Title: Somewhere I belong
Author: hweasley
Rating: G
Warning: Rating may go up as the story progresses.
Summary: Post Lizzie McGuire movie. Takes place the summer after Rome.
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Lizzie was awake long before the sun rose the next day. She wasn't exactly bright eyed and bushy tailed- but, she was awake. She was too wired to sleep so she lie in her bed and let her thoughts run through her brain. High school was scary. She had managed to make a mess or two in junior high so she knew that was lot more trouble she could get into in a bigger school with new and strange kids. But, something amazing had happened to her in Rome. Maybe, just maybe, she could recapture that magic.
As for Gordo. That was tough. They had been friends forever- literarily. How do you change that into romance? And did she want to? Gordo was so… Gordo. He was goofy but in a sweet way. He was a good friend and he supported her. He was cute. She hadn't really noticed before but he definitely had some cuteness there. Not your average text book cuteness but a strange Gordo cuteness. The kiss was nice. No, the kiss was great. But the kiss was great because he was so different than any other boy. It was comfortable in a completely exhilarating way.
All of this thinking gave Lizzie a headache so she stretched and climbed out of bed. She showered and stood in front of the mirror. Her fashion and hair choices today could define her high school status so she had to be careful. After trying several hairstyles and getting irritated with herself she finally decided to let her hair stay loose around her shoulders.
Once back in her room she opened her closet and stood there pondering her limited choices. Lizzie wanted high school to be different. Everyone said Lizzie came back from Rome a different person so maybe she could pretend it was true. Maybe she could change her status. She briefly considered putting a new look together but dismissed that idea immediately. She wanted to be a little different but not fake. A makeover had been suggested to her earlier in the summer by an oh-so-subtle Kate but Lizzie politely declined. If she was going to make changes she had to do it as Lizzie, just with more confidence and grace.
For the big day she chose a brand new pair of jeans with a beige and tan swirly pattern of sequins down the side. They were comfortable but they also complimented her figure- a figure that was changing. Everyday Lizzie could see she looked less like a little girl and more like a teenager.
With the new jeans she wore a tan t-shirt that was given to her by the store she was modeling for this year. It was a plain with a small design of a cat with sequins. It matched perfectly. It was grown up look with a splash of her own vibrancy. She added her usual amount of make up and slipped on a pair of brown chunky heeled loafers.
Once Lizzie felt satisfied with her own appearance she went downstairs. Her mom and dad were talking to Matt. "Seriously son." Sam said. "This year has to be different. No trouble, ok?"
"Ok." Matt huffed.
"And your sister will be nervous about starting a new school-so, don't start on her. Leave her alone. Give the sibling rivalry rest. Got it?" Joe asked pointedly.
"I haven't done anything." Matt said defensively.
"Yet." Sam added sternly.
Lizzie came into the room and said cheerily, "Good morning."
"Good morning." Jo replied with a bright smile. "All ready for the big day?"
Lizzie nodded; "Sure," she lied. Butterflies were already swarming in her stomach. They began to grown when Sam pushed a plate of eggs and bacon towards her.
"Breakfast." He said. "The most important meal for an important day."
Lizzie hesitated and then shook her head, "Thanks dad, but, no. I am not hungry"
Her father looked ready to argue but at that moment Matt knocked his orange juice over and the spill covered the table cloth and splattered on Lizzie's new shirt. Lizzie felt like fainting. No, her day couldn't start like this. This was old Lizzie. Not new and improved Lizzie. "Matt," she yelled angrily looking down at the orange stain on her shirt with horror.
Matt began to laugh so hard he almost fell out of his chair. "That was priceless and I wasn't even trying." He beamed.
Jo looked at Matt angrily. "Matt, time for school." She said and pointed towards the door. "Now mister!" Matt scowled as he stood and grabbed his backpack. Before he disappeared her winked at his sister and said, "Good luck dear sister."
Lizzie sat there in shock. Jo moved slowly towards her and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Go upstairs and change." She said gently. "I will throw this shirt in the wash and hopefully the stain will come right out."
Lizzie hopped up from the chair and ran to her room. Once inside she threw the ruined shirt on the floor and peeled the jeans off. She left them there as she opened her closet. Tears stung her eyes. It felt as if her whole life was pre-destined to be this way. She would always be that loser girl with the stained shirt.
"Lizzie," Jo called a moment later. "Come on. I will drive you to school." Her mom opened the door and saw Lizzie standing there in her under clothes. "Lizzie, you're going to be late."
Lizzie sighed, "Mom," she said trying to keep the whine out of her voice. "I don't have anything to wear."
Her mother pointed to a ruffled white blouse that Lizzie hated. "That is cute." She said.
Lizzie grimaced, "You know what? I will find something. I will be down in a minute." She told her mother.
Jo nodded and shut the door behind her. Lizzie faced her closet and picked out a nice pair of blue jeans and a t-shirt.