Chapter 10:

Monday morning came all to soon for Lizzie, Gordo, and Miranda. With Lizzie now aware of the relationship between Miranda and Gordo, the couple did not see any reason to hide it.

Gordo placed a short and comforting kiss on his girlfriend's lips before he opened the door to the Senior hall.

Miranda suddenly felt 13 again as she and Gordo walked down the hall. It was as if every eye was on her. She could almost feel the panic rising. It was no secret that Lizzie and Gordo had been a favored and ideal couple. Now, Miranda was standing in the arms many thought Lizzie would be in forever. She felt sick at the thought of standing in Lizzie's shadow again. Her nerves were calmed by a quick squeeze at her hand.

"Thank you," she breathed out.

Gordo smiled at her softly. He knew how much today was warring down on her nerves.

"Don't worry. No matter what happens, I love you. Kate, Larry, Ethan, Veruca, Kennedy, and Eric are all behind us. Lizzie will come around."
Miranda gave him a quick kiss on the lips before heading off to her locker. Gordo watched her go. Shrugging, he opened him locker and got his books for this first class.

Miranda hummed to herself as she unloaded and reloaded her back pack.

"You're a back stabbing bitch. How could you stand there and let me share with you how I felt about Gordo and not say anything? I thought you were my best friend! Best friends don't steal other friend's boyfriends!" a voice hissed from behind Miranda.

They have the absolute worse timing! Miranda thought, slamming her locker.

"First things first, Lizzie. David is my boyfriend. He has been my boyfriend for almost 3 months. If you would let me get a word in edgewise instead of being a self- centered little brat, you would know how I feel about David. You never let me share anything, you just had to go off on your own little rant, basically saying to hell with anyone else. It's Lizzie's world and Lizzie's world alone. We were going to tell you, when and how was the problem. Your attitude right now is the reason why we didn't tell you anything. You're not my best friend anymore, Lizzie. My best friend would be happy for me, not chewing me out for something that has nothing to do with her. What goes on between David and I is none of your business. He is my boyfriend. He loves me and I love him, that is all you need to know. Now, excuse me, I have a class to get to," Miranda retorted, flinging her back pack over her shoulder.

"This isn't over, Sanchez. I will get him back."

"No. You won't," Miranda stated firmly, before walking to the opposite end of the hall where Gordo stood observing the two.

Lizzie watched her two best friends share a brief word and short kiss. She was going to make Gordo love her again and Miranda would pay for hurting her. How could they not see that this was about her?

"You want him back, don't you?"

"Yes."

"I can help you with that. Meet me at lunch in the parking lot."

Gordo studied his girlfriend with interest. She had not spoken much after her confrontation with Lizzie. All she would tell him was that Lizzie was pissed and wanted him back. Miranda was being too quiet for his liking. She wasn't a loud girl, but she also wasn't library quiet, either. Scooting closer, he took a piece of his Macbeth notes and wrote a not to his partner.

Are you okay? he scrawled.

Fine, Miranda wrote back.

Are you lying to me?

David, please. Just let me pay attention to Mr. Teneson.

David? You rarely call me David. Randy, please talk to me.

I have always called you David. Maybe I will call you it more often now. If you don't mind? I'm sorry. I just have a lot on my mind right now. I'm okay, but I am not. Do you understand? We will talk tonight. I promise. Love you.

Gordo folded the up the paper and slid it into the pocket of his jeans. It should not be like this, he thought. Lizzie should be happy that I am happy. Miranda should be rattling on to Lizzie about prom and vice versa, not shooting each other dirty looks.

He could feel Lizzie's eyes on his back. She was up to something. He could tell from the way she played with her hair. Turning his back to stretch, he caught her eye.

I love you, she mouthed at him. Gordo just raised an eye brow and shrugged her off.

He knew exactly what she was playing at. He placed his hand on Miranda's knee for Lizzie to see. She needed to be reminded who his girlfriend was. He didn't realize that Lizzie was not the only he aggravated with the simple possessive gesture.