Warsop

In the dream, Drew was Gaby and we were both Princesses of Russian Blood. Gaby was still a cycling champion though. I couldn't believe that I had such a wild dream, I would have to tell Mum and Dad about it. I got ready for school and wore trousers because it was so cold and I wore tights as well to keep warm.

I went down to brekkie and saw my Mummy dishing out porridge into bowl and setting them on the table. I could smell the delicious aroma of apple and cinnamon wafting up from the porridge. I went over and kissed Mummy on the cheek. "Morning Mummy, shall I make toast to go with the porridge?"

"Morning pet, please do and the tea is mashing, see if it is ready," then she took the empty porridge pot and rinsed it out, then set it in the drain.

"O.K. Mum, is Daddy here?" I was pouring the water into the cups and mashing the tea for us.

"No, he had to leave early today, he will be late coming in too," [sigh] She sat down to her porridge and waited as I set her cup by her and made the toast.

"I see that you are wearing your uniform trousers today, [giggle] Pointing at my legs.

[giggle] "Gee Mum, [giggle] what's so special about me wearing my trousers? I HAVE worn them before you know." [giggle] Then I did a slow turn so that she could see how well the fit me because it was last Winter that I had worn them and she might want to go shopping for more, my favorite hobby. [giggle]

"Because YOU very seldom wear them my Pet, [giggle] unless you are very cold or out of skirts." [giggle]

"Well, [giggle] I DO have a load ready for the washer Mum, But it IS cold out there today, [giggle] so I wore trousers with tights today. [giggle] Then I sat down after I had placed the toast on the table. Then I tucked into my brekkie.

"That's my Maddy, glad to see that you are acting like the old you again. Then she took a sip of her tea and poured more hot water over more tea.

"Well Mum, I did have a weird dream about me and Drew last night after I had that talk with him.. [sigh]  Then I finished the last of my tea and poured me some more.

"Want to talk to me about it Pet?" She buttered her toast and started eating the first piece. *This is the second such dream that she has had recently, should I be worried about my baby?[sniff]*

'In my dream,[sniff] Drew was physically turning into Gaby because of her heritage.[sniff, sniff] She was the Queen of most of Europe along with Nina..[sniff, sniff]What was weird was that we were all royalty too. [sniff] Why would I dream such a dream right after I talked to Drew?"

"Perhaps because you are trying to distance yourself from him because you do not know when or if he will return." Then she sipped her tea and finished her toast.* Oh Maddy, maybe  John calling you his Princess is partially responsible. [sigh] *

"But Mummy, [sniff, sniff] I DON'T want to give Drew up at all! [sniff, sniff] Why would I want Gaby to marry someone else?" [sniff] She wiped her eyes and nibbled upon her toast.

*Ah, you said it!* " You saw Gaby, not Drew getting married. You still want Drew, you just told yourself that you want Drew over Gaby." Then she finished her last peace of toast and tucked into her porridge which was cool enough now.

"Oh my Mummy, you are absolutely right!!"The I saw the truth about the dream, I had been fighting over who I wanted more and talking to Drew last night had brought it all into focus for me.  "Now that I know that I know that I know, things will be better," [giggle] Then what i just said struck me as funny. "At least I hope that [giggle] that I [giggle] know [giggle] that I [giggle] know that I [giggle] know. giggle] Then I wiped my eyes. "That is if you know what I mean. [giggle]

[giggle] Oh Maddy, [giggle] It's so good to hear you laugh like that again." [giggle] Then she wiped her eyes  and smiled at me as I tucked into my porridge.

"Thanks Mummy, it's feels good to laugh again. sigh] I never knew how bad off I was until just now. " Then I began to silently weep.

Mummy reached over and wiped away my ears with her hanky, "Are those tears of joy my pet?"

I nodded as even more tears flowed, then Mummy came over and hugged me to her as my tears soaked her blouse.

"That's alright Maddy, go ahead a cry those healing tears." Then i felt her tears as she too started to weep.

"{giggle] Oh Mummy, now I have to redo my make up." [giggle]

Then she looked me in the eye. " [giggle] Yes, you do look like a raccoon [giggle] Go and redo your face before you head to school." giggle] * Looks like the old Maddy is back with us.[sigh]*

"Thanks Mummy, [kiss] I will go and do that." Then I hugged her and went to the loo and redid my face. After that, I grabbed my books and bag and headed out the door. I walked down to the bus stop where Ally, Bernie and Helen were waiting for me. They were all wearing trousers ans parkas like I was.

"Hi everybody, what's up?" I asked as I sat down.

"We were wondering about your chat with Drew last night, care to tell us about it ?" asked Helen as she began putting on some lippy.

"Well..." I led them on.

"Oh come on Maddy!! You know that you want to tell us, giggled Ally as she smiled at me.

"Yeah, [giggle] don't keep us in suspense or we might wet ourselves," laughed Bernie.

"And we don't have any spare pants." [giggle] Helen pointed out.

"O.K. you guys, [giggle] no more fudging, [giggle] I'll tell all,giggle].

It felt great to laugh with my friends again. and I could tell that they were happy too. It had been too long since I had laughed ever since the fact that Drew was gone away finally hit me. I had been denying my feelings and even went out with Clive and Paul, but they never did anything because they were Drew's mates.

Then when I felt the loss, I began acting like Gaby or Drew. It took me finally befriending Helen for me to start coping and after my dreams and chatting with Drew, I am now much better off. I still miss my Drewbie, but now I no longer will let it affect me by turning me into Gaby I hope. [sigh]

"We talked about how we miss each other and about him returning one day," Then I turned to Helen, "It doesn't mean that I want you out of their house. Their house is now yours and your Mum's"

"Then Helen placed her hand upon my shoulder, " I know Maddy, But I am glad that you care enough to be concerned for my feelings."

"Thanks Helen," Then she gently put her hand back in her lap, Well, anyway, after we hung up, I had a dream about us." This will really get their attention. [giggle]

"Dream? [giggle] Zounds as if our Maddy has a tale to tell, giggled Bernie.

"Yep, [giggle] and she is enjoying telling us to." laughed Ally.

"You bet![giggle;] In the dream, [giggle]Drew was turning into Gaby and was an actual Princess and Empress of most of Europe."[giggle] Can't wait to see their reactions. [giggle]

"Gaby? A Princess" exclaimed Bernie.

"No way!!" yelled Bernie.

"Gabrielle Bond, [giggle] Empress of Europe. Well Maddy, [giggle] one thing about you is that you dream big. " smiled Helen.

"Well, you guys did ask."

"Touch Maddy!!" they chorused.

After we had a good belly laugh, I asked. "Any plans for tonight?"

"Bernie and I are going to spend the night with Sylvie since Em is going to return Monday, we are going to help her clean up this weekend." informed Ally.

"Want to spend the night with me?" asked Helen

"Sure, it'll be fun getting to know your Mum, what time should I be there?"

"We eat around 7, Mum would like you to be there about 6, so we can make dinner."

"O.K. I will clear it with my Mum."

Then the bus pulled up and we got on board and headed to school. It felt great that my friends now knew about my dream and its effect upon me. Best of all, Helen felt comfortable enough to join in with the others and even invite me over. Now that we are finally acting like friends, will I keep on wanting her to be Gaby?

Has we got off the bus, Clive came up to us, "Hey Maddy, or is it Gaby?" he grinned at me.

"Well, [giggle] if you can't tell the difference, [giggle], why should *I* tell you?" Then I stepped away from him, forcing him to catch up. I could hear the gang laughing at his blunder and the no doubt saw my blush.

Everything went well in school today and at Cheerleader practice, Helen was really good as she did her splits. After a few tries, I found that I was able to do them along with Helen and Miss. C. changed our routine so that we did the splits together. Even though we were both a bit sore, Helen and I felt good about our victory and Miss C. came over to me after practice to talk to me.

"Maddy, may I have a word with you?"

"Sure Miss. C." Then I finished tying my runners after my shower, "What do you want to talk about?"

"I want to congradulate you on your practice today, you were able to do the splits with Helen and there was no hint of Gaby or Drew about you And call me Fran."

"Well, Fran, there is a very good reason for it," I giggled as I brushed my hair into shape.

"And what is that? Have you kidnapped Drew?" she smirked.

"Hardly, [giggle] No, [giggle] I finally talked to Drew last night and now I know that I want Drew over Gaby." [giggle]

"Drew over Gaby?[giggle] I always felt that that's who you would choose the way that you two would snog." [giggle]

"Better Drew than Clive." Then we both had a good laugh because it was common knowledge that Clive had a crush upon Gaby.

After school, I went in and saw Mummy putting the groceries away. "Afternoon Pet, have a good day at school?"

"Yes Mummy, [giggle] everything was perfect." [giggle] Then i put my books on the table and took my kits to the washer and started a load to wash.

"That's good, do you have your Cheer kit?" Mummy had finished and was now preparing dinner.

"No, Fran takes them to the cleaners after the games, but I do have the other kits."

"I know, but I was wanting to take you to have your portrait done as a Christmas prezzie for Drew."

"Oh, I will talk to Fran and see when would be a good time to bring it home."

"Good, oh Helen's Mum called me today."

"Oh? about me sleeping over with Helen?'

"Yeppers, I told her that yo can go."

Then I went and hugged Mummy. "Thanks Mummy."

"You're welcome Pet, they are expecting you for dinner."

"Why don't you and Daddy go out tonight instead of cooking?'

Then Daddy came into the kitchen, "That's a god idea Princess, shall I go and make reservation for us since Maddy will be at Helen's?"

"Go ahead Love and i will get things ready for tonight." [kiss]

"[giggle]Oh mummy,[giggle] you naughty girl. [giggle] Now I know why you gave me permission."[giggle]

"And why is that?" she asked with a grin.

"[chuckle] Maddy, [chuckle] you're too young to know that." [chuckle]

"But Daddy, [giggle] Drew and I used to snog all the time, [giggle] Surely you're not telling me that you and Mummy won't snog?" [giggle]

Then we all had a good laugh,[giggle] "Maddy,[giggle]you vixen,[giggle] I just wet myself!!" [giggle]

"[giggle]Me too mummy,[giggle] me too. [giggle]"

"Then let's go change."

Mummy and I went to go shower and change. mummy had already gotten out my pink fleece jammies and slipper and put them in my travel case. So after i donned my bra and pants, I put on my jogging suit, matching socks and pink trainers. I also wore white tights because I might get a chill.

Then I went downstairs where Daddy was waiting for me, "Ready to go to Helen's?" For some strange reason, I was not mad when he said it, I guess that I am ready to see the bond's house has Helen's

"Yep, [kiss] thanks for the ride Daddy."

"No problem princess, your Mum and I are eating out tonight thanks to Helen," he grinned.

Then Mummy came down stairs wearing a black sheath dress whose hem ended at mid thigh. she was wearing black fishnets tights and heels. She had done her hair up into a mass of curls. "WOW!! Mummy, you are a knock out!!"

"Delicious."

"Thanks for the compliments, it's very seldom that i get to go out with my mate that I want to make the most of it."

Then Daddy dropped me off at Helen's and took Mum out for the night. i rang the doorbell and when Helen answered, I could see that she had been crying. "What's wrong Helen?"

"[sniff] My Daddy's best friend is here from his old job at Shell, [sniff, sniff]" Then she wept on my shoulder has I entered and she shut the door.

"What's so bad about that?"

"[sniff,sniff] Oh Maddy, I was starting to [sniff,sniff] stop missing my Daddy so much, [sniff, sniff] But now, [sniff, sniff] it's even worse because I started to forget him!!" [sniff, sniff]

Then Helen's Mum came over to where I had led Helen to sit on the couch. "I am sorry my urchin for letting Jonathan in, [sigh] but He needed to talk to me and brought a gift from your Daddy's friend at work."

"Oh Mummy,[sniff]  I know that Mister Waters meant no harm,[sniff]  but when he showed up,[sniff] it reminded me just how much it is that I miss Daddy!!"

Then a tall, mahogony skinned blond came over and knelt down in front of us. He was wearing a red pinstripe suit with cream blouse and white tie. "Helen, I apologize for upsetting you, that was not my intent at all, and please call me John."

"I know John, it's just that I miss him so. I know that he is up in heaven looking down upon us I just wish that I could hug him."

"Well, Helen, I had a daughter about your age that I lost a few years ago, I miss hugging her."

Then Helen opened her arms," Want a hug from me?"

"Then Mister Waters and Helen hugged and wept. When they parted, Mister Waters said, "Thanks Helen, it was like I was hugging my daughter Menolly."

"You're welcome John and it was like I was hugging my Daddy."

"I am glad that you two hugged, now can we eat before dinner gets cold?"

"Oh, excuse me, where are my manner? y

Then we all went int the kitchen where dinner was ready. It looked different." I thought that  I was going to be helping with dinner."

"I apologize Maddy, but I made haggis when John arrived and I doubt that you know how to make it."

"Haggis?"

"Yes Maddy, haggis, my favorite meal."

"But you don't look like your from Scotland."

"You're right Maddy, my Mum is from Scotland, my Dad is from England."

Then has we tucked in I looked at John and asked, " Do you know any fairy tales?"

"That I do, want to hear one?'

"Sure."

"What about you Helen?"

"O.K. John."

"I will tell you of Saint George And The Dragon And Why There Are No Snakes In Ireland."

"Oh John, [giggle] we already know THAT tale." [giggle]

"That may be Maddy my lass, [chortle] but you have yet to hear ii from me. [chuckle] May I tell the story?"

"Sure,"

Then he began s tale. He spun a magical comedy that sounded like a skit that I heard at one of the conventions. I knew for sure at the end, but the others I could tell had never heard it. I was going to have fun now. [giggle]

"I heard that before."

"Oh? Where Maddy?"

"I heard it at one of the conventions that I go to Helen."

"

"Oh well,[chuckle] it was worth a shot." [chuckle]

"John, I do not appreciate you lying like that." Uh oh, Mrs. Butler looked mad.

"Please Mags..."

"That's Mrs. Butler to you Mister Waters!!"

"Yes Ma'am." [sigh]

" I do not appreciate being lied to in any form!! [sniff, sniff] Dean never lied to me about anything[sniff, sniff] and I will not put up with it from you or anybody else!! [sniff, sniff] Dean and I had no lies between us and here you are, [sniff, sniff] starting to lie to me!! [sniff, sniff]"

"I am sorry to have upset you Mrs. Butler, I never meant any harm." Then he hung his head in shame.

"[sigh] I know that John, and I really do appreciate your coming here. Please understand that even though I like you, I am still in love with Dean."

"Just as I still love my dead wife Christie."

"We need to talk abut things, but not right now."

"Can we talk tomorrow?"

"I don't know, I am scared to start dating again."

"Mummy, Daddy would want you to be happy, I have Cheer practice and a race tomorrow with Maddy. Why not talk then?

"O.K. poppet, I will talk with John, " then looking at him sheepishly, "Does ten sound O.K. to you?"

"Yes, We will go out to the pub."

"Why?"

"I want to court you properly."

"You know that Helen has to approve of you too."

"I know Margaret, and hope that she like me as much as I like her."

"John, I don't know how much it is that I like you, but I do know that you and Daddy were best friends and I trust his judgement."

"Is that why you want me and your mum to talk?"

"Yes, If mummy likes you, then we can spend time getting to know each other."

"I'd like that."

"Only one thing though."

"Please do not try to turn me into your daughter. Let me be myself."

"Of course Helen, I promise to not to try to influence you."

"Let's have a group hug, you too Maddy."

"Yes ma'am."

"And please call me Mags."

"Sure thing Mags."

Then we huggled together for awhile until the phone rang.

"Hello, Butler residence, Margaret speaking." Then she handde the phone to John, "it's for you."

"Yes? I'll be right there."

"Anything wrong?"

"Quite the opposite."

"Oh?"

"Can't say what it is, company business. I will see you tomorrow Mags."

"I'll be ready."

Then after kissing us, he left/

"Well girls, it's getting late, I'm going to clean up and go to sleep."

"Need any help Mags? I know what it is to miss your mate."

"No Maddy, I need time to think for a bit, Helen has told me how much it is that you love Drew."

"She has??"

"She was worried about you dear."

"I am not mad at Helen, just surprised. Besides, as the Mum of my friend, you should know."

Then she gave us both a kiss on the cheek, "good night girls."

"Night," we chorused as we returned her kiss.

As we were heading to her room, curiosity got the best of me, "Helen?"

"Yes Maddy?"

"Did you tell your Mum about Gaby?"

"Don't worry Maddy, Mum already knows about Gaby."

"How?"

"A letter came here for Gaby Bond from Clive and there were a couple of pics of Gaby with her Mum. She then asked me if I knew that Drew dressed as a girl."

"What did you tell her?"

"I told her about how it started and what you told me."

"[sigh] I guess that it's best that she knows, How does she feel about Drew being Gaby?"

"She says that it's alright with her."

"That's nice. thanks for supporting Drew." [kiss]

"My pleasure."

In her room, i saw that she had a bookshelf filled with novels, " [giggle] Gee Helen, what books DON'T you have?"[giggle]

"[giggle] I don't know, [giggle] the new catalog has yet to come out." [giggle] "Want to hear a fairytale from my collection?"

"Sure."

Then we got ready for bed and Helen began her tale.