CHAPTER SEVEN
Gordo and Miranda put in a DVD and sit on the couch. Neither are watching the movie, but are lost in thought about Lizzie.
Miranda: I can't believe it.
Gordo: What?
Miranda: Lizzie. It all seems like a dream.
Gordo: I know.
Miranda: I wanna see her.
Gordo: Me, too.
Daniella Sanchez comes into the living room with lunch.
Daniella: I ordered pizza. You hungry?
Miranda: Um, thanks.
The doorbell rings. Daniella answers.
Daniella: Roberta. How's Lizzie?
Roberta: Not good. She's critical, but stable right now.
Daniella: How are Sam and Jo holding up?
Roberta: About as good as one can in that circumstance. Jo doesn't want to leave her side. It takes an act of Congress to get her to leave, even for a short break.
Daniella: She's gonna tire herself out quickly.
Roberta: I know.
Daniella: The kids want to see Lizzie. Do you know if that's feasible?
Roberta: I'm not sure. Perhaps tomorrw we can stop by for a few minutes.
They walk into the living room.
Gordo: Mom, how's Lizzie?
Roberta: She's not doing very well. I'm sorry.
Miranda: Begins crying. Is she gonna die?
Roberta: I don't know. The next couple days will tell us a lot.
Gordo: Can we see her?
Roberta: Not today, but we can stop by tomorrow, if you'd like.
Miranda: Mom, can we?
Daniella: Sure mija.
The next day, Roberta and Daniella bring their kids to see Lizzie in ICU. Gordo and Miranda enter the room. Jo is asleep in the chair next to the bed. Her head and arms are resting on the bed, and her right hand is clasping Lizzie's hand. Miranda knocks softly on the door. Jo startles awake.
Jo: Gordo, Miranda. Come in.
Miranda: May we see her?
Jo: Sure. I think she'd like that.
Gordo: How is she?
Jo: Oh, about the same. Is your mom here?
Gordo: Yeah, both our moms are.
Jo: Stands up. I'll give you two some privacy. I'll be right outside the door if you need me.
Miranda: Thanks.
Jo leaves the room, and Gordo and Miranda go to Lizzie's bedside.
Gordo: Hey Lizzie.
Miranda: Hey.
Gordo: Can you hear me?
Miranda: We miss you. Everyone at school knows about what happened.
Gordo: The police interviewed us yesterday. Mr. Escobar wasn't at school today.
Miranda: Lizzie, please wake up.
Gordo: Mrs. Langley said the advice column is all yours if you want it. Claire was hoping she'd get it. For now, Kate's running it.
Miranda: Yeah, she's still being nice. What happened in Rome, anyway? Whatever it was, it sure worked.
At the same time, Jo talks with Daniella and Roberta.
Daniella: How is she?
Jo: About the same.
Roberta: How are you holding up?
Jo: I don't know. I can't stand seeing her like this. She won't wake up. Why won't she wake up? She begins crying, then looks into her daughter's room. I can't lose my baby.
Miranda and Gordo continue talking to Lizzie.
Gordo: You aced the history exam. In fact, you and I tied for the highest grade in the class.
Miranda: As usual, I got another B. At least I've got Spanish class. I made an A on my project.
Gordo: That's because you spend every summer in Mexico. You're bilingual.
Miranda: Laughs slightly. Yeah, I taught Senora Hicks a few new words!
Gordo: I know, everything good happens at school when you're absent. I remember your Latvian project from last year, and having to be paired with Kate because the two of you were out sick.
Miranda: Those Alexander tortes were good.
Daniella: Knocks on the door. Kids, we need to go. Lizzie needs her rest.
Miranda: Okay, mom. Lizzie, we gotta go. I'll see you soon. She walks out.
Gordo: I'll see you later. Kisses her forehead. I love you. He leaves the room.
A tear falls from Lizzie's eyes.
