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LIZZIE, THE DIVA

CHAPTER 8: LIZZIE MEETS JESSICA


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"Where are they?!" Lizzie said, panic-striken. "They promised they'd be here!" Lizzie was in the dressing room, having her makeup and hair done. She had about less than an hour before the show began. Jo, Sam and Matt were there with her. The one good thing about these contests, Lizzie realized, was that each finalist gets her own private dressing room.

"I'm sure they'll be here. In the mean time, we gotta go," Sam said. "We don't want to add more pressure to you."

"Thanks Dad."

Sam and Jo wished their daughter luck. "Break a leg!" Matt said, smiling at his sister genuinely. "And don't worry they'll be here any moment now."

As if on cue, Miranda appeared at the door. "Hi Lizzie!" She waved hello to the McGuires, who were on their way yout.

"Oh good, you're here. Where's Gordo?"

Miranda was about to answer when they heard a familiar voice in the background, joined by a voice of a  girl laughing.

"Yes, that was absolutely my favorite part, David."

Miranda turned around, and Lizzie was about to do the same, much to Clarindo, the hairdresser's, chagrin. "Ms. McGuire," the stylist said in an impatient tone, "I'm trying to do your hair..?"

Lizzie wanted to ignore him, but she knew better. "I'm sorry. Just a second please?" Clarindo sighed.

"Hey guys!" Gordo greeted them. "Lizzie!" He let out a whistle. "Looking fine!"

Lizzie would have loved the compliment but instead took notice of the fact that  someone who resembled Jessica Moore was standing right next to him.

"Miranda, I believe you know Jessica, right?"

Miranda faked a smile. "Of course I do. Hi Jessica."

Jessica Moore smiled. "You're my neighbor right? Nice to meet you, uhm – "

"Miranda," Lizzie said dryly, answering for Miranda. "And I'm Lizzie, you know, Lizzie McGuire, Gordo's friend." Lizzie was surprised at herself for coming across as a bit Kate-ish, but she didn't mind. It seemed like jealousy sank into her head. Well, she doesn't look any better than in pictures, Lizzie thought.

Jessica smiled. "Of course," she said. "David here has told me a lot about you."

It took all of Lizzie's will for her not to strangle Jessica right then and there. She was about to say something snotty – something she will probably regret – but the hairdresser interrupted her. Probably a good thing, she later on realized.

"I'm sorry Miss McGuire, but I believe I was doing your hair."

Lizzie took a deep breath. "Yes, Clarindo."

"Well, I have to go now too," Jessica said to the three of them. "Being last year's winner isn't all rainbows and candy, you know. Anyways, nice meeting you Miranda." She took a pause. "And Lizzie? Good luck."

She was met by a duo of fakingly sweet "same here" and "thanks".

Another pause.

In a sugarly sweet tone, Jessica remarked: "See you after the show, David."

I. Could. Not. Believe. This. Lizzie thought. What did that Jessica mean that she and Gordo will see each other after the show? Lizzie was so caught up in her thoughts she failed to see Gordo's unenthusiastic, if not horrified reaction.

Clarindo motioned for Lizzie to get up and took one look at her hairdo. "Fantabulous, isn't it?" As much as Lizzie wanted to be happy – she did look incredible – she could only mumble a half-excited "Yes, Clarindo."

"Lizzie, you look awesome!" Miranda said after Clarindo had left. "Nice voice, nice hair, nice face, on a nice girl. You go, girl!" Suddenly, a cell phone rang. It was Miranda's.

"I have to go Lizzie. I had my mom's phone all the while, and she doesn't seem too happy. You'll be good, you'll be a star!" she said, hugging Lizzie. "See you there, Gordo."

Once they were alone, Lizzie wanted to scream right out at Gordo – "WHAT'S GOING ON WITH YOU AND JESSICA MOORE?!" but she knew she didn't had the right, nor the strength to scream at her oh-so-fine prince. But she wasn't too happy at him at that time either.

"Lizzie," Gordo said. "I'm glad to see you wore the angel necklace I gave you."

Lizzie had to smile, feeling her emotions go from anger to normal. "Well, it IS for good luck."

"Yes, it is." Gordo said. "You know, if I wouldn't smudge your makeup, I'd um.." Gordo seemed to stammer for words.

"What, Gordo?" Lizzie said, her heart pounding. From normal, she felt her emotions turn to happiness even though she had no exact idea why.

"I'd give you a kiss. You look pretty, Lizzie, and I'm sure you'll shine out there."

Lizzie felt her heart melt, but she couldn't just show it. Not without having asked about that whole Jessica Moore thing. "Thanks, Gordo."


With that, Lizzie stood up to take her place with the other finalists backstage, leaving a stunned Gordo with a red kissmark on his cheek.