Happy Mistakes

Chapter 14: Thanksgiving Misadventures

James yawned as he made his way down to the kitchen. It was four thirty in the morning on thanksgiving day. Somehow his house had been volunteered to be the thanksgiving house. Kendall had invited his mother, and sister and her family. Kyle was brining Jared and the girls. He was sure Roldy and Noah were coming too. Plus Jake and Damien, and Adam and Cooper and the kids. The Mitchell's were coming over too, Carlos and Logan seemed to be patching things up. It was going to be a full house.

There was so much to do, and so little time. He grabbed the coffee from the shelf and started to fill the coffee pot. It was going to be a long morning. Hopefully Leora would be down soon to help. She had promised.

The front door opening caught his attention. He made his way out to the hall. He saw Kyle, Adam, and Jake, walking down the hallway. He arched a brow at his sons in confusion.

"I figured you might need help and I dragged along my reinforcements," Kyle said smirking.

"Do you have coffee yet?" Adam asked there a yawn.

"Just started, what's this all about?" James asked confused.

"Am I invisible? Can no one hear me?" Kyle asked looking at his hands.

"I heard you, but why? You guys have never helped before," James said looking at Kyle pointedly.

"He barged in last night telling me we needed to help," Jake said.

"Said we had to band together and give you a break," Adam said.

"A break?" James asked.

"Yeah pops, relax we've got this," Leora said as she walked into the kitchen.

"Go back to bed," Kyle said.

"Don't worry, I've done this before. I won't let them ruin this," Leora promised.

"Who are you and what have you done to my kids," James asked slowly. He almost didn't want to believe this was happening.

"Just go back to bed pops, we've got this," Jake said waving a hand at him.

Adam and Kyle gave him a gentle shove towards the door. James did as he was told. He made his way back to bed. Kendall rolled over groggily.

"What's wrong?" Kendall asked sleepily.

"The kids wanna make thanksgiving dinner," James said slowly. He was still in shock a little. "They told me to go back to bed."

"What?" Kendall asked shocked.

"I should go back down there," James said moving to get back up. Kendall stopped him.

"Let them do this James, they are all practically adults now. I'm sure we can trust them to make the meal," Kendall said pulling him back into bed.

"But they-" James started.

"Can handle themselves," Kendall said. He wrapped his arms around James and held him close. "Go back to sleep."

James looked to the bedroom door. He wanted so bad to go down and check on them. He always made thanksgiving dinner, or took charge of the planning. To not be in control, was strange.

-Happy Mistakes-

Kyle grabbed four mugs from the cupboard and poured four cups of coffee. He turned and handed one to each of his siblings. Leora was already digging the creamer from the fridge. The four fixed up their coffee to their liking.

"Kyle why are we here?" Jake asked.

"To help pops," Kyle said. "He always slaves away over this meal and I figure it's times a we help him out. It can't be that hard."

"Since when are you a morning person anyways?" Adam asked.

"Since now," Kyle replied. "Now you said you made the turkey last year for you guys Adam, wanna start there?"

"Yeah, I can get started on the turkey," Adam nodded his head.

"I can make the pies," Leora said raising her hand.

"Adam you can handle stuffing and gravy too right?" Adam asked. Adam nodded his head.

"Jake that leave you and me with peeling potatoes and side dishes," Kyle said.

"Sounds good to me," Jake said.

"Great, let's get started," Kyle said.

They all started pulling everything out. Once everything was out on the table, the four shared a look.

"This is a lot," Leora said.

"Well, we've got a lot of people coming," Kyle said slowly.

"We don't have that many people coming do we?" Jake asked.

"Yeah, we've got grandma Jen, Auntie Katie and Uncle Tyler and the kids," Leora said.

"Coop and the kids, Damien," Adam said.

"Plus Jared and his sisters," Kyle said. He didn't miss the look on Jake's face. It was no secret that Jake didn't like Jared.

"Yeah and pops said the Mitchell's are coming too. All of them," Leora said.

"Plus No and Ro, they are a package deal with Jared," Kyle added.

"No Matt?" Adam asked.

"Nah, he's meeting Penelope's parents," Kyle said.

"Ok I get it, we've got no time to waste, let's get to work," Jake said drawing everyone back in.

Adam set about getting the turkey dressed and stuffed. Leora started on her pies. Jake and Kyle started peeling potatoes. It was a lot of work, but he knew they could do it.

-Happy Mistakes-

Jared yawned as he made his way out to the living room. He was surprised to see Noah up with Jill and Carly. He made a beeline for the coffee pot, grumbling a good morning to them.

Noah jumped up telling the girls to stay put. He ran over to Jared. He glanced back at re girls.

"They miss helping mom," Jared said before Noah could.

"Yeah," Noah said.

"I know Kyle won't mind them wanting to help," Jared said slowly.

"But?" Noah asked.

"Jake and I don't see eye to eye," Jared said glancing over at his sisters.

"What?" Noah asked.

"It's a long story," Jared said shaking his head.

"Do tell."

The pair turned and saw Roldy standing behind them. He looked to the coffee pot. Jared grabbed another mug for him.

"Well, you guys know Kyle and I haven't had the easiest of times. Jake just goes all big brother on me. He doesn't like me," Jared explained.

"Tell him to mind his own business. What happens between you and Kyle is between you and Kyle," Roldy said.

"Right cause that'll work, it'll probably just piss Kyle off," Jared said.

"Jared-" Noah started.

"Go tell the girls to get ready," Jared sighed, "I'm gonna call Kyle."

Jared grabbed his mug and made his way back to his bedroom. He grabbed his phone from his charger. He quickly found Kyle's number. He started the call as he started to search for some clean clothes. He waited as the phone rang.

"Hello, Kyle's phone," Leora answered.

"Oh hi Leora, I wasn't expecting you," Jared said quickly. He grabbed a shirt from his dresser.

"Kyle's elbows deep in turkey with Adam. He asked me to answer," Leora said.

"I need to talk to Kyle," Jared said as he looked around the room for a pair of pants.

"It's gonna be a minute, Adam needs his help with the turkey," Leora said.

"Ok, look the girls are really missing our mom. They always used to help her with thanksgiving-" Jared started.

"Oh my god, can they help with pies?" Leora asked quickly.

"I'm sure they could," Jared chuckled.

"Please, I could use a little help," Leora said.

"Sure, give us half an hour," Jared said.

"Sure, Kyle says bring food. We haven't had anything to eat yet," Leora said.

"Sure thing," Jared said.

"Adam says more coffee too, we are out," Leora added quickly.

"Let me get a pen and paper so I can write this all down," Jared joked.

"Ha-ha," Leora said.

"We will be there soon," Jared chuckled.

—Happy Mistakes—

Damien yawned as he parked his car. Adam had picked Jake up earlier in the morning to go make the meal. Adam had asked him to pick up Cooper and the kids. Almost the second Miri was in, she was bugging Eli. She would've leave him alone no matter what Cooper or Damien told her.

"Your child is a demon," Damien joked.

"Yeah, she gets it from Adam," Cooper replied. He looked back at her. She had calmed down a little, and wasn't touch Eli for once.

Damien and Cooper got out of the car and started the process of getting the kids out. Cooper had Miri stand by the car as he worked on getting Kenny out. Miri kept asking about Eli. She was so fascinated by her baby cousin.

"Miri just a minute, uncle Day has to get him out of the car," Cooper chuckled.

"Did you feed her sugar for breakfast?" Damien asked.

"Actually no, her and Kenny both had a bowl of cream of wheat. I guess she's just excited to see her cousin," Cooper shrugged.

"Yeah, I just want her t stop poking him," Damien said.

"Yeah, I don't know why she's doing that," Cooper replied. He turned to his daughter. "Ok let's go inside. Hold my hand please."

"No," Miri said hugging herself and looking down at the ground pouting.

"Ok fine, but please go to the door," Cooper said, "I'm sure Papa is waiting for you."

"Papa?" Miri asked.

"Yes, he's already here waiting for you," Cooper replied. Miri booked it across the lawn.

Damien chuckled as he grabbed Eli's diaper bag. Miri was a handful, but he still loved her. Him and Cooper followed her with the boys.

-Happy Mistakes-

Kendall yawned as he made his way down to the kitchen. He had woken up alone, which meant that James was probably down stairs with the kids. He made his way to the kitchen. James was standing in the doorway with Kyle and Adam trying to get him to leave.

"James," Kendall said. James turned to face Kendall with a sheepish smile.

"Dad get him out of here," Adam said.

"Please," Kyle added.

"James leave them alone," Kendall sighed, "let's go wake up Jenny and take her for a walk or something."

"She already up in the living room with Miri, Kenny, and Coop," Adam said.

"A walk sounds lovely, these girls need to run off some energy," Cooper said poking his head out or the living room.

"Great, let's take the girls to the park," Kendall said quickly. "Go get Jenny ready."

James left without much argument. He knew his cause was lost. He headed upstairs with Jenny. Kendall turned to the kids. He sent them a small glare.

"He just wants this to be perfect," Kendall said, "we've got a lot of people coming over and he's panicking. You guys picked a hell of a year to do this to him."

"Relax, we've got everything under control," Adam said as glass crashing came from the kitchen. Kyle and Adam whipped around.

Jared and Jake were standing over a broken casserole dish, glaring at one another. No one said a word.

"What happened?" Kyle asked.

"It was an accident," Jared said quickly turning to him with a sheepish smile. "Where's the broom?"

Leora quickly retrieved the broom and dustpan. Jared cleaned up the mess. Jake stood back his lips pursed. Kyle was glaring at Jake.

"Pops isn't gonna be happy. That was Michael's casserole," Jake said.

"Who?" Jared asked confused.

"Our cousin, he's very particular," Kyle said.

"So let's make another, give me a list and I can make a store run," Jared replied with a shrug.

Kyle grabbed a pad and pen. Adam joined him. They wrote everything down. Jared watched them confused for a moment. Kyle handed the list over.

"Everything on that list is very specific," Adam said.

"Ok," Jared replied glancing at the list.

"Seriously, follow that list. Michael is very specific," Kyle said.

"He will know if we change anything," Leora added.

"I got it," Jared said. "Carly wanna come with?"

"Sure," Carly said excitedly. She jumped

Down from her spot on the chair she had been sitting on. She had been helping decorate pies, but they were mostly done.

"Wash your hands," Jared reminded her. She took her apron off and ran to the sink.

The two left after Jared promised once more to follow the list exactly as it was written. As soon as the front door shut, Kyle and Adam both rounded on Jake.

"What did I do," Jake asked.

"You know what you did," Adam said glaring at the eldest Knight.

"I don't know what you have against Jared, but you need to cut it out. He is here to help, he is here to stay," Kyle said quickly.

"I didn't-" Jake started.

"You did," Leora cut in.

"Now you're all ganging up on me?" Jake asked

"Jill help me bring some of these pies out to my car. We have to bake them at the Mitchell's house because the oven here is being used," Leora said quickly.

"If you wanted me to leave, all you had to do was say so," Jill said grabbing a couple of the pies.

"Don't worry kid, it's just another Carter situation," Kyle said as she left.

"I figured," Jill replied as she exited the kitchen.

"What?" Jake asked glaring at Kyle.

Kyle didn't reply. He just grabbed a couple pies and helped Leora. Jake looked to Kendall for help. Kendall just put his hands up and walked away. This was between Jake and Kyle. He wasn't going to get into it.

-Happy Mistakes-

Matt watched as Penelope flittered around the kitchen. She was busy trying to get food ready for her family. They were having a small-ish meal, but it was still a lot of food. Matt offered to help and had been helping, until he got in her way and she vanished him from the kitchen.

"Ok so the turkey is almost done, the potatoes are boiling, the gravy I'll make once the turkey is done and the green bean casserole is ready to go in the oven," Penelope said looking at all the food.

"Don't forget the cranberry sauce I lovingly prepared," Matt said quickly.

"Right, all you did was get in my way," Penelope laughed.

"Hey that cranberry sauce looks amazing," Matt said pointing a finger at her. Penelope laughed. She walked around the counter to stand in front of Matt.

"Yes Matty, it looks great. Thank you for the help," she said. She leaned in and pecked him on the lips.

"I do what I can," Matt replied cheekily.

"Ok I'm gonna go get changed," Penelope said looking down at herself. She was wearing a tank top and pajama pants. She checked the time. "My timer for the turkey is on, just let me know when it goes off."

"Go relax, it takes a couple minutes to get changed, I think I can manage to keep the food from burning," Matt said with a chuckle.

Penelope nodded her head. She headed toward her bedroom. Matt turned back towards the kitchen. He looked to the oven where the turkey was cooking.

It was crunch time now. Her parents would be here within the hour. He was nervous. What if her parents didn't like him. He was a bit messy at times, and didn't have the best manners, but he always tired his best to impress. What if they tired to talk Penelope into dumping him. Would she dump him just to please her parents?

Matt shook his head. That was ridiculous. There is no way Penelope would dump him just because her parents said so. If she was gonna dump him, it was gonna be his own fault, like failing to impress her parents.

He shook his head again. He needed to stop freaking out. Everything was gonna be fine. He just needed to relax and take a few deep breaths.

His phone buzzed on the counter. He quickly snatched it and saw Noah's name on his screen with a simple text that read: Relax. Everything will be fine.

He smiled at that. Leave it to Noah to know when he was freaking out. He could always count on his best friend.

"Everything ok?"

Matt turned to face Penelope. He smiled and nodded his head.

"Yeah, just Noah texting me. It's nothing important," Matt said stuffing his phone in his pocket. He took in her new outfit. She was wearing a white and black striped dress, with a belt. Her make up was fresh and she looked amazing. He wanted to ask who she was trying to impress, but he opted instead to say; "You look great."

"Thanks, your turn," Penelope said pulling him to his feet.

"What you mean jeans and a t-shirt isn't acceptable for meeting your parents?" Matt asked playfully. Penelope giggled and gave him a shove towards her room. He put his hands up and walked away.

He quickly changed and returned to the kitchen. Penelope was sitting on a stool looking at her phone with a frown.

"Pen? You ok," he asked.

"They missed their flight," Penelope said slowly. "They can't make it here until tomorrow."

"What?"

"I made all this food and now-" Penelope started.

"Well let's save it then," Matt said quickly, "let's save it for tomorrow. I'm sure Kendall won't mind a few more party crashers."

"You think so?" Penelope asked.

"Yeah, let me call and ask," Matt replied.

-Happy Mistakes-

Kyle sighed as he watched Leora check her pies. He was sitting on the counter and she moved about. They were at the Mitchell's house baking. Kyle had left Jill in Adam's care until Jared returned. She with too busy with the kids any ways.

Miles had joined the two as they chatted about the incident between Jake and Jared. Kyle had found a spot to sit on the counter. Miles and Leora sat at the table.

"You know I didn't believe it until I saw it," Leora commented.

"Right, like I don't know what his problem is," Kyle added.

"I think you guys are over reacting," Miles piped in.

"You weren't there, everything Jared said was wrong, Jared was just a hindrance in Jake's eyes and he didn't hide it," Kyle said.

"He's like taken it to a whole new level," Leora added.

"Really?" Miles asked.

"He doesn't hide it at all, you should see the way he looks at Jared," Kyle said shaking his head.

"Who we gossiping about now?" Catlos asked as he entered the kitchen.

"Jake," the three chimed in unison. They all laughed and jinxed one another.

"What's wrong now?" Carlos asked.

"Jake hates Jared," Kyle said.

"I'm sure he doesn't hate him," Carlos said.

"Oh he does," Leora said nodding her head.

"Why?" Carlos asked.

"I think it might have something to do with the fact that Jared and I have broken up a few times, but we've always worked it out. We've had our differences, but everyone argues right? Besides Jake just need to butt out, it's my life not his," Kyle said.

"Exactly, what happens between you two is none of his business," Carlos agreed.

"Oh my god yes," Leora said, "he's been on me about my dating life and it's kind of annoying."

"Maybe you guys need to talk to him," Carlos suggested.

The twins laughed at that. Jake would never listen to them. He was too pig headed for that.

"Have you met Jake, he's just like our dad," Kyle said quickly.

"It's his way or no way," Leora added.

Kyle phone started ringing. He jumped down from the counter. "It's probably Jared back from his trip to the store." He said as he fished his phone out. He smirked as he showed Leora his phone. He answered his phone.

"Where are you?" Jared hissed at him.

"I couldn't stand to be around him, so I'm helping Le bake the pies," Kyle replied.

"You're my helping, Miles is more helpful than you," Leora shouted.

"You can't leave me alone with him," Jared said.

"Relax you'll be fine, go sit with the kids if you want," Kyle said.

"Kyle this isn't funny," Jared snapped.

"Yes it is," Kyle laughed.

"I swear to-" Jared started.

"You'll what?" Kyle asked challengingly.

"I don't know right now, but I will think of something," Jared replied.

"Don't get your panties in a twist I'll be there soon," Kyle chuckled. He hung up before Jared could retort. "You coming or you gonna stay and watch pies bake with Leora?" He asked Miles.

"Sorry Le, but I gotta see this," Miles said jumping up.

"That's fine, I'm sure Layla and Carlos will be better company than you two," Leora replied sticking her tongue out at him.

Kyle phone beeped with a texted. He rolled his eyes as he dug his phone back out.

"Oh it's Adam," Kyle said shocked before he sighed. "He says they're arguing."

"Who?" Miles asked.

"Who do you think," Kyle snapped.

"Oh, shit is going down, we gotta go," Miles said grabbing Kyle arm and dragging him away

The two quickly made their way back to the Knights house. They entered the house and Kyle ran right to the kitchen. Miles raced along behind him.

"You forgot," Jake said.

"How could I forget when it wasn't on the list to start with," Jared asked annoyed.

"It had to be on the list. It's like a major part of the dish," Jake said.

"It wasn't on the list. I got everything that was on the list. I triple checked and I had Carly read the list to me one more time to be sure, we went to like three different stores," Jared argued.

"What's going on," Kyle asked interrupting the argument. Miles stepped up behind him eager to see what was going on.

"He forgot the creamed corn. It's like the main part of the dish," Jake said.

"Well Jacob, if you turn around and open your eyes, you would see that there are four cans on the counter so I didn't put it on the list," Kyle stated matter-of-factly.

Jake whipped around and looked to the counter. His shoulder slumped a little.

"Before you get all judgy and let your privilege show, you should listen to what people are saying," Kyle said quickly stepping up to his brother. He was vaguely aware that he was now taller than Jake.

"I'm sorry I didn't see them-" Jake started.

"No you just wanted to argue. I don't know what your problem is, but please remove the stick from your ass and be a decent human being for once," Kyle said quickly.

"Kyle-" Jake started.

"I'm not doing this today," Kyle said shaking his head.

He turned and quickly left the kitchen. He heard Jared and Miles follow him. Kyle made his to the back deck. He heard the door shut behind him. He turned to face the two that followed him.

"Did you just call your brother on his privilege?" Miles asked.

"You defended my honor," Jared sing songed as he threw his arms around Kyle.

"Get off," Kyle said shoving Jared a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"No way, you are just the sweetest," Jared said hugging the blonde closer.

"Yep, that's me Mr. Sweetypants," Kyle chuckled.

"Seriously are we just ignoring the fact that you called-" Miles started.

"Yes I called him out, he's worse than me. Then again I've had you as my best friend. I know not everyone grew up with the opportunities I had," Kyle said, "he seems to think that anyone who didn't grow up like us is below him. He never used to like you remember."

"I remember, but I wormed my way into your family," Miles said.

"Hey don't sweat it. I'm used to it," Jared said waving a hand and bringing the conversation back to the matter at hand.

"That doesn't matter, you shouldn't be getting this treatment from my family," Kyle said.

"There's always one in every family," Miles said.

"I don't get why he suddenly hates you," Kyle said shaking his head.

"Well my family horrific past has been made very public recently," Jared said slowly, "honestly I'm surprised there hasn't been a drop in album sales."

"Oh please you're the perfect victim, your fans have been nothing but supportive of you," Miles said.

"Victim-" Jared started.

"What he means is you're more sympathetic than your psychotic aunt," Kyle cut in.

"Well yeah, anyone is," Jared replied.

"Plus ta girls are crazy and would never turn on you unless you did something very dumb," Miles added.

"Like date my bosses son?" Jared joked.

"It wasn't you they hated, it was me!" Kyle said laughing.

"Yeah, he got death threats at school when you guys broke up, from the butt hurt fan girls," Miles said.

"It wasn't anything I couldn't handle," Kyle said waving a hand.

"Please you locked yourself in your room for two weeks hiding out. Having me bring you food," Miles said nudging the blonde.

"I think you're imagination is playing games with you," Kyle said nudging Miles back harder. Jared just chuckled and shook his head. "What he meant to say was I was just fine."

"Yeah, that's what I meant," Miles said rolling his eyes. "No seriously-" he started.

"I will end you!" Kyle threatened.

"You're gonna have to catch me first," Miles challenged as he shoved Kyle. He sprinted across the deck and slid under the rail as Kyle chased him.

"Guys," Jared called after them.

It was useless. They weren't listening to him. They were in their own little world. He watched at Kyle tackled Miles and they started wrestling. He just shook his head and sat back.

"What are they fighting about now?"

Jared looked over his shoulder as Adam walked out onto the deck with him. Adam took a seat next to him as they watched Kyle and Miles wrestle.

"I don't really know," Jared replied.

"So uh-" Adam started.

"If you're gonna apologize for Jake I don't wanna hear it," Jared said quickly.

"No, I was gonna say Jake's an asshole," Adam said.

"Yeah, but I'm used to it," Jared sighed.

"You shouldn't-" Adam started.

"I've dealt with it all my life. I wasn't raised like you guys were. Even now any Hollywood party I go to the guys and I get looked down at," Jared explained.

"How long should we let them be?" Adam asked turning his attention to Kyle and Miles. Jared only shrugged in response.

-Happy Mistakes-

Kendall yawned as he looked himself over in his bathroom mirror. He wasn't too concerned with how he looked. He was just trying to keep himself busy. He was avoiding going downstairs to the chaos.

It was getting closer to dinner time. Jake and Kyle were not talking to one another. Jared was caught in the middle. Adam was trying to do damage control and Miles was just getting in the way.

Plus Katie and Ttler had arrived with the kids already. Matt and Penelope had crashed with Noah and Roldy. The rest of the Mitchell clan would be arriving soon. All that was left was his mother.

"What are you doing in here?"

Kendall turned around and saw James standing in the doorway. He smiled at his husband.

"Just getting ready, we've got a full house and I needed a moment to myself," Kendall replied.

"Yeah, how did we get roped into this?" James asked leaning against the doorframe.

"Because we ditched last year and this is my moms way of punishing us," Kendall chuckled.

"Speaking of you mom, she's almost here and she said she wants to talk to you and Katie, and that it's important," James said.

"About what?" Kendall asked.

"Dunno, maybe she's brining a date," James joked.

"Right, she hasn't been on a real date since we forced her to go out with Fabio," Kendall said.

"Kendall be nice," James warned.

"I will be, as long as she's happy I'm happy," Kendall said.

"Kendall!" Katie hollered from downstairs.

Kendall sighed. He knew he had to go back downstairs. He was just drawing this out.

"Kendall Donald!"

Kendall sighed again.

"You better go see what your sister wants," James chuckled.

"Yeah, might as well," Kendall said.

The pair left the bathroom. Kendall made his way down the stairs with James right behind him. Katie and Tyler were talking to Jennifer and man Kendall barely recognized, but he knew who he was. He stopped abruptly causing James to run into him.

"Kendall?" James asked confused, grabbing his shoulder and steadying himself.

That caught the others attention. They all looked to him. Jennifer moved past Katie.

"Kendall let me explain-" Jennifer started.

"No," Kendall quickly cut her off. He looked to the other man. "You can't waltz in here after twenty some years and expect everything to be be fine. It doesn't work that way," he said in a forced calm voice. James placed a hand on his arm.

"Kendall-" he started.

"You can't just be a dad when you choose to be. I want you out of my house," Kendall said.

"Honey please," Jennifer said.

"No, I'm not falling for it again," Kendall snapped.

The back door opened. Kyle, Jared, and Miles entered the house. Kyle and Miles were covered in dirt. Jared looked ashamed to know them right now. Kyle paused when he noticed the tension.

"Are we interrupting?" Kyle asked slowly as he looked past Kendall.

"Yes!/No!" Kendall and James said simultaneously.

"Why are you covered in dirt?" James said. Kendall shot James a small glare.

"Go to your room," Kendall said quickly.

"Miles is a jerk," Kyle explained slowl, "we're just gonna be upstairs." He grabbed Miles by the wrist and dragged him towards the stairs. Jared quickly followed suit.

Kendall turned his attention back to the uninvited guest. His glare never left.

"Before you ask no, that is not your grandson, you don't have any grandsons. You made that choice when you decided not to be a dad. I don't want you near me or my family. I'm only going to ask nicely one more time, please get out of my house," Kendall said turning and walking away.

"Kendall-" Jennifer started.

"I don't appreciate this ambush mother, on all days you could've done this," Kendall sighed.

He made his way back up the stairs. He wasn't surprised to see Kyle standing there.

"Was that-?" Kyle started slowly.

"We need to talk," Kendall replied. He walked past the younger blonde to his bedroom. Kyle quickly followed him.

"Dad, you always said he was-" Kyle started.

"He was dead to me," Kendall cut him off. "That man may be my father but he is not my dad. He had no part in raising me or Katie. He never wanted to be a dad unless it was convenient for him."

"So what did he do that was so bad?" Kyle asked know there was more to this.

"He left after Katie was born. He didn't show his face again until I was almost ten. He took me and Katie out to the zoo and the fair. Anything fun he was there. Mom was hesitant, but I invited him to my tenth birthday," Kendall explained.

"He never showed up," Kyle guessed.

"Nope, I didn't see him again until after Adam was born," Kendall said, "He wanted to know his grandkids and I wanted to believe him but I knew he wasn't going to stick around. To everyone's surprise he split with a voicemail to mom about how sorry he was again.

"I made myself a promise that day. I was never going to let my kids go through that. No matter how hard things got I was gonna be there for them, for you. I was going to be a better father than he ever was. I was going to show the world that I didn't need him to be successful," Kendall said.

Kyle walked over to Kendall, without saying a word he simply hugged him. Kendall was surprised at first; but returned the gesture. The pair sat in silence letting Kendall's words sink in.

"You're a great dad you know," Kyle said slowly.

"Kyle-" Kendall started.

"No I mean it, I know we don't always make it easy, or say it enough, but I do appreciate all that you do," Kyle said looking down at the ground. "You push me to be my best and I wouldn't want anyone else as my dad. You are better than him, there is no comparison. You stuck around, he didn't. Honestly, I think Gustavo is our surrogate grandfather."

Kendall laughed at that. He pulled Kyle back into a hug. "Thanks kiddo."

"Kendall?"

James entered the room. He paused when he saw Kyle. Kyle quickly jumped up and made a hasty exit. James watched their son go before turning to Kendall once more.

"He's gone, but your mom wanted you to have this," James said holding up a small card. It looked like a business card. He walked over to the bedside and set it down. "It's his contact information. I wouldn't blame you if you threw it away, but he did come all this way."

"I know, but he made his bed, now he's gotta lie in it." Kendall eyed the card curiously.

"I agree, it was a little unfair of your mother to do this today, given your history with him," James said.

"I'm sure she had her reasons, not that I agree with them," Kendall sighed.

"Come on, time to put on a smile and enjoy the fantastic dinner our kids made for us," James said.

"Yes, but I'm not apologizing to her," Kendall said.

"I can't force you," James replied.

"Kendall?"

"We heard what happened."

Kendall looked up as Logan and Carlos entered the room. Logan crossed the room and sat down beside the blonde.

"You should of punched him, I would have," Logan said.

"Knock it off," Carlos said.

"I would've, but we're not kids anymore Loges," Kendall replied.

"You two are awful," James piped in, shaking his head.

"He had no right to do that to you, especially today," Carlos added.

"Thanks guys," Kendall said smiling at them. "I don't know how I'm gonna tell the kids. I always told them that he was dead."

"Well, what did you tell Kyle?" James asked.

"The truth," Kendall replied.

"What did he even want?" Logan asked.

"I don't know. He just...he can't show up like that expecting things to be alright," Kendall sighed.

"I think you should tell the kids," Carlos said.

"I mean they are old enough now," Logan said reasonably.

"I guess, but I lied to them all these years, because I-I didn't want to deal with the truth," Kendall sighed.

"They'll understand," James said

"I'd be mad," Logan said.

"You're not helping," James said glaring at Logan.

"Sorry, I'm just saying. If my parents had lied to me like that, I might be a little mad," Logan said.

"Oh, I know Jake and Adam are gonna be pissed," Kendall replied.

"I'm sure that Kyle probably still has questions," James added.

"We will cross the bridge when we get there," Kendall sighed.

The four fell silent, all lost in their own thoughts for the moment. Kendall looked to Logan and Carlos. They seemed so normal right now.

"Come on, time to put smiles on and go enjoy the amazing thanksgiving dinner your kids made," Logan said interrupting his thoughts.

"Yeah, they worked hard on this," Kendall said standing up.

The four made their way back downstairs. Adam and Jake had Kyle cornered and Leora was trying to stop them. They were asking Kyle about what happened. They had obviously seen who had shown up. They had questions. Kendall quickly stepped in.

"Come on Kyle, you got a better look than we did," Adam said.

"Guys, it's not my place," Kyle said quickly.

"Boys leave your brother alone," Kendall said. "Is the dining room set?"

"Almost, if would go quicker if we had some help in here, Jake," Damien said as he exited the dining room looking pointedly at Jake.

"Dad-" Jake started.

"We will talk about this later. Now is not the time," Kendall said.

"Listen to your father," James said sternly.

Damien grabbed Jake by the shoulders and directed him back into the dining room. Adam and Leora quickly followed them. Kyle bolted in the other direction, probably not wanting to be near Jake.

"Kids are great aren't they?" Logan asked.

"The best," Kendall replied.

—Happy Mistakes—

"Ok Miri, one more time," Jared said.

He was sitting cross legged on the floor with her. He had spent the last half hour trying to teach her patty cakes. She saw Jill and Carly messing around and wanted to try. Jared took it upon himself to teach her, as he had taught Jill and Carly in the first place.

Jared started saying the rhyme while clapping hands with Miri. She missed a few, but mostly got it right. Once they finished Miri grinned at him.

"You did it!" He exclaimed happily. Miri clapped her hands laughing. She was so pleased with herself.

"Dada!" She ran over to Cooper, who had been watching.

"You did it," Cooper said scooping her up in his arms.

"You're pretty good with kids," Damien said as he walked over to Jared. He heals a hand out to him.

"Yeah, for some reason kids like me," Jared replied as he took his hand. Damien help him up from the ground.

"About earlier-" Damien started.

"You don't have to apologize for Jake, I'm used to it. I'm always the outsider looking in. Everywhere I go in Hollywood I get looks," Jared shrugged.

"I was gonna apologize, I was gonna day Jake can be an ass sometimes, but he means well," Damien said.

"Means well?" Jake asked.

"You've hurt Kyle in the past and he's just going all big brother on you. It was the same thing when Adam and I broke up," Cooper chimed in.

"It's more than that," Jared said.

"He'll come around, trust me," Damien replied.

"Can we be real though, they are kind of crazy right," Jared asked.

"Completely," Cooper said.

"Oh yeah," Damien agreed.

"Good I'm not the only one," Jared chuckled.

"Hey, we all must like it, we're still here aren't we?" Cooper asked.

"I'm here for Kyle," Jared replied.

"This family is a package deal," Damien said, "you're stuck."

"I know, but I really don't mind it too much," Jared sighed.

"They make you feel like you belong," Cooper asked.

"Yeah, after years of not being wanted by my own family, I've made my own. I would gladly be part of this crazy family," Jared said.

"Do I hear wedding bells," Damien joked.

Jared went red in the face as he looked away from the other two. He hadn't mean to say all that.

"Eventually, maybe," Jared said.

"Hey, I'd take you as a brother in law, you'd be better than some," Damien said shooting Cooper a playful glare.

"Hey Adam and I aren't married, and besides you love me," Cooper shot back.

"Change of subject please," Jared said putting his hands up. He didn't want Kyle to walk in on this conversation. After all, Kyle was still underage. He didn't want to scare him away.

—Happy Mistakes—

Everyone was seating around the four tables in the dining room. Kendall was amazed everyone fit. Everyone was eating and chatting. It was nice to have everyone together. Conversations were over lapping, yet everyone was having a good time.

"So Matty, what happened to meeting the future in-laws," Jared asked.

"Their flight got changed and they won't be here until tomorrow," Matt replied.

"Adam stop stealing from my plate when I look away to help Miri. If you want some get your own," Cooper said glaring halfheartedly at Adam.

"But my plate is full," Adam whined.

"So Layla, how are things. I feel like this is the most I've seen you. You know cause you're never home anymore. You're always out with Erica and Maleficent," Miles teased his littler sister.

"First it's Millicent, she awesome and you better get on her level, and secondly-" Layla stuck he tongue out at him.

"Miles leave her alone," Lilly said. Layla smiled at her sister. "She's in loooove." Layla glared at her.

"Jill what's wrong? I thought you liked carrots," Kyle said.

"I don't like these ones," Jill said quietly.

"Are they different than the kind you like? Would you like to try something else," Kyle asked. Jill nodded her head meekly. "Well we have corn, green beans, or peas."

"I'll take the peas," Jill said quickly.

Kyle nodded his head. He gave her a scoop of peas and took the carrots from her plate. She smiled at him as he leaned over.

"See this way you eat veggies, and Jared will be happy and let you have a piece of pie later. I was gonna let you have one either way," Kyle said. Jill just grinned.

"I heard that," Jared said.

"You were supposed to," Kyle replied.

"So Noah how's the wedding planning going?" Adam asked as Cooper moved his plate away from him.

"It's going, it feels like there is something new everyday," Noah said.

"It's gonna be so worth it though," Roldy said placing a hand over Noah's.

"You've got less than a month to go right?" Cooper asked.

"Yes, but it feels like it's just dragging by," Noah said.

"I told you, you should've just eloped and got t over with," Jared said.

"And have Deanna murder me? No thank you," Noah said.

"She would blame Ro," Matt said.

"She would too," Roldy agreed nodding his head laughing.

"And Deanna is...?" Damien asked.

"My mom," Roldy replied.

"She our mom, she practically raised us all," Jared added.

"Right, She always has the birthday parties and the sleepovers," Matt agreed.

"And Noah is her precious little angel," Jared snorted.

"He is too. She threatened me to treat him right, when we started dating," Roldy explained.

"Is it me or does this sound familiar," Kendall whispered to James.

"Very," James said.

The pair both laughed to themselves. Logan looked up at Kendall. He arched a brow at the blonde in silent question. Kendall just grinned and tilted his head towards the boys. Logan chuckled as he understood. He saw it too.

"What?" Carlos asked looking between the two.

"Don't worry about it Los," Logan replied.

"I hate when you do that," Carlos sighed.

"It's nothing," Kendall chuckled.

Kendall sat back once more. It was moments like these that made everything worth it. Family was important. Sure they didn't always get along, but when push came to shove they all handed together. The kids made an amazing meal. Even the boys and Penelope fit in nicely. They were all family at this point. He was sure James would agree too.

He glanced down the table to his mother. He hadn't talked to her much. She seemed to be avoiding him too. He wasn't sure what to say to her. He couldn't believe she had thought bringing him here was a good idea. It confused the kids, they probably had questions. He wasn't sure what to do anymore.

"I hope you guys saved room for pies," Leora said, "Jill, Carly, and I worked had on them."

Now wasn't the time to worry about these things. He would worry about them later. Now was family time.

He jumped up with Leora to help her with the pies. She smiled and thanked him. Soon everyone had a piece of pie and they were chatting and laughing again.

So there you go. Another chapter done. I know I promised this awhile ago, but this one got away from me. It turned into something other than I expected. It was supposed to be a nice holiday chapter, but ended up the opposite. There is more to come.

Always

OUTOFMYMMIND