It started out with just a little smile across the lunch table. He stared at her for just a second longer than he should have. It's almost like they were speaking to each other telepathically.

I take a bite of my hot dog and swig down some of my Blix. My stomach feels sick to the core. Now Quinn is smiling at him as the rest of our friends chatter on, not a care in the world. It's probably all in my head, but I feel like something in my blissful world has…well, shifted. It was probably going to bug me the rest of the afternoon, and probably into the wee hours of the morning, just trying to figure it all out.

I had to stop the million thoughts rushing through my mind. I put my arm around her neck and kissed her. Usually, we're not the type of couple that displays public affection, but it did numb my sickening thoughts and images of Quinn and Vince. The intoxicating smell of her vanilla perfume and her delicate hands running through my fluffed hair (thanks Juanita!) was all I could think about.

Whistling and cat calls put an end to it, and we pulled away, and Michael and Chase laughed.

I noticed Vince slumped down in his chair and sighed, glaring at me. Damn. Through those brown eyes, I swore I saw the old Vince Blake through them. The same maddening, brooding eyes he had before he beat me, Chase, and Michael up.

He looked away as Lola asked him, "Want some of my grapes?" while Chase and Zoey fake-pouted in the background (them and their obsession with grapes).

"I'm…not in the mood for grapes right now, babe. I'm sure Zoey and Chase would be happy to have them," he said with a phony smile.

Although I couldn't stand Lola, I always felt a little protective over her since she started dating Vince. There was always the possibility of her getting hurt, and I couldn't stand seeing her hurt. She always pretended like everything was just fine with all the other countless guys, but I could see it in her eyes that she it was far from alright. I swear I see her give Chase that look sometimes, although I had no clue why. Those poignant eyes made ceaseless shivers go up and down my spine.

"You okay, Logan?" Quinn whispers in my ear, her curtain of wavy brunette hair falling in front of her, tickling my chin.

"Fine," I muttered. Any second I was going to be sick, I just know it.

A few minutes later, the bell rang, and our friends headed on to their next classes. Vince had his arm around Lola's shoulders, but I saw him glance back at me and Quinn, that same haunting stare.

Well, there's 10 minutes before class begins. I slip her soft hand in mine, and lead her to our favorite make-out place. I press against her as she kiss and kiss endlessly. She fingers my cheeks, as I slither my hands down to her slender frame. Soon enough, I can't seem to stop.

She pushes away, "Logan…what has gotten into you?" she asks.

I didn't want to tell her what I saw at lunch. Although Quinn was probably the most understanding girlfriend I've ever had, I have a feeling she wouldn't believe me. I simply shrugged my shoulders.

"First at lunch, now here."

"You sound pissed," I say bluntly.

"I'm not it's just…" she trails off.

"You didn't like that?" Why do I feel so damn vulnerable at this point?

"Just…not in the mood," she crosses her arms and sighs.

I try to avoid the fact that this could have something to do with Vince. Instead, I laugh and say, "Who's ass do I have to kick today?"

She sniffs like she's about to cry, "Just…it's nothing. Look, I need to class now." She grabs her purple backpack and hurries off. She doesn't look back.

XxX

I wanted so badly to cheer her up that night and take her to Sushi Rox. I couldn't stand to see Quinn unhappy. But afterall, she was being pretty cold and distant today. Maybe we just needed a little space for the night.

Me and Michael decided to bring out the video games, popcorn, and Blix for just a night in the dorm room. Since Chase was on a date with Zoey, we decided to invite James along.

Soon, I was just losing myself in the game. I forgot all the complications with my girlfriend, and fell into the exhilarating rush of the game. I was just about to totally beat the high score when my phone rings.

Lola's picture shows up on the caller ID.


Dun dun dun! A cliffhanger!

I'm thinking this will be a three-shot.

And by the way, this is NOT for Quogan day. I will be writing a fluffy little one-shot for the lovely couple that is Quogan for that wonderous day ;)

~HOTL~