A/N: It's been a little while since I've last updated, so I decided that I had better get my butt in high gear and get to work. I would like to thank everyone for their sweet reviews. It's shocking that anyone actually likes this excuse for a story. I'd like to ask a favor of anyone that reads this. I'd like you to check out my new story entitled "Deceitful". It's under the general fiction section. Thanks. Anyway, here's Chapter 9. Hope ya'll like!

LIZZIE'S POV

When I had called Gordo, I hadn't expected him to talk to me. I thought he'd hang up at the mere sound of my voice. But he didn't. He DID talk to me, and even more weird that that, he told me he LOVED me. I was in total shock. My voice wasn't working, and my heart was pounding super-fast, and my knees were seriously going weak.

"W-what did you say?" I stammered, not sure if I had heard correctly.

I heard him draw in a sharp breath.

"I said that I LOVE YOU, Lizzie." He sounded nervous, as if he was starting to have second doubts about telling me this information that to me was a treasure chest full of gold.

I was uncertain. "Really?"

"Yeah. Of course. I wouldn't lie to you. About this… or anything for that matter." He sounded so serious, like he really meant it, yet I still wasn't for sure if it was true. I had never been one to have tons of luck with guys in general, much less the one I've loved since 3rd grade.

"I see…" I said, trying to sound enthusiastic. Don't get me wrong. I loved him, too, but what if this was some idea of a joke? Or a trick to make me look stupid?

"Lizzie? What's wrong? You don't sound too happy about this…" Gordo, my Gordo sounded worried.

"David Zephyr Gordon, of course I am happy. It's just that I'm not sure if this is your idea of a joke or trick, or something like that. I mean, why would someone like YOU like someone like ME?"

"Why wouldn't I? You're gorgeous, funny, smart, caring, loving, special, and the list goes on and on. Lizzie, I would never play a joke like this on you. Maybe Miranda, and definitely Kate, but not you. I care about you too much."

I could feel a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. For God's sake, he meant it! He wasn't lying! "Gordo?"

"Yeah?" he replied.

"I love you too."

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The days that followed were good ones. Gordo and I spent practically every waking moment together, and we did everything together. Words couldn't describe how good it felt knowing he knew how I felt about him. While we were talking one day, I brought up the subject of Miranda, and what had happened that one day at lunch. After I'd finished telling him, his face was ashen, and he looked like he was about to be sick.

"Are you serious?" he asked. He looked as scared as I felt.

I took his hand in mine, entwining my fingers in his. "Yeah. I don't know what to do, though. I mean, what is there that I can do?"

Gordo squeezed my hand gently. "We have to talk to her parents, Lizzie. That's the only thing we can do to actually help her. Once her parents know, maybe we can get her in to talk to my dad, and see what's really going on with her."

I was reluctant, but I complied. "Alright."

So, after we had lunch (at his house. His mom's such a sweetheart, but personally I think his dad is a jerk, but I guess that's just MY personal opinion.), we headed for Miranda's.

"She's not gonna wanna see me, Gordo. She hates me. I mean, after what happened last week, I think she'd kill me if she had the opportunity. " I shuddered involuntarily.

Gordo wrapped his arms around my waist. I'm not going to let her do anything to you. She'd have to get through me first."

I looked up at him. "Thanks."

He smiled. "No problem. Anything for you, Liz."

About 15 minutes later, we arrived at Miranda's.

"Are you going to knock?" he asked.

I shook my head furiously. "NO!"

He grinned. "Alright." He knocked on the door.

It opened and there stood Miranda.