Hey all! I'm back again. I'm glad you liked Chapter 16. Yes, I'm a meanie for put a cliffhanger there, but that's part of the fun. Wanna give a major shoutout to ALL of my reviewers...all 93 of them! You guys are awesome, and seeing your reviews make my day. So continue to do so. Love you guys...
RECAP:
Bryan said nothing. The pain was too much bear. The love of his life was laying there right in front of him, so helpless and so weak. Courtney was vulnerable, and he could do nothing. Instead, he fell to his knees, looked at the ceiling and screamed.
BRYAN: NO!
It was full of agony, that even it began to tug at Logan's heartstrings. Dana let more silent tears fall, however. Chase was her friend, too. She was his confidante, when Michael wasn't there. Though sometimes it was annoying, Dana listened to Chase go on and on about how he loved Zoey, and how he wanted to be with her. Sometimes Dana actually gave him words of encouragement, which seemed to motivate Chase all the more. With a friendly hug, Chase usually bounded off to his dorm to write a love poem or something to Zoey. Or about Zoey.
Dana never admitted it, but she enjoyed her little talks with Chase. It was a nice change from Nicole and Zoey's incessant nagging and Logan's 'wanna make out' speech. At least that's what Dana thought it was at the time.
A silence lingered in the air. Dana and Logan sat there, while Logan had his arms wrapped around his girlfriend. Dana just let more tears fell, no point in hiding them. Dylan stood there, Zoey still in his arms. His expression grim. Bryan stroked Courtney's cheek, silently hoping to see those beautiful green eyes again. He wanted it to be the old times, where she'd pick up her electric guitar, and he'd pick up his drum set. Courtney and Bryan would just go nuts, while annoying Dylan and Samantha to no end. Well, mostly Samantha. Dylan sometimes sang along to what they were playing. On rear occasoins, when Samantha wasn't filling her nails or getting pedicures, she'd sing and dance with Stacy. And she was pretty good. Noah would join with bass, and Stacy naturally took the stage and danced. Bryan thought Stacy was an awesome dancer, but there was chemistry between him and Courtney, lots of it. Samantha's voice broke the still-lingering silence.
SAMANTHA: I'm not sure if it'll work...but I have an idea. To wake Courtney and Chase...
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Chapter 17: Slepping Beauties
Logan, Dana, Bryan and Dylan (who was carrying Zoey) all turned their eyes to Samantha. Her idea should've been good or someone was getting hurt. Logan was just angry for no apparent reason, maybe because of the idea of losing his mom at such a young age, and now Chase and Zoey. He couldn't lose anymore people. Dana was distant as her heart broke for her brother. They promised to look out for each other, but for once she couldn't do anything to help. She should know, she almost lost Logan in that horrible clone fight. Bryan was torn. He blinked back tears, and soon anger replaced them. He just wanted Courtney to wake up. Besides Dana, Courtney was the only one he could be open to.
LOGAN: Well, what should we do then?
SAMANTHA: We don't do anything.
That was it. Logan snapped. He had a short fuse and right now, he didn't need his sister acting all mysterious.
DANA: You've got to be kidding me!
LOGAN: Sammie! Have you lost it? Dana and Bryan are on the freakin' verge of crazy. Dylan over here is trying to make sure Zoey lives, Chase and Courtney are in these deep coma like states, AND YOU'RE TELLING ME WE CAN'T DO ANYTHING!
Samantha got up, and slapped Logan across the face to set him straight. Her mom was gone, she was estranged from her father, and she didn't need a crazy baby brother in the mix. Logan straightened himself out, after 5 minutes.
LOGAN: Thanks. I needed that.
SAMANTHA: No problem. I think...
LOGAN: Seriously, what happens from here? For once, we need Quinn here.
SAMANTHA: Well, we know about the story "Sleeping Beauty", right?
DYLAN (confused and a bit annoyed): Ok, Sammie. No disrespect or anything, but what does that have to do with anything?
SAMANTHA: Trust me, Dyl. It has lots to do with what's happening now. I promise.
DYLAN (confused): Umm, ok. I hope you know what you're doing.
SAMANTHA: Ok, everyone knows the story of Sleeping Beauty. Would you like a recap?
EVERYONE: NO!
DYLAN: We mean, uh, we would like that, but it's ok. We all know that there's a princess. An evil fairy comes along, and puts a spell on the princess when she's a baby. She was supposed to die at sixteen, but instead three good fairies come by and they change the spell. She'll only fall asleep until her true love kisses her. That's happened when she was 16. Princess fell into a deep sleep. Prince rides up, kills the evil fairy, and kisses the Princess. She wakes up, and lives happily. The end. There. But what are you trying to get at?
When Dylan finished talking, he got weird looks all around. Samantha crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, Dana and Bryan both looked at Dylan with a look that said 'you've got to be kidding me'. Logan's look was the funniest of all. he shook his head sadly at Dylan. Zoey still lay there with a faint pulse, but that could all change so time would precious right now.
LOGAN: Dude...
DYLAN: What?
LOGAN: Man...that was wrong! Just wrong, man...
DYLAN (nervous): I used to read to Zoey. Ok? What?
Silence.
DYLAN: Stop looking at me!
SAMANTHA: Ok...um, anyway back to my plan--
Samantha was caught off by Dana. Dana seemed annoyed but everyone holding back. She just wanted Bryan to be ok. Her brother was slowly dying, and if Courtney made him happy, then she wanted her to be ok. Not that Chase wasn't important or anything. Dana wanted things to go back to normal. Having superpowers were cool and everything but this was just too much, even for her to handle.
DANA: Which is?
LOGAN: Hold on. I think I know what Samantha's trying to get at. Dylan's umm...recap of Sleeping Beauty. Even though he claims he used to read it to Zoey.
DYLAN (annoyed): I did!
BRYAN: Ok, no one's saying you didn't. Not that I care anyway.
DANA: Ok, what were you saying again, Logan?
LOGAN: Well, I was saying that I know my sister better than anyone, right?
BRYAN: And the punchline is...
Logan chose to ignore that. He didn't exactly like Dana's brother, but he could tolerate him. For now.
LOGAN: Samantha wants Courtney to be kissed by her soulmate. I think we could find out who it is.
DANA: Since when are you and Samantha allowed to play God?
LOGAN (smirking): Baby, I told you. That's our department.
SAMANTHA: It's true.
Dana rolled her eyes. Logan kissed her on the cheeck and though her ankle throbbed in pain, that kiss made Dana made feel better. She rested her head on his shoulder but not before playfully pinching him. Logan rubbed the sore spot on his arm, and narrowed his eyes.
LOGAN (sarcastically): Love you, Dana.
DANA (sarcastically): Aww, poor baby...
BRYAN: Hey! Could you go all kissy-kissy somewhere else?
DANA: Oh, shut up Bry. When you get Courtney, you'll be all googly-eyed like me and Logan over here.
BRYAN: Whatever.
Logan had an idea. They could use their fire abilities to find out who Courtney's soulmate really was. After all, fire was essential in a relationship, right? According to the Reeses, yeah. Samantha knew exactly what was going on.
SAMANTHA: Hey Logan. You're thinking of using the "Reese Love Ray", right?
LOGAN (laughing): Yeah, you have to stay out of my head, seriously.
Samantha only smiled and shrugged. Logan looked up to his sister and gave her a look that said 'I can use it, right?'. Samantha nodded quietly. Logan's hands glowed fire engire red as he snapped his fingers. A gun-looking gadget appeared in his hands.
DYLAN: What is that?
SAMANTHA: Oh, that is the "Reese Love Ray".
LOGAN: It'll find out who you are bound to for life. Like your soulmate.
DYLAN: It can do that? I thought you left that up to fate. Aren't you guys meddling?
BRYAN: Sammie's meddled lots, dude.
SAMANTHA: And it hasn't stopped me before.
DANA: Logan, you've done your fair share of meddling, right?
LOGAN: Yeah, and I'm gonna parphase what my sister just said: What makes this time any different?
DYLAN: How does that wake Courtney up, when she's knocked out cold? I want Chase to wake up, too. The longer we wait, the quicker my sister fades away from us. I don't want to lose her.
DANA: Dylan, we know.
LOGAN: Ok, let's get this started. It's now or never.
DANA: Ok, what happens now?
SAMANTHA: Well, we have to scan Bryan.
At the sound of his name being mentioned, he perked up and looked at Logan, the Love Ray then Samntha. No way was nobody scanning him. Bryan's eyebrows knitted together, meaning he has half-confused/half-annoyed.
BRYAN: No way.
SAMANTHA: Bryan! You want Courtney to get up, don't you?
Bryan said nothing. He wanted Courtney. No, scratch that. He needed Courtney. The longer she was out, the deeper she would fall into darkness. He would lose her forever. Bryan rolled his eyes in defeat. He hated when things didn't go his way. He stood up, and soon Logan stood up facing him a distance, not before Dana pulled down by the arm to whisper something in his ear.
DANA (whispering): Do your thing. He wants you too, but make it quick. He's had a rough day.
LOGAN (whispering): Haven't we all. Chase is still out cold.
DANA (whispering): I know. Hopefully, we can get back to PCA.
LOGAN (whispering): Yeah. Dana, you know I love you, right?
DANA: Yeah.
Logan kissed her cheek before getting up again. He looked at the device in his hands, then at Dana's brother. Logan couldn't help but notice that Bryan really love Courtney. He was going to help him. For Dana's sake. Logan aimed. The "Love Ray" had to scan particularly his heart in order to find out who had it. It was only one shot, and he couldn't blow it or he wouldn't get a proper reading. It would mess things up, then what?
SAMANTHA: Now Bryan, this won't hurt. You won't feel a thing, but you do need to stay still, though.
BRYAN: Yeah, whatever.
SAMANTHA: Ready, Logan?
LOGAN: Yeah, Sammie.
Logan raised the Love Ray. He aimed, and tried to get a good shot. He pulled the trigger and the device emitted a red and pink ray of light. The beams swired around Bryan before going into his heart and coming out again. Surprsingly, the beams felt nice, but they tickled. Bryan Cruz was tickilish but didn't show it. He wasn't about to start now. Logan pumped his fist in the air. The shot was clean. Both Bryan and Logan sat with their respective siblings. Samantha and Logan high-fived.
DYLAN: So, what now?
SAMANTHA: We wait to get a reading.
DANA: How do we know when to stop waiting?
LOGAN: It'll beep. And the person's name will show up.
DYLAN: Oh...
Dylan brushed the blond hair from his sister's face. Her pulse getting weaker. Zoey couldn't die, not now. Dylan's train of thought was interrupted by a high-pitched beeping noise. Logan and Samantha look down at the screen the "Reese Love Ray" had. Dana and Bryan exchanged glances, Dylan had great expectancy in his eyes. Logan and Samantha looked at each other in surprise.
DANA: Well, what does it say?
BRYAN: Well, whose my soulmate? I'm getting impatient.
LOGAN: Ok, you guys ready?
ALL: YES!
LOGAN: Ok, relax.
Samntha looked at the screen in front of her. She smiled at her brother when she saw the name of Bryan's true love.
SAMANTHA: We're good, Logan. Real good.
LOGAN (smirking): Tell me something I don't already know.
Dana threw him a death glare. It was playful and serious at the same time. Logan got the hint and smiled.
LOGAN (smiling): Ok, let's tell them. Dana looks ready to pounce on me and chew me out...not that I mind or anything.
DANA (smiling back): Shut up.
SAMANTHA: Ok, Logan and I have kept you in suspense long enough. Bryan, your soulmate is Courtney Arielle Matthews, born April 22. Oh, wow. Earth Day. Earth is her element too. The irony...
DANA: Are you serious?
Logan nodded and showed Dana the screen. She read the screen, and turned to her boyfriend. No words came out but her eyes said 'thanks' then a seductive glimmer appeared. Dana whispered something in Logan's ear that made his eyes widen, and a smile dance on his face.
LOGAN: Seriously?
DANA: Yep.
BRYAN: Courtney's my soulmate?
Bryan narrowed his eyes at the remaining teens in front of him. He hated getting false hope. Bryan went through that enough at home. His voice was dangerously low.
BRYAN: Don't tease me.
DANA: They're not. And I'm not just saying that because you're friends with Samantha and I'm dating Logan. I promise.
BRYAN: Seriously, Day?
DANA: Yes, Bry. I wouldn't lie to you. I like to hurt you and stuff, but I wouldn't lie.
DYLAN: Any way you could like blow up the screen so Bryan could see for himself?
LOGAN: Yeah.
Logan drew a square in the air with his two index fingers. The big square glowed red and then turned white and floated over in front of Bryan. He was surprised. In front of him was what everyone was telling him. Bryan couldn't believe it. Happy, overjoyed, psyched...all those words were the understatement of the year. In the pink box floating were the following words:
BRYAN DAMIEN CRUZ (born October 31)
and
COURTNEY ARIELLE MATTHEWS (born April 22 )
These young lovers are bound together heart, body, mind
and soul...now and forever.
DANA: See?
BRYAN: Um, Dana? Can I borrow Logan for a minute?
DANA: Um, sure. What about?
BRYAN (smirking): Guy stuff, obviously.
Dana rolled her eyes playfully and eyed Logan and then Bryan, suspiciously. She finally relented. Logan turned to her and shrugged. For once, he didn't know what was coming. Dana gave his hand a squeeze and they made out for a minute, until Samantha "sneezed", Dylan "accidentaly" dropped something, and Bryan "cleared his throat". Logan and Dana glared at their siblings and Dylan.
LOGAN: Way to kill the moment.
DANA: I'll get you for that later, Bry.
DYLAN (laughing): Ha ha! I got off scot-free!
SAMANTHA: No, you don't. We all go down together.
BRYAN: What are you? Chicken?
DYLAN (sarcastically): Yes, Bryan. I'm afraid of being pummeled by Zoey.
DANA: Hey! For someone so short and small, she's got a mean left hook. Next to mine, of course. And didn't she take kick-boxing classes before. Since she was eight?
Dylan wasn't getting off scot-fee.
DANA (smirking): I thought so.
Dylan shot a look at Bryan that said 'and you handled Dana how?'. Bryan only shrugged.
FLASHBACK:
Zoey did something that made Dana and Nicole gasp. It was possible to hear small gasps coming from Chase, Logan and Michael too. She slapped Glenn across the face and then punched him squarely in the jaw and blood trickled out the side of his mouth. Chase was scared because he never saw Zoey this mad, but she needed help and their feelings toward Glenn were mutual. Zoey and Chase both hated Glenn Davis. He walked up to Zoey and put his arms around her. She noticed and relaxed but still glared as Glenn continued to bleed.
CHASE (whispering): Don't worry, Zo. I'll protect you. He won't hurt you ever again.
ZOEY: Thanks.
GLENN (laughing): You can deny it all you like but I'm the one in your heart. Not him.
ZOEY: Fuck. You.
Zoey gave him the finger and held onto Chase tighter. Chase returned the gesture. He was also mad. Chase's blood began to boil as he too glowed a bright green. Chase's eyes flashed with a flicker of anger and soon he had rage to match the petite girl in his arms.
CHASE: Leave her alone before I have to seriously hurt you. Give us back what you took.
GLENN: Catch me if you can, Matthews.
Glenn laughed evily as he disappeared in a grey puff of smoke. Everyone walked up to where Zoey and Chase were standing. Chase and Zoey were now facing each other. They locked eyes for a moment.
CHASE: You okay?
ZOEY: Yeah, thanks Chase. You're the best.
Zoey hugged him and he returned the hug, while blushing slightly. Zoey was all he needed. Little did he know, she was thinking the same thing. Nicole hugged her friend, relieved. Logan, Michael and Dana were also glad to see their friend was okay too.
DANA: Nice left hook. He had it coming.
ZOEY (laughing): Thanks. I guess I just snapped. He hurt me so bad.
CHASE: It's okay though. Everything's fine.
LOGAN: I guess Brooks isn't so innocent after all.
ZOEY (laughing): I guess not.
Everyone joined in the laughing.
END FLASHBACK
LOGAN: Trust me, dude. I've been hit by girls. All of them Dana. She even stomped on my foot, and that hurts when wearing heels.
SAMANTHA (between laughs): Aww...poor Logan...Haha! Hope you...didn't get a bruise...Good job, Dana.
DANA (smiling): I do what I can.
Dana groaned. Logan opened his mouth to say something but Dana silenced him with a chaste kiss. She didn't want "another moment" ruined. Logan and Dana winked at each other.
DANA: Ok, I love you, too. Now go see what my brother wants. Bry, be careful with him. I'll need him for later.
BRYAN: Don't worry, Day.
LOGAN (standing up, and being sarcastic): Yes. Mother. I won't talk to stranger, either.
Logan and Bryan stood up and walked off. There were an awkward silence between them. Logan stuffed his hands in his pockets and looked at the ground. Bryan sighed, and broke the silence. He had to be cool to Logan, for he was dating his sister. Sooner or later, Logan and Bryan would be brothers-in-law. Logan slowly brought his eyes up, and silently hoped Bryan wouldn't pummel him into the ground.
BRYAN: I just want to say, umm, thanks.
LOGAN (surprised): For what?
BRYAN: You know, the stuff with Courtney and uh, making my baby sister happy. She needed that.
LOGAN: Oh, no problem.
More silence lingered in the air. Until Bryan asked Logan a question.
BRYAN: You love Dana, don't you?
LOGAN: Yeah, and trust me, it wasn't easy. She did stomp on my foot.
BRYAN (shrugging): That's Dana for you. I grew up with her so...yeah. She loves you, too.
LOGAN (raising an eyebrow): You think?
BRYAN: I know her better than anyone anyway. So yeah, I think.
LOGAN: Thanks, seriously. That means a lot. So you approve, right?
BRYAN (smirking): What do you think? If I hadn't, I would've hurt you already, and since you're still standing and breathing, yeah, I approve.
Logan was slightly confused. Just what he needed. A male version of Dana. He was pschyed Bryan was cool with his and Dana's relationship, though.
LOGAN: Thanks, I think.
BRYAN: Yeah.
LOGAN: So, we're cool?
Bryan nodded yes, and cracked a small smile (A/N: It's a miracle!).
BRYAN: Yeah, we're cool. Now let's get back before Dana thinks I've murdered you.
LOGAN: Right behind you.
They got back and Samantha, Dylan, Dana had expectant eyes. Bryan seemed happier than usual, although he kept a bit of his dark mood, as did Dana. The seating was in the following order: Samantha, Logan, Dana, Bryan and Dylan (with Zoey).
DYLAN: So, you guys cool?
LOGAN: Yeah.
DANA: You better be.
BRYAN (smirking): Or what?
DANA: You'd better be cool with Logan or I'll hurt you.
She stuck a tongue at Bryan, who rolled his eyes playfully. Samantha thought they were so cute together like that.
BRYAN: Real mature, Day. And you are on. Name the time and the place and I'm there.
Everyone laughed, and Bryan changed the subject. Zoey's condition didn't change. She was pale as a sheet. Dylan's face looked sad for a while. What if Zoey did die?
SAMANTHA: Dyl, you okay?
DYLAN: I don't know, Sammie. Zoey's not making any progress. It's like she wants to go, but something's keeping her going.
LOGAN: Chase?
Dana nodded to him.
DANA: Chase.
BRYAN: What are you two talking about?
DANA: Logan and I watched those two fawn over each other. It was ridiculous.
LOGAN: Chase gets insanely jealous if there's another guy around Zoey flirting with her. He's green with envy. Litterally.
DANA: Zoey dated Glenn Davis.
DYLAN (surprised): What? Come again.
LOGAN: He cheated on her with the school skank. Even I wouldn't touch her. No offence, Dana.
DANA: None taken.
Samantha grimaced in digust, while Bryan scowled. Samantha knew for a fact Logan wasn't gay. She also knew if he didn't flirt with or fondle a girl, then she was really that nasty.
SAMANTHA: Eww.
DANA: Word is...she has herpes. She's screwing the co-captain of the basketball team.
LOGAN (angry): Stupid Jensen. He took MY team.
DYLAN: Now, I hate Davis more, now. Bastard slept with the school prostitute. As far as I'm concerned, he's dead meat.
Everyone agreed for various reasons. Courtney had to be kissed in order to wake up.
BRYAN: Ok, what are we doing standing here?
Everyone stood up. Samantha walked side-by-side with Dylan Brooks and Zoey, who was still in her brother's arms. Logan and Dana walked up hand-in-hand, while Bryan walked, head hung low and hands in his pockets. Everyone looked off in their own worlds, deep in thought. (A/N: Keep in mind. Dana's ankle is still hurt.)
DYLAN (thought): Come on, kiddo. Don't die on me now. If you die, I promise. I'll kill them. I'll kill them all!
SAMANTHA (thought): When will all of this end? This is a nightmare. Don't worry, Logan. You're my baby brother, and I'll do everything I can to protect you. Even die if it comes to that. You're the family I've got now.
LOGAN (thought): Chase, man. Wake up. I owe you one. I lost my mother. I can't lose anyone else. Not again. Please, not again...
DANA (thought): Wake up, Chase. If you don't, I won't be able to forgive myself. Never again.
BRYAN (thought): Hang on, Court. I'm coming. Please don't die. Please. Hang on for me. I need you. I...love you.
Soon they all stopped. Dana tried not to cry again, but she knew it was her fault. Chase and Courtney had to wake up or she'd never forgive herself. She knew she was indirectly responsible for Zoey as well. Logan tried to keep his composure, and Dylan's eyes were shiny with unshed tears. He knew he couldn't cry, because Zoey needed strength. If she needed it, then he would provide it. No matter how much he wanted to just cry and sob, he couldn't. He laid his baby sister beside Chase. Dyaln knew Zoey would've like to be with him, both in life and...death. Bryan knelt by Courtney's side, holding her hand. It was cold, but he would be relying on the fact that they were to be soulmates. Together forever. A voice broke the silence.
DANA: You ready to kiss her?
BRYAN: Yeah.
DYLAN: God-speed, man.
LOGAN: They'll wake up, dude. Just do your thing.
Bryan nodded at Logan. Bryan bit his bottom lip. This had to work. He took in a deep breath and placed his warm lips on her cold ones. It was deep and passionate, and everyone felt warm and fuzzy. Samantha quietly "awwed" while Dylan smiled. Logan and Dana quietly whispered to each other, and kept their fingers crossed.
LOGAN (whispering): You're brother's hopelessly in love. Just like we are.
DANA (whispering): I know.
As Bryan kissed Courtney. Something happened. A green glow radiated from her and soon enough she gained her warmth, and her eyes slowly fluttered open...
A/N: There you go. There's Chapter 17. What will happen next? Will Chase and Zoey wake up, and how will Courtney react to finding out about her brother? Stay tuned.