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: Two pictures have been added to the photos section of my Yahoo group. Kate's engagement ring and WWE star Stacy Keibler. The address is on my author profile. The promise rings for Matt and Miranda, and Lizzie gifts to Gordo, will be added when given.
A/N: I'm going to be VERY clear about something before you even read it: The new duo that begins in this chapter are going to be JUST FRIENDS! So get your minds out of the gutter.
A/N: With so many of the parents in this chapter, I'm going to use their first names most of the time, especially for dialog. For those who don't know all of them, a list follows:
Jo McGuire
Sam McGuire
Edward Sanchez
Daniella Sanchez
Howard Gordon
Roberta Gordon
Susan Craft
`
Chapter 43
Turn and Return
`
The day was beautiful, blue sky with just wisps of clouds. While the lack of a breeze meant it could get sticky later, that also meant that they won't have to keep the wind from blowing away all the picnic plates and cups. This suited Mr. Dig just fine, as it made his job much easier, allowing him to enjoy the day. Of course, he knew how quickly that can change, but that was also part of the fun for him.
~~
The first contingent to the park was the Sanchez family, accompanied by Matt. Edward brought a grill with him. The park allowed grilling, but for heath reasons didn't provide anything. The others brought the rest of the food and supplies that were their responsibility, Miranda also trying to keep an overexcited Lily from running of ahead of them. Once the pavilion was in sight, however, Lily managed to wiggled free of Miranda's hand. "Lily, come back here!"
"Oh, it's okay." Her mother said. "We can see her, and she knows where she's going."
As they kept walking, the could clearly see her as she passed a VERY wide tree, then stop. Something had her attention. As they approached, they heard her talking, then heard somebody reply. While the parents grew concerned, Miranda thought the voice sounded familiar. Matt knew the voice was familiar. "Reggie? What's he doing here?"
"Do you know who she's talking to?" Edward asked.
"It sounds like my friends Reggie. He's one of the guys I played football with the other day."
"Could he be here for another game?" Miranda asked.
"I'll ask him."
When they got close enough to hear the words, however, it became clear to Matt what happened when he heard Lily ask "What does dumped mean?"
"In this case," Reggie answered, "it means that Angela doesn't want to be my girlfriend anymore."
"Why?"
Matt expected that his friend would give an excuse, as it usually took Reggie a few days to admit how he'd messed up. So Matt was surprised when he heard Reggie say "I messed up."
"How?"
"Well, it's rather embarrassing, and not something I want to talk about yet."
Matt heard something in his friends voice he had never heard before. Regret. He was at the tree now, so he moved to where he could be seen. "Are you okay, man?"
Reggie forced a smile. "So much for the record, eh? I guess it's just me being me."
Before Matt could respond, Lily piped up. "We're having a party, want to come?"
"Thanks, but I don't think I'll be much fun today."
Daniella had heard her daughter's question, and the reply. Something in the boy's reply brought out the mother in her. "You can't know that until you try. Come on, at least join us for the food, there'll be plenty."
"Pleeeeeeeeeeeeease." Lily was in her best pleading voice and eyes.
Reggie would have had to be heartless to resist her plea. He wasn't heartless. He chuckled. "Okay, I'll join you." He'd barely stood up before Lily was pulling him with her. The others found the scene very funny.
~~
The rest of the families arrived soon after, the McGuires, followed by the Gordons, then Ethan and Kate with Ethan's stepmother.
It didn't take more than one look to see why Mr. Craft had married her. She had great looks, with legs what seemed to go on forever. Wrestling fans could easily mistake her for Stacy Keibler, except for the fact that Mrs. Susan Kraft has light red hair. What made her different from Tawny was her mind and her heart. While the man thought he was landing another trophy wife, he found he'd gotten a woman who could challenge him mentally, and who had genuinely fallen for him. In time, he fell for her. While Ethan was glad to see his dad happy, he kept a cautious emotional distance. That changed after the crash. After he'd heard about how she'd reacted to his injuries, he couldn't make himself stay a stranger.
~
The party began as the good time everybody needed. While the fathers, even Mr. Gordon, were busy with the grilling, the other's started talking and catching up. The ladies insisted on Kate showing them the ring, and complimented her and Ethan it. A band of white gold, it had several small diamonds in the band leading to a 1.5 carat main diamond. When Ethan explained that it was a family heirloom, nobody noticed the slight smile that crossed Matt's face. The conversation was light as they waited for the food, and they were entertained by Lily trying, and succeeding, at cheering up Reggie. Matt knew his friend well enough to know that he wouldn't be down for very long even without her help. But he also knew that Reggie was an only child, and had mentioned more than once that he'd like a brother or sister, so Matt didn't see any reason to discourage the girl.
When the food was served, everything seemed to be fine. Then Matt and Gordo saw a plate that was challenging their's for the amount on it. When Gordo looked to see who it belonged to, he was more than a little surprised. "Forget breakfast, Kate?"
"Um, I guess you could say that."
"How much is she getting?" Ethan asked. He sounded a little concerned.
"I think she's got more than any of us." Matt remarked.
"Katie . . ."
"I told you before, it's just nerves. Having your system go crazy under stress is a family curse from my mom's side."
"I know what you said, but I wish you'd get checked out, just to be safe."
Susan was handling Ethan's plate, and came into the conversation here. "You said you didn't feel well this morning. Are you sure you should try to eat so much?"
"You should have seen me the week before I first tried out for cheerleading. I ate everything in sight. The only reason I stayed thin was because I couldn't . . ."
"We get the idea." Miranda cut in, not wanting those details right before she ate.
Kate blushed, realizing that it was likely nobody wanted to know about that at the moment. "Sorry."
~
As the food was being finished, Larry and Parker arrived. Lizzie and Gordo had already gathered some basic picnic games, many with Lily in mind. However, when they saw with Larry was carrying, they groaned. Lizzie spoke first. "Please telling me that's not what it looks like."
Gordo actually smiled, if only slightly. "If he brought that, then he must be feeling better."
"That's good. But why didn't Parker talk him out of it?"
"With all they've been though, she might have decided it wasn't worth the fight."
"I guess. All I know is, there's no way I'm singing."
She didn't have to worry. When the parents saw the karaoke machine, the mothers politely pointed out the groups in the other pavilions, and suggested that it wouldn't be polite to use it unless they were one if the last groups there. Larry conceded the point, and they joined the relieved group of teens.
~
As the games were brought out, the parents declined, and gathered at the table farthest from the kids to talk. About an hour later, everyone sat down to catch their breath. They had just finish their fifth game, a rowdy game of tag which Ethan and Kate chose to sit out. Both Lizzie and Gordo played despite their casts, which caused more than one funny moment. Ethan and Kate were under the pavilion's roof, while the others sat on the grass. None of them noticed her approach until she spoke, in her venomously soft voice. "Isn't this cozy, a group of lawn losers."
Miranda's heart froze when she heard that voice. It belonged to the last person she want to know about her and Matt yet. Clair.
Clair's attention, however, was focused on Lizzie and Gordo. "Tell me, Lizzie, are you planning any more peepshows, my brother enjoyed the last one."
Lizzie looked horrified. She had been seen when she and Gordo had been careless. Gordo would have leapt to his feet of not for his casts. Miranda DID jump up, and quickly walked toward Clair. Matt told Reggie to get Lily to her mother, then followed Miranda. "What do you think you're doing, Clair?" Miranda asked.
"I think I'm talking to Lizzie." Her eyes never left Lizzie. "I wonder what your mother would think of your new hobby?"
Before Miranda could get into it with Clair, another voice cut in. "Aren't you a fine one to talk?" Clair was surprised to hear that voice. She looked up to see Kate sauntering toward her. "With all the things I know about you."
"What are you doing with these losers?"
"She's with me." Ethan was walking toward the noise, using his cane to keep from stepping on anyone.
"Oh, how touching. Kate Saunders with a blind man for a date. How the mighty have fallen."
"Oh, on the contrary." She brought the ring to eye level. "Ethan's made an honest woman of me." Clair's eyes grew at the sight of the ring. "Oh, and if you were thinking about trying to shame me by telling Ethan what you know about me, he already knows." Kate's was enjoying this, and it showed in her voice. "Ya know, while some think we're the same, Clair, we're not. I admit I was easy on a date, but I was always picky about who I dated. You, on the other hand, are so easy, the only thing keeping you from being officially named school slut is your association with people like me. Tell me, is there a boy at school Clair Miller hasn't hit on yet?"
Clair looked thunderstruck. She had never expected this, least of all from Kate. Still, she was no rookie at this. "Are you sure daddy dear wouldn't be upset to hear what you've been up to?"
While all this was happening, a struggle was raging inside Matt. Part of him wanted to send this intruder flying. But so far, his anger control techniques were working. Still, he had to do something. As he tried to find that something, he heard Kate say the girl's full name. That's when it hit him. "I know your brother." They all turned to the new speaker. The look dancing in his eyes was new to Clair, but something about it made her uneasy. Lizzie, Gordo, and Miranda all knew that look. It was the look the told you to watch your every step, because somebody had a trap with their name on, and all you could do is hope you didn't end up in the line of fire. The Prankster King was back.
"What did you say, twerp?"
"I know your brother. Devin Miller. He's in my grade. He tried to force Lanny to talk to him once. But he learned, didn't he. Wood paste and feathers, as I recall."
Clair couldn't believe it. "You? You did that? You're the one Devin's always talking about? The leader of that pack of pranksters?"
"Sooner or later, they all learn. Never mess with my friends unless you like the public humiliation of one of my tricks. Now, if I'd do THAT for a friend, what would I do for a sister?" His eyes now held both glee and malice.
Clair clearly saw the malice, but was defiant. "You can't touch me. I'm not some Junior High twerp. You can't get into the places I go, so how could you do anything to me?"
"With my help, that's how." Kate chimed in. "You forget, I know your habits, and I CAN get in where you go."
Matt smiled. Clair flinched. "So, now that we know I can get you, let me be clear: If you bother my sister, or any of her friends, I'll come after you with every dirty trick I know."
"And I'll see to it that you lose your cover by getting you tossed from the in crowd." Kate added. "Hell, by the time I'm done, even the scanks will look down on you."
Clair knew Kate could do exactly what she said. And if this really was the prankster Devin had told her about, she didn't want to have him after her, especially with Kate's help. Still, she couldn't admit that they'd beat her. "You're not the only one's who can get people without anyone knowing it was you. This isn't over." With that, she stormed off.
Once she was out of sight, the tension drained from Matt, and he felt his body start to sag. Before he could show it, however, he was enveloped by Miranda. "You're back! You're back!"
"I never left."
"You know what I mean! You're back to being your old self again."
Being in her arms helped his energy return. "Not entirely, and I don't think you want that. The old me wouldn't have dared to do this." He kissed her gently.
When he released her, she replied. "I guess that's true."
"Miranda," Larry asked, clearly wondering about his timing, "would now be a good time to tell us about this."
A round of chuckles followed that. "Sure." She looked at Kate. "Thank you." Everyone looked surprised by that. "If you hadn't jumped in, I don't know what would have happened."
"I owe you for that." Lizzie added.
"No, that just begins to pay back for all I've done to you." Kate let a smile creep onto her face. "Anyway, I've been wanting to do that for a long time."
`
None of the kids saw that they were being watched. Jo was having a hard time hiding her tears of joy. "My baby's coming back."
"I think," Howard began, "that this proves that Matt is getting better. He held his flash of anger, yet found a way to channel his anger. And in doing so, he found part of his old self. More important, they both know it."
"Yes, I think this will be very good for Miranda." Daniella agreed.
"Do you think this will let us change the sleeping arrangements soon?" Edward asked.
"It's too early to tell." Howard replied. "But we can start to consider how to handle it when the time comes."
Roberta looked at her husband with amusement. "You mean you didn't have a plan for that yet?"
Sam bailed him out. "None of us wanted to think about that until we knew they were getting better."
~~~~
Lizzie, Gordo, Matt, Miranda, Ethan and Kate all told their tales to Parker and Larry, starting from the crash to the present. While each couple were careful not to reveal their more intimate moments, it was clear from their reactions that neither Parker or Larry hadn't expected anything like what they were hearing. When they were finally done, it took a moment for either to react. "It's amazing to think about all that's happened in just three weeks." Parker observed.
"I know," Matt agreed, "I just hope things start to settle down."
"What, you don't want to get bored, do you?" Miranda teased.
"I don't think I could ever get bored with you. But I can do without all the drama."
Lily came up to them. "Are you done yet, I wanna play." Regie had been trying to keep her entertained, but his inexperience with youngsters was beginning to show.
"What do you say, guys?" Lizzie asked the group.
"This is a party, let's have some fun." Parker answered.
~~~~~~~~
A/N: Yes, the story is winding down. But there are still some issues to be settled. Stay tuned.
by TheRealXenocide
`
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, settings, or anything else you recognize from the show Lizzie McGuire. The plot, at it's base, has been around since Homer, and this variant since Henry Ford. However, this is the first I've seen it applied to Lizzie.
`
A/N: Two pictures have been added to the photos section of my Yahoo group. Kate's engagement ring and WWE star Stacy Keibler. The address is on my author profile. The promise rings for Matt and Miranda, and Lizzie gifts to Gordo, will be added when given.
A/N: I'm going to be VERY clear about something before you even read it: The new duo that begins in this chapter are going to be JUST FRIENDS! So get your minds out of the gutter.
A/N: With so many of the parents in this chapter, I'm going to use their first names most of the time, especially for dialog. For those who don't know all of them, a list follows:
Jo McGuire
Sam McGuire
Edward Sanchez
Daniella Sanchez
Howard Gordon
Roberta Gordon
Susan Craft
`
Chapter 43
Turn and Return
`
The day was beautiful, blue sky with just wisps of clouds. While the lack of a breeze meant it could get sticky later, that also meant that they won't have to keep the wind from blowing away all the picnic plates and cups. This suited Mr. Dig just fine, as it made his job much easier, allowing him to enjoy the day. Of course, he knew how quickly that can change, but that was also part of the fun for him.
~~
The first contingent to the park was the Sanchez family, accompanied by Matt. Edward brought a grill with him. The park allowed grilling, but for heath reasons didn't provide anything. The others brought the rest of the food and supplies that were their responsibility, Miranda also trying to keep an overexcited Lily from running of ahead of them. Once the pavilion was in sight, however, Lily managed to wiggled free of Miranda's hand. "Lily, come back here!"
"Oh, it's okay." Her mother said. "We can see her, and she knows where she's going."
As they kept walking, the could clearly see her as she passed a VERY wide tree, then stop. Something had her attention. As they approached, they heard her talking, then heard somebody reply. While the parents grew concerned, Miranda thought the voice sounded familiar. Matt knew the voice was familiar. "Reggie? What's he doing here?"
"Do you know who she's talking to?" Edward asked.
"It sounds like my friends Reggie. He's one of the guys I played football with the other day."
"Could he be here for another game?" Miranda asked.
"I'll ask him."
When they got close enough to hear the words, however, it became clear to Matt what happened when he heard Lily ask "What does dumped mean?"
"In this case," Reggie answered, "it means that Angela doesn't want to be my girlfriend anymore."
"Why?"
Matt expected that his friend would give an excuse, as it usually took Reggie a few days to admit how he'd messed up. So Matt was surprised when he heard Reggie say "I messed up."
"How?"
"Well, it's rather embarrassing, and not something I want to talk about yet."
Matt heard something in his friends voice he had never heard before. Regret. He was at the tree now, so he moved to where he could be seen. "Are you okay, man?"
Reggie forced a smile. "So much for the record, eh? I guess it's just me being me."
Before Matt could respond, Lily piped up. "We're having a party, want to come?"
"Thanks, but I don't think I'll be much fun today."
Daniella had heard her daughter's question, and the reply. Something in the boy's reply brought out the mother in her. "You can't know that until you try. Come on, at least join us for the food, there'll be plenty."
"Pleeeeeeeeeeeeease." Lily was in her best pleading voice and eyes.
Reggie would have had to be heartless to resist her plea. He wasn't heartless. He chuckled. "Okay, I'll join you." He'd barely stood up before Lily was pulling him with her. The others found the scene very funny.
~~
The rest of the families arrived soon after, the McGuires, followed by the Gordons, then Ethan and Kate with Ethan's stepmother.
It didn't take more than one look to see why Mr. Craft had married her. She had great looks, with legs what seemed to go on forever. Wrestling fans could easily mistake her for Stacy Keibler, except for the fact that Mrs. Susan Kraft has light red hair. What made her different from Tawny was her mind and her heart. While the man thought he was landing another trophy wife, he found he'd gotten a woman who could challenge him mentally, and who had genuinely fallen for him. In time, he fell for her. While Ethan was glad to see his dad happy, he kept a cautious emotional distance. That changed after the crash. After he'd heard about how she'd reacted to his injuries, he couldn't make himself stay a stranger.
~
The party began as the good time everybody needed. While the fathers, even Mr. Gordon, were busy with the grilling, the other's started talking and catching up. The ladies insisted on Kate showing them the ring, and complimented her and Ethan it. A band of white gold, it had several small diamonds in the band leading to a 1.5 carat main diamond. When Ethan explained that it was a family heirloom, nobody noticed the slight smile that crossed Matt's face. The conversation was light as they waited for the food, and they were entertained by Lily trying, and succeeding, at cheering up Reggie. Matt knew his friend well enough to know that he wouldn't be down for very long even without her help. But he also knew that Reggie was an only child, and had mentioned more than once that he'd like a brother or sister, so Matt didn't see any reason to discourage the girl.
When the food was served, everything seemed to be fine. Then Matt and Gordo saw a plate that was challenging their's for the amount on it. When Gordo looked to see who it belonged to, he was more than a little surprised. "Forget breakfast, Kate?"
"Um, I guess you could say that."
"How much is she getting?" Ethan asked. He sounded a little concerned.
"I think she's got more than any of us." Matt remarked.
"Katie . . ."
"I told you before, it's just nerves. Having your system go crazy under stress is a family curse from my mom's side."
"I know what you said, but I wish you'd get checked out, just to be safe."
Susan was handling Ethan's plate, and came into the conversation here. "You said you didn't feel well this morning. Are you sure you should try to eat so much?"
"You should have seen me the week before I first tried out for cheerleading. I ate everything in sight. The only reason I stayed thin was because I couldn't . . ."
"We get the idea." Miranda cut in, not wanting those details right before she ate.
Kate blushed, realizing that it was likely nobody wanted to know about that at the moment. "Sorry."
~
As the food was being finished, Larry and Parker arrived. Lizzie and Gordo had already gathered some basic picnic games, many with Lily in mind. However, when they saw with Larry was carrying, they groaned. Lizzie spoke first. "Please telling me that's not what it looks like."
Gordo actually smiled, if only slightly. "If he brought that, then he must be feeling better."
"That's good. But why didn't Parker talk him out of it?"
"With all they've been though, she might have decided it wasn't worth the fight."
"I guess. All I know is, there's no way I'm singing."
She didn't have to worry. When the parents saw the karaoke machine, the mothers politely pointed out the groups in the other pavilions, and suggested that it wouldn't be polite to use it unless they were one if the last groups there. Larry conceded the point, and they joined the relieved group of teens.
~
As the games were brought out, the parents declined, and gathered at the table farthest from the kids to talk. About an hour later, everyone sat down to catch their breath. They had just finish their fifth game, a rowdy game of tag which Ethan and Kate chose to sit out. Both Lizzie and Gordo played despite their casts, which caused more than one funny moment. Ethan and Kate were under the pavilion's roof, while the others sat on the grass. None of them noticed her approach until she spoke, in her venomously soft voice. "Isn't this cozy, a group of lawn losers."
Miranda's heart froze when she heard that voice. It belonged to the last person she want to know about her and Matt yet. Clair.
Clair's attention, however, was focused on Lizzie and Gordo. "Tell me, Lizzie, are you planning any more peepshows, my brother enjoyed the last one."
Lizzie looked horrified. She had been seen when she and Gordo had been careless. Gordo would have leapt to his feet of not for his casts. Miranda DID jump up, and quickly walked toward Clair. Matt told Reggie to get Lily to her mother, then followed Miranda. "What do you think you're doing, Clair?" Miranda asked.
"I think I'm talking to Lizzie." Her eyes never left Lizzie. "I wonder what your mother would think of your new hobby?"
Before Miranda could get into it with Clair, another voice cut in. "Aren't you a fine one to talk?" Clair was surprised to hear that voice. She looked up to see Kate sauntering toward her. "With all the things I know about you."
"What are you doing with these losers?"
"She's with me." Ethan was walking toward the noise, using his cane to keep from stepping on anyone.
"Oh, how touching. Kate Saunders with a blind man for a date. How the mighty have fallen."
"Oh, on the contrary." She brought the ring to eye level. "Ethan's made an honest woman of me." Clair's eyes grew at the sight of the ring. "Oh, and if you were thinking about trying to shame me by telling Ethan what you know about me, he already knows." Kate's was enjoying this, and it showed in her voice. "Ya know, while some think we're the same, Clair, we're not. I admit I was easy on a date, but I was always picky about who I dated. You, on the other hand, are so easy, the only thing keeping you from being officially named school slut is your association with people like me. Tell me, is there a boy at school Clair Miller hasn't hit on yet?"
Clair looked thunderstruck. She had never expected this, least of all from Kate. Still, she was no rookie at this. "Are you sure daddy dear wouldn't be upset to hear what you've been up to?"
While all this was happening, a struggle was raging inside Matt. Part of him wanted to send this intruder flying. But so far, his anger control techniques were working. Still, he had to do something. As he tried to find that something, he heard Kate say the girl's full name. That's when it hit him. "I know your brother." They all turned to the new speaker. The look dancing in his eyes was new to Clair, but something about it made her uneasy. Lizzie, Gordo, and Miranda all knew that look. It was the look the told you to watch your every step, because somebody had a trap with their name on, and all you could do is hope you didn't end up in the line of fire. The Prankster King was back.
"What did you say, twerp?"
"I know your brother. Devin Miller. He's in my grade. He tried to force Lanny to talk to him once. But he learned, didn't he. Wood paste and feathers, as I recall."
Clair couldn't believe it. "You? You did that? You're the one Devin's always talking about? The leader of that pack of pranksters?"
"Sooner or later, they all learn. Never mess with my friends unless you like the public humiliation of one of my tricks. Now, if I'd do THAT for a friend, what would I do for a sister?" His eyes now held both glee and malice.
Clair clearly saw the malice, but was defiant. "You can't touch me. I'm not some Junior High twerp. You can't get into the places I go, so how could you do anything to me?"
"With my help, that's how." Kate chimed in. "You forget, I know your habits, and I CAN get in where you go."
Matt smiled. Clair flinched. "So, now that we know I can get you, let me be clear: If you bother my sister, or any of her friends, I'll come after you with every dirty trick I know."
"And I'll see to it that you lose your cover by getting you tossed from the in crowd." Kate added. "Hell, by the time I'm done, even the scanks will look down on you."
Clair knew Kate could do exactly what she said. And if this really was the prankster Devin had told her about, she didn't want to have him after her, especially with Kate's help. Still, she couldn't admit that they'd beat her. "You're not the only one's who can get people without anyone knowing it was you. This isn't over." With that, she stormed off.
Once she was out of sight, the tension drained from Matt, and he felt his body start to sag. Before he could show it, however, he was enveloped by Miranda. "You're back! You're back!"
"I never left."
"You know what I mean! You're back to being your old self again."
Being in her arms helped his energy return. "Not entirely, and I don't think you want that. The old me wouldn't have dared to do this." He kissed her gently.
When he released her, she replied. "I guess that's true."
"Miranda," Larry asked, clearly wondering about his timing, "would now be a good time to tell us about this."
A round of chuckles followed that. "Sure." She looked at Kate. "Thank you." Everyone looked surprised by that. "If you hadn't jumped in, I don't know what would have happened."
"I owe you for that." Lizzie added.
"No, that just begins to pay back for all I've done to you." Kate let a smile creep onto her face. "Anyway, I've been wanting to do that for a long time."
`
None of the kids saw that they were being watched. Jo was having a hard time hiding her tears of joy. "My baby's coming back."
"I think," Howard began, "that this proves that Matt is getting better. He held his flash of anger, yet found a way to channel his anger. And in doing so, he found part of his old self. More important, they both know it."
"Yes, I think this will be very good for Miranda." Daniella agreed.
"Do you think this will let us change the sleeping arrangements soon?" Edward asked.
"It's too early to tell." Howard replied. "But we can start to consider how to handle it when the time comes."
Roberta looked at her husband with amusement. "You mean you didn't have a plan for that yet?"
Sam bailed him out. "None of us wanted to think about that until we knew they were getting better."
~~~~
Lizzie, Gordo, Matt, Miranda, Ethan and Kate all told their tales to Parker and Larry, starting from the crash to the present. While each couple were careful not to reveal their more intimate moments, it was clear from their reactions that neither Parker or Larry hadn't expected anything like what they were hearing. When they were finally done, it took a moment for either to react. "It's amazing to think about all that's happened in just three weeks." Parker observed.
"I know," Matt agreed, "I just hope things start to settle down."
"What, you don't want to get bored, do you?" Miranda teased.
"I don't think I could ever get bored with you. But I can do without all the drama."
Lily came up to them. "Are you done yet, I wanna play." Regie had been trying to keep her entertained, but his inexperience with youngsters was beginning to show.
"What do you say, guys?" Lizzie asked the group.
"This is a party, let's have some fun." Parker answered.
~~~~~~~~
A/N: Yes, the story is winding down. But there are still some issues to be settled. Stay tuned.