Hey There,

Welcome! It's Friday! It's day two of this mini arc, and Prom is in full swing! I am perfecting this chapter (and tomorrow's post) as we speak. But let's not mess anymore with this momentum, let's get right back to the story! Yay!

Special Thanks to all of you who have added this story to your favorite story list, or Story Alert List. Also a Special Thanks to all of you who have added me as an authoress to your favorite authors list or author's alert list. Thank you all so much for doing that!

Standard Disclaimers Apply - I don't own Zoey 101, Zoey 102, Nickelodeon, MTV or any of the other trademarked things mentioned. I don't own the bit of actual episode and dialogue mentioned either. 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 34 - Chasing Zoey


(Chase's Perspective)

We finally reached PCA's campus just as the sun disappeared behind the horizon. The sky was still lit pretty well, but it was trying to get dark. As promised, James was there waiting for me at the doors of the guy's dormitories. He waved me down with a cool smile, and warm greeting. "You're finally here! How does it feel to be home?"

"Oh! It's SENSATIONAL! STUPENDOUS! America is a sight to these sore eyes!" I shared, and I really had been worried when he came into sight. If there going to be any hard feelings between us? If he blamed me at all for his confessional to Zoey not working out. Because I honestly wondered if I was a factor myself. But he'd laughed good-naturedly and gave me a cool handshake and bro hug in greeting.

Before he told me, genuinely. "I'm glad you're here. All week long the others have been saying how weird it's all been without you. And until right now I don't think I understood what they meant. But now that you're here. It really does feel like the REAL party can begin… You know?"

"I do, though I'm sorry I've made you late to your Prom. You are still going, right?" I tried to say. Logan had warned me both James and Zoey were thinking about skipping.

But James said, "I'm gonna try to, but first let's get you all settled then maybe we'll get ready and head that way together."

I liked the sound of that plan, I thought it would just be me in the abandoned rest area of the Guy's dorms. James grabbed as much of my stuff as he could out of the trunk of the car and started hauling it to my new digs. This guy's not just gonna be a pal, he's aiming for sainthood. Logan's driver helped too, a big guy named Miles. Between the two of them, they had me all set in no time. I was used to having no help and lugging all of this stuff through campus on my own. But between the three of us, it was done in no time. And Miles was wishing me luck as he left to return back to Logan's Dad.

When it was just me and James, he gave me my key to this dorm, ticket to prom and assured me Logan had the t-shirt everyone had to wear to get into the after-prom party with all of the other guys. And we would all be meeting up when the dancing part of the evening was done. Leave it to Logan to have it all planned out to an absolute tea! GOD! How I have missed all of these PEOPLE! I just never felt this at home since leaving PCA! And now I'm back!

I was looking for my tuxedo but wasn't finding it though. I searched through all of my stuff as I only unpacked the essentials right now. But still no sign of my dressy clothes in any of the rest of my life piled into the center of this new dorm room. Well, new to me, anyway.

I ended up having to tell James, to "go on and get ready without me. He'd already missed so much of his night, helping me." I promised "I'd see him as soon as I found my dang suit. And he better be ready to dance." Because if I was gonna be dancing all night with our friends, EVERYBODY was!

Reluctantly, James left to spiff up while I continued to search… I'd had the hanger in my hand and it had all been in a big black zipped garment bag… Where the freak did it go? But then I remembered, that Zoey could still want to skip this right of passage tonight. And if she did, we could just spend the night catching up… you know… Like the best friends, we are…Or maybe now that she is single again… who knows? Maybe I had a shot? I know, I never quit and I'm always hopeful like this. But we've both been through so much this past year. Who's to say that this can't be the moment I've always hoped for? And even if it wasn't, I STILL had to see her. And just know where we stand.

And if she was still giving me nothing, I was gonna go dance with ALL of our friends like they're hoping I will.

So I quit looking for my disappearing penguin suit, I put away what belongings needed putting away quicker than even I thought possible. Making sure my roommates wouldn't hurt themselves when they returned. You know coming in and tripping over all of my stuff. Then I headed out of my new dorm, new key in my pocket and started searching for Zoey. Some younger guys and girls claimed she was ghosting through campus in a trance of thoughtfulness. What is that girl thinking about now? I couldn't wait to see her, and ask her. I know it would probably surprise me, she's always doing that. But where on Earth is she?


((Lola's Perspective))

When Vince insisted on taking me to dinner, something kept warning me. In the back of my mind that something like this would happen. Something AWFUL! Just like getting left for dead by your cab driver, who smelt like Ham and was too busy having marital problems to drive. Now we're both stranded, walking the rest of the way back to school… in our formal wear on the night of our Junior Prom.

GREAT!

Man! I'm tired of being right!

But thankfully Vince's spirits are still up and even as we're both tired and frustrated walking back to PCA. Nothing is ruining this night for him. As I find myself looking up at the just blackened skies asking God, 'WHY am I always right? Why does no one ever listen to me? And if everything happens for a reason? Like my mother always says… What is the point of this unexpected trek through buggy, holey, and dirty NATURE?'

Vince and I walk into a gorgeous clearing that I didn't even know existed between here and PCA. The Stars were bright, the moon was brighter and I couldn't help but stop walking and look at it all. Vince was still tugging me and trying to get me to Prom as soon as possible. Because he'd promised me he would move mountains if he had to. He was gonna get me there as fast as he could.

So he almost missed it. But pulled him to a stop and made him look up too. It was amazing, and even if my feet hurt, I'm pretty sure one of my heels is missing and I'm never going to make it to prom with this dress completely intact. I was glad we'd gotten at least this moment together.

I'd asked Vince, "Isn't it beautiful?"

He told me, "Not as beautiful as you."

"Aww, you!" I said as I pulled him into a long kiss and he kept trying to make it quick.

But I kept pulling him back into more kisses. Till he laughed, and asked me, "Hey? Didn't you make me promise to get you back as soon as possible, princess?"

I put my arms around him and asked him, "What's a few more minutes of privacy before we have to be around so many other boring people?"

He nuzzled his face to mine as he pulled me closer and asked, "Ya sure, 'bout that?"

I leaned us against a tree and promised, "Positive. Now what's a girl gotta do to get a little more sugar, around here?" Before we finally both made out against that tree like the teenagers we are. Hey, if I was meant to be here and not at Prom right now. I might as well take the scenic route, right? Get a little something out of this unexpected field trip through a nature trail.

Maybe it's not so bad being always right, after all.


(Quinn's Perspective)

In all of my imaginings of my Prom, I really thought it would be more eventful and exciting. I guess I could blame the movies and tv shows I watched growing up for all of that false hype. But I really had thought that it would all be so chaotic and fun that I wouldn't have time to think so much. That I would be surrounded in my friends at least, even if my date sucked. And it would really be a night I would never forget…

Not a night I wish I could forget!

But I have to admit that was before Dustin was my date. It's really like he's TRYING to suck at being a date to ANY dance. He's also left me for the pack of sophomores who snuck in here (And no I'm not gonna rat them out, it's totally the girls who started that dance club that meets on Saturdays. They should be here too!). Dustin's run that way to flirt more often than I care to count, at least he's getting something out of this night besides facepalming and regret. He keeps making these comments about how they're more his age too… The little twerp!

I must love Logan a whole lot to let him talk me into this… not that his night's looking very easy either. As Stacey won't let him out of her sight for nothing, she's even stood right at the bathrooms when he went… my poor guy. The ONLY times he'd been able to even speak to me. Were at the very beginning of my time here and one moment when we had been sitting near one another at the same table. Even then Stacey's eyes were trained to him like a Tiger watching her prey.

And in that brief conversation, Logan had nearly given me another heart attack (my first heart scare today had been when he told me James knew our secret), showing me that he'd somehow gotten the note I'd lost in my purse yesterday. The analysis of our relationship, folded clumsy but almost exactly the way I'd folded it. He claimed he hadn't read it, and I believed him again… even if the evidence was stacked against him, because someone sure had opened that note. Someone that couldn't fold apparently.

When it had disappeared, I'd taken it as a sign he wasn't meant to see it. Or know it's contents but when it somehow miraculously STILL ended up in his hand. I took that as a different sign, and figured I'd let him keep it. That maybe he was meant to know what it said, it may even be the only chance I get to talk to him all night. Since Stacey is unknowingly thwarting our sneak-away plans like a PRO!

I was on such pins and needles about Logan reading that note. I'd butchered three of my best looking fingernails with my teeth. Because I'd been very jealous and regretful writing it… One might even label my behavior at that moment as 'pining away for him.' So, I can't remember all I'd said, it was written quickly in an attempt to not stand up and scream at him across the gymnasium. It had worked too, I had managed to regain my lost composer yesterday after jotting it down…but the letter had definitely contained and exclamation of those three small words that could ruin EVERYTHING! And if Logan had looked at it or known that… I think he would have had more of a reaction than just showing it to me and offering it back to me the way he did. Or maybe I should say, I hope that he would… but who's to say. He could lose it and never find out, he could read it, freak out, then pretend he doesn't know about it. Or WORST of ALL he COULD read it and not feel the same. Spend the rest of his night utilizing Stacey's attentions to avoid me… that would be the worst.

But it was in his hands now and if he glanced at it… he would find out the BIGGEST secret I've kept all this time… and I was so panicked I could scream on the inside. While outward Quinn was more than bored and ready for the After-Prom party. Because at least when I'm there I could eat my feelings.

By some phenomenon, that was the moment Lisa found me and vented. "I am so SICK and TIRED of hearing about Michael's STUPID car. Come on girl, come dance with me before I give my date a busted lip."

I let her drag me out on the dance floor and we had a blast for the next five songs straight. Before Michael finally came back and found Lisa.

When I sat back down a girl in a fabulous expensive gown quickly sat next to me and asked, "Having fun out there?"

I couldn't believe me ears, "Peony?! What? How are you here?" I wouldn't have known it was her if I didn't know her voice she was wearing enough plastic and prosthetics on her face. To wear she looked like a different person. She was also wearing fake braces, thicker glasses than mine and faking an overbite. Whoever told her she couldn't act must have not been looking at her.

"I snuck in silly! I had to see your big night, and I brought all of the girls I'm gonna be acting with as well as the girls from up north! But we're missing our Queen! You gotta come dance with us for a little bit! Let us get in on the full Prom experience! Dance now, Talk later!" And with that, I was dragged off to another circle of girls on the dance floor dancing their little hearts out. I wish they could have stayed longer. But those few songs with them had felt more like a Prom than anything else I'd experienced all night.

But before I could go sit back down at the table I'd been occupying MOST of the night. I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see another friend who must have just arrived at Prom. "JAMES! YOU MADE IT!" I'd gushed so glad to see him that I gave him a hug and let him know. "I'm so glad to see you."

"Yeah," he said shyly.

I complimented, "And you clean up well too!"

"So do you, Quinn, you've really never looked better." He dished right back before making me spin around and telling me to. "Get it, girl! That is such a great color for you."

"Thanks, really! Is our surprise guest here, now?" I asked dodging the other secret he's been let in on today. As long as I could get away with.

"Yep, he's here and all set, but he lost his tuxedo in his luggage somehow and he was taking too long looking for it. So he sent me on ahead of him and let me get ready, while he still searched. His dorm was all locked up when I passed it just now, I guess he either got ready in there or went looking for Zoey somewhere."

I had to nod, "Both are logical possibilities for him. But thank you so much for all of your help in making him feel welcome, helping us pull this off… and… can you lean a little closer? You're too tall!" I complained. As he leaned down with a smile. I personally thanked him for keeping the other secret he knows about now too. And asked how he'd figured it out.

He'd laughed and whispered back, "I was helping Logan touch up some pictures. He'd placed a whole bunch on two external hard drives. One he was working on and one I was working on when neither of us could sleep. I think he gave me the one he intended to work on because there were SOOOOOOOO many pictures of you."

"WHAT?!" I freaked and said out loud, "You're kidding!?"

"Oh no! I tried to count but I kept losing count when I got into the thousands." He'd said teasingly, but meant in perfect seriousness. To my complete and utter horror! Before he told me. "Don't worry though, you're secret is safe with me. But you guys looked so happy together in those pictures I worked on. You guys have got this magic between you, like I've never seen before, and it shouldn't be hidden."

I pulled him down again and shared, "I wish it didn't have to be, James…. When this started we were so concerned with what you guys would all think and say. And now I really don't care, I just wish I could be open about it. I wish I could be more open with him… but I'm scared too."

James continued to say right into my ear, "I know you are, believe me… and I fully understand that what happened between Zoey and me probably made it worse." He said, before he told me with conviction… "But Quinn, we didn't have what you two do. That spark, that glow, I saw it in dance class a little, but it was in ALL of those photographs too. Did you know he has a bunch of you two dancing together? Then a few at the end where you two were posing together and even lip-locked in one. But I suspect it's happened more than that picture or the two I've seen for myself (Kissing auction ch. 14 and Before their Tango ch. 26). They weren't stage kisses after all were they?" I pulled back to shake my head at him and he'd smiled at me when he'd said. "I'd thought as much."

James continued, "It's kinda hard to deny after seeing that…" Then something caught his eye over my head that made him chuckle as he said. "Kinda like the jealous tailspin Logan's experiencing right now watching me whisper so much into your ear." He'd barely got out before falling back laughing.

I turned to see what he was talking about and he was right. Logan did look ready to blow up. I had to shake my head, I knew exactly how my baby felt. But James was already asking me, "Where's your date? Dustin? He did come, didn't he?"

"Oh, he's over there flirting with those sophomores who started the dance club." I pointed him out.

James said, "Hey! What do you say, we make Logan that much more jealous by dancing to this slow one together? Just for fun?"

I was honest when I told James, "You know what, sure. But I won't do it to make my baby miserable-"

"Does he know he's your baby? That you call him that?" He asked with an amused expression.

"It's one of the nicknames we picked for each other, yes." I confirmed to his endless amusement.

"That's... awesome and classic." He'd approved.

While I made it clear, "I'll do it to show my date how it's done. Can you waltz, well?"

"It's my strongest dance, Miss Pensky." He promised, before taking the proper position without any prompting from me whatsoever.

While I challenged, "Alright, then. I think I'd like to see that." And for the first time ALL NIGHT! My dancing know-how got to actually be exhibited. You know, besides those few examples I had shown before the music started. I wasn't someone's rehearsal or practice, I finally got to really dance with a guy my age. It wasn't as nice as dancing with my best partner ever… or as challenging as keeping up with Gleb, but it was so much better than the middle schooler swaying into circles I had to keep performing with my actual date. James was very good at this dance as promised… We did a quick-step after that too. That had been an absolute blast to do… if only it could have lasted a little longer.


((Dustin's Perspective))

I was so glad when James had asked Quinn to dance because he's more her age. And he knows how to do all those fancy steps and moves that the taller guys keep doing. I was learning more steps from the sophomores in the corner, but I still wasn't very good yet. I would have something to practice this summer though. Maybe next year at homecoming, I could dance with someone like that.

I'd been happy for Quinn and relieved to be hopefully off the hook. If Logan was still dragging his feet, than James could replace me for sure. He wasn't dating my sister anymore and he was such a decent guy. It was a great plan, I know it was…

If only Logan could think so! You should have seen him dancing Stacey over my way to yell at me. "You're date's out there dancing with James! Where the HELL are YOU right now, Brooks!?" He'd roared loud enough to blow Stacey's hair back straight from her scalp.

I told him bluntly, "I'm chilling with people more my age, Quinn's almost the exact same age as my sister. It's just gross being with someone that old."

Stacey nodded, "I could see where that age gap could be slippery-"

"NO!" Logan stomped both of his feet, hard. "Quinn is your date, not Garrett's. When this song ends, get back out there and let her dance, you little stain! You don't abandon your date in the middle of a dance. Everybody knows that!"

"I've seen it happen all the time on tv." I'd shrugged right back at him.

Stacey got so uncomfortable in Logan's too-tight grip on her. That she twisted out of his grasp, before excusing herself to grab some punch. She carried off most of the other girls I'd been hanging around with her. So Logan and I could hash this out like men and spare them the screaming match.

Logan asked me, "What's the matter with you? Are you TRYING to suck at dating?"

"No! I'm just making the best out of a very weird situation." I said back with a little attitude. He obviously cared more than anyone else about who Quinn was dancing with. Why wasn't he asking her, already? If he'd read that note, like I told him, I bet he couldn't stay away. So I'd slipped in there. "There's nothing wrong with what I'm doing, AND I gave you that note, right? Have you gotten a chance to read it yet?"

"NO! Because you shouldn't have stolen it in the first place. I gave it back to Quinn, like you should have." He'd said like that was the only answer. Not knowing he'd basically shot himself in the foot if that was true.

I'd really played up (Because I don't believe him for a minute), "Aww, really? Dang! That's… That's really a shame."

"What, why?" He asked.

I played up even more, "If you'd read it, that would have changed everything. I just know it would have." I clicked my tongue and put my hands in my pockets… "I know I'm still young and inexperienced, but even I know you don't hand a girl back her love letter when it finds you."

"Love-letter?" He'd repeated, before picking me up by the collar of my dress shirt. But I had been expecting it. He yelled in my face, "What do you mean love-letter, you said it was a science trial earlier! You didn't say ANYTHING about it being a love-letter!"

"Well, yeah, or else I would have had to say, spoiler alert!" I managed to say around choking and sputtering. And him shaking me, like this was an old-fashioned "shakedown" in a black and white gangster movie from the 1930s.

He let me down and let me go, but as I stumbled back, I decided to twist the knife. "If you'd read it, there's no way you could still be with Stacey right now either. You'd be the one sailing across this floor to steal Quinn from James." Then I'd sighed loudly on the word "BUT! I guess it's all up to me, enjoy the rest of your Prom, Reese." And I did have the heart to warn him, "Incoming." Before he was reattached to Stacey again. Being dragged out onto the dance floor and getting his ears swabbed out… like there was any other way to be Stacey Dillsen's date.

I was off to SAVE Quinn from James… and dance with her some more. She was really cool about letting me try some of the new moves I had just learned. But when I tried to make conversation. I think I passed out from the utter boredom. (But Quinn could have done it too with her pressure point grip thing too. I did have a terrible headache coming on when I woke up.)

I didn't believe for a second that Logan had returned that letter to Quinn. I KNOW he still has it somewhere on his person. I also knew, even from the little bit I've been in these dance classes skipping World History for the past few days. That Logan has got the worst crush on Quinn. Just like my sister and her friends all seem to believe now. He's gonna cave any minute now, read it and steal my date. Then I'm gonna put on a performance of my very own, and spend the rest of MY night chatting up these more age-appropriate sophomore foxes. That was my master plan, I'd sparked the fuse, and it was lit, now all I had to do was wait for those fireworks.


(Logan's Perspective)

After being completely grossed out by Stacey. I went to the bathrooms again just to get AWAY from her. It was the only place she couldn't follow me, literally the ONLY place. And I knew she was waiting by the door, for the second I leave. And I REALLY didn't want to go back out there… so I took my time in there. I washed my hands, my face, and both of my ears out. Just because my skin was still crawling from having Stacey swab them both out.

When I was done and still didn't want to go back. I wished this restroom had a window so I could climb out of it. Steal my secret girlfriend and spend the rest of my night with her. It wasn't like her night was much better than mine. Her date was trying to ditch her, and she'd been dancing with him even though he was unconscious when I'd left. Del Figgs is the one who pointed it out to Michael and me as they left to check out Michael's car. Why did it have to be Mark? I know all is forgiven and they're trying to be friends again, now. But WHY does MARK have to notice my baby dragging around her date like that?

I wished I could talk to her, even for just a minute, but the way things were looking. I wasn't gonna EVER get a minute with her till school was out for SUMMER! If the rest of our friends had been this relentless, there's no way we could have hidden this relationship at all. How was she so good at watching me. Quinn would never be able to call her harmless again after this.

Just when I was about to walk back out and let Stacey recapture me. I remembered the note in my pocket and what both Dustin and Quinn had said about it. Quinn had told me to hold onto it and read it when I wanted to talk to her. Like now, and Dustin seemed to think if I had read it that I would be the one ditching a date, instead of him.

So I went into a stall and unfolded the note. Dustin had done a terrible job of refolding it, and I could tell from the cresses, Quinn had had it perfect before Dustin had messed it up, It was one sheet of paper filled out on one side in Quinn's trademark dark green ink. It looked like a normal blueprint or report from her, till you read the words.

The line at the top of the page labeled 'Title' was filled out to say, "The Collective Trials of a Quinneventor… and Logan."

It was dated yesterday at approximately the time we were in that last "dance practice" yesterday. It even listed the location of where the letter was written as being 'In the gym, and from a seat on the bleachers.' Leave it to Quinn to write all of that down, she's that dedicated to the details. Like she was writing a report or a real study.

But when I got to the part underneath of that title. Even if it was still Quinn's handwriting and her usual professional science speak in places. It was really a letter at it's start. And it really was for me…


"The Collective Trials of a Quinnventor… and Logan"

In the gymnasium from the bleachers at approximately 2:15pm Friday dd/mm/yyyy

"Logan, I'm so sorry that I made you take Stacey to our Junior Prom. It was a great revenge move, getting me to ask Dustin, and I'm impressed by it. Believe me, no one regrets that decision more than I do right now. Sitting through our last dance practice before the big day. Watching you perform the dance we've been calling our dance with Stacey while I'm playing cards in the bleachers with Dustin. I can't help but feel like we should have just gone as each other's dates. If I'm not very careful I could be yelling something at you across this gymnasium. Something you probably don't want to know or hear.

So, to make certain that doesn't happen. I'm going to try to cheer you up the best way I cheer myself up. Yes, we will be using Science. Bare with me here, this isn't the typical experiment you would hear me discussing. This is something a little different and unique. That I hope can make you smile [even if just for a minute]. You see, over the course of the last several days, weeks, and months. I have been conducting a series of trials. That were all based around something very personal instead of my usual endeavors. It has been an analysis to see if it's possible. After being hurt so terribly, {by Mark} can I ever love anyone again… romantically? And at the beginning of this, I would have sworn it was impossible. Because it had really seemed like it was, and still has its moments even now. Where it doesn't seem possible that I could.

But Logan, you've given me hope… from the moment you found me dressed so strangely sitting on that bench, to whenever we reach this Prom. In that short time, you didn't just right my world after it had been flipped upside down. You saved me in a lot of ways; because I had been in such a dark place, and you pulled me back before I was too far gone. You always talk about my impact on you, but yours on me has really been just as magnanimous. Not only that, but you gave me that first real peek at you're true self that day. And that's why I kissed you that first time or you kissed me [we kinda grabbed each other, it's a hard play to call]. And I would do it all over again.

You told me everything I'd needed to hear, that day; and got me to listen to you. You've done nothing but surprise me ever since too. What I'm trying to say…

And I'm still failing miserably… is that. I don't want to just tell you thank you. Like I have so many times since all of this has happened. What I want to say… could ruin everything… absolutely everything, and I think you know what I mean… But since this is paper and you'll likely never see it, I'll go ahead and write it anyway. Just to let it out.

I love you, Logan. I love you. To the point that even these three small words seem too small to express it.

And I'm so grateful to have you in my life.

Not just because of this either. You were my friend long before this, and I've really loved getting closer to you. These past days, weeks and months too.

And if you are reading this, don't think that this means you have to say it back or anything. Part of why I'm writing it down and not saying it out loud is because I don't want to pressure you. That's not what this is about and I'm not expecting that at all. I just couldn't keep it in anymore. It had to come out, or I was going make a total idiot outta myself, if not both of us. Screaming it at you in this practice. And I really did try so hard to keep it locked inside, but if this does find it's way to you sometime. I really hope it defies the odds and doesn't destroy a thing. Because being with you, I've been happier than I've ever been before. And I really hope you can still keep me. Even when you know the truth.

Regardless of how you react. Thank you for every experience, experiment, and minute of this trial. Even if you weren't even aware of it at the time… being a trial. And you're probably right, thinking nobody else would have thought of it this way. But classifying it this way and having put it to paper… I feel it's probably the most successful one I've ever run. And I doubt I'll ever be the same in the best way. I hope this finds you well and that our Prom nights aren't nearly as cheerless as they seem right now.

One more time.

I Love you, and I'll see you soon.

~Quinn


I felt like the only thing keeping me from running all directions. ALL at once was this stupid suit I'm wearing. She'd said it, thought it, written it, and let me see it. Even though she believes it could spoil everything, she still said it. Even after what happened to James and Zoey, she couldn't keep it in... that had taken guts! And she had no clue I feel the exact same way!

Which made me realize, SHE-HAS-TO-KNOW!

I-HAVE-TO-TELL-HER-NOW!

RIGHT-NOW! THIS-CAN'T-WAIT-ANOTHER-MINUTE!

I clumsily folded the note, put it back in my pocket over my heart and RACED outta that restroom so fast. I was so wrapped up in my reaction to her note. I honestly forgot that there was a Tiger wearing a disguise to look like a cotton-swab-obsessed girl wearing pink evening gown stationed by the exit. Ready and waiting to remind me, that I was still on a date with her. Till she pounced on me and stopped me in my tracks saying, "Where are you going? You're date's right here?"

I tried to pull away and say, I had to go do something but her claws were already dug in too deep for escape. She was dragging me away, with impressive strength, back towards the dance floor… Would this TERRIBLE date NEVER END!?

Could something… ANYTHING! Help me? I needed to talk to Quinn! I needed to tell her the truth. NOW! That I love her too! That it hadn't ruined anything, it had ONLY made it better! I didn't care who else knew or how many other people might see it. She had to know!

Was there any way that I could ditch Stacey- Why the hell is James hanging out with Quinn so much, now? Where the hell is Dustin? If he's back with those sophmores AGAIN! I'm gonna pulverize him! Screw whatever Zoey has to say about it! The little shit had it coming!

Wait a minute… is that… Chase?


((Chase's Perspective))

I couldn't find Zoey, anywhere. Everywhere I looked, people claimed I'd just missed her. SO out of total desperation. I went all the way to where Prom was happening and peeked in. To see if she'd happened to go, while I was searching. I had accidentally walked in on one of the Proms happening back before PCA let girls attend. So I knew a way to sneak in, without hopefully being seen. Just to check and see if Zoey had changed her mind.

I didn't find Zoey, but I did spot Logan as he was getting attacked by Stacey. Who had been asking him, "Where are you going? You're date's right here."

He seemed to be trying to shrug her off, ineffectively. Before he saw me and freaked out, "CHASE!"

I said, "Yeah, Hey buddy!" As he abandoned Stacey entirely to come hug me. Stacey caught up easily though and hugged me too.

Saying she was "so glad I was back." Like I warned earlier, I was so glad to see these familiar faces. I had to make sure to thank Logan for all of his help and told Stacey how fabulous she looked in her prom dress. She really did look very nice, and she'd lit right up and thanked me.

But then Logan was asking, "Why aren't you dressed up yet?"

Stacey asked, "Did you know our Prom was tonight?"

"I did, that's why I'm here, I didn't want to miss it, but I'm also looking for Zoey. I've been all over campus and I can't find her. Has she been here at all, have any of you guys seen her here?"

"No, we haven't." Logan did say. Before Stacey took over. And started talking non-stop about so much that I didn't need to know. None of it helped me with my current problem. But you couldn't turn her off.

Someone grabbed me from behind and gave me a big hug greeting me. It turned out to be Lisa, and she'd laughed, "As glad as I am to see you, booooooy, Michael is gonna lose it when he sees you."

I asked her to "Please not tell him, to let it be a surprise."

And she said, "Oh! Don't you worry! I won't tell him a thing! But good to have you with us again, Chase!" Stacey was still talking about the same thing when I tuned back in and Logan was shooting me a look asking me to save him. But before I could, I was noticed by James. Who waved to me and I waved back. But he'd been dancing with another friend on the dance floor who had just noticed my reappearance.

Quinn yelled out, "CHASE!" And came running my way.

I was so tickled to see her, I'd yelled back just as excited, "QUINN!" I'd picked her up and swung her around. And she'd laughed, the whole time.

When I put her on her feet again, I gushed "Look at you! You're absolutely GORGEOUS, Quinn!" She'd thanked me shyly before asking the same as Logan. "Why wasn't I more Prom-ready?"

I explained to her that I was looking for Zoey and couldn't find her. Quinn told me she hadn't seen Zoey either. But she'd reminded me of a few of Zoey's favorite spots throughout campus to try. Which I was SO grateful for, I'd forgotten to check half of the places on her list. James even came over looking much more prom-appropriate than the last time I'd seen him. He slapped me on the back and added to Quinn's list of usual places to find Zoey. Whenever she disappears like this.

I appreciated both of their help, but even as focused as I was on their conversations. It hadn't been lost on me, how much Logan had looked like he would KILL me for getting to hug and spin Quinn while he was still stuck with Stacey. I may have sent him a look that said, "That's what you get for keeping this whole thing secret, man!" Before I left, I still had my own mission to complete BEFORE we got into all of the other stuff I needed to catch up on around here.

And my beginning middle and end all had to be about Zoey. At least till I knew where we stood, you know? So I went to the nearest stop on the list of possibilities, James and Quinn had both given me and wouldn't you know it. There was Zoey, walking on her own looking like she was in some kind of trance. But more beautiful than I could have remembered after all of this time away from her. I was slammed with just how much I'd missed her… more than anyone else.

I had been about to call out to her stupidly, but she probably wouldn't even hear me if I did and I really wanted to be more cool about this. So I pulled out my cell phone and called her instead, of course, I still knew her number by heart. It may have even been the first number I stored in it's contacts. Beating out even home, my parents, and the rest of my blood kin.

It was a long shot and I knew it. I don't think I'd ever given her my new phone number since I'd left for London. As her phone rang and she looked at her screen I was chanting to myself. "Please pick up, please pick up, please pick up!"

As if she heard me she did answer her phone and ask, "Hello?"

I said as cool and casually as I could, "Hey Zo."

"Chase!" She said happily, "How's England?"

"Oh, you know." I'd said as I leaned on the railing in front of me, "Boiled food, people driving on the wrong side of the street… you've seen movies."

"I have," She'd said as she was walking further and further away from where I was.

And I realized I needed to look a lot cooler than just leaning against this railing. When she looked back here and saw me. So as I figured out a cooler pose to strike. As I asked, "How are you doin'?"

"Okay, sorta." She said so unenthused.

And I repeated, "Sorta? That doesn't sound very Zoey-ish."

But I could hear the letdown drag in her voice even though her back was still to me when she said. "Yeah, well, I haven't had the best week."

"Oh, well, what's wrong?" I asked her out of real concern. And it felt so good to finally ask her this after hearing about EVERYBODY'S worries since I left. Even if particularly this week more than any other time. Because of her breakup with James as well.

She shrugged, "I don't know."

"Wait, I thought PCA was having it's Prom tonight?"

"We are. I blew it off." Zoey said, like she wasn't the same girl who DREAMED about her Prom(s) since LONG before I knew her. The girl who'd sat up with me a few times watching the Proms happen from a distance dreaming of what ours would be like outloud. When we got to attend them. What is the matter with this picture? I had a guess about that, [and so did some of our friends] I really hoped that my guess was right.

But regardless, I asked her still concerned, "How come?"

She gave me a little hope that my guess was right by confiding, "Because I didn't want to go by myself."

"Ohhh," I drew out and had to fight to keep my voice even. When I told her, "Then turn around." I was so happy with how smooth that had been. My voice didn't give anything away, she'd turned around and there I was. She'd freaked out and said my name a few times. But of course, when I went to go see her…

I fell… far and HARD… more than once. Must I bleed nearly EVERY time we reunite? I didn't care at all in the moment, even though I was laying at the bottom of a flight of stairs. At least Zoey had gotten to me a lot faster than if I'd walked around. She ran up to me sat beside me on the ground and helped me sit up. Asking, "Are you alright?"

I had fallen really HARD so I said, "I think so."

Telling me, "Your arm's bleeding." Like it still surprised her at this point.

I tried to sound assuring as I said, "It's okay, I lost all feeling in this arm anyway." It was the same arm and almost same exact place I'd injured it when we first met. When I'd run into that stupid flag pole. I really was in love with Zoey before I'd hit the ground… and looking at her now. I was more GONE than ever before.

I have to say with her holding on to that arm. It was setting off fireworks and tingling in my fingers that had nothing to do with that fall. I'd almost missed it when she'd moved my wrist and asked me, "Can you feel this?"

I answered her pretty quickly anyway, "Kind of."

But when we locked eyes finally and we were so close. I felt a sweep of magic on the breeze and Zoey leaned in asking, "How bout this?"

Before FINALLY! The thing I've been DREAMING of for nearly five years HAPPENED! And Zoey kissed me right there leaning against the stair railing. It wasn't too long, it wasn't long enough actually. I don't know if I grabbed her or if she grabbed me, but we were kissing again before I could even answer her.

When I could talk I told her the truth, "Yeah, I felt that,"

And she'd said, "Good." Wearing the best smile I've ever seen her wear.

She asked me, "Is it gonna hurt you, or like, are you gonna fall apart or anything? If I hugged you, right now?"

"No!" I may have answered a little too gladly. Opening my arms wide.

She'd laughed even more and let me pull her into my lap as she'd wrapped her arms around me. She'd said (muffled by my shoulder). "I've missed you so much! You have no idea!"

"Ohhh! I don't know." I said resting my face on the top of her head and breathing in her scent. She always smelled like sunshine and flowers, and her shampoo always smelled like summer. I think she once said she uses "Herbal Essences." That's what made those old commercials suddenly make sense to me. Nobody else on planet Earth smelled this good. "I think I have an idea." I had to say before I'd let her know. "I've never missed anybody so much. Not as long as I've been alive."

"Well, that makes two of us," she'd agreed sitting back a little to look at me. "Are you here to stay or just here for Prom weekend?"

"Nope, I'm here to stay and I'll be here all of Senior year too. No, more going abroad for me. I'm here to stay till I graduate. How about you?" I asked her.

She said, totally trying to give me a heart attack. "Well, that's too bad I was planning to really paint that world map red next year. First I was thinking maybe Paris, just till October, then Italy till Christmas, then Russia till spring."

"Yeah, because traveling to Russia any time in the winter, is gonna mean your in for the long haul." I'd reasoned completely tongue in cheek.

She'd went on anyway, as Zoey always can with me. Twirling her hair around her finger, "Then I was thinking maybe New Zealand in the spring but only after Japan. I want to see the cherry blossoms in Japan that they're all so crazy about in early spring."

"Sure, they have 70 different words just describing cherry blossoms in Japan. You gotta check that out." I agreed just loving to have this with her again. It's all that much better when she's sitting on my lap and we're both sitting on a concrete ground at the foot of some stairs. "But then summer time you gotta head back here for Prom and Graduation Senior year at PCA."

"Yep. That's the goal, wouldn't miss it…" Then she gripped my shoulders and asked again. "You're sure you're not gonna travel next year?"

"Nope. I'm gonna be right here. But that sounds incredible, you can't pass that up." I'd said as I could feel her reeling me in slow motion.

When I was an inch away, she said, "Then I'll stay too." Snuggling her face against mine.

"Then Senior year will be so much better than this one." I'd said soft enough for just her to hear.

She'd whispered back, "So much better, this place wasn't the same at all without you."

"Well, I can promise this is where I will be all year next year. But this year isn't over yet you know. We still have a little left to make up for all of that lost time… ANNNNNND we could even hit Prom if you wanted to. I still haven't seen a bunch of the gang even if Quinn, Logan, and James all knew I was coming-"

"WHAT!" Zoey freaked out, "QUINN KNEW?! And she didn't tell ME?!"

"I swore her and Logan to secrecy! Take it easy on them, Logan's a HUGE part of how I got here, Quinn helped me find you, she'd suggested looking here and James helped me unpack and get settled. He was the first one to greet me in person when I got here."

"He was?" She sounded as surprised as I'd felt.

"Yeah, and he gave me a bunch of suggestions on where to find you. The same time Quinn did." I gave him full credit.

"We broke up." Zoey said, sounding guilty.

"I know, he told you he loved you-"

"And I realized I didn't love him like that. I love him as a friend, and I… I love you, Chase."

"I know you do, and I love you too. But you have every right to still hurt because of what happened between you and James too. So take your time, if you need to, and I'll wait however long you need to make this between us happen-"

"But I don't want to wait anymore, Chase!" She'd said loud enough to echo around us and I felt like I could fly. She went on saying, "I'm just as tired of waiting as you are. I want to just be with you. Starting right now and with going to Prom… If you want to, still."

I was honest with her, when I told her, "Nothing could possibly make me happier… except maybe one little thing."

"What?"

"Can you kiss me one more time, before we go to our Prom?" I asked her, and she'd laid one on me so good… We'd ended up laying on the stairs together. Practically making out in a bundle, thank goodness no security guards or teachers caught us like that. I almost missed it when she called me "Such a ham" and had to help me up. But we were finally here at PCA, finally together! And we were going to Prom together too! How could anything be better than this?

I had an idea, she'd sparked it when she'd called me a ham. I theatrically bowed and asked her, "My Dear Miss Brooks, would you allow me the extreme privilege of your uninterrupted presence this evening? As we both attend our Junior Prom?"

"Only if I get to call you my boyfriend from now on?" She'd thrown in there struggling to keep a straight face.

But I let her know all joking aside, "Deal." And she'd pulled me into another kiss to seal the deal.

This night couldn't get any better!


That's all folks!

Well, for this chapter anyway. But don't fret lovely readers, I will be posting again tomorrow. And it will feature the MOMENT we've all been waiting for. The ones we die-hards ALL know follows this one! I'm gonna be featuring all of the others too, of course [I can't not do that, you guys know that by now] but it will be that QUOGAN moment we all want and need as well as what follows that. Hope you're all having a lovely Friday! Hope you'll all be back tomorrow! AND till then, Take care and Much love!

~DarcyBeDippy85