The Truth Always Comes Out

             Chapter 9: Dinner

In the kitchen at the Hummel/Hudson home Burt, Carole, Angela, and Tom are getting dinner ready. No one is talking, but constantly looking toward the hallway waiting for the boys to come down.

Kurt had been down earlier for a few minutes telling them Blaine was awake and that after he takes a shower they would be down for dinner. He had informed them also that Blaine was troubled and not the confident Blaine they were used to. He had told Angela and Tom that Blaine didn't know they were here but he would tell him before they came down. Kurt told them not push Blaine to say or do anything, not to touch him, let him come to you, and if they couldn't do that they should leave. The Andersons had promised to do whatever it takes to help their son and would stay.

Kurt opens his bedroom door and heads out of the room holding Blaine's hand. Blaine moves slowly due to his ankle, but mostly his legs feel heavy like they are made out of cement, his nerves beginning to show. “You can do this.” Kurt encourages him as they begin to walk down the stairs.

          Inside the kitchen the four adults stop and look at each other as they hear the boys coming down the stairs. Tom grabs Angela's hand and whispers in her ear, “We can do this. We have to for Blaine's sake.” Kurt enters the kitchen followed by Blaine, hands entwined.

“Is dinner ready Carole?” Kurt asks. “Yes, we are all set. Let's everyone sit down.” She says. Blaine is looking at the table and Kurt shows him where to sit. Angela and Tom are staring at Blaine with eyes that are glistening with tears. They sit down across from Blaine and Kurt. Blaine finally looks up and sees his parents. He sees the tears in their eyes, then feels a pain in his heart knowing he is responsible. They start passing around the food. Blaine takes a small spoonful from each bowl. As Blaine starts to eat he grabs Kurt's hand for strength, his stomach clenched from nerves. He looks at Kurt and Kurt gives him a reassuring smile. Blaine half smiles in return. They are eating in total silence except for the clinging of silverware. Everyone can feel the elephant in the room. Burt knows he needs to do something.

“Kurt,” Burt blurts out a little too loud. “How was your flight?” “Good, except I was stuck in the middle seat.” Kurt answered. “Did school go well?” Burt asks. “Yeah, I learned a lot but it is pretty hard balancing work and school. I am looking forward to a few weeks off,” smiling as he looks at Blaine, tightening his grip around Blaine's hand. Tom asks, “Kurt, do you have any plans for the summer?”  “Just celebrating Blaine's Graduation and catching up with friends from McKinley and Dalton.” Kurt says. The rest of dinner is filled with small talk until…

 Blaine blurts out unexpectedly, “I'm sorry, I am so sorry to all of you. I didn't mean to make any of you worry. I just needed to get away.” Blaine said as tears form in his eyes. “Blaine, look at me,” Angela asks. Blaine slowly lifts his head to see his Mother's eyes. “You don't need to apologize to us,” Angela said meaning her and Tom. “We need to apologize to you. You have done nothing wrong. We made the mistake Blaine. May I tell you something?” Angela asks. Blaine looks at Kurt and Kurt says, “It's up to you.” Blaine looks at his Mother and nods his head, yes. Angela stands up and walks over to Blaine and gets on her knees beside Blaine as he turns to face his Mother. She extends her hands asking for his without talking. Blaine gives his hands to his Mother. She rubs them gently and says, “Blaine, I am so sorry that we have caused you this much pain. As your parents we are suppose to protect you from being hurt, not be the cause of it. We want to be there for you and help you through this time and answer all of your questions truthfully and completely. We would like the chance to explain to you why we made the choices we did. We love you with all of our hearts. We always have and always will. Blaine's face is covered with tears. Angela gently wipes them away as she says, “We don't want to lose our son.” Blaine looks at his beautiful Mother for a moment and then falls into her arms saying, “You won't. I love you.” As they stand, Tom comes around the table and joins in on the family hug telling Blaine, I love you son.” There are no dry eyes in the Hummel/Hudson house now. Blaine asks, “Can we go into the living room, I have DB?” “What's DB?” Angela asks. “Dead butt,” Blaine answers with a straight face. Everyone laughs for the first time in days and they can feel the elephant begin to leave the room.

They sit in the living room and talk. Angela sits next to Blaine and says, “We will give you all the time to you need to come to terms with and deal with finding out about your paternity. Unfortunately Blaine, there is someone who can't give you all the time you need.”  “Joey,” Blaine says. “Do you know anything about Joey?” asks Blaine. Angela says, “All I know about Joey is he is 23 years old, Jack Hill's son, and has been fighting cancer for a few years now. The cancer is now at a stage where he needs a bone marrow transplant to survive and he lives in New York. “What are you thinking Blaine?” Kurt asks. “That this is not fair. I feel bad for Joey, having cancer sucks and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. But, the last thing I want to do is help Jack Hill after what he did to my Mother. I feel bad because if he dies before finding another suitable donor it will be my fault. I don't even know him. How long before he needs an answer?” he inquires. “The sooner the better.” his Dad says, “but I guess you have a few days. I don't know exactly what the process is or what it entails.” Blaine takes a deep breath, looks at Kurt and asks, “Do you want to go for a ride? We could go get my car.” “I'd love to.” Kurt answers. Kurt goes upstairs and gets the keys and wallets. Tom helps Blaine to the door while looking at his foot and asks, “Jumping out the window?” Blaine says, “Yes.” Tom thinks. “Blaine, as part of my fatherly duties, I guess I should have told you this earlier, but as they say, better late than never.” Tom says seriously. “What,” Blaine asks. Tom gets closer to Blaine and whispers, “You can't fly.” Tom says jokingly as a smile appears on his face and they both laugh and hug.

The boys get into the car, “Where to?” Kurt asks. “Buckeye Park on Second Street,” Blaine says. “Wow, that was quite a walk.” Kurt comments as he heads toward the park in silence. Kurt sees Blaine's car in the parking lot and parks next to it. “Want to swing?” Blaine asks. “Sure,” Kurt says. They get out of the car and walk towards the swings and sit down.  “How are you doing Blaine?” Kurt asks. “Just trying to move forward,” Blaine says. “Good, I'm proud of you. That was a big step talking to your parents.” Kurt says.

“Kurt, what should I do about Joey? No matter what I do I can't win. I hate Jack Hill and the fact I would be helping him makes my skin crawl. But, Joey is dying and I could possibly save or at least extend his life. I worry that if I don't do this, I won't be able to live with myself.” Blaine says. “It's a tough decision, but whatever you decide I will support your decision.” Kurt says. “What if he is a jerk like his Dad?” Blaine wonders. Kurt asks, “Blaine would it be easier if you learn more about him or met him?” “Maybe,” Blaine said as he looked at Kurt. Kurt stopped swinging and looked directly at Blaine and said, “I have an idea. Let's go to New York and you can meet him. You can talk to him and find out what he is like. Maybe that will help you make a decision you can live with. Also, you could find out what being a donor entails and what you need to do and how it will affect you.” Kurt suggested. “When could we leave?” Blaine asks.  Kurt thought for a second and said, “Now.” Blaine questioned, “Are you serious?” “Yes!” was Kurt's answer. The boys headed back to the parking lot and got into their cars. They drove them back to the Hummel/Hudson house, will a plan they need to share with their parents and then pack.

The boys explained their plans to their parents. They were not sure it was a good idea but agreed to it. Angela and Tom checked with Blaine to make sure he had completed all his school requirements. He had assured them he had. Telling them seniors do not have to take finals and he had already turned his schoolwork. While the boys were packing Tom called Jack Hill to get information about Joey's location informing him Blaine wanted to talk to Joey. Burt put the packed bags into Blaine's car and gave the keys to Kurt. Wishing the boys good luck their parents say goodbye and remind them to drive safely and be careful. As Kurt pulls out of the driveway he grabs Blaine's hand and asks, “Are you ready for an adventure?” Blaine answers, “With you, always.”