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”.
… “Deal with it”...
PB
Chapter 5
“Mum … I can't … I can't go back there … not after last night! … The kids know ... an' no way Gaby could go even if we made up a story … they know,” Gaby called to her mother as she stood beside her bed, holding Drew's school uniform.
“If I have to, I'll repeat the year in Germany but I'm not going back!” Jenny was torn as she heard the fear in Gaby's voice. Jules' words came back to Jenny with a sickening accuracy.
“Drew's dead! There's only Gaby now …” Gabs voice trailed off as she flopped onto her bed still holding Drew's shirt and burst into tears.
Jenny walked into Gaby's bedroom and sat down beside her. As she stoked Gabs hair, she was trying to hold back her own tears - only too aware of the devastating effect Maddy's ‘outing' had on Gaby.
“Why Mum? …Why did she do it?” Gaby asked her pillow between sobs. Jenny leaned over and gave Gaby a kiss on the back of her head.
“I can't answer that, honey … but we'll get through this. Until we figure something out, neither Drew nor Gaby will be going back to school, ok?” Jenny whispered in her daughter's ear. “When you're up to it, come downstairs and we'll talk.” Jenny was thankful she only worked Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays; she had a feeling she was destined to have a meeting with Mr. Woods today.
Jules was just finishing up her toast and tea when Jenny walked into the kitchen. Pouring a cuppa for herself, Jen joined her daughter at the table.
“Honey … I think I might be paying Mr. Woods a visit today and I'd like you to be there.”
“Sure, but why do you want me there?”
“…Because, other than Gaby, you're the only one who knows how it really was for your sister. I'd like you there to tell him just what you told your dad and I.” As Jules started to speak, Jenny interrupted her and emphasized, “Everything … ok?”
“Just have somebody come get me out of class and I'll be there.” Jules agreed.
“I might also be discussing taking your sister out of Warsop College. I haven't made up my mind if home schooling is the answer or let her go to Germany with your Dad, make friends, learn the language and become comfortable with life in Bad Neuenahr. She told me that she wouldn't mind repeating her year at Kat's school if that's what it takes.” Jenny was thinking out loud as Jules pondered her words.
“Mum?... Could I do like Gaby, then? I mean I'm doing GCSE's and if I can't complete my year … Even if I did go to that English school in Bonn that you mentioned to finish my year, you said their courses were different than here so I'd most likely fail my exams. Wouldn't it be better if I re-did my year, taking my GCSE courses as they teach them rather than trying to play catch-up for the last month or so?” Jules offered.
“That's a distinct possibility … you would do that?” Jenny asked. Jules nodded a reply.
“Ok, if we talk about your sister withdrawing, then I'll include you as well ... Better get a move on if you're going to meet the bus ... and before you ask … your sister's not going. I've told her that until we sort this out there'll be no question of Drew or Gaby attending classes.” Jenny stated.
After Jules left for school, Jenny sat alone in the kitchen, nursing her tea and thinking about events in the last couple of days. A short time later Gaby walked in and proceeded to get some breakfast.
“What's on your agenda today, dear?” Jenny asked.
“I guess I'll try to figure out what I do next … Oh … Helen's dropping by after school. She told me last night, she wants to meet Gaby … kinda told her to bring her bike around an' I'd ask Dad to take a look at it … Other than that, I'm free.” Gaby replied. “Maybe I'll pack up Drew's stuff for charity.”
“Best not give Drew's clothes away just yet, at least until we sort things … but you can certainly pack them up.” Jen suggested.
“I'm going to get dressed and drop in on Mr. Woods. After last night, I should think we have a few things to discuss.” Jenny mentioned and then anticipating her daughter's next question she added, “I shouldn't think you'd need to be there … not this time anyway. You stay here and gather yourself. I shouldn't be long.”
With that, Jenny got up to go get ready, leaving Gaby to finish breakfast and wash-up. When Jenny returned, Gaby noticed how much better she looked than just a few days earlier and found herself imagining that one day very soon, she'll be riding with her mum and the Team in the German countryside. Gab's thoughts were broken with hearing her mother's voice.
“Well, I'm off … shan't be too long I expect. How'd I look?”
“You look great, Mum … much better than I've seen you in a long time.” Gaby replied as she gave her mum a hug.
As Jenny backed the van out of their close, Gaby prepared to go upstairs, shower and dress. Definitely Gaby today and from now on….
After her shower, Gaby dried and brushed her hair and did her make-up. Throwing on a bra and matching panties, she at on her bed and looked at her reflection. What she saw was a very pretty teenaged girl looking back at her with absolutely no trace of Drew.
“Hello, Gaby … welcome.”
As she opened her closet to find something to wear, she caught sight of her soft-sided suitcase and was reminded that it still contained the presents she was given in Grottoes by the ‘Express'.
She retrieved the case, and put it on the bed, and then opened the lid compartment. From the zippered opening, she took out a number of cards and three presents, one from Erin, Frank and a rather large one that was collectively from the ‘Express. She also pulled out the number she had from Atlanta – the one with Lance's autograph.
Gaby looked at the ‘girly' cards and ran her hand over each one, fondly cherishing each and every sentiment. Was it only three weeks ago? Eventually she came out of her daydreaming and focused her attention onto the presents.
The first one she opened was from the ‘Express', a framed ‘signed' photo of the team, taken in Atlanta . “ I just know I'm gonna need a tissue for this,” Gaby thought as the tears started to form.
After repairing herself and armed with a fresh tissue, Gaby opened Frank's present – a cycling jersey with kewl rainbow design and a matching bra top. “A girl can't have too many cycling jerseys, can she?” Gaby smiled at her own question.
Erin had always seen Gaby as Drew because as far as she knew Jenny had a son and a daughter, yet she never betrayed Gaby. Erin even offered ‘Drew time' in Atlanta at the motel, which Gaby fondly recalled. Erin's present reflected her affection for the youngest Bond in the form of a custom- stitched ball cap that read “Drew Bond” on the front and the peak had ‘Scrambled Egg' edging.
Gaby displayed the opened cards on her computer desk and hung the ball cap on the corner of her headboard, all the while looking for that perfect place to hang the team photo. After temporarily placing it next to the cards, she turned her attention to Jessica's present.
At first Gaby thought it was a pair of Nike Air's because that's what the box said. What was in the box and the fond memories it recalled, brought tears to her eyes. Miss B had carefully packed the aboriginal jewelry Gab tried on while spending the weekend with Jessica as well as the knee-high moccasin boots she wore. She carefully emptied the box, placing each item on her bed – the moccasins; a beaded choker; three pairs of feathered earrings; a hair feather and a bracelet.
After repairing her make-up yet again, Gaby finally decided to get dressed. She picked a mauve pullover-style blouse with a V-neck and flared sleeves. A look through her closet surrendered the straight-leg blue jeans she got in the States. Gaby planned to reunite the jeans and the moccasins, just like she wore them at Jessica's. She resolved that she'd only wear the moccasins in the house as slippers since it wasn't dry enough yet, outside. Gaby chose the choker and a pair of Jessica's earrings to complete the ensemble. The only thing left was for her mum to get back to show her!
After carefully putting the hair feather and the bracelet away, Gaby once more turned her attention on the closet and her dresser. In a couple of hours she had all of Drew's clothes neatly piled on her bed and all of Gaby's clothes neatly arranged in her dresser and closet . That closet looks so bare now… Mad would know how to fill it...
Meanwhile at Warsop College, Jenny was greeted in the hall by Mrs. Johnston as the both women approached the school's main office.
“Morning Cathy … would it be possible to have a moment with the Headmaster?”
“Don't see why not. Is it pertaining to yourself?” Mrs. Johnston replied.
“Not this time, I'm afraid.” Jenny allowed.
“I saw Jules earlier, but I haven't seen Drew … nothing seriously wrong I hope.” Mrs. J sounded concerned.
“That has yet to be determined, I'm afraid.” Mrs. Johnston thought Jenny's reply had an ominous ring to it. She'd always had a soft spot for the lad and the tone of Jen's voice made her more than a bit uncomfortable.
A short time later, “Please come in Jenny. I understand you had a matter to discuss?”
As Mr. Woods shuts his office door, Jenny asks, “It's a rather delicate matter concerning Gaby. Before we begin, would it be possible to have Jules and Fran join us?”
“Certainly” Mr. Woods requested that the two be summoned to his office then sat down in the high-back leather chair behind his desk.
When Fran and Jules entered, Mr. Woods offered each a chair then allowed Jenny to conduct the meeting.
“I honestly don't know where to begin …” Jenny nervously began her explanation of events.
Having a sense of the scope of the issue based on Jenny's few comments, Mr. Woods asked her to collect her thoughts until Mrs. Johnston joined the group, pointing out that if any disciplinary action were to be considered, she would have to also be privy to the information. Once she arrived, Jenny was asked to continue.
“Excuse me, Mum … may I try?” Jules offered.
Jenny gestured to her daughter and Jules proceeded to convey Gaby's American exchange experience in detail, with Miss C adding her voice on several points. When Jules mentioned the move to Germany, Jenny supplied the background. Jules continued to describe relations with the gang after the return from America.
Jenny chimed in, relating how ‘Drew' had to appear for the gang's benefit, plus plans for ‘Drew' to attend classes until they moved. When Jules got to the previous evening at Drew's birthday party, both Jenny and Jules spoke in great detail. Jules referred Mr. Woods to Ally if he needed more details, either about the visit to the States or the party.
Jenny completed the story with her desire to withdraw Gaby and Jules from school along with the reasoning behind the decision. She also brought the three staff members up to speed with the efforts to change Gaby's legal status.
Even though Fran knew much of the story, she was just as appalled and shocked as Mr. Woods upon hearing what Jenny and Jules had to say. Mr. Woods was beside himself upon hearing that the main antagonists were not only friends of Drew, but students of Warsop College.
“Is Gaby…?” Mr. Woods looked over at Fran who nodded her approval, “…Is Gaby ok?”
“As well as can be expected I guess, considering all she's been through. She's vowed never to pose as Drew again and is understandably quite apprehensive to appear at the school as either Gaby or Drew for fear of what the others will say or think when they find out … and she's positive they will,” Jenny admitted.
Jenny took that as her cue to end the meeting and as Jules and Fran returned to sets, Mr. Woods assured Jenny that he would alter Gaby's records as soon as her birth certificate was changed and that there would be no problem with complying with her wishes to remove Gaby and Jules, given the circumstances.
As Jenny was leaving the office, Mr. Woods turned to one of the secretary's, “Gail, could you please call Madeline Peter's parents as well as Rhoddri Morgan's mother and set up a meeting for tomorrow, if possible, Monday if tomorrow's not convenient. You'll find both students in Mr. Pilling's form.”
“I'm back, honey!” Jenny called out as she sat her bag down on the hall table, hoping she was heard over the music.
“Bang, bang … bang”
Jenny ran upstairs to Gaby's room upon hearing the noise. When she entered, she was greeted by the sight of her daughter's bed, covered by several piles of clothes – Drew's clothes. Jenny also noticed Dave's red toolbox, lid opened, sitting on Gaby's computer desk and her daughter standing with her back to the door, hammer in hand and obviously consumed with admiring her own handy -work of successfully hanging a picture.
As Jenny stood in the doorway, she crossed her arms and took in the whole scene and with a smile commented, “Looks good…”
Gaby jumped when she heard Jenny's voice and upon turning around and seeing her mother standing there, immediately turned down the music. Jenny walked into the room and in silence examined the clothes piled on the bed, the ball cap, the cards on the desk, the ‘Grottoes Express' team photo on the wall and Gaby.
Finally she took the hammer out of Gabs hand and then walked over and returned it to the tool box. As she turned around to face her daughter, she calmly asked, “What's all this then?”
“Thought I'd get Drew's cloths ready to pack…” Gaby quietly replied.
“Quite right.” Jenny agreed and noting the photo, then asked, “…And the rest? … From your cycling friends in Grottoes?”
Gaby launched into a show n' tell ensuring her mum saw all the cards and examined the photo. She was beaming when she showed off Frank's gift to her mum and simply had to explain the story behind the ball cap. She asked Jen if her dad might frame her number so she could hang it right below the team photo.
Then Jenny had to ask the one question she was dying to ask. “And what about these,” gesturing to Gaby's outfit. Gaby told Jenny the story of the weekend with Jessica, her comments on the accessories worn by a Native American performer they saw on the telly, Jessica's interest in things aboriginal and finally telling Jen about Jessica letting her try on some of her own collection.
“Her present was the stuff I tried on,” Gaby explained as she proceeded to show her mum the hair feather and bracelet. She also told her mum that all the stuff she got from Jessica was unique to the Mohawk tribe.
As Jenny stood and looked Gaby over, her face lit up as she smiled and exclaimed, “I can't put my finger on it … but … you look so natural wearing it!”
“That was very nice of Miss Bell … you'll certainly have to thank her. You look lovely, dear,” Jenny whispered into her daughter's ear as they hugged each other.
“…I really liked staying with her, Mum …”
Breaking the hug, Jenny suddenly focused on the piles of clothes on the bed. “As for these, I think we can safely pack these up … you won't be needing them anymore, will you?”
“No,” Gabs replied as the two started to sort the piles as to what was still useable and what was to be thrown out.
While they were putting the clothes into either boxes for charity or bags to be collected with the rest of the garbage, Jenny filled Gaby in on the meeting with Mr. Woods. As a final act, Jenny went over and opened Gaby's closet.
“You forgot something,” Jenny pointed out. “That's it…you won't be needing that anymore, either,” she added as Gaby brought out Gaby's school uniform and put it in one of the boxes.
“It looks so… like … empty now!” Gaby playfully intoned as she looked into her closet. Jenny stopped closing the last box and turned around to inspect this new discovery.
“Uh-huh,” Jen agreed, knowing where Gaby was heading. “In case you haven't noticed, your ol' mum's a girl too and as such I've read the same manual on ‘girl' as Maddy and your sister … apparently someone lent you their copy.” Jenny flatly answered, putting on her best imitation of one of her University prof's sarcastic replies.
Seeing that Gaby reaction to her lighthearted comment wasn't as intended, Jen cheerfully added, “Sheffield … Saturday?” Gaby immediately looked up and threw her arms around her mum's neck as she gave her mum another but longer hug.
”C'mon, lets get this cleaned up … put these boxes in the car. It's past lunch, but we can grab something in town after dropping this stuff off … Ok? … I'd like to get a bit of a rest before your friend comes.” Jenny outlined her plan for the afternoon to Gaby.
Gabs decided that before she did anything requiring her to go outside, she'd change into her trainers. After loading the car for her mum, Gaby ran back up to her room to touch up her make-up and as a bit of an afterthought, put on her hair feather and bracelet from Jessica.
As she came down the stairs, Jen noticed the feather and having Gaby stop at the bottom step, Jenny took her first real look at a hair feather.
“I like!” Jenny exclaimed
On the way out to the car, Gaby grabbed Drew's black leather jacket and her bag.
As she zipped up the jacket, Gabs ran her hands up the back of her head as if she'd done it all her life, lifting her long hair out from underneath the jacket. Jenny watched her daughter in wonderment as she performed this simple act done by girls all over the world. ‘Girl' comes so naturally to her. Was having a son named Drew, just a dream?
When she got into the front passenger seat beside her mum, Gaby commented, “I'm holding onto this jacket!”
Jenny put the Saab in gear and soon they were in town, off loading the boxes of clothes at a used clothing store. After they left the store, they went off in search of food, eventually settling for some chips before heading home.
Once home, Jen and Gaby headed upstairs to their rooms. As Gaby started to enter her room, she turned and looked at her mother as she was walking past. “Mum? … you realize that we just laid Drew to rest, don't you?”
Knowing exactly what her daughter meant, all Jenny could offer was a whispered, “I know,” as she reached and touched Gaby's hand. Jenny continued to her room after asking Gaby to wake her when school got out. She figured that would give her some time to wake up before Helen arrived.
“I'm baaacckk,” shouted Jules as she and Helen came into the house.
“Hi, dear … Have a good day at school? ... Hello Helen,” Jenny greeted the two girls as they entered the kitchen.
“Hi, Mrs. Bond … is Dre … Gaby in?” Helen shyly asked.
Almost as if on cue, Gaby walked into the kitchen, looking for a tea. Both Jules and Helen were enchanted with Gaby's appearance. Jules thought the feather was ‘kew-el' and Helen was delighted to finally meet the real Gaby. She thought Gaby was decidedly prettier than when she first met her, the other night.
Jules was helping herself to a glass of juice when she casually stated, “Mr. Woods is really out for blood, Mum … he called me in again, this afternoon when he was talking with Ally and Bernie ... hate to be Maddy or R ..Em.” Jules caught herself remembering that Helen was right beside her.
“Does he think you had anything to do with it?” Jenny inquired, curious as to why she should be called into see the Headmaster a second time.
“I guess I was there more … like … to ‘challenge' anything I thought sounded wrong.” Jules casually replied, then added, “Ally and Bernie … like … agreed with everything Gabs said last night. From what both of them said, neither one knew what was going to happen until it happened … an' Ally didn't sound like she was too pleased with Em, either!”
Jules turned to Gaby and softly said, “Sis … Bernie really feels bad about the trip … I know you've told her she has nothing to feel ashamed of, but maybe you should talk to her again.”
Taking a cue and letting Jules and her mum talk, Gaby asked Helen to go back outside and wheel her bike through to the workbench when she opened the garage door. When Helen brought her bike and laid it against the workbench, she looked like she entered another world as she gazed in wonderment at all the bikes and biking accessories. Gaby took the opportunity to give her the 2p tour, explaining everything and answering all questions. From Gaby's expression, Helen knew this was Gaby's world and she took it all in.
“Helen … would you and your mother like to join us for tea?” Jenny asked as she stepped into the attached garage from the house.
“Thank you, but I'd have to phone mum first,” Helen enthusiastically replied.
“Phone's this way,” Jenny offered as she showed Helen where the phone was.
Helen put down the receiver and told Jenny that her mum would be pleased to join them when she got off work and that she should arrive just after 4:30.
“Mum? … Tell Dad to come up to my room when he comes home, please? Helen brought her bike and I told her I thought he would be able to have a look at it. Her gears keep gettin' stuck … I think I know the problem, but I'd have to show him,” Gaby asked her mum as she and Helen got ready to go up to her room.
Once Helen entered Gaby's room, she took in everything, noting her computer and CD collection. Gaby asked her if she wanted to listen to music while they talked.
“Sure, whaddya got?”
“Not too much of the new stuff … my tastes tend to be like my Dad … mostly 60's and 70's but I've got some current stuff too.” Gaby gave her a summary of what she had and Helen selected a compilation that Gaby burned at the Walters.
“Ummm … I don't see a CD player,” Helen observed.
“I use the computer ... it's just as easy and has better sound than most portable players.” Gaby commented as she booted the computer and put the CD in the drive.
As Helen climbed on Gaby's bed and sat with her back against the wall, she grabbed the stuffed rabbit off the pillow. “Who's this?” Helen cheerfully inquired.
Gaby sat cross-legged in the middle of the bed, facing Helen. “That's Mr. Snuggles … He used to be my sister's but I seem to have custody of him now.”
“He's soft … I've got a penguin I call ‘Stuffy', because he looks all high-brow with his tux.” Helen was laughing as she spoke and soon Gaby joined in. “You know, that's the first time I've heard you laugh since I meet you … it's nice.”
Helen's face became somber and she clutched Mr. Snuggles against her, then as she looked at Gaby, she quietly confided, “Gaby? …You know the others were wondering where you were today … not that we didn't have an idea. We were just hoping … I think Paul and his friend … Clive? … were kinda hoping Gaby would show up.”
“I'm not going back ... I can't…” Gaby's voice trailed off and Helen didn't ask any questions.
“Did Maddy say anything about me not being there?”
“Not that I know. I don't think she even glanced at your empty seat more than once or twice all day … She didn't look all that happy either ... I do know that at morning break and lunch, Maddy kinda stayed away from us, not that she had much choice and I found myself hangin' with Ally and Bernie ... An' when Mr. Pilling told those two they were to go see the Headmaster, Maddy went all pale-like…” Gaby's face dropped after she heard how things went for Maddy.
“I'm sorry … that really bothered you didn't it?” Helen apologized.
Gaby looked at Helen and muttered, “You don't know how much.”
“Gaby? … Look at me? … I understand only that you told everyone in the room last night that you loved Maddy even though she hurt you. From that I think I can say hearing about Maddy does bother you a lot.”
“It doesn't bother you I love another girl?”
“Should it? ...” Helen asked, then before Gabs could answer, softly added, “…because it doesn't.” She immediately followed with a more playful, “But for the record, I prefer boys. See … I got you to smile … doesn't that feel better?”
“Helen, does your mum know about the party … about me?” Gaby asked with some apprehension in her voice.
“About you?” Helen echoed and then softly replied, “… yes”
She went on to explain how she talked about this boy, Drew and her mum knew she was going to Drew's party.
“… and when she saw me holding hands with this girl, I had to tell her what happened … sorry Gaby.” Helen told her friend. She expected Gaby to get upset with her and her eyes were already starting to get moist. “Mum understands … she just wants to meet you … if she was upset, she wouldn't be coming … if she was upset, I wouldn't be here,” Helen explained.
“Gab … Dad's here. You want to show him the problem with Helen's bike?” Jules asked as she poked her head in Gaby's room.
As Jules continued to her room, Gaby silently got off the bed and grabbed a tissue from her night table and offered it to Helen.
“You'll need this,” Gaby told Helen. As Helen dried her eyes, Gaby gave her a hug and told her she didn't do anything wrong.
After putting her CD away and logging off the computer, the two girls went down to meet Dave in the garage. By the time they both came through, Dave already had the bike in his homemade bike stand he used when he worked on Jenny and Gaby's bikes.
“Hello, Helen”
“Hello, Mr. Bond”
“Tell me what's wrong with your bike. It's not the usual setup I'm used to working on, but I'll give it my best,” Dave offered.
“The gears keep sticking. Sometimes I can fix them by taking this bar out,” Helen replied.
“I tried fixing it the other day and noticed the bar was bent,” Gaby interjected.
“Hmmm, doesn't look too bad … leave it with me,” Dave thoughtfully commented.
As the girls were taking their leave, the front door bell went and a few seconds later they heard, “Mrs. Bond? … I'm Ann Joyce, Helen's mother.”
“We've been expecting you, c'mon in … and please, call me Jenny,” Jenny cordially offered as she took Ann's coat.
“Hi Mum! … This is Gaby!” Helen was quick to introduce her friend to her mum.
“Hello Gaby. It's so nice to meet one of Helen's friends.”
“Hello Mrs. Joyce … pleased to meet you.”
“Helen, your bike is ready… Oh, hello ... Dave Bond … I'd shake your hand but…” Dave intoned as he held out his grease-covered hands. “I've just been working on your daughter's bike,” Dave continued directing his words to Ann while he washed up in the sink. As he dried his hands, Dave turned to Gaby, “You diagnosed the problem perfectly, honey.”
(to be continued)
PB 06.03.07 © 2007
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