Life As We Know It
Chapter 2
Surprises
"Gordo, are your parents home? We're not alone are we?" I said, beginning to get a little worried.
"They're home, but we're not just gonna hang out at my house. I just have to pick something up before we go on our date. I'll be right back. You can go in and talk to my mom if you want; I think she wanted to ask you something."
"Ok. Do I need to be worried?"
"No, I just don't think she wanted me to know."
(IN GORDO'S HOUSE)
"Mrs. Gordon, did you want to talk to me about something?" I said, trying to hide the anxiety in my voice.
"Why yes, Elizabeth, I did. I actually want to tell you something." Uh- Oh, here it comes! "You and David have been going out for a year tonight, and I just wanted you to know that if you ever want to spend the night, my husband and I don't mind. As long as you know that you can't sleep in the same room as David."
"Yes ma'am. Thank you. I don't think my dad trusts me that much though. Even though I've never done anything wrong, I can't help but feel that he's just waiting for me to mess up to laugh in my face."
"It's not you, your father just knows how he was at your age and he doesn't know how to act any other way. It's just how fathers are. They just want to protect their young ones. It's just like your mother, only she knows you a little better." Whew! Now I can breathe. I thought she was going to give me the sex talk! Thank God she decided that I didn't need to hear it again!
"Lizzie, are you ready to go?" Gordo interrupted.
"Is there anything else you need to tell me, Mrs. Gordon?"
"No, Elizabeth, I don't think there is."
"Ok, thank you. Bye!"
"Goodbye Elizabeth!" she said, as she followed us to the door.
"Let's go!" Gordo said, grabbing my hand. "You'll love where we are going!"
"Thank you," I said as he opened the car door for me. He cranked the car again, and this time, we headed towards downtown. "Where are we going?" I asked as we passed the digital bean, the mall, and a few other restaurants.
"You'll see," he said, smiling and giggling to himself. "And you'll love it. We're almost there. Close your eyes." I closed them somewhat reluctantly.
"I trust you."
"Good. We're here!" He killed the motor and opened the trunk. He closed his door and came around to my side and told me to take his hand.
"Watch your step," he said as we climbed up a step onto the sidewalk. "We're almost there." After a minute of walking, he said. "We're here, but don't open your eyes yet." I stood there with my eyes closed as he let go of my hand. It seemed to take forever until he said, "Open your eyes!" I opened my eyes and there was a blanket on the grass with a picnic basket and a lit candle. "Gordo! This is so romantic! Oh my gosh! I love you!" I said, and I sat on the blanket beside him and kissed him deeply and passionately for the first time. We stopped minutes later, only to catch a breath. Talk about fireworks! Oh my gosh! I never knew I could feel that way with Gordo! It was so hard to stop myself!
"Lizzie, where did you learn to kiss like that?" He asked, panting from our tongue battle.
"I don't know I've never kissed anyone that passionately before!"
"Well, it was really good."
"And what about you! That was the best kiss I've ever had!" It really was, and I could tell Gordo felt the same way too. "So, what's in the basket?" I inquired, trying to lighten the tense moment we had settled in.
"Well, nothing but your favorites." He replied, flashing me a huge smile. "I have lasagna and garlic rolls for our main course, sweet tea to drink, and homemade Oreo ice cream for dessert."
"Oh Gordo! I can't believe you remembered me telling you about the ice cream! That was like 5 years ago! And where did you learn to make it?" I asked, giving my most impressed, loving and happy look all at the same time.
"That's my little secret," he told me; pulling me close to him and giving me a short, sweet kiss. "I have your present!" He said. He reached in the bottom of the basket and pulled out it a fairly large blue box. He handed it to me and said, "Open it." I opened it, and inside was a beautiful silver infinity necklace.
"Gordo!" was all that I could get out, fighting back tears. I looked up at him with tear-stained cheeks and said, "I can't believe you got me this. It must have cost a fortune! Put it on me!" With trembling hands, he put it around my neck, and hugged me once he was done. I locked him in a passionate embrace. After about 10 minutes, I pulled apart and reached into my purse. "I have yours too. Here it is." I handed him the box that held his present in it. He opened it and his jaw dropped. "Lizzie! Thank you! I love it!" He loves his Rolex! I did a good job picking it out. "The best part is on the other side." I watched him carefully take the watch out of the box and turn it over. His eyes almost teared up as he read the inscription out loud. "'Gordo, I love you. I think of you every minute. Yours always, Lizzie.' Lizzie! That's so sweet! I love you too!" he said, as he kissed me. "Now we have to eat supper," he said, trying to put his watch on. "I'll do that for you sweetie." I said, giving him a hand. "Thanks." We ate slowly, occasionally getting lost in each other's eyes. After supper, we laid down on the blanket and just looked at the stars. It was soo romantic! We always look at the stars when he comes over to my house on summer nights, but it was more romantic since we were on a date.
"Gordo?"
"Yes, Lizzie."
"What's going on with our parents?"
"What do you mean?" he asked, purely interested in my question.
"They're all acting weird. My mom just gave me a promise ring and your mom just tap-danced around giving me a sex talk. She said I could spend the night whenever I wanted at your house but I couldn't sleep in the same room as you. My mom thinks I'm getting a little bit wild, so she made me promise we wouldn't have sex. But that doesn't mean I'll stick to it. I mean, if you want to, I'd be more than willing."
"Lizzie, I don't want you to do anything you're not willing to. I don't think you need to go against our parents. But I've wondered about it myself sometimes. They're just worried you'll end up like Kate and get pregnant and not know who the father is."
"Oh she knows she just is too embarrassed to tell everyone. I know, she just told me she'd kill me if I told anyone."
"You trust me, don't you?"
"Of course, it's Tudge."
"Oh my God! That's hilarious! How did that happen?"
"Well, you know she's in the business don't you?"
"I heard that. Anyway..."
"Well, he's rich and he said he'd give her $1000 if she would let him screw her. She did, and either they didn't use a condom or it broke. Either way, she is pregnant. Ethan broke up with her. I don't know why because he's in the business just like her, they just do each other for fun. I think they sometimes have threesomes together and split the money. Who knows? I just know they're whores. Better them than me I always say."
"Wow. I figured she was a whore, but I didn't know about him. That's funny."
"Yeah. She's being home schooled next semester. Her parents are trying to save her embarrassment. But doing that is just going to make her want to party more and even having a baby won't stop her sex cravings. It's the way she is."
"Let's stop talking about that whore. Let's talk about us and what we have planned for tomorrow."
"It's Saturday tomorrow, so we should watch movies at your house."
"Yeah. I wish I could invite Miranda over, but I bet her and Danny are going to be busy."
"Do you mean what I think you mean?"
"What are you thinking?"
"I mean have they started having sex before us?"
"Yes, I mean wait! Do you mean you are ready?"
"I think I am if you are."
"Gordo, I've been ready! I just didn't want to rush you being ready. So does this mean we're fixing to take it to the next level?"
"All the way, if you're ready. I am as ready as I can be. I don't think I can wait any longer."
"I think we should wait until at least next Saturday. I mean, a few hours ago I promised my mom I would stay a virgin until marriage, and I would feel really bad if we did now. Plus, they're going out of town Friday until Sunday, and I have the house to myself. Matt's going to Lanny's and I don't have plans. I think I may go to Miranda's if she isn't going to be with Danny. Maybe she can keep off of him for one night. I can say I'm going to her house and you can come over. Then I can go to her house, I can just say I was packing and got over late. We will have all the time we need. I can't wait!"
"It'll take until then to convince myself that we're doing the right thing. I totally want to, but I'm afraid of betraying our parents' trust." Gordo said, looking at his watch. "Holy shit! It's 12:00! You've got to be home in 30 minutes! Will you help me pick up this stuff?"
"Sure. Yeah we better get going. We'll finish this in the car," I said, scrambling to pick up the picnic basket. "Lizzie, let me get that," Gordo said, grabbing the picnic basket out of my hands and helping me to my feet.
"Thanks, baby," I replied, giving him a peck on the lips as we hurried to Gordo's mustang.
"Here we are," he said after about 5 minutes of really fast driving.
"Come in with me, we gotta ask my parents if you can come over for some movies tomorrow. I'll tell them that I'm gonna call Miranda after her date and find out if she wants to come. I don't think they'll say no. If they do, call me when you get home and we'll think of a plan. Here goes nothing," I said after he helped me out of the car.
(INSIDE THE HOUSE)
"Mom, Dad, can Gordo and possibly Miranda come over tomorrow and watch movies?"
"If Miranda does, then Gordo can."
"Can she bring Danny? I mean, she may want to spend Saturday with him. I just want to hang with Gordo and watch movies."
"If and only if Miranda does. And I guess she can bring Danny over, but no couple can be alone at any time."
"Ya'll will be here, so what does it matter?"
"We can't watch everyone."
"Thanks ya'll! I love you! Can I walk Gordo to his car?"
"Sure. You have five minutes."
"Good night Mr. and Mrs. McGuire. I'll see you tomorrow. Thanks."
"Your welcome. Five minutes!"
(OUTSIDE)
"Lizzie, I can't believe they're letting us be together in your house."
"Only if Miranda comes over."
"Yeah, but if her and Danny come over, then she won't mind as much if we make out, because she'll be busy doing the same to him if not more."
"True." I locked him in a passionate embrace, forgetting all about my time limit until I heard very distinctly, "Lizzie, come in now."
"Shit!" I half whispered, causing Gordo to release me quickly and laugh at my reaction.
"I'm screwed," I said, hugging Gordo good night. "Not until next Saturday," Gordo added, causing me to give him the big-eyed look.
"Keep that on the d-l for now! Call me when you get home so we can talk. I better go!"
"Talk to you in a few minutes! You better call me when your parents quit talking to you. I figure they will. Love you," he said, hugging me good night.
"Love you too," I said, returning the hug. "Good night," I said, stepping onto the porch and catching my parents' eyes.
"Elizabeth Brooke McGuire, we need to talk, now!"
"What have I done now?" I asked giving them the most annoyed look I could muster.
"Why didn't you tell me that Miranda and Danny were having sex?"
"What are you talking about? She never said anything to me about that."
"Her mom called and she thinks she's pregnant. She saw it in her diary and called me to talk to you and find out if she is or not."
"Why was she reading her diary in the first place?"
"All mothers read diaries. It's something we do to get inside your head."
"I can't believe you read my diary! Wait, if you read it, then why am I not grounded?"
"For one, I haven't read it in weeks, and two, I try not to overreact to whatever I read. I usually get everything out of you anyway."
"I'm never writing in my diary again! And back to Miranda, how is my friend's sex life or the lack there of any of your business? If she wanted you to know, then she'd call you and tell you. You're not her mom! And you wonder why I didn't tell you? Who's the ditsy one in the family now?!"
"Elizabeth Brooke McGuire, that tone has grounded written all over it! Calm yourself down now!"
"This is coming from the person whose yelling! How hypocritical! Ugh!"
(RUNNING UP TO HER ROOM)
"Miranda's not pregnant, if it's any of your business!"
"RING RING!"
NO ONE'S POV
"Hello? Oh hi Roberta. Do you need to talk to Lizzie?"
"No. I just needed to talk to someone."
"I'm all ears. You can come over if you want."
"I'd love to. Can Lizzie come over here and talk to Miranda? She can spend the night if she wants to."
"I'm sure she'd love to. Let me go ask her. We can take her over to your house and pick you up."
"I'd prefer to walk, thanks anyway."
"Ok. I guess I can let Lizzie drive over. She may not be driving that much longer. You know how her temper gets her in trouble."
"Oh yes. Can you please let her get over quickly? I really need someone to talk to," Roberta said, close to tears and barely fighting them back. Anyone could tell that this was not the everyday breakdown. Something had to be wrong.
"Lizzie!"
"What?" Lizzie asked, with nothing but annoyance in her voice. 'What could she want now? I was just about to call Gordo. It's probably something stupid, like I forgot to put my cup in the dishwasher or something.'
"Will you go to Miranda's and spend the night? She wants you to and her mother needs to come over here and talk to me. She's not spending the night, but she said you could and it would help if you did. So I am gonna let you drive, even though your attitude calls otherwise. So pack your bag, get in your little green beetle and go. And act better from now on. Go on, go!"
"Ok. Tell her mom I'll be there in ten minutes. I hope nothing too bad is wrong."
Chapter 2
Surprises
"Gordo, are your parents home? We're not alone are we?" I said, beginning to get a little worried.
"They're home, but we're not just gonna hang out at my house. I just have to pick something up before we go on our date. I'll be right back. You can go in and talk to my mom if you want; I think she wanted to ask you something."
"Ok. Do I need to be worried?"
"No, I just don't think she wanted me to know."
(IN GORDO'S HOUSE)
"Mrs. Gordon, did you want to talk to me about something?" I said, trying to hide the anxiety in my voice.
"Why yes, Elizabeth, I did. I actually want to tell you something." Uh- Oh, here it comes! "You and David have been going out for a year tonight, and I just wanted you to know that if you ever want to spend the night, my husband and I don't mind. As long as you know that you can't sleep in the same room as David."
"Yes ma'am. Thank you. I don't think my dad trusts me that much though. Even though I've never done anything wrong, I can't help but feel that he's just waiting for me to mess up to laugh in my face."
"It's not you, your father just knows how he was at your age and he doesn't know how to act any other way. It's just how fathers are. They just want to protect their young ones. It's just like your mother, only she knows you a little better." Whew! Now I can breathe. I thought she was going to give me the sex talk! Thank God she decided that I didn't need to hear it again!
"Lizzie, are you ready to go?" Gordo interrupted.
"Is there anything else you need to tell me, Mrs. Gordon?"
"No, Elizabeth, I don't think there is."
"Ok, thank you. Bye!"
"Goodbye Elizabeth!" she said, as she followed us to the door.
"Let's go!" Gordo said, grabbing my hand. "You'll love where we are going!"
"Thank you," I said as he opened the car door for me. He cranked the car again, and this time, we headed towards downtown. "Where are we going?" I asked as we passed the digital bean, the mall, and a few other restaurants.
"You'll see," he said, smiling and giggling to himself. "And you'll love it. We're almost there. Close your eyes." I closed them somewhat reluctantly.
"I trust you."
"Good. We're here!" He killed the motor and opened the trunk. He closed his door and came around to my side and told me to take his hand.
"Watch your step," he said as we climbed up a step onto the sidewalk. "We're almost there." After a minute of walking, he said. "We're here, but don't open your eyes yet." I stood there with my eyes closed as he let go of my hand. It seemed to take forever until he said, "Open your eyes!" I opened my eyes and there was a blanket on the grass with a picnic basket and a lit candle. "Gordo! This is so romantic! Oh my gosh! I love you!" I said, and I sat on the blanket beside him and kissed him deeply and passionately for the first time. We stopped minutes later, only to catch a breath. Talk about fireworks! Oh my gosh! I never knew I could feel that way with Gordo! It was so hard to stop myself!
"Lizzie, where did you learn to kiss like that?" He asked, panting from our tongue battle.
"I don't know I've never kissed anyone that passionately before!"
"Well, it was really good."
"And what about you! That was the best kiss I've ever had!" It really was, and I could tell Gordo felt the same way too. "So, what's in the basket?" I inquired, trying to lighten the tense moment we had settled in.
"Well, nothing but your favorites." He replied, flashing me a huge smile. "I have lasagna and garlic rolls for our main course, sweet tea to drink, and homemade Oreo ice cream for dessert."
"Oh Gordo! I can't believe you remembered me telling you about the ice cream! That was like 5 years ago! And where did you learn to make it?" I asked, giving my most impressed, loving and happy look all at the same time.
"That's my little secret," he told me; pulling me close to him and giving me a short, sweet kiss. "I have your present!" He said. He reached in the bottom of the basket and pulled out it a fairly large blue box. He handed it to me and said, "Open it." I opened it, and inside was a beautiful silver infinity necklace.
"Gordo!" was all that I could get out, fighting back tears. I looked up at him with tear-stained cheeks and said, "I can't believe you got me this. It must have cost a fortune! Put it on me!" With trembling hands, he put it around my neck, and hugged me once he was done. I locked him in a passionate embrace. After about 10 minutes, I pulled apart and reached into my purse. "I have yours too. Here it is." I handed him the box that held his present in it. He opened it and his jaw dropped. "Lizzie! Thank you! I love it!" He loves his Rolex! I did a good job picking it out. "The best part is on the other side." I watched him carefully take the watch out of the box and turn it over. His eyes almost teared up as he read the inscription out loud. "'Gordo, I love you. I think of you every minute. Yours always, Lizzie.' Lizzie! That's so sweet! I love you too!" he said, as he kissed me. "Now we have to eat supper," he said, trying to put his watch on. "I'll do that for you sweetie." I said, giving him a hand. "Thanks." We ate slowly, occasionally getting lost in each other's eyes. After supper, we laid down on the blanket and just looked at the stars. It was soo romantic! We always look at the stars when he comes over to my house on summer nights, but it was more romantic since we were on a date.
"Gordo?"
"Yes, Lizzie."
"What's going on with our parents?"
"What do you mean?" he asked, purely interested in my question.
"They're all acting weird. My mom just gave me a promise ring and your mom just tap-danced around giving me a sex talk. She said I could spend the night whenever I wanted at your house but I couldn't sleep in the same room as you. My mom thinks I'm getting a little bit wild, so she made me promise we wouldn't have sex. But that doesn't mean I'll stick to it. I mean, if you want to, I'd be more than willing."
"Lizzie, I don't want you to do anything you're not willing to. I don't think you need to go against our parents. But I've wondered about it myself sometimes. They're just worried you'll end up like Kate and get pregnant and not know who the father is."
"Oh she knows she just is too embarrassed to tell everyone. I know, she just told me she'd kill me if I told anyone."
"You trust me, don't you?"
"Of course, it's Tudge."
"Oh my God! That's hilarious! How did that happen?"
"Well, you know she's in the business don't you?"
"I heard that. Anyway..."
"Well, he's rich and he said he'd give her $1000 if she would let him screw her. She did, and either they didn't use a condom or it broke. Either way, she is pregnant. Ethan broke up with her. I don't know why because he's in the business just like her, they just do each other for fun. I think they sometimes have threesomes together and split the money. Who knows? I just know they're whores. Better them than me I always say."
"Wow. I figured she was a whore, but I didn't know about him. That's funny."
"Yeah. She's being home schooled next semester. Her parents are trying to save her embarrassment. But doing that is just going to make her want to party more and even having a baby won't stop her sex cravings. It's the way she is."
"Let's stop talking about that whore. Let's talk about us and what we have planned for tomorrow."
"It's Saturday tomorrow, so we should watch movies at your house."
"Yeah. I wish I could invite Miranda over, but I bet her and Danny are going to be busy."
"Do you mean what I think you mean?"
"What are you thinking?"
"I mean have they started having sex before us?"
"Yes, I mean wait! Do you mean you are ready?"
"I think I am if you are."
"Gordo, I've been ready! I just didn't want to rush you being ready. So does this mean we're fixing to take it to the next level?"
"All the way, if you're ready. I am as ready as I can be. I don't think I can wait any longer."
"I think we should wait until at least next Saturday. I mean, a few hours ago I promised my mom I would stay a virgin until marriage, and I would feel really bad if we did now. Plus, they're going out of town Friday until Sunday, and I have the house to myself. Matt's going to Lanny's and I don't have plans. I think I may go to Miranda's if she isn't going to be with Danny. Maybe she can keep off of him for one night. I can say I'm going to her house and you can come over. Then I can go to her house, I can just say I was packing and got over late. We will have all the time we need. I can't wait!"
"It'll take until then to convince myself that we're doing the right thing. I totally want to, but I'm afraid of betraying our parents' trust." Gordo said, looking at his watch. "Holy shit! It's 12:00! You've got to be home in 30 minutes! Will you help me pick up this stuff?"
"Sure. Yeah we better get going. We'll finish this in the car," I said, scrambling to pick up the picnic basket. "Lizzie, let me get that," Gordo said, grabbing the picnic basket out of my hands and helping me to my feet.
"Thanks, baby," I replied, giving him a peck on the lips as we hurried to Gordo's mustang.
"Here we are," he said after about 5 minutes of really fast driving.
"Come in with me, we gotta ask my parents if you can come over for some movies tomorrow. I'll tell them that I'm gonna call Miranda after her date and find out if she wants to come. I don't think they'll say no. If they do, call me when you get home and we'll think of a plan. Here goes nothing," I said after he helped me out of the car.
(INSIDE THE HOUSE)
"Mom, Dad, can Gordo and possibly Miranda come over tomorrow and watch movies?"
"If Miranda does, then Gordo can."
"Can she bring Danny? I mean, she may want to spend Saturday with him. I just want to hang with Gordo and watch movies."
"If and only if Miranda does. And I guess she can bring Danny over, but no couple can be alone at any time."
"Ya'll will be here, so what does it matter?"
"We can't watch everyone."
"Thanks ya'll! I love you! Can I walk Gordo to his car?"
"Sure. You have five minutes."
"Good night Mr. and Mrs. McGuire. I'll see you tomorrow. Thanks."
"Your welcome. Five minutes!"
(OUTSIDE)
"Lizzie, I can't believe they're letting us be together in your house."
"Only if Miranda comes over."
"Yeah, but if her and Danny come over, then she won't mind as much if we make out, because she'll be busy doing the same to him if not more."
"True." I locked him in a passionate embrace, forgetting all about my time limit until I heard very distinctly, "Lizzie, come in now."
"Shit!" I half whispered, causing Gordo to release me quickly and laugh at my reaction.
"I'm screwed," I said, hugging Gordo good night. "Not until next Saturday," Gordo added, causing me to give him the big-eyed look.
"Keep that on the d-l for now! Call me when you get home so we can talk. I better go!"
"Talk to you in a few minutes! You better call me when your parents quit talking to you. I figure they will. Love you," he said, hugging me good night.
"Love you too," I said, returning the hug. "Good night," I said, stepping onto the porch and catching my parents' eyes.
"Elizabeth Brooke McGuire, we need to talk, now!"
"What have I done now?" I asked giving them the most annoyed look I could muster.
"Why didn't you tell me that Miranda and Danny were having sex?"
"What are you talking about? She never said anything to me about that."
"Her mom called and she thinks she's pregnant. She saw it in her diary and called me to talk to you and find out if she is or not."
"Why was she reading her diary in the first place?"
"All mothers read diaries. It's something we do to get inside your head."
"I can't believe you read my diary! Wait, if you read it, then why am I not grounded?"
"For one, I haven't read it in weeks, and two, I try not to overreact to whatever I read. I usually get everything out of you anyway."
"I'm never writing in my diary again! And back to Miranda, how is my friend's sex life or the lack there of any of your business? If she wanted you to know, then she'd call you and tell you. You're not her mom! And you wonder why I didn't tell you? Who's the ditsy one in the family now?!"
"Elizabeth Brooke McGuire, that tone has grounded written all over it! Calm yourself down now!"
"This is coming from the person whose yelling! How hypocritical! Ugh!"
(RUNNING UP TO HER ROOM)
"Miranda's not pregnant, if it's any of your business!"
"RING RING!"
NO ONE'S POV
"Hello? Oh hi Roberta. Do you need to talk to Lizzie?"
"No. I just needed to talk to someone."
"I'm all ears. You can come over if you want."
"I'd love to. Can Lizzie come over here and talk to Miranda? She can spend the night if she wants to."
"I'm sure she'd love to. Let me go ask her. We can take her over to your house and pick you up."
"I'd prefer to walk, thanks anyway."
"Ok. I guess I can let Lizzie drive over. She may not be driving that much longer. You know how her temper gets her in trouble."
"Oh yes. Can you please let her get over quickly? I really need someone to talk to," Roberta said, close to tears and barely fighting them back. Anyone could tell that this was not the everyday breakdown. Something had to be wrong.
"Lizzie!"
"What?" Lizzie asked, with nothing but annoyance in her voice. 'What could she want now? I was just about to call Gordo. It's probably something stupid, like I forgot to put my cup in the dishwasher or something.'
"Will you go to Miranda's and spend the night? She wants you to and her mother needs to come over here and talk to me. She's not spending the night, but she said you could and it would help if you did. So I am gonna let you drive, even though your attitude calls otherwise. So pack your bag, get in your little green beetle and go. And act better from now on. Go on, go!"
"Ok. Tell her mom I'll be there in ten minutes. I hope nothing too bad is wrong."