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Chapter *8.01*

Accidents Will Happen

The message had been short and light on information, Drew had done no more than grab his, well Gabs, coat and dived out of Thesing's. The trusty Schauff was a bugger to get moving, he cursed as his foot slipped off the pedal - which of course whacked him in the shin. It wasn't far round to Schloss Bond; he was running up the kitchen steps less than five minutes after getting the call.

"Where? Who?" he wheezed.

"Flippin' eck Gabs, how'd you get here that quick?" Bern asked before replying, "It's your dad."

Bern led the way to the hallway where they found Dave Bond, surrounded by an assortment of ladies underpinnings, sprawled on his back and moaning dramatically at Mrs Rose's ministrations.

"Dad!"

"Er hi Drew, ow!"

"What happened?"

"Well your dad was taking my bags upstairs, next thing we knew there was a loud crash and we found him here." Mrs R advised.

"Should we call an ambulance?"

"Already done." Bern put in, "somehow you beat them."

As if on cue the two tone siren of the paramedics rent the air to be replaced moments later by the strobing blue lights reaching the interior of Bond Acres.

"So?" Drew enquired a couple of hours later.

"Nothing broken, just a lot of bruises but they want to keep me in overnight.

"Phew! So what happened exactly?"

"Well I was nearly at the top landing and I tripped on something, next thing I know Bernie and her mum are yelling their heads off and I couldn't move."

"Wonder what you tripped on?"

"Yeah me too.”

Bern leant in to her friend's ear, "it was a pair of your tights."

Drew's face dropped.

Dave not having heard Bernie was still oblivious to the cause of his fall.

"What's up kiddo?"

"A um er nothing."

"So why the guilty look?"

"I um just remembered that I left Con in the lurch, I um should ring her."

"Go on then."

"I'll go with." Bern offered.

"How'd you know they were mine?" Drew hissed at his friend once they were off the ward.

"Who else wears pink Fair Isle pattern?"

"But I put them in the wash - oh shit I must have dropped them."

"My guess."

"Um, does he know?"

"No and mum won't say."

"Thanks Bern."

"Now are you ringing Con or what?"

It wasn't exactly the way things had been planned but Mrs R took it in her stride and it meant moving the schedule round a bit but by the time the Rose's and Drew returned to Dernau everything was re-organised.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Bern asked her mother.

"Can you speak English love; I never was very good at languages."

"Oops sorry Mum," Bern blushed, the German whilst not perfect seemed natural, she'd been surrounded by it for several months after all, "do you want me to come with you to collect Uncle Dave?"

"No thanks Bernie, I think I can manage, its only driving on the other side, the Bonds car is English after all."

'Well Swedish' Bern thought to herself, 'but I know what she means.'

"Okay then."

"I shouldn't be long. Where's Drew?"

"Madam is putting her face on for work."

"She I mean he works on Sundays?"

"Only when there's no racing."

"So what do you do?"

"Meet the girls, go shopping, you know the kinda thing?" she carefully avoided mentioning Martin.

"Homework?"

"That too, if there is any."

Rather than delay further Cheryl gave her daughter a peck on the cheek and departed for the hospital.

Meanwhile upstairs.

"Four o'clock." Drew repeated, "Yes at my place...well tidy at least.... I know...okay, see you later, tschuss."

He closed his phone and crossed out the last name on his list.

'I hope Dad remembers or it's really gonna cock things up.' the sound of the Saab starting up brought his attention back to the present, 'best get a move on myself'.

"There you are, Mums gone to fetch your dad."

"Right."

"Any idea where your Dad's taking us?"

"Not sure, he was mumbling something about lunch in Boppard, shouldn't you be getting ready?"

"I am." Bern shot back.

"I hadn't realised pyjamas were in or I woulda kept mine on."

"Pyjamas?" Bern, not being able to easily see past her growing bump felt at her legs and finding the flannel material screeched back, "Why didn't you say?"

"I just did."

"Sugar!"

"Well I need to get off or I'll be late for work, see you later."

"Um okay," Bern absently replied before starting a conversation with herself, 'what if Marty had seen me?'

Drew grabbed his keys and shaking his head went to find his steed.

"So, is it all set Gabs?" Connie enquired before he'd even got his coat off.

"I hope so, Dad's taking them down the Rhein somewhere for lunch, they should be back about five."

"So we have an hour to get everything sorted?"

"I spoke to everyone this morning; they're all bringing stuff about four so we should have plenty of time."

"You girls working today or just gossiping?" Frau Thesing called up to us.

"Coming!" we both chorused which set us off on a bout of giggles.

Of course the perverse law of expectancy meant that the day dragged like a dredger, slowly with a fair amount of shittiness. Missing orders, a broken Gaggia and a run in his tights did little to keep Drew calm. When his phone chirped from his apron pocket he nearly dropped the tray of crockery he was carrying.

"Hi Dad."

"Hi kiddo, what time do you want us?"

"Five?"

"You asking or telling?"

"Telling I guess."

"Okay, we'll pickup Roni from Remagen station on the way in then."

"So where are you?"

"Koblenz, Bern is showing Cheryl the Deutches Eck."

"Nice."

"I can see them heading back, speak to you later."

"Bye Dad."

"Bye Gab."

He cut the connection and re-stowed his handy.

"Herr Bond?" Con enquired.

"Eh?"

"Your Dad."

"Oh right, er yeah - just confirming arrival times."

Whilst he'd helped out with various social gatherings - and of course he was a regular attendee too, this was the first time he'd actually organised the full thing himself and it hadn't been any easier as it was supposed to be a surprise. Even as he headed home he was fretting about the arrangements although deep down he knew everything was covered and no one would let him down.

Although he'd told everyone to get to the house about four, martin, Max and Anna were already there wrestling with a banner.

"So how's this s'posed to work Mart?" Max was asking as Drew rolled to a halt.

"Hi guys!"

"Heya Gabs." Anna chirped.

"That the banner?" well duh!

"Yeah we thought we'd get a head start with it." Martin grinned.

"Come on Gabs, leave them to it, we've got enough to do." Anna pointed out.

"Er yeah." he agreed.

It sort of felt wrong not to be involved with the banner but as Dad had told him when they were discussing it, being in charge is as much about delegation as actual doing - you can't do everything yourself.

"So what first?" Anna enquired once they were inside.

"Pia and Nena are bringing the drinks, I left Connie to do the warm snacks and Steffi will bring the cake." he ticked each item off on his fingers, "so that leaves moving furniture and putting up decorations, we can do the rest once the others get here."

"I'll start on the furniture while you get the decorations then." Anna suggested.

"That should be Dad." Drew stated as his phone jiggled across the worktop.

"Well get it then." Steff suggested.

"Bond."

"Hi Gab's."

"Oh hi Roni, what's up?"

"Nothing, we'll be about ten minutes, get the kettle on."

"Eh? Oh right, tschuss."

He broke the connection, "Showtime everyone!"

Everyone headed for their assigned hidey holes leaving just Drew watching the road from the kitchen window. Fr Dá¼rst's car was parked in their neighbours drive and he didn't think Bern or Dad would recognize the silver Polo. The minutes seemed to drag on forever but then he spotted the Saab's lights heading up the street.

He waited until Dad pulled the car onto the drive before heading down to meet them.

"Hi guys."

"I need a wee!" Roni hissed rushing towards the house.

"Hi Drew."

"Lovely thanks." Cheryl advised grabbing her bag from the back seat.

"Kettles on," Drew told them, "you coming Bern?"

"Coming." she grumped.

"SURPRISE!"

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 23.03.11  © 2011

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Chapter *8.02*

Farewells

Bern's face was a picture as everyone leaped from hiding places, Martin and Max releasing the banner to reveal the message 'Glá¼ck Bernie!'.

Once the Rose's regained their composure, Cheryl was affected to the point of tears as much as her daughter, the proceedings moved into the house where the girls ensured everyone had a plastic cup of something vaguely alcoholic.

"Shush!" Brid hissed, "Mart?"

Marty came forward to where Cheryl and Bern stood with the Bond's.

"A couple of months ago, well it only seems that long, Gabs brought a friend from England to school with her. She had little German and knew only our Weinká¶nigin; many of us were curios as to why she had come. Over the weeks and days, as her German quickly improved and we had the chance to speak with her, we warmed to her and quickly she became just another classmate."

"Get on with it!" Pia hissed.

"Sorry, I'm waffling here. Look, we're all going to miss you Bern,"

"Some more than others!" a voice called from the back.

Ignoring the heckling Martin ploughed on, "anyway, we bought you something to remember us by."

Steff passed him a gaily wrapped parcel.

"From all of us we hope you find it useful."

Bern took the gift with eyes already full of tears.

She managed "thanks everyone." before rushing out with the first tears already falling, Cheryl in hot pursuit.

"Was it something I said?" the clueless Martin asked.

"Well duh, what do you think lover boy." Anna grinned.

"I'd best see that she's okay." Drew offered already halfway to the door.

"Are you alright?" Drew enquired from the kitchen door.

"She's just a little emotional right now." Cheryl offered.

"Anything I can do?"

"No luv, you go on back to the party, we'll be back in a few."

Things didn't look all right to Drew, Bern was sobbing into her mums shoulder still, nevertheless he turned to go.

"Drew?" Cheryl called out before he could shut the door.

"Yes?"

"Thanks for doing this, Bern; well both of us appreciate it."

"Er no sweat." the Bondling started to colour up.

"We'll be through in a minute."

"'Kay."

He had to use the washroom himself before returning to the muted party, having got quite a flush on from Mrs R's words.

"She okay?" Dad asked on his return.

"Yeah, just a bit overwrought, they'll be through shortly."

"Hey Gab, you wanna dance?" Max enquired from Drew's elbow.

"Um, maybe later."

"Hey Max, you seen Gabs medals?" Nena distracted her would be beau.

"What are you two whispering about?" Steffi asked around a mini pizza.

"Gaby's love life." Roni quickly interjected.

"We were not."

"Ooh the luscious Maxxie." Steffi grinned.

Drew was saved from further 'boy' talk by Bernie's return.

“Sorry guys, just a bit, you know.” Bern mentioned.

“No problem girl,” Bridget supplied, “we can all get a bit emo.”

From there on the evening picked up, the oldies decamped to the kitchen and despite the somewhat sombre occasion we had quite a party — well until Dad came to break things up about ten as yours truly has an appointment with a bike and Mr Tarmac in the morning.

“So remind me Drew, just why are we up at five am?” Bern asked as I loaded the toaster.

“Me bike racer, we go race.” I delivered in a silly voice.

“Drew! You know what I mean.”

“It's a couple of hours drive at least.”

“And I'm coming why?”

“Because you like watching lycra clad boys tearing about on bikes?”

“Actually it's the girls Gaaaby!”

“I knew there was a reason that I'm wearing a bra.”

“Oh Gabs!”

“Oh Bern.”

“No Gabs, the toaster!”

I turned to find black smoke streaming from the bread browner.

“Shit, shit!”

Bern was nearly in hysterics as I ejected the two slices of charcoal and proceeded to juggle them to the bin.

“What am I going to do without you to entertain me Gab?”

“Dunno, pass me some more bread.”

To be honest I'm not sure how I'll cope either, Bern's become like a second sister while she's been here, we've swapped secrets, homework and become closer than we were even back in Warsop. A lot has passed since those days of course and not always good stuff.

“One of them for me?” Roni enquired as she bounced into the kitchen with far too much energy for this time of day.

“Only if you like cinders.” Bern giggled.

“If it started out as food I'll try it.”

“Your funeral.” Bern noted passing her a slice of charred bread.

“How's the packing going?”

“Your Dad's just loading the bikes.” Ron supplied.

Instead of the Saab Dad's borrowed the team bus to give us a bit more room.

“Boing!” the latest batch of toast shot up from the toaster

“Any more for any more?”

“I'm fine.” Bern allowed.

“Me, me, me!” Roni insisted.

I dropped another couple of slices in and let Roni have control.

“I hope your mum knows what she's let herself in for today.”

“I doubt it,” Bern stated, “but she'll live.”

“Who's ‘she'?” Mrs R enquired.

“Erm.” Bern replied.

“I was just wondering if you knew what you are letting yourself in for today.”

“Don't worry Drew, your dad told me all about it yesterday, any tea left in that pot?”

We were barely on the autobahn before Bernie was asleep and it wasn't long after that I started nodding.

A sudden deceleration jolted me awake.

“We there?”

“Nearly I think.” An equally blurry eyed Roni suggested.

“You're awake then.” Dad called back to us.

“kinda.” I yawned, “Where are we?”

“Just crossing the river again, be about ten minutes I think.”

It had still been a bit dank and misty when we left home but the view outside now was of the makings of a glorious sunny day, the clear sky meant that the outside temperature was still fairly low but later it would be warm with a capital W.

“Hmm Marty.” Bern murmured looping an arm around my neck.

“Bern?” I gave her a little shake, Bern give over!”

“Eh, wassup?”

“Nothing, we're nearly there.”

“Oh, was a nice dream.”

“We can guess what about.” Roni mentioned.

“Eh?”

“You were mumbling to yourself.” I told her as I extricated myself from her tentacles.

“Oops!”

By the time Bern had pulled herself together we were turning into the race car park just outside of Xanten town wall. We were here to tackle the Xanten Junger Grand Prix; 120km which Dad reckons will be hard, fast and take us into Holland! Kick off so to speak is at nine which isn't too bad if you don't have a couple of hours drive to get here — don't you just love this life?

“You coming Bern?”

“I think I'll stay here and checkout the view.”

“View? It's a car park.”

“Not that kind of view Drew,“ Roni told me with a nudge, “that kind of view.”

I blushed crimson seeing where she was looking; some poor sod was doing some stretching across the car park and was the unwitting subject of the girls gaze.

“Not you too.”

“Hmm, wouldn't mind a bit of that if it was offered.”

“Sign on?”

“Er, oh right.”

We made our way to the kontrolle and duly presented our licences in exchange for our numbers.
“Good luck girls!” the official called out as we departed the tent.

“Grrrr, one of these days!”

“Yeah, one of these days you'll not be bothered by what they see.” Roni noted.

“But its not like I'm wearing a dress and makeup yet they still think I'm a girl.”

“I hate to break it to you but at one metre sixty with long blonde hair in a braid you don't need a dress or makeup to look like the superior sex.”

What can you say to that? There's no point in trying to argue my corner, most people it seems go by first look and with me first look apparently says girl.

We arrived back at the bus just in time to set up the turbo's for our warm up — did I mention it's going to be warm today? I mounted my bike and started pedalling, still fuming about the girl ‘slur', well not slur, error but within a couple of minutes I was lost to the steady rhythm of riding and the feeling of well being that the release of endorphins brings with it.

“Five!” Dad shouted at us after what seemed just a couple of minutes.

I kept the legs spinning but by degree slowed the pace, Ron following suite, matching the tone of the spinning cylinders until we freewheeled to a halt. I never used to understand the point of such intense warm ups, surely it just uses energy that you need in the race? Apparently the advantage of starting with warmed muscles outweighs that effect so its now second nature to spin away for thirty minutes before the start!

Mrs R and Bernie pinned our numbers on while Dad gave our bikes a last once over before we headed for the start. And what a start, no wonder Dad wanted us to do this event. I hadn't actually noticed but only a matter of meters away from the car park was Xanten APC — a huge partial reconstruction of a roman town and the start was inside the place.

“I wondered why we were travelling so far.”

“Some culture for later.” Dad grinned

“If you say so.”

It looked impressive but so do Dads bruises from Saturday!

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 30.03.11  © 2011

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Chapter *8.03*

Xanten Express

There were plenty of new faces in the starting line up — new to me and Roni that is, I exchanged nods with a couple of riders that I did recognise — did one of them flinch on recognizing me? I looked around at the amphitheatre around us, feeling like a modern gladiator ready to take on all comers in a fight to the death. Well maybe not death, that's a bit extreme but you know what I mean.

“I will hand over to the Mayor of Xanten, Herr Schmidt, to start the race.” The PA system let out a screech which was amplified by our setting.

“Danke Herr Maechler, I won't keep you waiting, I can see you are all keen to get off. So good luck everyone, enjoy the race and I'll see you later. On your marks, go!”

He dropped the flag and cautiously, the surface is quite uneven, the seventy strong field made its way out of the arena before heading towards the main gate where we had to single out to exit the site. We were still under the neutral flag so it wasn't an issue but once clear the pair of us made our way towards the front of the bunch in anticipation of the green flag.

Unlike the flurry of activity usually associated with the start of hostilities today saw no more than a small increase in pace — today was going to be different in so many ways. We swung off of the main road and as I took my turn at the front I felt for the first time the strength of the wind. The pace hovered around 30kph around the lanes, more like a sportive than a race, clearly all the locals knew what to expect and for now at least I'm fine with that.

We joined a main road and almost immediately we were crossing the Rhein, a strong crosswind forcing the formation of a series of echelons, I got into the first, Roni the second. Once over the water the pace picked up some as we scooted towards Isselburg and our foray into Holland. The road was as flat as you might expect being this close to the Dutch border, the biggest climb was a railway bridge.

There was still little sign of activity in the largely intact peleton, according to Dad we should be on the lookout for action very soon and otherwise make our move after the next town, Gendringen just over the border.

“Okay?”

“Sure, bit tamer than Wupper eh?” Ron noted.

“Dad thinks it will blow soon, before the border.”

“Ready when you are.”

I took a sip from my bidon as we swung off the main road and true to Dad's prediction (how does he do it?) a couple of lads took a flier. There isn't a prime for the border but I guess theres a little kudos in being first across. The would be escapees didn't get much clear road before there was a reaction and we both joined the move with ease. The chase was intense if short and the first move of the day was sucked up double quick although the speed remained higher than previously.

The weather was still fine, the wind much less away from the Rhein and I was getting itchy for some action. I signalled to Roni my intention and hoped that no one else had managed to read our exchange. Another attempted border escape came to nought resulting in most of us passing into Holland in close formation.

We negotiated the narrow streets of Gendringen without incident and the bunch once again relaxed, falling right into my hands. We rolled along the narrow lanes for a couple of kilometres before Roni and I got ourselves where we wanted to be, that is with Roni riding point and me several riders behind.

At the next village Ron slowed the pace as we hit the cobbles, which caused a bit of cussing but allowed me to accelerate around those ahead of me. The speed difference between my almost 50kph and the bunches twenty allowed me to quickly open an impressive gap as I tucked down for a concerted time trial effort.

The nature of the countryside hereabouts was starting to change, a bit more roll to the road which assisted me rather more than my pursuers. Ahead of me the road started to actually climb towards todays high point and first prime on the Berghe Bos.

Back at the bunch Roni was now running a one woman interference action, I know it often seems that the girls end up working to glorify the younger Bond but honestly its not really that at all. Roni is certainly a good rider in her own rights but she lacks the strength for the kind of attack favoured by Drew.

My breakaway was nearly ten kilometres long and whilst it was tempting to look back I managed to hold my resolve and my pace. The kommisar accelerated away when the prime marker came into view along with a small crowd lining the road. I ploughed on up the incline with a grin on my face.

“Come on Drew!”

“Up, up, up!”

“Go Gabs!”

My personal cheer squad of Dad, Bern and Mrs R were pretty vocal, I grabbed a fresh bottle from Dad and got on with the job. I eased my effort a little on the short descent then found myself hitting a wall as I reversed direction back towards Germany — no wonder I managed to hold that high pace so long. I allowed myself a quick glance behind, a small group, maybe a dozen strong were chasing me at maybe 400m, with about fifty k still to go I took the decision to let them join me, I'd never last into this wind on my own.

I didn't exactly wait for them, just eased the pace a bit, they hadn't quite made contact at the border but overtook me on the climb over the autobahn. Sliding in at the back I was pleased to see Roni here.

“Urgh!”

“Good ride.” Roni mentioned when she'd had her go on the front.

“Bit windy this way.”

“Yeah.”

“What happened when I went?”

“Took a while for them to organise, I got in easily, a lot blew with the change of pace, we were holding you until you sat up.”

We took the Emmerich bypass and for the fourth time today we crossed the mighty Rhein. As we headed into the sun and towards Kleve I was recovered enough to join the rotation, if Apollonaris are going to win today I've a feeling it'll be down to a sprint.

The second sprint was fast approaching, I really needed to conserve some energy which I telegraphed to my teamy. We sped into the town and by the looks going around the bunch several riders fancied their chances at this one. I was a little surprised at the size of the crowd until I spotted a billboard advertising today as a family fun day.

All I needed to do was stay in contact, the cheer squad would be heading back to Xanten so I didn't need to stoke my ego! The interested parties made their way to the front as we headed to the town square then took off rather earlier than I expected. A couple of riders were shed quite quickly but Roni was hanging onto the leaders shirt tales, good luck girl.

My attention was taken by the fast approaching form of a downed sprinter which resulted in some interesting avoidance measures from me, the lad behind was less lucky. I heard the impact but going forward was more important than looking at the carnage.

Then we were out of the square and our slightly depleted group came together once more.

Roni was grinning, “Yes!”

“Which?”

"First!”

“No!”

“Oh yes.” She smugly pretended to buff her nails.

“Cool!”

One each, but the biggy was yet to come.

By the computer we had another forty kilometres to go and we were now heading almost directly into the wind. There was a bit of muttering amongst our companions and a few glances aimed mostly at Roni — maybe her success will take the pressure off me in an hour.

We settled into a fairly organized rotation, everyone taking their turn, no obvious weak links - as yet. The sun was dominating an almost clear sky and with the wind I could already feel my arms burning a little despite the factor 30 I put on earlier. I followed the example of Roni who had already pushed her sleeves up onto her shoulders, nothing worse than a really hard tan line!

No one, least of all me, seemed very keen on attacking into the wind, our pace dropped a little as we all tried to conserve some energy. My computer clicked from 119 to 120km covered and I started to weigh up the opposition for the final showdown. Of the ten of us plugging along only four plus Roni had contested the Kleve prime, and whilst the others who had watched with me could have been doing my thing only one looked to have the build for a sprint.

“Think they're watching me.” Roni mentioned as we passed.

“Lead?”

“No.”

The stilted conversation was enough to plan our final assault now we just had to have some luck.

In the distance the reconstructed Roman architecture of the APX loomed out of the heat haze and the end of the days exertions was fast approaching. The others seemed to realise the same thing and the pace increased enough to blow out one of those I thought in contention. We rejoined the main road, everyone clearly on edge, sweeping around the ‘modern' town before turning into the centre for the last fling.

I made a point of leading Roni on the last approach, when she put the gas down we exchanged roles. It was getting a bit hectic as we now rattled over cobbles, the partisan crowd yelling from every side. Roni moved to the left and I shot forward for the final hostilities.

“Well done kiddo.” Dad dropped my tracky over my sore shoulders.

I concentrated on getting air back into my lungs with rasping breaths.

“Ron?”

“Fourth.” Dad grinned.

As they say, you can't win every time but my second and Ron's fourth kept a grin on Dad's face for hours afterwards.

“Anyone fancy a look round the Roman place?” Dad enquired as we stowed our kit a while later.

“I wouldn't mind a look.” Mrs R offered.

“Girls? Drew?”

“Sure.” Bern agreed.

We left the car parked in the shade and walked along to the entrance, the race organisers had supplied two day passes per rider so we just had to buy one for Bern — it was the cheapest option. It was already heading towards three so whilst we had a look at everything we didn't dwell anywhere too long instead heading to the newly opened museum building.

“This place is huge.” Ron exclaimed when we entered the exhibition hall.

“I'm gonna sit down for a bit.” Bern told us plonking herself on a bench.

“You want some company?” her Mum offered.

“No you go look around, I'm just a bit tired.”

“If you're sure?”

“Yes, now go.”

Of course we quickly split into two groups, me an' Ron, Dad and Cheryl as we explored the immense main hall. If you've not been and I don't expect many of you have, you follow a route that kind of spirals from the cellar levels almost up to the ceiling four floors higher. I'm not exactly that into history stuff but even I found it pretty good. From the top we used the lift to return to terra firma where we sought out Bern.

“Good?”

“Beats Mansfield Museum.”

“A good broom would do that!” Bern grinned.

“You seen the olds?”

“Just gone through to the baths.” She pointed towards a high arch.

“Anyone want a look?” Ron enquired.

“Why not.” Bern sighed as she pushed herself off the bench.

“You sure you're okay?”

“Long day and juniors' been kicking.

“Kewl!”

We made our way through into the giant glass house that houses the twin bath houses.

“Can't see your Dad.” Ron mentioned.

“He'll be boring Mrs R with some technical detail, come on lets take a look.”

“You've got a good kid there Dave.”

“Sometimes.”

“More than sometimes, oh I know all kids can be buggers sometimes, some more than others.” She glanced towards her daughter sharing a joke across the hall.

“Don't be so hard on her Cheryl.”

“I know I shouldn't but I can't help it, the deceipt and waste.”

Dave wasn't quite sure what to say.

“Now Drew, as teenagers go he's about as good as they come.”

“Sometimes.” Yeah sometimes Dave said to himself.

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 05.04.11  © 2011

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Chapter *8.04*

Departure

It was nearly six by the time we dragged Dad away from the Romans and having a detour to drop Roni off wouldn't make us any earlier getting home. All in all it hasn't been a bad day - unless you count the windburn and whilst we didn't get the win I did podium and Ron - well she was incredible today.

I woke with a start as the bus decelerated.

"Eh?"

"Be at Roni's in ten minutes," Dad offered from the front, "best wake her up."

"Already 'wake." Ron mentioned as she stretched knotted muscles.

It didn't take long to make our way to the Grá¶nberg house and everyone was grateful for the light buffet Angela had prepared for us - we haven't had a proper meal today, just a snack in the APX. Eventually though it was time for us to head on home.

"Take care of yourself, Bern," Ron hugged Bern, "and stay in touch eh?"

"I will, and you take care too, you'll be giving wonder Bond a run for his money if today's anything to go by."

"Fluke!"

"Well take care."

They hugged again before Bern climbed up into the bus.

"I'll ring you tomorrow." I told Ron before she slid the door shut.

Both girls had damp eyes as we pulled out onto the road; I scooted over to Bern and pulled her into another hug.

"I didn't think it would be this hard," she sniffled.

Not knowing what to say I just held her a bit tighter.

Tuesday was officially a school day but Fr. Boxberg had okayed Drew being absent to see Bernie off - not that junior Bond had ever had any intensions of going to school today!

"You got everything?"

"The essentials." Bern replied.

"Dad said the other stuff should be in Warsop by Friday."

"I might not be."

"Don't be daft, 'course you will." Drew was trying to remain up beat for Bern's sake but at the back of his mind tomorrows court appearance was causing him nearly as much anxiety as the Rose's. His only experience of the court system was what he'd seen on the box, the good guys always win in those encounters; real life was likely to be much less cut and dried.

"You two done up there?" Mrs R enquired.

"Just coming, Mum."

We had a last private hug fest then made our way downstairs.

"There you are, ready?" Dad asked.

"As I'll ever be."

"Well the bags are in the car so we just need some passengers."

The drive to Dá¼sseldorf airport seemed to take forever, why Dá¼sseldorf you may ask? Well you can fly direct to Manchester from there rather than all the hassle with Stansted if you use Bonn. Dad dropped me and the 'girls' off and went to park the car.

Seeing as I'm not exactly He-Man, Bern is preggers and Mrs R is - well I went to find a trolley, even if you haven't got a lot of luggage you don't really want to be lumping it too far. Either Dad was super quick or I was slow but we converged on the Rose's simultaneously.

"A child of mine with a brain."

"Hey I resemble that remark." I riposted with a grin.

"You failed part two Drew." Bern observed.

"Part two?"

"The bit where you actually put the bags on the trolley?" she mentioned as she dragged her bag onto said wheeled device.

"Give him a break Bern," Mrs R came to my defence, "he is only a boy." Well bang goes that theory!

"We want check in desk twenty one." Dad mentioned having not been idle as we bickered.

"That's miles away." I noted - well if not actual miles certainly a good walk.

"Well we better get a move on then." Mrs R mentioned.

I had already got the trolley in motion even if; as usual I found the one with a dodgy wheel just to make things interesting. It didn't actually take very long and we were soon in line for the ladies to check in.

"Well that was easy enough." Cheryl opined.

"Let's get a coffee before you go through." Dad suggested.

And so we did. Of course the banter was a bit forced, it might have only been a few months but having Bern about, baggage and all, has, for me at least become normal. What will tomorrow mean for Bern? Its always hard saying goodbye but this time it's even worse than usual.

"Time to go folks." Dad told us.

We walked along to security where me and Bern hugged for like the longest time. I can't remember us separating but next I knew Dad was tugging me back along the concourse.

"Come on kiddo, let's go up to the viewing area and you can wave them off."

"I don't think I want to."

"No? Well it's not a requirement so if you don't want to you don't have to."

"I think I've cried enough for one day, lets get home so I can go for a ride, get it out of my system."

"Now that's more like the Drew I know."

"Thanks, Dad." I gave him a hug."

"What's that for?"

"Nothing in particular."

"Well come on then, we can miss the traffic around Bonn if we're sharp."

Click, click, click. This is something you just can't buy, the rush you get when the weathers good, the road is clear and it's going downhill! According to my computer I've done just shy of 60km and I'm feeling a lot better for it. The last bit back home from Altenahr nearly always gives me a bit of a buzz, through the tunnel, drop down the gorge then keep the revs going all the way to the turn into the village. Tops.

When a figure started leaping about at the side of the road and shouting "Gaby!" I was in two minds whether I should keep going or stop. As I was travelling at about 50kph the brakes took a few metres to slow me down, enough that I had to turn around and ride about fifty metres back to where my assailant, Max was stood with a grin on his face.

"Heya Gabs, training?"

Another brain cell and he'd be dangerous.

"Just finishing or I wouldn't have stopped, so what's up and what's with the shovel?"

"Why does anything have to be up?"

"Well let's see, you were at mine on Sunday, I'll see you at school in the morning and you have my handy number - and you still haven't told me about the shovel."

"Shovel? Oh this shovel."

I rolled my eyes.

"There's a blocked drain up in high vineyard, guess who has to clean it out?"

"You didn't stop me to tell me that."

"Um no, did Bernie get off okay?"

"Yes thanks."

"I hope it goes well for her."

"I'll tell her when I ring later, now come on, the real reason?"

"Gott, Gaby, you're worse than my Gran."

"So?" I prompted again.

"Look this is a bit embarrassing."

"You've taken a shine to wearing girl's Cosplay outfits?"

"Neh, neh, neh, nothing like that but it is kind of connected."

"And?"

"Well you met my Gran right?"

"You know I did, you were there."

"Well my cousin she is getting married in two weeks."

"And the two are connected how?"

"Well my Gran was talking to my tante." he hesitated again.

"How does this involve me?" I'm sure there were some clues there but I am blonde.

"It's like this, Gran told her that you were my girlfriend and my aunt insisted that you should come to the weddinganiunderstandifyoudon'twanttobutdadinsistedthatiaskyouatleast."

"Whoa, wait up, let me get this straight, your Gran, who I've met once, thinks I'm your girlfriend and on the strength of that your aunt has invited me to your cousin, who I've never met, 's wedding as, and I'm guessing here, your date. Am I right?"

"It's alright if you don't want to, honest.”

Obviously I should have just said no.

“So what's in it for me?”

“You are mercenary, Gaby Bond.”

“So?”

“Does that mean yes?”

“Nope, that means negotiations are open.”

“Yes!” Max pumped the air.

“Details tomorrow, I have a full diary you know.”

“School tomorrow, thanks, Gab.”

“Tomorrow, von Strechau.”

I clipped back in and returned to the road for the last few kilometres home.

Of course the big question now was ‘why on earth did I half agree to go to a wedding?' What the hell was I thinking? Just wait until I tell Bern, she'll love this one. But of course she wouldn't be at home when I get there would she?

“Better?” Dad enquired as I rolled into the garage.

“A bit, I went up to the telescope.”

“Your sister's doing a spag bol so get yourself showered.”

“Yes Dad.” I sighed as I hung my steed up.

My head was all over the place, Bernie and von Strechau at the forefront of my thoughts. I mean what the hell was Max thinking, and why the hell did I lead him on? Lets face it; there is just no way that I'm going to a wedding and especially as some ones girlfriend, that is just sooo wrong!

“Penny for them?” Jules suggested.

“Eh?”

“You've been twisting that same fork full of spaghetti for five minutes.”

“Er.”

“Bernie?”

“Partly.”

“Oh?”

“I saw Max when I was out?”

“That lad who was here Sunday?”

“Yeah.”

“I'm sensing there's more to it than just seeing him.”

“You could say that.”

“Well spill then.” She encouraged.

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 21.04.11  © 2011

It has been a long break for me since writing the previous volume in the Gaby series and I hope that it's been worth the wait. Our diminutive hero(ine) gets up to all sorts this time, weddings, racing, shopping  – well the usual Gaby stuff really!

---

 

---

Chapter *8.05*

Moving On

“You're kidding me?”

“Cross my heart and wear a bra.”

Jules shook her head.

“You have so got to go.” She declared.

“Are you kidding? You do remember that I'm your brother ? Why on earth would I want to go on anything resembling a date with another boy ?”

“Of course you're my baby brother and what's wrong with going with this Max kid? It's a wedding not a trip to the local flea pit, posh frocks not groping in the dark.”

“I'm not gay.”

“Never said you were.”

“Good.”

“Look at it from his point of view, he and his family — heck, half the Eifel think that you're a girl. What with the Weinká¶nigin, the dance troupe and lets face it you have been seen in a bikini, what would you expect, if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it very likely is a duck.”

“Quack?”

“Exactly.”

“But I don't want to be a duck.” I whined.

“I don't want my monthly but I'm stuck with it.”

“So I should go because they think I'm a girl?”

“No, you should go because you want to.”

“But I don't want to.”

“Don't then.”

“I won't.”

The phone chose that moment to interrupt us.

“Bond…yeah he's here, moment.” Jules covered the mouthpiece, “its Bern.”

I took the handset from her, “heya Bern.”

“Hi Drew, just thought I'd let you know we just got in.”

“Good journey?”

“I guess, its weird hearing everyone talking English, I feel like a foreigner.”

“Yeah been there.” I agreed.

“I keep on talking to mum in German, weird huh?”

“So you okay?”

“Not really, I'm peeing myself.”

“I'm sure it'll be alright.”

“Yeah maybe… okay mum , have to go Drew.”

“Fingers crossed for tomorrow.”

“Thanks, night; I'll try to ring tomorrow.”

“Night Bern, take care.”

“Night Drew.”

The call disconnected and it was just me and Jules again.

“So?”

“They got home okay.”

“I can't imagine what she's going through.”

“No.” I agreed.

I slept fitfully, waking sometime before the alarm sounded. The problem with that was that it gave me time to think. By the time I did crawl out of my nest I was a bag of nervousness and indecision and I was no closer to knowing what I was going to do.

“You look awful.” Connie observed when I walked into Thesings.

“Thanks a bunch, you got any pecan twists?”

“You are in a bad way.”

I headed over to our usual table and took the seat I used every school morning.

“Someone didn't sleep well.” Anna opined a couple of minutes later.

“Pecan.” Connie told her depositing said pastry and a tray of coffee on the table.

“Ot oh.”

“So what's up Gabs?” Con pressed.

“Bernie and some other stuff.”

“Ooh this sounds good, what ‘other stuff' might that be?” Anna enquired.

“Erm,” I'd probably said too much already, “just something I need to make a decision about.”

“And there's us here hoping for some goss.” Anna pouted.

“When do you hear how Bernie gets on?” Connie asked.

“This afternoon I guess.”

“What's this afternoon?” Pia joined the conversation having just arrived with the others.

“News from Bernie.” Anna advised.

“I'm sure it will be fine.” Brid offered.

“'course it will.” Nena agreed.

I'm not so sure but we can only wait now. My other problem I could do something about and after all I have made a decision on that issue.

“Er Gaby?”

Oh bugger.

“Heya Max.”

“I've got you the details.” He pressed an envelope into my hand.

“Thanks, about that…”

“Look gotta go, Freddy and Ralf are waiting for me, see ya later.” And with that he was off.

“What was that about?” Steff asked emerging from the ladies.

“Something for his gran I said I'd look at.” I fibbed — well it was sort of true.

“You and the Baron seem to be getting along well these days.” She noted.

“Mutual advantage.”

“Not mutual attraction then?”

“Eww! No way.”

I stowed the envelope and we headed off to class.

I was probably a bit distracted all day, it was difficult to keep my mind off of Bernie — especially as her desk was sat there unoccupied, my gaze kept heading that way and I'm sure I wasn't the only one who missed her presence.

I went directly home instead of stopping off at Cons and had barely got indoors before the phone was ringing.

“Bond residenz.”

“Drew?”

“Mrs Rose,” I knew immediately that things had gone awry, “what's happened, where's Bernie?”

“I said I'd ring you, let you know.” She was clearly distraught and my own heart was starting to race.

“Let me know?”

“They've taken my baby away.” She burst into tears and I wasn't far off myself.

“How? Why?”

Another voice came down the line.

“ Sit down love , Drew?” it was Bern's dad.

“Uh huh, what?”

“I'll not sugar coat it, the Judge was only doing his job, it was the arson charge, it had to be custodial for that, even for a first offence.”

“How long?” I sniffed.

“Six months in a young offenders place, three months with good behaviour.” He was struggling with emotion too.

“But the baby…”

“It would have been longer without her being pregnant, look Drew, get your Dad to give us a call a bit later okay.”

“Er sure, sorry Mr Rose.”

“What are you sorry for, you've been the best friend my daughter could have so don't go blaming yourself, your Dad?”

“sure.” I agreed.

“Bye lad.”

“Bye.”

I put the phone down and went into the lounge in a state of shock, collapsing onto the sofa.

“Drew? Spud? What's up? You okay?” Dad's voice broke through my torpor.

“Bernie.” I sniffed.

“Not good news I guess.” Dad sat down next to me and pulled me into a hug.

“Sh, she's gone to prison Dad, why, why would they do that?”

“I dunno kiddo.”

“It's not fair.” I accused.

“Life's not always fair Drew, Bern did some bad things and sometimes you have to pay for your mistakes.”

“But she didn't mean to.”

“She still did them.” Dad pointed out.

“Her dad said for you to ring.”

“After dinner, you gonna be okay?”

“I, I guess so.”

“Well go and get yourself cleaned up and I'll rustle up some food.”

“'Kay.”

Dad propelled me out of the lounge and I slunk upstairs to my lair.

I showered and not feeling like doing much just pulled my nightshirt over my head. I picked up my school bag and for the first time since this morning, spotted the envelope that Max gave me. Damn, I really ought to ring him to tell him no. still I could see what it was all about, I slipped my nail under the flap and carefully opened the envelope to find a hand written note inside.

‘Hi Gaby,

Here's the details for the wedding.

Wednesday afternoon drive to Munich

Thursday wedding in afternoon at the Dom, reception in evening

Friday drive home.

We'll be staying at my aunts; she's got loads of space.

If you could come it'd be great but I know its short notice and a bit of an imposition so I understand if you don't want to.

Let me know asap

Tschuss

Max'

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 24.04.11  © 2011

“Well that wasn't a call I want to repeat any time soon.” Dad opined when he returned to the lounge.

“So?”

“Coffee first.”

“I'll make it.” I do after all have some experience on that front.

“Here you go.” I plonked his mug down on the side table by his chair.

“Thanks kiddo.”

“So what did Mr Rose say?”

“It's all very complicated and sometimes the law seems to be unfair.”

“Dad, me and Bern, we looked on the net so we kinda knew this was a possibility, but like its still a shock.” I was over my initial distress and lets face it, it could have been a lot worse.

“Apparently the judge was as lenient as he could be, arson carries a mandatory custodial sentence, quite often in somewhere like Rampton. They managed to negotiate a placement near Scunthorpe for her, she's low risk so they can be seen to follow the rules and keep her away from the adult system.”

“But she still has to be locked up for six months?”

“That's the sentence but she should be home in about three.”

I was trying my best to keep my emotions in check and not doing a great job.

“Drew, what's done is done, we can't turn back the clock so we have to live with the consequences. It doesn't make it any more palatable but after she's served her sentence Bernie can turn the page, start anew.”

I could see from Dads face that he was pretty upset too.

“Can we go see her?”

“I don't honestly know kiddo, we'll look into eh? Her dad said he'll give us the contact information as soon as he has it so you can write at least.”

“'Kay.”

“I need to ring your mother and let her know, you gonna be okay?”

“I guess, I need to let the girls know as well.”

The rest of the evening I spent telling our friends the news, I felt a little better after each call as I found myself doing the support bit. By the time I put the phone down on Anna I was pretty much reconciled to the situation, after all I couldn't change anything and apparently her time here had counted in her favour.

I re-read the note,

‘Here's the details for the wedding.

Wednesday afternoon drive to Munich

Thursday wedding in afternoon at the Dom, reception in evening

Friday drive home.

We'll be staying at my aunts; she's got loads of space.'

Each time I read the words the more appealing it sounded, three days off school and I've only been to Munich once, and that was for that Vampira concert last year with Goth Gurl (see book 5, Munich). Not only that but its at someone else's expense including food and bed, hmmm.

“Dad?”

“What kiddo?”

“You know next week?”

“What about it?”

“Well I've been invited to a wedding.”

“Oh? Bit short notice, anyone I know?”

“It's Max's cousin, he kinda asked me to go for company.”

“That's nice of him, where and when?”

“That's the thing, the weddings on Thursday.”

“So you want a day off school?”

“Well three actually, its in Munich.”

“Munich?”

“Beer festival, capital of Bavaria?”

“I know where it is, what's it gonna cost me?”

“Nothing, we'll stay at his aunts and I think his dad is driving us down.”

“You've got a race on the Sunday at Bremen.”

“I can train Wednesday before we go and it's a turbo session Friday anyway so I can do that when we get back.”

“Let me talk to von Strechau today.”

“Thanks Dad.” I enthused.

“Shouldn't you be somewhere else?”

“Oh bum!”

I grabbed my school bag and headed out to meet the girls.

Dave watched his youngest hare off down the street on the lumbering Schauff and shook his head. The last few weeks have been quite an emotional roller coaster for the lad — the stuff with Bernie of course but there's been his own medical issues too. The cycling acts as something of a safety valve but he continues to excel at it, guess it's in the genes! I suppose I'd best ring von Strechau; see what all this wedding lark is about.

It was lunch before Max caught Gaby on her own.

“Gabs?”

“Er hi.”

“Well?”

“My Dad's ringing yours today.”

“So you'll come?” he enthused.

“I guess.”

“Yes!”

“I'm only coming to make up the numbers remember.” I chided.

“Yeah, of course.”

“Laters, Anna's coming.”

He fairly skipped off as Anna reached me.

“What's up with him?”

“No idea.” I fibbed.

“I reckon he's got the hots for you.”

“Don't be so daft.” I felt my cheeks start to redden.

“Methinks it might be mutual.” She mused.

“As if!”

Of course Bernie had been high on the agenda of discussion for our coven but whilst everyone was concerned for her that was tempered by a need to move on. Not forget, no that would be callous and that wasn't the feeling, rather it was looking forward, we even discussed everyone doing a trip to blighty later in the year.

“Drew?” Dad called from his den.

“Hello?” I poked my head around the door.

“I spoke to Max's dad.”

“Uh huh.” I replied nonchalantly.

“I've agreed for you to go to Munich.”

“Kewl! Cheers Dad.”

“He mentioned what you need to wear.”

“Oh?”

“I'll talk to your mother later.”

“Erm sorree.”

“Look kiddo, I know things, feelings can be difficult at your age.”

“Its nothing like that really.”

“You say that but, well its only natural to form attachments, your sister.”

I interrupted, “my sister has had more boyfriends than I've had hot dinners.”

“Yes well, I know its difficult and I know it might be especially confusing for you, so if you like someone, well you don't have to hide it from us.”

This was kinda embarrassing.

“Dad, I don't fancy anyone, well maybe Sarah Geller, but certainly not Max, I'm going as a kind of favour.

I think Dad was as embarrassed nearly as much as me.

“Well.”

The conversation had sort of run its course.

“Erm so like what do I need to take to wear?” I enquired.

“Something formal for the wedding — it's a pretty posh do, and something nice for the reception.”

“Sounds a bit over the top.”

“You don't know do you?”

“Know what?”

“This wedding it's a pretty big thing.”

“I guess getting hitched at the cathedral is pretty big.”

“Its not so much the location.”

“Come on Dad, spill.”

“Well the groom is a Habsburg and the bride is a Coburg.”

“Like in the history books?”

“Very like, this is the German equivalent of a royal wedding you're going to.”

“Shitza!”

“Er maybe I shouldn't go.”

“I've already told von Strechau you can go.”

“Bum!”

“I think it's an experience you should make the most of, you wont get many chances like this.”

“But I only wanted to go to get off school.”

“The truth will out, its come back to bite you this time kiddo.”

No kidding, there's me thinking I could get off school for a few days and I step into some Disney fairytale. So not only do I have to dress up in some no doubt uncomfortable togs but everyone's going to think I'm ‘attached' to von Strechau junior — not good. Where's Maddy when you need her? She'd love this stuff.

I took my leave and headed to my eyrie, I've a lot to think about, bum, I've got to go training too. Well at least I can have a good thunk while I'm out.

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 25.04.11  © 2011

Chapter *8.07*

Bernie

Although my legal team had predicted the outcome pretty accurately when the judge handed down my sentence I still broke down — which set junior into action too. Mr Rogerson, our legal beagle hadn't tried to sugar coat the situation, it's pretty much mandatory for anyone found guilty of arson to be incarcerated, for how long — well that's the thing.

Its diff

icult as I sit here in this cell to feel lucky to get just a six month sentence, but I suppose I am. With ‘good' behaviour Mr Rogerson thinks I'll be out in about twelve weeks so hopefully junior won't arrive behind bars — that really would be the pits.

It was only a few hours that she'd been in the remand cell but already she was getting stir crazy. Tomorrow she'd be moved to the young offenders centre, her ‘team' seemed to think that she'd be sent to some place near Scunthorpe, at least it wouldn't be too far for her rents to travel.

I wonder what Drew and the girls are up to? And Marty. Will I get to see them again anytime soon? I don't even know what time it is, I guess they have their reasons for taking my watch and stuff but it's a bit of a bummer nonetheless. I hope Mum's okay, she looked pretty broken up, I thought we might at least get to say goodbye.

I was surprised to see Mr Wood and Mad's mum in the court, I guess they both had their reasons for wanting to me go down. I mean, Mr Wood I can understand, it was his school I tried to burn down after all. Mrs P though, I'll have to ask mum or dad when I get to see them.

That bloke from The Chad was there, I suppose I'll be all over the rag again, ‘Arsonist sent down' or some such, last time they used a picture of me in my Foresters uniform which must have gone down like a lead balloon. I guess my rep at school is non existent now anyway.

She surveyed her temporary accommodation for the umpteenth time.

You'd think the toilet would have a lid, I guess its better than the bed pan I had to use last time I was in custardy. Custardy indeed, geez I could murder some spotted dick and custard, I wonder if I get fed tonight.

As if on cue there was a rattle at the door which opened to admit a stern woman bearing a tray which was placed on the built in shelf by the door. She exited and with much clanging the door was relocked. Bern stood to investigate.

I suppose I'll have to get used to this, plastic cutlery and eating off a tray. Hmm, cauliflower cheese, doesn't smell too bad I suppose and whats this? Eurgh! Tapioca, that is so not good. Well I suppose I ought to eat it whilst its still at least warmish.

She was roused from a fitful sleep early, like six oclock early, fed tea and porridge — yep they really give those in custody that stuff, and then marched out to a waiting transport. that was worse than the cell, she was put into a tiny cubicle and locked in. the seat wasn't exactly comfortable and the seat belt wouldn't stretch across her distended belly.

Other ‘travellers' were loaded on board and after what felt like hours the truck juddered into life. It was soon evident that this wouldn't be the fastest journey and with the nausea inducing motion as they travelled out of Nottingham, not the most pleasant experience for anyone on board.

With no real idea of time, or even of the final destination Bernie found herself dozing off which at least relieved the motion sickness. The truck was soon clear of the city and heading north towards Newark where they picked up the Great North Road. The thirty miles or so to Doncaster were quickly covered and the prison transfer truck made its first stop.

Bern woke with a start and not knowing what was happening keyed herself to exit the vehicle. Of course her door remained stubbornly shut although she could hear others disembarking beyond. There was a further wait before the truck started up again and resumed its journey. This time the journey was shorter before they halted again at another of the institutions in the St Leger town. Of course Bernie still had no idea where they were, from her windowless cubicle there was no clue.

For a second time they resumed their journey, Bern was actually the last drop of the run and as they'd been on the go for some three hours they were soon stopping for a third time.

The door opened and a female guard appeared in the portal.

“toilet stop Rose.”

“where are we?”

“M18, you've got about another hour from here.”

She climbed down from the truck before suffering the embarrassment of being cuffed to the guard. At least the motorway services were fairly quiet, they got a few stares as they made their way to the conveniences. Once inside she was released into a cubicle whilst her escort stood at the door. the essentials were quickly seen to and the cuffs reapplied for the journey back out to the truck. The cruelty of walking her past the food court where travellers were tucking into their burgers and lattes had her salivating, breakfast was half a day past.

Once she was returned to her travelling box she had expected them to set off again but instead it was a good half an hour before the engine restarted and they moved off. Well there was an hour to go, that's what the guard had said so once again she got as comfortable as possible to try and sleep for a while.

The correctional facility wasn't actually in Scunthorpe, more correctly it was at Whitton, several miles to the north, hard on the Humber waterfront. The last few miles were along twisty, badly surfaced lanes had Bern turning green once again before journeys end.

So this is it, home for the next few months.

----------0-----------

“I've spoken to your mother.” Dad mentioned as I emerged from the garage after my training session.

Joy.

“what did she say?”

“she is not happy.”

“'kay.” I was chastised by those three words.

“she says you can borrow her pink suit for the wedding but you'll have to go to that dress place in the old town for something for the reception, she's going to call them in the morning so they'll be expecting you after school tomorrow.”

“suit?”

“yes suit, it's a formal wedding and you will not show this family up.”

“no Dad.”

“you'd best take the suit with you tomorrow, if it needs altering they can hopefully sort that too.”

“yes Dad.”

That means I'll have to tell the gang, I'm never gonna hear the end of this am I?

“what you got there?” Con enquired next morning.

“my Mums suit.”

“you taking it to the cleaners?”

“um no, the dress shop.”

“you're mum put on some weight?”

“its for me.” I allowed through gritted teeth.

“ooh do tell.”

“I'm not repeating myself, I'll tell everyone when the others get here.”

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 26.04.11  © 2011

I retrieved my steed and headed into town, I really wasn't looking forward to this! The posh frock shop, otherwise known as Eloise Couture is one of those places with the mannequins in the window wearing long dresses with prices that have too many noughts behind the numbers — and Mum was sending me here.

“Erm hello?” I nervously glanced around the store, at the racks of fancy and expensive women's wear, why the hell am I here?

“Yes?” a dismembered voice replied from somewhere towards the rear of the showroom.

I shuffled a little further in, “erm, I think you're expecting me?”

There was a brief moment of silence and I felt as though I was being watched.

“You must be the Bond girl.”

“Um guilty as charged.” I nervously agreed.

The owner of the voice sailed into view, almost literally, she wasn't a small woman by any counting but she was dressed sharp as a pin with her hair in a severe arrangement perched on top like a meringue.

“Hmm, your mother tells me you are going to the Coburg wedding next week, bit late notice.”

“I um only found out I was invited on Monday.”

“Well, I'm sure we can sort you out with something, I take it that is the suit your mother was talking about.”

“Er yes.”

“Speak up girl.”

“Sorry, yes it's the suit.”

“Well let's get you started with that, you brought shoes?”

“Only these.” I indicated my well worn Sketchers.

“Tut, that'll never do. Right into the changing room and put the suit on, the colour looks good for you at least, what size shoe are you?”

“Thirty four ish.” I admitted.

“Well I guess they're in proportion, shake a leg, we haven't got all day!”

Geez, she's a bit of a sergeant major! Well there would be no gain in prevaricating so I was soon doing as I was bid. As you might recall I have borrowed stuff from Mum before — and considering I'm her son, it fit reasonably well. The suit however was a different matter, it is very fitted and I um, well I'm not quite the same shape as Mum, the jacket hung a little loose as did the waist of the skirt although it was quite snug across the bum.

The curtain swished open.

“Not the right colour but put these on, what's the name girl?”

“Er Gaby, um Gabrielle?”

“Nice name, suits you, Gerta.”

I'm guessing that meant she was called Gerta not that it was some strange greeting.

“Once you're ready come out and I'll get Dotty to see what needs doing, have you a preference for colour for the evening?”

“Um?”

“I guess not, which side are you going for, bride or groom?”

“Bride I guess.”

“Right, Coburg, that shouldn't be too difficult, the Habsburgs might be a bit heavy for a little thing like you.”

What the heck is she on about now? There was something niggling at the back of my head about those names, Dad had mentioned them last night too — nah I can't think what it is. The shoes Gerta had left me were not exactly what I'd choose myself being white satin courts with a huge heel! She cannot be serious, she'd left some tan hold-ups too so I followed my instructions and slipped the vertiginous heels onto my feet.

Let's get this straight, I have worn heels before but these were in a different league! I teetered to my feet; it felt like I was balanced on my toes, which wouldn't be too far from the truth. Still I carefully made my way outside to find a young woman who I'm guessing was Dotty impatiently waiting for me.

“Ah, there you are, let's see you, stand straight please, feet together.”

I shuffled to comply.

“Do I really need such high heels?” I whined slightly.

“Don't be so silly girl!” she dismissed that question without further mention.

She flitted about me, inserting pins, folding up the skirts hem and so on.

“Hmm, I think that will do, Gerta!”

My other oppressor reappeared.

“Hmm,” she stalked around me, “yes, I think she'll do at that. Hair up or down?”

I shrugged.

“Up I think, will give you more height, if you'd do the necessary Dot I'll find a hat.”

Hat? What am I getting into here? Dotty pulled my hair free of its rubber and with a couple of quick twists was pinning my mop to the top of my head. Gerta reappeared with a box which apparently contained my new head gear.

“A big hat will hide you too much; yes a fascinator will be better.” She nodded to herself as she perched the millinery on my bonce.

“There, what do you think?”

She stood to one side to reveal a mirror with the reflection of a slightly unsteady looking but more mature version of me staring back.

“Isn't this a bit overboard just for a wedding?”

“Just a wedding she says!” The look of horror at my statement was shared by both women. “You are going to the wedding of the year, Crown Prince Wilhelm and Princess Marguerite Frederick Saxe Coburg, that's the only reason I agreed to this.”

Hang on a cotton picking moment, did she just say what I thought she did? Wasn't that who Pia was bleating about this morning in her Stern? So this is like a Royal wedding? Just wait until I get hold of that Max von bloody Strechau!

“Sugar.”

“You must have known girl, it's been in all the papers and you've been invited.”

“I thought it was just my friend's cousin tying the knot.”

“Girls these days!” Dotty exclaimed.

“Indeed,” Gerta sighed, “Dotty, help her take the suit off then send her out, leave the shoes and stockings on.”

Twenty minutes later and Dotty was sealing me into the second option for the ‘Royal' reception, a strapless number in a pale lemon with somewhat full skirts that even with the stilts on my feet brushed the shops carpeting.

“Hmm, what do you think Dot?”

“Better than the other, it displays her décolletage very nicely,” she pulled the material tighter at my waist, “maybe like so?”

“Oh yes,” Gerta enthused, “the colour suits and fits with the theme and a bit less there will make our own little prinzesin stand out from the crowd.”

“Do I get a say?”

“No!” they replied in unison.

“Is it worth trying the other?” Dotty enquired of her colleague.

“I don't think so, the darker shade will make her look sallow, no I think we go with this.”

I was prodded and measured and poked for a further half hour before the soufflé of a dress was removed and I got to sit down, albeit in my undies.

“Now then, the shoes fit okay?”

“I guess, couldn't I have some with a bit less heel?”

“Don't be daft girl; you are going to be seen not to enjoy yourself.”

I only wanted to get off school!

“A closed toe sandal for the service and I suppose we could go with a court for the reception, a sandal would be better.”

“I'll take the court.” I quickly put in dragging my own clothes back on as quickly as possible.

“Okay then, fitting at ten sharp on Saturday.”

“Ten?”

“Yes, on the button if you please.”

“Well um, I'll see you then, er thanks and thank Dotty for me too.”

“I'll pass that on.”

“Tschuss.”

To say I was out of there like a shot would be lying, I was quicker. I checked the time on the church clock, six o'clock! I've been in there the best part of two hours! I pushed the stand out of the way and started for home, all sorts of stuff going through my head.

“Why didn't you tell me it was a flippin' royal wedding?” I almost screamed down the phone at Max a couple of hours later.

“I um.”

“You'd better not tell anyone about this!”

“I thought girls were dead into this stuff?”

“That's what you think! I've just spent two hours, two hours being poked about by two harridans so I can go to this bloody wedding.”

“Ah so you've been to see Gerta and Dot.”

“How'd you know about them?”

“I've had to go with Gran a few times.”

“I'll get you back for this!”

“Yes please.”

“Grrrr.”

“Anyhow, tante Mat said there'll be someone on hand to help with hair and makeup and Gran's gonna lend you some sparklys.”

“Sparklys?”

“Necklace? Earrings?”

“I'm not without you know.” I grumped.

“Well she thought it'd be nice if you wore some family pieces.”

“Hmm, as long as they match my outfits.” I offered.

“Well you've already gone on at length about what you'll be wearing so I can tell her.”

“Nothing too garish.”

“It won't be.”

“So who else is going to this wedding?”

“Who's not?”

“Owwww!”

“There'll be a lot from Willie's side and there's quite a few of us Coburgs, I guess a few politicos and business types and no doubt the other families will be represented, Hannover and so on.”

“I'm really out of my depth here.”

“Hey you think its any better for me?”

“You know at least some of these people, the only ones I know are you, your Dad and Gran, I only know what your cousin looks like from a picture in Stern for heavens sake!”

“Bit of a fox our Marg eh.”

“You're not taking this seriously!”

“I am, I am, honest. Look, I get to see some of my extended family maybe once a year, others I wouldn't know from Adam. I mean its not like we are really part of the jet set brigade, we're related yeah but we're not rich and we don't rub our connections in others faces.”

“I didn't say you did.”

“I asked you to go because I could do with a friendly face next week.”

“Well I guess I can be that, just remember that I'm merely a poor carpenter's daughter.”

“You could never be ‘merely' anything Gaby Bond!”

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 27.04.11  © 2011

There is just no way that I'm telling the girls about the Munich trip, well certainly not beforehand! I bet Bern would be having a laugh at my expense. Bern, I hope she's alright, I've been so preoccupied with Munich that I've not really thought about her today, hmm I know, I'll write to her!

I fired up my PC and opened Word.

Dear Bern

I hope this finds you well, we all miss you, the gang are talking about visiting the UK in the summer so maybe it won't be too long before we're all together again.

You'll laugh at the pickle I've landed myself in this week. On Tuesday Max asked me to go to his cousins wedding next week down in Munich. That's three days off school so I agreed; let's face it, free food and partying who could turn that down?

I didn't know, and the swine never said but its like a royal wedding, turns out his cousin is some sort of princess — yeah for real so instead of some cosy little family affair its actually like a big formal do. So guess who has to dress in some flippin meringue for the party and a stuffy suit for the church bit! I told you you'd laugh.

I'll write again soon,

Take care,

Drew.

I re read it several times before printing it off, not that I have an address to send it to yet.

Dad dropped me off at about ten to ten, I'm sure he was having a chuckle over this at my expense. I've told the others I'll text when I've finished my ‘errands' so we can meet to go up to Bonn, I'm sure they smell a rat but I can hardly admit to going for a dress fitting can I?

A younger woman was tending to another customer when I arrived; Gerta and Dotty were however waiting for me.

“Morgen.”

“Ah the Weinká¶nigin, come straight into the changing room.” Gerta instructed, “You have hose?”

“Uh huh.” I agreed following Dotty.

“Right then, suit first, Dotty has the shoes.”

Ten minutes later I felt a bit like a trussed chicken in the now altered suit and perched on matching stilts.

“What do you think Gerta, Schwartz Handtasche?”

“Oh definitely but stay with tan hose I think, darker would be too severe on someone so young.”

A bit tarty too in my opinion.

“So I think we are good with this, I hope the dress is so easy.” Gerta went on, “come, lets try the evening wear.”

I stripped out of the suit and prepared to don ‘my' dress.

“Not so fast young lady,” Dotty instructed, “off with the BH, I have a corset here for you, to support you as the dress is strapless.”

A corset! They must be kidding, mustn't they?

This latest bit of torture equipment was soon wrapped around me and Dot pulled the laces closed before running the tape around me, tutting before readjusting things. The built in cups shoved my assets firmly upwards much to my embarrassment whilst my waist was held solidly and unbending — how I'm supposed to wear this for a dance?

The pale yellow creation was lowered over my head and seemed to fit somewhat more snugly than the other night. Strange that. Another pair of shoes, more sandal really, I'm sure we agreed on a court shoe, and I was teetering out to see Gerta again.

“Ah splendid!” she exclaimed attracting the attention of everyone else in the store.

With my chest on display in the strapless gown I felt a little exposed even as the skirts skimmed the floor.

“How am I supposed to dance in this?”

“You'll do, it will hardly be a discothá¨que girl.” Dot pointed out.

“Walk to the door and back please.” Gerta instructed.

I hardly felt able to argue so I carefully made my way the few metres to the door before lifting my skirts to turn around. There was no chance to slouch what with the corset and tight bodice and the only steps I could manage in the skyscraper heels were short. I returned to my starting point where for the first time I saw both Dot and Gerta smile.

“You'll do girl!” Gerta grinned, “and to think your mother said you could be a bit of a tomboy.”

I'm not sure but I think that was intended as some sort of compliment.

“Um, thanks.”

“Well get changed, we need to get everything packed.” Dot advised.

I didn't need a second prod, speeding as much as I could back to the anprobe. As I started to get changed I could hear whispering outside.

“Who is that girl?”

“I heard Dot call her Princess.”

“From her looks I'd say one of the Prussian families.”

“You can tell she is of royal blood by the way she holds herself.”

I giggled to myself, if only they knew. On an impulse I left the corset on and took a few minutes putting my mane into a French braid — very regal! Returning to the shop I spotted the chatters who glanced furtively over as I joined Gerta at the counter.

“You are keeping the corset on I see.”

“Well I thought a little practice before Thursday would be in order — plus I couldn't undo the knot.”

“Thursday, did you hear, it must be the Saxe Coburg wedding!” an excited voice mentioned from across the store.

“And still so elegant even in trousers.”

Clearly Gerta heard this too and decided to play to them.

“We'll put this to your account Highness.” She winked at me.

“Thank you, I'm sure my mother will speak to you soon about the season.”

“She already has Highness.” Gerta hammed a little loudly.

“Excellent.”

“Ah here we are, thank you Dotty.”

Dotty deposited a hatbox and three large white bags emblazoned with ‘Eloise Couture' by the counter.

“Thanks Dot.” I offered.

“My pleasure Gaby, enjoy the wedding.”

“I'll try.”

“I've taken the liberty of calling your car — I called your father, he'll collect you by the south gate. ”

“Thank you Gerta, I'll see you soon no doubt.”

I collected the bags and with Dot holding the door swept out into the street and towards my lift home. I felt as though everyone was watching me — which quite a few no doubt were, so I toned it down a little. I still felt a little like one of those girls you see in the films or Sex in the City - not that I'm a particular fan but anyhow with the bags an' all…

Dad was waiting by the time I got there and seeing my burden popped the Saab's back door.

“Thanks Dad.”

“Daughters!”

“Well sorry.” I huffed.

“Just kidding, so you're all set now?”

I climbed in and belted up, “I guess although I can't help thinking it's a bit overboard.”

“You okay? You look a little stiff.”

“Corset.” I observed.

“That'll be why you look a little um, ‘bigger' then?”

“Er yeah.” I started to turn a delightful pink.

Dad chuckled to himself.

“Shitza! Is that the time? I need to ring the girls.”

I flipped my bag open and was soon waiting for Anna to answer.

“Hi Gab's.”

“Heya, I'll be home in a few, what's the plan?”

“Didn't you get my pm?”

“No — oh hang on something's coming through now.”

“We got the ten thirty, we're nearly at Remagen now.”

I was a bit miffed they hadn't waited for me.

“Con tried to ring you earlier but you didn't pick up.” Anna mentioned, “we could wait for you at Remagen and get the next one up.” She offered.

“Dunno, hang on.” I covered the mic and turned to Dad, “any chance of a lift to Remagen, pretty please?”

“When?”

“Erm now?” I batted my lashes.

“Sorry kiddo, not really, I've got to go out myself shortly.”

“Bum,” I went back to my handy, “Anna?”

“Hello.”

“I'm pushing it for the next Express.”

“We can wait.”

“Nah, you guys go on to Bonn, I'll see you up there later.”

“Okay then, see you later, tschuss.”

“Tschuss.” I cut the call and let out a sigh.

“You were going to Bonn?”

“Yeah, I want to go to the Spielwaren and I need to get some stuff in coats ‘n ‘ats.”

“Why didn't you say? I'm going to Troisdorf so I can drop you off on the way through.”

By now we were in Dernau and turning into our road.

“Kewl!”

“I'll take that as a yes.”

“Ten minutes.” Dad advised as we pulled onto the drive.

“I'll be ready.”

Of course it was closer to twenty by the time I'd got my posh frock and the suit hung, the corset off (I couldn't stand it any longer!) and a quick visit to the ablutions.

Back in the car and Dad was soon taking us up past Anna's place in Esch and then quickly onto the autobahn which but for dropping me off would take Dad directly to Troisdorf.

I hit dial again as we left the motorway.

“Anna?”

“Oh hey Gabs.”

“Where are you guys?”

“Just pulling into Bonn, the Rhine Express was fifteen minutes late.”

“Wait outside then, I'll be there in like ten minutes.”

“I take it you got a lift.”

“Yeah, see you in a few.”

I checked the clock, quarter to twelve — plenty of shopping time!

“You need picking up?” Dad asked as we dropped under the railway by the Bahnhof.

“Nah, I'll be with the girls, we'll get the train.”

“Don't be too late, race tomorrow remember.”

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 29.04.11  © 2011

“Gabeee!”

Talk about over dramatic! The girls almost smothered me as I got out of the car.

“See you later Dad.”

“Not too late.” He reminded me.

“Yes Dad.”

“Have a nice time girls.”

“Thanks Mr B.”

“Bye Herr Bond.”

“Bye Dad.”

He slipped out into the traffic and we headed for the crossing.

“So spill Bond.” Steff prodded.

“Why was your handy off?” Pia added.

“There's nothing to tell, honest.”

“So what were you up to?” Con asked.

“Nothing,” I'm not gonna tell you guys, ”I had to do some stuff in Ahrweiler for Mum.”

“It couldn't have waited till Monday?” Anna enquired.

“Had to be this morning.”

“So where first?” Nena requested of us.

“Coffee?” I suggested.

“Good plan.” Brid agreed.

“Galleria then.” Steff stated.

Coffee and cake later we were soon browsing the racks of the lingerie department.

“Gabs, you never buy frilly stuff.” Con noted as I perused the lacy offerings.

To be honest I thought I'd make a bit of an effort for next week seeing as Mom was stumping up heaven knows what for my dress and stuff.

“Just fancy a change.”

“Hmm.”

The other thing was that although I've been wearing bras and stuff for a while I don't really have much of a clue as I favour plain sports bras and matching underpants.

“I do, just no thongs!”

“Spoilsport.” Steff mentioned dangling a minute piece of lace in front of me.

“Seriously guys, practical but a bit more girly.”

Give them a quest and they were nothing but thorough. Over the next hour I had my chest measured (a full B cup now) and I think I tried on every possible style in the shop. Padded, under wired, demi, uplift, you name it I had it on! In the end I bought three new bras and a weeks worth of knickers in a variety of colours and degrees of laciness. Somehow a garter belt and two pairs of silk stockings found their way into my bag too — well if I'm being girly?

The thing with these expeditions is that they can easily take on a life of their own. When I spotted where Pia was leading us next I had to call a halt.

“Whoa!”

“But they have some lovely stuff Gab.”

“They might but I've already spent over a hundred euros, another day eh?”

“Spoilsport!”

“Tell you what, you guys go look at underwear, I'll look in the toy shop.”

“You and those models.” Anna grinned.

“It's a hobby.” I replied by way of defence.

“Whatever.” Steff added.

“Meet at Orsay?” Brid suggested.

“'Kay,” I agreed, “thirty minutes?”

“Sounds enough.” Con allowed.

Orsay is only just up the street from the Spielwaren so I might manage a little longer. We went our separate directions and I was soon perusing the cabinets of model cars and railwayana on the third floor. If we ever move back to the UK this is something I shall really miss, real model and toyshops, not those awful sheds that are all that's left at home.

I haven't added to my collection lately so I'd allowed myself a generous budget — its not like I can't afford it, my allowance, wages from Thesing's and Dad lets me spend fifty percent of any cash prizes I win too. I get quite a glow when I check my bank balance, my savings are over €5000 and my working account generally has over five hundred so today's little spending spree is no hardship.

I took my time selecting various models, five cars, a bus, two trucks and an ambulance if you must know as well as a few scenics that caught my eye — I have another modelling project I'm planning for Dad for Christmas. I'd only just paid for everything when my handy started making noises.

“Hello?”

“Gabs its me.” Don't you hate that? “Max.”

“Oh hi Max, what's up?”

“Can you come up tomorrow?”

“No chance, I've got a race, what for?”

“Gran wants to see you, ‘bout sparklies I expect.”

“No Gran, she's got a race…I'll ask her …what about dinner on Monday?”

“I've got training but I guess I could do dinner.” I offered, not that I was that enthused at the idea.

“Kewl, hang on… yes Gran, no after Radfahren training…seven? Okay I'll ask , you get that Gabs?”

“Seven o'clock, okay I guess.”

“Great… no Gran, I'm not asking her that!… look Gab's I'll see you at school right.”

“'Kay.”

“Bye.”

“Tschuss.”

I wonder what else his Gran wanted to know?

My handy went again before I could move or give that question further thought.

“Gabs, where are you girl?” Steff asked.

“Two minutes.”

I hurried down the stairs and out into the street, I could actually see the girls outside Orsay from here.

“Geez Gab, how much did you spend?” Pia enquired after peeking into my bag.

“Erm, enough.”

She rolled her eyes.”

“Come on you lot, I want to try that silver dress in the window.” Nena cajoled.

Having already had my fill of clothes changing today I managed to avoid the aggressive pack changing room assaults instead spending the time trying to merge with the walls! Of course I was there to offer my opinion on all the try-ons without getting directly involved. This went on for some time until I spotted the shop clock.

“Hey guys, its nearly five.”

“Already?” Anna sighed.

“Well we didn't get up here till late.” Steff allowed.

“If we get a move on we can grab some Maccy d's on the way to the station.” Bridget suggested.

“Tell you what, me an' Con can go get food while the rest of you get sorted, meet you on the platform yeah?” I suggested.

“She's not just pretty, brains too!” Pia put in.

I'd suggested Con, as she wasn't gripping an armful of hangers so I guessed she wouldn't be buying anything.

“Come on then Gabs.” I'm sure Con winked at the others before pulling me out into the street.

We made the five thirty south bound Rhein Express which was, as is usual on a Saturday afternoon, pretty busy which meant we ended up sat all over the place. To be honest that suited me fine as it gave me a chance to relax, at least for a few minutes.

“Come on Gab, the Express is already in.” Anna called to me as the train pulled into Remagen.

No time for the lav then! A lot of people use the connection and if we wanted seats together at least some of us needed to get to gleis 3 quickly. Being small does sometimes have its advantages, I managed to slip through the crowds and rather than go down the crowded steps I took the longer detour via the slope and found myself one of the first to reach the two car Ahrtal Express where I spotted the friendly personage of Myleen.

“Hi Gaby, the others coming?”

“On their way Myleen.”

“Buy anything nice?”

“Just some knickers.”

“Ooooh.”

I'd lain claim to a double set of facing seats, with practised ease Pia and Anna took those on the other side much to Myleen's amusement. The rest of our group followed along at a more leisurely pace, we were hardly comfortable before our conductress was blowing the whistle to set us off on the final leg home.

“Whew, that was close.” Brid suggested.

“We were a bit late leaving Bonn.” I noted.

“Fahrkarte.” Myleen called out.

We might know her but she always checked our tickets.

“You need to renew soon Gaby.”

“Already?” I checked my student pass; yup it runs out next month.

“No Bernie?”

“She had to go home to England Myleen.” Steff supplied.

“That's a pity, well I hope she's well.”

“I'll let her know you asked after her.” I mentioned.

“I'd better check the rest of the car, see you girls later.”

The railcar chugged into the Ahr valley turning away from the Rhein.

“You do it.” Nena hissed at Anna.

“Why me?”

“It was your idea.” Pia put in.

“Alright then, Gabs?”

“Wassup?”

“Erm, we er got you something.”

“What for?”

“Do we need a reason?” Con asked.

I shrugged, “guess not.”

“Get on with it Anna.” Brid cajoled.

“I am, look here you go, I, we thought that as you were being a bit more girly you'd like this.”

She thrust a La Senza bag into my hands. I looked inside; well you have to don't you.

“Guys!”

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 29.04.11  © 2011

That's one thing the contents of the bag were not designed for, guys!

"Er thanks."

"Lets have a shufti, I didn't see what we bought." Steff hinted.

Now let

Now lets get this right, I know its kinda normal to share these things but when it's a particularly racy and lacy set of lingerie in a particularly pink shade of pink - my face just about matched in seconds flat.

"We just need to find her a man now." Brid opined.

"I don't think our Prinzessin needs much help." Con stated.

"Ooh spill!" Pia enthused.

"Co-on!" I moaned.

"Hush Gabs, go on Con." Steff added.

"Well," she started, "from what I've heard the current Weinká¶nigin has more than a few admirers at school."

"Don't leave us hanging." Anna threw in.

"I am here."

"Don't you want to know who's got the hots for you?" Steff asked.

"Only so I can steer clear, they're obviously deranged."

To be honest relationships of any kind are something I guess I've been sidestepping. Not only that but I'm no longer even sure who I do fancy - I'll admit that I used to really have the hots for Maddy but pubescent lust has been tempered by distance and other events. It doesn't mean I don't love her but it's more of a close friend type of thing rather than potential mate - much like Bernie.

My thoughts were broken by a high-pitched squeal from Brid.

"No way!"

"I'm telling you," Con grinned, "his sister was telling her friend in the Bá¤ckerei last week."

"That's verging on a stalker." Pia stated.

"Marcus Blusen, who'd have thought it!" Anna allowed.

“Die ná¤chste halt ist Dernau…ausfahrt am rechts.”

The on train announcement turned the discussion of my non-existent love life into a flurry of repacking and goodbyes as the Express coasted into the station.

“Bye guys.”

“Bye Gabs, good luck tomorrow.” Pia offered as the Dernau contingent alighted.

Myleen gave us a wave as she signalled the driver and the train was once more on its way.

“Tomorrow?” Anna enquired.

“Race in Bremen — we're driving up tonight,” I glanced at my watch, “sugar, Dad's gonna kill me! See ya later guys.” I took off like a blue arsed fly leaving Anna and Con looking bemused.

“There you are.” Dad pointed out the obvious, “You all packed?”

“Yep, just need to change.”

“Just get your stuff, we're already late and Roni'll be waiting at Dusseldorf for us.”

“But Dad…”

“Go.” He insisted.

Given the trouble I've been causing with the wedding I didn't think antagonising him would be too good an idea. Its not like it's a major thing except my cropped jeans and pink cami scream girl — not a look I want Josh to see later. I dashed upstairs and swapped model cars for racing strip, grabbing a fleece to slip on later.

Dad was already out in the car when I got downstairs so I got to lock up before joining him in the car.

“Ready?”

“As I ever am.”

For the second time today we headed out through Esch then onto the autobahn to take us north. Luckily the traffic around Ká¶ln on a Saturday evening is fairly light so we made good time up to Dá¼sseldorf to pick up Roni and her mum. We pulled up on the east side of the station where a bike, several bags and two women were waiting.

“Sorry we're late, madam here was out shopping.” Dad explained getting out to load up.

“Dad!”

“Hi Drew or is it Gaby again?” Roni enquired.

“Someone wouldn't let me get changed.” I offered.

“From where I'm stood all I see is Gaby.” She noted.

“You gonna sit in the back Drew, I need to talk with Angela.” Dad pretty much instructed.

“Sure.”

I climbed out and stretched.

“Yup, girl alright.” Ron stated.

“Eh?”

“You looked at yourself, ballerina shoes and capri's are not exactly boy clothes even if we ignore your chest.”

“Cheers — not.”

“It wasn't a criticism, I wish I looked half as hot as you do.”

“You two getting in?” Dad prompted.

I slid into the back seat beside my teamy and was barely belted up before Dad set the Saab into the traffic.

“So,” Roni continued, “what were you shopping for?”

“I needed some new erm under things.”

“Tell her why.” Dad threw back.

Roni raised an eyebrow and her mum turned in her seat to hear the explanation.

“I've been invited to a wedding next week.”

“Not just any wedding,” Dad interrupted, “nope, this one gets an invite to the biggest society wedding of the year.”

“The Saxe Coburg wedding?” Angela queried.

“The same.” he agreed.

“Oh my god, that's so cool Gab, but why the new undies?” Roni enquired.

“I um get to stay with the brides family.” I admitted.

“Kewl! Just wait until I tell the girls at school.” Ron enthused.

Just great.

“So, what are you wearing?”

That set the topic of conversation for much of the drive north, Roni's enthusiasm for and about German society was pretty much the mirror of my own. Not that I could resist relating the episode in the dress shop this morning, that had her addressing me as ‘Prinzessin' for the rest of the journey.

It was close to ten when we arrived at our accommodation, a small family run pension on the outskirts of Bremen. The four of us trouped inside to find Greta, Tali, Josh and Gret's Dad drinking coffee.

“Hi Mr Bond, where's Drew like?” Josh enquired.

“Evening Josh, girls, Dieter.” Dad replied in kind, “Sonja not come?”

“Bit tired after the drive Dave, she's having a lie down.”

Josh was looking a bit confused.

“What's with the outfit Drew?” Tali asked.

“Drew?” Josh goldfished.

“Present.” I allowed, “Dad wouldn't let me get changed before we left.”

Clearly Josh needed some further explanation.

“So how's it going?” I continued in little used English.

“Betta since I've been on the team, but like why are you dressed like totty man?”

Where to start?

“Drew, you getting the bags?” Dad called over.

“Er sure.”

“I'll give you a hand man.” Josh offered.

“Cheers.”

We headed outside, Dad and Dieter already had the bikes off the car.

“So what likes the crack with the togs?”

“Well, erm it's a long story.”

“Youse not one of them pooftas?”

“Its nothing like that.”

“I'm glad about that, me mams hairdresser was like bent as a three pound note, kept making passes at me. So what's the deal, not still that play thing?”

“It's a bit more complicated, oh shit!”

“Woz up?”

“My kit bag, its not here.”

“Like a team bag?”

“Yeah, that's Roni's,” I pointed in the back of the car, “I put mine over, oh sugar I didn't, with all the rushing I left it in the hall.”

“All youse kit?”

I nodded, “I'm like dead meat, Dad's gonna kill me.”

“Why am I going to commit murder?” Dad enquired from behind me.

“My kit's still at home.” I admitted as I started to tear up.

“Drew Bond, you really are the limit! Get inside, can you give me a hand Josh?”

“Why aye.”

I scuttled inside and the waterworks burst.

“What's up?” Tali asked full of concern.

“Sniff, left my, sniff, kit at, sniff, home.”

She pulled me into a hug.

“Hey-ay, calm down liebchen, we'll sort something out, girls?”

The others who had been hovering joined the hugging and I was steered towards the room Tali and Gret were sharing.

“Mr Bond, is there like something I'm missing like?” Josh asked as they carried the bags into their digs.

“Sorry Josh, I'd forgotten you weren't in the loop.”

“I'm sure Drew didn't leave his stuff on purpose.”

Dave sighed, “I'm probably partly to blame, I was rushing her out of the door and now I think about it she got straight in the car after locking up.”

“Her?”

Dave paused in thought before replying.

“Look Josh, this isn't public knowledge and I'm trusting you to keep your own counsel on this, the girls know but we'd prefer not to make Drew a sideshow.”

“I guess.”

“Without going into too much detail Gaby, Drew has a medical condition, it's all rather personal in nature but, I guess there's no easy way to put this,”

“He's a girl isn't he?” Josh interrupted.

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 12.05.11  © 2011

"Where is everyone?" Dave enquired when he and Josh returned to the lounge area.

"The girls dragged Drew off upstairs," Dieter supplied, “is everything alright?”

"Looks like I'm driving back home tonight, my offspring hasn't got any riding kit, left it at home."

"At least have a coffee before you go Dave."

"Yeah, I suppose you're right."

"I'll go check that the girls are oh-kay Mr B, I like didn't mean to upset anyone out there."

"Just check eh, don't make a fuss."

"Way aye."

"You okay now Drew?" Tali asked the still sniffing micro Bond.

"I guess so but what am I gonna do for kit tomorrow?"

"There's an old helmet in our boot you can use." Gret offered.

"I've got my skinsuit so if I wear that you can wear my road kit." Ron suggested.

"What about shoes though, these are all I've got." I indicated the flats on my feet.

"Hang on a minute, what size?" Tali queried.

"Er 36?"

"Hmm."

Knock. Knock.

Gret went to see who was at the door.

"Josh."

"Sorry hen, like, I just wanted to check on Drew like, make sure she's okay like."

"Ta da!" Tali flourished a pair of slightly battered race shoes. "My old shoes, I thought they were still in my bag, oh hi Josh."

"Er hi Tali, anyway so is youse okay Drew?"

"I've been better."

"Your da told me like about, you know."

"We still mates?"

"Way aye, like most people thought ya were a poofta or a girl anyhow, to me you're the little kid who whupped me at the Nationals."

"And the divi's." I added.

"That an' all. Look I best get back down before yer da goes to fetch your kit like."

"You what?"

"Herr Bond is going all the way back to Bonn?" Gret exclaimed.

"We've already sorted the Kapitan out." Ron told the Geordie.

"We'd best stop him."

"I'll go tell him." Josh was already on his way.

“Mr B, hang on a mo like.” Josh called after Dave who was actually just going to fetch his phone.

“Drew okay?” Dave asked, a note of panic in his voice.

“Aye an' you don't need to goo fetch Drew's kit like, the girls have kitted him oot like.”

“I never thought to ask.” Dave noted.

“So are we getting pizza or what?” Drew's singsong voice enquired.

“Come here kiddo.” Dave grinned as his offspring joined him for a quick hug.

“Sorry I mucked up Dad.”

“Well I guess I'm partly to blame, rushing you out of the house earlier.”

“Yeah well it was me who insisted on going to Bonn earlier.”

“I did over react a bit.”

“Before one of you admits to invading Iraq are we going for pizza or what?” Dieter interrupted.

The Becks Já¼ngere Bremen Grand Prix was the first time all five youngsters lined up in the same team and the first time they all featured on a start card since the Lá¼neberg Heide Já¼ngere Grand Prix over at Celle.

As they lined up for the start in Bremen's main square Drew felt a little odd in his borrowed kit. After trying on Ron's jersey and bibs they all decided that her skinsuit would be a better fit for Drew's smaller figure. Dave actually had a spare helmet in the Saab and an old pair of track mitts was discovered in the glove compartment so with Tali supplying the footwear Drew was fully kitted out. Of course, he'd had to borrow a sports bra too, Gret had a spare luckily and he had on his Dad's Rudy's — not that it was looking too bright at the moment.

Being a premier series event sponsored by Bremen's best-known brewery they were currently going through all the introduction stuff.

“We're up next.” Greta hissed to her teammates.

“Joy.” Drew allowed.

“Ná¤chste ist Team Apollinaris!”

We shuffled forward to the guy doing the intros.

“So here we have Joshua Waugh, Veronike Grá¶nberg, Greta Luchow, Thalia Schmidt and the current series leader Drew Bond. We always see some exciting racing from these ladies so look out for them, Team Apollinaris!”

There was a brief cheer from the small crowd and with a bit of a wave we made way for the next team.

“Drew, Drew!”

“Eh?”

“Here,” Dad instructed.

I handed off my steed to Josh and went to see what he wanted.

“Was up?”

“Here, put this on.” He handed me a bundle.

“What is it?”

“Your series leader jersey, they should have given it to you at the sign on.”

I shook it out, “make me a target or what!” I noted looking at the sky blue jersey with a tricolour sash of the German flag.

“Hurry up, I need to move your number.”

There was one thing; the added layer was welcome given the chill breeze that was sweeping the square!

Essentially today's 150 kilometres was a trip down the Weser to Bremerhaven where we cross the river to return back to finish in the same square we now waited in for the start.

“I wish they'd get on with it.” Tali moaned.

“We shoulda been away by now.” I agreed.

I dunno whether I mentioned this before but during the race we use English — I'm sure some of the other riders understand it but there's enough don't that our tactics are a little more private and of course with Josh on board he can understand it.

“Here we go ladies.” Josh noted as some dignitary waved a flag to set us on our way.

Bremen Altstadt is essentially on an island so the first thing was to follow the old wall line past an impressive windmill then over the moat and into the cities northern suburbs. At the city boundary we got the green flag and the larger than usual field turned up the pace. After a year of racing in Germany I now recognised a lot of the team strips and more than a few of the riders.

The five of us took up station near the head of the field as we rolled along between the river and autobahn. The action might well be early on today, perversely the small bits of hill are all in the first half of today's ride so things will hot up soon enough.

The bridge over the Wumme after about ten k was where Dad had suggested we start being vigilant and as we entered Burglesum the first tentative attack went off the front. The consensus seemed to be to let the two lads from the fairly local Radteam Hude und Berne dangle for a while.

I spotted Hans from the other week at the Heide event and exchanged nods. Of course while Roni and I have been gallivanting around the Ruhr and Rhein the others have been doing a few events across northern Germany with a lot of this field — there aren't many riders who can afford to stray too far from home turf.

By the way I was being watched my prediction regarding the leaders jersey was coming true so we might have to tweak our plans a bit.

“Josh, Roni.”

“Cap'n.” Josh grinned.

“If anything halfway serious goes you two cover ok.”

Roni gave me a wink, “ I like your thinking.”

“Tal, Gret, we'll try to control the bunch if there is a move.”

“'Kay.” Talia agreed.

The weather, whilst overcast, looked like it might just stay dry at least for a while. The catch of course is the stiff breeze that is chasing the clouds above us out towards the coast. We dipped under the motorway and out of the town.

With the wind on our right shoulder the pace quickened and the escapees remained dangling some fifty metres ahead for a couple of kilometres before sitting up. It was tempting to do a flier but all I'd be doing was wasting energy so I held station with the others as we entered the slightly rolling Lange Heide.

“Up!” went the shout and my cohorts were already out of the saddle to mark the move.

It hurt to see that some pretty handy riders were with the move but a plan is a plan only as long as you stick to it. So I watched as about twenty riders left the peleton and much as it hurt I joined the girls in a false chase to control the remainder of the bunch.

Although the road rose and dipped its pretty darn straight so the lead group remained in sight that encouraged a few to try to cross the gap. With the distance between the main bunch and the break at about thirty seconds it was time to make sure they made no more ground.

“You okay?” I asked my colleagues.

“Fine.” Tali agreed.

“We holding here?” Gret enquired.

I checked out our fellow travellers, maybe eighty strong they can do the heavy work for us later.

“Yeah, we should rotate apart for a bit but stay top twenty.”

“Sure.”

Up ahead the smaller group included all the other top ten riders, it appeared very much as though Drew had missed the big move of the day — yeah there were a couple of Apollinaris jerseys up there but Hans wasn't alone in thinking they'd got the drop on the little super girl this time. They were riding piano and moving at a good fifty k pace as they headed towards the northernmost point at Loxstedt.

“The feed is after the next town.” Tali supplied.

“Make sure we get the bottles,” I urged, “it's going to be dry riding back with this wind.”

The single prime of the day was in Loxstedt and it was agonising to not be contesting it but patience is the key today. Our train swept through the little town and back under the twenty-seven. Shortly after we turned left for our first significant change in direction for well over an hour. The pace dropped quite rapidly, which was just as well as we approached the feed area.

I spotted Sonja and Angela ahead and manoeuvred myself to grab my musette. I really ought to practice this bit of race craft; I nearly dropped my bag as it swung across in front of me! Around me others were making harder work than me of it and I grimaced at the sound of a collision close behind.

Transferring the contents to my pockets was easier said than done though.

“I'll do it Drew.” Tal told me.

“Cheers, Gret okay?”

“Yeah she's just behind.”

“The river is coming up, can't see the bridge though.”

“Dumbo, it's a tunnel!”

Now that's a new one!

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 13.05.11  © 2011

The lead group managed to make some ground through the feed and as we crossed the fens to the river crossing the neutral service car zipped past. Not the end of the world, it might even give them a false sense of security, but it was a little worrying nonetheless.

We swung sharply away from the river and to my surprise turned onto the autobahn! Well not exactly a motorway in full flow but rather the not yet open new road under the Weser. This is certainly not something you get to do very often - if ever again! The road entered the portal and we moved into the artificial lighting of the tunnel as we dropped fairly steeply under the river.

“Weird huh?” Gret mentioned as we coasted down the perfect tarmac.

“Yeah, you guys up for a bit of a go on the way out?” an idea had just come to me to make use of this river crossing.

“Er what you thinking D?” Tali asked.

“Bit of a go on the way out?”

“'Kay.” Gret agreed, Tal nodded.

I checked the tunnel ahead, “on the left where those cones are.”

“Usual?” Tali queried.

“Uh huh.”

“I'll mark.” Gret offered.

“Let's do it!”

It was still a couple of hundred metres to the cones, the three of us separated and positioned ourselves ready for the action, Tali and I dropping back a few places whilst Gret moved forward. The plan was to use the stiff breeze following us through the tube to give us a bit of a boost up the surprisingly steep exit ramp. The front group were already out of sight long before we reached our departure point — not that I was expecting to bridge the gap in one go.

Click, click. Action time.

Tali took off up the right kerb like her bum was on fire, Gret did her best to slow the reaction then as the bunch started to react I hit the turbo. With most attention on the girls my move, whilst not missed didn't garner a great deal of interest. Their mistake not mine!

Out of the saddle still, pump the pedals, a clattering of gears behind then the top of the climb coming into view and beyond the brightness beyond the tunnels exit. My gamble on the back draft was paying off nicely and ahead the gap to the leaders was seriously dented. The girls were more successful than I could have hoped at the distraction / interference work and I shot into the daylight having taken well over 150m out of the peleton. The only problem now was the fact I was on my own between the two groups.

I took a deep pull on my bidon before assuming a neat tucked position to cut through the now stiff headwind. The course quickly returned to ‘normal' roads, a lot twistier than on the outward leg and although the bigger groups have some advantage with the wind equally I'm not delayed on these lanes to the same extent. My elastic to the main bunch was well and truly broken and the shirt tales of the long departed break were close enough that the service car was clearly debating dropping back behind me — if I make the connection Dad and Dieter can move up here, that there aren't any team cars up here means that my arrival will put Apollinaris at a numbers advantage.

“What do you reckon Josh?” Roni asked as the pair crossed in the rotation.

“Could be if they moved early like.” The Geordie agreed.

The leaders were still intact after over 70km out front although a few of their number were looking a bit ragged. The absence of Drew hadn't gone unnoticed and there had been some discussion amongst the escapees about ‘breaking' the diminutive Rheinlander — yeah, that's gonna happen.

They reached the relative shelter of the town of Brake and there was a collective sigh and easing of effort.

“Cars gone,” Josh noted next time round, “I'll drop for a look.”

“Uh huh.” Roni mentioned, once again getting to be the team's point.

I was no way going to follow the instruction on the sign, ‘Brake', he he. Is that someone slipping off the back? I dug a bit deeper as I followed into the town, the neutral service now fifty metres behind me shielding me from view, if the others could see it that's the signal to try and break up the chasers.

“'Bout time man.” Josh stated as I slipped onto his wheel.

“Thought I'd enjoy the view, how are they?”

“Organised but holding for a sprint like.”

“Straight through?”

“It'd shell a few fer sure.”

“Roni?”

“Holding her own, not sure she'd make the cut if we go through though.”

The question was whether it was worth the risk at this stage.

“Stick to plan A then.” I decided.

“Yer da should be coming up soon.” Josh noted having done the numbers himself.

“Let's get on the tail then.”

The road was now hard against the river defences and the wind was forcing the front group into echelons ahead of us. The pair of us did quick rotations and the distance to the rearmost riders was quickly closed giving us a bit of relief. We joined in the rotation and I heard at least one curse as I was recognized.

“Thought you'd missed the bus.” Hans mentioned as we rode alongside briefly.

“I didn't want to miss the fun.” I grinned as I slid backwards in the line.

What you don't realise big boy is that we, that's Dad and Dieter, planned this — well as much as you ever can.

The flood defences offered some respite from the stiff crosswind but after getting into echelons our group seemed stuck there.

“You alright Ron?”

“I'll do.” She replied before taking a hefty swig from a bottle.

I silently signalled my intention; she nodded and moved away in the rotation. I flicked through my computers screens, 35km to go, about half an hour at this pace into the wind, maybe a little longer.

Meanwhile Gret and Tali were in the front group of a quickly splintering main peleton some two minutes behind the leaders. The twenty or so kilometres had been hard work for the pair at first chasing the wanna be chasers to ground then in turn trying to organise a ‘chase'. As Drew and co left Brake they entered in a much reduced bunch of maybe thirty riders, the rest now on a long and constantly stretching bit of elastic.

The road turned more directly into the wind for the run back into Bremen and the pace dropped to a scant twenty five which caused a return to more of a single bunch even if they were still rotating.

I hit the front and kept up the pressure lifting my speed to over thirty, hopefully some of those behind would start to feel the pace and reduce our numbers. Swinging off the front I winked at a flush faced Hans and grinned at Roni on his wheel.

When it was her turn Roni did a long hard turn too and when Josh crossed me he let me into the up line ahead of him. The next time I hit the front it was another hard pull that Josh took over keeping the pace up and we soon had a hard core of some eight riders with the remainder now starting to straggle behind. The last ‘town' before the finish was Berne and I decided then that this race would be for my Bern locked away somewhere in the UK.

Clearly no one was interested in going it alone but a collective effort to the finish seemed acceptable to the five non Apollinaris riders in our little group. The elastic to the remainder broke not long after Berne depriving two of our companions of any team support giving our threesome quite an advantage.

“What do ya reckon?” Gret asked her friend.

“I'm game.”

Greta sat up, ostensibly to stretch but surepticously to check out the rest of their group.

“One or two might tag along, they're looking pretty tired.”

“When you're ready then.” Tali agreed the plan.

Gret took a swig from her bottle, a great diversion; no sooner was it back in the cage than Tali took off.

“Shitza!”

Gret barely missed a beat in her own departure so that the two Apollinaris girls took a side of the road each, effectively splitting any reply to the move. Of course, male pride resulted in several riders giving chase but the damage was done and when the getaway effort fizzled there were just five riders left. Luckily they were all prepared to do some work so they were soon organised into a concerted chase — whether they'd manage to bridge the gap only time would tell.

“You think the others are coming?” Roni huffed from alongside the Bondlet.

“It was the plan but I guess it depends on how they're feeling.”

The leaders rattled across a railway crossing and the first real signs of others considering the approaching finish appeared with some nervous looking about. Of the riders in their group Drew was only aware of Hans' finishing, the others were new to him.

“What d'ya reckon Josh?”

“The guy in the green can be a bit handy like, Hans'll be there if it comes to sprint but I think the others are looking for a solo.”

“Best try to keep it together then I guess.”

After the long solo into the wind I must admit that my legs were feeling a bit the worse for wear and the thought of another hard chase wasn't sitting too well with me.

BANG!

Shitza! Why now and why the back wheel?

“You want us to wait?” Ron asked as I bumped to a halt.

“No, the others will cream us, Glá¼ck.”

In fact Hans was already making a bit of a move.

“Go!” I encouraged.

I watched helplessly as they left me in the gutter.

There was a squeal of brakes and slamming of a door.

“Come on Drew, get with it!” Dieter shouted as he sprinted up to me.

Right! Brake released, crash the gears, bang wheel — one out. I dropped the bad un on the verge and held my bike whilst Dieter slipped the replacement into place. Do up brake, spin pedals to get chain back in service, hop on — a shove from the mechanic and I was off again. Total time from the bang about a minute.

That's the good news, the bad was that the rest of the lead group and the neutral service were now perhaps 500m ahead and I'm on my own — bummer. I could hear Dad coming up to me as I got back into some sort of rhythm.

“Keep it steady kiddo, there're some chasers coming up.”

“'Kay.” I allowed as Dad dropped behind, he'd stay close until the commissar pulled him back.

Behind them the bits of the lead group and the chasers had mostly joined so that a group of nine including the girls was now coming up to Drew.

“Looks like our car.” Tali opined as Greta slid past.

“Hope that means we've bridged.”

“Can't see a bunch up there.”

“Bum.”

Compared to the riders in front, this group was now moving together in a regular bus and they were soon up to the Apollinaris car. Dave sounded his horn to warn Drew before pulling to the side.

“Yes!” Dieter enthused as he spotted his daughter in the small bunch.

“Let's hope they've still got some legs.” Dave supplied as he set off again.

Behind them riders were now spread over nearly ten kilometres, the early pace and the attrition of the wind having taken a great toll.

“Wasn't expecting to see you again.” Tali noted as Drew gratefully slipped in behind her.

“Puncture.”

“That them ahead?” Gret asked before offering her own wheel.

“Uh huh.” I puffed.

“We might just make it.” Tali mused.

“Give me a mo and we'll stir things up eh?”

“Yes sir mon Kapitan!” Gret made a snappy salute as she grinned at me.

“Do you reckon he'll get back?” Roni asked the big Geordie beside her.

“It'll be touch and go lass; it won't be for lack of trying like.”

For the last five K the pair had been constantly chasing down attempts at escape, even Hans had assisted a couple of times — his best chance was a sprint too.

Ten determined chasers, seven leaders playing poker with their fifty second lead, less than seven kilometres to go. The vital, for the chasers, point was the sight of the neutral service pulling to the side, yes! Under thirty seconds gap. The suburbs of Bremen were by now springing up around them and the two halves of Team Apollinaris were each working towards a victory.

Sensing danger, the front group added a bit more speed to their effort, Josh dragging Roni in his wake, she being the better sprinter on recent form. So near yet so far, less than two hundred metres behind Drew would have to decide soon whether to make a big effort to bridge the gap or to settle for the ‘B' sprint. Don't be daft, there is no ‘B' sprint, the only one that matters will have Drew Bond in it!

Two to go and they swung alongside the river in Bremen's Neustadt, the Altstadt and the finish just metres away across the water. It was going to be tight and a couple of riders had already blown since entering the city limits. The two groups were almost in contact when they turned onto the Weser bridge but was all the effort enough?

Off the Ring and into the old town and someone was off the front, Josh with his shadow close behind — too soon!

There was still a couple of bike lengths between the groups as I spotted the finish banner, well I'm not gonna get a second go at, I snicked the lever up a gear and launched myself forward from the shelter of Tali's wheel. I virtually had to elbow my way through what was left of the leaders to find a four up sprint in progress, still with 100m to go.

Talk about eyeballs out! I picked my line between the barriers and thrashed the pedals round. I couldn't tell you what happened next as I descended into the red mist.

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 15.05.11  © 2011

I arrested my forward motion and slumped over the handlebars totally spent.

"Fer fecks sake, where did you come from man?" Josh panted as he pulled up beside me.

I was still gasping air and just shook my head.

The two mums were soon with us and, well the whole team were soon gathered round wearing tired but cheesy grins.

"Way to go Drew!" Roni offered.

"So who got what?" dad asked when he joined us.

"Looks like Drew got it on the line." Gret supplied.

"Places?"

"No idea."

"It's a photo." Dieter advised.

"Get some clothes on people, it might be a few minutes before we get a decision."

We were waiting nearly fifteen minutes amongst an expectant crowd before the PA crackled into life.

"Thank you all for your patience, the judges have had quite a job deciding on the result from such an unprecedented finish. So without further ado here are the first three in reverse order. Third at half a wheel. Josh Waugh Team Apollinaris."

"Way to go!" Tali cheered as he made his way to the podium.

I could see Hans looking less than happy across the way.

"In second place at two tyres, Veronike Grá¶nberg Team Apollinaris."

There was a big cheer and Hans looked gutted.

"And in first place, our series leader, Drew Bond Team Apollinaris!”

I never cease to enjoy that feeling and I was beaming big style.

“Before we present the prizes it wouldn't be fair to not mention the other riders. So close was the finish that the official split from third to fourth was a tyre, fifth a further half wheel and sixth another tyre. So congratulations to Hans Braubecker, Greta Luchow and Thalia Schmidt who put the first six within a single bicycle length after over 150 kilometres of racing, well done.”

The crowd were generous in their applause.

“The keen amongst you might have spotted that not only have Team Apollinaris supplied our podium but a further two riders in the top six so congratulations too to their team manager Dave Bond.”

I could see Dad colour up as he waved in acknowledgement of the name check.

“And now without further delay, Heinrich Wassermann from our main sponsors today, the Beck Brewery.”

I won't bore you all with a blow by blow of the awards ceremony other than to mention that Herr Wassermann obviously thought I was of the fairer sex as he insisted on kissing my hand rather than shaking it — I mean, do I look like a flippin' girl? Um best you don't answer that one.

Anyhoo, eventually we got to visit the shower facilities, mobile things like that race in Aachen and I got to get out of one lot of borrowed togs and into another.

“If I didna know man I'd think ya were like a real card carrying female like.” Josh supplied when we reassembled to find an eaterie.

“Well for now at least this is me, take it or leave it.” I sighed.

“I think she looks cute.” Roni put in.

“But deadly like,” Josh riposted, “just where did you come from, I looked back after we turned into the finish and youse were still like not on us.”

“She fired up the nitro.” Gret opined with a grin.

“Yeah it took all our strength to hang on to her.” Tali added.

“You lot wanting to eat?” Dad enquired from the adult posse.

“Not many!” I enthused.

“Get with it then, Dieter got us a table at the Becks restaurant on the square.”

“Nice.” Gret allowed.

Here in Bremen the sun was now fiercely out and the wind less noticeable which I was rather glad of as I was currently custodian to one of Tali's sundresses. I should mention that I would have been quite happy to wear the stuff I travelled up in last night except I managed to drop a particularly messy piece of pizza in my lap when we ate. So anyway I doubt I could look a great deal more girly than I do what with the sleeveless frock and my hair held off my face by one of Roni's fancy barrettes.

The restaurant has a typically German external seating area and our table was under one of the large umbrellas protecting patrons from the sun. These brewery restaurants are always very popular and date back to the origins of the breweries as inns.

We had a great meal, the adults chatting among themselves whilst the riders dissected the race from each person's own perspective. Thus we got to share each other's doubts and experience, learning more about each other's strengths and potential.

“The look on that Braubecker kid's face when they gave the result.” Roni noted.

“He's been dominating the northern events, I think he's podiumed every race until today.” Gret noted.

“And to get beaten by a girl must've been galling.” I added.

“Don't forget Roni like.” Josh dived in.

“That's who I meant.”

“I'm betting Hans thinks its two Drew.” Tali stated.

“Eh?”

“If he saw you filling out that dress better than I do he'd be in no doubt.” She continued.

Why is it that we don't see ourselves like others do? In my mind I'm a boy with breasts, to others they don't see the boy at all, even people like Josh who I've known for a while.

“So we'll see you in a fortnight.” Dad told the northern contingent.

“Yeah, I'll talk to you in the week Dave.” Dieter mentioned shaking his hand.

“See you soon guys.”

“Bye Drew.” Tali gave me a hug.

“Bye Josh.”

“Aye bonny lass.” He grinned in reply to which I took a swipe at him.

“Tschuss.”

“Wiedersehn.”

We climbed into our respective transports and turned opposite directions out of the car park.

“Penny for ‘em?” Roni enquired.

“Just thinking about Bernie.”

“I hope she is okay, the baby and stuff.”

“It just seems so unfair Ron, we're out here eating in restaurants, chatting with friends and stuff but she's locked up with no one.”

“She'll be fine, the time will go quickly and then you'll be in England and can see her in the summer.”

“I guess.”

“Come on Drew, you should be happy, you rode a great race today.”

“You didn't do bad yourself.” I pointed out.

“I couldn't have done what you did.”

“Luck.”

“That wasn't luck.” Roni stated seriously.

“Whatever,” I could feel the colour rising in my cheeks, “so what about Tali and Josh?”

“You saw that too?”

“You'd need to be blind not to.”

“You think he knows?”

“I doubt it.”

“I'd say she's well smitten.”

“Maybe Josh needs a bit of a prod next time we see him.”

“Drew Bond you little stirrer!”

I thought back over what had just passed; hmm maybe I've been hanging around the girls too long.

“Come on kiddo, school and don't forget your mother gets home this afternoon.”

As if I would but school — I'm cream crackered after yesterday.

“Yes Dad.” I sighed heaving myself out of my nest.

At least on Mondays at school here I don't have to go through Woody's embarrassing monologs about achievers, I never did find out who his spy was. At least Frau Boxberg is a bit more subtle restricting such proclamations to the school web news.

“You look terrible Gab.” Anna opined when I slunk into Thesing's.

“Cheers.”

“Didn't you sleep?” Steff asked.

“I did ride over 150 kay yesterday.” I pointed out.

“Win?” Con enquired.

“Of course.” I grinned buffing my nails on my blouse — so okay I'm wearing a skirt as well, the Sun is out you know! “Roni got second and Josh got third.”

“Who's Josh?” Pia queried.

“This lad from England I know, he rides for the team up north.”

“English eh?” Brid kinda mooned.

“From Geordie land.” I enlarged.

“Not heard of that, is it like Schottland?” Brid pursued.

“Well that direction, Newcastle sort of area.”

“Sounds dishy.”

How did she get that from what I said?

“Well I think Tali has the hots for him and she lives a bit closer.”

“So where does he live?” Anna had to ask.

“Up near Celle, Lá¼neberg.”

“Hmm, maybe a bit far I guess.” Pia chuckled.

“Sandwiches madchen!” Frau Thesing interrupted which signalled our impending departure for the Ahr Gymnasium.

Of course school is school — with the school dance behind us and end of year exams looming the day passed in a swirl of mediocrity, only Mums expected arrival back home making the day more tolerable. But then of course I'm going to get the third degree about the wedding in person, joy.

There was no one at home when I returned to Schloss Bond so I collected together my borrowed and dirty clothing from the weekend and put the washer on. A quick wiz around with the hoover, with Jules hardly ever here I get to do most of the household chores, then into the shower. By the time I emerged the washer had done its deed and so I was hanging stuff on the airer when our car returned to the drive.

“You can do mine if you want.”

“Mum!”

I dropped the basket on the veranda and rushed to embrace a very tanned and lean Mum. I'm not sure why but the ol' waterworks started, first me and then Mum.

“Give it a rest you two or you'll flood the valley.” Dad opined.

“Hey give a girl a chance,” Mum sniffed, “I've not seen my daughter for weeks.”

Thanks Mum.

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 17.05.11  © 2011

Well there was no way that Mum was going to cook, Dad doesn't, which leaves me.

"So where are we going to eat?" I hinted.

"We're eating at the Pingers." Dad announced.

"Kewl, I've not seen Kat or Maria for ages."

It really has been quite a while, whilst we live just a few stops down the line apart she has her friends, I have mine plus she is older so we just don't cross socially or even at school as she is at college in Remagen.

"I think Henryck is doing a barbecue," Mum suggested.

"I'll get changed then."

"Tidy please," Dad urged.

"Aren't I always?"

From the look I got I think the answer was no.

I decided on a t shirt and cargo shorts, I was going to wear my trekking sandals but I couldn't find them so I dug out a pair of thong sandals. We must have all been thinking the same as both my rents appeared wearing similar combinations.

"Ready?" Dad enquired.

"Whenever."

"Let's go then."

We piled into the Saab and headed down the valley.

"George was talking about a Vito for the junior team," Dad mentioned.

"Instead of the old bus?"

"Well instead of using this as well seems that Mercedes á’ want to promote on the back of the junior squad so there's gonna be more money."

"Kewl."

"Promotion?" Mum enquired.

"A few PA's at events they sponsor, that kind of thing, nothings sorted out yet."

"Be careful Dave, the big corps can screw you into a corner if you're not careful."

The drive is only about ten minutes so we were soon drawing up in front of the Pinger's place.

"Hi, Henryck, hope you've got plenty on that grill, I'm ready for a blow out!" Mum grinned.

"I don't know where you put it, Jen," Maria put in.

"You're one to talk; Mrs two steaks."

"They were only little."

"That's your story."

"Where's Kat?" I asked, not seeing her about.

"Late session at college, she'll be here about seven." Mr P advised.

"So was the twin thing intentional Jen?" Maria asked.

"Eh?" Mum's as bad as me sometimes.

"Shorts, T, sandals?" Maria explained.

Mum took a second to catch on, "You know I never noticed."

I guess my attempt to look more Drew has failed if I've ended up looking like my mother.

“Gabeee.”

“Kaaaat.”

Talk about a pair of air heads — well not really I don't think, leastways Kat isn't, but I do wonder about me sometimes.

“Am I glad you're here?” I went on.

“Oh?”

“Yeah, we can eat now, I'm starving.”

“Why, you little minx.”

This of course escalated into me being chased around the garden for a couple of minutes before I lost a sandal and in stopping to retrieve it was overtaking and bear hugged by Kat.

“Urgh.”

“Are you two coming to eat?” Maria enquired from the patio.

“Coming,” Kat sang in reply.

“So, a little bird tells me you were being fitted for a ball gown.” Kat mentioned after we'd taken our fill of fried chicken, frikadel, potato salad etc and retired to the garden swing seat.

“Um.”

“Don't um me, girl, my sources are impeccable and you were seen carrying ‘ Eloise Couture' bags when you got picked up.

“Who's the snitch?” I demanded.

“Keep your knickers on, it was Lori.”

I sighed in relief.

“It's a secret, please don't tell anyone else.”

“What's it worth?”

“Please Kat; I'll never live it down.”

“You've never been nominated for the Miss Eifel competition?”

“No — well not as far as I know, Shitza no one could do that without me knowing could they?”

“Well you ended up as the Weinká¶nigin.” She pointed out.

“Bum!”

“So come on then, what's the frock for?”

“You won't tell anyone?”

“Like who?”

“Well…”

“Come on, spill, Gaby Bond.”

“Alright then, I've been invited to a wedding this week.”

“It wasn't a bridesmaid dress was it?”

“No, do you want to hear this or what?”

She made a lip buttoning motion so I carried on.

“You know the von Strechau's up at Rech?”

“Not personally but we've been to the restaurant.”

“Well Max, that is Maximillian von Strechau is in my class at school and he kinda invited me to his cousin's wedding.”

“So why the dress?”

“I'm coming to that. Do you read Stern © at all?”

“Have been known to,” she hedged, “why?”

“I wish I had, I wouldn't be in this mess otherwise.”

“What mess?”

“There's a big wedding in Munich.”

“The Habsburg Saxe Coburg one,” the penny clearly dropped, “oh my god you're going to Munich?”

“By the time I found out it wasn't the Munich Rathaus I'd already agreed to go.”

“There are people who would kill to go to that.”

“Well I'm not amongst them,” I lamented.

“So why the meringue?”

“I get to sit in the Dom and go to the evening ball.”

“Well at least you can dance.”

“I hardly think gardtanz would be suitable and besides I have to wear a corset to get into the dress.”

“Lori said you looked a bit stiff.”

“I wore the corset home, now please Kat, don't tell anyone else.”

“What about Lori?”

“Make something up, please?”

“I guess I could — but you have to promise to tell me all the society gossip when you get back.”

“I doubt that any of the toffs will even speak to me.”

“If you say so.” Kat didn't sound convinced. “Oo, come on I've got a new top that I've got to show you, saw it in H&M ® and couldn't resist.”

And so I spent the rest of the evening up in Kat's boudoir trying on half her wardrobe — not that I wanted to but the wedding was hanging over my head like Madam Guillotine.

We got home about ten thirty.

“Stick the kettle on, Dave love.”

“Tea? Coffee?”

“Tea please, Maria just can't mash it properly.”

“Drew?”

“Not for me, I'm going to bed.”

“Oh no, young lady, you're not escaping that easily, you and me are going to have a little chat,” Mum insisted.

“Coffee please, Dad.” I sighed.

“Sit,” Mum instructed and waited until I was seated before going on, “when your dad told me about the wedding I have to admit I was quite surprised that you agreed to go.”

“I thought it'd be a good skive off school,” I admitted.

“School's that bad you don't want to go?”

“Not really, it's just, well school and when Max said it'd mean three days off, official like, well it sounded like a bit of a laugh.”

“Here you go, one tea, one coffee and I'll be in the office.” Dad advised depositing our beverages.

“Thanks, Dave.”

She waited until he'd gone before going on again.

“So what about when you found out it was more than just a ‘bit of a laugh'? You could have cancelled.”

“But Max's Gran would have been upset and it would of like been pretty selfish after I'd said I'd go, to stand Max up.”

They never prepare you for stuff like this; I never thought I'd be having this conversation with my son; Jenny mused to herself.

“So, do you like this Max lad?”

“He's a sort of mate.”

“You don't normally invite ‘mates' to society weddings.”

“You don't think he fancies me do you?”

“Does he? What do you think?”

“I'm not interested in stuff like that, that is just so gay!”

“Look, Drew, I know we joke about a bit in the family and if anything we've encouraged you to be Gaby it doesn't mean that we don't want Drew. If you really didn't want to be my second daughter you could and I'm sure would have kicked up a bit more fuss.”

“But..”

“Let me finish, kiddo. We know you have some serious medical issues, the medication you are on is only stabilising things, some time soon things will have to be sorted out. Now to most of the outside world, and here in Dernau that's practically everyone, you are a talented, maybe even precocious bike rider and good egg, but a girl. Like the old saying goes, if it looks like a duck...”

I joined in, “Quacks like a duck, it probably is a duck.”

“And you, I'm afraid, certainly tick the first two boxes even if the third isn't necessarily the right conclusion.”

“I guess,” I admitted.

“And to Max, well he's a young lad, you look like a very pretty young girl and I think in his shoes I'd fancy you rotten.”

“Mu-um, that's gross.”

“No it's not, its laying cards on the table. The fact you've agreed to go to this is very important, to him and his family, function as his ‘girlfriend' will give him so many brownie points in his and their eyes…”

“I'm in doo doo aren't I?”

“I've had this sort of conversation with your sister and I'll say the same to you, if you really feel something for the lad that's okay, be careful and we, that's me and your dad will support you. Otherwise don't lead the poor sod on, you wouldn't like it and it's not nice. Can you do that?”

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 18.05.11  © 2011

Could I? Well I know that I'm not interested in boys so that should be easy enough to comply with.

“I guess so Mum.”

“And don't think I've gone soft, I haven't forgotten that €650 dress.”

“How much?”

“You heard me; no daughter of mine is going to the wedding of the year in a frock from Kaufhof or C&A.”

“Um thanks.”

“Thank your father; just don't make a habit of it.”

So that was last night, this morning has been weird too with Mum around, generally it's just me and Dad as Jules stays with a friend in Bonn most of the week.

“You not having breakfast kiddo?”

“I have it at Thesings with the gang.”

“What about your Dad?”

“I think he gets something later.”

“I might come down with you then.”

“'Kay.” Just what I need. “Um, you won't mention the wedding will you?”

“Why not?”

“Like the girls don't know about me going.”

“Why ever not?”

“I'd never hear the last of it, especially going with Max.”

“Don't you think they might work it out when you're both off school tomorrow?”

“Probably.” I admitted.

Mum wasn't too embarrassing at the bakery, we left her chatting to Con's rents, and with another fine day the ride down to school was quite pleasant. Mum's on about joining me on my circuit tonight so I need to get home fairly sharp again.

“So like where is this do you're going to?” Brid enquired.

“Some place down south, dunno why it couldn't have been closer.” I demurred.

“Pity you'll miss the big wedding in Munich, its gonna be on the telly.” Anna mentioned.

“As if I'd be watching!”

“I was only saying.”

The conversation degenerated into a discussion of wedding dresses, awful bridesmaid outfits and widened to other familial gatherings. I didn't really have anything to contribute and fairly much switched to automatic mode.

“Psst, Gab?”

“I wish you'd stop doing that.”

“I didn't think you wanted anyone to see us talking?”

“I think the fact I'm talking to the bike shed is a bit of a give away.”

“So anyway, Mum'll pick you up about eight, you'll be going down with her and Gran in the Cayenne, Dad and me'll be coming with Uncle Frank in his car.”

“I thought we'd be in one car.”

“Not with the amount of stuff Gran's taking, oh and Dad asked if there was any chance you could drop your bags at ours tonight.”

“I guess so, I'll see if Mum'll bring them up after training.”

“See you later then.”

“'Kay.”

“Secret liaison with Max?” Steff teased when I caught up with her in class.

“He's getting to be a right pain.”

“If you say so.”

“He wanted me to get him notes for the rest of the week like duh!”

I think it put her off the trail although I couldn't say for sure.

“So how's the riding going?” Mum asked as we headed down towards Singen.

“Ok I guess.”

“But?”

“Nothing really.”

“Tell me.”

“Well the races are pretty intense.”

“Welcome to my world! Yup it's a big step up kiddo but you've been getting the results, that's really impressive.”

“Well it's not like I do it on my own.”

“That's what the team is all about, your Dad told me what happened on Sunday, you had to think on the go and it took grit to get back up after your puncture.”

“Yeah well.”

“Look kiddo, if this is what you want to do you know you have me and your Dad's support, it's hard getting up to go training, fitting your life around the bike, around a sometimes full race calendar. If I could do the racing without all the travelling, all the training I'd still want to be there. If you decide you don't want to keep doing it we won't hold it against you but you've got real talent kiddo and that's not just your mother talking.”

“I guess.”

We swung onto the Rhein road for the ride down to the Brohltal.

“Seriously Drew, British Cycling are only taking six riders on for this summer team thing and they keep checking with your father that you're going, by the sounds of it you'll be team captain.”

“There must be better riders for that.”

“They don't seem to think so; you've won what, six times this year?”

“Bout that.”

“There's no one else at home with that kind of record, heck I've only won three races this year.”

“Plus some stages.” I pointed out.

“I was talking single day races. Anyway you've got some influential fans in Manchester so if this is what you want you know the score.”

“Yeah.”

Lecture over we concentrated on the job in hand, another good hours ride all the way up through Engeln then back over the top to Adenau and down the valley home. I felt a bit like a donkey on the long climb, Mum was just sat there spinning away while I nearly lost contact a couple of times. I guess I've still got a way to go.

We did a few sprints then after we cleared the traffic in Adenau some through and off down to Altenahr. I tried my best to lose Mum on the last big drop but I guess I got my terrier spirit from her as she doggedly hung on to my wheel all the way to our road where she pushed me all the way in a sprint for the town board.

“You have got everything in here?” Dad pointedly asked hefting my suitcase.”

“Of course.”

“I checked it Dave.” Mum agreed.

“One case, one hat box and this.” He lifted the bag my dress was filling.

“That's the lot.” I offered.

“I'll be about half an hour then, you sure you don't want to come?”

“What for?”

“Just asking.”

I did help put it all in the car but there's stuff I need to do tonight that doesn't involve weddings and boys.

“Mum?”

“Uh huh?”

“If I do a letter to Bern could you send it for me?”

“You got the address then?”

“Dad has.”

“Okay, you got some jewellery for Thursday?”

“I'm taking Gran's earrings and I think Frau Strechau has some sort of necklace she wants me to wear.”

“Make sure you take care of anything you borrow.”

“Yes Mum.”

“I mean it young lady.”

“Sorry Mum, I'll write that letter for Bernie.”

Hi Bern,

Hope you are well and that the foods okay. Dad says you're somewhere near Scunny so its not too far from home eh — well like for your rents to visit I meant.

Thought I'd bring you up to date on what's happening here. We were racing up north, at Bremen on Sunday (Roni and the girls say hi), it was a fairly boring course, the highlight was riding through this great long tunnel under the river. I had a puncture near the end but it all turned out well, I got first, Ron second and Josh beat that Hans kid (you remember, blonde bog brush on his head at Celle.) for third. Afterwards we had a big blowout at the real Becks brewery restaurant; Dad wouldn't let me have a beer though!

Mum's back home for a couple of weeks so that's pretty cool, we went training together tonight (Tuesday) but I beat her in the final sprint.

I told you about the wedding in the first letter I think, well anyway I'm going to this really posh wedding with Max and his family so mum organised for me to get this like ball gown for the evening do. Its nice I guess, I have to wear a corset with it and these like humongous heels, I think you'd laugh at it. Anyhow mum told me it cost 600 Euros! No kidding, I could get some half decent wheels for that!

So tomorrow I'm off to Munich, it's a long drive and where we are staying is near some place called Augsburg — I'll have to look for it on a map.

I'll write again when I get back,

Tschuss

Drew

I checked it over and sealed it into an envelope which I marked ‘2' in the top left corner. Well she needs to read them in order.

I went to bed early but sleep was not easy coming. I kept going over what Mum said earlier about racing and like not having to. There are certainly days when I could happily stay in bed, hang up my wheels and stick the silverware in a box under the stairs. But I get antsy if I don't ride for more than a couple of days, I could never stop riding. And the other thing is the winning business, how cool is it to get to the finish first, like the adrenalin rush is phenomenal.

I can't imagine what I'd do without racing, gardtanz? Nah, that can get a bit boring. I could become a full time model maker, he he, I'd end up with a huge arse sat down all day. I suppose the question is whether I want to do pro racing when I've finished school, right now I'd say yes but is it what I really want to do for a living?

Sleep eventually took me and I woke to Mum shaking me.

“Come on Kiddo, the von Strechau's are waiting, I thought you were up.”

“What!”

What a day to sleep through my alarm. I could live without a shower this morning so I was dressed and putting on some slap in five minutes flat.

“You ready?”

“Just about.”

“Let's do something with that hair.”

My mop was soon in a much neater ponytail and I was ready for the off.

“Don't forget to ring me later.”

“I won't.”

I gave her a kiss, picked up my bag and headed out to the waiting Porsche.

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 18.05.11  © 2011

“Um morgen.” I offered to the woman I took to be Max's mum stood by the Cayenne at the bottom of our drive.

“Ah Gaby, nice to finally meet you, my son is always talking of you, Gaby did this, Gaby did that.”

“A um.”

“Get on with it Gloria!” the testy sound of Max's Gran called out.

“Sorry Mother, okay Gaby, you'll be riding in back with my mother, you've already met I hear?”

“Er yes, a few weeks ago.”

“Ah yes the costume party, well hop in, we've got a long drive ahead.”

I opened the rear door and climbed, hey I'm only short, into the back seat.

“Ah there you are young lady, come get settled, put your bag in the middle there, that's right.”

“Er thank you Baroness.” It never hurts to be polite.

“Pah! Baroness! Do you hear that Glo? Respect. Now young lady you must call me Grandma, Baroness is so formal and technically that's Gloria here as young Wilhelm is now the Baron.”

I pulled the seat belt around me and managed to wave to Mum as we pulled away.

“So my grandson tells me you are something of a sportswoman.”

“I er race bicycles.”

“Well not my particular sport but its good exercise for a young woman."

“I think Gaby does it for more than exercise Mother. Don't you dear?” Gloria offered from the front.

“I um guess so.”

“Her mother is on the Apollinaris team, there was a feature in Bild a while back.”

“A real radrenfahrerin eh, you will follow your mother's career?”

“I hope to.”

“And your father? What does he do?”

“Mother!”

“Well speak up girl.”

We're not even on the autobahn yet, I'm never gonna survive a day of this!

“He's the team director for the junior Apollinaris team.”

“All in the family business then.”

“I suppose so.” I allowed.

“You have siblings?”

“Sorry?”

“Brothers, sisters?”

“Oh um, yes a sister.”

“Younger? Older? “

“Er older, two years.”

“Uh huh, she a radfahrerin also?”

“Jules, not likely! If sitting was in the Olympics she would be the champion.”

That elicited a bit of a chuckle from both the older women.

The conversation finally strayed to less personal subjects and I started to relax some as we headed steadily southwards towards Frankfurt/Main. At some point the older woman became silent and I realised that she had fallen asleep.

“Finally!” Gloria noted, “sorry about the interrogation Gaby.”

“'S'okay.”

“She can go on a bit but she's got a heart of gold.”

“My Gran's the same.” I observed.

“Thanks for doing this for Max, he was petrified that he'd get paired off with Annaliese von Burcow again, nice girl, looks like a horse.”

“Erm.” I really can string the words together today.

“You'd be amazed how many engagements and weddings are organised at these big family do's.”

“Organised?”

“Of course, you don't think Wilhelm and Marguerite got together on their own do you? Politics, its all politics even me and my Willy.”

“Oh, I didn't think that kind of stuff still happened.”

“Well it's not as blatant as in the Mittelalter but most marriages within the families are arranged. You therefore are like a breath of fresh air.”

“But I'm not marrying anyone!” I mentioned in a slightly louder voice than I intended.

“Of course not dear, but this is good for both of you, Max's value will rise having such a beauty on his arm and you Gaby, you get to make connections at the highest levels of society.”

“Indeed.” Granny Strechau murmured from beside me.

Oh joy! Me and my big mouth.

We stopped at some services just south of Frankfurt for a coffee, leg stretch and toilets — not necessarily in that order. Then we turned east through Spessart to Wá¼rzburg before turning south once more towards Rothenburg/Tauber where we left the motorway and headed into the town.

“You have been here before Gaby?” Gloria enquired.

“I don't think so.”

“A beautiful city, the Americans razed it at the end of the war.” There was a hint of bitterness there, “it survived intact, the walls, the Mittelalter houses, all preserved, the gem of the Romantische Strasse.” Gran instructed me.

“So what happened, it got rebuilt yeah?”

“For sure and the stupid Americans paid for most of it, every building was rebuilt from old photographs and plans as accurate as they could but it's not the same.”

“I wouldn't have known.” I admitted as we made our way into the old town. “So what are we doing here?”

“Lunch of course, you didn't think we'd eat on the autobahn?”

“Well.”

“Stop winding the girl up Mother, we're picking my sister up, we'll eat at her house.”

Gloria's sister, Catherine, it turns out lives in a large property close to the centre with a view over the Taubertal from the airy lounge where I found myself ten minutes later.

“Miss Bond I'd like to introduce you to my sister, the Countess Schillingsfá¼rst.”

She looked everything you'd expect in a Countess, immaculate clothing, not a hair out of place, although you could see they were sisters, Gloria was dressed much more, erm normal even if her jeans were D&G!

“Nice to meet you Gabriella.”

“She goes by Gaby, Kate.” Gloria advised her sister.

“How do you do er, your grace.” I nervously offered.

“Manners.” Gran noted once more.

“Delightful! You are seeing my nephew I understand?”

“We're in the same class.”

“Wunderbar!”

Thankfully a growling stomach — not mine I should add, hinted at lunch and any further inquisition was at least deferred. I was actually too nervous to really eat much and found myself looking at the view down to the river below as the others caught up on the family news and gossip.

It was after two before we returned to the car where once again I got to sit in the back with Gran whilst the sisters occupied the front seats. We were soon on the south bound autobahn again and with the sisters busy gossiping in the front Gran quickly lapsed into a post lunch snooze which left me to watch the countryside go by and ponder what I've got myself into.

Here I am sat in a car with a countess and two baronesses', me, lowly Drew Bond. Not only that but I'm staying in a palace tonight — the girls'll be so jealous!

“Er, could we stop for the loo?” I enquired, nerves getting the better of me.

“Sure Gaby, Ellwangen is just coming up, we can stop there.”

“Thanks.”

“You okay Gaby?” Kate asked.

“Bit of a dicky tummy.” I admitted.

“We'll get a coffee, help settle your stomach.”

In the end I had camomile tea, which I must admit did settle things down a bit. Then it was back on the motorway towards Ulm where we changed motorways for the final leg to Augsburg. We made our way into the busy city centre eventually pulling up before a pair of huge doors painted in the blue and white chevrons of Bavaria.

Beep, Beep!

We waited for a minute or so then the gates opened inwards allowing us to drive through into a sizeable courtyard already quite full of expensive automotive engineering from Porsche, Audi, Mercedes, Jaguar — well you get the idea. Gloria swung the Cayenne into a space between a Range Rover and one of those Mercedes SLK roadsters and killed the engine.

“Gloria! Katie! You made it.”

“As if we'd miss it Marg.” Catherine mentioned between air kissing the young woman.

“And Frau Strechau, its good to see you too.”

“Thank you my dear.”

“And who is this young thing?”

“Maximillian's friend, Gabrielle Bond.”

“Mama did mention, nice to meet you Gaby.”

“Gaby this is the lucky girl who's snagged Habsburg, Princess Marguerite Saxe Coburg.”

Oh shitza! What do I do?

“Nice to meet you your Highness.” I got out whilst executing something that was a combination of bow and curtsey.

“Oh Gaby, we are not so formal, now my mother, she likes the bowing and scraping. Here at the house everyone calls me Marg, I think we can extend that to include you eh?” she gave me a wink.

“Thank you, er Marg.” I resisted the temptation to try another curtsey type thing — just.

“Where is that mother of yours?” Gran asked.

“Fluttering about somewhere, come on inside, I'll get one of the men to bring your bags in.

So okay it isn't exactly Chatsworth but the Schloss Rotturm is certainly quite a place. Where the Strechau place in Rech is to say the least a bit tired, this place by contrast is spectacular and everything you'd expect of a royal palace. I say everything, you kind of expect guards in ornate uniforms and tons of liveried staff, both were noticeably absent.

“Has my husband arrived yet?” Gloria asked our hostess as we moved inside.

“I haven't seen him, but there again there are so many people here I could easily have missed him.”

“Don't fret so Gloria, Frank only had the one crash last year.” Gran put in.

All I could do was follow behind gaping at the décor as we moved through to some kind of reception room.

“Come on Gabrielle, don't dawdle.” Gran instructed.

Since when did people start calling me Gabrielle?

“Er sorry.”

“I'll find someone to show you to your rooms,“ Marg told us before slipping away.

“So Gaby, you okay?” Countess Schillingsfá¼rst asked.

“I er, guess so.”

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 19.05.11  © 2011

Of course we weren't the only people in the room, my um 'guardians' seemed to know the mixed group of family and friends in residence, introducing me to various people that live in a world so far removed from mine that I doubt they've ever shopped in Aldi.

"Gaby?"

"Oh er sorry Frau Strechau, just admiring the paintings."

"Ah Max's great great great grandfather. So anyway, if you follow Marcus here he'll take you to your room, I think they've put you in with Sophia."

Oh sugar! I'd never even thought about where I'd be sleeping other than in the family 'mansion' and sharing...bugger, bugger, bugger!

"Er sure."

Marcus, well I assume it was he, was waiting patiently by the door so I made my excuses and nervously headed over.

"Fraulein Bond?"

"Er yes."

"If you'd follow me please."

He turned on his heel and I dutifully trotted along behind. Away from the reception rooms the place was a lot calmer and my guide led me to a staircase which took us up two levels to a corridor on a less grand scale off of which numerous doors led off, a bit like a fancy hotel I guess.

We stopped at a door and after a polite knock on the door I was ushered into a room, which was about the most normal I'd seen since arriving here.

"Miss Sophia has the main bedroom and you will use the day room."

It turned out that the suite consisted of a large bedroom, the smaller day room, a sitting room and a generous shared bathroom. I followed Marcus through to my room where I was amazed to find my cases unpacked and clothes neatly hung, even my toiletries were unpacked.

"Dinner will be at seven thirty, informal attire."

"Er thanks."

"My pleasure Fraulein."

For the first time today I was on my own, hundreds of miles from home in a private suite in a ‘royal' palace. After a quick poke around my room, the customary bed bouncing and examining my navel I decided that a shower would be a good idea.

The shower was a nice power version, not dissimilar to the one in our utility room, I was soon stood under the needle spray letting the water ease the kinks out of my back and shoulders from the long drive — luxury indeed. Reluctantly I turned off the faucet after a good soak and stepped out of the cubicle, wrapping a towel around me as I went. I found myself humming some pop song and wasn't paying much attention when I left the wet room to return to my room.

“You must be Gabrielle.”

“Yaaargghhhh!” I just about jumped out of my skin, dropped my bundle of worn clothing and nearly lost my towel too!

The owner of the voice let out a giggle, “sorry.”

“Ah, um.”

“Sophia Taxis.” she held out her hand to shake.

So this is my room mate, she seems nice enough . I mused as we both assessed each other, about my age I guess, she stands a good twenty centimetres taller than me with shoulder length light brown hair and slightly less meat on her bones than I like to see.

“Er Gaby Bond.”

“Well Er Gaby Bond its nice to meet you, these weddings can be such a bore can't they?” she noted stooping to help me pick up my dropped garments.

“I er guess.” In truth I've never been to a wedding before so this is a first for me.

“You should get dressed,” she opined, “dinner is only an hour away.”

“Oh um right, yes dress.” I bumbled, “what should I wear?”

“It's quite informal tonight so a cocktail dress will do.”

“Er right.” My heart sank, I guess I can miss dinner, my idea of informal is a bit at odds with this lot's. I must have shown my dismay as Sophia quickly went on.

“You don't have anything do you?”

“Not exactly.” I admitted.

“Let's take a look at what we've got to work with.” She ushered me into my room.

“I er didn't realise I'd need anything for tonight.”

“Wow, nice dress, mine's one of my sister's cast offs.” She lamented fingering my very expensive ball gown.

“I'm sure it's very nice.”

“Oh mein gott, sorry Gaby I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”

“It's okay.”

“Lets see what we've got for tonight.”

The choice was pretty meagre, I'd thought I could recycle some bits so a denim skirt, khaki shorts and a jumper dress with assorted camisoles and t shirts were all that decorated the wardrobe other than the suit and gown.

“Hmm, you certainly travel light.” Sophia observed.

“Er I guess.”

“Tell you what, get your frillies on and I think I've got something that will fit you, come through when you're ready.”

“Thanks.” I offered to her departing back.

Why do I end up in these situations, at least my underwear won't show me up.

By the time I'd put on a pair of hold-ups, some lacy knickers and the matching bra, Sophia had changed from the jeans and blouse into a thigh skimming number that Mum wouldn't have let me out of the house in — not that I'd want to!

“Ooh sexy! Pity we have to cover them up eh?”

“I normally wear plain stuff.” I supplied.

“Me too, but a girl needs to indulge herself now and then. So let's see.”

The wardrobe in the master bedroom was a much grander affair than the walk in closet in the day room and held about as much as mine at home — in total.

Being a little on the short side a lot of Sophia stuff was just too long to look right, knee length on her was mid calf on me — not a good look.

“I know!” she suddenly enthused diving back in.

The resulting find was a maxi dress, floor length on Sophia and dragging the ground on me.

“You have some heels, I saw in your cupboard, I think this will do.”

“Gabrielle that poor boy, he doesn't stand a chance, Sophia, I'm guessing you had a hand in this?” Gran exclaimed.

“The poor love didn't know to bring something for tonight.”

“That stupid grandson of mine.”

I stood a little stiffly, not particularly happy about wearing the stupidly high stilts that I need for the ball gown — I guess a bit of practice in them won't go amiss.

“Ladies, dinner is served.” A young bloke wearing some kind of waiter's uniform announced to the gathered throng.

It might not be formal but everyone was clearly dressed for dinner and as we moved towards the door couples formed up.

“Hi Sophi, wow Gabs you look…” Max enthused.

“Silly?”

“No beautiful, doesn't she Soph?”

“If I do say so myself.” She grinned.

Taking my lead from the adults around us I slipped my arm into Max's, Sophia taking the other so that the three of us made our way into the oh my god…… dining room.

“Whoa!” I muttered.

“At least they didn't get out Ludwig's stuff,” Max mentioned, “that is just so over the top.”

And this isn't? I'm guessing the table was set for about a hundred guests with huge floral displays and ornate gold and silver table pieces. This is informal? The three of us were directed to seats towards the middle of the table, the elder Strechaus and Countess Schillingsfá¼rst were already seated and a couple I took to be Sophia's parents arrived as we were in turn put to table.

“Mama, Papa, this is Gabrielle Bond, Gaby these are my parents, the Duke and Duchess of Thun & Taxis.”

Erm I'm not quite sure what that makes Sophia but I am like so far out of my social depth here.

“Pleased to make your acquaintance, Fraulein Bond.” The Duchess offered.

“Er thank you your Grace.” I hoped that was right.

The returned smile seemed to indicate I hadn't made a big faux pas.

The room suddenly fell silent and everyone seated stood again as the Saxe Coburgs entered and made their way to the table, a tall chap who I guess is Marg's dad was having an animated conversation with a twenty something young chap who's companion looked as out of place as I was feeling.

“Who's that?” I whispered to Max.

“Dunno, one of the rels I guess if they're sitting up there.”

Max's eyes were clearly not on my face and I was already regretting allowing Sophia to steamroller me into wearing this frock that exposes far more than I'm comfortable with.

The meal was, if not lavish, epic. Starter, soup, fish, main, dessert, cheese and coffee to finish, all of which took a couple of hours to serve and eat. Not that I managed to eat too much, taking my cue from the other ‘ladies' I did little more than taste most of what landed in front of me, Max on the other hand managed to clear his own and bits of mine.

After the food, I didn't mention the wine did I, I found myself ushered back into the reception room sans males — which position I wasn't about to complain about. I've seen this sort of thing on the telly but I never expected to be included in such a soiree, especially not on this side of the fence.

I managed to get a glass of lemonade which I nursed whilst watching the various members of the German aristocracy, chatting and exchanging gossip in the somewhat rarefied environment of Schloss Rotturm. The bride to be was moving around the room, spending time with each group but never lingering long, the nervous young woman close behind.

“What you doing?” Sophia asked.

“People watching. Stupid question but is everyone here related to the Coburgs?”

“Most, one or two are politico, I guess even you and that English girl are sort of as your boyfriends are family.”

Boyfriend!

“English?” I queried.

“The nervous one with Marguerite, in the red.”

“She's English?”

“So Mama says.”

“Hi girls, you okay?”

“Great thanks Marg, I didn't think there'd be any other girls my age here.”

“Plenty of kinder of course,” The Princess noted, “but at least not tonight.” She changed to clear English for her guest, “Oh where are my manners, ladies, this is Kate, Wilhelm's girlfriend, Kate the tall one is Lady Sophia of Thun & Taxis, the cutey is Gabrielle Bond, young Strechau's intended.”

Intended!

“How do you do,” Kate smiled offering a hand to shake, “I'm sorry my German doesn't run to very much.”

“Nice to meet you.” Sophia's English was heavily accented.

I shook the offered hand, “You soon pick it up,” I offered, “I'm originally from Nottinghamshire.”

“Really,” her eyes lit up, “maybe I can collar you to translate when Wills isn't about.”

“Sure.” I agreed.

“Well it looks like my mother wants us.” Marg interrupted before Kate could start a conversation.

“Bye for now.” Kate smiled weakly.

“Tschuss.”

“I didn't know you were English?” Sophia exclaimed.

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 20.05.11  © 2011

“I'll take that as a compliment.”

“I mean, I'm sorry Gab its just that you're German is perfect, bit of an accent but I couldn't guess you aren't born here.”

“I have been living here for a year.”

“It's not such a long time to be so good, I've studied English since kindergarten and I still struggle.”

“It was a steep learning curve with school and my friends.”

“Are you girls going to bed?” Frau Strechau suggested a few minutes later.

“I guess it has been a long day.” I agreed.

And so my first day rubbing shoulders with the German upper echelon drew to a close even if Sophia would've kept me talking all night.

The smell of bacon guided me to the breakfast room at silly past seven, my built in alarm preventing any chance of sleeping in.

I was by no means the first to arrive but beyond mumbled ‘morgens' conversation was somewhat muted. Whilst I generally survive on coffee and pastries in the morning, when it's on offer I'll certainly partake of cooked food so I took a plate and collected scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and fresh brá¶tchen and found a place at the table. A girl appeared at my elbow with coffee and I was in heaven.

“Morning Gab.”

“Hi Max.”

“Do you mind?” he requested.

“Ut uh.”

He pulled out the chair and dropped down beside me.”

“Some life eh?”

“This isn't normal though is it?”

“I guess not.”

"Er, thanks for coming Gabs." he got out between mouthfuls of his own substantive breakfast.

"Er, yeah."

"If you hadn't come I would've been paired off with Sophia."

"It would've only been for today."

"Yeah well my Gran been trying to get us together for years, it would be a good alliance for our family, the Taxis are loaded."

"So I'm the decoy?" I started to huff.

"Yes, I mean no, well kind of."

"What is it?" my ire was rising.

He seemed to debate his answer for a moment, "Look, I fancy you something rotten and you could like have your pick and I know you're not interested in me that way but I thought I could at least spend a bit of time with you if you came and derail Gran a bit - she really likes you you know."

Some confession and it left me a bit bewildered. I am so not into having a boyfriend but I did feel a bit sorry for him getting steamrollered into something, maybe even marriage with Sophia.

"So what's wrong with Sophia, she seems nice enough."

"Horses, money, private schools - she drives me loopy!"

"Well I'm here but don't expect anything more."

"Thanks Gab!"

He leant over and gave me a very eggy kiss on my cheek.

"Ew," I had to wipe my face, "geroff you lummox."

"But I'm your lummox." he grinned.

"A girl could go off someone." I noted.

From what my travel companions have told me yesterday, the wedding is at two and we'll be leaving Augsburg about twelve to get there on time. You would have thought I'd got plenty of time but when I returned to my quarters Sophia was already in the throes of getting ready.

"You not having breakfast?"

"I'll get some coffee later, you need to get a move on too, the hairdresser is due in an hour."

Now I think of it Max did mention something about that the other day.

"Er okay."

"Um sorry if like I stepped on your toes with Max."

"Max? Oh he's told you about the matchmaking. Well we don't get along, I'm quite glad you're here as I'd get stuck with him again, gives me some space, know what I mean?"

"'Kay." Not that I wanted him.

I went through to my room and found the underwear, hose and shoes I intended wearing before going through to the bathroom to get on with my ablutions. Mum had put in some extras that I wouldn't have thought about, not least of which was a big tube of hair remover. Now I'm hardly an ape-man and my legs get done regularly but some other parts, well lets just say I don't want to seem uncouth.

I emerged from the bathroom with a certain nakedness to every limb and other places a lady doesn't mention! Mum's body lotion worked wonders in taking away most of the redness and it felt weird without the slight coating of hair that normally adorns me.

My lingerie didn't take long to put on and it was time then to lacquer my nails with a pink varnish to match my outfit. How comes that nail varnish never wants to dry? I was still busily blowing my nails when I heard the outer door of the suite open.

“She's in her room.” Sophia told someone.

“Fraulein?”

“Hello?”

“Hi I'm Heidi, I've come to do your hair and makeup.”

“Er thanks, Gaby, I'm terrible at it.” Well I am.

“You are wearing a hat?”

“Um, in the box.”

The young woman opened the hatbox and removed the daft bit of millinery.

“Very nice, hair up I think.” I'm sure that's what Gerta said last week.

I sat and winced as my hair was tugged, tucked, pinned and sprayed into a very Germanic braided style that the fascinator would sit onto.

“So, now your face, you have your makeup Gaby?”

Now lets just get one thing straight — I do not generally wear makeup, well okay a bit of lippy sometimes and occasionally some eyeliner but generally I'm au naturel. As a result my makeup bag is not the bulging affair my friends lump around.

“I erm, don't wear much.” I pointed out to my saviour handing her the bag.

“Oh dear,” she sighed, “wait here.”

She disappeared only to return with a big plastic toolbox type thing.

I've had my face done before — remember that treatment at the Spa? So anyway I let Heidi do her worst with her brushes and powders and only twenty minutes later she was done.

“There we go, lets get you dressed and get that hat on.”

A quick look in the mirror was confusing, she'd been working on me and I knew she'd been painting my face but apart from some lippy and some subtle eye shadow my face looked bare — I general end up looking clown like if I do it myself and after all boys don't generally wear this stuff.

It took another fifteen minutes to get me dressed in Mums suit, hosed, shoed and hatted but finally I was ready.

“Thanks Heidi.”

“No problem, this your dress for tonight?”

“Uh huh.” I agreed.

“Underwear?”

“In the drawers, there's a corset and pants, the shoes are on the shelf.”

“Ah yes. Okay I'll see you in the dressing rooms at the Palais later to help you change.”

“Er thanks, um is everyone getting this treatment?” I suddenly felt a bit awkward receiving this attention.

“For those that wish it, your grandmother suggested you'd need perhaps a little more than some.” She grinned.

Grandmother? She must mean the Baroness.

Heidi hurried off with her box of tricks leaving me slightly bewildered.

“Come on Gab, time to go.” Sophia advised, poking her head around the door.

“Oh right.”

I picked up the clutch bag that the women at Eloise Couture had supplied and picked my way out to where Sophia was waiting, in a not dissimilar outfit although hers was in a pastel blue.

“Nice.” She noted.

“I feel like a right narna.”

“Who doesn't, at least its not high summer.”

I had to agree with that.

“Come on, we don't want to be late.”

Flippin' stilts! I tottered along beside the clearly more practised Sophia to the staircase where she slipped off her heels to go down the stairs. I followed her example, gripping the banister in a bear hug until I was safely on the ground floor.

“Phew.”

“You'd think they'd install a lift.” Soph opined.

“Ah girls, come on the bus is here.” Max's Mum told us.

Bus?

We joined the throng of wedding goers out into the courtyard and through the gates to where a huge touring coach stood waiting.

“Hey Gab, you look nice.” Max mentioned joining us.

“Maximillian, you look after Gaby you hear me?” Frau Strechau told her son.

“Yes Mum.”

“I mean it Max.”

The bus was gradually filling up, not that I'd really thought about it but I never imagined that we'd travel to the wedding on a coach! A little before twelve we moved off and our journey to Munich began. All around was an excited murmur of conversation, much of what you'd expect — the dress, who'd be there, where they'd be honeymooning.

“You okay Gab?” Max asked as we joined the autobahn.

“Bit nervous.”

“Nervous? For why?”

“I've never been to a wedding before and this is like a really big deal.”

“All we do is sit, stand and sing a couple of times, then it's off to the bun fight.”

“I'm still nervous.”

The drive took about forty minutes due to the traffic in Munich, the coach having to pick through the tourist buses and shopping crowds but eventually we arrived at the cathedral. There were quite a lot of people about, limo's dropping off and a feeling of some tension in the air.

“Gaby, Max, come on.” Herr um Baron von Strechau chivvied.

I was grateful to take my escort's arm, how anyone can wear shoes like this all the time I'll never know. We followed the general flow of human traffic around to the front of the building where a considerable crowd was gathered to watch the arrivals along with several TV crews! Sugar!

“Geez!” Max said through gritted teeth.

“Don't rush, smiles.” Frau Strechau instructed.

If I was nervous before it was nothing compared to how I feel right now!

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 22.05.11  © 2011

As we approached the doors it was clear that a degree of stage management was going on along with a check that we were on the guest list — how weird is that? The crowd would give the occasional cheer as someone they recognised passed by along with paparazzi camera flashes.

The senior von Strechau's took their turn through the canyon of society watchers followed by Max and myself. I tried to tune the crowds out whilst keeping a smile and not falling off my ridiculous heels. Once through the portal the noise outside was mostly cut off and we joined a short queue waiting to be directed to our seats. With great efficiency a team of ushers directed guests to their allotted places; we were seated surprisingly near the front of the congregation.

I did wonder where Gran was, I hadn't seen her yet today but here she was already in the pew.

“I thought you were all lost.”

“It took longer to get into the city than hoped.” Von Strechau senior noted.

“You look spectacular Gabrielle, doesn't she Max?”

“Er yes Gran.”

“Um thank you.” I offered, “thank you for sending Heidi to help.”

“I know what you young girls are like; slap the makeup on, not a good look for a wedding.”

“Mother!” Gloria admonished.

“It's true.”

There was still quite a time before the wedding was due to kick off, there was a buzz of conversation which almost drowned out the organ playing what I guess was traditional wedding tunes to ‘entertain' us. I still felt a right prawn in the suit and silly hat but looking about the general theme was repeated around the nave. That said there were a number of traditional dirndl outfits worn by older guests and a few summery dresses.

More senior members of the wedding parties started to arrive, Gloria's sister Countess Schillingsfá¼rst, the bride's mother and some very important looking blokes made their way past. I spotted Kate with her chap go past, taking seats a couple of rows in front.

“Who is that with Kate?” I whispered to Max.

“Who's Kate?”

“Dark hair, pale yellow outfit just came in.”

“Oh the English, William something, comes from some foreign royalty I think.”

The name sort of rang a distant bell but I'm not into all that stuff, maybe I'll ask Kate if I see her later.

A chap in a morning suit who I gathered was Crown Prince Wilhelm went to stand with another chap in front of the altar and then the organ stopped playing. This seemed to be some sort of signal as the assembled guests stood and then what I guess is a wedding march started up played by some sort of orchestra.

It took a few minutes for the Princess Marguerite Frederick Saxe Coburg to reach us accompanied by her father. I'm no judge of these things and for my tastes her dress was a bit extravagant but I suppose that's what weddings are about. She glided up to where her spouse to be was waiting at which point the music ended and the congregation returned to their seats.

I stood nervously, cursing the shoes on my feet that Gerta had almost forced onto me; the longer I was stood the more they hurt. The priest was droning on in front of us, I tuned the words out and tried my damndest not to fidget. I felt a trickle of sweat run from between my shoulders all the way down to my knickers and cursed the tight garments I was wearing.

“Do you, Gabrielle Andrea Bond promise to love, honour and obey this man from this day forward, until death do you part?”

“I do.”

“and do you,” the priest continued, “Maximillian Maria von Strechau promise to love, honour and obey this woman from this day forward, until death do you part?”

“I do.”

“Gabs!” Max whispered urgently.

“Um?”

“Shush!”

I snapped to attention and realised that I'd been day dreaming, bum!

I turned a colour approaching my suit as I realised I'd been mumbling, I received a few smiles from people nearby who's eye I inadvertently caught. It was only then that I noticed the TV cameras inside the cathedral, shitza, now half of Germany will have seen me mumbling to myself. What am I thinking, that means people will know I've been here — and with whom, the gang'll know and the rumour mill will be going big time by the time I get home.

“…promise to love, honour and obey this man from this day forward, until death do you part?”

I caught the vow giving part way through then joined in as the congregation sang some sort of hymn while the wedding party went off, I presume to sign the wedding register and so on. A few minutes later and the happy couple returned to the nave before taking a slow walk through the gathered masses back to the doors.

“That it?” I enquired.

“Not hardly.” Max sighed, “now its photo time, all the non family get to go but we're gonna have at least another hour before we can get changed and stuff.”

“I'm starving.” I mentioned.

“There'll be a buffet at the Palais.” Gloria advised.

By now the congregation was starting to leave and our little party shuffled along in the vanguard.

“So how do we get to this palace place?”

“Oh we're not going there yet, I told you, its photo time in the Englisher Garten.” Max moaned.

It didn't answer my question but the fleet of minibuses outside did.

‘So,' I mused, ‘not only will I be on national telly making a bit of a tit of myself but I'm going to be enshrined in the poor couples wedding album too.'

The operation once we reached the park was run with military precision, much like in the cathedral we all had a place to be, i was once again surprised to find myself and who I thought to be relatively minor nobility thrust quite near the middle of things not far from Kate and that William chap, who looked more familiar each time I saw him.

It wasn't just one big group photo though, oh no, we were assembled in groups for the bride and grooms wider family, smaller family groups, bridesmaids — you know the sort of thing. However when I found myself included in the shots of the close family I started to smell a rat.

“Max?”

“Uh huh.”

“Like how come we're here with Marguerites close family?”

“I told you she's my cousin.”

“Um like how close?”

“First of course.”

“Um.”

“Aunt Mathilde is Dads sister, I thought I said.”

“You most definitely didn't.”

“Sorry.”

“So like how come your Dad's a Baron not a prince then.”

“Aunt Matty married up by marrying Uncle Johannes.”

I was struggling to put it all into place but it did explain a lot, so Gran was actually the new Crown Princess of Habsburg's Gran too.

The photography session ended with more intimate but still formal shots of the various couples so of course I had to pose with Max for that. If some of this stuff gets out I'm gonna be dead meat!

My stomach gave a rather unladylike rumble.

“I could murder a hotdog.” The waft of a distant vendor really set my taste buds going.

“Your wish is my command!” Max announced, “Mustard? Ketchup?”

“Hmm both.” I mused.

Rather than use the minibuses again the wedding party started to make their way through the park from where it was but a short walk to the scene of tonight's reception.

“Gaby, I thought it was you.” A voice speaking some foreign lingo stated. Oh right its English!

“Oh hi Kate, I've never been to a do like this before, it's all a bit posh for me.”

“I guess you get used to it.” She noted.

“You tying the knot?”

“Not yet, Wills is training to be a pilot and I guess his Gran will be involved if we decide we want to.”

“There's always a Gran in there.” I chuckled.

“What about you? You look pretty tight with that lad.”

“No way! I'm here as a favour because his Gran wants him to get together with Lady Sophia Taxis which is all a bit of a lark really as I'm rooming with her!”

“Ooh tangled webs.” She giggled.

“So like how come you ended up here in deepest Bavaria?”

“Wills is distant family, all this lot are connected somewhere.”

“Ta da!” Max skidded to a halt in front of us bearing what looked suspiciously like a hot dog.

“Looks like I need to go, see you later Gab.” Kate grinned.

“Er bye Kate.”

“So,” Max gave a short bow, “one hotdog with mustard and ketchup for the lady.”

“Max! I didn't mean for you to fetch me one.”

“I can eat it if you like?”

“Well if you put it like that, give it here!”

It was humongous! About thirty centimetres long with lashings of red and yellow sauces and served with the sausage inserted into the middle of the uncut baton. I made short work of it and even avoided getting any of the gloop on my clothes.

“Geez, anyone would think you hadn't eaten all day.”

“I haven't since about eight,” I mentioned checking my watch, “and its gone four now. How comes you aren't hungry?”

“I had a sandwich back at Augsburg before we got on the bus, you coulda had one.”

“I was getting painted.” I pointed out.

By now we were walking through the grounds of the Residenz, the Hofgarten, I recognised it from when I was here with Jules, then it was out into the street for the short walk to the palace itself.

“We came here last year, me an' Jules.”

“To the Residenz?”

“Well we had a look, didn't have much time really.”

I hadn't really been paying too much attention earlier and I only then realised that this evening's reception was in the Residenz! We became the target of the Japanese tourists in the plaza, we must have made a right sight in all our posh gear and I gave a little wave for the cameras. Well I couldn't help hamming it up a bit could I. Once inside we were directed to a function room where for the first time in hours people could relax away from the cameras and pomp of a semi state wedding.

“My feet are killing me!”

“Sit down; I'll get you something to drink.” Max offered,

“Um thanks, er where are your parents?”

“Talking to Thun und Taxis, watch out Sophia has seen us.”

Max departed one way, Sophia arrived from the other.

“My feet are sore.” She announced taking a vacant seat next to mine.

“Yeah mine too.” I agreed.

“So what did you think?”

“I could've been doing Biology lab this afternoon.” I joked.

“But then you would've missed tonight.”

“I might end up wishing I had.” I pointed out.

“Tonight is when we can snog all the totty.” She grinned.

I don't want to snog anyone — well maybe Maddy but she's not here.

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 22.05.11  © 2011

True to her word Heidi was on hand a short while later to help me get ready for the evenings festivities. The Residenz these days is home to various exhibitions and museums but hidden away upstairs there are enough rooms to allow several to be utilised as changing facilities for events held in the complex. I was a bit wary of changing with a load of other women but the room I was directed to was divided into smaller cubicles offering a reasonable degree of privacy.

“Breathe in.”

“I am!” I complained.

“Once again.”

My dresser was efficient in her corseting efforts and I can honestly say — I HATE THE THINGS! Corsets that is.

“Come on fraulein, we need to hurry, I have to attend the Baroness once I'm done with you.”

“Erm sorry.”

It wasn't that I was being difficult or something but dressing in this stuff isn't exactly a daily occurrence for me. The face painting was a bit more dramatic this time, not gaudy of course but certainly more noticeable. Heidi then efficiently got me into the rest of my underpinnings and then into the dress itself.

“Hmm, you'll do.” She allowed after fixing my hair into a softer style than previously.

“I really do appreciate this.”

“We try to please,” she noted, now go and slay ‘em!”

Well I'm not exactly sure that's what I'm going to do. All about me others were emerging in their evening finery and boy there were a few euros floating about the room.

“Gabriel, there you are my dear.”

“Erm hi Gran.”

“I've brought you some rocks to wear, here.” she led me into the rather plush ladies cloakroom.

“So, ohrring.” She removed my Gran's earrings that I'd been wearing all day and I felt a tug as she fixed the loan items in place before passing me my own.

Then she retrieved a very sparkly choker cum necklace affair.

“Are you sure I should wear this?”

“Why ever not? It suits you perfectly.”

After she had settled the rocks in place around my neck a final piece, a sort of cuff come bracelet, was slipped onto my left wrist.

“These all look very expensive.” I mentioned when I checked my appearance in the mirror.

“Family pieces, I think the collar belonged to the third Baroness, the others are newer.”

I didn't dare ask how long ago the third Baroness was around but I'm guessing a good long time.

“There, you'll do.” She grinned.

“Um thank you.” I stretched up to give her a light peck on the cheek — yeah even in 10cm heels she towered over me.

“Thank you my dear, now go enjoy yourself!”

“Wow Gabs!” Max offered when I returned to the reception room downstairs.

“I'm jealous.” Sophia told us, “Gaby you are just too cute by far.”

“Off with ya, it's all illusion.”

“I don't think so, I've seen you in your skivvies remember.”

“Well anyway you look fantastic yourself.”

“Not in your league girl, what say you Maximillian von Strechau?”

Max was still staring at me.

“Max?” I waved my hands in front of his face, “up here.”

“I think he's in lust.” Sophia suggested.

“Er sorry Gabs, I um — nice necklace.”

“There's a few euros worth on this girl if I'm not mistaken.” Sophia stated.

“So that's what Gran got from the bank on Tuesday.”

“I thought it was just costume jewellery.”

“Ut uh girl friend,” Taxis shook her head, “them's the real McCoy, I'm guessing you're wearing like a hundred thousand euros.”

“What?” I panicked.

“Calm down, Gabs.”

“How can I be calm wearing like the crown jewels?”

“I'm sure there'll be plenty more wearing at least the same amount, yours however are clearly old money not fresh from South Africa.”

“Your Gran did mention the third Baroness.”

“Wow Gaby, that means they are over five hundert years old.” Sophia gaped.

“Shitza!”

“Ladies, gentlemen, if you please.” An officious individual urged us out of the ‘waiting' room.

“See you guys later, I can see my ‘date' over there.” Sophia headed towards a sallow youth waiting by the doors.

“Madom?” Max hammed offering his arm.

Looks like my goose is cooked.

Being ‘family' we, that is the von Strechau party, were seated close to the bride, groom and their respective families. Looking around the room it was clear there was a great deal of social strata in evidence, by contrast to this afternoon this was a chance for the women to dress up and the men — well to be there. That said formal attire was de rigueur, some of the blokes going for I'm guessing real military uniforms, others in what, from watching too much RTL on Sunday nights I recognised as the Bavarian gentry look.

Even if you haven't been to a wedding I think most people have an idea of the form - food, speeches, dancing. Tonight was to be no different, my thankful stomach was ready for some food but after about three mouthfuls I couldn't manage anymore — grrr, flippin' corset! I sipped at a glass of wine whilst watching Max tuck into the delights to be found on the rather impressive buffet.

“You not eating Gab? I thought you were hungry?”

“Watching my figure,” I lied, “that hotdog did for me.”

“More for those who want it.” He suggested, oblivious to my sarcasm.

The speeches, well lets face it the jokes might be funny if you were in on them and they weren't being told by mirthless Germans. They were thankfully brief and as is traditional the happy couple led off in the first dance. It didn't take long before other couples started to head for the dance floor and with all the big frocks it soon resembled an edition of ‘Come Dancing'!

“You two dancing?” Max's dad asked.

“Erm.” Max offered.

“Come on lad, don't keep Gaby to yourself, show her off eh?”

“Do I have to, you know I dance like a bull in a china shop.”

“I'm sure Gaby doesn't want to sit here all night do you?”

“Um I'm fine, really.”

“Max.” his Gran intoned.

It was hardly the school disco, the music could best be described as slightly folksy orchestral — no chance for too much physicality, more foxtrots and waltzes! I sort of followed what other couples were doing and despite his protestations Max did at least know the steps. I don't generally dance in stilts so that was a bit novel and after just a couple of tunes my feet were starting to ache — joy.

At some point I found myself partnering von Strechau senior rather than Max, a much more accomplished dancer but only the first of several different partners. I spotted Sophia twirling around and my countrywoman Kate struggling about as much as me with the formal dancing.

“May I?” a voice in English asked my partner.

“Of course.”

“Kate told me to rescue you.” The tall chap advised.

“Um thanks.”

“William, Wills to my friends.”

“Gaby.” I allowed as we waited for the music to start.

“From Nottingham no less.”

“Worksop.” I corrected.

“Father spends a bit of time up that way, Chatsworth, you know it?”

“Only been to the park.” I admitted.

The music started up.

“Ah a polka, you up for it?” Wills asked.

“I guess.”

I really should know this chap, I'm sure I've seen his picture somewhere.

Despite our height difference, I'm guessing he's about one metre ninety to my, well shortness even wearing these flipping heels, it was fun dancing with him. We swung around the room with the other couples and I have to admit that I was starting to see some attraction to this stuff as opposed to just shaking your thang to a heavy drumbeat. The number came to an end and I found myself as out of breath as if I'd just finished a race.

“Another?” my partner asked.

“Shouldn't you get back to Kate?”

“Don't worry, she's not the jealous type, come on live a little, that's what my lil bro always tells me.”

“You have a brother?”

“Hal, he's a right party animal especially if Bea is out.”

Hal, Bea, William — um…

The music resumed, a much slower waltz and Will led off.

“Um.”

“Not so hectic eh?”

“Er no, I mean yes, Your Highness.”

“Hey what's with the sudden formality Gab?”

“I um only just worked out who you are, Your Majesty.”

“That's my Gran, I'm only a prince who'd like you to call him Will.”

“Um okay Sir.”

“Will, or I'll make you dance with me the rest of the night!”

“Sorry er Will, it's just that I'm like um not exactly the same as everyone else here, I'm just ordinary not some Dukess or whatever.”

“Indeed, you Gabrielle Bond are something quite different, no airs or graces, my father would like you.”

“Prince Charles?”

“That's my Pop, he'd be charmed by you.”

“Um.”

“So if you are so ‘ordinary' how come you're here at the big wedding of the year? You're staying in Augsburg aren't you?”

We twirled about, even my sore feet forgotten.

“I'm here with my er friend, his family are related to the Saxe Coburgs.”

“Only friend?”

Now Prince William is pressing me on my relationship with Max.

“Friend.” I confirmed.

“Well by the way he's watching us over there I'd say he thinks it's a bit more than that, what's his name?”

“Maximillian von Strechau.”

The music ran to a stop and Will led me to our table where Max hurriedly stood.

“Here she is Max, back safe and sound.”

“Er thanks Sir, your Highness.”

“Maybe we'll meet again Gaby Bond, I'd best rescue Kate from all those Frau's, auf wiedersehn Gaby, Max.”
to be continued....

Maddy Bell 24.05.11  © 2011

“How did you manage that?” Sophia asked, arriving at our table as my dance partner left.

“What?”

“Dance with Prince William of course!”

“I know his girl friend?”

“Every girl in the room has been trying to snag him and you get him for two dances.” She sighed.

“It's not like I asked him.” I pointed out.

“That's even worse; just wait until I tell Maria von Trapp.”

You don't catch me twice.

“ The Maria von Trapp?”

“Well obviously not that one dippy, but she is related.”

“Come on Gab, my ears are going numb.” Max stood, hauling me to my feet at the same time.”

“Ma-ax.”

“What was all that about?” I asked once we were on the dance floor.

“She is such a gossip, ‘wait till I tell Maria'.” He mimicked.

“Well I dare say you'd be telling your mates if you were in her place — Max, you cannot tell anyone about tonight!”

“Why not? I mean it's not like there's anyone to tell — oh I get it, the rest of the Ahr Angels don't know do they.”

“Promise, please?”

“Whatever.”

“Ahr Angels?” I enquired.

“Er, um, it's like what everyone calls you guys.”

“Define everyone.”

“Well ah - um you know like the guys at school.”

My flow was interrupted as I collided with another dancer.

“Oops sorry Gaby, I'm sure this klutz does it on purpose.” Kate apologised.

“I'm cut to the quick my love! Sorry Gabs, I just seem to keep bumping into beautiful women.” William added.

I turned a colour that clashed sharply with my dress.

“Give over Will, the poor girl's about to burst.”

“Till we meet again fair maiden.”

“Will!”

“I reckon he fancies you.” Max suggested.

“Don't be daft, he's just having a bit of fun, you know, joking?”

“If you say so.”

“I need a drink.” I stated before the conversation got any further.

The newlyweds left the festivities about 23.00 and our party weren't far behind, several minibuses awaited passengers and I have to admit I was not the only one to catch a few z's on the ride back to Augsburg. I was absolutely bushed by the time I got to ‘my' room, I kicked my foot torture devices off and with a bit of wriggling the dress went too. The corset however was another matter — Heidi had made a rather better job of locking me into it than the ladies in Ahrweiler last Saturday, there was just no way for me to get out unassisted.

“You look awful.” Sophia mentioned when I emerged from the bathroom.

“I feel awful.”

“You slept in the corset?”

“I couldn't undo it and there wasn't like anyone about to help.”

“Turn around.” She commanded. “Hmm, I see, the dresser has done a double knot so it doesn't loosen…hang on a mo….there!”

The relief was almost immediate, without the knot the laces slackened off easily and I was able to escape the corset's iron grip.

“Phew thanks, I can get a shower now.”

“You are going home today?”

“That's the plan, we leave after breakfast.”

“Best get a move on then it's already seven thirty!”

“Yikes!”

I was in and out of the shower like - well it was quick, my poor bod still sore from the corset but at least clean. Dress — well actually denim skirt and a loose blouse by which time Sophia was ready as well so we both headed for the breakfast room.

Unlike yesterday when I got here much earlier, today the room was much busier so I ended up eating with the rest of the von Strechau party.

“So Gaby,” Gran enquired, “did you have a good time last night?”

“From what I remember.”

There was a general chortle; I don't think I was the only one with a sore bonce this morning.

How they manage to do it I'll never know but by the time I'd eaten and paid a quick visit, not only were my bags packed but stowed in the Porsche for the trip back north.

“Are we ready then?” Gloria asked?

“Get on with it woman.” Gran testily encouraged.

“Yes Mother.”

And so we were off — well away from the Schloss at least as we then got caught up in the city centre traffic for nearly half an hour before we could get onto the autobahn towards Ulm. After the glorious day for the wedding, today was looking somewhat more sombre — not raining or anything but certainly cloudier and by the looks of the trees, windier.

“So Gaby, how did you like the wedding?” Gran asked as we settled down.

What kind of question is that?

“Well it was a bit grander than I thought it would be when Max sprung it on me.”

“He can be a little short on detail sometime.” His mother opined from the front.

“Yes, he never really did tell us everything about the dress the other week?” Gran noted.

“He did Mother, it was a fancy dress dance eh Gaby?” Gloria prompted.

“Oh right yes, loads of lads had to dress as girls — and vice versa of course.”

“Why?”

“Erm well everyone drew a character out of a hat.”

“So why didn't you have separate ‘hats' for the girls and boys?” the older woman pressed.

“Well that was part of the fun, no one knew what they'd get and not only that, and there are far fewer male characters anyway.” I explained.

“Max says you do this ‘costume playing' thing a lot Gaby.” Gloria put in.

“Well not as much as I used to back in England.” I allowed somewhat wistfully.

“Seems a strange thing for a girl to do.” The Countess mentioned.

“Well maybe, but there again racing bikes isn't so ‘normal' either."

“I guess not.” she conceded.

“Everyone okay to go straight through to Rothenburg, Mother?”

“Yes I'm not incontinent yet.” She rumbled.

“I'm fine.” I added.

And so Gloria put her foot down a bit heavier and we zipped northwards.

I must've fallen asleep; well I woke up with my face pressed against the side window anyhow.

“You okay eating at the Fleece?” Countess Kate asked.

“Hopefully the soup will be hot today.” Gran mentioned.

“I'm sure it will.” Gloria put in.

We drove through the impressive southern entrance to the old town — rebuilt or not I'm sure Dad would love this place. We dodged through the numerous grockles and pulled up outside ‘The Golden Fleece', a rather upscale looking restaurant bar.

“Table for four ladies?” the maá®tre D enquired.

“Please Michael.” Kate replied.

“This way please.”

He led us to a table and seated us — one bit of being a girl I can enjoy!

“Drinks?”

“White for myself,” Kate started, “Evelyn?”

“Oh just lemonade for me.” Gran told our server.

“Same for me.” Gloria added, “I'm driving.”

“Gaby?” Kate enquired.

“Um a spritzer if that's okay?”

“Certainly fraulein.” Michael agreed before leaving us to our menus.

My eyes nearly came out on stalks when I looked at the prices - €10 for soup!

“You okay Gabrielle?” Gloria enquired.

“It's a bit pricey.” I whispered.

“I'm paying Gaby,” Kate mentioned, “so don't worry about that, my treat eh?”

I've always been taught not to look a gift horse in the mouth but at the same time, not to take advantage.

In the end I decided on the spá¤tzle followed by lambs liver, potatoes and ‘seasonal' vegetables. The rest of our ladies ‘doing' lunch had a variety of stuff, I have to say stuffed artichoke didn't sound particularly appetising but I'm sure it's nice enough. Well I'm not going to bore you with a mouthful by mouthful break down just to say that the spá¤tzle was good and the main course was mmmm!

“Schneeballen everyone?” Kate asked as Michael cleared our plates.

“You have to ask?” Gloria noted.

“So four and coffee please.” Our hostess instructed the help.

“Erm, I don't want to sound dim but what exactly are schneeballen?”

“You don't know schneeballen? You haven't lived Gaby!” Gloria exclaimed.

“Tell the girl then.” Gran prompted.

“Okay, well schneeballen are a sort of donut but instead of a solid lump they are spun to make a kind of nest and usually covered with sugar but for the tourists they do chocolate too.”

“I'll try anything once.”

“I have so got to take some of these for the girls.” I enthused as I prepared to eat the last mouthful.

“Don't worry, we'll stop at the backerie after we've dropped Kate off — my boys wouldn't forgive me if we went home without some!” Gloria almost giggled.

“I can't see why that son of mine can't make his own.” Gran grumbled.

“He's tried Mother but somehow they're just not the same.”

Countess dropped off, buns bought we returned to the motorway to resume our journey home. I watched the countryside for a while but a good lunch and the gentle rocking of the Porsche soon had me making a bit of a nest to catch forty winks — there was after all about another three hours travelling before us.

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 25.05.11  © 2011

We did make a stop near Frankfurt Airport for the necessaries and for Gloria to have a break from driving. It seemed to get brighter the closer to home we got, the sun even showed its face as we travelled up into the Westerwald, false hope however, it chucked it down when we dropped down to cross the Rhein at Koblenz!

“I'm home!” I sang out sticking my head round the kitchen door, “could someone help me with the bags?”

Silence was the loud reply so I dumped my Handtasche and went back down to where Gloria was pulling my bags out of the boot.

“Looks like they're out somewhere.”

“You alright on your own?”

“Yeah, I don't suppose they're far away, the cars here after all.”

“Well I'd best get Mother home, remember what I said.”

“I will, thanks for taking me and everything.”

“Our pleasure Gaby, see you soon.”

She climbed up into the Cayenne.

“Bye!”

“Tschuss!”

I dragged my bags up to the house — now this bit of girldom sucks, then once indoors I collapsed onto a kitchen chair.

“Oh its you, thought I heard the door.” Jules mentioned a minute later.

“I did shout.”

“I had Vampira on the stereo.”

“That explains a lot.”

“You want a cuppa?”

“Er sure. Where are the olds?”

“Gone for a walk I think, probably be back soon.”

“Right.”

“So how was munchkin land?”

“‘Bout the same as last year, sunny, busy.”

“We saw on the telly last night.”

“Sugar.”

“Here you go, we hardly recognised you all done up like the other toffs.”

“Shitza.”

“Of course they kept on about Prince William and his squeeze being there.”

“Her name is Kate.” I stated.

“Oh my god, you met them!”

I hardly took my sister for a royal groupie.

“Not only met but danced with.”

“You are kidding? No you're not, geez girl how do I live down my little sis getting it on with royalty?”

“It was hardly ‘getting it on' as you put it, it was a waltz and a polka.”

“That's worse!”

“I'd best get this stuff sorted out, you couldn't bring one of the bags up?”

“Yes your majesty.”

“As Will said last night, that's his Gran, I'm merely her highness.”

“Get on with you before I tickle you to death!”

“Noooo!”

I sorted my stuff out, I'll do my laundry later, I turned my PC on, hmm Bernie, wonder how she's getting on? Thirty minutes later I surveyed my condensed report on Munich.

Dear Bernie,

Hope you and junior are okay. Boy what a week but where to start? The wedding right, so we, that's Max's Mum and Gran drove down on Wednesday and picked up his aunt who is like this countess!

So anyhow when we got to Augsburg we were staying in this for real palace, I was in my own room but in a suite with Sophia - she's pretty cool, she leant me a frock for dinner as I didn't know I needed one.

So like the wedding was in the cathedral right in the middle of Munich, there were TV cameras and everything! Then we went to this park place for photos. Turns out the von Strechau's are like minor royals.

Of course I had to wear the ball gown for the evening do which was in this huge palace place that's now all museums inside. Max's Gran leant me some of the family jewels which Sophia reckons were worth more than our house! I didn't realise but Kate, she comes from England, well never guess who her bf is? Prince William! Not only that but he danced with me! I nearly died but like I didn't but you know what I mean.

Today, this is Friday, we drove home, we had to drop off Max's aunt of course so we had lunch there.

Got another race this weekend but Mum'll be here which is cool.

Bye for now,

Hugs

Drew

I printed it off and put it into a Hello Kitty envelope ready to post in the morning.

“You back kiddo?” Mum shouted up the stairs.

“Up here.” I called back.

“You up for a ride?”

To be truthful I didn't really feel like it but I do need to with a race on Sunday.

“Sure, give me five.”

“I did four hours with the girls this morning but I thought you'd like a leg stretch when you got back.” Mum told me as we took a steady ride up the valley.

“Uh huh.”

“So good trip?”

“Apart from wearing ten centimetre heels all day yesterday and sleeping in the corset because I couldn't undo it — yeah it was good fun.” I grinned.

We kept it at talking pace for pretty much the whole ride as I told her everything about my trip.

I was woken by my phone playing the tune that was the gang alert.

“‘Lo.” I groaned out.

“Gaby Bond get your arse down here now, you are in so much trouble.” Anna stated, I could hear the others nearby.

“What time is it?”

“Just gone eight.”

“Urgh — where are you?”

“In your kitchen.”

“Shitza!”

I heard some giggling at that.

“Give me five.”

“Five or your mum says we can come up.”

Shoot!

“So just when were you going to tell us?” Pia demanded.

“I was going to, honest.”

“You were so not!” Brid declared.

“Was.”

“Come on then, spill.” Anna prompted.

“Um are we going anywhere today?”

“Don't try to wriggle out of it Gaby Bond.” Connie told me.

“I'm not, but like if we're shopping I could tell you on the way?”

“She's right,” Steff agreed, “if we get a move on we could go down to Mainz?”

“Give me…”

“Five, we know!” Anna grinned.

Its best part of three hours down to Mainz and the inquisition lasted pretty much the whole trip. Of course the fact that I was with Max was a major point — I protested my innocence regarding any sort of relationship.

“You can not tell me that there's nothing there.” Pia persisted.

“Look okay, he's not entirely repulsive but that doesn't mean I'm interested okay.”

“We'll be watching you girlfriend.” Steff advised.

“So anyway,” Anna took up the conversation, “I think we should do it.”

“Yeah, it'll cause a bit of a stir.” Con grinned.

“I'm not sure it's a good idea.” I offered.

“Gaby Bond how can you say such a thing!” Nena stated.

“I was just saying.” I replied meekly.

‘It' was a harebrained idea of Anna the costume queen that we all go to school dressed up in heels and everything. I'm not sure what the point is exactly but it was sure to get attention. It's a good job I didn't tell them about the Ahr Angels!

And so the day's trip suddenly had a focus, suitable outfits and especially shoes! Urgh! Well at least I'm exempt already having the offending footwear.

Mainz (say Mines), for the less well travelled of you, is of course where the Main (think Frankfurt/Main) joins the Rhein. The mostly pedestrianised shopping area stretches most of the way from the Bahnhof to Rathaus down by the river.

“I thought the idea was to be classy not trashy.” I noted watching Nena trying on some ridiculous zebra print stilettos.

“I think these are nice.”

“For brothel work, seriously, they scream tart.”

“Gab's is right Nen,” Anna put in, “the leopard print are much more subtle!”

“Plusstht! So okay style queen, what would you pick?” Nena challenged.”

“Nothing flashy,” I looked along the shelf, “here.” I selected a vertiginous pair of blue heels.

“Well let's see then.” Nena persisted.

“Me?”

“Well I can't see if I'm wearing them.” She pointed out.

“Whatever!”

I sat on a stool and swapped my Skechers  ® for the heels.

“See?” I stood and walked across the aisle.

“You have so got to buy those Gabs, they are so you.” Anna enthused.

“It's not me looking and I don't need more heels.”

“Oh wow Gabs, they are just perfect!” Steff gushed joining us.

“I still like the zebra print.” Nena stated.

By the time we left Deichmann's we all had new stilts and much to my annoyance I'd been bullied into buying the tallest of the lot with a stupid 12cm heel, which put me almost en point! Of course now we just have to find stuff to wear with our new footwear — I can see a big dent coming to my bank balance without any plastic models being involved!

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 26.05.11  © 2011

As you can imagine with six teen girls on the prowl for ‘just the right' outfit things were going to get pretty um ugly! I'm not sure the fair city of Mainz had ever seen anything like my friends shopping before, they are animals!

“What about Gab's?” Steff mentioned as Pia paid for her outfit in Coats an Ats.

“What about me?”

“Well we've all got tackled up.” She pointed out.

“I never said I was doing it.”

“Oh Gabs, you've got to!” Con whined.

“I let you talk me into the shoes.”

“And you don't have anything that matches.” Anna almost crowed.

“I could wear my wedding shoes and Mums suit.”

“You so could not!” Nena stated.

“Why not?”

“Because…” Nena started.

“Because I saw the perfect outfit for you in Jaeger  ® earlier, goes with the new shoes and everything.” Pia informed me.

“Jaeger  ® ! I'm not made of money!”

“Don't think of it as an expense Gab, it's an investment.” Brid stated.

“Guys!” I complained as I was just about dragged out of the shop and through the precinct to the slightly austere Jaeger  ® premises.

“It's a lot of money.” I complained for the umpteenth time.

“It's only one fifty, you get student discount.” Anna repeated the mantra the others had been using for fifteen minutes.

“Try it with the shoes Gabs.” Steff suggested.

“Alright.” I allowed.

“Here.” Con already had the stilts in her hand.

What can I say? A skirt suit with my Biker's looks, well pretty naff if truth were told. With my skyscraper heels it not only had me seeing eye to eye with Anna but I guess it did look rather good, quite adult and not that I want to encourage the idea, a bit sexy. I never said that right?

“Mein gott, we've spawned a monster.” Nena noted stepping back to take a look.

“I tried to warn you.”

“There is no way you are leaving the shop without that Gaby Bond.” Anna stated.

“But it's a hundred and fifty of my hard earned euros!” I moaned again.

“Girls?” Pia motioned for the others to join her in a huddle.

What are they plotting now?

“Right, it's decided, you pay ninety, we'll each put in ten after all none of have spent close to this.” Pia told me.

“But guys.”

“You can thank us later, now we need to shake a leg.” Steff opined.

And so ten minutes later I was ninety bucks lighter of pocket and toting a rather large black carrier bag back towards the Bahnhof.

“What time's our train?” Con asked.

“Er, quarter past I think.” Brid supplied.

“Sugar, its five past now!” Anna advised.

How we made it onto the Rheinland Express I'll never know but we did and we settled down for the long trip back to the Ahrtal.

“What time do you call this?” Dad asked with an edge to his voice.

I was tempted to be factual but common sense over ruled that instinct.

“Erm, late?”

“You bet it's late, why didn't you ring?”

“Erm?”

“Roni and Angela are in with your mother.

“Sugar, I forgot they were coming.” I admitted.

“One day, one day.” Dad muttered.

Of course the reason why the Grá¶nberg's were at Chez Bond was to do with bikes, the racing of them and more specifically the Pfá¤lzerwald Grand Prix series down at Kaiserslautern. Whilst the rest of our junior squad weren't coming this week, the senior ladies team are riding which of course includes a pretty much on form Mum.

“Gott, I hope the new bus is quicker than this thing.” Roni opined.

“It's not that bad.” Dad offered from the front.

“Not that good.” I mentioned soto voce.

To be perfectly honest it was only talk of a new bus for us that had spawned these complaints to our usual steed.

“So we seeing a repeat of Bremen then?” Dad tried to break the negative vibes.

“Well I hope there's not so much chasing today.” I admitted.

“What she said.” Roni added.

We arrived just after ten, the ladies with Mum would get here later as their event follows the juniors and we have several hours riding ahead of us. As this isn't part of the national series I don't get to wear the target jersey so just maybe I can take things a little easier today.

“No team orders today,” Dad told us, “it's a tough circuit, and lots of bends so be careful okay.”

“Uh huh.” I agreed.

Roni nodded.

“Feed at the end of the first lap, now have a good ride both of you.”

“Thanks Dad.”

We joined the rest of the field to wait for the start, a much smaller field than last week with many more familiar faces. Eventually we were waved off and started on about 120km of ‘fun'. The field was not only smaller but less capable too so the pair of us became part of a small core of about ten forcing the pace at the front whilst the rest hung on to our shirt tails.

The lap proper started at Hochspeyer where the railway joined us on our ride along the valley. The road was wide and the climb easy allowing pretty much all the field to stay together until we reached the turn at Frankenstein — yup you heard right, as in the monster!

Within metres the road became steeper and twistier which quickly started to splinter the field. The pair of us weren't really pressed, comfortably climbing in the front group to the top before starting the very twisty descent to the next turn. It was a nasty almost hairpin which had several of our number overshooting.

It was a bit like the Brohltal with a steam railway running alongside but the narrow gorge and castle ruins above leant a more sinister feel to things. The sun was doing its best to break through but we were surrounded by trees which kept us in the shade most of the way up the climb. No one seemed too keen on any heroics just yet; a situation that I was pretty sure would change as we approached the forty K point.

“Okay?”

“Uh huh.” Roni agreed.

“Still a way to the top from what Dad said.”

“Yeah, what do you reckon?”

“Give it five then a stir?”

“Check.”

Our plan set, we allowed ourselves to be dragged up the climb, our group gradually shedding the less able. We reached the third corner of the triangular course and someone decided to have a go, which upped the pace for a minute or two and further stretched the elastic. Things were all square again before our kick off point; I nodded to my teammate who winked in reply.

The road started to steepen, as it did so Roni took a flier on the outside, I let the others see her move before I took the kerb side route to the front with my own effort. Now our companions were confused, not sure which wheel to follow and a little reticent in case they picked the wrong one. The tarmac bucked up and round to the left before cresting the summit where Roni swung off leaving several confused riders at the front. I waited until I was level then pulled the same manoeuvre, mind games. None of them were sure what to do; the pair of us sat in the group as we started the descent amongst a now confused peleton.

With a two hundred metres drop to the feed the descent was fast but still no one seemed keen to do much. There was a feed station warning, I checked out who was with us, nineteen all told, Roni the only girl but several others regulars on the cup circuit.

“Go Roni!”

“Come on Drew.

Musettes grabbed everyone took the opportunity to unload through Hochspeyer then a couple of lads decided to turn up the juice on the fast road back to Shelley's monster.

This time when we made the turn the effort was more concerted and we lost a couple before we started the descent to turn two. Once clear of the corner the attacks came thick and fast but none got more than a few metres before being reeled in by the relatively fresh little peleton.

Having already tried our competitor's determination on lap one we were as keen as anyone to bring back all the attackers, I felt sure that a concerted attack would succeed. As we entered Elmstein halfway up the valley I passed Ron an energy bar.

“Exit.”

She grinned in anticipation.

The others seemed keen to wait for someone else, well that'd be me.

I made my move, I was soon trailed by eight others including Ron, I kept the pressure on for a full half kilometre before sitting up. This lot seemed happier to contribute and we soon had a bit of a train going. Timing would be everything here, we both rotated as normal for a couple of turns then on the third rotation as I took over Roni went up the down side at speed which was enough to sow some confusion.

The tactic worked and she was clear and making ground before our colleagues realised that she was serious. Now I'm hardly going to chase my own team down am I which left six hulking lads with me as drag anchor chasing after fifty kilos of determined girl. She gradually increased her lead around the bends but already it was clear there were several who weren't so committed to the chase. Given I was in a holding pattern at the back I took the chance to get some liquid on board as my effort wasn't far ahead.

Ron now had nearly a hundred metres on my group of chasers, riding as determined as ever. I recognised the approach to turn three, sooner than I thought but I was ready. Its pretty natural to ease off on the turns so I used this to my advantage, sprinting out of the saddle into the tight corner leaving the others in something of a quandary.

I ended up out at the white line which I then used for a guide as I kept my head down to make some space. Up ahead Roni was starting to flag and I made good inroads on the first steeper bit of climb. However those behind were built less suitably for going uphill which meant that the net effect was that whilst I was gaining on Ron we were both moving away from the chase. From the top it's mostly fast downhill so we need as much advantage as possible to stay away.

The steepest bit was only just ahead, I dug a bit deeper and continued my gains over the leader. Somewhere around the bends she turned the tables so that she was still a good fifty in front over the summit — she'll wait for me. Except she didn't! Maybe I've misjudged her determination.

There's not enough of me to get much gravity assistance so all I could do was pedal as hard as I could, using all the road on the bends but frustratingly not gaining more than the odd metre. On a longer straight I risked a quick look behind, four or five riders were chasing me in turn at some hundred metres distance.

Determination was etched into Ron's riding and after the 60kph plus descent she was still thrashing the pedals round when we re entered Hochspeyer for the third time. A swing left onto the Kaiserslautern road and I dug deep to try to close the gap.

This was no repeat of Bremen for me though, Roni was smooth and although I just had the speed edge it wouldn't be enough to take her. Behind me they hadn't given up hope and a quick glance put the chasers at about fifty metres with two K to go, no easing up for me.

Then we were there, I saw Roni punch the air then I was over the line too, the chasers overtaking me as I slowed after the line — close.

“Yes!” Roni was jumping and her hug nearly had us both on the floor as I started to over balance in my cleats.

“One, two.” I agreed — well it wasn't quite the result I wanted, but if I don't get the win I want someone on the team to get it.

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 27.05.11  © 2011

After last weekend I made sure I'd got all my kit today so when I emerged from the changing rooms it was in cargo shorts and a team top as we were gonna spend the afternoon watching the ladies race — they get to do three laps.

"Come on Mum" I shouted in encouragement.

"Up up up!" Dad joined in.

It's not often that I get a chance to see Mum and the girls race, with our respective calendars it's rare to even be in the same region!

The ladies peleton grunted past. The cream Apollinaris jerseys prominent at the front.

"You want to catch them on the col?" Dad asked.

"Sure" Roni agreed.

I was still smarting from the drubbing she gave me in our race, angry with myself for not taking her threat more seriously.

"Yeah." I added.

We clambered back into the bus and Dad soon had us going widdershins around the course. It only took a few minutes to get up to the top where we slotted into a gap amongst the already gathered race fans. We made our way the final few metres to the Stillerhut to await the women's race's first visit to the ‘mountain'.

“I didn't expect there to be crowds like this.” I noted as unlike the junior race with a handful of vocal but generally related watchers there had to be a couple of hundred race fans lining the road now.

“It might not be category A but several big teams are here.” Dad advised.

“There's a big following for women's racing you know Drew.” Roni pointed out.

“I know but…”

“But what?” Roni was getting indignant now, “it's only women. Is that what you were going to say? In case you hadn't noticed your mother is famous the world over, more famous than nearly all the male pro peleton!”

“Roni love, calm down.” Angela soothed.

“Well she was asking for it, she's just miffed that I whupped her today.”

“I'm so not!”

“Are!”

“Children!” Dad almost bellowed.

We fell silent.

“Right, you are showing yourselves and the team up, I've a mind to suspend you both.”

“Dave?” Angela put in.

“Sorry Ang, but if they are going to act like kinder that's how I'll treat them.”

“But Dad…” I started.

“But nothing. You've been brewing since the finish and Roni, I thought you were more mature than to rub Drew's face in the result.”

“Sorry Herr Bond.” She mumbled.

“And Drew, you need to learn some humility, Tali will be team leader in Stuttgart next week.”

“Yes Dad.”

“Right, shake.” He instructed.

Well it wasn't exactly enthusiastic but we were both still smarting a little.

“Sorry Ron.”

“Me too Drew.”

“They're coming.” Angela announced.

Our attention moved from our spat to the race. Compared to the relatively sedate ascent we made, the women's race was much more intense. The crowd were pretty vocal and we joined the cheering as we spotted ‘our' riders in the thick of it, Mum neatly tucked in and looking comfortable enough.

“Go Jen!” Dad shouted.

“Allez, allez!”

In less than a minute they were all past our vantage point, it'd be about an hour or so before they'd be here again.

“Food?” Angela enquired, “There's strudel for dessert.”

“Now that sounds like an excellent idea, I'll give you a hand.” Dad volunteered.

“Sorry Drew, you've lost team captain because of me.” Roni mentioned.

“No Ron, Dad's right, I've been getting to be a proper prima donna.”

“I know Gret thinks you were a bit selfish last week.”

I have to admit that I just relied on the others doing what I said, not giving any thought to how they felt about throwing away their chances for yours truly.

“I guess I should apologise to everyone.”

“Friends?”

“Friends.” I agreed.

“So, tell me about Munich…”

The next time the race came round there was quite a change, Erika Boonen and Mum were both in the break of about six riders and at about thirty seconds Maria, Tina and Anja were doing a fair job of blocking the pursuit. We all of course shouted ourselves hoarse and me and Ron's dispute, whilst not forgotten, was put behind us.

“If we move down the hill a bit we can watch them past and get to the finish.” Dad suggested.

“Let's do it.” I enthused.

By the time the race reached us again the lead group had grown by a couple but our riders were still there. The others were still making their presence known but unlike me chasing Roni down in my pursuit of victory at all costs, they were working hard to stop pursuit of the leaders.

As soon as the race was gone we dashed for our bus and Dad drove maybe a little quicker than sensible along a lane that took us almost to the finish area. Even so we only just got to the finish area before the lead car's flashing lights hove into view.

Talk about competitive, the sprinters swung from one curb to the other and from our position it was impossible to tell how it was going. Not that it stopped us screaming in support! Then they were on top of us, past and across the line, in mere seconds.

“Who won?”

“I couldn't see.” Roni observed.

The rest of the race swept in with less urgency a minute or so later.

Well maybe the Bond family has been cursed today, Mum took second as well, a girl from Cube — Opel took the premier slot by half a wheel. A bit disappointing but you can't win every time out.

“So we'll see you Saturday Angela.” Dad confirmed, the Grá¶nberg 's were being taken back home by Petra, the team masseuse so were travelling back on the team bus which meant Mum could come with me and Dad straight home.

“So kiddo, looks like we both got second best eh?” Mum mentioned as we headed out of Kaiserslautern.

“Yeah,” I sighed, “I made a bit of a tit of myself as well.” I admitted.

“Well sometimes we can all get a bit full of ourselves.”

“But you don't.”

“But I have done kiddo, I have done.” Mum admitted.

“What happened?” I pressed.

“Well I was an ass, if things didn't go my way, I'd have a right tantrum.”

“So like what happened?”

“Your Gran stopped my pocket money.”

“Mu-um!”

“So alright I was only seven but I did learn a valuable lesson, that is that every action has a re-action, I lost my pocket money, you got demoted.”

“I guess.”

“Gab, you have remembered the trip to Bonn tomorrow?” Anna asked.

“It's tomorrow ?”

“That's why I rang, everyone's gonna wear the stuff we got yesterday.”

“For a school trip?”

“What better time.”

Oh joy!

“Okay I guess, but I'm bringing some flats too.”

“Wimp. So how'd it go today?”

Frau Thesing raised a brow when I arrived at the Bá¤ckerei next day.

“So what's this all about girls?”

“Gabs inspired us at the wedding last week.” Pia advised.

“Well you all look very nice, not sure about the shoes.”

“Mama!” Connie moaned.

Half an hour later the seven of us strutted along the platform at Ahrweiler/Silverberg station.

“Whoa!”

“Hot or what!”

Why did I agree to this?

“Good morning ladies.” Frau Dá¼rst greeted us.

“Morning Miss.”

“Interesting choice of outfits?”

“We didn't want to give people the impression that Silverberg Gymnasium was scruffy.” Brid suggested.

“Well I'm sure they will appreciate the sentiment.”

She left to talk to Claudia Pfeffer shaking her head.

“Geez Gab, you gonna dress like Sophia all the time now?” Max queried joining our group in his more casual outfit.

“It's a one off.” I told him.

“Well you all look hot to trot!”

“Thank you for that observation, I feel like a right prawn.”

Our school trip was to the Humanities Museum in Bonn, just a short walk from the Hauptbahnhof. There were about fifty of us, all of the humanities students in our year. Any other time you wouldn't have given our party a second look but with seven of us in smart suits, heels and rather more attention to hair and makeup than usual, well you can guess we drew attention.

The main reason for the visit today was to see an exhibition on the ascent of Man to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Neanderthal discoveries up near where Roni lives in Mettmann. Of course there is much more to see in the museum, we were split into groups starting our visit in different locations to avoid too much congestion. The ‘posh' birds got lumbered with Max and his sidekicks Freddy and Ralf who were having trouble keeping their eyes in their heads.

The exhibition was pretty interesting, Dad'll like this. It took us from the earliest hominids discovered in Africa's Rift Valley all the way to the German discoveries a century ago and on to modern man, us. It explored how we migrated around the globe, developed the ability to communicate, early art and belief systems — I can see how Dad gets off on this stuff!

We took a break to eat lunch then we got to explore the other exhibits before reconvening in a lecture theatre for a seminar given by some guy from the museum. I had to slip off my heels, my feet were on fire! I wasn't the only one, to a woman the rest of the Ahr Angels were massaging sore tootsies during the discussion. Then it was time to head back to the Ahr.

“You seen this Drew?” Anna waved a bit of paper at him as they exited the toilets at the station.

“Dunno, what is it, hold it still I can't read it flapping about.”

“There's a big RPG and Manga convention at Ká¶ln Messe next month.”

She passed the flyer across the table to him.

“Looks cool huh?”

“Gis a chance.”

It certainly looked like somewhere to visit; four huge halls full of gaming, costuming and a fair bit more besides.

“When is it?”

“It says on the back.”

Flipping the paper over the details were printed in gothic letters.

“July 15th and 16th .”

“You fancy going?”

“I've probably got a race.” I sighed.

“You ride those bikes too much.”

“If you want success…”

“Yeah, you said before.”

“Still it would be nice and I am away most of the summer.”

I'm looking forward to that, a whole month with the GB development squad culminating in a trip to the World Champs in Denmark, although I'm riding the junior events every week I'll be doing the under 16's in Copenhagen.

“I'll check with Dad later, I might manage to scrounge a weekend off, what about the others?”

“I'm sure they'll all want to go.”

‘Die Ná¤chste Zug am Gleis drei ist die funfzehn hundert service nach Bonn, Remagen, Koblenz….”

“Shitza, that's ours!”

We grabbed our bags and legged it for our train.

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 28.05.11  © 2011

Ever tried running in a short skirt? What about in vertiginous heels? We barely made our train, Frau Dá¼rst shaking her head as we slipped on board.

“You guys seen this?” Anna didn't waste time asking the others.

“Another convention thing?” Steff enquired.

“Yeah, up in Ká¶ln, Gabs is going.”

“I need to check Anna.” I noted.

“Well what do you think?”

“Count me in.” Con enthused.

“Dad?”

“What squib?”

“Well you know next month, am I racing like every week?”

“Pretty much, let me get the diary.”

Dave put down his paper and went through to the office, Drew in tow.

“Right, the first you've got the Mittelrhein, the week after it's the three countries on Saturday and you're penciled in for an RTF in Bonn, that's all that's confirmed, there's no premier series in July what with the TdF being on, your next big race will be in Hamburg the first weekend in August before you join the GB team.”

“You reckon I might get the 15 th and 16 th off?”

“Don't see why not, I was thinking of popping over to see the tour for a couple of days but we could do that some other time.”

The Tour. Bum what a conundrum.

“Drew?”

“Wassup?” I enquired looking up from the book I got Dad in Bonn, Wurzeln der Menscheit, a weighty tome about Neanderthals.

“Any idea where this came from?” Mum held up the Maxi from last week.

“Sugar! I borrowed it from Sophia last week, they must have just packed everything in my room.”

“You'd best contact her and let her know you have it.”

“I suppose Max will know how to get hold of her,” I allowed, “I'll ask tomorrow.”

“I don't suppose I want to know why you are wearing a suit and rather high heels?”

“It's a long story.”

“They usually are with you.” Mum noted with a sigh.

The idiot box was humming away to itself but I like to catch the weather after the news.

‘The hunt is on to identify one of the guests at last week's big society wedding in Munich. Celeb and society watchers have so far failed to identify the young blonde seen arriving at the Dom with close family members. At least two modeling agencies and the celeb magazines are all trying to find the beauty last seen dancing with Prince William at the evening reception.'

“Poor girl.” I noted.

“Looks a lot like you.” Mum observed, which caused me to look at the screen.

“Shitza! It is me! I hope no one else saw.” I fretted.

My handy started vibrating.

“Bond, of hi Con…uh huh…you know it was…I could dye my hair or something…don't be daft…of course not…well it was only a dance, he danced with loads of people…I'll tell you tomorrow…tschuss!”

“So much for keeping it quiet.” Mum grinned.

“It's not funny.”

“What's up Gab?” Max asked after I cornered him on the way to homeroom.

“Erm, do you like have an email or something for Sophia?”

“Sophia? What for?”

“I um borrowed something from her last week that I need to get back to her.”

“Think I've got one somewhere, I'll look tonight, so no sexy skirt today?”

“That was strictly a one off.” I stated firmly.

“Pity.” He lamented.

“Get used to it.”

“No need to be like that.”

“Stop saying such daft things, we're gonna be late.”

Dear Drew,

Got your first two letters today, you don't half get into some pickles!

This place isn't too bad, I'm sharing a room with a girl called Judy from Lincoln, she's pregnant too, hers is due in September. It's not as bad as I thought it would be, we have to help with the chores, I'm on cleaning this week.

Its weird not going to school with you guys, never thought I'd be saying I missed school but Warder Stephenson is arranging for me to get some tuition so I can go back for year twelve, don't want junior thinking his mum is a klutz do I?

I'll write you longer soon

Hugs

Bernie

I read Bernie's letter through again, a tear breaking free and dripping onto the page. I really do feel somehow responsible — yeah I know, but it doesn't stop me feeling bad.

“So are we going to this con then?” I enquired as we pedalled towards the Ahr Gymnasium.

“Keep me away!” Anna enthused.

“Oh yeah.” Connie agreed.

“So are we teaming or going solo?”

“I've got some ideas I want to try.” Anna told the flock of cyclists.

“'Kay, suits me, I can do some recycling.”

“You'd look good in a bin bag.” Nena noted.

“We aren't gonna travel up each day are we?” Pia queried.

“We should book a couple of rooms and stay up there.” Steff suggested.

“We'd only have to carry our stuff on the train once each way.” Brid agreed.

“Hey maybe we could organise a lift, what about your Dad Pia, he has the minibus.” Con suggested.

“I can ask.”

“We could go up on Friday afternoon as schools out from Mittwoch that week.”

“So, you ready for the weekend?” Mum asked as we set off for my Wednesday ‘hard' ride.

“I guess.”

“There shouldn't be any guessing about it.” She pointed out.

“Yeah well.”

“Look Drew, your Dad has responsibilities too, not just to you but to the girls and the team too. You've been team captain for what, a year? That doesn't mean the others are your race skivvies.”

“I know.”

“I think it will do you good with someone else calling the shots, it's the leaders job to get the results for the team, if that means protecting the sprinter for a big finish or organising an attack, that's their job, yours is to try to do what they ask.”

“But what if they're wrong?”

“Look Drew, sometimes being a team player comes first, we talked about this on Sunday.”

I nodded.

“Think of it like you and your school friends, who's in charge?”

“No one.”

“Ah but someone is and they are quite skilful at it too.”

“Eh?”

“What happened on Monday?”

“We went to Bonn for humanities.”

“And how were you dressed?”

“Sort of posh with heels and stuff.”

“And who suggested that?”

“Anna I think.”

“Did everyone want to do it?”

“Well I didn't.”

“But you still went along with it.”

“Yeah, cos like the others were.”

“In other words you wanted to be part of the ‘team', you didn't want to dress up and wear high heels but you did because of ‘team' orders.”

“I guess?”

“And I'm betting Anna was the one who kept encouraging you all to do it?”

“How'd you know?”

“She's your little group's leader, oh I know none of you think like that, I don't even suppose she does but you all respect her opinion on stuff and like Monday she has a good deal of influence over your choices.”

Mum had certainly hit a few chords with her observations; put into those terms she certainly is our unofficial leader.

This was extra ride time for Mum, keeping me company, but she still made sure I had a good workout instigating signpost sprints and other training devices that my solo training often lacks.

“It's a pity there's not a club you could train with.” Mum mentioned after another sign sprint.

“Yeah.”

“I'll talk to your Dad.”

“When do you leave for Switzerland?”

“The start is Saturday, we travel down tomorrow.”

The last ten days have been a sort of rest break for the ladies team, a few days back at base without the continuous travelling. But this weekend the first of the big tours, well five days around Switzerland, starts.

“So you fancy your chances this year?”

“Well I'm feeling pretty strong, have to see how it goes, there's strong squads from Italy and the GB — Sky girls are riding.”

Mum is always maybe a bit too deprecating of her own chances, she's been top five in the world rankings for like three years but you'd think she was a lowly domestique to hear her talk sometimes.

“Come on, race you home!”

“Hey cheat!”

She'd already got ten metres on me before I could react, see what I mean.

With Mum off in the morning Dad had booked a table at the Italian in Ahrweiler so it was straight in the shower and dress. The fact that I'd put on a sundress and a quick slap of essential makeup didn't register until Mum complimented my choice. I guess it's become second nature after a year of pretty much full time girldom but my sentence is nearly up, it's nearly time to pick the new Weinká¶nigin!

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 29.05.11  © 2011

“Gab?”

“Who else would be on my phone?”

“Oh right, sorry it's so late, I tried ringing earlier,” Max agreed, “um I don't have email for Sophia but I got her phone number from Mum.”

“Oh right.”

“You got a pen?”

He gave me the number, not that I was going to call her at eleven at night!

“Good luck on Sunday kiddo.” Mum told me whilst giving me a hug.

“Thanks Mum, make sure you win in chocolate land!”

“I'll see what I can do. Now off to school.”

I gave her another hard hug before we parted.

My mood was not particularly great when I got to Thesing's.

“Wassup Gabs?” Anna enquired.

“Mum's leaving today.” I advised before collapsing in a teary lump.

“Not leaving leaving?” Pia asked.

Unable to speak around my sobs I shook my head.

“She'll be back soon.” Steff supplied moving to sit beside me and hugging me.

For the next twenty minutes my friends did their best to calm me down and break my mood. It kinda worked and whilst it's not impossible to cry and ride a bike, the act reduced the waterworks to occasional sniffles and red eyes.

“Drew? That you?” Dad called from the kitchen when I got home.

“Uh huh, what d'ya want?”

“Well if you're going to talk to me like that nothing.”

“Um sorry.” I joined him in the food room where he was making some salad.

“I've been looking to see whether we can still fit in a trip to the tour.”

My interest level increased ten fold.

“Kewl!”

“Well if we fly rather than drive we can fit in a couple of days, see the Tourmalet stage?”

“There's a catch isn't there?”

“Well we'd have to get a lunchtime flight on the Sunday so your con trip would be cut short.” He explained.

“When do you need to know?”

“Tonight really so I can book the plane, I've got a hold on a room but I need to confirm that too.”

My mood was certainly raised by this development.

“Ten minutes!” I excitedly announced before rushing up to my eyrie.

“And so if I go straight from the hotel you guys can still do the Sunday.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Anna agreed.

Mum's appraisal yesterday was quite true, I felt I had to okay the change in plan with her rather than any of the others who would go along with whatever was decided.

“Great, I'd best let Dad know, thanks Anna, see you in the morning.”

“Bye Gab.”

I think Dad was as keen as me on making the trip; he was certainly enthusiastic in finishing the organisational aspects, delaying our dinner until it was done.

Brrp, brrp…. brrp, brrp…. brrp, brrp.. Click

“Gá¼ten abend, Taxis.”

“Erm hello, can I speak to Sophia please?”

“Who should I say is calling?” the chap on the other end of the line enquired.

“Gaby, Gaby Bond, from the wedding last week?”

“One moment please.”

I sighed as I was put on hold.

“Hello? Gaby?”

“Oh hi Sophia, Max gave me your number.” I explained.

“It was a good wedding eh?”

“Er yeah.”

“And now they are looking for the missing debutante!” she giggled.

“Eh?”

“You haven't seen? Stern and Bild both have rewards out to find you, seems no one knows who the mystery blonde is.”

“I saw on the telly the other day, it's not like I'm difficult to find.” I pointed out.

“But if you are looking in the wrong places…”

“Sugar.”

“Don't worry, I won't tell. So, you didn't ring just to gossip.”

“Er no, um not that it's not nice, you know you loaned me that dress?”

“Sure.”

“Well it seems to have been packed with my stuff, I need to get it back to you.”

“There's no rush, next time there's a do will be fine.”

Was she expecting there to be more social gatherings that we'd both attend?

“I'd rather send it to you.”

“Okay, you'd best send it to the house in Stuttgart then.”

“Stuttgart? I'm racing there on Sunday!” I interrupted.

“Racing, oh yes you ride bikes don't you, I'm in town this weekend, maybe we could meet up.”

“We're travelling down Saturday.”

“Ring me when you arrive, we can sort something out.” she seemed more enthusiastic than a dress delivery would really warrant.

“This number?”

“Oh no, this is the country pile near Rottweil, you'd best have my handy number.”

We exchanged mobile numbers and I bid goodnight to the still too enthusiastic Lady Sophia Taxis.

“You look happier today.” Frau Thesing observed.

“I just got a bit emotional yesterday.”

“Could you work tomorrow?”

“The morning, up to about twelve, we're leaving for Stuttgart at one.”

“That would be great if you could, start at seven?”

“Kay.” After last weekend I can do with topping up the coffers.

I joined the others for frá¼hstuck.

“So where are you going?” Pia asked.

“Its near Lourdes, we fly to Toulouse then drive about 150km into the Pyrenees.”

“Just to watch a bike race?” Brid wrinkled her nose.

“Now you've done it!” Anna opined.

“Not just A bike race, it's THE bike race, the Grand Boucle, the ultimate test of man and machine…”

“Gab, we know!” Con interrupted my flow.

“Er sorry.”

“So where is it this weekend?” Steff enquired.

“Stuttgart, the others are coming down tomorrow morning then we drive down in the afternoon.”

“Gaby Bond, jetsetter!” Nena joked.

“Doesn't it get boring?” Brid asked.

“Tiring sometimes, oh you never guess what?”

“Well give us a clue.” Con suggested.

“I told you about Sophia, the girl I shared with in Bayern?”

“The crown duchess or something?” Pia suggested.

“That's her mum, well anyway,” I enthused, “guess what?”

“She's really Godzilla in a dress?” Nena snorted.

“Do you want to hear?” I huffed.

“Go on Gab.” Steffi encouraged.

“Well you know I borrowed a dress off of her,” there were a couple of nods, “well she's gonna meet me in Stuttgart to pick it up.”

“Is that all?” Brid sighed.

“Is that all?” I started.

“Gab, calm down eh?” Anna suggested.

Well okay, maybe I am getting a bit over enthusiastic about meeting up with her.

“Nice to see you Gaby.” Hannah smiled when I turned up at the Garde training.

“Thought I could do with a bit of a workout.”

“Make sure you do your stretches, I don't want your Dad on my back again.”

I joined the other girls, who were all effusive in their welcome, has it really been a month since I last came to training?

It felt good to do some exercise that wasn't directly bike orientated, I was a little bit stiff but I still managed to do the splits and leg extensions even if I felt a bit sore afterwards.

“So Gaby, how is the racing going?” Hannah asked as I prepared to leave.

“Pretty good, and before you ask my diary is full through until September.”

“Now there's a coincidence.”

“I'm not gonna like this am I?”

“Why ever not? P tells me you used to do cheering.”

“Uh yeah, at school in England.”

“Well the committee are thinking of starting a cheer squad, some of the girls are quite keen and I wondered if you'd like to be involved given your experience.”

Cheering eh? My memory flashed Miss Cowlishaw in Warsop and the good times we had in the Foresters. Of course thoughts of that led on to the American experience and my explosive exit from the squad after our victory performance. I do still think about it, it was good fun.

“Can I think about it?”

“Of course, just thought I'd get my two cents in well in advance.”

I was on my Schauff tonight, and I spent the ride home going through some of the Foresters routines in my head. I nearly came a cropper when I found myself trying to clap and kick still on the bike! Yeah I think I might just do it, must practice before then though, don't want to look stupid in front of the girls of the squad.

“Are you packed?” Dad asked when I rolled indoors, “we're not having a repeat of Bremen.”

“Yes Dad, in the hall.”

“I've got to go down to the office in the morning, just make sure you're ready to leave.”

“I'm working at Thesing's until twelve.”

“Hmm, well don't be late getting back, we need to leave at one.”

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 29.05.11  © 2011

I checked my bags once again, cycling kit, Sophia's dress — even some normal clothes. For once I had everything under control; I straightened my bakery uniform and headed off for work.

Saturday morning at Thesing's is of course different to weekdays — no schoolgirls taking the place over for one! I was filling in for one of the full time staff, Sonia, who is off on her hols this week — I might get a few extra hours during the week. Herr Thesing had already been at it for a couple of hours when I arrived, once I had stowed my coat I started filling up the counter display and bread racks. Seven thirty is when the real rush starts though as half the village comes in for breakfast supplies.

“Six rolls.”

“Two chocolate and two plain croissants please.”

“Coffee and cherry Danish.”

I was ready for a coffee myself by eight thirty when the main rush was over.

“You want your break now?” Frau Thesing asked.

“I can wait a bit.” I allowed tucking an errant strand of hair behind an ear.

“Any thoughts to what you'll do after school?”

“Well there's racing, I could maybe turn pro.”

“What happens after though?”

“Yeah that's what Mum keeps telling me.”

“So?”

“Well I wouldn't mind doing like catering management, I'm not a great cook but I could fancy running a restaurant or something.”

“Hard work.” she noted.

“Well Jules is the academic one, despite appearances.”

“How is she? We don't see her much.”

“She's hardly at home lately; she stays with a friend in Bonn during the week.”

“Very independent.”

“More like keeping out of Dad's way, he still hasn't forgiven her over the scooter.”

The scooter. Boy did that incident take on epic proportions! I dunno why she wanted one in the first place, I know Mum wasn't keen but Dad can be a soft touch and that was one of those times. Me, I can't believe she let her friend borrow the thing, if it had been mine there is just no way.

The rest of the morning was fairly uneventful, the girls were going to the cinema in Koblenz so Con only stopped by on her way from flat to door. Soon enough my shift was over, I thought I'd treat everyone to a bun, even at staff rate it cost me an hour's wages! Oh well.

The Luchow's car, complete with bikes and packed to the gunnels was on our drive alongside a new minibus in full team colours and everything. Wow, I didn't think it would happen this quick.

“You never said you were getting the new bus.” I observed as I wheeled my workaday hulk into the garage.

“That kiddo, is because I didn't know until I went in this morning.”

“Can I take a look?”

“You'll have plenty of time over the weekend, right now you need to get changed, I think Angela was doing some soup before we go.”

“'Kay.” I started up the stairs.”

“Oh could you ask Dieter and Josh to come give me a hand loading up.”

“Sure.”

I think there was something in that request that I should be worried about.

“Woo if it isn't the backerie má¤dchen!” Roni chuckled.

“Give over or you won't get a bun!”

“No cake until you've had lunch.” Sonja Luchow instructed.

“Erm, Dad asked if Josh and Herr Luchow could give a hand loading the bus?”

“Sure, come on Josh, the ladies will still be here in ten minutes.”

The pair of them went the long way round; Dad obviously hadn't divulged knowledge of the secret stairs!

“So what was that about?” I enquired.

“Tali and Josh.” Gret supplied.

“In the last fortnight?”

“Well, a bit longer, “ Tali admitted, “he's been up to see me a couple of times.”

“Less chatter,” Angela interrupted, “Drew, you need to get changed?”

“Oh right, sure. Be back in a few.”

When I returned downstairs the table was surrounded by people eating, our resident caterer having supplied not just soup but fresh bread too.

“If you'd been any longer I was going to eat yours.” Gret grinned.

“What is it?” I enquired perching myself on the bin lid.

“Rather good is what it is.” Dad mentioned.

I tucked in, it was chicken broth and very nice too.

“There's buns.” I reminded them.

“We can have them when we stop later,” Dad suggested, “we really could do with getting on the road.”

“Girls, washing up please.” Sonja instructed.

“Bleh!” Tali moaned.

“Drew, this all your stuff?” Dad enquired from the hallway.

“Race kit, overnight bag and the dress.”

“Righty o.”

“Dress?” Roni asked.

“I borrowed it last week; Sophia is going to pick it up while we're in Stuttgart.”

“Who's this So-feeah bird like?” Josh requested.

“Sophia Taxis, we were at the wedding together last week.”

“Weddin'?”

“Quite the social butterfly our Drew here.” Gret supplied.

“Didn't you see her on the telly the other night?” Tali added.

“On the BBC?”

“RTL.”

“You know I don't watch your telly Tali.”

“Hey that nearly rhymes.” I chuckled, “telly Tali.”

“Are you lot done yet?” Dad asked.

“Just about Herr Bond.” Roni replied.

The bus, given that they sponsor our team, was of course a Mercedes, a rather nice bit of kit with plenty of room for us, the bikes and goodness knows what else! I locked the house up while everyone loaded up which left me with the seat by the side door — not where I'd sit by choice but someone has to use it.

“Sugar! Buns!”

“Hurry up, can one of you give her a hand.” Dad asked.

Roni came with and took the cakes back to the bus while I relocked the house. After what they cost me there is no way we are going without them! I slid the door shut again.

“Seat belts.” Dad instructed and then we were off.

“How's it going man?” Josh asked once we were on the autobahn.

“Fair to middlin', you?”

“I canna complain like.”

“So what's this about you an' Tali then?”

“Not a lot really, she's a canny lass alright but it's a bit difficult talking to her you know.”

“You'll have to brush up your German.”

“Aye, there is that like.” He agreed. “Anyway what's this aboot a weddin' an' you on the telly an all?”

“Long story.”

“Long drive.” He observed.

And so I ended up giving him a somewhat abridged version of the Munich trip.

“Gera way man!”

“I swear it's true, they must have been at least that big.” I demonstrated with my empty hands.

“They sound like those things we had in Salzwedel the other week.” Gret offered.

“Baumkuchen.” Tali joined in — I hadn't even realised they had been listening!

“They were pretty big, sort of like a pine tree shape.” Josh supplied for my benefit.

“Doesn't sound the same at all to me.” I noted.

By this time we were quite well down the road, still some way from our destination of course but making good progress.

“Toilets in ten.” Dad offered from the front.

“It might be new but it's still not great for sitting in too long.” Angela mentioned as she climbed down from the bus.

“Uh huh.” I agreed rubbing some life into my own posterior.

“Anyone want a drink?” Dad enquired.

A chorus of requests were the reply, yours truly designated as waitress to fetch them.

I nearly dropped the stupid cardboard tray thing when my handy started vibrating in my pocket. By the time I got back to the bus and extracted it, it had long stopped.

“Someone trying to get you?” Roni guessed seeing me phone in hand.

“Yeah,” I got the missed calls screen up, “Sophia, wonder what she wants, I said I'd call when we arrived.

I hit the dial button and walked around the back of the bus.

“Gaby!”

“Er hi Soph, what's up?”

“Just thought I'd see where you were.”

“About halfway I think.”

“When I told Daddy you were coming he said to invite you for dinner tonight.”

“There's eight of us Soph.”

“That's okay, there's tons of room, please?”

“Let me ask my Dad, I'll ring you back in about five minutes okay.”

“Tschuss.”

I returned to the caffeine fest.

“There you are,” Roni observed, “so what did she want?”

“Dad, did you like have plans for dinner tonight?”

“Not especially kiddo, thought we'd go into the city and find a restaurant.”

“Well that was Sophia on the phone, Sophia Taxis? We've got an invite to eat at her place.”

“That's nice of her parents; does she know how many of us there are?”

“Yup.”

“Everyone okay with that? Angela, Sonja?”

“Sounds good to me.” Dieter mentioned.

“I'll ring and let her know then.”

Josh followed me behind the bus, “Drew man, this that bit of posh totty from the wedding like?”

“Might be.” I allowed.

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 29.05.11  © 2011

When we returned to the others my buns were already broken out and apart from the fact that Dieter was chowing down on the strawberry tart I'd got for myself, grrr, it was a bus of happy er campers.

“Everything okay Drew?” Dad enquired.

“Uh huh, they're expecting us about seven, she's gonna text over the address.”

“That should be okay,” Dad confirmed, “we'll check in at our hotel and get straight off.”

“There's not some weird dress code is there?” Gret enquired from round a bit of Pflaumkuchen.

“Nah, just normal stuff.”

“Normal for whom?” Roni murmured.

A few minutes later and we were back on the road, stretched, relaxed and refreshed.

“Over on the left everyone.” Dad instructed.

“Whoa!”

“That looks like a space shuttle like.” Josh observed.

“An' a jumbo jet on the roof.” I added.

“Sinsheim Technik Museum.” Dieter informed us from the back.

“Looks pretty cool.”

We were soon past; I made a mental note to have a look on the net when I get home.

The autobahn rolled on then a change of roads to take us down to Stuttgart. The balmy conditions of an hour ago were becoming more humid and it didn't come as too much of a surprise when we ran into a thunderstorm, all black skies and torrential rain. By the time we turned off to drop into the city things had settled to a humid drizzle, great — not.

Our accommodation was surprisingly just a five minute walk from Stuttgart's shopping zone it wasn't exactly grand occupying as it did half an apartment block. The Hotel Find, Stuttgart Zentrum on Hauptstá¤tterstraáŸe was to be polite, a commercial travellers hotel.

“Okay people,” Dad tried to get our attention, “back here for six thirty please. Right then, Dieter and Sonja room twelve, Grá¶nbergs you're in fifteen, Gret, Tali sixteen, Josh you're with me in twenty one and Drew you get the single, eleven.” He concluded having passed keys out.

I collapsed on my bed and surveyed my surroundings, pretty standard fare, bed, dresser, open wardrobe, chair and from what I could see, a ‘compact' bathroom / toilet combo. I checked the time, hmm five twenty, plenty of time. First things first, shower.

I returned to the main room to finish drying off and to find some clothes to wear for dinner. Obviously my kit bag was sans proper clothing, but my overnight bag should have something. I swung it onto the bed and flipped the lid open, hmm, knickers — check, bra — check, shirt — check, chino's — check, socks, yup — for once I've got everything!

I got as far as pulling my trousers up before things came crashing down. Here I am doing my best impersonation of myself, Drew and Sophia and her parents will be expecting Gaby, the girl that shared accommodation with her in Augsburg. Shit, shit, shit! The only girl stuff I've got with me, apart from my undies of course, is the dress I'm supposed to be returning. Why is my life so complicated?

Knock, knock!

“Who is it?” Tali asked.

“Me, Drew.”

“Hang on.”

“Kay.”

A moment later Tali opened the door a crack, “what's up?”

“I um have a problem, can I come in?”

“You decent Gret?” she called over her shoulder.

“Topped and tailed, who is it?”

“Only Drew.”

“Best let her in.”

The portal was opened a little wider and I slipped inside.

“So what's up?” Tal enquired.

“Well a um…”

“Get on with it.” Gret encouraged.

“Its kinda awkward, “

“Yes?” Tali interrupted.

“Have you guys got anything I can wear to dinner?”

“You've not forgotten your bags again — no I saw you carrying them in.” Gret observed.

“Its what's in my bag that's the problem.”

“Eh?”

“Shirt, chino's.”

“And?” Gret asked.

“Well Sophia and her rents will be expecting Gaby not Drew.”

“I hate to break it to you D, but you'd look like a girl in a sack.” Tali supplied.

“Have you got a sack?” my eyes were starting to leak.

“Calm down Drew, I was just pointing out that you could dress in anything to be Gaby.”

“But the chinos are Drew stuff, Gaby doesn't wear that kind of thing, am I right?” Gret surmised.

I nodded.

“Lets see what we can find.”

“I thought you looked pretty, a um cute earlier Drew, you're looking a right Fox now man.” Josh managed to tell me half an hour later.

Between the girls, we had to get Roni involved too, I was now clad in a decidedly girly white blouse, knee length black skirt, tan hose and a pair of slightly too big kitten heels from Gret. Roni had put my hair into a French plait and a quick swipe of makeup completed my Gaby look.

“It's Gaby tonight.” I advised him.

“Drew, Gaby, whichever you still look a canny lass.”

“Thanks I think.”

Dad came into the reception area, “you got the address Dr-aby?”

“Uh huh, on my handy.” I got the message up and handed him my phone.

“I'll just get the Sat Nav going, you lot ready?”

“I think so.” Angela told him.

Dad went out to open up the bus.

“Um Gab? Dress?” Tali prodded.

“Sugar! Won't be a minute.”

I dashed back up to my room and rescued the cause of this evening's disruption. By the time I got back to reception everyone was gone bar Josh.

“Where's everyone gone?”

“Out to the bus man, let me take that.”

“Er thanks.” I let him take the garment bag.

“‘S all right like, we'd best get out.”

“There you are,” Dad stated, “its not far according to this thing, everyone okay?”

It was still a bit damp but the bus seems to have a cosiness about it, at least now with everyone on board. We seemed to stop and start and turn about before we cleared the city centre and the bus finally got out of 2nd gear. Apart from the fact that we were climbing I'd already lost any sense of direction but the Sat Nav quickly announced arrival at our destination.

“This it?” Roni asked.

“It's the address that Gaby has.” Dad replied sounding equally unconvinced.

I had to admit that it wasn't exactly what I was expecting, not that I could tell you exactly what that was. The building we were stopped at looked like, well was an ageing factory building, not looking in the best level of repair.

“I'll ring Sophia to make sure its right.” I suggested.

The phone rang for far longer than I'd expect, thoughts of this being some kind of hoax crossed my mind before it was finally answered.

“Sophia?”

“No it's her mother, to whom am I speaking?”

“Um, hello your grace its Gaby, um Gabrielle Bond? We met at the wedding last week?”

“Ah the von Strechau girl, of course, you and your team are coming to dinner yes?”

Phew, not a hoax then.

“I um that is we don't want to impose.”

“Don't be silly dear, now what can we do for you?”

“Um, well Sophia gave me the address but I think we got something wrong because we're at some old factory place.”

The Duchess let out a chuckle, “no you have the right place, but you need to come down the side to the rear, the house is in front of you, we'll expect you in a couple of minutes.”

“Thanks your grace.”

“Frau Taxis will do, we don't stand on ceremony.”

“Er okay, a couple of minutes then.”

I ended the call.

“Well?” Dad asked.

“It's the right place, we need to take the road down the side.”

“Okay, I'll take your word on it.”

The engine rumbled back into life and Dad steered the bus through the narrow roadway at the side of the factory. The route angled across a yard before passing through an ornate gateway after which we could see the house. It was big, one of those late 19th century piles that often find themselves transformed into apartments or nursing homes, slightly gothic but not obscenely so. Dad drew up next to the ageing Passat and newish C Klasse already parked in front of the mews.

“Flippin' ‘eck.” Josh mentioned.

“You have some interesting friends Gab.” Tali observed.

“We only like met last week.”

“Well no one I know lives in a place like this.” Roni mentioned.

“You know Max, he lives in a schloss.” I pointed out.

“Are you coming or sitting there all night?” Sonja chivvied.

We disembarked and I guess everyone had the same thought, straighten clothing, check hair — even the men!

“Gaby! You made it!” Sophia almost squealed from the top of the steps.

“Eventually.” I allowed.

“Mama mentioned you rang from the road, sorry I forgot to tell you that bit. Come on in, the olds are just finishing the food.”

We trouped up the steps with me at point then followed Sophia into the house.

“Gabrielle, so nice to see you again!” I was quite taken aback as the Duchess air kissed in greeting.

“Hello your Grace, er thanks for inviting us.”

“Its nice to have some company, now who are your friends?”

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 31.05.11  © 2011

Chapter *8.30*

Once the introductions were made we moved through to the dining room where we started again as the Duke was, with Sophia's assistance bringing the food through from the kitchen.
“So everyone, tuck in.” he encouraged, not the right thing to say with this lot.

Dinner

was steak with new potatoes, carrots and asparagus, not bad fare and I guess fairly easy to prepare at shortish notice. The food was excellent and followed by baked Alaska which had even Josh groaning.

“So Dave, how did you end up doing this?” his grace engaged Dad in conversation and his wife was soon in some discussion with Sonja and Angela.

“You guys want to hang upstairs?” Sophia enquired.

“Er sure.” I agreed.

“Mama, we're going to my room.”

The Duchess just waved her consent and we excused ourselves.

We were halfway up the stairs before I realised Josh was missing.

“Where's Josh?”

“Still in the dining room I guess.” Roni suggested.

“You must fetch him Gaby, come on girls.” Sophia instructed.

“Josh!” I whispered, beckoning him to the door.

He took the hint and soon joined me.

“Why didn't you come with us?”

“I thought it was like a girls only thing like.”

“Don't be daft, come on.”

We made our way up to Sophia's room, using the giggling as a guide.

“There you are, come Josh sit.” Sophia suggested patting the bed next to her.

It was a fun couple of hours, some real down time to relax, listening to music, comparing schools, exchanging stories, stuff that by her enthusiasm our hostess didn't get a lot of chance to indulge in. All too soon though it was time for us to leave, it's a long and hard race in the morning and we need a decent nights sleep.

The Duke and Duchess, it was now Ludwig and Marianne, were apparently genuinely glad of our visit and seemed a lot less formidable than they had at the wedding.

“Good night, good luck for tomorrow ladies.” The Duke offered.

“Thanks for having us, I'll ring you when I get home about what we discussed.

“Bye Sophia.”

“Talk soon Gabrielle.”

“Sure.” I agreed.

We were back at the bus before I spotted the dress still hanging inside.

“Sugar!”

I grabbed the frock and hurried back to where the Taxis were waiting to wave us off.

“Nearly forgot this.” I panted, “thanks again for the loan.”

“What are friends for,“ Sophia mentioned, “by the way, is Josh always so quiet?”

“I think he felt a bit outnumbered.”

“He's quite a hunk eh?”

“Er I guess.”

“More rugged than your Max.”

My Max?

“Well I um better get going they're waiting for me.”

“Okay, tschuss.” She pulled me into a slightly awkward embrace, “take care Gabrielle Bond.”

“I will, g'night.”

It was actually only ten thirty when we got back to the Hotel Find so Dad ordered coffee and we settled in a corner of the lounge.

“Everyone okay to do the team talk tonight?” Dad asked.

“Way aye, extra time in bed in the morning!” Josh enthused.

There being no dissention he headed off to get his race folder.

Ten minutes later with coffee at hand he started.

“Okay, big race, one of the key events in the cup competition so pretty much anybody who thinks they are in with a shout will be here. Not only that but it's a fairly tough course, single loop out into the Schwabian hills. There are two primes, Waldstetten at just under fifty and another at Welzheim about twenty later. The feed is between the two at Lorch”

He took a swig of coffee before continuing, “Now whilst the win would be good, and defending Drew's position in the series is important, we are really going for team position this week. Thalia, you are leader this week, I'll talk with you in the morning about that, the rest of you, out on the road she is in charge okay? Drew?”

“Yes Dad.”

“So, this is the plan…”

It was something after eleven before we finally headed to our rooms; I was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

It wasn't far from the hotel to the race HQ that was housed in the Stuttgart Kickers Daimler stadium complex by the Neckar River. As you might expect with a prominent Bundesliga team, think Man Utd. or Chelsea back in England, the facilities were impressive, no mobile showers or changing in cars here. In fact the five of us used the five k from the hotel as a bit of a warm up which allowed the adults in the bus to get set up before we arrived.

Indeed by the time we had made our way there the easy-up was ready with a couple of turbo's and the work stand ready for last minute tweaks. We were doing things in style today, Dieter was preparing bottles and the ladies were filling musettes. We might only be a junior team but we were doing things like the pros.

“Okay team, sign on then back here please.” Dad instructed as we parked our steeds in the floor stand.

“Pretty intense eh Drew?” Josh noted.”

“Yeah but just remember that out there, none of this counts for zip.”

We reached and joined the signing on queue, exchanging greetings with several riders we knew, Hans Braubecker, remember Bremen, was unresponsive — he might be trouble today.

“So,” the clerk started, “Team Apollinaris, Bond, Grá¶nberg, Luchow, Schmidt und Waff.”

“Waugh.” Josh corrected.

“Licence please.”

We handed over our race permits, signed the sheet and received our race numbers — 1 to 5.

“You should really have this Tal.” I mentioned waving my number.

“You're series leader, I'm just team leader.” She pointed out.

“I have to wear that stupid jersey again don't I?”

“Oh yeah, can't have you hiding in the bunch can we.”

We did use the facilities before we returned to the bus where our support team of parents were waiting.

Thirty minutes later and we were waiting for the pre race introduction thing, it's a bit embarrassing but I guess it makes some people's day.

“Good morning everyone and welcome to Stuttgart for the Daimler Benz Já¼ngere Schwabisch Grand Prix. Today we have all the top teams and riders in the Deutsche Já¼ngere Pokal Series who I know are all itching to get started. So without further ado lets introduce our riders. First our series leader, Drew Bond and the Apollinaris junior team.”

We moved out on the stage to where the MC waited.

“So here in the leader jersey is Drew, doesn't look much eh but this is a real pocket rocket taking after mother, Apollinaris professional Jenny Bond. The rest of the team, Joshua Waugh, Veronike Grá¶nberg, Greta Luchow, Thalia Schmidt.” He indicated each of us in turn, “these guys really are the ones on form, in the Bremen Grand Prix two weeks ago they placed five of the first six and have been almost a fixture on podiums this season.”

We took our leave as the MC moved on to the next victims.

“Talk about make us targets.” Roni complained.

“Yeah.” I agreed.

“Look at it this way guys, it puts the others on the back foot, make them work for a result.” Tali stated.

“Aye, when you put it like that like.” Josh agreed.

We collected our bikes, lovingly polished and prepared by Dad and Dieter, and took our place at the front of the start grid. The rest of the field filled in behind us, best part of two hundred of Germany's finest junior riders — with a couple of English thrown in! The introductions took over fifteen minutes even with a lot of simple name checks.

BANG!
And we were off, the start was outside the huge Daimler Benz Museum, we must have made quite a sight as we streamed past the futuristic building. Although rarely in sight of the water we headed up the Neckartal, through Esslingen and into the countryside. The first twenty kilometres took not much over thirty minutes and as we continued into the morning sun the road remained stubbornly glued to the valley bottom sharing the Filtal with river, railway and expressway.

The huge field, as seems to be the current pattern, seemed disinclined to do more than roll along. I was itching for some action but Dad had been emphatic in his instructions and I could see the logic but still. So the five of us kept station near the head but avoiding actually contributing to the pace. Gá¶ppingen hove into view after an hour of fairly easy riding and mentally I geared myself up.

Into the town centre then there was the turn, it's a climb of about eight kilometres to the prime and we need to break this field up. As those in front eased for the corner we used our momentum to slip forward so that all five of us were in the top twenty by the time we exited the corner which is when the real attack started.

Roni streaked off up the outside which caused a reaction from those in front just as expected whilst the rest of us managed a quite effective blocking manoeuvre on the narrow climb. Then it was Gret's turn, another big turn, replacing a tiring Ron, the other front-runners however couldn't afford to not react.

Of course one or two of the more capable riders broke through our cordon but when Josh took his turn the writing was already on the wall, the job already half done. A combination of bunching on the narrow road, the climb and a continually changing pace was already taking its toll on legs that were now accustomed to less gradient and an even pace.

Tali feigned on the right which opened a box for me to take the left, by now Gret and Roni were providing the block and we were out of the town. The road straightened and levelled somewhat but it was too late for a big part of the bunch. The easier gradient had some of our companions easing off but that's the way to be an also ran, we kept the pressure up and a quick headcount had us some forty strong with maybe twenty more dangling in the couple of hundred metres between us and the seriously depleted main peleton.

I could see why Dad had me and Ron ride at Kaiserslautern last week; the climbs here are not dissimilar. The road started to rise again but now our lead group was expecting our attack, so of course we didn't — can't be predictable! We were approaching the top and the prime before there was any movement, not by us but by a lad I recognised from that event in the Schwarzwald last year.

This time it was Josh on sentry duty, much as it pained me not to react it wasn't time yet. I didn't see who took the sprint but now our companions were looking less at me and instead apprising the rest of the group. We re-caught the escapees on the descent into Schwabisch Gmund and the grin on Josh's face told us who got the result at the top.

“Okay?” Tali asked.

“Frustrated.”

“Patience Gab.”

“Yeah.” It's not what I was feeling.

Around the town then along the Remstal towards Lorch and the feed station. We tried to get some organisation going, the main bunch was still within reasonable reach, but it was hard work. It was only when Hans and a mate did actually bridge the gap that things started to get a bit more co-ordinated.

At the feed we grabbed our musettes and quickly transferred the goodies, action was at hand. We turned off the valley road then with a quick confirmation glance we all went together.

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 31.05.11  © 2011

Chapter *8.31*

That was something that even I thought was outside the box when Dad suggested it last night, it was certainly not a move that the rest of the race foresaw. The road curled around to the right and up, not hugely steep but no stroll either. Apparently we were following the ‘Deutches LimestraáŸe', whatever that is, we passed some tower thing then the road swung sharply left and the climb took on more urgency.

Behind us the peleton's response was a bit slow in coming but the reaction did come pretty much shattering the group on the climb.

Meanwhile we had settled into a disciplined rotation, everyone taking their turn, all equal — well okay I was taking slightly longer turns and Josh being less of a climber was moving through a bit quicker. The road twisted up through the woods and we kept the screws turned up, there'd be a chance to get our breath back in a while.

The road levelled some then we turned off to the right, the road dipping across a small river before climbing once again onto something of a plateau.

“Everyone ok?” Tali asked.

“Okay here.” I allowed.

“Way aye.” Josh agreed.

Breathless confirmation came from Roni and a grunted ‘uh huh' from Gret.

“We keep it going through the prime then there's a longish descent.” Our leader advised.

Our tactic had so far been more successful than we had envisioned, certainly no one had come up to us even if our lead was still barely thirty seconds, well that's what the commissar told us, our service vehicle still held behind the chasers. The road jigged around a bit before dipping into Welzheim where we took a left into the village.

We rattled over a railway crossing then followed the lead car to the right whence it took off like a blue arsed what not. Of course the prime.

“Boss lady?”

“Anyone want to take Drew on?” Tali enquired.

“Come on then shrimp.” Josh goaded having already started his move.

“Why you!”

Even though we are technically racing it felt more like a training session, the sprint was not at full throttle, I just slipped past Josh on his blind side — well I've got my pride! The girls quickly came up and now it was back to business.

“Okay Josh, time to do your stuff.” Tali instructed.

I spelled him for the first section after the prime until the road started to dip steeper, the girls staying tucked behind as we raised the pace to around fifty K. where are the chasers? Surely some of them should have made the crossing? Josh swung off after a couple of kilometres and we restarted a rotation to keep the pace up.

“Lenks!” Roni warned.

Finally. There were only four of them, including Hans, and we flicked straight onto the tail wheel to have our first company for getting on towards twenty kilometres. All of the new arrivals were closer to Josh's build, I felt a bit intimidated I have to say.

“Nice move ladies ,” Hans smirked, “but I'm not falling for your crap again.”

I was ready to wipe the grin off his face there and then but Josh held me back, “time enough man.”

It was more mutual need than desire that had us all working together, the service was allowed forward, our lead was growing. There was something under twenty-five kilometres to the finish now as we picked our way through Schorndorf.

We had two options now as I saw it, sit back and leave it to the sprint or try to lose our companions but it wasn't my call today.

“You good for the sprint?” Tali enquired.

“Be better with fewer of them.”

“Okay, we'll try to blunt them a bit.”

She moved to talk to the others before signalling the move.

Gret took a flier from the back and whilst none of the opposition were keen to react they didn't have much choice if they were to stop her escaping. The rest of us just rode the bus much to the annoyance of Hans in particular. Their effort bore fruit and Gret was soon back with us. Tali took off before they could rest much.

Our route followed the Remstal, steadily loosing altitude that was keeping us in excess of forty-five kph, which meant that our attacks needed quite some effort to chase down — especially with the rest of us acting like a sea anchor behind. But would it be enough?

Our downward progress was halted by a long drag of a climb at Kernen/Remstal — we did as little as possible of course. Finally Hans broke — our tactics had finally forced a reaction and he tried for a long one with about five to go. He's a strong rider but not that strong and the rest of us whilst keeping pace let him dangle maybe fifty metres off the front until the road started the drop back towards the Neckar.

At the bottom of the drop we were all together again as we took the sweeping right hander, my team mates now gearing up to lead me, our designated sprinter, out. One to go and it was an uneven competition as first one then another of the girls took a hard turn to keep the pace up then I was on Josh's wheel with Hans and co doing their best to stay in contention.

The line came into view and Josh pulled off to the left letting me through for the final dash. Hans somehow managed to match my pace and we pulled clear of the others, the crowd now becoming quite vocal. There was plenty of road but my adversary was sticking to me like glue and pushing me towards the barriers, not touching but nevertheless forcing me sideways.

At a hundred to go and eyeballs out I was much nearer to the barriers than I could ever want to be, the choice was to ease off or take action and hope the judges were watching. Backing off was never on the cards so I leant to my right not quite contacting but hopefully reversing things to some degree. The bad news was that his greater bulk wasn't budging and it was taking all my skill to hold some sort of line.

I dug into my last reserves and with a final push thrust my bike forward across the line. Things happened in a blur then, he was still pressuring me and off balance with the last push I careered towards the barriers. I hit the brakes, but from like fifty plus there was no way I was going to stop without hitting something. The back wheel locked putting me further off balance then the front hit a grate and bang I was airborne.

“Urgh.” I seemed to have too many limbs and there was a lot of shouting.

Obviously I didn't see, but Josh stopped in a somewhat more controlled manner and leapt through the crowd.

“Drew man!”

The owners of the extra limbs were groaning and cursing, rescuers moved in to help people out of the carnage caused by me and my bike. I did a mental check of my extremities — all working thankfully.

“Drew, you alright like?”

“Think so, gis a hand.”

Josh helped me to my feet, ouch! My ankle must have taken a bang, not broken but certainly bruised. The medics arrived and for twenty minutes the finish area was like a battle zone as the injured were treated, my landing had been cushioned by several spectators who got the short end of the stick, a broken arm, concussion, bruises but thankfully nothing worse considering the velocity me and the bike hit them.

“You okay kiddo?” Dad had only just managed to get through to the first aid tent.

“I'll live, bruised my ankle a bit, shan't be running for a few days.”

“What happened?”

I explained as calmly as I could how I'd been forced into the barriers then lost control trying to avoid a high-speed barrier crash.

Meanwhile.

“Oy Braubecker!”

“Ah the foreigner, beaten by your girlfriend again.”

“What the hell were you playing at like?” Josh menaced.

“Just going for it.” Hans taunted.

“You was pushing her into the barriers like, you coulda killed her!”

“Poor sop, all is fair in war.” He laughed.

“Why you.”

Hans never saw the ham coming; Josh's uppercut lifted him clear of the ground and deposited him on the tarmac.

“You ever try anything like that again and I'll wrap that bike of yours around your neck.”

The look in the Geordies eyes was more than enough to convince Hans that it was no idle threat.

“I've spoken to the judges and lodged a formal complaint.” Dad advised.

He was just about spitting feathers.

“So what happens now? “Roni enquired, we were back at the bus where Dieter was already checking my steed out for damage.

“They were already looking into it, I'm pretty sure he'll be disqualified, there are too many witnesses. How's the bike Deet?”

“Not too bad Dave, tyres are both gone, wheels need some attention but that looks about it.”

It was nearly an hour after the race finish that we gathered for the presentation, the PA screeched and the MC started.

“Sorry for the delay, as I'm sure most of you know there was an incident at the finish involving one of our top riders and several spectators. The good news is that there were no serious injuries although one person was taken to hospital.

The judges have been deliberating and have come to a decision so without further ado let's present the prizes.”

We pretty much knew the result but we had to go through the whole prize list, Josh took the sprinters prize for taking the first prime and getting second to me at Welzheim, Roni was given first girl and of course we took the team prize.

“The day has of course been dominated by the Apollinaris team, I'm sure they never expected to rule the race so completely, this was no easy stroll but it was their day. So in third place, Veronike Grá¶nberg, Team Apollinaris.”

Ron proudly climbed onto the podium to great cheering.

“Second Joshua Waugh, Team Apollinaris.”

A big grin split his face as he took the second step and waved to the crowd.

“And in first place, Drew Bond, Team Apollinaris.”

There was a big cheer as I was helped up onto the top spot, yes, this is what it's all about.

With the presentations over we returned to the bus, where Dad and Dieter had already packed everything in advance of the long drive north. We were already changed and showered so as soon as Dad arrived we were pretty much ready for the off.

“I'd like to get some travelling done before we eat if that's okay with everyone.”

I groaned.

“I've got some energy bars.” Sonja offered.

“Okay then, let's go.”

And so we started the long drive back home. Given that it was now turned three we'd likely get to Dernau around eight, Angela and Roni would travel on tonight by train, the others were going to get some rest at ours before driving north and east overnight.

I settled down, having secured a seat away from the door so I could nurse my ankle, I slipped off my trainers and let the hum of conversation lull me to a restless sleep.

“Drew? Drew? You coming?”

“Huh?”

“Food.” Roni mentioned.

“Oh right,” I swung round in the seat and went to stand up, “ow!”

“You okay kiddo?” Dad poked his head in through the side door.

“Ankle.”

“That looks well swollen.” Roni noted.

“I'll be okay, let me get my trainers on.”

Well it was just my ankle that was swollen of course, I could get the shoe on but it was just too tight to stay on.

“Sugar, looks like I'm staying here.”

“Tell you what,” Roni started, “try these.” She slipped off her ballet flats and passed them over.

“Hmm, doable.” I admitted.

“Gis your trainers then.”

Footwear swap complete I hopped off the bus and we headed into the restaurant of Bruchsal services.

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 02.06.11  © 2011

Unlike the motorway services back in blighty, places like Bruchsal actually have some halfway decent food on offer. We all selected our food and then commandeered a corner of the restaurant.

“How's the ankle Drew.” Josh enquired as we tucked into our food.

I held my leg out to show everyone, “quite swollen and a bit painful.”

“So what happened to Hans?” Gret asked.

“Apart from losing second place?” Tali added.

“Dad? Any idea?”

“The Braubecker lad?” Dad confirmed and at my nod went on, “well they gave him a time penalty for today that effectively put him in last place.”

“Is that all like,“ Josh opined, “he coulda killed Drew man!”

“They've given him a censure on his licence and a €500 fine.”

“So he'll be riding the rest of the series?” Roni enquired.

“There's nothing to stop him,” Dad advised, “mind you after Josh had a ‘chat' he might be less likely to try anything dirty with you guys in a hurry.”

“You spoke to him Josh?” Roni pushed.

“Well like we had a bit of a discussion about things that we didn't agree on like.”

“Anyway,” Dad interrupted that line of discussion, “ I just want to say a few words.”

“Bleh!” I groaned.

“I won't be long, we need to get back on the road after all. Firstly, well done, Tali, I'm going to leave you as captain for the next round, I'm sure Drew in particular would have taken different decisions but I'm proud of you girl, you kept everyone in there which for today was the right way to go.

Clearly both Bremen and today you got results which most team managers could only dream of — enjoy it while you can, the other teams won't let it happen again, you can be sure of that. I'll talk to everyone during the week, you still have weaknesses, Drew's impetuousness, Gret, you need to believe in yourself a bit more and remember that across the summer Drew won't be with you. So give yourselves a round of applause, then we need to get back on the road.”

We did as instructed, the adults joining in, our noise drawing attention to us from the other diners.

The drive home was at least reasonably comfortable, well as comfortable as it gets when every movement gives an instant spike of pain from your swollen ankle. Not that I was awake for that much of it.

“So what's with the ankle?” Con enquired as the pair of us made our way to catch the Express, the others having set off by bike.

“Bit of an accident at the finish.” I allowed with a wince.

“I don't know why you do it, it's so dangerous.”

“What's life without risks?”

“Well the biggest risk I want to take is picking the wrong colour lipstick.”

“Boring!”

“Am not!”

“Race you to the Bahnhof then.” I challenged.

“No fair, I'd win, what with your ankle.”

“See, no killer instinct.” I laughed.

“Why you, Gaby Bond, you!”

At school, after the initial interest in my limp and how I got it I was eclipsed by the latest sport, find the Deb. Apparently Stern has put up a reward to find the mystery blonde, I wonder if I should try to claim it? Of course my friends know who it is but its amazing that no one else who knows me has put the bits together — especially after last weeks school trip.

With my still swollen ankle I was let off training, not that I generally do much on a Monday anyway. I booted up the PC and pulled up my word processor:

‘Hi Bern,

What a week I've had, I hope yours has been less eventful! Did I mention the race at Stuttgart? Dunno can't remember, anyway, last weekend.

The race on Sunday was quite hard and I have to admit I was a bit of a t$@t towards Roni as she beat me, I got second. Then Mum was racing afterwards and she came second too — bit of a bummer.

So anyway, on Monday we had the school trip to Bonn, Anna had this harebrained idea for us all to go in like suits and heels — we had to go shopping in Mainz on Saturday as no one else had any heels more than 8cm. The museum was pretty good; they have one room with like this army made up of those little plastic Playmobil people.

Mum left for Switzerland on Thursday, which was a bummer, but the good news is that Dad said I could go to this con in Ká¶ln next month plus we're going to see the Tour in the Pyrenees.

This weekend we've been to Stuttgart, I mentioned that right, well anyway on Saturday night we ended up having dinner with a Duke and Duchess! I told you about Sophia from the wedding? Well anyway her parents have a house in Stuttgart so they invited us for dinner. Guess who had to borrow stuff to wear!

So yesterday was the big race and guess who won? Yay! Me. Not only that but we got all five top places — it wouldn't have been a clean sweep but the lad who finished second got disqualified for pushing me into the barriers. I had a bit of a ding but I'm alright ‘cept for a badly bruised ankle, which is a bummer as I can't wear heels — not!

Oh btw, got your letter, glad you're making some friends there,

Ttfn

Drew.

I read through it, yeah quite a full week indeed.

The novelty of hobbling around school was wearing decidedly thin by lunchtime Tuesday and the no doubt well intentioned (!) offers of assistance from several of my male classmates didn't help my mood.

“We should decide what we're going to wear to the Con.” Anna suggested.

“Any ideas Gab's?” Steff asked the question it looked like they all wanted an answer to.

“There's not really time for anything too elaborate.” I noted.

“She's right, we should keep it simple.” Nena agreed.

“Simple but what and like we'll need at least three outfits if we're going for the weekend.” Connie observed.

“Well we can use the stuff from the dance for one session.”

“Yeah, good thinking Gabs.” Pia enthused.

“What about some sort of school uniform?” Brid offered.

“They can be quite fussy, how about I speak to Maddy and see what she thinks?”

The afternoon bell sounded halting any further discussion for now at least.

It's been a while since I last spoke to my cousin, not that we don't exchange emails regularly but real live talking might be several months ago. I still don't condone what she did to Bern but she was hardly alone in that was she?

“Peters.” Aunt Carol offered when I made my call.

“Hi Aunty C, is Mad around?”

“Drew? That you?”

“Yeah, you're not still eating or anything?”

“No luv, Maddy's out though, at the time trial.”

“Oh bum, I forgot about that, is she racing? She never said.”

“Occasionally, I think she goes to ogle bums in Lycra.”

“Ew!”

My aunt was chuckling at my reaction, “do you want her to ring when she gets back?”

“It'd be good but its nothing too important.

“Important enough for you to ring rather than email.”

“I guess.”

“I'll get her to ring when she gets back, so how are you?”

“Thanks, I'm mostly okay, bit bruised after the weekend.”

“Bike?”

“Yeah, nothing serious but it still hurts.”

“Say hullo to your Mum and Dad for me and I'll get that daughter of mine to ring. Bye luv.”

“I will, bye.”

Well so much for that idea. I guess I can look to see what I've got in the wardrobe, something might just inspire me.

When did I get all this stuff? Lets see, what's this, oh right that original Chii costume — I am so not wearing that again! Geez how did I let her convince me to put that on — and go out in public. I thought back to the school dance that started all this stuff for me, God it was fun — right up to when I had to sock Clive.

Then of course I wore it again at Dunstable, my first real Con. Now that really was a gas, the fact that me, a boy ended up getting to meet JK dressed as her leading female character. I pulled a book off the shelf, The Goblet of Fire', well thumbed, I mean I've read it several times, and there in the front ‘ To Gaby, the perfect Hermione, Best Wishes, JK Rowling' . Yeah what a blast we had that weekend.

What's next? Hmm pink, I don't remember this, looks like some kind of maid outfit. Oh hang on, I remember now, Manchester well Salford really, Salcon, yeah we got first prize didn't we and met Terry Pratchett. That's right we were the main characters from Tenshi No Koromo; this is the ‘Little Maid' uniform isn't it? — a maybe for Ká¶ln.

Hmm, Foresters uniform — not going there tonight, too much baggage but I've sort of half agreed to join the Ahr Alles Stern cheer team. I wonder what Hannah has got in mind for us to wear?

What's that at the back? Oh yeah the school bag, that was from that thing at Phantasialand last year, at least going as Yuna Kurimi meant I got to wear something at least half sensible — why do all the costumes have such short skirts? Well okay, not all of them but a fair number you have to admit.

That just leaves my Anju costume from the Pfingstentanz the other week. Hmm, maybe I can adapt that for something else and do, I dunno, a school uniform perhaps, which should be fairly straightforward.

My phone chirped on the side table.

“Abend, Bond.”

“Drew?”

“Oh hi Mad, how'd the testing * go?”

“I wasn't racing.”

“Just watching.”

“Nah, I was helping John with the timing. Mum said you fell off again.”

“Not so much fell…” I ended up going over not just Sundays event but everything leading up to it which, with added explanations and so on took over an hour!

“So what did you ring for?” Mad finally asked.

“What did I want? Oh yeah me an the girls are going to this RPG Con in a few weeks, I was wondering if you had any idea what we could do costume wise?”

“If in doubt, bring in the expert.”

“Well another brain cell.” I even ducked on the phone!

Of course with such an open question — well it was knocking on midnight when I finally finished gossiping and discussing options.

“Gonna have to go Mad's.”

“Sugar, eleven already.” Mad observed

“Nite.”

“Yeah that as well, you don't know anything about cyclic algorithms by chance?”

* Alternative term used instead of time trial.

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 07.06.11  © 2011

Although my ankle was still a bit swollen and I've got a few colourful bruises, with the Mittelrhein on at the weekend I couldn't really afford to miss another days training. As a result of such thinking I was up with the sparrows and by six thirty I was honking up the climb into Altenahr. The Mittelrhein is at least not a premier series event, just a regional event on the other side of the river so we get to experience the intricacies of the Westerwald's climbs.

My ankle complained once or twice but given that this was my first ride since Sunday I didn't feel too bad overall. I found myself humming Irgendwie, Irgendwo, Irgendwann (Somehow, Somewhere, Sometime) by Nena, it was on the radio before I came out, it sort of felt like the right sort of rhythm and its one of those tunes that gets stuck in your mind.

The humming turned into what I considered to be a fair rendition of the actual lyrics, which got me a few bemused looks as I rode up through the town. Yep even at this time of the morning there are plenty of people about, walking dogs, going for the paper, getting the breakfast rolls — morning stuff.

Out of the town, over the level crossing and the long sweep past the campsite, I ride this so often that I'm pretty much on autopilot. At the top I took the Má¼nstereifel road and started the climb up towards the Effelsberg, first along the valley bottom then the series of hairpins that lift you up to the radio telescope finally broke my singing/humming.

At the top I took the road down to Mahlberg via the Michelsberg climb, all 500 plus metres of it. That's the hard work over with, now, with very little break, its downhill all the way home. I started humming to myself again, a mixture of Nena, Queen, Sheryl and Shania, the road zipped away under my wheels and I felt on top of the world.

The sky promised a good day ahead, just a few wispy clouds marring an otherwise pristine blue sky. My cadence hovered at the higher end of my range as my twelve sprocket powered me downhill at speeds reaching as high as sixty-five kph. At those speeds, even if you are riding alone, it can get a bit iffy balancing on maybe five square centimetres of rubber with only a very tentative grip on terra firma. It certainly gets the adrenalin pumping!

Onto the Ahrtal road and back towards Altenahr and home, at Ahrbrá¼ck the Express was just about ready to depart, hmm a race is on. I settled into a tuck and once more concentrated my effort on riding, if I can get to the crossing before the train its quite possible to beat it down to Dernau.

Although the zug passed me easily to reach the first stop ahead of me, it did and I didn't which small lead allowed me to reach Kreuzberg still ahead. Yes! It was tight, the alarm started sounding as I half bunny hopped over the lines into Altenahr. To win this one you can't relax and I pushed hard over the bridge, having to dodge early shoppers and delivery vans almost round to the tunnel.

I heard the train sound its whistle as it departed Altenahr Bahnhof just before I entered the tunnel that leads into the gorge. Keep it smooth kiddo, around fire station turn, right, left, brake, right, sprint, brake — the train cluttered across the viaduct high above. The pressure is still on and I get the shorter route to Mayscho០before the loop round to Rech. I was still ahead going past the station, but only just. With a determined last out of the saddle effort I turned into our road and past the Dernau sign as the Express overtook me.

Sitting up and freewheeling I punched the air, yes! Beat it, that's four times since Easter. I rolled along to our ‘palace' and up our drive to come to a halt outside the garage cum workshop. I was still well pumped twenty minutes later as I pulled a pair of tights on, it was too good a day to wear trousers so I'd decided on shorts but the hose meant I felt less ‘exposed' in the quite short shorts the girls almost insisted I bought a few weeks ago.

Hmm, not a bad look I guess, does my bum look big in this?

“Gabs has got her legs out so it must be a good day.” Steff chuckled when I arrived at Thesing's.

“I'm not sure about these shorts,” I mentioned, “they're a bit um short.”

“It's the fashion.” Pia noted.

“I don't see any of you wearing them.”

“We don't have your legs.” Brid complained.

I looked at my pins, “yeah I see your point.” It was difficult keeping a straight face.

“So did your Kusine have any ideas for the con?” Anna enquired.

“She just confirmed my thoughts really.”

“Which are?” Steff hinted.

“Well we can use our dance outfits for one.”

“We said that yesterday.” Pia pointed out.

“She suggested recycling the stuff we wore to that thing at Phantasialand, it'll be easier than starting from scratch.”

“Quicker too.” Anna agreed.

“Its not like we have to go as specific characters or anything.” I added.

“Madchen! Es ist Zehn vor acht.” Frau Thesing prompted.

“Sugar!”

We hurriedly collected our belongings, lunch and bikes and headed off f't nuther day ‘t mill.

The rest of the week was uneventful, sometimes it goes like that — reasonable weather, training — my ankle recovered enough that I even went to the Garde on Friday evening. And so another weekend is upon us.

“Gabs.”

“Who's that?” I'd picked up my squalling handy without looking at who it was.

“Me of course.”

“Eh?”

“Connie”

“Wassup?”

“Fancy the pool today?”

“Thought we were shopping?” I countered.

“It's too nice to traipse around the stores, Pia and Steff are up for it, not tried the others yet.”

“'Kay I guess, what time?”

“Ten at the Bahnhof, we can go to Remagen.”

“Ten it is, tschuss.”

“Tschuss.”

Hmm, a lazy day at the pool, sounds good to me.

Of course even a lazy day needs plenty of organising, what to wear, sunscreen, food, what not to wear! Unlike my friends, I was certainly not dressing to catch the boys, far from it but hey, I can look good if I want to. And if people think I'm a girl I guess that means I dress like one for the pool too.

“And just where do you think you are going dressed like that?” Dad enquired.

“The lido?”

“Don't you think it's a bit, ahem, revealing?”

Geez, parents, its not like it's a micro bikini, I like to be fully covered thank you!

“Da-ad.” I moaned in true hard done by offspring fashion. “I've worn it before.”

“Even so.”

“I'm not gonna walk down the street in just this.” So okay I was only wearing my white bikini.

“I should hope not, in fact I know not.”

“I'm gonna wear a sun dress over this okay?”

“I suppose so, I don't want to be responsible for any RTA's.”

“Da-ad!”

“Just saying, now get dressed.”

We looked a right group of sirens as we waited for the Ahrtal Express to arrive. In the end there were just the four of us, Pia, Connie, Steff and me, all of us looking the height of teen sophistication — well we thought so.

Is it really only a year since I first made this trip with my then new friends? How things have changed, back then I was just about press ganged into wearing a girl's cozzie, well okay they did think I was a girl. Now here I am choosing to wear girl's stuff to go with them — what difference a year can make, especially a year of being Gaby just about 24/7.

“You girls look nice - the Lido?” Myleen cheerily greeted us.

“Yeah, need to top up the tans.” Steff replied.

“Well don't get burnt.”

“Factor thirty.” I brandished a large bottle of the stuff.

“Have a good day, looks like I've got some customers.”

“Bye Myleen.”

“Bye girls.”

The Express eased into platform three and not having a connection to make we took our time exiting the Bahnhof. It's a fair walk to the pool, maybe twenty minutes so the four of us ambled through the town and out towards the leisure complex. The air was rent by much juvenile shouting and general excitement, clearly we weren't alone in our thoughts, and an already full bike park confirmed that.

“Looks busy.”

“More eye candy.” Pia grinned.

“You've got a one track mind.” Connie noted.

“And you haven't?” P suggested.

“I have Gaby.” Con grabbed my arm in dramatic fashion.

“I didn't know you cared.” I hammed.

“You two!” Steff declared.

We paid our entry and joined the throng inside.

“Over there, by the fence?” Connie suggested pointing to a patch of grass on the far side of the enclosure.

“Looks good.” I agreed.

The main pool was fairly packed with people enjoying themselves, not the rigid structure of swim or not that pools at home tend towards. Several volleyball courts had games in progress and the grass was pretty busy with people, mostly girls, sunning themselves under an already warm sun.

Our selected spot wasn't in a prime location of course but it would benefit from less direct traffic and by my reckoning, some shade in a couple of hours. We made ourselves comfortable, blankets, supplies and of course removal of outer garments. (Don't be daft; we all had our cozzies on underneath what we'd travelled in.)

“Geez Gab.” Steff declared.

“What?”

“Your back, you have some lovely bruises.”

“You should have seen them last week.”

“Nice costume.” Pia offered.

“Er thanks.”

“You certainly have an interesting tan Gabs.” Connie observed.

And indeed I go from pretty much white to quite a deep tan delineated by assorted lines from cycling kit, running kit and softened in places by occasional wearing of skirts and dresses.

“Best get some cream on her ladyship.” Steff noted.

For the next ten minutes or so we took turns slathering each other in protective gunk before taking station to catch a few rays. Even though I wear glasses most of the time when I'm riding, the ridiculously oversized, white-framed things on my face now made me feel a bit daft.

There's kind of a protocol at the lido and we were following the expected moves. First you let everyone see you, then you maybe take a dip, go for a drink possibly to be seen after which you might either get involved with some sort of activity that might provide interaction with the opposite sex — and then, well I'm not going any further. Leastways that's what the girls do — not that I'm interested in stage three particularly, no, at all.

“He looks alright, in the red shorts.” Pia suggested.

“Got a girlfriend, that blonde on the lounger.” Steff noted.

How can she tell? I'll never work out how girls know these things.

And so the day started, a chance to relax away from school, bike racing and the daily grind in general. I let the others discuss the boys; I laid back and let the conversation wash over me, soon falling into a happy doze.

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 08.06.11  © 2011

“I'm sure it is.”

“No way, why would she be here?”

“Same reason as us? And I'm sure that tall one called her ‘ladyship'.”

“I'm not convinced.”

“Watch out, the others are coming back!” the first voice hissed.

It wasn't the voices that woke me from my sleep, rather a subtle temperature difference across my legs.

“Look at sleeping beauty.” Steff chuckled.

“And to think she's only interested in bikes.” Pia sighed.

“Am not!” I mentioned sitting up and propping my sunnies on the top of my head.

“What'd those girls want?” Connie asked as she passed me a cold bottle of Sprite  ®.

“No idea, I only just woke up when you got here.”

“You need to do your back.” Pia suggested.

She was probably right, I was starting to redden in the less tanned areas and I so do not want to get burnt.

“What time is it?”

“Nearly twelve.” Con told me.

“Hmm.” I sighed.

“Hark at her ladyship!” Pia chortled.

“Moi?”

“Yes you.”

“Well sit down you plebs, you're keeping the sun from my august body.”

“Certainly madam.” Steff dipped in a faux curtsey; well it's not easy in a string bikini.

“So what did I miss?”

“Not much, there's a couple of lads from school here.” Pia advised.

“Only Freddy and Ralf.” Steff supplied, saving me asking — not that I'm bothered.

I plonked my bottle on the grass before retrieving my book, The Complete Hitchhikers Guide — A Trilogy in Five Parts.

“You still reading that?” Con enquired.

“Its good, you should try it.”

“Maybe if it was in German.”

I hadn't even noticed that I was reading a book printed in English, I guess I've become pretty much bilingual. Not that my German is perfect, not by a long way no sirree, but like Sophia down at the wedding, I doubt many natives would call me on it.

“Excuses, I have to read your German books.”

She blew a raspberry.

I turned over and made myself comfortable.

“You should undo your top Gabs.” Steff opined.

“Whatever.” I shrugged.

“I'll do it.” Pia stated.

There was a sudden feeling of release and moving flesh and I barely stopped myself from revealing everything by rolling over.

“Cheers!”

“My pleasure.” Pia pretty much snorted in amusement.

“Piasena Sebenschuh, you are so bad!” Con observed.

“No fun in being good.”

“You need more cream Gab.” Steff advised.

Splat!

“Ow! That's cold!”

“Well lie still before I think of dripping it somewhere else.” She teased.

“Give the bottle here, best do her feet too, can't be getting burnt tootsies.” Con suggested.

At least Con warmed the lotion up before dribbling it down the soles of my feet.

“You want food?” Pia enquired some time later.

“Hmm?”

“Well you'll have to come with then.”

“Okay.”

Well I nearly exposed myself having forgotten that my top was undone. I dug out Jules' sarong and wrapped it around my waist.

“Your tan is coming on nicely.”

“Better than the patchwork look eh?”

“You need more exposure when you're not riding.” P suggested.

“Not likely.”

We had by now reached the fast food stall that I must admit had been wafting pleasant smells across the Lido for some time. There was a bit of a queue so I spent the wait checking out the scenery around the main pool. Plenty of splashing going on still, the waterslide was attracting quite a bit of attention and noise then away from the water the volleyball courts were all fully occupied too.

“So princess, what's your poison?” Pia asked.

“What?”

“Wakey wakey Gabs, food remember.”

“Erm, hotdog?”

“Anything on?”

“The works please.”

“Yes your highness.”

“So that's, one frikadel, two hotdogs, one with everything and a schnitzel.” Pia placed our order while I continued scanning the playground.

There was something weird going on and I couldn't quite place it, sort of like I was being watched but I couldn't actually see anyone looking our way even.

“What you looking for?”

“Dunno, it just feels like someone's watching us.”

“Creepy, here, you take the ‘dogs, I'll bring the rest.”

I took the proffered comestibles and waited while P did the paying bit.

Some girls were having a conversation which moved to whispers as we passed.

‘I'm telling you Jen, it's her.”

‘What about the other one?'

“Probably a maid or something.'

“Who do you reckon they were talking about?” Pia asked.

“No idea, maybe they're reading a magazine or something.”

“Gott, I thought you'd gone to Bonn to fetch it.” Con joked taking her hotdog from me.

“There was a queue.” Pia mentioned.

“You guys noticed anything funny, like someone watching us?” I asked between mouthfuls of sausage.

“Not in particular.” Steff shrugged.

“Well her ladyship here thinks someone's watching her.” Pia told the others.

“P!”

“Well it's true.”

“You make me sound paranoid.”

“Anyone fancy volleyball in a bit?” Con enquired changing the subject.

“Have to let this go down first.” I opined.

“We'll have to wait for a court.” Steff observed.

“Maybe not,” Con started, “Freddy said he'd hold their court for us if we wanted so who's in?”

I guess it'll be better for me than just laying in the sun.

“I'm in.”

“Great!” she enthused.

“So like who are we playing?” I asked Con again as we walked over to where I could see the Strech's, Freddy and Ralf.

“There'll be someone.”

I'm sure there will.

“Hi Con, Gabs,” Ralf was the first to spot us, “only you two?”

“The others weren't bothered.” Con sighed.

“Well I'm jiggered.” Freddy told us.

“We can't just play against Ralf.” I pointed out.

“How about me an' Gabs versus Connie and Ralf?” I know that voice.

“How long've you been here?”

“All day.” Max admitted.

“You could've said hello.”

“You looked like you didn't want company.”

Was Max my ‘stalker'?

“We playing or having a domestic?” Ralf interrupted.

“Ralf!” we both complained.

“I was just saying.” He stepped back defensively.

“Come on Gab's, you and Max me and Ralfie boy.”

“whatever.” I sighed.

Now don't run away with the idea that I'm this uber sportsman, I'm pretty nifty on a bike but decidedly mediocre at pretty much everything else and volleyball is no different. You might have seen the pro's on the telly or the serious on the beach — scrub those images from your mind as none of us are particularly gifted and the nearest to a spike I can manage is getting the ball over the net. Still we had fun, even if this non contact sport became a little too touchy once or twice.

“So you guys straight home?” Max enquired as he and his buds joined us as we returned to our now in shadow campsite.

“Guess so.” I shrugged.

“Hi Max, guys, how was the game?” Steff enquired.

“A right laugh, you should've come.” Con advised the sluggards.

“Do you guys fancy getting a pizza or something before we head home?” Max offered.

“Fine by me.” Pia noted.

“Okay I guess.” I agreed.

“That's settled then, we'll go and get changed, meet you ladies outside in fifteen?”

“Twenty.” Steff made a counter offer.

“Twenty it is.” Max agreed for his half of our enlarged group.

The boys headed off to the changing rooms.

“Gabriella von Strechau has a certain ring to it.” Pia teased.

“Does not!” I snapped making a lunge for her.

“Me thinks she doth protest too much.” Pia grinned as she dodged my movement.

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 08.06.11  © 2011

Over the next twenty minutes it was all go, no simple slip dress on, go and wait, oh no. For a trio travelling light the girls seemed to have a huge amount of stuff with them, not just clean, dry under things, Con and Pia had full outfits and they all had more cosmetics than I own — well okay maybe not that much — but plenty anyhow.

“Sit still.” Pia ordered.

“Is this really necessary? I mean, we're only getting some pizza.” I pointed out.

“Gaby Bond, wash your mouth out!” Con came back.

“What do you think guys?” Pia asked of my other ‘friends'.

“More eyeliner definitely.” Steff opined.

“More!”

“Sit still girl, I don't want to poke your eye out.” Pia stated.

Given that choice I submitted to my tormentor's ministrations with ill humour.

“Perfect!” Con beamed.

“I better not look like a clown.”

“Not unless they've started looking like sex goddesses.” Steff cackled.

Just what I need — not.

“Shouldn't we be outside?”

“Don't be such a worry bum Gab.” Con told me.

“Well I'm ready.” Pia announced.

“Me too if her ladyship is sorted.” Steff added.

“Lets go then.” P enthused.

‘I tell you, they called her ‘your Ladyship', it has to be her.”

‘I'm sure I heard one of them say her name was Gabriella von Strechau.'

‘See, it has to be her.'

‘Lets see where they go.'

For their part the lads didn't mention our tardiness when we finally joined them ten minutes after the agreed time.

“Sorry guys,” Pia offered, “Gabs.” She rolled her eyes.

“B, but..”

“No problem eh chaps?” Max told us.

“No indeedy.” Ralf enthused as he failed to make eye contact with anyone.

“You um look nice Gab.” Max put in.

“Ay er thanks.”

“Madam would look good in a beet sack.” Steff proffered.

“Steff!”

“I was only saying.”

“Er, you wanna go?” Max enquired.

And so the seven of us started the walk into Remagen for the promised victuals.

What's there to say? We made our way to the ‘Napolina', a combination of restaurant and takeaway in typical German fashion. You can't really eat pizza on the hoof — not and stay clean so we took a couple of tables outside to first wait for then consume our cheese covered cardboard. Now I just want to point out here, this was not a date, not even close, it was food all right.

“I'd best get this.” I mentioned as my handy chirped from my bag. “Er hi Dad, wassup?”

“Where are you?”

“Remagen, just going for the Express now I think.”

“You want a lift? I'm just coming to collect the Grá¶nbergs.”

“There's like seven of us?” I pointed out.

“I've got the bus.” He pointed out.

“I'll ask,” I covered the phone, “Dad's coming down to pick up Roni, do we want a lift back up?”

“I'll take the Express Gabs, it'll be easier.” Pia stated.

“We'll take the Zug too.” Max added.

“I'll grab a lift if it's ok.”

“Me too please.” Con and Steff requested.

“Just three Dad.”

“Okay, thirty minutes.”

“Tschuss.”

It wasn't far from the food purveyor to the Bahnhof, all of five minutes walk and as Roni's train would come in on gleis Zwei and the Express uses Drei we all headed to the middle platform, to wait for the respective trains. The Rheinland Express came in first and Roni and Angela soon emerged.

“Hi guys!”

“We didn't expect to see you here.” Roni noted.

“Me and the guys have been at the lido all day.”

“You've certainly caught the sun, all of you.” Angela mentioned.

The Ahr Express was now in and loading.

“See you guys Monday, Glá¼ck for tomorrow Gabs.”

“Thanks and for the pizza too Max.” I replied.

“No sweat, ciao!”

“Bye ladies.” Rolf added.

“Bye guys.” Con offered, “talk tomorrow P.”

‘I said she wouldn't get on the down train.'

‘So she lives up the valley somewhere.'

‘Ut uh, look they're going back down with that girl with the bike.'

“Dad'll be here in a few.”

“So where are you guys racing tomorrow?” Con asked as we settled on the station steps to await our transport.

“Bad Honigen?” Roni queried.

“Há¶nningen,” I corrected, “we've got a circuit around the Westerwald.”

BEEP BEEP!

The new bus pulled up at the kerb and we collected our stuff up.

“Hi girls.” Dad greeted us, getting down from the cab.

“Evening Dave.” Angela returned.

“Get the door Drew.”

I slid the side door open and while Dad put Ron's bike in the back the rest of us loaded ourselves inside.

“We all comfy?” Dad enquired.

“Yup.” I noted after checking everyone was sat.

The bus chuckled back into life and we started the shortish ride back up to Dernau. The shadows were starting to lengthen and the heat of the day was fast turning to a slight chill, enough that I found myself giving an involuntary shiver from time to time. Despite its head start of nearly ten minutes the Express was only just leaving Dernau station when we reached that point. Steff was staying over with Con so we dropped them at the bakery before driving the short distance on to Schloss Bond.

“So was that the mysterious Max at the station?” Roni asked as she helped me mash some tea.

“Hardly mysterious.”

“He's a bit of a dish.”

“If you say so.”

“Oh come on Gab, you have to admit that he's quite good looking.”

“In his dreams.”

“Next you'll tell me you aren't all dressed up to impress him.”

“I'm not!”

“For someone who's not interested you sure make a lot of effort.”

“It was Pia, she'd have me married and up the duff with Max junior next week if she could.”

“Is that possible?”

“What, getting married?”

“You getting pregnant?”

“Ron, I'm a boy.” I pointed out.

“Not from where I'm stood.”

“Whatever, there is just no way that I'm interested in boys and Max in particular.”

“She says now.”

“Ronnn.”

“Just saying.”

“Well bring those biscuits through.”

“You two riding to the start?” Dad enquired over breakfast.

“Could do.” I allowed, it was more of an instruction than a question.

“We'll follow later, we can always pick you up if you're running late.”

“'Kay, come on Ron, we best get a move on.”

We were on the road just after nine, it's not a hard ride and to be honest we could both do with a leg stretch before the climbs of the Westerwald. Down past Ahrweiler and Bad Neunahr then through Sinzig and onto the Rhein road. Through Bad Breisig and then down to the ferry across to Rheinbrohl. We had to wait for the vessel to return from the far bank during which time Dad and Angela caught up to us. From loading to landing is barely ten minutes and it was only about a kilometre to the race HQ in Bad Há¶nningen.

This isn't a Já¼ngere League event; I think I mentioned that before so the Rond Mittelrhein attracts a wider range of abilities, much like the other week when Ron won. Its also not so long as some of our recent races, so we can maybe make a bit more of a race of it without having to worry about running out of steam.

‘Welcome to the seventh Rond Mittelrhein Já¼ngere Grand Prix sponsored once again by Sparkasse Neuwied. The weather forecast looks good so hopefully we are in for an exciting race. Today's field includes the cream of Rhein Pfalz junior talent, watch out for number 46, Kai Schmidt from Sporting Koblenz, 53, Tomas Torweg from Mainz Endspurt and of course numbers 78 and 79, the girls from Apollinaris, Veronike Grá¶nberg and Drew Bond who are both currently top three in the National series.'

The MC thankfully wasn't going through the whole field; hey did he just say I was a girl?

‘If we could have the madchen to the front please.'

Hey I'll take any advantage they give me. We shuffled through to the front row; to be honest there were only three other girls besides Roni so me sneaking forward wasn't really cheating.

‘We are neutral until we join the main road, so riders; please respect that until you get the green flag. Okay we start in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one, GO!'

And without further ado we were off. We had about half a kilometre to the start proper, ample time for everyone to get clipped in and comfortable. The field was relatively small, eighty-five I think, and looking around we'd lose most of that number on the first climb out of Linz. Its not that I mean to be mean but clearly a good number of the starters were enthusiastic but ‘less' talented.

We swung onto the main road and almost immediately one of the lesser lights made a break for freedom, flippin' ‘eck, lets get warmed up! The move was almost certain to fail in short order but for now I let the enthusiastic of the peleton do the chasing.

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 09.06.11  © 2011

The first few kilometres along the Rhein whilst not super fast were quite intense as after the first attack several more riders attempted escapes so we had a bit of a slow go ride. We didn't have a particular game plan today, there's nothing at stake so Dad's giving us a free hand.

“Any ideas?” Roni asked.

“It'll be difficult to organise this lot if we need to chase.”

“My thoughts too.”

“There's a climb in a couple of minutes, lets get to the front and just ride it, I'm sure we'll lose a lot of these.”

She nodded her agreement and we both set about moving up the order. I soon recognized the approach to the town and in short order they turned us under the railway and into the usually pedestrian only main street. Its not overtly steep but there's no let up now for best part of ten K.

Our move forward meant that we were both able to pick our own line up the narrow street after which we emerged from the cobbles onto the good tarmac that would take us up to the summit. I glanced back as we exited the town and sure enough my prediction was born out, apart from a small ‘elite' group of maybe ten riders, the rest of the peleton was strewn in ones and twos back down the hill.

The road climbed into the forest at something over 10%, which made standing too much and sitting too little. Our little lead group all seemed happy to stick together — at least for now although the pace was quite high. The road swung left then we were out of the saddle on the first switchback. I decided to test my companions a bit so as we approached the next hairpin I clicked up a sprocket and took a trip along the white line to give me the widest possible entry point into the corner.

From the noises behind, curses and gear changes, I knew I'd stirred things up some. I kept the effort up through the village and on towards the top. According to Dad, Vettelscho០is 300 metres above Linz and by the time I got there my legs felt like it was twice that at least. My lead never got much more than fifty metres so I eased off a little and let the puffing pursuers come up to me.

Ron gave me a look to which I shrugged, no point in wasting energy just yet. The road rolled along, climbing again over the new ICE line and the Frankfurt autobahn. The Schmidt lad from Koblenz took a flier as we started the drop towards Buch-holz, could this be the move?

My teammate certainly thought so as she gave chase with some vigour, dragging another couple of riders in her wake. I held off following immediately but as they were soon chased by more of our little group I could dally no longer. I clicked up and sprinted past the others closing the gap swiftly on the now three leaders.

The best way to tackle this is to attack myself and make a bit more clear road for the break so after getting my breath back I sprinted up to and past Roni's group. As I guessed, they all reacted and once more I eased a little for them to join me. Ron nodded with a grin, enough for her to convey her understanding of my ruse. Four of us, just enough to complete the job.

Down into Altenkirchen we got a bit of a rotation going, the others having realised the potential of the situation. Behind us — well who cares! I don't mean that really, the rest of the field were actually coming together and some sort of chase starting to take form.

“What you thinking?” Ron asked as we left the town for the run towards Neuwied.

“Only one more serious climb, keep it going and attack there?”

“How far?”

“Thirty five, forty.” I guessed.

“'Kay.”

The road bucked up and down a little before dropping into the Wiedtal. The nature of the road changed immediately we turned on to the valley road, the drop isn't steep or even but constantly switches back and forth. Our companions were, for now at least, holding their own and with gravitational assistance we were holding fifty most of the time.

We zipped through Neustadt and back under the railway and motorway and into another series of short straights and tight turns, cutting across loops in the river at one turn and tracing its line at the next. It was on one of these turns that I was a little surprised to spot a sizeable chasing group barely a hundred metres behind, sugar.

“Ron.”

“Uh huh?”

“Behind.”

She glanced back, “bugger!”

“Yeah, still at least ten to the climb.”

“Not much we can do, they have more pace on the straights.”

There was no point trying to up our own groups pace as our companions were starting to flag a bit and we could find ourselves hanging off the front on our own. Damn.

We were swept up a couple of K later at RoáŸbach, this lot visibly relaxing and easing once we were swallowed up. There were about twenty in this new lead group and now we were back in the fold any kind of organisation was gone.

“What do you think?”

“Stick to plan A, rest in the middle for a bit.” I suggested.

“I'll stay close.” She agreed.

The road followed a lazy right hand bend of the Wied then at Waldbreitbach we turned sharp left climbing through the village. We dropped back towards the river and the climb reared off to our right.

“Bugger.” Roni noted.

“At the bridge.”

She nodded and we concentrated on making the turn onto the Bad Há¶nningen road.

Unlike the climb out of Linz a couple of hours ago, this one gained the same height just about in barely half the distance. The plan was dented some as we couldn't get in position at the bridge, the road quickly steepened and I made my move.

My experience of hill climbs back in blighty let me balance my effort as we climbed up into yet more trees. Rather than a fantastic sprint up the hill, I just kept a high pace and riders were soon dropping off the back. I went into the ‘Zone' and concentrated on the climb; about halfway up a switchback gave me a view back down the climb.

Riders littered the road behind but I was not alone, three riders were shadowing my effort, Schmidt, Ron and the lad from Mainz. The MC clearly had inside information. I let them past, truth be known, it was less let than they had more pace as we approached the 300 plus metre summit.

Over the top we were still quite tight even if we were in line astern. It's a slightly longer descent but the height we'd just gained we were about to lose and then some! I sat on the back through a couple of tight hairpins then it was eyeballs out down through the trees towards the Rhein.

Almost before I was ready we were back in Bad Há¶nningen and looping around the town to approach the finish on the waterfront. I decided on a long one today so as soon as we hit the straight I went. I even caught Ron on the hop as I accelerated past along the roadway.

The MC was getting all unnecessary but my third eye told me it wasn't because I was about to be caught. I eased slightly and punched the air as I crossed the line. Moments later the others followed, no fairy tale ending today though, Ron being pushed off the podium by half a wheel by Torweg.

Roni did get a consolation though, first girl, she's been gathering a collection of those as big as my wins. Three wins out of the last four starts — even I can't believe it, the nice thing today is the margin, not a tight sprint like Stuttgart or Bremen.

“You riding home or coming up to Mettmann.” Dad asked after the presentation.

Ride?

“Er Mettmann.”

“Let's get the bikes loaded then.”

The drive up to the Grá¶nbergs place was quite easy; we got onto the Motorway at Ká¶nigswinter then bypassed the worst of the Ká¶ln roadworks on the way up to Dusseldorf.

“You two staying for dinner?” Angela asked as we approached Mettmann.

“If it's no trouble.” Dad returned.

“You know it's not, but if you're eating we need to make a diversion to pick something up.”

“Sure, just tell me where.”

Result! No cooking for me when we get home and we might even get some of Angela's choccy cake!

We were directed into the town centre then into the streets of the old town, climbing up above the centre.

“Anywhere just here Dave.”

“Looks like a sit in chip shop.” I noted.

“Well they do sell frites but the speciality is frikadel.” Roni told me.

“Get a dozen Ron.” Angela instructed passing her daughter a twenty.

“Come on Drew.”

We left the bus and crossed to the un-named store and joined the queue for comestibles. People were eating a variety of traditional German fast food in the café part but equally a fair number were ordering takeaway.

“You caught me out at the finish.” Ron mentioned as we waited our turn.

“Doesn't pay to be too predictable.” I noted.

“Well the only prediction we can make with you is winning.”

“Luck is all.”

“Maybe some. Ooh our turn.”

It might serve traditional German food but the staff were of decidedly of Middle Eastern origin but despite the temptation of kebab meat everyone seemed to be ordering, wurst, schnitzel or frikadel, cooked fresh to order.

“Zwá¶lf frikadel bitte.”

“GroáŸ?”

“Ja bitte.”

“Zehn.”

“Danke, that course was a bit weird eh?”

“Difficult to judge, I never expected the peleton to come back like that.”

“Let's sit down to wait, the smell of all this food is getting to me.”

“Me too.” I admitted.

“Maybe we rode a bit too soft, you know on that first climb?”

“Maybe afterwards in the middle sector.” I allowed.

“It was a good race though, I enjoyed it.”

“No crashes, no punctures, podium finish, that's good in my book!”

“Zwá¶lf frikadel!”

“That's us.” Ron sprang up to collect the food wrapped chip shop style in paper.

We walked back out to the bus.

“Food!” Ron announced climbing in.

Gott, all this food and I've still only had a currywurst after the race.

“So what have you guys been talking about?” I enquired of the ‘rents.

“Oh this and that.” Dad allowed slipping the van into gear.

“Oh yeah.”

“I was telling Angela about France.”

“Sounds great Drew, I bet you're looking forward to it.”

“Should be ace.” I agreed.

It wasn't very far to the Grá¶nberg's place; we were there in five minutes.

“I'll get the food started, Roni, put the kettle on please.”

“I keep telling you mum, it doesn't suit me.”

I groaned at her attempt at humour.

Ron took her kit bag and her Mum took charge of the frikadel leaving Dad and me to unload Ron's bike.

“Drew, can you not make an issue of France in front of Ron, I know Angela's finding it difficult to make ends meet, things are tight yeah?”

“But if she asks Dad?”

“Just don't go on about it please.”

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 11.06.11  © 2011

“Rose, visitors.”

I'd been expecting the call, looking forward all week to today my first visit by my folks since my incarceration. I followed the warder out of the lounge and down the corridor to the visitors lounge.

“In you go Rose.”

“Er thank you.”

I wasn't the first inmate in the room; several others were already with their visitors.

“Bernie!”

“Mum!”

I hugged Mum close and Dad joined in too.

“We should like sit down; we're not supposed to stand up for long.” I advised, recalling the lecture on the subject of visit protocol I was given yesterday.

“Okay love.”

This place isn't as bad as you see on the telly; the seating is mostly casual sofas and chairs around low tables, not exactly home from home but not so bad considering.

“Anyone want a cuppa?” Dad enquired.

“Please love.”

“Yes please Dad.”

“Back in a mo.”

Dad went off to the ‘tea stall' to buy some refreshments.

“How are they treating you?” Mum asked the almost inevitable question.

“Okay I suppose, regular meals, fairly comfy bed.”

I could tell Mum wasn't comfortable being here, heck, neither am I.

“We've brought you some things; they said you'll get them later.”

“What'd you bring?”

“They suggested some stuff, toiletries, chocolate and underwear.”

“Great.” I'm not sure what I thought they'd bring but something more.

Dad returned with a tray of cups, teapot and a plate of cakes — I helped make them yesterday.

“Here we go.”

Dad set the tray down then sat down with us.

We sat in awkward silence as Mum did the honours with the tea.

“So Bern, what have you been up to? “ Dad enquired.

“Jack!” Mum admonished.

“What? I was just asking…”

“Its alright Mum, we've got tutors during the week so I've been doing some school work.”

“That's good; you need to keep up your education.”

“It's not like there's a lot of other options.” I pointed out.

“I guess not love,” Mum tried to apologise, “have you been doing the ante natal classes.”

“Uh huh, but it's not the same without Gabs.” I started to sniff.

“Who's Gaby?” Dad asked.

“Germany? Where our daughter has been staying?”

“Oh right.” He allowed looking as confused as ever.

“It's what all Drew's friends call him.” I offered.

“Okay”

“It's complicated Jack, I'll explain later.” Mum told him, “So have you heard from anyone?”

“I've had a couple from Drew.”

“What's he up to?”

“What's he not!”

“He races bikes or something?” Dad queried having finally put two and two together.

“That's Drewbie.”

“So what did he say then?” Mum asked trying to keep the conversation going.

“Well,” I tried to remember what my dynamo of a friend had told me. “He's won a couple of races.”

“He was very impressive when we went to that Roman place.” Mum mentioned.

“Xanten, well he's had a couple more wins since then and he's leading the league type thing.”

“Well that's pretty good.” Dad noted.

“You remember Roni Mum?”

“Angela's lass?”

“Uh huh, well she beat Drew a couple of weeks ago.”

“She's very committed to racing.” Mum mentioned.

“Strange sport for a girl.” Dad opined.

“I think it's cool, Jenny's a pro racer.”

“Jenny?” poor dad really is out of the loop.

“Drew's Mum.”

“Oh right, not the most ladylike sport even so.”

Mum and I exchanged looks.

“I'm sure that's not everything by the look on your face.” Mum pressed.

“Well, did you see about that big wedding in Germany the other week, it was on the news.”

“German Royals or some such?”

“Uh huh, well Gab, Drew was there.”

“Went to watch?” Dad clarified.

“No, as a guest.”

“How did that happen?” Mum asked, “They never mentioned when I was there.”

“It was a late invite from this kid at school, so he had to get all poshed up and stuff.”

“Not exactly Drew's style.” Mum said with a smile.

“You can say that again.” I agreed.

“Hmm these buns are nice.” Dad opined.

“We made them yesterday.” I supplied.

“Well, they're very good eh Mother?”

“Yes love, we'll have to nurture your skills Bern.”

My story telling hadn't banished the tears just provided a temporary dam.

“Oh Mum!” I fell into her lap in a sudden flood of tears.

“Hey, hey, hey, it's alright love, I'm here.”

“But sniff you're not sniff here sniff all the time. I get really sniff scared.”

Mum held me tight, stroking my hair and gently rocking me.

“I'll er just pay a visit.” Dad excused himself.

I'm not sure how long we stayed like this, Mum's presence was reassuring and my sobbing gradually abated until we were just holding each other. It must have been quite a while as the next thing I recall was dad gently shaking my shoulder.

“Bern love.”

“Dad?”

“Yes love, me and your Mum, it's time.” He advised.

“No.” I hugged Mum tighter.

“Come on Bernie, it'll be alright.” Mum started to pry me lose.

“We'll be back next week love.” Dad added.

“I miss you guys.”

“It's not for long and you've got the baby to look forward to.”

Not sure if that's quite how I'd describe the result of the serial rape I suffered at the hands of Sean and his mates — I can't even be 100% certain that he is the father. — No I don't even want to go down that path.

“Bern? Love?”

“Hmm.”

“You gonna be okay?”

“I guess so.”

“We have to go love, Dad mentioned, “The guard is coming over.”

I released my grip and then I was being led away, I glanced back and gave a quick wave, Dad was holding a tearful Mum — I won't look back again, its too painful.

I went back to my room, cell, whatever and wept more tears.

“You alright Cher?” Jack asked as they walked out of HMP Whitton and back to the car.

“I don't know that I can do this again.”

“We have to luv.”

“My poor baby, I don't think I can stand seeing her so sad, she was so full of life in Germany, so many friends too.”

“I know luv but we have to be strong for her and for our grandchild.”

“I hope she's gonna be alright.”

“Come here.” Jack pulled his wife into an embrace, the two taking some solace in each others presence. The two of them stood there for some minutes until the first spots of rain descended from a leaden sky,

“Let's go home love.”

“My poor baby.” Cheryl sniffed.

“She's warm, dry and safe luv.”

“I know, but she's alone.”

“We knew this might happen, we talked about it.”

“Talking's not the same as reality Jack.”

“Come on, you can tell me about the mystery regarding Drew Bond and we'll stop to eat in Retford.”

I woke to a knock on the open door.

“Rose, your stuff from your parents.”

“Um thanks.”

I took the bag of stuff from my gaoler.

“You okay lass?”

“Yeah, its just seeing them both seeing me here.”

“It gets better lass, dinner in thirty.”

She left leaving me to investigate what Mum had brought for me. I tipped the contents out onto my bed, half a dozen pairs of knickers, a couple of bars of Galaxy  ®, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and a couple of magazines. Hmm what's that under the mags? I pulled out the stuffed toy, the one that the guys in Germany got for me. My waterworks went into overdrive as I sat hugging the bear and rocking, this is so hard.

I'm not sure that I can cope with the visits, I'd just about come to terms with my incarceration but today, the last couple of hours have brought home just what being at Her Majesty's Pleasure means.

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 12.06.11  © 2011

“Fancy a change of pace next weekend?” Dad enquired.

“I thought it was the Three Countries.”

We were sat, as we had been for twenty minutes, in a traffic jam at Leverkusen, Dad having elected not to hang about too long after Angela had fed us.

“That's Saturday, how'd you fancy doing a time trial on Sunday?”

“Instead of the RTF?”

“Unless you'd prefer that?

“How far?”

“Forty I think it is.”

“Count me in!” I enthused, “is Ron doing it?”

“Possibly, its not part of the programme so its her call.”

“'Kay.”

Thoughts of me demonstrating my masterly time trialling technique flashed through my head, after all it's in the genes, Mum did finish second in the Mexico Worlds trial two years ago after all.

The frikadel were repeating a bit, not that there was anything wrong with them, but maybe combined with salad and followed by not chocolate cake but a rather pleasant strawberry torte topped off with cream. Hmm maybe it isn't just the frikadel.

“Good ride out there today.” Dad mentioned as we inched forward.

“We both kind of misread it though.”

“Oh?”

“We thought we were away clear but the bunch came back up to us.”

“Right, but you still won.”

“Yeah but Ron missed the podium probably because we had to attack so near the finish.”

“You might be right,” Dad allowed, “so what could you have done differently?”

“Not sure, maybe attacked harder at Linz, we pretty much rode the climb at our own pace, we could have had a bigger buffer at the top and still recovered enough for the descent.”

“That might have worked, what about if you'd stayed with the main bunch and kept things together until the last climb?”

“Difficult to do with just two of us.”

“I'll give you that.”

“Might also have left more of the opposition fresher.” I suggested.

“Well if it makes you feel better, if I'd been handing out orders today they would have been pretty much what you did, I expected your break to have more members which would in turn have weakened any chase. There are too many variables to get it right every time.”

“Soo Gabriela, when are you and his Baron ness seeing each other again?” Anna asked.

“We are not seeing one another.” I stated through gritted teeth.

“‘S'not what I heard.”

“Look, we just happened to be at the lido at the same time, ask the others.”

“Already did — I was sure you'd crack.”

“Let her be Anna.” Steff chided my interrogator.

“You're no fun.” Anna pouted.

“By the way,” Brid started, “I managed to book the rooms for next week.”

“Go on, how much?” Nena enquired.

“Sixty five a night.” Brid supplied.

“Sixty five!” Pia screeched.

“That's for the room not each.”

“Hmm, I guess that's not so bad.” Con allowed.

“I reckon if we all chuck in sixty five it'll cover breakfast too.” Brid suggested.

“Oh yeah, I asked Dad yesterday, he'll take us up on Friday afternoon in the team bus.” I added.

“That saves a bit.” Steff noted.

We sailed through the gate and down to the bike park, our arrival at school halting further discussion.

With the school year drawing to a close, we finish next week, a lot of our courses are either drawing to a conclusion or winding down with assurances that there'll be plenty of homework coming our way in short measure.

Its not just school that's winding down, Friday will be my last day as Weinká¶nigin; we are all off up to Pia's for the announcement of the new incumbent of the title. Of course there's no escaping having to get gussied up for it either but at least, in theory, I can drop the pretence of being a girl.

So as you might expect the rest of the week was fairly uneventful, a bit of teasing over Saturday but for those living in the upper valley, Fridays approaching festivities were the main subject of conversation.

“Six thirty.” I confirmed before ending the call.

Geez this sucks, if I remember from before, the carriage ride is hardly the most comfortable journey and I have to wear a ridiculous dress too. At least I won't be alone; Connie and Analise get to suffer with me, all the way from Dernau to Rech, clippity clop.

“Can you give me a hand Jules?” I shouted down the canyon of the stairwell.

“If I must.” She moaned back.

“Pretty please?”

A minute later Goth Gurl was stood in my room having hysterics.

“You've got to be kidding.”

“Hey I didn't get to pick it!”

“It looks worse than what Charlie had to wear at her cousins wedding last year.”

In truth it wasn't so much the dress itself, quite an elegant floor length sheath that doesn't show too much of my assets, no it's the colour, a rather unforgiving lime green with a sort of purple fleck.

“Could you like zip me up, I can't reach.”

“Well you wouldn't get me in something like this full stop.” She opined pulling the zip into place.

“At least it's the last time they get to do this to me.”

“Given your recent track record you don't need help, I suppose you want help with your hair too?”

“Please?”

I tottered around to the town square in my revolting frock and strappy sandals to join the others who got to wear slightly less revolting dresses. Frau Sebenschuh was on hand to do the final primping, fixing of tiaras, fitting of sashes and so on.

“Nice dress Gaby.” Analise offered with a smirk.

“I swear the committee go out of their way to dress us like clowns.”

“But you make such a lovely clown.” Con offered joining us.

“Okay ladies, if you can just stand over by the pferde, Gaby in the middle.” Herr Sebenschuh requested.

We posed as requested while the official photographer took more shots of us to add to the hundreds all ready on file from the last year. Pictures of us in dirndls, ball gowns, me in running kit, at the old folks home, the Rathaus, last years presentation — the whole nine yards.

After ‘David Bailey' * had finished we were helped up into the open carriage where we posed for more photography before the horses were encouraged into action.

“It'd be quicker walking.” I noted waving to some folk on the roadside.

“Not in these shoes.” Con mentioned.

“My feet already hurt.” Analise supplied.

The horses clopped steadily up the road towards Rech, the centre of our local wine producing industry. The ride took nearly half an hour and my posterior didn't enjoy a centimetre of it.

“And here they are the outgoing Weinká¶nigin, Gabrielle Bond and her court Constance Thesing and Analise Freiholz.” The MC announced our arrival to the sizeable crowd gathered in the Sebenschuh's car park.

We were helped down from our transport and escorted to the stage area.

“So Gaby, have you enjoyed your year as Weinká¶nigin?”

“Its certainly been interesting,“ I allowed, “and very enjoyable.”

Well you have to ham it up a bit at these events.

‘Are you sure?'

‘I'm telling you, she's the spit of her if its not.'

I looked around to try to identify the whisperers but in the see of faces there was no chance.

“And this years Weinká¶nigin is — Charlotte Olberg!”

The poor sacrificial cow almost skipped onto the stage to join her new entourage. Of course as outgoing title holder I had to crown the new queen, not as easy as it sounds given she was nearly ten centimetres taller than me. Still job done, I was now officially retired from office.

“Gab!”

“Hmm?” the presentation was over, well my part of it and I was all but forgotten.

“Over here.” Pia's voice encouraged.

I looked about and finally spotted my friend waving me over. Well my curiosity was piqued so I sidled my way through the crowd.

“What's up?”

“Come on, we can have a little drinky poo.”

“Drink?”

“I've got a couple of bottles stashed.”

I'm not usually a drinker of more than a few mouthfuls of fermented or brewed product but for some reason, well heck, I deserve a drink!

“Come on.” She encouraged so, stopping only briefly to remove the torture devices on my feet, I followed her into the labyrinth of cellars that inhabit the hillside behind the family business.

“Where're we going?” I got out after a couple of minutes.

“You'll see, nearly there.” P replied.

We moved out of the main areas of wine production and into smaller and less travelled areas.

“Through here.”

By now my shoeless feet were getting quite cold and I was ready to give up on this fools errand.

“She coming?” a familiar voice enquired.

“She was behind me, Gabs?”

“Here.” I allowed joining the small group in the cellar we had arrived at.

All my girls were here, Analise too, Pia's sister Ingrid and more surprising, my own elder sibling.

“We've already opened one.” Ingrid advised.

“Here you go ladies.” Anna handed each of us a small glass of what I guess was fermented vine juice.

“Are you sure this is okay?”

“Sister mine, you can be such a square.” The dark one pronounced.

“Am not.” I huffed and promptly knocked back the contents of my glass.

“Plenty more where that came from.” Ingrid stated dashing some more into my empty glass.

“Take it steady Gab, we've got all night.” Con mentioned.

* Iconic British Photographer (or Maddy Bells uncle!)

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 13.06.11  © 2011

Ooh my head!

“Are you listening Drew?”

“Er?”

Dave was in no mood to be sympathetic to his offspring's current demeanour, finding both your teenage daughters more than a little the worse for wear in a private drinking party had hardly put him in the best of humours.

“You got all your kit?”

“Think so.” My head was spinning, why is everything moving?

“I want to see.”

“'Kay.” I dragged my bag onto my lap, “shoes, helmet, socks, hmm I wondered where I put that,” I mused dangling my bikini top in one hand, “shorts, knickers, bra — hmm looking a bit ratty, ah jersey.”

Dave shook his head in disbelief.

“Are you dressing to go?”

I looked down at myself, struggling to focus on what I was wearing, PJ's, what's wrong with PJ's?

“Go, now!”

I think Dad's a bit annoyed.

Twenty minutes later a slightly more sober junior Bond climbed into the bus, after trying to put a pair of jeans on he'd settled on a skirt, one hole instead of two and a cami — no sleeves to fight with.

“What happened to you?” Ron enquired.

“Someone decided to go drinking last night.” Dad mentioned from the front.

“Didn't mean to.” I groaned.

“Cute outfit.” Ron noted.

“Whatever.”

The drive down to Bitburg was a bit of a blur but my head was starting to clear by the time we parked up. Mind you I had to lose my stomach contents soon after, urgh, still I felt better after.

“You sure you're okay to ride?” Roni asked as we queued to sign on.

“I'm not exactly ill.”

“Even so…”

“Someone had a bad night.” A lad I kind of recognised mentioned with a grin.

A vague idea sparked between my ears.

“Big party,“ I allowed, “and I'm on.”

“Drew!” Ron hissed.

“TMI girl!”

Yeah I hope so, and it'll be all round his mates before we start.

“What did you tell him that for?”

“A girl has to use all her wiles.”

“But you're not a girl, you can't be on.”

“Technically correct on both counts but I'm stood here looking more girly than you so he thinks its true.”

“What are you planning Drew Bond?”

“Bit of a bluff is all.” I grinned.

“Girls?” the licence clerk prompted.

The Three Countries is a bit of a con even if it's strictly true. We start in Bitburg, not far from Trier, cross into Luxembourg then across the principality to Bastogne in Belgium before returning via a slightly different route. Race distance is 160km and it's a league two event, which means there's only half the points on offer compared to Stuttgart. The other thing of course is that it attracts a few non-German riders, fresh blood for Team Apollinaris to feed upon!

“Und hier ist die Fá¼hren auf die serie, Drew Bondt.”

I stepped forward and gave a ‘forced' smile to the smallish crowd; hopefully I looked like crap and not someone to be feared. The MC continued his spiel for several minutes, giving everyone a few moments of fame.

“You sure that's the Drew Bond?” I heard asked nearby as we lined up for the start.

“Yeah, I saw her at Stuttgart, looks like crap today though.”

It was a look I had intentionally cultivated with the help of Roni's makeup bag. Whilst my head was still pounding a bit I certainly wasn't the wreck I woke up, maybe if I get a result today Dad'll go easier on me over last night — not that I remember that much about it.

Some local dignitary made a short speech and then waved us off for a days riding. The first few k's whilst not actually neutral were uneventful as everyone got a good look at the opposition, me an' Ron included. Some of the furreners look pretty handy and several of the Homeboys could pose potential threats.

The road was quite wide and more rolling than hilly until a drop and climb at about twenty. The peleton seemed content to hold a watching brief, which about half a dozen riders tested on the first climb proper immediately we crossed our first border of the day.

Whilst I was itching to participate in the chase, this week it would be wrong and it would blow my cover. Instead the pair of us kept a watching brief only joining the chase when our main foes had taken action. It's a risky plan but hopefully it will fool the rest of the field into believing we aren't gonna be contenders today.

The peleton was pretty much together as we descended into Vianden, a couple of lads off the front but their chances of staying away are fairly slim given the distance we still have to race. Through the old town and then we started the first of a series of climbs which will take us across the Petit Suisse area. The Mont St. Nicolas switched back and forth as we climbed steadily towards the almost 500m summit.

Whilst still not 100% my noggin was by now much clearer — especially after being a little sick halfway up the climb. Pretty gross I know but it cleared my stomach of the remaining alcoholic residue — that wine last night could be quite acidic.

“You okay?” Ron enquired as we started the next bit of climb.

“Yeah, I'll live.” I replied with a wink.

“Hmm, your eyeliner's smudging.”

My glasses currently being hooked in the neck of my shirt to stop them from steaming up on the climb.

“You got a tissue?”

I knew she did, I saw her put the packet in her jersey. She fished in her pocket and passed one across to me.

“Cheers.” I wiped my eyes, “better?”

“Well you look less like a racoon.”

The peleton climbed easily on the good surface and from our position in the middle it was easy enough to monitor the front-runners doing the bulk of the work. This is the highest bit of today's course if not the toughest and there were some great views — not that you get much chance to look at them when you're racing.

At Consthum we started a descent into trees and a steep switchbacky drop which had lots of very vocal braking as the keener riders tried to out brake each other. Normally that's my game but not today, no today is all about patience. The village at the bottom, Kautenbach, was a bit tight and there was nearly a pile up when we turned over the narrow bridge to take us onto the long twisty ride up the river towards Wiltz.

“Ron!”

“Wassup?”

“You ready for some action?”

“The climb your Dad mentioned?”

“Uh huh.”

I'd been studying the maps earlier in the week and this upcoming climb was the point I thought looked most dangerous.

“Through the village, there's a bit of a rest halfway.”

“Best move up some.” Ron noted.

By the village we had moved to within ten riders of the front, no flashy effort just a place here, another there all the time opening up the road ahead. Houses hid the start of the climb proper, some were obviously a bit caught out by the sudden steepening as we took a right-hander, I dropped a gear and made my move.

“Shit!”

“On the left!”

The warning shouts as usual came too late for immediate reaction, especially as the climb already had most riders well down the gear ratios — too low and you can't get extra pace and when you are doing less than twenty kph changing back up would be disastrous.

Despite the surprise of my attack I didn't get away entirely cleanly, I could hear the huffing and puffing of several riders giving chase, hopefully one is Roni. I didn't dare check behind, keeping the pace high and, after the initial move, steady. Up out of the saddle again around a tight left-hander then a chance for a breather through Winseler.

A quick check revealed that just four riders had joined me in escaping; Ron was lanterne rouge, the others I recognised as being from the Belgian contingent taking part. We weren't clean away, behind Roni several more riders were trying to bridge the gap.

“Nice move girly.” One of the Belgians advised in badly accented German.

“Not done yet.” I pointed out before taking a swig from my bidon.

“I know, these are my training roads, Michael.”

“Drew an' that's Roni behind.”

“We all know who you guys are, your crash at Stuttgart made the cover of Cyclesport . Let me and the guys take you up here.”

I'm not sure if it was chivalry or wanting to set the pace, but the offer was good for me.

The five of us made short work of the climb and once at the top we joined a much better road where we started a good rotation.

“Neutrals up.” Roni mentioned.

“Great, just need to keep it going.”

“So what's with these guys?”

“They know our palmares * so they'll be watching for more moves.”

“Containment then.”

“Yeah.” I agreed.

We swept across the border into Belgium and shortly afterwards into Bastogne. There was a bit of a crowd assembled from the shoppers whose day was being disturbed by a bike race. Michael was looking a bit nervy, oh of course the prime, well best give these guys their moneys worth, now where is it?

A PA system was blaring out in unintelligible French and a glance by my new Belgian friend was enough hint for me to snick up a gear as we made the second left-hander. Yes, there it is, I was out of the saddle and just about got the drop on the others. The crowd were quite vociferous and I reacted by pushing a bit harder to take the line about two lengths clear. I'd probably tried a little too hard but it felt good especially after how I felt this morning.

“They weren't lying.” Michael gasped out as our break came back together.

“What about?”

“Your sprinting, looks like we'll have to try to lose you before the finish.” He grinned.

“You can try.” I smiled back.

Roni came up, “feed in a kilo. Trouble?”

“Maybe but not yet.”

Dad and Angela were vocal in their support as we took our musettes.

“Fifty seconds, weathers closing in.” Dad advised.

I nodded my understanding, looking ahead I spotted what our direction had effectively masked, dark clouds rolling towards us from the east. If we are lucky we won't get wet but looking at it it'll be how wet and I'm thinking very.

Our little group reassembled into one cohesive unit and got down to the job of increasing or at least maintaining our lead on the run back to Bitburg.

* A riders results

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 15.06.11  © 2011

We retraced our outward route for several kilometres before heading more southward along a road of wide sweeping corners and a distinct downward tilt. The five of us worked well together and unlike last week's gentler ride we weren't taking any prisoners.

There wasn't much to see although there were occasional glimpses of a large body of water off to our right before we plunged down to meet the Sá»re at over 60kph. Over the river then the painful realisation that all that downhill would have at least an equal uphill. At least the climb started without too much gradient but as we prepared to depart Heischtergronn (where do they get these names from?) the road heaved itself upwards into the forest once more.

The sound of running water to our left was a constant reminder of the currently out of sight black storm clouds that we were on a collision course with. When the road swung to the left a little over a kilo into the climb we got a chance to spot the chasers below, looked like six of them probably two minutes down, for now we just needed to keep things together.

“Those clouds are looking dodgy.” Roni noted as we finally pulled out of the trees and could get a view over the summit.

“Reckon we're gonna cop for some before we're done.”

“What do you reckon to the chasers?”

I took a pull from my bottle, “they've got to work hard to get up here, I'd prefer a smaller group if it gets wet.”

We'd been climbing piano but we were all now preparing to get back down to a rotation.

“Michael?”

“Drew, what's up?”

“Any thoughts?”

“Apart from the likelihood of rain? If we keep the pressure on I think we'll break the chase on the next climb after that it's along the valleys for a good distance, fast roads and after Ettelbruck not much in the way of cover.”

“Best turn things up a bit then.”

Michael made the universal sign to crank things up to his countrymen who nodded in understanding, these guys are tough cookies, certainly more tenacious than most of the Germans we race with.

We broke the summit and quickly formed into a fast moving rotation, short turns to keep the speed up aided by the downward tendency of the road.

Bucraacksh! Brrrnggg.

It wasn't even close but it was loud and echoed around the surrounding hills, oh boy, this is gonna be fun. The current descent was over six kilometres long and the rain hit as we hit Feulen still some thousand metres before the next river crossing. It started as intermittent but heavy drops, traffic coming towards us was using lights and the sky was black as night.

We were actually on the climb, a short but fairly sharp affair, when the rain really started to bounce down. The temperature dropped and I had to remove my glasses to be able to see anything. The five of us managed to keep it going and then there below us was Ettelbruck where we'd join the Sá»re valley that would take us down to the Sauer and the German border.

The drop into the valley was fairly straight; our chasers would possibly see us, well if the rain ever let them see down the road. We were soon into the outskirts where one final steep descent dropped us into the town proper. I think we were each glad of our time at the front as it meant we weren't getting spray as well as the falling wet.

Negotiating the town was a bit dicey in places, wet manhole covers and greasy corners, slowing our progress some. A few hardy souls stood at the side of the road sheltering under huge umbrellas, cheering us as we sloshed past then we were out of the town and on the straighter, flatter road I took the chance to pull my race cape out.

It could have been a recipe for disaster, an attack right now would have me floundering. Instead, seeing my move, the others effectively called a truce and those who had them joined me in slipping the plastic macs on. Bit late I guess but they'd keep us a bit warmer if not drier on the long riverside ride.

The thunder and lightening rolled away behind us but its departing gift was more of the wet stuff which in places was already causing some minor flooding, Dad's gonna have a right job with the bikes later. Our speed was still a respectable thirty five and so far everyone was still pulling their turns.

If you've never been on a bike in this kind of conditions my advice is don't, avoid at all costs! Whilst our capes were now getting our body temperatures back up we still have wet feet and can barely see more than a few metres ahead.

“Whoa!”

“Sugar!”

We all had brakes jammed on as we came up hard on the back of the lead car which had had to wait for a stupidly huge campervan to clear the bridge over the Sá»re at Reisdorf. Clearly we lost time but also momentum, we were nearly at Wallendorf and the Sauer before we had things back together again.

So far the chasers were still just that but I think that bit of delay, maybe thirty seconds, focused all our minds on that still real threat. A few years ago the next bit of a route wouldn't have been practical but these days we can cross the river and the border with impunity, we don't even change the coppers leading us on our way until Echternach.

Over the bridge and onto SauertalstraáŸe which first hugged the river closely then climbed a little through the forest, drop and repeat. The trees did little to hold the rain at bay but we managed to keep the train running past the next bridge and into the climb of the Pá¶lsenhof. Water was running down the road transforming it into a torrent several centimetres deep at times. Our progress slowed to a slog but eventually, well it felt like an age, we found ourselves on a more level bit of road, all thought of a rotation temporarily forgotten.

“The neutrals dropped back Drew.” Roni informed me.

“Bugger, not again.”

“Hmm looks like about three, maybe four.”

“They'll be more tired than us, Michael?”

“Uh huh?”

“Company.” I motioned behind.

“Only a few, let them come or make them work?”

“Work I think.”

He nodded in agreement. The grim faces of the others showed determination, why should we let anyone else into our select group without a fight.

The train was formed and the speed increased as the rain decreased, small mercy at least. Wet hairpins are not a favourite but we safely negotiated not one but two on the drop into Bollendorf then let fly down the main street and across the bridge back into Luxembourg.

Bit between our teeth, we were soon rotating at over forty along the slight decline towards Echternachbruck. The neutral service came back a couple of K outside of the crossing point at which point it was tempting to ease off but common sense prevailed and we continued our effort right into the town. There were quite a few people about, it's a bit of a tourist place, and their cheering lifted our dampened spirits a little.

“Shit!”

Bang!

Suddenly we were a pile of bodies and bikes.

Whatever the cause we were all quickly pulling bikes apart and the others were moving again. Not me, my front wheel was mangled, bum, bum, bum! The service guy was pretty good but even so, by the time I was moving again the chasers were on me, in fact past me.

I set to and managed to get on the back of them as we crossed back into Germany for the final time. The rest of ‘my' group were easily within sight, maybe two hundred metres ahead but now these new arrivals had the upper hand. Into the trees once again, up a short climb before crossing under the autobahn and back down to the river.

Roni and the others, now a bit the worse for wear were still keeping a good pace but my new companions could smell the front so were still catching them at a steady rate. We turned away from the Sauer into a smaller valley that would have us climbing pretty much all the way to the finish now only twenty five kilometres distant. The first stretch was still in the trees so that the dripping masked the cessation of hostilities from the heavens as we climbed determinedly up to Irrel and then a short drop into the Nimstal.

The gap was closing, from my station hanging on the back of the four, the other four were clearly identifiable, I guess I'd best get back up there. River and road emerged from the dripping trees into a brighter and precipitant free landscape, the clearly newish road making the job of returning to the front much easier than the lumpy ascent up from the Sauer. Decision time, work with these guys or go it alone and hope some of the others can follow. Nine wouldn't be too bad, make the approach easier certainly — nah, lets go for it.

Michael and co were clearly aware of the danger from behind and were now holding steady. I took a turn through the chasers; let them know I'm still in here but mostly to check out the lie of the land. And there it was, a rise up to the next village. I timed it so that I was on the front as we crossed the river but instead of through and off I went through and on! Up the gears, out of the saddle and stomp on the pedals.

The gap was maybe a hundred metres; I closed most of that by the time the road flattened out into a long straight. Then it was into time trial mode to close the remaining distance to a lead group who were not only aware of my approach but reacting to it. We were bypassing the next village before I made contact, gratefully slipping onto Ron's wheel.

A quick check behind confirmed my read of the chasers, my attack had broken their cohesion, oh they were still following along but instead of one unit they were now split into three, each of which effectively riding alone.

“Didn't think we'd see you again.” Michael mentioned as I followed through.

“Only a bent wheel.” I offered, the others seemed to have a few scrapes and so on; Ron looked to have bashed her noggin by the scrapes on her helmet.

“I reckon we've got about five left.” Michael calculated.

“Let's make sure they don't get another chance.”

The roads were drying, the sun out and I was tempted to get rid of my jacket but taking off is fraught with more danger than the putting on and I could do without another tumble. Ron was quiet, the strain evident in her face as we kept up a goodly forty K on the last climb — so okay it isn't much of a climb and I guess there was a slight tail wind.

As we dropped under the motorway we all shook hands, a race well ridden but the final metres would be open warfare.

“Up for this Ron?”

“My legs are gone.” She admitted, “I'll try to give you a bit of a lead out.”

“I've a feeling everyone has rubber legs.” I grinned.

“Glueck Gabs.”

“Care.”

The approach was down an arrow straight road into the town, each of us unwilling to show our hand too soon meant we rode almost line abreast until the little dog leg that put us on to the main shopping street. The finish is at the Rathaus at the far end of the pedestrian precinct so we have a curb to negotiate and a fairly narrow approach to within twenty metres of the line. Not much room for manoeuvre or error.

Although it was normal half-day opening, and being nearly three o'clock now, the majority of shoppers seem to have hung around to watch our finish. We hit the pedestrian zone, two fifty to go, and Michael made his move. Neither of the other Belgians had anything to answer with and Roni faired little better leaving me to give chase.

Come on legs, don't give out now! Eyeballs out, I hit the gear change one last time and surged forward, you can do it Drew! The red mist started to descend as I chucked everything into propelling the bike forward.

Then Michael was coming back at me, he'd blown big style less than fifty metres from the line. I punched the air, yes! The Drewmaster does it again! I freewheeled across the line before slumping into Dad's waiting arms.

“I did it!”

“I guess a lecture on the evils of alcohol on race nights won't cut ice right now.” Dad sighed.

“And in third place for Team Apollinaris, Veronike Grá¶nberg!”

There was a goodly cheer as Roni, now sporting a dressing on her temple, climbed the podium.

“Second place from Dynamo Houffalize, Michael Desgrange.”

After the cheering died down it was my turn.

“Our winner of the 2005 Dreilander Jungere Grand Prix, Drew Bond!”

Yay, another double podium. If I'm honest, if Michael hadn't blown I don't think I would have taken him, but he did, so I did!

“So what's it to be?”

“Peppered steak?” well that's what I fancied even if we were sat in the Dolce Vita on Bitburg's Market place.

“Roni?” Dad asked.

“The tagliatelli please, I could eat a horse.”

“We aren't in Belgium now you know!” I retorted.

“Is that your phone Drew?” Angela enquired.

“Yeah but whoever it is can wait.”

“Now that's the first sensible thing you've said all day.” Roni grinned.

to be continued....

Maddy Bell 15.06.11  © 2011