Chapter Eleven

The Conversation

(Lizzie's bedroom)

Lizzie couldn't sleep very well last night, so she sat up in her bed and read one of her all time favorite books: The Nancy Drew files. Lizzie could read that book everyday and never get tired of it. She opened the book that held a bookmark; actually it was a small picture of her and Gordo from the 8th grade Yearbook. She smiled at the memory and began reading from chapter Eight. After Five chapters she looked at her clock sitting on her nightstand, three-twenty three a.m. Lord, time sure does go slow, when you are not having fun. She thought irritated. She wanted to read more, but her mouth got the best of her. Letting out a wide-open yawn, she placed the picture back in the book, turned off the light and began to dream.

Lizzie's Dream

Lizzie was making her way to school wearing a light pink halter- top and dark jeans that she got at the Style Shack a week ago. She spotted Gordo outside the front steps waiting for her with his biggest smile, a green button down shirt and brown khaki pants. She comes up to him gives him a quick kiss on the lips, and they are off with linked arms.

Once inside the school they are bombarded with cheers, and hugs. Lizzie felt like she had reached her peak in life. She had popularity, Kate and Claire became her best friends; she had a great boyfriend who worshipped the ground she walked on, and huge fans from when she impersonated a famous Italian pop star. Yes, life couldn't have been any sweeter. She had everything she had ever wanted, but still something was bothering her. She didn't know what it was until she arrived. There graveling at the queen's feet or what Lizzie preferred to be called, was Miranda Sanchez. After the "fight" Freshmen year, their friendship was never the same. Miranda became popular because she was dating Ethan Craft, disowned Lizzie and Gordo, and then took Claire's spot as head cheerleader.

"Oh, Lizzie I have been so horrible to you over these past four years. I am so sorry, can you please forgive me?" She pleaded on the ground.

"Miranda you know I--" Something cut her off.

Beep Beep Beep.

End of Lizzie's Dream

It was her alarm clock. Lizzie stretched her left arm out to the side and hit the off button. Whoa, that was SOME dream! She thought. Hearing her mother's footsteps approach her door she sat up and wiped a tiny tear that escaped from her eyes.

"Lizzie, honey is you awake?" she asked still at the corridor.

"Yes mom, I'm up." She sniffed.

Jo heard some sniffs and opened the door more to view the entire bedroom. She immediately saw Lizzie hunched over holding a box of Kleenex and her favorite stuffed animal, Mr. Snuggles.

"Oh, honey what's wrong now?" She asked walking over to the bed. Lizzie scooted over so her mom could sit down.

"It's nothing, mom. I just had a … dream…that's all." She smiled at her mom. Jo could clearly see that Lizzie was not all right, because tears were still trickling down her cheeks.

Wiping them away with another Kleenex Jo asked, "Was it a good dream or bad dream?"

Lizzie thought for a moment and then decided to tell her about it. After she finished, Jo got up and grabbed some more Kleenex from the dresser.

"Mom?" she asked.

Jo turned around and looked at her daughter.

"Yes, Lizzie?"

"What does the dream mean?" she questioned lying back against her headboard. Jo walked back to Lizzie and held her in her arms.

"Well, Lizzie it was just a dream, right? Maybe it means that something is in process of your future. Let's see, there was Gordo, you, everybody, and you said that Miranda was there right?"

Lizzie nodded.

"So, I'd say that your dreams are telling you something. Dreams have a way of expressing it self when something is really troubling a person. Now, I know that you are very worried about Miranda's and yours friendship. You value your trust on her, and depend on her. She has the same value and trust on you."

Jo paused and looked at Lizzie. All she saw was her daughter's undivided attention. She continued.

"Before you woke up, did you actually say you forgave Miranda for everything that had happened?" She questioned leaning against the headboard also.

"No, not really… I mean my alarm clock when off before I could respond." She said truthfully. Jo knew exactly what her dream was telling her, but wanted Lizzie to figure it out herself, so she just nodded.

"I see, so you didn't get to respond. That is just it Lizzie, you need to finish your dream in order for you to understand what your dream was about. Understand?"

Lizzie let this information sink in and then leaned to give her mom a hug.

"Thanks mom. I don't know what I would do without you."

She smiled.

Jo smiled hugged back and whispered, "I don't know what I would do without you either. I love you."

"I love you too mom. I'm going to get ready now. "

"Okay." and with that Jo got up and closed the door.

Fifteen minutes later, Lizzie walked down the stairs in a red sleeveless shirt; a light faded brown skirt, and red flip-flops. Her hair was put up in a loose ponytail.

Walking into the kitchen she saw her little spiky haired brother Matt. He was wearing a black tee shirt, faded blue jeans, and black Nike's.

"Good Morning Lizard breath." He said turning from his plate of waffles.

Lizzie messed up his hair, and sat down on a stool next to him. Jo handed her some orange juice, and a plate of waffles. After waiting patiently for her parents to get ready themselves, Lizzie turned to Matt.

"Morning," she said softly. "Matt, do you know what day it is?" she asked.

Matt looked up and shook his head.

"Well, it's Wednesday. Why?" Ugh, he is so clueless, HELLO! It's Mom and Dad's wedding anniversary she thought.

Toon Lizzie: Holding up a best child reward "I would just like to say that I am the only one who remembers my mom and dad's wedding anniversary!" Jo and Sam hug her

"Hello! Matt, it's…" lowering her voice. "Mom and Dad's Wedding Anniversary. We got to throw them a party or something."

"But, Lanny and Melina are coming over tonight." He whined.

"Well, too bad. They can come another day." She whipped.

"Unless," he started rubbing his chin. "Hey Lizzie, is it okay if I ask Lanny and Melina to help with the surprise party?"

Lizzie agreed to this, and nodded.

"Okay, but they are your responsibility. Any trouble they get into it's your problem. Got it?" she said pointing a finger at him.

Matt gave her a nod and thumbs up.

"Oh, but how are we going to get them out of the house, Liz?"

Lizzie remained facing her brother and came up with a solution, and was about to respond when suddenly she heard voices coming down the stairs. She put a finger up to her mouth motioning Matt to keep quiet. He did.

"Hey dad, I read in the newspaper that there is a huge Gnome Convention tonight at six-thirty." She said smiling and hoping that they bought it. Sam set his briefcase on the counter and smiled at Lizzie.

"Thanks, Lizzie. But, I thought you weren't into Gnomes?" He asked curiously.

"I'm not, I just thought that you would like to know that, since you are into Gnomes and Creatures," she shrugged. " Just trying to help, that's all."

Jo was very pleased with her daughter's knowledge of what her dad likes.

"Sam, I think that is an excellent idea. Good thinking sweetie. We will go around six-fifteen." She said finishing up her coffee and placing it in the sink.

"Okay, and Lizzie what is that address?"

Lizzie hadn't thought of that and quickly came up with someone at the top of head.

"It's twenty-four Saline Dr. Do you know where that is?"

Jo and Sam nodded, and then Sam dumped his empty cup in the sink and headed off to work, but not without a goodbye kiss. Lizzie and Matt watched their parent's hug and kiss passionately. They are going to be so surprised. Lizzie and Matt thought inwardly smiling.

Lizzie finished her plate of waffles, messed up her brother's hair again, kissed her mom on the cheek and headed off to school. Along the way she met up with her best friend, and new boyfriend, Gordo.

"Hi Gordo." She said running up to him with a big smile.

"Hi Lizzie." He answered leaning in for a kiss, which she happily returned back.

Grabbing hold of his hand, they walk to the bus stop. Lizzie smiled at Gordo and playfully nudged his shoulder. Gordo was a little surprised by that, and was curious as to why she was SO happy?

"What, was that for?' Cocking one eyebrow and nudging her back.

"I am just so excited about tonight!" she exclaimed jumping up and down.

"Why, what is happening tonight?"

"Well, it's my Mom and Dad's Wedding Anniversary, and so Matt and I are going to have a surprise party, and I want you to help me set it up."

Gordo stopped, making Lizzie also stop.

"Okay, I will do that. I love your family, what time do you want me to be there?"

Lizzie grabbed his other hand and entwined them together.

"How about you meet me at my house say six-thirty?" Gordo started to walk again, and Lizzie followed suit.

"Yes, that sounds great. Do I need to bring anything?"

"Bring your self of course," she laughed. "Bring some CDs, and a banner that says Jo and Sam McGuire: Happy Seventeenth Anniversary! Matt and I will provide the rest!" She replied smiling ear to ear.

Gordo smiled and nodded.

They kept walking, talking about the party, and occasionally would stop and kiss, but other than that they were just glad that they were finally together. Reaching the bus stop, they board the bus and head off to school.

(At Hillridge High School)

Lizzie and Gordo walked into the school feeling free. Miranda knew about them. So why shouldn't everyone else know? It wasn't as if they planned to broadcast it over the morning announcements, but now, Lizzie wasn't afraid to hold Gordo's hand; or kiss him. She was never afraid to… it was just because they hadn't mapped out what they would tell Miranda. Gordo and Lizzie had been best friends with her since elementary.

And now, they had reached a crossroad in their own lives. One that Miranda couldn't be a part of. It didn't matter anyway, because Miranda would never speak to them again. The fight they had yesterday was the worst on ever. In a strange way, Lizzie didn't care as much as she thought she did. She had Gordo. Not only was he her boyfriend, but also her best friend. As far as Lizzie was concerned, she didn't need Miranda Sanchez!

As Lizzie and Gordo walked through the hallways, Lizzie took his hand. He looked surprised, but happy too.

He squeezed her hand.

Toon Lizzie: "I am holding Gordo's hand, and everyone can see us. Why do I suddenly feel like I am under a microscope? Is it ME? Or is everyone staring at us? ---Oh well, let them take a GOOD look. Lizzie McGuire has a BOYFRIEND!" Toon Lizzie squeezed her frog so tight his eyes bug out. She put him down gently and patted his head.

"Gordo, is it me? Or is everyone staring at us?"

"I'm not sure, but as far as I'm concerned, I don't really care what anyone thinks. I am happy that we can finally be open about our feelings. I mean I hid them for so long, I don't think I can do that anymore!"

Gordo and Lizzie both laugh, but do not stop holding hands.

"You know what, Gordo, you are right..."

Gordo cut her off.

"Aren't I always right?" He laughed, making Lizzie give him a playful shove.

"Seriously Gordo, I am glad that we don't have to hide our relationship any more. In fact, I feel bad that we had to do it in the first place."

"Don't feel bad. I didn't know what we should tell Miranda either, so we just kept our relationship under wraps, until we could tell her. Unfortunately," he winked, "We couldn't seem to keep our hands off of each other, so she caught us."

Lizzie smiled.

"But you know what, Liz… I just can't seem to understand this whole thing either. I mean, I don't want to dwell in the past, but it really bothers me that Miranda couldn't at least see our side of it. We just didn't know what to tell her because we had a lot going on. We finally let our feelings out, and realized that we both felt the same way about each other and Rome… Well… SO much happened in Rome, so I think it's really selfish of Miranda to act the way she did. I realize it must have been painful for her to not be there with us, just as it was painful for us not to have her there. But this whole situation has made me see her true colors. I was really wrong about her. To tell you the truth, there was many times I only tolerated her because you two were best friends. I was glad you had a girl friend to talk to about girly things, or school supplies!"

Gordo gave her a big wink.

He was referring to the time that Lizzie and Miranda decided they were old enough to wear a bra, and wanted to go to the mall to get one, only, Mrs. McGuire invited Gordo along because Lizzie said that she needed "school supplies". The truth eventually came out, and they were all embarrassed; especially Gordo. He didn't discuss the 'girly' things too often with them. He was glad for that though!

"Over time, I learned to like Miranda, but I noticed that she was very stubborn, and she was usually the one to cause fights between all of us. Yes, there is a part of me that misses her friendship, but it's not worth the hassle and heartache that you have been going through!"

Toon Lizzie is sitting on a cloud, with a silly smile on her face. "Yup, I think I made the right decision, choosing Gordo as a boyfriend. I think I'll keep him." She winked

"I know what you mean. Do you mind if we stop talking about Miranda, please?" She gave him an apologetic look.

"Ok!" He smiled at her reassuring her that he didn't take it personally.

"Good… because I don't want anything to spoil this day! I can't wait until the party tonight. My parents are going to be so surprised. They have been married for like Seventeen years or something like that!"

"Wow."

Lizzie looked thoughtful for a moment.

"Gordo... I know that this is jumping years ahead into the future, but... if we ever got married do you think we would be together that long?"

"First of all," He said with a smile, "What do you mean, IF? Second of all… No, I don't think we will be together that long."

Lizzie made a face at him.

"Wh…why not, Gordo?" She asked shaking.

"Because, Lizzie," he said with an even bigger smile, "We are soul mates. We will be together forever!"

Now Lizzie understood. She entwined her arm with his, and rested her head on his shoulder. There was no place in the world she would rather be that in Gordo's arms.

Lizzie and Gordo walked arm in arm to her locker. She kept trying to open it and

Gordo kept tickling her, which made her mess up the combination.

Toon Lizzie: "NO TICKLING! Gordo knows I'm soooo ticklish!" She giggled and then added, "But I don't mind!"

They were both laughing hysterically when they suddenly heard a familiar voice, Miranda's. They looked at each other, and then stopped to listen. Lizzie could have sworn she heard her name. The voices were coming from around the corner at Miranda's locker.

It was really empty in the hallway; so Lizzie and Gordo could eavesdrop…er…um, listen very easily. Lizzie liked getting to school early because she hated to be late for anything. So for once, it paid off. They heard Miranda's voice again. And she sounded angry. Gordo and Lizzie exchanged curious looks again, and then began to listen intently.

" ... I know right! I mean, where do they get off? First, Lizzie and Gordo play the "Dating Game" behind my back and then Lizzie has the nerve to twist it around

on ME? Oh… and then, McGuire has the total nerve to try to make ME look bad in front of Claire and the other cheerleaders... well… Lizzie has another thing coming!"

Suddenly, Lizzie and Gordo heard another familiar voice. It belonged to Larry Tudgeman.

"You're right, Miranda. This is totally unfair to you. You've been nothing but a good friend to them, and this is the thanks you get?"

Gordo and Lizzie looked at each other in surprise. Tudgeman continued.

"You know, Miranda… when you first told me about how Lizzie really felt about me, I didn't want to believe you, But now… knowing what I know... I wonder what ELSE she said about me behind my back. She has SOME nerve. I know I'm not the greatest dresser in the world, but has she ever looked in a mirror? Last time I checked, she hasn't morphed into Britney Spears!"

Miranda and Tudge cracked up at that one. Lizzie loved Britney Spears... she often thought she could BE her.

"Miranda, I'm so glad I have you as a friend. I was really depressed for the last few days… after finding out what Lizzie really thinks of me… but I learned to let it go. She even had the nerve to try to talk to me yesterday. Ha. No one talks bad about Larry Tudgeman and gets away with it…So Miranda, we never really finished talking the other day. What else HAS Lizzie said about me? I mean other than I dress terribly, and talk about nothing else besides Star Trek."

"Oh, that was about it… but you know Lizzie. She is always making snide comments. I just can't remember them all. "

Lizzie could not hold her anger any longer.

She was going in, and she was taking Gordo with her.

Toon Lizzie was dressed in army fatigues, armed with a machine gun- "If its war she wants, then WAR she gets!"

Gordo tried to stop Lizzie, but he knew once she set her mind to something, there was no stopping her. Gordo felt like he was watching a train wreck in slow motion. He just sort of hung back.

"YEAH, you can't remember them all because you are lying!"

"Uh, Hey Lizzie…" Miranda said clearly off guard.

"Oh please, Miranda, do better than that-- what kind of LIES are you telling Tudge? No wonder he hasn't spoken to me!"

Suddenly Lizzie turned to face Larry.

"Larry… so THIS is why I've been getting the silent treatment?"

He just shrugged. He was really confused at this point. He wanted to believe Miranda, but a part of him always knew that Lizzie was just not who Miranda was making her out to be.

"Larry, Look at me."

He did.

"Larry… we've been friends a long time. We went out last year, remember? It was the best date I've ever been on!" Suddenly we hear a cough, cough coming from Gordo.

"Okay, second best date," she smiled at Gordo, and he seemed pleased with that answer. "Larry, you know me. You should know I would never say mean things about you or anyone else!"

"Don't listen to her, she's delusional. It's from all the spaghetti she ate in Rome!" Miranda yelled.

Larry couldn't take it anymore. He was furious, but now he wasn't sure whom he was furious at. He needed time to think. No one made a fool out of Larry Tudgeman. Tudge gave both girls a very heart-breaking look, one that was filled with questions, and concerns. But mostly, a look that said he would never trust either one of them ever again.

That look broke Lizzie's heart. She really and truly cared about Larry. Larry turned and ran down the hallway. Gordo started to run after him, but he just couldn't bear to leave Lizzie. He wasn't sure how this whole Miranda thing was going to turn out. He also knew that Larry probably needed time to think.

"Lizzie, you have a lot of nerve spying on me!"

"Miranda, I was not spying. You talk loud enough for Ms. Ungermeyer to hear you all the way in her office across the school! I was at my locker, and I heard you and Larry talking; that's not considered spying. If the conversation was so confidential, might I suggest you don't have it two feet from MY locker next time?"

Miranda was so angry she could barely speak.

"You've done it again Lizzie. Once again, you are always right, and I am always wrong. Everything I do is wrong. Our friendship is WRONG."

"What friendship? I distinctly remember you saying we didn't have one!"

"Oh… we DON'T!"

"So what is this that you told Larry about me? That I supposedly said mean things about him?"

Lizzie backed Miranda into a corner.

"Lizzie, I don't even know what he's talking about. You know Larry he is crazy. He has been sniffing too much crazy glue."

"I don't seem to know much of anything right now, but I do know one thing, I actually thought MAYBE we could recover from our fight yesterday, Now, I know we never will!"

"Oh, BOO HOO!" Pretended Miranda.

Toon Lizzie was wearing boxing gloves. "Take that, and that!" Toon Lizzie pretended to be punching someone.

"Miranda, I know you said something to Larry about me, and believe me I will find out about it, and when I do, you will be sorry you ever opened your big mouth!"

"Oh yeah? And what are you going to do about it?"

Miranda shoved Lizzie.

Toon Lizzie: "Did she just SHOVE ME? OOOH! Let me at her!" Toon Lizzie made an attempt to hit Miranda, but she tripped over her frog. She muttered to him "I guess I had that coming…"

Lizzie started to shove Miranda back, but Gordo held her back. Not that he didn't want to

see this fight… but because he had just spotted The Ungermeyer coming down the hallway. Luckily, she must have stopped off in a classroom, or else she would have seen everything.

"Girls, cut it out! Mrs. Ungermeyer is coming. Do you both really want detention, For LIFE? The Homecoming Dance is coming up, and if she catches you two fighting, she is sure to ban you both from any and every school social activity!"

Lizzie hated to admit it, but there were truth to Gordo's words. She calmed down somewhat.

"Wuss!" Retaliated Miranda, but yet, she flinched as if at any moment Lizzie would hit her.

"Miranda, as far as I'm concerned, you no longer exist." With that, she grabbed Gordo by the arm and dragged him away.

Miranda sat there looking very stunned. She may have had all this built up anger, but deep, deep inside she missed her friends. And now, there was no turning back. Now, she wasn't sure what lie she could make up to Larry. Miranda was in one big mess.

Ok fans, Lizzie and Miranda have duked their problems out, now if they can only get along and be friends again that would be some miracle, but who knows? Please read and review, thanks!