I'd to thank winterschild11, Charlie-Rose94, annabellex2, Franshes, RavenclawWitch18, cicibunbuns, and Sir RCCS for taking the extra time to review. They make my day.
Chapter 44: The Art of Moving On
Adam winced as his stomach tightened again. He hated false labor. It was such a drag. It meant he was in the home stretch. He had a few weeks before his due date.
"Hey Addie, I'm almost ready to leave," Cooper called out from the kitchen.
Adam heaved himself up. As much as he wanted to stay in bed all day, he had a toddler to watch. Adam made his way to the kitchen. Cooper was finishing feeding Miri.
"Morning sunshine," Cooper said with a grin.
"False labor sucks," Adam whined.
"Want me to find someone to watch Miri today?" Cooper asked.
"I feel obligated to say no, but Marcie said she was willing whenever she was watching Jenny," Adam said.
Cooper nodded his head. He quickly called James asking if Marcie was watching Jenny today. Adam wandered into the living room. He sat down on the couch. He felt Kendall kicking away. This so wasn't fun. He just wanted this baby out of him already. He wanted to meet his son.
"Ok, James has the day off today so Marcie has the day off. He would love to have you and Miri over today," Cooper said walking into the living room.
"Ok, can you give me a ride?" Adam asked.
"Sure thing Addie, I don't have class until ten. I just wanted to stop by the library to work on my paper for a bit," Cooper replied.
"Don't make me feel bad," Adam said.
"You're more important Addie, the paper isn't due for another two weeks. I've got time," Cooper assured the pregnant brunette.
"Ok, just let me get my shoes and Miri's diaper bag," Adam said moving to get up.
"I'll get them," Cooper offered. He took off before Adam could even protest.
Adam sat back, a small smile playing across his lips. Things with Cooper we're going great. Adam could not be more in love with that man. He was so happy they had managed to get things back on track.
Cooper returned with Adam's shoes and a diaper bag for Miri. He helped Adam get his shoes on before walking back into the kitchen. Miri had finished eating and was banging her bowl on the high chair tray.
"Alright missy, time to go see grandpa James," Cooper said. Miri perked up at that. She seemed to know what visiting grandpa meant. It meant fun and sugar for her, while it meant disaster for Adam and Cooper.
"Don't worry Coop, I won't let him give her too much sugar," Adam said.
"Oh please you can't say no to either of your dads. This girl is so spoiled," Cooper said turning to face Adam.
"I know, but she's so adorable, and no one can tell her no," Adam said looking down at his daughter. She just smiled back innocently.
"Yeah, we made a pretty cute kid huh?" Cooper asked looking at their daughter.
"Oh yeah, with cute baby number two in the way," Adam said rubbing his stomach. Almost as if on cue Kendall started kicking.
-We Are-
Kyle tapped his foot as he waited for the bell to ring. He was eager to get out of here. He was thinking about tonight. Miles had talked him into going to an open mic night. Kyle wanted to see how he did in front of a crowd. This was the best test for him.
"You ok they Mr. Jittery?" Lucas asked.
"I'm fine, I'm just ready for this day to be over with," Kyle said.
"He's performing at Cassy's Cafe tonight," Miles said quickly.
"Like singing?" Lucas asked shocked.
"That's exactly what I'll be doing," Kyle laughed.
"And you didn't invite me?" Lucas asked feigning hurt.
"He hasn't invited anyone, what he doesn't know is I was planning on talking you, Jay, Lil, Le, and Caleb into going," Miles said quickly.
"Oh I knew," Kyle replied. "I also know there is no stopping you."
"See, I might even invite Jake and Adam," Miles said whipping his phone out.
"If you must, just know what I can back out at any moment. It's not a binding thing," Kyle replied.
"Dude, no you can't back out now. I already told Jay and she's like super excited," Miles said.
"Fine, just don't make a fool out of yourself, and be cool ok," Kyle said. Lucas laughed at that. Kyle and Miles gave him a look.
"Miles be cool? That's funny," Lucas gasped between laughs. Kyle laughed at that while Miles glared at his twin brother.
"Alright, I'm definitely inviting Jake and Adam now. I might even tell your dads," Miles said shutting Kyle up.
"Ok fine you can tell Jake and Adam, but please don't tell my dads. I have to do this without them. I have to show them that I am ready," Kyle said.
"Fine, fine," Miles said waving a hand at the blonde.
"Is Rion gonna be there? Or is she still on lockdown?" Kyle asked.
"She's getting better, but her parents don't want her going out just yet," Miles said.
"It's not..." Kyle started.
"No, at least the doctors don't think it is just yet. It's just a cold, a bad one," Miles said slowly. It was almost as if he was scared.
Kyle didn't blame him one bit. If this was Rion's cancer coming back, it would be a disaster.
"Hey don't think like that," Lucas said. "She beat it once, she can beat it again. Besides like you said the doctors don't think it's that anyways."
"Thanks Lu," Miles said giving his brother a small smile.
"How you can stay so positive and upbeat I'll never know." Kyle shook his head.
"I grew up different. I used to be a very bitter little boy, then one day I realized I can't change this. I can only embrace it and make thugs better. I learned to walk and ever since then there has been no stopping me," Lucas explained. "I try to always stay positive because there is always someone out there who might need that positivity and it can change a person's attitude."
"That's deep," Miles said awestruck.
"Basically I just stopped feeling sorry for myself," Lucas shrugged.
-We Are-
Noah quickly ran from his and Roldy's room to the living room. He spotted Roldy sitting on the couch watching TV. He ran over to the blonde and jumped onto the couch beside him. Roldy smiled and turned to the brunette.
"Hi Noah," Roldy chuckled at his eager boyfriend.
"Guess what?" Noah said excitedly.
"What?" Roldy asked.
"I just got off the phone with Kelly and she's got the resort booked. It's official we are getting married this December!" Noah said excitedly.
"Great," Roldy said smiling.
"So, come December 20th I will be Mr. Noah Harrison," Noah said proudly.
"Now that has a nice ring to it," Roldy said with a smile.
"Yeah it does," Noah said practically bouncing up and down.
The apartment door opened. The pair looked over as Jared and walked in. He had his phone cradled to his ear as he looked over some mail.
"No, Jackie just stop it," Jared said. He walked over to the couple as he talked with his younger brother. He gave Roldy the mail, before turning to leave again.
"What's wrong?" Noah asked.
"Jackie is having a mental breakdown I think," Jared said rolling his eyes. "Yes you are. I was talking to Noah and Roldy." He fell silent as he listened to his brother. "I don't care, until you're eighteen you can't do a damn thing. Besides I don't get why you wanna leave, you're like the perfect son. They love you." Jared walked down the hallway away from the couple on the couch.
Roldy finally started looking through the mail. One caught his eye. He opened it and smiled.
"Icy and Tim set their wedding date as well, they are getting married this summer," Roldy said looking to Noah.
"Sweet," Noah said. "You better RSVP that."
"We will, don't worry No," Roldy chuckled. He reached over and pulled the brunette closer. He placed an arm around him. "I can't wait to be married to you though."
"Me either Ro," Noah said placing his head on Roldy's shoulder. "Hey, Kyle is performing tonight? Are we still going?" He asked suddenly.
"Of course, I already told Matty we were," Roldy said.
"Do you think Jared's gonna go?" Noah asked. Roldy only shrugged in response.
-We Are-
Kendall was sitting in his office. He had given the boy the afternoon off. He had some paperwork he needed to catch up on and some phone calls to make. It was easier to get this all done distraction free.
His office door opened without a knock. Penelope walked in with papers in one hand and her phone in the other.
"I've got those contracts you wanted to look over," Penelope said. "Also Kelly says Avery is here and wants to talk to me you," she said looking up at the blonde.
"Avery? What does she want?" Kendall asked as he took the papers from her.
"Don't know, but she's not the diva type so I'd expect it to be something somewhat good," Penelope said shrugging.
"Ok, but how are you holding up though?" Kendall asked.
"What?" Penelope asked confused.
"Your dad, I heard he had a heart attack," Kendall said.
"Oh right, he's doing ok but this is a wake up call for him. No more double bacon cheeseburgers," Penelope said.
"Well I hope he continues to get better," Kendall said.
"Me too," Penelope said.
"So Avery is here right now then?" Kendall asked as someone knocked at his door.
"Speak of the devil," Penelope said as she opened the door. She greeted the red headed girl with a smile. "I was just letting him know that you were here," she said.
"Thanks Pen," Avery said with a smile.
"If that's all you need for today Kendall, I'll be heading out," Penelope said looking to the blonde man.
"Go ahead," Kendall said. She left and Kendall turned his attention to the red headed girl. For some reason Kendall had this impending feeling of doom coming on. He couldn't quite place his finger on what it was.
-We Are-
Leora quickly made her way to Caleb's locker. She had to catch him before he left for his next class. She had just found out about Kyle performing tonight. Miles told her to invite everyone.
"Hey there pretty lady, slow down," Caleb said looking up at her.
"Oh good I caught you," Leora said smiling at him. "What are your plans tonight?"
"Nothing, I'm not working and my dads are taking my brother out," Caleb replied.
"Good answer, you have plans now. Kyle is going to be doing some kind of open mike thing and Miles wants us all there to support him. I mean he's my brother so I'll definitely be there," Leora said.
"I'll be there too, what time?" Caleb asked.
"I think Miles said it starts at six and goes until nine," Leora said slowly.
"Ok, so who's everyone?" Caleb asked.
"The gang, plus Jake and Adam I'm sure. That mean Damien and Cooper will be there too. I'm sure Lucas will bring Artie," Leora said slowly.
"Ok, sounds fun I can't wait," Caleb said with a smile.
"Great, now get to class and we can talk later," Leora said.
"Yes ma'am," Caleb said mock saluting her. Leora giggled at that and gave him a playful shove. He waved as he walked away.
Leora smiled as she watched him go. It was moments like this she was going to miss after he graduated. She still wasn't sure what would become of them after school ended this year. Caleb was graduating and going to college. He had gotten accepted to UC Berkeley, and UCLA. He hadn't made a decision as far as she knew. Both schools were great, but Leora knew his dream was to get out of LA. She didn't want to hold him back. She was torn over what to do.
"Don't think too hard, you'll hurt yourself."
Leora looked to the side at Miles. He was grinning at his own joke. She rolled her eyes and shoved him.
"I was just thinking," Leora replied.
"Obviously," Miles said as he linked his arm with hers. "I'll walk you to class," he said.
"Why?" Leora asked.
"So you can tell me what's wrong and I can help fix it," Miles repled.
"It's just, guy troubles," Leora said shaking her head as she allowed Miles to lead her away.
"Caleb? Is he being a dick head? Do I need to beat some sense into him?" Miles asked quickly.
"No, it's me," Leora sighed, "is it selfish that I want him to stay here in LA for college when I know he dreams of getting out of LA and going somewhere he is less known?"
"Kind of, but what does he want?" Miles asked, "I mean people change for the ones they love?"
"I know, and he says he's fine with UCLA, but I can tell he won't be truly happy. I don't want to hold him back and have him get bitter and hate me. I also don't want him going far away because I know the whole long distance thing won't work. He like super attractive and girls will throw themselves at him."
"You've thought about this a lot haven't you?" Miles asked shocked.
"Yeah, I just don't know what to do," Leora sighed.
"You know, they say if you love something let it go, if it returns it was yours, if it doesn't it wasn't really yours to start with," Miles said as they stopped in front of Leora's classroom.
"I was afraid of that," Leora sighed, "thanks though."
"No problem, just call me mama Miles," Miles joked with a deep bow. Leora laughed as she walked into her classroom. The bell rang and she heard Miles curse before taking off. Maybe Miles was right, she needed to let go.
-We Are-
James watched as Adam rubbed his stomach again. He had been complaining of false labor all day. James wasn't sure if this was the real deal or not. Adam's due date wasn't too far off. He didn't want to pester Adam, he was sure Cooper did that enough.
"How are things, I feel like I hardly see you anymore," James said getting his son's attention. "You and Jake are always so busy."
"I'm fine pops, just waiting on this little guy to arrive," Adam said.
"So do you got everything ready for him yet? Are you guys planning on getting a bigger place or…" James trailed off. He was pestering Adam. He didn't mean to, but he was a dad. He had to make sure his son and grandchildren were taken care of.
"We've talked about looking for a bigger place, but honestly we can't afford it right now, with Cooper going to school and me working at the diner," Adam said shaking his head.
"Adam-" James started.
"I don't want your money," Adam said quickly. "You and dad have done so much for me and Cooper already. We got this, Kendall will sleep in out room for now, and once he's a little older if we don't have a bigger place him and Miri can share a room."
"Ok, but if you ever need anything," James said.
"I know pops, I know," Adam said smiling.
"I can't help but worry though," James admitted. He looked to Jenny and Miri. "To me you're still this big," he held his hand out signaling that he thought of Adam as a child. "It's hard to believe that you and Jake are all grown up."
"I know pops," Adam said looking to his daughter as well. "I still think of Miri when she was first born. She was so tiny and now she getting so big and more and more independent."
"Cherish it, it goes by fast," James said.
The two lapsed into silence as they watched their daughters. James couldn't help but feel incredibly old. Here he was with a one year old daughter and a granddaughter who was almost two. To top that off he had three more grandchildren on the way. He wouldn't trade this moment for the world though. He loved Jenny and Miri with all his heart, and he was going to love the other three just as much.
-We Are-
Kyle bit his lip as he looked up at the cafe. He had managed to sneak out with his guitar. Kendall and James had no idea. Kyle wanted to keep it that way for just a little bit longer. He needed to do this without his dad's knowing. He had to prove to himself that he was ready for this.
A rap on the window made Kyle jump. He looked to the side and saw Miles, Lucas, Lilly, and Layla standing outside his window. Kyle rolled the window down and arched a brow at the four.
"Not chickening out now are you?" Lilly asked.
"Nope," Kyle said.
"Then get out of the car," Miles said opening the door for Kyle.
He quickly reached over and unbuckled the blonde. He pulled him from the car. Lucas was quick to roll the window up and grab the keys as Lilly and Layla grabbed Kyle's guitar from the back seat. Lucas handed the keys to Miles.
"Those are mine," Kyle said.
"You'll get these back after you are done," Miles said holding the keys up before he pocketed them.
"Dude not funny give them to me," Kyle said holding his a hand out.
"Nope, you're not getting them until later," Miles said.
"Fine, let's go," Kyle said rolling his eyes at his friend. The four made their way at inside chatting. "So Layla, I didn't realize you would be joining us this evening," he said looking to the younger girl.
"Miles asked me if I wanted to come and it gets me out of the house," Layla shrugged, "besides I have to be here. I'm the only one who will be honest if you suck. Miles is your best friend, Lilly is your ex girlfriend, and Lucas is still new. They are all gonna tell you that you don't suck. I'm the only one who will be brutally honest."
"Thanks squirt, I can always count on you," Kyle replied.
"I'm not saying you're gonna suck, you probably won't. I'm just saying I'll be the only honest one," Layla said quickly.
"Thanks Lay," Kyle chuckled.
The four entered the cafe. They spotted Caleb, Leora, Jake, and Adam all sitting together already. Kyle had half hoped that Jake and Adam would be too busy to show up. He had no such luck. Miles dragged the blonde over to his siblings.
"About time," Leora said.
"She thought you weren't going to show," Jake said smiling at his brother in greeting.
"Here I am," Kyle said as he sat down. Cooper and Damien joined them with coffee and hot chocolate for Jake and Adam.
"I think this is the first time we've all been together without dad and pops forcing us," Adam said after awhile looking to his siblings.
"I know it's weird," Kyle said.
"I can't even remember the last time we were all together," Leora said slowly.
"Your guy's' birthday," Jake said.
"No, I was working," Adam said shaking his head.
"Right," Jake said slowly.
The four sat there thinking for a moment. They never really spent much time together anymore. Jake and Adam were always busy with school and work or kids. They were adults now and didn't have too much free time. Plus Kyle and Leora were busy with their own lives at the moment.
"I'm afraid it's only going to get worse, once baby Kendall is born," Cooper said.
"Yeah, then we will never see you or Adam," Kyle said.
"Yeah, this little guy should be ready any day now," Adam said rubbing his stomach.
"And we are all excited to meet the little guy," Leora said.
The group settled into mindless chatter. They all laughed and talked for a bit. Eventually Miles and Kyle decided to get some drinks. They offered to get some for Lilly, Layla, and Lucas as well.
Kyle and Miles walked up to the counter. Kyle spotted Ryder behind the counter. He was making drinks as he talked to an older woman, Kyle took to be his mother; Cassy.
"I don't see why you make me work here all the time. Can't Court work as well?" Ryder asked.
"I've tried, she refuses to even try. Now go take orders," Cassy said.
"Fine."
Ryder turned around. He smiled when he saw Kyle. He grabbed the drinks he made and gave them to the platinum blonde standing at the counter. She was anything but grateful.
"Hey Kyle," Ryder greeted the blonde.
"You've been here before?" Miles asked.
"A few times, but no Miles this is Ryder, Ryder this is Miles; my best friend," Kyle introduced the two.
"Oh you're Ryder," Miles said loudly.
"Yeah, I'm Ryder," Ryder chuckled.
"Well it's nice to finally meet you, I was starting to think that Kyle was making you up," Miles said.
"I'm real," Ryder chuckled.
"I can see that," Miles said he looked to Kyle.
"We better order before your sisters get mad and think we're not coming back," Kyle said cutting off any inappropriate comment Miles had planned to say next.
"Oh yeah, I need two hot chocolates, one iced caramel mocha, and an iced white chocolate mocha," Miles said.
"Add another hot chocolate to that," Kyle said pulling his wallet out. He paid for the drinks and shooed Miles away, telling him to keep his mouth shut. Miles took off too quickly for Kyle's liking.
"So how many of your friends are here?" Ryder asked curiously as he started making Kyle's drinks.
"Most of them, I'm sure the others are on their way. Miles kind of has a big mouth and I'm sure he told everyone. My brothers are here and my sister too," Kyle said glancing over his shoulder. He saw Miles talking with Jake and Adam. He pointed to Kyle as he talked. Kyle looked back to Ryder. "I am sorry about this."
"What?" Ryder asked confused.
"They're coming over aren't they?" Kyle asked not looking back.
"Uh, the guys Miles is talking to? Yeah, looks like your sister too," Ryder said.
"I'm sorry," Kyle said. Ryder handed Kyle his drinks.
"Kyle," Adam said as the three reached him.
"Ryder, I didn't realize you were dating my little brother," Jake said.
"You know each other?" Kyle masked looking to his older brother.
"Yeah, we have a lit class together," Ryder said. "I didn't realize Jake was your brother."
"Yeah, I'm still in waiting on the DNA results," Kyle quipped.
"Har-har," Jake said glaring at Kyle.
"You know Jake, this is Adam, and that's Leora," Kyle said making introductions as he painted to each. "Guys this is Ryder."
"It's nice to meet you guys," Ryder said kindly.
"Ok you guys met, now Ryder is busy working as these are getting cold," Kyle said. "Mind helping me? These two are for Lilly and Layla," he said handing Leora the hot chocolates. She left without a word. "This is for Lucas and this is Miles'," Kyle said handing Jake and Adam a drink.
"If you wanted to get rid of us all you had to do is say so," Adam laughed. He and Jake left.
"Sorry about that," Kyle said looking down at his drink.
"It's ok, they're just curious, be glad that my mom is busy and not paying attention to me," Ryder said.
"Do you work all night then?" Kyle asked.
"Just until open mic is over," Ryder said.
"Well, I'll talk to you later then. Your mom is looking over and doesn't look happy," Kyle said.
"Run," Ryder said. Kyle left and headed back over to the others. He noticed Jayda had arrived with Sora, Millie, and Erika.
"Millicent, how nice of you to join us," Kyle greeted the younger girl.
"Don't call me that," Millie said glaring at Kyle.
"It is your name isn't it, almost like Maleficent, what you were actually named after," Kyle replied. "You know cause you're pure evil?"
"Damn straight," Millie said nodding her head.
"Ok fight nice you two," Layla chuckled.
-We Are-
Jared sighed as he watched Noah flitter around the apartment. He was waiting for Matt to show up so they could go watch Kyle. Jared wasn't interested in going, but the guys insisted he go. He had a bad feeling about this.
"Earth to Jared," Roldy said waving a hand in front of his face.
"Do I have to go? He didn't invite me, he invited you guys," Jared said trying again to get out of going.
"Why would he tell us if he didn't want us to tell you," Roldy asked.
"Because you guys are his friends and he wants you there. He didn't tell me because we are not friends and won't be for a long time," Jared said.
"Well he doesn't want to be just friends," Roldy said.
"I don't have a good feeling about this Ro," Jared said shaking his head.
"Look Jer, he's giving you one last shot here. Go and listen to what he has to say," Roldy said.
"Fine, if it will get you off my case," Jared sighed.
"Guys Matty's here," Noah called from the doorway.
The pair shared a look before walking over to Noah. He was talking with Matt. Matt looked to Jared and arched a brow. Jared just shook his head. Matt seemed to want to say something, but Noah distracted him. Jared had never been more thankful for Noah's ADHD like attention span.
-We Are-
Kyle watched a two girls took the small makeshift stage together. They were obviously sister, they had been introduced as Hannah and Hilly. Both girls had long red hair and pale skin and greenish blue eyes. One of the girls had a guitar. They both took a seat on the stools Ryder had placed there for them.
"I'm Hannah," the girl with the guitar said.
"I'm Hilly, and we're gonna sing for you guys tonight so sit back and enjoy," Hilly said with a smile.
Kyle couldn't help but notice how at ease these two were. It was like they commanded the stage and took everyone's attention. They both looked like they belonged. When Hilly opened her mouth to sing, Kyle was blown away. She was amazing. Hannah knew how to play. Her voice was just as amazing as Hilly. They harmonized very well together.
Kyle looked over to the counter. He wondered where Ryder had gone to. Instead he saw Noah, Roldy, Matt, and Jared ordering some drinks from Cassy. He was shocked to see them here, but he remembered mentioning to them that he was singing tonight.
"Hey I'll be right back," Kyle said nudging Miles. He didn't wait for an answer. He jumped up and headed over to the four. Noah spotted him first.
"Hey Kyle, sorry we're late," Noah said quickly jumping on the blonde and giving him a hug. "You haven't gone on yet have you?"
"Not yet, soon I hope," Kyle said.
"Oh hey guys," Miles said stepping up beside Kyle. "Did Kyle invite you? I thought you weren't inviting anyone? I would so invited you guys if I had your number. Which I guess we're not close enough for that," he said slowly.
"Don't be silly, we're friends Miles," Noah said quickly. "Give me," he said holding his hand out. Miles pulled his phone out and unlocked it for the hyper brunette.
Miles engaged Noah, Roldy, and Matt in a conversation. Kyle was thankful for that. He could always could on Miles.
Jared was standing a few feet away from the others. It almost as if he didn't want to be here. Kyle knew Jared well enough to know that much at least.
"So they dragged you along as well?" Kyle asked.
"Yeah, but I'm curious to see what this is all about. You could have a recording contract with any recording company you wanted," Jared said.
"There's only one recording company, and I just need to know if I can get up in front of people and do this. I can't have my dads coddle me my entire life," Kyle said.
"You are talented Kyle, even if you can't see it yourself. You just need to get over this fear you have of people judging you," Jared replied.
"I'm not-"
"Yes you are," Jared cut the younger blonde off. "People are always gonna judge you. It's a part of life. Even if you move to the middle of nowhere and cut yourself off from society people will still judge you. It's human nature."
"I just don't want-" Kyle started again.
"I know, but not everyone is gonna love you Kyle. Haters are gonna hate. They are stupid and missing out if you ask me, but there is nothing you can do to change their minds," Jared said.
"It's human nature, right?" Kyle asked.
"Exactly," Jared replied with a smile.
"You know, not everyone is evil and put to get you," Kyle said.
"Not everyone is good and there to support you," Jared countered.
"Touché," Kyle said bobbing his head slightly.
"So, are you going to be singing something original tonight?" Jared asked curiously.
"I don't know yet," Kyle shrugged.
He really wasn't sure what he was going to sing. He had gone round and round trying to pick the perfect song. He bounced from song to song, even considering a few he wrote himself.
"Well whatever you choose I'm sure it will be amazing," Jared said.
"Incoming," Miles said bumping Kyle and pointing towards the stage. Kyle looked and saw Ryder heading his way.
Kyle quickly met him halfway. He didn't need Jared knowing about Ryder just yet. Ryder looked past Kyle for a moment. Kyle knew that he was looking right at Jared. Ryder's gaze shifted back to Kyle with a smile.
"You're up next after Hannah and Hilly," Ryder said quickly.
"What? No, I'm not ready yet," Kyle said panicked.
"Really? you are too ready," Miles said stepping up beside the blonde.
Kyle looked over to Miles he was panicking. He wasn't ready for this. He was wrong, this wasn't something he could do.
"Will you relax." Kyle turned to face Jared. He was looking at the blonde calmly. "You are more than ready for this Kyle, you can do it."
"No I can't," Kyle said shaking his head. Jared grabbed Kyle by the shoulders and made him look at him.
"Kyle you need to stop doubting yourself, you are an amazing singer and have more talent than myself, Roldy, Noah, and Matty combined," Jared said looking the blonde in the eyes. "Let go of your insecurities. You are amazing Kyle, you'll be fine."
"Ok," Kyle said swallowing thickly. He had to fight every urge in his body to just throw his arms around Jared and kiss him. He took a step back from the older male. "I'm gonna get ready," he said before taking off.
Kyle walked over to his guitar case. He knelt down and pulled it from the case. He tried not to think about what had just happened. He wasn't here with Jared tonight. Technically he wasn't here with anyone, but was kind of dating Ryder.
"What was that?"
Kyle looked to his side and saw Jake standing above him. Kyle stood with his guitar in his hand. He didn't know what to say on a count of he didn't know what it was.
"You saw that?" Kyle asked slowly.
"Yeah, you're not over him are you?" Jake asked.
"I want to be," Kyle said looking down at his guitar.
"Just be careful, you don't want to hurt anyone else why you are trying to figure out who you are," Jake said glancing over at Damien.
"Right, I know," Kyle said looking over to Jared and then to Ryder who was on the stage with Hannah and Hilly getting people to applaud them one more time.
"Ok up next we have Kyle," Ryder said pointing off stage to the young blonde.
"That's you little brother, go knock 'em dead," Jake said giving the young blonde a shove towards the stage.
Kyle walked up onto the stage. He thanked Ryder and took a seat on one of the stairs on stage. He placed his guitar on his lap and adjusted the mic. Kyle took a deep breath and tried not to think about the people watching him. That wasn't what bothered him anyways. Jared was right. He was afraid of people judging him and hating him.
Kyle took a relaxing breath. He knew what song he was going to start with. He knew this song like than back of his hand. He took one more calming breath and started playing.
"White lips, pale face," he sang. "Breathing in snowflakes, burnt lungs, sour taste."
Kyle poured his heart and soul into the song. He was passionate about this. He warned everyone to see just how much he liked doing this.
As he sang his eyes locked onto Jared. It was like a magnetic force just seemed to pull him in Jared's direction. Jared was looking right at him as well.
Once Kyle finished the song, everyone erupted with applause. Kyle felt a sense of relief wash over him.
"Do another song!"
Kyle recognized that as Miles. He heard his siblings chime in as well. The crowd joined in and Kyle smiled.
"Alright I'll do another," Kyle said. He thought about it for a moment. He knew the perfect song. "Ok this next song is something I wrote myself. I hope you guys enjoy."
Kyle watched as Jared seemed to want to bolt. He knew Jared was thinking this was his song. In a way it was, but not the one Jared was thinking about.
Kyle started playing his guitar again. This was it, he was putting himself out there, with his own music.
"I don't remember what we might have said, and I didn't bother to write it down any how. Now all of the memories spun like a web, and I can't get out, get out, get out."
Kyle found Jared in the crowd again. He was watching Kyle. There was something in his eye. Kyle saw it. It made him want to stop everything he was doing and run to the older male. Just take Jared in his arms and tell him he still loved him.
"I gave everything I got not to lose you, We chose to say goodbye but I choose you, I choose you."
Kyle watched as Jared stood. Roldy jumped up with him and followed him towards the door. They seemed to be arguing.
"I keep building walls but you're always on my mind. Won't let them fall down, I'm tired can we give up, the art of moving on, on, on."
Jared looked past Roldy to the stage. Kyle just wanted him to stay. He wanted everything to go back to the way it was before. He didn't want to be a dad and he just wanted Jared back in his arms. He'd settle for having Jared back. Kyle felt his heart break a little more as he watched Jared walk out the door.
Once he finished with his song everyone clapped again. His family and friends being the loudest. Kyle thanked everyone and took his leave from the stage.
Kyle quickly put his guitar away and turned in time to see Roldy standing behind him.
"Why'd he leave?"
"He's an idiot, but if he's going anywhere, he will be walking," Roldy said holding up a set of car keys.
"Watch this, give it to Miles," Kyle said shoving his guitar at Roldy. He took off out of the coffee shop not stopping when he heard his siblings call out to him.
Kyle was stopped by Ryder at the door. Kyle felt bad for what he was about to do. Ryder opened the door for him though.
"Go, I get it, it's fine, we're better off as friends," Ryder said.
"I'm sorry," Kyle said before he bolted out the door and into the rain.
Kyle frowned as he made his way to the parking lot. He dug in his pocket for his keys. He cursed when he couldn't find them. Miles still had them. He turned to run back inside when he saw Jared standing behind him.
"Jer," Kyle said walking up to him. The rain forgotten. All that mattered was the man in front of him.
They stood there looking at one another. Kyle wanted nothing more than to take Jared in his arms. He couldn't make the first move though. This was all up to Jared.
"I'm scared," Jared said finally.
"Me too," Kyle replied.
Jared took a step forward. That was all Kyle needed. He crashed his lips into Jared's and threw his arms around him. Jared melted into his embrace. It felt natural. It felt right. Kyle never wanted this moment to end. It was perfect. Unfortunately his lungs needed air.
The two parted. Kyle looked at Jared. There was so much he wanted to say. He just wasn't sure where to start. Jared seemed to be at a loss for words as well. They stood there just staring at one another. Kyle opened his mouth to speak.
"Jer-"
"Kyle!"
Kyle and Jared parted. Kyle looked past the older male. He saw his siblings and Cooper and Damien heading his way. They were all moving quickly. They seemed to be panicked over something.
"What's wrong?" Kyle asked worried.
"Adam's water broke!" Leora said.
"Yeah, we gotta get him to the hospital," Cooper said quickly.
"Ok, miles had my car keys I gotta go get them," Kyle said.
"Meet us there," Jake said. Kyle nodded his head as he dashed back inside. Miles was already making his way towards him, holding out his keys.
"Thanks, I'll text you later ok," Kyle said taking his keys.
"We're coming with," Layla said pushing past Miles.
"Yeah, Adam is practically family," Lilly said.
"Wouldn't want to miss this," Lucas said joining the three of them.
"Well let's go," Kyle said.
Kyle ran back to his car. Jared was waiting there for him. Kyle arched a brow at him. Jared held out his hand. Kyle took the bravely there. He smiled and gave Jared a peck on the cheek, with a promise to call him. They still had a lot to work out, but this was a start.
-We Are-
Jake tapped his foot as they waited for any news on Adam and the baby. They had been sitting here for an hour now. The Mitchell's had arrived, even Carlos and Logan. They were all eagerly awaiting the baby's arrival.
"I got a question," Carlos said snapping Jake out of his thoughts. He looked to the Latino. "Where are your dads?"
"Oh my god we didn't call them," Kyle said a hand flying to his mouth. He quickly whipped his cell phone out. Leora and Jake did the same. "I got dad," he said.
"I'll call pops," Leora said.
"I'll try home," Jake said.
"Don't bother."
The three looked to the doorway of the waiting room. Kendall and James were standing there. They did not look happy. Jenny toddled across the room to Leora.
"We had to find out from Jared," Kendall said looking to Kyle. "He was returning your guitar which you left at the coffee shop."
"Yeah, we had no idea," James said.
"I thought one of them were going to call you," Jake said pointing to the twins.
"I thought they already did," Kyle replied.
"I just forgot, we were in a rush to get Adam here," Leora said simply.
Kendall and James walked into the room they took a seat and continued to scold their kids. THis wasn't something they wanted to be left out of.
"Well you're here now," Kyle said slowly, "the baby hasn't been born yet."
"Actually he has."
Everyone looked to the doorway. Cooper was standing there with the biggest smile. They all started asking questions. Cooper held a hand up silencing everyone.
"It's a boy, and he's healthy," Cooper said. Everyone jumped up to congratulate him. He turned to Kendall and James. "Adam would like you guys in there."
So there you go another chapter done. This fic only has like two maybe three more chapters. Adam had the baby! NoRo set a date! Will James ever calm down about his kids growing up? What impending doom is Kendall feeling? Will Kyle ever get of his fear of people judging him? Jyle is back together! Is mama Miles right? Will Leora be able to let Caleb go? More to come. More drama for sure. I hope you enjoyed this. So until next time guys.
Always
OUTOFMYMIND