Drew Goes South Chapter 14 by Angharad Copyright© 2022 Angharad

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(title picture Andrea Piacquadio)
Neither Jenny nor Drew slept well that night. He was still upset about the previous evening, and she had a guilty conscience.

“That's a lovely nightdress,” said Jenny to her son.

“It's Maddy's. She lent it me.” He looked at her, “I'm sorry I threw a wobbly last night.”

“That's alright kiddo, I expect you were tired and seeing me was a bit of a shock.”

“It was a lovely surprise.” He hugged her. “I wish you didn't have to go back today.”

“I know love. I'd like to spend more time with you, but it's the season and I was lucky to get this short space. I should be training.”

“We can go out on the bikes if you like, I'm sure Matt could lend us one. You could use mine and I'll use the Giant.” Drew was desperate, it was months since they had cycled together, “Please Mum.”

It was the last thing she wanted to do. She had a slight quad injury which was why she was there at all. She should be resting it or in physio. Should she tell him?

“I've got a bit of a sore leg, so if I did come out it would only be for a short and gentle ride.” His face lit up as she said this.

“Awesome!” Then he thought about what she had said. His face became serious. “What have you done to your leg?”

“I pulled some quads on a machine in the gym. So, I'm on light training for a week or two.”

“Oh Mum, we can't risk it. Shall we go for a walk instead? Can you do that?”

“I'd love to, girl. Where are you going to take me? I don't know this part at all.”

“Aw Mum, you keep on with this girly stuff. I wish it had never started.”

“Gaby; listen to me. You are dressed like a girl. Remember we agreed certain rules; number one being – If dressed as a girl, then you are treated as one. I'm only obeying the rules.”

“But everyone knows here.”

“I know love, it seems over the top. But it's there to protect you. If we relax them now; we get sloppy and eventually someone makes a mistake in front of an outsider. Then we are really in the cart. It would reflect on all of us, but you most of all.”

“I know, Mum. I don't want to do anything that affects your career.”

“My career would survive. I can always say I was simply giving you space to decide if you were happier as a girl or a boy. What would you say to Clive or Paul, or your boyfriend down here? What's his name ... Harry?” She hugged him as she spoke.

“I don't know, Mum.” He held on tightly to her. “I don't know. I'd be dead.”

“I think that might be an overreaction love, and I'm sure the other kids would eventually cope with the revelation. Either way, your cycling achievements would help your credibility.”

“What do you mean?” He snuggled into her. He wasn't really listening to the words; just her voice.

“I mean sweetheart, that if it became known generally that you were Gaby or decided to become Gaby; then it would be a five-minute wonder. Afterwards, things would settle down. You'd not be the first or the last to do it.”

“No I s'pose not,” he replied, without listening properly to what his mother had said. He hugged her again and she reciprocated. For him it was bliss.

She held him for a few minutes. Carol walked in, smiled and walked back to the kitchen. Maddy did the same; assisted by Carol hooking her arm and dragging her into the kitchen.

“Right kiddo; how about some breakfast?” she said to him; prising him off her like a limpet off a rock.

He wanted to resist; to make this state last as long as possible; forever would do. Nevertheless, he complied with her unspoken message, “The hug is over for now.” Surrendering to her pressure, he stood up and they walked together into the kitchen.

The air abounded with the smell of toast. Maddy was shoving bread into the toaster and buttering it when it came out. Carol was making scrambled eggs.

“Cor this smells wonderful!” exclaimed Jenny. “I'm back in England at last.”

Maddy looked askance at Jenny. Her eyes asking for an explanation of the previous statement. “On the continent, breakfast never smells like this. There are days when I could kill for some bacon and eggs.”

“Sorry Jen; we used up the bacon yesterday,” apologised her cousin. “Can you take some back with you? We could do a cool bag.”

“I could, couldn't I?” Jenny mused on this point for a moment. Then Maddy announced. “Breakfast is served.” Whereupon she shoved plates of scrambled eggs on toast into each of their hands.

After breakfast, the queue for the shower threatened to overwhelm the immersion heater, but each of them tried to be brief so there was just enough hot water.

“What do you want me to wear today?” Drew asked his Mum, “Not the suit again?”

“Darling, you wear whatever you like, providing it doesn't let the side down. Remember we girls have to maintain certain standards.” She smiled as she said it and the irritation he was feeling vaporised.

“Do you want to see my wardrobe?” he asked of her.

“That would be nice,” she said following him into his room. With towels wrapped around his chest and turban style on his head; he really did look so naturally female. His movements were feminine as was his speech. It worried her that this could be her real child; not the young tearaway boy who was a million miles away.

He showed her his collection, she examined everything with enthusiasm. “Oh is this what you wore to the dance? No wonder Harry kissed you.” He blushed as he held out the dress, “Oh that skirt is simply gorgeous Gabs. Where did you find it? I'll have to send you out to get my clothes from now on.”

He was blushing like a beacon; feeling a mixture of emotions. He was proud his mum liked his clothes; embarrassed because they were so girly, and also because Maddy did most of the buying. A fact; of which Jenny was very aware. The coordination of the items showed the hand of Maddy.

“Maddy helped with most of it,” confessed Drew.

“I thought she might. Listen to her advice girl, she has a wonderful eye for coordinating separates.” Jenny thought to herself,'”I don't know whether I should reinforce the feminine element each time I speak to him, or am I overdoing it?'

“What do you want me to wear Mum?” he said, running his hand along the rack of dresses and skirts.

“Where are we going? I have a plane to catch from Bournemouth at four.”

“I don't know Dorchester or Weymouth I suppose,” he shrugged his shoulders and the towel around his chest began to slip. He squeaked like a girl and grabbed it with both hands; turning away from his mother as he readjusted it. Just like a girl.

“Something comfortable then, which looks tidy. We'll be eating out somewhere,” he pulled out the admired blue flowered skirt, and his mother nodded. “The pink top to match the flowers?”

“That's what I was going to suggest,” he said smiling at her.

“You know what they say?” she chuckled at him, “Like mother, like daughter.”

“Oh, I thought you were going to say, “Great minds think alike.”

“I could have done, couldn't I? Never mind one aphorism is as good as another,” his eyes glazed over at this. Inside the computer was buzzing, ‘Don't do big words!'

His mother moved to the door, “Right kiddo, I shall go and dig in my weekend case and see if I can find something to keep up with my daughter's extensive wardrobe. If not, I'll be back in a minute to borrow something.” She was only joking, but the smile on his face was priceless.

Jenny went off and showered and dressed, she returned about half an hour later Drew was sitting in his bedroom flicking through Cycling Weekly. “Hullo flower; do you need some help with your make-up?”

Drew turned around, “Is there something wrong with it?”

“No, it looks great. Maddy did it for you, did she?”

“No, I do it myself,” he smiled back. “It's hardly rocket science, is it?”

“No sweetheart, it isn't. You look lovely.” He jumped up and they had a quick hug. “Ooh, you smell nice too,” she said inhaling his scent. “ Bodyshop stuff?” she asked.

“Yeah, White Musk or something,” he said quietly.

“Did you choose it?” she asked.

“Yeah. I nearly bought some for Mad last year. I liked it then, and I remembered it. So, when she told me to get some for me, I did.”

“When you say you liked it, you actually tried it before?”

“Yeah, it was awful. By the time I'd finished I smelt like a bunch of flowers. The girl serving me was squirting them up my arm and all over the place. I came home and had a shower and put my clothes in the wash.”

“Were you in Drew or Gaby mode?”

“Drew. I'm only doing this because I have to,” he said with some indignation.

“Of course, dear; I just wondered.”

They were deciding where they were going to go when the doorbell rang. It was the police. Momentarily, Carol's heart fluttered until she recognised the two officers. “Gaby phoned us and left a message last night. Could we have a quick word with her?”

“Can it be quick, we were about to go out. Her mum is visiting and she has to get a plane this afternoon, so time is limited,” Carol said to the pair of bobbies at the door.

“What? Jenny Bond, the world champion? Is here?” gasped Ben Martin.

“Yes, she's Gaby's mum.”

“Yeah, I know, but I thought she was abroad. Can I get her autograph?”

“I expect so,” answered Carol hiding her irritation.

“Wow, awesome,” he exclaimed with a silly grin on his face.

“Gaby, it's the police,” called Carol from the front door.

Jenny's face went from relaxed to anxious in a flash, “What is this about?” she asked the two girls.

“It's nothing to worry about Mum. I'm just helping the police with their enquiries,” smirked back Drew, as his mother had kittens.

Carol led the officers into the lounge where Maddy and Gaby were sat with Jenny. “Mrs Bond how lovely to meet you,” said Ben Martin extending his hand. Jenny shook it.

“I'm PC Ben Martin and this is my colleague, Andrea Smith. Gaby here has been helping us with some enquiries we've been making. Did she tell you she and her boyfriend saved a boy's life last week?”

“Slow down, she hasn't told me anything,” they all sat down, and Jenny was told the story from start to finish.

Then it was Gaby's turn to tell her latest observation about the hide at Radipole and the money. “There was how much?” asked Andrea, writing it down carefully.

“Two hundred and fifty pounds. I counted it, then put it back.”

“Pity we didn't hear of this yesterday. Looks like a drugs drop. We'll get someone to check it out.”

“Not in uniform, I hope,” said Gaby. “‘Cos that would blow it completely.”

“We might be called The Plod, but we do have a few functioning brain cells," quipped Ben, “If the money is still there, then we'll do some surveillance on it.”

“Like a stakeout?” asked Maddy.

“Possibly, sometimes we put a tiny camera inside and record the criminals doing the drop.”

“It's exciting isn't it?” said Maddy almost quaking with emotion, “All because Gaby spotted Cheescake.”

“You have a beautiful and very switched-on daughter, Mrs Bond,” said Ben, at which, Drew blushed bright crimson and Jenny smiled.

“I know Ben, she doesn't miss a trick. We had to hide her Christmas and birthday presents at a friend's house when she was younger; otherwise, she'd find them.” The crimson went a shade brighter.

“Do you need me to show you where the money is or was?” asked Gaby.

“I think we'll be able to locate it if it's still there. Can I use your phone, I'll get that set up immediately?” He went out into the hall and phoned his station.

“Could I ask a favour Mrs Bond?” said Andrea.

“I should think so, though I'm not sure I can be of much help in this matter.”

“Oh it's nothing to do with work. I wondered if I could get your autograph.”

“Of course, Gaby, there's some photos up in my bedroom can you bring a couple down.” Drew did as he was told, returning a moment later. Ben was still on the phone.

Jenny dedicated and signed the photos as requested. “If Ben asks, tell him you can't or won't. I'll try and put him off. He'll curse me all the way back to the station,” laughed Andrea.

Ben finally came off the phone. Before he could say anything, Andrea was shooing him out to the car. “We'll let you know if we need to speak to you again,” she called to the two teens.

“I don't know, young lady, I turn my back for two seconds and you are doing CPR and solving crimes; not to mention winning cycles for racing. I'm surprised you had time to fit me in as well,” said Jenny with a straight face.

Maddy nearly wet herself, Gaby stood up and in a very poor Scottish accent said, “The namesh Bond, Jamesh Bond.”

At this everyone fell about laughing. Carol, with tears running down her cheek said, “If that was supposed to be Sean Connery, then I'm a Dutchman.”

“Sounded more like Minnie Mouse with a hangover,” squeaked Maddy, convulsing with laughter.

“Oh thanks,” pouted Gaby.

“Come on, Moneypenny, let's get going,” said Jenny, “Or it's going to be straight to the airport.”

The mood changed immediately, and the four began to organise themselves to go out. The doorbell rang again.

“Oh no, who is it this time?” sighed Carol. She opened the door to William and Harry. “Look boys, Gaby's mum is visiting and we were just about to go out.”

“What Jenny Bond, the world champion? Wow! Kewel!” Said Harry punching the air. “Can I just meet her? I've never met a world champion anything before.”

“Jenny, you have some admirers here” called Carol from the hall.

“Oh no it's Pinky and Perky," hissed Maddy.

“Which one is your boyfriend?” whispered Jenny to Drew, causing him to blush again.

“Harry,” was whispered back.

“I only want to have a look at him,” said Jenny.

She shook hands with the two boys and gave them autographed photos. They spoke for a few minutes before Carol called time and they left, seemingly pleased with themselves.

“Quite a nice-looking boy. You could have done a lot worse,” said Jenny almost purring.

“Yes Mum,” replied Drew quietly, “It's not real you know.”

“What's not real, Gaby?” Jenny looked puzzled.

“I'm only pretending to be his girlfriend, I don't fancy him or anything.”

“How can you pretend to be a girlfriend? you've been out with him?”

“Yeah, a couple of times.”

“You kissed him?”

“Yeah, but it was only a peck on the cheek,” Drew was blushing furiously.

“And let him kiss you?”

“But not on the lips, he tried that and I told him where to go,” said the blushing teenager.

“Do you like him?”

“He's okay, I s'pose.”

“For a boy you mean?” added Jenny.

“Yeah, he's okay for a boy,” agreed her offspring shrugging his shoulders.

“Gaby, you sound just like a teenage girl. I had almost the same conversation with your sister about three years ago.”

“So? You're going to make fun of me now; like I'm some sort of fairy?” The embarrassment began to turn to indignation even anger. Tears began to well up in Drew's eyes. The person he loved and trusted most in the world; seemed to be mocking him, it hurt.

“Oh, darling; you couldn't be further from the truth. I love you full stop, so does your dad. We only want you to be happy. You are at that time in your life when you experiment with different sorts of relationships. There are no wrongs or rights. People just are who or what they are. As long as you respect the other's right to be themselves, then you also have the right to be yourself. To me, that doesn't matter if it's Drew or Gaby. I will try to respect your choice. So please don't be cross with me. I'm only trying to be interested in your life and that includes your friends.”

“I'm sorry, Mum,” he said hugging her.

“So am I kiddo, if I offended you.”

Finally, they managed to get away and Carol drove them into Dorchester where they flitted around the shops for an hour, buying some bacon and sausages. “You can't get a decent sausage in Germany.” Then a cooler bag and eventually some lunch.

When they were sat in the Kings Arms Hotel, waiting for their orders to be brought. They became aware of someone looking at them and then talking furtively with someone else at their table. It happened two or three times.

“Someone has recognised Mum, you wait, they'll be along for an autograph in a minute,” said Drew.

Sure enough an elderly woman approached the table with a young man in tow. “Excuse me interrupting your meal,” she said.

“That's okay, we haven't started yet,” said Jenny, almost feeling for her pen.

“My grandson, Michael,” she pulled him forward, “Thinks you, young lady are the one who was pictured in the Echo. You're racing some special bike on Sunday. I hope we got the right person?”

Jenny smiled as Drew's mouth fell open, “She's the right one,” said Maddy, “Her name is Gaby Bond.”

“That's the one,” said Michael. “Can I have your autograph?”

“I s'pose so,” said Gaby, blushing furiously. “Would you like my mum's as well?”

“Who's she?” asked the old woman.

“Only the womans' world champion road racer,” said Maddy.

“You're jokin'? You are ain'tcha?” said the boy. “Jenny Bond in Dorch; you gotta be jokin'; right?”

“I'm afraid not. I'm here in Dorchester,” said Jenny.

“Like in the flesh like?” said the tongue-tied teenager.

“I never go anywhere without my body,” said Jenny smiling. She accepted the celebrity which went with her exploits quite calmly; though this was one of the funnier occasions.

The upshot was Jenny and Gaby posed while he took a digital photo of them together and then had one taken with him between them, which Maddy took. He also got a signed menu card from the hotel.

After the ‘odd couple' left, Jenny remarked laughing; “I expected my kids to outdo me
one day, especially this ‘un,” she nodded at Gaby. “I simply didn't expect to be upstaged quite so soon. Can I have your autograph please, Miss?” The dining room filled with their laughter.

All too soon they were at Bournemouth airport, and Jenny was booking in. She said goodbyes to Carol and Maddy, then it was Drew's turn. “Thank you for a lovely time, young lady. Do your best on Sunday, and let me know how you get on?” They hugged and Gaby once again clung on to her mum.

The flight was called, “I have to go love.”

“I know,” sniffed Gaby.

“See you soon. Love you lots, girl.”

“Love you too Mum.” Then Jenny strode off to the departure lounge, she waved once and was gone.

“Come on girl, let's go wave her off from outside,” said Maddy, and all three of them went to look for the best vantage point to see the aircraft leave.