Chapter 4: A little bit of jealousy and awkwardness

The next morning Raelin got up first and the boys were up soon after. She was cooking and Kendall and Logan were the first to come out.

"Morning." said Kendall.

"Morning." She answered.

"Can I?" he asked leaning to kiss her cheek.

"Of course." she said closing the space that was left. Kendall did the same. She felt her checks glow red but Logan came over to kiss her and she just went along with it.

Next Carlos and James came into the kitchen. James still had no shirt.

"Good morning my lady." said Carlos kissing her cheek.

"Good morning to you Carlos."

"Man I feel brand new, I could just walk to California and back again!" said James while kissing Raelin good morning.

Kendall almost burst when he saw that he was shirtless.

"Glad you're feeling better."

"Man, if it's not too much trouble can you give me one later? My back is killing me." said Carlos.

"Sure Carlos. You too Logan?"

"Yeah, thanks." He said smiling.

"Whoap let me get this." Said James leaning over Raelin so to get a soda can from the counter.

Kendall felt a heat take over him when he saw how his bare chest was an inch from her face while the rest of his body enclosed her. Logan saw Kendall's face and almost laughed and tapped Carlos to show him Kendall. He laughed silently.

"Hey um James, why don't you put your shit on. We don't want Raelin to feel awkward with us going stripped."

"Oh my, I'm sorry!" he said with sincere concern.

"Don't worry, you're boys. I bet you're used to go around half dressed where you live."

"Yeah sorry. I'll get dressed."

"Don't sweat it. It doesn't bother me."

Of course it doesn't! Though Kendall in frustration.

"Kendall?" called out Raelin.

The four of them looked over to him. Logan and Carlos holding their laughter and James and Raelin confused.

"I'm fine. Just thinking."

They finished eating breakfast and they all sat on the living room.

"Ready for the massage Carlos?"

"Yup." He answered while jumping to the sofa where she was.

"I brought my laptop so we could see what's happening in California." said Logan while he turned on his computer.

"Any news from California?" asked Kendall.

"Well, the metros have taken over almost everything now. And they are spreading fast through the borders of the other states. The good news is that now the government may do more about it."

"Man Kendall was right, you are good!" exclaimed Carlos.

"Thanks."

"So what else did you guys bring?" asked Kendall.

"We brought the three bags full of our clothes. One has some of yours. Then the four wagons are full with bread, cereals, can food and one of them has a little ice box filled with frozen meat. We also brought a guitar just in case we get new ideas for a song."

"Great. Raelin did you turn on the electricity back on last night?"

"I did it this morning."

"Good, we have to put that meat in the fridge."

"I'll do it." said Logan.

"I'll help you." answered James.

"So that thing catches internet here?" asked Raelin pointing to the laptop.

"Yes." answered Logan from the kitchen.

"Then we can see a movie or something."

"Sure, that'd be great. Can I put these in the pantry?"

"Sure."

"So um, where is the shower here?" asked James from kitchen.

"There are three showers. I'll show you to them when you want to."

"Let me just finish putting this away…which might take me an hour or so if done on my own."

Indeed there were a lot of things to put away.

"I'll help." said Kendall.

In almost twenty minutes they were finished putting away the groceries and they began taking out their personal belongings. By the time they were finished, Raelin had finished with Carlos.

"Man that was the best massage I've ever had in my life. Thank Raelin."

"Any time Carlos."

"So the showers are…?" asked James.

"Right this way. One in down the hall. One in this room and the other is down there."

"Great."

"Yeah I want a shower too." Said Carlos.

"Yup, me too." said Logan.

"Let me just show you all how each one works or you'll end up taking a freeze bath. Kendall you stay here and rest. You need to recover from your hug last night."

"Yeah, you're right." he said sitting on the couch.

Raelin left with the boys and taught each one how to handle their shower. Then she returned to the living room. Kendall was submerged in thoughts. She walked over and sat by him.

"Hey." she said to get his attention.

"Hey."

"So um, great massage last night, made me sleep like a baby."

"Glad you liked it. I hoped that it would be good even if not professionally good like yours."

"So how about you, how are you now?"

"Well last night really did a number on me. I had a hard time sleeping."

"Let me see."

She helped him stand. Then he raised his shirt to expose his side. It was dark red and swollen.

"Oh my, you really got hurt. You bubble head! Why didn't you tell me?"

"Bubble head?" he said starting to laugh.

Her checks burned fiery red.

"Well you are cause there is nothing more than air in your head!" she said a bit distressed.

Kendall could not stop laughing. Raelin felt embarrassed and began to walk away.

"No wait I'm sorry."

Kendall stood up as fast as he could to reach Raelin's arm, but being already hurt he hurt himself more. Raelin turned in a flash when she heard him grunt in pain.

"You see? Nothing in there but air."

"Sorry."

"It's okay."

She guided him to sit which he did with difficulty.

"Man Kendall you really need to be careful."

"That's what us bubble heads do."

"Well don't. I don't want to see you keep getting hurt."

There was a moment of silence. "Raelin?"

"Yeah?" she said looking up at him.

He stared for a moment making Raelin blush. Just then James came out with a towel around his waist.

"Hey the water is freezing in there. I can't even put my feet in."

When Kendall saw that James was wrapped in a towel he covered Raelin's eyes.

"Kendall!" exclaimed Raelin.

"James get dressed!"

"What? I'm not showing anything."

"James!"

"What?"

"Kendall! I have to fix the shower. The handle probably got loose again and crossed the water temperature regulator."

"I'll do it."

"Do you even know what I'm talking about?"

"Nope."

"Then let me do it."

"Fine."

"You do know you need to uncover my eyes right?"

"Oh right."

He released her as if it hurt her when he did. She stood up and took a good look at James who looked pleased though not with those intentions. She entered the room where the bathroom was followed by Kendall and James.

"Okay, so I fixed the handle. If you feel the water getting cold just come over here and…come over here so you can see."

James leaned over her brushing his body on Raelin's. Kendall felt almost dizzy and almost fell trying to see over to Raelin who interiorly bit her lip to avoid giggling when she felt Jame's bare chest brush her arm.

"So over here?" he asked leaning even more on her.

"James!" Kendall exclaimed.

"What?" he asked while they both turned to see Kendall.

"There was a roach near your feet."

"Whoa, where?"

"Don't worry it crawled out."

"Oh thank God. Well I guess I'll be taking my shower. If I have any more problems I'll call you."

"Sure."

"Yeah, just try to finish your shower with no more striping shows." said Kendall trying to sound sarcastic.

"Hey if Raelin doesn't bother it's cool." he said but he meant it innocently.

Of course she doesn't bother! You were giving her a personal striping show and she loved it!

They both left the bathroom and returned to the living room, Kendall looking a bit depressed.

"Are you alright Kendall?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"So what were you going to say?" asked Raelin.

"Huh?"

"Before James came."

"Oh um I forgot. I'll come back to you on it later."

"Sure."

"So um, you know Logan right?"

"Yeah. I really loved him so much. He was the bestest friend I ever had. I never had a friendship so deep with anyone in any of the other schools. I really missed him so much when I left. I wanted to keep in contact but just when I moved from Minnesota my dad got me a new phone and when I called to give him the number it said it was no longer in use. Turns out that we both got new phones and we weren't able to give each other the number."

"And how long ago was that?"

"Two years ago. Man, I leave and he goes off to become a star. That's life. You really can't tell what will happen tomorrow."

"Well you can try to make some things happen."

"What would you like to make happen?"

"Well…"

"Raelin!" yelled James from the bathroom.

"Really?" said Kendall in frustration.

"Coming!"

Raelin smiled at Kendall while she walked over to the bathroom.

"James what is it?" she asked from outside.

He opened the door again wrapped in a towel and his body was shaking.

"James what happened?"

"The handle got loose. It began to shoot freezing water. I tried to close it but the handle is too loose. Those were the fifteen coldest seconds of my life!"

"Aw look at you you're shaking. How long do you think the boys will take to finish."

"From all the walking we did yesterday I'd say a lot. Is there another way to fix it?"

"Well, I used to have my sister hold the handle from the other side of the curtain."

Kendall's eyes almost fell from his wholes when he heard her.

"So Kendall do you want to help him or should I?"

"Obviously I will." He said trying to sound unbothered.

"Great thanks."

"And I will get you another towel because that one is already soaked."

"Thanks Raelin you're the best." He said hugging her.

Kendall had to shut his eyes and bit his lower lip as he grunted in frustration.

"Are you alright Kendall?" asked Raelin releasing James and walking over to Kendall with concern.

"Yes, just the bruise from last night." He lied.

"Are you sure you can stand here for as long as it takes James to shower?"

"Yup, no worries."

"You sure? You know you really should rest."

"I'm fine. Too much resting is getting to me."

"Well okay. But after that you're at least sitting."

"Deal."

Raelin left the bathroom and went to sit on the couch. Sometime after Logan came out.

"Hey." He said.

"Hey there stranger."

"Man I still can't believe you're here."

"Best friends are always connected. Their hearts will lead them to each other."

"Yep, you haven't changed a bit."

"What about you? I hope that life on the big game hasn't changed you."

"No way! The boys and I made a promise to stay real. And to be honest, I even thought of you when things got tough. I would ask myself "what would Raelin say?""

"Aw really? That is so sweet."

"You know I really missed you."

"I missed you too. And we really have a lot to catch up on so start talking."

"While we are at it lets take a walk like we use to do when we were in Minnesota. I missed those walk and talk days."

"Yeah, nothing like them."

They left the house and walked around the forest while they talked about everything that had happened while they were apart.

Kendall finally made it out of the bathroom and returned to the living room. There was Carlos alone.

"Hey where are the others?"

"I dunno. I got here and called out to them but they didn't answer."

"Probably taking a walk while they catch up."

"Yeah, I can't believe they were friends for so long and we didn't meet her."

"Well the Little Doctors or whatever was the name school was an hour away from the rest of us. That was why we never went with him."

"Yeah, but leaving your best friend and finding them in the middle of a forest is weird."

"It's a small world."

"You can say that again."

"So?" he asked with a knowing tone.

"Excuse me?"

"Oh come on."

"Dude what are you talking about." Kendall replied clearly confused.

"Kendall, I saw how looked at her and James when he was over her shirtless."

Kendall just stayed quiet.

"Dude come on she's hot. And not just that, she is sweet, caring, she can fight, she's protective of the ones she cares about like Logan and you. How many people you know that will fight for you when you were hurt?"

"I know you guys would."

"Right, but who else? And all that I got in less than a day. I bet she's even more amazing when you get to know her."

"She is."

"You see? And I never saw you look like that when you were with Nicole. You should have seen your face."

Kendall sighed.

"So what are you goanna do?"

"I dunno. I mean she kind of looks interested in James."

"Dude thrust me. She is not into James, not with the way she looked at him."

"What do you mean?" he asked rather confused.

"When she looked at him it was the "Whoa you're hot, but in a friendly way" look. You know like girls go when they see their favorite actors in TV? It's not even enough to call it platonic. James just has that effect on girls but it's not like they are in love."

"How do you know that?"

"Well, when you are in a class with only two boys and twenty-five girls, you get to learn more about the whys and ways girls behave with guys."

"That's right you had to take sewing classes when woodshop was full."

"Yup, but the experience taught me a lot about how girls behave. And Raelin definitely doesn't like James that way. Does she think he's hot? Totally. Does she like to see him shirtless? Major yes. But, she does not like him more than a friend. Cue the negative buzzer cause this is a major No."

"What about me, does she like me?"

"Well I've only gotten to see you two together for like half an hour and part of that she was with James and the other she was massaging my back so I didn't see well how you two were. But the thing is that I learned how girls act when they just like how you look like Raelin with James, and how they act when they want to get your attention. But Raelin kind of looks like the kind that will not show her feelings until she is sure you like her."

"Learned that from the girls as well?"

"Yup, some of them acted like they were just friends because they were afraid of rejection. Though I'm not saying that Raelin's like that."

"Yeah I get you. Well I have kind of been trying to talk to her, but I guess I should have tried it before you guys got here because there is no privacy like we used to have when we were alone."

"Whoa dude, proposing to a girl when you are living together alone in the middle of a forest might not be the best thing. She might have freaked out so it was better that you waited."

"Yeah I know. I kind of liked her from the beginning but you know I'm the "friends first" believer and also that living alone thing was a bit awkward."

"So what now?"

"I don't know. I really like her, I mean a lot. And I think I even…"

"Love her?"

Kendall chuckled at the thought of it. He had never really been in love before.

"Oh man you're in love!" he said while shaking him by the shoulders.

Kendall laughed but at the same time grunted.

"Oh man I'm sorry I forgot."

"It's alright. Raelin's right, I just keep getting hurt."

"Hey guys. What are you doing?" asked James who had finished getting dressed.

Kendall was not sure if he should tell him about Raelin. Then again that might get him to stop going shirtless around her though he seriously doubted it. Carlos looked at him asking him if he could say it. Kendall just raised his shoulders.

"We're talking about Kendall's love."

"Kendall's love?"

"Yep, he's in love with Raelin."

"Really? That's great. And does she feel the same way?"

"We don't know."

"Cool, she's a sweet girl. You two really look good together."

"So?" asked Kendall referring to being shirtless.

"So…?"

"Nothing, just forget it."

"Alright." He said with not a care in the world.

Kendall just laughed to himself. These were his friends and there was no changing them.

"So you don't like her? asked Kendall not being able to resist himself.

"Of course I like her." He said like if it were obvious.

Kendall looked at him with disbelieve and Carlos felt awkward.

"I don't mean like "like" her! Just a friend. Why would you think I like her?"

"I really didn't. Just wanted to check."

"Hm, okay."

A while after Raelin and Logan returned. They looked as if they had cried. Kendall guessed that she told them about her parents.

"About time dude." said Carlos.

"Sorry, but Raelin and I had a lot to catch up on."

"Still do." She said.

"Yup."

"So do you want your massage now James?"

"You bet."

He said jumping over the couch. She sat behind him and began the massage.

"Wow, professional therapist, kung fu master and can do the fiery cup thing. Anything else?"

"Well besides the Little Medics program I went into a Natural medicine program and can point out plants used for healing certain wounds or poisons and I know how to make several antidotes."

"Wow." Said all the boys while some after whistled.

"So basically you're a fighting machine that can heal with magic fire cups and herbs and give amazing massages after the battle." said Carlos.

Raelin raised an eyebrow and chuckled.

"She's more than that Carlos."

All four of them looked at Kendall taken by his words, making him nervous.

"Well she is, I mean, it's not like all she does is fight, heal and give massages." He said rather nervous.

"Nice save." whispered Logan and Kendall shoved him.

They all returned to talking about random stuff. For lunch Raelin fried the fish that they had caught a day ago.

"Okay I can't eat when my food is staring at me." said James with frustration after having spent a minute trying to get over the fact that the fish seemed to be looking at him.

"Just cut of the head." said Kendall.

James did so but still felt awkward trying to eat it. He would bring the piece to his mouth, but would later bring it back down. Raelin noticed his struggle.

"Hey James how about I make you a spam sandwich?"

"Yes please and thank you." he said with relieve.

Raelin prepared him the sandwich which he ate with so much enjoyment that even he was surprised.

Later they all played cards and listened to music. Kendall wanted to hear her music and see her dance but he really was not in the mood of seeing what James might do if he saw her dancing like that so he decided it was best to just stay with the desire. Then they turned on the computer to see what was happening in California.

"Just more destruction and mess from those wretched metros." Said Raelin frustrated and Logan put his arm around her. It didn't bother Kendall but he did wish he was the one with her in his arms.

"Don't worry. This will be over soon." said Logan.

"Yeah but there will still be the mess they left behind afterwards." said James.

"Let's just think of one problem at a time." said Kendall.

"Yeah." Said Raelin saddened.

Kendall could not stand to see her like that and he knew that the best way for her to cheer up was to dance to her Latino music. He took a deep breath that almost killed him and said:

"Why don't you put Omega so you can dance it out?"

"That's a great idea!"

"What's Omega?" asked both James and Logan.

"You'll see in a moment." said Kendall.

Soon the living room was filled with the hard beat of Omega which flowed through their bodies almost immediately.

"Hey I can dance to that!" said Carlos jumping to grab Raelin by the waist.

They both moved with energy enjoying that they had a partner that knew how to dance to it. Their feet moved with speed and grace, their hips adapting to positions that only Latinos knew and their smiles lit as they enjoyed the dance.

"Whoa now that is what I call Latino fire." said Logan.

"You said it." Said Kendall not really bothered by the fact that they were dancing.

Carlos led Raelin with skills and she moved like she was on fire. When the song ended they all applauded.

"Wow that was cool. I want to learn." said James.

"Sure come on."

Kendall felt a little uncomfortable but he was sure that he would not do anything too strong now that he knew he like Raelin.

"Okay so you can start with this basic move like you saw Carlos do. Then you just move me however you want."

"Okay let's go."

They started out kind of out of rhythm, but James got the hang of it at the end. Later Logan joined on the dancing.

Kendall thought that he had never seen anyone dance with such passion. Her every move was captivating. And every time that in a song sounded a fire alarm she would just seemed to catch fire. He sometimes didn't realize the way he was staring at her and would be brought out of his thoughts by one of the boys.

They danced for over an hour. All except Kendall who was still too weak to move too much danced until Raelin decided to take a break.

"Wow that is what I call dancing." said Carlos while he sat after having the last dance with Raelin.

"Yeah that was great. I really like Latino music." said James.

"Yup, it is a great way to just relieve stress. Thanks for the idea Kendall." said Raelin.

"No problem Rae."

"Though you were the idea guy but you didn't dance. I really hate that you can't move because of me."

"Don't worry; I know soon you'll be able to teach me to dance."

"So uh Raelin, do you mind giving me a short massage? It's to get a good night sleep like last night." Asked James.

"Sure."

Kendall braced himself for the worst but was relieved to see him just sit on the couch with his shirt on. As Raelin rubbed his back he moan in enjoyment and that made Kendall feel uncomfortable again.

"Please no moaning." He said trying to sound just annoyed by the sound.

"Can't help it. She's too good."

Yeah she is too good.

He though while smiling to himself. Logan raised an eyebrow and smiled while trying to guess what was on his mind. A few minutes later she finished with James two of them went to take showers. They didn't use the broken shower to avoid the morning incident. When Raelin was away Logan asked Kendall about Raelin and he told him the truth.

"I knew it!"

"Yeah but she doesn't, so keep it quiet."

"So when are you telling her?"

"I'm not sure. I mean she's not like other girls."

"Raelin? Please, she is nothing like any other girl you'll ever meet. She takes things seriously or not at all."

"Yup, that's what frightens me. I mean I do take her very seriously, but what if she doesn't think I'm worth being taken seriously?"

"Well, all I can tell you that she has had a list of admirers, but she never even paid attention to them. Even if they were "hot", she didn't date any of them."

"Gee thanks for the encouragement Logan." said Kendall sarcastically.

"Well then there is only one way to find out if she feel the same way about you, and that is asking her." said Carlos.

"But what if she says no? Then things could get awkward between us."

"It's your choice buddy."

The boys all returned to the room to sleep minus Kendall. He had too much to think about. Raelin from her room was able to see him sitting on the couch.

"Hey."

Kendall jumped from his seat when he heard her.

"Whoa you scared me."

"Sorry. So what are you doing here, can't sleep?"

"Um yeah."

"Why?"

"Nothing just got a lot on my mind."

"Well you know what I got on my mind? That I gave all the boys a massage except you."

"Well you gave me one last night."

"Oh, so you don't want another?"

"No, no! I mean yes I do, I do."

"Good then sit."

"Okay."

Raelin smiled and sat behind him. She tenderly rubbed his shoulders. Kendall accidentally allowed a moan to escape him. He felt himself blush, but Raelin just enjoyed the moment. A while after Kendall turned around to face Raelin.

"What is it Kendall?"

"I…"

They were silent for a moment. Then Kendall slowly leaned in for a kiss. Raelin at first just stayed still. But when he was closed she breathed in fast and looked away.

"I'm sorry." said Kendall now feeling awful.

"No I'm sorry. It's just that this is really not the place or the time. I think it's best if we slow down."

"I understand." He said looking at the floor.

Awkward silence filled the room.

"Um so uh, can I finish that massage?" she asked trying to break the silence.

"Sure." He said finally with a smile.

"Why don't we go back to your room so you can lie down while I finish?"

"That'd be great."

"Great." she said smiling as well.

They returned to the room and Kendall lay on the bed while Raelin massaged him until he fell asleep.