the girls' reaction, Rev. Gotthard continued. “I find your ideas for the ceremony … quite frankly … beautiful. I wonder … would either of you have any objections if I performed your wedding?”
Maddy turned to Gaby, then back to Rev. Gotthard. “None whatsoever … we'd both feel honoured if you did ... thank you.” Rev. Albrecht nodded his approval.
After Rev. Gotthard noted the wedding date in the church schedule and the girls gave her their contact information, they prepared to leave with a much better feeling for the future.
As promised by George, on the evening of December 5 th the German half of the wedding party including Jenny and Gaby board one of Apollinaris' Challenger 604's for Manchester. Officially, it was to get Jenny and Gaby to Manchester to participate in the holiday charity event at the Federation. Unofficially, the girls were being flown over to have their final fittings and get their dresses as part of the Apollinaris wedding gift to Gaby and Maddy.
As arranged, the entire wedding party met at Ye Ol' Faire in the morning, for the final fittings. Things went perfectly and in the end all the girls went away with their dresses and anxiously anticipating when they could wear them ‘for real'. Following several ‘good-byes', Em and Ally drove back to Warsop. Ann, Brenda and Cathy departed for their own homes leaving the German group to head back to their hotel. After putting the dresses in their rooms, Gaby and party waited at the hotel's main entrance for the Federation supplied transportation.
Caro's charity event for the food bank was a huge success and with a capacity crowd at the facility's Velodrome, the final tally was some 10,200 pounds of food donated for the food bank. Both Jenny and Gaby did a few laps with some of the juniors training with the Federation.
However in a last minute decision, Jenny graciously declined to participate in any competitive heats.
Gaby did ride in three heats, two were team events and one was individual. She won the latter with little difficulty, although Caro did give her a few anxious moments. Her team won one of the team events, but lost the other by a small margin. The teams were composed of one pro – Caro and Gaby, plus juniors from the Federation's youth development program.
When it came time to meet the fans and sign autographs, Caro felt she really found a treasure with Kristen, Nina and Judith sitting in the stands along with Maddy, Jules and Kat. Following some gentle persuasion, Caro now had almost the entire Team Apollinaris signing and mingling with those who came out for the afternoon's events.
Dec.16th-21 st ….
As Lufthansa flight 1754 touched down at Pearson International, Maddy's first thought when as she looked out the window, was SNOW! She couldn't believe that she and Gaby were back in Toronto, alone!
“We couldn't have come last July, could we?” Maddy sarcastically asked Gaby. Gaby leaned over and looked out the window. When she sat back upright, she just looked at Maddy and shook her head, side-to-side.
“I can't believe a whole week … just the two of us ... ( sigh ) … how did you get the time?” Maddy cooed as she held Gaby's arm and laid her head on Gab's shoulder while the plane was taxiing up to the boarding gate.
“George has always allowed the team two weeks for Christmas with their families ... travel an' all.” Gaby softly replied.
As she said those words, she closed her eyes and tried to prevent the memories of ‘that last Christmas in Warsop' from crowding her mind. Instinctively, Gaby grasped Maddy's arm and held on to her tightly. Maddy turned to look into Gab's pained face and realized what she was trying so hard not to remember.
“I love you, Gabs”, Maddy whispered as she gently turned Gaby's face towards hers and planted a gentle kiss on Gaby's lips.
After clearing customs and getting their luggage, the girls boarded the shuttle bus for the Royal York Hotel. Gaby explained it was in downtown Toronto and was literally right across the street from the train station. Once checked into the hotel and settled in their room, Gaby phoned ‘Via'** and reserved two tickets for the following day, on the eastbound train to Belleville.
“We'll hire a cab at the train station in Belleville to get us out to the Trading Post … easier if we leased a car but you have to be 25, just like back home.” Gaby commented.
“At the reception desk, I found out the stores are opened late tonight ... you want to go shopping for some Christmas prezzies or wait until we get back.” Gaby asked.
“Wait … “, was Maddy's soft reply.
“Hungry?” As Gaby asked the question, she noticed Maddy had a mischievous grin on her face.
“Maybe later …” Maddy quietly replied as she offered Gaby her hand.
The next morning found the two up bright and early. After a good breakfast, they braved the labyrinth of Toronto's downtown underground shopping concourse. Even though the route from the Royal York Hotel to Union Station was only a very small portion of the total complex, they found they had to follow the signs quite closely. However, once they got to the main level of the station, they quickly purchased their tickets and made their way to the proper boarding gate.
They found the hour-and-a-half train ride to be very enjoyable and relaxing. When they arrived in Belleville, Gaby had a crazy idea but she thought she'd surprise Maddy. Instead pf phoning for a cab on the direct lines provided in the station's waiting room, Gaby leafed through the local phone book until she found what she was looking for. As she turned her back to Maddy, Gaby pulled out her credit card.
Twenty minutes later, she told Maddy that she had to leave the warmth of the waiting room as the cab was here. When they exited the station, Gaby identified herself and a man got out of the driver's seat of the limousine and opened the back door for the girls.
“You're bloody daft, Gaby Bond!” exclaimed Maddy as both the girls got in.
“You're just figuring that out?” Gaby laughed as Maddy grabbed hold of Gabs' arm.
Gaby explained that leasing a limo for a couple of hours was not much more expensive than a return cab fare, considering the distance they were going.
Once they arrived at the Trading Post, the girls went inside and armed with a list, they went directly to the jewelry – no browsing through the store this time since with the limo waiting outside, they were ‘on the clock'.
With help from the staff, they quickly found everything they had come for – and more. Along with their purchases, they once again entered the limo and headed back towards Belleville and a much anticipated late lunch. Later that afternoon, they made their way back to the train station to catch the train to Toronto. The return trip was relaxing but uneventful, with both girls just taking in the scenery.
Back in their hotel room while preparing to go for a late diner, Maddy turned to Gaby and asked; “You realize besides flying across the ocean, we just traveled a total of some 300 Km to shop at a store? … How daft is that?”
Gaby looked at Maddy and replied, “How crazy is it to leave Warsop to shop in London for a day or fly from Bonn to Manchester for some wedding dresses or…”
“Oh … be quiet!” Whispered Maddy as she passionately kissed Gaby.
“You seem nervous, Sis … it's only Gran.” Jules remarked as they were waiting for their mother to return from Bonn after picking up Josie and Maureen at the airport.
“You realize that this is the first time I've seen her since I gave Maddy her ring? … What's she going to say? … How's she going to react to havin' a lesbian granddaughter … an engaged lesbian gran… “ Gaby's voice took on a whining quality.
“Enough! ” In a half-hearted attempt to sound stern, Jules raised her voice at her sister. As she turned to look at her sister, Jules immediately felt bad about her reaction to the comments. Gaby's facial expression told Jules Gaby wasn't joking and that she was very up tight about the visit.
“Sorry Sis … I get the point … Ok? … I agree things have changed a bit since we last saw Gran … well … come to think of it, actually a whole lot … but she's talked with Mum many times an' I don't think she'd come all this way for Christmas if she had a problem with you or your engagement to Maddy, now would she?” Jules quietly stated as she put her arms around her sister and held her.
“I guess you're right, but I reserve the right to feel this way until Gran gets here and says something.” Gaby flatly commented.
“I imagine Maddy's having the much the same thoughts about her Gran.” Jules offered.
“Yeah, you're right … why should I be worried?… So what if Maureen's never met Gaby, let alone her granddaughter's fiancée.” Gaby sarcastically replied.
Dave returned from his shopping expedition to find the girls had done a lovely job of getting the place ready for the Holidays and their grandmother. Jules informed him that Jenny phoned about 20 minutes ago, saying Carol and her were on the way back from the airport after picking up their mothers.
“Hey kids! … You forgot something.” Dave called out to the girls after inspecting the inside of the house.
As the girls came out to the kitchen door to see what the fuss was about, they saw Dave had just finished hanging Mistletoe in the doorway.
“Now we're ready!” Dave was proud of his decorating accomplishment.
Then he looked at his daughters and with a smile on his face, flatly remarked, “Not that you two will need any encouragement with Maddy or Gerhardt, but I thought I'd make it ‘official'.”
Both girls gave their dad a hug and then ran upstairs to shower and get changed. As Jules said, they wanted to look as good as the house, when everyone arrived.
A while later, Jenny's voice rang out as Josie and her entered the back door, “We're back! … Sorry we took so long but we had to drop Carol and Maureen off.”
That's all that was needed for the girls to go and greet their grandmother. Gaby felt by the hug she got, that she didn't need of worry like she did.” When Josie asked her why the tears, Gaby confided her fears as she embraced her grandmother.
“Honey … I can't be upset with you … you're my granddaughter.” Josie quietly reassured Gaby.
“Considering all you and Maddy have gone through, the two of you've got something that's very precious … Not many couples your age can claim to have a relationship as strong as yours … Promise me you'll do everything you can to hold onto it.” Josie whispered in Gabs' ear. Gaby tightened her embrace and held it for several minutes before letting go of her grandmother.
A short time after Gran was finally settled in the guestroom, the Peters showed up to join the Bonds for their dinner reservation.
Before they set out for the evening, Maddy took Gaby's hand and formally introduced her fiancée to Maureen. Knowing the history of the two, Maddy's Gran eased Gaby's worries of their meeting as she took the hands of the two girls and holding them tightly, conveyed much the same sentiment as Josie did earlier to Gaby.
The rest of the Holidays went by in much the same spirit. It was the first time in years that the extended families of the Peters and the Bonds had been together for Christmas.
Maddy and Gaby attended services at the Town Church and were able to briefly speak to Rev. Gotthard following the Christmas service. Gaby informed her that they would be on the World Cup tour starting February, occasionally returning to Bad Neuenahr but they could be reached by email all other times.
Both Maureen and Josie were intrigued with the girls' wedding plans and how far along they had come. They were especially interested in seeing their choice of dresses.
On the morning of January 3rd, both Maureen and Josie bade good-bye to everyone and with luggage bulging; they each climbed into the Bond's Volvo wagon for the trip to the Bonn airport. Within their luggage were cherished photos to be hung on the walls, new professionally done family photos of daughters, husbands and granddaughters.
In addition, each of the Grans' had another photo, this one probably a bit more special than the others only because it represented a new branch of the family tree – a portrait of Maddy and Gabby.
* Petticoate – old English spelling of petticoat. Participants in Renaissance Faires (Live-action re-creations) use the proper terminology and old English spelling when referring to the Renaissance. In modern terms, the petticoate would be described as a floor-length, full skirt with a drawstring at the waist.
** Formerly ‘Canadian National Railways', ‘Via Rail' currently handles Canada's passenger rail traffic. Canadian Pacific, Canada's other major rail operator and one-time competitor to CN, specializes in freight.
To be continued:
PB 31.12.06 © 2006