CHAPTER 12

Veronica slipped into her English class a half an hour later. She tried to make it to her seat without being noticed, but the teacher caught her.

"Miss Mars, you're late" she said. Veronica winced and turned to look at the older women. She could feel the other student's eyes watching her as she answered.

"Sorry Mrs. Stolberg. I lost track of time" she explained. Mrs. Stolberg's eyebrow rose, but she nodded and continued on her lecture. Veronica sighed in relief and sat down. As the teacher drowned on about Shakespeare, Veronica glanced around the class. No Weevil. Veronica frowned. He was probably still on his way here if he had gone home from her house. Guilt ate at her for the rest of the class. He hadn't had the chance to give in the paper he had worked so hard on. When the bell rang the students filed out quickly. Veronica was just leaving her seat when Weevil walked in.

"Mrs. Stolberg. I'm so sorry about missing your class" he began, glancing quickly at Veronica. "I lost track of time". Veronica blushed as the teacher looked at her quickly with appraising eyes.

"Well Mr. Navarro, you weren't the only one. Veronica also had the same problem. I wonder if there is a connection?" She asked, switching her look back to Weevil. He didn't blush.

"Only connection is that Veronica helped me last night with my paper" he answered straight-faced. He took the paper from his bag and handed it to her. She scanned it before looking up at him. "I won't miss class again" he promised.

"Make sure you don't" she answered. Looking back at Veronica she smiled. "You're going to be late for another class Miss Mars" she said. Veronica laughed nervously and joined Weevil at the door. They left together.

"She's nicer than she looks" Weevil said as he walked her to her next class. She was a little surprised that he knew she had chemistry. He didn't take it. But Logan did. Veronica suddenly stopped in her tracks. Weevil looked down at her in question.

"I have chemistry next" she whispered. People in the hall were swerving around them as they made it to their classes. More than a few of them were giving them dirty looks for holding up traffic.

"I know Mars. That's where I'm taking you" he said slowly, still not understanding. Veronica turned her head slowly and looked up at him.

"Logan will be there" she explained. Weevil's eyes hardened at the name. He took her elbow and led her to the wall where they wouldn't be jostled. Veronica put her back up against the wall and sagged there. Weevil leaned next to her on his side, bending his head only slightly to catch her words. His posture stuck a cord in her. Logan used to do the same thing. But because he was taller, he had to bend his head more. And then he would get close enough to whisper into her ear. Veronica straightened quickly. Whatever confusing thought she had had about Weevil were suddenly made clear. He was dangerous but safe at the same time and she would always wonder how a relationship would work between them, but it would never happen. She didn't want him to whisper into her ear or kiss her. She still wanted Logan to be the one who did that.

"You don't have to worry about him Veronica" Weevil intruded on her racing thoughts. "I will take care of you from now on". Veronica caught his hand before it could touch her hair. She lowered it slowly, looking into Weevil's eyes.

"No Eli, you won't" she said it quietly. Weevil stood up then and tried to take a step back. But Veronica still held on to his hand. "You know that I care about you" she started. Weevil shook his head and tried to shake her hand off again. Veronica held on. "But not that wa…"

"Don't!" Weevil interrupted fiercely. "Don't tell me you just want to be friends. Not after last night." He took his free hand and cupped her face with it. Veronica flinched. "I love you Veronica" he whispered brokenly. Veronica gasped and she started crying silently. Weevil saw the answer in her eyes and stepped away from her. She let him go this time. He looked away from her and stared at the wall of lockers across from them. After a minute of listening to her cry he spoke. "I never wanted to make you cry Veronica Mars" he said sadly, then walked away and didn't look back.