No Time to Waste
by TheRealXenocide
`
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, settings, or anything else you recognize from the show Lizzie McGuire. The plot, at it's base, has been around since Homer, and this variant since Henry Ford. However, this is the first I've seen it applied to Lizzie.
`
A/N: I think I should clarify one of the clues from the last chapter. When I say the song is bilingual, don't assume that one of the languages is Spanish. For that matter, don't assume one of the languages is English. I never even said both (or either) of the languages were human. Klingon, anyone? JUST KIDDING! Maybe . . .
A/N: In response to a review, I'll say here and now that I haven't forgotten Gordo. Sleeping men have no lines, but the plan to put he and Lizzie together will be starting soon, and also remember he has a surgery for Friday (Chapter 7 ended on late Wednesday). You don't suppose something might happen, do you?
`
Chapter 8
The Surprise Ally.
`
The following morning, Matt came at the start of visiting hours to find Miranda's parents had arranged with her doctor, Dr. Gardner, for Miranda to have use of a wheelchair so she could visit her friends (hospital policy). While Mrs. Sanchez helped Miranda sit in the chair, Mr. Sanchez spoke to Matt outside the room. "Take care of my daughter, young man." He said, trying (and failing) to sound menacing.
Matt's answer shocked both men. "Sir, this sound's cliche, but it's true." He was looking the older man square in the eyes. "If Miranda's safety is threatened, I believe, no, I know, that I am willing to give my own life, or take another's, so long as she is saved in the process. She is all that matters."
"I'm not sure if I should be grateful or alarmed by that."
"How's both?"
"Already there."
"Already where?" Miranda asked as she was rolled up to them.
"Your father was giving me a father-suitor talk, though I expect I've got more coming soon. Right now, we should be going." Walking to the back of her chair, he returned to his English accent. "My lady's chariot awaits."
"See you later." Miranda called to her parents as Matt started them toward the elevator. Once inside, she turned her head toward Matt. "I heard you. About defending me. I appreciate it, but the part about 'take another's', frankly you scared me when you said that."
"Scared myself, too. But . . ." He paused to collect himself. "Miranda, I've done a lot of thinking. I've asked myself a lot of tough questions. What it comes down to is this: While I will never seek out such trouble, if I am forced into such a situation, your life is more important then any other. If that means that I must die or kill to save you, I will. It scares me to know this about myself, but it's true. Does that bother you?"
At that moment, the elevator opened. "Yes, it does. But, the fact that it scares you makes me feel better about it."
Leaving the elevator, Matt decided to change the subject. "Are you sure you're ready to visit Ethan? I remember how long it took you to calm down yesterday."
"I have to do this." She said, then she got a mischievous smile. "Besides, if I should start to fall apart, you could always sing."
Matt blushed. "Let's keep that between us, okay? I don't know what prompted me to sing, but I'm not doing it for a crowd. Just you."
Now it was Miranda's turn to blush.
Both returned to normal shades when they reached Ethan's room. Matt knocked lightly on the open door. "Hello, are we disturbing you?"
"Not really. Who's there?" It was Ethan, and he was alone.
"It's Matt and Miranda. May we come in?"
Ethan's eyebrows arched slightly. "Sure. My folks won't be in until this afternoon."
Matt wheeled Miranda next to Ethan's bed, then pulled up a chair to sit next to her. "Ethan, we need to ask you a couple of things. I bet you can guess the first one, right?"
Ethan gave a slight smile. "I'm not the smartest around, but I'm not as dim as some think. Yes, Matt, I'm blind." When he heard a decidedly female sniffle, he added "it wasn't your fault, Miranda. The cops already spoke to me. A sleeping driver with no lights did this, not you."
"But . . ."
"No buts. Listen to me, Miranda. You. Are. Not. To. Blame. I'm sure I'm not the only one to say this. Is that right, Matt?"
"Yeah. I know I've said it. Her folks have, too."
"Maybe you should listen to so many people, Miranda."
Matt hesitated before asking this, but he thought it needed to be done. "Speaking of folks, how are your's taking this?"
Ethan stiffened. "At first, not well at all. Took mom a long time to calm down. Your mom was a big help, Matt. Dad got here not long before the cops."
"How did they get here so fast?" Matt asked, clearly surprised.
"They were here to speak to your sister. When they learned I was up, they decided to visit me on the same trip."
"Do your folks blame me?"
"No. I'll admit, when she first heard, mom was blaming you, me, everybody she could think of. Dad was too busy with her to say anything until the cops came. After they were done, mom wanted the other driver strung up, and dad said that was too good for him."
Remembering the talk she just had with Matt, Miranda paled. "Where they serious?"
Ethan was visibly surprised by the question. "Of course not. I'm surprised you had to ask."
Matt jumped in. "Miranda and I had a rather . . . intense conversation before coming in here. I think that was still on her mind. Sorry."
"I'm not going to ask what you were talking about, but I am interested in what's going on with you two that you're having intense conversations." As he said the last of that, a sly smile crept across his face.
"Well . . ." Matt began. 'How do I explain this?'
"Matt and I are dating." Miranda chimed in. Matt shot her a look of thanks. "Surprised?"
"You could say that" Ethan said, his face a strange cross between incredulity and the cat that ate the canary. "Since when were you into cradle-robbing, Miranda?"
If Ethan hadn't been blind, Matt's face and body language might have made Ethan wet himself. Miranda was quick enough to grab his hand. "Easy, Matt. It was just a joke. Like the one that earned you those pillow shots."
"I suppose." Matt was still fuming, but relaxed some at the reminder. "I guess we're both a bit on edge."
"So I gather." Ethan commented. "Perhaps you two should tell me what's going on?"
"It's your call, Matt. But I think it might help with the second part of this visit."
"Alright." As Matt told the story to Ethan, the older boy was more than a little surprised by the tale. When Matt got to his 'no time to waste' line, something about it clearly sank in. When Matt was finished, Ethan at first could only say "Wow," clearly lost in his own thoughts.
"Ethan, you okay?" Miranda asked, not so what to make of him just then.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Something Matt said hit home. Congratulations, you two."
"What did I say?"
"That bit about 'no time to waste'. You're right." Ethan wondered for a moment if he should continue, then did. "Matt, if I tell you something, will you promise not to hurt me until I'm done."
That got Matt's interest. "Ookaay."
"I think your sister and I have been using each other to hide from our real feelings about others."
Matt used a lot of will power to keep his promise. "EXPLAIN."
"Gordo and Kate." Miranda cut in, a light dawning. "You could see Lizzie and Gordo liked each other, but were afraid to tell each other. That made Lizzie safe for you, because you weren't afraid you might break her heart if, or when, you figured out your feelings for Kate."
"Damn, Miranda, you're quick. Quicker then me, at least." Ethan said ruefully.
"One problem." Matt was speaking through gritted teeth. "As I recall, one reason Lizzie was so HAPPY when she started dating you was because you had just DUMPED KATE. Explain that."
"I was dating Kate for the same reason I dated every girl before her for the last year of so. To try, for lack of a better phrase, to get laid. And before you jump, Matt, I never tried to do more then kiss your sister. Even that felt uncomfortable. The reason for that is because, when I was with Kate, I started to feel something . . . different inside toward her. I can't recall how I got there, but one night I caught myself dreaming about a wedding. A wedding! At sixteen! That scared the hell out of me. So, rather then face my fears, I dumped Kate. But I see now that, as you said, Matt, I can't waste time. I've got to tell her the truth. Both of them. At least it will free Lizzie for Gordo. If only they would tell each other."
"That is something we've been talking about." Miranda said, seizing the opening. "But we didn't want to do anything that could hurt you in the process. Now that we know your heart on this, I'd like to ask you something. Would you be willing to join with us in trying to get those two together?"
"I'd like that. If it's okay with Matt, that is."
Matt thought of a long moment. "Okay, Ethan, you're in."
"Good. Now, I have an idea for my part, but I'll need two things. First, I need my doctor's permission to visit Lizzie."
"They insisted on me using a wheelchair, but if you can get some to push, they should let you."
"Good. Second thing, Matt, is I need you to join me in a bit of acting. Think you can play the overprotective brother?"
Matt's face was now one of chagrin. "I think I can manage that."
"Good. Now, here's my idea." As Ethan explained his plan, both Matt and Miranda thought the same thing. 'This guy isn't as dumb as I thought.'
~~~~~~~~
A/N: What's Ethan's plan? How will Lizzie react? Will Gordo awake before surgery? Stay tuned.
by TheRealXenocide
`
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, settings, or anything else you recognize from the show Lizzie McGuire. The plot, at it's base, has been around since Homer, and this variant since Henry Ford. However, this is the first I've seen it applied to Lizzie.
`
A/N: I think I should clarify one of the clues from the last chapter. When I say the song is bilingual, don't assume that one of the languages is Spanish. For that matter, don't assume one of the languages is English. I never even said both (or either) of the languages were human. Klingon, anyone? JUST KIDDING! Maybe . . .
A/N: In response to a review, I'll say here and now that I haven't forgotten Gordo. Sleeping men have no lines, but the plan to put he and Lizzie together will be starting soon, and also remember he has a surgery for Friday (Chapter 7 ended on late Wednesday). You don't suppose something might happen, do you?
`
Chapter 8
The Surprise Ally.
`
The following morning, Matt came at the start of visiting hours to find Miranda's parents had arranged with her doctor, Dr. Gardner, for Miranda to have use of a wheelchair so she could visit her friends (hospital policy). While Mrs. Sanchez helped Miranda sit in the chair, Mr. Sanchez spoke to Matt outside the room. "Take care of my daughter, young man." He said, trying (and failing) to sound menacing.
Matt's answer shocked both men. "Sir, this sound's cliche, but it's true." He was looking the older man square in the eyes. "If Miranda's safety is threatened, I believe, no, I know, that I am willing to give my own life, or take another's, so long as she is saved in the process. She is all that matters."
"I'm not sure if I should be grateful or alarmed by that."
"How's both?"
"Already there."
"Already where?" Miranda asked as she was rolled up to them.
"Your father was giving me a father-suitor talk, though I expect I've got more coming soon. Right now, we should be going." Walking to the back of her chair, he returned to his English accent. "My lady's chariot awaits."
"See you later." Miranda called to her parents as Matt started them toward the elevator. Once inside, she turned her head toward Matt. "I heard you. About defending me. I appreciate it, but the part about 'take another's', frankly you scared me when you said that."
"Scared myself, too. But . . ." He paused to collect himself. "Miranda, I've done a lot of thinking. I've asked myself a lot of tough questions. What it comes down to is this: While I will never seek out such trouble, if I am forced into such a situation, your life is more important then any other. If that means that I must die or kill to save you, I will. It scares me to know this about myself, but it's true. Does that bother you?"
At that moment, the elevator opened. "Yes, it does. But, the fact that it scares you makes me feel better about it."
Leaving the elevator, Matt decided to change the subject. "Are you sure you're ready to visit Ethan? I remember how long it took you to calm down yesterday."
"I have to do this." She said, then she got a mischievous smile. "Besides, if I should start to fall apart, you could always sing."
Matt blushed. "Let's keep that between us, okay? I don't know what prompted me to sing, but I'm not doing it for a crowd. Just you."
Now it was Miranda's turn to blush.
Both returned to normal shades when they reached Ethan's room. Matt knocked lightly on the open door. "Hello, are we disturbing you?"
"Not really. Who's there?" It was Ethan, and he was alone.
"It's Matt and Miranda. May we come in?"
Ethan's eyebrows arched slightly. "Sure. My folks won't be in until this afternoon."
Matt wheeled Miranda next to Ethan's bed, then pulled up a chair to sit next to her. "Ethan, we need to ask you a couple of things. I bet you can guess the first one, right?"
Ethan gave a slight smile. "I'm not the smartest around, but I'm not as dim as some think. Yes, Matt, I'm blind." When he heard a decidedly female sniffle, he added "it wasn't your fault, Miranda. The cops already spoke to me. A sleeping driver with no lights did this, not you."
"But . . ."
"No buts. Listen to me, Miranda. You. Are. Not. To. Blame. I'm sure I'm not the only one to say this. Is that right, Matt?"
"Yeah. I know I've said it. Her folks have, too."
"Maybe you should listen to so many people, Miranda."
Matt hesitated before asking this, but he thought it needed to be done. "Speaking of folks, how are your's taking this?"
Ethan stiffened. "At first, not well at all. Took mom a long time to calm down. Your mom was a big help, Matt. Dad got here not long before the cops."
"How did they get here so fast?" Matt asked, clearly surprised.
"They were here to speak to your sister. When they learned I was up, they decided to visit me on the same trip."
"Do your folks blame me?"
"No. I'll admit, when she first heard, mom was blaming you, me, everybody she could think of. Dad was too busy with her to say anything until the cops came. After they were done, mom wanted the other driver strung up, and dad said that was too good for him."
Remembering the talk she just had with Matt, Miranda paled. "Where they serious?"
Ethan was visibly surprised by the question. "Of course not. I'm surprised you had to ask."
Matt jumped in. "Miranda and I had a rather . . . intense conversation before coming in here. I think that was still on her mind. Sorry."
"I'm not going to ask what you were talking about, but I am interested in what's going on with you two that you're having intense conversations." As he said the last of that, a sly smile crept across his face.
"Well . . ." Matt began. 'How do I explain this?'
"Matt and I are dating." Miranda chimed in. Matt shot her a look of thanks. "Surprised?"
"You could say that" Ethan said, his face a strange cross between incredulity and the cat that ate the canary. "Since when were you into cradle-robbing, Miranda?"
If Ethan hadn't been blind, Matt's face and body language might have made Ethan wet himself. Miranda was quick enough to grab his hand. "Easy, Matt. It was just a joke. Like the one that earned you those pillow shots."
"I suppose." Matt was still fuming, but relaxed some at the reminder. "I guess we're both a bit on edge."
"So I gather." Ethan commented. "Perhaps you two should tell me what's going on?"
"It's your call, Matt. But I think it might help with the second part of this visit."
"Alright." As Matt told the story to Ethan, the older boy was more than a little surprised by the tale. When Matt got to his 'no time to waste' line, something about it clearly sank in. When Matt was finished, Ethan at first could only say "Wow," clearly lost in his own thoughts.
"Ethan, you okay?" Miranda asked, not so what to make of him just then.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Something Matt said hit home. Congratulations, you two."
"What did I say?"
"That bit about 'no time to waste'. You're right." Ethan wondered for a moment if he should continue, then did. "Matt, if I tell you something, will you promise not to hurt me until I'm done."
That got Matt's interest. "Ookaay."
"I think your sister and I have been using each other to hide from our real feelings about others."
Matt used a lot of will power to keep his promise. "EXPLAIN."
"Gordo and Kate." Miranda cut in, a light dawning. "You could see Lizzie and Gordo liked each other, but were afraid to tell each other. That made Lizzie safe for you, because you weren't afraid you might break her heart if, or when, you figured out your feelings for Kate."
"Damn, Miranda, you're quick. Quicker then me, at least." Ethan said ruefully.
"One problem." Matt was speaking through gritted teeth. "As I recall, one reason Lizzie was so HAPPY when she started dating you was because you had just DUMPED KATE. Explain that."
"I was dating Kate for the same reason I dated every girl before her for the last year of so. To try, for lack of a better phrase, to get laid. And before you jump, Matt, I never tried to do more then kiss your sister. Even that felt uncomfortable. The reason for that is because, when I was with Kate, I started to feel something . . . different inside toward her. I can't recall how I got there, but one night I caught myself dreaming about a wedding. A wedding! At sixteen! That scared the hell out of me. So, rather then face my fears, I dumped Kate. But I see now that, as you said, Matt, I can't waste time. I've got to tell her the truth. Both of them. At least it will free Lizzie for Gordo. If only they would tell each other."
"That is something we've been talking about." Miranda said, seizing the opening. "But we didn't want to do anything that could hurt you in the process. Now that we know your heart on this, I'd like to ask you something. Would you be willing to join with us in trying to get those two together?"
"I'd like that. If it's okay with Matt, that is."
Matt thought of a long moment. "Okay, Ethan, you're in."
"Good. Now, I have an idea for my part, but I'll need two things. First, I need my doctor's permission to visit Lizzie."
"They insisted on me using a wheelchair, but if you can get some to push, they should let you."
"Good. Second thing, Matt, is I need you to join me in a bit of acting. Think you can play the overprotective brother?"
Matt's face was now one of chagrin. "I think I can manage that."
"Good. Now, here's my idea." As Ethan explained his plan, both Matt and Miranda thought the same thing. 'This guy isn't as dumb as I thought.'
~~~~~~~~
A/N: What's Ethan's plan? How will Lizzie react? Will Gordo awake before surgery? Stay tuned.