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.
Anyway, yeah, so, a few people guessed what would happen this chappie. About two or three of you got it right. I can't say who, coz, then, where's the surprise? I will say this; just because you guys were smart enough to figure it out, I went and changed what happened. It's not a big change, but I want to keep my darling readers guessing.
Btw, you guys are sooooo sweet. I'd like to thank especially little Tic-Tac, someone I now consider a friend, though I seriously doubt she does. Anyway, go check out her work. Blow Against The Wind (L/G story) is genius. I'm telling you, if you read it, make sure you have tissues handy. There are so many more people I want to thank as well (my gosh, it feels like I'm accepting an award). Everyone's name will be posted at the end of the fic, coz I never have enough room otherwise.
Oh, and I'm so sorry for the delay and for the extreme shortness of the chapter. Think of this as a filler chapter, a sort of set-up for the upcoming events. It may be dull, but I didn't want to cram everything into one huge chapter. Plus, I didn't want to keep you all waiting longer than necessary.
Anyway, here we go, chapter six. Oooh, what does Jo wanna say? _______________________________________________________________________
What Could Have Been
Chapter 6: Say What?
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...."
As the two teens sat down, both thought the exact same thing: 'how the hell did she find out so quickly?'
The unasked question seemed to go without an answer, until Jo's face suddenly lit up in a small grin.
She turned in her seat slightly, facing Gordo a little bit more.
He made a good attempt at keeping a smile on his face, but it turned out mostly to look like a grimace.
Jo; meanwhile flicked her eyes back and forth between the two teens. Her motherly senses were picking up on some disturbance, but it seemed that it could wait till after her news was out.
Now, if only she could figure out the best way to tackle the situation. She couldn't just out and say it, because where would the fun be in that? Part of a mother's job was to prolong news your child had no idea about, something about sustaining that air of mystery. It was in the parents unwritten codebook.
And like a light bulb clicking on, Jo realised how she should go about doing this. Her grin was now very evident, and the worried look exchanged by Gordo and Lizzie went unnoticed by the giddy looking adult or her oblivious husband. Sam, the gnome-obsessed, generally crazy, dark haired, grown up looking kid just sat there. He had been filled in on what was happening, but was unsure whether he should participate in this particular conversation. He was there mostly because Jo had requested his attendance, and partly because he really didn't have anything better to do.
"Gordo," Jo started, and silence fell over the room, it was almost eerie. It went unnoticed by all except Lizzie and Gordo, both not knowing what was coming, and both fearing the worst.
"You know your parents are extremely good at their profession, right?"
Gordo blinked, then nodded slowly, unsure of where all of this was going. He had pictured a thousand different scenarios in his head, but none that started off anything like this.
"Right, so you must realise that they sometimes get very busy?" Gordo nodded once again. The wheels were turning in his mind, he was slowly figuring out what was going on. Lizzie, unfortunately, was a few steps behind.
"Mum, what's this got to do with anything?" By the tone of her voice, Lizzie was getting annoyed quite fast. Like Gordo, she was itching to find out what was up.
"What your mother's trying to say honey, is that Mr. and Mrs. Gordon have been hand picked to attend a very special and important conference in Singapore. This could possibly be the best thing to happen to their careers, and can really help them in the future. They've agreed to go, and they'll be there for a maximum of ten days." Sam, who had observing the interaction quietly, making mental notes and doing the dad thing, spoke up, informing the two of the situation, and earning and half-hearted glare from Jo for ruining her fun.
While that went on, beside him Gordo heard Lizzie gasp softly. His mind was now spinning with questions. Singapore? Was he going to Singapore for ten days? Was that it, was that all they wanted to say? Why were Mr. and Mr. McGuire telling him, and not his own parents? What did Lizzie and them have to do with it all? Was he really going to have to leave Lizzie for so long, and just after everything that had happened? That last thought stuck in his mind. God, he hoped not.
"So," Gordo decided to voice one of his questions. "Why are you telling me and not my parents?"
Jo was positively bursting with happiness and excitement, ignoring her semi-anger at her husband for bursting the bubble prematurely.
"That's the best part Gordo. You're mother and father feel it would be best if you stayed here. They don't want you missing out on school work."
Jo then turned towards Lizzie, who had finally understood and seemed like she was trying to keep herself from screaming.
"Gordo's grandmother will be out of town the entire time, so Marie asked, and your father and I agreed, that it would be suitable for Gordo to spend the days here, with us. He's practically family anyway, and he can use the guest bedroom next to yours Lizzie."
This time, Lizzie really did scream.
"OH MY GOSH! Are you serious!?" Her mother nodded, quite happily and completely oblivious to exactly why Lizzie was so excited. Jo chalked it down to the fact that not one of Lizzie's friends had ever stayed over for such a long period of time that it was just genuine excitement for having a friend living in the same house for so long. Little did she know just what she had done by agreeing to house Gordo.
Lizzie thrust herself into her mothers open, awaiting arms, delivering possibly the biggest hug Jo had ever received from her daughter ever. Sam was next in line, grunting under the load of his teenage daughter huddled in his outstretched arms.
"I can't believe it! I love you guys, so much."
While all this went on, one thought stuck itself in Gordo's brain; 'He's practically family.' Family. Did they really see him that way? Was that a good thing? Gordo really hoped so; he couldn't help but feel giddy at that thought. Perhaps, some day, he and Lizzie would make that official.
Shaking his curly head to rid himself of such thoughts, Gordo looked towards Mr McGuire, who was still receiving thanks from Lizzie.
"When do my parents leave?" Gordo asked, trying to contain his emotions.
"The day after tomorrow," Sam answered quickly. "It was very short-notice. You're parent's want you home within an hour to help them get started on packing. You know how they are with travelling." Sam chuckled and Gordo did the same. His parents were crazier than Lizzie was when it came to packing. They would want to take everything, including the kitchen sink. If it wasn't for Gordo, he might think they would have.
Speaking of Lizzie, however...
Gordo cleared his throat loudly, and Lizzie backed off, sheepishly realising what she was doing.
Seeing his features, and the question written on his face, she nodded discreetly at him, and then grinned. He smiled back, his smile reaching from ear to ear. They would always understand each other, no matter what.
His brain was still overflowing with information. It was so over-whelming with the extremity of it all. He, David Gordon, would be staying ten days at the house of his best friend and recent girlfriend, Lizzie McGuire. It was so unreal, and yet so very exciting.
And that's when it hit him.
Gordo got Lizzie's attention, and then motioned towards the front door. Lizzie nodded, getting the hint.
"Mum, dad, thanks so much, again. Uh, can me and Gordo go talk together for a couple of minutes outside? Alone?"
"Sure honey," Mrs. McGuire smiled, oblivious.
Gordo led the blonde towards the front door, walking out first. Lizzie quickly followed, shutting the door behind her. All of a sudden, the memories of the previous night filled their senses, creating an atmosphere quite unlike any they had ever experienced.
This is where it had all started, where everything became different, feelings became stronger, and bigger bonds were formed.
What is really only last night that it had all changed? It seemed so much longer than that. Maybe that's what happened when you waited your whole life for something like this to happen. Time seems to stretch out, and before long you're confusing seconds with minutes and minutes with hours. The feeling was so new, and so sweet, tingling their senses, warming them, despite the cold winds of the Sacremento winter.
Once outside, and away from the prying eyes of her parents, Lizzie threw herself into Gordo's arms, wrapping him in a big bear hug, squeezing hard enough to break something. But Gordo didn't complain, he just held her, grinning despite what was going through his head.
Depositing a soundless kiss on his lips, Lizzie finally pulled away and together they sat down on the porch steps, making sure to lock hands as they sat.
"Gordo, this is going to be fantastic! You, living in my house, for ten days. I can't wait until Monday, can you?"
Gordo shook his head, half-amused by Lizzie's antics, half-saddened by the fact that he'd have to be the one to bring her back down to earth.
"Lizzie, of course I'm excited, but how are we going to be able to tell your parents that we're dating now? Somehow I don't think it will go over too well with them the fact that their teenage daughter will be temporarily living with her boyfriend, just one door away."
The sudden truth of that statement hit Lizzie like a Mac-truck, bringing her plummeting down to the ground from her extreme high.
"You're right," she whispered dejectedly.
"Yeah" Gordo added, sighing. "I hate it when that happens."
Not able to stop it, a tiny giggle escaped Lizzie's lips, and she leaned her head softly on Gordo's shoulders.
"Suddenly, I'm not liking this as much as I was."
Gordo nodded, agreeing.
"You know what though?" He asked suddenly.
"What?"
"It will be sort of fun sneaking around behind their backs. It'll be a secret, just between the two of us."
Lizzie gave him a wry smile.
"Well, when you put it that way."
They both chuckled quietly, and when they settled back down again, Lizzie lay her head fully on Gordo's shoulder. This would very well may the last chance they had to do this sort of thing before they had to revert to sneaking.
"Love ya," Lizzie cooed.
"Right back at you," replied Gordo.
It wouldn't be too bad, at least they'd be together, and there was always school. And, another handy thing, locks on the doors.
"How long did my dad say we had before you had to leave?" Asked Lizzie quietly, breaking the silence that had descended upon them.
"An hour," replied Gordo shortly, breathing in the scent of Lizzie's shampoo from where her head lay on the soft flesh of his shoulder.
"Enough time then," the blonde breathed, and settled back further.
"Yeah," Gordo agreed.
The couple stared straight ahead, watching pedestrians walk by, and cars zoom past. They didn't really notice any of it though; they were too busy with their own thoughts.
It was strange, indeed, they would be living under the same roof for about a week and a half, and yet they wouldn't be able to do anything, at all, not even innocent hand holding. If it was possible to feel sad and happy at the same time, you bet that was how Lizzie and Gordo felt.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Meanwhile, hiding behind some bushes just on the edge of the sidewalk, a snickering laugh was inaudible to the couple lost in each other on the steps.
A male figure, roughly eleven years of age, held his spiky head just above the bushes so he could see the teens ahead of him.
Matt McGuire snuck back into the safety of his shrub, hiding himself well out of spotting range. He grinned delightfully at himself for being so smart.
"Excellent," he cried out in a voice lower than a whisper, so as not to be heard.
Rubbing his hands together evilly, the pre-teen gently moved so he could sneak into the neighbour's yard undetected.
This was going to be sweet.
_______________________________________________________________________
A/N: Secrets out, as if you guys didn't know what was going to happen. Like the half-twist though? Oh-oh, naughty Matt, how dare he spy on the lovebirds. Anyway, I know, boring chapter, sorry for the lack of, well, anything, but I wanted to get this up a.s.a.p. I hate keeping people waiting. I promise, next chapter will be both longer and crammed with juicy plot lines.
Here's some thing to look forwards to: Lizzie has a long overdue conversation with one Miss Miranda Sanchez, wonder how that will turn out. What will Matt do with his info? And will Gordo and Lizzie ever tell her parents? Look for all that and more next chapter. Plus, some L/G sneakage.
Yay
Ciao for now,
Em
Anyway, yeah, so, a few people guessed what would happen this chappie. About two or three of you got it right. I can't say who, coz, then, where's the surprise? I will say this; just because you guys were smart enough to figure it out, I went and changed what happened. It's not a big change, but I want to keep my darling readers guessing.
Btw, you guys are sooooo sweet. I'd like to thank especially little Tic-Tac, someone I now consider a friend, though I seriously doubt she does. Anyway, go check out her work. Blow Against The Wind (L/G story) is genius. I'm telling you, if you read it, make sure you have tissues handy. There are so many more people I want to thank as well (my gosh, it feels like I'm accepting an award). Everyone's name will be posted at the end of the fic, coz I never have enough room otherwise.
Oh, and I'm so sorry for the delay and for the extreme shortness of the chapter. Think of this as a filler chapter, a sort of set-up for the upcoming events. It may be dull, but I didn't want to cram everything into one huge chapter. Plus, I didn't want to keep you all waiting longer than necessary.
Anyway, here we go, chapter six. Oooh, what does Jo wanna say? _______________________________________________________________________
What Could Have Been
Chapter 6: Say What?
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...."
As the two teens sat down, both thought the exact same thing: 'how the hell did she find out so quickly?'
The unasked question seemed to go without an answer, until Jo's face suddenly lit up in a small grin.
She turned in her seat slightly, facing Gordo a little bit more.
He made a good attempt at keeping a smile on his face, but it turned out mostly to look like a grimace.
Jo; meanwhile flicked her eyes back and forth between the two teens. Her motherly senses were picking up on some disturbance, but it seemed that it could wait till after her news was out.
Now, if only she could figure out the best way to tackle the situation. She couldn't just out and say it, because where would the fun be in that? Part of a mother's job was to prolong news your child had no idea about, something about sustaining that air of mystery. It was in the parents unwritten codebook.
And like a light bulb clicking on, Jo realised how she should go about doing this. Her grin was now very evident, and the worried look exchanged by Gordo and Lizzie went unnoticed by the giddy looking adult or her oblivious husband. Sam, the gnome-obsessed, generally crazy, dark haired, grown up looking kid just sat there. He had been filled in on what was happening, but was unsure whether he should participate in this particular conversation. He was there mostly because Jo had requested his attendance, and partly because he really didn't have anything better to do.
"Gordo," Jo started, and silence fell over the room, it was almost eerie. It went unnoticed by all except Lizzie and Gordo, both not knowing what was coming, and both fearing the worst.
"You know your parents are extremely good at their profession, right?"
Gordo blinked, then nodded slowly, unsure of where all of this was going. He had pictured a thousand different scenarios in his head, but none that started off anything like this.
"Right, so you must realise that they sometimes get very busy?" Gordo nodded once again. The wheels were turning in his mind, he was slowly figuring out what was going on. Lizzie, unfortunately, was a few steps behind.
"Mum, what's this got to do with anything?" By the tone of her voice, Lizzie was getting annoyed quite fast. Like Gordo, she was itching to find out what was up.
"What your mother's trying to say honey, is that Mr. and Mrs. Gordon have been hand picked to attend a very special and important conference in Singapore. This could possibly be the best thing to happen to their careers, and can really help them in the future. They've agreed to go, and they'll be there for a maximum of ten days." Sam, who had observing the interaction quietly, making mental notes and doing the dad thing, spoke up, informing the two of the situation, and earning and half-hearted glare from Jo for ruining her fun.
While that went on, beside him Gordo heard Lizzie gasp softly. His mind was now spinning with questions. Singapore? Was he going to Singapore for ten days? Was that it, was that all they wanted to say? Why were Mr. and Mr. McGuire telling him, and not his own parents? What did Lizzie and them have to do with it all? Was he really going to have to leave Lizzie for so long, and just after everything that had happened? That last thought stuck in his mind. God, he hoped not.
"So," Gordo decided to voice one of his questions. "Why are you telling me and not my parents?"
Jo was positively bursting with happiness and excitement, ignoring her semi-anger at her husband for bursting the bubble prematurely.
"That's the best part Gordo. You're mother and father feel it would be best if you stayed here. They don't want you missing out on school work."
Jo then turned towards Lizzie, who had finally understood and seemed like she was trying to keep herself from screaming.
"Gordo's grandmother will be out of town the entire time, so Marie asked, and your father and I agreed, that it would be suitable for Gordo to spend the days here, with us. He's practically family anyway, and he can use the guest bedroom next to yours Lizzie."
This time, Lizzie really did scream.
"OH MY GOSH! Are you serious!?" Her mother nodded, quite happily and completely oblivious to exactly why Lizzie was so excited. Jo chalked it down to the fact that not one of Lizzie's friends had ever stayed over for such a long period of time that it was just genuine excitement for having a friend living in the same house for so long. Little did she know just what she had done by agreeing to house Gordo.
Lizzie thrust herself into her mothers open, awaiting arms, delivering possibly the biggest hug Jo had ever received from her daughter ever. Sam was next in line, grunting under the load of his teenage daughter huddled in his outstretched arms.
"I can't believe it! I love you guys, so much."
While all this went on, one thought stuck itself in Gordo's brain; 'He's practically family.' Family. Did they really see him that way? Was that a good thing? Gordo really hoped so; he couldn't help but feel giddy at that thought. Perhaps, some day, he and Lizzie would make that official.
Shaking his curly head to rid himself of such thoughts, Gordo looked towards Mr McGuire, who was still receiving thanks from Lizzie.
"When do my parents leave?" Gordo asked, trying to contain his emotions.
"The day after tomorrow," Sam answered quickly. "It was very short-notice. You're parent's want you home within an hour to help them get started on packing. You know how they are with travelling." Sam chuckled and Gordo did the same. His parents were crazier than Lizzie was when it came to packing. They would want to take everything, including the kitchen sink. If it wasn't for Gordo, he might think they would have.
Speaking of Lizzie, however...
Gordo cleared his throat loudly, and Lizzie backed off, sheepishly realising what she was doing.
Seeing his features, and the question written on his face, she nodded discreetly at him, and then grinned. He smiled back, his smile reaching from ear to ear. They would always understand each other, no matter what.
His brain was still overflowing with information. It was so over-whelming with the extremity of it all. He, David Gordon, would be staying ten days at the house of his best friend and recent girlfriend, Lizzie McGuire. It was so unreal, and yet so very exciting.
And that's when it hit him.
Gordo got Lizzie's attention, and then motioned towards the front door. Lizzie nodded, getting the hint.
"Mum, dad, thanks so much, again. Uh, can me and Gordo go talk together for a couple of minutes outside? Alone?"
"Sure honey," Mrs. McGuire smiled, oblivious.
Gordo led the blonde towards the front door, walking out first. Lizzie quickly followed, shutting the door behind her. All of a sudden, the memories of the previous night filled their senses, creating an atmosphere quite unlike any they had ever experienced.
This is where it had all started, where everything became different, feelings became stronger, and bigger bonds were formed.
What is really only last night that it had all changed? It seemed so much longer than that. Maybe that's what happened when you waited your whole life for something like this to happen. Time seems to stretch out, and before long you're confusing seconds with minutes and minutes with hours. The feeling was so new, and so sweet, tingling their senses, warming them, despite the cold winds of the Sacremento winter.
Once outside, and away from the prying eyes of her parents, Lizzie threw herself into Gordo's arms, wrapping him in a big bear hug, squeezing hard enough to break something. But Gordo didn't complain, he just held her, grinning despite what was going through his head.
Depositing a soundless kiss on his lips, Lizzie finally pulled away and together they sat down on the porch steps, making sure to lock hands as they sat.
"Gordo, this is going to be fantastic! You, living in my house, for ten days. I can't wait until Monday, can you?"
Gordo shook his head, half-amused by Lizzie's antics, half-saddened by the fact that he'd have to be the one to bring her back down to earth.
"Lizzie, of course I'm excited, but how are we going to be able to tell your parents that we're dating now? Somehow I don't think it will go over too well with them the fact that their teenage daughter will be temporarily living with her boyfriend, just one door away."
The sudden truth of that statement hit Lizzie like a Mac-truck, bringing her plummeting down to the ground from her extreme high.
"You're right," she whispered dejectedly.
"Yeah" Gordo added, sighing. "I hate it when that happens."
Not able to stop it, a tiny giggle escaped Lizzie's lips, and she leaned her head softly on Gordo's shoulders.
"Suddenly, I'm not liking this as much as I was."
Gordo nodded, agreeing.
"You know what though?" He asked suddenly.
"What?"
"It will be sort of fun sneaking around behind their backs. It'll be a secret, just between the two of us."
Lizzie gave him a wry smile.
"Well, when you put it that way."
They both chuckled quietly, and when they settled back down again, Lizzie lay her head fully on Gordo's shoulder. This would very well may the last chance they had to do this sort of thing before they had to revert to sneaking.
"Love ya," Lizzie cooed.
"Right back at you," replied Gordo.
It wouldn't be too bad, at least they'd be together, and there was always school. And, another handy thing, locks on the doors.
"How long did my dad say we had before you had to leave?" Asked Lizzie quietly, breaking the silence that had descended upon them.
"An hour," replied Gordo shortly, breathing in the scent of Lizzie's shampoo from where her head lay on the soft flesh of his shoulder.
"Enough time then," the blonde breathed, and settled back further.
"Yeah," Gordo agreed.
The couple stared straight ahead, watching pedestrians walk by, and cars zoom past. They didn't really notice any of it though; they were too busy with their own thoughts.
It was strange, indeed, they would be living under the same roof for about a week and a half, and yet they wouldn't be able to do anything, at all, not even innocent hand holding. If it was possible to feel sad and happy at the same time, you bet that was how Lizzie and Gordo felt.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Meanwhile, hiding behind some bushes just on the edge of the sidewalk, a snickering laugh was inaudible to the couple lost in each other on the steps.
A male figure, roughly eleven years of age, held his spiky head just above the bushes so he could see the teens ahead of him.
Matt McGuire snuck back into the safety of his shrub, hiding himself well out of spotting range. He grinned delightfully at himself for being so smart.
"Excellent," he cried out in a voice lower than a whisper, so as not to be heard.
Rubbing his hands together evilly, the pre-teen gently moved so he could sneak into the neighbour's yard undetected.
This was going to be sweet.
_______________________________________________________________________
A/N: Secrets out, as if you guys didn't know what was going to happen. Like the half-twist though? Oh-oh, naughty Matt, how dare he spy on the lovebirds. Anyway, I know, boring chapter, sorry for the lack of, well, anything, but I wanted to get this up a.s.a.p. I hate keeping people waiting. I promise, next chapter will be both longer and crammed with juicy plot lines.
Here's some thing to look forwards to: Lizzie has a long overdue conversation with one Miss Miranda Sanchez, wonder how that will turn out. What will Matt do with his info? And will Gordo and Lizzie ever tell her parents? Look for all that and more next chapter. Plus, some L/G sneakage.
Yay
Ciao for now,
Em