Author's note: This story takes place the summer between graduation and Lizzie and Gordo's freshman year in college. Miranda's not a part of the story because it's an L/G ship, and I just couldn't write her into the story in a way that pleased me, so I left her out. As a screenplay writer, I can see this story being played out perfectly, but it came out a bit funny on paper. Enjoy anyways!
Many thanks to Sarah, my editor, for proofreading and revising this for me. She's a lifesaver, if you need someone to go over your stories, papers, whatever, email her at smack_584@hotmail.com, she's the best!- Jana
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Lizzie went over her mental checklist one last time.
"Outfit," a light blue denim skirt that fell just above her knees with fringed seams. Pale pink pattern tieback top, tan weave stack slides. "Check."
"Hair," lightly curled with the top half pulled back into a clip. "Check."
"Light makeup, check. Jewelry, butterfly necklace, silver hoop earrings, silver band on left pointer finger, white shell thumb ring, heart toggle bracelet. Check check."
"Mom, Lizzie's talking to herself again," Matt retorted as he walked past Lizzie's halfway open bedroom door.
"Better than talking to you, worm," Lizzie spat, rolling her eyes as she applied lip gloss.
"MATT! Stop harassing your sister. Lizzie, Gordo's in the driveway, you better hurry," Jo called up the stairs.
Lizzie took one final look in the mirror behind her door, grabbed her purse and turned the light off as she headed down the stairs.
"Now Lizzie, are you sure that you'll be ok here by yourself tonight? I can call Mrs. Patterson to come stay with you. On second thought, maybe your father and I should just stay home. Sam, I think we should stay home," Jo called into the living room.
"No, Mom, it's you and Dad's anniversary, and I know you really wanted to see that show in San Francisco. I'm sure I'll be fine for one night. Besides, I won't be home till late, and I'll go right to sleep. If I need anything, I can call the Gordons," Lizzie assured her parents as she opened the front door.
"Well, I guess," Jo said slowly. "The number of the hotel is on the counter, and you know my cell phone and your father's pager. And Matt will be staying with Lanny; the Onasis's number is on the fridge too. And you keep your cell phone on so I can call and check. And lock the door when you get home, and,"
"Jo, I think our 18 year old daughter will be fine for less than 24 hours at home by herself. Now if we don't hurry we're going to get stuck in traffic," Sam helped his wife into her coat and pushed her towards the door.
"Bye, Mom, Dad. Have fun," Lizzie smiled and waved as she stepped off the porch.
"Care to speed up McGuire? Parker's party won't last all night," Gordo grinned as called out the window of his car.
"Can it Gordo. When you look this good, the party waits for you," Lizzie twirled in the driveway before getting into the car.
"So who are you trying to impress this week? Ethan? Kyle? Ryan?" Gordo shifted the car into gear and drove down the road.
"What makes you think I'm trying to impress a guy?" Lizzie stated, trying to give Gordo a nasty look. He responded with an "I-know-all-your-tricks" look.
"Fine. Not that it matters. I just want to look nice. There are plenty of guys I want to look nice for. Including you, Gordo," Lizzie smiled as she pulled down the visor to check her hair again.
"Including me, huh? What, countless years of being my best friend, and knowing that you know more about me than I know about myself isn't enough to impress me?" Gordo arched his eyebrows towards his friend as he turned a corner.
"Are you kidding? Some as hot as yourself wouldn't want to hang out with just anyone. You need a best friend who can match your good looks, your humor, your intellect," Lizzie explained.
"So do you know anyone I can hang out with that meets those requirements?" Gordo joked as he pulled into Parker's driveway.
"Very funny. Since you're the designated driver this time, I'll let it slide," Lizzie grinned.
"Me, the designated driver? No, my confused friend, I think it's your turn. The last party you passed out in my backseat and it took me 20 minutes to get you out," Gordo accused.
"No way. The last party was Tudge's birthday and you ralphed the whole way home," Lizzie recalled with a shudder.
"I did not. I know how to hold my liquor," Gordo defended.
"Please. There was a trail of barf from Larry's house to your driveway. Not to mention what I has to clean off my car when I got home. Gross," Lizzie cringed.
"Well, there's only one way to solve this," Gordo held out his fist. "One, two, three, shoot!"
"Ha! Paper beats rock! You drive, and I'll drink," Lizzie exclaimed, throwing open the passenger side door and rushing up the sidewalk into the vibrant chaos that flowed from Parker's house.
Several hours later, Gordo was walking through the house when he spotted Lizzie and Kate about to get into a cat fight.
"Why don't you watch where you're going McGuire? You made me drop my Jello shot," Kate spat, weaving a little.
"Well, ex-ccuuuuse me Kate. Heaven forbid I prevent you from getting plastered," Lizzie responded, slightly buzzed herself.
"Ladies, ladies, ladies. No use fighting over the Jello," Ethan interceded. "There's one left-"
"And it's mine, since Spazzy McGuire ruined mine," Kate pouted.
"And Lizzie can have mine, since I shouldn't have alcohol anyways. So you girlies go over there, sit on the couch, eat your Jello, and this party will continue to proceed with fineness," Ethan walked both girls over to the couch, where they sank into the over-sized cushions.
"Thanks for intercepting that fight Ethan. Last time they got into it, it was nasty," Gordo recalled.
"So true, Gor-don. You know, for once I'd like to just see them get along," Ethan stated, looking over to the couch, where Lizzie and Kate were trying to scoot away from each other unsuccessfully.
"Maybe we better get them another round before they claw each other's eyes out," Gordo grabbed two red plastic cups full of beer and carried them over to Kate and Lizzie.
"Thanks, Gordo," Lizzie smiled as she accepted the drink from Gordo.
"Yeah, keep 'em coming, Gor-dork," Kate sneered as she sipped from the cup.
"You know Kate, Gordo tutored you in French, he's driven you home I don't know how many times when you couldn't even stand up, and he brings you a drink, and you still treat him like dirt," Lizzie said angrily.
"Sorry Gordo. Thanks for the drink," Kate directed to Gordo with a sickeningly sweet smile. "But you're still a loser," she said to Lizzie.
"Fine with me," Lizzie tipped the cup into her mouth as Gordo walked back over to Ethan.
"Well, at least it's almost over. Kate's going to UCLA, and Lizzie's going to Berkeley, so they'll likely never see each other again. Just a month or two more, and it's over," Gordo said to him.
"I guess you're right. Besides, with everything changing, all of us leaving, at least it's good to know there's something consistent in an inconstant world," Ethan stated.
"You know, that's unusually deep of you, Ethan. But good point," Gordo agreed, grabbing a can of Coke from the table. He watched as Lizzie and Kate continued to give each other evil looks. "Even so, the next round is yours."
"That's only fair, my man. Hey, let's get the Budweiser twins a refill and go shoot a round of pool," Ethan suggested.
"Okay. You get the girls situated and I'll rack up the table," Gordo head into the basement rec room. He was picking a cue from the rack on the wall when a dazed Ethan came down the stairs.
"Dude, you will never believe what I just witnessed," Ethan exclaimed as he picked up a cue of his own.
"Umm, Tudge talking to a girl. Oh, one other than his cousin Jen?" Gordo quipped.
"No, even stranger. Kate, and Lizzie, and they were like, TALKING. Like not fighting talking," Ethan shook his head.
"Really. Maybe wonders will never cease," Gordo shrugged as he took the first shot.
Three games of eight ball later, Gordo and Ethan walked back up to the living room. Most of the guests had gone home, and Parker was starting to pick up the empty cups and trash.
"Yo, Parker, I'll help you with that," Ethan held the black plastic bag open as Parker shoveled trash in. Gordo started clearing off the drinks table. He picked up two still full cups, and walked over to Lizzie and Kate.
"Hey girls, could you use a refill?" he offered the cups to the girls.
"Suuuurrre. Thanks Gordo," Lizzie took the cup from Gordo's right hand as Kate took the other.
"You've got great friends, Lizzie," Kate slurred as Gordo walked away.
"I know," Lizzie smiled down into her cup.
"I wish I had friends like that," Kate lamented.
"You've got tons of friends. You're Little Miss Popularity," Lizzie remarked with a roll of her eyes.
"Sure, the whole school adores me, but I don't have any true friends. Gordo would do anything for you, he adores you," Kate said somberly as she sipped her drink.
"Yeah, I guess. Come on, out of all the people who adore you, you have to have a few good friends," Lizzie pointed out.
"No, not really. All the conversations were so pointless. We made fun of other people, we went shopping, but that's about it. No depth. No one who truly knew me. I wish I had a friend like Gordo," Kate admitted with a glazed look on her face.
"That's so weird. All I ever wanted was to be popular and have tons of friends. And all you wanted was true friendship," Lizzie sorted.
"Maybe we're not so different after all," Kate smiled.
Gordo and Ethan could hardly believe what they had witnessed.
"They must have had more drinks than I though," Ethan said, tying his trash bag closed.
"Apparently so. I guess we should take them home before they do something drastic. Like swap emails," Gordo joked as he walked to the couch.
"Gordo, I'm soooo glad you're here. You know me and Kate, we're just alike. We both like extra cheese on our pizza," Lizzie slurred, grabbing on to his shirt.
"Yeah, and me and Lizzie, we both think Mel Gibson is really hot for an old guy. Isn't that just the weirdest coincidence?" Kate fell into a fit of giggles.
"Sure it is. Come on Lizzie, you've had enough, it's time to go home," Gordo pulled Lizzie to her feet. She swayed and grabbed onto his waist for support.
"No, I don't wanna go. Not just when me and Kate are getting to know each other so well," Lizzie moaned, grabbing Kate's hands. "We're soul mates," she whispered thoughtfully.
"Yeah, Kate, it's getting a little late, I'll take you home," Ethan helped pull Kate to her feet with a perplexed look on his face.
"We've known each other so long. We've wasted so much time," Kate sobbed as she embraced Lizzie.
"I'm so sorry I called you a snob all the time," Lizzie sniffed.
"And I'm sorry I called you Losey. Not anymore. We'll be friends always," Kate promised as Ethan led her to the door.
"Of course. For always. Oh, why do we have to leave each other, now that we just found each other," Lizzie sobbed as Gordo steered her towards the car.
"I promise I'll call you Lizzie," Kate called as Ethan helped her into his car.
"I'll be waiting! Goodbye for now, my friend," Lizzie waved as she sank into Gordo's car.
Lizzie kicked her shoes onto the floorboard and propped her feet on the dash as Gordo got in the car.
"Arms up," he said. Lizzie lifted her elbows up as Gordo reached across the seat and grabbed the seatbelt, fastening it across Lizzie's waist. He started the car and backed out of Parker's driveway as Lizzie leaned her forehead against the window.
"You might not want to watch the trees go by, you might get nauseous," Gordo suggested.
"Gordo, how long have we been friends," Lizzie asked, her head lolling against the headrest.
"A little over eighteen years Liz. Why?" Gordo glanced at his friend as he turned onto her street.
"How awful for Kate to want what we have. It's so sad," Lizzie sighed.
"Yup we're pretty lucky," Gordo said absently as he pulled his car into the McGuire's driveway. He pulled Lizzie from the car and helped her up the walk. Carefully he removed her key ring from her purse and opened the front door. He walked Lizzie over to the stairs and placed her shoes on the ground.
"Come on," Gordo crouched down and Lizzie climbed on his back. As he carried her piggyback style up the stairs, Lizzie rested her head on his shoulder.
"How long've we been friends Gordo?" Lizzie inquired again.
"Eighteen years, and 15 minutes later than the last time you asked me," Gordo rolled his eyes as kicked open Lizzie's bedroom door. He sat on her bed and she flopped backwards on to it.
"That's a long time. I don't know what I'd do without you," Lizzie mumbled towards the ceiling as Gordo pulled her pajamas out of her top drawer. Lizzie held her arms up as Gordo took off her shirt. Both were familiar with the almost weekly task of pouring each other into bed after parties, it had become a comfortable part of routine for them. The drunken professions of love and eternal friendship were all too common. Gordo slid her blue nightshirt over her head. Lizzie stared intently at her feet as she wiggled her toes while Gordo took off her jewelry and removed her hair clip. Lizzie stood up and let her unbuttoned skirt fall around her ankles.
"I'm so glad to have you in my life," Lizzie stated.
"Ditto, Liz. We're pretty compatible," Gordo replied as he placed her jewelry in her jewelry box. He turned to face Lizzie, who was standing in the middle of the floor watching him. She threw her arms around him in a tight hug.
"I'm gonna miss you so much, Gordo," Lizzie sighed, locking her arms around his waist.
"Aww, Liz. I thought we weren't gonna do this. Nothing's going to change. We'll still be friends," Gordo rubbed Lizzie's back gently.
"I know, I know. But I love you Gordo," Lizzie admitted heartfeltly, looking deep into his blue eyes.
"I know, Liz. We go through this every time," Gordo looked steadily into her face.
"Well, don't you love me back?" she pouted.
"You know I do," Gordo rolled his eyes at her comment. Her eyebrows knitted together with a confused expression.
"That's what you always say. Why don't you just say, "I love you, Lizzie'. I'd just like to hear you say it," Lizzie grabbed his face in her hands, making his mouth move to the words she was saying. "I love you, Lizzie McGuire," Lizzie moved her hands in attempt to make his mouth form the words, speaking in a mock-Gordo voice. Gordo gave her an exasperated look as she played with his face.
Lizzie looked intently at Gordo for a moment, then slowly leaned in and captured his lips in hers. Her hands dropped from his face to wrap her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Gordo stood shocked, but quickly fell into the rhythm of the kiss. When Lizzie's tongue ran across his lips in attempt to gain access into his mouth, he stepped back quickly.
"Lizzie," he said in a testy voice, "don't start this with me."
"Come on Gordo. I love you. Not just like a friend, I want you in my life for always. I want to be with you," Lizzie stated, taking a step towards him, reaching her hand towards his face. Gordo tilted his face to avoid her touch. He picked up her discarded clothing and put them in the clothes hamper as she sat dejectedly back down on the bed.
"Come on, hop up," Gordo instructed Lizzie as he pulled the covers to her bed down, allowing her to crawl in. Lizzie grabbed his shirt sleeve and made him sit on the bed, pulling herself up.
"Stay here with me tonight, Gordo. Everyone's gone. Stay," she leaned forward to kiss him again, but Gordo moved his head, causing her to kiss his cheek.
"Don't you want me?" Lizzie pouted.
"Liz, you're drunk. You don't know what you're talking about. An hour ago you called Kate Sanders your soul mate. How am I supposed to take you seriously after that?" Gordo said gently.
He pulled her blanket up to her chin as she lay her head down on the pillow. Gordo took the water glass from her bedside table and filled it with water in the bathroom. He brought it back into the room and replaced it on the table.
"You gonna be ok for the night, or should I crash in Matt's room?" Gordo asked, kneeling in front of her bed.
"I'll be fine," Lizzie said quietly, looking away. Gordo shrugged and turned off her lamp. He walked to the door when Lizzie called out to him.
"In eighteen years and 15 minutes, can you honestly say you don't have feelings for me?"
"Lizzie, I would be lying to myself and to you if I were to say no," Gordo said slowly, stepping back into the room.
"Then stay here with me tonight," Lizzie begged again. Gordo sighed and walked back to her bedside.
"Elizabeth McGuire, I would love nothing more then to stay here with you tonight, every night, holding you in my arms, kissing you, making love to you. But every time we have this conversation, you're drunk. And every time I tell you that if you still feel this way in the morning, come to me and we'll take it from there. But every morning after, you never make a mention of it. It's happened countless times. And every time this happens, a little part of me dies. So, no, I won't stay here with you tonight, as much as I would love to. But, like always, if you decide you feel the same in the morning, come to me, and we'll take it from there. Now go to sleep," Gordo tucked the blanket around her and kissed her forehead. He stood up and walked towards the door.
"I'm in love with you, David Gordon," Lizzie called sleepily as he turned off the light and walked out the door.
"Tell me that in the morning," Gordo said quietly to himself as closed the door behind him.
Many thanks to Sarah, my editor, for proofreading and revising this for me. She's a lifesaver, if you need someone to go over your stories, papers, whatever, email her at smack_584@hotmail.com, she's the best!- Jana
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Lizzie went over her mental checklist one last time.
"Outfit," a light blue denim skirt that fell just above her knees with fringed seams. Pale pink pattern tieback top, tan weave stack slides. "Check."
"Hair," lightly curled with the top half pulled back into a clip. "Check."
"Light makeup, check. Jewelry, butterfly necklace, silver hoop earrings, silver band on left pointer finger, white shell thumb ring, heart toggle bracelet. Check check."
"Mom, Lizzie's talking to herself again," Matt retorted as he walked past Lizzie's halfway open bedroom door.
"Better than talking to you, worm," Lizzie spat, rolling her eyes as she applied lip gloss.
"MATT! Stop harassing your sister. Lizzie, Gordo's in the driveway, you better hurry," Jo called up the stairs.
Lizzie took one final look in the mirror behind her door, grabbed her purse and turned the light off as she headed down the stairs.
"Now Lizzie, are you sure that you'll be ok here by yourself tonight? I can call Mrs. Patterson to come stay with you. On second thought, maybe your father and I should just stay home. Sam, I think we should stay home," Jo called into the living room.
"No, Mom, it's you and Dad's anniversary, and I know you really wanted to see that show in San Francisco. I'm sure I'll be fine for one night. Besides, I won't be home till late, and I'll go right to sleep. If I need anything, I can call the Gordons," Lizzie assured her parents as she opened the front door.
"Well, I guess," Jo said slowly. "The number of the hotel is on the counter, and you know my cell phone and your father's pager. And Matt will be staying with Lanny; the Onasis's number is on the fridge too. And you keep your cell phone on so I can call and check. And lock the door when you get home, and,"
"Jo, I think our 18 year old daughter will be fine for less than 24 hours at home by herself. Now if we don't hurry we're going to get stuck in traffic," Sam helped his wife into her coat and pushed her towards the door.
"Bye, Mom, Dad. Have fun," Lizzie smiled and waved as she stepped off the porch.
"Care to speed up McGuire? Parker's party won't last all night," Gordo grinned as called out the window of his car.
"Can it Gordo. When you look this good, the party waits for you," Lizzie twirled in the driveway before getting into the car.
"So who are you trying to impress this week? Ethan? Kyle? Ryan?" Gordo shifted the car into gear and drove down the road.
"What makes you think I'm trying to impress a guy?" Lizzie stated, trying to give Gordo a nasty look. He responded with an "I-know-all-your-tricks" look.
"Fine. Not that it matters. I just want to look nice. There are plenty of guys I want to look nice for. Including you, Gordo," Lizzie smiled as she pulled down the visor to check her hair again.
"Including me, huh? What, countless years of being my best friend, and knowing that you know more about me than I know about myself isn't enough to impress me?" Gordo arched his eyebrows towards his friend as he turned a corner.
"Are you kidding? Some as hot as yourself wouldn't want to hang out with just anyone. You need a best friend who can match your good looks, your humor, your intellect," Lizzie explained.
"So do you know anyone I can hang out with that meets those requirements?" Gordo joked as he pulled into Parker's driveway.
"Very funny. Since you're the designated driver this time, I'll let it slide," Lizzie grinned.
"Me, the designated driver? No, my confused friend, I think it's your turn. The last party you passed out in my backseat and it took me 20 minutes to get you out," Gordo accused.
"No way. The last party was Tudge's birthday and you ralphed the whole way home," Lizzie recalled with a shudder.
"I did not. I know how to hold my liquor," Gordo defended.
"Please. There was a trail of barf from Larry's house to your driveway. Not to mention what I has to clean off my car when I got home. Gross," Lizzie cringed.
"Well, there's only one way to solve this," Gordo held out his fist. "One, two, three, shoot!"
"Ha! Paper beats rock! You drive, and I'll drink," Lizzie exclaimed, throwing open the passenger side door and rushing up the sidewalk into the vibrant chaos that flowed from Parker's house.
Several hours later, Gordo was walking through the house when he spotted Lizzie and Kate about to get into a cat fight.
"Why don't you watch where you're going McGuire? You made me drop my Jello shot," Kate spat, weaving a little.
"Well, ex-ccuuuuse me Kate. Heaven forbid I prevent you from getting plastered," Lizzie responded, slightly buzzed herself.
"Ladies, ladies, ladies. No use fighting over the Jello," Ethan interceded. "There's one left-"
"And it's mine, since Spazzy McGuire ruined mine," Kate pouted.
"And Lizzie can have mine, since I shouldn't have alcohol anyways. So you girlies go over there, sit on the couch, eat your Jello, and this party will continue to proceed with fineness," Ethan walked both girls over to the couch, where they sank into the over-sized cushions.
"Thanks for intercepting that fight Ethan. Last time they got into it, it was nasty," Gordo recalled.
"So true, Gor-don. You know, for once I'd like to just see them get along," Ethan stated, looking over to the couch, where Lizzie and Kate were trying to scoot away from each other unsuccessfully.
"Maybe we better get them another round before they claw each other's eyes out," Gordo grabbed two red plastic cups full of beer and carried them over to Kate and Lizzie.
"Thanks, Gordo," Lizzie smiled as she accepted the drink from Gordo.
"Yeah, keep 'em coming, Gor-dork," Kate sneered as she sipped from the cup.
"You know Kate, Gordo tutored you in French, he's driven you home I don't know how many times when you couldn't even stand up, and he brings you a drink, and you still treat him like dirt," Lizzie said angrily.
"Sorry Gordo. Thanks for the drink," Kate directed to Gordo with a sickeningly sweet smile. "But you're still a loser," she said to Lizzie.
"Fine with me," Lizzie tipped the cup into her mouth as Gordo walked back over to Ethan.
"Well, at least it's almost over. Kate's going to UCLA, and Lizzie's going to Berkeley, so they'll likely never see each other again. Just a month or two more, and it's over," Gordo said to him.
"I guess you're right. Besides, with everything changing, all of us leaving, at least it's good to know there's something consistent in an inconstant world," Ethan stated.
"You know, that's unusually deep of you, Ethan. But good point," Gordo agreed, grabbing a can of Coke from the table. He watched as Lizzie and Kate continued to give each other evil looks. "Even so, the next round is yours."
"That's only fair, my man. Hey, let's get the Budweiser twins a refill and go shoot a round of pool," Ethan suggested.
"Okay. You get the girls situated and I'll rack up the table," Gordo head into the basement rec room. He was picking a cue from the rack on the wall when a dazed Ethan came down the stairs.
"Dude, you will never believe what I just witnessed," Ethan exclaimed as he picked up a cue of his own.
"Umm, Tudge talking to a girl. Oh, one other than his cousin Jen?" Gordo quipped.
"No, even stranger. Kate, and Lizzie, and they were like, TALKING. Like not fighting talking," Ethan shook his head.
"Really. Maybe wonders will never cease," Gordo shrugged as he took the first shot.
Three games of eight ball later, Gordo and Ethan walked back up to the living room. Most of the guests had gone home, and Parker was starting to pick up the empty cups and trash.
"Yo, Parker, I'll help you with that," Ethan held the black plastic bag open as Parker shoveled trash in. Gordo started clearing off the drinks table. He picked up two still full cups, and walked over to Lizzie and Kate.
"Hey girls, could you use a refill?" he offered the cups to the girls.
"Suuuurrre. Thanks Gordo," Lizzie took the cup from Gordo's right hand as Kate took the other.
"You've got great friends, Lizzie," Kate slurred as Gordo walked away.
"I know," Lizzie smiled down into her cup.
"I wish I had friends like that," Kate lamented.
"You've got tons of friends. You're Little Miss Popularity," Lizzie remarked with a roll of her eyes.
"Sure, the whole school adores me, but I don't have any true friends. Gordo would do anything for you, he adores you," Kate said somberly as she sipped her drink.
"Yeah, I guess. Come on, out of all the people who adore you, you have to have a few good friends," Lizzie pointed out.
"No, not really. All the conversations were so pointless. We made fun of other people, we went shopping, but that's about it. No depth. No one who truly knew me. I wish I had a friend like Gordo," Kate admitted with a glazed look on her face.
"That's so weird. All I ever wanted was to be popular and have tons of friends. And all you wanted was true friendship," Lizzie sorted.
"Maybe we're not so different after all," Kate smiled.
Gordo and Ethan could hardly believe what they had witnessed.
"They must have had more drinks than I though," Ethan said, tying his trash bag closed.
"Apparently so. I guess we should take them home before they do something drastic. Like swap emails," Gordo joked as he walked to the couch.
"Gordo, I'm soooo glad you're here. You know me and Kate, we're just alike. We both like extra cheese on our pizza," Lizzie slurred, grabbing on to his shirt.
"Yeah, and me and Lizzie, we both think Mel Gibson is really hot for an old guy. Isn't that just the weirdest coincidence?" Kate fell into a fit of giggles.
"Sure it is. Come on Lizzie, you've had enough, it's time to go home," Gordo pulled Lizzie to her feet. She swayed and grabbed onto his waist for support.
"No, I don't wanna go. Not just when me and Kate are getting to know each other so well," Lizzie moaned, grabbing Kate's hands. "We're soul mates," she whispered thoughtfully.
"Yeah, Kate, it's getting a little late, I'll take you home," Ethan helped pull Kate to her feet with a perplexed look on his face.
"We've known each other so long. We've wasted so much time," Kate sobbed as she embraced Lizzie.
"I'm so sorry I called you a snob all the time," Lizzie sniffed.
"And I'm sorry I called you Losey. Not anymore. We'll be friends always," Kate promised as Ethan led her to the door.
"Of course. For always. Oh, why do we have to leave each other, now that we just found each other," Lizzie sobbed as Gordo steered her towards the car.
"I promise I'll call you Lizzie," Kate called as Ethan helped her into his car.
"I'll be waiting! Goodbye for now, my friend," Lizzie waved as she sank into Gordo's car.
Lizzie kicked her shoes onto the floorboard and propped her feet on the dash as Gordo got in the car.
"Arms up," he said. Lizzie lifted her elbows up as Gordo reached across the seat and grabbed the seatbelt, fastening it across Lizzie's waist. He started the car and backed out of Parker's driveway as Lizzie leaned her forehead against the window.
"You might not want to watch the trees go by, you might get nauseous," Gordo suggested.
"Gordo, how long have we been friends," Lizzie asked, her head lolling against the headrest.
"A little over eighteen years Liz. Why?" Gordo glanced at his friend as he turned onto her street.
"How awful for Kate to want what we have. It's so sad," Lizzie sighed.
"Yup we're pretty lucky," Gordo said absently as he pulled his car into the McGuire's driveway. He pulled Lizzie from the car and helped her up the walk. Carefully he removed her key ring from her purse and opened the front door. He walked Lizzie over to the stairs and placed her shoes on the ground.
"Come on," Gordo crouched down and Lizzie climbed on his back. As he carried her piggyback style up the stairs, Lizzie rested her head on his shoulder.
"How long've we been friends Gordo?" Lizzie inquired again.
"Eighteen years, and 15 minutes later than the last time you asked me," Gordo rolled his eyes as kicked open Lizzie's bedroom door. He sat on her bed and she flopped backwards on to it.
"That's a long time. I don't know what I'd do without you," Lizzie mumbled towards the ceiling as Gordo pulled her pajamas out of her top drawer. Lizzie held her arms up as Gordo took off her shirt. Both were familiar with the almost weekly task of pouring each other into bed after parties, it had become a comfortable part of routine for them. The drunken professions of love and eternal friendship were all too common. Gordo slid her blue nightshirt over her head. Lizzie stared intently at her feet as she wiggled her toes while Gordo took off her jewelry and removed her hair clip. Lizzie stood up and let her unbuttoned skirt fall around her ankles.
"I'm so glad to have you in my life," Lizzie stated.
"Ditto, Liz. We're pretty compatible," Gordo replied as he placed her jewelry in her jewelry box. He turned to face Lizzie, who was standing in the middle of the floor watching him. She threw her arms around him in a tight hug.
"I'm gonna miss you so much, Gordo," Lizzie sighed, locking her arms around his waist.
"Aww, Liz. I thought we weren't gonna do this. Nothing's going to change. We'll still be friends," Gordo rubbed Lizzie's back gently.
"I know, I know. But I love you Gordo," Lizzie admitted heartfeltly, looking deep into his blue eyes.
"I know, Liz. We go through this every time," Gordo looked steadily into her face.
"Well, don't you love me back?" she pouted.
"You know I do," Gordo rolled his eyes at her comment. Her eyebrows knitted together with a confused expression.
"That's what you always say. Why don't you just say, "I love you, Lizzie'. I'd just like to hear you say it," Lizzie grabbed his face in her hands, making his mouth move to the words she was saying. "I love you, Lizzie McGuire," Lizzie moved her hands in attempt to make his mouth form the words, speaking in a mock-Gordo voice. Gordo gave her an exasperated look as she played with his face.
Lizzie looked intently at Gordo for a moment, then slowly leaned in and captured his lips in hers. Her hands dropped from his face to wrap her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Gordo stood shocked, but quickly fell into the rhythm of the kiss. When Lizzie's tongue ran across his lips in attempt to gain access into his mouth, he stepped back quickly.
"Lizzie," he said in a testy voice, "don't start this with me."
"Come on Gordo. I love you. Not just like a friend, I want you in my life for always. I want to be with you," Lizzie stated, taking a step towards him, reaching her hand towards his face. Gordo tilted his face to avoid her touch. He picked up her discarded clothing and put them in the clothes hamper as she sat dejectedly back down on the bed.
"Come on, hop up," Gordo instructed Lizzie as he pulled the covers to her bed down, allowing her to crawl in. Lizzie grabbed his shirt sleeve and made him sit on the bed, pulling herself up.
"Stay here with me tonight, Gordo. Everyone's gone. Stay," she leaned forward to kiss him again, but Gordo moved his head, causing her to kiss his cheek.
"Don't you want me?" Lizzie pouted.
"Liz, you're drunk. You don't know what you're talking about. An hour ago you called Kate Sanders your soul mate. How am I supposed to take you seriously after that?" Gordo said gently.
He pulled her blanket up to her chin as she lay her head down on the pillow. Gordo took the water glass from her bedside table and filled it with water in the bathroom. He brought it back into the room and replaced it on the table.
"You gonna be ok for the night, or should I crash in Matt's room?" Gordo asked, kneeling in front of her bed.
"I'll be fine," Lizzie said quietly, looking away. Gordo shrugged and turned off her lamp. He walked to the door when Lizzie called out to him.
"In eighteen years and 15 minutes, can you honestly say you don't have feelings for me?"
"Lizzie, I would be lying to myself and to you if I were to say no," Gordo said slowly, stepping back into the room.
"Then stay here with me tonight," Lizzie begged again. Gordo sighed and walked back to her bedside.
"Elizabeth McGuire, I would love nothing more then to stay here with you tonight, every night, holding you in my arms, kissing you, making love to you. But every time we have this conversation, you're drunk. And every time I tell you that if you still feel this way in the morning, come to me and we'll take it from there. But every morning after, you never make a mention of it. It's happened countless times. And every time this happens, a little part of me dies. So, no, I won't stay here with you tonight, as much as I would love to. But, like always, if you decide you feel the same in the morning, come to me, and we'll take it from there. Now go to sleep," Gordo tucked the blanket around her and kissed her forehead. He stood up and walked towards the door.
"I'm in love with you, David Gordon," Lizzie called sleepily as he turned off the light and walked out the door.
"Tell me that in the morning," Gordo said quietly to himself as closed the door behind him.