We Are
I would like to thank everyone for sticking this out and hanging with me until the end. You all know who you are and I love you. Hugs and kisses for you all!
Chapter 50: We Are
"Dude you can't skip prom," Miles said shaking his head at Kyle.
The two were currently in Miles's bedroom playing video games with Lucas. The hot topic was prom, which was tomorrow night. Kyle still wasn't sure if he wanted to go.
"Why do I have to go?" Kyle asked.
"Because this is our junior prom it's like a right of passage or something like that. Leora's making me do this and if I fail she's next," Miles threatened.
"And we all know how Leora gets," Lucas said quickly.
"Fine I'll go, but I won't be happy about this," Kyle said glaring at his friend.
"Deal, now you and I will pick up Lu and we will all go stag together, plus Jay don't have a date," Miles said.
"I have an idea," Kyle said jumping up. "Is Layla home?" He asked as he exited Miles' room.
"Yeah, I think she's got Mille and Erika over," Miles replied.
Kyle bolted from the room. Miles and Lucas followed him. Kyle ran upstairs to Layla's room an knocked on the door.
"Papi we're fine-oh Kyle," Layla said shocked.
"Hey, I've got a deal for you and your fiends," Kyle said quickly.
"What kind of deal?" Layla asked.
"May we come in and talk?" Kyle asked.
"What's this about?" Layla asked eyeing the three suspiciously. She stepped aside for them anyways.
"I was wondering if you girls wanted to go to prom," Kyle said.
"We're freshmen, we can't get in," Layla said.
"You can if you have dates that are either juniors or seniors," Lucas said catching on.
"Yeah and there are three of you and three of us," Kyle said gesturing to himself, Miles, and Lucas.
"But prom is tomorrow and we don't have dresses or anything," Millie said.
"Yeah, but I have a sister with a shopping addiction and a closet that is full. I'm sure she can borrow you something," Kyle said.
"So what do you girls say," Miles asked.
"Sure," the three girls chorused together.
"Great come on, let's go see if Leora's home," Kyle said smiling.
-We Are-
Kendall watched as James moved about cleaning the living room. Jenny was napping, so he decided now was the time to clean. He made Kendall sit and watch TV, telling him to take it easy.
Ever since Kendall had arrived home it had been the same. James was doting over him and not letting him do anything. At first it was nice and sweet, but now it was just getting on his nerves.
Kendall understood that James was worried about him, but there was nothing wrong with his heart. Dr. Hernandez said he was extremely lucky this time. She ordered him to take it easy and to set up an appointment with her, so they could talk about his heart health and how to avoid this happening again. Kendall thanked her and everyone who helped saved his life. He promised to take it easy.
"James," Kendall said getting his husband's attention. James looked at him quizzically. "Come sit." He patted the couch I beside him.
James walked over to him. He sat down beside the blonde.
"You know I love you right?" Kendall asked quickly.
"Yeah, and I love you," James replied with a smile.
"Ok then, you need to stop treating me like I'm an invalid," Kendall said bluntly.
"Kendall-". James started. Kendall held up a hand silencing him.
"I know I just had a heart attack, but you're treating me like a glass doll. I'm not gonna break," Kendall said quickly.
"The doctor said to take it easy," James replied.
"I know, but that doesn't mean I can't do anything. You're treating me like I can't do anything. It's only going to frustrate me if you keep doing every little thing for me," Kendall said honestly.
"Ok, I'm sorry," James sighed hanging his head. "I'm just worried. I don't want you ending up like that again."
"I know," Kendall said turning towards the brunette. He placed a hand on James' cheek. "It wasn't a great experience for me either. I never want that to happen again. I am fine. I just have to make a few adjustments to my lifestyle and my diet. I promise you, everything will be fine." He leaned in and pressed lips to James' in a sweet kiss, full of promise.
"I'm sorry," James said again.
"It ok, just this is an adjustment for both of us," Kendall said softly. He stroked James' cheek with his thumb. James smiled at him.
-We Are-
Jared yawned as he followed Noah and Roldy into their apartment. They had had a long day at the studio. Kendall was still out of work and Kelly was putting them through the ringer. She had told them that Kendall wanted another music video done by the time he got back.
"I'm starting to think that Kendall was right, maybe Kelly can be a bit much at times," Jared said as they all collapsed on the couch.
"She's only trying to make sure we succeed," Roldy said quickly. "Kendall would do the same thing."
"Yeah, but does she have to be so mean about?" Noah whined.
"Well if you actually paid attention, maybe she wouldn't be so hard on you," Jared replied.
"I'm sorry, I've got a lot on my mind," Noah said.
"Like what?" Jared asked.
"Stuff," Noah said looking down at the ground.
"Ok," Jared said slowly. He looked to Roldy confused. Roldy was looking at Noah. He looked upset. Jared opened his mouth to speak when someone knocked on the door. "Hold that thought," Jared said. He answered the door and let Artie in.
"There's this kid down in the lobby looking for you," Artie said looking to Jared.
"Really tall? Dark hair and a nose piercing," Jared asked.
"Yep," Artie said.
"That would be my baby brother," Jared replied.
"Baby?" Artie asked.
"He's my youngest brother, he's become a real brat lately," Jared sighed. "I'll be back, I'm gonna go see what he wants," he said turning to Noah and Roldy. They just waved him off.
Jared made his way down to the lobby. He spotted Jackie right away. He was sitting on one of the couches with a defeated look on his face. Jackie was so much like Jared. He had the same blueish grey eyes and dark hair. The only difference between the two was Jackie's hair was long, almost shoulder length, and he had piercings.
"What the hell Jackie! I told you to wait until you graduated and I could figure things out," Jared said stalking up to his brother.
"I wanted to, but dad had different ideas. Apparently they are still very serious about the buckle down or get out thing," Jackie said fighting back tears. Jared's glare softened. He pulled Jackie up and into a hug.
"You have to go back, you can't not finish high school when you're this close to graduating," Jared said.
"Where am I gonna stay? How am I gonna get my stuff? They won't let me back in the house," Jackie said.
"How did you even get here?" Jared asked.
"I brought him."
Jared turned around. Standing before him was his other brother, Carter. Carter was the opposite of his brothers. He had dark brown eyes and dirty blonde hair, much like their mother.
"Ok, come with me," Jared sighed. He led the two back up to his apartment.
They walked in. Noah and Artie were playing video games while Roldy watched. Jared cleared his throat. The three turned around.
"Oh hey Carter, we weren't expecting you," Roldy said standing up and moving to greet the two newcomers. Noah jumped up as well to greet them both with hugs.
"It's good to see you guys too, congrats on the engagement as well," Carter said.
"Yeah, we're invited to the wedding right?" Jackie asked quickly.
"Of course," Noah said quickly. "It's gonna be this December, up north, at this awesome ski lodge."
"Sweet," Jackie said.
"Ok enough chit chat, what happened?" Jared asked his brothers.
-We Are-
Kyle sighed as he watched everyone around him dance and have fun. Layla, Erika, and Millie were having a blast. Kyle was happy that they were having fun.
"You look like you're having a blast."
Kyle looked to his side at Jayda. She smiled at him.
"I just wish Jared was here. It would be more fun," Kyle replied.
"So I'm not fun?" Jayda asked feigning hurt.
"I didn't mean that, I just...I don't know," Kyle sighed.
"Come on," Jayda said taking his hand. She pulled him up from his seat. She led him out to the dance floor.
"Careful Jay, I grew up in the music industry and you know who my dad's are," Kyle said teasingly.
"Shut up and dance with me," Jayda commanded.
Kyle laughed, and for the first time that night he let go. He was starting to have fun. Soon Miles, Lucas, Lilly, Monty, Leora, and Caleb all joined them. The group was having a blast. Kyle eventually dragged Layla and the other two over. They didn't seem to mind. Everyone was having a great time.
Eventually, the music stopped and a voice came over the speakers.
"Alright guys and gals, it's the moment you've all been waiting for," The DJ said.
"Alright Leora, you ready for your crown," Kyle asked his sister as he held his arm out to her.
"Yes, how about you," Leora asked.
"Born ready," Kyle replied.
"You two are so cocky," Lilly said shaking her head.
"Have you met our dad?" the twins asked in unison. They jinxed one another quickly before laughing.
The pair made their way to the stage, along with all the other king and queen hopefuls. They stood together with their arms still linked.
Lilly joined them on stage along with last years prom king, Jerry O'Connell. They were going to present the new King and Queen their crowns.
"Ok now the moment you've all been waiting for," Mr. Matthews said stepping up to the mic. He had an piece of paper in his hands.
"No matter what Le, were both still awesome," Kyle whispered to his sister.
"Well yeah, I know we are," Leora replied with a smile.
"Your prom king is..." Mr. Matthews said slowly. He was drawing this out. "Kyle Knight."
Kyle grinned, he hadn't realized how much he had wanted this until this moment. It was an awesome feeling. Kyle walked up to the front of the stage. He took his crown with everyone cheering for him.
"Ok and now, your prom queen," Mr. Matthews said. "Leora Knight."
Leora jumped up and down. She ran up to join Kyle. She was excited, more so than her brother. Lilly happily placed her crown on her head. People cheered for the two.
"Ok, since you two are related, you may share a spotlight dance with your dates," Mr. Matthews said.
"Right, come on Le," Kyle said taking his sister's hand and leading her off stage. He stopped in front of Caleb. "I present your queen," he said with a bow.
Caleb and Leora both laughed. Caleb took Leora's hand and led her out to the dance floor. Kyle turned and scanned the area. He saw Layla standing with Erika and Millie. He quickly made his way over to her. She was smiling at him, like she knew what he wanted.
"Layla my darling, can I have this dance?" Kyle asked as music started playing. Layla and the girls giggled.
Layla opened her mouth to reply as gasps were heard. Whispering soon started. Kyle didn't care what anyone thought. Layla was his "date." That's all there was too it.
"Um, I'd love you, but I think someone else wants to dance with you," Layla said with a smile. She pointed behind him.
Confused, Kyle turned around. His jaw dropped when he saw Jared standing behind him with a huge grin on his face. He was wearing a nice black suit and everything. He held a hand out to Kyle.
"May I have this dance?"
Kyle couldn't get his mouth to work. He just took the older man's hand. Jared led him out to the dance floor where Leora and Caleb were already dancing. Jared turned and pulled Kyle close.
"Don't tell me you don't know how to dance," Jared teased.
That snapped Kyle out of his daze. He smirked and started dancing with his boyfriend. All eyes seemed to be on them. Leave it to Jared to make a show of everything.
"What are you doing here?" Kyle asked finally. He had tried so hard to get the principal to approve his date, but failed several times.
"Being famous has its perks," Jared replied.
Kyle smiled as they moved around the dance floor together. The song changed, it was another slow tempo song, more couples were urged to join the dance floor.
"I'm glad you're here," Kyle said.
"Your welcome, I thought you might like the surprise," Jared said smiling.
And Kyle did enjoy the surprise. He was happy to have Jared here, even if the night was almost over.
-We Are-
Logan sighed as he got out of bed. It was strange not waking up next to someone. Honestly, Logan just wasn't used to sleeping alone anymore. It was strange.
Logan quickly got dressed for the day. He made his way downstairs. He heard movement in the kitchen and froze. There was only one other person who had a key to the condo. Logan wasn't sure if this was the right time for this. He wasn't ready to face him just yet.
Taking a deep breath, Logan entered the kitchen. To his surprise it wasn't Carlos standing in the kitchen. It was Lilly. She had made him breakfast it appeared.
"Lilly, to what do I owe this surprise?" Logan asked.
Lilly turned around with a big smile. "Morning dad, I thought I'd come make you breakfast. I know when you're in a hurry you tend to skip it."
"Thank you," Logan said with a smile.
Logan knew what she wanted to say, I miss you and please come back home. If only it were that simple.
The two didn't say a word about Carlos or even coming home however. They sat down together to breakfast and talked about how school was for Lilly, or how work was for Logan.
"Prom is last night. It was pretty fun," Lilly said after a while.
"Did you go with anyone?" Logan asked curiously.
"Yes, his name is Monty, he is the same grade as me. He asked me to prom and I decided why not. It's better than not having a date," Lilly shrugged.
"Oh and I'm sure you would've loved Layla's date," Lilly said quickly.
"Layla? She's too young for prom. Who asked her out. I thought she was dating Erika," Logan said quickly.
"She's still with Erika," Lilly chuckled.
"Who asked her?" Logan asked annoyed.
"Kyle," Lilly replied.
"What?" Logan asked shocked.
Lilly started laughing. She shook her head. "Yeah, Kyle took Layla, I think Miles went with Erika, and Lucas took Millie."
"Oh," Logan said slowly. He nodded his head.
"Papi said she could. They all borrowed dresses from Leora. Lord knows she's got a million of them." Lilly said.
"So this Monty boy, is he someone special?" Logan asked changing the subject.
"To be determined, we've been on one date, before prom, and it was kind of fun," Lilly admitted with a small smile.
"Just be careful and take your time," Logan told her. Lilly nodded her head.
"Let's eat before the food gets too cold," Lilly said standing up from her spot at the table.
"Alright, so when's your ultrasound?" Logan asked.
"Oh next Friday," Lilly said slowly. "There's something I want to talk to you about though."
"What?" Logan asked slowly. He wasn't sure he was going to like where this was heading.
-We Are-
Kyle made his way up to 2J. He pulled his key out and entered the apartment. He needed to talk to Jared. Lilly had told him that her ultrasound was Friday, and that Jared was invited, if he wanted to go. Kyle wasn't sure where Jared stood on this subject. They never really talked much about the baby.
"Jer!"
Kyle looked around the empty apartment. He knew the guys weren't at the studio, he had just left there. Kyle walked down the hallway to Jared's room. He knocked and got no answer. Kyle opened the door and peeked in. Jared was in bed snoring. Kyle smiled at the sight. He looked so peaceful when he slept.
Kyle crossed the room and climbed onto the bed. He was glad that Jared was a heavy sleeper. He laid down next to the older man.
"Jared," Kyle said placing a hand on his shoulder. He gently shook it. "Jared."
"Jared's not here please leave a message after the beep," Jared mumbled tiredly before making a long beeping noise.
"Come on Jer, it's me and I have something I need to ask you," Kyle said.
Jared groaned and rolled over away from the young blonde. Kyle laughed and pulled him back.
"Please, it's important, and it too early to be sleeping," Kyle said pulling the older man close.
"Do you have any idea what I've been through these last few days. My brothers were up and I had to find a place for Jackie to stay so he could finish high school, and Carter is looking for an apartment up here as well...they just drive me nuts sometimes," Jared said sitting up.
"What? Why didn't you tell me any of this?" Kyle asked shocked.
"It's not your burden it's mine. They are my brothers. Besides you were busy with your friends and making music. I'm a big boy I can handle a couple of kids," Jared replied waving his hand.
"Kids? Aren't they older than me?" Kyle asked.
"Barely, but you are way more mature then they are," Jared said. Kyle smiled at that. "So what's up? What do you want?"
"Oh right," Kyle said remembering the reason he came here in the first place.
Suddenly he felt nervous. He didn't know why. This was only Jared. Then again, they never talked about the baby much. What if Jared didn't want to be a part of the baby's life.
"What?" Jared asked.
"Lilly's five month ultrasound is this Friday. She said you could come, you know, if you wanted to," Kyle said faltering.
"Oh," Jared said slowly.
"Yeah, you don't have to if you don't want to. I just...it's up to you," Kyle said quickly. He knew this was a bad idea.
"I don't know," Jared said thoughtfully. "We've never really talked about the baby much lately."
"I know, just promise you'll think about it," Kyle asked.
"Ok, I will," Jared promised.
The two lapsed into silence. Kyle hoped that Jared would come around. Sure this wasn't ideal, but it was happening. They had to accept it.
"So am I ever gonna meet either of your brothers or sisters?" Kyle asked suddenly.
"What?" Jared asked.
"I get it now, why you didn't want me coming over this last weekend. It makes sense," Kyle said.
"It's not that, it's just...Carter is a little weirded out that I'm dating someone younger than him and he's like dad a bit. He won't like you at first," Jared admitted.
"Oh," Kyle said slowly, "then I'll just have to put on the charm and win him over like you did with my dads. I mean they hated you when we first started dating, at least pops did," he explained.
"I know, I was there," Jared replied. "You'll get a chance to meet Jackie soon enough. Once he graduates he's moving in with us until fall when he'll be going to college."
"Why?" Kyle asked curiously.
"Because he's too much like me. He's a dreamer and he won't settle for anything less than what he wants," Jared replied.
"I like that you're a dreamer. If you weren't, we never would've met," Kyle explained with a smile.
"You are so corny," Jared said with a smile of his own. He leaned over and pecked the blonde on the lips.
-We Are-
Carlos sighed as he made his way out to the parking lot. He had just finished a long day of shooting. He wanted nothing more than to go home and crawl into bed with...
Carlos froze. It had been a few weeks now, and he still wasn't used to the idea of Logan not being around. He missed his husband. He just wanted him to come back home. He wanted to take back everything and be happy again. As long as Logan was gone he wasn't happy.
"You ok?"
Carlos turned and saw Selene behind him. She was done too apparently.
"Yeah, just tired," Carlos replied.
Over the last few weeks, Carlos found himself talking to Selene less and less. He knew it was because of what happened, but Selene didn't know. At least she didn't know that he had told Logan. Carlos could tell she noticed something was up.
"Are you sure you're ok? You've been acting a bit off lately," Selene said.
"I haven't been getting much sleep between early call time and late nights. I just...I'm tired is all," Carlos sighed.
"Ok then," Selene said shaking her head. She headed over to her car.
She didn't believe him. Carlos knew she didn't, but he wasn't about to tell her his problems, especially when she was the root of them. He didn't want to cause problems at work, or have this all get leaked to the press. That was the last thing he wanted.
Carlos just sighed and climbed into his car. He started the long drive home. Half of him wished that this was all just a dream. He wanted to wake up next to Logan. He wanted everything to just go back to normal.
-We Are-
Kendall watched as Kyle fidgeted in his seat as he and Lilly talked quietly. He knew Kyle was eager for the ultrasound, but also disappointed that Jared wasn't here. He would never say it out loud, but he was. Kendall knew his son.
"You ok?"
Kendall looked to his side. James was looking at him questioningly.
"Yeah, this is all pretty routine for us by now," Kendall replied.
"I'm kind of surprised that Logan and Carlos aren't here," James said in a low voice so that the other two would hear.
"I don't think they've even spoken since Logan moved out. Besides I don't think they were too thrilled about this to start with," Kendall said in the same low tone.
"Still, it's their grandchild too," James hissed back. Kendall only shrugged. He didn't know what else to say.
"I'm not too late am I?"
"Dad!"
Lilly jumped up and ran over to Logan, who had just arrived. The two hugged. Lilly was definitely in a better mood. She sat down with Logan talking a mile a minute.
"I'm glad you're here, papi is stuck on set. He said to call him once this is over," Lilly said quickly.
Kendall was happy to see at least him. He had been scared that he wasn't going to show. Logan had been avoiding Carlos at all costs. He didn't seem to realize the effect it was having on the kids just yet.
"Lillian Mitchell?"
"It's Lilly," Lilly said standing up. Logan and Kyle did the same. They looked to Kendall and James.
"You guys go, we will wait out here," James said.
"Are you sure?" Kyle asked uneasy. He suddenly seemed nervous.
Kendall looked to James. He stood and walked over to Kyle. "Alright, I'll come too," he said.
The nurse led them all back to the ultrasound room. She instructed Lilly to put on a gown and told them the technician would be with them shortly. Lilly went into the bathroom to change and the guys all stood back. No one said a word.
Soon Lilly returned in her gown. She sat down on the bed. The technician arrived and introduced herself. She explained everything as she did it.
Kendall stood back with Kyle. He knew the drill here. This was far from his first time. He let Kyle and Lilly have this moment. It was theirs, not his.
As the session neared the end, the technician asked if they were looking to know the gender. Kyle and Lilly shared a look for a moment.
"Yeah," Kyle said nodding his head.
"It's a girl," she replied.
Kyle smiled at that. Lilly looked unsure about this all. She forced a smile though. Kendal knew there was something she hadn't told Kyle yet. He knew she was only doing this to please Kyle. Kyle was the one who had talked her out of adoption in the first place.
After everything was done and the two were given their picture of their baby. They all headed back out to the lobby. Kendall was surprised to see Jared sitting with James. The two stood to greet the others.
"What are you doing here," Logan asked confused.
"Kyle invited me," Jared said, "sorry I'm late by the way. Kelly is worse than your dad sometimes," he said looking to Kyle.
"Dad it was my idea, he's a part of this too," Lilly said stepping in.
"Well she's healthy," Kyle said.
"She?" James asked.
"Oh, it's a girl," Kyle said holding out the picture for James and Jared to see. The two looked at it with small smiles each.
"Kendall, can I borrow you for a second?" Logan asked grabbing the elder blonde and leading him away. James took off after the two confused.
"What's wrong?" Kendall asked confused. "Are you upset about Jared being here? He's as much a part of this as Kyle and Lilly."
"No it's not that," Logan sighed. He nervously ran a hand through his hair. "She wants to go away for college, up North I believe," he said finally.
"What? She can't take the baby away from Kyle," Kendall said in a hushed voice.
"That's just it, she doesn't want to leave with the baby," Logan said slowly.
"What?" James asked.
"She's not ready to be a mom. She told me she wants to give up her rights and basically let Kyle and Jared care for the kid. At this point she doesn't want anything to do with the kid," Logan said.
"What?" Kendall and James asked shocked.
"I don't know if this is another phase and she'll change her mind again, or if this is her final decision," Logan said shaking his head. "I told her she had to tell Kyle how she felt and they need to come to a decision."
"So, you're here to make sure she tells him?" Kendall asked looking back over to the other three.
"Yeah," Logan said.
"Are you serious right now!"
"I think she just told them," James said.
-We Are-
"She can't be serious!"
"Kyle calm down," Jared said quickly.
Kyle was pacing before the older male. Jared was sitting on the orange couch trying to let Kyle vent, but he was being ridiculous. It had been a few days since Lilly had dropped the bomb on them. Kyle was still mad about it.
"Jared, she doesn't want her own kid," Kyle said.
"Lots of people give their kids up," Jared said reasonably. "Look at Penelope."
"That's not helpful," Kyle said glaring at the older male.
"She's not ready to be a mom. She never asked for this and neither did you. You both made your decisions," Jared said standing up. He pulled the blonde close to him in a hug. "Besides you won't be alone. You have me. I wasn't convinced until I saw that picture."
"What?" Kyle asked taken off guard.
"I told you I wasn't convinced until I saw that picture. It was my moment and I kind of can't wait to meet this baby," Jared replied quickly.
"Really?" Kyle asked.
"Kind of yeah, I'm still not happy with the situation but we have to make the best out of a bad situation," Jared said.
Kyle pulled the older male into a kiss. He was so happy right now. This was all he had wanted to hear from Jared. Maybe they didn't need Lilly. It's not like she would ever be that far away. If she changed her mind they would be ready for it.
"Gross get a room!"
"So this is Kyle."
Kyle and Jared took a step back from one another. They turned and saw Roldy and Noah, with someone Kyle could only assume was Jared's brother Jackie.
"So uh how was everything. How's your mom Ro, she still want to kill me?" Jared asked with a small awkward smile.
"Actually no, she doesn't. My mom says he's an angel to live with, but I think that's because he was on his best behavior," Roldy snorted.
"It's nice to meet you, I'm Jackie," Jackie said walking up to Kyle.
"Yeah, it's nice to finally meet you too. I was starting to think Jared didn't want me to meet any of his family," Kyle replied.
"I was starting to think the same thing too," Jackie replied.
"No, Ro, show Jackie to his room please," Jared said quickly.
"Always trying to get rid of me," Jackie sighed. He smiled anyways. "I'm going to be here all summer Jer, just remember that," he said as he allowed Noah and Roldy to lead him away.
"So that's Jackie, it's not him I'm too worried about," Jared said. "It's Carter you gotta worry about. He's a bit weirded out that I'm dating someone younger than him," he explained.
"Yeah, you guys are like Jake and Adam right? Like all close in age?" Kyle asked.
"Yes, Carter and I are like thirteen months apart, and then Carter and Jackie are fifteen months," Jared said slowly as he thought it over.
"Whoa, talk about being busy. Here I thought my family was quick," Kyle joked. Jared looked at him before he bust out laughing.
-We Are-
Lilly sighed as she watched people mill about. It was graduation and she wanted to be anywhere but here. Kyle and Jared had gone public with the pregnancy. Lilly had told them she was fine with it. Most people she knew already knew she was pregnant. There was no shock there. Kyle and Jared hadn't yet revealed who she was just yet, but it was only a matter of time before people put the pieces together.
"Girl will you lighten up."
Lilly looked up to see Jayda and Caleb standing over her. She gave them a small smile.
"She right, it's graduation, it's a happy time," Caleb said.
"This isn't how I pictured graduation," Lilly said looking down at her ever growing stomach.
"Life doesn't always turn out as planned, but shit happens, deal with it. Besides you're life isn't over, my aunt still went to college with three kids and got her degree," Jayda said quickly.
"Kyle didn't tell you did he?" Lilly asked. "I'm not keeping the baby. Him and Jared are."
"Even better for you. You won't have a kid to worry about while you work towards becoming a doctor," Jayda said without missing a beat.
"What?" Caleb asked. Jayda quickly elbowed him in the ribs silencing him.
"I don't want my own baby. Does that make me a bad person?" Lilly asked.
"Of course not," Jayda said sitting down next to Lilly. Caleb sat down as well. He seemed unsure of what to say. "If I was in your position is have to give it a lot of thought. I know as of this moment I am not ready to be a mom and if I were...you know pregnant, I'd really consider adoption. I would want what's best for my baby even if that meant not raising them myself," she said.
"Yeah, it's not like you planned this. You didn't ask for it. It's ok to not want settle down just yet," Caleb said quickly.
"Besides it's only to Kyle and Jared. It's not like you'll never see the kid. I'm sure if you change your mind Kyle will understand," Jayda said.
"Thanks guys," Lilly said with a small smile.
"Hey no problem babe, it's what friends are for," Jayda replied.
"Alright robes and caps on everyone. This is your ten minute warning," their class advisor, Mr. Jensen, said. "No Mr. Duvall you can't take your clothes off first. It's a school policy."
Everyone started laughing at that. Jayda jumped up and held a hand out to Lilly. She helped the pregnant Latina to her feet. They both put their rifles and caps on. They turned to Caleb who had his phone out.
"A picture of the graduating ladies," Caleb said snapping a few pictures as they posed.
"Ok now all three of us," Lilly said snatching the phone and pulled Caleb into the picture. They all stuck their tongues out and Lilly snapped the picture.
They laughed and Lilly handed Caleb his phone. Her hand brushed his and Lilly felt something. Something she hadn't felt in a long time. She glanced up to meet Caleb's eyes and saw him looking her her. She just smiled and played it off. It was the damn pregnancy hormones messing with her. Caleb was dating her best friend. He was off limits, even if he and Leora broke up. Besides it was the pregnancy hormones.
-We Are-
Layla smiled as she watched Lilly move around talking to their family and all
Her other guests. She had just graduated and everyone was so happy for her. Layla was especially happy for her. This was the most social her sister had been in a long time.
Ever since Lilly had gotten pregnant, she had changed. She acted like her life was over and stopped going out as much. She hardly left her room when she was home. It was like the Lilly everyone had known really was gone.
As quickly as she had gone, she was back. The last few days Lilly had really started smiling again. Layla knew that it was because she made up her mind to give the baby up.
Layla was a little upset about that. She had been looking forward to being an auntie. Now Lilly didn't want anything to do with the baby. She also shared that she didn't want Carlos or Logan involved with the baby either. Carlos had argued with her while Logan had accepted it. Which led to a big argument, that ended with Lilly moving in with Logan.
"What's up, you got you're thinkin' face on?"
Layla sighed as Miles sat down next to her. He nudged her lightly.
"Is it bad that I'm upset that Lilly doesn't want any of us to be a part of the baby's life?" Layla asked.
"No, but it's not gonna be like that. Kyle is my best friend so I will be a part of that kids life no matter what. I'll be awesome uncle Miles and that makes you auntie Layla," Miles explained.
Layla laughed at that. Leave it to Miles to find a loophole.
"Ok you shared with me, can I share with you?" Miles asked.
"I'm a great secret keeper," Layla promised.
"I'm afraid that I'll never find love again," Miles admitted. "Like I found her and I lost her. I'll never find someone who makes me as happy as she did."
"No, you'll never find someone like her, but you'll find someone different that make you happy in a different way," Layla said.
"When did you get so wise?" Miles asked looking down at the young girl.
"It's what dad told me when I thought Erika was gonna dump me," Layla admitted. "It still works for you too."
"Thanks baby sister," Miles said putting an arm around her in a hug.
-We Are-
Kyle gave a small smile as he looked out across the water. It always made him feel at peace for some reason. As a kid Kyle had always imagined getting a boat for him and his family. He wanted to just go away and leave all the nosey reporters behind. That dream had changed over the years. Kyle had come to realize they would always be around. Especially with his chosen career path. His life was going to only get more crazy as time went on. Could Kyle really bring a child into this world? Could he put his little girl through everything he had gone through.
"You ok?"
Kyle turned to face Lilly. She was standing a few feet away. Behind her Kyle could see the others sitting around the bonfire.
"Just thinking," Kyle replied.
"About what?"
Kyle looked past Lilly and saw Jared standing there as well.
"Just things," Kyle replied.
"What's wrong," Lilly and Jared asked together. She shared a look before jinxing each other. "Jinx. Double jinx. Triple jinx."
"You are quick," Lilly replied.
"I've got four siblings," Jared shrugged.
"It's weird that you two are getting along," Kyle said looking between the two.
Lilly and Jared were complete opposites. Lilly was quiet and smart. Jared was loud and obnoxious. Lilly was soft and curvy, and Jared was all hard lines and angular. Nothing about them was the same, yet Kyle could see why he fell for both of them. They both challenged him to be his best and only wanted him to succeed while he challenged them to see things differently.
"So what's on your mind?" Lilly asked.
"Yeah, we know you well enough Kyle to know that something is wrong," Jared added.
"I'm fine, just thinking is all," Kyle replied.
"Are you sure?" Jared asked.
"Positive," Kyle said with a big smile. It faltered when he looked past Jared and Lilly and saw Miles and Noah in the sand wrestling. "I think Noah and Miles are arguing over marshmallows." Kyle said knowingly.
"I knew this was bound to happen," Jared sighed.
They all headed back over in time for Noah and Miles to end their fight.
"You got sand in them!" Noah hollered.
"Well if you had only shared from the start," Miles snapped.
"You two are like a couple of children, you know that right?" Kyle asked looking between the two.
"I knew this would happen though," Jared said digging into his bag. He pulled out more marshmallows.
"Jared you're my new best friend," Miles said jumping up and hugging the older male.
"Wow, I see how easily I'm replaced," Kyle said hurt.
"Yeah well you didn't bring me extra marshmallows," Miles asked.
"Maybe I did," Kyle said walking I've to his own bag. He pulled marshmallows out and looked over to Lucas. "You know I was gonna give these to you, but I guess since you have a new best friend, I'll just give these to Lu," he said. He tossed the bag to Lucas. Lucas grinned and caught the bag.
"You're so mean," Miles pouted.
"You replaced me," Kyle retorted.
"Dude, I was just trying to get marshmallows," Miles admitted.
"Ok enough, if you're gonna fight go away from the fire," Lucas said quickly cutting Kyle off.
"Guys this is supposed to be a fun night," Jayda said jumping up in between her two best friends. "Now kiss and makeup."
"He started it," Kyle said pointing to Miles as he sat down on a log next to Lucas.
"Dude you're not really that upset are you?" Miles asked.
"Just a little," Kyle replied with a smile.
"You guys are dorks," Leora said shaking her head at them.
"But we're your dorks," Kyle said.
"And it's too late to change you mind," Miles said sitting down next to her. "You're stuck with us for life."
"Do I get a say in this?" Leora asked.
"Not a single word," Kyle told her his sister.
The others all laughed as Leora frowned. They all settled into mindless chatter as they made smores. Everyone was laughing and having a good time. All the stress from life was lifted for a little while. They were all just kids again. Who knew when they would all be able to get together again? None of them knew what the future held, all they knew was they had this moment. That was all that mattered to them.
So there you go the final chapter of We Are. I'm so sad that this ended. I am happily working on the next installment, Happy Mistakes. There are still so many questions left. Will Miles find love again? Will Kyle be able to handle everything life throws his way? Will he and Jared last? Can they raise a baby? What will happen to Leora and Caleb? Can they handle long distance? Will Lilly stick with her decision to give up the baby? Will James stop treating Kendall like a glass doll? Will Carlos and Logan get back together? So many questions still left unanswered. All will be answered in Happy Mistakes.
So yeah. There you go. Something to think about. I am already almost done with the first chapter. It's exciting and will pick up with the start of a new school year for Kyle, Leora, Miles, and Lucas.
Always
OUTOFMYMIND