I'd like to thank, winterschid11, annabellex2, Franshes, babygrass97, nigelbtrlover24, deabloverbabe, DeniseDEMD, Sir RCCS, thesandbar, luvmusic87, and TwiPotter Girl for all taking the extra time to review.
Chapter 35: Stress
Adam sighed as he made his way to his locker. He was back in school with Leora. They had been registered and were now enrolled in L.A. Central High School. Lilly, Miles, Cooper, Mina, and Jayda had been transferred as well. They were all put into classes that were similar to what they had been in before. Some teachers had even taken some jobs here to teach classes that weren't offered here. Ms. Holiday was one of them and independent living was one of her classes she taught with another teacher. Most schools in the area were opening their doors to students and teachers. Adam saw few other faces he recognized, but he was mostly in a sea if strangers.
"You ok?"
Adam looked to his side and saw Cooper and Mina. He smiled at the sight of them. Mina wasn't totally over him and Adam knew that. He wasn't totally over her if he was being honest. What they had wasn't really anything. It was a crush, what he had with Cooper was real.
"I'm fine, it's just everyone is a stranger here," Adam said.
"Well yeah it's a new school," Mina said.
"I know, but still I could do without all the staring, I mean I got that enough last year when I was...I guess it'll be worse once word get out again, at least I don't know that many people here," Adam said.
"Hard to believe it's only been two weeks," Cooper said.
"I know, time just seems to be flying by," Mina said. Adam nodded his head. He closed his locker and they made their way to their classes.
Adam walked into his class which Cooper had with him. He was thankful for that. They sat down in back of the room. Adam thought about Kyle. He had been in a coma for two weeks now and things weren't looking good. Adam didn't want to lose his brother, but...
"Whatever your think about, stop," Cooper whispered in his ear. "I know that look Adam," he said.
"Just thinking about Kyle," Adam said lowly.
"He's going to be fine, his body just needs to heal itself and when he's ready he'll wake up," Cooper said. Adam smiled weakly at Cooper.
The rest of the hour Adam tried to focus on he lesson, but he couldn't. All he was thinking a it was Kyle and the explosion. The hour ended and Adam followed Cooper to the cafeteria. They joined Mina, Leora, Lilly, Miles, and Jayda at a table.
"Hey," Leora said to Adam. Adam greeted her but didn't say much else. The others fell into forced mindless chatter.
"Caleb starts tomorrow, he finally talked his dads into letting him go to school here rather than a private school," Leora said conversationally.
"No offense but why's he turning down a private school? If my parents could afford it I'd jump at the chance to go," Jayda said.
"I'll give you one guess," Miles said pointing at Leora. "Love makes you do crazy shit. I mean look what Kyle did for Lilly," he said.
"True," Jayda said nodding her head.
"Can we not talk about Kyle for a bit please," Adam asked looking down at his tray. He didn't want to think about His brother right now. He just wanted to forget everything.
"Adam," Cooper said softly. Adam just stood up and walked away. He heard Cooper apologize to the others and follow him. Adam walked out to the parking lot. He sat down on the lawn outside trying to keep calm. He felt a sharp pain in his stomach and ignored it. He hated his feeling and wanted it to go away.
"Addie," Cooper said.
"I'm sorry," Adam said tears slipping down his cheeks. "They're talking about him like he's right there, but he's not. He's in the hospital still in a coma."
"I know Adam, I know it hurts but you have to move on. Kyle will wake up when he's ready. This has nothing to do with you. You didn't set the bomb off and you didn't hurt Kyle," Cooper said pulling Adam into a hug.
"I know but, he's my little brother I should've been protecting him better," Adam muttered into Cooper's shoulder.
"There's nothing you could've done, now you need to calm down. Stressing out isn't god for..." Cooper trailed off. Adam knew that Cooper was talking about the baby. For two weeks they had danced around the subject and avoided it.
"I know Coop, but I can't help-" Adam gasped as the knot in his stomach twisted again. It hurt worse than before. His hands flew to his stomach as the pain shot through his back as well.
"Adam are you ok?" Cooper asked. Adam opened his mouth to talk but the pain was overwhelming him.
-Aftermath-
James watched Kendall rock Jenny in his arms. He wasn't letting James do any heavy lifting. Kendall had gone as far as asking his mother to come help James this morning and taken off work early to help him. It was annoying James to no end. He was perfect able to hold his daughter.
"James can you get a bottle for Jenny?" Kendall asked.
"Sure, that's seems to be all I'm good for," James mumbled.
"What?" Kendall asked confused as he looked up from Jenny.
"I said sure I'd love to," James said getting up ignoring the pain that flared in his chest. He had to be careful or he'd hurt himself worse. He knew Kendall's precautions were meant well, but he was treating James like he couldn't do anything.
James headed to the kitchen. He quickly got a bottle made for his daughter. He tried to not think about how Kendall was treating him. James knew Kendall only had his best interest at heart, but he felt two inches tall.
James finished making the bottle. He walked back out to the living room. He handed Kendall the bottle. Kendall thanked him and started feeding Jenny.
"Are you ok James?" Kendall asked looking at his husband concerned.
"Yeah," James lied. He didn't want to start an argument with the blonde right now. Things had been tense the last two weeks. Kyle still wasn't waking up and the doctors weren't helping any. Adam and Leora were back in school meaning James was back to watching Miri and Jenny during the days.
"Are you sure," Kendall asked.
"Yes Kendall, I'm fine given everything that's been happening the last two weeks," James snapped.
"You're not fine," Kendall said.
"Then why ask?" James snapped. He turned and started to leave the room.
"James just talk to me please," Kendall pleaded.
"I'm going out," James said without looking at the blonde. The last person he wanted to be around right now was Kendall. He didn't want to say something he'd regret.
James exited the house being sure to grab his keys and his jacket as he left. As he walked to his car he saw Adam and Cooper pull up next to the curb. Ever since they had gotten back together they were once again inseparable. Cooper would bring Adam home from school, they had managed to get their senior release back at the end of the day when they explained their situation, and he'd stay until eight or nine and go home to his mother even though Adam pouted.
"Hey pops," Adam said slowly.
"I'm going out I'll be back later," James said as he got into his car. He drove off not knowing where he was going. He just needed to get out and away from his family for a little bit. He needed to clear his head.
-Aftermath-
Logan quickly made his way up the steps to the house. He headed inside. It was a little early for him to be home, but he needed to talk to Carlos. He walked into the living room where the Latino was sitting with a book in his hands.
"Carlos," Logan said getting his attention. Carlos smiled as he looked up. His smile fell as he took in Logan's disheveled look. He set his book aside not bothering to mark his page as he stood up.
"Logan what's wrong, are you ok?" Carlos asked worried. He quickly loved over to his husband.
"You know why I switched from oncology to being a surgeon," Logan asked as Carlos pulled him to him in a hug.
"What happened?" Carlos asked.
"Claire, this girls I've been working with...she was getting better and had a bright future ahead of her," Logan said slowly. He swallowed the lump forming in his throat.
"Oh Logie," Carlos said hugging Logan tighter.
"She died," Logan said devoid of any emotion. Tears well in his eyes and he fought to not let them fall. It was futile as they slipped down his cheeks anyways.
Over the months since he had started working with the oncology department he had gotten to know Claire. She was so much like Lilly with her smarts, but like Miles with her dry humor and quick wit. He had really thought she stood a chance of making it.
Claire's death had been the tipping point really. With everything that had happened in the last few weeks, Logan had managed to hold it together. He had managed to keep it together when Miles got shot and was strong for Carlos. He had held it together when he heard about the bomb and found Lilly alive. He had been strong for everyone. Now, he wasn't strong. He wasn't putting up a brave face and telling everyone that everything was all right.
"Oh Logie, you can only do so much," Carlos said softly.
"She wanted to be a doctor and help people Los," Logan said softly.
"I know Logie, but you tried you're best to help her. You can't save them all even though you'd like to," Carlos said comfortingly. He squeezed Logan tighter to comfort him. Logan let Carlos hold him for once and comfort him. He didn't argue when Carlos led him up the stairs and into their bedroom. He knew the kids would be home from school soon. He didn't want them seeing him like this.
-Aftermath-
Miles ran down the street and into the coffee shop. He saw Rion and Fran sitting at a table already. Rion saw him and waved him over. Miles greeted her with a peck to the lips. Fran rolled her eyes.
"Get a room," She teased the couple.
"Lovely as ever Fran," Miles said greeting the older Payne sister. She just gave him a smile in return.
"Not that I'm against her being here, but why?" Miles asked as he sat down.
"I've got good news to share and I want you two to be the first to hear, well third and fourth behind mom and dad," Rion said looking at Fran.
"What is it?" Miles asked.
"Are you?" Fran asked a hand over her mouth. Iron grinned and nodded her head.
"I'm in remission," Rion declared proudly. Fran jumped up and hugged her sister. Miles was right behind her with a kiss. He hugged her as well.
"This is so great," Fran said.
"This is only the first test, but it looks really good. I'll have another in a few weeks and we'll know for sure. Dr. Dent said it looked good," Rion said.
"Dr. Dent? I thought my dad was your doctor," Miles said confused.
"He is, but Dr. Dent said he was out for the afternoon," Rion said.
"Oh," Miles said.
The three of them continued their conversation and celebrated Rion's good health. Miles and Fran were both so excited for her. Rion told them to take it easy. Anything could happen still. It was early on.
-Aftermath-
James sighed as he kicked some rocks from the path before him. The park was pretty empty. It was fall and not many people were out in the park. There were a few moms and dads out with their younger children, but they were all by the play equipment.
"James?"
James looked up as he saw Austin walking down the path with Kami holding his hand. He didn't see Haven anywhere though.
"Hey," James said slowly.
"Haven is with a sitter since Kami wanted to go to the park," Austin said with a smile.
"Oh," James said.
"My mom wanted to see her grandson who was I to deny her," Austin said with a smile. "No kids?" He asked looking around.
"Not today, Kendall has them," James said. It wasn't a lie. Kendall was watching the girls. Not that he had a choice. James had kind of stormed out on him.
"You ok?" Austin asked slowly.
"No," James admitted. Austin led James over to. Bench and told Kami to go play. She ran over to a group of girls she must've known cause they started playing with her.
"What's wrong?" Austin asked.
"Did you hear about that school bombing?" James asked.
"Yeah, why were your kids there?" Austin asked worried.
"I was there, we were all there. It was...my sons in a coma," James said tears welling in his eyes. He fought them back.
"Oh," Austin said.
"My husbands treating me like a freaking glass doll since I broke a few ribs my other kids are still messed up from the explosion," James said a tear managing to slip down his cheek. "Everything is just falling apart," he said.
"Wow," Austin said.
"I'm sorry, this is...I should go," James said moving to get up. Austin grabbed his wrist.
"My wife left me James, I know it's not the same pain your in, but I can lend an ear to a friend," Austin said. James looked at Austin before the tears just started flowing.
Before James knew what was happening he was pouring his heart out to this man he barely knew. He was telling him everything he wouldn't tell Kendall and he didn't know why. Maybe it was easier to say this to someone else. Kendall would jump in and cut him off and fix half the problem. He'd never listen to the entire problem.
-Aftermath-
Jake but his lip as he looked down at his ring. He hadn't told anyone about his engagement except for Kyle. He had been visiting his brother daily after all his classes were done. He just wanted him to wake up.
Jake then looked down at his little brother. He had never looked so vulnerable as he did now. Even after years of trips to the emergency room and countless broken bones, Kyle had never looked like he did now. He looked so fragile. It was as if anyone tried to touched him he'd just break. Jake could hardly believe that this was his brother.
"Kyle you gotta wake up, everyone is lost without you," Jake said looking down at the young blonde tears slipping down his cheeks.
"I thought I'd find you here."
Jake turned and saw Damien standing in the doorway. Jake wiped his tears and stood up. Damien held a hand up stopping him. Damien walked into the room. He stopped next to Jake.
"It's ok Jake," Damien said.
"He's fifteen Damien, he shouldn't be here like this," Jake said shaking his head.
"I know Jake, but the doctors say nothing a wrong internally that they can find, he'll wake up when he's good and ready," Damien said soothingly. He placed a hand on Jake's good shoulder.
"He shouldn't have been that close to the building. I thought he was right behind us," Jake said shaking his head.
" you heard Lilly, she tripped and he went back for her. If he didn't she could be here, or worse dead," Damien said.
"I know that, I don't want that either...I just...this is so fucked up," Jake sighed more tears making their way down his cheeks. Damien bit his lip as he looked at Jake.
"Jake I can't say for certain what will happen, but you gotta trust and believe that Kyle will wake up," Damien said.
"I'd listen to him, he's smart," a raspy voice said. Jake looked up at Kyle shocked. Kyle had a small smile playing on his lips, it was the best he could do.
"Kyle," Jake gasped. He wanted the throw his arms around him and hug him, but refrained. Kyle was still injured and would take some time to heal.
"What happened? How long was I out?" Kyle asked his voice horse.
"A bomb, that kid was insane and two weeks, I'll go get a doctor just..." Jake trailed off.
"Jake stay here, I'll go get a doctor, I'm glad you're awake Kyle," he said to the young blonde. Kyle coughed as he tried to talk. Damien left the room and Jake stayed with his brother. Soon the doctors arrived and asked Jake to go to the waiting room for now. Jake told Kyle he'd be back once they were done.
Jake and Damien walked out to the waiting room together. Damien grabbed Jake hand and pulled him down onto the couch. Jake turned to Damien with a small smile.
"Should we call your dads?" Damien asked. Jake nodded his head. He jumped up and left the waiting room. Damien followed him. They were walking down the hallway when Kendall walked out of a room. He froze when he saw Jake and Damien.
"Dad what are you doing here?" Jake asked.
"What are you doing here?" Kendall countered.
"I was visiting Kyle," Jake said pointing in the direction of the ICU. "He's awake dad, their checking on him right now, but he's awake and he talked a little," he said tears in his eyes.
"Really?" Kendall asked his jaw dropped. Damien confirmed the news and Kendall relaxed a little.
"Why are you here? Who's hurt?" Jake asked.
"Adam stressed himself out and passed out at school," Kendall said.
"Oh," Jake said.
"Kendall, what's going on I just got your message, where's Adam?" James asked as he ran down the hallway with Cooper right behind him. Jake didn't exactly like that Adam had forgiven Cooper so easily for leaving him like that.
"He's in there," Kendall said pointing to the room he had just exited.
"Is this about...Jake what are you doing here?" James asked as he took in the with of his oldest son. Cooper slipped past the others and into Adam's room. He just wanted to see Adam and get away from Jake's cold stare.
"Yes James, he stressed himself into a panic attack, if we're not careful Leora wi be next," Kendall said slowly.
"Did he..." James trailed off.
"Yeah," Kendall said nodding his head.
"Why do I get the feeling I'm missing something here," Jake asked looking between his dads.
"Kyle's awake," Kendall said ignoring Jake's comment for the moment. James opened his mouth to talk but sobbing was heard from the room behind them. The four headed into Adam's room. Adam had his arms around Cooper and had his face pressed into his neck as he sobbed. Cooper had his arms around Adam and was trying to comfort him.
So there ya go another chapter. Adam stressedhinself out over everything, will he recover from yet another tradegy. Kendall and James seem to be having some problems. One of Logan's patients died, will he be able to continue with the treatment? Rion is in remission! Will it last? Kyle isbawake, but is he fine? Will the Knights and Mitchells move on from this?
Always
OUTOFMYMIND