Chapter 18: Spring Break
A/N: At the end of this chapter, I have a special sneak preview to the sequel of this story! I don't usually decide to write a sequel this early, but since I knew this story had to end at the end of the school year, I decided I wanted to keep going. So be sure and read the sneak preview at the end.
(Hillridge High Auditorium)
"All right seniors, we are really getting down to the wire here. It's March and that means we only have a limited number of days left together," Miss Ungermyer announced.
The senior class burst into celebratory cheers at that comment. Time was really flying by, as it was almost spring break.
"Very funny class. Seriously, we need to start preparing for graduation now. Last month you ordered your caps and gowns, this month you can order all your other class memorabilia. But first, your counselor is here to explain to you how these last months are going to run down," Ungermyer stepped aside for the nervous looking woman behind her.
"Hi seniors, you all know me as Mrs. Connors, your class counselor. The official count is at 39 school days left! That's not a lot of time. You have prom, and your senior banquet and all that fun stuff coming up, but we also have important deadlines coming up. Your official last day of school is May 18th, but that means your grades are due the 17th. You need to make sure that you are passing all your classes that you need to graduate right now. If any of you are in jeopardy of failing a class you need, come see me immediately. With a short amount of time left, you don't have time to screw around anymore! I hope that no one is left behind, but if by May 1, you don't have a D or above in your requirement classes, you will not be graduating with your class," Mrs. Connors stepped back and let Ungermyer at the microphone again.
"Now for the fun stuff," she started with a sinister tone in her voice, "there will be NO senior pranks. Anyone pulling a prank will not be graduating this year, bottom line. Also, you may have heard of a 'senior ditch day'. The school does not condone this, and anyone caught skipping school on that day will be suspended for up to 5 days. I mean business here kids. Now here's Mr. Flanders to explain to you about class mugs and all that stuff."
"Oh yeah, ditching school gets you suspended for a week?" Miranda whispered to Lizzie.
"That makes sense, the punishment for skipping school is making you stay home for a week," Lizzie laughed quietly.
"If anything, they should make you stay at school for an extra week after the rest of the seniors leave," Gordo whispered.
"Now that would be torture," Miranda made a face at the thought of extra time at school.
"Seniors! Be quiet while this man tries to speak to you!" Ungermyer yelled as quite a few people were whispering and not really listening. The poor man at the podium seemed as if he wasn't sure whether he should continue speaking or just give up and run away. Miss Ungermyer was still very intimidating.
The man finished his speech and then a few more things were said and Miss Ungermyer closed the meeting, "Okay, now I understand we have some time left over to take pictures with your friends and whatnot for the senior slideshow."
(Outside the Auditorium)
Lizzie grabbed Miranda and Kate and the three girls posed for a picture with their arms wrapped around one another. Then Miranda and Lizzie posed with Gordo, who had been standing aside. He didn't really feel the need to be in tons of pictures. And finally, before heading off to get lunch, Lizzie and Gordo hugged eachother and gave the camera a nice smile.
(Kate's House-Monday of Spring Break)
Miranda was the first to arrive at Kate's house and she had to wait for all the others to arrive. Lizzie and Gordo came together and Ethan arrived last.
"Sorry I was late guys," he said, "I had to make sure I had lots of hair gel, you know the ocean can be pretty rough on your hair."
Miranda rolled her eyes. Sure Ethan was no fool anymore, but he was still incredibly vain.
"Is everyone ready to drive to the beach then?" Kate asked.
"Yes," came the general reply.
"Okay, I printed out maps for you all, just so no one gets lost," Kate handed a map to each person," I also didn't know who was going to be driving. Ethan's riding with me and then you three are riding together?"
"Yeah, that's the plan," Gordo said.
"We'll see you at the beach then," Kate hopped behind the wheel of her '65 Mustang.
"Kate has one nice car," Miranda observed.
"She's so lucky, my car's a heap of junk," Gordo kicked the tire of his car.
(Miranda's car-nearly at the beach)
"All right! We're almost there," Lizzie piped up at the sight of the sands and the ocean.
"I'm so excited," Miranda shouted over her radio, "this will be so much fun!"
"Yeah it's not like 5 teenagers, alone on a boat for several days could get into trouble or anything," Gordo joked.
"There's still the boat's captain," Lizzie reminded," we won't be entirely unsupervised."
"Ah, he'll be too busy steering the boat to watch us," Miranda dismissed Lizzie's idea.
Miranda steered her car into a parking lot and unloaded all their gear. They would be staying on a small island for a night or two, so they had all sorts of tent and camping gear. Kate was just ahead of them and she and Ethan met the trio at the walk that lead out to the docks.
"That's our boat there at the end," Kate gestured to the large boat that said 'Princess Kate.'
"Princess Kate?" Gordo let out a sharp laugh.
"Shut up," Kate smacked him, "my parents named it, not me."
"Ha, you have to admit it's a pretty funny name," Miranda laughed too.
"It is a great name," Lizzie smirked.
"Least we can all remember a name like that," Ethan smiled.
"You're not going to bug me about this the whole time are you?" Kate snapped at the group, "because there's nothing that says I won't abandon you all on the island."
"Yes ma'am," Lizzie mock saluted Kate, "we will be nice to you."
Kate narrowed her eyes, "I'll be watching you McGuire." The tone in her voice was reminiscent of her rude cheerleader days. But before it could turn too weird, Kate burst into laughter, easing the tension.
"Let's get this show on the road, er ocean," Gordo lugged his gear onto the boat.
A man in a Hawaiian shirt and khaki shorts stepped out onto the deck, "Welcome aboard the Princess Kate, I'm your captain Jack. I'll be taking you out to the island. We probably won't get there until tomorrow, there are lounge chairs on the deck for you to sleep on tonight. I'll be stopping shortly after lunchtime so you kids can go swim or whatever you do."
(Tuesday Morning-small island)
"Well kids this is your island," Jack announced to his passengers.
"Looks beautiful," Lizzie breathed.
"Time to unload all our camping gear," Kate announced.
Ethan and Gordo started tossing their tents into the raft that they would use to go ashore. Jack was going to stay aboard the boat about a half mile out in the ocean while the kids rowed ashore and camped on the island. Then if they wanted to, they could either head back home, or stay another night on the island. Once all of their gear was loaded into the raft, the kids all got in and rowed to the island.
"Well, we can't pitch our tents right here," Gordo announced, "we have to keep the tide in mind. We'll need to head back into the trees a little way."
They all grabbed some gear and made their way into the trees. A short way in, there was a clearing big enough to pitch two tents. They got their tents set up and a place for a camp fire ready. The three girls would be sharing the bigger tent, while Ethan and Gordo shared the other. Now they had the entire day to spend exploring the island and doing whatever they wanted.
"So, who wants to go hike to the other side of the island with me?" Kate asked.
"I do," Lizzie and Gordo said simultaneously then laughed.
Kate gave them a disgusted look and said, "As long as you don't do that again. It was just wrong."
"Hey, great minds think alike," Lizzie grinned.
"So you and Ethan coming too?" Kate asked Miranda.
"Sure," Miranda said.
"Okay," Ethan agreed.
The day was spent hiking and exploring around the island. They found a small cave, but the opening was so tiny no one would fit in. It wouldn't have been a good idea to explore anyway, so everyone was relieved that they were too big to fit inside. They carried a lunch with them and had a picnic lunch on the beach on the other end of the island. Then they hiked back and arrived back at camp just in time for the sun to go down. After a nice dinner, they all went to sleep because their day of hiking had worn them out.
The next day, the girls woke up early and went out for a swim. Ethan and Gordo woke up and made something for breakfast. When the girls returned, they all decided it'd be a good idea to head back to land. That way they'd still have Friday and the weekend to enjoy some time at home, seeing movies or whatever they wanted to do. All of them thouroughly enjoyed their little trip and thought it was a nice getaway for a few days. They would be refreshed and relaxed to spend their last few weeks at school.
A/N: I've never been to the ocean so I don't know if it's actually warm enough to swim in March, but for the sake of the story, if it isn't, we'll just pretend it is. To me, this chapter seems a bit rushed. I am running out of ideas of what to do, so I might end up just skipping right through to graduation real soon. Anyway, as promised, here is a sneak preview to the sequel of this story, coming after this one is completed:
"Well you remember our trip to Rome, back after 8th grade?" she started.
"Yes," he replied.
"You also remember I was offered a record contract, right?"
"Yes Liz, honey, what are you getting at?"
"I've been offered a contract again. I told the record company that I needed a few days to think it over. I'm not sure what to do. So I'm asking you, should I become a pop star or continue my college education?"
"Wow. You know if you look deep into your heart and tell me what you truly want, that's what you should do. If you really wish to become a singer, I'll be there for you along the way. But if you decide you'd rather turn down the offer and just continue a normal life and your college education, I'll back you 100%. No matter what you do, I love you and I'll be there with you," Gordo explained.
Lizzie was silent for a moment. She had to digest all that Gordo had just said. She thought hard about her options and what her life would be like after each decision. Then she knew what she wanted to do.
"Gordo, I know what I want," Lizzie stated.
"And you're sure it's what you truly want in your life?" he questioned.
"I am completely sure that my decision is the one I want," Lizzie said firmly.
"Good, what did you decide?" Gordo asked.
A/N: At the end of this chapter, I have a special sneak preview to the sequel of this story! I don't usually decide to write a sequel this early, but since I knew this story had to end at the end of the school year, I decided I wanted to keep going. So be sure and read the sneak preview at the end.
(Hillridge High Auditorium)
"All right seniors, we are really getting down to the wire here. It's March and that means we only have a limited number of days left together," Miss Ungermyer announced.
The senior class burst into celebratory cheers at that comment. Time was really flying by, as it was almost spring break.
"Very funny class. Seriously, we need to start preparing for graduation now. Last month you ordered your caps and gowns, this month you can order all your other class memorabilia. But first, your counselor is here to explain to you how these last months are going to run down," Ungermyer stepped aside for the nervous looking woman behind her.
"Hi seniors, you all know me as Mrs. Connors, your class counselor. The official count is at 39 school days left! That's not a lot of time. You have prom, and your senior banquet and all that fun stuff coming up, but we also have important deadlines coming up. Your official last day of school is May 18th, but that means your grades are due the 17th. You need to make sure that you are passing all your classes that you need to graduate right now. If any of you are in jeopardy of failing a class you need, come see me immediately. With a short amount of time left, you don't have time to screw around anymore! I hope that no one is left behind, but if by May 1, you don't have a D or above in your requirement classes, you will not be graduating with your class," Mrs. Connors stepped back and let Ungermyer at the microphone again.
"Now for the fun stuff," she started with a sinister tone in her voice, "there will be NO senior pranks. Anyone pulling a prank will not be graduating this year, bottom line. Also, you may have heard of a 'senior ditch day'. The school does not condone this, and anyone caught skipping school on that day will be suspended for up to 5 days. I mean business here kids. Now here's Mr. Flanders to explain to you about class mugs and all that stuff."
"Oh yeah, ditching school gets you suspended for a week?" Miranda whispered to Lizzie.
"That makes sense, the punishment for skipping school is making you stay home for a week," Lizzie laughed quietly.
"If anything, they should make you stay at school for an extra week after the rest of the seniors leave," Gordo whispered.
"Now that would be torture," Miranda made a face at the thought of extra time at school.
"Seniors! Be quiet while this man tries to speak to you!" Ungermyer yelled as quite a few people were whispering and not really listening. The poor man at the podium seemed as if he wasn't sure whether he should continue speaking or just give up and run away. Miss Ungermyer was still very intimidating.
The man finished his speech and then a few more things were said and Miss Ungermyer closed the meeting, "Okay, now I understand we have some time left over to take pictures with your friends and whatnot for the senior slideshow."
(Outside the Auditorium)
Lizzie grabbed Miranda and Kate and the three girls posed for a picture with their arms wrapped around one another. Then Miranda and Lizzie posed with Gordo, who had been standing aside. He didn't really feel the need to be in tons of pictures. And finally, before heading off to get lunch, Lizzie and Gordo hugged eachother and gave the camera a nice smile.
(Kate's House-Monday of Spring Break)
Miranda was the first to arrive at Kate's house and she had to wait for all the others to arrive. Lizzie and Gordo came together and Ethan arrived last.
"Sorry I was late guys," he said, "I had to make sure I had lots of hair gel, you know the ocean can be pretty rough on your hair."
Miranda rolled her eyes. Sure Ethan was no fool anymore, but he was still incredibly vain.
"Is everyone ready to drive to the beach then?" Kate asked.
"Yes," came the general reply.
"Okay, I printed out maps for you all, just so no one gets lost," Kate handed a map to each person," I also didn't know who was going to be driving. Ethan's riding with me and then you three are riding together?"
"Yeah, that's the plan," Gordo said.
"We'll see you at the beach then," Kate hopped behind the wheel of her '65 Mustang.
"Kate has one nice car," Miranda observed.
"She's so lucky, my car's a heap of junk," Gordo kicked the tire of his car.
(Miranda's car-nearly at the beach)
"All right! We're almost there," Lizzie piped up at the sight of the sands and the ocean.
"I'm so excited," Miranda shouted over her radio, "this will be so much fun!"
"Yeah it's not like 5 teenagers, alone on a boat for several days could get into trouble or anything," Gordo joked.
"There's still the boat's captain," Lizzie reminded," we won't be entirely unsupervised."
"Ah, he'll be too busy steering the boat to watch us," Miranda dismissed Lizzie's idea.
Miranda steered her car into a parking lot and unloaded all their gear. They would be staying on a small island for a night or two, so they had all sorts of tent and camping gear. Kate was just ahead of them and she and Ethan met the trio at the walk that lead out to the docks.
"That's our boat there at the end," Kate gestured to the large boat that said 'Princess Kate.'
"Princess Kate?" Gordo let out a sharp laugh.
"Shut up," Kate smacked him, "my parents named it, not me."
"Ha, you have to admit it's a pretty funny name," Miranda laughed too.
"It is a great name," Lizzie smirked.
"Least we can all remember a name like that," Ethan smiled.
"You're not going to bug me about this the whole time are you?" Kate snapped at the group, "because there's nothing that says I won't abandon you all on the island."
"Yes ma'am," Lizzie mock saluted Kate, "we will be nice to you."
Kate narrowed her eyes, "I'll be watching you McGuire." The tone in her voice was reminiscent of her rude cheerleader days. But before it could turn too weird, Kate burst into laughter, easing the tension.
"Let's get this show on the road, er ocean," Gordo lugged his gear onto the boat.
A man in a Hawaiian shirt and khaki shorts stepped out onto the deck, "Welcome aboard the Princess Kate, I'm your captain Jack. I'll be taking you out to the island. We probably won't get there until tomorrow, there are lounge chairs on the deck for you to sleep on tonight. I'll be stopping shortly after lunchtime so you kids can go swim or whatever you do."
(Tuesday Morning-small island)
"Well kids this is your island," Jack announced to his passengers.
"Looks beautiful," Lizzie breathed.
"Time to unload all our camping gear," Kate announced.
Ethan and Gordo started tossing their tents into the raft that they would use to go ashore. Jack was going to stay aboard the boat about a half mile out in the ocean while the kids rowed ashore and camped on the island. Then if they wanted to, they could either head back home, or stay another night on the island. Once all of their gear was loaded into the raft, the kids all got in and rowed to the island.
"Well, we can't pitch our tents right here," Gordo announced, "we have to keep the tide in mind. We'll need to head back into the trees a little way."
They all grabbed some gear and made their way into the trees. A short way in, there was a clearing big enough to pitch two tents. They got their tents set up and a place for a camp fire ready. The three girls would be sharing the bigger tent, while Ethan and Gordo shared the other. Now they had the entire day to spend exploring the island and doing whatever they wanted.
"So, who wants to go hike to the other side of the island with me?" Kate asked.
"I do," Lizzie and Gordo said simultaneously then laughed.
Kate gave them a disgusted look and said, "As long as you don't do that again. It was just wrong."
"Hey, great minds think alike," Lizzie grinned.
"So you and Ethan coming too?" Kate asked Miranda.
"Sure," Miranda said.
"Okay," Ethan agreed.
The day was spent hiking and exploring around the island. They found a small cave, but the opening was so tiny no one would fit in. It wouldn't have been a good idea to explore anyway, so everyone was relieved that they were too big to fit inside. They carried a lunch with them and had a picnic lunch on the beach on the other end of the island. Then they hiked back and arrived back at camp just in time for the sun to go down. After a nice dinner, they all went to sleep because their day of hiking had worn them out.
The next day, the girls woke up early and went out for a swim. Ethan and Gordo woke up and made something for breakfast. When the girls returned, they all decided it'd be a good idea to head back to land. That way they'd still have Friday and the weekend to enjoy some time at home, seeing movies or whatever they wanted to do. All of them thouroughly enjoyed their little trip and thought it was a nice getaway for a few days. They would be refreshed and relaxed to spend their last few weeks at school.
A/N: I've never been to the ocean so I don't know if it's actually warm enough to swim in March, but for the sake of the story, if it isn't, we'll just pretend it is. To me, this chapter seems a bit rushed. I am running out of ideas of what to do, so I might end up just skipping right through to graduation real soon. Anyway, as promised, here is a sneak preview to the sequel of this story, coming after this one is completed:
"Well you remember our trip to Rome, back after 8th grade?" she started.
"Yes," he replied.
"You also remember I was offered a record contract, right?"
"Yes Liz, honey, what are you getting at?"
"I've been offered a contract again. I told the record company that I needed a few days to think it over. I'm not sure what to do. So I'm asking you, should I become a pop star or continue my college education?"
"Wow. You know if you look deep into your heart and tell me what you truly want, that's what you should do. If you really wish to become a singer, I'll be there for you along the way. But if you decide you'd rather turn down the offer and just continue a normal life and your college education, I'll back you 100%. No matter what you do, I love you and I'll be there with you," Gordo explained.
Lizzie was silent for a moment. She had to digest all that Gordo had just said. She thought hard about her options and what her life would be like after each decision. Then she knew what she wanted to do.
"Gordo, I know what I want," Lizzie stated.
"And you're sure it's what you truly want in your life?" he questioned.
"I am completely sure that my decision is the one I want," Lizzie said firmly.
"Good, what did you decide?" Gordo asked.