---

 

 

 

---

 
Chapter *1*
 

“So what's that stupid little sod of a brother done this time?” Jules enquired. Geez the daft bugger is forever getting in trouble, last time he ended up in hospital they thought he'd broken his neck. Knowing Drew it would be another major disaster today — and just when Boris was warming up to her charms!

“The ‘stupid little sod' ,“ Dave emphasised in a not altogether happy tone, “saved Bernie from drowning in the river this morning.”

“Bugger, is she, are they okay?”

“They'll live, now put Boris down and get home please.” Her father requested, “bye Boris.”

“Abend Herr Bond.” Boris replied before thinking.

Dave cut the call, he might not like it but his little princess was fast approaching seventeen and Boris wasn't a bad lad.

“Herr Bond?”

“Yes?”

“We're going to keep Bernie in overnight for observation but you can take the Wein Königin home as soon as the Doc has checked her again.” The nurse advised.

“How is Bernie? Is the baby okay?”

“Apart from the cold she is fine, as far as we can tell the baby is alright too, but that's why we will keep her ‘till tomorrow, to make sure.”

“Can I see her?”

“She's sedated at the moment, take Gaby home and come back later eh? We'll call you if there's any change ok?”

Dave had had better days, whenever there was a bad one it seemed to be his youngest child that was involved! Whilst Jules had her moments it was always Drew who got himself hospitalised or otherwise in a fix. The poor little sod just seemed to attract trouble of one sort or another.

“It was all my fault Dad.”

“It was an accident kiddo.” Dave tried to reassure his distraught offspring.

“But I hit her with the snow ball!”

“You can't live your life by ‘buts' or ‘what if's', sometimes things happen that you might think are your fault but we'd all go mad double quick if we tried to take responsibility for every little mishap.”

“Little! Bern nearly drowned Dad!”

“Okay, maybe that wasn't the right word to use but you know what I mean.”

“But...”

“But nothing, lets get you indoors.

They were hardly in the door before the phone rang.

“Finally! Where've you been Gabs, you were supposed to be working this afternoon and your phones been off.” Connie got out without drawing breath.

“Sorry.”

“Sorry she says, okay, spill, what've you been up to? We were worried.”

“At the hospital, Bern had a kinda accident.” I allowed.

“Go on, what's she broken?”

“Nothing, she nearly drowned.”

“Drowned? how? Where?”

“We were having a Schneeballschlacht by the river and Bern fell in.”

“Gott! Is she okay?”

“Well duh, she nearly drowned, ‘course she's not okay!”

I hadn't meant to snap but like why do people ask such stupid questions?

“Drew you still there?”

“Yeah.”

“Well you didn't say anything for like ten minutes, look I'll be round in ten minutes.”

“Whatever.”

“Tschuss!”

“So she is home tomorrow?”

“That's what they told Dad.”

“Well that's good news no?” Connie was trying to be up beat.

“She'd be home now if it wasn't for me.” [Sniff]

“If it wasn't for you she might well be tot!”

I sniffled some more and Con pulled me into a hug.

“Look, she's okay due to you, she'll be home tomorrow and I'm sure she doesn't blame you so stop beating on yourself.”

“Uh huh.” [Sniff]

Dave stood at the bottom of the eyrie stairs listening in on the teens conversation, it wasn't something he, or Jen did often but he felt justified given Drew's current state of self blame. There might yet be further repercussions but for now it seems that Connie's intervention had calmed the lad down, for now at least.

“Here we go kiddo.” Dad announced as he carefully placed a steaming bowl in front of his son.

“What's this?”

“What's it look like?”

“Rice pud?”

“Got it in one.”

“But Mum's not here.” Mum is the rice pud meisterin!

“Other people can make it you know.” Jules mentioned from the kitchen.

“So…”

“Okay I admit it, it was me.” Goth girl admitted.

“Instead of the Spanish Inquisition just get on and eat it.” Dad suggested.

To be truthful I didn't need prompting, if there's one thing I like a lot its rice pud! The tinned stuff back home is okay at a pinch but give me a steaming bowl of home made Milchreis and I'm in heaven! After one spoonful it was clear that Jules has the rice pud gene too, or maybe its just Mum's recipe, not too ‘wet', just a sprinkle of nutmeg and a good thick skin on top. Mmmm!

“So?” Jules enquired sitting down with her own bowl.

“I'd say by the look on your brothers face it passes muster.” Dad offered scooping a spoonful of his own portion.

“S'good.” I mumbled through another piping hot spoon load.

“Yeah she's okay Cheryl, bit shaken up by it all of course.”

“I should come out.”

“There's really no need but you're quite welcome to stay, you know that. Sleep on it Cheryl and let us know tomorrow, I'm going down to fetch her about ten.”

“Thanks Dave, I'm sorry she's so much trouble.”

“She isn't, it was an accident, kids have them.”

“You're right of course, but with all that's been going on…”

“Like I said, its no problem. Any news on the er other stuff?”

“The Father?”

“Uh huh.”

“Well apparently the police have enough evidence to make a case, intercourse with a minor, statutory rape and some other stuff to do with the drugs.”

“Looks like someone's gonna be sewing mail bags.”

“I hope so, when I think what he's done to my daughter!”

“When's he in court? I suppose they'll want Bernie to give evidence?”

“Only if he contests the charges apparently, he's pretty much admitted everything reading between the lines. I think it's about three weeks until he's in court.”

“Is there a date for Bernie yet?”

“We had a provisional of May the fifth but it's all a bit up in the air, we won't know for sure until after Easter.”

“Well let us know as soon as you can.”

“Of course, as soon as its confirmed Dave.”

“Well I'd best get off this phone, Jen's due to call anytime.”

“Oh sorry, I was so wrapped up in my woes I didn't realise the time.”

“Honestly it's not a problem Cheryl, we'll give you a call in the morning.”

“Thanks for looking after my girl Dave.”

“Bye for now.”

“Night Dave, oh and give Bernie a hug from me and her dad.”

“Will do, night Cheryl.”

‘Well that went well.' Dave mused after he put the phone down, ‘at least I didn't get the third degree!'

The phone chirped to life again.

“Bond residence.”

“Finally, you been on with the Pope or something Dave?”

“I love you too!”

“I'd like to but I'm a bit far off, so who was on the blower?”

“Cheryl Rose, we've had a bit of an incident.”

“What sort of incident? Do you need me?”

“Its all under control Jen.”

“Do I have to drag it out of you Dave Bond?”

“Okay, I was coming to it.”

“I presume it involves Bernie if you were on with Cheryl?”

“Okay Holmes, the kids were down in Ahrweiler this morning, larking about in the snow and Bernie slipped and fell in the river.”

“She's okay right?”

“Thanks to Drew, he pulled her out and got the medics.”

“Quite the action man eh?”

“Yeah, they're keeping her in overnight for observation.”

“There's more Dave Bond, I can tell with your tone. The baby?”

“The baby seems fine, no it's Drew, he's having a major guilt trip, blaming himself for the whole incident.”

“You want me to come home?”

“We're sort of under control and you're back on Thursday anyhow, a day or two won't make much difference anyway Jules made a rice pud and you know how that affects him.”

“He takes after you on that score.”

“Guilty as charged! So how's the race going?”

“Abysmal, we had fifteen punctures between us today so we're well down the GC. On the other hand the weather's flippin gorgeous.”

“Don't rub it in, it's still white over here.”

“Brrrr! Makes me shiver just thinking about it, what happened to that mild weather they promised for Easter?”

“You're bringing it back from Spain?”

“If there's room in my bags! Have to get off or George'll be after me, give Drew a hug from his Mum.”

“Will do, night love.”

“Night Dave.”

 

---

 
Maddy Bell 3.04.09  © 2009
 
 
To Be Continued...

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---

 
Chapter *2*
 

“You feeling better squib?”

“I guess so.”

To my surprise I did have a pretty good nights sleep. Having slept on things I was now being a bit more rational than I was yesterday. That's not to say my guilty feelings have gone but in the cold light of a new day I can see that even if my snowball was a contributory factor it was an accident. With that seed sown I can at least start to get my head in some kind of order.

“You coming to fetch Bernie with me?” Dad enquired.

I know what I should do but my mouth said something else.

“I need to go out for a ride, I missed training yesterday.”

“You could go later?” Dad suggested.

“I wanna get out while its dry.”

It even sounded cold to me and I'm sure Dad flinched a bit.

“Okay then, but I'm sure Bernie would like to see you.”

“I'll see her later.”

I finished my breakfast and did an express change into my bike kit. Dry it might be but it was still cold and there was still a good coating of white stuff on the fields and vineyards. I managed to avoid Dad on the way to the garage and I slipped away from the house without a backwards glance.

Dave watched as Drew pedalled away from the house with mixed feelings. The lad's reaction to yesterday's episode was perhaps a bit extreme but this morning's apparently cold front was almost polar in his change. It was worrying but what should, what could he do about it?

It was cold sat on the wall; he'd watched Dad's Saab drive into the car park nearly forty-five minutes ago that meant he'd been perched here for over an hour. He'd only got as far as Lech before turning round and heading back down the cycle track to Ahrweiler and then to the hospital. Why he was sat here he couldn't say, it certainly wasn't comfortable — or warm but he had felt drawn here nevertheless.

Was that Dad? It looked a bit like Dad but having missed him going in Drew wasn't sure what Dad was wearing jacket wise. Once again he contemplated his feet which considering he could now barely feel them seemed a little weird. A car door slamming brought his attention back to the hospital entrance, yes it was Dad earlier - unless someone had nicked their car and come to the hospital in it!

He watched as Dad went inside the lobby then returned with Bernie to the car, he wasn't sure but he thought his Dad had looked over to where he was trying to merge into the wall. Moments later the Saab set off and was quickly lost from view.

“Good ride?” Bern asked as he slipped into the kitchen.

“S'okay I guess.”

“Cuppa?”

“Please.”

“You look frozen.”

“Its not the warmest day of the year.”

Bern busied herself with the kettle.

“Bern?”

“Yeah?”

“Lookiknowitwasmyfaultijustwannasayi'msorryandidon'tknowhowyoucaneverforgiveme.”

Bern was on him in a moment.

“It wasn't your fault, I shoulda been more careful and anyway you pulled me out so we'd be quits anyhow.”

“But?”

“But nothing, quits!”

The two teens hugged, Drew in relief that Bern was okay and Bern out of joy that Drew was in her life, Drew who never judged, never questioned and had more than enough of his own issues to cope with.

“When you two have finished swapping spit, I wouldn't mind that cuppa.” Dad interrupted.

“Eww! Dad!” I didn't let go of Bern though.

“Sorry Herr Bond, it's just mashing.”

“I'll be down in the workshop sorting someone's bike out.”

“Okay, I'll bring it down.” I offered.

“And Drew.”

“Yeah?”

“Get a shower, I'm sure Bern doesn't want to smell your sweaty body all day.”

Talk about embarrassing parents!

“Da-aad!”

“I was just saying.” and with that he disappeared downstairs.

‘Well that's an improvement.' Dave mused as he put Drew's winter bike into the work stand. ‘Drew's reaction to the incident has been a worry; hopefully Bernie herself will break his fug. We'll still have to keep an eye on him, maybe this weekends racing will snap him out of it.'

“So are you going to work this afternoon?” Bern enquired.

“I did sort of say I would, I'll cancel if you want?”

“Don't be daft, I got wet and cold, I'm dry and warm thanks to you, I intend to come with you.”

“I suppose I'd best get ready then.”

“I'll ring Connie.”

“So when's the competition?” Nena asked.

“Four weeks I think.” Pia offered.

“What competition?”

The girls turned as one to find Bernie and Drew entering Thesing's.

“BERNIE!”

The poor girl was mobbed by her German classmates and quickly installed her at ‘their' table.

“I'll just go get changed.” Drew sighed.

The slight figure slipped unseen up to the flat above.

“What's the competition, you were talking about it when me an' Gabs got here.” Bern enquired after a grilling from the girls.

“Pia and Ingrid have a dance competition in a few weeks.” Steff advised.

“What kinda dancing?”

“We're in the Ahr All Star Guard, you know Gardtanz.” Pia beamed proudly.

Bern's look conveyed her lack of knowledge.

“Its kind of like cheering and line dancing mixed together.” Brid offered by way of explanation.

“Not exactly.” Pia pouted.

“Hey Gab's!” Bern called to her friend as he reappeared dressed in his work togs.

“Wassup?”

“You ought to join Pia's Guard dance group.”

“For why?”

“Well you enjoyed being in the Foresters.”

“And?”

“Well it's the same sort of thing.”

Drew rolled his eyes. He'd seen the All Stars in action a couple of times and he really didn't get it. Okay it was a bit like cheerleading but what's with the quasi military uniforms and arm linking stuff? He just didn't get it.

“Anyone want anything?” he enquired.

“There any Pflaumkuchen left?” Bern enquired.

“Think so, anyone else?”

“Coffee please Gab.” Steff requested.

“Me too.” Nena added.

“Me three.” Anna went on.

Geez this lot could be so predictable.

“We're back!” Drew called out as they entered the kitchen of Schloss Bond.

“Lounge.” Dave replied.

The teens lost their shoes and coats then headed through into the inner sanctum.

“Wasn't expecting you back yet.”

“Herr Thesing dropped us off.” Drew mentioned.

“That explains how you're dressed.” Dave gave his offspring a look of appraisal.

“Yeah.” Drew sighed.

“I think she looks really professional.” Bern put in.

“The Polizei were here earlier.”

“Oh?” Bond junior replied uncertainly.

“Seems you pair left some stuff in Ahrweiler after your swim.”

“We did?” Drew was still pretty clueless.

“My bag?” Bern enquired hopefully.

Dad theatrically produced not just Bern's rucky but the bag with her shopping too.

“Kewl! Thanks Mr Bond.” She delved in to locate her purchases.

“Don't thank me, it was the Polizei found them.”

“They find mine?” Drew enquired.

“In your room squib.”

“You coming to Frankfurt Friday Bernie or do you want to stay with Jules?”

“Dunno, it's the dance Thursday night.”

“I have to race.” I pointed out.

Talk about a busy schedule, the Ostertanz on Thursday, then it's the Frankfurt GP on Friday, Mum'll be riding with the girls in the ladies version. Saturday's free but on Sunday it's the Brohltal festival, a double whammy for me as I have to go as Weinkönigin in the parade and I get to ride the crits afterwards! Monday is a track meet at Köln, I'm entered in a couple of events and Mum'll be riding there too. Phew!

“Alright then.” Bern allowed.

“We'll take the team bus then, Roni's coming down with her mum on the train.”

 

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Maddy Bell 29.05.09  © 2009
 
 
To Be Continued...

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Chapter *3*
 

“So?”

“So what?”

“Geez Drew,” Bern let out an exasperated sigh, “what are you wearing tomorrow night?”

“What's it matter?”

“Of course it matters, I don't want to clash.”

Oh yeah, the whole co-ordinating outfits thing.

“I dunno, I think it's supposed to be semi formal.”

“Well I know that, the girls filled me in on that, you must have some idea on colour and style though.”

“Bern, remember who I am, clueless in Dernau? How the heck should I know what to wear?”

“You can be a snappy dresser.” She pointed out.

“Not that I'm exactly a fan of dresses but the stuff I kinda like could hardly be described as formal attire.”

Bernie had to admit the truth in that, whilst her friend certainly had a certain flair for often slightly kooky fashion, formal it wasn't.

“So what've you got, we'd best look before we go to get me kitted out.”

“What about this?”

“I wore that at Chrimbo and its too formal.”

“This?”

“Valentines.”

Bern sighed.

“Well as I see it you can either give something a second airing or buy another frock.”

“I am not buying more dresses.”

“Well it's recycle time then, shitza! We're supposed to get the bus up to Anna's in ten minutes.”

That effectively halted the conversation as we both swarmed downstairs to heads for the noon bus that luckily passes our front door. We made it to the stop with the bus fast approaching and clambered on board a bit out of breath.

The ride up the hill to Anna's village wasn't a great deal quicker than if we'd been on bikes, the asthmatic old MAN was a plucky but not exactly adept hill climber. We'd decided to use public transport as we were expecting to have Bern's dance outfit with us on the return trip and well we'd at least be dry on the return trip.

“Hi guys.” Anna greeted us.

“Hiya.” I allowed.

“Hi Anna, thanks for this.” Bern told our host.

“No problem, what are friends for? Lets sort your dress out first then we can get some coffee and cake.”

“Now you're talking!” I grinned, “I can wait down here.”

“Oh no you don't Gaby Bond.” Anna shoved me up the stairs.

“But you'll be undressing an' stuff Bern.” I appealed to my houseguest.

“Well its not like I have anything you don't is it?”

I was girl handled into Anna's inner sanctum and plonked on her makeup stool.

“So what are you wearing Gab's?”

“We've just been having this conversation at ours,” Bern supplied, “everything's too formal or been out too recently.”

“Ooo-kay.” Anna tapped her teeth in thought. “So we need something for our Königin as well.”

She dived into her closet and started shuffling hangers.

“What are you wearing Anna?” Bern enquired.

“That's a surprise, try this Bernie.” She thrust a hanger towards the pregnant one.

Much to my embarrassment Bern just dropped her jeans to the floor and pulled her top off without a thought. The dress was a high-waisted affair, gathered under the bust in what I recognized as Regency style.

“Kewl, you can't see my bump at all, I'll take it!”

“Great, that was my best shot.” Anna admitted, “lets see if we can find something for Gabs.”

That's the quickest I've ever seen Bern decide on an outfit.

“No, hmm maybe, ah now this!”

Anna triumphantly withdrew a hanger from the closet.

“Oh my god,” Bern agreed, “lets get you into this Gabs, its perfect!”

Perfect for what?

“Don't you think it's a bit er frilly?”

“It wouldn't suit me,” Bern allowed, “but with your figure.”

“Come on Gabs, lose the bustenhalter too.” Anna cajoled.

“You what?” I exclaimed.

“It's got built in cups, it won't fit over your bra.” She explained.

Oh joy. Not that I've got a lot of choice in this. Reluctantly I stepped out of my own jeans before removing my T and releasing my booblets.

“Oh come on Gabs, stop hiding your assets and get this on.” Anna encouraged as she pulled the frothy confection up my legs.

With more than a little reservation I released my appendages.

“Oh mein Gott! They are perfect!” Anna exclaimed.

So okay they don't droop, which is good I suppose — if you are a girl, but perfect — hardly.

“Stop gawping, it's cold!” my nipples were quickly showing their agreement.

“Er soz Gabs.” Anna pulled the ‘dress' up and I slipped my arms through the shoulder straps.

“Oh boy, you have so got to wear that.” Bernie stated as Anna made some adjustments to the bodice.

“You sure its not too much?” I asked for the umpteenth time.

“How many more times, its perfect.” Bern stated once again.

Anna insisted it was ‘the one' and even called Gloria up for her opinion, I never stood a chance really. Its not that I hated it myself, just not on me, the bodice was tight and designed to emphasise the wearers assets and the floaty skirts screamed Disney ® princess. It could have been nauseatingly tacky but the off white somehow suited it well and I must admit from what I could see in Anna's mirror, I looked a bit of a Fox — not that I wanted to of course, I'd rather not be going to the flippin' toe crusher.

“I'm not wearing heels.”

“We discussed that already, you need them so the skirt isn't dragging the floor.”

“Its not you wearing them” I pouted.

“I have a valid excuse.” She mentioned rubbing her tum.

“So do I, I'm a boy!” I shrilled through gritted teeth.

“Not good enough, and from where I'm sat you look like a regular Lolita.”

“Oh cheers, just what I wanted to hear.”

“Well you must admit boys with chest's like yours aren't exactly two a penny.”

Maybe if they were I wouldn't feel like such a freak.

Once we were back at Chez Bond I made my excuses and took refuge in my eyrie. Flippin' girls, flippin' dresses. I found the latest MAZ (Modell Auto Zeitung) and took refuge in the world of miniature automobilia. I think I've mentioned it before but here in Germany this stuff and by extension railways and dioramas are taken a lot more seriously than back home in the UK. It didn't take me long to forget by dress woes and become engrossed in how convert the latest Herpa MKI Ford Escort saloon into a passable estate version — with the help of an Opel Kadett, some filler and a bit of imagination.

“Drew? What are you doing up there?” Mum's voice enquired.

“Reading, why?”

“My room pronto, I need to see this dress you've borrowed, if I need to make any adjustments I'd prefer not to be doing it tomorrow evening.”

“But Mum.”

“No arguments, it won't take long.”

Its easier to give in when she's in one of these moods so with ill will I grabbed the hanger with Anna's dress off the wardrobe door and descended to the ‘rents bed chamber on the floor below.

“Come on kiddo, show some initiative for a change, put it on.”

“Muu-um!”

She gave me such a withering look that I swallowed the rest of my complaint and started changing into the hateful garment.

“Hmm, bit more décolletage than I'd like but I guess you are fifteen.”

“What's that got to do with anything?”

“You get more leeway on stuff like this. Put these on.” She instructed handing me a pair of shoes with I reckon 8cm heels.

“Do I have to?”

“Yes we do, no daughter of mine is going out looking like their mother is Loretta Slob.”

“But…”

“I'm running out of patience Gaby.” She warned.

In the end there wasn't anything to do except to put a couple of stitches in the hem.

“The colour is fading on your eyelids.” Mum noted as she did a dry run on tomorrows makeup.

“Not before time, I feel like a right freak with it on all the time.”

“Hmm, best not let your Dad see you in this until tomorrow, he'll throw a hairy fit.”

“What's wrong with it?” I asked hoping to score a reprieve.

“Nothing's wrong with it, it just makes you look older and Dad's are never keen to see their daughters grow up.”

“But I'm his son.” I pointed out.

“Not from where I'm stood kiddo.”

Well I have to admit that dressed up like this there's about a one in several million chance that I'd get ‘mistaken' for the male of the species. Terrific.

“Get yourself out of that lot then, we don't want you spilling your dinner down it, or for your father to see it.”

“Yes Mum.” I sighed.

 

---

 
Maddy Bell 03.06.09  © 2009
 
 
To Be Continued...

---

 

 

 

---

 
Chapter *4*
 

“Wow Bernie, you look great.” Jules stated.

“Just wait until you see himself.”

“Talking of which, where is she?”

“‘She' is here.” I mentioned joining the girls in the lounge.

“Blimey Gabs, you got a licence for that?”

I poked my tongue out at her, “you not coming?”

“Oops, I'd best get changed hadn't I?”

“Might be an idea.” I agreed.

She scuttled off upstairs; I plonked myself onto a chair.

“You'll be fighting them off in that.” Bern suggested.

“Don't I know it, I'm not all that keen on all this being on display.” I motioned to my chest.

“Well at least you know where all the lads and a few girls will be looking!”

“Joy.” I sighed. Not only do I get to dress like a high-class tart I have to put up with an attentive audience too.

“Oh come on Gabs, it's gonna be fun and you look great.”

“If you say so, I still think a pair of flats woulda been better than these flippin' heels.”

What was more annoying than the damn frock was the fact that half the day has been wiped out getting ready. Mum paid for Bern and me to get our hair done at the village salon — that took nearly two hours! Then it was the bath and paint series — oh and joy, Bern did my nails, fingers and toes in a kinda pale cerise. By the time I got down to the living room preparations had taken five hours, five hours I ask you.

“There you are girls, where's Jules?” Mum enquired joining us.

“Putting her dress on.” Bern supplied.

“Okay, you two ready?”

“As I'll ever be.” I eyed up Mums simple but elegant dress — she wasn't showing her assets to the world.

“Your Dad'll be here in about five minutes so make sure you've got everything, what underwear are you wearing Gab?”

Parents!

“Mum!”

“Well?”

“Those lacy ones I got for my birthday.”

I told you about my birthday presents didn't I? Someone thought I should have some ‘sexy' underwear, I guess they do look kinda nice, and they go with the dress but comfortable they are not!

‘Beep, beeeep!'

“That's your Dad, where's that sister of yours? Jules!” Mum bellowed up the stairs.

I wish someone had've gotten a photo of Dad's face when he saw what I was wearing — or not wearing if you get my drift. His eyes were on stalks and he was lost for words.

“Come on you lot, we're running late.” He eventually managed.

“Soz.” Jules offered.

Dad had been to swap the Saab for the team bus, not so elegant to arrive in but at least we each got a seat — and we need it tomorrow anyhow. We climbed on board and set off for the evening's torture session.

“…Und diese ersten Tanz ist die Weinkönigin Gaby Bond mit Maximillian von Strechau.” The MC enthused.

I never saw this one coming. As Max's dad, as the local ‘royalty', was sponsoring the festivities, the local ‘princess', me got the ‘honour' of the first dance with his offspring. Max, the letch, was grinning like a flippin Cheshire cat as he led me out onto the dance floor. I coulda swung for him.

To be fair he's a better dancer than me, at least with this formal stuff, I only trod on his toes twice! The rest of the evening wasn't too bad, I got to hand out the prizes for the Easter egg hunt, Bern and Jules spent a lot of time with their respective BF's and I got to pose with half the flippin' Ahr valley. By ten o'clock my smile was wearing out, my feet were killing me and my lacy knickers were doing a number on my nether regions.

“Enjoy yourselves girls?” Mum asked as we headed home.

“Brill!” Bern enthused.

“It coulda been worse.” I wearily agreed.

Well it could, I felt a bit overdressed to be honest, all the others were wearing less um, conspicuous outfits. Don't get me wrong, they were putting on the glitz sure enough but in contrast to my get up Steff's party dress and Pia's LBD looked pretty ordinary. As Weinkönigin it was sort of appropriate that I stood out but maybe this outfit was over egging things.

“Come on Drew, we're supposed to be picking Roni up in twenty minutes.” Dad admonished.

“I know, I couldn't find my race shoes.”

“You got them now?”

“Yeah, they were in my wardrobe.”

“Well get your bag in the back then.”

I stowed my kit bag and joined Mum and Bernie inside.

“Okay kiddo?” Mum asked.

“Yeah, my feet are a bit sore still.”

Dad climbed on board and we were soon heading down the valley towards Remagen. The traffic was thankfully pretty light and we got to the railway station only about five minutes late.

“Heya Drew.”

“Hi Ron, looks like the weather's gonna be okay.”

“Better than last week anyhow!”

“Yeah I've had more than enough snow this week.”

With Bern's assistance I brought Roni up to date with stuff.

“So what's with the nails?” Roni asked as joined the Frankfurt autobahn.

“Nails?” I looked at my hands, “shitza!”

“Pretty colour by the way.” She noted.

“It was for the dance last night.” Bern told her.

“Fancy dress.” I slipped in.

“Drew went as a girl.”

Cheers Bern.

“As a girl eh? I guess those boys thought you were a Mädchen last week.”

“Anyone got any remover?” I enquired.

“Why would we bring acetone with us?”

Looked at like that, why would they? Bum! At least I'd remembered to take out my earrings.

The weather certainly was looking better, a bit of blue sky was peeking between the clouds as we headed south, maybe we won't need the wet gear today after all.

It wasn't a long drive to Frankfurt, well to the GP headquarters in Heddernheim in the northern suburbs and we pulled up behind the senior team bus a little after ten.

“Morning everyone.” George beamed through the side door.

“Mornin' Boss.”

“Güten tag Herr Müller .”

“Briefing in five minutes Jen, let Kat know what you want for lunch.”

“On my way Boss, have a good ride you two.” Mum was already retrieving her kit bag from the back.

“And you Mum.”

“Thanks Frau Bond.”

“Dave, girls, I've spoken to Guido from Paulaner , they'll give you what support they can and vis a vis, unless of course you are attacking one of their moves! Good job last week by the way, Dave's told me all about the kalt und schnee — lets hope the weather's more clement today. Well good luck, I'll see you later, a moment please Dave.”

George and Dad walked out of earshot and continued their conversation.

“Does he ever stop talking?” Bern enquired.

“Only long enough to eat.” I snorted.

A short way off the senior team were busy signing programmes and so on for the local Tifosi, Team Apollinaris are popular, successful and seem to appeal to a wide fan base.

“Right you two, Paulaner are doing your service, we're doing the feed for both teams, you got your runners Angela?” Dad grinned.

“Never go anywhere without them.”

“Can you give me a hand with setting up Bernie while this pair sign on.”

“Sure.”

“Good luck you two.” Dad offered as we headed for the start area.

“Thanks Dad.”

The senior event was already on the road, we would follow the same route for about forty K before the seniors took a long loop while we cut the corner hopefully to finish about thirty minutes before Mums event. I didn't rate our chances really, with just me and Roni we'd be outgunned by pretty much all the other teams in numbers if not in talent. The Paulaner riders might help but we couldn't bank on their support if push comes to shove. We can only do our best.

“Von Team Apollinaris, Veronike Grönberg und Drew Bond.” We waved to the crowd as we were called to the start.

“…Von Radsport Maine Spessart…” the MC droned on through the start list until we were all assembled behind the start line.

“Glück Drew.”

“Und Sie.”

‘CRACK!'

The starters gun sent a few pigeons skyward and our race started.

If you don't know the area Frankfurt sits on the southern edge of the Taunus ‘mountains' which form an impressive backdrop to the city. We had the luck to start at the bottom of the scarp and our race got under way with a long climb to the top.

The two of us stuck fairly close to each other and the blue checker strip of the Paulaner lads. The pace started pretty slow, no one wanted to spend precious energy working too hard this early on. After twenty minutes we turned onto a wide well surfaced road that climbed with more enthusiasm through Kronberg. The peleton was pretty much together as we started upwards but a phalanx of mostly local riders started to mix it up and instead of the pace dropping it actually went up!

By the time we reached the top of the town the elastic was certainly stretching and although we were both okay we were still almost fifty metres off the pace.

 

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Maddy Bell 05.06.09  © 2009
 
 
To Be Continued...

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Chapter *5*
 

The race popped out of the trees like a cork onto the road that runs along the top of the Taunus scarp.

“Flippin' eck, who lit their fuse?” I puffed.

“Hope there's not too much of that today.” Roni agreed.

By the time we passed the Opel Zoo things had come together a bit so that we found ourselves in a thirty or so strong group. We rolled along to Königstein before our first real respite from climbing — a fast descent then a short up before a slightly longer descent to Eppstein. No one seemed too interested in making a move and we swung onto the town cobbles as one group.

Cobbles, who the heck decided to fill every flippin town and village in the country with the ruddy things? We jounced our way through the stadt mitte, Roni got herself on the smooth bit in the gutter and I slotted onto it behind her. By the time we hit tarmac again we had made our way almost to the front of the group. The weather was, whilst not blue skies and sunshine, at least dry and reasonably bright.

Surely someone would do something now, we're an hour in, the feed is only ten kilometres away, the big climb of the day follows only a few k's further on too. We have a plan of course; Dad never lets anything go to chance.

“You think?” I enquired pulling alongside my teammate.

She shrugged, “may as well.”

“I'll talk to the Bavarians.”

“Ok, I'll be watching.”

I slipped back again and nonchalantly positioned myself alongside the hulking figure of the Paulaner team leader.

“Hi”

“Tag.”

“You guys planning anything?” I enquired soto voce.

“Not till the climb.”

“You mind if we do? Maybe do a bit of blocking?”

He looked down at me, well I guess he stands over two metres off the bike, you could almost see the cogs whirring.

“The Direktor said to give you girls a hand if you asked.” He allowed.

“Kewl, about a kilometre there's a village, as we go in.”

“I'll spread the word, we'll still go on the climb.”

“No probs, just want to be at the front at the feed.” I shrugged.

“Okay we'll keep them off you ladies wheels.”

“Thanks.” I gave him a wink.

He peeled off to tell his teammates and I let the bus pull me up opposite Roni.

“Ron.”

She spotted me and I gave her the ok sign before we once again were separated as the lazy peleton rotated.

I spotted the village ahead, the road jounced towards it before rising slightly into the houses. Missing a turn at the front was easy, a quick swig of energy drink and a check of the gears and the boundary sign was in sight. A quick look around confirmed where everyone was, friend and foe.

“Links!”

“Rechts!”

The shouts went up as I cleared the front of the group, I already had plenty of momentum and I easily pulled away from the confusion at the front of the bunch. The second shout meant Roni had launched too, now we just had to hope the Bavarians kept to the bargain.

I hit the cobbles and headed for that smooth strip which allowed unhindered forward progress. Behind I could hear cursing and the sound of machines rattling over the uneven surface. The road climbed through the village, not steeply but just enough to notice, there was certainly no easy option. A few locals clapped and cheered as I seemingly slogged onwards then I could see tarmac ahead and I cheered up.

The transition to tarmac was like going deaf; suddenly the shaking was over as well as all the noise, I was aware that there was another rider close behind, hopefully Roni. The Bond rule is don't look back so I couldn't confirm my companions identity yet. I ploughed along at full tilt only easing slightly after we made the right turn towards the feed. My fellow breakaway came alongside, phew its Roni.

“Okay?” I puffed.

“So far.”

“Chasers?”

“The Bavarians blocked the gutters.”

Enough said, “not far to the feed then big effort over the climb, like last week.”

“If you say so.”

We fell into a smooth rotation and lifted our speed to forty — at least for the next kilometre. We seemed to reach the feed zone really quickly.

“Allez ‘naris!”

There was a bit more cheering from bystanders then I spotted Dad standing in the road with a mussette in each outstretched arm. We separated slightly so we could pass either side to do the transfer.

“Thirty, well done.” Dad advised as we took our food.

“Go on Drewbie!”

“Dig in Roni!”

The rest of our support team cheered us on as we did a quick bag swap (we got the wrong ones,) then hit the gas once again. The feed would slow the bunch down much more than us so attacking now would be a double whammy. We timetrialled towards the Feldberg which was now looming ahead of us, a two hundred metre plus climb.

Our temporary truce with the Paulaner riders would soon be over so we didn't dare let up for the next couple of k's and the right turn onto the main road.

“Gluh!”

“Okay?”

“I'll do.” Ron panted.

“The climb starts proper after that turn ahead.”

“Oh joy.” She sighed as she transferred her rations from bag to jersey.

I rammed a handful of raisins in't gob as I did a similar exercise, emptying the cotton bag so it too could be stowed. We reached the left turn and I risked a glance back down the road, our lead wasn't huge, maybe 500 metres, hopefully the twisty climb would extend our advantage. The road surface was crap, which is never good when you are climbing, but we rode comfortably side-by-side, a few metres out of the saddle then back to a more relaxed position until the next steep section.

Another right turn put us onto the final ascent where Ron's elastic almost snapped; we crossed the line about five metres apart.

“Right on,” I enthused, “time to rock ‘n' roll!”

We both clicked up the gears and started the long and twisty descent. It's a good job the road was on a rolling closure as we were able to make full use of the tarmac on the never-ending run of bends. According to my computer we had about thirty kilometres to the finish and no more serious climbing, maybe we could do this.

“BANG!”

“Sugar.” I fought for control and managed to force the bike out of the corner still upright, I can tell you a sixty-kph puncture is scary, in the front tyre on a bend, well I'll definitely need to wash my shorts!

“Keep going.” I yelled to Roni who was braking fifty metres ahead.

She waved and set off anew.

The neutral service was with me by the time I was off the bike but by the time the replacement was in place, maybe thirty seconds, about three riders flashed through. Bum!

I pushed off again and started the chase.

It took a fair distance to get back up to full speed but with the advantage of choosing my own line I had gained on the pursuivants enough to bring them into sight by the time we reached the bottom. A glance under my arm revealed the neutral service wasn't far behind so at least we still had over thirty seconds on any other chasers.

It's not a role I find myself in often but now it's my turn to provide team support. I buried myself over the next kilometre to join the chasers, two lads in Main Spessart strip and one of the Paulaner lot. Good, that means Roni is still loose ahead of us.

I sat at the back for a couple of rotations catching my breath before taking a turn. Once at the front I could see the lights of the lead car but not Roni, where the heck is she?

“Nice riding girl.”

“Huh?” my musing was interrupted by the blue clad rider, “sorry?”

“I said nice riding, that was a tough climb.”

“Yeah.” I agreed.

“Cover for each other?”

We did sort of have an agreement, “I guess.”

“The lead car likes keeping a distance.” He noted, “I'm Eric by the way.”

“Drew, yeah I guess.” They don't know about Roni.

The four of us kept up a steady thirty five or so on the long drag around the top of the circuit, hardly making any inroads into the gap between the flashing lights and ourselves. We swung right past signs for some Roman fort thing, Saalburg, I'll have to remember that for Dad, the road here is wide and rolling and we soon passed the Bad Homburg sign.

I was a little worried now, I hadn't seen Roni since my puncture, I was only guessing that she was up with the lead car. I kept schtum though, no point in alerting the others even to the possibility of someone in front, we seemed pretty secure, the neutral service was still with us so barring a major incident some of us would podium.

One of the Spessart lads finally spotted Roni as we passed the five to go board.

“Shitza, there's someone behind the leiterwagen.”

“You sure?” his mate queried.

“See there, in the edge.”

I strained to look myself, yep definitely a rider who by default must be Roni. I grinned to myself, we still have a chance.

There was a snicking of gears and the ‘locals' took off with Eric and myself in close pursuit. Things settled down quickly, no one really had much pace to commit to a chase, even me. We were clearly gaining on Roni; I reckon we'll be with her within a couple of K at this rate. Lets put these guys off. I took the lead after dropping a gear and revved away most impressively, however our speed dropped a couple of clicks.

Roni was clearly in sight now, her lead had been halved and she was rolling a bit in the saddle. Not good, not good at all. This part of north Frankfurt is under development with Milton Keynes style boulevards and in the distance the finish area came into view.

The big Bavarian stood on the pedals which left me little option but to mark him and try to block the other pair. Ron had by now picked up on the danger and was out of the saddle herself, whipping neatly around the first of several roundabouts that a few seconds later we had to ease off for. Gads, this is gonna be tight - if I try too hard myself we could loose out, not hard enough and we might end up out of things too.

In the end it was the construction work hereabouts that decided the result. Roni, despite riding as hard as she could was being reeled in quite quickly, at this rate we'd pass her about five hundred out. I saw her bike do a bit of a squiggle on the next roundabout, have to watch that. Eric was still leading the charge, the rest of us strung out behind him, can I out sprint him, I'm pretty pulled out already.

“Sugar!”

Eric's bike bucked and slewed in front of me as he hit the patch of windblown sand, clearly the cause of Roni's squiggle. Bum I'm gonna go down. Squealing brakes, burning rubber.

“Shitza!”

How all four of us stayed upright I'll never know. One of the Spessart lads dropped his bike and ended up running up the island, Eric pulled both feet out and myself and Spessart two found ourselves almost stopped amongst the wreckage. It was enough delay for Roni to regain a couple of hundred metres, too much for our shaken pursuit to overtake in the remaining distance.

The two of us still mobile set off again, this time with less vigour. Eric joined us after a couple of hundred metres; the other Spessart guy was okay but clearly out of the running. Ahead Roni took the last island and the lead car turned off, we'd be looking for second place unless Ron fell off.

I concentrated on the job in hand; we were all a bit nervy as we took the last roundabout. Eric led off with two hundred to go, Spessart took his wheel with me slotting in last. It was slightly downhill so we picked up speed quickly but even so I could see Eric wasn't gonna make the line at this pace. Fifty metres out he blew and we swept past, I made my own move up the outside, thirty metres, come on Drew, twenty, I was shoulder-to-shoulder, go go go. I blew myself with less than ten to go, Spessart punched the air and I crossed the line almost slumped across my bars.

 

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Maddy Bell 08.06.09  © 2009
 
 
To Be Continued...

---

 

 

 

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Chapter *6*
 

“Well done son.” Dad grabbed my bike allowing me to unclip safely.

“Huhuh.”

“I didn't expect to be seeing Roni.”

“Huhpunctureuh.” I explained.

The main bunch came in nearly five minutes later by which time I'd regained my composure and had a hug fest with Roni, this is her first proper road win so we'd no doubt celebrate later.

“Girls, we need you for the drugs testing please.” An official advised finding us in the pit area.

I mean, do I look like a girl? Hmm don't answer that.

“Sure.” Roni agreed.

“Right there.” I sighed.

Its not like its that unusual, BC test me every time I go to Manchester and the podium along with some random placings get tested in any of the Deutches Cup series and some other Junge Elite events. Race testing is limited to providing urine usually and today was no different, it took longer to do the paperwork than to give the sample, they always keep the van so cold!

“There you are, the pro's will be in in about ten minutes.” Dad advised.

“Any news Herr Bond?” Ron enquired as we headed back to the finish area.

“They were together through the feed according to Kat but we've not heard since.” Dad told us.

We found Bern and Frau Grönberg at the barriers along with Kat and Petra, the masseuse.

“Well done you two, lets hope the seniors are so successful.” Petra mentioned.

“Your first win eh Ron, how's it feel?” Kat asked.

“Weird, its not sunk in yet.”

“Here they come.” Dad noted drawing our attention up the road to where we could see the police bikes and lead cars with lights flashing, it was difficult to see beyond them so we'd be in suspense until they cleared that last roundabout.

“Found you.”

“Er hi Eric.”

“I just wanted to like tell you that I think both you girls rode an awesome race, when Michael told us to assist you I never thought you would have a serious chance.”

“Thanks.” Roni flashed a broad grin at our Bavarian helper.

“I just thought I'd say.” He was blushing nearly as much as me.

Whistles and horns broke the moment and we all turned our attention to the roadway.

I couldn't really pick out individuals yet but the lead group was about ten strong with a smaller bunch of maybe six a couple of hundred metres behind. The crowd started cheering for their favourites before they started the sprint. There were Apollinaris jerseys in there, is that Tina or Erika at the front, Erika — Tina's coming through on the right.

We all shouted encouragement, at fifty metres I spotted Mum glued to Tina's wheel and my shouting went up a note. Erika peeled left, her job done then Mum exploded forward going shoulder to shoulder with two other riders.

“Come on Mum!”

“Up Bond!”

Mum threw her bike forward as she passed us, would it be enough?

Seconds later she punched the air, yes it was the win!

“That's your mum?” Eric asked as we all headed to where Mum was already having a camera thrust in her face.

“Yup.”

“It adds up now.” He shook his head.

“In third place, Drew Bond, Team Apollinaris.”

I stepped onto the podium and waved, receiving a muted cheer in reply.

“Second place, Peter Ramstadt, Main Spessart Radsport.”

More cheering.

“Und in first place, Veronike Grönberg, Team Apollinaris!”

Roni climbed up to the top almost in tears, the clapping and shouting going on for a couple of minutes. Quite a day.

“Second place, Nicola Cooke, Team GB.”

I hadn't even realised BC had a team here!

“And winner of the 2005 Krombacher Frankfurt Grand Prix, completing an Apollinaris double today, Jenny Bond, Apollinaris Mercedes!”

We whooped and cheered as Mum shook with Nicole on the way up then received an impressive trophy. Things got a bit weird then, somehow first Roni then me got dragged up on the podium with Mum which the press seemed to enjoy and by the look on George's face as we each waved our respective trophies he was pretty chuffed too.

“…An then I sort of skidded and almost hit the kerb.”

The drive back to Ahrweiler was of course dominated by all three of us giving accounts of our respective races. The Grönberg's were staying down for the weekend, in the team flat, you remember, where Mum stayed when she first came out here, so everyone would get to do tonight's celebration dinner.

“There was some Roman fort thing near the finish Dad.”

“Oh?”

“Salberg, Saarburg, something like that.”

“Oh I know where you mean Saalburg I think it is, supposed to be quite good.”

“Well we passed it anyway.”

“Might take a trip down to look in the summer.”

“You brought a dress for tonight Ron?” Bern enquired.

“I didn't think I'd need anything posh.”

“Its not posh, is it Mum?” I queried.

“Well I think jeans would be a bad move.”

“Shitza!” Ron sighed.

“I told you to pack something nice.” Frau Grönberg told her daughter.

“I'm sure Ga er Jules has something you can borrow.” Dad helpfully suggested.

“At least you guys get to choose, we all have our uniforms to wear.” Mum sighed.

“Uniforms? To go eat?” Bern asked.

“Yup, you'll see later.” Mum wasn't going to explain further.

“So what do you think?” Bernie enquired of Roni.

“The black, I have some hose and if I borrow those Ballet flats. You sure she won't mind?”

“Nah, its no problem.” Bern suppressed a grin, of course Jules wouldn't mind; the stuff belonged to her sister after all!

Upstairs Drew was having his own issues with what to wear. Of course if he was going as his alter ego it wouldn't be an issue, Gabs has loads of stuff but Drew, well lets just say he could see advantages to being Gaby right now. He scanned the wardrobe once again, maybe he could borrow Mums trouser suit again?

“Very swish!” Erika stated as I followed Dad into the restaurant.

“Er thanks.”

I hadn't believed Mums ‘uniform' claim earlier, I don't pay that much attention to non-bike stuff, but it was true. Kinda weird but true, all the senior riders were wearing the same dress — well not the same one obviously but the same design and colour. I said it was weird right but admittedly they looked very smart, Mum waved the trophy from Frankfurt above her head, which raised a big cheer.

“Come on Roni, let's see your pot.” Mum encouraged a suddenly shy Ron.

“Er.”

“Come on Ron, they won't bite.” I encouraged.

She raised said trophy and got a bigger cheer than Mum.

I won't bore you with a blow-by-blow account of the evening, I can't remember it all anyhow. I do know that we pretty much took over Der Schwan in Ahrweiler, that things did get a bit rowdy at one point and that everyone had a good time. What did I wear? Not a dress so there, and I don't think Mum's trousers are cut particularly girly even if they are a bit kinda thin.

“So what're we doing today?” Bern asked when I blearily joined her in the kitchen a little after eight next morning.

“Dunno.”

“Well Roni and her mum are doing stuff with Kat and Maria.”

“Oh.” I obviously missed that conversation last night, I had thought of going up to the chair lift up in Altenahr. Still there's the festival on Sunday we can hang there.

“Well the others were talking about going to Adenau this afternoon.” Bern suggested.

“What for?”

“There's a festival thing and Pia's dance group will be there, we kinda thought we'd cheer her on.”

“When did you guys talk about this?”

“While you were tripping the light fantastic with Maxy boy on Thursday night.”

“I was not!”

“Coulda fooled me.”

“Hmmpf!”

“Oh come on Gabs, I was just kidding.”

“Hmm.”

“So what do you reckon, you know to Adenau?”

“I guess, I should have time for a quick ride if its this afternoon, how we getting there?”

“We thought we'd take the bikes up on the train and ride the last bit if the weathers ok.”

“Looks ok so far, bit cloudy.”

“I'll ring the others, what time will you be ready?”

“Ten? Half past maybe.”

“Make your mind up.”

“Half past then.”

I got my leg stretcher in, a quick loop up to Meckemheim, over to Oberwinter then along the river to Remagen and back up the valley home. I was out just shy of ninety minutes, which by the time I'd showered left me all of ten minutes to get dressed and join Bern with the bikes.

“‘Bout time.”

“The train is in like five minutes!”

“So what are we waiting for?”

 

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Maddy Bell 10.06.09  © 2009
 
 
To Be Continued...

---

 

 

 

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Chapter *7*
 

“Geez, we thought you were going to miss the Zug.” Connie stated.

“Bags of time, its not stopped yet.” I grinned back as I brought the Schauff to a halt.

“‘S'all right for you.” Bern puffed onto the platform.

“You can argue on the train.” Anna suggested.

I got my beast on board then helped Bern with her mount.

It's not the longest ride in the world up to Ahrbruck, maybe fifteen kilometres, it's nearly that far from there to Adenau. Brid, Nena and Steff joined us on the way — Pia was travelling with her troupe, so there wasn't much chance to look at the scenery as we climbed the gorge.

I might be pretty fit but the Schauff is a great equalizer — it just doesn't do fast! There is talk of them reopening the railway all the way to Adenau but for now large chunks of the old line are in use as a cycle track. We tootled along, finally arriving in Adenau just turned half eleven.

“You okay Bern? You look a bit peaky.” I queried.

“Fine, fine, just need to catch my breath a bit.”

“So where is this Dorf Fest then?” Steffi enquired.

“Pia said it was on the Sportsplatz.” Nena supplied.

“Oh I know where that is,” I mentioned, “we go up the main road and turn off at the fire station.”

“We going straight up?” Connie asked.

“Hmm,” Brid put in, “according to this it doesn't start till thirteen.”

“In that case I want tea.” Bern stated.

“Good idea, we can go in Der Reitze , their Strudel is scrumptious!” Nena enthused.

“Huh!” Connie huffed.

“Well yours is pretty good too.”

“You eat enough of it!” Brid mentioned.

It wasn't far to the coffee shop, just off the main square in fact and we soon took over a couple of tables.

“Makes a change to be served.” Con observed.

“Yeah.” I agreed as the waitress headed our way.

This is one aspect of German life I lurv, getting a coffee and Kuchen and chatting, back in England there's nowhere to go in like this, well except like in Meadowhell. Nena was right; the strudel was good, better than Thesing's!

We needn't have worried about finding the venue, quite a few people seemed to be headed in the same general direction, mostly on foot and when we got to the Fire station a smiling Police officer was manning or is that personning, whatever, a road block. It wasn't far beyond to the sports ground, we parked our bikes up and headed on inside with the rest of the crowd.

There is a lot of this ‘Heimat' stuff hereabouts, like the Weinkönigin stuff and the Dorf fest is a regular part of life. They generally support some local charity or club or something, today is in aid of the ‘Adenau Freiwillig Feuerwehr', most smaller places have a volunteer force financed locally. Pretty much all the local clubs and groups get involved so Sporting Adenau are running a penalty competition, the ‘Muttergruppen' have a tombola and so on. The entertainment generally runs to some kind of live music — country and western is popular round here for some reason, and that's where Pia's group come in. Mum says they are like the village fetes that she used to go to like years ago, with a bit more to see and do!

“When's Pia on?” Steff enquired of Anna who had snagged a programme.

“Erm, first at two then later at five.”

“Time to hit the stalls then!” Connie suggested.

“So run it past me again.” Bern requested.

“It's sort of like, oh I don't know.” Brid gave up trying to explain Gardtanz to Bern again.

“Und nächste der Ahr All Star Guard!” the patchy PA system announced.

We had seats in the small stand, the entertainment was taking place on a temporary stage below us, I say below but I'm only talking like about two metres. Some military type music started up and the All Star's marched onto the stage.

“You have to be kidding me.” Bern almost giggled.

The dancers were all dressed in immaculate costumes that are a parody of a military uniform, short skirts, ankle boots and half a ton of makeup. The fact that they were all sporting blonde braids and fixed grins just added to the strange sight — strange that is if you've not seen Gardtanz before.

The routine wasn't exactly high octane even if some of the kicks and moves were quite impressive. I guess it has elements of the stuff you see in things like River Dance with some more military moves thrown in. they seemed to go down okay, I guess being local helps, the whole thing was only about fifteen minutes long and I'm still not sure which one was Pia.

“Hi guys!”

“Heya P.” Steff greeted the Tanz clone who skipped over to us a few minutes later.

“You like?” she motioned to herself.

“Very, um guard like.” Connie allowed.

“I know it's terrible isn't it and this damn Perücke makes you so hot.”

“I still don't get it.” Bern mentioned to me in a whisper.

“Me neither.” I admitted.

“I thought it was you lot.” A voice, a male voice greeted us.

“Hi Marty,” Connie identified the newcomer, “what are you dressed for?”

“I play for Sporting, we're doing the penalty competition. Hey Bernie you're okay, I heard you had an accident.”

“I fell in the river and Gabs pulled me out.”

“Not just the Weinkönigin but a superhero too!”

Boy did I turn pink, no make that bright red.

Bern on the other hand was clearly flirting, not that Herr Preiser seemed to be taking much notice.

“Seeing you lot here saves me a job, the rents say I can have another party in the shed.”

“Kewl!” Anna enthused.

“The last one was well cool.” Nena agreed.

It was pretty good I must admit.

“There a theme this time?” Steff enquired.

“I was thinking like vampires or something.” He informed us.

“Bit lame.” Connie sighed. “All fangs and capes — and what can us girls go as?”

“Never thought of that.” Martin admitted.

“How about anime vampires, there's loads of girl vampires in them.” Bern suggested.

“Like sort of vampire Cosplay?” Brid asked.

“Brill! That's that sorted.”

“So when is this soiree?” Anna queried.

“Two weeks today, you coming Bernie.”

“If I'm still here.”

“You are leaving?” Mart suddenly seemed more interested.

“Sometime in the next few weeks I have to go back home.”

“You're coming back though?” Pia put in.

Whilst Bern's pregnancy was common knowledge the impending court case wasn't.

“I hope so, I like it here.”

“PREISER! Give us a hand.”

“I'd best go, see ya later.”

“Bye!” Bern mentioned.

“So what're we doing now?” I enquired.

“You've got to stay for our second show.” Pia prompted.

“We weren't planning to.” Steff admitted.

“Oh go on, it's our freestyle routine.” Pia pleaded.

I looked at Bern, Con looked at me — well you get the idea.

“Okay we'll stay but we'll have to get off straight after, we should just make the six fifteen train.” Anna advised.

“Thank you guys, I'll owe you one.”

“So what's so special then?” Con asked.

“It's the first time for my solo.” Pia enthused.

“Why didn't you say earlier?” Bridget added.

With time to kill we explored more of the booths and stalls, Marty had us all kicking footballs at the goal with varying degrees of success and we, I have to admit, sampled a few items from the various food and drink stalls. Well we didn't have any lunch.

The second session by the Ahr All Star Guard was as promised a bit more exciting. In fact a lot more, gone were the bizarre outfits and in came more contemporary dance clothing and what I guess you would call a series of modern ‘jazz' dance routines including our Pia's solo. Not that it's my thing but I think everyone enjoyed it.

We headed off to the bikes, loaded our various purchases and set off with a little urgency — at least its downhill to Ahrbruck!

“Psst….psst….psst”

“Oh bum!”

“What's up Gab?” Connie asked.

“Puncture, I must be doomed this weekend.”

We were still over 5km from the train stop and it was ten to six.

“You guys go on, I'll catch you up.”

“I'll stay with you.” Bern offered.

“Nah I'll be okay, I do know how to do it you know.”

“No need to be like that.” Steff mentioned.

“I was just saying.”

“Come on, leave her to it.” Connie suggested.

“See you later.” Bern allowed.

“Later.”

“Sugar!” me and my big mouth. I repaired the first puncture and headed on down the road, it's quicker than the cycle track and I had a train to catch. The second puncture was explosive, no pinprick hole this time but a big rip that couldn't be repaired. I searched my bag for my Handy to no avail, oh bugger! No phone means I can't even ring Dad to fetch me, I guess I'll have to walk to the station. Hope the guys got the train.

 

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Maddy Bell 12.06.09  © 2009
 
 
To Be Continued...

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Chapter *8*
 

I started to push my now incompetent means of transport along the path; at least there was a path. In the distance the down train sounded it's horn, I'm gonna have a long wait when I do get to the station, which is also the site nearest public phone. It was quickly turning dark, a bit earlier than usual then the reason became apparent as it started to rain, a few spots at first then escalating quickly into a downpour.

By the time I got my jacket on I was already like a Rattus Drownificus, drowned rat that is! Shitza. I trudged on starting to feel quite sorry for myself and after about fifteen minutes I finally reached the edge of Ahrbruck and the Bushaltestelle with its vaguely welcoming offer of shelter. I parked the Schauff at one end and slumped dejectedly onto the bench beneath the intermittent light of the single fluorescent tube.

I miserably surveyed the skies and the occasional car splashing along the road. I'll give it five minutes then I'll push (huh!) on to the Bahnhof, maybe the rain will ease off.

So of course the precipitation got even heavier and the light level dropped to almost dark. Bum! I'll have to get a move on if I'm gonna get there for the next train. I hadn't gone more than fifty metres before I received the final indignity, a drenching from a passing four-wheel drive. Now what? It screeched to a halt and reversed back towards me, shitza, now what do I do?

“Sorry Fraulein, didn't see you.”

“Hey, its Drew!” a voice I recognised joined the drivers.

“Heya Mart.”

“What's up? You okay?”

“Puncture and apart from wet I'm fine.” Ish.

“You want a lift?” the driver enquired.

“Course she does Dad, I'll get the bike.”

“You'd best get in Drew.” Herr Preiser instructed.

To be honest, at this stage I didn't need a second invite. Martin took charge of my bike and I gratefully climbed into the huge old G Wagon. I was still trying to find the seatbelt when the back door slammed shut and seconds later a bedraggled Martin climbed in.

“So, where to?” Herr Preiser enquired.

“I was heading to the railway station? I can get the next train back home in like half an hour.”

“Don't be daft girl, where do you live?”

“Dernau Dad.” Mart advised.

“Its miles out of your way, just drop me at the station.” I added.

“It won't take long, we'll have you home before the train even gets here, can't have a pretty thing like you catching her death.”

He revved the engine and we set off.

“What happened to the others?” Martin asked.

“I er sent them on ahead, but I had a second puncture.”

Preiser senior whacked the heater on and I shivered a little as the warm air hit my wet legs. I gently shivered as we sped down the valley past the train terminus.

‘I hope Drew gets here soon, he shoulda been here ages ago.' Connie hugged her knees and contemplated the wet beyond the shelter on Ahrbruck Gleis 1.

“The first house on the left.” I advised my saviours.

The drive had only taken thirty minutes — not enough to dry out but I was at least warm. We pulled up and Martin jumped out to get my steed from the back.

“Thanks Herr Preiser, its much appreciated.”

“No problem Drew, we'll see you at the party then.”

“I guess, g'night.”

“Tschuss.”

I climbed down and recovered my bike from Martin.

“Thanks.”

“No sweat, say hi to Bernie for me.”

“Sure.”

“See you in the week, bye.”

“Bye.”

He clambered into the car and the Preiser's headed off belatedly towards their farm up in the hills.

“I didn't think you'd be back for another half an hour.” Mum stated as I sogged into the kitchen.

“I got a lift from Martin and his Dad.”

“I hope you thanked them?”

“Well duh! Course I did.” I relieved myself of the Gore-Tex ® and sank into a chair to take off my squelchy footwear.

“Didn't think the train was due yet?” Bern stated joining us.

“I got a lift.”

“With Con?”

“Con?”

“She was waiting for you at the station, you didn't see her?”

“Shitza!”

Just then the phone went.

“Yes…no he's here…a lift…stay there, we'll fetch you…half an hour, tschuss.” Mum ended the call.

“Connie?”

“Yup, you change now, we're going to fetch her.”

“Yes Mum.” I sighed.

“Go!”

I shot upstairs and peeled off my sopping jeans and top and quickly towelled off. Hmm, clothes — socks, jumper, where are my other jeans?

“Drew!”

“Coming.” I grabbed the denim from the top of the pile of newly washed stuff on my chair. Sugar!

“And do something with that hair.”

“Yes Mum.” It's not my fault! It looked like my jeans, it was denim! I didn't mean to put on a miniskirt — like I would! I tugged at my messy locks, about all I could do really was put it into a messy braid.

“Its a good job we have the bus, and why didn't you have your phone with you? Didn't you think anyone would wait for you?”

Geez she was really getting on my case tonight.

“And I've got to drive to Arnhem in the morning…”

I tuned out and tried to make my skirt reach my socks with little success.

“See you tomorrow Gabs.”

“Yeah, nite Con.”

I climbed back into the bus and Mum set off for Bond Acres. Eight a flippin clock. At least Dad and Bern had dinner ready when we got back and boy was I ready for it, I've only had a bit of strudel and some snacks since breakfast.

“Duh dup, duh dup, duh dup.” My hand slapped the alarm off and I cracked an eye to look at the time, six thirty, urgh.

“You getting out of that nest young man?” Dad yelled up to my eyrie.

“Uh.”

Why the hell am I getting up at this hour? Oh right, Brohltal.

I looked in the mirror and for the umpteenth time checked my makeup. I looked a bit weird, all done up like a dogs dinner but wearing cargo's and an oversize shirt. I was not looking forward to this morning; I get to sit on the back of a farm trailer for a couple of hours, waving and grinning at the burghers of Brohl. Even though we are only guests the Weinkönigin and her retinue have to be tarted up and if you like looking like the dress fairy got the patterns mixed up you're welcome to the satin nightmares we'll be wearing. I am not wearing that any longer than I have to!

“Ana, can you pin this sash in place for me?”

“Just a minute Gabs, I'm glad I'm not walking far in these sandals.”

You can say that again. The Weinkönigin committee generously supplied not only our Karneval frocks but our footwear too; I reckon they were on sale in Deichmann's! I guess I shouldn't be ungrateful, they saved me having to buy more girl shoes and the dresses could have been worse, like pink, royal blue is kinda restrained I suppose.

Herr Sebenschuh came to check on us.

“You girls okay, the parade'll start in a few minutes.”

“So its up to Burg on here then back down on the train?” Connie checked.

“Yes, lets hope the weather holds.”

Yeah, I could do without another soaking. After last nights downpour this morning had at least started out dry and bright although the forecast was hinting at showers later. With any luck the bit of breeze will keep it dry for this afternoons racing which is on a short circuit around Niederlützingen above Brohl itself.

“Break a leg Gabs!” Bernie yelled over, I gave a quick wave back as our tractor lurched forward.

“Geez!” now I knew why we had makeshift seatbelts strapping us to the already uncomfortable thrones.

The crowds were out and determined to enjoy the parade made up of the local ‘glee' clubs, youth groups and anyone else who wanted to enter a float. The Brohltal Königin led the parade riding in relative comfort on the back of an old truck. Then came the visitors, ourselves and the current incumbents of the Karneval Queen title from Bad Breisig, Andernach, Sinzig and Remagen. Following behind us were the twenty or so decorated trailers, cars and trucks that formed the bulk of the parade interspersed by an Oompah band, the local marching band from the school in Sinzig, the THW and Fire brigade.

It wasn't really so bad except we couldn't do much in the comfort stakes and Analise was right, the sandals were murder, even being just sat the straps were uncomfortable and after an hour I was loosing feeling below the waist! We chugged slowly up the road, it was only eight kilometres or so but it was eleven thirty when we reached the station at Burg Brohl.

“Whoa, I feel sea sick.” Connie announced as she was helped to solid ground.

“My feet are killing me.” I moaned as I tried to rub some life back into them.

The weather had at least stayed dry. So okay it had clouded over but so far at least, the promised showers hadn't appeared. We made our way up to the huffing steam train and soon found ourselves inside one of the pre-war carriages with their, joy, wooden slat seats. At least our tormentors with the frocks hadn't added crinolines to our misery; even this hard seating was better than our trailer mounted perches.

I'd survived my first Spring Karneval; the bad news is that we're scheduled to take part in about ten more! The train deposited us back down in Brohl and after a quick raid of the buffet we were free to enjoy the rest of the day's frivolities. For me that means a change of persona for the bike racing, first job of course is to lose the dreaded satin frock.

“Heya Drew.”

“Hi Roni, Kat.”

“You see the parade?” Roni enquired.

“A bit.” I allowed.

“Some of those carnival queens are quite pretty.”

“I guess.” I shot Kat a look, she was close to bursting.

 

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Maddy Bell 15.06.09  © 2009
 
 
To Be Continued...

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Chapter *9*
 

The crit series wasn't due to start until two so there was still about an hour to occupy before we needed to head up to Niederlützingen. The four of us, Connie had to go back to the bakery for the afternoon shift, wandered around the stalls and sideshows, the local crowds swollen by visitors and tourists — I heard a couple of English voices at one point. To be honest it was a bit like Adenauer yesterday but transported from a playing field to the village streets.

“There you are,” Dad mentioned, “shake a leg, anyone else coming? Bernie? Kat?”

Crits or criteriums are the road racers equivalent to the 800m - more than a sprint but less than a full-blown long distance event. The other big difference is the course, instead of a trip around the countryside crits are generally on a short, 1000m circuit in a town or village. Today was no different, the course is on a short loop in the middle of the village, the nasty bit is the near hairpin at either end, I guess it's a bit like riding the velodrome, two corners and two straights - well less bent bits.

“Mein Gott, that top corner’s tight.” Roni exclaimed as we pottered down the back straight, we get ten minutes on course warm up.

“Yeah, let’s hope it stays dry.”

A couple of riders zoomed past us before hitting the brakes hard for corner two.

“Try and stay near the front, it's easy to get tailed out on these short fast circuits.” I advised, Ron hasn't ridden many of these but as a schoolboy in England this is what I grew up riding.

“Okay.”

We managed three more laps before the course was closed and we were called to the line. There were only about thirty riders - a mixed bag of locals, Roni was the only one from further than Cochem! I nodded to one or two that I know and assessed the balance, unless there's a ringer the racing will be between about a dozen of us.

“One lap under red, lapped riders may be withdrawn, if you are asked to pull off leave the circuit only here at the judging area.”

It was the usual spiel, the judges usually only pulled the slower riders in the last couple of laps to make it safer for the finish.

“Glück!”

“You too.” I replied to Ron.

A guy on a motorbike fitted with flashing lights led us off and with a clatter of cleats and pedals we were off. There was a bit of manoeuvring for position, I got myself - and Roni towards the front ready for what I expected to be a fast start. Although it was neutralised we were already strung out a bit as we took the second corner so it was no surprise when, as we crossed the line the first attack was made. Only 40 laps to go.

The motorbike screamed ahead to get around the corner that we approached at nearly forty kph. Bit of rear wheel lock then sprint out of the corner, the pattern for the next hour was set.

There was quite a crowd around the circuit, these events really are crowd pleasers, I spotted Bernie and Kat by the first corner. Sprint, brake, sprint, brake, round and round. The bell sounded for a prime next lap and I mentally planned my assault on the money. The pace dropped a bit as everyone tried to conserve some energy, which played straight into my hands. Around turn one then pick up again, slow for turn two - not on your Nelly!

Instead I picked up the pace, in the process shooting past the rest as we went into the corner, already committed to their line there was nothing they could do as I picked my own ahead of them, pausing for only a few metres at the apex before starting my long bid for the line. The crowd noisily cheered as I headed up the finish straight, the PA encouraging them with a fevered commentary. Wrong footed, the peleton, presently in tatters, contested the minor placings as I freewheeled towards the top turn. Huh, twenty-five Euros in the bank!

It took best part of a lap for things to come together again, one or two riders never rejoined our snake but we still had over twenty in the front group. They'd mark me hard next prime but I had a plan all worked out.

“Nice one Drreewww” Roni patted my behind as we crossed the cobbles - didn't I mention the cobbles? Two hundred bone jarring metres not long after turn one.

“Thanks, you?”

“‘Bout sixth I think.”

“Ot oh, looks like we're gonna have some traffic from here on.” I noted having just spotted the back markers fifty metres ahead.

Our little bunch motored on, every time I as much as changed gear the others were on me like hawks. Good things come to he who waits and I can be very patient. We caught the first of the tail end Charlie's within a lap and soon spat them out behind us, poor sods. The pace was more even now, a steady thirty to thirty-five, not super fast but that suits me quite well.

Twenty-five to go, twenty-four, three, two, one “DING, DING, DING, DING!” I had to do something, its expected after all, so I took a long one out of turn one, ducking through on the inside before anyone else was upright enough to turn on the gas. As a tactic it was never really gonna work but there again I never expected it to. By the time we'd cleared the cobbles my short-lived lead was gone and I easily slipped backwards into the pack.

Roni gave me an odd look as turn two came into sight; my wink by way of reply had her shaking her head. Of course the rest assumed that my recent effort was my break for a repeat of the previous prime, would I be that stupid? The speed stayed high into the corner, I guess to prevent a repeat of last time by anyone and I just concentrated on staying out of trouble. The speed was high but it was too far to the line for it to be maintained, with just under a hundred to go it started to drop, which is just where I kicked things up a cog! Gott, its like sweets from babes!

The only one to react was Roni; she was learning quickly and was straight on my wheel to give us the one two on the line. Twenty laps to go and although we now have the crowd behind us we also have the ire of the other racers. We were now both well placed in the points race, in crit racing the points can earn you as much as the win, something I'd learnt early on in those Lincolnshire airfield rides.

The wind down brought us back into the pack, no point in wasting too much energy, time for that in a few minutes.

“Twelve to go.” I told my teammate as we settled into the back of the bunch.

She nodded as she gulped air down.

“So that was another win for die kleines madchen, nummer 18, Drew Bond, funf Punkt fur Veronike Grönberg, so the girls are showing a clean pair of heels to the lads this afternoon.” The commentator really was spouting some rubbish.

“Keep it up guys!” Bernie called out.

“Up up up ‘pollinaris!” Kat provided in counterpoint as we once again took corner one.

We were now reeling in riders every lap; we'd soon have everyone bar this bunch. A couple of lapped riders managed to hang on to the back of what was now once again a fiery comet. Two or three of the more experienced riders were now intent on blocking me and Ron out but I didn't want to move from my current position in the line — well not just yet.

The first couple of spots of rain on lap twenty four did nothing to slow our progress but a lap later turn one was a bit greasy and somewhere not far behind me I heard the thud and scraping of at least one rider going down. I did a quick personnel check, phew not Roni but I recognized the crashee as one of the lads who rides for the Koblenz club.

More precipitation had the effect of slowing things down a bit, I hope it dries up, it could ruin plan A. everyone was much more cautious at the next corner, hmm maybe there's mileage in this. Although not heavy it continued raining for the next couple of laps, launch time was fast approaching; I could see Roni tensing as she nervously waited for whatever I was about.

If there had been more of us riding we'd have played things differently but with just the two of us, blocking wasn't going to work so more strength was sensible. We started lap twenty-eight just as the rain stopped, it still left the road wet of course but it'll dry.

I nodded to Roni who took the hint and used turn one to move up the bunch several places. As we reached the cobbles I made my move down the outside of the pack, it's difficult to accelerate on this surface but I broke clear. Once again Roni made the connection along with two others, I kept the juice on through turn two and then really turned things up a notch as the bell once again sounded for the last prime.

Through turn one again and I kept going, if the others were still there that was their luck.

“Go Bond!”

“Gabeee!”

“Ron-ee!”

The cheering followed us around the circuit, round turn two again and I kept the pressure up. Even I have limits and the fact that I crossed the line in fourth spot was annoying but not unexpected. What was unexpected was when I didn't sit up after the line but continued ploughing on. The others did react but almost too late, I actually needed them to fulfil the plan after all.

Our pace remained high for the next couple of laps when Dad, who had been keeping an eye on things near the finish line, indicated we had a minute over the chasers. The others seemed happy to follow my direction on things and were I'm sure, as glad as me to drop the pace a notch. Provided we all manage to stay upright we each have a pretty good shot at a podium finish and it was clear the others realised it too.

With me and Ron up here we have a bit of influence over the moves and our co escapees realised it too, yes they had a shot at the top but it would be on Team Apollinaris' terms. We all did the weighing up thing, it might be a bit tight, Roni isn't a great sprinter, I knew from experience that the two lads could run me tight on the right day.

We kept the pace reasonably fast, our lead if anything was increasing by a few seconds a lap, if we're not careful we'll lap the rest before the finish. The road was drying and our little group had enough road to safely get around the turns without too much risk.

Five to go and they started pulling lapped riders off the circuit, by three to go we couldn't see anyone else on the circuit, I'm sure there were some, just we couldn't see them. Everyone, well the other three, started the age old dance that seems to accompany this situation at all levels of the sport, can I take them, should I go early, late, when?

I waited until the cobbles again, to hide the noise of my gear change, then took off like the proverbial cat with its tail on fire. Too early? I hope not, there isn't a plan B! Even Roni hadn't expected me to attack again; well I don't tell her everything do I?

Crouching low over the bars I got into a nice cadence and hoped for the best.

“DING, DING, DING.”

Not far now, I gritted my teeth in determination and hammered onwards. By halfway along the back straight the red mist was starting to descend, come on Drew old boy, you can do it. Last turn, there's the finish line, BANG!

I was deafened by the explosion, not again! Which one? Back, keep going then.

“Come on Drew!” Bern screamed.

“Keep it going girl!”

“You can do it!”

Yes I can, if I grit my teeth any harder they'll disintegrate! At least the tyre hasn't shredded.

I crossed the line and the others swept past a millisecond later, geez that was close.

“Thought you'd lost it there son.” Dad confided a few minutes later.

“Me too, I reckon I'm getting all the years punctures in one weekend.”

“Hmm, the tyres had it, bit of glass by the look of it, I thought they'd swept the course.”

“Probably washed out in the rain.” Kat suggested joining us.

“Where'd Roni finish?”

“Third.”

“Kewl, reversed from Friday.”

Dave grinned; a bit of in team rivalry could be a good thing as long as they still rode as a team. So far they had done just that and this weekend Roni was really blossoming as a rider to watch, she was certainly holding her own.

Drew's pocket calculator of a brain had already done the sums, the win netted seventy five Euros, not bad for an hours riding but the primes, maximum points on two sprints, two points on the third and double on the finish meant another eighty Euros in the pot. If you put Fridays third place in as well it brought things up to over 250 Euros, so okay its not a fortune and it involved a lot of hard work but that's hardly the point is it?

The Grönberg 's were catching the train from Brohl so Dad took them in the bus while Kat, Bern and Drew headed back to the streets to watch the senior racing for a while.

“Heya Gabs, great race.”

“Martin?” both Bern and me echoed.

 

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Maddy Bell 18.06.09  © 2009
 
 
To Be Continued...

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Chapter *10*
 

“I didn't expect to see you today?”

“Well when you said you were racing today I thought I'd check it out.”

Kat coughed meaningfully.

“Oh right, Kat this is Marty Preiser.” I supplied.

“Ah host to the famous Gothic parties.” Kat noted.

“I wouldn't say famous.” the poor lad blushed.

“Oh sorry, Pinger, Kat to my friends.”

Was Kat making a play for Marty?

“I'm having another party in a couple of weeks if you'd like to come?” poor sap was falling for it. Much to a now agitated Bern's annoyance.

“Hmm, maybe I will.”

“So you want to get a wurst or something?” Bern curled her arm around Mart's arm.

“I er, sure, well nice to meet you Kat.”

“And you, Marty.” Kat almost purred.

Bern nearly dragged her catch down the street away from us.

“What was that all about?”

“Just a bit of fun, he is quite cute.”

“And kinda Bern's boyfriend.”

“He seemed to have the hots for you, coming all this way to see you race.”

“Its not that far.” I protested, blushing myself.

“So does the sausage queen fancy one?”

“Well Kristen back in England.” I admitted.

Kat slapped her forehead, “I meant wurst although that's interesting information.”

Sugar!

“Phone Drew!” Mum called up to my nest.

“Who is it?”

“Connie, come on.”

Geez, keep your hair on, it was only a race. Seems my puncture run has spread to Mum, she crashed out when her front tyre blew on a cobbled corner. No real damage done to anything except her pride, but you know what its like.

“Drew!”

“I'm coming.” Why Con couldn't ring me on my Handy?

I thundered down the stairs and took the phone off of a peeved looking Mum.

“Hi Con, wassup?”

“Well number one, turn on your Handy and two, how do you fancy working this week?”

“Shitza, I wondered why you rang the house. I said I'd do the afternoons.”

“I know but Mum wants to know if you'll do full shifts, you know like seven to three instead?”

“How come?”

“Hannah has phoned sick and we need someone who knows the store.”

“I suppose I can go training after.”

“Brill oh and can you ask Bernie if she'd like to help out in the afternoons?”

“Sure, hang on.”

I poked my head into the lounge.

“Bern? You fancy doing a couple of shifts at the bakery?”

“I guess, when?”

“Afternoons, I'll find out exactly.”

I returned to the hallway, “she says yes.”

“Great, if she comes about twelve she can cover your shift.”

“Okay.”

“See you on Tuesday then, good luck tomorrow.”

“Cheers, tschuss!”

“Tschuss!”

What have I let myself in for? Early shift, seven to three, geez!

“So we'll leave Thursday evening, pick Roni up on the way, we should get to Cottbus mid morning.” Dad advised as we crossed the Rhine.

“And we meet the others there?”

“Your father just told you that.”

Mum was still a bit snappy this morning; maybe the track meet will put her in a better mood.

“No hand slings, you just need to touch hands, ok?”

Roni nodded.

“Sure.” I agreed

“You know what you're doing,” Mum pressed the point.

“Touch hands, keep off the racing line.”

“They're good George.” Mum advised the teams supreme.

Somehow the pair of us were entered in the Madison, the high-speed melee which provides so much entertainment at the Six's. Mum was teamed with Tina, Erika and Anja made three Apollinaris pairings in the sixteen team, hour-long event.

It was a bit of a nuisance coming so near the end of the programme, my pursuit final was scheduled just thirty minutes afterwards, mind you the senior team were in the team pursuit final straight after mine — its like that at track meets sometimes I guess.

“CRACK!”

The starters pistol sounded and we set off, our partners already circling the track. To be honest I was nervous as hell, these events can get quite boisterous plus Ron and me were the only juniors included. The first lap was spent with everyone settling down then the fun started.

How can I tell you about something I barely took in. the pace soon rose and the event turned into a Pell mell pursuit of whoever was in front. At some point half the field made a lap and the regular sprints ensured there was never a dull moment. One team did manage to crash on the change over but me an' Ron managed to keep out of trouble although it kept us pretty much out of the main race too. Mum and Tina took third place, we finished eleventh at 1 lap — not bad but I don't think I'm really cut out for this style of shoulder to shoulder racing — maybe BC are right in channelling my energies to the road.

“That was fun.” Ron stated as we cooled down afterwards.

“You have a weird definition of fun.”

“Oh come on Drew, you must admit it gets the juices flowing.”

“If you say so, give me the pursuit any day.”

“Now who has a strange idea of fun?”

“Time kiddo.” Dad interrupted.

“Okay, time to watch the master at work!”

‘Five, four, three, two, one, go.' I counted the pips down in my head then pressed on the pedals to start the effort. I think I've talked you through the techy stuff before so suffice to say I was focused and up to cruising speed in half a lap.

Twelve laps, 3000 metres of sheer hell. But I love it. I was a metre down after three laps but I tend to build towards the finish so I wasn't worried. My opponent was a lanky youth from Essen, he was quick and he'd got to the final with the fastest qualifying time but I was only 0.25 of a second slower.

I lost another couple of metres by lap five but then lanky started to falter and I started to pick up. The end result was a closing of the gap to under half a metre by lap eight then with Dad now on the good side of the line I started to pour on the power. The crowd shouted and slapped the boards as I continued my charge, gaining at every crossing.

“Last effort!” Dad shouted as I went through the bell.

You betcha! The old red fog started to cloud my vision as my breathing became more laboured, come on, deep breaths. Half a lap to go, last bend, slowing, come on.

“Crack!…. crack!”

Over. I sat up and let my momentum take my legs around, they felt like jelly, the red fog quickly lifted as I gulped in air and sat up off the tri-bars. I took a look at the scoreboard, yes! 1.145 seconds the final margin - not huge but no one looks at how much you win buy, just the win. I was no sooner off the track than the senior squad started circling in a final warm up.

Mum and co were up against Bayer Leverkusen Radsport, they are local, it's an all male team but they are amateur. Apollinaris were starting with the faster qualifying time but head to head? Who knows?

From the track centre it was difficult to keep up with the changes, George was doing the line marking and after the first quarter it was looking like another close run thing. Our team, whilst not as tight as the BC team, were still doing a cracking job, their opponents were definitely more ragged on the changes. The girls seemed determined in their effort and by lap eight they were starting to pull away.

The excitement within the stadium was reaching a peak; this was after all the last event on the programme. Erika blew out with two to go but their success was pretty much assured by that stage. It was an impressive ride, worthy of a world championship, their time was a new event record, or so the PA informed us. Mum at least had a smile on her face, not before time.

“See you next week Ron.”

“Yeah, give Bern my best.”

“Will do.” Bern had stayed at home, three days of bike racing was too much for a non-enthusiast to endure!

We got home shortly after seven and I was ready to crash in front of the telly.

“Don't forget the morning.” Bern mentioned.

Morning? Oh sugar! The bakery.

“Connie rang to make sure you remembered.”

“Er thanks, seven a flippin' clock.”

“Just think of the dosh.” Bern noted.

Just think of the uniform I've got to wear.

“‘Spose I'd best get an early night then.”

“You'd best have.” Mum agreed with a shake of her head.

‘Sometimes Drew you give blondes a bad name! You mean well but you let yourself get talked into some harebrained schemes!'

 

“Set your alarm.” Dave called after his sons fast disappearing back.

“Yeah, g'night!”

“Night Drew.”

“Night kiddo!”

 

---

 
Maddy Bell 18.06.09  © 2009
 
 
To Be Continued...

---

 

 

 

---

 
Chapter *11*
 
There is something wrong about five thirty, especially when it’s not a school day and there’s not even a race to go to. Definitely out of order. I hit the shower emerging fifteen minutes later with wet hair but feeling much more awake. Really though, why am I doing this? This whole middle of the night getting up lark? Oh right that was it, greed, yep that’s what it comes down to.

And worst of all the Thesing’s are expecting ‘Gaby’ this morning, I know, my own fault but it still irks that I’m here putting on a skirt and blouse to go to work. Hmm, best put some hose on too; it looks a bit chilly out.

I’d already heard some movement down below so I was hardly surprised to find both Mum and Dad in the kitchen.

“Morning sport.” Mum grinned.

“Mornin’”

“Well sound a bit enthusiastic.” Dad suggested.

“What ever.”

Mum plonked a mug of tea in front of me and headed back to the counter.

“Toast?”

“Please.” I requested after taking a long pull of China’s finest.

“You going like that?” Dad enquired.

“No I dress like this for fun.”

“We’ll have less of that young lady.” Mum quickly put in.

“Sorry but like why else would I be wearing this clobber?”

“She has a point Dave.”

“I didn’t mean her uniform, it is kind of customary for a bit of makeup so you look less like a zombie kiddo.”

“Leave the poor girl alone, I’m sure she’s gonna do her war paint after brekkie aren’t you luv?”

“Er yeah, I guess so.”

I’d rather not but at the end of the day, Gaby does generally wear at least some lippy.

“Here you go Drew.” Mum plonked my toast on the tables before resuming her own seat.

“Thanks.”

Tea and toast, brekkie of the gods, a full English or German cold plate is okay but for simplicity, I smeared some blackcurrant jam onto the golden bread, you can’t beat toast and jam, well okay marmalade is close, thick cut Seville of course, you see where I’m going.

“You want a lift kiddo?” Dad enquired.

“Nah I’ll ride.”

“You got lights? Its still quite dark out there.” Mum mentioned.

“Dynamo?”

“Of course, that thing has everything.”

“Except a coffee machine.” I chortled.

I finished my toast and drained my mug that should get me through till after the morning rush.

Makeup, best put some on I guess then I can get off.

I grabbed my bag and headed to the downstairs bathroom. I hate makeup. It gets me in more strife one way or another than pretty much anything else. I stared at my reflection in the mirror thinking there was something amiss, but what? I peered at my face, no new zits, no wayward eyebrow hairs, I’d already put my hair in braids coz its easier to deal with when its wet. Nope, nothing I could put a finger to.

Lippy, a quick smear of ‘pale coral’, eyeliner, a touch of mazy, I checked my reflection, still something missing, but what? Then I finally got it, eye shadow.

“Whahey!”

“Keep it down Drew, the girls are still asleep.” Dad pointed out from beyond the door.

“Er soz,” I opened the door, “what’s missing?”

“I dunno, give us a clue?”

“Face?”

“You’ve got one.”

“Dur! On my face or rather not.”

“Stop talking in riddles.”

“No eye shadow?”

“I’m sure your mother has some.”

“No I don’t want some, I don’t have any.”

“And that’s significant because?”

“Daad!”

“What?”

“It’s gone?” Mum came back downstairs and into the conversation.

“Yup.” I grinned.

She took a closer look at my eyelids, “just a trace, but it does seem to have pretty much gone.”

“No more concealer every morning!”
 
 
You ever been cycling before seven in the morning in a short skirt? Well me neither till today, I’m glad I thought about the tights, I woulda been frozen blue without them.

“Guten Morgen Gaby.” Herr Thesing cheerfully greeted.

“Hi”

“Ah Gaby, gut, we open in five minutes, are you okay on the counter for a while.”

“I guess so.”

“The Gaggia ® is on so you only need fill it oh and thanks for filling in.”

“Ok.”

After working here since last summer I’ve gotten to be a dab hand with the coffee maker and soon had it filling the first jug of the day. Frau Thesing was busily making sandwiches and out the back the boss was busy sorting orders ready for his morning deliveries. I guess Con is still in bed.

“Morning, oh hi Drew, didn’t know you worked here.” The school secretary noted.

“Morgen Frau Pfeffer, only Sundays usually.”

“She’s just helping out this week Claudia, the usual?” Frau Thesing filled in.

“Please.”

“Gab’s will bring it over.”

“Danke.”

“Coffee and two croissants.” I was informed.
 
 
“Take five Gaby, its usually quiet for a bit now.”

“Ok, you want a coffee?” I offered.

“Do me a tea if you don’t mind.”

The first couple of hours had been pretty busy, I shoulda known from our morning rendezvous but it took me a little unawares. A steady stream of townsfolk came either collecting Brá¶tchen for Frá¼hstá¼ck or getting coffee on the way to work. A few like Frau Pfeffer sat in, others grabbed lunch, if I had to guess I’d say half the town came in in those couple of hours.
 
 
Connie replaced her mother just before ten, we now had a steady trickle of customers, no longer office workers and so on but young mothers with gaggles of kinder, seniors on their morning stroll, the daytime occupants of our little town.

“You want some lunch Gaby?” Frau Thesing enquired just after eleven.

“Er sure.”

“There’s some soup on the stove when you’re ready, help yourself, you know where everything is.”

Bernie arrived; it hardly seemed like two minutes before I finished my own shift.

“See you tomorrow Gaby.” Frau Thesing

“Sure.”

“You fancy going to the flicks later?” Con enquired.

“I guess.”

“Back here at six, Mum’ll drop us off.”

“Okay, what’re we seeing?”

“Lola Rennt”

I was still none the wiser.

“Later then, bye Bern.”

“Tschá¼ss!” She’s taken to German like a duck to water!
 
 
The pattern was set for the week, as luck would have it Hannah rang on Thursday to say she’d be in on Friday. Good luck that is as if I’d been listening on Monday I’d have known we were setting off for the far east of the country Thursday evening.

It was sort of fun to be working at the bakery, I know I do the Sunday shift but during the week it’s a whole different set of people who frequent the place. By Thursday morning I’d already pegged the regulars orders whether it was coffee to go or Kleine Frá¼hstá¼ck. I’d even sort of got used to the getting up before the sun — not that I think I want to do it as a living, but I wouldn’t be against filling in again some time.

Oh yeah, the film. If you haven’t seen it it’s a sort of thriller set in Berlin and first came out in 1998 that is told from several perspectives that can make it a bit confusing in places. The heroine is this slightly kookie girl with like bright red hair who for some reason reminded me of Ally. Not that Ally has bright red hair — well she didn’t a few weeks ago at least! Forget the hair, they kinda look like they could be sisters or related at least, that’d just be weird if they were. Imagine having a fox like Franka Potente as a relly, well kewl.

“So where is it you are going?” Connie enquired as we cleaned the tables down after lunch.

“Some place near Cottbus Dad said, Sonja lives somewhere near there.”

“Sonja?”

“In the team?”

“Oh right, so you are off to Gurken land.”

“Gurkenland?”

“You know, green knobbly things, they grow lots in that area.”

“Might give them a miss.”

“Are you ready Gab?” Bern enquired.

“When you are.” Just when did Bern start calling me Gaby?

“See you guys on Monday then, have a good trip.”

“Thanks Con, later!”

“Bye Connie.”

“We’d best make tracks, Dad’ll be chuntering and I need to get changed.” I mentioned as we wheeled our mounts to the pavement.

“Well don’t just stand there then.”
 

---

 
Maddy Bell 18.06.09  © 2009
 
 
To Be Continued...

---

 

 

 

---

 
Chapter *12*
 

Drew stretched his arms behind him.

“How much further?”

“An hour maybe.” his dad supplied.

“It didn't seem this far on the train.”

“You were asleep most of the time then.”

“You came on the train?” Roni queried as she rejoined them.

“With the school just after Christmas, thought I said before.”

“Not that I remember.”

“Where's Bernie?”

“Here” she called from the toilet block entrance.

“Well let's get this show on the road then.” Dave suggested getting back in the car.

They were soon all back inside the Saab and Dave threaded them back out onto the Berlin ring.

It had all been a bit last minute, this trip to eastern Germany. There was a gap in the Jüngere Elite calendar and there wasn't much to ride in the NRW region. Dave was keen to keep the momentum of the team going, Greta had jokingly suggested they ride her local RTF, the Spreewald Marathon and to everyone's surprise Dave had concurred. So Tali traveled down by train to stay with the Luchow's in Cottbus and the rest of them were driving over and staying in a small hotel a few kilometres from the event headquarters.

“Right we want Lübbenau Spree.” Dave told anyone who was listening.

Drew was doing his usual navigating duty.

“‘Bout twenty k's, junction after next.”

It was a bright morning and Drew was more than ready to get on a bike to stretch muscles cramped by the long overnight drive, Thalia and Greta were supposed to be meeting them about one for a short ride, time enough to get sorted out and fed.

The Dresden bound motorway was unremarkable, flat, almost straight and very boring. There wasn't much to see scenery wise either, a few trees south of Berlin but now it was pretty much featureless, bit like Lincolnshire back in England.

“Here it is.”

“Are we there yet?” Bern giggled from the back seat.

It literally took five minutes from the motorway to our accommodation for the weekend, the Kartoffelgasthaus Knidle . It was an unprepossessing place sat slightly back from the road with a beer garden in front and parking to the rear. Despite the early hour we were able to check in and get ‘freshened' up then we reconvened in the beer garden.

“There you are Drew.” Dad mentioned.

I blew a raspberry by way of reply.

“Gret and Tali should be here about half past then you two can get your legs stretched, me and Bernie will have a bit of a drive round and meet you at erm,” he looked at his map, “a place called Burg. Now I don't want any of you going daft, it's a leg stretch today, tomorrow is gonna be a long ride.”

“Yes Dad.”

To be honest I was a little nervy about tomorrow, I know it's not a race but we got dispensation to ride the 200-kilometer event — that's 125 miles! Normally the max I ride is half of that.

“You kids okay then?” Dad enquired.

“I've got a map Herr Bond.” Greta supplied.

“An' I've got my Handy.” I added.

“Okay, we'll see you in a couple of hours at this tower thing.”

The four of us clicked in and set off on the 115.

“So where're we going?” I asked Gret as we settled into two pairs.

“The wrong way around part of the circuit to start with.”

“Okay, it's a bit flat round here innit?”

“I prefer gently rolling.”

“Very gently!”

We cleared Lübbenau and were soon riding past the motorway junction where we had come off the E36. It was a bit breezy but the sun was out and we were all in shorts exposing a variety of untanned limbs, a stark change to the snow last week at home. We hadn't gone far before we turned off the main drag and cut under first the motorway and then we hit a section of particularly horrid cobbles.

“Geez-ussss, we have to ride these tomorrow?”

“Yeah of course, welcome to Brandenburg!” Gret crowed.

“I hope there's not too much.” Roni mentioned as we cleared the last few metres.

“Not so much I think but a lot of villages have some.”

“Great.” Tali groaned.

We were now on a nicely surfaced lane crossing some heathland rolling along at around 25kph. It was so quiet, no cars — or anything else for that matter, just the occasional twittering of birds. The road climbed a bit then dropped before making a swing around a smallish lake.

“Next right!” Gret called.

We nearly missed it but we all made the corner — even if it was on the wrong side of the road.

“What's that?” Roni asked our guide.

“Not sure.” Gret admitted as we approached the obviously man made hill.

We passed the entrance to the car park.

“Slawwenburg Radish.” I noted as it slipped behind us.

“Maybe we can stop and look tomorrow.” Tali suggested.

Gret directed us around various lanes and villages for a further hour or so before I spotted the Saab parked on a scrubby car park.

“How'd it go?” Dad asked as we pulled up to where he and Bern were sat on a bench.

“If it's all like this it should be okay.” I offered.

“Girls?” Dad enquired.

“I think we'll be fine.” Roni allowed.

“You fancy going up the tower?” Bernie suggested.

“Why not.” I shrugged.

“Anyone else?”

“We'll wait here.” Tali told us.

“Mr. Bond?”

“I'll stay with the girls, I need a chat with them anyway.”

If I'd known it was gonna be just me an Bern I'd've dipped out too but I was committed now so after I changed my shoes we set off for the austere looking edifice across the field. It set us back a couple of euros to go in, apparently it's a Bismarckturm built about a hundred years ago to honour Bismarck, modern Germany's first Chancellor. We eventually emerged at the top, I'd like to say you can see spectacular vistas but actually its mostly trees although the elevation does push home the flatness of the region.

Bern took a few pictures, not sure why as it all looks pretty much the same to me but still, her choice. We made our way back down to ground level and rejoined the rest of the team some twenty minutes after we left them.

“So what now?” I asked Herr Direktor Dad.

“We thought we'd take a look at that Slawwenburg place, get some snap then we'll go up to Lübben to get you lot registered.”

“Can we all get in the car?” Bern enquired.

“With a bit of a squeeze.” Dad replied, “let's get the bikes on top.”

While me and Dad loaded the bikes on the roof of the Saab, my team mates slipped on skirts and swapped cycling jersey's for a variety of T's and tops which had travelled in the car.

“You changing Drew?” Dad asked as we secured the last bike in place.

“I'll do it when we stop.”

“Hop in then.”

I got the comfy seat, the girls were shoe-horned into the back seat, not the most comfortable way to travel but they didn't seem to mind and its not like we were going a long way. In fact it seemed to take no time at all in the car and it was only two thirty when we decamped in the car park at Slawwenburg Raddusch not radish!

We walked over to the information board, turns out its some archaeological thing.

“Anyone fancy a look?” Dad enquired.

“Why not.” I shrugged.

“There's probably toilets.” Bern noted.

“I could use them too.” Tali agreed.

After a quick change by yours truly we headed across the heathland towards the mound thing. It looked quite big from a distance and it was definitely quite impressive when we arrived at the moated structure. Dad stumped up for our entry and after a quick toilet stop we went on in.

It was quite cunning really; it's a reconstruction of a Slavic fortified farm with an exhibition, shop and restaurant built into the metres thick enclosure wall. Dad was in his element; the rest of us easily outpaced his meander around the history of this region. It was quite interesting though; apparently they've found quite a few of these ‘Burgwalls' during open cast brown coal extraction. In fact this whole area is completely manmade, they destroyed whole villages to get at the coal and although its been scaled back they expect to be digging it up until 2018!

By mutual agreement we decided to get a late lunch in the restaurant, the girls hit the shop while we waited for our various schnitzel and würst to arrive.

“What're you doing Bern?”

“Just sorting your hair.”

“Whatever.” I sighed as she kept up her brushing and tugging.

“I got you this.”

She held out something for me to see.

“A haarschneck?”

“Cool eh, it's like real horn.” She enthused.

“Why'd you buy it for me ?” I mean, they're for girls not guys.

“Well I wanted to get you something for rescuing me last week and I thought this'd look good on you.”

Bugger. I can hardly turn it down; it would be churlish to say the least.

“Erm thanks, you didn't need to get me anything.”

“I wanted to, let me put it in.”

I sighed to myself and let her finish her ministrations.

The food was pretty standard fare, we could have been in a Galleria or the school canteen we would've had the same on the plates.

“You okay Bernie?” Tali asked.

“I'm not really that hungry, I do feel a bit off colour.”

“You want us to drop you at the hotel?” Dad offered.

“If you don't mind, I think its like all the travelling an' stuff.” She rubbed her slightly distended belly absently.

“Okay then, we'll drop you in Lübbenau then you can get a bit of shut eye before we get back for dinner. Okay?”

“Yeah.” She agreed.

So that's what we did. The rest of us drove up to Lübben where we registered and collected our Kontroll karte and numbers.

Dad looked at his watch, “if we get straight off we can take a look at the back side of the course on the way to dropping Gret and Thalia off in Cottbus.”

It was clouding up a bit, a few spots of rain hit the windscreen but it remained light enough for us to get a feel for the middle leg of tomorrow's circuit. We get to do a ‘hilly' loop between 100 and 160 kilometers, nothing too testing but it might prove harder work after several hours riding. Where the circuit turned to head back towards Burg where we were earlier we continued on which took us directly into Cottbus and quickly to the Luchow's apartment in one of the smaller 1960's apartment blocks to the north of the town centre.

As the Luchow's only have a Polo now, we kept the girls bikes; Herr Luchow would drive them up in the morning and meet us at Lübben. The 35km drive back to our hotel was completed in gathering gloom; I was more than ready for some dinner too.

 

---

 
Maddy Bell 02.05.09  © 2009
 
 
To Be Continued...

---

 

 

 

---

 
Chapter *13*
 

“You okay Bern?”

“Um, what time is it?”

“Ten past seven.”

“Oh, didn't think it was that late.”

“We went round a bit of the course, so you feeling better?”

“A bit.”

“Well we're gonna get some dinner, you coming?”

“I guess, we going out?”

“No we'll eat downstairs.”

“I'll be down in a bit then.”

“Ok.”

I pulled her door to and went to find the Dad and Roni.

“Looks like a nice day.” Dad noted as we drove the few k's up to Lübben.

“Yeah.” I replied absently. It was quite a nice morning, maybe a little cool but the sun was out and the clouds were high and only served to decorate the blue sky. Roni was a bit hyped, I was anxious and Bern still looked a bit off colour.

Dinner at the Knidle was a bit strange, just about everything on the menu was heavy on potato, from the soup right through to dessert! Of course it was served with other stuff, I had the pork medallions with Bratkartoffeln and asparagus and even I was stuffed so it was no surprise that Bern gave up half way through hers.

“Drew?” Dad prodded.

“Um?”

“Give me a hand with the bikes kiddo.”

“Sure.”

It was a bit like a race back in Blighty, loads of bikes, riders and supporters getting ready for the day's excursion. Apparently there are over three hundred entered for the ‘Marathon', no small undertaking and looking about there are some here who will struggle a bit. We were just about ready on the bike front before Gret and Tali found us.

“Morgen!” Thalia grinned.

“Hi Tal, Gret.”

“Morning Bernie, where's Roni?” Gret enquired.

“Toilet.” I supplied.

“I think you'd all best make use before the start.” Dad suggested. “Your dad not staying Greta?”

“He has to work this morning, we'll get our bags now we found you, let him get off.”

“Okay, tell him I'll call later.”

“Sure.”

“There you are, green caps are energy, blue hydration.” Dad told us as he and Bern distributed bottles to us.

After a quick leg stretch the four of us had made our way to the start zone to wait for Bern and Dad. As the clock ticked towards eight more riders joined the throng in the park and there was a growing air of expectation as the PA system was tested.

“Everyone got their Kontroll cards.”

We each waved the mentioned item.

“Okay, now remember it's not a race, take it steady, keep out of trouble — there are a lot of riders and I'm sure they aren't all experienced in a bunch. Drew has a phone and Bernie and myself will be around the course if you get in trouble. Everyone okay?”

“As I'll ever be.” Roni offered.

“We'll be okay Herr Bond.” Gret stated with more confidence than I felt.

“Good ride everyone, see you later.”

“Yeah take care guys.” Bern added to Dad's farewell.

“Zehn, neun, acht, seben, sechs, fünf, vier, drei, zwei, eins — GO!” the PA system boomed and we were off.

Or maybe not. We were somewhere near the back of the huge crowd of riders and our progress through the depart took several long minutes. Then we were clear and sweeping through the town in a long snake of riders. By the time we hit open country we were part of a stream of riders doing a good 30kph stretching ahead as far as you could see.

“We gonna move up?” Tali asked.

“If you like,” I agreed, “Gret?”

“Fine, come on Ron.”

Roni gave me a resigned look as she slotted onto Greta's wheel.

So started the start of a fifty-kilometer chase towards the front of the peleton. It started with short efforts crossing gaps in our group then it was a bigger effort to bridge to the next bunch. The effort wasn't too intense and we weren't the only ones doing it, after a few jumps we were part of a smooth riding group of about twenty who by mutual consent were riding piano together.

The terrain on this leg was as flat as it gets, the big climb was over a motorway bridge! It seemed that every time our little group made the front of a group the next would be just that bit further away than the last, just a slightly faster pace was now spreading the field across the German countryside. All of Team Apollinaris were comfortable enough and somewhere about 40km we joined the fifty or so riders making up the front group. Although the pace was still quite high we had a chance to catch our breath for the first time in an hour.

Having already discussed tactics a few kilometres later we virtually rode through the stamp station, the next check was less than twenty k further on and a better place for a longer halt. Of course we weren't the only ones with this tactic and soon we were riding with most of our peleton-hopping group again. The pace was less frenetic now; there was after all still a long way to go!

It was still bright but the first indications of things to come were blowing in helping to keep the temperature quite low. There weren't the groups to hop this time, by my reckoning there were only about twenty or so riders ahead of us and we were all riding at a similar pace.

It seemed like we'd hardly got going before we were pulling into second checkpoint.

“Well done guys.” Dad encouraged as we slowed for the stop.

We all grinned and waved at Bern who was fastened to the back of her camera.

Stop two had a supply of refreshments running from sandwiches to warm tea and we all made use of the toilets before we set off anew barely five minutes after pulling in. we waved at our support crew again before concentrating on the job in hand again. The first couple of kilometres retraced our arrival at the stop and we crossed a stream of riders, small bunches, singles, club groups all heading to the stop.

Once again our little group swelled over a few kilometres, picking up some from ahead and more arriving from the rear. By now our informal group was working well together and once again our pace increased, helped by a light tailwind at times. At this point most of our elite races would be drawing to a close and whilst everyone seemed comfortable we would soon be entering unknown territory.

The next stop was more chaotic as we joined a stream of riders doing the shorter events of the day. It seemed sensible to take on food where we could, fresh crepes, fruit and more warm tea topped up our tanks before we set off once more.

“Which way?” Tali asked as we approached the first junction.

“We've been following blue arrows.” Roni noted.

“Right then.”

We were just preparing to make the turn when one of ‘our' bunch caught up with us.

“Two hundred is straight on girls.”

“Cheers.” Gret replied as we made our change in direction.

According to our reconnoiter last night the next fifty or so kilometres are not just the sole preserve of the 200km event but also the most testing with a couple of draggy climbs, most of the events climbing is on this loop.

Our guide was obviously on a mission and we let him ride away from us, I think we were all just a bit apprehensive about this next bit.

“Can we slow down a bit?” Tali asked.

“Sure,” I agreed easing off slightly, “you okay?”

“Feeling the pace is all.”

“Yeah, we've been averaging nearly thirty three.” Roni pointed out.

“How come the longest event gets the biggest climbs?” Gret grumbled.

“They obviously think only super humans can complete it.” I suggested.

“Or idiots.” Tali noted.

Despite the slowing of our pace no one else caught up to us and the four of us rode piano, everyone still taking a full turn at the front. It didn't seem to take long to get to the checkpoint where we found most of our earlier companions munching on Nürnberger würst and more of the tea — seems everyone had slowed some. It was distinctly cool now although the grey skies offered no liquid sunshine, the stiff breeze maybe keeping it off.

We actually departed ahead of our fellow competitors and cleared the cobbles of Lieberose before they swung past offering a wheel that Roni grabbed on our behalf. The big climb isn't really that steep or anything; it's just a long drag up onto some heath land. The road is wide and well surfaced so when a few riders peeled off the front they were always in clear sight.

Over the top and our pace picked up again, I was now keeping an eye on Tali but she gamely took her turn at the front when it came, I guess the bigger group gave all of us more confidence. We swung off the main road and found ourselves on a twisty road leading us to stop five at Burg. I recognised the road from yesterday and we seemed to reach the Bismarckturm turn in no time.

At Burg the main street was closed off and once again we were joined by the less ambitious riders for more fruit and if you wanted it, free beer! I must admit to feeling a bit unsteady on my feet as we negotiated the crowds. Team Apollinaris set off once again alone and we started to pick off riders doing the 150 and 115-kilometer events in particular. It must be a bit galling to find the riders passing you are riding maybe twice as far as you!

The roads became quickly familiar as those we had ridden yesterday afternoon. The grey skies cleared slightly and knowing we were less than forty kilometres from the finish buoyed our spirits.

“Come on guys, not far now.” Dad shouted in encouragement.

“Go Drew!” Bernie enthused.

I replied by pulling a silly face as we passed them at the Slawwenburg Raddusch.

At the start this morning we had a sea of bikes around us, this afternoon there were lots of small puddles along the road to Lübbenau, puddles that we caught and passed with great regularity.

“Kopfstein!” Gret warned leading us onto the sandy verge.

“Whoa.” My back wheel squirmed a bit as I hit the sand but it was much better than riding the cobbles themselves.

The run to the last checkpoint was quite quick and there were even bigger crowds here as riders mixed with day-trippers.

“Straight through?” I suggested as we queued to stamp our cards.

“Why not, I'm game.” Roni agreed.

“Sooner finished.” Tali mentioned.

The church clock was showing two thirty as we hit the unavoidable cobbles through the old town. We slalomed out of the town and started the last leg along the bank of the Spree itself. The worst thing was the insistent head wind but the hump back bridges that we had to negotiate along the way broke it up. Then we broke onto the main road again and we were in Lübben for the first time since eight this morning.

Four weary teens crossed the line to join the throng in the park. We waited on jelly legs to be presented with our spoils, cast iron gherkins sprayed gold!

“Which event girls?” a woman Gran's age dressed in the lace rich local costume asked.

“Zwei hundert.” Gret panted.

“Wow, well done ladies!”

“Can we get a picture?” a chap bearing a very professional looking camera enquired.

“Sure.” The prize giver replied.

So we posed for a couple of shots before stumbling to a grassy bank and collapsing.

“Seven hours guys, I'm well impressed.” Dad stated.

“I'm smashed.” I sighed.

“Bluh!” Roni collapsed to the grass.

“Get some clothes on, we don't want you getting cold.” Dad mentioned.

“Back in a minute.” Bern told us as she retreated towards the toilets.

 

---

 
Maddy Bell 04.05.09  © 2009
 
 
To Be Continued...

---

 

 

 

---

 
Chapter *14*
 

“Lets have your control cards kids, I'll get your certificates.” Dad proposed as we sorted through the pile of team jackets and tights.

“Cor! A Gurken and a certificate too!” I announced ironically.

“Ignore him, thanks Herr Bond.” Gret told him after collecting everyone's cards and passing them over.

The finish area was at one end of a small sort of amphitheatre with event tents and stuff around the edges. We were at one end, not far from where we started this morning; at the other were benches and food and beer stalls. Between the milling riders and the seating there was a sort of cleared area where, according to the PA system, we were to be entertained by various local groups — I guess everyone wanted to get in on the days activities!

“Bernie has been gone a while.” Roni noted.

“You think she is ok?” Thalia voiced the question going round my head.

“Well I need to go myself,” Gret mentioned, “I'll check, anyone fancy a würst?”

“You could twist my arm, Dad'll go for one I'm sure.”

“I'll come too.” Roni offered.

“Okay, won't be long.” Gret advised.

“You think she's ok?” Tali asked as the others headed off.

“She wasn't too good yesterday.” I supplied.

“Maybe she's car sick?”

“Maybe.”

“Where are the others?” Dad enquired.

“Lav's and looking for Bern.”

“And hopefully fetching some food.” Tali added.

“Best wait here then.” Dad stated easing himself to the grass.

I guess we were sat there, each in their own thoughts for about ten minutes before I spotted some Apollinaris jackets heading our way.

“There they are, looks like Herr Luchow is with them .”

“And Gret's mum.” Tali supplied waving to the new arrivals.

“Found these three at the sausage stall Dave.”

“Hi Dieter, Sonja, I think my son might be responsible for that.” Dad chuckled.

“We got some for everyone.” Roni put in.

“You okay Bern?”

“Yeah, I got lost, came out of the wrong door at the toilets and ended up in the crazy golf!”

“We wondered where you had got to.”

“Gret said.”

“Less chat, get these sausages before they go cold.” Frau Luchow suggested.

It was a good feeling, sitting there munching Bratwürst with the guys and watching the arrival of more riders from the various events.

The crackly PA burst into life again as the local dog obedience group exited the little arena; we'd all had a chuckle, as one of the dogs really wasn't very obedient!

“ Please welcome the Spree All Stars Cheerleaders .”

A dozen, maybe fourteen young girls in mauve and white outfits ran onto the field waving their poms. I sort of regretted dropping out of the Foresters last year, it was kind of fun even if I did have to do it as Gaby. The All Stars I have to say weren't in our league, not helped by the failure of the PA just after they started!

Their routine was pretty lame for the most part, more a dance with poms than actual cheering. A couple of them obviously took it very seriously, I got the impression the others were less enthusiastic! They ended with a bit of tumbling and a two high pyramid then left the field to some muted applause — mostly I think from parents and supporters.

“Brings it back huh?” Bern suggested.

“I guess.”

“I know I miss it.” She sighed.

“I do sometimes.” I admitted.

“We'll follow you down then.” Herr Luchow mentioned.

“Okay Dieter, I'll wait at car park entrance.”

“Come on you two, shake a leg.” Dad suggested.

“Wassup?”

“Back to the hotel, shower, change and eat.”

“What about Tali and Gret?”

“Sometimes Drew Bond, sometimes! They're following us to the Knidle and they'll use our room after you're done.”

Well it made sense I guess, not that I could see the rush of it, we're not heading back home till tomorrow.

“Drew?” Roni called up the stairs after me.

“Yeah?”

“Could I like get my trackie top back when you've changed.”

“And my tights.” Gret added coming through the door behind her.

“Why would I have… oh shitza!”

A quick glance at my left breast confirmed I had Roni's top on and I wondered why Gret hadn't put anything on her legs, she's bigger than me so mine wouldn't fit her. I blushed to my roots, talk about embarrassing!

“Sorry guys, I'll be as quick as I can Gret.”

Dad settled for a quick wash and change while I was in the shower, whilst I could've stood under the restful torrent a good deal longer a verbal nudge from Dad cut my relaxation short.

“Make sure you put everything away before the girls come up.” Dad hinted as I pulled out a fresh bra to put on.

It must be ‘make Drew blush day' or something. I know he was only trying to protect me, we haven't said anything to the girls about, you know, me kinda being erm ‘equipped'. He's not really said much to me about that stuff, it never seems to be the right time but it must be kinda awkward for him too, you know like this weekend sharing a room with his daughter-son. When I think about it he has been sorta leaving me alone to change and stuff, I haven't really given it much thought though.

“So we eating here Dave?” Gret's dad enquired a few minutes later when we joined the Luchow's on the terrace, “The Mexican Bratkartoffeln sounds good.”

My heart sank.

“But everything on the menu is potatoes!” I didn't mean it to but it came out as a whine.

“Well it is called the potato hotel, Knidle is the local slang for taters.”

“Just my luck.” I sighed.

Dad chuckled, “its unlike you to pass up chips, I guess we could go into the old town, get something less potato based.”

“You can have too much of a good thing you know.”

“What's he moaning about now?” Bern enquired brightly.

“The menu.” Dad informed her and Roni as they joined us.

“It is a bit tuber heavy Herr Bond.”

“Thank you Roni.”

“Okay, you've made your point, we'll go into the town.”

“Yes!”

In the end we drove down to ‘Alt Lübbenau', it was quite a trot and four of us had ridden 200 kilometres today! After a bit of a trawl we settled on the grandly named ‘Zur alten Mühle' just about opposite the last checkpoint from today's ride.

As it was reasonably warm — and dry, we took a couple of tables in the little courtyard, there was an awning which would keep any precipitation off of us while still giving the illusion of dining al fresco.

“This is nice.” Bern observed.

“A bit twee.” Gret suggested.

“Hopefully there's less tater on the menu.” I opined.

“Talk about a stuck needle!” Tali giggled.

“I was just saying.”

I needn't have worried, when the waitress brought us the menu's it was clear that they offered a much more varied range of meals. I'm not going to bore you with a blow-by-blow account of the evening except to say that I had a nice steak with mushrooms, salad and, okay, chips. It was well into the evening before our two parties bade each other goodnight and went our separate ways.

“Sugar!”

“What's up?” Roni enquired from across the breakfast table.

I frantically dabbed at my t-shirt and jeans, the glass of juice had been full and now its contents were decorating my last clean clothing.

“Go and get changed kiddo.” Dad ordered.

“Into what? I only brought one pair of jeans and this was my last clean shirt.”

“Don't look at me,” Bern stated, “my jeans won't fit you.”

“I might have something.” Roni offered.

“Jeans?” I queried.

“Dunno, mum packed for me.”

“Thanks Roni, finish your breakfasts then.” Dad suggested.

“You sure there's no trousers?”

“Only these.” Ron held up the bright pink leggings again, “I usually wear them with a Minirock.”

“Ooh you'd look cute in those.” Bern giggled.

“As if.”

“Well your options are a bit restricted and its not like you've never worn a skirt before.”

“Bern!” I tried to shut her up with eye signals.

“You've worn skirts Drew?” Roni asked.

“Loadsa times, we couldn't keep him out of them back home.” Bern told my teammate; obviously my psi powers aren't working.

“Bern.” I sighed.

“Oops, my bad. Soz Drew.”

“So why did you wear the Rock?” Roni enquired.

The discussion was interrupted by Dad rapping on the door.

“Come on kids, we need to get off.”

“Five minutes.” I offered.

“I've checked us out so bring the bags straight out to the car.”

“Yeah.” I agreed.

“So?” Bern enquired.

“I don't have much choice do I?”

“Not really.” Roni grinned.

Dave wasn't exactly surprised when the three girls trotted across to the car.

“Not your usual style Gaby.”

“Beggars can't be choosers.” I shrugged.

“I think she looks cute.” Roni giggled which set Bernie off — again!

“Well get in then, we still have to drop Greta and Thalia's bikes off in Cottbus.”

 

---

 
Maddy Bell 12.05.09  © 2009
 
 
To Be Continued...

---

 

 

 

---

 
Chapter *15*
 
We haven't even got to Cottbus yet and I've got the squiggles. Ever tried sitting in a car wearing a short, I mean really short skirt? Let me offer a word of advice — don't, don't even think about it unless your idea of comfort involves sitting on a lumpy hem. It's not like the leggings offered much padding, in reality they were pretty much like thick tights, not even fully opaque! I eased the offending hem out from under me, which actually allowed a bit more slack at the front where crotch exposure, well in theory at least, was a real possibility!

“Left or right?” Dad enquired.

“Left I think, no straight on.”

“You sure?”

“Yup, then right at the end.”

“If you say so.” to be fair, it was rare for Drew to get it wrong.

The girls tuckered me good and proper. Once it was decided I would wear the skirt my fate was sealed, Roni didn't even mention my wearing of a bra - I guess I have some explaining to do on the way home. So if I was going to be wearing the skirt and leggings I ‘had' to wear Roni's matching pink boat neck top which in turn meant my own sports bra ‘had' to be swapped for one of Bernie's more um decorative affairs which I was not happy to discover I filled rather too well. I did escape with my trainers, after all Air Rifts ᢠare worn by both sexes.

“Cottbus Flughafen Museum.” I read off the sign.

“Fancy a look?” Dad offered, “girls? We won‘t be stopping much after we leave the Luchow‘s.”

“Put like that, why not.” Ron agreed.

“Sure.” I allowed.

We pulled into the car park and decamped from the Saab. Whilst the place was open the cash desk wasn't manned, a board told us to pay in the exhibition hall.

“We can have a look on the way up to the office.” Dad instructed us.
 
There's one universal rule for airfields, well two I guess, they are generally pretty flat and there always seems to be a gale blowing across them! Cottbus was no exception and whilst the aircraft nearer to the car park were fairly sheltered the nearer we got to the airfield proper the stronger the wind got. Despite the blue skies this meant that we were subjected to a chill wind which wouldn't have bothered me earlier but dressed as I am now, brrrr! The planes were a mixed bunch of military stuff, mostly dating from the Communist period, MiG jets, turbo props and an impressive collection of helicopters.
 
 
When we reached the exhibition entrance, housed in the old barracks building, I for one was glad to get out of the wind. I'm not really into this stuff but it was quite good, not on the scale of somewhere like Duxford of course but pretty interesting none the less. Dad as usual was engrossed, me Bern and Ron were round pretty quick so we went outside to wait for our chauffeur.

"So what did your dad mean earlier?"

"When?"

"Back at the Knidle , he said something about the outfit not being your usual style."

Course he did, he's Dad after all!

"Well I don't usually dress like this do I?"

Bernie stifled a giggle.

"Come on guys, spill." Roni begged.

"They all think I'm a girl at school." I sighed, there was no point in hanging it out.

"Where would they get that idea?"

Bern was being no help, giggling away like a schoolgirl.

"They kinda just assumed I guess."

"Why? Were you wearing a dress?"

I started to colour up.

"You did!" Roni exclaimed.

"I didn't, I mean I wasn't."

"That time." Bern mumbled.

"You do make quite a good girl I guess." Roni noted giving me the once over.

"She's the spit of her cousin back in England." Bern offered.

"Be-rn!"

"It's true."

"I don't look anything like Mad."

Bernie squinted at me, "you're right, you're prettier."

This set Roni off with the giggles.

"There you are, you looked 'round the rest?" Dad enquired joining us.

"We've been talking Herr Bond, girl stuff." Roni told him.

"Anyone fancy a quick squint?" he went on without demur.

"Yeah, why not." I offered.
 
 
What was I saying about airfields earlier? About the wind? Well once we were clear of the little bit of cover offered by the trees around the airfield it whipped not just my hair about but I found myself girlishly trying to hold my skirt down against the invisible pervert! I traipsed around behind Dad who oohed and aahed over the remaining exhibits oblivious to my plight. The others had taken a rain check; I think Bern was filling my teammate in on my double life.

“Enough everyone?” Dad enquired when we rejoined the girls.

“Sure.” Roni allowed.

“Well let's get on to the Luchow‘s then.”

We headed back to the car and remounted our trusty steed.

“Left I take it?” Dad asked as we returned to the road.

“Yeah then along to the end.”

“Right.” Dad noted.

“No left!” the girls chorused from the back seat.

The drive to our next stop took barely five minutes even with a slight detour due to road works on the ring road.

“Hi guys.” Gret enthused joining us in the parkplatz.

“Why are you wearing that getup Drew?” Tali enquired. “Not that it doesn't suit you.”

“I'm sure Bern and Ron will delight in filling you in.” I sighed.

“Give us a hand Gab's.” Dad requested.

Daa-aad!

“Coming!”
 
 
The Luchow‘s, well Frau Luchow supplied us with some brá¶tchen and fruit for the journey and after an all too brief stop we were back on the road, at least ten hours drive in front of us.

“So like the village made you the Weinká¶nigin?” Roni pressed somewhere near Magdeburg and several hours later.

“I didn't even know I was entered.” I insisted.

“I wish we had stuff like that in Mettmann.” Roni let out a deep sigh.

“It's not like I wanted to get the job.”

“But it's well cool.”

“Yeah, don't knock it Gabs, look at all the stuff you get to do.” Bern put in.

“Like getting my feet stepped on by the mayor and visiting the crinklies at Christmas.”

“I bet you look cute in your Dirndl.” Roni mentioned.

“She does.” Dad dropped into the conversation.

“Daa-aad!” I complained.

“Well you do, quite the archetypal German má¤dchen.”

“I never wore one but even if its not fashion I like to see them worn.”

“I think I'd prefer lederhosen.”

“Now that is like soo gay!” Roni exclaimed. “Grown men in those leather shorts and all that bum slapping.”

“Yeah well that is a bit much,” I agreed, “what I meant though was that it'd be more appropriate for me to be wearing that than a dress.”

This conversation was bringing up issues I was trying to keep on the back burner.

“Toilets in five.” Dad stated.
 
 
We skirted Hannover around four o'clock and covered the 250km to Roni's pad in just under three hours including a stop at Gá¼tersloh for petrol and a bite to eat, Frau Luchow‘s picnic having long since been consumed. Of course you can't stop at the Grá¶nberg's without Angela feeding you so it was turned eight when we started the last leg of our journey home.

“Wake up kiddo, we're home.” Dad's voice cut through my woolly head.

“Hmmm? Oh right.” I stretched and yawned loudly.

“Shush, you'll wake Bernie.” Dad hissed.

I looked into the back of the car, Bern was curled up like a cat on the back seat, a blanket tucked round her, snoring lightly with a grin on her face.

I climbed carefully out of the car and joined Dad who was unstrapping my bike.

“We leaving her here?”

“For a bit, at least until we're unloaded, here, put your bike in the workshop.”

I took my steed and headed into the garage.

“WHAAA!!!”

“WHAAA!!!” the combined screech was enough to wake the dead.

“Mum?”

The light flicked on.

“Gabs? What are you creeping around for, I thought we'd got bunglers.”

“I wasn't creeping and why didn't you put the light on first?”

“I wanted to catch whoever it was and give ‘em what for.” She hefted my old cricket bat.

“Didn't you hear us pull up?”

“I was watching telly, where's your Dad and Bernie?”

“Bern's asleep in the car and Dad's unloading.”

“I'll go stick the kettle on.”

Mum retreated back upstairs; I shook my head, whatever!

“So what was all the screaming about?” Dad enquired when I returned to fetch our luggage indoors.

“Mum thought I was a burglar.”

“You're too pretty.” His face dropped, “oh sod, look sorry kiddo, I didn't mean…”

I cut him off and pulled him into a hug, “I know Dad.” I held him tightly as the tears started to flow down my cheeks, ‘I know'.
 

---

 
Maddy Bell 28.05.09  © 2009
 
 
To Be Continued...

---

 

 

 

---

 
Chapter *16*
 

“ Miss Bond, Miss Oldberg, can you please stay after class please. ” Frau Dürst requested.

“ What've we done now? ” I muttered under my breath.

“ Yes Miss. ” Steff replied.

“ Yes Frau Dürst.” I added.

The bell sounded and everyone got ready to leave for their first class.

“ I ' ll wait outside for you. ” Bern offered.

“ Best not Bern, dunno how long this ' ll take. ”

“ Okay, see you in IT then. ”

She set off; Marty was waiting for us and the pair of them set off.

“ This shouldn't take long, ” Frau Dürst, advised, “oh and congratulations on last Sunday Drew, very impressive, I knew you raced but not how good you are.”

“ Erm thanks Miss. ” I allowed turning a very deep shade of embarrassed.

“ Right to business, I have a favour to ask of you both. ”

“Favour ? ” Steff repeated.

“ I was wondering if you ' d be interested in helping with the Whit dance, I stupidly volunteered to organise it and I thought I could do with some assistants. ”

“ Why us? ” I enquired.

“ Well all the boys would be mucking about and the rest of the class seem to look to you two. ”

“ They do? ” we both chorused.

“ Sorry I didn't mean to embarrass you, but yes, as they say, die wort am die Stra b e ist Bond und Oldberg. ”

“ Geez. ”

“ I don ' t need an answer right away, tomorrow would be fine, think about it for me please? ”

“ Sure. ” Steff agreed, I just kinda nodded.

“ Well you ' d best get to IT, you don ' t want to be too late. ”

“So?”

“So what?”

“Well duh, Frau D ü rst?” Bern queried.

“Oh that.”

“Sometimes Drew you can be so obtuse.”

I concentrated on the screen, why anyone would want to use PowerPoint is beyond me, it sucks!

“Do I have to drag it out of you?”

“She wants me an Steff to help with the Whit dance, oh shitza!”

“Miss Bond!” Herr Diebels admonished from across the room.

“Er sorry.”

There were a few titters around the room at my outburst.

“So you gonna do it?”

“What?” I was trying to concentrate, tongue out, my attention on moving a text box around the slide.

“Drew!”

“The dance? Dunno its coming into the racing season proper.”

“Remember it's the ante natal class tomorrow.”

“I thought it was Wednesday? Ah ha!”

“Not this week.”

“Oh alright, there done.”

“Lets see then.”

“So you guys gonna do it?” Con enquired as we pedalled home.

“Well I'm up for it.” Steff told us, “Drew?”

“I guess.”

“Kewl!” Bern exclaimed.

Dunno about that but like how much can there be to do?

“You decided girls?” Frau Dürst enquired when we arrived at registration.

“Count us in.” Steff advised.

“Drew?”

“Yeah me too.” I agreed.

“Fantastiche! Well we need to get things rolling, can you meet me at the Lehrer Wohnzimmer at lunch break, bring your lunches and we can eat and start planning.”

Oh joy, I wanted to finish my Math's homework.

“That okay Drew?”

“Er sure, just thinking.”

“Fine so I'll see you two Damen at twelve.”

“Yes miss.” Steff agreed.

We headed to our shared desk and I slumped into my seat.

“What's up Gab's? I thought you wanted to do the dance.” Steff asked.

“I do, but I was gonna to finish my homework at lunchtime.”

“Math's?”

“How'd you guess?”

“I was going to do the same, we'll have to do it at morning break.”

An idea hit me.

“Maybe we could borrow someone's notes.”

“Good idea but it needs to be someone good at math's.”

“Max!” we both agreed.

Why does it have to be Max? Too late, Steff was already getting his attention.

“Maxie?” she purred across the aisle, “you fancy helping a couple of maidens in distress?”

“Steff!” I hissed.

“Eh?” for all his front Max wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer.

“Can me an' Gabs borrow your notes for the math's homework?”

This is embarrassing.

He was catching on a bit faster now.

“What's in it for me?”

“That's not very charitable.”

“You don't get rich on charity, so?”

“How about a dance with the Königin at the Whit fest.”

“Done!” he replied straight away.

“Hey don't I get a say in this?”

“No, you get your homework finished.” Steff mentioned.

“I'll let you have them at lunch.”

“We have stuff to do at lunch,” Steff told him, “can you make it morning recess?”

“I guess so.”

“Quiet please, Bond?” Frau Dürst started the register.

“Yes Miss.”

Just you wait Steffi Oldberg; I'll get you for this.

 

“So girls, any ideas for a theme?”

“Heimatfest? Gabs looks good in a dirndl.” Steff giggled.

“I do not.”

“You do, doesn't she miss?”

“I have to agree with Steffi Drew, you have any ideas?”

Two against one.

“Erm,” hmm why not, “how about Cosplay?”

“Might've guessed.” Steff sighed.

“What is Cosplay?” Frau Dürst asked.

“You dress up as characters from Manga, you know the Japanese comics?”

“It is quite good fun.” Steffi admitted.

“Sounds interesting.”

“Do you have internet on your laptop miss?”

“Sure.”

“I'll show you, some of us did it at my old school in England.”

Frau Dürst passed her laptop over to me.”

“They have conventions and everything miss, we went to one at Phantasialand last year.” Steff mentioned.

I tapped away for a minute or so before Mad's Flickr page popped up on the screen.

“Here we are.” I spun the machine around to show the others.

“This was at your school?”

“Uh huh, that's Herr Wood the headmaster.” I pointed at the picture.

“You have a Zwillingschwester, the girl in white?”

“White? Er that's me, the other one is my cousin Mad.”

“Look there's Bernie and your sister, not sure who the others are.” Steff put in.

“The blonde one is Ally and the other one is Rrr-Em, Mfanwy that is.”

Frau Dürst raised an eyebrow, “I take it there are boys costumes in these ‘mangos'?”

“Manga miss, hang on a sec.” I flicked to another album, “here we go, this was a proper convention in Manchester me an' Mad went to with my tante.”

“Some of the costumes are a bit riskant.” She noted.

“We could theme it on one series eh Drew?” Steff suggested.

“I guess so, can you imagine hundreds of Sailor Moons Steff?”

“Hmm, maybe not.” She agreed.

“What about each registration room having a theme?” we were on a roll now.

“So like we pick half a dozen themes that everyone in that class has to costume from?”

“Yeah so maybe we get Yubisaki, another gets Bleach and maybe Chibi Vampire or Card Captor.” I enthused.

“We'd have to draw lots or something.” Steff mused.

“Then everyone in each group gets a different character to play.” I was thinking aloud.

“Can you imagine Max dressed up as Sailor Moon?”

“Now that I'd pay to see!”

“Girls, calm down a bit.”

“Sorry miss.” I allowed.

“You've got some good ideas here, I need to run it past Frau Boxberg but I'm happy to go with it. Bookmark that page for me Drew so I can show the Head, can you jot me a few of these comic names down Drew?”

“Sure miss.” I'd already done the bookmark so I started to scribble down a few of my favourite titles.

 

---

 
Maddy Bell 24.08.09  © 2009
 
 
To Be Continued...

---

 

 

 

---

 
Chapter *17*
 

“And relax.” Gloria instructed.

“Urgh!” I announced as I let everything go.

“You can be such a drama queen Drew Bond,” Bernie admonished, “and how come you can do the exercises and I can't?”

“I'm not nearly six months pregnant?”

“I knew there was something.”

“You okay there Bernie?”

“Yes thanks Frau Pilsen.”

“Gloria.”

“Sorry er Gloria.”

“Right people, we'll stop there, it's Marguerite's last session, baby is due this week.”

“Can't be too soon!” a young woman the size of half a house noted.

“Well I know everyone wishes you well.” Gloria told her.

There was a general murmur of agreement before we all started moving mats around and preparing to leave.

“Wot's up?”

Bern was looking wistfully across to where Marguerite was kinda holding court with the other expectant mothers and their partners.

“Nothing.”

“Don't give me that, I've known you too long.”

“Its like I'm not one of them, not the same.” She admitted. “Look at them, they're all either married or have steady partners, having a child to them is part of their life plan. I guess I'm jealous, here I am, still in school and expecting a child that certainly wasn't in any plans I might have had.”

I gave her a bit of a hug.

“Come on you, I fancy some ice cream, we can stop at the station, my treat.”

“Yeah if you like.”

We gathered our stuff and left, the others not even noticing our departure.

Gloria watched the two teens depart, ‘I'll have to keep a close eye on Bernie, she seems quite bubbly one minute and the next she's obviously suffering some form of depression. I'll have to talk to her guardians, hmm maybe I should talk to the school as well.'

 

 

“Erm Gabs?”

I looked up from ‘Die Ersten König' to find Pia standing over me.

“Wassup?”

“I have a favour to ask, its alright if you don't want to but you have some experience and I wouldn't ask but we're really desperate, the competition is only two weeks away.” Pia told me.

“Whoa, slow up, step back, experience in what and what competition? I like to know what I'm letting myself in for.”

Well there's a first time for everything!

“It's Margot.”

“Who?”

“You know Margot, she is in the Tanzgruppe with me, you saw her the other week.”

“So what about her?” they all looked the same to me!

“She has broken her ankle.”

“Bad luck, I bet that hurts.”

"Well we, well that is I wondered if you could help out? Like as a stand in at training?"

"My diary is getting a bit full you know."

"I know Gabs, I wouldn't ask if we weren't desperate and its only like a couple of hours on Thursday nights." she fluttered her eyelashes at me.

"Two hours?"

"Yup, between eight and ten."

Well I don't really do much on Thursdays except circuit training and a bit of dance type stuff would make a change and it'll only be for a few weeks.

"Okay I'll do it, its only a few weeks yeah?"

"Sure, the competition is two weeks Saturday."

Three sessions.

"Fine, so where do you want me?"

"We'll pick you up about seven thirty, you've got some dance clothes?"

"I'll find something."

"This is so cool, thanks Gabs, I knew I could rely on you!"

With that she pulled me into a hug, well what's a guy 's'posed to do? I cautiously hugged her back. It wasn't long and it was definitely not like a Mum hug, Pia broke away.

"See you in class."

"Yeah, laters."

Hey who knows, it might be fun. I returned to reading about Bismarck, I've got to finish this flippin' assignment today.

Life certainly has a way of turning up some weird stuff doesn't it? I mean, one day I'm at antenatal classes with Bern, the next I've agreed to fill in for Pia's injured teammate in the Gardetanzengruppe. What's next do you suppose?

 

 

“Drew?”

“Wassup Mum?”

“It's probably a stupid question but is there a reasonable explanation for what you are wearing?”

“Er, it's a bit embarrassing.”

“Quite possibly.” Mum agreed eyeing my attire.

“I um agreed to help with Pia's Gardetanz for a couple of weeks, one of the girls broke her ankle so I'm er gonna stand in.”

“Gardetanz?”

“Yeah you know, like a cross between cheering and baton twirling.”

“And you volunteered to help?”

“Well…”

“I dunno kiddo, you can be a bit too soft at times, what about training?”

“It's only turbo tonight, I'll get a better workout dancing.”

“Hmm.” Jenny allowed.

“Mum?”

“Eh?”

“Pia's here, I need to go.”

“Okay, don't be too late.”

“Should be back about ten thirty, bye-ee.”

 

 

In truth Drew was wondering himself just why he'd put this stuff on. Well Bern was partly to blame, he'd nearly bottled it when Mum stopped him in the kitchen. It wasn't so much the shorts, or even the ankle warmers, the sweatshirt over his sports bra was a good move, no it was the shiny tan tights that Bern insisted he wear that made him self conscious. Okay he had worn them when he was in the Foresters and even once when they went skating but somehow with the rest of the outfit he felt exposed and - well maybe the way he looked was a bit too girly, if that's possible.

“Thanks for coming Gab.” Pia enthused as I got in her Dad's Mercedes.

“S'okay.” I shrugged.

“Cute outfit.”

“Yeah.”

I glanced at my friends somewhat less ‘cute' outfit, not that her running knickers and wrap top were any less appropriate. It was a fifteen minute drive to the hall the group used behind the Altenahr fire station, a drive during which I really was having second thoughts about this.

‘I'll pick you up at ten.”

“Okay Dad.” Pia sang back. “Come on Gab's, I'll introduce you to the girls.”

I spent the first half hour just watching what the others were doing before I was dragged, not literally of course, into the fray. I like to think I'm in fair shape but after running through the routine a couple of times I was struggling for breath. Not just my breathing was in trouble, I could feel my thighs starting to burn and ache as well, is this such a good idea?

“Well done everybody.” Hannah, the group's coach told us as we finished warming down.

“I'm glad that's over.”

“You did really well Gabs, not many people can manage the splits so soon.” Pia mentioned.

“We used to do them when I was on the cheer team, I hope I haven't pulled anything, I'm pretty sore.” I took a swig of the energy drink I brought with me.

“Ah Gaby, thanks for filling in for us.”

“I kinda enjoyed it Hannah.”

“I'll sort you out some kit for next week, I think most of Margot's will be okay.”

Beep Beeeep!

“That's Dad, come on Gabs, see you next week Han.”

“Night girls.”

“Nite.”

“What did she mean about sorting kit out P?”

“Its dress rehearsal the week after.”

“Right.”

 

 

The drive back to Dernau seemed quicker than the outward journey, it was only just ten past when Herr Sebenschuh dropped me off at Bond Acres.

“See you tomorrow.”

“Nite Gabs.

“Night.”

I climbed up to the house and let myself in.

“Hi.”

“How'd it go twinkle toes?” Dad enquired.

“Okay I guess.” I allowed.

“Someone needs a shower.” Mum mentioned.

“No kidding.” I agreed.

“So you going again?”

“Only for two more weeks.”

“Two weeks?”

“Yeah the competition is the following Saturday, I only need to be there until then.”

 

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Maddy Bell 27.08.09  © 2009
 
 
To Be Continued...

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Chapter *18*
 

I awoke Friday morning stiff and still a bit tired from the night before.

“Dancing Queen, only fifteen.” Jules ad libbed as I shuffled into the kitchen.

“Plbbbt!”

“It's the kid from Fame.”

“If you say so.”

I hadn't got the foggiest what she was on about.

“Where's Bern?”

“Someone call?”

“Mornin'.”

“So you got the history assignment finished Drew?”

Shitza, I knew there was something I needed to do last night when I got back.

“Er kinda.”

“How much?”

“The conclusion.”

“If you shake a leg you can do that at the bakery.”

“I guess so.” I agreed, slipping my feet into a pair of shoes.

“Don't forget lunchtime.” Steff mentioned as we stabled our mounts in the crowded bike park.

“As if I could.” I winced as I reached for my bag.

“Pulled something?” Connie asked noticing my discomfort.

“How about everything.” I sighed, “I er used a few dormant muscles last night.”

“Those between her ears!” Bern chuckled.

“You did very well.” Pia put in.

“Whatever, I still ache.”

“… So its all systems go.” Frau Dürst concluded.

“Yay!” Steffi allowed.

“Have you got the list we talked about Drew?”

“Er somewhere here.” I allowed fishing about in my bag. “Ah here we go.”

“And there are male and female characters to costume?”

“Right, there's Bleach, Pretty Face, Chibi Vampire, Tokyo Mew, Under Arrest, Yubisaki, Full Metal and Peach Girl, eight right?”

“So how do we work this?” Frau Dürst queried.

“Well we can do a draw to see which room gets which.” Steff suggested.

“We could do some character sheets to give ideas.” I mentioned.

“Both good ideas, what about decorations for the hall?”

“How about a Japanese festival, they crop up in nearly every manga, we could have some proper stalls with games and others for refreshments.”

“Yeah we could do that raw fish stuff.” Steff suggested.

“Rohlmops?”

“No miss, Sushi”

“That might be a bit ambitious Steffi.”

“We could do rice balls, noodles and snack foods.” I suggested.

Frau Dürst made some notes, “okay so we need to get a catering team organised.”

“I'm sure Connie would run that.”

“Connie Thesing?”

“Yes miss.” I agreed.

“Okay, we need to get things rolling, can you two do the, what was it oh yes, character sheets for Monday?”

“Probably.” I cautiously supplied.

“Fine I'll organise the draw for Monday morning, if you come in early we can print your stuff off and get it laminated ready to hand out.”

“We'll be here.” Steff enthused.

Joy, that's any spare time this weekend gone.

“We're back!” I yelled to no one in particular.

“Hi kids,“ Mom called back, “Bernie, your Mum called earlier.”

“Oh?”

“She has some news for you, she'll call again in about er thirty minutes.”

Bern's mood dropped immediately, news could only really refer to one thing, the court case, and with it her return to England.

“So?” I enquired when Bernie slumped onto my bed.

“We've got the date, for court.”

“Yeah? I guessed as much, when?”

“May 29 th. ”

“Bum! The dance is on the 25 th , when do you go home?”

“Not sure.”

“I hope you can still come to the dance.”

“Me too.” She sighed.

“I'm sure it'll be okay.” I suggested joining her on the bed.

“I hope so, I'm frightened Drew, what if they send me to prison? What'll happen to junior?”

We sat there, me holding Bern for what seemed like hours, every now and then she'd give a snuffle its head and the tears would start anew. I didn't know what to say, I didn't have any answers all I could do was offer some comfort. Eventually though the sobbing abated and at some point sleep took us both.

I awoke alone, at some point in the night Bern had mumbled something about toilets and disappeared; I guess she headed off to her own bed afterwards. Checking the alarm clock I noted it was barely six thirty, a few minutes before I need to get up, I only need a short spin this morning, I'm supposed to be riding a crit this afternoon.

My mind made its way back to last night and Bernie's impending hour of reckoning. I couldn't even start to imagine how she must feel, they might lock her up in prison in just a few weeks time and chances are that Junior could be born there. Nah surely they don't lock up pregnant teenagers, do they? The charges she's up on are quite serious, arson especially is taken very seriously I know. Poor Bern.

Whoa! Who parked that there? I just swerved around the back corner of the pick up which was taking up half the width of the lane. There's never anything parked up here, you hardly even see a car up here so the van's presence is quite unusual. The name on the door didn't offer any clue either, Holzwerke Simmern GmbH , whatever. I continued the climb with a mental shrug and by the top my mind was back on the events of last night.

I did practically the whole of my ride on autopilot; I made the turns, did the climbs, dodged the potholes and arrived back home with no clear recollection of any of the 30 odd kilometres.

“Well I'm off, I'll call this evening.”

“Okay love, have a good ride.” Dad mentioned as my parents exchanged a hug.

“Bye Drew, Bernie.”

“Bye Mum, good luck.”

“Bye Mrs B.”

“Dave can you try to talk some sense into Jules about Uni?”

“I'll try love.”

“See you all Thursday then, bye.”

Mum gave us a wave then just about skipped out to where Maria and Tina were waiting in the Mercedes. They're off to some race in Holland tomorrow and another in Denmark on Tuesday. Then there's some presentation thing in Hamburg on Wednesday before they come back to the Ahrtal.

“Right you two, are you ready?”

“I just need my bag.” Bern stated.

“My stuff is in the car.”

Bern wasn't quite back to her old self but she was certainly more chipper this morning.

We are headed for Aachen which in case you don't know is hard on the German / Belgian border an hour or so west of Köln.

“We meeting Roni there?” Bern enquired as we headed onto the motorway spur onto the E31.

“Yep, they can get a train from Mettmann straight through.” Dad advised.

“Its probably quicker than us driving.” I suggested.

“There's probably not much in it kiddo. You sure you've got everything?”

Geez, I'm not that bad.

“Yes Dad.”

I settled into my seat to watch the world go by, Bern was already humming away to something on her Ipod ® and Dad was tapping the wheel in time to some cheesy old 80's stuff on the radio.

The field was a bit different to the usual fish and chipper. Being so close to both Belgium and Holland it has attracted more than a few riders from those countries. Its not often we get to race against foreign competition, yeah I know I'm English and in Germany but you know what I mean.

“Hey Bernie, Drew!”

“How was the train Roni?” Bern enquired as my teammate joined us.

“Late and tedious.”

“Go and sign in you two, I'll get you're bikes checked.” Dad instructed.

Frau Grönberg as usual was in charge of food and drink and already had the table up next to the Saab.

“I'm gonna miss this when I go back.” Bern mused as the three of us joined the queue at the Kontrolle.

“You are going somewhere?” Ron enquired.

“Back home Ron, wish I didn't have to.”

“You could stay? Couldn't she Drew?”

“I wish! There's stuff I have to do back home though.” Bern supplied.

“Yeah.” I agreed.

“When do you go?”

“End of May.”

We shuffled forward.

“You should come visit before you go.”

“That'd be cool eh Drew?”

“Sure.” I agreed.

“Come Mädchen, Lizenze bitte?”

“Gab.” Bern poked me in the ribs.

“Oh right.”

I handed the official my racing permit.

“Which event?”

“Jugende.”

She looked down her list, her face contorting in confusion as she read my licence and looked up at me.

“Drew Bond?

“That's me.” I agreed.

She shook her head before continuing, “unterschrift hier bitte.”

I signed the sheet where she pointed before moving so Roni could sign on.

 

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Maddy Bell 11.09.09  © 2009
 
 
To Be Continued...