Chapter *17*
Tripping

Whilst everyone had been through the day's testing, not everyone would be going to Italy so Friday morning saw the departure of David, John and Steve leaving just nine of us for the day's activities, a two hour bash around the Pennine foothills. I felt bad for David and Steve, they've been giving their all but I guess we've been building towards this point since we arrived.

Chapter *15*
Shop ‘til You Drop

It took some effort but I did finally get my intent into Manda's bonce.

“Why didn't you just say?”

Grrr!

“Where've you guys been?” Sal queried when we found them a few minutes later.

“I needed to pick up some supplies.” Mand supplied showing them the box in her basket.

Chapter *13*
Finger Bobs

I woke to the incessant buzzing of my alarm and someone banging on the door.

“Come on Drew, you'll miss brekkie like.”

It took my addled brain cells a moment to identify the voice.

“It's early yet.”

“Finally, I've been knocking for ten minutes man.”

“What's so urgent? It's only half past.”

Chapter *11*
Dance Away

“You on?”

“Huh?” it's not bad enough I've been dragged to Jess's room where I'm stood here in my undies but now she's talking gibberish.

“You're wearing a pad.”

On? Oh right, “Just some spotting.” I allowed, which isn't a lie.

Chapter *9*
Small Gains

“Flippin cheek, there's two lads here too,” Josh mumbled.

“Don't worry big boy, you can be an honory girl,” Manda giggled.

“What about me?” I complained in an attempt at macho-ness.

Mand just gave me a look; well okay I didn't press things.

Chapter *7*
The Amazing Jess

“Jess.” I wasn't sure if I was happy to see her sat with Josh or not.

“Where you been Gab?”

“Changing?”

“Josh was telling me you got selection, way to go girl!”

Josh gave me a look, ‘who is she?' he mouthed.

“Er thanks.”

“Where's Mand?”

“Right here,” she stated from behind me.

Chapter *5*
Making The Cut

“Do I look like her Clive?” I queried turning to address the source of the voice.

Chapter *1*
Stepping In

The dining room was surprisingly quiet, not even all the Sunday squad were in attendance, Caro and Steve didn't turn up until I was well into my chicken and wedges. Something has obviously gone down today, something not good, maybe someone's had an accident?

Chapter *37*
Pegged

Well it wasn't as outrageously bad as the night before, Jess was to be the centre of attraction this evening after all. Still I could've done without looking like a reject from Fame although I was thankful that it did a thorough job of offering a smoke screen as to my identity. Manda was also suitably toned down leaving Jess to dominate our threesome. We set off to eat - I am so not missing the pie tonight!

Chapter *33*Lilleshall

So what first? Explore or food, my decision was pretty much made for me by Mand.

Chapter *31*Pattern Break

Tuesday was back to the daily formula of ride, lunch, lecture, gym that we've so easily got used to. It was after dinner that our (tor) mentors threw the proverbial spanner into what we expected.

Chapter *29*Ticking Off

"Get that luv." Gran prompted, the house phone had started ringing as she opened the door.

I grabbed the phone and on reflex answered, "Bond Residenz, Gaby sprechen."

Chapter *27*

No Mans Heath

“Urgh, I hate six o'clock,” Mand complained.

“It's ten past,” I declared .

“I hate ten past six.”

Chapter *21*

On Your Own

The Peters weren't the first to leave, nor were they the last which allowed several of us to be distracted by the renewed activity on the boards. Several riders were whizzing around the boards, laughing and joking as they went, clearly comfortable with each other and the track, the only one I recognised was Chris Hoy. It was with very mixed feelings that I watched my cousin and her parents depart but any chance of regret was interrupted by my being addressed from behind.

Chapter *19*

Friends Squared

“Just you two?” Mrs R enquired.

Chapter *15*

Who's The Mommy?

"So," Julie started after checking Bern over, "everything seems to be in order, baby's not quite ready to make an appearance but I don't think we'll be long."

Chapter *13*

Cheering Stuff

Jess' routine wasn't long, maybe five minutes, forming just one part of a fifteen minute routine involving several other skaters. It was meant to be fun but even so she managed to include some pretty technical and intricate moves including a tricky blade walk that left me in awe of her skills. Despite what she'd said earlier there is just no way I could ever do stuff like that.