Chapter 34

A/N—This chapter will be a bit long, for I'm completing this part of the story. Thanks for your feedback and suggestions for this story. And now, read on and enjoy!

Miranda finishes writing for the day, puts the journal away, turns out the light to the office and goes to bed. Gordo is already in bed.

Gordo: Late night?

Miranda: Getting in bed and kissing her husband. Yeah, just writing in Lizzie's journal.

Gordo: What about?

Miranda: Well, about Lizzie McGuire and how our daughter came to be.

Gordo: That seems like such a long time ago.

Miranda: Yeah, but it's only been five years.

Gordo: I know, but it seems like forever. I still can't believe she did it.

Miranda: Do you know why?

Gordo: No, I don't. He sighs. I wish I did.

Miranda props herself up on her elbow: Gordo, do you regret…us?

Gordo: No! How can you say that? He kisses his wife. I love you. I love our kids. I'm the luckiest man in the world.

Miranda: Well, if Lizzie hadn't killed herself, then we probably wouldn't be together. You and Lizzie probably would have married and had kids. Ours wouldn't exist.

Gordo: I dunno. We were kids; we were only 15. Who knows if Lizzie and I would've still been together? He pauses. Do you regret us?

Miranda: No, I love you too. It's just so hard, I suppose.

Gordo: What do you mean?

Miranda: Well, I miss Lizzie and all, but if she were still here, our kids wouldn't exist. I wish Lizzie were still here, but I don't wish Lizzie and David Jr. away.

Gordo: That is difficult.

Miranda rises: I know.

Gordo: Where are you going?

Miranda: I can't sleep. I think I'll go write.

Gordo: It's late. Come back to bed.

Miranda: I won't be up too long. She kisses her husband and goes downstairs to her office.

Miranda turns on the light and sits at her desk. She picks up a picture of her and Lizzie. "I miss you, Lizzie. You were my best friend. You could've come to me if something was wrong. We shared everything. What was so bad that you couldn't share it with me?" She sighs and continues, "You missed out on so much! Did you know your mom was pregnant with your sister, Marin, when you died? Did you know that your mom was so overcome with grief and stress over being pregnant that she passed out at your graveside service? I am so angry! You were so selfish! What's wrong with you anyway? Did you know that your mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer while pregnant with your twin brother and sister? She nearly died. Your dad lost his job while nursing your mom through nearly three years of grueling chemotherapy. The stress of your death, the births of three babies, her cancer, his job loss, and Matt's drug use (yes, I said drug use!) nearly drove them to divorce! I never thought Sam and Jo McGuire would even contemplate divorce, but they did. Not many people knew that; they appeared to be rock solid through all their stress and strain. I wish I could tell you off to your face, but no, you're dead! You took the easy way out! Gordo and I could've helped you, so would've your mom and dad, even Matt would've helped you. We loved you!" Tears begin forming. "I lost my best friend! I didn't have a best friend with which to share my hopes and dreams. I needed my best friend! I got pregnant and had to go through my sophomore year as an unwed pregnant teenager. I didn't have my best friend as a source of support! Dammit! I wish you had been there to hold my baby. I named her after you. Your mom was there. She was in the delivery room with me when I gave birth. I wish you had been there."

She puts the picture down, pulls out her daughter's journal, and begins writing….

I remember when you were born. I stayed home from school, because my stomach was upset. I thought I had the stomach flu or something, but then around noon, contractions hit. Your grandmother was at work, so I phoned your dad's cell. He was at school, taking a history exam. What timing!...

FLASHBACK SEQUENCE BEGINS

Gordo: Hello?

Miranda: It's time!

Gordo: Wha?

Miranda: Gordo, aaargh! I'm having contractions and I can't reach mom on her phone. AAAAH!

Claire: Shh! I'm trying to take my exam!

Mrs. Banks (the history teacher): What's going on?

Gordo: Hang on, Miranda. I'm on my way.

Miranda: Hurry! Ow, it hurts!

Gordo: Go lie down. I've got a key; I'll let myself in. He hangs up and starts to leave the classroom.

Mrs. Banks: Is there something wrong, Mr. Gordon? People are trying to take a test.

Gordo: My girlfriend. She's in labor. I need to go, uh, hospital.

Mrs. Banks: Writes a note. Here, take this to the office. Good luck and congratulations.

Gordo: Thanks. He rushes out of the room, out of the school, and into his car. He speeds all the way to Miranda's house and races to her bedroom. He finds Miranda in bed. Oh sweetheart, he begins, kissing her cheek. How are you?

Miranda: Oh, oh, okay, she states between gasps. We need to go, now.

Gordo helps her out of bed, grabs her bag and the couple drives to the hospital. He finds a parking spot close to the entrance of the hospital and escorts her into the hospital. He checks in with the receptionist while Miranda sits down.

Receptionist: May I help you?

Gordo: My girlfriend, she's having a baby.

Receptionist: Are you preregistered?

Gordo: Yes. Her name's Miranda Sanchez.

Receptionist: Sign this form and I'll get Nurse Jones to take her to her room. Are her parents on their way?

Gordo: Yeah.

The nurse takes Miranda and Gordo up to her room, and settles Miranda in. A few minutes after the nurse leaves the room, the doctor comes to examine her.

Dr. Winters: Ms. Sanchez, I'm Dr. Sherri Winters.

Miranda: Where's Dr. Keller?

Dr. Winters: He's out with the stomach flu, so I'll be handling his patients. Are you David Gordon?

Gordo: Yes, ma'am.

Dr. Winters: Let me examine you to see how far along you are.

Before the doctor begins the examination, there's a knock at the door.

Miranda: Come in.

Daniella Sanchez: Mija, how are you? She kisses her daughter on the forehead.

Miranda: My back's killing me, she states between contractions. Where's dad?

Daniella: He's on his way.

Dr. Winters: I'm Dr. Sherri Winters. Are you Ms. Sanchez's mother?

Daniella: Yes, I am. Nice to meet you.

Dr. Winters: Now, if the two of you could step out for a minute, while I examine Ms. Sanchez.

Miranda: Miranda. Call me Miranda.

Gordo and Daniella step out, and the doctor performs her examination. After she finishes, she calls the pair back in. Eduardo has joined them.

Dr. Winters: Miranda, you're about a 4-5. Would you like anything for pain? If you want, you can have an epidural or a spinal, or pain meds through your IV.

Miranda: I guess I'll have an epidural. Aaah!

Daniella: C'mon baby, breathe. She mirrors her daughter's breaths.

Dr. Winters: Mr. and Mrs. Sanchez, I'll need you to sign a consent form, so we can get started.

Eduardo: Whatever my little girl wants.

A few minutes later, the anesthesiologist puts in her epidural. Soonafter, Miranda and Gordo fall asleep. Daniella and Eduardo watch TV.

SEQUENCE ENDS

Miranda stares into outerspace. "That seems like such a long time ago!" She continues writing….

Oh mija, you were in such a hurry to get out here and meet us. We wanted Jo McGuire to be present for your birth, and you nearly beat her to the delivery room. You're such a headstrong child; you don't want to miss a thing.