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~~~ Still Quarantined ~~~

What day is it today?

I am literally dying to know what you guys think of this chapter. It took a completely unexpected turn that I never expected, and I can't wait to hear what you all think! Please drop me a line. :-)

"So what's the plan?" Rory asked as she followed Logan into their hotel room.

"We're leaving." Logan answered angerly.

"Do you think that's a good idea?"

"Why wouldn't it be? I'm not going to stay here, and allow those vultures to treat you like trash!"

"Logan, how is this any different than the way they've always treated me? We expected this, didn't we?"

"How are you so calm right now?! Did you hear what they said?!"

"Oh, I heard it! Trust me, I heard it, and it's nothing that they haven't said several times before. You parents and grandfather have always thought that I was a gold digging wench. But it's amusing to know that one of the reasons they've always treated me so badly, is because of your mother's family. It sounds to me like your mom didn't have much growing up, and managed to marry rich because she got pregnant. But you know what the big difference between your mom and I is?"

"That you aren't the gold digging witch that she is?!"

"I didn't come from a poor family. I came from a rich family, but was raised without the money because that's what my mother chose for me. We could have had money handed to us at any time. My mom was brought up with plenty of money. She had everything handed to her, just like you did. And look how you feel about it."

"I've never been like her."

"Do you want to try that statement again?"

"I am nothing like them!"

"But you were . . . When we first met, you were that person. You used to speak to people like they were beneath you. Just like your parents."

"I was never that bad."

"Are you sure about that? Because I distinctly remember calling you Judy Dench, and explaining to you that just because somebody doesn't have money, or a fancy family, it doesn't mean that they are inferior to you. Some people have to work, you, me, my mom, my family. Your mom lucked out, and married into money. But you heard your Dad earlier, he actually had to work growing up, while he helped Elias build the company from the ground up. He didn't have things handed to him the way he does now."

"But that still doesn't excuse the way they've treated you!"

"No, you're absolutely right, it doesn't excuse them at all."

"You're my wife Rory, you deserve to be treated better than that. You deserve some respect!"

"Well, the good news is that we are in a really good place right now . . ."

"What are you talking about?"

"Your mother's therapist just saw your parents' true colors."

"And she has now seen how completely fake Mom is!"

"And now she realizes just how much work she has ahead of her."

"I need to get out of here."

"Logan, we flew here with your family. We can't exactly leave without them."

"Yes, we can!"

"You would really get on the plane, and leave your pregnant sister stranded here?"

"Well no, but Honor would understand."

"Logan . . ."

"Let's get out of here. I need to get out of here."

"Ok, we can go do something. This is Palm Springs. I'm sure we can find plenty of stuff to do. Didn't you say that there is an art museum or something?"

"And an observatory, shopping, a ton of restaurants. There's an aerial tram through the valley."

"Ok, so let's go then."

"I would rather go home."

"So we'll go home after Honor and Josh get back. But for right now, let's go do something to take your mind off everything."

"I don't understand how you are so calm about everything." Logan said as Rory reached for his hand.

"Because I accepted that your parents hate me, 12 years ago. This isn't anything new at all."

"But it's still infuriating!"

"I'm used to it. And I've got a baby to think about . . ."

"How is she?" Logan asked, his anger finally starting to dissipate at the thought of his daughter.

"She's good. She's moving around a lot today."

"I can't wait until I can feel her moving." Logan said softly as he placed his hand on Rory's stomach. "I am so sorry for the drama today baby girl."

"I don't think she has any idea what is going on."

"She's lucky. Part of me hopes that she will never know."

"Logan, you know that you can't protect her forever."

"Maybe not, but I can sure as hell try."

"Do you want to change before we go out?"

"Do I need to?" Logan asked, looking down at the button down shirt and slacks he was wearing.

"No, Babe, you look great. Just a little dressy. You can put on jeans or something."

"Are you going to change?"

"I'm just wearing leggings and a sweater. I'm changing my shoes though. Uggs are way more comfortable!" Rory said as Logan's phone rang, and she watched him pull it out of his pocket.

"It's Honor."

"Give me . . . Hey Honor"

"Is Logan ok?" Honor asked as soon as Rory answered her call.

"He's upset and wants to leave."

"What about you? How are you doing?"

"I'm fine. They've hated me for the last twelve years. This isn't anything new."

"So what's the plan?"

"We're going to go out for a while. Help Logan calm down a little."

"And after that?"

"I don't know. We'll figure it out when you guys get back."

"I guess that works."

"How are things going at the center?"

"Well, Mom showed her true colors. Both her and Dad really."

"What happened after we left?"

"Dad is pretty pissed."

"Did you get him calmed down?"

"We've been working on it. I had a nurse check him over a few minutes ago to make sure his heart and blood pressure are ok."

"Logan will appreciate that."

"I figured he would. Noel said Dad seems fine. He's in having lunch with Mom and Josh. I wanted to check in on you guys first."

"I'm fine. Logan will be too. He just needs to calm down." Rory said as she sat down on the bed to change her shoes, and watched Logan walk into the bathroom.

"Gayle wants to know if Logan still wants to meet with her?"

"I think maybe tomorrow might be better for him."

"I'll let her know. We have a couple more sessions after lunch, then dinner, and there is a marriage counseling thing after that, for Dad to go to. But we will be back after that, unless you guys want to meet up before then."

"I'll definitely let you know. Logan is pretty irritated. I'm not sure what he'll be feeling up to doing."

"That's totally understandable."

"What did Gayle say when we left?"

"She was a little surprised, but said that she fully understands. She asked if it happens often."

"What did you tell her?"

"Just that Logan is very protective of you, and that this whole thing has been a really sore spot since you met 12 years ago. She was surprised that it has gone on this long."

"Aren't we all?!"

"I told her that Logan would be fine. He just needs some time to calm down."

"We talked about it a little bit, and Gayle is going to talk to Mom and Dad about it during their marriage counseling session."

"I'm guessing we're going to have to talk about it tomorrow."

"Oh, I'm pretty sure that Dad is going to have some choice words when we get back."

"Yeah, well, he can't yell at someone who isn't here. Maybe we will just have to stay out until he's already in bed, and then show up tomorrow, after he's already there."

"You really think that will work?"

"Ten years ago, absolutely not. But today . . . Maybe."

"So you'll talk to Logan?"

"Absolutely. I'm already working on it."

"Tell him I love him, ok?"

"I will. Try to enjoy your lunch." Rory said, then ended the call.

"Hey, you ready to go?" Logan asked as he walked back into the room.

"I'm ready when you are."

*~ * ~ * ~ * The next morning * ~ * ~ * ~ *

"Doctor Huntzberger, Mrs. Huntzberger, it's awfully nice of you to join us." Gayle said when Logan and Rory sauntered into the scheduled therapy session ten minutes late.

"I'm sorry we're late." Rory apologized.

"It's alright. Under the circumstances, I can understand your hesitation to be here. Your sister also told me to expect it. Do you guys want to take a seat, so we can get started?"

"I think I would rather stand." Logan said leaning up against the wall, as Rory took a seat next to Honor on a large couch.

"You doing ok?" Honor whispered as she slid an arm around her sister in-law.

"Yeah. I'm fine. Logan is just being Logan. He's upset."

"Yesterday, we were talking about expectations, and it seems that we all have some different expectations that we should probably discuss."

"Logan, Honey, why don't you come take a seat." Shira said sweetly. Logan defiantly crossed his arms over his chest, and stared straight ahead.

"It seems that everyone in this room has different expectations of each other, and how their lives should be going. And it seems that there is a lot of bad blood in this family because of it. So I think that today we need to start by clearing the air. I want us to go around the room, and everyone to say something nice that we like about each other. Honor, why don't we start with you. What do you like most about your brother?" Gayle asked.

"What I like most about him? I honestly don't know if there is just one thing that I like about him. Logan has always been the best brother in the world. He always supports me in every way, he's my best friend, and the one person who is always on my side, and has my back through everything. He's super smart, and funny, and the most incredibly stubborn person that I've ever met. But he's also the most passionate about things that he believes in. People who he believes in. Logan loves fiercely, and he is incredibly protective. And I've learned a lot from him. Logan is a really good judge of character . . . It might not always seem like it, because he's definitely got some pretty questionable friends. But if there is one thing that I can always count on Logan for, it is to be there when it matters. No matter what happens, or how pissed off Logan is, or how much he hates something, he is always there when it matters." Honor answered.

"And what about Rory? What do you like about her?"

"What I love most about Rory, is how amazing she is for my baby brother. She is the best thing that has ever happened to him, and to our family. Rory is incredibly smart, and confidant, a savvy business woman, a great leader . . . She believes in leading by example. Rory is the one person you can always count on to get things done. It doesn't matter how big or small the challenge, Rory will always take care of it. She is very loyal and dependable. She's the little sister I never got, and one of my closest friends. She makes my brother a better person. And I've never seen Logan happier than when he's with her."

"What about Josh? I know he's your husband, but we're not going to leave him out."

"Josh is brilliant! He's got an incredible mind. He's someone you can always talk to, who understands everything. Literally everything. He's supportive, and funny, and loyal, and he makes me a better person. No matter what happens, or how busy he is, Josh is always by my side. He might not speak much, but when he does, he always has something important to say, and it's one of those things that everyone needs to listen to, and will teach you a lesson. Josh is an observer. He always sees the bigger picture, and is able to bring everyone back to reality."

"Alright, what about your Dad?"

"Dad is fierce. Very loud, very boisterous. He is smart and has a lot of knowledge. He made getting a good education a priority for us, even when Logan made it difficult by constantly getting expelled from schools. Like Rory, Dad knows how to get things done. He's a strong business man with a very commanding presence."

"And what about your mother?"

"Mom is loyal to her family. No matter how much any of us have completely screwed up and let her down, Mom still loves us. It may be in a different way than a lot of other parents show it, but deep down, Mom still loves us. Obviously she didn't come from the best family, but Mom made sure that we had what we needed. Mom knows how to find people to help with things. She's good at delegating things."

"Alright, let's go with Josh next. Josh, what do you like about Logan?" Gayle asked.

"Logan is a great brother. He is always the first person to help with things, and he is a lot of fun to debate with. Logan might not always make the best decisions because he's very impulsive and incredibly stubborn, but he's got a good head on his shoulders, and he loves his family more than anything in this world. Logan is brave, and one of those people who goes after what he wants, and is determined to get it, no matter what the cost. And I think that the best thing that Logan has ever done, is marry his wife. Rory makes Logan a better person. She's smart, she's loyal, she's determined, and she's an incredible leader. Rory is a brilliant writer, and one of the smartest people I've ever met. She brings out the best in people. I don't get to spend a lot of time with Rory, but when I do, Rory is the one person who can always bring a smile to everyone's face. She lights up a room with her personality. Honor is my wife. She's my best friend. She's is someone that you can always be count on to be there for you. She loves fiercely, and will defend you to the ends of the earth. Honor goes out of her way to help people, and will always find a way to make things better. She is super positive, and the most supportive and loving person you will ever meet. Honor always sees the very best in people, no matter how much you might think they don't deserve it."

"And what about your in-laws, Mitchum and Shira?"

"Mitchum is a very powerful man. Very loud, very determined. Mitchum is a great business man. He has a way of getting into your head, and making you question your very existence. He is smart, and good at keeping up with global events. If you ever want to talk about what is going on in the world, Mitchum is the one person you can count on to have an informed opinion. And Shira, she loves her children, no matter how troublesome or misguided they might appear to be. She might not always like the choices that her children make, but regardless, she still loves them, and welcomes them home with open arms. No matter how badly you screw up, Shira will always let you come home."

"Thank you Josh. Why don't we go with Shira next."

"Aright." Shira smiled politely.

"Shira, what do you like most about each person in your family?"

"Well, Honor is the perfect older daughter. She is always very loving and supportive of her younger brother. She has always loved and encouraged him no matter what. And Joshua is the perfect extension of Honor. He is loyal and supportive. Very quiet, but someone who can be leaned on. Someone who is dependable and caring. He takes great care of our daughter."

"And Logan?" Gayle asked.

"Logan is very smart. Very determined. He doesn't care about anyone's opinion when he wants something. Logan does everything he can to reach his goals. And he's a great doctor. We are very proud of him."

"And Rory?"

"Rory is very determined as well. Very loyal to Logan. She is brave and doesn't let anything stand in her way. She is a lot like her mother."

"And Mitchum?"

"Mitchum is a wonderful father. He always put education first and made sure that the kids had everything they needed. Nothing is ever too hard for Mitchum. He is very dedicated to his job, and he is good at it."

"Alright, Mitchum, I do believe that it is your turn."

"What about Rory and Logan?" Mitchum asked.

"We are going to get to them last. I have a reason for it. So go ahead. What do you like most about your family?"

"Honor lives up to her name. She is very honorable, loyal, fierce, friend to everyone. Honor sees the best in people. And Joshua does too. He is very dedicated to my daughter. He is always there for her. He's a good provider, and good husband. Shira is a good mother. She has always made sure that the children were taken care of. She always made sure they had the best nannies, and everything they needed."

"Alright, what about your son and his wife?"

"Logan is stubborn as a bull. He knows what he wants and he doesn't care about anyone's opinion but his own. Logan is always right, or at least he thinks that he is. He makes decisions for himself, and he doesn't need anyone else. Logan is very independent. He works hard for what he wants, and he goes out and gets it. He likes to prove everyone wrong. Logan is a rule breaker. Hurdles don't matter to him. When something gets in Logan's way, he'll barrel his way right through it. What Logan wants, Logan gets. Rory is a great student. She's smart and loyal. Rory loves Logan, and she supports everything he does. Rory is a leader. Unlike Logan, she likes to follow the rules, but she forges her own path rather than following the one set out before her. Rory doesn't let other people get her down. She stands up for what she believes in. She is the one person in the world who isn't afraid of me. Who is willing to put me in my place, and tell me exactly how big of a jerk I'm being, and what I need to do to fix it."

"Alright, Rory, how about you?"

"Ok, well, I'll start with Mitchum. Logan gets all of his stubbornness and bullheadedness directly from his father. Mitchum is a force to be reckoned with. Mitchum knows how to get his way when he wants to. Like Josh said earlier, Mitchum has a way of making you question everything about yourself. He is very loud and isn't afraid to take a stand, or tell you how he feels about something. Like Mitchum said about Logan, Mitchum always thinks that he is right about everything. Even when he isn't. But the difference between the two of them, is that Logan isn't afraid to admit when he's wrong. Mitchum is very dedicated to his family, and to his work. Probably more than he should be. He is very controlling and doesn't like to let go of things. He is a shark of a businessman. Everyone is afraid of him. And Shira . . . Shira is very dedicated to the Huntzbergers. She will do whatever she thinks is best for them. Shira is a great follower. Like Honor, she is a people pleaser. Shira likes for people to like her. She'll try to be whoever she needs to be in order for the people she wants to be around, to be accepting of her. Honor is a people pleaser as well, but she always sees the best in people, no matter how much the rest of us don't agree. She is accepting, and loving. She is an incredible friend, and the most amazing sister. Honor loves her family more than anything in the world, and there is nothing that she wouldn't do for them. Honor is loyal and supportive, and loves to help. She is super fun to be around, and she is always the happiest person in the room, no matter what the situation. Josh, like he said, we don't get to spend much time together because we are both always super busy, but Josh is the most supportive husband in the world. He is a great friend, and always there to help with everything. He is a great person to talk to, and gives the most amazing advice! He is a good listener, and a really good friend. I can always count on Josh to help me see the bigger picture. Now Logan . . . I tried to hate Logan. I REALLY did." Rory said as she stood from her seat, and walked across the room to join her husband by the door. Logan gave her a brief smile as he slid an arm around her waist. "Logan is the most arrogant, self-centered, infuriating, obnoxious, beyond stubborn person that you will ever meet." Logan looked up as Honor bit her tongue, trying to hide her laughter. "It's fine to laugh Honor, Logan knows all of this, and he fully admits to it . . . At times, talking to Logan is no different than talking to a brick wall. He is a lot like his father. Logan has this way of driving you right to the brink of insanity, and then torturing you to the point where you want to jump off a cliff, just so you can get away from him. Logan is determined as hell, and he's a fighter. When Logan wants something, he does everything in his power to get it, no matter how many road blocks he faces. Logan will jump through fire to get what he wants. He is brave and loud, and in your face. Logan will fight you on things, just to prove a point. But he can always be counted on, no matter what is going on. Logan loves his family. Even when they make him completely crazy, he still loves them, and there is almost nothing that he wouldn't do for them. Logan is my very best friend, and the most incredible husband in the world. He's always there for me, no matter what else is going on. He is strong, and extremely protective. Logan believes in me, even when I don't believe in myself. He has more faith in things than anyone I have ever met. He pushes me to do stuff that scares the hell out of me. But he does it because he knows that it's what is best for me. Logan is fearless, and he's a trouble maker. He isn't afraid to stand up for what he believes in, no matter how unpopular his opinion might be. Logan will fight for you, even when you think that he really shouldn't. Logan is super smart, and loyal, and the most amazing doctor. There is no challenge too big for him. He has an answer to every question, and a solution for every problem. But the one thing that most people don't realize about Logan, that probably only I can see . . . And he's probably going to really hate me for this, but I think that it needs to be said . . . Logan is a lot like Honor and Shira . . . He's a people pleaser. Logan might act like he doesn't give a damn what other people think about him, his choices, his actions, and his family . . . But deep down, he really does. Logan cares more than even he realizes. He's insecure, and he gets upset and jealous over things that he really cares about. Logan gets mad as hell when he feels threatened, and he lashes out and holds grudges. But he does it because he cares, because he wants what is best for you. What is best for all of us. Logan is a leader, not a follower. He's a wonderful businessman, and the sweetest, most loving man that I've ever met. Logan likes to succeed, and he isn't afraid to do whatever it takes to get what he wants. He's an overachiever, but also likes to do the absolute bare minimum. He's crazy, unpredictable, and has the most energy of anyone I know. But at the end of the day, the one thing that matters most to Logan, is his family. And that is why he's here today. Because as mad as he is over things that have been said in the past, Logan cares about all of you. And he wants what is best for you."

"Damn! Honor smiled. Well said! You're screwed Logan!"

"Alright Doctor Huntzberger, it's your turn." Gayle smiled. "I definitely think that your wife is a tough act to follow, but let's hear what you like most about everyone in this family."

"Do I have to?" Logan asked with a chuckle. "Can't I just say ditto to everything Rory just said?"

"Come on Logan. We know that Rory speaks for both of you, but let's hear it in your own words." Honor told him.

"Fine . . . I guess I'll just start with Rory since she's the easiest . . . Rory obviously always sees the best in people. She is clearly amazing. She is an amazing judge of character, and she calls it like she sees it. She is patient, smart, super witty . . . She is determined, confidant, loyal, brave enough to stand up to Dad and never afraid to tell him exactly what she thinks of him. Crazy enough to stand up to me, and then watch me burn down and destroy everything around me. Rory loves to learn, but she also likes to teach. Rory is a born leader. She knows what she wants, and she puts everything into getting it, no matter what challenges she has to face. She knows how to get things done, and she knows how to make people do things, and then come away thinking that doing so was actually their idea. Rory is beautiful, and loving, and she loves to be appreciated and respected. She goes out of her way to be nice to people, to get to know them, and to care about them and the things they are interested in. Rory never does things halfway. She's an over achiever. It's always go big or go home with her. Anything that Rory tackles, she conquers. There isn't a single problem that Rory hasn't been able to fix, in the entire time that I've known her. She always finds a way to get things done, no matter how insurmountable the challenge might be. Rory is friendly to everyone, and she makes you want to get to know her. And then in knowing her, she makes you want to be a better person. It's kind of funny because Josh is actually a lot like Rory. He's a really quiet person, until you get to know him. He listens, he understands, and he makes you see things from a new perspective. He's patient, and calculating. Josh weighs the options of every move he makes, and he thinks everything completely through from beginning to end. Josh never rushes into making a decision, and he has an incredible amount of patience no matter what is going on around him. Josh is peaceful and thorough. There is a method to his madness, and also a clear and concise reason. Josh is a planner. He likes to schedule things out rather than jump at the spur of the moment, like I do. I know for a fact that I drive Josh completely crazy, all the time. But Josh still loves me, and looks out for me like the big brother that I never had. He's become one of my best friends, and someone I can turn to whenever I need anything. And he treats my sister like royalty, which makes me really like him, because Honor is my rock. She means the world to me. Honor is the one person who I have been able to count on, my entire life. She looks out for me, and loves me more than I deserve. Like Rory, Honor always sees the best in people, and she is always incredibly happy, and more than willing to bend over backwards to help others. Honor is a giver. She loves to take care of people. Honor helped raise me. Without her, I would be a much bigger pain in the ass than I already am. All those crazy mean things that Rory said about me, they're all true. Honor will attest to it. But Honor challenges me to be better than all of those things. She has taught me patience, and to have hope. Honor is definitely a people pleaser, but she is also a fighter. She fights for the things and the people that she loves, and she makes you a better person, just by knowing her. Honor is a believer. She believes in you, even when you don't have any reason to believe in yourself. She will literally pick you up off the floor, dust you off, and push you to keep going, even when you have zero interest in doing it. I went to medical school because of her. She not only paid for my tuition, but she gave me somewhere to live, sat up studying with me all night, made sure I ate, and even woke me up to make sure that I got to class on time. She is an incredible sister, and a wonderful mother. I am a doctor because Honor cared enough to push me to try. Because she never gave up on me. Because she is my best friend in the entire world."

"Thanks Logan, now I'm crying." Honor said as she reached for a kleenex to wipe her tears.

"Honor loves me unconditionally, and she loves my wife. Heck, I only have a wife because of Honor. Because she pushed me to go after what I wanted, no matter what anyone else in the family had to say about it. Honor has always believed in me, and made me a better person."

"What about your parents?" Gayle asked.

"My parents gave me Honor. I can't ever thank them enough for that." Logan started. Dad has always taken pride in education and in the family business. He has a crazy great work ethic, and has never been afraid to put in the long hours. He's a stubborn mule, and often likes to hear the sound of his own voice. Dad doesn't tolerate nonsense. He expects a lot of people. But he helped build a great business to turn over to the next generation of Huntzbergers. It's taken several people to replace him because Dad did so much. And Mom . . . She did her best to make sure Honor and I were always taken care of. She is a people pleaser, and I think she got pretty manipulated into doing things a certain way, even though she would rather have done things differently, had she been given the chance. I think mom is actually more like me than I ever thought, and mom is insecure and easily jealous, which makes her easily manipulated by those around her. I think that if we actually gave mom a chance to change, and gave her the opportunity to do things differently, away from certain manipulative and super controlling people, I think that things could be very different for our family. I think that mom was raised differently . . . She was raised a lot like Rory was . . . And part of me doesn't actually believe that Mom's family was constantly trying to take advantage of the Huntzberger name. I'm thinking that a lot of what she told us yesterday was actually told to her by Grandpa, and never actually happened. Because Grandpa is the puppet master in this family. Not Dad. I don't see Dad cutting anyone off, because Lord knows that he should have cut me off years ago . . . It took me a really long time to see it, but I think that Mom actually is the victim in all of this mess. Mom was really close to her family until she met Dad, and got pregnant with Honor. Mom and Dad were forced to get married, and I'm pretty sure that Grandpa was the one forcing Mom and dad to hire nannies to take care of us, instead of actually raising us themselves. I think that Mom wasn't allowed to actually be a mother to us, and that is why mom drank so much, and was always self-medicating. Because Mom was never actually allowed to be our mother, and I think it's been slowly killing Mom this entire time. Mom's entire pill and alcohol problem is a direct byproduct of how Grandpa manipulated her from day one. It's the reason that Mom is happier out here in California. No one knows her out here. No one is pressuring her to be the stone faced society wife. Mom can be whoever she wants to be. She can get a fresh start here. The reason that mom has been more pleasant and tolerable to be around, is because she has the freedom here to be herself. She isn't being manipulated here, and told how to act, how to raise her children, and how to live her life. She doesn't have to dress a certain way, or look a certain way. Mom doesn't have a part to play out here. She can do yoga, take long walks, go swimming, play sports. Mom can do whatever she wants here because no one knows us, and no one is telling her that it is wrong for her to act a certain way. And judging by the tears rolling down Mom's face, I'd say that I just hit it the entire problem, pretty damn hard, directly on the head."

"And THIS is why you're the doctor." Honor sniffled, getting up from her seat, and walking over to Shira, throwing her arms around her mother. "Mom, I am so sorry!"