Chapter 33

A/N—I enjoyed writing this story, but since it's been so long since I updated, this chapter will most likely be the end. I don't have time to write much anymore.

Ten years after the accident. Lizzie is sitting at her desk, writing in her diary.

It's been ten years since the accident. Sometimes I can't believe I'm sitting here, alive, writing in this diary of mine. It seems silly writing in a diary like some kid, but I just can't help keeping it. She chuckles to herself. Well, that's okay. I guess it's okay to be a kid now and then.

She fingers the rings on her left hand. My life's so different than it was before the accident. Gordo and I got married the day after high school graduation. Mom didn't want me to get married so young because she thought I'd never go to college then. I promised her I would. In fact, I graduated top of my class. Imagine, me, Lizzie McGuire Gordon, graduating at the top of her class! It got me a full ride to graduate school too! Now, I'm a Life Skills Instructor at my old elementary school. Who would've thought I'd go into that? The school board was skeptical about hiring a blind person for that job, but who better to help kids who are blind than someone who is herself? I love working with the kids, especially one named Cindy. She's just like me--feisty. She had a brain tumor and lost her sight. Fortunately, the doctors got it all and it shouldn't come back, but she lost her sight. Still, she's a trooper, and I know she'll be okay………

She hears Gordo come up the stairs.

Gordo: Lizzie, I'm home!

Lizzie: I'm in here.

Gordo: Kisses her on the cheek. How was your day?

Lizzie: Good. Cindy was feisty today. She threw her cane down the hall.

Gordo: Laughs. She's just like you.

Lizzie: I know. Smiling. She's great.

A baby cries in the distance.

Gordo: I'll get her.

Lizzie: No, I will. She goes into the baby's room. A blonde hair, brown eyed baby, about 4 months old, is crying in her crib. Hey Maddie. How's my baby girl? She picks up the baby and walks to the rocking chair. Are you hungry? Let's get you something to eat.

Gordo: Enters the room. When are your folks coming over?

Lizzie: They should be here right about (DING DONG!) now.

Gordo: I'll get it.


Gordo opens the door. Sam, Jo, Matt and Melina enter.

Jo: Hi David. It's good to see you. Lizzie must be upstairs.

Gordo: She's feeding the baby.

A few minutes later, Lizzie joins the family. She passes Maddie to her grandmother.

Jo: Maddie, my baby! Come to Grandma! She holds her hands out. How are you, Lizzie?

Lizzie: Tired, but I'm fine. I didn't know it would be so hard going back to work. I miss her all day. I feel I scarred her for life.

Gordo: I keep telling her mom worked outside the home.

Matt: And look how you turned out.

Lizzie: I think Doctor Gordon turned out just fine. She snakes her arm around her husband.

Jo: Rolls her eyes. The fighting never ends.

Sam: Trying to lighten the situation. I'm hungry. Let's eat.


The family finishes dinner and Matt taps on his glass.

Matt: I have an announcement to make.

Gordo: You made an A on your midterm.

Matt: Ha. Ha. Actually, I made two, but that's not the announcement.

Lizzie: No, that's a miracle.

Jo: Lizzie!

Matt: May I continue?

Sam: What's stopping you?

Matt: Ahem. You know Melina and I have been dating since forever.

Gordo: That's what they're calling it nowadays.

Matt: Contines. Anyway, I asked Melina to marry me.

Melina: And I actually said yes. What was I thinking?!

Jo: Screams and hugs her son. My baby boy's getting married!

Gordo: Congratulations, kid.

Matt: Thanks.

Lizzie: Yeah, you two are perfect for each other. Congrats.

Sam: Have you set a date yet?

Matt: Preferably around Christmastime.

Melina: Yeah, before I get as big as a house.

Jo: Coughs. You two are………?

Matt: Yep. In May.

Lizzie: Wow, Matt! You really do things up big.

Matt: Always have.

Lizzie: Congratulations. The baby starts whimpering. Here, hold your niece. You need the practice.


That night. Everyone's left, Maddie's asleep, and Gordo and Lizzie are in bed.

Lizzie: What a night!

Gordo: It was sure eventful.

Lizzie: Imagine. My brother getting married and becoming a father.

Gordo: I feel for the kid. With Matt and Melina as its parents, the poor kid doesn't have a chance.

Lizzie: Gordo, that's awful! She playfully swats at him, and gets up.

Gordo: Where are you going?

Lizzie: I can't sleep. My mind's racing too much. I think I'll go sit outside for a bit. I won't be too long. Goodnight.

Gordo: Goodnight. He kisses her goodnight and goes to sleep.


Lizzie sits outside and writes in her diary.

What a night! Matt and Melina are getting married and expecting a baby. They don't know what they're in for. I just hope they're ready for this. Mom sounded like she was going to pass out from shock. Dad didn't sound too good either. Speaking of shock, I took another test today. It's positive. So, in about eight months, Maddie's gonna be a big sister. Two babies in over a year. Yikes! At least I know a good nurse midwife. Miranda was great when Maddie was born. Who knew she'd decide to go into midwifery. I think when she wound up having to deliver her brother our senior year in college, she decided that's what she wanted to do for a living.

Like I said earlier, it's been ten years since the accident. Do I wish it never happened? Sometimes. I think more than anything, I wish I could see what Maddie looked like or what this baby will look like. Also, I'd give almost anything to look into my husband's eyes again. However, I like my life. I've got a family that loves me, a gorgeous husband, a beautiful daughter, another baby on the way, a future sister-in-law and niece or nephew, and lots of friends, especially Miranda.

Anyway, what would I say to that scared fourteen, almost fifteen-year-old? I'd say that although there are going to be some challenges along the way, that her life was going to be good.

Yes, life is good.

THE END

A/N—hope you enjoyed it!