"Cheers, Carlos," Logan expresses with a grateful smile.
"Behold, water bottles!" Kendall announces dramatically, sensing the cold bitter air outside. He distributes them to Katie, Jesse, Tyler, and Benjamin.
"Appreciate it, Kendall, although you did hand me an extra one," Katie points out.
"Well aware," Kendall says mischievously.
"Don't think I'm falling for your tricks. Nice try," Katie asserts, irritated by his attempt to deceive her.
"No need to engage with him," Kendall suggests.
"Ugh, fine! You're such a nuisance sometimes!" Katie snaps as she rises, delivering the extra bottle to James before reclaiming her seat. "Happy, Fuzzy McEyebrows?"
"Indeed, well done," Kendall responds wearily, sinking back into his seat and massaging his temples.
"Perhaps Fuzzy McEyebrows could be interpreted as a compliment in certain situations," Jo suggests, trying to lighten the mood.
"You and I both know that name is light years away from being a compliment. It's not even remotely amusing, and she's called me far worse," Kendall sighs, exasperated.
"She will become more amiable once she has the opportunity to unwind. Presently, she is exhibiting signs of tension. It is interesting to note that my father, when burdened by stress, frequently seeks solace at the spa. I derive great amusement from teasing him about this peculiar habit. Fortunately, the hotel we are staying at boasts a spa facility. Upon our return, Camille and I can accompany Katie, Emma, and Olivia to partake in the spa's offerings."
Kendall expresses agreement, stating, "That is indeed a splendid suggestion. I am of the belief that all of them will derive immense pleasure from such an outing."
Jo concurs, adding, "Likewise, I share the sentiment that, although she may not be cognizant of it, I perceive her as a younger sister figure. Her intellect and wit are truly commendable. Moreover, her spirited nature adds an element of charm to her persona."
"She is the reigning Sass Queen, a title bestowed upon her by Gustavo in a fit of anger. Even in her infancy, her spunky spirit burned bright. But as she began to string words together, a storm of sassiness brewed within her, catching everyone off guard. Perhaps it was endearing when she was small; after all, anything a young girl does is cute at the tender age of five. Naturally, she evaded any consequences for her sharp tongue. I held onto hope that age would mellow her fiery personality, but boy, was I mistaken."
Kendall heaves a heavy sigh, grappling with his own guilt. Doubts plague his mind, tormenting him with questions of his own responsibility. Has he somehow triggered this audacious behavior? Is he an inadequate older brother, incapable of guiding her on the right path? The weight of these thoughts presses upon him mercilessly, as his younger sister constantly reminds him of the admiration she holds for him.
"You've done nothing wrong. You're a good big brother and role model for her. Sassy is just part of her personality. That is beyond your control. It's not your fault. Her entire life has been dominated by testosterone. So, of course, she'll be tough and confident, as well as possess other qualities that girls her age might not exhibit in the same way as she does. She has to survive. I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for her to live in Minnesota without having a companion her age. That must have been really stressful and frustrating." Jo consoles him.
"Sometimes it bothered her, but other times it didn't." All I've ever wanted for her was for her to be happy, and she was happier than I'd ever seen her when she met Tyler, then something wonderful sparked inside of her when she met Jesse, and now she's going through this difficult period, and I don't know how to help her. She's enraged, furious, and confused. A girl her age should not have to go through any of that. She's just too pure and sweet to be suffering like this." Kendall explains.
"James was just keeping an eye out for her. I understand he couldn't manage his emotions, but it's excellent that he recognized what he had done and is working to correct it." Jo states.
"Yeah I'm proud of him for that." Kendall explains.
When George's phone rings, he rolls his eyes and groans because it's Daniel calling again. "I said not to call me again. Do you want to talk to Emma? Then call her yourself. What brings you to call me? She's not returning your calls? She certainly has every reason to. No way, you're a jerk. "You are correct." Gasps. "Did you just call me that?" What terrible language! That is simply being really disrespectful. Okay, here's Emma." George says as he hands her the phone.
Emma, clearly exasperated, calmly addresses Daniel, "May I inquire as to the purpose of your call, Daniel? I must admit, I find your current demeanor towards George rather impolite, and your choice of words to express your frustration seems excessive. Is it because he has been rude to you? Please take a moment to reflect on your own behavior, as it is you who is being difficult, not him. I must respectfully decline engaging in an argument with you at this moment. I am currently on the bus, and upon my return home on Sunday, I intend to have a lengthy conversation with you regarding your conduct, as I have grown weary of it. I am curious, why did you feel the need to contact George? What is it that you desire from him? Ah, I see now, you are attempting to ascertain his intentions towards me. It is quite remarkable, the complexity of your character. Farewell, Daniel." Emma concludes the call and returns the phone to George, emitting a sigh and shaking her head. "Brothers," she mutters, her palm meeting her face in a gesture of resignation.
"Emma, you've got me right by your side. Having a brother is like an added layer of serenity, a guardian angel in disguise. It's the secret superpower that makes life a little more colorful," Katie murmurs, her voice laced with wonder.
Kendall interjects, his eyes gleaming with wisdom, "Oh, Katie, we've bestowed upon you countless life lessons, far beyond mere security. We bring laughter, support, and an unbreakable bond that transcends time."
"Mind your own business, beanstalk!" Katie retorts, her words dripping with disdain as she mockingly alludes to Kendall's towering height.
Perplexed by the unwarranted insult, Kendall raises an eyebrow and retorts, "Beanstalk? How novel."
Unfazed by the exchange, Jo chimes in with an amused smile, "Well, that's a fresh one, indeed."