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: Warning: The following chapter is sugary enough to be a leading cause of cavities.
A/N: Personal Notes:
Merfman: While I wouldn't want you to go insane, being crazy can be so much fun!
JAMTillDawn: What, Miranda's nightmares aren't enough? Besides, I've noticed people, even 16 year old girls, tend to try and keep a strong face when they're with others, saving the tears for when they're alone. Of course, it doesn't always work, as Jo found out in Chapter 12.
keeponwritin: If my English instructors were to see your comment about reading my story making you a better writer, they'd want your head examined! I, however, will say thank you.
Chapter 18Something to Talk About
The rest of the day at the hospital was rather uneventful. Everyone had reasons to anticipate the following day. Both Lizzie and Ethan were to be examined for possible release, and Gordo was to be checked for a move upstairs.
When Miranda's parents arrived, Matt decided to ask Mrs. Sanchez about something that had been bugging him. Separating her from Miranda, he asked his question. "I was wondering, how has Miranda been reacting to being in cars? I know she seemed tense Friday, but, I don't know, she just seemed to take it a little too well. Does that make any sense?"
She thought about it a moment. "Yes, it does. I'm no expert, but I think she's trying to force herself to face her fears. We've seen her at her worst this past week. If I know her, she's trying to make up for that. Remember what she said about her tough girl image before? I think it means more to her than she realizes."
Matt found he couldn't disagree. "Like I've enjoyed being known as a troublemaker. I know it's probably not my place, but could you let me know if she starts having trouble with that, or anything. I worry about her."
She smiled gently at him. "As I would expect you to. Matt, there are some things said between mother and daughter that are to stay between them. However, I'll tell you what I can about this. I think you've earned that."
"Thank you."
"Now, will you do me a favor?"
"What?"
"Turn in early and get some sleep tonight. You're not going to do my daughter any good if you're dead on your feet."
Matt chuckled softly. "I wish it were so easy, but I'll try."
XzXzX
When he finished his dinner a little after 7:00, Matt told his parents he wanted to go to bed early. Although it was odd, they could see how tired he was, and bid him good night. However, tired though his body was, his mind couldn't let him rest. By 8:00, he decided to try some music, and started through his collection. It was when he got to three particular CDs that he got an idea. Gathering them up, he dressed and headed back downstairs.
"Matt, what's wrong." Sam asked, clearly remembering the last time Matt returned from bed.
"Nothing's wrong, but I think I might have an idea to help Miranda."
"What is it?" Jo asked, intrigued.
He showed her the back of one of the CDs and pointed out a song. "Do you remember that song."
She had to think for a moment. "Is that the one you sang for her?"
"Yeah. I couldn't sleep, so I started looking for something to listen to. When I saw this, I remembered how it help her calm down those times."
"Those times? When else . . . oh, of course." She realized the other time must have been Friday night.
"Yeah, well, I was thinking, that computer you guys got last year has a CD burner in it. I could put that song, and some others from the same singer, on a CD for her. It's a longshot, but it couldn't hurt."
Sam thought about this. "An interesting idea. Alright, let's do it."
"YES! Thanks, dad."
When they had everything programmed in, with nothing to do but sit and change disks when ordered, Sam asked "Matt, I was wondering, how did you get interested in this music?"
Matt's expression was wary. "What do you mean? Something wrong with it?"
Sam was a little surprised by Matt's reaction. "No. It's just not like what I'm used to hearing from you and your friends. I was just curious."
"Sorry. Guess I'm still touchy over the whole normal issue." He picked up the first CD's case. "Do you remember getting me this? I liked the movie so much, I begged you guys for the soundtrack."
"I remember. As I recall, when you first listened to it, you were disappointed."
"True, but I had only listened to the first couple of tracks. Well, the next weekend, Lanny and Melina both managed to get grounded, and I was bored. I saw that just sitting there, so I thought I'd give it another listen. Only this time I let it run to the end. When it got to this song, I was . . . I don't know. I couldn't move. I just had to sit and listen. That voice, I'd never heard anything like it. When it was done, I looked though the cover, hoping the words were there. They were, even translations if the lines I didn't know. I can't explain why, but I just loved that song, and I wanted to get more of her stuff. So, I saved my allowance and got these." He pointed to the other two. "And they're great!"
"Glad you like them. Have you tried others singers of her style?"
"That's the weird part. I've listened to others at those preview stands some stores have, and I don't like them. Strange, but she's the only one I care for."
"That's not so strange. I'm sure we all like one thing or another that doesn't fit our usual likes and dislikes."
"I guess so."
"Now, this is close to being finished. Why don't you start on a label for the case? If she's never heard most of these, she might appreciate that."
"Good idea."
When the recording was finished, Sam took Matt to deliver it. While they were out, Jo used the computer for something for Lizzie's plan.
XzXzX
The next morning at breakfast, Matt didn't look fully rested, but he looked better than he had in a while. While they had breakfast, the phone rang. Matt's chair sailed across the room as he jumped to answer. "Hello?"
"Matt, you scoundrel," came Miranda's mock outrage, "how dare you treat me like a baby that needs a lullaby!"
Matt couldn't help but laugh. "Well, did it work?"
"Yes, you rat, it worked!" She couldn't keep up the charade, and burst into giggles. When she collected herself, she spoke sincerely. "Thank you. While I still had . . . a rough night, it wasn't nearly as bad." Her voice then turned sly. "Besides, I had other things to dream about."
While his parents were curious about Matt's sudden blush, the quickly realized they probably didn't want to know.
XzXzX
"Good morning, Mr. Gordon" Dr. Benoit, Gordo's cardiac specialist, said as he came into his room, a nurse in tow. "Are you ready to be moved to a less depressing area?"
"Definitely." Gordo had been all but ordered to speak, as that was the only way to shake off the pain, which came from being unused for a week. As the man got his equipment into place, Gordo asked the question that had been bothering him. "Have you figured out why I died Friday?"
Dr. Benoit stopped what he was doing. "Not yet." He faced Gordo, and he wore a look of both apology and frustration. "I can tell you everything we've eliminated, but we are still at a loss. I don't think we'll have a better picture until we can give you a full stress test, and that won't happen until you're up and running. I wish I had a better answer for you."
"It's okay. I know you're trying. I was just hoping there was some news."
"As soon as I have an answer, I'll let you know. Now, your parents have signed all the forms, we have nurse Newhauser here to keep the lawyers happy, so if you're ready, I'll begin."
XzXzX
Jo arrived at Lizzie room alone, having convinced both men that they could come by later if Lizzie was cleared to be released, and that Matt needed to spend time with his friends. Her real reason was to keep them out of the way while Lizzie worked her plan.
"Have you got it, mom?" Lizzie was clearly excited.
Jo smiled at her daughter. "Your portable CD player, with CD is already loaded." She didn't tell her what CD was in there. That was her own surprise.
Part one was a waiting game for Lizzie and Jo. At 11:00 that morning, Dr. Martin came to the room. "I just got word. Young Mr. Gordon is now in a room on this floor." She handed Lizzie a piece of paper. "That's the room number. Good luck."
Lizzie tried to look puzzled. "On what?"
She smiled slightly. "You don't have to tell me anything, but I wouldn't have called in my favor with Dr. Benoit unless I thought it was for a good cause, and I think romance is a good cause, don't you?"
Lizzie's body language said it all. However, she tried to deflect the doctor's attention. "Why would you need to call in a favor just to know when he was up here?"
"You'd have to know Dr. Benoit. Remember when I told you that he was the best your friend could have?" Lizzie nodded. "That's because the man's not only good, but he's so determined to win, I think he sometimes saves patients by force of will alone. The trade off is that he is VERY protective of his patients. It's like pulling teeth to get anything from the man, unless you're the patient or the patient's family."
"I didn't realize it would be such a problem. Sorry."
"All I need from you is for whatever you're going to do to work. Now, I'll get you a wheelchair so you can visit him. Unless you prefer to be carried."
XzXzX
"Are you ready, honey?" Jo asked Lizzie as she parked her outside Gordo's closed door.
"As ready as I'll ever be." Lizzie looked nervous. "I need to do this."
"Okay." Jo patted her daughter's arm tenderly, then knocked on the door.
"Come in" came the still rough, but improving voice. He was a little surprised. "Hello, Mrs. McGuire. How are you? How's Lizzie?"
"We're both fine. Actually, I can't stay, but Lizzie asked me to drop this of." She sat the player down, turned the power on, and pushed play. "Good luck." She then left.
Gordo was more than a little confused. 'What was that . . .' His thoughts were interrupted by the beginning of a song. 'Whoever that is can work a slide guitar.' He knew he had heard this before, but couldn't place it. Then the lyrics started, and he remembered. 'As subtle as ever, Lizzie.'
The song was "Something To Talk About", performed by Bonnie Raitt.
As the song played, Lizzie carefully rolled in, closing the door closed behind her. By the second chorus, Lizzie was at the player, and turned it down to barely more than a whisper. As she rolled up on Gordo's cast free side, she finally began to speak. "How are you doing?"
"Very confused. Was that supposed to mean what it sounded like?"
She took his hand. "Gordo, I've been a fool for a long time. And don't tell me I wasn't. I've been too scared to see what was right in front of me. To tell the truth, this is the scariest thing I've ever done. But scared as I am, I have to tell you the truth." She had started to tear, but she didn't care.
"Lizzie . . ."
"No, Gordo, let me finish. I lost you once, I'm not going to take the chance on it happening again, for good. I love you, David Gordon. I've loved you longer than I can remember. I was so afraid of what this might do to our friendship that I denied it, even to myself. I told myself that I'd tell you someday, but I can't wait for someday anymore. I love you, do you hear, I love you."
This was one of those rare moments when Gordo's brain was refusing to work right. "I hear you." His eyes were also starting to water. "Lizzie, what am I supposed to say to that?"
"Please, tell me that our parents are right. That our friends are right. That I'm right. Please tell me, do you love me?"
The internal struggle for Gordo was a fierce one. On one side were his fear and worry over what if they broke up, along with some resentment that it took him dying for her to come to him. On the other side was the love he'd hidden for years, a love that had only grown with time near her. Both sides had overwhelming power behind them. However, as such massive battles tend to be decided, one side found a small, almost invisible weakness in the other, and lunged at it with everything. The battle was over in what felt like an eternity, but was really just under two seconds. When the decision was made, Gordo swore to himself that Lizzie would never know how close it had been.
"Yes, Lizzie, I do. I have for years."
The rest of the conversation would be something known only to them for the rest of their lives. Except for one thing . . .
Lizzie heard it first. It was still soft, but she recognized it. She couldn't believe her ears. Those two songs weren't supposed to be on the same CD. Gordo noticed her sudden distraction. "What's wrong?"
"Do you hear that song?"
He listened. "Yes. It's a good song, but I didn't know they were ever recorded together."
Lizzie started laughing. She though she had figured out what must have happened. "That little rat!" She was almost right.
"Who?"
"It's a long story."
XzXzXzX
Next chapter: The morning for the McGuire men was anything but boring. Gordo proves more prophetic than anyone realized, and the situation goes from bad to dangerous.