Hey There,
Welcome back PCA stingrays! YES! It's Thursday and time to party! I apologize that this is a week later reaching you than I meant it to be. Between my mom's birthday (07/07!) and heat-induced migraines though. This was the EARLIEST I could get this update completed and sounding just right. I hope it is worth the wait and reaching you all in much cooler circumstances. But enough of my rambling! Let's get right to it!
Standard Disclaimers Apply - I don't own Zoey 101, Zoey 102, Nickelodeon, MTV or any of the other trademarked things mentioned. I am merely borrowing all of these things for my own twisted amusement and most will be returned unharmed.
Special thanks to anyone reading this right now. For taking a chance on this story and making it this far. (I know how much reading that took and just THANK YOU!)
Special thanks to the few of you who have placed this story on your favorites list or story alert list. Also special thanks the few of you who have placed me as an authoress on your favorite author's list or author's alert lists. That is all high praise and I hope you're still reading and enjoying!
Special thanks to my reviewer: AwkwardGurl05 (Yes, a Logan post is always a balancing act like no other. But thank you so much for assuring that he doesn't come off as creepy or too much… trust me. Even if yes, he doesn't leave as much to the imagination sometimes. LoL! Leave it to him to be, "No! It was like this! Not that!" Even when it comes to those more romantic moments. LoL! And between you and me, he does know what he's talking about. We just can't tell him that! LOL! Don't worry about where you are on anything. I know your own stories are masterpieces in progress that will be done and posted when they're meant to be. I don't doubt that at all. Can't wait, but I will! My other works [even the ones only you know about] are there for whenever you're in the mood for something like that. I know you've got SO MUCH going on and I appreciate you so much for lending me your fresh eyes. But that or anything else I've written is there for whenever. I just hope you do enjoy it when you read it. Yes, writing for Quinn is always endless google searches making sure all of the facts are right and researching things here and there for me too. While Logan's all about the here and now… even if meticulously, making certain you're telling his side of things JUST right. LoL! Can't wait to see what you do with these guys too! I think so too! That Malcolm would have ALWAYS wanted the best for his son. And even in the stories where Quogan weren't ALWAYS together [because before Zoey 102 we had to consider all of the possibilities]. Malcolm always KNEW that was Quinn, for sure. Because like us, I think Malcolm noticed Logan was always wanting to impress her and trippin over her before Logan even realized it himself. I also believe that Chauncy was a factor in this early notice too. And they don't always get that credit. But throughout my works. Both published and not, I think I'm always giving them that cred. Or at least having way too much fun with it. So of course! YES! Malcolm was totally some part [maybe even a major role] in the steps it took for Logan to finally get that YES! I believe that whole heartedly too. Yes, I did see that on IMDB, and wondered about that possibility. Bet that would be HECK of a story to tell, rampant with Quogan ALWAYS on the brink of their own similar moment. What fun! And you know Quinn had some part in that too! Yes, Mark truly was the worst. There might be an opportunity for some of the girls from Mark's past to voice their frustrations coming up too… His family does own some part of a theme park that's a lot easier to lure people to than it would be to ask them to visit his house. Just saying, AND Yes! Logan has kept it on lock that Quinn's partial to yellow. But Logan could literally fill a book with all of the things he knows about Quinn that Mark NEVER would. I'm so glad my letters aren't so bad, even if they're still long. I too, tend to carry on… and on, clearly. LoL! No wonder we're kindred spirits. But don't think you're ever bothering me, I appreciate you so much. Hopefully I didn't miss anything. But CH. 13! Yeah! With all of the traveling Birdie's always dragging Howard on. This numbers it their 15th honeymoon… Logan's thinking they'll beat that number no problem already too! And they're only 17 years old! AWW! Love the Minions ref! Those little guys are too funny! Yep, Mark's here now too… And Quinn knows first hand that he must really like Stacey to do that. Because he NEVER would have done it for her sadly. WTF, Mark!? Yes, the angry voice in Logan's head is probably also voiced by Lewis Black {I love him so much! He's always so 'put-out with life and the WORLD' in his stand-up} SO FUNNY! And I loved the Inside Out ref too! I would bet Mark a small HILL made of plain roasted potatoes wrapped in paper towels that he would NEVER make it. If his life depended on speaking to a girl and NOT insulting her with every other word… He could never be a dating game contestant. But we're working on that… Or trying too. Even Logan as he curses him out, is HOPING to get through to him. Before he hurts anyone else, and Quinn too wants to help him. But also wants to keep out of it, which is where Stacey comes in. Or at least that's what I'm hoping for. Yes! I had way too much fun playing with that back-and-forth between Quogan in that last chapter. It really was too much fun though. AWW! That little story you hinted at SOUNDS ADORABLE! Can't WAIT to read that! Yes! I have had to remind Logan of the rating system a few times recently… he still thinks I'm skimping too many details some days. I'm so glad you liked their little assurances before they fell asleep too. And yep! Quinn's been dreaming about him too, you know she has! Logan did crunch all of the Chase and Zoey stuff into a compact little carry-all didn't he… Oh the hoops I had to hop through just to even TALK to Choey for those details. LoL! Those hoops were on FIRE too! I'm so glad you enjoyed Darrell and Devon's debut. I think I always believed Zoey's dad is a toolbag after his brief appearance in 'Mr. Deeds.' I don't know, he always struck me as that guy after I realized it was the SAME actor who played Zoey's Dad. LoL! Thanks again IMDB! I had to feature Choey playing 'Would you Rather' after that WHOLE episode with them doing that [and Lola had that crush on Chase… Weird!]. Yes! Cut back to Logan at the end. He always swears if I don't begin and end with him on his chapters. I'm not doing my job… yes, really. And not only did he show MAD love for Quinn's messed up back, but he totally 'has her back' in the end of that chapter too and the perspective switches over to him now! God Bless you for your kindness, your energy, your encouragement and you friendship! I really couldn't have done ANY of this without you. And I don't know how to thank you for all that you do! I am answering your letters as we speak and Hope this update finds you VERY well! Hope you're having a GREAT week! Take Care and Much Love! )
Enjoy!
"How We Spent Our Summer Vacay!"
Chapter 14 - How It's Done!
(Logan's Perspective)
Have you ever seen those sequences in films or sitcoms… Where even if the zombie apocalypse is happening around a person. They don't care, because inside that person's head, there's nothing but love ballets playing… the floaty kind that sounds like they're part of a breeze. With lots of sunshine, tulips, and birds flying around? Because even as we walked into Irvine's place, on a new mission this mor-I mean, afternoon. To figure out what the heck is going on with our other friends who just arrived…
That's what was still happening inside of my head. I was still too happy, too blissed out by EVERY thing that had happened last night. You know, when I wasn't passing out too early and when I'd gotten to be with Quinn again.
Man! That had been just WOW! So much better than I'd been imagining… so much more than I'd hoped for… And even better than the first time… and we'd gotten to talk out a lot of the unanswered questions we both had between us too… It had just been such a great night and morning.
And Quinn had to keep reminding me to pay attention. But she'd shoot me a look, or a grin… even if she rolled her eyes at me. I was still too far gone! I was just hopeless… And I couldn't snap out of it till Del Figgalo heard something Quinn had said and I had missed. When he remembered it word from word and she told him he was right... THAT had done it! I was finally able to focus in on what was going on and hopefully help too.
Apparently James' parents had arrived home a bit earlier than planned. And even though they had said in front of James that his friends were more than welcome to stay in their home. The second James wasn't around, his parents were doing EVERYTHING to get rid of them all. Vince, Lola, but ESPECIALLY Lydia, who they were determined not to like or accept as James' new girlfriend. They'd read all the wrong tabloids and drawn their own conclusions about her. Long before they'd met her, and even Lola who isn't Lydia's biggest fan. Had said that "She felt bad about the way James' parents had treated Lydia the most." And quote! "That poor girl was put through HELL."
Lydia hung in there for as long as she could, for James' sake. Because even Lydia claims "They didn't seem too thrilled to even see their own son. James had been so sweet all the way to end, and never been anything but super duper nice to everyone." But when these people had forced Lydia to sit through a bunch of her ex's old skits on 'Friday Night Live.' Specifically, the ones throwing shade at her. The poor girl had triggered into a full break down at some point and asked if Lola and Vince would help her figure out where to go from there. When she couldn't stay anymore.
Lydia's family all over the map and so busy with their own lives. She knew she would burden any one of them if ran to them. But besides them she didn't really have any place to go.
Lola and Vince were both just as done with these terrible people. And Lola knew Quinn wouldn't turn them away. Lola's been coming here for a little bit every summer since Quinn and her became best friends. But Lola didn't know how to get here, she just had the mailing address memoriized. So Vince had to GPS it, and take turns driving with Mo till they got here. Lydia could have driven too, but she was such a mess, I can see why they didn't ask her to.
I had to point out, "Okay, but none of that explains how Mo got here. How does she tie into all of this and why does she seem just as destroyed as Lydia, really? Don't tell me James did that too."
And Vince explained, "No, man! Of course not, and James didn't hurt Lydia either. It was his parents Logan."
"Oh right." I said I could focus better, I didn't say I was perfect.
Vince explained to me while Lola explained to Quinn and Stacey. "Mo's been hanging out with us a lot lately. Because she was visiting her Dad who lives on that same street as James' family, and she's been having an even rougher summer than Lydia has. When I think about it."
I had asked him, "Seriously." Even though both girls DID look wrecked. Not that they could help that right now. They'd all been in a car for HOURS, even Hollywood actors would have looked bad after a night like that.
Vince explained better, "Well, Mo got dumped by her boyfriend quite abruptly and carelessly the first day of summer break-"
"Sockberger dumped her!?" I asked in shock, they'd seemed fine.
But Vince clued me in, "Mona ran into Sockberger right after getting to her Dad's place and outta PCA. It was the same day apparently and she ran into him at the grocery store, but he'd been with another smaller and cuter girl from his neighborhood. Who he's been apparently keeping on the side for years. And when the little teeny girl asked Sockberger 'If he knew that BIG girl?' The idiot had acted like he didn't know her. And had broken poor Mona's heart. And only continued to treat her like that when they KEPT bumping into each other every place since."
Damn! What an idiot! Vince had pegged that right. And Vince admitted, "Wish I was around for just ONE of those meet-up moments."
"Me too." I admitted punching my fist into my other hand. Mo's been such a good friend, to all of us since we met her through the wrestling team. You know when she wasn't handing my a$$ to me. She'd even rushed with us that day Quinn had been in that lab fire even snuck with us to the hospital. To check on her, she'd even come to see her several times in the infirmary. Quinn can't forget that and neither can I. Mo's mom, Coach Paine, had said in the beginning. Mo had needed better confidence "and the support of a system made up of peers her own age." She'd been getting so much more confidence since she got a boyfriend. I would HATE to see that all go away because Sockberger's a freaking dumba$$!
Vince had said, "We couldn't just leave her there. Even though she'd been visiting her father, he doesn't seem to care very much about her either. He's got a new family, with a younger wife, new kids too, and Mona felt really out of place there-"
"Been there, Done that, Know that feeling ALL too well." I'd had to voice, I couldn't BEGIN to keep that in. Even if I was usually getting that treatment on my birth mom's end of things and not my Dad's. I'd still had my fair share of "not being wanted." As a kid, teen and nearly grown person.
Vince surprised me by saying, "I know, me too-"
"Really?" I hadn't known that about him, even if it did make sense. Given how much of a bully and bada$$ he used to try to be all the time. Before he was put in a rehab center, and started dating Lola, that had turned his life around. (Not to mention having all of us as friends probably helped too… a little).
Vince had shrugged, "Just another reason I didn't want to go home at all this year either, Reese. My parents wanted to run my life even though they can't manage to run their own lives together or separately. Though, it's looking more and more like that's exactly where I'll end up. If I want to keep taking my summer classes. Not that my parents will let me, if I go home to either of them."
I assured before even realizing what I was saying. "No, you won't. You can stay with us in the meantime. It's just Quinn and me in her house right now. And we're just helping out around the farm for another week before we head to my grandparent's place. Closer to where James lives, and wherever these classes are happening. You can stay with us then too no problem and still make it to your classes like planned. But when do your classes start back up?"
"Not this Monday, thank goodness. But next Monday." Vince shared. He really was all excited about this training he was getting. So that he could start riding around in ambulances and firetrucks.
Quinn jumped into the conversation. Because she had been assuring Lola already. "You guys can stay with us at my house or here with my cousins like Stacey's been doing too. We're all pitching in and helping run this place while my uncle and new official aunt are honeymooning in Africa. But don't feel like you have to do the same, or anything. Just make yourselfs at home."
I helped her explain. "Even though the honeymoon's going for two weeks, we're only staying till next Sunday. Then Marion's friends and Irvine's are stepping in and covering the following week. So we can start working at 'Mystic Mountain.' Going there every day for a while-"
Vince finished for me, "Right, working on the nature trail."
"Yeah, and my grandparents won't mind, for real. They're place is huge and their used to Dad and me always bringing big groups of people with us. It had been kinda strange all this time JUST planning to bring Quinn with me this year."
"Are you sure?" Lola had tried to ask me and I assured her.
"Positive! In fact, my grandma will probably LOVE having so many girls around for a change. She doesn't get to do much of that girly stuff. Unless she plans spa days with her old lady friends." I explained and Lola already started planning ways to not only help out around the farm while she was here. But also fun girly activities to try and include my grandma in when we go there too.
Lola did make a point of thanking me too. When I told her, "Don't mention it."
Lola said, "No, I gave you so much sh*t! When you guys first told us about your relationship. And Lisa was right, I've regretted it ever since I got more around you guys."
"Lisa told you that you would regret it?" I asked, remind me to thank her later. If that's true.
"Yeah, and I thought she was the crazy one at the time." Lola rolled her eyes at herself. "But really, I've never seen Quinn so happy as she was walking here this afternoon. Hand and Hand with you… that was never what I saw when she was with Mark."
Mark had to remind her, "I'm right here, Lola."
"Like I care!" She shot back at him, "You were horrible, HATEFUL, unfaithful, hateful, and acted like QUINN was the weird one! Did I forget to say how hateful you were? Don't even look over here right now. Look at the floor or something."
Mark hissed, "Stacey could hear you, ya know?"
"Good! She should!" Lola still mouthed off while I tried not to laugh. She was saying all the things I wanted to. Why would I stop her. She told him, "You're DAMN lucky this is Quinn's turf we're standing on. And she has ANY sympathy for you A$$! After how you treated her before, during and after your relationship-"
"Fling," Mark had tried but Lola had turned to face him and bark.
"FLINGS don't last TWO YEARS you smelly little STAIN! That was a relationship that you were never faithful to. I should have gone with my instincts and castrated you then! But no, Quinn's too nice and hid the tweezers we would have needed. If this was my place you wouldn't have gotten past the front door. With your dick or me sicking my cousins on you. Do you know what they're like? Remember the kindergarten tribe from that cartoon 'Recess?' Picture a whole animal being dropped in a tank full of piranha. A little fizz and they pull back out a clean skeleton. They would pick you that clean to your freaking bones, Killer Snore!"
I had to really work hard not to laugh at the look on Mark's face. It didn't help that his expression had actually changed a little.
But then I'd gone to sit next to Lydia and ask her, "How are you doing, Reynolds?"
"Not good, Reese." She admitted. "Not good at all." Before she said, "Is it terrible that I still feel the worst about leaving James the way I had to."
"No, it doesn't sound like he did anything wrong." I had to admit. But I did let her know, "I have more than twenty missed calls and texts on my phone from the guy. I was only ignoring them all thinking they were Chase complaining about his first day at his new summer job or Zoey. They both started their summer jobs in Hawaii today too. But I got way more from James than them… and I really should call James back. But the ball's in your court here. What do you want me to say or do here?" I had no clue what she wanted me to tell him. I didn't know how to go about any of this, and I needed to know how Lydia wanted to do this.
As if they knew she needed help deciding Lola, Vince, Mo and Quinn all came back to sit with us at that very moment. And Stacey started to reason out loud as she stole a seat too. "Well, James hasn't done anything to anyone, right? Just his parents have, and even with them acting so terribly. Does James really deserve the same treatment as the wrongdoers here?"
"No," Lydia sniffled. "I still feel terrible about how things were left off with him honestly. But I couldn't stand to be in that place for another minute."
Vince and Lola agreed with her, "Neither could we!"
Mo added, "I was a few houses down and from what I saw. I can't blame you either- Are you all sure, I'm not intruding? I'm not putting anyone out?"
And Quinn had to assure her, "You're helping, more than you know. Just being here, I promise. And I'm so glad you're with us, Mona. Truly."
Mark was standing by where the rest of us were all sitting in the breakfast nook. And he even told Lydee. "No one blames you there, Lydia. Does James even know that's why you left?"
Vince explained, "We couldn't be as honest as we would have liked to be. Those parents were GREAT manipulators and just WANTED so badly for us to all end up fighting. But I think James got an idea of why we were leaving like we were."
So I asked Vince, since he has become the closest with James out of all of us guys. "Why don't you hang back with me while I'm talking to him and help me tell him what was really going on, for sure. You know, now that you can, and you don't have worry about his stupid parents anymore?"
So that was our first plan of action on my end. Vince and I would call back James, to clue him in on what had REALLY been going on. While Quinn and her cousins were all on cheer-up duties. They were gonna take everyone to see all the new babies around the farm. And plenty of other amazing animals in between. Lola had even asked Quinn, "where are those grandbabies of yours? Even though they're not technically grandbabies at all-"
"Oh yes they are!" Quinn insisted, explaining to the others. "Otis, my alpaca baby lost his mother right before he was born. So I had to raise him and he's more human than alpaca. Every herd he's been in has rejected him till he FINALLY got a mate anf their first borns were twin girls. Since I raised him they're totally my grand crias! AND Logan helped so muchwith Maybelline (the mother) and the birth that he's totally grand dad to the crias too."
Vince asked, "Are you cool with that Gramps?" Kidding around, but I was seriously proud of our little alpaca family.
So I told Vince, "We're going there after we call James. And YEAH! I don't mind being gramps to those cuties. You'll see what mean."
And Vince had chuckled, "Can't wait." Sounding as excited as the girls all had. I hoped the animals could get Lydia and Mona both smiling again. But now, another friend needed some clueing in. And James had to come first on my end of things. He was not only my friend, and roommate since Chase left for London. But he'd also found out about Quinn and me RIGHT before the prom. And he'd KEPT our secret those few hours before I couldn't keep it in anymore. I OWED him, BIG!
James answered all panicked on the second ring of the phone. Asking me so many questions all at once. At first he was just asking was everyone alright. Once he was assure everyone was here safe and sound. He said, "Dude, level with me here. Why did they all suddenly need to leave? I know their's more going on here, than they could tell me. I need the truth. You gotta tell me what's really up. No bull sh*t."
I agreed with him, so I told him, "I could do that, but I think Vince can do a much better job than I ever could. Is it cool if I hand the phone to him?"
And James had immediately said, "YES! Please! I really want to know what's going on?"
I handed Vince the phone but he put it on speaker between us. And we both helped him fill in all the blanks he'd been left with. All of the things Lydia had talked about happening, since she got here. All of the things Lola and Vince had seen, Mo too. By the end of James was freaking out on his end. I've never heard him lose his cool that much before. And he'd hung up to go confront his parents about what he'd just found out.
We wished him luck, but Vince and me both sat there afterward and felt terrible for him. He sounded as heartbroken as Lydia. Over all of this, and Vince even said, "I wish I could help him more than just wishing him good luck…"
"Yeah, me too…" James is SUCH a better person than the rest of his famliy.
Vince even recalled, "He even thanked me for getting Lydia out of there like I did. Even when I know it just about killed him."
"Yeah, I heard him." That had surprised me too. Because I kept thinking if this had been Quinn and me. I could NEVER thank anyone for taking her away from me. Call it what you will, but that had take guts, if he feels even a tug at what I feel for my own girlfriend.
I told Vince, "James is forever gold status officially if he wasn't already."
"Given, he's a good dude… But I guess he'll call if there's anything else we can do. I mean, that is what he said before he hung up, wasn't it?"
"Yep, so in the meantime… wanna go see some of the animals around here?"
"Sure." Vince agreed, before asking. "Is it all really as amazing as everyone says?"
I had to tell him the truth, "It's better, trust me. Come on, I'll show you around the ones I know best." And just like Quinn and Irvine have warned me a million times. You could see one by one these animals and their stories changing all of the newbies little by little. In the best way, there was healing happening in real time on both sides.
For Mona, it had been the little rough looking sheep named "Phoenix" who had been the sole survivor of her barn burning down with her whole herd trapped inside when she was a lamb. She'll carry the scars for the rest of her life. But they're somehow pretty and make her so unique. She's easy to spot in her herd.
For Lydia, it had been "Galaxy" the beautifully marked horse who hadn't been eating much since her mate died. But she did eat from Lydia's hand. Every single thing she offered to her and kept nuzzling her for hugs. The horse even found Lydia hours later when she got out of her stall too. She came right to her.
Vince had really seemed to bond with a my favorite llama Shaggy and his herd, but also a three legged pig named "Tripod" and a blind cow called "Sal." Who kept following him around and talking to him. Mooing Loudly whenever he left her, or stopped petting her. Vince laughed every time and kept baby talking that cow most of his time in that field.
For Lola, she was looking for her old friends, all over the place. And as she found each one she was a puddle in front of that animal.
Stacey not only hit it off very well with the whole giraffe group we have (even the protective mother was so sweet to her). But she even got Mark trying way more than Quinn ever had out there too.
And Quinn was so thrilled to see EVERY one connecting to one animal or another. That she snuck up beside me and leaned her head on my shoulder asking, "Isn't it great?"
"Yeah, it is." I had to give her. No wonder this place was always a priority. Whenever she had a break or knew she'd be home alone. I would have chosen this all day everyday over so much alone time too. If I'd known such a place existed before knowing her. "It's crazy how awesome it is to know all the stories and stuff and do a tour like this."
"Told ya, it's a game changer." She'd reminded me as I pulled her a little more snug into my side. While we had a second, and no one was looking at us.
I playfully asked, "How is it? Every time we find alone time, something like this always happens?"
She threw her head back and laughed. "I was literally thinking the same thing when I saw Stacey waiting for us this morning! How is that?"
"I don't know?" I had to laugh with her. I couldn't help it, it was just my natural reaction to that sound.
She'd snuggled me and whispered in my ear, "Sorry."
"Don't be, they needed this. I would have been doing everything to help them too." I knew that for sure, just like I knew "And you can help them all so much better here than I ever could have in California. This place is magical at helping you forget your troubles. There's a healing that just happens around these animals, that not even sunny California can compete with."
"It is, but are you sure you're okay too?" She had to make sure. Even admitting, "This all happened so fast today and it sounds like everyone is staying for at least another night. Even Mark because of Stacey, which I still can't believe."
"Did he ever stay more than two nights in a row when you guys were together?" I had to ask, even though I thought I already knew the answer.
And she'd confirmed, "No, not more than two in a row-"
I did call him, "Heartless!" Before I said, "Sure, let him stick around so Vince and me can show him how it's done."
But Quinn said, "Funny you should say that. Because I just got off the phone with another friend. Planning on heading this way now too-"
"James?" I guessed, seriously if it's Lisa, Michael, Zoey, or Chase. I quit right now! I just do! Even if it wouldn't surprise me at this point.
But thankfully Quinn nodded her head up and down and said, "Uh huh! He's stealing his cousin's motorcycle and heading this way as we speak. But he needed my address to GPS, like Vince did."
I put together, "So if he can steal that ride, he's gonna b-line here and show Mark how you're supposed to make an entrance and how he even couldn't do that simple thing the right way?"
"Uh-Huh!" Quinn nodded adding at the end, "Only if he gets away with it though."
I had to agree, "Well, this I gotta see! And Mark should take notes, that whole yelling at us thing after the wedding and demanding to take Stacey with him was WEAK! And just irritating, even to Stacey, that's the word she used telling Mo, Lola and Lydia in the herd pen earlier."
Quinn reminded me, "Yeah, I was around for that too… But YES, Mark could really learn a thing or twelve just watching you guys. Even if the animals still give him anxiety and germaphobia anew. Even though he doesn't seem to have it any other time. When he's digging for rocks and fossils."
"Pu$$y." I couldn't help it, who could NOT love even ONE of these animals around this place? Or feel something just hearing all the stories? Besides a soulless husk? Seriously!
But before we got any confirmation on whether James was coming or not… It FINALLY happened. A new animal arrived, who didn't trust any of the humans around it. And for some unknown reason, Mark walked right up to it and was able to calm it down. It was one of the male rhinos, that had just arrived, and he had been just about to charge the team trying to unload him out of his trailer stall. Before Mark walked up to it's eye, put a calm hand on it's face and got it to breathe with him in and out.
The rhino looked at him for a long second and started to mimic the way he was breathing. And it had been amazing, watching that rhino listen to him. And then walk calmly off of it's trailer with Mark's hand guiding him on. Quinn was talking him through the rest of the whole process. She'd trained with the wild animals for weeks while she was recovering. But even the regular workers all around us (Cause you know I got up in there helping out too {so did Vince}). Were all amazed, asking Mark how he'd known to do that?
And Mark had explained, "The hardest part for me to learn when Quinn and Stacey started teaching me yoga was the breathing for it." He explained, "I took the longest time getting the hang of it, but now that I got it it down. It helps me stay calm and it helped him too. He just needed to breathe and not kill anyone."
I had to admit that had been cool. But right after the new arrival was safely in his new custom habitat. Mark even sat in there with him for a while. As he got adjusted to his new digs, and Quinn was so tickled. Just to finally see Mark and an animal connecting after two unsuccessful summers of trying.
But right after that she had a new reason to light up. Because James was only an hour away according to his text and she asked me. "Should we warn Lydia or let James keep the element of surprise? I'm unsure here and feel like a bad friend?"
How can she possibly think anything like that about herself? After all she's done JUST this morning? I even asked her, "How can you even say that?"
"Well if I don't warn Lydia that feels wrong and if I spoil James' secret that TOO feels wrong!" She explained, damned if you do and damned if you don't, in other words.
I had to make her look at me and swear, "You're an amazing friend, ALL the TIME. I should know, you were my friend LONG before we were a thing. But I do think we should keep James' news our little secret. You know? Just for another hour or so. Because I think James wants the surprise factor when he gets here… and it would be nice to show up Mark ALL around too."
She did admit, "Yes, it would!" Even if she carries no grudge and is totally over Mark now. That had made me smile ear to ear. And steal a quick kiss before something else came to pull her away from me again.
And that kiss hadn't just lingered on my end. Somebody else is still blissed out from last night too… I hope. She looked just as happy as me, and she'd been just as reluctant to let go as I had been. Trying to change the topic and distract herself from getting too comfortable with our friends all around. Quinn had asked, "Are you still getting texts from Chase about how rough his first day is going?"
"Yep," I humored her. "Are you still getting texts about how great Zoey's first day is going? Not ironically?"
"Yeah, how are their experiences so different? When they're working in the same place?" She asked, even though she knew exactly why.
And I told her, "Well, this is Zoey's uncle's place, it's not her first time staying there. But also, Zoey has this thing called 'grace,' and Chase… doesn't. He just doesn't most of the time."
She'd laughed and said, "You think that's all?"
"Well, yeah! Have you ever seen him walk anywhere without tripping? He trips over his own feet even when there isn't anything there to trip him up. And he's serving drinks and snacks to beached drag queens?"
"Not just drag queens, Zo said their's a mix of all kinds of people there. It's really interesting every time she gets to go there. Even when her Dad made her stay in other resorts while they were there. ALl her best stories were from her times there with her two uncles."
"I know, I only got to hear a few but Dad was sold after a three minute conversation." He'd also scanned the resort website too and fell in LOVE with the venue too. But I left that part off, and I really wanted to hear more about the place.
She did nod, "I do really it's all first day jitters and he'll be fine before the day's out?"
"Yeah, me too." And I know how normal this conversation sounds. When it's all flat words on a page, but she'd been holding my hand and playing with our fingers. And when we locked eyes again… Even though I know we both really do hope things are going well in Hawaii for both our friends… Her eyes had done that glittering thing behind her glasses… like bottled stardust and I was kissing her before I even knew why. She's just too beautiful sometimes and I really can't help myself!
How did we keep this secret so long? How did we hide it so well? When it's so contagious and I just can't hold back moments lie this all the time. Even when I know people can see us. Even when Lola was scoffing as she came towards us. Proving my point.
She did have the decency to apologize this time and say. "Sorry! I'm still not used to you guys being all grabby and gross like that."
I just told her cooly. "Now you know how we felt when you and Vince were like this all the time and we couldn't be."
Lola had even looked impressed as she admitted, "Hadn't ever thought of it like that before, to be honest. Bet that was a bummer."
Quinn had winked at me, "She has no idea."
I'd grinned back at her, "Nope, all that dancing too."
Quinn had agreed, "All those slip-ups, all the teasing."
"It was torture some days." I agreed, forgetting Lola was there.
Especially when Quinn had rubbed our noses together and laughed, "But not all the time."
What had we been talking about?
Oh! Right, Lola's standing behind us. I really didn't even remember she was here anymore. Like not just in the barn either, I forgot she was in Seattle. But Lola reminded us she was here by saying. "Not to rain on you guy's parade, or whatever this is… with the touching noses. But while Mo and Lyds are both nice and distracted. Is anything being done on the James side of things here? Because both Vince and me are VERY concerned about him right now. And I know the other two are as well, even if Lydia can't even talk about it anymore. James has become like, Vince's best friend since he joined up with us."
Quinn did say, "Yeah, we noticed that too."
I told Lola smoothly, "Of course we are too, and while we can't give you a straight answer right now. Just know these things have a GREAT way of working themselves out sometimes."
As dim as Lola can be, in moments like this. I was so glad she'd picked up on how I'd said, "we basically can't say anything now, but yes. We're helping James."
Because she'd sighed and said, "Good, none of us felt right about leaving him there. His parents don't even seem to really like James so much. They both wouldn't stop talking about their other older kid, the whole time. Some adopted teenage progeny who went to college early on some genius scholarship. And is almost done with college now. Even though he's closer to our age like James."
I (Logan) had asked, "James has an older brother that's adopted?"
Lola went on spilling that tea, "We were surprised too, but apparently James was some kind of miracle baby, and his adopted brother was a cousin who lost both parents in a car wreck. So James' parents adopted him or something. I don't even know if that's right, ask James about it later. But even to James' face, this 'cousin-brother-person' was all they talked about. And nothing James ever did measured up. Even though James' grades are perfect and he has just as many geek trophies in their trophy room as the other guy. And my guy, Vince never felt more understood by another friend either. The pressure and never being good enough was giving him war flashbacks."
Wow, sounds like James had a lot to live up to (and Vince too, can't not acknowledge that). No wonder he's heading here hellbent on making things up to Lydia. Thinking he was taking her someplace safe and not triggering. I felt so bad for them all and was so glad we could help, even just a little bit. Even if it was just helping all of these friends feel safe again after going through something like that. I think Stacey is just as keen on helping and that's why she's still here.
Quinn and Lola had been talking more, and I missed some of that conversation. Because I just kept thinking, if something like this had happened in a place where I took Quinn. Thinking she would be safe only to get betrayed like this. I wouldn't hesitate to do what Lola and Vince had. Taking Lydia out of the equation and someplace better. OR the exact same thing James was doing right now too. I would have been pulling every trick, every resource to get back to her as fast as I could and make things up to her too. If this had happened between Quinn and me, and it bothered me so much to even think about I completely checked out of their discussion.
I was even staring at Quinn, not even realizing that I was doing that. Till Quinn was asking me, "What's the matter? Is something on my face?"
"No, why would you even ask that?" I wondered out loud.
"Because you were staring at my face awfully hard." Quinn had noticed and Lola had backed her up.
But Lola also assured Quinn, "I don't see anything on your face either."
I told them they were both being crazy. You know how it is when two girls team up on you like this. I wasn't saved till Vince came in to let us know the staff was ordering dinner. And it was pizza night. So we had to go let Jose know what toppings we all wanted. He can't know how he saved me coming when he did. Even if Lola rushed off with him so happily.
((Lola's Perspective))
When Vince came to sweetly remind us of pizza-night perks. I ran over to my boyfriend all excitedly, to tell him what Quinn and Logan had hinted at. That James is somehow getting some help from Quinn or Logan too. Even if they can't tell me exactly how they're helping him right now. The important thing was that he was getting some help from someone!
I have my suspicions of how they're helping James of course. I know that Vince does too.
But when I got over to my adorable boyfriend… he wasn't even looking at me. Or paying any attention to anything that I was saying. Nope! Because I'd even asked him if a filthy farming tool was clean enough to give Mark the Bob Barker treatment after dinner.
And he'd said, "Uh huh."
I had to swat him really hard for him to even notice my complaining about this. And my hunky firefighter in training did kiss my head and apologize immediately saying, "I'm sorry sunshine, really, I am… But are you seeing what I'm seeing, right now?"
I crossed my arms in front of myself to show guarded displeasure (actor's training). I even 'hymn'-ed loudly and pointed my nose upwards to show even more distaste. As I said, "I don't know, what are you looking at?" Cause it certainly wasn't his girlfriend… ME!
He clued me in further asking, "Take a look at our friends? Do you notice anything a little different about them?"
And I had to throw my hands up and say, "Where should I begin? Lydia's hugging a widowed horse that somehow gets her heartbreak. Mona's giving that potbelly pig a rub down like boxer about to go in the ring for the fight of it's life. Stacey's feeding the ducks and Marks eating more of the feed before she can even throw it! And my guy's showing more attention to COWS than his girlfriend."
Trying not to laugh, Vince said, "Easy there, down girl." Before he asked better, "What about Quinn and Logan? Are you noticing anything different about them?"
"You mean the two people I was just talking to? And making eye contact while doing it. No, I don't really see a difference in them… No."
He advised, "Maybe take another look then, now. From this distance, maybe you were too close before."
I did as he'd asked and gave them another looksy. Since I'd walked away from them and they were only being as mushy as they had been since it had come out that they're dating. You know, before the big fire and Quinn having to get sent home super early. It looked like Quinn had been worried about some of her scars showing and Logan had been assuring her that her scars weren't ugly by nearly kissing every visble one.
Aww, okay, that's almost sweet… even though I know it's coming from Logan. And Quinn is smiling so naturally as she keeps telling him to quit… oh they can be precious, who knew.
Hmm… So I told my boyfriend, "They look just as gross to me as they did those last few days before Quinn got sent home early. Maybe even a little cute, sometimes… like right now… Why?"
"I don't know." Vince tried to say first before he reminded me, again. "I'm still new to this gang and still getting to know everyone a little better. But… I get the vibe they're even mushier than when we saw them last at PCA, ya know?"
"Maybe… I don't know." I tried to get him thinking about pizza toppings. But a lot of good that did.
As Vince asked me, "You don't think… maybe they've gotten closer since then… ya know?"
Still lost I said, "Well, they have been practically living together since he got here last weekend. I bet it has brought them a little closer… even if I can't picture it. Logan being such a brat and Quinn always experimenting… ALL the time. Without warning."
But Vince went there asking, "You don't think? They've… you know? In all of that time alone together?"
That's when it hit me, what he was asking and I said, "Wha- Nooo! NO! No way! Why are you even asking me that? GOSH!"
"Look at them? It's just a vibe I got." He said like he wasn't talking out of his a$$ right now.
I did as he asked and looked at them, that third time and I'll admit. They were being majorly touchy-feely and there was a new level of gross to the way Logan seemed to whisper things between kisses and linger against her skin… like even her neckline. But I just knew Vince could not be right! Not this time and I told him exactly why too.
"No, BECAUSE! When my first time happened, I told Quinn and Zoey all about it. Like the minute I came back from it happening. And trust me, if anything like that HAD happened to either of them. I would probably be the first to know about it besides whoever it happened with, okay. And I'm not saying it won't happen, I'm not even saying it won't be Logan. Because as much as he grosses me out… I have to admit he takes such GREAT care of Quinn… but if anything like that HAD happened already, I think I might know about it, ya know?"
"Okay," Vince shrugged, before he took off his shirt and let me know he was gonna hose some of the mud off of him from the cow pasture. Before he truged it all through Irvine's house, and had to clean it all up later. I don't remember anything after that. Maybe pass it on to someone who paid better attention to the goings on and NOT my man putting on a show for me.
WHOO! Pass that hose over, I'm gonna need it next cause my man is HOT! Wait, weren't we supposed to be doing something?
…
?
No idea!
(Logan's Perspective)
It hadn't been easy getting everyone back inside and making our HUGE order. But finally we got that all called in, in the making and we'd even gotten James' texted toppings requests all in there too!
So not only was dinner getting made. But we had a PERFECT excuse to always be watching for a new arrival. (So Quinn and me were watching for pizza and James!)
But, of course, Right before dinner got here. And I do mean right before, because we all been keeping an eye out for the delivery person. And when we'd heard a knock at the door we all rushed to the door to see if it was the pizzas arriving. But it was James, instead. Borrowed motorcycle in the backdrop, big heavy helmet still on his head, with the face mask flipped open.
None of us knew how Lydia would react. But she'd immediately rushed to him and hugged him. On sight, and James had kissed her before he let go. He'd hardly gotten the helmet off of his head, before they were totally lip locked and I had to acknowledge, that was a good move.
Before Quinn or I could say anything either. Stacey had let Mark know, "THAT'S how you do it! You plan on the sly and show up on cue! And pull moves to impress the KEY person. You don't just show up anyway and start barking orders when things don't go to your own imaginary plans happening inside your warped brain."
Which got Mark and Stacey arguing about how lame his big entrance had been. Especially in comparison to James', even mine had gotten an honorable mention. While the rest of us were all more focused on welcoming James and making sure not only is he okay. After such a long and grueling motorbike ride here, but also making sure, Lydia is okay too.
If there was any doubt that Vince and James are besties. That's all gone now, they had reminded me so much of whenever Chase, Michael, and me meet up again. After any amount of time apart, long or short, And it's only been a day roughly since they'd seen each other.
Then he'd been just as thrilled to see Lola, Quinn, Mo, Stacey, and Me. I think we were all hugging him. I think even Mark had gotten a bro-hug, James was that happy to see everyone. And then the pizzas really were here and we all got to sit down and hear about what had gone on with James' parents.
It didn't sound pretty, but James had stood up for himself. And when his parents acted like he wasn't even talking to them, he'd cut out of there the first clear shot he got. And headed straight here to be with us.
He'd asked to only stay with us. While he's figuring stuff out, and {of course} Quinn had said "He was more than welcome to stay as long as he'd like." And I had assured him the same way I did the others. When we leave here to work on "Mystic Mountain" the week after this one. We'll be staying with grandparents. If he's still figuring stuff out, he's more than welcome to come along with us then too. If he doesn't want to go back there, he doesn't have to. No one should have to spend so long with people who don't even act like they like them. It sounded more than toxic, and James was mad grateful.
BUT again! I'm AMAZED by Quinn. I try to bring people the peace of mind and safe haven vibes like this place. But I don't think I can ever make people feel as safe or welcome as Quinn did today! She's just… I don't think I'll ever stop being blown away by her… ever.
So we started the day with two friends, that were probably leaving today... But we have a total of seven friends, and everyone's staying. But this is more like how ALL of Quinn's summers are. She's the safe spot for all of these friends for a reason. She's the first person to come to mind for that same reason! Not everyone cares and opens their home to everyone the way she can. I mean, I try to do that too. Nearly every year, but I don't feel like I pull it off quite like she does.
((James Perspective))
I did get to immediately thank Quinn and Logan for their help in person. Vince, Lola and Mo too, I would have never had the courage to get through any of that fight tonight. If it hadn't been for all of those TREMENDOUS friendships too… But Lydia…
I'd needed to see her, straighten this all out. And even though she'd hugged me and made me feel good about finally standing up for myself. I needed ehr to know she had been the HUGEST part of my bravery to do any of what I'd just done. She was an inspiration and… I needed to tell her more than the things I'd said infront of everyone too.
I didn't get a moment alone with Lydia till after dinner, as the sun was going down. And when everyone was starting to show me around the rescue farm. Sharing some of the really cool animals that live here. And letting me know that tomorrow I would get a much better tour. During the daylight hours when more animals were up and not already sleeping.
But I think my friends were trying to give me a chance to talk things out with Lydia… A person who has every right to never want to speak to me again.
They really are the best and I'm gonna owe them FOREVER after this. Even if I can pull off apologizing to Lydia and she still wants to be my girlfriend after this. Which will take nothing short of a miracle even after all of my explaining. And sharing my own personal struggles even after all of my friends had left. That's how HORRIBLY wrong everything I tried to do has gone.
My family had really treated all of them that badly and no amount of 'I'm sorry' can really erase all of it. ESPECIALLY with poor Lydee. But I just HAD to try, I had to tell her how sorry I was. How from the bottom of my heart I really didn't want this to end… not like this, not ever. And I really needed to be honest with her… but that would mean chancing it again on three small words that destroyed the last relationship I was in…
So followed Lydia to the enclosed stained glass setting of a really swanky gazebo and let her close us into the tiny space. And when she'd pulled me away to just hug me. Every alarm in my body was sounding off. "She's gonna dump you! You're getting dumped! She's ending this now!" Those words kept running so fast through my head and I just started talking.
I apologized again, I probably talked more than I ever have. I can't even remember all I said. But I practically begged for another chance. I begged her not to let this end and before I could run my mouth anymore, Lydia stopped me with a kiss that had been such a HUGE relief after the fight I'd just been through to get here… That I would so it all again. I would even go through all of the getting told off by parents again. Just to be in that moment with her, where we ended up on the floor making up. When we both ran out of air and HAD to stop. It took us both the longest tiem to catch our breaths… but it came outta me so easily. I'd told her, "I love you."
And she'd hugged me and took a few more seconds before she could say anything. She was still so overwhelmed. But the first thing she'd said to me was, "I love you too… and I don't want it to end either… I never did… I know everything… every thing you did was trying to help me. Help Vince, Lola and Mo too. We all know you were only trying to help and your parents shouldn't treat you so badly either."
"Oh! They've always been like that." I waved off.
But she'd insisted, "That doesn't make it right."
"I agree, but I should have known better than assuring everyone. ANd warned about their two-faced-ness… if that's even a word." I'd laughed at myself.
And she'd said, "It is, I've used it many times myself… it may even be where you picked up that term."
"Likely," I'd agreed nuzzling her. And loving having her so close and all to myself.
That was when it had hit me, I'd told Lyds that I loved her. And she hadn't acted weird, she hadn't avoided me, or not answered. She'd immediately returned my declaration and as she'd pulled me back down to her on that wood floor. She'd whispered, "I'd thought you'd never say that to me, after all you went through with Zoey."
I let her know, "Me too, but after that kiss it was like I couldn't NOT say it."
She'd grinned so saucily, "Same here, stud… ya think it'll be that easy the next time you say it too?"
"Well, let's see?" I cued her up, playfully before I whispered in her ear. "I love you Lydia."
"I love you too, James."
And that may or may not have led to a little more making up and making out. But I'm in LOVE! For real this time and she loves me too… See, miracles do happen! When they happen with the right person and when Quinn's uncle and aunt have a great little makeout spot like this one. I wonder if that's what it's here for? And why there are letters burned into the floorboards?
(Logan's Perspective)
After dinner we had been showing James around to some of the animals. Promising to show more tomorrow, if he didn't mind helping out around the farm while he was here too.
James was so grateful and interested in the animals he'd met. He'd immediately agreed, but as we got near our alpaca family's stall inside the barn. Quinn had subtly gotten everyone to give James and Lydia some space. So that they could talk things out a bit more in private. Lydia needed to know that the main reason James had left was to be with her. She needed to have no doubt about that being the main reason he'd done it. And she knew when to back off.
I had to whisper in her ear, "You're incredible, you know that?"
She'd said, "No, our friends are the awesome ones. I just guessed at a few social cues and got lucky today."
But I knew that wasn't half of it. I had been listening all day to different stories from Lola of different times she and Zoey had come here. Even some stories about Michael and Chase I didn't know about too. She's just as much the crash pad for the girls as I am for the guys… and I never knew we had this much in common before. I always saw so much of us being each other's opposites, it wasn't till we got together all the similarities were so undeniable too.
When we were walking back to her house at the end of the day. All of the newbies were right behind us. Stacey and Mark were still staying at Irvine's, and Stacey was telling Mona to take her guest room for the night and to get settled there. Lola and Vince were taking my fake room down stairs, James and Lydia were gonna be in the one next to it. And I was officially taking my things and mixing them with Quinn's in her room. Because we were officially sharing for the next week. And today is only Sunday, we aren't leaving till next Sunday morning.
I'd teased Quinn as I was moving my stuff into her closet. "On the upside, we don't need to plan so many video chats anymore. Now that nearly EVERYBODY is staying here with us."
She'd laughed, "I know, all that's missing is Zoey, Chase, Michael and Lisa now. And Dustin who's in London, with his parents. Too bad he's not gonna be coming to Hawaii with us."
But I'd winked, "Who says he isn't?"
"Whaaaa?" Quinn had been gabberflasted.
Damn she's cute when she's surprised. It distracted me for a sec, but then I got back to explaining. "I wanted to surprise Chase and Zoey by showing up in Hawaii. But they both found out about that surprise, so I had to come up with a better one. And my dad's having a plane full of movie equipment flown to Hawaii from the U.K. I may have snuck a few surprises on that plane too. So that we can STILL get them, even if they blew the first surprise so badly."
Quinn summarized, "And Dustin's one of the surprises… very sneaky, baby. But you're not telling anyone about any of it this time are you?"
"Nope, just you and Dustin want's to surprise them even more than me. So, he'll keep up the lies believably till showtime. Even though Zoey is mad nosy and trying to still be all up in his business. Even though there's a continent sitting between them right now."
"I can believe that." Quinn had smiled before putting her arms around my neck and giving me a kiss. Then she said. "Thanks for telling me."
"Sure." I knew she hadn't leaked the other surprise before… I still suspect Lola or Michael. They're the ones famous for MOST ruined secrets in the group. Also not having many of their own secrets either, because they suck that much at keeping them.
"And for today too." Quinn went on, "You were just amazing. Helping James, and Lydia so much. Talking to Vince and hopefully making him feel at ease and welcome."
"I tried, but I'm not you." She really is the best at that.
But Quinn would not take the credit, swearing. "No, I couldn't have done any of this without you. I wouldn't have even known where to begin if you hadn't made me feel so safe when my own world was falling apart. It was because of your boundless kindness during that time that I knew just what to do and say today. Whenever everyone else was having trouble… And it was you standing by me today, having my back that let me continue to help. That was all you too, baby. I can't believe I'm telling you this, but take a little bit more credit for yourself."
"Only if you do too and acknowledge that we make a kick-a$$ team, together."
"We do." She agreed easily, but that was too easy.
So I'd made her say it, "What kind of team do we make?"
"A great one." She'd tried to weasel out of it.
"That's not what I said, I wanna hear you say it. We make a-"
"Great team." She can't ever just curse… unless she's furious or it's the Sci-club.
"Nope, I want to hear you repeat after me, word for word. We make what kinda team?" I'd specified.
She'd tried to dodge it again saying, "You know I don't normally cuss. My mom said it wasn't lady like and I'm un-ladylike enough as it is."
"If your mom was raised by hippies like she told me she was. There's no way she wasn't cursing or they weren't." I'd said first and then I'd pinned her nicely in place on our bed as I told her. "And never say that you're anything but a lady… I should know-"
"Logan!" She complained.
"I can't see you as anything but a woman or lady anymore…" I confessed in the middle of all of this playing around.
And she'd blushed but gave me the gift of admitting. "I'm having that same problem with you too. I can't think of you as a boy anymore… even though I REALLY should."
"I'm a man." I'd said with confidence.
She'd said, "You're THE man. And Oh MY GOD I can just see your ego swelling."
"Which is why I need to hear you say it, come on… we're what kinda team?" I'd asked again in my sweetest and gentlest tone. The one that always makes those blushes worse.
And she'd spelled, "A kick a-s-s one."
"Which spells?" See how she makes me work for it? Even after telling me I'm 'the man.'
She'd made my night by whispering the word, "A$$, okay… Happy?"
"Thrilled." I'd said as I'd pulled her into a hug and she'd taken the opportunity to flip me on my back and warn me.
"You're lucky I didn't use my nerve pinch on you and make you say nigh-night again early." But she was sitting on top of me again. Even though these were classic wrestling positions. Where she had the ultimate upper hand. My mind went back to the last time we were here and she'd also had the upper hand in a different way.
I could feel how smug my grin had turned just thinking about it. And she'd reminded me, "We're in a house full of guests again, mister. That cannot and will not happen again while that remains a fact."
So I'd warned her too, "Sounds like I'm gonna have to plan some 'sneak away's and 'field trips' in between all of the things we've got to do, then. Doesn't it?"
"Really? So we can be alone?" She asked sounding so shocked. And AGAIN! I wanted to march back to Irvine's place and punch out Mark for like the hundredth time today. No person should think their boyfriend/girlfriend/non-binary person WOULDN'T go out of their way to plan romantic things. When EVER the odds get stacked against them like this. And I know she's only this shocked because of how terribly he treated her.
"Of course, we'll find a way to still be together, I promise you that… it just may take a little bit before I can think of a way… where people won't notice… or realize what we're really up to. I still like this bubble of no one knowing, so far."
"Me too," She'd finally relaxed against me and lay her head on my shoulder. I hope the way I cradled her wasn't weird. It just felt like the thing to do, and she'd looked so happy with me… I didn't want it to end. But Lola had come knocking on the door and asking Quinn a million questions about too many things for me to remember… I'm pretty sure I fell asleep before they were done. But when I woke up a little later, everything was quiet, Quinn was asleep next to me, on my shoulder again and I STILL wouldn't rather be any place else. Nothing could beat this place next to her… not even the paradise setting Chase and Zoey were in right now.
I couldn't wait to experience it with her this time… it would be like a whole new place.
But for now, I'm going back to sleep. I'm not missing a minute of this snuggle time either.
That's all folks!
Well, for this chapter anyway! I will do my very best to post again next Thursday. But I will warn that we will be helping out with a sick neighbor all week next week and it will be tight. But I'm gonna do my very best to still post, not miss another week. Please review if you can, I would love to hear from you. Hope this later update was worth the wait! Hope you're having a GREAT week! Take Care and Much Love!
~DarcyBeDippy85