Sure enough, James was in their old apartment (newly redecorated, to Carlos's dismay). He laughed when they told him that Big Time Rush was getting back together.

"Mmhmm, good luck with that," he said, patting Kendall's shoulder.

"What do you mean, GOOD LUCK with that?" Logan shouted suddenly.

"What's wrong with you?" A girl the same age as Logan asked curiously.

"I've gots cancer," he said. He tugged at the side of his hospital gown. The children had met when they were allowed to play in the children's room for a short period of time. "What 'bout you?"

"Broke my arm, see? You have CANCER? My grampa got all dead from that," she declared.

"I won't die. My mommy said so! I'm doing special treatments so it goes away."

The little girl giggled. "Good luck with THAT," she laughed, skipping away.

"I just... I mean...Nevermind..I can't do Big Time Rush anymore. Besides, I got a new record deal going on with The Hawk!" James smiled warily.

The Hawk rushed down the stairs to usher them out of the apartment, with more than a few protests from the three boys. Carlos and Logan looked to Kendall for advice.

"I don't think he's going to come around, you guys. We all know James. And we all know that James isn't just a pretty face. He's one of the most determined guys ever," Kendall said, not willing to look them in the eyes. Carlos almost argued with his band mate, but he knew the harsh reality was that Kendall was probably right. So they simply shuffled down the hallway in silence. They all remembered the last time James was this stubborn on getting his way.

"Are you sure that you want to do this?" Logan asked James, "I mean, there's a pretty big change that you won't find anything."

James nodded, staring at the computer screen intently. "He's my dad...I have to."

"But we're only in eighth grade... Do you think really think we can do it?" Kendall asked.

James paused for a moment. A few seconds passed before he rapidly tapped on the counter top.

"If you could do anything to get your dad back...Wouldn't you?" James's voice was clear and strong. Kendall blinked in surprise and began looking through the phone book. It took weeks to find anything on James's father. But he was able to track down his second cousin, Laura, who was reluctant to give him any information at first. But James begged and pleaded with her until he got the truth.

"He's married, okay?" Laura blurted out out. "I'm so sorry, James, I'm sorry, please-"
James started at her with a dazed look in his deep brown eyes.

During the ride home, James simply ran his fingers across the glass over and over again, pressing down until they left streaks everywhere. Laur apologized again before dropping them off in front of James's house. James started up the steps to his house before stopping suddenly, the sitting down with his head in his hands. His friends sat beside him awkwardly, trying to figure out what to say.

"James..."
"Save it! You always say that it's okay, but it's not! My dad didn't just leave me, but he started a brand new life without me. Let's face, he doesn't even want to see me again," James sobbed, finally releasing the tears he had been holding back.

Carlos remembered how just like that moment, he really couldn't say that things would turn out well.

James grinned as he marched into Hawk Records with his head held high. It felt good to be back in the spotlight. But as The Hawk continued suggesting changes to James and who he was, his smile faded more and more. How could he be himself if... The Hawk wanted someone completely different? And he wouldn't even be able to sing. It would all be done digitally on the computer.

"Look, Hawk...I really appreciate..All of this...But...Maybe I need the guys, you know? I miss Big Time Rush," he stuttered.

The Hawk spun around in his chair. James didn't know if it was good or bad that he couldn't see his eyes through The Hawk's dark shades. He almost shrank back when the man opened his mouth to speak. But he didn't speak. Instead, he laughed for a good fifteen seconds.

"Oh, James. You think that they need you still? That they miss you? Think again." He slid a newspaper across the table. James hesitated. What was it? He didn't think he could handle seeing Big Time Rush advertisements that excluded him. But curiosity took over, leading his hands to snatch up the paper and flip through the pages. Finally, he came to what he was looking for. A Big Time Rush ad. Okay, this wasn't so bad. A picture of Kendall, Logan, and Carlos smiled back at James. He brought himself to read the print underneath.

"They're... Having auditions to-"
"Replace you," The Hawk confirmed. Was he really that disposable? James was so sure that he was a key part of Big Time Rush, that he couldn't be replaced. But once again, he was wrong. At first, anger filled James's mind, but sadness spilled out in tears. He thought that they would always be the best of friends. He had been through a lot with those guys. So much for that.