Chapter 45: When Reality Sets Back In
Miles yawned as he got ready for school. He was trying to focus on getting ready but his phone was blowing up with messages from Leora who was mad at him. He didn't blame her. He sighed as he turned his phone off.
His thoughts drifted back to the other night. Prom had not gone the way he had planned it to. Then again everything about Kyle has been complicated lately.
Miles looked over at his phone. He had left Kyle all alone, when he couldn't make up his mind. They had had sex and it had been amazing and fun. However, reality had set back in. He was still dating Leora. He needed to end things with her. It wasn't fair to lead her on like this. He was sure that she was ready to dump him anyway. Then there was Kyle, he was still dating Jared with no intention to break up with him.
"Miles! breakfast!" Layla hollered from down the hall.
Miles grabbed his backpack. He made his way out to the kitchen where Lucas and Layla were laughing over breakfast. Carlos was at the stove dishing up a plate of food, most likely for Miles.
"Good morning," Carlos greeted him as he handed him the plate.
"Where's dad?" Miles asked.
"He had to go in early, emergency," Carlos said.
Miles nodded his head as he sat down at the table. Lucas and Layla looked over at him, their laughter dying down.
"Don't stop on my account," Miles said as he started eating.
Things had been tense since he had left prom. Lucas was mad at him for ditching Leora without giving a reason. Layla was just confused about what was going on. Carlos left the room when his phone rang.
"Are you gonna-" Lucas started.
"Don't worry about it," Miles replied.
"She's been bugging me all morning, you need to talk to her," Lucas said.
"I will, that's for me and her to discuss in person, not through texting," Miles said, glancing up at Lucas.
"She probably wants to break up, you're kind of being a jerk," Layla said.
"I know, and we probably are gonna break up," Miles said looking down at his food. "We are going in two different directions."
"And there's someone else, isn't thete," Lucas said.
"Yeah, it's always been him," Miles said looking down at his food. "I just…I don't want to talk about it." He tossed his fork down and stood up. He left the kitchen grabbing his backpack and his car keys from the dish.
He made his way out to the porch. He sat down on the swing. He had to wait for Lucas and Layla. He was their ride to school after all.
Eventually Lucas exited the house. He walked over to him leaning on the rail opposite him. He crossed his arms as he looked at Miles.
"Layla is using the bathroom quickly, and then we can go," Lucas said.
Miles just nodded his head. He turned away from Lucas. He didn't want to talk. Lucas didn't seem to understand that. Then again he was an only child until recently. He didn't understand boundaries.
"Whoever this guy is, is he worth it? It seems like he's put you through the ringer. Is he worth all this heartache he seems to put you through," Lucas asked.
"Yes," Miles said without hesitation.
"Miles-" Lucas said.
"I can't stop, I've tried and I started seeing Leora and I thought these feelings would go away and they didn't. If anything it got worse," Miles said, jumping up. "I tried so hard to deny him, he's got a boyfriend for crying out loud. He's an asshole. He's a jerk! I can't stand him at times, but other times I just…he's the one I wanna run to when things go wrong. He's the only one who understands me at times."
"But is it worth being just a booty call to him?" Lucas asked.
"You don't understand," Miles said sitting up.
"Then enlighten me, you deserve more than to be someone's dirty little secret. You deserve someone who worships the ground you walk on Miles. You are better than this," Lucas said.
"Do I? I mean look at me! I didn't grow up with a cushy life like you did. I never had it easy. I didn't have parents who loved me or even looked out for me. That bitch used me and maybe that's all I'm good for," Miles said slumping back in his seat.
"Yes you do, you are an amazing person Miles and you deserve an honest love," Lucas said.
Layla chose that moment to exit the house. She looked at the two confused.
"Come on, let's go," Miles said, jumping up. He ran to his car.
The ride to school was silent. Layla was out of the car the second it stopped. Miles made Lucas go ahead. He needed a moment to himself.
Miles made his way up to his locker. Leora was already there waiting for him. She was frowning and had her arms crossed over her chest.
"You asshole," she said.
"I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't have left like that," Miles said, hanging his head.
"With my brother," Leora spat.
"What?" Miles asked, looking up at her confused. How did she know? Did Kyle tell her? "It's all over social media! You made me look like a fool!" Leora said, waving her phone in his face.
"What?" Miles asked, stilling her flailing hand. He saw the pictures of him at Kyle at prom with a headline of Kyle Knight's new boy toy!
"Was this just a game for you guys? Let's fuck with Leora and make her look like an idiot for actually believing you liked me? Is this payback for me shooting you down before? This is low even for you guys," Leora said, tears welling in her eyes.
"No, it wasn't supposed to be like this," Miles said, not taking his eyes off her phone. "We wanted to tell you. I didn't mean for this to happen…it's complicated."
"Complicated?" Leora asked, "Let me make things real simple. Stay away from me. I don't want anything to do with you or Kyle. You can keep him, he's an ass." She snatched her phone back.
Leora turned on her heel and stormed off. Miles stood in shock. People passing by were whispering and pointing already. He was sure they had all seen it. He turned and booked it out to his car. He quickly called Carlos.
"Papi, I need to come home. I don't feel well," Miles said once he answered.
"Mijo what's wrong?" Carlos asked.
"I don't feel well," Miles said.
—Happy Mistakes—
Kyle made his way up the driveway to Jared's house. He was supposed to be on his way to school, but he needed to talk to Jared. This couldn't wait anymore. He entered the house, and heard an argument going on between Jared and Roldy. He sighed as he wondered what was wrong by now.
He made his way towards the kitchen. He rounded the corner and saw Noah sitting at the counter watching Jared and Roldy argue. He was on his phone, probably checking the time. They seemed to be arguing about confronting someone. Kyle walked up to Noah.
"What's wrong this time?" Kyle asked. Noah looked over at the blonde surprised. He turned his phone for Kyle to see.
Kyle looked down as he saw the picture of him and Miles from prom and a picture of them leaving together. It was on Twitter. He swallowed thickly. He had come to talk to Jared about this, but he had hoped to be the one to break the news. This wasn't what he had wanted to happen.
"That's actually why I'm here," Kyle said lowly.
"He trusted you," Noah said coolly.
"Wrangle your husband so I can talk to him, please," Kyle begged.
"Harold," Noah said, jumping up. Kyle felt the sting of his coolness.
Noah was always so bubbly and nice to him no matter what. This was bad. Roldy turned to him. His eyes narrowed as he saw Kyle. Noah held up a hand silencing him.
"Not a word, let's go, these two have two things they need to discuss," Noah said, cutting him off. He walked over to Roldy and grabbed his arm. He dragged him from the room telling Jared he would see him at the studio.
Kyle waited until he heard the front door shut. He looked up at Jared who was looking at him with a cold glare.
"This is the part where you beg for forgiveness," Jared said, crossing his arms over his chest.
"I'm sorry, I never meant for this to happen," Kyle said.
"How long?" Jared asked, looking away from him.
"After New Years," Kyle said slowly, "look I really didn't mean for this to happen…but things snowballed and I wanted to tell you but I didn't know how. I didn't want to hurt you. I don't want to lose you," Kyle said.
"I always knew if anyone could take you away it would be Miles," Jared said, still not looking at the blonde. "I saw you with Rafi last week too. Who else is there?"
"Rafi?" Kyle asked confused before he remembered. His eyes went wide. He moved around the counter to stand in front of Jared. "That wasn't what you think it was. I was talking to him about all this. He had caught me with Miles and it was like a dam broke. He was just there , giving me advice. I just felt so vulnerable and it was an accident."
"How can you accidentally kiss someone?" Jared asked, looking up at the blonde with tears in his eyes.
"I was emotional and had just had a big fight with Miles and I don't know how it happened, but Rafi means nothing to me, trust me," Kyle said, taking a step closer. Jared took a step back putting his hand up.
"Trust you? What about Miles? Does he mean nothing to you? Or do I mean nothing to you? I was foolish to think this would last. You cheated with me and on me once already." Jared spat, wiping at his tears.
"Ok look, I'm not perfect and I was out of love with Lilly for a long time before I kissed you, and I didn't cheat. We had broken up. Yes, it was a mistake but we've moved past that. You can't keep throwing it in my face," Kyle said.
"Did we? Here we are again, you're screwing around with your sister's boyfriend," Jared spat.
"I know, I fucked up," Kyle said, "but I care about him. I can't get him out of my head. I've tried to end it several times but somehow we always find our way back. I even told him to go out with Leora, but all it did was make me want to punch Leora," he said.
"So these last few months we've just been going through the motions. When you leave here you go get it from him?" Jared asked.
"No, we never actually had sex until the other night," Kyle admitted. He looked down at the floor. "I fought it for as long as I could. At first it was just bros helping bros. I was helping him learn how to be with a guy cause there was a guy he liked and wanted to learn how to do stuff so I helped him. Then the feelings came and I panicked."
"Is that why your anxiety has been up? You've been lying to me and everyone?" Jared asked.
"Yeah." Kyle nodded his head. "I felt trapped between my feelings for you and my feelings for him. I couldn't choose. I still can't," Kyle admitted.
"Well let me make it easy for you," Jared said.
"Yeah, I deserve that," Kyle said, turning to walk away. He paused. "I'm sorry I never meant to hurt. I really do love you."
"Stop," Jared said, reaching out for him. He grabbed the blonde's wrist. "You can't do that, you can't break my heart and then tell me you love me."
"But I do," Kyle said, turning back to him. "I love you. You challenge me to see things so differently. You are the perfect pessimist to my optimist. I love you so much."
"Stop," Jared said, taking a step closer to the blonde.
"But I do, and that is why all these new feelings for Miles are so confusing. I love him too. He gets me like no one else. He's been my ride or die since day one. He knows everything about me, he knows what I need before even I know," Kyle said.
"You can't have it both ways," Jared said.
"Why not? I love you both in different ways. You both complete me," Kyle said.
"Kyle," Jared said, tugging the blonde close. Tears gathered in his eyes. "Am I not enough?"
"You are, you are more than I deserve. You're amazing. I'm just…I'm the one who's not enough. I can't do anything right. I've always gotta fuck things up just when they go good," Kyle said his own tears gathering. "I'm just a screw up."
"I can't do this," Jared said.
"I understand," Kyle said.
Jared placed a hand on Kyle's cheek. Kyle looked up at him. He saw the desperation in his eyes. He saw the hurt, the anger, the confusion and even the love. Jared was a mix of emotions, Kyle wasn't sure what was coming next. He waited for Jared to make that decision.
Jared cursed as he pulled Kyle close and crashed their lips together. Kyle gasped shocked as he hit the counter. He wrapped his arms around the older man. He was going to take what he could get. This could very well be the last time he ever got this from him. He wasn't going to let it go to waste.
—Happy Mistakes—
Kendall yawned as he made his way into the studio. He was barely through the door when Penelope was on him with a worried expression and coffee and a donut.
"What's wrong, you never have good news when you have donuts," Kendall said suspiciously.
"You haven't seen it yet have you," Penelope said.
"Seen what?" Kendall asked as he made his way to his office. Penelope followed him with her phone in her hand.
"So it's all over social media. I was just doing my morning browse and making sure the guys weren't getting any bad press or anything," Penelope said. She shut the office door behind her.
"What happened?" Kendall asked as he set his coffee down on his desk. He set his bag aside and turned back to face her.
"You should take a look for yourself," Penelope said, holding out her phone. "Kyle, um, made a headline."
Kendall gave her a confused look as he took her phone. He looked down at the article she had opened. His jaw dropped as he read the headline.
"Yeah, so I don't know if the guys have seen it yet," Penelope said, "I knew there were rumors but I never actually thought they were…" she trailed off.
"I knew something was up, but I had hoped I was wrong," Kendall said, handing her phone back to her.
"We need to get a hand on this," Penelope said, "what do you need me to do?"
"It's too late, the cats out of the bag," Kendal said, shaking his head.
"This isn't gonna be good," Penelope said.
"Never a dull moment, that's for sure," Kendall sighed. He grabbed his coffee and took a big drink. He was gonna need this before the guys showed up.
—Happy Mistakes—
Layla entered the cafeteria with Millie behind her talking her ear off about how stupid biology was. Layla however was on a mission. She spotted Leora sitting alone staring at her food. Layla quickly got her lunch directing Millie towards Leora.
Leora looked up as she sat down across from her. Millie silently sat down beside her. Layla could see that she had been crying. Layla reached a hand out. Leora took her hand with a small smile.
"I'm sorry, boys are stupid," Layla said.
"Yeah they are," Leora agreed.
"Normally I'd be worried about my girlfriend holding hands with another girl, but given the circumstances I'll let this slide," Erika teased as she sat down on Layla's other side. She turned to Leora. "Boys are stupid. I'm sorry you got caught up in that idiocy."
"Thanks, I just…I don't understand that if they were messing around, why did he even agree to go on a date with me? Why did he keep it going for so long?" Leora said. She turned away from the three as she fought a fresh batch of tears that seemed to be threatening to fall.
"Leora."
Leora looked up as Lucas approached. He sat down next to her.
"I had no idea that it was Kyle that he had been seeing before you," Lucas said.
"None of us knew," Leora said.
"How about a movie night tonight at Artie's," Lucas suggested.
"I don't know," Leora sighed.
"No, come on it will be fun, we can all go and trash talk them," Layla said.
"Yeah, you three are invited too. We can make a whole night of it," Lucas said.
"Ok," Leora said, nodding her head.
The rest of lunch was spent with lighter conversation. Lucas and Layla tried their best to cheer Leora up. Erika and Millie tried to keep joking and things were light.
As they left the cafeteria, ignoring all the people who were whispering and looking at Leora. Layla did her best to distract her.
When they parted ways, Erika fell into step beside her with a smile. Layla looked over at her confused.
"You're amazing, have I told you that," Erika asked.
"Not lately, but I was just being a good friend. She needs to forget about those two right now," Layla said with a frown. "I can't believe they would do that to her."
"Right, like Kyle always seemed so into Jared and Miles…I don't know, I never pictured him doing this," Erika said.
"Confession?" Millie asked quietly.
"What?" Layla asked, looking over at the other girl.
"I kind of knew, I mean I figured it out and confronted Kyle about it, but he wouldn't admit it," Millie said slowly.
"What?" Layla asked, stopping in her tracks.
"It was right before prom, I asked him about it and he got defensive and then I got dragged away and forgot about it," Millie said, "but like, don't tell me that you didn't notice them running off together all the time and being secretive. The way they look at eachother has changed too."
"What?" Layla asked.
"Oh come on, they have been inseparable and then this big fight they had it was a lovers spat. They were both acting like scorned lovers," Millie said.
"Stop making sense," Layla said.
"Yeah, no logic after lunch please," Erika said.
"Sorry, I should have said something, but I was sure," Millie said.
"Don't beat yourself up, this took us all by surprise," Layla said.
—Happy Mistakes—
Kendall made his way to Logan's office with James in tow. He had taken an early lunch hoping to catch Logan on his break still. He knocked on the door. Logan called for him to come in. He entered the office and saw Carlos was with him.
"So you saw it then," James said looking at the other two.
"Yeah, it's not hard to miss," Logan said.
"I told you something was up," Carlos said, pointing a finger at Kendall.
"I know, but like they have always been close. I never thought they would actually…I figured it would be a later thing to worry about," Kendall said, claiming the other chair in the office. James stood beside him.
"What?" James asked, confused.
"Oh come on, those two have always been very close. It was only a matter of time," Carlos said.
"So how did you guys find out?" Logan asked to change the subject.
"Leora texted me this morning, she was upset as she should be. That tipped me off to it," James said.
"Penelope showed me," Kendall said.
"Emily showed me and it wasn't long after that Miles called saying he wasn't feeling well and he went home," Carlos said.
"Carlos sent it to me," Logan said, "what do we do now?"
"Like I told Penelope there isn't much we can do," Kendall sighed. "It's out there now. We have to let them handle this."
"How did we not notice?" Logan asked.
"Because they haven't really been acting differently. They have always been super close to start with and nothing changed really," Kendall said.
"Yeah, except they had a whole secret relationship and apparently broke up," Logan said.
"Always the pessimist Logie," Kendall said.
"What about Leora and Jared? They played Leora so hard," James said.
"I don't think that was the intention. Miles seemed upset that she was hurt. He told me he never meant for this to happen. He told me that they were done though," Carlos said.
Logan's phone rang, cutting off their conversation. He looked down and groaned.
"It's Marcus I gotta go," Logan said as he picked up the phone. "I'm on my way. I'm not even late yet, so you can't be mad." He paused as he listened to his boss. "I can't be on my way if you're gonna give me attitude…I know…no you won't you love me too much…I'm hanging up now. Bye." He set the phone down and jumped up. "Guys let's talk about this later. I've gotta get back to work."
"Yeah, yeah go save lives," Kendall chuckled as he stood up.
He and James said their goodbyes and left the office together. They headed out to Kendall's car.
"I wish he would have come to us," James sighed.
"Me too, I thought we were getting closer again and then he does shit like this," Kendall said.
"He's gonna need support not punishment," James said.
"I know, Jared's been rather silent today, I don't know if he's even talked to Kyle since he's been grounded," Kendall said.
"I can't imagine what he's going through. This has to be upsetting to find out like this," James said.
"He had his suspicions, a few weeks ago he came to me about the rumors that seemed to be swirling about Kyle and Miles and he let slip that he thought if Kyle would cheat it would be with Miles," Kendall said.
"Yeah, I mean have you listened to them talk sometimes. They always cracked jokes like they were dating, now that I think about it," James said.
"Yeah, once you think about it, it does make a lot of sense," Kendall said.
—Happy Mistakes—
Kyle made his way home. He had spent the day at school avoiding everyone. He entered the house and quickly made his way up to his and Leora's room. He knew she wasn't here. He saw her leaving with Lucas. They had made their anger at him clear very early on in the day. Since then he avoided them.
Kyle made his way over to his bed. He sat down onto it exhausted. He wanted nothing more than to go to sleep and not wake up. He sat on the edge putting his head in his hands. He felt tears threatening to spill. Today had been too much.
A knock at the door came followed by James' voice.
"Leora is that-oh," James paused as he saw Kyle.
"I'm not Leora," Kyle said weakly. His voice betrayed him.
"Kyle," James said crossing the room. He sat down beside him.
"I fucked up," Kyle said, "big time."
"We all make mistakes," James said.
"I can't—there is no way to fix this," Kyle said, his tears coming back. "I hurt everybody this time and I can't fix it. I hurt the people that matter the most to me and now they hate me." His tears finally slid down his cheeks.
"No one hates you," James said.
"Jared and Miles do," Kyle said, "Leora too. She was pretty mad. Noah too. Sweet Noah who doesn't have a negative bone in his body. He's never angry or short with anyone unless they really truly deserve it. He was actually mad at me this morning and would even look me in the eye."
"This morning?" James asked.
"I went to see Jared before school. I didn't know about the gossip stories until Noah showed me," Kyle explained.
"Oh," James said.
"It was an argument, I am honestly not sure if we broke up or not," Kyle admitted.
"What?" James asked.
"I'm not sure what's going on," Kyle said looking down at the ground. "He's mad, but we…I mean we argued and well…he never actually dumped me, but like he should cause like I'm trash and literally the worst human on the planet right now."
"Stop you are not," James said, "you made a mistake. Now it's time to learn from it."
"Learn what? That I am trash and can't do anything right no matter how hard I try? I try to be perfect and do what I'm supposed to but it always turns out wrong," Kyle said jumping up.
His skin felt like it was crawling all of a sudden. He couldn't sit still. He needed to love and not be crowded by James. James had been too close to him. He started pacing unable to control his body right now.
"I know it feels that way now," James said.
"No, you don't get it. My life is over. Any shot I had at a music career is over. All those Jokers fangirls will turn against me again and the death threats will be back. They are vicious. All my friends hate me and want nothing to do with me. They all sided with poor Miles. 'Why would you do that to Miles?' 'How could you hurt your sister like that?' 'What about Jared?' No one even asked how I felt. No one even cares about me, cause I'm just some heartless asshole," Kyle said, his breath coming in short pants.
His chest felt tight again. His heart was racing and pounding in his ears. James was talking but he couldn't really hear him. Suddenly James was in his face worried. Kyle shrank away as he touched him.
"No don't," Kyle protested as he backed away from James. He didn't want to be touched. He wanted to be left alone. "Don't touch me," he shouted as James took another step closer.
"Kyle, you gotta breathe," James said calmly. He took a deep breath of his own.
Kyle tried to mirror him, but it wasn't working. He backed himself into the corner. He slid til his butt hit the floor. Everything felt like it was crashing in on him. He couldn't breathe or focus. His hands came up to his ears as he tried to block everything out. He still heard the thumping of his heart. It wouldn't stop.
James sat down across from him. He didn't say anything at first. He just calmly waited before instructing Kyle to take a breath. Kyle tried to breathe calmly.
"Backpack," Kyle said.
James gave him a confused look but grabbed it. Kyle snatched it and started to dig around until he found what he was looking for. He pulled out a pill bottle. James' eyes went wide. Kyle took a pill and tossed the bottle at him.
"Propanolol?" James asked.
"For panic," Kyle said simply as he attempted to regulate his breathing.
James sat down in front of him again. Kyle reached out. James took his hand and placed it over his heart.
"Just focus on breathing," James said.
Kyle closed his eyes as he felt James' steady heartbeat under his palm. He listened to his breathing. He matched his pace.
"Come on," James eased him to his feet. "How long have you been taking the meds?" He asked.
"When you and dad forced me to go to the doctor a few months back. He gave me that for panic attacks. It helps somewhat, and I've been seeing a therapist," Kyle said looking down at the ground. "I only told Jared and Miles."
"I see," James said, setting the pills down on the desk. He pulled Kyle into a hug. "I know it all seems hopeless now, but you will get through this. You've got me and your dad on your side."
Kyle gave a small nod. It didn't feel like it. It's like the whole world was against him. He wasn't sure why the tears were coming now. They wouldn't stop though.
—Happy Mistakes—
Kendall entered the house. It was quiet, which was odd. Normally Jenny and Miri were screaming their heads off and running around by now. He made his way to the living room and found that it was empty. He made his way to the kitchen. He saw a note on the counter. He picked it and saw it was from Marcie. She had taken the kids to the park for the afternoon and would be back around five, it was already after had a little more time thought before Kendall started to worry. He trusted her.
"Kendall."
He turned around and saw James who looked tired. He arched a brow at his husband.
"Is Marcie here yet?" James asked.
"Not yet, but she's got a little more time, you know traffic can be awful," Kendall replied, "What have you been up to?"
"Damage control," James said, "Kyle thinks everyone hates him now and had a fight with Leora I guess, on top of everything with Jared and Miles both not wanting anything to do with him. I don't blame her for being upset, but…" he trailed off.
"How bad?" Kendall asked.
"Did you know he's been taking medications for panic attacks again?" James asked.
"I had a suspicion, I was hoping he'd tell us sooner," Kendall admitted, "Jared mentioned he was in therapy too."
"It's not working," James sighed, "I just sat with him as he cried himself to sleep."
"That bad then?" Kendall sighed, leaning back against the counter.
"I think it would be best if we moved Leora into the other guest room and Jenny in with us. She's been sleeping with us anyways," James said.
"I agree," Kendall said, "we can't side with Kyle on this over Leora. They are both our children."
"I know, but you weren't up there with him. He's convinced he's an awful human being and that he doesn't deserve any kindness. He thinks the world hates him and that his life is over," James said pointing in the direction of their son.
The front door opening and shouts were heard. They made their way out to the hallway where Marcie was wrangling Jenny and Miri into the house with Kenny balanced on her hip.
"Traffic?" Kendall asked, walking up to her. Jenny ran right up to him making grabby hands. He picked her up with a smile.
"You have no idea," Marcie said, "sorry I'm late. I tried calling but no one answered."
James felt his pockets and frowned when he didn't find his phone.
"I think I left my phone in the car," James said slowly as he tried to remember when he had it last. "I got distracted with Kyle."
"How's he doing? I saw the gossip," Marcie said as she handed Kenny over to James as he was getting restless in her arms.
"As well as to be expected, but he's eighteen and his life is over," James said.
"I remember that age, it's such a fragile time," Marcie said, "what about Leora. How's she?"
"She is out with Lucas and Artie probably trying to get her mind off of things," James replied.
"Well good luck, teenagers are a handful in a different way than toddlers. It's why I chose toddlers to work with rather than teens."
"Smart move," Kendall said.
Marcie gave the girls one last hug before she left telling them she'd be back tomorrow. James corralled the kids to the living room where he put on a movie for them. They all sat down together. Jenny and Miri were entranced and trying to sing along to most of the songs.
—Happy Mistakes—
Leora yawned as she leaned against Lucas. They had been laughing and having fun all night. They were four movies deep into their movie night. Layla, Erika, and Millie were sitting on the floor giggling and talking quietly. Artie was on the other side of Lucas fast asleep.
Once the movie needed Millie said she needed to go. Her, Layla, and Erika all said their goodbyes. Layla made sure to give Leora a big hug too. They left and Leora turned to Lucas.
"Thanks for tonight, I needed it," Leora said.
"Yeah, no problem," Lucas said, smiling at her.
"I don't wanna go home. I know Kyle's gonna be there and I'm not sure if I'm ready to face him yet," Leora sighed.
"I know it hurts, but he's your brother and you should probably talk to him," Lucas said.
"My brother who was sleeping with my boyfriend," Leora said, "since before we even got together. Like what kind of game were they playing? Let's see how hard we can get Leora to fall and then pull the rug out from under her?"
"I know it hurts, but maybe you should listen to his side of things before you make a final judgement," Lucas said.
"Stop using logic on me," Leora whined.
"I'm not saying go home tonight and have a heart to heart, but talk to him when you're ready. Take a few days, cause I know this sucks," Lucas said.
"Yeah, I guess," Leora sighed.
"Could you two be a little quieter," Artie grumbled from the other end of the couch. "I am tired."
"Sorry your highness," Lucas apologized with a laugh.
"Don't be a smart ass," Artie said, nudging Lucas with his foot. Lucas laughed as he caught his foot. Artie jerked his foot laughing as well. He finally sat up shooting Lucas a playful glare.
"Oh you're awake," Lucas said feigning shock, "Welcome back to the land of the living love."
"You're awful," Artie said, glaring slightly at him.
Lucas scooted over to him with an adorable pout that said I'm sorry. He pucker his lips playfully. Artie sighed as he leaned in close.
"You're lucky your cute King," he said.
"I know," Lucas said, stealing a quick kiss from him.
"I feel like a third wheel, maybe I should go," Leora said, standing up and stretching.
"Sorry, you can stay," Lucas said.
"No it's getting late and if I don't get home soon dad and pops will start calling," Leora said.
Lucas jumped up and gave her a hug. He walked her to the door telling her he was just a text or a phone call away if she needed anything.
She exited the apartment with her phone in her hand. She knew she had to get home before James and Kendall put out a missing person report.
—Happy Mistakes—
Kendall moved about getting the table set for dinner. James had gone to talk to Kyle and get him for dinner. Jenny was sitting in her high chair enjoying her toys until supper was ready. Leora still was home. She had texted him that she was out with Lucas and Artie. He knew she needed a distraction. She was hurt from this too. He wished she would come talk to him and James.
Kendallr returned to the stove to dish up the food. He was just finishing up and bringing the plates to the table when he heard James and Kyle arguing.
"I don't want to," Kyle whined.
"Too bad," James replied.
"I'm really not that hungry," Kyle groaned.
Kendall turned as James and Kyle entered the kitchen. James with his hands on Kyle's shoulders leading him to the table.
"Then at least drink some water and socialize," James said, pushing him down into a chair.
"I don't want to socialize," Kyle replied, looking up at James.
"Then drink some water," Kendall said, handing him a glass of water. "You gotta stay hydrated at least."
"Fine," Kyle grumbled. He grabbed the glass of water and took a drink. "There happy? Can I go wallow in self pity now?"
"Nope," Kendall said.
"Here, you don't have to eat if you don't want to, but we made you a plate," James said, placing a plate down in front of Kyle and another in front of Jenny who quickly dug in making a mess in seconds.
Kendall grabbed his and James's plates and returned to the table. They sat down watching Kyle.
"I'm not hungry," Kyle said, pushing the plate away. He grabbed the water and took another sip.
"We need to talk," James said.
"No we don't," Kyle said.
"Is this about the therapy he's been getting?" Kendall asked.
"Jared told you?" Kyle asked, looking down at the table.
"He mentioned it, I think it was a slip," Kendall said.
"My anxiety's been coming back," Kyle said. "I've been given meds for panic attacks and I've been seeing a therapist almost weekly. Sometimes I forget, but I try to go as often as I can. Sometimes it feels like it's not working, but I keep putting myself in these anxiety inducing situations so it's mostly my fault. I just can't let good things happen I have to fuck them up every single time."
"Knock it off," Kendall said, "you made a mistake. It happens. You are human like the rest of us."
"I always make mistakes. I can never get anything right," Kyle shouted. "All I do is mess everything up. Everyone at school hates me. All they did was stare at me and glare at me. A few of those damn Joker Army girls even sent threatening messages. The guys all hate me, Noah wouldn't even look at me this morning and Noah loves everybody no matter what. Leora hates my guts and I don't blame her. I can't let myself have nice things because I don't deserve them."
"Yes you do," James said.
"I'm not hungry and I'm done with this water, I'm going to bed," Kyle snapped. He jumped up.
"About that," Kendall said, knowing it would do no good to argue with him.
"We were talking and it might be best if you and Leora don't share a room," James said before Kyle could speak. "One of you move to the other guest room while Jenny comes into our room."
"That would probably be a good idea, let me guess I'll have to move because it would be too much of an inconvenience for perfect princess Leora to switch rooms," Kyle said, rolling his eyes.
"Watch the attitude," Kendall said.
"What? We all know Leora's perfect. She's the only who who hasn't even come close to having a baby. She can do no wrong," Kyle said.
"While all you ever do is mess everything up."
Kyle whirled around to see Leora standing in the doorway glaring at him.
"Fuck my life," Kyle groaned.
"Language," Kendall said.
"Leora, we were just talking about you and Kyle not sharing a room anymore. Jenny will be moving in with your father and I, and one of you can take the other room," James said.
"Good, I don't want him anywhere near me anyways," Leora said.
"Yeah, I don't blame you," Kyle said. He grabbed his glass of water and finished it. He then bolted from the room.
"Leora, come sit," Kendall said. Leora moved to sit at the table. "Look I'm not saying you don't deserve to be mad at him."
"I'm not gonna forgive him," Leora said, shaking her head. "He crossed a line, he knew I liked Miles and then he had to go and do this, to what? Mess with me? Mess with Miles? It doesn't make any sense."
"It's not like that, Leora. he made a mistake. He is human like you and me," Kendall said.
"Right cause he wasn't mad that I was attracted to his best friend and trying to 'steal' him away," Leora spat. "He went too far this time and I'm done. With Miles too, those two deserve each other." She said jumping up and leaving the room.
Kendall sat back with a groan. He turned to James who was frowning as well.
"Have kids they said, they are a delight and watching them grow is amazing," Kendall sighed.
"Lies, all lies," James said looking at Jenny who was now playing with her food. "Never grow up Jenny, it's just a trap."