This is Me

Chapter One: Out of Place Senior

Disclaimer: Don't own Glee. Never will, and no infringement was intended with this story or the use of the songs. Kora Rose is my creation, so I do own her.

Summary: Kora Rose and her family move to Lima two weeks before the start of her Senior year. Her next door neighbor is none other than one Kurt Hummel. With the help and love of Kurt and the rest of New Directions will Kora learn that she is not limited by her disability and make the most of her final year in high school even though she is so far from her home? OC/Kurt friendship fic. Pairings true to Glee. Will be slightly AU due to the addition of Kora, but I will do my best to keep the main plot points intact.

A/N: Hey everybody, ever since I started watching Glee this idea has been rolling around in my head. Kora's disability is a somewhat exaggerated version of my own. Perhaps I am getting nostalgic, because I have been our of high school for a while now, and had wished for something like Glee during my time. Kora is not me; I don't do self insertion, but I did want to let you know that I am writing somewhat from personal experience. PM me or leave a review and let me know what you think. I do hope you enjoy! -Medieval Wizard

Chapter One: Out of Place Senior

It was August, school was starting in two weeks and here I was sitting on the front porch of my parents new house in Lima Ohio. They had taken me away from everything I knew and cared about all because my dad had gotten a new job, and I had no choice but to go along with them. I was going to be a Senior, and now I had to do it alone and at a school half way across the United States. If that wasn't bad enough I wasn't exactly normal, and had nothing going for me as far as popularity was concerned. I was so completely screwed, and it was hopeless, but I had to get through it, but it sucked more than words could express. I stuck my earbuds in my ears and cranked the music.

I must have been singing along, because when I looked up a tall, pale, stylishly dressed young man was clapping. I blushed and hastily turned the music off. I went to stand and my foot caught on the bottom step, and I flailed my arms unable to get my balance. What a great first impression I was making, but I was glad for the assist. I had fallen on my face before, and it wasn't pleasant. I had seriously made a fantastic first impression. Yay, go me!

"Are you all right?" he asked making sure I was steady before he let go of my arm.

"Thanks to you. It happens all the time."

"I'm glad your all right. My name's Kurt Hummel. I'm your next door neighbor. I saw the moving van and wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood."

I shook Kurt's hand. "It's wonderful to meet you, Kurt. My name's Kora Rose. My family and I just moved from Las Vegas. Though saying that makes me sound cooler than I actually am."

Kurt chuckled, "You're wearing H&M and Abercrombie & Fitch, so you can't be all that bad." He looked me over with a critical eye and smiled approvingly.

That boy had an eye for style, I would definitely give him that. He was dressed impeccably; not at all what I anticipated for Ohio, and I felt compelled to mention it. "Pardon my saying so, but you seem heads and tails above the rest of this town."

Kurt grinned, "It's because I am. So no harm there, but it will be nice to have a cohort, now. I take it you'll be going to McKinley?"

I shrugged, "That's the plan. My parents suggested the all girls school in Westerville, but I wasn't thrilled, and transportation was going to be a problem, so McKinley it is. The bus too; oh so glamourous for a Senior. But I don't have a reputation to uphold, so it's all good. Hey, you want to come inside for a bit? I feel like I'm being an ungracious host standing out here." Kurt nodded and I led the way into the house, grabbing the railing to avoid another unfortunate mishap. Thankfully my somewhat plain room was on the bottom floor. I perched on the bed and Kurt sat next to me.

He clucked his tongue at the state of my furnishings, but refrained from further comment. I had many intentions to remedy that situation soon, and I think he understood that. "Why ever would you take the bus as a Senior, do you want your fabulous clothes soiled by dumpsters?"

I shook my head. "Of course not, but seeing that I can't obtain my driver's license and my parents work, I don't have another option. If that condemns me to dumpsters then I suppose that shall be my fate." I unclenched the fingers of my left hand and flattened it against the bed.

Kurt eyed me speculatively. "Is there something preventing you from attaining your license? I'm not judging you just curious."

"That performance on the stairs out there is one of many you will have the pleasure of witnessing if you remain friends with me. My coordination isn't so great, and neither is my balance. Thanks to Cerebral Palsy I often trip and tumble. I could probably drive, but it's probably safer for everyone if I didn't. So it's the bus for me or nothing."

Kurt considered this for a moment. I felt awkward in the ensuing silence. I hated telling people about me, because this silence always happened. Kurt didn't stay silent for long, and he clapped his hands in his excitement.

"It's settled then, you can ride with me in the mornings, but if you want a ride home you'd have to join New Directions. I all ready know you can sing, and we could never hurt from some new members."

"Is New Directions the Glee Club? Kurt that's very sweet, but no Glee club would want me. I am absolutely hopeless with choreography. I got laughed off of the stage at my old school."

Kurt looked appalled, "McKinley may be backward, but New Directions doesn't exclude anyone. Artie's in a wheelchair, so I'm sure we could find something that works for you too. The singing is really what matters. Strictly speaking, we're known more for our singing than our dancing. I'm sure Mr. Schuester has plans to change that, but we shall see. Oh, would you like to come to the mall, or do you have other plans?"

I shoved him gently, "I can't roll my eyes, so you'll have to get used to it. I just moved here. Do I look like I have any plans? Mom and Dad are off somewhere, and I'd rather not remain stuck in this house. "

Kurt laughed, "Point taken. Shall we go?" Kurt offered me his arm and I took it.

We took a detour to the kitchen to leave my parents a note and collect my purse. A few minutes later we were both settled into his black Navigator and headed for the mall.

"We're meeting up with my boyfriend Blaine, I hope that's okay. Oh, and my friend Mercedes."

"It's cool with me, the more the merrier, but just don't laugh if I turn into Queen Klutzy, okay?"

"Deal, but you didn't bat an eye when I said boyfriend. Are you some strange new breed of human?"

I patted Kurt's free hand. "Oh, god where have I moved too? I'm not saying Vegas is perfect, but being gay is common enough that we open-minded folks don't bat an eye."

Kurt stared at me for a moment. "That would be amazing. That's not at all what it's like here in Lima. Blaine and I are really the only two out kids here. I transferred to Dalton because of bullying last year. I managed to come back, but it still hasn't been easy."

Seriously, where had my parents brought me? It was going to be an interesting year. That was for sure. "I probably will end up in dumpsters. And what is the deal with slushies?"

Kurt grinned, "It's sort of like a form of hazing. The popular kids throw them at us. I would keep a spare set of clothes handy. I honestly don't think it will matter that we are Seniors."

Fantastic, that's what I thought. "I need to buy some darker clothes, then. My normal color pallet will not last through a slushy storm, and I used to enjoy slushies."

"We all still do, just not when we wearing them! We'll see what we do about clothes while we are here."

I got out of the car. We had parked a little bit further away from the entrance then I would like, but I wasn't going to complain about it. I would make do. I would be more prepared for the next trip out with Kurt. I wanted to be as independent as possible, but I had to make exceptions sometimes. That's how my life had always been. "So where are we headed first," I asked.

Kurt smiled. "We're meeting Blaine and Mercedes over by the food court." He started walking to the the entrance at a pretty quick pace. I was left stranded. It was a normal occurrence, but I think it made Kurt feel guilty, because he spun on his heel and kept up pace with me. "So sorry. I have a tendency to do that."

"No problem, it happens a lot. Normally, it doesn't bother me, but I have no idea where to go." I hated moving to new places, because I was really a creature of habit. I hoped that the slow pace wasn't bothering Kurt too much.

"It won't happen again now that I am aware of it."

Thankfully we made it to the entrance without a hitch. Getting into the mall was a new problem. I have a nice scrape on my hip to prove it. Sliding door grates suck; they really do. Kurt didn't let go of my arm after that. Definitely had to be better prepared next time. "Sorry about that, Kurt. It's time to embrace the freak or split. Either choice is fine really."

"According to Azimio, I am the Queen Freak, so we may have to Diva Off for that title. So, what do you say to that?" He had a huge grin on his face.

"Oh my gosh, I love you!" I said trying not to squeal. Lima might have been backward, but I lucked out meeting Kurt before anyone else. If his friends were as awesome as him I think I would be all right here in Lima. "You can keep the title, and I'll just be your second, okay?"

"All right, Thumbalina Diva, let's go find our friends!" He steered me away from some shiny scarves that had caught my attention. "We'll come back, I promise. Those are a must see."

I nodded, "All right, Kurt. Know any places where I can shop in the non girls section? The trends are disappointing this year, and I don't like the massive influx of light pink. My last name may be rose, but that is a color that I cannot actually pull off."

Kurt studied me for a moment. "Actually, you just may; with a little help from a certain someone. That's if you trust me."

"I do, but I'm still speculative about light pink. I don't want to look washed out."

Kurt towed me along and waved two people over. Mercedes and Blaine, no doubt. "We have a new addition to our little group. 'Cedes, Blaine, this is Kora Rose, she just moved next door to me from Sin City. Kora this is my girl, Mercedes Jones and my boyfriend, Blaine Anderson."

I smiled and shook their hands, "Nice to meet the both of you."

"You're adorable," Blaine said. "There is actually someone smaller than Rachel around here."

"Earth to, Blaine, you screwed up white boy." Mercedes said. "So Las Vegas to Lima, huh?"

"Seriously, I know. I haven't decided if it's a step down just yet. I'm giving it some more time, but things are starting out pretty well." Kurt chuckled and he and Blaine smiled at each other.

"Let's go get some fuel for an epic shopping trip!"

Blaine turned to Kurt, "Coffee?"

"Of course. 'Cedes, Kora?"

Mercedes shook her head. I nodded. "Caramel iced latte, please?" I picked up my wallet and managed to fling five dollars at Blaine. "This is why I use plastic, sorry, Blaine...should have been more."

Blaine's eyes widened and then he laughed. "Clever. What size?"

"I dabble, whatever equates to a medium. No whip."

"You have a problem with whipped cream?" Mercedes asked.

"It's liquid styrofoam...I just don't dig it."

"Thumbalina's got 'tude. I think she'll do."

I sighed, I was certain that nickname was going to stick. It could have been worse. My friends back home used to call me Small Fry. I went to put my wallet away, and nearly dropped everything, because my hand clenched suddenly. "Bother." I put my purse on the table, and put my wallet away. "It's not a good day for me. Sorry guys. I didn't sleep so hot last night."

"Just take your time," Blaine said. "We're in no hurry."

I smiled and put my purse back onto my shoulder. Thank goodness for their kindness, I was grateful for it, because I was starting to get really frustrated, and that usually has disastrous consequences. I dropped into a chair and and sighed. "Wow, I'm a buzz kill today."

Kurt and Blaine disappeared to get the coffee, and Mercedes sat down across from me. "We all have those days. What's your issue?"

"A supposedly 'mild' case of Cerebral Palsy. Some days it doesn't feel that way. I'm making a stellar first impression. I don't think being from Las Vegas will give me too many points. Plus one maybe until I trip, that is."

"Hey don't worry about it, it's all good. None of us have popularity going on. Think you can make it to the Burger counter? We can get one up on the boys."

"Sure, I'm up for that, let me know if there are chair legs sticking out."

"Will do,"

Our mission was a success, but then again, Mercedes handled the tray, and I paid. It was my contribution; it was the simplest option. I thought was cute that Mercedes knew what Kurt and Blaine wanted. It seemed like a really tight group. Would I fit in, or would I just be on the outside looking in as always. Kurt and Blaine arrived a few minutes later.

"Hey, what's all this?" Blaine asked. "We were going Dutch."

"It's my treat," I said. "Have a seat. The sooner we eat the sooner we can shop!"

"Agreed!"

I came home with more bags than I could manage by myself. Successfully cleaning out a good portion of my savings in one go, but it was worth it. The day had turned out better then I had expected. Now, Kurt and I sat on the floor folding clothes and putting them on hangers. Blaine and Mercedes were taking care of the bed and my desk. Someone, probably Blaine, found my IPod and switched it on. The Karaoke version of Once Upon a Dream from Jekyll and Hyde came on. It was my favorite song of all time. I couldn't help but sing.

"Once upon a dream, I was lost in love's embrace. There I found the perfect place, once upon a dream.

Once there was a time, like no other time before. Hope was still an open door, once upon a dream.

And I was unafraid...the dream was so exciting, but now I see it fade...and I am all alone.

Once upon a dream, you were heaven-sent to me. Was it never meant to be? Was it just a dream?

Could we begin again? Once upon a dream!"

I wasn't my best since I was sitting on my backside on the floor and not warmed up in the least, but I didn't care. Kurt squeezed my shoulder. Blaine and Mercedes came around to our side of the bed, and I don't think my face could have been any redder. They were all silent.

"Girl you better be trying out of New Directions with that voice," Mercedes said. "Though Berry may have a fit."

"Rachel won't mess with, Kora," Kurt said. "We all know that I can out Diva her any day. Besides if we want to win Nationals this year we need the best voices we can get. She knows that if her ego doesn't get in the way again. I won't let Kora become another Sunshine."

"Sunshine?" I asked.

"A really talented exchange student who we were trying to recruit for Glee. Rachel got completely intimidated and sent the poor girl to a crack house. She jumped ship to Vocal Adrenaline. Rachel hates competition." Kurt said.

Rachel Berry sounded fantastic, but she was part of the group, so she couldn't have been that bad. I looked over at Kurt as his phone rang.

"Speaking of the Diva. Hello, Rachel. Not much, Mercedes, Blaine, and I are helping my new neighbor, Kora make her room amazing! I know, Rachel, we have two weeks. Okay, hang on a minute." He covered the mouth piece with his hand. "Rachel wants to know if she can come over, and then invited us over for a sleepover. You too, Kora."

"Yes on the first, let me call my, Mom."

"Yes, you can come over, green house next to mine. We'll let you know about later when you get here. I'm not sure about that, you'll have to call him. I think he, Dad, and Puck went to a game. Okay, see you soon." He hung up the phone and sighed. "We don't have to go..."

"I'm out, I have a thing with my dad tonight," Blaine said. "Plus, after the last party at Rachel's. On a different note, your bed's all set, Kora!"

I stood up and clapped, "That's awesome. Thank you so much. I never would have known how well those colors went together. Thank you." My phone rang. "Hey, Mom. Yes, I went shopping with Kurt from next door. He's a Senior at McKinley this year. Oh you are? No, that's okay. Kurt's friend Rachel invited us to her house tonight. I'm okay here. I have my phone, so you can call me. Yeah, I'll keep you posted. Tell Dad I love him. I know, Mom. It's just another day, have a good time in Columbus. We'll celebrate when you get back. Okay, love you, 'bye."

In all the confusion I had almost forgotten my own birthday, and to top it off, my parents would be gone for three days, and we had just moved in the day before. For the second time that day I was fortunate Kurt had happened to stop by.

"Are your parents missing your birthday?" Kurt asked me putting folded clothes away in my dresser.

"Looks like it. Dad has a new hire training thing in Columbus for three days. They offered to take me with, but honestly even being alone seems better than a hotel. Happy seventeenth to me."

"I knew there was a reason why I had to come over here today. Let's bail on Rachel tonight. She's fine, but my house is way better. Blaine's out, but Ms. Jones?"

"I've got church so I can't do yours or Rachel's, but tomorrow after church for sure."

"Cool."

"Be right back, nature calls." I walked out of the room and suddenly heard a volley of whispers. I did have to go, and I wasn't expecting anything, but I already knew enough about Kurt, so I figured he could use a moment. The door bell rang as I finished washing my hands. "I'm on it!"

I walked to the front door and opened it. A petite brunette stood on my porch with a bright smile on her face. She stuck out her hand. "Hi, I'm Rachel Berry, you must be Kora. You just moved in?"

I shook her hand. "Yes, I'm Kora Rose. My parents an I just moved to Lima from Las Vegas. Come on in, everyone is in my room." I stood aside so Rachel could enter and led her to my room.

"Nice house. I like the colors. I think everything will look great after you have time to settle in."

"Thank you, Rachel. My room is getting together. I kind of like the boxes. It's cardboard chic. It'll save money in the long run. No repacking required. Gotta love it!"

"Kora shoe!" Mercedes said. I stopped quickly, and stepped around the shoe. Rachel plowed into me. I lost my balance, and Kurt, Blaine, and Mercedes were on their feet to keep me from taking a header into the dresser. "Rachel, watch out will you?"

"Sorry, are you okay?"

"I'm fine." I picked up the shoe and set it in the closet. I sat on the bed. "Let's add rug burn to the list too. It feels so great. It's almost like flying, everyone should try it." Everyone chuckled.

"I am really sorry, Kora. I was looking at that window. It's really neat. I'll be more careful next time. I didn't realize that it would knock you over."

"Rachel, I have CP, Cerebral Palsy. My balance is really bad, especially so today for some reason. I reached to the side of my bed and grabbed my cane. I hated using it, but I was sick of falling. "I'm admitting defeat."

"That's probably a good thing," Mercedes said. "You've got to keep your feet under you girl."

"Hey, Kora, we should probably get this over with...Rachel needs to hear you sing."

"Nope, no, she doesn't, Blaine. Back away from the IPod please. I'm having a bad day, and pressure is not a good thing at the moment."

"Okay, I kind of wanted to hear you sing again. Did I go about it the wrong way?"

I got up off of the bed and put my hand on his arm. "You sure did. You'll get your chance, just be patient. I grabbed a piece of paper off of the desk. "Here's my YouTube Channel. Knock yourself out, but it's not all singing."

Blaine took it and looked at his phone, "Shoot, I have to split. Mercedes, do you need me to drop you off?"

"Sure thanks, Blaine. See you guys later."

We all said good-bye to Mercedes and Blaine. I went into the kitchen, opened the fridge and sighed. "Why did I even bother looking? There is not one scrap of food in this house. I know I had the last piece of cheese this morning."

"Breadstix!" I heard from behind me.

I turned around, and Kurt held out his keys. "What are you talking about?"

"Only one of the best hang outs in town," Rachel said. "Come on!"

So there I was getting into the car heading to my first trip to Breadstix!

A/N2: Please let me know if I should continue. My writing is never dependent upon reviews. I won't hold that over peoples' heads, but feedback makes me smile and alerts me to changes that need to be made.

Thank you-Med