Generation 1 - Snow: Chapter 4 Part 1

Snow, 

It sure has been a while since we last spoke. I'm deeply sorry. You've been far too kind in your patience, much more patient than I deserve, but your tolerance only further proves how wonderful of a friend you are. I'm sorry that this email will not reach you until after I have left Sugar Valley, but I hope you will forgive me for departing without a formal goodbye. 


It's not really goodbye, is it? We'll keep in touch. We will still be friends, no matter the distance. I do hope you'll take the time to visit me in Mapleville. It's quite a long travel, but I'd be more than happy to cover your travel expenses. Maybe over the holidays...? I'm sure Bibiane would be more than enthusiastic about it.


Until next time,


Shale


With a sigh, I reread the message for the third time. I wasn't sure how to reply. 

 Shale - someone who had quickly become one of my dearest friends - was leaving...well, had left. I knew it was coming. His residency was over, and in the end he decided that Sugar Valley wasn't for him. He wanted somewhere quieter, somewhere he could become well known as a doctor and work with a close group of patients. Apparently Mapleville had all of this.

It wasn't easy, losing him so quickly, even though I knew it had been coming. I had hoped he would at least stop by before running off to the airport, but maybe it was easier for both of us this way. No need for fractures when you can have a clean break.

I was at the library, supposed to be looking up famous Berry artists for my class. Yep, that's right. I was enrolled in the local college and - get this - decided to major in Art and Literature. Working at the gallery turned out to be one of the most life changing experiences. While I enjoyed studying and showing others masterpieces, I enjoyed creating them even more. Over the past months, blank canvases and acrylics had become my best friends.

I glanced at the stack of books beside me. I hadn't the faintest idea who any of the Berry Sweets featured in the biographies were; Madame Annice Le Grapes, Sage Crêpe, and Blanc Sugar were just a few. Even though I felt disappointed after the email, I decided I might as well try and get some homework done. My professors expected all of my assignments to be turned in on time - and unfortunately it didn't matter whether or not I was left feeling a bit broken hearted.

I only managed to get an hour in before I started to get distracted, and the rhythmic tick of the clock was drowned out by the conversation of a study group coming over from the high school. I wasn't going to get any work done with them around, and honestly I didn't have any desire to read about the childhood of Sugar Valley's greatest painter.

Logan was just finishing work at the theater, and texted me asking if I'd like to meet up for drinks. He had quit his job at the grocery store a while back after seeing a Help Wanted sign posted in the ticket booth. Turns out it was actually from the theater's guitar instructor, and he needed someone to help him out with organizing students' schedules and maybe even teaching on his own in the future. All day around a gifted musician and free guitar lessons? To Logan this was like being handed a check for a million dollars.

When I saw him sitting at the table, I smiled. It was harder than I hoped it would be, and apparently even less convincing.

"Are you all right, Snow?" was the first thing he asked when I sat down across from him.

"Of course!" my voice was way too cheery to be natural. "Why would you think otherwise?"

"You just look upset. Did something happen at the library today?"

"Nope, just studying."

"Oh. For your research paper?"

"Yep. This is so much harder than I thought it would be, Lo. The other people in my class grew up hearing about these artists in their schools. I have to teach myself all of it in two weeks."

"I know, but you'll be fine. If you haven't discovered it already, you're a trooper, Snow. If you can handle being thrown into an alternate reality, I'm pretty sure you can write an awesome essay."

He gave me a reassuring smile and reached over the table to take my hands. "If you need help with anything, I'm here for you. Why did he have to be so amazing? I felt guilt twist my stomach as he stared at me.

His eyes were so clear, so honest. I didn't want to keep things from him, but to be honest, I didn't think talking to him about Shale - and how upset his departure made me - was a good idea. Logan was far from being his biggest fan. It was strange, because as far as I had witnessed, Logan liked just about everybody. Except Shale. He always got this sour expression on his face whenever I told him who I was hanging out with, and the one time I suggested we all go out to dinner...let's just say I made sure it wouldn't happen again. He looked at me as if I'd just admitted to murdering his family.

"Out to dinner? With Shale?" the tone in his voice had been unmistakably betrayed. It sounded like jealousy, but that couldn't possibly be true. Why would Logan be envious of Shale? So what if he had a better job. So what if he and I were close friends. Logan was the one who saved my life. He was the one I confessed my love to. You would think that would be enough.

So, to make a long story short, Shale wasn't going to be brought up that night if I had any choice.

"Let's go over to the park." he suggested after we finished our drinks. "It's so nice out...I'm not ready to go home just yet."

"All right, I'll meet you over there." I said before standing and making my way across the street as he paid for our drinks.

Rainbow Skittles Park was almost an entirely different place at night. No children ran through the flowers, no parents chatted while their little ones tried to splash in the central fountain. It was darker, more serious, but peaceful and relaxing.

When I sat down, the whole world seemed to stop. It was just me and the hum of an early summer's night around me. A place to think.

"You okay?" Logan's voice asked from behind.

I smiled as he sat beside me. "I already said yes."

"I'm sorry," he sighed and held open his arms. I gladly moved closer. "You just seem...I don't know...preoccupied."

"I'm fine," I said softly. "I promise."

"I believe you," he said. His hand squeezed my shoulder. "I just want you to know that if anything, no matter how stupid or small you may think, is bothering you, I'm here to listen."

"I know...and I'm very thankful for that, Logan. You really have no idea what you mean to me." We moved closer together after that, and our faces - and more importantly, our lips - were only inches apart.

Every time I kissed Logan, it was as if his lips had never met mine. A light shiver caused the hair on the back of my neck to stand, but it melted away into a warmth at the pit of my stomach that enveloped my entire body. Everything else seemed to fade away, and instead of feeling like I was the only person in Sugar Valley like I did in the park, I felt like I was the only girl in the world.

~···~

Logan was up early the next morning. 

He was in the bathroom, showering and later running water in the sink. I lay with my eyes shut atop my bed. I stayed up late the previous night doing homework, and by the time I typed my concluding sentence on the Life and Work of Madame Annice le Grapes, I was so tired that I only managed to change into my PJs before collapsing on top of the blankets.

Fast forward a few hours and I listened to the muffled sound of Logan's voice through the walls. 

I couldn't quite make out the words, but by his tone it sounded as if he were nervous and trying to give himself some sort of pep talk. Soon enough, I began to forget I'd ever woken up in the first place and was comfortably drifting back into oblivion.

Logan's voice still flitted into my ears, but he sounded as if he was successful in convincing himself and soon fell quiet. 

With a sigh, I snuggled closer into my pillow. I could have sworn there were footsteps nearby, and I thought about getting up to see where Logan was, but before I had a chance, he clapped his hands together and called for me to wake up. 

"Wh...?"

"Come on, sit up! I have to tell you something."

I sat up with a groan and brought my knees to my chest. The clock on the nightstand read nearly 2PM. Wow. I guess it wasn't so early after all.

"Okay, are you awake?"

I grumbled something  unintelligible and then asked, "What is it?"

"We're going somewhere."

"What?"

"You. Me. Out. We're going to spend the afternoon together."

"But Logan I want to sleep..."

"Please? It'll be fun. Plus, I have a surprise for you. Now get dressed!"

Peaked at the idea of a surprise, I quickly followed his orders while he headed outside.

"So were are we actually going?" I asked.

He studied me for a moment in silence, as if debating whether or not I should know. "Peppermint Pier." he finally replied.

My excitement plummeted, but I didn't let my smile follow suit. Peppermint Pier was great and all, but it was far from being a surprise. I'd been there dozens of times over the course of my life in Sugar Valley, and I highly doubted there had been some massive renovation since I'd been a whole five days ago. 

Nevertheless, I played along and acted as giddy as I could. Logan took great pleasure in this. I could tell by the smile that stretched across his face every time he looked at me on our walk there. It stayed once we reached the beach, and I soon learned that our afternoon wouldn't be so bad after all.

We played around on the swing set....

and watched the waves. Eventually we wound up at one of the patio table's and began to talk. 

"So, have you had fun so far?" Logan asked as I bobbed my head along to the beat of a song playing from the nearby stereo.

"Yes! Today was actually a lot of fun."

"Well then, are you ready for your surprise?"

My eyes snapped open then. "You mean this isn't it?"

He titled his head back and laughed. "Snow, why would you think this is your surprise? You've been here a dozen times before."

"I know," I said with a smile, feeling my cheeks heat with embarrassment. "When you didn't say anything else, I guess I just assumed."

"Well don't worry, I actually do have a real surprise. Do you see those rocks?" he nodded behind me, down the beach at the large cliff formation.

"Yes."

"We're climbing them."

My jaw dropped slightly and I lifted my hand to point at the towering rock. "We're going to climb that?"

He nodded and smiled. "I know how much you used to love hiking. I thought it would be a nice way to end the day...plus, the view from up there is incredible."

"Okay!" I wanted to squeal. Hiking had been one of my family's favorite pastimes back in Michigan. I had so many fond memories of making my way up a rocky path, the soles of my boots digging into the ground and beads of sweat clinging to my forehead. Sometimes Dad would bring along a tent, and we'd pitch our own campsite at the top of a big hill. Of course it was never very far from any civilization, but huddled together in our sleeping bags beneath the stars...it was perfect.

Despite my love of the sport, I hadn't hiked for a long time. I hadn't really been getting any physical exercise lately, with me and Logan's workouts being cut back to maybe twice a week. The trek to the top of the rocks was brutal, and by the time we stopped walking the muscles in the back of my calves were on fire. 

"You all right?" Logan asked, sounding only slightly out of breath. 

I nodded several times before looking up. I gasped at what lay before me.

We were surrounded by trees - thick, mighty pines - but in front of us were the same rocks Logan had mentioned. The ocean spread out before them, stretching on for as far as I could see. The waves were tinted a light tangerine as the sun began to set, and all I could manage to say was "Wow."

We were by ourselves, in this magical little part of Sugar Valley. Only a glimpse of the beach could be seen through the branches of the trees, and it was hard to believe I'd been there only an hour ago.

Logan and I walked to the cliff's edge and looked down.

"This is...this is amazing, Logan."

"You really like it?"

"Yes, I'm just...I'm speechless."

"I know the feeling." he mumbled.

I faced him with a confused expression and he laughed.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing, nothing. I just...wow, um...yeah. So Snow?" he ran his hand over his face and laughed again. The sound was nervous, rushed. I realized that he had the giggles, just like a five-year-old who has been put on the spot.

 

"I knew this would be hard, but I just..."

"You what?"

"There's something I want to do."

"Logan, are you...?"

My heart began to slam against my ribs. Something was about to happen. Something big.

 "Snow, I love you." he laughed again when he said this, unable to fight the smile that crept onto both our faces. "You're the sweetest...most amazing girl - no, person - I've ever met. You've shown me so much in so little time. It's been almost a year since we met and I know this is so sudden but...I feel like I've known you forever. And this feeling...I can't let it go. I don't want to."

Now I was the one giggling. Only one thought was racing through my mind; Oh my Gosh, Oh my Gosh, Oh my Gosh. He's going to -- 

 "Snow, I know this is so selfish of me to ask. You're so bright and talented and...you could have someone so much better than me in the blink of an eye. But you choose not to. You choose me, every single day and that...I can't tell you how much it means to me."

I bit my lip and smiled even more. He let out a shuddering breath and squeezed my hand.

"What I want to know is if you would continue to make the same choice every day. Would you want to be with me...forever?"

I barely managed to whisper "Yes." As soon as the syllable left my mouth, Logan's lips met mine. 

When he straightened, his eyes nervously fell to the ground and we stood there, just like that, for a few minutes.  Finally, he mumbled something. I didn't hear him well at first, but then I realized what it was. "Thank you."

Thank you. For choosing him. As if it were a job. As if there was anyone else I would possibly want to be with.

Suddenly, I grabbed him and yanked him forward. 

"Snow, I -- ?"

"I will always choose you." I said before pressing my lips against his.

Chapter 4 Preview

Snow, 


It sure has been a while since we last spoke. I'm deeply sorry. You've been far too kind in your patience, much more patient than I deserve, but your tolerance only further proves how wonderful of a friend you are. I'm sorry that this email will not reach you until after I have left Sugar Valley, but I hope you will forgive me for departing without a formal goodbye. 


It's not really goodbye, is it? We'll keep in touch. We will still be friends, no matter the distance. I do hope you'll take the time to visit me in Mapleville. It's quite a long travel, but I'd be more than happy to cover your travel expenses. Maybe over the holidays...? I'm sure Bibiane would be more than enthusiastic about it.


Until next time,


Shale



What do you guys think? ;) 

Update!

Hi everyone! :) I know I haven't written more to my rainbowcy yet, but I would like to share some pictures of a family I've been playing and love. And since I just copied and pasted the body from a thread I made, you'll see those Sims-3-forums-famous smileys. =D Please check it out and feel free to comment either here or my other blog. I'd love to hear from you!

http://diaryofasimcrazedgirl.blogspot.com/2011/05/update.htm

And while I may not have posted anything about Snow and Logan, I can assure you that I have been working on it. Let me just say that there are wedding bells ringing in our next post, and it's for more than one of our couples.




Also, I just want to say thank you to my two new followers. I almost have 10 now. =D

So sorry!

I am terribly sorry for my lack of updates. I've been extremely busy with school and everything so there hasn't been much time for Sims. My game has been laggy, but when I did play I just couldn't get into the update I had planned so I've scrapped it and will have to come up with something completely fresh.

There will definitely be an update in the future, just not right now. I think that it might be more manageable for me to do smaller chapters opposed to the larger ones I cranked out back when my schedule was more free.

So that's it! I just wanted to let everyone know that I haven't abandoned My Kind of Normal and that it will be picked up again, it's just on the backburner right now.

Have a great rest of the day!

Generation 1 - Snow: Chapter 3

6 months.

26 weeks. 

180 days.

It took me that amount of time to realize that Sugar Valley was going to be my new Michigan. Logan and I had spent month after month researching but came up empty handed. I realized that it wasn't in my best interest to bring up the United States, or America at all for that matter. Not that believed anyone actually knew anything about it. Sugar Valley was more than just some far away place. It was a different universe entirely.

As much as I missed my family, it had become too painful for me to put all my energy into returning to them. There was no other choice but to start over. My life depended on it. My heart wouldn't be able to ever heal if all I ever did was remind it of the people it had lost. They were still in my mind all day, and I would always have the hope of being reunited one day. Until that day came, however, I needed to live my life as close to the way I had intended pre-Sugar Valley.

Things with Logan hadn't changed. We had obviously grown closer, and I really considered him my best friend, but in terms of romance, we hadn't come anywhere close. It was a battle for me. One part deeply wanted to have him as something more than just a friend. To love him. But another part - the part that had been me entirely in the beginning - constantly reminded me how abnormal everything was. How I couldn't possibly make a life with someone who was so different from me, from my life.

I couldn't decide which part to believe, so for the most part I ignored them both.

"Snow....wake up." Logan grumbled from next to me. We'd invested in some new furniture and now each had our own bed, which probably did wonders for his back after months on the couch. I switched off the alarm clock beside my bed and grabbed some clothes from the dresser before heading into the bathroom to get ready for work.

Yes, work. I began working at the local art gallery in April, and so far things as a tour guide were pretty good. Sometimes, it was even fun. I especially loved it when the school groups came on field trips. Seeing the wonder in the children's eyes as they gazed up at the pictures was so rewarding. Of course, the high school kids were never too interested in what I had to say, but I couldn't really blame them. Being only a little over 3 years older than most of them, I knew what it was like to be dragged around an art gallery when all you really wanted to do was hang out with your friends.

After breakfast, I was ready to leave when I noticed that Logan was still sitting on the couch.

"Aren't you coming?" I asked.

He shook his head. "I'm taking the day off."

"Oh, really? What are you doing to do?"

He shrugged. "It's really nice out. Maybe I'll go for a swim in the ocean."

"Well, have fun then!" I smiled and tried to hide the jealousy from my voice. Hanging out at the beach, especially one right in front of your house, sure beats walking around the same art gallery and repeating the same speech five times.

When I walked into the gallery that morning, Bibiane was at the front desk looking like she was about to burst with excitement. "Snow!!! How are you today, love?"

"Good, I guess. How about you?"

"Oh, I'm perfect!" She squealed.

"You won't believe what happened last night! Bran totally surprised me and took me out to dinner! OMB it was so sweet. He even got all dressed up! At first I was really tired but then as soon as he took my hands and started telling me how much he loved me and wanted to be with me, I couldn't sit still!"

I tried to imagine a time where I had ever seen Bibiane sit still, but drew a blank. She had the energy of a Golden Retriever and the pep of twelve cheerleaders.

"It was just after the waiter brought dessert that he took my hands. Do you know what he said, Snowy?" her voice reached an unbelievably high octave as she thrust her hand out in front of me. "He said he wanted me to be his wife!"

"That's great! Congratulations!" I pulled her into a hug, and laughed. If she was this ecstatic just retelling the event, I couldn't have imagined her during the proposal. It may have been the one time in Bibiane's life that she was speechless.
 

"Soooo....what's happening with you and that cute roommate of yours?"

"Logan?" I immediately felt my face heat up and turned my back to her. "Nothing."

"Liar." she giggled. "You two so like each other."

"We're just friends, Bibi. That's all. Now I have to go upstairs and put my lunch order in before the first tour group gets here."

She followed me to the stairs. "Fine, okay. Just friends. In that case, why don't you both come over to our house around 5:30? Bran and I wanted to have a little get together to celebrate our --" she smiled widely and glanced down at her ring finger "-- engagement and I'd love for you to be there.


"All right." I nodded and smiled. "See you then."
As I headed up the stairs, Bibi called after me. "Oh, and don't forget to bring a bathing suit!"

***

I called Logan just after the last tour group had left. They were a rowdy bunch of 1st graders, who wanted to know if there were any sculptures made of Play Doh. Cute as they may have been, the tour seemed to drag on forever and I was relieved when the chaperons began to lead them toward their buses. 

"Hello?"

"Hey, it's me. Bibiane, the girl I work with, is having a little party tonight and invited us."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. We don't have to if you don't want, but she was just engaged and it's sort of a mini celebration. I think it might be fun."

"I'll go. What time?"

"5:30. I'll be home soon to pick you up. Oh, and she said to bring your bathing suit."

"All right."

I frowned. He didn't sound too excited. Maybe he was just preoccupied with something. Or maybe he just didn't like parties. I knew lots of people who felt nervous in those types of situations. I had been one of them when I was younger. 

Bibi was already gone when I reached the front doors, so I just caught the local bus and walked the remaining distance to the house. Logan was ready in a few minutes, and an hour later we were standing in Bibi's backyard.

"Snow!! I'm so glad you're here!" she ran forward and pulled me into a hug.

Logan was quiet, and only gave her a small smile when she greeted him.
"Do you see that guy over there?" she leaned close with a giggle. I glanced over her shoulder and nodded.

 "That's Bran's cousin. He's a medical resident and staying with us for a week to decide if he wants to transfer to Sugar Valley."

"Wow. That's....nice. Isn't it, Logan?"

He opened his mouth to reply but Bibi cut him off. "Oh, it's berry nice. You know what else? Bran told me that he's single!"

"Oh, Bibi, I appreciate the thought but I'm not --"

"Come on! He's dying to meet you. Logan, help yourself to anything! Bran's fixing up some drinks right now, they'll be ready in a few."

Without a second to waste, she grabbed my hand and tugged me over to the bar. Bran gave me a quick nod and smile before returning to his mix, and the man sitting in front of him looked at me. I took in a sharp breath. Wow, he really was cute. I can see why she wanted to introduce us.

He immediately stood and flashed me a smile. Bibiane ran behind the bar and started to flirt with Bran.

"Hello, I'm Shale." he had a smooth, soft voice with an accent that sounded Irish, though I knew it couldn't have been.

"Snow. Nice to meet you."

"I hope Bibiane wasn't too forward. She tends to get over excited and take things a little out of context."

I smiled. "You mean like the fact you were 'dying to meet me'?"

"Yes," he laughed. "I actually didn't even realize she was trying to play matchmaker until a short while ago, so I apologize in advanced for any preconceived notions about me she may have caused."

"Don't worry," I smiled, impressed by the fact he was so charming without even trying. "I've learned how to interpret Bibi's enthusiasm."

"I think that's a must." he laughed. "Now, would you care for  a drink?"



As we talked, he told me about his job as a resident and his family that lived far away. "I miss them terribly," he said. "But I'm doing something that makes them proud, so it's worth it in the end. How about you? Do you enjoy the art gallery?"

I barely heard his question, because I was staring at Logan. He hadn't moved since we'd arrived and between Bibi and Bran's lovefest behind the bar and my conversation with Shale, it was as if he wasn't there at all.

"Do you want a drink, Logan?" I asked.

He shook his head and sighed. "I'm fine."

"Are you sure? Bran is quite the mixologist. These drinks are wonderful." Shale said before finishing off the rest of his glass and reaching for another.

"No. I'm good, really."

When Shale turned around to add some extra fruit punch into his drink, I mouthed 'What's wrong?' to Logan, hoping he would respond differently without someone else looking at him. He just gave me a small smile and shook his head.

"Hot tub time!" Bibiane chanted as she cut in front of Shale and me, her hand interlaced with Bran's. She glanced over her shoulder after she put one foot in the water. "Aren't you guys coming?"

Shale and I looked at one another. "Perhaps later, Bibiane. Snow and I are going to continue talking."

"Ooh, wonderful." she smiled and shifted her gaze to Logan. "What about you, Loganberry?"

"Sure." he said, and pulled his shirt over his head and tugged off his jeans. He was wearing his swim trunks underneath.

With the three of them in the hot tub, (though I really think Bibi and Bran where in their own little heart-shaped world) Shale and I went back to talking.

"You're not from here?" he asked.

"It's that obvious?"

"No, no. Please don't be offended. I only meant that you seem different than most of the people I've come in contact with during my stay here. There's something worldly about you, Snow."

"Thank you." I could feel myself blushing and averted my eyes to the ground. "And to answer your question, no, I'm not from Sugar Valley."

"Ah, well then it looks like I'm in for a story."

"Story?"

"Yes, about you. Your life. I'd be delighted if you would tell me."

I laughed to myself in disbelief. "You want to hear all about my story?" In that moment, I wished Logan was beside me instead of a few feet away in the hot tub. He would have been able to swoop in and give me nice, Berry Sweet friendly alternatives to the truth. I'd just have to come up with them on my own.

"All right. My story. I'm from --"

Shale held up his hand and gestured toward the gate. "Why don't we go and sit somewhere more private? You saw the bench out front when you arrived, yes?"

"Of course, let's go."

The canopy bench in front of Bibi and Bran's house was beautiful. With a candle on either side and a majestic Cherry Blossom tree overhead, it was the epitome of romance.

But it was also the perfect spot for a conversation.  Shale and I spent a good two hours together that night, exchanging life stories and secrets that we were both surprised we admitted. Things with him were easy. I didn't feel like I had to watch what I said, or pretend to be someone I wasn't. I was just Snow, and whether or not he knew I was a Berry Sweet didn't matter. Something with us just clicked, and the conversation went on effortlessly. 

"You know, I really like talking to you, Shale." I said to him as it neared midnight.

His eyes lit up. "Well then, I'm happy to know my feelings are mutual. I wasn't expecting to find someone like you here, especially tonight at this party. You're exactly the type of person I try to spend time with. I really think we're a match."

"As friends, of course."

"Yes, of course. I just got out of a long relationship. Regardless of what she may have told you, Bibiane is quite far off when it comes to my wants. Right now I'm just focused on finishing my residency and working on my career." he was quiet for a moment before adding, "And I'm sure you're more than happy with your boyfriend."

"Boyfriend? Oh, you mean Logan? We're not dating."

"You aren't?" he looked surprised. "I could have sworn by the looks he was giving you earlier that you were his girl. Perhaps you should talk to him later. I have a feeling you like him too."

"I don't --"

"Ah, ah, ah. No worries, Snow. Your secret is safe with me."

"Well...thanks. I think."

He laughed and patted my knee. "It was an absolute pleasure meeting you tonight, but I'm afraid I must go. My first shift at the hospital starts at six and it's almost half past midnight. I hope we meet again soon."

"Wait! Why don't we exchange numbers? Maybe we can talk again sometime."

A slow smile crept onto his face. "I think that's an excellent idea."

After we said one final goodnight, I returned to the backyard and found Logan sitting at the bar. 

"Hey!" I smiled. "Are you ready to head home?"

"I am. Are you?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

He shook his head and stood to pull his shirt back over his head. "Never mind."

Before I could say anything, he was already halfway down the block. I called for him to wait up, but he kept going. 

When one of the all night buses pulled up at the nearest stop, he kept going straight. He obviously didn't want to talk, so I figured I'd let him be and ask about it in the morning. 

There was a dim glow coming from the beach as I walked down the hill toward home. As I rounded the corner, I was shocked to find Logan standing in front of the pit, staring down into the flames. 

"How'd you get here so fast?" I asked him.

He looked up and his expression made something inside of me break. 

 

"Logan, what's wrong?" I gasped. The pain I felt at seeing him so evidently upset was surreal. I'd never experienced anything like it in my life.  It was overpowering, so much so that I could barely get my voice above a whisper. It was maddening, because all I wanted to do was find out what I could do to make him feel better. 

"I..."

"Tell me." I pleaded, and the desperation in my voice seemed to surprise him.

"It's about tonight. The party...you and that guy."

"Shale? Logan, nothing happened between us. We're just friends."

"You don't have to lie to me, Snow. I'm not jealous. Okay, yes, I am. Look, I need to tell you something. Only once, and you won't have to hear it again. I'm so sorry for this, because after all you've gone through what I'm about to say is extremely selfish but I have to."

He flew off into a long speech after that, using his hands to express major points and stopping at some points to get his confused thoughts out into words.

"What I'm saying is that Snow, I know I shouldn't have let myself get feelings for you over the past few months because I know they could never be reciprocated, but I did, and they're there and....all I know is that when I saw you leave with Shale tonight it killed me. It hurt more than anything I've ever felt in my entire life. I wanted to be him, and I wanted you to look at me the way you were at him. I'm trying to say that...that I'm in love with you, Snow Créme. I'm in love with you and it's wrong but I can't help it."

My heart fluttered, and for a few minutes I couldn't think. All I could hear was Logan telling me he loved me. I watched as he walked over toward the water and stared off at the waves. He loved me. Loved. I'd never been told that by a boy before in my entire life.

I walked over and tapped him on the shoulder. 

I tried to put on my best sexy face, but was sure it completely failed since I couldn't stop myself from grinning ear-to-ear like an idiot. This rush, this lightness in my chest and the flutters in my stomach. This must be what Bibiane had been talking about when she told me how much she loved Bran. It was amazing. 

"Logan, I --"

"Don't do it, Snow. You don't have to tell me anything. It's okay if you don't feel the same way back. We're too different, I get that."

I reached out and placed my hand on his chest. He took in a sharp breath and froze. I ignored it and closed my eyes, and counted his heartbeats beneath my fingertips.

"Snow, what are you doing?"

"Shh." I smiled. His skin was warm beneath his shirt, and his heart thudded against my palm. "Do you know what this feels like?" I asked, opening my eyes to meet his but not moving my hand.

He shook his head.

"Normal. You're normal to me, Logan. It doesn't matter what we look different, or we come from two different places. You're just as human as anyone to me."

I  could have sworn I saw tears in his eyes. He reached out and tentatively took my hand, giving my fingers a light squeeze. "You feel like my kind of normal."

Update

Hello my lucky 7 followers!!!

I'm here to let you all know that I'm sorry for not updating over the past week like I intended, but to let you know I am working on it and that I'm just trying to deal with things in my personal life that obviously takes precedence over a game (unfortunately). But don't worry!! Loganberry and Snow will be back before you know it, and this update they'll be trying to better themselves in more ways than one. For Snow, this means coming to terms with the fact that she needs to start making a life for herself in Sugar Valley. Six months is a long time, and that's how much time has passed since she first appeared there in our prologue.

She has a new job, a few new friends, and is slowly adapting to life as a Berry Sweet.

For Logan, this means that he has to come to terms with his feelings, deal with his past, and discover that it's time to let go of his life as a grocery store clerk and start following his dreams.

And there is a new character, who I think everyone will take a liking to. ;)

Keep your eyes open and thank you all so much for your lovely comments!