No Time to Waste
by TheRealXenocide
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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.
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Chapter 33
War or Peace?
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The first of the meeting's principles to arrive was Gordo, driven by his father on his lunch break. Matt, who was the only one inside at the time, let them in. "Lizzie's in back with mom getting things ready." That's when he noticed Gordo's appearance. "What are you going to do with those pants when that cast comes off?"
"Charity." Gordo's pelvic injury meant his cast ran from just above his ankle to his waist on his right side. There was also a 3 inch wide band around the top, forming an uninterrupted beltline to help him keep his pants up. However, it also required pants larger than Gordo could possibly wear once it was gone. His leg and knee were at such an angle that he could sit or lay down, but neither was easy.
"How did your night go, Matt?" Dr. Gordon asked.
"Oh, man! We were going to call you this morning, but Lizzie set off the smoke alarm this morning trying to make breakfast, and we forgot."
"Wait. Lizzie was cooking?" Gordo couldn't believe it. "Why would she do that after last time?"
"Probably because Miranda made breakfast for everyone yesterday and the day before. She even let me help."
Gordo's eyebrows almost reached his hairline. "Miranda and you cooked?"
"Yup."
"And nobody suffered?"
"David!"
"It's okay. Miranda's mom has been teaching her for awhile, and she kept me to easy stuff. Come on, let's get you to the back."
As they followed Matt in, Dr. Gordon spoke up. "Was there something in particular you wanted to tell me about?"
"A couple of things, actually. But I think it can wait until later."
"I had a cancellation for four today. I could come by earlier than I had planned and talk to you two together before I take David home. How does that sound?"
"I have to ask Miranda, but it sounds good to me."
He ignored Gordo making the sound of a cracking whip.
~~~~
Once Gordo was settled on the seat, his father excused himself to return to his office. The small patio table had a pitcher of water and glasses already in place. Lizzie sat next to him. "Hey, handsome."
He was grinning ear-to-ear, hearing her say that. "Hey, beautiful."
"I think I'll go back inside." Matt hurried toward the door.
"Is there a problem, little brother?"
"Please tell me we aren't that sappy, at least when others are around."
"No, you two just make out when others are around."
Gordo tried to bury his laugh, and only half succeeded. Matt rolled his eyes. "That only happened coming out of nightmares!"
Gordo finally regained control of himself (sort of). "Come on, guys, enough." He changed subjects. "How are you doing, Matt? I know what happened Monday, but I haven't seen you or Miranda since then."
Matt took a seat, heavily. "This has been the strangest week of my life. I don't think there's enough time to tell you everything I can. And the stuff I can't," he shook his head in disbelief, "if I hadn't been there, I doubt I'd believe it."
"Sounds like I really need to sit down and catch up with you two." He looked deep in thought. "With everything that's been happening, we've got to be careful not to drift apart."
That took Lizzie by surprise. "What do you mean, drift apart? That can't happen to us, can it?"
"Think about it. You and I are finally a couple. No matter how much she wanted this for us, she could end up feeling like a third wheel if we're not careful. Add to that her new romance with Matt, and it's a real concern."
"I don't want to do that to her." Matt was clearly worried by this. "You two have been her friends for so long, that would tear her up inside. I nearly lost two friends over this. I know what it feels like."
"None of us what it to happen." Gordo reminded him. "There is something I think we can do to prevent it."
After a pause of about two seconds, Lizzie blurted out. "Don't just sit there, tell us!"
Gordo smiled at her. "While we will want time to ourselves, as they will, why can't we do some of the things we did as a trio as a quartet?"
It took a moment for that to sink in. "Double date, with my brother? Do you know how weird that sounds?"
"Lizzie, it's not like we wouldn't still do some things with just the three of us, but we'd have to be careful not to make Miranda feel left out."
"Left out of what?" Miranda asked as she walked toward the table. Jo had brought her back, and now left the kids alone.
"I was just talking about how we need to be careful not let our relationships make us drift apart as friends."
She sat down. "Good to know you're as depressing as always." He arched his eyebrows at her. "Sorry. I know it's something to think about, but I'd rather deal with it after we're done with Kate."
Matt had been watching her. He stood up, and moved behind her. "You've already gotten yourself so tense, I can see it just looking at you. Here, I can at least try to help you relax a little." He started working on her shoulders.
At first she jumped at his touch, then leaned in. "That feels nice."
Gordo saw the look on Lizzie's face. "Lizzie, you're going to have to get used to seeing things like that," he turned to Matt, "both of you are."
"All of us, you mean." Miranda added. "I know it will be weird for me to see you two the first few times, and I recall you making some noise when we kissed in front of you."
Gordo's grin returned at the reminder. "You're right. We really should find the time to talk this out. Do any of you have plans for tomorrow?"
"Well, mom was going to take me to the j . . ." Matt stopped himself short. "To go shopping with her. But that shouldn't take to long."
Lizzie eyed him speculatively, but let it go. "I have no plans, although I was going to see if I could spend time with Miranda. You know, just the girls."
"My folks wanted me to spend more time with Lily. She's still upset about all this, not that I can blame her. But I could probably break away for something like this."
"Lily won't mind?" Matt asked.
Miranda got a sly grin. "If I tell her it will help us, she'll be okay. You really won her over. I'd think she has a crush on you, except for her constantly asking about what she'd get to do as an aunt."
Before Matt could respond, Gordo did. "WHAT?!? An aunt? Already?" Eyes bulging and talking fast, it would have been funny if the others didn't all have the same worry.
"Calm down, hon, your heart!" "Take it easy, man!" "I'm not pregnant!" Came simultaneously.
He started to calm down. Miranda explained "when we explained to her about us, she asked if we were a mommy and daddy yet. We told her no, but Matt added that we would some day, and that would make her an aunt." She smiled. "She seemed to like the idea."
Lizzie was upset with him, and smacked his shoulder. "Don't do that to yourself! We still have no idea what happened to your heart, and I'm not ready to be a widow yet."
"How can you be a widow if we're not married yet?" Take earned him another shoulder slap.
"Man, you scared all of us going off like that." Matt was still annoyed. "How many times do you think you're going to be able to pull off that phoenix act?"
That caused Gordo to do a double take. "Phoenix?!?" Then he started to chuckle. "I guess I can see the connection. Okay, you guys, I get it. I'll try to stay calm, but please don't say things like that."
"I guess we can handle that."
"Matt, can you get the door?" Jo called from the kitchen.
"Sure, mom" he called back. Turning back to the others. "That's probably them."
As he took off, nobody had any doubts that he meant Kate and Ethan. "So," Lizzie asked, "anybody have a plan for this?"
"Oh, yeah, I've got a plan for her." Miranda replied. The way she said that made Lizzie and Gordo worried . . . for Kate.
~~
When Matt opened the door, he wasn't disappointed. "Hi, you two, come on in." He was trying to sound welcoming, but it sounded too forced to his own ears, so he dropped it. "They're waiting for you in back, Kate. Do you want to come with us, Ethan, or wait for me in the living room?"
Ethan smiled at that. "I don't trust myself with this thing yet." He lifted into view the slender white cane he had. "So if you two will lend a hand getting me there, I'll wait." He was folding it up as he spoke, and it soon fit in the palm of his hand.
As they led him toward the couch, he asked "am I right in guessing we're both banned from the fun, Matt?"
"Yeah. I don't know if you've got a record like mine, but they figure better safe than sorry. Besides, it gives me a chance to talk to you about some things. That is, if you don't mind." I saw his comment about his record had the desired effect.
Ethan responded first. "I don't mind talking to you. As I said before, I figure I owe you for giving me the kick I needed. But what did you mean by 'a record like yours'?"
He faked a grimace, something he had gotten very good at in his thirteen years. "You weren't supposed to know about that. Forget I said anything. Now," he turned to Kate and put on his fake British accent, "if you'll follow me, the others are waiting."
"Okaaay." Kate replied. She was uncomfortable with the unanswered question.
"Hello, Kate." Jo's voice from the doorway startled them. "It's good to see you again, Ethan."
"Hello, Mrs. McGuire. How is everything?"
"Predictably busy, but we're getting through. I'd like to stay and talk, but they're waiting for Kate in back, and I think Matt wants to talk to you, so if you boys are fine in here, I'll take Kate to the others."
"Thank you, Mrs. McGuire." Kate replied, both relieved and intimidated. Uneasy as she was by whatever Matt was hiding, this woman's presence always made her feel inadequate.
"I'll be in the kitchen if you boys need anything. The others are this way, Kate." She left the room, Kate following. When they came through the door, Jo knew the girl was in for it. The look on Miranda's face spoke volumes. 'I can't blame her, but I hope she'll give this a chance.' "Lizzie, I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything."
"Thanks, mom." Lizzie replied automatically. Jo left, and for a moment, all was still, nobody quite knowing where to begin. "Have a seat, Kate." Lizzie finally offered.
"Thanks." Her obvious nervousness was so unlike her, the others weren't sure what to make of it. "Um, before we start, can I ask you something, about Matt?"
"What, one man's not enough? Gonna try for mine?" Miranda fired.
Her words cut. Kate knew her reputation as well as they did. She also knew it was a reputation she'd earned. "No. I'm happy with Ethan. It's something he said. When Ethan asked about them not being allowed back here, he said it was better safe then sorry. But he let slip something about 'a record like his'. May I ask what that means?"
Lizzie was alarmed by her brother's 'slip', guessing it was deliberate. She tried to laugh it off. "Oh, nothing, don't worry about . . ."
"No." Miranda cut in. "If she wants to know, it's fine with me. It'll give her fair warning." She looked directly at Kate. "A few days ago, Matt told two of his best friends about us. One of them, a girl named Melina, didn't take it very well because she had feelings for him he hadn't none about. Things got bad, and she punched me. She then got thrown across the room by Matt." The look on Kate's face was everything she'd wanted. "So you see, we didn't want to take a chance on him feeling I needed protecting here, so he stays in the living room until he's told to come."
The other two were alarmed by Miranda. Her threat was clear. If Kate misbehaved, Matt could pounce. Kate's face showed she registered this as well, but instead of snapping, she hung her head. That surprised them. "I've earned that. You have no reason to trust me not to try something. I'll be honest, Miranda. Ethan and I spoke about me trying to come back to you guys, but I was afraid. Of you. I didn't think there was a chance you could forgive me the things I've done to you and you're friends."
"I don't know if I can." She smiled slightly. "It does seem that our men had the same idea, though. This meeting was, in part, Matt's idea. So I agreed to this for him. However," her smile fell, "you have a lot to answer for."
"I know" was Kate's only reply. Lizzie and Gordo both realized what was coming. They didn't like it, but they knew Miranda had been carrying around a lot of anger for Kate, and she needed to do this if they were doing to get anywhere.
"Then let's begin at the beginning."
~~
"Was there something specific you wanted to ask about?" Ethan asked.
"Yeah, there is. But I need to ask you to promise not to tell anyone what I'm going to talk about."
"Trusting me with confidences? Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean, I'll do it, but our ladies aren't on good terms yet."
"I know. But I'm hoping that will improve. And I don't know anyone else I can ask these questions of, except people I don't want knowing I'm asking these questions."
Ethan's face broke into a smile. "I gentleman doesn't kiss and tell."
Matt started laughing. "I don't want anything about specific people! You dated my sister, remember?"
"My head isn't THAT bad, yet." He let Matt stop laughing before he continued. "Okay, I promise not to tell anyone. Now, what's on your mind?"
"Well," he was nervous about talking at this, "from what you said about you're . . . ah . . . dating habits when we saw you in the hospital, and what I stopped you from saying ever the phone, you have some experience with women. Physical experience." If Ethan hadn't been blind, he would have seen a most interesting shade of crimson on Matt's face.
He didn't need to see to tell Matt's discomfort. He remembered his own when he asked his uncle what it sounded like Matt was asking him. It took great effort not to laugh at the situation. "Are you asking for advice on how to give a woman pleasure?"
Matt's red deepened. "Well, yeah, I am. I don't know anything, not really, and I don't want to ruin things for her. If you don't want to talk about this, I understand, but . . ."
"Slow down, man." Matt had started talking too fast again. "I had a similar talk with an uncle a couple of years ago, so I know what it's like to ask. But I need to ask you something even more embarrassing."
"That's possible?"
"Yes, it is." He drew a deep breath. "How far have you gotten, with ANY girl?"
Matt audibly gulped. "I guess it is possible."
~~~~
Miranda's list of Kate's offenses was into its twentieth minute, with no sign of slowing down. That wasn't what Lizzie found most impressive about this, though. To her amazement, Kate just sat there and took it. It was this that convinced Lizzie that Kate really had changed. What happened next cinched it. Miranda had already started on freshman year when Kate finally interrupted her. "You forgot something."
Miranda paused, momentarily stunned. Finally, she responded. "No I haven't. I've kept score on you, and if I ever feel like being nice to you, I review the list. I haven't forgotten anything."
"Saving it for last, or did you drop it now that you've found Matt?" She sounded honestly curious.
"What are you talking about? Matt isn't in this. He never got involved with you, except that time he gave you a bath."
"Yes, but if I hadn't gotten involved, you might still be with Larry." As soon as she said that, she realized that this was the first Miranda had heard about that one. "Oh, no."
Miranda's eyes turned dangerous. "What. Do. You. Mean. By. That?"
Kate paled, and started to shake under Miranda's glare. "I thought you knew by now, with all the time Gordo has spent around him." Realizing she wasn't going to be able to worm her way out of this, she confessed. "When I saw that argument you two had in the Digital Bean, I encouraged a friend of a friend to start showing an interest in him. I told her it was just a game, but the truth is, I wanted to break you up."
Miranda was shaking in rage. "You evil BITCH!" Miranda had been sitting across the table from Kate. On the word bitch, she lunged at her.
Jo, who had been in the kitchen, and thus close enough to hear her, came to the door to check. "MIRANDA, STOP!"
~~
At this point in the lesson, both boys were very red. Neither, however, was willing to be the first to call a stop to it. Until they heard Jo's call to Miranda. "What the hell?!?" Matt exclaimed.
"Sound like trouble. Should we check?"
Matt had to work wonders within himself to keep from charging outside. "I want to, but I don't trust myself."
"That's twice you've said something like that. What gives?"
"Long story."
"Give me the notes version."
"I threw a friend across this room when she punched Miranda."
It took a moment for Ethan to recover. "You're right, it sounds like a long story. But if your friend hit first, what you did was understandable."
"It's not what I did that's the problem, but what I could have done if Miranda hadn't called me off."
"I see. Still, if you'll forgive me this, it sounds like Miranda's the one needing calling off. Will you take me there?"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
~~
When they got to the back, things had settled down some. Miranda was standing at her seat, looking like she could leap at any second. Kate was sitting on the patio, her chair laying between her and the table. Jo was standing between them, and Lizzie and Gordo looked like they were in shock. Matt led Ethan to Kate, put his hand on her shoulder, and left him to go to Miranda's side. "What happened?"
She was barely keeping herself off Kate. "Do you remember when I told you I had been going out with Larry Tudgeman the summer after eighth grade?"
"Yeah, you said he was you're first deep kiss." He winced when he heard himself say that. "Damn, I wasn't supposed to say that, was I?"
"No, but in this case, it's okay." Her glare was still on Kate. "Do you remember how I said we both knew, even then, that it was starting to come to an end?"
"Yeah, but what does that have to do . . . oh no." It finally hit him.
"Oh, yes. It seems that our break up had help. Help provided by Kate."
Ethan was surprised by this. "But why would she do that? It makes no sense."
"I did it for one reason. To hurt Miranda." She felt Ethan's hand tense. "You know what kind for person I've been, Ethan."
"Yes, but why? What made you do something like that?"
"Because you hurt the ones you love." Light dawned for Gordo as he recited that familiar phrase. All eyes turned to him. "Tell us why you've been willing to put yourself through this, Kate? The truth."
She didn't know what else to do, so she answered, thou reluctantly. "Because I miss you. I didn't realize how good I had it with you guys until I left you to be 'Miss Popular'. But I was sure it was too late by then."
"So instead of facing what you feared," Gordo cut in, "you attacked it. Or rather, us."
"Yes." The shame and contempt in her voice rang true. "I'm such a coward."
"No." Lizzie replied. Everything finally made sense for her. "You were back then, but not now. You wouldn't have put yourself though this if you were still like that. You would have just left in a huff and planned your revenge."
"She's right." Gordo was smiling at Lizzie. "You didn't have to admit to what you did to help break up Miranda and Larry, but you did. Under the circumstances, that wasn't cowardice, that was bravery bordering on stupidity."
Miranda was still in a fury. "I can't believe you! She admits to manipulating Larry to hurt me, and you sound like she's the victim! I'm the one that got hurt, remember? Don't you remember how bad it hurt me when Larry and I broke it off?"
"Of course I remember. I was there with you that whole day." Lizzie answered.
"Miranda." At the sound of his voice, Miranda turned to look at Matt. She could have melted into those eyes. "I'm not going to ask you to forgive her. I don't think anyone will. But I will ask you to consider that maybe, just maybe, she's changed. We both know that people can change. Look at me. I'm I the same boy who had that crush on you years ago?"
"No. But what does that have to do with this? You never did anything like she has."
"The point is, she can change, just like me. You don't have to forgive, and I can't ask you to forget. But is it so much to ask you to consider that she isn't like that anymore? That maybe, with Ethan's help, she's become someone better. Someone close to the girl you've told me she used to be. She sounded like a good person."
"She was." She sighed. "What would you have me do? I can't make friends with her so easily, not after all she's done."
"But you don't have to be enemies anymore, do you?" She looked puzzled. "She can't take back what she's done any more than Melina can take back that punch." That got Miranda's attention. "But if she's admitting to her mistakes, and asking for a fresh start, can't you at least call a . . ." he was snapping his fingers, looking for the right word.
"Cease-fire?" Gordo supplied.
"Thank you. Just a cease-fire. Keep your guard up, but give her the chance to show if she's changed, if this change is real, and if it holds. Is that so much to ask?"
Miranda stood silent, but everyone could see the internal conflict written on her face. This battle, like Gordo's days before, was fierce. But unlike him, when the battle was decided, she wanted Kate to know just how precarious her position was. "On some conditions."
Kate saw hope, and grabbed at it. "Name them."
"First, understand that I don't trust you, so do not expect me to be any better than civil to you for a long time. Second, only if Lizzie and Gordo can do at least as much. And before they say anything, you need to confess anything you've done to them they don't know about. If we find out the hard way, game over."
Kate swallowed hard when she heard the last part. "But, I don't remember everything."
"Wait," Lizzie cut in, "what if you admit to what you consider the worst things you've done that we don't know about."
"And I want the whole story on why you dropped us the way you did." Gordo added. "I know you wanted to be popular, a cheerleader, and all the rest. But I get the feeling there was something else going on for you to do it so abruptly."
Now she was more uncomfortable than ever. "Clever as always, Gordo."
"I'd like to hear this, too." Miranda cut in. "All right, if those are their conditions, I'm game. Start talking."
Kate took a moment to gather her thoughts. "Alright, I'll answer Lizzie first. You've all figured out by now that when I was being nice to Miranda back around the time of Danny's pool party, I was trying to break you guys up, right?" They nodded. "That wasn't my only attempt. Only the next time I tried, I toyed with Gordo's heart."
"What?!?" Both Lizzie and Gordo were surprised. When could she have done that?
"Claire and I were eating lunch with a friend of hers. When Clair's friend learned I used to know you guys, she started asking a lot of questions about Gordo." She focused on Gordo. "It didn't take too much to realize she was attracted to you. I started talking about you in the best way I knew, hoping to get her to ask you out. I hoped that if you dated Claire's friend, it would drive a wedge between you and the girls."
He realized who she meant about halfway through. He didn't want to believe it, but it all fit. "Brooke." He looked at her, more hurt than angry. "She was my first real kiss, and it was all a set-up."
"I don't know if she would have asked you out without my encouragement, but now, we'll never know. I'm sorry doesn't seem enough, but I am sorry."
He couldn't answer her yet. Instead, he wanted to move on. "What did you do to Lizzie?"
"Amy isn't my only cousin. I have one my age who lives across town. When I saw how happy Lizzie was with a boy I recognized from her school, I got my cousin to steal him from her."
Lizzie looked like she'd been slapped in the face. "Ronnie? You're the reason he dumped me?"
She nodded. "The same thing I did to Miranda and Larry. And the same reason. Just to be mean."
"Excuse me," Jo cut in, "but all that happened before high school. Why nothing more recent then two years ago?"
They all looked at her, amazed. "I don't know." Kate's answer was so matter-of-fact, nobody could question it.
"Maybe if you answer Gordo's question, it can help with the answer to mine" Jo suggested.
"I doubt that, ma'am, but . . . do you two realize how long your feelings have been obvious to those who know you? Years. I first saw it at the start of sixth grade. I couldn't stand to be around them, because at the same time I . . . had a crush . . ." she was looking at Gordo again "on you." Gordo's mouth gapped open in surprise.
"I guessed as much." Jo remarked.
Now Kate's mouth match Gordo's. "How?!? I never told anyone what I felt."
Jo just shook her head. "All three of you girls have never been good at hiding your feeling. Especially romantic ones. But that issue no longer exists, does it?"
"No, it doesn't. When I said yes to Ethan, I meant it. No offense, Gordo, but you were a crush. Ethan's the real thing."
"Which do you think was the worse jealous reaction, Kate's or Melina's?" Matt asked nobody in particular.
"Mine" Kate offered. "One punch doesn't match what I've done."
"I expect an explanation about why she knows about that when we're done." Jo said sharply. "But right now, you three still have some choices to make. She answered your questions. It's your turn."
The first to react was Gordo, who surprised everyone when he started laughing. Starting as a tension release, and snowballed until he could barely stay in his chair. "Great," Matt mused, "my sister's fallen for a nutter."
They all couldn't help but chuckle at the remark, along with Gordo's scene. When he managed to compose himself, he began "Kate, forgive is the wrong word. I might do that some day, but not yet." Kate's face fell. "But," he continued, "I think I understand this better. And I believe you when you say you want to reconcile. We're not friends yet, but I'm willing to try to get to know you again." Her face brightened.
Lizzie made up her mind. "The slate's not clean. Words can't say what I felt about losing my first love like that. But I've always had a hunch that my friend was still in there somewhere. Consider this," she searched for a word, and found it, "probation. You have a lot of work to do to regain our trust, but I'll give you the chance."
"That," Kate was barely holding back tears, "is all I hoped for, and more than I feared." She felt Miranda's glare before she looked. "Miranda? Cease-fire?"
"Please?" Matt pleaded.
She looked at him, and gave in. "It's not fair, you having those eyes." She turned back to Kate. "Cease-fire. But do not expect me to go easy on you."
"I haven't earned easy. Thank you." She got up. "I hope you all don't mind, but this has been a . . . stressful experience, and I need to spend some time alone with Ethan."
The women all understood. "Go ahead." Lizzie replied.
"I'll show you out." Matt offered.
"FREEZE!" He froze at his mother's voice. "You stay here. All of you. I'll do it, then we need to talk."
Matt replaced the fallen chair and sat in it as his mother led Ethan and Kate to the front door. When she returned, she had her stern mother face on. "Now, who wants to tell me how Kate knew about Melina?"
Between the four of them, she got the story. Except the part about how Matt and Miranda had planned the act the previous evening before bed. That she deduced for herself. "You two may have lived up to the letter of my warning, but not the spirit." She then smiled. "But I guess with your history with her, I should have expected that. After the day you've all had, why don't you four stay out here and relax."
Once she was inside, Miranda voiced her amazement. "Did she just let us off the hook?"
"I think so." Matt mused. "I think that's a first."
~~~~~~~~
Will this cease-fire survive the party Lizzie wanted to set-up? Stay tuned.
by TheRealXenocide
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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.
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Chapter 33
War or Peace?
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The first of the meeting's principles to arrive was Gordo, driven by his father on his lunch break. Matt, who was the only one inside at the time, let them in. "Lizzie's in back with mom getting things ready." That's when he noticed Gordo's appearance. "What are you going to do with those pants when that cast comes off?"
"Charity." Gordo's pelvic injury meant his cast ran from just above his ankle to his waist on his right side. There was also a 3 inch wide band around the top, forming an uninterrupted beltline to help him keep his pants up. However, it also required pants larger than Gordo could possibly wear once it was gone. His leg and knee were at such an angle that he could sit or lay down, but neither was easy.
"How did your night go, Matt?" Dr. Gordon asked.
"Oh, man! We were going to call you this morning, but Lizzie set off the smoke alarm this morning trying to make breakfast, and we forgot."
"Wait. Lizzie was cooking?" Gordo couldn't believe it. "Why would she do that after last time?"
"Probably because Miranda made breakfast for everyone yesterday and the day before. She even let me help."
Gordo's eyebrows almost reached his hairline. "Miranda and you cooked?"
"Yup."
"And nobody suffered?"
"David!"
"It's okay. Miranda's mom has been teaching her for awhile, and she kept me to easy stuff. Come on, let's get you to the back."
As they followed Matt in, Dr. Gordon spoke up. "Was there something in particular you wanted to tell me about?"
"A couple of things, actually. But I think it can wait until later."
"I had a cancellation for four today. I could come by earlier than I had planned and talk to you two together before I take David home. How does that sound?"
"I have to ask Miranda, but it sounds good to me."
He ignored Gordo making the sound of a cracking whip.
~~~~
Once Gordo was settled on the seat, his father excused himself to return to his office. The small patio table had a pitcher of water and glasses already in place. Lizzie sat next to him. "Hey, handsome."
He was grinning ear-to-ear, hearing her say that. "Hey, beautiful."
"I think I'll go back inside." Matt hurried toward the door.
"Is there a problem, little brother?"
"Please tell me we aren't that sappy, at least when others are around."
"No, you two just make out when others are around."
Gordo tried to bury his laugh, and only half succeeded. Matt rolled his eyes. "That only happened coming out of nightmares!"
Gordo finally regained control of himself (sort of). "Come on, guys, enough." He changed subjects. "How are you doing, Matt? I know what happened Monday, but I haven't seen you or Miranda since then."
Matt took a seat, heavily. "This has been the strangest week of my life. I don't think there's enough time to tell you everything I can. And the stuff I can't," he shook his head in disbelief, "if I hadn't been there, I doubt I'd believe it."
"Sounds like I really need to sit down and catch up with you two." He looked deep in thought. "With everything that's been happening, we've got to be careful not to drift apart."
That took Lizzie by surprise. "What do you mean, drift apart? That can't happen to us, can it?"
"Think about it. You and I are finally a couple. No matter how much she wanted this for us, she could end up feeling like a third wheel if we're not careful. Add to that her new romance with Matt, and it's a real concern."
"I don't want to do that to her." Matt was clearly worried by this. "You two have been her friends for so long, that would tear her up inside. I nearly lost two friends over this. I know what it feels like."
"None of us what it to happen." Gordo reminded him. "There is something I think we can do to prevent it."
After a pause of about two seconds, Lizzie blurted out. "Don't just sit there, tell us!"
Gordo smiled at her. "While we will want time to ourselves, as they will, why can't we do some of the things we did as a trio as a quartet?"
It took a moment for that to sink in. "Double date, with my brother? Do you know how weird that sounds?"
"Lizzie, it's not like we wouldn't still do some things with just the three of us, but we'd have to be careful not to make Miranda feel left out."
"Left out of what?" Miranda asked as she walked toward the table. Jo had brought her back, and now left the kids alone.
"I was just talking about how we need to be careful not let our relationships make us drift apart as friends."
She sat down. "Good to know you're as depressing as always." He arched his eyebrows at her. "Sorry. I know it's something to think about, but I'd rather deal with it after we're done with Kate."
Matt had been watching her. He stood up, and moved behind her. "You've already gotten yourself so tense, I can see it just looking at you. Here, I can at least try to help you relax a little." He started working on her shoulders.
At first she jumped at his touch, then leaned in. "That feels nice."
Gordo saw the look on Lizzie's face. "Lizzie, you're going to have to get used to seeing things like that," he turned to Matt, "both of you are."
"All of us, you mean." Miranda added. "I know it will be weird for me to see you two the first few times, and I recall you making some noise when we kissed in front of you."
Gordo's grin returned at the reminder. "You're right. We really should find the time to talk this out. Do any of you have plans for tomorrow?"
"Well, mom was going to take me to the j . . ." Matt stopped himself short. "To go shopping with her. But that shouldn't take to long."
Lizzie eyed him speculatively, but let it go. "I have no plans, although I was going to see if I could spend time with Miranda. You know, just the girls."
"My folks wanted me to spend more time with Lily. She's still upset about all this, not that I can blame her. But I could probably break away for something like this."
"Lily won't mind?" Matt asked.
Miranda got a sly grin. "If I tell her it will help us, she'll be okay. You really won her over. I'd think she has a crush on you, except for her constantly asking about what she'd get to do as an aunt."
Before Matt could respond, Gordo did. "WHAT?!? An aunt? Already?" Eyes bulging and talking fast, it would have been funny if the others didn't all have the same worry.
"Calm down, hon, your heart!" "Take it easy, man!" "I'm not pregnant!" Came simultaneously.
He started to calm down. Miranda explained "when we explained to her about us, she asked if we were a mommy and daddy yet. We told her no, but Matt added that we would some day, and that would make her an aunt." She smiled. "She seemed to like the idea."
Lizzie was upset with him, and smacked his shoulder. "Don't do that to yourself! We still have no idea what happened to your heart, and I'm not ready to be a widow yet."
"How can you be a widow if we're not married yet?" Take earned him another shoulder slap.
"Man, you scared all of us going off like that." Matt was still annoyed. "How many times do you think you're going to be able to pull off that phoenix act?"
That caused Gordo to do a double take. "Phoenix?!?" Then he started to chuckle. "I guess I can see the connection. Okay, you guys, I get it. I'll try to stay calm, but please don't say things like that."
"I guess we can handle that."
"Matt, can you get the door?" Jo called from the kitchen.
"Sure, mom" he called back. Turning back to the others. "That's probably them."
As he took off, nobody had any doubts that he meant Kate and Ethan. "So," Lizzie asked, "anybody have a plan for this?"
"Oh, yeah, I've got a plan for her." Miranda replied. The way she said that made Lizzie and Gordo worried . . . for Kate.
~~
When Matt opened the door, he wasn't disappointed. "Hi, you two, come on in." He was trying to sound welcoming, but it sounded too forced to his own ears, so he dropped it. "They're waiting for you in back, Kate. Do you want to come with us, Ethan, or wait for me in the living room?"
Ethan smiled at that. "I don't trust myself with this thing yet." He lifted into view the slender white cane he had. "So if you two will lend a hand getting me there, I'll wait." He was folding it up as he spoke, and it soon fit in the palm of his hand.
As they led him toward the couch, he asked "am I right in guessing we're both banned from the fun, Matt?"
"Yeah. I don't know if you've got a record like mine, but they figure better safe than sorry. Besides, it gives me a chance to talk to you about some things. That is, if you don't mind." I saw his comment about his record had the desired effect.
Ethan responded first. "I don't mind talking to you. As I said before, I figure I owe you for giving me the kick I needed. But what did you mean by 'a record like yours'?"
He faked a grimace, something he had gotten very good at in his thirteen years. "You weren't supposed to know about that. Forget I said anything. Now," he turned to Kate and put on his fake British accent, "if you'll follow me, the others are waiting."
"Okaaay." Kate replied. She was uncomfortable with the unanswered question.
"Hello, Kate." Jo's voice from the doorway startled them. "It's good to see you again, Ethan."
"Hello, Mrs. McGuire. How is everything?"
"Predictably busy, but we're getting through. I'd like to stay and talk, but they're waiting for Kate in back, and I think Matt wants to talk to you, so if you boys are fine in here, I'll take Kate to the others."
"Thank you, Mrs. McGuire." Kate replied, both relieved and intimidated. Uneasy as she was by whatever Matt was hiding, this woman's presence always made her feel inadequate.
"I'll be in the kitchen if you boys need anything. The others are this way, Kate." She left the room, Kate following. When they came through the door, Jo knew the girl was in for it. The look on Miranda's face spoke volumes. 'I can't blame her, but I hope she'll give this a chance.' "Lizzie, I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything."
"Thanks, mom." Lizzie replied automatically. Jo left, and for a moment, all was still, nobody quite knowing where to begin. "Have a seat, Kate." Lizzie finally offered.
"Thanks." Her obvious nervousness was so unlike her, the others weren't sure what to make of it. "Um, before we start, can I ask you something, about Matt?"
"What, one man's not enough? Gonna try for mine?" Miranda fired.
Her words cut. Kate knew her reputation as well as they did. She also knew it was a reputation she'd earned. "No. I'm happy with Ethan. It's something he said. When Ethan asked about them not being allowed back here, he said it was better safe then sorry. But he let slip something about 'a record like his'. May I ask what that means?"
Lizzie was alarmed by her brother's 'slip', guessing it was deliberate. She tried to laugh it off. "Oh, nothing, don't worry about . . ."
"No." Miranda cut in. "If she wants to know, it's fine with me. It'll give her fair warning." She looked directly at Kate. "A few days ago, Matt told two of his best friends about us. One of them, a girl named Melina, didn't take it very well because she had feelings for him he hadn't none about. Things got bad, and she punched me. She then got thrown across the room by Matt." The look on Kate's face was everything she'd wanted. "So you see, we didn't want to take a chance on him feeling I needed protecting here, so he stays in the living room until he's told to come."
The other two were alarmed by Miranda. Her threat was clear. If Kate misbehaved, Matt could pounce. Kate's face showed she registered this as well, but instead of snapping, she hung her head. That surprised them. "I've earned that. You have no reason to trust me not to try something. I'll be honest, Miranda. Ethan and I spoke about me trying to come back to you guys, but I was afraid. Of you. I didn't think there was a chance you could forgive me the things I've done to you and you're friends."
"I don't know if I can." She smiled slightly. "It does seem that our men had the same idea, though. This meeting was, in part, Matt's idea. So I agreed to this for him. However," her smile fell, "you have a lot to answer for."
"I know" was Kate's only reply. Lizzie and Gordo both realized what was coming. They didn't like it, but they knew Miranda had been carrying around a lot of anger for Kate, and she needed to do this if they were doing to get anywhere.
"Then let's begin at the beginning."
~~
"Was there something specific you wanted to ask about?" Ethan asked.
"Yeah, there is. But I need to ask you to promise not to tell anyone what I'm going to talk about."
"Trusting me with confidences? Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean, I'll do it, but our ladies aren't on good terms yet."
"I know. But I'm hoping that will improve. And I don't know anyone else I can ask these questions of, except people I don't want knowing I'm asking these questions."
Ethan's face broke into a smile. "I gentleman doesn't kiss and tell."
Matt started laughing. "I don't want anything about specific people! You dated my sister, remember?"
"My head isn't THAT bad, yet." He let Matt stop laughing before he continued. "Okay, I promise not to tell anyone. Now, what's on your mind?"
"Well," he was nervous about talking at this, "from what you said about you're . . . ah . . . dating habits when we saw you in the hospital, and what I stopped you from saying ever the phone, you have some experience with women. Physical experience." If Ethan hadn't been blind, he would have seen a most interesting shade of crimson on Matt's face.
He didn't need to see to tell Matt's discomfort. He remembered his own when he asked his uncle what it sounded like Matt was asking him. It took great effort not to laugh at the situation. "Are you asking for advice on how to give a woman pleasure?"
Matt's red deepened. "Well, yeah, I am. I don't know anything, not really, and I don't want to ruin things for her. If you don't want to talk about this, I understand, but . . ."
"Slow down, man." Matt had started talking too fast again. "I had a similar talk with an uncle a couple of years ago, so I know what it's like to ask. But I need to ask you something even more embarrassing."
"That's possible?"
"Yes, it is." He drew a deep breath. "How far have you gotten, with ANY girl?"
Matt audibly gulped. "I guess it is possible."
~~~~
Miranda's list of Kate's offenses was into its twentieth minute, with no sign of slowing down. That wasn't what Lizzie found most impressive about this, though. To her amazement, Kate just sat there and took it. It was this that convinced Lizzie that Kate really had changed. What happened next cinched it. Miranda had already started on freshman year when Kate finally interrupted her. "You forgot something."
Miranda paused, momentarily stunned. Finally, she responded. "No I haven't. I've kept score on you, and if I ever feel like being nice to you, I review the list. I haven't forgotten anything."
"Saving it for last, or did you drop it now that you've found Matt?" She sounded honestly curious.
"What are you talking about? Matt isn't in this. He never got involved with you, except that time he gave you a bath."
"Yes, but if I hadn't gotten involved, you might still be with Larry." As soon as she said that, she realized that this was the first Miranda had heard about that one. "Oh, no."
Miranda's eyes turned dangerous. "What. Do. You. Mean. By. That?"
Kate paled, and started to shake under Miranda's glare. "I thought you knew by now, with all the time Gordo has spent around him." Realizing she wasn't going to be able to worm her way out of this, she confessed. "When I saw that argument you two had in the Digital Bean, I encouraged a friend of a friend to start showing an interest in him. I told her it was just a game, but the truth is, I wanted to break you up."
Miranda was shaking in rage. "You evil BITCH!" Miranda had been sitting across the table from Kate. On the word bitch, she lunged at her.
Jo, who had been in the kitchen, and thus close enough to hear her, came to the door to check. "MIRANDA, STOP!"
~~
At this point in the lesson, both boys were very red. Neither, however, was willing to be the first to call a stop to it. Until they heard Jo's call to Miranda. "What the hell?!?" Matt exclaimed.
"Sound like trouble. Should we check?"
Matt had to work wonders within himself to keep from charging outside. "I want to, but I don't trust myself."
"That's twice you've said something like that. What gives?"
"Long story."
"Give me the notes version."
"I threw a friend across this room when she punched Miranda."
It took a moment for Ethan to recover. "You're right, it sounds like a long story. But if your friend hit first, what you did was understandable."
"It's not what I did that's the problem, but what I could have done if Miranda hadn't called me off."
"I see. Still, if you'll forgive me this, it sounds like Miranda's the one needing calling off. Will you take me there?"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
~~
When they got to the back, things had settled down some. Miranda was standing at her seat, looking like she could leap at any second. Kate was sitting on the patio, her chair laying between her and the table. Jo was standing between them, and Lizzie and Gordo looked like they were in shock. Matt led Ethan to Kate, put his hand on her shoulder, and left him to go to Miranda's side. "What happened?"
She was barely keeping herself off Kate. "Do you remember when I told you I had been going out with Larry Tudgeman the summer after eighth grade?"
"Yeah, you said he was you're first deep kiss." He winced when he heard himself say that. "Damn, I wasn't supposed to say that, was I?"
"No, but in this case, it's okay." Her glare was still on Kate. "Do you remember how I said we both knew, even then, that it was starting to come to an end?"
"Yeah, but what does that have to do . . . oh no." It finally hit him.
"Oh, yes. It seems that our break up had help. Help provided by Kate."
Ethan was surprised by this. "But why would she do that? It makes no sense."
"I did it for one reason. To hurt Miranda." She felt Ethan's hand tense. "You know what kind for person I've been, Ethan."
"Yes, but why? What made you do something like that?"
"Because you hurt the ones you love." Light dawned for Gordo as he recited that familiar phrase. All eyes turned to him. "Tell us why you've been willing to put yourself through this, Kate? The truth."
She didn't know what else to do, so she answered, thou reluctantly. "Because I miss you. I didn't realize how good I had it with you guys until I left you to be 'Miss Popular'. But I was sure it was too late by then."
"So instead of facing what you feared," Gordo cut in, "you attacked it. Or rather, us."
"Yes." The shame and contempt in her voice rang true. "I'm such a coward."
"No." Lizzie replied. Everything finally made sense for her. "You were back then, but not now. You wouldn't have put yourself though this if you were still like that. You would have just left in a huff and planned your revenge."
"She's right." Gordo was smiling at Lizzie. "You didn't have to admit to what you did to help break up Miranda and Larry, but you did. Under the circumstances, that wasn't cowardice, that was bravery bordering on stupidity."
Miranda was still in a fury. "I can't believe you! She admits to manipulating Larry to hurt me, and you sound like she's the victim! I'm the one that got hurt, remember? Don't you remember how bad it hurt me when Larry and I broke it off?"
"Of course I remember. I was there with you that whole day." Lizzie answered.
"Miranda." At the sound of his voice, Miranda turned to look at Matt. She could have melted into those eyes. "I'm not going to ask you to forgive her. I don't think anyone will. But I will ask you to consider that maybe, just maybe, she's changed. We both know that people can change. Look at me. I'm I the same boy who had that crush on you years ago?"
"No. But what does that have to do with this? You never did anything like she has."
"The point is, she can change, just like me. You don't have to forgive, and I can't ask you to forget. But is it so much to ask you to consider that she isn't like that anymore? That maybe, with Ethan's help, she's become someone better. Someone close to the girl you've told me she used to be. She sounded like a good person."
"She was." She sighed. "What would you have me do? I can't make friends with her so easily, not after all she's done."
"But you don't have to be enemies anymore, do you?" She looked puzzled. "She can't take back what she's done any more than Melina can take back that punch." That got Miranda's attention. "But if she's admitting to her mistakes, and asking for a fresh start, can't you at least call a . . ." he was snapping his fingers, looking for the right word.
"Cease-fire?" Gordo supplied.
"Thank you. Just a cease-fire. Keep your guard up, but give her the chance to show if she's changed, if this change is real, and if it holds. Is that so much to ask?"
Miranda stood silent, but everyone could see the internal conflict written on her face. This battle, like Gordo's days before, was fierce. But unlike him, when the battle was decided, she wanted Kate to know just how precarious her position was. "On some conditions."
Kate saw hope, and grabbed at it. "Name them."
"First, understand that I don't trust you, so do not expect me to be any better than civil to you for a long time. Second, only if Lizzie and Gordo can do at least as much. And before they say anything, you need to confess anything you've done to them they don't know about. If we find out the hard way, game over."
Kate swallowed hard when she heard the last part. "But, I don't remember everything."
"Wait," Lizzie cut in, "what if you admit to what you consider the worst things you've done that we don't know about."
"And I want the whole story on why you dropped us the way you did." Gordo added. "I know you wanted to be popular, a cheerleader, and all the rest. But I get the feeling there was something else going on for you to do it so abruptly."
Now she was more uncomfortable than ever. "Clever as always, Gordo."
"I'd like to hear this, too." Miranda cut in. "All right, if those are their conditions, I'm game. Start talking."
Kate took a moment to gather her thoughts. "Alright, I'll answer Lizzie first. You've all figured out by now that when I was being nice to Miranda back around the time of Danny's pool party, I was trying to break you guys up, right?" They nodded. "That wasn't my only attempt. Only the next time I tried, I toyed with Gordo's heart."
"What?!?" Both Lizzie and Gordo were surprised. When could she have done that?
"Claire and I were eating lunch with a friend of hers. When Clair's friend learned I used to know you guys, she started asking a lot of questions about Gordo." She focused on Gordo. "It didn't take too much to realize she was attracted to you. I started talking about you in the best way I knew, hoping to get her to ask you out. I hoped that if you dated Claire's friend, it would drive a wedge between you and the girls."
He realized who she meant about halfway through. He didn't want to believe it, but it all fit. "Brooke." He looked at her, more hurt than angry. "She was my first real kiss, and it was all a set-up."
"I don't know if she would have asked you out without my encouragement, but now, we'll never know. I'm sorry doesn't seem enough, but I am sorry."
He couldn't answer her yet. Instead, he wanted to move on. "What did you do to Lizzie?"
"Amy isn't my only cousin. I have one my age who lives across town. When I saw how happy Lizzie was with a boy I recognized from her school, I got my cousin to steal him from her."
Lizzie looked like she'd been slapped in the face. "Ronnie? You're the reason he dumped me?"
She nodded. "The same thing I did to Miranda and Larry. And the same reason. Just to be mean."
"Excuse me," Jo cut in, "but all that happened before high school. Why nothing more recent then two years ago?"
They all looked at her, amazed. "I don't know." Kate's answer was so matter-of-fact, nobody could question it.
"Maybe if you answer Gordo's question, it can help with the answer to mine" Jo suggested.
"I doubt that, ma'am, but . . . do you two realize how long your feelings have been obvious to those who know you? Years. I first saw it at the start of sixth grade. I couldn't stand to be around them, because at the same time I . . . had a crush . . ." she was looking at Gordo again "on you." Gordo's mouth gapped open in surprise.
"I guessed as much." Jo remarked.
Now Kate's mouth match Gordo's. "How?!? I never told anyone what I felt."
Jo just shook her head. "All three of you girls have never been good at hiding your feeling. Especially romantic ones. But that issue no longer exists, does it?"
"No, it doesn't. When I said yes to Ethan, I meant it. No offense, Gordo, but you were a crush. Ethan's the real thing."
"Which do you think was the worse jealous reaction, Kate's or Melina's?" Matt asked nobody in particular.
"Mine" Kate offered. "One punch doesn't match what I've done."
"I expect an explanation about why she knows about that when we're done." Jo said sharply. "But right now, you three still have some choices to make. She answered your questions. It's your turn."
The first to react was Gordo, who surprised everyone when he started laughing. Starting as a tension release, and snowballed until he could barely stay in his chair. "Great," Matt mused, "my sister's fallen for a nutter."
They all couldn't help but chuckle at the remark, along with Gordo's scene. When he managed to compose himself, he began "Kate, forgive is the wrong word. I might do that some day, but not yet." Kate's face fell. "But," he continued, "I think I understand this better. And I believe you when you say you want to reconcile. We're not friends yet, but I'm willing to try to get to know you again." Her face brightened.
Lizzie made up her mind. "The slate's not clean. Words can't say what I felt about losing my first love like that. But I've always had a hunch that my friend was still in there somewhere. Consider this," she searched for a word, and found it, "probation. You have a lot of work to do to regain our trust, but I'll give you the chance."
"That," Kate was barely holding back tears, "is all I hoped for, and more than I feared." She felt Miranda's glare before she looked. "Miranda? Cease-fire?"
"Please?" Matt pleaded.
She looked at him, and gave in. "It's not fair, you having those eyes." She turned back to Kate. "Cease-fire. But do not expect me to go easy on you."
"I haven't earned easy. Thank you." She got up. "I hope you all don't mind, but this has been a . . . stressful experience, and I need to spend some time alone with Ethan."
The women all understood. "Go ahead." Lizzie replied.
"I'll show you out." Matt offered.
"FREEZE!" He froze at his mother's voice. "You stay here. All of you. I'll do it, then we need to talk."
Matt replaced the fallen chair and sat in it as his mother led Ethan and Kate to the front door. When she returned, she had her stern mother face on. "Now, who wants to tell me how Kate knew about Melina?"
Between the four of them, she got the story. Except the part about how Matt and Miranda had planned the act the previous evening before bed. That she deduced for herself. "You two may have lived up to the letter of my warning, but not the spirit." She then smiled. "But I guess with your history with her, I should have expected that. After the day you've all had, why don't you four stay out here and relax."
Once she was inside, Miranda voiced her amazement. "Did she just let us off the hook?"
"I think so." Matt mused. "I think that's a first."
~~~~~~~~
Will this cease-fire survive the party Lizzie wanted to set-up? Stay tuned.