AN: Here's Chapter 4. Please read and review and let us know what you think.

Chapter 4: Gabriella

It was that time again; time for school. Oh, how I love getting up at 5 in the morning; not. That isn't the only annoying thing though. You also have to deal with mean teachers, outrageous homework assignments and the most annoying thing of all is having to deal with these people. I'm only in 8th grade and these kids already stuck up and full of themselves. I pray to God I don't end up like them.

My mother drove me to school that morning and was already called in for a case.

"What happened?" I asked her curiously as she pulled into a parking place.

"It's a double homicide about a mile away." She explained. "Why? I thought you didn't care."

"It changes on a daily basis." I said with a wink as I noticed Maura and Lizzie pull into the space next to us. I waved to them with a huge smile. "Well, I will see you later." I gave her a hug and a kiss.

"Bye. Be good now." My mother said as both she and Maura drove off toward the crime scene. Then, Lizzie and I made our way into the building.

All throughout the day, I could tell something was up with Lizzie. I could just feel it and besides, there's no way she can hide something from me. We've been having play dates since we were babies and we haven't been apart ever since. She was doing a great job at avoiding me and I had to see what was up.

"Hey." I said as I grabbed her by the arm. "You know, if you're mad or pissed at me, come on out and say it. You don't have to do this."

Lizzie looked at me and rolled her eyes. "You're my best friend. Why would I be mad at you?"

I crossed my arms. "Well, what's your explanation for avoiding me then? Don't try to say you weren't."

Lizzie sighed. "Okay." She put her books away and got her backpack out. "I have a secret and I didn't tell anyone this."

"Well, come on. Tell me." I told her.

She whispered. "I want to be…a medical examiner."

What she told me shocked me. "What? I thought you wanted to be-"

"I know. I know. But I changed my mind. " Lizzie explained. "I'm afraid to tell Mom though. And I've been doing these classes here behind her back and if I tell her, she'll kill me."

"Lizzie, come on. Maura will be thrilled." I said with a smile. "Trust me. I know these things. Yeah, she might be a little mad that you lied but she'll get over that."

"But Gabriella-" Lizzie started to say but I interrupted her.

"No. You're going to tell her." I said forcefully. "Or I will."

"No…you wouldn't." Lizzie said with a shocked face. "She'll kill me!"

"She won't. I promise." I said with a reassuring smile.

"I'll do it when I'm ready, okay?" She told me and I nodded but I could tell she had no plan in telling her mother.

"Whatever you say, Lizzie." I said with smile as we walked out of the building and walked home.

Lizzie and I always walk home so we have more time to talk. Soon, we got to Lizzie's house and when she opened the door, a delicious aroma hit my senses; Maura's chocolate chip cookies.

"Mom? You're home already. It must've been a quick case." Lizzie said as we walked into the kitchen and ate some of the cookies.

"Yes. It was." Maura said with a smile.

I knew that if I didn't do this for Lizzie, that she never would get the courage to say it herself. I know Lizzie would kill me for it but I had no choice.

"Lizzie wants to be a medical examiner." I said it fast but clearly. The next thing I knew Lizzie was following backwards and I caught her. Both Maura and I gave each other shocked looks. Boy, was she going to have a lot of explaining to do.