Gabymas

Gabymas

Drew quickly checked the gears before throwing a leg over his steed and getting comfortable. Not that there was much involved, just a quick squirm on the saddle before flipping the pedal up and clicking in. after all the riding that he'd done over the years he barely noticed doing any of it, it was pretty much automatic. A quick glance behind, push off, engage second cleat and with an unconscious bottom wiggle, he was on the move.

The roads were familiar of course, he'd lived here for six years now, man and er, girl. Yeah that still irked, all his paperwork identified him as Gabrielle Bond, spinster of the parish but inside he was still Drew Bond, male heir to the Bond fortunes. Of course he'd always been a bit of a paradox, at Uni he'd tried to 'be' Drew at first but by the end of the first semester he'd given up.

Of course it didn't help that he worked part time as a waitress and it was hardly a secret that he'd represented Team GB more than a couple of times - on the girls squad! No, there was no getting round it, Gaby was here to stay and Drew was - well maybe not entirely gone, let's just say not on public view. This morning though, none of this was in Bond junior's thoughts, no, this ride was to blow away a few cobwebs after a busy time at Uni which had left no time to ride for best part of December.

The lack of riding provided a few kinks to stretch out but with the Wunderkind's level of latent fitness it would take more than a couple of almost bike free weeks to cause issue. It was a bright if cool morning, the roads damp but not slick and it felt good to be alive as the first couple of kilometres disappeared under the wheels. Passing the end of the lane to the von Strechau pile he craned his neck to see if Max was about - not likely of course as he had gone to University in England, Sheffield of all places, to study business management. It's not like there was anything between them, Drew had no intention of becoming the next Baroness, ut uh!

Then it was past the Fischer's wine Stube; was it really over three years since Claudia's M S got the better of her? We did throw quite a bash for her Weihnachtsmarkt didn't we? Although tinged with sadness the memories of that day still brought a smile to her face - snow in July and that ridiculous angel outfit, yeah, a day to remember.

The short climb up into Altenahr was more painful than it should've been, no one at the Tanz club this time of day of course. Gott, that was a Christmas to remember, all that snow and a second dose of midwifery, coulda done without that, ruined a brand new coat too . Have to give Fabe a call, Gab will be three, geez how many people have two babies named after them, little Andrea and Gabriel, the little monkey.

A couple of dog walkers waved a cheery greeting, she was after all a minor local celebrity . Up to the circuit I think. With the climbing over for a few k's she settled into a steady cadence, which allowed a quick transit up to Adenau. There wasn't much traffic about, which was just as well given Bond junior was riding on autopilot .

The twisting climb to the top of the circuit finally woke her from dreamland, a glance at the comp made her wince at how slow she'd been riding - fully an hour. Still the descent is worth the effort - once you get to it of course . The Ring was unusually quiet, even motor heads must take a break sometime, she picked the pace up a bit down the long straight, hitting the Ahrbruck turn a click under 50kph.

No time for day dreaming down here, over the years she had perfected the right line through all the corners, when to make the bike light, just how fast you can go. Of course the appearance of a tractor or a new repair can get the adrenalin pumping something mad . If you thought about it, descending like this with just a couple of centimetres of rubber, a couple of piano wires and luck being all that's between you and disaster, you'd never do it, that front wheel skip, the 70kph bunny hop, oh yeah, that keeps it real okay.

With the bottom of the road approaching the tiny form eased off the pedals and let the lack of gradient start to scrub some speed before the junction.

Beep beeeep beep!

If there's one thing that gets on bike rider's nerves it's a car driver tooting at you for no good reason . T he wunderkind was just about to make a very unlady like gesture when a familiar voice stopped her mid gesture.

"Gabeee!"

From two fingers to friendly wave wasn't too much of a giveaway of intention not that Mart would notice anyhow. Pretty much out of necessity he'd been the first to get a driving licence and with a young family it was even more crucial that he could do the Dad's taxi bit. Of course you don't know do you, Mart and Bernie's long distance relationship wasn't working out too well so last year, much to her mother's consternation Bern moved out here on a permanent basis. They aren't actually married but she is living up at the farm with Drea after spending a while at Bond acres.

Martin eased his first generation Volvo 4x4 alongside and the shoutee poked her head out of the window.

"Heya , Gabs."

"Wotcha , Bern, where's Drea?" I enquired spotting the vacant child seat in the back.

"With her Oma so we can go Christmas shopping."

"Nice, hi Mart."

"Hi Gab."

"Been for a ride?"

Geez Bern, the bike and kit not give it away? " Yeah, needed to blow away a few cobwebs. So where you guys off to?"

"Only Bonn, they've got an offer on those animal things she keeps on about in the Puppenhaus."

"Good luck with that."

"You are coming up tomorrow?"

"Wouldn't miss it for anything." W ell not quite true, I'm not really a party animal am I?

"Remember it's a costume party , " Mart shouted over.

"Sorted." Well I hope it is, I'm going up to Anna's later.

"See you tomorrow then, tschuss."

"Bye."

Mart gunned the engine and pulled away, not a minute too soon as we were at the junction.

Our sleepy valley was waking now so there was more traffic down through Altenahr, enough to warrant caution but not so much as to be a real issue. Of course once through the tunnel I started flicking up the gears building up to a ride-ending sprint for the Dernau sign. I rode round into the town centre, grimacing at the reminder of my Weinkönigin stint, my mug shot adorning one of the plates in the roll of honour. Rather than go straight home I pulled up outside Thesing's to see Connie.

“Hello stranger!”

“Hi Mrs T, Connie about?”

“Up in her room, go on up, you want coffee?”

“Ooh please, it's a bit fresh out there.”

Frau Thesing was already at the Gallia heating the milk with the steamer, “ So how's the Schwarzwald?”

“Full of trees and tourists, I'm glad to be home for a bit.”

The coffee machine gurgled and splattered a bit as hot water was pushed through the coffee before dripping into the cups.

“There you go , Gaby, remind her ladyship that she needs to put the washing on.”

“I will, thanks for the coffee.”

Cycling shoes, stairs and a tray of coffee isn't a great combination but I somehow managed to negotiate the obstacles without mishap.

“Co-on.”

“Gab?”

“In the flesh,” I replied as she emerged from her room, “here take this, I need your lav.”

Tights and a jacket might be fine when you are riding but you soon cool off when you stop inevitably requiring a bladder emptying session. Deed done I went looking for my coffee.

“Con?”

“Living room.”

I popped my head in the door, body following in short order.

“Thought you'd fallen down the hole.” Con grinned.

“Flippin' cheek, nice to see you too.”

“Come here you dumkopf.” She pulled me into a hug despite my sweaty togs, “ It's good to see you Gabs.”

It was nice to be hugged like this, I don't have this kind of close friend at Uni and whilst I see Roni and the girls quite a bit it's not really the same as with the Angels.

“Good to be here, where's that coffee?”

“You and your coffee, on the table. ”

I retrieved the steaming vessel and took a long pull, “ H mm, that's better, it's freezing out there.”

“Well you aren't exactly wearing a lot are you?” Con pointed out.

“It's all thermal.” I pointed out.

“What about your bra?”

“Well no, but this jacket's toastie when I'm riding.”

“If you say so.”

“Oh your mum said to put the washing on.”

“Slave driver, I get a week off work and I spend it doing housework!”

“Really?” I doubt that was true.

“Well okay, maybe not that much. So you going tomorrow?”

“Like I'd miss it, I saw the Preiser's while I was out, they were off to Bonn to get Drea's presents.”

“That kid gets spoilt to bits.” Con observed.

I shrugged; I mean I'm possibly one of the worst culprits.

“You fancy coming up to Anna's later?”

“I've got to run down to Ahrweiler for Momma, could pick you up and go straight to Anna's from there?”

It's a bit of a long way round but what the heck, “ S ure, what time, I said I'd be up there about three.”

“Two?”

“'Kay, I'll get off then, we can catch up later.”

“Make it half one and we can get a coffee , ” Con suggested.

“Fine, don't forget the washing . ”

“Huh!”

“See you later , Con.”

“Love you too , Gabrielle.”

Grrr, she does that to wind me up, my name is not Gabrielle; well okay perhaps it does say that on my passport and stuff but I'm Drew and always will be, so there!

 

I parked my bike in the garage about five minutes later and headed upstairs.

“Good ride luv?” Mum enquired.

A couple of years ago Mum would've been out with me but whilst she still rides now she's retired from racing it's for pleasure rather than work.

“Yeah, went up to the ring, always clears your head.”

“So what're you doing the rest of the day?”

“Con's picking me up later to go up to Anna's.”

“You not seeing Bernie?”

“Saw them when I was out.”

“I was speaking to Cheryl while you were out.”

“Oh?”

“They're coming over for Chrimbo.”

“Bern never said.”

“She doesn't know, it's a surprise.”

“Where are they staying?”

“At the Preiser's, Erika's had a devil keeping it from Bern especially with Big Ears around.” Mum grinned.

“Pwhorr , sis, get a shower!” Jules suggested as she swanned into the lounge.

“Just going, at least I got out of bed this morning.”

“We didn't get in until late.” She whined.

Oh yeah, she's brought Boris with her, I can't believe they're still together.

“Whatever, so where is the paragon of manhood?”

“Still asleep.”

Not surprised after the session they had last night, best not say anything tho'.

“Shower Gabs.”

“Yes Mum.” I did my own whine.

The shower was soon playing hot H 2 O across my body, quickly thawing bits that it's impolite to rub in public and easing tension that I hadn't realised I had. So the Rose's are coming over eh, Bern will be blown away. It was nice to have a decent shower; the one at my digs in Freiburg is so erratic it's unbelievable.

“Ga-ab – you want some lunch?” Mum yelled up the stairs.

“Bitte.”

“Five minutes then , luv.”

Best get some clothes on then, hmm, if I'm gonna be trying stuff at Anna's I'd best put some hose on.

“You look nice luv.” Mum observed when I reached the kitchen.

“Er thanks.” I allowed taking a seat by the pile of sandwiches she'd made for me.

“You back for dinner?”

“Not sure,” I looked inside the bread, bierwurst and cheese, “I'll ring if I'm not.”

“Okay, remember we're going to Köln in the morning.”

How could I forget, that's why I'm going to Anna's today not tomorrow.

“I remember.”

I'd barely finished my sandwich when a tooting outside announced Con's arrival.

“I'm off , ” I called through to the lounge as I grabbed my coat.

“Take care , kiddo.” Dad offered, having just returned from a morning in the office.

“Later.”

Con was tapping away to some Germopop dirge; I don't know how she can stand the stuff. Her Dad bought the car for her 21 st, it might not be new but it is a Fiat 500, lucky cow.

“Wotcha.”

“Heya, nice boots.”

I'm not sure if she was being sarcastic, they are battered work boots but they look okay with jeans.

“They're practical.” I told her as I pulled the seatbelt on, “ It's not like we're going anywhere posh.”

We ended up sat in a Backstube catching up on the goss for over an hour before we headed over to Anna's. Con eventually dropped me home a little after nine with a bag containing the makings of my party costume.

“Come on , kiddo, get your bum in gear, Mum's itching to get off.” Dad noted the following morning.

“I don't see why I had to get dressed up, I'll freeze my bits off.” I complained. Well okay maybe that's an unfortunate turn of phrase given my situation but you know what I mean.

Dad shrugged; pleased I think to have escaped this excursion to the crowded shopping streets of the big city. No it was me that drew the short straw for today so here I am in heels, dress and a layer of face paint collecting hat, gloves and scarf.

“Get yourself something nice.” Dad stated pressing a hundred euro note into my hand.

“Da-ad!”

“Don't tell your m um okay, go on now, have fun.”

“I'll try.” I allowed before giving his cheek a quick peck.

Mum's business, the vineyard remember, is surprisingly actually making money, not a lot but enough to finance the Porsche 911 on the drive, not the most practical car but Mum's always wanted one.

“Couldn't we use the Merc?”

“You're father's fetching the tree this afternoon and anyway most people would like a ride in a Porsche.” Mum pouted.

“This things a nightmare to get in and out of, especially when you make me wear a dress and heels.”

“Pah! Shut up and get in or there's no Printen*.”

Bum, she knows my weakness .

 

I clambered into the primrose yellow Stuttgart speed box, a bit of a squiggle got me into the seat without exposing too much.

It's not a long way from home to Köln, a mad woman in a Porsche can do it in a little over an hour so by ten thirty we were climbing out of the car in a car park just off the inner ring.

“I'm getting the train back!”

“He shouldn't have pulled out.”

“He was signalling.” I observed.

It's a wonder that Mum's playing tag with a Polizei BMW on the autobahn hadn't landed us in the schmuck; luckily the officer just shook his head and waved us past, but really, 210kph! At least I know the brakes work; the two black stripes on the tarmac are testament to that .

“Coffee?” Mum offered.

“You're buying.”

“Never said I wasn't, we'll go in Globetrotter, they do a mean double espresso.” She enthused.

Who stole my mother and left this mad alien?

And so we walked along to the huge Globetrotter store and made our way to the restaurant for said coffee. The double shot of caffeine soon settled my nerves and whilst I would happily have stayed to sample the buns on offer Mum had other ideas.

“You want a look?”

“If you like,” I shrugged.

“We don't have to.”

She clearly wanted to so with a shrug I followed her into the store – maybe not the biggest outdoor store around but certainly one of the more thorough. We headed to the top floor then worked our way back down through acres of camping kit, boots, bags, books, jackets and even boats. Of course, like a moth to the light I was drawn to the cycling department, no actual bikes but plenty of stuff for the trekkers – not really my thing but it never hurts to know about stuff.

Mum meanwhile was collecting a variety of guides and maps, looks like the olds ' holiday in April might be a bit more active than Dad's expecting . It was rocking on eleven thirty by the time Mum had paid up and we were ready to hit the streets again.

“Where now?” I enquired, it's not like I particularly wanted to come today.

“It's not far to Neumarkt, it'll be all open by now.”

“'Kay.”

I don't know Köln that well but Mum's map-o-graphic memory, she was a geography teacher in a former life, soon had us joining the already thronging crowds at the Weihnachtsmarkt filling the open area of Neumarkt.

“Hmm, that smells good,” I noted.

“Look first, eat later.”

“Whatever.” I sighed eyeing up the frikadel sending eat me signals from the stall.

I've been to the Köln markets a few times and of the three main sites this is perhaps the most civilised, fewer grockles seem to get here and the locals prefer it as a place to hang out. That in turn means that the stalls have less tourist tat and the atmosphere is much friendlier than at the other sites. I tagged along behind Mum as she led the way through the crowds; stopping to look at stalls selling everything from tin toys to cheese.

“What do you reckon , Gab, get your dad some Limburger?”

“It's your fridge.” I opined, I wouldn't want it in my apartment let alone the fridge!

“Hmm, maybe a bit of that Stilton then, your dad is a bit partial to blue.”

“Like I said, your fridge.”

“Alright, go and get your sausage, I'll meet you at the Glühweinstube.”

“Yes! Er you want anything?”

“Seeing as you're going get me some regular champignon.”

It didn't take me too long to get the food, by the time I got to the Stube Mum had two steaming mugs of Glühwein stood by her on top of a huge barrel being used as a table.

“Ooh, they look good, thought we'd have a warmer with it.”

I'm not going to argue with someone supplying me with hot alcohol!

“Cheers, Mum.”

“These mugs are nice.”

“Yours is different to mine.” I observed.

“Engel Markt am Neumarkt, Köln 2010, you should get some for the girls.” Mum alluded to the Ahr Angels.

“If they want one they can get their own, I'm not made of money.”

“I'll get them.” Mum offered.

“There's eight of us, don't be so daft.”

“No arguing, you're all growing up, how many more times will you all be together? No more arguing, my treat, you've all been good friends, stuck by each other but you all have your own lives to lead so make the most while you can eh?”

“Yes, Mum.”

She was right of course, we've already started to spread about, university, Pia's boyfriend is Spanish so she's talking of moving to Madrid, Bern'll be married next year, I'll go full time on the World Cup circuit. Yup the Angels are starting to fly the coop – bit of a mixed metaphor but you know what I mean.

After that we headed down through the Schildegaße, I needed some hose for tonight so we paid the Kaufhaus a visit which was a good enough excuse to hit the Dinea for lunch. I didn't want too much, there will be food tonight – there's a rumour Bern has actually learnt to cook! Energy levels restored we headed down to Heumarkt where there was a huge outdoor ice rink.

“Want a go?” Mum suggested.

“I've not skated for years.” I mentioned.

“Me neither, so what do you say?”

“Go on then.” It did look like fun, even if I wasn't exactly dressed for it, but there again , neither was Mum!

We had thirty minutes on the ice, thirty hilarious minutes of falling over, crashing into each other and doing something we really have never done like this before, bonding. Yeah we've ridden bikes together a few times, done family holidays and stuff but the two of us have never bonded. I pretty much ran away to Uni, Mum was heartbroken I know but I can't take that back, maybe doing stuff like this can start filling that gap. And it's fun too.

After another Glühwein for me and a hot chocolate for mum and with the afternoon light starting to fade we started making our way through the alpine themed Altmarkt stalls where I managed to get some real Aachener Printen, yay! By the time we reached the Dom market the light was well on its way.

By its location alone it attracts more visitors than the other markets so we shuffled our way through the crowds. Mum bought me a pair of earrings, cute little drops – look , I need to look like a girl all right? I bought more food, a bag of butter spekulatius, lightly spiced biscuits, with the Dom moulded on them.

It was actually dark by the time we headed back to the car park laden with books, mugs and food. We hit some traffic heading out of Köln but once on the autobahn Mum put her clog down and somehow we didn't hit anything as we sped south back to Dernau and the Ahrtal. It was gone five when we got home, Dad's taxi is leaving at quarter to seven so I need to shake a leg .

I never told you what Anna's got me wearing tonight did I? At my age I really should be a bit more forceful, being out manoeuvred when you are fifteen is one thing, when you are nineteen going on twenty it's embarrassing. It could've been worse I guess but as usual I got talked into something a step or two beyond my comfort zone.

“Gaby Bond, you hussy!” Jules exclaimed when I descended to the lounge at six thirty.

“Yeah, I'm not that keen myself.” I mentioned, plucking at what I was barely wearing.

“So exactly what are you dressed as?” my sister enquired.

“ It's some manga character apparently.”

“Clearly one that doesn't feel the cold.” She sniggered, “ B etter not let Boris see you in that.”

“Why? In case he wants you to wear it?”

“As if I would!” Jules snorted.

I raised an eyebrow.

“Well maybe.” She allowed.

The costume can best be described as brief, not much more than knickers and bra hence my earlier purchase of a flesh coloured body stocking – not the most comfortable garment to wear but it's better than strutting about in your underwear! I grabbed my long coat and had it done up before Dad came to find where I was.

“You need a ride home?” Dad asked after we'd collected Con and Anna at the bakery.

“My d ad'll fetch us if we don't stay over.” Con advised.

“Good, I can have a drink when I get back then.”

“Alright for some.” I muttered.

“Poor Gabs, cheapest date in the valley.” Anna giggled from the back of the Mercedes.

“Huh! I resemble that remark.”

It's a bit of a sore point, I just don't do alcohol, at Uni I have to sit with cola whilst my peers lay waste to the union beer supply.

I think I've said before, but it takes nearly thirty minutes to drive up to the Preiser's place although as the crow flies it's less than ten kilometres away. There is a direct road, well track really, it's exciting on a mountain bike, I can't imagine driving up it. The yard already had several cars parked up, flashing lights and euro rock leaked from the barn doorway.

“Have a good time girls.”

“We will.” Con replied.

“Thanks Dad.” I offered before doing the cheek peck thing.

He swung the big estate around and headed off towards home.

“Looks like nearly everyone else is already here.” Anna noted.

“Isn't that the Strechau's car?” Con mentioned.

“How should I know?” to be honest I didn't recognise any of the cars except Mart's.

“ Let's get inside.” Anna suggested taking control.

“Hey guys, I thought I heard a car.” Bern came bounding out dressed as – well Tigger. Why couldn't I have something like that instead of miss naked?

“Hi Bern.”

“Come on inside, it's freezing out here.”

No kidding!

We trooped inside to where the action was.

“Angels twelve o'clock!” a voice called out.

“Nah it's only half seven.” Another replied which raised a laugh from those inside.

Of course the party wasn't just for the Angels and whilst I recognised some of the faces others I didn't, no doubt friends, significant others, etc.

“Gab, you made it!” Steff just about squealed.

“I said I would.”

“Come meet Armen.”

“Let me get my coat off woman.”

“Yeah, you have so got to see Gab's costume.” Con told everyone.

“Well come on then Gab, let's see.” Bern encouraged as Mart draped an arm around her shoulder.

Sugar.

The coat came off and it felt like all eyes swung towards me. I'm not naked, honest!

“Whoa, that's brave.”

“What a body!”

A chorus of “Anna!” followed.

“Well I didn't think she'd wear it.”

“We are talking Gabs here Anna,” Brid observed.

“The blonde who makes dumb blondes look bright.” Nena added.

“Gab, coat, with me.” Bern ordered grabbing my wrist.

“Sometimes that girl is so dumb!” Bern spat as I tottered across the yard behind her.

“Where're we going , Bern?”

“To get you some clothes.”

“Bern, that you?” a woman's voice called out as we went into the house.

“Yes Mama, bit of a costume malfunction.”

“Okay.”

I let myself be led upstairs and into what I guess was Bern's room.

“Put on my bathrobe, you'll freeze to death.” She pointed to the end of the bed, “Now let's find you something to wear.”

Bern is of course 15cm taller than me and correspondingly bigger everywhere else. My friend dived into the wardrobe and started making grunting noises. Heavy footsteps came up the stairs shortly before Mart's head appeared around the door.

“Everything alright?”

“Will be when I've found her some clothes, Mart get out! We'll be back in a few minutes.”

“Okay.”

“Sorry about him Gabs.”

“‘S alright, he has seen me in a bikini a few times.”

“Even so, aha, here we go, it's a bit short on me but I reckon we can put your hair up and voila , instant Mr Darcy bait!”

“Eh?”

“You'll see, you got any underwear on?”

“What you see; sorry bout this Bern, I should've realised Anna was playing.”

“You, Gaby Bond, are too trusting.”

“I guess.” I allowed.

“Here, I picked up the wrong size.” She dropped a pair of knickers in my lap, “ You can use my bandeau top for your boobs.”

Ten minutes later I was doing a fair job of impersonating an eighteenth century maiden and our return to the barn caused somewhat less commotion.

“You okay Gab?” Steff enquired.

“I'll live.”

“Look I'm sorry Gab, I never thought you'd go for it , ” Anna apologised .

I was actually a bit pissed with her but like I'm as much to blame really, what was I thinking?

“Come on , guys, let's boogie!” Pia enthused.

It was a good party – I did have a couple of drinks, you can't not but they were only spritzers so I was some way short of the ‘Gaby falling over' stage.

“Fancy a dance?” a voice enquired from behind me.

“Just taking a break, ” hang on that voice, “Max?” I spun around.

“That's me.” He grinned down at me.

“I thought you were in England?”

“No way, have you seen their poor excuse for Christmas?”

“Not recently.”

“My flight was delayed otherwise I'd ‘ve been here earlier, hug?”

Okay already! I know what I said before but like it's only a hug right? Well maybe a bit of tonsil hockey but we're just friends.

Things started to wind down about eleven, bodies departed, phone calls made.

“How are you getting home?” Max enquired.

“I'm not, some of us are staying over for like an after party.”

“Room for one more?”

“As long as you don't mind sharing.” Bern grinned.

And so the more intimate, quieter gathering got underway.

 

“When she said sharing this isn't what I had in mind.” Max observed.

“Tell me about it!” Armen replied from the other end of the bed.

 

“You never told me you'd passed your test.” I accused next morning.

“Well I can hardly be a farmer's wife and not can I?” Bern suggested.

“I guess not, he's asked? When?”

“Geez Gabs, if you'd put Max down last night you might have heard him ask.”

I reddened, “ Er so when's the um, nuptials?”

“After the baby's born, probably August.” She advised while negotiating the Volvo through Altenahr.

“August, should be, hey you said the B word, you're not?”

“Up the duff, yep Drea is gonna have a brother in July.”

“You might have to get another midwife, I'll be racing.”

“And you are so good at it.”

“I'd prefer not to have another go, Gabriel was a bit too real.”

“So what about you and Max?”

“What about us?”

“Gabs.”

“Okay, nothing, we're just friends.”

“If last night is ‘just friends' I don't know what you're gonna do for second base.”

“Bern!”

“We all thought your knickers were gonna melt.”

“Give over . ”

My mind wandered back to the previous evening of debauchery – I guess I did spend quite a time curled up on Max's lap sort of draped around his neck – to keep warm you understand, even with the space heaters going it was damned chilly in that barn.

“Gab? Ga-ab!”

“Eh what?”

“I said, ‘do you really want to come into town?'”

“Oh sorry, of course I do, once I've got some clothes on.”

Bern gave me a look that said more about our different lives than pretty much anything else could – parental disapproval. Drea giggled as only a four year old can at that.

“Bad Gabeee!”

That's all I need, advice from my god daughter.

We were soon at Bond Acres, everyone looked to be in, Porsche and Mercedes on the drive, Boris' tatty Polo at the curb. Bern parked up and Tante Gaby got to free the munchkin whilst Bern collected the bags from the boot. The door was open before we got there.

“And who have we got here?” Mum gushed.

“ It's me auntie, Drea!”

“That's a lovely coat , Drea.”

“ It's new.”

“Early present from Oma.” Bern filled in.

“Tea?”

“Please, Erika can't make a decent brew to save herself.”

“I'll go change then.” I told everyone who was listening – that's no one.

Shower; find clean underwear, makeup, dress.

“You're vewy pwitty , Gaby.”

What? The little minx.

“Thank you Drea, does Mummy know you are up here?”

“I woz bored, they're doing mummy talk.”

I bet. Spreading it about me and Max no doubt.

“Come on kiddo, let's go and see if we can find some gummi's eh?”

I escorted the little bundle of trouble back downstairs.

“Where've you been Drea?” Bern enquired.

“Wiv Gaby.”

“She was looking for some bears, right Drea?” no point in getting her mum in a tizzy.

“I think auntie Julie has some in the lounge, let's go and see while Mummy and Gaby do boring shopping eh?” Mum knows how to play the game.

“Yay!”

“Thanks Jen.” Bern called after them – hey when did my friends start calling Mum by her first name?

“No problem, see you later girls.”

I'm pretty sure this shopping expedition was dreamt up to get the Rose girls out of the way before the surprise visitors arrive – suits me, I get to not do all the cooking for this evening! Christmas Eve in Germany means a family day, the shops close at lunchtime so we didn't waste any more time and headed down into Ahrweiler, well Bad Neunahr to be precise – apparently the Preiser's needed a couple of sacks of pony nuts and some stuff from Aldi. If you believe that you'll believe anything.

We pulled into the yard of the farm supply shop and I must admit to feeling a bit out of place in my Ugg's, leggings and ski jacket. Bern fit right in with her hacking jacket, thermal trousers and wellies, definitely a farm girl . Of course living on the family farm automatically means working on it so whilst it's not a salaried position she does work for her keep.

“Thought we'd got plenty of these.” Bern noted as she swung a sack of horse food (I thought they just ate grass) onto the trolley.

“The forecast is for snow.” I offered.

“Yeah, I guess it wouldn't do to have half a dozen horses missing their nuts.”

Talk about snort, I couldn't talk for nearly five minutes.

“You alright Gab?”

“Horses, missing nuts!” tears were running down my face.

“She alright Bern?”

“I think so Jo, just started laughing like an idiot ; two bags of nuts.”

That set me off again.

Bern signed the chit and grabbed my sleeve, “come on you, Merry Christmas Jo!”

“And you Bernie.”

Outside at the car Bern heaved the sacks into the back while I uselessly stood watching.

“Take us the trolley back Gabs.”

“Sure.” I put my bag in the car and did as mama Bern asked. I had to stop myself from scooting it along and instead did my best ‘knows what she's doing' adult thing.

“So what was all that about? Jo must think you're a total loon.” Bern stated shoving the car into gear.

“Soz, but you said horses missing their nuts, they're geldings aren't they?”

“Geez Gab, that is so schoolgirl.”

“Sorree.”

“Just don't tell that to Drea, she's bad enough as it is, some of the stuff she comes back from kindergarten…”

Yeah – we're in two different realities.

 

Back at Chateaux Bond an hour or so later presents were exchanged, small girls returned to parents and seasonal greetings exchanged.

“Give my best to everyone.” I told her.

“I will, see you soon Gabs, bye.”

“Bye Drea.”

“Choos Gabeee!”

I waved as they headed off, I think Bern's found her place in the bigger picture – me, well I don't think I ever will.

“Had a call while you were out.” Mum supplied as I hung up my jacket.

“Oh?”

“You've got an invite for tonight, well we all have, save you cooking.”

I like not cooking – I do enough on my Uni course without getting to do it when I come home as well.

“Count me in.”

“We already have, you'll need to get gussied up though, posh frock and hair.”

There's a catch here somewhere.

“It's not the Pinger's then?”

“That's tomorrow and they're coming here remember, tonight we're doing the Schloss.

“Max's?”

“How many do you know young lady?”

“Well there's Sophia's, but that's in Baden and I think Countess Schillingsfürst has one near Nürnberg.”

Mum just shook her head, “I'll do some lunch, you can start getting ready.”

Weihnacht at Max's, don't suppose we'll get much private time though.

 

I squeezed up to let Jules get her seatbelt on; the Merc might be a big car but not designed for three Laydeez in long frocks in the back. Of course I've got posh dresses, what do you think I wear to functions? This little number? From the last wedding I went to with Max, yellow of course, Gerta is adamant it's my colour and who am I to argue? The fact that I've had to put on a corset and it fits like a glove has nothing to do with Max – it doesn't!

Mum and Jules scrub up pretty good as well even if Jules has put on some weight lately.

“When's it due?”

“What?”

“The baby.”

“What baby?” my sister blustered.

“Tell your sister Juliette.” Dad instructed from the front.

“Da-ad. June 20th and you'd best not be racing at Easter.” Jules informed me.

“Probably, why?”

“What your sister is trying to tell you is that she's getting married.” Mum put in.

“To Boris?”

“Who else dumbo ? ” Jules exclaimed.

“Just checking, feck that's two weddings and two babies and it's not even New Year!”

“Two?” Jules queried.

“Mart's asked Bern and she's expecting again.”

“I never took her for a hausfrau.” Jules observed.

“Can't say she planned it this way.”

 

The car bounced into the von Strechau's yard, Dad pulling up beside Gloria's Cayenne – more practical than Mum's Porsche by far. The walls of the Schloss reflected the bit of moonlight that managed to escape the clouds, hopefully the snow will hold off until tomorrow at least. A rectangle of light indicated that our arrival had been noted.

“Hi Dave, Jenny.”

“Willie, thanks for inviting us.” Dad called back.

“Come on in.” Max's dad encouraged.

Mum took Dad's arm; Jules and Boris followed with lil ole me teetering on my heels bringing up the rear.

“Gaby with you?”

“Here,” I mentioned poking my head around the others as they reached the door.

“Someone'll be happy tonight.” Wilhelm mentioned under his breath.

 

If I told you everything about the evening we'd be here all night so I'll give you the highlights. Apart from Max, Gloria and Wilhelm, his Gran the Baroness was in attendance, we weren't the only guests, two middle aged couples – some sort of relations I think, arrived a few minutes after us.

Before eating we had to pose for a family photo, Max and I ended up in the middle behind Gran but don't read anything into that, no really don't it's just how it worked out. The food was traditional German, well what did you expect? Not that I could eat too much laced into my corset, but Wilhelm does run a restaurant so you kind of expect it.

Max and I did manage to escape for a quick snog while the olds talked over drinks.

“Gab?”

“What?” I enquired as I realigned a dislodged boob.

“I sort of got you a present.”

“I haven't got you one, I thought you were staying in Blighty.” I apologised.

“Doesn't matter, here,” he thrust a small package into my hand.

“What is it?”

“Open it and see.”

Last year he got me a necklace, which I've got on tonight, a simple smooth link chain with a sapphire drop – bloody thing's real too! So what is it this year? I fumbled with the packet and withdrew a dark blue velvet covered square box, a ring. Flipping it open I gasped.

Max was on one knee, “Gab, will you marry me?”

“Bu? What?”

“You don't have to answer straight away, there's no strings to the ring, I want you to have it whatever you decide.”

“I…”

Taking my hand he slid the ring onto my finger, oh boy this is heavy.

“Gabs, we're going,” Jules had located our hideaway, “what's that on your finger, oh my god, your engaged!”

I haven't got one cohesive sentence out since I opened the box and my sister is announcing our betrothal to the world!

“Come on , Gabs, you need to show everyone.” She excitedly squealed dragging me towards the rest of the gathering.

I'm engaged. Well I think I am. I fiddled with the ring on my finger, that at least is real. I slept through exhaustion in the end, after my loud mouthed sister announced to all and sundry that I'd be the next Baroness von Strechau it all went a bit weird. I'm pretty sure I didn't actually say yes or no for that matter but we've been caught up in the hyperbole of others enthusiasm.

 

My handy trilled.

“Bond.”

“Gabs? You alright?” Con asked.

“I'm getting married.”

“Well that's all right then—hang on, did you just say married, as in wedding, bridesmaids and stuff? How?”

“Max gave me a ring?”

“When? I'm sure we would've noticed yesterday.”

“Last night, we went to the schloss for Weihnachts.”

“Ooh! So what's it like? Send us a pic.”

“I've not accepted.”

“What do you mean? First you say you're getting married now you say you're not, which is it?”

“I dunno , Con.”

“But you aren't against the idea? You're not expecting are you?”

“Con!”

“Only asking, so?”

“So?”

“Marriage. You'll be a baroness!”

“I don't know that I want to be. So what did you call for?”

“What are you doing later?”

“We've got people coming and I'm cooking.”

“Bum, need any help?”

 

The Pinger's arrived a bit after one, Con didn't come in the end, I think spreading word of my engagement ranked higher than coming to see me in person . The talk will no doubt be mostly about the vineyard; Maria is of course Mum's partner in the enterprise – at least Kat's here.

“Wotcha , Kat.” I greeted her as she joined me in the kitchen where I was still being arty with food.

“Heya Gab, so what's this news your mum was hinting at?” she enquired stealing a tartlet from the plate.

No chance of keeping a lid on things is there ?

“I seem to have got engaged.” I told her presenting my hand.

“Flippin' heck Gab, what is he, a millionaire or something? I thought you were keen on that Max lad?”

“It is Max, he popped the question last night.”

“You don't seem too happy about it.”

“I'm not sure how I feel, I mean other people have boyfriends, get married, have kids, I'm, I'm not sure it's for me.”

“Why not? It's not like you don't know him, you must've been seeing him for like five years?”

“About.” I agreed, I did have that little dallying with Toni but there's never been anyone else since.

“So what's the problem?”

“It's me, I've never, you know, done it and I'm not sure I want to.”

“You're twenty and you're still a virgin ? ”

“Shush! Don't tell everyone . ”

“Well if he doesn't want you for sex it must be love.”

“That's just it, I don't think I love him, I don't think I can, it feels I dunno, wrong.”

Wrong hardly covers it really, if I go along with this it will mean accepting that Drew is well and truly gone, that I am Gaby through and through. I don't know that I'll ever be able to let go fully – oh I know that physically and legally there's no doubting that I'm all girl but deep inside there's that bit that's still Drew with all the hopes and plans that he, no, I made.

“Wrong?”

“It's complicated.”

“Things with you generally are.” She observed sagely.

 

“Max, we need to talk.” I started. I had a good heart to heart with Kat yesterday afternoon and I think I'm square in my head now.

“What's up liebchen?”

“Meet me at the Old Mill in an hour?”

“It's bad news isn't it?”

“Just come eh?”

“Okay, an hour.”

“Tschuss.”

I can't let this hang in the air, Max goes back to the UK in a few days and I'm off to Baden again after New Year. I did my hair and took special care over my slap before dressing in a wool dress, thick tights and Mum's good boots. Jules and Boris left for home first thing; they are in Hannover now with Boris' job with Allianz. Mum and Dad have gone to see friends somewhere towards Frankfurt so we could've done this here but I reckon neutral ground is better.

Now or never , Gabs! I grabbed my bag, locked up and headed down into Dernau. The sky was an ominous grey, that snow promised for yesterday would be with us today. Dernau, home, I know this place, this place knows me, people know me but do I know me?

We don't do Boxing Day in Germany so the Alte Mühle wasn't particularly busy when I got there. I ordered coffee and found a table away in a corner to wait for Max. Damn this ring, it's gorgeous, one big diamond set on a platinum band, simple but elegant and I love it. What it represents, that's something else.

I watched and waited, waited and watched and only a couple of minutes after the allotted time Max strode in, the barman pointing him over to where I waited.

“Gabs.” He mentioned leaning over for a quick lip lock.

Damn you!

“What's up?”

I saw him glance to my hand where I nervously played with my ring, the fact it was still on my hand seemed to relax his attitude.

“Coffee?”

“Sure, so?”

I poured his caffeine out and passed it over.

“Promise not to interrupt? Whatever I say?”

“Okay.”

That was easier than I thought.

“I've had a chance to think, about what you asked when you gave me this,” I indicated the ring.

“And?”

“You said you wouldn't interrupt.” I accused.

“Sorry, go on, I'm listening.”

“Like I said , I've had a chance to think and the answer is yes.

Yes!” Max exclaimed pumping his fist skyward.

“There are conditions.” I interrupted his celebrations.

Conditions ?”

“You took me by surprise ; I hadn't really thought of marriage or of us really beyond a bit of a snog . W hy me, Max? There must be girls at Uni you fancy?”

“You kidding, I've fancied you since that first day at Silverberg.”

“The girls warned me off you.”

“Freddy and Ralf could be jerks,” he agreed, “so these conditions?”

“One, no rushing into a wedding, I want to finish my degree and I've got a contract for this season too, maybe after the Olympics?”

“Okay, what else?”

“No sex before the wedding,” his face dropped, “I mean it, if we're doing this we're doing it my way.”

“No sex,” he sighed, “anything else?”

“Yup, those lips are mine, come here,” I grinned.

He didn't need asking twice .

“Oi, get a room you two!”

Oops.

 

Max left two days later, after making it all official, geez we even had to pose for pictures for the local rag . Gabrielle Bond, spinster of this parish is now engaged to Maximillian von Strechau.

In all this excitement I forgot to mention the Rose's didn't I? As I thought, while I was out with Bern collecting unneeded pony nuts, Herr Preiser fetched her parents from the airport. By the time she and Drea got back they were drinking something vaguely tea like in the Preiser's kitchen. From the report I got when all the Angels met up it was a tearful reunion . I had to laugh at Drea's reaction to the ‘man and lady that talks funny', her words not mine.

They went back on the same flight as my Max, that sounds weird, my Max – anyway Mum took me up to see them before they left, she had to drive slower on our local lanes, didn't she?

“Gaby, good to see you.”

“You too Mrs R, Warsop still the same?”

“Doesn't change too much, I hear you're engaged too.”

“Er yeah, Christmas Eve.” I presented my ring for inspection; of course no one else had seen it either at this point so there was a round of ooh-ing and aah-ing at my sparkler. Bern didn't have hers yet; they're going down to Koblenz next week for it, so it felt like I was stealing her thunder a bit.

“She's gonna be royalty.” Bern proffered to her mother.

“Royalty Gaby?”

“Hardly, Max's dad is Baron von Strechau, he'll inherit sometime I guess.”

“I'll expect a wedding invite.”

“You might be waiting a while, I've said it'll have to be after the Olympics.”

“I know I've said it before Gaby, but we really must thank you for everything you've done for Bernie and the bairn.” Mrs R cornered me before we departed.

“Anyone woulda done the same.”

“But they didn't, you did, that makes you special.”

That of course hit my blush button.

“What have you been saying to her?” Bern enquired.

“Nothing you need to know young lady.” Her mother replied.

Bern just rolled her eyes.

“Gabeee, Gabeee!” Drea ran over to the car.

“What's up gorgeous?”

“This for you.” She presented me with an envelope with ‘gAbeE' crayoned on the front.

“For me?”

“Uh huh.” She agreed nodding her head.

I opened it carefully, inside was a homemade card with, I think, Drea, Bern and Mart on the front and ‘Thank you for my present' inscribed on the inside, I think maybe she had some help with that.

“Thank you Drea, it was my pleasure. I think my mummy wants to go so come and give us a hug.”

I got my hug, as I straightened up Mrs R mouthed, ‘special Gaby Bond, special'.

 

“Have a good time Gab, sure you don't want me to drive you?”

“No thanks Mum, I don't think my heart could take it.”

“Cheeky moo, give Roni our best.”

“I will, tschuss.”

We hugged a moment before I set off for the station.

After all the excitement over Christmas I needed some relaxation before going back to Freiburg so instead of spending New Year with the gang as planned I'm going up to hang out with Roni. I know, what Mum said the other day, we all got together yesterday to celebrate mine and Bern's engagements and I distributed the Angel mugs - that went down a bomb.

So here I am embarking on a two-hour train journey up into NRW on a cold morning at the end of December.

“Someone looks thoughtful,” Myleen offered, “congratulations by the way.”

“Thanks.” I passed her my ticket and flashed my spakler for her.

“Ooh, lovely. Not at home for New Year then?”

“Visiting a friend.”

“Well have a good time Gaby.”

“I'll try, you too, Frohes Neu Jahre!”

“Frohes Neu Jahre Gab.”

 

The ride north was busy, on Ron's suggestion I didn't go up to Dusseldorf to catch the S-Bahn but rather caught the Dortmund train from Köln and got off at a nowhere place called Gruiten. Ron offered to meet me there but not knowing the exact time I'd be there I said I'd catch the bus across to Mettmann. I pulled my overnight case across to the bus stop and was soon installed for the fifteen-minute ride to Ron's.

The phone rang three times before Ron picked it up.

“Gaby? Where are you?”

“On the bus, we've just turned into some little village.”

“That'll be Gruiten.”

“I thought that's where I got off the train?”

“It is but that's old Gruiten you're in, not the town.”

“Whatever, so where do I get off?

“You go out into the country for a bit then it's the first stop when you get into Mettmann, I'll meet you there, ten minutes.”

“'Kay.”

I've not seen Ron since the funeral back in the summer, that really was a bad do, I can't imagine losing Mum or Dad let alone both at once. It was bad enough when we thought we were losing Mum with cancer but to leave home one day with two parents and return with none, nope won't compute. Hopefully I can convince Ron to pick up her racing career again, she stopped riding after the accident.

I watched out of the window for the landmarks given me and soon spotted the town ahead. Pressing the stop button I collected my stuff together and stood ready to disembark. And there she was.

“Gabeee!”

We hugged at the kerbside as the bus departed.

“Come on, you'll freeze to death out here, I've put the kettle on.”

Well she seemed okay but looks can be deceiving. It wasn't far to the Grönberg house, I couldn't help but remember seeing Angela waving us off that morning and a tear started its way down my cheek, a quick wipe, hopefully before Ron spotted it.

“You alright?”

“Cold making my eyes water.”

“Does that to me too sometimes.”

“Cold?”

“No coming back here.”

 

“Married?”

“Not for a while yet, I told him after the London Games.”

“Geez Gab, never thought I'd see you tying the knot, you'll be a baroness!”

“Not for a long time I hope.”

“You, Jules and Bern, everyone seems to be getting hitched, I heard Tali is expecting?”

“Yeah Josh said, she said she wanted a break from the merry-go-round. What about you? No BF?”

“Nah, who'd want a miserable lump like me?”

“So what're you up to?”

“I got a job.”

“Yeah?”

“Lidl, money's crap but it gets me out.”

“Right, you know Mum meant what she said about working at the vineyard?”

“Yeah, I know.”

I guess tonight is going to be a barrel of laughs – not.

 

“Come on Ron, it'll be fun.” I pressed.

She finally cracked, “Oh alright then, anything to shut the Baroness up.”

“I told you…”

“I know, just winding you up.”

Now that's the old Roni poking through.

“Come on then, glad rags.” I ordered.

 

The party was in the precinct around the church, same place they have the Christmas market so we got a taxi down about eight and managed to wangle a couple of seats in one of the bars for some pre party food. If this had been Dernau I'd have known most of the people but here I'm just another nameless partygoer. I've seen Ron party before, it's a good job I don't drink much, after a couple of beers she was starting to loosen up a bit and by the time the party got going outside she was the life and soul.

“Here, sign this.” I suggested next morning.

“Wos it?”

“Something you need to sign.”

“Kay, pen.” She mumbled through the pillow.

I placed a pen in her fingers and guided her hand to the contract.

“That's right, and again. Great.”

“Coffee.”

“Waiting in the kitchen.”

“How'd we…?”

“Taxi, cost an arm and leg too.”

I know it wasn't fair tricking her into signing the contract, Dad won't hold her to it if she wants out anyway but the state she's in I needed to do something. I left her to sort herself out and returned to the kitchen and my coffee.

Half an hour later a slightly fresher Ron joined me.

“Here you go.” I passed her a cup of strong caffeine.

“Thanks Gab, so what did I sign?”

“Your 2011 contract.”

“Why you, ooh my head.”

“You did drink a fair bit last night.”

“Did I get off with someone?”

“You did play octopus with some bloke just before midnight.”

“Thought so, it still wasn't fair getting me to sign, I've not been on the bike since…”

“I know Ron, its been killing us all watching you throw everything you've worked for away, the team needs you and I think you need us.”

“You're right as usual, I can't go on living like this, in truth I was gonna ring your dad this week, I need to get away from here, start fresh, get my life back on track.”

“Come here you.”

I pulled her into a hug, “I miss you Gab.”

“Come back with me, pack a case, let's start today.”

And so she did, New Year's day ending one chapter in everyone's lives and starting a new one.

* Thin gingerbread biscuits made for Christmas, a speciality of Aachen.

to be continued....

© Maddy Bell 31.12.13

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