I'm very surprised with how well I'm doing at updating this. Then again, it's much shorter—so far—than Thank You, William Shakespeare. So yeah. I don't know how soon it will be when I next update, because my family planned a trip to the Poconos. So maybe Sunday or Monday?

On with the story!

Chapter Three

It was Monday, and Logan was sitting at work pouting. It had been three days since Kendall promised to call him at the party. And it had been fifteen minutes since Carlos texted him back saying Kendall would call "after he gets some things sorted out." What the hell did Kendall need to sort out? Was there a relationship he needed to end before he gave Logan a chance? Was he still weighing the options of Logan?

"Logan?"

Logan looked up. A woman about his age was standing in front of him with a little girl—a miniature version of herself. "Yes..."

"Camille," she said with a laugh. "I, um, had some fun times with James in the bathroom at that party."

"Your Kendall's friend," Logan said, remembering her now.

Camille smiled. "You would remember me in relation to Kendall."

"Have you, uh, spoken to Kendall since the party?"

"Yeah..."

"Has he... said anything... about me?"

Camille chuckled. "Carlos warned me when I said I'd be coming here. Kendall just needs to figure something out, then he'll call you."

Logan sighed. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No! It's-"

"Mommy, I'm bored. You said we'd have fun here," the little girl said.

Logan laughed. "You're here for books, aren't you?"

"Yeah!"

Camille put her hands on the girl's head. "Logan, this is my daughter Emmy."

Logan stepped out from behind the desk. "Hi, Emmy. Want me to show you and your mommy to the children's section?"

Emmy smiled. "OK!" She grabbed Logan's hand, and let Logan guide her to the children's section. Once there, she ran off to look at books.

"You're gonna tell James I have a kid, aren't you?" Camille asked.

Logan shrugged. "I got the impression you two didn't have plans to see each other again. So it's not like it's any of his business."

Camille smiled in appreciation. "You can tell him. That way, if I ever run into him with her, I won't see him freak out. I'm not looking for a relationship anyway."

"Then why'd you-"

"Not looking for a relationship does not equal celibacy."

Logan laughed. "So, how old is Emmy?"

"She's five," Camille said with some pride.

"So you had her..."

"When I was a Sophomore in high school. The summer between Freshman and Sophomore year, this guy who was a Senior at my school talked me into sleeping with him. I had been crushing on him all year, and he'd be going off to college in the fall. When I told him I was pregnant, he refused to accept it was his. Then he spread rumors about me, saying I was sleeping around. I was a virgin before him." Camille paused. "Why am I telling you all this?"

Logan grinned. "I'm told I'm a very good listener. Something about my face when I listen just makes people keep going."

"Damn. I hope you put that skill to use."

"I wanna be a school counselor."

Camille nodded. "I can see that happening." She watched her daughter look through books then asked, "Would you ever date a guy with a kid?"

"Um..." That was a weird question. "Probably. If I liked a person for who he was, having a kid would be what makes him who he is. I would never, like, stay away from someone I was into because of a kid. And it would show he's a good guy. Some dudes end up not being involved with their kids. At least he'd be responsible for his kid."

"Unlike Emmy's dad. She's never even met him."

"That sucks," Logan said.

"Yeah. But, um, I know a guy. His son's mom didn't want anything to do with the boy. Didn't even hold him after he was born. So my friend has been doing the parent thing on his own."

"What a bitch."

"Oh yeah," Camille agreed. "Emmy, only two books."

"But I want three!"

"No yelling. And you can get the third one next time we come here."

"Fine," Emmy said with an eye roll. She walked over to her mom, holding two books.

"I'll check you out," Logan said. He led the two back to the desk. He scanned the books, and told them when they were due back. "And this Sunday, there's an event for children. There will be crafts, and I'll even be doing a reading of one of our children's books."

"Would you like that?" Camille asked Emmy.

"Yeah," Emmy said with a bright smile and nod.

"Be sure to tell your friend with that son," Logan requested of Camille.

She gave him a knowing smile. "Oh, I will."

…

At seven, Logan was walking back into his building. "Hello, Logan." Jett fell into step next to him.

"Hi, Jett. You just get off work?"

"Yup. American Eagle was so boring today," Jett said. "Though I bet the library is worse."

Logan reached his apartment. "Something interesting actually happened today."

"Wh-"

"Bye, Jett." Logan went inside and shut the door in Jett's face. He hated being rude, but Jett needed it. "James?"

"In the kitchen!"

Logan walked through their living room and went into the kitchen. "Why are you eating Chick-Fil-A? Isn't that against our diet plan?"

"The girl who works there is totally into me. She gives me free nuggets when she's working. And I had a craving."

Logan opened the freezer and pulled out a microwavable dinner. "I take it this means we'll be going running at the park tomorrow morning."

"You know me so well," James said with a smile.

Logan put his food in the microwave. "Camille showed up at the library today."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah. Along with her daughter."

James choked on his soda. "Wh-what?"

"She has a five year old little girl," Logan said. "She looks just like Camille. Like a little clone."

"I can't believe she has a kid. You should tell someone that before you fuck them."

The microwave beeped, and Logan took out his food. "Would you not have slept with her?" He grabbed a fork and sat across James at their tiny kitchen table.

"Well, yeah. I still would've had sex with her. But I would have made it even more clear that I didn't want to pursue anything with her."

Logan chuckled. "She also doesn't want anything. Said she's not looking for a relationship."

"Well, good for her," James mumbled. "Kendall contact you at all?"

Logan sighed. "No. Why hasn't he called me, James?"

"Maybe he realized you're a spazz, and he'd rather date someone normal."

Logan glared at him. "I will stab you with this fork."

James chuckled. "See? That's probably the type of thing Kendall's avoiding." James stood and threw his garbage away. "Did you and Camille talk about anything besides her kid?"

Logan raised his eyebrows in surprise. "She asked me if I'd ever date a guy with a kid."

James turned around and stared at Logan. "Why would she ask a question like that?"

"I don't know," Logan admitted. "I thought it was a little weird too. Unless..."

"Unless what?"

"I need to think about the theory more before I share it."

"Alright... Well. I'm gonna go do some sit ups in the living room." James left the kitchen.

Logan continued to eat, alone with his thoughts. At the party, Kendall had asked Logan if he liked kids. He also said he and Camille bonded over a similar life situation. Camille had a kid. Camille asked Logan if he'd date a guy with a kid. She mentioned a friend with a son. Could it be that Kendall was that friend? Did Kendall have a son?

Logan cleaned up and went into the living room. "Maybe Kendall has a son?"

"Say what?" James halted his sit ups.

"I was going through the facts in my mind," Logan said. "Maybe Kendall hasn't called because he doesn't know how to tell me he has a kid."

"Logan, don't make up an imaginary child to explain why Kendall won't call you."

Logan walked up to James and kicked him. "I was using logic, mother fucker. I really think he has a kid."

"Than maybe you should consider giving Jett a chance."

"What? You've been so against the idea of me dating Jett!"

"I'm against the idea of you just fucking Jett when you know he wants more," James clarified. "It'd probably be easier dating him than a guy with a kid."

"I'm not into Jett that way! And now because Kendall might have a kid, you don't want me dating him?"

"Why would you even want to date someone with a kid?" James asked. "It must be such a hassle. The kid will always come before you. Dates will probably be canceled if the kid's sick. And if the kid doesn't like you, there goes your chances with Kendall. It's be easier to just suck it up and date Jett."

"I don't care about easy," Logan snapped. "I've been wanting to get to know Kendall for years. I had the best sex ever with him. I don't care how hard it'll be to get with him. If it turns out he has a kid, then he has a kid. That's not gonna stop me from getting with what could be the perfect guy."

"You're insane." James resumed his sit ups.

Logan kicked him again. "Fuck you!" He heard James laugh as he walked off to his room. He shut the door and sat on his bed.

He didn't have to work the next day. Maybe he would stop at Sherwoods and run into Kendall. Preferably when Kendall got off. Logan sent Carlos a text, hoping to get some information on Kendall's work schedule.

…

Logan parked in Sherwoods' parking lot. He took a deep breath and got out of his car.

The night before, Carlos told Logan what time Kendall got off work—five. Then he asked why Logan wanted to know. Logan told him part of the plan. He told Carlos he planned on "running into" Kendall once he got off work. He told Carlos he hoped Kendall would then be inspired to call him. After, Carlos told him that maybe he shouldn't. When Logan asked why, Carlos said, "I don't know." So Logan wondered what all that was about. And it made him just want to go through with his plan more.

Logan made his way to the back of the store. He knew there was a door for the employees back there near the dairy section. He figured he could tell Kendall he needed milk or something when he saw Kendall.

Logan walked through the cereal section and halted before he reached the end of the aisle. A little curly haired boy stood there, clutching a white bear. He was all alone and appeared to be holding back tears.

Logan cautiously went up to the little boy. "Are you OK?"

The boy didn't meet his "I'm not allowed to talk to strangers."

Logan smiled. "Smart boy." He held out a hand. "I'm Logan."

The boy took his hand and shook. "M-Mattie."

"Hi, Mattie. There. We're not strangers anymore. Where's your mommy?"

Mattie sniffled. "I don't have a mommy."

Shit. "Um. Your daddy?"

"I don't know! I was looking for him and got l-l-lost." Mattie's lower lip began to tremble.

"Hey. It's OK. We'll go to the front and they'll make an announcement. Then your daddy will come to you."

They started to walk and Mattie asked, "You're not gonna kidnap me, are you?"

Logan looked down at him, and into his eyes. He suddenly got a weird feeling that he had seen those eyes before. "I'm not gonna kidnap you. Promise."

"OK." Mattie grabbed Logan's hand.

As they got closer to the front of the store, Logan heard voices arguing.

"I can't believe you lost him!"

"I'm sorry! I turned around for one second and he was gone! You know he's never done this before!"

Logan was sure he knew those voices. He turned left and saw Kendall and Carlos yelling at each other.

"DADDY!" Mattie cried. And ran right up to Kendall.

Carlos looked relieved. Then saw Logan. His eyes widened. Kendall was holding onto Mattie for dear life, saying, "Never do that to me again."

Logan walked up to them. He stood there waiting for Kendall to notice him, and wondered how he'd react to seeing Logan.

"I'm sorry, Daddy," Mattie said. "I wanted to see you."

Carlos tapped Kendall's shoulder. "Uh, Kendall? The person who found Mattie..."

Kendall finally looked at Logan. Fear was evident in his eyes—and Logan realized he had seen Mattie's eyes on Kendall. Kendall opened his mouth a few times, but no words came out.

"Hi," Logan said, not being able to stand the silence.

"Logan..." Kendall began. "I... I wanted to tell you. I just... didn't know how."

Logan nodded. "It's OK. I, um, figured it out." He stepped closer to Kendall and Mattie. "He asked me if I was going to kidnap him."

Kendall laughed a little. "My mom and I have had talks with him about bad people stealing kids..." Kendall looked at Mattie, who was in his arms. "Mattie, say thank you to Logan for helping you."

Mattie sniffled and looked at Logan. "Thank you, Logan."

Logan smiled. "No problem, Big Guy. You did pretty good being lost. I cry like a baby when I get lost. You kept it together."

"You cry?" Mattie asked.

"Yup."

"But you're old like Daddy. Old people don't cry."

Logan laughed. "This old guy does."

"Carlos," Kendall said, "can you take Mattie outside? I wanna talk to Logan real quick."

"Sure." Carlos took Mattie from Kendall and headed outside.

"He had your eyes," Logan said to Kendall.

"I know," Kendall said with a sigh. "Listen. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about him. So sorry."

Logan saw that Kendall was no longer wearing the apron thing Sherwoods employees wore. He must have finished work when Logan found Mattie. "Is he the reason you didn't call me?"

"Yeah," Kendall admitted. "Some people run when they find out I have a kid. I wanted to figure out how to tell you."

"Well, I'm not running," Logan said.

Kendall smiled. "I see. Wait. You said you figured it out?"

"Yeah. Um. Camille showed up at the library with her daughter. She mentioned a friend with a son, and asked if I'd ever date a guy with a kid. Then I remembered some things you said at the party. I put it all together. I actually came here today to ask you about it."

"So... You don't have a problem with it?" Kendall asked. "It doesn't bother you?"

Logan shook his head. "No. Not at all."

Kendall let out what sounded like a relieved breath. "We were, um, about to go out to dinner. Can I call you tonight? I'll answer any questions you have."

"Yeah. Sure."

"Is, like, ten an OK time to call?"

Logan smiled. He was usually up until about two. "That's a good time."

"Bye, Logan. Talk to you later."

"Bye." Logan watched Kendall walk out of the store. Then he went to the door. He saw Kendall get into a car and drive off.

Logan left Sherwoods and hurried to his car. He got in, started the car, and drove as fast as he could to the mall. He was thankful it was a Tuesday, so there was plenty of parking. He parked, dashed to the nearest mall entrance, and ran at lightning speed for the Hollister.

James turned around from folding shirts, and looked at Logan with confusion. "Did you run here from home or something?"

Logan held up a finger so he could catch his breath. "I drove here from Sherwoods, then ran through the mall."

"Why?" James asked.

"Kendall-"

"Logan, I'm working. I can't listen to the tales of your love life," James said, turning away from him.

"I'm, like, the only person here," Logan said. James pretended to not be listening, so Logan went on, "I saw—met—Kendall's kid."

James turned around, eyes wide. "What?"

"I wanted to 'run into him.' I ended up helping his lost kid find his way back to him. The kid had his eyes. It's crazy."

"So, you were right."

"Oh yeah. Kendall's gonna call me tonight."

"What are you gonna do?" James asked.

"Talk," Logan answered. "So he won't think I hate him because he didn't tell me right away."

"And if he asks you out?"

"I'll say yes," Logan said. "I want to go out with him. So badly. You know that."

"Even though he has a kid?"

"Yes. Of course. The kid thing doesn't bother me, James. I don't know why it bothers you."

"He's out age and has a kid. What kind of life has he lived?"

"Just because he has a kid doesn't mean he's a delinquent," Logan pointed out. "Or was."

"Well, you should find out when he calls you."

Logan rolled his eyes. "If it'll make you shut up, I will."

"Good. Shit! My manager!" James hissed.

Logan grabbed a shirt and held it in front of himself. "Can I pull this off?" he asked as James' manager walked by.

"James, I know you're socializing," she said. "Get back to work." She continued to walk away.

"I'll see you at home," Logan said, dropping the shirt.

"Uh-huh," James responded, obviously miffed Logan got him in some trouble.

…

Logan was sitting on his bed, staring at his phone in his hands. It was 9:59. He was desperately waiting for his phone to ring. At exactly ten, it did. He quickly answered, "Hello?"

"Hi," Kendall said shyly on the other end.

"So..." Logan was just so relieved Kendall actually called, he didn't know what to say.

"You still not running?" Kendall asked.

"No way," Logan told him.

Kendall let out a breath. "Um. I assume you told James."

"Yeah."

"What did he say?"

Logan sighed. "He's wary of you."

"Because I have a kid."

"Pretty much."

"And it doesn't bother you at all?" Kendall asked.

"Nope."

"Why?"

"Well, it's not like you're a deadbeat dad, or something. You obviously take care of him. I'd think less of you if you didn't. And I'm not gonna judge you for your past. Unless you committed a crime..."

Kendall laughed. "I've shoplifted before."

"Well, that's not so bad. Have you been caught?"

"Nope," Kendall said proudly. He was quiet for a moment. "You haven't asked the important questions."

There were so many. Logan didn't know where to start. And he didn't want to offend. "At Sherwoods when I found Mattie, I asked him where his mom was. He told me he doesn't have one. Um. Where is she?"

"Her name's Sarah," Kendall said. "She was my first relationship ever. We started dating when we were in the eighth grade. We thought we were in love. So, the summer before Freshman year we started having sex. Because that's what people who are in love do. We were stupid. I look back on it now, and can't believe I started having sex that young."

"Did you guys use protection?"

"Yeah. I mean, they pounded that into our brains in Health class and shit. But a condom obviously ripped or something. In January, she told me she was late. I had no idea what she meant. Then she said she took a pregnancy test. Christ. I felt like I was going to pass out. When she told me the test was positive... I hadn't cried like that in years. I wasn't ready for a kid. I had only just turned fifteen."

"I can't even imagine," Logan said.

"Good for you." Kendall continued, "Sarah said she thought it'd be a good idea to get an abortion. All of a sudden, I got really protective of this... thing, I guess. I didn't want her to do that. Then she went on this rant about how it was her body, and she didn't want a baby. I told her that it was also mine, so I should have a say." Kendall took a deep breath. "We went to our parents a few weeks later. Her parents were all for the abortion idea. In addition to Sarah never seeing me again. My mom could see on my face that I didn't want that. So she pretended to be this hardcore pro-life person, and said she wouldn't let her grandchild get killed."

"Wow."

"I know," Kendall said. "We, uh, ended up making a deal with Sarah's parents. Sarah would keep the baby, and my mom and I would pay all of her medical bills and stuff that related to baby things. Sarah's parents didn't want a dam thing to do with it. I went and got a job—at Sherwoods—so I'd be able to help out. My mom and I considered having the baby put up for adoption. But as time went on... As Sarah's belly got bigger, and after seeing the ultrasounds... I started to fall in love with the baby. I knew it was selfish and he'd have a better life with a real family, but I wanted him. I knew I wouldn't be able to give him up. Sarah told me I was fucking stupid. She said our lives were already screwed up enough with just her being pregnant. Keeping the baby would just destroy our lives. She said we couldn't keep dating if I kept the baby. I had to choose between her and the baby. I picked the baby.

"We still kept in touch after the break up," Kendall went on. "My mom and I took her to appointments and stuff. My mom also got in touch with a lawyer. After discussing it all with Sarah and her parents, it was decided that after the baby was born, Sarah would sign away her parental rights. Sarah's parents didn't want us trying to get money from them, and my mom didn't want Sarah to one day try to take the baby from us." Kendall sighed. "I was freaking out when she went into labor. My mom, sister, and I met up at the hospital with Sarah's parents. My mom and I helped Sarah through the process while my sister took pictures." Logan swore he could hear a smile in Kendall's voice. "When he was finally born, Sarah refused to hold him. So the doctor gave him to me. It was so surreal. This little thing I was holding was a piece of me. When I said hi to him, he stopped crying. Like he knew who I was. That was probably the first time in my life I cried happy tears."

"Sounds amazing," Logan said quietly, wondering if he'd ever experience something like that.

Kendall cleared his throat. "It was. Um. A few days later, Sarah signed away her parental right, and the next month she transferred schools. We didn't talk anymore because she didn't care about Mattie at all."

"She hasn't contacted you at all over the years?" Logan asked.

"Nope. Not at all."

"Was it hard? Raising a kid in high school?"

"Oh yeah," Kendall said. "I feel bad for my mom. She was already a single parent with two kids. Suddenly she was a grandma, helping out with her grandson. We're lucky she runs a daycare. He goes there for free, and he had somewhere to go while I was at school and work. My grades slipped a bit that first year. My mom refused to get up in the middle of the night to feed him. And if I wasn't working, I had to be the one to bathe and change him. I was the person who paid for everything he needed. Well, paid for what I could. My mom helped out whenever I didn't have enough. Which was most of the time."

"And your friends?"

"Carlos, Jo, and Dak were the only ones who stuck by me. If we hung out, it'd be at my house since they knew I couldn't really go out. And they all offered to babysit for free if I needed it."

"You have pretty great friends."

"I do," Kendall agreed.

"So, how do you know Camille?"

"My mom signed me up for a teen parent support group a little while after Mattie was born. Camille was still pregnant when I met her. I, um, talked my mom into giving her a job at the daycare so Camille wouldn't have to pay for daycare service. She and her parents had no idea how they'd afford it back then. Her daughter and Mattie are actually best friends now."

"Aw. That's cute," Logan said.

"Yeah. So. Now you know about my kid and how he came to be."

"I do."

"Ready to run yet?"

"No," Logan said without hesitation.

"You are something else, Logan."

"I know."

Kendall chuckled. "I have off Friday evening. Do you wanna... give a date a try?"

"I'd love to."

I hope this chapter wasn't too... blah. I feel like not much went on. And I hope it didn't disappoint anyone... Hopefully, the next ones will be more eventful for you guys.