I would like to thank Franshes, winterschild11, annabellex2, Charlie-Rose94, cicibunbuns, and DeniseDEMD for all taking the extra time to review. Hugs and kisses being sent your way.
Chapter 30: Ignorance is Bliss
Kendall yawned as he made his way to the board room. He was required to sit through another boring meeting. He loves his job, most of the time. The board meetings he could do without. The only good thing was Kelly was required to sit through them as well. But wasn't the only one who had to sit through the torture.
Kendall walked into the room and saw Penelope was still setting up. She was putting folders out and setting up the display boards.
"Hey Pen, what's on the agenda for today?" Kendall asked. She didn't seem to hear him.
Kendall had noticed that ever since Penelope got back from visiting her family she had been a bit distracted. It was like something was bugging her.
"Pen," Kendall said approaching her. He placed a hand on her should getting her attention. She jumped and turned to face Kendall.
"I didn't hear you come in," Penelope said quickly.
"I noticed, is everything alright?" Kendall asked concerned.
"Oh yeah, I'm fine," Penelope said quickly.
"You sure?" Kendall asked slowly. Something just seemed off. Penelope wasn't acting like her normally bubbly self.
"Yeah, I just got some strange news over the Christmas," Penelope said waving her hand dismissively.
"What's wrong?" Kendall asked curiously.
Penelope sighed and hung her head. She lifted and looked up at Kendall. "They told me I was adopted," she said.
"Oh, wow," Kendall said.
"I know, I don't know what to think. I mean I'm twenty two. I am...I never really thought I looked like them much, but I didn't think I was adopted," Penelope said shaking her head.
"Hey it's ok Pen, look they took you in and raised you. They loved you when they didn't have to. They gave you a nice loving home right?" Kendall asked.
"Oh I had an amazing childhood, I love them but now I wanna know," Penelope said slowly.
Kendall placed an arm around his blonde assistant. She looked up at him. "Do what you gotta do Pen, just don't alienate your family. Adopted or not they love you."
"I know, I know. I love them and I don't want to forget them. Like you said they raised me," Penelope said with a smile. "What would you do?" She asked.
"Me? I don't know if I'd want to know," Kendall replied.
"Really?"
"Ignorance is bliss," Kendall replied.
"Not for me," Penelope said shaking her head. "I wanna know."
"So did they give you any idea as to where to start," Kendall asked curiously.
"Yes, they said she was a young actress from LA. She gave them a fake name so that doesn't help, but they have a picture. They just need to find it first . Once they do, I'll be able to start my search," Penelope said.
"Well, I wish you luck Pen, once you get the picture let me take a look. You're a few years older than Jake, if she's an actress I might've known her," Kendall said.
"Thanks boss," Penelope said smiling.
-We Are-
Kyle bit his lip as he stopped outside of the living room. Kendall and James were in there with Jenny.
It had been a week since Kyle had over heard Roldy and Jared talking. He was scared to confront Jared. He knew Jared probably would be evasive. He obviously didn't want Kyle knowing. He only logical solution was to ask Kendall. Once he asked him, there was no going back. Kyle wasn't sure if he wanted to know. Not knowing was driving him crazy though. What was it Jared didn't want him knowing?
Kyle sighed as he lost his nerve again. He turned to walk away and ran into something solid. He looked up at Kendall.
"You ok Kyle?" Kendall asked.
"Uh yeah, I just...uh," Kyle said slowly.
"If something is bothering you, you know you can tell me," Kendall said.
"I can't," Kyle said shaking his head. He walked past Kendall.
"What's wrong?" Kendall asked grabbing his arm.
"It's nothing, just me being paranoid," Kyle said shaking his head.
"Ok, if you're sure," Kendall said.
"I'm sure," Kyle said walking down the hallway. He stopped and looked at Kendall once more. He wanted to know, but he was scared of the answer he might get. "I'm gonna go up to my room," he said quickly. Kyle bolted up the stairs.
Kyle ran into his room and shut the door behind him. He leaned against it. His heart was racing. He was too scared of getting answers. Jared liked him for him, not because he was similar to Kendall. He needed to forget what he thought he heard and move on. He was imagining things.
"Don ask questions you don't want answered," he told himself. He pushed himself away from his door and walked over to his bed. He flopped down and pressed his face into his pillow. Why did things have to be so hard?
-We Are-
Carlos smiled at Logan who was sitting across from him. They had decided to take advantage of his night off. They had decided on a date night for them away from the kids.
"This is nice," Carlos said. They were in a booth that blocked them from view of most of the restaurant. They had a little bit of privacy.
"Yeah," Logan agreed.
"I'm glad the kids are at an age where we can leave them home alone and not worry about them," Carlos said.
"Don't you miss it though?" Logan asked.
"What, when the kids were little?" Carlos asked taken aback by his question. Logan nodded his head as he took a sip of his wine. "Yeah, but we did all that, we've raised the girls and we get to see the boys. I am so ready for them to move on to the next part of their lives. We've raised them as best we can and now we have to let them go and hope we did a good enough job," he said.
"Yeah, I guess it's just so odd knowing that Lilly is about to graduate and Layla is in high school already," Logan said.
"I know, and the boys. They will be graduating next year," Carlos pointed out.
"I know," Logan sighed. Carlos laughed and shook his head.
"Look at it this way, we did the kid thing and now we are ready for grandkids, in a few years," Carlos said smiling. Logan chuckled at that.
"Yeah, let's hope it'll be after high school at least," Logan said.
"Preferably college," Carlos said. Logan chuckled and nodded his head.
The two continued talk about the kids and whatever came to mind as they ate. It felt so nice to just get out and not have to worry about the kids. They didn't get out often and the last few weeks had been amazing. Neither of them wanted this to end, but reality would set back in. Carlos would be back to work soon. Date nights would go it the door. They both just wanted to spend as much time as they could with each other.
-We Are-
Lilly waved to Leora as she walked down the street hollering that she'd see her tomorrow. Leora waved back. Lilly quickly ran inside and called out to see if anyone was home. She got no answer. She walked into the kitchen and saw a note on the fridge.
Kids
Your papi and I went out to dinner for the night. Your on your own for supper. Behave, and don't burn the house down.
Dad
Lilly rolled her eyes and shook her head. Logan was so over dramatic at times. She put the note back and left the kitchen. She headed upstairs. She walked past Layla's bedroom and did a double take.
There in Layla's room was Layla and Erika. They were on her bed and seemed to be in their own little world. They were kissing and it didn't seem like this was the first time they had done anything.
Lilly's mouth closed. She smirked and walked over to the door and cleared her throat. The two sprang apart looking to Lilly shocked.
"Lilly," Layla said.
"Way to leave your door open Lay, be careful it might not be me next time," Lilly said her smirk still in place. "Erika, you should probably leave before our dads get home," she added as she walked away.
She walked into her room and sat down at her desk. She heard shuffling in the hallway and a quick good bye between the two love birds. She waited until Layla knocked on her door. She turned to face her little sister.
"This wasn't the first time was it," Lilly asked knowingly.
"No, you're not gonna tell dad and papi are you?" Layla asked nervously.
"I don't know, should I? You know you're not supposed to have her over of dad and papi aren't home," Lilly scolded her younger sister.
"I know, but..." Layla started.
"No buts Layla, you know the rules," Lilly said. Layla looked down at the floor biting her lip. Lilly sighed. "I know what it's like to be so in love Layla, just don't let her push you. Don't rush it either. You're only fourteen," she said.
"I know, it wasn't her idea. It was mine," Layla said sheepishly.
"Look, just be careful and school always comes first," Lilly said.
"I know," Layla said.
"Now, I'm not gonna tell dad and papi as long as you promise not to do it again. If I catch you two again I will have to tell them," Lilly said standing up.
"Really?" Layla asked shocked.
"Of course, just promise me you won't do that again," Lilly said.
"Promise," Layla said nodding her head.
"Now if you ever wanna go out on like a date with her, and not have dad or papi there I can take you two out and leave you be," Lilly offered.
"Thanks Lilly," Layla said.
"No problem baby sister," Lilly said. She stood up and gave Lyla a hug. Layla happily returned the hug and then left the room thanking Lilly once more.
Lilly sunk back into her desk chair. She sighed and turned to face the wall. She felt a small prang of hurt and jealousy at the thought of Layla being happy when she wasn't. At the same time she was happy that her sister was happy. She deserved to be happy.
Lilly grabbed her phone as someone knocked on her bedroom door. She turned expecting to see Layla again. She was shocked to see Kyle.
"Miles isn't here, I think he's out with Rion," Lilly said quickly.
"I know, I kind of wanted to talk to you," Kyle said slowly.
"Me?" Lilly asked. Kyle nodded his head and remained by the door. "About what?" She asked.
"I need some advice on something," Kyle said.
"Well come in then, we are still friends aren't we?" Lilly asked gesturing for him to enter the room.
"Are we," Kyle asked not moving an inch.
"I thought so," Lilly replied. What was he saying. Did he not want to be friends anymore. Was he still upset about what happened up at the cabin.
"Ok," Kyle said stepping into the bedroom. He shut the door and stood there a moment before walking over to her desk. He leaned against it. Lilly looked up at him expectantly.
"So what's up?" Lilly asked.
"Ok so I over heard something I don't think I was meant to hear," Kyle said slowly, almost as if he was choosing his words carefully.
"Have you talked to this person," Lilly asked.
"No I've been so scared. I mean they mentioned something that had me doubting and I just...I don't know what to think," Kyle said pushing off and the desk and walking away from her.
"Ok Kyle, I can't help you unless I know what you're talking about," Lily said.
Kyle sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He was really having trouble with this. Lilly stood up and made him face her.
"Look you can trust me Kyle," Lilly said softly. "I won't tell anyone," she said.
"I think Jared did something or maybe tried something with my dad before we started dating," Kyle said quickly. He took a deep breath and his shoulders slumped. It was like a weight had lifted off him.
"What?" Lilly asked her eyes wide.
"You promised," Kyle said quickly. He turned away from Lilly.
"I know, I won't tell, but what do you mean? What did you hear?" Lilly asked grabbing is arm to stop him from bolting.
"Well, I heard him and Roldy talking they mentioned something about not telling me about what happened with my dad and am I being paranoid?" Kyle asked as he sat down in her desk chair.
"No, I mean yes, but you should just talk to Jared. I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation, and if he can't give you a straight answer then you might need to rethink things," Lilly said slowly.
"I was afraid of that," Kyle sighed hanging his head. He lifted his head and looked at her. "Only you would be this honest with me. I needed that," he said.
"Your welcome," Lilly said.
The two fell silent. Kyle was looking down at his feet. He looked up at Lilly once more.
"I should go," Kyle said quickly with a smile. He jumped up. "Thanks again."
"No problem," Lilly said giving him a smile.
It hurt her to know that he was coming to her about relationship advice about Jared. They were friends though and she would help him no matter what. His happiness was what mattered.
-We Are-
Miles sighed as he leaned back against the wall in Lucas' room. The two had been hanging out at the mall when some people recognized them as the Mitchell twins.
Ever since the story about the two had come out everyone wanted to know them. They wanted to hear about their lives before they met. They wanted to know how things were now that they had famous dads. There was even people who thought they were liars and concocted this whole scheme just get some attention.
"How do you do it?" Lucas asked turning to look at his brother.
"I don't know, I've been friends with Kyle since we were five. I didn't care who his dad's were he had the big crayon box and the best toys. I've always had to deal with being friends with Kyle and the people that followed him. I guess I'm just used to it," Miles said shrugging.
"But still, it's annoying," Lucas said shaking his head. "And invasive," he added quickly.
"I know, but we talked about this once we found out. You agreed to allowed to be acknowledge them as you birth parents," Miles said looking at Lucas trying to gauge his reaction.
"I know that, I love them and it's awesome I know now, I never expected my dads to be famous though, you know," Lucas said slowly.
"Do you regret it?" Miles asked not looking at Lucas.
"No, I just...I wasn't ready for all this. As days go by it's not as shocking as it used to be, I'll probably always hate it, but I'll have to get used to it I guess," Lucas said.
"You know you can talk to dad and papi, they'll help you out. They've been going through this since before we were born," Miles chuckled.
"I guess," Lucas replied.
"Well at least you got it easy. You got away and had a family that cared for you," Miles said looking down at the floor.
"Not by choice. It was because I was a cripple. I had half a leg," Lucas said shaking his head.
"Yeah, but you barely know it. You adapted and no one knows unless you tell them," Miles said looking to his twin.
"Yeah, most people who find out are freaked and think it's weird," Lucas said shaking his head.
"Felicia didn't think so," Miles said.
"Yeah, but she graduated and went to college upstate," Lucas replied. "She's one in a million. No one wants to date a cripple."
"You'll find a girl, or guy, whatever floats your boat," Miles said shrugging.
"Either or, I'm not picky, and I know I will find someone who likes me for me and not who my dads are its just seems like with everything going...it's difficult," Lucas said shaking his head.
"I know the feeling, I met Rion by spilling lemonade on her. Rather than her yelling at me we laughed it off and hit it off right away," Miles said.
"I know, it'll happen when it happens," Lucas sighed.
"Come on, let's get out of here. I am so bored," Miles said jumping up.
"We were just at the mall," Lucas said.
"I know, let's go get something to eat. I'm hungry," Miles said turning to face Lucas, "I'll buy."
"Dude, you had me at food," Lucas replied standing up as well. The two left the room with Lucas telling his dad they were heading out for a bit and he would be back by curfew.
-We Are-
Jake sighed as he leaned back against the couch. He was sitting in his living room with Adam and Miri. Cooper and Damien were both working so they were hanging out.
"Does the morning sickness ever stop?" Jake asked looking to his brother.
"It's different for every pregnancy. With Miri I had it for most of my pregnancy and with Kendall here I had it maybe a month and here and there. Also with this pregnancy I've been craving more salty foods rather the the sweets I wanted with Miri," Adam replied.
"Were you scared?" Jake asked.
"I am terrified," Adam said looking down at his stomach. "I am terrified that I am going to mess this kid up so bad, or that maybe Miri won't like him," he said rubbing his belly.
"You won't mess the kid up. You love him, and Miri," Jake replied.
"If Coop and I can really stick this out then yeah, I think we might have a shot to get this right," Adam said.
"Just relax, we don't live in the future Adam. Just be happy with the here and the now," Jake said.
"I guess," Adam said. He gasped a placed a hand to his stomach with a smile. He grabbed Jake's hand and placed it on his stomach. "That is one of the most amazing feelings ever," he said.
"Does it feel weird," Jake asked leaving his hand there feeling his nephew kicking away.
"At first, but it's amazing knowing that there is a living growing being in there," Adam replied.
Jake looked down at his still flat stomach. He was terrified of what was to come, but he knew he had an amazing support system. He had his family and Damien's parents were excited. Everything would turn out in the end.
-We Are-
Jared sighed as he looked at his phone once more. He was with Noah and Roldy watching a movie, but his thoughts were elsewhere. Kyle hasn't texted him at all today. Kyle had been acting a bit weird all week actually. He was starting to get worried about the young blonde. He was racking his brain trying to think of anything he might've done to upset his boyfriend.
"Relax, I'm sure he's just busy with homework," Roldy said grabbing Jared's phone.
"Yeah, he's still in school remember," Noah added quickly.
"Quit it, I was just checking the time," Jared lied.
"Liar," Noah accused.
"Whatever," Jared said snatching his phone back from Roldy. He stood up and walked away from the pair.
"Aw come on Jer, don't get all pissy," Roldy said.
"I'm going to bed," Jared said waving at the two.
"Aw come on Jer, we were only teasing," Noah said jumping up and stopping the bleached blonde. "Is something wrong?" he asked.
"Honestly I don't know, I don't remember doing anything to make Kyle mad, but he's been avoiding me," Jared sighed as he sat back down.
"Come on Munroe think, what did you do?" Roldy asked.
"Nothing, I've been on my best behavior, I swear?" Jared said quickly.
"Well you had to have done something," Roldy said slowly.
"If I did it was unintentional," Jared replied.
"Well think hard and start kissing ass," Roldy said.
"Yeah, maybe get him something or plan something nice for the two of you," Noah said.
There you go. Lilly caught Layla and Erika making out. Will Layla keep her promise? Kyle went to Lilly for advice, should he listen to her and just talk to Jared? Will Lucas ever get used to the paparazzi? Will Lucas find happiness? Will Penelope find her parents? Will Jared figure out what is bugging Kyle? Will he tell the truth? There you go some things to think about. More to come and I love you all.
Always
OUTOFMYMIND