Drew Goes South Chapter 18 by Angharad Copyright© 2022 Angharad

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(title picture Andrea Piacquadio

Once the initial shock had passed, Drew began to calm down. His clothes dripping wet, he began to feel cold. Assured he was unhurt, the passers-by left. No one had taken the number of the 4x4.

“You okay now?” asked Harry, who was starting to shiver himself.

“I think so, but I'm getting cold.”

“Let's get home,” suggested Harry.

“Is my bike okay?” asked Drew, acting more like a girl than he'd like.

“I think so, but I'm no expert,” said Harry, picking up the red Specialized.

Drew took the bike and cursorily examined it. “It looks alright. Come on, I want to get home and out of these clothes.”

Harry thought for a minute, 'Can I come and watch.' but thought better of it. Instead he mounted his bike and followed behind. Drew had got wet riding a bike many times, but this was different and he felt colder than he usually did when soaked. However, he had to put up with it and they settled for a steady pace to get back some thirty minutes later.

He garaged his bike, bade Harry farewell and rushed into the house. Two minutes later he was stood under a steaming shower and beginning to feel warm again. He stayed there for twenty minutes, until the water began to run colder. Then wrapping a towel around his head and another around himself, girl fashion, it was now second nature: he went to his room and sat on the bed.

The strain of dealing with the experience had worn him out and he leant back on the bed and drifted off to sleep. He was still asleep when Maddy came rushing into his room.

“There you are, I've got this terrific top for you,” she gushed.

He struggled to wake up and she could see his eyes were still red. “Oh … Hi Mad.” He managed to squeak.

“Are you alright?” she asked, “It looks as if you've been crying.”

“Yeah, I'm okay now.”

“C'mon Gabs, tell your Auntie Maddy all about it. Did Harry upset you?” She put her arm around him as she spoke. He could feel her body warmth through the towel.

“Harry was actually very nice,” said Drew very quietly, he could feel tears coming into his eyes again.

“So what happened then?” queried Maddy calmly.

“Someone tried to kill me,” Drew felt the first tear roll down his face.

“Never mind,” said Maddy hugging him, but not taking on board what he'd said. “It doesn't matter now … What did you say?” she spluttered as the penny dropped.

“Someone in a four wheel drive ran me off the road into Radipole lake,” Drew was holding back on the full emotion, but the tears were now running freely.

“Deliberately?” asked Maddy.

“I think so.”

“Bloody hell, Gabs, have you told the police?”

“Not yet,” he said weakly, “No one got the number, and I can't prove anything.”

“What you mean, like it coulda been an accident?”

“Yeah.”

“But they didn't stop?”

“No. I think they drove off pretty fast, but I was in the lake by then.”

“Oh my, Gabs,” said Maddy, who was also crying by now, as they hugged. They stayed like this for several minutes until Carol appeared.

“You two alright?” she asked seeing the tear stained faces.

“Some horrible person tried to run Gaby down,” said Maddy.

“What? What happened?” said an astounded Carol, and she listened with growing anger as Drew told his tale. “I'm calling the police,” she said and left the room.

“C'mon girl, better get yourself dressed for the plod,” said Maddy, encouraging her cousin to rouse himself. “Did you wash your boobs after their swimming lesson?”

“No, I hadn't got round to it,” said Drew pulling on some knickers.

“No prob, I'll do it for you.” Maddy whisked them up and went to the bathroom. She was back two minutes later while Drew looked through his wardrobe to choose some clothes. “Hold still,” she said, and pushed them in place, they stuck.

“You put glue on them.”

“Yes; we got some in Bournemouth,” she smiled triumphantly.

“But I didn't want them stuck on again,” he pouted, on the verge of tears again.

“Oh, Gabs, you can't just have them shoved in a bra, someone will notice eventually.”

“But I didn't want….”

“C'mon girl, they're safer now. Here, put your bra on. Sit down and I'll tidy your hair.” Drew resigned himself to the easy option, pulled on the bra and relaxed as Maddy combed and brushed his hair. He enjoyed the sensation of her nimble fingers pulling and prodding about his head and neck. He could easily have slipped into sleep again he felt so relaxed. “There.” she said a few minutes later. It was in a relatively simple pony tail, but high up his head and very girly.

She showed him the new top she had bought for him, a pink vee necked, cap sleeved affair in a silky material. He nodded and she pulled it over his head.

“It feels nice,” he said.

“It ought to, it's silk,” replied Maddy.

“Like my nightie?”

“Yep.”

“Thanks, Mad.”

“You're welcome; how about the denim skirt with it?”

“Yeah, okay.” Drew did as he was told, pulled on the short skirt and a pair of sneakers.

Maddy frowned, “Your sandals would look better,” Drew said nothing, obeying like an automaton. “Make up," commanded Maddy, and he did it without any conscious thought or effort. “Where's your bag?”

“I don't know,” he thought for a moment, “There,” he pointed, and she retrieved the article from under the wet clothes.

“Have you tried your mobile?”

“Not since….” She handed it to him, he pushed a button and it lit up, he pushed another and her phone started to ring. “It's okay, I think.”

“Come on girls, they're expecting us in fifteen minutes, at the nick,” called Carol from downstairs.

Maddy handed Drew another bag, into which she had placed everything he would need, “You up for this?”

“I'll be okay,” he said smiling weakly.

She hugged him, “Gaby Bond, you are one tough cookie, and we all love you.” He sniffed a reply and then followed her down the stairs.

“We'll collect Harry on the way to Weymouth police HQ,” said Carol. She bustled them out of the door, “That top looks nice, Gaby, is it the one Maddy got today?”

“Yes Auntie Carol, why are we going to Weymouth, not Dorchester?”

“Because that's where they told me to take you. Thankfully it's slightly out of the centre of town, so parking won't be a problem,” she started up the car and they collected Harry as planned.

“How do you feel now? Have you got warm yet?” he asked the object of his affections.

“I'm okay, thanks. Thanks for your help earlier,” replied the wunderkind.

“What did Harry do?” asked Maddy.

“He only jumped in the lake to get my bike, after helping me out. Then he gave me a hug ‘cos I was upset," Drew blushed as he said this.

“So you got wet as well?” she said to Harry.

“A bit,” he said shrugging his shoulders.

“He got as wet as I did. We both got frozen,” added Drew.

“Do you think the car tried to hurt Gaby, I mean was it deliberate?” asked Carol.

“I can't say like, for certain, but it didn't look very accidental. The pavement is quite wide like to allow for a footpath and cycle way. If they just lost control for a moment, why didn't they like stop and help?”

“How come no one got the number?” piped in Maddy.

“It was like all over so quickly. They shot off as soon as Gaby like, went in the lake. A couple of other cars stopped like, but as we were unhurt; they didn't like hanging about.”

“Pity there were no police about,” added Maddy.

“Never are when you want them,” said Harry, “least that's what my dad always says.”

They chatted for a while and Carol announced they were at the police HQ. They got through the security entrance and were led to an interview room by PC Martin. He took full statements and Drew and Harry signed them. Carol and Maddy sat with them for moral support, but said nothing.

“Are you sure neither of you were hurt?” he asked. Both the junior crime fighters said they weren't hurt. “I suspect it was deliberate, but because we have no witnesses, we won't be able to prove it. The Meadows have a four b'four, which is similar to your description, but they'll have alibis, they always do.”

“It was the Meadows' house that Cheeseman visited,” said Harry, “Gaby followed him.”

“Gaby Bond, I thought I told you to be careful, these people are very nasty and can be dangerous.”

“I'm sorry,” said Drew looking at the floor.

“You followed him?”

“Yes, he went to the house we later discovered was owned by this nasty family.”

“How many times did you go past then?” asked PC Martin.

“Three altogether.”

“They have a hidden closed circuit TV camera. They would have noticed you. It probably was them, but we'll never make it stick.”

“What would we have to do, to make it stick?” said Drew, whose anger was now greater than his fear.

“I can see why your mum is a world champion,” said Martin, “No shortage of guts there.” He mused for a moment. “I don't think it's quite as easy as that.”

“Can't I knock on the door and ask why they tried to kill me?”

“They probably wouldn't open it. Remember, they'd see you coming.”

“I'd like to get my own back,” said Drew, “It frightened the life out of me, and we both got cold and wet.”

“It was designed to frighten you,” said Martin.

“So how do I tell them it didn't?”

“Look here, young lady, no one is doubting either your brains or your beauty, and they certainly aren't questioning your courage. But please leave it to us, or you are going to get hurt, and I'd hate to see that pretty face damaged. If you want to get your own back, win that race on Sunday. I'm going to try and watch some of it.”

“So I do nothing?”

“'Fraid so.”

Drew was seething, his shock had now gone, replaced by anger, but he held his tongue. “I can't promise to win, but if Cheeseman rides, then I shall do my best to beat him.”

“Again,” added Harry, and Drew nodded.

PC Martin smiled, “That's the best way to deal with toe-rags like him, beat him in front of as many people as you can.”

“Don't worry, PC Martin, I intend to.”

“I'm glad I don't ride a bike,” he said with a chuckle, “I wouldn't like to be beaten by a slip of a girl.”

They left the police HQ and as they went down the drive towards the football ground, Carol said, “Anyone want to go anywhere?”

“I wouldn't mind some lunch, Auntie Carol,” said Drew.

“What? It's nearly six o'clock, what about you Harry, have you eaten?”

“Yes, Mrs Peters, I had a sandwich when I got home.”

“I thought you were going to the pictures?” said Carol.

“Oh shit, we need to tell William,” said Harry. Drew offered his phone and Harry called his friend to explain the latest developments.

“If it's okay, he said he'd meet us at the multiplex, in an hour.”

“Do you feel up to it, Gaby?” asked Carol.

“I'll be alright, I ‘spect,” said Drew, dreading what might happen but not feeling like rebutting Harry who had been so good in his hour of need.

“So, if I give you some money, will you be able to get something to eat before the film starts? Harry, have you told your parents where you're going?”

Gaby handed the mobile again, and Harry told his mum where he was and what he'd be doing. “She says it's okay,” so Carol dropped them all off in Weymouth, where, they decided to go for a MacDonald's and then the film.

While waiting in the foyer at the multiplex, Gaby told Harry. “I'm grateful for your help this afternoon, but I'm only here to watch the film.”

Harry, with a look of wounded innocence, replied, “But of course you are. That's like all I'm here for too.” Maddy hearing this, had to look away or she would have burst out laughing.

It was true, when she went to the cinema with Drew, all he did was watch the film and perhaps put his arm around her, sometimes she would snuggle up to him, but mostly he had little or no idea. 'Maybe he isn't that interested. If his hormones aren't kicking in - he has no body hair and his voice hasn't broken – maybe he isn't interested yet. Could he be gay, or even; is Gaby his real self? Wow, poor kid, I'm glad I know who I am.'

William arrived soon after, and with big tubs of pop-corn and some drinks, they went in to see the film. William led the way with Harry bringing up the rear, the girls sitting in the middle. Drew nearly sat next to William, but decided the message it would give to Harry, would be too hurtful. Maddy noticed what was going through his mind and sniggered, until he gave her one of his looks. He had learned that lesson very well.

Drew allowed Harry to put his arm around him, noticing that William and Maddy were similarly positioned. But each time Harry leant forward as if to kiss Gaby; Drew shoved the tub of pop-corn in the way, asking, if he wanted some. Maddy observing; nearly wet herself. It was funnier than the film.

She decided to let William kiss her, just a peck. Then she sat and waited to see what would happen next to her. Harry leant forward again, and instead of the pop-corn was allowed a peck on the cheek. Maddy felt enormous power, but she would have to see how she felt about using it.

'If Drew is gay or really Gaby, then he might enjoy a good kiss and a cuddle with Harry. If he isn't then he probably won't allow it to happen. After all he hit Clive, when he tried it on. Would he hit Harry? I doubt it, he likes him too much. But if I have a quick snog with William, will Gaby follow suit? I wonder.'

She spent the next twenty minutes watching the film, with occasional glances at Gaby and Harry. Then; as she was in mid-gulp of her diet cola; Gaby turned and pecked Harry on the cheek. Maddy, began to choke and she coughed and spluttered.

She coughed for about two minutes, her eyes running and she felt very hot. Gaby and William were quite concerned for her, both patting her back as she struggled to stop coughing.

“You okay?” asked Gaby, when she actually managed to stop the spasm.

She nodded that she was, then, “Went down the wrong way.”

Gaby nodded that she understood; then snuggled back under Harry's arm, he pecked her on the cheek and she smiled at him. Maddy was mystified, just what was going on?

She sat back and William cuddled her again, she allowed him to kiss her on the lips. Then she sat back and watched. Harry pecked Gaby on the cheek again and just as he was going in for the kill, the film ended and the lights came on. He looked irritated. Gaby pecked him on the cheek again, and said, “Thanks for the pop-corn, I enjoyed it,” she had eaten practically the whole tub. Harry didn't actually like it that much, so had very little. Maddy and William had shared theirs much more evenly.

After the film, they walked towards where Carol had agreed to collect them, near the multi-storey car park. It was a little after nine and the sky was darkening, the boys had their arms around the girls in a protective manner. As they walked towards the waiting car, Cheeseman stepped out in front of them.

“I hear you had a swimming lesson, Barbie,” he sneered at them. However, what happened next surprised them. Harry, rushed forward and swung a tremendous right hand which caught the larger boy on the jaw. He followed it with a left in the same place. Blood dribbled from his mouth. Then Harry landed two body punches to his gut area, and Cheeseman limped off away from them, calling threats but he was retreating.

“Jeez Harry, that was amazing,” said William and high-fived him.

“I'm impressed,” chuckled Gaby, and pecked him on the cheek, as did Maddy.

“He's like asked for that for a long time,” said Harry, rubbing his knuckles. Gaby took his hand and ‘kissed them better'. Maddy's eyes nearly came out on stalks.

“Was that that horrible bully?” asked Carol, as they got to the car.

“Yes,” said William, “That's Cheeseman the toe-rag, as our friendly copper called him.”

“Did I see you hit him?” Carol asked Harry.

“'Fraid so,” beamed back Harry, “he like insulted Gaby, so I thought he like earned it.”

“Did he now? Well I hope you aren't going to start a career as a fighter?”

“No, Mrs Peters, but I enjoyed showing that I was no longer scared of him,” said Harry, still beaming.

“You be careful, my boy, next time he might start the hitting or be more aware of you fighting back. He's still much bigger than you, and has some very nasty friends.”

“Yes, Mrs Peters.”

They laughed and joked all the way back, but Carol was worried. Harry had won this time, and maybe it was a good way to deal with a bully. If Cheeseman was simply a bully, it probably would be a solution. But he wasn't, he was a budding criminal and drug dealer, mixing with some very dangerous types. It concerned her, and she hoped nothing further would develop.

As they got ready for bed, Maddy asked Drew, “You were very friendly in the cinema.”

“What d'you mean?”

“Kissing and cuddling with Harry,” said Maddy, twisting the screw.

“No I wasn't, and like you can talk, I saw you snogging William.”

“Who me?” said Maddy in a high squeak.

“Yes, you, fancy snogging someone in front of your boyfriend.”

“Which boyfriend is that then?” challenged Maddy, “ ‘cos the only other people I saw there were you and Harry, and you seemed to be getting it on with him quite nicely, thank you.”

“No I wasn't, I only like pecked him on the cheek a couple of times.”

“What about kissing his hand better after he punched Cheeseman?”

“I was worried he'd like, hurt himself,” said Drew, pouting.

“What defending your honour again?”

“Yeah, like, sort of.”

“Oh, Gabs, you make me laugh. You really are like, such a girl at times.”

“Well you said to, like, enjoy the experience,” said Drew, folding his arms and huffing.

“And you seem to be doing just that. Look at yourself now.”

“What d'you mean?” he pouted.

“You are just like a girl,” said Maddy, heading for game, set and match.

“Whatever I say and do is wrong,” declared Drew, tears starting to form.

“Oh, Gabs, I like, didn't mean it like that, come ‘ere,” Maddy enveloped her cousin in one of her bear hug specials, “It wasn't a criticism like, more of a compliment.”

“It felt like a criticism,” said Drew, the tears rolling down his cheeks.

“Oh, Gabs, it wasn't meant to be, I like, wanted to tell you how good you are at being a girl. Like a duck to water,” she hugged him some more. “You're the best girlfriend I could possibly have.”

'Gee thanks,' thought Drew. 'It does a lot for my confidence to be told as a boyfriend, that I'm her best girlfriend. How am I supposed to take that? Does she mean I don't feature as a boy anymore, does she mean she prefers me as a girl? Why does this keep happening to me? It isn't fair?' He said, however, “Thanks for the hug, I need to go to bed now.”

Maddy released him with a puzzled look on her face. He'd never escaped one of her hugs until she let him go. This was a new experience for both of them, and she didn't think she liked it. 'Was he going because he was really tired? Was this some form of rejection, and from who? Was it a response to what she had said? She felt very uncomfortable, had she provoked something she couldn't control? Oh dear.'