Sacrifice for a Loved One

                   Chapter 7 – Settling In

          James Stone steps off the plane in New York City and for the first time in years he could feel a smile on his face and joy in his heart. “Okay James Stone, first thing you need to do is find a place to live. With a bag over his shoulder he walks down the steps that take him down to the subway. He enters a train not sure where he is going, but he doesn't care, because on the inside he feels good as he remembers the times he rode on the subway with Kurt, touring the city on one of his visits. “Hi,” He says to a young lady who was looking at him. “You just move here?” She asks. “Yes, I did. How can you tell?” James asks. “You have that big dream look on your face. Am I right? What's your name?” She asks. “James Stone,” He says starting to get used to saying his new name. “Am I right James Stone?” She asks again. “Yes, I just got here and I am going to make my dreams come true.” James says with a new found confidence. “James Stone you seem like a nice guy and I don't usually do something like this but do you have a place to stay? I am looking for a roommate to split expenses with. Would you be interested?” She asks. Blaine smiles and says, “I do need a place to stay, at least for awhile so if you're okay with it I gladly accept your offer.” Extending her hand she says. “Wonderful, I'm Stephanie, Stephanie Molina. Come on, this is where we get off. I'll show you your new home roomy.” Blaine likes his new roommate and the apartment. He sleeps well, content that his life is heading in the right direction.

          The next morning James rose with the determination to find a job today. “What kind of a job are you interested in James?” Stephanie asks as they eat breakfast. “I'm a pretty good singer and musician so I thought I would go around to some bars and restaurants and see if I can get an audition or even get hired.” James says as he explains his plan. “Can I hear you? Sort of like a dress rehearsal before.” She asks. “I don't have a guitar with me.” James says. “I do.” Stephanie says as she gets up and goes to a closet and returns with a guitar. “I always wanted to learn how to play.” She tells James while handing him the guitar. James strums the guitar and tunes it. When he is ready he begins singing Teenage Dream. When he finished, his eyes were closed so his tears would not fall. “Oh my God, you are wonderful!” Stephanie says shocked. “Now if I can find a place that agrees with you and will pay me, all will be good.” James hopes. “I think I know the perfect place for you. I love to go there with my friends and they always have live music. It's called Opening Night. Here is the address and you can use my guitar.” Stephanie says excitedly. “Thanks Stephanie. I'll go there first.” James says happy he has found a good friend, as he goes to clean up and get dressed.

          James enjoys his walk through New York City. He enjoys the sights, the people, and the life that flows through the city. He wishes he was walking with Kurt though, but he knows he cannot let him know he is in New York yet. Not until he is sure no one is following him and he has mixed into the city successfully. He won't put Kurt in danger. Before he knows it he is outside Opening Night. He takes a deep breath and opens the door and walks in. “Can I help you?” A man from behind the bar asks. “Yes, I am James Stone and I would like to talk to the owner or manager about performing here.” He says. “I'm Carl, the owner of Opening Night. Are you any good? I'm always looking for new talent.” Carl says. “I'll let you judge and you can tell me the answer to that question.”  James says as he takes out the guitar and starts singing I'll Make a Man Out of You from Mulan. When he finishes James waits for Carl's assessment. “Not bad, I like your sense of humor. Do you by chance play the piano?” Carl asks. James sets the guitar down and walks over towards the piano. He sits down and loosens his fingers and the next thing you know Billy Joel's Piano Man is echoing through the building. When James plays the last note he looks at Carl. “You're in!” Carl says thrilled with his new employee. “Come on over here and fill out your paper work James. We'll discuss your salary while I figure out your schedule.”

          “Kurt, it's Friday night and you have worked hard enough this week. Come on, you are going out with us tonight for some fun and we are not taking no for an answer. So go get dressed and make sure you look cute.” Rachael tells Kurt. “Besides you might meet Mr. Right tonight.” Santana reminds him. “Okay, where are we going anyway? Kurt asks after accepting his fate. At NYADA everyone is talking about this new bar restaurant called Opening Night. They say there is this new singer that is really good so we figured we go check him out.” Rachael says as she finishes getting ready.

          When they got to Opening Night they saw there was a line waiting to get in. “I hope this place is worth the wait.” Santana says as she gives the hostess their names. Once they get inside they see a lot of the people dancing and having a great time. They were lucky enough to be seated at a table that is near the front of the stage but off to the side. After their drinks and food arrive they hear. “Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Are you ready to dance and rock the night away with some great music? Then let's put your hands together for our newest performer, Mr. James Stone.” The owner announces to the crowd. The crowd cheers as a guy with long curly black hair, a nicely groomed beard, and glasses on his face walks out onto the stage with the rest of the band. He waves his hands and thanks everyone for coming and then picks up the guitar and starts singing. “Wow! Listen to him sing and man is he hot.” Santana says singing along and dancing in her chair. James is singing his heart out as he looks at all the patrons enjoying themselves. Then he sees a pair of blue eyes, his blue eyes, my Kurt's blue eyes. Their eyes lock on each other. They both feel a burning inside their stomachs that is too great to handle and they are forced to look away. No one noticed that James had just forgotten some of the lyrics. He forces himself to refocus because he has a job to do. “He is good, really good. What do you think Kurt? Kurt?” Rachael says then turns towards Kurt to get an answer and becomes confused. Kurt's chair was empty. “Where did he go?” Rachael asked Santana. “I don't know. He's a big boy though. Come on Rachael let's dance.” Santana says as she grabs Rachael's hand and heads to the dance floor. Kurt is outside standing against the wall of the building trying to catch his breath. He couldn't handle the pain that shot through his heart when he saw that man with black curly hair singing on stage. He texts Rachael to let her knowing he was going back to the loft so she wouldn't worry. At the loft he is curled up on the couch wrapped in a blanket with a cup of coffee. Kurt was thinking about Blaine and the love that they had, the love that he missed. That guys curly hair and eyes made him think of Blaine. “That should have been Blaine up there performing and following his dream. It's not fair” Kurt thought as he finished his coffee.

          James, great show tonight, the people love you. We are getting more patrons every night. I think they are coming to see you. You are drawing them in like a magnet. Keep up the good work.” Carl says happy as can be. “Thanks Carl.” James says. Carl doesn't notice the sad expression on James' face. James is feeling the same pain as Kurt. Tonight was the first night that Kurt had seen James. Kurt hadn't noticed James watching him go into NYADA or getting coffee at a small café. He didn't see James sitting two rows behind him at the movie theater or watching him playing Frisbee in Central Park with his friends. James wanted so much to run up to Kurt and hug him and tell him it's me Blaine. I'm finally here and we can build our lives together. Except he can't, he can't take the risk. He won't put Kurt and his family in danger. “Someday Kurt, someday,” James says to himself as he caresses his heart piece.