Chapter 42: Building Walls
Lilly sighed as got ready for school. She couldn't help but think about the other night still. Kyle had taken her to meet his half sister Penelope.
Lilly got out of Kyle's car. They were at an apartment complex that Lilly had never been to before. Lilly looked over at Kyle who was texting someone.
"Kyle, where are we? Who are you taking me to see?" Lilly asked confused.
"Just come on," Kyle said as his phone buzzed. He checked it and got out of the car.
Lilly sighed and followed suit. She knew Kyle would never steer her wrong. He had something up his sleeve, she just wasn't sure what it was. Lilly followed Kyle inside the building and up to the fourth floor.
Kyle stopped in front of a door and knocked. The door opened to reveal a tall brown eyed blonde girl. Lilly didn't recognize her, but she knew this was Penelope.
"Kyle," Penelope greeted the younger blonde with a hug. "And you must be Lilly," she said looking to the Latina. Lilly nodded her head.
"Lil, this is Penelope my half sister," Kyle introduced the two.
Penelope invited the two in. Lilly took a seat on the couch with Kyle. Penelope pulled up a chair to sit across from them.
"So, what can I do for you?" Penelope asked looking to Kyle.
"I wanna know what it was like for you to find out that you were adopted," Kyle said.
"Oh, are you thinking about adoption?" Penelope asked shocked.
"Yes."
"No."
Kyle and Lilly shared a look. Kyle sighed and turned to Penelope. He was starting to give up. Lilly could see he was loosing his fight. He was tired of this. Lilly could already see it in his eyes.
"Well, I was upset at first," Penelope admitted. "I felt lied to and like I had been cheated from ever knowing who my real family was."
"Really? So do you wish you weren't adopted?" Lilly asked.
"No, because the more I thought about the more I realized that my real family was the family I grew up with. While it's nice that I know who my birth parents are, I don't think of them as my mom and dad," Penelope admitted.
"So, I guess what I'm asking is do you think it's a good idea," Kyle said slowly. He seemed defeated in a way.
"It all depends. Like I said I've come to accept it, but I still have questions and honestly it sucks to think you weren't good enough for them and they keep their next kid a few years later and who kind of turned out worse than you. I'm not talking about you guys either Kyle," Penelope said quickly.
"I know, Marty is an asshole," Kyle replied.
"I haven't even met him yet," Penelope said.
"Consider yourself lucky," Kyle and Lilly replied together. The pair shared and laugh before looking at one another and stopping abruptly.
"Look, I can't tell you what to do. Every situation is different. What you two need to do is sit down together and discuss what you want to do and figure out what is best for all parties involved," Penelope said. "Also you're parents will listen and support whatever decision you make. They just want you happy," she said looking to Kyle.
"I know, I know," Kyle said waving his hand at her.
Things hadn't quite gone the way Kyle had hoped, but it made Lilly think about what she wanted to do. She hated seeing Kyle so defeated. Maybe she was being rash about this. She still has eight months left to make a decision. Then again, Lilly really wasn't ready to be a mom. She knew that. She didn't want a kid right now. It would mess everything up.
"Hey, dad says if you want breakfast you better get down stairs now."
Lilly turned to see Layla standing in her bedroom doorway.
"Oh, ok, I'll be right down," Lilly said waving her off. Layla nodded her head and left.
Lilly sighed as she looked herself over in her mirror. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that she was going to have a baby. A living growing being was living inside her.
Was she ready to be a mom? Could she really give her baby up for adoption? Could she give up the life she was creating?
-We Are-
Kyle sighed as he looked up at the school building. Leora was sitting in the passengers seat beside him. She was trying to convince him to just go inside.
"It won't be that bad," Leora said.
"Hello, where have you been? Under a rock?! You saw the video Jared posted. Everyone is gonna wanna know what happened and why we didn't work out. His fan girls are gonna kill me," Kyle said looking at his sister seriously.
Friday night Jared had posted a video to his social media. He had given people an update on how things were going for him and the guys. He also dropped the bomb that he and Kyle had broken up. He hadn't gone into detail and he didn't point blame at anyone. He just shared his regret and sadness. He wish no ill will towards Kyle. The reaction was the opposite though. All Jared's fangirls began attacking Kyle for hurting Jared. Most fans were heart broken that they had broken up. Kyle got some sympathy, but mostly it was hate.
Kyle had spent the entire weekend locked inside his bedroom. He hardly ate or talked to anyone. He didn't even let Miles in when he came over. That's how bad things had gotten.
"Oh knock it off," Leora said.
"I'm am serious Leora. You have no idea how crazy these girls are," Kyle said.
"You're over reacting," Leora sighed.
"A few of them threatened me when they first found out we were dating. Now what are they gonna do when they think I broke his heart?" Kyle asked.
"Nothing will happen. I'm sure no one will even care," Leora said.
"Don't be so naïve Leora. I know you like blocked out our childhood and all that, but people are relentless. Let's just be happy no one was camped out in front of the house this time," Kyle said quickly.
"I guess, that is better than last time," Leora said bobbing her head slightly. "Now come on before I call dad and tell him what you're doing."
"Fine, lets just get this stupid day over with already," Kyle sighed getting out of the car. Leora followed suit.
The two headed into the building. Leora took off the second they entered. Kyle was left alone and ready to strangle anyone who asked him about Jared. It was going to be a long day.
Kyle kept his head down as he walked. He could still feel the stares and hear the whispers. He didn't like it. He reached his locker and busied himself with getting his things for his morning classes.
"How could you!"
Kyle cringed, he recognized that voice. It was Courtney Danner. She was probably the biggest Inside Joke fangirls Kyle had ever met. She wasobsessive and annoying. She had freaked out when he first started dating Jared. She threatened to hurt him if he hurt 'her baby,' Jared.
"You hurt my baby!" Courtney cried.
Kyle turned to face the ginger girl. Her glasses perched on her nose made her look like an even bigger nerd. He glared at her.
"Courtney stop right there. You don't even know the full story."
Kyle looked over to Miles. He had finally decided to show up. Kyle had been trying to figure out where he was all morning.
"Oh right, and what's that," Courtney asked.
"None of your business," Miles replied.
"Exactly, thank you Miles," Kyle said looking to his best friend with a small smile. If anyone had his back it was Miles.
"He hurt Jared," Courtney said.
"You don't even know Jared," Miles replied. "Did you ever stop and think that maybe it was the other way around? Did you ever think that maybe it doesn't matter who broke up with who? Just go back to your creepy fanfiction and leave Kyle alone," He said getting in her face.
Courtney looked about ready to cry. She opened her mouth. Kyle cut her off.
"Just drop it, I can tell you for a fact that you are not Jared's type. You're kind of lacking something he likes," Kyle said pointing down toward the ground.
Courtney clenched her jaw shut. She huffed and turned on her heel. She stormed down the hall. People quickly turned away from Kyle and Miles.
"Your welcome," Miles said holding his hands out and doing a small bow.
"Not quite," Kyle said walking past his friend.
"What did I do?" Miles asked confused as he followed Kyle.
"You caused a scene and you insulted her and she has a big football player boyfriend," Kyle said.
"You did too," Miles said quickly.
"Yeah, but you did it first," Kyle shot back.
"I forgot about that though, just keep you head down and let's try to get through today without getting our asses kicked," Miles said.
"This day is already gone to shit, it's all downhill from here," Kyle groaned.
"Or you've hit rock bottom and the only way to go is up," Miles suggested. Kyle just shoved Miles in response. "Rude."
-We Are-
Kendall sighed as he fell back in his chair. He wasn't looking forward to meeting with the guys today. They were still rehearsing for their music video. Kendall had seen the update video Jared had posted over the weekend. It wasn't bad, but it was it good either. It was better than he had expected it to be. With the way Kyle was freaking out, Kendall had thought that Jared had been dissing him. It wasn't that Kendall was mad at Jared. No, he just didn't like the tension that this was causing the band. Everyone was on edge trying not to piss anyone off. On top of all that Noah and Roldy had dove head first into wedding planning with Kelly. She was constantly taking them away as well. Matt was constantly wandering off to find Penelope. The two were in that stage in their relationship already. If the guys didn't step up, Kendall didn't see them lasting much longer.
There was a knock on the door. It opened and Penelope stepped in. Kendall arched a brow at her in silent question.
"Hey, uh the guys are here," Penelope said hesitantly.
"What's wrong?" Kendall asked knowing there was more to this.
"Well, they are kind of in the middle of an argument," Penelope said.
The door opened once more. Dominic walked in and he did not look happy. He must've seen the guys as well. Kendall didn't blame him either.
"They are bickering again Kendall," Dominic sighed annoyed.
"I know Dom, and I'm sorry," Kendall sighed. "It seems they have reverted to children again."
"I'll say," Dominic said.
"I'm gonna go try and defuse the situation," Penelope said moving towards the door.
"No, go send them home. I am not dealing with this shit today," Kendall said quickly.
Penelope just nodded her head and quickly exited the office.
"What is it now?" Dominic asked arching a brow at the blonde. Kendall shook his head. "Kendall, we've been working together for years now. I know you well enough to know something is going on."
"This whole thing is stupid really," Kendall sighed. "Jared messed up and Matt and Roldy are taking every chance they can to tell him so. They are only making things worse."
"Is this about Kyle?" Dominic asked sitting down.
"In afraid so, I knew something like this would happen. What I didn't expect was Roldy and Matt to act the way they are," Kendall explained.
"So what happened?" Dominic asked.
"Grand baby number four is on the way," Kendall sighed.
"Four?" Dominic asked.
"Adam has two, Jake is due is September, and Kyle's is due late November," Kendall said.
"I take it it's not Jared who's pregnant," Dominic said knowingly.
"Exactly," Kendall said.
"Ah I see," Dominic said nodding his head slowly.
"Alright, you're done for the day. I will talk to the boys and figure out what the hell is going on," Kendall sighed. Dominic nodded his head. He left the office.
Kendall sighed and hung his head. He didn't understand why the guys were suddenly acting like this. It was like they had somehow reverted to children in the last month. Kendall did not like it one bit. The guys needed to get in line or walk away. That was as simple as it got.
Kendall exited his office in time to see the guys leaving. They were all bickering. Kendall stopped them.
"Alright, I am getting sick of this," Kendall snapped. The four looked at him. They all looked like kids caught with their hand in the cookie jar. "You guys need to grow up and get your priorities straight. I care about you all, you're all practically like sons to me, but this is getting out of hand.You have one week to figure things out. If you guys are not here next Monday consider yourselves dropped from the label. I am not going to sit here and watch you guys act like a bunch of kids. I am not your baby sitter I am your manager/producer. You are all adults and need to start acting like one. Do I make myself clear?"
The four stood there looking at Kendall in shock. They all nodded their heads meekly.
"And you guys need to leave Jared alone. He did what he had to do. Things happen and not every relationship works out," Kendall said looking to the bleached blonde. "Now go."
The four took off from the room. Kendall watched them leave. He really hoped that they could work this out. They were talented and when they worked together they were amazing. They just needed to stop bickering.
-We Are-
Kyle stabbed at the food on tray. He wasn't hungry. All day people had been whispering around him. The only person to confront him so far had been Courtney. As annoying as she was, Kyle almost preferred that to the whispers. People were staring at him and he would hear small bits and pieces of conversations. Miles and Jayda were trying to distract him, as best they could. They could only do so much. Kyle loved them to death, but he had to deal with this on his own.
"Dude, I'm pretty sure it's already dead," Miles joked.
"Shut up," Kyle said sending his friend a glare.
"Sorry, you're just attacking that like you wanna kill it," Miles said putting his hands up.
"I'm not really hungry," Kyle sighed. He stood before Miles or Jayda could even say a word.
Kyle quickly exited the cafeteria. The hallways were pretty empty. Everybody was probably still eating. Kyle found an empty stairwell and sat down.
Kyle sighed as he hung his head. He could barely deal with people whispering about him. How would he deal with people if he did start his music career? Maybe Kendall was right, he wasn't ready for this.
"Dude, you ok?"
"No," Kyle said looking up at Lucas. He must've seen Kyle take off from the cafeteria.
"Here," Lucas said holding out a cookie.
"Thanks," Kyle said taking the cookie.
"So what's up?" Lucas asked taking a seat next to the distraught blonde.
"I hate feeling like everyone is staring at me where ever I go. I hear them whispering about me too and it's...it's all just a bit much," Kyle sighed.
"I know the feeling. It was the same way when people found out about me and Miles," Lucas said knowingly. "The pointing the staring, it's awful."
"I know. I've hated it ever since I was a kid, but now with my chosen career path things will always be like this and I'm starting to doubt I can handle this," Kyle admitted looking down at the cookie.
"What career?" Lucas asked curiously.
"I want to be a musician. I love playing guitar and I've been working on writing some songs. It's just I can't deal with people staring at me or trying to take my picture," Kyle said.
"Really? I thought it happened all the time when you and Jared were together," Lucas said confused.
"It did, but that was different," Kyle said his cheeks heating up with embarrassment. "Jer would always stand between me and them and he would do all the talking. He made it more bearable. Now without him around I just feel so alone."
"But you're not alone," Lucas said quickly. "You've got me, and Miles and everyone else for that matter."
"I know that, but it's not the same," Kyle said.
"Sounds to me like you miss Jared," Lucas said softly.
"That's exactly it," Kyle said quickly. "But it's not like he would take me back. He's the one who ended it because he was scared that I was gonna leave him for Lilly."
"Sounds complicated, just know that if its meant to work out it will and if not it's better to have loved and lost than to never have loved," Lucas said thoughtfully.
"Thanks Lu," Kyle said. He took a bite of the cookie finally. He felt a little better.
"Hey don't mention it," Lucas said with a smile. "I'm always glad to help."
"So how are things with Artie?" Kyle asked. Lucas lit up with a smile. Kyle chuckled at that.
"He's amazing," Lucas said quickly.
"So did he uh tell you-" Kyle said slowly.
"About Lexi yeah, he even introduced me to his grandpa," Lucas said.
"Arthur? He's crazy as a bat," Kyle said.
"Yeah, but he's all Artie has at the moment. He doesn't talk with his mom anymore. She doesn't accept him," Lucas said sadly.
"Some people are just ignorant," Kyle said.
"Yeah," Lucas said slowly. "Oh well, it's her loss. Artie is awesome." Kyle chuckled and nodded his head.
-We Are-
Kendall sighed as he paced back and forth in front of James. They were home alone with Jenny. Kyle and Leora were out with their friends. They never really told Kendall and James what they were doing anymore.
"I don't know what to do James, those boys are driving me nuts," Kendall said.
"Relax, I am sure this will all blow over soon," James replied.
"No, it's been over a month now and they are all still stuck on this. Matt and Roldy are acting like children and Jared just gets sucked into it. I'm surprised to say that Noah is the mature one right now," Kendall said.
"Kendall you're over reacting, just a smidge. These boys are still young. They need to figure things out," James said. "If I recall when we were in the band we hit a rough patch and the band nearly broke up."
"I guess, but we never fought over who was dating who," Kendall replied.
"No, but we could be pretty childish at times," James reminded him.
Kendall sighed, James was right. Kendall fell down onto the couch beside his husband. "How did I get so lucky to find someone so wise and smart?"
"I wouldn't say wise," James said chuckling. He nudged the blonde lightly.
"I told them if they didn't show up next Monday to work they could consider themselves dropped from the label," Kendall said slowly.
"Well, let's hope they make the right choice," James said.
The two lapsed into silence. Kendall thoughts shifted from the guys to Kyle. Jared wasn't the only one having a hard time. Kyle was as well. Kendall had noticed the change in his son. Kyle wasn't eating and getting angry easily. He was shutting people out, even Miles, and Kendall didn't like it.
"What's wrong now?" James asked knowingly.
"Sorry, I've just been thinking about Kyle," Kendall admitted.
"I'm worried about him too, but there's not much we can do right now," James said.
"I hate feeling so helpless though. He hurting and there's nothing we can do to help," Kendall sighed.
"The joys of raising a teenager," James replied.
"I don't want Jenny to grow up," Kendall whined.
"I dread the day she discovers dating," James said with a shudder. Kendall chuckled at that.
-We Are-
Kyle was sulking along the board walk. It was better than sitting at home being bombarded with questions. Kendall and James were hovering over him trying to make him eat or asking how he was. He was wearing a hat and keeping his head down. No one even seemed to notice him. It was nice.
Kyle bought himself a smoothie. He started along, not paying any mind to people. He just wanted to get away from life and forget things for awhile.
"Hey watch out!"
Kyle looked up in time to see a boy with bright red hair and blues eyes coming at him on a skateboard. Kyle had very little time to react. Next thing he knew the boy collided with him.
"Oh my god I am so sorry."
The boy came into view hovering over Kyle. Kyle dazed just held out a hand. The boy quickly helped him up.
"I am sorry, I lost control, are you ok?"
"Yeah, just got the wind knock out of me," Kyle replied. "I wasn't paying attention to where I was going either."
"Are you sure you're alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," Kyle said waving him off. "I'm Kyle by the way."
"Oh, I'm Ryder," the boy replied with a smile. He then noticed Kyle's dropped smoothie. "Oh, here let me buy you a new smoothie," he offered.
"No, it's fine," Kyle said quickly.
"It's the least I can do, after I almost killed you," Ryder joked.
"Alright, if you insist," Kyle replied with a smile.
"I do insist," Ryder insisted.
Ryder picked up his skateboard. The two made their way to the smoothie stand. Ryder bought them some smoothies. The two started walking along together talking and laughing together.
"So do you crash into people often or am I just special," Kyle joked.
"No I got pushed! It was a total accident," Ryder said his cheeks flushing red.
"Sure," Kyle replied.
"It was," Ryder insisted. Kyle started laughing. Ryder laughed as well.
"So what you doing out here all alone," Ryder asked.
"Just getting out and looking to get ran over," Kyle teased. Ryder laughed at that.
"You're funny," Ryder said.
"Thanks I try," Kyle said snarkily.
"Ooh snarky too, you're the completel package aren't you?" Ryder asked playfully.
"You know it, I'm a real catch," Kyle said.
"I bet you are," Ryder replied.
Kyle opened his mouth to speak when his phone rang signaling he had a text. He sighed and pulled his phone out. "It's my dad, I gotta go," Kyle said sadly.
"And here I thought we were making a connection," Ryder said.
"Definitely, what are you doing Friday?" Kyle asked.
"It all depends," Ryder said.
"On what?" Kyle asked forgetting about his phone.
"If I get your number," Ryder replied.
"So smooth," Kyle laughed. Ryder pulled out his phone and they exchanged numbers.
As Kyle made his way back to his car he couldn't help but smile. It was the first time in over a month since he had been able to do so. Maybe things weren't so bad after all.
-We Are-
Jared sighed as he looked up at the sunset. He was on the roof of the Palm Woods. It was the one place he could go to just get away from it all. Life could get a bit stressful and he just needed to stop and take time to himself. This was the one place nobody would find him.
Things were different now. Matt and Roldy thought he made a mistake. They wouldn't leave him alone. Both of them were constantly bugging him and telling him he was an idiot. Jared could only take so much before he finally snapped. That was what had happened this morning. Jared finally stood up for himself at the studio, and now their jobs were hanging in the balance.
Jared walked over to the ledge that over looked the city. He sighed as he looked out at the lights. Things had just gotten so complicated. Jared dreaded going into the studio. He dreaded being in the same room as Matt and Roldy for too long. The two always managed to find a way to bring Kyle into the conversation. Noah seemed to try to avoid mentioning Kyle and even tried to stop Matt and Roldy. It never worked though. Once they got started their was no stopping them.
"I thought you would be up here."
"Am I that predictable?"
Jared turned to see Roldy standing there. He had been wishing it was Kyle. He wanted it to be Kyle so bad.
"A little," Roldy replied. "Come on Noah's worried about you."
"Glad to see you care about me," Jared huffed looking away from the blonde
"Oh please I knew exactly where you were. I wasn't worried because I knew you were fine. I know you better than you know yourself sometimes Jer," Roldy said his arms crossed over his chest.
"Well what if I don't want to go," Jared replied.
"Christ let go of your pride and just admit you were wrong," Roldy said.
"Will you stop, you heard Kendall not every relationship works out Ro," Jared snapped. "I am sick of you and Matty reminding me that I messed up. You don't understand and you never will."
"Understand what? He was honest with you from the start. You were the first person he told. He didn't even tell his dad's until after he told you. You were the one who wanted honesty and when you got it you dumped him," Roldy said.
"That's not why we broke up. I broke up with him because he's not ready to settle down. He's still young and needs to explore his options. I don't want to get too invested in this only to have my heart stomped on," Jared said his voice shrinking away. "It kills me to see him at the studio. I kills me to watch him a walk away, but in the long run this was the right thing to do."
"Right," Roldy said.
"What would you do if you and Noah got into a fight and he ran to Jace and got knocked up?" Jared snapped annoyed.
"Noah would never do that," Roldy said defensively.
"Yeah, I trusted Kyle too. He still hurt me," Jared said looking down at the ground. "He went back to her the second he thought we were over. What if we get into another fight? Who will he run to next? I don't want to be constantly afraid of loosing him," Jared said tearing springing to his eyes. He tried to fight them, but it was useless.
"Jer," Roldy said shocked.
"No," Jared snapped. "You don't get it and I don't think you ever will. I did what I had to do."
Jared stormed past Roldy.
"Jared."
Jared didn't listen. He took off down the stairs. He didn't need this right now. If all that Roldy was going to do was start a fight, he didn't want this. He didn't want to think anymore. He didn't want to feel anymore.
So there you go another chapter. Lilly is starting to doubt herself. Will she make the right decision? Kendall gave the boys an ultimatum, will they make the right choice? Will Matt and Roldy ever leave Jared alone? Kyle met somebody? Who is Ryder? Is he trustworthy? Can Kyle move on?Will Jared move on? So much to think about. See you next time.
Always
OUTOFMYMIND