Chapter Six

Larry's Bizarre Behavior

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 both of them frown 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?"

Yes, 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 is 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. Yes, 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 a 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?" She clutched her chest and fainted. 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," She crossed her fingers. wish me luck." She looked at her frog, and he winked.

"Hi 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"

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?" Kate asked placing her hand on her friend'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 her 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.

Cut to Lizzie and Gordo's Phone Conversation

Lizzie and Gordo are on the phone talking more about Larry. Lizzie was pacing around her room with the phone cord twisting in her right hand.

"Yeah, so I was throwing my trash away, and I bumped into Larry. I gave him a smile hoping that we could just blow this whole fiasco away and move on, but NO you know what he did?" She doesn't even wait for Gordo to answer, "He just walked away." She says in one breath, totally frustrated.

At home Gordo is playing Dwarf Lord on his computer, and listening to Lizzie jabber on about more of Larry and his blow offs. She is talking about him an awful lot, does she still like him, and can't stop bragging about him? He thought mentally frustrated and slightly jealous. No, Gordo! She likes you, and only YOU! His conscience kicked in. Gordo really wished that the time would pass by sooner. He looked at his clock on his maple wood dresser. Three- twelve it registered. Gordo let out a long sigh, and sunk lower in his chair. Lizzie was still talking on the phone about HIM. Suddenly, Gordo couldn't take it anymore and abruptly interrupted Lizzie's blabbering.

"Look, Lizzie. I know you are in a rut, and I wish I could tell you what to do, but I can't. All I can do is hold you in my arms and let you cry on my shoulder. So how about this, get off the phone now, so that we can put aside all the frustration YOU have and walk to the D.B. together. What do you say?" Mentally kicking himself for interrupting her. She will surely hate me now, and at the worst of times, when she needs me the most! He thought closing his eyes, and letting out a deep sigh.

"That sounds great Gor—"She started to say but then was interrupted by someone knocking on the door. "Hold on Gordo someone is at my door?" she muffled into the phone. "Come in!" She yelled and mentally kicked herself for probably deafening her boyfriend.

In came a short spiky haired kid that looked around twelve.

"Hey Matt, what's up?" She asked, cushioning the phone to her left shoulder.

Ever since Lizzie was helping Matt with his studies they became friends, which they secretly both wanted, but would never admit it to each other.

"Well…" He started looking around.

"What?" She asked casually.

"Well, you see there is this book that I need to get at the library and"—she cut him off.

"And what?"

"I was wondering if you could help me find it?" He pleaded finally looking at her.

Lizzie hesitated for a moment, and fiddled with her thumbs.

She gave him a nod and asked, "What time?"

Matt thinking to himself, the plan is So working, she is buying everything I am saying, He thought and replied, "three-thirty." Lizzie again hesitated, and turned back to the phone where Gordo was, or hope he was still there. I didn't hear a click, so he must still be there. She thought.

"Gordo, are you still there?" she asked biting her lip.

"Yeah, yeah. I am still here." He said letting out a small yawn.

"Oh, is Gor tired? Want mama to come over there and give you a back ru"—Matt cut her off.

"LIZZIE!" He shouted in agony.

Lizzie laughed and gives out a soft, "Sorry Matt."

"No, not my mom, just YOU!" He teased.

Lizzie turned serious and mentioned that Miranda was still acting weird and that maybe the mall would rekindle their friendship. Gordo agreed to this. They both take in a few more teasing to each other before deciding to hang up. Lizzie just barely slipped in that she and Matt were going to the library and that the DB would have to wait. Gordo reluctantly agreed and then they both hung up.

"You are just…sick…" He replied totally disgusted. Matt's uneasiness to the new situation that Gordo and Lizzie had made Lizzie laugh even harder.

"Matt, when you get older you will st---" Matt cut her off, and covered his ears.

"Gross, I don't want to know, Okay?"

Lizzie stifled a laugh and got up to hug him… but he ran out of her room.

Toon Lizzie: "Ha Ha, I knew I would get him back. It was just a matter of time when I did." She looked at her frog and nodded.

Satisfied with her brother's quick exit Lizzie smiled and shook her head.

Grabbing a light pink jacket that had blue stripes running down the side from out of her closet, she walked to her vanity and began pulling her hair into a quick ponytail. Slipping on some black flip-flops she grabbed her purse, walked out of her room and down the stairs. Matt was pulling on his jacket as well and grabbed his backpack.

"Ready to go?" She asked getting out her keys from her purse.

"Yup." He answered. Oh, dear sis you shouldn't have put in those three extra minutes, because you are going to be so surprised when Miranda and Gordo show up at the library. He thought grinning. Lizzie yelled a quick goodbye to their mom and closed the door behind them.

Cut to Gordo's

Gordo had just gotten off the phone with Lizzie still laughing to himself of how they were so great together when suddenly he heard a knock at the door. Gordo got up to open it and took a step back. There stood in front of him was Miranda. He quickly headed to his computer and started Dwarf Lord. Miranda walked in and sat on his bed crossing her legs. A few minutes of silence got on Miranda's nerve so she got up and spun his chair around to face her.

"What, did you do that for Miranda? " He asked stubbornly.

"Hey, Gordo what's wrong? You sound stressed…or something, your face is all flus---"

Gordo cut her off.

"What are you doing here?" He asked stubbornly.

"Ooh, someone woke up on the wrong side of the brain!" she retorted and then lowered her gaze to chip off some red nail polish on her nails. Gordo switched off his computer and completely turned to look at her. Miranda looked at him with an act of concern and smiled. M: "You want to talk about it?" Gordo nodded. Miranda responded by patting a spot next to her. Gordo followed suit and suddenly felt her arm wrap around his shoulder. Miranda hummed a little song, and his eyes slowly started to flutter closed. Remembering that he is in his room and Lizzie is not here, started to feel uncomfortable. I think I am starting to see why Lizzie thinks Miranda is acting weird. He pondered opening his eyes and looking at her.

"So… now do you want to talk?" She asked looking into his blue eyes. He is so cute. I love his eyes. Miranda thought. Poor Lizzie if only she knew.

"Yeah, that will probably make me feel better," He answered weakly. "I… just I miss Lizzie. I mean we were supposed to go to the DB after school."

Miranda tilted her head and asked, "So?" She urged still clutching his shoulder.

Gordo let out a little groan.

"So we were talking about meeting there and everything when out of the blue, Matt interrupted us and said he needs her help."

"And, what's wrong with that?" She asked.

"Nothing. There is nothing wrong with it; I mean I am glad that she spends time with him. They really don't get along that is for sure," He got up and walked over to his dresser. "I know I am being selfish and all, but I wanted to talk to her," He said holding back tears. "Is that wrong for me to be so selfish, Randa?" He asked biting his lip and wrunging his hands.

Miranda pretended not to care what he thought, but answered with a short, "No." Gordo lowered his head, and began to pace around his room.

"I…I mean it's good to know that you want to be there for her and everything, but Matt is her brother and he needs her more than anything right now. So, you aren't selfish. You are just lonely." She said giving him a smile. Gordo just nodded at this and continued pacing.

"I was thinking since I am in Marine Biology with you and we have to draw a diagram and stuff, do you want to go to the library with me?" Gordo's head quickly rose up at the mention of the Library, and gladly accepted.

"Sure, let's go." He grabbed his house keys and they retreated downstairs. His parents were both at work so he left a note on the counter explaining that they were going to the library. Miranda grabbed her purse and they walked out the door.

Ooh Miranda is acting very odd to both of the couples, and now she wants to go to the Library with Gordo? If you want to find out what happens next, please read and review, thanks!