I'd like to thank, winterschild11, big time jame-k, cicibunbuns, and TheGuestReviewer for your lovely reviews. Sorry for the wait guys.
Chapter 10: Life Moves On
Jett sighed as he listened to TJ grumble about how lame things were. They were with Jett's family for the fourth of july and Dak and Zeke had joined them. Dak was taking up all of Jett's time. Eventually Logan and Joanna arrived. Logan and Kendall led Dak away to go find James and Carlos.
"Come on, let's get out of here for a bit," TJ whispered to Jett.
Jett turned to the other male. He glanced over at his parents. They were busy talking to Zeke and Joanna. Katie was busy playing games on Jennifer's phone. No one would notice him leave. He sighed and gave into TJ. They took off to a more secluded place in the park.
"Finally, I didn't think you actually meant watching the fireworks with your family," TJ said turning to face Jett. He led Jett into the wooded area away from prying eyes.
"What do you want TJ, it's a holiday and I want to spend time with my family," Jett said crossing his arms over his chest.
"Oh come on, the fireworks won't start for a while yet," TJ said leading Jett back into a tree.
"No," Jett said shaking his head. He knew where this was heading. He wasn't going to do this here. Not with his family so near.
"Where's your spontaneity," TJ asked with a grin.
Over the months TJ had gotten more adventurous. He was always trying to talk Jett into sex in the weirdest places. Jett tried to stop him, but more often than not, TJ was very convincing. It was hard to think when someone was touching you in all the right places.
"No, my family is nearby," Jett said shaking his head. This wasn't going to happen.
"Fine, party pooper," TJ sighed. He stepped away from Jett. He dug into his pocket and pulled out a joint. "Want some?" he asked.
"My answer is still no," Jett replied looking away from TJ.
"Whatever it's more for me," TJ said lighting the joint.
TJ had been getting on Jett's nerves lately. He was starting to act more douchey. He would get mad at Jett for the stupidest things. He wanted Jett to be at his side when they went to parties. He wanted everyone to know that Jett was his, when they were alone he could care less about Jett. Jett was getting sick of it.
"Hey! Give it back!"
Jett turned at the sound of the familiar voice. That was Dak. He looked to TJ as he listened carefully for more.
"Ah look, the kids thinks he's tough," a deep taunting voice said.
"Knock it off and give it back before I make you," another familiar voice said. That was Kendall.
"Leave them be, it'll make them tougher," TJ said waving a hand.
"You're nuts," Jett said moving to leave.
"If you walk away, we're over. You can't go running every time the brats get themselves into trouble," TJ said.
"That's my little brother and his friends," Jett said. "This is the easiest decision I've ever made."
"I'm serious!" TJ warned.
"Me too," Jett said quickly, "you're an ass and I'm done."
Jett took off in the direction he had heard Dak, Kendall, Logan, James, and Carlos. He saw two older boys he recognized from school picking on them. They were holding something just out of Dak's reach. Jett glared at the two and made his way over.
"What's going on?" Jett asked making himself known. All eyes turned to him.
"Jett." One of the two said.
"Give whatever you took back to them and leave now," Jett said cutting to the chase.
"Going soft Stetson?" the other asked not lowering his arm.
"I'm only going to say this one more time. Leave my brother and his friends alone. Return what you took and leave before I make you," Jett threatened stalking up to the two angrily. They both shrank back and handed over a cellphone. They took off. Jett quickly recognized the phone as Dak's. He turned and held it out to the young boy. "Are you guys ok?"
"I could've taken them," Kendall said crossing his arms over his chest.
"I just saved your ass from getting beat," Jett snapped quickly. He was getting tired of this attitude from Kendall. It was like everything he did was wrong to his little brother.
"You swore," Dak said quickly.
Jett rolled his eyes and pulled a dollar from his wallet. Dak had started a swear jar the Knights house since Kenneth and Jett liked to swear from time to time. It was a bad habit that Jennifer didn't like. Dak had found a solution.
"Seriously though Kendall, you don't want to mess with those...losers. They're not worth it," Jett told him as he handed Dak the dollar.
"So, we could've taken them," Kendall said.
"Kendork those guys are twice your size, five kids are nothing compared to them. Just say thank you and go watch the fireworks," Jett sighed. He didn't want to argue with the younger boy right now.
"Oh yeah, the fireworks should be starting soon," Dak said quickly taking off. The others followed him. Jett caught Kendall and made him walk with him.
"What?" Kendall asked looking up to his older brother.
"I'm not calling you weak Kendall, you know that right?" Jett asked.
"I know, but-" Kendall started.
"But nothing Kendall, those guys are real jerks and I didn't want you guys getting hurt," Jett said quickly. Kendall nodded his head. Jett let him go and he took off to join his friends.
-Best Friend's Brother-
Dak raced down to the kitchen for breakfast. Zeke was already up drinking coffee, and there food was on the stove. Dak was shocked. Zeke had been up early lately. Normally Dak was the first one up and made breakfast for the two of them. Zeke was acting strange. He was happy and whistling all the time. Dak wasn't sure what to think of this odd behavior.
"Morning dad," Dak greeted Zeke as he dished his food up. He joined Zeke at the table.
"Morning kiddo, you ready for school?" Zeke asked.
"It's only eighth grade dad," Dak replied with an eye roll.
"Right sorry," Zeke chuckled.
"So what have you been up to lately?" Dak asked looking up at his dad.
"Working so you can go to school and get a good education and get a good job so you can take care of me when I'm old and senile," Zeke replied.
Dak laughed at that. "Gee dad, what a nice way to put it."
"Well it's true, college isn't going to be cheap and I'd rather you not take out student loans if possible," Zeke replied.
"I'm not even in high school yet dad, besides what if I don't want to go to college?" Dak asked.
"It doesn't matter, you are going to college, you'll thank me in the long run," Zeke said.
"Doubtful," Dak replied rolling his eyes.
"Just eat your food and get ready to go, I'm sure Logan will be over shortly so you can walk to the bus stop," Zeke said.
Dak quickly started eating. He jumped up once the doorbell rang. He grabbed his plate and put it in the sink. Zeke waved him off as he took off down the hallway. Dak opened the door and greeted Logan.
"Come on let's get this day over with," Dak said quickly shutting the door behind him.
"Someone's in a hurry," Logan commented as he raced to keep up with the brunette.
"It's school Logan I want it to be over with as quickly as possible," Dak replied.
"Rushing won't speed up time Dak," Logan laughed.
"Thanks for ruining my day Loges," Dak sighed.
"It's what I'm here for," Logan replied.
The two finished their walk to the bus stop in silence. Kendall was already there waiting for them. He greeted them both.
"He did it again," Dak told Kendall.
"Who did what?" Logan asked confused.
"My dad, he's acting really strange. He's up early and home early. He's singing and being well weird," Dak said making a face.
"I don't know what to tell you dude, just be happy he's not drinking again," Kendall said.
"I guess," Dak said slowly.
-Best Friend's Brother-
Jett hollered at some freshmen to get out of his way. The kids ran away scared. The school year had barely begun and it was already going to crap.
"Will you stop, you don't have to take your anger out on everyone else," Lucy said as she practically ran to keep up with him.
"Sorry, it's just...you know," Jett growled.
"Yes, TJ was an ass but hey, better you find out now rather than later," Lucy said.
"Yeah but I wasted almost a year with him. I could've been-" Jett trailed off.
"What?" Lucy asked confused.
"Nothing," Jett sighed.
"Mr. Tough guy doesn't believe in love now does he?" Lucy asked teasingly.
"Doesn't everyone at some point?" Jett sighed. "Maybe Heath was right. Maybe I am just fooling myself if I think love is real."
"Love is real and Heath is wrong," Lucy replied.
Jett glanced over at the rocker girl. She always knew what to say to make him feel better. That was one of the things Jett loved about her.
"I said maybe. It just doesn't feel real to me right now," Jett sighed.
"You just haven't met the right guy yet," Lucy said placing a hand on his shoulder. "When you do it'll be magical and you'll just know."
"Whatever, let's just get this day over with," Jett sighed. He walked away from Lucy.
Jett wanted to believe in love, but it was hard. No one cared about him. The only people who cared about him was his family, Dak, Zeke, and Lucy. That was about it. Everyone else was just stupid.
-Best Friend's Brother-
Dak practically bounced as he made his way up to the Knights house behind Kendall. He was just glad that school was over for the day. The two entered the house. They were greeted with the sight of Kenneth and Jett carrying stuff downstairs.
"I think they're getting things for their home gym," Kendall explained.
"Home gym?" Dak asked.
"Yeah, down in the basement with the man cave Dad is working on," Kendall replied.
"Another half cocked plan that he won't finish," Jennifer said walking up to them with some bottles of water. "Go give these to them and tell them to drink it." She instructed Kendall.
"But mom-" Kendall started.
"I'll do it," Dak offered. He took the bottles and ran downstairs. Kendall followed after him.
"Dad!"
"Jett!"
The two stopped at the bottom of the stairs. They saw Kenneth and Jett working on setting stuff up. They both turned to the two.
"Mom said drink water," Kendall said nudging Dak.
Dak ran over to them. Kendall followed again. They both looked around the half finished had decided to turn it into a man cave so they could all watch hockey together and keep the game consoles down here. That had been a while ago, and so far all he had down here was a TV and one of the Xboxes. He was still trying to get cable hooked up down here. Recently he had also decided to turn the rest of the basement into a home gym for the family. He had a treadmill, some weights, and an elliptical already. Him and Jett work working together at putting a weight bench.
"Mom says you'll never finish this either," Kendall said looking around.
"Oh we will, and it's gonna be awesome," Jett said cockily.
"Atta boy, it's a work in progress. It's not gonna happen over night," Kenneth told his son.
"Right, same thing with the treehouse you wanted to build?" Kendall asked.
"Dak has a treehouse why do you need one?" Jett asked.
"Just saying," Kendall shrugged.
"Ok enough you two, go on upstairs," Kenneth said.
"But dad-" Kendall started.
"Don't be a pest Kendall," Jett said.
"Jett be nice to your brother," Kenneth said.
"Yeah Jett be nice," Kendall said.
"Kendall enough," Kenneth scolded his son.
"Come on," Dak said grabbing Kendall's arm and leading him away. He didn't want Kendall getting in trouble. If he did Dak would have to go home.
-Best Friend's Brother-
Jett sighed as he listened to Lucy go on and on about college applications. The school year had barely begun. Yet here Lucy was talking about where she wanted to go, and what she planned to do. Jett on the other hand wasn't sure what he wanted to do with his life. He hadn't even thought about college much.
"So what about you? Any colleges you want to go to?" Lucy asked.
"UMD I guess," Jett shrugged.
"That's it?" Lucy asked incredulously.
"What?" Jett asked confused.
"They've told us to pick three schools incase we don't get into our first choice," Lucy told him.
"UW Superior isn't too far either," Jett shrugged.
"Do you even want to go to college," Lucy asked.
"Maybe," Jett shrugged once more. "My mom and dad say I have to if I want to keep my car."
"Wow, come on Jett don't you want to get a good job?" Lucy asked.
"Doesn't everyone? But the rate of people with degrees actually getting jobs in their chosen field isn't what you think it is. Not many people are hiring in this economy. So the way I see it is I'll go to UMD to please my parents get my general Ed classes done there and figure it out as I go, because I have frickin' no clue what I want to do with my life," Jett explained.
"Wow," Lucy said slowly.
"So what do you wanna do with your life?" Jett asked.
"I told you, I want to be a music teacher," Lucy said quickly.
"I can totally see you trying to make a lesson plan on why Inside Joke is the best boy band ever," Jett laughed.
"You shut your mouth, Jared Munroe is easily the most talented musician in this era. He can sing, and play nearly every instrument in the book. He's amazing," Lucy said quickly.
"I dunno that British Boy band is all everyone else is talking about right now," Jett joked.
"Vivid Insanity is ok, but Inside Joke is leagues ahead of them," Lucy said waving her hand.
"Yeah, but they are more popular. Most girls like the British accents and that's all they see. They don't care about talent," Jett said.
"Exactly, thank you," Lucy said clapping Jett on the back.
"I think I've been listening to you rant too much," Jett laughed.
"I will never give up on my boys," Lucy vowed.
"How did this conversation devolve into discussing boy bands?" Jett asked.
"What were we talking about before?" Lucy asked slowly.
"I can't remember," Jett replied with a laugh.
-Best Friend's Brother-
Dak held a hand over his mouth as he watched James try and smooth talk some girls. He was trying to score a date to the winter formal for himself and Carlos. Dak heard Kendall snicker beside him. He nudged the blonde glaring at him. He looked past Kendall and saw Logan watching the two curiously.
"Ok come on, let's leave these two be," Kendall said finally. He turned to leave and Dak and Logan followed him across the room. They all took a seat as waited for class to start.
"So what's new?" Kendall asked looking between his friends.
"Well, my mom told me she's dating someone," Logan said making a face.
"Is Logie gonna get a step daddy?" Kendall teased.
"No way," Logan said shaking his head. "I mean it's been like thirteen years since she's even dated anyone. We've been fine on our own."
"What's wrong with step parents?" Kendall asked.
"Nothing, it's just...I don't want her to forget about me. She's been doing stuff around the house lately. She's been cleaning and singing, she can't sing," Logan said making a face.
"Singing? Oh my god that's what my dads been doing!" Dak gasped. "Do you think he's dating someone too?"
"He could be, I mean it's been awhile and people do meet other people. Look at my mom she met Jett's real dad and then my dad," Kendall said.
"True, but she didn't love him anymore. My dad still loves my mom. She's in heaven watching over us," Dak replied.
"Yeah, you can't love two people at once," Logan said, "family doesn't count. You have to love your family." He added quickly when Kendall opened his mouth.
"So who are you guys asking to the winter formal?" Dak asked changing the subject and looking back to their other friends.
"Maybe Jo, she's been hinting so hard that she wants to go with me," Kendall shrugged.
"I've been thinking about asking Stacy, but then there's also Joey from Math class. He's kinda cute," Dak said.
"Only you would think of asking a guy," Logan replied.
"What, love has no gender Loges," Dak said slinging his arm over the nerd's shoulders. "So you gonna ask anyone?"
"No, I don't see the point in going to a dance," Logan said.
Dak didn't miss the way Logan's eyes flicked to Kendall for a second. He also didn't miss the quick look of hurt Logan had gotten at the mention of Kendall's not so secret admirer. Dak needed to figure out a way to get his friends to open their eyes. It was getting ld watching them dance around the subject.
-Best Friend's Brother-
Jett rolled his eyes as he watched Kendall and Dak fight over the last brownie. Jennifer had made them brownies telling them to share. They had, until it came to the last one. Jett was almost tempted to take the brownie for himself and be done with it. Then again this was pretty funny to watch.
"I'm your guest," Dak said trying to snatch it.
"Yeah but my mom made them," Kendall replied.
Jett watched as Katie walked into the kitchen. She looked at the two arguing. The the grabbed a chair and climbed up to the table. She took the brownie and left making Jett laugh as Kendall and Dak gaped at the young girl.
"You guys are idiots," Jett laughed.
"Well no neither of us get the brownie," Dak sighed.
Kendall opened his mouth to reply when the doorbell rang. Katie hollered that she had it. The guys all exited the kitchen in time to see Katie opening the door. There was a tall man that looked an awful lot like Jett standing on the porch. Jett ran down the hall pulled Katie away from him and shut the door.
"We don't open the door for strangers," Jett told her.
"But that's-" Kendall started.
"Kendall shut up," Jett said quickly.
"Boys what's going on? Who was at the door?" Jennifer asked coming down the stairs with an empty laundry basket.
"No one," Jett said brushing past her and up the stairs.
"It was Mr. Stetson," Kendall informed her.
Dak watched Jett disappear. He looked to Kendall before he took off after the older male. He didn't bother knocking. He never did anymore. Jett would probably think that something was wrong if he did.
Jett was standing at his bedroom window looking out. He did not look happy at all. Dak didn't blame him. Mr. Stetson hadn't been around in a long time, Jett had been so sad about that before. He didn't want Jett to be upset again.
"Jett?"
"Go away," Jett said.
"Are you ok?" Dak asked.
"It's been nine years since I saw him last," Jett said, "he just stopped showing up and never called. He can't do this to me."
"You don't have to go see him. He seems like a jerk anyways," Dak replied quickly.
"Yeah, he is," Jett nodded his head.
"Besides he may be your birth dad, but he's not your real dad," Dak said quickly.
"What?" Jett asked confused.
"Mr. Knight is your real dad, he raised you didn't he?" Dak asked.
"Yeah, he did," Jett replied with a small smile. He turned to face the younger boy. "Thank you," he said.
"For what?" Dak asked.
"For making me feel better," Jett replied.
Dak grinned at that. Making Jett feel better always made him happy. Not many people could make Jett smile like he could. Dak felt special.
"Dak, can I talk to Jett?"
The two looked to the doorway where Jennifer was standing. Dak looked to Jett before looking back to her.
"Ok, but don't make him go talk to him. He wasn't nice to Jett before, why would he be now?" Dak asked as he walked from the room.
-Best Friend's Brother-
Dak, Logan, and Kendall all ran down the street together. Zeke had bought Dak the new Deadwood game, and they were all itching to play it. Zeke had promised him as soon as he got home he could. Dak invited Kendall and Logan over to help him. The three entered the house. They all tossed their bags down by the closet and ran up to Dak's bedroom.
"I can't believe he got you this game, my mom won't let me play it. She says it's too violent and won't even let me watch Jett play it," Kendall whined.
"I don't know why he did either, but this is gonna be so cool," Dak said grabbing the game.
"Come on, we're growing old just waiting," Logan said as Dak wrestled with the case.
"You have been spending too much time with Kendall," Dak said as he opened the case. He put the game in his Xbox.
The three grabbed their controllers and synced up. They were all waiting for the game to start. They all groaned as the game required a system update. Dak sighed and started the update. Kendall jumped up and started to wander around the room.
"Why do you think he bought me this game?" Dak asked.
"Maybe he's trying to bribe you and make you in a good mod. Didn't you say he was dating someone?" Kendall asked as he stopped by the window.
"Yeah, he told me he was dating someone," Dak said.
"Maybe he's gonna bring her home to meet you," Kendall said, "that's what they do on TV. The parents buy gifts before they share big news."
"It's bound to happen sooner or later, I mean I've got to meet her sometime right?" Dak asked looking to Logan. "I just hope she's not mean."
"I know, I hope this new guy my mom is seeing isn't awful," Logan replied.
-Best Friend's Brother-
Jett slowly made his way to the living room, where Jennifer and Kenneth were watching a movie with Katie. They looked up at him with smiles. He had gotten a letter from the University of Minnesota Duluth. He wanted to share the news with them.
"I uh...I got a letter from UMD," Jett said holding up an envelope for his parents to see.
"Oh really?" Jennifer asked.
"What's it say?" Kenneth asked curiously.
"I've been accepted," Jett said with a small smile.
"Really?" Jennifer asked jumping up. She quickly pulled him into a hug. Jett smiled and hugged her back. This was good, he wouldn't be too far from home.
"Yeah," Jett held out the letter for her to see. Jennifer snatched it and looked it over with Kenneth. They were both smiling.
"We're so proud of you Jett," Jennifer said with a smile.
"This is great Jett," Kenneth said giving Jett a hug of his own.
Jett smiled as he watched the talk excitedly about a celebration. They wanted to take the family out to eat. This was a big step for Jett, and they were happy.
Jett wasn't sure what to feel. He was scared, going away for college was a scary thought. He was happy too, it was one step closer to independence. Maybe he would figure out what he wanted to do with his life. Jett didn't want to be a waiter for the rest of his life.
-Best Friend's Brother-
Dak was in his room playing video games when Zeke called him downstairs. Dak saved his game quickly. He ran downstairs quickly. He entered the living room. Zeke was sitting on the couch with the TV off. It made Dak nervous.
"Am I in trouble?" Dak asked quickly.
"What no, we need to talk," Zeke said gesturing for Dak to sit down next to him. Dak slowly sat down on the couch.
"Did school call? Case that wasn't me, it was all Kendall's idea," Dak said quickly.
"Am I gonna get a phone call from the school?" Zeke asked arching a brow at his son.
"Yeah, to tell you how awesome I am and that I'm totally not failing," Dak said quickly.
"You're failing?" Zeke asked.
"No, not yet," Dak said quickly. "What did you want to talk about?" he asked changing the subject.
"Oh right," Zeke said. "I need you to keep an open mind about this."
"Is this about that lady you're dating?" Dak asked. Zeke looked down at his son shocked. "What, I"m not stupid. You've been acting strange and Logan said his mom is dating someone too. She's doing all that annoying stuff too."
"Annoying?" Zeke asked.
"Singing, dad you can't saing," Dak said, "I'm sorry, but I didn't want to hurt our feelings," he said. Zeke chuckled and looked away from his son.
"I wasn't sure how to tell you," Zeke admitted.
"Well I'm one smart cookie, I'm ok with it, I get it, you can love more than one person like Mrs. Knight did," Dak said.
"I still care about your mother. I know she's watching over us, but I also know that she would want me to be happy," Zeke explained.
"I know, I get it," Dak said.
"Really?" Zeke asked confused.
"Yeah, I've been expecting this for awhile now.
"Am I ever gonna meet this lady."
"Actually," Zeke said slowly. The doorbell ringing cut him off. Zeke gave Dak a nervous smile. "That's probably her."
The two exited the livingroom. Dak looked himself over in a mirror. He wanted his first impression to be good. He watched as David opened the door. Joanna and Logan were there. DAk looked at the pair confused before it all clicked.
"Why didn't you tell me it was Ms. Mitchell? Does that make me and Logan like brothers now?" Dak asked excitedly.
Zeke and Joanna shared a smile. They looked to the two boys who were looking looking back at them.
"Yeah, if that's what you want," Zeke replied.
"Cool, I've always wanted a brother, what about you Loges?" Dak asked. Logan nodded his head with a smile. "Can we go play video games?"
"Sure," Zeke chuckled. Joanna agreed as well.
"Awesome come on Logan," Dak said as he grabbing Logan's arm. He pulled him towards the stairs. "Don't do anything gross in the living room," Dak called back.
"You've got a strict kid," Joanna laughed to Zeke.
"Yeah, he's a great kid though," Zeke chuckled.
-Best Friend's Brother-
Dak walked into Jett's bedroom. They really were past the whole knocking stage. Jett was sitting at his desk hunched over his computer. He glanced over his shoulder and greeted the younger boy.
"Kendall told me you got in to UMD," Dak said sitting down on Jett's bed. "Does that mean you'll be leaving soon?" He asked.
"Maybe, I haven't thought about it much," Jett replied.
"College means moving out doesn't it?" Dak asked confused.
"Not always, Duluth isn't too far away. I could always commute. Mom and dad offered to let me stay here and save some money on boarding," Jett shrugged.
"So what are you gonna do after college?" Dak asked curiously.
"I haven't got a clue," Jett admitted.
"I thought going to college meant you were smart and knew what you were gonna do," Dak said slowly.
"No it doesn't, well sometimes it does like Lucy's going to be a music teacher. I still don't have a clue of what I want to do after college," Jett said slowly. He bit his lip as he thought about it.
"Well if you don't know, you don't have to go just yet," Dak said quickly.
"It doesn't work like that, the sooner I go the better. If I put it off for too long I'll never go," Jett chuckled.
"Oh," Dak said. He didn't understand this weird feeling he got when Jett mentioned leaving. It was a bad feeling in the out of his stomach. He didn't like it one bit.
"It's a part of growing up, soon you'll be old enough and wanting to go to college," Jett said.
"I don't want to leave me dad," Dak said quickly.
"Give it a few years," Jett chuckled.
"Why does everybody say that?" Dak asked annoyed. "It's always, 'wait until you're older' or 'give it time.' I'm sick of people treating me like a child. I'll be in high school soon."
"Yeah, but until then you're still just a kid," Jett laughed.
Another chapter done. Sorry it's been forever since I updated this. I'm really bad at updating sometimes, then again for those who know me that's nothing new. So Jett and TJ are done. Will Jett find love? Is it real? Zeke and Joanna are dating! Dak has a brother! Will this be good for both families? Jett got into college, will he figure out what he wants to do with his life? Will Jett ever talk to his biological father again?
Always
OUTOFMYMIND