We Are
I'd like to thank winterschild11, annabellex2, RavenclawWitch18, cicibunbuns, Charlie-Rose94, and Sir RCCS for taking the extra time to review.
Chapter 41: Growing Up
Jared yawned as another random guy walked into the room. He was sitting with the guys at a table in the dance studio. It had been transformed into a audition room. They were holding an open call for dancers for their music video.
The guys were making a music video for their song That's What Makes You Mine. They had found a director that they liked. His concept was to have the guys sitting together singing and have footage of the guys with their significant other or in Jared and Matt's case actors.
The audition process was long and boring. The guys would ask questions and it usually ended in Jared sending him away with a promise to be in touch. As soon as he left Jared would make snarky remarks as to why he wasn't right for the part which would aggravate Kendall and their director, Dominic Vasquez. Eventually Kendall and Dominic left to talk.
"Will you stop, we have to get this done," Roldy said nudging Jared.
"I'm sorry, it's just not working for me," Jared sighed.
"Come on, not even Matt's being picky. He's got a few favorites," Noah said looking to Matt.
"You two have to remember that Jared wrote this song with a certain person in mind," Matt replied.
Jared didn't say a word. He just looked away from his friends. They didn't understand. They probably never would. Jared didn't do this to be a jerk. He was protecting himself from getting hurt. It was only a matter of time before Kyle and Lilly got together. It would be better that way. They were having a kid together after all.
"I think I need some air," Jared muttered. He quickly left the room. He started down the hallway.
Jared just needed to get away from his friends. He loved them all to death, but was tired of listening to them tell him he was an idiot. They all weren't happy about what he had done. They all voiced their opinions as well. Jared didn't care though. This wasn't about them. It did not involve them. They would never understand what he was going through, or why it had to be done.
Jared wandered around the halls until he found his way back to the studio. The guys were leaving telling him that Kendall had called it a day. Jared just nodded his head and followed them towards the lobby. They saw Kendall exit his office with Kyle right behind him. They seemed to be in the middle of an argument.
"You are being so unfair," Kyle said.
"No I'm not, you are too young," Kendall replied turning to face his son.
"You were sixteen," Kyle countered.
"That's different," Kendall said.
"How?" Kyle asked.
"It was the only chance I would ever get and it wasn't even for me. I did it for someone else," Kendall said.
"Kelly thinks I'm ready," Kyle said defiantly.
"You're not ready for this Kyle. This discussion is over," Kendall said firmly. He left no room for argument.
"You always tell us to shoot for the stars and follow our dreams. Now that I know what I want to do you're telling me no? I'm getting mixed signals here," Kyle said annoyed.
"This isn't open for discussion," Kendall said shaking his head.
"Fine, whatever," Kyle brushed past Kendall. He noticed the guys watching them for the first time. "Enjoy the show?" He asked sarcastically as he left the lobby.
Kendall turned and saw them. "I told you guys you could leave," he said gathering himself.
"Sorry."
The four apologized quickly. They all knew better than to bug Kendall when he was mad, or upset. It was better to leave him alone.
The guys quickly bolted from the building. The stopped in the parking lot. They saw Kyle pacing back and forth by his car. He too looked upset. The guys all moved to go talk to him. Jared quickly stopped them. They all looked at him.
"We can't all go over there, so wait here," Jared said taking off. He didn't give them a chance to protest.
Jared approached the younger blonde slowly. Kyle looked up at him and glared. Jared hadn't been expecting a warm welcome.
"What do you want," Kyle snapped.
"That looked rough," Jared said conversationally.
"What do you care?" Kyle asked annoyed.
"You think you're ready to start recording your own music?" Jared asked moving past the blonde and leaning against his car.
"How did-" Kyle started.
"I know you Kyle, if that's what I think that was about you have to make him listen," Jared cut the younger teen off. "If you're passionate about this make him listen. Record something and make him sit down and see how ready you are."
"Why do you even care? You haven't even talked to me in like a month," Kyle said glaring at Jared.
"Ah yes, the awkward art of moving on," Jared chuckled.
"Whatever you wanna call it I still think you're an idiot," Kyle said rolling his eyes. "Now if you'll excuse me I have to go."
"Kyle you're talented and I know you're ready for this, don't listen to him," Jared asked as he pushed himself off the car.
Kyle just got into his car and left. Jared stood there watching him drive away. A month later and it still felt like his heart was being ripped out. It didn't matter though. This was what was best. Kyle would see that he was right, eventually.
-We Are-
Miles followed Kyle down the hallway. He was texting Rion. She was out of school sick.
"If she's sick shouldn't she not be on her phone?" Kyle asked nudging Miles in the side.
"Well yeah, but she texted me first. She just wanted to talk to me for a bit," Miles said smiling.
"Oh god you've become on of those couples," Kyle said making a face.
"Shut up," Miles said shoving Kyle. Kyle just laughed and took off ahead of him.
Miles texted Rion one last time, whisking her well and that hopefully she would get better quickly. He pocketed his phone and ran to catch up with Kyle.
"So what have you been up to lately dude?" Miles asked.
"What do you mean?" Kyle asked arching a brow at his friend.
"You disappear for hours after school and won't tell anybody where you've been going," Miles said quickly.
"I've been busy, sorry," Kyle said slowly.
"Tell me you're not still moping over Jared," Miles demanded.
"No, I'm not," Kyle replied.
"Then what the hell have you been doing this last month?" Miles asked.
"Can you keep a secret?" Kyle asked turning to face his friend.
"No, have you met me?" Miles asked laughing.
"True, but it only needs to be kept for a few more days," Kyle said.
"What?" Miles asked curiously. Kyle was being all mysterious. Miles just wanted to know where he was disappearing to all the time.
"Come with me," Kyle said turning and taking off. Miles stood there confused for a moment. He then took off after his friend.
The two exited the building. Miles couldn't help but feel like they were going to miss lunch. He was curious to see what Kyle was up to as well. Kyle led him over to his car. He got in and dug out his laptop bag.
"What's this?" miles asked as Kyle started tapping away at the keys on his laptop. He offered Miles his headphones in response.
"Listen," Kyle said holding out the headphones.
Miles took them. He didn't quite understand what this meant. What did this have to do with anything. Music started playing. Miles didn't recognize the song at all. He looked at Kyle confused before he realized that it was Kyle singing.
"Dude, your dad is letting you record music?" Miles asked shocked once the song ended.
"Not exactly," Kyle said taking his headphones back. "He doesn't think I'm ready yet, but I want to prove to him that I am. Kelly has been helping me do some recording behind his back."
"Dude that's awesome," Miles said pointing to the laptop.
"Thanks, I've got another song I'm recording as well. I just want to show him that I am serious about this and nothing he says is gonna change my mind," Kyle said.
"Dude, that would be so awesome. You have talent," Miles said quickly. Kyle smiled at that.
-We Are-
Lilly slowly walked through the halls. No one at school, other than her friends, knew she was pregnant. She was two months along now. People were going to find out sooner or later. Lilly wondered what people would say about her. Would they write her off as just another statistic? Would they encourage her to still presume her dreams? Would they even care?
Lilly stopped at her locker. She saw Leora standing there. She gave her a quizzical look.
"You skipped lunch," Leora said simply.
"I'm not hungry," Lilly replied.
"Lilly you have to eat sometime. This isn't healthy," Leora said lowly. "Especially for the little one."
"Stop," Lilly said looking around.
"Sorry, but you can't keep doing this. In just worried about you Lil," Leora said.
"I'm fine, I'm just not hungry," Lilly said moving to her locker. She opened it and started grabbing her books she would need for the afternoon.
"If you say so," Leora sighed.
Lilly looked to Leora shocked. She had been treating her different lately. She seemed to lose her patience quickly and gave up pestering her. Lilly knew that she was being difficult, but she had a lot to deal with. Then again, so did Leora.
"Are you ok Le?" Lilly asked, "I know I'm being difficult and I'm sorry."
"Huh, what no it's not you Lil, you've got a lot on your mind and my idiot brother pestering you isn't helping," Leora said quickly.
"Yeah, I know that, but are you ok?" Lilly asked again.
"I'm fine," Leora said waving Lilly off. "Don't worry about me Lil."
"Are you sure?" Lilly asked as she shut her locker.
Lilly may have had a lot on her mind, but she did notice the change in Leora over the last month as well. She had become a bit moodier and had less fight in her lately.
"I'm sure, let's just get to class," Leora said pushing herself away from the lockers. She started down the hallway.
"If it's something with Caleb you can tell me. I'll kick his ass for you," Lilly offered.
"It's not Caleb, we're fine," Leora assured her friend. "Thanks for the offer though. I'll keep that in mind."
Lilly let it go at that. Leora obviously didn't want to talk. This wasn't the time or place for this either. Lilly entered her next class. She took her seat.
Lilly couldn't focus though. She was still thinking about Leora's strange behavior. She was mentally cursing herself for not noticing sooner. She would get to the bottom of this. Lilly had to stop worrying about herself and take notice of the people around her. She had been so absorbed in her own drama, she hadn't realized that something was up with Leora until now. It made her feel like a bad friend. She would have to find a way to make it up to the other blonde.
-We Are-
Carlos sighed as he fell back onto the couch in his dressing room. He was t needed for anything right now. He was taking a break and he was going to enjoy it. Life had been so hectic lately. He just wanted a break from it all.
Carlos couldn't stop thinking about Lilly and her decision to give the baby up. He wasn't happy with it, but it was her decision. He would have to learn to accept it, no matter how much it hurt. Carlos had been thinking about grandchildren. Ever since Miri had been born, Carlos had felt the pull for another baby around. He knew he didn't want anymore kids, so the only reasonable answer had been grandchildren. Lilly had given him that and then ripped it from his grasp. He wasn't mad at her though. This was a very grown up thing to do, at least that's what he told himself.
"You look exhausted."
Carlos opened his eyes and looked to the doorway. Selene was standing there looking at him. He gestured for her to come in. She joined him on the couch.
"Can you keep a secret?" Carlos asked.
"Of course, I'm an amazing secret keeper, remember?" Selene asked with a wink. Carlos' cheeks flushed red.
"That was one time and it was an accident," Carlos mumbled.
"Yes, and I haven't told a soul," Selene laughed. "So what's on your mind?" She asked.
"My daughter is pregnant," Carlos said lowly.
"Oh," Selene said shocked.
"Yeah, and to top it all off the wants to give the baby up for adoption," Carlos said.
"Oh," Selene said.
"Yeah, things have been a bit stressful at home," Carlos sighed.
"Hey it's ok, have you talked to her about this? Maybe she's just being rash. I mean she's probably scared," Selene said reasonably.
"I guess, but is it selfish that I don't want her to?" Carlos asked slowly.
"No, not at all. I mean that is your grandchild," Selene said quickly.
"I want to respect her wishes, but with everything going on with Kendall and Jo, it's just...I don't want to put this kid through that," Carlos said slowly. That was only half the reason. He just wanted another baby around. This was the perfect excuse to get one.
"Have you talked to her about all of this?" Selene asked.
"No, but with her the more I'm against this the harder she will push to do this," Carlos said.
"You have to share how you feel about this. She won't know if you never tell her how you feel," Selene said.
Carlos sighed and hung his head. She was right. He had to speak up before it was too late. Lilly needed to know how he felt. Maybe she would change her mind, or they could come up with a different idea. Carlos just needed to talk to Lilly.
"Why do kids have to grow up?" Carlos asked.
"It's a part of life," Selene replied.
"Boo," Carlos said giving her a thumbs down. Selene laughed and stood up.
"It will all work out in the end, just have faith," Selene said as she left the room.
Carlos hoped that she was right. He wasn't sure he could stand to watch Lilly give this baby up.
-We Are-
Layla yawned as she listened to her history teacher drone on about some big battle that happened forever ago. She didn't care much for history. It was boring. She felt a pen jab her arm. She looked over to Millie. Millie pointed to her desk. Layla looked down and saw a note there. She looked up at Millie confused. Millie just shrugged.
Layla picked up the note. She looked to the teacher. She had her back to the class. Layla slowly opened the note. She started reading before she crumpled the paper up. She quickly hid it in her notebook. She felt Millie jab her again. She looked back to her. Millie was looking at her confused. Layla just shook her head.
As soon as the bell rang, Layla jumped up and quickly exited the classroom. Millie was right behind her. Layla didn't bother looking back.
"Who left that note?" Layla asked.
"What?" Millie asked.
"Who put that note on my desk?" Layla asked rounding on Millie.
"I don't know, I wasn't paying attention. I looked up and saw you spacing and it was there," Millie said slowly. "What was it?"
Layla opened her notebook and handed the note to Millie. Millie scanned the note and her eyes grew wide.
"Layla this is a threat you have to bring this to the principal," Millie said quickly.
"Layla!"
The two turned and saw Erika running up to them. She had tears in her eyes and crumpled up paper in her hands. She didn't look upset, she looked angry. If it was the same thing Layla got then she didn't blame her.
"You too?" Millie said pointing to the paper.
"Don't listen to them Lay, they are a bunch of morons and anyone who touches you will have to deal with me," Erika promised running up to Layla. Layla smiled at that.
"Me too, I'll always have your back Lay," Millie promised.
"Thanks, but we have to tell somebody about this," Layla said looking to the two notes.
"I agree, come on," Millie said steering the two towards the principal's office.
-We Are-
Leora bit her lip as she looked at small submit button. She had been debating on submitting one of her short stories to a literary magazine. Caleb had always been telling her that she should just do it. Leora was hesitant though. She wasn't sure she was good enough to get published. Sure, the school news published a few of her writings, but that was school. This was the real world. Was she good enough for that.
Leora sighed as she moved her mouse away from the button. She couldn't do it. She was too scared to. She stood and left her room. She crossed the hallway to Kyle's room. She paused when she heard music. There was always music coming from his room lately. This was something new for a change.
Leora knocked on the door. She waited as Kyle called out to her to come in. She opened the door and saw Kyle sitting at his desk.
"Oh hey Le, am I being too loud?" Kyle asked quickly.
"No, actually I want to ask you something," Leora said. She crossed the room and sat down on Kyle's bed. He looked at her. Leora but her lip. She wasn't sure how to phrase this.
"Well," Kyle said.
"How did you know you were good at music," Leora said lamely.
"I don't know, I guess it wasn't until Jared told me that I was talented that I believed him. I mean dad and pops always told me I'm good, but they're parents. They have to encourage you and tell you you're good," Kyle said thoughtfully.
"Well, Caleb thinks I'm a good writer and should work at getting published," Leora said slowly.
"Le you're amazing, go for it. Stop doubting yourself," Kyle said catching on.
"You think so," Leora asked embarrassed. She didn't think she was that good.
"I know so, you're my sister and we are both amazing," Kyle said jumping up. He joined Leora on his bed. He placed an arm around her. "Let me see some of your poems or whatever. I will be the first to tell you if they suck." He said honestly.
"Really?" Leora asked.
"Of course. I'd never lie to you Leora, if you sucked I'd tell you," Kyle said bluntly.
"Thanks Kyle," Leora said with a smile. She felt so much better now.
"He's right Leora, you are amazing."
The twins jumped and looked to the doorway. Kendall was standing there looking at them both. He had a small smile and almost a look of longing in his eyes.
"Yeah, but you can't tell her that. You're our dad you have to tell us we're good even if we suck," Kyle said smirking.
"Suppers done, come eat," Kendall said simply.
The two jumped up and followed Kendall from the room. Leora felt loads better after talking to Kyle. He was right, he was usually the first one to tell her I she messed up or was awful at something.
-We Are-
Lilly yawned as she walked through the mall alone. Everyone else was off doing their own things. Miles was with Rion trying to make her feel better. Leora was avoiding her now and Lilly didn't blame her either. She was a shitty friend and Leora had every right to be mad at her. Lilly had no idea what Lyle was up to. She didn't care anymore. As long as e wasn't bugging her about her decision to give up the baby she was happy. She wanted to be alone.
Lilly bought herself a smoothie. She found an empty table in the food court. She sat down and looked down at her smoothie. She couldn't believe that her life had come to this. She was now just another statistic and soon everyone would know. She couldn't hide this for much longer. Soon everyone would know she was pregnant. It would be worse since Kyle was starting to become a celebrity somewhat since he had dated Jared and who his dad's were. Well her dads were famous too, but not so much anymore. Carlos was starting to gain some momentum lately.
"You look like you're gonna be sick."
Lilly looked up and saw Kyle standing across from her. He had a smoothie of his own.
"Mind if I sit?" Kyle asked gesturing to the open seat with his smoothie.
"I don't see why not," Lilly shrugged.
"We need to talk," Kyle said as he sat down. "Away from everybody. Just you and me alone."
"We are not getting back together Kyle," Lilly said quickly.
"No, we aren't. I know that, can we go somewhere private?" Kyle asked.
"What's the matter? Don't want to do this in public?" Lilly asked.
"That's exactly it, now unless you want the world to know, come with me," Kyle said jumping up.
Lilly say there a moment. She was already sure she knew what he was going to was going to tell her that she was making a mistake. She was tired of arguing why giving the baby up for adoption was the best option. Against her better judgement Lilly stood up and followed Lyle from the food court.
The pair exited the mall together. Kyle led her over to his car.
"There is someone I want you to meet," Kyle said as they got into the car.
"Am I gonna regret this?" Lilly asked.
"No, just trust me," Kyle said.
"For some reason I do," Lilly replied.
-We Are-
Jared sighed as he looked through his twitter feed. People were always posting fanart or fanfictions. Most of them still involved him and Kyle. Jared may have broken up with Kyle, but he hadn't told the public yet. Neither had Kyle. There were rumors floating around. The two weren't seen in public anymore, and fans were starting to wonder. Jared was terrified of making it official. That would make it real.
Jared had composed a post about the break up so many times in the last month. He had never really had the guts to do it. He always chickened out and deleted it. What was holding him back? The longer he put this off the more hope it would give Kyle, that they might get back together.
It wasn't that Jared didn't want to get back together. Jared thought about it all the time. It just wasn't practical. It was only a matter of time before Kyle found someone else. If it wasn't Lilly, it would be someone. Jared was just trying to stop himself from getting hurt worse. Kyle was still young, he had no idea what he wanted.
Jared jumped up. He ran to his room and got his laptop. He returned to the couch. Jared set up his webcam. He had to do this tactfully. If he didn't things could come back bad on him or Kyle. Jared didn't want that. He didn't wan anyone hating on Kyle.
Jared took a few calming breaths. This had to be done. Kyle would thank him later. He would realize that he was right. Jared looked himself over before hitting the record button.
-We Are-
Kendall yawned as he walked into his bedroom. He had finally gotten Jenny to bed. She was being extra crabby tonight. Kendall saw James in bed already. He had his tablet in his hands and was reading. Kendall smiled at the sight. He could never get tired of seeing this man.
"Stop staring at me like a creep."
Kendall broke out of his daze with a sheepish smile. He quickly shed his clothes and climbed into bed next to his husband.
"I'm sorry Jamie, you're just so pretty and I love you," Kendall said snuggling up to him. James chuckled and shoved the blonde away.
"You are so weird sometimes," James said setting his tablet aside.
"I know, but you dig it," Kendall replied.
"For some strange reason I do," James sighed. Kendall laughed and kissed the brunette on the cheek. James smiled at that and turned to peck the blonde on the lips.
"So there's something we need to talk about," Kendall said slowly as he sat back.
"What did Kyle do know?" James sighed.
"Why do you assume it's Kyle?" Kendall asked. James had hit the nail on the head, but Kendall hated that he could do that.
"If it were Adam you'd be angry, if it were Jake you would've had said it by now, and Leora's our good child," James said quickly.
"Am I that predictable?" Kendall asked.
"Yes, now lay it on me," James said.
"Kyle wants to record an album," Kendall said figuring it was best to just get it out there.
"Really?" James asked. He wasn't all that shocked.
Music was all Kyle seemed to talk about lately. That was all he was ever doing, ever since his break up with Jared. James had always kind of expected one of his kids to end up with a music career. Until very recently he had always thought it would be Adam. He was pleasantly surprised to see how much Kyle had opened up lately.
"I told him no," Kendall said.
"Why?" James asked.
"He's too young," Kendall said quickly.
"We were sixteen when we recorded our first demos for Gustavo," James said thoughtfully.
"That was different, we only had one chance. Kyle will have the opportunity after he graduates," Kendall said, "college." he added.
"Ok I think you're over reacting," James said looking pointedly at his husband.
"Seriously? You think this is a good idea?" Kendall said looking at James shocked.
"Well he's not a kid anymore Kendall," James said.
"He's not ready for this. If he thinks the fans and paparazzi are bad now, it will only get worse. They will never leave him alone," Kendall said quickly.
"Yeah, and I'm sure Kyle's thought about that. I mean he did come out publicly as dating one of Hollywood's new it boys. He's been dealing with it all. If I know Kyle it's the one thing he spent the most time thinking about," James said.
Kendall remained silent. James was right, Kyle was always thinking ahead. The kid was smarter than Kendall gave him credit. Kyle wasn't a kid anymore. He was growing up. He was already seventeen. Kendall had to face facts, Kyle was growing up.
"Just think about it Kendall, if you just shut him out I'm sure he will find a way to do this. He is our son after all and stubborn like us. Just don't push him away and to another recording company," James said.
So there you go another chapter. Kyle is going behind Kendall's back to record his own music. How will Kendall take this? How will James take it? Lilly is starting to realize she's been awful, will she change? Will Kyle change her mind? Will Carlos come to accept Lilly's decision? Will Leora ever realize she is worth more than she gives herself credit for? What's going on with Layla and Erika? Sorry for the wait. I've been sick again and it's been awful. Work is still kicking my ass. I will try to get the next chapter out soon, hopefully. I know this chapter seems all over the place, but it's progressing the story along. There will be more drama and twists and turns to come.
Always
OUTOFMYMIND