Disclaimer: The characters are not mine, but most of the witty banter is. No copyright infringement intended, but they say that possession is 9/10s of the law.
RECAP: Summertime in Neptune. The guys were under suspicion for the car accident until they made a deal with the DA. The town is divided along class lines, and there were more than a few squirmishes in the war, including Logan's round of Russian roulette. Enbom left town to work for his Dad's company for the summer, and he quickly drifted away from Mac, who worried. It was no better after he returned, and Mac is unsure what to do. LoVe have their ups and downs, but seem to be learning from past mistakes. Except for their jealousy and trust issues which keep popping up. Keith wrote his book and V found Marisol Reyes and two other girls dead and buried. Aaron was released and is under house arrest. Meg's family went off the deep end. Jake and Weidman keep popping up in V's life. V negotiates the media, the FBI, and a few local law enforcement agencies but can't outfox Keith, who finally manages to get his sit down with Logan. Duncan comes back to town after a summer internship in DC, and decides he wants Meg back, but is easily distracted. Kendall is skulking about looking for distractions from her new life. Dick is seeing both Betina and Madison, but is pining for Mac.
First let me say thanks for the reviews. I haven't blackmailed, bribed or begged for reviews during this story. Then I got less reviews than ever for the last chapter. So If you want more story, you know what to do. This is the second to last chapter in the summer (I think), so the more you review the more motivated I'll be to start the new story.
Chapter 21: Semi-Charmed Life
(Thursday, August 26)
San Francisco. Betina Casablancas Milken's home. Dick slides down a curved banister to land at the bottom of a crisp white staircase. He smirks at his own actions then saunters towards the living room. He finds his brother sitting on a white French Victorian sofa and leaps over the back of it to land next to him with a jarring bounce.
Beaver looks exasperated but also tolerantly amused as he steadies his laptop on his lap. Dick grins.
Dick: I'm bored, let's get out of here.
Beaver: And do what?
Dick: I dunno, there's got to be something. Hey, I know let's find the Tenderloin district.
Beaver: The one with...
Dick: Prostitutes.
Beaver: Why?
Dick: Why not?
Beaver: You go ahead. I'm trying to figure something out.
Dick looks disappointed, then shrugs. Getting to his feet he ruffles his little brothers' hair.
Dick: I know you're all crazy smart and stuff Cass, but you need to get out. Have some fun.
Beaver smiles.
Beaver: How about I meet you in Chinatown later for dinner?
Dick: That's more like it. We'll have dim sum, then cruise the area for some hot Asian chicks.
Beaver laughs and Dick nods then leaves the room. A few seconds later there is a crash down the hall.
Dick: Oops.
Beaver smiles as he hears the sounds of soft footsteps rapidly approaching.
Maid: What happened?
Dick: My bad.
Maid: Your mother will be very upset this was a Tiffany lamp.
Dick: There are like 5 lamps in this room, she'll never notice.
Maid: Your mother notices everything.
Dick: Not really.
The maid continues to be upset.
Dick: Look, just tell her I did it. What's she gonna do? Fire me as her son?
Beaver frowns. Betina Casablancas was inattentive before, now with her new husband, Beaver doubted they'd hear from her more than on their birthdays and major holidays. The sounds die down as the maid scoops up the mess and Dick exits the house, unconcerned.
Alone again, Beaver frowns down at his computer, looking at his father's investment brochure and profits and loss statement, then flipping to a picture on google images. On the brochure is the picture of a beautiful, ultra modern high rise luxury hotel. The google image shows a much more modest hotel/motel. It looks worn but nice, full of memories and years of happy customers. Both are on the beach, and both have the same name. Beaver frowns and writes down some information. He tries to figure it out. For some reason his dad had never taken them to this hotel. And for a man who liked to show off his assets, and enjoy his position, it was an odd oversight.
-VM—VM—VM—
Neptune. Logan's house. Shiloh is sitting on a thick foam ABC puzzle mat, carefully dipping her fingers into a bowl of finger paint. She had already discovered she did not what to eat it, but was still unsure if she liked the feel of the cold, thick paint on her fingers.
Veronica had laughed for a long time seeing what Lynn had left as a gift for Shiloh, knowing that she was too young to really paint anything yet, but would still manage to make a huge mess. But when Logan had pouted that his mom was really excited about the gift, Veronica had given in.
Veronica: How about this be a "stay at Logan's house" activity?
Then she'd warmed to the idea, after extracting a promise from Logan that he would help clean up the mess and not leave it all for Mrs. Navarro. Logan looked vaguely put out, but gave in when Veronica insisted.
She smiles happily at him.
Veronica: Why don't you two get started?
Watching Veronica pick up her bag and walk towards the door, Logan looks confused.
Logan: Where are you going?
Veronica: I need to run an errand.
Logan: Now?
Veronica: Yes. (smiles) It's for the finger painting. I'll be quick.
Logan: Is it an apron?
Veronica: No. But good idea, maybe a rain poncho.
Logan looks worried over how messy this could be. He had never been allowed to finger paint. His father didn't like a mess. So paint wasn't allowed at home, and it was also vetoed at school because Logan would be too dirty to ride home in his parents' cars. That was probably why Lynn had thought this would be so much fun, and hadn't realized Shi was still too young for the activity.
-VM—VM—VM—
Logan's house. When Veronica returns a half hour later, both Logan and Shiloh are still relatively clean. Veronica sets out the cardstock paper she had bought along with her camera, ready to get a few candid shots. Logan looked up at her, smiling in triumph as the painting was going well. Slowly. Messily. But it did resemble painting. Kinda.
Shiloh was slow to pick up the idea of dragging her hand on the paper preferring to examine the paint while it was still on her hands.
The baby looks up to see Veronica and smiles happily, then claps sending spots of paint flying everywhere, including all over her and Logan. She freezes her face showing her stunned dislike of it. Veronica tries to smoother a grin as Logan looks from Shi's face, which is turning red as she gets ready to wail, then at Veronica clearly begging for help. Veronica shakes her head at him, amused, but not about to step into the mess.
Logan looks back at Shi helplessly as she dabs at a spot of paint on her nose, adding more paint to her face unintentionally. She begins to breathe quickly, on the verge of a meltdown. Logan thinks quickly and then uses his own paint covered fingers to make a large spot of paint on his nose, mirroring the one on Shiloh's smaller face.
Logan: See, it's not so bad.
Shiloh looks uncertain, but doesn't cry.
He makes a few more spots of color on his cheeks and chin, baby talking to her the whole time.
Logan: It's fun. Don't you want to have fun with paint? Once you get older you don't get to make as many messes. Especially not with a sister like Veronica and her eagle eye.
Veronica smiles and has her camera to her eye capturing Logan leaning down to be on Shi's level and Shiloh's happy smile. The next few shots are Shiloh putting her paint covered hands on Logan's face and squealing in laughter as he makes a funny expression in response. Veronica sets the camera to automatically take a picture every 30 seconds then positions it on the kitchen table with the two of them perfectly in frame before coming to join them.
Veronica: Are you two making a mess? Is that what you're doing?
She grins at her baby sister's happy face, spotted with primary colors.
Veronica: You know what's going to be fun later?
Shiloh looks up at Veronica, her small face open and full of love and trust as she responded to Veronica's happy tone. Logan smiles too, his expression easy and open too.
Veronica: Watching Logan clean up this mess. Oh yeah. Good times to come.
Logan scowls, but Shiloh laughs, clearly amused by the tone if not understanding the actual words.
-VM—VM—VM—
Veronica is still in a happy light hearted mood when she takes Shiloh home later that night. Finding no one home, but a note from the nanny saying to call when she's needed, Veronica decides to assume Shiloh's nighttime routine including her bath (obviously needed even after a turn under the outdoor shower head at Logan's), dinner and a story before bed.
She likes spending time with Shiloh doing the normal things. She also wants to see what state Leanne will be in when she returns home. A quick phone conversation with the nanny confirms that she had no idea where Leanne was or when she was returning.
Shiloh shows her excited exuberance for bath time by splashing Veronica until her front is completely wet. Veronica laughs along with her little sister, calling her a weasely rascal, which leads to more splashing and shrieks of laughter. Shi is tucked into her crib with Veronica in a chair nearby watching her eyes flutter with sleep by 7:30pm. Veronica pulls out a book of fairytales and settles in.
As ten o'clock rolls around Veronica calls Alicia to let her know she'll be later than expected. Alicia questions Veronica until she is assured that everything is all right, besides the obvious.
Alicia: You can always bring Shiloh here Veronica. (faint bite to her tone) I'm sure your mother won't mind.
Veronica: Thanks, I know. I'll just wait awhile longer.
At eleven, Veronica calls Leanne for the third time. A half hour later she has a diaper bag packed and carefully maneuvers Shi's sleeping form into a carrier, snuggling the little girl's warm body into her own. Veronica leaves a note on the counter and one in the crib, then turns off the lights and exits the apartment.
On the street downstairs she sees a sleek black town car pull up to the curb as she walks to her own car, parked farther down the street. She doesn't pay it any notice until she hears the door open and the sound of Leanne's drunk and whiny voice spill out.
Leanne: I'm fine, I don' know why you had to treat me like that. I'm fine.
Veronica turns slowly, knowing that voice, knowing that slow slur. It is the next voice that startles her.
Weidman: I find that hard to believe Mrs. Mars.
Leanne: It's Reynolds. Not Mars. Not an'more. Not Kane either. Jus' Reynolds.
Weidman: (trying to hold Leanne upright) Yes. My mistake.
Leanne: Mistake. I've made so many mistakes...
Weidman doesn't answer having seen Veronica with the baby strapped to her chest. He firmly turns Leanne away from her daughters and locks gazes with the small blonde girl. Her face is filled with grief for a moment, then hardens to resigned disappointment, her chin raising in challenge. Her hands rise protectively over the back of the sleeping child in her care.
Weidman nods slowly, obviously not about to challenge her taking Shiloh for the night, and Veronica slowly nods back at him, her eyes revealing her conflict. Surprise that Weidman was babysitting Leanne, surprise that he had deftly circumvented a confrontation between mother and daughter, surprise that he was allowing Veronica to leave with Jake's child, and doubt that his support would be long lasting or able to change the situation in the long term.
Accepting his gesture for what it was, she quickly tucks her sister into the car seat that Weidman knew stayed in her car most of the time. He continued to try to lead Leanne inside, wondering how such a weak woman ever spawned someone like Veronica Mars.
-VM—VM—VM—
(Friday, August 27)
San Diego Airport. Mac stands in a sea of people. Some happy, some tired, some annoyed. Her parents, the ones who had raised her stand on one side of her, excited but also nervous. They've never been to Europe and letting their daughter fly off into the unknown is nerve-racking. On her other side are her biological parents, clam and eager to be on their way. Lauren stands serenely reading a book. Ryan is eyeing the baggage claim, no doubt wondering how to get on it and if he can make it all the way around before security or his parents get him.
Her boyfriend is nowhere to be found.
Mac: (decisively) Mom. Dad. I'll be fine. I'll call as soon as we land, and email every day.
Natalie MacKenzie: Have fun dear. We'll miss you.
Sam MacKenzie: If you get to Bodrum, I'd love to hear your impressions of the Castle of Saint Peter.
Mac: Of course Dad. I'll call you when we're there and take lots of pictures.
Sam MacKenzie: Oh, you don't have to do that Cindy.
Boyd Sinclair: Don't worry about it Sam. Both Cheryl and I have world phones, the calls are included in our plans.
Cheryl Sinclair: We'll make sure she calls home often.
Their thanks for allowing their daughter to join them on the trip have already been expressed, and they won't do anything to risk the new open arrangement they have with their biological daughter and her family.
Ryan: (whispering to Mac) Get me a sword. A real one. Maybe one of those killer curved ones.
Mac smiles and gives her parents one more hug, then walks towards the security checkpoint.
-VM—VM—VM—
Los Angles. Logan and Veronica stop at the guard house at the entrance of the Warner Bros. lot. A few paparazzi outside the gates try to get a shot, but only get Logan's hand raised in a one finger salute as the small black sports car rolls past security.
Inside the lot they find parking and start to walk towards the soundstage where the Closer shoots, and where Lynn will be shooting her guest staring appearance over the next few days.
Veronica is excited but tries to contain it, not wanting to embarrass herself or anyone else, and knowing Logan hated the people who would fall at the feet of celebrities. Entering the set they are told to be quiet as a scene is about to be shot.
After the director calls cut, Lynn and Kyra Sedgwick (the show's star) stand up and smile.
Kyra: That was fun.
Lynn: Yes. Oh, there's my son and his girlfriend. Did I tell you she was the one who convinced me to do the show?
Kyra: Oh?
Lynn: She's a big fan.
Lynn quickly introduces them and Veronica can't help but quip.
Veronica: Lynn Echolls and Kyra Sedgwick in the Closer, Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon in Lemon Sky, and in life.
Logan: Veronica Mars meeting Kyra Sedgwick, one degree of Kevin Bacon.
Veronica: Sorry. I couldn't resist.
Kyra: That's all right. It happens all the time. (turns to Lynn) Our children are nearly the same age.
Lynn: Yes. I hope yours don't give you as much trouble as mine.
Kyra: No, I think we got lucky. And for some reason the paparazzi in New York seem to respect our family's privacy more than the West Coast.
Logan: That's it, we're moving as soon as I graduate.
There is good natured laughter, but Veronica's eyes show a little worry as she thinks about the future.
-VM—VM—VM—
Los Angeles. Logan scowls at the restaurant Lynn takes them to for dinner. It is a common celebrity hotspot, and even if they didn't have paparazzi following them already, which they did, they would not be able to avoid the at this restaurant. His hand tightens on Veronica's, and she squeezes him back, pressing into his side, trying to offer him the comfort of her nearness. Or getting ready to hide behind him once they stepped out of the town car Lynn had hired.
Immediately as they pull up the flashbulbs start exploding and the media shout questions at them, trying to get a quote or at least a response.
Reporters: How's the divorce Lynn?
Reporters: Logan, have you seen your father?
Reporters: What did you think of his interview?
Reporters: Logan do you still think your father did it?
Reporters: Lynn, did you know your husband was sleeping with your son's girlfriend?
They ignore the questions, trying to get inside.
Reporters: Veronica, how does it feel to take down a Hollywood icon?
Reporters: Did Aaron Echolls ever hit on you Veronica?
Logan spins around, the last question breaking his control, but Veronica grabs his bicep with both hands, her touch calming him and allowing him the moment he needed to regain control of his temper.
Logan: You want a quote? Go fuck yourself. There's your quote.
Veronica's mouth quirks in a smile, her hand sliding down his arm to mesh their fingers together. They pass through the doors to the restaurant and but Lynn pauses outside, she removes her sunglasses and turns to look at the photographers.
Her expression is regal, and disappointed.
Lynn: Please respect the privacy of my child. He should not have to pay for the mistakes of his parents.
The noise dies down, but the camera keep clicking and recording. She looks perfect, not a hair out of place, calm, collected, strong. Exactly the way she wanted to look.
Lynn: Try to behave yourselves when we come back out.
-VM—VM—VM—
Leaving the restaurant Logan wraps his arm around Veronica and rubs her arm.
Logan: Hey. You OK?
Veronica: (subdued) Yeah.
Logan: (deeply doubtful) Really?
His eyes are clearly asking her to confide in him and she hesitates then wraps her own arm around his back.
Veronica: Yeah. Or as close to OK as I'm going to get, right now. (trying to divert him) Dinner was fantastic.
He refuses to be diverted.
Logan: The cameras?
Veronica: No. Well, yeah sure, not on my list of ways to end a good meal, but not what's currently on my mind.
She looks up at him, her face clearly worried.
Veronica: I'm thinking about Shiloh.
Logan: She's with the nanny right?
Veronica: Yeah, Weidman put the nanny back on round the clock status, except for when Mrs. Navarro is there. Mom was pissed. She said she didn't need that and tried to let the nanny go, but Weidman told her in no uncertain terms that the nanny's schedule and duties were not up to Mom.
Logan: Bet she loved that.
Veronica: Yeah, guess how she expressed her feelings? (sigh) It was only ten o'clock in the morning.
Logan: I'm sorry.
Veronica: I know. (trying to perk up) Hey at least rehab worked for one of our mothers.
Lynn saunters back towards them, having been over with the photographers and fans while they waited for the valet to pull their car around.
Logan: If only they had rehab for addiction to the limelight.
He grimaces at the photographers continue to take pictures as Lynn smiles and poses. Veronica's face pinches, but at least Lynn doesn't ask Logan to join her in the spotlight.
-VM—VM—VM—
(Saturday, August 28)
Cut to the Neptune Fire Department, Station House 3. Enbom is shining the chrome on a fire engine.
Enbom: So you guys seriously wash all these trucks. Every day.
Fireman #1: Yeah.
Enbom: Even in a drought.
There is laughter from the firemen and one fire-woman, who are all sitting in the shade watching him work.
Fireman #1: Didn't have you pegged for one of those tree huggers.
Enbom: Right, 'cause only people who care about the environment should be concerned about the fact that we live in a desert, ship our water in from hundreds of miles away, and the whole west coast has been in a drought for a decade. Good thinking.
There is more laughter as the fire crew continues to rib Enbom, having a good time with their free worker.
Fireman #2: Let up man, I bet his girlfriend loves that he's all sensitive about the bunnies.
Enbom: Says the man who climbed up a tree to rescue a cat yesterday.
Fireman #2: We do what we do man.
Enbom: Sure, pussy whisperer. I never saw a grown man cuddle a cat so sweetly.
The fire crew laughs again, easy with the back and forth ribbing, and happy to see the new guy join in.
Fire Chief Lucia comes out and swipes his finger over the area Enbom just shined, looking at the teenage boy who had worked up a sweat while his crew took some well deserved downtime.
He nods, approving the boy's work, then turns to his crew.
Fire Chief Lucia:All right boys and girls, break time's over. We need to check our search and rescue gear and supplies, and we're putting together a team to be ready to deploy to the Gulf states in the next few days if the call comes in. Volunteer sig- up sheet is in the galley. Let's go, let's go, let's go.
The fire crew moan good naturedly, but move quickly and with purpose.
Fire Chief Lucia:We'll be hitching a ride with LA's team, don't shame me with sloppy gear or packing, those guys may be better funded than us, but they won't be better.
Enbom is left alone, shining the engine, except for the Chief, who hangs back a moment.
Fire Chief Lucia:Mr. Enbom.
Enbom: Yes sir.
Fire Chief Lucia:You're friends with Veronica, right?
Enbom: Veronica Mars?
Fire Chief Lucia:You know more than one?
Enbom: No.
Fire Chief Lucia:Probably a good thing.
Enbom smiles.
Enbom: Maybe.
Fire Chief Lucia:Let me know if these guys give you too much shit. I've know Veronica since she was a baby. She'll give me hell if we abuse you too much.
Enbom nods, but looks guilty. Trading on Veronica's relationships after he'd been such an ass to her. While he was currently being an ass to her friend. Mac. Enbom still didn't know what to do about Mac. She used to make him feel good, now the only time he felt good was when he was surfing with the guys. Being with Mac made him feel even worse than when he was alone. He saw the disappointment in her eyes whenever she looked at him, and what made it worse is that he knew he deserved it. He'd messed up, and she had had to help him and his friends stay out of jail. Everything was different now. Everything.
-VM—VM—VM—
(Sunday, August 29)
Sunday morning Veronica comes into the Fennel main house to find Alicia sitting on the couch, her expression shocked, her eyes glued to the TV a cup of coffee forgotten in her hand. Veronica sits beside her.
Veronica: What's wrong?
Alicia: That hurricane they were talking about hit New Orleans.
Veronica's eyes focus on the TV as well, seeing that the levees had broken, hearing the newscaster say that thousands of people were trapped in the city and no one knew when help would arrive.
Alicia: The city is destroyed.
Alicia sounds mournful.
Veronica: Do you have family there?
Veronica frowned realizing she didn't know that much about Alicia's past. Just that Wallace's father had died, Alicia had been single and the sole breadwinner for their family for a few years, working IT at Ohio State University and living in nearby Worthington. Hank had been an engineer and worked for the county department of public works. He had died of cancer, which had been caught late and progressed quickly. Wallace said he was glad it was quick, because then his dad didn't have to suffer for long.
Alicia: No. But, I've been there a few times. Hank loved it there. We honeymooned there, and visited after he was diagnosed. His family was from there.
They sit and watch as the talking heads try to predict how much rainfall and storm surge there is and will be and when the storm will pass. There is also mention of damage in other areas in the Gulf states.
Alicia: Where are Wallace and Daryl?
Veronica: I sent them out to get bagels for breakfast.
They lapse back into silence as they continue to watch the frightening scenes on screen.
-VM—VM—VM—
Fennel house. After breakfast Veronica leaves to go pickup Shiloh for the day. She tried to have her on as many Sundays as possible and knew she was lucky both nannys and Jake and Leanne were flexible on when she took Shi. Not that Leanne had much room from a moral standpoint to protest.
Veronica realized suddenly that Leanne abandoning Shi as a newborn had probably saved her life. Jake would spare no expense caring for his child, even if he barely spent time with her he seemed to have genuine feeling for his daughter. Leanne giving Shi to Jake or Jake taking her, whichever had happened was the best possible solution.
Resisting the urge to start a fight with her mother, made easier by the presence of the nanny, Veronica managed to pickup Shiloh and get to her car without grinding her teeth together until she gave herself a headache. Shiloh's happy babbling from the backseat wiped away the unpleasant feeling Veronica always had after seeing Leanne.
-VM—VM—VM—
Veronica arrives back at home just as Logan arrives. She smiles then starts freeing Shi from the car seat. As she turns towards the house Logan easily takes the diaper bag and her new messenger bag (a gift from Mac for her birthday) off her shoulder leaving her only with the baby to hold.
Logan chucks a hand under the baby's chin causing her to let out a stream of words and baby nonsense.
The day passes slowly, easily, with each of them taking some time with Shiloh. The TV remains on inside, the news a muted noise in the background. Logan scoops Shiloh up and away from Wallace who looked relieved. He was still worried her diapers would leak and get poo on him. Veronica teased him relentlessly for saying "poo."
Alicia stared glassy eyed at the TV. The storm had finally passed and news helicopters were flying over the city. Or what had once been a city. A huge expanse of it was underwater and people were crawling out onto their roofs holding signs begging for help. But no help was in sight.
Outside in the backyard, Logan threw Shiloh up into the air her happy shrieks loud enough to penetrate the house. Alicia looks up and smiles as he does it again.
Alicia: I'd say he should be careful...
She smiles softly at the teenage boy she was still surprised by, then turned back to the TV for a moment.
Alicia: OK, what should we do for dinner?
Daryl opened his mouth to a stream of consciousness on his dinner preferences.
Daryl: We could have hamburgers and beans, or hotdogs and potato salad, but not macaroni salad, it's gross, or we could have fish sticks or ham and cheese sandwiches or nachos or...
Veronica smiles as Daryl dances around his mother as she moves to the kitchen to check what food she has.
Outside Logan tosses Shiloh up in the air again and catches her easily.
Shiloh: More!
Logan tosses her a few more times then pauses, aware that even if she liked it catching her too many times could hurt her small body. He holds her against his chest and Shiloh tilts her head at him, her gaze focused directly on him.
Shiloh: Lo-lo.
Logan: Logan.
Shiloh: Log –lo.
She struggles with the 'g.'
Logan: Great now I'm the gay network.
Veronica has come outside to overhear him.
Veronica: Well that was only a matter of time.
He frowns at her playfully until his attention is recaptured by Shiloh who smacks both her small hands down on his chest.
Shiloh: Lo-lo. Fly.
He nuzzles his face into hers then takes her wrist and ankle in his hands and turns in a circle Shiloh flying out like an airplane.
Veronica settles into a patio chair to watch, her face lit with happiness, watching Logan love her little sister.
Alicia comes out of the sliding glass door.
Alicia: Veronica I'm going to have to run to the store. Do you need anything?
Veronica: No.
Alicia: OK-
Veronica: Wait Alicia, why don't you give us the list, Logan and I will do the shopping.
Alicia: You don't have to do that.
Veronica: I know.
Alicia: Let me give you some money.
Logan: No. I mean, it's OK.
Veronica: Yeah, come on. Let Mr. Moneypants buy for once, he's restrained himself nicely for like a whole two weeks now.
Alicia smiles, well used to Logan's offers to pay for any meal he was a part of, and Veronica teasing him for it.
Veronica: We can take Daryl with us, give you some time to yourself.
Alicia: You don't-
Veronica: Have to. I know. But we could.
Logan shrugs. Alicia considers it then nods, but quickly adds on a contingency.
Alicia: But under no circumstances are you to come home with a bag full of junk food.
Logan looks like he's going to argue.
Logan: One item.
Alicia sighs.
Alicia: One.
Veronica: Deal.
Veronica takes Shiloh from Logan and they all head into the house.
Shiloh: Go?
She looks unhappy.
Veronica: Just to the store little one.
-VM—VM—VM—
Grocery store. Veronica looks in the cart and sees microwave popcorn, flaming hot cheetos, pop tarts and pudding pops.
Veronica: Alicia said one item.
Logan: Yeah, one item for her, Daryl, you and Wallace.
Veronica smiles, then begins to laugh.
Veronica: There's always a loophole with you.
Daryl runs up to them holding a candy bar, looking hopefully at Veronica first then Logan. Veronica opens her mouth to say no, but Logan nods.
Logan: Go for it man, but do it here and remember to wipe your hands and mouth after or your mom will know.
Daryl jumps up and down in joy, carefully pealing back the wrapper and taking a bite.
Daryl: So good.
Veronica: I'm totally telling Alicia it was your idea.
Logan shrugs. Alicia didn't scare him anymore, at least not for small things like this. If he ever messed up again in a big way he wouldn't want to see her. Alicia was free with her mothering and now days it extended to Logan as well as Veronica and her own kids. Logan couldn't decide if that was a good thing or not.
-VM—VM—VM—
Istanbul, Turkey. Mac sits in a large bedroom, her laptop on an antique desk. Bright light filters through the window. She is looking pensively at her computer screen which shows an open email message. The only words typed are "Dear John."
She stares at the screen another minute, the puts her hands back to the keys. She deletes Dear John, then types 'John.' She pauses again and hits the backspace key four times with force. She takes a deep breath.
Her third attempt sticks.
Hey everybody,
I thought in the interest of time I'd send out a mass email rather than individual ones, and bonus this way I won't bore you with the details of my trip once I get back. The flight to Istanbul was long, but mostly I occupied myself with my travel books. There are a lot of places I want to see. I have to say traveling first class is a whole other thing from traveling coach. I imagine especially on a long flight. Not that I have a real comparison, the longest flight I've ever been on was 4 hours.
I was a bit worried about all the enforced parental time, but so far Bo and Cheryl have been great. I catch them looking at me with that crazy I'm-about-to-cry way sometimes, but no actual tears. From my side, it's kinda nice to spend time with them. However as soon as we landed I realized that I kinda miss my parents too. The traffic here is crazy, if there are traffic rules, either no one knows them or no one obeys. My dad would have loved it.
We're staying on Prince Island, in a bed and breakfast owned by a Swedish-Turkish couple. How does one become Swedish and Turkish? Seems odd, but I guess the this is a very international place. However I was warned not to wander around the city alone. Something about being a westerner, and a girl. Probably good advice.
The B&B is called Kuleli Kösk, which means "towered mansion." And they are not kidding. This place is amazing, and as evidenced by this email, they have internet. Every window here seems to have fantastic views of the water. And while I realize I live by the ocean, the water here is different. The blue is well...amazing. So beautiful.
Prince Island is a car free island. Lauren (my little sister) says they wanted to stay here on their previous trip to Istanbul but couldn't because Madison freaked out at the thought of having to walk everywhere.
The ferry ride across the water has got to be the best way to begin any day. I think I might want to live on a boat. We went to the Grand Bazaar yesterday, and while I'm not a big shopper, it was fun. So much stuff. Bo bought me a copy of Turkish short stories and fairy tales translated into English, and it looks ancient. I never thought of a book as beautiful before. Cheryl got me and Lauren both necklaces. They're silver which should be normal but it's not. The silver is soft and well...beautiful. The design is intricate, not something I ever would have bought for myself, but I like it. I' pretending the red and green stones in it are fakes, but I doubt it. You bargain for everything here, which is actually fun.
Tomorrow Cheryl says that we're going to a Turkish bath, just her and me. After that we're meeting Bo and Lauren at Anadolu Kavagi.
Everything here is still so exotic, I can't really describe it to you, the colors and sounds all mix together and the art and architecture here is so beautiful.
One challenging thing has been the food. What I've had so far is good, but each time I ask for something to be made without meat it involves a 10 minute conversation about why I don't eat meat with the waiters. Why do they care?
More to come,
Mac
PS. My bathroom at the B&B has a massage panel, but I can't figure out how it works. Any Richie-riches out there want to fill me in?
She quickly sends the email to her parents, John, Veronica, Meg, Logan, Dick and Beaver.
-VM—VM—VM—
Fennel home. Veronica's room, nighttime. The room is dark but Veronica's movement in her bed is easily visible, she tosses and turns, letting out small sounds of misery and fear as she does.
Inside her dream she is trapped in the freezer, and Aaron's voice seems to surround her.
Aaron: (faintly amused) Veronica. Veronica, you can't get away.
She beats on the inside of her prison trying to get free as she feels the air around her begin to thicken and warm. Soon the heat is unbearable and she is screaming, pounding her hands on the freezer door, but it doesn't budge.
Aaron: (whisper taunting) You never should have gone up against me Veronica, you're not in my league. Did you think I would let you win?
His tone changes from the slightly seductive but terrifying whisper to out of control shouting.
Aaron: You're dead, do you hear me? You're dead Veronica!
Her sobs begin to rack her body making her attempts to get free falter.
Aaron: I'm in your head. I'm in Logan's head. You'll never be free of me.
Veronica: (enraged but still with an edge of fear as smoke fills her cage) You'll burn in hell and I'll be free of you then.
Aaron: That's never going to happen Veronica. I'm Aaron Echolls. I'm not going to jail. And what for? For ridding the world of a common little tramp? People love me.
Veronica: No!
Aaron: See you soon Veronica.
Back in Veronica's bedroom.
Veronica: No!
She sits bolt upright and is breathing hard. She checks her surroundings and flops back against her pillows, trying to control her breathing. Seeing on her alarm clock that it is almost 5am, she gets up and gets a drink of water from the sink. Returning to her bed she turns on a light, checks the windows and the door then picks up her phone and dials someone from speed dial.
Keith:Hello and good morning to my darling daughter.
Veronica: Hi Dad.
Her voice, though she tried to project an upbeat attitude, alerts Keith.
Keith:What's wrong?
Veronica: Nothing.
Keith:Veronica.
Veronica: I had a nightmare.
Keith:I'm sorry baby. What was it about?
Veronica: Aaron. He kept saying he wouldn't go to jail, that he'd see me again soon.
Keith:That's not going to happen Veronica. He's going to pay for his crimes, and he'll never come near you again.
Veronica: But Dad...
Keith: Never Veronica. I promise.
She smiles faintly.
Veronica: Well, if you promise.
Keith:And you know I always keep my promises.
Veronica: I know.
They stay on the phone, both silent for a moment.
Veronica: So where are you today?
Keith:Atlanta.
Veronica: Oh, see if you can get Nelly's autograph for Wallace.
Keith:Who's Nelly?
Veronica laughs lightly.
-VM—VM—VM—
-AN
Someone commented on Betina being Dick's mom's name and his booty buddy. This is from the show, I'm pretty sure I didn't realize it until I was writing and needed his mom's actual name.
One more chapter in this story I think, maybe too if I get particularly wordy.
I binged on LoVe fanfic this last weekend, and while I'm all angsty now due to the mass amount of angsty/heartrending fics, I'm also vaguely annoyed. There were some stories that don't make sense, even the well written stuff. I know I've been guilty of the same thing- hello Logan not helping V figure out who the tritons were and not pointing her in the right direction to clear her name. You get an idea and run with it even if the whys and hows don't make sense. So here's the thing- if I do things that just don't work or are illogical (plot points not character dev unless it's really horrible), let me know. I don't know if I'll be able to fix it, but I want to try. And yes I realize I just bit myself in the ass asking for this.
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