Most Wanted

Early the following week:

*Walks into the house after school, lost in my own little world. That being so, due to how I kind of dropped a bombshell on my boyfriend, and my best gal friend a little while ago, before school allowed the bus to disperse us to the four winds*

Gordo: So Lizzie, we going to hook up this weekend and watch some movies at Miranda’s house, after we study?
Miranda: Actually Gordo, Lizzie asked me if we could move the study/movies to her house this weekend, and I agreed
Gordo: *Blinks* Why would you want to do that Lizzie?
*Looks over at him, grinning slightly* Because mister future husband of mine…. my parents finally decided that I could be trusted to be alone with you, after what happened over the summer!
Gordo: All right! I have been hoping this day would arrive! So when do I get to ‘stop over and spend the night?’
My parents thought it would be cool for them, if that happened Saturday. Miranda and I…. *winks at her* are going with my mom on Friday, for some shopping at the mall. Right after we get out of school. My mom is meeting us here, and taking us to said mall
Gordo: I see. Well let me know how things turn out before Saturday will you?
Promise

Later, my house:

My mom: Well hi there again Miranda! So glad you decided to take time out of your busy schedule to visit with us
Miranda: Thanks Mrs. McGuire. Um, can I call my mom and have her bring something over? The color charts which Lizzie and I were talking about as we walked in?
My mom: Go right…. wait…. are you telling me that you are going to assist in the ‘shopping trip’ Lizzie insisted she go on?
Mooooom! Please. This is hard enough with out you butting in? Besides, I thought you agreed you weren’t going to ‘gush like a school drinking fountain in someone’s mouth’, over this event?
My mom. Sorry Lizzie. Anyway, go right ahead Miranda. Lizzie would probably feel more comfortable if she talked with you, and we both helped her anyway, after dinner. You are planning to stay for dinner, right?
Miranda: *Sniffing the air* since I smell your meatloaf in the oven, guess I am at that
My mom: Well then, that’s even better. So go call your mom and have her swing by here, then you two can go talk in Lizzies’ room until dinner is finished cooking. *Which is exactly what happened, after Miranda finished with her phone call*

Later:

Well Lizzie, we might as well do a little studying.
Lizzie: Mmm yeah, studying.
Okay. Now I wonder why one of my oldest friends is acting more ‘blonde’ than usual?
Lizzie: Sorry Miranda. Just a little nervous about what this weekend means
Trust me Lizzie, I’m sure you aren’t the only one who feels that way. Even if your mom puts on a very convincing ‘oh how happy I shall be…. to watch the apple that my daughter is ripen and fall from the branch of the family tree’, act, she is probably hoping, right along with you, that this weekend isn’t the weekend you and Gordo go past ‘first base’ if you catch my drift
Lizzie: Eww…. gross me out why don’t ya Miranda?
Sorry Elizabeth…. whoops, Lizzie. Its just that…. do you really think you want to wait much longer with ‘the boy toy’ before you surrender to your teenage girl hormones and ask when he is going to do the ‘tube steak boogie’ with you?
Lizzie: Well, no. Even though he is…. *pauses closing her eyes* rather good looking and all, we would probably ruin things if we rushed into anything of that nature Miranda
Totally McGuire. *After that was when her mom poked her head in the room and then dropped the color charts off that my mom brought over, telling us that dinner would be ready within the next twenty minutes or so. Which it was*

After dinner:

Miranda: Let me get the charts out…. *holds one up to my face when she has done that* hmmm…. peach might look good. OOO! So does baby blue! Black is also good…. hrm….’primrose pink’? What do you think?
I have no idea…maybe if we dragged my mom in here so she could see them?
Miranda: Good idea. You wanna go or should I?
Could you do it? It was your idea….
Miranda: Okay. Be right back
Mom: *After being pushed into the room by Miranda* Honestly…I don‘t see what the big deal is…. just pick one of these colors except for black and you should be…. hmmm…. buttercup blue…. now that might work with the pink….
Miranda: Ya think so?
Mom: Well if she can do it that way…. it would be up to Lizzie though…. well sweetie?
I don’t know maybe all peach... *wilts under their gaze* or not honestly I can’t decide you two!
Mom: *Overacting like she's on a soap opera* She’s hopeless. Well maybe we can figure something out when we get to the store!

Friday, same week:

*Once we reach the mall and are in the store* my mom: Well do you girls think you might need my help?
Me/Miranda: No mom. Nah Mrs. McGuire. If we need anything we can ask one of the salesclerks….
my mom: Okay. Well if you need me I’ll be looking for something in one of the other stores….
Okay mom I’ll keep that in mind. And when I’m ready to pay for what I picked out…. I’ll send Miranda to get you…. if you aren’t back by then….
my mom: Such a thoughtful daughter…. have fun you 2.
Miranda: So what did you have in mind as far as…. you know…
Heck if I KNOW! Remember what happened the last time we tried to ‘adult shop’ by ourselves?
Miranda: Don’t remind me okay? We could always ask…. *before she can finish, what she was going to mention appears*

Saleswoman: Can I help you girls with anything?
Miranda: Yes. I need….
*Elbows Miranda in the ribs* Ignore her. She‘s just the ‘tag along friend with the color charts’. I need to see something in sleepwear that’s not pajamas….
Saleswoman: I see…. and may I ask how old you are miss?
*Squeaks* 15…
Saleswoman: I see. Marcy would you come over here and help this dark haired gal if she needs anything? This one…. *pointing at me* is going to be busy for awhile….
~Oh great…now why do I suddenly wish I could all but scream ’I want a BRA!’…. And my mom will step in to save the day? ~ *Follows the saleslady as she leads me to our destination*

*Once we get there she turns to me* Saleswoman: Now then….
Lizzie.
Saleswoman: Right. Lizzie. Now then…. what did you have in mind? Something daring? Plain yet slightly revealing? Something totally sheer and see through if wet? Something that won’t be see through on top no matter how soaked it gets?
STOP IT! You’re scaring me!
Saleswoman: Relax…its okay…. I’m guessing that you have only thought about this up to now?
*My nod is all she needs to know*
Saleswoman: Right then! What we need is something that will make someone and by someone I mean your teenage boyfriend…. that is who this is meant to impress see you in a different light?
*Second nod from me confirms it*
Saleswoman: Okay! Show me the color charts and tell me what colors you decided on

*Hands the chart to her. The one Miranda was using* I was thinking a primrose pink and a buttercup blue. Or a baby blue
Saleswoman: With your hair and eyes that would be wonderful. Now…we have something that is the color pink you suggested in your size…. *pauses to look at me*…. right here…. and its opaque, meaning that he won’t see anything above your tummy…. unless you want him to that is…. which comes with either a matching panty or by itself. If you choose the second one I believe we have something in a cotton hipster that is in available in all the colors you mentioned…. how does that sound to you?
Sounds good. Can I see the blue colored hipster please before I make up my mind?
Saleswoman: Certainly. Why don’t you look at the baby doll nightie while I go get one in…. what size are you?
4 adult.
Saleswoman: Right. 4 adult. Be right back

*Before she gets back I‘m joined by my shopping buddy* Miranda: wow…. is that what you picked out?
Uh huh…. with some help. What do you think? *Holds it up to the side of my face*
Miranda: That is so going to look good on you! And Gordo won’t see anything above your bellybutton or your undies! I wish I could be there when he sees you in that thing! He’s going to freak!
I know!
Miranda: Well I’m gonna go get your mom. I couldn’t find anything that I wanted here.
Bummer

After Miranda leaves:

Saleswoman: Here you go…. I brought a nylon one in both blues along with the cotton and a cotton and nylon one in pink…. in case the blue wasn’t what you wanted
Actually…. I like the buttercup blue cotton hipster so I’m going with that. But I might as well get the rest of them too.
Saleswoman: Smart decision

*After she’s done saying that my mom and Miranda appear*

My mom: Honey is that what you picked out to wear?
Actually, she…*points at the saleswoman* helped me after she got me all frustrated. What do you think? *Hold up the choices so mom can see*
Saleswoman: Is this your mom?
Uh huh….
my mom: Thank you for helping her….
Saleswoman: Not a problem. I take it you approve?
My mom: Very much so. Its what I was hoping that she would end up with. Its flirty, yet not one bit revealing of ‘the twins’ that she has….
MOM!
My mom: Right then. I see I made another mistake. Before it goes any further…. why don’t we pay for all 7 of these items and get out of here? Saleswoman: Right this way then so we can….

After everything is taken care of and all 3 of us are at my house:

Thanks mom. Really. Other than your approval…. I don’t think there was…. oh wait, that ‘twins’ comment embarrassed me.
My mom: Sorry about that. Well Miranda would you like to stay for dinner then have your parents swing by like it was in the old days?
Miranda: Sounds cool to me. I was hoping to see Lizzie in her….

*Enter the cactus head, cutting her off*

Matt: Oh neat! Bags from the mall! What’d ya buy me?
I didn’t buy you anything except the dog collar you asked for!
Matt: VERY funny sister of mine…seriously though…. what’d ya get me?
I told you! The dog collar! SEE? *Fishes one item out of the rest in the bag and holds it up* its even got an ‘M’ for Matt on it!
Matt: MOM! Lizzie bought me a dog collar!
Mom: No she didn’t! I swear sometimes Matt, you let her bug you for no reason! That’s one of those new chokers that the girls sometimes wear. The ones that have their first initials on them. Remember? You saw it on television and turned to your sister and said ‘hey that would look good on you. Make sure you get the one with the ‘s’ on it as you’re always spazzing out!’
Matt: Oh yeah…. guess I should say I’m sorry now huh?

Yes you should!
Matt: Sorry…. so its really for Miranda?
Yep
Matt: Cool. Well later. Dad wants me to tell him what I want on the pizza. The one that’s all for ME! *At that he vanishes laughing*
Miranda: He seems…. about the same as what he was before I left.
Actually…. well I’ll tell you about it later okay?
Miranda: Deal

Upstairs 30 minutes later:

my mom: Okay when I say so…. come out of the bathroom Lizzie….
NO! I look silly in this thing!
Miranda: *Said around bites of ‘our pizza’* No you don’t! You look very pretty and very mature! Now stop worrying about it and do what your mom said!
Oh all right! But if either one of you so much as giggle…
my mom/Miranda: We won’t. Promise….
Now?
My mom: No not YET! I want to get the camera ready.
MOM! You are so not taking a picture of me in this!

My mom: Its just ONE!
But what if Matt gets his hands on it?
My mom: HE WON’T! Okay…. get ready…. I’m almost focused…. Okay NOW!
Alright! But you guys promised! *At that I walk out*
my mom: Wow…. my little baby is growing up so…
Okay that’s IT! I’m not doing the ’sleepover’!
Miranda: Oh come on Lizzie!

My mom: I’m sorry!
Sorry mom I’m just way too nervous right now about this….
My mom: I understand…. now let me take the picture…
*Stands still waiting as she presses the button*
My mom: Okay…now to remove the flash card with it so Matt can’t get his hands on the picture. *At that she does so* my firstborn…. about to reach yet another milestone in her life….
MOM! You promised!
My mom: Sorry. Well! I should go downstairs now. Lizzie I’ll take the flashcard with me and keep it in my shirt pocket. That way it’ll be safely tucked away where Matt can’t get it.

Okay. Thanks mom. Miranda: Thanks for letting me stay for dinner Mrs. McGuire.
My mom: See you girls later.
Miranda: So….
Yeah. So….
Miranda: You were going to mention something about Matt…
Oh. That. Well do you think you could maybe arrange to stay over another night?
Miranda: Why? Is it really going to take that long?
Well it might…. and you might just fall asleep from boredom before I finish….

Miranda: Tell ya what…. I’ll go call my mom and see what she says first. Then we’ll go from there, okay?
Sounds good to me.

After she gets back:

Miranda: She’s cool with my staying until in the morning sometime. Which should give me the best possible chance to get out of here before ‘he’ shows….
Cool. So what should we start with?
Miranda: Tell me all about how much Kate changed when you guys were in Rome first, then work Matt into the conversation later….
Okay…. well as I said…. when the trip was winding down, she actually seemed to mellow out a bit and helped me keep things from getting ruined due to what I was doing. She even went so far as to finally have some ‘quiet time’ with Ethan
Miranda: Wow. So they did…. finally….
Yep. Just like it was with Gordo and me. Funniest thing though….
Miranda: Funny how?
Funny in the sense that Paolo’s singing partner had the same first name as your middle name
*Wide-eyed look from Miranda*: Her name was Isabella? Whoa. That is….
Funny?
Miranda: Freaky and kind of creepy is more like it….
Sorry
Miranda: De nada…. so anyway…. Matt…
Right. Anyway…. he didn’t stay much different than he always had been. Except this time…. when I messed up graduation…. he sent the tape of me doing it to ‘Good Morning America’ and then CNN got it somehow!
Miranda: That rotten little….! So did he change any after that?
Sort of…. but like Kate…. he’s back to being his usual self…. as you saw
Miranda: Sounds like I did miss a lot.
*Small shrug* not really….
Miranda: Sure don’t sound that way to me….

Somewhere around 4 [closer to 5 though] in the morning after we‘ve been talking almost all night,along with catching a little sleep:

Well the pizza is almost gone…. and it‘ll be breakfast time eventually…. wanna go see if there is any left downstairs?
Miranda: I’ll go. Can’t risk your dad still being up and all and him seeing you in…. well that
Good thinking….

*After she gets back yet again with the rest of the pizza*

Miranda: Huh. Judging by this note…. Matt wanted the leftovers for breakfast.
Well he can have it for all I care. I’m getting’ kind of tired of it as it is….
Miranda: Then why did you…
I thought maybe you wanted it…
Miranda: Nah…. want I should take it back down?
Please?
Miranda: Okay. Be back shorty…. whoops shortly….

*When she’s back for the third time still holding the pizza box*
Miranda: Um Lizzie…. we might have a problem….
Huh? What?
Miranda: Don’t get upset or anything…. I overheard your parents talking about Gordo being on his way over here somewhere close to an hour and a half...maybe 2 hours...or three hours from now,this very morning!
WHAT?
Miranda: Thanks for not ‘freaking’.
Dad: What was that shouting just now?
That was me dad! I sat on a hairpin!
Dad: Oh. Sorry.
Miranda: Anyway…. seems a certain little pest made a phone call and told your boyfriend that you were home last night and that you needed some major help with some homework tomorrow.
I’m going to kill him….

Miranda: Not in that I hope…. oh no….
what?
Miranda: I’m probably going to have to leave when he gets here and he’s going to see THAT before you might be ready for him to unless…. I stall him long enough for you to get out of that and then into something else!
Would you?

Mom: LIZZIE! Gordo is here!
Oh no! What am I gonna…. oh great…well this is not how I wanted things to go!
Miranda: Yeah but what can ya do?
Hide in the bathroom?
Miranda: You might have to while I’m stalling him. Assume crash positions…. *at that she shoos me into the bathroom to change clothes*

*Before Miranda can even get out the door to block Gordo*

What the heck are those? Oh no…. that had better be MATT!
Miranda: Its not…. and I think you know who it is….
STALL HIM!
Miranda: I’ll do what I can. Now get on what you got to do!
Okay!

Out in the hallway:

Gordo: Hey Miranda. Is Lizzie awake yet? Matt told me she needed some help with all her homework…
Miranda: Yeah she’s awake. And she’s in the shower
Gordo: Oh. Well I’ll go in and wait for….
Miranda: NO! You go back downstairs and I’ll show up down there when she sends me to tell you that it’s okay to go upstairs!
Gordo: Why?
Miranda: Because I SAID SO!
Gordo: Okay okay! Sheesh you don’t have to be so…
Miranda: Oh save it ‘David’ you’re not fooling anyone, especially the person who you know is like a ‘tigress by the tail’ when she wants to be

*Downstairs*

Gordo: Yeah? Why did you have to go away for the whole summer anyway? I always said that there should be a little of you in Lizzie and vice versa….
Miranda: And I just can’t wait to hear all about it again…. ~Come on Lizzie! I’m falling asleep here! ~
Gordo: Something wrong? You’re awful quiet….
Miranda: Huh? Oh just thinking about ‘my new outlook’ some more….
Gordo: Ah that. Yeah I know what you mean Miranda. Jumping from one thing to the next is kind of scary sometimes…. if you need someone to talk to about it….
Miranda: Maybe when Lizzie is around…
Gordo: Gotcha
Lizzie: MIRANDA! Could you come up here and get me a towel for my hair from the linen closet? I forgot to grab one and I’m dripping big time here!
Miranda: Well that’s my cue…seeya in a few Gordo.
Gordo: Yeah

*Later after the ‘shower’*

Hey Gordo…. um when did you get here? I was in the shower and I didn’t hear you come in….
Gordo: About 45 minutes ago…. your brother got me out of bed this morning telling me that you needed help with all your homework before your head caved in?
Yeah that would be Matt for ya…. ~that little cactus head is so in trouble when I see him next~
Gordo: Lizzie?
Hmmm? Oh just thinking.
Gordo: Good. Because nothing gets me up and out of bed faster than the need to give 150% when it comes to tackling a hard problem that no one else can!
*Laughs* Yeah…. I should have written in your yearbook the exact same thing you did when it came to mine.
Gordo: Yes. It would have made sense in my case as well. What I wrote in your yearbook that is

Miranda: WELL! I would love to sit here and throw off the groove you guys have going all day…. but I got to get going home sometime today before my parents send out the search party!
Me/Gordo: Later Miranda.
Miranda: Have fun later you guys…*at that she winks slyly to me. Even though Gordo sees what she did*
Gordo: What was that? Another one of the ‘secret codes you girls have?’
Yeah that’s what it was Gordo. Man nothing gets past you!
Gordo: *Sniffs the air thereby changing the subject* Hey are those your dads pancakes I smell? I am SO hungry!
*Giggles* Oh go on and see already. And tell the ‘rents I’ll be in the kitchen in a few minutes will ya. Oh and try to save me some food will ya? I am so sick and tired of pizza. I want something else!
Gordo: Okay. And I’ll make sure to tell Matt the same thing.
Thanks

10 minutes later after Miranda has decided to stay and eat something else as well before going home:

Dad: Okay who wants seconds? Thirds? Anything that might come after those 2 numbers?
Miranda: I’ll take a couple more blueberry….
Gordo: Can I get an apple?
I wouldn’t mind another…
Matt: NO MORE for Lizzie! She’s starting to look like a chipmunk as it is!
MATT! *Knees him under the table*
Matt: Sorry. Can I get 3 more chocolate chip ones?
I want 2 more plain ones if that’s okay….
My dad: What? Slow down you guys…. I can only….
my mom: Honey…. why don’t you tend to what Gordo and Matt asked for while I tackle what Lizzie and Miranda asked for. Deal?

My dad: You know that’s also one of the reasons I knew we’d be great together…. you’re able to focus under pressure sometimes.
My mom: I know honey

Gordo: So anyway Lizzie…. did you have any luck getting the 2 colors of paint that we discussed early yesterday?
Huh? Oh yeah…. got them just fine!
Gordo: So when can I see the colors you picked out for the trim?
Um…I think maybe my mom and or my dad would be the people you should talk to about that problem. Sorry Gordo
Gordo: Works for me. I may be willing to help you with your homework…. but painting the baseboards in your bedroom is another story….
Matt: HEY! Since when did mom and dad say it was…OW! Dad! Lizzie kicked me!

Matt…. zip it!
My mom: Matt…we didn’t say it was okay for Lizzie to paint part of her room…. we were talking about what colors might look good for YOUR room. See…. Lizzie suggested the idea and we just agreed to it. She wanted that to be your Christmas present.
Matt: Cool. Sorry Lizzie.
No problem
Gordo: So anyway…. I talked with my folks before we left to come over here and they said that it would be okay if I hung around here all day, if need be, in addition to spending the night tonight
My mom: Um Lizzie…. a minute alone?
Sure mom!
My mom: In the living room.
Gotcha mom

*Living room*
Mom: You DID put everything away that we bought yesterday didn’t you?
Yep
Mom: Good. Because its one thing if Miranda sees ‘it’ early and quite another if Gordo does….
I got it covered mom. Relax okay?
Mom: Just have to make sure sweetie. Now come on…. before your breakfast gets cold.
Right behind you mom

*Back in the kitchen*

So anyway Gordo…. I hope you don’t mind being in a sleeping bag like always, when you spend the night in my room later.
Gordo: Why would I mind? I know your parents won’t make any special rules that will allow me near your bed, even though I’m your boyfriend….
My mom/dad: And make sure to keep that in mind Gordo. Its one thing for us to take this chance on trusting Lizzie again. Just like it’s just that easy for us to decide that she isn’t trustworthy. Got it?
Gordo: Loud and clear Mr. & Mrs. McGuire…. so anyway Lizzie…. why’d you ask me what you did?
Because silly! Its like you just said… The fact that we’re a ‘couple’ now isn’t going to suddenly make my parents say its okay for you to NOT be sleeping on the floor in a sleeping bag!
Gordo: I see. Thought that’s what it was

Later after breakfast:

Gordo: So anyway Lizzie…. the math in the chapter we were working on this week isn’t very much harder than what I was talking to you, Tina and her friend Quinn about.
I see….
Gordo: Good. Let me know when you want to move onto something else.

*20 minutes later*

DONE!
Gordo: Wow…. you sure took to that pretty quick….
Well just because I’m blonde doesn’t mean…you know….
Gordo: Of course not. So! What next?
English
Gordo: Okay…. what about that didn’t you understand?
What’s a ‘topic sentence’ and what does it have to do with the rest of what follows it?
Gordo: Well for starters…. a ‘topic sentence’ is what is used to define what the rest of the work that you’re going to do…. is about. Kind of like…’dear diary: Today was a good day’. Then you explain WHY today was so ‘great’. Or whatever word you used

OHHHHHHH! I get it! So when they ask me to write a 4 page paper on what our summer was like, well 2 weeks anyway, in Italy…. for our ‘World History’ class…I should give my view on what I soaked up when we were there?
Gordo: Exactly! I knew you’d catch that one quickly!
Thanks!
Gordo: So what do we have to tackle next?
Hmmm…. *looks at the sheet that I made* that would be…. well we can do that later. We’ve been at this for…. *looks at the clock* 3 hours now? And we started at 10? Wow
Gordo: Yeah. Pretty amazing when you think about how we’re almost done with the homework that they assigned us for the week. Well yesterday at the most….
Yeah its kind of hard to believe that this is kind of not different than what we were learning in junior high.

Gordo: Well I need to take a break. Do you mind?
No go right ahead. Like I said, we can take care of the rest of this over the next part of the day or thereabouts
Gordo: So you don’t want to finish this after I get back from the bathroom?
Huh? Oh no…. that’s not a big deal
Gordo: Okay. Cool. Thought I’d check with you first.
No harm in that. So do you want to watch a movie when you get back? I got a couple on my way back from the mall yesterday.
Gordo: A movie sounds good. As long as its not a ‘chick flick’.
GORDO!
Gordo: Sorry Lizzie

Later after dinner:

Gordo: Man I should really have your mom give my mom the recipe that she uses for making meatloaf.
I’m sure she will Gordo. Now…. since we got most of the homework done…. what do you want to do next?
Gordo: How about that other movie?
You sure?
Gordo: I wouldn’t have asked if I wasn’t….
Okay. Because it’s ‘Agent Cody Banks’.
Gordo: I’ve been meaning to rent that one myself….
Cool. You want popcorn?
Gordo: Sure.
Okay. You put the movie in and I’ll make the popcorn. Deal?
Gordo: Works for me

2 hours later:

My mom: Honestly you 2.…why did you wait until the day the movies were due back to watch them?
Sorry mom…I’ll pay for the extra day as a late fee if that helps….
Gordo: I’ll give you the money Mrs. McGuire. It was my fault. I was the one who didn’t rent it when I had the chance to
My mom: Well you don’t…. since you offered though Gordo…. we’ll do it this way instead. How about you go with me when I go to rent some movies for you guys to watch later, if you want to?
Gordo: Sounds good.
Oh mom! When you’re there…. could you pick up, if they have them…a copy of the first ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie? Oh and that one about the gal who graduates from junior high home schooled I think it was and goes to Hawaii for 3 weeks over the summer? What did they call that one Gordo?
Gordo: Hilary Duff meets Lilo&Stitch? I don’t KNOW!
Okay…forget about the second movie mom.
My mom: Okay. So it’s just the first chapter of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy?
Yep.
My mom: Okay! The tape is done rewinding…. so lets go already Gordo.
Gordo: Right behind you Mrs. McGuire

After Gordo and my mom go to the video store:

~Almost time almost time almost time~ *Runs towards my room as quickly as what my legs can carry me, that thought echoing through my head like a mantra that will be replaced later by a more important one*
Matt: Hey future track star! NO running in the house while I’m trying to do my homework!

*Pauses to kiss Matt on the cheek before going into my room* Sorry little brother…. kind of got carried away in what I’m going to do later!
Matt: THANK YOU. Now go do whatever it was that you had to do and leave me alone okay? Dad is having a hard enough time helping me as it IS!
Promise little brother. I’ll be quiet until you guys are done. *Slips into my room and heads to my dresser. Gathers the same thing that I was wearing most of the night and gives it a looking at while sniffing it slightly. ~Mm…. still wearable…. ~ *Sets it aside and looks for the other pair of blue cotton hipster style underwear that I correction my mother…. bought for me to go with the baby doll I’m about to slip back into* ~THERE YOU ARE! Man is this going to help me accomplish what I need to do when Gordo gets back! No way in the world he will be unable to see me in a different light when I am wearing this!~ *Grabs it and vanishes into the bathroom laughing softly in my head so as not to disturb the occupants of the room near mine*

After Gordo gets back with my mom from the video store:

Gordo: Hey Lizzie…
Matt: *Poking his head out of his room* Keep it down lover boy! My dad is trying to help me with my math homework!
Gordo: Sorry Matt. Is your sister in her room?
Matt: Yeah. And she told me that she’d be quiet so I could finish my homework…. so do you think maybe you could do the same thing?
Gordo: Sure thing Matt. Did she say if she wanted me to come upstairs when I got back?
Matt: *Shrugs* Don’t remember…. all she did say that she might have some kind of surprise for you when you got back and then told me that she’d do everything that she could to be as quiet as a church mouse while I was working on my homework.

Gordo: Gotcha. Think I would bother you too much if I went up to see what she might be doing on my own?
Matt: Nope. Not really. Knock yourself out. Just don’t try to tear the door down if it appears to be locked. You know how my dad feels about things after what happened
Gordo: Don’t remind me

While Gordo and my brother are talking:

~Well here we go…moment of truth time for you McGuire…Will Gordo be shocked, surprised…scared that you would act so quickly on his words thereby shouting something out that will alert the ‘patriarch that is helping your brother in the latter’s room with his homework, thereby getting himself, Gordo, thrown out on his rear or his ear’…or will he do something that I don’t see coming as he usually does? Oh I hope that he likes what I picked out while thinking about him and what he said! And I hope he doesn‘t also get the impression that I rushed into this without thinking either. I followed the advice that my mom gave me about trusting my head and my heart to lead me down this path when the time was right…. just like I hope he really likes the colors I picked out after he helped make up my mind~

*Stands there in the doorway of the bathroom with the light from the bathroom softly illuminating my body and the nightwear as it’s the only source of illumination in my room waiting for Gordo to walk into the room, smiling and holding my breath slightly so as not to pass out or anything before he gets across the threshold. Which is exactly what happens 2 minutes later*
Gordo: Hey Lizzie…they had one copy of the ‘Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’ left. Good thing your mom phoned ahead…. and I got some goobers and some of those chocolate covered raisins you…*at the sight of me standing in the doorway dressed as I am he stops dead in his tracks, the candy falling from his hands and hitting the floor softly* Lizzie is that really you?

*Giggles softly* Yes its really me Gordo…what do you think? *Twirls slightly the hem of the baby doll flaring slightly to reveal a small portion of my hipster panties*
Gordo: ~whoa she looks hot… Ease back on the hormones! HER DAD is in the next room! And he could probably make it so that your body is sent out of this house with a few bruises when he throws you back out for good this time! ~ Wow…. you look so…wow….
*Giggles again* Does that mean you think I did a good job following your advice?
Gordo: Yeah…did I say ‘wow’ already?
TWICE.
Gordo: Sorry. I just didn‘t think you’d do this…. this…. so soon after we….
Well you aren’t the only one who acts on thought quicker than someone can change their minds in this relationship ya know….
Gordo: I’ll keep that in mind…

*Watches as my mom walks in* Hey you 2.…. oh Lizzie…. let me go get my camera!
MOM!
Matt/my dad: HEY KEEP IT DOWN IN THERE!
My mom: Sorry you guys! That was my fault not Lizzie’s.
Matt/my dad: No problem!
My mom: Okay! I think I’ll take this movie downstairs along with the candy and you guys can watch the movie tomorrow! Okay?
Me/Gordo: Sure mom. That would be great Mrs. McGuire…

After she leaves and it’s quiet in my brothers bedroom:

Gordo: Man I knew you were mad at me for looking at that picture and then all but demanding you do that kind of thing and here you are…. dressed like you’re ‘sweet 16 peaches and cream…. walked right out of a dream’….
Gordo please…I feel weird enough as it is wearing this in front of you…. I don’t need to feel anymore ‘what was I thinking doing this so soon?’ kinds of thoughts keeping the good ones out of my head….
Gordo: Sorry Lizzie…. I guess its just that this has thrown me for as big a loop as what it might’ve you….
Oh man…I was so wrapped up in making you not mad at me anymore Gordo I didn’t even think about that kind of thing!

Gordo: Wait…. back up a second…you did all this because you thought I was mad at you?
Well no…. that was only part of the reason….
Gordo: And what was the rest of it?
Well this was the first chance that we would have to be alone together…. since they, the parents trusted me…. and you to a lesser extent…. to be alone in the same room and not have it turn into a fight waiting to happen….
Gordo: And I didn’t need to add any further incentive by making you give up that cheeseburger you wanted on Monday or Tuesday….
Gordo! You didn’t force me to do this! I wanted to change my image subtly and make you and myself happy at the same time! Me! Not you! Is it your fault that I let Kate make me crazy still? Nope! Mine!

Gordo: Okay. Enough. Before you start to cry. You’re right…. its no ones choice but yours what you wear, within certain limits that is…. what you eat what you don’t eat…. and I’m sorry that I might’ve made you think that I was controlling you into doing this
Yeah…. I’m sorry I tried to say you were doing it too…. so can we try to salvage what little is left of this ‘first’ for us?
Gordo: DEAL. So how do we do that exactly?
*Giggles* Think back to how it was on the plane to Rome and the flight back…. and add my parents downstairs into it with Matt in the next room as well….
Gordo: Gotcha…. just some quiet time spent looking at the stars sitting side by side on your window seat holding hands….
And maybe another kiss thrown in for extra good measure….
Gordo: Well if you think we should….
Okay…. we’ll play it by ear and see what happens…. is that better?
Gordo: Perfect….

A little later on the window seat:
Gordo?
Gordo: Hmmm? What?
Remember when we were back in Rome on that night after the awards at the party? And what happened on the roof?
Gordo: Yeah…. what about it?
Remember what happened before? About how you said I needed to have the adventure first and then it would be your turn?
Gordo: Again...yeah…. what about it?
Well don‘t you think what we have now qualifies as ‘your adventure’?
Gordo: Wow. That’s so deep…. and so unlike you Lizzie. And yet, coming from you, and how I’ve known you for as long as I have…. only you could make that kind of statement to someone like me and it would make sense
Uh huh…. and that’s the kind of thing that makes all that we’ve been through, and will be through together down the road…. seem so weird and so cold if we aren’t together to see it all
Gordo: Don’t worry. If it all ends tomorrow…. at least we had this one perfect almost night together….
Yeah…. oh look…. a shooting star…. make a wish quick but don’t tell me!
Gordo: Okay

Afterwards:

Gordo: I’m…. hungry for some strange reason.
*Laughs* Go right ahead and go and see how much meatloaf is left in the fridge…. I’m not going anywhere…
Gordo: Okay. You want anything while I’m up?
Diet soda? No wait…. make me some hot chocolate?
Gordo: Gotcha.

After he leaves and my mom walks in:
My mom: Sweetie…. you okay?
Hmmm? What? Oh just fine mom…. why?
My mom: Both of you were awful quiet after I left and your dad finished helping Matt with his homework….
Oh that…. we were just sitting here on the window seat watching the night sky and thinking about how everything is going to be one grand adventure that will have many hills and valleys as we travel the road of life….
My mom: Wow. Sounds like you 2 had a lot to discuss that makes everything that you went through prior to this, to get where you are…. seem small in comparison to what you know is waiting for you later on
Ya think? So you think like he does? No matter what, we have to be willing to make it work no matter what might get in our way?
My mom: Lizzie did you know that there is such a thing as fate?
Yeah. Me Miranda and Gordo were discussing it…oh. Yeah I can see how you wanted me to understand that this is yet another example of ‘fate stepping in’
My mom: You ARE growing up and starting to evolve. Its starting to become more comfortable to you as well, to see how far you’ve grown…. and how its only helping to prepare you for the future
So you like what I am becoming?
My mom: Of course. Everyone grows up sometime. You’ve done a great job so far. Now make sure you don’t mess up along the way after this

I hope I don’t disappoint you or dad when I make a mistake and ask you to help me see where I went wrong mom
My mom: Honey you know we will help you no matter what, if you can’t solve something that boggles your mind…. its what we’re here for until you leave to start your life outside our home that has kept you safe, and secure all these years. Preparing you for the day when it’s your turn to be the adult on the outside that you are evolving into on the inside
Thanks mom…. really

After I’m done Gordo returns carrying his sandwich and my mug in the other hand:

Gordo: Here ya go Lizzie…. careful…. that’s hot. I nuked the water and then added the mix…. no wait…. it was the other way around….
that’s okay Gordo…. come on…. sit back down. *Pats the cushion next to me as I sit with my legs turned back into the room*
Gordo: Mrs. McGuire?
My mom: Hey go ahead you two I’ll get out of your way. But after you finish and Gordo takes the plate and cup back downstairs and returns its lights out you two
Me/Gordo: Promise
My mom: Goodnight Gordo…Lizzie. *After she tells me that, she leans in to kiss me on the forehead* Sweet dreams you 2.

Me/Gordo: Seeya in the morning…. *at that she leaves and shuts the door. Soon afterwards we both finish and take turns using the bathroom, me going first and Gordo going last as he has to take the plate and cup down to the kitchen while I’m in the bathroom. When he gets back…. I’m already in bed starting to sleep and he crawls into the sleeping bag when he gets ready for bed and shuts off the light in the bathroom*