"I'm not sure how I'm going to follow that," joked Heidi, "but I'll do my best. That was an excellent example, by the way, of something that will�not�appear on the show. I need to tell you about the schedule for tomorrow. We will be filming all the interviews, so before you come see us, you'll be going to hair and makeup. It won't be as extreme as runway makeup, but you'll get a little taste of what the models do every week. If you make the cut, you'll be expected to put on makeup every morning by yourself, but we'll make sure you know how. Don't worry it will look very natural unless you want something more. We just don't want you to look washed out on camera.

"You're going to draw for positions," she said, holding out a familiar velvet bag, "so I need all the designers to line up over here please. Any order is fine I'll be calling out your names." She waited until all twenty of the candidates had moved to the area beside the dais. "After you've drawn your number, please announce it, then take it to Tim so he can put you on the schedule before you go back to your table.

"Each designer will have a twenty-minute interview block. We will not run over under any circumstances. If you are late, it comes out of your time. We will cut the interview off at the end of the twenty minutes, so it would pay you to be concise. The interviews will take place at Parsons School of Fashion, which is also where the makeup studio is located. It's only about a 7-minute walk away, but we don't want you going by yourselves. An assistant will pick you up at your apartment 20 minutes before your first appointment. You need to have your interview clothes ready to go. You may wear them or bring them to change into later. Someone will stay with you the entire time, and bring you back to your apartment. We will collect the outfits you are showing tonight, and they'll be on the mannequin outside the interview room when you arrive. You will have time to make any adjustments necessary before you enter. The assistant will come in behind you, bringing the mannequin. Oh, we'll also need your sketchbooks tonight. Be sure your name is on everything. Are you ready? Any questions?" Heidi started to call names and the designers mounted the dais one by one to draw from the bag.

Kurt was impressed. As far as he could tell, Heidi was calling the designers in alphabetical order from memory, making eye contact with each one before announcing the name. So far the only other designer he had met was Aaron. From his position at the front, he could see that none of the other tables held parents, just three empty chairs and an assistant.�I guess Aaron and I are the only ones under 21. Is that because not many applied, or because they preferred older contestants?�He concentrated on watching, gleaning as much information as he could about each designer, but reserving judgment for later. When Aaron's name was called, he got ready. Sure enough, "Hummel" came soon after "Gomez". Kurt glanced back at the table and smiled at Burt who was giving him a thumbs-up, before reaching into the bag. Kurt touched several of the buttons inside, feeling for the one he wanted. He knew it was silly, but he had an idea that if he were receptive to it, he would know when he had the one that was perfect for him. He wasn't sure what he was hoping for, what position would be best, but something told him when he had the right one. He pulled it out, took a deep breath, and looked at it. "I … I guess I'm going first. I have button number one."

Kurt took the button to Tim, who dropped it in the basket and made a note on his iPad.�I wonder if the show has broken its ties to HP.�Then he returned to his table, still trying to decide whether this was a�good�thing or a�bad�thing.

The huge grin stretching across Blaine's face told him what Blaine's opinion was, and his words confirmed it. "Kurt, that's fantastic! You and Aaron got the two best spots first and last. I can't believe it. The judges are professional of course, and we record the interviews and take notes, but they're only human."

"Are you sure about that, Blaine?" Kurt interrupted.

"What, about first and last being good?" Blaine was confused.

"No, that the judges are human," Kurt explained. "I don’t know."

Burt chuckled and Aaron let out a broad guffaw. "You got that right!" he said. "Heidi and Nina are both terrifying. I think they might be part of the Bane or something."

"Well, whether they are scary humans or malevolent aliens, despite their best intentions, the first few and the last few interviews are going to be the most memorable. The ones in the middle will blend together somewhat. There's another reason this is great, too. You'll hear about it in a minute."

Heidi and Tim conferred briefly. When she was satisfied that everything had been properly recorded, she took the stage once more. "We want you to have fun while you're here in the Big Apple, so we have a number of activities planned. You don't want to miss your interviews, so the only ones who will able to take part in a morning excursion�and�an afternoon excursion are Kurt and Aaron. Hmmm." She turned to look at Blaine speculatively. "How�did�you manage that, Blaine? Did you rig my drawing?" Blaine threw up his hands in mock horror, shaking his head and laughing. "Your assistants will have the activity schedule for you after we eat. You can make your reservations at that time. You don't have to stay with your roommates for the activities -- in fact, you may not be able to, depending on interview times. Parents, you can go along with your children, go on a different activity, stay in the apartment or explore the city. Designers, you may choose to stay in the apartment, but you may not explore the city on your own tomorrow. Let's see … what else? Oh, yes. We have a lovely fitness center in the building. Kurt, would you like to tell us what you thought?"

Kurt rose and turned to address the group. "It's fantastic!" he enthused. "It's bright and airy, and the equipment is state-of-the-art and there's something for everyone. The view is breathtaking, but they also have cable, radio and video-on-demand. I only met one attendant, but I can say that Mandy is very friendly and helpful." As he sat down, he looked at Blaine, raising an eyebrow.

Quick on his feet, lively, engaging, eloquent. Good eye-contact, too.�Blaine gave Kurt a quick nod and a wink as Heidi continued.

"I have one more surprise for you," Heidi trilled. "Tomorrow night, we're all going to see a show! There are three from which to choose. Again, your assistant will have the information for you when you meet back at your apartments after dinner." Heidi glanced at Tim, who nodded.

"I understand our food is ready now. We took your dietary preferences into account, so there should be something for everyone. The serving dishes all have mats under them. The green stripes indicate that the dish is Vegan, and the red ones are heart-healthy, which means low fat, low salt and low cholesterol, and the blue ones indicate that the food is Kosher. Servers will be coming around with tea, water and soda, and you are welcome to visit the bar. The servers will be back with dessert trays a little later, so be sure to save some room. Blaine, since you have the designer with the first interview, your table may go first. Your assistants know the order to follow after that, so they'll tell you when it's your turn. Bon app�tit, everyone!"

"Shall we?" Blaine gestured for Michele to lead the way.

"Dad..." Kurt began quietly.

"Okay, Kiddo. I know you worry about my diet, but I think I'll be able to choose appropriate foods. Let's try it this way: let me make the choices, and you can tell me if I go for something that I shouldn't. I'll have to feed myself eventually. This is good practice."

The dinner was delicious, and Kurt enjoyed the company. Burt was deep in conversation with Michele. Kurt was discussing colleges with Aaron, but Aaron's second drink and the huge meal he had eaten made him sleepy. When he completely stopped responding, Kurt got up to visit the other tables. Blaine watched as Kurt moved from table to table, introducing himself and shaking hands.

That boy has a future in politics.

"That's okay, right?" Burt asked, seeing Blaine's eyes following his son as he moved around the room. "He always does things like that. He gets it from his mother. If there were new people around, she introduced herself and made them feel welcome. If she was the new person, she still introduced herself. Usually there were baked goods involved, too."

Blaine looked at Heidi.�Shouldn't she be closing this out and sending everyone back to their rooms? Do I need to remind her?�He stared in disbelief.�She's waiting for Kurt to finish up? Heidi never waits on anyone!

As soon as she saw Kurt straighten up, she mounted the dais one last time. "If everyone could resume their seats," she began, with a quick smile at Kurt, "I'll give you your instructions for the rest of the evening." Kurt returned her smile and scooted to his chair. "I would like all of you to go back to your apartments," she continued. Your assistants will be up to meet with you in about 30 minutes. They'll go over your interview times with you, answer any questions you may have, and let you pick out your activities, including the show for tomorrow night. Breakfast will be on your own in this room tomorrow, from 6:00 until 9:00. Lunch will be delivered to your apartments. We want you fresh for tomorrow, so I'd suggest bed after the meeting, but the fitness center is open all night. Remember, filming starts at midnight."

"Can you guys find the apartment by yourselves? I've got to pick up your packets and attend a quick meeting. I'll see you in about half an hour." Similar discussions were going on all over the room. After receiving assurances that they knew how to get there, Blaine left them and went with the other assistants to take up their observation posts to watch the contestants' unsupervised interactions.

The designers milled around the lobby, waiting for elevators that seemed to be coming unusually slowly. The Hummels hung back, happy to let others go first, since their table had been first at the buffet. Kurt glanced at the concierge desk and was surprised to find that George was still there. "Hey, Kurt! Burt!" he said, waving them over.

George is approaching them?�That's�a first. He's professional and extremely competent, but I'd never call him 'friendly'.

"Hey, George! You must work a long shift. I'd thought you'd be long gone by now," Burt greeted him.

"I'm just about finished. My replacement was running a little late, so I stayed. Listen, I just wanted to check with you guys to see if you needed anything."

"If it's not too much trouble …" began Kurt.

"Anything at all, Kurt. I want you guys to have everything you need."

"Could we have a couple of extra towels? I took a shower after I worked out, but I'll need another one in the morning and your towels are so thick that I don't think the one I used will be dry."

"Absolutely!" George made an entry on his computer. "You should have them in about 15 minutes. Now, is there anything else?"

"They've got some activities planned for us tomorrow and we'll have some choices. Is there anything that you would recommend?"

"I don't know what options you'll have, but I recommend the public library and also a walk down Fifth Avenue to see the Christmas windows. When is your interview, Kurt? Do you need a wake-up call?"

"No, I've got my phone, so I'm good. I drew the first slot. Blaine says that's a good thing, and I guess he knows what he's talking about. At least I'll be through and won't have to worry about it all day," Kurt said philosophically.

"Come on, Kiddo. It looks like the crowd has thinned out, and I know you want to freshen up before the meeting," Burt said. "Thanks again, George. Maybe we'll see you tomorrow."

An empty elevator arrived just as they neared the area. The only designer still waiting was Annie Pearson. She had been seated at the last table, so Kurt hadn't gotten to visit with her much. She was of medium height with a curvy figure, and her short dark hair was tipped with vivid blue. Her unusual blue-green eyes sparkled and danced whenever she flashed her wide, inviting smile. "Hiya, Kurt. I'm Annie. So, what activity -- oh, that's right, you're one of the lucky blokes -- what�activities�are you hoping for tomorrow?" she asked. Her voice was musical, and heavily accented.

"I'm not sure, yet. I'd like to see more of the city. Are you English or Australian, Annie?" Kurt asked. He pronounced it the way she had, with an 'awn' sound.

"Could you press 26 for me, please? I'm English. If I were Australian," she said with a laugh, "I'd sound like this, mate." Kurt could hear the difference in the two accents, but didn't think he'd be able to identify them on his own. "I'm hoping for some wicked shopping," she continued in her original voice.

"Oh, that does sound good. I've got a bunch of Christmas presents to buy. You're a long way from home," he added. "Is it hard?"

"Oh, no, I love to travel. I just wish I had the money to do more."

"This is our floor," Kurt said as the elevator doors slid open. "Maybe I'll see you tomorrow."

"Cheers, then."

As soon as the designers were out of sight, Blaine emerged from the alcove in which he had been hiding and walked over to the concierge. "Hi, George. What was that about?"

"Oh, hi, Blaine. Listen, I'm sorry about that," he said guiltily. "I know I'm not supposed to initiate interactions with the contestants. It just Kurt ….he's so … so …." His voice trailed off.

"I know what you mean," Blaine sighed. "He kind of gets to you, doesn't he?"