Dec. 26, 2012, 1:13 p.m.
Now & Always: Chapter 25
E - Words: 851 - Last Updated: Dec 26, 2012 Story: Closed - Chapters: 38/? - Created: Oct 01, 2012 - Updated: Dec 26, 2012 283 0 0 0 0
Blaine heard Kurt gasp as Blaine revealed what happened upstairs. He knew something was up with his parents this morning and he was somewhat thankful that his parents had waited until now to tell him so he could enjoy his day with Kurt. But it left a lot of questions for him and his parents as well.
They sat in silence for a moment before Kurt spoke. "What happened?"
He sighed. "My dad says that the sports market in Columbus is shrinking. They don't have enough teams there for them to have multiple sportscasters. Since he has only been there for a few years, they decided to leave the sportscaster job for their most senior guy and they had to let him go."
Blaine wasn't sure how he felt about it. This economy was tough; people lost their jobs all the time – especially in Ohio. But it felt different knowing it was his dad who was out of a job. His dad had a career in entertainment and sports so he assumed that their industry wouldn't be as impacted as some of the other jobs in the state. But with people not being able to afford sports tickets or even cable to watch the big games, it meant that the market was shrinking.
He felt Kurt's arm go around his shoulder. He leaned into his arms slightly, still trying to take the space to process what was happening. He replayed their conversation in his head.
"What does that mean, dad? You lost your job?" Blaine asked
His dad's shoulders slumped as he sighed. "This job market is tough and the station just doesn't need as many sportscasters anymore. But don't worry, the GM will give me a glowing recommendation and a few of the guys already have their ears to the ground for a position for me," he said, a tinge of hope in his throat.
Blaine was staring at his shoes until his mom grabbed his hand and squeezed. He looked up into her eyes and she smiled tentatively. He and his mom could have endless conversations without speaking a word – their eyes did the talking for them. With that look, he knew that it would be okay and that though things may change; their family would remain a rock.
Blaine turned back toward his dad, who was looking at his expectantly. "Is there any way I can help?" Blaine asked. "I can always get a part time job or stop using hair product or…"
His dad laughed slightly at his comment about hair gel. "I don't think we need to go to drastic measures just yet," he said. "Right now, we have enough in savings that we will be okay for a little while. If things don't change after a month or two, we'll look into other options. We're definitely going to have to cut our spending some, but we hope that this won't last too long."
Blaine's view shifted again to his shoes, but he quickly looked up when he felt his father's strong hand on his shoulder. "Blaine, this isn't something you need to worry about right now. You have a big year ahead of you and your mother and I don't want this to be another thing to add to your list. This won't be easy and I'm thankful that you're willing to pitch in. I think for the time being, your mom and I will work some things out and once we have a better grasp at the job market and what to do for finances, we'll let you know."
Blaine looked at him, slightly unsure. His dad read the look in his eyes immediately. "Blaine, I'm serious. We will figure this out – as a family." He paused. "And I can't tell you how glad I am that you're taking this so well."
A tentative smile crept from his lips. He wanted to be strong all the time – his dad was the perfect case of what it's like to be a strong man and he wanted to make his dad proud. With Kurt's arm around his shoulders, he leaned back into his arm a little bit more and sighed.
"It will be okay, Kurt. We're a strong family. It's just going to be a little rough for the time being," he said as Kurt lightly brushed his shoulder.
Kurt rested his chin on Blaine's head. "Okay. Know that I'm here for you and your family. I know I don't live here and I'm not well connected, but if there's any way I can help, please tell me. Or have your parents tell me. Or my dad."
Blaine shifted forward and turned to Kurt who was smiling with a look of concern on his face. "Thanks, Kurt," he said before reaching out to him for a hug.
They pulled away from each other and just sat next to each other, fingers laced together, looking out into the Lima sky. Blaine smiled, happy that although the evening had been stressful this quiet moment with Kurt would take the edge off. With his family and Kurt by his side, there wasn't anything they couldn't face.
It really will be okay.