Miranda's Journal [Lizzie McGuire] ✔️

Chapter Eleven

Once Gordo had all the desired clips for The Miranda Sanchez Project, he waited for them to load into his computer. While doing so, he had an idea. Before giving back Miranda's journal, he'd write something inside for her. He noticed there was one blank page and it seemed only fitting, that since she wrote something for him, he'd write something for her. So while the clips loaded, which often took an agonizing amount of time, he wrote on the last page of Miranda's journal.

Ten things I missed about Miranda when she was in Mexico:

1. Our late night phone calls, ranting about people from school.

2. Hanging out with her when my parents were working and Lizzie was busy.

3. Helping her babysit Stevie.

4. Listening to her sing.

5. Hugging her when she's down.

6. Her telling me to have more fun.

7. Her laugh.

8. Her smile.

9. Being her partner for school projects.

10. Being her best friend.

When Gordo finished writing, he read it through over and over. He wasn't doubtful of any part of what he wrote; he meant every letter and every word, but reading those ten things took him back to painful times. He could vividly remember lying in his bed in high school, thinking Miranda would never come back, sitting alone in the classes he didn't have with Lizzie and not getting to decorate his house with her when Hanukkah came. Boy, did thinking of the last one made Gordo actually tear up. An excessive amount of liquid dripped down his cheeks and onto the journal.

"I shouldn't be crying," Gordo spoke to himself as he dried his tears on the page with his sleeve. He pushed the journal aside and checked that the clips had finished loading into the computer. "This film will change everything."

Gordo started editing everything he'd accumulated together. He added titles, pictures and music. Once satisfied, he reviewed the film one last time. He cried again but of happiness when the pictures of all three of them appeared. The picture that made him cry the most was one focused on Miranda and him.

They were at Lizzie's fourteenth birthday, surrounded by classmates. The photograph seemed to focus on Miranda's face as she kept a longing stare at Gordo, who was looking at the camera with wide eyes; the photo had been a surprise, snapped by Sam. Miranda's face showed every bit of admiration. He could tell just by observing her face. He also remembered how she acted at the party; Miranda had been glued by his side the entire time.

"She'll be by my side again," Gordo said. "Once Lizzie and I can fully apologize and she watches this film."

Gordo called Lizzie, letting her know he finished editing the film and he had put it on a tape. Before that, he got word from Daniella that Miranda was running at the park, so that's where Lizzie and him went to deliver the tape and journal.

Gordo caught Miranda jogging down the cement path that circled the park. He motioned for Lizzie to run after her with him. When they caught up, Miranda quickened her pace. Already breathless, Gordo and Lizzie quickened their pace along with her.

"Miranda, I know you hate me," Gordo shouted. "But I have something for you."

Miranda stopped running, but didn't turn around.

"I'm really sorry for getting mad at you Miranda. I had no idea how hurt you must have been in eighth grade," Lizzie said. "I completely forgive you for leaving."

Miranda turned around, seeing Lizzie's wet eyes. Gordo stepped closer, handing her the journal and tape. "These are for you."

It surprised him when she took the tape from him. "What's the tape?" Miranda asked quiet and soft.

"It's called 'The Miranda Sanchez Project.' Watch it whenever you are ready."

Gordo walked away with Lizzie, thinking he wouldn't hear from Miranda in a long time, if not forever.

But just one week later, Miranda showed up at the Digital Bean, where Gordo and Lizzie sipped iced coffee. Since Gordo faced the doors and Lizzie had her back towards them, he noticed Miranda first. His lips curved high until his teeth poked through in a smile.

"Gordo what?" Lizzie said, smiling herself.

He nodded his head up in the direction of the door. Lizzie twisted her neck to look back. Miranda came closer and soon she was at their table. At first her expression was plain and soft, but when she looked at Gordo then at to Lizzie. She broke down. Her eyes welled and tears flowed out.

"I'm sorry," Miranda choked, putting her head down. "I'm sorry for leaving you guys."

Gordo glanced at Lizzie, his lips quivering into a frown. He looked back at Miranda, fighting his own tears back.

"It's okay," he calmed her. "It's okay."

Lizzie slid to the wall in the booth so Miranda could sit next to her, but she didn't sit down. When Miranda's tears were only just wet eyes, she spoke again.

"I watched the film," Miranda said. "I was speechless." She locked eyes with Lizzie.

"Lizzie, what you said made me cry."

"Really?" Lizzie swallowed.

Miranda kept her eyes on Lizzie and her tears started up again. "I missed you so much," she cried.

Lizzie got out of the booth so she could hug Miranda. "You have no idea how much I missed you," she said, squeezing the girl that always felt like her sister.

Gordo watched them as his heart warmed. He wanted to join the hug so bad, but he knew he had to let them have their own moment. He got his and now it was Lizzie's turn.

"Go hug Gordo," Lizzie said, pulling apart. "He deserves it. The whole film was his idea."

Miranda smiled at her then took a peek at Gordo behind Lizzie. He gazed at her with a small grin, knowing what was about to happen. The second he slid out if the booth and stood up, Miranda leaped to him and nearly knocked him over in a heavy hug. Gordo closed his eyes, clinging onto her. He held Miranda like it would keep her from ever leaving again.

"I love you," Miranda whispered to him.

Gordo frozen in the hug and shot his eyes open.

"As a best friend," Miranda finished with a smile even though he couldn't see it.

Gordo chuckled, still holding her. "Does that mean you no longer hate me?"

"Duh."

He let go of her, but stayed inches apart.

"Then I love you too."

He looked at Lizzie. "See I told you everything would work out."

Lizzie walked up to him quickly and spun him around so he faced her. "You are a genius Gordo!" she gushed, hugging him. "My little genius."

Gordo grinned, but when he caught Miranda's expression, he frowned. She bit her bottom lip as she stared at the floor and she dug her fingers into her arm. Gordo removed himself from Lizzie.

"You okay Miranda?"

She smiled, tucking hair behind her ear. "Yeah of course, totally."

Judging by how quickly she answered and how fake he could tell her smile was, Gordo didn't believe she was actually okay.