Disclaimer: Craig Barleett is the creator and he and Nickelodeon have the rights of the show.

9. Is not too late, Gabe Turner!

Gertrude T. MacNeille!... a.k.a. Gertie or my sister's best friend… My annoying classmate, I mean, the annoyest person that I've ever met. She was always behind me… trying to get me angry or getting me into trouble, humiliating and laughing at me, with nicknames and silly jokes...

I swear that I never could understand her! She was crazy! a mad mystery for me.

My grandpa and dad always told me that I've to open my eyes, that there was more that I couldn't see… But I never believed in them.

At the end of my childhood we got further and further away, I was very busy working, I usually saw her around our house, but we didn't talk so much.

I just remember when I started dating a girl in my 20's, she was totally angry, and I never understood why. She and Mitzy started hanging out at other places.

But everything had changed in the 40s… with the second war, I decided to help my country and stop those crazy people. I won't lie, I was afraid, but I prefer dying fighting that living in that crazy world that they wanted to create.

I packed my bags and enlisted without a second thought. After years without talking to each other, Mitzy came to me to try to stop me, but she couldn't. My decision was made, I would go fight for my people... until that crazy blonde showed up at the station.

- Phillip Shortman! Wait a minute! - She screamed. I can swear that it was the first time that she called me by my name.

- Gertrude? What are you doing here?

- You can't go you… big stupid!

- Oh, actually you are. - He said with sarcasm.

- Is not time to stupid jokes… What are you doing? You can't go to Europe. It 's like suicide.

- Thanks for the good wishes, but I'll be ok.

- You're so stubborn! Those people are crazy, worst, they aren't human…

- Why are you so angry with this?

- Because… I… me…

- You? you what?

- I can't imagine a world without your stupid big chin, and your big eyes and your smile…

- I'm confused… I don't know if I was insulted or flattered.

- Phil… Is not a joke, I'm as honest as I never was. I really want you to stay with us, with your friends, with Mitzy… with me…

- But we haven't talked since so long.

- I know, and it was my fault… I just… I was afraid about you and my feelings.

- Your feelings? I don't get it.

- Oh you're so stupid! Phil… I'm in love with you… since always and ever… since I saw your enormous chin at the school, in each joke, in each insult, I was only trying to hide my true feelings, I love you, I wouldn't imagine losing you…

She took his arms and pulled him close to plant a passionate kiss on his lips. The man couldn't believe what he had heard and what was happening, but for a moment, it all made sense.

- Sorry for waiting so long…

- Gertie, we aren't kids anymore, I understand you… but… I've to go. - She opened her surprised eyes. - If I don't go, I will feel bad for the rest of my life. I've to help to create a safe place for you and Mitzy.

- But you're my safe place.

- I know… and maybe you're the mine… I hope that you can forgive me.

- If you go, I'll really hate you for the rest of my life. I'll die only to find you and…

He started a new kiss to silence and comfort the scared woman.

In spite of everything, he could never hate her, he knew that as everyone said, there was something more in her, that something that now he had the opportunity to discover. If he wanted to fight before, now he had a real reason to, his Gertie.

- I'll come back… I promise you.

- If you go, you can forget me starting the first second that you put a feet on that train.

- I know that you will wait for me… I'm pretty sure about that.

I kissed her again and when she continued with her beautiful eyes closed I went to the train. I started my trip to hell called "second war". I was so lucky, I was able to come back home, healthy and safe. I didn't spend a day without thinking about her. It didn't matter Monique or any other before, Gertie was the one who lived in my heart since that morning of '41, she stayed in my heart forever.

Now that the war was over and he was ready to go home, he was determined never to let her go again.

- Hillwood Police 45th Headquarters, How can I help you? - The policeman asked.

- My name's Phillip Shortman and I was looking for an official, the official MacNeille.

- The Official MacNeille? For what business?

- A… personal business.

- Can you repeat your name again?

- Phillip Shortman! - A female voice said.

- Gertie… - The man was totally surprised, the beautiful blond policewoman in front of him let him go without a word.

- What are you doing here?

- I came back… as I promised you.

- Ger, my honey, where are you… Can we help you sir? - A tall and well-built man put his hand on her shoulder, his Captain's badge read: Gabriel Turner.

- Oh no love, I mean, Captain Turner, is an… old friend.

- Nice to meet you, good citizen, I'm the captain Gabe Turner. - He extended his hand and the young Shortman took it with indifference. His look showed all the hate that he is feeling.

- The same, Captain Turner.

Maybe he won the second war, but his hardest war is only starting. - Why in the hell does she have to be so stubborn!. - The ex-soldier wailed.

Well, Grandpa couldn't have taken Gertie so easy after leaving her, right? Gabe is a character I thought up for the Hillwood Tales fanfic, so expect to see him at some point... I'm finally up to date! I'll see you tomorrow and I hope you can take some time and tell me what you think of these stories! See you tomorrow!