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 am now a fan of fanfiction's online dictionary. That thing works beautifully.
A/N: Personal Notes:
JAMTillDawn: You've mentioned it a few times.
keeponwritin: Glad you got all that. I was wondering how much of my foreshadowing everyone caught. I tried to work it like my favorite author, Orson Scott Card, did for the big bombshell in "Ender's Game". He used it in such a way that you likely didn't catch it until the bomb fell, then you slapped your forehead in realization. Did it work?
plainjane: I never cared much for English classes either. I'm a history and science man myself. However, this class was required. Not that I minded, as he was one of my favorite professors. As I hinted at, the old man was rather cracked, but he knew he's stuff about writing, and was fun to talk with. Sadly, he passed a couple of years ago.
`
Chapter 17
The Set-up.
`
When the three families met in the hospital lobby a little after noon the next day, four of them looked like they had a rough night. Matt keep waking up expecting a phone call. When it didn't come, he hoped that meant Miranda had a better night. However, one look at her and her parents told another story. When they sat down, he had to ask. "Bad night?"
"Yes, but not as bad. They were able to be snap me out of it." She looked to Mr. Gordon. "That is an improvement, right?"
"Yes, it is a good start." He turned to Matt. "I'm curious about something. Last night before you went home, you said something to her. "Just remember what we talked about" I believe was the phrase. May I ask just what you meant by that?"
The pair exchanged looks. It was as if they were having a conversation with just their eyes. Finally, Miranda spoke. "It was something said between us. THAT night." Everyone remembered what Matt had said about private words, and nodded. However, she continued. "But, in that case, it meant he'd trust me to try this alone, and I'd let him help if it was too much. Truth is, I almost asked for him. But I'm glad I didn't, because even though it wasn't the best sleep I've ever had," the look she gave Matt made him blush, "I did sleep. I now know I can do this."
"You're sure you're up to this, us leaving you here?" Her mother sounded worried.
"Yes. I know you're worried, but I didn't visit yesterday, and I need to see them, especially Gordo. Besides," she added with feigned weariness, "I've got five watchdogs."
Matt had to bite his tongue to hold back the locker room joke that came to him then.
~~~~~~~~
While the McGuires and Miranda visited Lizzie, the Gordons went to give Gordo more details about the crash. When that was done, Mr. Gordon said, "some of your friends have asked to see you. I'll warn you, you WILL be surprised by some of the changes that have happened. Do you feel up to it?"
Gordo's curiosity was peaked by that comment. ~ Yes ~
"I was hoping so. We'll let them know. We'll be back later today to see what you think of . . . everything." He chuckled at the face his son gave him. "And don't look at me like that. My son is in CICU, I'm going to worry."
Gordo's smile conceded the point.
~~~~~~~~
When his parents left, he had to rest his eyes. Even though they were able now to take the dimmed room lights without his shades for short periods, doing so was a pain. Literally. 'I think I'll use those things for everyone else. I wonder want he meant by changes? Guess I'll find out.'
He rested for 15 minutes before he heard footsteps. He was about to force himself to open his eyes when he heard Miranda's voice. "He looks asleep. You don't think . . ."
"No. His dad said he was up. His either resting or faking."
"Resting my eyes, Matt." Gordo replied as he opened them. His voice still hurt, but he could manage short replies. He reached for his shades and put them on. He then rested the digital notepad against the elbow of his arm cast and turned it on. He pointed to a spot near his bedside where they could read the screen. "Here, please." As the moved, he typed. He had practiced one-handed typing when he was alone last night. He was still slow, but better. ~ Matt, how did you get wrangled into being her escort here? ~
"What, I'm going to let OW!" Matt flinched sharply away from Miranda. "What was that for?!?"
"You talk too much. How are you, Gordo? You scared us a couple of OW!"
"Now who talks to much?"
Gordo cut his arm through the air to cut them off, then typed. ~ Will you two knock it off?! First, I know I was briefly dead. For a dead man, I'm ok. Throat and eyes still sore, but better. ~
"Good to know. That's a cool gadget you've got. Is it new?" Matt was clearly interested by the notepad.
Miranda rolled her eyes. "Boys."
~ What? It's very useful. And cool. However, I'd like to know how everyone is. I know Ethan's blind, I can see you're well, but how's Lizzie? ~
"Well," Matt thought for a moment, but decided to tell, "her right arm and leg are in casts, like you. She broke some ribs, and one of them punctured her lung, but that's healed."
~ Good. But, how has everyone been handling all this? Dad said I'd be surprised be some of the changes that have happened. ~ He saw their faces as they read that part, and know something was up. ~ And it looks like you two know something. Spill. ~
The last time he could remember anybody looking as uncomfortable as they looked . . . 'But that's impossible,' he thought as he waited, 'at least for Miranda.'
"Well, you see, it's, well." Miranda's stammering worried him. What happened next made him think he was in The Twilight Zone.
Matt took her hand, lovingly, and she didn't resist. Gordo's eyes bulged. 'NO WAY!'
"Gordo, I need to know. Do you blame me for the crash?"
That took him by surprise, and it showed. ~ No. How could I? Mom and Dad told me about the van. Have you been blaming yourself? ~ She nodded. ~ Don't. ~ He placed a hand on her shoulder, and she patted it in thanks. He removed his hand and started typing again. ~ Now, tell me I'm dreaming, and you and Matt aren't really holding hands. ~
Matt could feel her tense. He also felt her grip near crushing. "He's figured out this much, and he's a friend. He should know."
Miranda steadied herself. "I can't tell you you're dreaming. In the time you've been out, Matt and I have become a couple."
~ You're serious? You two, together? How? Why? ~
"That's the story I'm going to tell. I've told this often enough, it's almost routine." Matt launched into the story. Although he had wanted to hold back, they had agreed beforehand that, if Gordo figured them out, Matt would tell him everything except the matchmaking plot and what was said when they were alone Friday. Gordo listened, the amazement never leaving his face, although he nearly choked when told about Friday night. When he came to the end of the story, he concluded "so that's it. We're together, and we're both your father's new patients. What do you think? Are you okay with this?"
"Please, Gordo. I'm actually happy with him. I really love him. I want you, need you, to accept this."
The look on his face changed slightly. Miranda recognized the look forming, but wasn't sure if it was a good sign. What he typed took her by surprise. ~ Does Melina know? ~
It took a moment for the reference to sink in. When it did, Matt started laughing, while Miranda swatted Gordo's arm. "You! I don't believe you! This has nothing to do with that!"
"Calm down." Matt was fighting his laughter as he spoke. "If his first response is a joke, I'm going to take that as a good sign." Now calmer, he took her chin in hand. "As for her, dumping you for her was a mistake I'll never repeat." Before she could react to that, he kissed her.
CLANG
CLANG
The sound of metal-on-metal reminded them that they won't alone. They both looked sheepishly at Gordo. ~ You really are in love, aren't you? ~ They nodded. ~ It's just hard to believe, but after listening to you, how can I doubt it? But please, don't do that in front of me just yet. This will take a lot of getting used to. ~
Matt chuckled and turn to Miranda. "Have we told anybody and NOT had them say that?"
"Ethan didn't, but he had something on his mind."
~ Breaking with Lizzie? ~
"How do you know about that?"
~ He told me. How is she taking it? ~
"She took it hard at first, but mom and . . . well, she was comforted. I think she took the news about you worse. She wouldn't break down in front of us, but I get the feeling something happened with her and mom after I left. They won't say anything, but there's a definite change. I think maybe she's realized her feelings." Matt said the last with a VERY meaningful look.
~ What feelings? What are you talking about? ~
Miranda took over. "The feeling that everyone who knows you and Lizzie have seen for the past I don't know how many years. Everyone, that is, except the two that matter."
Gordo caught on. ~ We're FRIENDS, that's it. Why would you think anything else? ~
"Well, let's see. How about how my dear sister first woke?" Matt then told that story. "And you can ask your dad about it, since he saw most if it."
~ That doesn't mean anything more then that she cares about her friends. ~
"Then why not panic over me or Ethan? And even Ethan said he knew about you two. That's why he felt safe dating her when he got scared over Kate."
Matt couldn't resist. "Never thought I'd see the day when Ethan Craft was smarter then you."
Gordo looked at him with a droll expression. ~ That will never happen. But it would explain what he was talking about. When he told me about breaking up with Lizzie, he spoke about he and Kate, and left by telling me not to make his mistake. ~
"And when we told her about us," Miranda kept going, "while she didn't say she loved you outright, she may as well have. She went so far as to say that she was worried about losing you as a friend if she did as we suggested."
"I could never!" he replied without thinking. The pain in his throat was nothing compared to the realization of what he'd just said, and he hung his head.
"You had better mean that. Because, if I'm right about what happened when she and mom were alone, she'll be here to tell you how she feels soon. You've already died on her once. She'll not risk it happening again."
~ You have no idea what you're asking. ~
Miranda put her hand on his shoulder. "We've been friends for too long to not be able to read each other, at least some. Please, don't deny what's written all over you right now. You do love her, don't you?"
He looked at his longtime friend, and sighed in defeat. ~ I've had to sit on this for, what, 3, 4, 5 years? In that time, I've watched her moon over, chase, and even kiss others. Never in all that time have I seen even a hint that she was interested. I've accepted the fact that she only wants me as a friend. What you're saying is too much to hope for. ~
She had to fight back tears. "Make me a promise. If she does come to you, don't doubt it, don't over-think it. If she tells you she loves you, accept it. Tell her how you've felt for so long. Will you promise me?"
~ And if it doesn't work out? How can we stay friends if we break badly? I don't want to lose her, or hurt her. ~
"The only way to hurt her is to turn her down. We aren't asking you to make the first move. Just open to her if she opens to you. Can you at least do that?"
Gordo thought for a long time. ~ I'll try. ~
The silence that followed was, at best, awkward. Miranda finally spoke. "We should head back. Your parents wanted to come in again today. Just think about what we said, okay?" Gordo nodded. She took Matt by the hand, and they left the room.
When the elevator closed, Matt turned to her. "We should have leaned harder. Even admitting his feelings to you, he refused to really promise anything."
"I told you before, no. I know him, and he doesn't take being pushed well. If he doesn't do it right the first time, we can lean on him then. But if we do it too soon, it could cause him to dig in deeper."
"Or it could have been just the thing he needs to snap out of his denial. Instead, we risk him hurting Lizzie far worse than Ethan did."
"He wouldn't hurt her."
"Not on purpose. But you heard him. He can't make himself believe what we told could be real. I'm afraid he'll be so set on self denial he'll hurt her without trying. I needed to fear for your life before I knew anything, and I didn't have years of denial to deal with."
She placed her hands on the sides of his head. Their faces were so close their noses almost touched. "I have faith in him. He can be stubborn, but he'll do the right thing when the time comes. Trust me."
"I hope you're right. I just don't want her hurt again."
"I know." She kissed him. "Don't you ever change."
He had a strange look on his face. "Was that our first lovers' quarrel?"
She smiled. "I think they're louder than that."
"Explains why making up was so brief."
She raised her eyebrows. "Who said we were through?"
~~~~~~~~
When they reached Lizzie's room, only two of the five people they were expecting were there. "Where are Gordo's folks?" "Where's mom?" Miranda and Matt asked almost simultaneously.
It was then they saw the looks on incredulous mirth on Sam and Lizzie's faces. "What?!?"
Sam began. "Mr. Gordon has been asked to help Ethan. They went to visit and make arrangements." He had to cover his face, trying hard not to laugh.
"WHAT?!?"
"Miranda," Lizzie managed, "can you explain why my brother is wearing you lipstick?"
The looks on the couple's faces finally sent Sam and Lizzie into hysterics.
"You should to wash that off before your mom gets here." Miranda finally said. She wanted to hide.
"Right. Wash. Yeah. Wash. Where?" Matt wanted to be anywhere but there, and so, of course, forgot where the bathroom in Lizzie's room was. Lizzie laughed, then pointed. Matt quickly went in.
Lizzie saw her friends discomfort, but couldn't resist. "Well? What have you been doing to him?"
Miranda squirmed at first, then caught Lizzie's expression. "Oh, you! You're worse than Gordo! You two really do deserve each other!"
Miranda's outburst only caused Lizzie more giggles. "I'm sorry, but it was just so easy. And what do you mean I'm worse than Gordo!"
"When Matt finished telling him about us, the first thing Gordo did was ask if Melina knew. The nerve!"
Lizzie looked puzzled. "Why would that matter?"
That was when Miranda realized that Lizzie and her dad only knew that Matt had had a crush on her a few years ago, not any of the details. "Oh, ah, nothing, nothing at all!"
"If you say so."
Matt came back out. He went to Miranda. "Did I get it all?"
She checked him over. "I think so."
Sam spoke up. "Not that we don't expect some of that from you two, but what possessed you to do that here?"
Matt was still uncomfortable. "Well, dad, we had an argument. Then we made up. Nothin major."
Sam had to chuckle. "Words of caution. In a public place, make up with less . . . vigor . . . than those smudges suggest. And check for marks afterward. If your mother had been here, or worse her father . . ."
"I get the idea, dad. Thanks for the tip."
Miranda was puzzled by his reaction. "Why? Not that I'm complaining, but why aren't you mad? Why the advice?"
Sam thought about how to answer. "Don't think I would approve of you two going far beyond kissing. I don't. But after the last couple of days, I think we can trust you two with just kissing. Just not in public, okay?"
"Er . . . right. Okay."
"Wait a minute." Lizzie's interest was peaked. "What are you talking about? What happened?"
If it were possible for the couple to be more uncomfortable, they would have been. However, Matt felt a mischievous urge to shock his sister. And, of course, he couldn't resist. So, in as deadpan a face and voice as he could manage, he said. "Nothing much, we just . . ."
His mouth was covered by Miranda's hand. "Have you lost your mind?!?"
He managed to pry her hand away. "There's been some question of that, hasn't there?"
"Oh, right, bad choice of words. But really, you can't blurt that out. If WE'RE going to tell her, we start from us getting home. Agreed?"
Matt thought about it. "You want me to tell her what I said to your dad?"
"You told Gordo. Why leave her out?"
He conceded defeat. "I'll never win an argument with you, will I?"
She moved closer. "Just remember what tends to follow arguments."
"PLEASE don't do that in here!" Lizzie interrupted.
"Sorry" They both said as they separated. Matt looked at his sister. "Alright, sis, we'll tell you. But I warn you, you're in for one hell of a ride. And please, however much you'll want to interrupt, don't."
"Got it. No interrupting."
With that, they began their story, minus what was said when they were alone. Lizzie did interrupt in a couple spots, but apologized, and let them continue. Once they finished, Lizzie wasn't sure where to begin. "It's just so, wow. Of all the things I could have imagined, this beats them all. But, really, NOTHING happened?" Lizzie sounded skeptical.
"Sis, we were in the open in her folks living room. Just how dumb to you think we are?"
"Oh, right, sorry."
"I take it you've told her about Friday" came the voice of Jo McGuire from the doorway.
"She knows what you know, mom. Where have you been? I asked when we came in, but we got sidetracked before I got an answer."
"Lizzie asked me to find something."
"Did you find it?" Lizzie asked excitedly.
"Yes. It wasn't easy, but that computer they have helped."
"Are we allowed to know what it is?" Miranda asked.
"Yes, but not yet."
~~~~~~~~
Find out what Lizzie's planning next chapter.
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 am now a fan of fanfiction's online dictionary. That thing works beautifully.
A/N: Personal Notes:
JAMTillDawn: You've mentioned it a few times.
keeponwritin: Glad you got all that. I was wondering how much of my foreshadowing everyone caught. I tried to work it like my favorite author, Orson Scott Card, did for the big bombshell in "Ender's Game". He used it in such a way that you likely didn't catch it until the bomb fell, then you slapped your forehead in realization. Did it work?
plainjane: I never cared much for English classes either. I'm a history and science man myself. However, this class was required. Not that I minded, as he was one of my favorite professors. As I hinted at, the old man was rather cracked, but he knew he's stuff about writing, and was fun to talk with. Sadly, he passed a couple of years ago.
`
Chapter 17
The Set-up.
`
When the three families met in the hospital lobby a little after noon the next day, four of them looked like they had a rough night. Matt keep waking up expecting a phone call. When it didn't come, he hoped that meant Miranda had a better night. However, one look at her and her parents told another story. When they sat down, he had to ask. "Bad night?"
"Yes, but not as bad. They were able to be snap me out of it." She looked to Mr. Gordon. "That is an improvement, right?"
"Yes, it is a good start." He turned to Matt. "I'm curious about something. Last night before you went home, you said something to her. "Just remember what we talked about" I believe was the phrase. May I ask just what you meant by that?"
The pair exchanged looks. It was as if they were having a conversation with just their eyes. Finally, Miranda spoke. "It was something said between us. THAT night." Everyone remembered what Matt had said about private words, and nodded. However, she continued. "But, in that case, it meant he'd trust me to try this alone, and I'd let him help if it was too much. Truth is, I almost asked for him. But I'm glad I didn't, because even though it wasn't the best sleep I've ever had," the look she gave Matt made him blush, "I did sleep. I now know I can do this."
"You're sure you're up to this, us leaving you here?" Her mother sounded worried.
"Yes. I know you're worried, but I didn't visit yesterday, and I need to see them, especially Gordo. Besides," she added with feigned weariness, "I've got five watchdogs."
Matt had to bite his tongue to hold back the locker room joke that came to him then.
~~~~~~~~
While the McGuires and Miranda visited Lizzie, the Gordons went to give Gordo more details about the crash. When that was done, Mr. Gordon said, "some of your friends have asked to see you. I'll warn you, you WILL be surprised by some of the changes that have happened. Do you feel up to it?"
Gordo's curiosity was peaked by that comment. ~ Yes ~
"I was hoping so. We'll let them know. We'll be back later today to see what you think of . . . everything." He chuckled at the face his son gave him. "And don't look at me like that. My son is in CICU, I'm going to worry."
Gordo's smile conceded the point.
~~~~~~~~
When his parents left, he had to rest his eyes. Even though they were able now to take the dimmed room lights without his shades for short periods, doing so was a pain. Literally. 'I think I'll use those things for everyone else. I wonder want he meant by changes? Guess I'll find out.'
He rested for 15 minutes before he heard footsteps. He was about to force himself to open his eyes when he heard Miranda's voice. "He looks asleep. You don't think . . ."
"No. His dad said he was up. His either resting or faking."
"Resting my eyes, Matt." Gordo replied as he opened them. His voice still hurt, but he could manage short replies. He reached for his shades and put them on. He then rested the digital notepad against the elbow of his arm cast and turned it on. He pointed to a spot near his bedside where they could read the screen. "Here, please." As the moved, he typed. He had practiced one-handed typing when he was alone last night. He was still slow, but better. ~ Matt, how did you get wrangled into being her escort here? ~
"What, I'm going to let OW!" Matt flinched sharply away from Miranda. "What was that for?!?"
"You talk too much. How are you, Gordo? You scared us a couple of OW!"
"Now who talks to much?"
Gordo cut his arm through the air to cut them off, then typed. ~ Will you two knock it off?! First, I know I was briefly dead. For a dead man, I'm ok. Throat and eyes still sore, but better. ~
"Good to know. That's a cool gadget you've got. Is it new?" Matt was clearly interested by the notepad.
Miranda rolled her eyes. "Boys."
~ What? It's very useful. And cool. However, I'd like to know how everyone is. I know Ethan's blind, I can see you're well, but how's Lizzie? ~
"Well," Matt thought for a moment, but decided to tell, "her right arm and leg are in casts, like you. She broke some ribs, and one of them punctured her lung, but that's healed."
~ Good. But, how has everyone been handling all this? Dad said I'd be surprised be some of the changes that have happened. ~ He saw their faces as they read that part, and know something was up. ~ And it looks like you two know something. Spill. ~
The last time he could remember anybody looking as uncomfortable as they looked . . . 'But that's impossible,' he thought as he waited, 'at least for Miranda.'
"Well, you see, it's, well." Miranda's stammering worried him. What happened next made him think he was in The Twilight Zone.
Matt took her hand, lovingly, and she didn't resist. Gordo's eyes bulged. 'NO WAY!'
"Gordo, I need to know. Do you blame me for the crash?"
That took him by surprise, and it showed. ~ No. How could I? Mom and Dad told me about the van. Have you been blaming yourself? ~ She nodded. ~ Don't. ~ He placed a hand on her shoulder, and she patted it in thanks. He removed his hand and started typing again. ~ Now, tell me I'm dreaming, and you and Matt aren't really holding hands. ~
Matt could feel her tense. He also felt her grip near crushing. "He's figured out this much, and he's a friend. He should know."
Miranda steadied herself. "I can't tell you you're dreaming. In the time you've been out, Matt and I have become a couple."
~ You're serious? You two, together? How? Why? ~
"That's the story I'm going to tell. I've told this often enough, it's almost routine." Matt launched into the story. Although he had wanted to hold back, they had agreed beforehand that, if Gordo figured them out, Matt would tell him everything except the matchmaking plot and what was said when they were alone Friday. Gordo listened, the amazement never leaving his face, although he nearly choked when told about Friday night. When he came to the end of the story, he concluded "so that's it. We're together, and we're both your father's new patients. What do you think? Are you okay with this?"
"Please, Gordo. I'm actually happy with him. I really love him. I want you, need you, to accept this."
The look on his face changed slightly. Miranda recognized the look forming, but wasn't sure if it was a good sign. What he typed took her by surprise. ~ Does Melina know? ~
It took a moment for the reference to sink in. When it did, Matt started laughing, while Miranda swatted Gordo's arm. "You! I don't believe you! This has nothing to do with that!"
"Calm down." Matt was fighting his laughter as he spoke. "If his first response is a joke, I'm going to take that as a good sign." Now calmer, he took her chin in hand. "As for her, dumping you for her was a mistake I'll never repeat." Before she could react to that, he kissed her.
CLANG
CLANG
The sound of metal-on-metal reminded them that they won't alone. They both looked sheepishly at Gordo. ~ You really are in love, aren't you? ~ They nodded. ~ It's just hard to believe, but after listening to you, how can I doubt it? But please, don't do that in front of me just yet. This will take a lot of getting used to. ~
Matt chuckled and turn to Miranda. "Have we told anybody and NOT had them say that?"
"Ethan didn't, but he had something on his mind."
~ Breaking with Lizzie? ~
"How do you know about that?"
~ He told me. How is she taking it? ~
"She took it hard at first, but mom and . . . well, she was comforted. I think she took the news about you worse. She wouldn't break down in front of us, but I get the feeling something happened with her and mom after I left. They won't say anything, but there's a definite change. I think maybe she's realized her feelings." Matt said the last with a VERY meaningful look.
~ What feelings? What are you talking about? ~
Miranda took over. "The feeling that everyone who knows you and Lizzie have seen for the past I don't know how many years. Everyone, that is, except the two that matter."
Gordo caught on. ~ We're FRIENDS, that's it. Why would you think anything else? ~
"Well, let's see. How about how my dear sister first woke?" Matt then told that story. "And you can ask your dad about it, since he saw most if it."
~ That doesn't mean anything more then that she cares about her friends. ~
"Then why not panic over me or Ethan? And even Ethan said he knew about you two. That's why he felt safe dating her when he got scared over Kate."
Matt couldn't resist. "Never thought I'd see the day when Ethan Craft was smarter then you."
Gordo looked at him with a droll expression. ~ That will never happen. But it would explain what he was talking about. When he told me about breaking up with Lizzie, he spoke about he and Kate, and left by telling me not to make his mistake. ~
"And when we told her about us," Miranda kept going, "while she didn't say she loved you outright, she may as well have. She went so far as to say that she was worried about losing you as a friend if she did as we suggested."
"I could never!" he replied without thinking. The pain in his throat was nothing compared to the realization of what he'd just said, and he hung his head.
"You had better mean that. Because, if I'm right about what happened when she and mom were alone, she'll be here to tell you how she feels soon. You've already died on her once. She'll not risk it happening again."
~ You have no idea what you're asking. ~
Miranda put her hand on his shoulder. "We've been friends for too long to not be able to read each other, at least some. Please, don't deny what's written all over you right now. You do love her, don't you?"
He looked at his longtime friend, and sighed in defeat. ~ I've had to sit on this for, what, 3, 4, 5 years? In that time, I've watched her moon over, chase, and even kiss others. Never in all that time have I seen even a hint that she was interested. I've accepted the fact that she only wants me as a friend. What you're saying is too much to hope for. ~
She had to fight back tears. "Make me a promise. If she does come to you, don't doubt it, don't over-think it. If she tells you she loves you, accept it. Tell her how you've felt for so long. Will you promise me?"
~ And if it doesn't work out? How can we stay friends if we break badly? I don't want to lose her, or hurt her. ~
"The only way to hurt her is to turn her down. We aren't asking you to make the first move. Just open to her if she opens to you. Can you at least do that?"
Gordo thought for a long time. ~ I'll try. ~
The silence that followed was, at best, awkward. Miranda finally spoke. "We should head back. Your parents wanted to come in again today. Just think about what we said, okay?" Gordo nodded. She took Matt by the hand, and they left the room.
When the elevator closed, Matt turned to her. "We should have leaned harder. Even admitting his feelings to you, he refused to really promise anything."
"I told you before, no. I know him, and he doesn't take being pushed well. If he doesn't do it right the first time, we can lean on him then. But if we do it too soon, it could cause him to dig in deeper."
"Or it could have been just the thing he needs to snap out of his denial. Instead, we risk him hurting Lizzie far worse than Ethan did."
"He wouldn't hurt her."
"Not on purpose. But you heard him. He can't make himself believe what we told could be real. I'm afraid he'll be so set on self denial he'll hurt her without trying. I needed to fear for your life before I knew anything, and I didn't have years of denial to deal with."
She placed her hands on the sides of his head. Their faces were so close their noses almost touched. "I have faith in him. He can be stubborn, but he'll do the right thing when the time comes. Trust me."
"I hope you're right. I just don't want her hurt again."
"I know." She kissed him. "Don't you ever change."
He had a strange look on his face. "Was that our first lovers' quarrel?"
She smiled. "I think they're louder than that."
"Explains why making up was so brief."
She raised her eyebrows. "Who said we were through?"
~~~~~~~~
When they reached Lizzie's room, only two of the five people they were expecting were there. "Where are Gordo's folks?" "Where's mom?" Miranda and Matt asked almost simultaneously.
It was then they saw the looks on incredulous mirth on Sam and Lizzie's faces. "What?!?"
Sam began. "Mr. Gordon has been asked to help Ethan. They went to visit and make arrangements." He had to cover his face, trying hard not to laugh.
"WHAT?!?"
"Miranda," Lizzie managed, "can you explain why my brother is wearing you lipstick?"
The looks on the couple's faces finally sent Sam and Lizzie into hysterics.
"You should to wash that off before your mom gets here." Miranda finally said. She wanted to hide.
"Right. Wash. Yeah. Wash. Where?" Matt wanted to be anywhere but there, and so, of course, forgot where the bathroom in Lizzie's room was. Lizzie laughed, then pointed. Matt quickly went in.
Lizzie saw her friends discomfort, but couldn't resist. "Well? What have you been doing to him?"
Miranda squirmed at first, then caught Lizzie's expression. "Oh, you! You're worse than Gordo! You two really do deserve each other!"
Miranda's outburst only caused Lizzie more giggles. "I'm sorry, but it was just so easy. And what do you mean I'm worse than Gordo!"
"When Matt finished telling him about us, the first thing Gordo did was ask if Melina knew. The nerve!"
Lizzie looked puzzled. "Why would that matter?"
That was when Miranda realized that Lizzie and her dad only knew that Matt had had a crush on her a few years ago, not any of the details. "Oh, ah, nothing, nothing at all!"
"If you say so."
Matt came back out. He went to Miranda. "Did I get it all?"
She checked him over. "I think so."
Sam spoke up. "Not that we don't expect some of that from you two, but what possessed you to do that here?"
Matt was still uncomfortable. "Well, dad, we had an argument. Then we made up. Nothin major."
Sam had to chuckle. "Words of caution. In a public place, make up with less . . . vigor . . . than those smudges suggest. And check for marks afterward. If your mother had been here, or worse her father . . ."
"I get the idea, dad. Thanks for the tip."
Miranda was puzzled by his reaction. "Why? Not that I'm complaining, but why aren't you mad? Why the advice?"
Sam thought about how to answer. "Don't think I would approve of you two going far beyond kissing. I don't. But after the last couple of days, I think we can trust you two with just kissing. Just not in public, okay?"
"Er . . . right. Okay."
"Wait a minute." Lizzie's interest was peaked. "What are you talking about? What happened?"
If it were possible for the couple to be more uncomfortable, they would have been. However, Matt felt a mischievous urge to shock his sister. And, of course, he couldn't resist. So, in as deadpan a face and voice as he could manage, he said. "Nothing much, we just . . ."
His mouth was covered by Miranda's hand. "Have you lost your mind?!?"
He managed to pry her hand away. "There's been some question of that, hasn't there?"
"Oh, right, bad choice of words. But really, you can't blurt that out. If WE'RE going to tell her, we start from us getting home. Agreed?"
Matt thought about it. "You want me to tell her what I said to your dad?"
"You told Gordo. Why leave her out?"
He conceded defeat. "I'll never win an argument with you, will I?"
She moved closer. "Just remember what tends to follow arguments."
"PLEASE don't do that in here!" Lizzie interrupted.
"Sorry" They both said as they separated. Matt looked at his sister. "Alright, sis, we'll tell you. But I warn you, you're in for one hell of a ride. And please, however much you'll want to interrupt, don't."
"Got it. No interrupting."
With that, they began their story, minus what was said when they were alone. Lizzie did interrupt in a couple spots, but apologized, and let them continue. Once they finished, Lizzie wasn't sure where to begin. "It's just so, wow. Of all the things I could have imagined, this beats them all. But, really, NOTHING happened?" Lizzie sounded skeptical.
"Sis, we were in the open in her folks living room. Just how dumb to you think we are?"
"Oh, right, sorry."
"I take it you've told her about Friday" came the voice of Jo McGuire from the doorway.
"She knows what you know, mom. Where have you been? I asked when we came in, but we got sidetracked before I got an answer."
"Lizzie asked me to find something."
"Did you find it?" Lizzie asked excitedly.
"Yes. It wasn't easy, but that computer they have helped."
"Are we allowed to know what it is?" Miranda asked.
"Yes, but not yet."
~~~~~~~~
Find out what Lizzie's planning next chapter.