“Rough Waters”

A Gaby FanFic

by PB

Prologue:

Thanks go out to the various fanfic authors and Maddy Bell, herself, for creating this ‘universe' 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 – three lovely people without who's prodding, this or any other of my writings, would have never appeared.

… 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. “Rough Waters” is the prequel to “Reconciliation”, which in turn was based upon “Notes of a Journey”. As such, like “Reconciliation”, it is highly recommended your read/re-read “Notes of a Journey”, 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 “Rough Waters”.

… “They say it's your birthday,
Well it's my birthday, too - yeah…
They say it's your birthday,
We're gonna have a good time...
I'm glad it's your birthday,
Happy birthday to you! “ (“Birthday' – the Beatles White Album)

PB

Chapter 4

Monday morning arrived too early for Gaby. In fact, she got up earlier than Drew would've but since she had to bring Drew back; Gaby decided the previous night that she'd give herself plenty of time.

When Gaby noticed Dave was still home, she was told that George phoned late the previous night citing a scheduling conflict. Dave was now expected in Germany on the weekend and would be working his normal week with Frank.

“Honey, don't forget to take your earrings out,” Jenny pointed out Gaby's earrings as she was putting her own in, something that struck Gaby a bit funny. Jenny was just as nervous as either Jules or Drew.

First time in two years she's had to worry about a job interview, with her old boss no less. As she gathered up the kids, Jenny made sure they had everything they would need. Both girls felt really strange to be back in school uniforms. It was ironic that Gaby found herself still cross-dressing but this time she agreed it would be better if Drew continued at Warsop College until they moved. She made a mental note that Mr. Woods, Mr. Pilling and Miss Cowlishaw should be informed of this decision.

Oddly enough it took more time for Jenny, Gaby and Jules to get in the car than it did to drive to the school. Still with Jenny driving, they had bought themselves some time as opposed to if they had taken the bus.

“Mum? Can you tell Mr. Woods about Drew for me, please?” Gaby asked her mum as they got out of the car after pulling into the school's car park.

“Sure, dear. Now be off you two and I'll see you at home.” Jenny encouraged.

Drew went directly to her home form and informed Mr. Pilling of the deception. Drew started towards ‘his' usual seat when she saw it was already occupied.

“Drew! There's an empty seat over here.” Paul called out. As Drew approached and sat down, Paul lifted Drew's pony tail and added with a touch of disbelief, “Nice hair …”

“Thanks … drives the girls wild …” Drew flatly replied and then gesturing at ‘his' desk asked, “Who's at my desk?”

“Helen somebody. She started while you're away ... how was the USA?” Paul volunteered.

Drew managed to mention Ally got shot before Mr. Pilling asked for everyone's attention.

At the end of the usual Monday morning assembly Mr. Woods officially welcomed the exchange students back from Virginia and true to form, made his usual big deal about Drew's cycling. The Atlanta race was too much to pass on. He also alluded to Ally's unfortunate incident, but never identified the student. At the conclusion of the assembly, Maddy and Rhod noticed that Mr. Woods never mentioned the Sherwood Forester's during the assembly.

The rest of the day was pretty normal for Warsop. Drew did notice she got some strange looks, but nothing too unsettling. During Art, Drew managed to let Miss Cowlishaw know what was going on and both Maddy and Drew spoke to Miss Cowlishaw about the problem with the photo journal.

“Leave it with me. Maddy, remember cheer practice after school.” Fran stated.

Turning to Drew, Fran quietly asked, “Any chance Gaby will show up?” Miss C was pleading with Gaby, more than asking Drew. Maddy was obviously interested but didn't say anything.

“Sorry Miss.” Gaby replied in almost a whisper. Maddy turned away and went back to her activity, clearly disappointed at Drew's answer. Miss C told Drew she understood and said she had to ask. She was also disappointed at Drew's answer but she had a feeling it wasn't entirely for the same reason as Maddy.

As the family sat down to tea Jenny informed Gaby that Dr.Sanwari successfully presented his case to the RGO and the process of issuing a new birth certificate had begun.

It turned out that Dr. Sanwari had called Jenny in the morning to come in after he found out from the RGO that all that was required for the name change was to have a parent sign some standard forms his office had on hand. He just included these along with his documentation to support his application for a new birth certificate for Gaby.

“Dr. Sanwari appears to be well connected in the medical world.” Jen allowed.

“Well, the list of names that signed Gaby's test result letter seems impressive.” Dave replied.

Jenny went on to explain that with their impeding move, apparently Dr. Sanwari had pulled some strings and got Gaby's corrective surgery booked for the second week in April to be done in Manchester.

That evening Ally called Gaby.

“Hi, Gabs. I just phoned to warn you.” Ally cautioned.

“For...?” Gaby inquired.

“Watch yourself around Maddy. Is she ever P/O'd at you! … She blames you for the whole thing.” Ally continued.

Ally went on to explain that Miss C talked with the other Sherwood Forester's that went to the States, after the practice. She admitted she talked to Mr. Woods before the assembly informing him of her recommendation not to further acknowledge the competition. Fran told them that both the incident that caused Gaby to leave and the fact that the only thing they were able to bring back to Warsop were ‘bragging rights', left a ‘bad taste' and it would be better if they ‘let it die a natural death'.

“She told us that we know we did it and that's all that really matters.” Ally allowed.

“Fran knows why I left an' Maddy only has herself to blame for that.” Gaby explained.

“Look, everyone knows that … only Maddy's not subscribing to reality an' Em's keeping silent cuz she knows she shares a small bit of the blame. I'm just telling you to watch your back.” Gaby thanked Ally for the warning and they both said their goodnights then hung up.

The following morning Drew had to walk to Maddy's, despite the cold blustery winds. On the way, he encountered Helen pushing her heavy-looking touring bike. Turned out her gears were stuck – a common occurrence according to Helen. Drew attempted to fix the problem but was only partially successful, but enough that she was able to continue to school on her bike.

Classes were unremarkably normal. It was at morning break when Drew noticed Helen keeping to herself or rather more of a case of the other girls ignoring her and since the gang were absorbed in their own little world, ‘he' took it upon herself to approach Helen and try to befriend her.

After some small talk, Drew finally invited her to ‘his' birthday party the following evening. As she was reluctant to commit, ‘he' asked that she consider it and give her answer by the end of the day.

“What were you doing?” Ally asked.

“Nothing … I tried to fix her bike this morning and was just asking how it was.” Drew replied.

When the gang pressed further, Drew explained that Helen's dad had died before Christmas and he thought she needed a friend so ‘he' invited her to his party. Drew was surprised to find that Maddy resented not only that ‘he' had even talked to Helen but also that she was coming to the party. Rhod was sounding like Em, all stuck up and prissy with his comment that because Helen wasn't into racing bikes, she wasn't Bond material.

Gaby's thoughts drifted to about what her mum had said about the gang in Virginia. Ally and Bernie were ‘returning to normal' as suggested. However, Gaby felt that Maddy and Rhod seemed to cling whatever had changed their attitudes towards her and that continued to disturb her greatly.

Gabs felt Rhod was really messed up. After the talk with her mum Gaby realised Rhod was a transsexual - nothing wrong with that by itself but Gaby felt that as Em, Rhod had applied a double standard when it came to Gaby.

Em had spent six-weeks living as a girl in an environment where homophobia and ill feelings towards the transgendered were not unknown, yet she had gone along with the other kids and judged Gaby because she was a lesbian. Gaby though that with all the years they've known each other, Em/Rhod of all people should've understood Drew/Gaby and Maddy. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black! Also, how come Em hadn't judged Maddy the same? Em knew Maddy liked Gaby or at least had.

The bell signifying the end to the morning break brought Gaby's thoughts back to reality as Drew and the gang returned to class. The rest of the school day passed unceremoniously.

It wasn't until Drew was walking home from the bus stop that Helen overtook ‘him' on her bike. She apologized for earlier and asked if the offer was still open. After Helen was informed of the time and place, they parted company.

Wednesday morning and not only was it was Gaby's 14 th birthday but it was also Jenny's part-time teaching debut.

“Happy Birthday darling,” echoed Dave and Jenny as Gaby came into the kitchen for breakfast.

“Cards are on the table,” Jenny offered.

Gaby sat down and proceeded to open all her cards. There was the usual from family including those they didn't normally see, like her dad's parents and siblings. Caro had sent a ten pound record voucher and Gaby even received a home-made card from Drew's friend, Cat – the one near Dunstable, not Kat Pinger. Brit and Debbie even sent one!

As Jules entered the kitchen, she wished her sister a happy birthday and followed that with a kiss to the cheek. After breakfast, Jenny had Gaby go upstairs so Drew could get ready for school.

“Get right home after school. I want you ready by the time I get in.” Jenny instructed Drew after she and her sister exited the car after Jenny applied the parking brake.

At school Drew did get a couple more cards from the gang. By and large, the day was normal with the exception of Jenny taking her first Geography class and Drew being one of her students. After class Drew told the gang it was just plain weird to have to call your mother ‘Mrs. Bond'.

“Everyone ready?” Dave asked.

Gaby had to smile to herself when she realised that for once, Drew didn't have to let Gaby make an appearance when the family was going out. Yet it felt strange, Gaby having to let Drew show up for a family outing.

After Maddy finished getting ready, she retrieved Jessica's present from its place in her underwear drawer. She recalled Miss B wanted her to pass it to Gaby but in Maddy's mind, today was more appropriate. Maddy didn't wish Drew to see the present before hand, so she took it downstairs and placed it on one of the side tables in the lounge – amongst some ‘clutter' that had been moved to accommodate the party. Maddy looked at her handy-work and smiled to herself. Hidden in plain sight, I think they call it.

Everyone who was supposed to be at the Peter's was there by 6:15, except Helen. Jules thought Drew was going to have a heart attack when Em arrived instead of Rhod. ‘He' was sure Paul and Clive were going to clue in when Rhod wasn't there but Em was. In many ways, Gaby wished she were able to be herself and look as pretty as the other girls. None of them looked less than seventeen!

Maddy observed a figure standing across the road, in the shadows and showed Drew. Feeling it was Helen, Drew slipped out of the Peter's back door to investigate this mysterious person. As ‘he' surmised, it was Helen, still unsure if Drew's friends would welcome her. When they got back inside the Peter's, Maddy did strike Drew as being a little put out by Helen's presence. Drew made the introductions and everyone sat down to eat.

After dinner, while the ‘olds cleared the table, the kids were encouraged to go into the lounge where Drew was to open ‘his' gifts.

“Happy birthday, mate,” Clive offered as he held out his present for Drew. Upon tearing off the wrapping paper, Drew held a DVD copy of “Under Arrest”.

Em was up next with her present, a NASCAR PS2 game she had played back in Grottoes. Holding it up, Drew directed her comments at Ally, “Let me practice a bit and Em and I will take you on!” Turning back to Em, Drew voiced, “Thanks Em.”

Bernie followed with a ski fleece. Drew thought it would look lovely on Gaby, but she couldn't tell her at the moment. Paul offered up his present – a voucher for the ‘Space Academy', one of Drew's favourite places. Ally added a sports wallet to the growing pile of presents. When she was sure no one was looking except Drew, she mouthed “ Happy Birthday, Gaby .”

Maddy's present was an enigma to Drew. It was a pair of concert tickets to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, later in the year. On one hand, it was a very thoughtful gift from her girlfriend. The fact it was a pair of tickets meant Maddy was saying she wanted to attend with Gaby. On the other hand, there was Maddy's current attitude towards Gaby.

Family presents were up next. Jules gave Drew a TdF book and the ‘olds combined to get a new pair of cycling shoes that Gaby had her eyes on for some time.

Following the presents, Mad and Paul transformed the lounge into a disco. After a dance or two the ‘olds retreated to the patio and left it to the kids.

Eventually Drew noticed Helen wasn't in the room and went to investigate. ‘He' found her coat still in the closet and saw the kitchen door was ajar. Drew quietly slipped out to join her outside. As ‘he' approached her, Drew noticed Helen was looking up at the night sky.

Maddy noticed Drew slip out of the room and took the opportunity to move some of the ‘clutter' making Jessica's present more noticeable.

“Ever wonder if there is a heaven, Drew?”

“I dunno … prayed to God a lot when Mum was sick, but I don't know if it got far… “

“I know there is. When I look up, I just know Dad's looking out for Mum and I”

Helen and Drew stood in silence for a time before she thanked him for inviting her.

“For the first time since Dad died, I felt happy and I was still able to think about Dad.”

As they went back inside to rejoin the party, Em cornered Drew and said she found another present that someone put down and probably forgot to bring out when ‘he' did his presents. Em also informed Maddy, since she had assumed the role of MC.

According to Em's theory, since it was sitting on one of the side tables out of the way and everyone's present was accounted for, nobody noticed it before now. Maddy promptly brought order to the improvised disco to allow Drew to open this ‘mystery' present. This should be good!

Em looked at the tag and turned back to Drew with a questioning look.

“Who's it from, Em?” Maddy called over to Em, when the room was quiet.

“It's … for Gaby from Jessica,” replied Em.

“Gaby? … Where is she? … Thought Drew said she wasn't here.” Clive blurted out.

Ignoring Clive's outburst, Maddy called over to Em, “Well, give it to her!” and without thinking Em hands it to Drew, saying “Happy birthday, Gabs”.

Gaby was caught off balance by the exchange, and accepted the gift. “Thanks, Em.”

Clive followed Em's every move in hopes he'd see Gaby. However when Clive saw Em give the present to Drew, the proverbial light bulb began to show life. Just the way a few strands of Gaby's hair hung around her face, her expression and the angle of her face in relation to Clive made the pieces fall in place.

“Gaby? … Drew … YOU'RE Gaby? … All this time I've … bloody hell! … What's wrong with you … to think I've been mates all this time with a … you are Gaby, aren't you? … That's just …” Clive was beside himself as he tried to make sense of it all. Even Paul had to agree with Clive's observation although he wasn't as judgmental in his reactions as Clive.

Gaby was standing alone in the middle of the room clutching Jessica's present as the tears welled up in her eyes amid the explosion of confusion and rapid-fire questions from Clive and Paul. Bernie and Ally were busy scolding Maddy and Em for their obviously deliberate exposure of Gaby. Helen stayed quiet in a corner on her own and watched everything unfold.

Gaby knew she had to get out of the room to collect her thoughts if that was possible and to just break down, physically and mentally. Completely in tears, she dropped Jessica's present where she stood and started to run for the stairs and Carol's guest room.

As she left the lounge, she came face-to-face with Maddy as she was still being berated by Bernie and Ally. When Gaby looked into Maddy's eyes, all she saw was a look of satisfaction.

“SLAP!” A feeling of immense anger swept over Gaby and without thinking, she slapped Maddy hard as she could, across the face knocking Maddy to the floor.

Everyone in the room froze when the sound of the slap echoed throughout the house. Surprised and shocked, all eyes focused on Maddy as she lay crumpled on the floor. Maddy's face had a look of terror as she gazed into Gaby's eyes. She had never seen or even imagined such pain or anger as she saw in them. As she lay there, her hand covered her stinging cheek and blood trickled from her lip. Even though she was in tears and appeared to be crying, no sound came out of her.

As Em moved to Maddy's assistance, Ally grabbed her with her good arm.

“Unless you want to be exposed and forced out of this town like you've done to Gaby, don't do it … you understand me …RHOD?” Ally hissed. Not understanding everything Ally had said but enough to know exactly what she meant, a very pale Em slowly sat down in the chair behind her.

As quick as she started her dash, Gaby resumed her run for the stairs, passing Jules as she came down. Seeing her sister in tears, Jules turned and followed her into the room. Hearing the commotion from out on the patio, the ‘olds quickly ran into the lounge.

“Gaby hit me, Auntie Jen!” Maddy whined . Jenny was taken aback by Maddy's use of Gaby's name, considering Paul and Helen were near-by.

“If she didn't, I would have!!” Ally shot back, her voice filed with anger and contempt for Maddy. Ally was quick to offer Jenny the story on what had just transpired.

“Where is she?” Jenny impatiently asked.

“Upstairs … I think I saw Jules go with her,” Bernie replied and Jenny started for the stairs.

In the meantime Carol, John and Dave were restoring some order with the kids.

“We'd like to sort things out so if you'll all just help out, that would be appreciated.” Carol stated to all the kids in general. Once they quieted down, she calmly asked, “What happened here?”

Helen in the midst of all the chaos; had retrieved Jessica's present off the floor. She now offered it to Carol and pointing at Em quietly said, “Mrs. Peters? … Here … Maddy told her to give this to Drew.”

Carol took one look at the tag then turned to Maddy, “You bloody stupid cow! … You have done some mean things in your life, but this,” she paused trying to compose herself. “You're lucky she only hit you once! …” Carol's anger left her speechless.

Clive was starting to calm down but he was also trying to hide his tears from Paul and the others. As Clive thought about it, he wasn't angry with Drew as much as he was hurt by Gaby and his own stupidity for not seeing it sooner. He thought of all the times he saw one or the other and he never made the connection, even when he saw Drew right after seeing Gaby last Sports Day. To be fair, Gaby did try to discourage him but he didn't listen. Yeah, it did hurt. Clive was heartbroken.

“Mrs. Peters? May I go up to see Gaby? She helped me in Washington after I got shot and thought enough to confide in me while we were there. Now I'd like to try to help her ... please?” Ally asked Carol in a subdued voice and pointing to her sling.

“Go on, dear,” Carol allowed.

Ally knocked on the door and when Jules answered, Ally told her that Carol said it was ok for her to come up and talk to Gaby. When Ally entered the room, she saw Gaby still in tears, seated on the floor in a corner of the room, back to the wall and Jenny kneeling in front of her, with her arms tightly around Gaby. She was gently rocking her daughter trying to calm her down and stop her crying.

“She gonna be ok Jules?” Ally asked, her voice showing genuine concern. Jules' reply was a shrug of the shoulders.

Walking over to Jenny and Gaby, Ally knelt down and facing Gaby, she asked Jenny, “Mrs. Bond … may I?” Jenny got up and let Ally slide in beside Gaby.

Ally took Gaby's hand in hers and placed her finger under Gaby's chin then Ally gently turned Gab to look at her and in a very calm, quiet voice, talked to her.

“What Maddy and Em did to you was mean beyond words ... we all know that ... but you know you gotta go back downstairs at some point an' the kids will likely still be there. They'll want an explanation an' frankly I think they deserve one … especially Clive. You've crushed his heart, you know”.

As Gaby calmed down a bit, Ally continued, “You've nothing to be ashamed about. Just go back in there, head held high and tell them the truth about you and Maddy, Gaby and your test results. I know Paul and Clive won't think any less of you and all Helen sees is a kind and gentle friend that has been hurt. She just wants to understand – not judge.”

Ally looked deep into Gaby's eyes for a brief moment then added, “Besides, hearing the truth about Gaby might give Maddy and Em a well deserved shock.”

With Jenny and Jules seated on the floor looking on, Ally wiped away some of Gaby tears with her finger then for a reason known only to her, tenderly kissed Gaby on the lips. “Feel better?”

Gaby sat in silence for a moment then stood up. The other three followed her, although Gaby helped Ally to her feet.

“You're right …( sniff ) … give me a moment ( sniff ) … to wash my face … I'll be right ( sniff ) … back,” then Gaby looked at a worried Jules, “I said I'd be right back, ( sniff ) … Sis…an' I will ... I promise.”

Ally thought that last statement of Gaby's a bit odd, but when she saw Jules take her mum's hand and the pair exchange glances; Ally knew there was something behind it.

When Gaby returned, the girls saw she'd removed Drew's hair elastic and wore her hair straight as she preferred it. She was also wearing her sleepers that she always carried in Drew's wallet as well as some of Maddy's lippy that was in the bathroom. She may not have had all the curves Gaby did and was wearing Drew's clothes, but the person that walked into the room was definitely Gaby!

“Ready?” Gaby asked as she embraced both Jules and her mum in a hug.

As the others noticed the four girls coming down the stairs, silence fell over Carol's lounge. Ally walked over and took a seat beside Bernie. When she did so, Ally noticed how the others had shifted away from Maddy and Em, leaving a visible picture of isolation from their friends. Gaby went and stood in the middle of the lounge, with Jules standing behind her. Jenny stayed in the hall and stood in front of Dave, allowing Dave to put his hands on her shoulders and pull her into him.

While she fought back a fresh onslaught of tears, Gaby glanced at the indifferent expressions on Maddy and Em then began to explain how Gaby came about and her relationship with Maddy as Drew and Gaby. She recounted the story of the test results and the tears started when she was recalling the time in Virginia.

She finished by informing the kids of the decision to move to Germany. Gaby told them that although the job offer was made to her dad in Atlanta, the decision to take it or even move wasn't made until she and Jules returned from the States. Even then, Gaby related how family debate was expected, except neither parent counted on the gang's change in attitude towards her. She said the move was just as much to keep the family together as it now was to give Gaby a proper chance at a decent life – something that was no longer possible in Warsop.

Silence engulfed the room, after she finished her explanation. As Gaby looked around at the faces of her guests trying to see their thoughts, for the most part she saw only shock at what they had heard and blank stares. However, Gabs noticed that two people in particular could not look at her as she glanced in their direction.

Em was clearly ‘put out' with the revelation of Gaby's medical status and actually appeared to be envious of Gaby's upcoming surgery and changes to her legal status, all the while fully aware that she herself would have to wait until she was at least 18.

Maddy's face wasn't as easy for Gaby to read. She always seemed to suspect something was different about Drew but at the same time she still registered shock upon hearing the details of that difference. Gaby thought she detected a split-second of remorse, but that faded before she could be sure.

Upon hearing Gaby, Bernie hung her head in shame even though her involvement in Gabs' mistreatment in America was negligible. She considered herself guilty by association with the gang and as a result, felt awful. Bern was punishing herself for not even speaking up in Gabs' defense in Grottoes.

Even though Ally knew all that Gaby had told the kids, she was still moved to tears. She felt sickened by Gaby's treatment at her own birthday party, no less, and she felt equally repulsed by Em and by her involvement, both in the States and in Gaby's exposure.

Helen only knew a kind and considerate kid named Drew for a matter of days, but she was still moved to tears upon hearing of Gaby's struggles with her own ‘friends'.

Clearly shaken by news of the move, Clive was the first to speak, “I'm sorry I reacted as I did Gaby, I just never thought… friends?” his voice trailed off. Gaby nodded and he walked over and gave her a long hug.

Paul and Bernie followed Clive's lead. As tears started to make their way down her cheeks, Bernie also apologized for Virginia but as Gaby assured her, she didn't have anything to apologize for.

“I'll miss you, man ...err …Gaby. Sorry abut the ‘man' thing,“ Paul whispered into Gabs ear as they hugged each other. Gaby saw that tears were gathering in Paul's eyes.

“I'll miss you too, mate,” Gaby whispered as she tried to hold back her own tears.

Finally, Gaby walked over to where Maddy was sitting, her cheek still coloured from Gab's hand and her eyes still red from crying. As Gaby went to speak to her, she knelt down by Maddy's chair and reached out to take Maddy's hand only to have Maddy yank it away.

“Why Mad? … Before Virginia we told each other we loved each other … you even told Gaby you loved her … ( sniff ) …Then in Grottoes you turned your back on me … WHAT HAVE I ( sniff ) DONE? … WHY DO YOU HATE ME SO MUCH, MAD?? …( sniff ) … Tell me … ( sniff ) … Damn it, girl! LOOK AT ME … LOOK AT ME IN THE EYES AN' TELL ME!” Gaby pleaded.

Maddy found it impossible to do anything other than cast her eyes downward the whole time Gaby was talking to her. Gaby straightened up and started to turn away only to turn back and face Maddy once more.

“Always remember, no matter how much you've hurt me tonight … I'll always love you … Always”.

That at least, got a response from Maddy in the form of a grunt and a single tear that ran down her cheek. Upon seeing Maddy's reaction, tears once again came to Gaby, as she turned, gathered up her coat and started for the door. As she passed her parents, Gaby told them she was going to walk home. She needed time.

When Dave mentioned they would bring the presents with them, Gaby walked over to the pile and found Maddy's envelope with the concert tickets. Maddy looked up as Gaby removed the tickets and without a second of hesitation, ripped them in half. Gaby thought she saw Maddy's eyes get moist when she did that, but Mad looked away and prevented Gaby from getting a good look. She then located Jessica's present and took it, then headed for the door.

On the way out, she turned to the ‘olds and said, “You can return or throw out the other presents because no matter how nice they are, I'll always be reminded of tonight every time I see them.” Then as she looked at the one in her hand she added, “At least Jessica's reminds me of one of the few really happy times I had in the States.”

Turning to Carol, Gaby clearly stated, “If you ever come to visit us in Germany, leave Maddy behind! ( sniff )… I don't want ( sniff ) … to ever see her again …( sniff ) … ever!” Gaby clearly still had strong feelings for Maddy as evidenced when she broke down as she finished speaking out of anger to Carol.

“Gaby? … Can you walk me home?” Helen called out to Gaby as she reached for the door. Having observed and heard everything, Helen realised it was Gaby that needed a friend now.

Their walk to Helen's was slow and very quiet but Helen insisted on holding Gaby's hand the whole time. When they reached Helen's front door, she turned to Gaby.

“Thank you,” Helen whispered as she gave Gaby a peck on the cheek.

“For what? It was a disaster.” Gabs mournfully replied.

“For being a friend when I knew no one; inviting me to your party when you hardly knew me; letting me talk about Dad; letting me see the real you and for walking me home.” Helen noticed, Gaby coloured up, even in the meager light offered by the house porch light.

As Gaby turned to leave, Helen called out again. “I'd really like to get to know Gaby … can I meet her sometime?”

“Sure … after school tomorrow? … Bring your bike an' I'll have Dad take a look at it,” Gaby replied. As Gaby turned once again to leave, she turned back to face Helen. “I'm not sure if I'll be there tomorrow ... I haven't decided … but please do come around … it'll be the high point of my day.”

“I'll be there … night Gaby.”

“Night Helen,” Gaby turned and started the walk to her own house.

Back at the Peter's, Carol and John were both incensed with Maddy's behaviour, as they ‘tore a strip off her' in front of her friends before finally allowing her to retreat to her room in tears. She still couldn't understand why the others reacted the way they did. After all, they felt the same, didn't they?

Alone up in her room and with time to think, Maddy's contempt for Gaby was tempered by her repressed feelings for the girl. Although she tried to convince herself she'd done nothing wrong, Maddy started to feel the pangs of guilt and the hurt of a lost love as she cried into her pillow.

Downstairs, Carol officially halted the party. Bernie and Ally opted to take their gifts back with them, while Paul and Clive left their presents. Jenny asked all the kids not to mention anything to anyone about this or to expose Gaby at school, to which they readily agreed. Em remained silent at first but after Ally shot an angry look at her, Em quickly agreed to Jenny's request.

Jenny acted as a taxi for Bernie, Paul and Clive. Ally decided to accept Jen's offer of a ride rather than go home with Em.

In Em's case, it was thought better that Sylv be asked to come and get her daughter. In Jenny's absence, Dave and Carol wanted to let her know about Em's part in the night's events. To say Sylv was not impressed with Em would be a gross understatement.

“You bloody … stupid … cow! You of all people are in no position to be passing judgment on Gaby or humiliating her in front of her friends! What if she'd done the same to you?”

“Mum . . . I . . . I didn't think . . .”

“That's bloody obvious.”

“I'm sorry, Mum.”

“Drew is your best friend, do you think ‘sorry' is going to make up for all the damage you've done? How could you have done such a thing?”

“Everybody thought it was funny when we did it in Grottoes . . .” Em trailed off as she realised she was admitting this wasn't an isolated incident.

“WHAT! You've done this before? You and I have a lot to talk about when we get home!”

“SLAM!” Carol banged a kitchen cupboard door shut when she heard Em's words. She turned to look at Em and Sylv in the dining room, tears already forming in her eyes.

“FUNNY? … You thought it FUNNY to literally rip two families apart, maybe permanently? … Was it FUNNY to force my cousin to take her family out of Warsop …out of the country … so that her daughter can have a chance at a decent life? … Was it FUNNY to see my niece forbid me to have my daughter with me if I ever visited them?” Carol was beside herself with rage and everyone else in the room let her go because she was just saying what they all felt.

After pausing to choke back her tears, Carol picked up where she left off, “You thought it FUNNY to have a go at my youngest niece when her mother was dreadfully ill? … I almost lost …( sniff ) … my cousin when the kids were in the States … ( sniff ) … I came within a dog's whisker of losing my niece … ( sniff ) … in the States because of what you thought was FUNNY … and seeing you didn't get the job done right, you decided to have another go…”

Carol broke down with heavy sobs. As John put his arms on his wife's shoulders, she managed to get out between sobs,” I just may have lost my niece forever, because of what you consider FUNNY!”

Em finally realized the impact of some of the damage she caused and was in tears as she started to speak, “I …I'm sor … s”

Carol angrily cut her off. “There is no way ( sniff ) that you can begin to apologize for what you've done, so don't even try!” Em hung her head and burst into tears.

Regaining some composure, Carol looked at Em's mother and stated, “I'm sorry for going after Em as I did … it's not just her … Maddy's to blame as well. It's just that those two appear to have been orchestrating these incidents ever since they arrived in Virginia … making what was supposed to be something to be fondly remembered, a living hell…”

Sylvia was shocked to hear all this but at the same time felt Carol had all the justification she needed.

She turned to Dave and Carol. “I'll be talking to all of you later. I think it's important that we all get together, compare notes and find out just what went on in the States.”

Carol nodded but Dave looked pensive, “I'm not really able to talk about it without betraying Gaby's confidences, let me speak to her first.”

(to be continued)

PB 06.03.07 (revised 24.03.07) © 2007
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