Chapter 9: That's What Makes You Mine
Kendall rushed around the kitchen getting breakfast ready for Jenny and trying to get all his paperwork together. He had a week and a half before Inside Joke went on tour. He had so much to do and then James had his job offer to think over. He owed Marty a decision soon.
"Kendall have you seen my phone?" James asked walking into the kitchen. He gasped and ran over to Jenny who was banging his phone on her high chair tray.
"I'm sorry James, I turned my back for one second. She had her giraffe," Kendall said pointing to the stuffed animal on the floor. James just nodded his head and looked over his phone. Once he deemed it fine he dialed a number and left the kitchen with his phone pressed to his ear talking to someone.
Kendall turned to Jenny and set a bowl of oatmeal in front of her. She quickly dug her hands into it. Kendall walked to the doorway and looked out.
"Kyle! Leora! Hurry up or your gonna be late for school," he hollered.
Leora ran down the stairs. She looked at Kendall with a smile. "It's career day no school. I'm going with Lilly who's shadowing Carlos," she said before taking off out the door. "Pops already signed the permission slip," she added.
Kendall walked back to the kitchen with Jenny. She was happily making a mess. She was getting more oatmeal on her self than in her mouth. Kendall smiled at her knowing this was a fleeting mom et he had had to cherish it while he still had time. She was growing up and wouldn't be his innocent little girl soon.
Kyle followed James into the kitchen arguing with him. James seemed to be annoyed with his son. It seemed Kyle hadn't chosen someone to shadow for career day. "Come on pops it's one day," he said.
"Kyle I don't have time for this today," James sighed.
"Come on you signed the permission slip and I don't want to go to school today," Kyle said.
"What's going on?" Kendall asked.
"You can shadow your father, I've got too many things to do today," James said.
"What?" Kyle and Kendall asked simultaneously.
"Yes, you always shadow me which consists of you sitting around doing nothing. At least at the studio he can put you to work. Besides I'm sure your teachers are tired of hearing about what I do," James said.
"I have so much going on James, I have to get the guys ready to tour in a week in a half. I've got paperwork that needs to be done and I have to get hotels booked and the guys have rehearsal and..." Kendall started.
"Kendall please, I've got a million things to do today," James started.
"And I don't? The guys are going on tour soon," Kendall said.
"I have never felt more wanted in my life," Kyle said sarcastically. "Pay attention Jenny this might be you one day," he said to his baby sister.
"Knock it off Kyle," Kendall said.
"Look, you can lock him in your office or let his mess around in the studio. I am going to all over the place today. I am bringing Jenny to your mothers and then I am gonna be running all over today. I've got a fitting for a shoot I have at the end of the week, I've got a meeting with Marty and Gia wants to do lunch because she wants me on the show. I've got a million and a half things to do. At least at the studio he can find something to do and stay out of your hair," James said, his tone held a finality to it. There was no room for argument.
"Yeah just let me chill in one of the studios and mess around. I already know how what you do for a living so writing the report will be easy. Just give me a guitar and you won't hear a peep from me," Kyle said with a smile.
"When was the last time you even picked up a guitar?" James asked his son.
"Hey I took those lessons for years. You don't forget pops," Kyle said.
"Fine, hurry up and eat I have to go in half an hour," Kendall said. Kyle quickly made himself a bowl of cereal. Kendall led James out of the kitchen.
"You're meeting with Gia Hiddleston? Are you accepting the offer?" Kendall asked.
"I don't know, Gia and I did a shoot a few years back. We are friends, and she just wants to catch up," James said, "Besides you and the kids all said you'd support me," he added.
"I know, I know, I'd just really like to know what you plan on doing so I can plan around it because I have to leave for tour in less than two weeks. I need to know if I have to cut my plans short or not," Kendall said quietly.
"Filming for the show doesn't start for a couple months Kendall, they had auditions which I will need to be at and then there is like a month between that for the show to start," James said.
"I know that, but if this goes good the boys will go overseas with Icsis and I can't let them do this alone. This has the potential to be a nine month tour" Kendall said.
"Ken, we will cross that bridge when we get there," James said patting Kendall's arm. "Calm down and breathe. Let's just get through today," he said. Kendall sighed and nodded his head. James leaned in and kissed the blonde.
"Gross Jenny!"
The two returned to the kitchen and saw Kyle had a bowl of oatmeal on his shirt and on his face. The two tries to stifle they laughs as Kyle halted at his sister.
"That's the last time I try to help," Kyle muttered annoyed. He quickly left the kitchen to go change muttering the whole way about how awful Jenny was.
-We Are-
Jared groaned as he rolled out of bed. He got dressed and dragged himself out to the kitchen. Noah, Roldy, And Matt were already there talking and eating.
"I made breakfast," Noah said pointing to the stove. There were eggs and bacon there. Jared thanked him and quickly made himself a plate.
"Hurry up, we have to get going," Matt said.
"Will you relax, I just woke up. We don't have to be into the studio for like a half hour yet and it's ten minutes to the studio," Jared said.
"We've got so much we have to do Jared, we've got fittings and rehearsals and Kendall's got a new song for us to look at. We also have a meeting with TBA," Matt said.
"You forgot to say eat," Jared said. "Can't work on an empty stomach, right Ro?" He asked grinning holding a fist out to the blonde.
"My thoughts exactly," Roldy said bumping fists with his best friend. "Don't want to be passing out during rehearsal now do we?" He asked looking at Matt.
"You guys knock it off, Matt's just trying to make sure we're there on time. Kendall's been under a lot pressure and we don't need to add to it by being late. Matt's just being cautious," Noah said.
"Thank you Noah," Matt said.
"When did you get so uptight? Is Roldy rubbing off on you?" Jared asked with a wink. Noah's face flushed red and he looked down at his hands.
-We Are-
Miles followed Lucas and Gerald into the the garage of the fire station. Lucas had talked Miles into joining him and his dad for shadow day. He wanted them to get to know each other a bit better. Gerald was currently giving the two a tour of the station.
"This is so cool," Miles said as they walked around the trucks.
"Thank you Miles, at least someone is interested," Gerald said looking to Lucas.
"I've been taking these tours since I was five," Lucas said looking at Miles. "Sure this is a different station than the one I grew up in, but it's basically the same," Lucas said shrugging.
The three finished their tour and headed up to the kitchen/lounge. There was TV and several magazines. Miles and Lucas sat down on the couch and grabbed some magazines while Gerald joined one of his friends at the table in the small kitchen area.
"So Lucas, what is this about," Miles asked lowly.
"What?" Lucas asked confused.
"You tried so hard to get me to come here rather than with Papi, you've got something to ask me or talk to me about," Miles said knowingly.
"Who is Kyle seeing?" Lucas asked. "I'm not dumb," he added.
"I promised I wouldn't tell," Miles said putting his hands up. "I don't betray my friends trust like that. All I have to say is he's happy and moved on," he said.
"I get it, but he keeps leading Lilly on. I see it in the way she looks at him. She's still hung up on him and it's not cool for him to do that to her," Lucas said glancing over at Herald who was absorbed in his own conversation.
"Whatever you think Kyles doing, he's not doing on purpose, he just wants to be friends and move on from their break up. Lolly is being a whiny baby about it. It's been months and she refuses to move on," Miles said.
"That's our sister you're talking about," Lucas reminded him.
"I know, but you don't live with her. She all mopey and sometimes I think she does it on purpose. She's trying to get sympathy and it gets tiring. She needs to grow up and move on. Relationships come and go," Miles said.
"I guess, so what the drastic changes are a cry for attention?" Lucas asked slowly.
"Exactly," Miles replied with out missing a beat.
The two sat in silence taking in what the other had said. Lucas wasn't sure what to think about what Miles had said. Was Lilly just looking for attention. Was Miles bing too cynical.
-We Are-
Leora and Lilly followed Carlos around the set. He was giving them a quick tour of the set and introducing them to people. The girls were loving it and having fun.
"Oh you must be Carlos' daughter Lilly."
The group turned and saw a Latina girl standing a few feet away. She had mocha colored skin and big brown eyes and long black hair what was slung back in a low ponytail.
"Hi, yeah," Lilly said with a smile.
"Girls this is Emily, she plays my daughter Carla on the show," Carlos said with a smile.
"Carlos has been talking about you all week. It's nice to meet you," Emily said.
"You too, this is my best friend Leora Knight," Lilly said.
"Carlos you're needed on set," a crew member said.
"I can take over the tour for you if you'd like Carlos," Emily offered. Carlos nodded his head and thanked her. He apologized to the girls and followed the crew member.
Emily had the girls follow as well. They watched a few of Carlos' takes. He was shooting a scene where his character was scolding his two youngest kids for breaking the rules. It would go good for a bit until one of the two would start laughing or Carlos would mess up a line.
"Ok now you saw the set, let's go see the dressing rooms," Emily said with a grin. She led the two girls down a hallway. She showed them each dressing room and everyone's was different.
Once they reached Carlos's dressing room Lilly and Leora were shocked too see a the room was decorated in Christmas lights and had random figurines all around.
"Ok I need some explanation," Lilly said looking at Emily.
"Long story short your papi is so much fun. We had a party last season and we all gave him gifts and he brought them back and set them all up," Emily said.
"Hey Em, have you looked at the new script?"
The girls turned around and saw a tall Latino boy standing a few feet away from them.
"Tony, this is Carlos' daughter Lilly, and her friend Leora Knight. This is Tony our newest cast member," Emily said making introductions.
"Hi," Lilly said smiling at him. Tony greeted the girls. The four made their way to Emily's dressing room talking and laughing.
Lilly took a quick interest in Tony and he seemed just as interested. Leora and Emily didn't bother the two. They were obviously flirting and they've to want to get in the way of that.
"Not that it's any of my business but why are you two here today?" Emily asked Leora.
"It's career day at school and rather than go to a job fair we got the option to shadow a working adult for the day," Leora said.
"Nice," Emily said nodding her head.
"Yeah, I mean we have to write a report, but it doesn't seem like it'll be that hard. Carlos went over most of the technical stuff on the way here," Leora shrugged.
"Yeah, Carlos is pretty cool," Emily said.
"Papi? Cool? You've got to be mistaken," Lilly said looking to Emily. Emily laughed and shook her head.
-We Are-
Kyle was wondering the halls of Rocque Records. He was bored out of his mind. Kendall had sent him to his office for the time being, but that got boring. Kyle quickly found the guys in the studio. Kendall wasn't around yet.
"Hey Kyle," Noah said alerting the others to his presence. Kyle grinned as Jared whipped around. He smiled at the blonde.
"What are you doing here?" Jared asked.
"It's career day at school and I am not going to a stupid job fair. I got stuck shadowing my dad," Kyle said.
"I'm sure that's what he wanted," Jared said.
"Oh please he already knows. He's been trying to catch us for weeks now," Kyle said waving his hand dismissively.
"Good to know," Jared said.
"So you guys getting ready for tour?" Kyle asked changing the subject.
"Yeah, it's exhausting," Noah sighed dramatically. Roldy chuckled and shook his head.
"It's actually pretty fun," Matt said, "this is so much different than our last tour though," he added.
"I'll bet, you'll be on tour with Icsis, they're actually really good, like out of your league good," Kyle said.
"Thanks for reminding us," Matt said.
"Sorry, look I've been around music my entire life. I know the difference between a great band and a mediocre band. Icsis is great. They got four amazing albums out and their new one looks to be just as amazing. Then you guys are pretty good too. I mean if my dad would realize that Noah's more of a tenor than Matt you guys would be so much better off. And then TBA, don't even get me started," Kyle said.
"Started on what?"
Kyle turned around and saw the five girls that made up the band TBA; Jackie Stix, Frankie Stine, Maggie and Naomi Slater, and Suzie Sheridan. They were all looking at him questioningly.
"Jackie, it's good to see you again," Kyle said smiling at her. "In case it isn't obvious I still have changed my mind. Your guys music is mediocre at best," he said.
"Kyle," Kendall said shocked.
"It's ok, Kyle and I have an understanding. He's honest and I respect that. I mean he's grown up in the music industry and he knows his stuff, but he can be wrong occasionally. I mean our gold record seems to prove that," Jackie said.
"Talk to me when you've gone platinum," Kyle said.
"Ok enough," Kendall said hushing his son. He didn't need him offending the girls. They were here to meet Inside Joke anyways. He introduced the girls to the guys and pulled Kyle aside.
"Oh relax Dad I met them all at Caleb's birthday party. I shared my opinions with them then and Jackie likes my honesty. I'm not about to compromise what I believe in just so their egos can be stroked," Kyle said.
"Still, enough," Kendall said. Kyle ran a finger over his lips zipping them.
"Alright guys, the girls want to see what you've got," Kendall said returning to the two bands.
"Yeah, show us what we're working with," Frankie said looking at the guys.
"Just sit back and relax," Jared said cockily.
-We Are-
Jake was at the park with Miri, Adam, Damien, and Mason. Jake had asked Adam to use Miri as the subject for one of his photography classes. Adam had agreed and what turned into a simple shoot turned into a full on outing with everybody. Damien was bored, and Mason still hadn't been able to get a flight out to Minnesota. The airline was arguing with him over his ticket and asking him to pay again. It was a whole thing and Jake didn't mind too much that he was still here. Mason helped out when he could and mostly stayed out of the way.
"Ok Miri, look at uncle Jake and uncle Day," Adam said turning his daughter around. Miri looked at the pair with the biggest smile. Jake snapped a few pictures.
"Day have her come over here," Jake said. Damien crouched down and called Miri over. She toddler over and Jake snapped more pictures. She hugged Damien as Jake continued to take pictures.
"Not only am I gonna get an A, but Tess and all the other girls will love these pictures," Jake said shaking his head.
"You know when you said you'd be at the park I didn't expect you to be using my daughter as your model."
Jake turned and saw Cooper walking up to them. Miri ran over to him. Jake took some pictures and grinned at Cooper.
"It's for an assignment," Jake said, "besides she's been playing too."
"Sorry Cooper, I uh said it was ok. It's not like she hasn't had her picture taken before," Adam said slowly.
"I know that, I just wasn't expecting it," Cooper replied. He shifted Miri on his hip.
"I need some candids for class. Miri seemed to be the perfect model. She's a little ham too. She knows what picture means," Jake replied.
"She's a big ham," Cooper agreed.
"Her stuff is in Jake's car, I can go get it for you," Adam offered.
"Uh sure," Cooper said. He just noticed Mason who was standing by Damien. Adam quickly dragged him away. "So that's the friend he brought back from Minnesota?" He asked.
"Yes, his name is Mason Dawes," Jake said.
"Apparently Jake and Mason go way back," Damien added with a laugh. Jake nudged his husband.
"I don't care if their dating, I'm kind of seeing someone," Cooper shrugged.
"How did that go?" Damien asked.
"My dating life is a warzone. Miri got sick halfway through my date so I had to leave by not before mentioning I had a daughter. I haven't seen him since," Cooper said.
"Ouch, maybe he's not the one," Jake replied.
"Maybe, I've been avoiding him. What college student willingly wants to date a teen dad?" Cooper sighed.
The three fell silent as they waited for Adam to return. Jake and Damien both didn't know what to say to Cooper right now. They knew he was going through some hard times,
-We Are-
Carlos groaned as the director yelled cut again. They had been running the same scene for hours. He hoped he was happy with the last take. Carlos didn't want to do this again.
"That's a wrap on for this episode. Someone find me Em and Sherri for the mother daughter scene," the director called.
Carlos took that as his cue to leave. He knew he wasn't in that scene at all. Carlos quickly made his way to his dressing room looking for Lilly and Leora. He found them in Emily's dressing room with Tony. Lilly and Tony were sitting to close together for his liking. He cleared his throat and the four looked at him.
"Em you're needed on set," Carlos said.
"Really? Took you that long?" Emily asked.
"Crane is a perfectionist. I think we're in for a long day," Carlos replied.
"Yikes, I'll do my best to be quick," Emily replied with a wink. "You two wanna see a real actor at work?" She asked looking at Lilly and Leora.
"Sure," Lilly said standing up. Carlos only rolled his eyes. He followed the girls back out to set. Emily headed off to make up to get her wardrobe and makeup fixed. Carlos kept the girls to the side and out of the way to watch the scene.
"So papi, your dressing room looks pretty cool," Lilly said quietly.
"Oh, Emily took you there?" Carlos asked.
"Yeah, it is pretty cool," Leora said nodding her head in agreement.
Carlos smiled at the the girls as it was hollered for quiet on the set. Carlos pulled the girls aside a little more. He was glad that they seemed to be enjoying themselves. He was a little worried about Lilly and Tony though. They had been sitting way to close for his liking. He had been on set for almost two hours without her around. Who knows what happened.
-We Are-
Inside Joke had shown TBA what they were dealing with. The girls were impressed and even gave some advice to the guys. Kyle had watched and even given some advice, that Kendall agreed with.
"So how'd your second album coming along?" Frankie asked the guys.
"It's going great, we almost have it ready. We just have a few more songs to try and figure out," Jared said.
"Yeah, Jared's working on a song and refuses to let anyone hear it until it's done," Roldy said nudging the bleached blonde.
"No it's not that, it's just it's..." Jared trailed off.
"Personal?" Jackie asked knowingly.
"Yeah," Jared said.
"Most of the best songs are," Kendall said looking at Jared.
"We'll yeah, but it's still rough," Jared said nervously.
"With that attitude you'll never let anyone hear the song," Maggie said.
"I know, I just..." Jared said.
"Come on Jared, it's a really good song," Noah said quickly.
"You've heard it?" Roldy asked looking at Noah shocked.
"He's a pest and wouldn't leave me alone," Jared said.
"Just sing the song Munroe," Matt said annoyed.
"Yeah," Noah said running over to the acoustic guitar in the corner. He grabbed it and ran over to Jared. He held it out to the bleached blonde with a smile.
"Alright, but you have to help since you helped me with it," Jared said walking over to his duffle. He pulled out his notebook and tossed it to Noah.
Jared and Noah sat down on a pair of stools together. Everyone in the studio moved to watch them. Jared looked at Kyle who was watching him intently.
Jared swallowed thickly before he started strumming on the guitar and singing.
"I know you think love songs are cheesy, you said your wedding dress won't be in white, you're not one to make things easy, cuz when you're wrong you still know that you're right, said I'm not the type you fall for, but this trip is taking us so far," Jared sang.
"I never thought we'd be together, but now look at where we are," Noah joined in smiling over at Roldy. He gave him a playful wink.
Jared and Noah harmonized on the chorus. Noah let Jared shine through since this was his song.
"You're not a typical kind of beauty, and you're always dressing down to spite, you only go to indie movies, and you hate it when the story turns out right," Noah sang with a smile.
"You make a scene whenever you want to, no surprise when they all stop and stare, you never care what people say about you, all they get is a finger in the air," Jared sang with a grin. He saw Kyle give a small smile before he caught himself.
Matt and Roldy quickly joined the two for the chorus. They were looking at Jared's notebook over Noah's shoulder. The four of them harmonized perfectly.
Kyle looked at Kendall who was staring intently at the four. Once they finished Jackie and the girls all clapped.
"That's amazing, for a rough song," Naomi praised.
"Thanks," Jared said.
"Is if for someone special?" Susie asked with a grin.
"Uh...yeah," Jared admitted. "Really special," he added.
A door slammed shut and everyone jumped and looked to the door. No one seemed to notice what was wrong.
"Where did Kyle go?" Noah asked finally. Everyone looked around and saw he was gone. Kendall turned to look at Jared and he was gone too as the door slipped shut.
"Should I even be surprised?" Kendall asked looking to other three.
"They were trying to find a way to break it to you," Noah said stepping up. "With us leaving soon they were putting it off," he added. Kendall just nodded his head and followed the two. Kelly quickly followed Kendall with a worried expression.
"Wait was the song about Kyle?" Jackie asked confused. The guys all nodded their heads. "Isn't he still just a kid?"
"Yeah he's like Caleb's age isn't he?" Frankie asked looking at Jackie.
"Age is but a number, it shouldn't matter when you're in love," Noah replied.
"Yeah but isn't Jared nineteen? I can see why Kendall wouldn't be too happy with it," Suzie said.
"I agree with Noah," Maggie said, "Age shouldn't matter, but unfortunately it does to some people. If words gets out about Jared dating a sixteen year old the press will have a field day and make this seem like a bad thing. They'll spin him as the bad guy and Kyle as the victim."
The guys opened their mouths but closed them. They let Maggie's words sink in. She was right. If the press did get a hold of this information, it could ruin the bands image. Not only was Kyle under age, but he was their boss' kid. This could spell chaos for the band.
-We Are-
Kyle slipped into the recording studio. He couldn't believe that Jared had sung that song in front of Kendall and him. It's like he wanted to out them. Kyle had told Jared that he didn't want Kendall knowing just yet. He wanted to break it to his dad gently. He wanted ease him into it, and when he was in a good mood.
The door opened behind him and Kyle looked to the door. Jared was standing there. He smiled sheepishly at the blonde.
"Are you nuts," Kyle snapped at him.
"They talked me into it. I'm sorry, I couldn't think of anything else," Jared said.
"Oh yeah, took a lot of convincing didn't it?" Kyle asked.
"Kyle, this wasn't something we wanted to hide forever. We did want to tell him and your pa," Jared replied.
"Yes, but when he was in a somewhat good mood. Not when he's stressed over the tour and all the meetings and everything," Kyle replied coolly.
"You sometimes I think you don't want to tell your dads," Jared snapped getting annoyed with the blonde.
"I do it's just, well you saw how my dad reacted last time," Kyle sighed. He turned away from Jared. He didn't want to admit that Jared was right, he didn't want to tell Kendall. He wanted their relationship to last as long as possible.
"I know Kyle, he looked ready to murder me," Jared replied.
"You didn't have to listen to the yelling and the threats. He will never accept us. He's stuck on the age difference thing. Most people would be," Kyle said looking down at the ground.
"What are you saying?" Jared asked confused as he stepped up to the blonde. He placed a finger on his chin and made him look up. Kyle bit his lip and turned away from him.
"Will this work? We are too different Jer," Kyle sighed.
"That's what makes us work," Jared said with a smile. "You challenge me and make me look at things so differently. That's what makes you mine," he said giving Kyle a charming smile. Kyle chuckled and smiled at the bleached blonde.
"My dad is gonna kill you," Kyle said shaking his head.
"Yeah, but at least I'll go with the thought that I had an amazing few months with the greatest guy I've ever dated," Jared said.
"Ass kisser," Kyle snorted. He took a step closer to the older teen. "You are so lucky that flattery works on me," he grinned. He pulled Jared close and kissed him. "Oh and I liked the song, it was ok for a love song," he said.
"Thank you, I worked hard on it," Jared replied.
"I know, I really liked it Jer," Kyle said smiling. Jared grinned and pulled the younger teen closer for another kiss.
-We Are-
Cooper yawned as he looked down at Miri who was sitting on the floor playing with her dolls. She was content for the moment. Cooper just wished she would go to sleep so he could fully focus on his homework.
Cooper turned back to his laptop and started on his history paper again. He had so much to do and having to get up to chase Miri around wasn't helping.
Cooper jumped as his phone pinged. He glanced over at Miri before pulling it out. He saw he had a message from Jace.
Hey, can we talk?
Cooper bit his lip. He wasn't sure what he would want to talk about. This was Jace breaking up with him wasn't it? There was no way Jace wanted to date a teen dad. Cooper replied and waited for Jace to reply.
Instead of a text his phone started ringing. Cooper answered it quickly and cursed himself silently for being eager.
"Hi," Jace said simply.
"Look Jace, I wasn't lying. I do have a daughter and she comes first. I'd understand if you don't want to get involved with someone like me," Cooper replied.
"Cooper I didn't doubt you," Jace said with a chuckle. "I don't have a problem with kids," he added.
"Oh," Cooper said slowly.
"What I need to know, is your ex," Jace said slowly.
"Yeah, it's over between us, it wasn't a good break up, but he's still a part of Miri's life," Cooper said.
"Miri?" Jace asked.
"Oh yeah, that's my daughters name," Cooper said blushing.
"If you're not busy I'd like to get together and talk," Jace said.
"I've got Miri right now," Cooper said looking at his daughter. She was babbling away with her dolls.
"I'd like to meet her if that's ok," Jace replied.
"Uh, sure," Cooper said slowly with a smile. "Where would you like to meet up?" He asked.
"There's a small park near campus," Jace said.
"I know where that is," Cooper replied quickly.
"Ok then meet me there in twenty minutes," Jace said.
Cooper agreed and the two said their good byes. Cooper closed his laptop and jumped up. He quickly set about getting Miri ready for the park. She loved the park and was excited to go again.
Once they were ready Cooper grabbed her diaper bag and a doll for her. He brought her down stairs to the car. Ten minutes later they were at the park. Cooper texted Jace that he would be by the play equipment.
Cooper let Miri play in the sandbox and sat on the bench hear her. She was having fun playing with her doll in the sand. Cooper smiled and looked around to the other kids.
"You got here quicker than I thought," Jace said sitting down next to Cooper. Cooper looked over at him surprised to see him there already.
"Yeah, I take Miri to this park all the time," Cooper replied. He stood up and picked Miri up. He brought her over to Jace and made the introductions.
"Hi Miri," Jace said smiling at the little girl. Miri buried her face in Cooper's shoulder. "She's so tiny, hold old is she?" Jace asked.
"Almost a year and a half," Cooper said. "She was born prematurely that's why she's so little," he added.
"Ah I see," Jace said. "She's adorable." He added.
"Thanks, most people seem to think so," Cooper replied. He let Miri go back to the sandbox.
"Ok so I have a confession," Jace said.
"Don't tell me you have a kid too," Cooper said.
"Kind of, I have a niece sort of, she not really my niece, but she calls me uncle," Jace said.
"Oh," Cooper said.
"It's Stan's little girl Zelly," Jace said with a smile. "Actually her name is Zelda and her papa is Stan's ex Les, they are totally cool now and friends. He'll even Nate and Les are friends. Zel is almost four and I adore kids."
"Oh," Cooper said.
"Yeah I don't have a problem with kids, what I want to know is are you over your ex? Are you just trying to get back at him by dating someone else I hopes he'll come back to you or what? I don't mean to sound harsh either, but I don't want to get involved with someone who isn't fully ready to be in a relationship," Jace said.
"I get it, and no Adam and I didn't end on good terms. We are however trying to make things work. I've got full custody of Miri right now, I'm hoping we can work out an arrangement for fifty-fifty. I'm not one hundred percent over him yet, but after what he did to me I don't think I can fully forgive him. I do want to move on and I really like you Jace," Cooper said glancing over at Miri. She was playing with a little girl about four. Nate was sitting a little ways away watching them. Cooper returned his attention to Jace.
"What did he do? If you don't mind my asking," Jace asked.
"He walked out on us about three months ago. He only came back a couple weeks ago. At first I wanted to forgive him. It was my fault he left. And then when he didn't come back I gave up hope. And then I met you and well...You know," Cooper said blushing slightly.
"Are you really over Adam?" Jace asked.
Cooper sighed and looked down at his hands. That was the million dollar question. Was he really over Adam? Cooper wasn't sure how he felt about Adam. He was so mad at home for leaving him, but he still cared deeply about Adam. He wanted nothing more than to forget Adam and at the same time he wanted him back in his arms.
"I don't know," Cooper finally said. "I don't know what tomorrow brings. I don't know if I'll ever forgive Adam fully. I don't know that I won't say no if he wanted me back."
"Cooper."
"Yesterday is history and today is a mystery. You just gotta take it one step at a time Jace. Relationships aren't always easy, and set in stone. I don't know what will happen tomorrow. I just know that right now my life is a mess. You make me happy and able feel again. I'd totally understand if you didn't want to go out again," Cooper said looking over to Miri once more. She was oblivious to what Cooper was doing. She didn't care right now, she had a new friend.
"I see," Jace said slowly.
"I get it, I'll just go," Cooper said standing up. Jace jumped up as well. He stopped Cooper.
"Wait, I didn't say no," Jace said leaning in and pecking Cooper on the cheek. Cooper blushed and looked away. "Your honest and I like that. Relationships are about taking risks."
"So, how about Friday we go out again. I'll leave Miri with Adam and we can actually have a date, alone," Cooper said with a small smile. Jace agreed and the two walked over to the sandbox. Jace introduced Zelda to Cooper and Miri. She was excited to make new friends.
-We Are-
"I don't see what the big deal is," Kyle said annoyed as he walked into the house with Kendall hot on his heels.
"Kyle I told you, you weren't aloud to see him," Kendall replied equally as annoyed with his son.
"Hey at least it's one guy and I'm not whoring myself out. I mean I could do a lot worse than Jared," Kyle argued.
"That's not what this is about Kyle. He's practically twenty," Kendall said.
"Yeah I know dad, and I'll be seventeen in a few months," Kyle replied walking into the living room where James was sitting with Jenny on the floor. He looked up at the two.
"What's going on?" James asked standing up.
"Dads found out I've been seeing Jared behind his back," Kyle said looking to James before turning to Kendall. "You're just jealous he wrote a song for me," he added.
"Don't even try, this isn't about me it's about you. Kyle you are only sixteen. You are still a child," Kendall said raising his voice.
James picked Jenny up and left the too. Saying he would be up stairs with Jenny. Kendall and Kyle were alone once more. They continued arguing.
"I'm not a little boy anymore dad. You have to stop treating me like I'm five. I'm sixteen. I'm growing up," Kyle spat back at his dad.
"He's an adult and you're a kid. He's also leaving for tour soon and..." Kendall trailed off.
"Do you think I don't know that. He'll be on tour for like three months and that more than enough time for him to forget the last four months we've had together. I just wanted as much time with him as I could get. I really care about him dad," Kyle said tears in his eyes.
"You also cared about Lilly, look how that turned out. Relationships come and go Kyle," Kendall said.
"Lilly and I were doomed from the start," Kyle muttered. "I thought I loved her, but it was just me doing what was expected of me. You all said Lilly and I would get married someday and I wanted so bad to be the guy Lilly deserved. Then I started questioning myself and then I met Jer and things just kind of fell into place," he explained.
"Kyle," Kendall said softly.
"No dad you said it, relationships come and go. What I'm feeling will pass, it's just a phase," Kyle snapped. He turned to leave but Kendall cut him off.
"You really care about him?" Kendall asked.
"Yes I do," Kyle said walking over to his backpack he had tossed aside when he come in. He pulled out a notebook and opened it and handed it to Kendall. "You and Leora aren't the only writers in the family," he said.
Kendall read over the page Kyle had showed him. He flipped through the notebook and the pages were full. He closed it and looked at his son. Kyle was looking at the floor embarrassed.
"Kyle," Kendall said softly, "is this really how you feel?"
"I really really care about him dad. I've never wanted anyone more than I have him," Kyle said, "I know this feeling may not last, but right now it's what I want. I love him," Kyle said.
"Ok then," Kendall said, "I just want you to be careful and I can keep him in line in tour," he said.
"That's it," Kyle asked.
"Kyle I've known for a couple weeks now and I've had time to let it sink in. If this is what you want I'll support it. I'll stop any press attacks too," Kendall said.
"Thanks dad," Kyle said. He threw his arms around Kendall in a hug. Kendall hugged him back.
"Some of these songs are really good. Have you ever thought of a music career, maybe as a song writer," Kendall asked.
"I've thought of a lot of things dad," Kyle replied, "I never wanted to be in the spot light not after everything I went through as a kid. Then modeling seemed like something I wanted, but I don't know anymore," he said.
"You don't have to decide now Kyle, you've got time to figure things out," Kendall said. Kyle nodded his head.
"You're done already?" James asked walking into the room. Kyle looked Kendall who nodded his head. Kyle ran from the room with his phone in his hands. "Did I miss something?" James asked his husband.
"It's ok James, I worked it out," Kendall replied.
"Good, cause I have something I need to tell you," James said smiling sweetly at the blonde.
"Why do I feel like this is gonna be something bad?" Kendall asked.
"It's not bad, Gia talked me into doing the show," James said.
So there you go Jared sang his song to Kyle and Kendall knows and is cool with it. Is he really? Lilly met someone. Miles is annoyed with Lilly playing victim, will this affect his relationship with his sister? James accepted the job offer, will his affect his family life? His relationship with Kendall? Inside Joke is leaving for tour, can Jared remain faithful? Cooper have another date, will they last? Will Adam get in the way?
So many questions so little time. Sorry this took so long. I've been a bit busy and stuck on this chapter. I hope you enjoyed. Also I'm sorry for lack of shout outs again my laptop is being worked on and hopefully it isn't dead. I'm doing this all on my iPod.
Always
OUTOFMYMIND