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.
`
Chapter 45
Reality Check
`
The next day, Wednesday, was highlighted by Matt and Miranda's joint session with Mr. Gordon. When Miranda admitted to the nightmare of Monday night, the doctor looked particularly disappointed. Neither were sure with to make of it. They hadn't done anything wrong, had they? He read their faces, and smiled kindly. "You're fine. When I told you to tell me immediately about your stronger nightmares, I didn't mine the ones that could be broken on the first try. I'm just a little disappointed because that pushes back what I was hoping to try this weekend."
"What's that?" Miranda asked first.
"If you hadn't had that nightmare, tomorrow night would mark 10 nights without. That, plus some other things I've noticed, would have led me to suggest that Friday night might be time to try . . . separate rooms."
They were speechless for a moment, then simultaneously "Are you sure?"
"It would only be a suggestion. You and you're parents would have to agree. But yes, if you had been nightmare free for that long, I that it would be worth a try."
"Why Friday night?"
"Well, either Friday or Saturday would be good. I would suggest the weekend for any such attempts so the parents of the house wouldn't have to be concerned about work. They can both be with you two, the father of the house with Matt, the mother with Miranda." The looks they were giving him made him chuckle. "I want both parents involved so that if either of you has trouble, you have somebody there until the other one of you gets there. And unless that sense you two have for each other has gone down without you telling me, I'm sure you'll know if one of you needs the other."
They couldn't argue those points. They both liked being with each other at night, but they also wanted each other to get better, and knew that this step would have to happen eventually.
~~~~~~~~
Thursday of course, Matt's appointment with Dr. Hyde. The doctor was surprised at Matt's description of the confrontation with Clair. While he didn't approve of revenge of any kind, he agreed that a prank would be preferable to other possibilities. He was further surprised at the pace Matt set in the workout, and he had to slow the boy down more than once. Even then, Matt was exhausted by the time they were done. He didn't even have the energy to protest when his mother started his massage.
~~~~~~~~
"Are you sure you don't want to lay down?" Miranda asked. They were alone in the den again, but this time Matt was making himself stay sitting upright.
"If I do that, I'll be asleep before my head hits the pillow. Tempting as that is right now, I don't want to wake up that early. It'd be too boring."
"Maybe we should do something to keep you up, then."
"Sounds like a . . ." the double meaning finally registered, and he smiled. "What am I going to with you?"
"I'm sure you can think of something. But first, I want to tell you a couple of things. Mom found a judo class with an opening. They meet on Tuesdays."
"That sounds good. Works with the other things we've got to do."
"That's what we were looking for. I'm glad we found one so soon."
"So am I. What's the other thing?"
He loved it when she looked at him like that. "While we were looking, I checked the mini-catalog the community college sends out with classes it offers to the general community. They had some self-defense classes, but only on Monday or Wednesday. But I saw a class on Fridays we might want to take together."
"What's that?"
"It's a beginner's course on the kind of therapeutic massage your mom uses."
"That could be useful, and enjoyable. But isn't there an age limit for those classes?"
"If there is, they didn't put it in the listing."
"You should check on that. But if there isn't, I like the idea."
~~~~~~~~
Friday marked Lizzie and Gordo's first appearance at The Digital Bean as an official couple. When the members of the crowd saw who came in, any thought at being careful not to look like they were looking vaporized when they realized who was with the familiar trio. As Miranda held one door open for the crutch bound pair, Kate was holding the other. And, much to the crowd's amazement, they weren't snapping at each other. This had everyone watching, waiting for the explosion they were sure was coming.
Lizzie and Gordo had talked about how to handle this before they left. The crutches would make holding hands through the door difficult-to-impossible, so they needed another way. They hadn't been able to settle on anything at Lizzie's before they left, or in the car on the way. Now, however, as they realized that all eyes were on them, they were struck by an idea. It had been suggested by Miranda earlier as I joke. But now, Lizzie's smile told Gordo she liked the idea. Most of the time, he would have never gone along with this. But, right now, just this once, he would do it. Each took the crutch under their left arm and moved it to their right. Then they shifted into position, gently wrapped their good arms around each other, and kissed.
By some standards, the kiss itself wasn't particularly noteworthy. Closed lipped, and only lasting a couple of seconds. But it was obvious to all who saw it the deep love between the two people in this kiss, as was the fact that the couple knew of their love. As they broke the kiss, they were greeted by a general round of applause, as well as remarks from their classmates that ranged from "Congratulations" to "About damn time".
The noise calmed down as the four moved to a booth, only to restart at a low murmur when they realized that Kate was sitting with the trio. It was an interesting site. Gordo and Lizzie sat together, good legs on the outside, Gordo on the outside. This left the other side of the booth for Miranda and Kate. There was obvious tension between the two. But both were determined not to do anything to ruin Lizzie and Gordo's day.
When everyone was settled into their seats, Miranda leaned in and quietly asked "Why did you guys do that?!?" Her voice showed clear amusement.
"It's not like we planned it!" Lizzie replied giggling.
"I never thought I'd do something like that so publicly." Gordo admitted. "But when I saw Lizzie's face, I just knew what she was thinking."
"I saw everyone looking at us," Lizzie continued, "and it just made sense."
"And I didn't see a reason to stop her." Gordo finished.
They saw the smirk crossing BOTH Miranda and Kate's faces. "Why are you looking at us like that?" Lizzie asked.
"Did either of you notice how smooth that explanation came from you?" Miranda asked.
"What do you mean?" Gordo asked.
"It was like you knew what the other was going to say, and where they were going to stop, because as soon as one stopped, the other was right there with the perfect follow-up." Kate replied.
Gordo looked at her like he thought she was exaggerating. "Lizzie and I have been friends for years, Kate. You should hear Lizzie and Miranda double-team a story."
"I have heard them together, and what you and Lizzie just did was something else entirely. Kinda sweet, really."
Gordo decided to change the subject before this new "sweet" Kate gave him a headache. "Does anyone want to order yet?"
Before either Lizzie or Miranda could comment about boys and food, Kate replied. "God, yes. I can't remember being so hungry."
That got their attention, and concern. Lizzie spoke first. "Are you still having trouble?" The trio all remembered Kate's 'family curse' from their first friendship, when Kate had to explain about her mom one time.
Kate rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Yes. It's getting worse than the week before my first cheerleading tryout in middle school. It seems like I'm always munching on something, I've spent the last four mornings . . . well, you know." They nodded, remembering the explanation that Miranda had cut off during the picnic. "Anyway, I've got a doctor appointment for Monday to see if there's anything that can be done to settle my system down."
"Good." Gordo said. "I'm with Ethan here, you should have gone earlier. But I'm glad you're going in."
"I might not have gone in if this condition hadn't thrown in a new symptom a couple of days ago."
"What new symptom?" Lizzie asked.
"On top of everything else that's messed up by this, I'm late." Gordo's eyebrows arched and his eyes closed when she said that. Saw the reaction, and blushed. "Sorry, Gordo. You probably didn't want to know about that."
"My best friends are girls, so you'd think I'd be used to that." That was a cover story. He had another thought running through his mind. "Would you mind going to the counter to place the order, Kate, since you're on the outside seat?"
She recognized he was deliberately changing the subject, but thought it was because of her remark. "Sure. What does everyone want?" She got their requests, and left to the counter.
When she was out of earshot, Gordo asked the girls "You two were closer to them than I was. Can either of you remember any other time when Kate or her mom got like this and THAT was disrupted?"
They looked at each other, first in surprise at his question, then in thought, then in surprise at the answer. "No" they said together, sounding puzzled.
Gordo sighed meaningfully. "I was afraid of that."
"Why, Gordo, what do you think's wrong?" Lizzie asked.
Before he answered, Kate was back. "They're a little busy up there. Could you help me with the drinks, Miranda? My hands are too small for four of them."
She wanted to hear Gordo's answer, but didn't want Kate to think something was up. "Uh, sure."
When they left, Lizzie turned to Gordo. She knew from the look on his face that he was worried. "What's wrong?"
"I need to talk to Ethan."
"Why?"
He turned to look directly at her. "Because only two people can answer the only questions left, and I think it will be less uncomfortable to ask Ethan."
"Ask Ethan what?" Kate asked, startling them.
"Um, I just need to find out some things . . ."
"It's been four years, yet you still can't lie under pressure." Kate interrupted.
She held his gaze for a moment, trying to will him to telling her. Lizzie and Miranda were also looking at him in anticipation. Under all those eyes, his will gave out, and Gordo spoke. "Kate, I have a hunch about what's going on with you, but I need to ask a couple of questions to be sure."
"Why don't you ask me? I'm right here." She remembered well his quick mind, and her frustration with this problem made her willing for any advice.
He looked uncomfortable. "They're personal. VERY personal. That's why I need to ask Ethan. I wouldn't ask him if I thought I didn't have to. I don't think I can make myself ask you."
"Ask me." It was clear that she wasn't comfortable with the idea, but she still wanted to hear what he had to say.
With the glare of all three girls still on him, he drew a breath, resigned himself to speaking plainly, and began. "I remember from the conversation you and Ethan were having when I woke that you've been lovers before then. Have you been with him since then?"
"Gordo!" Lizzie hissed at him.
"It's important!" He hissed back.
Kate had been taken aback by the question. But she realized that the Gordo she remembered never asked personal questions without a reason, and she had no reason not to believe what this was still true. 'This is what you asked for' she reminded herself. She steadied herself, and answered quietly. "Yes. Since the day he proposed, two weeks ago Wednesday."
Gordo closed his eyes again, steeled himself for the next question, and asked. "Have you been protected every time you've been with him?"
"Of course we . . ." Kate had started to answer automatically. But in mid-answer, she realized she was wrong, and what it could mean. The point he was getting at hit all three of the girls at about the same time. Something in Kate drove her to answer the question truthfully, almost robotically. Her voice was barely audible. "When we were together before the crash, we were both sure to use something. But those times were nothing but physical for us. Since we got back together, we've been so lost in these feelings for each other, I can't remember us using anything, any of the times we've been together." She was starting to get scared, and it showed. "Oh God, what if I'm . . ." she had a hard time saying the word, but it finally came ". . . pregnant."
~
The rest of the afternoon was a blur for her. Once the crowd was convinced that an explosion wasn't going to happen, they started to come over, one by one, to congratulate Lizzie and Gordo. Since she was their driver for this, she couldn't leave until they did. They were aware of her need to go, however, and left as soon as they could. She managed to get to Ethan's fine, but fell apart when she saw him. Susan was also there, and she managed to get them to a couch. But it took some time before Kate was able speak. "Mrs. Craft, can I talk to Ethan alone, please?"
That set off alarm bells in the woman's head, but she wasn't going to further distress the girl. "Of course. Ethan, you know where the intercom is. I'll be in the den."
When they heard her footsteps fade away, Ethan, out of habit, turned his head to where he felt the weight of her head of his shoulder. "What's wrong, Katie?"
She had wondered, worried, about how she was going to tell him, since she first said the word. Now, however, she didn't feel worried about that. She knew she could tell him, and he'd never leave. So, she told him about what happened, exactly how it happened. When she was finished, there was no reaction from Ethan at first, and she wondered if she had been wrong about him.
She wasn't. A small, but sincere, smile crept on his face. "So, the woman I love, and have already asked to marry me, might be carrying our child. The way you were acting, I thought you had bad news."
Whatever she had expected, that wasn't it. "Ethan? Maybe you didn't hear me. I said . . ."
"You might be pregnant. I know."
"Ethan, WE'RE STILL KIDS! We've got at least two years of school left, plus whatever extra work you need. We're not ready for this."
"It's earlier than we wanted, but we both want a large family. You do still want that, don't you?"
"Yes. But it's too soon."
"I know. Kate, you know I'll support whatever choice you make, but I think we need to get our parents together. As soon as their schedules allow" he added sarcastically. That was one of the many things they had in common. Both were the only children of well-to-do families, whose parents loved them, but were almost never there for them.
"We should tell Susan, at least. She could help." Susan, who's own absentee parents caused her to refuse to do that to a child, had become a source of strength for both of them.
~~~~~~~~
Saturday's highlights were at the Bianco home. First, after another morning of vomiting, Melina had more bad news for her mother. She was late for her period. Her mother was surprised at how well she seemed to be taking it. But then remembered that Melina had spent the last few days convincing herself that she was pregnant, so this wouldn't be a shock for the girl, just confirmation. Mrs. Bianco wasn't as convinced as her daughter was. She knew that girls Melina's age were susceptible to irregular periods, especially under stress. Her own periods didn't become regular until she was 15. She tried to explain all this to Melina, but it was no use.
Melina had a new resolve about getting the planning for the child she was sure she carrying under way, and that meant getting a hold of Lanny and his family. Her mother still wouldn't agree to more than a letter, reminding her that they're still grounded, and there would only be contact between them IF a doctor says she's pregnant. The . . . lively debate between them was paused when, a little before noon, the phone rang. Melina stormed to her room as her mother answered it.
It was Lanny's parents. He received Melina's letter the day before, and had been on a tear ever since. As his mother told Mrs. Bianco this, she could hear a voice in the background that could only be Lanny, and while she couldn't make out the words, one thing was clear: To call him livid would be an understatement.
When they asked if there was any change in Melina's condition, she debated briefly about not telling them, but decided that it would be best for them to be up-to-date. The verbal explosion that followed his mother telling Lanny made her question that decision. She heard his voice start to fade, like he was moving to another room. When he could no longer be heard over the phone, his mother spoke. "How much of that did you hear?"
"Enough. I don't think I've ever known him near as angry as he sounds."
"His father has taken him to his room to talk, try to calm him down some. How's Melina handling all?"
Her voice sounded worn down. "No matter how I tell her about all the other things this could be, she's convinced she's pregnant. It first, she was upset. Now . . . the only way to describe it is resigned determination. She's not in a rage, but she's as insistent as Lanny sounds that we get together and start planning for a baby."
"Maybe we should." The tone of a plan in motion seeped into her voice.
"You have a plan?"
"We've all been worried about how they're going to handle it if the test does show she's pregnant, how the reality of it would affect them. If Melina's so convinced that she is, it wouldn't take her long to convince Lanny. Then, we can see how they handle it. Besides," she added, "IF she is, she shouldn't be under stress, and arguing about this wouldn't help that."
"That makes since. All right, we'll do it. I bring Melina in a couple of hours."
"Good. That should give us time to calm them both down."
~~~~~~~~
A/N: So, who's really pregnant? To find out, 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.
`
Chapter 45
Reality Check
`
The next day, Wednesday, was highlighted by Matt and Miranda's joint session with Mr. Gordon. When Miranda admitted to the nightmare of Monday night, the doctor looked particularly disappointed. Neither were sure with to make of it. They hadn't done anything wrong, had they? He read their faces, and smiled kindly. "You're fine. When I told you to tell me immediately about your stronger nightmares, I didn't mine the ones that could be broken on the first try. I'm just a little disappointed because that pushes back what I was hoping to try this weekend."
"What's that?" Miranda asked first.
"If you hadn't had that nightmare, tomorrow night would mark 10 nights without. That, plus some other things I've noticed, would have led me to suggest that Friday night might be time to try . . . separate rooms."
They were speechless for a moment, then simultaneously "Are you sure?"
"It would only be a suggestion. You and you're parents would have to agree. But yes, if you had been nightmare free for that long, I that it would be worth a try."
"Why Friday night?"
"Well, either Friday or Saturday would be good. I would suggest the weekend for any such attempts so the parents of the house wouldn't have to be concerned about work. They can both be with you two, the father of the house with Matt, the mother with Miranda." The looks they were giving him made him chuckle. "I want both parents involved so that if either of you has trouble, you have somebody there until the other one of you gets there. And unless that sense you two have for each other has gone down without you telling me, I'm sure you'll know if one of you needs the other."
They couldn't argue those points. They both liked being with each other at night, but they also wanted each other to get better, and knew that this step would have to happen eventually.
~~~~~~~~
Thursday of course, Matt's appointment with Dr. Hyde. The doctor was surprised at Matt's description of the confrontation with Clair. While he didn't approve of revenge of any kind, he agreed that a prank would be preferable to other possibilities. He was further surprised at the pace Matt set in the workout, and he had to slow the boy down more than once. Even then, Matt was exhausted by the time they were done. He didn't even have the energy to protest when his mother started his massage.
~~~~~~~~
"Are you sure you don't want to lay down?" Miranda asked. They were alone in the den again, but this time Matt was making himself stay sitting upright.
"If I do that, I'll be asleep before my head hits the pillow. Tempting as that is right now, I don't want to wake up that early. It'd be too boring."
"Maybe we should do something to keep you up, then."
"Sounds like a . . ." the double meaning finally registered, and he smiled. "What am I going to with you?"
"I'm sure you can think of something. But first, I want to tell you a couple of things. Mom found a judo class with an opening. They meet on Tuesdays."
"That sounds good. Works with the other things we've got to do."
"That's what we were looking for. I'm glad we found one so soon."
"So am I. What's the other thing?"
He loved it when she looked at him like that. "While we were looking, I checked the mini-catalog the community college sends out with classes it offers to the general community. They had some self-defense classes, but only on Monday or Wednesday. But I saw a class on Fridays we might want to take together."
"What's that?"
"It's a beginner's course on the kind of therapeutic massage your mom uses."
"That could be useful, and enjoyable. But isn't there an age limit for those classes?"
"If there is, they didn't put it in the listing."
"You should check on that. But if there isn't, I like the idea."
~~~~~~~~
Friday marked Lizzie and Gordo's first appearance at The Digital Bean as an official couple. When the members of the crowd saw who came in, any thought at being careful not to look like they were looking vaporized when they realized who was with the familiar trio. As Miranda held one door open for the crutch bound pair, Kate was holding the other. And, much to the crowd's amazement, they weren't snapping at each other. This had everyone watching, waiting for the explosion they were sure was coming.
Lizzie and Gordo had talked about how to handle this before they left. The crutches would make holding hands through the door difficult-to-impossible, so they needed another way. They hadn't been able to settle on anything at Lizzie's before they left, or in the car on the way. Now, however, as they realized that all eyes were on them, they were struck by an idea. It had been suggested by Miranda earlier as I joke. But now, Lizzie's smile told Gordo she liked the idea. Most of the time, he would have never gone along with this. But, right now, just this once, he would do it. Each took the crutch under their left arm and moved it to their right. Then they shifted into position, gently wrapped their good arms around each other, and kissed.
By some standards, the kiss itself wasn't particularly noteworthy. Closed lipped, and only lasting a couple of seconds. But it was obvious to all who saw it the deep love between the two people in this kiss, as was the fact that the couple knew of their love. As they broke the kiss, they were greeted by a general round of applause, as well as remarks from their classmates that ranged from "Congratulations" to "About damn time".
The noise calmed down as the four moved to a booth, only to restart at a low murmur when they realized that Kate was sitting with the trio. It was an interesting site. Gordo and Lizzie sat together, good legs on the outside, Gordo on the outside. This left the other side of the booth for Miranda and Kate. There was obvious tension between the two. But both were determined not to do anything to ruin Lizzie and Gordo's day.
When everyone was settled into their seats, Miranda leaned in and quietly asked "Why did you guys do that?!?" Her voice showed clear amusement.
"It's not like we planned it!" Lizzie replied giggling.
"I never thought I'd do something like that so publicly." Gordo admitted. "But when I saw Lizzie's face, I just knew what she was thinking."
"I saw everyone looking at us," Lizzie continued, "and it just made sense."
"And I didn't see a reason to stop her." Gordo finished.
They saw the smirk crossing BOTH Miranda and Kate's faces. "Why are you looking at us like that?" Lizzie asked.
"Did either of you notice how smooth that explanation came from you?" Miranda asked.
"What do you mean?" Gordo asked.
"It was like you knew what the other was going to say, and where they were going to stop, because as soon as one stopped, the other was right there with the perfect follow-up." Kate replied.
Gordo looked at her like he thought she was exaggerating. "Lizzie and I have been friends for years, Kate. You should hear Lizzie and Miranda double-team a story."
"I have heard them together, and what you and Lizzie just did was something else entirely. Kinda sweet, really."
Gordo decided to change the subject before this new "sweet" Kate gave him a headache. "Does anyone want to order yet?"
Before either Lizzie or Miranda could comment about boys and food, Kate replied. "God, yes. I can't remember being so hungry."
That got their attention, and concern. Lizzie spoke first. "Are you still having trouble?" The trio all remembered Kate's 'family curse' from their first friendship, when Kate had to explain about her mom one time.
Kate rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Yes. It's getting worse than the week before my first cheerleading tryout in middle school. It seems like I'm always munching on something, I've spent the last four mornings . . . well, you know." They nodded, remembering the explanation that Miranda had cut off during the picnic. "Anyway, I've got a doctor appointment for Monday to see if there's anything that can be done to settle my system down."
"Good." Gordo said. "I'm with Ethan here, you should have gone earlier. But I'm glad you're going in."
"I might not have gone in if this condition hadn't thrown in a new symptom a couple of days ago."
"What new symptom?" Lizzie asked.
"On top of everything else that's messed up by this, I'm late." Gordo's eyebrows arched and his eyes closed when she said that. Saw the reaction, and blushed. "Sorry, Gordo. You probably didn't want to know about that."
"My best friends are girls, so you'd think I'd be used to that." That was a cover story. He had another thought running through his mind. "Would you mind going to the counter to place the order, Kate, since you're on the outside seat?"
She recognized he was deliberately changing the subject, but thought it was because of her remark. "Sure. What does everyone want?" She got their requests, and left to the counter.
When she was out of earshot, Gordo asked the girls "You two were closer to them than I was. Can either of you remember any other time when Kate or her mom got like this and THAT was disrupted?"
They looked at each other, first in surprise at his question, then in thought, then in surprise at the answer. "No" they said together, sounding puzzled.
Gordo sighed meaningfully. "I was afraid of that."
"Why, Gordo, what do you think's wrong?" Lizzie asked.
Before he answered, Kate was back. "They're a little busy up there. Could you help me with the drinks, Miranda? My hands are too small for four of them."
She wanted to hear Gordo's answer, but didn't want Kate to think something was up. "Uh, sure."
When they left, Lizzie turned to Gordo. She knew from the look on his face that he was worried. "What's wrong?"
"I need to talk to Ethan."
"Why?"
He turned to look directly at her. "Because only two people can answer the only questions left, and I think it will be less uncomfortable to ask Ethan."
"Ask Ethan what?" Kate asked, startling them.
"Um, I just need to find out some things . . ."
"It's been four years, yet you still can't lie under pressure." Kate interrupted.
She held his gaze for a moment, trying to will him to telling her. Lizzie and Miranda were also looking at him in anticipation. Under all those eyes, his will gave out, and Gordo spoke. "Kate, I have a hunch about what's going on with you, but I need to ask a couple of questions to be sure."
"Why don't you ask me? I'm right here." She remembered well his quick mind, and her frustration with this problem made her willing for any advice.
He looked uncomfortable. "They're personal. VERY personal. That's why I need to ask Ethan. I wouldn't ask him if I thought I didn't have to. I don't think I can make myself ask you."
"Ask me." It was clear that she wasn't comfortable with the idea, but she still wanted to hear what he had to say.
With the glare of all three girls still on him, he drew a breath, resigned himself to speaking plainly, and began. "I remember from the conversation you and Ethan were having when I woke that you've been lovers before then. Have you been with him since then?"
"Gordo!" Lizzie hissed at him.
"It's important!" He hissed back.
Kate had been taken aback by the question. But she realized that the Gordo she remembered never asked personal questions without a reason, and she had no reason not to believe what this was still true. 'This is what you asked for' she reminded herself. She steadied herself, and answered quietly. "Yes. Since the day he proposed, two weeks ago Wednesday."
Gordo closed his eyes again, steeled himself for the next question, and asked. "Have you been protected every time you've been with him?"
"Of course we . . ." Kate had started to answer automatically. But in mid-answer, she realized she was wrong, and what it could mean. The point he was getting at hit all three of the girls at about the same time. Something in Kate drove her to answer the question truthfully, almost robotically. Her voice was barely audible. "When we were together before the crash, we were both sure to use something. But those times were nothing but physical for us. Since we got back together, we've been so lost in these feelings for each other, I can't remember us using anything, any of the times we've been together." She was starting to get scared, and it showed. "Oh God, what if I'm . . ." she had a hard time saying the word, but it finally came ". . . pregnant."
~
The rest of the afternoon was a blur for her. Once the crowd was convinced that an explosion wasn't going to happen, they started to come over, one by one, to congratulate Lizzie and Gordo. Since she was their driver for this, she couldn't leave until they did. They were aware of her need to go, however, and left as soon as they could. She managed to get to Ethan's fine, but fell apart when she saw him. Susan was also there, and she managed to get them to a couch. But it took some time before Kate was able speak. "Mrs. Craft, can I talk to Ethan alone, please?"
That set off alarm bells in the woman's head, but she wasn't going to further distress the girl. "Of course. Ethan, you know where the intercom is. I'll be in the den."
When they heard her footsteps fade away, Ethan, out of habit, turned his head to where he felt the weight of her head of his shoulder. "What's wrong, Katie?"
She had wondered, worried, about how she was going to tell him, since she first said the word. Now, however, she didn't feel worried about that. She knew she could tell him, and he'd never leave. So, she told him about what happened, exactly how it happened. When she was finished, there was no reaction from Ethan at first, and she wondered if she had been wrong about him.
She wasn't. A small, but sincere, smile crept on his face. "So, the woman I love, and have already asked to marry me, might be carrying our child. The way you were acting, I thought you had bad news."
Whatever she had expected, that wasn't it. "Ethan? Maybe you didn't hear me. I said . . ."
"You might be pregnant. I know."
"Ethan, WE'RE STILL KIDS! We've got at least two years of school left, plus whatever extra work you need. We're not ready for this."
"It's earlier than we wanted, but we both want a large family. You do still want that, don't you?"
"Yes. But it's too soon."
"I know. Kate, you know I'll support whatever choice you make, but I think we need to get our parents together. As soon as their schedules allow" he added sarcastically. That was one of the many things they had in common. Both were the only children of well-to-do families, whose parents loved them, but were almost never there for them.
"We should tell Susan, at least. She could help." Susan, who's own absentee parents caused her to refuse to do that to a child, had become a source of strength for both of them.
~~~~~~~~
Saturday's highlights were at the Bianco home. First, after another morning of vomiting, Melina had more bad news for her mother. She was late for her period. Her mother was surprised at how well she seemed to be taking it. But then remembered that Melina had spent the last few days convincing herself that she was pregnant, so this wouldn't be a shock for the girl, just confirmation. Mrs. Bianco wasn't as convinced as her daughter was. She knew that girls Melina's age were susceptible to irregular periods, especially under stress. Her own periods didn't become regular until she was 15. She tried to explain all this to Melina, but it was no use.
Melina had a new resolve about getting the planning for the child she was sure she carrying under way, and that meant getting a hold of Lanny and his family. Her mother still wouldn't agree to more than a letter, reminding her that they're still grounded, and there would only be contact between them IF a doctor says she's pregnant. The . . . lively debate between them was paused when, a little before noon, the phone rang. Melina stormed to her room as her mother answered it.
It was Lanny's parents. He received Melina's letter the day before, and had been on a tear ever since. As his mother told Mrs. Bianco this, she could hear a voice in the background that could only be Lanny, and while she couldn't make out the words, one thing was clear: To call him livid would be an understatement.
When they asked if there was any change in Melina's condition, she debated briefly about not telling them, but decided that it would be best for them to be up-to-date. The verbal explosion that followed his mother telling Lanny made her question that decision. She heard his voice start to fade, like he was moving to another room. When he could no longer be heard over the phone, his mother spoke. "How much of that did you hear?"
"Enough. I don't think I've ever known him near as angry as he sounds."
"His father has taken him to his room to talk, try to calm him down some. How's Melina handling all?"
Her voice sounded worn down. "No matter how I tell her about all the other things this could be, she's convinced she's pregnant. It first, she was upset. Now . . . the only way to describe it is resigned determination. She's not in a rage, but she's as insistent as Lanny sounds that we get together and start planning for a baby."
"Maybe we should." The tone of a plan in motion seeped into her voice.
"You have a plan?"
"We've all been worried about how they're going to handle it if the test does show she's pregnant, how the reality of it would affect them. If Melina's so convinced that she is, it wouldn't take her long to convince Lanny. Then, we can see how they handle it. Besides," she added, "IF she is, she shouldn't be under stress, and arguing about this wouldn't help that."
"That makes since. All right, we'll do it. I bring Melina in a couple of hours."
"Good. That should give us time to calm them both down."
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A/N: So, who's really pregnant? To find out, stay tuned.