Sacrifice for a Loved One

                      Chapter 9 – Sh___  Happens

A few weeks have passed and James has stayed away from Kurt. He hasn't even followed him around like before. James has been spending a lot of time thinking about what he should do about his situation. James is beginning to think he should leave New York and head to Los Angeles. This would let Kurt live his life in peace. “James, what is wrong? You haven't been your happy self for a while now. If you want to talk I'm a good listener.” Stephanie says concerned about her roomy. “I might be leaving soon. The dream I had isn't going to happen.” James says. “I'm sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do?” Stephanie asks. “No, there is nothing you can do unless you can turn back the clock about four years.” James says. “I'm going to head to work and face the inevitable. I'll tell Carl and give him my two week notice. See you later.” James says as he heads out the door feeling defeated. Stephanie goes to her purse and takes out her phone and makes a call.

Rachael, I just got a text from Sam. They are going to be in New York next weekend. How about we take them to Opening Night next Friday? We'll have a good time singing and dancing.” Kurt tells Rachael. “Are you sure you want to go there Kurt.” Rachael asks. “Yes, I need to move on and live my life. That's what Blaine wanted so I need to face my feelings and move on. You tell Santana and I will call to make reservations because it will be crowded.” Kurt says feeling good about himself.

James has packed up all his things into a couple of bags. He is flying to Los Angeles tomorrow morning. “I'm going to start a new life, a new future, and new dreams in sunny L.A.” James says, trying to convince himself that it's true and he is happy about it as he zips closed his last bag. But before he can leave he has one more performance that he must do.

Mercedes and Sam arrived early than expected to the loft. Rachael and Santana were there but Kurt was still at school. While Santana was getting drinks for everyone Sam asks. “Rachael, how are things in the Big Apple?” Rachael answers. “Pretty good, it's keeping me busy and out of trouble which I guess is good.” Sam wonders. “Anything interesting happen since we were last here?” Rachael says. “Not really, just doing our own thing.” Mercedes has been quiet for awhile when she finally speaks up. “How is Kurt doing? I know he has struggled ever since Blaine left, but that was years ago.” Santana brings the drinks and after hearing Mercedes' comment she says. “First of all we don't ever mention that name in the loft and secondly, I took care of that jerk a few weeks ago. Kurt is now beginning to act more like his old self.” Hearing that news Sam perks up and says. “What does that mean?” Santana looks at Sam and says. “Promise me you won't tell Kurt.” Sam agrees. “The jerk is living in New York City. I told him to stay away from Kurt. In fact I told him he had hurt Kurt enough and he should move away and never come back.” Santana says proud of herself for taking care of the situation for Kurt. “Do you know where Blaine is now?” Sam asks calmly but inside he is about to explode. “Unfortunately, you will probably see him tonight. He goes by James Stone and he sings at Opening Night. That's the place we are going to tonight.” Santana says before the door slides open and Kurt walks in. “Not a word.” Santana reminds everyone as Kurt comes in and greets his friends.

At Opening Night the friends are seated at their table. It's located off to the side of the stage behind another group of people. They order some food and drinks and are waiting for the music to start. “Excuse me. I need to use the little boy's room.” Sam says as he stands and heads to the restroom. He soon changes directions and finally heads to the back hoping to find a certain performer.  He figures he would be backstage so he heads to that area of the building. He hears someone playing the guitar and singing. It sounds familiar to him so he heads in that direction. The singing is coming from inside the room Sam is standing in front of. Sam is trying to control his nerves hoping his best friend is behind this closed door. Sam opens the door and sees James playing the guitar warming up for his set. Sam knocks against the open door. “Excuse me. A friend of mine told me about James Stone and I need to meet him.” Sam says as he quickly walks over to James with moist eyes. “Let's hug it out, if you don't mind?” Sam says and they hug tightly never wanting to let go. “It's so good to see you bro. I've missed you so much.” Sam whispers in his ear. James finally speaks. “Me too Sam, me too.” They hold each for a while as tears fill their eyes. No words are said. They know how the other feels. Sam releases James and just stares at him before he turns and leaves. Sam returns to his seat and the crowd hears Carl say. “Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Opening Night. Are you ready for the some fun? So let's begin with the best. Let me introduce to you the one and only James Stone!” The patrons cheer. James singing has the place rocking. An hour or so later James completes his set. Sam watches Kurt, he is debating with himself whether or not to tell him when fate steps in. “Ladies and Gentlemen, before I sing my last song I want to say thank you. Thank you for coming to see me and supporting me. I will take your support with me where ever I go. Tonight is my last performance. I was told by a friend a few weeks ago that it is time to move on. So I am. I'm heading to California. I want to sing this song as my last one. This song means a lot to me. It's the first song my soul mate ever heard me sing as well as you have made my Teenage Dreams come true. James starts singing and Kurt's eyes grow wide in size and tears are falling down his face as he covers his mouth. The realization of who James Stone is has set in and Kurt quickly rises and heads to the backroom not letting anyone stop him this time. When James finishes the song the patrons are on their feet clapping and cheering for him as he bows and waves. He leaves the stage and walks to the backroom wanting a few minutes alone so he can pull himself together. He enters the backroom and freezes. The one person who he didn't want to see and the one person he wants to see more than anything else in this world is standing in front of him. Kurt is standing right in front of him with tears running down his face. “You're leaving? You're leaving me again? I guess I don't have any say in this decision because you didn't ask me my opinion. Apparently you don't love me anymore because the man I love would have found me. Apparently time and distance has changed you so much that you are no longer the person I fell in love with on a staircase at Dalton Academy? You have been in New York City for months and you never said anything to me. I was standing in this room with you a few days ago and you had me removed instead of telling me who you are.  You promised me you would find me and we would reunite by connecting two heart pieces back together into one. What do you have to say?  James stands with his head down silent unable to speak. “Say something.” Kurt begs, all his pent up emotions finally being released. James just looks at Kurt not knowing what to say or where to begin. “I bet the answer to every one of my questions is you didn't want to hurt me. Well that is funny because as hard as you tried not to hurt me, you hurt me anyway. As much as I want to hug you and feel you in my arms I can't do it. I won't do it. I'll tell you what I will do though James or Blaine or whoever you are now. I'm walking out on you this time. You can watch me leave knowing you have broken my heart for the last time. Kurt starts walking out when suddenly he stops in front of Blaine. He looks Blaine straight in the eye. Kurt takes Blaine's face into his hands and kisses him passionately on the lips. Kurt breaks away and says. “Goodbye.” Kurt walks out the back door of Opening Night not wanting to see anyone. The door closes and he heads down the alley towards the street when he is grabbed by his arms by two men. They force Kurt to go in the opposite direction. Kurt is now standing in front of a man who looks at Kurt up and down. “So he fell in love with you?” The man says in a raspy voice that sounds like he means business. “Thank you for identifying Blaine for us. Revenge will be so sweet and you my lucky friend will have a front row seat.” He informs Kurt with a disgusting smirk.