Chapter 57: Tough Decisions
James's leg shook as he listened to the doctor explain the risks of pregnancy at his age. Kendall sat beside him as he listened too. It was a lot of information to take in.
"I'm not saying this to scare you or talk you into ending this pregnancy, just alerting you that there are more risks involved this time around," Dr. Shaffer said.
"I know," James answered.
"I mean you're got five kids already and you're very healthy. I just want you to be aware there are risks," Dr. Shaffer said.
"I know, I just…I don't know," James said.
"That's ok," Dr. Shaffer said.
"I think we need to take some time and discuss this," Kendall said.
"Here, I'll schedule you for next Wednesday and we can meet then if you choose to terminate," Dr. Shaffer said.
James nodded his head, unable to speak. He really wasn't sure what to do right now. Kendall thanked Dr. Shaffer and they left the office.
Kendall led him out to the car. Once there they sat in silence for a bit. He was still processing everything that had been thrown at him in the last forty five minutes. Dr. Shaffer had been very thorough. He had laid everything out in great detail. He wanted James to make an informed decision, much like they had with Kendall and Jenny.
Could he terminate this pregnancy? It wasn't the littles ones fault he was pregnant. It was his and Kendall's fault. They had to step up and make a decision. A decision that could change everything.
James startled as Kendall started the car. He looked at the blonde confused. He hadn't realized how zoned out he was. Kendall simply grabbed his hand and brought it up to his lips. He smiled at the blonde, silently thanking him for letting him spiral for now. He knew they would have the weekend to talk and figure this out. Right now he just needed to freak out about it.
Kendall reached over and took his hand once more, giving it a gentle reassuring squeeze. James squeezed back, giving him a smile. James wasn't even aware of where Kendall was taking him until he parked the car. James looked up and smiled as he saw that they were at Hill's Diner.
"You looked like you could use a milkshake," Kendall said softly.
"Thanks," James said smiling. He could always count on Kendall to know what he needed before he even knew.
"So, how's work been," Kendal asked, trying to distract him.
"So-so," James said, waving his hand. "Always busy running here and there for the photo shoots. Gia wants me to take over a shoot and mentor/take the photos. I have never been behind the camera really."
"I'm sure you would be amazing at it. You're always amazing James, at whatever you do," Kendall said smiling at him.
"You're biased," James replied with a laugh.
"Maybe, but I do think you're amazing," Kendall said.
—Happy Mistakes—
Kyle looked over at Miles who was processing everything Jared had filled him in on about the possible tumor. They were all crowded in Kyle's tiny room at the condo. Kyle has shut the door to avoid Kendall and James eavesdropping. He hadn't told them yet. He wanted to have Miles there when he told them. In order to do that they had to fill Miles in.
Kyle was sitting on the edge of his bed, with Miles sitting cross legged in the middle. Jared was sitting backwards on his desk chair facing the two. They were all silent as Miles processed everything. Miles opened his mouth and closed it a few times.
Kyle wondered what he was thinking. Was he having the same thoughts he had? Did he doubt Kyle's feelings for him? Was he rethinking their whole relationship now?
That's where his own brain had gone at first. This
Changed everything. Whether he wanted to admit it or not. Kissing Miles had been an impulse. Something he hadn't thought much about before doing it.
"Dude, who did you piss off," Miles asked, finally speaking. "I mean like comically speaking. Like we need to find you some good juju."
"I know right," Kyle sighed. It was like he would get two steps forward and three steps back.
"Yeah, Dr. Jacobi is getting a CT set up and hopefully we can get some answers," Jared said.
"Yeah," Kyle sighed.
"Hopefully it's nothing," Jared said.
"But what if it is there," Kyle asked.
"We cross that bridge when we get there dude," Miles said.
Kyle sighed looking down at his lap. Part of him wanted to know. Ever since Dr. Jacobi had pulled him aside, it had been on his mind. Jared had read all the information they had been given. Another part of him didn't want to know. He didn't want to open that can of worms. Maybe somethings were better left alone.
The more he thought about it, the more he realized that he was extremely impulsive. More so than he used to be. It almost seemed like the first thought in his head was the first words out of his mouth. He often acted without thinking about the consequences too. He had developed headaches recently too. He couldn't count how many he had had in the last month alone. Then again he did have brain damage.
"So, if it's there then…" Miles trailed off, bringing him back to the present.
"Maybe," Kyle said, already knowing what Miles was gonna say. "Does it change anything?"
"Not really," Miles replied.
"Good, same," Kyle said.
"I hate when you two do that," Jared sighed.
"What's the matter, Munroe, feel left out?" Miles teased.
"Very," Jared said.
"Oh please, you two are like an old married couple at times. Watching you move around the kitchen or in the living room. You anticipate what the other wants and have it ready," Miles said.
"Well we practically lived together there when I had Jill and Carly," Jared said slowly, he turned to Kyle, "which by the way they send their love and hope you feel better soon."
"Aw they are so…" Kyle trailed off as the word escaped him. He frowned as he tried to conjure up what he had been trying to say, it was right there but he couldn't form the word.
"Sweet," Miles said.
"That, yes they are sweet," Kyle said, nodding his head.
"So," Jared said slowly. He looked between Kyle and Miles. Miles seemed to pick up on what he was about to say. He turned towards Kyle.
Kyle had known this was coming. He was gonna ask the burning question they had all been avoiding. They had all had various reasons to avoid it too. Kyle was sick so they needed to focus on his treatment. Miles was busy with family moving in with them. Jared was busy adjusting to living on his own since Kyle couldn't leave the house.
They had the scandal to handle too. None of them had commented on the photos of Kyle and Miles from prom. Their fans had been coming up with wild stories for Kyle's absence. Some were close to the truth, others were so far fetched it was funny. They all avoided it as much as they could.
So the real question was, what were they doing? Kyle liked how things were right now. He liked that he had both of them in his life. The thought of having to choose, well it wasn't a good one.
"Kyle," Miles said, waving a hand in front of his face.
"Huh?" Kyle asked looking up at him.
"Did we lose you?" Jared chuckled.
"Maybe," Kyle admitted.
"I was saying, what are we? The three of us I mean? What is this?" Jared said, gesturing between them.
"I don't know," Kyle sighed, "I know that I love you and I love Miles. I…I can't choose. I mean look what happened last time."
"Well, I think what we having going right now is working for us," Miles said, "and we are gonna have to get some rules and boundaries here soon, but don't fix it if ain't broken."
"Yeah, nothings really changed other than you two kiss and other things," Jared said making a face, "which I always knew if Kyle was gonna leave me it would be for you. I mean I've said it since day one, you can't have Kyle without Miles or vice versa."
"Why does everybody say that," Kyle asked.
"What that we knew you and Miles were in love?" Jared asked, "because you were, you were just too blind to see it."
"Ok fair, but I've seen you two together and don't count yourself out either," Miles said.
"You're the second person to say that to me," Jared said, "Pen told me not to go down without a fight."
"She just wants you to punch me because I almost spilled coffee on her during career day," Miles said.
"Probably, but I am ok with how things are," Jared said looking at Kyle.
"So you want me to date me," Kyle asked. Jared nodded his head. "And I can date Miles?"
"Yeah, I'm ok with it," Jared said, nodding his head.
"Me too," Miles piped in.
"I'm not dating Miles though," Jared said.
"And I'm not dating you," Miles shot back, "but don't act like you don't want all up in this." He winked. He jumped up and did a body roll showing himself off.
"Pass," Jared chuckled, shoving him away.
"That's not what your boyfriend said," Miles said as he sat down beside Kyle, slinging an arm over his shoulder.
"Stop," Kyle groaned, shoving him away with a laugh.
"He's not wrong though," Jared said, smirking at Kyle.
Jared and Kyle both started laughing at that. Miles grinned at his own witty charm. A knock at the door cut them off. The door opened as Miles flung himself at Jared shrieking.
"Guys you're supposed to lock the door when we have an orgy!" He screeched.
"Haha," Kendall said as he stepped into the room. Jared and Kyle roared with laughter again. "You know the rules, don't make me kick them both out."
"Sorry, we were just talking," Kyle said, jumping up. "Actually we need to talk to you and pops."
"Is everything all right," Kendall asked.
"Yeah/no/maybe."
Kyle, Jared, and Miles all shared a look before they started laughing again. Kyle wasn't sure what they thought he wanted to talk about. He knew he needed to let them know about the possible tumor, and maybe about their new relationship dynamics.
"Anyways I came up here to tell you that dinner is ready. We can talk when your father gets home. I think you three need a minute to get your stories straight," Kendall said.
"Pops isn't home? So is it take out?" Kyle asked.
"No, I made dinner," Kendall said.
"So we all gonna die," Kyle said dramatically.
"It was one time," Kendall said with a frown.
"What?" Jared asked.
"He gave us all food poisoning," Miles said.
"Come on, dinner is ready," Kendall said, turning and leaving the room.
Kyle moved to leave when Jared stopped him as he stood. Kyle arched a brow at him.
"What are we telling your dads," Jared asked.
"Yes, let's get the story straight before we go down there," Miles said.
"Right," Kyle said, "I wanna…the tumor," he said.
"Ok, what about when they ask us about…us," Jared said.
"Might as well tell them," Miles shrugged, "they won't stop bugging us about it. I'm sure everyone is dying to know who you picked." He looked to Kyle.
"You sure, there's gonna be a million…uh…" Kyle said the word escaping him again.
His heart was starting to race as he thought about Kendall and James' reaction to their relationship. He knew they were chill and open, but when it came to him and the others they got a bit crazy. Kyle wasn't sure who was worse James with his worrying or Kendall with his overprotective behavior.
"Breathe," Jared said, stepping in closer to the blonde. He tipped his chin up and locked eyes with him. He pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. "Everything will be ok. I'm sure they already expect it given how we've been doing this for a few weeks now."
"Yeah, I'm sure they already know," Miles said, clapping his shoulder. He leaned in and kissed his cheek. "It's ok, we will deal with this like we do everything else?"
Kyle arched brow at him confused.
"Together till the end, you and me. Ride or die," Miles said, holding out a fist to Kyle, "and Jared. The three of us." He added glancing at Jared.
Jared smiled and held a fist out too. The three of them shared a fist bump. This was the beginning of a new journey for them. They had a lot to talk about and rules and boundaries to set. They would worry about that later. Right now they just had to get through dinner and talking with Kendall and James.
—Happy Mistakes—
Layla giggled as she followed Erika out to her car. Erika had gotten her driver's license, on her first try. She now had the freedom to drive Layla and Millie around all she wanted. They had just gone for ice cream after dropping Millie off at home. She had a family function to go to.
"Now where to, M'lady," Erika asked with a giggle.
"I don't know, how about your house, we could watch some movies and hang out and stuff," Layla replied.
"But my parents aren't home yet-oh," Erika said as she caught on.
"And I'm the innocent one?" Layla laughed.
"Ma'am you are usually not so forward about this kind of thing," Erika replied.
"So?" Layla asked.
"Get in the car Mitchell," Erika said. Layla laughed and climbed into the passenger's seat. Erika ran around to the other side and got in.
The drive to her house was quick and filled with palpable tension. Neither of them knew what to do with themselves. They sat there thinking about what they could do in a house all alone together.
Once they arrived Erika grabbed Layla by the wrist and led her inside. They bypassed the living room and went straight to her room.
Erika shut the door and pushed Layla up against it. Before Layla could speak she crashed their lips together. Erika's hands moved from her hips up her sides bringing her shirt up with it.
"Why must you wear so many layers?" Erika asked.
"Sorry we aren't all like you and wear crop tops and skimpy skirts," Layla said, bringing her hand up under her skirt to her ass. She gave a squeeze.
"You are so beautiful though, you don't need to hide under all these layers," Erika said, "I don't mean you have to dress like me, but you don't have to hide." She pulled Layla's shirt off and tossed it aside. She then pulled her tank top off.
"You have to tell me I'm beautiful, you're my girlfriend," Layla said, grinning as Erika worked on her bra.
"Stop, you're gorgeous," Erika said once she got her bra off. She brought their lips together, while her hands came to Layla's chest.
Layla gasped as he gently kneaded her breasts. Erika quickly kissed her way down her neck. She nipped and sucked, drawing moans from the other Latina.
"Why am I the only one getting undressed?" Layla asked.
"Because one I'm practically naked already," Erika said referring to her tank top and short skirt, "and two you haven't even bothered to try. And three I like seeing you naked," Erika said, giving her breast an extra squeeze for emphasis.
Layla giggled as she pushed Erika towards her bed. She pushed her til she was sitting on her bed. Layla leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips. She took her shirt off to reveal she wasn't wearing a bra.
"Lay back," Layla said, giving her shoulder a nudge.
Erika did as she was told. She scrambled higher up the bed and leaned on her elbows so she could still see what the other girl was doing. Layla flipped her skirt up and reached for her panties. Erika lifted her hips encouragingly. Layla smiled as she pulled them down and dropped them aside.
"What are you doing?" Erika asked, licking her lips.
"Just relax," Layla said as she worked her jeans open.
She paused as she brought her hand to her hips. Suddenly nervous, Layla toyed with her jeans. What if Erika didn't like seeing her actually naked. Sure they had been topless together before, but this was new. Erika seemed to sense her unease as she sat up.
"Layla Lorelei Mitchell you are beautiful, and I'm not just saying that. Like you are stunning and perfect," Erika said, grabbing her hand. She brought her hands up to Layla's jeans and pushed them down, leaving her panties on, for now. Layla smiled shyly at her and climbed onto the bed with her.
"Can I kiss you," Erika asked.
"Yeah," Layla nodded her head.
Erika brought her down into a kiss. Her hands skimmed down her sides and behind her. She gave her ass a gentle squeeze earning a moan from Layla. She rolled them over so Layla was underneath her. She started kissing her way down her body. She kissed and nipped as she moved lower. Her lips moved lower over her breasts. She took a nipple in her mouth sucking and nipping at it. Layla gasped and tangled a hand into her hair.
"Er(pronounced air)," she gasped.
"Shh, let me take care of you," Erika cooed.
She continued to kiss and nip at her nipples earning more mewels of delight from the Latina beneath her. She kissed lower along her stomach. She stopped above her panties.
"Er," Layla panted.
"May I?" Erika asked.
"We've never done this before," Layla said softly.
"If you want me to stop say so and I will, no feelings hurt," Erika said her finger toying with the band of her panties. "I want to hear you say it."
"Yes," Layla nodded her head. "It's gonna be you anyways. I want this. I want you."
"Good, me too," Erika said.
She grabbed the waistband of her panties. Layla lifted her hips helping her get them off. Erika shimmied down the bed. She placed her hands on Layla's knees and gently coaxed them open. She brought her lips to her thigh placing a gentle kiss.
"Er," Layla gasped.
"Oh my pretty bird, I'm gonna make you feel so good," Erika crooned.
She looked down at Layla, her eyes shining with love and adoration. Layla fought the urge to close her legs. Erika leaned forward trailing kisses down her inner thigh. Layla giggled as she moved lower. Her leg quivering at the featherlight touches.
Then Erika was at her destination. She glanced up at Layla who's jaw floundered as she nodded. Words escaped her. This was it. This was the next step for them.
"Please," Layla said.
Without further hesitation Erika leaned forward and licked a long strip up her dripping pussy, before zeroing in on her swollen clit. Layla cried out in pleasure. Her hands coming down to tangle in Erika's hair as she lapped at her core.
"Eri-ikaaa!"
Layla gasped and moaned as pleasure coarser through her. They had fingered one another before but this was a different level. Her body was on fire. It started in her toes and climbed all the way up to her nose. Her body plused as she got nearer and nearer to that edge of pure bliss.
Erika lapped and lapped at her clit. The slurping noises shouldn't turn her on as much as they did. Then Erika switched tactics. She gave a rough suck and Layla tumbled over the edge. She moaned out something that vaguely resembled Erika's name.
Erika sat up with a smile on her face. She wiped her chin as she leaned over Layla. "Well?"
"That was…amazing," Layla panted.
"Glad to be a service," Erika laughed.
Layla pulled her down into a kiss. She rolled them over so that Erika was under her. Erika grinned up at her wiggling her hips.
"Your turn," Layla said, with a smirk that she hoped was seductive.
—Happy Mistakes—
James entered the condo, phone in hand as he said his goodbyes to Gia. He hung up and paused as he heard laughter coming from the living room. He made his way down the hall.
He entered the living room. Jared and Miles were on the floor with Jenny. Jared was laying on his back with Jenny up in the air giggling. She had her arms and legs out like she was flying. Miles was moving closer to her until she swatted at him. He would fall back and laugh with her. Kyle was curled up on the recliner in a blanket as he tried to catch his breath. It seemed he had been playing previously. He was egging Jenny on to get Miles.
A hand on his lower back startled him. He turned to Kendall with a gasp. Kendall started laughing, alerting the others to his presence.
"Kendall Donald," James gasped.
"Sorry you make it too easy sometimes," Kendall said as he leaned in to kiss him on the cheek.
"Pop-pop!"
Jared set Jenny down. She stumbled a bit with Miles catching her and helping her find her balance. She then ran over to James. James caught her in a hug.
"You missed Super Jenny beating up all the bad guys," Kyle said.
"Supa Jenny," Jenny said, holding her arms up in the muscle pose.
"I just caught the end of it, you were very super," James said, hugging Jenny close.
"There's dinner in the kitchen," Kendall said.
"What did you order?" James asked as he set Jenny down. She ran back to Jared and Miles.
"See!!! Ee-even pops knows!" Kyle shouted as Jared and Miles laughed.
"One time and suddenly I'm a bad cook," Kendall grumbled.
"What did I miss?" James asked, arching a brow at Kendall.
"It seems your love has blinded you to the fact that he tried to poison us," Miles said.
"Oh yeah," James said as the memory of Kendall's cooking getting everyone sick a few years back came to the surface.
"It wasn't on purpose and you're all still alive aren't you?" Kendall asked, shooting a glare at Miles and Kyle.
"Barely," Miles replied.
"Brat," Kendall said.
Miles just stuck his tongue out at him. Kendall steered James down the hallway to the kitchen away from the others. He guided him to a chair.
"Your son is a jerk and my cooking is fine," Kendall said as he walked over to the fridge. He grabbed a plate of food and started to heat it up.
"He's just like his dad," James replied.
"Watch it, don't bite the hand that is about to feed you," Kendall warned him. James laughed as he zipped his lips shut.
Kendall brought him a plate of baked chicken and sautéed veggies. He smiled and thanked him with a kiss to the cheek. Kendall sat down across from him.
"Anyways, they wanna talk to us about something," Kendall said, glancing in the direction of the laughter that had resumed among cheers for Super Jenny.
"Oh," James said, "any idea what we are walking into?" he asked.
Kendall shrugged, "Maybe their relationship status? All three of them were in his room with the door shut for a while. They were talking apparently."
"You think he's made a decision?" James asked.
"Unsure, if he chose one I'm sure the other would have left by now," Kendall replied.
"So," James drew the word out. He paused as he thought over his next words carefully. He did not want to have Kendall freak out, but he couldn't help but worry either. "You don't think this is about…"
"What?" Kendal asked, confused.
"His treatment," James said slowly.
"Oh, yeah," Kendall said as if he just remembered that their son was in fact battling cancer on top of his brain damage. "No I don't think it's that."
"Talking about me?"
The pair turned to see Kyle standing in the doorway with his arms over his chest. He had his bottom lip between his teeth.
"Just telling him that when he's done eating you wanted to talk to us," Kendall said.
"Yeah," Kyle said slowly.
"Is everything ok," James asked.
"Yeah, it's just.." Kyle sighed. He wasn't sure how to word this.
"Complicated."
"Annoying."
Kyle turned as Jared and Miles entered the kitchen with Jenny on Jared's hip. She made grabby hands for Kyle.
"I figured you'd be out here trying to do this on your own," Jared said, looking down at Jenny. "Kyle isn't feeling well, he needs a break. Do you wanna go to dad or pops?"
"Ky." Jenny said.
"Kyle needs a break. You got too rough with him," Jared explained, "dad, pops, or Miles."
"Mi-wes," Jenny said turning to reaching for Miles.
"That's right we know who the fun one is," Miles laughed scooping her up from Jared.
"I figured you were out here trying to do this on your own," Jared said leading Kyle over to a chair.
Miles brought Jenny to the fridge grabbed her a snack before joining them.
"So, what's up boys? Is this the part where you're gonna tell us you're all dating," Kendall asked.
"Gross, I am not dating Miles," Jared said making a face.
"He wishes," Miles replied.
"No I'm dating Kyle," Jared said.
"And so am I," Miles said.
"But not each other," Kyle said pointing between the two.
"Ok then, just so you know this isn't going to be easy," Kendall said.
"We know," Kyle said.
"Yeah and it's already been working for us for months. The only difference now is that I know what's going on," Jared said.
"We're not really shocked," James said.
"Thanks," Kyle said smiling, "but this isn't…uh…"
"We wanted to talk about something else too," Jared said.
"What else is there?" Kendall asked.
"The other day," Kyle said slowly. He sighed as he looked down at the table. "We-I…fuck."
"Want me to?" Jared asked. Kyle looked at him and nodded his head.
Jared told them about their meeting with Dr Jacobi. Kyle only had a mild panic attack. Jared and Miles both held a hand and talked him through it. Kendall and James had so many questions but kept quiet for Kyle's sake and instead thanked him for letting them know. Jenny even wiggled into his lap for a hug.
—Happy Mistakes—
Carlos watched as Joanna and Lucas moved about the kitchen baking. Joanna was sharing her banana bread recipe with Lucas and he was sharing his mom's lemon cookie recipe. They were having fun and laughing as they moved about.
"My mom always made these for the bake sales at school or for my class parties," Lucas said as they mixed up the cookie dough.
"Logan used to love my banana bread until he realized I used oats in it," Joanna laughed.
"Are you the reason Layla likes oatmeal raisin cookies?" Lucas asked.
Joanna laughed and nodded her head. They continued to talk and bake. Carlos left them to it. He was so glad they were bonding and getting to know one another. He had been so worried that the boys wouldn't be receptive to getting to know David and Joanna as easily. Especially Lucas who still had his other family. Lucas spent as much time getti by to know both of them as he could. He wanted to know more about his family tree and where he came from, while still being a part of Mary and Gerald's family too. Miles made an effort when he was around but he was hardly around. He was always over with Kyle lately.
Carlos made his way to the living room. Layla and David were watching a movie together. She had talked him into watching one of her teen comedies. Carlos had to give credit to the old man. He knew it was very far from the movies he normally watched, he was at least putting in an effort for Layla's sake.
"Papi, come join us it's almost to the good part," Layla said, waving him over.
"Oh so there's a good part?" David asked, causing Layla to giggle. "So far all they've done is run around and never be in the same place as the love interest. This is a horrible way to start a romance."
"Gramps hush and watch," Layla chastised him.
Carlos chuckled and joined them. "As far as her movies go this one isn't too bad." He told David. David arched a brow at him in silent question and all he could see was Logan. He chuckled and turned his attention to the movie.
By the end of the movie David was hooked and cheering along with Layla during the airport chase scene. David was telling her it was too late, he was gone. Layla was trying to shush and watch. She just had to make it. It was a romance movie. They both nearly cried when the plane took off and the girl stopped at the gate watching it leave.
"It's over, he left," David said.
"No it can't be," Layla gasped.
Carlos shook his head as he watched the two. He was very much reminded of Logan and Kendall watching rom-coms together. As they both always had a running commentary and talked about the horrible plot holes.
Layla gasped as the male love interest showed up stating he couldn't get on the plane, that he couldn't go to college with things left in the air between them. The credit rolled after the first kiss and they little epilogue stating they were now dating and in college together.
"Well, kid I gotta say that held my attention," David said, turning to Layla.
"I told you it was a good movie," Layla said.
"That you did, but you also gotta realize my high school/college days are long behind me," David said.
"Yeah, next time we can watch a movie about whether or not they go into a nursing home then," Layla joked.
"You little snot," David gasped, shocked.
"Oh don't take it personal she's got mine and Logan's rooms all picked out at Shady Pines," Carlos said.
"Lilly helped," Layla added hastily.
—Happy Mistakes—
Kyle fidgeted as he waited for his exam results. Graduation was next weekend. He needed to pass these exams to graduate. If not that meant coming back next fall to finish up. He did not want to come back. That was out of the question.
He hunched over as he fidgeted. He could not stand the waiting. The anticipation was killing him. A hand on his knee brought him back to the present. He looked up at Jared who was giving him a reassuring smile.
"Relax, you got this," Jared said softly.
"Yeah dude, you're all still there, you just can't write or read or talk sometimes," Miles said from his other side.
"I know, but like…I don't want to come back in fall," Kyle said, shaking his head.
"You won't have to," Miles said, waving a hand.
"Hope so," Kyle said.
He leaned back in his chair. What they said made perfect sense. Kyle knew the material and the tests had been relatively easy. Or maybe them being too easy meant he didn't really know the answers and he failed. He was going to have to come back for a semester in the fall. He was going to be that loser who didn't graduate on time.
"Get out of your head," Jared said, giving his knee a squeeze.
"Yeah dude," Miles said, nudging him lightly. "Relax, don't stress."
"I hate how well you both know me," Kyle grumbled. He started picking at his nails. Miles grabbed his hand, stopping him.
"Seriously, relax," Miles said. "You only really need to pass the English one to graduate, the other was an elective that didn't matter if you passed or failed."
"Incase you have-haven't noticed my-my words are…" he trailed off into a garbled mess. He gave an angry sigh and looked away from Miles.
"Slow down," Jared said softly. He rubbed his knee. "It's ok to be anxious, but you got this, it's all still up there. It's just a bit scrambled up. Your speech has come a long way in just a few short weeks."
"I know, I just…I don't-ah-um-I didn't too good," Kyle replied.
"Are you allowed retakes? I know some of my classes in high school offered retakes. It's probably the only reason I passed my math classes," Jared said, shaking his head.
"Maybe given the circumstances they will give you another chance," Miles added.
"I hope so," Kyle said.
He leaned back in his chair once more. He took a few deep breaths. They were right. It was all still up there somewhere is his messy brain. Once the exams started he knew the answers. It had felt pretty easy to him. Maybe that was a good sign. It had to be.
Kyle looked up as Mr. Masters entered the room with Kendall and James. They had stepped out to talk. Kyle hoped it was about Leora rather than him. He hadn't been here to cause any trouble anyways. Leora was probably getting some praise for her writing or something. She had been sharing more of her work on the school website. People ate it up too. She was an amazing writer.
"Any word yet?" Kendall asked.
"Not yet, should be soon, hopefully," Jared said.
"Don't stress too much, and I'm sure you passed. She just needs time to go over your answers," Mr. Masters said.
"Yeah, it was-they were long tests," Kyle said, nodding his head.
"Just breathe Dude, don't stress," Miles said, nudging him again.
"I don't think that's helping," Jared replied, sending Miles a glare over Kyle's head.
"Well what do you want me to say?" Miles asked.
"I'd rather you be quiet," Jared said.
"Let's be realistic here," Miles shot back.
"True, I don't think you even know the meaning of quiet," Jared replied.
"You're not wrong," Miles laughed.
Kyle looked between the two before laughing as well. Their bickering was actually helping calm him down. It was the most normal thing they could be doing right now.
"See, it is relaxing him," Miles said, sticking his tongue out.
"Thanks guys," Kyle said, shaking his head.
"Anyways," Kendall said crossing the room. He sat down next to the three with James taking a seat as well. "I'm sure you did fine."
"His anxiety tells him something else," Miles replied.
"What he said," Kyle said.
"Hey if worst comes to worst you can come back and spend a semester with Layla," Jared said.
"And Maleficent," Miles added.
"No thanks," Kyle said, shaking his head.
Miles opened his mouth to retort when Kacey Rodgers entered the room with his English teacher, Ms. Roma, and math teacher, Mr. Foley. They all seemed at ease so that must mean good news.
"So, what's the word," Mr. Masters asked.
"You pass with a B-," Ms. Roma said.
"That's the best grade I've gotten all year," Kyle said smiling.
"You pulled out a C," Mr. Foley said.
"Who's gonna break the news to Layla that you won't be back next fall," Miles teased.
Kyle elbowed him with a smile. He was glad he had managed to pass. Mr. Masters congratulated Kyle and walked off with Ms. Roma and Mr. Foley and Kendall and James.
"Well if it isn't Kacey Jacobson, I didn't realize they let you out of your cage," Jared said walking up to the small woman.
"Hey it's Rodgers now, kid," Kacey said with a small smile crossing her face.
"Kid?" Miles asked.
"How do you know her?" Kyle asked, confused.
"She's Noah's creature in law, she was at the wedding," Jared said.
"Oh Joey," Kyle said.
"Yep, Joey is my husband," Kacey laughed.
"And yeah, compared to this old lady I am a kid," Jared laughed.
"Watch it Munroe, I kicked your butt as a kid and I can do it again," Kacey said, nudging him playfully.
"Bring it, I'll sick Mattie after you," Jared replied.
"Anyways I came here to talk to Kyle," Kacey said, turning to the blonde. "Mr. Masters wanted to know if there was anything you needed for graduation? Are you ok to sit with your class?"
"Yeah, if I wear a mask," Kyle said, nodding his head.
"Good, if you need anything don't hesitate to ask," Kacey said, "we want to make this as safe as possible for you given…"
"My illness," Kyle said.
—Happy Mistakes—
Logan sighed as he scrolled through Netflix looking for something to watch. He wasn't on call this weekend so he had time to relax. Carlos was at the studio. The kids were all out of the house with tiger friends and significant others. Presley was taking a nap and Joanna had gone grocery shopping. That left David and Logan alone.
"Will you pick something," David asked from his spot across the room.
"I don't know what to pick," Logan groaned. "You have horror movies and documentaries bore you. Our comedy likes are so different, what I think is funny you don't like."
"Ok fair, but just put something on," David said.
"You pick something," Logan argued.
"You don't like the same things I do," David replied with a chuckle.
"I can't stand you sometimes," Logan mumbled.
"Love you too son," David laughed.
Logan laughed at that. He had missed this banter with David. It was so easy and fun.
"I don't think we've spent this much time together since you were a kid," David said.
"Yeah I don't think so, I mean I basically moved out at sixteen," Logan said.
They hadn't lived together since Logan was sixteen. He had moved out to LA with Jennifer and the guys and never went back. He had made home out here with Carlos. They had considered going back after Lilly was born, but after everything with Lucas they wanted to stay in case he was ever found. One thing led to another and Logan got his job and Carlos started his stunt career. Soon enough they had set down their roots and didn't want to uproot the kids. They visited Minnesota as they could and David and Joanna came out when they could, but it wasn't the same as living together.
To go back to suddenly living with him mom, dad, and sister was strange. They were all under the same roof. Toes had been stepped on, complaints from all parties had been spread around. Everyone was adjusting to this, but it was so weird.
"So how about one of this crappy reality shows Pres loves so much. Maybe we can figure out what it is she likes about them," David suggested.
"Fine, it's better than nothing," Logan chuckled.
"You used to watch these shows all the time," David said.
"Yeah, back when the lifestyles of the rich and famous had an appeal, but once I became famous it kind of lost some of the appeal," Logan said.
"I suppose it would," David nodded his head.
—Happy MIstakes—
Leora followed Carter up to his apartment. They had just left halfway through a movie Carter had wanted to see. It was so bad that neither of them wanted to stick around. Instead Carter invited her back to his place. Once they were in the building he challenged her to a race to the apartment, taking off running before he even challenged her.
"Slow down," Leora giggled as she chased after him.
"Nah shortie, run," Carter laughed.
He unlocked the door and entered the apartment. Leora followed after him, finally catching up. Leora hunched over breathing hard. She shot a playful glare up at him.
"That was so unfair, you cheated," Leora accused.
"Maybe, but the look on your face was so cute," Carter laughed. He stepped up to her. He leaned in closer to her. "Can I?"
"Oh course, I have to give the winner his prize, right?" Leora asked with a smirk.
"Only if you want," Carter replied.
"Oh I want to," Leora said, leaning in towards him.
Carter grinned as he closed the gap between them. At the last second Leora stuck her tongue out and licked his lips. Carter pulled back shocked.
"That's for cheating," Leora said laughing. She used a finger and guided his chin back up. She leaned in and kissed him this time. "That's for winning."
"Fair," Carter chuckled.
"So what now," Leora asked, smiling up at him.
"We could watch a movie or something," Carter said.
"Or something?" Leora asked, looking up at him, batting her lashes.
"Yeah, like uh…I have video games," He said slowly.
"Oh I have three older brothers, you don't want to challenge me," Leora said, waving a hand at him.
"Oh really now," Carter said, smirking.
"Yeah, there's a reason they don't let me play with them," Leora said.
"Challenge accepted, let's go," Carter said grabbing her hand. He led her down the hall to his room. "My games are here." He explained.
Leora stepped into the room with him. It had a bed, dresser and mid size TV sat on top, and a bookshelf filled with some books and anime figurines. The walls were covered in anime and band posters like TBA, Icsis, and one lone Inside Joke poster, that was half covered obscuring Jared and part of Roldy.
"So anime," Leora asked as she looked around.
"Oh yeah, my friend Noah got me into Anime and it's an addiction now," Carter laughed.
"Cute, I love anime rom coms," Leora said smiling at him. "My brother's dorky friends got him into it too, and now I am."
"They're so funny," Carter said, "but we can do that another time. Pick a game and I'll whoop your butt," he said as he turned on his console.
"Bet," Leora said.
She grabbed a controller after he signed on. She scrolled through his games. She picked a battle game. Carter tried to hide his surprise as she challenged him. He smirked before turning his attention to the game.
—Happy Mistakes—
Kendall rested a hand on James's head as they lounged on the couch together. James had finished cleaning up the kitchen and joined Kendall in the living room. He laid down without a word, resting his head in his lap. That's where they had stayed for the last hour. Jenny was standing at the coffee table coloring and having the time of her life.
Kendall's focus was on James right now. He had been off ever since his doctor's appointment the other day. They hadn't spoken about it much. They had been busy with the kids and work. There was no time to talk.
Kendall looked down at Jenny as she ran up to him with a picture. He smiled as he took the picture from her. She started babbling excitedly.
"Oh it's so pretty, thank you Jenny-bee," He said.
Jenny's smile grew even bigger. James leaned forward capturing her in a hug with a big raspberry kiss to the cheek.
"Where's mine?" He asked.
Jenny's eyes went wide and she was back to the drawing board. Kendall smiled as watched her. It brought back memories of Kyle and Leora at this age. Coloring had been their thing from an early age. They had been creative since day one. It was honestly no surprise that they were pursuing school/careers in the arts. He thought of Jake and Adam at her age too, playing together on the rare occasion they got along. Seeing Jenny here by herself was different. Sure she had Miri and Kenny, but they weren't her siblings. They went home at the end of the day.
Closing his eyes he pictured Jenny with a little brother or sister, teaching them to color or playing with dolls and cars. He could see them eventually running around the park together.
His heart clenched at the thought of terminating the pregnancy. He knew this was James' decision, but he really wanted this baby.
"Let's do this again," Kendall said.
"Hmm?"
James lifted his head and looked up at him. He followed his gaze down to Jenny. He arched a brow at Kendall before he realized what he meant.
"Are you sure?" James asked
"Can you just imagine Jenny teaching her little sister how to color or her little brother how to use the swings," Kendall said.
"Yeah, I can actually," James said sitting up. He turned to face Kendall. "Are we really doing this?"
"Well, we don't have much of a choice. You've already got the bun in your oven," Kendall teased.
James chuckled at that. He scooted closer to Kendall. He rested his head on his shoulder. Kendall wrapped an arm around him.
"I think whatever happens naturally, we let it happen," James said.
"Sounds good to me," Kendall replied. He turned and kissed the top of James' head.
"Pop-pop!"
James sat up as Jenny ran over with her next masterpiece. He took it from her praising her work and reminding her that Kyle and Jared were upstairs and needed pictures too. She set to work once more.
Kendall watched her scribble on her papers. The look of concentration on her face. The way she pushed her hair from her face. She was too cute. He could definitely do this one more time.