Disclaimer: I do not own the characters nor do I know Disney or any of the cast. I am just a huge fan of the show.

Chapter Two: The Hallway Meeting

Miranda caught up with Larry in the hallway gave a little wink and then continued walking to her locker, which was around the corner by the gym. Larry smiled and started exchanging his books when suddenly he heard footsteps clobber behind him. Lizzie and Gordo, he thought. Man can't she take a hint that I don't want to talk to her?

Lizzie came up behind him and said, "Hey, Larry" She said with a smile.

Guess not! He frowned. Seeing them from the reflection of his mirror meant that she really wanted to know what was up with him. Like she didn't already know.

"Hello, Gordo…Uh hey… Lo-izzie." He asked rather annoyed and irritated. Gordo could have sworn he heard Loozie, but brushed it off and just stuck his hands in his pockets.

"Hey, what's up?" Gordo asked nodding his head.

Lizzie couldn't take anymore of the silent treatment and began talking again.

"Larry, are you okay?" she asked concerned. "Did I do or say something?"

Yea, thought Tudge. You lied to me; unfortunately he couldn't say it in her face. So he made up an excuse to lie. That's what you get for hanging out with Matt McGuire at his fiesta party that served the best smoothies.

"Look, Lizzie I just have a lot on my mind right now, so why don't you just leave me alone. You too Gordo." He said turning around and pointing at Gordo. Gordo looked taken aback and was about to respond, but Lizzie cut him off.

"Larry, what is your problem?" She shrieked furrowing her brow.

Larry stifled a laugh.

"I mean you don't say hi to me…" Gordo coughed .

"… I mean us anymore. It's like you don't consider me…us…friends anymore." She turned to Gordo and apologized.

"Sorry." she spat.

Larry had become furious with Lizzie's ranting and was about to shout until a teacher came up beside them and asked to lower their voices. All three nodded their heads and watched the teacher walk back to her classroom. Lowering her voice, Lizzie asked again with her arms crossed and a sad look.

"Look, Lar I wish I knew what was going on between all of us, I mean ever since we came back from Rome, you are like a totally different person. What happened?" She asked in one breath.

Gordo spoke for the second time, but was now looking at his shoes.

"Yeah, Larry what's up? I mean Lizzie helped disguise you for Miranda's party, and you were totally fine with it. Didn't you like how you looked?"

Finally, Larry gave up trying to short talk his way out of this dumb conversation and hesitated.

"Look Gordo, I liked how I was before she changed me."

That she part sounded like he really despised Lizzie, thought Gordo. But, the question is why? The small talk lasted a few minutes longer than they all thought, and was so glad that Kate was approaching them nonchalantly.

"Hey, guys" she smiled. " Larry…" Turning to him, and lightly brushing his arm, " You look great, have you been working out?"

Gordo and Lizzie exchanged glances.

(Toon Lizzie: "Ok, something is definitely wrong. First Larry won't talk, wave, or smile at me, Miranda has a major attitude, and now Kate is flirting with… with Larry? What the heck happened over the summer?" She grabbed her files of the three victims and started questioning their motives)

Larry smiled at Kate and asked, "Hey, Kate how are you? How was your summer?"

(Toon Lizzie: "Okay, he speaks six words to me, and yet when Kate shows up she got out of him like fifteen? Oh I will never understand guys." She sighed)

"I am doing just wonderful. Rome was Great. I was held up in the Hotel Cambini with Lizzie," Pointing her thumb at her and smiled. " Ethan and I got along of course… and I am so glad that Junior High is over!"

"Oh, me too, Junior High was such a waste on important people like you and me." He winks. Okay, am I dreaming or did Larry just wink at… at Kate? Lizzie thought very confused. Gordo on the other hand, was amused at his surroundings. He always knew that Larry had a crush on Kate. Good to see that the old Kate was back, hopefully for good. Yea, hopefully, he thought. Finally at what seemed like an eternity to Lizzie the bell rang. Larry said goodbye to Kate, and Gordo, but not Lizzie. Gordo looked over at Lizzie with a look of concern on his face. She tried to hold back tears, but failed. She fled from the hall and into the girl's restroom. Gordo watched his girlfriend fly out of his view and shook his head. He really wanted to go after her, but knew that when the time came she would come to him.

(Cut to the restroom)

The walls were covered with bizarre writings and disturbing remarks. On the left side was a white fluorescent light hanging above the ceiling, and a little mirror leveled below it on a shelf. Over in the corner lied a little shriveled up young woman with her head in her hands, and her hair falling in little clumps across her distraught face. Lizzie McGuire had really gotten herself in a mess now, and she felt even worse when the third tardy bell rang. Lizzie lifted her head from her hands, and wiped her tear strained eyes. She gave a heavy sigh, and forced herself off the laminated tile. Walking up to the little mirror she looked at herself for the first time. Her eyes were all bloodshot and puffy from crying. Her hair was all sprawled across her face, and her clothes were all wrinkled. I look like a walking train wreck. She thought.

"Oh, God. I can't go to class looking like this!" She cried peering at herself once more in the mirror."Wait, I can't go to class at all THEY are in there."

She lowered herself to the floor again, and this time didn't wipe her tears.

"I wish…" sniffled "…Gordo was here." She let out in a slow breath. Lizzie fought back some more tears and lightly rested her head against the wall taking in the scene earlier.

Flashback

Gordo and I walked out of class talking about everything that had happened with Larry back in class.

"It was not like Larry to tell us off like that, Gordo!" She said turning to her boyfriend in frustration.

Gordo shook his head and replied with whisper, "I know."

From the corner of my eye I could swear that Gordo wasn't listening.

(Toon Lizzie: "Just a simple I know? Gee thanks your support means the world to me." She shrugged. "Doesn't he have anything better to say, to help me feel better? Doesn't he know that this is hurting me deep inside?" Clutched her chest and faints. Her frog blinked at her, and then at the screen) Gordo must really have something on his mind, if he won't even support me through this. I mean I know that we don't talk much about this stuff because usually I come to him and talk about guys, and he listens. Now, with Miranda

Toon Lizzie: Sat up and spit out the name Miranda then fainted again) she is the one I come to problems with if I can't handle them on my own. She can't help me anymore. She is the enemy, but WHY? Who can I go to talk this out with?" Lizzie spotted Larry and dragged Gordo along with her. I have to know the truth. I nodded in spite of myself. This has to work. Gordo looked at me and saw hatred and sadness in my eyes. He knows and I know that this is not going to be pretty. Walking with my Nine West clogs we slowly walk up to Larry. Dumb clobbering shoes, always making noise. I hope Larry doesn't walk off, and then I have to go after him. He knows I wouldn't be able to! Wait McGuire you have Gordo, you could ask him to go after Larry. We arrive at Larry's locker and wait for him to turn around.

(Toon Lizzie: "Well, here goes nothing." Crossed her fingers. "Wish me luck." She looked at her frog, and he winked. )

"Hey Larry." I asked with a smile. I heard a very faint "Hello" from him to Gordo and a mutter, "Hey Lizzie to me." My brain is so transfixed on Larry's brush off on me, that I can be barley remember Gordo saying anything. A few minutes go by, and I can't take it anymore. I started talking to Larry again, and again he snubbed me with an "I have a lot of stuff on my mind" excuse. Oh My God, just talk to me. Well if by some cue, he spoke and fully took Gordo by surprise. Truthfully, he surprised me too. He never glared at Gordo. He likes Gordo. I am starting to get really ticked off at Larry, and respond in a very loud voice.

"Larry, what is your problem?" Is this amusing to you Larry? I asked myself. Do you think this is funny? I sure as heck don't think it is. Larry looked at me very furious

Toon Lizzie: "Ha, two can play this game, Mr." Holds up some boxing gloves.)

I started yelling at him again, and am so ready to tick him off that I am silenced by a teacher telling us to keep it down. Boy, lady I wish you were deaf! I smiled to myself. We all nodded our heads, and began talking once more. Oh, God I wish this situation could be forgotten and done. I am really sad, and I want to leave. Here comes Kate, thank the Lord. What the? Is she flirting with Larry too? Oh My God, did we enter the twilight zone?" I asked myself literally and utterly confused. I turned and saw what Gordo's reaction to all of this is. I looked back at Larry and Kate then back at Gordo. I did a double take on Gordo. "Is he actually enjoying this?" I asked myself. I looked at him once more. "Oh My God! He is."

I heard the bell ring and waited for Gordo, but I really stayed to hear if Larry said, "Bye to me." What a dirk! He doesn't. I can't take this anymore! I have to get out of here. I decided. I don't even wait for Gordo to rush after me, so I ran to the restroom. Hopefully he won't follow me in there. I told myself I heard footsteps going down the hall. Poor Gordo, now I blew him off. What is wrong with me?

End of Flashback

Banging my head against the door. I settled down on the tile, and just take in all the hurt, sadness, and betrayal for the rest of the period. That was the first time ever that Lizzie McGuire skipped a class.

(Cut To Lunch)

Gordo made his entrance into the cafeteria and began walking to the trays when suddenly he saw Lizzie walking rather quickly to him with Kate by her side. First thing that popped into Gordo's head was, Oh goodie, just what I need another girl talking to My girlfriend and not having me by her side to comfort her or do something boyfriend, girlfriendish! But of course Gordo wouldn't be that mean to Lizzie, maybe Kate. He smiled to himself, but not Lizzie.Lizzie walked right up to him with tears in her eyes. She was still crying over what Larry did to her. Gordo noticed the second she came into view of his face, and immediately put an arm around her shoulder.

"Hey, baby. What's the matter?" He asked with very big concern.

She gave no answer and just buried her head into his chest. Kate watched her friends hold, comfort each other, and waited for Lizzie to respond. After a few seconds Kate explained to Gordo why she wasn't in History class Fourth period. All Gordo did was nod, and hold Lizzie tighter. Lizzie wrapped her arms around his chest, and raised her head to him.

She mouthed a "Thanks", and he mouthed back, "You're welcome."

Kate rolled her eyes, and shook her head. Seeing that there were some empty tables by the window again, Kate said that she would meet them over there. The couple nodded and watched her leave. Finally after about five minutes, Gordo brought Lizzie over to where Kate was, and told her that he would provide the food. Kate said she would stay there and keep Lizzie company. Gordo felt very relieved.

"Lizzie, is you okay?" Asked Kate lightly placing her hand on Lizzie's shoulder. Lizzie raised her head, which was propped on the table and looked at Kate's eyes.

"I'll be all right. I just need to clear my head. A lot has been happening. You know?"

"Yes, I do. Don't worry whatever happens just remember that Gordo, Ethan, and I are there for you!"

Lizzie nodded. "Thanks, Kate. I really appreciate that. "

It was Kate's turn to nod. They talked for a little while longer, and Gordo took that as a good sign. He smiled to himself and resumed picking out their food. Lizzie was actually glad that Kate was back and that she could really open up to her. Kate was really glad too. Everything was turning out to be okay, that it is until Lizzie's eyes bulged out of their sockets.

"By the way, isn't that Ethan over there?" She pointed at a round table by the doors. Kate followed Lizzie's gaze and was filled with anger, and hurt.

"And, Miranda?" she gaped. Okay, this is too weird. Ethan is flirting with…with… Miranda? Lizzie felt a wave of emotions come over her. Betrayal, hate, sadness, jealously…

(Toon Lizzie: "Wait, jealousy. Why should I be jealous? I don't care if Ethan is flirting with Miranda. I knew she liked him, but this just isn't happening!" Toon Lizzie let out a sigh of frustration crossed her arms and pouted her lips.) There they were over at that round table talking and flirting.

"Hey, wazzup, Miranda. Nice do!" He said giving Miranda a respectable nod and that cute Ethan smile.

"Thanks, Ethan. I love that shirt, where did you get it?" She asked looking him up and down.

"Uh, a shirt store." He answered narrowing his brow. Miranda tried to hold back a laugh and nodded. Some things never change. Miranda shook her head.

"Well, see you later, Miranda." He said giving her a thumbs up sign. Miranda gladly responded back with the thumbs up sign. Once he was out of view she shook her head and smiled. She smiled even bigger when she saw Larry approach her.

"Hey, beautiful, care if I sit here?" He asked pointing to an empty spot next to her.

"No," shaking her head. " I don't mind at all. Please." She replied patting the empty spot. "So, what's up?" She asked grinning.

"Well, you won't believe who tried to talk to me today…" He asked popping open a Sprite can, and taking a sip.

Miranda felt sick to her stomach and rolled her eyes before replying with such hatred. "DO NOT tell me, Lizzie." It was supposed to not be asked as a question, but Tudge took it like it was.

"Yup, and her side kick." He replied playing with his mashed potatoes.

"What do you mean, Gordo? Of course he would follow her around like a little lost puppy."

Larry started to laugh, and then chimed in, "Here Lassie." Both are cracking up.

"…Here boy!" whistling.

"Good boy." She pretended that Larry was Lassie and patted his head. They both grinned. This went on the rest of the lunch period. Gordo, Lizzie, and Kate watch in utter disgust of what their so- called friend is up to, and why? Lizzie and Gordo discussed going to the Digital Bean after school at three forty-five, and Kate let Lizzie catch up on girl talk. Gordo took this as his excuse to throw his trash away. He stood up and muttered out, "Girls" then shook his head. Lizzie and Kate heard him, silently laughed and continued talking. After twenty minutes of talking Lizzie stood up to throw her trash away. Upon her walking she ran into Larry. She smiled, but he narrowed his eyes and walked away in total annoyance. Well, this is going to be a long day. She thought then sighing.