You're alternate version awaits. Tell me which chapter you looked better, and have a wonderful Christmas and everything else people celebrate.
I dedicate this story to a bunch of people very special to me.
Fran - I told you I'd dedicate my first story to you, so here it is, even though you probably won't read this
Katharine and Sarah - my two sisters, I pray to the Lord above that Sar is safe in France and I hope she's get back to us in one piece. Kathy, what can I say? Love ya both.
Thao and Jill - you're probably my only friends to have read this. Thanks you guys, but tell no one!
Lauren - I met you in this place, and I'm glad. You've been a great friend to me, love ya.
I believe that is it. Thanks for listening, and this is the last time you'll see me for a while. Enjoy! _______________________________________________________________________
What Could Have Been
Alternate Version
Chapter 15: Back to the Beginning
Lizzie McGuire entered the park. Hillridge wasn't very known for its many parks, and in fact only had three good ones. This specific one was a block away from both Gordo and Lizzie's place, and as a result many childhood days were spent there, playing on the equipment, play tag. And even as they grew older, it was a place to talk.
They had spent countless hours here, sometimes just doing nothing. There was a small lake with which ducks and other water birds would swim in, and it was a lovely place to just sit and watch, or even take a swim.
If Gordo had gone anywhere, it was here. Lizzie just had to find him...and make him stay.
Lizzie knew deep down she had nothing to worry about. If she calmly told him what really happened, he would listen to her. Hopefully. But Lizzie herself knew how she would react if the roles were reversed. She wouldn't even want to look at him for days, so she just hoped Gordo wasn't like her in that respect.
The park was big, and if she didn't know where to look, it would have taken Lizzie quite a while to find her boyfriend. So it was a good thing she knew where to look.
Not far off, there was a special place, only Lizzie and Gordo knew about it. It was hidden, and even Miranda had no idea about it.
Lizzie headed towards the secret place, which was in fact a bunch of trees and shrubs all clumped together to hide a little clearing that had a perfect view of the lake and the setting sun, and a smattering of colourful flowers that just made it seem so romantic. Which was ironic when Lizzie really thought about it.
Lost in her own thoughts, Lizzie didn't realise that she had come up on the clearing until she almost walked into the group of trees.
Carefully batting away the stray leaves, Lizzie weaved her way through the condensed area to the clearing. As she had thought, Gordo was still there, sitting with his back against a small oak tree with his head facing towards the lake, not looking in her direction.
As she moved closer, Gordo either didn't hear her or was making an effort to ignore her in hopes she would take a hint and walk away. If that was his intention, however, it wasn't working, as Lizzie made her way slowly towards him.
Gordo moved himself so instead of facing the lake - where the moon was shining on the water and making it look like it was dancing - he was facing the sky. The heavens were littered with millions of tiny white, glowing bulbs of light, the stars making the night infinitely more beautiful. If this was any other night Lizzie would have stopped and stared as well. A romantic setting for a less than romantic situation.
The leaves on the trees shook with the wind, moving them aside so the light from the moon lit the surrounding area with a warm and comforting glow. And for the first time, Lizzie noticed the tiny tear tracks on Gordo's cheeks. She felt an overwhelming sense of guilt at the fact that she caused that. No matter the fact that it was all a misunderstanding, something Gordo thought she had done had brought him to tears. And she just wished with all her heart that she could go over the him and hug him and tell him it was all alright and that it was a mistake.
But she didn't.
Instead, Lizzie stopped moving. Gordo had yet to acknowledge her presence. The blonde grew ever more aware that he was in fact ignoring her.
Her feet shuffled and hit a twig. It snapped, sending a deafening crunch into the otherwise silent void. The sound of the twig snapping seemed to actually break a spell that was holding Gordo. He turned to face Lizzie, hazel eyes meeting deep blue ones, and almost immediately Gordo furrowed his brow in a deep frown.
But something Lizzie could not see when she looked into his azure orbs was anger. Deep, deep sadness, yes, but no anger. Lizzie didn't know whether to be happy or sad about this. Perhaps he was beyond anger, or maybe he just wasn't angry at all. It almost seemed strange that he wasn't. Lizzie sure would have. Misunderstanding or no misunderstand, Ronnie did kiss her, and even though se couldn't really stop it since his hold on her was too strong, she felt she could have done more.
Lizzie just prayed Gordo had faith in her, and their relationship.
The blonde opened her mouth to say something, because she realised they had been staring at each other for a long time, but then she closed it.
She had no idea what to say. For the first time in her life, she didn't know how to talk to her best friend.
What a difference a couple of hours make, huh?
One minute, the couple are laughing with each other, dancing and kissing and telling the other that they love them, and then the next they're not even speaking to each other.
All because of a misunderstanding. It seemed totally crazy. But yet it made sense, if you looked at it from Gordo's point of view.
Lizzie didn't know what was going on in Gordo's mind, but she was thanking every single one of those stars in the sky that he wasn't running away, at least not yet.
"Gordo?" Lizzie asked, breaking the eerie silence.
"Can I talk to you?" Gordo didn't say anything, but Lizzie took that as a good sign. He hadn't told her to get lost yet, and for that she was grateful.
"I really need for you to understand something. But first, I need you to answer a question, is that all right?"
Gordo shrugged; his face impassive. For the first time in a long time Lizzie had no idea what her best friend since birth was thinking. Or for that matter feeling.
"Shoot," he replied, giving her the permission she needed. His voice was also void of emotion, making Lizzie inwardly cringe at the damage she had mistakenly done.
"What did you see tonight? I think I know already, but I need to know for sure. What did you see that made you leave?"
Gordo clenched his jaw to keep any more tears escaping as he thought about the nerve Lizzie had to even ask him that.
"I saw you with him, Liz. Kissing your supposed ex. I guess I was stupid to believe you were over him, huh?"
The answer was exactly what she was expecting. Actually, Lizzie was expecting anger and shouting, not overwhelming hurt. She didn't know if she felt better or worse about that. She decided on worse, and then she decided on trying to fix this.
"If you will give me a few minutes, I'll explain everything to you, I promise."
Gordo's eyes went wide at that statement, like he couldn't believe it.
"Oh, you promise, do you? Like you promised me that you love me? Do your promises even mean anything Liz, or is it just a game you like to play? I thought I knew you better than anyone else, but I'm staring at you now, and I have no idea who you are."
A single tear escaped Lizzie's eyes as she realised her boyfriend didn't trust her. She thought out of anyone, he would be the person to give her a fair chance at explaining. Now she had no idea why she was even here.
No, that's not true. She knew exactly why she was here, and she would be damned before she let something that didn't even happen wreck the best thing to ever come into her life.
"Gordo, you've got to believe me. What you saw wasn't what it looked like..."
"Really, cos what I saw was you kissing someone you had recently condemned to hell. That seems like a big step to me. Cussing him then kissing him."
Lizzie shook her head, not at Gordo but at herself. She was going about this all wrong. He was believing her. She had to make him somehow trust her, to see that she wasn't lying.
"Okay, so maybe you're right," Lizzie slowly began, but sped up once she saw this wasn't helping her case at all. Gordo's eyes narrowed and he looked just about ready to say something but she cut him off.
"But only about one thing," she continued.
"I do hate Ronnie. I was hoping to never see his face again, but it just so happens that he's a friend of Ethan's. He came to that party because he knew I'd be going..."
"And so what? You set up a date with him? A little chance for a rendezvous with your ex?" Gordo cut in. He couldn't help it, the bait was there and he simply took it.
Lizzie blew air out through he teeth, but she wasn't giving up, not by a long shot. It was a good thing that at least she believed in their relationship.
"The one thing you have always been, Mr Gordon, is stubborn. I know you think you have every right to be pissed off with me, but you don't. And I'll prove it to you."
Gordo looked unsure, like he knew she wouldn't be able to do such a thing. Lizzie herself wasn't even sure how. She had no witnesses - apart from Gordo - that she knew of who could vouch for her. She had no physical evidence at all. The only thing she had was her word, and Gordo didn't seem to be very fond of that at the moment.
Lizzie started to reassess her earlier statement.
"Okay, so, maybe I can't prove it, Gordo. But what I can do is give you my word. Surely that can count for something."
"It used to," he whispered dully, looking into her eyes dead on. Something inside him must have stirred however, because he sighed, looking down at the ground. When his eyes met hers once again, Lizzie saw something she wasn't sure she would have been receiving so early on. A partial fragment of forgiveness was buried in his blue depths. Buried, yes, but still there.
"Go ahead," he said, defeated.
"Say what you want, I'm listening."
Little did he know just how important and powerful those words were. Lizzie smiled, or more like; grinned.
"That's all I ever needed," she sighed, this time though it was a good sigh.
"No wait," he interrupted before she could even start saying anything.
"I wanna tell you something first," he stated, and Lizzie agreed, knowing full well not to argue with him at this stage. But what he said next was just downright confusing.
"Forever isn't just a word Lizzie."
"What?" Lizzie asked, unsure of where this was going.
"It's not just a word. It means something. When I say I'll love you forever, I'm not just saying that to make you happy or to fool myself. I'm saying it because I believe it is true. I don't know what will happen ten years from now. I don't know if we'll still be a couple by then. I hope to whatever God will listen that we will, but you never know. We never know a lot of things, but the one thing I do know is that couple or not, I will never stop loving you."
Lizzie stared blankly for a while as she struggled to come up with the words to reply to that.
First not talking to her and now this. Where was Gordo going with this? And what was she expected to say in return.
"I-I know t-that," she finally managed to choke out.
"Do you Lizzie? Honestly, do you?" Asked Gordo, sounding more than doubtful.
"Well, it depends. What part don't you think I understand?" The blonde challenged, hand on hip in typical Lizzie fashion. She was getting more than annoyed at Gordo's little spiel. It's not like he ever made a mistake. And besides, there was no way to make a mistake when nothing happened. Now, if only she could tell him that.
But for the first time since Lizzie had gotten to the park, Gordo seemed unsure of himself.
"I don't know," he admitted, head down, eyes to the ground.
"I thought I knew everything, but now it seems I don't know anything."
"Yeah, well, I thought you trusted me, but I guess that was all a lie, wasn't it Gordo?" Lizzie demanded, anger actually creeping into her voice. She had tried to see Gordo's side of things, but it was getting harder each time he insulted her.
"You have no right to be angry at me. You're the one who..."
"No, I didn't, Gordo! That's what I've been trying to tell you ever since I got here, but you've barely let me get a word in without biting my head off. Ronnie kissed me, yeah, but I didn't kiss him back. He was gripping me too tight, and I couldn't break free. But believe me, I wanted to. That whole time, I was thinking that I wished you were there to help me. The only thing I thought of was getting to you and feeling you're arms around me to tell me what you said that last time. That Ronnie was a jerk who didn't deserve me. I wanted you to hold me and tell me it was all right. Is that really too much to ask? But instead I get accused of doing something I had no control over."
It felt so good to finally get that all out, and what's more, Gordo even looked apologetic. Lizzie thought that possibly he was finally accepting what she had to say.
"I-I don't really know what to say," he finally admitted after a long pause of silence.
Lizzie took a few tentative steps forward, so they were just inches away from each other.
"Say you believe me," she practically begged of him. And even before she had finished the sentence she found him searching her face for any sign of honesty.
What he found was obviously a good thing because his face lit up in a smile for the first time since she had disappeared to get them drinks. Boy did she regret offering to do that.
"I, b-believe you, Liz."
And that was all it took.
Before he could say anything else, he was bawled over by the blonde now laying in his arms, peppering his face with short kisses whenever she could.
She didn't seem to realise it, but tears of happiness had leaked out of her eyes and were making tracks down her cheeks.
After steadying both himself and her, Gordo reached up with one hand to wipe them away, using his other hand to keep themselves steady.
"I love you Gordo, I always will," cried Lizzie, burying her face deep into his chest, and muffling her words in the process. But he heard anyway, and a smile lit his face. That's all he needed to hear.
"I love you too Liz. Never forget that."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Meanwhile, back at Ethan's, Miranda stopped suddenly in the middle of a dance, making her partner stop also.
"What?" Asked Larry Tudgeman, as a smile was quickly growing on the Hispanic's face.
As if his voice brought her out of some sort of trance, Miranda snapped her head back to face him, a smile of his own covering his features as he took in her own happy exterior.
"Nothing," she started, a sudden crease marring the otherwise beautiful face.
"It's all alright."
She knew, somehow she knew that her friends were all right with each other again. She had no idea how she knew, but somewhere, somehow, her two best friends had suffered a fight and a make up all in the space of an hour.
And suddenly, the frown got bigger.
"Where's Lizzie and Gordo?" She asked allowed, not to anyone in particular.
If she had gone upstairs, she would have found a bruise Ronnie still in pain on the floor. Wimp.
But she didn't move, and instead she got even more comfortable in the arms of Larry, and lay her head down on his chest.
"Never mind," she whispered, answering her own question.
"Everything's fine." And they continued dancing, Larry being a little bit more confused since the start, but he shrugged it off. He was happy to be there. And so was she.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Together, Lizzie and Gordo lay under that small oak tree. Gordo lay with his back against it, and Lizzie lay with her back against his chest.
They stared up and the sky, those seeming even brighter now. Now words were passing between the two. None were needed.
To Lizzie, it reminded her of a scene from her favourite movie; 'A Walk To Remember'. When Landon and Jamie are on the blanket in the exact same position, staring at the stars like they were doing now. Except, Lizzie and Gordo didn't have a telescope with them, and he hadn't just had a star named for her.
But the way he was holding her, made her feel like not only did he have all these stars for her, but the moon as well.
Finally, after what seemed like hours of star gazing, Gordo shifted both himself and Lizzie so they could face each other.
"Hey Liz," he started, his eyes coming to rest on her own.
"Hmm," she replied contentedly, a peaceful expression on her features.
"Do you remember that night with the Murder Mystery party?"
Lizzie smiled, looking at her boyfriend like he was insane.
"Gordo, of course I do. Not only was it the best day of my life, but it happened barely two weeks ago."
Gordo half shrugged. Okay, so he got his answer.
"Do you remember how happy we both were?"
Again, Lizzie smiled, but this time it was because she was remembering every detail of what happened that magical night.
"Yes, of course I do. But Gordo, where are you going with this."
Gordo grasped both of Lizzie's hands in his own, squeezing tightly, as if afraid she might disappear before his very eyes.
"I want to make a promise to you, right now, Lizzie McGuire." The smile on his face right now made Lizzie's heart want to melt, and if she didn't know any better she'd think he was going to propose. Of course, they were only fifteen, so it might have to wait a couple of years.
"I promise that every day I will do everything in my power to make you as happy as you were that day, every day. I promise that I will never leave your side, and I promise to be there for you whenever you need me. Night or day, I want you to know that wherever I am, if you need me I'll come running. That is my promise to you, Lizzie McGuire. I love you."
For a minute, Lizzie was speechless. What did she ever do to deserve this guy? She was at a loss for an explanation, but right then, she didn't need one. She just needed him.
"Oh," she whispered, tears running down her cheeks.
"I love you too, David. More than you will ever know." They hugged tightly and she kissed him, but when they came up for air Lizzie noticed the look of her boyfriend's face.
"What?"
"You called me David," he said in manner that she wasn't familiar with when thinking about him.
Lizzie laughed a bit, however. That look was adorable. It was a look between puzzled and happy.
"Well, that's your name, sweetie." She reminded him, grinning.
For that she got a half-hearted glare out of him.
"I know that, but you've barely ever called me David."
Lizzie shrugged, kissing him again.
"It felt like a 'David' kind of moment," she explained against his lips.
They stayed like that for a while until Lizzie jolted a little, as if she was suddenly struck by something.
"What is it?" Gordo asked, concerned.
"You know what I just realised?" Lizzie asked him, ignoring the concern.
"No, what?" He answered with another question while holding her protectively to himself.
"We're gonna be together forever," she finally answered him, and a grin formed on both their faces.
Gordo nodded.
"Yes, we will." _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________
"Gordo? Hello! Earth to Gordo!"
David Gordon shook his head, coming back down to earth.
He looked around quickly, wondering where the heck he was. This wasn't the park. This was...the McGuire's front porch.
How did he get there?
And...what the? Lizzie. What was Lizzie wearing...oh.
Lizzie stood there in front of me, her hands on her hips. And she was wearing the costume she'd had on for the Murder Mystery party.
And that must mean...could it be that everything that had happened was in Gordo's imagination? Nah, it couldn't be.
But the look Lizzie was giving him made him think so. She looked like she thought he was catatonic. She also looked almost ready to go get some help, maybe some professional help.
Gordo was starting to think that that wouldn't be such a bad idea.
"Maybe sometime we could, what, Gordo? Hello? Are you okay? Do you, like, need something?"
"Uh, no, no, it's okay. I just, uh, need to, uh, sit down, for just a bit."
Gordo guided himself over to their porch lounge, all the while his mind was thinking about just one thing.
It was all a dream. How was it possible that all that stuff that had happened...didn't? It's was, well, it was unbelievable to say the least.
Lizzie sat down right next to Gordo, a little closer than normal. Gordo noticed this.
Okay, so, maybe all that stuff didn't happen. But there was a chance it could. Maybe it was a vision, and not just a simple day-dream. Maybe he thought of all that for a reason. Maybe the fates of whatever were showing him what would happen if he had the courage to ask Lizzie out.
It was a definite sign. And hey, who was Gordo to go against destiny?
"Do you need anything?" Lizzie repeated, not entirely convinced that her friend was okay. Her brow was crinkled in concern and her eyes spoke volumes of what she was feeling.
Gordo smiled at her concern and shook his head.
"I just need you," he whispered before he could stop himself. Whoops. A bit premature, but at least it was out there.
"What?" Lizzie's confusion was incredible in its intensity.
Without thinking - hmm, he seemed to be doing that a lot - Gordo grasped one of Lizzie's hands on his own, and she looked down at it, her confusion mounting with each passing second.
"I was just wondering if you would...I was hoping, Lizzie McGuire, that you would do a huge favour for me and agree to go on a date with me."
Wow, saying those words had such a strange power. It was so, freeing. And it was even better when a grin spread over Lizzie's features, leaving the confusion far behind.
"Gordo, I...Yes, I will. I-I'd love to."
Gordo's grin couldn't be bigger if he tried.
"I really like you Lizzie," he told her, and for a moment she seemed to be thinking about those words.
"I like you to Gordo. I really do."
And as they both leaned in for a slow first kiss, Gordo reflected over the night and the daydream he'd had.
He was thankful for so many things, but the biggest was God sending Lizzie into his life.
And, who would've known? Dreams really did come true.
________________________________________________________________________
A/N: *sniff* That's all, folks. That's it for this story. But it's not it for me. I have plenty more indeas and stories in the works, so keep a look out. Now, to everyone that kept this story going; the lovely reviewers. I have all your names on a list here. There's actually a lot of people here, so bare with me. Some also deserve a special mention
Inigo Imago - my first ever reviewer. Thanks a bunch.
Kath1 - my sister. Thanks bud, you're the best
Tic-Tac2 - buddy! What can I say? You're the greatest friend. Have a great Christmas, and thanks for sticking by me, and this story.
Jill - love ya sweetie.
And to everyone else, thank you:
StarLight. Love Star. SugahMuffin. Moi. Hope Black. Kindperson. Lizfan29. Alastar. Cute But Psycho. Sayjinj7. Lizzie-fan. GordosGirlie. Skye. Amy. Jesc. I3itterSweet. Donzabobo. Lola7. Black Knight 03. Weasley Wizard Wheazes. NeVeR. Miss-Sea. TIgErPrN06. PURPLEkeybladeMISTRESS. Az. Melanie Turner. OGShake04. Sarah. Sweet-candy. Liane. Seb1. Lizzi. Klr06. Blonde-angel. XslaveF0ruxx. Prizfizz. Witch with a wand12. Cherryblossomjen. Gcfreak. Nunnyabusiness. Daphne. Crystal Raven. Alex. sportsnut. Alue. thepinkone. Sil3ntdeath. Tori erica renee'. Cait. Kasandra. Luv4 Johnny Depp. Loopylou1. Purplecks. Baby Bunnie1. Quitesirius. Chocl8chps. Rebelchaplain14. Ashley678. Kay. Ami-Chan39. Lizfan28. Dead Beat Doll. Moonchick. Ron Weasley2. KrisKG. Kat. Coolgirl. Firiendsfanatic. Queenjc20032004. Oy-with-the-poodles. FeelinUblondie. Gordo4ever. Hilarys hott. PC'sgirl.
I'm sure I left no one out, but if I did, thank you to you as well.
Peace to you all
Ciao...for now Em
I dedicate this story to a bunch of people very special to me.
Fran - I told you I'd dedicate my first story to you, so here it is, even though you probably won't read this
Katharine and Sarah - my two sisters, I pray to the Lord above that Sar is safe in France and I hope she's get back to us in one piece. Kathy, what can I say? Love ya both.
Thao and Jill - you're probably my only friends to have read this. Thanks you guys, but tell no one!
Lauren - I met you in this place, and I'm glad. You've been a great friend to me, love ya.
I believe that is it. Thanks for listening, and this is the last time you'll see me for a while. Enjoy! _______________________________________________________________________
What Could Have Been
Alternate Version
Chapter 15: Back to the Beginning
Lizzie McGuire entered the park. Hillridge wasn't very known for its many parks, and in fact only had three good ones. This specific one was a block away from both Gordo and Lizzie's place, and as a result many childhood days were spent there, playing on the equipment, play tag. And even as they grew older, it was a place to talk.
They had spent countless hours here, sometimes just doing nothing. There was a small lake with which ducks and other water birds would swim in, and it was a lovely place to just sit and watch, or even take a swim.
If Gordo had gone anywhere, it was here. Lizzie just had to find him...and make him stay.
Lizzie knew deep down she had nothing to worry about. If she calmly told him what really happened, he would listen to her. Hopefully. But Lizzie herself knew how she would react if the roles were reversed. She wouldn't even want to look at him for days, so she just hoped Gordo wasn't like her in that respect.
The park was big, and if she didn't know where to look, it would have taken Lizzie quite a while to find her boyfriend. So it was a good thing she knew where to look.
Not far off, there was a special place, only Lizzie and Gordo knew about it. It was hidden, and even Miranda had no idea about it.
Lizzie headed towards the secret place, which was in fact a bunch of trees and shrubs all clumped together to hide a little clearing that had a perfect view of the lake and the setting sun, and a smattering of colourful flowers that just made it seem so romantic. Which was ironic when Lizzie really thought about it.
Lost in her own thoughts, Lizzie didn't realise that she had come up on the clearing until she almost walked into the group of trees.
Carefully batting away the stray leaves, Lizzie weaved her way through the condensed area to the clearing. As she had thought, Gordo was still there, sitting with his back against a small oak tree with his head facing towards the lake, not looking in her direction.
As she moved closer, Gordo either didn't hear her or was making an effort to ignore her in hopes she would take a hint and walk away. If that was his intention, however, it wasn't working, as Lizzie made her way slowly towards him.
Gordo moved himself so instead of facing the lake - where the moon was shining on the water and making it look like it was dancing - he was facing the sky. The heavens were littered with millions of tiny white, glowing bulbs of light, the stars making the night infinitely more beautiful. If this was any other night Lizzie would have stopped and stared as well. A romantic setting for a less than romantic situation.
The leaves on the trees shook with the wind, moving them aside so the light from the moon lit the surrounding area with a warm and comforting glow. And for the first time, Lizzie noticed the tiny tear tracks on Gordo's cheeks. She felt an overwhelming sense of guilt at the fact that she caused that. No matter the fact that it was all a misunderstanding, something Gordo thought she had done had brought him to tears. And she just wished with all her heart that she could go over the him and hug him and tell him it was all alright and that it was a mistake.
But she didn't.
Instead, Lizzie stopped moving. Gordo had yet to acknowledge her presence. The blonde grew ever more aware that he was in fact ignoring her.
Her feet shuffled and hit a twig. It snapped, sending a deafening crunch into the otherwise silent void. The sound of the twig snapping seemed to actually break a spell that was holding Gordo. He turned to face Lizzie, hazel eyes meeting deep blue ones, and almost immediately Gordo furrowed his brow in a deep frown.
But something Lizzie could not see when she looked into his azure orbs was anger. Deep, deep sadness, yes, but no anger. Lizzie didn't know whether to be happy or sad about this. Perhaps he was beyond anger, or maybe he just wasn't angry at all. It almost seemed strange that he wasn't. Lizzie sure would have. Misunderstanding or no misunderstand, Ronnie did kiss her, and even though se couldn't really stop it since his hold on her was too strong, she felt she could have done more.
Lizzie just prayed Gordo had faith in her, and their relationship.
The blonde opened her mouth to say something, because she realised they had been staring at each other for a long time, but then she closed it.
She had no idea what to say. For the first time in her life, she didn't know how to talk to her best friend.
What a difference a couple of hours make, huh?
One minute, the couple are laughing with each other, dancing and kissing and telling the other that they love them, and then the next they're not even speaking to each other.
All because of a misunderstanding. It seemed totally crazy. But yet it made sense, if you looked at it from Gordo's point of view.
Lizzie didn't know what was going on in Gordo's mind, but she was thanking every single one of those stars in the sky that he wasn't running away, at least not yet.
"Gordo?" Lizzie asked, breaking the eerie silence.
"Can I talk to you?" Gordo didn't say anything, but Lizzie took that as a good sign. He hadn't told her to get lost yet, and for that she was grateful.
"I really need for you to understand something. But first, I need you to answer a question, is that all right?"
Gordo shrugged; his face impassive. For the first time in a long time Lizzie had no idea what her best friend since birth was thinking. Or for that matter feeling.
"Shoot," he replied, giving her the permission she needed. His voice was also void of emotion, making Lizzie inwardly cringe at the damage she had mistakenly done.
"What did you see tonight? I think I know already, but I need to know for sure. What did you see that made you leave?"
Gordo clenched his jaw to keep any more tears escaping as he thought about the nerve Lizzie had to even ask him that.
"I saw you with him, Liz. Kissing your supposed ex. I guess I was stupid to believe you were over him, huh?"
The answer was exactly what she was expecting. Actually, Lizzie was expecting anger and shouting, not overwhelming hurt. She didn't know if she felt better or worse about that. She decided on worse, and then she decided on trying to fix this.
"If you will give me a few minutes, I'll explain everything to you, I promise."
Gordo's eyes went wide at that statement, like he couldn't believe it.
"Oh, you promise, do you? Like you promised me that you love me? Do your promises even mean anything Liz, or is it just a game you like to play? I thought I knew you better than anyone else, but I'm staring at you now, and I have no idea who you are."
A single tear escaped Lizzie's eyes as she realised her boyfriend didn't trust her. She thought out of anyone, he would be the person to give her a fair chance at explaining. Now she had no idea why she was even here.
No, that's not true. She knew exactly why she was here, and she would be damned before she let something that didn't even happen wreck the best thing to ever come into her life.
"Gordo, you've got to believe me. What you saw wasn't what it looked like..."
"Really, cos what I saw was you kissing someone you had recently condemned to hell. That seems like a big step to me. Cussing him then kissing him."
Lizzie shook her head, not at Gordo but at herself. She was going about this all wrong. He was believing her. She had to make him somehow trust her, to see that she wasn't lying.
"Okay, so maybe you're right," Lizzie slowly began, but sped up once she saw this wasn't helping her case at all. Gordo's eyes narrowed and he looked just about ready to say something but she cut him off.
"But only about one thing," she continued.
"I do hate Ronnie. I was hoping to never see his face again, but it just so happens that he's a friend of Ethan's. He came to that party because he knew I'd be going..."
"And so what? You set up a date with him? A little chance for a rendezvous with your ex?" Gordo cut in. He couldn't help it, the bait was there and he simply took it.
Lizzie blew air out through he teeth, but she wasn't giving up, not by a long shot. It was a good thing that at least she believed in their relationship.
"The one thing you have always been, Mr Gordon, is stubborn. I know you think you have every right to be pissed off with me, but you don't. And I'll prove it to you."
Gordo looked unsure, like he knew she wouldn't be able to do such a thing. Lizzie herself wasn't even sure how. She had no witnesses - apart from Gordo - that she knew of who could vouch for her. She had no physical evidence at all. The only thing she had was her word, and Gordo didn't seem to be very fond of that at the moment.
Lizzie started to reassess her earlier statement.
"Okay, so, maybe I can't prove it, Gordo. But what I can do is give you my word. Surely that can count for something."
"It used to," he whispered dully, looking into her eyes dead on. Something inside him must have stirred however, because he sighed, looking down at the ground. When his eyes met hers once again, Lizzie saw something she wasn't sure she would have been receiving so early on. A partial fragment of forgiveness was buried in his blue depths. Buried, yes, but still there.
"Go ahead," he said, defeated.
"Say what you want, I'm listening."
Little did he know just how important and powerful those words were. Lizzie smiled, or more like; grinned.
"That's all I ever needed," she sighed, this time though it was a good sigh.
"No wait," he interrupted before she could even start saying anything.
"I wanna tell you something first," he stated, and Lizzie agreed, knowing full well not to argue with him at this stage. But what he said next was just downright confusing.
"Forever isn't just a word Lizzie."
"What?" Lizzie asked, unsure of where this was going.
"It's not just a word. It means something. When I say I'll love you forever, I'm not just saying that to make you happy or to fool myself. I'm saying it because I believe it is true. I don't know what will happen ten years from now. I don't know if we'll still be a couple by then. I hope to whatever God will listen that we will, but you never know. We never know a lot of things, but the one thing I do know is that couple or not, I will never stop loving you."
Lizzie stared blankly for a while as she struggled to come up with the words to reply to that.
First not talking to her and now this. Where was Gordo going with this? And what was she expected to say in return.
"I-I know t-that," she finally managed to choke out.
"Do you Lizzie? Honestly, do you?" Asked Gordo, sounding more than doubtful.
"Well, it depends. What part don't you think I understand?" The blonde challenged, hand on hip in typical Lizzie fashion. She was getting more than annoyed at Gordo's little spiel. It's not like he ever made a mistake. And besides, there was no way to make a mistake when nothing happened. Now, if only she could tell him that.
But for the first time since Lizzie had gotten to the park, Gordo seemed unsure of himself.
"I don't know," he admitted, head down, eyes to the ground.
"I thought I knew everything, but now it seems I don't know anything."
"Yeah, well, I thought you trusted me, but I guess that was all a lie, wasn't it Gordo?" Lizzie demanded, anger actually creeping into her voice. She had tried to see Gordo's side of things, but it was getting harder each time he insulted her.
"You have no right to be angry at me. You're the one who..."
"No, I didn't, Gordo! That's what I've been trying to tell you ever since I got here, but you've barely let me get a word in without biting my head off. Ronnie kissed me, yeah, but I didn't kiss him back. He was gripping me too tight, and I couldn't break free. But believe me, I wanted to. That whole time, I was thinking that I wished you were there to help me. The only thing I thought of was getting to you and feeling you're arms around me to tell me what you said that last time. That Ronnie was a jerk who didn't deserve me. I wanted you to hold me and tell me it was all right. Is that really too much to ask? But instead I get accused of doing something I had no control over."
It felt so good to finally get that all out, and what's more, Gordo even looked apologetic. Lizzie thought that possibly he was finally accepting what she had to say.
"I-I don't really know what to say," he finally admitted after a long pause of silence.
Lizzie took a few tentative steps forward, so they were just inches away from each other.
"Say you believe me," she practically begged of him. And even before she had finished the sentence she found him searching her face for any sign of honesty.
What he found was obviously a good thing because his face lit up in a smile for the first time since she had disappeared to get them drinks. Boy did she regret offering to do that.
"I, b-believe you, Liz."
And that was all it took.
Before he could say anything else, he was bawled over by the blonde now laying in his arms, peppering his face with short kisses whenever she could.
She didn't seem to realise it, but tears of happiness had leaked out of her eyes and were making tracks down her cheeks.
After steadying both himself and her, Gordo reached up with one hand to wipe them away, using his other hand to keep themselves steady.
"I love you Gordo, I always will," cried Lizzie, burying her face deep into his chest, and muffling her words in the process. But he heard anyway, and a smile lit his face. That's all he needed to hear.
"I love you too Liz. Never forget that."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Meanwhile, back at Ethan's, Miranda stopped suddenly in the middle of a dance, making her partner stop also.
"What?" Asked Larry Tudgeman, as a smile was quickly growing on the Hispanic's face.
As if his voice brought her out of some sort of trance, Miranda snapped her head back to face him, a smile of his own covering his features as he took in her own happy exterior.
"Nothing," she started, a sudden crease marring the otherwise beautiful face.
"It's all alright."
She knew, somehow she knew that her friends were all right with each other again. She had no idea how she knew, but somewhere, somehow, her two best friends had suffered a fight and a make up all in the space of an hour.
And suddenly, the frown got bigger.
"Where's Lizzie and Gordo?" She asked allowed, not to anyone in particular.
If she had gone upstairs, she would have found a bruise Ronnie still in pain on the floor. Wimp.
But she didn't move, and instead she got even more comfortable in the arms of Larry, and lay her head down on his chest.
"Never mind," she whispered, answering her own question.
"Everything's fine." And they continued dancing, Larry being a little bit more confused since the start, but he shrugged it off. He was happy to be there. And so was she.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Together, Lizzie and Gordo lay under that small oak tree. Gordo lay with his back against it, and Lizzie lay with her back against his chest.
They stared up and the sky, those seeming even brighter now. Now words were passing between the two. None were needed.
To Lizzie, it reminded her of a scene from her favourite movie; 'A Walk To Remember'. When Landon and Jamie are on the blanket in the exact same position, staring at the stars like they were doing now. Except, Lizzie and Gordo didn't have a telescope with them, and he hadn't just had a star named for her.
But the way he was holding her, made her feel like not only did he have all these stars for her, but the moon as well.
Finally, after what seemed like hours of star gazing, Gordo shifted both himself and Lizzie so they could face each other.
"Hey Liz," he started, his eyes coming to rest on her own.
"Hmm," she replied contentedly, a peaceful expression on her features.
"Do you remember that night with the Murder Mystery party?"
Lizzie smiled, looking at her boyfriend like he was insane.
"Gordo, of course I do. Not only was it the best day of my life, but it happened barely two weeks ago."
Gordo half shrugged. Okay, so he got his answer.
"Do you remember how happy we both were?"
Again, Lizzie smiled, but this time it was because she was remembering every detail of what happened that magical night.
"Yes, of course I do. But Gordo, where are you going with this."
Gordo grasped both of Lizzie's hands in his own, squeezing tightly, as if afraid she might disappear before his very eyes.
"I want to make a promise to you, right now, Lizzie McGuire." The smile on his face right now made Lizzie's heart want to melt, and if she didn't know any better she'd think he was going to propose. Of course, they were only fifteen, so it might have to wait a couple of years.
"I promise that every day I will do everything in my power to make you as happy as you were that day, every day. I promise that I will never leave your side, and I promise to be there for you whenever you need me. Night or day, I want you to know that wherever I am, if you need me I'll come running. That is my promise to you, Lizzie McGuire. I love you."
For a minute, Lizzie was speechless. What did she ever do to deserve this guy? She was at a loss for an explanation, but right then, she didn't need one. She just needed him.
"Oh," she whispered, tears running down her cheeks.
"I love you too, David. More than you will ever know." They hugged tightly and she kissed him, but when they came up for air Lizzie noticed the look of her boyfriend's face.
"What?"
"You called me David," he said in manner that she wasn't familiar with when thinking about him.
Lizzie laughed a bit, however. That look was adorable. It was a look between puzzled and happy.
"Well, that's your name, sweetie." She reminded him, grinning.
For that she got a half-hearted glare out of him.
"I know that, but you've barely ever called me David."
Lizzie shrugged, kissing him again.
"It felt like a 'David' kind of moment," she explained against his lips.
They stayed like that for a while until Lizzie jolted a little, as if she was suddenly struck by something.
"What is it?" Gordo asked, concerned.
"You know what I just realised?" Lizzie asked him, ignoring the concern.
"No, what?" He answered with another question while holding her protectively to himself.
"We're gonna be together forever," she finally answered him, and a grin formed on both their faces.
Gordo nodded.
"Yes, we will." _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________
"Gordo? Hello! Earth to Gordo!"
David Gordon shook his head, coming back down to earth.
He looked around quickly, wondering where the heck he was. This wasn't the park. This was...the McGuire's front porch.
How did he get there?
And...what the? Lizzie. What was Lizzie wearing...oh.
Lizzie stood there in front of me, her hands on her hips. And she was wearing the costume she'd had on for the Murder Mystery party.
And that must mean...could it be that everything that had happened was in Gordo's imagination? Nah, it couldn't be.
But the look Lizzie was giving him made him think so. She looked like she thought he was catatonic. She also looked almost ready to go get some help, maybe some professional help.
Gordo was starting to think that that wouldn't be such a bad idea.
"Maybe sometime we could, what, Gordo? Hello? Are you okay? Do you, like, need something?"
"Uh, no, no, it's okay. I just, uh, need to, uh, sit down, for just a bit."
Gordo guided himself over to their porch lounge, all the while his mind was thinking about just one thing.
It was all a dream. How was it possible that all that stuff that had happened...didn't? It's was, well, it was unbelievable to say the least.
Lizzie sat down right next to Gordo, a little closer than normal. Gordo noticed this.
Okay, so, maybe all that stuff didn't happen. But there was a chance it could. Maybe it was a vision, and not just a simple day-dream. Maybe he thought of all that for a reason. Maybe the fates of whatever were showing him what would happen if he had the courage to ask Lizzie out.
It was a definite sign. And hey, who was Gordo to go against destiny?
"Do you need anything?" Lizzie repeated, not entirely convinced that her friend was okay. Her brow was crinkled in concern and her eyes spoke volumes of what she was feeling.
Gordo smiled at her concern and shook his head.
"I just need you," he whispered before he could stop himself. Whoops. A bit premature, but at least it was out there.
"What?" Lizzie's confusion was incredible in its intensity.
Without thinking - hmm, he seemed to be doing that a lot - Gordo grasped one of Lizzie's hands on his own, and she looked down at it, her confusion mounting with each passing second.
"I was just wondering if you would...I was hoping, Lizzie McGuire, that you would do a huge favour for me and agree to go on a date with me."
Wow, saying those words had such a strange power. It was so, freeing. And it was even better when a grin spread over Lizzie's features, leaving the confusion far behind.
"Gordo, I...Yes, I will. I-I'd love to."
Gordo's grin couldn't be bigger if he tried.
"I really like you Lizzie," he told her, and for a moment she seemed to be thinking about those words.
"I like you to Gordo. I really do."
And as they both leaned in for a slow first kiss, Gordo reflected over the night and the daydream he'd had.
He was thankful for so many things, but the biggest was God sending Lizzie into his life.
And, who would've known? Dreams really did come true.
________________________________________________________________________
A/N: *sniff* That's all, folks. That's it for this story. But it's not it for me. I have plenty more indeas and stories in the works, so keep a look out. Now, to everyone that kept this story going; the lovely reviewers. I have all your names on a list here. There's actually a lot of people here, so bare with me. Some also deserve a special mention
Inigo Imago - my first ever reviewer. Thanks a bunch.
Kath1 - my sister. Thanks bud, you're the best
Tic-Tac2 - buddy! What can I say? You're the greatest friend. Have a great Christmas, and thanks for sticking by me, and this story.
Jill - love ya sweetie.
And to everyone else, thank you:
StarLight. Love Star. SugahMuffin. Moi. Hope Black. Kindperson. Lizfan29. Alastar. Cute But Psycho. Sayjinj7. Lizzie-fan. GordosGirlie. Skye. Amy. Jesc. I3itterSweet. Donzabobo. Lola7. Black Knight 03. Weasley Wizard Wheazes. NeVeR. Miss-Sea. TIgErPrN06. PURPLEkeybladeMISTRESS. Az. Melanie Turner. OGShake04. Sarah. Sweet-candy. Liane. Seb1. Lizzi. Klr06. Blonde-angel. XslaveF0ruxx. Prizfizz. Witch with a wand12. Cherryblossomjen. Gcfreak. Nunnyabusiness. Daphne. Crystal Raven. Alex. sportsnut. Alue. thepinkone. Sil3ntdeath. Tori erica renee'. Cait. Kasandra. Luv4 Johnny Depp. Loopylou1. Purplecks. Baby Bunnie1. Quitesirius. Chocl8chps. Rebelchaplain14. Ashley678. Kay. Ami-Chan39. Lizfan28. Dead Beat Doll. Moonchick. Ron Weasley2. KrisKG. Kat. Coolgirl. Firiendsfanatic. Queenjc20032004. Oy-with-the-poodles. FeelinUblondie. Gordo4ever. Hilarys hott. PC'sgirl.
I'm sure I left no one out, but if I did, thank you to you as well.
Peace to you all
Ciao...for now Em