Changes

The sun was just setting. The sky was an array of pink, orange, and purple. Lizzie McGuire sighed as she watched the calming sight. Snapping a picture she set her camera down and leaned back in her porch swing. At 16 she was content and happy with her life. She had a loving family and some great friends; namely Gordo and Miranda. She had just received her drivers license and the summer before Junior year was beginning.

Lizzie stood up and took on last look at the breathtaking sight of the ocean and sunset before going inside.

"Mom?" She asked.

"Hmm?" Her mother was wrapped in a blanket on the couch reading a Mary Higgens Clark book.

"I'm going to the mall with Miranda and she's sleeping over. Did you fill the car?"

"Mm hmm…." She replied, not moving from her position.

"Okay see you later."

Lizzie walked up the stairs to her room and put her camera next to her computer. Plugging the memory card in she downloaded the pictures. There were about fifty pictures in one setting. This time there were pictures of her, Miranda, and Gordo on the last day of school. They were smiling and eating, doing the cancan, blowing balloons. Gordo was checking under every table for any gum he had put there over the years, Miranda was singing at the closing ceremonies. Gordo holding her hand with complete satisfaction on his face. They weren't 'together'…yet.

She smiled. Clicking on the picture of the three of them covered with ice cream from the ice cream fight they had 'accidentally' started; she copied and pasted it onto PrintShop where there was a baby blue frame with ice cream sandwiches waiting for it. Happy with the result she clicked print. Out of her printer, on picture paper, came the framed photo, shining from the wet ink.

While it dried she changed. Putting on a blue t-shirt with a monkey on it and a pair of Capri's that hugged her curves she headed downstairs, picture in hand. She slipped her black flip flops on and grabbed the keys.

"Bye mom!" She yelled. "Be back soon, love you!"

"Hmm? Oh bye honey!" Her mom called out. Lizzie shrugged to her mother's disinterest in what she was doing. She hadn't moved from that spot in over a week. Lizzie and Matt had been taking turns feeding her and bringing her new books. Their father had left for a few weeks on business and hadn't called. Jo hadn't spoken more than half a word the whole time, of course it wasn't even a word….unless you classify ugh as a word. Lizzie climbed into her mother's 35 year old Volvo. A hideous car that, to Lizzie, she be destroyed…..or better yet….never invented.

She switched the radio to 94.5 and bounced to the song 1,2,Step as she drove to Miranda's. The picture was in a manila folder in the glove compartment. It was a goodbye present for Gordo. He was going to Rome again. But this time with his parents and he intended to find his own adventure there. Lizzie, although she was happy he'd have a chance to find an adventure, was jealous and upset that he would was leaving. He'd left the summer before their Sophmore year as well….but that was for New Mexico…..and for school. This time it was for fun and in Italy….very far indeed. The song ended a commercial for Oscar Meyer Weiner's came on as Lizzie pulled up in front of Miranda's house.

As Lizzie walked up the sidewalk to Miranda's front door she could see Miranda through the window. She was in her puppy pajamas watching Degrassi: The Next Generation re-runs. She knocked on the door loudly, laughing at Miranda jumping clean into the air. Miranda ran over and opened the door.

"Hey," She said flushed.

"Hey," Lizzie replied, "Ready?" They both looked at Miranda's pajamas and laughed. Both shaking their heads.

"Come on in, sit on the couch. I'll be right back." Miranda said and dashed to her room. Lizzie laid on the couch, taking her flip flops. She look at the screen. Paige had just crashed Spinner's car into Dean's car. She stared at the screen and watched Miranda's favorite show. As soon as the show ended Miranda came into the room dressed in a glitzy pink and black tank top and a pair of jean Capri's along with black high flip flops. Her hair was in one of her many outrageous styles.

"Nice," Lizzie said standing up, putting on her shoes, and pushing some of her blonde ringlets out of her face.

"Thanks," Miranda replied. "Ready to go?" She grabbed her black purse.

"Sure am," Lizzie held up her camera, keys, and credit card. Miranda smiled.

"Let's hit it," Miranda laughed with Lizzie. They climbed into the Volvo. Lizzie turned the radio on. The song The Call came on.

"Oh my god!" Miranda cried. "Backstreet Boys!" Lizzie laughed.

"It's like a total flashback." Lizzie yelled. They sang with the song, surprised they remember the words. They pulled into the mall parking lot. Getting out of the car they locked the doors and linked arms, laughing and joking they entered the mall.

"Race you!" Lizzie yelled.

"You're on!" Miranda replied. They ran down the hall barely missing an old woman. They ran into the swim shop, panting for breath.

"I won," Lizzie declared.

"Yeah right….whatever!" Lizzie laughed and shoved her friend.

"Put my keys n' stuff in your purse will you?" Lizzie asked, handing her things to Miranda. Miranda put them in her purse and grabbed a purple bikini to her right.

"Whattya think?" She asked and held it up.

"Riiight….try it on." Lizzie laughed.

For the next 2 hours Lizzie and Miranda tried on bathing suits, taking pictures. Finally they decided on their suits. Miranda's was a light pink bikini with dark pink and purple stars. Lizzie's was a light blue, boy short bikini set with dark blue waves. They paid for them and left the shop. Heading for the Pretzel store.

"Heck no!" Lizzie said, stopping. "I'm not killing my figure!" She turned and walked towards the exit. Miranda caught up to her.

"What? It's just a pretzel." She grabbed Lizzie's arm.

"That will go straight to our thighs."

"True….look let's just go." they smiled, linked arms, and walked to the car. They never noticed the figure following them out into the night, nor the puddle of gas under the car.