Chapter 28

A/N—(8 December) Here's where the new material for this story begins. I've revised the front half of this story, so if you've not read it since the revision, the sudden addition of 10 chapters might throw you off. This would have been chapter 18, if I hadn't done the revisions. The 2nd half has not been revised, for I was satisfied with the story from that point; I just felt I didn't develop Jo's pregnancy enough, so that's the reason for the revision. I hope you'll read the revision; I really like the front half now. Hey, if George Lucas can constantly revise Star Wars, I can revise my stories :0) In addition, for this chapter, you'll have to suspend what dates fall where. I'm not exactly sure of when Christmas fell when Josh was supposed to be born, or when Lizzie's baby is to be born (no, it's not a Christmas baby—not going cliché on you here; the baby is a December baby, however). So, just go with the calendar I've set forth. Thanks and enjoy!

Thursday; First Day of Finals

The alarm on Lizzie's nightstand buzzes. A hand reaches over and slaps the top of it. "Mmm. I don't wanna get up," Lizzie mumbles, "Gordo, tell me I don't hafta get up."

"Sorry, but we've got our history and English finals. You have to get up." I'll go turn the shower on for you.

"Mmkay." Lizzie slowly gets up. A wave of nausea hits, and she turns green.

"Are you okay?"

"I think so. Lemme sit here for a sec." The wave passes and she stands up. "Yeah, I think I'm fine."

Jo knocks on the door, "Lizzie, are you up?"

Gordo answers the door. "I think Lizzie's sick. She looks kinda green."

Jo grows concerned, "Lizzie, honey," she goes into the bedroom and sees Lizzie lying down. "Honey, are you okay?" She puts her hand on her daughter's forehead.

"I don't feel good."

"What's wrong?"

"My stomach feels funny and my back hurts." Jo smiles. "What, mom?"

"Sweetheart, I think you're going into labor."

"I can't! I've got finals," she protests. Gordo sits in a nearby chair, ashen.

"I don't think it's up to you. The baby's gonna come when the baby decides to. I think you need to stay home. I can call the school. Gordo, that goes for you too."

"No, mommy. Lemme get a shower and some breakfast." She starts to get up. "If I'm feeling better, I wanna go take my finals."

"I dunno. You can make them up later."

"Mom, I'll have a baby by then. How am I supposed to study while I have a new baby to take care of? These are my two hardest finals. The ones tomorrow are no big deal; I can make those up easily. But these two are more difficult to make up."

Jo relents, "Okay. Get your shower and I'll have breakfast ready. Then we'll decide." She goes back upstairs and makes breakfast.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Gordo asks.

"Yeah. Hand me a couple Tums. I'll be okay."

The couple finishes getting ready for school, and goes up for breakfast. Jo hands them each a plate of pancakes. Matt is already wolfing down his breakfast.

"Mom, can I have another?" Matt asks.

"Sure, here you go." She puts one on his plate. She turns to her daughter, "How are you feeling?"

"Better. I took a couple Tums and a long shower."

"Your stomach settled?"

"Yeah. I think I'll try to take my finals."

"You sure?"

"Mrs. McGuire," Gordo begins, "We're in history class together, and Miranda's in her English class. I've already called Miranda and gave her the heads up."

"See, mom? I'll be fine."

Jo hears babbling through the baby monitor. "I guess the twins are awake. Do you want me to drive you to school?"

"I'll drive," Gordo replies. "Matt, do you want a ride?"

"Sure. Lemme get my books."

Jo starts upstairs, "Gordo, call me if she goes into labor. Lizzie, don't push yourself. If you need to leave, say so. You and the baby are more important than the finals."

"I know, mom." Jo kisses her on the forehead, and then sees after the twins. Gordo, Lizzie, and Matt leave for school.

In the Car

"Are you sure you're okay?" Gordo asks.

Lizzie inhales deeply. "Yeah, I'm fine. My back hurts a bit, but I've got a heating pad."

"Is the baby coming, Lizzie?" Matt asks. "Mom said you were sick."

"Okay," Lizzie begins, exasperated, "I'm probably in early labor right now, but the baby's not gonna come anytime soon."

"We're going to the hospital, Lizzie," Gordo announces.

"No, we're not. I'm not having contractions yet, so I'm fine. Matt, not a word to mom and dad. We're going to school."

"Fine. You're the boss."

The couple drops Matt off at Hillridge Junior High. "Remember Matt, not a word." Then, they resume their commute to school.

"Lizzie, I think your mom's right."

"Gordo, don't start. I've made up my mind. Relax. The English final is first, and then the History final. I know I'll get through the first one fine." He parks the car, and they go into the building. They see Miranda at their lockers.

At School

"Hey, Gordo," Miranda begins, "Lizzie, I didn't think you would be here."

"I wish people would quit treating me like a baby. I'm fine."

"Lizzie, she was just being nice," Gordo replies.

"I know. I'm sorry, Miranda. I'm just tired of everyone asking me if I was okay. Let's just get these finals over with." They begin walking to class.

Kate approaches the trio, "Gee, Lizzie, you look like you're about to pop. Just hope you don't go into labor right in the middle of finals. We wouldn't want that to happen, would we?"

"Shut up, Kate," Lizzie lashes.

"Oooh! Wouldn't want to get the little mommy upset, would we?"

"Kate, leave her alone," Gordo spits.

"Yeah, no one likes you, Kate," Miranda adds.

"Whatever!" Kate walks off.

"I'm sick of her," Lizzie sighs.

"Don't let her get to you," Miranda comforts her friend.

"I'll see you in history." Gordo kisses his fiancée on her cheek. The trio walks into their respective classrooms.

Lizzie and Miranda's English final comes and goes. The bell rings to signal a 15 minute break before the second final of the day begins. The pair leaves the classroom to find Gordo.

"How are you feeling?" Miranda asks.

Lizzie inhales, "I'm fine."

"Are you up to taking your history final? You don't look so good."

"I've taken some more Tums, and I've got my heating pad. I think I can get through it."

"Any contractions?"

"No."

"Hey, sweetheart." Gordo hugs Lizzie. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine."

"I dunno, Gordo. She didn't look so good during our final."

"I can make it."

"You sure? After the final, we're going straight home."

"Fine." Lizzie rolls her eyes. She enters the classroom. Gordo and Miranda hang back. Miranda fills him in on their English final and how Lizzie was doing.

Kate looks up at Lizzie, "Lizzie, you don't look so good."

"Don't start," Lizzie snaps.

"I'm not trying to be mean; I'm serious. Are you okay?" Kate asks concerned.

"I'm just tired. I'm 9 months pregnant. I'm ready to have this baby, and I'm tired of people asking me if I'm okay. I'm also tired of you bugging me." Lizzie begins yelling. "You've harassed me my entire pregnancy. In Rome, I thought you were my friend. I thought we were friends again. Why do you insist on being mean to me?" Kate starts to speak. "Don't speak yet. I'm not through. Gordo and I made a mistake and now we're having a baby. Do I wish we had waited? Yes, but the baby's coming. I love Gordo and I love this baby. Do you know how hard it has been to be a pregnant teenager? It's hard. It's the hardest thing I've ever done in my entire life. It's hard enough with friends and family who support me. And then, you and Claire, and you too Parker, harass me incessantly. I'm sick of it, AAAAH!" Lizzie doubles over.

"Lizzie!" Kate stands up and catches her. "Lizzie? Parker, go get Gordo." Parker stands there in shock. "Go, now!" She helps Lizzie sit down. "Breathe, Lizzie."

Gordo and Miranda rush into the room, and sees Kate with Lizzie. Lizzie's obviously in labor. "Lizze," Gordo begins, "we're gonna take you to the hospital."

"Okay." Lizzie replies, breathing hard.

"I'm gonna get the car. Miranda, you and Kate bring her to the front of the building." Mr. Dig walks into the room and sees the commotion. "Mr. Dig, Lizzie's in labor. We've got to go."

"I'll call Mrs. Ungermeyer to sign you guys out."

"Thanks." Gordo kisses Lizzie and rushes out of the room.

"Can you get up?" Miranda asks. Lizzie shakes her head and breathes through the contraction. After it subsides, Miranda asks again. Lizzie nods, and Miranda and Kate help her up, and they leave the classroom.

"Lizzie, I'm sorry I've been such a bitch," Kate begins, with a loss for words. "It's just, uhh, just, I'm jealous of you three."

"Not now, Kate," Miranda replies, annoyed.

"It's okay. She can speak," Lizzie interrupts.

"I know I ditched you guys in Junior High for Claire, but she's no friend. At least, she won't be my friend for much longer."

"What are you saying, Kate?" Miranda asks.

"I should've told Claire where to go when we came back from Rome. I was too chicken. I admit it."

"Yeah, fine," Lizzie replies between gasps. She stops as another contraction builds.

"You're having another one, aren't you?" Lizzie nods. "Ethan and I are in similar shoes."

"What?" Miranda asks, curious. "You're pregnant?"

She looks down. "Yeah. Thanksgiving weekend. Due in August."

"Oh, how the mighty have fallen." Miranda replies, smugly.

Mrs. Ungermeyer approaches the trio. "Gordo's car is out front. Get her to the car, and Lizzie, I'll call your mom." Lizzie nods. "Miranda, Kate, you're excused from your final. I'll let you make it up tomorrow." They nod and leave the building. Mrs. Ungermeyer dials Lizzie's phone number.

Jo finishes changing Mark's diaper and the phone rings. She picks him up and answers the phone. "Hello?"

"Mrs. McGuire?"

"Yes?"

"This is principal Ungermeyer from Lizzie's school. I'm calling to let you know that Lizzie's gone into labor."

"Where is she?"

"Gordo, Miranda, and Kate have taken her to the hospital."

"Thanks for calling." She hangs up and calls Sam's number.

"This is Sam McGuire."

"Sam. I'm on my way to the hospital. Lizzie's in labor."

"What happened?"

"She went into labor at school. Mrs. Ungermeyer called and told me Gordo's taken her to the hospital."

"Do you need me to come over?"

"No. I've got the stroller in the car. I'll get the twins ready and head over. Meet me there."

"Okay. I'm on my way." They hang up.

Jo gets the twins ready, and they leave for the hospital.