Chapter 8: Too Close

Lizzie studied Gordo, as he stared intently at his government book. She and Gordo had been assigned a presentation on an amendment. She had no interest in the class. If she had her way she would spend all day in math, drama and music. Twirling her hair around her pointer finger, she leaned closer to Gordo, inhaling the scent of his cologne. She had always loved the way he smelled.

"Liz, what are you doing?" Gordo asked. Lizzie had been flying around him all morning. As much as he loved his best friend, he really wanted to meet up with his fellow directors to set up how he was asking Miranda to prom.

" Are you happy with Isabelle?" Lizzie asked, nervously. Gordo grew silent. Memories flashed in his head.

"I am very happy with Isabelle."

"Do you love her?"

"No," Gordo replied. Lizzie sighed with relief. "I am in love with her."

"Oh." Lizzie got up from the table and wandered into the kitchen.

Gordo looked at the blonde sadly. "Liz, maybe it's best if we finish this on Monday. I have a meeting at school."

"Yeah," Lizzie responded looking at the window. Placing a chaste kiss on her cheek, Gordo gathered his books and walked out the door.

Lizzie watched him go from the kitchen window. She lost him. She knew this other girl was different. Cursing, she chucked the dish rag in the sink and headed upstairs. She needed to call Miranda. She also needed a plan. She still cared a great deal about Gordo. She was going to get him back some way, some how.

Hours later, Gordo found himself curled up on the couch with Miranda. The rest of the Sanchez family was once again, MIA.

"Where are your parents, again?"

"Work and Stevie is at her friend Maxie's for the night."

"Your parents really trust us."

"No. They trust me. You are lucky my dad hasn't ambushed you yet. I heard him talking to his co-worker about some truth drug.I wouldn't accept any drinks from him."

Gordo chuckled and pulled Miranda over him.

"I talked to Lizzie today.

"And?" Miranda replied, nuzzling his neck.

"She asked me if I loved "Isabelle."

"What did you tell her?"

"I said no."

Miranda shot up as if she had been slapped. Several emotions crossed her face.

"Oh," Miranda responded weakly and moved to get off of Gordo. He reached out and caught her around the waist, pulling her on to his lap.

"Let me finish. I told her that I didn't love her because I was in love with her. I am in love with you, Miranda."

Miranda didn't say anything. Wordlessly, she straddled Gordo's lap and kissed him in the way only lovers would.

"Me too," she muttered against his lips. Gordo placed a hand behind her head and kissed her again. The two became so engrossed with one another they did not hear the knock on the door nor the opening of it.

"Miranda! Are you home? I really need to talk to you."

Miranda and Gordo recognized the voice instantly and sprang a part. Acting fast, Miranda re-buttoned her blouse, and pulled her hair into a messy bun. Gordo ducked into the hall closet as Miranda walked out into the foyer where Lizzie was standing.

"Hey Lizzie. Sorry, I was in the bathroom. What's up?"

"Do you know anything about Gordo's Isabelle?"

Miranda was taken back by Lizzie's straight out question. Usually she would ramble before jumping in for the kill.

"I don't know anything.What has you so worked up?"

"He's in love with her, Miranda! He is in love with some girl we don't even know! I am losing him to a stranger! He is supposed to be in love with me!" Lizzie cried.

Miranda suddenly felt sick to her stomach. Lizzie was in love with Gordo.

"I always figured that he and I were meant to be, you know? I've always thought that we would go our own ways then come back to each other. Gordo and I are meant to be? Right, Miranda? Didn't you used to say that we were perfect for one another? But this girl,whoever she is, is going to end that. I need you to help me, Rand. I need to you to help me break up Gordo and Isabelle. He loves me still. I know it, please Randy."

Miranda was definitely going to be sick.

"He's happy,Liz. Why do you want to ruin that?"

"He is supposed to be happy with me!"

"Lizzie, I think you should go," Miranda whispered. No matter how much she loved her best friend, every word she was saying was upsetting her.

"What?" Lizzie asked, shocked by the request. "Why? Randy, I need your--"

"Lizzie, I think it would be best if you left," a new voice stated. The two girls froze at the sound of Gordo's voice.

"Gordo! What are you doing here?" Lizzie gasped.

"I needed to talk to Miranda. I heard what you said Lizzie. We won't get into that tonight, but I would prefer if you leave."

"I was here first, Gordo. Why don't you go to your little girlfriend if you need to talk to. Miranda is my best friend." Lizzie shot back nastily.

Gordo glared at Lizzie. Miranda closed her eyes. Her head was starting to pound. Her peaceful night with her boyfriend was shot to hell.

"Actually Lizzie, I was here first. If you didn't notice my car has been parked in front of Miranda's for a while. And as for my girlfriend, she is none of your concern and is very close in location."

"She's here? Some friend you are, Miranda! You are entertaining the enemy. I can't believe I have called either of you my best friends. I hope you are happy with Gordo and Vampira. You should really get that hickey checked out, Gordo. It's the nastiest thing I have ever seen!" Lizzie sneered before storming from the house.

Gordo's hands shot to his neck at the mention of the new forming mark. He cursed under his breath and went to examine it in the mirror.

Miranda wasn't sure what to do with herself. Sitting on the stairs, she placed her head in her hands.

"We can't do this, David. I can't do this. I should have just- This needs to stop. Look as us, David! Our best friend hates us! And she doesn't know that I am your girlfriend! How is it going to be if she finds out that all this time it was me?" Miranda yelled, her emotions finally getting the best of her.

Gordo joined her on the steps. He wrapped his arms around her as she cried. He never expected for things to get this crazy nor for Lizzie to still want him. Gordo groaned inwardly. He should have never pleaded for his mother to take him to the park when he was two. He should have just sat in his room with his blocks like a good little boy, instead of going to the park and being tackled by a 2 year old Lizzie McGuire. He should have ran away like a normal boy. But was little Davey Gordon normal? Nope! He befriend the chatty little blonde and the giggly Miranda Sanchez.

Gordo held his girlfriend tighter and kissed the top of her head. This insanity had to stop.

He had to talk to Lizzie and make sure Miranda didn't dump him. He didn't need this and the stress of the play.

"Miranda, look at me and listen. I won't deny that I was in love with Lizzie at one time and that I do not love her. She has been my best friend since I was 2 years old. I have no feelings for her other than friendship. You are the one I want, Miranda Isabelle Sanchez. I am in love with you. I will talk to Lizzie. Yeah, she will be upset, but this isn't about her. This is about you and me. Please don't let this stop us from being together," Gordo pleaded.

Miranda looked up at him with tears streaking down her face.

"Could you please go? I promise I will talk to you later, but I would like to be alone right now," Miranda requested, barely above a whisper. Gordo nodded and began to rise, before leaning down and placing a kiss on her lips. Miranda responded whole heartedly.

" I love you," he whispered.

"Me too."

Satisfied with her words, Gordo picked up his jacked and walked out the door.

Miranda pushed her long locks behind her ears and stood up. She walked to the window and watched Gordo leave. Picking up the phone next to her, she dialed one person she never thought she would when she needed an ear the most.

"Hi Kate. It's Miranda. Can you come over? I really need to talk to someone."