Confronting the parents, something every new couple fears. Well, it's L/G's turn, and, who knows, it may not go as well as planned. Or, maybe it might not go at all. Because, what's this? Gordo's parents have to fly out of the country for a few days. Looks like Gordo will be staying at the McGuire's place! Maybe it might not be a good idea to tell the folks you're dating their teenage daughter when you'll be sharing a room with her. But are the McGuire's really that dumb? Who's to say they don't figure it out? Oh, boy. Should be fun though, sneaking behind the parent's backs, stealing kisses and such. Oh, yeah.
A/N: All right, go me. One day after I said this chappie may take a while, I'm posting it. After I sent that authors Note, I got struck with a huge bout of inspiration, and it sort of pushed the story along.
Anyway, not much else I wanna say, just thanks to all who've reviewed so far, to those who haven't, shame on you *wags finger* ;) :D Hehe, just kidding.
Anyway, I better be going, hope you enjoy, hope you review.
Oh, and I'd like to dedicate this chapter to a good friend of mine, who has just today returned from her five week trip in Europe. Kez, although you won't read this, it's good to have you back, mate!
God Bless ________________________________________________________________________
What Could Have Been
Chapter 5: Meet The Parents... Uh, Again.
When Lizzie and Gordo reached the mall, they decided straight away that they would simply go and see a movie and then wonder round and do anything that took their fancy.
Easy enough said, but being done was another thing.
The couple stood outside the theatre staring up at the big board that held the movies showing and their times.
Only two had a possible time slot, and it was a choice between a chick flick and an action movie.
Lizzie grasped Gordo hand lightly, squeezing it in the hopes of getting him to yield.
"Hey, come on Gordo, 'How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days' is a really good film. Everyone's seen it."
"No, every girl has seen it. I may hang with girls all the time but I still have a little shred of male pride and dignity left in me, no matter how hidden it is."
Lizzie screwed up her nose, trying to figure out the best way to tackle the situation. It came to her so suddenly; she could actually feel the light bulb heating the top of the head.
"Gordo, please, for me. Come on, you know you want to." And with those words, she did it; she pulled out her secret weapon.
The puppy dog eyes.
Gordo groaned, deep and long, there was no escaping her famous puppy dog pout. She knew it, he knew it, and she used it to her advantage.
Gordo, in a desperate attempt to win, turned his head, swearing to himself not to look in those large hazel orbs.
It didn't work. He let out another long groan. He was done for.
"Lizzie, come on, you've seen it already. We haven't seen 'The Matrix: Reloaded' yet. It looks great."
Lizzie rolled her eyes. Guys.
"Gordo, you don't even watch the movie. You sit through the whole thing criticising the film techniques. You think up ways on how to make it better and vow that your movies won't have mistakes like that."
Gordo seemed to be stumped for the while, until he crossed his arms defiantly in front of him.
"So?"
"So. So, if we see my movie, you can still do that, but on the plus side, you can make me happy," she paused, liking her lips teasingly.
"Besides, if you really don't like the movie, I can think of more...fun ways of passing the time."
Gordo stuck his tongue out and chuckled.
"Tease." Lizzie waited patiently, she knew she had him, it was only a matter of time. As if on cue, Gordo sighed, trying to sound bored and sad, but failing to keep a smile of his face.
"Alright, you win. Don't you always? One thing though."
"Anything," replied Lizzie, happy that she had gotten her way.
"Next time we go to the movies, I choose what we watch."
Lizzie grinned, already looking forward to the next time she would be in a dark theatre with him.
"Deal." They shook on it, and then Gordo placed a small kiss to her hand before releasing her.
Lizzie couldn't help but smile at that, he was just too cute sometimes.
They went and got their tickets, for which Gordo properly paid for. He was doing everything right, paying for things, opening doors, gentle kisses, just generally being the perfect boyfriend.
"You don't have to pay for that," Lizzie said as she dug around her purse for the right amount of cash.
"I want to," Gordo replied softly as he put the money she had gotten out back in her over-crowded handbag.
Lizzie grinned as she followed Gordo to the candy bar, her thoughts going places she had never dared go before. Kissing with Gordo, holding hands with him, telling him she loved him. Him doing the same to her.
Lizzie sighed. And she thought he made a phenomenal friend, this was just ten times better.
After Gordo payed for their snacks (they shared a large coke and bag of M&M's), the couple went to find a seat in the cinema. When they got there they found it virtually empty, save for a few people here and there. They had practically free reign of the theatre, and chose seats close to the back but near enough to actually see the screen.
They settled into their seats while they waited for the ads to play. It would be another ten minutes at least until the movie started, so they got comfortable for the long wait.
During the ad that said all the delicious treats they had at the candy-bar, Gordo found Lizzie's hand in the dark and squeezed.
"Lizzie?" Gordo whispered.
"Hmm?" She answered, just as quietly.
"You're my girlfriend, right?"
Lizzie turned around to face him; eyes shining happily even in the dim lights of the theatre. She squeezed back and kissed him lightly on the cheek.
"Only if you're my boyfriend."
Gordo grinned back at her and she put her head on his shoulder and settled back to enjoy the movie.
'Well,' thought Gordo as he too sat back to watch. 'I guess this chick-flick thing won't be a total bust.' He kissed the top of Lizzie's head and heard her sigh.
'Yeah, not too bad at all.'
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
'Oh, this is a total nightmare'
Gordo watched, half amused-half scared, as Lizzie practically ran out of the cinema, sprouting lines from the movie as she went.
"Peek-a-boo!" Lizzie shouted as they strolled through the mall, giggling uncontrollably while Gordo tried unsuccessfully to calm her down.
'Well,' thought Gordo in an effort to console him self. 'At least she isn't stopping at every store we pass.'
"Wasn't that part funny Gordo? Peek-a-boo!"
"I knew I shouldn't have let you see that movie. You always do this," Gordo tried to sound annoyed, but he couldn't help the grin that formed on his face.
She was just too cute when he was in these moods. He was so glad he could finally say that out loud, which, of course, he did.
"Thank you!" Lizzie grinned, stopping for a short time to give him a peck on the cheek.
She continued on her way, skipping in a totally girlie way. Gordo couldn't help it, he let loose a chuckle at her antics.
Lizzie stopped, turned around, walked back over to him, and glared. Uh-oh.
"Is there something wrong, mister?"
Gordo softened when he saw the laughter in her eyes and found that she was only playing. He decided to play along anyway, for the hell of it.
"Why, yes ma'am, there is indeed." Gordo put on an incredibly fake British accent while trying to keep a straight face. Lizzie just watched him, barely able to contain her own laughter.
"I do believe that I will have to put you under arrest."
Lizzie gasped, eyes widening dramatically.
"What did I do?" She breathed, putting her hand to her forehead like they did in those old movies.
Gordo switched his accent to an even worse imitation of a Texan.
"Why, you're just so gosh dang beautiful, it's a crime. I dare say you've stolen all the beauty in the world and placed in those there eyes of yours."
Lizzie blushed at that, coming out of character. Aw, Gordo was so romantic!
"Gordo, that's so sweet!" Lizzie cooed, kissing him full on the mouth, not caring if anyone saw. In fact, she welcomed it. She wanted the world to know she was in love with this man. But first, why not tell him.
"I love you."
He grinned, also coming out of character.
"You know I love you too."
They stared for a minute at each other, both their eyes shining with happiness and laughter.
Gordo then took Lizzie's hands in his own, and tugged them both towards the food court.
"Come on, let's go get something to eat, I'm hungry!" Lizzie rolled her eyes ad grinned.
"You're always hungry," she replied, laughing.
Gordo didn't say anything to that, he just led her down the escalators and to the inviting smell of fast food.
Lizzie screwed up her nose in partial disgust as they passed a pizza shop where the pizza's were practically soaked in grease.
"Ew, Gordo you know half the food in this place has more fat than we weigh combined?"
Gordo shushed her and pulled her along, tongue hanging out like a dog's as he took in all the wonderful sights and smells. He looked like he was in heaven, which, to be fair, being Gordo he probably was.
After a couple of minutes, the pair made their way to an open table with their trays of food and sat down. Gordo had a large order of curly fries (his favourite), a chunky looking burger filled with every possible thing imaginable, and a large coke. Lizzie had a salad and a bottle of water. Food was the only area where they were different. Lizzie liked to eat healthy, where as Gordo just liked to eat, it didn't matter so much what.
Lizzie always told him that it was his Jewish side poking out, and that his stomach would poke out too if he didn't eat right. Gordo always shrugged at that, not able to do much more. What does one say to that argument?
The couple dug into their meals, chomping away happily and making small talk.
That was one great thing about Lizzie and Gordo, they never ran out of things to say. Communication was easily the best part of their relationship. They always seemed to know what the other was thinking, and could almost carry on a conversation with just a few looks.
They always put it down to being best friends, when you knew someone as long as they had, you tend to form close bonds that you didn't share with anyone else. Not even Miranda, their other best friend, could take that away from them. It was unique, and sometimes they were glad for just some time to themselves. Like now.
Lizzie looked up from her meal, regarding Gordo thoughtfully. He looked like the same Gordo that he did a week ago, but suddenly, in Lizzie's eyes, he was gorgeous. Large, inquisitive, bright blue eyes, a mop of unruly dark brown curls, full kissable lips, a lean, but not scrawny body and a to-die-for smile.
He seemed so perfect, if only she had realised it sooner.
Lizzie was internally kicking herself for being so blind when something behind Gordo caught her eye. More than that; someone.
Gordo looked up at that moment to see fear in his girlfriend's eyes.
"Lizzie, what's wrong?"
She didn't answer him, but Gordo followed her line of sight over the other end of the food court.
"Oh, great," he muttered aloud. "Just what we need."
Fast approaching their table, Kate Sanders and Ethan Craft were walking side by side, hands clasped. Hillridge Middle School's on-off couple were, as of this week, definitely on, and Kate loved to tell as many people as possible.
Trailing just a step behind was Claire and the rest of Kate's posse. She never went anywhere without them; they were like one big fashion accessory to her.
"Don't let them get to you, okay Liz?" Gordo asked as he turned back around to face the scared looking blonde in front of him. She didn't answer, her eyes glued to the approaching couple.
There was no time to hide, or to run, Kate and Ethan had already spotted them.
Kate had on her immensely fake smile; her hand rubbing up and down Ethan's arm. Her eyes were flashing dangerously, however, giving off a wave of power.
Ethan, on the other hand, waved dumbly, smiling and showing of perfectly white teeth. His hair was slicked back, and he looked altra cool.
'Don't let them get to,' Gordo repeated in his mind. 'Yeah, why don't you follow your own advice, eh Gordon?'
"Wassup Gor-don, Liz-zay? How you peeps doin' this fine afternoon?" As always, Ethan was in his own little world, and everyone else ignored him. Kate rolled her eyes and then looked down at Gordo and Lizzie and sneered.
"Well, if it isn't Loozie and Gor-dork. Here together I see, two halves of the dorky trio." Kate looked extremely proud at herself for what she had said. Behind her, the band of girls, as if on cue, laughed monotonously like the little androids they were. Their only mission in life was to follow Kate's orders.
Gordo was about to step in with some clever retort when Lizzie seemed to find her voice and cut across him.
"You know what Kate? Yeah, Gordo and I are here together. We're here on a date. And our names are not Loozie and Gor-dork. We're Lizzie and Gordo, and we'd have it no other way. We're trying to enjoy ourselves, and with you here, that's a very hard thing to accomplish. So, why don't you and your little drones run along and leave us alone."
Everyone looked surprised out her little outburst, but none more than Lizzie herself. She seemed both shocked and amazed that she could have the guts to say that, and to Kate, of all people. She also looked proud at herself, and Gordo couldn't help but feel the same. Way to go Lizzie.
"Whatever," Kate said after a while, trying to look bored and disgusted, but not able to keep the uncertainty off of her face. No one really dared to stand up to her, so this was all sort of new territory. Ground that should be trodden on lightly.
She motioned to her group and they strutted off, heads held high, and noses up-turned in that snobbish way.
Ethan hung back for a moment, looking impressed.
"Gor-don, my man! Way to go! Scorin' the big one. So, you two a couple, or what?" If there was anything at all that Ethan had some knowledge about, it was the ladies. The fine ladies that Hillridge never seemed to have a shortage of. And to accompany the endless supply of girls, was Ethan's endless supply of pick-up lines. Foolproof, never fail ways to get the chicks.
"Yeah, we are," Lizzie answered before Gordo could, clasping their hands together and holding it up for Ethan to see. He grinned and clapped a stunned Gordo on the back, then walked off, following Kate.
The couple stood in silence for a while as both of them were suffering from severe loss of full-body functions. After Lizzie had stood up to her arch rival, it was hard for her to express any words of pride, or any words at all. Gordo was still stunned by not only what Lizzie said, but who she said it too.
And then, like a truck careening towards them, they were slammed with the truth of what had just happened, and what it could mean.
"Oh my God, Gordo, I don't know what I was thinking!" Lizzie had finally regained her speaking capabilities, and was using it to her full potential, going a mile a minute.
"I'm so stupid, I just wanted to put Kate in her place for once. I didn't realise. Gordo, Kate knows, Ethan knows. Now, by the end of the day, the whole school will know. Word travels fast, my parents are going to find out! My mum was looking shifty today, I thought she suspected, but she'll surely know by the end of the day. They're gonna be so mad..."
Gordo put two fingers to her lips, shushing her with one movement.
Once quiet, Gordo took Lizzie's hands in his own, and gripped them tight. He had been thinking the entire time. Surely it wasn't as bad as it first seemed. In fact, it was quite a good thing, and he told her that exactly.
"Gordo, are you crazy? My parents are going to find out before we tell them. They're gonna be angry. You know my mum."
"Yeah, I do. I also know mine. And I also know that when we were younger they talked about how we were going to end up together. Knowing my mum, she probably placed a bet on how long it would take. They saw this coming even before we did, Liz. Chances are, they'll be happy for us."
Lizzie sighed, her hazel eyes resting on his azure ones, finding comfort in their deep glow.
"Gordo, I know you're right. I heard them too, remember? We were six, and thought it was yucky that I would ever want to kiss you. But it's not that I'm worried about, it's the fact that if we don't tell them soon, someone else will. And if they find out from someone like Kate's mum, they'll be more upset. I want to do this right, you know?"
Gordo squeezed her hand tighter, and flashed her his patented, never-fail Gordo-grin. As he thought, her own features took on that of a tentative grin.
"I know what you mean Liz, I really do. But, did you see the look on Kate's face? I don't think she'll want to be reminded that you, Lizzie McGuire, stuck up to Kate Sanders, all-powerful cheerleader. I'll bet you anything she won't mutter a word to anyone. Word gets out, Ethan and her won't be the 'it' couple anymore. It would ruin her."
He grinned again, blue eyes flashing with reassurance and shinning with love.
"Trust me?"
"I trust you Gordo. I just hope you know what you're doing."
"I'm Gordo, I always know what I'm doing. And besides, we're going to tell them as soon as we get home, I think it can wait. For now, we have a date to get back to."
Feeling safe and loved, Lizzie settled back to enjoy her lunch, Gordo following soon after. They never took their eyes of each other, not being able to even if they wanted to.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Meanwhile, back at the McGuire's residence, Jo was in deep conversation with a woman over the phone.
"Yeah, I saw them this morning, they went to the mall together a few hours ago. They did seem a little different. Did David say anything to you before he left?" Jo paused, letting the woman on the other end of the line answer.
"Oh, sorry, I forget you get up late on Saturdays Marie. So you didn't see him at all?" Mrs. McGuire nodded as the woman, Marie, answered.
"Yes, well, they didn't seem suspicious at all, just odd." Another pause.
"Oh no, I'm sure it will be fine. Don't worry about a thing, Sam and I have it all sorted out. We'll tell them just as soon as they get home. It shouldn't be too long now." Another, longer pause.
"I know, I know, it's going to be great."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ten minutes later, Lizzie had Gordo had finished their lunch, they had been talking for a while, stealing kisses when ever they dared, looking around to make sure no body else important saw.
"Ergh! I can't wait till all of this is over. I don't like the sneaking around, not being able to kiss you in public. I waited so long to tell you how I feel, now, it's out, but I still feel I have to hide it. It sucks." Gordo usually wasn't one for public outbursts, but Lizzie could definitely see his point on this one.
Despite her agreeing fully, Lizzie couldn't help but giggle at his half-hearted angry face.
"It's like what you said Gordo. We won't have to keep this a secret forever. Just until we get home. We'll tell my parents first, cause they will be the hardest, then we'll crack yours."
Gordo had to laugh at that.
"Crack, Liz? My parents aren't eggs, despite what you may think."
"You know what I mean," she amended, swatting him playfully in the arm.
Gordo just nodded at that.
"So," Gordo started after Lizzie gave him another chaste kiss.
"Do you think we could head back to your place? I want to get this over with."
Lizzie nodded, agreeing with her boyfriend, fast and painless, that was the way to go.
Deep down, they both really had no idea why they were worrying so much, there wasn't much to be stressed about, but they just didn't want anything bad to happen. They only hoped that everything would run smoothly.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The walk back to Lizzie's place was short and spent mostly in comfortable silence. It had been a big day, and they were both tired, and ready to get everything over with.
Gordo hadn't yet mentioned what Lizzie had said to Kate, and Lizzie hadn't brought it up. Gordo couldn't have been more proud and happy of his girlfriend, and was lucky she was confident enough in their relationship to announce it to their sworn enemy on their first date. Gordo thought he couldn't possibly have loved Lizzie any more than he already did, but today had proven him wrong.
Fairly soon, the duo arrived in front of Lizzie's house, and looked up at it as if expecting it to bite.
Swallowing their fear, the couple approached the large house, and Lizzie took her key out of her purse, putting it in the lock and letting herself and Gordo in.
"Mum, dad? Is anyone home?"
"Lizzie?" The sound of her mother's voice answered her from somewhere around the house.
"Yeah mum, I'm home, Gordo's here too."
Gordo quickly yelled a "Hi Mrs. McGuire," then immediately fell quiet again. So much for his help.
"Lizzie, Gordo, could you two come into the living room please?"
As if on cue, the two teens gulped visibly and exchanged nervous glances. Wow, word travels fast.
Entering the living room, Lizzie and Gordo were faced with Jo and Sam, sitting together on the couch, hands on laps and looking expectantly up at the teens.
More nervous expressions were exchanged, and they stood in the doorway, fidgeting uncontrollably.
Jo motioned for them to take a seat at the couch opposite.
"Lizzie, Gordo, sit down for a minute, we have something to tell you two...."
_________________________________________________________________________
A/N: Uh-oh, evil cliffie. And my first. Technically, it's not that big a deal, but hey, I'm excited.
Have fun pondering what will happen. He, if someone figures out what is happening before I post the next chapter, I'll give you a gold star.
Yay, okie-dokie. Have a great day, pop me a review, and I'll see ya'll next time.
Ciao for now,
Em
A/N: All right, go me. One day after I said this chappie may take a while, I'm posting it. After I sent that authors Note, I got struck with a huge bout of inspiration, and it sort of pushed the story along.
Anyway, not much else I wanna say, just thanks to all who've reviewed so far, to those who haven't, shame on you *wags finger* ;) :D Hehe, just kidding.
Anyway, I better be going, hope you enjoy, hope you review.
Oh, and I'd like to dedicate this chapter to a good friend of mine, who has just today returned from her five week trip in Europe. Kez, although you won't read this, it's good to have you back, mate!
God Bless ________________________________________________________________________
What Could Have Been
Chapter 5: Meet The Parents... Uh, Again.
When Lizzie and Gordo reached the mall, they decided straight away that they would simply go and see a movie and then wonder round and do anything that took their fancy.
Easy enough said, but being done was another thing.
The couple stood outside the theatre staring up at the big board that held the movies showing and their times.
Only two had a possible time slot, and it was a choice between a chick flick and an action movie.
Lizzie grasped Gordo hand lightly, squeezing it in the hopes of getting him to yield.
"Hey, come on Gordo, 'How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days' is a really good film. Everyone's seen it."
"No, every girl has seen it. I may hang with girls all the time but I still have a little shred of male pride and dignity left in me, no matter how hidden it is."
Lizzie screwed up her nose, trying to figure out the best way to tackle the situation. It came to her so suddenly; she could actually feel the light bulb heating the top of the head.
"Gordo, please, for me. Come on, you know you want to." And with those words, she did it; she pulled out her secret weapon.
The puppy dog eyes.
Gordo groaned, deep and long, there was no escaping her famous puppy dog pout. She knew it, he knew it, and she used it to her advantage.
Gordo, in a desperate attempt to win, turned his head, swearing to himself not to look in those large hazel orbs.
It didn't work. He let out another long groan. He was done for.
"Lizzie, come on, you've seen it already. We haven't seen 'The Matrix: Reloaded' yet. It looks great."
Lizzie rolled her eyes. Guys.
"Gordo, you don't even watch the movie. You sit through the whole thing criticising the film techniques. You think up ways on how to make it better and vow that your movies won't have mistakes like that."
Gordo seemed to be stumped for the while, until he crossed his arms defiantly in front of him.
"So?"
"So. So, if we see my movie, you can still do that, but on the plus side, you can make me happy," she paused, liking her lips teasingly.
"Besides, if you really don't like the movie, I can think of more...fun ways of passing the time."
Gordo stuck his tongue out and chuckled.
"Tease." Lizzie waited patiently, she knew she had him, it was only a matter of time. As if on cue, Gordo sighed, trying to sound bored and sad, but failing to keep a smile of his face.
"Alright, you win. Don't you always? One thing though."
"Anything," replied Lizzie, happy that she had gotten her way.
"Next time we go to the movies, I choose what we watch."
Lizzie grinned, already looking forward to the next time she would be in a dark theatre with him.
"Deal." They shook on it, and then Gordo placed a small kiss to her hand before releasing her.
Lizzie couldn't help but smile at that, he was just too cute sometimes.
They went and got their tickets, for which Gordo properly paid for. He was doing everything right, paying for things, opening doors, gentle kisses, just generally being the perfect boyfriend.
"You don't have to pay for that," Lizzie said as she dug around her purse for the right amount of cash.
"I want to," Gordo replied softly as he put the money she had gotten out back in her over-crowded handbag.
Lizzie grinned as she followed Gordo to the candy bar, her thoughts going places she had never dared go before. Kissing with Gordo, holding hands with him, telling him she loved him. Him doing the same to her.
Lizzie sighed. And she thought he made a phenomenal friend, this was just ten times better.
After Gordo payed for their snacks (they shared a large coke and bag of M&M's), the couple went to find a seat in the cinema. When they got there they found it virtually empty, save for a few people here and there. They had practically free reign of the theatre, and chose seats close to the back but near enough to actually see the screen.
They settled into their seats while they waited for the ads to play. It would be another ten minutes at least until the movie started, so they got comfortable for the long wait.
During the ad that said all the delicious treats they had at the candy-bar, Gordo found Lizzie's hand in the dark and squeezed.
"Lizzie?" Gordo whispered.
"Hmm?" She answered, just as quietly.
"You're my girlfriend, right?"
Lizzie turned around to face him; eyes shining happily even in the dim lights of the theatre. She squeezed back and kissed him lightly on the cheek.
"Only if you're my boyfriend."
Gordo grinned back at her and she put her head on his shoulder and settled back to enjoy the movie.
'Well,' thought Gordo as he too sat back to watch. 'I guess this chick-flick thing won't be a total bust.' He kissed the top of Lizzie's head and heard her sigh.
'Yeah, not too bad at all.'
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
'Oh, this is a total nightmare'
Gordo watched, half amused-half scared, as Lizzie practically ran out of the cinema, sprouting lines from the movie as she went.
"Peek-a-boo!" Lizzie shouted as they strolled through the mall, giggling uncontrollably while Gordo tried unsuccessfully to calm her down.
'Well,' thought Gordo in an effort to console him self. 'At least she isn't stopping at every store we pass.'
"Wasn't that part funny Gordo? Peek-a-boo!"
"I knew I shouldn't have let you see that movie. You always do this," Gordo tried to sound annoyed, but he couldn't help the grin that formed on his face.
She was just too cute when he was in these moods. He was so glad he could finally say that out loud, which, of course, he did.
"Thank you!" Lizzie grinned, stopping for a short time to give him a peck on the cheek.
She continued on her way, skipping in a totally girlie way. Gordo couldn't help it, he let loose a chuckle at her antics.
Lizzie stopped, turned around, walked back over to him, and glared. Uh-oh.
"Is there something wrong, mister?"
Gordo softened when he saw the laughter in her eyes and found that she was only playing. He decided to play along anyway, for the hell of it.
"Why, yes ma'am, there is indeed." Gordo put on an incredibly fake British accent while trying to keep a straight face. Lizzie just watched him, barely able to contain her own laughter.
"I do believe that I will have to put you under arrest."
Lizzie gasped, eyes widening dramatically.
"What did I do?" She breathed, putting her hand to her forehead like they did in those old movies.
Gordo switched his accent to an even worse imitation of a Texan.
"Why, you're just so gosh dang beautiful, it's a crime. I dare say you've stolen all the beauty in the world and placed in those there eyes of yours."
Lizzie blushed at that, coming out of character. Aw, Gordo was so romantic!
"Gordo, that's so sweet!" Lizzie cooed, kissing him full on the mouth, not caring if anyone saw. In fact, she welcomed it. She wanted the world to know she was in love with this man. But first, why not tell him.
"I love you."
He grinned, also coming out of character.
"You know I love you too."
They stared for a minute at each other, both their eyes shining with happiness and laughter.
Gordo then took Lizzie's hands in his own, and tugged them both towards the food court.
"Come on, let's go get something to eat, I'm hungry!" Lizzie rolled her eyes ad grinned.
"You're always hungry," she replied, laughing.
Gordo didn't say anything to that, he just led her down the escalators and to the inviting smell of fast food.
Lizzie screwed up her nose in partial disgust as they passed a pizza shop where the pizza's were practically soaked in grease.
"Ew, Gordo you know half the food in this place has more fat than we weigh combined?"
Gordo shushed her and pulled her along, tongue hanging out like a dog's as he took in all the wonderful sights and smells. He looked like he was in heaven, which, to be fair, being Gordo he probably was.
After a couple of minutes, the pair made their way to an open table with their trays of food and sat down. Gordo had a large order of curly fries (his favourite), a chunky looking burger filled with every possible thing imaginable, and a large coke. Lizzie had a salad and a bottle of water. Food was the only area where they were different. Lizzie liked to eat healthy, where as Gordo just liked to eat, it didn't matter so much what.
Lizzie always told him that it was his Jewish side poking out, and that his stomach would poke out too if he didn't eat right. Gordo always shrugged at that, not able to do much more. What does one say to that argument?
The couple dug into their meals, chomping away happily and making small talk.
That was one great thing about Lizzie and Gordo, they never ran out of things to say. Communication was easily the best part of their relationship. They always seemed to know what the other was thinking, and could almost carry on a conversation with just a few looks.
They always put it down to being best friends, when you knew someone as long as they had, you tend to form close bonds that you didn't share with anyone else. Not even Miranda, their other best friend, could take that away from them. It was unique, and sometimes they were glad for just some time to themselves. Like now.
Lizzie looked up from her meal, regarding Gordo thoughtfully. He looked like the same Gordo that he did a week ago, but suddenly, in Lizzie's eyes, he was gorgeous. Large, inquisitive, bright blue eyes, a mop of unruly dark brown curls, full kissable lips, a lean, but not scrawny body and a to-die-for smile.
He seemed so perfect, if only she had realised it sooner.
Lizzie was internally kicking herself for being so blind when something behind Gordo caught her eye. More than that; someone.
Gordo looked up at that moment to see fear in his girlfriend's eyes.
"Lizzie, what's wrong?"
She didn't answer him, but Gordo followed her line of sight over the other end of the food court.
"Oh, great," he muttered aloud. "Just what we need."
Fast approaching their table, Kate Sanders and Ethan Craft were walking side by side, hands clasped. Hillridge Middle School's on-off couple were, as of this week, definitely on, and Kate loved to tell as many people as possible.
Trailing just a step behind was Claire and the rest of Kate's posse. She never went anywhere without them; they were like one big fashion accessory to her.
"Don't let them get to you, okay Liz?" Gordo asked as he turned back around to face the scared looking blonde in front of him. She didn't answer, her eyes glued to the approaching couple.
There was no time to hide, or to run, Kate and Ethan had already spotted them.
Kate had on her immensely fake smile; her hand rubbing up and down Ethan's arm. Her eyes were flashing dangerously, however, giving off a wave of power.
Ethan, on the other hand, waved dumbly, smiling and showing of perfectly white teeth. His hair was slicked back, and he looked altra cool.
'Don't let them get to,' Gordo repeated in his mind. 'Yeah, why don't you follow your own advice, eh Gordon?'
"Wassup Gor-don, Liz-zay? How you peeps doin' this fine afternoon?" As always, Ethan was in his own little world, and everyone else ignored him. Kate rolled her eyes and then looked down at Gordo and Lizzie and sneered.
"Well, if it isn't Loozie and Gor-dork. Here together I see, two halves of the dorky trio." Kate looked extremely proud at herself for what she had said. Behind her, the band of girls, as if on cue, laughed monotonously like the little androids they were. Their only mission in life was to follow Kate's orders.
Gordo was about to step in with some clever retort when Lizzie seemed to find her voice and cut across him.
"You know what Kate? Yeah, Gordo and I are here together. We're here on a date. And our names are not Loozie and Gor-dork. We're Lizzie and Gordo, and we'd have it no other way. We're trying to enjoy ourselves, and with you here, that's a very hard thing to accomplish. So, why don't you and your little drones run along and leave us alone."
Everyone looked surprised out her little outburst, but none more than Lizzie herself. She seemed both shocked and amazed that she could have the guts to say that, and to Kate, of all people. She also looked proud at herself, and Gordo couldn't help but feel the same. Way to go Lizzie.
"Whatever," Kate said after a while, trying to look bored and disgusted, but not able to keep the uncertainty off of her face. No one really dared to stand up to her, so this was all sort of new territory. Ground that should be trodden on lightly.
She motioned to her group and they strutted off, heads held high, and noses up-turned in that snobbish way.
Ethan hung back for a moment, looking impressed.
"Gor-don, my man! Way to go! Scorin' the big one. So, you two a couple, or what?" If there was anything at all that Ethan had some knowledge about, it was the ladies. The fine ladies that Hillridge never seemed to have a shortage of. And to accompany the endless supply of girls, was Ethan's endless supply of pick-up lines. Foolproof, never fail ways to get the chicks.
"Yeah, we are," Lizzie answered before Gordo could, clasping their hands together and holding it up for Ethan to see. He grinned and clapped a stunned Gordo on the back, then walked off, following Kate.
The couple stood in silence for a while as both of them were suffering from severe loss of full-body functions. After Lizzie had stood up to her arch rival, it was hard for her to express any words of pride, or any words at all. Gordo was still stunned by not only what Lizzie said, but who she said it too.
And then, like a truck careening towards them, they were slammed with the truth of what had just happened, and what it could mean.
"Oh my God, Gordo, I don't know what I was thinking!" Lizzie had finally regained her speaking capabilities, and was using it to her full potential, going a mile a minute.
"I'm so stupid, I just wanted to put Kate in her place for once. I didn't realise. Gordo, Kate knows, Ethan knows. Now, by the end of the day, the whole school will know. Word travels fast, my parents are going to find out! My mum was looking shifty today, I thought she suspected, but she'll surely know by the end of the day. They're gonna be so mad..."
Gordo put two fingers to her lips, shushing her with one movement.
Once quiet, Gordo took Lizzie's hands in his own, and gripped them tight. He had been thinking the entire time. Surely it wasn't as bad as it first seemed. In fact, it was quite a good thing, and he told her that exactly.
"Gordo, are you crazy? My parents are going to find out before we tell them. They're gonna be angry. You know my mum."
"Yeah, I do. I also know mine. And I also know that when we were younger they talked about how we were going to end up together. Knowing my mum, she probably placed a bet on how long it would take. They saw this coming even before we did, Liz. Chances are, they'll be happy for us."
Lizzie sighed, her hazel eyes resting on his azure ones, finding comfort in their deep glow.
"Gordo, I know you're right. I heard them too, remember? We were six, and thought it was yucky that I would ever want to kiss you. But it's not that I'm worried about, it's the fact that if we don't tell them soon, someone else will. And if they find out from someone like Kate's mum, they'll be more upset. I want to do this right, you know?"
Gordo squeezed her hand tighter, and flashed her his patented, never-fail Gordo-grin. As he thought, her own features took on that of a tentative grin.
"I know what you mean Liz, I really do. But, did you see the look on Kate's face? I don't think she'll want to be reminded that you, Lizzie McGuire, stuck up to Kate Sanders, all-powerful cheerleader. I'll bet you anything she won't mutter a word to anyone. Word gets out, Ethan and her won't be the 'it' couple anymore. It would ruin her."
He grinned again, blue eyes flashing with reassurance and shinning with love.
"Trust me?"
"I trust you Gordo. I just hope you know what you're doing."
"I'm Gordo, I always know what I'm doing. And besides, we're going to tell them as soon as we get home, I think it can wait. For now, we have a date to get back to."
Feeling safe and loved, Lizzie settled back to enjoy her lunch, Gordo following soon after. They never took their eyes of each other, not being able to even if they wanted to.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Meanwhile, back at the McGuire's residence, Jo was in deep conversation with a woman over the phone.
"Yeah, I saw them this morning, they went to the mall together a few hours ago. They did seem a little different. Did David say anything to you before he left?" Jo paused, letting the woman on the other end of the line answer.
"Oh, sorry, I forget you get up late on Saturdays Marie. So you didn't see him at all?" Mrs. McGuire nodded as the woman, Marie, answered.
"Yes, well, they didn't seem suspicious at all, just odd." Another pause.
"Oh no, I'm sure it will be fine. Don't worry about a thing, Sam and I have it all sorted out. We'll tell them just as soon as they get home. It shouldn't be too long now." Another, longer pause.
"I know, I know, it's going to be great."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ten minutes later, Lizzie had Gordo had finished their lunch, they had been talking for a while, stealing kisses when ever they dared, looking around to make sure no body else important saw.
"Ergh! I can't wait till all of this is over. I don't like the sneaking around, not being able to kiss you in public. I waited so long to tell you how I feel, now, it's out, but I still feel I have to hide it. It sucks." Gordo usually wasn't one for public outbursts, but Lizzie could definitely see his point on this one.
Despite her agreeing fully, Lizzie couldn't help but giggle at his half-hearted angry face.
"It's like what you said Gordo. We won't have to keep this a secret forever. Just until we get home. We'll tell my parents first, cause they will be the hardest, then we'll crack yours."
Gordo had to laugh at that.
"Crack, Liz? My parents aren't eggs, despite what you may think."
"You know what I mean," she amended, swatting him playfully in the arm.
Gordo just nodded at that.
"So," Gordo started after Lizzie gave him another chaste kiss.
"Do you think we could head back to your place? I want to get this over with."
Lizzie nodded, agreeing with her boyfriend, fast and painless, that was the way to go.
Deep down, they both really had no idea why they were worrying so much, there wasn't much to be stressed about, but they just didn't want anything bad to happen. They only hoped that everything would run smoothly.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The walk back to Lizzie's place was short and spent mostly in comfortable silence. It had been a big day, and they were both tired, and ready to get everything over with.
Gordo hadn't yet mentioned what Lizzie had said to Kate, and Lizzie hadn't brought it up. Gordo couldn't have been more proud and happy of his girlfriend, and was lucky she was confident enough in their relationship to announce it to their sworn enemy on their first date. Gordo thought he couldn't possibly have loved Lizzie any more than he already did, but today had proven him wrong.
Fairly soon, the duo arrived in front of Lizzie's house, and looked up at it as if expecting it to bite.
Swallowing their fear, the couple approached the large house, and Lizzie took her key out of her purse, putting it in the lock and letting herself and Gordo in.
"Mum, dad? Is anyone home?"
"Lizzie?" The sound of her mother's voice answered her from somewhere around the house.
"Yeah mum, I'm home, Gordo's here too."
Gordo quickly yelled a "Hi Mrs. McGuire," then immediately fell quiet again. So much for his help.
"Lizzie, Gordo, could you two come into the living room please?"
As if on cue, the two teens gulped visibly and exchanged nervous glances. Wow, word travels fast.
Entering the living room, Lizzie and Gordo were faced with Jo and Sam, sitting together on the couch, hands on laps and looking expectantly up at the teens.
More nervous expressions were exchanged, and they stood in the doorway, fidgeting uncontrollably.
Jo motioned for them to take a seat at the couch opposite.
"Lizzie, Gordo, sit down for a minute, we have something to tell you two...."
_________________________________________________________________________
A/N: Uh-oh, evil cliffie. And my first. Technically, it's not that big a deal, but hey, I'm excited.
Have fun pondering what will happen. He, if someone figures out what is happening before I post the next chapter, I'll give you a gold star.
Yay, okie-dokie. Have a great day, pop me a review, and I'll see ya'll next time.
Ciao for now,
Em