Sept. 11, 2012, 2:38 p.m.
Hearts
You're In My Heart : Chapter 1 -July 1998
E - Words: 1,277 - Last Updated: Sep 11, 2012 Story: Complete - Chapters: 36/36 - Created: Jul 07, 2012 - Updated: Sep 11, 2012 1,015 0 27 0 0
July 1998
Lima, Ohio
Kurt was in love. He was in love with the golden toffee eyes that sparkled, the plump lips that could puff up into a rose of a pout or narrow and bring out dimples in the cheeks when they smiled. He was in love with the warm, soft hand that grabbed his - never asking permission - to pull him along on the next adventure.
"Mama....can we go to the park again today?" four-year-old Kurt asked his mother.
"Is this about your new best friend?" she teased. Elizabeth Hummel could see the anticipation in her son's eyes and knew she couldn't say no to him.
"Yes, Mama. We love each other," he said with that single-minded seriousness only a four year old can feel.
"Okay, I bet Miss Jo will probably be in the park after lunch. How about if we make cupcakes to bring with us?"
"Yes, Mama. Chocolate! Mercedes would like that."
Kurt walked slowly next to his mother on the way to the park. She carried the basket of cupcakes and Kurt wriggled out of her grasp as he saw his best friend near the swings. Elizabeth sat down on the bench next to Josephine Jones, cooing into the blanket on Jo's lap.
"Aww...and how is your little bundle of sweetness this afternoon? He's what? Two months now?"
"Yes, two months today. Tice is so much better. That colic is finally over and he's sleeping all night once again," Jo replied with a smile on her face. Elizabeth smiled at the cute nickname Jo called her new son, Matthias.
"Kurt insisted we bring treats today. I hope that's all right?"
"Oh, that's wonderful. Kurt is such a sweet boy."
"YIPE!!" came a squeal from the playground and the two mothers turned to see what had caused it. Kurt came running, pulling his friend by the hand behind him.
"Mama, Mama! I licked Mercy's cheek, but she didn't taste like chocolate!!"
Elizabeth gasped and blushed all the way up to her hairline, dropping her head as though she could hide her face in her blouse. She glanced over to Mercedes' mother, trying to gage if she was upset, running excuses through her mind to explain her son's unacceptable behavior.
But Jo was laughing so hard no sound came out. She was struggling to keep the laugh inside, but it was coming out of her eyes in tears.
"Oh! Kurt, honey. You could make the angels cry," Jo finally said, barely keeping a straight face.
Kurt looked in confusion to his mother, a quiver starting in his lower lip. He didn't know what he'd done wrong. Mercedes skin was so pretty, just the same shade as delicious chocolate and he thought since they looked so much alike, maybe she tasted like chocolate.
Elizabeth took her hands away from her face, embarrassment fading into the urge to stop herself from laughing.
"Kurt. We don't lick people, no matter how delicious their skin looks. It isn't polite. Now, you apologize to Mercedes," Elizabeth said gently.
"Sorry, Mercy. Do you want a cupcake?"
"'S okay, Kurt. Yes, I would like a cupcake, thank you."
"They're chocolate," Kurt said. "Your favorite." He gave Mercedes an impish grin.
Mercedes giggled, grabbed Kurt's hand as they ran back to the playground. "This time I'm the pirate and I get to rescue you!" she called as they ran.
Josephine looked at Elizabeth, reached over and quickly gave her hand a bit of a squeeze. "Kids will come up with the darndest things..." And Elizabeth sighed, shaking her head and smiling at Jo.
May 2002
Cemetery
Lima, Ohio
Kurt stood next to his father, looking up to see him with tears sliding down his face. Kurt knew he was sad, as sad as Kurt was, and this whole thing made so little sense. They were saying goodbye to Kurt's mama. He understood that she had been sick, that she was in heaven now. But he could never really believe in heaven. Why would God take his mother from them? And now his dad was so sad, it was like he was sort of leaving, too. In years to come, Kurt’s dad would be the rock that Kurt could build his life on, his shelter in the wind, but the grief was so new – Burt hadn’t been able to see past the shock of losing Elizabeth to be there for Kurt yet.
It wasn't very cold out today, no wind or rain. But Kurt was so cold, he was shivering a little and he felt as though he might fall. Dad didn't see - he was too absorbed in his grief. Kurt closed his eyes, unable to cope, feeling so lost. And suddenly there was a warm hand slipping into his. He opened his eyes and caught the beautiful golden toffee eyes of his best friend, a tear running down her cheek.
Mercedes was holding onto Kurt's hand for dear life. He was so thankful for her today, giving him the strength to stand up until the service was over.
September 2002
East Memorial Elementary School
Lima, Ohio
"Mercedes!" Kurt waved at his friend, running to catch up with her on the steps on the first day of school.
"Kurt! I couldn't find you on the playground this morning. Who's class are you in?" she smiled at him, wondering if they might be in the same class where she could keep an eye on him. Kurt tended to rub kids the wrong way sometimes. Maybe it was because he was an only child, or because his mama was gone and nobody was there to tell him not to wear odd clothes or talk about stuff that wasn’t cool. But Mercedes had appointed herself his guardian angel years ago, and she took her duties seriously. Her brother, Tice, didn’t seem to need her – but anyone could see that Kurt did.
And so it went, year after year. Sometimes they could share the same class, other years they had to wait until the walk home after school to share their day. They made new friends, got different interests, fought, did their homework together, spent weekends sleeping over at each other's houses. They graduated from elementary school, going on to junior high and finally high school.
September 2009
McKinley High School
Lima, Ohio
"I couldn't get into AP French, Kurt, but we still have four classes together. What about this Glee Club?" Mercedes asked Kurt after sign-up on the first day of scheduling.
"I'll miss you in French. Told you to study over the summer!"
"Now, you know we were busy with other things. And I didn't see you opening books during the lake trip. Besides, Mr Perfection, what 15 year old needs to be taking French?" Mercedes narrowed her eyes. It had always been a competition between them and Kurt had won a tiny battle in getting ahead of his friend in French.
"That would have been rude after your parents invited me along," Kurt leaned over and placed a tiny kiss on her pretty round cheek.
"Kurt! What do you mean 'invited'? You know you've spent every summer since 2003 at the lake with us. You're family."
"Okay, okay...I know it. I love your mom and dad. Even your little brother."
"That's better, Hummel. Now, how about Glee Club? Do you think we can both sing without scratching each other's eyes out over the solos?" Her harsh words were blunted by the gentle smile on her lips – but her fists were, as usual, perched on her hips.
"If you don't mind being my swan and singing backup..." Kurt countered. He loved this…could play it all day with her as they had done for so many years.
"Kurt!!! You can be my Pip," her eye-roll now accompanying the fists to hips stance.
"Okay, Gladys, take off your rose-coloured glasses. Those solos are mine."
"Bring it."
Comments
Wow....thank you so much! Don't worry, Mercedes will be back in a big way, just had to set the scene with Blaine taking so much time and being a drain on all of Kurt's time and energy.....(not that any of it is really Blaine's fault). Somebody needs to see that poor Kurt needs to be given a bit of respite, he is only 17 after all. I like the idea of your virgin vs. Confession scenario, i hadn't really fleshed out that bit yet, so I love having ideas. I'm trying to post frequently -i hate waiting for the "next chapter" when I'm deep into the story!!! But I just had major surgery (had my kidney removed) so some days i'm not up to writing. Okay, more info than you needed...I'm such a chatterbox. This is my first story and you're my first review, so you are so special! Thanks.
I'm liking this story so far :) So at the last two chapters I was a little confused with the lack of Mercedes because this story is kind of between her and Kurt. But then I was thinking...since Kurt and Blaine are getting closer you should totally have a scene where they're ready to go all the way and Blaine's like 'ah I'm a blushing virgin' and Kurt's like 'oh, I'm not' awkward. Haha you probably have something better planned out but I was just thinking. Anyway great story!
I have a feeling that someone will find out about Mercedes and Kurt's night but I really hope that either, no one does! Or if they do, Blaine is understanding of how young they were and how hormones affect the exploration of sex. I am sure if Blaine does find out that he will be shocked but not leave Kurt. Kurt has done too much for him, to just up and leave!!!A ring? Now you have totally confused me!!! I originally assumed Finn and Rachel but how will that affect the boys? Hmmm get writing!!!!
Heehee.....the ring thing won't happen for a few chapters, and I kinda hope nobody guesses. It's a bit of a shock until the full explanation is revealed. Well....I can't say any more. Yes, somebody other than Kurt and Mercedes find out, but I haven't finished that bit yet. Hmmm....sometimes if a person is too dependent upon another, to the point it seems uneven and one is sacrificing more, misunderstandings and resentment occur. Ohhhh let's hope love conquers all? And No, it isn't Finn and Rachel.Yes, i'm writing! I'm posting about one chapter ever day or two days. I'm kinda sick myself (had my kidney removed) so some days I just hurt too much to write. But it's good therapy and keeps y mind off of daily crap, you know?Thanks for the review - I'm just sooooo happy people are reading my story. Makes me happy every day.
Thank you, Sweetheart. I'm doing fine. It sounds like a big surgery (well, I guess it is..) but I feel so much better to get rid of the damn thing. I've been sick for a long time and after 24 kidney surgeries, I'm glad that's all behind me. Writing gets my mind off of it. Plus, I just adore how cute Kurt and Blaine are together! They're fun to write about. After so many years writing technical manuals, it's good to be able to write something more creative. Plus, I think it's therapy to write about how difficult it is for the family of the sick person when something so devastating happens. God knows my poor husband feels just like Kurt because he has to take care of me. But thank god he does, he's the best. Okay,i know....I'm such a terrible chatterbox. Hey, why don't I see any stories by you? (hint, hint)
I did not realise you were ill :-( Please look after yourself and do not push yourself too hard!I think Blaine would be hurt that Kurt did not tell him but he loves Kurt and it was a long time ago. Plus they are Klaine! They are meant to be :-)I trust that you will give them a happy ever after together so I am not too worried.Write and rest, your health and recuperation are more important that a story! x
I did have a wee keek at your website, found it very interesting.....read a couple of articles. Not sure if you'd want to interview me, though. I'm really kind of ordinary, just a mama of 4 and a grandma of 4. I have degrees in anthropology and geography, started my master's in English Lit. But my only experience in writing fiction is this! I can write a technical manual, but that's a far cry from writing books. Oh....you mentioned you weren't from "here"? Can i ask where you are from?LOL I just wrote 3 paragraphs and erased them thinking nobody would be interested....I'll see if I can contact you via your website. No, you crossed no boundaries. You can ask me anything! I don't mind telling anyone about me if they are interested. Ask away!
24?! Wow, you must be so brave to go through all of that!! I can see how writing would be good therapy.Me write?! I can write a 6,000 disertation on psychological subjects but fiction? I would have no idea where to start. I leave the fanfic writing to my daughter, I am quite happy reading :-) Plus I do enough writing for my website :-)This maybe a bad thought so feel free to ignore, but I run www.successcircuit.com would you be interested in have a little read and then maybe do an interview with me? After so many operstions, I think that you would be a gret inspiration for many people. I apologise if I am crossing a line here x
I live in Colorado. Here the average age of the high school senior is 17 or 18. Since the kids in the story are in their junior year, I made them 18. From what I understand, the age of consent in Ohio is 16 for consentual sex, but circumstances can differ. So, just so our darling Cooper doesn't get into any real trouble, I'm not letting him touch Mercedes until she's 18. If at all. Well, maybe.....hmmmm......
I agree that a Lab is too cliche. No, her parents would not be impressed but as long as Coop treats her right, is she 18? High school ages there are different to here.
I think that you would be interesting to my readers not due to writing fiction but because you are an ordinary mother, grandmother, have a degree and MA as well as struggling through 24 operations and having a kidney removed. On top of which you write fiction and keep a smile on your face.That is an awful lot to be proud of and would be a great inspiration to others struggling in their lives!Please consider it :-)Why erase them? I am sure they were great! As long as they include happy, smutty Klaine heheI replied to your email :-)
I forgot to say that I am in England.Yes, waiting till she is 18 a good idea.
Well, waiting until she's18 to have intercourse....but that doesn't stop them from fooling around now......LOL
Very true!!!! hehe Or just wait till she is 18 before telling her parents haha
There was just something fake about her that I did not like, not sure how to explain it.
I think Coop is quite open-minded so I doubt he would be too worried, I think he would be more concerened that Blaine does not know.
I trust you with my Klaine so I know it will work out but boy was my heart in my throat with that conversation!!!! I am not sure my heart will cope with too much will he won't he tell and how will Blaine react LOL
Big hugs. Love you too! :-)
I think either Ovaltine or Horlicks should work just fine as long as it's dry powder. The stuff I get here is by Carnation brand and it is just mixed in milk, but I've had the two you mention and i think they are similar. Okay, is icing sugar a powdery substance? It won't work the same if it is granulated. I have a dear friend in Scotland and I think she told me once that icing sugar is the same as powdered. Silly Americans, huh? I am not a big fan of chocolate (yeah, I know....I'm crazy) but I have made the cookies with chocolate malt powder. I just prefer the plain. Let me know how they work out,have fun!!!
Malted milk powder?! I wonder if that is the same as Horlicks or Ovaltine which are both Malt drinks LOL I have never heard of Icing sugar being called powder sugar LOL Oh well, we can but try!! Thanks hun.
I lost the recipe!! Can you email it instead please?
Sent as requested. Oh, and a buddy of my husband - a delightful gent named Stu, who hails from Bristol, England - tells me you can order malted milk powder from amazon.co.ukIf you can't find it, let me know and I'll get you the exact URL. And try the peppermint ice cream with hot butterscotch sauce -it's my favorite thing in the whole world to eat. YUM.
Very true but one couple can only cope with so much bad! Buy me a ticket to Tahiti too when you get yours :-)
As soon as i win the lottery, dear friend...we'll be on our way to Tahiti!Hey, maybe we can bring the boys with us!
Yes please!!! LOL
Thank you, sweetheart, it makes me feel great that someone likes my writing. I plan to do a sequel, but have several other stories I'm working on right now, thanks for the encouragement!
Wow another great story! Poor Blainers..they both went through so much...I felt like I was going through it with them....I love your writing! I am so sad this story is over...I hope hope hope there is a sequel....thanks for the recomendation to read !!