After I broke the tape, I passed out from redlining and barely knew that Josh, had caught me as I toppled off of my bike. He gently carried me to the A&E tent while daddy took my bike there.

I was tended to by an A&E nurse, she looked like mum with red hair, "Am I dreaming, or do you have red hair, Mum?"

She took my vitals, and giggled, "No, you aren't dreaming young lady. I have red hair, and I'm not your mum, no children," she sighed.

"Why not, you're pretty enough to have a mate."

She handed me a drink, "I don't have the plumbing needed, and wish that I had it."

"Oh, Well, my friend Em is that way, she was born as a boy, but wants to be a girl," I replied and drank the juice.

"Sounds a lot like me, except that when I was ten, I got hurt, playing football. If not for that, I'd still be a bloke."

--------------------------------------------

"Your Maddy is just like her cousins Drew and Gaby, Sir," he said as he laid me on the cot.

"Josh, Gaby and Drew are the same person. I have no niece named Gaby."

"Then why are there pictures of her?"

"It all started when my wife Jenny and Drew rode in the Annual Tandem Costume Charity Race, Jenny rode as Xena: Warrior Princess, and Drew rode as Gabrielle: The Battling Bard."

"OK, I can see where he got the name, but all of the appearances?"

"Well, Drew has a very bad habit of having accidents where he needs to change clothes, and unfortunately, he's Jenny's and Julie's size, not mine. If he'd carry a spare kit or two, he'd not be Gaby."

"Too bad, because a lot of guys fancy Gaby."

"Well, they can fancy her all that they want, Drew's in Germany."

Then I had a dream, because I had been riding, it was about Drew.

============================================================

It was the week before Christmas and the Apollanaris Cycling Teams had booked a local pub to host the Christmas party. Everybody was to dress as a Christmas theme character for the party and give a small donation to help the local orphanage to have Christmas for the orphans. The donations could be money or a gift for a child.

After the party, the orphanage would get the donations and have a feast from the abundant food gift from the pub. The Bond family had volunteered to help with the party by helping Kris Kringle. Drew was to receive a special gift this year from an unexpected source.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

['That boy is going to make us late for the party. And him being a cycling champ.'] "Come on Drew! Shake a leg!" yelled Dave Bond as he stood at the bottom of the stairs.

Then from his room, came a slam as Drew shut his bedroom door, "Coming Dad!" replied Drew.

He flew down the stairs wearing his Christmas Elf costume and almost ran over his dad. He had volunteered to be a Christmas Elf at the Apollanaris Christmas party and as such, he was wearing green tights, red elf shoes and top while his elf cap was red and green.

"Careful there Drew, you don't want to wreck," chortled Dave. ['He is so accident prone at times that it's a wonder that he doesn't have any scars.']

"Sorry dad, but you did say for me to shake a leg," Drew laughed as he shook his right leg in amusement.

"That I did Scamp, that I did," agreed a chuckling Dave. ['I fell for that one.']

Then from the dining room came a whistle, "You look cute Drew, just like an Elf," admitted Josie Peters who was visiting for the holiday.

"Thanks Gran, at least everybody knows it's me and not Gaby tonight," he mused as he looked down at his "B" cup chest. [I think that I am the only guy who has breasts as large as his girlfriends.']

Then Josie cupped Drew's chin in her hand and looked him in the eye, "You still being seen as a girl even at school?" ['He had that problem back in Warsop and his having to borrow clothes from girls did not help either.']

Then Drew sighed, "No, Gran, but at the bakery, some customers pinch my butt," he admitted as he rubbed his rear. ['Now I know what that girl Sandy in Grottoes goes through at times. I am glad that she has friends like Erin and Diana.']

Then Josie smiled at her distraught grandson, "Well, they see a pretty girl when they do that. I went through the same when I was a waitress," she chuckled. ['Some things never change and my uniform dress was quite daring for the day being just over the knee,']

"It's not funny when it's boys from school that know about me working there," he fumed. ['Why they get a thrill I will never know.']

"Well, if you'd let the manager know, and the school, I am sure that they will stop."

"Well, I have started screaming and having them leave in front of their mates."

"That'll do even better," Josie laughed. ['Glad to see that he is able to handle his problems.']

Then Jenny and Julie both came down wearing duplicate costumes, "Gran, are you Mrs. Kringle for the party?" asked Julie. ['She looks so cool dressed like that. Too bad she doesn't have the figure to be a cute Christmas Elf.']

Then Josie Peters grinned, looking down at her red floor length dress, "Yes, George asked me to, and sent me this costume, luckily, my gray hair makes a wig pointless." ['It's been too long since I have been to a Christmas party since Walter died. It's time to stop living in the past.']

"Then who's Kris Kringle?" asked Jenny. ['Has that George tried to set her up with a date tonight?']

Then Dave hugged Jenny, "Don't know Luv, but knowing George, he has it covered." ['He always looks out for the team.']

Then Josie noticed the time on the mantle clock and saw it was getting late, "OK everybody, let's go."

Then they piled into Jenny's Mercedes and Julie got to drive since she had her learner's permit. She drove carefully and parked the Bond mobile in the slot reserved for Jenny. As they entered the pub reserved for the party, it chose that moment to start snowing hard.

"Oh great! I hope that we don't get snowed in," fumed Julie. ['Too bad that Lars couldn't make it.']

Then Jenny placed her hand on Julie's shoulder, "Well, I am sure that you can find a boy here if we are," replied Jenny. ['I was the same way with Dave when I was that young.']

Then George who was dressed as Jack Frost opened the door, "Hurry up and get in here! You're the last to arrive." ['Seems that the Bonds are always last, but Jenny and Drew are fast on the bike.']

Inside the YE Olde Tavern pub, the entire Apollanaris Team was wearing varied Christmas theme clothing and by the hearth was Kris Kringle seated upon his throne, "Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas family Bond, please enjoy yourselves. Drew, will you please come over here?" ['He is the Guest Rider this year if he accepts.']

Drew looked over at Dave, "Should I dad?" ['Why would a man dressed as Father Christmas want to see me?']

"Go ahead, Drew, he probably wants to talk about your helping with the gifts tonight." ['George wouldn't do anything to hurt or embarrass Drew, I hope.']

Then Drew approached Kris and shook his out stretched hand, "Hello, Mister Kringle, sir, I am Drew Bond," ['I hope that he does not think I am a girl.']

After shaking Drew's hand, Kris smiled, "Well Drew, I understand that you are to be my Christmas Elf tonight, would you like to ride with me during my Annual Christmas Ride?" ['Now to get him to believe in me.']

"Sure, but I have a question for you." ['Looks like dad was right, but what ride is this? A part of some parade or do I ride with him in some charity event?']

Then the kindly old man seated in the throne smiled at Drew, "Yes Drew, I know that you are a young man even though you look like a young woman and have issues about your body." ['Not much, because anybody that knows Drew knows this.']

"Thank you Mister Kringle, but anybody on the team could have told you that," he sighed. ['No doubt George told him to prevent a scene here.']

"Yes, but do they know that your Christmas Wish is to visit Maddy?" ['He has not voiced that wish to any yet.']

"No, I have told no one that, but that's easy enough to guess." ['Just what is this guy aiming at? Why does he act like he is the Real Deal?']

"And that you have sent her a special gift of German Chocolates with assorted nuts?" ['THAT he did in secret.']

"How did you know that? I only sent it yesterday!" ['Could he really BE Father Christmas? I have met Doctor Who and he was supposed to be a fictional character on B.B.C.']

"Ho! Ho! Ho! Drew, I am really Kris Kringle." ['Now will he believe? it's been awhile since that hearing in New York.']

As in The Miracle On 34th Street?" ['We have seen every version on the telly and have them to watch with the Pingers tomorrow.']

"The same." ['Ah! Now I see the Light of Christmas in his eyes now. Now he is ready for the Ride.']

"Does that mean that Rudolph is real too?" ['I have always liked that story and his adventures that came afterwards.']

"Yes, and Jack Frost as well as the other Christmas Legends and other Magical Beings." ['If only more people Believed, then there would be more Light in the world, but that is not for me to decide.']

Then Drew looked down at his breasts and sighed, "Does that mean that you can make my body more masculine?" ['Too bad that I can't take those hormones and still ride.']

Then a tear flowed down the kindly old man's cheek, "Unfortunately, that gift I can not give you because you are the Cyclist as Doctor Who said." ['Other than that, I would use my Magic to help the young man.']

Then Drew visibly deflated as his hopes were dashed, "I do not understand." ['Am I doomed to look like a girl unless I give up cycling?']

Kris then smiled at Drew, "You have a history yet to completed that as yourself, you will help others." ['I can say no more without revealing more of his Future.']

Drew then shook his head in defeat, "OK, I was hoping that things might be different somehow," he sighed. ['I will not give up cycling unless I have too.']

"That is why I want to take you on my Ride, I select a special boy or girl each year and they are all young at heart like you." ['Young Bond, even after all this time, the Goodness in your heart shines through,']

Then Drew's tummy loudly rumbled, "OK Mister Kringle, I will go, but now I am getting hungry," he grinned at his body's announcing its need. ['I wonder what's on the buffet?']

"Ho! Ho! Ho! Go and eat my friend, because you and your family are to help me tonight." ['Come to think about it, I am hungry to, but I need to tend my reindeer friends first.']

Then Drew joined his family at dinner while Kris went behind the throne where the reindeer were kept, "Ho! Ho! Ho! my friends, it's time for your feeding, where's Jewel?"

Then a petite girl dressed exactly like Drew came forward, "Here I am Santa, Have you found the Rider, yet?"

Then Kris chuckled with glee, 'Ho! Ho! Ho! Yes I have, Little Elf Friend. Are you ready to help feed my reindeer friends?"

"Yes, Santa."

"Then let's feed them and then we may eat dinner out there with the humans."

~~~~~~~~

It was a traditional Christmas dinner from England with German additions for variety. Drew stuffed himself upon the feast and was allowed to drink cider with his meal. He enjoyed his one mug of cider and after he finished, he had a mug of eggnog. He was feeling very mellow and thanks to the meal, he stayed sober.

After the meal, Drew and his family gathered around Santa where Josie doled out cups of hot cocoa to each recipient that sat with Kris while Julie, and Jenny handled the cameras as Dave took pictures, and Drew helped by handing out the presents.

All went well until a drunk crashed the party. He came through the door by the hearth that was locked for the party.

As he barged in, he saw Drew in his costume, "Well, Well, Well, What a pretty Elf girl, come give me a kiss Sweetie!" Then he lunged at Drew. ['Gotta have a kiss from this sweetie.']

"KEEP AWAY CREEP! I'M NOT A GIRL!" Drew exclaimed as he sidestepped out of the way. ['Why me? Why can't I be a normal boy?']

Then Dave Bond landed a fist on the drunks nose, knocking him out, "Are you OK, Drew?" ['I know he'll have nightmares from this,']

Smoothing down his top, Drew grinned, "Yeah Dad, he didn't touch me." ['Never saw dad get physical before, COOL!']

"Drew, you need a drink to calm down?" asked Jenny as she hugged Drew. ['I'm scared for my son, yet he handled things well. I guess he is growing up.']

"Yes, please mum, but soda if I may." ['I have had enough Holiday Spirits for the night. Besides, I doubt that mum or dad would let me have anymore.']

Then Josie handed Drew a cup of warm tea, "Sorry Drew, but they are out until they replace the supply, so have this tea instead." ['Drew needs some cuddling tonight, too bad Maddy is not here.']

Then Julie ran up and hugged Drew, "My God bro, you sure do have your adventures don't you?" she giggled. ['Hopefully, I can help my bro to laugh about it.']

Then Drew started to laugh and had to wipe his eyes from the tears," Yeah, sis, I guess that this will make a good tale to tell to Maddy and the gang." ['Thanks sis, you've helped me to see the humor about this.']

"Thank you, Dave Bond, you stopped that Grinch from causing any real harm." ['Too bad that there are real Grinches in the world.']

Then Jenny stalked over to Kris, "Any real harm?! Mister Kringle, my son could have been hurt," fumed Jenny. ['If that drunk had gotten a hold of Drew, he might have revealed my son's endowments.']

Then Kris looked into Jenny's hardened eyes, "Jenny Bond, your son was never in danger with everybody here." ['I would have stopped him from hurting Drew before anything happened to him.']

Then Jenny pointed to her son, "Well Kris Kringle, or whatever name you want to go by, you don't have a son that gets mistaken as a girl." ['I have had this nightmare for years and now it has happened to my son.']

"No, I do not. Please do not let this ruin your Christmas Spirit." ['Now to invoke my Power and help Jenny to remember the Season.']

"You're right Mister Kringle." ['Drew is safe and the drunk is out cold thanks to Dave, I think that we'll have some fun tonight.']

The rest of the night went well and afterwards, the Bonds were back home asleep talking about their gifts, then went to bed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Christmas Spirit really grew in the Bond Household as they visited their friends in and around the city. Finally it was Christmas Eve and Drew was fast asleep when he was awakened by a jingling of tiny bells and the sound of someone on the roof.

"Oops, I forgot about tonight's sleigh ride with Father Christmas. I had best get dressed." Drew said out loud as he hurriedly looked for something to wear.

Then a jingle and soft white glow announced the arrival of Father Christmas, "Ho! Ho! Ho! Drew, I see that you overslept tonight," he chuckled. ['Poor lad, he got so caught up in Christmas activities that he did not set out anything to wear, well I can take care of that.']

"Won't you awaken my family?" asked Drew as he frantically sought for something to wear.

"Ho! Ho! Ho! My lad, we are safe. In fact, no one will know that you left for this ride," chuckled the ever mirthful Kringle.

"Well, OK, but I can't find a thing to wear," sighed Drew.

Then his Christmas party costume floated out from under his bed and suddenly Drew was once again a Christmas Elf, "Ho! Ho! Ho! Drew my lad, wear this since you are my Helper, tonight."

"OK, Father Christmas, shall I start by escorting you to the tree?"

"Lead the way, my lad."

So Drew led Father Christmas down to the room where the Christmas Tree was set up and Father Christmas pulled out gifts for everyone in the household. Then he went over to where the snack was set out and swiftly ate a portion and drank the eggnog, then he gathered up the remaining snacks and left behind a box of candy canes.

"Come Drew my lad, let's give my reindeer friends a few of these snacks to go with others I have from Mrs. Clause."

Then they appeared on the roof where Drew fed the nine reindeer who all gave him a kiss for his kindness while Father Christmas sat in the sleigh. Then Drew got in next to Kris and they were off on the Christmas Eve Sleigh Ride.

Drew saw the world that night threw the eyes of Father Christmas who went from house to house with Dew and left gifts behind and in some cases, much needed gifts that helped the recipient in some small way.

It was on the return to Germany that Drew got his Wish as they landed on Chez Peters, "Here you are my lad. We have already been here, but now we are here for you to see Maddy."

"Will she know that I am here?"

"In a dream Drew, in a dream. Now go and wish her a Merry Christmas."

Then Drew was kneeling by Maddy who was wearing a night dress that Drew had given her. She was sleeping under the Christmas quilt that Josie had sent her one year. Drew looked at Maddy with longing and finally kissed her on the cheek.

"Merry Christmas, Maddy my Love, I have missed you ever since I left for Germany. I do not know what the future holds for us, but I hope that one day we will be married. But when we are, I will wear a tux, NOT a wedding dress," he smiled as he remembered their many adventures together.

Then he was back in the sleigh and heading back home. Father Christmas left him in his bed and then whisked away to the North Pole and Home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile Maddy opened her eyes as Drew left and silently cried tears of happiness," I love you too Drew, I too hope that we marry one day. And don't worry, I will make sure that you are properly attired in a tux for our wedding my Love."

=================================================

Then I woke up and saw John, "DADDY!"

"Easy there Princess, you've had a bit of a spill."

"Spill?"

"Well, if you hadn't of been caught, you'd have spilled," he sighed.

"Thanks John, where's Daddy?"

"Your dad is tending to your bike."

I blushed, "Sorry John, about passing out. I guess that I'm a bit like Drew there, but at least I don't forget to bring spares," I giggled.

He chuckled, "At least not yet."

Josh came in, "How's a little champ, John?"

"LITTLE?" I bristled.

Cat hugged me, "Easy there mate! Josh is funning you there."

"OK Cat, It's just that I seem to be the smallest rider there is."

"Speak for yourself, Goliath. Helen and I are your size, and Kristen's not much bigger.

I smirked, "Goliath, eh? Does that mean that Drew is David?"

"Depends."

"On what?"

"Whether or not Drew is good with a sling."

Dad came in, "Josh, there's a young man out here who's saying that the team is cheating."

"Oh? who is it Mister Peters? most riders are NOT poor losers."

Pointing to a tall, masculine version of Drew, "That bloke there."

Helen stomped her foot, "That's Seth Greene, Mister Peters!!"

"The same cad who assaulted you and Maddy?"

"Yes, Daddy. The very same. Looks as if he raced today, too."

"OK, I wanted to make sure before I told John.

Josh's dad came in, "You ought to hear what that boy is saying about your daughter, Mister Peters!"

"What is he saying about her? She won the race," asked Kristen.

"He is saying that she cheated."

"WHAT?! AS IF!!"

Then momma who had returned, hugged me, "Easy there Luv. Let your Dad handle this."

"OK, Mum. But Seth has verbally attacked me and Helen."

"Don't worry, he knows."

"Carol, as Timekeeper, I can ban Seth from competing if need be."

"Mum, Carol, since he has insulted both me, and Maddy, why not a contest to put him in his place."

John smiled, "Well, if Maddy agrees, I don't see why not, Helen."

"Helen, you forgot something, mate."

"What's that, Maddy?"

"I don't know how to cook, at least not as good as Mum."

Daddy chuckled, "Princess, accept the challenge, and your Mum will teach you to cook Drew's favorite dish."

"John Peters, last time that Maddy made spaghetti, she burnt the sauce. And I had to throw away the pot," Mum huffed.

Then Seth showed up, smirking, "So, this is where the cheaters are. I should have known."

John stood in front of him, Seth Greene, As the Time Keeper,I have the Authority to ban you from all local races. Either you withdraw your complaint, or get banned!"

"You do not have the right!"

"Cad, not only am I the Timekeeper, I am also responsible for registering all riders."

"My dad will protest and have your job!"

Then, a lady, looking a lot like Aunt Jen arrived, "What seems to be the problem?"

"What are you doing here?!"

"Seth, after being banned from other local races for your misconduct, I'm here in case you cause trouble. What have you done now?"

Maggie stood up, "This smeg has insulted Maddy Peters and my daughter, Helen. He has also accused them of cheating!"

"Maggie, smeg is a bit harsh."

"Carol, when it comes to my daughter, I am a lioness."

"Seth, I was watching the race, So I know that you're lying about any cheating being done by Maddy's team. I have half a mind to ban you from all cycling in the U.K."

I cleared my throat, "Cara?"

"Yes, Maddy?"

"We have a challenge for him. That is if he'll accept."

"Oh? And what challenge is it? And why should I let my son do it? Say, Missy!"

"Mister Greene, back off! Let my daughter explain, or I WILL trounce you!"

I blushed, "Please, Daddy! Ease off. Let me explain."

Daddy hugged me, "OK Princess. But if he or Seth tries anything, I'll be there for you."

"OK, Daddy. It's Simple, we have a cook off. Whoever makes the best meal, wins."

Mister Greene laughs, "I accept! Seth and I BOTH know how to cook."

"That may be, Mister Greene. But to make sure that there is no cheating, all ingredients, and equipment will be provided by the Warsop Community Kitchen. They have two kitchens, Seth, and Maddy will supervise the meal."

"And what will be the prize?"

"For you, the ability to continue racing."

"That's good for my son, but what about you, Little Missy?"

"Simple, Seth apologizes to me and Helen for insulting us, and admits that we won without cheating."

He bopped Seth on the back of the head, "OW! That hurt, Dad!"

"Never insult a lady, Seth. I taught you better."

"Dad, she looks just like her cousin Gaby!"

"Her cousin is NOT a trollop, either. Just because you fancy her, and she moved away doesn't give you the right to besmirch her reputation."

"Yes, Dad."

"Just because I see certain women, does not mean that you can treat all women like trollops. I NEVER mistreat my dates, you know that!"

"Yes, Dad."

Mister Greene turned to me, "Little Missy, ever since Jolene died, I've sought out companionship with other women, one of which was a trollop," he sighed.

I pecked him on the cheek, "That's OK, Mister Greene, my friend Sylvie Morgan is a single Mum, she dates at times too."

"Does she have any boy friends?"

"No, Sir. She takes care of her daughter, Em."

"Then I must apologize to everybody," he sighed.

"Why, Mister Greene?"

"It's Heath, Mister Peters. The apology is for my actions that caused my son, Seth to be rude to these young ladies. I let my needs overcome my responsibility to my son."

Daddy held out his hand, "Heath, believe me, I too know how you feel. I love my wife, Carol. But at times, I do meet a lady client that wants to get fresh. But I still treat them like they are ladies."

"And I love John, and trust him, too. Do you think that I'd still be with him if I didn't?" she smirked.

"Miss Peters, I had that with Jolene," he sighed.

"Mister Greene, how did she die?"

"Heath, please, Little Lady. She died when a lorry hit her as she was riding with Seth," he choked.

Seth held his dad as he cried, releasing years of pent up remorse, leaving his shirt soaked through as Seth cried on his dad's shoulder, leaving both of them with very wet shirts.

"Maddy, it looks as if we've worked our magic here. And all this time, I thought it was make believe."

"No, not make believe, Helen. What you and Maddy have is a friendship that affects others in a positive way. THAT'S the magic," giggled Kristen.

"I agree with Kris, Helen. You two have proven to be very good riders, even though you're both still quite new to it. And you have you parents involved too. Seldom do both parents come."

"OK, Thanks Josh, but I want to know why you said that we have magic, Helen."

"Well, it's those stories that I've read to you. I've always felt that I am a Magical Princess with the ability to help others. But with Daddy dying, I stopped believing that," she sighed.

Maggie hugged her distraught daughter, "Menolly, your father thought of you as his Princess, and me as his Queen, while he was our Knight. So, please don't stop thinking that you are a Princess. You may not have him here, but you do have me. And you have Maddy, she has her Mum and Dad, and she is their Princess."

"Yes, Dear. To me, my daughter Maddy is my Princess, and Carol is my Queen. That's why I love dressing up. It gives me a chance to see them as I see them in my Heart."

Mum kissed Daddy, "You flirt! You know just what to say to get me all fuzzy inside. To me, you are my Knight, and I am your Lady, Maddy the Princess. What a fairytale we would make, she giggled.

"Menolly, Helen? Why Menolly?"

"To remind me that I can sing. I stopped singing when daddy died. Will you go to Church Sunday? I want to start singing again."

"Sure Helen, but we go to the Church of England, not the Catholic Church."

"Oh No! Mummy and I are Catholic!"

Maggie smiled, "Helen, we can go with them to their Church. It'll be the first time to really attend as a family since Bob died."

Mummy hugged Maggie, "You're calling us Family?"

"Yes, Carol. It seems only right since our daughters are so close now."

Daddy kissed her on the forehead, "Then I guess that you're now my adopted sister, Maggie. Carol keeps on adopting Maddy's friends and having them call her Aunt Carol, that I'm getting jealous," he chuckled.

Caro smiled, Good news, the contest is set for this Sunday at the Warsop Community Center, after Morning Worship Service. The Church will provide everything, Maddy, and Seth will be the Chef of the two kitchens."

Then we left for home where we had a grilled steak dinner, thanks to daddy. Mummy made a scrumptious salad with lots of dressings, and Maggie made us a delicious pudding for afters. Helen and I cleaned up while our 'rents sat in the parlour, sipping wine.