A/N- I read over chapter eight after I downloading it and I decided that it
was not one of the better chapters, so I have rewritten half of chapter
eight. Don't freak out if the beginning of this chapter looks familiar.
A/N: Yeah, I know it has been a long time since this story has been updated but I have been semi busy and thinking really hard. What I had planned for this story has altered slightly, but not really. Anyway, please review because your words mean so much to me and I will try to get the next chapter up really soon.
Shawn-dool-freak- I am sorry, maybe some day I will write a story in between this story and the last that revolves around Lizzie and Gordo. Don't count on it though.
DPX- Thank you for the information. I actually knew most of that because two of my best friend's are Jewish, and reformed like you, and they told me a lot about Judaism and told me about how they celebrated Hanukkah, but then again their families are reformed, and they have their own tradition of Hanukkah, and this story's Hanukkah is based on the information and traditions of her family. I really do appreciate the insight and extra information, though.
Disclaimer: I don't own Lizzie McGuire.
Chapter Eight
Jeremy waited at the door until Josh appeared at the door.
Josh: Jeremy! Long time no see. How are you?
Jeremy shook Josh's hand and entered the house as Miranda appeared in the hallway.
Miranda: Jeremy! How are you? I haven't seen you in a long time.
Jeremy: I am fine. I am glad to see you.
He gave Miranda a hug.
Miranda: Well, come right in. Paul and Ana are in the living room watching TV. Why don't you join them until lunch is ready?
Jeremy: Okay.
Miranda led Jeremy into the living room, where Ana and Paul were watching a movie on TV.
Miranda: Ana? Paul? We have company. Ana you remember Jeremy, don't you?
Ana: Yes. Nice to see you.
Jeremy: Nice to see you, too.
Miranda: And that is Paul. I think you met him once or twice, but he probably does not remember you.
Paul looked at Jeremy for a second, and then turned his head back to the TV. Miranda left the room and Jeremy sat down on the couch.
Ana: We can change the channel. We are watching "Toy Story."
Jeremy: That is okay. Watching this is fine.
Ana: So, what have you been up to these past few years?
Jeremy: Nothing much.
Ana: How is high school? Is it hard?
Jeremy: well, I like it, but I go to a boarding school, so I might not be the best judge.
Ana: Oh. Why are you at boarding school? Do you hate your family or something?
Jeremy: Well, I enjoy the atmosphere at boarding school and the challenge.
Ana: Ah. You know, I am going to high school next year.
Jeremy: Cool. Are you nervous?
Ana: Not yet. I am applying to private schools, though, so applications are kind of stressful.
Jeremy: Cool.
Miranda: (yelling) Kids! Lunch is ready.
Jeremy, Ana, and Paul walk into the dining room, where the table is set for five people.
Miranda: Jeremy, I will let you sit at the head of the table. I am sorry for the informality of the meal, but we are having cheeseburgers for lunch. Is that okay?
Jeremy: That is fine.
They all sat down and started to eat. Jeremy and the family talked about their lives. Jeremy ended up sitting next to Ana and Miranda. Ana seemed more talkative to Jeremy as he remembered, but be figured he hadn't seen her in a while and people change. Paul didn't really talk. Jeremy had a surprisingly good time. At the end, Miranda gave Jeremy a Christmas present. Jeremy decided he wouldn't open it until Christmas, though. Miranda also gave Jeremy gifts to bring home to the family.
On his way home, Jeremy picked up Gordo and Ben from the lake.
Jeremy: How was fishing?
Ben: Great! I caught three fish. I threw them back, though.
Jeremy: Well, that is good. Did you have fun?
Ben: Yeah.
Jeremy: What about you, dad?
Gordo: Well, it was an experience to remember. You know, I used to take you fishing all the time when you were Ben's age.
Jeremy: I know. I remember. I used to catch the fish and I wanted to keep them for pets, but you explained that sometimes fish are not suited as pets.
Gordo: Yeah. You were so cute about it. You would talk to the fish and apologize to them.
Jeremy: I can't say I remember doing that.
Gordo: Well, you did. We had a lot of fun.
Jeremy: When did we stop fishing, dad?
Gordo: Well, the last time you and I went fishing was probably when you were twelve. You lost interest.
Jeremy: I am sorry.
Gordo: It is understandable. Twelve is one of those ages where you start to drift from your parents. I was surprised you still spent time with me.
Jeremy: Well, we should do something together, just the two of us, before I leave.
Gordo looked at Jeremy and then looked back ahead and smiled.
Gordo: I would like that.
Jeremy drove home silently for the rest of the way. Gordo was thrilled to see that he was the nicest he had been since he got home, but he was really touched that Jeremy made a personal effort.
When they arrived home, Jeremy went into a kitchen and saw freshly baked cookies on the counter. He grabbed a cookie and ran upstairs not even noticing Gordo and Ben walking into the house.
Upstairs, he logged on to his computer. He checked his e-mail for the first time since Friday, and as expected, there was e-mail from Nick as well as other people. The e-mail said:
Jeremy- How is it with the parental units and sibs? Life here is boring. I have the worst news for us, but it might thrill you. Old Lady Merton (A/N: science teacher) looked up the weather and it said it will be below freezing where we are going, so she convinced the powerful people to cancel it. I am stuck here for the break. So, I will be online quite a bit unless I meet some how chica. Talk you you later!
Nick
Just then, who should send him an instant message, but Nick!
Nickolater12: Hey!
Lacrosse25: Hi. I am sorry about the trip being cancelled.
Nickolater12: Yeah, I know. Yeah, but I think we may be going to the beach one day.
Lacrosse25: Who is there to chaperone?
Nickolater12: Besides Merton..
Nickolater12: Smith, Harold, I mean all the freak teachers they could find that are so weird that they never got married and had family.
Lacrosse25: What about Mr. Lain? Doesn't he live in the area?
Nickolater12: Yeah, but he isn't here. I think he got stuck with the in laws.
Lacrosse25: That stinks.
Nickolater12: Yeah, well how is Sunny California?
Lacrosse25: Oh, life is a beach. No, well it isn't as bad as I thought it would be.
Nickolater12: Oh, you best not let anyone in your family hear that.
Lacrosse25: Oh, I won't. I mean I guess, now that the trip was cancelled, I feel I can enjoy it more.
Nickolater12: How is the family?
Lacrosse25: I mean, I guess they are great. Olivia is boy-crazy and Ben is well Ben. I mean I guess you have only met them a few times, but they don't really change.
~~* In the kitchen*~~
Gordo and Ben just walked in the door and they notice freshly baked cookies. Lizzie is sitting in the kitchen mixing another bowl.
Gordo: Mmm! Cookies. What is the occasion?
Lizzie: Nothing.
Gordo raised his eyebrows.
Gordo: Nothing? Something has to be up. Your mother told me about your baking habit.
Lizzie: What habit?
Gordo: You bake when you are nervous or upset.
Lizzie: Oh. Yeah I guess I might as well tell you now.
Gordo: Tell me what.
Lizzie: Well, today has been a most interesting day.
Gordo: Did something happen at the mall? (noticing the lack of Olivia) Where is Olivia?
Lizzie: Olivia is in her room. I guess I will tell you the minor dilemma first.
Gordo: There is more than one?
Lizzie: Depending on the way you look at it.
Gordo decided to take a seat. Ben was in the den watching TV. He shut the door to the kitchen.
Gordo: Okay, what is up?
Lizzie: Well, we are supposed to chaperone Olivia's big dance tomorrow, right?
Gordo: Yeah.
Lizzie: Well, we can't make it because we have a business party to go to.
Gordo: Since when?
Lizzie: How should I know? Mr. Lin is your boss. Somebody called me today and asked if I could bring a dish.
Gordo: Okay. So we can't chaperone?
Lizzie: Well, the people live an hour and a half away and the party starts at six and the dance starts at six. And we will not be home until midnight at the latest.
Gordo: So Olivia can't go to the dance?
Lizzie: Well, I couldn't get out of either events, but the PTA at the school did inform me that if I found a replacement, that would be fine.
Gordo: So who is the replacement?
Lizzie: I told them Jeremy was the replacement.
Gordo: Are they okay with that? Is Jeremy okay with this?
Lizzie: Well, it should be. I mean, I don't think he has other plans.
Gordo: Oh, he probably will do it. We will owe him big time.
Lizzie: Well, we might owe him a lot more after the next piece of news.
Gordo: Why?
Lizzie: Well . . .
Gordo: Yeah?
Lizzie: Remember how I mentioned I was offered a job in two years ago but then I never heard back, so I never thought twice about it?
Gordo: That sounds familiar.
Lizzie: Well, that job offer resurfaced. I will get better hours and more pay. I really want this job.
Gordo: What is the problem, then?
Lizzie: It would require us to move . . . To London.
Gordo: . . .
Lizzie: I know it would be really selfish of me to take it, so I am turning it down, but I really think this would be a great opportunity.
Gordo: Then you should take it. When would be move?
Lizzie: February.
Gordo: That is soon. You should definitely take the job, though.
Lizzie: What about Jeremy and school?
Gordo: Good question. Well, we can't afford for him to stay in boarding school if we are out of the country, so he will just have to move with us and go o a local school.
Lizzie: Just like that?
Gordo: Just like that. I think he will adjust well, though. He always has been good about new situations.
Lizzie: But this is so big. What about his friends?
Gordo: The Internet does wonderful things these days. I don't want you to miss out on this opportunity. Jeremy will deal.
Lizzie: I guess I will think about it. When should we tell Jeremy?
As if timed perfectly, Jeremy came down the stairs.
Jeremy: Tell Jeremy what?
^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^
A/N: Wow! I am cruel. Please review and I will update ASAP.
A/N: Yeah, I know it has been a long time since this story has been updated but I have been semi busy and thinking really hard. What I had planned for this story has altered slightly, but not really. Anyway, please review because your words mean so much to me and I will try to get the next chapter up really soon.
Shawn-dool-freak- I am sorry, maybe some day I will write a story in between this story and the last that revolves around Lizzie and Gordo. Don't count on it though.
DPX- Thank you for the information. I actually knew most of that because two of my best friend's are Jewish, and reformed like you, and they told me a lot about Judaism and told me about how they celebrated Hanukkah, but then again their families are reformed, and they have their own tradition of Hanukkah, and this story's Hanukkah is based on the information and traditions of her family. I really do appreciate the insight and extra information, though.
Disclaimer: I don't own Lizzie McGuire.
Chapter Eight
Jeremy waited at the door until Josh appeared at the door.
Josh: Jeremy! Long time no see. How are you?
Jeremy shook Josh's hand and entered the house as Miranda appeared in the hallway.
Miranda: Jeremy! How are you? I haven't seen you in a long time.
Jeremy: I am fine. I am glad to see you.
He gave Miranda a hug.
Miranda: Well, come right in. Paul and Ana are in the living room watching TV. Why don't you join them until lunch is ready?
Jeremy: Okay.
Miranda led Jeremy into the living room, where Ana and Paul were watching a movie on TV.
Miranda: Ana? Paul? We have company. Ana you remember Jeremy, don't you?
Ana: Yes. Nice to see you.
Jeremy: Nice to see you, too.
Miranda: And that is Paul. I think you met him once or twice, but he probably does not remember you.
Paul looked at Jeremy for a second, and then turned his head back to the TV. Miranda left the room and Jeremy sat down on the couch.
Ana: We can change the channel. We are watching "Toy Story."
Jeremy: That is okay. Watching this is fine.
Ana: So, what have you been up to these past few years?
Jeremy: Nothing much.
Ana: How is high school? Is it hard?
Jeremy: well, I like it, but I go to a boarding school, so I might not be the best judge.
Ana: Oh. Why are you at boarding school? Do you hate your family or something?
Jeremy: Well, I enjoy the atmosphere at boarding school and the challenge.
Ana: Ah. You know, I am going to high school next year.
Jeremy: Cool. Are you nervous?
Ana: Not yet. I am applying to private schools, though, so applications are kind of stressful.
Jeremy: Cool.
Miranda: (yelling) Kids! Lunch is ready.
Jeremy, Ana, and Paul walk into the dining room, where the table is set for five people.
Miranda: Jeremy, I will let you sit at the head of the table. I am sorry for the informality of the meal, but we are having cheeseburgers for lunch. Is that okay?
Jeremy: That is fine.
They all sat down and started to eat. Jeremy and the family talked about their lives. Jeremy ended up sitting next to Ana and Miranda. Ana seemed more talkative to Jeremy as he remembered, but be figured he hadn't seen her in a while and people change. Paul didn't really talk. Jeremy had a surprisingly good time. At the end, Miranda gave Jeremy a Christmas present. Jeremy decided he wouldn't open it until Christmas, though. Miranda also gave Jeremy gifts to bring home to the family.
On his way home, Jeremy picked up Gordo and Ben from the lake.
Jeremy: How was fishing?
Ben: Great! I caught three fish. I threw them back, though.
Jeremy: Well, that is good. Did you have fun?
Ben: Yeah.
Jeremy: What about you, dad?
Gordo: Well, it was an experience to remember. You know, I used to take you fishing all the time when you were Ben's age.
Jeremy: I know. I remember. I used to catch the fish and I wanted to keep them for pets, but you explained that sometimes fish are not suited as pets.
Gordo: Yeah. You were so cute about it. You would talk to the fish and apologize to them.
Jeremy: I can't say I remember doing that.
Gordo: Well, you did. We had a lot of fun.
Jeremy: When did we stop fishing, dad?
Gordo: Well, the last time you and I went fishing was probably when you were twelve. You lost interest.
Jeremy: I am sorry.
Gordo: It is understandable. Twelve is one of those ages where you start to drift from your parents. I was surprised you still spent time with me.
Jeremy: Well, we should do something together, just the two of us, before I leave.
Gordo looked at Jeremy and then looked back ahead and smiled.
Gordo: I would like that.
Jeremy drove home silently for the rest of the way. Gordo was thrilled to see that he was the nicest he had been since he got home, but he was really touched that Jeremy made a personal effort.
When they arrived home, Jeremy went into a kitchen and saw freshly baked cookies on the counter. He grabbed a cookie and ran upstairs not even noticing Gordo and Ben walking into the house.
Upstairs, he logged on to his computer. He checked his e-mail for the first time since Friday, and as expected, there was e-mail from Nick as well as other people. The e-mail said:
Jeremy- How is it with the parental units and sibs? Life here is boring. I have the worst news for us, but it might thrill you. Old Lady Merton (A/N: science teacher) looked up the weather and it said it will be below freezing where we are going, so she convinced the powerful people to cancel it. I am stuck here for the break. So, I will be online quite a bit unless I meet some how chica. Talk you you later!
Nick
Just then, who should send him an instant message, but Nick!
Nickolater12: Hey!
Lacrosse25: Hi. I am sorry about the trip being cancelled.
Nickolater12: Yeah, I know. Yeah, but I think we may be going to the beach one day.
Lacrosse25: Who is there to chaperone?
Nickolater12: Besides Merton..
Nickolater12: Smith, Harold, I mean all the freak teachers they could find that are so weird that they never got married and had family.
Lacrosse25: What about Mr. Lain? Doesn't he live in the area?
Nickolater12: Yeah, but he isn't here. I think he got stuck with the in laws.
Lacrosse25: That stinks.
Nickolater12: Yeah, well how is Sunny California?
Lacrosse25: Oh, life is a beach. No, well it isn't as bad as I thought it would be.
Nickolater12: Oh, you best not let anyone in your family hear that.
Lacrosse25: Oh, I won't. I mean I guess, now that the trip was cancelled, I feel I can enjoy it more.
Nickolater12: How is the family?
Lacrosse25: I mean, I guess they are great. Olivia is boy-crazy and Ben is well Ben. I mean I guess you have only met them a few times, but they don't really change.
~~* In the kitchen*~~
Gordo and Ben just walked in the door and they notice freshly baked cookies. Lizzie is sitting in the kitchen mixing another bowl.
Gordo: Mmm! Cookies. What is the occasion?
Lizzie: Nothing.
Gordo raised his eyebrows.
Gordo: Nothing? Something has to be up. Your mother told me about your baking habit.
Lizzie: What habit?
Gordo: You bake when you are nervous or upset.
Lizzie: Oh. Yeah I guess I might as well tell you now.
Gordo: Tell me what.
Lizzie: Well, today has been a most interesting day.
Gordo: Did something happen at the mall? (noticing the lack of Olivia) Where is Olivia?
Lizzie: Olivia is in her room. I guess I will tell you the minor dilemma first.
Gordo: There is more than one?
Lizzie: Depending on the way you look at it.
Gordo decided to take a seat. Ben was in the den watching TV. He shut the door to the kitchen.
Gordo: Okay, what is up?
Lizzie: Well, we are supposed to chaperone Olivia's big dance tomorrow, right?
Gordo: Yeah.
Lizzie: Well, we can't make it because we have a business party to go to.
Gordo: Since when?
Lizzie: How should I know? Mr. Lin is your boss. Somebody called me today and asked if I could bring a dish.
Gordo: Okay. So we can't chaperone?
Lizzie: Well, the people live an hour and a half away and the party starts at six and the dance starts at six. And we will not be home until midnight at the latest.
Gordo: So Olivia can't go to the dance?
Lizzie: Well, I couldn't get out of either events, but the PTA at the school did inform me that if I found a replacement, that would be fine.
Gordo: So who is the replacement?
Lizzie: I told them Jeremy was the replacement.
Gordo: Are they okay with that? Is Jeremy okay with this?
Lizzie: Well, it should be. I mean, I don't think he has other plans.
Gordo: Oh, he probably will do it. We will owe him big time.
Lizzie: Well, we might owe him a lot more after the next piece of news.
Gordo: Why?
Lizzie: Well . . .
Gordo: Yeah?
Lizzie: Remember how I mentioned I was offered a job in two years ago but then I never heard back, so I never thought twice about it?
Gordo: That sounds familiar.
Lizzie: Well, that job offer resurfaced. I will get better hours and more pay. I really want this job.
Gordo: What is the problem, then?
Lizzie: It would require us to move . . . To London.
Gordo: . . .
Lizzie: I know it would be really selfish of me to take it, so I am turning it down, but I really think this would be a great opportunity.
Gordo: Then you should take it. When would be move?
Lizzie: February.
Gordo: That is soon. You should definitely take the job, though.
Lizzie: What about Jeremy and school?
Gordo: Good question. Well, we can't afford for him to stay in boarding school if we are out of the country, so he will just have to move with us and go o a local school.
Lizzie: Just like that?
Gordo: Just like that. I think he will adjust well, though. He always has been good about new situations.
Lizzie: But this is so big. What about his friends?
Gordo: The Internet does wonderful things these days. I don't want you to miss out on this opportunity. Jeremy will deal.
Lizzie: I guess I will think about it. When should we tell Jeremy?
As if timed perfectly, Jeremy came down the stairs.
Jeremy: Tell Jeremy what?
^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^
A/N: Wow! I am cruel. Please review and I will update ASAP.