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

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”.

It is the evening of the day
I sit and watch the children play
Smiling faces I can see, but not for me
I sit and watch as tears go by

(The Rolling Stones - partial lyrics “As Tears Go By”)

PB

Three years later….

Hi Gaby;

I thought you'd like to know about an incident that happened today as school let out.

Remember that portrait your mother gave the school just before you left - the one of the two of you in your team jackets? Not long after you left the school, Mr. Wood had it hung on the ‘Alumni Wall' that's opposite the main doors.

I'm constantly amazed at the number of students that have paused to look at all the portraits and in particular, the one of you and your mother. I've noticed, especially this year, that Maddy has become your most regular viewer which considering her actions at your last birthday party and what transpired back in Mr. Wood's office, struck me.

When school let out today, I saw Maddy looking at your picture as usual, but this time as she stood there, it was plain to see that she was crying. I took her back to my form until she collected herself rather than leave her standing in the crowded corridor. Unfortunately she didn't want to talk about it, but I left the door open if she ever did.

By the time she left, the corridor had long been deserted of students. Watching her leave, I noticed that she again stopped at your picture, ensured she was alone (I guess I don't count), kissed her fingertips on her right hand and then reached up and touched, not just the portrait, but your photo. I also saw her lips move, but couldn't hear what she said. Then she turned and ran out of the building

I realise Maddy is having some personal issues but as I stated, I did offer my ‘ear' if she ever wished to talk.

Your friend,

Fran

Guten Tag Fran;

Thanks for telling me. Your words are somehow comforting, letting me know there's still some hope. My feelings for her have only intensified over the years. I know it sounds cliché, but there hasn't been a day go by that I haven't thought of her and the harder I tried not to, the more persistent the need.

I'm very glad you let her know you would be there for her if she ever wants to open up. She'll need someone like yourself, someone outside of the family. If she does ask for help, I know you'll try your best. When we both were back in Third Levels, we both looked up to you and I hope that respect will bring her to you.

Always a friend, Gaby ….

“send…an' click”

“You alright, Gaby?” Jenny was passing Gaby's bedroom and heard her softly crying. As she entered she saw Gaby sitting in her chair in front of the computer screen.

“No!” Gaby whispered, as she looked her mum standing beside her. With tears running down her face, she showed her mother Fran's email and pointed to the last paragraph. ”How long is this going to last, Mum? … How much longer can it last? … Can you tell me that?”

Jen shook her head. Comforting her daughter, she pulled Gaby against her breasts and shedding a few tears of her own, softly replied, “I don't know, dear … I don't know … sorry.”

“When I was your age, if my boyfriend ever kept me hanging like Maddy's done to you, I'd have written him off long ago.” Jenny quietly offered, not even sure if her daughter was listening.

“Maybe it's time you should let her go … hmmmm?” Even though Jen knew the answer, she somehow felt it had to be said.

“Did you ever love someone as much as I do Maddy and end it?”

“No,” Jenny softly replied. “Truth be known … I've only loved one person as much as you do Maddy ... and I'd never, ever leave your father.”

“Just as you can't leave Dad, I ( sniff ) can't leave Maddy… I just ( sniff ) can't” Gaby tearfully whispered as she tightened her arms around her mother's waist.

After several minutes, Gaby raised her head and looked her mum in the eyes. Wiping her own tears from her cheeks with one hand, Jenny whispered, “I always thought ‘puppy love' was never supposed to last, let alone survive what yours has been through.”

Gaby rose from her seat and both mother and daughter fell into a long embrace, the silence in the room only broken by the occasional sigh and gentle sobbing from Gaby crying on her mother's shoulder.

Finally Jen broke the silence and trying to hold back her own tears, softly suggested, “Carol's coming this weekend for your birthday … why not ask her to bring Maddy?”

“N … no … if Maddy still hasn't … I ( sniff ) don't want her around if it's only ( sniff ) gonna cause prob ( hic ) lems between us,” Gaby tearfully replied in a quiet voice.

“At least you could ask her about Maddy, then?” Jenny asked.

Finally Gaby broke the hold on her mother, giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks, Mum … Ya know I ( sniff ) will.”

“If it'll make you feel better, I've got an idea for the Youth Project I'd like to run by your dad … and I'd want your input as well, kiddo ... c'mon!” After allowing her daughter to make herself presentable, Jenny took Gaby's hand and lead her out of her room in search of Dave.

Upon cornering Dave in his study, Jenny and Gaby each took one of the vacant chairs.

“Got an idea for the girls this season and I want to know what you think because you're going to have to be the one to sell it to George and the sponsor.” Gaby could sense the enthusiasm in her mother as she laid out her idea.

“Hear me out, before you say anything, alright?” Jen asked her husband. Dave made a hand gesture signaling Jen she had ‘the floor'.

“For the last two summers, we've brought the eight girls in the progamme, here … taught them the sport and molded their development … as individuals. We've seen the girls entered in several minor races … with a fair bit of success I might add, but again … as individuals. Last summer, while Maria took the younger girls, I took the older ones and taught them team tactics and most importantly, how to work as a team. I now propose we unleash the older girls … as a team.” Jen looked at Dave to try to read a reaction and then she continued.

“The BDR has several races on its 2008 schedule, including the German Nationals for junior women under 19. You know while school's still in, they'll still compete as individuals for most of the races, but once school's out, bring them together as a team … the Junior World Cup Tour in the summer would be an excellent platform to give these girls international exposure. Whattya think?” Jenny sat back in her chair, obviously proud of the selling job she just laid out.

“I guess Maria could continue to coach the younger girls. I assume you see yourself taking the older girls?” Dave thoughtfully voiced. Maria had retired from competition at the end of the 2007 season and had assumed her new role as coach for the Youth Project, allowing Jenny to become the full-time Training Direktor for the programme .

“Of course … as the Direktor of the Youth Project, you'll have to remain here to oversee the programme. Maybe you could get Jules to help you out, when she returns for the summer.” Jenny suggested.

Seeing the idea take hold, Jenny concluded with, “If nothing else, we can see how each of these girls can perform on a team, should any of them turn pro.”

“What do you think pumpkin? …You feel you're ready for a World Cup Tour?” Dave asked his youngest.

“Uh huh,” Gaby enthusiastically vocalized, which was about all she could say given the size of the grin on her face.

Dave turned his chair towards the wall, then turning back to the girls, announced, “I'll run it by George first thing Monday at the team meeting … given the amount of traveling you're proposing, the sponsors will have to be sold on this, but I really think they'll go for it.”

On Monday morning in George's large office, Dave laid out Jenny's proposal at the weekly combined meeting of the pro Team Apollinaris and the Apollinaris Youth Project.

“Hmmm … Wer Sie für diese Mannschaft vorschlagen, Jenny?” George inquired as to who were Jenny's choices for the team.

“ Ich denke, daß wir einschließen sollten Gaby … und Judith … Kristen und … Nina. Sie sind alle 18 Jahre alt. Wirklich ist Nina 18 im Juni. Meiner Meinung nach sind sie mehr als bereit zu ihm .”

Jenny replied.

She stated her choices and at the same time confirmed their ages. Nina was the youngest of the four at 17, but she would turn 18 in June. Jen also informed George that in her opinion, the girls were more than ready for the challenge.

George sat back in his chair, pondering Jenny's proposal and then after a few minutes addressed both Jenny and Dave, agreeing to the proposal and asking to see the details as soon as possible.

The following Friday afternoon, Jenny took the Volvo and drove into Bonn to pick Carol up at the airport. When Gaby arrived home from school, she walked into the waiting arms of her aunt.

“How's my birthday girl?” Carol asked after she planted a kiss on Gaby's cheek.

“Officially, I'm not 18 until Monday,” Gaby countered.

“Well, I'll be home by then, so for the purposes of this visit, your birthday is all weekend,” Carol informed Gaby. “Now … how's my niece?”

“Great … holding up … I guess,” Gaby replied as her voice softened. Carol both understood Gaby's answer and knew what Gaby was going to ask next.

“How's Maddy? … Has she said anything … about us?” Gabs' quiet voice took on a pleading quality.

“When she thinks we don't see or hear, her actions leave no doubt of her feelings for you, but she's said nothing directly to me or your uncle or anyone else that I'm aware of, for that matter,” Carol quietly replied. As she pulled Gaby into a tight hug, she felt a couple of tears when Gaby brushed against her face.

“Don't let her ruin your birthday, dear,” Carol whispered.

“Why not? … ( snif f) She's done that for every ( sniff ) day … since we ( sniff ) moved … why should this be any different?” Gaby quietly and tearfully answered as she tightly held her aunt.

“I'm sorry … I had no idea … ( sniff ) … I'm so very sorry,” Carol whispered.

She was well aware of her own eyes becoming wet. Jenny had quickly left the room as she couldn't bear to witness the scene any longer. She also realised that she had started to shed a few tears of her own.

After a while Jenny returned and stood in the doorway with a well-used tissue at the ready, looking at her cousin and her youngest daughter, still in a tight embrace. She could hear Gaby still softly crying and saw that her make-up was a mess and her face tear-stained. Jen also heard the occasional sniffle come from her cousin.

Finally, Jen quietly returned to the lounge, once again leaving Carol and Gaby to themselves. Upon hearing Dave pull up, Jenny quickly stepped outside the front door to head him off.

“Dear … stay out here for a few minutes. Carol and Gaby are having a moment together,” Jenny explained.

“You've been crying, Jen,”

“I know … it's been one of those moments,” Jen admitted. She then proceeded to let Dave know what had set Gaby off.

“I know it sounds bloody strange … a father talking about his daughter's feelings for another girl … but sometimes I just wish we could put those two into the same room and tell them they're bloody well not coming out until they kiss and make up!” Dave stared off into space for several minutes before abruptly turning back to face Jenny.

“Damn it, Jen! … After all Gaby's been through, she deserves a little happiness … an' just when she starts showing any signs of that happiness, someone's there to ensure that it doesn't happen! Either someone inadvertently says something or something causes her to think of Maddy and that alone … Shi … ( sigh ) … sorry dear.” Jenny put her arms around her husband. She sympathized with the frustration Dave felt.

“C'mon, darling … let's take a walk down by the river. I think we can both use it … I know they can,” Jenny suggestively whispered as she took his hand and started to walk towards the street.

“I'm sorry Jen, but I feel so helpless. If everyone can see how those two feel about each other, why can't Maddy?” After walking in silence for a spell, Dave finally started to share his thoughts with Jenny. She stopped under a large tree and gently pulled him against her as she leaned against the tree trunk.

“I mean why does Gaby have to be knocked down every time she tries to get up?” Dave lamented.

“Sh-h-h-h …. I know luv … it hurts me too … but someone's going to have to be strong for her and that someone looks like us,” Jenny allowed as she put her arms around Dave's neck, drawing him into a long and passionate kiss.

“Maybe we should be heading back. I never told anyone I was going out and they might be getting a bit worried,” Jenny suggested a bit reluctantly. If she had her way, she'd just stay under that tree, cuddled into Dave. “Besides, I'm starting to feel a trifle cool.” With another kiss, they turned and walked hand in hand, back to their house, with Dave gallantly throwing his jacket over his wife's shoulders.

“We're back!” Dave shouted as they entered the house.

“About time! … Where'd you two get off to?” Gaby expressed some genuine relief when her parents returned to the house.

“One minute you were here … then Aunt Carol and I just turn our backs an' ‘poof!' … You disappeared!”

“Sorry … I thought your dad and I would give you and Carol some time together,” Jenny apologetically replied.

“Well … ‘kay,” Gaby softly allowed.

“Feel better, darling?” Jen asked as she took Gaby into her arms for a prolonged hug.

“Not really … Auntie Carol says everyone needs a good cry every once in a while,” Gaby whispered as she continued to hug her mum.

“What say we all go out for dinner? … Zur Saffenberg? Sensing the gloom in the place, Dave offered to take them out for a nice evening.

“Now you girls go do whatever it is you do to make me the envy of all the men in the Ahr Valley and I'll phone for reservations,” Dave added.

“Maybe the Pinger's would like to join us?” Encouraged by a hopeful look from Gaby, Jenny called down to Dave from the top of the stairs.

“I'll phone them, too,” Dave called back.

Brrriing! … Brrringg! “Hallo? … Oh … Hallo, George … Ja, sie ist hier... in deinem Büro um 10:00 Uhr morgen? ... wir sind dann da … Auf Wiedersehen.” Dave put down the phone and then remembered he had to call the restaurant and the Pingers.

Moments later, Jenny walked up behind Dave and having heard the phone, asked, “Who called?”

“George … Wanted to make sure we had Gaby in his office at 10 o'clock tomorrow,” Dave replied as he turned to face Jen and then in a hushed tone added, “At least that's one thing going her way,”

“Enough of that David Bond!” Jen quietly admonished her husband. “This is her weekend, don't spoil it … ok, darling?” Jenny cooed as she wrapped her arms around him and planted a tender kiss on his mouth.

“You two keep that up and the Pinger's will have finished eating before we even get there,” Gaby mischievously interjected.

“Umm, I think we've just been told it's time to leave,” Dave whispered to his wife, while Carol stood behind Jenny, with a silly smirk on her face.

When they all returned to the house later that evening, Gaby took her aunt up to her room, logged onto her computer and brought up Fran's email. Carol sat down in front of the screen and read it several times. She rose from the chair and after a brief pause, walked over to join Gaby sitting on the edge of her bed.

‘Well?” Gaby was anxious to know what Carol thought of Fran's observation. Carol dabbed her moist eyes and turned to look at Gaby.

“I think I know what Maddy said.” Carol's emotion-filled voice wasn't much above a whisper as she took Gaby's hands in her own.

“According to Fran's email, it looks like she's made her decision … and what Fran witnessed seems to agree with the conclusion your Uncle and I had reached some time ago … but it also looks like Maddy's not ready to share her decision with others … not yet anyway,” Carol softly confided as she took Gaby in her arms.

Pausing only to take a deep breath, Carol continued in a quiet voice that was only meant for Gaby's ears, “I'm quite certain Fran saw Maddy telling your picture … that she loves you.”

Thanking her, Gaby gave Carol one last squeeze and a peck on the cheek followed by the cook's tour of her room.

“Would it be ok if I told Maddy you have her picture prominently displayed in your room?” Carol asked.

“Yeah … an' maybe if you think it won't upset her … well … you know what I mean … let her know that … I still love her … please?”

Carol tried to speak, but no sound came out. Instead she took one of Gaby's hands and gave it a gentle squeeze as she nodded her answer.

Finally Carol quietly said, “I think we better join the others. They're probably forming search parties by now … but first I think both of us need to do some quick repairs.”

Next morning, Jenny woke Gaby before her clock-radio went off.

“No ride?” Gaby asked, hoping her mum would say no and she could go back to sleep.

“Not this morning, dear. You've … got an appointment, so dress smartly!” Jen advised as she turned to go out of the room.

“Where?” Gaby called after her mother as she followed her out of the room.

“Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies,” Jenny playfully called back as she descended the stairs. “ How could she have forgotten? ”

“Crikey!” Gaby mumbled to herself as she turned back from the top of the stairs to go have a shower.

“I heard that young lady!” Jenny's voice rose from somewhere in the house. “ I gotta find out how she does that ” thought Gaby.

Later as everyone went to get into the car, Dave threw Gaby the keys. “You drive!”

“Really?” Gaby shrieked.

“Really really.” Dave replied in his best ‘Shrek' imitation.

”Know where you're going?” Dave flatly asked, after seeing Gaby just sitting behind the wheel, staring out the front window.

“Would … it help if I told you?” He calmly asked as it dawned on him that Gabs' really had no clue.

“A bit….” Gaby sarcastically replied.

“The training facility … we have to see George … it's that time of year,” Dave leaned over and whispered into Gaby's ear. Gaby promptly put the Volvo into reverse and with a huge grin on her face, backed out onto the street.

A little before the appointed hour, Dave, Jen, Carol and Gaby pulled into the team facility's car park and as they approached George's office, they noticed he wasn't alone.

“Ah … der family Bond … guten Morgen!” Then seeing Carol, George asked no one in particular, “Zwei Jenny's?” prompting Gaby and Jenny to stifle a few giggles.

“Nein … allow me to present my cousin, Carol Peters … ‘cuz … this is my boss, George Müller. He's the Direktor for Team Apollinaris. Carol is visiting from Warsop, for Gaby's birthday.”

“Willkommen, I hope you enjoy your stay,” George offered.

“Thank you.”

Jenny turned to look at the other occupants in the room. “Morgen, Eric … Frank.” Dave shook hands with both gentlemen.

“Morgen, Herr Weber … Mr. Bower.” Gaby acknowledged the two gentlemen as she approached George's desk.

“Bitte,” George offered, as he invited everyone to sit at the large table in the office.

As they sat down, Jenny quietly explained to Carol that Frank Bower was the ‘Specialized' European representative and both Gaby and her were here to sign their respective sponsorship contract extensions for a third consecutive year and also that Eric was the team's lawyer, acting on behalf of Gaby and herself. She also explained that Gaby's sponsorship has been renewed every year, on her birthday since it was originally signed in her 15th birthday.

Frank opened the proceedings after passing out copies of the contract extensions to all at the table. “Eric's had his copy for a couple of days, so I'll give the rest of you time to read them over, then Eric and I will answer any questions you ladies or George may have.”

After some time had passed in which Gaby and Jenny read their respective contracts, Frank again spoke up. “You can see that they're pretty much the standard extensions you've signed in the past … However, I noticed a couple of raised eyebrows. Let me tell you that according to our research, the two of you have been responsible for a very noticeable increase in interest and sales for our European operations and the bottom line on your contracts reflects that. We hope that it's satisfactory.” Both women nodded their approval.

“In addition, George has made us aware that Apollinaris now has a junior women's team. To that end, ‘Specialized' is committed to equipping and supporting the junior team as we do the pro team.” Frank noticed Gaby's joyful expression and added, “Yes, Gaby … that means new bikes!”

In Eric's presence, both Gaby and Jenny re-signed. Again, George countersigned both contracts, on behalf of the pro team and sponsor, and Dave, on behalf of the Apollinaris Youth Project.

Once all the business was concluded, George addressed Gaby, as they rose to leave.

“Gaby … Alles Gute zum Geburtstag.”

“Danke, George,” Gaby replied as she went back and gave George a peck on the cheek.

As she went out the office door, Gaby took Carol by the arm and leading her down the hall to join the others she answered Carol's inquisitive look, “He just wished me a happy birthday.”

“I'm still finding it strange to hear your mum speaking fluent German, but now hearing you,” a bemused Carol confessed, much to Gaby's amusement.

“I know what you mean ... I felt the same way when I first hear Mum speaking German,“ Gaby replied.

Once on the main floor of the building, Jenny and Gaby acted as tour guides, showing Carol the entire complex while Dave tagged along. While showing the exercise room to Carol, Gaby started thinking.

“Mum? … ‘member what you were saying about a junior Team Apollinaris, the other day?” Gabs was thinking aloud and Jenny was listening. “What's the dates for the nationals?”

“I believe they're being held June 13th-15th with the actual races on the 14th-15th,” Jenny replied.

“I was thinking … how about seeing if we can get Kristen to take a couple of days off school and fly her in? That'd give us the full team. Even though the championships would be our first race as a team, I've ridden with all of them and I know we can do it.” Now it was Jenny's turn to beam with enthusiasm as she gave her daughter a big hug and a peck on the cheek.

“Hmmm … I'll get your dad to look into the possibility of that, next week. It'll take some

co-ordination, but I think we could do it … assuming it won't impact Kristen's exams … after all it'll be nearing that time for schools back home,” Jenny replied.

As an afterthought, she added, “Still have to do well in the other races to convince George we've earned the right to compete in the junior championships.”

“We will,” Gaby confidently replied.

Hi Ally..

Apart from no Maddy, it was a great weekend. If I can find a gap in between races this summer, I may just try to go see her. This has got to be resolved between us. I really don't think I can take much more – I've got to know.

Aunt Carol came for the weekend & my birthday. It's always a joy to see her. I just wish she was able to visit more often & I know mum feels the same.

On Friday I re-signed my ‘Specialized' sponsorship. More money for university! That evening I had my birthday with the family and the Pinger's, but on Saturday evening, Kat and a few friends took me out, for an evening at the Casino in Bad Neuenahr. Meat Loaf was on stage doing several songs from each of his CD's in his ‘Bat Out Of Hell' trilogy. All in all, it was almost a three hour show! I didn't even know he was touring again, but I'm glad Kat did. I've seen him before, with Dad but tonight was unbelievable! If he has any British dates, you really have to go!

Hugs,

Gaby

(send) … Click

“Whatcha doin' Gaby?” Carol asked as she came into Gabs' room.

“Just sent Ally an email about the weekend,” Gaby replied then rose from her chair and turning to her aunt, threw her arms around Carol in a tight hug. “Thanks for coming, Aunt Carol … it meant a lot!”

“She'll come around dear … I just know it … coming to the airport to see your aunt off?” Carol asked, quickly changing the subject.

“Of course!” Gaby replied, giving Carol another hug.

“Let's go, then!” Carol urged.

Following Carol's departure, the remaining weeks leading up to the National Championships passed quickly. Between training, races and their studies, both Gaby and Judith were quite busy.

Back in the Fall before the girls entered their last year at Bad Neuenahr's Are-Gymnasium, they had met with the school administration and arrived at a timetable that would allow them maximum spares each day for training. With Jenny's intervention, Judith even was able to obtain an exemption from P/E like Gaby, because of her involvement with Apollinaris and cycling. Now both girls took full advantage of their forethought.

This time when Gaby rode in April's Berlin-Bad Freienwalde-Berlin race, she took the overall win with a convincing six-second margin over the rest of the field. Despite the puncture with 15 Km to go, Nina held on to take fourth place overall. Judith didn't ride on account of a sprained ankle.

Early June had seen Gaby, Judith and Nina place in the top ten in Cologne's Deutsche Meisterschaften im Einzelzeitfahren, with Gaby taking the time trial championship in her class.

Of the eight road races on the 2008 BDR Junioren U19 schedule leading up to the Championships, at least one of the girls from the Apollinaris Youth Project, had made the podium six times, with Gaby recording four wins and a second place.

As the big day approached, Jenny intensified their training. When it wasn't suitable to go out on the roads, Jenny had them work out at the Apollinaris facility.

When she wasn't racing with Gaby and Judith, Nina was back in Berlin with her local club. She kept a similar level of intense training to that of Gaby and Judith, as was Kristen back in England. On a couple of occasions in the last few months, Nina had even flown into Bonn to join her two teammates for a weekend of training. Having her team bike at the training facility made such trips much easier.

Combined, all four girls were determined to make themselves known as a team in the championships, as much for themselves as for Jenny and Dave and in the process, validate the goals of the Youth Project. Jenny had already booked the team into the “Erhorns Gasthaus” for the championship weekend. In her words “a nice hotel only a few kilometers from the race course.”

Even Jules, who had settled back home after completing her university and who had now joined her dad at the Apollinaris training facility, was getting caught up in the excitement of the upcoming championships. On the couple of occasions the pro team had returned to Bad Neuenahr during breaks in their race schedule, Jules had eagerly gone out with her mum or dad in the car, following Gaby and Judith as they rode with the pro Team on their training rides.

(to be continued)

PB 17.06.07 © 2007
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