“WHY don’t we live in Manhattan, Kurt? Why did we ever think Bushwick was a great idea?”

“Because, “intern” and “theater student” aren’t exactly high paying jobs. We live right off the “L” so it only takes 30 minutes or so to get in, so stop complaining. And besides, at least you don’t have to put up with the NYADA dorms anymore. No one wants to have to deal with all that stranger nakedness…” Kurt said, as they walked down to catch the Manhattan bound train.

“Have you looked around lately? We aren’t exactly avoiding stranger nakedness here. At least at NYADA it was a nice, clean, dancer body I was staring at.”

“You are ridiculous…”

The train was unbelievably full. All the commuters going back and forth between work and home. Kurt was kinda starting to get Rachel’s complaints. But this was New York, the city Kurt had been dreaming of living in since he was a little boy. From the first time he heard Julie Andrews sing in “The Sound of Music”, Kurt knew that musicals were his home. And if he was gonna be able to “climb every mountain”, New York was where he had to be. He’d had the chance to come for a few days back in his junior year when his glee club had competed in the Nationals competition, and despite losing, it was the best time of his life.

While they were there, he and Rachel had made a pact that they would get back to New York together no matter what. They had spent their entire senior year working toward getting into NYADA. Rachel had pretty much everything going for her, as she was in essentially every club at McKinley High, but Kurt had to work a little harder. He always had to work a little harder. He didn’t exactly fit any mold. He was tall, pale, high-pitched, and not to mention, very gay. He wasn’t exactly Mr. Popular, nor did he fit most theater roles he auditioned for. But nothing was going to stand in the way of his dreams.

“Brody said there are about 5 or 6 people staying in the dorm. He figures the rest of them brought their parents along and are staying at a hotel or something. Doubt any of them even know about Callbacks, so you won’t have to worry about them tonight.”

“Worry? Do you think I should be worried? I thought you said that I was gonna ‘blow them away.’ Seriously, Rachel, I know you’re friends are nice and all, and they complement me when I perform, but do you really think I’m NYADA material? What if all these kids are amazing, and I end up that pathetic waiter at Applebee’s that just talks about all his friends and the shows THEY are in while my life just passes by.”

Kurt couldn’t take it going from show to show to see Rachel getting all the accolades while he sat in the audience. Not getting into NYADA had never been the plan. Ever since he got that rejection letter, his life had been turned upside down. Yeah, his dad had convinced him he should move to New York anyway, and he’d landed a great job, but there was still something missing.

“Well, your over-dramatic attitude alone should be enough to get you in! Seriously, where is all this nervousness coming from? We go to Callbacks every week. Just because there are gonna be extra people there tonight shouldn’t make you wanna toss your cookies. Our stop is next, and you’re gonna be just fine.”

Kurt and Rachel stepped out of the stop and into the cool air. The city felt alive, as usual. People were buzzing back and forth, not paying attention to each other, of course. “Callbacks” was just a block or so away, and Kurt really was excited about getting to hear new voices tonight, and not to mention show off a little. He just hoped he wasn’t showed up.

“YES! We’re the first ones here! I can go make my requests before anyone else tries to sing them first. Not that anyone would sing “Rain on My Parade” anyway, it’s clearly my song!” Rachel exclaimed as they walked in. Kurt knew this was gonna be a long night.

“What are you thinking about singing? I’d go with something that shows off your range…” Rachel rattled on, and Kurt tuned her out. He was taking in the surroundings. Since moving to New York, Callbacks had really become like a second home. It was the one place Kurt could still perform. There wasn’t a glee club, a school dance, etc., anymore. He loved this place, it made him feel like he belonged. There was something special about it, and he knew it always would be. He just didn’t quite know how special this particular night was gonna be.