Summary: AU Season 2. Over the summer it comes out that Veronica is in fact Jake Kanes' biological daughter. Unhappy, she files for emancipation, transfers to Pan High School and is living with Keith Mars. She is reluctantly tested and agrees to donate the bone marrow Jake needs. After the surgery she has difficulty breathing and before she passes out calls to Lilly. Veronica after getting out of the hospital is quiet and depressed. She moves in with Jake Kane and keeps busy with a lot of activities. Duncan asks her to talk to him about whatever is bothering her. Veronica meets with Logan and Duncan and tells them about seeing Lilly when she was unconscious in the hospital. She tells Logan she wants to be his friend but can't right now because she still loves him. Veronica at the father/daughter banquet reveals to everyone that she and Connor Larkin have been dating. It is apparent that they are close. .... Now on with the story....

Cole sitting at the lunch table asks, "What are you doing tonight?"

Swallowing his bite of his sandwich Duncan answers, "Meg and I are going to watch Veronica's play."

He looks over at Meg and shakes his head slightly, "I am still shocked that she is singing on stage."

Meg nods at her boyfriend in understanding but says excitedly, "I can't wait to see it. I know your dad is looking forward to it." She looks at the 09ers sitting around the table and explains, "I think he is having it filmed and recorded like it is her kindergarten recital."

Kim sitting next to Luke asks a little breathlessly, "Is Connor Larking going to see the play?"

Shaking her head Meg answers, "No. Veronica says he is in England doing some promotion work for his movie."

Kim looks disappointed and Meg frowns at her a little. Cole turns to Logan and says, "Are you and Diana going?"

Diana looking upset answers quickly, "No way! We are going to Madison's party."

Casey smirks a little and says to Cole, "Logan, John and I are going to Veronica's play and then afterwards we are going to Madison's party." Logan frowns at his friend when he notices Casey's obvious attempt to rile Diana.

Diana turns to Logan and says her voice rising, "I want you to go to the party with me. Why are you going to watch Veronica's play at Pan High?"

Sighing a little, Logan tells her evenly, "I think you can do without me at the party until later."

Diana's face turns red. She gets up abruptly and goes over to sit at Madison's table.

Duncan hiding his smile leans over to Logan and says, "Way to make her mad!"

Shrugging Logan changes the subject, "Thanks for the tickets for the play by the way."

Duncan leans back a little and says easily, "No problem. I hope you are OK with not sitting up front with us." He pauses and explains, "It's just that Veronica may not be comfortable with you there man."

Meeting his best friend's gaze, Logan says quietly, "I understand."

Logan pauses and then leans closer to Duncan. He fiddles with the cuffs of his shirt and then says, "She really threw me when she told me I was right to break up with her and that she was trying to change."

Logan looks at Duncan his emotions there in his eyes for his friend to see, "I really wasn't expecting that!"

Looking around Duncan sees their conversation won't be overheard. He says, "She is really changing. Obviously her talk with Lilly really impacted her."

Logan looks at his best friend and says seriously, "What do you think about her believing she talked to Lilly?"

Duncan shakes his head a little and says, "I don't know if I believe in the dead talking to the living. I mean you hear stories about people dying and seeing loved ones in heaven and then they are sent back." He pauses and adds, "It could have been a dream or lack of oxygen when she stopped breathing; who knows?"

He looks over at Logan and says, "What do you think?"

Sitting up a little, Logan reaches over and grabs his bottle of water. He takes a small drink and says, "I am not sure what I think about her whole experience. I mean sometimes when I was really drunk I thought I could see Lilly."

Leaning back over he asks, "Have you ever talked to her?""

Duncan takes a breath and then lets it out. He confides, "Yeah. When I stopped all those medications cold turkey, I had dreams about her talking to me."

Logan looks at his hands holding the bottle. He turns the bottle and picks at the label a little. He shakes his head and says, "Veronica is so skeptical about things. It is hard to imagine how she felt talking to Lilly."

Duncan nods and leans closer to Logan. He says meaningfully, "It sure explains why she was so freaked out after she woke up."

Seeing Logan's nod of understanding, Duncan continues, "On one hand I would love to talk to Lilly again. On the other hand, I don't know how I would feel if Lilly was mad at me."

Grimacing a little Logan interjects, "Especially if I dedicated almost two years of my life to helping her."

They both are quiet thinking about Veronica talking to Lilly.

Logan takes another drink then says, "The fact she changed her behavior means that whatever happened was real to her." He adds, "She really seems different now doesn't she?"

Duncan immediately nods his agreement, "Yeah. She is not innocent like she was when she was young but she is not the hard person she became after Lilly died either. She is very calm and quiet."

He sighs and adds, "I just wish she wasn't so sad. I think she is finally dealing with Lilly's death and everything that happened to her after."

Duncan runs his hand through his hair to the back of his head and says, "She does seem better after talking to us about Lilly though."

Logan sits up and observes, "The girl can hold stuff in like no one else."

Duncan laughs a little in agreement. After a comfortable pause, Duncan says, "I am curious about what else she talked to Lilly about. She said she was only going to tell us the things Lilly said about us but I wonder what else Lilly talked to her about."

They are both quiet for a minute thinking.

Logan meets Duncan's gaze and says, "I know by her expression when I talked to her that Lilly said a lot more about Veronica and me. I would really like to know what she said."

"I got that impression too." Duncan agrees and then adds, "I have a guess on what Lilly said though."

A little eagerly Logan asks, "What do you think she said?" He knows that Duncan probably knew Lilly better than anyone.

Smirking Duncan tells Logan, "I think she told Veronica that you are the only one for her and she is the only one for you." He pauses while his statement sinks in to Logan.

He adds, "Knowing Lilly she told Veronica to put on something red and go and get you back."

Duncan laughs aloud at Logan's look of shock. He pushes his shoulder and says, "Come on Logan. Lilly knew you always had a thing for Veronica."

He leans closer to Logan and says quietly, "She knew how your life was and how unhappy you were. She was probably thrilled when you two got together."

Looking his best friend in the eyes, he says firmly, "You were happy with Veronica Logan, really happy."

Logan frowning confides, "And really hurt. There isn't a happy medium with us. I can't live like that."

Duncan is quiet as he processes Logan's words. He finally says, "Veronica is not so extreme anymore Logan. You said yourself she's changed."

Logan takes a drink of his water and looks back over at Duncan. He says, "We've both moved on DK."

Duncan questions, "Have you Logan?"

Logan is silent.

Seeing his friend's discomfort causes Duncan pause. He is torn as Logan has been through a lot and so has Veronica. Duncan thinks about how happy they were together before she found out Aaron killed Lilly and their lives became a media storm.

Taking a deep breath, Duncan presses, "What if she gets serious about someone? Are you over her? I know you really loved her".

Logan looks at Duncan, his face angry. He sees the worry in Duncan's eyes. The anger leaves him. Logan looks at his best friend and says honestly, "I don't know man. Sometimes I think I can move on. Other times, I just want to be with her so bad."

Duncan quizzes, "Do you still love her?"

Logan sighs and says, "That is the million dollar question, isn't it?" He gently swats Duncan's shoulder. He stands and says, "I have to find Diana. I'll talk to you later."

Duncan nods and watches as Logan walks into the school. He looks over at Meg who has turned away from her conversation with Kim. Duncan says knowingly, "How hard was it for you to stay out of that conversation?"

She mock frowns at Duncan and says, "Tell me everything."

*****

Veronica comes out of the dressing room. Meg rushes up and hugs her enthusiastically, "You were great!"

Veronica smiles and hugs her back. She says quietly, "Thanks Meg."

Keith walks over and hugs Veronica briefly. He kisses her forehead and says, "I am so proud of you." He pulls back and looks at her. He adds, "I think you got your singing talent from me."

Veronica looks up teasingly at Keith and says, "I was that bad?"

Wallace laughs and says, "We had to stop him from going up on stage and covering you with a sweater when you came out in the nightgown in the second act."

The group listening smiles knowing Keith's protective way with Veronica.

Keith frowns and admits, "I did not like all the guys whistling at you."

Veronica laughs and hugs her dad. She says fondly, "I love you!"

Georgia standing next to Wallace steps in and hugs Veronica saying, "You were awesome! The whole play was great!"

Veronica looks at her friend and says, "Thanks. I hope you are coming to the party."

Georgia nods. Veronica turns and sees Alicia. She goes over and hugs her saying "Thanks for coming."

Alicia brushes the bangs off Veronica's forehead and says, "You were wonderful!"

Veronica smiles her thanks. She looks over at Daryl and high fives him saying, "Thanks for coming bro!"

Daryl returning her high five admits, "It wasn't horrible."

Veronica laughs and reaches over to hug Wallace. She whispers something in his ear. He laughs and hugs her back. He teases, "Well I heard that glass was breaking all over the parking lot."

Pouting, Veronica says, "Funny BFF, real funny." The group watching laughs at the interaction between Veronica and her best friend.

Veronica looks up and sees Jake and Celeste standing a little formally to the side. She walks over. Jake smiles at her and hands her a dozen red roses. He says sincerely, "You were great Veronica. I was very impressed."

Veronica accepts the roses and reaches up to kiss his cheek. She says quietly, "I'm glad you came." He looks down at her and says, "I wouldn't have missed it."

Veronica smiles at him and then turns to Celeste. Veronica reaches out and squeezes her arm gently and says, "Thank you for coming."

Celeste looks a little flustered but smiles slightly and nods.

Veronica sees Duncan and gives him a hug. She pulls back and says, "What did you think brother?"

Duncan hugs her back and says, "You were great!" He adds teasingly, "I had to cover my eyes when you came out in the last act wearing the tight black leather outfit." He leans in and says very quietly, "Lilly would have been proud of you wearing that outfit on stage."

Veronica gets a little teary. She says, "I wish she were here to see it."

Duncan nods and says, "Me too!"

Jake raises his voice breaking "The after party is at our house. Everyone is welcome."

He turns to Keith, Alicia, Wallace, Georgia and Daryl and says, "I hope you will all come."

Wallace smirks at Veronica and says, "Well let's beat Veronica there or there won't be any food left for us."

Everyone laughs. Veronica sticks her tongue out at Wallace, "You are so funny!"

Meg tucks her arm with Veronica's. She says, "Ride with us."

Veronica nods and then is surrounded by girls from Pan High who are hugging her and talking excitedly to her.

****

Duncan opens his phone, sees who is calling and answers, "Hey Logan. How is Madison's party?"

Logan says, "Usual. Lots of booze. Dick hitting on everyone making Madison angry."

Duncan laughs and says, "You should come over. We are having the after party for Veronica and the rest of the cast."

There is a pause and then Logan says, "I don't think she will be too comfortable with me there."

Duncan answers as he looks around at all the party guests, "I don't think she will notice you. It's quite a crowd."

He moves to a quieter area of the living room, "What did you think of the play?"

Logan readily answer, "Veronica was really good. I had no idea she could sing so well."

Duncan tells Logan about hearing Veronica sing once at Karaoke. He says, "I had an idea she could sing. I just didn't expect her to have such a stage presence. I may be biased but she shone on stage."

Logan smirks and says, "I don't know which the crowd appreciated more; her singing or her costumes. She got quite an ovation when she came out in that leather outfit."

Shaking his head Duncan agrees, "Yeah. I told her Lilly would have loved it."

Laughing out loud, Logan says, "Hell yeah!" He adds, "I know I did!"

Duncan says a little reproachfully, "Logan…. That's my sister."

Logan says, "I think John almost swallowed his tongue. He was definitely drooling."

Duncan says firmly "Don't bring him then."

Logan laughing says before he hangs up, "See you later."

***

Veronica spots Logan as he walks into the living room. He is wearing jeans that hug his hips and his ever present t shirt with a button down shirt over. He looks hot and Veronica sees most of her Pan girlfriends are definitely noticing him.

Logan sees Veronica is sitting on a couch and he walks over to talk to her.

Veronica smiles up at him. Logan sits down beside her and says a little teasingly, "Who knew you would be the actor in the group?"

Surprised Veronica says, "I didn't know you were there."

Logan tells her, "I wouldn't have missed it Ronnie." He looks down and pulls at his sleeve. He adds, "I was surprised to hear you were in the play. Did you enjoy doing it?"

Veronica laughs a little and says, "Yeah it was fun." She meets his gaze and says, "I am kind of glad it is over though. Rehearsals took up a lot of time near the end."

Logan says, "Well you were really good."

He leers at her and says, "Definitely eye candy Ronnie."

Veronica smiles at Logan's antics and drawls slowly, "Well I aim to please….."

Logan smirks at her and says, "That you did Ronnie. That… You… Did!"

Veronica punches him in the arm and says laughingly, "Cut it out Logan." She pushes his shoulder and orders, "Go eat!"

Catching her hand, Logan's face sobers. He says quietly, "I miss you Ronnie."

He looks down at her hand and rubs her palm.

Looking back up at her he admits, "I miss talking to you. I miss knowing what you are doing. I miss seeing you."

Veronica moves her hand and interlocks their fingers. Their gazes meet and there is a pause while they read the emotions in the other's eyes.

Biting her lip, Veronica says quietly, "I miss you too Logan."

Logan holds her gaze and then satisfied she is being open with him, he says a little hopefully, "Do you think we can do something about that?

Veronica nods and says with her heart fluttering a little in her chest, "Yes I think we can."

Logan nods in relief but simply says, "Good."

He looks at her a moment, his brown eyes full of emotion. He leans and gently kisses her cheek.

Letting go of her hand, he stands and looks down at her for a moment. Smiling a little at her he turns and then heads into the dining room to eat.

Veronica watches him until he is out of sight.

*******

Thank you to all of you who have given me such valuable feedback. As usual, let me know what worked and what I could have done to improve this chapter.......