Story so far: Logan and Duncan overhear Veronica at Lilly's graveside. They learn she has cancer and is dying. They also learn she can prove Abel Kunz didn't kill Lilly. Logan ends up rushing into Veronica's room begging her not to go to Lilly and to stay because he needs her. Logan once Veronica's heart rate rises professes he knows she is going to get better. She does and while she is recuperating at home, Logan does some soul searching and decides he needs to make changes. Now back to the story.......
The first day back at school in the New Year, Veronica arrived with Wallace. He drove her in her Le Baron. She wore jeans that were loose on her and a light green t shirt. She had on her blond wig that she had been wearing before she became too ill to come to school. She was tiny before but now with her weight loss, she looked like a strong wind would blow her away. Wallace walked protectively by her side as they entered the school together. He and Veronica went to the administration office and picked up her schedule and then he walked her to her locker.
This new semester started like most new semesters; students excited to see the friends they hadn't seen since before the semester break, discussions in the hallways about vacations, gifts and parties as well as who was dating who. The new discussions included the fact, Veronica Mars was back in school.
This semester things were a little different at Neptune High. Many students smiled and said hello to Veronica. Although most everyone stopped talking and stared when she walked by, there were very few negative comments. When she got to her locker and opened it, it was full of get well cards and there was a small bouquet of Lilies inside. There was no card attached to the lilies but Veronica knew who left them for her. Wallace looking over her shoulder saw the lilies and he also knew who they were from. Wallace helped her pack up the cards and get her books for her morning classes. He looked at her and reminded her that he was buying her lunch to celebrate her return.
Veronica smiled at Wallace and said, "Well you do have the pirate points."
Meg bounced up and hugged Veronica in excitement. She talked happily to her about Christmas, Veronica being back and how she would walk her to first period. Wallace smiled and left towards his first period class knowing Veronica was in good hands.
Veronica arrived with Meg to her first period class to find both Logan and Duncan already sitting near the back. They both smiled at her when she entered. Logan looked down at his book and didn't keep eye contact with her. Veronica looked at Meg who seeing her unspoken question, told her that Logan was in a lot of AP classes now. He had transferred a couple of months ago.
A teacher had been coming to Veronica's apartment, bringing her homework and tutoring her. Meg, Wallace and Mac had also helped. Veronica had been able to catch up her classes and had good enough grades to stay in the AP courses. The teachers had been pleased to have Veronica back and most of her classmates had quietly welcomed her back.
It was a long day for Veronica. She found the increased attention stressful. She pondered how all those months she had been excluded and ridiculed, she had hoped to be accepted again. Now that her school mates seemed inclined to be at least polite to her she found the experience to be disconcerting and she wished she was back being ignored.
When the rumors of Veronica's cancer had gone around the school, most students had been shocked that she hadn't said anything about it. Only a few people had known about her illness and they had kept it to themselves. When it had come to light that she was near death, a lot of students felt bad for what they had been saying to her. They had been following what the 09ers did and had been mean to her when she had never done anything to them.
Now it was not OK to be mean to Veronica. Logan and Duncan had made it clear that if anyone was mean to Veronica, they would answer to them. Veronica was back after missing much of last semester and the other students could see she had lost a lot of weight. She was very thin and now they knew her new hairstyle was a wig because of the chemotherapy. It would seem the cancer had also affected her manner. She walked quietly though the halls not making eye contact; gone was the bad ass PI with the 'don't mess with me' attitude.
Veronica made it through the first few days of class and she breathed a sigh of relief when things became more normal. Everyone stopped trying to talk to her and telling her they were glad she was back and things settled down into a routine. Veronica saw a lot of Logan and Duncan as they were in a lot of her classes. Duncan talked to her but Logan made no attempt to get her attention. He did his work and went to and from his classes. He sat with the 09ers at lunch and left immediately after school. He had his homework done when he was at school the next day. He answered questions in class when called upon and Veronica got used to seeing him in class and not hearing him be disrespectful to the teachers.
Veronica had caught him at his locker and thanked him for the flowers, Christmas gift and all the Italian food. He had quietly told her she was welcome. He had asked her if she was wearing the necklace and she had pulled it out of her shirt to show him. He had gently grasped it and rubbed his thumb over it. He had murmured quietly that it looked good on her and had looked into her eyes for a second before he let go of the locket. Logan had shut his locker, told her that he would see her around and then left her standing there staring after him as he walked away.
Wallace watching from across the hall had seen the interaction. He saw the look on his best friend's face when Logan's fingers had touched hers around the locket and he had seen the look between them before Logan had shut his locker and left. This was going to be an interesting semester he thought as he walked over to talk to Veronica.
Mid January, an audio tape of Madison talking in the locker room circulates around the school. She describes in detail how Dick has a small penis and doesn't satisfy her in bed. She rudely talks about how he only takes a minute or two before he is done. Madison then lowers her voice and describes how she has found an older man and he is a great lover. She tells Kim how she has been seeing the older man for about two months and can't wait until she is eighteen so she can dump Dick and date the older guy openly. She complains she is tired of faking it with Dick.
Most of the school has heard the audio tape before Dick or Madison find out it exists. Everyone is laughing at Dick behind his back and a lot are laughing openly at him. Dick leaves the school early when he hears the tape. Logan surprising his 09er friends does nothing to defend Dick and lets him face the fallout from the audio tape alone.
Dick tells the 09er guys at lunch that he thinks Veronica did it and he is going to get her back. Logan's face darkens and his posture turned rigid. He tells Dick firmly that he will do nothing to her. He will leave her totally alone. Logan had leaned in menacingly and said, "You deserve it for setting her up to be raped." He looks around the table and says, "I know I am to blame for how she was treated. I was wrong to make it OK to torment her but I never would have OK'd what you guys did to her at Shelley's party." He adds darkly, "Leave her alone or I will end you." He gets up and walks off leaving shocked 09er guys behind and a Quad full of students wondering about the rift between Logan and some of the 09er guys.
Veronica watching Logan's anger like her peers can't hear what is being said but unlike her peers has an inkling why Logan has not been friends with the 09er guys in question. She looks after Logan thoughtfully as he slams out of the Quad.
Veronica has been noticing the changes in Logan. She could see his improved attitude in the AP classes they had together and when the class standings came out, she saw he had risen up substantially. She heard that Logan was entering some surfing competitions and doing well. She also heard Logan was doing work program some afternoons with a stockbroker friend of his fathers. Although a little skeptical at first, Veronica had to admit that Logan seems to be really changing. She is happy for him.
Lynn had told Keith that Logan was still going to counseling after school a couple of times and week and that he was surfing other afternoons. She also told Keith that Logan was spending time with a local stockbroker learning what it entailed and that he seemed to like it. Aaron had approved of Logan's career choice and had given him some money to invest. So far, Logan was making good choices and the investment had grown. Lynn said Aaron was proud and bragged to all his friends that his son might end up richer than he was.
Keith knew the flowers, Italian food and necklace were gifts from Logan even though Logan did not sign them. He also knew that Logan had respected his wishes and had not approached Veronica. He heard that Logan was in AP classes in school and getting good grades. It appeared that Logan was growing up. Keith was happy for Lynn and for Logan. Keith understood that the timing of Logan's change corresponded with him finding out Veronica may die. He realized that the young man may feel more for his daughter than 'we used to be friends' feelings. Keith would be watching this new development closely.
In the beginning of February everyone was talking and planning for the Valentine's dance. Duncan had asked Meg and news of the latest couple made its way around the school. Many rumors included stories of Veronica crying in the bathroom and feeling depressed. Outwardly she didn't seem to mind and stayed friends with Meg.
Logan was happy for Duncan but was worried that Veronica was secretly hurt. He didn't know how to approach her about it. She hasn't been dating much since Shelley's party. He had talked to his psychiatrist about what Veronica might be feeling. He could understand how Veronica might not feel confident about herself after the rapes and cancer. He wasn't sure what to do. He talked to his mom and asked her if she could do something to help Veronica. Logan was keeping his distance respecting Mr. Mars's wishes and he knew he had hurt her after Lilly died. He knew he had let her down and he wasn't really deserving to be her friend.
Lynn Echolls was impressed with how hard her son was working to become a better person. She could see that he cared for Veronica and wanted to help her. When he had run into her hospital room that night she had been shocked. She heard his entreaties for Veronica to stay and was especially interested in the fact he wanted her to stay with with him and told her how much he needed her. He hadn't just told her he didn't want her to die, he had said he needed her personally. When she saw Veronica stay Lynn knew that Veronica had strong feelings for her son as well. She saw the locket and was impressed at the thought her son had put into the gift. Now his concern over Veronica's self image touched her. The fact that Logan wasn't dating was quite telling to Lynn. It was clear to her that he had stronger feelings than friendship for Veronica. Lynn had always hoped that Logan would grow into a good man and would pick a good woman to be with him. Lynn pulled out her cell phone and dialed. There actually was something she could do to help Veronica.
That week, Sean is busted for shoplifting. He claims he is innocent but he has a prior record. The stuff is found in his gym locker. He is over eighteen so if he is found guilty, it will be a felony on his record as the stuff is worth over $10,000. Sean is going to have trouble getting in college or finding a government job. He says he has been set up. The guys talk about getting a good lawyer and how he can get off.
Logan looked sharply at Veronica during lunch. When the audio tape of Madison was circulated, Logan wondered if it was Veronica that did it but she wasn't in physical education anymore and wasn't anywhere near the locker room when the tape was made. Madison was a bitch and anyone could have made the tape. When Sean had talked at the lunch table about being arrested, Logan had overheard and wondered who would be able to set Sean up. The only person he could think was capable of it was Veronica. It seemed unlikely it was her. Veronica had been quiet and focused on her schoolwork since she got back to school. She hung out with her friends and didn't cause any trouble. Sean had been really mean to her after Lilly died but Veronica had been away from the school for months and since she got back, Sean had followed Logan's directions and had stayed away from her. Still Logan wondered if it was possible Veronica had found out what happened at Shelley's party. The guys said she was totally out of it but she's Veronica, she could have found out somehow. On the other hand Sean is not rich and he is always wearing nice clothes and has nice things. Maybe he does shoplift. At his poker party last Christmas Veronica had told Sean he was bad at shoplifting. Maybe she knew something with her connections at the Sheriff's office. Either way Logan is not concerned that Sean is getting his.
Veronica was surprised when Lynn asked her to spend the day with her. Veronica enjoyed Lynn's company and was pleased that Lynn wanted to spend time with her. Ever since her mother left, Veronica had missed the company of an older woman. Her dad was great but sometimes a girl just needed a mother. So she found herself spending the day with Lynn Echolls at an exclusive spa.
Veronica had to admit that it was relaxing to be pampered. She left the spa feeling pretty and special. Lynn had taken her to an exclusive boutique and had insisted on buying her a new dress. Veronica had tried to talk her out of it but Lynn had been insistent. After shopping, Lynn had asked Veronica if they could stop at the mansion for a few minutes as she had to grab something before they went out to supper. Veronica had agreed and that was how she found herself sitting in the Echoll's living room reading a magazine waiting for Lynn when Logan, Casey and Derek walked through.
What Veronica didn't realize was she looked very sexy. Her own hair had now grown out and although short, the style suited Veronica's small face. Her skin glowed from her treatment at the spa and she looked sexy in the short deep rose dress Lynn had bought her.
Logan, Casey and Derek stopped when they saw Veronica and they all wore expressions of shock at seeing Veronica dressed up and without her wig. Logan felt like the breath had been knocked out of him. He had thought Veronica was hot but she was really sexy with her short hair and dress. Desire slammed into Logan and his body tightened in response.
Before any of the boys could say anything, Lynn Echolls came into the room. She smiled at the boys and said hello and asked them what they were up to. They explained to her that they had been surfing and now were going to a party. Lynn had gone over to Logan and hugged him and told him to have fun and she would see him later. She had then started talking to Veronica about the restaurant and how they had better hurry or they would be late. Veronica had gotten up and followed Lynn out of the room. She had given a tentative smile to Logan as she walked past him.
After Veronica left, Derek had said, "Whoa. Veronica is looking hot." Casey had asked Logan why Veronica was hanging out with his mother. Logan had told him that his mother had supported Mr. Mars while Veronica was in the hospital and now she thought of Veronica like a daughter. Derek had teased, "So Veronica is like a sister to you?"
Logan had looked after Veronica and then shaken his head and said, "I'll just change and then we'll go."
In his room, he had sat for a few minutes on the edge of his bed. He knew that he wanted to be Veronica's friend but it was clear to Logan that he might want more. God when had his life become so complicated?
Lynn Echolls was pleased at her son's reaction to Veronica tonight. She had heard his plans to meet Derek before the party and knew that he would walk through the living room on his way to his room. Poor Logan she thought. He had no idea what hit him. Judging by Derek and Casey's reaction to Veronica, she was going to be getting a lot of attention from the boys. Lynn hoped Logan would step up and go after what he wanted. Lynn had also seen Veronica's reaction to her son in his tight t shirt and board shorts. He was tanned and fit from all his surfing. Yes, Lynn thought, this was going to be interesting.
Logan had thought about what to do about Duncan dating Meg. Was Veronica hurting inside? He knew that she still hung out with Meg. She had hid her cancer and pain from everyone. Was she hiding her pain over Meg and Duncan? He decided to talk to Veronica. After second period he found himself walking beside her towards their next class. They happened to be walking behind Meg and Duncan. Logan looks at Veronica and says, "Ronnie. I have been a little worried about something."
Veronica looks up at Logan and says, "What?"
Logan says, "The thing is, I don't know if I should talk to you about it. We aren't close friends anymore so it is really not my business."
Veronica stops and faces Logan. He stops and faces her. Students behind them are forced to walk around them. Logan puts his arm on her shoulder and gently moves her out of the center of the hall and over towards the lockers. He says, "It's about DK dating Meg."
Veronica looks puzzled at him and says, "What about it Logan?"
Logan says, "I was wondering if it bothered you." He rushes on before she can get angry, "I mean I wondered if you were really OK with it. I just thought that maybe you were upset and I wanted to let you know I am a pretty good listener."
Veronica is looking up at Logan. Her expression softens as she listens to his concerns. She smiles at Logan and says, "Thanks for your concern Logan. I am really OK."
Logan smiles back at her and then realizing he is still holding her upper arm, rubs it gently and lets it go. "I'm glad you aren't hurting Ronnie."
Veronica says pretending to hold back tears and putting her hand to her heart, "That is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me."
Logan laughs at her over the top acting and gently bumps her hip with his and says, "Funny Ronnie."
The warning bell rings and they walk together to their next class laughing.
The other students in the hallway see Logan and Veronica talking. They see him touch her, ask her something and then the two former enemies smile at each other. The students have been wondering at the thaw between the two enemies. Logan's firm decree that Veronica be treated properly and his cold attitude to Dick, Cassidy, Sean and Luke were talked about throughout the school. The students watching Logan's and Veronica's interaction could see the attraction. They assumed he asked her to the dance and she accepted. They see the playful interplay between them and the laughing. Soon the rumor about Logan and Veronica was all around the school.
At lunch John tells Logan he was smart to ask Veronica early to the dance because a lot of guys are going to ask her. Logan listens to the guys all talk about how Veronica is hot and they wouldn't mind hitting on her with growing horror. He tells them to mind their own business and eats his lunch. Duncan and Meg arrive at the table and hear the gossip about Logan and Veronica. Duncan frowns at Logan and Logan rolls his eyes. Logan thinks that DK should not be mad at him for dating Veronica when he has already moved on with Meg.
Logan sees Veronica sitting at her table with Wallace and Mac and sees her glance over at him. Logan shrugs apologetically at her. He certainly never meant to make her the center of gossip at the school. Veronica seeing the apology and shrug from Logan, smiles at him. He smiles back. The students seeing the interaction are more convinced that Logan and Veronica are a couple. Wallace and Mac notice and look at each other. They smile as they realize the other is thinking the same thing, "It's starting."
Logan gets home after school and sees his mother in the living room. He goes over and says hello to her. She pats the couch and asks him about his day. He tells her about approaching Veronica about Duncan and Meg and now how he and Veronica are a couple to the gossip hounds at school. Lynn asks Logan if anybody will ask Veronica to the dance now everyone thinks she is dating Logan. Logan looks at Lynn and says, "Probably not Mom. Not many guys are going to go against me."
Lynn muses sympathetically, "Poor Veronica is going to miss the dance after everything she has been through."
Logan looks at his mother and says, "I will ask someone else and then everyone will know she is single."
Lynn looks at Logan and says innocently, "Maybe they will think you broke up with her already."
Logan groans and says, "Why don't people get lives of their own?"
Lynn smiles at Logan and says, "I am sure you will figure it out." She reaches over and pats his hand. She says, "What did everyone think of her new haircut at school?"
Logan smirks, "The guys think she looks hot."
Lynn smiles a little proudly and says, "Good. She deserves to feel good about herself."
Logan smiles at her and says, "Definitely."
He squeezes her hand and says, "I have some homework and then I am going out to dinner with Casey. "I'll talk to you later."
Lynn smiles at him and says, "Have fun."
Logan gets up and goes to his room.
Logan thought about what his mother had to say about everyone at school thinking he broke up with Veronica. He decided that he would have to talk to her again.
This time though he wasn't going to talk to her at school. He would call her and meet her somewhere. They could discuss the issue and see how they wanted to deal with it.
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Thanks for reading this story. I have been learning a lot from your feedback...... You know what to do.
PS. I took some of the great feedback advice I received and changed the story slightly to have Logan angry with the guys he knows raped Veronica. I know he should do more but he feels he is to blame for what happened to her.