Putting Aside Differences

After everyone had eaten dinner, Josie and Kendall pulled Patrick, Debbie, Ben, Helen, and McKayla aside. They weren’t going to be taking this fighting for the whole week between the cousins so they were going to nip it in the bud now. They even had a phone on speaker phone with Lucy and Natalie Moore, who are Ben’s mother and sister.

“Okay, so what is going on for us to need a talk like this?” Lucy said from on her side of the phone.

“Well, it is no secret that most of the cousins and McKayla don’t get along and I was thinking that since we are moving to Big Lake, we might need to nip this in the bud right now. It’s not that I agree with the way that McKayla acts, but she is working on it and all of these kids are cousins so it would be nice if they had a close relationship.” Kendall said.

“I agree. With Kendall and the girls moving to town, everyone should be getting along.” Josie said.

“So, what happened to spark this though?” Natalie asked.

“McKayla was talking down to some of the kids and Debbie gave McKayla a shinner.” Kendall said.

“Shit. I wish I could have seen that.” Natalie said.

“It was fun to watch.” Patrick said and Josie glared at him and he just shrugged.

“I understand the reason for this call now, and Kendall, it will be great having you and the girls close by.” Lucy said.

“I am looking forward to it as well. Helen is on board, McKayla is iffy right now.” Kendall said.

“I think we better get this meeting started. I’m sure the kids want to get back to having fun.” Josie said.

“Okay, so here’s the deal. I know that McKayla hasn’t made herself very likeable over the years, but I would like it if all of you could maybe take her under your wings and teach her how things go in Big Lake. This is going to be a culture shock for her, so she will need everyone’s help.” Kendall said.

“Why is it just me that needs help? What about Helen?” McKayla asked.

“I already fit in with most of the people here, plus the ones that aren’t here that we have met over the years.” Helen said.

“Okay. Good point.” McKayla said since she agreed with her sister.

“I will try to do better with her, Aunt Kendal. It’s just that sometimes she knows how to push my buttons.” Debbie said.

“Yeah, I don’t mind helping out. I think she would get along well with my girls if she learned our ways.” Patrick said.

“I am fine with this as well, but when she is around our friends, she needs to watch her mouth and not try to offend everyone.” Ben said.

“I am trying to work on all of this. I knew I was wrong right after I woke up from being punched by Debbie.” McKayla said.

“Oh shit! You knocked her out, Deb?” Natalie asked on the phone.

“Yep. One punch was all it took.” Debbie said.

“That’s enough Debbie. There is no need for this talk.” Josie said.

“Sorry mom.” Debbie said.

“Don’t worry, Aunt Josie. I deserved everything that I got from Debbie.” McKayla said.

“Yeah. She did what she had to do. I tried to shut McKayla up but she wouldn’t listen.” Helen said.

“She did and I am sorry for causing trouble. I just hope this doesn’t affect the rest of the trip.” McKayla said.

“It won’t. From this point we are all going to do a reboot and try better to get along. Is everyone up for this plan?” Patrick asked.

“I think we all are. We need to get along the best we can. We are all family after all.” Ben said.

“I am good with this as well.” Debbie said.

“I will do what I can when I am home.” Natalie said from the phone.

“I will do my best not to act like a stuck up bitch, but it is going to be hard work so I am going to need your help.” McKayla said as she looked around the room and everyone nodded in agreement.

“We’ll help you. Just don’t get pissed at us when we tell you to tone it down a bit.” Patrick said and McKayla nodded.

“So, is that all you needed us for?” Lucy said from the phone.

“Yeah. We just needed to have this talk with all of the kids present and we thought the moms being there would be good too.” Josie said.

“Well, in that case, goodbye everyone and I look forward to seeing you when you move into town, Kendall.” Lucy said.

“I will be there soon enough. See you then.” Kendall said.

“Well, I will say goodbye as well. I will see you all soon.” Natalie said.

“Bye, Nat.” Debbie said and the phone went silent as Natalie hung up the phone.

“So, are we free to go now?” Helen asked.

“Not yet. I have one more thing to talk to you about.” Kendall said.

“Okay. So, what’s up?” McKayla asked.

“When we move to Big Lake, Jessica and Jasmine are going to move in with us. I think it would be a good idea for you to start getting to know her, McKayla. You both are the same age and I could see the two of you being best friends just like her mom and I are.” Kendall said.

“Wait. Aunt Jess and Jasmine are moving out?” Patrick asked.

“Yeah, the pool house will be available again.” Josie said.

“I will miss the two of them, but the house is definitely overfilled right now.” Debbie said.

“They won’t be far away. I found a nice house that is a few streets away from your house.” Kendall said.

“In which direction? I live a few streets over from them now.” Ben said.

“It’s actually on your street, so you will be close to your girlfriend.” Kendall said.

“Nice.” Ben said, liking the idea now.

“Anything else?” Patrick asked.

“No, you can all go and have some fun now.” Josie said and the kids got up and left the kitchen.

“That went pretty well I think.” Josie said to Kendall.

“It did, but only time will tell if it works.” Kendall said.

“Our kids are smart. They will find a way to make it work. If not, we can do this all over again. They will get the hint eventually.” Josie said.

“I don’t think the other kids are the problem. It’s McKayla that I am worried about. Sometimes she just can’t control herself.” Kendall said.

“Once she gets some friends and learns how things work I think she will be fine.” Josie said.

“I hope so. She doesn’t have many friends right now. All of the traveling over the years has made that hard for her. Helen has picked up a lot of friends while she has been at college. I am hoping that being at a school like Big Lake High will do the same for McKayla.” Kendall said.

“She will do great. There are a lot of nice kids there. I should know, I taught a lot of them. Plus, she will have her cousins to help her out.” Josie said.

“Do you really think that Patrick and Ben would help her out at school?” Kendall asked.

“I know Patrick will. I raised him right. I think Ben will as well, although I am not sure if his and Patrick’s values are the same.” Josie said.

“I guess we will just have to wait and see.” Kendall said.

“So, subject change. What made you decide to move home?” Josie asked.

“I am getting older and want to be more selective about my photoshoots now. Carl doesn’t seem to understand that, but it isn’t for him too. I just want to have a life outside of modeling that I have never had.” Kendall said.

“That’s understandable. Do the girls agree?” Josie asked.

“Helen is all on board. McKayla is on board for the most part, but she does have some reservations being that she is used to a certain lifestyle. I hope she learns to like Big Lake.” Kendall said.

“I think she will. Big Lake has a way of growing on people.” Josie said.

“That it does.” Kendall said.

“Well, let’s go and find something fun to do. We have done our part for the kids. It is on them to do what needs to be done now.” Josie said and Kendall nodded as they left the kitchen and went to find everyone else and see if there was any fun to be had.