Title: Home Sweet Home
Author: Modern-Insomniac1138
Pairing/Character: Logan/OC Friendship, LoVe eventually, Beaver/OC, Ensemble
Word Count: 4,530
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Carly Hayes is a freshman at Neptune High, and she's an old friend of the Echolls Family. Slight AU. Season 2.
Disclaimer: I do not own Veronica Mars, Rob Thomas does. Though I wish I owned Logan… Oh well!
August 1, 2002
"Hey Car, did you see my silver bracelet anywhere around here?" Cecilia Hayes asked as she started scanning Carly's bedroom.
"Yeah, I think you left it on the vanity." Carly answered hazily as she coughed.
"Thanks Car, I'm sorry I can't watch you tonight, but you should've seen the way Logan looked at me. I felt really bad that he would be bored out of his mind and alone at his dad's movie release party. Plus, you like our nanny, so you'll have some good company. I know that you'll have fun watching Star Wars or playing poker with Nanny Christy." Cecilia said apologetically as she walked over to the vanity to look for her bracelet.
"It's okay, it's not like I'll miss you or anything." Carly said playfully as she snatched a tissue to blow her nose.
"Aw, thanks sis." Cecilia said sarcastically as she found the silver bracelet and put it on.
"So, why so blah today?" Carly asked as she scrunched her nose in disapproval.
"What?" Cecilia asked in confusion. Carly, then, motioned to what Cecilia was wearing. Cecilia looked down at the black knee high skirt, long white-sleeved turtle neck shirt, and jean jacket that she was currently wearing.
"What! I like it!" Cecilia said defensively.
"Yeah, so does every grandma in America." Carly said.
"Fine, I'll wear a tank top instead of this shirt!" Cecilia said reluctantly as she exited Carly's room to change. A few moments later, she returned wearing a hot pink tank top under the jean jacket instead of the shirt that she was previously adorning.
"See, now that's more like it! So, have you talked to Jeremy, yet?" Carly asked.
"No, why?" Cecilia asked.
"I don't know, maybe you should call him before you go out with Logan tonight. I mean he is your boyfriend and I..." Carly started before she sneezed.
Cecilia sighed as she reached for a tissue and handed it to Carly. "Thanks." Carly mumbled as she blew her nose into the tissue.
"Your welcome and no, I haven't talked to Jeremy, yet. Carly, I've hung out with Logan tons of times and I haven't told Jeremy. What makes tonight so different?" Cecilia asked angrily.
"I don't know. Cecilia, it was just a suggestion. You don't have to bite my head off for just wondering." Carly said defensively.
"Sorry about yelling at you. I'm just sort of frustrated with Jeremy right now. He's just being such a hot head because of his whole basketball thing! It's getting so annoying! I mean we've been together since I was like 16! We're going in different places right now, and I'm just so confused! I mean lately he's been moody and difficult. Sometimes, I don't even think he hears me anymore." Cecilia said worriedly as she plopped onto the chair next to the vanity.
"Well, Cecilia, I don't know what to tell you. I'm only eleven years old and I don't know how to handle those types of situations, but I guess you should just follow your heart. You know that Jeremy's home life is hard and stressful. I mean his dad is like the president of Obnoxious, Controlling Parents United. You should give him some credit for being able to live in that hellhole. Think about how he feels and maybe that'll help you." Carly suggested.
"Okay, who died and made you Oprah?" Cecilia asked playfully.
"Cecilia, I'm trying to be serious and mature over here!" Carly whined.
"Yeah well, right now, you sound like a five-year-old. Look, I appreciate the advice, but I think I can handle it." Cecilia said knowingly.
"You really love him don't you?" Carly asked smiling.
"What? I'm... We're... I'm just... okay! Okay! Yeah, I do really love him! He can be a real idiot sometimes, but I can't help it! I'm head over heels in love with him! Are you happy now?" Cecilia asked loudly.
"Yeah, I am, but geez, you are such a girly girl! You still actually say 'head over heels'!" Carly said as she started to laugh. Cecilia then threw a pillow at her.
"Ow! What was that for?" Carly asked angrily.
"That was for laughing! Look, you'll understand how it is to be in love when you find that special somebody someday." Cecilia answered.
"Well, I don't think that'll happen unless it's Luke Skywalker or Han Solo! I mean, do you honestly think that there's that special somebody for me out there?" Carly asked.
"Yeah, I think there's a special somebody for everyone. Or in the words of Star Wars, maybe there's somebody for you in a galaxy far, far away!" Cecilia said smiling.
"Yeah, real funny!" Carly said sarcastically before she sneezed once again.
Present/ January 2, 2006
"Carly! Carly! Carly, wake-up!" Veronica shouted.
"What? Are we there already?" Carly asked groggily as she rubbed her eyes.
"No, but I just wanted to know if you were still alive. You've been asleep since we left Neptune!" Veronica answered.
"Oh, so are we there yet?" Carly asked curiously as she looked out the passenger side window of Veronica's Chrysler LeBaron to scan her surroundings.
"Well, probably a few more hours left. I mean you were asleep for a really long time." Veronica answered. A few minutes past as they both sat in silence.
"You know, I thought road trips are supposed to be fun and exciting! I mean have you ever seen 'Crossroads' or 'Road Trip'? I mean they look like they're having a great time!" Carly said knowingly as she continued to look out the window.
"'Crossroads'? Wasn't Britney Spears in that? So you're basing your view on road trips because of a Britney Spears movie and a Tom Green movie?" Veronica asked.
"Well, basically yes." Carly answered sheepishly.
Veronica laughed and then asked, "So, what kind of music do you listen to?"
"Hm... that's a tough question. I mean you've got everything and anything to choose from! I mean there's classic rock, R&B, new age, punk, alternative, rap, pop, hip hop, jazz, soul, tech..." Carly started before Veronica put her hand up to stop her.
"I just want to know what kind of music you listen to." Veronica said.
"Oh, well, what ya'd got?" Carly asked.
"Um... I've got Garbage, Tegan & Sara, Ivy..." Veronica trailed.
"Oh, Garbage would be great!" Carly exclaimed happily.
"Ah, good choice." Veronica said smiling as she reached over to the glove compartment to get the CD. "I only brought their 1998 album."
"It's cool, I like all their albums." Carly said as Veronica popped the CD into the CD player. Soon after, the car was filled with the sweet sound of Shirley Manson's voice.
"So, how was your New Year's?" Carly asked.
"Good. I just spent it with my dad, Wallace, and his family. You know, just a little get together. So, how was your New Year's Eve date with Cassidy?" Veronica asked raising an eyebrow.
"It was great! He took me to his house and we watched the fireworks from his balcony. It was so cool!" Carly answered happily.
"So was it romantic?" Veronica asked.
"Yes, it very much was." Carly answered.
"Did you two kiss, yet?" Veronica asked.
"No, it just seems like we're either being interrupted or it just isn't the right moment. For the whole midnight kiss thing, he just kissed me on the cheek. It was just so weird to think that we've been on so many dates, but there has been absolutely no action what so ever. We're just a couple of first graders stuck in high schoolers' bodies." Carly answered.
"Well, don't worry, when the right moment comes, you'll know." Veronica said.
"So, who was your first kiss with?" Carly asked curiously.
"Um... Duncan." Veronica said quickly as she flinched slightly.
"No it wasn't! You flinched! You're lying!" Carly exclaimed.
"No, I'm not!" Veronica said defensively.
"Yes you are! Now tell me who was your first kiss with!" Carly demanded.
Veronica sighed heavily and asked, "Okay, do you honestly want to know?"
"Yeah." Carly answered smiling.
"Stanley Norman. I was nine and it was a double dog dare! I mean you can't get out of a double dog dare!" Veronica said.
"You had your first kiss with a guy named Stanley Norman?" Carly asked incredulously.
"See, that's why I tell people that Duncan was my first kiss. It sounds so much better than Stanley Norman! Wow, I've never told anyone, except for Lilly, about Stanley." Veronica said.
"Don't worry, since you told me a secret about you, I'll tell you a secret about me." Carly said.
"Okay, shoot." Veronica said.
"The theme from Ice Castles always gets to me." Carly said suddenly.
"Ice Castles? That ice skating movie? Wow, where'd that come from?" Veronica asked.
"Yes, Ice Castles. Look, I've never told anyone that nor has anyone witnessed that. One time I was almost caught, though. I was watching it with Logan and I started to tear up a bit and when he saw me, I lied and told him that there was an eyelash stuck in my eye." Carly said.
Veronica laughed and asked, "What's scarier, you crying to the theme of Ice Castles or Logan watching Ice Castles?"
Carly chuckled and answered, "I'd have to say Logan watching Ice Castles, but you've got to give him some slack. I was eight and I begged him for weeks."
"Well, just so you feel better, same here. I used to watch that movie religiously when I was younger with my mom." Veronica said.
"Wow, we have more things in common than I thought." Carly said.
"Yeah, I guess we do." Veronica said.
"So, are there any guys in the near future for you?" Carly asked.
"Well, if Josh Hartnett ever returns my phone calls then the answer is a yes." Veronica said smiling.
"C'mon V, I'm serious." Carly said.
"Uh, no one in particular." Veronica answered hastily.
"Are you sure?" Carly asked.
"Yeah." Veronica answered.
"So I guess Logan's out of the picture, huh?" Carly asked.
"Carly... Logan and I... our relationship is very complicated and..." Veronica started.
"Veronica, don't feed me that 'our relationship is complicated' speech! I practically wrote that with my weirdo relationship with Cassidy. I just want to know if there's any chance of you and Logan getting back together!" Carly demanded loudly.
"Why do you want to know so badly?" Veronica asked.
"Because... because I know that Logan misses you. I know that he still loves you and that you still love him! Would you two just stop dancing around each other and just kiss and make-up already!" Carly answered loudly.
"Logan and I are ancient history. Even if he wanted to get back together, I don't know, I just don't think he'll ever trust me again. I don't think things will ever be the same." Veronica said.
"Why are you so intent on things being the same? I know it may not be my place to say this since I haven't known you that long, but nothing will ever be the same! Not after Lilly's death. Not after everything that's happened. You can't keep pretending that if you close your eyes Lilly will be alive, Duncan and you would still be the perfect couple, and everything would be safe and alright. You have to realize that everything's changed and even how hard you try, you can't change that. You just have to deal with it! Life is too short to waste it on false dreams! It's the start of a brand new year! As in the words of Cake, 'As soon as your born, you start dying. So you might as well have a good time'! So, you just have to live your life without thinking of what you don't have!" Carly shouted loudly. She then looked over at Veronica, who was staring at her in shock.
"Wow, I just got yelled at by a 14-year-old." Veronica said in shock.
"Wow, I just yelled at an 18-year-old." Carly said in shock as she started to stare at her hands. She then looked over at Veronica again, and started to laugh. Veronica started laughing too.
"You know, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship kid. I think some of my spunk and tenacity is rubbing off on you." Veronica said proudly.
"You betcha." Carly said smiling.
"Sorry if I do come off as an ungrateful bitch, but this is how I cope. This isn't how I thought things would turn out. I never thought that Lilly would be dead, Duncan would be a complete ass, and Logan would be the one that I actually like." Veronica said sadly.
"Sorry for yelling at you. It's just that Logan, you know, he still loves you so much. He doesn't say it, but just call it a woman's intuition. He still has feelings for you, and I hope you do too because I'm not cupid or anything, but it would be nice if just one of you would just make a move. The ball is in your court Veronica, even if you may not know it yet." Carly said.
Veronica sighed, "Yeah, I guess it is."
"So, we're here." Veronica said as she turned off the engine.
"Yeah, I guess we are." Carly whispered.
"Are you sure you want to do this? I mean you might find out stuff that you may or may not like." Veronica reasoned.
"No, I'm sure. I'll talk to him and I'll get the DNA sample. We'll be in and out. Veronica, we came a long way. I have to do this, right? I mean this is the right thing to do?" Carly asked.
"Yeah, it is. So, what do you plan to do if Jeremy is Dakota's dad?" Veronica asked.
"Huh? Well, I'm a very poor planner because I didn't really think of that. I guess if he wants Dakota, then it's only right for her to live with her dad. I mean my dad is a total dead weight, but I'm sure Jeremy is going to be a good dad once he's ready and out of college, which will be soon since he's got one year left. Plus, that's just and 'if'. We still need to find out if he even is Dakota's dad." Carly answered.
"Okay, let's go then." Veronica said as she and Carly got out of her car, which she had parked in front the old, decrepit townhouse that Jeremy could be occupying.
"Are you sure this is the right address? How sure are you that this is even the right person?" Carly asked nervously.
"Carly, there was only one Jeremy Tristan listed." Veronica said as they walked up some steep stairs leading to the door of the townhouse.
"Well, how sure are you that Jeremy even changed his name to Jeremy Tristan?" Carly asked as Veronica rang the doorbell.
"Carly, just take a chill pill!" Veronica said as the door opened. Carly looked at the person, who had just opened the door, in shock.
"Hi, may I help you?" the young woman asked. She had wavy light brown hair just below her shoulders, blue/green eyes, looked like she was in her early twenties, and was about a couple inches taller than Veronica. She was also pregnant.
"Oh, I'm sorry we're probably at the wrong door." Carly said hastily as she tried to turn around.
"Not so fast speedy." Veronica said as she grabbed Carly's arm to stop her. Carly groaned as she stopped to face the pregnant woman again.
"Hi, I'm Veronica Mars and the young lady who tried to run away is Carly Hayes. We're looking for Jeremy Tristan, if he even lives here." Veronica said smiling.
The young pregnant woman took another look at the two to make sure they weren't serial killers and then smiled approvingly. "Yeah, Jeremy lives here, but he probably won't be back until four. He's got classes. Um, why are you looking for him?" she asked.
"Oh, we're just a couple of old friends from his hometown of Neptune." Veronica answered.
"Okay, well you two can come inside and wait for him if you want. I mean, he should be home in twenty minutes or so." the woman said sweetly.
"Actually..." Carly started before Veronica hit her in the arm.
"Actually, that would be great." Veronica said smiling.
"Yeah, it would." Carly said as she rubbed her arm in pain.
"Okay, well come on in." the woman said as she stepped aside for Veronica and Carly to enter. "You two can sit in the living room." she said as she motioned to the couch.
"Thanks." Carly mumbled.
"Would you like some tea?" she asked.
"No, coffee actually. Lots and lots of coffee." Carly answered.
"Okay, coffee it is." she said as she went to the kitchen.
Veronica and Carly both took a seat on the antique, white couch. "Why are you acting so weird?" Veronica asked.
"Well, who the hell is that? Is that his pregnant girlfriend, wife, or fiancée? I mean she's pregnant! If Dakota is Jeremy's daughter, I don't think he'll want her. He's got a family now!" Carly said angrily.
"Well, for all we know, that might be his pregnant cousin." Veronica reasoned.
"Yeah right! Man, Dakota could've had a real parent! She could've had a dad!" Carly whined.
"Carly, I told you that you may or may not like what we were about to find out! It's been three years! He's moved on from Cecilia! Did he even know that she was pregnant?" Veronica asked.
"No, I'm guessing he found out after we left. See, after they broke up, she stopped talking to him." Carly answered.
"You know, we don't even know if Dakota is Jeremy's daughter." Veronica said.
"So, it's still not fair! He gets to move on and have a life while Cecilia dies! He gets to live here with that girl and go to college and have a future! We don't know shit and that's it! I'm just so confused. Damnit!" Carly cursed loudly.
"Excuse me?" the woman asked as she came back with two mugs of coffee.
"Oh nothing." Carly said as the woman handed her a mug.
"Oh thanks. Um, sorry but we didn't catch your name." Veronica said as the woman handed her the other mug.
"I'm Emma. I'm Jeremy's fiancée." she said as she flashed Veronica the engagement ring on her hand. Carly, at the sight of it, choked as she took a sip of the coffee.
"Are you alright?" Emma asked worriedly as she took a seat across from them.
"Yeah, the coffee's just really, really hot." Carly answered as she put the mug down on the small, wooden coffee table in front of them.
"Wow, that's a really nice ring. How long have you and Jeremy been dating?" Veronica asked as she took a sip of her coffee.
"Um, we've been dating for two years." Emma answered.
"Did you and Jeremy meet in college?" Veronica asked curiously.
"No, I never attended college." Emma answered casually.
"Huh?" Veronica asked in confusion.
Emma chuckled and said, "Well, see I ran away from home when I was 14 because I was physically and mentally abused by my family, and I've been living in San Francisco ever since. I started out working in this small antique ship a few blocks from here. This sweet old lady named Blaire owned it. She helped me out. I had no experience what so ever, but she gave me the job. She let me live in the apartment upstairs, and she understood that I couldn't go back to my family, so she made sure I was okay. We used to talk all the time. She was just an utter angel. Then, when I was 18, she died. I was so heartbroken, but then her lawyer told me she left the antique shop and this townhouse to me."
"What does this actually have to do with Jeremy?" Carly asked bitterly as she took the last sip of her coffee.
"Oh, sorry for my rambling. The antique is actually where Jeremy and me met. One day, he came in to sell his grandfather's watch to make some money. I bought it and I just remembered the way he looked at me. He looked so sad to sell it. Well, it was for up sale, but I decided not to sell it. I got so many offers for it, but I didn't take them. I don't know what I was thinking, but part of me believed that he would come and buy it back. I was hoping he would come back and buy it, and he did. A month later, he came and asked if he could some how buy it back. See, there was a slight problem. He didn't have any money to spare since he was using up all his money for college. So I made him a deal. I told him that he could work for it. I gave him a job at the antique shop in exchange for the watch. He was at that damn shop whenever he wasn't at college. He was really determined. Well, then we started talking. We found out that we had a lot in common, and then we sort of fell in love. I still own the antique shop, but I hired a manager because of this little guy or girl." Emma answered smiling as she rubbed her pregnant belly.
"Wow, that's really romantic! It's like from a movie or something!" Veronica exclaimed as she finished her coffee.
"Yeah, sure does." Carly mumbled sarcastically.
"So how far along are you?" Veronica asked pointing to Emma's belly.
"Oh, about five months." Emma answered.
"Wow, well congratulations." Veronica said smiling.
"Thanks, well would you two like more coffee?" Emma asked.
"Yes please!" Carly answered quickly.
"Okay then." Emma said as she took the two empty mugs into the kitchen.
"Yeah, she's his pregnant cousin." Carly said sarcastically once Emma left the room.
"Carly, stop acting like this!" Veronica pleaded.
"Veronica, you don't understand! This is going to get very awkward once Jeremy comes home. How am I supposed to say, 'Hi Jeremy! Wow, you've sure changed! I mean, you're engaged! Wow, now that's big news. Well, you probably don't recognize me, but I'm Carly Hayes, Cecilia Hayes' little sister. You remember Cecilia, right? Your ex-girlfriend? Well, then you probably heard already, but Cecilia had a baby a couple years ago that may or may not be yours, but I'm pretty sure it's yours. So anyways, can I have a sample of your DNA so I send it to a lab or something to compare it to Cecilia's daughter's, so I can totally mess up your life? Great, thanks'. Is that what I'm supposed to say?" Carly asked.
"Well, that's about it." Veronica answered shrugging.
"Do you think that we should just leave?" Carly asked.
"Why?" Veronica asked.
"I don't know. As much as I don't like the fact that he's moved on, he's had it rough and for him to have a chance at real happiness. I don't want to mess that up." Carly answered sadly.
"If you really are sure, then I'll tell Emma that we have to go." Veronica said as Emma came back.
"Here, well I guess I underestimated my coffee skills because you two seem to really like mine." Emma said smiling as she set the two mugs down on the coffee table.
"Emma, thanks for everything, but..." Veronica started before the sound of the front door opening interrupted her.
"Emma! I'm home!" a deep, manly voice shouted.
"Crap!" Carly mumbled.
"Hi honey, I'm in the living room with a couple of your old friends from Neptune." Emma said happily.
"What?" Jeremy asked in confusion as he walked into the living room. He looked at the two women sitting on his couch and walked over to Emma and gave her a peck on the lips. "Hey babe. Who are they?"
"Oh, sorry. I guess you don't remember them, but that's Veronica Mars." she said pointing at Veronica, who waved. "And the other one is Carly Hayes." she said pointing at Carly, who smiled weakly.
"Carly? Carly Hayes? What are you doing here?" he asked in disbelief and confusion.
"Hi Jeremy. Well, we need to talk." she said smiling weakly as Jeremy continued to stare at her in confusion.
Author's Notes: Sorry that it's been more than a month since I last updated! It's just that with school and everything, updates will be limited to probably no more than once a month, twice if you're lucky. Well, I just wanted to say thanks for reading and that I hope you enjoyed the new chapter. I know that there has been some worry about who Dakota's father is, but you just have to trust me when I tell you that I have a plan! For all those worry warts out there who think that Logan is Dakota's papa, you'll just going to have to trust my word and judgment that I, Ally, have a plan that I think you may enjoy. Also, for all you crazy LoVe fans that are craving some Logan/Veronica interaction, well you're just in luck. Next chapter will spark a turn around in the story and spur a big time LoVe reunion that will take place between the next new two to three chapters (Chapters 17-18), so just keep your pants on and wait! Well, just like I always do every time I update, I beg of you to review! Please, just for my own sanity, just review! Also, big shout out to ANiME-AsIaN-ChiCK69! HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY NIKKI! This chapter is dedicated to you! And another big shout out to wickedshizit for just being a great pal! You rock Courtney, and sorry that I haven't replied your e-mail in the longest time! I've just been really busy, but I hope you enjoyed the new chapter! Talk to you soon, and don't worry, someday we'll be making the music industry go down on it's knees and praise us! lol, j/k... well sort of! And last, but certainly not least, Emily-In-Sydney7457 for being the best Australian pal any girl could have! Jared Padalecki would be proud! lol, ttyl! Well, for everyone out there, thanks for waiting for me to update and adios amigos!
Ally