Story so Far: Keith Mars, wealthy owner of Mars Security, and his sixteen year old daughter Veronica move to Neptune. Veronica walking her new pit bull puppy on the beach meets sixteen year old Logan Echolls who is moping after one of his frequent break ups with his girlfriend of three years Lilly Kane. There is an instant chemistry; they decide to date. Logan finds his relationship with Veronica to be fun and close. She is so much more than an interim girl. Lilly worried tells Logan she is ready to get back with him. For the first time he refuses telling Lilly he is having fun with Veronica and will come back to her when he is finished having fun. Veronica sees tLilly and Logan talking together and avoids Logan for the rest of the day. On her way home from soccer practice she sees an accident and stops to rescue a baby from a burning car. She breathes in too much smoke and collapses. Logan goes to the hospital and is worried as her condition worsens and she gets put on life support. As the days of waiting at the hospital take its toll on Veronica's family, Logan comes to see that he no longer loves Lilly; he loves Veronica.
Veronica's family and Lynn Echolls sit listening as the doctor tells them that Veronica's brain scans show significant improvement. He outlines the plan of care stating that first they will take Veronica off the sedation and then gradually remove her from the ventilator. Thw whole process will take at least four hours. After seeing the scans, he is more optimistic but cautions them that Veronica was without enough oxygen for an unknown period of time and they will know more about her prognosis in the next few hours.
Lynn calls Logan in fifth period and updates him. He can hear the relief in her voice. She does remind him that it may be hours before they know any more.
Logan immediately tells her he is coming. She quietly tells him she suspected he would leave school and tells him to drive carefully.
When Logan's phone vibrated in class and he answered it, his classmates knew it was likely from the hospital. Although his cell phone is supposed to be off during class, his teacher knows he is waiting for news about Veronica and lets him away with disturbing her class. As they all listen to Logan's end of the conversation they understand it is important news.
The young man's obvious relief when he was talking to his mother tells his classmates what they need to know. Logan looks up from his call and sees everyone is looking at him in question. He shares, "Today they are going to take her off the machines and try to wake her up." He looks at his teacher and says, "I have to go." He stands up and packs up his books. His teacher hands him a pass and he quietly thanks her as he leaves the room.
Hours later, Veronica's family and friends all sit in the waiting room. They all feel like they have lived there for the last few days. Her girlfriends from LA have been great at lifting everyone's spirits. They are so full of life and they have known Keith, Leanne and Veronica's aunt and uncle for years.
The weird thing about spending so much time together in the ICU waiting room is that Logan and Lynn Echolls feel like they have known Veronica's family for years. It has been so stressful for everyone but they have all tried to take care of each other. They each have taken turns breaking down and have taken turns supporting each other. It has been a bonding experience.
Logan thinks that getting to know Veronica's family has been the only positive thing about this whole experience. They are good people and Logan can see that Veronica has grown up with a strong foundation. If he had a choice, Logan would have wanted to meet them in the usual way a guy meets the important people in his girlfriend's life; through family dinners and occasions like birthdays and Christmas.
What Logan still doesn't know is that his mother has gotten to know Keith Mars after spending hours with him in the waiting room. She can see he is a good man; a strong man. She has come to trust him. The stress, fatigue and enforced time in the waiting room broke through her barriers and she has confided in Keith Mars that she needs help.
Logan doesn't know that he will never be alone with his father again. He doesn't know that he will never be beaten again. He doesn't know that his nightmare at home is over. He doesn't know that a safe house is being set up for him and his mother and information is being gathered to help Lynn with the divorce and custody proceedings. He doesn't know that his life is going to change soon. When his father comes back to Neptune, Lynn and Logan won't be in the mansion. They will both be away from Aaron Echolls. They will both be free.
In one of those ironies of life, Logan is sitting there thinking that Veronica's illness is the worst thing that has even happened to him. He is thinking he never wants to go through seeing Veronica so ill again when his mother meeting Keith Mars may end up being one of the best things that ever happened to Logan. The irony is that Logan, who is fond of noticing the ironies in his life, is completely unaware.
Veronica is removed from the sedation and the nurses restrict visitors while they try and wean her off the breathing machine. The family sits hours in the private waiting room supporting each other and praying. It is obvious they are all under a lot of stress.
There is a sense of anticipation in the room. Although they all afraid they may get bad news, they are also a little relieved that the waiting for news may soon be over. It is really with a lot of mixed emotions that the exhausted and stressed group sits on the uncomfortable chairs generally killing time watching TV, reading and talking; waiting, always waiting.
Duncan and Meg arrive after school and get updated on her condition. They brought some coffees from the coffee shop down the street as well as some pastries. Logan sips his coffee and eats a pastry grateful for a break from the hospital refreshments.
Finally a nurse arrives and tells them that Veronica has been successfully removed from life support and is breathing well on her own. They are all immensely relieved. The nurse tells them that Veronica has woken up and that they can visit but they must let her rest. She warns the waiting family and friends that this is a critical time for Veronica and the goal is for her to stay off the life support machines. They all nod in understanding.
Keith and Lianne go in to see her. Meg gently takes Logan's hand while he waits to hear how Veronica is. Logan appreciates the support he is receiving from his two best friends. They know him better than anyone. He has been close to them since he moved there when he was twelve. He is doubly grateful that they are there for him right now when he needs them, when he is in the process of hurting the fourth party of the Fab 4. He knows that Lilly will have told them about their last conversation. They haven't said anything to him about it and he is thankful because right now he needs their support. He feels badly that he hurt Lilly. He cares a lot about her; he just doesn't love her like a girlfriend anymore.
When Keith and Lianne come out, Keith happily tells them that Veronica wakes up and moves all her limbs and that she knows her family. She is just very weak right now. Logan feels relief down to his soul and he basks in the happiness that everyone is sharing that Veronica is going to be OK.
He waits and takes his turn to see her. He holds her hand and sits quietly as she rests. She weakly tries to open her eyes when she feels him touch her. She gently squeezes his hand and then her eyes close even though she is obviously trying to stay awake. Logan leans in, gently kisses her cheek and tells her to sleep. She sighs a little and falls into sleep.
She mostly sleeps through their second visits and everyone but Keith and Jeff leave after visiting hours are over.
The next day Logan arrives before school and Veronica is still sleeping. The nurses have restricted visitors wanting her to sleep. He goes in to see for himself that she is fine but does not wake her. She still looks pale but it is wonderful to see she is still off the breathing machine. She has an oxygen mask on and her IV is still running but her heart rate on the monitor is steady and the nurse tells Logan her blood pressure and oxygen numbers are stable.
At school Logan is obviously happier. He looks exhausted but tells the students who ask that Veronica is doing better. Vice Principal Clemmons calls Logan in his office and gives him the book that students were able to sign to give to Veronica. He respectfully takes the book and assures him he will take it to Veronica after school. At his locker he quickly flips though it. He notices that a lot of students have taken the time to go to the office to sign it and write messages to Veronica. It seems that she made a big impact in a short period of time.
The soccer players are especially excited to hear that Veronica is off the machines and doing better. They all hug Logan in their happiness and tell him to let them know when they can go and visit her. He smiles happy to see their excitement and assures them he will let them know when she can have visitors.
After school he is greeted by Keith who tells him that Veronica is more awake and the doctor is pleased with her progress.
The hospital released the statement that Veronica's condition has been upgraded to stable and she has been removed from life support. Her family doesn't attend the conference. The hospital spokesperson does not answer any more questions stating that Veronica's family wants to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers but right now Veronica needs to rest, be with the people who love her and let her body heal.
When Logan goes in to see Veronica, she smiles weakly when she sees him. The recognition in her eyes and her familiar sweet smile are the most beautiful things he thinks he has ever seen. He immediately knows she is fine. She no longer has an oxygen mask on and has oxygen cannula in her nose.
He leans down and gently kisses her and puts his forehead to hers. With heartfelt relief he tells her she looks so much better. Needing to touch her, he caresses her cheek and brushes her hair back from her face. He kisses her forehead, cheeks, nose and finally gives her a little deeper kiss on her lips.
Although Logan can see Veronica is enjoying his kisses and caresses, she is withdrawn. He sits down and takes her hand telling her, "Ronnie you are amazing! Cassandra is such a cute baby and you gave her a chance at life."
Veronica turns a little towards Logan. He pulls his chair even closer to the bed. She looks at him and he can see her upset. She says, "I must have come just after the accident." She pauses and then shares, "I looked in the front and I could see that both of them were dead. It was horrible! "Her face contorts in remembered horror as she thinks about the condition of the front of the car and what she saw there.
Logan immediately squeezes the hand he is holding and reaches over with his other hand to caress her shoulder and down her back.
She continues her voice husky with emotion, "Then I heard a baby cry. I looked in the back and saw the car seat. When I went to the back door, I couldn't open it and smoke was filling the car. The window was cracked so I just pushed the window in. I tried to reach her but the seat was in the middle so I climbed in to get her."
She pauses as she is obviously remembering what happened. Logan continues his soothing touches just letting her talk.
"I unbuckled the seat and lifted her out but it was difficult to see and breathe," she tells him. "I had to crawl back out the window with her because the door wouldn't open."
Logan squeezes her hand and leans down to kiss it. His brown eyes deepen with his emotions as he looks at her. He meets her gaze and tells her, "It is lucky you are so small and could fit through the window."
He pauses and then as if the words are pulled from him says, "I was so worried! Please don't scare us like that again." He leans in closer and pulls her gently towards him needing to be nearer to her. He wishes he could pull her from the bed into his lap. He really needs to hold her.
Veronica relaxes letting his warm touch soothe her. She looks in the brown eyes she likes so much; the eyes that are so expressive and sees he was really worried about her.
She closes her eyes and just enjoys being near him for now. Her fatigue takes over and she can feel herself drift off unable to stay awake any longer.
Logan watches her fall into sleep and keeps gently caressing her. He feels relief he was able to talk to her and that she is going to be alright. He knows she needs her sleep but wishes he could talk to her more. He wants to tell her he is not going back to Lilly; let her know he loves her.
Logan only gets to go in and say goodnight as Veronica is obviously exhausted and the nurse has requested that she be allowed to rest. She was given sedation and she is sleeping.
The next day Logan has to wait until after school to see Veronica. She was moved to the step down unit and visiting hours don't start until after eight am. When Logan calls at lunch, he is informed that Veronica is more awake and the doctor is pleased with her progress.
The hospital released the statement that Veronica's condition has been upgraded to stable and she is being moved from the step down unit to a private room. The hospital spokesperson again tells the press that Veronica and her family are grateful for the thoughts and prayers they have received. They have asked that there be no more press conferences. Visiting continues to be restricted to family only.
When an impatient Logan finally gets to the hospital, her family shares that she has been very withdrawn with them. They are worried about what it means.
When Logan goes into Veronica's room to visit with her he sees what they mean. She doesn't talk much and just lays there listening. Logan greeted her with a hug and kiss obviously excited to see her. She smiled at his happiness and seemed happy to see the wish book that Logan brought from the school. She listened while he read some of the messages her classmates wrote to her. She makes very few comments and all too soon his visit with her is over. He can see she is still very tired.
When he is leaving he leans down to kiss her. He says before his lips touch hers, "I have really missed you."
She closes her eyes and turns her head a little saying quietly, "Thanks for being here."
Logan immediately reassures her, "There is no where else I would rather be."
He puts his hand on her cheek and turns her face so he can see her eyes.
Veronica meets his gaze but doesn't answer him. Logan can see she doesn't believe him. He says, "Ronnie, I know you saw me and Lilly. It wasn't what you think."
Veronica looks away for a few seconds and Logan feels his stomach drop. He can see she is withdrawing from him. He gently caresses her cheek and begs, "Ronnie, don't pull away from me."
Veronica looks at Logan briefly and then looks away again. She says woodenly, "Logan, I'm kind of tired. Can we talk another time?"
Logan accepts her request that they postpone their talk, "Sure." He leans in and puts his lips on hers.
He is taken aback when she doesn't respond to his kiss. She has closed her eyes and she is turning away from him.
Logan feels pain in his chest. He has been broken up with plenty of times in his relationship with Lilly. He can tell what is coming. Veronica is going to break up with him.
Later:
Veronica is sitting up looking at her supper tray. Her father is sitting beside her bed watching her. He says, "Do you need me to go and buy you a burger or something?"
Veronica smiles at her father and says, "No, it's OK. I'm not really hungry anyways."
Keith Mars encourages, "At least eat the soup. It is your favorite."
Veronica looks at it listlessly making no attempt to eat it.
He decides to quit nagging her and tries another tact. "Remember when I first told you that tomato soup came from tomatoes?" Veronica smiles a little at the memory. She looks at her father as he says, "You were mad and didn't believe me."
Veronica intones, "Tomato soup is so good and tomatoes are so yucky."
Keith laughs lightly and says, "I couldn't convince you."
Veronica smiles and leans her head back on the pillows. She sighs, "You were right of course." She pauses and looks at her father fondly. She says, "You are almost always right."
Keith looks at the daughter he loves more than life. He sees her pain. He wants to relieve some of her pain but she has not been talking about what is bothering her. He decides that perhaps if she can't talk, maybe a hug will help. He stands up and walks closer to her bed, pushes her tray away and sits beside her on the bed. Carefully and slowly he puts his arm around her and says, "Come here kiddo. I could use a hug."
As soon as he leaned back on her bed and opened his arms, she had moved to hug him. Keith noticed that his daughter was hugging him tightly like she used to do when she had nightmares or she did when Lianne left them and she was scared he would leave too. Truth be told he needed to hold her and hug her just as much as she needed him right now. He has never been so afraid in his life as he has the last few days. His daughter is the most important thing in the world to him and he couldn't love her more. He gently rubs her back.
After a few minutes of listening to his heart beat and feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest, Veronica says, "I was so scared when I lifted the baby out."
Keith tightens his arms around her and just listens. She says, "I couldn't get the door to open so I realized I had to climb back out the window. I put my leg through and then bent my head and chest and kind of fell out of the car."
Keith continues to stay quiet listening, waiting to hear what she had to say.
Veronica pauses and then says, "I don't remember much about carrying her to the ambulance or anything. I felt like I was in a daze."
Keith nods and squeezes her gently. There is a long pause and then Veronica says, "I was looking at the ambulance guy holding the baby and then everything started to go black. I couldn't breath and my head was spinning."
She pauses and then says her voice cracking with emotion, "A lot of time seemed to pass. I was so cold. It was so dark. I was calling and calling but no one answered." She looks up at her father and says, "I was walking and walking looking for a way out. I got so tired. "
Keith wraps his arms tighter around her. He says, "We were here Veronica. We were calling and waiting for you to come back to us."
She continues to hold him and he adds, "Thank god you found your way back."
After a few more minutes of silence, Veronica says, her voice muffled by his shirt, "Sometimes I heard you guys talking to me."
Curious Keith asks, "Who did you hear talking to you?"
"You, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Eileen," she tells him and then adds, "and Logan."
Keith thinks it is interesting that she didn't hear her mother but merely says, "Well your mom was here as well and Lynn Echolls was here every day."
Veronica doesn't say anything so Keith says, "A lot of people love you and were pulling for you."
She nods and just continues to relax in her father's arms.
As he holds her he thinks about her feeling like she was lost in the dark and wonders what it means. He thinks about how in such a short period of time Logan has become so important to her. In his view, Veronica is too young to be serious about a boy but Logan has proved that he cares about Veronica. Keith is just going to be there for both of them and see where their relationship goes.
Veronica just continues to hold onto her father.
Keith's brother looks through the window and sees Keith holding Veronica. He sighs and says, "I hope he can get her to talk. She's been so quiet since she woke up."
Logan looks in and sees Veronica in her father's arms. She has withdrawn from everyone since she woke up and they have all been very worried. The doctor has told them to give her time. She has to deal with seeing the carnage in the front seat and then frantically trying to rescue the baby and then almost dying.
Logan had sat with his mother and confided his feeling that Veronica is going to break up with him. He says, "She doesn't know that I broke things off for good with LIlly."
Lynn sees Logan is worried that he is going to lose Veronica. She leans closer and says, "Sweetie, Veronica has a lot on her plate right now. You know she loves you. You have to trust in your relationship and trust that once she is better, you can talk to her." She looks him in the eyes and points out, "Right now Veronica needs us all to help her emotionally adjust to what she has been through."
She advises, "You can be a big part of her recovery. You can lift her spirits, help her relax, help her have fun and forget her worries."
Logan thinks about what his mother is telling him. He sees she is right.
A few hours later Logan takes his turn to visit Veronica. He walks quietly in and gently takes her hand. Veronica stirs and opens her eyes to look at Logan. She pulls her hand out of his and pushes the button on the bed to partially sit up. Veronica reaches over and gets her drink off her bedside table. Logan looks at her and says, "Are you getting tired of being in bed?"
Veronica looks at Logan and says, "A little." She watches as Logan goes around to the other side of the bed and abuptly pulls back her covers. He reaches down and slides his arms under her legs and her back lifting her easily out of the bed.
She squeels, "Logan," in surprise and puts her arms around his neck.
Laughing at her reaction, he spins her a couple of times and then holds her securely to his chest. He says, "You are such a lightweight! I am going to ask Mrs. Navarro to make you some tamales," He smiles as her face lights up at the thought. Putting his forehead to hers he adds, "Maybe she'll make chocolate chip cookies."
Before she can say anything he walks the few steps towards the chair. He looks at her and says teasingly, "You know this would be a lot more fun if you were still in that hospital gown." He sets her gently down on the soft cushions of the chair and asks, "Whose bright idea was it to bring you pajamas?"
He walks the few feet to the bed, gets the blanket and covers her with it.
Veronica laughs at Logan's antics and says, "Aunt Eileen bought them for me."
He teases, "I thought it might be your dad's attempt to stop easy access to your perfect body."
"Nope,' she answers smartly, "Just an attempt to keep me comfortable and warm."
Logan leans in as he tucks the blanket around her and says suggestively, "I would be happy to keep you warm."
Smiling she says, "I'll keep it in mind."
While Logan is getting his chair so he can sit next to her, Veronica looks in the mirror on the bedside table. She grimaces and says, "Ugh, I look awful!" She touches her face and her hair worriedly.
Logan sets his chair down next to her armchair. He reaches over and turns her face to look up at him. He says firmly, "You are beautiful!"
Veronica smiles gently at Logan and looks back at the mirror. Logan, seeing she is upset about her appearance, goes over to the bathroom and gets the cosmetic bag her mother brought her. He hands her a wet washcloth and watches as she washes her face. She roots through her bag and gets some cream for her face putting it on.
Logan has seen her morning makeup ritual and is comfortable watching her fuss with her appearance.
He reaches in and gets her brush and elastic. He goes around to the back of the chair and starts to brush her hair back. Adopting the attitude and voice of a male hair stylist, he says, "What can I do for you today?" He musses her hair massaging her scalp and says, "Perhaps a sexy, wind blown look."
Pulling her long hair up he says, "Or perhaps a sophisticated up do with some tendrils hanging down. "
Veronica is giggling at his voice and imitation of a hair stylist.
Pulling her hair to the side he says, "Maybe a playful side sweep would suit your mood better?"
"No," he continues, "I know. We will pull your hair back and show off you wonderful cheekbones." He gently brushes the tangles out of her long hair and deftly ties her hair back in a high pony tail.
Keith looking in the door sees that Logan has gotten Veronica to the chair and is helping her with her hair. He has to smile as not too many guys Logan's age know how to look after a girl's hair. Apparently being on set with his famous parents has taught Logan a thing or two about the importance of a good appearance. Keith can see that Veronica will feel better if she can groom a little. It is good to hear his daughter giggle as Logan's over the top hair dresser imitation is making her laugh.
Keith heads back to the waiting room deciding to let Logan entertain Veronica for a while longer.
Logan leans down and gently kisses behind her ear and then down her neck. He murmurs, "Mmmm... I like when your hair is up."
Veronica instinctively turns her head a little giving Logan more access to her neck area. He happily nuzzles her neck enjoying touching her again. She reaches back and pushes him away gently saying, "My father is just outside."
Logan says, "Fine. We'll watch TV." He goes around to sit in his chair next to hers. He says, "Should I put your feet up?" When she nods, he pulls the lever on her chair and her feet go up.
Veronica has relaxed having her hair brushed and is rooting through her bag to find lip gloss. She applies the gloss to her lips and when she is putting it away, she notices Logan is looking at her lips. Veronica seeing the look in his eyes, feels her heart start to race. She pushes the feeling aside and says, "Well that is as good as it is going to get tonight."
Logan takes her hand and says, "You look great!" He kisses her hand and says, "Only a truly beautiful woman can look so good without makeup."
Veronica smiles a little at his chivalry. She squeezes his hand and says, "Only a man with real manners or who wants something could say something like that with a straight face."
Logan smirks and says, "No one has ever said I have good manners before."
Veronica has to smile at his teasing.
He adds, "But you are right, there is something I want."
A little puzzled Veronica looks at Logan in question.
He keeps her gaze and leans closer saying quietly, "I want you Veronica Mars." He leans further in to kiss her when...Showing unfortunate timing, the nurse comes in to give Veronica her nighttime medicine and is surprised to find Veronica in the chair. Veronica tells her that Logan lifted her and the nurse smiles at Logan asking if he wants to help her on her rounds of the other patients.
He just smiles and says, "I am a private duty helper for just Veronica."
The nurse smiles back and takes Veronica's temperature and vital signs.
Logan turns on the television and starts to watch a show with her. All too soon their time together is over and Logan is sent home. He leans down and gently kisses her goodnight after he lifts her back to bed.
Keith is pleased at how Logan is able to elevate Veronica's mood a little but Logan is worried about how remote Veronica is with him. She is normally so open and loving that he feels the distance acutely now. He knows his mother is right and he should just try and be there for her and not worry about their relationship right now. She has a lot to deal with.
However, on the drive home Logan can't shake the feeling that Veronica is withdrawing from him personally. He hopes that they can talk tomorrow about their relationship.