Monday morning draped a cold, rainy blanket over the city, casting a dreary shadow into Apartment 2J. Inside, the world was silent, save for the relentless blare of an alarm clock in the shared bedroom of Kendall and Logan. Startled awake, Kendall groaned, instinctively burying his head deeper into his pillows to escape the cacophony. "Logan, wake up! Your alarm is going off! Logan!" he shouted, but his voice was swallowed by the noise, failing to penetrate the soundproof barrier of Logan's noise-canceling headphones. Frustrated, Kendall yanked the headphones off Logan's ears, desperate for some peace. "Logan!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands loudly in front of his friend's face.
With a sluggish blink, Logan's eyes fluttered open, still hazy from sleep. "Huh? What?" he mumbled, his mind struggling to catch up with reality as he fought the urge to drift back into slumber. Kendall, refusing to relent, shook the bed with urgency. "Stop it! I'm awake, I'm awake!" Logan finally protested, irritation creeping into his voice as he sat up, his disheveled hair a testament to his resistance to morning.
"Good, because your alarm is going off and driving me up the wall! Please turn it off!" Kendall replied, exasperated yet relieved that Logan was finally responsive. With a reluctant grunt, Logan reached for the offending device and silenced it, casting a sideways glance at Kendall. "Better?" he asked, his tone laced with annoyance from being so abruptly roused. "Yes, thank you," Kendall sighed, sinking back into his own bed, grateful for the sudden quiet, though the dreariness of the morning still loomed outside their window.
"Do not succumb to slumber once more. We must rise for school," Logan declares.
"Yay," Kendall replies with a hint of sarcasm.
They both leave their bedroom and make their way to the kitchen to prepare their breakfast.
"Goodness, this day feels so utterly melon colony," Carlos remarks, gazing out the window as raindrops dance upon the glass.
"It's pronounced melancholy, Carlos," Logan corrects him, as he places bread into the toaster for grilled cheese.
"My apologies," Carlos responds.
"Grammar enforcer," James mutters under his breath.
"Enough, James. He required a gentle correction on the pronunciation. It's far too early for your theatrics," Katie interjects, pouring milk over her cereal.
"It's perfectly alright, Katie. I've grown accustomed to his trivial barbs. It's really not a big deal," Logan says, taking a bite of an apple.
"Do you really think Gustavo would subject us to outdoor rehearsal in this weather?" Kendall wondered aloud. "I'm not up for a debate with him about it."
"Surely he wouldn't be that cruel. But just to be safe, let's not give him any ideas by mentioning it," Logan suggested. "He might just do it to get on our nerves."
"He really does push our limits, doesn't he?" Kendall replied.
"Well, you don't exactly make it easy for him either, Kendall. It's a two-way street," Logan pointed out.
"From the moment he set foot in California, he hasn't exactly been a gem. Even back in Minnesota, he was a tough pill to swallow. But somehow, he managed to reel us all in with his charm. I love this life, but I do wish he was a better boss," Kendall reflected.
The boys and Katie complete their breakfast, take showers, brush their teeth, and prepare for school. They proceed down the hallway to the elevator and enter it to descend to the lobby before heading to their classroom. Upon the elevator doors opening, Jo is seen standing there with Camille. A moment of silence ensues as everyone exchanges glances, the awkward tension lingering from Jo and Kendall's argument the previous morning.
"Good morning, Jo. Good morning, Kendork," Jett remarks.
Kendall's hands tighten into fists at the sound of the derogatory name that Jett enjoys using.
Katie rolls her eyes in frustration. "He has repeatedly asked you to stop calling him that! Why is it so difficult for you to understand?" she retorts, fiercely defending her brother.
"It amuses me to see him so upset over a single word. It's quite funny," Jett replies.
"You are the only one who finds it amusing. The rest of us view it as you being inconsiderate," Jo states, crossing her arms in disappointment. "You must cease calling Kendall that awful name. He dislikes it. I dislike it. No one here appreciates it except you. Stop using that name!" Her irritation is palpable.
Before Jett can formulate a witty retort, Miss Collins enters the scene, guiding them into the classroom.
"I overheard your argument while exiting the elevator. You truly do not know when to stop being a bully, do you, Jett?" she says with an exasperated sigh. As a teacher, she strives to exemplify dignity and respect, hoping to instill these values in her students, yet she finds it exceedingly challenging to comprehend why her message fails to resonate with Jett.
Anticipating a potential reprimand, Jett attempts to shift the narrative in his favor. "I didn't do anything wrong, Miss Collins. I was merely joking with them. It's not my fault they can't appreciate my sense of humor," he defends himself.
"Jett, your humor is really cruel and insensitive. You seem to enjoy making others miserable. Can't you see? No one in this class appreciates you," Logan remarks.
"At least I'm not a loser like you," Jett retorts sharply.
Logan lets out a frustrated sigh and heads to his desk, waiting for class to begin.
"Jett, I need you to stop being so mean for the rest of the day. I'm serious. Just try to be nicer," Miss Collins says firmly, clearly exasperated with his behavior.
As class begins, the students continue working on their Halloween decorations in the afternoon.
"Kendall, I really apologize for not joining you at the ice rink yesterday and for saying it was a bad idea. I didn't mean to stress you out," Jo says while they cut out pumpkin shapes from orange construction paper.
Kendall puts down his scissors and looks at her. "It's okay, Jo. I'm not upset anymore. Going to the ice rink by myself was exactly what I needed to relieve my stress. I think I might have pushed myself a bit too hard," Kendall replies.
"Why do you push yourself so hard, Kendall? You're already an awesome hockey player," Jo says, worried about her boyfriend's intense dedication.
Kendall takes a deep breath, knowing this topic is touchy for him. "It's because of my dad. He always said that hard work pays off and to chase my dreams no matter what. Honestly, it's probably the only decent advice he ever gave me. But I really don't want to talk about him anymore. He's not worth it," Kendall replies, returning to his pumpkin cutting.
Jett, always looking to stir the pot, grins and says, "He probably hates you, your ugly mom, and your dumb sister." He laughs.
The classroom falls silent, everyone waiting to see how Kendall will react.
Kendall stands up, glares at Jett, and punches him right in the nose, towering over him. He leans in close, teeth clenched. "Don't you ever say anything about my family again, or I swear I'll make you regret it. I don't know what your problem is with me, but just drop it." He straightens up and walks over to Miss Collins' desk. "I'm really sorry for losing my cool, but I couldn't take his insults anymore. I'll accept whatever punishment you think is fair."
"Kendall, I can't give you detention after school. What you felt was totally valid. Jett's annoying insults really got to you, and you reacted. Honestly, if I were in your shoes, I would have done the same thing," says Miss Collins.
"Wait, you can actually fight, Miss Collins?" Kendall asks, surprised by this news.
"Absolutely! I started martial arts when I was 13. I know karate, tae kwon do, and jujitsu," Miss Collins replies with pride.
"Wow, your cool teacher score just skyrocketed!" Kendall exclaims, impressed by her hidden talents.
Jett is on the floor, whining and complaining, "Ouch, my nose! I need some ice! I need a doctor! Someone has to check me out!" He's really playing it up after Kendall's surprise hit.
Katie rolls her eyes and replies, "You definitely need to be checked out, especially your brain, to understand why you love annoying everyone here, you idiot. And just so you know, I'm not dumb like you claimed earlier, and my mom is gorgeous! You seriously have a weird obsession with picking on Kendall all the time. You should see a therapist."
Miss Collins hands Jett an ice pack.
"Are you going to keep talking trash about my family, or have you finally figured it out?" Kendall asks.
"You messed up my best feature. I'll stop badmouthing your family. I really don't want you to hit me again," Jett replies, keeping his distance.
"I'm happy to hear that. Maybe you actually have some sense," Kendall responds. "I didn't want to hurt you, Jett. When we first met, I thought we could be friends, but you've made that really hard. What's your deal with me? Why don't you like me? I haven't done anything to you. You just decided to hate me because I'm in a boyband? Or because I'm doing well like you? Do you think you're the only rich kid here with a cool job that makes you popular? We're all trying to chase our dreams, not just you!"
"You took Jo away from me," Jett says.
"I was never yours to start with. Stop treating me like an object. You just want a girlfriend to help your career and make you look good. That's all that matters to you. You're lucky I even consider you a friend, but if you keep being rude to everyone, I'll end this friendship right away," Jo says firmly.
Later that evening at Rocque Records in the dance studio, the guys are practicing the choreography for "Boyfriend."
"Hold on, hold on, hold on!" Gustavo exclaims, stopping the music and looking frustrated. "Carlos, your moves are totally off beat! I've told you this three times already!"
"If you didn't yell at me every time I mess up, I wouldn't be so anxious!" Carlos replies, feeling annoyed.
"We could all use a break," Logan suggests, trying to lighten the mood.
"Definitely. I really need one," Carlos says as he leaves the dance studio.
In the break room, Kendall and James are deep into a competitive foosball match. Meanwhile, Logan and Carlos are sprawled out on beanbags, chatting about their Halloween plans.
"We have to go all out with the decorations in Apartment 2J. We need the scariest stuff we can find!" Carlos says, full of excitement.
"Why do we need to do that?" Logan asks, not as thrilled.
"Because we'll be the most haunted apartment at the Palm Woods! We'll be legends!" Carlos exclaims, bouncing in his bean bag.
"Legends? It's just for one night, Carlos. We don't need to prove anything. It's just a fun holiday," Logan responds.
Walks into the room. "Hey everyone, just a heads up! Your break is almost done. Time to head to the recording booth," Kelly announces.
The guys shuffle into the recording booth, take their places in front of the microphones, and put on their headphones.
"You'll be here for an extra hour and a half. Let's get this going," Gustavo says as he sits down to choose a song for them.
The four boys groan in response, complaining, "Seriously, Gustavo? That's not cool! This is so unfair!"
"I don't want to hear any excuses! Enough already!" Gustavo snaps, clearly frustrated.
After practice, the guys hang out in the lobby, waiting for Ms. Knight's car to show up since they really don't want to trek back to the Palm Woods in the chilly rain.
"Hey, everyone. You good? Did Gustavo push you too hard again?" Ms. Knight asks as she unlocks the car for them to hop in.
"Yeah, Mama Knight, it's totally my fault. He got upset with me and decided to take it out on all of us," Carlos replies, looking down as he fastens his seatbelt.
"Sweetheart, how is that your fault? What made him mad?" Ms. Knight inquires.
"I kept messing up my dance moves for 'Boyfriend,' and his yelling just made me more nervous, which made me mess up even more. I felt like I couldn't get it right at all. So, Logan suggested we take a break, but when we got back to the recording booth, Gustavo said we had to stay an extra hour and a half. He probably did that just to get back at me," Carlos explains.
"Do you honestly believe Gustavo is so petty that he would make you all work an extra hour and a half just because you messed up some dance moves, Carlos?" Ms. Knight asks as she drives out of the Rocque Records parking lot.
"Yeah, Mama Knight, I really do. He pulls this kind of stuff all the time. If one of us annoys him, he punishes all four of us. It's just not fair," Carlos replies, gazing out at the rain hitting the window since he's sitting by the door.
"Carlos, it's alright. Kendall, James, and I know it's not your fault he's making us work harder. He's like a tyrant who always has to be in control," Logan says, trying to lift his spirits.
"I get that, but I just can't believe how mean he is all the time," Carlos sighs.
Upon reaching the Palm Woods, the boys step into Apartment 2J, feeling worn out from their lengthy rehearsal. They kick back on the couch to enjoy some TV. Later that evening, dinner is served, featuring hotdogs and tater tots.
Early Tuesday morning, a fierce storm raged outside, its howling winds and torrential rain disrupting Katie's peaceful slumber. Seeking solace, she instinctively turned to her older brother, Kendall, a comforting ritual she had embraced since she was just three years old. As she quietly tiptoed into Kendall and Logan's dimly lit room, the darkness played tricks on her. She stumbled over an unknown object on the floor, losing her balance and tumbling onto Kendall's sleeping form. The unexpected jolt startled him awake, causing him to let out a startled shriek as he scrambled under his sheets, disoriented and panicked.
In a flurry, Kendall fumbled for the switch of his bedside lamp, finally illuminating the room with a soft glow. He sat up, panting heavily from the fright, his heart racing as he turned to face his sister, who was still trying to regain her composure from the fall.
"Katie, you almost gave me a heart attack! What are you doing in here, falling on me like that?! It is way too early for pranks!" he exclaimed, his voice a hushed whisper, careful not to wake Logan, who remained blissfully unaware of the chaos unfolding beside him. The storm continued to rage outside, but inside the room, a different kind of storm was brewing, one of surprise and sibling banter.
"The raging storm outside keeps me wide awake," Katie apologizes, her voice tinged with regret. "I stumbled over something in the dark... turns out it was your neglected shoe, lazily left by the bedside instead of in the closet."
Kendall yawns, clearly unbothered by the weather's turmoil. "Enough with the scolding. I can't control the storm, you know. Play some calming music, drown out the noise."
"Can't I just stay here with you?" Katie's voice betrays her fear of sleeping alone amidst the storm.
Sighing, Kendall relents. "Fine, hop in." He scoots over to make room for her in bed, flipping off the light as they both settle back in for the night.
By the time the sun rose, the storm had not diminished; in fact, it appeared to have intensified.
"Wow, it feels like the whole planet is furious with California. It looks quite ominous out there. Are we caught in one of those disaster films? It seems like we've been transported into one," Carlos remarks, gazing out the window with a sigh.
"It's just that season, Carlos. California occasionally experiences severe weather like this," Logan replies as he enters the kitchen. "How about some breakfast corn dogs? They might lift your spirits and serve as a nice distraction from the chaos outside."
"Alright, sounds good," Carlos responds, switching the TV to Nickelodeon to watch Spongebob.
Katie soon joins him, followed by Kendall and James who also enter the room.
Carlos suddenly breaks the silence in the room with a strange question. "Do you think the sewer monsters from the underworld are going to rise up and use our bodies for food?"
Logan pauses what he's doing and stares at him. "Wait, what are you talking about? What monsters? What are they going to do with our bodies?" he asks, looking puzzled but not really shocked.
"It's a possibility," Carlos replies, sounding serious.
"Kendall rolls his eyes. "Sewer monsters aren't real, Carlos. Are you watching those weird monster videos on YouTube again late at night? That stuff isn't good for you."
"Just because you haven't seen one doesn't mean they're not out there," Carlos shoots back.
"But you haven't seen one either," Kendall counters.
Katie and James exchange worried glances, concerned that the argument might get out of hand.
"Alright, both of you, chill out," Logan interjects. "Carlos, keep believing what you want, even if others don't get it. We should support you. And Kendall, stop being so negative."
Jett heads to his desk in the classroom, deliberately avoiding Kendall's gaze.
"Wow, he didn't throw any insults your way like he usually does. That punch you gave him yesterday must have really made him think twice," Jo comments.
"Yeah, it better have. I'm just not in the mood to deal with him today," Kendall replies.
When the final bell rings, Gustavo surprises everyone by calling off rehearsals, which makes the boys feel relieved.
In Apartment 2J...
"Do you think Gustavo canceled rehearsals because he's sick?" Kendall asks while lounging on the couch with a hockey magazine.
"I doubt it. He's way too stubborn to admit he's not feeling well," Logan responds, focused on his solitaire game on the laptop.
"That's definitely true. Whatever the reason, I'm just glad we're here relaxing instead of sweating it out with him like we're his personal servants," Kendall says.
Logan chuckles, clearly agreeing with him.
A few hours later, Mr. Mark drops by with Lucas and Audrey.
"Oh great, what do you want now?" Katie says, clearly annoyed by their arrival.
"I've got an awesome idea! I thought of it last night. Kendall, James, Carlos, and Logan, you guys are hockey players, right? You know how important teamwork is. Lucas and Audrey understand that too with their sports," Mr. Mark explains.
"Is there a reason for this?" Kendall asks, sounding uninterested.
"Absolutely! I think it would be great for all of you to participate in a team-building activity. And guess what? It's Halloween-themed!" Mr. Mark replies.
"You really think that just because we work together, we'll suddenly become friends? Even I can see how that might not work, sir," Logan says, trying to keep it polite.
"Let's give it a try," Mr. Mark suggests optimistically.
"Mr. Mark, this plan is a lost cause. Lucas and Audrey have made it clear they don't want anything to do with us. Please stop forcing the issue," Kendall insists.
"I'm not forcing it, I'm encouraging it," Mr. Mark counters.
"I've tried to connect with them before, but it's just not happening. It's like we speak different languages," Kendall admits.
"What do you suggest we do to build a bond?" Mr. Mark inquires.
"I honestly don't think anything will work. We just don't click with Lucas and Audrey," Kendall replies with a defeated tone.
"Perhaps you're right, but I'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet," Mr. Mark asserts.
"Can you just go and not come back?" Katie blurts out rudely.
"Katie, that's not how we speak to guests," Ms. Knight chides, shaking her head.
Katie says, "Mom, I really don't feel like being polite to these guests."
Mr. Mark chimes in, "I guess that means it's time for us to head out."
"Are you really going to brave that awful weather?" Ms. Knight asks, looking concerned.
"He made it here just fine, right? He'll manage the trip back," Katie replies with a bit of attitude.
"Katie, you might want to tone down those sassy comments before you get in trouble," Kendall advises her softly.
"Dad, I really have a hankering to catch my beloved show this evening," Audrey pleads.
"Sorry Audrey, but your TV privileges are still on pause. Both you and Lucas should be hitting the books. Remember that science exam coming up on Friday? Time to hit the books, kiddos," Mr. Mark reminds them.
"Why study when I can rely on my own brainpower? No need to waste time hitting the books," Lucas boasts confidently. "I'm not a nerd."
"Studying isn't just for the nerds, Lucas. It's for anyone wanting to nail that test or quiz. Do you really believe studying is beneath you?" Logan questions.
"I don't need a lecture right now," Lucas retorts, rolling his eyes.
"Just trying to be helpful," Logan sighs, frustrated, throwing his hands up as he walks away to the couch.
"Lucas, you need to apologize to Logan right now," Mr. Mark says firmly.
Lucas lets out a dramatic groan.
"Cut the attitude," Mr. Mark replies.
"I'm sorry, Logan. I regret not valuing your advice," Lucas admits.
"Thanks for saying sorry, even if your dad had to push you into it. Do you want me to help you make some flashcards for your science test?" Logan offers.
"You still want to help me after how I treated you?" Lucas asks, taken aback.
"Of course! Education matters to me, even yours," Logan responds.
"I really think you should take him up on that. He's the best at studying compared to me, James, and Carlos," Kendall chimes in.
"You don't have to help me just because I was a jerk," Lucas says.
"I know I don't have to, but I want to," Logan insists.
"You're just trying to get on our dad's good side," Audrey interjects.
"What? No way! I already respect your dad a lot. I don't need to impress him," Logan replies.
Frustrated with his sister, Lucas says, "Audrey, stop it! Thank you, Logan. I really appreciate your offer to help me study."