Hey There,

Welcome PCA Stingrays! It's Thursday again! And it's time for another chapter of this wordy Quogan missing moment FUN! This chapter will be mainly from Quinn's point of view, it is her turn after all. And it will be the continuing coverage of the "Roller Coaster" episode. And I'm doing my very best to update at least twice this week. I hope to update today and tomorrow as well. Fingers crossed that I can do that! DOUBLE UPDATES THIS WEEK! YAY! Let's get to it!

Special thanks to the few new people who favorited this story or placed it on their story alert list. And the few new followers who favorited me as an authoress or placed me on your author's alert list! Thank you so much doing that! I hope you're all still reading and enjoying the story.

Special thanks to my two reviewers this week: Rose-Aki (Yes! I really wish Logan had asked Quinn before rearranging her schedule too... it would have help my week run so much smoother! LoL! And I know! Who would have thought Lola biting Logan would be the thing that got them talking again? LoL! The "kiss it better" sneak he pulled was too fun to write and Quinn's jealousy was also a blast! I'm so tickled you liked it! Hearing that you enjoyed these things really made my week! I knew I had to cover the rumor spreading and the bite in that last chapter. But when I was trying to end last weeks chapter. Quinn and Logan really took the wheel. I kept trying to end the chapter before it got too long but they kept talking and flirting and EVERYTHING they were saying was SO IMPORTANT! LoL! I was so worried it was all too wordy and long. As always! Reading your review helped me so much! God bless you, hope these chapters are finding you well! Take Care and Much Love!), And Guest (I'm so glad that you're enjoying it. I often wonder if anyone's enjoying it. Or if I'm just nuts to keep going. Your kind words really helped me feel better about this post this week. It means the world to me that this fic has added to your enjoyment of the series {that's the highest honor to a missing moment fanfic writer!}as well as the development between these two. I have had an absolute ball with it since the very beginning. I can't thank you enough for taking the time to write in and share your opinion. I hope you're having a great day, this made my week! Take care and Much Love!).

Standard Disclaimers Apply - I do not own Zoey 101, Zoey 102, Nickelodeon, MTV, or any of the other trademarked things mentioned. I am merely borrowing all of these things for my own twisted amusement. Most will be returned unharmed.

Enjoy!

"The Collective Trials of a Quinnventor… and Logan"

Chapter 28 - Unmanageable Toxicities

((Quinn's Perspective))

My Wednesday morning started VERY early because my physics teacher had a meeting with Dean Rivers. To discuss the possibility of a field trip to 'Mystic Mountain,' and of course! My teacher wanted me to explain things. Like why we needed it, not next year, but right now before exams. Because hardly anyone understood the material. It wasn't enough that I was already teaching the class for him. No! Now I also had to help him speak to his boss.

I really wonder if the man is even capable of putting on his own shoes in the morning. Or does he need help from his wife… or more believably, does he need help from his Mom? That would explain a lot.

But when we got to this meeting with Dean Rivers, the weirdest thing happened… Instead of having to have a long drawn-out discussion with our Dean. Trying to convince him of the necessity of such a trip… to a local theme park. And that this particular trip needed to happen very soon… Dean Rivers told us a field trip opportunity to 'Mystic Mountain' was already in place for anyone attending Prom. Since our class was upperclassmen, we were supposedly getting notified this morning about the trip on the morning announcements. It would be taking place this Sunday and all students who had bought a ticket to prom were welcome to go. And no ticket purchases would be needed because the smaller park had been bought out just for our use...

Weird, right? I certainly thought so… How did someone else already clear something with our Dean before we could even-Wait a MINUTE! I know who! He didn't! He couldn't… Could he?

Since our meeting wasn't as long as we thought, I went to my lab and started some of the prep I needed for some experiments I would be conducting later in the day. Not to mention some of the prep for my ideas to help Michael with his rollercoaster phobia. I wasn't even there very long before the door opened and closed behind me and I was getting hugged from behind. "Morning Baby." He greeted happily not even bothering to put breakfast down first. He still had it in his right hand as we kissed good morning. I stood up from my seat and turned to put my arms around him.

"Did you miss me so much after so much make-up time last night?" I asked him because he had been complaining about missing me at night till morning. We'd ended up making out on his bed for the greater part of the evening after dinner. To make it a little easier on him, or at least that was what I had hoped to accomplish.

He even admitted, "It was a little better, just a little. I still missed you like crazy till I could be here again."

I had to take the cardboard cup tray carrying our coffees and whatever else smelt so good. Out of his hand and just hug him for a minute. I needed his full attention if this was gonna work. I told him, "I got up majorly early to meet with Dean Rivers about the field trip for our physics class. My teacher wanted me along because I could explain things better-"

"Just like you can explain the course better," My guy was already saying. He doesn't make it easy to stay focused on my task, does he?

"Yes," I had to agree. "But the funniest thing happened, it turns out a trip to 'Mystic Mountain' has already been cleared and set for this Sunday. One of the days you told me to keep clear. It's running on the morning announcements that anyone who has bought a ticket to prom is allowed to go."

"Wow, sounds like a sweet deal," Logan said using his acting tone of voice. I heard it in a second. "Sounds like ticket sales are gonna be crazy for the next few days. Glad that I already bought mine. Wasn't that you who suggested buying them early?"

"Uh Huh." I agreed before I went for the kill. "You wouldn't happen to know how all of this could be arranged before I could even ask for it… would you?" His face said it all, he had been the one to set this up.

He was so caught, he admitted. "I was hoping you wouldn't figure that out so quickly. But your class needs to ride rollercoasters and other rides to understand physics better. Everyone else just really needs a day to de-stress. Right before Prom and Exams complicate EVERYTHING and turn us all into a hoard of stressed-out zombie freaks. That's what I told the Dean."

"But how did you convince him, you're only one student?" I asked. Because I had been coming with the backing of a full class and I didn't think the Dean would hear us out. How did he do it, so easily?

He admitted, "My Dad has been involved in this school even before I was going here. He knows things, like during the years he filmed the proms and homecomings here and they did get used in his films or television series. He would always plan a de-stressing event like this to help all of the students relax. Because learning all of these dances while preparing for exams, it puts on a ton more stress. So he helped me pitch the idea yesterday, he's in L.A. while his film is being edited so he had a phone conference with the Dean. Backing up my pitch, and we got the green light."

"So…" I was impressed and amazed, even though I know at this point. I probably shouldn't be.

He told me, "You have until this Sunday to get Michael over his fear. Then everyone gets to go blow-off a little steam for one day… I did, good right?"

I had to admit, "You did great! I have to remember to thank your Dad the next time I see him too."

"He'll like that," Logan admitted, before saying. "But let's eat breakfast while it's hot. It won't be nearly as good as what you made for us last night, but hopefully, it'll still be pretty good."

"Aww," I tried not to blush, but I was SO relieved he didn't hate it. My hostile takeover of his dorm with a chemistry set kitchen for a while. "It smells great." I complimented and that made him smile.

As he sat beside me, saying "This trip could solve all of our other problems too, ya know?"

"Other problems?" I asked.

"Yeah, you know, everyone getting all suspicious because of VINCE, about us. We can snuff that all out in one afternoon." He said sounding very confident.

"Well, don't stop now you're on a roll." I laughed, "How are you planning to do all that in one day?"

"Simple," he smirked. "I just have to act like my old self for the beginning part of this trip."

"So a different girl with you every time we turn around? Different girl on each ride you ride? Even if you're riding something more than once?" I nodded along.

He confirmed, "Naturally, I can do that all day and then that night we can sneak off from everyone else and find somewhere that we can be together. Great plan right?"

I had to admit, "That's very impressive." Look at him, thinking of everything again. I doubted very seriously it would be that easy to sneak off together that night. I could already think of so many possibilities making that an impossibility. But I kept that all to myself, and told him. "He couldn't have done better job planning and thinking of all of this." Which seemed to make him very happy as we ate our breakfast and chatted about exciting things.

But this little voice in the back of my mind did HAVE to point out, that he could just be saying this was all a plan. And really he wanted to get out there and be with some other girls for a while. It had been a long time now, that we'd been only dating each other, only dancing mostly with each other. I have been so busy too, he's bound to be tired of always stealing moments and dates when we can. And Logan has never stuck to any one person like this before. It was only natural for him to feel a little smothered and need to be around some other people too.

So natural that it shouldn't hurt me at all... but it did hurt me that I couldn't just be with him even a little that day. Without only drawing more suspicions and more attention to us. And I knew it was gonna be so much harder watching him draped in girls all day long. Even if the faces consistently changed throughout the course of the day.

I guess Logan's right and I am more of the jealous type than I ever realized. But I tried not to think about that and just focus on having fun that day, regardless of my secret boyfriend's shenanigans. So I ended up laser-focused on helping Michael with his more simple problems.

When I heard, that I had until Sunday to help Michael face his fears. I thought totally doable. Michael can overcome this hurdle and his friends will all be there to cheer him on as he does it… It paints such a lovely picture, doesn't it.

But when has life EVER been that simple?

I focused so much of my precious time and resources on trying to help Michael and NONE of my plans worked. I didn't get to hardly see my boyfriend much at all. Between helping Michael, and all of the people I promised to tutor. It seemed the ONLY times me and Logan were alone together was for spurts of dance practices, which kept getting crashed by other people who wanted to practice too. Especially if we were there to critique their progress. While it was nice being thought of as an authority or a professional. It wasn't so great NEVER having a second to ourselves.

And I was handling it about as well as Logan was… which means not WELL at ALL!

Since I had kept my Friday, Saturday, and Sunday open… like Logan has suggested. And Sunday was gonna be spent at a theme park now. I really hoped to see him at SOME point during those few free days. Before so much focus needed to be on preparations for Prom… which I still had no date, dress or plan for really. I just knew I wanted to dance with my friends and I wasn't missing it for nothing!

But as my last ideas to help Michael didn't work, not one helped him, and I was feeling VERY let down. It also started to bring me down that it looked like I wouldn't get anytime with my guy either. As the girls all had plans with their guys, I ended up walking around campus aimlessly and studying a little. Because there was nothing else to do.

As if he knew I had been about to glance at my notes, as if he had some crazy radar. That I was breaking that promise not to even look at any of it for a few days. It had gotten pretty late Friday night when I got a text from Logan asking me, "Can you meet me in that equipment closet we danced in beside the indoor pools? The one with the mats and… memories?"

I texted back, "Sure, as long as there is no mention of the word 'rollercoasters.' I almost never want to hear the word again."

He promised, "I won't say it, just meet me there, as soon as you can."

So I texted him when I was on my way. I wasn't missed and hopefully Logan wasn't either. I felt like I'd barely seen him for days and I mustn't have been the only one. Because he was waiting for me right on the other side of that door. We ended up kissing against the wall right by the door. Just like we had when we found this place. I had barely made it in, said "hi," and the door had hardly shut behind me.

The first thing Logan said was, "GOD! I've missed you."

"I missed you too," I told him nuzzling his nose.

"Remind me again, why I volunteered to teach these jerks how to dance?" He asked adorably.

So I reminded him, "One dance a day, together, wasn't enough. Not for either of us, so it's all my fault-"

"No." Logan stopped me right there, remembering. "You tried to stop me, and while I don't regret any of the time I've spent or danced with you. At all! How much confidence you've got now, or how much sexier you've gotten at this. The rest of it… Can just SUCK sometimes. Especially getting treated like a teacher, ICK! How do you stand it?"

"It really can suck," I agreed, pulling him back down to me for just a second. He didn't seem to mind, in fact I kissed him so well that when we stopped. I felt him go kinda limp against me for a minute and rest his head on my shoulder. I laughed and tried not to enjoy it, but after so many days and hours of seeing each other but NOT getting to be like this… He just felt too good. He was wearing such a HUGE happy smile too, I knew he was okay.

I asked him, "Was there another point to this little rendezvous, or was seeing each other the point?" I asked out of curiosity. Because I could completely understand if he'd needed this as much as I did. But I can also feel myself already doubting that possibility. As soon as it had left my mouth, I think I even tried to freeze my face so it would be unsurprised when he had other, more important things to talk about.

But then I felt him start kissing his way back up my shoulder, to my neck. I felt my eyes drift closed as he trailed up till he was right at my ear. And he send shivers down my spine as he whispered, "What could possibly be more important than this, right now?"

I laughed so happily and admitted, "I don't know… there always seems to be something else happening… something else major… You really just wanted to be together?"

"Yeah, I would have taken you someplace on a date, if I could. That was my original plan, why I asked you to keep these three days open. Because I hoped I could steal you away one of these nights."

"Really?" I couldn't believe my ears.

"Of course," He nuzzled me now. "But Paulina and Gleb needed us to dance more because they're not used to teaching such dumb people. You HAD to spend SO MUCH time on Michael earlier today. Time he didn't even seem to appreciate, the pre-schooler! Because now he's saying he's just not gonna ride the scary rides, so I guess we'll find him on the kiddie rides all day."

"Some of them are fun too, you know." I shrugged, knowing I could name several tamer rides like that throughout the park. I knew it very well and had a season pass for the park. This was the third year in a row I'd purchased one. But all of that had been greatly tied to my time with Mark, we went there all the time when we were together. He had been the reason I'd purchased the season pass, every time. I wished I had known he was planning on dumping me, I could have saved that money for when I start college… but, I wasn't gonna go into ALL of that. Especially not right now and I did not want to squander this time with Logan talking about that.

Thankfully he didn't push it and just asked me, "Yeah, but how many of those are for grown people?"

"Fun has no aged limit," I reminded him, cautioning. "Don't be like that when Michael's around, please? You're in enough hot water with him as it is."

"We're cool, and if he man's up and actually tries to ride something more for our age. I'll totally be the first one cheering him on. You know I will." He promised me and I believed him on that. That was when he asked me, "Do you think he could get around all of us, his friends and we could pep him up enough to brave it?"

I had to be honest with him, "I don't know."

Logan kinda chuckled, "He's being that stubborn?"

"I mean, it's not out of the question." I shrugged. I even shared that, "Lisa may have way more pull than all of us put together. I would be so glad to see him overcome it. But I have to say after days of working closely with him… I find it highly doubtful. But he could get there, see that he's not gonna die, and enjoy himself."

"I hope he does." Logan nodded, and I could feel myself smiling back. Even though our conversation was about Michael and a theme park. There was something in the way he was looking at me. That I knew these things were the LAST thing on his mind right now. And I could feel all of it being shoved to the back of my mind as his arms came around me and our heads went together as if we were magnets. Our lips met and I could feel us falling back onto the mats.

As we hit the plush and continued the contact. It was so easy to forget all of the things I've been thinking about, or worrying about. And how many times I'd failed Michael this week, how badly all of it had made me feel. How is it Logan can always make all of those issues seem so distant? Even when the main instigator of these worries IS Logan.

When we had to stop and catch our breaths, he boasted. "Looks like I wasn't the only one who needed this break."

"Nope," I agreed easily snuggling him close. "I really was thinking we wouldn't get a chance like this tonight."

"Oh! I know, but I was determined... sorry I'm so late." He said in that soft tone that always makes me feel like my insides are melting.

"I'm just as late as you are," I laughed. "Don't be sorry, I'm just so glad we found some time to be like this. Even if it doesn't get to be very long."

"I'd needed it." He said with an edge to his voice I still wasn't used to.

"Me too." I'd said with a sigh, not expecting him to roll us so that I was completely trapped under his weight. He wasn't just kissing me either, while I was being held captive. He was tickling me too, and I couldn't stop laughing. I tickled him back, but I don't think he's as ticklish as I am. Either that or he's just a lot better at keeping those reactions locked down when he wants to. Because he was chuckling and struggling a little. Just not like me.

When he finally had mercy on me he said, "Sorry, I've just missed that laugh... so much... For DAYS."

"My laugh? But it's so dorky sounding!" I rolled away from him cupping my face. In a vain attempt to keep the sound from sounding so goofy.

"No, it's not." He laughed because he was lying and knows it. He also didn't let me roll far, he caught me and insisted. "It's adorable, and it makes me smile if not laugh with you whenever I hear it. Even if I have no idea what cracked you up in the first place."

"Nooooo," I tried to escape his grasp but he was unrelenting and stronger than I remembered. How long had it been since we'd had a moment like this?

"Yeeeees!" He insisted, before he asked. "Are you sure that some of this pause we've been on wasn't because of my plans for the theme park?"

I froze effectively and asked him, "What?"

He reminded me, "The other morning I was telling you about my plans for 'Mystic Mountain' and ever since we haven't gotten any time like this to ourselves. Not at all, hardly... was it really because there was no time or were you mad at me?"

"Why would I be mad?" I asked and he shot me a look before explaining.

"Oh, I don't know." He'd shrugged. "When you're trained to think of everything, like we both are. It doesn't hurt to think of all of the things that can go wrong too. The idea of me draping myself in other girls to keep our secret longer. Why wouldn't that idea sit so well with my easily jealous bombshell girlfriend? Whether she's a secret or not?"

He had me there, I didn't like it and I was trying to hide it. Not well as I'd hoped either. So I confessed. "Okay, I don't like the idea, who would? But I understand why it's necessary and I will just have to be on my best behavior."

"I don't have to do it, you know," He said, pulling me back to him. Till we were so close there was nearly a breath between us. The entire front of my body was pressed into the front of his and we both closed our eyes. "It was just an idea to combat the crap they've been giving us. I'd much rather spend the day with you anyway."

"But if we did that, all of their banter would only get worse. So we better stick to your plan... and I'll just pretend I don't care, it just won't be as easy as that used to be."

He complained, "Yeah, it's not gonna be any fun for me either."

"Oh sure," I said sarcastically. Knowing this wouldn't really put him anywhere out of his comfort zone. Actually, it has been more bizarre that this hasn't happened before now. But he'd taken my face in both hands and turned me to look at him. He'd kissed me long and slow, till we were laying flat again.

Then he'd said, "Believe me, it's not going to be easy at all. When this is the only place I wanna be."

These other things could wait, these other worries could wait. Right now I was just gonna be with him. And cherish every moment we got to be together. I would waste this time thinking of anything else.

A part of me did want to warn Logan that things could get weird at the park when we go. Not just because we had to both seem so unencumbered either. Or uninterested in the other, it also had the potential to hurt me just walking in that place again. No matter how much I hoped for a better experience returning as a free woman. This had the potential to disrupt ALL of the peace and progress I've gathered for myself overtime. Kinda like talking to Peony (Ch. 18) had been a risk… to the point Logan had freaked out. I felt like this was much worse, and had bigger possibilities of hurting me.

I tried my best not to think about it. Any of it, so I didn't bring it up either. I let Friday night, the rest of it be Logan's. It wasn't a lot of time, we had to get up early Saturday morning to help teach lift classes and dance practices in the indoor pool rooms. The turnout was so good, Paulina and Gleb taught one full pool. While Logan and I taught another equally full pool a room away. We only went down a few times when we were showing what can go wrong and thankfully that was when we had stepped into the pool too. And it was still a blast, even though we had to be so professional and not forget how many eyes were on us at all times. You would think we'd gotten so used to by now, it wouldn't even be an issue. But there was just sometimes, he'd give me a look or our bodies would come together and there were just fireworks going off inside of my head. And I had to act like I wasn't affected.

I don't know what was worse either. Hiding how affected I actually was or Logan KNOWING how affected I was in a glance. And I had to keep seeing that insufferable grin of his. The one that was way too cocky and sure of itself. At least I could splash him pretty good when he needed it, and we were in the pool. But still…

When classes were over and everyone was heading for lunch, Logan told me to go ahead. He was helping Gleb and Paulina with something. But he would meet me at lunch with everyone in a minute. So I was heading for the outdoor cafeteria when I found Mark waiting for me just outside of the indoor pool area. Asking, "Can we talk?"

Before I agreed to speak with him at all I asked, "About what?"

He said, "I hear you and your physics class are behind this HUGE trip to 'Mystic Mountain'-thing Happening Sunday… Don't you think we should talk about that?"

"Why would we need to?" I asked him seriously.

He pointed out, "It used to be a place we went to A LOT together."

"If you're worried about your secrets and all of the hidden places you showed me for science. Don't be, you swore me to secrecy and even though we're through. That promise still stands, are we good? Is that all?" I asked just wanting this over and done with quickly. He was putting off this vibe that didn't feel… right. Somehow, it wasn't dangerous or anything it was just not very Mark. If anything he seemed scared, but that could be just me. I have been dealing with a very scared boy ALL week long.

"Not exactly, while I'm glad to hear what you said just now too… I was kinda... hoping... we could talk a little more. Please?"

So against all of my instincts, I let him pull me off to a more secluded place and let him say what he'd wanted to. I heard him out, but as expected… I REALLY wish that I had kept walking. Because Mark had pulled me aside, to ask me to sit the trip out.

And when I asked him "Why would he even ask me that?"

He said it was, "Because I am going to need to pull out all stops to make things up to Brooke this time. She's not talking to me and isn't listening to me either." Apparently, he'd been caught cheating [Yes, AGAIN] or Brooke thought he was. "And if she even sees you (Quinn) walking around the park, you could totally ruin everything for me. Because she really doesn't want you there. And I need her to take me back. I love her!"

No, he really did say all of that. Then he even explained, "Brooke isn't gonna let me hide like you used to either. I have to do all of the normal park stuff and attractions. Because it's what she wants, if you're there. She'll just leave."

He says this because in all of our time together, he never went with me on one single ride in that park with me just to be with me. He never played any games, or did any of the normal attractions to the theme park. Especially none of the romantic things couples do. No and the only rides we ever went on were to gain access to hidden trails and secrets. His family had been behind the development of the place, nearly all of the rides, and its upkeep. So he knew all of the hidden passages, mysteries, and had taught me all of them well. Logan had been right when he'd said it was small, but it's secrets were vast!

Apparently, Brooke was insisting on her trip being more the normal experience.

He was gonna have to do everything on the "Most Romantic List of Rides and Events" posted to the park's website. And he would have to do each thing on that list. Just for starters, if he was gonna pull this off.

…

…

First I had to rub at my eye, because it wouldn't stop twitching, then I recapped. "So let me get this straight? You want me to sit out the trip that happening BECAUSE of ME? Just because the mere sight of me could end the relationship with the trollop you left me for? Oh! And let's not forget, you got WITH her while we were still together. You throw me away, stomp on my heart, then want to be friends because your grades flopped. Not because you care or anything, it's because you want help studying. THEN you turn around and ask me something like this and DARE to WONDER why I can't call you my friend? HAVE-YOU-LOST-YOUR-MIND?"

That had probably come out really loud and a lot louder than he wanted it to. But I was so ANGRY, I was seeing red. And even though I know Mark's bound to know me well enough to sense I was mad. He still went on to beg. "Quinn please! I can't lose her! I really really love her and I never loved you. I admit it, I treated you badly. SO badly, I know that now, but if you ever loved me… at all… or had any real feelings for me, you'll do this one last thing for me. If she sees you, you could ruin everything. Can you please sit this one out? Just this one?"

"No Mark, no!" I was firm. "Because it can never just be one or two things, and then you'll leave me alone. No! You've become so toxic since you got together, it's all consuming! I can't sit this one out, I won't skip this. I'm not missing this fun with my REAL friends. I'm not missing my Prom either, no matter how much your girl wishes I would! And I couldn't care less what Brooke thinks! Go to hell! And don't talk to me anymore!"

"Quinn?" He said pathetically. "I'm begging you."

"No! Forget it! I'm going with my friends and I'm not missing out on another SINGLE thing in life, for YOU. Do you remember who wrote that list posted on the park's website? Hmm? Do you recall who did that and why?"

He did have the guts to say, "You wrote it… I know that, and you wanted to do all of those things together. You wrote it right after the first time we went together, and my family was so impressed they posted it on the site. I remember that."

"And how many of those things did you do with me? From that list?" I asked him.

To his credit, he admitted, "Not a single one, even though you practically begged and made me promise to several times… I always weaseled out of it. I never took you seriously-"

And my last words to him were, "Now you know a little bit about how that felt. Have a nice life, stay away from me. There's no way I can even be your friend, because the Mark I knew would have NEVER asked me something like this. The Mark I knew was decent and good, and looking at you now… I don't even see the same person anymore, I guess he really is gone."

And I powerwalked to the nearest girl's bathroom. Because even though I was completely over him, even though I had been strong and firm throughout that WHOLE thing. I needed a good cry after it.

I was so upset, I forgot that I was supposed to be meeting my friends. That I was way late for meeting them for lunch and ALL of them had been texting and calling me. Well, all of the friends I had been meeting.

Lola, Vince, James and my Logan. But you should have seen the texts they were all sending me, when I finally thought to look at my phone. Lola was calling me, that very minute too, but I didn't answer. Because I knew she would hear it in my voice. So I just washed my face the best I could and headed for the place I knew they were all waiting. Hoping I could keep it together and eat something to feel better.

(Logan's Perspective)

(AN: Yep! He snuck in here early, the little stinker. Because I just could not tune him out on this. But he apologizes for nothing and I still feel like I should, so… sorry, but hope you enjoy it anyway!)

It was getting late, lunch's first shift was nearly over now, all of the tables were changing out with different people. But there was still no sign of Quinn, and I was getting really worried, but thankfully so was Lola. The both of us kept looking for her, texting her, calling her… But nothing. Why oh WHY had I helped Gleb and Paulina with those stupid pool covers? Why hadn't I just left it to them and walked out with Quinn or at least near enough to have some idea of what happened?

Something kept telling me that something wasn't right. It was this gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach. And the later it got the worse and sharper the pain became. Lola was calling more than me, but I tried to give her a break here and there.

This is the only time you'll find Lola and me on the same page. But it would be her best friend and my baby who would bridge that gap. She just meant too much to both of us.

James was the first to finally announce, "There she is, she's in line, right there. But-oh no."

Vince asked, "Does she look upset? To anyone else?"

Lola was already running to talk to her and I wanted to too. But I had seen how Vince and James were watching me. And I didn't want to blow our secret, anymore than I already have. So I impatiently waited for her to join us… but then I had noticed Lola hugging Quinn, and Quinn was wiping at her eyes suspiciously. I was across that place before I even knew it. Thankfully so were Vince and James. So hopefully, I didn't really shock anyone. I was the next to hug her after Lola, then Vince and James hugged her last. She apologized to everyone, but all of us were more concerned about what had made her so upset.

And I could tell from the questions Lola was asking, we hadn't missed her explanation. I really hoped that no one had noticed the way we melted together when we'd hugged. We both tried to keep it as friendly as possible. But for as long as I can remember now, every touch, hug, or kiss sinks a little deeper beneath my skin than the last.

Vince took her lunch tray and carried it for her. James took her bag off of her shoulder before slinging it over his. I took her hand, not caring who saw and Lola took her other hand. We all guided her back to where we'd all been sitting and she sat between Lola and me. But we all were there to listen.

She swore she was okay, and that everything was fine. But we could all see that wasn't true. She'd let go of Lola and my hand when she sat down. But reclaimed mine under the table and tried to eat with her free hand. After she'd breathed and calmed down a little, she did say a talk with Mark had been the thing that upset her and she'd had to be very firm with him. So firm, in fact that she'd told him to not talk to her anymore and to stay away from her.

Vince asked, "Was it because he was still trying to get your to help him with his studies? You have been complaining about him asking you several times lately."

"I wish that had been it, honestly." She said, and her hand had tightened around mine. Still not describing what actually happened, Quinn asked us all. "Have you ever known anyone who became a completely unrecognizably different person when they were with someone? That is what has happened to Mark, he isn't even the same guy I knew… and it's so bad, I can't be around him. Not even in passing anymore, and that's all I can really say right now."

Lola demanded, "What did he say or do to upset you like this, Quinn? You're not the type of girl to cry like this over nothing. What did he say?"

But I had seen Quinn's eyes glare across the room, I followed her stare and found Brooke on the other end of it. Sneering back, then I heard Quinn say, "I promise I'll explain things better later. But let's just talk about something else now, something a little less dramatic please. I really need to cheer up in a hurry. And I really don't want Mark's floozies over there to think they got to me."

That was all she would say about it and my mind was already thinking up all of the possibilities of what she could be hiding. Lola and Vince were already talking about the Saturday afternoon concerts at PCA. Vince couldn't go but Lola and James were going and Zoey was supposed to meet them. Lisa had even mentioned meeting them there too. Lola told my girlfriend, "You're coming with us, Quinn, no arguments!" Because she needed to brighten up and that was sure to do the trick. Then Lola and James had set up a place to meet up with Quinn. Before Vince had to go to tutoring, Lola was off to the drama department to help paint some sets and James was off to do… I don't know, whatever James does with himself. There were more important things happening here.

I told Quinn, "To have fun at the concert, but could you please plan on the rest of the night being all ours? Even more than last night was?" And everyone else had dates planned, or tutors to see, it wasn't like anyone would miss us.

She smiled and said. "Sure, but can you give me some hint as to where to meet you or what we're doing?"

"Nope, just come as soon as you can, dressed as you are, and leave it all to me." I told her, wishing we weren't standing in the very crowded outdoor eating area. I would have killed to kiss her and tell her everything was gonna be alright. That if Mark was as toxic as she'd hinted she'd done the right thing. But there were just too many DAMN people around for that. And we were too famous to go unnoticed. So, I had settled for putting a note in her hand that said,

"Everything is going to be okay, and if we'd been alone. You would have gotten the best slowest kiss I could have given you just now. Please have fun and forget everything else for a while, text me whenever you're ready to meet up again. And I'll be there in a flash."

And I'd signed it with an 'L,' in case either of her roommates go snooping through her things. I did get to see her read it before she was outta sight too and I got to see her blush as she read it. When she locked eyes with me again, the blush got way darker too. How could I not fall totally in love with her?

Then I got to work finalizing all of the planning I had been doing for days. This date was gonna be so much better than the last. But as I was in my dorm room someone had left the tv on and it was PCA newscast.

I was going to turn it off because they were announcing all kinds of wack bulletins they'd made up. But I was glad for once that I'd left it on. There was actual news for both the Senior and Junior class' Prom court. I didn't care about the Senior stuff, I wish they'd just already put the crown on Gretta Getts's extension-plastered head and her plastic posse. But for the junior class, MY class! Supposedly some history had just been made! It was the largest number of ballots in our school's history that had been turned in with the blank space filled in. All of them carried the same name too! Since Jeremiah is in our class too he was even excited as he read this off of the teleprompter. That is until the name of this lucky Queen-to-be came into view.

And he's been all shocked, "Quinn Pensky?" He even pulled the mic away from his face and said, "What the actual hell? Really? Quinn's up for Prom Queen now too?"

The cameramen and people off-camera were all confirming it. Some even said they'd written her name in too.

That's right, MY BABY! Quinn Pensky! Could be Prom Queen! And I didn't have to do a thing! It wasn't a trick, it wasn't something we planned or schemed. It had all happened because Quinn was just being Quinn and more than our group of friends had noticed. I knew she's more popular than she realizes! And I KNEW she deserved to be up there with the rest of us! I just KNEW IT! When I was walking around campus, I was telling everybody letting them know. So many of them confessed, "I wrote her name in too!" Most of them hadn't been watching so it was news to most of them too.

When I got to the gates where the concert was happening, and still going on. Vince was standing there too. Probably waiting for Lola, he asked me before I could tell him. "Hey! Did you see Jeremiah's report on the Prom Court?"

"I just did! I've been spreading the word! Isn't that great?" I flipped out.

Vince high fived me, "Yeah! I stood up and cheered loudly in the library! But surprisingly the head-librarian was right next to me cheering just as loudly. She even climbed up on the turn-in desk clapping! Quinn's just oblivious to her own pull on people."

I know I've been one of Vince's harshest critics. But if the guy had seen that, maybe he isn't as hopeless or dumb as I'd thought. I mean he's still dating Lola, so that's one strike against his intelligence… but we can't all find a 'Quinn,' can we? I know I'm so glad that's not a thing!

Vince admitted, "I'm waiting for Lola, but I really wanted to see when Quinn finds out too. You wanna be the one to tell her or should I?" He pitched.

I didn't hesitate, "Let me, she's known me longer."

"Sounds good," Vince admitted before asking, "So you wrote her name in too, didn't you?"

"Of course I did, she was the only one in our group not on there. Even you were on there, Rebecca was on there, Stacey Dillsen was on there." I admitted, why does this guy ALWAYS do that?

"Lisa and I were both talking about how we'd written Quinn's name in. But we never heard you say whether you did or not, and we were all in the same class. We just hoped you had done it too." Why does every other sentence Vince says, sound like a trap?

"Well, I did, okay?" I spelled it out for him. "Like I said, I've known her longer than both of you. I've been her friend longer than both of you. She should have already been one of the names in print."

"And you've certainly danced with her more than anybody." Vince finished for me. "We can't forget that either.

See? Every other thing he says sounds like a trap. Then the next thing he says is a trap!

I asked him, "Just what are you getting at here, Blake?"

"Me? I'm not getting at anything." He lied, "I just find it funny how happy you are that this dance partner could be a potential Queen to your King… You know, if both of you were to win. Has that thought crossed your mind?"

"Sure, and Quinn would deserve it, more than Lola, Lisa or Zoey if you ask me." I told him honestly. Before I let him know, "So no need to peek at my ballot next time Blake. Like you tried to the other day. Know that when the voting narrows down, and it will. My vote will be Quinn… and I hope I'm not the only one."

Vince surprised me by sharing, "Well, don't tell Lola, she'd kill me but… You're not the only one. I think she deserves it the most of all too and she could really win this thing too… and after she came to lunch crying today, more than ever, I hope she does."

I did tell him, "Me too." Then the screaming girl music stopped and James' head came into sight over the heaps of people leaving the concert area.

Vince and I both noticed him, and Vince guessed. "I bet he's bringing along the whole bunch."

Why the heck was he walking so slow though? Had something happened to his legs since lunch? Or was he walking with so many shorter people he wasn't judging his steps very good?

My phone went off showing I had a text from Quinn telling me: "The concert just ended where do you wanna meet?"

I texted back, "I'm already here by the gate with Blake. I've got some news to share off the school broadcast."

James was still so SLOW, she texted back before she got to me, "Do I even want to know what that could be about?"

Finally, James came close enough for us to see. He was walking along with ALL of the girls. Quinn, Zoey, Lisa, Lola, even Stacey who was carrying her new pet duck… because why wouldn't she bring it to a screaming girl concert? Lola came running to Vince when she saw him and jumped at him.

Lisa and Zoey both said hi to me and I said it back but I got everyone's attention and said. "Hold on, before we all split up for dates and whatever other plans we've got. I was just watching the PCA news and there was a report about our Prom court."

Not that I needed his help, but Vince added, "Yeah! The news was on in the library too! I came here right after because I wanted to see you guys' reactions… as well as be with my girlfriend as soon as possible. Are you ready for our date?"

Lola said, "Almost, I still need to drop by my dorm real quick." Who the HECK cares? Why do they always have to make EVERYTHING about them? Thank God I'd told Vince I wanted to break this to them.

Quinn brought the focus back to me, asking as she rolled her eyes, "Oh God! Is it at least good news, this time?"

"Seriously!" I insisted, "Would I be here if it wasn't important?"

"It's AWESOME!" Vince teased, before saying, "Go ahead, Logan."

Like I'd needed that… anyway, I set up. "For the Seniors it's all practically Gretta's, they might as well give her the dang crown. But they were saying the junior class ballot was much more exciting because a name was written into the blank space of nearly every ballot for both classes. But since it was someone from our class. It only counted for the juniors' ballot. Jeremiah was saying it was by far the biggest write-in ballot of the school's history and it was all for the same person."

Lola asked, "For the Kings or Queens?"

"Queens." I specified and my eyes hovered on Quinn, and so did everyone else's. Because all of us had noticed her name was the ONLY one not there in printer ink. We'd all written her in, as I'd guessed.

Quinn still asked, "Ah! Well, who was it? I can't think of anyone who wasn't on it already. That could possibly be that popular."

"Hmm, Really?" I asked her. "No one comes to mind? No one at all?"

"No, so stop drawing out the suspense and tell us already," Quinn asked while I wasn't the only one enjoying this a little.

James played along, "All of us wrote a name we noticed was missing. And I bet we all wrote the same name too. Quinn, you didn't do that?"

"No, now who was it?" She pointedly looked at me.

So I told her, "You."

"Me?" she said and her eyes popped so big behind her glasses, "Please be serious."

"I am, Pensky," I said as she was still shaking her head in disbelief. No words even coming out anymore. So cute! I continued, "I told you more than me had noticed your name was missing. And now it's the greatest write-in ballot the school's ever had. A bunch of seniors wrote you in too because they weren't sure which class you belonged to, if they had counted, the crown would already be yours."

Vince added, "No one said or did anything to encourage this either…That was ALL you, not any of the rest of us."

James corrected, "You know, besides the ballots where we all wrote you in, too. The rest was all you, just being Quinn, that got people's attention."

See! I wasn't the only one thinking that either. We all were celebrating there together for a few minutes. Before people started walking up to Quinn and letting her know they had written her name in too. I almost didn't want to take her away from all of this spotlight. She still looked like she didn't know what to think and it was irresistible to watch. LONG overdue and she seemed so happy… after lunch's disappearance and tears… I tried to let her soak up as much of this limelight as I could.

But when the others were all rushing off for dates and what not, Lisa explained how she and Zoey ended up arranging for Michael to go the theme park today, ahead of everyone else. So he could ride a coaster run by Coco's cousin. Lisa was there too for moral support and hopefully helping Michael FINALLY not be so scared anymore.

Which seems to have worked, because he spent the rest of the day riding it and every other coaster in the park. So when he rides with Lisa or any of the rest of us tomorrow… he's MORE than ready… Zoey even looked at me and said, "We may have created a monster. Hope you're ready to ride tomorrow." Before she was pulled away by James for their own date.

Lisa was telling Quinn, "If you're in need of company tonight, my night just opened up. I don't think I'll be seeing Michael till tomorrow."

I hope Lisa missed the way our eyes met when she said, "Sorry, but I already have plans too."

"Oh! Good! You're not going off to be alone or anything are you?" Lisa asked kindly, knowing that wasn't what Quinn needed right now. To be alone with her thoughts after all that happened earlier (Lola or James must have filled them in).

Again her eyes sparkled my way and she said, "No, I won't be alone."

"Ah, no sweat, I'm gonna go see if the drama department needs more painting volunteers. Later guys! See ya tomorrow! It's gonna be a blast!" Lisa waved happily as she went towards the theater department. When she was definitely out of earshot, I could Finally ask Quinn, "Are you ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," she shrugged. Looking still like she didn't know what to do with herself. She had to be still reeling from everything that happened today. Between Mark, whatever the hell he'd said, that she's still not talking about. This news about being a possible Prom Queen. It would have been a lot for anyone to handle in one day.

I wished I could have taken her hand and walked with her that way. But I promised myself we just had to make it to the car I had waiting for us. Then I could be her fully active boyfriend, without worrying about anyone seeing us. So I had to settle for leading her to the same spot we'd met at before. On the edge of campus, as I opened the car door for her, she reminded me, "We've got an early morning tomorrow, remember?"

"I know, you'll be back in plenty of time." I waved off, before I climbed in behind her. We got comfy and close behind the tinted windows as the car took off. I wanted to ask her so badly about her conversation with her ex. But I really didn't want to ruin the smile she was still wearing or the color still lingering on her face from all of the blushing she'd been doing. When so many people besides me were coming up to her and telling her she had their vote.

So I took a different route and asked her. "How does it feel to know that even though you didn't put your name in the pot? Your class can still see that you're queen material?"

"Of all the things I've thought people thought of me, that was not one of them." She admitted. Before she got closer to me and said, "But I don't try to care too much about what other people think of me. What meant the most to me, was that you and our friends thought that I was Queen material. My real friends think that about me. That was what I took to heart."

That was when we finally got to kiss again. We'd totally gotten a moment this morning too, before we had to be teachers. But that was LONG gone now, and we'd both needed it so much.

I had gotten so carried away in that kiss that I almost forgot to tell her, "You should… you should take that to heart. If those other girls are so deserving to be up there. So are you." I said as I pulled her a little snugger into my side. She put her arms around me and just let me hold her for a little while. Eventually in the comfortable silence. She said, "I promise I will tell you everything that happened earlier today too-"

"Only if you want to," I told her even though I was dying to know. Because I didn't want her to make herself feel bad reliving everything again.

She expressed, "No, you need to know. Because some or all of this could come up tomorrow. And you're my boyfriend, even we're keeping that a secret right now. I don't want any secrets like this between us, and there's really nothing to hide or be ashamed of… it's just painful, because it opens up a lot of old scars I didn't even realize I still carried."

I hope I didn't push her or ask too many questions. I tried to just remain quiet, supportive and let her get it out on her own. But thankfully she was able to explain it all before we'd even made it to our beach. The same beach we'd gone to for our first real date. I tried to sit quietly and let her explain it all. But my fists were balled and my teeth were CLINCHED. Nearly the whole time she was re-telling. I tried to not let the ANGER boiling away inside of me show but that Del Figgalo was SO out of line. So ASKING for IT!

It took all my concentration to not put down the divider. Tell the driver to turn around and head back to PCA so I could SLUG that WASTE of SKIN! And Brooke was DAMN lucky my father had raised me not to hit girls. If I was younger, she would have so been pushed down in the DIRT! And I could have said she'd deserved it. Too bad I was too old to pull that off anymore.

Quinn has just gotten such great news, has a great trip to look forward to tomorrow. Where she's gonna be with all of her friends and gets to do nothing besides have fun. But because of these BULLIES. She's so conflicted, she's afraid to be happy about any of it. She's too upset to be anything besides HURT. I wanted to… I needed to… AHHHHHHHG!

But I hope Quinn didn't notice how steamed I was. I hope I hid it better than I think I did. And more than anything I prayed that between what I had planned for tonight and whatever was in store for all of us, tomorrow. She would have so much fun she didn't have to think about any of this crap anymore. A great person like her shouldn't have to worry about anything else... and I was gonna see to it, that she didn't.

[AN: I had to make him give it back to her, he wanted to keep going]

((Quinn's Perspective))

I finally did it, there in the car, before we'd even reached the beach. The same one Logan had taken me to for our first REAL date. He listened in a stony silence as I told him how Mark had begged me to stay behind and not go to the park. How he'd been desperate, he'd been cruel and he'd been unrecognizable. Because that wasn't the same guy I'd cared for. That wasn't even the same person we had all kind of felt like, could be our friend. I don't know who he is anymore. But I'd asked him to stay away from me and to not talk to me anymore... so I hoped I wouldn't find out who he was now, either.

So that by the time we were getting out of the car, because we'd arrived at the chainlink fences again. Just like we had before, Logan asked me through his teeth. "Are you sure you don't want me to deck him?"

"No, the person he's become now is so far beneath any of our notice. It isn't worth your time or focus." I waved off knowing there was still a TON of explaining to do. But at least he knew the basis of the conversation we'd had. The one that had made me cry, because it had really hurt me.

He'd reasoned, "He may be lower than low, but I'd still like to-"

"No. Really." I'd smiled, I couldn't help it. I knew I shouldn't encourage his anger, Logan was so overprotective, he treated me completely differently than Mark had. But it just warmed my heart so much to see him outright showing how altered this relationship already was. Even though it's just between us. How even if he can't love me like I love him. That doesn't mean he doesn't care, he'd always shown that so purely and honestly. And I was so addicted to it, already.

Mark hadn't cared at all, I think I'd always known that somewhere deep inside. But I thought I could love him so much it wouldn't matter. Or that he could just not know what love was and I could show him… like science has to be shown through experimentation. Maybe Mark's love was something he'd needed to find the same way he'd found all of his favorite studies and rocks… But it turns out I just wasn't the right girl to bring it out of him. Brooke was, and I can now honestly say, I hope they find happiness together. Even if they don't seem to like anyone else having happiness around them.

As I looked at Logan's gritted teeth and balled fist standing there on the side of the road. I pulled him into a kiss that lasted till I'd made him unclench both hands and his jaw. Then I'd said, "You're helping me more than you know, getting me out of there. Spending time with me, and whatever else you've got planned for tonight. Believe me, let's just go and have fun. I promise to try to not let them ruin another minute of our time? Okay?"

Logan nuzzled my nose and said a soft, "Okay." Before he stole one more even softer slow kiss. And stepped around to the back of the car. He handed me the boom box again, and a bag full of Chinese takeout that smelt FANTASTIC. Asking, "You haven't eaten yet, have you?"

"No." I confirmed with a laugh.

"Good!" He perked up a little. He was carrying other things, but he wouldn't let me help him. He had the driver [Who I now know as Miles and works for Malcolm full time as one of his personal drivers] carry something heavy and walk behind us to the beach. As soon as Logan had picked out a spot for whatever Miles was carrying.

The driver set whatever he'd been toting down, in the place Logan pointed out. Then he'd asked, Logan, "Will that be all, sir?"

And Logan said, "Thanks Miles I've got a walkie this time if there's anything else."

Miles smirked at us kindly and wished us luck, before leaving the way we all came. After the day I'd had, something about staring at the tossing waves of the ocean… I don't know, it calmed more than my nerves. It felt like it calmed my aching soul a little and I just couldn't stop staring at it. The sounds, the smell, all of it was just what I'd needed. And again, we were just before sunset, only this time there were hardly any clouds and the sky was clear. Once he had the radio tuned to the right station and playing clear enough. He spread out the picnic blanket to his liking, and set out dinner before he'd came back and wrapped his arms around me tight from behind and asked, "Feeling any better getting all of that explaining off of your chest?"

"Better than I thought it would, actually." I shared. "And there's still a little I should tell you before I quit for the night."

"I'll listen to whatever you wanna say," He promised.

"I know, you will." I said... and I did.

"Thank you for telling me and trusting me," He'd punctuated with a kiss on the top of my head. "I know that couldn't have been easy for you. Even if it was important that I know about all of that before our trip tomorrow."

"You're not going to hit Mark are you?" I tried to make sure. Making him look me in the eyes when he answered.

"No… but only because you don't want me to. And if he tries anything while we're on this field trip. I can't guarantee he won't get what's coming to him. But I will really try not to, because that's what you want… That's all I can promise is I'll try."

I kissed him and said, "Good. But enough of all of this. What is that heavy thing you made Miles carry? And just what are you planning for tonight besides that take out that smells so wonderful?"

He grinned so HUGE as he said, "I think I have here, the perfect solution to bring back my girlfriend. In the biggest hurry, do you want to know how?" I smiled and he'd went on. "I think I have learned all of the essential things that we need for the perfect date night. Besides no rain ending this one a little sooner than we wanted it to."

I nodded, "You sound super confident too. What's your plan?"

"First, dinner on our beach with the sunset, maybe some more dancing while we're still waiting for it to get dark. But more than anything else. He stepped over to the heavy thing covered in a blanket and revealed a FANCY-looking case. Kinda like the cases I keep all of my combustibles in or my materials I didn't want my roommates handling. Only this case was a lot longer.

"Cool, babe. But what's in the case?"

"My telescope." He grinned, and his grin widened when my eyes popped.

"You have a telescope?" I asked louder than I'd meant to.

"Yeah, my gramps gave it to me and we used to use it together, all the time during sleepovers. But I don't know how to use it as well without him. I thought since it's a clear night and you need a good science-y distraction tonight. It was a good time to let you see it. It's pretty amazing he got it for me from a friend who's an astrophysicist. It's super high tech, even though it's a little older now… ya wanna see it?"

"YES!" I flipped out. And true to his warnings, his telescope was way stronger than mine. It took me ages to set up correctly and don't take that as a complaint. I can't remember the last time I'd had that much fun with any telescope in my life. We were going between setting it up, eating dinner and setting up a campfire all while the sunsets were MAGNIFICENT. The sun stayed orange but the sky got very RED today. Just gorgeous!

When the scope was ready, dinner was gone and the campfire was really going. But it still wasn't dark enough. We'd walked along the shore together and danced a little too. It's just become too much something we do. I think we were both dancing with each other before we even realized it.

And it really was like something out of a dream, walking with him, holding his hand and forgetting about all of the things still waiting for me back at school. Even for a few minutes, but then that hurt just snatched me up again. It snatched me WHOLE and Logan's arms were around me in a minute.

Asking, "What can I do? How can I help you? I don't want those assholes to get another minute of making you feel like this." He was too perfect, my eyes were tearing up. He went on, "It's killing me to see you cry because of these people. It breaks my heart, and I don't know what to do. Tell me what I can do, what I can say to help you."

I told him truthfully, "You're already there, Logan. You've done more than enough, but sadly I still just have to go through this all again. And it seems to be coming in waves, all day, today. I'm sorry, I don't mean to ruin our time-"

"Don't! You're not ruining anything. You are the best person I know… THE BEST… And that doesn't change just because shitty people tried to ruin today, tomorrow and Prom for you all in the SAME week." He said wiping at my tears with his thumbs. "There's a reason we were all writing in your name, Quinn. There's an even bigger reason everyone turns to you the way they do. You're special and you're amazing… and people like Brooke only want to tear you down because they're jealous. The fact she's a bitch is in there too. But it's because she KNOWS she'll never come within miles of you. And everything you did was the PERFECT response to her tactics. Okay?"

"Okay." I said pathetically.

It's funny how you can be totally over someone, totally fine without them. But when they go this far out of their way to still hurt you… why does it still have to be so excruciating? Especially when I've moved on to be with a person like Logan? Why can't I just be happy with him and not still have to be dragged back to that all-time low?

I promised him, "I'll be better and stronger against all of this tomorrow. It's just too fresh today and I can't seem to get it locked down. By tomorrow, I'll have a better handle on it."

He told me, "You don't have to be so brave and strong all the time you know. If you're still feeling bad, or hurt. That's okay too."

"No, I really will be better, I know it." I still promised.

And he led me back over to the campfire and said, "Okay, but can I promise you something too?"

"Sure," I said, not knowing where he was going with this.

He said, "I know that the original plan we had for tomorrow. Was to utilize this chance to squash any doubts any of our friends have about us liking each other. I was gonna be riding all the rides with a different girl next to me each time and just reminding all of them of the way I used to be. And then I was gonna sneak off and be with you after dark."

"That was what we originally discussed." I acknowledged it, but I also pointed out, "And you can't let this opportunity pass you by, just because today was so BAD for me. You've still gotta utilize this chance to show SOME of that guy. If we're joined at the hip all day, they totally notice."

"Sure," he shrugged, "But I promise you that if you need me at any time, no matter what. I'm still gonna be there for you. Screw our friends, screw the secret, or whatever other girls I may be talking to. If you need me, I'm there. I'm your boyfriend first, even if I was your friend first. Okay. If it comes out, it'll suck but I would rather you know I'm there than let you think for a second that you have to face any of this alone."

How could I not fall completely and irrevocably in love with this person? How could I not be better facing whatever tomorrow will bring? Knowing I had him with me? He'd gotten a real kiss for that and I tried to let his promise give me strength. The stargazing and magic of the rest of that night. Is something I hope to always cherish and carry with me.

Logan had said he couldn't work this telescope without his grandfather. But he was so knowledgeable and interesting to listen to. He kept saying he was just retelling things he's learned and remembered from his times with that dear branch of his family. But it really was a perfect night and when it didn't rain and we didn't have to run for our lives at the end of it. We'd lain on the picnic blanket for the longest time just staring up at the stars that way too...

... and maybe not looking at the stars too. (because we were otherwise busy... winkwink!)

I couldn't believe how much better I felt. Holding his hand and walking back, at a more leisurely pace. We took our time, because neither of us wanted it to end. But the promise of tomorrow wasn't nearly the burden it had been when we'd first entered this almost sacred place.

And I'd noticed Logan calling it, our beach… As we walked out tonight. I actually felt like it could be and even though it was so scary at the same time as exciting… my heart had lightened at the hope lit inside of me tonight. Because I felt for the very first time that maybe Logan might actually be able to love me… maybe it wasn't as out of the question as I've been thinking it is... It could still be as impossible as I've been thinking... It's as terrifying, as it is exciting. But even if he can't love me the same way Mark never could... I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I'd never loved anyone the way I love him. And the person he'd been hiding away deep inside all of this time.

And I hoped that tomorrow would be as fun as we're both hoping. Without any drama... keep your fingers crossed for us.

That's all folks!

Well for this chapter but don't fret, more will be here tomorrow! Yes, you read, right! I am making more than one post this week! Yay! Let's see how long I can keep that up! Hopefully, that's good news for everyone. Thank you to absolutely anyone reading these words right now! Thank you so much for sticking with me all this time! Hope these words are reaching you all very well and Take Care and Much Love!

~DarcyBeDippy85