Chapter Ten

Gordo to the Rescue

Quickening her pace Lizzie, with her head down, walked outside. The wind was blowing hard across her cheeks making them feel like ice sickles falling from a roof.

"Man, when did the weather all of a sudden get cool?" Brrrr. She asked herself shivering.

Toon Lizzie: "Why it is that hot chocolate makes you feel better?" sniff. "Hmm…because it just does." She smiled and takes a sip. "Mmm... creamy."

Lizzie licked her lips and prayed to god that her Dad would come soon.

"Ssso… cccc...old…" She chattered. I wish I HAD some hot chocolate! She scolded herself.

Lizzie was just about to walk back inside when she heard a familiar horn. Her father pulled up in his red Taurus and rolled down the window gesturing with his hands for her to get in. Once her seatbelt was on, Sam put the car in drive, and cruised through the parking lot.

"So?" He asked turning his head, "Did you have fun at the mall with Miranda?"

Lizzie just stared out the window sucking in some breaths, and let the tears trickle down her cheeks. She didn't want her father to know that she was crying. Too late .He already saw from her side mirror, but didn't dare mention it. She was upset, and he knew that. Sam turned his head back on the road. It seemed to him that Lizzie didn't want to talk. Letting out a little sigh, he couldn't help but feel sad inside. He just wished that she would talk to him like she had in the past. She always came to him with problems. She did for when she was advice columnist for Dear Lizzie, and he helped her without Jo's advice. He was glad that he surprised Jo; truthfully he was surprised himself. Sam and Lizzie remained quiet the rest of the way home. Lizzie decided that she would rush up to her room, shut the door, lock it and stay there for eternity. Her life was obviously not going to be the same. I mean she thinks she lost her best friend. Maybe forever, she thought. Secondly, Larry was angry with her, and she didn't know why. She wished that Gordo could get her get through this. He always did. She thought, and always will. That thought brought a small smile to her face. She loved everything about him, his messy curls, those gorgeous blue eyes that you could get lost in, and the way he smelled…. She couldn't put her finger to it, but it was just…Gordo… a Gordo smell. Just. Gordo. It was that second she knew, she had fallen for him, and couldn't be prouder. Sam looked at Lizzie again, and then back on the road. She was breathing a lot easier than before. When she slid in to her seat she was panting and shivering. Poor girl, no wonder she was having trouble breathing. He thought shaking his head.

Pulling up to the house, Lizzie opened the car door and slid out. She ran straight to her room like she planned and shut the door. What she didn't know was that her mother was right behind her. She just couldn't hear her walking. Jo knocked on the door, and heard a muffled, "Come in." Jo poked her head in, and slowly turned to shut the door.

Lizzie was resting her head against her headboard, and Mr. Snuggles was held close to her chest. Jo could see that Lizzie was crying, even though her head was down. Somehow mothers could sense it. Jo walked over to Lizzie and wrapped her arm around her shoulder. Lizzie immediately rested her head on her mother's shoulder and showered her face with tears. After wiping her tears away, Lizzie finally decided to confide in her mother.

"Mom…" she sniffled, "Everything is falling apart for me."

Jo looked at Lizzie very concerned, and alarmed. "What is she talking about?" She wondered.

"How, so honey, didn't you have a good time at the mall with Miranda?" she asked worried.

Lizzie cried even more on that note, and sunk back down into her bed. Jo watched the water works happen right in front of her, and started crying to. She didn't know why, but somehow it was not good news.

"Lizzie, sweetie come on, tell me what happened." She asked smoothing out Lizzie's hair.

"O…Kay" She said between sniffles. Lizzie told her mother the whole story, and Jo just looked at her very shocked.

"Oh, honey," Now she was crying as much as Lizzie was. "I am so sorry that you had to go through with that…Miranda shouldn't of done that too you. You are more important to her. I know."

Jo nodded truthfully.

Lizzie looked at her mother and wiped her eyes some more.

"How do you know?"

"I see the way she looks after you, and the way she always helps you out with situations."

She smiled.

Lizzie smiled too, and she was starting to feel better.

"Thanks mom, but what should I do?" She asked after hugging her mom.

"Just give Miranda some times, she will come around." She said getting up from Lizzie's bed and walking towards the door.

"You sure?" She asked uncertain.

Jo turned around, smiled and nodded her head.

"Mom…?" Lizzie asked hopefully.

"Yes?"

"Can, I call Gordo before dinner is ready?"

Jo sighed and smiled.

"Yeah, just don't be long, okay?"

"I won't." She smiled.

Jo turned around and closed the door to give Lizzie some privacy. Lizzie picked up her purple star phone and dialed Gordo's number. After about the fourth ring, Lizzie got annoyed and hung up.

Frustrated with herself, she walked down stairs to help with dinner. Jo saw her daughter coming around the corner.

She smiled.

"So, did you talk to Gordo?" She asked cutting up some carrots on the counter.

Lizzie shrugged and replied, "No. I didn't. I tried four times. I wish I knew where he was." She took a seat on the stool and rested her elbows.

"Hey, honey, I think you are stressed, how about you go get some fresh air."

Lizzie looked at her mother and nodded slowly.

"I think I will, thanks mom." Getting up to hug her mom, Lizzie made her way to the back porch, and opened the sliding door. She could smell the fresh breeze blowing in the wind.

Jo's Flashback

Lizzie was only in Seventh grade when she got invited to this pool party. A boy named Danny Kessler was hosting it at his house, and invited all Seventh graders to come. I remember Lizzie walking in so happy and excited about the party that I asked her when it was. She said that it was that coming Friday. I thought oh no, she can't go Gammy McGuire's birthday was Friday and that all of us were going to see her.

"Lizzie honey," I explained. "You can't go to Danny Kessler's party."

She looked at me with a shocked expression and set her backpack on the floor.

"Mom, why can't I go?" she asked worried.

"Well, that is the day that Gammy McGuire turns 80 and she wants ALL of us to celebrate with her." I exclaimed peeling some carrots and then placing them in a silver bowl. Lizzie threw a fit for a couple of minutes until finally giving in, but with that came the Silent Treatment. I hate that, and she knows it. I tried to reason with her, but she just kept her mouth shut.

I told her, "There will be other parties that you could go to. Why are you so eager to grow up?" I asked tilting my head to her.

She gave me that roll the eyes thing, and looked the other way. From the corner of my eye, I could see her walking over to the couch and crossing her arms. I could tell she was annoyed, but I was her mother and had the right to annoy her all I wanted.

"Mom," she whined. "It's not that I don't want to grow up, it's just--"

I cut her off.

"It's just what honey?"

"I just want to go to Danny Kessler's party because everyone else is, and if I don't go then everyone will talk about it next Monday, and I will be the only one who wasn't there to enjoy it." She said in one breath.

I walked over to the couch where she was sitting and wrapped an arm around her.

"Lizzie, I know you want to go, but I just can't let you. I'm sorry."

She let a heavy sigh and sunk down into the couch, pouting her lips.

"D…don't give me that pouty look!" I said shaking my head.

Lizzie pulled it back in.

"You are not going, end of discussion." I glared.

She stood up, gave a "Uuuuuurrrrggggghhh," huffed, and rushed up stairs.

I shrugged my shoulders, and shook my head.

Two days passed and Lizzie was still mad at me. I know. Once again I am the worst mother in the world .I hesitated. Sam walked in and gave me a quick kiss. He asked what was going on, and I told him.

"Yes, you are clearly the worst mother in the world." He mocked with that dopey grin.

"SAM!" I screeched pretending to be shocked, but just grinned.

That afternoon I was unpacking some groceries and setting them on the counter when suddenly the phone rang.

"Hello." I asked.

It was Gammy McGuire telling me that she was going quilt shopping and asked me if I wanted to go. I made up an excuse saying that I had a dental appointment and was saddened that I couldn't go. She believed me and reluctantly hung up. I was satisfied myself for doing that, and I thought the nightmare was over. Unfortunately it wasn't. Lizzie walked in and asked me who was on the phone. She speaks. Yay. I thought smiling. I told her it was Gammy McGuire and that she wanted me to go to quilt shopping with her. Now, here came the switcheroo, Lizzie turned around the whole situation on ME, and asked why did I lie to Gammy and get away with it, and yet she asked me if she could go to Danny Kessler's party and that I told her no. I was busted now. She was furious at me, and stalked back upstairs. In time, she will understand that not all daughters' can participate boring activities with their mother's. I thought sadly.

A few days later Gammy called again and said that she was going skiing with her girlfriends up in the Appalachian Mountains that weekend. I laughed at this, and told her have a good time. Five seconds after, Lizzie came home and walked into the kitchen.

"Honey. I have some good news. Gammy says that she is going skiing with her girlfriends for her birthday." I said smiling.

Lizzie looked thrilled, but then decided not to go to the party. I didn't know why but it was probably for a good reason. So the rest of the day, we laid out our sheets in the sun and let them air dry. I saw Gordo walk up and comfort Lizzie. I was so glad he was there for her. He always was, and I hoped he always would be. He stayed with her the whole time. They even made tie-dye bed sheets.

End Of Flashback

(Out on the porch)

Lizzie's mom was right. She did need a breath of fresh air. She had a huge fight with Miranda, and Gordo wasn't anywhere to be found. Lizzie just felt awful. I'll just call Gordo again later. She thought.

Lizzie walked outside, and the first thing she saw was a blanket laid out in the backyard.

She took another step, and she saw a picnic basket… and candles… and standing there waiting for her with a rose in his hand, was Gordo.

"I thought you would never show up!" He said, giving her his brightest smile.

"Gordo! ... You're here! I... I was just trying to call you... "

"Sorry I missed your call, Lizzie. But, I've been here, waiting for you."

He smiled at her.

Toon Lizzie: "AWWWWWWW! Oh my gosh! This is the sweetest thing he has ever done for me!"

Lizzie's eyes were starting to water up. She didn't mean to cry. She had such a bad day, until now. She was here with Gordo, and as usual, he made up for everything. Lizzie couldn't help it. The tears started pouring down her cheeks.

Running up Gordo put his arms around her.

"Shhh ...It's okay, sweetie. Whats wrong? I'm sorry. Is it because I didn't get your phone call?"

Toon Lizzie: "Gordo may be my boyfriend, and I really care about him, but he can be utterly clue less sometimes!"

"Gordo," she sniffed. "I had a HUGE fight with Miranda. I don't think she will ever talk to us again. Everything is SO messed up!"

"Come on, let's sit down and you can tell me what happened, ok?"

"Okay…"

Sitting on the steps of her backyard, she proceeded to tell Gordo the whole story; everything from the encounter at the mall, Miranda's attitude… her snippy comments... and finally, how Miranda ditched her for Ethan. She also told Gordo about how mad Miranda was acting towards her because she KNEW about her and Gordo being together.

Also, she was so mad that they didn't tell her.

Lizzie couldn't control her tears. They flowed freely as Gordo held on to her even tighter.

"Gordo… Miranda was our best friend. We used to be able to trust her... to confide in her, and now everything has gotten SO out of hand."

"I know baby, but ... maybe she will come around. I mean the worst of it is over. She knows about us. I know you two had a huge fight… but we've always been able to work things out in the past."

"I know, Gordo... but I don't think there is any 'fixing' this one?"

"You may be right. I mean, Miranda has a really bad temper… but, she IS our friend. I hope."

"I think we've lost Miranda forever!" said Toon Lizzie sadly.

"Please don't think I am trying to be harsh... but, maybe this is for the best. I mean, lately Miranda has been acting well... like a real witch; looking back, she hasn't always been that great of a friend to either one of us. She is obviously jealous of our relationship…so maybe, its better this way."

"I hate to admit it," she sniffed. "But.. maybe you ARE right. I don't think we can fix this one... and to tell you the truth, I don't know if I really want to. She's obviously not happy that you and I are together... and I think she has something to do with why Tudge won't speak to me. I am not sure, but I just have this feeling."

"Just remember one thing, Miranda or no Miranda, you always have me!"

He wrapped his arms very tightly around her.

"Thanks Gordo. I don't know how I would get through this without you!"

Lizzie broke away from Gordo and looked up at him. He had the most sincere blue eyes. Lizzie often thought she could get lost in them. She put her hands on his face and drew him closer to her. She kissed him on the forehead, both cheeks, and finally, on the lips. Then, she rested her head on his shoulder.

From the window, a very happy Jo McGuire watched them. She wasn't trying to spy. Oh, who was she kidding, sure she was. She just hoped Lizzie didn't see her; too late. Lizzie looked up and made eye contact with her mom. But, instead of getting angry like Jo thought, Lizzie gave her mom a big smile, and hugged Gordo even tighter.

Jo McGuire walked away, feeling very happy. She loved Gordo like a son. She had watched he and Lizzie grow up together, and now they were dating. She couldn't think of anything that could make her happier, well except maybe Matt picking up his things. Jo almost tripped on Matt's Game Boy, while she was on her way upstairs.

"Kids..." She muttered to herself.

Meanwhile, back outside Gordo and Lizzie were still holding onto each other and watching the night sky.

Gordo suddenly broke the silence.

"Hey… I made us dinner! C'mon, lets eat. I'm starving!"

Lizzie was hungry too, really hungry.

"Mmmmmm.. smells gooooodd!" said Toon Lizzie wearing a chef's hat and smelling the air.

Gordo led Lizzie over to the blanket and opened up the picnic basked.

"Lizzie... you know I care about you a lot right?"

"Riiight..." Cautioned Lizzie.

"Uh oh…. this can't be good!" Said a worried Toon Lizzie.

"And because I care so much about you, I didn't want to poison you with my cooking. So, I have to confess, my mom made all this."

Toon Lizzie let out a sigh of relief.

"PHEWWW!--I thought he was going to give me bad news! This is good news. Gordo's mom was an excellent cook!

Lizzie had to laugh because Gordo looked so cute and serious at that moment. He actually looked worried, as if Lizzie would mind that he didn't make it himself.

"Gordo! that's okay! I appreciate everything you've done for me. This is so romantic, Gordo! I love it. "

Gordo smiled, because Lizzie smiled.

He began spreading out all the food over the blanket: Fried chicken., Mashed Potatoes… and apple pie; all of Lizzie's favorite foods.

"Have I died and gone to heaven?" Toon Lizzie blinked, "Hmm... Gordo is certainly an angel!"

"You got me FRIED CHICKEN?" Fried Chicken was Lizzie's most favorite food in the world.

"Ah... not just any Fried Chicken, OVEN fried chicken!" Lizzie smiled and wrapped her arms around Gordo's neck. She kissed him all over his face. Lizzie loved OVEN Fried Chicken even more. It was baked, not fried in grease. Lizzie also loved Mashed Potatoes AND Apple pie.

Toon Lizzie munching away on food.

"Yup… this IS heaven., and heaven has Apple pie!" Toon Lizzie shoved the whole pie down her throat

"Gordo… this is really great. I love it!" Lizzie took a bite of Chicken. "Mmmmmm!" she said with her mouth full. "Your mom is such a great cook!"

"Thanks! I asked her to make it especially for you!"

Lizzie smiled, and kept right on eating though. Gordo joined her and made a big plate for himself. He was starving! He hadn't eaten since breakfast. He was slipping. Food was always on his mind… but now, he had to leave room to think about Lizzie.

Gordo looked at her. She looked so pretty even with Fried Chicken crumbs on her face.

Lizzie caught Gordo staring at her.

"What? Do I have something on my face?" She asked smiling.

Gordo started to say no, but he changed his mind. He smiled at her.

"Yeah... just some crumbs. Here, let me help." He kissed her on the lips while still attempting to brush the crumbs off.

"Now, THAT was smooth!" Said Toon Lizzie.

"Have I ever told you how hopelessly adorable you are?" She asked in between giggles.

"Everyday," he winked. "But tell me again!"

Lizzie sank into Gordo's arms, and they fed each other. It was probably going to get messy, but they didn't care. Gordo wiped some Mashed Potatoes on to Lizzie's lips, and then kissed it off. Lizzie and Gordo ate happily under the stars. Right now, this moment everything was perfect for them. Lizzie forgot Miranda, forgot Tudgeman, and forgot that she had any problems at all. Right now the moment was all about her and Gordo; her prince. She could worry about her problems another day. Lizzie was definitely in heaven. She was in Gordo's arms, and she had Fried Chicken. Life was good.

Upstairs, from his bedroom, Matt watched this whole scene. He was happy. He couldn't explain it. He always gave Lizard Breath a hard time, but...she was his big sister, that's what little wormy brothers do; they annoy. However, Matt secretly looked up to Lizzie. He thought she was one of the coolest people he knew, and he loved Gordo like a big brother. He couldn't be happier for his sister. He knew about her crush on Gordo, and his crush on Lizzie. EVERYONE knew. It was so obvious. He was just happy they got their act together, and finally admitted their feelings for each other.

Matt suddenly felt awful. Miranda. He just remembered all the terrible things he helped her out with. Well… he had to stop, now. He couldn't do this to Lizzie. She has had her moments, but she was his sister, and he loved her. He was starting to think that Miranda is the evil one, and just used him to get back at Lizzie. Why was he so dumb? He was twelve years old. He should have seen right through her scam. Well, starting now… he was no longer friends with Miranda Sanchez. If Lizzie needed help getting back at her, she could count him IN!

Matt looked down again at Lizzie and Gordo. They were done eating, and now they were sitting on the porch swing cuddled in each other's arms. Matt felt a slight stab of jealousy. Not because he wasn't happy for Lizzie and Gordo. But... because he wished he had someone like that in his life. He was young. He knew that, but... he has known Gordo his whole life, and he has watched Lizzie and Gordo grow up together. He wanted someone like Lizzie. He had a brief crush on Miranda, but he knew in reality that would never work. Not only did she think of him as Lizzie's annoying little brother… he knew she would never go out with a twelve year old. Suddenly, an image popped into his head: a young, pretty girl with light blonde hair, and a great smile. Melina! He missed Melina because she was his best friend in the world…well next to Lanny. He hadn't seen either one of them since he left for Rome. When Matt left for Rome, Melina and her parents were leaving for Hawaii. They were going to be back in a few days. She knew she would miss a few days of school, but Matt wrote down all her assignments so she wouldn't miss out on anything. He kept them for Lanny too since he was home sick with really bad Strep throat.

Matt wished he could go visit his friend, but Strep throat is really contagious; poor Lanny. He hasn't been able to talk in over a week. One day, they were playing outside, got caught in the rain… and the next day, Lanny came down with Strep. Matt was lucky he didn't catch it. This happened two days before they were supposed to start Junior High. Matt felt kind of lonely without his best friends around. He especially missed Melina. Melina, Melina, Melina. He really liked her. She was his accomplice, his partner in crime. He loved the way she laughed. He loved her smile. Suddenly Matt realized that he liked Melina as MORE than a friend. He just wondered how she felt about him. He knew Melina cared for him, and she was definitely his best friend. Now... he wondered if he should share those feelings with her. He would ask Lizzie or maybe Gordo that was when he was ready to. He was still sorting out his feelings. He had never missed Melina the way he did right now.

"Girls!" he muttered to himself, "Can't live with them," he paused and looked down at Lizzie. "Can't live without them."

He looked on his night stand to a framed picture of him, Melina, and Lanny at the county fair. Melina had her arm around him. Matt smiled at that.

He took one last look at the lovebirds down below, before going to sleep. He saw that Gordo was watching the stars, and Lizzie had fallen asleep in his lap. Gordo looked like he never wanted to move from that position. Matt smiled, and turned over and went to bed. He hoped he would dream about Melina. He also hoped that wherever she was, she would dream of him too.

(Back inside the McGuire House)

Jo couldn't keep away from the window. Even though she knew she shouldn't be spying on her daughter, she couldn't help it.

Jo's POV

I walked upstairs to check on Matt. Opening the door I saw him sprawled out in his bed dreaming. Hopefully he will find that lucky girl to share his moment with just like Lizzie did. I smiled to myself and closed the door. I heard the front door close and watched Sam walk in the living room. We kissed for a brief moment and then unraveled from each other's grasps.

He asked if Lizzie was okay, and I said, "See for yourself."

We walked over to a window and watched the happy couple on the back porch comfortably resting in each other's arms. My prediction was right; he was there and would never leave her side. Sam wrapped his arms around my waist, and rested his head on my shoulder. We stayed there the whole time watching and smiling at them, knowing that they FINALLY found each other.

Ok ya'll that's the end of Chapter 10, please read and review Thanks. OH and have a Great weekend!