GORDO

Lizzie and I ended up walking to the park after we were done at Sanchez's. We both felt like walking, so we put our bags in our cars and told Sanchezs that we'd be back later to pick them up. On our way walking, I finally voiced what had been on my mind for a long time now.

"Um, there's been something kinda bugging me," I said when we were about halfway to the park.

"What is it?"

"Well, you remember Trey's party, right?"

"Of course I do. It wasn't that long ago."

"Well… do you remember our fight right before it?"

"Um, yeah…"

"Do you remember saying that you and Miranda had secrets from me?"

Her face instantly twisted into a face of regret. She looked at me sadly, maybe wishing she could take it back.

"I didn't mean that," she said softly. "I just… I only said that we said things to each other that you – a guy – might not understand."

I understood that, but I wasn't sure if I believed it. It always seemed like they told me everything, and I didn't like the idea that they didn't. "Is that true? Because, maybe I'm just being a sissy, but I was always under the impression that us three were always 100% honest with each other, be it embarrassing or not."

"You were under the right impression," she admitted, looking at the ground. "I only said that because… well, maybe I was being selfish trying to convince myself that I was the only one that loved her."

I had a suspicion that she was only saying that to make me feel better. "Are you being honest? Because now that she's gone, I'd really like to know the truth."

"Yes, I'm being honest. And you should've known that before I had to tell you. You heard all about our girlie issues… Ethan Craft, my whole bra thing…"

"Miranda's first period," I added, making a face. I remembered that whole episode. It hadn't been pretty. "Y'know, maybe you should've kept secrets from me. I think I got a little too much information sometimes."

Lizzie laughed. "Yeah, maybe."

The mood lifted as we reached the park. Ever seen Homeward Bound II? The setting was kinda like that when Chance and Delilah went to their park and it started raining and he stole the frisby and everything. There was a little pond, and a bridge nearby. It was a very romantic place, but I didn't really realize that until we were there. Then I wondered if things were about to totally change with Lizzie and me. Because the thing was, I knew that she liked me as more than a friend. I used to, too. But since the crash, she's been more of a friend to me than anything else.

"Gordo… I-"

I wanted to stop her from telling me that she loved me, if that was even what she was going to say. I had to stop it somehow. "I have to get home," I said quickly.

Lizzie blinked. "What?"

"I have to get home. I told my parents I wouldn't be gone long."

"Oh." Her face fell and I felt guilty for lying.

"But… do you wanna come over? You could have supper at my place if you want." She wouldn't dare tell me she loved me in front of my parents.

"Um… sure."

"Cool."

I inwardly sighed of relief. I couldn't let Lizzie tell me what she was thinking no matter what. Because if she did, I would have to lie to her or break her heart.

After supper that night she told me that she wanted to meet me at Digital Bean the next day for lunch. I told her I'd see her there, inwardly reluctant. This wasn't going to be good.

A/N: one more chapter left! I'm sorry for the sudden change… how it's so focused on Miranda and then BOOM! LIZZIE LOVES GORDO! but I have the last chapter written and I had to tie it in with this chapter, or else make this story really long. And I can't make it really long because I'm running out of fuel, and if I tried to make it long I'd get a major block in the middle. So I'm sorry, but this has to end. HOWEVER, if you would like to, you can email me (ria_gurl@cheerful.com) and you can make it longer and I'll post the chaps and give you full credit. Or we can make it a "new story" and inform everyone that it's a continuation of this, or… whatever. Just email me if you're interested, we can work it out. Peace out!