Chapter 4

After several moments, Lizzie lifted her head from Gordo's chest.

"Gordo," she looked up into his understanding eyes, "I need to get home. I can't stand being away from her right now."

"I understand," he responded hardly above a whisper.

Grabbing each other's hand, the two began to walk down the street, the way they had come, but Gordo abruptly stopped, forcing Lizzie to come to a halt as well.

"Lizzie," he turned to look at her, "I just want-I just, just want you to know, that, that I really care about you, and your family. I want you to know that I'll do anything I possibly can to get you through this; I'll do whatever I can for your mom. You're family is practically my family. I promise, I'll be there for you throughout the whole thing."

Tears began to escape Lizzie eyes yet again. Looking up into his face, suddenly she felt a great fraction of her troubles lifted. Gordo was going to be there for her. He was going to help her through it all; she wouldn't have to carry all the pain. He was going to help her carry it. His pain was her pain. Standing slightly on her tiptoes, Lizzie lightly embraced his cheek, "Thank you, Gordo,"

With that, the two found each others hand once again and began their journey back down the street.

They made it to her front doorstep, once again, and Gordo stood alert, waiting for further instructions. Was this it for today? Was he to leave?

"Why don't you come in for a minute." Lizzie opened the door. "It's a hot California fall day. You need some hydration."

Gordo had no protest and followed the slender girl inside. Entering the living room, he spotted Mrs. McGuire sitting on the couch.

"Take a seat; I'll get you a cold soda." Lizzie called over her shoulder.

Gingerly stepping over to the couch, he found a spot on the opposite end of the sofa. "Mrs. McGuire," he began, "Lizzie told me what is going on. I'm so sorry."

"Thanks, Gordo," she murmured warmly.

"No, but you've always treated me like a son. I've never been that close to my own parents, them with their careers and all, but I've always felt like I was part of this family. I spend more time at your house, and always feel at home here. And… and, I truly feel for your daughter, and want to make sure she is always fine. So, if there is anything I can do for you or your family, please let me know. Anything…"

"Gordo, you're so sweet. I am so happy Lizzie has such a great friend, and I will remember that."

"Seriously Mrs. M, anything, I'll be there."

"I know you will, Honey."

With this, Lizzie re-entered the room with a tray in hand. Lifting a cold coke from the tray, she handed it to Gordo. Then she offered her mother another cup of warm tea.

"Thank you, Sweetie," her mother replied as she accepted the warm beverage.

The three sat there in silence for several moments. No one knew what to say; Gordo thought he might leave, but couldn't tear himself from the couch. He just had this feeling that he couldn't leave Lizzie. Looking over into her eyes, he felt the urge to wrap her in his arms again. He could see the fear, the pain, the sadness she tried so hard to hide.

The silence was interrupted by sounds from the front porch. Mr. McGuire entered the house holding a box of pizza.

"Matt!" he called up for Matt to join the family in the living-room. "Oh, hello Gordo, did you want to join us for dinner? Its not really dinner, just a slice of pizza. If that's ok with you, Honey?" shifting his gaze he looked at his wife.

"Of course, he is always welcome. But to tell you the truth, I don't think I'm going to eat anything. I think I might go upstairs and lie down."

"Mom, are you sure, I can come and sit with you."

"No, no, Sweetie, get something in your stomach."

Climbing the stairs, she left the rest of the family. Pain and frustration was evident on Mr. McGuire's face. He placed the pizza on the coffee table and began to climb the stairs himself.

"You all eat some pizza. I'm going to lie down with your mother. If we don't come down later, put yourselves to bed." He instructed his children as he rubbed his nose, the tears welling up.

The three ate in silence for awhile. All of them unsure of what to do in such a situation. They were young, innocent. They had never tasted this scarry world, and now were faced with it head on.

After several minutes, in which all three picked at their pizza, Matt spoke up, "Lizzie, what is going to happen to Mom?"

Trying to sound braver than she really was, she answered her brother, "Matt, she's going to be fine. People beet this all the time. They caught it early. She'll be fine…" But she hadn't convinced herself and tears fell again.

"Hey you two, you're mom is going to beet this. If there is one thing I know about the McGuires's, its that nothing can keep them down. You don't mess with them." He hugged Lizzie.

She then turned and held her little brother. "Matt, Gordo's right, Mom can beet anything. She's Mom, she's amazing." The two siblings held each other for several moments. The two who were generally mortal enemies, now clinged to each other.

Seeing that the two needed each other at that time, Gordo decided it was his time to leave. "Hey guys, thanks for the pizza, and I'm still really sorry about your mom. Call me whenever you need to talk, whenever. I'll see you at school. I'll let myself out."

"Thanks, Gordo," Lizzie said looking up at him. "Thank you for everything."