Chapter 4: Picture Perfect

*******Monday Morning on Campus******

Logan and Veronica walked into their mythology class and greeted Dick and Mac.

"Did you two have fun?" Mac asked as they sat down.

"Lots and lots," Veronica said, smiling. "I guess you and Dick had your own special weekend, huh? Trina said Dick stayed gone."

Mac smiled. "His dad was out of town, so we spent some very nice alone time at his dad's house," Mac shared.

"We had lots and lots of fun ourselves!" Dick said with a wide grin and a wink.

"We had fun in and out of the bedroom," Logan said boastfully.

"Yep! I caught a wave," Veronica told Dick. Her pleasure at this accomplishment was obvious.

Dick looked at Logan, who nodded proudly. Dick grinned. "Another hot surfer chick is born!" he exclaimed, giving her a high five.

"We also went kayaking. Mac, I think you'd like that. It doesn't take as much out of you, and it's fun," Veronica said.

"I've been white water rafting with my family, so I could handle kayaking," Mac said.

"So Trina's starting back to work today," Logan told Mac and Dick.

"Sweet!" Dick said. "Mac and I already set up a crib for the little man."

"I think getting out of the house will be good for her," Veronica stated.

"Yes, I think so, too," Mac said. "Oh, Lauren wanted me to invite you two to her sweet sixteen party. It's the first weekend in November. Since it's right after Halloween, it's a costume party."

"Ooh, that'll be fun. I haven't been to a costume party in a while. We can do a couple's costume," Veronica said to Logan.

"Oh joy!" Logan said without enthusiasm.

"I'm trying to convince Mac that we can go as Tarzan and Jane, but so far she's resisting," Dick said, grinning.

"Not going to happen, Dick," Mac said firmly.

"How about I dress as Batman and you as Catwoman?" Dick asked hopefully.

Mac shook her head. "Keep trying," she said grinning. Eventually, Dick would realize she wasn't going to dress in anything skimpy, especially not at a party hosted by the Sinclairs and with her parents in attendance.

Before he could suggest more, the professor came in, and their discussion was cut off.

******Lunchtime*******

Veronica had made plans to have lunch with Wallace. Ever since the fight they had before her car "accident," she'd been trying to be a better sister and friend. Luckily, there hadn't been any new scandals or problems since Sorokin had left town. Of course, it'd only been a few weeks, so she couldn't get too excited. However, she was hopeful things would keep getting better for everyone.

Wallace found her as she was eating her hamburger. He examined the amount of food on her tray. Besides the burger and fries, she had a salad, fruit bowl, and a piece of chocolate cake.

"It's a good thing you're pregnant or I'd begin to wonder," Wallace said as he sat down, gesturing to her food with a smile.

"Well, I've mostly gotten through the morning sickness, and now I feel famished all the time," Veronica said with a sheepish grin.

"That's how boys feel all the time. Supposedly, it slows down by the time we're twenty-five," Wallace said. "My momma always said she would've saved money if she'd had daughters."

"Not so. They would've required a lot more money for clothes!" Veronica replied.

"True," Wallace said.

"Tell Thea thanks for the tip. I called this morning and got an appointment for an ultrasound," Veronica told him excitedly.

"Cool!" Wallace said.

"I really like your new friend. She's full of useful information. Trina hadn't bothered to mention the first ultrasound, but she didn't arrive home until she was way past that," Veronica said.

"Thea's pretty awesome. Wicked smart. I aced my midterms thanks to her," Wallace shared, proud.

"Good for you. I did pretty good myself. I need to keep my grades up because I may have trouble in the spring since I'll be having the baby at the end of the semester," Veronica said.

"I still can't believe you're having a baby," Wallace said, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Me either," she remarked. Then she grinned. "So tell me about Thea. Any potential romance there? You seemed to give her all your attention at the party last week."

Wallace grinned. "Well, there's not much to tell. Thea isn't like other girls. I tried to ask her out, but she was sort of oblivious," Wallace admitted.

"Really? She failed to fall for your obvious charms?" Veronica teased.

"I'm just glad Dick wasn't around to see me crash and burn. It was very pathetic," Wallace remarked in embarrassment.

"So she's single? Not dating anyone?" Veronica asked.

"No. I don't think she has a lot of experience. She went to an intense college prep high school, so I don't think she spent much time dating. She's a senior, but she's younger than us. I think it's made her a bit behind in the social department," Wallace explained.

Veronica nodded. "She's not your usual type. She's very serious and focused. More intense than even Mac and Jason," Veronica said.

"Jason? I'm not so sure about that. He just hides it better. But yeah, she isn't like any other girl I've ever known. I guess that's why I like her. You know how I wanted to spend that summer in Africa? Give back? Well, her parents do that kind of stuff all the time. Her dad is with Doctor Without Borders. He flies his own plane to remote villages, and her mom is a nurse. They devote themselves to saving lives in the most horrible circumstances. She wants to be just like them, and it's no act. She's incredible," Wallace said in admiration.

"You're starting to make me feel selfish and privileged! I'm no 09er!" Veronica complained with a smile.

"Tell me about it! She challenges me like no one I've ever known. I know that she's out of my league in many ways. I'll never be as smart as she is. But after Jackie and that nightmare with Julie, it's great just being with someone that is so real and so focused. She's without pretense. She knows what she wants, and nothing and no one will stop her from achieving her goals. I want to be like that," Wallace shared.

"Well, if you really like her, take your time with her. Let her get to know you. If she's as inexperienced as you say, slow is best," Veronica advised.

"It's just great meeting someone new that I enjoy being with. She has no baggage that I can see. I mean she's got a big, loud Greek family, but she adores them. Being in a sorority seems to be the biggest cross she bears," Wallace said.

"Hey, Mac's sister is having a sweet sixteen costume party a few days after Halloween. I'm sure it'll be fine for you to come, too. Bring Thea. Since it's not a college party, it should have less expectations. More fun. Casual," Veronica suggested. "I'll clear it with Mac."

"Cool. I'll ask. Thanks," Wallace said. "So I got a favor to ask you. I need you to use your influence with Weevil."

"Didn't you spend all summer with him? Shouldn't you have your own influence by now?" Veronica asked.

"Yes, but he, like most men, is physically incapable of saying no to you," Wallace replied with a wide grin.

"What's the favor?" Veronica asked curious.

"Piz is coming back to Neptune, and he needs a place to stay until the semester ends, and he can get back into the dorms. I thought since Jason and Weevil have an extra bedroom, they may be open to letting him crash there," Wallace said.

"Piz with Weevil? Are you insane? He'd be miserable with Jason and Weevil. Talk about having nothing in common!" Veronica said.

"They both don't like Duncan. Maybe they'll bond or something," Wallace said. "Please, ask."

"I don't think it's a good idea, but I can ask," Veronica said. "If Piz is coming back, I'll need to prepare Parker. Piz hasn't called her once since she's been gone. Now that she's trying to move on, he suddenly wants to come back? Duncan is crazy about her. He deserves to be happy with someone like her."

"So does Piz. He misses her and knows he made a mistake," Wallace defended. "If you hadn't done such a number on Piz to begin with, he wouldn't be so insecure."

Veronica was taken back by his unexpected dig. When she gave him a hurt look, he looked repentant. "Look, I'm sorry. I don't mean to be hurtful. I know you didn't mean to hurt Piz, but you not only dated him when you were still in love with Logan, you continued after your F.B.I. internship. You kind of used him as a shield from Logan. Am I wrong?" he asked.

Veronica was silent a minute before replying. Then she sighed. "You're right. I did. I knew it was wrong to go out with him the first time I kissed him. But he was sweet, and it was obvious he liked me. I wanted to be with someone like him. Someone safe. Someone that I knew wouldn't be able to rip me apart," Veronica confessed. "I just don't want to see Parker hurt more than she has been."

"Don't worry. Piz is going to call her this week before he comes. You won't have to tell her. He's spending a few days with his family before flying into Neptune this weekend. That's why I want you to talk to Weevil," Wallace said. "I'll call them, too, but I wanted you to mention it first. Sweeten the way."

Veronica laughed. "Fine. I'll do it. But if Piz leaves traumatized, it's on you!" she said.

"It's only for two months. How bad could it be?" Wallace wondered.

******The Next Day (Tuesday)******

Daisy was waiting for Veronica outside of their profiling class on Tuesday morning. Veronica could tell by looking at her that she was in a very good mood.

"Hey, chica!" she called out to Veronica.

"Hey, yourself! Someone's in a very good mood," Veronica observed.

"I figured that you shouldn't be the only one glowing this early in the morning," Daisy said smug.

"Oh, tell me! What's got you glowing? Is it the same thing that has me glowing some mornings?" Veronica asked with a knowing grin.

"If it's mind-blowing sex with the most beautiful man on campus, then yes, it is," Daisy announced.

Veronica laughed. "You can't possibly be having sex with the most beautiful man on campus since I know for a fact, he was making love to me Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and last night! I gave him Sunday off," she said airily.

Daisy snickered. "We could compare notes and see which guy comes out the winner," she suggested with a cheeky grin.

"You're newly involved. I wouldn't want to crush your eagerness so soon!" Veronica informed her.

Daisy laughed. "So you had a nice time in Malibu, I take it?" Daisy asked.

"The best. I'll tell you about it later. First, I want to hear all about your latest conquest. I take it that Jason has finally been conquered?" Veronica asked with a mischievous grin.

"Most definitely! I decided he'd suffered long enough. He stood up for me with his sister, and I didn't think that'd ever happen. He even made her apologize for calling me a floozy," Daisy said.

"You know she's so hostile because she's convinced you're going to break her brother's heart, right? It's not you so much as this irrational fear she has about you," Veronica said.

"Jazmin wears rose-colored glasses when it comes to her brother. He isn't perfect. I'm the one that's taking the risk here," Daisy said.

They walked into class. "Well, I'm happy that you and Jason worked it out. You're perfect together," Veronica said.

Jason arrived for class. He gave Daisy an enthusiastic kiss hello. Keeping his arm around her, he greeted Veronica.

"So, Jay, Wallace mentioned to me that Piz, his old roommate, is coming back to Neptune this weekend and needs a place to stay until the end of the semester. He wanted me to talk to Weevil about it. But since you're here, would you be open to having someone stay in your extra bedroom?" Veronica asked.

Jason shrugged. "It's fine with me. Eli's the one who's upstairs next to the extra bedroom. He'd have less privacy, so you'll need to clear it with him," Jason said.

"I'm sure you mastered the art of sweet-talking before you were twelve," Daisy said with a knowing grin.

"True," Veronica replied with a smirk. "Duncan's not going to be happy Piz is coming back."

"That will make Eli very happy to hear!" Jason exclaimed with a grin.

"For some reason, Wallace thought you guys would feel that way," Veronica said with a disgruntled look. "Duncan's a great guy. He deserves to be happy, too."

"Never said he wasn't or that he didn't," Jason said diplomatically.

Daisy laughed at his clever side-step as their class started.

Veronica was worried about the fall-out of Piz's return. However, it warmed her to see Daisy and Jason so happy finally.

*****Lunch******

Jazmin was eating lunch and doing some schoolwork when David approached her table. She glanced at him warily. "Hey," she said.

"Hello. Do you mind if I eat with you?" David asked.

Jazmin didn't feel right saying no. After all, if she hadn't been so willing to go out with him in order to make Eli jealous, his crush might've faded sooner.

"Sure," she said. "I was just doing some reading for one of my classes."

"That's fine. Don't mind me. I just hate sitting by myself during any mealtime. Makes me too homesick," he admitted somewhat bashfully.

Jazmin allowed herself to relax because he wasn't giving her that intent look he normally did. In fact, he just seemed to be treating her like a friend. Something she had been hoping he'd eventually be able to do. "Did you go home for fall break?" she asked.

"No. We had a game that Friday. I'm going to go home for Thanksgiving," David said.

"My first semester here was tough because Jason wasn't here, and my Thanksgiving flight got canceled. I didn't get to go home until Christmas. It was the longest I'd ever spent away from him," Jazmin said.

"You're not close to your parents?" David asked as he ate his lunch.

"Not particularly. My dad and I have gotten a bit closer recently. But it's always just been Jason and I against the world. He's my best friend," Jazmin said.

"I have a brother I could say that about. It's good for you that he's here now," David observed.

"Yes. It's been great. Now I don't mind so much being away from home," Jazmin said. "How did your midterms go?"

"Good. The team has these cram study sessions that seem to work. A few players are in a fraternity, and they bring old tests. That helps narrow down the studying. I'm in no danger of losing my scholarship," David said happily.

"That's good," Jazmin said with a smile. It was great that he could finally act normal around her. She saw Thea carrying a tray and waved her over.

Thea stopped and smiled. "Hi, Jazmin. It's good to see you," she said.

"You, too. Do you want to join us?" Jazmin asked. "I'm almost ready to go, but you can visit for a few minutes." She missed David's displeasure at the invitation; however, Thea's watchful eyes didn't.

"Thanks, but I need to get some work done while I eat. We'll have to have lunch some other time," Thea suggested.

"Definitely," Jazmin said.

"It's good to see you again, David," Thea said politely.

"You, too," David said. She walked away and sat at a nearby table. "I really don't see what Wallace sees in her. She's not even pretty."

"Some guys see more than just looks when they look at a woman," Jazmin said.

"Maybe. But it doesn't mean they don't notice or appreciate a beautiful one when they see her," David said, his expression making it clear that he was appreciating her.

"When the looks fade, what's left? Relationships between a man and woman must have more than just physical attraction," Jazmin said. She hated when people only saw her as just another pretty face.

"Well, it's even better when a woman is beautiful, intelligent, and kind like you," David said with a smile.

Jazmin didn't acknowledge his compliment, not wanting to encourage him. "Wallace obviously sees that Thea has qualities other women he's dated didn't have. Even me," Jazmin said.

"Wallace was a fool to let you go! I wouldn't have made that mistake," David declared.

"Yeah, well, Wallace and I weren't meant to be together. That much is clear. And I'm very happy with Eli," she said. She was ready to end the conversation that had suddenly become uncomfortable, so she closed her textbook. "I'm going to have to go. It was good running into you."

"Yes. Thanks for letting me join you," David said easily. He gave her a friendly smile and wave goodbye.

Jazmin waved goodbye at Thea as she walked by Thea's table. Thea was looking at the table Jazmin vacated, so she noticed the very satisfied expression on David's face as he watched Jazmin leave. Finding Jazmin at a table with David had been surprising. Of course, she knew that it was innocent on Jazmin's part. Most likely, David had sat down uninvited and unencouraged. Thea had a beautiful sister who had once had the misfortune of attracting a guy who didn't understand the word no. Like David, the guy seemed harmless at first, but he never took her sister's rejection seriously. Some guys didn't know when to quit or understand that some woman meant what they said. Thea couldn't help but worry about her newly reacquainted friend. Would David become a real problem?

*******Wednesday Morning*********

Logan and Veronica were at the doctor's office getting her very first ultrasound picture. "I am so excited!" Veronica exclaimed as they were waiting for the doctor. Veronica was laying on the table, and Logan was sitting down next to her.

"Not to put a damper on your enthusiasm, sugarpuss, but have you ever seen an ultrasound picture before? It's not like a real photo. They're kind of weird-looking," Logan cautioned.

"I know it's not a baby picture like we take of Richie, but it will be tangible proof of our baby. Plus, we can hear the heartbeat," Veronica said happily.

The doctor came in. "Hello. It's good to see you again, Veronica. I'm Dr. Angela Farris," she said to Logan.

"This is Logan Echolls, my fiancée," Veronica said. It was the first time she had gotten to introduce Logan as her fiancée. Everyone at school and home already knew. She exchanged a glance with Logan and could tell the significance wasn't lost on him. He flashed her a warm smile.

"Nice to meet you," Logan said.

"So you want to see your baby?" Dr. Angela asked with a friendly smile.

"Yes. Why didn't you mention this last month?" Veronica asked.

"Well, we don't usually mention it the first appointment. Most people are too focused on the impending parenthood to plan the ultrasound. And many only want one when they've reached eighteen weeks, which is how far along you must be in order to determine gender," the doctor explained as she moved the machine closer.

"We're very excited about our baby and want to see what's going on inside," Veronica said eagerly.

The doctor smiled. "I'm happy for you both. Now this gel will be cold," she said.

A minute later, an image appeared on the screen. The doctor explained what they were looking at. Logan squeezed Veronica's hand, filled with emotion. Although the image barely looked like anything to him, knowing that it was the baby they created was overwhelming.

"Now the heartbeat," the doctor said as the very fast thumping noise was suddenly heard.

"Is it supposed to be that fast?" Veronica asked anxiously.

"Yes," the doctor replied.

"And there's only one inside of there, right?" Logan asked worriedly.

The doctor smiled as his question. "Yes, there's only one," she said.

"Thank God!" Logan said in relief.

The doctor looked at the image. "Everything looks just fine. In another ten weeks, we'll be able to tell you the sex."

"It's our baby!" Veronica said to Logan, her voice filled with emotion.

"Why don't I give you two a minute alone?" the doctor said. She quietly slipped away and left them alone.

"It's incredible!" Logan agreed. He leaned down and kissed Veronica. "Our little girl is going to be as beautiful and troublesome as her momma!"

Veronica smiled, her eyes filling with tears. She wiped them and said, "I'm telling you it's a boy!"

He smiled, so happy that he didn't mind if he had a son that he had to name after Eli. "I love you so much that it doesn't matter if it's a boy! I never thought I could be so happy, feel so perfectly content. It scares me," he admitted, his voice choking with emotion.

"We're finally going to have the future we've been hoping for," Veronica said. "I am so glad you never gave up on it, on us. I love you."

Logan had no choice but to kiss her again. He refused to let the small voice of negativity grow louder. This was finally their time. Soon, they would be married, and then the baby would be born. Nothing and no one was going to get in the way of their happiness. Logan would move heaven and earth to make sure Veronica finally got everything she wanted and deserved—what they both deserved.

*****Chapter End******

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