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:
Buffy: I'm glad you like how I write Kate and Ethan, as Kate plays a key role soon. As for an "R" rated interlude for L/G . . . you'll just have to wait and see.
`
Chapter 42
Inner Truth
`
At four o'clock the same day, Matt and Miranda sat nervously in the waiting area of Mr. Gordon. This was Wednesday, which meant their weekly meeting with him as a couple. More than once in the discussions with their parents the previous day, it had been suggested that the doctor be brought in. However, each time, they agreed that they needed to try to settle this among the families. What had the young couple worried involved Sam's only requirement for their agreement. In this meeting, they had to tell the doctor:
1: What happened Monday night.
2: How long the two meetings lasted.
3: What was agreed to.
4: If the doctor felt the agreements would cause a problem with treatment, he could veto the whole thing.
It was Matt's idea that the veto be all-or-nothing. It seemed to both of them like a good idea at the time, but now, he wasn't so sure. Miranda saw his nervousness, and accurately guessed the cause. She placed her hand on his shaking knee go get his attention. "I don't think he'll do that."
He looked up at her. "I can't help being nervous. So much rides on this. I was this nervous that first time I spoke with your dad." He thought back to that encounter. "I'm still amazed I got through it. Taking the offensive helped, but even then, I'm not sure how I managed."
"I remember what you said about it. But don't you remember what dad said? He was impressed with you that night. He figures if the Melina incident hadn't happened, he won't have had the problems with you he did."
"I know. But . . . I don't know, this just feels different. I can't help but be nervous."
"Matt, Miranda, I'm ready for you." Mr. Gordon's voice called out to them. He held the door open as they entered. He had only heard enough to know Matt was nervous, and it didn't take more than a quick look to tell that Miranda was just as nervous as Matt was. When they were seated, he began. "I can tell you're both worried about something. Does this have to do with Sunday?"
"Not exactly." Miranda replied. "We have a lot to tell you about, starting with Matt coming to my house Monday night."
"His first night there in this." The doctor remarked. "What happened?"
"As she said, it starts there." Matt said. "This will take a very long time to explain."
"I'm here to listen."
With that, they began the tale. There were several points at which Dr. Gordon wanted to interrupt them with a question, but he decided to make a note of the question on his pad while letting the story continue. This proved good for a couple of reasons. First, many of the early questions were answered later in the story. Second, by the time they had finished, it was 4:53. When the story was finished, and Matt asked his father's question, Dr. Gordon sat there for a few moments, amazed at what he had just heard. This silence worried the two teenagers. "Sir?"
"Matt, from now on, I want to know every time you have a nightmare that strong." He turned to Miranda. "That goes for you, too. I understand that you four needed to have that talk, but you shouldn't be making judgements about the causes and meanings of these nightmares on your own. I've told you both that you need to learn to handle these things on your own, and that's true. But that's something you learn over time. I think you got it right this time, but what if you had been wrong?" The looks on their faces told him that he may have overdone his caution. His voice softened. "I'm not saying that you can't, or shouldn't, try to figure them out for yourselves. How else will you learn? But call me, so I can stay informed, and so I can give you my professional opinion."
"I think I understand," Miranda replied, "but we all thought that settling the family issues was more important."
"On that subject, Miranda, your instincts were right. And, for the record, I would not have kept you from having that talk, I would have encouraged it. Now, about these meetings . . ." He paused here, still amazed. "I must say, I can't remember anything quite like what you and your parents agreed to." He saw the anxiety in their faces, and smiled. "However, I foresee no problems with your treatment from this, and that's what I'll tell your parents."
They both exhaled in relief. "Thank you." Miranda said first.
"Let me be clear, though. I'm not convinced that this is a great idea." They froze. "But that's for your parents to decide. And after a total of six hours debate, I'm sure they believe this is the best, or at least most realistic, agreement there was to be had. So I won't tell them that part of my opinion unless asked."
~~~~~~~~
The rest of the day was uneventful for the couples and their families. Even the night of dreams was relatively pleasant.
~~~~~~~~
The next day, Miranda, Lily, and their mother had a "girls' day out" at the mall, something Miranda hadn't realized she missed until her mother suggested it. Lizzie had her doctor appointment at 2:00 that afternoon, so Jo could take her after dropping Matt off at Dr. Hyde's office for his 1:00 anger-management session. Gordo's parents decided that he had been working too hard on the party, and needed a day of rest. He soon discovered that was easier said than done. His body could rest well enough, lounging in front of his TV. The problem was his mind, which was far from restful. He was still confused by Lizzie's actions the day before. He knew her well enough to know that when Lizzie was determined to do something, she threw herself into it, often without the proverbial parachute. But he never expected her to do anything like yesterday. Even though he liked to try to work things out for himself, he realized that he needed to talk to someone. He could try Larry, but he wasn't sure if he should bother him. Besides, even though he had come to respect Parker, she was different enough from Lizzie that he wasn't sure how much help Larry would be. He realized that there were only two people who knew Lizzie well enough to help, Miranda and Matt. He knew he wanted to talk to a male, but that wouldn't be easy for Matt to hear. For that matter, it would be tough for him to tell Lizzie's brother. Then he had an idea: Talk to both of them, when they were together. That decided, he settled in to enjoy the AMC afternoon movie.
~~~~~~~~
After his session, Matt was both happy and sore. First, he felt he was really learning from the different anger-control techniques Dr. Hyde was helping him with. Indeed, after hearing about both the meeting with Kate and the scene Monday night, the doctor complimented his control. He also reminded Matt that when he attacked Mr. Sanchez, he was still in his nightmare, and thus was not responsible. Second, it seemed that the same flexibility and agility that let he and Lanny do so well when they tried out for cheerleading a couple of years ago was helping him learn the different judo moves. Not that it made him any less sore, but his happiness about it dulled the pain.
His soreness didn't stop him from complaining when Jo mentioned the therapeutic massage he would be getting when they got home. "Please don't, mom, it hurts when you do that."
She remembered her class, and her professor's lectures, too well for that to work. "Not a chance. I know it can hurt to have it done, but it will be worse for you if it ISN'T done. Not only will you be stiff and sore the next day, and probably a few days after that, but leaving your muscles un-cared for can cause real damage, especially to someone still growing. And before you ask, you're not waiting until Miranda can do it. She's only had the one lesson. If she were at home right now, that would be different. I'd take you there and offer to show her again how to do it. But she's with her mom, and we have no idea when they'll get back. I want to see her do it a few more times after these workouts before I let you put it off until you see her."
"Can we at least call to check?"
She knew he was trying to put it off. But she also realized that Miranda would eventually have to know how to do this herself. "All right. You go straight upstairs, get a change of clothes, and shower. I'll call to check. But if she isn't home, I will be dealing with you myself."
~~~~~~~~
Not seeing the point in changing twice between now and sleep, he came downstairs after his shower in the light gray sweats he would be wearing that night. He was surprised when he entered the living room and saw Miranda sitting with Lizzie on the couch. He managed to shake off enough of his surprise to speak. "I'm glad to see you, but why are you here? I'd have expected to go to your place."
"Your mom invited me for dinner. How are you feeling?"
"A little better after that shower."
"You were in there for a while." Lizzie teased.
"Well, I couldn't move very fast, and I had a good workout."
He saw a very naughty look cross Miranda's face, but before she could say anything, Jo entered the room. "I hope you feel better after that shower."
"If I say yes, can I get out of this?"
"No. Now lay down on your stomach, and Miranda and I begin." It wasn't until she said this that he noticed the coffee table had already been moved.
"The sooner we start," Miranda pointed out, "the sooner it's over."
~~~~~~~~
After dinner, they returned to Miranda's. She took him to her room to show him what her mom had bought for her. He was surprised. "Just two outfits?" The look on her face made him backtrack. "They look great, and I can't wait to see you in them, but you were out all day, and I know from seeing the arm loads you and Lizzie carry after a shopping spree that you don't usually get just two outfits."
She was blushing slightly, and was getting that look again. "Well, I asked mom if I could get a couple of things for you alone." His eyebrows raised. "I peeked at your tags the other night. Anyway, she took Lily to the toy store while I got you these." She pulled another bag from the closet, revealing a boy's top and jeans, both of which were the latest style.
What caught Matt's attention was the fact that the jeans she had chosen were known to be VERY form fitting. "Plan on showing me off?" His voice had a clearly sarcastic tone.
She caught it, and smiled. She remembered how he spoke Sunday morning, believing himself to be nothing special to look at. She wanted to find a way to convince him otherwise, and hope this plan would help. "Just your best feature."
"Miranda . . ."
"No, Matt. If you won't listen to me, maybe seeing the reactions you'll get in these will convince you. You are a VERY good looking young man, and I'm lucky to be the one who gets to be on your arm."
He closed his eyes it that, remembering how she thought of herself. Then he got an idea. Looking back to her, he said "I'll do it on two conditions."
"What do you have in mind?" Her face made it clear what she thought he was thinking.
"First, we wait until after we go public with our relationship."
"I was already thinking of this as part of our first pubic date. I figure people will be looking at us anyway, so it will be the perfect time to do this."
"Wait until you hear the second part. I'll do this, if YOU wear an outfit I choose for you at the same time."
That clearly was NOT what she was expecting. "Matt . . ."
"Listen, I heard you say more than once you thought you weren't as beautiful as some of the other girls you know, and I've told you you're wrong. To borrow your words, if you won't listen to me, maybe seeing the reactions you get will convince you."
"I guess I can do that, for you." She moved to rest her arms on his shoulders, clasping her hands behind his head. "Have I told you today that I love you?"
"Yes, but don't let that stop you."
She kissed him lightly. "I made two other stops without mom."
"Oh? And what did you do on these stops?"
"Well," she broke the embrace to get a bag from the closet, "first, I stopped at the electronics store for this." She reached into the first bag, and pulled out a new, plain black office phone.
He looked puzzled. "No offense, Miranda, but isn't it a little bland for either of us?"
"Yes, but I couldn't find a cool looking one with speaker phone."
He grabbed the box to look again, and sure enough, it was a speaker phone. "That's cool. But why did you get a speaker phone?"
"Lots of reasons. If we need to call the doctor, we can talk to him together. If he, or anyone else, wants to talk to both of us, they only have to make one call."
"I guess that makes sense. I thought you said you made two stops?"
She got 'that' look again. "What I got at the other store is a surprise."
"Oh, so now you've got a surprise for me?"
"Yes, I do. Trust me, you'll love it. Now, would you mind helping me set-up this phone,"
~
It took about thirty seconds to connect the new phone to the outlet, but it took another fifteen to figure out how to program the speed dial and get all of Miranda's numbers set. "So," Matt asked, "who do you want to test the speaker on first?"
"Why not call Gordo's house? We can tell his dad about the phone, then catch up with Gordo."
"Good idea."
After telling Mr. Gordon about the phone, they asked to speak to Gordo. After a pause, Mr. Gordon asked them to call his son's private line. Curious, they did. He answered on the fourth ring. "Hey guys."
"HI." They said that together, and started laughing.
His father hadn't told Gordo about the new phone, and it took a second for the surprise to wear off. "When did you get a speaker phone?"
Miranda answered him. "Just got it today. Thought it would be useful."
"And it gives you two an excuse to be alone in your room."
Before Matt could reply, Miranda jibbed. "I think your father would call that projecting." That got a humorous snort from Matt.
"Very funny, Miranda. I suppose Lizzie told you about . . . the living room."
"Yes, she did."
"And you told Matt?"
"She let a little slip, so she told me just enough to keep me from buggin you about it."
"I'm sorry, Matt."
"I'm not the one you should say that to. Besides, considering what I was trying when she let it slip, I have no room to talk."
"Well, I have apologized to her, but . . . I need to talk to you two about the last couple of days. You're the only ones I know who know Lizzie well enough to help."
Miranda heard the tone of his voice, and turned serious. "We've always been able to talk. What's troubling you?"
"It's about the way Lizzie was acting yesterday . . . Matt, this may be more than you want to hear."
Matt could tell something was bothering the older boy, and Miranda's shift in tone told him she thought it was serious. "I'll stay as long as I can. Just talk, man."
He did, explaining how he'd been ashamed of himself for being so careless, and how he'd thought he was pushing Lizzie. Then he told them about yesterday. How shocked he had been at her aggressiveness. How surprised he was when he realized that he hadn't heard her side of things. But most of all, his worries about losing control. "What if we get to that point, and can't stop? I know I can't stop being what her like yesterday, but how can I be sure we won't go too far too fast?"
Matt had turned red hearing about Lizzie, but he managed to stay. Now he was glad he did, because he knew Gordo's feelings all too well. Almost before Gordo finished that last question, Matt answered. "You can't be sure."
"Thanks."
"Listen, man, you think you're the only one who worries about that? Miranda and I want to wait. We've gone farther than you and Lizzie, and managed to stop ourselves. But we know that, as strong as we are, we could still give in."
Miranda came in here. "I know you well enough to know you're worried you might push her into bed before she's ready. Trust yourself, Gordo. You could never hurt Lizzie. If she says no, you'll stop."
"That's easy to say . . ."
"Knowing the limits Lizzie put on your . . . activity yesterday, did you end up trying to go lower?"
A brief pause. "Once, but she stopped me."
"And you didn't push, did you? You stopped."
"Well, yeah, I stopped . . ."
"And you didn't try again, did you?"
"No."
"EXACTLY. That doesn't mean it won't happen, but I think you can take that to mean that if it does, Lizzie will be willing."
"It almost sounds like sis will ask before you do." Miranda swatted his arm. "Ow!"
"That's the other thing I wanted to ask about. Wasn't yesterday a little strange for Lizzie? She isn't normally so . . ."
"Are you kidding?!?" Miranda interrupted him. "You're forgetting that, when she DOES decide to go for something, she jumps in head first. Remember how she changed herself to try to impress Ethan? Or getting in to see Aaron Carter? Or her start as an environmentalist?"
"Or," Matt cut in, "that whole plan to get her in the 8th grade yearbook."
"OKAY!" He cut them off. "I know all that, but this is a bit more serious than a yearbook."
"Do you remember how I told you I spoke to Miranda's father that first night?"
A brief pause. "I still can't believe . . . wait, are you saying there's a connection?"
"The reason I did that was because I figured it was the only way I could tell him what I needed to without chickening out. I was terrified! I figured if I stopped before I said everything, I won't be able to start again. So, I took the offensive, and won't stop until I knew I had said what I wanted to."
"And you think that's what Lizzie was doing?"
"That would explain it."
"And," Miranda added, finally putting it together, "that would also explain why she does everything else like that. The only way for her to get past her fear as to steamroll it."
"I guess that makes sense."
Matt pressed the point. "Now that she knows you've heard her, and are willing for some things, I think she'll consider it 'Mission Accomplished', and she'll be herself again."
"Except," Miranda added, "that being herself now includes making out with you."
Matt groaned. "Did you have to say it like that?"
~~~~~~~~
That night, and the two nights that followed, were relatively peaceful. While Matt and Miranda still had nightmares, neither needed help. The two days between these three nights were busy, gathering and/or preparing everything that was to be at the party.
Finally, Sunday arrived. Everyone was looking forward to having a good time. Little did any of them realize that events at the party would prove a turning point for two of them.
~~~~~~~~
Next Chapter: A Party Crasher arrives.
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:
Buffy: I'm glad you like how I write Kate and Ethan, as Kate plays a key role soon. As for an "R" rated interlude for L/G . . . you'll just have to wait and see.
`
Chapter 42
Inner Truth
`
At four o'clock the same day, Matt and Miranda sat nervously in the waiting area of Mr. Gordon. This was Wednesday, which meant their weekly meeting with him as a couple. More than once in the discussions with their parents the previous day, it had been suggested that the doctor be brought in. However, each time, they agreed that they needed to try to settle this among the families. What had the young couple worried involved Sam's only requirement for their agreement. In this meeting, they had to tell the doctor:
1: What happened Monday night.
2: How long the two meetings lasted.
3: What was agreed to.
4: If the doctor felt the agreements would cause a problem with treatment, he could veto the whole thing.
It was Matt's idea that the veto be all-or-nothing. It seemed to both of them like a good idea at the time, but now, he wasn't so sure. Miranda saw his nervousness, and accurately guessed the cause. She placed her hand on his shaking knee go get his attention. "I don't think he'll do that."
He looked up at her. "I can't help being nervous. So much rides on this. I was this nervous that first time I spoke with your dad." He thought back to that encounter. "I'm still amazed I got through it. Taking the offensive helped, but even then, I'm not sure how I managed."
"I remember what you said about it. But don't you remember what dad said? He was impressed with you that night. He figures if the Melina incident hadn't happened, he won't have had the problems with you he did."
"I know. But . . . I don't know, this just feels different. I can't help but be nervous."
"Matt, Miranda, I'm ready for you." Mr. Gordon's voice called out to them. He held the door open as they entered. He had only heard enough to know Matt was nervous, and it didn't take more than a quick look to tell that Miranda was just as nervous as Matt was. When they were seated, he began. "I can tell you're both worried about something. Does this have to do with Sunday?"
"Not exactly." Miranda replied. "We have a lot to tell you about, starting with Matt coming to my house Monday night."
"His first night there in this." The doctor remarked. "What happened?"
"As she said, it starts there." Matt said. "This will take a very long time to explain."
"I'm here to listen."
With that, they began the tale. There were several points at which Dr. Gordon wanted to interrupt them with a question, but he decided to make a note of the question on his pad while letting the story continue. This proved good for a couple of reasons. First, many of the early questions were answered later in the story. Second, by the time they had finished, it was 4:53. When the story was finished, and Matt asked his father's question, Dr. Gordon sat there for a few moments, amazed at what he had just heard. This silence worried the two teenagers. "Sir?"
"Matt, from now on, I want to know every time you have a nightmare that strong." He turned to Miranda. "That goes for you, too. I understand that you four needed to have that talk, but you shouldn't be making judgements about the causes and meanings of these nightmares on your own. I've told you both that you need to learn to handle these things on your own, and that's true. But that's something you learn over time. I think you got it right this time, but what if you had been wrong?" The looks on their faces told him that he may have overdone his caution. His voice softened. "I'm not saying that you can't, or shouldn't, try to figure them out for yourselves. How else will you learn? But call me, so I can stay informed, and so I can give you my professional opinion."
"I think I understand," Miranda replied, "but we all thought that settling the family issues was more important."
"On that subject, Miranda, your instincts were right. And, for the record, I would not have kept you from having that talk, I would have encouraged it. Now, about these meetings . . ." He paused here, still amazed. "I must say, I can't remember anything quite like what you and your parents agreed to." He saw the anxiety in their faces, and smiled. "However, I foresee no problems with your treatment from this, and that's what I'll tell your parents."
They both exhaled in relief. "Thank you." Miranda said first.
"Let me be clear, though. I'm not convinced that this is a great idea." They froze. "But that's for your parents to decide. And after a total of six hours debate, I'm sure they believe this is the best, or at least most realistic, agreement there was to be had. So I won't tell them that part of my opinion unless asked."
~~~~~~~~
The rest of the day was uneventful for the couples and their families. Even the night of dreams was relatively pleasant.
~~~~~~~~
The next day, Miranda, Lily, and their mother had a "girls' day out" at the mall, something Miranda hadn't realized she missed until her mother suggested it. Lizzie had her doctor appointment at 2:00 that afternoon, so Jo could take her after dropping Matt off at Dr. Hyde's office for his 1:00 anger-management session. Gordo's parents decided that he had been working too hard on the party, and needed a day of rest. He soon discovered that was easier said than done. His body could rest well enough, lounging in front of his TV. The problem was his mind, which was far from restful. He was still confused by Lizzie's actions the day before. He knew her well enough to know that when Lizzie was determined to do something, she threw herself into it, often without the proverbial parachute. But he never expected her to do anything like yesterday. Even though he liked to try to work things out for himself, he realized that he needed to talk to someone. He could try Larry, but he wasn't sure if he should bother him. Besides, even though he had come to respect Parker, she was different enough from Lizzie that he wasn't sure how much help Larry would be. He realized that there were only two people who knew Lizzie well enough to help, Miranda and Matt. He knew he wanted to talk to a male, but that wouldn't be easy for Matt to hear. For that matter, it would be tough for him to tell Lizzie's brother. Then he had an idea: Talk to both of them, when they were together. That decided, he settled in to enjoy the AMC afternoon movie.
~~~~~~~~
After his session, Matt was both happy and sore. First, he felt he was really learning from the different anger-control techniques Dr. Hyde was helping him with. Indeed, after hearing about both the meeting with Kate and the scene Monday night, the doctor complimented his control. He also reminded Matt that when he attacked Mr. Sanchez, he was still in his nightmare, and thus was not responsible. Second, it seemed that the same flexibility and agility that let he and Lanny do so well when they tried out for cheerleading a couple of years ago was helping him learn the different judo moves. Not that it made him any less sore, but his happiness about it dulled the pain.
His soreness didn't stop him from complaining when Jo mentioned the therapeutic massage he would be getting when they got home. "Please don't, mom, it hurts when you do that."
She remembered her class, and her professor's lectures, too well for that to work. "Not a chance. I know it can hurt to have it done, but it will be worse for you if it ISN'T done. Not only will you be stiff and sore the next day, and probably a few days after that, but leaving your muscles un-cared for can cause real damage, especially to someone still growing. And before you ask, you're not waiting until Miranda can do it. She's only had the one lesson. If she were at home right now, that would be different. I'd take you there and offer to show her again how to do it. But she's with her mom, and we have no idea when they'll get back. I want to see her do it a few more times after these workouts before I let you put it off until you see her."
"Can we at least call to check?"
She knew he was trying to put it off. But she also realized that Miranda would eventually have to know how to do this herself. "All right. You go straight upstairs, get a change of clothes, and shower. I'll call to check. But if she isn't home, I will be dealing with you myself."
~~~~~~~~
Not seeing the point in changing twice between now and sleep, he came downstairs after his shower in the light gray sweats he would be wearing that night. He was surprised when he entered the living room and saw Miranda sitting with Lizzie on the couch. He managed to shake off enough of his surprise to speak. "I'm glad to see you, but why are you here? I'd have expected to go to your place."
"Your mom invited me for dinner. How are you feeling?"
"A little better after that shower."
"You were in there for a while." Lizzie teased.
"Well, I couldn't move very fast, and I had a good workout."
He saw a very naughty look cross Miranda's face, but before she could say anything, Jo entered the room. "I hope you feel better after that shower."
"If I say yes, can I get out of this?"
"No. Now lay down on your stomach, and Miranda and I begin." It wasn't until she said this that he noticed the coffee table had already been moved.
"The sooner we start," Miranda pointed out, "the sooner it's over."
~~~~~~~~
After dinner, they returned to Miranda's. She took him to her room to show him what her mom had bought for her. He was surprised. "Just two outfits?" The look on her face made him backtrack. "They look great, and I can't wait to see you in them, but you were out all day, and I know from seeing the arm loads you and Lizzie carry after a shopping spree that you don't usually get just two outfits."
She was blushing slightly, and was getting that look again. "Well, I asked mom if I could get a couple of things for you alone." His eyebrows raised. "I peeked at your tags the other night. Anyway, she took Lily to the toy store while I got you these." She pulled another bag from the closet, revealing a boy's top and jeans, both of which were the latest style.
What caught Matt's attention was the fact that the jeans she had chosen were known to be VERY form fitting. "Plan on showing me off?" His voice had a clearly sarcastic tone.
She caught it, and smiled. She remembered how he spoke Sunday morning, believing himself to be nothing special to look at. She wanted to find a way to convince him otherwise, and hope this plan would help. "Just your best feature."
"Miranda . . ."
"No, Matt. If you won't listen to me, maybe seeing the reactions you'll get in these will convince you. You are a VERY good looking young man, and I'm lucky to be the one who gets to be on your arm."
He closed his eyes it that, remembering how she thought of herself. Then he got an idea. Looking back to her, he said "I'll do it on two conditions."
"What do you have in mind?" Her face made it clear what she thought he was thinking.
"First, we wait until after we go public with our relationship."
"I was already thinking of this as part of our first pubic date. I figure people will be looking at us anyway, so it will be the perfect time to do this."
"Wait until you hear the second part. I'll do this, if YOU wear an outfit I choose for you at the same time."
That clearly was NOT what she was expecting. "Matt . . ."
"Listen, I heard you say more than once you thought you weren't as beautiful as some of the other girls you know, and I've told you you're wrong. To borrow your words, if you won't listen to me, maybe seeing the reactions you get will convince you."
"I guess I can do that, for you." She moved to rest her arms on his shoulders, clasping her hands behind his head. "Have I told you today that I love you?"
"Yes, but don't let that stop you."
She kissed him lightly. "I made two other stops without mom."
"Oh? And what did you do on these stops?"
"Well," she broke the embrace to get a bag from the closet, "first, I stopped at the electronics store for this." She reached into the first bag, and pulled out a new, plain black office phone.
He looked puzzled. "No offense, Miranda, but isn't it a little bland for either of us?"
"Yes, but I couldn't find a cool looking one with speaker phone."
He grabbed the box to look again, and sure enough, it was a speaker phone. "That's cool. But why did you get a speaker phone?"
"Lots of reasons. If we need to call the doctor, we can talk to him together. If he, or anyone else, wants to talk to both of us, they only have to make one call."
"I guess that makes sense. I thought you said you made two stops?"
She got 'that' look again. "What I got at the other store is a surprise."
"Oh, so now you've got a surprise for me?"
"Yes, I do. Trust me, you'll love it. Now, would you mind helping me set-up this phone,"
~
It took about thirty seconds to connect the new phone to the outlet, but it took another fifteen to figure out how to program the speed dial and get all of Miranda's numbers set. "So," Matt asked, "who do you want to test the speaker on first?"
"Why not call Gordo's house? We can tell his dad about the phone, then catch up with Gordo."
"Good idea."
After telling Mr. Gordon about the phone, they asked to speak to Gordo. After a pause, Mr. Gordon asked them to call his son's private line. Curious, they did. He answered on the fourth ring. "Hey guys."
"HI." They said that together, and started laughing.
His father hadn't told Gordo about the new phone, and it took a second for the surprise to wear off. "When did you get a speaker phone?"
Miranda answered him. "Just got it today. Thought it would be useful."
"And it gives you two an excuse to be alone in your room."
Before Matt could reply, Miranda jibbed. "I think your father would call that projecting." That got a humorous snort from Matt.
"Very funny, Miranda. I suppose Lizzie told you about . . . the living room."
"Yes, she did."
"And you told Matt?"
"She let a little slip, so she told me just enough to keep me from buggin you about it."
"I'm sorry, Matt."
"I'm not the one you should say that to. Besides, considering what I was trying when she let it slip, I have no room to talk."
"Well, I have apologized to her, but . . . I need to talk to you two about the last couple of days. You're the only ones I know who know Lizzie well enough to help."
Miranda heard the tone of his voice, and turned serious. "We've always been able to talk. What's troubling you?"
"It's about the way Lizzie was acting yesterday . . . Matt, this may be more than you want to hear."
Matt could tell something was bothering the older boy, and Miranda's shift in tone told him she thought it was serious. "I'll stay as long as I can. Just talk, man."
He did, explaining how he'd been ashamed of himself for being so careless, and how he'd thought he was pushing Lizzie. Then he told them about yesterday. How shocked he had been at her aggressiveness. How surprised he was when he realized that he hadn't heard her side of things. But most of all, his worries about losing control. "What if we get to that point, and can't stop? I know I can't stop being what her like yesterday, but how can I be sure we won't go too far too fast?"
Matt had turned red hearing about Lizzie, but he managed to stay. Now he was glad he did, because he knew Gordo's feelings all too well. Almost before Gordo finished that last question, Matt answered. "You can't be sure."
"Thanks."
"Listen, man, you think you're the only one who worries about that? Miranda and I want to wait. We've gone farther than you and Lizzie, and managed to stop ourselves. But we know that, as strong as we are, we could still give in."
Miranda came in here. "I know you well enough to know you're worried you might push her into bed before she's ready. Trust yourself, Gordo. You could never hurt Lizzie. If she says no, you'll stop."
"That's easy to say . . ."
"Knowing the limits Lizzie put on your . . . activity yesterday, did you end up trying to go lower?"
A brief pause. "Once, but she stopped me."
"And you didn't push, did you? You stopped."
"Well, yeah, I stopped . . ."
"And you didn't try again, did you?"
"No."
"EXACTLY. That doesn't mean it won't happen, but I think you can take that to mean that if it does, Lizzie will be willing."
"It almost sounds like sis will ask before you do." Miranda swatted his arm. "Ow!"
"That's the other thing I wanted to ask about. Wasn't yesterday a little strange for Lizzie? She isn't normally so . . ."
"Are you kidding?!?" Miranda interrupted him. "You're forgetting that, when she DOES decide to go for something, she jumps in head first. Remember how she changed herself to try to impress Ethan? Or getting in to see Aaron Carter? Or her start as an environmentalist?"
"Or," Matt cut in, "that whole plan to get her in the 8th grade yearbook."
"OKAY!" He cut them off. "I know all that, but this is a bit more serious than a yearbook."
"Do you remember how I told you I spoke to Miranda's father that first night?"
A brief pause. "I still can't believe . . . wait, are you saying there's a connection?"
"The reason I did that was because I figured it was the only way I could tell him what I needed to without chickening out. I was terrified! I figured if I stopped before I said everything, I won't be able to start again. So, I took the offensive, and won't stop until I knew I had said what I wanted to."
"And you think that's what Lizzie was doing?"
"That would explain it."
"And," Miranda added, finally putting it together, "that would also explain why she does everything else like that. The only way for her to get past her fear as to steamroll it."
"I guess that makes sense."
Matt pressed the point. "Now that she knows you've heard her, and are willing for some things, I think she'll consider it 'Mission Accomplished', and she'll be herself again."
"Except," Miranda added, "that being herself now includes making out with you."
Matt groaned. "Did you have to say it like that?"
~~~~~~~~
That night, and the two nights that followed, were relatively peaceful. While Matt and Miranda still had nightmares, neither needed help. The two days between these three nights were busy, gathering and/or preparing everything that was to be at the party.
Finally, Sunday arrived. Everyone was looking forward to having a good time. Little did any of them realize that events at the party would prove a turning point for two of them.
~~~~~~~~
Next Chapter: A Party Crasher arrives.