A/N: Next chapter is here. Enjoy. Any songs used aren't mine.

Chapter 27: Seeds of Doubt

I don't remember anything else about the funeral…

It's a blur although people are telling me I did a great job on the eulogy. I'm hearing things like 'you were great out there, honey' and 'I'm so sorry for your loss'. Oh, and look…the media hasn't left. All I know is that it's over (the funeral, the burial…everything. They decided to bury my mom in the Williams family plot since she's not married to my dad anymore. I don't care anymore), and most of the guests are gone. Just a few relatives like my grandmother (on my mother's side), a couple cousins and whatnot.

I saw Marissa but I avoided her. So Reese wasn't bluffing after all.

She's really pregnant…

"Oh, um, Nana… this is Michael Barrett, my boyfriend," I introduced, with as much happiness I could muster.

"Nice to meet you, uhm, Mrs. Williams…uh, Ma'am…"

"Likewise," she replied, as they shook hands. "I understand you're courting my granddaughter?"

"Courting means dating," I hissed in his ear.

Michael smiled after hearing what I told him, "Uh, yeah. That's the case, and I love her very much…"

My grandmother (she's fully Irish, and my grandfather is African-American. He died when I was eight) gave him a soft smile, her green eyes sparkling for once. One thing you should is that she's very reserved but if she smiles like that…then you're okay in her book. In other words, she thinks Michael's cool.

"I hope that continues…"

He wrapped an arm around me, and pecked my cheek, "Yeah, it will. I promise."

"That's good, Michael. I'm happy to hear that," she stood up, bid goodbye to Michael and hugged me tightly. She whispered in my ear, "I love you, Vanessa. If you need anything at all, you call me right away. Keep Michael, dear. He's a keeper…"

I smiled, as she wiped a forming tear away from my face. She kissed my forehead, and left.

Michael wrapped his arms around me, figuring I needed that right now…and boy did I ever. His suit jacket was opened, and his black tie was lying loosely around in his neck.

"I'm going to go outside for some fresh air. You gonna be okay?"

I nodded yes, taking off my hat, "Yeah, I'll be fine."

"I'm going to call Dana and fill her in. I love you, ok?"

"I love you, too," and I crossed over to where he was and kissed his lips. He pulled away, and smiled before walking away to call Dana. I figured she would want to know what was going on too… I sighed, rubbing my temples. I'm dead tired, but I had to find Marissa.

I started upstairs in search for my sister…

I had to know.

"Mother, what are you doing here? Dad didn't put you up to this, did he? 'Cause if Tommy or Dad had anything to do with it, then I have nothing to say to you guys…"

"I'm only here to talk… about everything."

I sit on the bleachers, and my mother joins me. I couldn't really tell her to go away since she probably drove all this way. I should know since I drove all the way up there for nothing and burned valuable gas.

That was four days ago.

"Define everything," I replied, took a drink of my water. "…because I know you didn't make up with Natalie before she died, and I know James and Dad didn't make up either. You only said that for good publicity on your part."

I don't usually think this deep, because I don't have the time nor do I care, but I've had four days. You're kinda forced to think even though you don't want to.

Maybe I should just scrap the whole idea of being a director/producer if Hollywood is that corrupt. But then again, I don't want to because that's the only thing I have going for me.

Sad, isn't it…

Yes…very.

See, even my conscience thinks so.

"Logan," my mom sighed, "…you're my little boy. I can't have you resent us."

"Then tell me why Tommy decided to get Marissa pregnant," I retorted. "…he swore it wasn't his—"

"And I believe him, honey. You're going to have to too…"

I can't believe what I'm hearing. Oh, my God. Yep, this is the work of aliens. I'd like to think that my entire family has been abducted and their forms have been assumed…

But that's not it.

I stood up and crossed my arms, "What kind of mother are you?"

"Logan Anthony Reese! I think I'm a damn good mother, thank you very much!"

She can think whatever she wants. If she wants to think that she's Mother Teresa in knee-high boots, accessories and a nice dress, fine. I'm done.

"Mom, I'm done…" I said, finally. "…but I'm not going along with the fact the kid is not my nephew or niece with Vanessa. Face it, you're going to be a grandmother, and I'm going to be an uncle. That's it. End of story."

"No, not end of story… why do you care so much?"

"Maybe I care because I think my 'cool' brother is actually an idiot with good-looking hair…"

"You still have feelings for Vanessa. I saw the way you were with her during your relationship. Even when your father and I both forbid you to see her, you did everything possible because you loved her," she told me. I laughed. I've already been down that road before.

Having to pick between Dana and Vanessa.

It drove me insane…so much so that I was considering slitting my wrists and ending it.

I did love Vanessa… but I ruined it, so that part of my life is done.

"I think Vanessa Reese sounds hot," I said, kissing her neck. I heard her moan, and I smirked.

"We'll see, but for now," she answered, turning around. Her lips turned into a seductive smile, as she ran a finger down my chest. I wanted to say something else but her finger landed at my lips. "No more talking…just shut up, and kiss me…"

Before anyone said, anything… our lips collide.

"That's in the past where it should stay," I told my mother. "…of course, I love Vanessa. We had something special, but that's over, and we're okay with it. We're happy but not with each other. We're happier with different people. That's it. I know what you're doing, and it won't work."

She gasped, and put a hand to her heart.

"I'm appalled you'd think of your own mother this way…Honestly, Logan, how could you?"

"Who are you trying to fool?" I asked, smugly. Now I know where I got my attitude from. "…you're trying to psych me out, and you want me to get back together with Vanessa. Uh-uh…not happening."

"Now you told me you're girlfriend's name was Dana, correct?"

I raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, so? What does she have to with anything?"

"I don't know, Logan…" my mother said, as she made a thinking face. "…maybe she's not that great for you. You had some problems with her in the past and now all of a sudden, she's throwing herself at you? She ran away to France for almost two years, and you're stupid to wait for her? How could she come back and all of a sudden decide to love you? It's pretty awkward if you ask me."

I shook my head, "It wasn't like that. Don't. I'm warning you, seriously don't…"

"Don't what? Tell the truth? Look out for your best interests?" my mother questioned, and then I felt a pair of arms wrap around me. I want to pull away and tell my mother that she's full of crap, but I…can't. I just can't.

"Mother, don't talk like that. I love her, okay?" I answered, quietly. But strangely, I'm starting to think differently. Maybe that's how it went down. Maybe that's why she came back.

I don't know anymore…

"Aw, poor baby… now, she has you in denial? She sure has done a number on you…that's probably just the guilt."

I pulled away from her. No! Dana came back from France because she couldn't stand to be away from each other.

She…told me herself, right?

"Think about it, hon…" my mother said, finally. "I have to go but I'll call you, ok?"

"Whatever…" was all I could say.

"So, you think I came back from France because of guilt, huh? All you can do is stand. You don't even defend our relationship!"

I turned around, and soon as my mom was gone…there she stood.

"Dana, I did. Did you not hear me tell my mother I love you? And that I wouldn't get back together with Vanessa?"

"…but it wasn't enough. I saw the look in your eyes when she told you that shit…" she said bitterly. "I was sick and tired of hearing about the funeral that I came here to see if you wanted to go to Sushi Rox or something, but I guess this shows how stupid I was…"

"Don't you think you're blowing this out of proportion?" I asked, slightly exasperated and angry.

"I'm blowing this out of proportion?"

"Yes, you are, Dana! Because I defend you as well as I could to my mother. She's my mother for God's sake!"

"You may have spoken with your mouth that you love me. But don't test my intelligence and take me for a fool, Reese. You were starting to believe her, weren't you?" she said, and I can't look her in the eye because if I tried to deny it, I'd be lying. "I thought so. You think I came back because I felt guilty, right?"

"No…" I answered. "…but you think it was easy for me when you left?"

"Bullshit!" she yelled. She was trying so hard not to cry, but I know she was. "You think it was easy for me to just pack up and leave! Those damn French people were uprooting me from everything I knew and couldn't say two shits about it! You know what though? You're free to think whatever you want without me being on your conscience, Logan…"

Was she saying what I think she was saying?

What the hell?

"Are you breaking up with me?" I questioned, starting to get angry myself.

"Um, in simple terms…yes," Dana answered, and glared at me before walking off. "Screw you!"

Fine, I don't need her. I don't need anyone.

Yeah, you do…

No, I don't. I could get any girl on this campus if I wanted. Please… Dana Cruz can't control me. I'm my own man.

You and your pride. You think Dana can't control you? Guess again. Vanessa Stevens did…and Dana Cruz can.

Oh great…

Isn't this just fucking great? I growled in frustration as I kicked a silver bleacher.

Not only am I single…but I think I broke another toe…

Stupid conscience.

I left some of my clothes here. So I'm in a black tank with my hair worn up in a messy bun. I have my bangs though. My face is devoid of any make-up and for once I don't give a damn about appearance. Sweatpants and black flip-flops cover the bottom part of me. I wear my black wristband.

I have to know. I'm trying not to get mad now, because anger won't help. Maybe anger towards Logan's dumbass of a brother…but not Marissa.

Believe me when I say I'm trying.

"Vanessa?" I heard her call softly.

"Hey Marissa…"

Despite, how I'm feeling she's still my big sister. So I hugged her, and she smiled. I pulled away as we walk into my old room (left the way it was when I left) and sit on my bed.

"Why?" I asked, staring her in the eyes. Her eyes are green too. Usually it would be a recessive gene in our family, but for some twisted reason that's one of the strong genes in the family. "…because Rissa, you know I love you, but when Logan told me I was shocked. I'm not going to lie…"

"I don't know. I just found out a week ago, and I couldn't tell anyone because I was scared. The only person I told was Mom. She said she understood because she was just starting modelling when she found out she was pregnant with me," she explained, sniffling. "…I told Tommy and the first thing he does is deny that this child is ours. Mine with him. I was with him only once. I swear Vanessa… please don't hate me…"

That made my anger kind of melt away, and then she burst into tears, and I felt like a bitch for wanting to be mad at her. This was my big sister, and I was going to love and support her regardless.

"I'm going to be a single mother, and the only person that would support me is gone. Mom is gone, 'Ness, and she's not coming back…ever. I've wrecked my life, Vanessa…"

I don't need to ask about my father. He doesn't give a rat's ass. He wasn't even at the funeral.

What a douche bag.

Probably busy with his new bitch.

"Well, I'm going to help you," I assured, smiling slightly. "…believe it or not, Logan knows it's Tommy's too and before you ask…yes, I attend PCA with him."

"Oh…" my sister answered, shortly. "Well, Michael's better than him for what I can see…"

Wait, what? Marissa met Michael?

"You met Michael…?"

"Yeah," she answered, with a light shrug. "…I talked to him. It's cute that he's head over heels for you. I hope this one could be my future brother-in-law…"

I rolled my eyes to hide the fact that I was blushing like crazy now.

"Trust me, 'Rissa…I love him too," I replied, finally. I gave her hand a squeeze. "…but I'll help you. Whatever you and the baby need, call me and I won't hesitate to come down here and help."

"Thanks, sis…"

We hugged, careful of her stomach, and pulled away. She wasn't showing but I wanted to be careful anyway.

"I know I have school too, but I have a record deal, a movie and a new show coming out but that's never stopped me before."

"I know…"

I stood up, and we walked downstairs. I went through my purse and got only my cell phone, and my car keys, stuffing them in my pockets. I spotted Michael outside on his cell phone, and by the look on his face the call wasn't that good. Wonder what happened at PCA while we were gone? I looked at my sister.

"You should go lie down," I suggested. "…but I'm going to head out. Call anytime."

She yawned, "I should probably do that, and I will. Thanks for being so understanding about this whole thing."

I smiled and nodded and gave my sister one last goodbye and a hug.

I opened the door, and walked out into the driveway right after Michael slammed his phone shut. The look on his face made me worry a little bit.

"Mike? What's wrong?" I asked, worriedly. "Did something happen at PCA?"

He sighed, "Hey, you changed…"

"Yeah, I did. Those heels were killing me anyway," I explained. "…but seriously what happened?"

"Well, let's see… Stan and Nicole are on the rocks," he explained. What? No way! "…oh, and um, Dana and Logan are over! As in broken up…"

I sighed, closing my eyes before opening them again. So as it stands the only couples that are okay are Michael and I, Chase and Zoey, and Quinn and Matt.

"What did he do this time?"

"I don't know, but it probably has stupid written all over it," Michael said, with a shrug. "…let's go back, unless you want to crash here. I'll come get you tomorrow or something."

I shook my head, "No. I want to go to back to PCA with you. You take Logan…"

Michael sighed just as dryly, "…and you take Dana."

We got into Michael's car and this time, I was in the driver's seat, breezing as fast as the speed limit would allow me to go back to Pacific Coast Academy…

I feel like celebrating.

I've done extremely well for myself. I hopped back to my dorm, and got a Blix out of the mini-fridge. I'm surprised I found out where it was. I opened a peach Blix and took a long well-deserved drink. Yep, I think that's justified.

"I've done well. Stan and Nicole are through…Chase and that stupid demented Barbie will be, and then I can go in for the kill…" I said to myself, smirking. I tried out for cheerleading yesterday and made it…then again, so did Nicole. Ugh.

I have to see that airhead in practice everyday.

"You did…what?!"

I turned around, and there stood my roommate.

Quinn.

I cursed under my breath. I have to stop talking to myself. Well, my true colours should come out since the nice cover has been blown. I turned around, smirking evilly…

Still, her mouth remained agape.

"Yes, Quinn. I'm responsible for Stan and Nicole's break-up. Soon Chase and Zoey will be over too…and there's nothing you can do about it…

And that's the damn truth.

She…

But…I let her kiss Matt!

She kissed my MATTIE!

ARGH!

After I came back from the beach, I came back to analyze my findings and then Matt and I would have an intellectually enriching discussion about it. You know, the composition of seaweed and that stuff.

Then I hear her say all this stuff about breaking up Nicole and Stan. I saw Nicole walk by from the lounge, and she looked like a mess.

If you listen closely, you can hear her crying from next door. I'll go comfort her later, but right now.

"Yes, Quinn. I'm responsible for Stan and Nicole's break-up. Soon Chase and Zoey will be over too…and there's nothing you can do about it…" she said smirking. Was she just born evil? "…I want Stan and I will get him."

I grew angry. After watching Zoey and Chase dance around each other for God-knows-how-long, I wasn't about to let Chelsea ruin it.

"You won't do anything," I said, holding her up with the DNA scrambler. I narrowed my eyes through my glasses. "…one more step, and I'll turn you into the rat you are!"

And I was dead serious…

The DNA scrambler will either mess with the number of chromosomes she has…or it'll kill, but I haven't tested it.

"Quinn, you're crazy… I swear!"

"Oh, this is just the beginning. No one…and I mean, no one…messes with my friends. This baby hasn't been tested, so if you move… we'll just see whatever outcome the result produces, shall we?"

I had a firm grip on the trigger.

I'm game for any result at this moment…

I dialled my phone with one hand, while keeping Chelsea captive with the other. It was ringing.

"Yeah, it's me. Can you do a favour? Ok, go find Chase and Zoey as soon as you get back here."

"We're actually on the road right now…but Michael and I are on it," Vanessa replied. "…God, I feel like double oh seven. I need some theme music."

"Hi Quinn. What's up?!"

"Vanessa! Irrelevant tangent… and yes, hi Michael…"

"My bad. I'll be going at the moment. See you in a bit…" and she hung up.

As I said, I'm ready for anything…

A middle-aged woman smirked as a black stretch limo took her down the California speedway home. She like she had accomplished something today.

Leighanne Reese refused to believe that she was going to be a grandmother.

Sure, she had lied to the press, but publicity was still publicity. It wasn't like Natalie was going to chew her out beyond the grave. It was impossible. As the limo went through the silver gates of 'little' mansion, she sighed slamming her phone shut.

"I'm sorry I hurt you, Logan…but sacrifices have to made, baby… Now, you'll have to stand by your brother rather than occupying your time with Dana Cruz…"

Her brown eyes darkened at the thought of Dana becoming her daughter-in-law…

No way in hell was that going to happen, and she would personally see to it…

She walked into the main house with a smile…

"Chauncey, bring me some champagne…" Leighanne told the butler. "…I feel like celebrating."

She let out a sigh, sitting down with a champagne flute in hand, and a bottle of champagne in the other as she poured. Leighanne sipped her champagne and smiled.

The seeds of doubt had been planted, and all it took was some time…

Yes, today was a good day…

A/N: So very dramatic. Please review this and my trailer for Free Falling if you haven't. It's worth it… trust me.

REVIEW!

-Erika.

PS. You're not supposed to like Logan's mother. I loved writing her. She's so badass. My favourite character in the whole story for some twisted reason…lol.