"You're what? Are you kidding me? Tell me this is some crazy joke that only you'll find funny." I'm starting to wish it was a joke myself. Logan offered to just hire a nurse. I could just claim a moment of insanity; a lapse of judgment if you will. But no. I feel too guilty. No matter what anyone says, if I'd just let it go, just let whoever released the tape alone, none of this would have happened.
"He'll need someone with him for quite awhile, Mrs. Echolls. You may want to hire a nurse."
"Yeah schnookums, we should hire someone."
The doctor chuckled "Well, I'll leave you to it. Mr. Echolls, call us if anything seems off, alright?"
"You mean other than half my body being broken?"
The doctor laughed again. "Yes, other than that. Mrs. Echolls, there's some more paperwork to finish, and I have a couple sheets of guidelines for taking care of your husband. I've left them for you on the bed," he said.
"Oh sweetie pie, you know how to take such good care of me already," Logan said, smiling. I finished the paperwork and handed it to the doctor who waved one last time, and walked out.
"Since we're married, I can backhand you and get away with it, right?"
Logan grinned. "No, that's spousal abuse."
Rolling my eyes, I pushed his wheelchair out of the room, glad to finally be seeing the last of the obnoxiously white walls. Logan's 'couple of days' turned into three weeks due to some mild internal bleeding. Because, you know, the guy hasn't been through enough hell. According to the doctors, he's apparently alright to go home now. I'm thrilled to at last be leaving, as well as being able to put an end to this ridiculously fake marriage. When we made it outside, I noticed we were missing a vital piece in our getaway.
"Where's Dick? He was supposed to pick us up."
Logan exhaled. "Dick likes to be fashionably late."
I glanced at my watch. "He's already almost twenty minute late. That's not fashionable, that's jackassy."
"That's Dick."
The minutes ticked away as we silently waited for our ride. Logan broke the quiet first.
"Do you think your dad moved everything in okay?"
Phew. Dad. It took some extreme convincing to get him to see this wasn't a terrible idea. Some extreme convincing from both ends. I remember it very well. We continued our discussion after I'd gotten home that first day.
Flashback
"You can't be serious about this."
"As serious as a Mars can get."
"Did Logan put you up to this? Guilt you into it?"
I really wished I could say yes, this way I would be leaving the self doubt behind.
"No Dad, this was all my idea."
Dad scrunched up his face, a clear sign of mistrust. "Do you still have feelings for him or something?"
Ah. The big question. Do I? I nearly died to save him, but that was just me returning one of many favors. I did feel pretty dead inside when I'd heard he'd gone missing, but he is close to me. No. No, I don't have feelings…right? I shook my head to clear away my disturbing thoughts. "No, of course not."
Dad pointed his finger in my face and shouted, "Liah!"
I groaned. "I don't! I just…it's my fault Dad. He wouldn't be in this mess if it wasn't for me." After some more talking, Dad accepted my decision, albeit hesitantly.
Present
"Sure. As long as Wallace helped him." Logan didn't have a response. Wallace and I were on very rocky grounds lately. He was still furious with Logan for what he did to Piz. Telling Wallace about my new digs didn't go over too well either.
Flashback
"That's messed up Veronica. After what he did to Piz? I can't even look at the guy."
"Wallace-,"
"No Veronica. You're always forgiving him! He beats in your headlights, you date him. He's a jackass to you for dumping him, and you date him again. He beats the hell out of your boyfriend, so you move in with him?"
What Wallace was saying really hurt. He knew me better than that.
"That's not fair Wallace. You know there's more to every single one of those stories. Especially with Piz. He broke up with me, need I remind you. I didn't just wake up and say, 'oh you know what, I think I'll move in with my troubled ex-boyfriend. Sounds like fun.' You know perfectly well he needs somebody, and you know exactly why I think it has to be me."
"Spare me Veronica. You and I both know it's always going to be you and Logan. I got that much. I just don't get why you, the tough street savvy Veronica Mars, can let Logan get away with anything."
"Wallace, please. You're not telling me anything I've never told myself before. But this is my decision. And I'd really appreciate it if you dropped it."
He took a deep breath. "Fine. I'm not okay with this, but fine. I trust your judgment. But Piz is gonna get a kick out of it."
"Piz can say what he wants. He broke up with me; he has no say."
Present
That's right he doesn't. Even he tried to talk me out of this. I listened, and I ignored, just like a good little Veronica would do.
"Ah there he is; the valiant knight and his noble stallion." Logan's voice drew me out of my stupor. Sure enough, Dick showed up just then. After we situated Logan in the back seat, I took the passenger side. Dick handed me a key card.
"You're newly reappointed access to casa a la Echollblancas. Just make sure you don't lose it."
I stuck the key card in my wallet.
"You know, I still don't get why I have to sleep on the couch. I pay half the rent for the penthouse."
"Do you want to sponge bathe me, Dick?"
Dick gagged. "No."
"Uh, hey there. Neither do I. Not gonna happen Logan."
He snapped his fingers. "Darn. I was this close."
I looked at him through the rearview mirror. "No, you really weren't."
Dick gagged again. "No flirting. If this new weird Brady Bunch arrangement is going to work, I expect zero flirting. In fact, I expect nothing to change, other than my sleeping quarters. You Veronica, will be silent and invisible."
I tapped my chin. "Silent and invisible. Not exactly my forte. I can be loud and everywhere though, how's that? Every time you turn around, there I'll be."
Dick shuddered. "I already hate this."
When we got the Neptune Grand, unloading Logan proved to be a little challenging. We heard him moan under his breath a couple of times while we positioned him in his wheelchair.
"Logan, dude, you sound like a dying cow."
"Thank you Dick. Remind me to kick your utters so you can join in the fun."
I grabbed Logan's bag from the trunk. "I can do it right now if you'd like," I said.
"I'll let it slide this time."
"Ah, how very generous of you."
Dick stopped pushing Logan. "No! I said no flirting."
"Dick, I'm not flirting. This? This is my natural wit. Get used to it."
The elevator ride was silent, with Dick avoiding eye contact, and Logan making it a point to stare. God help me. When the doors opened, I practically ran through them. I don't know how I'm going to make it through the next few months. I saw Dad waiting outside the door, my boxes surrounding him. Wallace was hidden behind another stack.
"Dad? How come I'm living in the hall?"
He smiled sarcastically. "Because someone didn't leave us a key to get in like he was supposed to."
I could kill Dick. "Dick? Explain."
"Sorry, I can't remember everything. Between getting you and Logan, dropping off Mac's purse, and the key? I let some things slip. Sue me."
"Mac's purse?"
"Yeah, she left it at the hospital."
"Three things Dick. That's not exactly a googolplex of information."
He rolled his eyes. I was very exasperated at this point. "Fine. Dad, Wallace come inside, have a drink. Logan, I'll wheel you in. Dick? Start lifting."
I could hear his whining through the walls. Don't care. I went into the kitchen and pulled out four glasses and filled them with water. I distributed them to Dad, Wallace, Logan and myself. Before I could even take a sip, Wallace was giving Logan the evil eye. "Logan, can I talk to you for a second?" I glanced over at Logan to gauge his reaction. To his credit, he betrayed no emotion. I, however, felt curiosity tugging away. Logan nodded, and Wallace wheeled him into the other room. I stood up, my intent being to sneak up behind and eavesdrop. Dad had other plans.
"Nuh-uh. Let them go. Wallace has a lot he wants to get off of his chest. I should know. I just spent three hours sitting with him."
"Whatever he has to say, it can't be good if it had to be in private, Dad."
He shrugged his shoulders. "You know Wallace; he's not going to get Logan worked up."
Still. I'd rather be eavesdropping. When Dick lugged a huge box into the room, I made a point of propping my feet on the coffee table. Dad slurped at his water, and Dick gave me the finger.
"Keep it classy Dick."
"Always do Ronnie."
Dad was staring at me. "Are you sure about this? Three months is a long time, Veronica."
"For the thousandth time Dad, I got this. Logan couldn't have nearly died at a more convenient time. It's summer break. I'm free of any commitments now. I can handle this."
I heard Dick drop something in the hall and curse with words seldom heard outside of a prison cell. "If you break it, you buy it," I shouted to him. I looked over towards the door to Logan's room where he and Wallace were having there 'discussion.' I couldn't decide what made me more nervous; the fact that I couldn't hear anything at all, or the fact that they still weren't out. Five, ten, fifteen minutes later and I still didn't know which. Before I could make up my mind, the door swung open, and Wallace wheeled Logan back out. I examined them both quickly. Logan wasn't sporting any extra wounds, and Wallace looked scar free as well.
"So? Everything okay?"
Wallace nodded. "As good as it's going to get."
I eyed Logan and he looked away. I'll get the information out of him somehow. One more awkward hour passed before Dick was finished moving the boxes into my new room. I tossed him a quarter. "For your services sir."
"What's this shiny round thing? I've never seen something so small and insignificant before. Except maybe your boo-," Dick clapped his mouth shut after Dad glared over at him. I laughed nervously. "Hoh, I think it's time everyone heads home. Gosh, I know I'm tired. Logan, Dick? How about we all just hit the hay."
Logan had his head hung. "Oh Dick. Has a day gone by where you haven't stuck your foot completely in your mouth?"
I winced. That was open to too many crude remarks from Dick. Surprisingly, he said nothing. "Thanks so much Dad. And you too Wallace. Sorry that you were stranded though."
They both nodded. Dad hugged me goodbye, still trying to convince me to come home. "It'll be like I'm at summer camp Dad. Except I'm being a nurse. And you can see me whenever. It's better than summer camp. You don't have to pay for it!" He hugged me again. "You call me if anything happens. Anything Veronica." "You'll be the first to know."
He turned around and left. I tried not to cry. I've never been away from Dad this long before. Wallace put his arm around my shoulder. "God, you'd think I was moving away forever. Three months is nothing."
"Three months is a lot Veronica." I felt a couple tears fall and I nodded. "It really is, isn't it."
Wallace hugged me. "Veronica, I know you're dying to know what I said to Logan and I'm sure you'll find out later, but I just wanted you to know, you're still my best friend, alright? Even if you're living with Logan. I remember one time I told you to go easy on him. Maybe I should do the same thing. And just so you know, I don't hate him as much anymore. I still can't just forget what he did to Piz, but I'm willing to look past it."
I guffawed. That's right. Guffawed. "Really? Fifteen minutes of conversation and this is the end result?"
He grinned. "He had a good defense I guess."
I hugged him again. "Thank you, Wallace."
"You're welcome Veronica."
I watched Wallace walk all the way into the elevator. I waited until the doors closed and I waited a little bit more after that. Eventually though, I realized I had to walk back into their apartment. Eh. No. Our apartment. Once I closed the door behind me, I examined the living room. Dick had flung himself onto the couch, his legs hanging off and his arms draped on the floor. Logan was in his chair, observing me with equal intensity.
"You okay?"
I took a deep breath and found myself surprised. I tossed a pillow at Dick's face and smiled lightly at Logan. "Yeah, I am."
When dinner came around, I made some spaghetti for the three of us. "Ah. The woman of the house has prepared dinner for us men. I approve," Dick said. I brought over my plate and Logan's. "You can get your own. And don't get used to this. It's not going to happen often."
Oh who am I kidding? I'm so used to making dinner for me and Dad, the habit will probably carry over. I set up a tray across Logan's chair. Fortunately, he can still feed himself.
"Thank you, Veronica." The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard. "For dinner. And for being here. And for being there that night. Just, thank you."
"I owed you one. I owe you like seventeen more, too."
He shook his head and smiled. "No you don't. That's why I'm saying thanks."
Using his unbroken arm, he reached forward a little and took my hand in his. "I mean it." Oh boy. I'm in trouble. I just imagined the warmth his touch brought, right? Yeah. I completely imagined it. I'm perfectly fine. Oh. Right. Food. I was only a few bites into my meal by the time Dick and Logan were on their seconds. What can I say? I'm a slow eater. My cell started ringing and I noticed Mac calling.
"Hey there Mac. What can I do for ya?"
"Veronica? My house was robbed. My computer? The one with all of the information about my family situation? Yeah, it's gone. Everything incriminating I own? Gone."
"Wait, what? Robbed? Oh my God Mac, are you okay?"
I heard her moving something on the other end. Dick was starting intently at me. "What happened to Mac?" I waved him off and held a finger to my lips.
"Mac, are you okay?"
"Yeah yeah I'm fine. When you find who stole my stuff, they however, won't be."
I chuckled. "Of course I have to find them. Was anyone home?"
"No, we were all at the Crab House. The Mackenzie family keeps their meals classy."
"So, the um…information on your family, I presume it was locked away, password protected?"
"My entire computer is password protected, but any good hacker could get right past that. Do you know what that could do to my family if that's released? It would kill my little brother. It would kill my parents."
It would kill Madison Sinclair. My eyes flick over to Logan. It's almost worth it. But curse this golden heart of mine.
"I'll see what I can do Mac. Just, stay put. Maybe stay with Max, keep your mind off things?"
"Max, shmax. I'm breaking up with him. He's got it in his head that he'll never need a real job since he has the whole school test gig. I'm tired of waiting for him to get expelled."
"Woah Mac. I thought you were like, head over heels for the guy."
"Things change. Just, bring my robber to justice. I want to make sure that I can look him in the eyes, give him a few choice words, and sic you on him."
"Ha. Ha…..Ha. I'll see what I can do," I repeated.
"Thank you Master Mars."
I ended the call and immediately was confronted by Dick. "Someone robbed Mac?"
"Cool your jets Dick. Yeah, someone robbed her parents' house. I gotta see if I can locate her computer. She's got personal stuff on their."
Dick sat back in his chair. "Let me know if I can help."
I reached forward and felt his forehead. "You okay there? I don't think I've heard you offer help before."
Dick found himself fumbling for words. Logan spoke up for him. "He thinks he owes her. For how he acted when she was with Bea-Cassidy."
I wondered if that was true. Dick suddenly growing a conscience seemed unsettling. But I guess everyone grows up at some point, even Dick. I can't deny it; he hasn't been as big of an ass lately. Oh sure, he's still an ass, but I can see a slight reform in him. I wonder what brought it on. Or who.
Author's Note: Onto the Mac arc of this story! I'm really excited for the next couple of chapters. We're definitely going to be seeing some more LoVe. I have a romance plot for each of these characters. Except Max. Sorry guys, spoiler alert, Max isn't in this story, other than being mentioned by name. I really really really hated his character.
Also, I know my medical time period may not be all that accurate, or it could be, I really don't know. I have hardly any medical experience; at least not relevant to Logan's problem. Hopefully, I did alright with that, but if I didn't imagine that I did.
P.S. There are some characters from the show that haven't been in the story yet, but they will be. Anyway, leave me a review. They keep me going!
