Broken in Two
Author's note: I am soo sorry that it's taken me two months to update, it wasn't my intention, I guess life just got in the way. I hope the new chapter is ok, and there's a twist in there for you. You get to vote at the end of the chapter, there's another A/N there. I love reviews so please write a little something, and I'll try to be faster with the next chapter. Thanks to my beta, and for all the reviews.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with Veronica Mars, cause if I did, Piz wouldn't even exist.
Summary: This is pre-series, takes place right after Shelley's party, and deals with everything that happened after that. This is my take on things.
Veronica woke with a start, hurled herself out of bed, and ran towards the bathroom only to find herself dry-heaving over the toilet. Great, even my body is reacting to the fact that I have to go back to school today. As if being constantly reminded last night by nightmare after nightmare wasn't enough.
As Veronica finally made her way towards the breakfast table she immediately noticed a glum look on her father's face. But he said nothing. She sat silently for a while, eating her cereal, pretending not to notice that her father was staring at her with worry. Finally she had enough.
"Ok dad, just spit it out. Whatever's on your mind; tell me already. Cause me and my cereal are getting a little self-conscious what with you staring at us like that."
"Oh, sweetie, I didn't mean to stare. I just can't seem to remember when it was that you got this big. It seems like it was just yesterday that you were running around the backyard, with your little blonde pig-tails, chasing butterflies." Keith replied with a smirk.
"First of all, it was bumblebees, not butterflies. And second, I didn't run. I hopped. Now, will you please tell me the real reason for your excruciating stare Mr Mars?"
Keith sighed. She's always been able to read me like an open book. Not just me, anyone. Maybe she could follow in my footsteps, and make a pretty good P.I some day. She sure could fool anyone with her sweet-as-sugar-smile.
"I'm just worried about you honey, with today being the first day back at school and all. I know it was hard on you before Christmas break, and I don't want you to feel pressured to show up. If you need a couple of more days, just say the word and I'll call the school."
"Dad, I'm fine with it. Bygones. Ok? You don't need to worry about me, I'm sure things have settled down a bit." Veronica forced a smile.
"Ok." Keith got up and kissed her on the forehead. Ok honey, but you're not fooling me, not for a second. You're not that good, not yet, and I hope you never will be.
Breathe Veronica, just breathe. You've walked into this school a thousand times. Just open your car door, get out and start walking towards your locker. It's just another day, like any other day.
As soon as Veronica got out of her car she noticed the stares.
"Oh, look, McSlut has decided to show her face." A voice called out. Veronica immediately recognized it as Madison Sinclair, the wicked witch of western California.
Laughter enveloped the student body, as Veronica pushed her way towards the front entrance, trying her hardest to ignore the headache that was surely coming. As soon as she reached her locker, she knew that this wasn't just another day. This day would go down in the history books as the first day that slut was sprawled across her locker, with an inerasable marker. And they say the youth of today has no intelligence and lacks imagination. I wonder where they got that idea.
"Hey Veronica, how was your Christmas break?" A male voice asked from behind her and even though it was sugar-coated and sickeningly sweet Veronica knew better than to let her guard down.
"What do you want Logan? Admiring your artwork?"
"What do you mean Ronnie? I wouldn't ever write anything like that on a friend's locker." Logan smirked, as he spun around and walked away.
I guess I can't count on Logan being happy to see me. I've already been ousted, and it's not even first period yet. At least I don't have to avoid the stares from 09ers in my English class, maybe I'll even be able to breathe without receiving a stabbing remark from someone.
Veronica was wrong. About a lot of things. First period English had been vicious, especially since she walked in there with something resembling confidence. She hadn't counted on taunts from the 09er wannabes. She hadn't counted on getting spitballs stuck in her hair. And she definitely hadn't been prepared to dine alone in the quad. She ended up eating her lunch in the girls' bathroom because she couldn't stand the starring anymore. Eventually, the day had to end, of that Veronica was fairly certain. But as with everything else, she hadn't counted on the 09ers releasing all the air from her tires. Oh, Lily, what I wouldn't give for you to come save me right now. And what I wouldn't give to get rid of these nasty headaches I've been having.
"Hey Blondie, wait up."
Veronica smiled, and counted her first blessing of the day.
"Hi Weevil…"
"How you holding up?"
"I'm doing alright. Actually, I was wondering…" Veronica nervously trailed of.
"Spit it out, V."
Veronica's head snapped up and she looked him straight in the eye.
"I was wondering if you could do me a favour."
"Sure, as long as it's not illegal. I've got enough of those problems on my own."
"Well, I was thinking that maybe you could take me to see your uncle. And ask him if maybe he could do a tattoo for me."
"You want to get a tattoo?" Weevil eyed Veronica suspiciously.
"Yeah, I need a reminder."
"Ok… Well, hop on. I'll take you there right now."
As Weevil slowed down his bike, and pulled up outside of the tattoo-shop Veronica did her best to hide her anxiety by steadying her breathing. I can't believe I've actually ridden on his motorcycle three times already. Dad would kill me if he ever found out. And I pray to God that he won't find out about me getting a tattoo, but maybe God isn't on my side when it comes to stuff like this. Jesus, what am I doing? Oh, I think I might be sick…
"You ok there, V? You're looking a little green." Weevil smirked as he glanced back towards Veronica.
"No, I'm fine. Just because I'm not a veteran, like you, when it comes to tattoos doesn't mean I'm not ready. I'm not scared, ok? I mean, how bad can it hurt?" Veronica replied cheekily, not knowing who she was trying harder to convince.
"Whatever you say Shorty." Weevil laughed as he walked through the door.
Veronica stopped for a minute, took a deep breath and then followed him with determination.
Veronica lingered in front of the hallway mirror, examining the black ink that stood out like fire on the pale skin covering her left pelvic bone. She would now be forever reminded that she was stronger than them, strong enough to keep going. A change is gonna come. Those words will forever mean everything to me. It won't always be like this, I will get through this year, through high school and I'll get out of this town. Change is inevitable, and I refuse to give up just yet. They won't win Lily, you wouldn't let them and neither will I.
As Veronica slowly traced the lettering on her skin, her hand flew up to her mouth and before she could register any thought she ran into the bathroom and threw up. Oh god, there goes breakfast. And lunch. And the peanut butter cookies I made Weevil stop at the 7/11 for. I can't believe I ate the whole box; I don't even like peanut butter all that much. I've just been so tired lately. I'm sure it's nothing. Stress can make your body act weird right? I'm sure I'm just stressed out, about everything…
(Flashback to Shelley's party.)
Veronica lingered around the corner listening to her friends' voices and immediately felt guilty about eaves-dropping on them.
"I can't believe she came, Logan. I mean, what kind of a person does something like that? Forget about her and Duncan, she betrayed Lily. If Lily was here right now, she would have royally bitched her out of the group. You did the right thing." Madison went on, totally oblivious to the fact that Logan was anything but interested in her opinion.
"Really, you think?" Logan asked pensively.
"Of course!" Madison shrieked.
"Cause here I thought she was Lily's best friend. And for a moment there, I was actually contemplating whether or not I did the right thing by shunning her. But your little pep-rally totally won me over Madison." Logan's voice was dripping of sarcasm as he began to walk away.
The line above here shouldn't be there. I just can't seem to remove it hehe.
"You're welcome Logan, I know both you and I have only the best interest of the group at heart.
"What heart?" Logan muttered.
Veronica just stood there, frozen in place. I refuse to give up on our friendship Logan. You're just hurting. And if you need someone to blame for a while that's ok. I know that behind all of that anger, my best friend is still in there somewhere. I won't give up.
A silent tear made its way down Veronica's cheek as she turned and walked towards the crowd. Five minutes later, she had a drink in her hand. And as the whispers and stares started getting to her, she had her first sip.
(End of flashback)
The next morning Veronica tried her best to prepare herself for taunts and ridicule and slut smeared on her locker. They say you should always expect the unexpected, so she really should've held out for kindness. But no such luck, slut (with other various adjectives added) once again stood out against the other perfectly flawless lockers next to hers. Mr Clemmons said he'd get the janitorial unit on it, I guess he's just had more important things to do this morning, Yay me!
"Whatcha doing? Admiring your artwork Ronnie?"
Veronica turned around, wanting nothing more than to wipe that smirk off of Logan's face. But as she prepared herself for battle, she not only saw the entire 09-crew behind him, smirking as well but, for a short second she also saw hurt in Logan's eyes. And just like that her heart melted.
"Whatever Logan." She managed to squeeze out, then turned and walked away.
"What? That's the best you could do? Come on Ronnie, give me something to work with here." Logan laughed.
As Veronica walked away she thought she saw Duncan standing around the corner, and she couldn't help but think that throughout everything he was standing idly by, as always.
Logan just needs time, right? He's hurting, I know he is. I know he's still my best friend. Quite the best friend you've got Veronica, backing stabbing and sugary-sweet, all rolled into one. But I made a promise to him that I'd never give up on him. I can't give up yet, I can't prove him right.
(Flashback to Logan's house)
"Logan, you're mom said it was ok for me to come back here. Logan. Where are you?" Veronica yelled out, as she made her way into the pool house.
She heard a noise coming from the bathroom, and quietly knocked on the door.
"Logan?" She couldn't help the concern in her voice as she opened the door.
And there he was, leaning against the bathtub, crying into his hands. As if his world was slowly starting to crumble.
Veronica rushed to his side, and immediately wrapped her arms around him.
"Ronnie, please, just go."
"Not until you tell me what's wrong." Veronica replied sternly.
"It's nothing ok, just leave it alone."
"I will not, you know I'm just far too nosy." Veronica said, trying to coax a smile out of him.
"Yeah, I know." Logan looked into her eyes, and Veronica had never seen such sadness in anyone before.
"Oh Logan, I promise not to tell a soul, whatever it is that's happened. But if you don't want to talk about it that's fine too, I'm here either way." She hugged him once again.
"I can't talk about it Ronnie, but will you promise me one thing?"
"Anything, I will do anything you ask."
"Anything?" Logan said, wiggling his eyebrows.
"Logan, be serious!" Veronica laughed.
"Just promise me you'll never leave me? That you won't give up on me?"
Even if Logan hadn't sounded as heartbroken and serious as he did, Veronica wouldn't have had a problem saying what she said next: because it was Logan.
"I promise, I won't ever give up on you. I couldn't."
(End of flashback)
As Logan made his way out of the boys' bathroom, he didn't even have time to blink before someone pushed him back inside.
"What the hell?!" Logan yelled once he saw Weevil standing before him. He caught a glimpse of the rest of the PCHers guarding the door as it slammed shut in front of him.
"Now you listen, you little punk-ass bitch. I've seen what you and your little 09-er friends are doing to Veronica. Writing slut on her locker, throwing spitballs in her hair. Not even letting her finish her freaking lunch. And don't even get me started on your ridiculous taunts. She was your friend man, she didn't do anything wrong, so all of this ends right here and now. No more games, cause then you and your little toadies will answer to me. Do you hear?" Weevil threatened.
"What, she's doing you now too?" Logan smirked.
Before Logan could react, Weevil punched him straight in the eye.
"Jesus, man. It was a joke!" Logan wasn't stupid enough to punch back, not with the PCHers right outside. And not when he knew he was the one who'd done something wrong.
"You'll leave her alone, or that black eye won't be the only thing you're sporting." Weevil said as he made his way out of the bathroom.
I'll leave her alone, when I want to. She picked a side, now she has to stick to it. And it's not like she's even that concerned with what I'm saying to her. It's like she couldn't care less. What, a new haircut and some combat boots, and she's all of as sudden a new person? We'll see about that.
Another day was finally coming to an end. Earlier Veronica had made her 'how to survive high school list'. Only something along the lines of 980 days until graduation, which seemed like eternity considering Veronica barely kept her head above water when she was at school. She could take the staring and even the taunts from some people. But what hurt the most was how easily the insults seemed to fly out of Logan's mouth. She'd seen the black eye at lunch, and assumed it was Weevil's doing. He'd of course played coy when she confronted him about it, and she ended up just saying that she didn't condone violence. He'd just smiled and walked away. She, however, couldn't just look the other way. Logan used to be one of my best friends. And now he acts as if he doesn't know me at all. As if I'm just another girl, living on the wrong side of the tracks.
"Hey Veronica, wait up." Veronica recognized Mac's voice, the girl she had run into at the mall over Christmas break.
"Hey Mac, what's up?" Veronica faked a small smile.
"Not much. Um, I was thinking we could maybe head to the mall and look into a computer like you wanted." Mac asked herself if Veronica could really be as ok as she wanted to appear. I know I wouldn't be after days of rumours and taunting from the entire student body.
"Yeah, I'd like that. Do you have a car? Cause mine isn't very functional at the moment." Veronica replied, as she glimpsed down on her empty tires. Again.
"Yeah, it's the old wreck of a car over there. It barely runs, I mostly keep it around for status." Mac smiled.
"I know what you mean; the old LeBaron over here doesn't exactly scream functionality."
Veronica and Mac drove towards the mall mostly in silence, discussing some songs on the radio every once in a while. They both felt at ease though, like they knew that they didn't need to feel forced to say anything around each other. As they made their way across the mall parking lot Veronica paused momentarily as she felt her phone begin to vibrate.
Veronica glanced down at her phone. Unknown caller. After the last 24-hours of prank calls Veronica knew better than to answer and just hit ignore.
One new message. I hope it's just dad, although with all likelihood it's one of my dear friends leaving me a nice little message. Rip off the band-aid Veronica, it's bound to hurt less any second now.
"Veronica, this is Doctor Petersen. I have your test-results back, and I think it would be best if you could come in for a talk. Give me a call, and we'll set up an appointment. Talk to you soon. Bye."
Veronica began to zoom out as soon as she recognized the voice at the end of the line.
"Who was it Veronica?" Mac asked curiously.
When Veronica didn't answer, Mac immediately turned and saw the tears running down Veronica's face.
"Veronica? What's wrong?"
Veronica looked into Mac's eyes, a mixture of devastation and horror playing across her face.
"Mac, I think I might be pregnant…"
Author's note: I have three possible outcomes that I'm gonna let you all choose from. One, she's pregnant and decides to keep it. Two, she isn't pregnant and hence doesn't need to decide if she's gonna keep it. And three, she's pregnant and decides not to keep it. And if you don't want her to be pregnant cause you don't want Duncan or Cassidy to be the father, then don't worry. It'd be Casey. Haha, just kidding. Vote, and give criticism, and hopefully it won't be two months before I write another chapter.