A/N----The movie titles I've used for this chapter, to my knowledge, are fictional; if there are any real movies with the same titles out there, sorry, not my intent to endorse or whatever. The international code and city code used in Isabella's phone number is the correct one for Rome, Italy. Also, reviews are appreciated. Thanks. Enjoy!

A/N2----(6 December)I rewrote the first part of the story, so this used to be chapter 7. New material will be found in chapter 28, when I update.

CHAPTER 17

Mid-June. Lizzie's 3 months along and the twins are 2 weeks old.

Lizzie walks outside and gets the mail. As she sifts through the mail, a letter catches her eye. It's from Isabella. She opens it up and begins to read:

Dear Lizzie,

I'm beginning my tour across the United States and will be in your area July 17th. How would you like to open for me? If your parents will let you, I want you to join me on the rest of my tour. I promise I'll have you back in time to start school. I hope you say yes. I've got the perfect outfits for you! Call me on my cellphone at (39)+06-555-52738. I can't wait to see you again!

Love,

Isabella

Oh, my God!She shrieks. This is WAY TOO COOL! She runs in the house, slamming the door behind her. "Mom! Mom! You'll never believe this!" She hears the twins crying.

Jo heads from the kitchen, up the stairs. "Great. Lizzie, the twins were asleep! I'd just gotten them down for a nap."

"I'm sorry, mom."

"Well, come upstairs and help get your brother and sister back down for their naps."

"Okay." She follows her mother upstairs.

Jo enters the nursery first and picks up Mark. "Shhh." She begins rocking her son. Lizzie does the same with Lindsay. A few minutes pass and the babies are back asleep. They return the babies to their cribs and leave the room. As they walk back downstairs, Jo asks, "Okay, now that the twins are asleep, what has you running inside and waking them up?"

Lizzie smiles. "Mom, Isabella wants me to open for her concert here on July 17th and then join her on the rest of her tour here in the States!"

"That's great honey!" She hugs her daughter. Then, she pauses and looks concerned. "But, you'll be 4 months pregnant. Are you sure that's such a good idea? And what about school?"

"Mom," she sighs, "Dr. James said I'm healthy. Plus, I may not be showing then."

"It's not that, honey. It's just you can't do everything you did before you got pregnant. You'll tire yourself out."

"I WON'T tire myself out. Remember when you didn't want people treating you like an invalid?"

"I'm not treating you like an invalid. I've gone through three pregnancies, and I know I tired out easily. I want you to take care of yourself."

"I will, mom. How about this," Lizzie poses, "How about, if Dr. James lets me, I open for her on the 17th, and go with her if she has any more concerts nearby, but not for the entire tour?"

Jo strokes her chin. "Well, we should discuss this with your doctor, but if she thinks you're able to, then I guess it would be okay."

Lizzie shrieks and hugs her mother. "Oh thank you! Thank you! Thank you, mommy!"

Jo puts her index finger to her lips. "Shh, the twins!"

Lizzie puts her hand over her mouth. "Oh, I forgot!"

"Just wait until your baby's born. You'll probably have everyone walking around on eggshells when he or she's asleep."

"Yeah, you're probably right. Can I go call Isabella before it gets too late in Italy?"

"Sure. Go on."

Lizzie runs to her suite and dials Isabella's number.

Isabella: Hello?

Lizzie: Isabella, it's Lizzie!

Isabella: Lizzie! It's so good to hear you! How are you?

Lizzie: Pregnant.

Isabella: What!

Lizzie: I'm gonna have a baby. It's due in December, around Christmas.

Isabella: Wow! Congratulations! So, you and Gordo?

Lizzie: Yeah. He's so excited.

Isabella: Then, I guess you won't be able to tour with me?

Lizzie: Not the whole tour, but mom said if the doctor says it's okay, I can sing on July 17th and if there are other concerts nearby, I can sing too.

Isabella: Oh, that's great! You'll love the clothes Franca designed for you.

Lizzie: I can't wait to see them.

Isabella: Are you, what's it called, um showing yet?

Lizzie: No, can't even tell I'm pregnant.

Isabella: We can get them altered for you, if you need.

Lizzie: Thanks.

Isabella: How's your family?

Lizzie: Mom had twins a couple weeks ago.

Isabella: Wow! What did she have?

Lizzie: A girl, Lindsay and a boy, Mark.

Isabella: That's great! I must send gifts.

Lizzie: You don't have to.

Isabella: I must. It's my custom. I know just the thing to get! Tell your folks congratulations.

Lizzie: I will.

Isabella: Well, I gotta go. I've got a recording session in a few minutes. I'm so glad you called. I can't wait to see you!

Lizzie: I can't wait to see you too!

Isabella: I'll talk to you later. Bye!

They hang up. Lizzie goes back downstairs.

"So, what did Isabella say?" Jo asks.

"She's excited that we'll be touring together some."

"Did you tell her about the baby?"

"Yeah. She was surprised, but happy for me. Oh, she told me to tell you congratulations."

"So, how is she?"

"She's doing great." Changes the subject. "Mom, I'm meeting Gordo and Miranda at the Digital Bean in a few minutes, and then we're going to Miranda's for dinner."

"Okay. What time will you be home?"

"Is 11 okay?"

"That's fine. Just let us know when you're on your way or if you're gonna be late."

"Okay." She leaves for the Digital Bean.

At the Digital Bean

Lizzie walks into the restaurant and spots her friends. "Hey Gordo, hey Miranda."

"Hey," Miranda greets.

"Hey," Gordo stands up and kisses his fiancée. "How are you both?"

"We're fine." Lizzie smiles. "Will you be able to make it to the appointment on Thursday?"

"Sure. Wouldn't miss it."

"So," Miranda begins, "what's up?"

"I got a letter from Isabella today. She wants me to open for her concert here on July 17th and go with her when she finishes her tour in the States."

"That's so cool!" Miranda replies, giddy.

"Are you sure that's wise?"

"I'm going to check with the doctor to make sure that I can. In addition, if the doctor gives her okay, I'm only going to open for her at concerts nearby. I don't think I need to tour with her the whole time."

Gordo breathes a sigh of relief. "I love you, Lizzie, and this baby. I don't want anything to happen to either of you."

"I know. I'll be careful, I promise." She gives Gordo a kiss.

"Okay, cut it out guys," Miranda groans, pretending to be grossed out, "this is how you got into this situation."

"Well, actually," Lizzie laughs, "we did a little bit more than this."

"Ooh! Please, no details!" Miranda feigns horror. The couple laughs. "So, do you wanna head to my place? Mom's making enchiladas for dinner."

"Cheese and onion, I hope!" Lizzie begs.

"Yep and she's got beef for you, Gordo."

The trio leaves the restaurant and head to Miranda's.

"So," Gordo begins, as the trio enters Miranda's house, "what movies do we wanna watch?"

"Let's see," Miranda responds, "I've got Love, Eternally..." Gordo makes a face. "Race Rage..." Lizzie makes a face. "and a great Japanese horror/suspense flick, The Bone. So, what sounds good?"

"How about The Bone?" Lizzie requests.

"Sounds good to me." Gordo agrees.

The trio ate dinner and watched the movie. In many ways, it seemed like old times, the three of them hanging out like pals, as they did in Middle School. However, in other ways, things felt different, especially to Miranda. Her two best friends were dating, in fact, were engaged to be married, and expecting a baby. Although she loved hanging out with the pair, she increasingly felt like a third wheel and a bit jealous. Periodically during the movie, she looked over at the couple, who were snuggled up together on the couch. "I need a boyfriend," Miranda thought, "Look at them. They look so cozy. Dammit, why did Cody have to break up with me?" They watched the movie in silence.