Here we go again.

As soon as the door opens I can tell it’s going to be a long night. The last time my father had been drinking, I ended up at Kurt’s house. Kurt. He is my best friend. Kurt is always there for me when I need someone the most. The crash in the kitchen brought me back to reality.

My mom, Grace Anderson, followed my dad who was headed straight towards me. “Charles, please, just leave Blaine alone…” My mom was silenced by the back of my dad’s hand. Next thing I knew my father was in my face. “You did this,” he screamed. “You ruined my family! You chose to tear this family apart!” His breath reeked of alcohol. Before I could even respond, I was on the ground gasping for each and every breath. I couldn’t believe my father had hit me in the stomach. He always fought with words, but he’d never hit me. I couldn’t take it anymore. I cut my dad off before he even tried to apologize. “Don’t even try to apologize. I hope you’re happy, Dad. Goodbye.” 

I grabbed my keys from the table and rushed out of the house holding back tears. There was only one person I wanted to see right now, Kurt. It was spring break, so I knew I could find him at home. As I drove, the sound of my father hitting me rang through my ears. Trying not to give in and cry, I turned the radio up and sped up to make this a shorter ride. As soon as I pulled up to the Hummel-Hudson residence, I was comforted by the warm glow of lights.

I reached the door and knocked hesitantly. Luckily, Kurt answered quickly and was shocked to see me. “Blaine! What are you doing here? Are you okay?” I couldn’t hold it in any longer. The tears began to flow from my eyes. “Oh Blaine. Was it your dad again?” Kurt stepped forward and I found comfort in the embrace of my best friend as sobs raked my body. At first I didn’t even notice that Kurt had pulled me inside. We just stood in the middle of his family room while Kurt let me cry. After a few minutes, I had cried my eyes out and calmed down. I had noticed that Kurt’s family hadn’t been home, so we moved to the kitchen.

Kurt grabbed us both coffee as we sat facing each other at the small table. Kurt waited patiently, knowing that I would talk when I was ready. ”He hit me! He was drunk. He didn’t just hit me. He hit my mom too. He blamed me for ruining his family. I just can’t believe he hit me, Kurt,” I said all in one breath, hiding my face in my hands as I began to cry again. Kurt looked at me, slightly surprised at what I had just told him. “Blaine, it’s not your fault. You know that. And it’s ok, you’re safe now. He can’t hurt you anymore.” I wiped the tears from my face with the back of my hands. “I’m sorry. I just can’t believe this.” I sighed looking at Kurt through my fingers. “Don’t apologize!’ Kurt pulled me into a tight hug. “Like I said, none of this is your fault,” Kurt stated trying to comfort me. Kurt pulled back, looking into my hazel eyes. “I promise he won’t hurt you anymore Blaine.” I looked back into his piercing blue eyes, “Thank you Kurt.” At that moment, Finn burst into the house.

“Hey guys! Whoa, Blaine, are you okay man?” I had to look up to meet Finn’s eyes. “Yeah Finn, I’m alright.” Kurt smiled at me while Finn patted my back. “Cool! Are you staying over?” Then it hit me. I had nowhere else to go. Before I could think about it too much, Kurt answered. “Yeah Finn he is. Isn’t there a game or something on?” Finn immediately brightened at the thought of a football game. “Oh yeah! Thanks for reminding me! Come on we can watch it until Mom and Burt get home!” Kurt and I followed Finn back into the family room and we were all on the couch watching the game when Burt and Carole got home.

Carole greeted Finn and Kurt then turned to me. “Hey Blaine, I didn’t expect to see you tonight!”  Carole pulled me into a hug. “It’s great to see you Carole!” I returned the hug and turned to Kurt’s dad, offering my hand, “Mr. Hummel.” He laughed and took my hand pulling me into a hug. “Call me Burt, kid! We’ve missed you! How are things going?” While thinking about what to say, Kurt stood and moved to my side. “Things could be better, but I’m fine now,” I said glancing at Kurt. He moved forwards towards his father.

“Dad is it okay if Blaine stays over?” Burt replied quickly, “Of course! Blaine, just remember that no matter what happens, you’re always welcome here.” I met Burt’s eyes, “I know Burt. Thank you all so much.” I said this while looking into each of their eyes. Kurt grabbed my hand. “We’ll always be here for you. You can always count on us! We’ll be here whenever you need us.” A smile grew across his face as he said these words. A smile was in my face too and I believed every word he had said. I looked around the room at the four happy faces. They love me for who I am, I thought. They are my family.