A Gaby Fan-Fiction
by Stanman
| Synopsis:With the Bond's moved to Germany, just what do the gang get up to back in Warsop? This story gives a shot at answering that very question. |
From http://maddybell.com/Grottoes5.html
"John, we need to load up the camper," said my Mum.
"What all will we take?" asked Dad.
"My two matching electric dutch ovens and ingredients. The Warsop Community Centre has everything else,"
"Don't they have their own pots?" asked Mags.
"They do, but as Helen would say as a Girl Guide, 'Be Prepared'."
"Should I wear my uniform?" quipped Helen.
"No, you two. wear your cycling kits." advised Misses Joyce.
"What about it being chilly in the auditorium?"
Mum passed us a each a tan bag, "Here is thermal kit to wear under your cycling kit. Got the idea from when Jenny and Drew raced as Xena and Gaby." [GABY BOOK 1 The Anime Days Part 1 Gaby's Entrance http://www.maddybell.com/Gaby01.html ]
"Xena?" questioned Misses Joyce.
"Where Drew got the name of his alter ego," explained Helen.
"Now I remember being told. Poor lad. He never did get away from being Gaby," she sighed.
I'd told Helen all about Drew being Gaby [Gaby Books One Thru Four http://www.maddybell.com/gms01.html ] and she'd told her Mum. Drew had given me permission in an e-mail, so I knew that it was aright. All of the girls knew about him being Gaby, so he felt that Helen should know since we girls would tell them anyway. We'd protected his secret ever since he became Gaby and would not tell if he did not want Helen and her Mum to know.
They'd shown up just after our trip to America when Drew met Helen. Drew met Helen while out cycling and befriended her, which had unknowingly made her day. Her dad used to work for B.P. on an oil derrick and was a 'Daddy's Girl', waiting for him to come home from his shift at sea. He'd spend his time home with both Helen and Mags, but his death hurt them both. That was why Drew's friendship meant so much to her she was able to feel happiness and still feel her Dad watching from Heaven.
When the Bonds moved to Germany, the Joyces bought the Bond's home and inherited their friendship with us. I admit that at first, I was a bit standoffish with Helen, but after getting to know her, found a friend. Now we cycle and read stories out of a neat book as well as this upcoming contest.
Helen wore her cycling tights with a red jersey like mine so that if there was any spillage, it wouldn't look too bad until we were abe to change. We did wear full aprons that covered our kits, but accidents do happen as poor Drew's record shows. He has won a few races, only to crash at end, scraping himself and giving his bike a good whallop. It was then that I was glad that he could borrow clothes from me, Jules, or Auntie Jen until his body healed.
Drew would need to wear a skirt until his bruises went away, during which he was in Gaby-mode. That was before he started to actually look like Gaby. Now, Drew does not need the extra help of the breastforms he got when Woody got Drew to become Gaby for Warsop College back when he first became Gaby. I must admit that we girls had fun seeing Drew as Gaby, and he had fun too until poor Clive got the hots for Gaby. Luckily, that as settled without him knowing about Gaby.
Dad loaded up the old camper, wearing a red long sleeve polo and denim trousers while Mum and Misses Joyce wore a red long sleeve polo shirt and long skirt with tights to keep warm. The auditorium would be quite chilly, even with the heaters bowing if it was anything like Assembly at Warop College. Wearing skirts and warm tights in winter does not take away from how cold your bum gets when sitting on those cold seats. Why we girls wear a skirt in winter while the boys wore trousers was a non-issue because trousers are allowed, but the trousers looked terrible and needed to be redone to fit in with today's shoes instead of those tacky bell bottoms.
As Dad finished loading the camper, Misses Joyce saw him unload some wrapped packages, What's this, John?"
"Prezzies for Drew and David, Mags."
"Oh?'
"David is getting floor plans to Hogwarts from the Harry Potter series and Drew a model of the Hogwarts Express for his collection. It comes with a complete floor plan for the castle and it's environs, Dave loves ancient ruins. Back before they went to Germany, He'd stop at any castle or place that let tourist explore a site as well as any museum. Guess that he still indulges in his whim, when he can."
"Floor plans?"
"Yes, according to the author, it was founded centuries ago, so Dave shoud enjoy it as much as Drew will the model. Drew spends his dosh upon adding to his growing collection of scale model autos that were far superior to those made of plastic. Those that he bought were made of metal and could pass for the real thing in a photo. "
"What about Jen?"
"I found her a new complete bodystocking to wear for when she competed in wintry weather. It covers her entire body, except for her face and has a set of matching goggles and scarf, too, and Julie gets a thermal coverall to keep her warm for when she rides her scooter. Now that she is going to the uni, she usually stays out with friends on the weekends, staying home for her studies."
"Bet you wish that she stayed home, more."
"Can't help but to worry about her getting into trouble, like Bernie did."
"Dave, we parents all worry about our urchins. Why I am glad that Helen and Maddy are friends. Without Maddy, my Helen would still be an outcast and quite possibly in trouble like Bernie is." she sighed.
"Mags, Helen might have been a bit shy and withdrawn when you two moved here, But it seems to me that she has opened up and become more vivacious. Was she always so timid?"
"No, back in Holland, she had many friends. It was losing her father and moving that made her so quiet. Now she is back to her old self," she admitted.
"And now, she is into things with Maddy, as if Helen is replacing Drew, except that Helen isn't wearing a frock after cycling " Dad chuckled.
"You mean that Maddy has wrecked or had an accident and had to wear a frock," she stated."
"Yes, at first, but with Helen around, not anymore."
"Well, I am glad that those two like each other."
"Me too, Mags."
Heath is the nickname of Harold, Seth's dad. He was nicknamed after the character Heath Barkley by his 'rents who were fans of American Western shows and liked Lee Majors because he looked like the actor. I can see Helen sizing Harold up as a friend for her mum, Maggie. Me and my 'rents do too. He has always been a gentleman around Maggie, even helping her out by repairing the cellar door where it had been rusted away. He took the old wood, which was still sound, replacing the old and rotten as well as using rust-proof steel to give the cellar an air tight seal that all vintage shelters were supposed to be.
Misses Joyce got the old cellar from the neighbors who found out that the old cellar/bomb shelter was actually under her property, entrance on her property line. To keep everybody happy, the the cellar was given to them, which Misses Joyce was making over into a tidy storeroom of her husband's hobby of tinkering with broken and outmoded appliances and electronics. Her kitchen was filled with appliances that had been old when she was a teen.
Mister Joyce had replaced the worn out parts by cannibalizing two to make one good one and kept the working parts for spares and Misses Joyce had tored them away in th spare room when the stuff had arrived. When it arrived, she had to put most into storage, and had fun giving away stuff to her new friends. Mum was gobsmacked to receive a vintage Agna stove, and Daddy a set of vintage hand tools to go with his hobby of vintage machinery. Mum has had fun with her new stove, fixing those large roasts that she prefers, and Daddy has taken his gift and begun making wooden handles for Mum's pots and pans as well as anything that has a handle.
Maggie seems to like Harold as well. I have seen how she stands near him and smiles at him. I know that whatever the outcome of this challenge, Helen might have a new Daddy and brother. If so, I wish her and Maggie well, but will feel strange being near Seth. Why must he look like my Drewbie? I am still confused about who I wanted more: Drew or Gaby. I began dating Drew, but I also "helped" Gaby to be born. And even when Drew was dressed as a boy, people saw him as a girl.
Could I be a lesbian or what they call bi-sexual? I like guys and have dated boys, but pretty much have stayed with the 'girls' and now Helen. Clive and Paul are nice guys and that Josh fellow is one that any girl would be lucky to date. He knows about Drew and treats him as a friend, but could he see Drew as a girl? If so, How will Drew react? Is Drew becoming more Gaby than Drew? With Drew off in Germany and being with those other girls who seem to prefer Gaby, I need to know who Drew wants to be.
To me, Drew will always be more than a cousin thanks to all that we've done together. Growing up, he was with Clive and Paul. Those three were, and still are boys that any of us girls can trust. Like any guy, they'd want to snog with a girl, but Clive and Paul aren't the macho jerks, which actually gets them two more dates than you'd believe. The funny thing is that poor Clive has the hots for Gaby, never seeing that Gaby is Drew. If he ever does and finds that only he and Paul didn't know gave me a vivid nightmare, a nightmare that I am glad never happened.
But now I wonder about how Gaby/Drew feels about me. Gaby stays busy cycling and schooling that she never seems to have time to visit us in Warsop! Thanks to Mister Woods and his connections that let him know whenever an alumni or student does well while away from Warsop. But it's just not the same thing as being there. While he was here, we were very close and had done many things together, I hope that we get to do something when he visits. We have gone to different cosplays, wearing costumes of different girl characters. Will he do it in Germany?
Mum was always home and made the tea while I'd help out. She is an excellent wife and Mum, but doesn't want "HER KITCHEN" messed up by novices. I can boil water for tea and warm up stuff, but anything beyond that is asking for trouble, mostly because of my attitude towards housework. But now I am taking time to learn how to cook, with Mum watching over me. Before now, I never thought about how I too advantage of Mum and what she does. But now I have more respect for her as I see just how much she does for her family.
I was more focused upon Aunty Jen and her cycling career. I wanted to be like her because she had a career and family, which was what I wanted, and still do. But when Drew started to ride, I held back, afraid to hurt him if I did better. Even after he proved to be as good as his Mum, I still held back, because I had more fun cheering him and seeing him "ACCIDENTALLY" messing up his clothes so that he had to borrow from us girls. Why he didn't take more care about extra clothing, I will always wonder about. Maybe he wants to be Gaby at times.
But, that is the past. Now that he is in Germany, I have seen how much my part in bringing out Gaby could have hurt Drew if he'd ever been "DISCOVERED." I was a big reason for him becoming a girl cheerleader, and why he was Gaby during the Exchange Trip because Brit and Deb thought about the fun of pulling off such a prank upon their school. We were lucky that Drew did not have a nervous breakdown. http://www.maddybell.com/dm01.htm . Such nightmares are as bad for the victim as they are for the others.
Is this what it means to "GROW UP?" I've always wondered about why some adults are more fun loving than others and why some act like kids. I might get mad abut some restrictions that I have, but I know that they are there for a reason, and having Helen as a friend has been fun. She kind of inherited my friendship with Drew when his 'rents sold "CASA BOND to Mags and Helen, turning it into "CASA JOYCE." She got me interested in the "GIRL GUIDES" and I got her interested in cycling and cheering.
Something that brought us closer together was her reading me those shorts stories about boys a lot like Drew. Before then, I never really thought about how Drew, or other boys who looked like girls or wanted to be a girl went through. There were some that were about an everyday type girl and her story, then there were those who had misadventures all through the story. If these stories were real, I wonder how things went when they weren't in the middle of trouble. I can see that something will happen during the contest that was not planned for. But how do you plan for when Cupid strikes?
I was glad that we had been able to create our signature sauces for the upcoming contest against that lout Seth Greene and his dad Heath. Just because Seth looks like a bigger and buffer Drew does not give him any right to get fresh with me. His dad Heath is a widower ever since his wife Jolene died. His dad is a bit responsible for his son's treatment of women due to his grief over losing her. Heath would date women from an escort service whose employees had a reputation of encouraging their 'dates' . Once Heath learned about this, he stopped dating, but tha damage had already been done.
He and Daddy had a long talk where he told Daddy everything and was grateful that Daddy didn't hold a grudge. Daddy told him about Mum and Auntie Jen are cousins and how Drew became Gaby. Heath admitted that any boy that could pass as a girl needed family and friends who accepted the young man and do what they could if they were to ever meet those who would want to trounce Drew/Gaby.
Once Seth learned about my cousin, he said that he was not a bloke that got his jollies beating others up. He might be a macho jerk, not some gang member. He promised that Gaby had nothing to fear as far as he was concerned, and wondered if Gaby and me would ever want to go to a cosplay. Seth dressing up for a cosplay? I just can't see him doing it, not with him looking like Drew.
The Warsop Community Centre was set up with three AGA stoves and coolers as well as an assortment of pots, pans and utensils made for serving large groups. Quite unlike Mum's kitchen, which was full of modern utensils that were quite 'homey' in their aura, compared to the 'industrial' look of the provided equipment. What really detracted from the equipment was the fact that the bottoms had blackened spots where something had been burnt into the bottom. Whenever that happened back home, such a pot or pan was put in the recycling bin.
The auditorium was built for dancers, gymnasts, with the equipment stored in cabinets when not in use with plenty of seating for spectators and locker rooms for boys and girls. The kitchen was used to prepare meals for spectators and the teams in the dining hall with seating for one hundred. All that we had to do was wait for John to bring in today's cyclists and their teams. We were ready until John came up to us.
"Why are you three not riding today?"
"We thought that the children were excused since there is this contest," said Carlton, a lean man of African descent with salt and pepper hair, looking like an elderly Levar Burton.
"No, they are scheduled to ride."
"John, we still need to start our sauces. If we ride, who will tend to our sauces?" I asked.
"Miss, how long must the sauce cook?"
"After the ingredients are added, just needs stirring," added Helen.
"Maddy, Helen, don't worry. we are here for you," announced Ally who stood next to Sylvie and Gramps.
I hugged them, "Who told?"
"I did. Figured that they'd want to know," aid Mum.
"Now, you two go and race while I watch over things," said Gramps.
"The race is after lunch so that everybody can sample the meal that Seth, Helen and Maddy are making, so everybody can watch the race," said John.
Helen and I began to set up for our contest when Mummy saw the deplorable condition of the two deep cast iron dutch ovens for our use. They had not been properly cleaned, still having gunk in the bottom, while Seth's was clean and ready for use.
"This is unfair! Carol? How can they get away with this?" complained Maggie.
"Who says that they will? I've brought the dutch ovens that the girls used as well as Dave's grill so that is not a problem."
"And if they insist upon us using their equipment, we'll show the crowd just how dirty the equipment they want for us to use is." assured Daddy.
"What seems to be the problem?' asked a man who looked like an elderly version of Levar Burton.
"These pots are dirty with left over food while Seth's is clean," replied Helen.
"GAIL! FRONT AND CENTER!"
I saw an elderly lady who was Gran's age, but with silvery white hair in a bun, wearing a floor length blue dress and apron, "Yes, Sonny?"
"Why are these pots dirty?"
"Carlton, these are NOT from here. Ours have a red handle, these are blue."
"Will you please check and see if there are any here that these ladies can use?"
"Sorry, but the Boy's Football team had a big party last night, and only one of the pots were left clean,," she admitted with a sigh.
Heath came up to them, "I am afraid that Seth and I are partly responsible."
"Why?"
"Because my cousin Gene is the Head Coach of the Warsop Wolves."
"Sir, I want for this contest to be as fair as possible. If Maddy and Helen have access to any clean dutch ovens, I will not object," added Seth.
"Yes, we brought our own, but wonder why the mix up," replied Mummy.
"He saw a chance to 'help' my son in a way that would hurt the competition and be seen as a practical joke. But I sincerely hope that his antics receive the consideration that they are due."
"Not to worry, Sir. As I am the Head Chef of Warsop Community Centre, nobody can say a thing against me," promised Gail.
"Good! I've never liked my uncle that much," agreed Seth.
Maggie saw that I was uncomfortable being near him as he acted very much like Drew would have, if he was built like Seth. If Drew had sprouted up like Seth had, his time as Gaby would have been very brief, and probably would have been Drew, instead of Gaby during our trip to America. He pretty much had to be Gaby since the Foresteers Cheerleaders were scheduled to perform during our trip to America, but in reality, Gaby was not strictly needed. It was only because of Drew's loyalty to the team that he went as Gaby.
Daddy saw my discomfort and hugged me, "That chap does look a bit like Drew. Is that why you and Helen are so ready for the contest?"
"Daddy, this is a matter of honor and respect. Seth needs to learn some humility. And with him looking like Drew, it makes it even more so for me!" I huffed.
"Because Seth looks like what you want Drew to be?"
"Yes. I Love Drew, but with him looking more like Gaby all of the time, I wonder who I love more, Drew or Gaby!" I admitted with tears.
"Maddy, you have to decide for yourself who you want. You've dated Clive and Paul as well as a few others. Do you want to date them, or Drew?"
"That's just it! Seth is what I want Drew to look like, not like my sister!"
"Do you think that he enjoys being mistaken for a girl?"
"No...."
"Yet, you have helped to make sure that Drew was Gaby, knowing how he felt."
"What are you saying, Daddy?'
"Be ready for Drew to like another girl, or Gaby a boy. Can you be happy for your cousin?"
"I don't know," I sniffed.
"Maddy, your Mother and I are here for you.'
"Thanks, Daddy," I said as I hugged him.
Gail sounded the bell to announce the start of the contest and we began to make the sauces. Those who were to sample our work were out and about playing football[soccer] or if cyclists, were with John. The sauces were cooking nicely as we sat down to drink our tea when a very loud and obnoxious man who looked like Heath with dark hair and a younger version sauntered in.
"Sir, you and your son are no longer welcomed here," warned Gail.
"And why is that?"
"Because you deliberately left the kitchen dirty, knowing about the contest, today."
"If a couple of girls can't clean up a couple of pots why should I worry?"
"I did not say who got the dirty crocks. You just confirmed your guilt."
He turned towards Heath and Seth, "I did it for you, my boy," he pleaded.
"Brother, why you must use dirty tricks, I will never know. None of the family stoops so low," admonished Heath.
"And I fight my own fights," huffed Seth.
"Dad, I told you your plan would backfire," added Goddard, his son.
"Don't you worry, Goddard. Since we live in Manchester, we'll join the team, there."
After they leave, the contest resumes with everybody enjoying themselves. Mum and Maggie are busy with mending the odd bit of clothing that needs a patch for Helen's Girl Guides uniform, or Daddy's trousers where he'd popped a button on his back pocket. He was bad about forgetting he'd buttoned it and would pop it off when going for his wallet.
Daddy was reading a book by Andi Pay from Lulu.com. He'd authored many books that listed places that he wanted to visit, and now he possibly could with the them when they traveled. He had several photos where he and his family had paid a visit to various sites, and has put them in a slide show.
As Mum passed him a cuppa he asked her, "What are you sending to our German relations?" he joked.
"An assortment of biscuits and other goodies that they don't get in Germany.
"Knowing Drew, he'll enjoy a good spag bol dinner. He always ate his fill whenever he came to dinner, but especially loves any pasta and sauce dinner."
"Yes, that boy loves my cooking. Wonder if he likes anything American."
"Mum, Dad, He also like a good hot dog, not one of those American wieners, but a proper sausage in a bun with all of the extras. He might be my size, but Drew can sure eat," I offered.
"Are you sending them any of your sauce for Christmas?" asked Mum.
"Do you think that Drew and company will like it?"
"I am sure, But best to send enough for them to share with their friends."
"You too. Mum."
By the time that the sauces were ready, John: the Timekeeper was leading the cyclists and their teams and families in and were being seated by Mister Woods: the Warsop College Headmaster. He and John seemed to know each other quite well. then it dawned on me: woody knew about Drew's exploits, even when mistaken as Gaby. That meant that John knew all about Gaby.
Woody came over to me, "I guess that you twigged about me and John knowing about Gaby," he sighed.
"Why have you two kept it a secret that you two knew that Drew is Gaby?!" I declared.
."
"To keep Drew and Jenny from any sort of scandal."
"SCANDAL?"
"Yes, British Cycling knows that Jenny has only two children and the only relation that comes close to looking ike Drew is you, Maddy. But if Drew was to portray himself as Gaby, or get mistaken as Gaby by other cyclists. It would be explained that Drew was considering becoming a girl and with British Cycling's blessing, was allowed to be Gaby. But now with Drew's medical condition, there is a valid reason for te subterfuge."
"You mean about Drew developing feminine body characteristics?"
"Yes, until something must be decided, Drew can be Drew, or Gaby. Right now, though, he is competing as Drew."
"Yes, Auntie Jen and Unca Dave sent us an e-mail about Drew. That's wy I am so worried about him," I sighed.
"Why? he hs constantly competed against boys in Germany as a member of Team Apollinaris Junior Squad with the others."
"Yeah, but Drew is the only boy in as all girl squad."
"There is Josh Waugh who rides with them."
"Sir, he stays mostly in the British Circuit." I said.
"True, but you must admit that Drew and the others do keep up with the boys."
"OK."
I heard a pleased sigh as I felt a slim, firm hand on my shoulder, "Still thinking about your cousin?"
"Yes, Mummy. I just learned about the mystery on why Woody always knew about Drew;s cycling exploits back when he was here."
"You want to tell him?"
"Yeah. Drew has wondered about that."
"Come and tell us,: she said as she led me over to the others.
To BeContinued...
From http://maddybell.com/Grottoes5.html
