Sacrifice for a Loved One

                    Chapter 8 – Protecting Kurt

          James is sitting in a small café having a cup of coffee while he waits for Stephanie to arrive. They are meeting for lunch before they go shopping for a new couch for their apartment. “I need a cup of hot tea.” Rachael says loudly while walking to the counter along with Santana. “Crap!” James says loud enough so that only he can hear. He has noticed his two friends and he tries to make himself smaller. Santana looks around the café for a seat when she asks. “Rachael, is that the guy from Opening Night?” Rachael looks toward the table while waiting for her order. “I think so. It looks like him.” Rachael replies. “I'm going over there and ask him.” Santana says as she confidently walks over toward James. “Hi, I'm Santana Lopez and we are wondering. Do you perform at Opening Night?” “Yes I do.” James answers. “My friend and I watched your performance the other night and we both agreed that you are good, very good in fact.” Santana says to a nervous James who tries not to look directly at Santana. “Hi.” Rachael says as she joins them. The two girls sit down uninvited at James' table. “So what is your name?” Rachael asks. “James Stone.” He says politely wishing they would leave but wanting them to stay and tell him all about Kurt. “Where are you from, you don't sound like a New Yorker?” Santana inquires. Remembering his new history he says. I am from a town called Green Tree it is just outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.” James says proud of himself as it sounds like the truth. “We grew up in Lima, Ohio and now I attend NYADA. I am going to be a star on Broadway some day.” Rachael says. “With your voice I am sure you will.” James says and instantly realizes his error. The girls look at him strangely. His phone buzzes and breaks the uneasiness of this situation. Stephanie sent him a text asking him to meet her at the store now. “Thank you Stephanie. I owe you.” He says to himself. “I need to go. You two have a nice day.” He says as he stands quickly, walks to the door, and leaves. “That was weird Rachael.” Santana says with a questioning look. “How does he know I have a wonderful voice? I don't think he has ever heard me sing.” Rachael wonders. “Something is not right. My Mexican third eye is telling me something. I just have to figure out what it is. Berry, what are you doing Friday night? Santana asks. “Why?” Rachael asks. Because we are going back to Opening Night and watch our new friend sing and figure out his story.

          “James the couch looks great. Thanks for helping me pick it out. You have a good eye for style.” Stephanie says with appreciation. “No problem, I had fun, besides you got me out of a sticky situation with two girls.” James says as he grabs a bag heading to work. “Listen, tonight I am doing an extra set so I will be getting back later than usual.” James says as he leaves heading to Opening Night.

Kurt is sitting on the couch reading an assigned book when Rachael says. “Kurt, Santana and I are going back to Opening Night on Friday. Do you want to come with us?” Kurt stops reading and thinks about it and says. “Let me think about it. The last time we went I got a little upset. Seeing that performer with the curly black hair sing reminded me of Blaine and I don't know if I want to go through that again.” Rachael is disappointed but says. “It's up to you, but you are welcome to come.” Santana is busy in the kitchen when Rachael tells her what Kurt said. “Kurt will probably not be coming because James Stone reminds him of Blaine.” Santana stops what she is doing and says. “Oh my God Rachael, do you think that was Blaine? Is James Stone really Blaine Anderson?” She asks as she looks at Rachael. “He would have said something. We are, or were his friends. He wouldn't do this to Kurt would he?” Rachael says. “I don't know but I am going to find out the truth about Mr. Stone and I promise you I will not let him hurt Kurt again if he is. Come on, we are going to Opening Night right now. We have a mystery to solve.” Santana says with determination on her face. “Kurt, we have an errand we need to run, we will be back later.” Rachael says as they leave the loft and are soon standing in front of Opening Night.

The girls get in easily this time since it is Wednesday and not Friday. The hostess seats them and says. “Andy will be your waiter for the evening.” The girls sit down and within seconds Andy appears and takes their food and drink order. The girls look around trying to see if James is here. They don't see him, but Andy has returned with their drinks. “Andy, can you tell us if James Stone is going to perform tonight?” Santana asks. “Man, I wish I was as popular as James. I guess I can add you girls to the list of women who ask about James. To answer your question, yes. He should be out in about 30 minutes. He's warming up in the backroom.” Andy says as he walks away shaking his head. “Well there goes your tip Mr. Bad Attitude.” Santana says looking at Andy. “What are you going to say to him Santana?” Rachael asks. “I'm going to confront him and find out if James Stone is really Blaine. If he is Blaine I'm going to tell him what I think of him and what he did to Kurt. I'll make sure he knows he is not wanted around here and he had better leave Kurt alone.” Santana says as they wait for James to come on stage.

James had arrived earlier and was in the backroom sitting at the piano. He is focusing on warming up his vocal chords by singing the scales. In fact he was so focused on what he was doing he didn't hear someone enter the room. The person moves closer to James. The person places his hand on James' shoulder. A startled James jerks up quickly causing himself to fall over the bench he was sitting on and landing on the floor looking shocked at the face he saw. “Excuse me, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. Let me start over. Hi, I'm Kurt Hummel.” He says as he holds out his hand. James looks at him trying not to panic. He doesn't move, just stares at those blue eyes. “Here, at least let me help you up.” Kurt offers. “No, I'm fine.” James says bluntly. “What do you want? You are not allowed in this room. I suggest you leave immediately before security comes.” James says not looking at Kurt as he picks up the piano bench and stands it up right. “James, you're on.” Carl says as he comes into the backroom. James walks by Kurt and asks Carl. “Please get him out of here?” James walks on to the stage to start his set while Kurt is escorted out of the backroom by security passing an interested waiter who witnessed the meeting between James and Kurt.  

“Santana is that Kurt?” Rachael asks as she points to a person being taken out of the building by security. James was singing but he too watched, as he saw Kurt being escorted to the door. “I'm sorry Kurt.” James says to himself as a twinge of pain is felt in his heart. Andy returns will some refills when Rachael asks. “What did that guy do that he is being forced to leave?” Andy stops picking up their empty glasses and says. “I guess girls aren't the only ones that like James. I guess fags do too. I heard he found his way to the backroom and was trying to get to James.” Andy says and leaves. “What a jerk!” Both girls agree. “Well, that's it! If he really is Blaine I am tired of seeing him treat Kurt so badly while he just goes on his merry old way as if nothing happened. He is going to see some of my Lima Heights attitude I fear.”

James leaves the stage with applause ringing in his ears. He goes to the backroom to get his jacket. He tells Carl goodbye and heads out the back door into the alley. He is tired from a long night when he stops in his tracks. Standing in front of him is Santana. “Hi, nice to see you again. Santana right?” James says, thinking to himself, what is going on tonight? He is walking by her when she says. “I wish I could say the same James or should I say Blaine Anderson. James stops and turns around. “I don't know who you are talking about.” James says trying to stay calm, hoping to get out of this situation without giving up the truth he is desperately trying to keep. Santana moves closer to James and looks straight into his eyes while pointing her finger into his chest. I know who you are. My Mexican third eye is never wrong. I don't know who this is or what happened to you because you are not the person I knew back in high school. But I am warning you know. You stay away from Kurt. You hurt him deeply. He is still trying to recover from you walking out on him three years ago and I don't want to see you hurt him again. So why don't you just take your things and leave this city. If not you stay away from him because if you don't you will have to deal with the wrath of Santana. Do you understand Blaine Warbler?” Santana warns as she walks back inside to go get Rachael. James turns around and heads down the alley heading back to his apartment trying to decide what he should do now. The alley is empty when an employee comes out from behind the dumpster. He takes out his phones and punches in some numbers. He waits for the person to answer. “Tell the boss jackpot. I have identified the son as well as his boyfriend. Operation Revenge is a go. The employee says as he ends the call.