Nature's Fury
Part 1
Kurt Hummel returned to the loft he shared with Rachel Berry. He had just finished a long day at his job at , ending a long week updating the website and making sure each outfit was correctly labeled with the designers name and materials used. His morning classes at NYADA had been cancelled and he took advantage of the time to put in some extra hours at his job.
He slid the door closed behind him and saw Rachel wasn't home. He recalled she had a late dance class and wouldn't be back for a couple hours.
Kurt made his way over to his desk and set his bag down. He was glad to be home and to have the weekend to recharge. He took a shower and changed into some comfortable clothes.
Grabbing a bottle of water out of the refrigerator, he moved over to the couch. He sat down and turned the television on. It was tuned to one of the national news channels. Just as he was about to change stations, he saw the breaking news banner with the words Tornado hits Ohio town.
Kurt stared at the screen, wondering if this was his imagination. He turned the volume up as a reporter appeared.
"Around noon local time, witnesses said a tornado barreled through this small town. Forecaster stated a line of violent storms were headed this way, but no one expected a tornado.
"There are several homes that were leveled by the twister," the reporter continued. "As you can see behind me, the William McKinley High School suffered extensive damage as well. Official have stated there have been some fatalities due to this storm, but no names have been released at this time. The clean up has already begun, but it will take time."
As more images of the destruction appeared on the screen, Kurt pulled his phone out and dialed his father's number. He knew his dad and Carole had returned to Lima the previous night.
The call picked up on the third ring. A female voice said, "Hello?"
"Carole?"
"Oh, Kurt," Carole said. "It's so good to hear you."
"Carole, I just saw the news," Kurt said, trying to keep the fear out of his voice. "Where's my dad?"
"Hang on," Carole said. "He's right here."
Kurt closed his eyes as he gripped the phone tighter.
"Hello?" came the familiar deep voice of his father.
"Dad," Kurt cried, relieved his father was all right.
"I'm here, kiddo," Burt said emotion in his own voice. "I'm here and I'm safe. So is Carole."
"I just saw it on the news," Kurt cried. "I got home from work and they were covering it."
"We're all right," Burt repeated. "The house has some minor damage, but we're both fine. We're helping with the clean up process."
"Dad, they're showing McKinley," Kurt said, opening his eyes and looking at the television. "Blaine, the New Directions."
"I know, Kurt," Burt said. "We're trying to get some information."
"I'm getting a ticket and coming home," Kurt said.
"Stay there, Kurt," Burt said.
"But Dad."
"Kurt, there is no power here," Burt said. "There's a curfew being put in place. The local police, county sheriff and the state police will keep people from coming in. We will come to you as soon as we can. Okay?"
"Okay," Kurt said, reaching up to wipe the tears away.
"Now, I need you to reach your brother," Burt said. "He will freak out. He will want to come here too, but tell him to come to you. We'll meet you both there, okay?"
"Okay, Dad."
"I love you, Kurt."
"I love you, Dad," Kurt said staring at the screen, the image of McKinley's damage being shown. "Dad?"
"Yeah?"
"What about the Berry's? What do I tell Rachel?"
"I haven't seen Hiram or Leroy yet," Burt said. "But I will see what I can find out. Just tell her the truth and that we'll be in touch as soon as we can, okay?"
"All right, Dad."
"I love you, son."
"I love you too. And Carole. Please be safe."
"We will be," Burt said. "I'll talk to you soon."
"Bye, Dad."
"Bye Kurt."
Kurt ended the call and focused on the screen, videoa of people beginning to move debris being shown.
His gaze turned to his phone and composed a text in all capital letters.
Kurt: CALL ME NOW.
He held his phone tight as he watched the television, hoping to see his Dad and Carole, and everyone he knew to reassure him that they were all right.
Kurt's phone buzzed.
Finn: What's going on?
Kurt groaned.
Kurt: Call me. Something happened. Can't explain over text.
Kurt took several breaths waiting for his phone to ring. It did a moment later and Finn's name appeared on the screen.
"Hey, Finn."
"What's going on?" Finn asked.
"Have you seen the news?"
"No. What's going on?"
"I talked to my dad and Carole and they are safe."
"Okay," Finn said.
"But a tornado hit Lima."
"What?"
"It's on the national news," Kurt said. "I saw it when I got home. I called my dad. He and Carole are all right."
"I'm heading home," Finn said.
"Come to the city," Kurt said, knowing Finn was in Albany checking out colleges. "Dad said we wouldn't be able to get in. He said they'd come here."
"I'll let you know when I'll get there," Finn said. "Keep me posted, okay?"
"Okay."
There was a pause. "Are you all right, Kurt?"
"I'm worried," he answered. "They've shown pictures of McKinley."
"Kurt, you need to believe that everyone is all right," Finn said. "I'm worried too. But if they were in class when it hit, the teacher's would've done everything to protect them, okay?"
"Okay."
"Stay safe, Kurt, and I will talk to you as soon as I can make arrangements to get there."
"You too, Finn."
"Bye," Finn said.
"Bye."
Kurt pulled his legs to his chest and held his phone tightly. He couldn't believe this happened in his hometown. He looked at his phone and pulled up Blaine's contact info. They hadn't talked in a few days because of their busy schedules, but he loved Blaine. He composted a text.
Kurt: Heard about the tornado. Please let me know you're safe.
He hit send and waited.
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Kurt was sitting in the same position when Rachel finally returned to the loft. He heard her close the door.
"I wasn't expecting you to be up when I got home," Rachel said, moving to the couch. She sat down beside him. "But I'm glad you are so I...Kurt? What's wrong? You've been crying."
He turned his bloodshot eyes away from the television and Rachel gasped.
"What is it?" she asked.
"There was a tornado that hit Lima," Kurt said and pointed at the television.
"Oh no," Rachel said, her face pale as she placed a hand over her mouth.
"My dads?" Rachel asked after a minute of watching the video of the destruction.
"I don't know," Kurt said. "My dad was going to keep me posted."
Kurt watched Rachel pull out her phone and check her messages.
"They're safe!" Rachel cried out. "They left me a message. But they're safe." She reached over and hugged Kurt.
Kurt hugged her in return, grateful for some good news.
"Burt and Carole are okay?"
"They are okay," Kurt said. "The house has some minor damage, but they are safe." Kurt clung to Rachel. "But McKinley got hit."
"How bad?"
"There's some damage and injuries, but that's all they've said."
"Did you call Blaine?"
"I texted him, but he hasn't answered," Kurt said with a hitch in his voice.
"You can't panic," Rachel said. "He may have lost his phone getting to safety. You can't assume anything."
Kurt looked at Rachel with tear-filled eyes. "I can't lose him. I love him so much."
"He loves you too," Rachel said, pulling him close. "Anyone would be crazy to not see that."
Kurt's phone rang and he looked at it. "Hey Finn."
"I'm on my way now," Finn said. "When I arrive I will come right to your loft."
"Okay," Kurt said.
"Have you heard from Blaine?"
"No," Kurt answered.
"He's all right," Finn said. "Just keep thinking that."
"All right," Kurt said.
"I love you, Kurt."
"I love you too."
"I'll be there soon," Finn said.
"I'll see you then."
The call was ended and Kurt lowered the phone.
"Finn's coming?" Rachel asked.
"Yeah. Dad doesn't want us to go to Lima since there's no power."
"He is always welcome here," Rachel said. "Will you be okay while I change?"
Kurt nodded.
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The next morning Kurt was curled up against Finn on the couch. He had not slept, but felt comforted that his brother and best girlfriend were beside him.
He slowly untangled himself from Finn's hold without waking him and slowly stood up. He made his way over to the small kitchen and got the coffee started. He knew it was going to be a long day. Kurt headed to take a shower while the coffee brewed.
As the water cascaded over him, Kurt fought to keep the tears a bay. He was terrified he had lost his soul mate. He knew Blaine was the only one. He knew his heart would never belong to another. He needed Blaine.
"Kurt?" came Rachel's voice from the other side of the door.
He steadied his voice. "Give me a minute."
"Okay."
He quickly shut the water off and dried himself off with one of the fluffy blue towels. He slid his robe on and opened the door.
"It's all yours."
"Thanks," Rachel said. "And Carole just called. She and your dad are on their way."
"Thanks for telling me."
Rachel patted his arm and stepped into the bathroom.
Kurt went to his room and got dressed. He got himself a cup of coffee and returned to the couch.
The morning news stations were focusing most of their coverage on the tornadoes destructive path. Kurt saw the school superintendent appear on the screen and he turned the volume up.
"Thank you for taking the time to speak with us, Superintendent Michaels," the anchor said. "I know this is a difficult time for you."
"It is," Superintendent Michaels said as he stood with McKinley High School in the background, the first hints of daybreak being seen in pink sky. "Thank you for having me."
"It looks like the high school sustained some damage," the anchor said.
"Unfortunately it did," Superintendent Michaels said. "One section of the school was hit by a flying car and will have to be demolished. Luckily, there was no one in that area at that time."
"How did the students handle this as they were in classes?"
"They were troopers. Our staff has been trained on what to do for any natural disaster. The announcement went over the public address system and the teachers ushered the students to the auditorium. They seemed to understand the seriousness of the situation. They auditorium is large and has no windows or doors that open to the outside. They were well protected."
"We've heard there were some injuries," the anchor said.
"Unfortunately some students were hit with flying debris," the superintendent said. "At this time I cannot comment about them as it is their parents choice if they want to share that information."
"Do you think your emergency plan was effective in getting the students to safety?"
"I won't know until we've talked with the faculty and staff across the district," he said. "I am proud of all the students as to how they handled themselves. Many of them pitched in to help clear paths out of the building once the danger passed. They pitched in without asking. They were amazing."
"Thank you, Superintendent Michaels for taking the time to speak with us this morning."
"Thank you for having me."
Kurt watched as the coverage went to an anchor on the scene near some homes that had been in the tornadoes path. Piles of rubble scattered the ground. Some debris had been stacked near the curb for pickup.
"Any news?" Rachel asked.
Kurt turned and saw Rachel was ready for the day. "No."
"I'm going to run to the store to get some supplies," Rachel said.
"Do you want me to come along?" Kurt offered.
"You stay here and wait for your parents," Rachel said. "I shouldn't be gone long."
"All right."
When Rachel left, Kurt focused his eyes on the television. He pulled his knees to his chest and after a few minutes, rested his head against them.
He was scared he hadn't heard from Blaine. He didn't know how he would be able to survive without him. They had gone through a separation, but worked to keep their friendship. They knew they were meant for one another. Blaine was his strength. Blaine had done so much for him.
Tears slid from his eyes for fear he would never see Blaine again.
Kurt felt a strong arm get wrapped around his shoulder. He allowed the tears to fall. No words were spoken.
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"Kurt?" a voice said, penetrating his sleep-filled head.
"It's been a long week and he hasn't been sleeping well," he heard Rachel said. "I've heard him tossing and turning most nights. I don't think he slept at all last night."
"Kurt? Come on, son. Wake up."
Kurt struggled to get his tired eyes open. He lifted his head slightly and saw his father sitting in front of him.
"Dad!" Kurt cried as he threw his arms around his father.
"I'm here, kiddo," Burt said, pulling Kurt close to his chest. "I'm all right."
Kurt cried, grateful his father was there and alive. He knew in his mind he was safe after talking to him, but it wasn't real until his father was holding him.
"I'm right here, Kurt," Burt said softly. "I've right here. I'm safe. Carole's safe. You and Finn are safe."
Kurt cried harder. He felt two sets of arms enclose him and his father in a hug. He knew it was Carole and Finn.
Several minutes later Kurt reached up to wipe the tears away. Burt reached over and helped make them vanish.
Kurt really looked at his father and saw there were a few cuts on his face and arms. His eyes looked tired, but he was safe. He reached over and hugged his father again. He whispered, "I'm so glad you're here."
"I'll always be here for you, Kurt," Burt said, returning the hug. "Always."
"We both will," Carole said, leaning forward and resting her head on Kurt's shoulder.
Kurt leaned back from Burt and hugged Carole. He said, "I'm so glad you're safe."
"I'm glad we're all safe," Carole said and kissed his forehead. "We were worried about both of you when it hit."
Kurt looked Burt in the eye. "Dad, what about Blaine? I tried reaching him, but he hasn't responded. Please tell me you heard something."
He watched Burt look at Carole and followed his gaze.
"Dad?" Kurt asked hesitantly.
His father remained silent and Kurt's heart broke. He knew what they weren't telling him. Blaine had been hurt in the tornado. He shook his head as he stood up. "He can't be. Blaine can't be."
"I can't be what?" came a voice behind him.
Kurt spun around and stared at the man who held his heart. His body went into emotional overload. He had thought he had been lost in the tornado, but there he stood. It was too much and Kurt's body couldn't handle the swing of emotions.
His eyes rolled back in his head and he slumped backward as a voice yelled, "KURT!"
To Be Continued...