How We Spent Our Summer Vacay!

by DarcyBeDippy85

Set for after the Prom episode, the summer vacation following the gang after that. When one of these guys has to start their summer a bit earlier than planned. Along with all of the utter chaos that follows. I try to posts on Thursdays! Rated T for safety's sake.

9. Ch 9 - Showers, Bike Rides, and Bullies

Hey There,

Welcome back lovely readers! I apologize for this chapter taking a couple of weeks to get up. BUT I was unable to post this before this very minute due to several grand mile migraines. Gaining up on me back to back to back to back. Some of this chapter was written a sentence at a time, other parts were a word at a time because of it. But it's finally ready, my pain management is in a much better place. You all have my apologies for keeping you all waiting, but here it is! FINALLY! And hope it brightens your day! Wherever and Whatever you're up to! But enough of my yakky yak! Let's get going!

Special thanks to anyone who has favorited this story or placed it on your story alert. Special thanks to the few of you who have also placed me as an authoress on your favorite author's list or author's alert. That is high praise that I hope to live up to. Hope you're all still reading and enjoying!

Special thanks to reviewer: [my friend] AwkwardGurl05 (YES! It makes no sense at all for Zoey to tell Chase she loves him. Then turn right around and start dating James out of the blue. I know it was just one of those tv things, filling a space, or whatever. And it did end up giving us a great extra guy character in the end that I really love. But seriously! Makes no sense! AND yes! I hope Quinn did teach Zoey a little something at that first wedding too. My goodness did she need an intervention. Even if I wish SO MUCH it could have happened ANY other time. Besides that first wedding, in front of ALL of those guests. Even if more was going on then JUST Zoey. That Quinn needed o get off of her chest. Thank you for saying that you're HAPPY to hear I'm trying to work on her a little more. That gave me a serious boast of confidence moving forward with ALL these crazy storylines I have planned. And Zoey 102 was a gift in many ways to us diehards. BUT Hawaii was a missed opportunity that I am DETERMINED to fix… Like some of my art I've shown you recently. It will be GREAT, it just needs a little TLC with a little tough love too. [in Zoey's case at least, winkwink] And the WHOLE gang along for the ride… because I can! I'm with you [and Ivan! THANK YOU], He did move to LONDON t try to make things with work with Zoey. When that didn't pan out as planned… Hawaii… WHY can't that WORK?! Honestly! Bless you both! And I believe that too! That when Quinn kissed Mark that first time… she was disappointed. Because after all of that hoping and wishing for it the WHOLE epi. It was a letdown and didn't feel like it should… like really kissing the person she was meant to be with should. Even if she still didn't admit it to herself till Mark ended things. Thank you so much for sharing that observation. Because I felt that way too the first time I watched that episode. I even wrote about it in one of my fanfiction planners [that looks like a normal diary, but my life's not nearly as interesting, LoL!]. Quinn didn't love Mark, she wanted to, but she didn't. And like you, I think she fell hard and FAST for Logan because that kiss had felt right. And it was Love for BOTH of them LONG before those Prom confessions. My "Collective Trials" is 40 chapters long, but it didn't take that many for them to both realize they loved the other. The confessions were what took a while. LoL! Logan does have this huge heart and so much more depth of character all on his own. But I love the idea of both these people impacting the other SO much. She makes him a better person and he lightens her up so much. She jokes more and kids around a whole lot more around him and looks so much more comfortable in her own skin. When they're together, it's like the planets all aligned. LoL! And I'm having an absolute BALL illustrating it more. But when you said reading their perspectives, you hear them like their talking to you… AHHHHHHHHHGGG! Cause you know that's the mission! That's the goal! And That made me endlessly happy. Thank you oh so much! And I seriously struggle each time I sit down with each character, I couldn't say who's the favorite either. I love them ALL so much even if particularly Quinn and Logan. But I too MUST admit, Logan has a very special place with me too. I tend to even start EVERY story with him, because he's always the first one to speak up. He's too much fun, and does such a great job of summing things up. Even difficult situations with this bluntness, and no-nonsense attitude. Even if Quinn allows me a little more creative license because I get to use more words I normally speak with and use with her. And if she's mad, she's a loose cannon… which is a blasty-blast! Besides them I seriously LOVE Chase too! So hard saying who's favorite. I agree with your observations of Helga, and Arnold too. I love them too and I'm so THRILLED we FINALLY got that JUNGLE MOVIE like, 15 years later and Arnold got Stella and Miles back FINALLY! But yes, homegirl had some weird ways. LoL! They're my fav nicktoon classic, even if Zoey wins best live-action series over ALL others. And yes! Zoey was SO resentful Quinn was getting married before her. That Quinn had her life so together and Zoey didn't too. HAD to be a factor and to that I wanted to tell her "Grow UP." Yes, hopefully this time she and Chase can get it right and stop carrying so much regret. Because that seemed too mutual on both sides. Thank you for saying my Velma costume was cool… I'd wanted to be the Scooby crew for YEARS. But since I couldn't get anyone else to help out with that. I just did my own thing! And it was so much more fun than even I expected. I loved the Live action movies too, my parents both grew up with the original series. I grew up watching "Pup-named Scooby doo" all seven years it played on Saturday mornings AND I absolutely LOVE the series "Mystery Inc." too! Because it's unlike any other Scooby series EVER made. If you miss one episode of it, you're lost, because they all connect, and the overall story is MAD twisted in that series. I just LOVE that, and it's on Netflix. I highly recommend that for a different or more grown up scooby experience. Like you I feel like Quogan would be great parents, but I also believe even if they didn't have kids. That wouldn't be a deal breaker either. Logan is seriously that gone on Quinn, even if it's just the two of them. They'll be happy as can be… Knowing me, I'll probably have to write it both ways too before it's over with. LoL! But we'll see. I have enjoyed your PMs, e-mails and reviews all so much and I can't thankyou enough for all of your kindness throughout this rough patch as well as since we STARTED talking to each other. You're an AMAZING friend and I count myself lucky to have your support. Chapter 8, Yes! You've got my pattern down now, it was time for Logan's perspective. And I'm so glad you enjoyed the opening scene of them watching up together and him checking out all of her injuries. I was so worried about that one, REALLY! Yes, I had to think like Logan so he couldn't fail to notice certain attributes were not on display. Thinking like a guy and keeping it tasteful… it's a tall order. But you saying I pulled it off, meant SO MUCH! Yep, Mark really asked all of these things… and doesn't get social cues… or ignores them… whichever. Mark just HAD to act like, 'I know something you don't know.' And be a smarta$$. He just HAD to. But the fact that you were reading and agreeing with Logan so much. It just made my life so much! Thank you! I know! He even said, 'I never got there with Quinn, but Logan might." Uh huh! Yeah, Mark actually said that and you're right to laugh. If he only knew, thank goodness he doesn't! It really is NONE of his business anymore. He's got a lot of getting shut down by Stacey to live through just yet… Oh! It's gonna be so FUN! All the crazy, and twisted webs we weave in life! Thank you for also agreeing that Quogan would BOTH want more than just a casual experience. And would have held on till they were both really in love with each other. I was really scared about reader reactions to that reveal too. Even if I was prepared to stick to my guns on that assessment. I really meant so much to hear another diehard saying they agreed! SORRY again for the long wait on this one! I know you said I don't have to apologize but after nearly a whole month… I gotta say sorry, girl! For the pause here as well as my letters! Hope you enjoy Quinn's additions to everything in this chapter. Oh my gosh, Thank you so much for your light, energy, friendship and support throughout these rocky few weeks. It meant everything to me! Really! I couldn't post without you, you're AMAZING! Still can't wait to read what you'll post whenever you do! Hope you're having a GREAT day! Take care and Much Love!), [my friend] Guest Nina (I am finally doing better again. I had been doing so great when I posted that last chapter. And then my world got shut down for nearly a MONTH. Whoo! And in your last review you were talking about how life can just take over… I know how that can be too. Clearly! But your words and friendship helped me so much in completing this chapter. KNOW that you totally had a hand in that, girl. Because you gave me that boost to make sure another Thursday did not pass me by, even if this may be reaching you Friday. Thank you so much for that. Hopefully, you're doing another happy dance. Yay! Me too after all this time! If the sheer joy of FINALLY posting again wasn't enough to get me dancing. Your compliments to my bizarre approach and writing style would totally do the trick. My goodness, you're too kind! I have a serious hard time saying who my favorite is too. Even when you narrow it all down to being between Logan and Quinn. Logan can sum things up so well and comically. I've really come to LOVE his delivery and timing SO much. Even if sometimes letting him take the wheel is a total gamble… like that last chapter when Quinn couldn't show some of her more personal injures (boys will be boys). Other than keeping him tasteful on moments like that, he's a BLAST, especially if he's freaking out about anything. Which he is quite often. And Quinn is more comfortable for me, like you. Because not only are we both girls, and nerds. But she allows me to use my FULL vocabulary and I don't have to worry so much about saying things she wouldn't say. But I LOVE - THEM - BOTH - SO - MUCH! And the fact that you feel like that love shows… means the world. I also find that whenever I have to feature anyone else. I tend to plot and plan ways to include Chase before anyone else. Next James or Vince because they are really fun too. And don't get nearly enough spotlight. There's been a few times with my other fics, where Logan had to tell me, "No! I'm telling that part, he can talk during it. But I'm telling that part to the readers." And he has to remind me. "Who was the characters that you featured in your description again? Hmm? It was me and Quinn. Not those hudgers!" And I gotta be like, "Yeah, yeah!" Quinn's always so much more willing to share. LoL! Glad that you find my take on Logan's perspective fresh and exciting. Even if I'm not telling him that. And you can hear their voices in your head when your reading! AHHHHHHGG! That is the GOAL! That's the whole aim here! That made me SO happy to hear! Yes, that morning scene made me cry a few times when I was typing it. But I just felt like it was SO important to cover. As both of them are healing in different ways and both paths are SO crucial to the story. Thank you so much for complimenting it. Seriously I was so worried people wouldn't like it. And the conversation with all the guys really took a turn didn't it. YES, Michael is a dramatic little beast at times. And I thought this was a wondrous opportunity to let that particular beast show it's claws. But you know him! He'll be over it soon enough, once he gets all of this freakout outta his system. Talking to the guys, and claims down again. He does truly love Lisa and they'll work it out… but this chapter will contain a peek into the girls side of things too. Hopefully that is just as fun as it was to imagine. And YES! Zoey's job was getting into her head. But YES! It all stemmed from jealousy. Not that Zoey wanted anything to do with Logan. But Zoey didn't like Quinn getting married before her. And she tried to make herself this weird reality show villainess. Like tv really needs more people like that on it? Or that's the way to win back your public, Jamie Lynn. Making Zoey as twisted as she is in real life… Sorry, for that little rant there. And yes, her speech did sound more like bitterness than happiness for her friends beating the system and ending up together. She kept taking all these weird cuts at Chase throughout the movie and I was like. He deserves better than this, better than YOU, girl. Accept THAT! You weren't the only one to think that. AND I wasn't always a fan of Zoey's attitude either. I truly believe her brat-ter moments like that were when Jamie Lynn stopped acting and the rest was her acting her little butt off to make her relatable. But that's probably just me, and I'm probably nuts… like normal. It is weird that Mark is still their friend… but here I am pulling him along too. LoL! I love making it feel like you're watching lost episodes of the show though… and sometimes Stacey and Mark just bring that other Nickelodeon weirdness that even makes me laugh. James did get asked about what Zoey had said to him verses Chase, by Mark too… but it was Logan's perspective at the time and he blocked it all out. That's my story I'm sticking to that. LoL! Oh My GOSH! What you said about me bringing the energy that the movie couldn't? That Nick should hire me? Ahhhh! It's too much, I'm not just blushing anymore, I'm in full freak out! You're too kind! Bless you! I'm so glad that you loved that last chapter. Loved your review! Hope this one makes your day too, Hope you're having a GREAT day regardless! Take Care and Much Love!)

Enjoy!

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"How We Spent Our Summer Vacay!"

Chapter 9 - Showers, Bike Rides and Bullies

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((Quinn's Perspective))

Apparently, my new favorite place to sleep is Logan's shoulder. I've found myself sleeping there now. BOTH mornings since he arrived. The only difference was the first time I'd been on his left shoulder and today I was on his right. I apologized the first morning, but this one… I just laid there watching him sleep for a little while. Before we both had to get up and start our days.

During the quarantine, years ago when I was still with Mark. And I had been so worried about Mark cheating on me that whole day. While I had been helplessly trapped in my dorm with my roommates and guy friends… As preoccupied as I was (keeping an eye on Mark) I can also remember noticing how beautiful Logan had looked when he was asleep. Even back then, and Yes! I know men don't usually get called 'beautiful,' but sleeping Logan really is that inhumanly handsome. I know I don't look that good, even when I'm awake. I know I snore and can't possibly look that peaceful or pretty.

And I really did wonder what I had ever done to be this lucky. To not only have this person's friendship. But for him to love me like he does… For him to leave his lap of luxury lifestyle to come here. And be with me, even though it's hard work and my house is nowhere nearly as nice as his. For the millionth time since it happened, I wondered about the day this all started. When he'd seen me crying brokenhearted and alone on that bench. And he'd stopped to talk to me, sat there patiently till I did too. For him to kiss me… and keep kissing me since. For him to take nearly every opportunity to sneak around with me for months… For him to tell me he loved me that first time and million times since… How in the world did I get so lucky?

When his eyes cracked open at me, he caught me looking at him. He'd grinned and asked me. "Like what you see?" Just like he had when he'd caught me staring at him during the quarantine. I'd denied it at the time. But today I hardly had a leg to stand on.

"We are dating now, aren't we?" I'd asked. "Clearly you impressed me at some point."

His grin turned into a full-fledged SMILE. As he'd agreed, "Yeaaaaaaah I did." He'd just tugged me closer and snuggled me. Tickling my neck by nuzzling it with his nose, peppering kisses, and making me laugh. Before he'd pulled me into a long good-morning kiss. That didn't end for some time, even though I kept trying to talk to him.

Finally, he'd asked me, "How are you today? Did you sleep better? Or can you move easier, this morning?"

"I did… and I can." I realized, as it also hit me. "Wait - Did you have something to do with that besides letting me sleep on this shoulder?"

"I may have tried to make sure you weren't laying the same way you were yesterday morning." He'd admitted, after watching me struggle yesterday morning.

"Seriously?" I asked.

He shrugged, "It wasn't hard or anything, I just tried to ease you off of that side. Not let you lay that way too long."

Is that not the sweetest thing you've heard? And it turns out it was just the beginning of my guy's surprises for me this morning. We walked sharing an umbrella and our alpaca family along the driveway this morning hand and hand. Otis knows the way by heart and doesn't need his leash anymore. He'll stay beside me, but Maybelline needs to be led and the baby girls are so distracted with the entire world around them. That they needed to be carried most of the way. Jose and some other helpers ran up to help us escort the family this morning from my front porch to the barn.

That should have been my first sign, that there were BIGGER plans awaiting me. Because the helpers usually let me do this all on my own. Even when it's just me at home and they know I don't have help… But they've always got so much to do, I never ask anyone either. I really thought they were helping me because I was still recovering and didn't suspect any foul play at all. I was so preoccupied with my alpaca fam's care too, that whole walk over. And making sure that Logan kept the umbrella over his head too. Since he was holding it and kept putting it over me more than himself. As I led Maybelline with one hand and held onto Logan's hand with my other. I kept arguing with him that he needed it more than me. Because I was used to the constant rain and he wasn't. But he walked close and pulled me closer and insisted on covering me too… And Maybelline was trying to push herself under it too hilariously. She's such a diva.

But when we got to the barn, and the doors opened. I was NOT expecting everyone to already be inside the barn this early. Usually everyone meets around the breakfast table, inside my uncle's breakfast nook. For that morning meeting about all we need to do today. What animal needs what and if we're expecting visitors, that kinda thing.

But the barn was all lit brightly inside and decorated to the tee. With crate paper, signs, and balloons. And everyone was waiting in there, dressed for a party inside. But that was what we were walking into.

It turns out that my sneaky boyfriend, sneaky friends back at PCA, and even slipperier family here on this farm along with all of our workers who are like family had all worked together. To throw a baby shower for the new babies born here in the barn. It was mostly for our alpaca family but there was all kinds of new equipment for the other animals too. Even the grown ones and there were cameras recording my reaction as well as the rest of the fun at the party. That was gonna be shared with my friends as soon as it's uploaded too… But all of them chipped in together and got all kinds of new equipment for the babies, and other animals on our rescue farm. It's got to be one of the nicest things they've ever done for me.

But when I saw the crate paper and party balloons. I really did think it was something for aunt and uncle's upcoming nuptials. Or someone's birthday… A party or event I'd somehow forgotten about. Or missed hearing about. It didn't even occur to me that it was for me till everyone shouted surprise looking at me. So it was an even bigger shock when I realized it was a sort of baby shower for our little crias. As well as the other babies born in this barn recently.

I'd hugged my boyfriend so tight, and he'd asked. "Like it? I know it's a little weird, but I wanted to do something for our little family."

Yes, he really did say our family! He went on not knowing the reaction I was having. "I wanted to do something to help out around here better than just working as much as I can when I'm here, ya kno-"

Like there was any way this wasn't the SWEETEST thing he's done yet! I forgot we weren't alone. I'd forgotten there was anyone looking at us and I'd pulled him into a quick kiss right there in front of everyone. And you should have heard the 'whoo's and whistles behind us. And adorably, Logan hadn't been expecting it either and he kind bumped into the main barn door behind him and made a loud noise.

Lucy, our 60-something horse expert in her ever-present cowgirl hat. Said to break the ice, "If you hadn't kissed him, Q. One of us would have." And there was another loud bust of laughter from everyone who'd seen it. Even my uncle had put on a laugh-like sound for the cuteness.

Before my aunt Azalea said, "Go get cute for your party real fast and come back. I wanna see what's in those gifts. Even if it is for baby animals and some of them are from me."

So I did rush back and change into more of a baby shower look. A nice little purple dress with pink flowers I'd bought for all the parties I was gonna be attending this summer. I had stored up a few, for this wedding, as well as a couple more for some of the other weddings it sounds like I may be going to as Logan's date. I probably need to grab a few more, but this one I had been especially excited to wear. So I snagged it, I'd had no idea I would get to wear it to a baby shower for my grand crias! But the dress was much more the party look. Instead of my usual day on the farm look, borrowed from the grunge movement in the 90s. But I didn't realize Logan had done the same thing till I was coming back down the stairs and he was waiting for me at the bottom. Looking sharper than he had earlier. Also more party pressed, and I had to tell him.

"Dang, my guy is hot."

He'd shrugged, "Naturally, but you too!"

"You think?" I asked, brushing down my dress.

And he said, "Come on! You know you're hot! But do you like your surprise? Really? I did good?"

"The kiss didn't make that evident?" I'd asked while trying to concentrate on taking those last couple of steps.

"Nope, I need more." He'd scooped me up from the last couple of steps before I could reach the ground floor, and I'd ended up kissing him again.

I made it very clear, "I love it!" Before I hugged him tightly and thanked him in that last private moment. Not knowing it would be the last one we would get all day.

He said, "Don't thank me yet, wait till you see all the stuff we got for the farm, and our alpaca fam. Then you can say that. Love this dress by the way."

"Thanks." I'd tried to keep cool and not blush the whole walk back. But I think I still did anyways. He'd opened every door for me along the way. And insisted on sharing an umbrella and holding hands as we walked back to the party waiting for us in the barn. Everyone had dug into the party food as they waited for us to come back.

It turns out my aunts and uncles had sneakily even gotten this catered. By the same people who are supposed to be handling their rehearsal dinner Friday night. So this breakfast party was FANCY! For a baby shower being held in a barn for some alpacas, giraffes, a couple of colts, and some other animal babies. I was completely overwhelmed…

As my aunts had warned me, "Your other friends are probably gonna want to talk to you today about how you liked this party. They weren't able to be here, and Logan still did most of it, but they had a lot to do with it too. All of them have been sending party supplies, and gifts for weeks. As we planned this."

So I promised both aunts, "I would make sure to thank them all."

With that promise in mind, I'd pitched the idea of another group chat tonight. With our PCA gang. Only I wanted EVERYONE in this one. So I could thank everybody all at once. It wasn't possible for tonight. It got pushed to the following night (so Wednesday). But there's no way I could have made this pitch without blushing. Even if we would have to wait till tomorrow night.

Because it reminded me of the conversations I had had with my female friends last night, as well as the conversations that followed with Logan.

My exchange with the girls last night had been… interesting, enlightening and entertaining as always. But I can understand that they wanted to discuss most of these things away from the boys too. As some of the topics had been quite embarrassing to talk about. Even among ourselves, and we nearly tell each other everything… Lisa and Lola's problems were WAY more messed up than the rest of us.

As if Logan needed to look even more like a Prince, right now. Zoey, Lydia and Stacey had all shared some of their perils about coming home with their guys. While Lisa's and Lola's tales were all centered on bringing their guys home with them.

Since arriving in Baltimore, Zoey is always somehow getting caught saying embarrassing things around Chase's parents. To the point she's convinced they BOTH hate her for SURE now. If making their son attend a snooty, snotty, expensive British private school. ONLY because of her! Then ruined their sons big plans by quitting the school and heading back to PCA at the WORST time possible hadn't made them hate her already. Which I'm sure felt terrible and was majorly awkward. I may even share some of her complaints when I am the guest in Logan's playing from the home-field advantage. But her complaints and freakouts just paled in comparison to all the other things happening.

Stacey went on for ages about- do you recall when Lola had used one of her teal colored cotton swabs. Designated for crafting only, to clean out her ears. And Stacey had fished it outta the trash and cleaned it off. Before she lost it on both of us roommates for that? Well, Mark used an entire box of her crafting swabs to clean out his ears, his ailing great uncle, and his family's pet Saint Bernard "Bucky." For him to finish off a whole box, he must have cleaned the rest of their animals too. And Stacey was hysterical over that… she didn't want any of those swabs back. I had to keep telling her that, and reminding her of all the germs, bacteria, and funguses that could be now on all of those swabs.

I had to KEEP stressing to her, LEAVE those in the TRASH! Good grief, Stacey!

Lydia, had the easiest run, because James' parents weren't home yet. But from the discussions she's had over the phone with James and his folks. She's getting the drift they were more happy about meeting Zoey than her. Zoey the girl that every mother [besides Chase's] would LOVE her boy to bring home. While Lydia was the super young and talented comedian almost canceled before she can even make it big. I felt so bad for her, on that, and I could tell Zoey did too. I tried to cheer her up talking about all the trips we're gonna be making to 'Mystic Mountain,' and she doesn't even have to work there anymore! She can just have fun with US! But she wasn't her cheerful and vibrant self, noticeably! Her bright red hair was even lackluster, but that could ahve just been the lighting in her location too.

None of their hiccups, mess ups, or choke ups compared to the sheer disasters Lisa and Lola were forced to face, head on! They'd both needed to vent about their growing problems and even troubleshoot a bit too. On the best way to deal with any of these factors… or people causing these problems. As they both dealt very differently with bringing their boyfriends home with them.

Lisa needed to share about her dealings with a former ex of Michael's. Who is following them as they make their way slowly across our continent in Micheal's car. Back to Tennessee (Lisa's home state) and Georgia (Michael's home state). The original plan was to never be separated and travel together all summer. They'd started off wanting to always be together and NEVER - SEPARATE. I had even been around for those plans being made mostly. But now both Michael and Lisa were considering splitting up for a time apparently. To cool down once they've both reached the East Coast territories. They both felt fed up with one another and exhausted from the long trip. No amount of looking on the bright side for them seemed to help Lisa… Who was in an unusually foul mood all last night. She was adamant about staying mad at Michael and it sounds like he was just as peeved at her (from the way Logan talked).

Their road trip was supposed to bring them closer. But this old flame of Michael's seemed to be driving a big fat wedge between them… at the moment. As her progress keeps matching theirs. And Michael continues to play oblivious… like the little temptress isn't following them or making passes at him left and right. Lisa's not stupid, and refuses to play dumb. Lisa's had it… And I can't even blame her. I would have pulled all of my hair out by this point too. At least she's still beautiful and got her priories straight. It's Michael's ideals I question, not that that's so new.

Lola's neighbor's creepiness has only managed to get WAY worse. Since my visit and Zoey's! Which was something out of a Young Adult book. Where the neighbor girl is OBSESSED with everything Lola does.

It had been one thing when she'd brought us, her best girl friends home with her. She dressed like Lola or us. Showed up everywhere we went and tried to steal us away from Lola. Or turn us all against each other. And yeah, that all really happened.

It had been really bad when Chase and Michael had visited her too… Just as guy friends. And the little floozy was trying to jump their bones. When she wasn't trying to make them hate Lola.

But when Lola arrived home toting a hot firefighter-in-training boyfriend this year. That little wretch almost burned down her house five times in three days hoping Vince wouldn't be able to help himself and save her.

The little charlatan appeared in Lola's family pool all four times that Lola tried to swim in it. Even the three times she'd tried to meet Vince out there after dark when it had just been the two of them together. The little hellion had crashed every moment happening between them.

She's been spotted leaving the bushes under Lola's bedroom window several times. She washed all of her family's vehicles in her string bikini yesterday AND Lola's mother keeps inviting her over for meals. Claiming 'the poor girl looks hungry, lonely or lost.'

Yes, the POOR thing! Lola's reached her wit's end! I can't blame her either!

Lola is so freaked, she's trying to now find someplace else to be all summer. Convinced this was her mother's true wish all along. Well, before her usual trip to Mexico to reconnect with that branch of her family (Her paternal grandma and family she's the closest with all live there. She goes every year, this year she's taking Vince.) And our group trip to Hawaii Logan's planning too.

If Seattle were any closer to her parents home. She'd be knocking down my door. But THANKFULLY over skype, Lydia and Lola worked it all out. So that Vince and Lola can come stay with her at James' house which is even closer than I am. It's also close enough to where Lola's summer job is, and Vince's summer courses he signed up for riding around with real professional EMTs and firefighters too. Now there's a chance Lola and Vince can even come with our other friends when they're meeting us at Mystic Mountain too. To work on the nature trail…

YAY! To spending more time with any of my friends like that! Logan had been happy about it too.

All good news, but all of these things didn't really hit me personally. Even though it would be nice to hang out with Lola more than we thought we'd get to. What HAD affected me more individually had been when Lisa was complaining about Michael's complaining.

That ALL of us girls had different answers to questions regarding intimacy… Like all of us girls had expressed different specifics. Not one of us had said the same thing. Yeah! Not the way I saw my Monday going… or this talk! Not even now that it's Tuesday and I'm looking back in retrospect. But it turns out he's right. When we girls all compared notes, our answers were all different and all of the guys had said the same thing.

"Whenever you're ready." That's what ALL the guys had said in the end… Yes, even Logan. When we talked about it later. But at least my boyfriend had put much more thought into this aspect of his life than Michael had.

Logan had let me know that when this happens between us. And yes, not so much 'if' but more 'when' this happens. It wouldn't just be my first time, it would also be his. While he has dated a lot, even been labeled quite the 'player.' By all of our school and group. That was something he hadn't done with just anyone… he'd waited to be really in love with someone first…

Honestly, I fell a little deeper for him. Just HEARING that!

But here's WHY I was freaking out, the most. I had no idea what Logan thought about any of this when that conversation with the girls was still in session. Not when our little gab session took this personal turn. I mean we've kinda talked about this stuff, a little when some makeout sessions had gotten HOTTER than we meant them to. But not in the context my friends had with their boyfriends and I felt like I'd sent him unarmed into battle… Instead of a harmless conversation with our male friends.

Because I knew if the guys were talking about this topic too (and I was sure they were). What in the world is Logan gonna say that I told him? How is he gonna cover for it? Even his smoothness and aloofness has it's limits, but Stacey pointed out that Mark had supplied and answer for Michael's rather personal inquiry.

Mark had given answers regarding Stacey (his new interest) and ME (his ex).

Mark!

And I realized, Oh NO! This is way WORSE! I didn't send him into battle unarmed, I sent him into a totally botched situation! Where my former boyfriend THINKS he has an answer that my newer boyfriend (my poor LOGAN) doesn't! Holy SMOKES! He was gonna be so LIVID with me! Why HADN'T we talked about this prior? How COULD this happen?

But Zoey had made me feel slightly better saying, "Chase and me wouldn't have even talked about this so openly. After JUST getting together, if Lola and Lisa's situations hadn't put a big ol' spotlight on it. It also made me realize where I stood in my own shoes too. And I'm not so sure if I would have had such an easy time pinpointing it if things hadn't happened this way."

Then Lola had asked, as only she could. "And where do you stand, Zo?"

"I realized I don't wanna jump the gun and let things get so complicated just yet. I wanna date Chase and I wanna get close to him as his girlfriend before we take that step." Zoey revealed, going on to say. "I already know what it's like to be his best female friend. I want to see how different it is to be his girlfriend… so far it's already been crazy different but also the same at times. I know that doesn't sound like it should make sense, but it does."

Lisa felt the need to clarify, just in case anyone had forgotten. "Not me, I'm gonna be married first before I do ANY of that. And if Michael can't accept that then he's not the man I thought he was."

Sticking to her morals, ya gotta respect it. Or at least I do!

Stacey confirmed right after her, "I wanna be engaged… at least, my mother always says. 'Stacey, they won't buy the cow if you're giving out milk for free!' And my sister Suzanne who's a staff surgeon in Mississippi. Has told me WAY too many stories to back that logic. if Mark's so certain of his feelings for me, then a few years shouldn't change a thing."

She has a point, and Mark's not known for changing much… or at all.

Lydia said, "I think you're all being very smart…Smarter than I ever was… I just hope James doesn't mind that I'm not quite ready to even talk about this yet. Not after all my ex did to me personally, or all the plans he had for my sisters. Just… I'm gonna need some time to heal first."

I (Quinn) told her, "You guys just started dating."

Lola added helpfully, "You're still getting to know each other."

Zoey added, "You did! And James isn't the kinda guy to only have that on his mind. He's such a good person. I know he'll understand and wait till you're ready to talk about it. I didn't date him long, but that much I can assure you of Lyds… that and he didn't look at me once. The way he looks at you, girl."

Lisa helped, "Thank you for sharing your story with us, Lydia. For trusting us not to tell anyone else the details, and for helping us to learn from your experiences. As heartbreaking as they were Lydee. I know that wasn't easy, and had to hurt. But those times are behind you and James is gonna show you that not all men act like that."

She grinned, "It wasn't easy, but I hope you guys are right… I really love him… so much. But I just can't get hurt like that, or live with hurting him, if I could have prevented it.."

Stacey said, "You'll figure it out together… and things are only gonna get better from here. You've got him and ALL of us now."

I (Quinn) added, "That's right!"

Lola said, "I didn't wait for nothing. Vince and I were doing that way before any of you guys accepted him into the group. I was even fighting with you guys and sneaking off to be with him… and that wasn't always just making out either. But that was us and everybody's different… I get that."

All eyes were on me and I stalled by asking Stacey, "Did she happen to know what Mark had told Michael I would say? Specifically?" Like word from word, because I needed to know what the damage was.

And she's been unsure of his exact wording. But she said something like, "We'd cross that road when we got to it… then we never got to it." WHO - SAYS - THAT?

Mark! That's who! I know that was not what I said to him ever!

Lola pointed out. "Come on, what you told Mark CAN'T be the same thing you told Logan. They're so different!"

"They are and it isn't, but I truly can't remember what I'd even said to Mark…" I'd shared. Even if I KNEW it wasn't what Stacey had said either. "That's what's freaking me out. It was so long ago and the only reason he'd brought it up in the first place was to see what he could get away with even if he wasn't crazy about me."

Stacey affirmed, "How far you're willing to go, this is why I'm keeping things strictly platonic for now. Just ICK! There's no other way to put it. And he wants to act like none of that stuff happened? Or like you and me HAVEN'T talked about all the other dirt you've got on him… He's just shocked I'm not falling all over myself to be with him… the JERK! Even if I am sitting in his house right now instead of PCA's Parking lot. One good deed does not change the fact that he treated Quinn HORRIBLY!"

This is why I never shortchange Stacey. Like Lola ALWAYS does. She has her moments like this one where she's a GREAT friend.

"I don't blame you." Lydia and Lisa had said at the same time. Backing Stacey.

I did say, "I'm worried because I don't remember it and I know he's brazen enough to tell Logan whatever I'd said. Or whatever he thinks I said, he may have even gotten me mixed up with Brooke or someone else… -sigh- Logan's gonna be so PISSED!"

And they all agreed, Zoey even said. "He does have a HOT temper, he's famous for that, and he's SUPER overprotective of you, girl. Since y'all got together, and even more so after that fire."

But Lola insisted, "Quit stalling Quinn! We all said ours, what did you say to Logan? Give it up, Girl!"

Even though Zoey told her, "It's none of our business, Lola."

Lydia amped up for me too, "If Quinn wants to keep it between them, that's her call."

But I ended up telling them the same thing I told Logan; almost as soon as this video conference was over. Which was that I wanted that to happen for us, when we were both ready for it, and I didn't want to plan on it. I wanted it to happen more naturally than that. Spontaneously and Logan had felt the same… thank GOD.

I left it out, that it's almost happened a few times now, since Logan arrived. But I had assured Logan that had been how I'd felt about those moments too. And he'd seemed relieved to hear that. So obviously that feeling was mutual and we seem to be on the same page.

If we hadn't had to be somewhere right then. If we hadn't had people counting on us for something. It could have even happened before summer, if I'm perfectly honest… it JUST hadn't. And when he KEEPS surprising me like this, honestly! He doesn't make it easy… resisting him.

But somehow, I've managed to hold out… and even I don't know how. But don't tell him that, his head will never make it through our barn doors again even if their both open wide. Forget the poor narrow doorways of my little house.

Like Zoey, I have to say, I don't think we could have had such an honest chat about where we both stand. How we both feel about this aspect of our relationship… even if it was not the best or most elegant way for the subject to get brought up.

But as I'd predicted, Logan was more than peeved. To hear Mark knew something about me, that he didn't. And as I was trying to calm him down, and assure him. That he had nothing to worry about…

NOTHING. At all!

I somehow whispered to him, in all of my assurances that I wanted him to be my first… No, I can't believe it either. But the words flew right outta me and I realized on the following breath… That that statement was totally TRUE!

I didn't even know that myself, till the words were out… And now that they're out there. Along with all of the other honest confessions that followed…. I'm struggling to keep my mind focused on any task at hand. I've made so many simple mistakes that I'm almost afraid to offer anymore help today. With the animals anyways, but I was able to pull myself together and finish out the day normally. After the surprise shower, and texting chat with friends, then helping out with wedding prep in the house the rest of the day. Late into that Tuesday Night, I was so glad our friends had opted to talk the following night. I'd been in my uncle's house putting together party favors for the rehearsal dinner, welcome kits for the far travelers booked to stay at a hotel, party favors for the wedding and reception. As well as table centerpieces for all of these events too.

We were working into the wee hours of the night (or really the morning). And Logan had been out helping with something in the barn. I later found out that when he wasn't assisting with the llamas, sheep, and alpacas getting sheared or brushing down the horses. Learning as much as he could about all of the care that went into all of those animals. He was helping out with something top secret. With my uncle Irvine, something he's planning for my newest aunt. As a wedding present that he hasn't even shared with me.

Logan knows about this, and even I don't! It's making me wonder how tight is my uncle getting with my boyfriend? Even my uncle Danny, who's Irvine's best man Saturday. Is part of that elite bromance now… What have I started?

When the time was nearly 2 am I ended up walking out there with my aunts. To the barn to see why the men hadn't ever come back to the house since dinnertime. While my uncles were both barely on their feet. They were both so tired. My baby had fallen asleep on top of a pile of hay in a corner. The same place I've been found snoozing several times in my life… and I'd gotten to wake him up and gloat. "Easier than you thought it would be, isn't it?"

He'd smiled immediately, "Okay okay! But I still don't think you should have slept out here when your stitches and wounds were all so fresh." He'd maintained so adorably I just hugged him.

"I'll grant you that, but how 'bout we head on back to a real bed and call it a night?" I'd asked him.

He'd agreed, "That sounds like a good idea."

My uncle let us both crash in his spare room. So we didn't have to walk all that distance back. When we both we so groggy and were needed here on the farm. Irvine didn't even pitch a fit about us sharing the room either. I'm still shocked even if I know he was probably too tired and knew we were too sleepy to do much else too. We were needed on the farm bright and early, first thing the following morning. Only hours away from then.

I was teaching a yoga class to anyone who needed a little loosen up. Before breakfast!

Logan asked, "Can you really do that?" Worried about my injuries. But I had explained that was how I had been regaining so much of my flexibility back now. Sneaking it whenever I had time. He still made me promise I wouldn't attempt anything I didn't KNOW I could handle.

The following (Wednesday) morning, Yoga class was a smash hit too. And it wasn't just all of the ladies either. When Logan had attended, (and I didn't ask him to do that) but he'd sat through Lola and Zoey's classes at school and wanted to see if mine were better.

And they were! Even if I think he's more than a little biased.

But since my guy attended, so did both my uncles, and a bunch of the male workers as well. And I think the men felt a difference even more than my aunts had… seriously, what is happening here? But my aunts were both tickled and relieved enough to jump-start their days so… mission still accomplished! But the men kept asking me all day to repeat and reteach certain poses again. As they tried to per-fect them too… Something I thought I would never say without them trying to joke around. But they were all serious.

At the breakfast table. Right after Logan had followed out some of the workers' to get started on more work for the top-secret thing some more. Whatever that is! My uncle Irvine asked me if he could send me out on an errand instead of caring for the animals as always. But since this run was to pick up an immense amount of feed. To last our more normal farm animal recuses while my new aunt and uncle honeymoon in Africa. He'd stressed to me that absolutely everything needs to be perfect. And surprisingly, my uncle has started to have trouble with this supply company lately.

It's surprising because my uncle's known the owners of that place since school. He explained to me that his problem isn't with the owners but with whatever people these owners have working for them. These newbies have been mean to some of our workers. They've even fought at times and my uncle wondered if I could go along and manage things for him.

I was happy to do ANYTHING he needed me too.

Irvine warned me ahead of time, there wasn't enough room in any of the trucks for me though. He advised I follow on his old motorcycle. Saying it was "overdue for a ride anyways, and I'd be doing him a HUGE favor."

I couldn't turn that down. My uncle had taught me how to ride on that bike, long before my dad could teach me how to drive a car. So I ran to grab my riding jacket (more for protection against bugs and rain than anything else. It wasn't cold.) from my house, while I contemplated whether or not I should just keep my Converse shoes on or should I change into my riding boots too. When I realized Logan was following me asking me, "Hey? Where are you going?"

"I'm riding along to help the guys heading to the 'Feed and Seed.' It's the place where Irvine buys feed for our more typical livestock resues in bulk. All the local farms go there. I'll be right back." I'd said as he followed me into the my house.

Arguing, "Where are you gonna ride? In the flatbed? The cab is packed tight with big sweaty guys. I bet Irvine couldn't fit a piece a paper between those guys. You can't fit in there with them."

"No! The flatbeds are gonna be full of feed on the ride back. Enough to last everyone through my uncle's honeymoon. I'm leading the pack on my uncle's bike. To make sure everything goes smoothly."

"On a bike? It's that close?" He asked so cute.

"No, not a bicycle, I'm talking about my uncle's motorcycle," I explained more thoroughly.

"The motorcycle, he keeps covered up? The one he keeps smacking all the guys trying to sneak a peek at it? He let's you drive it?" He asked in surprise. But it wasn't in an insulting way or anything. He sounded impressed.

I reminded him, "Don't you remember a conversation we had on our prom night. Where I told you I learned how to drive a stick shift by learning it on a motorcycle first? I just didn't want to teach Michael. And neither did you. Who can also drive a stick shift, no problem. Remember that little conversation?"

"Yeah, but seriously? You weren't just flirting with me? Or teasing me with that one? You really can ride?" He'd smiled a little too big at me. I was so in a rush to get back and lead the team. I wasn't fully reading the room either or his mood. I was just gearing up quickly.

"Nope, perfectly serious and if you don't believe me, borrow my dad's riding jacket and follow me." I'd said not expecting him to do it. But he did! He shrugged into it even if my dad's jacket was a little big on him and probably not nearly as stylish as something he could have picked for himself.

But as I was showing him where the helmets were I wondered out loud to myself. "Should I change into my riding boots too? Or will these converse do?"

"Yes, Please." I heard him answer me.

But when I asked him, "What was that?"

He was quick to swear, "Nothing, nothing."

"You said something?" I insisted.

So he admitted, "I was just saying you should probably wear the boots too. I mean, you can't be too careful. It might rain or something, this is Seattle. It's been almost raining since I got here. It's probably raining as we speak, right?"

"Oh, real smooth." I complimented sarcastically.

Even though he KNEW he was caught now. He said. "What? Come on! Even you HAVE to know that that jacket is HOT as HELL on you. Shouldn't I get the full effect with boots too?" He tried to reason even putting a hand on my waist and pulling me closer to him while I was trying to tie my hair back using a mirror in my living room because I was trying to hurry. The more of my neck I exposed. The more he took as an invitation to kiss and nuzzle me to absolute oblivion.

"I'm not trying to be cute right now." I attempted to escape his grasp even if I really didn't want to. I said more to myself than him. "I'm trying to hurry! I've got… people yeah! People waiting on me and hungry livestock too!" I'd stressed turning to face him and he asked.

"Can you at least leave your hair down?" What's with these requests of his? Leave my hair down under the helmet? What good will that do?

I asked him, "Why would I do that, my hair is long enough where it will probably whip you in the face if you ride with me. And there really isn't any other option if you plan to come along. As you said yourself, the trucks have no room for anyone else."

He explained, "Cause I want to see you drive, then when we get where we're going I want to see you take off the helmet with your hair down. I've just got this picture in my head and I bet the real thing is way better." He explained stealing a kiss before we finished gearing up. And that kiss was WAY too persuasive. I was practically putty when it was over…

But somehow I got around him, still stubbornly tying my hair up. Not too high so it would fit under the helmet, and telling him. "We gotta hurry! I have to talk to the owners of the place while our guys help load up the trucks. And make sure their workers and ours, don't fight or mess up the order."

I don't know how, but as I rushed for the door. I remembered, even though my brain was MORE than a little fuzzy from that kiss. "I have to get there before our guys do and oversee every aspect. So the right amounts of things are measured just right."

He agreed easily enough, "Okay," before he followed me back to the barn.

My Uncle laughed when he noticed I wasn't alone, when I uncovered his bike and steered it up to the head of the convoy. He came over and gave me the leather binder with all of the payment info and everything inside. Just in case any of the workers at this place gave us any crap. He let me in on a few more important details and reminded me how important all of the measurements were. While I stored the info under the seat.

My Uncle was getting married this Saturday. The owners of this place are even coming to the wedding for crying out loud! Their old friends, and have been since they were all little kids together. They're not the problem and neither are any of our workers. Who are all good guys! This had to be the newer workers, at the place. He cautioned me to be safe and keep my eyes open.

While I told him, "This isn't something he should be worried about right now. Not with the wedding so close." I hope I assured him, "Consider this something you don't have to worry about anymore. I've got this."

Irvine works harder than anyone I know, selflessly and tirelessly. He's waited a long time for love and happiness, even longer than he's waited to build a place like this one. He deserves to relish it, every chance he gets. He deserves to be happy with Marion.

Having said all of that, I know my uncle sounds like some saint. But as if I needed reminding of his dark side. Irvine thinks he's so slick, getting Marion and Azalea to distract me a little longer. But I'm wise to his game, as he tells me "The trucks were still coordinating behind me." He doesn't think I saw him pull Logan aside. But I have eyes!

I know he's warning him too. About what we're about to walk up into. That he may have to have my back when I'm dealing with the workers at this place. Whoever they are but I'm far more perceptive than he thinks I am. And I also noticed he let Logan borrow one of his more stylish riding jackets too. Which he won't even let his own blood related brothers do that! My Dad's gonna feel so slighted when I tell him on the next phone call!

But I know that he's warning Logan in greater detail, then I've gotten to. It's partially my fault, I should have focused more on these warnings before I asked him to tag along. But it's also partially Logan's fault for distracting me so much and getting me all frazzled during our discussion.

I played it cool when Logan came back and climbed on the bike behind me. I flipped open the face mask and let him know, "You know my uncle won't even let his own brothers borrow his riding jackets, right?"

He put his arms around me tightly and let me know, "Not true, didn't you get your jacket from him?"

"He got this for me, yes. But it was never his before that. He doesn't lend out those things to just anyone." I still stressed. Before I asked teasingly, "Just what sort of bromance do you two got going on here? Should I be worried?"

He'd teased back, "Only if you ever try to make anyone else a part of this family besides me. I've stacked the odds in my favor a little too high for that."

"Good thing I have no plans for that just yet." I'd laughed as he'd gotten in that last boast.

"You're not the only one glad I'm here. Sorry not sorry."

I told him, "Remind Irvine of that, the next time he's threatening to get out one of his guns."

But Logan quipped, "Nuh, I'm safer now than I've ever been here, from that. He wouldn't want any holes in his jacket."

I was laughing so hard because it was so true. This was the safest he's ever been on the farm. Before I had to tell him to losen his grip on me so I could kickstart the bike. It hadn't been ridden in a while so it had taken more than one kick. But I knew what I was doing and I was cool.

When I kicked it to life, I'd somehow heard him over the purr of the engine. And through both of our helmets. Him saying the word, "Hot!"

Before he just made himself comfortable hanging on to me. Till take off.

I made sure all the others were ready for me to go. When I knew they were, I waved to Marion, Azalea, Danny, and Irvine all standing on the porch and took off at an acceptable speed. I wasn't gonna speed, but Logan was holding on tight. So I don't think the ride was lacking either.

Just as planned, I arrived just before our team and when we pulled into the familiar territory. And our helmets were off again. Before I had to be all business, I did say to my boyfriend. "Told you I know what I'm doing."

"Yeah, you do." He grinned all flirty again. Before the owners were waving to me from the top of the tall set of stairs that their offices sit on. I waved back and even though I told Logan I was fine, he insisted on following me up.

It turned out to be a great chance to show him off a little. While also talking about the wedding, but when our team rolled up. I didn't have to watch everything as closely as I was prepared to because the owners had done that themselves. After talking to Irvine in depth about the problem before I'd arrived. They even loaded up a few of their OWN trucks with extra feed. Free of charge as an early wedding gift and to make up for the errors Irvine had been worried about. The owners followed us back to the farm as well. They even stayed and ate dinner with everyone after the delivery was all put away.

But some of the mill workers ended up eating with ours. And the reception on that side of table and room wasn't nearly as warm and friendly. I could tell, a few of these so-called human workers were even picking at our animals, our mission. And when I heard how poorly worded and phrased these insults were. That was when I realized that I knew all of them from when I had been attending public school here at home.

There's a reason I'd chosen to attend a private school far away. And part of it had been not to continue to mutilate my self-esteem by continuing to attend public schools here. The classmates were beyond cruel, the girls were caty, boys were gross too. At my old school anyway, and that hadn't changed much through the years. As all four of these boys and their one girl friend all turned out to be not just former classmates. But a lot of the reason I'd opted for private school, and learned self-defense too.

They were the worst bullies of my class, all of them, and by the looks of it. They were the exact same as I remembered. The moment this all clicked in my head. I felt the hand holding mine under the table tighten around mine. It was like Logan knew something was up before I could even say so. But since we were seated in the center of the cushy booth like bench. With people on both sides of us. There was no way for us to sneak off and for me to tell him what was going on. Not without doing so in the open. And possibly starting more trouble in this cramped space.

He still whispered in my ear, "Are you okay?"

I nodded that I was, but he whispered anyway. "You sure? You're pailer all of a sudden. Are you in pain?"

I shook my head 'no' again. But I guess I had a reaction to the next thing said about some of our disabled sheep.

Logan quickly said into my ear a little louder, "Don't listen to those idiots. They just don't get it... any of it, and probably never will."

"I know, believe me." Was all I said back. The rest could wait till we didn't have an audience... I'd hoped.

But I had to sit there and hope none of the flunkies recognized me. But of course eventually… The only girl worker pointed at me and said, "Pensky? That's your name?"

"My last name, Yes." I'd nodded.

"Our bosses and your uncle keep calling you 'Q.'" She nearly spat the letter in pure disgust. Someone was a little spotlight chaser still. I see.

The desperate undatable wretch continued, "That wouldn't happen to mean 'Quinn,' would it?" She'd said with an asinine-sounding tone of voice. Like she'd just struck gold before I could answer her. Jose poured a whole very full cup of ice-cold lemonade down her back and she jumped up screaming at him.

All he said was "Whoopies, sorry-sorry, hope that wasn't new, honey."

I hoped it was all over, when she ran out of the house and to the trucks outside. But of course, the second I was up from the table after dinner and stepped outta my uncle's house. I was being yelled at by all of the idiot mill workers. All calling me the same thing they used to call me when I was little.

"Geekbate."

The last time I saw them, was last summer. When they had snuck into one of our fields and went 'cow-tipping' for 'FUN.' I'd seen them sneak in and out before the authorities could even arrive. I'd gotten in trouble for a phony call till my uncle showed the dumb cops the truth behind my words. Only elderly or blind cows had been out there that night. And when they got tipped. They'd panicked and died of strokes. Four deceased cows was proof enough to get me outta trouble. And to put out a warrant for animal cruelty, if it happens again, and they're caught. They're all definitely going to jail and not juvenile hall either. No way they're all minors.

I wouldn't have minded if they were just name-callers and blowhards. But for what they did to those already hurt animals… retaliation wasn't just obvious, it was mandatory! And if jailtime was out of reach right now, perhaps a bit of light ribbing could help things along.

So I grabbed a couple of my inventions, appropriate for this cause and I set those gears in motion. However, Logan had noticed my disappearance. And by the time he found me, the bullies had started telling all these stories from back in the day. Where I was pathetic and easy to hold down, or beat up. Times they'd made me cry or wish I was any place else but the playground at my old school. Even my first day of second grade when the biggest idiot had punched me and broken my glasses right on my face.

The second Logan interpreted these stories were about me, and true. Logan didn't even wait for the group's focus to shift to him. He was going with the element of surprise and would have clocked every one of them that he could. The obvious boyfriend in the equation, protecting his girlfriend. And he wouldn't have even gotten as far as he did. If I wasn't so shocked… I'm still not acustom to having such a protective and caring boyfriend… Cut me some slack. You know how listless and careless Mark was. Imagine being used to that. Then this guy comes literally rushing to my defense. I was smiling so huge as I stopped him. By jumping infront of him and slamming into each other pretty hard.

Those had been a few VERY aggressive steps he'd taken towards the biggest (dumbest) one of the pack. He had every intention of taking him out, if nothing else. Not even knowing all that I know. Just for picking on me like they all were. But I had to grab him and make him stop. I was not gonna start something with these guys to fuel their enjoyment. And if I wasn't gonna, then he couldn't either.

I had to make him look at me, when I told him. "Not now."

And no, I did not do this because I didn't think he could take them (or I couldn't). Because I knew how strong he is. We were on the wrestling team together for a brief time this passed year after all. I had spent some time sparing with him on those mats too. I just had a much better idea, for better revenge than a blow to the head. That would be a great trial for some of Quinnventions all in one shot. It wasn't easy, but I got him to follow me and leave those cretins to their self maintained fables. All about a time long passed, when I was an easy target… they'd already learned the hard way those days were behind me. I'd beat them all and stood up for myself against everyone of them. Before I left for PCA all those years ago, that's why they probably weren't trying to fight me right now.

After making sure Logan was nice and distracted… away from their circle of STILL teasing and tainting former classmates. I did talk with my uncle's friend off to the side, to warn him about what I had done and why. He'd not only volunteered his help. He'd pat me on the back and assured, "Hope you catch them all. They've been nothing but trouble since I hired them. But I've been trying to help them out."

Irvine had heard the whole thing and told his friend, "You can't help someone, who doesn't want your help." Before he asked me, "Are you sure it was them, Q? No doubt?"

"None at all," I assured. "I told you I'd gotten a good look at them and went to school with them."

But since we were still surrounded in so many people who COULDN'T know of my trickery. I couldn't tell Logan about it till we were walking back to my house. Hand and hand under umbrellas again.

Then he asked, "So are you gonna tell me what that was all about? Why you didn't let me punch out that mouthbreather? Or his flunkies?"

So I did as he asked and filled in all the blanks. It didn't take very long we might have not even reached the halfway mark in my uncle's driveway when he stopped me. First he'd hugged me and told me, "I'm so sorry you had to even see those bullies ever again. What a$$%^&*s!"

"It wasn't all bad," I had to tell him. "It showed me while so much of the world is different. They haven't changed a bit and since they were picking on so many of our animals. I know they don't even regret what they did. But at the end of the day I'm the MOST glad I decided to switch to private schools. Not that walking with you wasn't already a good enough reason."

"I hope so." He'd boasted before he took the opportunity to say. "And I'm so glad you didn't stay in public school either… I really can't imagine PCA without you. Even though I've had to see way too much of it that way, lately."

Before girls were allowed to attend Pacific Coast Academy, Logan, Chase and Michael were already alumni. So there were a few years before we girls were there. That they got super close with each other. And Logan had to finish up this last year without me too. It sounds like he did not like that at all, even though it's over with.

But Logan confessed, "I know you didn't want me to hang around where those guys were. But I was listening to some of their stories before all that-"

"And you put together later that they were all about me?" I said before he could.

He took a gentle hold of my face and asked, "Did they really break your glasses on your face? The first day of school, one year?"

"Yep." Was all I had to say before he was hugging me tightly again.

"WISH I'd decked that PRICK!" He'd vented.

I had to explain to him, "I don't carry a grudge, Logan. I learned how to fight and defend myself."

"Please tell me you stood up to them, when you were little Quinn." He told me still holding tight.

"You met little Quinn, don't you think she kicked all their a$$es?" I asked him and he'd kissed me.

Before saying, "That's my girl."

I'd made that kiss last a little longer than I should have. Before I went on, "I let go of all of that hostility a LONG time ago. Long before I even met you. This is about 'Clara', 'Anita,' 'Bella' and 'DeeDee' the four cows they hurt. They murdered, really, and didn't even care. Just being stupid. I'm only coming for justice, for them. I don't need it for me, not even a little bit."

But as he took my hand again, to finish the rest of our walk to my house. Our joined hands swinging between us. He also asked, "So are you gonna share your great revenge plot? Or am I gonna have to ask again later?"

"No, I'll happily share." I let him know. I told him how I'd tossed a few special Quinnventions into the cabs of their trucks using the back windows. Which had been left open like a written invitation, and into the flatbed of their trucks as well. Stink bombs to make them STINK like they were covered in rotten eggs and sprayed by a skunk. Only the smell is ten times stronger and lasts a little longer than regular skunk smells can without the anitodote… or at least in my trials, it did.

When I told Logan about what the bombs did, on that walk home. He'd simplified, "So they're your twist on stink bombs?"

"Yep." I'd answered.

This is how well he knows me.

He asked me, "But I thought you swore all stink bombs were a waste of time and resources? That you'd never waste your time like that? Isn't that what you said during the stink bombings at PCA? When the Dean asked if you'd done it? Or knew what was going on?"

And yes, that was exactly what I'd told the Dean. And I'd meant it, I couldn't believe he'd remembered that, even if he had been standing next to me. But I shared with him. "Studying the sci-clubs work and how terribly flawed it was. I had to see if I could do better. I just reimagined my paint bomb schemes with stink and preso! It was really too easy."

He told me without a doubt. "Well, I know your designs were way better. Not even looking at them, I know that."

"Besides," I went on, "I couldn't waste any of my good inventions on those tailholes. No, I used the ones on them that were throwaways. Things I made for sheer fun outta scraps on the side."

"Nice." He'd chuckled. "But I still think those jerks deserved way worse… The way they were talking about the disabled goats that help each other get around. How they kept saying we should just shot them, put them out of their misery. Grr! I still wish you'd just let me take them all out. Especially that big one!"

"Nope!" I was still certain my approach was the better one. Instead of letting my boyfriend and myself risk having split lips or black eyes in my uncle's wedding photos. And I told Logan so.

But upon revealing this to my boyfriend he'd mushed his fist into his other hand. Loudly saying, "It STILL would have been worth it."

"No it isn't, besides… this wasn't all of my plan. This was just the beginning." As we walked up onto my front porch. He was listening intently, and I told him. "I hope that this will provoke them all enough to make them try something like that again. Now that we have much better security and permanent officers watching over our animals at all times. Doing foot patrols around the perimeter and through camera systems too."

He put together, "You're hoping they'll get caught." Notice how there's no question mark at the end of his realization? Yeah! My guy's bright! He even said, "Good."

"Yes, after a year of it being overdue! I want them behind those bars this time." I let him know. "Cruelty to animals is not something we take lightly around here."

"No, and I'm glad you don't." He'd said with real appreciation.

But when I looked at the clock inside my house. We'd still managed to get home a little earlier than originally planned for tonight's group chat with EVERYONE. So while we were waiting for our meet up time. We got to mess around with some of my inventions for a while. Logan had expressed interest in how I'd accomplished this bomb effect safely verses all of the botched ones we'd studied together at school. That had been created by the sci-club back before Prom. It had been days and days since I'd invented anything. So that was so fun experimenting together in my lab portion of my dad's garage together. It's just a better location for some of my combustible reactions too.

Then time flew! And we had to rush to cue up my laptop. Still wearing our protective gear and tools all scattered around us. But everyone kept complaining about always only seeing one of us at a time. On camera and not both of us. So Logan had pulled me super close, and when they were all still complaining. He'd picked me up and pulled me onto his lap and we'd spent the rest of the conversation sticking that close to each other. If you can imagine.

After all of that lab work, on top of his overprotective impulses earlier. His hanging onto me when I was driving my uncle's bike… Saying I was already hot under the collar would have been understatement of the YEAR.

Not gonna lie! I was HOT for him. Like, BAD!

And even though I had been more than warm inside of those layers. Of labcoat, apron and heavy heat proof gloves. My glasses fogged up when our eyes met. On cue! And he'd laughed right in my face while I was scrambling to wipe them down. And elbow my guy in the gut to shush him, even if he just laughed harder.

PESKY glasses, sharing my SECRETS!

After all of the venting and carrying on Lola and Lisa had been doing the other day. I only expected more fighting like that, now that we were all coming together again. From them at the very least. But as it turns out, I wasn't the only girl seated across her man's lap in our discussions. It seemed to be the trend for ALL of us. Everyone was sitting like that, even Stacey and Mark… I don't know ALL the details (and won't till the next gab session apparently) but ALL of the pairs were in such a better place today that it wasn't even funny!

Lisa and Michael had made up and decided to stick with their original plans. And stick together for their WHOLE summer after all… and after finally confronting and ditching that harlot who'd kept coming between them. Everything was easy-peasy between them again.

Lola and Vince had officially moved from Lola's mom's house to where James and Lydia were. (James' House) Since we'd last spoken with them (That had been the MAIN reason no one could talk yesterday. Mostly everyone was traveling to new places). And all four of them looked so much happier that way. Even though ALL of us were reminding Lola how terribly she's treated Lydia in the past. Calling her 'a rival' or even 'the enemy' at times. Just because the both of them are the Queens of the drama department and they've competed for many roles against one another.

AND Lydia has only starred ONCE over Lola too. Even though they've competed for YEARS. If anyone has a reason to be hesitant, or biter. It's clearly Lydia, NOT Lola. And I COULDN'T let her get away without apologizing.

Lola said, "I know, I know! I've been a b*tch to Lydia… and to Logan, more than anyone else here-"

Stacey and Mark both spoke up together and said the same things, "What about me - US?"

"I said what I said," Lola maintained. "Mark deserved it for hurting Quinn and making her feel thrown away. And Stacey gets what she gets for telling me drinking her NASTY sassafras tea would help my boobs grow. WHICH was a LIE! CLEARLY!"

I laughed so hard and loudly, and Logan had to tighten his grip on me. Till I calmed down, but he'd been laughing too.

Lola went on, "I find myself apologizing ever so often and eating about as much humble pie as I can stand, guys. But Lydia bailed me out of a really bad situation, AND Logan not only is in Seattle, right now. So he can be with Quinn, which was enough by itself to make me eat ALL my words. I've EVER said about him! But he's included ALL of us in that baby animal shower, and HUGE trip where we're all gonna be together for two weeks in Hawaii… HAWAII! I haven't been there since I was six and I barely remember it! I admit, I was wrong about both Lydia and Logan… Stacey and Mark I stand by my reluctance."

Logan and Lydia both thanked her, and Mark said, "That's fair, she has no chest, Stac-"

Stacey smacked him hard, cause it echoed.

This not only made Logan and me very happy to hear. But I was so THRILLED to see Lola FINALLY treating Lydia right. They have so much in common, I've been hoping they would hit it off for a while now. And Lola was the only one NOT for that, up to now! So it wasn't just 'couple' bridges on the mend… it was friendships too! YAY!

Zoey and Chase were both in Flordia now too. Visiting their grandparents, who live close to one another. From what I understand, they were calling from Zoey's grandma's house. But they kept getting so distracted, by their closeness, that they kept forgetting the rest of us were here. They kept getting caught up in talking to each other too. So… Looks like they're doing even better than we left them too… hopefully.

And I have to admit… they weren't the only ones.

Yes the others were all making eyes at each other sure. But LOGAN!

He kept finding these ways to touch or tickle me. The levels of contact were INTOXICATING he was not letting ANY opportunity to flirt pass him by. And apparently, our experimentations hadn't just gotten me ALL kerfuffled. I wasn't the only one with fogged goggles on this end of things tonight either. Clearly, I'm not the only one who has been impressed today… I was still fanning myself from him protecting me earlier. But I didn't share any of that with our friends today. I saved that for the next all girls gab session taking place probably tomorrow. The way my friends were all planning. Lola HAD been already on me about staying too quiet that whole time… I didn't say she was partly to blame for that. I didn't want to fight with her.

I instead warned everyone, "It's probably gotta happen then." Because tomorrow is Thursday, and anytime beyond that would be cutting into all of the rehearsals for the wedding happening on Friday, and the real deal happening this Saturday.

Logan backed me up saying, "We've gotta skip till Sunday, at least, after that."

And everyone agreed, tomorrow night we were gonna split up again. And I hoped our talks would all still be as harmonious as this one had been.

After signing off with the gang, when I went to get up. Something wouldn't let me budge. Not even an inch, and when I looked back. It was my guy, hanging onto me even worse than he had been when we were riding together earlier. Pulling me back to him saying, "Not yet."

I somehow ended up straddling him, so I could face him, and kissing him for the longest moment. When it ended we even leaned our foreheads together. With speech possible again, he asked, "Can I just keep you here a little longer? I mean I did have to look at those hudgers today and not make them bleed. Even though they ALL deserved it and I REALLY wanted to. That was really hard for me." He complained and I had to reward such a good boy. Even if just a little… and it hadn't been great for me either.

I even told him, as I let him hold me, "I wish I could have hurt them too… a little. But my inventions should do the trick. And Irvine's pals are gonna let me know if they worked or not. But they really were awful weren't they?"

"Especially that big one." Logan complained, "I don't like the way he kept looking at you. It was like he'd been picking at you cause he liked you or something."

"Wow, I thought only you did that." I'd stitched him up nicely. I had to! He'd left it wide open, I had to take it.

He laughed without humor, "HahaHA! Very funny, baby. But for real, what a soulless a$$bag."

"Yeah, not all the bad boys turn out as good as you." I had to rib him one more time. And he'd started a tickle fight after that. That ended with more makingout… and I could have stayed there with him all night. But we both really needed to get some rest before tomorrow. I knew we probably should have gone right up to bed. But we ended up making out while I was still in his lap. It had been the perfect ending to our day. Besides getting to curl up together and sleep after that.

While we were still winding down, he asked me. "If we do see those jerks again, can I maybe hit them next time?"

Don't worry, I told him, "No." Even if I did add in there, "You'd take them all out, I don't doubt it-"

"Yeah, I would, but so could you." He'd complimented.

High praise from my boyfriend, who used to think girls weren't strong like that. "Thank you, but that's just it. Hitting them, win or lose doesn't change the past. As good as it might feel even… In the end, I would much rather hear they were put behind bars. For what they did to those poor cows who just wanted to rest in the field that night. Something they felt safe doing, and SHOULD have been safe doing. They're the ones who should be getting justice. I want them to feel that it was wrong for them to hurt something that can't speak for itself."

Logan surprised me, talking about the llama my uncle had recently taken in. And he'd met yesterday named 'Hope.' She hadn't been sheared in six years at least. And she'd needed to be watched so closely throughout the process. Because her level of neglected state, was life threatening. Logan had said so cutely, "I couldn't believe how different and free she looked when it was over. How light she was on her feet after that… and I come from Hollywood. Where some of the meanest people on planet earth live. And even I can't believe anyone could be so cruel."

I just had to hug him… he gets it, you know! Totally! What we're doing here and why it's so important. I know I still can't believe how well, Logan and I match up sometimes. I still can't believe how lucky I am to have someone like him in my life. And it was these happy thoughts that I drifted off to sleep with. Counting my blessings for the millionth time since this all started.

And I have a feeling it's something I'll continue to do this summer…maybe even possibly from now on. Who knows, all I do know is the thing I was the most grateful for at the end of the day. Was this person who I get to lay next to, even if I had SO much to be thankful for. Like I said above, I couldn't have asked for better. I had never had anyone make me feel this safe. Not even my parents gave me this level of pure contentment... and I secretly wished it to never end. Even though I realize how impossible that sounds.

I dozed off wishing for this one impossible thing to be made possible. While also hoping I'm able to give him a tenth of this comfort. A sixteenth, or some fraction of some measure. Cause I truly can't remember loving anyone more, wanting to be around anyone else this much. Or feeling this happy before either. As my world faded to black, my head on his shoulder again, and he held me just right. I hoped we could always find this feeling when we're together. And that this feeling can only get better as we grow closer.

---

That's all folks!

Well for this post anyways. But don't fret. I should be back on schedule just fine now. Next week's post is already outlined. And it will be Logan's perspective, please write in if you can. I would LOVE to hear from you. Hope you're having a GREAT week! Till next Thursday! Take Care and Much Love!

~DarcyBeDippy85!