Kendall, your mother went to her bedroom two hours ago. That means the cry of pain we heard must have been from Katie," Logan explains.
"We should go check on our princesà," Carlos says urgently.
They all make their way to her room and find her calmly sitting on her bed, leaning against her pillow and reading a comic book with the moonlight shining through the window as the storm has subsided but not completely stopped. She looks at them as they stare at her, feeling confused. "What?"
"Are you okay?" James asks, concerned.
"I'm fine. You're the ones who rushed into my room. Is there an emergency?" Katie questions.
"No, but we heard someone say 'Ow' when the power went out. Was that you?" Kendall inquires.
"Yeah, I was getting my comic book from the shelf and another book fell, hitting my foot. It hurt, but I'm fine now. No need to panic," Katie reassures.
"No one is panicking," Kendall responds.
"Carlos looks like he's about to explode," Katie observes, noting his frazzled state.
"Carlos, buddy, relax. She's fine," Logan says, giving him a comforting hug.
"Thank goodness. I'm so glad you're okay, princesà," Carlos says, embracing her.
"There was originally nothing to worry about, but thank you anyway," Katie says, appreciating his protective nature even when it's not needed.
After exiting Katie's room, the boys retire to their own beds.
As Monday morning arrives, they gather in the kitchen for breakfast.
"Has the power returned?" James inquires.
Logan shrugs in response.
"The TV won't even switch on! Katie and I are missing SpongeBob!" Carlos exclaims, irritation evident in his voice.
"You both will survive. SpongeBob isn't going anywhere. He's a mere cartoon," Kendall reassures.
"You never know. He might just jump out of the screen and explore our world," Katie suggests, her eyes shining with mischief.
Kendall gives her a strange look and rolls his eyes. "I refuse to engage with such absurdity," he mutters, taking a sip of orange juice.
"Kendall, you lack creativity at times. Just because you're my elder brother doesn't mean you can't act your age. You're 16, start behaving like it," Katie remarks.
"I apologize, Katie. I'm still upset about Mr. Bitters deceiving mom about me yesterday. Even though she assured me she didn't believe him, I'm shocked by how comfortable he is with lying and not caring about the impact on others," Kendall explains.
"He's a heartless man who takes pleasure in others' discomfort. He's never going to change," Katie adds. "I'm angry with him too."
After finishing their breakfast, they head downstairs to the classroom.
"Logan, are you going to school today?" Camille asks hopefully.
"No, it's my physical therapy day. I've been catching up on my schoolwork online from Miss Collins. I'm not prepared to return to the classroom yet. I'm sorry, Cami," Logan replies, disappointed that she might be upset.
"I understand. I support your decision completely. You'll know when you're ready to come back. I'll be waiting for that day," Camille reassures him.
"Thank you," Logan responds.
"I'll be back shortly. I've spotted Mr. Bitters. I intend to have a conversation with him," Kendall states.
"I don't believe that's a wise decision. You're still quite upset. Wait until you've completely calmed down, perhaps after school has ended," Logan advises.
"Logan, I appreciate your concern, but I can handle this," Kendall asserts as he walks towards the front desk. "Mr. Bitters, I need to speak with you. I'm extremely upset that you lied to my mother yesterday regarding our conversation when I returned your thoughtless peace offering basket. You know very well that I did not approach you by yelling, name-calling, or threatening to jeopardize your job. I don't understand why you find satisfaction in lying and being so cruel all this time, but I've reached my limit. You are a terrible person. Never lie about me again, and don't lie about my friends either. Do you understand?"
"And what if I don't?" Mr. Bitters challenges.
"I genuinely will contact your superior, and your job will truly be at risk," Kendall warns.
Realizing that Kendall is not bluffing, Mr. Bitters reluctantly responds, "Fine. I'll make an effort to improve from now on."
"The chances of that are slim, but I must go to school now. Goodbye," Kendall says as he walks into the classroom.
Later that afternoon, Logan returns from his physical therapy session, looking refreshed and rejuvenated.
"How was your physical therapy session today?" Camille inquires, her voice filled with curiosity.
"Absolutely splendid! Callie introduced me to some new stretches that I must practice at home. She truly excels at her craft," Logan responds with a smile.
"Are you still under the care of that female physical therapist?" Camille probes further.
"Yes, and I fail to comprehend your unwavering suspicion towards her. Callie is simply carrying out her duties with utmost professionalism. There is no room for flirtation or personal advances. What seems to be the issue with her?" Logan questions, a hint of frustration in his tone.
"It's just the proximity and intimacy of her work with you that concerns me," Camille explains.
"How many times must I reiterate this? Callie is a professional, and that's the extent of our interaction," Logan asserts, letting out a sigh. "Very well, if it eases your mind, I shall request a male physical therapist for our next session on Wednesday. You are the only girl in my heart, Camille. You are my one and only," he declares before walking away, visibly disappointed.
Jo approaches Camille, a look of concern on her face. "Camille, we need to have a heart-to-heart conversation."
"Did you witness everything?" Camille asks, her voice tinged with regret.
"I overheard your conversation from the parking lot. Logan seemed quite upset," Jo remarks.
With a heavy heart, Camille sighs. "It's all my doing. I have caused this rift between us."
"Jo, you were right. I messed up big time," Camille admits with a heavy heart, her words muffled by her hands.
"Logan doesn't hate you, Camille. He's just feeling hurt and frustrated. The only way to rebuild that trust is to trust him with Callie. Take a deep breath and let's figure out what you're going to say to him. I'm here to support you," Jo reassures her.
Camille nods, trying to calm her racing thoughts with deep breaths. Finally, after much contemplation, she shares her plan with Jo. With a determined look, she heads to Apartment 2J, only to be met by Kendall at the door.
"Hey Camille, now's not a good time. Logan's still upset about what happened earlier. Maybe come back tomorrow when he's in a better place to talk," Kendall explains kindly.
"I understand. I'll give him some space. See you tomorrow," Camille responds softly before heading back to her own apartment, hopeful for a chance to make things right with Logan.
Kendall enters the bedroom he shares with Logan and settles into a computer chair, swaying back and forth with a worried expression as he observes Logan jotting down words in a notebook.
"I sense your gaze on me, Kendall. It's disturbing my focus. What is it that you need?" Logan inquires.
"I'm just concerned about you. You're seated at your desk in the dim light with only the lamp illuminating, scribbling down who knows what out of frustration," Kendall expresses.
"My girlfriend doesn't have faith in me. Naturally, I'm feeling frustrated. You're aware of this because I confided in you earlier. I'm certain that was her at the door. I appreciate you sending her away. I know that if I had spoken to her, it would have been premature, and I might have unintentionally uttered hurtful words. I don't want to be disrespectful to her. I care for her deeply," Logan admits.
"I understand that. The affection you hold for her is precious and unique, much like what I share with Jo. What exactly are you writing about on that paper you've been engrossed in for the past twenty minutes?" Kendall inquires.
"My emotions. Putting them down on paper helps me release my feelings in a healthy manner. It's a better alternative than taking out my frustrations on Camille and jeopardizing our relationship permanently. Research has shown that this is a therapeutic process that aids individuals in sorting through their tangled emotions and transforming them into words," Logan explains.
"I get it, Logan. It's incredible how many therapeutic exercises you've found that work for you. You're going to make an amazing doctor one day, no matter what specialty you choose. You have a natural talent for it," Kendall remarks.
"Thanks, man. I really appreciate your words. It's exactly what I needed to hear today. I hate arguing with Camille. She just can't seem to accept that I'll be spending time with other girls who aren't her. Not in a romantic way, of course, but she still doesn't like it. Is Jo the same way with you? She's much calmer than Camille, and I've never seen her get jealous when you hang out with other girls," Logan explains.
"Jo is actually fine with me being around other girls. If she ever feels jealous, I hope she would tell me. I don't want to keep anything from her," Kendall responds.
"I'm sure she would communicate if something was bothering her, just like you would with her. Open and honest communication is key," Logan agrees.
"Are you hungry? You should grab something to eat. It might help you feel better and sleep better later," Kendall suggests.
"Yeah, I could definitely use a snack," Logan agrees.
They leave the room together, ready to find something to munch on.