�Thank God it’s Friday?” laughed Mercedes when Kurt stopped next to her locker with a deep sigh.

�You have no idea,” replied Kurt as he dropped his Spanish text book in the locker and closed the door with a quiet thud. �History project was just excruciating. I’m glad it’s done and never coming back.”

Mercedes granted him a bright smile.

�What are you so excited about?” asked Kurt.

�It’s Friday, school is over and I don’t have any homework for the week end. Enjoy the little pleasures in life, my friend!” the girl said.

�Yeah, rainy day, what can be greater than that!” boy next to her mumbled. �Plus, my week end seems to be as dull as today. Finn and dad are going to a football game on Saturday and Carole is visiting her sister. I’m staying alone at home. What could be more fun?”

�Oh, Kurt, why didn’t you say anything earlier? I’m going to Westerville on Saturday. My cousin has returned from her trip to Canada and I’m really looking forward to meet her. I’m sure Alisha won’t mind if you joined us! And the long road to Westerville will also seem shorter with you by my side.”

�I don’t know, Mercedes. I don’t want to feel like a third wheel with you, girls, and –�

�Hush, Hummel! I invited you, so don’t even dare to think you could be a burden! Your mood today is simply unbearable,” Mercedes protested.

�Okay, okay!” Kurt gave up. �I’d be happy to spend tomorrow with you and your cousin. Of course, if she really doesn’t mind!”

�Kurt, what did I just tell you? Alisha will love you, I’m sure about that,” girl almost squealed in excitement.

�You do know that this really isn’t the time to play a match - maker?” Kurt looked at her in faked annoyance.

�Oh, you can be sure, my dear, that if you ever wanted a girlfriend, I’d be the first one in the line,” Mercedes laughed and opened her arms, inviting Kurt for a hug, which he gladly accepted. �And cheer up a bit! It’s Friday after all!”

�Thanks, Mercedes,” Kurt replied already feeling better. It was impossible to stay sad with this girl around. �Let’s go before it starts to rain even more.”

Mercedes smiled and slid her arm under his elbow, accompanying her friend to the car park next to the school. It was almost empty, because most of the cars where already gone, since nobody wanted to linger at school on a Friday afternoon.

Kurt said goodbye to Mercedes and quickly got into his warm and dry car, before his hair was ruined even more.

Way home took a bit more than usual since all the roads were wet and slippery and Kurt had to drive more carefully than usual. One more disadvantage of rain. Not that Kurt was a reckless driver. He loved his car too much to even dare to think about crashing it. He cared about his own safety too, of course. Fridays were the days with family diner and Kurt wanted to help Carole prepare it. After his father’s recent heart problems Friday night diner became more important to Kurt.

After all his family was all he got. Of course Kurt had also the Glee club whose members were always there to help and support him, but still something was missing.

Kurt stopped on a drive way to his home. It has stopped raining, but sky was as still gray and without any traces of sun.

When Kurt stepped out of his car, he was greeted with chilly autumn wind. So it’s time to start wearing scarves, Kurt inwardly smiled. Another positive thing about the autumn. If only the rain could step back a bit.

�Hey, Kurt!” Burt greeted him as soon as he opened the door.

�Hi, dad,” boy cheerlessly answered.

�What’s wrong with you today? Schuster gave your solo to Rachel again?”

�We don’t have Glee club on Fridays, dad, and, no, it’s not another solo. Rainy days gets me down. That’s all”

Burt just sighed. �Are you going to help Carole in the kitchen today or you just want to have some rest?”

�Of course I’ll help. I’ll just go change my clothes, this jacket is new,” Kurt replied going up the stairs.

Fifteen minutes later Kurt was in the kitchen, his outfit completely changed. He was keeping up small conversation with Carole, while cutting salad. Kurt really enjoyed her company. Surely, she wasn’t his real mother, but Kurt knew that Carole tried as much as she could to be there for him and the boy truly appreciated that.

***

�Dinner was amazing! Thanks, Carole! And of course you too, Kurt,” Burt showed his gratitude.

Carole smiled at him. �Please, wash the dishes, Finn!” she asked turning to her son.

�But, mom, me and Rachel are going to the cinema tonight! Why can’t Kurt do that?” Finn started to complain, looking apologetically to Kurt, who just sighed and shook his head.

�I’m sure Rachel will understand that you need to help your old mother. And Kurt already helped me prepare the diner. Don’t make me feel ashamed because of you.”

�Fine,” Finn growled.

�Dad, since all of you have plans for tomorrow, I’m going to Westerville with Mercedes. She wants to visit her cousin and invited me along. Is that okay?” Kurt asked as soon as Burt went into the living room.

�Sure, kid, just drive safely and you have to be back no later that midnight! It’s a long drive from there so don’t stay too late,” Burt smiled.

�Thanks, dad,” Kurt replied and went to hug him. �I feel really tired tonight, so I’ll better go and get some sleep. Goodnight!”

�Goodnight, Kurt. You really look like you need some rest.”

�Goodnight, Carole!” Kurt shouted and went up the stairs to his room. Tomorrow will be a long and hopefully good day.