AN: I have over 1050 hits by now, yet I have less than twenty reviews. To those who read but leave no trace of your presence: I would really appreciate it if you review. Even if you didn't like it, just tell me what I can improve. It takes two seconds to leave a comment, and brings me much joy!
So I'm back from vacation. At the hotel they had a computer with internet access, but I couldn't upload any new chapters there. I was at least able to read my (two) brand new reviews. Thank you to everyone who reviewed!
In case you haven't noticed, I use song lyrics at the beginning of the chapters. My favorite bands include U2 and Audioslave, (along with Green Day and System of a Down...etc.) if you haven't already figured that out. I recently borrowed a U2 CD, so I've been using those songs for "inspiration." Actually, the following song isn't even close to my favorite, but I'm saving the best ones for later. My favorite U2 songs include "Walk On," "One," "Electrical Storm," "Sunday, Bloody Sunday," and "Gone." At this point "Gone" is my newest top song, but you guys should listen to it. It is beautiful and haunting, and I will definitely be using it later on, as it fits, in a way, Veronica's story.
I know it seems like I've been putting off the big "showdown" between the Echolls men, but I think and write this story out in a certain way, and I assure you that I will (finally) cover the aforementioned subject in the next chapter! I hope it won't disappoint.
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Is there a time for keeping a distance
A time to turn your eyes away
Is there a time for keeping your head down
For getting on with your day
Is there a time for kohl and lipstick
A time for cutting hair
Is there a time for high street shopping
To find the right dress to wear
Here she comes
Heads turn around
Here she comes
To take her crown
"Miss Sarajevo" U2
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Chapter Six:
Aaron had just managed to escape the bulldog in Keith's car, though it had taken a good bite out of him. "Stupid dog," he muttered. He ran the other way, hoping to get out of this place as soon as possible.
He didn't notice the car coming toward him until it was too late. He was thrown into the air at impact. When he landed, he heard a sickening crunch and distantly noted that he had broken at the very least a couple of ribs. He finally stood up. Someone got out of the car.
"Hi dad," Logan said.
Duncan got out of the passenger's seat and glanced worriedly at him. Though they were now competitors for Veronica's affection, they had been the best of friends until Lilly's untimely death and the chaos that followed.
"Go on DK. Make sure Ronnie's okay," Logan continued without taking his eyes off his father. Duncan didn't want to see him killed but this was Logan's fight...he'd rather rescue Veronica. Besides, Logan had informed him that Weevil's gang would soon catch up to them. He quickly ran up the driveway, banishing thoughts of Logan from his mind.
He let out the breathe he had been unconsciously holding as he saw Veronica lying on the porch with a badly burnt but still living Keith Mars-her biological father. He hadn't told her how elated that made him feel. No longer would he just watch his "best friend" steal away the girl he loved.
A large weight had been had been lifted as he learned he had not lost his virginity to a sister. It had been her first time, too, and he had been told that girls considered that special. Granted she couldn't remember, but it still counted, he hoped.
He stared at her for a few more moments, then cleared his throat to make himself known to her. He sensed a rush of fear from her that quickly dissipated when she realized he wasn't Aaron. As he walked to her, she slowly got up and hugged him. Duncan took the opportunity to take her in with all of his senses, especially her scent, as his sense of smell was exceptionally strong. It had been a long time since he had held her in his arms.
Veronica pulled herself together and gently released him. He was sorry to lose the closeness. "Where's Aaron?" she asked, getting down to business. "Did he escape? We have to find him. He has to go to jail for what he did."
"Veronica," he started, unsure how much she knew. He noticed the bite mark on her otherwise unblemished neck and continued. "Aaron isn't ever going to jail. It would soon be obvious what he really is and nobody is supposed to find out about us. If he were to be convicted and sentenced, someone would make sure he 'disappeared.' There's nothing more you can do now. Logan and I will deal with him."
Duncan silently cursed as he saw her reaction to his rival's name. She obviously still had some remaining feelings for her ex. He'd have to work on that. She probably just felt guilty that she had wrongly accused him of killing Lilly, he reassured himself.
He was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't notice the blonde take her father's abandoned police-issue gun, kiss Keith on the cheek, and start heading toward the street.
"Veronica, wait! Where are you going?"
"I'm going to help Logan. I can't believe you left your already emotionally scarred best friend alone with his psychotic, abusive father. Isn't it enough that he blamed himself for Lilly's death before he found out his dad killed her? Don't tell me that you just left him alone long enough to check on me. After you saw I was okay you could have gone back or even just told me that he was here and in trouble, but you didn't. Aaron's a murderer and I'm not going to let him kill anyone else I care about. If you really want to help, stay with my dad."
Duncan watched her figure recede into the darkness. He sighed and turned to his unconscious charge. Veronica had some lingering feelings for Logan and now she was mad at him on top of everything.
"This is going to be a lot harder than I thought."
TBC
