No One Knows

Chapter 3: Jealousy

Lizzie followed behind Alison and Gordo, her shoulders hunched in distraught anger. This was perfect, she thought venomously to herself; her best friend was drooling all over a snobby prep, and she was in the same cabin with them both. She clenched her fists. This girl was appalling; she made Kate look like a cute little girl on a lollypop commercial. Lizzie could deal with Kate. All Kate did was annoy her. Alison had poured salt into an open wound, and left Lizzie feeling like she was lower than scum.

Karen had been kind. She seemed to understand Lizzie; she made her feel welcome and appreciated. Lizzie smiled. Maybe they could become friends. Lizzie glared at Alison's back. Jason had been charming. He was very cute, but – she realized with a start – he wasn't Gordo. Wait - Lizzie's eyes widened – what did she say? Did she say that Gordo was cute? Lizzie hit her head with a hand. What was she thinking?

Jealousy…

Jealously…

You're jealous…

Was that why she hated Alison so much (besides the reproachful looks, of course)? Was she angry because Alison was making a move on her Gordo? Lizzie stopped in her tracks. Where had all of her sense gone? They weren't dating or anything…

That would be nice though…

Lizzie began walking again. "Note to self," she whispered, "stop thinking."

She sighed heavily, casting dark glances at the trees and fluttering birds as she passed. Pursing her lips angrily, she crossed her arms over her chest, marching along heavily down the dirt path. She looked up. Alison was moving closer to Gordo. She saw Gordo slightly tense up in surprise, but Lizzie didn't care; she was blinded by anger. Alison was inches away from Gordo, so that their shoulders were almost touching. Lizzie stormed up to them, scrunching up her fingers in her pocket so hard that they cracked.

"Is that the cabin?" she asked, pushing Alison and Gordo apart so that she could see. A feeling of triumphant pleasure passed through her body. Out of the corner of her eye, Lizzie saw Alison give her an annoyed frown.

"Yes, Lizzie, it is," Alison spat. She flung her brunette hair behind her shoulder, and turned away to look at the comfy-looking cabin. Lizzie smiled stonily.

"It's good to look where you walk, Ali." Lizzie sauntered towards the cabin. Then she turned around. "C'mon. I bet everyone is waiting for you to arrive. Quite the party animal, I can tell." Lizzie flicked the brim of Alison's pink hat with contempt. Alison glared crossly, and walked in a huff towards the cabin. Gordo turned to Lizzie, who was smiling with satisfaction. Puzzlement reflected in his tender blue eyes.

"What was that, Liz?" he asked. Lizzie feigned mock surprise.

"What was what?" she said, fixing her hair. Gordo watched her hands. He coughed and jerked his head towards Alison, who was walking into the cabin. He sighed quickly.

"Never mind," he mumbled, lowering his head and thrusting his hands into his pockets. Lizzie's grin melted into a frown as she watched his confused expression. She tugged his shirt and lifted up his chin, looking into his eyes. They stared at each other, and a smile played over Gordo's features. Lizzie shook her head, breaking their blissful gaze, and Gordo looked towards the cottage.

When had Gordo gotten so cute?

Lizzie rubbed a hand along her forehead in annoyance, digging her fingernails into her scalp. "Stop thinking," she commanded herself, speaking softly. Gordo turned around and stared at her, a grin tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Pardon?" he asked. Lizzie looked up with frightened eyes. Eyes that asked him without knowing, 'can you read minds'? Gordo laughed, and put an arm around her shoulders. Lizzie stumbled, feeling weak with fatigue, although she hadn't done anything extraordinarily exciting.

"It's okay Liz." Gordo grinned. "I just like to keep track of your level of sanity."

Lizzie glared at him, and hit the back of his head with the palm of her hand. "Is the best comeback you have?" she asked, raising her eyebrows. Gordo chucked and hung his head.

"Maybe…"

They grinned at each other. Gordo's smile seemed to penetrate her soul, and she felt warm and comfortable. She gazed at him in idyllic content. Wait… cheeks… burning…

Oh no… was she blushing? Ahhhhhh… no! NO! Blushing? Blushing!?

"Let's go!" Lizzie yelped hysterically. Gordo looked taken aback, and ran his hand along the back of his neck nervously, looking towards the cabin with anxious glances.

"Yeah. Definitely," he established. He walked ahead of her, following Alison's invisible path. Lizzie mentally slapped herself, and trailed him, watching the back of his curly-haired head.

"Well, look who finally found the time to come and join us," Alison announced sardonically as Lizzie entered the room after Gordo. Lizzie's gritted her teeth, and stood over in the corner alone. Gordo had come in to stand by Alison. She smiled at him warmly. Lizzie shook with anger, but tore her eyes away from the sickening sight to look at the other counselors. There were three, she noticed - one guy and two girls. Alison yawned, putting a hand to her mouth. She gave Gordo a little grin, and he gazed back at her. Lizzie tapped her foot, annoyed, on the cabin floor.

Alison stopped flirting with Gordo and sighed. "This is Gordo everyone. Say hi!"

The guy nodded his head approvingly. One of the girls stood up and smiled at everyone, holding out her arms as if she expected everyone to give her one giant hug. She giggled and held out her hand to Lizzie.

"Hey!" she said, shaking Lizzie's hand with enthusiasm, "I'm Christy Mulligan. Who're you?"

Lizzie opened her mouth to speak, but Alison's snooty voice rang through the room from behind her.

"That's Lizzie McGuire," she said. Then she smiled. "Sorry I forgot about you, sweetheart!"

From behind her, unbeknownst to Lizzie, Gordo lowered his eyes to the ground.

Christy went back to her seat, and sat down next to the other girl, who was filing her nails. She stood up and glanced at Lizzie up and down, looking over at Alison. She raised her eyebrows. "I'm Elaina," she said, acting as if she really didn't want Lizzie to know this. She sat back down on the bed next to Christy and began to apply lipstick to her lips, crossing her legs. Lizzie looked around the room at the guy. He smiled warmly at Lizzie and stood up. Gordo shifted a little where he was standing.

"Hi Lizzie," the guy said, holding out his hand, "I'm Tobias Daniels." He pushed his glasses up on the ridge of his nose, and grinned. Lizzie smiled back, giving his hand a slight squeeze.

"Nice to meet you." She nodded her head, and he sat down in the corner of the room on a wicker chair. Alison clapped her hands together, and Lizzie rolled her eyes.

"Okay then! Now, everybody knows each other, so… let's go off to the meeting."

Christy jumped off the bed, banging her head on the top bunk. Lizzie rushed to her side while the others walked out of the room except for Tobias, who came over to help her too.

"Are you okay?" Lizzie asked in concern. Christy just grinned.

"I'm fine. I do that all the time. Just ask Tobias here." She smiled at him lovingly. He grinned back at her and blew her a kiss. "Anyways," Christy continued, saluting him, "I guess you could say I'm a little eccentric, but hey! I like to be creative and original. I mean," she rubbed her head, "if there were no clowns in the world, who would we be afraid of?"

"Yeah," Tobias said, putting an arm around her waist and helping her up, "Christy is one-of-a-kind all right. In a good way, I mean," he added, catching a reproachful look from the girl beside him. Lizzie couldn't help herself; she grinned from ear to ear.

"So is it okay if I chill with you two for a while?" she asked, looking at the couple questionably. Tobias shrugged, and looked at Christy.

"Sure, why not? You seem all right. Then, of course, they all do."

"Tobias!" Christy exclaimed, slapping his shoulder; "of course you can hang with us. That is, if you don't mind the flying saliva from our kissing." Tobias grinned.

"It's not that bad. Besides, it's your fault."

"No it isn't!"

Lizzie eventually tuned out Tobias and Christy's conversation and followed after them, eyes focused on Gordo's back. Everywhere her eyes traveled, they always found him, and Lizzie was beginning to feel sick every time Alison bent over to whisper in his ear, or to touch his shoulder. Gordo was just walking, not making any move to stop this intruder. Lizzie noticed that Elaina had taken to walking next to Alison, occasionally talking and laughing with her. Of course - Alison must have had some friends here too. Lizzie shut her eyes painfully as Alison scooted closer to Gordo, sliding her hand up his back. She giggled and leaned her head against his.

Lizzie's heart stopped. First it was beating as fast as a machine-gun, now… it just broke. And, Lizzie noted, feeling like crying, Gordo didn't seem to mind at all. She bit her tongue, holding the angry tears back.

"So, yeah, I think Saddam Hussein instead should be named 'So Damn Insane'," Christy said as Tobias laughed. "Don't you think so, Lizzie? Lizzie?"

"W-wha-?" asked Lizzie, blinking her eyes and looking at Christy dully. Christy stared at her strangely.

"Um… never mind. Oh look!" Christy exclaimed quickly, "we're here!"

Lizzie looked up, and saw a large bonfire in the center of a ring of benches. It was cackling merrily, and the heat felt good against Lizzie's cold, shivering frame. She wrapped her arms around herself, allowing the color of the flames reflect upon her angrily flushed face. Christy put a comforting hand on Lizzie's shoulder.

"Hey Liz…" - she pointed over to Alison and Gordo - "right now you have to sit with your cabin group, okay? But, I'll see you later. No worries!" Tobias grinned and nodded his head. Shrugging, Lizzie began to walk over the benches towards Alison and Gordo, waving a goodbye to her new friends.

"Yeah," she whispered under her breath once she had gotten out of earshot, "no worries."

When she reached her cabin group, Gordo and Alison were already involved in their own conversation. Lizzie sat to right of Gordo, crossing her arms over her chest. He turned to smile at her quickly, but Alison pulled him back into discussion. Literally. Lizzie grinned good-naturedly, although inside she was burning with hatred. Why wasn't he resisting Alison? Why was he enjoying her pampering, her sickeningly flirty movements? Her lip curled, and she glared at Ms. Stenback, who was setting up a microphone at a stage in front of the bonfire.

Just then, she heard her name, and she turned to face the speaker. It was Jason Emerson. He was grinning.

"Hey Lizzie, how are you doing?" he asked, looking out at the bonfire. Lizzie, filled with contempt for Gordo, turned her back to him and smiled at Jason. She ran a hand through her soft blonde hair.

"Fine, I guess. This is going to be some camp!" Lizzie twirled some hair around her finger. "It's very pretty here, too."

"Not as pretty as you," Jason said, beaming. Lizzie smiled, flustered. That was really nice… Jason really is a good guy… Lizzie giggled, scooting closer to him.

"So, Jason, what do you do? Do you have any hobbies?"

Jason looked at her, obviously flirting. "Well, I play football…" he motioned for her to lean forward. She did so, feeling the eyes of Gordo upon her back. "And… well," – he grinned sheepishly – "I love romance novels. Don't go around thinking I'm an ole softy though!" Lizzie laughed and pushed his shoulder playfully. He grabbed her hand, and she giggled.

"Of course you're not!" she said, grim satisfaction flowing through her veins the longer Gordo stared at her. Jason fixed his eyes on Lizzie.

"You're gorgeous. You know that, right?" Lizzie smiled, blushing slightly from either being flattered or Gordo's gaze. She couldn't tell. Anyways, she leaned forward.

"Likewise," she cooed, sending Jason a flirty glance before turning back to Ms. Stenback, who was finally done setting up her microphone.

"Hi everyone!" she called through the microphone; "as you may know, my name is Ms. Stenback, and I'll be your head counselor here at beautiful Ferrell McWhirter," - she smiled – "I will be in charge of making sure all of you follow the rules, and treat the kids fairly. My job is not to be underestimated. If you break this code, I will send you straight back to your homes, where you will have to explain your early arrival to your parents and legal guardians.

There are two other assistant counselors," Ms. Stenback paused and peered over the crowd. "Alison, Jason… could you stand up? These two will also help you, and or report your behavior to me. You may sit down, guys." Ms. Stenback paused. "The kids will be arriving tomorrow at eight o'clock sharp, so make sure you are up and ready by then. You will show them to their appropriate cabin, and you will assist them in projects and games, etcetera. After they arrive, you will be making up a team name for your cabin. At the end of the week, the cabin with the most points for games and such will be awarded with their name on the Ferrell McWhirter honorary plaque and some special prizes. Any questions?"

Nobody raised his or her hands, so Ms. Stenback continued.

"I have set aside some important rules for you. Listen carefully, for I will only say them once. If you do want to see them again, please feel free to visit my office. But, I highly doubt that you will find that a pleasant experience. Listening is very important, people.

Rule number one is easy enough. No vandalism or stealing of any sort. If I catch any of you wrecking havoc or taking things that don't belong to you, I won't even give you a warning. I'll send you right back to your home to sulk and cry in your room while all your friends are having fun. Everyone understand? Good.

Rule number two: no cursing. These kids have fresh, open minds, and we don't want to fill their lives with the constant emitting of swearing. I will give you one warning for this. Number two? You're out of here.

Rule number three: no public display of affection." – the counselors groaned – " We don't want you people swapping spit in front of a six-year-old boy, now do we? And, I hope that you will behave, for you have cabins to yourselves, and being the hormone-driven teenagers that you are, you might do something that you will regret later. What I'm trying to say is: no funny business. Not only is that sick and wrong at your age, you will be publicly humiliated in front of your peers. I will see to that. Then, you'll have to explain to your parents what a baby is doing in their house nine months later, which will be equally mortifying.

Rule number four: treat the children with respect. They are human beings, not cute little stuffed animals. Please allow them their dignity.

Last but not least: rule number five. Okay people - just have fun! This should be a good experience for you, and it will teach you more about becoming good, responsible parents when you're older. We don't want our next generation ruined by lack of training.

Thank you for listening. Now, go ahead and socialize all you want before bed. This is your free time before you are held down by the responsibilities of parenthood. There are refreshments and food down here for you to enjoy if you want. You have -," – Ms. Stenback looked at her watch – " – a half an hour. Ready? Go."

Lizzie waited until Ms. Stenback was done to get up off her seat. She wasn't very hungry, but all the walking they had to do was making her thirsty. She began to walk down the stairs, amid the rustling and talking of her fellow peers. Soon, Gordo was at her side again; Alison had gone off to get some food.

"Hey Lizzie. Want to get something with me? I was sort of craving something bubbly."

Lizzie turned away from him, pretending not to hear him, and walked through the small crowds of people so she wouldn't be seen very easily. Gordo was about to go after her, but shrugged; a confused, downhearted expression plastered onto his face.

Lizzie finally made it down to the punch table, and filled her cup, sipping it slowly. She felt a little gloomy about ignoring Gordo, but she was determined all the same. Was he actually willing to not hang out with Lizzie just because one other girl was flirting with him? Lizzie glared at her punch. He was being an idiot. Why would he do something like that? It wasn't right. Lizzie should be the one flirting with him, not Alison.

"Oh, hi Lizzie!" exclaimed a quiet voice from Lizzie's left. Lizzie turned around and smiled at the petite redhead standing next to her, drinking water out of a plastic water bottle.

"Hey Karen! How's it going?" Lizzie said, desperate for a kind face. She looked around. Gordo, Alison, and Elaina were talking together; Tobias and Christy were sitting down on the benches, kissing, and Cody and Jason were involved in their own quiet conversation. Ms. Stenback was eyeing Tobias and Christy with suspicion, sipping her tea. Karen followed Lizzie's gaze, and looked back at her, smiling brightly.

"I'm glad you're here, Lizzie," she said, taking another gulp of water; "I don't really have any friends here, except for Christy, but –,"

"You're friends with Christy?" Lizzie asked, feeling happier than she had in days. Karen nodded.

"Yeah. But, like I was saying, she's always hanging out with Tobias –," – she sighed – "Don't get me wrong. The guy's great. I just – I don't know – sort of want someone to talk to."

Lizzie grinned. "Well, you found the perfect person. I don't really have any friends here either, except for Jason. Sort of."

Karen giggled and brushed some auburn hair out of her eyes. "Oh, I know. He was totally hitting on you earlier this evening." Lizzie blushed crimson, but, to her surprise, didn't feel any butterflies. She frowned, and Karen eyed her quickly before turning around and snatching a cracker between her fingers.

"What about that Gordo guy? You came here with him, didn't you?" Lizzie took a deep breath and glared at Alison.

"Let's not talk about Gordo now, okay?" Lizzie said sharply. She then smiled, trying to act cheerful. Karen caught onto her delayed reply.

"Yeah… okay…"

Lizzie drained her cup quickly and threw it in the garbage can located next to the table. With a smile, she began to walk back up to her spot on the benches. She turned around and waved at Karen, who smiled back.

"I'll see ya later, okay?" Lizzie called. Karen gave her the thumbs up sign, and Lizzie grinned. She sat down on the benches and put her head in her hand, looking through her intertwined fingers at the ants crawling in the cracks of the benches. All of a sudden, an arm was around her shoulders. Lizzie looked up quickly.

"Gor -? Oh, hi Jason," she finished dully, looking back at the ants.

"You alright, Lizzie?" Jason asked kindly, squeezing her shoulders to comfort her. Lizzie smiled.

"Now I am," she lied, patting his hand. "Thank you."

"Hey, no problem. Do you want to tell me what's bothering you? You seem down in the dumps."

Lizzie shook her head, still smiling. Suddenly, Jason was leaning in to kiss her, but Lizzie saw Gordo heading up the stairs, and she turned her head. Jason kissed her cheek, and Lizzie flushed, watching Gordo's expression turn from confusion to anger. Lizzie turned her head away from Gordo and looked into Jason's eyes.

"Where is cabin one?" she asked frantically, feeling her heart jump. Jason looked taken aback.

"Just up the road and to the left. It's on the right side. You can't miss it – it has a large number one on it. Why?"

Lizzie glanced at Gordo, who looked ready to kill.

"Um… something came up. Gotta go. Thanks for everything." Lizzie gave him one last flirty smile before turning, running down the steps, and walking quickly towards her destination.

Her heartbeat pounded in her head all the while, and her legs were aching from all the walking they had done earlier. But, soon, Lizzie reached cabin one. Luckily, it was unlocked, and Lizzie stepped into the dark ambiance of the room. She switched on a light upon finding one, and sat on one of the bunk beds, shaking uncontrollably. Why was everything so difficult? Lizzie saw her bags in the corner of the room and pulled out her clothes. She quickly took off her shirt and held it in her arms. She was just about to take off her pants to change when there was a stomping noise and some labored breathing. Gordo burst into the cabin, face flushed. Lizzie froze, and blushed red, covering herself with her arms. Gordo tore his eyes away from her, blushing too.

"I-I thought you might be here," he said, looking at Lizzie only after she had made herself appropriate. Recovering from the shock of being seen half-naked by her best friend, she frowned at him and crossed her arms over her chest.

"Why do you care? Did you want to see me or something?" Lizzie said shortly. Gordo stood up straight, the color draining from his face.

"Jason, he -,"

But Lizzie didn't want to hear it. She glared at him. "Jason what? He didn't do anything. He was just trying to help, Gordo."

Gordo's breathing became heavy. "H-he forced himself on you, Liz."

"Oh, really? And how would you know that, Mr. High-and-Mighty? What if I wanted him to kiss me? Did that thought ever cross your mind?"

Gordo's kind face looked startled. Then he glared at Lizzie from narrowed eyes. "I just don't like Jason. I want to -,"

"Protect me, Gordo?" Lizzie interrupted, sounding more hysterical than she meant to be. "You're not as smart as you seem. I don't need protection. I don't need babying. And, Gordo, I don't need my own personal bodyguard!" Lizzie shook with rage, and Gordo glared at her, gritting his teeth.

"Fine!" he exploded, turning to go out the door. "See if I care!"

Lizzie watched his retreating back and sighed. Three small tears cascaded to the floor and shattered into a thousand tiny droplets.

A/N: Hi all! Sorry this took so long to update… I couldn't get a hold of Amanda, and so I was waiting for her to check it to make sure it was all right… but, I haven't heard from her since. Knowing her, she probably got kicked off the computer for two weeks! Lol – nah, she knows I luv her! I would never think she got in trouble, unless she NEVER EMAILS ME! *cough* *hehe*

This chapter especially long… so enjoy! YAY! ^_^

Please review! Thanx a bunch.

Much love to all – *

Lauren (AKA Tic-Tac)