Chapter 4: Silent Declaration
Two hours later Lizzie McGuire was sitting in a chair in the principal's office. The Gordon's had been called immediately after the attack and were told that once the school was verified clear that they could come to the school and Lizzie would be released into their custody, per their arrangement with Mrs. McGuire. Lizzie was currently in the company of one David Gordon while they waited for the search of the building to be completed. Gordo had literally bumped into the girl shortly after her escape from the restroom. He had seen a terrified Lizzie almost trample three freshmen and fled down the hall in his direction. David Gordon actually dared to step in her way and stop her to find out what was the matter. A feet that almost sent the young man to the floor when Lizzie rammed into him.
When David finally managed to calm her down and find out why she was in such a panicked state he escorted her immediately to the office and reported the incident to the Principal. Gordo only needed to say, "Lizzie has been attacked," and Ms. Ungermeyer was on the PA System ordering an immediate lockdown of the school. Security was to man the doors to ensure no one left and everyone was to stay where they were, no exceptions. She than instructed her secretary to call the police.
Three police cars were pulling up, their tires squealing as they came to a quick stop, within fifteen minutes of the call being placed. Shortly after the arrival of the first group of police officers, a forensics team arrived and began examining the washroom where Lizzie had been attacked. The team combed the washroom from top to bottom but other than a few tell tale signs that some altercation had occurred in the bathroom the CSI investigators found nothing indicating who was behind her assault. Since it was a public washroom there were numerous fingerprints and hair fibers, it would be impossible to know if they belonged to the killer, particularly since they were garbed from head to toe.
Meanwhile the other police officers, weapons drawn, were checking the school over from the basement up. After searching the school from bottom to top they also turned up no other leads. The killer had made his or her escape, much to the horror of Lizzie, and that of Ms. Ungermeyer who was furious that someone was capable of pulling something like this off on her watch.
When the building was determined to be safe security allowed Mr. And Mrs. Gordon to enter. Roberta immediately began comforting the young woman who, while physically no worse for wear, was an emotional wreck. Once an escort had been assigned, Lizzie and the Gordon's were making their way out of the building. Ms. Ungermeyer had disabled the bells and was allowing the group to depart before she dismissed the remaining classes. Several steps down the hall from the main office the speaker system suddenly clicked on. The entire building could hear the sound of someone breathing heavily into a microphone but no one knew where it was coming from. The staff in the main office was trying to figure out what was going on since none of them were anywhere near the PA.
"Heh, heh, heh, heh..." a sinister sounding laugh came over the intercom throughout the building. "You may have survived a second encounter, but even your luck can't hold out forever. What is that old saying... three times the charm?" The sinister voice announced.
"Just realize little girl that I will continue to come after you until you end up just like the rest of your family!!!"
Lizzie was now crying hysterically. She was wrapped in the arms of one Roberta Gordon while Mr. Gordon, David and two policemen surrounded them.
"I think you need another reminder of how serious I can be Lizzie... yes, another reminder is definitely in order. I'll be in touch." The killer announced and then the PA system went dead.
"Come on Lizzie, let's get you to our home." Roberta said still coddling the young woman.
Lizzie had never felt so vulnerable, so alone, so terrified in her entire life as she was rushed out of the school and into Mr. Gordon's car. Deep down, she knew what kind of reminder that the killer was talking about. She silently prayed that she was wrong, and that the killer did not intend to make an example of someone else.
"Gordo, call Miranda." Lizzie ordered when she was inside the Gordon's car. As they Gordon's BMW pulled out of the visitor's parking lot it was flanked by two police cruiser and a police motorcycle. "Please, just tell her not to go out tonight. I have a bad feeling that if she does something might happen to her." Lizzie implored him.
"Calm down Lizzie, I'll tell her." Gordo took his father's cell phone and upon getting a hold of their other best friend immediately transmitted the blonde girl's wish to Miranda.
Miranda had been in the building when the killer made his intentions known and immediately realized that Lizzie was worried that she would be the reminder that the killer was referring to. After that realization it didn't take much convincing for her to agree to stay at home with her family. She also agreed to tell Danny the truth that night over the phone in case Miranda was being stalked and the killer decided to make an example out of Danny instead.
Lizzie McGuire sat in the back seat of the Gordon's BMW, now comforted by her best friend. Once they were safely at the Gordon's home, she would sit back, try and relax as she waited for Miranda to call her and tell her how Danny took the news of the Sanchez family moving to Mexico thus, ending their relationship.
While the two parents didn't saw a word Mr. And Mrs. Gordon were terrified. They weren't afraid for themselves, no they were afraid for their only son, and his best friend. Both of David's parents were psychiatrists, thus they had a great deal of experience dealing with the human mind. Right now they were worried that this psychopath, a man brave enough to attack Lizzie in broad daylight at a public school, intended to strike at either Miranda or their son to get to Lizzie. With everything that Lizzie had suffered through in the past twelve months it would most likely be the final thing that shattered her mental and emotional stability. They hoped that the Sanchez family would take extra precautions tonight before the left for Mexico.
The drive was a fairly quite one, no one wanting to say anything that might upset Lizzie. Roberta and Howard Gordon occasionally looked in their review mirrors at the two and as they neared their home they happened to look back to a sight that caused a smile appear on the two parents faces. It was obvious to them, and many others, that David was head over heals in love with his best friend. Lizzie likewise looked extremely comfortable with her best guy-friend. Roberta sighed as she remembered the conversation that she had with David about Lizzie.
David had confessed to her that before returning from Rome that Elizabeth Brooke McGuire had actually kissed him. Gordo was bouncing off the walls for days with excitement at the prospect of being with Lizzie as an actual couple. However, not wanting to ruin their friendship they decided to take it slow. Sometime later though Gordo's high spirits were shattered by the return of one Ronny Jacobs. David explained that Ronny was Lizzie's first "real" boyfriend and had given Lizzie her first kiss. Ronny had immediately petitioned Lizzie for her forgiveness and asked for a second chance.
Lizzie was initially torn. While she cared a great deal for Gordo, particularly since their adventures in Rome, she had always wondered what a real relationship with Ronny would have been like. She confronted Gordo, unsure what to do and at the time since she was unable to talk to Miranda do to her initial sojourn to Mexico, and asked his advice. Gordo, being the gentleman, decided it would be best if he stepped aside and allowed Lizzie to determine her feelings for Ronny and him. That was two years ago, and the couple had been together ever since.
Still, Roberta couldn't help but notice that Lizzie McGuire, for the first time since they arrived at the school, looked totally at peace wrapped in her friends caring embrace.
"There maybe hope for them yet." Roberta whispered to her grinning husband as he pulled up in the Gordon's Garage.
~ * ~
It was eight o' clock at night and Lizzie McGuire had just hung up the telephone after consoling a very devastated Miranda Sanchez. Miranda had finally called Danny before they were to go out to dinner to cancel. When he asked why she told him that everyone was worried that whoever attacked Lizzie might be coming after her. Danny told her that he could arrange for them to eat in a very public place and to have their meal chaperoned but Miranda still refused. When Danny asked why Lizzie's best friend finally came clean about her moving to Mexico. To say that Danny was upset would be the understatement of the century. Miranda went on to explain that Danny began yelling at her, accusing her of using him and then proceeded to curse at her profanely before the now crying girl finally hung up on him.
Lizzie and Gordo did their best to console Miranda before their friend had to hang up. She still had some last minute packing to do and was determined to get some rest that night. Lizzie reminded her to lock her windows and to sleep with either a baseball bat or something along those lines... just in case. Miranda's room, much like Lizzie's was on the second floor of her family's house.
Still, that didn't stop Ronny from being hurt last night, Lizzie thought to herself.
"Penny for your thoughts." Gordo said as he looked at his best friend. She was staring out of the window in the Gordon's living room.
"You'd have change coming Gordo." Lizzie replied.
"Did you manage to get a hold of your mom yet?" Gordo asked.
"No, she hasn't checked in yet, she might have had to go straight to her meeting though. It's happened before."
"Lizzie, besides the fact that a homicidal maniac has it in for your family, what's wrong?"
"I'm scared Gordo. Ever since my dad was killed my life has just been a mess. I wish we could go back a few year, to simpler, happy times."
"A great man once said, 'so do all who live to see such times.' "
Lizzie looked dumb founded at her friend. "Been watching the Lord of the Rings again I see." She said as a smile threatened to appear on her gloomy face.
"They're good movies McGuire, don't you forget that." Gordo stated. "Come on, I'll make you a cup of Hot Coco."
"Thanks Gordo... for everything." Lizzie said staring out the window of the guest room.
She wasn't looking at him; she didn't want him to see the look on her face. She didn't want Gordo to know how torn she was feeling. While they were riding in the car she had felt so safe in his arms. His parents were going out of their way to help calm her and protect here. And not two years ago she had broken her best friends heart by choosing to give Ronny Jacobs a second chance. Lizzie wasn't sure, if their roles were reversed, if she could be so accommodating to someone that broke her heart.
"Anytime Lizzie, that's what best friends are for." Gordo didn't know how it happened but as the two descended the stairs they noticed that they were walking side-by-side, hand-in-hand. Even Lizzie didn't realize until they were in the kitchen that they were doing this. Gordo released his hold of her hand when he had to get the teapot to boil water for the coco. Lizzie opened the cabinet where the Gordon's kept their mugs and proceeded to grab to very large ones that had their names inscribed on them.
Roberta Gordon and Jo McGuire had gotten the two kids the mugs for the holidays one year as a joke gift. The two had thought it was very cute and used them from that day on whenever they made tea or coco.
"Gordo..."
"Hmmm." The young man mumbled as he was pulling out the coco mix.
"Uhhh, never mind. It wasn't important." Lizzie said trying to change the subject. "I'll be right back, I have to go to the bathroom."
"OK, the water should be done boiling when you get back."
When Lizzie was out of earshot Gordo let out a sigh. He had promised himself that he wouldn't fall for her again, that they could just be best friends. As he watched her leave he whispered in her general direction, "I love you."
The moment the bathroom door was shut Lizzie leaned against it and tears welled up in her eyes. Lizzie never claimed to be as smart as Gordo, but she'd always hoped her heart would help her make the right decisions. Now, as she thought about her best friend down stairs trying to comfort her all she could do was think of how she'd hurt him. And how much she was coming to realize that she cared about, maybe as more than just a friend. The more she thought about it the more she had to force the thoughts from her head.
She was in a relationship with a nice young man already. True, Ronny had hurt her once before but they were beyond that. She could never do that to him. No matter what how much her heart was telling her at this moment in time that she loved David Gordon. Washing her face off and recomposing herself, Lizzie McGuire went back to the kitchen where Gordo and a mug of Hot Coco with her name on it awaited.
Two hours later Lizzie McGuire was sitting in a chair in the principal's office. The Gordon's had been called immediately after the attack and were told that once the school was verified clear that they could come to the school and Lizzie would be released into their custody, per their arrangement with Mrs. McGuire. Lizzie was currently in the company of one David Gordon while they waited for the search of the building to be completed. Gordo had literally bumped into the girl shortly after her escape from the restroom. He had seen a terrified Lizzie almost trample three freshmen and fled down the hall in his direction. David Gordon actually dared to step in her way and stop her to find out what was the matter. A feet that almost sent the young man to the floor when Lizzie rammed into him.
When David finally managed to calm her down and find out why she was in such a panicked state he escorted her immediately to the office and reported the incident to the Principal. Gordo only needed to say, "Lizzie has been attacked," and Ms. Ungermeyer was on the PA System ordering an immediate lockdown of the school. Security was to man the doors to ensure no one left and everyone was to stay where they were, no exceptions. She than instructed her secretary to call the police.
Three police cars were pulling up, their tires squealing as they came to a quick stop, within fifteen minutes of the call being placed. Shortly after the arrival of the first group of police officers, a forensics team arrived and began examining the washroom where Lizzie had been attacked. The team combed the washroom from top to bottom but other than a few tell tale signs that some altercation had occurred in the bathroom the CSI investigators found nothing indicating who was behind her assault. Since it was a public washroom there were numerous fingerprints and hair fibers, it would be impossible to know if they belonged to the killer, particularly since they were garbed from head to toe.
Meanwhile the other police officers, weapons drawn, were checking the school over from the basement up. After searching the school from bottom to top they also turned up no other leads. The killer had made his or her escape, much to the horror of Lizzie, and that of Ms. Ungermeyer who was furious that someone was capable of pulling something like this off on her watch.
When the building was determined to be safe security allowed Mr. And Mrs. Gordon to enter. Roberta immediately began comforting the young woman who, while physically no worse for wear, was an emotional wreck. Once an escort had been assigned, Lizzie and the Gordon's were making their way out of the building. Ms. Ungermeyer had disabled the bells and was allowing the group to depart before she dismissed the remaining classes. Several steps down the hall from the main office the speaker system suddenly clicked on. The entire building could hear the sound of someone breathing heavily into a microphone but no one knew where it was coming from. The staff in the main office was trying to figure out what was going on since none of them were anywhere near the PA.
"Heh, heh, heh, heh..." a sinister sounding laugh came over the intercom throughout the building. "You may have survived a second encounter, but even your luck can't hold out forever. What is that old saying... three times the charm?" The sinister voice announced.
"Just realize little girl that I will continue to come after you until you end up just like the rest of your family!!!"
Lizzie was now crying hysterically. She was wrapped in the arms of one Roberta Gordon while Mr. Gordon, David and two policemen surrounded them.
"I think you need another reminder of how serious I can be Lizzie... yes, another reminder is definitely in order. I'll be in touch." The killer announced and then the PA system went dead.
"Come on Lizzie, let's get you to our home." Roberta said still coddling the young woman.
Lizzie had never felt so vulnerable, so alone, so terrified in her entire life as she was rushed out of the school and into Mr. Gordon's car. Deep down, she knew what kind of reminder that the killer was talking about. She silently prayed that she was wrong, and that the killer did not intend to make an example of someone else.
"Gordo, call Miranda." Lizzie ordered when she was inside the Gordon's car. As they Gordon's BMW pulled out of the visitor's parking lot it was flanked by two police cruiser and a police motorcycle. "Please, just tell her not to go out tonight. I have a bad feeling that if she does something might happen to her." Lizzie implored him.
"Calm down Lizzie, I'll tell her." Gordo took his father's cell phone and upon getting a hold of their other best friend immediately transmitted the blonde girl's wish to Miranda.
Miranda had been in the building when the killer made his intentions known and immediately realized that Lizzie was worried that she would be the reminder that the killer was referring to. After that realization it didn't take much convincing for her to agree to stay at home with her family. She also agreed to tell Danny the truth that night over the phone in case Miranda was being stalked and the killer decided to make an example out of Danny instead.
Lizzie McGuire sat in the back seat of the Gordon's BMW, now comforted by her best friend. Once they were safely at the Gordon's home, she would sit back, try and relax as she waited for Miranda to call her and tell her how Danny took the news of the Sanchez family moving to Mexico thus, ending their relationship.
While the two parents didn't saw a word Mr. And Mrs. Gordon were terrified. They weren't afraid for themselves, no they were afraid for their only son, and his best friend. Both of David's parents were psychiatrists, thus they had a great deal of experience dealing with the human mind. Right now they were worried that this psychopath, a man brave enough to attack Lizzie in broad daylight at a public school, intended to strike at either Miranda or their son to get to Lizzie. With everything that Lizzie had suffered through in the past twelve months it would most likely be the final thing that shattered her mental and emotional stability. They hoped that the Sanchez family would take extra precautions tonight before the left for Mexico.
The drive was a fairly quite one, no one wanting to say anything that might upset Lizzie. Roberta and Howard Gordon occasionally looked in their review mirrors at the two and as they neared their home they happened to look back to a sight that caused a smile appear on the two parents faces. It was obvious to them, and many others, that David was head over heals in love with his best friend. Lizzie likewise looked extremely comfortable with her best guy-friend. Roberta sighed as she remembered the conversation that she had with David about Lizzie.
David had confessed to her that before returning from Rome that Elizabeth Brooke McGuire had actually kissed him. Gordo was bouncing off the walls for days with excitement at the prospect of being with Lizzie as an actual couple. However, not wanting to ruin their friendship they decided to take it slow. Sometime later though Gordo's high spirits were shattered by the return of one Ronny Jacobs. David explained that Ronny was Lizzie's first "real" boyfriend and had given Lizzie her first kiss. Ronny had immediately petitioned Lizzie for her forgiveness and asked for a second chance.
Lizzie was initially torn. While she cared a great deal for Gordo, particularly since their adventures in Rome, she had always wondered what a real relationship with Ronny would have been like. She confronted Gordo, unsure what to do and at the time since she was unable to talk to Miranda do to her initial sojourn to Mexico, and asked his advice. Gordo, being the gentleman, decided it would be best if he stepped aside and allowed Lizzie to determine her feelings for Ronny and him. That was two years ago, and the couple had been together ever since.
Still, Roberta couldn't help but notice that Lizzie McGuire, for the first time since they arrived at the school, looked totally at peace wrapped in her friends caring embrace.
"There maybe hope for them yet." Roberta whispered to her grinning husband as he pulled up in the Gordon's Garage.
~ * ~
It was eight o' clock at night and Lizzie McGuire had just hung up the telephone after consoling a very devastated Miranda Sanchez. Miranda had finally called Danny before they were to go out to dinner to cancel. When he asked why she told him that everyone was worried that whoever attacked Lizzie might be coming after her. Danny told her that he could arrange for them to eat in a very public place and to have their meal chaperoned but Miranda still refused. When Danny asked why Lizzie's best friend finally came clean about her moving to Mexico. To say that Danny was upset would be the understatement of the century. Miranda went on to explain that Danny began yelling at her, accusing her of using him and then proceeded to curse at her profanely before the now crying girl finally hung up on him.
Lizzie and Gordo did their best to console Miranda before their friend had to hang up. She still had some last minute packing to do and was determined to get some rest that night. Lizzie reminded her to lock her windows and to sleep with either a baseball bat or something along those lines... just in case. Miranda's room, much like Lizzie's was on the second floor of her family's house.
Still, that didn't stop Ronny from being hurt last night, Lizzie thought to herself.
"Penny for your thoughts." Gordo said as he looked at his best friend. She was staring out of the window in the Gordon's living room.
"You'd have change coming Gordo." Lizzie replied.
"Did you manage to get a hold of your mom yet?" Gordo asked.
"No, she hasn't checked in yet, she might have had to go straight to her meeting though. It's happened before."
"Lizzie, besides the fact that a homicidal maniac has it in for your family, what's wrong?"
"I'm scared Gordo. Ever since my dad was killed my life has just been a mess. I wish we could go back a few year, to simpler, happy times."
"A great man once said, 'so do all who live to see such times.' "
Lizzie looked dumb founded at her friend. "Been watching the Lord of the Rings again I see." She said as a smile threatened to appear on her gloomy face.
"They're good movies McGuire, don't you forget that." Gordo stated. "Come on, I'll make you a cup of Hot Coco."
"Thanks Gordo... for everything." Lizzie said staring out the window of the guest room.
She wasn't looking at him; she didn't want him to see the look on her face. She didn't want Gordo to know how torn she was feeling. While they were riding in the car she had felt so safe in his arms. His parents were going out of their way to help calm her and protect here. And not two years ago she had broken her best friends heart by choosing to give Ronny Jacobs a second chance. Lizzie wasn't sure, if their roles were reversed, if she could be so accommodating to someone that broke her heart.
"Anytime Lizzie, that's what best friends are for." Gordo didn't know how it happened but as the two descended the stairs they noticed that they were walking side-by-side, hand-in-hand. Even Lizzie didn't realize until they were in the kitchen that they were doing this. Gordo released his hold of her hand when he had to get the teapot to boil water for the coco. Lizzie opened the cabinet where the Gordon's kept their mugs and proceeded to grab to very large ones that had their names inscribed on them.
Roberta Gordon and Jo McGuire had gotten the two kids the mugs for the holidays one year as a joke gift. The two had thought it was very cute and used them from that day on whenever they made tea or coco.
"Gordo..."
"Hmmm." The young man mumbled as he was pulling out the coco mix.
"Uhhh, never mind. It wasn't important." Lizzie said trying to change the subject. "I'll be right back, I have to go to the bathroom."
"OK, the water should be done boiling when you get back."
When Lizzie was out of earshot Gordo let out a sigh. He had promised himself that he wouldn't fall for her again, that they could just be best friends. As he watched her leave he whispered in her general direction, "I love you."
The moment the bathroom door was shut Lizzie leaned against it and tears welled up in her eyes. Lizzie never claimed to be as smart as Gordo, but she'd always hoped her heart would help her make the right decisions. Now, as she thought about her best friend down stairs trying to comfort her all she could do was think of how she'd hurt him. And how much she was coming to realize that she cared about, maybe as more than just a friend. The more she thought about it the more she had to force the thoughts from her head.
She was in a relationship with a nice young man already. True, Ronny had hurt her once before but they were beyond that. She could never do that to him. No matter what how much her heart was telling her at this moment in time that she loved David Gordon. Washing her face off and recomposing herself, Lizzie McGuire went back to the kitchen where Gordo and a mug of Hot Coco with her name on it awaited.