Gordo laid his head down on his backpack to get some rest, but instead, he got a bumpy bus ride---and he was in the front. Miranda and Carly were in the very back, probably devising a plan to annoy and/or humiliate him, and Lizzie was nowhere to be found in the hallways during dismissal. So once again, he was left by himself -- alone and deserted.

his bus driver called out to him, What's with the long face? It's only the third day of school!

His bus driver's name was Kim. Kim wasn't your typical bus driver. She had neon orange streaks in her choppy dirty blonde locks, and a stud in her nose. She was bizarrely pale and her sparkling light green eyes were reminiscent of aliens'.x The younger kids from the elementary school made fun of her, calling her a , amongst other derogatory terms. Even little Gordo had made a comment or two. But she never yelled. She sat there and took it as if she were disaffected. Past comments aside, Kim and Gordo had gotten closer over the years. She was his personal therapist. He told her things he didn't think he'd ever tell anyone. It felt like a friendship, but she never seemed to want to say anything of him about herself. He didn't worry, though. She seemed plenty happy.

Maybe it has something to do with my lack of friends at the present moment, Gordo sighed pitifully.

What happened? she said with a straight face as she made a left-hand turn.

Oh, I don't know. He rested his chin on top of the seat in front of him. I screwed up.

Admitting that released a rinse of newly found hope. He was always skeptical before saying that to Lizzie or Miranda, even putting into account the years of friendship they shared.

I hear you, Gordon, she sympathized. I've screwed up many a time in my day. And now look at me. I'm the friendless, single parent black ship with a 12 year old girl to take care of. Do you know what it's like to feel ostracized, Gordon? It's not a good feeling. She paused and stared blankly through the front window. Not a good feeling at all.

Gordo was taken aback by her sudden display of real human emotions, besides her usual happiness and all smiles all the time. Then it hit him. Could he really have been so stupid as to think that Kim just had a constant joy for life, like some sort of unrealistic robot?

He wasn't sure anything he could say would really help. So he said the first thing that came to his mind. I'm sorry.

Don't be, Gordon, Kim said, tears in her eyes and a weak smile on her face. It's my fault my life is the way it is. I'm just dealing with the consequences.

It took Gordo some time before he could wrap his mind around the idea of screwing up, and accepting responsibility for his actions. In fact, he never quite did.

So, Gordon, what happened, exactly? I'll try my best to help you out with it.

He wanted to tell her. He really did. But he just didn't feel right about it. It would be selfish of me, wouldn't it? Babbling on about my problems when I couldn't offer one bit of comfort to her.

I know what you're thinking. You don't want to receive advice if you can't even give me any yourself. Gordo sighed in defeat. Hey, listen. I'm an adult and you're a kid. It's not your duty to help me out.

he apologized. I guess I just forget that you're nearly twice my age sometimes. He grinned his lop-sided grin.

Oh, what a way to charm a lady, Gordon. Let them know they're twice yuor age. Instant adoration. He laughed to himself. Now, don't make me say it again-- what happened, exactly?

Gordo went on to explain the whole story: finding himself attracted to Lizzie, Miranda having a new , meeting Carly, the hug, the phone call, the ignoring and the avoiding--all of the events that led up to this one single bus ride.

Wow, Gordon, she chuckled. Well, I won't lie. I can't say I've ever been in the same predicament. She paused for a second to think, and exhaled. For Miranda, keep working on your friendship. Talk to her and try your best to get her to talk to Lizzie. But if she doesn't want to, don't make her. She paused. As for Carly, quit avoiding her! You must have a lot in common to become friends in a matter of days. And don't jump to conclusions, especially when it comes to girls. She sighed. And as for Lizzie, I'm not sure I can really help. Just... His ears perked up. Follow your heart.

Gordo groaned. That's what Lizzie told me to do...but how am I supposed to follow my heart when my heart is leading me down more than one path?

Two loud singing voices carried throughout the bus. Gordo turned around to see Miranda and Carly kneeling on their seats, next to each other, laughing and singing along to the radio.

Pride is what you have, baby girl, not what you have! Miranda rapped, pretending to be LL Cool J and screwing up the words every so often.

You'll be needing me, but too bad! Carly screeched in a shrill voice, poking fun at Jennifer Lopez.

For a second, he caught himself smiling at the sight. Just the sight of any two high schooler getting along was a sight for sore eyes. If only high school weren't so hectic. And dramatic. Then maybe I'd be able to survive. Just maybe.

He turned back around.

Thanks, Kim. Your help...it means a lot to me, he said faintly. She watched him in the mirror and smiled.

Anytime, kiddo. He scrunched up his face in thought.

he began. I know you're not supposed to, but do you think you could drop me off here? It's only a few blocks to my house.

she said, skeptically. I guess. But remember that if anything happens to you, they're going to blame me.

The bus came to a hault.

Don't worry.

As Gordo stepped off the bus, the pouring rain drenched every square inch of him. And in this moment, life was perfect.

------------------

[A/N: Aww, happy endings! Well, it's not the ending. But it's the end of this chapter. Did it seem filler-ish? It will turn out to be important. Very.

I'm in the middle of watching The Greatest Crush of All. Lizzie, Miranda, Kate, and Veruca fighting...that cracked me up. And Gordo going, . I love that line.

Mr. Keith is not that attractive, damn it!

And hey, Grand Ole Grandma coming in April. But I thought it was Lizzie's grandma, not Gordo's. Hmm, confusion.

Leave me alone, so I can watch this episode in peace.

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

Lemme know what you think: please review. Thanks!]