I'd like to thank winterschild11, Charlie-Rose94, annabellex2, and Sir RCCS for taking the extra time to review. They mean a lot to me. So thanks guys, hug and kisses being sent your way.

Chapter 43: I'm Tired, Can We Give Up

Kendall watched as Kyle held his phone up to his face, as he absentmindedly ate his cereal. He was smiling the whole time. Over the last week, he had changed once more. He was happy and actually eating again. It was a nice change from the moody and broody teen he had been. That could only mean one thing.

"So, what's their name?" Kendall asked sitting down across from his son.

"Huh?"

Kyle looked up at Kendall confused. Kendall gave him a look. Kyle sighed and put his phone down.

"His name is Ryder," Kyle said a small smile playing across his lips.

"And where did we meet this Ryder?" Kendall asked.

"The boardwalk," Kyle replied. "He's totally chill dad."

"Chill?" Kendall arched a brow at his son.

"Yes dad," Kyle sighed. "He's cool, you know."

"No I don't know, I haven't met this boy yet," Kendall said.

"No way, I've barely gotten to know him and besides I don't think he's ready for the whole my dad's are famous thing," Kyle said quickly.

"Wait are you tell me you've met someone who doesn't know who you are?" Kendall asked slowly.

Kyle shrugged. "If he does he's good at hiding it. He's never once even hinted that he knows, which is a nice change."

"Well, just be careful Kyle," Kendall warned him.

"I know dad, I've been through this twice already, I'm starting to feel like a pro," Kyle replied.

Leora chose then to walk into the kitchen yawning. She had Jenny walking beside her holding her hand. Kendall smiled at the sight of both his girls together.

"Morning dad," Leora greeted Kendall.

"Good morning girls," Kendall greeted his daughters. Leora helped Jenny into her high chair. She gave Jenny a bowl of Cheerios before making self a bowl.

Kendall smiled at the sight. Jenny was getting so big. She was able to do so much already. He knew it would be long before she was talking about crushes.

"So I have have prom committee after school, I won't be home until after five," Leora said looking to Kendall.

"I'm not leaving you the car, I have plans," Kyle said quickly.

"That's ok, Rion will be there and I'm sure she will give me a ride," Leora said waving her hand.

"If she's not sick," Kyle replied.

"Oh right, she's been out for like a week now," Leora said slowly.

"Here, take my car," Kendall said tossing his keys to Leora. "Your pa will be on set all day and I'll use his," he said. Leora thanked Kendall by giving him a hug. "And Kyle don't be so mean to your sister, otherwise I will insist on meeting this boy."

"What boy? Does Kyle have a new boyfriend?" Leora asked grinning as she turned to her brother.

"Thanks dad, that's the last time I tell you anything," Kyle said glaring at Leora.

"What's his name? Does he go to school with us? Do I know him?" Leora asked quickly.

"His name is mind your own business and, I thank god that, no he doesn't go to school with us," Kyle said.

"How old is this boy?" Kendall asked.

"Not this again," Kyle groaned.

"Kyle-" Kendall started.

"I don't know it's never come up," Kyle said. "We've had this discussion dad, I don't think age matters too much. When I think of dating someone my first worry isn't how old they are, but how they make me feel. Besides we've been on like one date so we're not even official."

"Just be careful," Kendall said once more.

"I will be," Kyle said standing up. "I gotta go, I promised Miles and Lucas a ride to school." He said as he placed his empty bowl in the sink. He grabbed his backpack and left.

"I should get going too, I've got a school paper meeting this morning," Leora said jumping up. She put her dirty dishes away and gave Kendall a kiss on the cheek and gave one to Jenny as well.

-We Are-

Erika slowly made her way to her locker. She hadn't seen Layla, Millie, or even Sora yet. She was slightly worried. Her worries were confirmed when she spotted the three standing near her locker.

"Should I be scared?" Erika asked.

"Nah," Millie said shaking her head.

"You guys are acting really weird," Erika said as she started opening her locker. Balloons and confetti fell out of her locker. Erika jumped back in surprise and laughed.

"Happy birthday Eri (pronounced Air)," Layla said hugging the other girl.

"Yeah, happy birthday," Millie chimed in joining the hug.

"Save if for home freaks!"

Layla jumped back. She turned to glare at two boys. One she recognized as Zachary Taylor the boy who was almost always hitting me on Erika. Layla seemed to have finally gotten the message across that Erika wasn't interested. The boy next to him was Arnie Masters, his best friend.

"Screw off Zach, you're just jealous that Erika doesn't want you. Even if I were straight I wouldn't touch you with a ten foot pole," Layla said quickly.

"Sorry Les-la, you're sick and I would appreciate if you didn't flaunt it around school," Zach said.

"Watch it you creatin," Sora said stepping up to the shorter boy. "We were just wishing Erika a happy birthday. So what if she's a lesbian, she's human. You are no better than her. Actually she is a million times better that you, her and Layla and Millie. You will never be on the same level as them so back off and keep you trap shut, got it."

"Dude, she told you," Arnie said impressed.

"Shut up Arnie," Zach said glaring at his friend. He turned and stormed away. Arnie stayed behind.

"I want to apologize for him, he's an idiot and Layla you are right he is jealous," Arnie said. "When he stopped me, I didn't know he was going to do that."

"It's ok, I can deal with him," Layla waved her hand.

"Happy birthday though," Arnie said.

"Thanks," Erika said with a smile. Arnie took off in the direction Zach had left.

"Thanks Sor," Layla said looking to the older girl.

"Hey, no problem, I don't mind knocking jerks like him down a few pegs," Sora replied.

"He should be leaving us alone for a bit," Layla said looking to Erika.

"Do you think he was the one who passed those notes?" Erika asked.

"Maybe," Layla said slowly.

"What are you talking about?" Sora asked confused.

"Someone sent these two a note threatening them about being lesbians. We brought it to the principal, but he can't do much since we don't know who did it," Millie explained.

"That's a load of bull, don't let anyone push you around," Sora said liking to the two.

"We know, but it's annoying that there are still people like that," Layla said.

"They are just ignorant, don't let it get to you. Once you let that happen, they win," Sora said.

-We Are-

Roldy tapped his foot as he waited in the lobby of Rocque Records. Noah and Matt were sitting on the couch watching him. Neither of them spoke a word. They didn't want him snapping at them. Roldy was annoyed. He hadn't seen or heard from Jared in almost two days now. Not that Jared had really been speaking to him much for the last week anyways.

"Ro, come sit please," Noah asked softly.

"He's gonna blow this for us Noah," Roldy said shaking his head.

"Oh please, Kendall isn't here yet, relax. If anyone wants this, it's Munroe. He will be here," Matt said.

"Aw Matty, and here I thought we were on a first name basis now."

The guys turned to see Jared waltz in. His hair was cut short and not blonde, but dark black. He was wearing the same clothes they had last seen him in the other day. What really caught their eye, was the black eye Jared was now sporting as well.

"What the hell happened to you," Roldy asked worriedly. All his anger at his friend was gone. Only concern showed.

"Nothing, don't worry about it," Jared said waving his hand at Roldy. "Just be happy that I am here and in one piece."

"Cut the crap Munroe, where have you been? We've been trying to get ahold of you for two days!" Matt hollered angrily.

"I've been busy, I just needed to get away for a bit and clear my head," Jared said looking down at the ground.

"Stop dancing around the subject Jared, we are only worried about you," Noah said softly.

"It's nothing, I am fine, can we move on to a new topic?" Jared asked.

"Fine, what happened to your eye?" Roldy asked.

"Pass," Jared said shaking his head.

"Is it at least the worst of the mystery injuries you sustained?" Roldy asked concerned.

"I hope so," Jared replied.

Kendall entered the lobby with his phone in his hand. He looked up, surprised to see the boys.

"Boys, you're here." He said.

"Yeah, we're here ready to work and we are all the bestest of friends," Jared said slinging an arm over Roldy's shoulders. He winced slightly. Roldy opened his mouth to speak and Jared pinched him.

"Yeah, we've worked things out and want to be here. We are sorry for the way we acted," Matt jumped in.

"Boys I wasn't really going to drop you from the label. I was just frustrated," Kendall said.

"Aw Kendall, we know you love us too much. We are here to stay," Jared said.

"Yeah, you ain't getting rid of us that easily," Roldy said.

"Ok, so do I even want to know what happened?" Kendall asked Jared.

"It's not as bad as it looks," Jared said waving his hand.

"Don't bother, he won't even tell us what happened," Matt said.

"It's nothing special guys, I just got into a disagreement with someone and voila," Jared said shrugging.

The guys let it drop after that. Kendall quickly put the boys to work. They had a lot to catch up on. They worked hard and didn't give Kendall too much lip.

-We Are-

Lilly saw Kyle leaving school. He had his phone glued to his hands and was avoiding people. Ever since Jared had confirmed their breakup, Kyle had been having a rough time. People were always asking him about what happened or staring and pointing. He seemed fine, but Lilly knew on the inside he wasn't. He was faking it, and she knew just what to do to help him.

"Hey walk with me," Lilly said linking her arm with his. She led him out to the parking lot

"What do you want Lilly, I have plans," Kyle said.

"Relax this will only take a second," Lilly said quickly.

"Well what?" Kyle asked.

"I think it's time we told people about...well about...you know," Lilly said grabbing her arm nervously.

"I don't think so, if you can't say the word baby then it's definitely not time," Kyle said shaking his head.

"Look, I'm ready, I'm just a little nervous but you could really use some help getting people to stop talking about you," Lilly said.

"What makes you think they will stop? They'll only blame me of cheating and knocking you up and then abandoning the kid all because you want to give it up for adoption," Kyle said shaking his head once more.

"They will, because I will take all the blame. I took advantage of you Kyle, and while you were still willing that was wrong. Besides I haven't fully made up my mind yet," Lilly said slowly.

"What do you mean made up you're mind?" Kyle asked confused.

"Taking me to see Penelope was a low blow. It's got me really thinking hard about this," Lilly said looking down at her still relatively flat stomach.

"Oh, I had no idea," Kyle said shocked.

"Cut the crap, that was your intention the entire time," Lilly said crossings her arms over her chest. Kyle only smirked.

"So, what do you think?" Lilly asked.

"Can I have a few days? I'm kind of seeing someone and I don't want him to find out like that," Kyle said.

"Ooh a new boyfriend?" Lilly asked with a smile. She nudged Kyle lightly. Kyle blushed and looked away from her.

"Maybe, like I said I have to tell him my complicated situation," Kyle replied.

"Cool, maybe you and I could go on a double date or something. Leora and Caleb set me up on a blind date with a guy from Hayley's prep school and if things work out..." She trailed off.

"Well good luck, I think maybe waiting until the second date to drop the baby bomb would be good," Kyle said.

"My thoughts exactly," Lilly replied.

"So what are we then?" Kyle asked.

That was a loaded question. They were a lot of things. They were ex's, they were soon to be parents. The list went on. There was one thing that came to Lilly's mind. She wanted more than anything for them to just be friends again. It would be better off that way.

"I'd like to believe we're friends," Lilly said.

"So, shall it be," Kyle replied with a smile and an exaggerated bow. Lilly laughed and shook her head.

"You are so weird sometimes," Lilly commented.

"Yeah, it's part of my charm," Kyle replied with a grin.

"So who's this new mystery man? Does he go to school here," Lilly asked.

"His name is Ryder and no he doesn't. I met him at the boardwalk. He's great, but I'm not sure if he knows who I am, which is a nice change for once," Kyle said.

"Someone who doesn't know the great Kyle Knight!" Lilly gasped in fake shock.

"I know right," Kyle laughed.

For the first time in months, things weren't awkward. Lilly felt at ease in her own skin. That was just the effect Kyle had on her. She no longer longed to be the one he looked at for help or with that loving gaze. He was just Kyle Knight, her best friend again. Things just felt right.

-We Are-

Matt made his way down the hallway to the intern office. It was basically Penelope's office since she was the only intern at Rocque Records at the moment. Kendall had asked one of the guys to find Penelope, and Matt jumped at the chance. He heard Kendall holler for him to come back but it was too late. Besides Matt was a professional, he didn't make out at work like a couple other friends he could think about.

Matt knocked on the door and opened it. He saw Penelope sitting at her desk with phone in her hands. She seemed upset.

"Something wrong?" Matt asked slowly.

Penelope looked up startled. "Oh Matty, I didn't hear you come in," she said.

"What's wrong?" Matt asked.

"My mom called me last night after you left. My dad had a heart attack," Penelope said calmly. "They caught it quick and got him back. She promised to call and I'm just worried."

"Oh," Matt said.

"Sorry, with everything going on, I'm just a bit distracted, did Kendall want me?" Penelope asked.

"Yeah," Matt said nodding his head. He crossed the room to her as she stood up. "Are you ok though?" He asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Penelope said smiling. "Don't worry about me."

"But as you boyfriend I have to," Matt replied. Penelope's smile grew at that.

"Thanks Matty," Penelope said.

"Anytime babe, it's what I'm here for," Matt replied cockily.

"And just like that you ruin a nice moment," Penelope sighed.

Matt just laughed and slung his arm over her shoulders. "You knew what you were signing up for."

"Yeah, I know," Penelope said wth a small smile. "You could stand to learn to be a little more tactful," she added.

"Nah, I feel like that would be too big a change and then I wouldn't be the man you fell in love with," Matt joked. Penelope laughed at that one.

"You've got a point there," Penelope replied sobering up a bit. "Now let's go before Kendall gets too mad."

"Fine, but it's not like we're making out, I was just making sure you were feeling alright," Matt said.

"I know, but with the way Roldy and Noah are sometimes, I'm sure he just wants to keep an eye on all of you boys," Penelope replied as she exited the office.

Matt rolled his eyes as he followed her out. She was right though. It was better to go before Kendall sent someone else after them.

-We Are-

Miles made his way up the front walk to the Payne's house. Rion was still recuperating, but finally allowed some visitors. Miles was the first in line, well he thought he had been. Fran's car by the curb said otherwise.

Miles rang the doorbell. It opened to reveal Fran. She smiled and greeted the brunette, letting him into the house.

"She's up in her room," Fran said pointing up the stairs. "No funny business, the door stays open," she said firmly, her smile however contradicted everything.

"Do sisters really tell each other everything?" Miles asked as he slid past Fran.

"Only the important stuff," Fran called after him.

Miles waved the older girl off. He walked down the hallway. Rion's bedroom door was open and he heard her talking. He walked up to the door and peered in. Rion was sitting at her computer talking to it. Miles knocked, on the door frame, making her jump. She quickly turned around and smiled. She trapped a key on her keyboard and jumped up.

"Hey, I was just making an entry for my video diary," Rion said pecking him on the lips.

"Video diary?" Miles asked.

"Yep, I've been making them for years now. No one sees them except for me," Rion said quickly.

"Ok so why make them?" miles asked confused.

"So I can remember what I was thinking in the past. Like I can go back and look at what fourteen year old me wanted to so and thought life would be like," Rion shrugged.

"Oh, I see," Miles said, "so it's all right here on your computer," he asked stepping around her.

"Don't you dare," Rion said quickly.

"Just one video?" Miles asked arching a brow at her.

"Ok fine, I get to pick," Rion said quickly.

"Alright, so me your deepest secrets," Miles said.

Rion sat down at her computer. She started searching for a video. She picked one and opened the file. She hit play. She stood and let Miles take her seat.

Rion and Sonia appeared on the screen. The two started talking. It was mostly about boys. Miles looked over to Rion about to ask her why she had picked this video, when he heard his name mentioned. He realized that this video was right after they had met. He listened to Rion gush about him and Sonia add her two cents in and laugh.

"You thought I was funny, yet oddly charming?" Miles asked once the video ended.

"Yes, you spilled lemonade on me and somehow I wasn't mad at you," Rion replied.

"Yeah, good times," Miles laughed.

"Come on," Rion said grabbing her chair and turning him to face the computer once more.

"You're nuts," Miles said shaking his head.

"Come on its fun," Rion said pouting. Miles sighed and hung his head. She could get him to do just about anything.

"Fine."

"Yay!" Rion cheered and hugged Miles.

-We Are-

Kyle smiled as he listened to Ryder talk about his friends. They had been out a few times. They were currently at the mall sitting in the food court. It was nice, but Kyle still felt like something was missing. He knew it was because Ryder wasn't Jared. He wasn't over Jared yet.

"Are you listening to me?" Ryder asked.

"Huh? Oh yeah, sorry," Kyle said snapping out of his thoughts.

"What's on your mind?" Ryder asked.

"Can I be honest with you?" Kyle asked.

"I'd appreciate that," Ryder replied.

"I uh...I am kind of going to be a dad," Kyle said slowly.

"Oh," Ryder said shocked.

"Yeah, I kind of got my ex-girlfriend pregnant and my ex-boyfriend broke up with me for that. It's a whole long story, but I just thought you should know what you're getting into," Kyle rambled.

"Kyle, it's ok," Ryder said cutting him off.

"Really?" Kyle asked.

"We all have baggage," Ryder chuckled.

"Oh really?" Kyle asked.

"My family is insane," Ryder said. "We put the fun in dysfunctional."

"Wow," Kyle said, "I don't know if this going to work, you never warned me," he joked. Ryder laughed as well.

"You know, the best way to get over someone is to get rid of reminders of them and date someone new," Ryder replied with a smile.

"I didn't-" Kyle started.

"You didn't have to say it, I can read it on your face," Ryder replied.

"Oh," Kyle said looking down at the table.

"It takes time to get over a break up," Ryder said.

"I'm sorry," Kyle said. "I really like you, I just can't help myself."

"Like I said maybe getting rid of some of the reminders of him might help. My ex left his expensive gold watch at my dorm. I tried to get it back to him but the asshole never answered my calls and was never at his apartment when I showed up," Ryder said.

"So what'd you do?" Kyle asked.

"I smashed it and stuck it in an envelope and left it at his door. He was pissed and it forced a confrontation between us. It made me realize what a dick he was and I was completely over him," Ryder said waving a hand.

Kyle nodded his head. It was something to think about.

"So, this may sound a little weird, but how old are you?" Kyle asked.

"Not weird at all, I'm eighteen," Ryder replied. He arched a brow at the younger boy.

"Seventeen," Kyle replied.

"Oh, so high school then?" Ryder asked.

"Yep, one more year," Kyle replied.

"I don't have a problem with that," Ryder replied.

"Me either, age is but a number," Kyle replied. "There is just one more thing I should tell you though," he said slowly.

"What's worse than having a baby?" Ryder asked.

"I wouldn't say worse, but my dad's are kind of famous," Kyle said quickly.

"Define kind of famous," Ryder said.

"Well my dad is a pretty well known music producer and manages the band Inside Joke, while my pa is a male model," Kyle said.

"Wait, are you trying to tell me your last name is Knight?" Ryder asked.

"Yeah," Kyle said nodding his head. Ryder started laughing. Kyle arched a brow at the older male.

"Sorry, it's just my step sister is obsessed with Inside Joke and hates you for hurting her baby," Ryder laughed.

"Her baby? You wouldn't happen to be talking about Courtney Danner would you?" Kyle asked.

"So you know Court," Ryder said.

"Yeah I know her alright," Kyle said.

"Well the worst part for you is over. You met the insane part of my family," Ryder laughed. Kyle laughed as well. "Now I'm just scared to meet your dads."

"My dad's are harmless, it's my older brothers you gotta watch out for," Kyle said.

"Gee thanks, now I'm really scared," Ryder joked.

"That will have to wait for another day," Kyle said. "So what are you doing this Friday?" He asked.

"Probably working," Ryder shrugged.

"Oh, well I'm going to be performing at an open mic night," Kyle said.

"It wouldn't happen to be at Cassy's Cafe, would it?" Ryder asked.

"That would be the place," Kyle said nodding his head.

"Cassy is my mom," Ryder said, "I'll be there."

"Great, I'll see you then," Kyle said with a smile. "Unfortunately I gotta get going, but I'll text you later?"

"I'll be waiting by my phone," Ryder joked. The two laughed once more. Kyle stood and left.

As he walked away, Kyle couldn't help but think how easy things were with Ryder. It was like there was an instant connection. Was it an attraction though? Kyle had never really had the urge to kiss Ryder. They never touched and it was more like they were just hanging out as friends.

If Kyle was being honest, he still wasn't over Jared. Maybe that was why he was so hesitant with Ryder. Maybe Ryder was right, he needed to get rid of reminders of Jared.

-We Are-

Logan watched as Lilly and Layla ran about getting ready to leave. This had become the norm. Lilly was no longer hiding out in her bedroom. She was back to hanging out with Leora and the other girls. Miles was always with Kyle and Lucas, or Rion. Layla had even started disappearing most days. She would be over at Millie's house with Erika as well. He felt like he hardly saw any of his kids anymore.

Logan didn't say a word to them. He knew what it was like to be young and free. They had lives of their own now. They were still young and a bit naive. Their friends were their life. To them their relationships and friendships meant the world to them.

"Lilly hurry up! Millie is threatening to start the movie without me!" Layla called out to her older sister.

"Hold on Layla, I can't find my phone," Lilly called back.

"Is it in your purse? Lord knows you lose everything in there."

Logan chuckled as he listened to his girls argue. They were actually getting along at the moment. It was odd for the two. They had been at each other's throats for months now.

"Is that my skirt?"

There went them being nice to one another. Logan walked out to the hallway. So much for peace. He needed to defuse the argument before it started. Logan paused for a moment. He wanted to see this play out.

"Uh, yeah," Layla said slowly.

"It looks good on you," Lilly said looking at her sister. "If you want to borrow something, just ask Lay."

"I'm sorry, it must've got mixed up in the laundry. I'll ask next time," Layla promised.

"You better, now come on let's go, I was supposed to meet Le at the mall like ten minutes ago," Lilly replied smiling at her sister.

Logan was shocked. These two were never this civil. It was a nice change.

"Bye dad," Layla said once she noticed him. She ran down the hallway and gave him a hug. Lilly quickly did the same before they both left.

Logan stood there with a small smile on his face. As busy as his girls were, they always had a moment for him. He was their father after all.

-We Are-

Jared laughed as he followed the guys into the Palm Woods. They had just gotten done in the studio. The day had gone fairly well. Matt and Roldy left Jared alone and they got work done.

"Oh Matty," Noah said quickly turning to face the taller male. "I totally forgot to ask, but will you be my best man?"

"I already thought I was. I mean Munroe is Ro's right?" Matt asked.

"Duh, he asked me forever ago, even though I called dibs when he told me he was going to purpose," Jared replied.

"So it's all settled then?" Matt asked.

"Yes, this is gonna be so awesome," Noah said excitedly.

"Speaking of the wedding Kelly wants us all to go get fitted for our suits. She says they are gonna take longer because they are gonna be custom," Roldy said looking to the other three.

"Just tell us when and where," Matt said.

"Kelly is setting up a fitting with some designer," Roldy said.

"Raul Diore, no doubt."

The four turned to see Kyle standing behind them. He hand his hands behind his back and he was looking at the four with a small awkward smile on his lips.

"What?" Roldy asked.

"She's probably trying to set you up with Raul Diore. He does all my dads suits for events and stuff. Anyways, Jared I'm actually here to talk to you," Kyle said looking to the older male.

"Really?" Jared asked.

"Yeah, can we take this somewhere more private," Kyle said.

"Why?" Jared asked.

Kyle just rolled his eyes. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a key. He held it out to Jared.

"Is that a key to our apartment?" Roldy asked looking at Jared. "You gave him a key to our apartment?"

"You told me they were ok with it," Kyle said arching a brow at Jared.

"I told Noah, he didn't mind," Jared said looking to the shorter brunette, who nodded his head while looking away from Roldy.

"Well here," Kyle said placing the key in Jared's hand.

"Uh thanks," Jared said awkwardly.

"Also, I have this," Kyle reached into his pocket and quickly shoved something else into Jared's hands.

"You don't have to-" Jared started as he closed his fist over the item. The other three took that as their cue to leave. They headed across the lobby just out of ear shot. They were still probably trying to over hear this anyways.

"Yes I do," Kyle said quickly.

"It was a gift, keep it," Jared said trying to give it back.

"I can't," Kyle said shaking his head. He took a step back from the taller male.

"Kyle," Jared said.

"No, I don't want it," Kyle said shaking his head.

Jared remained silent. Kyle sighed and hung his head. Jared watched him, he could help but feel like something was wrong here. Jared opened his hand and looked down at the ID bracelet in his hand. He had gotten it for Kyle as a gag gift after he remembered everything. It had Kyle's name and birth date on one side, on the other it had Jared's name and birth date. It was so Kyle would never forget again.

"I thought I could do this, but I can't. I'm sorry," Kyle said not looking up at the older male.

"We're never going to be able to be just friends are we?" Jared asked.

"No we're not," Kyle said simply.

"Here, it was a gift Kyle," Jared said holding out the bracelet.

"I said I don't want it," Kyle snapped. " you can keep it, give it to someone else, sell it, throw it away I don't care. I don't want it or the memories it brings."

"Fair enough," Jared said nodding his head slightly.

The two lapsed into awkward silence. Neither of them knew what to say. Things had changed. There was no going back to the way things had been before.

"So, I'll see you around then?" Jared asked.

"I guess," Kyle said slowly.

They stood there a moment longer. Kyle averted his gaze and turned to leave. Every muscle in Jared's body screamed for him to stop the younger blonde, to pull him back to him and apologize. Jared fought the urge with everything he had. Kyle wasn't his anymore.

Jared shook his head and tried not to think about what was. He looked over to his friends. Noah was talking to Kyle excitedly, about the wedding no doubt. They were laughing. Nothing was awkward. They were still friends with Kyle after all. Jared wasn't going to demand that they cut Kyle off. That would be selfish.

Once Kyle left, Jared made his way over to the other three. They all looked to Jared.

"He's still our friend Jer, we can't just cut him off," Roldy said.

"I wasn't going to say anything. I know that you guys are friends with him. I mean we work for his dad after all," Jared said.

"Really? That's it?" Roldy asked.

"Yeah, while I don't ever see Kyle and I being friends again, at least not for now, I am not gonna be that guy that makes you pick sides, even though you all clearly have since the beginning," Jared said.

"Look, we're sorry, we know you did what you had to do. We also know that we can't change it and it's your problem not ours," Matt said quickly cutting Roldy off.

"Yeah, sorry," Roldy said nodding his head.

"Can we all just be friends again?" Jared asked.

"Yes, I thought we already were," Noah said.

"Friends don't keep secrets," Roldy said looking at Jared pointedly.

"Ok, wanna know where the bead this weekend? I was in San Diego," Jared said simply.

"Munroe, we told you to drop it," Matt said.

"You know me, gotta go poke the angry bear," Jared said shrugging. "It's nothing, I'm fine and I've learned my lesson."

"Jared," Roldy said warningly.

"Todd and Erin Munroe are not my parents, they are just the people who raised me," Jared said hanging his head. "My real family is you guys, and my brothers and sisters. I can't pretend like everything is ok anymore. What they did to me, what he does is awful and I've allowed myself to take part in it for too long. I went down there to tell them so and to let others know that I am not cutting them off and it's not their fault. I told them all they are welcome to visit me if they like."

"So where does the black eye come in?" Matt asked curiously.

"Well Todd didn't want any of them to come near me. He said I was no son of his, to which I replied that we finally agreed on something. He sucker punched me and Jackie and Carter were quick to help me and stop him from doing anything else," Jared shrugged.

"And the hair cut?" Noah asked.

"Time to make a change. I want to start over and I have to get as faraway from the old me as possible," Jared replied.

"So, Kyle told us he is going to try and open mic night at a coffee shop this weekend. He wants to see if this is really what he wants to do," Noah said changing the conversation.

"Why are you telling me this," Jared asked.

Noah only shrugged and walked away, pulling Roldy with him. Jared watched him confused.

"You've got one last chance Munroe," Matt said clapping a hand on his back. He left as well.

Jared stood there a moment. Was Kyle giving him one last chance? Did Jared want to take it?

So there you go another chapter done. Sorry for the wait, I've been extremely busy. So Kyle is trying to move on, can he? Is he attracted to Ryder? Or are they better off friends? Jared is unsure of what he wants? Can he get his life together? Will Kyle and Jared ever stop acting like idiots? Miles and Rion are adorable. (No question there just fact.) Can Layla and Erika over come the haters? Will Lilly be ready to go public with her pregnancy? Will Logan ever be ok with his girls growing up? NoRo wedding! Who's excited for that?

So many questions. Sorry for that, but is necessary for such a monster chapter. Again I am sorry for the wait. I've been busy and inspiration comes in small bouts. I will work at updating more frequently, but I can't garuentee anything. I'd rather put out a chapter I like rather than a rushed chapter.

Always

OUTOFMYMIND