УRough WatersФ

A Gaby FanFic

by PB

Prologue:

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 that without their continued prodding, this would never have appeared. I also have to thank Saphira, Sidonie and Meri Ц for enduring my endless questions and keeping my German and any details of life in Germany, close to reality Е С Vielen Dank!'

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.

She's got a smile that it seems to me
Reminds me of childhood memories
Where everything
Was as fresh as the bright blue sky
Now and then when I see her face
She takes me away to that
special place
And if I stared too long
I'd probably break down and cry

(Guns n' Roses Ц partial lyrics УSweet Child O' MineФ)

PB

УComing Gaby? Ally's plane should be touching down in about two hours, so we should be going now!Ф Jenny called out.

УComing!Ф Gaby answered her mum. She quickly zipped up her ski jacket and grabbed her purse as she joined her mum at the door.

Despite the heavy Christmas snowfall, which left the entire Ahr valley looking like a winter paradise, the roads were in excellent condition and the traffic was lighter than Jenny expected. This allowed her to pull into the Сarrivals' covered car park at the Bonn-Cologne Airport with plenty of time to spare.

УOk, kiddo Е what're we looking for?Ф Jenny inquired, as they got ready to leave the car.

УLufthansa, Flight 1252 Е I looked up her flight on the Lufthansa site and it said it was scheduled to arrive at 1422 hours, so that gives us about 40 minutes to find the place,Ф Gaby explained.

УRight Е let's go, shall we?Ф Jen urged.

They found the proper arrivals area just after two PM when Gaby pointed out that according to the arrivals board, the flight had arrived early and was at the gate. No sooner had they positioned themselves opposite the doors that lead back into customs, than Ally walked through those same doors.

УAlly!Ф Gaby excitedly called out as she ran over to greet her friend with a hug.

Somehow amidst the greetings and the girls trying to catch up on absolutely everything that's happened in their lives for the past year, Jenny got the girls to the car and back onto the Autobahn. When Jen stopped the car just outside their garage door, she was amazed that the two in the back seat had been able to keep up a non-stop conversation from the airport. No, make that ever since Ally came through customs!

УBeautiful!Ф Ally softly exclaimed as he got out of the car.

УWhat's that dear?Ф Jenny asked.

УThe scenery Е everything Е beautiful Е nothing like Warsop,Ф Ally replied as she turned completely around beside the car, taking in all the sights. УI'd love to see this place once the snow has gone Е bet it looks even more romantic.Ф

УAt least she didn't start singing, T he Hill's are alive Е with the sound of muuu-sic ,Ф Gaby teased in a sing-song voice as she emerged from the car. That caused the three women to go into a giggling fit.

Eventually Gaby took Ally up to her room and once there informed her that they'd be sharing the room because of Gran's visit. After Ally got settled in, Gabs gave her the tour of the house and then suggested a change of clothes would be in order before meeting the Сnew' gang. Her travel attire was a bit too formal for meeting the gang. Jeans were definitely more appropriate.

After Gaby removed her dress slacks and blouse, she went to her closet and pulled out her jeans and a black rib-knit turtleneck sweater. On the way past her dresser, she stopped to grab a new pair of tights. While walking back to her bed, she noticed Ally looking at her, almost staring at her.

УSumpthin' wrong, Ally?Ф Gaby asked pointedly.

УWhat? Е oh Е oh, no, nothing Е justЕФ Ally's voice faded as she coloured up.

УC'mon girl Е you were looking at something,Ф Gabs softly urged.

УIt's just ЕФ Ally realised she was again staring at Gaby, standing there in her bra, panties and holding her change of clothing.

УSorry Е It's just that the last time I saw you like that, was in the change room at the cheer competition in Virginia. You were pretty then, but you needed help with that gaff-thingy and your breast forms Е but Е wow! You weren't kidding back in Warsop when you said you were all-girl now!Ф

УNo gaff an' NO breast forms!Ф Gaby smugly intoned as she turned for Ally's inspection.

УYou're beautiful, Gaby,Ф Ally exclaimed. Now it was Gaby's turn to blush.

УSomeday, Maddy's gonna see this,Ф Gabs mournfully whispered.

УI know she will, Gabs Е I just know she will,Ф Ally quietly replied as she rose from the side of her bed and offered Gaby a hug.

As the two parted, Gaby quickly put on her tights and jeans then sat down at her desk to clean up her nails and apply some new nail colour. Ally also changed into her jeans and repaired her make-up. After Gaby dried her nails and pulled her turtleneck on, it was her turn to freshen her make-up. As she was brushing her hair, Ally was again staring at Gabs.

УYou're staring again, kid,Ф Gaby jokingly observed.

УI was trying to think of a way to apologize for staring Е the first time. I wasn't trying to come on to you or anything Е sorry,Ф Ally solemnly replied.

УI know Е I'm not your type Е butЕФ Gaby joked without completing her thought.

УGabs? Е You know what scares me? Е There's a part of me that almost wishes you were my type,Ф Ally quietly intoned, the embarrassment evident in her voice. Both girls stared at each other, for several minutes.

Ally broke the uneasy silence as she uttered a quiet apology. УI'm really sorry Gabs Е it just came out.Ф

УNo matter Е You're S.O.L anywayЕ I'm hopelessly in love with another girl,Ф Gaby playfully replied in an attempt to ease Ally's embarrassment.

УDon't worry about it, Ally Е we're supposed to have fun this week Е long faces not allowed,Ф Gaby whispered as she came across the room and hugged her friend.

She broke the embrace with a kiss to Ally's cheek and a final comment, whispered in her ear, УBut I'll take that as a compliment Е thank you.Ф

УC'mon ... let's go see who's around!Ф Gabs enthusiastically changed the subject as she took Ally's hand and led her out of the room and down the stairs.

After making a couple of calls, Gaby told Jenny and Gran that she and Ally were going to Kat's to meet some of the kids.

УJust be back for dinner, dear,Ф Jenny instructed.

УOk, Mum,Ф Gaby replied as she and Ally went out the door and into a heavy snowfall.

УWill you lookit the size of these flakes, Gaby!Ф

Walking several houses up the street, Gaby and Ally soon arrived at the Pinger's house.

УYou never met Kat when she visited in Warsop, did you?Ф Gaby asked, turning towards Ally as they approached the door. Ally shook her head Сno' in reply.

УGuter Tag herr Pinger, ist Kat zu Hause? Gaby asked when Heinrich answered their knock at the door.

УG erade ein Moment, rufe ich sie an.Ф Heinrich confirmed Kat was home and then called her to the door. УKat! Е Es ist Gabi!Ф He then invited the girls in to wait for Kat.

A minute later Kat appeared at the door and Gaby introduced Ally. She invited them to have a seat in the lounge and she introduced her boyfriend, Kurt, to Ally. Kat also informed Gaby that Liesl's family spent Christmas with relatives and will return in a couple of days and Suse's family was in Norway, also visiting relatives. She was not expected to return until school starts in the New Year.

УBut Steffie und Fritz should be here shortly,Ф Kat mentioned.

As Ally was getting acquainted with Kat and Fritz, Maria showed three others into the lounge. Kat rose to give Steffie a hug then turned around to face Ally and introduced the new arrivals.

УGuys Е this ist Gaby's friend from Warsop Е Ally Е und these three are our friends Е Steffie Е her boyfriend Е Fritz und his cousin Е Manfred.Ф

Besides getting better acquainted with everyone, talk focused on trying to set up an agenda for Ally's visit and with Gaby's input, generally comparing a teenager's life in the Ahr valley with a teen's life in Warsop.

As the afternoon wore on, Kat produced several snacks and soft drinks while the kids sat and talked or watched a movie on DVD. Gaby, nor anyone else, couldn't help but notice how Manfred and Ally were getting along. By the time the movie was half over, Ally was snuggled up to Manfred. After the movie, the kids dispersed to their respective homes, but not before making tentative plans for the following day.

УCall you guys tomorrow morning an' we'll decide what to do,Ф Steffie announced as they all started to leave the Pinger's.

It was still snowing when they left the Pinger's and there was a significant accumulation of fluffy snow on the ground. It may not have been any good for snowballs, but that didn't deter the girls from getting themselves covered in snow.

When they got to back to their house, Gaby peered in the door and called out, УUh Е could somebody please hand me a broom? Е We need to brush ourselves off.Ф

Jules appeared at the door with a broom but Gran was also there with her camera to get a picture of the two СSnow-bunnies' before they brushed each other off. Fortunately it was that soft, fluffy snow that is easy to brush off and when the girls got brushed off, they found there was no need to change clothes.

СTalk about perfect timing! Е Hang your coats up girls and then go through to the table. We were just setting it for dinner when you came to the door,Ф Josie remarked as she held the front door open for the girls to enter.

УNeed any help, Mum?Ф Gaby asked as she and Ally walked into the dining room.

УNope Е just go wash up then come back and sit down Е everything's ready,Ф Jen replied.

Watching the two girls run up the stairs, giggling at some unknown provocation, Josie turned to her daughter with a thoughtful observation. УShe's so much happier now, isn't she?Ф

УIn every way, Mum Е She's scared you'll hate her though,Ф Jenny quietly replied.

УWhy?Ф Gran replied in a hushed voice; she was still taken aback at Jenny's revelation.

УRemember our conversation the other night?Ф

Josie nodded her head. УLook Е I don't care if she marries her girlfriend on the telly, she's my granddaughter and I'll always love her.Ф

Jenny tightly pressed her lips together and tried to hide her mouth behind a raised hand. At the same time, it was very obvious that tears were forming in her eyes. Josie held her arms open and Jenny wasted no time in embracing her mother, her tears now accompanied by quiet sobs, as she tightened her hold on her mother.

Wiping a stray tear from Jenny's cheek, Josie added, УDespite everything, you and Dave have done a good job raising your children ... don't let anyone tell you different!Ф

As Josie was releasing Jenny from a mother-daughter hug, the two women heard the three teens nosily coming down the stairs.

УBetter fix yourself, dear Е I'll head them off and buy you some time,Ф Josie softly suggested.

УThanks Mum Е I'll duck into the garage.Ф

It immediately dawned on Josie that Jen meant that Dave had recreated his bike workshop in the garage, like they had in Warsop, complete with shower Е and a mirror!

УDinner will be a minute or two yet Е c'mon and sit down Е talk to me,Ф Gran implored.

About ten minutes later, a voice from the kitchen told the girls to get what they wanted to drink and then sit down at the table. Once Gaby saw the food on the table, it didn't take her long to realise that Gran was the chief cook behind the evening's meal. When Josie laid eyes on her daughter, there wasn't any sign that she had been crying.

Following dinner, the three girls did the washing-up while the adults went for a leisurely stroll around the village, returning a couple of hours later.

For the girls, the rest of the evening was spent up in Jules' room. With a few CD's as background, the three talked about anything and everything. Jules and Gaby wanted to hear about school and the kids back in Warsop and Ally wanted to know everything about their new lives in Germany.

Finally the time came where they decided to turn in. After saying good night to Gran and the Сrents, the girls retired to their rooms for the night.

УYou have some real kewel friends, Gabs,Ф Ally allowed as the girls were getting changed for bed.

УI take it you enjoyed your first day?Ф Gaby asked as she threw the covers back and lay on her bed, propped up on an elbow, watching Ally getting changed.

Seeing a chance to get back at Gaby for her earlier comments, Ally seductively asked, УYOU like what you see, Fraw-line ?Ф

УWhat can I say? Е I like to look at pretty girls,Ф Gaby replied with a smile. Ally slipped her nightdress on over her head and then walked over to the side of Gaby's bed. Leaning over and giving Gaby a quick kiss on her lips, she joined her lying on the bed.

УQuestion: Does this make me Сthe other woman'?Ф Ally playfully asked as she backed off and adjusted her nightdress before settling down, resting on her side, facing Gaby. Both girls broke out giggling at the exchange.

УYou an' Manfred seemed to hit it off,У Gaby observed, changing the subject.

УYeah, we did Е didn't we?Ф Ally confided in a dream-like voice. УI think he's kinda cute! Е Don't you think so Gabs?Ф Ally asked in a perky voice as she propped herself up on one elbow.

УHe's a boy,Ф Gaby flatly replied with a shrug of her one shoulder.

УDuh! Е an' you're a girl!Ф Ally quickly countered.

УThe word lesbian mean anything to you?Ф Gaby playfully asked.

УWell Е if you're gonna get all nit-picky about it.Ф As the words left Ally's mouth, both girls began another round of giggling.

УSeriously, Gabs Е Haven't you ever thought about getting married?Ф Ally quietly asked.

УYeah Е just not to a boy,Ф Gaby softly confided. УI mean Drew and Mad thought about it once or twice... with Drew in a tux an' all Е butЕФ Gaby's quiet voice faded mid-thought and Ally saw a forlorn look cross Gabs' face.

УЕBut what Gabs?Ф Ally realised she accidentally brought up the subject of Maddy and her voice expressed genuine concern for her mistake. Moving closer on the bed, she put her arms around Gaby to cuddle and offer some comfort to her friend.

У...'Member how I told you Drew had dreams of riding in the СTour' Е only it was with mum on the women's circuit? Е Well Е Drew also had dreams of getting' married to Mad Е Сcept it was always turned out to be Gaby in a dress, that got married to Mad.Ф

УMaybe those dreams were telling you something Е I mean Drew always seemed to have Gaby in his dreams an' you are Gaby Е right?Ф

In a quiet somber voice, Gaby replied, УYeah, well Е s'not likely to happin' now Е ( sigh ) innit? Е Mum's retired and Mad would rather not have to acknowledge my existence.Ф

УAnythin's possible, Gabs Е Yeah, your mum's retired Е but she's here for you Е helping you with your racing dreams,Ф Ally whispered as she held Gaby close.

УWot 'bout Mad?Ф When Ally didn't immediately answer, Gaby mournfully added, УI rest my case.Ф

УGabs? Е I'm sorry Е I didn't mean to upset you,Ф Ally quietly apologized to her friend.

УS'ok Е A day without my Maddy, isn't complete,Ф Gaby cooed as she held Ally even tighter.

УI can only hope that when I find my someone Е we have half the love that you have for Maddy.Ф After the two held each other in silence for some time, Ally started to stir.

УUh, Gab,Ф Ally intoned when she tried to get up.

УOh, sorry Ally,Ф Gaby sheepishly replied as she released her hold on Ally.

УThat's ok Е if you'd like Е I'll stay here with you Е I'm kewel with that.Ф

УTempting offer,Ф Gaby seductively whispered in Ally's ear.

УOh, before I forget DARLING Е.Ф Ally cooed as she looked Gaby in the eyes and then breaking out in a big grin, added, УЕPaul and Clive both send their love.Ф

Ally's comment and straight face caused more than a few giggles from the two girls. At that moment, Jenny poked her head in the room and suggested to the girls they get some sleep.

УG'wanЕ I'll be fine,Ф Gaby whispered in Ally's ear.

As she moved to get off the bed, Gaby stopped her.

УAlly? Е Come here.Ф Gaby sat up and as Ally leaned in she gently placed her hands on Ally's cheeks and pulled her into a tender kiss. УThat's for Paul and Clive Е make sure they get it and tell them I miss them?Ф

After Ally climbed in her own bed and the appropriate g'nites were said, Jenny turned off the room's overhead light and joined Dave in their own room.

Following breakfast the next morning, Jules called Gaby to the phone. УSteffie's trying to get everyone together for some skating,Ф Jules explained as she handed the handset to her sister.

УYou going?Ф

УCan't.Ф

УOh Е ok Е Hi, Steffie? Е What's up?Ф After a few moments silence, Gaby asks, УHang on, I'll ask.Ф

УHey! Е You feel like some skating later on?Ф Gaby asked, holding her hand over the phone and addressing Ally.

УUmmmmm Е Houston Е we have a problem,Ф Ally replied in her best Сofficial-sounding' voice, quoting Apollo 13's historical uttering, then cheerfully added, УI didn't pack my skates.Ф

УIf we find you a pair, wanna go?Ф

УSure! Е Ummmmm ... what about a skating outfit?Ф

УJeans, tights an' a warm jumper Е coat optional,Ф Gaby replied then seeing a puzzled expression on Ally's face added, УSitting on the river bank in a skating skirt to put on your skates, is not recommended Е Steffie sez there's a spot on the Ahr where everyone goes skating.Ф

УWill Manfred be there?Ф A blushing Ally coyly asked.

УHmmmm, could be,Ф Gaby coyly replied with a mischievous grin.

УStef? Е Count us in Е ok, see you later Е TschuessФ

As Gabs put the handset back onto the phone, Ally asked, УWhere do I get skates?Ф

УSince Jules isn't coming, you can wear her's ... an' if they're too big, you can take mine and I'll take her's,Ф

An hour later Steffie and Kat came around to collect the two girls and the four teenagers set off to join the other skaters near the village's bridge that went across the Ahr river, to the train station. Fifteen minutes later they were making their way down to the ice using the improvised steps beside the stone retaining wall that stretched along the riverbank. As they sat on some of the larger rocks to change into their skates, they surveyed the crowd of skaters already enjoying themselves on the river.

УFräulein!Ф Steffie looked up from lacing her skates in an attempt to find the source of the voice. It didn't take her long to spot Manfred skating towards them.

УFräulein!Ф

УManfred,Ф Steffie quietly remarked. As Gaby saw him, she turned her attention to Ally.

УAlly Е you're being paged,Ф Gaby smugly pointed out as she nudged her friend. Ally looked up from lacing her skates as he came to a stop in front of her.

УMy apologies Fräulein Е I kinda forgot your name,Ф an embarrassed Manfred confessed as he reached out and gently took her hand then gallantly kissed it. This got an immediate reaction from the other girls.

УAl Е Ally Е it's Ally,Ф Ally softly replied. Gaby and the other girls noted that her face was almost the same deep shade of red as her ski jacket.

Fritz and Kurt soon joined Steffie, Kat and the others on the riverbank. After briefly talking while the girls finished sorting themselves, the seven friends took to the ice. Ally initially felt bad that Gaby wasn't paired up but it soon became apparent to her that Gaby didn't mind.

As she watched Gaby on the ice, i t dawned on Ally that it had been a very long time since she'd see Drew or Gaby even approach being that happy. With each passing minute, Ally saw more of Gaby's new world and she loved all of it Ц everything from meeting all Gaby's new friends to just walking around and seeing the sights.

The feel of Manfred's arm around Ally's waist brought her back to reality and caused her to instinctively snuggle closer as she stood on the ice with her arms around him.

УYou two interested in any food Е or just each other?Ф Gaby playfully asked as she skated up beside Ally. УThe others are thinking about grabbing a bite in town Е it's well past noon.Ф

As the three joined the others on the river bank, Gaby whispered to Ally, УPaul who?Ф

Ally coloured up as she glanced over to her friend. Gaby doubted if the grin on Ally's face could get any wider.

Later that afternoon two physically exhausted but happy, girls, walked into the Bond household.

УWhat happened to you two Е you look frozen,Ф Gran exclaimed when she saw Gaby and Ally taking off their coats and leaving their skates on the rubber mat beside their boots.

УWe were ok in the morning with the skating, but I think the skiing s'afternoon, did us in Е right Ally?Ф Gaby turned to look at Ally and got a feeble smile and a nod as a confirmation of her statement.

УSkiing?Ф Jenny asked as she walked into the room.

УYeah Е after we had some lunch Е thanks Gran Еeveryone went back to their places and grabbed their Nordic skis. Since they knew I didn't have any, Manfred let Ally and I borrow his parent's skis Е Ally wore his mum's boots and I wore Steffie's old pair. We went all over the trails on that hill behind Dorfstrasse,Ф Gaby explained as Josie handed some hot chocolate to both girls.

УSome of those are rather steep,Ф Jenny remarked then turned and explained to her mum, УThat Сhill' Е is the 200 foot rise you see out of our front windows.Ф

УHard going up Е fun coming down!Ф Both girls replied in unison.

УWell, go get changed Е both of you! Might as well take care of those wet things now and bring down all your laundry. Now's as good a time as any to get it done,Ф Jenny instructed the two girls.

УOnce that's done Е hot bath and thaw out Е don't need either of you to catch cold. Ally can use our bath, Gaby,Ф Jen called out as they were about to disappear upstairs.

As Ally ran into Gaby's room, Gaby went straight into her sister's room.

УHere, put these on after your bath Е an' if you can wear Jules' skates, then these should fit,Ф Gaby suggested as she threw Ally one of her own flannel nightdresses and Jules' fluffy slippers and quilted housecoat.

Ally was in heaven for the rest of the visit. Gabs and her friends took Ally on the train, and visited several of the towns in the valley, including Bad Neuenahr and even showed Ally their school.

After she returned from her grandparents, Liesl, along with Gaby, Kat and Ally took the train into Bonn, for a day of shopping. The fact that Jenny, Maria and Gran tagged along made the day even more special.

All too soon the respective visits for Ally and Josie ended. Dave and Gaby drove Ally to the airport where the two girls said an emotional good-bye. After New Year's, it was Josie's turn to return home. Jules and Gaby said their good-byes at the house, leaving Dave and Jenny to drive Josie to the airport.

A few days and another year later, both girls were back at school and life's routine was returning to normal.

(to be continued)

PB 24.06.07 © 2007
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