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:
keeponwritin: I forgot to respond to your comments for chapter 31. Yes, I do, or at least try to, have a reason for everything. An example from last chapter: Why would Jo have let Matt and Miranda off the hook so easily? There is a reason for that, which will be revealed at the proper time.
`
Chapter 34
Patchwork
`
"So you took a swing at her, but she dodged it?" Matt asked after hearing about what he missed of the 'fun'.
"Yeah." She answered. Now that she'd had time to calm down and think, she regretted her actions. "I guess it's a good thing she did. Being angry is one thing, but I shouldn't have gone after her."
"I guess all those years of cheerleading paid off." Gordo said dryly. Everyone got a light chuckle off of that.
"Still, I thought I was the loose cannon here. Wasn't that why I was left in the house?"
"What, did you get bored with Ethan?" Gordo asked, cutting off Miranda's reply.
The girls gave exaggerated sighs of exasperation. "He isn't competition anymore!" Lizzie reminded him. "Can you please cut the comments?"
"Besides, if you hit the right subject, he proves informative." Matt gave no outward sign, but he worried after he said that if he'd said too much. "Anyway, he's a good guy, and I think it's safe to say we're becoming friends. Would it hurt you to give the guy a break?"
Gordo gave up. "Okay, okay, I'll try!"
When no follow-up question came, Matt was relieved. Until he saw the look Miranda was giving him. I was sure she'd figured something out. 'But, is that really a bad thing?' He decided to start the next subject. "Do you think that things are safe enough to start planning the party?"
"I don't see why not." Lizzie answered, clearly cheering up at the thought.
"What party?" Gordo asked.
"Didn't I tell you?" When he shook his head, she continued. "I thought it would be nice to have a party to celebrate all of us getting home safely. Nothing big, just the four survivors and our families."
He smiled. "I like that idea. We could all use the excuse to blow off some steam." Then a light dawned. "And if Ethan comes, his fiancé comes. Is that what sparked this meeting?"
"Partly, although it sounds like Ethan and Matt were both angling for this already." Miranda's reply was colored in suspicion.
"I only talked about it once before Lizzie had her party idea" Matt reminded her. "I think you're right about Ethan though." He returned his attention to Gordo. "But you like the party idea?"
"Yeah, I do."
"Man, save those words for my sister." A round of mirth followed that. "But when should we do this? Our parents have already missed enough work, so it should be on the weekend."
"I think this weekend is too soon." Gordo remarked. "Not enough time to do it right."
"How about next weekend?" Lizzie asked. "Anybody have plans?"
"Not that I know of." Miranda said.
"I should be free." Gordo added.
"I can ask Ethan, but I think it should be safe to plan it for then." Matt added. With that, the planning started in earnest.
~~~~~~~~
They were still chatting at 4:15, when Mr. Gordon appeared in the McGuire backyard. "How is everyone?"
"Pretty good." Lizzie answered. "Say, what would you think about getting the families together for a party a week from Saturday? You know, celebrate getting everyone home safe."
"I like it both as a parent and a psychiatrist" he replied. "I take it the meeting went well."
After a round of snickers, Gordo answered. "It was interesting, and memorable. But I think it got things on the right track."
"Good." He turned to Matt. "Matt, have you asked her yet?"
The look on his face said it all. "Oh, man! No, I forgot." He turned to Miranda. "Remember how we were going to call him this morning?"
Memory hit her as he said it. "Hey, yeah, we forgot to do that!"
"Well, he told me when he brought Gordo here that he had a cancellation for now, and I was supposed to ask you if you wanted to talk to him about it now."
She smiled her knowing smile. "Had something on your mind to distract you?" He blushed. "It's okay. I'm willing, but where do we go?"
"The den should work. With the cot folded up, there's enough room."
"Sounds good to me. How about you, doc?"
He winced at that. "Please don't call me 'doc', it makes me feel like Elmer Fudd." They laughed at that. "But the den will be fine."
~~~~
Once they were settled, Matt and Miranda explained what happened that night, although Matt carefully edited out what he expected to see when their pursuers came into the light. When they were done, Matt asked the questions that bothered him. "What I'd like to know are two things. First, what do you think about this morphing of my dreams, and second, can you make any sense of what Miranda said about her ache disappearing like that."
He thought for a moment, then answered. "Well, first I'll confirm your guess about Miranda's dreams. They do seem to be weakening, and that's a good thing. But they can regain their intensity, so be ready to help her, Matt." The boy nodded in confirmation. "As for your dreams, Matt, it's not unusual for dreams to combine or switch. But for the change to happen so vividly, the truth is I've never encountered that before. I'm going to have to do some research on this. But I think that the fact that it changed into a fantasy that, as you said, always ends with your success is a good thing." He smiled. "A knight in shining armor, huh?"
Matt blushed. But before he could say anything, the memory hit Miranda. "That card!" He turned to her with a questioning look. "That card you gave me doing your crush, it had a knight and damsel theme!"
His blush deepened. "I'd forgotten about that." He looked at her. "I was really a great prat back then, wasn't I?"
She hugged him. "You were a kid who never did anything in small measures. While that could make you impossible to be around at times, it also made you great fun at times."
"Thanks." When they released. He turned back to Dr. Gordon. "Do you have any ideas about this connection we have?"
"I honestly have no help for you there, except to say that it seems that you can trust it when you feel it. But don't rely on it too much. I don't remember you saying anything about it warning you about Melina's lunge."
Neither of them had thought of that. "You're right," Miranda said, "I remember him saying he had no warning." She turned to him. "Isn't that right, hon?"
"Yeah, I had nothing warning me about that. If I had, she never would have reached you."
"The point," Dr. Gordon cut in, trying to distract Matt from that unhelpful thought, "is that it seems to only work when you're in psychological distress. All the cases similar to this I've ever heard of have two things that are different from yours. First, they're always warning about physical danger, while yours doesn't. Second, they're always one-time incidents, were as yours are not only repeating, but seem to be getting more refined. That's what the puzzle is. For now, at least, I think you can stop worrying about it. It seems to be helping you help each other, and that's what matters."
"I agree." She turned to her love. "I know you want answers, but if it isn't hurting us, why worry?"
"I can't help worrying about things that effect you. I'm just hopeless like that."
"It's good that you care so much," Dr. Gordon pointed out, "just be careful not to smother her. Now, was there anything else for today?"
"I can't think of anything, can you?"
Matt thought for a moment. "No." He had a couple of things on his mind, but he wanted to talk to her first. Alone.
"Very well. You still have your solo sessions on Mondays, as well as one together on Wednesdays. If you think of something, I'll let you decide if it can wait until then." He stood. "I'll get David and we can head home. Have a good night."
When he left the room, Matt lightly grabbed Miranda's arm to get her attention. When she turned to him, he said. "After we say goodbye to Gordo, we need to talk, just us."
"Alright. There's something I've been meaning to tell you, so I can do it then." He got that worried look on his face. "Don't worry, you'll like this news. Now let's go before we're missed." Intrigued, he followed her out to the others.
They got there just in time for the goodbye kiss. 'Now I know what Lizzie feels like.' He decided to tease her with her own words. "Do I need to get a hose?"
When they separated, Lizzie was giggling. "Until you catch us dueling tongues, you have no room to talk."
Catching on, Gordo chimed in. "Now there's an interesting idea."
"David," his father interrupted, "we should be going."
~~
"So, what's on your mind?" Miranda asked. They had returned to the den after saying goodbye to Gordo. Jo was a little hesitant about letting them be alone in a room with a closing door, but they convinced her that it would be pretty stupid of them to do much in a room without a lock.
"A few things. First, I got an interesting phone call before you arrived." He then relayed the details of Melina's call.
"Military school. Wow, that's something. Do you think they'll be able to handle that? I have a hard time seeing her under military discipline."
He shook his head. "She knows she screwed up. And I think she's more afraid than she'll admit to. No matter how this turns out, I can't see her being so reckless again. If that means marching in lines for a year, she'll do it. What I want to know is if you'll accept her apology. She was very sincere when I spoke to her."
"I don't think I've ever gotten an apology in writing before. It will depend on what she says in the letter, and I don't like that she still has feelings for you, but yes, I can accept her apology. After today, I can understand losing control like that."
He placed his right hand on the side of her head. "Are you feeling alright? I know you have a temper, but for you to attempt to attack Kate . . . unless you've been hiding something from me, that's not like you."
She smiled at him. "I'm allowed to loss my temper, like anyone else. I understand your concern, really, but I'm okay. What she admitted to really hurt. With all the stress I was under, I think it was understandable. Not good, but understandable"
"You're sure?"
She was growing to think he's worried look was very cute. She laughed inwardly at the silliness of the thought. 'If I hadn't known I was in love before, that would prove it.' "Yes, I'm sure." She mimicked his hand with hers. "And don't you ever stop looking out for me."
"Wouldn't dream of it." After they smiled at each other for a moment, he asked his next question. "Please don't take this the wrong way. I know you love me, but I need to ask this."
She felt him tensing. "What has you so anxious?"
"Well, the thing is, I was wondering, do you miss . . . being with . . . Larry?"
The look on his face would have been funny in other circumstances. "What would make you . . ." It dawned on her. ". . . oh, no, darling, it's not like that at all. I wasn't mad because I still miss him. I was mad because she interfered in my first serious love for no better reason than to hurt me. And she did. I think you were at camp then, but I was a mess when it happened. Do you remember what Lizzie was like when she was dumped by Ronnie?"
"Yeah. She was so messed up, I couldn't bring myself to tease her, much."
"I was about as bad. Do you have any doubts about her feelings for Gordo?"
He finally got it. "No, I don't. And I don't have any doubts about your feelings for me." He had a lopsided grin. "I guess I just needed to check, although I don't really know why. I should have known better."
She collected him into her arms. "It's okay. I understand, really. As much as I've needed your strength and self-confidence, it's somehow reassuring to know you can still get self-conscious."
"Thanks, I think."
"Are we okay with that now?"
"Yes."
"Can I give you my news now?"
"Sure. You've got me curious."
"Now, this isn't going to be what you might think. Just relax." Ignoring the questioning look he gave her, she took his hand in hers, and led it to her waistline. She felt his apprehension. "This isn't what Melina tried. We agreed to wait to advance the physical part of our relationship, and I won't do anything without asking first. Trust me." He nodded and let her continue. The pants she had worn this day had an elastic waistband. He was extremely nervous when she placed the tips of his fingers under it. His anxiety turned to curiosity when he reached what he thought was a band-aid of some kind. "It's a patch."
"You don't smoke, do you?"
"No. That's not the only thing that comes in patches. When I was spending the day with my family yesterday, mom had a surprise for me. A doctor appointment."
"What, a doctor, what's wrong?"
"Nothing. I needed to get checked over by our doctor before I could have a prescription. For birth control."
He's eyes widened in amazement. "Is that what this is?"
"Yes."
"I didn't know they made that in a patch. How often do you change it?"
"Once a week. I put it on this morning after I was done in the bathroom. I was a little surprised I remembered to, getting jolted awake like that."
Removing his hand, he looked at her with both joy and nervousness on his face. "When would you be safe?" His voice wavered slightly.
"Two days," she said, "but that doesn't mean I'm going to push you into anything yet. I agreed with you that we should wait, remember. I wanted you to know, so that when we do make love, you won't have that to worry about." She saw he still looked nervous. "Hey, don't worry. When the time comes, you'll do fine."
"Sure." He's voice dripped with sarcasm. While he had learned some interesting things from Ethan, their talk proved to him just how little he knew. "A kid who hasn't done anything beyond kissing. Should be phenomenal."
Her voice grew stern. "Hey, that'll be enough of that." She softened it. "It will be great, because I love you, and you love me. Don't forget, I'm a virgin too. Whatever we don't know, we'll learn together." She took on a sultry tone. "And we'll have lots of fun learning, too."
He cracked the smile reserved just for her. "I like the sound of that."
"Good. Now come here and kiss me like you mean it."
"My pleasure."
~~~~~~~~
Miranda went home for dinner around six. The rest of the evening went without incident. When she came back that night, she took the opportunity to tell Lizzie about her patch. At first, Lizzie didn't want to know about it. "I don't want to know this much about what you and my brother will be doing."
"That's not why I'm telling you! I know how uncomfortable it makes you. But have you done anything about getting yourself on birth control yet?"
Now she looked uncomfortable for a different reason. "Well, no, not yet."
"I didn't think so. You shouldn't put this off, Lizzie."
"I know. But I've had enough of doctors for a while. Besides, we've agreed to wait until our wedding night." Seeing Miranda's eyes widen with surprise, she laughed at herself. "No, he hasn't proposed yet! We did talk about it though. After Larry's visit to his room, he's determined we should wait. You know how he gets when he's determined about something."
"Yeah, but I also know you, Lizzie McGuire. You're not convinced about waiting that long, are you? If you though he'd let you, you'd try to give yourself to him before then, wouldn't you?"
Lizzie tried to act offended. "Just what kind of girl do you think I am."
Miranda didn't buy it for a second. "You're a woman who finally has the man of her dreams. I know how hard it is for me it wait sometimes, and I haven't loved him as long as you have Gordo. What you two do is between you two, but will you promise me you'll try to take care of it by Wednesday?"
"Why Wednesday?"
"Because the doctor said it takes a couple of days before you're safe, and we are planning that party."
Lizzie rolled her eyes. "I don't want to be fighting with plaster my first time!" After a fit of giggles inspired by that image, she relented. "Okay, I'll ask mom to make an appointment. But it's not a rush. We still have a couple of months before he MIGHT be out of his cast, and then he's got physical therapy to get though."
Miranda smirked. "Already making plans?"
"MIRANDA!"
~~~~~~~~
A/N: After another night of dreams, our two lead couples have their meeting planned for tomorrow. And don't forget Monday night is Matt and Miranda's first night (officially) sleeping at the Sanchez home. Anyone want to bet on how much Matt's looking forward to that?
SPECIAL NOTICE: I'm planning something that I'll introduce when I upload the next chapter. It isn't part of the story itself, but I thought it would be interesting to try. See you then.
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:
keeponwritin: I forgot to respond to your comments for chapter 31. Yes, I do, or at least try to, have a reason for everything. An example from last chapter: Why would Jo have let Matt and Miranda off the hook so easily? There is a reason for that, which will be revealed at the proper time.
`
Chapter 34
Patchwork
`
"So you took a swing at her, but she dodged it?" Matt asked after hearing about what he missed of the 'fun'.
"Yeah." She answered. Now that she'd had time to calm down and think, she regretted her actions. "I guess it's a good thing she did. Being angry is one thing, but I shouldn't have gone after her."
"I guess all those years of cheerleading paid off." Gordo said dryly. Everyone got a light chuckle off of that.
"Still, I thought I was the loose cannon here. Wasn't that why I was left in the house?"
"What, did you get bored with Ethan?" Gordo asked, cutting off Miranda's reply.
The girls gave exaggerated sighs of exasperation. "He isn't competition anymore!" Lizzie reminded him. "Can you please cut the comments?"
"Besides, if you hit the right subject, he proves informative." Matt gave no outward sign, but he worried after he said that if he'd said too much. "Anyway, he's a good guy, and I think it's safe to say we're becoming friends. Would it hurt you to give the guy a break?"
Gordo gave up. "Okay, okay, I'll try!"
When no follow-up question came, Matt was relieved. Until he saw the look Miranda was giving him. I was sure she'd figured something out. 'But, is that really a bad thing?' He decided to start the next subject. "Do you think that things are safe enough to start planning the party?"
"I don't see why not." Lizzie answered, clearly cheering up at the thought.
"What party?" Gordo asked.
"Didn't I tell you?" When he shook his head, she continued. "I thought it would be nice to have a party to celebrate all of us getting home safely. Nothing big, just the four survivors and our families."
He smiled. "I like that idea. We could all use the excuse to blow off some steam." Then a light dawned. "And if Ethan comes, his fiancé comes. Is that what sparked this meeting?"
"Partly, although it sounds like Ethan and Matt were both angling for this already." Miranda's reply was colored in suspicion.
"I only talked about it once before Lizzie had her party idea" Matt reminded her. "I think you're right about Ethan though." He returned his attention to Gordo. "But you like the party idea?"
"Yeah, I do."
"Man, save those words for my sister." A round of mirth followed that. "But when should we do this? Our parents have already missed enough work, so it should be on the weekend."
"I think this weekend is too soon." Gordo remarked. "Not enough time to do it right."
"How about next weekend?" Lizzie asked. "Anybody have plans?"
"Not that I know of." Miranda said.
"I should be free." Gordo added.
"I can ask Ethan, but I think it should be safe to plan it for then." Matt added. With that, the planning started in earnest.
~~~~~~~~
They were still chatting at 4:15, when Mr. Gordon appeared in the McGuire backyard. "How is everyone?"
"Pretty good." Lizzie answered. "Say, what would you think about getting the families together for a party a week from Saturday? You know, celebrate getting everyone home safe."
"I like it both as a parent and a psychiatrist" he replied. "I take it the meeting went well."
After a round of snickers, Gordo answered. "It was interesting, and memorable. But I think it got things on the right track."
"Good." He turned to Matt. "Matt, have you asked her yet?"
The look on his face said it all. "Oh, man! No, I forgot." He turned to Miranda. "Remember how we were going to call him this morning?"
Memory hit her as he said it. "Hey, yeah, we forgot to do that!"
"Well, he told me when he brought Gordo here that he had a cancellation for now, and I was supposed to ask you if you wanted to talk to him about it now."
She smiled her knowing smile. "Had something on your mind to distract you?" He blushed. "It's okay. I'm willing, but where do we go?"
"The den should work. With the cot folded up, there's enough room."
"Sounds good to me. How about you, doc?"
He winced at that. "Please don't call me 'doc', it makes me feel like Elmer Fudd." They laughed at that. "But the den will be fine."
~~~~
Once they were settled, Matt and Miranda explained what happened that night, although Matt carefully edited out what he expected to see when their pursuers came into the light. When they were done, Matt asked the questions that bothered him. "What I'd like to know are two things. First, what do you think about this morphing of my dreams, and second, can you make any sense of what Miranda said about her ache disappearing like that."
He thought for a moment, then answered. "Well, first I'll confirm your guess about Miranda's dreams. They do seem to be weakening, and that's a good thing. But they can regain their intensity, so be ready to help her, Matt." The boy nodded in confirmation. "As for your dreams, Matt, it's not unusual for dreams to combine or switch. But for the change to happen so vividly, the truth is I've never encountered that before. I'm going to have to do some research on this. But I think that the fact that it changed into a fantasy that, as you said, always ends with your success is a good thing." He smiled. "A knight in shining armor, huh?"
Matt blushed. But before he could say anything, the memory hit Miranda. "That card!" He turned to her with a questioning look. "That card you gave me doing your crush, it had a knight and damsel theme!"
His blush deepened. "I'd forgotten about that." He looked at her. "I was really a great prat back then, wasn't I?"
She hugged him. "You were a kid who never did anything in small measures. While that could make you impossible to be around at times, it also made you great fun at times."
"Thanks." When they released. He turned back to Dr. Gordon. "Do you have any ideas about this connection we have?"
"I honestly have no help for you there, except to say that it seems that you can trust it when you feel it. But don't rely on it too much. I don't remember you saying anything about it warning you about Melina's lunge."
Neither of them had thought of that. "You're right," Miranda said, "I remember him saying he had no warning." She turned to him. "Isn't that right, hon?"
"Yeah, I had nothing warning me about that. If I had, she never would have reached you."
"The point," Dr. Gordon cut in, trying to distract Matt from that unhelpful thought, "is that it seems to only work when you're in psychological distress. All the cases similar to this I've ever heard of have two things that are different from yours. First, they're always warning about physical danger, while yours doesn't. Second, they're always one-time incidents, were as yours are not only repeating, but seem to be getting more refined. That's what the puzzle is. For now, at least, I think you can stop worrying about it. It seems to be helping you help each other, and that's what matters."
"I agree." She turned to her love. "I know you want answers, but if it isn't hurting us, why worry?"
"I can't help worrying about things that effect you. I'm just hopeless like that."
"It's good that you care so much," Dr. Gordon pointed out, "just be careful not to smother her. Now, was there anything else for today?"
"I can't think of anything, can you?"
Matt thought for a moment. "No." He had a couple of things on his mind, but he wanted to talk to her first. Alone.
"Very well. You still have your solo sessions on Mondays, as well as one together on Wednesdays. If you think of something, I'll let you decide if it can wait until then." He stood. "I'll get David and we can head home. Have a good night."
When he left the room, Matt lightly grabbed Miranda's arm to get her attention. When she turned to him, he said. "After we say goodbye to Gordo, we need to talk, just us."
"Alright. There's something I've been meaning to tell you, so I can do it then." He got that worried look on his face. "Don't worry, you'll like this news. Now let's go before we're missed." Intrigued, he followed her out to the others.
They got there just in time for the goodbye kiss. 'Now I know what Lizzie feels like.' He decided to tease her with her own words. "Do I need to get a hose?"
When they separated, Lizzie was giggling. "Until you catch us dueling tongues, you have no room to talk."
Catching on, Gordo chimed in. "Now there's an interesting idea."
"David," his father interrupted, "we should be going."
~~
"So, what's on your mind?" Miranda asked. They had returned to the den after saying goodbye to Gordo. Jo was a little hesitant about letting them be alone in a room with a closing door, but they convinced her that it would be pretty stupid of them to do much in a room without a lock.
"A few things. First, I got an interesting phone call before you arrived." He then relayed the details of Melina's call.
"Military school. Wow, that's something. Do you think they'll be able to handle that? I have a hard time seeing her under military discipline."
He shook his head. "She knows she screwed up. And I think she's more afraid than she'll admit to. No matter how this turns out, I can't see her being so reckless again. If that means marching in lines for a year, she'll do it. What I want to know is if you'll accept her apology. She was very sincere when I spoke to her."
"I don't think I've ever gotten an apology in writing before. It will depend on what she says in the letter, and I don't like that she still has feelings for you, but yes, I can accept her apology. After today, I can understand losing control like that."
He placed his right hand on the side of her head. "Are you feeling alright? I know you have a temper, but for you to attempt to attack Kate . . . unless you've been hiding something from me, that's not like you."
She smiled at him. "I'm allowed to loss my temper, like anyone else. I understand your concern, really, but I'm okay. What she admitted to really hurt. With all the stress I was under, I think it was understandable. Not good, but understandable"
"You're sure?"
She was growing to think he's worried look was very cute. She laughed inwardly at the silliness of the thought. 'If I hadn't known I was in love before, that would prove it.' "Yes, I'm sure." She mimicked his hand with hers. "And don't you ever stop looking out for me."
"Wouldn't dream of it." After they smiled at each other for a moment, he asked his next question. "Please don't take this the wrong way. I know you love me, but I need to ask this."
She felt him tensing. "What has you so anxious?"
"Well, the thing is, I was wondering, do you miss . . . being with . . . Larry?"
The look on his face would have been funny in other circumstances. "What would make you . . ." It dawned on her. ". . . oh, no, darling, it's not like that at all. I wasn't mad because I still miss him. I was mad because she interfered in my first serious love for no better reason than to hurt me. And she did. I think you were at camp then, but I was a mess when it happened. Do you remember what Lizzie was like when she was dumped by Ronnie?"
"Yeah. She was so messed up, I couldn't bring myself to tease her, much."
"I was about as bad. Do you have any doubts about her feelings for Gordo?"
He finally got it. "No, I don't. And I don't have any doubts about your feelings for me." He had a lopsided grin. "I guess I just needed to check, although I don't really know why. I should have known better."
She collected him into her arms. "It's okay. I understand, really. As much as I've needed your strength and self-confidence, it's somehow reassuring to know you can still get self-conscious."
"Thanks, I think."
"Are we okay with that now?"
"Yes."
"Can I give you my news now?"
"Sure. You've got me curious."
"Now, this isn't going to be what you might think. Just relax." Ignoring the questioning look he gave her, she took his hand in hers, and led it to her waistline. She felt his apprehension. "This isn't what Melina tried. We agreed to wait to advance the physical part of our relationship, and I won't do anything without asking first. Trust me." He nodded and let her continue. The pants she had worn this day had an elastic waistband. He was extremely nervous when she placed the tips of his fingers under it. His anxiety turned to curiosity when he reached what he thought was a band-aid of some kind. "It's a patch."
"You don't smoke, do you?"
"No. That's not the only thing that comes in patches. When I was spending the day with my family yesterday, mom had a surprise for me. A doctor appointment."
"What, a doctor, what's wrong?"
"Nothing. I needed to get checked over by our doctor before I could have a prescription. For birth control."
He's eyes widened in amazement. "Is that what this is?"
"Yes."
"I didn't know they made that in a patch. How often do you change it?"
"Once a week. I put it on this morning after I was done in the bathroom. I was a little surprised I remembered to, getting jolted awake like that."
Removing his hand, he looked at her with both joy and nervousness on his face. "When would you be safe?" His voice wavered slightly.
"Two days," she said, "but that doesn't mean I'm going to push you into anything yet. I agreed with you that we should wait, remember. I wanted you to know, so that when we do make love, you won't have that to worry about." She saw he still looked nervous. "Hey, don't worry. When the time comes, you'll do fine."
"Sure." He's voice dripped with sarcasm. While he had learned some interesting things from Ethan, their talk proved to him just how little he knew. "A kid who hasn't done anything beyond kissing. Should be phenomenal."
Her voice grew stern. "Hey, that'll be enough of that." She softened it. "It will be great, because I love you, and you love me. Don't forget, I'm a virgin too. Whatever we don't know, we'll learn together." She took on a sultry tone. "And we'll have lots of fun learning, too."
He cracked the smile reserved just for her. "I like the sound of that."
"Good. Now come here and kiss me like you mean it."
"My pleasure."
~~~~~~~~
Miranda went home for dinner around six. The rest of the evening went without incident. When she came back that night, she took the opportunity to tell Lizzie about her patch. At first, Lizzie didn't want to know about it. "I don't want to know this much about what you and my brother will be doing."
"That's not why I'm telling you! I know how uncomfortable it makes you. But have you done anything about getting yourself on birth control yet?"
Now she looked uncomfortable for a different reason. "Well, no, not yet."
"I didn't think so. You shouldn't put this off, Lizzie."
"I know. But I've had enough of doctors for a while. Besides, we've agreed to wait until our wedding night." Seeing Miranda's eyes widen with surprise, she laughed at herself. "No, he hasn't proposed yet! We did talk about it though. After Larry's visit to his room, he's determined we should wait. You know how he gets when he's determined about something."
"Yeah, but I also know you, Lizzie McGuire. You're not convinced about waiting that long, are you? If you though he'd let you, you'd try to give yourself to him before then, wouldn't you?"
Lizzie tried to act offended. "Just what kind of girl do you think I am."
Miranda didn't buy it for a second. "You're a woman who finally has the man of her dreams. I know how hard it is for me it wait sometimes, and I haven't loved him as long as you have Gordo. What you two do is between you two, but will you promise me you'll try to take care of it by Wednesday?"
"Why Wednesday?"
"Because the doctor said it takes a couple of days before you're safe, and we are planning that party."
Lizzie rolled her eyes. "I don't want to be fighting with plaster my first time!" After a fit of giggles inspired by that image, she relented. "Okay, I'll ask mom to make an appointment. But it's not a rush. We still have a couple of months before he MIGHT be out of his cast, and then he's got physical therapy to get though."
Miranda smirked. "Already making plans?"
"MIRANDA!"
~~~~~~~~
A/N: After another night of dreams, our two lead couples have their meeting planned for tomorrow. And don't forget Monday night is Matt and Miranda's first night (officially) sleeping at the Sanchez home. Anyone want to bet on how much Matt's looking forward to that?
SPECIAL NOTICE: I'm planning something that I'll introduce when I upload the next chapter. It isn't part of the story itself, but I thought it would be interesting to try. See you then.