"Every time Jett crosses our path, it feels like we're losing precious moments of our lives," Logan laments.
"If he doesn't straighten up, he'll be locked away for two decades or more," James predicts. "One of these days, he's going to pick on the wrong person and face some serious consequences. Not even his manager can bail him out then."
"Did you see the look on his manager's face? He must be exhausted from dealing with Jett's antics. I'm surprised he hasn't quit already. Managing Jett is like being a well-paid babysitter for a grown man-child," Kendall observes.
"It must be a high-stress position," Carlos agrees.
"Dealing with Jett is always taxing, no matter how brief the interaction," Logan sighs. "Let's shift our focus back to skateboarding."
With a unanimous nod, James, Carlos, and Kendall dive back into their skateboarding session, leaving the drama surrounding Jett behind.
Version 1:
After taking a break for lunch, the boys head back to the Palm Woods and make their way to Apartment 2J to eat. As they pass by Palm Woods Park, they spot Katie and Tyler sitting on the grass, staring at a blank piece of paper.
"Why are you guys just sitting there looking at it?" James inquires.
"We're trying to come up with ideas for what to draw," Katie explains. "But we're drawing a blank. And this scorching sun isn't helping."
"We feel like our brains are fried," Tyler adds.
Chuckling, Logan says, "Your brains are fine, buddy. But maybe you'll feel better after lunch. Come inside with us."
"Okay, sure," Katie agrees, standing up. "By the way, I heard about what went down in the lobby and at the skatepark. Jett seems determined not to be defeated. When will he give up?"
"I have no clue. He's probably the most annoying teenager ever," Kendall remarks.
"He's all about revenge," Carlos chimes in. "My Papi should come and enroll him in the scared straight program."
The group of friends step into the welcoming embrace of Apartment 2J.
"Hello, young ones. Feeling hungry, are we?" Ms. Knight greets them.
"Absolutely famished," Kendall replies.
"Good. Take a seat, and I will whip up some delectable peanut butter and jelly sandwiches accompanied by refreshing grapes and crisp apple slices," Ms. Knight announces.
"Why can't we have chips instead of healthy stuff? You always make us eat good food during the week. Can't we just have a little fun on the weekend?" Katie questions as she settles into her seat.
"Stop whining, Katie," Kendall chides.
"It's not whining, it's voicing my preferences. There's a distinction," Katie asserts, preparing for a little friendly debate.
Sensing the impending argument, Kendall simply shakes his head and looks to their mother. "Perhaps we can find a middle ground?"
"Fine. Katie, you can have some fruit smackers. Aren't those the snacks from the vending machine in the lobby? I picked some up from the store," Ms. Knight offers.
"Ah, yes! Thank you, Mom," Katie responds in gratitude.
"You're welcome. Has Jett caused any more trouble today?" Ms. Knight asks.
"No, not for me, but he has for the boys," Katie replies.
"He stopped us in the lobby on the way to the skatepark. He only targeted Logan, teasing and taunting him, trying to provoke a reaction. Logan tried to avoid him, but it didn't work, so I had to step in. Then, moments later at the skatepark, Jett approached us with a made-up story that I verbally assaulted him. He even had his manager with him. I'm not sure what he expected his manager to do. Jett wanted me to be arrested, but we quickly shut that down," James explains.
"That boy is certainly persistent," Ms. Knight remarks.
"At least we know we're safe here. He can't bother us in our own apartment. Hopefully, he has some sense of boundaries," Logan says. "I'm going to have BuddyBot help me with my solar eclipse research."
"He can do that?" Carlos asks.
"Yeah, I just have to program him to," Logan replies.
"Awesome," Carlos says.
"Katie, I think we should continue our artwork inside. I don't want to have to deal with Jett. He could be lurking around anywhere," Tyler suggests.
"Good idea, Tyler. I don't want to go back outside either," Katie agrees.