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: Personal Notes:
plainjane: Just remember the lyrics of Waylon Jennings: "I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane."
MorganaPendragon: You do know how to make a man blush. Thank you.
`
Chapter 26
The Sound of Silence
`
Matt was the first to wake that morning. He looked at the clock on the wall. 6:27. He felt very rested. He hadn't had a single nightmare. That actually surprised him. Something else surprised him to. 'Oh, great! This is all I needed. At least I can free my arm without waking her.'
Or so he thought. Even thought he had placed his pillow under her head, she still roused. She groaned in protest of waking, then opened her eyes. "Something wrong?"
"Good morning to you, too."
"Sorry."
"It's okay. The only thing wrong is my need for the bathroom. I'll be back." As he stood, he tried to keep his back to her, so she would not see what the pressure from his full bladder had caused.
He wasn't completely successful. For his sake, she pretended not to notice. Miranda had heard enough from various sources, including once from a VERY embarrassed Gordo, to know that this was a normal, innocent thing. But she still felt sorry for him. 'Having that happen with his girlfriend and mother both in the room, how embarrassing!' Then another thought crossed her mind. It was something she had been thinking about, but wasn't sure how to bring up the subject with him. She made up her mind.
As he opened the bathroom door, and found her leaning against the opposite wall. "Meet me in the kitchen" she said as she passed him to go in.
At first, his adolescent mind came to a rather interesting conclusion for why she wanted to meet him there. But he quickly brushed the thought aside. 'If that's what she wanted, she won't choose the kitchen. Too risky.'
He had just finished pouring them each a glass of orange juice when she came in. "Thanks."
"Sure. I figure we can leave the coffee for the old folks." She gave a choked laugh at that. "Now, why did you want to meet here?"
She moved to the breakfast table. "Let's sit down."
He sat next to her. "Sounds serious."
"Well, the first part isn't. I thought we could fix breakfast for your folks."
His eyebrows arched sharply. "Only if you're a good cook. I haven't figured out anything more complex than cereal."
She smiled. "Don't worry about it. Mom spent most of the past year teaching me. I figure I can show you how NOT to burn eggs."
"Good. Now, you said 'first'. What else is there?"
"Well." She was having second thoughts. Not about her choice, but her timing. "The next time we're alone, we need to have a long, personal talk."
"Sounds serious." There was a hint of worry in his voice.
She caught it. "It's nothing to worry about. I just don't want to chance parents hearing this."
That put a wicked grin on his face. "I'll look forward to that."
"Good. Now, how about we fix that breakfast?"
~~~~~~~~
Everyone enjoyed the breakfast Miranda made with Matt's help. Although they couldn't help but notice the glances that passed between the couple, neither Sam nor Jo thought it was more than normal.
`
Sam left for work right after breakfast, so he'd have time to drop Lizzie off at the hospital on the way.
`
Miranda's mother came not long after that. She was relieved by the news that there had been no nightmares, but both mothers were puzzled when the couple talked about their trip-through-time dreams. The dreamers were also puzzled. "What I don't understand," Miranda wondered aloud, "is why we never appeared to age. Everyone else got older. You guys, Lizzie and Gordo, our kids, everyone. Do you know how weird it looked to see a thirteen-year-old looking Matt walking our twentysomething daughter down the aisle?"
"I expect it was quite the sight" Jo observed.
"But why?" Matt asked. "Everyone and everything around us behaved like the saw our older selves, but we didn't."
"If I were to guess," Mrs. Sanchez began, "I'd say it may be that your minds didn't want to put dates on these possible events. And not just about yourselves. You just said your daughter was twentysomething. Don't you have a more exact age?"
"No." Miranda's eyes were alight with realization. "I didn't think about that, but there were no fixed dates in it anywhere, except . . ." She couldn't finish.
Matt managed to try. ". . . except our talking about our recent 75th anniversary as we waited for you . . ." He couldn't continue.
"Matt." His mother got his attention. "I think what you saw is just one possibility. And, on the whole, a very good one. A very long, happy life together. I think Daniella is right about why you couldn't tell your ages. And maybe that's a good thing. This way, everything can still happen naturally for you, with little expectation pushing you."
~~~~~~~~
When Lizzie got to his room, she knocked gently, not sure he would be awake.
"Come in." He sounded a little groggy, like he'd only just woke up.
Sure enough, when she opened the door, she saw him rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Did I wake you?"
He caught the hint of worry. "No, but not by much. I had a hard time sleeping after yesterday."
"What happened yesterday?"
"You should sit down for this."
"That's never a good sign." She sat down. "Okay, I'm ready."
Gordo doubted that, but began. He held nothing about Larry's visit back. He had been doing a lot of thinking since then, and needed her to feel what he felt so she would understand what he had to tell her.
~~~~~~~~
"Melina, hon, it's nine o'clock. You really should get up." Silence. Her mother stuck her head in the door. Melina was faking sleep, and her mother knew it. "I'm not believing the sleeping act. I know you're hurting, but this sulking isn't you. You need to move on." The doorbell rang. "I'm going to see who that is, but I'm coming back up here." She closed the door behind her as she left.
Melina didn't want to wake up. Not to a world like this. Not to a world where HE wouldn't have her. 'Who are you kidding,' she chided herself, 'after what you did, he may never like you again. And I don't blame him.'
'But I love him!'
'Ha! You call that love? Don't you remember him telling us we weren't boyfriend/girlfriend almost a YEAR ago? And why did he stop? Because you scared him off! Trying to do that so fast, somebody he trusted.'
'But he stayed.'
'Because he's that good a friend, and that good a person. You can't face it, but it's there. He had every right to just walk away after that stunt. But he didn't. He still wanted you as a friend.'
'I know, alright, I know what I am. Melina the impulsive. Melina the reckless. Melina the ill-tempered. Melina the bully. Melina the wicked little girl.'
'That's enough wallowing. What happened to Melina the tough girl, or Melina the iron-willed? Yes, you can be all those bad things. But for people like Matt McGuire and Lanny Onasis to want to be your friends in spite of all that, doesn't that tell you something? That maybe there's a lot of good in you, too? And speaking of Lanny, he still hasn't left you as a friend. He's tried all day Monday and yesterday to try to cheer you up.'
'What did I do to deserve a friend like him?'
'Don't ask stupid questions. Just accept him. Let him help you. And who knows, with enough time, and the right apology, Matt might forgive you.
'Do you remember those eyes? I think you're asking too much.'
'You may have a point, but there's only one way to know.'
The door opened, and her mother came in. Faster than Melina could react, she yanked the covers off of her. "Now, young lady, since I can see you're adequately covered," she had worn workout shorts and a medium thick cotton top, "you have company waiting downstairs, and I'm going to send him up. Maybe that will force you to get off this bed."
Melina didn't have to think too hard to know who this had to be. There were only two boys her mother HAD trusted enough to allow them in her room, and after she finally told her about what happened, she wasn't likely to let Matt up here.
Her guess proved right, as Lanny came in, acting afraid of what she might do.
~~~~~~~~
When Gordo finished the story with Larry and Parker's embrace, he could tell it had an affect on her. She'd cried at various points, including the ending. "Oh, I'm so glad Parker came for him. I'll never figure out why he thinks he has to be 'Mr. Tough Guy' for her, when she fell for the teddy bear she's always described him as."
"He blames himself, alone, for her pregnancy. As much as he wanted to have a family of his own, and as happy as he was that Parker was going to be the mother, he still believes it shouldn't have happened so soon, and wouldn't have if he'd remember to have protection."
"Never mind that Parker could have brought something, or used something. For that matter, she could have said no. If he's anything like she says, he would have listened to her." She blushed. "She said they liked other . . ."
His eyes got wide and his cheeks went red. "I don't need to know that! But I think you're right, he would have stopped himself." He took a deep breath to gather himself. "Lizzie, I love you with everything that I am, but after yesterday . . . I don't ever want you to fell what Parker was feeling. And I don't want to be like Larry was. I can't imagine that kind of pain."
Lizzie had folded in on herself, her tears starting again. "You're scaring me. Please, tell me you aren't trying to break up with me."
"What? No, Lizzie, no. That's not it at all. I'm sorry I scared you. Listen, what I'm trying to say is this. I confess that I've had certain dreams about us."
"So have I."
"But we can't let ourselves give in to that. We can have all the good intentions in the world about protection, but nothings perfect, and it only takes once. Once was all it took for Larry and Parker."
"Are you saying you want to wait? So do I. It's not like I was expecting us to jump in bed right after the casts come off."
"It's more than that. Lizzie, I'm not saying we should wait a few months, or a year. I'm saying I want to wait until our wedding night." Lizzie's eyes got huge. "I know that's a long time, but I think it's important. Especially after yesterday."
It took a moment for Lizzie to gather herself. "Ohmygod! Gordo, was that . . . did you just propose?!?"
It wasn't until she said that that he realized had skipped a few steps. "I really blew that one. No, it wasn't an official proposal. But, Lizzie, please understand. I know we've only been a couple for two days, but I've known, and sat on, my feeling for you for years. After already dying once, I'm not going to waste a lot of time on niceties. If this relationship goes well, I might propose as early as New Year's. Does that bother you?"
She was still in shock. "It's just, wow. It seems so sudden. And it will be so weird being in high school with an engagement ring."
He caught her wording. "It WILL be? Lizzie, was that a yes?" He voice was teasing, but his eyes told her he was serious.
She had to think for a minute. "Gordo, a couple of nights ago, Miranda and I were talking. I told her that after hearing about your dying, I had wanted to ask you to marry me as soon as you woke up. But I decided not to, because I didn't want to just rush you to the altar, afraid of losing you. I wanted it to be perfect. Pointing out that I had said I wouldn't ask you, she asked me what my answer would be if you asked me the next day. I didn't know how to answer her then. Now I know. Miranda thinks I've loved you since fourth grade. I'm beginning to think she's right." She got up, and moved to his cast-free side. She took his hand in hers. "Whenever you're ready to give an official proposal, I already know my answer. Yes, David Gordon, I will marry you."
He had to smile at that. "What a strange pair are we. You've accepted a proposal that hasn't been made yet, after I'm talking about a wedding night we haven't even planned yet! I guess I should have a talk with your father."
"Just don't mention 'wedding night'. With all the Matt and Miranda stuff going on, he might take it the wrong way."
"You will have to tell me about how those two are doing, but something else first. Just now, and when you first said you love me, you called me David, not Gordo."
"I'm sorry if it bothers you, but they were both such serious things, it didn't seem right to use a nickname."
"It's okay. Maybe it's because I'm getting older, but I liked the sound of it from you. Would you like to start calling me David? Full time, that is."
"I never thought about it, but we are getting older. Maybe I should have you start calling me Elizabeth."
Gordo laughed, but choked it back at her glare. "Sorry. But you will never be Elizabeth to me. I'll leave David up to you, but I can't see myself calling you anything but Lizzie. Except twice."
"When would that be?"
He looked the must sincere she'd ever seen him. "On bended knee, and at the altar." As she beamed at him, something suddenly hit him. He looked at her with astonishment. "Why was Miranda talking to you about engagements? What's going on with those two?!?"
~~~~~~~~
"Slow down, Melina! Where do you think you're blasting off to?" Her mom had been coming up the stairs when she was nearly bowled over by her daughter flying down them.
"Sorry, mom, didn't see you there. We're heading out for a bit." Lanny had just reached the top of the stairs.
"I'm not going to ask if you bothered to warn him before you changed. But you're telling me where you're going."
"I thought you wanted me out of bed. We're just going to hang out, mom, like normal."
She knew her daughter too well to fall for that. "Promise me you're not going to cause trouble for Matt and his new girlfriend."
"Do you think I've got a death wish? I'm not going anywhere near them. Come on, Lanny."
She didn't believe Melina one bit, but also knew it wouldn't do much good to forbid her. That would only guarantee a visit to the McGuire house. "At least get a snack before you leave. You haven't been eating enough."
"Oh, all right." She heel-turned and went to the kitchen.
Melina's mom took Lanny's shoulder she he passed. It still amazed her how tall the boy had gotten. 'Didn't he used to be the shortest of their pack?' She spoke softly in his ear. "A mother can see things. I know you care for her. Please, don't let her do anything foolish. Protect my girl from herself."
A deep, meaningful nod was his reply. She took that as agreement. For Lanny, it was much more.
~~~~~~~~
The doorbell of the McGuire home rang a little after noon. Matt answered. It was who he'd been waiting for. "Reggie. Good to see you. Please, come in."
Reggie was a little taken aback by Matt's tone. "What's with the formality, man? Should I have worn a tux?"
Matt smiled in apology. "Sorry, man. I guess with everything that's happened, I'm a little nervous. Let's talk in the kitchen, okay. There are drinks ready in there."
"Sure." When they got there, Reggie saw a sight he had decided was a definite fringe benefit of coming here. It was Lizzie's hispanic friend. He never could remember her name, but he enjoyed looking at her. Or rather, parts of her. 'Damn, what are they, 34D by now?' (A/N: I don't care what they tell you, most 13 year old boys do think like that. Often!) 'Matt's one lucky dog to be treated to this sight so often.' He was snapped out of his thoughts when Matt loudly clapped his hands within an inch of his nose. "What? Hey, what did you do that for?"
"I'll thank you NOT to look at her like that."
The look Matt was giving him made him uncomfortable. "What?!?"
"Easy, Matt." Miranda's voice was soothing. "Unless you started without me, you've got no reason to be angry yet."
Matt grudgingly coincided the point. "I guess so. But I know the way he was looking at you."
"Will you tell me just what the big deal is? What's wrong with me looking at her, and why was Melina crying?" That's when he made the connection. "Aw, hell!"
"Reggie, please, just let me tell you what's happened my way, okay?"
"Alright, man, but tell me one thing first. Do you know how Melina feels about you?"
Matt paled. "Not until Monday. I honestly thought that was long over with."
"I think I can see where this will end, but I've got to know how you got here."
"Alright, I began with the night of the crash." He told his story, with Miranda's help. He hadn't wanted to have her here, but she insisted. He deliberately left out the worries his parents had for him, and the rings, because she was there. He also left out the sleeping arrangements. As he described Monday's events, Reggie looked astonished and horrified. With all he was going to leave out, he didn't have much to say after Monday. "So, it's about it. Dr. Gordon is going to see both of us for awhile, while I get some extra help in controlling my temper." Reggie still looked thunderstruck. "Reggie, are you okay."
Slowly, a strange half smile came to his face. "Trust Melina to go off like that. I admit, I'm rather jealous of you right now. You've got the prettiest, toughest girl in our grade crying over you, because you've got a gorgeous girl, who's about to inter her junior year of HIGH SCHOOL, for your girlfriend. And, if you hadn't noticed, she's been looking at you like she can't wait to get you ALONE." He said the last word so suggestively, both Matt and Miranda blushed. He laughed. "Man, do you realize how lucky OH HELL."
He was staring out the window. Following his gaze, they saw something the neither expected nor wanted. Standing at the back gate was Melina, and she wasn't alone. Lanny was trying, physically, to restrain her. "What in the world is that all about?!?" Matt got up to find out the answer to his question, and was quickly pushed back in his sat by Miranda, who moved to hold him in place by the shoulders. "What . . ."
"Please, Matt, don't go out there." She was pleading, her voice already colored with panic.
"Miranda!" He couldn't fight against her, he had neither the size nor heart to do that. "Please, I have to. With mom at the store, I'm the only McGuire here. I have to check."
"Please, don't."
"Wait, both of you." Reggie had an idea. "I'll go. She's not mad at me. You two stand at the door, so you can hear, but stay out of reach. Agreed?"
"Yes." Miranda said quickly.
"Okay, but you," he looked sharply at Miranda, "will keep yourself behind me. I'm not giving her another chance at you."
She would have challenged him, but didn't want another argument about this. "Oh, all right."
They come to the back door with Reggie in the lead. The door opened to Melina in the middle of a sailor's tirade. When she got past the expletive, she yelled at Lanny. "YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TRYING TO STOP ME! I ALREADY TOLD YOU I'M NOT HERE TO PICK A FIGHT, NOW LET GO!"
"Melina, why are you here?" Reggie was trying to stay calm, but the scene made him uneasy.
"I'm here to see Matt, of course." She and the other boys all looked at Lanny. After a moment "NO, I'M NOT CRAZY! The way I figure it, I'll be fine so long as I don't touch the slut."
"HEY!"
"YOU DAMN WELL BETTER WATCH YOUR MOUTH ABOUT HER!" He was about to take a step out, when Reggie gently placed a hand on him.
"Please, trust me." Matt nodded, feeling Miranda's hand on his shoulder. "Leave, Melina, until your temper cools."
"NO! NOT UNTIL . . . WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM, LANNY?!?"
He had been struggling to hold her back. He had also been trying to communicate to her, in that way only his friends understood. But all the boiling emotion made that impossible. He was getting desperate.
`
That's when it happened.
`
For the first time ever for Miranda, and the first time for any of his friends since his voice change, the rich baritone his voice had become rang out, backed by raw panic. "I LOVE YOU AND I CAN'T LET YOU GET HURT AGAIN!!!"
`
Everybody was dumbstruck by that.
`
The first reaction was Melina's. Between her heartbreak, refusing to eat right the past 48 hours, and the high emotions of this encounter, Lanny's screamed proclamation was the final straw. She fainted. If not for Lanny already holding her, she'd have hit the ground with a thud. Instead, she fell into his body.
Her fainting brought everyone back to their senses. Matt took command. "Reggie, Lanny, get her on the couch! Miranda, get the doors for them! I'm getting some water, then calling her mom." Nobody had a better plan, so they did as he told. After getting the water, he grabbed the cordless in the kitchen. Dialing as he walked, he realized the one problem with his plan. He was probably the LAST person she wanted to here from. Turning the phone off before finishing the number, he reached the living room. He handed Lanny the water. "Have that ready when she wakes. Reggie, problem with my plan. I shouldn't be talking to her mom right now, not after Monday. Could you do it?"
"Good point. Here, I'll do it." Upon receiving the phone, he dialed. "Hello, ma'am, it's Reggie." Pause. "It's about Melina, ma'am. I was here at Matt's, and she and Lanny showed up." Pause. "No, ma'am, nothing like that. But . . . she fainted, you should come for her." Pause. "There was a shouting match, but the only one who got physical was Lanny trying to restrain her." Pause. "Hold on." He covered the mouthpiece. "Lanny, she wants to know why she fainted. What should I say?"
A meaningful look from Lanny.
"You're sure?"
Another look.
"Okay." Looking unsure of this, he returned to the phone. "Do you know how Lanny feels about her?" A brief pause. "Well, in the heat of the arguments, he told her. Out loud. That's when she fainted." A much longer pause. "We'll be waiting. Bye." He hung up. Looking at Lanny, he had a rueful smile. "I would NOT want to be you when she gets here, man. She doesn't mind you confessing, but she wants to have a talk with you about your timing. And what's this about being in Melina's room when she changed this morning?"
While Matt was falling in a laughing fit, the look on Lanny's face was priceless.
~~~~~~~~
A/N: Well, that's the last of our couples. I hope you all approve of the handling of Lanny's line. I know some think Lanny should be forever mute, but I believe that he can open up, with the right reason.
Next chapter: Couples making choices, including it least one that will change their lives forever.
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: Personal Notes:
plainjane: Just remember the lyrics of Waylon Jennings: "I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane."
MorganaPendragon: You do know how to make a man blush. Thank you.
`
Chapter 26
The Sound of Silence
`
Matt was the first to wake that morning. He looked at the clock on the wall. 6:27. He felt very rested. He hadn't had a single nightmare. That actually surprised him. Something else surprised him to. 'Oh, great! This is all I needed. At least I can free my arm without waking her.'
Or so he thought. Even thought he had placed his pillow under her head, she still roused. She groaned in protest of waking, then opened her eyes. "Something wrong?"
"Good morning to you, too."
"Sorry."
"It's okay. The only thing wrong is my need for the bathroom. I'll be back." As he stood, he tried to keep his back to her, so she would not see what the pressure from his full bladder had caused.
He wasn't completely successful. For his sake, she pretended not to notice. Miranda had heard enough from various sources, including once from a VERY embarrassed Gordo, to know that this was a normal, innocent thing. But she still felt sorry for him. 'Having that happen with his girlfriend and mother both in the room, how embarrassing!' Then another thought crossed her mind. It was something she had been thinking about, but wasn't sure how to bring up the subject with him. She made up her mind.
As he opened the bathroom door, and found her leaning against the opposite wall. "Meet me in the kitchen" she said as she passed him to go in.
At first, his adolescent mind came to a rather interesting conclusion for why she wanted to meet him there. But he quickly brushed the thought aside. 'If that's what she wanted, she won't choose the kitchen. Too risky.'
He had just finished pouring them each a glass of orange juice when she came in. "Thanks."
"Sure. I figure we can leave the coffee for the old folks." She gave a choked laugh at that. "Now, why did you want to meet here?"
She moved to the breakfast table. "Let's sit down."
He sat next to her. "Sounds serious."
"Well, the first part isn't. I thought we could fix breakfast for your folks."
His eyebrows arched sharply. "Only if you're a good cook. I haven't figured out anything more complex than cereal."
She smiled. "Don't worry about it. Mom spent most of the past year teaching me. I figure I can show you how NOT to burn eggs."
"Good. Now, you said 'first'. What else is there?"
"Well." She was having second thoughts. Not about her choice, but her timing. "The next time we're alone, we need to have a long, personal talk."
"Sounds serious." There was a hint of worry in his voice.
She caught it. "It's nothing to worry about. I just don't want to chance parents hearing this."
That put a wicked grin on his face. "I'll look forward to that."
"Good. Now, how about we fix that breakfast?"
~~~~~~~~
Everyone enjoyed the breakfast Miranda made with Matt's help. Although they couldn't help but notice the glances that passed between the couple, neither Sam nor Jo thought it was more than normal.
`
Sam left for work right after breakfast, so he'd have time to drop Lizzie off at the hospital on the way.
`
Miranda's mother came not long after that. She was relieved by the news that there had been no nightmares, but both mothers were puzzled when the couple talked about their trip-through-time dreams. The dreamers were also puzzled. "What I don't understand," Miranda wondered aloud, "is why we never appeared to age. Everyone else got older. You guys, Lizzie and Gordo, our kids, everyone. Do you know how weird it looked to see a thirteen-year-old looking Matt walking our twentysomething daughter down the aisle?"
"I expect it was quite the sight" Jo observed.
"But why?" Matt asked. "Everyone and everything around us behaved like the saw our older selves, but we didn't."
"If I were to guess," Mrs. Sanchez began, "I'd say it may be that your minds didn't want to put dates on these possible events. And not just about yourselves. You just said your daughter was twentysomething. Don't you have a more exact age?"
"No." Miranda's eyes were alight with realization. "I didn't think about that, but there were no fixed dates in it anywhere, except . . ." She couldn't finish.
Matt managed to try. ". . . except our talking about our recent 75th anniversary as we waited for you . . ." He couldn't continue.
"Matt." His mother got his attention. "I think what you saw is just one possibility. And, on the whole, a very good one. A very long, happy life together. I think Daniella is right about why you couldn't tell your ages. And maybe that's a good thing. This way, everything can still happen naturally for you, with little expectation pushing you."
~~~~~~~~
When Lizzie got to his room, she knocked gently, not sure he would be awake.
"Come in." He sounded a little groggy, like he'd only just woke up.
Sure enough, when she opened the door, she saw him rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Did I wake you?"
He caught the hint of worry. "No, but not by much. I had a hard time sleeping after yesterday."
"What happened yesterday?"
"You should sit down for this."
"That's never a good sign." She sat down. "Okay, I'm ready."
Gordo doubted that, but began. He held nothing about Larry's visit back. He had been doing a lot of thinking since then, and needed her to feel what he felt so she would understand what he had to tell her.
~~~~~~~~
"Melina, hon, it's nine o'clock. You really should get up." Silence. Her mother stuck her head in the door. Melina was faking sleep, and her mother knew it. "I'm not believing the sleeping act. I know you're hurting, but this sulking isn't you. You need to move on." The doorbell rang. "I'm going to see who that is, but I'm coming back up here." She closed the door behind her as she left.
Melina didn't want to wake up. Not to a world like this. Not to a world where HE wouldn't have her. 'Who are you kidding,' she chided herself, 'after what you did, he may never like you again. And I don't blame him.'
'But I love him!'
'Ha! You call that love? Don't you remember him telling us we weren't boyfriend/girlfriend almost a YEAR ago? And why did he stop? Because you scared him off! Trying to do that so fast, somebody he trusted.'
'But he stayed.'
'Because he's that good a friend, and that good a person. You can't face it, but it's there. He had every right to just walk away after that stunt. But he didn't. He still wanted you as a friend.'
'I know, alright, I know what I am. Melina the impulsive. Melina the reckless. Melina the ill-tempered. Melina the bully. Melina the wicked little girl.'
'That's enough wallowing. What happened to Melina the tough girl, or Melina the iron-willed? Yes, you can be all those bad things. But for people like Matt McGuire and Lanny Onasis to want to be your friends in spite of all that, doesn't that tell you something? That maybe there's a lot of good in you, too? And speaking of Lanny, he still hasn't left you as a friend. He's tried all day Monday and yesterday to try to cheer you up.'
'What did I do to deserve a friend like him?'
'Don't ask stupid questions. Just accept him. Let him help you. And who knows, with enough time, and the right apology, Matt might forgive you.
'Do you remember those eyes? I think you're asking too much.'
'You may have a point, but there's only one way to know.'
The door opened, and her mother came in. Faster than Melina could react, she yanked the covers off of her. "Now, young lady, since I can see you're adequately covered," she had worn workout shorts and a medium thick cotton top, "you have company waiting downstairs, and I'm going to send him up. Maybe that will force you to get off this bed."
Melina didn't have to think too hard to know who this had to be. There were only two boys her mother HAD trusted enough to allow them in her room, and after she finally told her about what happened, she wasn't likely to let Matt up here.
Her guess proved right, as Lanny came in, acting afraid of what she might do.
~~~~~~~~
When Gordo finished the story with Larry and Parker's embrace, he could tell it had an affect on her. She'd cried at various points, including the ending. "Oh, I'm so glad Parker came for him. I'll never figure out why he thinks he has to be 'Mr. Tough Guy' for her, when she fell for the teddy bear she's always described him as."
"He blames himself, alone, for her pregnancy. As much as he wanted to have a family of his own, and as happy as he was that Parker was going to be the mother, he still believes it shouldn't have happened so soon, and wouldn't have if he'd remember to have protection."
"Never mind that Parker could have brought something, or used something. For that matter, she could have said no. If he's anything like she says, he would have listened to her." She blushed. "She said they liked other . . ."
His eyes got wide and his cheeks went red. "I don't need to know that! But I think you're right, he would have stopped himself." He took a deep breath to gather himself. "Lizzie, I love you with everything that I am, but after yesterday . . . I don't ever want you to fell what Parker was feeling. And I don't want to be like Larry was. I can't imagine that kind of pain."
Lizzie had folded in on herself, her tears starting again. "You're scaring me. Please, tell me you aren't trying to break up with me."
"What? No, Lizzie, no. That's not it at all. I'm sorry I scared you. Listen, what I'm trying to say is this. I confess that I've had certain dreams about us."
"So have I."
"But we can't let ourselves give in to that. We can have all the good intentions in the world about protection, but nothings perfect, and it only takes once. Once was all it took for Larry and Parker."
"Are you saying you want to wait? So do I. It's not like I was expecting us to jump in bed right after the casts come off."
"It's more than that. Lizzie, I'm not saying we should wait a few months, or a year. I'm saying I want to wait until our wedding night." Lizzie's eyes got huge. "I know that's a long time, but I think it's important. Especially after yesterday."
It took a moment for Lizzie to gather herself. "Ohmygod! Gordo, was that . . . did you just propose?!?"
It wasn't until she said that that he realized had skipped a few steps. "I really blew that one. No, it wasn't an official proposal. But, Lizzie, please understand. I know we've only been a couple for two days, but I've known, and sat on, my feeling for you for years. After already dying once, I'm not going to waste a lot of time on niceties. If this relationship goes well, I might propose as early as New Year's. Does that bother you?"
She was still in shock. "It's just, wow. It seems so sudden. And it will be so weird being in high school with an engagement ring."
He caught her wording. "It WILL be? Lizzie, was that a yes?" He voice was teasing, but his eyes told her he was serious.
She had to think for a minute. "Gordo, a couple of nights ago, Miranda and I were talking. I told her that after hearing about your dying, I had wanted to ask you to marry me as soon as you woke up. But I decided not to, because I didn't want to just rush you to the altar, afraid of losing you. I wanted it to be perfect. Pointing out that I had said I wouldn't ask you, she asked me what my answer would be if you asked me the next day. I didn't know how to answer her then. Now I know. Miranda thinks I've loved you since fourth grade. I'm beginning to think she's right." She got up, and moved to his cast-free side. She took his hand in hers. "Whenever you're ready to give an official proposal, I already know my answer. Yes, David Gordon, I will marry you."
He had to smile at that. "What a strange pair are we. You've accepted a proposal that hasn't been made yet, after I'm talking about a wedding night we haven't even planned yet! I guess I should have a talk with your father."
"Just don't mention 'wedding night'. With all the Matt and Miranda stuff going on, he might take it the wrong way."
"You will have to tell me about how those two are doing, but something else first. Just now, and when you first said you love me, you called me David, not Gordo."
"I'm sorry if it bothers you, but they were both such serious things, it didn't seem right to use a nickname."
"It's okay. Maybe it's because I'm getting older, but I liked the sound of it from you. Would you like to start calling me David? Full time, that is."
"I never thought about it, but we are getting older. Maybe I should have you start calling me Elizabeth."
Gordo laughed, but choked it back at her glare. "Sorry. But you will never be Elizabeth to me. I'll leave David up to you, but I can't see myself calling you anything but Lizzie. Except twice."
"When would that be?"
He looked the must sincere she'd ever seen him. "On bended knee, and at the altar." As she beamed at him, something suddenly hit him. He looked at her with astonishment. "Why was Miranda talking to you about engagements? What's going on with those two?!?"
~~~~~~~~
"Slow down, Melina! Where do you think you're blasting off to?" Her mom had been coming up the stairs when she was nearly bowled over by her daughter flying down them.
"Sorry, mom, didn't see you there. We're heading out for a bit." Lanny had just reached the top of the stairs.
"I'm not going to ask if you bothered to warn him before you changed. But you're telling me where you're going."
"I thought you wanted me out of bed. We're just going to hang out, mom, like normal."
She knew her daughter too well to fall for that. "Promise me you're not going to cause trouble for Matt and his new girlfriend."
"Do you think I've got a death wish? I'm not going anywhere near them. Come on, Lanny."
She didn't believe Melina one bit, but also knew it wouldn't do much good to forbid her. That would only guarantee a visit to the McGuire house. "At least get a snack before you leave. You haven't been eating enough."
"Oh, all right." She heel-turned and went to the kitchen.
Melina's mom took Lanny's shoulder she he passed. It still amazed her how tall the boy had gotten. 'Didn't he used to be the shortest of their pack?' She spoke softly in his ear. "A mother can see things. I know you care for her. Please, don't let her do anything foolish. Protect my girl from herself."
A deep, meaningful nod was his reply. She took that as agreement. For Lanny, it was much more.
~~~~~~~~
The doorbell of the McGuire home rang a little after noon. Matt answered. It was who he'd been waiting for. "Reggie. Good to see you. Please, come in."
Reggie was a little taken aback by Matt's tone. "What's with the formality, man? Should I have worn a tux?"
Matt smiled in apology. "Sorry, man. I guess with everything that's happened, I'm a little nervous. Let's talk in the kitchen, okay. There are drinks ready in there."
"Sure." When they got there, Reggie saw a sight he had decided was a definite fringe benefit of coming here. It was Lizzie's hispanic friend. He never could remember her name, but he enjoyed looking at her. Or rather, parts of her. 'Damn, what are they, 34D by now?' (A/N: I don't care what they tell you, most 13 year old boys do think like that. Often!) 'Matt's one lucky dog to be treated to this sight so often.' He was snapped out of his thoughts when Matt loudly clapped his hands within an inch of his nose. "What? Hey, what did you do that for?"
"I'll thank you NOT to look at her like that."
The look Matt was giving him made him uncomfortable. "What?!?"
"Easy, Matt." Miranda's voice was soothing. "Unless you started without me, you've got no reason to be angry yet."
Matt grudgingly coincided the point. "I guess so. But I know the way he was looking at you."
"Will you tell me just what the big deal is? What's wrong with me looking at her, and why was Melina crying?" That's when he made the connection. "Aw, hell!"
"Reggie, please, just let me tell you what's happened my way, okay?"
"Alright, man, but tell me one thing first. Do you know how Melina feels about you?"
Matt paled. "Not until Monday. I honestly thought that was long over with."
"I think I can see where this will end, but I've got to know how you got here."
"Alright, I began with the night of the crash." He told his story, with Miranda's help. He hadn't wanted to have her here, but she insisted. He deliberately left out the worries his parents had for him, and the rings, because she was there. He also left out the sleeping arrangements. As he described Monday's events, Reggie looked astonished and horrified. With all he was going to leave out, he didn't have much to say after Monday. "So, it's about it. Dr. Gordon is going to see both of us for awhile, while I get some extra help in controlling my temper." Reggie still looked thunderstruck. "Reggie, are you okay."
Slowly, a strange half smile came to his face. "Trust Melina to go off like that. I admit, I'm rather jealous of you right now. You've got the prettiest, toughest girl in our grade crying over you, because you've got a gorgeous girl, who's about to inter her junior year of HIGH SCHOOL, for your girlfriend. And, if you hadn't noticed, she's been looking at you like she can't wait to get you ALONE." He said the last word so suggestively, both Matt and Miranda blushed. He laughed. "Man, do you realize how lucky OH HELL."
He was staring out the window. Following his gaze, they saw something the neither expected nor wanted. Standing at the back gate was Melina, and she wasn't alone. Lanny was trying, physically, to restrain her. "What in the world is that all about?!?" Matt got up to find out the answer to his question, and was quickly pushed back in his sat by Miranda, who moved to hold him in place by the shoulders. "What . . ."
"Please, Matt, don't go out there." She was pleading, her voice already colored with panic.
"Miranda!" He couldn't fight against her, he had neither the size nor heart to do that. "Please, I have to. With mom at the store, I'm the only McGuire here. I have to check."
"Please, don't."
"Wait, both of you." Reggie had an idea. "I'll go. She's not mad at me. You two stand at the door, so you can hear, but stay out of reach. Agreed?"
"Yes." Miranda said quickly.
"Okay, but you," he looked sharply at Miranda, "will keep yourself behind me. I'm not giving her another chance at you."
She would have challenged him, but didn't want another argument about this. "Oh, all right."
They come to the back door with Reggie in the lead. The door opened to Melina in the middle of a sailor's tirade. When she got past the expletive, she yelled at Lanny. "YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TRYING TO STOP ME! I ALREADY TOLD YOU I'M NOT HERE TO PICK A FIGHT, NOW LET GO!"
"Melina, why are you here?" Reggie was trying to stay calm, but the scene made him uneasy.
"I'm here to see Matt, of course." She and the other boys all looked at Lanny. After a moment "NO, I'M NOT CRAZY! The way I figure it, I'll be fine so long as I don't touch the slut."
"HEY!"
"YOU DAMN WELL BETTER WATCH YOUR MOUTH ABOUT HER!" He was about to take a step out, when Reggie gently placed a hand on him.
"Please, trust me." Matt nodded, feeling Miranda's hand on his shoulder. "Leave, Melina, until your temper cools."
"NO! NOT UNTIL . . . WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM, LANNY?!?"
He had been struggling to hold her back. He had also been trying to communicate to her, in that way only his friends understood. But all the boiling emotion made that impossible. He was getting desperate.
`
That's when it happened.
`
For the first time ever for Miranda, and the first time for any of his friends since his voice change, the rich baritone his voice had become rang out, backed by raw panic. "I LOVE YOU AND I CAN'T LET YOU GET HURT AGAIN!!!"
`
Everybody was dumbstruck by that.
`
The first reaction was Melina's. Between her heartbreak, refusing to eat right the past 48 hours, and the high emotions of this encounter, Lanny's screamed proclamation was the final straw. She fainted. If not for Lanny already holding her, she'd have hit the ground with a thud. Instead, she fell into his body.
Her fainting brought everyone back to their senses. Matt took command. "Reggie, Lanny, get her on the couch! Miranda, get the doors for them! I'm getting some water, then calling her mom." Nobody had a better plan, so they did as he told. After getting the water, he grabbed the cordless in the kitchen. Dialing as he walked, he realized the one problem with his plan. He was probably the LAST person she wanted to here from. Turning the phone off before finishing the number, he reached the living room. He handed Lanny the water. "Have that ready when she wakes. Reggie, problem with my plan. I shouldn't be talking to her mom right now, not after Monday. Could you do it?"
"Good point. Here, I'll do it." Upon receiving the phone, he dialed. "Hello, ma'am, it's Reggie." Pause. "It's about Melina, ma'am. I was here at Matt's, and she and Lanny showed up." Pause. "No, ma'am, nothing like that. But . . . she fainted, you should come for her." Pause. "There was a shouting match, but the only one who got physical was Lanny trying to restrain her." Pause. "Hold on." He covered the mouthpiece. "Lanny, she wants to know why she fainted. What should I say?"
A meaningful look from Lanny.
"You're sure?"
Another look.
"Okay." Looking unsure of this, he returned to the phone. "Do you know how Lanny feels about her?" A brief pause. "Well, in the heat of the arguments, he told her. Out loud. That's when she fainted." A much longer pause. "We'll be waiting. Bye." He hung up. Looking at Lanny, he had a rueful smile. "I would NOT want to be you when she gets here, man. She doesn't mind you confessing, but she wants to have a talk with you about your timing. And what's this about being in Melina's room when she changed this morning?"
While Matt was falling in a laughing fit, the look on Lanny's face was priceless.
~~~~~~~~
A/N: Well, that's the last of our couples. I hope you all approve of the handling of Lanny's line. I know some think Lanny should be forever mute, but I believe that he can open up, with the right reason.
Next chapter: Couples making choices, including it least one that will change their lives forever.