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.
`
Chapter 9
Seeds of the Mind.
`
There was a problem with Ethan's part of their plan. Upon hearing the request for a wheelchair, Ethan was told that it wouldn't be allowed until he was officially cleared to leave ICU for a room upstairs. While they expected that to happen as soon as one of his parents arrived, he would have to wait. While they waited for that, Matt and Miranda decided to visit Lizzie. "We'll get some ideas planted in her head for you to work with" Miranda said. When they left his room, Ethan thought with amusement. 'Those two? I never would have guessed. But then, neither did they.'
When they reached Lizzie's room, they found Lizzie and Jo chatting like girlfriends. Matt knocked on the door. "Hey, sis. You seem better. I've brought company."
"I see that. But I'm only allowed two visitors at a time, Matt. Would you mind waiting?"
"Actually, Lizzie," Jo interjected, "I could use a brief break." She then got a knowing look on her face. "Besides, I think both of them should be here for this."
"Real subtle, mom." Matt said in a low, droll voice.
Lizzie was wearing a face of bewildered curiosity. "If you say so."
When Jo left the room, Matt and Miranda took basically the same places they had in Ethan's room. Once Matt got seated, Miranda started. "How are you doing, Lizzie?"
"Better. Now, would one or both of you mind explaining to me just want mom meant by that?"
Miranda was clearly uncomfortable. "Well, Lizzie, you see, it's like . . ."
"Wait, Miranda." Matt interrupted. "I figure I'm going to have to tell the whole story again anyway, so you'd might as well let me do that now." With a nod from Miranda, he began. As he told his tale, he saw to his amusement that Lizzie had the most animated (A/N: Sorry, had to say that) facial reactions so far. Finishing before the part about singing, he looked at his sister's flabbergasted face. "Lizzie, are you okay?" His voice showed obvious worry.
Slowly, she nodded. Then she screeched. Matt jumped to cover her mouth. "LIZZIE! Your lung! Remember?"
She nodded, her eyes wide. Matt removed his hand and return to his seat. "Sorry. But, gees Matt, I just found out that my best friend is dating my little brother. You expected me NOT to react?"
"Well of course you're going to react. That doesn't mean you should endanger your recovery. Remember what I told you in Gordo's room?"
Lizzie blushed at the reminder. "Yes, Matt, I do."
Miranda chipped in here, her smile beaming. "It's so sweet, your barely conscious mind knows what everyone except the fully awake Lizzie knows, that you love Gordo."
Lizzie rolled her eyes. "Miranda, in case you hadn't noticed, I'm dating Ethan, not Gordo."
"Yet it was Gordo you were so worried about that you couldn't think of anything else until you saw him." Matt pressed the point. Lizzie's face fell into a look he was too familiar with, both in the mirror and on Miranda. "Don't feel guilty, Lizzie, I figure it's a lot like the way my mind reacted when I first realized how I felt about Miranda."
Almost conceding the point, Lizzie sighed. "You didn't have as much to lose. Gordo is my friend, and Ethan is my boyfriend. If I do what you two are suggesting, and Gordo doesn't feel the same, I could hurt and lose both of them."
"Lizzie, do you think it was easy for me? I had no clue how to tell Miranda, and ended up telling her in a shouting match. But I know I had to tell her. I nearly lost her PERMANENTLY. I couldn't take that chance again."
"And you're my best friend, you and Gordo. Do you have any idea how worried I was, still am, about how you would react to Matt and I dating? The idea of you rejecting us, me, terrifies me. But, a lot of what Matt said makes sense. Like when he talks about having no time to waste. While I had never considered Matt romantically, I realized that I needed to take a chance. I mean, I could have died having never known true, romantic love. Instead, I survived, and now I have been given someone who truly loves me. Even though I didn't feel the same yet, how could I just throw that away without trying?"
Lizzie was fighting back tears, hands flapping in front of her. "Will you two stop?!? Okay, I get it. You're in love, and don't give me that look, Miranda, you may not have been in love with him at first, but it's written all over you." After gathering herself, she continued. "I'm happy for you two. Surprised, but happy. But, guys, it's just not that easy for me. I truly care about Ethan, and I don't want to hurt him."
"Only you know how to handle him, Lizzie." Miranda said. "But I think he should know. That is, if he doesn't already." Lizzie looked puzzled. "I've already told you how clear your feelings for Gordo are to everyone. Ethan may be dim, but even he had to see something." Lizzie blushed at that. "And Lizzie," Miranda reached for Matt's hand, "thanks for understanding."
"Yeah, sis. Thanks."
"Oh, will you two get going before we all burst into tears! Besides, you've given me a lot to think about."
"Sure, sis." Matt fell into his British accent. "Are you ready, me'lady?"
Miranda looked very serious. "Wait, Matt. I still have part of our bargain to deal with."
"Are you sure?" His voice showed obvious concern.
"Yeah." She turned back to Lizzie. "Lizzie, I need to know the truth about this. Do you or your parents blame me for the crash?"
"NO. How on earth could you even think that? Of course I don't."
"And neither do Sam or I" came the voice of Mrs. McGuire from the doorway. Matt and Miranda both jumped in surprise.
"How long have you been there, mom?"
Jo smiled. "Just long enough to hear that your British accent is as deliberately bad as ever. Go on, you two. The doctor wants to examine Lizzie to see if she can be moved upstairs. Who knows, Miranda, you two may be roomies."
"Not for long, the doctor said before that I might be released as early as tomorrow. See you later, Lizzie."
"Bye, sis."
"Bye, you two. And behave, will ya? I don't want to be an aunt yet."
"LIZZIE!"
~~~~~~~~
When they left Lizzie's room, Matt wheeled Miranda into the waiting room he and his parents used the previous day. "What are we doing here, Matt?"
"Something occurred back there I wanted to ask you about."
"What?"
"When Lizzie told you that she could see that you love me, you didn't do or say anything to correct her. Miranda, look me in the eyes." She did, slowly. "Is she right? Are you in love with me?"
Still looking in his eyes, she replied. "I don't know. I just don't know yet. Maybe. It's scary. I think I can relate to how Ethan felt."
Matt smiled at that. "Don't tell me you've been dreaming about weddings."
Miranda slugged him on the shoulder. "NO. That's not what I meant."
"I know what you meant. I had to see a shrink, remember?"
"Yeah, will, I guess it's like that line in your song."
"Which line?"
"The one about believing." Matt nodded his understanding. "I know you don't want to sing for everyone, but at least find a way to play it for them. We all need that kind of encouragement."
"Even you? About us?"
"Yes. I know that's not the answer you want to hear, but it's still too soon, too new for me. Are you okay with that?"
"Yeah. I expected it might take awhile, but I can hope, can't I?"
"Of course you can. Besides, it might not take as long as you think." Matt's face brightened. Miranda decided that they needed to continue with their day. "Matt, if you don't mind, I like to look in on Gordo before going back upstairs."
"You sure you're ready for that?"
Miranda gave him a hard look. "Matt, I know I broke down yesterday, but I'm not made of glass. I wouldn't ask to see him if I didn't think I was ready. You need to respect that, and me."
Matt was clearly taken aback, and somewhat angered. "I know you aren't made of glass, Miranda. But the way you were yesterday, it tore me up inside. It was all I could do not to break down with you. And I'll tell you this, when I got to my room, and remembered the way you looked, I DID break down. Sobbed like a baby. So if I get overprotective, please understand that it's because I never want either of us to feel like that again if it can be avoided."
"But, Matt, it CAN'T be avoided. Not forever. And not this. Yes, it will hurt to see him. But it would hurt worse to know that I saw everyone else, but was too afraid to see him. Do you understand?"
"I guess so." Matt took a deep breath. "Alright, I'll trust your judgement. But if I think it's getting to be to much for you, I'm getting you out of there. I just can't let you hurt if I can stop it. Do you understand?"
"I guess that's as good a compromise as any."
~~~~~~~~
The visit to Gordo's room was uneventful, much to Matt's relief.
~~~~~~~~
Later, Dr. Martin finished her exam of Lizzie. "Well, Lizzie, everything seems to be in order. I think it's safe to send you to a room upstairs. I understand the other young lady in your crash is a friend. Is that correct?" Lizzie nodded. "Would you like me to see if you can share a room?"
"Yeah, that would be great."
After Dr. Martin left to check on the room, Jo looked at her daughter. "Are you sure about that? It may become uncomfortable being there when Matt's with her."
Lizzie grimaced, but shake it off. "It might, but I've got to face it sooner of later. After their visit, I expect that they will be together for a long time. Besides," she got a wicked grin, "if I'm there, I can tease them mercilessly. Also, they won't have an empty room to tempt them."
"Please, Lizzie, don't joke about that."
Lizzie couldn't help but a laugh at her mother's reaction, but then turned thoughtful. "Mom, I know I was joking about it, but it is a real concern. I mean, we can all tell how real and strong Matt's emotional attachment to Miranda already is. Add to that the fact that he's just entering puberty, and I'm worried about what that might lead to. I know Miranda has enough sense not to have . . ." Lizzie visibly shuttered, "sex with Matt, or anyone, without her having a strong emotional bound with them. But when they were in here, despite what she tells everyone, even herself, I could see that she already loves him. I even called her on it and she never hinted at a denial. I could also see her bound with him growing stronger by the second. I just don't know how long either will, can, resist."
"You think it's that serious already?"
"I don't know, but I'm afraid it may be."
"l see. Well, trying to break them up would be too cruel, and I doubt it would work, anyway. I think I'll have a talk with Mrs. Sanchez. Your father is adjusting to Matt's growing up, but it's still tough for him. I'll leave it up to Mrs. Sanchez rather or not to tell her husband. Either way, she and I should have a long talk with those two." She sighed heavily. "In the end, though, we're going to have to trust them. I agree with you, I think those two are going to last, but they aren't even close to being ready to be parents."
"Who would have thought a week ago you and I would be discussing Matt's love life?"
"Do you really have to put it like that?"
"Sorry, mom."
Dr. Martin came back in then. "Good news. The second bed in Ms. Sanchez's room is open and unclaimed."
~~~~~~~~
Once the arrangements were made, Lizzie was moved into Miranda's room. Matt and Miranda had made it back up by then, and greeted her warmly.
"I see they trust you not to abuse your lung, sis. Still, is it such a good idea having you two here together?"
"Hey!" both girls cried out in unison.
"Will you three please behave?" Jo interrupted them. "I don't want to spend the next couple of hours as referee."
"I don't know. Such childishness makes a nice change from most of the week." Mrs. Sanchez observed.
Matt mouthed the word 'now' to Miranda, who nodded back to him. This exchange went unnoticed by the others. "You know, Lizzie, now that you're up here, I'm sure they will let you visit the others, like Ethan, if you have a wheelchair. We still have the one Miranda used, and I can push. What do you say, sis?"
Lizzie looked at him suspiciously. "Why are you interested in me visiting Ethan? The way you two were talking earlier . . ."
Miranda chimed in. "Look, Lizzie, just because Matt and I believe you should be with Gordo doesn't mean we don't respect your feelings. Go to Ethan. Whatever your future holds, he is still your boyfriend right now, and I think he would like to see you. I know I'm happier when Matt's around."
Lizzie arched her eyebrows at that last part. "For someone who says she's not in love yet, you sure act and talk like it." As Miranda blushed, Lizzie returned her attention to her brother, who was also blushing. "I think I will take you up on your offer, Matt."
As the two mothers helped Lizzie into the chair, Lizzie whispered something to Jo, who nodded. Matt, who waited next to Miranda's bed, leaned into her. He spoke softy. "Any guess as to what they're whispering about?"
"Us" she replied, just as softly.
"Oh, joy."
"I doubt it's all that bad."
"Two mothers and a big sister are whispering about us, and you're not worried."
"I'll worry if the dads get involved."
Matt paled. "Point taken."
~~~~~~~~
After Matt and Lizzie left, the mothers excused themselves to talk, leaving Miranda to wonder about what they were up to.
~~~~~~~~
A/N: The plan kicks into gear when Matt and Lizzie visit Ethan. And just what will those two mothers do? 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.
`
Chapter 9
Seeds of the Mind.
`
There was a problem with Ethan's part of their plan. Upon hearing the request for a wheelchair, Ethan was told that it wouldn't be allowed until he was officially cleared to leave ICU for a room upstairs. While they expected that to happen as soon as one of his parents arrived, he would have to wait. While they waited for that, Matt and Miranda decided to visit Lizzie. "We'll get some ideas planted in her head for you to work with" Miranda said. When they left his room, Ethan thought with amusement. 'Those two? I never would have guessed. But then, neither did they.'
When they reached Lizzie's room, they found Lizzie and Jo chatting like girlfriends. Matt knocked on the door. "Hey, sis. You seem better. I've brought company."
"I see that. But I'm only allowed two visitors at a time, Matt. Would you mind waiting?"
"Actually, Lizzie," Jo interjected, "I could use a brief break." She then got a knowing look on her face. "Besides, I think both of them should be here for this."
"Real subtle, mom." Matt said in a low, droll voice.
Lizzie was wearing a face of bewildered curiosity. "If you say so."
When Jo left the room, Matt and Miranda took basically the same places they had in Ethan's room. Once Matt got seated, Miranda started. "How are you doing, Lizzie?"
"Better. Now, would one or both of you mind explaining to me just want mom meant by that?"
Miranda was clearly uncomfortable. "Well, Lizzie, you see, it's like . . ."
"Wait, Miranda." Matt interrupted. "I figure I'm going to have to tell the whole story again anyway, so you'd might as well let me do that now." With a nod from Miranda, he began. As he told his tale, he saw to his amusement that Lizzie had the most animated (A/N: Sorry, had to say that) facial reactions so far. Finishing before the part about singing, he looked at his sister's flabbergasted face. "Lizzie, are you okay?" His voice showed obvious worry.
Slowly, she nodded. Then she screeched. Matt jumped to cover her mouth. "LIZZIE! Your lung! Remember?"
She nodded, her eyes wide. Matt removed his hand and return to his seat. "Sorry. But, gees Matt, I just found out that my best friend is dating my little brother. You expected me NOT to react?"
"Well of course you're going to react. That doesn't mean you should endanger your recovery. Remember what I told you in Gordo's room?"
Lizzie blushed at the reminder. "Yes, Matt, I do."
Miranda chipped in here, her smile beaming. "It's so sweet, your barely conscious mind knows what everyone except the fully awake Lizzie knows, that you love Gordo."
Lizzie rolled her eyes. "Miranda, in case you hadn't noticed, I'm dating Ethan, not Gordo."
"Yet it was Gordo you were so worried about that you couldn't think of anything else until you saw him." Matt pressed the point. Lizzie's face fell into a look he was too familiar with, both in the mirror and on Miranda. "Don't feel guilty, Lizzie, I figure it's a lot like the way my mind reacted when I first realized how I felt about Miranda."
Almost conceding the point, Lizzie sighed. "You didn't have as much to lose. Gordo is my friend, and Ethan is my boyfriend. If I do what you two are suggesting, and Gordo doesn't feel the same, I could hurt and lose both of them."
"Lizzie, do you think it was easy for me? I had no clue how to tell Miranda, and ended up telling her in a shouting match. But I know I had to tell her. I nearly lost her PERMANENTLY. I couldn't take that chance again."
"And you're my best friend, you and Gordo. Do you have any idea how worried I was, still am, about how you would react to Matt and I dating? The idea of you rejecting us, me, terrifies me. But, a lot of what Matt said makes sense. Like when he talks about having no time to waste. While I had never considered Matt romantically, I realized that I needed to take a chance. I mean, I could have died having never known true, romantic love. Instead, I survived, and now I have been given someone who truly loves me. Even though I didn't feel the same yet, how could I just throw that away without trying?"
Lizzie was fighting back tears, hands flapping in front of her. "Will you two stop?!? Okay, I get it. You're in love, and don't give me that look, Miranda, you may not have been in love with him at first, but it's written all over you." After gathering herself, she continued. "I'm happy for you two. Surprised, but happy. But, guys, it's just not that easy for me. I truly care about Ethan, and I don't want to hurt him."
"Only you know how to handle him, Lizzie." Miranda said. "But I think he should know. That is, if he doesn't already." Lizzie looked puzzled. "I've already told you how clear your feelings for Gordo are to everyone. Ethan may be dim, but even he had to see something." Lizzie blushed at that. "And Lizzie," Miranda reached for Matt's hand, "thanks for understanding."
"Yeah, sis. Thanks."
"Oh, will you two get going before we all burst into tears! Besides, you've given me a lot to think about."
"Sure, sis." Matt fell into his British accent. "Are you ready, me'lady?"
Miranda looked very serious. "Wait, Matt. I still have part of our bargain to deal with."
"Are you sure?" His voice showed obvious concern.
"Yeah." She turned back to Lizzie. "Lizzie, I need to know the truth about this. Do you or your parents blame me for the crash?"
"NO. How on earth could you even think that? Of course I don't."
"And neither do Sam or I" came the voice of Mrs. McGuire from the doorway. Matt and Miranda both jumped in surprise.
"How long have you been there, mom?"
Jo smiled. "Just long enough to hear that your British accent is as deliberately bad as ever. Go on, you two. The doctor wants to examine Lizzie to see if she can be moved upstairs. Who knows, Miranda, you two may be roomies."
"Not for long, the doctor said before that I might be released as early as tomorrow. See you later, Lizzie."
"Bye, sis."
"Bye, you two. And behave, will ya? I don't want to be an aunt yet."
"LIZZIE!"
~~~~~~~~
When they left Lizzie's room, Matt wheeled Miranda into the waiting room he and his parents used the previous day. "What are we doing here, Matt?"
"Something occurred back there I wanted to ask you about."
"What?"
"When Lizzie told you that she could see that you love me, you didn't do or say anything to correct her. Miranda, look me in the eyes." She did, slowly. "Is she right? Are you in love with me?"
Still looking in his eyes, she replied. "I don't know. I just don't know yet. Maybe. It's scary. I think I can relate to how Ethan felt."
Matt smiled at that. "Don't tell me you've been dreaming about weddings."
Miranda slugged him on the shoulder. "NO. That's not what I meant."
"I know what you meant. I had to see a shrink, remember?"
"Yeah, will, I guess it's like that line in your song."
"Which line?"
"The one about believing." Matt nodded his understanding. "I know you don't want to sing for everyone, but at least find a way to play it for them. We all need that kind of encouragement."
"Even you? About us?"
"Yes. I know that's not the answer you want to hear, but it's still too soon, too new for me. Are you okay with that?"
"Yeah. I expected it might take awhile, but I can hope, can't I?"
"Of course you can. Besides, it might not take as long as you think." Matt's face brightened. Miranda decided that they needed to continue with their day. "Matt, if you don't mind, I like to look in on Gordo before going back upstairs."
"You sure you're ready for that?"
Miranda gave him a hard look. "Matt, I know I broke down yesterday, but I'm not made of glass. I wouldn't ask to see him if I didn't think I was ready. You need to respect that, and me."
Matt was clearly taken aback, and somewhat angered. "I know you aren't made of glass, Miranda. But the way you were yesterday, it tore me up inside. It was all I could do not to break down with you. And I'll tell you this, when I got to my room, and remembered the way you looked, I DID break down. Sobbed like a baby. So if I get overprotective, please understand that it's because I never want either of us to feel like that again if it can be avoided."
"But, Matt, it CAN'T be avoided. Not forever. And not this. Yes, it will hurt to see him. But it would hurt worse to know that I saw everyone else, but was too afraid to see him. Do you understand?"
"I guess so." Matt took a deep breath. "Alright, I'll trust your judgement. But if I think it's getting to be to much for you, I'm getting you out of there. I just can't let you hurt if I can stop it. Do you understand?"
"I guess that's as good a compromise as any."
~~~~~~~~
The visit to Gordo's room was uneventful, much to Matt's relief.
~~~~~~~~
Later, Dr. Martin finished her exam of Lizzie. "Well, Lizzie, everything seems to be in order. I think it's safe to send you to a room upstairs. I understand the other young lady in your crash is a friend. Is that correct?" Lizzie nodded. "Would you like me to see if you can share a room?"
"Yeah, that would be great."
After Dr. Martin left to check on the room, Jo looked at her daughter. "Are you sure about that? It may become uncomfortable being there when Matt's with her."
Lizzie grimaced, but shake it off. "It might, but I've got to face it sooner of later. After their visit, I expect that they will be together for a long time. Besides," she got a wicked grin, "if I'm there, I can tease them mercilessly. Also, they won't have an empty room to tempt them."
"Please, Lizzie, don't joke about that."
Lizzie couldn't help but a laugh at her mother's reaction, but then turned thoughtful. "Mom, I know I was joking about it, but it is a real concern. I mean, we can all tell how real and strong Matt's emotional attachment to Miranda already is. Add to that the fact that he's just entering puberty, and I'm worried about what that might lead to. I know Miranda has enough sense not to have . . ." Lizzie visibly shuttered, "sex with Matt, or anyone, without her having a strong emotional bound with them. But when they were in here, despite what she tells everyone, even herself, I could see that she already loves him. I even called her on it and she never hinted at a denial. I could also see her bound with him growing stronger by the second. I just don't know how long either will, can, resist."
"You think it's that serious already?"
"I don't know, but I'm afraid it may be."
"l see. Well, trying to break them up would be too cruel, and I doubt it would work, anyway. I think I'll have a talk with Mrs. Sanchez. Your father is adjusting to Matt's growing up, but it's still tough for him. I'll leave it up to Mrs. Sanchez rather or not to tell her husband. Either way, she and I should have a long talk with those two." She sighed heavily. "In the end, though, we're going to have to trust them. I agree with you, I think those two are going to last, but they aren't even close to being ready to be parents."
"Who would have thought a week ago you and I would be discussing Matt's love life?"
"Do you really have to put it like that?"
"Sorry, mom."
Dr. Martin came back in then. "Good news. The second bed in Ms. Sanchez's room is open and unclaimed."
~~~~~~~~
Once the arrangements were made, Lizzie was moved into Miranda's room. Matt and Miranda had made it back up by then, and greeted her warmly.
"I see they trust you not to abuse your lung, sis. Still, is it such a good idea having you two here together?"
"Hey!" both girls cried out in unison.
"Will you three please behave?" Jo interrupted them. "I don't want to spend the next couple of hours as referee."
"I don't know. Such childishness makes a nice change from most of the week." Mrs. Sanchez observed.
Matt mouthed the word 'now' to Miranda, who nodded back to him. This exchange went unnoticed by the others. "You know, Lizzie, now that you're up here, I'm sure they will let you visit the others, like Ethan, if you have a wheelchair. We still have the one Miranda used, and I can push. What do you say, sis?"
Lizzie looked at him suspiciously. "Why are you interested in me visiting Ethan? The way you two were talking earlier . . ."
Miranda chimed in. "Look, Lizzie, just because Matt and I believe you should be with Gordo doesn't mean we don't respect your feelings. Go to Ethan. Whatever your future holds, he is still your boyfriend right now, and I think he would like to see you. I know I'm happier when Matt's around."
Lizzie arched her eyebrows at that last part. "For someone who says she's not in love yet, you sure act and talk like it." As Miranda blushed, Lizzie returned her attention to her brother, who was also blushing. "I think I will take you up on your offer, Matt."
As the two mothers helped Lizzie into the chair, Lizzie whispered something to Jo, who nodded. Matt, who waited next to Miranda's bed, leaned into her. He spoke softy. "Any guess as to what they're whispering about?"
"Us" she replied, just as softly.
"Oh, joy."
"I doubt it's all that bad."
"Two mothers and a big sister are whispering about us, and you're not worried."
"I'll worry if the dads get involved."
Matt paled. "Point taken."
~~~~~~~~
After Matt and Lizzie left, the mothers excused themselves to talk, leaving Miranda to wonder about what they were up to.
~~~~~~~~
A/N: The plan kicks into gear when Matt and Lizzie visit Ethan. And just what will those two mothers do? Stay tuned!