DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN LIZZIE MCGUIRE. I really hoped to finish this sooner than I did, but this past week has been really hectic—not all bad, but just busy. Anyway, here is the next chapter. I hope you enjoy it.
Also, I want to take a little time to say thank you to all the people who read this story. Believe it or not, the plot of this story started out pretty simple. . .Lizzie wouldn't tell Gordo about the pregnancy, and when he returned he would have a child. Obviously, the story has complicated a little bit, and I am still amazed that some of my favorite authors read and like this story. I really appreciate it more than you'll ever know. I have no idea of what this story would be like if I stuck to my original ideas. Something irked me, though, to make this story more complicated. In my head, I think there will be about two more chapters out of this (it can change depending on how well the next chapters go.) This story is a lot of fun for me to write, though. Every review made it even more fun the same with every e-mail. You guys inspire me and give me amazing confidence I never thought I would have. Anyway, I guess what I am trying to say is that I love you guys so much. I just wanted to spread the love. Or, should I say, Je t'aime?
This is a special shout out to the Cubs, and all the baseball teams really. On Sunday night, I watched the Cubs defeat the Braves, and as a Braves fan, I was upset, but as a baseball fan, I was very proud of the Cubs. 95 years is a long time---very cool comeback. Although I doubt the baseball player spend all their free time reading Lizzie McGuire fanfiction, I just wanted to express the pride I have in all of the teams. Into the mouth of a wolf and May the wolf burst!
Heh. Does anyone actually read these things? This chapter has taken me so long to write and was written over a period of two weeks. No, I wasn't sitting at my computer that whole time, but I did have to come back and forth. This chapter was hard to write for a lot of different reasons.
A Little Help from a Friend
~Lizzie~
Lizzie got as far as the airport and almost turned back to her apartment, but was determined. She was risking a lot by flying to Boston, but it was something she had to do. An old friend would tell her to do something about it. She figured at this point, Miranda knew more than she did about Gordo.
On the plane, Lizzie imagined what her life would be like if it were only slightly different. She imagined what it would be like if she had, in fact, told Gordo she was pregnant.
None of this would have ever happened. Lizzie always wanted to do the right thing, but Lizzie never knew what the right thing was. She should have told Gordo she was pregnant. She had been torturing herself for the past two years about this, but now that he was alive, she felt even worse about it. She would have never had to go through any of this.
She hadn't taken a plane in over three years, and this was going against her rules. She wasn't supposed to be on a plane, nor contact people from the past, but she was desperate, and people like Hilda couldn't help her in this situation.
She stepped off the plane and looked up Miranda in the phone book. She got Miranda's address and left the airport. She then called caught a taxi and asked the driver to take her to Miranda's address.
Twenty minutes later, Lizzie got up and looked at the building in front of her. After she paid the driver and he left, she sighed. So this was it. Assuming Miranda was there, Lizzie was just moments away from communicating with the past. She prayed that Miranda would be supportive and agree to talk to her.
She started walking toward the building and tried to think of what she would say. Miranda probably knew about Gordo. She went to the fifth level of the building and found apartment "53" and knocked.
No one answered. Lizzie was shaking as she waited for some type of response. Not only was she nervous, but also it was also cold in Boston. She stood out there thinking about what to do next. A few waiting a few minutes, she decided to leave. She pushed the button on the elevator, and a few seconds later, it opened, and two people were getting off the elevator. Lizzie recognized that one of the persons on the elevator was Miranda.
"Miranda?" Lizzie said.
Miranda and the other person, a guy, looked at the woman. Miranda looked at Lizzie, then her guy friend and then Lizzie again. "Lizzie?" She finally said.
Lizzie sheepishly smiled and nodded her head, "Yeah."
Miranda looked at her male friend again and said, "Um, can we take a rain check?"
The guy looked at Lizzie, confused, and then Miranda, "Yeah," The guy took one last look at Lizzie before he walked away.
Miranda waited until the guy was on the elevator before she said anything else, and when he was gone and out of earshot, she said, "Um, do you want to come in?"
Lizzie nodded her head, "If you don't mind."
Miranda shook her head and walked to her door. Lizzie followed, "So, how long have you been off the program?" Miranda asked, referring to the Witness Protection Program. She opened her door and Lizzie and her went into her apartment.
Lizzie looked down, "Um, well, you see," Lizzie started, but she found herself to be more nervous than she expected, "I am not exactly off the program."
Miranda was speechless, "Oh, really?" she said, "So, should you be here?"
"No," Lizzie said, "Listen, Miranda, can we sit down?"
Miranda nodded her head, "I was just about to suggest that myself. I'll go make some coffee. You go make yourself comfortable," Miranda said, then she realized how sad Lizzie looked, and looked at her with sympathy, "Come here and give me a hug," she said.
Lizzie walked over to her and hugged her tightly. Tears started to flow out as Miranda comforted her. Miranda released herself and looked at Lizzie, "Listen Lizzie, whatever it is, its all going to be okay," Miranda attempted to smile, "I'll be right back. Try and pull yourself together so we can talk."
Lizzie nodded and walked into the living room.
A few minutes later, Miranda walked in with some coffee and sat down newt to Lizzie. Lizzie's eyes were still watery, and Miranda rubbed her shoulder for comfort, "Here's some coffee. Now, Lizzie, tell me what's wrong."
"Lizzie attempted to wipe her eyes as she started, "I don't know," she said.
Miranda looked at her sympathetically, "You don't have to talk if you don't want to. We can talk tomorrow if you want. You could probably use some sleep." It was past midnight by that point.
Lizzie nodded her head, "Yeah, okay, fine. Tomorrow will be good," she said. Not only was she tired, but maybe in a night she would come up with some ideas. It would buy her time.
Miranda gave Lizzie a blanket for the couch, and went to her room. She thought I was really strange how Lizzie just came out of nowhere. It wasn't like Lizzie to do this. She wondered about this, but had to admit that she was too tired to hear the whole story tonight, and to fully appreciate the story, she would be best in the morning. This whole thing with Lizzie was very peculiar. It was a lot to take in right now, and didn't know what to think about the whole Lizzie breaking the program thing.
She immediately thought of Gordo. She assumed he knew nothing because he never told her about it, but that didn't mean anything. She planned on calling him tomorrow, after she spoke with Lizzie. Although she wanted to call him at that moment, it was late and she wanted full details before contacting anyone. She didn't know anything at the moment, and considering the fact that Lizzie was probably not supposed to be at her apartment, she decided she would wait.
Miranda was surprised at how calm she acted when she saw Lizzie. In the past two years, she imagined the way it would be if they ever reunited, and this seemed so different than how it happened. She imagined that the reunion would be happier, for one, and all the tears would be from happiness, not sorrow.
Meanwhile, Lizzie was laying on Miranda's sofa, wide awake. She was thinking about Miranda and how much she had changed. Although she was glad that Miranda decided to give her this night to sleep, the thought about the old Miranda, and how the old Miranda would demand an explanation at that moment. She smiled, because looking at Miranda's apartment, it reminded her of Miranda. Everything from the colors of the wall to the pictures and paintings to the books on the coffee table. One particular book caught her attention. It was a high school yearbook.
Having to leave her life meant having to leave everything, including her old yearbooks. Lizzie picked it up and opened it up, and realized that this was her old yearbook instead of Miranda's. This surprised her, but she continued to look at the pictures and inscriptions anyway that she had left behind and forgotten about since high school.
She then read what Miranda wrote.
Lizzie!
We are finally out of school, girl! Just when we never thought we would make it, we graduated and are heading off to college! Yay! Not to say that you should never forget me when you become famous, okay? Seriously, all this year I have been secretly dreading this day because you and Gordo mean so much to me and I don't want to leave you two. Not that I'll be far, but still, it won't be the same.
You know how people always ask you if you ever had another chance to go through high school again, would you do it? Most people say no because high school can be a pain, but if it meant that we, meaning you, me, and Gordo, could be together for four more years, I think all the drama would be worth it. Sometimes I think our life would make an interesting sitcom, or even soap opera. From the first day of freshman year to all the dates and odd teachers . . .I think it would be interesting and I would certainly watch it. Living through it again would be even better though. I would definitely the second chance for every time we laughed, cried, fought, hugged, an not to mention every time I caught you and Gordo making out.
Which leads me to another thing . . .Gordo is a nice guy, so don't break his heart. I told him the same thing about you that you are going to marry each other and have little people to worry about. You are the perfect couple, and I know for a fact that you will last through anything. Heehee . . .Gordo is reading this over my shoulder, so I have to say something. Seriously, I knew when I first met you two that you would probably end up marrying each other. I better be invited to that wedding, though. (Being IN the wedding would be nice, too.)
One thing though—don't forget the little people, like me, who is your fan no matter what. You are my best friend, and I plan on staying that way until we die.
So, my friend Lizzie, I don't look at this as a good bye, I only look at it as a different stage. We've been through middle school and high school together and now it is time for us to spend college apart. I think we'll make it. See you around, Liz!
~Miranda
Lizzie somehow forgot about that message. It was so nice and so real that Lizzie started crying. She turned to see what Gordo wrote in her yearbook.
Lizzie~
So, McGuire, another four years or your life has passed. Was it filled with the drama, intrigue, laughter, and good times you always hoped for?
Memories. . . good days. . .bad days. . .they'll be with me always.
Wow, I never thought there would be a day where I'd be quoting ABBA, but I just did. It just goes to show how easily I can apply a song to our relationship.
Okay, before this message gets any cheesier, let me cut to the chase here. I have enjoyed every minute of high school, Lizzie, and it is all thanks to you. To think that we have known each other for over eighteen years amazes me, and if anyone told me five years ago that we would be going out and that you were all mine, I would laugh jealously at the thought. Who would have thought that my best friend would end up being so much more. You are not only my best friend, but also my first love, my soul mate, and my girlfriend. If you think about it, this is only the beginning. Not only are we going to college together, but also who knows where we will be five years from now? I'll bet you anything we will still be together, possibly married. (A/N: do the math—five years from now is when the story takes place)
Just as long as you remember that no matter what happens in the future, as always, I will always be there to listen to you and be there for you and help you in any way possible. Don't forget that.
I could go on and on talking discussing the memories we have shared, but that is what I plan on doing with the rest of my life.
Thanks for the wonderful memories to add to my collection. I love you.
~Gordo
After Lizzie finished reading this, she started crying again. She closed the yearbook and put her head down as she cried.
Lizzie was so busy crying that she hardly noticed Miranda coming out of her room. Miranda, who was having trouble sleeping herself, noticed that the light outside her room was on, so she peered out to see how Lizzie was, and when she found Lizzie crying, she walked up to Lizzie and put her hand on Lizzie's shoulder, which caused Lizzie to jump. She looked up, and noticed Miranda.
"Sorry if I woke you up," Lizzie said.
Miranda looked at her best friend and couldn't help but feel sorry for her. She walked around the sofa and sat next to Lizzie.
"Lizzie, you didn't wake me up."
"I didn't?" Lizzie said.
Miranda shook her head, "Of course not," Miranda said and she looked at Lizzie's face. Lizzie looked miserable, "Are you sure you want to wait until tomorrow to talk?"
Lizzie stared ahead, thinking. Slowly, she shook her head, "No, I think I am ready to talk about it."
~~~
~Todd Horawitz~
Burbank, California
Three people gathered around in Todd's apartment: Todd Horawitz, Wren White, and Elliot Finn. Wren was Todd's girlfriend, and they had just heard the news about three months earlier that Todd's brother, Robert Horawitz, had died in jail.
"I am sorry," Elliot said, "What are you going to do?"
Todd looked at Elliot, who was known as Finn, "That is why I brought you two here."
Wren and Finn looked at each other confused.
Todd rolled his eyes in annoyance and walked over to his counter and appeared with a picture of a blonde girl, who looked like she was in her twenties.
"Who is that?" Wren asked, jealously.
"Don't worry, babe, she is nobody, or at least she is about to be," Todd said and he smiled maliciously and threw down a manila folder.
Wren looked at the folder and the picture, "Todd, I don't understand."
"That girl happens to be the girl that sent my brother to jail. This girl killed my brother," he said as if he were disgusted.
"What's her name?" Wren asked.
Todd smiled maliciously, "Elizabeth Brooke McGuire."
"I don't understand," Finn said, "I mean, that name sounds familiar, but how did she kill your brother?"
Todd's smiled turned into a glare at Finn, "Duh! You were there, David! You told me yourself that she called the cops, and they sent him to jail, and there he died."
Finn's eyes widened, "I am not David anymore!"
Todd smiled and pointed to the folder, "Just as Elizabeth is no longer Elizabeth."
"What do you mean?" Wren asked.
Todd picked up the folder and opened it, "Just as I suspected something like this would happen, someone entered precious Elizabeth into the Witness Protection Program. Little did they know that Robert's ingenious brother has his ways of finding out everything. Including her new name and location."
"That is what is in the folder?" Wren asked.
Todd nodded his head.
"Wasn't she pregnant when we last saw her?" Finn asked.
"So? What's your point?"
"Oh, so you aren't planning on killing her or anything?"
"Of course I was! The child will go as well."
"NO!" Wren said, "It's one thing to kill an adult that deserves it, but this child is innocent!"
"Fine," Todd said, "It'll go to an orphanage or something. That won't be our problem."
Wren almost said something, but held back.
"WHAT?" Todd said, noticing his girlfriend's expression.
"It's just, can we keep it?" Wren asked in a small voice.
Todd looked at his girlfriend, "You want to keep the baby?"
Wren nodded her head, "I just think the kid could use a mom and a dad."
Todd rolled his eyes, "We'll see."
Wren settled with this.
The murder that occurred in the parking lot was partially staged. Robert and David (Finn) plotted against George Tellico, who David worked with at the time. David was thought to be dead, but he escaped. The body they used was so damaged; they used clues that were placed by David and Robert.
~~~
~Gordo~The next day~
The phone rang in Lizzie's apartment. Gordo almost didn't pick it up, but he decided to because it might be important.
"Hello?" he said.
"Hello. This is Officer Kyle Goodman of the LAPD. May I please speak to Lucille Nelson?"
Gordo winced at the mention of that name, because it wasn't Lizzie.
"I am sorry. She is not here right now."
"She isn't? This is an emergency. Is there anyway we can contact her?"
"Well, she is at the hospital," Gordo debated about whether or not to go on, "I can pass along the message."
"Who is this?"
"Her friend, David," he said.
The officer sighed on the other line, "I suppose I have no other choice, seeing this is an emergency. You see, Lucy is in the Witness Protection Program and the program just called, and her documents seem to have been stolen."
"What does this mean?" Gordo said, as he processed this information.
"It means that Lucy could be in a lot of danger. This is why we are trying to contact her. We will have to change her identity again."
Gordo didn't know whether to be scared for Lizzie or thankful for this opportunity.
"This is why we need to contact her as soon as possible. Can you tell her to call me as soon as possible?"
"Sure," Gordo said. He had no choice. Lizzie's life was at stake.
"Thanks."
The officer hung up the phone and so did Gordo.
Now, Gordo had to go to the hospital and tell her.
He was walking out of the door with Sarah when the phone rang. Gordo once again was about to let it ring, but decided to get it in case it was Lizzie or the police.
"Hello?"
"Gordo? It's Miranda."
"Miranda," Gordo said, not knowing if he should say something, "Um, can I call you back? I am in the middle of something here."
"Is everything all right?" Miranda asked, sounding concerned.
"Um, well, I found Lizzie," he said.
"I know," she said.
"What? How?" Gordo asked.
"Lizzie told me. That is why I called."
"What did she say?"
"Well, if she knew I was talking to you, I would let you talk to her, but she didn't know that I called you."
"What do you mean?"
"Gordo, she flew to Boston. Right now, she is in Boston."
"What?!"
"I know. And Gordo, she really loves you," Miranda said.
"Oh?" Gordo said, "Did you say you were in Boston? If I tried to get a flight, do you think you could pick me up?"
"What do you mean?" Miranda asked, "Are you sure you are okay?"
"I will call you when I get to Boston, but Lizzie is in a lot of trouble. I don't know a lot of details, but tell Lizzie to call Kyle Goodman of the LAPD? Her information has been stolen by someone and she might have to change identities."
"What?!"
"Just tell her to call Kyle and pick me and Sarah up when I call you from the airport, okay?"
Gordo didn't wait for Miranda to reply and hung up the phone and quickly packed his suitcase and a bag for Sarah. He packed everything he could fit that he thought would be important.
"Looks like we are going to Boston, Sarah," he said, "You might never see this place again."
He closed the door and went off to the airport.
~~~
~~~
Yeah, this took way too long to write, I know. It is really long, though.
Again, thanks to the reviewers.
Also, if the people that 'volunteered' a few weeks ago could check the sight I gave them for some info about the next chapter, I would very much appreciate it. If you no longer have the address, please e-mail me at piacere6@yahoo.com so I can send you the address.
Also, I want to take a little time to say thank you to all the people who read this story. Believe it or not, the plot of this story started out pretty simple. . .Lizzie wouldn't tell Gordo about the pregnancy, and when he returned he would have a child. Obviously, the story has complicated a little bit, and I am still amazed that some of my favorite authors read and like this story. I really appreciate it more than you'll ever know. I have no idea of what this story would be like if I stuck to my original ideas. Something irked me, though, to make this story more complicated. In my head, I think there will be about two more chapters out of this (it can change depending on how well the next chapters go.) This story is a lot of fun for me to write, though. Every review made it even more fun the same with every e-mail. You guys inspire me and give me amazing confidence I never thought I would have. Anyway, I guess what I am trying to say is that I love you guys so much. I just wanted to spread the love. Or, should I say, Je t'aime?
This is a special shout out to the Cubs, and all the baseball teams really. On Sunday night, I watched the Cubs defeat the Braves, and as a Braves fan, I was upset, but as a baseball fan, I was very proud of the Cubs. 95 years is a long time---very cool comeback. Although I doubt the baseball player spend all their free time reading Lizzie McGuire fanfiction, I just wanted to express the pride I have in all of the teams. Into the mouth of a wolf and May the wolf burst!
Heh. Does anyone actually read these things? This chapter has taken me so long to write and was written over a period of two weeks. No, I wasn't sitting at my computer that whole time, but I did have to come back and forth. This chapter was hard to write for a lot of different reasons.
A Little Help from a Friend
~Lizzie~
Lizzie got as far as the airport and almost turned back to her apartment, but was determined. She was risking a lot by flying to Boston, but it was something she had to do. An old friend would tell her to do something about it. She figured at this point, Miranda knew more than she did about Gordo.
On the plane, Lizzie imagined what her life would be like if it were only slightly different. She imagined what it would be like if she had, in fact, told Gordo she was pregnant.
None of this would have ever happened. Lizzie always wanted to do the right thing, but Lizzie never knew what the right thing was. She should have told Gordo she was pregnant. She had been torturing herself for the past two years about this, but now that he was alive, she felt even worse about it. She would have never had to go through any of this.
She hadn't taken a plane in over three years, and this was going against her rules. She wasn't supposed to be on a plane, nor contact people from the past, but she was desperate, and people like Hilda couldn't help her in this situation.
She stepped off the plane and looked up Miranda in the phone book. She got Miranda's address and left the airport. She then called caught a taxi and asked the driver to take her to Miranda's address.
Twenty minutes later, Lizzie got up and looked at the building in front of her. After she paid the driver and he left, she sighed. So this was it. Assuming Miranda was there, Lizzie was just moments away from communicating with the past. She prayed that Miranda would be supportive and agree to talk to her.
She started walking toward the building and tried to think of what she would say. Miranda probably knew about Gordo. She went to the fifth level of the building and found apartment "53" and knocked.
No one answered. Lizzie was shaking as she waited for some type of response. Not only was she nervous, but also it was also cold in Boston. She stood out there thinking about what to do next. A few waiting a few minutes, she decided to leave. She pushed the button on the elevator, and a few seconds later, it opened, and two people were getting off the elevator. Lizzie recognized that one of the persons on the elevator was Miranda.
"Miranda?" Lizzie said.
Miranda and the other person, a guy, looked at the woman. Miranda looked at Lizzie, then her guy friend and then Lizzie again. "Lizzie?" She finally said.
Lizzie sheepishly smiled and nodded her head, "Yeah."
Miranda looked at her male friend again and said, "Um, can we take a rain check?"
The guy looked at Lizzie, confused, and then Miranda, "Yeah," The guy took one last look at Lizzie before he walked away.
Miranda waited until the guy was on the elevator before she said anything else, and when he was gone and out of earshot, she said, "Um, do you want to come in?"
Lizzie nodded her head, "If you don't mind."
Miranda shook her head and walked to her door. Lizzie followed, "So, how long have you been off the program?" Miranda asked, referring to the Witness Protection Program. She opened her door and Lizzie and her went into her apartment.
Lizzie looked down, "Um, well, you see," Lizzie started, but she found herself to be more nervous than she expected, "I am not exactly off the program."
Miranda was speechless, "Oh, really?" she said, "So, should you be here?"
"No," Lizzie said, "Listen, Miranda, can we sit down?"
Miranda nodded her head, "I was just about to suggest that myself. I'll go make some coffee. You go make yourself comfortable," Miranda said, then she realized how sad Lizzie looked, and looked at her with sympathy, "Come here and give me a hug," she said.
Lizzie walked over to her and hugged her tightly. Tears started to flow out as Miranda comforted her. Miranda released herself and looked at Lizzie, "Listen Lizzie, whatever it is, its all going to be okay," Miranda attempted to smile, "I'll be right back. Try and pull yourself together so we can talk."
Lizzie nodded and walked into the living room.
A few minutes later, Miranda walked in with some coffee and sat down newt to Lizzie. Lizzie's eyes were still watery, and Miranda rubbed her shoulder for comfort, "Here's some coffee. Now, Lizzie, tell me what's wrong."
"Lizzie attempted to wipe her eyes as she started, "I don't know," she said.
Miranda looked at her sympathetically, "You don't have to talk if you don't want to. We can talk tomorrow if you want. You could probably use some sleep." It was past midnight by that point.
Lizzie nodded her head, "Yeah, okay, fine. Tomorrow will be good," she said. Not only was she tired, but maybe in a night she would come up with some ideas. It would buy her time.
Miranda gave Lizzie a blanket for the couch, and went to her room. She thought I was really strange how Lizzie just came out of nowhere. It wasn't like Lizzie to do this. She wondered about this, but had to admit that she was too tired to hear the whole story tonight, and to fully appreciate the story, she would be best in the morning. This whole thing with Lizzie was very peculiar. It was a lot to take in right now, and didn't know what to think about the whole Lizzie breaking the program thing.
She immediately thought of Gordo. She assumed he knew nothing because he never told her about it, but that didn't mean anything. She planned on calling him tomorrow, after she spoke with Lizzie. Although she wanted to call him at that moment, it was late and she wanted full details before contacting anyone. She didn't know anything at the moment, and considering the fact that Lizzie was probably not supposed to be at her apartment, she decided she would wait.
Miranda was surprised at how calm she acted when she saw Lizzie. In the past two years, she imagined the way it would be if they ever reunited, and this seemed so different than how it happened. She imagined that the reunion would be happier, for one, and all the tears would be from happiness, not sorrow.
Meanwhile, Lizzie was laying on Miranda's sofa, wide awake. She was thinking about Miranda and how much she had changed. Although she was glad that Miranda decided to give her this night to sleep, the thought about the old Miranda, and how the old Miranda would demand an explanation at that moment. She smiled, because looking at Miranda's apartment, it reminded her of Miranda. Everything from the colors of the wall to the pictures and paintings to the books on the coffee table. One particular book caught her attention. It was a high school yearbook.
Having to leave her life meant having to leave everything, including her old yearbooks. Lizzie picked it up and opened it up, and realized that this was her old yearbook instead of Miranda's. This surprised her, but she continued to look at the pictures and inscriptions anyway that she had left behind and forgotten about since high school.
She then read what Miranda wrote.
Lizzie!
We are finally out of school, girl! Just when we never thought we would make it, we graduated and are heading off to college! Yay! Not to say that you should never forget me when you become famous, okay? Seriously, all this year I have been secretly dreading this day because you and Gordo mean so much to me and I don't want to leave you two. Not that I'll be far, but still, it won't be the same.
You know how people always ask you if you ever had another chance to go through high school again, would you do it? Most people say no because high school can be a pain, but if it meant that we, meaning you, me, and Gordo, could be together for four more years, I think all the drama would be worth it. Sometimes I think our life would make an interesting sitcom, or even soap opera. From the first day of freshman year to all the dates and odd teachers . . .I think it would be interesting and I would certainly watch it. Living through it again would be even better though. I would definitely the second chance for every time we laughed, cried, fought, hugged, an not to mention every time I caught you and Gordo making out.
Which leads me to another thing . . .Gordo is a nice guy, so don't break his heart. I told him the same thing about you that you are going to marry each other and have little people to worry about. You are the perfect couple, and I know for a fact that you will last through anything. Heehee . . .Gordo is reading this over my shoulder, so I have to say something. Seriously, I knew when I first met you two that you would probably end up marrying each other. I better be invited to that wedding, though. (Being IN the wedding would be nice, too.)
One thing though—don't forget the little people, like me, who is your fan no matter what. You are my best friend, and I plan on staying that way until we die.
So, my friend Lizzie, I don't look at this as a good bye, I only look at it as a different stage. We've been through middle school and high school together and now it is time for us to spend college apart. I think we'll make it. See you around, Liz!
~Miranda
Lizzie somehow forgot about that message. It was so nice and so real that Lizzie started crying. She turned to see what Gordo wrote in her yearbook.
Lizzie~
So, McGuire, another four years or your life has passed. Was it filled with the drama, intrigue, laughter, and good times you always hoped for?
Memories. . . good days. . .bad days. . .they'll be with me always.
Wow, I never thought there would be a day where I'd be quoting ABBA, but I just did. It just goes to show how easily I can apply a song to our relationship.
Okay, before this message gets any cheesier, let me cut to the chase here. I have enjoyed every minute of high school, Lizzie, and it is all thanks to you. To think that we have known each other for over eighteen years amazes me, and if anyone told me five years ago that we would be going out and that you were all mine, I would laugh jealously at the thought. Who would have thought that my best friend would end up being so much more. You are not only my best friend, but also my first love, my soul mate, and my girlfriend. If you think about it, this is only the beginning. Not only are we going to college together, but also who knows where we will be five years from now? I'll bet you anything we will still be together, possibly married. (A/N: do the math—five years from now is when the story takes place)
Just as long as you remember that no matter what happens in the future, as always, I will always be there to listen to you and be there for you and help you in any way possible. Don't forget that.
I could go on and on talking discussing the memories we have shared, but that is what I plan on doing with the rest of my life.
Thanks for the wonderful memories to add to my collection. I love you.
~Gordo
After Lizzie finished reading this, she started crying again. She closed the yearbook and put her head down as she cried.
Lizzie was so busy crying that she hardly noticed Miranda coming out of her room. Miranda, who was having trouble sleeping herself, noticed that the light outside her room was on, so she peered out to see how Lizzie was, and when she found Lizzie crying, she walked up to Lizzie and put her hand on Lizzie's shoulder, which caused Lizzie to jump. She looked up, and noticed Miranda.
"Sorry if I woke you up," Lizzie said.
Miranda looked at her best friend and couldn't help but feel sorry for her. She walked around the sofa and sat next to Lizzie.
"Lizzie, you didn't wake me up."
"I didn't?" Lizzie said.
Miranda shook her head, "Of course not," Miranda said and she looked at Lizzie's face. Lizzie looked miserable, "Are you sure you want to wait until tomorrow to talk?"
Lizzie stared ahead, thinking. Slowly, she shook her head, "No, I think I am ready to talk about it."
~~~
~Todd Horawitz~
Burbank, California
Three people gathered around in Todd's apartment: Todd Horawitz, Wren White, and Elliot Finn. Wren was Todd's girlfriend, and they had just heard the news about three months earlier that Todd's brother, Robert Horawitz, had died in jail.
"I am sorry," Elliot said, "What are you going to do?"
Todd looked at Elliot, who was known as Finn, "That is why I brought you two here."
Wren and Finn looked at each other confused.
Todd rolled his eyes in annoyance and walked over to his counter and appeared with a picture of a blonde girl, who looked like she was in her twenties.
"Who is that?" Wren asked, jealously.
"Don't worry, babe, she is nobody, or at least she is about to be," Todd said and he smiled maliciously and threw down a manila folder.
Wren looked at the folder and the picture, "Todd, I don't understand."
"That girl happens to be the girl that sent my brother to jail. This girl killed my brother," he said as if he were disgusted.
"What's her name?" Wren asked.
Todd smiled maliciously, "Elizabeth Brooke McGuire."
"I don't understand," Finn said, "I mean, that name sounds familiar, but how did she kill your brother?"
Todd's smiled turned into a glare at Finn, "Duh! You were there, David! You told me yourself that she called the cops, and they sent him to jail, and there he died."
Finn's eyes widened, "I am not David anymore!"
Todd smiled and pointed to the folder, "Just as Elizabeth is no longer Elizabeth."
"What do you mean?" Wren asked.
Todd picked up the folder and opened it, "Just as I suspected something like this would happen, someone entered precious Elizabeth into the Witness Protection Program. Little did they know that Robert's ingenious brother has his ways of finding out everything. Including her new name and location."
"That is what is in the folder?" Wren asked.
Todd nodded his head.
"Wasn't she pregnant when we last saw her?" Finn asked.
"So? What's your point?"
"Oh, so you aren't planning on killing her or anything?"
"Of course I was! The child will go as well."
"NO!" Wren said, "It's one thing to kill an adult that deserves it, but this child is innocent!"
"Fine," Todd said, "It'll go to an orphanage or something. That won't be our problem."
Wren almost said something, but held back.
"WHAT?" Todd said, noticing his girlfriend's expression.
"It's just, can we keep it?" Wren asked in a small voice.
Todd looked at his girlfriend, "You want to keep the baby?"
Wren nodded her head, "I just think the kid could use a mom and a dad."
Todd rolled his eyes, "We'll see."
Wren settled with this.
The murder that occurred in the parking lot was partially staged. Robert and David (Finn) plotted against George Tellico, who David worked with at the time. David was thought to be dead, but he escaped. The body they used was so damaged; they used clues that were placed by David and Robert.
~~~
~Gordo~The next day~
The phone rang in Lizzie's apartment. Gordo almost didn't pick it up, but he decided to because it might be important.
"Hello?" he said.
"Hello. This is Officer Kyle Goodman of the LAPD. May I please speak to Lucille Nelson?"
Gordo winced at the mention of that name, because it wasn't Lizzie.
"I am sorry. She is not here right now."
"She isn't? This is an emergency. Is there anyway we can contact her?"
"Well, she is at the hospital," Gordo debated about whether or not to go on, "I can pass along the message."
"Who is this?"
"Her friend, David," he said.
The officer sighed on the other line, "I suppose I have no other choice, seeing this is an emergency. You see, Lucy is in the Witness Protection Program and the program just called, and her documents seem to have been stolen."
"What does this mean?" Gordo said, as he processed this information.
"It means that Lucy could be in a lot of danger. This is why we are trying to contact her. We will have to change her identity again."
Gordo didn't know whether to be scared for Lizzie or thankful for this opportunity.
"This is why we need to contact her as soon as possible. Can you tell her to call me as soon as possible?"
"Sure," Gordo said. He had no choice. Lizzie's life was at stake.
"Thanks."
The officer hung up the phone and so did Gordo.
Now, Gordo had to go to the hospital and tell her.
He was walking out of the door with Sarah when the phone rang. Gordo once again was about to let it ring, but decided to get it in case it was Lizzie or the police.
"Hello?"
"Gordo? It's Miranda."
"Miranda," Gordo said, not knowing if he should say something, "Um, can I call you back? I am in the middle of something here."
"Is everything all right?" Miranda asked, sounding concerned.
"Um, well, I found Lizzie," he said.
"I know," she said.
"What? How?" Gordo asked.
"Lizzie told me. That is why I called."
"What did she say?"
"Well, if she knew I was talking to you, I would let you talk to her, but she didn't know that I called you."
"What do you mean?"
"Gordo, she flew to Boston. Right now, she is in Boston."
"What?!"
"I know. And Gordo, she really loves you," Miranda said.
"Oh?" Gordo said, "Did you say you were in Boston? If I tried to get a flight, do you think you could pick me up?"
"What do you mean?" Miranda asked, "Are you sure you are okay?"
"I will call you when I get to Boston, but Lizzie is in a lot of trouble. I don't know a lot of details, but tell Lizzie to call Kyle Goodman of the LAPD? Her information has been stolen by someone and she might have to change identities."
"What?!"
"Just tell her to call Kyle and pick me and Sarah up when I call you from the airport, okay?"
Gordo didn't wait for Miranda to reply and hung up the phone and quickly packed his suitcase and a bag for Sarah. He packed everything he could fit that he thought would be important.
"Looks like we are going to Boston, Sarah," he said, "You might never see this place again."
He closed the door and went off to the airport.
~~~
~~~
Yeah, this took way too long to write, I know. It is really long, though.
Again, thanks to the reviewers.
Also, if the people that 'volunteered' a few weeks ago could check the sight I gave them for some info about the next chapter, I would very much appreciate it. If you no longer have the address, please e-mail me at piacere6@yahoo.com so I can send you the address.