Story so Far: Veronica awakens in her fifteen year old body with her memories intact. She can change the past; prevent Lilly's death, Lynn Echolls' suicide and stop Aaron. She writes a list of personal things she wants to change and crimes she wants to prevent. Cutting her hair and getting clothes she is more comfortable in is the first step and then with her usual singleminded determination she sets out to do all the things she needs to on her lists.

Veronica reads the morning paper as she eats her breakfast. Her mother has been cold and standoffish since Veronica tried to talk to her the other day and has not made an appearance at breakfast this morning. Inwardly Veronica sighs as she knows her father is going to notice the strain between them if her mother doesn't get control of herself.

Right now though her father is tired from working long hours and is focused on the strangler case. It made the morning papers. The DA is interviewed and discusses the circumstances that led to the real killer's capture. Snorting a little Veronica notices that her dad's hard work is not really acknowledged by the attention seeking public official.

She's pleased that her father caught the strangler before he killed again. It just proves that the future can be changed. She's also happy that Sacs and Inga caught the dog nappers. She's a little frustrated that Lamb just brought in the trainer from the gym for questioning without first finding out who all he sold steroids to and who his connection is in Mexico. A good lawyer is going to punch all sorts of holes in the case. No wonder the Kanes picked him as their patsy. He's such a tool!

Putting down the paper Veronica looks at her father as he eats breakfast. She says, "Congratulations on catching the strangler."

Keith Mars looks at his daughter and smiles a little. He says, "I wish we had caught him earlier though."

Nodding in understanding, Veronica says, "I wish people didn't kill but I'm glad there are guys like you who can stop them."

Surprised at her tone Keith looks at his daughter. She says, "You are a good police officer. You can't prevent sick people from doing crimes. You just have to stop them from hurting more innocent people."

Finishing her cereal Veronica stands and goes over to her father. She wraps her arms around him from behind and says, "I am very proud of you Dad."

Keith feels the pressure in his chest from her words. He knows she's his daughter and would be proud of him no matter what he did but it is really nice she thinks he is a good police officer.

He says, "I'm very proud of you too."

Kissing his temple she says, "You are my father. It's your job to be proud of me."

He laughs and squeezes her arm that his across his chest.

She pulls away and says, "I'll get ready. Can we leave in about five minutes?"

Keith nods and says, "Sure."

Veronica heads into her room to brush her teeth and get her messenger bag.

Watching his daughter leave the room Keith wonders what is going on with her. She is different lately. It's not just her hair and clothes. She has a more dramatic attitude. She seems more confident; more directed. Still an abrupt change is reason for worry but she seems happy. He decides to have a father-daughter day soon. He's been working long hours and hasn't seen much of her lately.

***

Logan arrives with Casey to school. Walking down the hall to his locker he stops and says hello to Duncan who is putting his books into his locker. He says, "DK."

Duncan looks up and says hello to his best friend.

Logan says, "Surfing was good yesterday."

Grunting a little in displeasure Duncan says, "Dad wants me to work with one of his friends after school. It will look good on my college application."

"Well you missed Veronica. She dropped by and took some pictures." Logan mentions. He adds, "She was at your house for supper though. I guess you saw her then."

Logan watches Duncan's reaction. He is a little concerned about Duncan and Veronica's relationship. Duncan is definitely unhappy with how Veronica is dressing and acting. Veronica seems unhappy with how reserved Duncan is.

Duncan frowns at Logan's comment. He says, "I don't know what the matter with her is. She really upset Mom and Dad at supper."

Surprised Logan asks, "What happened?"

Duncan looks around and sees they are alone. He tells Logan he is not really sure why his parents were upset but his mother left table and his father got angry.

"What did Veronica say?" Logan asks.

Frowning in thought Duncan tells Logan that Veronica went on and on about prom and how it would be so romantic to marry the guy you went to prom with.

Logan frowns at his friend and says, "What is wrong with that?"

Duncan frowns and says, "I don't know." He pauses and says, "She got a funny smile when my mother left the table. I think she did it on purpose."

The bell rings and Logan walks with Duncan towards his class.

***

Veronica arrives at school and finds Luke by his locker. She leans on the locker next to Luke and says, "Soooooo Luke."

He looks up at her from his position in front of his lower level locker. He says, "Hello Veronica."

She smirks at him and says, "I hear that a trainer from the Neptune Health Club was taken in and questioned about selling steroids."

Luke looks around and sees they are alone. He says, "You told your dad."

Shaking her head Veronica says, "I didn't but that is beside the point. You are in the clear as long as you stay away from using and selling."

Luke says, "I got your voice mail."

"Good" she nods. Standing up she says, "You are my friend. I couldn't let you throw your whole future away."

She walks a few steps down the hall and turns around. She says, "I hope you will make the right decisions in the future."

She turns back without waiting for his answer and walks away.

She stops by Mac's locker on her way to hers. She says, "Mac."

The dark haired girl looks up at Veronica's voice. She says, "Veronica."

Veronica smiles and questions, "You have Mr. Rico for 6th period American History don't you?"

Frowning a little as she thinks about Veronica's question, Mac answers, "Yes."

Bouncing a little as she talks, Veronica asks, "Is he making your class do that group presentation and paper?"

"Yes," Mac answers groans a little. She says, "I hate group projects."

Veronica smiles at her tone. She asks, "Have you picked a partner yet?"

Mac suspicious asks, "No, why are you asking?"

Veronica tilts her head a little and says, "I think you should partner Casey Gant."

Surprised the taller girl says, "Casey Gant?" She pauses and then adds, "I doubt he even knows who I am."

Looking seriously at her friend Veronica says, "He is not a usual 09er." She explains about how his grandmother is ill and teaching him about the company so he can take over plus he is taking a full course load with four advanced courses.

Mac listens with interest but still doesn't see how her partnering with Casey would help him.

Veronica clarifies, "Well you are a girl who needs to intern this summer and Casey has pull at Gant Publishing."

Frowning in thought Mac clarifies, "I'm not sure I understand what you are saying."

Waving her arm at her friends Veronica says, "It is a big project worth fifty percent of the semester grade."

Mac nods. Veronica continues, "I think that you are like me and end up doing most of the work yourself anyways."

Mac nods in agreement. Veronica finishes, "This way you get a good grade, you help Casey and you get a desired internship for the summer that looks great on your college applications."

She finishes, "Casey gets free time to learn from his grandmother, a great grade and a top notch intern for his business."

She shrugs her shoulders and says, "Win, win."

Mac thinking aloud says, "I guess." It is obvious by her tone she is not convinced. She looks at Veronica and questions, "How would it work?"

Veronica smiles at her tone and cuts to the chase, "If I can arrange it, would you do it?"

"I guess so." Mac says but still doesn't sound sure.

Veronica desides to take it and assures her new friend, "I won't leave you hanging Mac. Casey will come through with his part."

Mac sees Veronica is serious. She says, "OK."

Veronica smiles at her happy to have this part of her plan decided. "I'll get back to you. This is just between us."

Mac nods.

Veronica says, "Hey what are you doing Friday night?"

Looking at her new friend, Mac feels some trepidation. She likes Veronica but she has the strange feeling that knowing Veronica is like holding onto the tail of a tiger. You have to hang on and not let go but you are scared out of your mind.

Even though she sees Mac's uncertainty about their friendship Veronica forges ahead. She needs Mac to learn to trust her and she is not certain of how much time she has to get Mac's trust. Veronica says, "I'm going with Duncan to Dick's party. You should come with us."

Looking at her watch, Veronica tells Mac she has to run but will call her later with the details. She says, "We'll pick you up."

Veronica says good bye and heads towards her first class seemingly oblivious to Mac's shock at being asked to an 09er party.

***

Logan arrives in journalism to see Mrs. Dent reading a piece of paper and Veronica standing beside her desk waiting. He goes back to his computer station and sits down. After a minute or so, he notices Mrs. Dent look at Veronica and ask her a few questions. He sees Veronica's face light up in a smile and then she walks down the isle and sits at the computer next to Logan.

They both start their computers and Mrs. Dent gives the class a topic to research and write about by the end of the class. She reminds them how to send the article to her drop box and she will grade it and email it back.

Veronica opens a search engine and while it is loading asks Logan if he finished her poem yet.

Logan waiting for the search engine to load answers, "I'm done."

Smiling happily Veronica types in her topic and selects a web site to read.

As she waits for the web site to load she asks Logan, "That's great! Can you email it to me?"

Frowning Logan looks at her and informs her, "I wrote it out."

Veronica half focused on what she is reading says, "What is this 1990?"

"Maybe you forgot I was doing you a favor." Logan snarks looking a little offended.

Veronica looks over at his tone and says teasingly, "Oh, did I hurt your feelings?"

A little exasperated at her attitude, he says, "This is why I don't help people."

Laughing at him she pouts, "You love me."

He pushes her chair away with his foot and goes back to his research.

He tries to hold in his smile when he hears her sing, "He loves me, he loves me. My baby loves me."

Mrs. Dent frowning makes Veronica stop singing aloud but from time to time Logan can still hear her humming the song. He resists the urge to laugh. It would only encourage her.

At the end of the class Mrs. Dent tells the class that the first newspaper meeting will be Thursday after school.

Veronica as they pack up says, "Logan, I signed us up for newspaper."

He looks sharply at her and says, "What?"

Repeating the words like he is two she says, "I… Signed… Us… Up… For… Newspaper."

"Why would I waste valuable surfing time working on the newspaper?" He asks.

Smiling she says, "School spirit?"

He frowns. She tries again, "Budding journalist?"

He grimaces at her. Smirking she questions, "Clark Kent want-to-be?"

He tilts his head and frowns at her.

"Ohhh I know," she waves her hand like he is a teacher and she knows the answer. She says, "It looks good on your college applications."

"I'm not going to college," he reminds her.

Undeterred she singsongs, "You would be part of the team."

Frowning he says, "I'm not a joiner."

She claps her hands together and says with fake excitement, "We can totally do it together. We would be like best friends."

She does a cute cheerleader imitation with her arms and ends it with a kick.

Logan can't help but smile. She is so cute!

Breathlessly she grabs his arm and begs, "Don't you want to be my BFF?" She flutters her eyes at him.

Laughing he gently picks up her bag and hands it to her.

The bell rings and she takes her bag from Logan. She says, "Friend, I am craving Italian for lunch."

She tilts her head at him. Logan says, "Are you sitting with us today?"

Nodding as she walks ahead of him out the door, she says, "Sure. I might be a little late, I have something to do."

She gives him a wave as she goes left to her next class and Logan goes right.

As she walks to lunch, Veronica finds Casey at his locker. She outlines her plan for him to partner with Mac for the semester project in American History. Casey looks at Veronica in surprise. She gives him the win- win speech and he smiles at her arm movements. She says winningly, "Mac is smart and a wiz with computers. You won't regret giving her an internship."

Casey looks at Veronica in amusement at her manipulative way. He shakes his head a little and says, "It can be arranged."

Happy her plan is working, Veronica orders, "Good. Talk to Mac in class this afternoon."

She walks a few steps away and then turns back. Looking him in the eye Veronica warns him, "Treat her with respect though Casey. She's a friend of mine."

Casey nods in understanding. He walks over and stands in front of her. Veronica looks up at him. She can see his sincerity. He says, "I will." After a few seconds he says, "Thanks for helping me out Veronica."

Smiling a little impishly she teases, "Wow, did that hurt?"

He laughs and says, "A little."

She smiles at his answer and says, "You are welcome. It will benefit you both so it's good."

Waving her arm between them she tells him quietly, "It's between us though."

Casey agrees.

Before she leaves him she says, "Remember that you can break out Friday at Dick's party and have some fun. I'll watch out for you."

He puts a hand to his heart and says in an Irish accent, "You're a good woman Veronica Mars.'

Frowning a little she says, "Don't give up your day job."

Casey laughs as she walks away.

Veronica wandered over to Duncan's locker to see if she could walk with him to lunch.

Casey continues to walk towards the Quad without Veronica thinking about how much she has helped him. She is his chemistry partner and there is a lot of homework in that class. She has arranged for Mac to help him in American Government. If he doesn't have to do the big project, it would really be a huge time saver. He thinks about how much better he is feeling about his life right now thanks to Veronica.

***

Logan walks down the hall towards his locker. He sees Lilly walking ahead of him. He catches up to her and says, "Hey Lil."

Lilly turns and sees Logan.

She says, "Hi."

Looking around to make sure no one can hear them Logan says, "Duncan says Veronica upset your parents on purpose at supper last night."

Lilly's face lights up in remembrance. She laughingly tells Logan that she may not have to bother Celeste anymore because Veronica has taken over that role for her. Waving her arms in enthusiasm for the story, she tells Logan that Celeste almost popped an aneurysm.

Logan asks her what happened and Lilly frowns as little as she thinks. She pauses and then tells Logan she is not sure. She says that they were all sitting at the supper table eating when she remembered that Veronica asked her to mention senior prom. She tells him she brought it up and suddenly Veronica starts talking about how it would be great if you married the guy you went to senior prom with. Then she starts talking about how she should ask her mother who she went to senior prom with. After that she starts talking about how she and Duncan are going together and they are going to share a limo with Lilly. She tells Logan Veronica went on to talk about how she and Lilly are sisters in all ways. Lilly laughs saying how Celeste nearly had a cow and that she got up and left. She adds, "My father's face was red. He excused himself to go and made some phone calls."

Lilly tells Logan that when they got back to her room, Veronica had laughed until she almost peed her pants. Logan can't believe that pink sugary Veronica who used to get so scared around Celeste deliberately made her angry.

Logan wonders for the hundredth time what happened to her that she changed so much.

He thinks about Veronica calling him last night and telling him that she is emailing him the pictures of him surfing. She teased him that she printed a few up for herself and has them pinned up on her bulletin board.

Never one to be at a loss for words Logan had immediately teased her that he would take pictures of her on Saturday in her bikini.

Veronica had easily laughed and then asked Logan what he was doing the next day. He told her he was probably going to go surfing.

She told him she was practicing soccer with Carmen after school. She tells him that she is excited about soccer try outs and she wishes she hadn't done pep squad last year.

Logan teases her about missing her in her pep squad uniform and she says, "I thought you would like the short soccer uniform better."

Stunned a little silent, Logan wonders if Veronica knows how much he liked her in her short soccer shorts and knee socks.

Veronica continues on about how excited she is to be in journalism instead of business.

Logan comments on how upset Duncan is she left business class. He hears he snort and then is surprised to hear her say, "He's upset that it will upset precious Celeste if I decide to become a journalist."

Normally quick witted, Logan doesn't know what to say back to her. He is finding it hard to believe that she sees things she doesn't like about her perfect boyfriend and their future perfect life.

Logan does know that Duncan is under Celeste's thumb and he like her he doesn't like to talk about his feelings. He just never thought Veronica found them to be a problem.

Now he is even more concerned about Veronica and Duncan.

Logan wonders why Veronica never told him about upsetting both Celeste and Jake at supper last night. After talking to Lilly he sees that Veronica knew that talking about the prom would upset them and had set Lilly up to mention it so she could upset them.

He really needs to talk to her and find out what is going on with her. Duncan is very concerned but Lilly seems happy and impressed with the changes in Veronica.

Veronica told Logan that she talked to her mother about her drinking.

Alert to her tone Logan says, "How did it go?"

There is a few seconds silence and then he hears Veronica says, "She went to her room, slammed the door and didn't come back out."

Logan says, "So better than you thought?"

Veronica giggles a little. She says, "Yeah."

They had hung up shortly after that but Logan had been comfortable talking to her and happy she was able to talk to him about her mother.

Logan and Lilly walk side by side and they are comfortable with each other. Logan knows that something has changed between them. He still loves her and wants to date her but they are acting more like friends lately. He is happy that they aren't tearing each other apart. He wonders if Veronica really did talk to Lilly about him. He kind of believes that she did. She had talked to him about how the Fab 4 will remain friends no matter what. Deep inside he needs to know that. So yeah he's hurt about Lilly seeing someone else but he is happy to be her friend as well.

He asks her about her classes and pep squad. They talk easily as they enter the quad and go over to their usual table.

Veronica arrives at lunch with Duncan. They sit across from Logan. Lilly sits at the table as well. The 09ers watch to see if they are going to fight. The Quad watches to see how will choose what side.

Veronica watching can see that Lilly is trying to be better to Logan. She also sees that Lilly is going to make a decision soon about whether to continue dating Weevil or go back to Logan. Veronica seeing how well they are getting along thinks Lilly will go back to Logan. She is torn about seeing Logan with Lilly again but knows he loves her and that if Lilly actually gives their relationship a real chance, it might work out. The talk around the lunch table is Dick's party on Friday night. Veronica sighs as she doesn't really want to go but knows she should go and keep care of Lilly, Logan and Casey.

Veronica talks to Duncan about his work experience after school and homework from their classes together. They talk about soccer tryouts in a couple of weeks. Veronica tells him about her first newspaper article being published in the next edition of the school newspaper. Logan notices that they are talking more like friends than boyfriend/girlfriend.

After school Veronica visits with Lilly for a few minutes and tells her that after pep squad they can go shopping. She tells her she will be practicing soccer with Carmen.

Veronica arrives at Carmen's locker and Tad leaves letting Carmen he will be back to pick her up in an hour and a half. Veronica gives him a mock salute like he is a German officer and Carmen smiles at her teasing.

Veronica mildly says, "Controlling much?"

Carmen looks at her funny and then lets it go as Veronica asks about who is going to try out for soccer this year. Carmen and Veronica talk all the way to the soccer field and they both sit and put on their soccer shoes. They both pull soccer balls out of their bags and then walk over to stretch. They talk amicably about dating, clothes, music and school as they stretch and then run to warm up.

Veronica enjoys her time with Carmen. She can see Carmen is still in love with Tad. She knows that he hasn't done anything yet to hurt Carmen but she is still worried about his possessive streak.

When Lilly finishes pep squad practice she walks over to watch Veronica practice. She knows she has upset Weevil by refusing to see him that evening. He is getting too possessive of her. He wants her to acknowledge their relationship publicly. He wants her to admit she loves him. He is pushing her too hard. The problem is she does have stronger feelings for him. She likes to be held by him. He's a skilled lover but there's more.

She's broken out of her introspection by Veronica's arrival. She sees Veronica's blue eyes are appraising her mood and Lilly wonders what is bringing about all the changes in her best friend. She seems happier.

Veronica walks with her friend towards her car and listens as Lilly talks about the new pep squad routine.

Veronica getting in the car happily tells Lilly that she talked her dad into giving her some money for new clothes. Lilly laughs and says, "You didn't tell him it was for underwear did you?"

Frowning a little Veronica says, "Dad doesn't think of me as even being remotely attractive to boys yet."

"Yeah. I think that ship has sailed with my father." Lilly comments.

Veronica laughs out loud thinking of the time that Jake caught Logan in Lilly's room. She says a little dryly, "I'm sure the visual he got after your fifteenth birthday party cleared things up for him."

Giggling Lilly agrees. She tells Veronica the latest gossip and they talk about what they need shopping.

Veronica enjoys her time with Lilly. She is so special, so full of life.

They do some underwear shopping. Veronica is pleased to find some good underwear on sale that accentuates the little attributes she has. Lilly approves of her choices and picks out a few sets for herself. They try on some very revealing teddies and Veronica insists that Lilly buy one of the black ones she tried on. She says, "It will blow your new man's mind." She advises absently as she looks at a short dark blue nightgown on the rack, "You should wear it under something ordinary like a skirt and sweater. Then when you reveal the drop dead sexy teddy, it will really surprise him."

Lilly considers what Veronica says and then adds it to her pile. She always wears revealing clothes but can see Veronica's point about surprising her man sometimes.

She looks consideringly at Veronica and says, "When are you going to surprise your man?"

Veronica sighs and says, "Lil."

She pauses and asks quietly, "Why did you really want me to date Duncan?" Lilly hearing the serious tone in Veronica's question bites back her knee jerk response of the Fab 4 being together forever. Veronica continues, "You could see the real me underneath." She looks closely at Lilly and says, "You know the real me is not right for Duncan, don't you?"

Finally Lilly nods. She says, "I love you and want you to be my sister forever."

Touched Veronica hugs her friend and says, "Oh we will be if I have anything to say about it."

Reassured by her friend's tone and words, Lilly briefly hugs her back and says, "BFF."

Nodding Veronica agrees, "BFF."

Veronica adds quietly, "Even if Duncan and I can't make it, I will always be there for you."

Smiling Lilly says, "Ditto."

Veronica says, "What about you? Are you ready to tell the world who your mystery man is?"

Immediately frowning Lilly says, "It is going good like it is. Why does he want to change things?"

Seeing her friend's upset, Veronica understands that Weevil is pushing Lilly to date him openly. Their relationship has progressed enough that Weevil is feeling more confident about it. Thinking about it, Veronica wonders if Lilly has real feelings for Weevil or if she truly loves Logan. It is hard to tell with Lilly because she is most often flippant with her feelings.

Lilly's phone rings and she walks away to answer it in private. Veronica goes back to looking at outfits on the rack.

As she absently looks at the sexy outfits, Veronica thinks about how different she and Lilly were at this age. She thinks it is ironic that the Veronica she is now can relate to Lilly always running from relationships. Veronica thinks about all the times that she ran away from her relationship with Logan in high school and college. She was so afraid of being hurt that she pushed him away. She never really gave him the chance he deserved. She never loved him like he deserved. She sighs and thinks about how now if she goes back to the future she might have lost her chance forever. She wishes she had let herself really love him.

Rousing herself out of her thoughts she focuses on the present. She has this chance to make things better and she can't blow it just because she wishes she could be with Logan. She has to let him go and help him be happy.

Lilly comes back and says, "Ronica, are you ready to go?"

Veronica smiles at her friend and says, "Sure."

As Veronica puts her new underwear away she sees that Lilly snuck some thongs and sexy bras in. Veronica smiles and shakes her head. She would never have worn them when she was fifteen but now she would definitely wear them.

Veronica looks at the new bathing suit she bought. It is not a tiny bikini but it flatters her figure. She just couldn't wear any of her one piece bathing suits anymore.

Veronica looks at the package from the genetic testing center. She reads the instructions and sees that it is just like the test she took with her father after her mother left; she just has to get a drop of blood from her and her father. She needs the piece of paper as definitive proof that Jake Kane is not her biological father but there is a little tiny part inside her that is worried about the result.

There is knock on her door and she hears her father asking her if she wants to have a piece of pie with him. Veronica tells him to come in.

Keith opens the door and sees the empty shopping bags on her bed. He says, "Shopping trip successful?"

Smiling Veronica says, "Very. Thank you for the advance on my allowance."

Keith notices her looking at a testing kit. He asks her about it. Veronica tells him that she can get extra credit in health if she does a HIV test.

She says, "Now I am not sure I can do it."

Keith laughs at the way she is looking at the finger lancet as if it is a deadly snake. He thinks it is so cute how women can be so strong in some ways and so timid in others. He walks closer and says, "Do you want me to do it for you?"

Obvious relief goes over her face and she hands him the lancet. He takes it from her and reaches for her hand to poke her finger.

She quickly pulls her hand away and says, "No way."

Putting her hand behind her back she says sweetly, "You are a big strong sheriff."

Keith gives her an amused frown at her obvious ploy to get him to poke his own finger.

Unabashed she smiles winningly at him and he shakes his head at her but obligingly pokes his finger and reaches over putting the drop of blood on the white area of the cardboard.

Grabbing the cardboard from her father she says, "Thanks Dad."

He shakes his head at her in mock disappointment and says, "I'll go out and cut your pie. I wouldn't want you to have to hold a sharp object."

She sticks her tongue out at him and says, "I'll be right there."

Carefully Veronica lets the sample dry and then packages the sample as directed. Later she will poke her finger for a sample when her eagle eyed father isn't around.

She heads out to have pie with him. If she can stop Lilly's murder chances are he can stay as Sheriff and keep the respect he so richly deserves. He really is a great Sheriff.