Disclaimer Blah, blah, not mine, blah. Also a bit of a crossover this time with She's the Man.

Playing Hide and Seek With the Truth

Recap: Several new students have enrolled in Neptune High School. Fall sports are beginning. Some 09er parents rigged the school drug test so that Meg and Wallace (among others) tested positive, making them ineligible for sports for the year. Veronica solves the case and clears her friends. Logan and Duncan aren't talking. Keith and Veronica moved back to the apartment so Alicia and her sons won't be affected by his re-election campaign. Duncan is sleeping with Kendall, Madison wants Dick back, Dick is still seeing Betina and has asked Gia out on a date. Beaver is having a rough year so far, and Dick is not helping. Milo has made an impression on some of Neptune's students, and Alexis is the most sought after girl on campus and enjoying it. Milo is revealed to be Malia- a girl. Veronica agrees to keep her secret. The house next to Betina's burns down, and she and Dick continue to hookup. The bikers have an altercation with some of the 09ers. Jake and Woody have both endorsed Keith for Sheriff.

Chapter 4: Cupid's Two Sets of Arrows

(Tuesday, Sept. 13)

Scene opens on an exterior shot of a nice 09er house. In the roundabout drive way, several vehicles including a Porsche, a BMW and a Bronco (SUV) are parked. Inside the camera follows a tall, fit African American man as he walks down a hallway. His picture is featured in several hall decorations. A newspaper headline declares Terrence Cook the best pitcher in the league for the third year running. Another highlights a perfect game that Terrence threw for the Sharks. There are also several Sports Illustrated covers and a framed (flattened) box of Wheaties all featuring the former major league baseball pitcher.

Terrence Cook comes into his daughter's room. This is the snotty girl from the Java Hut. They exchange comments that indicate he was not around in her childhood, and has little tolerance for her teenage attitude. He tells her to get up and ready for school, and that she can't miss another day.

Jackie: Even if I have cramps, you know, from my monthly?

Terrence: (reprimanding/uncomfortable)Jackie!

Jackie: (taunting)Wow, that was pretty fatherly, almost sounded like you've been saying my name in exasperation for years.

Terrence: All right, how about we try this (He drops his bag and walks further into the room.)

You can get your ass out of that bed right now, or you can go back to New York, and explain why you're there to your mom.

Jackie sits up in bed, clearly antagonistic.

Jackie: So, this is how it's gonna be? Clean your room or you can go back to New York? Get straight As or you can go back to New York?

Terrence: Yeah, this is how it's gonna be and you can also add, "Speak to your father with the respect he deserves or you will go back to New York" to your list.

Jackie salutes him, with attitude. Terrence ignores her ire and says he'll be gone for two days and gives her the keys to the Bronco, not the Porsche as she had hoped.

-VM—VM—VM-

Neptune High parking lot. Jackie arrives in the Porsche. She smiles smugly as she checks her hair and makeup in the mirror then checks her watch and hurries towards the school.

-VM—VM—VM-

French class, 1st period. Veronica and Logan are talking to each other quietly, aware that several of their classmates are watching them and trying to listen in. The bell rings to indicate that class has started, and right afterwards, the intercom sounds, and Clemmons' voice comes over the speakers, announcing homecoming court nominees.

Veronica glances at Logan trying to read his face, but he smiles at her calmly and sips his orange juice. Clemmons makes the announcements quickly, clearly not enjoying this aspect of his job. The homecoming king nominees are Duncan, Rams, Luke, Harry Diddon, Jimmy Day, and Wallace. All jocks in various sports. Veronica smiles, making a faux apologetic face at Logan. He shrugs.

Logan: Homecoming is about the guys who play sports. (supremely confident) But Prom is all mine.

She rolls her eyes.

Clemmons starts on the nominees for queen. Kate Rakes, Emma Harris, Britta, Meg, Alexis Wadlow and Veronica. All are cheerleaders except for Veronica. Logan grins at Veronica who looks back at him sourly.

Logan: (loudly) Congratulations Sugarpuss. (confidential tone) Add that to your scholastic record. Yale is sure to be impressed.

She continues to look annoyed.

-VM—VM—VM-

Cut to 1st period Spanish. Duncan smiles but looks down bashfully after Clemmons' announcement. Luke accepts the congratulations of his friends, clearly not taking it seriously. Milo makes a big deal out of how popular Luke is and asking him which girls he's considering as a date. Alexis congratulates both boys and preens for her classmates, listening as Milo and Luke discuss possible girls Luke could take to the dance. She quickly engages both boys in a conversation about what kind of dress she should get. Milo looks annoyed, but Luke is enthralled.

-VM—VM—VM-

School hallway. Wallace accepts the congratulations of his classmates easily as he exits his Algebra II class. He sees Jackie ahead of him and catches up with her.

Wallace: Hey.

-flashback

First day of school. Jackie walks into her 1st period Algebra II class and hands a paper to the teacher, Mrs. Stewart. Wallace is sitting in his desk looking bored, but that expression changes dramatically when he sees Jackie. He sees her attitude but still thinks she's hot.

The teacher reads the slip of paper, leaving Jackie standing at the front of the class. Wallace checks her out with something like awe. Jackie notices and smiles. The teacher hands her back the piece of paper.

Mrs. Stewart: Have a seat. But you should take this to the attendance office after class.

Jackie: And where's that?

Wallace's hand shoots up.

Wallace: (grinning broadly)Mmmm!

Cut to after class. Wallace walks Jackie to the attendance office.

Jackie: (sarcastic) Thanks for taking me. I don't know what I would've done, this school is sooo big.

Wallace: You know, I'm just trying to be a nice guy.

Jackie: How's that working out for ya?

Wallace isn't put off by her attitude.

Wallace: I'll see you around.

Jackie smiles despite herself.

-End Flashback

Back to present day.

Jackie: (disinterested) Oh, hey Wallace.

Wallace: So I was wondering what you're doing this Saturday night? Maybe I could take you out?

Basketball player: Hey Wallace, congratulations man.

Wallace: Thanks.

Wallace turns back to Jackie.

Jackie: Look, you're a nice guy. But I haven't dated a guy in high school since the eighth grade.

Wallace: I'm an old soul. Seriously, these eyes have seen things. Did I mention I'm a nice guy?

Jackie: (trying to sound sophisticated and older than she is)Ah, "nice," the great panty-dropper.

Wallace: Okay, I'm not that nice.

Jackie: Oh, yes you are.

Wallace: How do you know?

Jackie: 'Cause, I haven't tried to make out with you yet.

Wallace: Oh, you're one of those, only like the bad boys. Why do all the hottest girls always have a daddy complex?

Jackie: (annoyed) Daddy complex?

Jackie halts just as they get to the door of the administration office. Wallace turns round to check out why they've stopped.

Wallace: What? I was kidding.

Jackie: We've barely spoken ten words ago and you've already got me analyzed. Get over yourself.

She storms past him towards the administration office door.

Wallace: (sincerely) Jackie, I'm sorry. I was kidding.

She stops at the door, her back to him and her arm up on the door jamb. She turns her head to look back at him and smiles in a mercurial change of temper. She giggles, her tone dismissive, but still teasing.

Jackie: A "whatever, bitch" and a little hard to get action, and we could have had something.

Wallace continues to look hopeful.

-VM—VM—VM-

School hallway. Veronica is standing by her locker alone, rifling through her books, looking for something.

Madison: (sneering) All alone Veronica? Oh, that's so sad.

Madison is walking with Shelly and Jodi Levin, her only two friends. Her popularity had been waning since last year, but with the addition of Alexis to the school, and Kate's apparent disinterest in playing the 09er girls' normal games after the events of the summer (Chester's death, class warfare), Madison was a declining stock.

Veronica turns and smiles, her expression hard.

Veronica: Madison. I've been meaning to have a little chat with you.

Madison scoffs.

Veronica: (offhand) Remember last year, when I agreed to go to Logan on your behalf? I'm pretty sure you broke our deal. (Veronica makes a scared face.) I think you know what that means.

Madison: Whatever Veronica Mars. You can't do anything anymore. Logan dumped you. He dumped you like the trash you are.

Shelly: Uh, I don't think so Madison.

Jodi: Yeah. I saw Logan with her earlier, and they were together. Like together, together.

Madison: (screeching) What? You cheated on him! I told him.

Veronica: Well, one of those statements is true.

Madison: I saw you with the new guy. You just couldn't stand that there was a guy at this school you hadn't spread your legs for so you snuck off with him.

Veronica: No Madison, that's what you would do. Now, how do you think I should handle this?

Jodi looks from Veronica who is completely calm and in control, if angry, and at Madison, who is clearly losing her cool. She makes a quick calculation and slinks away, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire.

Madison: You can't do anything without Logan, and he's not going to be your boyfriend for long. He's only with you 'cause you put out whenever and wherever he wants, and everyone knows it.

Veronica remains calm, but her jaw is tensed.

Veronica: I doubt that very much. But I guess if anyone knows about a boy only staying with you for sex, It'd be you. But I guess circumstances change, right? I mean Dick didn't stay with you and still comes to you for sex. And you're pathetic enough to think that pretending to like it will make him be your boyfriend.

Madison: Don't talk about my boyfriend like that-

Veronica: Dick's not your boyfriend Madison. He's dating Gia. (Madison's eyes grow wide and her face reddens.) He's just fucking you. You see unlike your (air quotes) "pretend" relationship, mine is real. Logan knows I wouldn't cheat on him. And he's not happy with you right now. (Her tone loses its conversational quality, becoming hard and aggressive.) So, watch your back, you pathetic, sycophantic bitch.

Veronica closes her locker and walks away leaving Madison standing there, her mouth hanging open impotently. Shelly smiles awkwardly, shrugs and flounces away.

Shelly: Hey Kate, wait up…

-VM—VM—VM-

Lunch quad. Veronica sits down with Logan who smiles at her.

Logan: Having a good day?

Veronica: As a matter of fact, it's going just swimmingly.

Logan: I heard.

Wallace: (arriving at the table) Ooh-wee. Kitty cat smack down. Sorry I missed it.

Veronica shakes her head and sees Madison follow Dick into the quad.

Madison: But, we're together.

Dick: (clipped speech, clearly annoyed) No, we're not.

Madison: But this summer…

Dick: Was fun. (firmly) But you're not my girlfriend. Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free.

Madison: (angry) Dick Casablancas. You know you love me!

Dick: (dismissive) Sorry babe.

Madison realizes everyone is watching and switches from pathetic to angry, flipping her hair over her shoulder.

Madison: Fine. Remember this day when you want to come crawling back to me. I was the best thing that ever happened to you.

Several guys laugh, both 09ers and 02ers. Madison takes a deep breath lifts her chin and tries to look dignified as she walks back inside.

-VM—VM—VM—

In 6th period physics, Logan and Dick are talking at their work station before the bell. Mac enters and sits at her station behind them with Wallace her normal lab partner.

Dick bumps fists with Logan then moves around to the other's lab table. He nods to Wallace.

Dick: Hey man, trade me today.

Wallace shrugs and moves forward to sit by Logan.

Dick sits on the stool, looking at Mac.

Dick: I missed you today at lunch.

Mac: (absently) You missed me? (looking up at him) Or you didn't see me, missed me?

Dick shrugs.

Mac: I was working on something. Why?

Dick: I wanted to ask for your help.

Mac: OK.

Dick: Listen, it's stupid, but I kinda promised this guy I'd try to set up an event and get some kids involved for a charity he runs.

Mac: (leading)OK.

Dick: And I was thinking, we need a website.

Mac: (slowly) And…

Dick: Come on Mackie, I want you to build it.

She shakes her head, but is smiling.

Dick: I can pay?

She laughs. The teacher enters and Dick continues to try to convince her to help as she tries to shush him.

Mr. Woo: Mr. Casablancas. Is it possible that you will stop talking at some point during my class?

Dick: Sure Mr. Woo, as soon as Mac agrees to help me.

Mr. Woo sighs, Mac flushes as every head in the class turns look at her.

Mr. Woo: Ms. Mackenzie? Help us all out. Please.

Mac: Yeah, sure. Fine.

Mr. Woo: Thank you.

Dick: Awesome.

Dick shuts up long enough for Mr. Woo to finish describing the day's experiment, but as soon as they are assigned to work with their partners Dick starts talking again, explaining about the charity, Invisible Children, to Mac.

Dick: So I met this dude, James, at my mom's house. Anyway he went to Africa with some of his friends and ended up in Uganda. There's this war there…

Mac: The longest war in Africa's history.

Dick: So you've heard about it? Do you know about what happens to the kids? One of the armies kidnaps kids and forces them to be soldiers, so the kids walk for miles to sleep in these locked compounds or whatever to avoid getting taken, and this guy and his friends made a movie about it.

Mac smiles at Dick, never having seen him so enthusiastic about something that wasn't alcohol, surfing, a girl or a party before.

-VM—VM—VM—

Health class. 7th period. Dick enters and stops by where Logan and Veronica are sitting at the back of the class. He puts one hand on each of their chairs and leans down.

Dick: How's my favoritest couple ever?

Veronica jumps.

Dick: (to Veronica) Ho-La, Chiquita.

Veronica: Dick. I think we need to expand my "don't touch me rule" to include "maintaining a safe distance."

Logan smirks.

Dick: Don't be like that Chiquita. You know we're buds. You've seen me without my underwear, I've seen you in your underwear…

He smiles at her tauntingly. Veronica glares back at him.

Veronica: Stop calling me Chiquita. You don't say that to girls you that can barely stand you.

Dick: Where I learned Spanish, you do.

She looks exasperated.

Veronica: Run along Dick.

Dick: (to Logan) Dude, V's super bitchy today. Feed her or fuck her, but do something.

Veronica's eyes widen and she looks like she's considering taking out her taser. Logan laughs, but jerks his head to indicate Dick should go. He reaches out to stop Veronica from getting her taser.

Logan: Ignore him.

Veronica: (indignant) Ignore-

Logan: Yeah. You brought this on yourself when you dragged him into your fight with Madison. She's on the warpath and Dick's already collateral damage.

She purses her lips together, clearly still not happy.

Later. The class is supposed to be working on an assignment, but most are just talking. Dick is sitting with Gia, clearly flirting.

Dick: So when do you want to go out again?

Gia: I don't know. My dad is making me go to one of his election campaign events this Friday, but maybe Thursday?

Dick: Sure, pick you up at eight?

Gia: Uh-huh.

She smiles. Madison enters and hands Ms. Hauser some Xeroxed copies. She looks up to see Dick with Gia and storms in their direction.

Madison: You home wrecker.

Gia: Who?

Madison: You!

Gia: Me?

Madison: You stole my Dick!

Gia: Your Dick?

Gia glances at Dick who shrugs. He is relaxed, and makes no effort to engage in the girls' argument. Several of the other students in class laugh at the ridiculous and now leading conversation.

Madison: Dick is my boyfriend.

Another girl in class who doesn't like Madison, having been her frequent victim over the years pipes up.

Girl: EX-boyfriend. At least that's what I heard. The whole school is talking about it.

Gia: You went out with Dick?

Madison: Arh!

Madison stomps away since Gia is too clueless to even engage in the fight properly.

Veronica smiles, sitting back in her seat to watch Madison have another tough moment.

-VM—VM—VM-

After school. Luke looks up from the soccer field to see Alexis sitting in the bleachers. He smiles, thinking she might be there to watch him, but then frowns as she gets up to leave. Luke walks to the fence to see where she is going and watches as she meets up with Enbom in the parking lot.

Later. Luke, Milo, and several of their other teammates end practice and stream towards the school. Luke is disheartened to see that Alexis and Enbom are still sitting together in front of the school talking.

Milo/Malia: It's all right man. He's got a girlfriend, you're still in the game.

Luke tries to smile, but still looks unhappy.

Milo/Malia: So tomorrow we got to get her to see how many girls want you.

Luke: How are we going to do that?

Milo/Malia: Easy man. Just call in a few favors from some hotties.

Luke shakes his head, his bad mood temporarily erased by Milo's effervescence, oddness, and complete faith in himself.

-VM—VM—VM-

Mars Investigations. The office is filled with campaign signs declaring Mars for Sheriff. Keith is on the phone in his office. The conversation entails Keith talking to the PI he'd helped train and sometimes used to help on cases, Alexi. Alexi is based in LA, but if Keith wants to know if Alexi has any interested in moving to Neptune and taking over Mars Investigations if Keith wins the election.

Keith: Business is pretty good. Steady. And of course you can chase bail jumpers from any location.

Keith listens as Alexi says he'll think it over, but isn't sure if he wants to leave his own practice which had just begun to break even.

Keith: I understand. I have a few other options, but I wanted to talk to you first. I just don't want to leave people with only one option if that option is Vinnie.

Both Alexi and Keith laugh as they rehash some of Vinnie's shadier scams.

(Wednesday, Sept. 14)

Neptune High. Milo/Malia is waiting for Veronica before school. Veronica sees him nodding to her rather insistently and bids Logan goodbye quickly with a kiss, before disappearing into the school with Milo. Logan frowns.

Cut to inside a dark empty classroom.

Milo/Malia: (normal girl voice)I need help.

Veronica: Yeah you do, your sideburns are all crooked.

Milo/Malia frowns and peers at her reflection in the window, fixing the item in question.

Milo/Malia: No. I promised Luke I'd help him get Alexis.

Veronica: Why? You obviously like him.

Milo/Malia: But he likes Alexis, and yeah, she's a total pod person, but I promised I'd help him.

Veronica sighs.

Veronica: If they get together you'd better hope it doesn't last long. I like Luke. He's a decent guy, he doesn't deserve a gold-digger like her.

Milo/Malia: (miserable) I know. Please?

Veronica: Fine. What do you need?

Milo/Malia smiles and pulls off her wig, scratching her head with gusto.

Milo/Malia: OK, so it needs to look like girls are all over him. (pauses) Hey, why aren't girls all over him? He's totally hot.

Veronica: I don't know.

Malia twists her hair back up, and pulls the short wig on.

Milo/Malia: Huh. Anyway. Can you get some of your girl friends to sit with him at lunch?

Veronica: Probably.

Milo/Malia: They just need to sit and talk to him. Flirt a little.

Veronica: Sure. I'll ask. Meg can probably get a few too.

Milo/Malia: But no one that will tell Alexis-she-bitch that it's a set up.

Veronica: Got it.

Milo/Malia: Thanks, you're a lifesaver.

Veronica: Wait. While I'm making Luke into big stud what are you going to be doing?

Milo/Malia: Sealing the deal. That and avoiding your boyfriend.

Veronica: Don't worry about Logan, I talked to him.

Milo/Malia: Like talked to him, told him what I'm doing?

Veronica: No, talked to him, told him to back off.

Milo/Malia: Oh. Whew. He's a bit…

Veronica: Intense?

Milo/Malia: I was going to go with scary, but intense works. Thanks V, gotta run.

Milo takes off and Veronica smiles.

-VM—VM—VM—

Veronica makes her way to her 1st period French class and sits down by Logan.
Veronica: Bonjour beau gosse. (Hello handsome.)
Logan looks at her dispassionately, clearly not pleased with her disappearing act earlier or her partner in crime.
Veronica: Handsome, patient, sexy boyfriend. Beau, patient, sexy petit ami.
She stumbles over the French, punching the words into an instant web translator on her phone.

Logan: Tu as oublié compréhensif. (You forgot understanding.) Tout à fait confiant, pas jaloux, et méritant une autre récompense pour avoir dû regarder ma capricieuse petite amie disparaitre avec un autre gars à nouveau, sans explication. Encore.
Veronica: (smiles winningly) I'm going to need you to go slower.
Logan: Completely secure, not jealous, and deserving of another reward since I had to watch my wayward girlfriend disappear with another guy again, without explanation. Again.
Veronica: (uncomfortable with his scolding) Oh.

Logan: Je vais avoir besoin de vous pour aller plus lentement. (And I'm going to need you to meet me in the girls' bathroom during journalism.)
Veronica: (nose scrunching) Huh?
Logan: You owe me. Il suffit de dire oui. (Just say yes.)
Veronica: What?
Logan: Quoi?
Veronica: Quoi, que, what? (mixing French and Spanish)

Logan: What is quoi... I thought you wanted to learn.
Veronica: What I want right now is to know what you just said.
Logan: (darkly insistent) All you need to do is say yes.
Veronica: OK, yes then.
Logan: Oui.
Veronica: (exasperated at being schooled in French without any clue what he's saying) Oui.
Logan: Good, I promise you'll enjoy it.
Veronica: Wait. What did I just agree to?
Logan: (clearly not answering, but repeating her question in French) Attends. Je viens de dire oui à quoi?
Veronica: Fine. Just remember that I'm not the only one withholding information.

-VM—VM—VM-

Lunch time. Students linger in the halls, talking and putting their books away before slowly making their way to their lunch spots. Logan and Veronica exit the girls' bathroom with flushed cheeks and wrinkled clothes, and walk hand in hand towards a classroom. The white board welcomes them to FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America).

VVO: Since most of my extra-curricular activities cannot be divulged under state law, dear Becky strongly suggested I indulge in a little resume packing. So as of now, Veronica Mars…is a Future Business Leader of America.

Dick: Uh, sure you're not looking for the Future Booty-shakers of America?

Veronica gives a "You're so funny" laugh as she grits her teeth at his continued taunting her about finding her in her underwear at Logan's.

Veronica: Actually Dick, I'm pretty sure you were the one shaking your ass on stage in Mexico.

Dick grins.

Dick: Good times.

Veronica: But really, I thought Bootlickers would be more to your liking. Considering your taste in girls.

Dick: Watch it Chiquita. Logan told me to play nice, but you're asking for it.

Veronica: Ooh.

A food delivery guy enters and reads Logan's name off the order sheet. Logan beckons him over.

-VM—VM—VM-

Cut to the lunch area outside. Luke looks stunned as a constant stream of girls sit at his table or walk past flirtatiously. Meg and her two friends Cristina and Sarah sit with him throughout. Britta, Karen and Kate join them later. Rams flops down pulling Kate into his lap. Karen's boyfriend Keith looks at her oddly as she laughs and teases Luke, but they're all friends so he goes back to his lunch. Carmen walks past and enthuses over how great of a date Luke was to Prom, and that if he needs a date again she'd be happy to go with him. Angie, who normally acted like she was made of ice walks past and waves at Milo cutely. Milo nods back. Many more girls come by, some in on the set up, others like Amanda (Logan's former crush), Harmony Carpenter, and Emma Harris (who had dated Luke before) just drawn to the nexus since Luke was the center of attention that day.

About ten minutes into the display Alexis stands up and drags her sister Emily along with her, sitting herself right next to Luke at the table. Luke looks at Milo gratefully, but doesn't notice when the other boy leaves looking sad a few minutes later.

-VM—VM—VM-

Cut back to FBLA. The teacher, a jovial rotund man, with a receding hairline welcomes them and invites them to sit in any open seat. Most of the desks are pushed to the back walls with several forming a loose semicircle facing the front of the room. Logan and Veronica are still standing. The only two desks left avail are on either side of Duncan. All three look awkward.

Duncan stands up and moves to the desk next to him leaving two open desks by each other for the couple. Veronica is the only girl in the room and can feel every eye on them. Of the boys in the room only Dick and Beaver have any real idea of where the two boys stand.

VVO: The 09ers have adapted to the new normal pretty easily, Duncan and Logan in opposing camps, but they've hardly had any interaction, so no one is sure if things are still hostile or just distant.

Logan sits next to Duncan so V has some distance from him, but that leaves her between Logan and Dick. She gives Dick a perturbed smile, but sits down. She glances at Duncan who is looking at her like a puppy who had just been yelled at, and she glances away. Logan sets a burrito on her desk in front of her, and happily takes a big bite out of one of his own.

VVO: To be honest, I don't know where Logan stands with Duncan. They were best friends for a long time, and I know Logan misses that friendship. I'd rather never have to see Duncan again- just so I don't have to deal with everything that's happened, but seeing how he's Shiloh's big brother and we have a few classes together, I'm pretty sure that's one wish I'm not going to get.

Mr. Pope tells them about the stock market game that he runs every year.

Pope: Congratulations, FBLAers. You are now worth exactly one million dollars.

Logan: (faux outrage) What?

STUDENT: All right!

Logan: You mean I've lost money? Heads will roll.

Logan throws another piece of food into his mouth, and Veronica laughs, shaking her head at his antics.

Pope: I assume that you have all heard about my stock market game, in fact, I think many of you have played before. Over the course of the school year, each club member will control a virtual portfolio. Now, you may invest your money any way you see fit, as long as it's legal.

There is some general ribbing over how the boys did the previous year, with most of them seeming to be repeat club members besides Logan and Veronica.

Dick: Dude, dog racing is totally legal.

Pope: But, hardly lucrative, as I recall from your performance last year.

The student with the most money at the end of the game will get a plaque. There is also a cash prize for anyone who can beat Mr. Pope's earnings. He invested in Casablancas, Inc. and has made enough money to retire in nine months. He has a nice sailboat that he'll be spending time in during his retirement. Duncan inquires politely about his sailboat, and Logan resists the urge to make a comment. Mr. Pope goes on the say that they'll alternate club sessions with speakers and work days and discussions.

VVO: So, what am I doing in Neptune High's own little billionaire boys' club instead of joining French Club or Model United Nations?

Veronica smiles as Logan finishes eating and reaches out to take her hand again.

VVO: I blame my now independently wealth millionaire boyfriend, Logan Echolls. Besides, the Mars family has some money in the bank now, I should see if investing it makes any sense. The real question is why is Logan here? Apparently he's trying to improve his academic resume as well.

Mr. Pope says it's time for them to pick their first stocks, handing out the Wall Street Journal to help them, and announces that Mr. Dick Casablancas Sr. will be their first speaker next week.

VVO: I think we should be allowed to send entrance videos instead of college admission essays. Mine could be the Dateline I've heard will feature me later this month, Logan's could be the Echolls' True Hollywood Story on E! So we don't have a lot of normal extra-curriculars, who could blame us?

Veronica has spaced out a bit, her mind lost in the past, which was recently brought up again by the pesky reporters at NBC who tried valiantly to get her to agree to an on camera interview. She had refused.

Logan: What's up?

Veronica: Nothing.

Logan: You sure?

She nods and smiles and Logan leans over and kisses her forehead. She smiles softly and raises her mouth to him and he quickly obliges. Behind them Duncan looks constipated.

-VM—VM—VM-

In 5th period (English Lit), Logan walks up to the seat next to Milo and nods to the boy already sitting there. The student gets up and moves without a word of protest, Logan smiles and plops himself down in the now vacant seat. Milo/Malia looks at him nervously.

Milo/Malia: Uh, hey.

Logan: (casual, cool) Hey.

Milo/Malia: What's up?

Logan: (shrugs idly) Nothing.

Milo sits forward and tries to ignore Logan's steady stare throughout class. Mrs. Murphy notices Logan's apparent lack of attention and asks him a direct question about their current reading material.

Mrs. Murphy: Mr. Echolls. Perhaps you would like to share your thoughts. I assume you've done the reading.

Logan: Robert Browning, 1812-1889. English playwright considered a master of dramatic dialogue poetry. Wrote "A Death in the Desert", "My Last Duchess", and "A Grammarian's Funeral." Which was our assignment. (yawning) "Oh, such a life as he resolved to live,
When he had learned it,
When he had gathered all books had to give!
Sooner, he spurned it.
Image the whole, then execute the parts-
Fancy the fabric
Quite, ere you build, ere steel strike fire from quartz,
Ere mortar dab brick!"

Satisfied Mrs. Murphy moves on.

Leaving class Milo turns to Logan.

Milo/Malia: OK, I give. What is it? Do I have a bugger or something?

Logan smiles despite himself and grabs Milo's chin in a hard hand, tilting it up so he can verify if the kid does or does not have a bugger. He doesn't. Milo pulls his face back out of Logan's grip and frowns.

Logan: Nope. You're clean. (He pauses, thinking about something.) Do you even shave yet?

Milo tries to scramble away, but Logan blocks his path.

Milo/Malia: What is your deal, man?

Logan: Just trying to figure it out. Man.

Milo/Malia: (sweating) Figure what out?

Logan: Clearly there's a mystery afoot. Only I'm on the outside.

Milo cringes.

Milo/Malia: I told you. Veronica and I are just friends. Like the most platonic of friends ever.

Logan slings an arm around Milo and crunches his shoulders a bit, but just enough to be uncomfortable, not actually hurt him. He leads the smaller boy out into the hallway.

Logan: I know. If I suspected differently I told you what would happen. No, what I'm interested in now, is what you're hiding, and why my girlfriend is helping you.

Milo looks miserable.

Luke trots by and sees Milo in Logan's grip.

Luke: Dude. Don't hurt him, we need him for the game on Saturday.

Logan: Pan?

Luke: Yep, gotta kick their ass again this year.

Logan shrugs and releases Milo who moves a safe distance away quickly.

Logan: (to Milo) I will figure it out.

Milo/Malia: Tell you what. After Saturday, I'll tell you myself.

Logan is taken aback, but nods, watching Milo and Luke leave together.

-VM—VM—VM—

Hallway. Enbom approaches Mac at her locker. She is cool and reserved with him but agrees to see him later that night. In the background, Alexis is clearly watching.

-VM—VM—VM-

Elsewhere in the hallway, Veronica is at her lock. Dick is at his nearby on the phone.

Dick: Betina. Betina, babe. Where are you? Call me back. I got some free time today if you know what I mean. Call me.

Veronica slams her locker and looks at him like she's about to vomit on his shoes. She marches over to him.

Veronica: Dick, I can't believe I'm going to say this, and I will deny it later, but you (cringes) deserve better. What do you see in her?
Dick: Is that a serious question?
Veronica: Dick.
Dick: Well you took away my access to Madison's fake boobs so that leaves me with Betina. She's willing, she's ready, she's got perfect DSL.
Veronica: What?
Dick: Dick sucking lips. Don't worry Ronnie, you do too. That wide full mouth... gets the job done with style.

Veronica's mouth falls open in repulsion.
Veronica: You're disgusting.
Dick shrugs, completely unrepentant.
Veronica: And stop looking at me.
Dick: Chill, it's not like I'm imagining you sucking me off.
Veronica: Oh my God!
Dick: What? I'm not. I bet Logan loves that, huh? Shit, at least then you can't be talking.

She scrunches her eyes shut and covers her ears like a small child.
Veronica: Shut up, please, God, just shut up.
Dick: I'm just saying. You're hot, but all that talking kinda puts me off.
Veronica: I have to go now.

She walks away slowly, looking ill.
Dick: (completely un-phased by her disgust) See ya later.

Veronica: Logan needs some new friends.

Dick: Whatever V. (hollers down the hall) Who do you think coined the term Booty Buddies?

Veronica's mouth drops open, looking pissed off.

-VM—VM—VM-

School parking lot. Jackie is standing by her dad's Porsche. Wallace comes over to talk to her. She tells him that someone hit her dad's car and left a note that said they were only leaving a note because someone was watching, but that they weren't giving her their insurance information. Wallace says he can help and that he knows someone.

Walking a few feet away from an anxious Jackie, he calls Veronica. Wallace plays Veronica and tilts his head the way she does when she wants a favor.

Wallace: Whatcha doing?

They talk quickly, but Wallace changes his mind and doesn't ask Veronica for help when she tells him she has Shiloh for the afternoon. He says he'll take care of it himself. He hangs up and tells Jackie he's on the case. She whines about how her dad will kill her if he finds out. Wallace soothes her and reassures her that he'll fix everything. Jackie looks at him gratefully.

-VM—VM—VM-

Soccer field. Luke and the other guys on the team walk towards the field in their practice jerseys. Malia's friends are waiting for them. They rush Milo/Malia gushing over him and grabbing his arm, side and butt joyously. Finally done torturing their friend, they turn to the other guys who are gawking at them.

The cheerleaders are already practicing nearby, Alexis among them. They are close enough to overhear everything.

Kia: Oh hi. Didn't see you there.

Yvonne: (to Luke) Except for you. I'd notice you anywhere.

She issues a come hither smile, and Luke blushes a bit. The guys hoot and holler.

Kia: We just came to say him to Milo, but maybe now we'll stick around.

Yvonne: Check out the scenery.

Luke swallows, then when Milo elbows him, responds.

Luke: If you've got time, we could all go out for dinner after practice. I can get us in at Wolfgang Puck's place no problem.

Kia: That'd be awesome.

Yvonne: We'll just sit right here and wait for you sexy boys.

Luke and Milo run onto the field together. Milo laughs and high fives Luke.

Luke: How'd you do all this so fast man? You're the best. Do you think she noticed?

Milo loses some of his joy.

Milo/Malia: Yeah. She noticed. And Meg will sell it all the way right about now.

Cut to the cheerleaders.

Meg: Britta, who are you going to Homecoming with?

Britta: I don't know. I was hoping Luke would ask me, but (deep sigh)…

Meg: Yeah, Luke's great, if I wasn't dating Richie... Remember how much fun we all had at Prom last year?

Britta: Yeah.

Alexis: I thought Luke went to Prom with Carmen?

Britta: He did…

Meg: He was totally her knight in shining armor. She had just broken up with this boy…

Britta: And all the guys wanted to ask her…

Meg: But once Luke did, no one else had a chance.

Britta hides a smile behind her hand.

Britta: Anyway, we all sat together, and I had to get him to dance a few dances with me.

Meg: And me.

Alexis: So, he's really popular?

Britta: Ask Emma, she's dated him.

Alexis: Emma?

Meg: Yeah.

Alexis watches the field for a minute her eyes moving over all the guys then bouncing back and forth between Duncan and Luke. Karen smiles at Meg and moves over the Alexis, speaking in a conspiratorial tone.

Karen: I'd forget about Duncan Kane. He's still hung up on his last two exs.

Alexis: His last two?

Karen: Yeah. Veronica and Meg. I heard he's been trying to get Meg back, but she's not having it.

Alexis: And Veronica?

Karen: She was his first love, but she's over it.

Alexis: Well yeah, she's with Logan now.

Her tone says that it's obvious why she would choose Logan over Duncan.

Karen: Exactly. But Duncan can't let go. I wouldn't waste my time on him.

Alexis nods, her eyes on Luke alone now.

-VM—VM—VM-

School parking lot. Wallace walks up to a group of guys who are playing hacky sack. He joins their game and comments that they're always there and that his friend's car was hit. He was wondering if they noticed anything. One boy asks if it was the Porsche and Wallace replies that it was. The boy says that he did see it.

Wallace: Know who it was?

HACKY SACK PLAYER: Some blonde chick. She had a nice ass, but I never seen her before.

Wallace: See, but now if that's all you got, I gotta go look at every decent-assed blonde chick in this school.

The Hacky Sack player laughs.

HACKY SACK PLAYER: Ah, she was driving a green car, if that helps.

Wallace: Thanks.

-VM—VM—VM—

School parking lot. Meg and Britta walk to their cars together.

Britta: I had no idea you were such a good liar Meg.

Meg: (smiling) Well, Veronica helped me learn how to do it a bit better. (tone as if imparting some great life truth) The key is to stick to close to the truth. Luke is a great guy, he did take Carmen to Prom and he was a bit of a knight in shining armor.

Britta smiles.

Britta: You got me, I'm sold already. Sign me up to date Luke.

The girls smile, and get into their cars before driving off separately.

-VM—VM—VM-

Soccer practice. Practice ends with two blows of the whistle and the coach walks over to Milo, who is flushed and sweaty.

Coach: Milo. You've been putting the hustle in all week.

Milo waits.

Coach: Good job, son. You're being promoted to first string.

Milo/Malia: Really coach?

Coach: I like to reward good behavior and hard work. You're a team player. It's going to be a good season.

Milo/Malia looks ecstatic then his face falls as he realizes he didn't plan beyond the first game against Pan. Luke rushes over and congratulates him and the rest of the guys join in.

-VM—VM—VM-

Enbom's house. Mac and John Enbom sit on the couch side by side. They aren't talking. Mac looks resolute but resigned. She doesn't try to start a conversation. After several minutes of awkward silence John hands her a video game controller and turns on Prince of Persia. Mac takes a deep breath in then out, sets the controller down and leaves.

John Enbom: Where are you going?

Mac: I forgot. I have somewhere to be.

He looks puzzled as she leaves then flops back against the couch looking forlorn.

(Thursday, Sept. 15)

School hallway. Morning. Veronica turns a corner and sees Weevil. She pauses and meets his eyes. She approaches him slowly, aware that several of his PCHers are watching.

Veronica: How's Felix? I haven't been to see him in a few weeks.

Weevil: He's the same. What did you expect?

Veronica: I… I don't know. Nothing I guess.

Her words have double meaning as she stares at him.

Weevil: Any word on the guy who took Marisol?

Veronica: No. Dad's contact in the FBI says they have some leads, but besides turning up more houses with bodies of little girls, there's no leads on his current whereabouts.

Weevil: At least her family got to bury her.

Veronica: Weevil… about Felix, I think-

Weevil: Leave it Blondie. We ain't friends and you don't know nothing about Felix. You only know rich white dudes and your pet Afro-American pal.

Veronica looks disappointed but walks away.

-VM—VM—VM-

Neptune High School, lunch quad. It's another bright sunny California day. Wallace tells Jackie that he used his connections in the attendance office to get a list of the parking permits. He has the make and color of every car at Neptune High. He eliminated the guys and then he used the yearbook to cross-reference the names to eliminate all non-blondes. That narrowed it down to four girls. Jackie is still upset, saying that her dad is coming home tomorrow. Wallace says the car will be fixed by then. She agrees, but says that since she had to pay for the repairs on her credit card, that when the bill comes, she won't have the money and will have to tell him. Wallace promises she'll have the money because there is only one girl left on the list.

-VM—VM—VM-

After school. Later, Wallace is looking carefully at a green car. A girl on crutches asks him what he's doing. Wallace asks the girl, Jane, what she did to herself. She says she had knee surgery about a month ago. Her guy friend is acting as her chauffeur right now, but she's very careful to point out that he's just a friend. She smiles at Wallace, her stare direct and admiring. Wallace laughs nervously.

-VM—VM—VM-

After school, Veronica has Logan drop her off at home. She takes Backup for a walk, then puts him back in the apartment and listens to his whines as she leaves again.

Veronica drives to the hospital and goes directly to Felix's room. The room is lit with bright white, institutional florescent lights, with the TV on low to CNN.

Veronica: CNN? I didn't take you for a big Anderson Cooper fan Felix.

She mutes the TV, and settles in the wait. She knows that the other bikers don't visit besides Weevil and she wants to talk to him without an audience. She talks to Felix for a few minutes before sitting down and opening her science book to study while she waits for Weevil to show up. Thirty minutes later Molly Fitzpatrick slips into the room, then freezes seeing Veronica there.

Molly: Oh. Um. Wrong room.

Veronica: That happens to you a lot, huh?

Molly looks nervous and leaves quickly.

VVO: Was Felix involved with the Fitzpatricks? Or just with Molly? I need to know what happened to him before the accident. Weevil thinks Logan and his friends did something to Felix, but Logan swears they didn't see him until they hit him.

Veronica gets her phone out of her bag and dials Mac. As soon as Mac picks up she starts talking.

Veronica: Mac-attack. Up for a good hack?

Mac: Sure. I could use a distraction. What's the target?

Veronica: Neptune Memorial. I need some patient records.

Mac: Whose?

Veronica: Felix Toombs.

Mac: Weevil's Felix?

Veronica: I doubt Felix would agree to that determination, but sure.

Mac: Yeah, ok. Shouldn't take long really. You want everything?

Veronica: Everything from the accident.

Mac hesitates.

Mac: Right. I'm on it.

Veronica: Thanks Mac, hey (pauses) are you OK?

Mac: Sure, why?

Veronica: You sound funny.

Mac: Nope. I'm fine. Same as yesterday and the day before. No change.

Veronica frowns.

Veronica: If you say so…

Mac: I'll call you when I have something.

Veronica: Thanks Mac, I…

Mac hangs up before Veronica can finish.

-VM—VM—VM-

Hospital. The sky outside is dark now, several hours have passed. A nurse rushes into the Felix's room, where Veronica is still waiting for Weevil to show up.

Veronica: (questioning) Oh, hey, Weevil still visits everyday doesn't-

Nurse: I thought you were still here. Oh my God, Veronica. Listen.

The nurse grabs the remote from the bedside table and un-mutes the TV turning up the volume. Anderson Cooper is doing a live broadcast. The headline ticker at the bottom of the screen reads "Serial pedophile murdered in Arizona park."

Nurse: They caught him. They finally caught him!

The report is short of details with only satellite shots of the park and old footage of the other houses the FBI had traced David Morse too, then flashing pictures of the numerous girls he had kidnapped, molested and killed, left buried on various properties around the country.

Anderson Cooper (on air): For viewers just tuning in, David Morse, real identity unknown, the man subject to a multistate federal manhunt for the kidnapping and killing of at least 21 young girls has been killed. A police sketch was distributed widely in the last few weeks and today, in a park in Prescott, Arizona, this monster was recognized at a children's playground. Reports are still coming in, but by all accounts we've been able to track down, several of the parents and other people chased him through the park. When the local police arrived David Morse was declared dead on the scene.

Veronica stands up her book falling to the ground with a thump. Her eyes are glued to the TV.

Anderson Cooper (on air): This is disturbing. We have new information from a bystander that David Morse was hanging from a tree when the police arrived. The first responding officers cut him down and tried to administer CPR, but he was dead. I repeat. Serial pedophile and child killer David Morse was lynched in an Arizona park today. Stay tuned, we'll update this story as it unfolds.

Veronica silently packs up her stuff and walks away. The nurse watches her go.

-VM—VM—VM-

Night. John walks up to the Mackenzie's door slowly, knocking lightly. Mac answers it.

John Enbom: Hey.

Mac: You're late.

John Enbom: Yeah. Sorry.

Mac: Are you?

John Enbom: (defensive, annoyed) Yeah. I said so, didn't I?

Mac shakes her head and makes no move to exit her house or invite him in. They both remain in the doorway.

John Enbom: Look, I'm sorry. I was busy.

Mac: With what?

He shrugs and looks like she is being unreasonable to ask.

Mac: (resigned)And that is exactly the problem.

John Enbom: What?

Mac: I don't know what's going on with you. I don't know, because you won't talk to me. You wouldn't talk to me this summer, and now it seems like you have to put in an effort just to say hi to me.

He looks upset, but doesn't respond, not denying it or trying to explain his recent actions. Mac's face pinches, showing both pain and regret, but also determination.

Mac: I don't want to keep doing this.

John Enbom: Doing what?

Mac: This. I'm not happy. I'm pretty much the opposite of happy.

John Enbom: Mac-

Mac: (cutting him off) No. I have tried. And tried and tried. I've made excuses for you. But I have no idea what you want anymore.

John Enbom: I want to be with you.

Mac: I don't think that you do. And if you were honest you would admit it.

John Enbom: I do, I –

Mac: No. No, I don't want to talk about this anymore. It's just over.

John Enbom: Let's talk about it.

Mac: How? You don't say anything.

She can see he is upset.

Mac: Look. It's not working. I know you see that. I'm not happy anymore. And clearly neither are you.

He deflates.

Mac: We're young. We both knew that this probably wasn't going to be a forever thing. It's...well it's not fine, but this is where we're at.

He stares at her, clearly he has something to say, but he doesn't say it. She smiles sadly.

Mac: Goodbye John.

She shuts the door then goes back to her room, closing it to ensure herself some privacy. She sits on her bed feeling sad. But she also feels lighter. It hurts, but she was done trying to fix a sinking ship. She nods, trying to remember all the fun they'd had in the beginning, before the accident. She didn't regret it. But there was no point trying anymore when she was the only one putting in any effort. She still loved him, but she didn't want to feel like this anymore. It was better that it just be over.

A knock sounds on her door.

Mac: I'm fine.

Natalie Mackenzie: That's nice dear. But I think there is something on TV that you might want to see.

Mac: (sighing in resignation) What is it?

Natalie Mackenzie: That horrible man who kidnapped poor Marisol Reyes has been found.

Mac looks shocked and stands up. She walks to her living room where her father is watching the news. The news crew shows footage of a park in Arizona, before cutting to interviews with a few bystanders. Her mother reaches out to take her hand, rubbing her thumb over the back of Mac's comfortingly.

Natalie Mackenzie: Things work out for the best dear. You just have to believe it.

Reporter: Police are frantically searching for where the suspect was living, one officer commented that there is a chance that he has more girls, and they could be found alive.

-VM—VM—VM-

Cut to Dick and Gia at Dave and Busters. They are playing skee ball and laughing and having a good time. The machine kicks out several tickets. They gather them up and head over to the prize counter, contemplating what to get.

Driving home, Dick turns to Gia.

Dick: Have you ever heard of Uganda?

Gia: No.

Dick: It's in Africa there's...

Gia: Oh, I have the cutest African shawl. I'll wear it tomorrow so you can see.

Dick: Yeah. Sure.

-VM—VM—VM-

Nice restaurant on the Neptune waterfront. Keith and Alicia sit at a table draped in a white table cloth and bathed in candle light. They talk and laugh, sipping wine with dinner and holding hands on top of the table, then switching to coffee as they move to the deck over the water. Keith stops and turns to face Alicia.

Keith: Everything with the election looks good.

Alicia: I saw that the early polls have you ahead of your nearest competitor.

Keith: I don't have a challenger.

Alicia: I know. You've got them all too scared to get in the ring with you.

Keith smiles.

Keith: This last year has had its ups and downs.

Alicia: You can say that again.

Keith: The best part was meeting you.

Alicia: I was so horrible to you at first.

Keith: (grins ruefully) Well, yeah.

Alicia: But you helped me anyway.

Keith: Alicia. I love you. You're a wonderful woman and mother.

Alicia: (faintly nervous) Are we really doing this?

Keith: Yeah. Ready to make the leap?

Alicia: With you? (She smiles tremulously.) Of course.

Keith: Alicia Fennel. Will you marry me?

Alicia: Yes.

Keith slips a simple diamond solitaire onto her finger and she pushes forward to kiss him without even looking at the ring.

-AN

Words 8700 or so. Wow, ouchie, got my first bad review in awhile. Oh well, can't please everyone. And I suppose it comes with the territory... I'm trying to move faster through the stuff that was on the show since I'm kinda tired of hearing that nothing really happened, even if I agree (slightly).

So several of you, or most of you should be happy. MacBom is done. For now. Originally I had planned to break them up a different way, but most of you were very adamant that Mac would break up with him at this point. So instead of him doing it, she did it. But it's still on my timeline. I will explain more in the story about why each have been acting the way they were…

So here is the second to last bit in the Marisol Reyes story. One more mini reveal coming up in the next chapter.

Dick and Veronica being so testy with each other wasn't really planned. But with LoVe being so solid, V needs an adversary…and Dick is perfect for that.

Please review. I'm super stressed at work and reviews are like tiny pockets of happiness.