FIC: Damn, Damn the Circumstance (3/?)
Aug. 29th, 2006 02:20 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
invida_ficTitle: Damn, Damn the Circumstance (3/?)
Author: invida
Characters: Logan, Veronica, Ensemble
Word Count: 3955
Rating: R
Spoilers: knowledge up to 2x22
Timeline: goes AU from the Pomroy party, and a few liberties are taken with the timing of certain events. See Author's Notes for more details.
Disclaimer: I know the law, and the law would win.
Summary: if Logan hadn't left with the easy freshman that night.
Part 1
Part 2
"Uh, Mr. Wu?"
Mr. Wu turned from the papers he was marking. "Yes, Mr. Echolls?"
Logan stepped up to the counter at the front of the science room. "I know it's almost the end of the lunch hour, but can I talk to you for a minute, sir?"
Wu put his pen down. "I believe you already are, Logan. But if you're going to continue, you've got my undivided attention. I suppose this has to do with chemistry class?"
Logan grinned. "You're instincts are amazing, sir. I was wondering if you could do me a favour."
Wu looked at Logan skeptically. "Mr. Echolls, you do realize that you're asking a teacher whose class you only occasionally deign worthy of your attendance and in which you've made absolutely no effort?"
"But what a teacher, sir!" Logan declared enthusiastically.
Wu continued unimpressed, "Not to mention the fact that when you are in class, I often hear less than favourable comments about among many other things, my racial background, made in voices not dissimilar to your own and Mr. Casablancas', which I choose to ignore in the hopes that my more mature example would rub off?"
"So I guess telling you that your chemistry kung fu is the best wouldn't help?"
Wu's eyes narrowed at Logan in irritation, but Logan could see his teacher was trying to hide his amusement with him. "You're just lucky I'm not a vindictive man, Mr. Echolls. Make your request. Quickly."
"I was wondering if I could switch lab partners?"
Wu frowned. "It's getting rather late in the year to do that, Logan. Are you and Dick not getting along?"
Logan tried not to smirk and tried even harder not to make a witty remark. "As I'm sure you're aware, my lab partner isn't the best of influences on me and I realized if I want to pull up my mark, I'd better start now. You know, kinda starting my New Year's resolutions early."
Wu nodded as Logan spoke. "I'm pleased to see you taking some initiative in this regard, Logan. As I told your mother at our parent-teacher interview, I didn't think you were living up to your potential, and I understand that you've had some extenuating circumstances. But I'm really glad you're trying to turn this around. So who do you recommend I partner you with?"
"Veronica."
Wu, taken aback, paused, and stared at Logan, trying to gauge his sincerity. He finally shook his head, saying, "I don't think that's a good idea, Logan."
Logan protested, "But sir, she's the best student in the class. Who'd be a better influence on me?"
"My objection isn't because of Miss Mars' abilities. I know what kind of student she is." Wu paused again, as if he was trying to choose his words carefully, "Look, Logan, you might think that I'm just a nerdy science teacher with no understanding of kids today --"
"No, sir! Sweater vests are definitely making a comeback this season."
Wu rolled his eyes. "Yes, thank you. As I was saying, you might think I'm ignorant of what's going on in the student body, but I know what's been happening to Veronica."
Logan went on the defensive. "But it wasn't just me --"
"Maybe not, but I happen to know that you've been a principal instigator of Veronica's treatment. I can't control what goes on outside of my class, but I can and will control what's going on inside of it. If this is some elaborate ploy to torment her in class, then I am declining your request."
"It isn't. I --" Logan leaned in conspiratorially and spoke in a hushed tone, "Look, can I level with you, Mr. Wu?"
"Please do, Mr. Echolls." Wu waved his hand dramatically for Logan to continue.
"Well, this isn't entirely a selfish act here. Maybe I'm just really getting into the Christmas spirit, but I'm trying to help her out here too."
Wu raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?"
"Yeah, I mean, Veronica's a pariah right now because of her dad so people are making up anything about her. If I show I'm getting along with her in front of everybody, then maybe they'll lay off. The added bonus is that she can help me bring my mark up. Win-win."
"You'll excuse me if I'm not completely sold on your recently acquired nobility. Why can't you just be nice to her on your own?"
Logan shrugged. "I figured it would look less suspicious to her and to everybody else if I was forced to interact with her first. I mean, I'm still not exactly thrilled with the fact that her father completely messed up my girlfriend's murder investigation --"
Wu put his hand up. "Let me stop you right there, Logan. I'm going to tell you something about Veronica's father. Did you know my family owns the Asian food market downtown?"
Logan shook his head.
"My family's business was being harassed by some of the local criminal element. When Sheriff Mars found out that the gangs were shaking us down week after week, he took care of it, and no one bothered us as long as he was sheriff. Now the gangs are threatening them again, and our new sheriff not only looks the other way, he asks for his cut. So regardless of what may have happened in the last couple of months, not everyone thinks Keith Mars should have been removed from office."
Logan looked contrite and nodded, thinking he'd really stepped in it this time. Wu turned back and began to flip through the papers on the counter. He pulled out a sheet and handed it to Logan.
"As for your request, I'm not promising anything, but I'll take it under consideration. I'll see you in class, Logan." Logan looked down. It was his pop quiz. D-.
Logan mumbled a humble thank you and exited the classroom. He wondered if Wu would have believed him if he'd told him the real reason. Well, you see, sir, I need a plausible cover so I can talk to Veronica because her would-be rapist who happens to be blackmailing me is watching my every move, plus my best friend's freaking out and he's become kinda loopy when it comes to his ex. Who wouldn't agree to that?
He walked past Veronica's locker and noticed the graffiti with a new and colourful way to say 'whore' was still there. She was nowhere to be seen, as usual.
She'd been avoiding him for the last day and a half. Monday morning, he'd waited for her to get off the school bus. She looked different. Her hair was pulled back in a tight pony tail and she was wearing dark clothing. Not her usual sunny wardrobe. She looked like she hadn't slept.
He handed her a large Ziploc baggie that contained the purse she'd had at the party. She took it from him, confused, and started to open the bag until she got a whiff of it.
"I found it in the garbage when I went to get your car. Your ID and keys are still in there. I checked," he said with a grimace. "Your car will be done by the end of the day. I can give you a ride, if you want."
She nodded. From over her head he could see Beaver across the parking lot, glaring at the two of them. Before walking away, he quickly added, "Meet me here when school's out, 'kay?"
By lunchtime, Veronica and Shelly's party were all anyone was talking about. By the time the stories came around to Logan, they were embellished to the point where they didn't even make sense. She'd fucked a conga line in that spare room -- guys, girls, toys, animals -- you name it, and someone would say she'd done it.
Veronica sat by herself at lunch and scowled at no one in particular, as the stories swirled around her. Logan tried to sit down with her to talk to her to the hoots and hollers of the entire quad. He knew that they thought for sure he was going to rub it in and make it worse. That must have been what Veronica thought too, because as soon as he sat down, she stalked off, leaving her entire lunch behind. He tried to follow, only to be stopped by Beaver, glaring at him with unmasked hostility.
So he turned around and went straight to the source of the stories. He grabbed Carrie Bishop by the elbow and pulled her into the empty journalism room.
"What the hell, Logan?" She yanked her arm back.
He stuck a finger in her face, menacingly. "Shelly's party. What are you telling people?"
Carrie snorted. "Just what I saw."
"All you saw was me taking Veronica home."
"I was standing out there a while, Logan. I saw a train of guys leaving that room before you. You're all just lucky I'm not naming names. Who'd want a reputation for hitting that?"
"You were drinking. Who do you think you saw?"
"Please. Before you?" she asked with disgust, "I know I saw Duncan Kane. Honestly, you'd think he'd be over that little gold-digger, but if she's finally putting out he might as well get some --"
"Who else?" Logan interrupted impatiently.
"I also know I saw Sean leave with some other guy, but I couldn't see who he was 'cause he was laughing so hard. Then I heard the door open again but before I could see, Dick's dorkwad brother came out of nowhere and barfed on my shoes. Fucking retard. My favourite Maddens too."
"Yeah, my heart? It bleeds." Damn. She'd seen Beaver. She hadn't connected the dots, but she didn't need to. All she needed to do was to start telling people who she saw that night. "Anyone asks you to repeat that story, you keep your mouth shut. You were drunk and didn't see anything."
"I don't need to repeat it," Carrie said smugly. "The whole school knows now. I couldn't take it back if I tried."
She was right. And if Logan hadn't known the truth of that night, he'd be the one making sure those rumours got spread and never died. But he had more things to worry about than Veronica's reputation.
"Then you start telling the story that the only person you saw her with was me."
Carrie barked out a laugh, but then stopped when Logan didn't laugh with her. "You're serious? You want people to think you and she -- "
"Whatever. You didn't see anyone else."
"And why would I do that?"
Logan shrugged. "A juicy story you can't resist telling again and again?"
"I don't know. The scores of guys line seems like a better one." Carrie continued prattling on proudly about how twisted the gossip had become while Logan tried to think of a reason for her to change her story.
He finally said, "Connor Larkin. You like him?"
"The movie star?"
"No, Connor Larkin, the fucking bus boy at Chili's."
Carrie rolled her eyes. "Asshole. Okay, yeah, what's not to like? Top ten in People's 50 Most Beautiful, everybody's 'It Boy' of the year. What about him?"
"You wanna meet him?"
A sly smile spread across Carrie's face.
A couple of phone calls later and Carrie's improved version of events was across the school by the end of the day. Logan didn't anticipate the reaction of the rest of the kids. There was an air of tentativeness, like they were waiting to hear what the punchline was to this joke and they watched Logan for their cue. He gave nothing away though and it was something to see -- an entire school flummoxed.
Veronica didn't meet him after class let out. And she didn't answer his calls. He was waiting by his SUV, when he was slammed against the driver side door. His assailant turned him around roughly and held him against the door with a forearm across his neck. Duncan was breathing hard in his face.
"What the fuck, man? You don't answer my calls or texts for two days and this is how you say hi?" Logan choked out, pushing Duncan off him.
"Did you touch her?" Duncan shoved him.
Fuck. He'd heard the rumours before Logan had the chance to remember to tell Duncan first. Other kids turned in their direction to see what the ruckus was about.
"Dude, we've gotta talk. Get in." He started opening the driver door.
"No! Just tell me!" Duncan yelled and shoved Logan again. People were starting to walk towards them, anticipating a fight.
"Do you even remember what you told me at the party?" Logan hissed back.
Duncan stopped struggling with Logan, his eyes widening. When Duncan didn't reply, Logan said, "Get in."
Duncan moved around to the other side of the SUV, and the crowd that was trying to gather dispersed in disappointment.
He opened the door and slumped dejectedly in the passenger seat. "I left her with you. I trusted you."
"I didn't touch her," Logan said.
Duncan sat up. "Then why --?"
"If everybody thinks she was with me, then they can't think of any alternatives. You told me to take care of her. That's what I'm doing. "
Duncan shook his head in disbelief. "This is fucked up, even for you."
Logan turned and asked, "Dude, you think I'm happy about this? I don't even like her. But did you hear what they were saying about her?"
Duncan bowed his head and nodded.
"And do you remember what actually happened?"
Duncan flushed. His mouth twisted into a grimace, but he nodded again.
"So were you just going to let them keep saying that shit?"
"What was I supposed to do?" Duncan asked angrily.
"I don't know, man. But isn't this better than them thinking she's a complete slut? I mean, if what you said is true, you can't want them talking about her like that. If she's --"
"Look, I was so wasted that night. I don't know what I was saying."
He decided to tread carefully. He had to keep Duncan on his side. "So you're saying you don't still love her?"
Duncan turned away and stared out the passenger window. "I gotta go. I -- I'll talk to you later." He started opening the door.
"Duncan!" Logan called him back. "We okay?"
Duncan just shrugged and left.
Logan let his head fall forward to touch the steering wheel. How was he supposed to even ask Duncan about what he was babbling about at the party? This was the most emotion he'd shown being sober and he was still clamming up. Veronica's his sister. Lilly knew. Lilly's gone. Logan didn't like where that train of thought went.
He sat back up, and caught the reflection of Veronica running past his vehicle in the rearview mirror. He hopped out and dashed after her, but she had a big head start and she made it to the school bus before he could reach her and it pulled away.
He turned back to find Beaver standing in his path back to his car.
As Logan tried to pass Beaver like he hadn't noticed him, Beaver called after him, "What are you doing talking to her?"
"Hey Beav." Logan turned to see Beaver following him. "Didn't see you there. By the way, sorry I didn't reply to any of your threatening voicemails and e-mails yesterday."
Beaver looked around to make sure no one was listening. "I just saw you trying to talk to her. Does she remember?"
"No, but she knows that someone tried to hurt her."
"And how does she know that? I know you took her home that night. I know you spent the day with her yesterday.""
"Wow, Beaver, I'm really flattered that you're stalking me now, but you're really not my type. Fuck, you're getting as bad as Caitlin, having to know my every move. Look, Veronica just knows, okay? But she doesn't know it was you, and everybody else thinks she was with me, so just calm the fuck down."
"Well, maybe I would if you weren't trying to talk to her like she's your friend all of a sudden."
"She's not my friend. She's --" He had to think fast. "She's my lab partner in chem class. I've got to talk to her."
"I know Dick's your lab partner."
Fuck. He did not think this one through. "Wu changed us around Friday. Dick's skipped the last two classes."
"That's really convenient for you."
"Well, ask Wu yourself."
"Fine. What about Cindy?"
Logan threw his hands up. "I don't even know her fucking last name, what am I supposed to do about her?
"Tomassini."
"If you know so fucking much about everything, then why don't you take care of it?" Logan asked with frustration.
"These hands?" Beaver held them up in Logan's face. "Stay clean."
Beaver started to walk away.
"Yeah? That must be difficult when you can only get unconscious girls."
Beaver turned and glared at Logan, but then he shook his head and walked away.
Now it was Tuesday, and Veronica was still avoiding him. And he knew he had to ensure Wu was going to make him her partner. Logan was still staring at her locker lost in thought when he felt a punch to his arm.
"Duuuuude. What the hell's going on? You were at the party on the weekend, then you fucking disappeared."
Logan shrugged. But Dick continued, "And not answering your cell? Dude, what is with that? I had to skip alone yesterday. Did I like hurt your feelings or something? It's like I actually have to come to school to see you. And if I have to hear another one of those stupid ass quotes again --"
"I got grounded," he lied. He couldn't think of an excuse. Seeing Dick meant seeing Beaver. And he'd seen enough of Beaver.
"You?" Dick asked incredulously. "Mommy's Precious?"
"Guess I finally crossed the line."
"Whatever, man, Caitlin's been looking for you. She's pissed about some rumour she heard."
Logan rolled his eyes. "There's no fucking happy medium with girls, is there? They're either stepping out on you or they're fucking static cling."
Dick asked, "So are you and Caitlin on then?"
"She wants to be." Logan waved his hand dismissively.
Dick snorted, and said, "So just nail her and cut her loose."
"Always the gentleman." Logan bowed with a flourish.
"Speaking of the party, you know Madison broke up with me - like again? God, she just won't fucking lighten up. Oh, and did you hear about Ver --"
"DICK!" a shrill voice screamed from down the hallway. Veronica was marching up to Dick and Logan. Dick nudged Logan with his elbow and smugly said, "Get a load of this, dude. It's gonna be gooooood."
Before Veronica reached them, she hurled something that hit Dick square in the chest, bounced off and fell to the ground jiggling. Dick stumbled back winded and surprised by Veronica's accurate aim. Logan looked down to the ground to find a very large, vibrating dildo.
Veronica picked it up and was in Dick's face before he regained his balance, but it didn't stop him from smirking at her.
"You think this is god-damned funny? How about you keep your toys out of my locker? Do you think you're not obvious with the way you go on about all the girls you've nailed and the way you fucking hero worship jackasses like him --" she pointed at Logan with the dildo. "You think we don't see that you're a perfect case study for latent homosexuality? Do you really think humiliating me is going to be enough of a beard? God, Freud would have a fucking field day with you! So why don't you just stick it up your ass already and get it over with?"
Dick roared, "I am NOT gay!"
"The lady protests too much, methinks!" Veronica yelled back, waving her hand towards Dick as if she was a gameshow host.
Logan, clearly amused with Veronica's tirade, tried to pull her back, saying, "Hey, c'mon, Veronica. Sometimes a Dick is just a dick."
"Shut up! Don't touch me!" She shook off his grasp and turned around and shoved him. The look of loathing in her eyes was unmistakable.
Finally, some teachers showed up to break up the snickering crowd that had gathered around the three of them. Wu was amongst them and stepped in to ask what was going on. Veronica showed him the sex toy.
"It's not mine!" Dick proclaimed.
"Then maybe you shouldn't have put your name on it, idiot." Veronica showed them the gift tag that had been tied to it:
His phone number was at the bottom of the tag.
Wu pointed to Dick. "Detention. After class." Then he and the other teachers shooed away the crowd of students, telling them to get to class.
As Logan passed Wu, he muttered, "Still considering?" Wu just grimly pointed to his classroom door.
Logan took his seat at the back of the room beside Dick. Now he knew he had to resort to lowest common denominator tactics. Knowing Dick would be unable to resist, Logan said quietly, as Wu began writing a formula on the board, "Hey, think that's the recipe for how he gets his shirts so clean?"
Dick just grinned and blurted out, "It's an Ancient Chinese Secret!"
Wu whipped around. "Okay, Mr. Casablancas, that's the last straw. You and Logan are no longer partners since you can't seem to go five minutes without disrupting class."
Wu pointed to the front of the room. "Dick, you're with Ravinder Khan, up here in the front."
Dick stood up, then dropped to his knees, shook his fists at the sky and cried out, "Khaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!"
"Enough!" Wu yelled overtop the laughter. Wu walked up to the counter where Veronica and Ravinder sat. He picked up Veronica's books, and said, "Sorry Miss Mars, you're in the back with Mr. Echolls."
The class erupted in whooping. Veronica turned red. And even Logan felt a twinge of shame in the predicament. Wu led Veronica to the back, and dropped her books down beside Logan. Before Veronica reached Logan's counter, Wu quietly said, "Don't make me regret this, Logan."
Logan saluted him before Wu turned back for the front of the class.
Veronica dropped down on the stool beside Logan and crossed her arms, refusing to look at him.
He leaned over and whispered, "Guess you have to talk to me now, huh?" She stared straight ahead, but he could see her jaw tighten.
He looked her over. She still looked like shit. And now, close up, he could tell what was different. She wasn't wearing any make-up. And the tight ponytail she wore again today was considerably shorter -- she'd cut her hair. It upset him more than her silent treatment. That she would let the last couple of days get to her when nothing actually happened. That even though he told himself he hated her, to see the stronger girl he'd seen emerge over the last couple of months break over this infuriated him.
But when he looked at her again, her back was straight, and there was a look of absolute rage in her eyes, daring anyone to cross her.
He knew then that he needed her like this. He leaned over again, and whispered, "Veronica, just listen, okay? I need your help."
Part 4
Author: invida
Characters: Logan, Veronica, Ensemble
Word Count: 3955
Rating: R
Spoilers: knowledge up to 2x22
Timeline: goes AU from the Pomroy party, and a few liberties are taken with the timing of certain events. See Author's Notes for more details.
Disclaimer: I know the law, and the law would win.
Summary: if Logan hadn't left with the easy freshman that night.
Part 1
Part 2
"Uh, Mr. Wu?"
Mr. Wu turned from the papers he was marking. "Yes, Mr. Echolls?"
Logan stepped up to the counter at the front of the science room. "I know it's almost the end of the lunch hour, but can I talk to you for a minute, sir?"
Wu put his pen down. "I believe you already are, Logan. But if you're going to continue, you've got my undivided attention. I suppose this has to do with chemistry class?"
Logan grinned. "You're instincts are amazing, sir. I was wondering if you could do me a favour."
Wu looked at Logan skeptically. "Mr. Echolls, you do realize that you're asking a teacher whose class you only occasionally deign worthy of your attendance and in which you've made absolutely no effort?"
"But what a teacher, sir!" Logan declared enthusiastically.
Wu continued unimpressed, "Not to mention the fact that when you are in class, I often hear less than favourable comments about among many other things, my racial background, made in voices not dissimilar to your own and Mr. Casablancas', which I choose to ignore in the hopes that my more mature example would rub off?"
"So I guess telling you that your chemistry kung fu is the best wouldn't help?"
Wu's eyes narrowed at Logan in irritation, but Logan could see his teacher was trying to hide his amusement with him. "You're just lucky I'm not a vindictive man, Mr. Echolls. Make your request. Quickly."
"I was wondering if I could switch lab partners?"
Wu frowned. "It's getting rather late in the year to do that, Logan. Are you and Dick not getting along?"
Logan tried not to smirk and tried even harder not to make a witty remark. "As I'm sure you're aware, my lab partner isn't the best of influences on me and I realized if I want to pull up my mark, I'd better start now. You know, kinda starting my New Year's resolutions early."
Wu nodded as Logan spoke. "I'm pleased to see you taking some initiative in this regard, Logan. As I told your mother at our parent-teacher interview, I didn't think you were living up to your potential, and I understand that you've had some extenuating circumstances. But I'm really glad you're trying to turn this around. So who do you recommend I partner you with?"
"Veronica."
Wu, taken aback, paused, and stared at Logan, trying to gauge his sincerity. He finally shook his head, saying, "I don't think that's a good idea, Logan."
Logan protested, "But sir, she's the best student in the class. Who'd be a better influence on me?"
"My objection isn't because of Miss Mars' abilities. I know what kind of student she is." Wu paused again, as if he was trying to choose his words carefully, "Look, Logan, you might think that I'm just a nerdy science teacher with no understanding of kids today --"
"No, sir! Sweater vests are definitely making a comeback this season."
Wu rolled his eyes. "Yes, thank you. As I was saying, you might think I'm ignorant of what's going on in the student body, but I know what's been happening to Veronica."
Logan went on the defensive. "But it wasn't just me --"
"Maybe not, but I happen to know that you've been a principal instigator of Veronica's treatment. I can't control what goes on outside of my class, but I can and will control what's going on inside of it. If this is some elaborate ploy to torment her in class, then I am declining your request."
"It isn't. I --" Logan leaned in conspiratorially and spoke in a hushed tone, "Look, can I level with you, Mr. Wu?"
"Please do, Mr. Echolls." Wu waved his hand dramatically for Logan to continue.
"Well, this isn't entirely a selfish act here. Maybe I'm just really getting into the Christmas spirit, but I'm trying to help her out here too."
Wu raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?"
"Yeah, I mean, Veronica's a pariah right now because of her dad so people are making up anything about her. If I show I'm getting along with her in front of everybody, then maybe they'll lay off. The added bonus is that she can help me bring my mark up. Win-win."
"You'll excuse me if I'm not completely sold on your recently acquired nobility. Why can't you just be nice to her on your own?"
Logan shrugged. "I figured it would look less suspicious to her and to everybody else if I was forced to interact with her first. I mean, I'm still not exactly thrilled with the fact that her father completely messed up my girlfriend's murder investigation --"
Wu put his hand up. "Let me stop you right there, Logan. I'm going to tell you something about Veronica's father. Did you know my family owns the Asian food market downtown?"
Logan shook his head.
"My family's business was being harassed by some of the local criminal element. When Sheriff Mars found out that the gangs were shaking us down week after week, he took care of it, and no one bothered us as long as he was sheriff. Now the gangs are threatening them again, and our new sheriff not only looks the other way, he asks for his cut. So regardless of what may have happened in the last couple of months, not everyone thinks Keith Mars should have been removed from office."
Logan looked contrite and nodded, thinking he'd really stepped in it this time. Wu turned back and began to flip through the papers on the counter. He pulled out a sheet and handed it to Logan.
"As for your request, I'm not promising anything, but I'll take it under consideration. I'll see you in class, Logan." Logan looked down. It was his pop quiz. D-.
Logan mumbled a humble thank you and exited the classroom. He wondered if Wu would have believed him if he'd told him the real reason. Well, you see, sir, I need a plausible cover so I can talk to Veronica because her would-be rapist who happens to be blackmailing me is watching my every move, plus my best friend's freaking out and he's become kinda loopy when it comes to his ex. Who wouldn't agree to that?
He walked past Veronica's locker and noticed the graffiti with a new and colourful way to say 'whore' was still there. She was nowhere to be seen, as usual.
She'd been avoiding him for the last day and a half. Monday morning, he'd waited for her to get off the school bus. She looked different. Her hair was pulled back in a tight pony tail and she was wearing dark clothing. Not her usual sunny wardrobe. She looked like she hadn't slept.
He handed her a large Ziploc baggie that contained the purse she'd had at the party. She took it from him, confused, and started to open the bag until she got a whiff of it.
"I found it in the garbage when I went to get your car. Your ID and keys are still in there. I checked," he said with a grimace. "Your car will be done by the end of the day. I can give you a ride, if you want."
She nodded. From over her head he could see Beaver across the parking lot, glaring at the two of them. Before walking away, he quickly added, "Meet me here when school's out, 'kay?"
By lunchtime, Veronica and Shelly's party were all anyone was talking about. By the time the stories came around to Logan, they were embellished to the point where they didn't even make sense. She'd fucked a conga line in that spare room -- guys, girls, toys, animals -- you name it, and someone would say she'd done it.
Veronica sat by herself at lunch and scowled at no one in particular, as the stories swirled around her. Logan tried to sit down with her to talk to her to the hoots and hollers of the entire quad. He knew that they thought for sure he was going to rub it in and make it worse. That must have been what Veronica thought too, because as soon as he sat down, she stalked off, leaving her entire lunch behind. He tried to follow, only to be stopped by Beaver, glaring at him with unmasked hostility.
So he turned around and went straight to the source of the stories. He grabbed Carrie Bishop by the elbow and pulled her into the empty journalism room.
"What the hell, Logan?" She yanked her arm back.
He stuck a finger in her face, menacingly. "Shelly's party. What are you telling people?"
Carrie snorted. "Just what I saw."
"All you saw was me taking Veronica home."
"I was standing out there a while, Logan. I saw a train of guys leaving that room before you. You're all just lucky I'm not naming names. Who'd want a reputation for hitting that?"
"You were drinking. Who do you think you saw?"
"Please. Before you?" she asked with disgust, "I know I saw Duncan Kane. Honestly, you'd think he'd be over that little gold-digger, but if she's finally putting out he might as well get some --"
"Who else?" Logan interrupted impatiently.
"I also know I saw Sean leave with some other guy, but I couldn't see who he was 'cause he was laughing so hard. Then I heard the door open again but before I could see, Dick's dorkwad brother came out of nowhere and barfed on my shoes. Fucking retard. My favourite Maddens too."
"Yeah, my heart? It bleeds." Damn. She'd seen Beaver. She hadn't connected the dots, but she didn't need to. All she needed to do was to start telling people who she saw that night. "Anyone asks you to repeat that story, you keep your mouth shut. You were drunk and didn't see anything."
"I don't need to repeat it," Carrie said smugly. "The whole school knows now. I couldn't take it back if I tried."
She was right. And if Logan hadn't known the truth of that night, he'd be the one making sure those rumours got spread and never died. But he had more things to worry about than Veronica's reputation.
"Then you start telling the story that the only person you saw her with was me."
Carrie barked out a laugh, but then stopped when Logan didn't laugh with her. "You're serious? You want people to think you and she -- "
"Whatever. You didn't see anyone else."
"And why would I do that?"
Logan shrugged. "A juicy story you can't resist telling again and again?"
"I don't know. The scores of guys line seems like a better one." Carrie continued prattling on proudly about how twisted the gossip had become while Logan tried to think of a reason for her to change her story.
He finally said, "Connor Larkin. You like him?"
"The movie star?"
"No, Connor Larkin, the fucking bus boy at Chili's."
Carrie rolled her eyes. "Asshole. Okay, yeah, what's not to like? Top ten in People's 50 Most Beautiful, everybody's 'It Boy' of the year. What about him?"
"You wanna meet him?"
A sly smile spread across Carrie's face.
A couple of phone calls later and Carrie's improved version of events was across the school by the end of the day. Logan didn't anticipate the reaction of the rest of the kids. There was an air of tentativeness, like they were waiting to hear what the punchline was to this joke and they watched Logan for their cue. He gave nothing away though and it was something to see -- an entire school flummoxed.
Veronica didn't meet him after class let out. And she didn't answer his calls. He was waiting by his SUV, when he was slammed against the driver side door. His assailant turned him around roughly and held him against the door with a forearm across his neck. Duncan was breathing hard in his face.
"What the fuck, man? You don't answer my calls or texts for two days and this is how you say hi?" Logan choked out, pushing Duncan off him.
"Did you touch her?" Duncan shoved him.
Fuck. He'd heard the rumours before Logan had the chance to remember to tell Duncan first. Other kids turned in their direction to see what the ruckus was about.
"Dude, we've gotta talk. Get in." He started opening the driver door.
"No! Just tell me!" Duncan yelled and shoved Logan again. People were starting to walk towards them, anticipating a fight.
"Do you even remember what you told me at the party?" Logan hissed back.
Duncan stopped struggling with Logan, his eyes widening. When Duncan didn't reply, Logan said, "Get in."
Duncan moved around to the other side of the SUV, and the crowd that was trying to gather dispersed in disappointment.
He opened the door and slumped dejectedly in the passenger seat. "I left her with you. I trusted you."
"I didn't touch her," Logan said.
Duncan sat up. "Then why --?"
"If everybody thinks she was with me, then they can't think of any alternatives. You told me to take care of her. That's what I'm doing. "
Duncan shook his head in disbelief. "This is fucked up, even for you."
Logan turned and asked, "Dude, you think I'm happy about this? I don't even like her. But did you hear what they were saying about her?"
Duncan bowed his head and nodded.
"And do you remember what actually happened?"
Duncan flushed. His mouth twisted into a grimace, but he nodded again.
"So were you just going to let them keep saying that shit?"
"What was I supposed to do?" Duncan asked angrily.
"I don't know, man. But isn't this better than them thinking she's a complete slut? I mean, if what you said is true, you can't want them talking about her like that. If she's --"
"Look, I was so wasted that night. I don't know what I was saying."
He decided to tread carefully. He had to keep Duncan on his side. "So you're saying you don't still love her?"
Duncan turned away and stared out the passenger window. "I gotta go. I -- I'll talk to you later." He started opening the door.
"Duncan!" Logan called him back. "We okay?"
Duncan just shrugged and left.
Logan let his head fall forward to touch the steering wheel. How was he supposed to even ask Duncan about what he was babbling about at the party? This was the most emotion he'd shown being sober and he was still clamming up. Veronica's his sister. Lilly knew. Lilly's gone. Logan didn't like where that train of thought went.
He sat back up, and caught the reflection of Veronica running past his vehicle in the rearview mirror. He hopped out and dashed after her, but she had a big head start and she made it to the school bus before he could reach her and it pulled away.
He turned back to find Beaver standing in his path back to his car.
As Logan tried to pass Beaver like he hadn't noticed him, Beaver called after him, "What are you doing talking to her?"
"Hey Beav." Logan turned to see Beaver following him. "Didn't see you there. By the way, sorry I didn't reply to any of your threatening voicemails and e-mails yesterday."
Beaver looked around to make sure no one was listening. "I just saw you trying to talk to her. Does she remember?"
"No, but she knows that someone tried to hurt her."
"And how does she know that? I know you took her home that night. I know you spent the day with her yesterday.""
"Wow, Beaver, I'm really flattered that you're stalking me now, but you're really not my type. Fuck, you're getting as bad as Caitlin, having to know my every move. Look, Veronica just knows, okay? But she doesn't know it was you, and everybody else thinks she was with me, so just calm the fuck down."
"Well, maybe I would if you weren't trying to talk to her like she's your friend all of a sudden."
"She's not my friend. She's --" He had to think fast. "She's my lab partner in chem class. I've got to talk to her."
"I know Dick's your lab partner."
Fuck. He did not think this one through. "Wu changed us around Friday. Dick's skipped the last two classes."
"That's really convenient for you."
"Well, ask Wu yourself."
"Fine. What about Cindy?"
Logan threw his hands up. "I don't even know her fucking last name, what am I supposed to do about her?
"Tomassini."
"If you know so fucking much about everything, then why don't you take care of it?" Logan asked with frustration.
"These hands?" Beaver held them up in Logan's face. "Stay clean."
Beaver started to walk away.
"Yeah? That must be difficult when you can only get unconscious girls."
Beaver turned and glared at Logan, but then he shook his head and walked away.
Now it was Tuesday, and Veronica was still avoiding him. And he knew he had to ensure Wu was going to make him her partner. Logan was still staring at her locker lost in thought when he felt a punch to his arm.
"Duuuuude. What the hell's going on? You were at the party on the weekend, then you fucking disappeared."
Logan shrugged. But Dick continued, "And not answering your cell? Dude, what is with that? I had to skip alone yesterday. Did I like hurt your feelings or something? It's like I actually have to come to school to see you. And if I have to hear another one of those stupid ass quotes again --"
"I got grounded," he lied. He couldn't think of an excuse. Seeing Dick meant seeing Beaver. And he'd seen enough of Beaver.
"You?" Dick asked incredulously. "Mommy's Precious?"
"Guess I finally crossed the line."
"Whatever, man, Caitlin's been looking for you. She's pissed about some rumour she heard."
Logan rolled his eyes. "There's no fucking happy medium with girls, is there? They're either stepping out on you or they're fucking static cling."
Dick asked, "So are you and Caitlin on then?"
"She wants to be." Logan waved his hand dismissively.
Dick snorted, and said, "So just nail her and cut her loose."
"Always the gentleman." Logan bowed with a flourish.
"Speaking of the party, you know Madison broke up with me - like again? God, she just won't fucking lighten up. Oh, and did you hear about Ver --"
"DICK!" a shrill voice screamed from down the hallway. Veronica was marching up to Dick and Logan. Dick nudged Logan with his elbow and smugly said, "Get a load of this, dude. It's gonna be gooooood."
Before Veronica reached them, she hurled something that hit Dick square in the chest, bounced off and fell to the ground jiggling. Dick stumbled back winded and surprised by Veronica's accurate aim. Logan looked down to the ground to find a very large, vibrating dildo.
Veronica picked it up and was in Dick's face before he regained his balance, but it didn't stop him from smirking at her.
"You think this is god-damned funny? How about you keep your toys out of my locker? Do you think you're not obvious with the way you go on about all the girls you've nailed and the way you fucking hero worship jackasses like him --" she pointed at Logan with the dildo. "You think we don't see that you're a perfect case study for latent homosexuality? Do you really think humiliating me is going to be enough of a beard? God, Freud would have a fucking field day with you! So why don't you just stick it up your ass already and get it over with?"
Dick roared, "I am NOT gay!"
"The lady protests too much, methinks!" Veronica yelled back, waving her hand towards Dick as if she was a gameshow host.
Logan, clearly amused with Veronica's tirade, tried to pull her back, saying, "Hey, c'mon, Veronica. Sometimes a Dick is just a dick."
"Shut up! Don't touch me!" She shook off his grasp and turned around and shoved him. The look of loathing in her eyes was unmistakable.
Finally, some teachers showed up to break up the snickering crowd that had gathered around the three of them. Wu was amongst them and stepped in to ask what was going on. Veronica showed him the sex toy.
"It's not mine!" Dick proclaimed.
"Then maybe you shouldn't have put your name on it, idiot." Veronica showed them the gift tag that had been tied to it:
I remember how much you loved Dick last Saturday. Here's a little something compared to him to keep you company until we hook up again.
His phone number was at the bottom of the tag.
Wu pointed to Dick. "Detention. After class." Then he and the other teachers shooed away the crowd of students, telling them to get to class.
As Logan passed Wu, he muttered, "Still considering?" Wu just grimly pointed to his classroom door.
Logan took his seat at the back of the room beside Dick. Now he knew he had to resort to lowest common denominator tactics. Knowing Dick would be unable to resist, Logan said quietly, as Wu began writing a formula on the board, "Hey, think that's the recipe for how he gets his shirts so clean?"
Dick just grinned and blurted out, "It's an Ancient Chinese Secret!"
Wu whipped around. "Okay, Mr. Casablancas, that's the last straw. You and Logan are no longer partners since you can't seem to go five minutes without disrupting class."
Wu pointed to the front of the room. "Dick, you're with Ravinder Khan, up here in the front."
Dick stood up, then dropped to his knees, shook his fists at the sky and cried out, "Khaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!"
"Enough!" Wu yelled overtop the laughter. Wu walked up to the counter where Veronica and Ravinder sat. He picked up Veronica's books, and said, "Sorry Miss Mars, you're in the back with Mr. Echolls."
The class erupted in whooping. Veronica turned red. And even Logan felt a twinge of shame in the predicament. Wu led Veronica to the back, and dropped her books down beside Logan. Before Veronica reached Logan's counter, Wu quietly said, "Don't make me regret this, Logan."
Logan saluted him before Wu turned back for the front of the class.
Veronica dropped down on the stool beside Logan and crossed her arms, refusing to look at him.
He leaned over and whispered, "Guess you have to talk to me now, huh?" She stared straight ahead, but he could see her jaw tighten.
He looked her over. She still looked like shit. And now, close up, he could tell what was different. She wasn't wearing any make-up. And the tight ponytail she wore again today was considerably shorter -- she'd cut her hair. It upset him more than her silent treatment. That she would let the last couple of days get to her when nothing actually happened. That even though he told himself he hated her, to see the stronger girl he'd seen emerge over the last couple of months break over this infuriated him.
But when he looked at her again, her back was straight, and there was a look of absolute rage in her eyes, daring anyone to cross her.
He knew then that he needed her like this. He leaned over again, and whispered, "Veronica, just listen, okay? I need your help."
Part 4
