But then when Kurt was eight, it became obvious the high lord and himself were never going to sit down for a cup of tea or anything. Certainly not after his mother’s death. Elizabeth Hummel was a beautiful woman, with such kind and grace that it was clear she adored her son no matter how many times he asked to watch the Disney film so he could stare at Shane. Her and his father, Burt, had been lovebirds since they met in high school – a feat not many can achieve, staying strong and in love after such a long period of time, yet they were perfect for each other.

It was such a simple mistake that caused her death. She had been driving home from a PTA meeting, promoting that teachers be required to take more training courses on how to react to gay or transgender bullying and the rain had been coming down really hard. Mrs. Hummel was always one to speak out when she saw something was clearly wrong, and was it really her fault that she was hit? From what records could find, she had been making a right turn at her green light when the old man from across town slammed into her. The both of them died that night. The old man on impact, his Alzheimer’s had been acting up recently but his family felt he was still capable of driving.

Apparently not. Elizabeth Hummel was alive as she was pulled from the wreckage and now destroyed sedan. She stayed alive while being driven to the hospital. And the worst part is she made it long enough to feel Burt give her one last kiss and look young Kurt in the eyes, tears running down his cheeks to whisper out, “You are perfect, just being yourself – never change because someone thinks you are wrong.”

Then she gave out. Her eyelids drooping forward, blocking the sight of her son desperately attempting to break from his fathers grasp, to get closer to her and to feel her hug one last time.

Kurt Hummel had never hated the world more. Until today.

~*~

“Kurt, family dinner night has been moved to Friday instead of Saturday – Carole has to cover a shift at the hospital,” came the gruff sounding voice of one Burt Hummel as he rolled himself from under a black sedan.

Kurt sighed, playing with the top button on his black shirt and turned to face his father. “Uh Dad, I kind of already have plans for this Friday.”

Burt readjusted his trucker hat and wiped his greasy hands onto the coveralls. “What kind of plans?”
“Lima’s once a year sing-a-long showing of ‘The Sound of Music’,” he responded enthusiastically.
“Once a year huh? As in you see it every year?”
“Absolutely, it’s a can not miss event Mercedes and I have prided ourselves on since we met in middle school Dad. You know this,”
“Well I think you can miss it for once year. Family dinners first.” Burt decided and began to walk towards his office.
“Dad, I made these plans in advance well knowing of the family dinner,” spoke Kurt with a twinge of anger, his voice raising a bit.
“And that is very considerate of you – but things change and life doesn’t always go according to plan. So you’re going to have to miss this year.”
“You realize you’re teaching me to not honor my prior commitments,” he snapped his chest beginning to huff.
“What I am attempting to teach you is that family, and those you love, always come first. And those willing to understand are the ones worth keeping around,” Burt explained exasperated, shuffling through paperwork after settling at his desk. Kurt was now standing in front of him, the steel desk separating them, his arms crossed and eyes full of determination.
“You realize you make no sense, right? I am not the only one?” he demanded.
“Sense or no sense – family first. Sorry kiddo. Mercedes can come over after dinner and you guys can have your own sing a long,” it was obvious Burt was attempting to appease his angry son.
“Thank you, no really, for ruining one of my few chances for real happiness in this town.”

And with that Kurt began to stomp out of his father’s office, schoolbag swinging over his shoulder.

“Kurt –“
“I have to go to school. I’ll see you later,” his son muttered, refusing to cast a look his way and turned around.

Kurt neglected to see the heartbreak occurring in his father’s eyes when he walked out that room. Burt slammed his open palm onto the desk, before removing his hat and setting it near his computer. The desktop photo of him, Elizabeth and Kurt stared at him for what felt like ever. Kurt just did not understand the concept of how important it was to spend time with those who will always give him love. If Burt could go back, he would have skipped so many nights of just going out to have a beer with friends just so he could spend time with his wife and young son, watching them interact. Elizabeth’s death had just ripped him open. In an instant, half his world had been taken away from him. He was going to do everything to be half as incredible as his wife had been with Kurt, but clearly he was not capable.

Burt sighed, running his hand over his baldhead. He never wanted things to be like this, life was never perfect. He loves Kurt with all his heart and would easily take a bullet for his son. Yet he did not seem to understand how lucky they were. For Burt to meet someone like Carole. Sure Kurt had set them up, he picked up on that one quick enough – damn kid think he’s an FIB agent or some crap – but this woman was nothing less of magic. She understood everything Burt would say about being widowed, her losing her husband herself years ago. The two could instantly connect on things he felt would always be thoughts left to his silent contemplation for the rest of his life. Her son, Finn, is a great kid too. Sure he is a lot different from Kurt but it’s that equal balance to give him everything he’s ever wanted.

Kurt needed to start appreciating the both of them more soon – Burt was planning on proposing to Carole soon. In fact, the lovely ring was currently taking residence in his bottom drawer in his office. Burt just knew that Carole was the right person to start over with – he never thought he would get a second chance at happiness and there she was. His light and soul. Slumping forward, he realized he would have to call her soon – he always did while she was about to start her day. Carole always insisted it gave her an extra pep in her step, knowing she was on his mind.

Dialing her number, he coughed a few times and fisted his chest a few times. The phone began to ring a he waited for her to pick up knowing it would take a few seconds for her to hear the tone go off. The pain was suddenly getting worse in his chest. It was as if it was closing off. Something twisted. Clutching onto his phone, he felt himself fall. The phone clicked.

“Good morning love,” came the chipper tone of Carole.

Burt couldn’t speak. Phone attached to his ear with one hand holding on and the other grasping his chest. He breathed sharply.

“Burt?” she asked quietly, some concern in her voice.

He felt his body work hard enough to mutter out on word before his lungs gave out.

“Help,” he whispered. Just loud enough for her to hear.

And then Burt Hummel’s eyes shut closed.

~*~

After a long and disastrous day at McKinley High, Kurt found himself finally relaxing in the comfort of the choir room for Glee rehearsal. While he was still angry with his father, whom he figured he would speak with him later about, he was beginning to understand. Scrolling through his phone and checking Facebook, Mercedes sat down next to him in her most recent of fabulous outfits. Her black jeans, purple tank and white jacket accentuated the classic, ‘Mercedes’ necklace and her black fedora hat.

“Hey boo, so we’re still on for Sing a Long right?” she asked excitedly, absentmindedly pulling out her sheet music.
“Unfortunately no, my dad changed the family dinner date because Finn’s mom had to take a shift,” muttered Kurt bitterly.
“Isn’t it still weird between you two?” she questioned in regards to him and Finn.
“It can be but glee seems to be our common ground so thank goodness for that,” he responded, taking a quick glance to notice said boy was not present for rehearsal.
“I feel awful Cedes, I tried fighting it but there’s no budging – you could come sleep over and we have our own sing a long? Heavens knows we’ll sound better just the two of us than with the rest of Lima,” Kurt appeased. He did feel guilty – they looked forward to this event for years.
“Damn straight white boy. I’ll talk to my mom and let you know,” she chuckled, the two of them exchanging their signature shake before turning their attention to the lesson ahead.

Mr. Schuester entered the classroom, high of who knows what these days, and began to chatter, “Alright everyone. Who is ready to share this weeks assignment?” He was grinning like a mad man, as if he expected these kids to leap at their chance.

Well Rachel did but that’s Rachel.

Speaking of which, before she could even open her jaw the intercom rang through the classroom.

“William?” called Figgins, the principal of McKinley in his usual tone.
“Yes?”
“Could you please send Mr. Hummel to my office immediately?” his voice commanded.

Schuester gave Kurt a glance, who was already out of his seat and halfway out the door on his way.

“He’s coming,” he called up.

~*~

Kurt quietly walked down the halls while the rest of the students were either at extra help or at other club meetings. He was rarely called down to Figgin’s after school hours, intensifying his nerves.

And then he felt the slam before he saw Karofsky. He was suddenly up against the lockers, being held against the locks as they dug into his back and face to face with his head bully. After a few seconds, Karofsky released him and watched him fall. Spitting on the floor, he spoke to Kurt in his usual offensive voice, “And you have a nice day Hummel.”

“And what do I pray tell was that for?” Kurt shouted back, helping himself off the ground.
“Just the casual reminder of your status here. Never forget Hummel,” and he was gone.

With a few shudders, Kurt managed to make it down to Figgin’s office where he was surprised and equally shocked to see Carole and Finn, explaining his absence from rehearsal, waiting for him. Their faces though. Something bad happened. Something was very wrong.

His hand shaking, he opened the door and made his way inside. Kurt could notice the tears welled up in Carole’s eyes and Finn’s increased pale color in his entire body.

“What is going on,” Kurt stated. He felt himself breaking down on the inside.

“Kurt,” whispered Carole, reaching out for his hand. “I am so sorry, this isn’t fair.”

And he knew. “What happened.” His voice cracking before he could even get the words out. Everything was shattering around him, the walls were different colors, he was dizzy – everything was fuzzy, His throat was tightening up, the need to vomit becoming more prominent with more and more silence.

“Your dad’s dead. He had a heart attack and it just… was too late,” whispered Carole. Her hand reaching out to grasp Kurt’s. He flinched back, refusal to be touched.

“You’re lying,” but he knew she wasn’t. Why would she?

“I am so sorry Kurt.”

Then Kurt bolted out of the office and school hoping to find a way to escape this new world where he was irrevocably alone. Kurt Hummel was an orphan.