Dear Readers,

I hope that at least some of you will enjoy this little bonus florish. It is still chiefly about Logan and Quinn, don't worry but for the first time, this chapter isn't coming from our lead host or hostess. Nope, this chapter (and it could only be this chapter, who knows) will be from a third party perspective that is still focused on our stars but because it's me and I love this entire cast… there may be a twist or two on the horizon… Hope you all delight in this devious little dallop of daydreaming that I've saved for last this post!

To that very speical guest who's been so patient and so sweet to KEEP commenting and motivating me. I hope at least SOME OF THIS is worth the wait... Thank you so much for your unyeilding kindness and this couldn't have gotten done with out you or my sis RhrGreatness! I just got your last comment a few minutes ago and I was like "Nope, we are posting this TO-Night!"

Please enjoy!

"The Collective Trials of a Quinnventor and… Logan"

Chapter 10 - The Chase Conundrum and Glitch-Storm Trek

Covington Preparatory School

London, England

(From the Desktop of a Mr. Chase Matthews)

'The Desktop of Mr. Chase Matthews'

Usually, this is the time of day that I take a look around the place I am, and consider myself very lucky. I mean I'm in another country, that just so happens to be the birth place of so many great things. The Beatles, the Who, Dr. Who, Sherlock Homes, Harry Potter… all of it came from here. Not to mention the studios not two blocks from our school are some of the biggest sound stages in the world. Used for filming movies, of all sorts, it's where all of the Galaxy Wars Movies were filmed at one point or another.

Both Michael and Logan are totally jealous (even though Logan's reply is usually, "I've seen it before." (Does anyone else hear that seen it doesn't necessarily mean he's been in it? And I have… oh yeah, I wonder if he would like a tiny violin to play him a tune?).

Bad idea, he'd probably break it then leave all dramatic.

I have this humongous opportunity that my parents finally allowed me to do… after weeks upon weeks of begging to get over here…

I have tons to be grateful for… I know that. This is the part of the day where I remind myself of just how blessed I really am. So I won't hurt so much inside, so I won't think of all of the stuff I'm missing and… I won't want to scream.

While I am managing to keep the urge to shout at bay…pretty convincingly this day. Today just isn't one of those days where it works so the ache in my heart isn't so bad.

I'm suffering of a strong bout of homesickness… I know it. Not even homesick for my actual home either with my parents and our goldfish Murry the XXII… or is XXIII (Yes they were all Murrys… a long running gag in our house, can anyone keep a goldfish alive for long?)? Nope, the home I miss is my school home at PCA. Where my roommates where my two best guy friends and my female friends were all a short walk away… my best female friend was by far the person I missed most… Though I would never tell Michael that. It might just break his heart.

What's even worse is that not only is Zoey not down the hall from me, but she's currently back at PCA. My whole reason for coming here was because I believed that she wasn't coming back. Then when I get here I find out that as fate would have it… she had already left and returned to her former school. Surrounded in our friends and dating the new guy, James. From what I understand, the guys gave him a really tough break at the beginning. Now not only has he won them over but all of the girls too.

If I'm not very careful, I might start talking aloud to no one again or… so much worse, I'll start to cry. My sickness is that serious right now.

So thank goodness I had already set up time slots to video chat with most of my PCA friends today... Or tonight, to me. That time difference is insane!

I couldn't do this chat in my dorm room, I've already gone through three roommates that way. As if they don't annoy me when they call home and do the same thing. So I booked a study cubical in the very back of the library. It's this teeny room that looks more like a changing room because it has this big curtain for a door. No one else was occupying any of the closets - no, could these be considered cells – study cubbyholes? Anyways no one was in any of the surrounding stalls so I set up and hoped no one would complain if this got loud. Mostly everyone had gone to bed, so what could go wrong?

Oh come on, are you new?

After nearly ten whole minutes of nothing but static. I finally managed to accidentally tap into the Pacific Coast Academy's news feed (though I still have no idea how I was able to really do that) instead of getting in touch with one of my friends, I was treated to news around the school that I'm not attending this semester. Color me overjoyed!

Surprisingly this was helpful though, because according to Jerimiah Trottman, PCA was currently under the siege of some kind of 'glitch storm.' It seemed to be campus wide and it was interfering with student's homework and study sessions as well as Instant Messaging and Video Chat… A bunch of technicians were on the scene and trying to fix the problem. Though he warned it could take days for them fix the problem.

Like a glutton for punishment… I didn't even give up there. I was too desperate to talk to at least one of my friends. So… I kept trying to tap into one of their computers. After five whole minutes of no success. I accidentally tapped into some guys computer. Some blonde headed, blue eyed, Cogate commercial male model type that would have even made Logan feel threatened by his perfect white smile.

On reflex I apologized and said, "Sorry man, I'm trying to access my friends screen names in this storm."

I was about to x off the window, when suddenly the blonde headed guy whose smile was really starting to hurt my eyes said, "Hey! Wait – Aren't you Chase Matthews?"

"Yeah?" Why did I sound like I was asking him?

"Hi, I'm James Garrett, this is Logan's Laptop, I was borrowing it to finish up an essay."

"Oh… Hi, you're they're new roommate." I said while I was thinking, 'Oh, and the lucky son of gun who gets to date Zoey, the woman I love, simply because he didn't go running halfway across the globe after her. Yes, I would find him in a crowd wouldn't I?' Before I found myself looking up at my ceiling and wondering for the eighth time today, 'Does God just HATE me or something?'

"I am," this James went on. Seemingly oblivious to my pain, my questioning my own self-worth or place in this world. He continued, "but I'm amazed that you were able to make it to this computer with this 'glitch storm' thing happening. It should be called glitch apocalypse, I've had to start over four times on a report due to tomorrow." James went on to say.

"Well, I won't keep you-" I began only to be assured.

"Oh no, you're not, I just completed it for sure and backed up the file. I'm all set, it just took way longer than it should have."

"Well, I have been battling this tempest for fifteen minutes and you're the first soul I've seen in all of that time." I found myself sharing, though I still have no idea why. I wiped a hand tiredly over my face. "God, why did this have to happen now?" I asked, no one in particular.

"Why did what have to happen now?" James asked nearly making me jump a foot in the air.

"Oh… you know… this anomaly of annoyance when my homesickness and pathetic levels had all reached new all time lows and I just wanted to talk to my friends for a little bit. See how they're doing… that kind of thing."

"I hear ya, man." James nodded, and he said, "You know everyone was really looking forward to seeing you too… and they still can. Listen this is gonna sound crazy but this can totally work."

"What's gonna work," I heard myself asking.

"It took you forever to access this link, don't x off, let me carry this laptop to each of our friends and then you can still talk to them."

"Oh no, I couldn't ask you do that man, that's way too much work-"

"No I insist, you're my roommates best friend, you're Zoey's best friend she's ever had and it's the least I can do for the person who is so important to all of my new friends."

So true to his word, James carried me straight to Michael (who had forgotten our time slot again and had been hanging out…with Lisa…again! I mean, come on! How many times can this guy forget?) Lisa was so cool about it, she and James stepped away together for a moment and gave us a little bit of time to catch up. Michael was wiping his eyes suspiciously when it began and ended. I would include more of our conversation, but it was mostly about Lisa, old inside jokes that date back to when we first met and our old show we used to do together. Yes, there was talk of Zoey, because this is Michael. He really seemed to think that I needed to talk to her before this was all over.

I told him that I heard him, but I still didn't really consider that happening…

I didn't tell Michael that me and Zoey have been writing e-mails back and forth here and there. Because if I did, I would also have to mention that she hasn't written to me again since she started dating James. I get the feeling she's avoiding me and that fact is a big part of what triggered this sudden homesickness. I keep writing her and wishing her well, I would love to see her and talk to her. To see for myself if she really is happy with this James guy. He does seem nice, clean and likeable… from what I've seen. Though… I wasn't about to ask this nice guy personally carrying me to each of my best friends (who are now also his) to kindly leave me alone with his current girlfriend. No guy would do that!

When I was nearly done talking to Michael, the supposed malfunction monster storm cloud of negative productivity ensued and I lost connection for about eight full minutes. In that eight minutes of time. I ended up getting stuck watching Gretchen (yes, who doesn't remember "the Gretch") trying to pop various pimples on various places on her body via web-cam. Whenever she noticed me, she would say, "Chase… Didn't you, like move…Can't talk, I'm doing my webcast." Then she'd x me off and I'd comeback against my will this went on almost the entire eight minutes until Micheal and Lisa finally miraculously reappeared.

When I asked them how they had gotten me back, they both said, "It wasn't us," before deferring my question to James. Who gave me this long technical gibberish I didn't understand. All I got from it was his sentence at the end claiming, "I'm pretty good with computer stuff."

Lisa blew me kisses as I bid them 'bye for now,' wishing me nothing but the best of luck and a speedy return. I made her promise to look out for my best friend and then I was handed off to James again and we were off to the Theater. That was where we found Lola who was in full costume for her Elizabethan Queen role that she's currently rehearsing. She kept practicing dying all throughout the conversation and she kept the both of us in stiches (James and me). She hasn't changed one bit, she's still Queen of our stage aspiring to be a diva on the grand stage (hollywood), and I don't doubt her path leading her there.

All of the male members of the casts were in love with her and Lola didn't notice most of them were alive. Not because she was that cold or unfeeling, it's because Lola is so focused on her craft, on perfecting her performance and making a name for herself, only a few guys gain her notice. Some might say she's boy crazy, but those of us that knew Nicole Bristow when she was attending PCA would see that Lola's dating habits are tame and normal in comparison. That girl was the definition of "boy crazy."

I warned, like I always have. "One day a guy is finally gonna turn that head. A guy so unexpected and so right for her that she's gonna never even remember anyone else's name she dated. When he does come along, he better take care of Lola because she's always been a special friend."

Getting close to the end of my time with her, I lost them again, and this time I was being treated to a wecast where Brooke Margolin was hosting a cooking show. She was trying to bake a simple cake and make it more 'foodie friendly' by adding all of these bizarre ingredients. The combination sounded disgusting, but before any of her creative choices made it into the batter… Del Figgalo kept eating all of her ingredients and saving me having to watch her actually ad any of those stomach turning groupings. She'd yell, he'd apologize, so then she would come up with another concoction off the top of her head… Only to find her new choices were ALSO, just swallowed by her portly partner in pastries. No matter how many times I tried to get rid of their broadcast, it was unclickable. My computer didn't even want to acknowledge this was happening, does anyone watch this? On purpose?

That time I was only gone a minute, but it felt like a year. When I got back, Lola had to say goodbye too, sweetly blowing me kisses too. Why did I leave PCA again, the girls in London don't blow me kisses like my American friends that are girls do! I told Lola "to break a leg," then James and me were on to our next stop.

Logan, who was in the weight room on the other side of campus and on the way to all of these widely different areas throughout campus, James didn't just close the computer and walk around with me like I wasn't there. He kept the laptop flipped open talked to me about all kinds of things going on around campus and always made sure to plug the laptop into an outlet wherever we ended up. So he wouldn't lose me and the battery wouldn't die.

Watching all of this for myself, I was impacted with the same conclusion that all of my friends had already come to. This James character was good people, he may look like a poster boy for Mentos advertisements. Underneath of all of that pretty exterior, he was a standup guy, an even rarer find in such a striking wrapper. Not everyone would go out of their way like this for a person they didn't even know, and make a point to engage them in conversation all throughout. Zoey knew how to pick 'em, even I wanted to root for the guy… He could make her happy. Happier probably than I ever could… but as much as I liked him…

…I still have to believe there's a chance for me… for us. Zoey and Me. I know it's crazy and selfish, but he's loved her for three weeks. I've loved her for three years!

When we arrived at the weight room, James sat me on the bench in front of Logan as he worked out. It wasn't the first conversation that the two of us had had in that weight room. I doubt it's the last! James spotted for him, as he finished bench-pressing some pretty huge barbells. I'd forgotten how strong my wiry friend truly was. James tossed him his Blix and a towel. While Logan explained to me how he's on the wrestling team again. So was James, Zoey, Michael, Lisa and Quinn.

Supposedly they had all been forced into it. All but Michael who claimed to join because he felt left out. Both James, Logan and I were all too wise to believe this reason. We all knew Michael only joined to keep an eye on his little Lisa, while she was fighting against all of these big smelly guys. Or while she was wrestling other girls (which had to be fun, especially the girl fights). We went through the normal greetings and questions about our families and interests. Then James was seen by the coach and asked to do some odd job… Which gave me a chance to talk privately with my friend.

"I like James, I really do…" I began, only to be cut off by Logan.

He asked skeptically, "Do you?"

"Yeah, I really do, and like you; I didn't want to like him. Leave it to Zoey to find someone this freaking likable!"

"I know right?" Logan nodded.

"Even though I like him, against my will... is he gone?" I asked indiscreetly, knowing only bluntness usually meets understanding when dealing with this friend.

Logan affirmed, "Yeah, why?"

"Because there are certain topics I wish to discuss that you have insisted on keeping very private."

"Oh, Those? Are you really gonna ask me 'how are things?' Do you really want to know?" He asked.

"Well… yeah!" I said, before confessing, "I can't help but be curious. I only just found out about this huge secret that you two are keeping. I haven't heard a peep from either of you (about their relationship) for over a week and I was the only person who knew the last I heard. Is that still true."

"Umm… yeah," he said after an obvious, hesitation. Then he said quickly and a bit panicked. "James is coming back."

"Oh right… so on to safer venues…" I was looking around me for the perfect subject change. As if my study-stall's inspirational posters (Say no to crack, only dopes do dope and the kitty hanging from the tree that reads 'hang in there, baby') had hidden messages revealing the perfect topic adjustment... Nothing! That was when I did actually find the perfect thing for us to be talking about.

"Logan, while I've got you on the screen, is this basket from you?" I asked him holding up the basket I'd gotten full of American made candies and music I liked, with two stuffed Giraffes. One was obviously the giraffe Logan had torn in half, but repaired and had a Band-Aid over its stitching's, along with a new blue giraffe with purple spots.

"No, it's from the basketball team! Didn't you read the card?" He asked.

"It didn't have a card," I explained.

"Oh… well the guys and girls all picked out stuff they knew you liked and may not find over there. The only thing from me in there is that giraffe because I kinda mutilated your other one."

"The old one seems fixed and the one Zoey gave me was just a normal giraffe."

"I know, but don't blame me for that thing looking so different. Blame Zoey." Logan said to my intrigue.

"Why?" I asked him and Logan smiled... Not his scary smile that means he's up to no good (which honestly is how most of his smiles makes me feel). Nope, this was his good friend smile, that means I'm not gonna be the butt of one of his jokes, pranks or cruel booby traps.

"Because Zoey fixed the old one, insisted on it all stubborn and sassy. Then I asked her to pick the new giraffe because I felt bad and she came back with that misfit! I wanted her to pick it because she picked your first one out. You named the first one "Maverick" and she named the new hippy one "Margret." They were supposed to have name tags around their necks from us both…"

"they didn't when they arrived," I verified and from the look on my friends face. I knew that whatever company had handled the sending and delivering of my gift basket was about to get a scathing review. I tried to cushion his anger by saying "guess the flight from you to me must have been murder..."

"It had better have been!" Logan seethed as James called to Logan that he was leaving again for some reason.

When he was out of earshot and Logan had shut the door behind James and looked all around for stragglers. He realized we were alone again and came back over the screen telling me, "Okay, you want to know about me and Quinn. Fine. You're still the only one, besides us, who knows, and I would like to keep it that way so, DON'T-SCREW-IT-UP!"

"Okay – Okay, calm down. I was careful and cryptic. What's gonna blow the screen off if this thing is your over the top reactions. So settle down, crazy, because if you want my help, I'm gonna need you to answer a few questions."

"Why should I answer any question you toss at me? What do I look like, a search engine?" He asked me thinking himself so clever.

"No because a search engine would be more helpful, mechanical, less stubborn and doesn't smell, now do you want my help or do you want me telling new guy James all about some of our more embarrassing roommate moments."

"You wouldn't DARE!" He said with all of the moxy of a kindergartner, arms crossed and expression truly taunting me to defy him. "You know that would only start a never ending back and forth."

"Well I certainly don't want to start such a long and grueling cycle," I allowed. "I would start talking."

"You'd like that wouldn't you?"

"What I would like, dear friend, is just a few answers to an inconsequential few questions. So I don't feel like I'm an accessory to some crime that's gonna end up breaking one of your hearts, if not both of them."

"If I do, could you stop being such a BABY?"

"I can only promise that I will stop. Was it just a passing fancy that's already fizzled out or are you still sneaking around?"

"I don't see that it's any of your business…" He drawled out, and I was patient.

"But?" I asked as if I hadn't heard him trying to avert the subject.

"But…" He allowed. "She's not just some short lived fling. I really like her… and… I don't know, she makes me feel like a better person."

"Well would you look at that Whoville, it looks like the Grinch's heart has grown three sizes at least." I exclaimed.

"Would you SHUT UP!"

"It wasn't Christmas this time, Who-girls and boys." I went on, "This Grinch was changed by a scientist's love and joy. No this isn't a mere ploy-"

"Chase! Would you quit with the rhyming already!"

"Okay, but what's been going on? Are you two still sneaking around and keeping everything wrapped in riddles? Or, are you actually dating and trying to act like a more traditional couple now."

"Well… Last Friday we became officially boyfriend and girlfriend-"

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, why is that such a shock?"

"Quinn is really smart and you-"

"Watch it Matthews!" Logan warned.

"I was just gonna say Quinn is so brilliant, she's usually teaching the teachers more than they can teach her. She's so unique; she had to create the word Quinnventing for her Quinnventions. You're Logan, and that's fine, but you're sometimes just so Logan and that why it's shocking."

"Okay that made sense to no one!" Logan said crossing his arms. "Just what the hell does all of that mean?"

"It means you are insensitive at best, and when you're not at your best you a complete jerk. Quinn's put up with enough this year, do NOT put her through anything else." I practically begged knowing only bluntness will send the message home for him.

"I know, I know I used to do that Chase… but not anymore okay. That's part of why I keep saying she makes me feel like a better person. I'm different when I get around her. Different in a way that I like… it's not terribly different really, it's just more like the man I wanna be. I can be that with her, ya know?"

I nodded meaningful as I agreed. "All too well buddy. All too well. Isn't it amazing how a girl can do that?"

"It really is…" He trailed off before putting both hands up and saying "Whoa! Wait! Is that why Brooks and you are usually such goody two shoes together. She makes you feel like the guy you wanna be?"

"Yep." I replied, simply trying to keep the subject on Quinn and Logan's story and not mine with my… best friend almost girlfriend…kinda… No, we gotta stick to them and their story.

"And yours was so strong that it carried you a fourth of the way around the globe just trying to talk to her, and make certain that you were still friends. You didn't even know if she could love you yet?"

"Yeah, you got it," I confirmed! So much for making him stick to his own story

"Damn!" Logan swore.

So I struck while the iron was hot, "Do you think it's at all possible that you could love Quinn?"

When he realized what I had just asked him, he jumped about two feet off his chair then he nearly fell out of his seat (because he crash landed so HARD), he asked, "Is it possible that I could, WHAT?"

"Love Quinn, have you ever thought even for a minute that you could love her… even a little?" I inquired and from the look on his face, I could tell that he was considering it...right then and there. LOGAN REESE… One of the slickest, most skilled players in all of PCA sports (and dating) histories was actually reflecting on the notion that he could LOVE somebody.

ROMANTICALLY!

With a straight face of thoughtfulness.

Logan… Yes, the guy is one of my best friends and yes, I love him (and Michael) like my own brother(s). My shallow, annoying roommate, and self-centered brother... but brother none the less. That's me, it's how I am… the only things he loves is himself, money, mirrors, his dad (Chauncy and family), being rich, sports cars (other expensive crap), his friends, and galaxy wars. That's a short list to me, but to Logan… those are the only things that he loves in this world.

The fact that he's even pondering right now, and not saying "NO!" right away…

SO HUGE! I can't even express… I can't even…

When he finally could form words again, he said so hesitating "I-I…I… " before letting out a frustrated sigh. "You know, I-I… I used to be able to talk before this conversation. I must have pumped way too much iron today. Got too hot or something." He said as he wiped the towel over his perspiring forehead. He did look flushed maybe he was right, he had overworked himself… OR… WAY-MORE-EXCITINGLY-MAYBE this tin-man's heart was affirming it's presence in his chest for the very first time... for real. Maybe he was even feeling those first aches and pains of possible lovesickness, even if not real love... or true love.

Come on, Quinn and Logan? As odd as that pairing is? Could they possess something as strong and life affirming as that?

I had no idea.

As if a higher power (call it what you will, God, multiple Gods, the lord, the maker, the force, Jesus) wanted to show me that my thinking was along the right lines… Logan's eyes focus on something behind the area where my face was being shown on that laptop's screen. I heard the door open, and someone speaking off camera... Though I couldn't make out what was being said. All that I could see was Logan's face... and I don't think I have ever seen him wear that expression before. Nope, not in all of our years of being friends.

His face, posture and entire appearance were all clearly altered by the appearance of this person.

I'll never explain it right, but his entire look (especially his eyes)… softened… like butter. A grin quirked up one side of his mouth that quickly became and ear to ear face splitting smile. Like I didn't even know he had that many teeth in his head. I know, some of those choppers I was seeing for the first time. His shoulders slacked a little and he seemed to relax a whole lot more. Just as I realized that I couldn't hear their words because my sound was out...

I, AGAIN, Lost my connection with PCA (this time with Logan and I was almost positive, Quinn too). Before I could panic too much, however…

The screen flashed a few times and suddenly I was staring at Quinn's beautiful face. All squinted up in concentration trying to bring me back. While Logan was convinced I was gone and clearly didn't give a hoot! No, he was WAY too pre-occupied with his current top-secret girlfriend. He was playing with her wavy hair, rubbing on her shoulders, and neck while kissing anything he could reach. Neither of them even noticed that I was here!

Quinn was giggling and complaining that Logan was being way too distracting. Even turning to him and yelling in his face. "Do you want me to bring Chase back?"

"It's okay, if there's anything important he'll tell me. Whatever it is it can wait." Logan had said, still unwavering. Single-mindedly focused on his secret sweetheart and enjoying this time that they were allotted to show their true understanding of one another.

Quinn's laughing and half-hearted fighting him, sounded like she really was trying her best to stay fixated on her task of re-establishing a connection with me. However as both seem oblivious to my return. I remained silent (for a fleeting moment) just because they really weren't one of those sickening couples. They argued and scrapped like an old married couple, then they'd smile at one another. Even a third party observer (like me) could see that they really could love each other.

As if to prove my point, Quinn finally gave in and laid a kiss smack on Logan lips before calling him, "Impossible." She may like him, may even be in love with him, but at least she still knows him. There were no illusions about this man she was secretly seeing. Just before Logan's head could ascend and probably make both of them forget I was even alive (or waiting to be rescued from wi-fi hell)... Oh come on, I couldn't sit idly by and let this opportunity pass me by. I decided to once again join the conversation, but I did clear my throat really loud in warning. It's not my fault neither of them heard me.

I was about to say something original like, "I'm baaa-ack!" But before I could, a soccer-mom looking beast appeared and not only were my friends the composed picture of two people who barely tolerate one another. My pal Logan was dragged out by his ear because supposedly he'd never told this lady that his father was the famous Hollywood producer Malcolm Reese.

I witnessed the whole thing, the way that both of them not only flew apart at the drop of a hat. Both jumping at least a foot in the air and assuming a position that looked very practiced and not even hard. Logan complaining the entire time that he was being dragged on. Even the look that had crossed Quinn's face once her beast and beau were out of her sight. She was first relieved that they hadn't been caught, then took on a wistful sadness at the end. Like she honestly missed the guy, that quickly.

"You, my friend," I said, finally gaining her attention (and making her jump and put a hand over her heart). "You've got it bad."

"Chase! You're back!" She exclaimed and I waved back. After that she carried on an upbeat and friendly conversation.

In fact while she had this golden opportunity before her, she thanked me for my contributions to her science fair video intro and shared all of the details of that day, not to mention some of the shenanigans that have been happening with so many friends on the same wrestling team.

Supposedly our little Quinn was pretty tough to beat, regardless of her teeny stature and tiny little wrists… She was quite deadly. Considering she's used her nerve pinch on me at least three times that I wish I could forget (but it could be four, that luau party when I woke up on the ground with no memory of anything and a terrible headache felt too familiar) I didn't find the idea of Quinn being so fatal, all that crazy. I know she's crafty and more than capable... She did say that it had shocked quite a few of their classmates though.

I had to ask, "Have you spared with Logan?"

"Yes."

"Really?" I asked surprised.

"Yeah."

"Who won?" I asked.

"Who do you think won?" She asked with a smile that had me cheering.

"Please tell me he cried, please PLEASE tell me you had him crying or at least tapping out voluntarily."

"Oh come on" she said with an eye roll. "This is Logan we're talking about! Can you see him really doing any of that?" She asked me.

"I can and I want it to be real!" I told her honestly.

"We've both won, here and there." The Quinnventor shrugged. "We've versed each other at least once a day, all week. Though I think that if Logan had the choice we'd face off all day."

"Are you telling me that you guys LIKE versing one another?" I had to ask, not even trying to hide my surprise.

"I'm afraid we both like it a little too much, to be perfectly honest with you." She said trying very hard not to blush.

"Oh my god, Quinn! Aren't either of you afraid of getting too into it and giving yourselves away?" I asked, while her face steadily got pinker.

"All… the… time." She stressed, before adding. "It looms over everything we do, but you know…it's just too fun and… I'm sick Chase! I'm a sick person."

"Well I knew that when you were all, 'he's not so bad,' the last time we talked like this." She sighed really loud and her head slammed down onto her hands that was resting against the keyboard of the laptop. As her hair was a tangled mess at the bottom of the screen, I heard her ask, "What happened to me Chase? When have I ever been this illogical? About anything?"

"Never," I answered her after a moment's contemplation. "But since when have human emotions ever been logical when they needed to be."

The wavy heap of hair scoffed, "Humans… such breakable useless bugs who think their beasts."

I went for it, I asked her. "Quinn, do you think you could… love Logan?"

The wavy jumble of braids and tassels parted to reveal one lens sporting eye, that had widened to it's full capability. Her face must have been right at the laptops mic, because it was loud and distorted as she asked in a rush, "LOVE? Wh-Wha-WHAT makes you ask THAT?"

"Well Gee, I don't know, Quinn. I've witnessed you two making out twice, you seem to love spending time together. He seems like your most illogical choice yet he's great at making you have fun and relax, which you NEED. While you make him see reason, have a consciences and be a better person which HE really NEEDS! Have either of you ever considered that you could be falling in love with each other? It's okay if you haven't. I'd never considered it, then I met Zoey and I was naming our future shared pets and children in the margins of all of my notebooks that first day to now… but… you know, it's different for everybody."

"Well," Quinn said slowly seeming to consider it, I could tell she'd had trouble coming back from wherever her mind went. Then suddenly, she cleared her throat and said, "I have no idea… maybe… maybe not… All I do know is that, I do like him… I really like him and I have liked getting to see this other side of him."

"Whoa wait, are you telling me he's got something else in there? He isn't completely shallow and ALWAYS out for number one."

"Yes I did, and you knew it before I said anything."

"I did, forget I said anything." I said as I waved it off, then I said, "Just whatever you do, don't let this cat out of the bag until you're good and ready. While I know that our friends will eventually come around to the idea (if you two are serious), the rest of our peers will probably be brutal. Logan has an entourage-like fan club and people can be so cruel out of ignorance. Don't subject yourselves to that kind of ridicule unless you're ready to face it, whatever it may be."

The genius nodded back at me, "Sound advice, I appreciate it. We have been doing a pretty good job at keeping up our disagreements and insulting each other."

"That's good!" I encouraged. "Keep it up as long as you can."

"Yeah I know, it's pretty hard to believe right now." She said nudging her head in the direction Logan had just exited. Then she asked, "Did you happen to catch some of that before you said anything?"

"Well, yeah, but like only a peek of it." I shrugged.

Quinn blew a piece of hair out of her face and said, "sorry you had to see that."

"Don't be, it's still weird but it's growing on me." I tried to comfort her.

"It's still strange for us too, but it's getting strangely more natural the more we're alone together." Quinn explained and I had praise her.

"Whatever you're doing, you must be doing something right because I have never seen Logan act like this about anyone before."

"Really?"

"You've been his friend for years too, have you ever seen him this protective of anyone?" I asked her.

"Well of course I haven't," She shrugged, before feeling the need to point out. "We were barely friends before. But you, Chase, you lived with him for years. You were his close friend. Did you really never see him act this way before."

"No, that's not even the thing that has me so impressed. In all of our years of close alliance, Quinn… I have never ever EVER seen Logan this… this happy." I congratulated her. "You've really made him so happy and he's really trying to see if he make this happen. This relationship, that he's started with you."

"I know," she said from behind the cover of her hand. "How cute is this guy?"

"He's almost unrecognizable like in the best way, and I've gotta admit!" I didn't hesistate to point out. "I'd love to see more of him like this; with you. Tell me, if or when this bubble of secrecy has burst, do you think he's gonna be as uptight as your former boyfriend or do you think he's gonna be eating you up with PDA? The reason I ask is I've seen you guys behaving so differently for people and when you're alone. I'm curious to hear your views on the subject."

"You know something," she began as she cleaned her glasses on the hem of her shirt. "If you'd asked me before all of this, I would have guessed Logan to be about as romantic as a wet mop or a dry sponge-"

"But now?" I asked…

"Now I believe the only thing holding him back from public borderline embarrassing displays of affection, is our confidentiality."

"Me too," I agreed, before hinting "That might be another good reason to keep this hidden as long as you can. He's gonna eat you up with all of the stuff he's keeping inside now, when he finally is free to show his feelings… It may be a good thing that I'm in England. I still might feel it over here when that levee breaks!"

Quinn laughed, really laughed and I had to observe, "I don't recall ever seeing you this happy either Quinn. It suits you, you've never been more beautiful, and I've always thought you were pretty."

"Ive never felt this cheery or fortunate, it's all him too

Chase. It's great at the same time as terrifying, because I don't want it to end."

"Tell me about it," I said knowing all too well how that kind of sensation can make and break you. "We'll you've got me rotting for you both to make this work! I know it's not much but I really hope it works out and if either of you do need to talk. I'm always here, okay?"

"Yes, you are. You're such a great guy Chase, ALL of us miss you so much."

"I miss you guys too, but I will be home soon and I'm not leaving again till we graduate… At least not during the school year."

"I'll hold you to that!" Quinn said just as James reappeared and I did manage to make Quinn promise to take care of herself as well as that stray pup she'd mentioned finding (the "pup" meaning "Logan").

Then I thought that was it!

I thought that I was finished, that James was going to simply wave bye bye and then I was gonna be heading to bed. I wasn't going to classes this morning. I had already done all of my work, turned in all of my papers and I had no tests or anything important. So I was gonna sleep and hopefully dream of happier times to come. When I'm not so sick with nostalgia, and wanting to go home. When all of my friends aren't so far away, particularly the one that I didn't talk to today… When hopefully things aren't so awkward between us anymore, because I've finally gotten to tell her exactly why it doesn't need to be.

I thought that was gonna be the end of this crazy, all-nighter trek through PCA and all of my friends mapped out throughout it. However… Once again, this James guy shocked me with his consideration and faith. I began my own goodbye saying, "Well… James, I don't know quite how to say thank you, the words seem too small given all that you did and went through-"

"Think nothing of it, I hope that we really can be friends when you do transfer back. You are transferring back aren't you?"

"As soon as I can." I didn't hesitate to assure.

"Good, great, I hope that you get to come back soon."

"Me too man, me too." I agreed.

"I know that you're bound to be tired, and that it is the middle of the night where you are but could you hang on for just another moment before you go?" He asked me as he was clearly turning and walking into a door. That looked like he was walking out of the gym but heading somewhere close. After all that he had done for me today, how could I refuse him? So, as he asked, I hung on for a moment more and unlike all of the other times that he'd been walking around and talking with me. This time he said, "Okay, hang on please." Then all I could see was the darkening of his screen almost flipped closed except for his finger propping it open. The same way that Logan carries me everywhere whenever he's in charge the laptop that I'm on.

I didn't hear anything at all, until the next thing I know the screen is being flipped open to one of the outdoor basketball courts. Which hadn't changed a bit, but I wasn't looking at the court. I was obviously sitting on one of the benches on the side of court and there was plenty of flowers and sunshine. Just the way I remember it… but I wasn't looking at any of that either. The thing that had absolute command of my attention at the moment was the girl sitting in front of the screen. Yelling, "CHASE!" And waving, "Oh my god!"

"ZOEY!" I couldn't help it, I was yelling back!

She looked up above the screen, and I could hear James saying, "Right, so I'll give you guys some time to catch up."

"What in the world, Chase? Were you and James talking? I thought PCA was still under some freak Wi-Fi calamity?"

"Oh, it is." I began, "That's how I ended up on this laptop and your boyfriend was nice enough to walk me around to all of the gang."

"Everybody?" She asked.

"Yeah, Michael, Lisa, Lola, Quinn and Logan. James was entertaining me all in between. He's good people, that boyfriend of yours."

"Yeah, he is." Zoey smiled shyly and couldn't seem to stop smiling.

"Look at that smile, you're just glowing, Zoe." I observed, which somehow puffed my chest up and made my sickness ease. Even though my heart ached that it wasn't me making her smile like that.

"I am?" She asked.

"It's so good to see you." I told her.

"It's great seeing you, I've missed you so much!" She gushed back and her smile somehow managed to spread.

"You have?"

"Of course I have, silly!" She said with a dismissive wave of her hand and roll of her eyes. "You're my best friend, as happy as I seem right now I would be a whole lot happier if you were at least on same continent." She sassed me.

"So this smile, the one that you're wearing right now… that's because I am here? In screen-form?"

"Are you my best friend, even though theirs an ocean and the greater part of a continent in our way?"

"Without a doubt," I said, and meant it.

"Then yes, this smile is because of you." She said making her smile completely ridiculous looking.

I admitted, "Okay, I'm scared now." Which made her bust out laughing and I couldn't help it, I laughed too.

Then she said, "It's all my fault you're there."

"It's nobody's fault, for some reason I am meant to be here right now and you're meant to be there. Maybe James is it. He does seem like… a real good guy." I said and the words hurt like being punched, even though I really believed them.

"He is," Zoey agreed and brushed her hair back behind her ear and looking down. "James has been great… really great…"

My spidey sense tingled and I asked, "Than why do I sense a 'but' coming on?"

Zoey smirked and complained, "You always can practically read my mind."

"Not true, if I could read your mind I wouldn't need to ask you if the 'but' was coming. I would know the 'but' was coming and its reason." I pointed out.

"True." She admitted and then began again saying, "James has been a great friend and boyfriend, I am glad I met him…"

"But?" I asked.

"But," she confirmed, "I still miss my best friend so much. And that's why I haven't been able to call, write or video chat before today. I missed you too much, and I thought it would hurt too much to look at you, ya know what I mean?"

"All too well, I just knew I wasn't gonna get to talk to you today." I confessed, adding, "But I am really glad that I am."

"Me too, it doesn't hurt like I thought it would."

"Well good, I've missed you too… though I am relieved."

"Relieved?" She asked.

"Yes," I heard myself confessing. "I was afraid that you weren't talking to me because you felt guilty."

"Guilty, no, why would I feel awkward about anything right now?" Zoey said, with a nervous giggle at the end. Anyone else reading this KNOW that she's fibbing? Because it was even more obvious if you're me and looking at her.

I didn't say anything I just looked at her for another two full seconds and she was confessing, "ALRIGHT! I felt guilty as all heck, and that was a part of why I wasn't communicating so much. But-"

"Zoey, you don't need to feel guilty, it's like I've told anyone whose asked me before. The ONLY thing that matters at the end of the day is your overall happiness. Now are you content with your current place in the world?"

"I would be a whole lot more content if you were here." She said completely honestly and I replied just as honestly.

"Me too, Zoe… me too, but does he make you happy."

"He does…" she said reluctantly before she said even more halfheartedly, "And he doesn't."

"Say what now?" I asked.

"As great as he is and as wonderful as being his girlfriend has been… I don't know there's this… something… I can't put my finger on that…feels-I don't know how to describe it. Not about him… at all, I guess it's me… and it's kinda…I sound crazy right now, don't I?"

"No, not at all. Would you say it feels... off?" I asked.

"I don't know… James is really nice, he treats me nicer than a princess and I like spending time with him. I shouldn't feel like something's…"

"What?" I asked when she seemed to trail off.

She shook her head, "I have no idea… but hey! Why are we talking about all of this when we need to be talking about you finding Abbey Road?"

I took her bait and we spent the rest of our time talking about all of the places we'd been and things we'd both seen or done in London. She made me write down a small ton of things I still needed to do before I left and I was expected to take pictures at each one as I crossed it off of the list. It was a pact that I intended to keep. When it was time to say goodbye. James reappeared and jumped back into frame to wish me nothing but luck and that I return soon.

Zoey's eyes misted for a sniffle just as she was waving to me and then she was gone…I was left looking at a blank screen…intrigued by where Zoey's thoughts had been going earlier. Don't think that I've forgotten, because I haven't… it was sounding like even though she was dating James, and he was everything a boyfriend could be… Miss Brooks did not sound as happy as she appeared. It could be a temporary thing, it could be nothing or… it could be something else. It could mean that my cause may not be as hopeless as I once believed it to be.

This whole crazy night had left me feeling not so far away, not so disheartened and strangely hopeful as I finally got to bed. As I was finally able to crawl into my bed and close my eyes, I knew I would be dreaming of all of the adventures still awaiting me right here in merry old England… and I hoped since I was going to sleep in, that there would be time to dream of all of the adventures still awaiting my return to Pacific Coast Academy too. Maybe even some of our senior year that will follow!

That's all for now! Thanks again for your unrelenting patience and overwhelming kindness throughout this whole thing! Now it's up to you readers, did you like it, love, hate, tolerate it? Let me know, I love hearing from all of you and you keep me going! RhrGreatness, THANK YOU SO MUCH for all of you gentle nudging and violently shoving me to finish. Also for all of your relentlessly suggesting we watch Zoey 101 for the chief reason of keeping me inspired (twist our arms a little). I couldn't have done it without you or all of you wonderful reviewers writing in. But even if you're just reading these words, god bless you for reading this far. I hope that the experience has been a fun little trip back to one of the best shows of all nick history! (HIGH praise, from nick kid grown into a millennial adult) Till next time!

~DarcyBeDippy85