We Are
I'd like to thank winterschild11, jamesmaslowlover, annabellex2, cicibunbuns, RavenclawWitch18, and Tigers257 for taking the extra time to review. Love you guys.
Note: this chapter takes place over a couple days.
Chapter 37: Falling
Kendall sighed as he walked along the sidewalk. People were following him. They had been since the story about him and Jo having a love child broke. Kendall had talked to Jo and found out that Jo had told her son about having a sister and he got mad. He had spread word to the press. Jo hadn't shared any of Penelope's information to him. She was sorry that this happened. Kendall understood, but he didn't speak for Penelope. He told her he would get back to her about this.
Kendall continued to walk in silence as questions were shouted at him. It wasn't anything new. Kendall was used to it. This had been going on for a week now. He knew of he didn't address this soon, it would only get worse. He needed to talk to Jo in person and Penelope.
Kendall entered Rocque Records and was glad to have some silence. He quickly made his way to his office. He entered and saw Penelope already there. She had donuts and coffee.
"Pen?" he questioned.
"Coffee?" Penelope asked jumping up. "Cream, two sugar, shot of espresso and a hint vanilla," she said holding out a cup to him.
"You know you don't have to do coffee runs?" Kendall asked taking the cup from her.
"I know, I also have donuts, the jelly filled kind," Penelope sing songed.
"You don't have to do this you know," Kendall said looking at the donuts.
"I know, but I've learned that it's better to butter you up when someone wants to share news with you," Penelope said.
"Who told you that?" Kendall asked taking a sip of his coffee.
"Kyle's mentioned it a few times before and I asked Leora," Penelope said shrugging.
"What do you want?" Kendall asked arching a brow at Penelope.
"I think it's time we talk about what happened," Penelope said.
"Ok, if you don't want to pursue this anymore I wouldn't blame you," Kendall said.
"Actually the opposite really," Penelope said as there was a knock at the door. She jumped at the sudden noise. Kendall moved to the door and opened it. His jaw dropped as Jo pushed her way into the office.
"Kendall we need to talk," Jo said. She stopped when she spotted Penelope. She froze looking at her. "Oh my, you were right," she said slowly.
"Of course I was," Kendall replied. "Penelope this is Jo, and Jo this is Penelope," he introduced the two. He turned to Penelope. "I know this isn't how you imagined this moment," he added quickly.
"Hi," Penelope said simply. She was at a loss for words. Jo seemed to be as well. The two women stood there staring at one another.
"So Jo, what happened?" Kendall asked.
"I told Marty and he freaked," Jo said shaking her head. "I am so sorry about this."
"Marty is your son?" Penelope asked.
"Yes," Jo said turning to face Penelope again.
"So why keep him and not me?" Penelope asked.
"I knew this would happen. Look I was young and I wasn't ready. I gave you to a family I knew wanted you and would love you," Jo said.
"They did, I love my mom and dad, but I can't seem to wrap my head around why you gave me up and a few years later you had another kid that you kept," Penelope said.
"It's complicated, I can't change what I did or what Marty did. Just know that I never told him your name or anything about you. If you want this can all just go away," Jo said quickly.
"Go away?" Kendall asked.
"I'm not a coward, I knew what I was getting myself into," Penelope said angrily.
"I didn't say that," Jo said quickly.
"Then what were you saying? You don't want this to go public do you?" Penelope asked.
"Can I be honest?" Jo asked.
"Please do," Penelope said trying and failing to not sound angry.
"I put you out of my mind the day I gave you up. I didn't want to think about it and I trusted that I gave you to a good family. I never told anyone about it, not even Kendall. By the time I got back he was with James and they were happy together," Jo said quickly.
"And we still are, but you lied to me Jo," Kendall said looking to Penelope.
"Yes, but if I had told you the truth you might've left James and tried to do the right thing. I know you Kendall," Jo said.
"See that's where you're wrong, I never would've left James. I might've tried to convince you to keep Pen, but I would have never left James," Kendall said firmly.
"Really? Come on Kendall I know you. You would've done what you thought was right and come back to me. I didn't want that. You were happy, sorry I didn't feel like ruining it," Jo said crossing her arms over her chest.
"Sorry to burst your bubble, but you don't know me. I was in love with James an I still am. Nothing will ever change that. Am I upset that you never told me we had a daughter yes, but there is nothing that can change the past. All we can do is move forward," Kendall said firmly. "Now if you'll excuse me I've got work to do, you know where the door is," he said grabbing his coffee and donut. He started for the door. He stopped and glance back at Penelope. "Pen you coming?"
"Yes Boss, on your six," Penelope said with a grin. She picked up her coffee and followed Kendall who glared at the name boss. "Why do you hate me calling you boss so much?" Penelope asked as they walked along.
"It makes me feel old," Kendall replied.
"You are old," Penelope chuckled.
"Not yet, I'm not even forty," Kendall said.
"That's like what next year?" Penelope teased.
"Two years thank you very much," Kendall replied.
-We Are-
Jake yawned as he made his way up to the second floor of his apartment building. He couldn't take it. He was glad he only had morning classes. There was no way he would've made it to the end of the day. He was tired and achey and he had been puking all day long. He wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed and pass out.
Jake entered his apartment. He walked over to the couch and pulled out his cell phone. Damien had a few more classes and wouldn't be home for a few more hours. Adam was working most likely and Cooper was in classes as well. That left one person left to call. Jake quickly dialed the number. He pressed his phone to his ear as he waited.
"Hello?"
"Pops, are you busy?" Jake asked in a small voice. He almost felt like a kid again.
"Not particularly, why what's wrong?" James asked.
"I don't feel too good. I've been sick and I don't know what to do to make this better," Jake groaned.
"Hold on, I'll be over in a few. Tell me you haven't been taking anything off the shelf other then Tylenol," James said quickly.
"I have been taking anything, I don't know what's good for baby and what not," Jake admitted.
"I'll be over soon, I'll bring some mess and some soup," James replied.
"Thanks pops," Jake said with a small smile.
The two shared their good byes. Jake tossed his phone down on the coffee table, as he fell back into the couch. Jake didn't know why he couldn't shake this. He was hoping it was just a cold and nothing was wrong with the baby.
-We Are-
Kyle laughed as he listened to Jared share stories about him and the guys. Jared was telling him about all the mischief they had gotten into as kids.
"Wow, that sounds a lot like me and my brothers," Kyle said. "We were always scheming ways to get out of trouble or hide from dad and pops."
Jared smiled and nodded his head. Kyle knew Jared had to know some of this stuff already. They had dated before, even if he couldn't remember. There was proof on his phone and computer. Jared had been a big part of his life this last year.
"How are you feeling though," Jared asked.
"I don't feel so confused anymore. I mean everybody's been telling me things and trying to help. Bits and pieces are coming back to me," Kyle said.
"Oh really? That's good," Jared said.
"I remember this is from the bombing and that I was so upset about it," Kyle said touching the scar on his cheek.
"That was before we met, but if I am correct that is because you wanted to be a model at the time," Jared replied.
"Right," Kyle nodded his head. "Why did I give up that dream again?"
"You rediscovered yourself, you were really into music," Jared said.
"Right, I've been going through my computer," Kyle said.
Jared had helped Kyle with his computer password. Kyle had found a few recordings off things he had been working on. It was all amazing stuff. Kyle just wished he could remember where he was going with some of the stuff. It was hard to believe that he had even done some of it. It was almost something Kyle would've expected from Kendall.
"So, uh I've got a question," Kyle said slowly.
"Ask away," Jared said looking at Kyle with a smile.
"Did we ever...did we uh," Kyle said slowly.
"Sex?" Jared asked quietly.
"Yes, that," Kyle said blushing.
"Uh, yes we did," Jared said nodding his head. "We don't have to until you're ready. It took you long enough before and I am willing to wait. I will not rush you into something you're not ready for," he said.
"Ok, how about we go on a date first and see how this goes," Kyle asked.
"Sounds good to me," Jared replied. "So Valentine's Day is coming up, what do you say we got out then?" Jared asked.
"Oh, my birthdays is in a couple as well," Kyle said quickly.
"Yes, you'll be seventeen," Jared said.
"Weird, I feel like I should be turning sixteen?" Kyle said making a face. It was still hard to believe that he couldn't remember a year of his life.
"Well, I've heard you're only as old as you feel," Jared replied. Kyle laughed at that and Jared smiled. He liked knowing he could still make Kyle laugh.
"Yeah, so my dads are probably gonna have a family get together, do you wanna come?" Kyle asked shyly.
"I already invited myself along with the guys," Jared laughed. "I'm sure your dad is expecting it as well."
Kyle smiled at that. Thing with Jared felt so easy. It was almost second nature to him. What ever he and Jared had had before, it was real. It was strong and Kyle felt himself already falling for the blue haired man. He was so easy to fall for. Jared was one of a kind. Kyle could see why he had fallen for him in the first place.
-We Are-
James and Jake were sitting together in Jake's apartment. They were in the kitchen talking. Jake had been asking questions about pregnancy. James answered them as best he could. Eventually the conversation shifted and they talked about anything that came to mind.
"How are you feeling?" James asked.
"Better," Jake said nodding his head.
"So you know if things get bad you can talk to your doctor. There is a difference morning sickness and excessive vomiting," James said.
"I know pops, I have an appointment coming up next week," Jake said nodding his head.
The door opened and Damien walked into the apartment. Tito followed him. The pair were talking and laughing. They stopped when they spotted James.
"Oh, Mr. Knight I didn't realize you were here," Damien said.
"I was just leaving," James said standing up. He gave Jake a look before he turned and left the apartment.
"What's up?" Jake asked looking to the two.
"I invited Tito over to play video games. Jules is out of town and he's been bored," Damien said referring to Tito's girlfriend.
"Ok, have fun I'm gonna go lay down. Don't make a mess and if you order food clean up after yourself," Jake said.
"Yes dad," Damien and Tito replied in unison.
"Very funny," Jake said glaring at the two.
-We Are-
Adam quickly made his way to the Carmichael's residence. Mina was babysitting Miri today. It was good for Miri to spend some time with Hank. They were related after all. He reached the door and rang the doorbell. He waited for someone to answer the door. He was impatient. He wanted to see his daughter.
The door opened to reveal Mina. She greeted him and let him in.
"Hey, how was she?" Adam asked.
"She's been a prefect little angel," Mina said quickly.
"No, seriously how was she?" Adam asked. There was no way Mina was talking about his daughter. Miri was almost two now. She left a path of destruction in her wake.
"She was great, her and Hank had lots of fun," Mina said laughing.
"I don't believe we are talking about my little monster princess anymore," Adam replied. Mina laughed again and shook her head. She led Adam to the living room. Miri and Hank were playing.
"Oh stop it, Miri is just a sweet little girl," Mina said nudging Adam lightly.
"I think we are talking about two very different little girls. My Miri is a princess who leaves a path of destruction on her wake. No toy left untouched," Adam said.
"Sure, I think you're being a bit over dramatic," Mina said.
"Maybe, would you mind helping me get her out to the car?" Adam asked.
"Not at all," Mina replied.
She walked over to Miri and picked her up. Adam gathered her things. Mina asked her mom to keep an eye on Hank for a moment while she helped Adam. The two walked out to the car talking about Miri still.
"Thanks again Mina," Adam said as he leaned against the driver's side door that was open.
"No problem, I'm happy to do it. I'm done with school now and I have nothing but work and Hank now," Mina said waving her hand.
"Gonna take classes at UCLA? Coop misses having you around," Adam asked.
"Definitely," Mina replied with a smile. "So when is this little boy expected to arrive?" she asked looking to Adam's round belly.
"Two more months," Adam said.
"You excited?" Mina asked.
"Among other things," Adam said nodding his head. "Excited, scared, anxious, there a million things running through my mind."
"You'll be ok," Mina assured
"I hope so," Adam said.
-We Are-
Noah laughed as Roldy hovered over him, his hands moving over Noah's rib teasingly. The pair was goofing around. They were alone in the apartment. Noah had been teasing Roldy all day. Roldy was fed up and trying to torturing Noah the only way he knew how; tickling.
"Stop! I'm sorry," Noah gasped.
"I don't think you are," Roldy said laughing. He let up on tickling the brunette though.
"You are so mean," Noah parted.
"Is this mean?" Roldy asked leaning down and kissing his boyfriend.
"No," Noah sighed happily.
Roldy sat back and looked down at the brunette below him. He was so in love with this boy. Nothing would ever change that. He could never get enough of Noah.
"What?" Noah asked his cheeks flushing a light red. "Is something wrong?"
"No, I just love you is all," Roldy said smiling down at Noah.
"I love you too," Noah said sitting up pushing Roldy back.
Roldy sat back. Noah smiled and pecked him on the lips.
"God Noah, I love you so much," Roldy said leaning in and pressing his lips to Noah's in a fierce and passionate kiss. Noah smiled as they parted.
"You're such a goofball," Noah chuckled.
Roldy leaned in and pressed his face into the crook of Noah's neck. This moment felt so perfect. It made Roldy sure of how he felt and what he wanted out of life.
"Marry me," Roldy said.
"What?" Noah asked jumping back from Roldy.
"Noah in serious, I love you more than anything. I want to spend my life with you, marry me please," Roldy said looking into Noah's eyes.
"Of course I'll marry you," Noah said throwing his arms around Roldy in a hug. He pressed his lips to Roldy's in another kiss. "I want a ring though, so everyone can know." He said.
"Wait here," Roldy jumped up. He ran to their bedroom. He started digging through the drawers and pulled out the ring box.
Roldy had been contemplating asking Noah to marry him for some time now. He had been sure of his feelings. It was Noah he was worried. He didn't want to ask unless he was sure Noah would say yes.
Roldy quickly returned to the living room. Noah gasped as he saw the box. He stood and met Roldy half way. Roldy smiled.
"I've known how I felt for awhile now. I want to do this proper," Roldy said sinking down to one knee. Noah's hands flew to his mouth and tears came to hair eyes. "Noah Rodgers you are the love of my life. I can't imagine living without you. Will you marry me?"
"Yes, a million times yes," Noah said excitedly.
Roldy smiled and took the ring from the box. He slipped the ring onto Noah's finger. Noah didn't wait any longer. He crashed their lips together once more.
"Whoa, keep it in the bedroom!"
Noah and Roldy sprang apart. They looked to the doorway and saw Jared and Matt had entered the apartment. They both blushed and looked down at the floor.
"Sorry," Roldy said his cheeks heating up with embarrassment.
"Oh my what's this?" Matt said running up to Noah and grabbing his hand. Jared was right behind him.
"About time," Jared said clapping Roldy on the back.
"Kendall's gonna have a field day with this," Matt said.
"But I'm sure he'll be happy," Jared said quickly.
"Yes and this is means for celebration," Matt said quickly.
"Yes, it is," Noah said happily. He looked down at his ring with a smile and then up to Roldy. He couldn't help the grin that found its way onto his face.
-We Are-
Miles made his way up to Kyle's bedroom. The blonde had texted him asking him to come over. Miles had let himself in. James wasn't even surprised that he didn't knock anymore. Miles knocked on Kyle's door and opened it.
"Dude, about time," Kyle said turning around in his desk chair.
"What's up?" Miles asked.
"I've got a few questions," Kyle said slowly.
"Ok, I thought we did all this already? Your name is Kyle, and I am Miles your best friend," Miles said slowly.
"Screw you," Kyle said tossing a book at Miles.
"Rude," Miles said batting the book away. He sat down on Kyle's bed and looked at his friend. "What do you want to know?"
"I need to know something," Kyle said.
"Anything dude," Miles said slowly. He wasn't sure what Kyle was getting at.
"It's about Jared," Kyle said slowly.
"What about him? Couldn't you ask him?" Miles asked confused.
"I've heard his side," Kyle said slowly. "I need another point of view."
"What do you wanna know?" Miles asked. He would help Kyle out no matter what it took. Kyle was his best friend.
"How quickly did we move?" Kyle asked slowly.
"What do you mean?" Miles asked.
"I mean like when did we go public? Why would I ever put myself in the spotlight like that?" Kyle asked slowly.
"Oh you guys went sorta public on Halloween. I mean he reveal he was dating someone. You didn't reveal it was you until Thanksgiving, after a month of speculation and you chickening out," Miles explained.
"Oh," Kyle said.
"Yeah, you guys never seem to do anything lightly. It's go big or go home right," Miles asked.
"I guess," Kyle said. He sat back, thinking deeply.
"Is something wrong?" Miles asked.
"No, he's been so patient and answering all my questions. He's great," Kyle said a small smile playing across his lips.
"Ah, I see you're already falling for him again," Miles said quickly.
"Is that weird?" Kyle asked worriedly. "It's only been like a week."
"Dude it's been almost a year. You may not know it consciously, but somewhere deep down you're feelings for him are still there," Miles said.
"When did you get so deep?" Kyle asked looking at his friend shocked.
"I've always been deep, you just never listen," Miles replied without missing a beat.
"Right," Kyle said skeptically.
"Don't doubt my abilities," Miles snapped.
"Sorry your highness," Kyle said sarcastically.
The pair shared a look and started laughing. Miles was glad that through everything, Kyle was still his friend. They were still as close as they had been when they were younger. Through the years the pair had only grown closer. They were practically brothers. It was that bond that made Miles be Kyle's go to person for any problems he had.
-We Are-
Leora yawned as she made her way down to the kitchen. It was her and Kyle's seventeenth birthday. James had woken her up and told he was was gonna start making pancakes. Leora usually helped him, even on her birthday.
She entered the kitchen and saw James and Kendall were already up. To her surprise Jared was there as well. He was talking with Kendall. The three looked to Leora and greeted her.
"Hey Jared, what are you doing here," Leora asked.
"I invited myself over," Jared replied with a grin. "Happy Birthday by the way," he added. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small wrapped box. He tossed it to the blonde.
"For me?" Leora asked confused.
"Well yeah, it's your birthday too. I don't think it's fair that I get Kyle a gift and not get you one," Jared replied.
Leora unwrapped the box and opened it. Inside was a pair of earrings shaped like angels. Leora gasped and looked up at Jared.
"Kyle told me you like angels, and I figure you like jewelry. You're always wearing something," Jared replied.
"Thank you," Leora said with a smile, "You do know Kyle's not even awake yet," she added almost as if it were an after thought.
"I could go wake him," Jared offered jumping up.
"Or you could sit back down," Kendall said quickly. He stood up as well.
"It was worth a shot," Jared replied with a shrug.
Kendall left the kitchen, shaking his head. Soon the front door opened and closed. Jake and Damien entered the kitchen. Jake smiled at Leora and gave her a hug wishing her a happy birthday. He looked to Jared surprised.
"What are you doing here?" Damien asked.
"What, I can't come to wish my boyfriend a happy birthday?" Jared asked.
"I guess, we just expected you to show up later for the party, not breakfast," Jake replied.
"Well I'm full of surprises," Jared replied as Adam walked into the kitchen. He was holding gifts for Kyle and Leora.
"Hey Le, happy birthday, I hate to do this but I won't be able to make it to your party later I have to work so here," Adam said holding a gift out to his sister.
"Thank you Adam, and it's ok I know you gotta work," Leora replied with a smile. She then gave him a hug.
"Hey Jared, what's up?" Adam asked looking to Jared.
"Nothing much, just here to wish Kyle and Leora a happy birthday," Jared replied.
"Why do I have to be up at this ungodly hour?!"
"Kyle's awake," Adam said.
"Is he always this pleasant in the mornings?" Jared asked.
"Only on days that end in y," Jake replied. Everyone started laughing.
"Oh my god could you guys be anymore obnoxious? It's not even six o'clock yet," Kyle asked irritated as he walked into the kitchen.
"Yeah, we just like pissing you off this early in the morning," Adam replied.
"Bite me," Kyle snapped glaring at his brother.
"Is that an invitation?" Jared asked. Kyle's head whipped to the side shocked to see Jared. His eyes were wide.
"What are you doing here?" Kyle asked as he ran from the room embarrassed.
The kitchen filled with laughter once more. James and Leora set about making breakfast. Everyone settled into mindless chatter.
A few minutes later Kyle returned. He was dressed and a bit less grumpy. Everyone wished him a happy birthday. Kyle made his way over to Jared.
"What are you doing here?" Kyle asked.
"I wanted to see you and wish you a happy birthday," Jared said grabbing the present off the counter. He held it out to Kyle.
"Oh, you didn't have to get me anything," Kyle said his cheeks red.
"Just open it," Jared chuckled.
Kyle unwrapped the present. It was a framed picture of the two of them. They were sitting together on a blanket. Kyle was behind Jared with his arms around him. They were laughing at something. Kyle was looking at Jared like he was his whole world. Kyle wish he knew what it was. Despite now knowing what this was or what it meant, Kyle loved it. It was real and showed that they really did care about each other.
"When was this taken?" Kyle asked.
"This last September, before the guys and I left for tour I think, Noah took it. I thought you might like it," Jared said slowly.
"Thank you," Kyle said smiling. Jared smiled as well. Kyle could tell that this day was going to be a good one.
-We Are-
Lilly bolted from the cafeteria. Something wasn't sitting with her right. She needed to get to the bathroom. She burst into a stall. She fell toner knees as she puked her guts out.
"Lil?"
Lilly flushed the toilet quickly. She exited the stall and saw Leora, Rion, and Jayda looking at her worriedly. She hadn't said much when she left.
"I'm fine, just something I ate," Lilly said quickly.
"Are you sure?" Leora asked looking at her skeptically.
"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" Lilly asked confused.
"Well, I asked you for a tampon the other day and you didn't have one," Leora said slowly.
"Yeah so, I'm not on my period so what," Lilly said.
"Lilly we've been synced up for awhile now your usually a few days before me," Leora said.
"No, no don't even go there," Lilly said shaking her head.
"Have you had sex recently?" Jayda asked.
"You guys this isn't funny. I'm just a little-oh shit," Lilly said.
"What's his name?" Rion asked.
"I think I'm gonna be sick again," Lilly said hand flying to her mouth.
Lilly felt queasy. Was it possible? She turned and bolted back into the stall puking again. There was no way. She wasn't that stupid.
Lilly exited the stall once more. The other three were looking at her.
"You guys are nuts. In a few days I will get my period and you guys will feel stupid for even suggesting this," Lilly said.
"Who is it?" Rion asked.
"I've got to get to class," Lilly said walking past them. She really didn't want to talk about this.
So there you go another chapter done. Kendall told Jo off, how will this affect things? Will Penelope face the press? Can Jared make Kyle remember him? How will Kendall take NoRo's (NoahxRoldy) news? What wrong with Lilly? I'm sure you all know, or do you? That's all I got for now without sounding too repetitive. That is it for now, more to come. Hope you enjoyed.
Always
OUTOFMYMIND