Hey There,
((Meekly peeks around the corner)) Hello readers. So sorry I haven't been able to post for not just one but the last TWO Thursdays back to back. That this chapter has taken THREE total thursdays to reach you and this all HAD to happen during such an important time for this fandom! I owe you an explanation for that and here it is. The first Thursday I missed was because our new (just installed at the beginning of this year) router started acting up. Shortly after that, like an hour or two it died completely and we were in a nearly week-long battle to have it replaced (Our internet providers didn't want to help us or believe us). That whole time, I wasn't able to type a word because I use google docs to write these stories. And it doesn't let you work offline. (Yes, I used Word for years before that and it let me work offline. But it lost too much of my work ALL-THE-TIME. On or offline. I had to give it up for my own mental health and I never regret it till moments like this) So I was writing this chapter and several other things old school in a spiral notebook. While waiting for our internet to work. By the time it was finally fixed it was nearly Zoey 102's premier date.
I did watch Zoey 102 anyway, and after freaking out accordingly (I did enjoy it, for the most part! YAY QUOGAN! More than anything! But I was cheering for Choey too by the end. Even if 98 percent of all of that was all CHASE for me! You've read this story, you know how much I love him). It took me a couple of more days to get back to where I could think of these guys as kids again. As all of the adult plots started to take new twists and turns in my head from the info we got. I had tried to anticipate that before, but it all exceeded my expectations. ((Don't worry, I wrote ALL of that down too! Based on the plots in the movie as well as the headcanons I STILL intend on writing someday.)) But that is all for later. My focus is still here and making this story the very best that I can. When the gang was still kids and I'm not quitting till it's done.
Mix all of that stress with the horrendous migraines I fought, during and after this mess. We end up right back here to this Thursday. ((SIGH!)) But I'm Finally back, finally able to post again AND Zoey 102 was fun! YAY! I hope all of you have had fun with it too. If you watched it or just looked at gifs about it! No judgement here, fan-freakout however you like! I hope all of you got to have some fun as well, and these new words are reaching you all very well. I also want you to know that I will do everything I can to not let a pause like this happen again between now and the end of this fic... which yes. I have a plan for that. But that's not what today's chapter is about. No! That's future stuff.
With that being said, let's get started on this chapter, FINALLY!
First let me thank all of you new readers who just added this story to their favorite story lists, or story alert. As well as all of you new people who just added me as an authoress to their favorite author's list or Author's alert. I appreciate it more than words and hope you're still reading.
Special thanks to the three readers who reviewed between my last post and now. Rose-Aki (My friend! As always your words bring such relief. Yes, I thought it would be super sweet of him to KNOW her favorites without asking. More likely for Logan to drag out his hurt by hiding it too. I'm glad you can picture the lifts I described too... That was hard and coming chapters are even harder to perfect on all of the dancing. I wanted to get more perspectives in here, and Zoey felt the most relevant... but it was a gamble. [so many fans have trouble forgetting Zoey is Jamie-Lynn and I didn't know if people would like reading her views]! Thank you so much for your unfailing kindness about this fear. I also really wanted to establish that esp between Chase and her! God bless you for liking it! There's gonna be tons more about Lola's struggle and Vince seeing things to come. Also more coming about Mark and Brooke. I hope this all finds you very well. That it brightens your day and brings a little extra sunshine your way! Much Love!), jadewestsissoluv (OMG! Thank you so much for writing in! I really appreciate that! You're making me blush! Thank you so much for such positive comments. I'm so glad you've found and enjoyed it. I hope this chapter only adds to that enjoyment. I hope you had as much fun watching the movie [Zoey 102 but like you said Quogan's wedding day!] as we did! Hope you're having a great day! Much Love!), And Guest (Holy crap! You binge-read this in two days! WoW! I feel like I need to apologize for my wordiness! LoL! I'm so glad you've enjoyed it so far, I hope you still will. Thank you so much for taking the time to write in! I really appreciate it! Hope you're having a great day and Much Love!).
Standard Disclaimers Apply - I don't own Zoey 101, Zoey 102, Nickelodeon, MTV or any of the other trademarked things mentioned in this story. I am merely borrowing all of it for my own sick amusement and most will be returned unharmed.
Enjoy!
"The Collective Trials of a Quinnventor… and Logan"
Chapter 25 - The Punish Plot
(Logan's Perspective)
Long story short, I didn't get to spend much of Saturday at all with Quinn. But even the little bit I had spent with her had made me so freaking nuts for her. I couldn't sleep, no matter how tired I actually was… I did not sleep. So Sunday was already off to BAD start and this was starting to be a pattern.
When I laid down and closed my eyes, all I kept seeing behind my eyelids, was the tougher parts of my week on repeat. They just wouldn't turn off, or stop replaying in my head. Over and over again on loop in my head. If it wasn't arguing about coffee with someone, it was Lola getting in my face to tell me that I wasn't good enough for Quinn. It was all the times I could see Quinn, but had to keep my distance (Saturday). As she'd gotten through the tough day today had been. The worst parts of her day or my week. I had to keep watching that DOUCHBAG come on to her, but turn around on a dime and accept another girl's showy Prom Ask. Surrounded in school news cameras and flashes like he'd just won the super bowl.
After watching Quinn nicely avoid all of his asking her out. Through lunch, and their study session in the library… Why didn't she just say NO? Why did she HAVE to be so nice about it? Tank him! He's just here till the next girl comes along. Great Choice AGAIN, Lola! I knew that guy was a snake in the grass! And you guys would have been so happy if he'd taken Quinn out? Lola may be right when she said I didn't deserve Quinn. I'll give her that! I Don't, and I know it! But that hudger sure as shit didn't EITHER! And if you HAD put money on it, you would have LOST! BIG!
Can you blame me for being bitter? I can't!
If nothing else, Jeremiah's broadcast had effectively SHUT DOWN all of the girls' endless chatter. Hoping Drew would date Quinn or be her prom date. If I had had to sit through another minute of listening to that. I think I would have confessed in front of everyone! And taken the beating, ribbing, and teasing gladly. JUST so I wouldn't have to hear ANY MORE about that MORON! Or ANYONE else taking MY girlfriend to freaking PROM! Then I could just take her myself, and I wouldn't have to rely on these classes so much anymore either!
Classes that were making Quinn rearrange all of her life now. Because too many people were depending on her for help with their finals…AGAIN! Why is she so nice?!
On top of helping people study. A ton of people were also counting on Quinn (and me) to help them look good at Prom…Which meant more to EVERYBODY now that they knew it was being recorded. By my Dad's company, which I didn't get. My dad's company had been filming the Proms here at PCA long before I was born. It wasn't like it would be in a real film or anything, not this year. It was just for the archives of the school. But our senior year… may be different.
Why didn't I just do that? Just CONFESS I love Quinn and get it over with? I know, it's because that wouldn't have been fair to Quinn or me really. She's not ready for everyone to know and that's the ONLY thing that kept me quiet… Well, that, and I wanted to kind of tell her how I feel when we're alone. If I can ever get the words to come out! So no matter how she felt about me, her reaction was only for me to see. And there wasn't any added pressure for her to tell me how she felt. Is it crazy to want that? I still have no clue if she could feel the same. If she could even say it after being hurt so badly by Mark… Yesterday, he'd been one of the worst parts of her whole day. She didn't say so, but I could tell.
If she'd told Mark she loved him all the time {like I remember hearing her say it to him} and it felt AT ALL like this feels. I can only imagine how she felt when he threw it all away for Brooke. The jerk! No, not good enough, how could he be so soulless? So brainless, making someone like Quinn feel that way? Even for a minute? I'll never get it... and I hope I'm never that dumb.
What I would GIVE…what I would do… to hear her say it to me, even just once… without realizing I wasn't just dreaming again. But I was so gone on her, the words just get so stuck in my throat. I wondered will I ever be able to get them out.
But Jeremiah STILL deserved the volley to the face I'd spiked at him. At least that had been something we'd all agreed on. I only wished I could have used a harder ball, like a bowling ball kind of harder…but Quinn wouldn't have liked that. Ever since Mark made her feel so small and pathetic (That PRICK!) she's too nice. Till her friends get taken down with her… THEN her beast mode turns on (and truthfully so do I, but in a different way. She's way too HOT when she's mad… even when she's mad at me).
So I gave up sometime around 4am, after lying there pointlessly for hours. I went ahead and got ready for dance practice. But to my surprise. I wasn't the only one super early this morning. Quinn was already there too, so were Gleb and Paulina. It would have been SOOOOOOO much better if it had just been the two of us. So much earlier, how we could have spent that time. If I could have talked to her and didn't have to start my day so fast. If we could have eased into it all a little slower. Like yesterday morning, even if just for that little bit at the beginning of the day again. That had felt MUCH better.
It seems NONE of us could sleep last night. Paulina rounded on me the moment I was through the door and said, "Logan, A word." In that commanding way that always made Gleb look nervous. Even if it wasn't directed at him.
I did as she asked and stepped off to the side with her. She explained, "First, we need you and Quinn to teach us the dance that you have shared with your class. I've heard too much about it and need to add it to my repertoire-"
Gleb added, "Not to mention, we can help teach it to the slower learners in the coming weeks. We met with some of the coaches yesterday and set it all up."
"Sure," I agreed, we'd taught countless other people. Might as well add these two for extra credit. I was going to go get Quinn and give them a crash course.
But Paulina stopped me and warned, "But that's not all, hold on there. I have something else to discuss."
"Okay, what?" I asked.
Paulina took a breath and admitted, "Yesterday morning, when I stepped out with Quinn, and did a little female bonding. She told me about your secret, because she thought I already knew. I was so intrigued to hear her tale, I may have pretended I knew more than I did. But what a story! You two really are adorable and unique! How you are hiding it from the rest of your friends. Even though apparently those friends are mutual."
"Yeah," I said dumbly, not having much else to say. "But that's because even though we've been friends a long time. I've never been very nice to her, before now-"
Gleb cut in to tease, "Oh! How did I just know you were that guy?"
"What guy?" I asked him. Not knowing whether to be insulted or if this was just another vague difference between here and wherever Gleb's actually from (and no I don't remember where even though I know he's mentioned it).
Paulina straightened out, "You know, you were like my oldest son, tugging on girl's pigtails when you like them. Instead of always being nice to them like my middle son. Who protects his little girlfriend, even though he still uses her to push up on when he stands up."
Gleb felt the need to defend his middle son, "She makes him feel secure and he's almost two. He's only been walking a little while and his girlfriend's forehead is so big you could land a plane on it. They're too adorable for words."
I still don't know if I should be insulted or not in the end. I ended up saying, "This all just happened so fast when no one was expecting it. And it just took over from there, we knew our friends would never understand or let us live it down. So they still don't know we're dating."
Gleb asked, "Are you sure these people are really your friends? Because that doesn't sound like it."
"I know that sounds bad, but they really are awesome the rest of the time. They're just REALLY dumb about this one thing lately." I might as well warn them.
Paulina repeated Quinn's theory of thinking, "Quinn seems to think that their all too wrapped up in their own relationships. With girlfriends and boyfriends of their own. They'd be completely blindsided if they found out."
That's probably true, when is Quinn wrong? But even I question if that's enough to explain it. How ALL of them seem to have their heads too far up their asses to notice what's right in front of them. I felt like I still needed to defend, "They're cool, they're just having too much fun dating to really look around. But you don't have to take my word for it, our friends are joining this class today. They want to get the upper edge on the rest of the school (but really just whoever's attending prom). But they're not coming till around 9, I told them you guys might be busy in case you wanted to duck out before they got here. But if you wanted to help us teach them, I'd pay for the overtime."
"No need!" Both dancers insisted at the same time.
Before Paulina went on, "This has been way too much fun and inspiring to our work. This is what I really wanted to talk to you and Quinn about. Before we get started on perfecting everything from yesterday, today. You're almost there, the both of you are truly fantastic! Even if you're both at your best when you're together. It's very lucky that you both got here so early too. Because I think I know a way we can set your gym floors on absolute fire again. Like you described happening during your first performance. If you're up to the challenge?"
Gleb reminded his wife, "Ba-by? This is Logan! Our friend… of COURSE, he's up for the challenge. He usually is. The more reluctant one is gonna be Quinn. You saw how shy she was with me yesterday. Like she was afraid I would bite her. Until she was back with Logan again, then she could have given you a run for your pro moves… she's gonna be the one you have to convince."
Paulina seemed to think. "No-no, she'll do it. She'll do it! I was talking to her about it when I did her hair today and fixed that THING they dare to call a practice skirt to fit her! Complement her, Logan. She needs all of the reassurances she can get. And it carries more weight coming from you, that ex of hers mutilated her self-image." Paulina nearly spits the end of her statement.
I glanced at my girlfriend as she was using a railing to stretch and let Paulina know. "Not gonna be a problem. Good job on her hair, thanks for always making her feel a little more beautiful."
"No sweat, she's a natural. Besides, I'm surrounded in boys at home. A little girl time has been very nice." Paulina waved off. Before she was right back into pro dancer mode explaining. "I believe beauty is a major tactic to getting any woman to perform well. How can she sell a single step if she doesn't feel enticing? She showed me the practice skirt she would have to be wearing too. Those shapeless, artless sacks all of the girls will be wearing. I STILL think you guys can totally do this. But I have to admit, my main inspiration for these routines would be the story Quinn shared yesterday. It kept me up all night because I was dancing the steps telling that story ALL NIGHT."
Gleb almost complained as he said, "This is true." Because it meant that he had been on baby duty all night. And he was outnumbered, while Mommy kept dancing around the kitchen. (Because their kitchen table has a bench on one side according to Gleb).
Another long story short, Paulina wanted to help us plan out a full-blown professional routine for each dance. To perform after showing the class the basic steps, so that we hopefully got them all interested in these dances, just like we had our dance. {No, I can't call it anything else, and can't see it as any other way, it's ours… it really is! Sorry Not Sorry, Dad!} I knew it was risky because this idea could make me just as sentimental about these dances. Because I knew the story they were secretly inspired by, {how Quinn and me had gotten together}. But without me suggesting a thing, Paulina's schemes also included showing just how hard these dances actually are to master like we've had to… Paulina is a genius!
And even though I should be worried about someone catching on to the truth behind these performances. I KNEW it would never even occur to our closest friends. JUST like when I had kissed her during the kiss auction, and none of them caught on. Paulina hadn't heard that story, so when that little tidbit was tossed in by yours truly. Her face lit up and she said excitedly. "That's perfect! Just perfect!"
Gleb translated for me, "That could be just the segway she needed to shift the happier dances to a dead serious and romantic Tango she's planned for us. She's been talking about this… all last night and this morning."
I felt like I needed to say, "Sorry, man." to Gleb. I didn't mean to make his night so rough.
But he assured me, "Nothing's hotter than a woman on a mission like this. I feel like I should be apologizing to you two. You're the ones doing most of the work, after all."
That was when Quinn came over and joined the party. Today she was wearing a bright "hurt me" shade of red practice skirt and the second she was in sight. I kinda had trouble not hanging on to her. Not grabbing her or always touching her somehow. Not only because of the latin style we were dancing, or because red is my favorite color either. She just looked so freaking gorgeous in it, her brown eyes and hair just looked better with it than ever. You couldn't take your eyes off of her… not that the idea entered my mind.
Usually, these practice things are shapeless and too big for all the girls… Even Mo is usually big enough on her to pitch a tent. Like Paulina was complaining about, it can't be fun dancing in it. But Quinn somehow always still managed to look SO freaking HOT! So Elegant! In anything! Even when she'd just slung it over her gym clothes. Today, she was wearing leggings and a tank top underneath. And you could see the ties from her swimsuit peeking out of her collar. Paulina had tightened it in all of the right places by tying off knots using rubberbands and safety pins. I kind of heard her explain that. But if she'd wanted me to hear EVERY word she said, she shouldn't have started with 'look at Quinn.' All her words were just backup noise after that.
It might be a good thing that 'our characters' had to be so hot for each other today and tomorrow. I was even more nuts now than I had been all night. I probably wasn't gonna sleep this WEEK… but it was still worth it! Paulina dragged Gleb off to plan some more and gave us a second together. THANK GOD! As they're chattering got further and further away. I just pulled Quinn close and kissed her good morning. I tried to keep it gentle, but it wasn't easy. I think I even told her, "Red has never been more my favorite color than it is right now."
She hugged me, telling me. "I kinda thought you might approve." Then she pulled back to look me in the eye when she asked, "You couldn't sleep either?"
"No, not at all." I let her know, "Some of that's your fault."
"How so?" She asked putting one hand on her hip. She knew I was teasing and she was bringing it all right back.
"Well, someone made me completely crazy, dancing with me till too close to curfew. So we didn't get a chance to sneak off together at all." I accused, wrapping my arms around her and holding on tight.
She laughed out, "Who's idea was it to stay dancing till the last musical note had been hit?" But she wrapped her arms around me too. As she'd said that, not playing fair either.
"Mine," I admitted, "but that's just cause once I start dancing with you. I always forget that there is anything else I'm supposed to do. Which is your fault too."
She turns and looks at my face more seriously. Telling me, as she rested a hand on my cheek, "You look more tired today, but you seem happier too. Are you?"
"Sure," I said simply, turning my head and pressing a kiss to the base of her thumb. While her hand had still been resting on my face. I didn't think it would be good to tell her how happy I was. Now that I don't have to hear her roommates dream on, anymore, about her dating Drew. How much happier I was just for that. So I went for the nicer sounding point, "I looked at your schedule for today and know you don't have to meet with anyone till after lunchtime. We can get a lot of dancing in between now and then."
She agreed before revealing, "I had tried to plan out some time. Just in case my boyfriend wanted to meet up sometime this morning. I didn't know at the time I would need it to per-fect dancing full routines. I probably would have given us more time."
Crap! I wish I'd known that! She laughed when she saw my reaction. Even when all I said was, "Damn!"
She laughed harder, "No, this is good. This is probably gonna be way more productive than all the making out we probably would have done otherwise."
I accused, "Now you're just TRYING to kill me."
Which made her laugh and swear "No! That's not it."
"Nope, save it." I acted like I was insulted and claimed, "I'm on to you."
But she was just too sweet and too addictive. All she had to do was kiss me, till I was leaning on the bars she's been using to stretch. Then she finished me off by saying, "You're not the only one who was too- let's say involved to sleep last night. If you think you're alone in that, you really are crazy."
Which had me holding up a hand and saying, "Wait, hold UP? Wait a minute? Are you saying… what I think you're saying?"
She smiled and repeated, "If you think you're alone in this… you are crazy."
I admitted, "That's a relief." Before I corrected, "Not that we're both losing sleep. No, not that part but…you know, that we're both making each other-"
"Question our sanity?" She added.
I went for it and whispered in her ear, "I was thinking more turned on… Maybe?" I'd never really said it before, even though I thought it ALLLLLL the time. I didn't know how she would react. I didn't want to gross her out or freak her out. But you have no idea, SHE had no IDEA, how much I've wanted her! Like this WHOLE time! And she needs to know, she needs to realize she's got a superpower over me. Just as much as she needs to know how much that red dress had just made it all worse. And it wasn't even a real dress, you know?
She nodded and agreed humming a "Ah Huh!" With this little knowing smile and glint to her eye that made me smile wider. Oh, thank god I hadn't tripped her out. She even said, "I was wondering if that could be it."
"Wondering?" I repeated. "What's there to wonder about?" I know all of these sneak away, make out and dance sessions had only been getting hotter and hotter as time has gone on. She's too bright not to have noticed it either.
She smiled up at me, "Well, you've never used quite that wording before… I thought it was just me." The face I made had to be funny. Because she laughed and was quick to say. "In my defense, my only other relationship was completely one-sided. I've kinda gotten used to always thinking it's only me." She said and I know it all looks innocent as words on a page. But she was swaying with me. And there was something in the way she was still holding on to me and saying all of these things that cracked my normal heartbeat a lot faster. Like Donkey Kong on Bongo-drum beats.
While I said, "No way that's still the case, not with me, not for a minute."
She said, "Well, that makes me happy."
"Me too." I had to admit, kissing the top of her head. "Our sneak away times haven't just been getting hotter because there's been less of them lately."
Quinn agreed, "No, It's been hotter than hot lately."
"That or, you know…Pouring gasoline on a grease fire. Because I think that's the only way I can describe it." I tried to paint a picture. But of course, Quinn's mental picture beat mine by lightyears.
She smirked and leaned in close to share only with me, "While I was having to explain the heat of a star, or supernova over and over yesterday. I kept thinking that heat had nothing on us."
Yep! Mushroom cloud, over my head! I was a goner! How does she always do that to me? So easily, too? I had to pull her around a corner and make out with her for just a few minutes. Before the pros returned and wanted to talk to us more. About these performances, they wanted to create. And before all of our friends raided this class, and I had more than one role to play again. I had to get some of this out of my system.
And like she'd been hinting, I wasn't the only one who'd needed it. She held on to me so tightly, made every kiss count and she didn't want it to end any more than I did. I'd felt again the way her fingers dug into my shoulders and back… God! I love her so much!
But when it did have to end and we had to step back out of that little heaven. She was just as reluctant to step out of it as I was. We had to walk out of it together.
I wanted to keep that smile on her face going. It was so relaxed, happy, and GORGEOUS. And I had put it there! So I asked her, "How are you feeling? Are you okay, today? Or did I need to try and take out anyone else with a volleyball?"
I was trying to be cute, and I did make her laugh. But before she could answer me, Paulina was back to being a drill marshall. Perfecting every little thing before our friends were getting the first look at all we had planned at 9. Thank GOD Quinn had pushed back her study sessions to after lunch today. I was not tackling this group class thing without my BEST partner.
After yesterday, today felt much easier, and Quinn was letting me lift her more and more. She was even letting me try things now. When an idea hit me, or our professional audience. Who got us to do the whole thing Paulina put together three more times non-stop all before 8am. So we had a full hour before our friends were supposed to arrive. We could eat breakfast together if we wanted to while Paulina and Gleb wanted to work out some of their own routines they were planning. To show off some of those pro moves. But they asked us to bring them both something when we're finished.
Before we could go, before they were dancing together…Paulina clued us in on her REAL plot, versus what she would be telling our friends.
Her plot [at the time] was that, she and Gleb would teach the whole class today on all three dances. She wanted Quinn and me to be practicing off out of sight somewhere for a bit longer. Gleb called it 'dangling a carrot.' Because they wanted to challenge and prompt everyone with a chance to brag... before both pros wanted our friends to KNOW how difficult it all really is. They wanted them to spread the word of mouth too, how hard this week was gonna be. Which we knew all of them would do that!
Then, both pros (or Quinn and me) show them what we can really do.
They planned on telling my friends that whoever does the best job perfecting the moves. COULD get to help Quinn and me in our performances for setting the standard. I knew any of them would jump at this chance to show off, but Paulina was almost certain no one would meet her standards in all three dances (if any). When that was official, which I predicted to be about ten minutes into this class. Her and Gleb would HAVE to make up for that glaring hole in her plan by stepping in to perform with us on Monday in the gym… Which is what both pros really wanted. I know Paulina was really just doing all of this because she secretly wants to be there when we perform. She wants to see what our classmates see and she wants to DANCE. But I let her teach our friends a tough lesson along the way. Serves them right for all of that Drew drama they caused this week. For trying to shove him at Quinn too. Karma can be a killer!
I could tell Quinn was nervous the moment she realized Paulina planned to dance alongside her. Even if that wasn't exactly the plan, because Paulina wouldn't be dancing exactly the same time or way as Quinn would.
But still to be to dancing even near Paulina…knowing it, I could see her hands starting to shake. Even though they were folded together on her lap. I put a hand over them, and Paulina was already explaining. "You two are spectacular partners together. We're gonna show off how important it is to have the right partner for these dances. That there has to be trust, talent, and motivation to be as good as you two are. Because I get the feeling these people don't realize how special you two are. They just think you're playing around or something. Gleb and I will only be as good when we're together and you two will look like pros with us, compared to everyone else."
But Quinn still asked, "Wouldn't it be better if you two danced instead of us? I mean, you're going to be there now and you are the professionals. Wouldn't it just be better if you guys just performed?"
But even though I wanted to show off Quinn, and I REALLY wanted to dance our story. I understood why it was so important for us to still dance. [That and I really WANTED to dance with Quinn] I squeezed her still shaking hands and explained before the pros could. "When Gleb and Paulina dance, it's so amazing, that all of our classmates could think. 'I'll never be able to do that.' But when they see us. Two people they pass in the hall every day, when they see what we can do, they'll think. 'Let me try that.' Or we hope they will, right?"
Paulina was up out of her seat. "YES! YES! This is exactly what we hope. Quinn, you really are incredible when you're teamed with him. We're only going to show that off more. Trust me!"
I didn't miss the blush on Quinn's face when Paulina pointed this out. Or that the blush got so much worse when she looked at me. Even if she was smiling too.
Gleb even explained, "Paulina's gonna be looking for perfection, in the footwork of our new students today. My goal is to help these other people pair dance together more comfortably. Something I only tweaked you two on, slightly. Are they all paired off with boyfriends and girlfriends?"
"Yeah," I answered at the same time as Quinn.
Quinn went on to explain, "Logan and I are the only single ones these days. So our friends think that's brought us closer. Or that we're acting when we dance, Nothing more."
Paulina said, "Well, let us help you both raise some more eyebrows today. After the routines I've planned they're gonna be jumping in the pool. Just to cool off."
Quinn whispered to me, "Is that wise? Aren't we trying to keep this a secret?"
"Sure," I whispered back. "But why not have a little fun while we're at it?" It's not our fault they're dumb? I felt good about this, I was confident that we had this. I just had to make sure Quinn felt better too. So while we took that breakfast break at 8, I was gonna do my best to help Quinn relax.
I found her standing by the pool room doors watching Gleb and Paulina practice their dance. They really did look terrific together, I had to admit it. The dance they were trying to figure out looked beautiful already. Why my Dad had split them up with different partners for his movie? I'll never know!
While Quinn and I were doing a more basic Tango to teach all week. Our Pro teachers had opted for an 'Argentine Tango' which is a dance I don't know. I've only heard about it and know that it's one of the toughest dances ever made even for pros. I've never tried that one, but Paulina said it's her favorite dance. Not only because it's so technical and a challenge but the storytelling she gets to do during it. So Gleb had no shot, even if he'd wanted an easier performance. His wife was putting him to work, big time.
While I admit it was pretty to look at, and impressively technical, what they were doing. Quinn was in an absolute trance next to me. How are all girls so swept up so easy, by stuff like that? I told her, "We better go grab some breakfast before the others start showing up. Some could even be early. Like all of the girls, hoping Paulina will style their hair like yours yesterday."
She said, "You're right, but can we just watch them another minute?"
"Okay, for a minute." I agreed, and she leaned her back against me and let me hold on to her while she watched. I admitted out loud, "They're a great pair, aren't they?"
"They're PERFECT!" She stressed. "What are we even thinking, sharing a stage with THAT?"
I had been expecting that one. "They're telling their story, we're telling a different one."
"But look at her," she even pointed, but I was looking at Quinn and I was too focused on her. I put my arms around her higher from behind and just held her while I could. She went on anyway, "When she moves it's like poetry, when he moves it's like art. They make it all look so natural and seamless too. There's no way we can move like that."
I nodded against her right shoulder, "She's very good and she's a pro for a reason, so is Gleb. But when you move it's awesome in a different way."
She pat my hand and told me, "You can say it, it's in a more spazz-tic way."
I turned her to face me and told her, "No, you were right, you're not a spazz. It's just you move differently because you're… you. You can be just as mesmerizing to watch, believe me! And sure you're not a pro, neither am I. The story we're telling is totally different from theirs. It's ours too, and it has its own kind of magic. Why else would these guys be cooking up such a scheme just to be included Monday? They want to see us do this as much our friends, coaches and classmates. Now that they've seen what we can do, they want to cheer us on. They even said we inspired them." I left out that they're even talking about helping out next weekend too already. Even chaperoning our Prom, since they met some coaches. I can't believe Prom is only two weeks away.
But more than all of that, after watching her dance all day. I couldn't believe she still had no clue how amazing she was. And I would have been saying that even if she wasn't my girlfriend. She has that spark, Gleb had mentioned. It had kept me up last night, and several nights before that.
Quinn scoffed, "You're practically a pro, even our pros have said that. The only reason I look okay is because you're that good."
"No, it's what we both bring to it, trust me." I glanced at a clock on the wall and realized. "If we're gonna stand any chance at having breakfast at all, we'd better go. Now, come on, I'm starving. Aren't you?"
She agreed, "Yeah, let's go."
But it had been made clear to me in these early morning practices that Quinn can trust me. That she doesn't struggle as much with trusting me anymore… she's really having a harder time trusting herself. This little talk showed me that even more, that she still needs to know just how much she brought to this too. She needed to know that she's AMAZING, she wasn't just good, she was GREAT! And most importantly, she needed to KNOW she was good enough to dance beside anyone and give them a run for their money. Even our professional friends. So my tactics were all based around that plan today. The minute we were alone. But first, breakfast.
We weren't even gone too long, but by the time we'd come back (carrying breakfast for our pro friends), Gleb was explaining Paulina had revised her plan. Some of our friends were early and she had been getting to know the girls particularly. And morphed her plans after her first impressions of Zoey, Lola, Lisa, and… Stacey… though I don't want to know how she'd convinced the girls to include her.
If Quinn was surprised by Stacey's appearance, she hid it well. Going out of her way to compliment her and praise Stacey's look and taste. So I couldn't even act like she shouldn't be here… even if I REALLY wanted to. Because her dance partner she'd brought was somehow Jeremiah Trottman. Someone who definitely didn't deserve the word 'friend' after his report last night. But nobody else acted like it was so unusual and I couldn't throw him out. Because Stacey needed a dance partner.
So I just settled for throwing out Jeremiah's camera crew. Which included Del Figgs (draped in Brooke who was surrounded in her clique), Yeah! I threw them ALL out! That had felt good.
They're damn lucky I didn't throw them and their equipment into the pool. That my Dad raised me to respect the equipment, otherwise it would have been FLOATING! Just because Mark was with them. Jeremiah's a tool! And the whole rest of the crew was ASKING for it!
I'd even gotten to point out both Mark and Brooke to Paulina and Gleb. Who after knowing Quinn for two days, had grown just as spiteful and protective as the rest of our friends. Have I mentioned how much I like both of these people? I don't call them my friends just because we've danced together a few times. They really are great people, and I kinda thought Paulina was gonna bite Brooke. She hissed at her! It was hilarious!
I asked Paulina, "Can you do that, you're gonna be teaching them to dance for the next two weeks."
Paulina set me straight, "And I will be GREAT when I have to be her teacher. But today, I'm still just a washed-out, sell-out pro dancer trying to prove my figure's back." She'd practically roared.
Gleb confirmed, "Paulina may have overheard that Brook girl saying as much. Glad she's not one of your friends."
All of our real friends were cheering when they were gone while Jeremiah was pulling damage control. Stacey had even said, "Good for you Logan. None of them needed to be here. Thanks for letting me stay."
Paulina's new plan since the school news troll had shown up. Was to keep all of our routines completely under wraps. Till we were performing them in front of everyone in the gym Monday. Paulina even said, "Serves them right for letting that little newscaster into our closed set." She planned to teach the steps today and nothing more. But she also planned on making this class so complex that they would never miss us or remember we were supposed to be dancing with them. She was already cracking that whip on everyone while Gleb clued us in.
Since our friends were taken care of and in good hands. Since Gleb was already enjoying his breakfast and sneaking Paulina's to her. I took my partner's hand and said, "Let's go work on our routine a little more. While we can."
Quinn dragged her feet and asked, "Shouldn't we stay and help?"
"Nope," I said still walking and tugging her behind me.
She felt like reminding me, "But they're our friends and Paulina has gone full dragon lady on them. Shouldn't we do something? Before they all hate her? Don't we want them to like her?"
"Nope," I repeated while Gleb laughed and opened the door for us.
Gleb assured her, "They'll respect her in the end Quinn, everyone always does."
Then he winked at us both promising. "Just leave them to us, go work on perfecting your own routines and music selections. Maybe even a few curveballs for us old pros while you're at it. To make it your own, anything you want. Have some fun too, okay? This is dancing, not brain surgery. Yes? It should be more fun and come from the heart. Bye bye my friends, peek back in after a little while."
Still, reluctantly Quinn followed, and I pulled her along. We went off into another place. Where we could practice alone together. All we needed was an open area with a floor, an assistant coach pointed out one that wasn't used during this time of day. It even had some mates folded up in a corner. In case either of us got nervous on any lifts while we weren't near the poolside. And folding chairs we could put together to mimic a bench. It was the perfect place to practice, and we would practice… we would.
But I had to kiss her the minute we were alone and the door closed beyond us. I couldn't even tell you how long I had been holding that all in. It always gets so much more intense when we dance too. And we had been dancing for HOURS! And HOURS! The way she moves, the way she looks at me, the way she breathes… it all affects me! And makes me just INSANE for her! Completely Unhinged! And the only way I can let it out, is when I get to be with her. Like this again.
I mustn't have been the only raving lunatic either. Because we'd ended up making out right beside the door. I trapped her against the wall but met no resistance at all. I'd even picked her up and her legs had gone tightly around my waist. She kept squeezing me so tightly and I kept trying to cushion her back with my hand, but it was so intense for a little while. I really hope I didn't hurt her. When we pulled apart she giggled out. "Should we practice more?... Or is it too dangerous?... Because it's just… gonna stir us up… more than this?"
I couldn't even answer her at first, I was too out of breath. She was still sneaking kisses wherever she could reach. My neck, my face, my cheek, my forehead… God! I love her! How was there ever a doubt? Ever? "A-As long as I'm not the only one… getting worked up. Yeah, I'm down." I said before I stepped back from the wall a step and took her full weight for a second. So I could dip her backwards slightly before agreeing, "Sure." With a big smile. She laughed and we kissed just a little longer before she unwrapped her legs from around me and I stood up straight again. I already missed her the moment she let go.
Telling me, "We keep this up, we won't get anything else done. Before our time's up for another day." I spun us before trapping her again and trailing kisses down her neck. While she laughed claiming "Hey, that tickles."
I asked, "Would that really be so bad?"
She acted like she was gonna kiss me again. But, just a breath away, she spun trapped me reminding me. "This was all your idea AND you know what a perfectionist I am."
I agreed slowly, "Yeah. But technically kissing is part of this scheme. Maybe we should work on perfecting it more."
That got her attention, "Since when?"
"Since this morning," I explained. "When I was talking about the kiss we shared at the auction. And all of our friends still thought we were barely friends. Because they know I can act and you're too good for me-"
"No! I'm NOT!" Quinn interrupted and put her hands on both sides of my face. "Logan!" She insisted hovering super close. "It's not like you to doubt your worth, even for a second. Why on Earth would you let Lola make you feel that way? Or any of our friends, for that matter? When they don't have an inkling of what you really mean to me? Why would you doubt, even for a second, what you mean to me?"
I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her even closer. "Because I don't deserve someone as great as you. I know that, but I'm selfish and stubborn enough to keep you anyway. Even when I know it… And I'm not gonna give you up, I'll be here as long as you let me be."
"And I don't see how I could ever tell you to let go." She said letting her forehead rest against mine. I closed my eyes and she added, "Any more than I could ever let go of you, now."
I had to kiss her again, she couldn't have any idea of how happy her words had made me. When I pulled away and rested my head on her shoulder. She said, "You have been avoiding talking about this for days. I know you're hurt, why are you still trying to hide it? Why did you avoid it like this? For this long?"
"I don't know." I admitted from her shoulder. It was never easy to admit when my feelings were hurt, even when I was a little kid. And no one seemed to really want me around besides my dad. But it was coming out pretty easily now. With her arms around me. "It's never been something I handle very well. Especially when it's a friend who hurt me, and they have no idea what they're even talking about. It's like getting mad at them for nothing, you know? They can't help it they hurt you, so why doesn't it just go away?"
She just held me and said, "Yeah… It always seems to be so much worse. When it's the people we trust and love, like them. Maybe Paulina and Gleb aren't being as cruel as I originally thought." She said as I felt one of her hands stroke the back of my head and neck. The other stroked my back, she was too good at this. I felt like I could have told her almost anything.
I tried to say it, "I love you." But just like the words that wouldn't come out about my hurt feelings… I could not get the words out. I wanted to say it, I felt it so strongly too. But they just stayed stubbornly in my throat and made it hurt.
Then she reminded me, "Aren't you always telling me to be more confident? To just be me? And to not be so scared to let my greatness show?" When I nodded, because I still couldn't talk. She said. "I can't believe I have to ask this right now. But have you looked into a mirror lately when you said any of these things?"
"It's different with you though," I pointed out, when my voice was working again. I looked at her, I tucked a piece of hair that had been sticking out back behind her ear and explained. "I know I'm awesome in a lot of ways and I don't mind saying so, normally. But you're absolutely incredible! And you don't seem to ever know that. I can't think of anyone who could possibly deserve you… And you always seem so shocked whenever anyone points it out. I think you should have it pointed out everyday, in every way. And Mark was an even BIGGER idiot for not doing that… Still wanting your help for his exams too! What a jerk!"
"Don't change the subject." She'd caught me, "This isn't about me, Mark, or anyone else. This is about you, what do you need, right now?"
I was honest with her when I said, "I can't say it-"
She insisted, "Yes, you can. It's just you and me here. You can say it."
"No, I really can't." I tried to explain. "There aren't words and I don't even know how to explain. But I think that if we were to put it, all of it, into our tango. That could explain all of the things I don't have words for… I think we could tell an even better story too. Then the one we've been performing all morning. So… could we try that?"
Quinn's face was priceless, and she cleared her throat. "Let me see if I've got this straight. Your saying that you want to say something, but can't find the words. So you want to try to dance it with me. Instead of telling me vocally?"
"I know it's crazy, but it'll make one hell of a story if we can pull it off. And connect the other dances to it." I tried to rationalize, hoping she would just let me try. I wanted to tell her so badly that I loved her. It was busting out of me to say it, right there! That I had loved her for a long time, probably longer than I even realized… And I just couldn't get the words out. And this smelly equipment space didn't seem like the best place to tell her either. So I would have to tell her a different way, and again I was falling back on dance…
I never ever thought I could ever be this sappy, or gone. Quinn finally agreed, "Oooooookay."
So I warned her, again to keep in mind. "Paulina hinted that she'd wanted us to kiss before we start our tango if possible. So instead of kissing on the bench like we did when we got together. I thought I could kinda grab you and lay one on you before we tango. Is that cool? That way it shocks everyone into the right mood and…"
Quinn understood immediately, "That would make all of the arguing and reasoning within the dance make a lot more sense. If we were struggling with feelings… and that's really what it felt like at times too. But should we really be doing that in front of everybody? Chancing it like that, AGAIN. After we got away with it once and that was pretty miraculous?" She asked again.
I let her know, "I'm not passing it up… Not unless you're really that against it."
Trying to reason to the end, "Even if it's risky as all hell, kissing in front of everyone…You're okay with that?" Quinn asked.
"Yep." I let her know. "She did say the aim was to raise more eyebrows. Didn't she? And Gleb did just now suggest that we 'make it our own.' What do you say Pensky? Can we give our story a little more heat?"
She gave me this cute throaty laugh and said, "Okay! What do we have to lose?"
And I already felt so much lighter, between confessing what I could. Quinn's saying she didn't want to let me go and now we were turning up the heat on our dances… How could I not feel a hundred times better? Knowing that this Monday, we were gonna rock this whole place? Or when the dance we ended up making in that equipment closet was by FAR the hottest yet and both of us lost control too many times to count? This could be our best dances yet.
((James' Perspective))
When our roommate Logan offered us a chance to learn this week's dance early. When he had offered to let us in on these little dance classes he'd been attending in the mornings. Our entire group of friends was really happy. Even when a little voice in the back of my head tried to warn me. That this was all probably gonna be some kind of elaborate trap. Just because of the roommate this came from (Logan)… But I'd ignored it, I'd gone to the indoor pool room 2 with the rest of our friends. My girlfriend had shown up even earlier than I had and had gotten her hair styled by the lady professional. Did some female bonding with her and our other female friends too. All before class time, and they all looked a little more beautiful than normal when we arrived.
It all seemed fun and very light-hearted at the beginning, Paulina and Gleb seemed like nice people. They were sharing pictures of their children and stories about Logan's on-set shenanigans that were way too funny. They had even told how they'd met Logan when he was still middle school age and out dancing kids his age that were called professionals in the industry… but then the class had truly begun.
And all of that playfulness had vanished in a blink. Like it had all been some kind of dream.
Both professionals turned into titans of strength and agility, demanding absolute perfection. In every move, step, and pose. Swearing all of it not only meant something deeper. Something none of us could see or achieve correctly. Even when they gave physical examples of what it's meant to look like and mirrors have been placed everywhere. But all of it told a story that books and words couldn't. Which sounds intriguing enough, I know! But when you're all mimicking such precision and poise. And ALL of your surrounding peers (even some that swear to know the basics for each dance already) have no CLUE what is going on. It can also be very disjointed and seem SO strange.
That was how this morning's dance sessions had gone and strangely enough. No one could hardly remember even seeing Quinn or Logan throughout class either. Logan had basically shown up to kick out the audio-visual club. Disappeared for long periods of time and showed back up at the end of class. To ask everyone "how we felt." Sporting a look like he'd been making out with someone. And it couldn't have been Quinn, because she looked perfectly fine. No different from when she had first shown up this morning.
At the end of the session, when the lunch bell sounded. None of us left, because none of us could move! The last time I had been through anything this grueling. To the point of pain, like this, was during that wrestling team I was forced to join. Some may even ask if it was really worth it keeping up with friends and a girlfriend like mine. When it's this tough and this difficult to keep up with them.
I may even kid around and question this out loud… and I think I did a few times today. Vince and me both are the newest to join. But I think both of us could boast, we have never been part of a more loyal or entertaining group of friends before now. There has literally never been a dull moment since the second they started referring to me as a friend. And there's no way I would trade a single one of them… even after such a rough morning. Even if especially my girlfriend, Zoey. Who even as she sweated and pushed herself so far beyond her comfort zones. Never stopped making me smile or laugh.
Quinn and Logan were the only ones unaffected by this class' complexity. They must both be in terrific shape, from all of this dancing if nothing else. They walked out of there looking as normal as always. Even though Quinn swore they had been dancing just as much in a different area. And Logan had been working just as hard as her (Quinn who looked unaffected and perfectly normal. While Logan was sporting "kiss-swollen lips" according to all of the girls).
Zoey, Michael, Lisa, Lola, Vince, Stacey, and Jeremiah all complained, moaned and groaned. Walking like old people who all needed cains, and were being too stubborn to use cains. And I was right with them. I had so many muscles hurting, that I didn't even know I had. I couldn't even handle standing in a line waiting for my lunch to be served. I had to sit down first when we reached the outdoor eating areas.
Pathetically, we barely learned one dance in that class. I remembered more from the lifting class that happened in the pools than I did anything else. But Zoey was happy to hear that since I was lifting her and she was counting on me to not drop her. Vince and I both had to admit, even though this had been just as trying as the rest of our class. That had been the BEST part of the whole class. Getting to learn how all of that works and spending SO much time holding Zoey and having to look her in the eye or keep a straight face. It had been impossible so much of the time. Because Zoey seemed determined to crack me up. She'd wink, stick her tongue out or move her eyebrows up and down. Then I would be holding her shaking because I was laughing. But Vince was even gushing that that part of class hadn't been nearly as bad as any of us had been anticipating. I was even fairly confident we could do some of those moves out of the pool and at Prom.
But all of us were a little worried. Was this what Monday was gonna be like too? Was all of the dance lessons for the week gonna be this difficult? Were we gonna still feel this defeated most of the week? ALL of this week?
Or was Logan getting some kind of twisted pleasure out of torturing all of his friends? Quinn included, with making something fun a lot harder than it should be? Zoey seemed to believe that this was all Logan's doing. She was convinced he had set this whole thing up as punishment for what Lola had put him through the other day.
I quote my girlfriend's sentiments, "She hurt him and now he's killing us!" My girlfriend had told me as we hopefully lulled out of earshot.
I'd tried to reason. "If it was all Lola, then why make us all suffer? Why not just torture her, why did it have to be a twisted group session like this?"
Zoey explained, "Cause he's Logan! It doesn't have to make logical sense." Then she felt something snap in her back and pleaded. "Please tell me that wasn't my spine."
"It wasn't… I'm sure…" I tried to assure her. Then I tried to be cute, "Just like that crack I just heard wasn't my self-esteem or my ribs. Even though it hurts to breathe now."
Stacey and Jeremiah drifted off to different lunch tables. So it was just us friends surrounding a round table. Trying not to cry, as we each were taking turns getting up and getting our trays.
Logan was wearing an expression of 'HA! Serves them all right!' And like Vince, I kept noticing Quinn elbowing him or shaking her head at him. So maybe Zoey was on to something… apparently, the rest of our group was already siding with my all-knowing sweetheart too.
Michael accused, "Either Logan is getting back at us for having a meeting about him in our dorm. He's getting back at us all for what Lola said, Or this Prom is gonna be the death of us all!"
Even the 'Positive Prince' Vince Blake was saying, "If something's up, why can't he just talk to us about it? Why's he gotta strike back so viciously?"
Lola said, "I apologized, what else does he want? A contract signed in blood?"
Quinn had been just in time to hear Lola's declaration. Quinn interrupted our complaints to say, "I'm sorry that you all are so bent out of shape. But learning all of this hasn't been easy for anyone, Logan included. Just because we're looking better today, doesn't mean our first days of dancing so much were any more unrelenting than yours."
Zoey and Lola were unconvinced. Lola even said, "Well, I still think this is a revenge thing, and Logan's just being mean."
When all of us concurred, Quinn pushed her glasses back up her nose and leveled with us (while Logan hadn't returned yet with his lunch) "Maybe Logan isn't the problem here. Maybe you guys left Paulina and Gleb with the impression that what they do is easy. That what Logan and I are expected to do is just as easy… and they struck back. Did that ever occur to any of you?"
The silence that followed was telltale. None of us had thought of that or realized that.
Logan backed her up, when he did join us later. Saying, "Yeah, you guys are such jerks! Thinking I'd do something like that, this was all because of whatever you guys had said to volunteering pros. Who are nice enough to take over teaching so Quinn and me can have lives again. Paulina only snapped on you because of what you said to them before class. Namely you girls in particular, even if what Brooke said was WAY worse. I know Quinn and me were off separate from everyone. But trust me, I was trying to learn just as much as all of you in there. And the pros didn't HAVE to stay and teach you guys… they did it out of the kindness of their hearts."
Michael pointed out, "You would say that even if it was all your idea."
Lola backed Michael, telling Logan to. "Face it! Even if what you say about those pros is true. This has all the looks of a classic Logan Scheme. Even when Quinn is nice enough to try to defend you and no one knows why!"
Lola had once again gone too far, you could feel it and I decided it was up to me to defuse this situation. I said, "Regardless of what happened, or who's to blame. I don't think this is about pointing fingers. I think we all have a lot of work to keep us very busy this week. If we're not studying for our finals, I think we should all be putting in a little more practice mastering these moves than we are in class every day."
Lisa voiced, "The only way Quinn and Logan don't look like us is that they have been practicing all the time. I think we all need to be following that example. Before any of us are in front of any camera at Prom."
Vince backed us both up, "If what Logan said is true. These professionals have been nice enough to give us a real advantage. I think we should all be working a little harder to nail it. And let these people know we appreciate their time and efforts too. They didn't have to be so nice, breaking it down to us like they did. They should know we're more grateful and took their class seriously."
That became the master plan, we all had to study… Quinn had tutoring sessions to teach, so did Zoey, Lisa, and me. I hope Logan, Vince, Lola and Michael were attending some. We all agreed to meet up for dinner. Late again, like last night. But we also ALL picked out times to practice dancing with our dates as well. At least one practice each day for the whole week. Logan was even suggesting a few areas that were open and not so crowded. I guess it's something he's had to consider a lot lately.
Before we all split up for the day, my girlfriend had grabbed my hand. Before she said, "I think we all should thank Logan for letting us come this morning. And I don't think I ever realized till today just how hard you and Quinn have had to work together. To even just teach us the one dance this all started with."
Everyone easily agreed with Zoey and Vince even added, "You guys have got to be in great shape." Just like I was thinking earlier.
Logan first boasted, "Well, that goes without saying. But I think I should warn you all, even if you're still pointing fingers, even if you're mad, and today was hell. When we get in class Monday, you'll all see a BIG difference in what you can do now. And it'll only get better if you keep it up. If you listen to what Paulina and Gleb told you. There's no way any of you will look bad."
As we split up, I was following behind Logan a few steps. I thanked him again, for letting us all invade their class. He'd laughed good-naturedly, "Ya sure you should be thanking me when you're walking like that?"
That was when I also realized that I was walking like I had been riding a horse for too long. I still said, "Yeah! Because you're really trying to help us and you didn't have to do that. Just like those pros didn't have to either."
He said, "Well, thank goodness one of my friends knows that. Thanks, James."
I felt like I needed to mention, "Zoey appreciates it, and Lola does too… she just has a unique way of showing it."
Before we went in different directions he shrugged at me, "With friends like that, who needs enemies?"
I couldn't believe it myself, but I thought, 'Poor guy.'
He really didn't have to help any of us, but he had. It really had been a kind gesture and Lola was still treating him like a villain. Like he hasn't been in this group way longer than me. Longer than most, and if Vince and Zoey are right. If he does have any feelings for Quinn at all, even if he has just been getting a little closer as a friend. It can't feel very great having some of his friends berate him like Lola is. He seems fine, but I imagine it isn't easy.
Vince is convinced Logan's interested in Quinn, so is Zoey. And since Lola's Vince's girlfriend, she has to hear too many of the things he's noticed. I know she's acting up because she is trying to protect Quinn. But I think she forgets Logan's our friend too. Or she's trying to make herself forget… It's all so weird right now between them… between all of us at times. And Zoey seems to think Quinn is utterly oblivious to the Lola vs. Logan drama.
How could she miss it? As smart as she is? I hoped that it would all work out before Prom. Before it could potentially ruin anyone's Prom experience. And I honestly hoped I would never again be without this crazy bunch of people again. Life had been such a bore before now.
(Logan's Perspective)
You should have seen them all looking so beat up, and defeated leaving that rehearsal. They were dragging so much, I thought they were all gonna be sick. But Quinn and me were so used to it all by now. We were the only ones who looked alright. Even the great Vince Blake was slumping and sagging behind us like a slug. It was nothing short of GLORIOUS!
While Michael went on swearing, "This Prom is gonna kill us all! I thought all we need was a date, a tux, and ride. I didn't know I needed to prove myself to a pair of ballroom dragons on a power trip! Just what kind of hell is gym class gonna be? Come Monday? Oww! My aching FEET!"
Every time Quinn noticed me enjoying their misery. She elbows me or shook her head at me, but she'd smile too. So somehow we got by without showing any of our plans to our friends. The rest of Sunday went by pretty fast.
I did have a pickup basketball game, with my teammates. On one of the outdoor courts today too, just to stay loose. Turns out all of the extra dance practice hasn't just helped me stay more fit than my friends (Or get away with more time with Quinn). It also helped my basketball game. I was running circles around those sissies! All trying to pick at me about dancing so much too. Till I shut them all down, being better than them all.
I did squeeze in some studying of my own, while Quinn was off helping our classmates. But I couldn't concentrate on what I was supposed to be memorizing. Not till I was in the library and around a corner from where Quinn was working. Every now and again, I'd hear her explaining something really technical with total ease. I couldn't even see her from where I was sitting. But just knowing she was near helped me relax. And it helped me focus, I wanted to make her proud. So I buckled down and got to work.
But then I noticed that I wasn't the only one kind of hovering nearby. Vince Blake was too, and when he noticed me. He asked if he could sit with me…
I'd caught him watching Quinn again, so I wasn't feeling very friendly at all. I told him, "It's a free country."
He thanked me and sat, whispering. "I booked Quinn's next time slot and I didn't want to be late. She fit me in on short notice and was so nice about it. So I ended up coming super early, and she's still working with… Is that shirtless Dave, wearing a shirt, over there?"
"Yeah," I laughed, "Hardly recognized him, right?"
"Barely." Vince chuckled, "Is it okay? If I sit here till it's my turn?"
"Sure, do what you want." I shrugged, but he was doing it again. Looking at her and I didn't like it at all.
He asked me, "She's something else, isn't she?"
I played dumb and asked, "Who?" So I didn't bite his head off when I answered. Why does this guy always insist on pushing my buttons? Just like Lola, I guess he is perfect for her like that.
Vince answered, "Quinn. It's so nice of her to spend so much time helping others. So much of her free time instructing dummies like me. And she doesn't even do it for any other reason but to help someone."
"Yeah, so what's your-" I asked in a normal voice and immediately got shushed on all sides. Even by the librarian who was just walking by. So I lowered my voice and said behind my hand. "So what's your point?"
Vince whispered back, "She's not just a great friend, she's a great person."
Like I'd needed him to tell me that. Of course, Quinn's amazing, beyond smart, she's brilliant and unbelievably kind. I love her! And I've been her friend a lot longer than this reformed bully. So I told him, "l know that. Why are you telling me? You think I don't already know that?"
"No," Blake nodded, before saying. "I know that you do, it's just that I'm not used to that."
"Used to what?" I asked, knowing he better not be calling her a dork.
Vince said, "It's just that I haven't known too many people like that in my life. Everyone's always out for themselves, has hidden agendas or won't make a move without personal gain. I used to be that way and my parents still are. But every single one of my new friends, our friends in this group is so different, and I like it."
"Good for you." I said still sounding unimpressed. Even when I knew EXACTLY what he meant. Growing up like I did, it was even more rare to make friends like ours. But I wasn't gonna let him know I could relate. Not while he was making eyes at MY girl, no matter how many times he's publicly told Lola he love her. No matter what secrets I was keeping.
Mentally, I was willing him to sit there silently and NOT press his luck. But Vince was never a person known for pulling his punches. So, of course, he said. "I feel like I need to apologize to you."
I told him, "You already have, I forgave you, just let it go."
"No, I didn't mean about beating you up last year." He said, even though I was shooting him a look that should have stopped him right there. He went on, "I wanted to say I'm sorry for the way my girlfriend has been treating you lately. I think she sees that you and Quinn have gotten a lot closer lately and she feels a little threatened by it. Because Quinn is one of her best friends. It's no excuse, I know. But I really do think she's trying to protect Q-"
"Who says Quinn needs protecting from me?" I demanded in that same low growl. Wishing I could have screamed it at him. But no, this was happening in the library and I'd been forced to keep up this whispering thing. "What makes any of you think I'm a threat?"
He backpaddled, "Whoa, whoa, whoa there. I didn't mean it like that."
I asked him, "Do you guys think I would hurt her or something?"
"No-no, calm down." He tried to say all ease and friendliness. But I wasn't buying it. What was it about Lola and this side of beef? Where they both kept pissing me off, ALL the time! Vince tried to say, "I think they're just worried about her, and they all want to help her. But she hasn't been letting them-"
"What does that have to do with me?" I asked for what felt like the millionth time.
"I think that could be all my fault." He admitted before he said. "That's why I'm apologizing…"
It took effort, but I tried to stay calm enough for him to explain. When I asked, "How is it you're fault? Exactly?"
Vince explained, "I know, I'm new and don't know everyone as well. So I have been trying to get to know everyone. And I've kinda kept noticing things… like couple-ly things, happening between you and Quinn. I know everyone keeps telling me that's not what's going on-"
"Because it's NOT," I said again too loud, and got shushed on all sides. I was so angry, I shushed back at everyone.
Vince said, "I know… that's what everyone keeps telling me. I'm sorry I seem to have only caused more trouble for you in the end. Especially with Lola. Truly sorry about that."
I told him truthfully, "It's not all you, and you don't have to apologize… things were strained between Lola and me long before you got here. And there were a lot of times I was very mean to Quinn before too-"
"I know, Lola told me," Vince nodded. "But I think all of the things I was seeing and noticing since I joined the group. Somehow just made it all worst, and you were just trying to be a better friend to someone you've gotten closer to."
"I have gotten closer to her, she's one of my best friends." I said before I could catch myself. Then I cleared my throat and said, "You know, as far as girls who are friends go. I'm glad that you're all trying to help Quinn as much as I am."
Vince asked, "You are?"
"Yeah," And that was true. But even I had admitted, "I just may not show it all the time. Like when all of our friends are questioning my every move or trying to push dates on Quinn. Dates she doesn't even want to go on."
"Understandable," Vince agreed, before the newly Shirtless again Dave walked by. With his shirt slung over his shoulder. Still thanking Quinn as he left and being followed by a whole bunch of sick girls. Or at least I hope they were sick, thinking he really looked that good.
Then Vince stood up he said, "I guess it's my turn, I better not keep her waiting. But nice talking to you."
While he was still gathering his stuff, I asked him. "Just between you and me… What is it that made you think I had feelings for Quinn anyway?" I guessed, "Was it the kiss auction or dance classes? What was it."
He admitted, "Well, I racked up quite a list. But more than anything… It was that day that we all were hanging out in the gym together and the coaches were blaring all of that old music."
"Huh?" I asked.
"You don't even remember it?" Vince laughed.
"No! I remember it, but that was such an annoying day, the music was so stale! What could have possibly happened that made you think I like Quinn during that?" I asked him.
"You know!" He swore. "It was when the coaches made us warm up by splitting the room. Girls were all on one side of the gym and the guys were on the other. Lola was late that day so I didn't have anything distracting me and neither did you till Quinn got there. Quinn didn't have to stay like all of us. She was heading to her lab, but stopped in when she'd heard the music and noticed all of her friends. She was with the girls, when they all started dancing to 'Piece of my Heart' by... Janis Joplin... I think?"
"Wha?" Where on earth was he going with this? "What about that day could have possibliy-"
"Because you were looking at her, and she kinda kept looking at you. She took her hair down, she knew every word of that song and was singing with the others. Banging her head, having a ball! You just looked like you couldn't seem to take your eyes off of her... And she kinda flirted with you too, even though she didn't come right up to you or anything... It was all there, even across that huge room. So I was suspicious ever since."
I was so caught, she had been so freaking gorgeous that day... and I can't look at that song the same. I didn't know who'd sung it, but I had been wracking Michael's and Chase's brains on the down low. About that song for weeks! Now here was Vince telling me it was a Janis Joplin song and I needed to go download it or buy it before I forgot. But before he left, Vince said. "Just know I'm sorry if I caused you or Quinn any extra grief with my wondering. And if you do feel something for her, even if it's friendship, it's something one-sided or so confusing. I hope you know you can talk to me. If you ever need or want to, I am a friend you can count on. Even if I haven't done the best job of showing it up to now. I just wanted you to know that, and Quinn too."
I thanked him and we shook on it, before I swore, "But we're just friends."
"And that's alright," He smiled before his smile widened and he added, "Even if that is just for now."
See, what I mean! Always pushing it! GOD! Of all the people in my group if friends, why was it this guy who is always SECRETLY RIGHT about EVERYTHING and his girlfriend's WRONG about EVERYTHING? And tomorrow's performance is probably only going to make him more smug. I should throw the whole thing a lot safer and not do any of the kissing, sexy, steamy things we've planned... I know I should.
But I would rather face a smug Vince Blake for the rest of my life than give up our new dances... so stick around! Because this next part is gonna be everything we got left on that floor. So maybe keep the fire extinguishers nearby by. Or hope for rain. Cause Quinn and me are gonna bring the heat!
That's all folks!
Well, for this post anyway. I'll be back next Thursday if not sooner! This has all been so much fun and it will continue, I will keep going here until this story is COMPLETE! Thank you all again for reading this far! For your comments and cheer! Please review if you can, I would love to hear from you! Hope you're having a great day! Take care and Much Love!
~DarcyBeDippy85