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'm going to run an internal debate for Matt to start this chapter. It isn't a sign he's losing his mind, at least by itself. It's just a reflection of the kind of thing most of us do from time-to-time. This is not going to be a regular feature, but I thought this one would be interesting to listen in on.
A/N: Before anybody gives me grief, I'm not bashing Harry Potter. In fact, I'm a fan. I've noticed how many people pick up random things from pop culture, often without even realizing it. I decided to use that fact here. I figured using the very British expressions in Harry Potter would provide comic relief, and Ron's occasionally foul mouth seemed my best bet for that.
`
Chapter 24
Boys to Men
`
Matt's appointment with Dr. Gordon was at 4:00, so he had time to stew over the day's events thus far. Or rather, one particular event. 'A ring. I'm really going to give her a ring. It's been less than a week, and I've decided to give her a ring. I must be crazy.'
'We're not crazy, yet.' A second voice of his own answered. 'But we definitely are not normal.'
'Thanks lots.'
'You think that this is a bad thing? Consider this. How many parents of a completely normal thirteen-year-old boy would let him use family heirlooms to give a girl a promise ring? For that matter, how many wouldn't try to talk him out of giving ANY ring?'
'I hadn't thought of that.'
'We just did. Face it, we ain't normal, and we're never gonna be. That trick is accepting it. Our parents are trying. That would be the only explanation for some of the things they've done and accepted. Her mother is trying, too. Of course . . .'
'Yeah, I know. How will her father react to seeing a ring on her finger?'
'Well, I doubt he'd kill you. He wouldn't hurt Miranda like that, and let's not forget his speech yesterday. Of course, you may have trouble walking for awhile . . .'
'Pleasant thought, that.'
'That's it. I'm not letting us read any more Harry Potter until you stop thinking like Ron.'
'Sorry, mate.'
'I'm not laughing.'
'Let's get back on subject. How do I handle her father? I wonder how great-grandpa won over THAT'S IT!'
'Mind sharing?'
'Those rings were made in the first place because great-grandma's dad said no to the first request for an engagement.'
'So?'
'So?!? Bloody hell, I'm thick! Remember, the old man's say mattered because, back then, he HAD to agree to it before his daughter could be asked.'
'Wait. Are you saying you want to ask her father's permission? What if he says no?'
A smile crept on Matt's face. 'I think I can do this so he'll say yes to a promise ring. Remember, we're not normal.'
'Why do I think I'm going to regret those words?'
~~~~~~~~
Gordo was alone in his room, thinking of the turns his life had taken in the last few days. 'We're together, we're really together. I was sure this would never happen. Guess I can't be a genius at everything. And Matt and Miranda.' That changed his mood. 'I hope they're okay. Lizzie will tell me tomorrow, but I wish I was there.'
A knock at the door. "Hello, can I come in?"
Gordo thought he knew the voice, but couldn't tell through the door. "Sure."
The door open, and Larry Tudgeman was standing there. Gordo didn't like what he saw of his friend. The last time he saw Larry looking nearly this bad, Parker was hit hard with the flu, and Larry was terrified he'd lose them. The memory chilled him. "Larry, what's wrong?"
~~~~
When the phone rang at the Gordon home, Mrs. Gordon was the only one there. "Hello?"
"Mom, I need your help. I need to ask you something." Gordo was talking barely louder then a whisper.
"Of course." She wondered why he was whispering, but hoped the answer would be in the question.
"Do you know if anything happened to Parker since the crash?"
"Parker? No, I don't, but you got a card from her and Larry today."
"Will you read it to me? It's urgent."
"Oh? All right, hang on while I open it." A pause. "Oh, no. I think I should do this face-to-face."
"Mom, I know, but I need to know, right now, what it says. If it's what I fear, it explains what's happening."
"What's going on?"
"Please, mom, I'll tell you, but I need you to read the card."
"If you're sure. This will be hard to hear." She drew a breath, and read the card.
It was as he feared. "Dear God." He paused to collect himself, fighting back the taste of bile in his throat. Just as his mother as going to ask him if he was okay, he spoke again. "That explains this. Mom, I think you're needed here, professionally."
"Why?"
"Because the grieving father has been crying on my shoulder for the past half hour."
"Will you be okay with him long enough for me to call his family first? They might not know he's there."
"I think so. But please hurry."
"I will. See you soon. Bye."
"Bye."
It took some uncomfortable arm twists and turns to get the phone back in place, but it was all worth it to help his friend. While he waited, he reflected on his friendship with Larry and Parker. Since the incident in chemistry class, he had gotten to know them better, especially Larry. It had felt strange at first, moving from rival to friend. But it was worth it to him. Gordo was sure he knew why Larry had found his way to him. He was the only one Larry would open his fears to. Larry felt he had to be strong for Parker, believing he had already failed her once. So Gordo became his confidant, his keeper of secrets and fears. But now, while he would be there for his friend, he knew that this was WAY out of his league.
Then he realized something from the card. Jacob DAVID. They had given their son his name. A boy he'd never get to know. If his heart could have sunk any lower, it would have.
~~~~~~~~
When Matt got to his appointment, he was just early enough to meet Miranda in the waiting room as she was leaving. "Are you okay?"
She smiled slightly. "I will be."
He had his 'I told you so' look again. "I told you you were stronger than you thought."
"I've told you the same thing." She loosely draped her arms on his shoulders. Their height difference made it easy.
"Maybe we should listen to each other."
"On that subject, I agree." The voice of Mr. Gordon broke the moment. "However, I believe Miranda's mother is waiting in their car."
"Right. I'll see you later, Matt."
"Believe it." They lightly kissed, and she left.
"Come on in, Matt." Matt followed him in. When they were seated, Mr. Gordon began. "There are a number of things I want to talk with you about, but I thought I'd let you open the discussion. Is there anything you'd like to talk about first?"
Matt got one of those lopsided grins that the doctor knew usually meant a bomb was coming. "Mom asked me to tell you something. I know you guys thought I might kill myself." Dr. Gordon winced. "Don't try to explain it away. Truth is, for a minute or so yesterday, you were right." That caused the doctors eyes to widen. "But as quickly as the thought was there, I realized that the very thing I would be trying to prevent would likely happen, only by her own hand instead of mine." Matt's face had stiffened again as he spoke. "I'll never let that happen."
Dr. Gordon's training helped him keep an even voice. "It troubles me that you would have considered it an option at all. What, exactly, would you have been trying to prevent?" He thought he knew the answer, but wanted Matt to hear himself say it.
Matt was now in matter-of-fact mode. "Miranda's death. I'll do anything to protect her, even from myself. But, while I know how dangerous I've become, even to those I care about, I also know what her worst nightmares are. She's told me that the only thing that scares her worse than the thought of me killing is the thought of me dying. You've seen her after her worst nightmares, sir, but never during one." His voice began to sound haunted, like an old solider recounting a battle. "It's indescribable. The way she was last night, I'll never forget. I'm afraid of what she might do if something happens to me right now."
"Is that the only reason?"
"There are a lot of reason to live. My concerns for Miranda eliminate the only possible reason to even consider death. No contest. I know you'll probably still worry for awhile, but you really don't need to. It isn't an option."
"You're right about that. It's NEVER an option, and we will be spending more time on that. However, I also want to know how last night went. You've told me she had a bad nightmare. I have Miranda's account of the evening. But I want you to tell me about the evening from your point of view."
"I was expecting this, but that doesn't make this any easier." He took a long breath to calm himself, and began. Once he started, he left nothing out. From how he woke to Miranda's nightmare, though his talk with his father. On to his own bad nightmare, which he gave vivid detail on, causing both of them to turn slightly green (A/N: I'm not getting more descriptive than Miranda's guess last chapter without raising the rating). Ending with the peacefulness of the rest of the night, with Miranda in his arms.
"It sounds like your night was as troubled as I was afraid of. It's times like those I'd love to be wrong more often. But I am glad you two were able to help each other. You should tell Miranda about that sensation you mentioned warning you about her. I'm not saying anything, except that you may find her reply interesting."
"Really?"
"Yes. Now, you two ended up together again. Not ideal, but it wasn't unexpected."
"About that." Matt's expression changed sharply. "I have some questions. First, you've heard from both of us just how bad these nightmares are for us, correct?" His voice had the bite of challenge.
The doctor knew better then to call the challenge, yet. He played along at first. "Yes."
"The treatment of them is a long-term deal, correct?"
"Yes."
"It's unlikely we'll see results after just one or two sessions, correct?"
"I'd honestly say, at your severity, very unlikely."
"Giving these nightmares free run, without help, would be a bad idea, correct?"
"Yes."
"Then, in light of those answers, explain to me why it's such a bad idea for us, for HER, to try to get a couple of nights of uninterrupted PEACEFUL SLEEP!" There was challenge, and more, in his eyes and voice.
The doctor tried to remain calm. In dealing with Matt, he had learned that when it was just hormones, Matt acted like a bashful thirteen-year-old kid. But when he is genuinely worried for Miranda, any perceived threat is a target, and challenged. He did NOT want to make himself Matt's enemy, that would likely end treatment before it began. "Lizzie's idea. That's what this is about."
"Yes. We're not asking for a permanent arrangement. She and I agree that we both need to be able to sleep when the other can't be there. I can even understand why you want to know how we progress. But, as you just admitted, that will take time. What I'm asking is that, for the next couple of nights, when you say improvement is very unlikely, Miranda and I be allowed to try to get an uninterrupted night's sleep. The only way that seems to work right now."
The doctor realized what the other thing in Matt's gaze was. He was being judged. His next words would likely decide it. "You make a good argument, but you've missed something. When will it end? By your argument, it never should, because whatever night you would sleep separately will only be one more session apart from the previous night. I understand those nightmares better than you'll ever know. It must be hell for you to see her like that."
"Hell has nothing on it. And there are holes in your argument. First, I've already told you, we know and accept that we need to be able to sleep separately. That only practical. Second, also a practical matter, I doubt her father would let us start the night together under his roof. And that, as I understand it, is where we'll be next week, starting Monday. Those two things make the deadline clearly no later than Sunday night. I have no problem with that." He slipped into a cheshire cat grin. "Besides, I've got another reason to want clear improvement, and that can only be proved when we sleep alone."
The doctor's curiosity was peaked. "What reason is that?"
"Because, clear and obvious improvement is the mark I've set for giving her a ring."
Doctor Gordon's eyes just about launched from their sockets at the word ring. He tried to gather himself before he spoke. "It hasn't even been a week since you've told her you love her. Isn't it a little early to propose to her?"
"It's not an engagement ring." He then launched into the story of his great-grandparents' promise rings. As he told the story, he could see the interest, and relief, in the doctor's face. When he finished the story, he added, "what I said before still holds. If I had the means to support her, I'd propose today. But I'm not at a point where I can do that, and I doubt her parents, or mine, would approve of that yet."
"So, the promise rings are a compromise between what you would like to do and what you expect others' to accept?"
"In that, great-grandpa and I are similar. If I understand him right, we're similar in something else. While this stops short of an engagement to others, for me it will hold the same commitment."
"That's a serious commitment you're giving yourself to. Are you sure you're ready for it?"
"It's like Mr. Sanchez said. I've already made commitments. The only thing missing is peace of mind. As I said, I'm wanting until we are both able to sleep separately before I'm willing to do this. And that brings us back to how we sleep the next few nights. I know it makes you uneasy, but as I see it, it would only change a couple of things about the next couple of nights. First, how much sleep we get together, and second, whether or not we have to be tormented first. I expect our parents would listen to you, so I ask you, how much of her torment is enough?"
'Damn. The boy does not play fair.' He knew he'd just been left without a good option. He looked for middle ground. "Let's do it like this. Your first session with Dr. Hyde (A/N: The anger management specialist/judo instructor) is Thursday. It would be good idea to go into that with a clear head. So, I'll SUGGEST that you follow Lizzie's idea for the TWO NIGHTS between now and then. But understand me, Matt, it's only those two nights. And I need something from you."
"What?"
"No matter how well you two progress, wait until at least two months from last Friday before you give her the ring. I know how you fell about waiting, but I don't want you pressing your treatment. That could do more harm than good, and not just to you. Consider what your getting worse could do to her."
Matt paled at the thought. "I'd rather not think of it, thanks. But I take your point. Two months wait for two nights peaceful sleep. I can do that." He then looked puzzled. "Why have last Friday as the mark?"
Dr. Gordon had a knowing smile. "Wasn't it Friday evening when she first told you she loves you? That, to a woman, would make that day your anniversary as a couple. You'll avoid a lot of arguments if you remember that. On the other hand, if you make a big deal of the date when you give her the ring, I expect you'll like her reaction."
Matt was in disbelief. "You're giving me relationship advice? Why?"
"Matt, while I expect to be part of decisions that you won't like, the fact is that I am not against your relationship with Miranda. As I recall, even a blind man could tell you two are for real." Matt grinned in silent laughter at that remark. "But, for all your kick-started maturity has given you, what it can't replace is years of experience. How you court her is up to you, but if I can help keep you from making classic male blunders with her, I will. And I'm sure your father will also be willing to help, if you ask."
"He already did. He told me not to let any woman hear me say things like 'crying like a girl'."
"Good advice."
~~~~~~~~
Just before Gordo's mother arrived, Larry was coherent enough, barely, to tell Gordo what happened. He still had to choke back sobs as he spoke. "She . . . she went into labor Thursday, before dawn. We were so excited. You know how much I was looking forward to this. At 10:54 p.m., we had a son." A few sobs escaped as he said that, but he managed, barely, to regain enough control to continue. "Jacob David. 9 pounds, 5 ounces." Larry looked almost sheepishly at Gordo. "Yes, we gave him your name, along with her grandfather's. Parker wanted David Jacob, but I remembered you asked her not to when she suggested it to you. You've helped us so much since finding out, Parker insisted on doing SOMETHING. I hope you don't mind."
Gordo grabbed his friend's hand firmly. "I'm honored."
"But . . . but you never knew him. You never can." His voice had gone hollow.
Gordo saw his mother in the doorway of the room. She wasn't alone. "I know his parents, and they are two of the best people I've ever known. Any child of you and Parker would have to be very special. Larry, you know what my parents do, right?" His friend nodded. "Then, as your friend, I'm asking you to talk to my mom. I will always be here for you, but some things I don't know how to handle alone. She can help you and Parker, she very good at it."
"Do you really think I should?"
"I know you want to be strong for her, and I know why. But sometimes we all need help. Please, will you do this?"
"Alright. I've trusted you with so much, I think I can trust you in this."
"Thank you." Gordo then made a show of looking at the doorway, as if he was seeing the people there for the first time. "We have visitors. I think somebody is here looking for you."
Larry slowly turned his head. In the door was Mrs. Gordon, but he didn't notice, because standing slightly in front of her was Parker. She looked both frantic and relieved. Her face was so puffy and red, Gordo guessed she'd been crying long and resent. 'But then, she just lost her baby son. I'm almost surprised she doesn't look worse.'
Slowly, Larry forced himself to stand straight. Slowly, at first, they approached each other. Then, at the same time, they launched for each other. The embrace that followed was at once one of the most tender, and heart-wrenching, things that Gordo had ever seen.
~~~~~~~~
While waiting for his mother to pick him up from Mr. Gordon, Matt had come to a decision. Since he had to wait two months to give Miranda the ring, he'd us some of that time to better plan his talk with her father. He just hoped that nothing serious happened until then.
~~~~~~~~
A/N: Will tonight be as peaceful as Matt hopes? And tomorrow, Gordo and Lizzie have a VERY serious talk, and Matt tries to explain things to Reggie. 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'm going to run an internal debate for Matt to start this chapter. It isn't a sign he's losing his mind, at least by itself. It's just a reflection of the kind of thing most of us do from time-to-time. This is not going to be a regular feature, but I thought this one would be interesting to listen in on.
A/N: Before anybody gives me grief, I'm not bashing Harry Potter. In fact, I'm a fan. I've noticed how many people pick up random things from pop culture, often without even realizing it. I decided to use that fact here. I figured using the very British expressions in Harry Potter would provide comic relief, and Ron's occasionally foul mouth seemed my best bet for that.
`
Chapter 24
Boys to Men
`
Matt's appointment with Dr. Gordon was at 4:00, so he had time to stew over the day's events thus far. Or rather, one particular event. 'A ring. I'm really going to give her a ring. It's been less than a week, and I've decided to give her a ring. I must be crazy.'
'We're not crazy, yet.' A second voice of his own answered. 'But we definitely are not normal.'
'Thanks lots.'
'You think that this is a bad thing? Consider this. How many parents of a completely normal thirteen-year-old boy would let him use family heirlooms to give a girl a promise ring? For that matter, how many wouldn't try to talk him out of giving ANY ring?'
'I hadn't thought of that.'
'We just did. Face it, we ain't normal, and we're never gonna be. That trick is accepting it. Our parents are trying. That would be the only explanation for some of the things they've done and accepted. Her mother is trying, too. Of course . . .'
'Yeah, I know. How will her father react to seeing a ring on her finger?'
'Well, I doubt he'd kill you. He wouldn't hurt Miranda like that, and let's not forget his speech yesterday. Of course, you may have trouble walking for awhile . . .'
'Pleasant thought, that.'
'That's it. I'm not letting us read any more Harry Potter until you stop thinking like Ron.'
'Sorry, mate.'
'I'm not laughing.'
'Let's get back on subject. How do I handle her father? I wonder how great-grandpa won over THAT'S IT!'
'Mind sharing?'
'Those rings were made in the first place because great-grandma's dad said no to the first request for an engagement.'
'So?'
'So?!? Bloody hell, I'm thick! Remember, the old man's say mattered because, back then, he HAD to agree to it before his daughter could be asked.'
'Wait. Are you saying you want to ask her father's permission? What if he says no?'
A smile crept on Matt's face. 'I think I can do this so he'll say yes to a promise ring. Remember, we're not normal.'
'Why do I think I'm going to regret those words?'
~~~~~~~~
Gordo was alone in his room, thinking of the turns his life had taken in the last few days. 'We're together, we're really together. I was sure this would never happen. Guess I can't be a genius at everything. And Matt and Miranda.' That changed his mood. 'I hope they're okay. Lizzie will tell me tomorrow, but I wish I was there.'
A knock at the door. "Hello, can I come in?"
Gordo thought he knew the voice, but couldn't tell through the door. "Sure."
The door open, and Larry Tudgeman was standing there. Gordo didn't like what he saw of his friend. The last time he saw Larry looking nearly this bad, Parker was hit hard with the flu, and Larry was terrified he'd lose them. The memory chilled him. "Larry, what's wrong?"
~~~~
When the phone rang at the Gordon home, Mrs. Gordon was the only one there. "Hello?"
"Mom, I need your help. I need to ask you something." Gordo was talking barely louder then a whisper.
"Of course." She wondered why he was whispering, but hoped the answer would be in the question.
"Do you know if anything happened to Parker since the crash?"
"Parker? No, I don't, but you got a card from her and Larry today."
"Will you read it to me? It's urgent."
"Oh? All right, hang on while I open it." A pause. "Oh, no. I think I should do this face-to-face."
"Mom, I know, but I need to know, right now, what it says. If it's what I fear, it explains what's happening."
"What's going on?"
"Please, mom, I'll tell you, but I need you to read the card."
"If you're sure. This will be hard to hear." She drew a breath, and read the card.
It was as he feared. "Dear God." He paused to collect himself, fighting back the taste of bile in his throat. Just as his mother as going to ask him if he was okay, he spoke again. "That explains this. Mom, I think you're needed here, professionally."
"Why?"
"Because the grieving father has been crying on my shoulder for the past half hour."
"Will you be okay with him long enough for me to call his family first? They might not know he's there."
"I think so. But please hurry."
"I will. See you soon. Bye."
"Bye."
It took some uncomfortable arm twists and turns to get the phone back in place, but it was all worth it to help his friend. While he waited, he reflected on his friendship with Larry and Parker. Since the incident in chemistry class, he had gotten to know them better, especially Larry. It had felt strange at first, moving from rival to friend. But it was worth it to him. Gordo was sure he knew why Larry had found his way to him. He was the only one Larry would open his fears to. Larry felt he had to be strong for Parker, believing he had already failed her once. So Gordo became his confidant, his keeper of secrets and fears. But now, while he would be there for his friend, he knew that this was WAY out of his league.
Then he realized something from the card. Jacob DAVID. They had given their son his name. A boy he'd never get to know. If his heart could have sunk any lower, it would have.
~~~~~~~~
When Matt got to his appointment, he was just early enough to meet Miranda in the waiting room as she was leaving. "Are you okay?"
She smiled slightly. "I will be."
He had his 'I told you so' look again. "I told you you were stronger than you thought."
"I've told you the same thing." She loosely draped her arms on his shoulders. Their height difference made it easy.
"Maybe we should listen to each other."
"On that subject, I agree." The voice of Mr. Gordon broke the moment. "However, I believe Miranda's mother is waiting in their car."
"Right. I'll see you later, Matt."
"Believe it." They lightly kissed, and she left.
"Come on in, Matt." Matt followed him in. When they were seated, Mr. Gordon began. "There are a number of things I want to talk with you about, but I thought I'd let you open the discussion. Is there anything you'd like to talk about first?"
Matt got one of those lopsided grins that the doctor knew usually meant a bomb was coming. "Mom asked me to tell you something. I know you guys thought I might kill myself." Dr. Gordon winced. "Don't try to explain it away. Truth is, for a minute or so yesterday, you were right." That caused the doctors eyes to widen. "But as quickly as the thought was there, I realized that the very thing I would be trying to prevent would likely happen, only by her own hand instead of mine." Matt's face had stiffened again as he spoke. "I'll never let that happen."
Dr. Gordon's training helped him keep an even voice. "It troubles me that you would have considered it an option at all. What, exactly, would you have been trying to prevent?" He thought he knew the answer, but wanted Matt to hear himself say it.
Matt was now in matter-of-fact mode. "Miranda's death. I'll do anything to protect her, even from myself. But, while I know how dangerous I've become, even to those I care about, I also know what her worst nightmares are. She's told me that the only thing that scares her worse than the thought of me killing is the thought of me dying. You've seen her after her worst nightmares, sir, but never during one." His voice began to sound haunted, like an old solider recounting a battle. "It's indescribable. The way she was last night, I'll never forget. I'm afraid of what she might do if something happens to me right now."
"Is that the only reason?"
"There are a lot of reason to live. My concerns for Miranda eliminate the only possible reason to even consider death. No contest. I know you'll probably still worry for awhile, but you really don't need to. It isn't an option."
"You're right about that. It's NEVER an option, and we will be spending more time on that. However, I also want to know how last night went. You've told me she had a bad nightmare. I have Miranda's account of the evening. But I want you to tell me about the evening from your point of view."
"I was expecting this, but that doesn't make this any easier." He took a long breath to calm himself, and began. Once he started, he left nothing out. From how he woke to Miranda's nightmare, though his talk with his father. On to his own bad nightmare, which he gave vivid detail on, causing both of them to turn slightly green (A/N: I'm not getting more descriptive than Miranda's guess last chapter without raising the rating). Ending with the peacefulness of the rest of the night, with Miranda in his arms.
"It sounds like your night was as troubled as I was afraid of. It's times like those I'd love to be wrong more often. But I am glad you two were able to help each other. You should tell Miranda about that sensation you mentioned warning you about her. I'm not saying anything, except that you may find her reply interesting."
"Really?"
"Yes. Now, you two ended up together again. Not ideal, but it wasn't unexpected."
"About that." Matt's expression changed sharply. "I have some questions. First, you've heard from both of us just how bad these nightmares are for us, correct?" His voice had the bite of challenge.
The doctor knew better then to call the challenge, yet. He played along at first. "Yes."
"The treatment of them is a long-term deal, correct?"
"Yes."
"It's unlikely we'll see results after just one or two sessions, correct?"
"I'd honestly say, at your severity, very unlikely."
"Giving these nightmares free run, without help, would be a bad idea, correct?"
"Yes."
"Then, in light of those answers, explain to me why it's such a bad idea for us, for HER, to try to get a couple of nights of uninterrupted PEACEFUL SLEEP!" There was challenge, and more, in his eyes and voice.
The doctor tried to remain calm. In dealing with Matt, he had learned that when it was just hormones, Matt acted like a bashful thirteen-year-old kid. But when he is genuinely worried for Miranda, any perceived threat is a target, and challenged. He did NOT want to make himself Matt's enemy, that would likely end treatment before it began. "Lizzie's idea. That's what this is about."
"Yes. We're not asking for a permanent arrangement. She and I agree that we both need to be able to sleep when the other can't be there. I can even understand why you want to know how we progress. But, as you just admitted, that will take time. What I'm asking is that, for the next couple of nights, when you say improvement is very unlikely, Miranda and I be allowed to try to get an uninterrupted night's sleep. The only way that seems to work right now."
The doctor realized what the other thing in Matt's gaze was. He was being judged. His next words would likely decide it. "You make a good argument, but you've missed something. When will it end? By your argument, it never should, because whatever night you would sleep separately will only be one more session apart from the previous night. I understand those nightmares better than you'll ever know. It must be hell for you to see her like that."
"Hell has nothing on it. And there are holes in your argument. First, I've already told you, we know and accept that we need to be able to sleep separately. That only practical. Second, also a practical matter, I doubt her father would let us start the night together under his roof. And that, as I understand it, is where we'll be next week, starting Monday. Those two things make the deadline clearly no later than Sunday night. I have no problem with that." He slipped into a cheshire cat grin. "Besides, I've got another reason to want clear improvement, and that can only be proved when we sleep alone."
The doctor's curiosity was peaked. "What reason is that?"
"Because, clear and obvious improvement is the mark I've set for giving her a ring."
Doctor Gordon's eyes just about launched from their sockets at the word ring. He tried to gather himself before he spoke. "It hasn't even been a week since you've told her you love her. Isn't it a little early to propose to her?"
"It's not an engagement ring." He then launched into the story of his great-grandparents' promise rings. As he told the story, he could see the interest, and relief, in the doctor's face. When he finished the story, he added, "what I said before still holds. If I had the means to support her, I'd propose today. But I'm not at a point where I can do that, and I doubt her parents, or mine, would approve of that yet."
"So, the promise rings are a compromise between what you would like to do and what you expect others' to accept?"
"In that, great-grandpa and I are similar. If I understand him right, we're similar in something else. While this stops short of an engagement to others, for me it will hold the same commitment."
"That's a serious commitment you're giving yourself to. Are you sure you're ready for it?"
"It's like Mr. Sanchez said. I've already made commitments. The only thing missing is peace of mind. As I said, I'm wanting until we are both able to sleep separately before I'm willing to do this. And that brings us back to how we sleep the next few nights. I know it makes you uneasy, but as I see it, it would only change a couple of things about the next couple of nights. First, how much sleep we get together, and second, whether or not we have to be tormented first. I expect our parents would listen to you, so I ask you, how much of her torment is enough?"
'Damn. The boy does not play fair.' He knew he'd just been left without a good option. He looked for middle ground. "Let's do it like this. Your first session with Dr. Hyde (A/N: The anger management specialist/judo instructor) is Thursday. It would be good idea to go into that with a clear head. So, I'll SUGGEST that you follow Lizzie's idea for the TWO NIGHTS between now and then. But understand me, Matt, it's only those two nights. And I need something from you."
"What?"
"No matter how well you two progress, wait until at least two months from last Friday before you give her the ring. I know how you fell about waiting, but I don't want you pressing your treatment. That could do more harm than good, and not just to you. Consider what your getting worse could do to her."
Matt paled at the thought. "I'd rather not think of it, thanks. But I take your point. Two months wait for two nights peaceful sleep. I can do that." He then looked puzzled. "Why have last Friday as the mark?"
Dr. Gordon had a knowing smile. "Wasn't it Friday evening when she first told you she loves you? That, to a woman, would make that day your anniversary as a couple. You'll avoid a lot of arguments if you remember that. On the other hand, if you make a big deal of the date when you give her the ring, I expect you'll like her reaction."
Matt was in disbelief. "You're giving me relationship advice? Why?"
"Matt, while I expect to be part of decisions that you won't like, the fact is that I am not against your relationship with Miranda. As I recall, even a blind man could tell you two are for real." Matt grinned in silent laughter at that remark. "But, for all your kick-started maturity has given you, what it can't replace is years of experience. How you court her is up to you, but if I can help keep you from making classic male blunders with her, I will. And I'm sure your father will also be willing to help, if you ask."
"He already did. He told me not to let any woman hear me say things like 'crying like a girl'."
"Good advice."
~~~~~~~~
Just before Gordo's mother arrived, Larry was coherent enough, barely, to tell Gordo what happened. He still had to choke back sobs as he spoke. "She . . . she went into labor Thursday, before dawn. We were so excited. You know how much I was looking forward to this. At 10:54 p.m., we had a son." A few sobs escaped as he said that, but he managed, barely, to regain enough control to continue. "Jacob David. 9 pounds, 5 ounces." Larry looked almost sheepishly at Gordo. "Yes, we gave him your name, along with her grandfather's. Parker wanted David Jacob, but I remembered you asked her not to when she suggested it to you. You've helped us so much since finding out, Parker insisted on doing SOMETHING. I hope you don't mind."
Gordo grabbed his friend's hand firmly. "I'm honored."
"But . . . but you never knew him. You never can." His voice had gone hollow.
Gordo saw his mother in the doorway of the room. She wasn't alone. "I know his parents, and they are two of the best people I've ever known. Any child of you and Parker would have to be very special. Larry, you know what my parents do, right?" His friend nodded. "Then, as your friend, I'm asking you to talk to my mom. I will always be here for you, but some things I don't know how to handle alone. She can help you and Parker, she very good at it."
"Do you really think I should?"
"I know you want to be strong for her, and I know why. But sometimes we all need help. Please, will you do this?"
"Alright. I've trusted you with so much, I think I can trust you in this."
"Thank you." Gordo then made a show of looking at the doorway, as if he was seeing the people there for the first time. "We have visitors. I think somebody is here looking for you."
Larry slowly turned his head. In the door was Mrs. Gordon, but he didn't notice, because standing slightly in front of her was Parker. She looked both frantic and relieved. Her face was so puffy and red, Gordo guessed she'd been crying long and resent. 'But then, she just lost her baby son. I'm almost surprised she doesn't look worse.'
Slowly, Larry forced himself to stand straight. Slowly, at first, they approached each other. Then, at the same time, they launched for each other. The embrace that followed was at once one of the most tender, and heart-wrenching, things that Gordo had ever seen.
~~~~~~~~
While waiting for his mother to pick him up from Mr. Gordon, Matt had come to a decision. Since he had to wait two months to give Miranda the ring, he'd us some of that time to better plan his talk with her father. He just hoped that nothing serious happened until then.
~~~~~~~~
A/N: Will tonight be as peaceful as Matt hopes? And tomorrow, Gordo and Lizzie have a VERY serious talk, and Matt tries to explain things to Reggie. Stay tuned.