Chapter 24

Later as the lunch in the backyard was finally over Miranda approached the area of the big meadow in front of the building with Ryan in tow where Gordo and Lizzie were busy with talking. Both were so focused on their conversation that they didn't notice her and Ryan arriving, so she had to clear her throat one time to get their attention and said: "I'm sorry to interrupt your flirt time but I want you to meet someone." Lizzie and Gordo finally turned around to face their best friend Miranda and her company the two diverted their intention away from each other even if that was sometimes easier said than done. But as they didn't want to hide their love for each other from anyone, Lizzie softly took Gordo's hand into hers and then Miranda said: "Lizzie and Gordo I would like you to meet our new neighbor Ryan Fisher, Ryan those are my two best friends since kinder garden Lizzie and Gordo."

The two exchanged quick handshakes with each other and Gordo then asked: "How did you end up here in Hillridge Ryan?" Miranda couldn't help but secretly steal some looks from time to time and she had to ask herself if she was maybe falling for him already and she was really surprised that she couldn't keep her eyes off him and started to drool just a little bit. Of course it didn't go by Lizzie unnoticed that her best friend was kind of on Cloud Nine at this moment and to get her out of her little trance she softly nudged Miranda into her side, hoping that this little wake-up call would get her out of her little dream state. Miranda was a little embarrassed after Lizzie had gotten her out of the dream state and blushed shortly.

Ryan watched this exchange with a little grin on his face before he finally replied: "Unfortunately my Dad lost his job in Detroit recently and this company in Hillridge decided to hire him in the end after a couple of unsuccessful job interviews back in Detroit. " Of course it hadn't been easy at all for him to leave all his friends in Detroit but after meeting all those nice people in this short time he was now really looking forward to this new chapter of his life. Also he couldn't but also think how cute Miranda looked and judging from the looks she gave the entire time it was obvious that she was feeling the same way towards him but on the other they definitely shouldn't rush things in any way.

"I'm very sure that you and your family will like it here. I know that you must miss your friends from Detroit but don't worry you won't have any problems in finding any new ones here." Lizzie said with a big smile on her face, of course not wanting to imply that he should forget about any of the people that stayed back in Detroit. She just want very confident that Ryan with being such a nice guy would find some other friends here in Hillridge very quick and she hoped that this had come out the right way. Meanwhile Lizzie's, Miranda's and Ryan's Parents were watching this little exchange between their kids and Mister Fisher was the first to break silence between them: "I'm happy to see that Ryan has already made some new friends and we were a little worried about him after he got a little distant right after the move to Hillridge."

"I also can't help but notice that Miranda might feel a little bit attracted to your son." Miss Sanchez entered herself into the conversation with a knowing smile on her face as she looked into the direction of Miss Fisher, who had definitely noticed the secrets looks from Miranda at Ryan too and it seem to her that Ryan did feel the same way even if didn't want to show it openly just yet. There was a longer silence between the kids before Ryan said: "I think I already like it here a lot, as you welcomed me here with open arms and I don't know about you but I'm really looking forward to my first year of High School here in Hillridge."

Spontaneously Ryan and Miranda looked at each other for a longer moment and she couldn't but just get lost in his beautiful looking eyes but she was the first to look away, as she scolded herself by thinking: I really should acting like some love sick teenager or I can't look at Ryan ever again. Of course Gordo sensed the little anxiety in the air and so he decided to quickly resolve this uncomfortable situation by saying: "Okay guys I'm getting very thirsty, does anyone else wants something to drink?"

Very glad for that quick topic change because she noticed how uncomfortable the silence between them threatened to get Lizzie said: "A glass of Orange Lemonade would be really nice now Mister Gordon." She grinned as she said the last part and Ryan and Miranda couldn't but finally join in the laughter.

"One Orange Lemonade is coming up right away Miss Mc Guire." Gordo replied with a big grin on his face and he kissed her on her right cheek before he finally left to get their drinks. As Lizzie watched Gordo disappear into the crowd she couldn't but think that they weren't only together for a couple of weeks but already at least one year probably because of the fact that it still felt to her like it was yesterday when she finally let her real feelings for him come out into the open.

AN: Thanks to- Milonga 900 for adding this story to her/his story alert subscription and adding this story to her/his favorite stories list.