Thanks go out to the various fanfic authors and Maddy Bell, herself, for creating this Сuniverse' and providing the inspiration. Whether you realize it or not, there's a part of each of you, in this work. I also wish to dedicate this work to Karen J, Jillian and Angharad Ц three lovely people without who's prodding, this or any other of my writings, would have never appeared.

Е And to all who read this, I hope you enjoy it as much as it was for me to continue the Journey.

It would seem that I've been put on a literary path somewhat like George Lucas did with Star Wars. УRough WatersФ is the prequel to УReconciliationФ, which in turn was based upon УNotes of a JourneyФ. As such, like УReconciliationФ, it is highly recommended your read/re-read УNotes of a JourneyФ, at least up to the point the kids are preparing to leave Grottoes, Virginia. This is to avoid any confusion with references to events that occurred prior to the start of УRough WatersФ.

Upon hearing the boarding announcement, all ten exchange students rose and started towards the gate as one living entity, until Mr. P cut them off.

УHold on, people Е We've been assigned a block of seats, so there isn't any need to rush like a stampeding herd Е Now, when we board, our seats are in rows 33 to 35, that's on the left side of the plane as you board. If you get lost, the flight attendant will direct you. Е Now let's pretend we're civilized and board properly, shall we?Ф

As they boarded the 747, the three boys, all upperclassmen, grabbed the three seats of the first row. Bernie pulled Rhod into the second row with the intention of getting Ally to take the last seat. Much to Rhod's dismay, Maddy rushed aboard and started to sit in the last seat of the row.

УMay I sit here Miss Peters? Е Thank you Е I need to be here to keep an eye on things Е take the seat behind if you will.Ф Mr. P instructed. Thus the second row contained Bernie, Rhod and Mr. Pilling sitting on the aisle.

Maddy moved into the window seat behind Bernie only to be quickly joined by Jules and Justine. In her mind Maddy was at least hoping to be joined by Ally and Gaby. It was Ally, Gaby, and Miss C, who sat on the aisle, took the last row of the allocated block of seats.

After the plane lifted of the runway and the cabin crew settled into their routine following the mandatory safety speech from the flight attendants, Fran turned to Gaby. УExcited to be going home?Ф

УIt'll be alright, Gaby. I'll be there, and you have your friends and family.Ф Fran tried to reassure Gaby.

УI don't have my friends ЕФ Gaby's voice trailed off. Fran and Ally took each one of Gaby's hands and gave it a squeeze.

УGaby? Е You have me.Ф Ally told her. Fran took a tissue from her bag and reached over to dab Gaby's wet eyes.

Jules noticed that Maddy had turned in her seat and took in the conversation behind her and then righted herself. She had a blank expression on her face and she seemed to become immersed in her own thoughts. Also hearing the conversation, Jules started coughing hoping that her sister would pick up on it. Gaby realized if Jules could hear, so could others and conversation in the back row changed to other topics. Things soon settled into the mundane routine of transatlantic flight.

Eventually the cabin crew distributed the mandatory customs forms to the passengers to be filled out prior to their arrival in Manchester. Shortly after that, the announcement to fasten seatbelts came.

As the flaps were lowered and the drone of the engines changed to a noticeably higher pitch, one had the feeling that a giant hand grabbed and held the plane as the forward speed dramatically dropped off.

Even though it was quite late in the evening, the kids strained to look out the closest window. All the towns below were lit up and it was only as they dropped in altitude that the sensation of forward momentum revealed itself in the speed the lights that passed. Details like streetlights showing the roads, store signs, cars, individual house lights and even traffic lights grew more evident the closer they got to the ground. As the plane crossed the threshold of Manchester International, a gentle Сbump' was all the kids needed to tell them they were back on British soil!

У Please remain seated, seatbelts fastened until the plane comes to a complete stopЕ Ensure that you take all your carry-on and your customs declarations. On behalf of myself, Captain Grant, and the entire flight crew, I thank you for flying British Airways .Ф

As the overheads were emptied, both escorts urged the kids off the plane and up the boarding ramp to Customs and Immigration. It was approaching 10:30 PM and the place was largely empty save the passengers from their plane, so they managed to get through relatively quickly. Once again, Miss C had to intervene on Gaby's behalf, producing Dr. Sanwari's letter and explaining Gaby was in the process of getting a corrected passport. After a brief initial delay, Gaby cleared immigration with no further problems.

Fran silently laughed to herself. Whether it was a rare bit of efficiency or just that everyone wanted to get home after a long workday, the luggage was already on the carousels when they went to collect their bags.

Gaby found an unused luggage trolley and offered to take Ally's bag and Miss C's as well as her own. Once Maddy noticed Gaby with the trolley, she piled her bag on as well, soon to be joined by Bernie and Rhod's luggage. Gaby lagged increasingly further behind the group, struggling with the luggage trolley as everyone forged ahead to the waiting bus to take them back to the school. Fortunately an airport employee with an electric cart came to Gaby's rescue, hooking the trolley to the cart and whisking them past the escorts and the other kids, to the waiting bus.

In some respects, the trip home was going according to plan. After Ally gave the Сall clear', Rhod ducked into the Ladies as planned and a few minutes later, an elated Mfawny appeared for the trip back to Warsop.

The hour-plus trip to the school would be in stark contrast to the yellow school bus they had in Grottoes. This bus was a nice, comfortable touring coach! As soon as the driver loaded their luggage into the lower luggage bays, the kids made their way on board.

It was just after midnight when the coach started its journey to Warsop College and with only a dozen passengers on board, it wasn't long before everyone found their own space and for the most part, drifted off to sleep. As they passed Cuckney and were finally approaching the school and home, Miss C rose and got everyone's attention.

УEveryone? Once we get to the school, please get your bags before finding your parents. I'm sure our coach driver wants to get to his own bed sometime tonight!Ф Following some laughter from a few of the kids and the driver, Fran continued.

УIn case there's no opportunity later, on behalf of Mr. Pilling and myself, I would like to say how much we have enjoyed the trip with you lot. You've not only made us proud of you, but you've done yourselves and the school proud. Principal Roberts and the rest of the AHS staff couldn't get over your academic level and your deportment. You left a good impression of Warsop College and the British school system. Most importantly, they were very impressed by you. You should all give yourselves a hand.Ф

After the clapping died down, she continued. УAs if I haven't said this enough Е but I'd like to restate how proud I am of the Sherwood Forester's for their performance at the cheer competition and in preparation for the competition. I know Miss Bell and I threw a few curves your way, but you all handled them with grace. The five of you beat Virginia's best right in their own backyard and you should be very proud of yourselves Е I know I am ЕФ

Before she sat back down, Miss C concluded with УSee you all back at school, after half-term.Ф

The coach erupted in that time -honoured traditional British expression of appreciation;

УThree cheers for Mr. Pilling and Miss Cowlishaw! Е Hip, hip Е hooray! Е Hip, hip Е hooray! Е Hip, hip Е hooray!Ф

As they pulled into the school's car park, all eyes strained to see their parents gathered to greet them as they got off the coach. As the coach door opened, Mr., Woods boarded and delivered a few words of welcome. He paused briefly as he saw Gaby and Mfawny, not Drew and Rhod as he expected. Since it was almost 1:30 in the morning, not much of his short speech registered with the kids.

УЕ I'm sure you're all eager to get into your own beds, so without further adieu, you're dismissed and we'll see you following half-term Е Thank you.Ф

Mr. Woods ended his words of welcome, then as a last minute after thought, added, УOh! Before you go, I would like to say a few words to the cheer team, so if those girls could give me a minute?Ф

As the other students got off the coach, Gaby rose from her seat to follow them. She was almost out the door to freedom when Mr. Woods stopped her in her tracks.

УAnd where do you think you're off to Е Miss Bond? Е Did I not ask to speak to the cheer team? I know it's late but this will take only a moment Е back to your seat please.Ф

УMister Bond! I'm not used to having my authority questioned by a student Е Return to your seat please!Ф

Gaby turned to start back up the coach's entrance stairs but Miss Cowlishaw blocked her path.

УMiss Cowlishaw, a word please Е now? Е Dr Е errr ЕGaby! Stay for a minute please?Ф Mr. Woods stated with some measure of authority, while trying to regain some of his composure in front of the remaining students.

As Mr. Woods led Fran off the coach she immediately turned to face him as soon as she stepped off the steps. Even in the adequate lighting of the school's car park, Mr. Woods could see the anger in Miss Cowlishaw's eyes .

УYou may be my superior but I don't have to stand here and listen to you abuse this child! Е You're just as aware of Gaby's gender as I am and if you need reminding, I have a copy of Dr. Sanwari's letter in my bag and you should have a copy on file with Drew's records Е I assume you've read it?Ф

УIt's a legal document and if it's good enough for American and British Immigration, it's certainly good enough for you and this school! Е In the future, Gaby will be addressed as MISS BOND or Gaby Е NOT Mister Bond! Е Furthermore Е Gaby is by her choice no longer a member of the cheer team Е she left her position on the team after she took it to it's first place finish at the competition and while I don't agree with it, I respect her decision! Е She was totally correct in her actions just now!Ф

Then to emphasize her position she concluded by flatly stating, УI will brief you on the status of the competition when we return at the end of half-term but for-the-record, as far as I'm concerned, it never happened.Ф Mr. Wood pondered Miss C's choice of words.

Poking her head inside the coach and switching moods, she cheerfully addressed the girls.

УGirls Е your parents are waiting Е enjoy the break, see you at the end of half-term.Ф

Mr. Woods silently stood aside and allowed the girls to disembark. To say he was shocked at Fran's outburst would've been a gross understatement. Not being as exposed to Gaby as others, Mr. Woods was unused to referring to Drew/Gaby based on attire. It may have been a СFreudian Slip' on his part, but he knew Miss Cowlishaw was right.

An apology to Gaby was clearly in order. He soon spotted Jules, Gaby and Mr. Bond. As Mr. Woods started to walk over to their car, he called out, УGaby, a moment please?Ф

Arriving at the Bond's car, Mr. Woods confronted Dave. УMr. Bond, may I speak with Gaby please, it'll just take a second.Ф

УGaby? Е I'll wait,Ф announced Dave as he leaned in the opened driver's door and turned to his youngest daughter.

After Gaby exited the car, Mr. Wood took her aside and apologized for his previous comments.

УMiss Bond, I wish to apologize for my earlier comments. It was an unfortunate slip of the tongue, but that still doesn't excuse them being said. Miss Cowlishaw had words with me, correctly pointing out my mistake. Please forgive me, it won't happen again.Ф Mr. Woods pleaded.

Remembering that Gaby pretended to be Drew prior to the students leaving for the US, Mr. Woods whispered, УOne question, Gaby Е who will we see after half-term?Ф

УI dunno, sir Е that depends on what happens over the break,Ф Gaby replied quietly as she got back into the car.

As Fran helped Ally off the bus, Ally thought about what she had just witnessed. She noticed that by her facial expression, Maddy seemed delighted that the confrontation between Mr. Woods and Gaby even took place. Ally wondered why Maddy would feel that way.

Ally recalled that Maddy also appeared a bit upset back at the airport when Gaby managed to arrive the on the back of an electric cart towing the luggage trolley. To her, it looked as if Maddy wanted to see Gaby struggle with the bags. It almost worked when the others blindly followed Maddy's lead and dumped their luggage on the trolley then left Gaby.

Em had even mentioned that Maddy seemed happy Miss C yelled at Gaby during the first cheer practice in the US.

Then there was the episode with Sam. Maddy arranged the whole thing with Gaby and Sam and then she accused Gaby of stealing her boyfriend. Why did Maddy call Sam her boyfriend? If you asked her, she insisted Drew was still her boyfriend. She also seemed to conveniently forget Gaby was Drew pretending to be a girl, whenever it suited her, which was most of the time. Does she know? Gaby says she doesn't.

Now that Mr. Woods spoke to Gaby it appeared all too clear to Ally that Maddy did take some satisfaction with seeing Gaby in uncomfortable situations, whether Maddy orchestrated them or not.

Ally continued to think of past events with Maddy and she concluded that when it involved Gaby, over the last few weeks Maddy certainly had developed a bit of a mean streak. One would think Maddy feels threatened by Gaby! As Ally pondered that point for a while, she recalled Maddy even mentioned several times that she thought Gaby was the prettier of the two.

Walking towards her parents, Ally noticed the Сgang' was hugging and saying their good-byes, but they seemed to be ignoring Gaby. Maddy wouldn't even look at her; she just got in the car and waited for her parents to stop talking with Mr. Bond.

Ally resolved she'd have to talk to Maddy during the break. She concluded that Gaby had not imagined things and that Maddy had indeed changed with her stay in Grottoes.

As Ally turned to look for Gaby, she saw her getting back into her dad's car after talking with Mr. Woods. When Gaby looked up and made eye contact with her, Ally waved and blew her a kiss. She then turned around and got in the back of her parent's car.

Despite Jules telling her dad how tired she was, the five-minute drive to the Bond house had to have set a record for the world's shortest power nap. Almost as soon as Dave put the car into park, Jules was out of her seatbelt, out of the car, through the open front door and into her mum's arms.

УGod! How I missed you, honey!Ф Jenny was almost in tears as the two of them locked in a tight embrace.

УHow you feeling? You ok? You cured? I heard your voice on the phone, but Е I missed you Mum.Ф Jules found it hard to put a complete sentence together, her thoughts and emotions raced through her head at lightning speed.

Gaby hesitated for an instant until she heard her dad's voice. УI'll get the bags Gaby Е you go on in Е your mum's waiting.Ф

As Gaby entered, Jenny released her hold on Jules with a kiss to the cheek and turned to embrace Gaby. After offering her youngest a kiss on the cheek, she released Gaby, and holding one of each of their hands, took a step back and looked at her two daughters.

УBe easy with your ol' Mum, you two. She's not as strong as she was before. Not yet, at least.Ф Dave cautioned as he stood at the kitchen's entrance.

УI won't break, Dave Е besides I had a good nap this afternoon just so I could be up for the kids!Ф Jenny shot back and then gathered the two girls into a group hug. Dave just smiled at the three women, shook his head and continued taking the girl's bags up to their rooms.

УSorry dear Е in a small way I'm surprised Gaby came home Е considering your passport Е any problems?Ф

УFra Е I mean Miss Cowlishaw Е sorry. I guess I'm kinda used to using her name. Jes Е Miss Bell and Miss Cowlishaw both wanted us to use their first names when we weren't in school.Ф Gaby sheepishly commented.

УI doubt if Mr. Woods would tolerate that Еyou're just going to have to break that habit, aren't you?Ф However, Jenny understood completely. Gaby just nodded in response and then hugged her mum again.

УYou kids want a cuppa and something light or are you ready to crash in your own rooms?Ф Jenny asked.

Jules answered for both. УWe napped on the plane and from the airport, but if it's all the same, I think we'll just head up to our beds.Ф

As the girls turned, Jules turned back to face her mum and dad, who had now returned to the kitchen and re-joined the ladies. УDad? Е Gaby said George offered you a job with Mum's team Е we both want you to take it.Ф

УEven if it means we move to Germany ... maybe even before the end of your year?Ф Dave replied.

УEspecially if we move to Germany Е an' whenever we move, we'll adjust Е jus' that we owe it to Gaby,Ф Jules replied, her voice tinged with emotion and then added, УCan we talk about it in the morning?Ф

УMake that after tea Е I work tomorrow Е ok?Ф Dave asked. Jules walked back and gave her dad a hug.

Both Jenny and Dave nodded their approval before they sent both girls to their beds.

УWhat do you make of that, luv?Ф Jenny asked as she wrapped her arm around her husband's waist.

УI don't know Е it certainly makes things easier Е I thought Jules would fight any notion of a move, tooth and nail Е guess they'll tell us tomorrow Е c'mon, you could use the rest yourself,Ф replied a bewildered Dave as he turned out the lights and led Jenny up the stairs.

The next morning Jules quietly opened Gaby's door only to find her already up and staring out her window as the early morning sun bathed the bedroom.

УJules? Е whattya see?Ф Gaby thoughtfully asked as Jules walked over to her sister and stood beside her.

УWe're really home Е aren't we?Ф Gaby quietly asked with an unsteady voice as she looked at her sister.

Jules looked at her sister as she put her arm on Gaby's shoulder and pulled her close. УYou're not alone Е we're here for ya, Sis.Ф

УOh! ЕYou're both up. Coming down? Your Dad's made fry-ups,Ф Jenny asked as she entered Gaby's room and then added, УYou girls ok?Ф

У( sigh ) Yeah.Ф Gaby flatly offered as both girls walked past their mother, each ensuring they gave their mother a peck on the cheek as they passed her on the way to the bedroom door.

Dave's fry-ups had always been a hit but he was surprised at the way the family dived into his cooking.

УI'm gonna pop over and see Charlie and Anna Е it's been like forever since I saw them,Ф stated Jules. Gaby just rolled her eyes at her sister's impression of an American teenager.

УNot until you've done your washing you're not. I'm not having six weeks of dirty clothes sitting in a closed case,Ф Jenny firmly interjected.

УMummmm Е we did laundry at the Walters Ц besides we did everything up before we packed.Ф Jules countered. When her mother looked at her, Gaby nodded her head in agreement with Jules.

УWell Е at least properly unpack Е it won't take you that long,Ф Jenny instructed.

УCan you take the van today dear?Ф Jenny asked Dave and then quickly added, УNo doctor!Ф

УOk, but only if you promise to have a nap today.Ф Dave shot back. УYou girls make sure your mother doesn't overdo it, now! Е I'll be back for tea.Ф Dave announced as he started for the door after giving his girls a kiss Ц both daughters on the cheek and Jenny on the mouth.

It was mid-morning before the girls finished with clearing up the kitchen and unpacking. As Jules closed the front door on her way out, Gaby wandered into the lounge when Jenny asked her, УStill fancy a ride?Ф

A relatively short time later Gaby and her mum were standing in front of the door leading out into the garage. As Gaby would say, both ladies looked УkewlФ in their Apollinaris kit.

Their ride took them out of Warsop and headed for Ollerton. Gaby and Jenny talked along the way as neither really pushed it. Then again, Gaby was ever so mindful for her mum's health. Jenny looked a bit paler than usual but considering she just survived cancer, it was understandable. Gaby was just so glad to be home with her mum, let alone riding with her.

They stopped fifteen miles from Warsop, at Retford for a cuppa and to give her mum a break, Gaby recounted Ally's shooting in Washington for her Mum and at times, Gaby felt the same sick feeling she had at the Fair Oaks Mall return.

УYou fancy coming with me to see Caro this afternoon?Ф Jenny looked across the small table at her daughter.

УNope an' I could use the company on the drive Е besides you could tell her all about AtlantaФ Jenny stated in her matter-of-fact tone of voice.

УOk, if you're sure.Ф As the two got up to begin the ride back to Warsop, Gaby stopped in her tracks and it was a couple of steps later that Jenny noticed her daughter hadn't followed her.

УCaro will be expecting to see Drew, won't she? Е Maybe I should stay home.Ф Gaby's voice was less enthusiastic of the visit.

УWell, she'll see my daughter instead! Е She's going to find out sooner or later Е it'll be ok Е besides I'll be right there with you.Ф Jenny explained. Upon hearing the last bit, Gaby thought of past experiences with her mother and had to smile to herself.

When they got home and were going into the house after putting the bikes away in the garage, Jenny noticed the message light blinking on the phone as she passed through the kitchen.

Stopping, she picked up the phone, dialed their retrieval code and listened. It was from Dr. Sanwari, returning her call regarding changes to Gaby's birth certificate. He wanted her to phone for an appointment with Gaby and her, upon Gaby's return from the US. She quickly placed the call and was able to get in for four-thirty the next day. Jenny made a mental note to mention it to Gaby on the way to Caro's, then proceeded to go have her shower and get ready to go out with Gaby for the afternoon.

УVeeerrrry nice, honey! Е I guess I'll never again have to worry about you showing your ol' Mum up, will I? Now grab your coat and bag so we can go.Ф

As Jenny unlocked the car, she looked over and saw that Gaby appeared in deep thought.

УGoing out Е no Е seeing Caro for the first time as Gaby Е yes!Ф Gaby replied, trying hard to put a bit of levity into her voice.

УGet in and don't worry Е I'll be right there and I promise I'll step in if things get out of handФ

As they both got in the car, Jenny changed the subject. УBetter than the old Passat, eh? It was Frank's wife's car.Ф Gaby did up her seatbelt and for the first time, properly took in the features of their new car and thought to herself this is luxury !

Once on the road, they quickly joined the rest of the traffic on the congested artery. Jenny turned her attention to Gaby.

УYou know you kids really dropped a bombshell on your Dad and I last night, don't you? Here we were thinking that we'd have some resistance to the move if your father took the job, more so from Jules than you; and you both come home last night and tell your Dad to accept the job.Ф Jenny casually commented.

She went on, УYour Dad hadn't made a final decision because we wanted to hear from you and your sister first and then discussed it. Last night gave us a lot of relief because you girls told us to do it ... thank you Е Now your Dad just needs to inform George and Frank, then we let things move from there.Ф

Gaby looked over at her Mum and in a quiet but serious voice replied, УCan it wait until Dad gets home? Е I think you'll find the explanation will be in what Jules tells you the both of you, tonight.Ф

In a brighter mood, Jenny confided, УWe've been working on something for you since your Dad and I returned from the United StatesФ

УYour father told me the answer, but I want to hear it from you Е you're quite firm in your decision to remain female ... remain Gaby? Jenny asked.

УGood, because Dr. Sanwari's office called and we're to see him tomorrow afternoon. Our appointment is for 4:30. Your dad and I called him when we got back from the States and asked him to look into what we needed from him to get your documentation changed Е you know Е like your name and your birth sex on things like your birth certificate, passport, school records, bank accounts Е that sort of thing.Ф Jenny slipped back into her teacher-mode.

УKewl Е I'm glad you and Daddy are my parents.Ф As Gaby replied, she noticed her Mum colouring up.

УChanging your name is easy Е if we only had to do that we could take care of it ourselves with something called a СDeed Poll'. In your case, there's more to it than just a name change. It's changing your birth sex on your birth certificate and passport that's in question. I for one will be interested to hear what Dr. Sanwari has to say about that. If he can arrange the gender change on your birth certificate, then I should think the same process will also take care of legally changing your name as well.Ф

Jenny allowed her daughter a moment to let this all sink in then after a few minutes silence she added, УBy the way Е What name are you going to use Е besides СGaby'?Ф

After another fifteen minutes in heavy traffic, followed by a quick right-left turn, they pulled into the close in front of Caro's house. As Jenny got out of the car, Caro came off her small terrace to greet her friend. As she caught sight of Gaby emerging from the car, Jenny noticed her expression changed from Сnot-a-care-in-the-world' to one of Сutter confusion'.

УCaro Е you remember my daughter Е your God daughter Е Gaby?Ф Jenny offered. She saw Caro was at a loss for words, so as she held her arm outstretched for Gaby to join her, Jenny quickly suggested, УLet's go back inside Е we have a lot to catch up on.Ф