It didn't take Miranda long to figure out something had happened.

GUYS! Come on, I know you're hiding something from me. Just spill, he begged of the two.

Before Gordo could fit in a word, Lizzie finally and officially brought Miranda's perpetual curiosity to a sudden halt by saying, We were just talking about our science classes. Lizzie nudged the boy beside her. Right, Gordo?

He gave her a baffled look, but quickly got the message: They were lying to Miranda. Wait, why are we lying?, he thought.

he answered.

Sure, whatever, Miranda said with a roll of her eyes. I know something happened, and as soon as I get back from the bathroom, I'm gonna beat it out of you. She got up, pushed in her chair, and walked slowly to the ladies' restroom, turning around occasionally to see if either of them had moved. After what seemed like ages, she finally reached the bathroom door and pushed herself past it.

Okay, explain to me why we're lying to Miranda? Especially about something as trivial as this? Gordo asked.

she said with a slight smirk on her face, with her bright hazel eyes open and beaming, you know how she gets with things like this--

Things like what? Gordo plainly questioned. For a smart guy, I ask some dumb questions sometimes.

Well, you know, she murmured meekly, things between us. She's always thinking something's there...

he cut her off, feeling his face flush. But isn't there something there?, he thought. Anything at all?

After an uncomfortable 30 seconds, Lizzie started the conversation up again.

Who knows what goes on in that crazy head of hers? she said, smiling.

The world may never know, he laughed, as they, for yet another split second, looked into each other's eyes. Internally, he was dying, knowing that if these moments went on like this, he'd go insane.

Miranda came rushing back to her seat.

she asked.

So what? Lizzie responded, nonchalantly.

What didja talk about when I was gone? Miranda scoffed, as if they should've known. Gordo opened his mouth to lie, but Lizzie cut him off.

We talked about how psycho you are, she said bluntly as she took a sip of her smoothie.

Miranda whispered, obviously hurt.

Whoa, Miranda, you know we were just kidding, Lizzie stated matter-of-factly. You know we love you.

she spat out. I don't feel like dealing with you anymore. You know, Lizzie, you can't just say whatever you want and think a simple just kidding' is going to fix it. She picked up her jacket and left for another table---the drama club table.

Lizzie stared on in a state of shock.

Turning to Gordo, she asked, You knew I was kidding, right? I mean, did it sound like I was serious? Because I wasn't. And I love Miranda to death, you know that. But sometimes, I just don't understand her and the things she does. She sighed. Gordo, we can't lose her. I refuse to lose her.

But how could you respond to that? Gordo wanted so much to offer her support. And it seemed like a golden opportunity to get closer to her. It seemed that Lizzie forgot he was there. She's acting like she'll have no friends if she loses Miranda. Sometimes I wonder if she even cares about me.

Well, I'm not going anywhere, he said, smiling.

That's what she said, she stated indifferently, motioning towards Miranda, who was currently cracking up loudly at something, probably on purpose. And now look at her--hanging out with Amelia Vandross. I heard about her, Gordo. She's bad news. Take Angel Lieberman and multiply her by 1,000. That's Amelia. The anger quickly turned to concern as she spoke.

Lizzie, I don't think we have to worry. Miranda's an independent girl. The more I think about it, the more Lizzie and I sound like a married couple arguing over our kid. And we're still her friends, even if only somewhat. She's not a lost cause yet.

Lizzie repeated. Yet--that's what I'm saying! If we don't intervene soon, something bad's gonna happen. I know it. The paranoid tone of voice she used scared him. Could she be right?

I think you're overreacting. he said, nonetheless, to calm his friend...and himself. And I also think that Miranda's just having a bad day.

A bad day? Gordo, she's been doing this all week. I swear, this is like Kate all over again. Lizzie's distress caused Gordo himself to become a little concerned. She has so many positive attributes, but the ability to worry about every minor detail of a situation is not one of them.

Gordo said, sighing and trying to rationalize the situation in front of him. I know I'm going to regret saying this, but... How about I talk to her? Just to find out what's up, and...you know.

Wow, you'd do that for me? She smiled, the happiest she'd probably been all day. Suddenly, she threw her arms around him and brought him into her embrace. Thanks, Gordo. Slowly and unsurely, he brought his hands up to return the hug. For a second, his shaky hands rested on her back and their heads were inches from each other. He smelled the citrus scent of her blonde locks. She began to pull away, but something in him abused him with demands for a confession, Pull her back. Kiss her. Tell her how you feel. She wants you to.' But the other half of him tortured him just as much. Lizzie doesn't like you. She hates you. Let her go.'

Gordo closed his eyes and thought for one more second. And then, he let her go.

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[A/N: This is the most consistent I've ever been. I started this on Monday and wrote about a page [notebook pages, that is] a day. And I really like it! I like this new schedule I made it up [it's on my directory listing].

Anyway, we've got about 5 minutes until premieres, and I refuse to miss a minute of it. So I got to wrap this note up quick.

Next to be updated: The Great Hillridge Junior High Reunion.

Let me know what you think: please review. Thanks! See ya.]