Hey There,
And Helloooooo! It's Thursday! And time to party! The next time I post, it will be after going and hearing the live musical stylings of Mr. Jon McLaughlin. A great inspiration for all of my work. So his catalog of gems has been a great inspiration always! But it has been playing on loop this week as we ready our ears for greatness next week. Namely his tunes, "Already In," "Falling," "But I Want You Anyway," "Promising Promises," "AT NIGHT! (instrumental and my fav!)" "Beat of my Heart" and "If You Mess With My Girl!" Just to name a few… See, I am a FAN! So much so that I HAD say so! I can't wait! But I am just as excited to share this post (and truthfully that next one too). So with that said, let's get to it!
Standard Disclaimers Apply - I do not 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 plots. Most will be returned unharmed.
Special thanks to the few of you who have favorited this story or placed it on your story alert. Special thanks also to the few of you who have even favorited me as an authoress, or placed me on your author's alert! That is high praise that I hope I'm still living up to!
Special thanks to my reviewers: [my friend] AwkwardGurl05 (YES! I never had a problem with James either, and YES. The Logan in my head was married before we had a movie about it and still scheming all the freaking time for alone time with his girl. I know the second wedding was perfect. BUT it breaks my heart too that Logan didn't get the big fancy wedding he always wanted… that hurts my heart more than his I think. He's so relieved to be married FINALLY he doesn't care anymore. And the dude in my head is planning the anniversary when they renew their vows to be that much the fancier wedding he didn't get. SEE! Always planning and scheming! That helps my little fangirl mind sleep at night too. But movie versions of them Quinn's so busy and He's waiting for the five or ten-year mark before he does anything like that... watch him do it at the three or four-year mark just cause he can't wait again. And Yes! I bet he did really see all of it as being the BEST way to tell Quinn he loved her. And I bet he did buy her a different ring each time too, like you said… Between you and me, I have been drafting a little bit of that this week too and that's part of how this chappie went up so late… so I may be posting a proposal tale soon with missing moments from the movie. But I'm really trying to give all of this story my focus… I have also been drafting on 'The Halloween Before" too. I hope to post chapter 2 very soon. I'm a hopeless romantic too and these guys are a dream! I was so flipping out when I heard they were letting QUOGAN's wedding be in the movie. I too wish we could have gotten a little more QUOGAN and less Zoey building herself into a reality show villain. But that's what we fanfiction writers are here for… we fix those things and explore the what ifs! And you know if I took a crack at the series, I gotta take a whack at the movie too… eventually. I can't believe it's almost been a year since it came out either madness. I did get to sneak peek at your work and LOVE it! Can't wait for it to go up! Along with any of the other goodies you have planned. I'm so glad you feel welcome and you're having fun with it! Thank you for saying I poured heart in soul into these perspectives and posts each time. I try my very best to listen to them each time. And I only hope each time that I convey it all right. Hearing a fellow die-hard that i know is this passionate about them too. Telling me I did them justice, I can't thank you enough. Even saying it means the world seems to fall short. But THANK YOU SO much for you boundless kindness, friendship, support and light. I really can't say it enough. Ch 10 was a SHOCK for me too. I even kept asking Logan… "Are you sure this happens now? And like this? Not later? Now? Are you sure you're not dreaming again?" I'm still shocked myself, OMG, you were even thinking Hawaii. Good call! I was thinking something more along those lines too. But Yes Logan insisted on all of that talking about how good it was too… I shortened it in a few places, don't tell him. And I hope Quinn's take on things in this chapter just adds to the treats from last week. God bless you for all you do. A letter's coming too, this just took so much time to sound perfect this week. Like 5000 words deep and having to throw the whole thing out and start from scratch. AHHHHGG! But I'm proud of this one now! Hope I remembered to cover everything, if I didn't it'll probably be in the letter too. Hope this brightens your Thursday, or maybe even Friday it's so late. Hope you're having an AWESOME week! Take Care and Much Love!), & [my friend] Guest Nina (Thank you, and YES! I'm so happy to be back to and right on schedule for the most part. Migraines, man! They'll kill ya! But I'm back, I'm so thrilled you're here! And still reading! I feel the same way when I see something new for these guys. Quogan is the BEST! Truly! And I love reading other people's takes on them too. But you calling me one of your favorite authors… AHHHHHHH! Trying not to blush and failing. Thank you so much! You've got them both pegged perfectly! I don't know how Logan pulls off that mix either… but he does! And Quinn is more careful and logically about her choices. But YES! They can both be so petty and FUN! SO FUN! Even last week's post where I was repeatedly asking Logan, "Really? This really happens now? Really?" They're just a blast. He shocked us all with that! But THANK YOU SO MUCH for saying it was set up in a way that felt natural… because that was SO IMPORTANT to me! Even going so far as to say, that Zoey 102 could have used my help! I can't even tell you what that meant! You make the words 'thank you' seem small. But I don't know what else to say! Yes, Stacey and Howard [dad Pensky] are both kinda hindering things at the moment. But we all know Logan's ultimate planning brain will come up with something. Zoey and chase are getting ready to head to Hawaii more in this one, and to your question about the Halloween fic(s)... Both are sorta connected to this. Because they have almost matching bases. They both happen Senior year and in October and where they're going has so many hints and foreshawdowing things for this story and the Senior Year one I want to eventually tackle too… But you didn't hear that from me. Winkwink! Hope you're having a AWESOME week! Hope this brightens your day too! Thank you for your support, kindness and friendship! God bless you, Take Care and Much Love!)
Enjoy
"How We Spent our Summer Vacay!"
Chapter 11 - Homecomings and Rehearsals
((Howard Pensky's Perspective))
(AN: Yes! That is Quinn's Dad)
It was sure good to be home, it hadn't been wrong to come here, and take part in everything I'd been wanting to. My baby brother waited this long to get married, no way it's happening more than once. And he'd asked me to stand with him as one of his groomsmen. I had to be here, like he was for me at my wedding… even though that was ages ago, when he'd just quit being a teenager, back then.
Irvine has always been a little bit of an odd duck… even in our bunch. But I've never seen him happier than he is right now. Marion is his perfect match, truly! I sincerely hope that they can beat the odds and be very happy together.
Much happier than I currently am with my other half. Who I'd separated from officially after I boarded a plane going in a different direction at an airport in India. Days ago, and it still felt raw. She'd been talking about the Bahamas. After she'd spotted a poster that 'spoke to her.' Even though I had been trying to tell her for months about our daughter's struggles. Irvinve's and Marion's as well… But none of that verbal speaking had reached her brain, probably not even her ears. She kept telling me I worried too much and I was bringing her down. I doubt if Quinn were to mention she'd been in an epic fire recently, my wife would even know what she was talking about… I used to find her free wandering, and ability to block out bad things endearing. You know, back when we were dating and she was so eccentric and interesting. But we're not just grown up now, we're old, and our daughter's almost grown too… that ship has sailed. When nothing I say or do is heard anymore… and I do mean NOTHING.
It still hadn't been easy leaving, as mad at her as I still am. It seemed so easy in comparison going to Italy and finding Mom and Dad there. Making them feel guilty enough to come along with our other siblings, nieces, nephews, friends and other family…
Bubbe, my wife's mother had told me, "She wouldn't miss this for the world." And Irvine isn't even her son! Same with my wife's other relatives who have all been helping out on the farm and with anything about the wedding.
I don't think my parents will ever admit how happy they are to be here. But I know they are… somewhere deep down. Now that they're here and they see everything for themselves.
However, none of this mattered when I FINALLY heard her voice again. And it wasn't over a phone for the first time in ages. I was spotted by Quinn and she said, "DADDY!" And my baby girl came running like she would when she was little. Even though she's grown so much I hardly recognized her. She's gotten so stylish and more womanly over the course of these last two years. And even though I'm still taller than her, it's not by as much anymore…
She's still the smartest little thing, sharp as a whip, and better with animals than even Irvine. Catching up with her was more than the highlight of my day it had been the highlight of my YEAR. And she'd even saved a dance for me when she and her boyfriend were teaching a dance class for the wedding party. With two professionals they'd befriended preparing for their Prom.
It's not an easy thing for a father to admit. But when she took the floor with this new guy... I'd never seen anything like it. She was hanging right with the pros and she looked like something from 'Dancing with the Stars.' Not the little thing who used to dance by putting her feet on top of mine.
I can't believe I almost missed all of this. I almost let Birdie (Quinn's Mom) convince me, I didn't need to be here. I didn't need this or to see our family… but I was so glad I'd stood up for what I wanted, for once. Even though it still hurt to be separated from her. I thought we had been doing a little better since Thailand, where my wife had struggled to leave and almost ended up in jail. Or Paris, where we'd actually gotten back to our dating days a little… but in the end, I was the one who was kidding themselves.
I had been fine really… till one of my nephew's had asked, (kindly meant). "How was Aunt Birdie? And where was she off to?"
I'd answered him, "The Bahamas were speaking to her when we last spoke. And she's great, she's still the globetrotter she's always been." But I'd felt like I was sinking fast into a deep hole. Just saying that little bit.
As if she knew how I felt Quinn took my hand and told me, "I'm so glad you're here and you brought everyone for Irvine the way you did. No one could have done that, but you."
But she's the amazing one, who had really come through. I'd only helped her plans along in the end. Irvine and Marion were both singing her praises.
When I'm stressed, when I'm sad, when I don't want to talk about things. I fix things, it's what I do, how I cope, and I'm good at it.
But Irvine, he always gets nervous as a new parent whenever he sees me tinkering with anything. Or standing on top of a ladder, like I was on the second floor of his barn. He almost had a corrinary over me checking out a lightbulb that wouldn't quit flickering in the top story of his barn. It was like a strobe and I didn't want anyone to have a seizure. It runs in the family after all on my wife's side. So I fiddled with the wires after twisting the bulb in better and fixed it right up too. Until he tripped and took the ladder out from under me. I panicked, and grabbed the fixture I'd been working on as I fell and ripped it entirely out of the ceiling before landing on top of the groom in the floor.
I expected him to start roughhousing me, on the floor… If not deck me, but once he knew I was alright. We couldn't stop laughing together. Some of Irvine's workers had seen us going down and were flipping out making sure we were both alright. They even almost called 9-1-1, which tells me they've gotta be new. The ones who've been around a while didn't even react. Marion didn't even lose count of whatever she was counting up on the other side of the room. They're too used to us.
As we both got back on our feet. We were asked, "Are you sure you're both alright?" By several panicked newbies.
"Ohhhhh, we've had much worse rough-and-tumble moments together. You should have seen us in our heydays!" Irvine said.
And I couldn't begin to disagree. Even if I did apologize to my brother for ripping his fixture clear outta the ceiling. Leave it to my littlest brother to say. "Don't worry Howie!" He always calls me that. Even when I've begged him to quit it. "That thing can be strung back up there any ol' time. I'm just glad it came out clean and didn't give you a shock or nothing."
"Wouldn't be the first time I'd gotten a shock like that." I'd shrugged.
Irvine added, "Or the last, I reckon. But try to keep the chance of electrocution low till I'm hitched, Howie! I don't want you burnt to a crisp in my wedding pictures. It's just not the tone I wanna set for the day, ya know?"
"I will." I'd agreed just as I'd caught sight of my daughter riding bareback on 'Trixie,' a horse she's known since she was so little I needed to put her up there. One of the newbies who had just been worrying about Irvine and me had been Quinn's friend-turned-boyfriend. Who took off to where she was, even cleared a flight of stairs in record time and got to her in even better record time. To walk beside her and started making her smile.
She was teasing him, he was teasing back, but he seemed worried about her injuries mostly. Reminding her that she was still very much healing. He'd insisted on helping her ease off Trixie gently but he'd held onto her a lot longer than he'd needed to once she was down. Quinn wasn't just smiling, returning these snuggles, or laughing either. She was positively glowing next to this boy, and he was lit up too. I'd never seen her so happy either… She'd certainly never been like this with her ex-boyfriend…
Just what HAVE I missed here!?
Anyways, I asked Irvine to, "Level with me, what do you think of Quinn's new beau?"
"City?" Irvine asked me.
"If this kid openly snuggling her is whoever you mean, sure." My brother always insists on nicknames.
Marion corrected in passing, as she walked with her team, "His name's Logan and he's been a Godsend. For us and Q."
I summarized, "Clearly he's got the Marion seal of approval, but what do you think bro? You've known her her whole life and been her favorite uncle that whole stint."
"You know I'm a harsh judge," Irvine got down to business. With a piece of hay crunched between his teeth. "You know how much I didn't like Fig Newtons, her ex-"
Marion around a corner corrected him, "Mark." That was that kid's name, Mark Del Figgalo, big bump on a log with the soul of a rock. Sorry, but I saw that boy gift my daughter too many plain rocks throughout that courtship to NOT leave an impression.
Irvine yelled back at her, "Whoever!" Before he continued with me. " You know I always vowed to never like no boyfriends and always swear no one was good enough for our baby girl Q. But Howie, you didn't see what I saw last summer. When he was still getting friends-zoned, and this place was a buzz with everyone talking about their chemistry. And I don't mean what they got up to in Q's labs. Even though City can hang."
"He's good with science too, oh lord." Now I'm not just worried, I'm disturbed!
"He's got a knack for chemistry, Q says. But that chemistry between them is even more powerful!" Irvine smirked.
"I have eyes, I see that too… but is he on the level, or will he just hurt her like Marky-Mark did?" I'm using nicknames like him now.
"I don't think so Howie, I like him, and you know how hard that is for me to admit. But I'd had hopes for him when I heard Marky-Mark was out. And I didn't get to tell you all about the fire either. It just wasn't something I could say to you over a phone. I hoped you get here so I could tell you face to face. But now that you're here, finally… Let me tell ya a little more about what I've seen."
Irvine explained this Logan and one of the other boys in Quinn's group. Went in that fire and got our Quinn out. Irvine even made it plain, "If he hadn't, Q may not be here right now either."
I knew about the fire, that it had been bad and a close call. But I'd had no idea it had been that close. And my brother had done right waiting to tell me now. If I had been in India when he'd told me this, it might have killed me. I'd had no idea how close we'd come to losing her.
It put me on my knees for a second. Both Marion and Irvine had ended up down there with me too. Logan had saved her himself, when he KNEW she hadn't gotten out of the building and he'd seen her lab window explode on the upper floor. He'd stolen firefighter gear and impersonated a firefighter to get to her. As soon as Logan and the other boy got her out of that room, the ceiling had fallen in. And this boy has been stuggling with nightmares and PTS ever since. Irvine told me, he'd seen City-I mean, Logan that day too, when it all happened. And he'd not only been a worried wreck over waiting for word on Quinn with my brother. But he'd been placing anything that had happened to him on the backburners till he knew for sure that she was okay.
Irvine said with confidence, "I helped him get here as soon as he was able and he's been a great help to all of us. As well as Q. Give him a chance Howie, you'll see what I mean."
So I promised Irvine to do that…
But it's not easy. After separating with Birdie to be here. Seeing my daughter again had been life-affirming and path-affirming too. She was how I KNEW I'd made the right choice, in the end. It's very hard to hear how close I came to losing her. And in the same breath look at and be introduced to the kid who could be taking her away from me one day… and this kid had that look about him to me.
I know they're young still, I know I could be crazy. But any parent with daughters knows, nothing's more terrifying than even the chance that could be true. No matter how young or old your girl is.
So I've got my eyes open, and I'm trying to keep an open mind. But I'll hold my opinion till I've seen and heard a little more. Even if I do trust everything Irvine and all the other people I talked to shared was true. Even having said all of that, I couldn't help but hope for Quinn's sake that this guy really is that much better. Even if he had no place to go but up Marky-Mark!
(Quinn's Perspective)
Where do I even begin?
I feel like I can't begin to tell you how terrible I felt tonight. After getting to be as close to my guy as I could POSSIBLY get last night. After getting to be with my boyfriend, that way, for the very first time.
Then cut to tonight where the best thing I could offer him. Was letting him borrow my homesick blanket again, to keep me with him. Because I won't even get to lay next to him tonight. Because we're being forced in separate rooms on separate floors away from each other. On different ends of my house from each other too. And we've been able to lie together, and sleep side by side since he got here. Even before last night happened, this would be our first night separated since Logan got here. I know he had to hate it cause, I did!
But since my dad's home now and Stacey's staying here with us too. There's just no way that we can be together like that. No matter how much either of us want to be.
I told him while he was wrapped in it, "Just imagine it was me again. Holding on tight." Just like he had when he was finishing out school and I was here already.
But leave it to my crafty boyfriend to even take this kindness. And make me blush like mad. He just can't miss an opportunity like that.
He'd said, "Thanks, that'll help… but still nothing compares to when I saw you wrapped in this blanket and nothing else this morning-What you were." He'd laughed as he just dodged getting smacked playfully. As he continued to escape blow after blow, he kept talking, "We were sharing cereal… That memory's gonna stick. Just saying."
"Can you at least ACT the least bit sorry when you say something that bad?" I'd said chasing after him intent on landing one hit at least. Even though he kept evading me, like a ninja.
"Nope, sorry not sorry! Trix aren't just for kids anymore!" He'd razzed and even stuck his tongue out at me. "That memory's gonna get me through more than tonight. More than this weekend, I'm taking that one with me to college."
When I caught him I was gonna end him. But he kissed me first and I forgot all about why I had been chasing him. I felt his arms and the blanket going around me and pulling me in. Seriously I wanted to stay there with him. Even though there's no way we could be together like that and we know that… That doesn't mean it was any easier saying good night and walking up those steps.
Even though Stacey had been waiting for me. In the spare room upstairs. My mind was elsewhere…
It wasn't planned, it wasn't expected, but it was the most natural thing in the world. Loving him like that, even that first time.
I couldn't have asked for a better or more perfect experience. Even if I had been allowed to pick it out. And just as promised, after helping me out of all of the wet stuff. He'd never let me go, not all night.
Lola's first time had happened just as unanticipated and had been fun for her. A good experience, thank goodness, but she didn't love that person. Not really, and it was all a bit too casual to me. She talked to me a lot about that first time and all the other times she'd had that kind of 'fun' in between then and Vince… knowing these stories stayed between us.
So did Lydia who's first time had been demanded from her, from her first boyfriend. Along with several times after that event. He'd told her, "If she loved him, she had to prove it." And he'd hurt her so deeply, so badly, in every way that he could. This just seemed like the worst tact of all.
Having two such different experiences to go on… I had no idea what to expect for my own. But I feel like my experience with Logan was something altogether different. That was just ours, and I really loved that. Almost as much as I love him.
After all of these weeks and months of getting closer to him. After all of the dancing together that got me to trust him. More than just with my secrets, but knowing he wouldn't hurt me or let me fall. He wouldn't even touch me in anyway that I told him I didn't like. We worked on a team together, and made a great team just the two of us as well. We'd taken our time taunting and teasing each other, learning all the likes and dislikes. And ALL of that had led us to last night and THEN being with him, had been so much more than I could have ever imagined too.
So much so that I didn't want it to end. And I told him, when I was falling asleep, just completely spent from loving him. With everything I had in me, "I don't want to sleep, I'm afraid it's all a dream."
He'd chuckled and told me, "Me too, but you need to sleep. I don't think we can fight it anymore."
I told him again, "Don't let go."
ANd he'd promised, "I won't, not ever. I'll still be right here when you wake up, maybe even in your dreams. So, go to sleep, don't worry… I'm here."
And he'd kept this promise too… each time I fell asleep and woke up. He made sure to be the first thing I saw. Made certain he was right there, everytime, assuring me it had really happened. And kept asking me if I was okay… he was so worried about hurting me. Or doing something wrong… And everything he did was just perfect… all of it.
Don't tell him this, I'll never be able to fit his head through a doorframe again.
But my goodness!
I think I might be ruined, for anyone else.
Yes, he was that good at it, that AMAZING at it.
And now I feel like I can't keep my hands to myself… is that bad? I know I'm the girl here and my mother told me girl's aren't supposed to be this way… but I still can't help but wonder, are we? Was my mom misinformed on this? I don't know but the touchy-feely-ness on his end had always been at perfect maxed out level 10 and I feel like I could be at an impossible 12 right now… or maybe even 15.
Every touch, every kiss, every look, even just hearing his name. It all made me smile and carried a new power over me. I couldn't remember ever feeling so happy, loved, or comfortable with anyone before this. I'd never even been this comfortable in my own skin before today. I really think he did that, for me.
I just pray that I was able to bring him some fraction of this happiness. This peace of mind and love that he gave me. Because I really don't see how I could have. I can only hope, I did that.
One of those times, when we were snuggled close, and we knew we had to get up. But neither of us wanted to move, or leave. I'd asked him, "Are you happy, baby? Like, really happy?"
The sun was shining all around us through my window, warming the spot where we were curled together and the smile he'd given me. Was ear to ear, as he'd asked me all dreamily. "Are you kidding? This is the best day ever. Even if this is all remember about it."
"Being so late for dozens of people counting on us?" I'd guessed. Exposing the downside of this little indulgence pretty well.
But leave it to Logan to paint a very different picture. "More like soaking up every second of this with my girlfriend who just became my lover." Gosh that is a much better way of putting it.
"Even if she's a terrible influence who seduced you and made you super late this morning?" I'd tacked on there while he was just laughing now.
"Seduced me? Wow!" Still laughing. "If that's what you call that then yeah. Feel free to do that anytime you want. But I think I had a little more to do with it than that. I saw the way you were looking at me after I punched that mouthbreather."
He's right, I know he's right. So why can't I quit blushing like mad. Why am I always such a mess every other second now? Even hours later!
Needless to say, we'd been very late getting back to my uncle's farm today. I felt like I had it written all over my face, what we'd been doing. But luckily all of that family thought we'd just slept in after busting my former classmates last night. And since the power had gone out a few times during the storm. None of the clocks in my house had the right time… Truthfully I never noticed the power flicker, or any of the clocks today. SOOOOOOOO even I have no idea how we got away with that.
But right after we got to work, and everything seemed to be back to normal…
A few vans packed FULL of family pulled up. Carrying my Dad! And all three of my living grandparents, most of my aunts, uncles and cousins from both sides. But I was the most happy about Dad making it, because I know he fought to be here and WANTED to be here so much.
He probably had fight and seperate from my mom (again) to even be here. He didn't come right out and say it, but he had said that getting the rest of my family together had been easy after it. If this keeps with tradition, Mom didn't take it it very well.
But I didn't care, I was SO happy he was here.
He hadn't even said anything to me about it, and I knew he's heartbroken. Because he hugged me and talked to me for a long time. Catching up, then he'd greeted Irvine and Marion, congradulated them both and made SURE that all grandparents did the same. And not even a little condescending… Dad made sure of that. Don't tell me he's not AMAZING!
He'd been fine throught all of that but then someone had asked him. "How's Birdie?" (my mom)
And he'd said "she's fine, just fine." But then he got right to work fixing things all over the farm. This light that keeps flickering, that outlet that's on the fritz. And when everything was fixed, he started fixing things that didn't need fixing… like he does when he doesn't want to talk about things. I've seen it too many times in my life, I just wish more people knew how to not set him off like this.
But like my uncle has said multiple times… my dad thinks he's "mr. fix-it." But his success rate is more like Home Improvement's Tim the tool man Taylor. He's always blowing up things and screwing up more than helping… even if his heart's in the right place… everytime, without fail. Idiotsy always ensues if not total chaos! Just one of the many reasons I grew up SUCH a daddy's girl. I'm just like him sometimes! I'm interested in how everything works even the universe itself. It's why I was hanging out with him in the garage instead of getting ready for another pageant with Mom. It's why I have a lab in the garage and our kitchen's off limits, even when my mom's NOT here. I learned so much about how to make things, and how things work. Just tinkering around with my Dad, and we even did some of that today.
I had to promise my uncle on the sly, "I'll give him some things to fix at our house. Don't worry and I'll fix the things back that didn't need fixing. I saw what he did and I really can fix it."
And Irvine had said, "THANK YOU, Q! I love my brother but when he gets like this…"
"I know, I'll talk to him." I'd promised.
But before I even got a chance to speak with him… I got a call from my mom. After nearly a whole month of radio silence from her. Where she hadn't even said 'hi' to me whenever she walked in on Dad talking to me. She probably hasn't thought of me much at all, she's too wrapped up in whatever she's into this minute. She wasn't named 'Birdie' for nothing. And she wanted me to explain to my Dad, that she just has 'wanderlust.' and to not take it personally… And there was a time that I would have done as she'd asked. Just because she's my Mom, even if I knew she was using me.
But today was not that kind of day, and I wasn't such a little girl anymore.
And I'd lost it on this woman. Who has no inkling what I've been through, she thought I was still at school, still dating Mark, for crying out loud. She has no clue what Marion or Irvine have been going through, even though HER family is here backing them up. Her siblings, her mother, her husband and daughter.
Mom clearly didn't CARE that my Dad had tried to tell her any of this, or that her husband was here and felt heartbroken AGAIN cause of her. No! I told her that she doesn't get to call me anymore, like this. I'm not a little girl anymore and I will NOT handle her messes for her. If she wants to tell Dad something, tell him herself. If he won't answer her calls, she knows where he is, just come home and talk to him. I'm off to college after this last year at PCA, I am gonna be an adult. And I know she could care less about me or Dad. So I told her to go where she wants, do what she wants, and forget about us. To consider herself set free FINALLY and she didn't have to look back. It's what she's been wanting to do all along so just rip the freaking band-aid already.
And I'd hung up on her, and rejected every call after that from her. Like I know Dad's having to do too.
I felt better, lighter, but I still had to cry before I was okay. And that just HAD to be the moment my boyfriend found me. When I'd just told my mom off and I was dealing with all of the leftover hurt and emotions of having to speak that way to my own mom.
He hadn't just hugged me, he'd held me so tight, and got me out of where anyone else could see us. And he'd let me explain what had happened, as my hands were shaking. If anyone understood tough love like this, my boyfriend did. His mother is WAY worse than mine, but he's had to stand up for himself so much because of his mother too. And his level of understanding and encouragement had just been what I needed. While we were still there and hidden away together. He'd said, "I'm so glad your Dad's here now."
"You are? Even knowing that-"
"Yes, he should be here for his brother, and YOU. But I think he needed to see you as much as you needed to see him today." Logan had said wisely.
As he'd hugged me tighter he assured, "And we've got all summer to find ways to be together again. And you said the first time couldn't be planned. And it wasn't, that doesn't mean any of the other's can't get a little planned from here on out… Or that's what I'm telling myself, right now! Even though I miss you already."
There he is! Always scheming and planning SOMETHING!
But that too had assured me and earned him a kiss. Till my phone was ringing and vibrating in my pocket again. And I really thought it was my mom again and I would just pull it out and reject it. But the screen indicated that Stacey was calling me. For some reason, I thought my phone had to be glitching but I answered it anyways, just to play it safe. And I'm so glad I had.
Stacey had fought with Mark, had been freaked out by his family. And was in a full panic attack at the start of the call and tears for the rest of it. Logan and I were both passing the phone back and forth trying to talk her down. He ended up talking to Irvine and my Dad. Asking them could we possibly squeeze one more person into the wedding party. Logan even got one of his Dad's drivers to pick Stacey up and drive her here. So that was how she'd gotten here. She was part of the little dance class Paulina and Gleb had helped us run today. That seemed to have loosened up some of my family who didn't want to be here too.
Stacey had still gotten to be a part of the girl group-video-chat tonight too. Where she'd let the rest of our female friends know what she's been through. Zoey, Lisa, Lydia, and EVEN Lola, had all listened to her and even cried a little with her when she'd been explaining how she'd felt. I was so glad that they were able to perk her back up and get her smiling again too.
Zoey talking about bowling with her grandparents and heading to Hawaii this weekend with Chase. Lisa talking about finally reaching her hometown Memphis, giving Michael the tours of all of her favorite places, people and trademarks throughout that place that she still calls home. She even went into all of the things she still had planned for Michael and it just all sounded so fun. So perfectly up his alley too.
Lola feeling so much better about summer now that her mother and neighbor were no longer in the picture. She was even trying to help Lydia cook before the call, and had learned how to make some new appetizer she was in love with!
Not only did we plan out when the next group chat and all girls chat like this should be. But we also planned out to have a little bit of a contest next time. Everyone was gonna be competing to see who could come out with the best snacks or party food to have while we were meeting up. Since Zoey, Lydia and Lola were all bragging about the snack currency surround them. Zoey who was getting looked after by two grandmas And Lydia who was cooking things all the time. Lola rarely cooks, even if what she makes is usually good. I felt like I needed to apologize for not surrounding Stacey the same way.
But she'd assured, "Are you kidding? After all of the pizza and dancing we just did? I set till almost Halloween." But then she'd turned back to challenge. "But we will bury you broads next time."
And they'd all been talking smack and making plans.
Never a dull moment with this bunch…
I should be tired, I should be passing out after getting so little sleep last night. Stacey had gone right to sleep after such an emotional day, she'd said she felt safe for the first time since dismissal here."
All of her drama on top of what has been happening with my family today. I should be just as exhasted… but when the lights were out and I was SUPPOSED to be asleep. I just couldn't.
So I'd wandered down stairs, and noticed the lights were on out in the garage. Because Dad was out there messing around with one of his old forgotten projects left atop his work bench. I hadn't touched any of his things I'd only covered a few projects with tarp so it wouldn't get so dusty. All the tarps were gone and he was in full work mode.
I almost went to check on him, but before I could- I heard Otis "baaaaaaaa"ing loudly at the the back door. Like "Let me in, I hear you walking around in there."
So I let him in, fed him a treat and he curled up in the corner of the living room. He wanted the tv on, so I did turn it on but left the sound down. And was about to head back upstairs… then I heard my Dad laughing and talking with someone. I thought maybe one of his brothers had walked over from Irvine's… maybe even Irvine himself.
But when I peeked out there, Logan was who was out there. Talking to my dad and helping him with whatever he was working on. I wasn't gonna disrupt that for nothing. So I went right back up stairs and tried to let my happiness over seeing two of my favorite men in the world possibly bond lull me to sleep. It still hadn't been easy, but I had slept a little.
AS IF I needed to think more of my man, and yes. I can't think of Logan as anything but a man now. God help me!
My Dad peeked in and said, "Good morning, baby girl."
"Morning Dad." I greeted back.
He'd said, "I know you'll never believe what I just saw, so come with me real quick. You've gotta see this."
And I was dragged down stairs with no context. But I was so glad Dad had told me to come. Otis tends to have sixth sense about people who need company. He's climbed into my bed with me for years, even when I didn't need the assurences. But when climbs in on a guest, it's typically when that guest was stressed, homesick, or lonely. But last night, Logan must have given him that feeling, because that's where he was, next to Logan and both were sound asleep. I took like five pictures of that sent them off to be printed before either of them even stirred. But when Dad went to go check on something, Logan had caught me and insistantly pulled me down into a good morning kiss. I'd told him in a whisper, "You're lucky Dad just left."
"I heard him… that's why I grabbed you." He'd said between kisses.
Then Otis saw me and started talking too, till I let him kiss me good morning too… Both of these babies were so needy!
Logan asked, "It it time to get up now."
And I'd let him know, "Pretty much, we've all got a lot to accomplish before the wedding tomorrow."
"You're telling me." He'd said, still holding on to me tight and not moving. "I missed you all night."
"Clearly, Otis only goes with the loneliest people if not me. He's got an extra sense about that. If you beat out Stacey and me, you had to be pretty bad."
"Stacey's hurt and mad, I was lonely." He explained getting an extra kiss from me, which might have been exactly why he'd said that. But HEY! I'd missed him like crazy too. Let's not kid anybody.
Stacey was already up in the kitchen. Cooking breakfast to say thanks this morning. Pancakes and the whole works! It had been a real treat. My Dad teased her, "I want tot ell you to quit thanking us, but something keeps stopping me." He'd said before taking a huge bite breakfast. A little of all of it on one fork.
Stacey had laughed, "I wonder what! But seriously, I can't thank you all enough." She even taught me the secret to making them all of these cool shapes without even using cookie cutters. Before Logan and Otis joined us.
Otis had smelled the pancakes and Logan had smelled the coffee.
Suddenly Dad and Logan were talking, even at the breakfast table. They're starting to kid each other and get to know each other… Even had a few inside jokes going already. Stacey even observed, "Looks like they're getting along better today. What brought that on, I wonder?"
I played dumb and said, "Beats me."
Before the wedding rehearsals happening this afternoon and the rehearsal dinner taking place tonight. All the men and women in the wedding party had to pick up our wedding outfits. I had a maid of honor dress to pick up and Dad had to pick his suit as well. So we could match everyone else perfectly. Stacey was tagging along to see if there was anything she could grab from the rack to wear to the wedding. I also had to get my nails done with the rest of the girls, and Stacey was gonna tag along with me and see if they could fit her in as well. My Aunt had booked to take over a friend's nail salon for th afternoon. KNOWING there would be a slew of us coming with her.
Logan had gone off to help my uncle with his top-secret project all the way up to that last minute possible. All that he did say was that Irvine was gonna give it to Marion sometime today. That was all he told us, before he'd kissed me and disappeared with his most mischievous grin. Toting Otis like a pro as he led him back to the barn. Promising Stacey to check in on her duck too, before he got to work.
… and of course Otis walking beside Logan, looking back at me like 'Logan' was the one in training.
Why do I feel like I should be worried? For Marion, or whatever those men are all keeping hush hush? I really feel like I should be, and Stacey too had said, "I'm a little scared for Marion now."
"Me too!" We'd laughed together. But we didn't get to dwell on those thoughts for long. Before we were all piling into cars and heading to the dress shop. Picking up my rose-violet bride's maid dress and Dad's suit with emerald green vest, tie and fancy pocket square. Stacey fell in love with a dress that looked like it was made by Lisa Frank or of fruit-strip bubble gum, and bought it immediately. Before she followed me to the nail salon to meet with the rest of the bridesmaids and bride… It turned out Stacey hadn't been the only tag along either as nearly every female in my family was there. Even Grandma, Bubbe, and my gay cousin getting their fingernails and toe-nails did for the occasion. My aunts, cousins, and Maron's friends all went out of their way to include Stacey too. And make her feel welcome, even the aunts who had still been trying to act like they didn't want to be here. They were all nice to my friend.
Both Dad and Stacey looked like they were feeling so much better today. Than either of them had yesterday. Both were talking merrily back and forth on the ride over to the Zoo. And I was so grateful for that. Even as I walked through the zoo leading both Stacey and Dad to where the wedding would be taking place. In the African Animal Kingdom, where Marion has been the head zoologist for many years.
Logan was waiting for us just outside of the doors to that closed off section of the zoo. After greeting us and all, he asked. "Is the bride with you?"
"No," I said first.
Dad warned, "But she's not far behind us though, she just came in a different car."
Stacey added, "Marion is on her way."
He said, "Okay! Perfect!"
And out came the clipboard, and… is that an ear piece? He said something code into the mouth piece. Before he explained, "Part one of Irvine's surprise is inside and he wanted you guys to see it before she does. Come here."
He got Maverick to take over for his post as "look out." Maverick who also had a ear piece and secret service look to him in his dinner jacket and shades. Logan personally guided us the rest of the way to wedding location. Surprise number one for Marion was sitting right where the wedding would be taking place. A GOREGOUS white Gazebo stood right where they would be taking their vows. All three of us were flipping out. The coolest part of this particular gazebo was the plates of stained glass on the back of it that were of africa with all sorts of african animals and scenes. Logan explained, "We build the gazebo so we could take it apart and set it up here, then take it apart again and assemble it on the farm. The stained glass actually goes all the way around but people wouldn't be able to see the bride and groom if we put them all up now. That'll be how it is when it's home again." Then pointed out where the other paines of glass were displayed on stands and getting lit p with spotlights.
Dad asked before I could, "You helped him do this?"
"I know a guy who's hobby is stained glass." It even turned out to be one the guys I knew from my times working with the pyrotecnical team on Malcolm's sets. Logan explained, "Irvine had the vision, I just knew the right people and tricks to make it all perfect. Something special for the wedding that they get to keep on the farm afterward. The glass is all custom made and cut for this thing. And the lighting should all shine just right through the ceiling and glass during the wedding. Even if it rains like it's trying to now. But if it does the bride and groom have the perfect covering to stay dry. Even if we guest better bring umbrellas."
He'd been kidding, he showed how his team of movie magic makers had a roll out tent topper that could fit over the audience. If the wedding was rained out… and it was already up and being used for this pratice run. Because it was raining pretty well.
He's downplaying his role right now, but I know he's been instrumental in so moch of this as he is EVERYTHING else. And I really had to lock down how happy I was as he took us to see the other plates of stained glass that were sitting up in different places on display to add to the whole african theme of the wedding decor. While Dad and Stacey were nice and distracted, I did push him into a corner and kiss the living daylights outta of my man before my aunt and uncle arrived.
When he could talk and had stopped laughing. He said, "Hello to you too, looks like I wasn't the only one to miss my girlfriend like crazy."
"No, this is so amazing Logan, I know you were a huge part of this all happening… and I don't even know how to thank you. For everything you've done, for my uncle, new aunt… and me… I just…I don't know-"
"Don't thank me yet, Marion could hate all of this and ask for it to be taken down. But even if that happens, hopfully she'll like it in the yard and part two of what we've been working on at the farm-"
"She'll love this! REALLY! She's gonna cry when she sees all this." I guessed just as the main doors at the back flew open and Irvine came in leading Marion. With Irvine's hands over her eyes keeping them closed. As all of the rest of the wedding party, family and friends were gasping and flipping out as the gazebo as it came into sight. It wasn't till then that I noticed all of the chairs, flowers, and everything was already in place too. I thought that was the next thing we would need to do. But no, it was all set up and ready for the big day. Irvine waved at us, blew me a kiss too before he shushed everyone and asked Marion. "Okay, stop, are you ready?"
She answered, "Ready as I'll ever be." With no small amount of dread in her voice.
He gave Marion the okay to open them and when Marion saw what was here. Her eyes went wide a saucers, she could not believe he'd gotten something like that build here for the wedding. As Irvine explained, "It's ours and it goes home with us after the wedding." He also explained the parts Logan, Danny and all the other workers had played in the building and displaying all of this thing.
As my dad had predicted, ALL helpers had gotten bear hugs from Marion after Irvine had gotten a kiss that had made us all go "WHOOOOOOOOO!" Then she'd gotten to hug Logan as he was showing Marion the stained glass. Even how the other paines would make it fully enclosed when it was home. How he'd helped Irvine get them all custom made then cut just right. Right before as I'd predicted, she was crying. She'd been through so much for this wedding, between the animals the farm was taking in and the family who hadn't wanted her. Who were all surrounding her and Irvine today and cheering them on. I ended up crying with her in a heap before the officiator showed up and rehearsals could begin.
Everything went fine, except I had to walk up and down the stiars several times before I had to do even my first practice run. So by the time I was doing it, with all eyes on me, I couldn't make it alone and no amount of explanation could convince anyone that this wouldn't happen tomorrow too. So everything had to be rearranged, so that the groomsmen escorted us bridesmaids in too. Before they only did that at the end…
Then we had to start the rehearsals all over again and do a few more runs to make sure everyone really had their role down. And while most of the rest of the people were standing around or sitting. Logan was walking around with that clipboard again. Making sure everyone knew their cues like this was one of his dad's sets. I kept having to quit laughing, he was so adorable. Making sure EVERYTHING he could was perfect… making Danny (the Best Man) and me (Maid of Honor) look lazy.
But right before the last rehearsal could happen. We got another surprise in the back of the room where all of us would be walking out from when my MOM showed up.
Yes, you read that right, and no! You're not more shocked than me or my Dad. Who was a man turned stone. And I couldn't even tell if it was a good kind stone or a bad one where they would be arguing for the rest of the night. She told Dad, but I heard it. "I know your busy but after this wraps up… can we talk."
"Maybe, but… the rehearsal dinner's after that. So…"
I know we've fought the last few times we spoke over the phone and I told her off the last time. I know, her coming here doesn't begin to fix things or apologize for anything she's said or done to my Dad. But when Mom and I saw each other in the flesh, none of it mattered, and we hugged, and cried a little anyways. I hadn't seen her in YEARS. I couldn't believe she'd made it.
Marion stepped forward and greeted Mom with a hug after me. And told her to join our families inside. The dinner was a short walk away from this spot and also in the zoo. Marion being Marion, made a point of telling her personally. That she was "So glad she'd made it."
Logan showed up through the doors, when no one had been coming out and everyone was missed their cues. And quickly got this whole last rehearsal back on track. By personally escorting my mom to a seat after I introduced them to each other. He told us to give him a second to realign everything with the dj handling the music. Then we'd start again…
For the millionth time I was SO glad he was here. He'd even smooshed over my Mom's epic return before the practice commenced.
And had been getting her to smile as he'd led her to her seat. Irvine had stopped everything on his end and ran to hug mom too. And I just had to remember to breath till my cue. Dad had to unthaw himself and stonily walk in leading my Aunt Azalea on the cue just before me and Uncle Danny's. And I could just hear the gears in his head cranking away on what he was gonna say to my mom after this was over.
I NEVER expected this much DRAMA to sneak up on us at the rehearsals. But after the rest of these practices went off without a hitch. When we were all dismissed to walk over to dinner and I walked with the crowd… I faltered, knowing Mom and Dad would hang back and talk things out a little. And I wondered if I should be leaving them… In a place where a wedding would be happening tomorrow. With so many folding chairs they could throw at each other… Would we even have aplace for Irvine and Marion to get married in tomorrow? Leaving them like this.
But Logan had seen me and took my hand telling me. "They'll talk it out, you gotta let them. If it works, if it fails, that's on them, and like you told them. You're gonna be off to college the year after this one. They've gotta get along if that's gonna work."
I shook my head and said, "I don't think I could ahve handled any of this without you."
"Good thing, I'm here then." He'd smirked, stealing a kiss. Before he led me the rest of the way to where the dinner was happening.
That's all folks!
Well for this week and this post anyways. But do not fret. dear readers! I will be back next week, and a perspective switch. Please review if you get a chance. I would love to hear from you. Hope you're having a FANTASTIC week! Take Care and Much Love!
~DarcyBeDippy85