Gabriella.
Disclaimer: Please see Chapter 30.
Thanks for the reviews everyone. Love ya lots. Sorry for the delay but I have been ill but yay I'm better now.
Chapter 36: What are Big Brothers for?
Gabby stirred as she heard a knock on the door. She stood up. "Who is it?" she asked praying it wasn't John.
"It's me Tate. Dinner is almost ready. Are you ok honey?" he asked.
"Yeah fine. I will be along in a minute," she replied.
"Ok honey," he said and then she could hear him walk away.
Gabby walked into the bathroom and studied her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were red and puffy. She splashed water on her face and then reapplied her make up to cover up how pale she looked. She left her room and walked down to the kitchen. She hesitated at the door suddenly feeling nervous about going in. Shaking it off and plastering a smile on her face, she walked in.
"Hi sweetie," said her grandmother as she walked in.
"Hey everyone," she said shyly.
The others were already sat down so she walked to the only available seat, which luckily was between Tate and Virgil. They were the two she felt most comfortable around. Tate gave her a warm reassuring smile.
Dinner was an uncomfortable affair, as no one really knew what to say to each other. Gordon was the only one who seemed able to talk and he kept a constant stream of nonsense that no one really paid any attention to. Finally, dinner was over and they could all escape.
Gabby wandered into the lounge and stared at the portraits of her brothers. They were all so different yet seemed so close. Her gaze lingered on her twin brother. Out of all of them, he seemed the nicest and he had made the biggest effort with her. Moreover, he was the only one that she had any memory of. Sure, it was only a flicker of something but at least she knew she had actually met him. She then wandered over to picture of very beautiful blonde woman. She had no idea who she was but had a feeling she wasn't a family member.
"That's Lady Penelope Creighton Ward. She is a close friend of the family," said a voice from behind her and she turned to see her father behind her. Gabby just smiled saying nothing. After what had happened with John, she was reluctant to ask any questions for fear of upsetting someone.
Jeff watched his daughter stroll around the room looking at everything. He could tell that something had upset her and he had a feeling it had something to do with John. He was about to ask her about it when Tate walked in.
"Would you like to go for a stroll along the beach Gabby?" he asked.
"That would be nice, thanks Tate," she said and they walked off together.
His sons then wandered into the room. This was so hard for all of them. They didn't know how to act around her and no one wanted to tell her bad things.
"What happened between you two earlier?" asked Jeff to his second eldest.
John then explained about her asking him about the shooting. He still felt really awful that he hadn't been able to tell her but it was so awful for him at the time.
"That was a rough time for all of us son but if she asks, we need to tell her," said Jeff.
"Ok dad, we will," said Scott.
Gabby and Tate meanwhile were strolling along the beach. Tate could tell something was bothering his girlfriend as she had been quiet all evening and he had a feeling it had something to do with John.
"What's the matter Gabby?" he asked stopping before her.
"There was an incident earlier with John. I noticed a scar on my stomach and wanted to know where it came from," she explained.
"And when you asked John, he freaked out right?" he asked and Gabby just nodded.
"I can't blame him for that really. You did almost die."
"I did?" she asked in surprise.
"Yes, now I wasn't around then so I don't know the exact details but you got shot."
"I was shot?" she asked incredulously.
He nodded and continued the story. "You were in Tracy Industries with Macey when some crooks broke in and decided to hold you two hostage. Your brother came to your rescue but before they could reach you one of the men shot you. You almost died."
"Wow no wonder John reacted the way he did," she said paling slightly at the thought that she had almost died.
"Yeah but hey you're alive and that's all that matters," he said smiling at her. Gabby couldn't help but smile back at him. They continued walking along.
The next morning Gabby found herself in the lounge with her father. The other members of the household were all busy elsewhere and she couldn't help but feel a little nervous. She sat on a chair opposite her father.
"Gabby do you know what International Rescue is?" he asked. He hadn't really wanted to tell her yet but he knew they could get a call at any time. He didn't want her to freak out if they did.
"Yeah Carolynn mentioned them and I read an article about them in an old magazine at the hospital too. They were speculating on the location and the identity of those involved," she replied.
"Well that is one mystery I can solve because you are looking at the founder of International Rescue," he said with a grin.
"I am?" questioned Gabby in shock.
"Yes Gabby. I came up with the idea after your mom died. If there had been better services back then, she may have survived. I wanted to try and stop others going through what we went through."
"Wow," she said in admiration. Jeff stood up and walked over to his desk. He pressed a button and the lounge converted into base control.
Gabby walked over to where the portraits had changed to reveal her brothers now in full uniform. "So my brothers are the Thunderbirds?"
"Yes they are and you are probably wondering where you fit in all of this," he said sitting back down.
"Tate told me that I run the Tracy Industries offices in New York."
"You do that so I can concentrate on International Rescue. When I first began making this dream a reality, I did consider making you part of the team but its hard enough sending your brothers out knowing they might never come back. I couldn't send you out as well."
Gabby smiled and could understand his reasoning. "I think you made the right decision dad. I don't think I have what it takes to do their job," she said with a smile.
Jeff smiled back as Scott and Virgil came strolling in. They had been in the gym working out but had thankfully had a shower first.
"Hey sis. I see dad has told you our little secret then," said Virgil with a grin.
"Yeah I was about to tell her about some of our machines but why don't you guys show her instead," suggested Jeff. It would give his sons a chance to bond with their sister once more.
"Al and Gordy will love the chance to brag about theirs," said Virgil in agreement.
"Why don't you go first Scott," said Jeff with a smile. Scott was having the hardest time dealing with the change in his little sister and had ignored her for the most part.
Scott hesitated for a moment before answering. He didn't really want to do this but he couldn't exactly refuse. "Um sure," he said.
"Ok so how do we get there then, elevator?"
"No it's much cooler then that," said Virgil with a grin. "Just place your hand on those light fittings," he continued pointing over at them. Her arm was still in a cast so she would only be able to place one on them but she would be fine only holding on with one hand.
"What?" asked Gabby staring at him as if he was mad.
"Why don't you show her son," said Jeff to Scott.
Scott said nothing but approached the wall and took hold of the light fittings. The whole thing then rotated round and he was gone. Gabby approached it cautiously before glancing back at her dad and brother. She was worried about being alone with her big brother who had ignored her so far.
Virgil sensed her worry and approached her. "Give him a chance sis. He is a good guy I promise."
"Ok," she replied and followed Scott into the Silo for Thunderbird 1.
"Wow," she said when she finally drew level with Scott.
"I know," he said quietly staring at his beautiful ship.
"So tell me about her then," said Gabby.
As Scott began to talk to about Thunderbird 1, he started to relax. Gabby listened happily as he talked and began to see another side to her bossy and intimidating big brother.
"It must take some skill handling her at times especially in strong winds," said Gabby as they moved back onto the gangway leading to the lounge.
"Yeah it can be a challenge at times but I love it," he replied and she could see that he meant every word.
"Must be hard though sometimes."
"Yeah if we can't save everyone or its someone that we care about. It gets really hard and we have all had doubts."
"Like when I was shot," she said more to herself then him but he still heard.
"Yeah that was one of the first times I truly doubted what we did. I mean we're International Rescue and we couldn't save you from a couple of thieves," replied Scott. Gabby could hear the anger and guilt in his voice.
"Yeah but you did save me Scott or I wouldn't be sitting here beside you right now."
"Maybe but I just wish we had been able to save you before you were shot."
Gabby stared around the unfamiliar room and knew she was in an office of some sort. On the desk, she could make out some papers and realized this must be her office at Tracy Industries. Her attention was then drawn to the man before her. He had black hair and steel grey eyes filled with hate, her gaze lowered to the gun pointing at her. This must have been the man who shot her.
"Her family are almost in," yelled another man who was watching a computer screen. There was a third man in the room too but he was on the floor and appeared to have already been shot.
"Well it looks like Jeff Tracy is about to lose more then just a few million dollars," said the man with an evil grin. His name was Shaun, Gabby could remember it now. "Been nice getting to know you Miss Tracy and if your family had paid up, you could be going home to a nice family dinner. Oh well," he said with an evil smirk and fired the gun.
Gabby jerked backwards with a huge gasp, as her eyes flew open. It had seemed so real. She actually looked down and was relieved to see no blood. She glanced over at Scott, who was looking really worried.
"Gabby are you ok?"
"Yeah just had a flash back," she replied rubbing her head.
"What of the shooting?" he asked and Gabby nodded.
"Oh I'm sorry Gabby, I shouldn't have been talking to you about that," said Scott standing up and walking away from her. He couldn't believe the first real memory she had was an awful one thanks to him.
Gabby stood up struggling slightly as she could only use one arm and walked over to him. "One, I brought it up, not you. Two I was going to remember it eventually and three it's a good thing. It's a sign that my memory is returning."
"It's still not the best thing to remember first though."
"True but at least it's something. You have no idea what it's like to wake up and remember nothing, not recognise any of the people around you, to know that you're hurting them by not remembering," she replied turning away from him and trying to fight back the tears.
"Gabby look at me," he said softly and she turned to face him.
"You're right we don't know what it's like and there are going to be times when we struggle to deal with it but it doesn't mean that we can't. We love you and we will all do what it takes to help you, no matter what ok?"
"Ok," she replied softly.
"I promise you now that I will tell you anything that you want to know, no matter how bad it is or how much it hurts to talk about it. I'll tell you the truth."
"Thanks Scott," she said smiling at him.
"What are big brothers for?" he replied with a grin.
Jeff sat at his desk wondering how Gabby and Scott were getting on. They had been in the Silo for ages now and he was worried about how they were getting on. It was no secret that Scott had avoided his little sister at every opportunity. He just wasn't dealing with his sister's memory loss very well, none of them was really but at least the others were making an effort. Tate came strolling into the room with Alan.
"They still down there?" asked Alan in surprise. Jeff just nodded at his youngest.
"Do you think they are ok?" he asked sitting down on the couch.
"Yes I'm sure they are fine," replied Jeff as his oldest son and only daughter suddenly appeared in the room.
"Hello you two," he said smiling at them.
"Hey dad," replied Scott with a grin.
"Hi everyone," replied Gabby a bit more quietly. She was still a little unsure around them all but it was getting easier.
"We were beginning to think Scott had bored you to sleep talking about his toy rocket," replied Alan cheekily.
"Watch it you," said Scott punching him on the arm playfully.
Jeff turned away to answer the incoming call he had whilst the others continued chatting. Virgil and John had arrived too now but Gordon was in the pool as usual.
"You two were gone ages, Scott wouldn't shut up about Thunderbird 1 right?" queried Virgil with a grin.
"I never realized I had such comedians for brothers," retorted Scott.
Gabby turned to Tate who stood near her and asked softly, "Are you sure I'm related to this lot?"
"Yes I'm afraid so," he replied with a smile.
Gabby couldn't help but notice the butterflies in her stomach every time he smiled at her. When she gazed into her eyes, she felt herself getting lost in them and she was beginning to see why she had fallen for him in the first place.
Jeff then hung up the phone and turned back to his family. "I have to go to New York. There is a problem at the office," he explained.
"When are you leaving?" asked Scott.
"Now so you are in charge son," he replied.
"Can I go with you?" asked Gabby. Noticing the worried looks her brothers were throwing her she hurriedly continued. "I wanted to see my apartment; maybe it will trigger some more memories for me."
"If you want to honey, although I won't be able to go with you. Will you be ok on your own?" asked Jeff not wanting to leave her in strange place alone.
"Well I could come with you if you like. I could do with picking up some bits from mine anyway," said Tate.
"Very well then. We shall be leaving in thirty minutes."
Jeff pulled up outside Gabby's apartment block and turned to his passengers. "I'll be at the office if you need me honey. All the numbers are programmed into the video phone," he said still feeling a little nervous about leaving his baby girl.
"We'll be fine dad. Hope you get the problem sorted out," she said climbing out of the car. Tate gave Jeff a reassuring smile and followed her out.
They watched him drive off and then entered the building. Tate guided her up the stairs to the top floor where her apartment was located. She placed the key her father had given her earlier, in the lock and then paused for a moment. She couldn't help but feel a little nervous, was she about to be filled with memories or would it all be strange to her? She felt Tate's hand slip in hers and he locked their fingers together before opening the door and leading them in.
Gabby's attention was first drawn to the massive painting over the fireplace. It was of the Villa at sunset and looked beautiful. They walked around the room and she noticed many photos of her family and what she assumed were friends. They wandered around the whole apartment finally ending up back in the lounge. Gabby let go of his hand and sunk down onto the couch.
"Anything look familiar?" he asked sitting down beside her.
"I do recognise some things but not a lot though."
"Don't try and rush it Gabby, it will come with time."
"Yeah. Um Tate, I wanna thank you for being here today," she said softly moving closer to him.
"I'm just glad I could help," he said smiling at her.
"I'm beginning to see why I fell for you," she said as he pulled her into his arms. They were locked in each other's gazes now and neither one could break away. He lowered his head slightly to kiss her and then swore as his cell began to ring. He moved off to answer it leaving Gabby feeling a little stunned by what had almost happened. She couldn't deny though that it felt right and she felt annoyed that they had been interrupted.
Tate walked over frowning. "Sorry honey but I gotta go. Brooke needs me for something. Will you be ok?" he asked apologetically.
"I'll be fine Tate. What's the worst that can happen?" she asked lightly.
"Sorry but I can't help worrying about you."
"I know and it's sweet. You better get going before you get in trouble."
"Ok honey. Call me if you need me," he said and he grabbed his jacket.
"Bye Tate," she called out as he left.
An hour later and Gabby was flicking through some photo albums. She couldn't help but laugh at some of the funny moments in them. A knock at the door shocked her into dropping the photo album to the floor. She picked it up and moved over to the door. She opened the door to see a blonde woman standing there that she didn't recognise. Her family had told her about most of her friends and she had just looked at a few more but she still didn't recognise her.
"Hello Gabby," she said in a sickly sweet tone.
"I'm sorry do I know you?"
"My name is Miranda Preston. I'm Tate's girlfriend."
Gabby dropped the photo album in shock and stared at the young woman before her. She had to be lying didn't she?
Authors Note: I told she would be back. Surely Gabby won't believe her lies, or will she? What will Tate and the others have to say and when will the rest of Gabby's memories return?