Chapter Three
How it Goes
Does she really care what I think? Matt thought to himself, "Go for it. I'll be here if things go wrong."
Miranda smiled, "Thanks."
"Anytime," Matt said.
Matt followed as Miranda headed toward the blonde babe, "Hey. I'm Miranda."
"Hi," the blonde said, "I'm Blair."
Miranda smiled and sat down. Matt kept his distance. He was close enough to hear what was going on but far enough to where it didn't seem like they were together, "So, where do you live?"
"Ohio," he said, "I go to college at Ohio State."
Miranda smiled. A college boy, huh?
"What about you?"
"Oh," Miranda said, tempted to lie about her age, but knew that would blow up in her face later, "I'm a senior in Hill Ridge, California."
"Oh," he said and he started looking around until he seemed to spot someone who was walking toward his direction, "Hey, Nev!" he said, waving the person over here.
Nev walked to Blair and gave him a kiss on the forehead and looked at Miranda, "Who is this?" she asked, sitting next to Blair.
"This is…" he started, but he couldn't seem to remember her name.
"I'm Miranda."
"Oh, hi," Nev said, reaching her hand out to Miranda, "Are you a friend of Blair's?"
"Actually, we just met," Blair said.
"Hi. I'm Nev. I am Blair's girlfriend."
Miranda's face flushed. She didn't know what to say. She almost felt rejected.
"Nice to meet you," she said, "Your boyfriend looked familiar and I thought I met him before, but I haven't," Miranda said, thinking of a quick alibi.
"Well," Blair said, "It was nice meeting you anyway."
Matt saw what was going on and wanted to do something to make Miranda feel better. He walked toward her and said, "Miranda, we'd better get going. They're probably waiting for us."
Miranda jumped slightly as she heard Matt's voice and looked at him, "Okay."
"Who is this?" Nev asked, pointing to Matt.
"Oh this is— " Miranda said.
But Matt cut in, "I'm Matt. I'm Miranda's boyfriend."
"Ahh," Nev said, nodding her head, "Well, you are one lucky girl, Miranda."
"Thanks," Miranda said. She wished Matt hadn't said what he did, but now that he had, she didn't want to fight it, "Yeah, Matt, we'd better go."
Miranda stood up and Matt took her hand. Miranda thought she was going to gag. As nice as Matt was, she didn't really like touching him.
"Wait," Blair called, "maybe all four of us could do something together on this cruise. Have a double date or something."
"Yeah," Miranda said, but she didn't sound too enthusiastic, "Maybe."
Matt and Miranda turned around after exchanging room numbers and started walking back to their compartment, "Matt? Why did you say we were dating?" Miranda asked.
"Because you looked embarrassed and I thought I would be doing you a favor."
"A favor?" Miranda asked, "Now I have to pretend to date you in front of this guy and his stupid girlfriend. I don't want to do that."
"Why not? It's not a big deal? All you have to do is hold my hand when you see them. It's not like we have to kiss or anything."
"Fine," Miranda said, "But only in front of those two. Other than that, I am not holding your hand."
"Fine."
~
Later that night, Lizzie, Gordo, Miranda, and Matt got dressed for dinner. Since it was the first night, it was a night for dinner and dancing. Eight people were to every table, which meant that they would be sharing a table with four other people.
Unfortunately for Miranda, Blair and Nev were assigned to the same table. Hoping not to catch the attention of Gordo and Lizzie, they talked to their new friends briefly during dinner, and then the dancing started. All the couples got up to dance, leaving Matt and Miranda alone.
"Would you like to dance?" Matt asked.
"Why not?" Miranda asked and they joined everyone on the dance floor. Miranda couldn't help but laugh at Matt's two left feet. Soon, both of them were laughing.
"You two are so cute!" Nev exclaimed as she and Blair passed them.
"So is your boyfriend," Miranda mumbled.
"Oh, come on! The guy's name is Blair! Is he really that cute?"
"Yeah," Miranda sighed, looking over at him, "Someone like Nev doesn't deserve him."
"What did Nev ever do to you?"
Miranda rolled her eyes, "Well for starters, she's dating my future husband."
"Relax, Miranda. She thinks you and I are dating."
"Yeah," Miranda said, "and she's probably going to tell everyone, and that means I am hopeless."
"So?" Matt said, failing to see the problem, "we can keep each other company."
"Matt! I actually want to find someone here, though! You won't help."
"You never know."
"You know you are a horrible dancer, right?" Miranda said, looking down at their feet.
"Yeah," Matt said, "but would you want me any other way?"
Miranda laughed as the song ended. Everyone went back to their tables, including Lizzie, Gordo, Blair, and Nev, "So," Nev said to the whole table, "I just want to say that I think Matt and Miranda over here are the cutest couple ever."
Miranda quickly looked over at Lizzie, whose expression changed dramatically as she looked at her brother and best friend questioningly. Matt and Miranda glanced at each other and forced a smile.
"So tell us," Nev said, "When's the wedding?"
Miranda and Matt forced laughter at the stupid question. Lizzie and Gordo also seemed to be amused. "Great," Miranda thought, "now Lizzie thinks I am going out with her brother. My life on this boat might as well be ruined."
Music started back up and everyone got back up to dance except Matt and Miranda. "So, do you want to dance again?" Matt asked.
"No, darling," Miranda said, sarcastically, "Mind if I sit this one out?"
"Lighten up, Miranda," Matt said, "I think it's funny."
"What about Gordo and Lizzie?"
Matt laughed, "That is the funniest part."
"Are you saying we shouldn't tell them the truth?"
"Nope," Matt said, "see how it turns out in the end."
"You mean play a trick on them?"
"Yup."
Miranda sighed. Who was she kidding? Her chances for any romance on the cruise were pretty much doomed at this point. It would be worth it to see how Matt and Lizzie react, anyway. "Fine. We're pretending to go out."
"Okay," Matt said, trying to hide a smile.
"But," Miranda said, "We are only holding hands."
"You mean besides spending every waking moment together?" Matt said, "Okay. Fine."
Miranda rolled her eyes. This was so stupid. If it was so stupid, though, then why was she agreeing to do this?
In the meantime, Lizzie and Gordo were dancing and Lizzie remarked, "Look at them. Can you believe them?" she was referring to Matt and Miranda.
"Lizzie, do you actually believe they are going out? I think they were only dancing and that other couple assumed too much."
"Yeah, but look at them! They look like they are infatuated with each other. Maybe they started dating this afternoon."
"Fine. We can talk to them about it tonight when we are in our rooms."
"Fine," Lizzie resorted.
"Now can we please talk about something else?"
"Sure," Lizzie said, turning her attention to Gordo, "Hey, if they are going out, maybe we can do a little room swapping."
"Lizzie! Can you stop talking about them for, like, one sentence?"
Lizzie rolled her eyes, "Fine."
"Good. Hey, I was thinking maybe we could go see a movie tomorrow in the ship's theatre. What do you think?"
"Sure," Lizzie said, but her focus was on her brother and best friend once again.
"I was also thinking we could jump off the boat together tonight because it's freezing cold out there."
"Okay."
Gordo rolled his eyes. When Lizzie had her mind on something, she didn't give up easily. "Will you look at that? They are leaving. Probably going back to the room for a little alone time or something sick like that."
"Good. Now you can look at me for a change."
"What?" Lizzie said, turning to Gordo, "Did you say something?"
Gordo sighed, "Nope. Not a thing."
"Oh, come on, Gordo. You can't admit you aren't curious. Matt? Miranda? Together? It just doesn't sound right."
"It's none of your business. Besides, you'll find out soon enough."
"Yeah," Lizzie said, "We're going to find out now. Come on, Gordo. Let's get to the bottom of this."
Lizzie took Gordo's hand and they got off the dance floor, left the dining hall and headed to their compartment. Gordo opened his and Lizzie opened hers and they both discovered that they were empty. "Maybe they went for a walk," Gordo suggested, joining Lizzie in her room."
"Maybe," Lizzie said, uncomfortably. She sat down on her bed.
In the meantime, Matt and Miranda appeared in the hallway and noticed that their doors were open. Matt took Miranda's hand and they walked into the girls' compartment to join Gordo and Lizzie. Lizzie looked up and noticed the two were holding hands, "When did this happen?" she asked, not wanting to make a big deal.
"Today," Miranda said, fearing that Matt would jump in and say something else stupid.
"Way to go, Matt," Gordo said.
Matt smiled, "Thanks, Gordo."
"So," Lizzie said, looking the two over, making sure this wasn't some nightmare, "are you two in for the night or has the night just begun."
Miranda yawned, but it was fake, "Actually, Matt and I were thinking about doing something, but I am really tired."
"Yeah," Matt said, "Me too. What about ya'll?"
"Oh," Gordo stepped in, "Lizzie and I were going to go for a walk. We'll be back before one."
"That's three hours," Miranda said, looking at the clock, "How long is the walk."
"Well, we might do something else. Don't wait up," Lizzie said.
"Yeah, and behave yourselves, you too." Gordo said.
Gordo and Lizzie left the room leaving Miranda and Matt by themselves.
"I can't believe Gordo an Lizzie are just going to leave for three hours and leave us here."
"Why is that bad? We don't have to be together or anything? They just want some privacy."
"Yeah, I know," Miranda said, "But Lizzie knows I don't like sleeping in strange places by myself."
Matt thought about this for a minute, "Well, would you like for me to stay in here with you until you fall asleep?"
Miranda looked at Matt, "You'd do that for me?"
Matt nodded his head, "Sure. Why not? It's not like I have something better to do, honey."
Miranda rolled her eyes, "Yeah, about this boyfriend/girlfriend thing, next time you have another crazy idea like this, consult me about it first. This didn't have to happen you know."
"Yeah, but it did, and I promise you, by the time this cruise is over, you will have no regrets whatsoever."
"That's doubtful."
After they got ready, Matt returned to the girls' room and lay down on Lizzie's bed. In almost no time at all, Miranda was asleep and so was Matt.
~
PLEASE REVIEW. I'LL BEG!
How it Goes
Does she really care what I think? Matt thought to himself, "Go for it. I'll be here if things go wrong."
Miranda smiled, "Thanks."
"Anytime," Matt said.
Matt followed as Miranda headed toward the blonde babe, "Hey. I'm Miranda."
"Hi," the blonde said, "I'm Blair."
Miranda smiled and sat down. Matt kept his distance. He was close enough to hear what was going on but far enough to where it didn't seem like they were together, "So, where do you live?"
"Ohio," he said, "I go to college at Ohio State."
Miranda smiled. A college boy, huh?
"What about you?"
"Oh," Miranda said, tempted to lie about her age, but knew that would blow up in her face later, "I'm a senior in Hill Ridge, California."
"Oh," he said and he started looking around until he seemed to spot someone who was walking toward his direction, "Hey, Nev!" he said, waving the person over here.
Nev walked to Blair and gave him a kiss on the forehead and looked at Miranda, "Who is this?" she asked, sitting next to Blair.
"This is…" he started, but he couldn't seem to remember her name.
"I'm Miranda."
"Oh, hi," Nev said, reaching her hand out to Miranda, "Are you a friend of Blair's?"
"Actually, we just met," Blair said.
"Hi. I'm Nev. I am Blair's girlfriend."
Miranda's face flushed. She didn't know what to say. She almost felt rejected.
"Nice to meet you," she said, "Your boyfriend looked familiar and I thought I met him before, but I haven't," Miranda said, thinking of a quick alibi.
"Well," Blair said, "It was nice meeting you anyway."
Matt saw what was going on and wanted to do something to make Miranda feel better. He walked toward her and said, "Miranda, we'd better get going. They're probably waiting for us."
Miranda jumped slightly as she heard Matt's voice and looked at him, "Okay."
"Who is this?" Nev asked, pointing to Matt.
"Oh this is— " Miranda said.
But Matt cut in, "I'm Matt. I'm Miranda's boyfriend."
"Ahh," Nev said, nodding her head, "Well, you are one lucky girl, Miranda."
"Thanks," Miranda said. She wished Matt hadn't said what he did, but now that he had, she didn't want to fight it, "Yeah, Matt, we'd better go."
Miranda stood up and Matt took her hand. Miranda thought she was going to gag. As nice as Matt was, she didn't really like touching him.
"Wait," Blair called, "maybe all four of us could do something together on this cruise. Have a double date or something."
"Yeah," Miranda said, but she didn't sound too enthusiastic, "Maybe."
Matt and Miranda turned around after exchanging room numbers and started walking back to their compartment, "Matt? Why did you say we were dating?" Miranda asked.
"Because you looked embarrassed and I thought I would be doing you a favor."
"A favor?" Miranda asked, "Now I have to pretend to date you in front of this guy and his stupid girlfriend. I don't want to do that."
"Why not? It's not a big deal? All you have to do is hold my hand when you see them. It's not like we have to kiss or anything."
"Fine," Miranda said, "But only in front of those two. Other than that, I am not holding your hand."
"Fine."
~
Later that night, Lizzie, Gordo, Miranda, and Matt got dressed for dinner. Since it was the first night, it was a night for dinner and dancing. Eight people were to every table, which meant that they would be sharing a table with four other people.
Unfortunately for Miranda, Blair and Nev were assigned to the same table. Hoping not to catch the attention of Gordo and Lizzie, they talked to their new friends briefly during dinner, and then the dancing started. All the couples got up to dance, leaving Matt and Miranda alone.
"Would you like to dance?" Matt asked.
"Why not?" Miranda asked and they joined everyone on the dance floor. Miranda couldn't help but laugh at Matt's two left feet. Soon, both of them were laughing.
"You two are so cute!" Nev exclaimed as she and Blair passed them.
"So is your boyfriend," Miranda mumbled.
"Oh, come on! The guy's name is Blair! Is he really that cute?"
"Yeah," Miranda sighed, looking over at him, "Someone like Nev doesn't deserve him."
"What did Nev ever do to you?"
Miranda rolled her eyes, "Well for starters, she's dating my future husband."
"Relax, Miranda. She thinks you and I are dating."
"Yeah," Miranda said, "and she's probably going to tell everyone, and that means I am hopeless."
"So?" Matt said, failing to see the problem, "we can keep each other company."
"Matt! I actually want to find someone here, though! You won't help."
"You never know."
"You know you are a horrible dancer, right?" Miranda said, looking down at their feet.
"Yeah," Matt said, "but would you want me any other way?"
Miranda laughed as the song ended. Everyone went back to their tables, including Lizzie, Gordo, Blair, and Nev, "So," Nev said to the whole table, "I just want to say that I think Matt and Miranda over here are the cutest couple ever."
Miranda quickly looked over at Lizzie, whose expression changed dramatically as she looked at her brother and best friend questioningly. Matt and Miranda glanced at each other and forced a smile.
"So tell us," Nev said, "When's the wedding?"
Miranda and Matt forced laughter at the stupid question. Lizzie and Gordo also seemed to be amused. "Great," Miranda thought, "now Lizzie thinks I am going out with her brother. My life on this boat might as well be ruined."
Music started back up and everyone got back up to dance except Matt and Miranda. "So, do you want to dance again?" Matt asked.
"No, darling," Miranda said, sarcastically, "Mind if I sit this one out?"
"Lighten up, Miranda," Matt said, "I think it's funny."
"What about Gordo and Lizzie?"
Matt laughed, "That is the funniest part."
"Are you saying we shouldn't tell them the truth?"
"Nope," Matt said, "see how it turns out in the end."
"You mean play a trick on them?"
"Yup."
Miranda sighed. Who was she kidding? Her chances for any romance on the cruise were pretty much doomed at this point. It would be worth it to see how Matt and Lizzie react, anyway. "Fine. We're pretending to go out."
"Okay," Matt said, trying to hide a smile.
"But," Miranda said, "We are only holding hands."
"You mean besides spending every waking moment together?" Matt said, "Okay. Fine."
Miranda rolled her eyes. This was so stupid. If it was so stupid, though, then why was she agreeing to do this?
In the meantime, Lizzie and Gordo were dancing and Lizzie remarked, "Look at them. Can you believe them?" she was referring to Matt and Miranda.
"Lizzie, do you actually believe they are going out? I think they were only dancing and that other couple assumed too much."
"Yeah, but look at them! They look like they are infatuated with each other. Maybe they started dating this afternoon."
"Fine. We can talk to them about it tonight when we are in our rooms."
"Fine," Lizzie resorted.
"Now can we please talk about something else?"
"Sure," Lizzie said, turning her attention to Gordo, "Hey, if they are going out, maybe we can do a little room swapping."
"Lizzie! Can you stop talking about them for, like, one sentence?"
Lizzie rolled her eyes, "Fine."
"Good. Hey, I was thinking maybe we could go see a movie tomorrow in the ship's theatre. What do you think?"
"Sure," Lizzie said, but her focus was on her brother and best friend once again.
"I was also thinking we could jump off the boat together tonight because it's freezing cold out there."
"Okay."
Gordo rolled his eyes. When Lizzie had her mind on something, she didn't give up easily. "Will you look at that? They are leaving. Probably going back to the room for a little alone time or something sick like that."
"Good. Now you can look at me for a change."
"What?" Lizzie said, turning to Gordo, "Did you say something?"
Gordo sighed, "Nope. Not a thing."
"Oh, come on, Gordo. You can't admit you aren't curious. Matt? Miranda? Together? It just doesn't sound right."
"It's none of your business. Besides, you'll find out soon enough."
"Yeah," Lizzie said, "We're going to find out now. Come on, Gordo. Let's get to the bottom of this."
Lizzie took Gordo's hand and they got off the dance floor, left the dining hall and headed to their compartment. Gordo opened his and Lizzie opened hers and they both discovered that they were empty. "Maybe they went for a walk," Gordo suggested, joining Lizzie in her room."
"Maybe," Lizzie said, uncomfortably. She sat down on her bed.
In the meantime, Matt and Miranda appeared in the hallway and noticed that their doors were open. Matt took Miranda's hand and they walked into the girls' compartment to join Gordo and Lizzie. Lizzie looked up and noticed the two were holding hands, "When did this happen?" she asked, not wanting to make a big deal.
"Today," Miranda said, fearing that Matt would jump in and say something else stupid.
"Way to go, Matt," Gordo said.
Matt smiled, "Thanks, Gordo."
"So," Lizzie said, looking the two over, making sure this wasn't some nightmare, "are you two in for the night or has the night just begun."
Miranda yawned, but it was fake, "Actually, Matt and I were thinking about doing something, but I am really tired."
"Yeah," Matt said, "Me too. What about ya'll?"
"Oh," Gordo stepped in, "Lizzie and I were going to go for a walk. We'll be back before one."
"That's three hours," Miranda said, looking at the clock, "How long is the walk."
"Well, we might do something else. Don't wait up," Lizzie said.
"Yeah, and behave yourselves, you too." Gordo said.
Gordo and Lizzie left the room leaving Miranda and Matt by themselves.
"I can't believe Gordo an Lizzie are just going to leave for three hours and leave us here."
"Why is that bad? We don't have to be together or anything? They just want some privacy."
"Yeah, I know," Miranda said, "But Lizzie knows I don't like sleeping in strange places by myself."
Matt thought about this for a minute, "Well, would you like for me to stay in here with you until you fall asleep?"
Miranda looked at Matt, "You'd do that for me?"
Matt nodded his head, "Sure. Why not? It's not like I have something better to do, honey."
Miranda rolled her eyes, "Yeah, about this boyfriend/girlfriend thing, next time you have another crazy idea like this, consult me about it first. This didn't have to happen you know."
"Yeah, but it did, and I promise you, by the time this cruise is over, you will have no regrets whatsoever."
"That's doubtful."
After they got ready, Matt returned to the girls' room and lay down on Lizzie's bed. In almost no time at all, Miranda was asleep and so was Matt.
~
PLEASE REVIEW. I'LL BEG!