1

"Hey Tudge.", Miranda greeted. "Is that a new shirt?"

Larry Tudgeman looked down on the three friends from his impressive height. He knew them well enough to know it wasn't teasing.

"No, 'randa.", Larry said. "I just had it let out after my last growth spurt."

Lizzie wrapped her arms around Gordo from behind and kicked the wall. She managed to flip herself and him out of the way of a water balloon. The senior that threw it stared questioningly. "Freshmen can't do that."

Larry agreed. "Yeah, freshmen can't do that."

Lizzie, Miranda and Gordo looked questioningly at each other. Eyebrows were rapidly raised and expressions of communication were thrown back and forth. The silent conversation ended with Miranda nodding her head and rolling her eyes.

"Hey, Tudge...", Miranda led while taking Larry's arm. "How are the girls treating you?"

Despite his intelligence, the girl's attention managed to distract him the instant it took for Gordo and Lizzie to dissappear into the crowd.

Gordo whispered to Lizzie. "This is rediculous. We need to find out what caused these powers and what we're going to do about them."

"They're my powers, Gordo.", Lizzie reminded.

"Oh, of course.", Gordo assured. "But I am here to help. I mean, have you thought about how you're going to keep a secret identity from your parents?"

"Just because I haven't told them doesn't mean I'm not telling them.", Lizzie replied.

Gordo continued. "Or how to get a grappling hook, or a utility belt or a/"

"Or a Lizzie mobile when I'm too young to drive?", Lizzie asked. "Look, I know you're just trying to help. And thanks. But I'm scared. I mean, sure, I can slap my little brother around. But I just have this feeling that something bad's gonna happen."

"Of course, something bad is gonna happen.", Gordo agreed. "Why else would a superhero be called?"

Lizzie glared at him.

"Hey, I'm with you all the way.", he consoled.

"With you all the way in what?", Mr. Dig asked.

"uh, high school troubles?", Lizzie asked.

"Don't you teach middle school, Mr. Dig?", Gordo asked.

"High school pays more, and it turns out there was an openning.", Mr. Dig replied. "Besides, you think I could let Ms. McGuire somewhere I couldn't keep an eye on her?"

"Right.", Gordo nodded. "Meet you in the library after school?"

"Sure, Gordo.", Lizzie told him.

"Isn't it a little early to start over achieving, Gordo?", Mr. Dig continued to inquire. "Or is there something in particular? Maybe I could help you with it?"

The two teens were saved by the ringing bell. But maybe more the questions they face are going to be bigger than who to punch.