Disclaimer: They're mine, all mine! Especially Gordo! It was my idea,
and Disney stole it! Oh, wait! Check that! That's my little fantasy
world again. Hmmm.No, they're not mine. Not even Gordo( Oh well.Reality
really is overrated.
A/N: Ok, I lied. Well, not really. I really intended to post this chapter in a timely manner, but I've just had a terrible time trying to write it. I have much of the rest of the story written, but this chapter is just not coming to me. So, I'm posting what I have written so far, so you guys won't think I fell off the face of the planet. I'm sorry, it's not what I promised yet. I promised they would go to the prom and Gordo would give Lizzie the ring in this chapter, but I'm still trying to write that. Instead, they're getting ready for the prom. But it's already a pretty long chapter, so I hope you enjoy it anyway.
Oh, I slightly changed the ending of the Chapter 10, because I realized (thanks to a helpful reviewer, thank you!) that it was a little unrealistic. It still is ~ just not so much.
Skigrrrrrrrl (wherever you are!): Not a problem! All you have to do is rescue the daughter of a multi-millionaire from a gang of evil, murderous kidnappers, and the BMW's yours! What color would you like?(
************************************************************************
After Lizzie got out of hospital and back to school, the year seemed to fly. It seemed like they had waited their whole lives for senior year, and now it was just flying by. Lizzie still had to use crutches for a couple more weeks, and her ribs were stabilized with tape, but most of the bruising was gone and she felt pretty good, all things considered. She and Kate experienced a couple of weeks of new celebrity in which it seemed like everyone wanted to hear their story, but soon things were back to normal and they were all making plans for the prom.
Well, mostly normal. One small thing changed, but it made a big difference in the whole school social hierarchy. Kate started eating lunch with them; them being Lizzie and co. Lizzie was pretty sure it was not because of some new bond they had formed, but because Danny ate with Miranda, and Ethan ate with Danny. This obviously infuriated Claire, who had her sites on Ethan as well, which was fun. But Claire had problems of her own. Word of her cowardly behavior on the backpacking trip had spread like wildfire, and although they couldn't kick her off the cheerleading squad, no one was going out of their way to be friendly toward her either.
In any case, the next few weeks were spent shopping for the perfect dresses and shoes, trying out hairstyles, etc. And of course, there was studying for finals, and trying to choose which universities to attend.
Kate gathered her courage, and asked Ethan to go to the prom with her, and he accepted. "Actually, what he said was, "Uh, Yeah. Ok." Kate confided to Lizzie and Miranda over Dim Sum the day they all went shopping for dresses.
"The boy has a way with words, huh?" Miranda said around a mouthful of steamed dumpling.
Kate shrugged, "I know he's brainless, but he's a nice guy. I need a nice guy right now. I've had enough of the other kind."
Miranda was still unaware of the conversation Kate and Lizzie had shared on the bus to camp, so Kate filled her in. They were all laughing hysterically when Kate got to the bit about her walking out of the closet naked. Kate remarked, "It's so nice to have real friends again. I didn't think I would ever laugh about that. You won't tell anyone about it, though, will you?"
Lizzie and Miranda gave their solemn oath that they wouldn't, and the conversation moved back to matters of the "big night." Kate asked if they knew what the guys were planning for the evening, and Lizzie said, "I have no idea. Gordo is being very mysterious about it. Won't tell me anything, except that he's wearing a black tux with a white shirt. And he only told me that because I complained that I didn't want to buy a dress that clashed with his tux. And he keeps disappearing on Wednesday nights, and won't tell me where he's going. I wonder if he's taking swing dance lessons or something." She wondered.
"Yeah, that sounds like something Gordo would do." Miranda said. "Are you guys taking your car?"
"I don't know. I don't think so. But you never know with Gordo. For all I know, he could be picking me up in a horse drawn coach made out of a pumpkin! Even Matt can't find anything out from him."
Miranda said, "I bet we'll arrive on Danny's bike. I love him, but Danny's not very good at planning these things. I had to go with him to order his tux, and I'll probably have to pick it up and remind him to get ready."
Lizzie sipped her tea. "You guys can take my car. As long as Danny doesn't drink."
Miranda shot her friend a reproachful glance, "He wouldn't. And I wouldn't let him. And thanks, maybe we'll take you up on that."
Kate was pretty sure she'd be in charge of getting Ethan to the prom as well. But, as she put it, "He'll look good when he gets there!"
************************************************************************ The big night finally arrived. Lizzie was finally off her crutches, and only had to wear a couple of strips of tape on her ribs as a precaution, and luckily they were in front. Luckily, because the gown she had chosen dipped very low in back, and she didn't want big, thick strips of white tape showing.
She and Miranda and Kate all got ready at Lizzie's, so they could help each other with their hair. When they were finally ready, Jo insisted on taking a photo of them all together, so they went outside to pose under an arbor of wisteria. They were quite a picture, all standing there together, dressed up and laughing. Jo smiled, and a tear leaked down her cheek. She later took that picture and put it next to one of three smiling little 5 year old girls, all in "first day of school" dresses and brand new backpacks and lunchboxes.
Then Miranda and Kate went home to wait for their dates, so their parents to could see them all dressed up and take pictures as well. Everyone planned to meet at Vincent's at 7 for dinner.
Lizzie ran upstairs to make a last minute check and to grab her bag. As she looked into the mirror, she was startled to see a strange girl looking back at her. Lizzie always thought of herself as an average teenage girl, more comfortable in jeans than skirts. She had a certain eclectic style (though nowhere near as "interesting" as Miranda's), but nothing that made her stand out much. But the girl who looked back at her from the mirror was different; sophisticated, even elegant. Her dress was a deep shade of coral, that looked like a Hawaiian sunset, and shimmered with iridescent tangerine. It had simple, long lines that flowed into a long, slightly flared skirt. The form fitting bodice was sleevless, with a rounded neckline that dipped just low enough to show a little cleavage. The back of the gown dipped into a low U, and from each shoulder draped a length of shimmery chiffon, which could either fall to the floor or tie loosely at the bottom of the U. She chose a pair of low heeled sandals, since at '5"7, she was only an inch shorter than Gordo. For earrings, she decided on a simple pair of small gold hoops. No necklace.
Miranda, with a little help from Jo, had worked miracles with her hair. They had made her sleep in soft rollers the night before, so she had lots of soft curls. They then piled her hair up on top of her head, and pinned it so that most of the curls stayed in an up-do, but let some of them fall softly around her face. Then Kate worked her magic with make-up. That girl was amazing, even dangerous, with a make-up kit. Lizzie was pretty sure Kate could turn Tudgeman into an Ethan Craft look alike, given enough time and make-up.
Lizzie's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. She smiled in anticipation of seeing her "mystery man." Of course she knew who was there, but that was about all she knew. Gordo had certainly been very secretive plans for the night.
She grabbed her bottle of Eternity, sprayed it into the air in front of her, and stepped into the cloud of fragrance. Matt was bellowing up the stairs, "Lizzie, Prince Charming is here!" She grabbed her bag, took one last glance into the mirror, and said to the girl smiling back, "Wish me luck! I want tonight to be perfect!"
************************************************************************ Gordo paced the hallway at the bottom of the stairs. Jo had greeted him at the door, but then had to go find a new battery for her camera. Sam was apparently helping her look, and Matt and Lanny headed out the door for soccer practice after he called for Lizzie. So now he was alone to wait. In his left hand, he held a florist box with a beautiful gardenia corsage. With his right hand, he reached into his pocket for the little box that nestled there, and pulled it out. He opened it to inspect its contents for the 102nd time that day. He was pleased with his work, and the stone shimmered reassuringly. But would she like the design, or would she think it was tacky? What did he know about jewelry? What did he know about style? He had never bought jewelry for anyone before, except for a very gaudy necklace for his mom when he was six.
He remembered how proud he had been back then because he saved his allowance for weeks to buy it. His mother proudly wore it every week to Synagogue, and told everyone that it was a special gift from her son.
When he heard Lizzie's door open, he shoved the box back into his pocket and looked up expectantly. When she appeared, he immediately felt a wave of something indefinable wash over him. She was an angel; she had to be. No, a Goddess. He watched her descend the stairs in awe of the beautiful creature that had consented to spend the evening with him. Even though they had been a couple for over a month now, it never stopped amazing him that she was his.
Lizzie smiled and said, "Hi Gordo."
He tried to speak, but his voice caught in his throat. He simply couldn't tear his gaze away from her. He knew he must look like a fool, standing there gaping at her, but he just couldn't move. His eyes were taking in her golden hair curling softly around her radiant face, her sparkling eyes, and the soft fabric that seemed to flow like water over the curves of her shapely body.
Noticing his "deer in the headlights" expression, she frowned, "Is there something wrong? Do I look alright?"
He finally found his voice, "You look.amazing. Stunning." He fumbled with the box, and finally managed to get it open. "Would you like to wear this?" he asked, proffering the fragrant corsage.
Lizzie breathed, "Oh, it's beautiful! And it smells so good! Thank you, Gordo." She kissed him. Jo walked in with the camera, and a small box. She helped pin on Lizzie's flower, and then gave her the box.
Lizzie extracted a single rose boutonniere, the color of her dress. As she pinned it onto the lapel of Gordo's tuxedo, she told him, "Wow, Gordo, I think this is the first time I have seen you really dressed up since your Bar mitzvah." Then she leaned to whisper into his ear, and added, "You look hot!"
The effect of her breath in his ear was a warm sensation beginning to flood his body. He took a deep breath, and attempted to steady his voice, "Don't get used to it. This collar is killing me."
They posed for a few pictures for Jo, and finally headed out the door. The sun was just setting, and the moon was beginning to rise full and glorious. Gordo, grateful to be alone with his love, was finally able to slip his arm around her slim waist and lead her to the waiting car.
Lizzie commented, "I guess Miranda and Danny didn't need my car."
"No, Danny and Ethan went together to rent a Limo."
Lizzie gaped, "They did that on their own? Without Miranda or Kate ordering them to?"
"Believe it or not." They stopped in front of the most amazing car Lizzie had ever seen. It was obviously old, but every surface of it gleamed. It was hard to determine the color in the twilight, but it looked to be a deep crimson. As they had approached, a man with a wheel (chauffeur's hat) emerged from the driver's seat, and stood at wait.
It was Lizzie's turn to gape. "Gordo, where.???"
He shrugged. "I did a little camera work for Jay Leno as part of my internship last semester, and he was really pleased with it. He told me to give him a call if I needed anything."
"You never told me that."
"I didn't? Well, it was DE (code for During Ethan). We didn't talk much."
She looked down, "Sorry."
"Lizzie, it doesn't matter now. And I didn't plan the perfect evening for us to start it our with recriminations over lack of communication." He stopped there because Lizzie was kissing him ~ her now favorite way of ending one of his monologues.
When they finally came up for air, the Chauffeur (Marc) opened the door and helped Lizzie inside. Gordo climbed in after her, and they settled into the spacious back seat. The inside of the car was as amazing as the outside. Everything was real mahogany wood and soft leather. "Wow, this is wonderful!" Lizzie breathed.
"Well, hot air balloons were impractical ways to get to dinner and then to the dance, and a helicopter would have been too noisy. I thought about a horse drawn carriage, but they won't leave the park on weekend nights. Then I remembered Mr. Leno." He was holding her hand, and turned his gaze to her. "I'm glad you like it. You know, you really do look amazing."
She smiled seductively and rewarded him with a blood igniting kiss. Against his lips, she murmured, "And you really do look hot!"
A/N: Ok, I lied. Well, not really. I really intended to post this chapter in a timely manner, but I've just had a terrible time trying to write it. I have much of the rest of the story written, but this chapter is just not coming to me. So, I'm posting what I have written so far, so you guys won't think I fell off the face of the planet. I'm sorry, it's not what I promised yet. I promised they would go to the prom and Gordo would give Lizzie the ring in this chapter, but I'm still trying to write that. Instead, they're getting ready for the prom. But it's already a pretty long chapter, so I hope you enjoy it anyway.
Oh, I slightly changed the ending of the Chapter 10, because I realized (thanks to a helpful reviewer, thank you!) that it was a little unrealistic. It still is ~ just not so much.
Skigrrrrrrrl (wherever you are!): Not a problem! All you have to do is rescue the daughter of a multi-millionaire from a gang of evil, murderous kidnappers, and the BMW's yours! What color would you like?(
************************************************************************
After Lizzie got out of hospital and back to school, the year seemed to fly. It seemed like they had waited their whole lives for senior year, and now it was just flying by. Lizzie still had to use crutches for a couple more weeks, and her ribs were stabilized with tape, but most of the bruising was gone and she felt pretty good, all things considered. She and Kate experienced a couple of weeks of new celebrity in which it seemed like everyone wanted to hear their story, but soon things were back to normal and they were all making plans for the prom.
Well, mostly normal. One small thing changed, but it made a big difference in the whole school social hierarchy. Kate started eating lunch with them; them being Lizzie and co. Lizzie was pretty sure it was not because of some new bond they had formed, but because Danny ate with Miranda, and Ethan ate with Danny. This obviously infuriated Claire, who had her sites on Ethan as well, which was fun. But Claire had problems of her own. Word of her cowardly behavior on the backpacking trip had spread like wildfire, and although they couldn't kick her off the cheerleading squad, no one was going out of their way to be friendly toward her either.
In any case, the next few weeks were spent shopping for the perfect dresses and shoes, trying out hairstyles, etc. And of course, there was studying for finals, and trying to choose which universities to attend.
Kate gathered her courage, and asked Ethan to go to the prom with her, and he accepted. "Actually, what he said was, "Uh, Yeah. Ok." Kate confided to Lizzie and Miranda over Dim Sum the day they all went shopping for dresses.
"The boy has a way with words, huh?" Miranda said around a mouthful of steamed dumpling.
Kate shrugged, "I know he's brainless, but he's a nice guy. I need a nice guy right now. I've had enough of the other kind."
Miranda was still unaware of the conversation Kate and Lizzie had shared on the bus to camp, so Kate filled her in. They were all laughing hysterically when Kate got to the bit about her walking out of the closet naked. Kate remarked, "It's so nice to have real friends again. I didn't think I would ever laugh about that. You won't tell anyone about it, though, will you?"
Lizzie and Miranda gave their solemn oath that they wouldn't, and the conversation moved back to matters of the "big night." Kate asked if they knew what the guys were planning for the evening, and Lizzie said, "I have no idea. Gordo is being very mysterious about it. Won't tell me anything, except that he's wearing a black tux with a white shirt. And he only told me that because I complained that I didn't want to buy a dress that clashed with his tux. And he keeps disappearing on Wednesday nights, and won't tell me where he's going. I wonder if he's taking swing dance lessons or something." She wondered.
"Yeah, that sounds like something Gordo would do." Miranda said. "Are you guys taking your car?"
"I don't know. I don't think so. But you never know with Gordo. For all I know, he could be picking me up in a horse drawn coach made out of a pumpkin! Even Matt can't find anything out from him."
Miranda said, "I bet we'll arrive on Danny's bike. I love him, but Danny's not very good at planning these things. I had to go with him to order his tux, and I'll probably have to pick it up and remind him to get ready."
Lizzie sipped her tea. "You guys can take my car. As long as Danny doesn't drink."
Miranda shot her friend a reproachful glance, "He wouldn't. And I wouldn't let him. And thanks, maybe we'll take you up on that."
Kate was pretty sure she'd be in charge of getting Ethan to the prom as well. But, as she put it, "He'll look good when he gets there!"
************************************************************************ The big night finally arrived. Lizzie was finally off her crutches, and only had to wear a couple of strips of tape on her ribs as a precaution, and luckily they were in front. Luckily, because the gown she had chosen dipped very low in back, and she didn't want big, thick strips of white tape showing.
She and Miranda and Kate all got ready at Lizzie's, so they could help each other with their hair. When they were finally ready, Jo insisted on taking a photo of them all together, so they went outside to pose under an arbor of wisteria. They were quite a picture, all standing there together, dressed up and laughing. Jo smiled, and a tear leaked down her cheek. She later took that picture and put it next to one of three smiling little 5 year old girls, all in "first day of school" dresses and brand new backpacks and lunchboxes.
Then Miranda and Kate went home to wait for their dates, so their parents to could see them all dressed up and take pictures as well. Everyone planned to meet at Vincent's at 7 for dinner.
Lizzie ran upstairs to make a last minute check and to grab her bag. As she looked into the mirror, she was startled to see a strange girl looking back at her. Lizzie always thought of herself as an average teenage girl, more comfortable in jeans than skirts. She had a certain eclectic style (though nowhere near as "interesting" as Miranda's), but nothing that made her stand out much. But the girl who looked back at her from the mirror was different; sophisticated, even elegant. Her dress was a deep shade of coral, that looked like a Hawaiian sunset, and shimmered with iridescent tangerine. It had simple, long lines that flowed into a long, slightly flared skirt. The form fitting bodice was sleevless, with a rounded neckline that dipped just low enough to show a little cleavage. The back of the gown dipped into a low U, and from each shoulder draped a length of shimmery chiffon, which could either fall to the floor or tie loosely at the bottom of the U. She chose a pair of low heeled sandals, since at '5"7, she was only an inch shorter than Gordo. For earrings, she decided on a simple pair of small gold hoops. No necklace.
Miranda, with a little help from Jo, had worked miracles with her hair. They had made her sleep in soft rollers the night before, so she had lots of soft curls. They then piled her hair up on top of her head, and pinned it so that most of the curls stayed in an up-do, but let some of them fall softly around her face. Then Kate worked her magic with make-up. That girl was amazing, even dangerous, with a make-up kit. Lizzie was pretty sure Kate could turn Tudgeman into an Ethan Craft look alike, given enough time and make-up.
Lizzie's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. She smiled in anticipation of seeing her "mystery man." Of course she knew who was there, but that was about all she knew. Gordo had certainly been very secretive plans for the night.
She grabbed her bottle of Eternity, sprayed it into the air in front of her, and stepped into the cloud of fragrance. Matt was bellowing up the stairs, "Lizzie, Prince Charming is here!" She grabbed her bag, took one last glance into the mirror, and said to the girl smiling back, "Wish me luck! I want tonight to be perfect!"
************************************************************************ Gordo paced the hallway at the bottom of the stairs. Jo had greeted him at the door, but then had to go find a new battery for her camera. Sam was apparently helping her look, and Matt and Lanny headed out the door for soccer practice after he called for Lizzie. So now he was alone to wait. In his left hand, he held a florist box with a beautiful gardenia corsage. With his right hand, he reached into his pocket for the little box that nestled there, and pulled it out. He opened it to inspect its contents for the 102nd time that day. He was pleased with his work, and the stone shimmered reassuringly. But would she like the design, or would she think it was tacky? What did he know about jewelry? What did he know about style? He had never bought jewelry for anyone before, except for a very gaudy necklace for his mom when he was six.
He remembered how proud he had been back then because he saved his allowance for weeks to buy it. His mother proudly wore it every week to Synagogue, and told everyone that it was a special gift from her son.
When he heard Lizzie's door open, he shoved the box back into his pocket and looked up expectantly. When she appeared, he immediately felt a wave of something indefinable wash over him. She was an angel; she had to be. No, a Goddess. He watched her descend the stairs in awe of the beautiful creature that had consented to spend the evening with him. Even though they had been a couple for over a month now, it never stopped amazing him that she was his.
Lizzie smiled and said, "Hi Gordo."
He tried to speak, but his voice caught in his throat. He simply couldn't tear his gaze away from her. He knew he must look like a fool, standing there gaping at her, but he just couldn't move. His eyes were taking in her golden hair curling softly around her radiant face, her sparkling eyes, and the soft fabric that seemed to flow like water over the curves of her shapely body.
Noticing his "deer in the headlights" expression, she frowned, "Is there something wrong? Do I look alright?"
He finally found his voice, "You look.amazing. Stunning." He fumbled with the box, and finally managed to get it open. "Would you like to wear this?" he asked, proffering the fragrant corsage.
Lizzie breathed, "Oh, it's beautiful! And it smells so good! Thank you, Gordo." She kissed him. Jo walked in with the camera, and a small box. She helped pin on Lizzie's flower, and then gave her the box.
Lizzie extracted a single rose boutonniere, the color of her dress. As she pinned it onto the lapel of Gordo's tuxedo, she told him, "Wow, Gordo, I think this is the first time I have seen you really dressed up since your Bar mitzvah." Then she leaned to whisper into his ear, and added, "You look hot!"
The effect of her breath in his ear was a warm sensation beginning to flood his body. He took a deep breath, and attempted to steady his voice, "Don't get used to it. This collar is killing me."
They posed for a few pictures for Jo, and finally headed out the door. The sun was just setting, and the moon was beginning to rise full and glorious. Gordo, grateful to be alone with his love, was finally able to slip his arm around her slim waist and lead her to the waiting car.
Lizzie commented, "I guess Miranda and Danny didn't need my car."
"No, Danny and Ethan went together to rent a Limo."
Lizzie gaped, "They did that on their own? Without Miranda or Kate ordering them to?"
"Believe it or not." They stopped in front of the most amazing car Lizzie had ever seen. It was obviously old, but every surface of it gleamed. It was hard to determine the color in the twilight, but it looked to be a deep crimson. As they had approached, a man with a wheel (chauffeur's hat) emerged from the driver's seat, and stood at wait.
It was Lizzie's turn to gape. "Gordo, where.???"
He shrugged. "I did a little camera work for Jay Leno as part of my internship last semester, and he was really pleased with it. He told me to give him a call if I needed anything."
"You never told me that."
"I didn't? Well, it was DE (code for During Ethan). We didn't talk much."
She looked down, "Sorry."
"Lizzie, it doesn't matter now. And I didn't plan the perfect evening for us to start it our with recriminations over lack of communication." He stopped there because Lizzie was kissing him ~ her now favorite way of ending one of his monologues.
When they finally came up for air, the Chauffeur (Marc) opened the door and helped Lizzie inside. Gordo climbed in after her, and they settled into the spacious back seat. The inside of the car was as amazing as the outside. Everything was real mahogany wood and soft leather. "Wow, this is wonderful!" Lizzie breathed.
"Well, hot air balloons were impractical ways to get to dinner and then to the dance, and a helicopter would have been too noisy. I thought about a horse drawn carriage, but they won't leave the park on weekend nights. Then I remembered Mr. Leno." He was holding her hand, and turned his gaze to her. "I'm glad you like it. You know, you really do look amazing."
She smiled seductively and rewarded him with a blood igniting kiss. Against his lips, she murmured, "And you really do look hot!"