Happy Mistakes
So I'd like to thank winterschild11, Franshes, Charlie-Rose94, and annabellex2 for taking the time to review. I love you guys and thanks again. Virtursl hugs and kisses to all.
Chapter 7: The Morning After
Jared woke to a hand brushing his side gently. He squirmed away from the hand. A chuckle was heard.
"Come on Jer, time to get up. I made breakfast. You should also call Jackie and see what time the girls wanna come home."
"But it's cold out there and warm in here," Jared whined, wrapping himself further into the blanket. Kyle chuckled at the older male.
"But Jer, I've slaved away so hard at making breakfast," Kyle said poking the older male lightly.
"But it's so warm and toasty under here," Jared sighed.
"Fine, you stay here and I'll let Noah eat all your waffles," Kyle said.
Jared groaned and threw the blanket off. "I hate when you do that."
Kyle grinned as he jumped up. "I know, but you can't pass up waffles."
Kyle left the room, leaving him to get dressed. He dragged himself into his bathroom and got ready. He took his time doing it too. Once he deemed himself ready he left his room.
He headed to the kitchen. Noah, Roldy, and Kyle were already eating. Kyle pointed to the counter where the food was sitting. Jared made himself a plate and sat down next to his boyfriend.
Noah and Roldy were talking about wedding details. They were wrapping up the planning. They only had a few months before the wedding. They had a final fitting next week. They were still arguing over a cake though. They couldn't decide on a filling. Jared glanced to Kyle, who was watching the pair amused.
"Guys," Jared said cutting them off. They both looked to him. "Get both. It's a layered cake isn't it?"
"That's not a bad idea," Roldy said slowly.
"Oh my god Jer, you're a genius," Noah said smiling.
"I do what I can," Jared replied with a cocky grin.
Kyle chuckled at the two as they started arguing once more over something else trivial. Kyle finished eating. He jumped up and put his plate away. He walked over to Jared and leaned over pecking him on the cheek. "I've got homework to do so I'll be in your room. Call your brothers and see when they are dropping the girls off or if we need to go pick them up. I've got a five page paper to write that I started earlier, but then I got hungry so I made breakfast. It's due Monday, so don't interrupt me, unless it's life or death."
"How long have you been up?" Jared asked confused.
"I don't know, the sun wasn't us that's for sure," Kyle replied shrugging. "I woke up early. I have a crap ton of homework and like no time to do it."
"You need to tell your dad that he's working you too hard and take a few days off," Jared asked.
"I can't, not until after New York," Kyle said as he started walking away.
"Yes you can, you need a break Kyle," Jared said jumping up. He followed the blonde back to his room.
"You don't understand," Kyle said shaking his head he he sat down at the desk. His books were scattered about with a notebook and his laptop.
"Understand what? You're working yourself to death," Jared said.
"I can't complain Jer," Kyle said quickly. "The second I complain is the second he says 'I told you so.' I have to do this. I can do this, it'll all be worth it in the end. I just have to do this."
"But at what cost? You are running yourself ragged Kyle. You are exhausted all the time," Jared said raising his voice. He didn't know how else to get his point across.
"I'm doing the best I can here Jared. You know this isn't easy. I've got to do whatever it takes to make this work. I'm fine Jer, trust me," Kyle said.
"Fine," Jared sighed. He turned and left the room. He knew there was no arguing with the blonde. Kyle had his mind made up.
-Happy Mistakes-
Logan stirred from his sleep. His mind was foggy. He was taking in his surroundings. Last night had been a blur to him. He felt the bed shift behind him. Logan closed his eyes his eyes, wishing for the bed to swallow him whole. Maybe he was dreaming. Maybe none of this was real. If he kept his eyes shut, he could pretend for just a little bit longer.
"Logan?"
Logan cringed, he wasn't dreaming. He opened his eyes and turned to face Carlos. His mind was reeling as last night came back to him. The two had talked and let everything out. They argued and shouted at one another. One thing led to another, before Logan knew what had happened, they ended up in bed together.
"Carlos," Logan sighed.
The pair jumped as someone knocked at the door. Logan jumped up and threw on some sweats and a t-shirt. Carlos scrambled to get his clothes on too. Logan told him to be quiet as he answered the door. He only opened enough for him to stand there looking at Lilly.
"Dad."
"Are you leaving for work?" Logan asked nonchalantly. He didn't need her knowing that Carlos was here. He didn't want her getting her hopes up.
"No, Miles and Layla just showed up. They said Papi hasn't come home all night," Lilly said looking at Logan knowingly. Logan opened his mouth to speak, but Lilly cut him off. "Dad don't, his car is sitting in the driveway."
"Ok so then you already know, take your brother and sister out for breakfast. We will talk to you after, we still have a lot to talk about ourselves," Logan said quickly.
"Dad-" Lilly started.
"Lilly do as your dad says," Carlos said stepping up behind Logan. He held out some money to her. "Take your brother and sister out. We will explain everything later."
"Please Lilly," Logan pleaded with her.
"Fine," Lilly said taking the money, "it's not me you have to explain to. It's not me who's getting my hopes up." She turned and walked away.
Logan shut the door. He turned to face Carlos. He sighed as he looked at Carlos who had managed to find his shirt and underwear. He cast his glance away. carlos finished getting dressed. Logan walked to the window and looked out. He saw Lilly leaving with Layla in tow, Miles was behind them. Logan let out a breath once Lilly's car was out of view.
"Last night," Carlos spoke getting his attention. "It was a mistake."
"I know," Logan said not turning away from the window. "We have a lot to work out if we want to save our marriage."
"If?" Carlos asked confused.
Logan walked over to his briefcase in the corner. He pulled out the papers he had signed. He held them out to the Latino.
"I know what I did was horrible. What you did was nothing compared to that. I just...I'd understand if you signed them," Logan explained.
"I'm not gonna lie that hurt me, but what I did was awful too. I thought about taking it further," Carlos sighed as he sat down on the edge of the bed looking at the divorce papers.
"You didn't though, I over reacted Los, I took it too far," Logan said walking over to the bed. He sat down next to him. "If we give this a shot again, we have so much to work out and I think counseling might be a good idea."
"Ok, let's get some counseling," Carlos agreed. "I don't know if I can trust you right now though."
"I understand completely," Logan said quickly.
"You're not coming home just yet are you?" Carlos asked.
"No, we've got a lot to work out," Logan sighed.
"This is a start though," Carlos replied.
-Happy Mistakes-
Cooper a sighed as he leaned back against the counter next to Damien, who was rolling silverware. Cooper was no using to being a server. He was a cook, not a server. Damien had somehow managed to talk him into picking up the shift.
"What's up? Your table finally leave," Damien asked.
"Yes about time too," Cooper said shaking his head. "I think I like being a cool better than I do being a server. Why did I let you talk me into picking up this shift?" Cooper asked.
"Because you wanted to work with me because I'm so awesome," Damien replied. Cooper just laughed. He turned to help Damien.
"So Kendall and James invited us to dinner and Adam is freaking out," Cooper said changing the subject.
"What did he do this time?" Damien chuckled.
"I think he forgot to tell his dad's we are engaged again. It's not big deal but it's funny to see him squirm," Cooper laughed.
"How did he forget to tell them?" Damien asked curiously.
"I don't know, I guess it just never came up," Cooper said, "we've been busy. Adams working a lot and I'm working and going to school. We rarely have time to say more than two words to them when we drop the kids off."
"I know the feeling, Jake and I hardly see one another anymore. When I get him he's tired so he goes to sleep and I take care of Eli and when I come to bed he's wide awake so he decided to clean," Damien said.
"Clean?" Cooper asked.
"I don't know, he's Jake, he's weird sometimes," Damien laughed.
"I know what you mean though, when Miri was first born Adam and I were like on different schedules too," Cooper said nodding his head.
"Damien, you got a four top," Diana, the hostess, said walking into the kitchen.
"Are they friendly Di?" Damien asked.
"So far, all female, older, so put on your best smile and flash that picture of Eli," Diana said pointing to Damien's name tag where a picture of Eli was taped.
"Well, I guess that's my cue," Damien said turning to Cooper. He fishing wrapping his silverware and walked away.
-Happy Mistakes-
Lilly sat in silence as Miles and Layla argued over what was going on between Carlos and Logan. Layla was sure that they were making up, while Miles wasn't convinced.
Lilly wasn't sure what to think. She knew Logan and Carlos had their issues. They weren't perfect, but were they really getting a divorce? Miles seemed to think so.
"Don't be so naive, Layla," Miles shook his head. "Why would they send us away like they. They are getting a divorce and trying to find a way to break the news to us," Miles said.
"No they aren't," Layla said shaking her head in denial.
"Are too," Miles stated simply.
"No they love each other. They would never get a divorce," Layla argued.
"Sometimes love just isn't enough," Miles replied.
"You're crazy," Layla said quickly.
"Lilly help me out here," Miles said turning to the eldest Mitchell child.
"No I'm right, right Lilly?" Layla asked looking up to her big sister.
"I don't know what to think, they will tell us later," Lilly sighed. She wasn't getting into this argument.
"See she agrees with me," Miles said quickly.
"No I don't, I just...I don't know," Lilly admitted. "Now enough arguing and eat. I'm sure dad will be texting me soon." She pointed to the food the pair had hardly touched.
The two grumbled but started eating, leaving Lilly in relative silence. She glanced out the window. She hates being put on the spot like that. The truth was she was sure Miles was right, she just didn't want to hurt Layla's feelings. She could see in the way Carlos and Logan acted, a divorce was on the horizon.
Layla excused herself to the bathroom eventually. Miles rounded on Lilly.
"You're getting her hopes up," Miles accused her.
"You're being a harsh asshole who lacks tact," Lilly replied.
"It's the truth and you know it," Miles stated glaring at her.
"So, that doesn't mean you have to be so harsh," Lilly said quickly.
"The truth hurts Lilly. The sooner she realizes that the better. She can't live in that fantasy world forever. Life sucks sometimes and she's gotta learn sooner or later," Miles said.
"I know that, but she's an idealist Miles, always has been and always will be. Don't crush her spirit out of spite," Lilly said shaking her head.
"She can't chase unicorns for the rest of her life Lilly. I'm not trying to crush her spirit. I'm only trying to prepare her for a very real possibility," Miles reasoned.
"Yes, but your pessimism is showing and making it very hard to handle," Lilly commented.
"Ok, I know I can be a downer sometimes, but I've lived through a divorce. First he leaves and then he doesn't come back. You get a few birthday and holiday card, until one day they stop. You never hear from him again," Miles said bitterly.
"Not everyone is like that," Lilly sighed. "You have seen dad plenty in the last few months. He's not disappearing, he only lives like twenty minutes away."
The two lapsed into silence. Miles picked at his food, while Lilly looked out the window. She knew he was right. Layla had her head in the clouds, and Lilly never wanted to hurt her. She didn't want her facing the harsh reality of the world. She protected Layla as best she could. She enabled Layla to keep daydreaming. She had let this go too far. Maybe she didn't need to open up Layla's eyes to the possibility of their dads getting a divorce.
"Sorry," Miles said hanging his head. "It's hard to believe not everyone is like that, when it's all I used to know."
-Happy Mistakes-
Jared sighed as he sat back on the couch. Carter had called, saying the girls wanted to stay another night. Jared was more than ok with that. He told him he'd bring some more stuff over in a little while.
The last few weeks had been so surreal to him. It was still a bit hard to think about his parents being dead. Having Jill and Carly around was different, but they were getting into a groove. They had a routine now and it was nice. Jared was just worried that something was going to go wrong. It would be just his luck. He sighed and shook his head. He shouldn't be thinking like that.
Over the last few weeks, Jill and Carly had adjusted to life in LA. They liked their new school and we're making friends. It was great. Things were starting to look up for the Munroe siblings. If only Jared could convince his aunt he was capable of taking care of Jill and Carly.
Was he capable of taking care of his sisters? Sure things were going great right now, but what about in a few months? Him and Kyle were about to become dads. Kendall was talking about a quick summer tour too. Him and Kelly were always busy setting that up. Kyle was working on his own music too and eventually gonna tour himself.
Where did Jill and Carly fit into all that. A tour bus was no place for two young girls. What about school? How would Jared busy life affect his sisters?
There were so many questions Jared still had. The more he thought about it, the more he realized he wasn't ready for this. He wasn't sure what he really wanted. All he knew for sure, was he cared about his sisters. He wanted what was best for them, even if that wasn't with him.
"Whatcha thinking about?"
Jared looked to his side as Roldy sat down next to him. Jared just sighed.
"What am I gonna do about Aunt Amelia. I mean she's not gonna let this go, I'm afraid it is gonna go to court and I don't want that. I don't want to drag the girls through all that. It'll be messy and media spectacle no doubt," Jared mused.
"Well, what are you gonna do?" Roldy asked curiously.
"I don't know, I mean I only want what's best for them," Jared sighed, "even if that's not with me. I want to give them their best chance."
"Jer," Roldy said.
"I know, she's Jace's mom and defended him up to the end. I know what she's like, but she knows more than I do. She's already raised a kid," Jared reasoned.
"And look how that turned out," Roldy said.
"Plus if she gets the girls you know you'll never see them again."
Jared turned to see Noah had joined them. He crossed the room and sat down on Jared's other side.
"You don't know that," Jared started.
"She is doing this to spite you, she's mad that you turned the rest of your family against her and Jace. She's gonna corrupt your sisters and make them hate you," Roldy said.
"You don't know that," Jared repeated shaking his head. He jumped to his feet. "I need to be alone right now."
With that Jared left the apartment. He needed to seriously consider his options. There was only one person he could talk to about this, that would maybe understand him.
-Happy Mistakes-
Adam watched as Jake rocked Eli to sleep. He had decided to visit Jake while Cooper was working. He had gotten done with work and picked the kids up from Jennifer's house. Jake was happy to see Miri and Kenny. Damien was at work too, so he had been hoping someone would visit.
"So how have things been?" Adam asked looking at Eli.
"He's a handful, but we manage. I think I'm figuring out his different cries," Jake said proudly.
Adam chuckled. "I know what you mean."
"How about you, how are things?" Jake asked.
"Dad and pops invited me and Coop to dinner sans kids," Adam said slowly.
"What did you do?" Jake asked.
"Why does everybody do that?" Adam asked making a face. He hadn't expected anything less from Jake, but it was still annoying.
"Because I know you, they don't just ask you to dinner. Especially without the kids," Jake said quickly.
"That's the thing though, I haven't done anything. I've barely said anything to them. I'm usually dropping the kids off and going to work and Coop picks them up when he's done with classes," Adam defended himself. "I haven't had time to do anything to piss them off."
"Maybe they have something they want to tell you," Jake said.
"If it's big news why only invite me and Coop? Why not have everyone over?" Adam asked.
"Well, do you have anything you need to tell them that someone else might've? They're sneaky like that, dad is always scheming," Jake replied.
"I don't know, I've hardly said two words to them lately-oh fuck," Adam said as he realized what Kendall and James knew.
"Fuck," Miri said.
"Miri Anne," Adam said shocked.
"She's impressionable Adam," Jake replied equally shocked.
"Miri that is a bad word. You don't say that word. Papa said a bad word ok," Adam scolded his daughter.
"Me sowee," Miri said shocked at Adam's reaction.
"So what did you just realize," Jake asked bringing Adam back to their conversation.
"I never told them that Coop and I are engaged again," Adam said.
"You never told them?" Jake asked shocked.
"I told you I've been busy! I never had a chance and then I just kind of forgot," Adam said.
"Well at least now you know and you can just come clean," Jake said.
"Or-" Adam started.
"No or, you come clean and don't make this more complicated," Jake warned his brother.
"Where's the fun in that?" Adam asked with a mischievous grin. "Are you able to watch the kids this Friday then?"
"Only if you promise to behave," Jake said looking pointedly at his brother.
"I can't garuentee anything and that's the best you'll get from me," Adam replied.
"Fine, I'm sure Day will be happy to have his Miri-Biri," Jake replied looking to Miri who had returned to her toys.
"She's easy, just put on anything with Minions. She loves them," Adam said.
-Happy Mistakes-
Kendall smiled as he got Jenny dressed. She had decided it would be more fun to wear her lunch rather than eat it. He volunteered to give her a bath, while James cleaned up the kitchen.
"Dada," Jenny said looking up at Kendall. She tapped his arm and pointed to her shoes.
"I know baby girl, but we gotta put socks on first," Kendall said holding up the socks he had been trying to wrestle on. He grabbed Jenny's foot and she giggled. Kendall smiled once more.
It was hard to believe that Jenny was two already. The time just seemed to be flying by. Her and Miri were growing up so fast. It still felt like yesterday he was finding out he was pregnant.
"Having fun?"
Kendal turned to see James standing in the doorway, smiling at him. Kendall just shook his head.
"She wants to put her shoes on with no socks," Kendall said turning to Jenny with a smile. "Because she's a rebel and done at want to listen to daddy."
James chuckled and walked over to him. He held his hands out for the socks. "You've got a visitor downstairs."
"Who?" Kendall asked.
"Jared's here," James replied.
"Is Kyle ok?" Kendall asked quickly.
James chuckled and shook his head. "I asked that too. He said Kyle is fine. He wouldn't tell me what he wanted though."
"Ok then, you can handle miss attitude then," Kendal said giving Jenny a tickle. She giggled again. "Ok Jenny, daddy's gotta go give me a kiss." He said puckering his lips. Jenny quickly leaned forward and gave Kendall a kiss.
"Buh-bye," Jenny said waving eagerly at him.
Kendall left the room. He headed down stairs. Jared was standing there looking at the family pictures they had on the wall.
"Something catch your attention Jared?" Kendall asked alerting the younger man to his presence.
"Why am I up here with all your family pictures?" Jared asked pointing to a picture of him and Kyle.
"Because you wormed your way into my sons heart and somewhere along the line you became family," Kendall said, "and he insisted it be put up there since Cooper and Damien are up there too." He added with a chuckle.
"Well I'm glad you think so, cause I need someone to talk to and since I can't ask my-" Jared paused. Kendall arched a brow at him. "My dad, not that I ever would've before. I just need some advice."
Kendall led Jared to the living room. They sat down. Jared looked anywhere but at Kendall.
"Is this about your sisters?" Kendall asked.
"Yeah, I don't know what to do. I love Jill and Carly. With all my heart, I only want what's best for them. Is living with me really the best thing for them?" Jared asked.
"Why would you think otherwise?" Kendall asked.
"Because aunt Amelia had taken care of kids. She know what's it's like," Jared said.
"That doesn't mean she has a right to raise your sisters," Kendall replied shrugging. "Now come on Jared, be honest with me why do you not think you're able to help raise your sisters?"
"Because I don't know the first thing about taking care of kids. I'm making this all up as I go," Jared sighed.
"You've just described every starting parent's fear," Kendall said quickly.
"I'm just worried that I'm going to screw them up somehow," Jared said.
"What do you mean?" Kendall asked.
"I travel for my job. I know you've got another tour planned," Jared said quickly.
"I raised four kids while still touring and making music," Kendall said shrugging. "It's manageable." He added.
"So far everything's worked out good," Jared said slowly, "but sooner or later I'm gonna screw up and-"
"Is this still about your sisters or about the baby?" Kendall asked cutting him off.
Jared paused as he thought about it. He seemed unsure of what to say.
"Look Jared, you're doing the best you can with what you've been given," Kendall praised him. "My advice would be reading a parenting book, unless you feel like your aunt raising your sisters is the best choice. You're the only one who knows. If you do decide to drop this, you need to sit down with Jill and Carly and explain this to them. It's not to hurt them, it's for the best. I'm sure they'll understand," he said.
"I know...I just…" Jared sighed hanging his head. "I don't want to take this to court. I don't want to drag the girls through this. Aunt Amelia isn't to happy with me. I'm the one who accused Jace and tore the family apart. She only sees that," Jared admitted.
"I'm sorry, if she won't let go, then it's gonna go to court. Like I said this is your decision," Kendall said.
"I think I know what I need to do." Jared sighed once more.
"So what's best for Jill and Carly," Kendall said.
"I know, and I will, even if they hate it," Jared said.
Kendall watched Jared. He wasn't sure what was going through the younger man's mind. He hoped Jared would make the right decision.
So there you go. Another chapter done. Will Logan be able to regain Carlos' trust? Will Carlos sign the papers? Will Adam mess with his dad's? Who will crack first? Will Layla face the harsh reality? Will Kyle crack under all the pressure? Will Jared make the right decision?
As alway there is more to come and I will see you guys next time. Love you! Virtual hug and kisses!
Always
OUTOFMYMIND