Fic: Lunch, 5 (Veronica/Logan) R
Title: Lunch, Part 5
Author:
spyhop
Pairing/Character: Veronica/Logan and the rest of the crowd
Word Count: 4131
Rating: R, for language
Spoilers: All of Season One, hints of seasons to come, whole series
Disclaimer: I do not have any claim to the VM universe, I just miss it
Summary: This is an AU. It takes place soon after “who was at the door” - The kids return to school and meet a new kid. In this universe Logan, Veronica, Lilly and Duncan became friends when they were four.
Lunch, Part 5
Logan and Duncan approach the order counter and are greeted by their friends. It's the first time Dick and company have been relatively alone with Logan since his father's capture and they're cautious. They've seen the temper in action and understand fully that Logan is never one to back down especially when in pain. No one is positive why he disappeared after lunch but they know it probably was not an ice cream run.
Logan’s sixteenth birthday is different. It’s the weekend after the actual date so he has a license, a passport, cards with generous cash advance limits and could get his hands on a half-dozen vehicles. For a few moments just after he wakes up, in the quiet of the too-large house and in the eye of his not-unquiet mind; he sees himself leaving, disappearing, not being.
Then his alarm chirps and his eyes travel to picture of himself with Lilly, Duncan and Veronica. He notices the way all of their eyes are so very bright, as if the mere instance of being together lends them increased shine. Suddenly running away isn’t the best option; instead he must endure.
This is of course the day he receives the keys to the X-terra. It’s blinding that first day. It is the brightest spot in a land of shimmering things. Lilly and Veronica wear matching yellow halter tops and sit on the hood as Aaron drives it out toward the pool deck. It sits there for the party - a giant metallic centerpiece seemingly built for escape.
Lilly keeps ambushing him and assaulting his ears with dirty whispers. She’s telling him all of the things he hopes will happen again and again in his new backseat. However, when he looks to cash in on these little nothings he can never spot her.
The alcohol consumption of the adults is challenged by the ingenuity of the high schoolers. Logan’s room and various plant-shaded sneak corners have become caches of available inebriates. Like the various camps on Everest each requires its own acclimatization; the hard liquors demanding more of the newly initiated that a snuck sip of beer or wine.
The effects of the alcohol vary from teenager to teenager. Veronica is giddy but cautious. She feels like twirling but settles for humming. She’s clinging to Duncan and trying to avoid her mother. Duncan for his part is not drinking. When called on it by Dick, he says his stomach is unsettled by something his mother made him eat that morning. But later, when Veronica helpfully brings him a ginger ale from the bar he has no idea why she thought he was sick. He is a bit pale but Veronica shrugs it off to mishearing him earlier
Lilly is frequently missing from the party. She explains it by saying she’s searching for the perfect beverage but Logan isn’t sure that alcohol is what her mouth is after. At first, he thinks it’s a game for him - find the girl, get the reward; but as the party wears toward sunset he has the definite idea it is he being played.
The cake and sparklers come after sundown and Lilly is nowhere to be found. The rest of the party sings, embarrassingly but hilariously off key, and those with appetites eat cake. Logan has other ideas and as soon as he appeases his mother with enough time spent graciously accepting birthday accolades he sets off to find Lilly. He’s halfway through the house when he hears her giggle and a door slam.
The sound comes from the wing of the house containing his room, Trina’s room, a guest room, a bathroom and a den. He’s not sure which door slammed but as he tears down the hallway he bumps into Dick leaving his room with a grin on his face. Logan doesn’t think, doesn’t blink, just nails the blond boy with a fist across his face. Dick only has time for one incredulous look at his friend before hitting the thankfully carpeted floor.
“What the fuck Logan?” Dick says as he holds his jaw and attempts to right himself. This action is severely hampered by the fact that he has taken a blow to the head and he is seriously hammered off the bowl he has just finished. “I was smoking in your room,” Dick continues as he regains his legs, “I repeat what the fuck?”
As Logan comprehends that he’s hit an innocent two doors open. The one to his room is occupied by a red-eyed Cassidy and the one to the bathroom is filled by the blue-eyed Lilly. Cassidy looks at Dick and then at Logan. “What happened?” he asks.
“Yeah boys,” says Lilly wickedly, “Fighting over me?”
“Should we be?” asks Logan, giving a furious glance at Dick.
Dick shakes his hair out of his eyes and looks at his friend, “I was in there,” he says, pointing at Logan’s room, and indicating Cassidy, “With him. No chicks. Definitely no crazy Kane chicks. No offense,” he adds with a look at Lilly.
Lilly smirks. “Of course I wasn’t with him,” she says, “What is your deal Logan?”
“Where the fuck have you been Lilly?” Logan asks, “I’ve been looking for you all day.”
“Clingy is so unattractive lover,” Lilly begins, “It’s a party. I was mingling.”
Logan looks at her with a mix of anger and confusion. He asks again, quieter this time, maybe resignation, maybe the calm before the storm, “Where were you Lilly?”
Cassidy takes his brother’s elbow and steers him around the couple and their face-off. Dick doesn’t look inclined to leave but Cassidy whispers “food” and Dick nods happily. Ever mindful of his friend though he turns and asks “You okay man?”
Logan spares him a look and says “Yeah. Sorry about the …” and indicates Dick’s soon-to-be-bruised face. Dick shrugs, “Can’t feel it yet. See you downstairs.” Then off Logan’s nod, the brothers Casablancas exit the hallway and turn down the stairs
Lilly waits until she has Logan’s full attention before announcing, “I’m leaving. Maybe we’ll talk when you’re not feeling so psychotic. Happy fucking birthday”. She says the profanity full of filthy promise but her eyes radiate cold fury. The look makes Logan want to scream and shake but instead he just steps aside so she can’t brush against him as she sweeps down the hall.
Once she is on the stairs Logan has a fleeting impulse to ransack the rooms and see what he can find but he chooses not to. He has just turned sixteen but he has learned enough ugly truths within these walls. Instead he heads downstairs to watch the drama.
By the pool Lilly has cornered Duncan and made him promise to take her home. Duncan is annoyed but maybe relieved to be leaving. He hasn’t been into the party from the beginning thinks Veronica. She considers leaving with them but instead tells them she’ll just wait and go home with her mother. Lilly is in a sulk and Veronica is just a bit protective of her buzz.
Logan reaches the pool in time to see Lilly petulantly pulling at Duncan’s arm. Duncan shakes her off and calls toward Logan. Lilly does everything but stamp her foot. Duncan tells her she can’t drive and to wait. Before he walks away from her he checks for his car keys and shakes them in front of her face. Lilly sulks.
Duncan reaches Logan and says, “I’m going to take Queen Rag home. If I make her stay she’ll just continue to suck the joy out of everything and everyone.” He pats at Logan’s arm. “Sorry man, Mom was on a tear this morning,” he tries to explain, “We’re both of us a little shell-shocked. I mean Lilly’s taking to the extreme as usual but …” He gives a shrug and shakes his head.
“We should get going,” says Duncan “I’ll call you later. Nice truck - don’t know how we’ll keep an eye on it.” He grins at Logan and Logan feels marginally better.
“Alright, talk to you later,” says Logan, “thanks for coming.”
“Never miss it,” says Duncan with a turn and wave.
Once the Kanes leave, everyone sees their cue in Logan’s disappointed face. As they leave a few at a time, Logan sits on the edge of the pool waving lighted sparklers and watching the bright sizzles flash into the water. It’s dark enough to seem as if the sparks are dancing in the night air. Veronica comes around the corner from the kitchen and sits next to him. He hands her the lit sparkler and she holds it as it burns down.
“I just called my Dad,” she says, “I guess my Mom left earlier, I didn’t notice. He’s going to be a little while. Can I hang with you? Or if you want to be alone, I could -“
He cuts her off by saying, “Call your Dad, I’ll take you home. Let’s test this bad boy out.” He throws a thumb at the truck and attempts a smile.
She agrees after making sure he’s sober which he does by saying the alphabet backwards and then pretending not to know it forwards. She laughs and calls the Sheriff’s station. Her Dad agrees and says she’s to be in the door by 11:00 p.m. no later.
Once they’re on the road, Logan takes his time, meandering down familiar roads behind the wheel of his new toy. He tells Veronica that he is running through stop signs and taking her to Mexico. Veronica busies herself with setting the stereo’s presets. She’s done five of the first six and is searching, waiting to hit on another suitable frequency. When the Spice Girls trill about “what they really really want” she shouts in triumph and presses number six home.
“That station is not staying,” Logan warns, “No way.”
“Oh it so is,” says Veronica, dancing a bit in her seat and using her hands to shield the controls. “You know you want to sing with me,” she teases.
“That is your and Lilly’s act,” Logan says, “I repeat no way.” He half-heartedly tries to move her hands and then tells her, “I’ll just change it later.”
But, in fact, that particular memory set is still there the day he finally trades in his last birthday present from his parents. The day when he realizes that he no longer possesses any concrete thing that was his when he was theirs. At least nothing from them; he is thankful that, at least, he was wearing his necklace the day of the fire.
Veronica laughs and finishes up the song. She notes that, because they are Veronica and Logan, they have, of course, seemed to be driving aimlessly yet they arrive on the Kanes’ street.
“Pull over and park here,” she says.
Willing, he does as she asks.
“Wait here,” she says as she exits the vehicle.
“What are you doing?” he asks.
She walks over to speak to him through his window. “You’re not the only one who knows how to sneak onto the Kane estate,” she says.
“Very daring Mars,” Logan says, “I had no idea you and Duncan had but if so please provide graphic details and pictures.”
Veronica smacks at him. “We, no, not, ugh, just shut up,” Veronica stutters. “It’s not like that,” she continues, “I’ve just helped him sneak in if he thinks he’s too drunk to hide it.”
“Which is pretty much every time,” says Logan.
“Well, yeah,” Veronica admits.
“But since this time Duncan is already at home …” Logan says and raises his eyebrows suggestively. “I’m just supposed to wait here while you get your booty call on?”
She blushes clear to her hairline and Logan laughs.
“NO!” she says, “I just want to check on him. I’ll be five minutes.”
“I don’t know who to feel more sorry for, if that’s so,” Logan brats.
“Will you wait?” she asks and then, “You don’t think he’ll be mad that I stopped by?”
“Yes I will wait,” he says and then smiles at her worried expression, “And if he’s mad that his girlfriend is breaking into his bedroom in the middle of the night, well, he’s just gonna have to turn in his 16-year-old boy card.”
But six and one-half minutes later it isn’t a disheveled Veronica walking down the driveway. Instead it is Veronica and Lilly driving Lilly’s car without its headlights on. They stop and park facing the Xterra. Veronica is in the driver’s seat and pushes at Lilly until she exits the car.
Veronica sticks her head out the window. “Say sorry Lilly,” she says.
Lilly walks up to Logan’s window and says, “Sorry Lilly.” But she smiles softly and places her hands on the window sill. Logan looks at her hands and then watches as she carefully boosts herself up so that their faces are level and almost touching. He looks into her eyes and, as always, is a goner. “Happy Birthday baby,” says Lilly.
He leans in for a kiss and is surprised by the gentleness of her response. He pulls back and she hops down and opens his door. She climbs into his lap and laughs. He pushes the recline and is aware of the sound of Veronica driving away.
Lilly sits up and pushes her arm out the window to wave at their friend. She leans back in and stretches over his prone body. She shakes her head so that her hair tickles his face. “That girl can never just mind her own business,” she tells him.
“Thank god,” says Logan sliding his hands under Lilly’s skirt as he pushes apart her thighs so her lips fall to his.
A one-celled organism relies on uniformity. Each section and its subsequent parts must grow and maintain at the same pace. The resources taken by the organism must be fairly shared by the entire system. If one part subsumes more than its allotted share the remainder of the life form suffers. Thus if growth is mandated the organism must overhaul its entire existence. More mass means more nutrition. More nutrition means better ability to gather resources. Better ability will be begat by the possibility of successful and worthy change. Evolve and prosper. Remain stagnant and remain behind.
Veronica recognizes that she is in Kevin’s car which is parked in the parking lot of her apartment complex. She must have been reasonably communicative. They’ve arrived at the correct destination. But although she is here, she notices that Kevin and the groceries are not.
Looking up she sees Kevin walking toward the stairs. She exits the car and is able to meet him just as he bounds off the last step.
“Hey,” Kevin says, “I carried up the bags but there is something big and canine behind that door and it wants out.”
“Thanks,” says Veronica, “Sorry about the space out.”
“No problem,” he says, “I knew it was coming. I have a sister; she likes boys too.” He grins at her teasingly.
Veronica smiles and pushes past him to climb the stairs. Kevin follows. When they arrive at her door Kevin gathers up the bags and she unlocks and opens the door. Backup immediately tries to bully around Veronica. He is barking and trying to get a good smell at Kevin.
“Down boy,” says Veronica while pushing on his collar. Backup sits but doesn’t take his eyes off the boy.
“Let me guess,” says Kevin edging around to where he sees the refrigerator, “Your father has instilled special kill all boys directives into your puppy.”
“I wouldn’t put it past him,” says Veronica with a wicked smile as she grabs Backup’s leash.
Kevin stashes the milk and eggs in the fridge, the ice cream in the freezer and leaves the rest of the bags on the counter. Veronica thinks that if he’s surprised at the modesty of her home he hides it well. Somebody has taught him excellent manners.
“Don’t worry,” she says, “Dick and Cassidy’s home is well within the 909 district. You won’t have to feel bad taking their cash.”
Kevin smiles. “Where are we taking the beast?” he asks.
“Come walk with us,” she says, “I’ll just take him to the beach a couple blocks away. Usually we’d head to Dog Beach, but I don’t want him to wait any longer.”
Duncan and Logan finish adding cabbage and white sauce to their tacos. Logan goes back for fresh sliced jalapenos and laughingly offers Duncan some. Duncan gives him a look and Logan just piles the rest of the peppers onto his own food. They walk over to Dick’s table and the boys slide down the benches, making room.
Logan takes a huge bite and then a slam of soda. He looks delivered. “Mmmm. Good stuff,” he says by way of breaking the ice. It works. Just as at lunch, the guys relax and start to talk.
They talk about surf conditions - somewhat suck; the fact that Dick has three days of detention next week - big suck; the wreckage that is Luke’s car after they decided to fishtail it on the sand - so much suck and the very interesting growth spurt that Tammy Widmer has experienced - total chestage, total non-suck.
Duncan finishes his last, his sixth, taco and dumps his trash in the bin.
He looks at Logan who takes his last bite and slurps the remainder of his soda.
“Who’s at poker tonight?” asks Logan. Duncan smiles.
Dick indicates everyone around the table and says, “Plus V is bringing your new boyfriend. The guy from lunch.”
“How’d he hook an invite?” asks Logan as he wipes his face and trashes the napkin.
“He seems okay. Plus he bought the food,” Dick says.
“Why?” asks Duncan and the rest of the boys laugh.
“Ronnie decided to overshare,” says Dick, “She told him my middle name.”
Logan nods. Duncan waits.
“So see you all at … ?” Logan says.
“Nine,” says Cassidy.
Logan and Duncan wave as they head out.
Once they reach the parking lot Logan asks, “What’s the rush DK?”
“I figure we should have time to drop off your truck so you won’t have to drive,” answers Duncan, “Then we can head home to get cleaned up - but first, if you want, we can accidentally drive by Veronica’s.”
“If I want?” Logan asks leadingly.
“Yeah, well it is my idea, I just think that one vehicle is probably enough,” Duncan answers, “We’re not professional stalkers.”
“Just concerned friends,” says Logan, almost convincingly.
Veronica and Kevin and Backup reach the beach and after a quick look around to make sure there are no other people or dogs around, Veronica lets the pitbull off leash. Backup runs first around her, making her laugh and then headbuts Kevin knocking him down and making him cautious. Backup takes off toward the water looking very pleased with himself.
“Subtle,” says Kevin propping himself up on an elbow, “I like that in a dog.”
Veronica laughs and offers him an arm. He looks doubtfully at her small frame and bandaged hands. “Just grab my forearm,” she instructs, “I’m not made of marshmallow.” He follows her directions
and she pulls, hard. He’s caught off-balance and ends upright but heavily leaning onto her. She might not be a sugary confection but he’s still got more than 60 lbs on her. They go down onto the sand in a tangle of blond and long limbs.
“That went well,” says Kevin peering over at her from exactly sea level. “I think I’ll just stay down,” he says as he pulls her ankles over to rest his head upon.
Veronica sits up perpendicular to the boy, letting her ankles remain pillowed under his neck. “Alright,” she agrees, checking for Backup. She gives a sharp whistle and he turns toward her. She yells, “Ten minutes mister.” Backup returns to chasing seagulls. She leans forward, stretching her hands toward her feet, elbows on her thighs, and says, “So spill it.”
“Do you think he really understands the concept of time?” Kevin asks.
“Hey,” says Veronica, waving her two hands back and forth like a magician, “Master of distraction here, that’s not going to work. Why did you get sent here Kevin?” She leans as far forward as she can and he rolls his eyes up to where he can feel her stare. Their eyes meet awkwardly and she gives him a small smile. As expressions go it’s a bit sad because she knows that stories of exile are seldom happy.
“My parents think I’m trying to kill my sister,” Kevin begins. A cold wind blows off the ocean and Veronica notices that he has closed his eyes. A shiver runs through her. Kevin opens his eyes and makes sure Veronica isn’t about to bolt.
“You alright?” he asks.
“Sure,” she says, “Just really happy that I asked for this confession in such a bleak abandoned spot.”
“With only your wits and pitbull to protect you?” says Kevin, trying to lighten the mood.
“Perhaps you should continue,” she prompts.
Kevin nods, impressed at Veronica’s fortitude. He sits up, turning to face her. “She’s got cancer, they’ve just switched her to another flavor of chemo and she’s sick of being the sick girl,” he continues. Veronica bends her knees bringing her closer to Kevin. The wind continues to blow as the sky becomes less and less light.
“It’s only been a year since the initial diagnosis,” he says, “Which in some ways is a blink and in others an eternity. She’s 19 and the most fun girl anyone knows, it’s been hard on her, on me, on our parents, on everyone.”
“Shouldn’t you be with her?” Veronica asks, her hand on his arm.
“See here’s the killing her part,” Kevin says and looks out over the ocean as he sees Backup wheel close to the waves and gracefully out again. “They said they were taking her off the one treatment,” he says, “And Avie, Avalon, convinces them she should take a week before starting the next round. No one is happy but she is 18 and my parents know she’s stubborn enough to just stop everything if they push against her.”
“She can be,” he says, with a slight smile, “A real pain in the ass.”
Veronica smiles with him. He continues, “Anyway, she told them the week was to gather her strength, visualize the success, trumpeting all of the right things at them.”
“Instead,” he says, “She sneaks out that night and proceeds to get trashed. I hear her come in and she’s being carried by one of her ex-boyfriends. I don’t think. I just see my sister drunk off her ass and I take her from him and start screaming at both of them about what the fuck they think they’re doing.”
“Of course, the noise, my noise wakes our parents and my grandmothers, both of whom are visiting,” Kevin says, “Avie has enough self-preservation to push Peter toward the door and tell him to just leave, she’ll call him later.”
“This leaves her and me,” he recalls, “We’re busted as they come en masse downstairs. Me, standing there in sweats and T-shirt. She, in full on party girl fun, heels and I think a god-damn tiara. She looks at me, all wide eyed and spun, and I do the only thing I can.”
“You took the blame,” guesses Veronica.
“Yeah and they laid it out,” he says, “It was the Spanish Inquisition.” He smiles ruefully.
“Anyway,” he says, “There was yelling and accusations and more yelling and threats and at one point Avie screams that she’s going to go out because she’s still got some fucking hair, and I start laughing and she starts laughing and then suddenly she’s puking and I’m still laughing and I know my parents are thinking rehab or chemo, it’s a toss-up.”
“It was,” Kevin says, hiccupping a bit of laughter as his eyes water and he knows he can’t blame it on the sea spray, “A mess.”
“But also,” he says, “In a weird way it felt good. I mean, not that Avie got sick, but that we were just kids getting busted for doing stupid kid things. That doesn’t make sense, huh?”
“It felt normal,” Veronica says, “Or at least what you think normal should be, right?”
Kevin looks at her with relief. “Yeah, and so, I won a free trip to sunny Neptune.” He wipes at his eyes with the back of his hands and looks at Veronica. “I’m still a badass, right?” he asks.
She smiles at him, and lightly knocks his chin with one of her bandaged hands, “Maybe. I think I could take you though.”
“Take him where?” asks familiar voice bitingly.
Author:
spyhop
Pairing/Character: Veronica/Logan and the rest of the crowd
Word Count: 4131
Rating: R, for language
Spoilers: All of Season One, hints of seasons to come, whole series
Disclaimer: I do not have any claim to the VM universe, I just miss it
Summary: This is an AU. It takes place soon after “who was at the door” - The kids return to school and meet a new kid. In this universe Logan, Veronica, Lilly and Duncan became friends when they were four.
Lunch, Part 5
Logan and Duncan approach the order counter and are greeted by their friends. It's the first time Dick and company have been relatively alone with Logan since his father's capture and they're cautious. They've seen the temper in action and understand fully that Logan is never one to back down especially when in pain. No one is positive why he disappeared after lunch but they know it probably was not an ice cream run.
Logan’s sixteenth birthday is different. It’s the weekend after the actual date so he has a license, a passport, cards with generous cash advance limits and could get his hands on a half-dozen vehicles. For a few moments just after he wakes up, in the quiet of the too-large house and in the eye of his not-unquiet mind; he sees himself leaving, disappearing, not being.
Then his alarm chirps and his eyes travel to picture of himself with Lilly, Duncan and Veronica. He notices the way all of their eyes are so very bright, as if the mere instance of being together lends them increased shine. Suddenly running away isn’t the best option; instead he must endure.
This is of course the day he receives the keys to the X-terra. It’s blinding that first day. It is the brightest spot in a land of shimmering things. Lilly and Veronica wear matching yellow halter tops and sit on the hood as Aaron drives it out toward the pool deck. It sits there for the party - a giant metallic centerpiece seemingly built for escape.
Lilly keeps ambushing him and assaulting his ears with dirty whispers. She’s telling him all of the things he hopes will happen again and again in his new backseat. However, when he looks to cash in on these little nothings he can never spot her.
The alcohol consumption of the adults is challenged by the ingenuity of the high schoolers. Logan’s room and various plant-shaded sneak corners have become caches of available inebriates. Like the various camps on Everest each requires its own acclimatization; the hard liquors demanding more of the newly initiated that a snuck sip of beer or wine.
The effects of the alcohol vary from teenager to teenager. Veronica is giddy but cautious. She feels like twirling but settles for humming. She’s clinging to Duncan and trying to avoid her mother. Duncan for his part is not drinking. When called on it by Dick, he says his stomach is unsettled by something his mother made him eat that morning. But later, when Veronica helpfully brings him a ginger ale from the bar he has no idea why she thought he was sick. He is a bit pale but Veronica shrugs it off to mishearing him earlier
Lilly is frequently missing from the party. She explains it by saying she’s searching for the perfect beverage but Logan isn’t sure that alcohol is what her mouth is after. At first, he thinks it’s a game for him - find the girl, get the reward; but as the party wears toward sunset he has the definite idea it is he being played.
The cake and sparklers come after sundown and Lilly is nowhere to be found. The rest of the party sings, embarrassingly but hilariously off key, and those with appetites eat cake. Logan has other ideas and as soon as he appeases his mother with enough time spent graciously accepting birthday accolades he sets off to find Lilly. He’s halfway through the house when he hears her giggle and a door slam.
The sound comes from the wing of the house containing his room, Trina’s room, a guest room, a bathroom and a den. He’s not sure which door slammed but as he tears down the hallway he bumps into Dick leaving his room with a grin on his face. Logan doesn’t think, doesn’t blink, just nails the blond boy with a fist across his face. Dick only has time for one incredulous look at his friend before hitting the thankfully carpeted floor.
“What the fuck Logan?” Dick says as he holds his jaw and attempts to right himself. This action is severely hampered by the fact that he has taken a blow to the head and he is seriously hammered off the bowl he has just finished. “I was smoking in your room,” Dick continues as he regains his legs, “I repeat what the fuck?”
As Logan comprehends that he’s hit an innocent two doors open. The one to his room is occupied by a red-eyed Cassidy and the one to the bathroom is filled by the blue-eyed Lilly. Cassidy looks at Dick and then at Logan. “What happened?” he asks.
“Yeah boys,” says Lilly wickedly, “Fighting over me?”
“Should we be?” asks Logan, giving a furious glance at Dick.
Dick shakes his hair out of his eyes and looks at his friend, “I was in there,” he says, pointing at Logan’s room, and indicating Cassidy, “With him. No chicks. Definitely no crazy Kane chicks. No offense,” he adds with a look at Lilly.
Lilly smirks. “Of course I wasn’t with him,” she says, “What is your deal Logan?”
“Where the fuck have you been Lilly?” Logan asks, “I’ve been looking for you all day.”
“Clingy is so unattractive lover,” Lilly begins, “It’s a party. I was mingling.”
Logan looks at her with a mix of anger and confusion. He asks again, quieter this time, maybe resignation, maybe the calm before the storm, “Where were you Lilly?”
Cassidy takes his brother’s elbow and steers him around the couple and their face-off. Dick doesn’t look inclined to leave but Cassidy whispers “food” and Dick nods happily. Ever mindful of his friend though he turns and asks “You okay man?”
Logan spares him a look and says “Yeah. Sorry about the …” and indicates Dick’s soon-to-be-bruised face. Dick shrugs, “Can’t feel it yet. See you downstairs.” Then off Logan’s nod, the brothers Casablancas exit the hallway and turn down the stairs
Lilly waits until she has Logan’s full attention before announcing, “I’m leaving. Maybe we’ll talk when you’re not feeling so psychotic. Happy fucking birthday”. She says the profanity full of filthy promise but her eyes radiate cold fury. The look makes Logan want to scream and shake but instead he just steps aside so she can’t brush against him as she sweeps down the hall.
Once she is on the stairs Logan has a fleeting impulse to ransack the rooms and see what he can find but he chooses not to. He has just turned sixteen but he has learned enough ugly truths within these walls. Instead he heads downstairs to watch the drama.
By the pool Lilly has cornered Duncan and made him promise to take her home. Duncan is annoyed but maybe relieved to be leaving. He hasn’t been into the party from the beginning thinks Veronica. She considers leaving with them but instead tells them she’ll just wait and go home with her mother. Lilly is in a sulk and Veronica is just a bit protective of her buzz.
Logan reaches the pool in time to see Lilly petulantly pulling at Duncan’s arm. Duncan shakes her off and calls toward Logan. Lilly does everything but stamp her foot. Duncan tells her she can’t drive and to wait. Before he walks away from her he checks for his car keys and shakes them in front of her face. Lilly sulks.
Duncan reaches Logan and says, “I’m going to take Queen Rag home. If I make her stay she’ll just continue to suck the joy out of everything and everyone.” He pats at Logan’s arm. “Sorry man, Mom was on a tear this morning,” he tries to explain, “We’re both of us a little shell-shocked. I mean Lilly’s taking to the extreme as usual but …” He gives a shrug and shakes his head.
“We should get going,” says Duncan “I’ll call you later. Nice truck - don’t know how we’ll keep an eye on it.” He grins at Logan and Logan feels marginally better.
“Alright, talk to you later,” says Logan, “thanks for coming.”
“Never miss it,” says Duncan with a turn and wave.
Once the Kanes leave, everyone sees their cue in Logan’s disappointed face. As they leave a few at a time, Logan sits on the edge of the pool waving lighted sparklers and watching the bright sizzles flash into the water. It’s dark enough to seem as if the sparks are dancing in the night air. Veronica comes around the corner from the kitchen and sits next to him. He hands her the lit sparkler and she holds it as it burns down.
“I just called my Dad,” she says, “I guess my Mom left earlier, I didn’t notice. He’s going to be a little while. Can I hang with you? Or if you want to be alone, I could -“
He cuts her off by saying, “Call your Dad, I’ll take you home. Let’s test this bad boy out.” He throws a thumb at the truck and attempts a smile.
She agrees after making sure he’s sober which he does by saying the alphabet backwards and then pretending not to know it forwards. She laughs and calls the Sheriff’s station. Her Dad agrees and says she’s to be in the door by 11:00 p.m. no later.
Once they’re on the road, Logan takes his time, meandering down familiar roads behind the wheel of his new toy. He tells Veronica that he is running through stop signs and taking her to Mexico. Veronica busies herself with setting the stereo’s presets. She’s done five of the first six and is searching, waiting to hit on another suitable frequency. When the Spice Girls trill about “what they really really want” she shouts in triumph and presses number six home.
“That station is not staying,” Logan warns, “No way.”
“Oh it so is,” says Veronica, dancing a bit in her seat and using her hands to shield the controls. “You know you want to sing with me,” she teases.
“That is your and Lilly’s act,” Logan says, “I repeat no way.” He half-heartedly tries to move her hands and then tells her, “I’ll just change it later.”
But, in fact, that particular memory set is still there the day he finally trades in his last birthday present from his parents. The day when he realizes that he no longer possesses any concrete thing that was his when he was theirs. At least nothing from them; he is thankful that, at least, he was wearing his necklace the day of the fire.
Veronica laughs and finishes up the song. She notes that, because they are Veronica and Logan, they have, of course, seemed to be driving aimlessly yet they arrive on the Kanes’ street.
“Pull over and park here,” she says.
Willing, he does as she asks.
“Wait here,” she says as she exits the vehicle.
“What are you doing?” he asks.
She walks over to speak to him through his window. “You’re not the only one who knows how to sneak onto the Kane estate,” she says.
“Very daring Mars,” Logan says, “I had no idea you and Duncan had but if so please provide graphic details and pictures.”
Veronica smacks at him. “We, no, not, ugh, just shut up,” Veronica stutters. “It’s not like that,” she continues, “I’ve just helped him sneak in if he thinks he’s too drunk to hide it.”
“Which is pretty much every time,” says Logan.
“Well, yeah,” Veronica admits.
“But since this time Duncan is already at home …” Logan says and raises his eyebrows suggestively. “I’m just supposed to wait here while you get your booty call on?”
She blushes clear to her hairline and Logan laughs.
“NO!” she says, “I just want to check on him. I’ll be five minutes.”
“I don’t know who to feel more sorry for, if that’s so,” Logan brats.
“Will you wait?” she asks and then, “You don’t think he’ll be mad that I stopped by?”
“Yes I will wait,” he says and then smiles at her worried expression, “And if he’s mad that his girlfriend is breaking into his bedroom in the middle of the night, well, he’s just gonna have to turn in his 16-year-old boy card.”
But six and one-half minutes later it isn’t a disheveled Veronica walking down the driveway. Instead it is Veronica and Lilly driving Lilly’s car without its headlights on. They stop and park facing the Xterra. Veronica is in the driver’s seat and pushes at Lilly until she exits the car.
Veronica sticks her head out the window. “Say sorry Lilly,” she says.
Lilly walks up to Logan’s window and says, “Sorry Lilly.” But she smiles softly and places her hands on the window sill. Logan looks at her hands and then watches as she carefully boosts herself up so that their faces are level and almost touching. He looks into her eyes and, as always, is a goner. “Happy Birthday baby,” says Lilly.
He leans in for a kiss and is surprised by the gentleness of her response. He pulls back and she hops down and opens his door. She climbs into his lap and laughs. He pushes the recline and is aware of the sound of Veronica driving away.
Lilly sits up and pushes her arm out the window to wave at their friend. She leans back in and stretches over his prone body. She shakes her head so that her hair tickles his face. “That girl can never just mind her own business,” she tells him.
“Thank god,” says Logan sliding his hands under Lilly’s skirt as he pushes apart her thighs so her lips fall to his.
A one-celled organism relies on uniformity. Each section and its subsequent parts must grow and maintain at the same pace. The resources taken by the organism must be fairly shared by the entire system. If one part subsumes more than its allotted share the remainder of the life form suffers. Thus if growth is mandated the organism must overhaul its entire existence. More mass means more nutrition. More nutrition means better ability to gather resources. Better ability will be begat by the possibility of successful and worthy change. Evolve and prosper. Remain stagnant and remain behind.
Veronica recognizes that she is in Kevin’s car which is parked in the parking lot of her apartment complex. She must have been reasonably communicative. They’ve arrived at the correct destination. But although she is here, she notices that Kevin and the groceries are not.
Looking up she sees Kevin walking toward the stairs. She exits the car and is able to meet him just as he bounds off the last step.
“Hey,” Kevin says, “I carried up the bags but there is something big and canine behind that door and it wants out.”
“Thanks,” says Veronica, “Sorry about the space out.”
“No problem,” he says, “I knew it was coming. I have a sister; she likes boys too.” He grins at her teasingly.
Veronica smiles and pushes past him to climb the stairs. Kevin follows. When they arrive at her door Kevin gathers up the bags and she unlocks and opens the door. Backup immediately tries to bully around Veronica. He is barking and trying to get a good smell at Kevin.
“Down boy,” says Veronica while pushing on his collar. Backup sits but doesn’t take his eyes off the boy.
“Let me guess,” says Kevin edging around to where he sees the refrigerator, “Your father has instilled special kill all boys directives into your puppy.”
“I wouldn’t put it past him,” says Veronica with a wicked smile as she grabs Backup’s leash.
Kevin stashes the milk and eggs in the fridge, the ice cream in the freezer and leaves the rest of the bags on the counter. Veronica thinks that if he’s surprised at the modesty of her home he hides it well. Somebody has taught him excellent manners.
“Don’t worry,” she says, “Dick and Cassidy’s home is well within the 909 district. You won’t have to feel bad taking their cash.”
Kevin smiles. “Where are we taking the beast?” he asks.
“Come walk with us,” she says, “I’ll just take him to the beach a couple blocks away. Usually we’d head to Dog Beach, but I don’t want him to wait any longer.”
Duncan and Logan finish adding cabbage and white sauce to their tacos. Logan goes back for fresh sliced jalapenos and laughingly offers Duncan some. Duncan gives him a look and Logan just piles the rest of the peppers onto his own food. They walk over to Dick’s table and the boys slide down the benches, making room.
Logan takes a huge bite and then a slam of soda. He looks delivered. “Mmmm. Good stuff,” he says by way of breaking the ice. It works. Just as at lunch, the guys relax and start to talk.
They talk about surf conditions - somewhat suck; the fact that Dick has three days of detention next week - big suck; the wreckage that is Luke’s car after they decided to fishtail it on the sand - so much suck and the very interesting growth spurt that Tammy Widmer has experienced - total chestage, total non-suck.
Duncan finishes his last, his sixth, taco and dumps his trash in the bin.
He looks at Logan who takes his last bite and slurps the remainder of his soda.
“Who’s at poker tonight?” asks Logan. Duncan smiles.
Dick indicates everyone around the table and says, “Plus V is bringing your new boyfriend. The guy from lunch.”
“How’d he hook an invite?” asks Logan as he wipes his face and trashes the napkin.
“He seems okay. Plus he bought the food,” Dick says.
“Why?” asks Duncan and the rest of the boys laugh.
“Ronnie decided to overshare,” says Dick, “She told him my middle name.”
Logan nods. Duncan waits.
“So see you all at … ?” Logan says.
“Nine,” says Cassidy.
Logan and Duncan wave as they head out.
Once they reach the parking lot Logan asks, “What’s the rush DK?”
“I figure we should have time to drop off your truck so you won’t have to drive,” answers Duncan, “Then we can head home to get cleaned up - but first, if you want, we can accidentally drive by Veronica’s.”
“If I want?” Logan asks leadingly.
“Yeah, well it is my idea, I just think that one vehicle is probably enough,” Duncan answers, “We’re not professional stalkers.”
“Just concerned friends,” says Logan, almost convincingly.
Veronica and Kevin and Backup reach the beach and after a quick look around to make sure there are no other people or dogs around, Veronica lets the pitbull off leash. Backup runs first around her, making her laugh and then headbuts Kevin knocking him down and making him cautious. Backup takes off toward the water looking very pleased with himself.
“Subtle,” says Kevin propping himself up on an elbow, “I like that in a dog.”
Veronica laughs and offers him an arm. He looks doubtfully at her small frame and bandaged hands. “Just grab my forearm,” she instructs, “I’m not made of marshmallow.” He follows her directions
and she pulls, hard. He’s caught off-balance and ends upright but heavily leaning onto her. She might not be a sugary confection but he’s still got more than 60 lbs on her. They go down onto the sand in a tangle of blond and long limbs.
“That went well,” says Kevin peering over at her from exactly sea level. “I think I’ll just stay down,” he says as he pulls her ankles over to rest his head upon.
Veronica sits up perpendicular to the boy, letting her ankles remain pillowed under his neck. “Alright,” she agrees, checking for Backup. She gives a sharp whistle and he turns toward her. She yells, “Ten minutes mister.” Backup returns to chasing seagulls. She leans forward, stretching her hands toward her feet, elbows on her thighs, and says, “So spill it.”
“Do you think he really understands the concept of time?” Kevin asks.
“Hey,” says Veronica, waving her two hands back and forth like a magician, “Master of distraction here, that’s not going to work. Why did you get sent here Kevin?” She leans as far forward as she can and he rolls his eyes up to where he can feel her stare. Their eyes meet awkwardly and she gives him a small smile. As expressions go it’s a bit sad because she knows that stories of exile are seldom happy.
“My parents think I’m trying to kill my sister,” Kevin begins. A cold wind blows off the ocean and Veronica notices that he has closed his eyes. A shiver runs through her. Kevin opens his eyes and makes sure Veronica isn’t about to bolt.
“You alright?” he asks.
“Sure,” she says, “Just really happy that I asked for this confession in such a bleak abandoned spot.”
“With only your wits and pitbull to protect you?” says Kevin, trying to lighten the mood.
“Perhaps you should continue,” she prompts.
Kevin nods, impressed at Veronica’s fortitude. He sits up, turning to face her. “She’s got cancer, they’ve just switched her to another flavor of chemo and she’s sick of being the sick girl,” he continues. Veronica bends her knees bringing her closer to Kevin. The wind continues to blow as the sky becomes less and less light.
“It’s only been a year since the initial diagnosis,” he says, “Which in some ways is a blink and in others an eternity. She’s 19 and the most fun girl anyone knows, it’s been hard on her, on me, on our parents, on everyone.”
“Shouldn’t you be with her?” Veronica asks, her hand on his arm.
“See here’s the killing her part,” Kevin says and looks out over the ocean as he sees Backup wheel close to the waves and gracefully out again. “They said they were taking her off the one treatment,” he says, “And Avie, Avalon, convinces them she should take a week before starting the next round. No one is happy but she is 18 and my parents know she’s stubborn enough to just stop everything if they push against her.”
“She can be,” he says, with a slight smile, “A real pain in the ass.”
Veronica smiles with him. He continues, “Anyway, she told them the week was to gather her strength, visualize the success, trumpeting all of the right things at them.”
“Instead,” he says, “She sneaks out that night and proceeds to get trashed. I hear her come in and she’s being carried by one of her ex-boyfriends. I don’t think. I just see my sister drunk off her ass and I take her from him and start screaming at both of them about what the fuck they think they’re doing.”
“Of course, the noise, my noise wakes our parents and my grandmothers, both of whom are visiting,” Kevin says, “Avie has enough self-preservation to push Peter toward the door and tell him to just leave, she’ll call him later.”
“This leaves her and me,” he recalls, “We’re busted as they come en masse downstairs. Me, standing there in sweats and T-shirt. She, in full on party girl fun, heels and I think a god-damn tiara. She looks at me, all wide eyed and spun, and I do the only thing I can.”
“You took the blame,” guesses Veronica.
“Yeah and they laid it out,” he says, “It was the Spanish Inquisition.” He smiles ruefully.
“Anyway,” he says, “There was yelling and accusations and more yelling and threats and at one point Avie screams that she’s going to go out because she’s still got some fucking hair, and I start laughing and she starts laughing and then suddenly she’s puking and I’m still laughing and I know my parents are thinking rehab or chemo, it’s a toss-up.”
“It was,” Kevin says, hiccupping a bit of laughter as his eyes water and he knows he can’t blame it on the sea spray, “A mess.”
“But also,” he says, “In a weird way it felt good. I mean, not that Avie got sick, but that we were just kids getting busted for doing stupid kid things. That doesn’t make sense, huh?”
“It felt normal,” Veronica says, “Or at least what you think normal should be, right?”
Kevin looks at her with relief. “Yeah, and so, I won a free trip to sunny Neptune.” He wipes at his eyes with the back of his hands and looks at Veronica. “I’m still a badass, right?” he asks.
She smiles at him, and lightly knocks his chin with one of her bandaged hands, “Maybe. I think I could take you though.”
“Take him where?” asks familiar voice bitingly.