The consultation with the doctor that afternoon was short and to the point. When Jen asked what options she had besides surgery the doctor was blunt. “I’m afraid surgery is our only option,” the doctor told her as she sat with Dave in his office.

“So when do we do this?” Jen asked.

“As soon as possible. If you’re ready, we could do it in the morning.”

“So, are the chances good?” Dave tentatively ventured.

“I’d say it’s maybe 50/50, but that’s better odds than if we don’t try.”

Well, this has been a right strange Christmas, to say the least, what with Jen being gone, and the kid’s lack of enthusiasm for the holiday…I never thought I’d see the day when my children weren’t up at the crack of dawn to open presents. No, this year, I even slept in a bit and was still first up. I guess it’s safe to say Jen’s absence has been the main reason for the strangeness. Thank God she’s finally coming home. I can only hope she’s going to drop this charade and tell me what’s really going on. I have to say I hope I’m not correct, frankly, but I think I have a fair idea what’s coming. We shall see…

“So what’s got you upset? Aside from just seeing her?”
“She’s gone back to Peters.”
“Changed her name, eh?”
“Yeah”
“I don’t suppose that’s too big a surprise, although the timing does seem a bit sudden. Is that what’s bugging you?”
“Yes, at least partially. I had built up in my mind that there was a chance we could make some progress toward reconciliation, but once I found out about the whole name business, I said I couldn’t stay and left.”
“I think I can understand that. And if she’s thinking clearly, I’d bet she can as well.”
“That’s the thing, I’m not sure what she’s thinking. And the other thing that’s bothering me, is she isn’t looking well.”
“Now that could be your imagination. Your subconscious looking for something that isn’t there. And even if what you’re saying is true, maybe it’s just the flu or something. As much as she’s been traveling, it’s bound to have worn down her resistance quite a bit.”
“True”
“Listen Dave, you hang in there. If anyone can make their way through this, it’s you. Just give it time. Everything will work out.”

This story is a fanfic based on Maddy Bell's Gaby series and has been available on Maddy's website for a while now, but I haven't really been able to get a feel for what readers thought of it. So I've decided to post it here and hopefully there will be a few souls willing to share their opinions. I'll be posting the subsequent parts daily until it's done. Thanks.

What is with Sandy? Sandy seems none too thrilled with Em at the moment. Is it justified? Will Em survive what is happening between them?

Rhod/Em is trying hard to keep from being found out by Rachael, the ballet dance instructor. Rachael is still wondering why Em can't do the moves most women can easly do. Will she find out about Em?

Em is also worried about her date with a boy later in the day. How will she cope with that? She didn't want to go out on this date in the first place, which Mary is pushing her to be beautiful and sexy for.

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The kids from England end up going on a field trip to Luray Caverns. Em notices that Gaby seems to be moving very femininely and she is happy for a change. What is up with that? Did Gaby become a girl? It's interesting, I never noticed before, but Gaby smiles just the same way Maddy does? Gaby hardly ever smiles, so I never noticed this before. It's nice to see Gaby in a good mood for a change. Maddy seems to be a bit glum though, Why did she ever come wearing a blouse, skirt, hose and open toed, low heeled sandles to a cavern tour field trip, who is she trying to impress? That sure was dumb on her part.