Author's note:
This happens after they've won regionals and Blaine (presumably) transferred to WMHS. This came to me just when I was about to sleep last night. I took this opportunity to use the songs I want for the characters. Reading a lot of angst fics and sad fics helped me write this. I hope you like it. Tell me what you think.
The first week of May started with a beautiful sunny day. Not a cloud in sight. Kurt was back at McKinley along with the newest addition to New Directions family, the former Warbler Blaine. The two walked together through the halls and the day just got better. There was no Karofsky, no Azimio, and no bullies. No slushie facials. This will be a beautiful day, thought Kurt to himself. He gave Blaine a little smile and Blaine took his hand and intertwined their fingers as they continue to walk to the path.
When two boys reached their lockers, luckily just across each other, they saw Mercedes with Rachel and Mike, they seem to be surrounding a yet to be known companion. Mike looked really worried, and the look on Rachel face looked concerned. It was Mercedes who only noticed the boys when they arrived at the scene. Kurt approached Mercedes to find out what's happening.
'What's going on?' Kurt said in a whisper and nodded at the little commotion after he gave Mercedes a kiss on the cheek like they always greet each other.
Mercedes took Kurt's elbow gently and dragged him away from the scenario.
'It's Tina.' She said in a very hush tone Kurt had to lean in closer to hear her.
'Why what's the matter?' said Kurt, trying to take a peek now that he knew who Mike and Rachel was consoling.
'Family problems' Mercedes said in a matter of fact.
The look Kurt's face said it all. Tina never talked about her family other than that moment when she was spooking Principal Figgins, playing along with his belief in the existence of vampires. That's why the three of them looked so concerned. It's a rarity that Tina spoke about her family and now that she has, it must be something serious.
'It's her mom.' said Mercedes, as if she heard the question that Kurt had in his thoughts.
'They fought, again.' She continued.
'Again?' Kurt was now curious, it was clear Tina was keeping everyone else away from her private life, whatever it is happening in the confines of the Cohen-Chang's household.
'That's was she said. Not even Mike knew about this and I don't think Artie did either.' She said in reply, her voice was evident with weary.
Blaine approached the two and he, just like Kurt did, gave Mercedes a kiss on the cheeks and a quick hug. He went to Kurt and gestured to his own books, telling Kurt if he's gotten his for the first period. Kurt gives him a little wince and gestured to Tina. Blaine then went to Kurt's locker and got the books for him.
Kurt finally approached the protective circle that Mike, Mercedes and Rachel built around Tina. Rachel felt a hand on her shoulders and when she looked up, she saw Kurt. They shared a quick hug and Mike just nodded at him, forcing a smile to make the greeting seem as if his girlfriend wasn't crying.
He had no idea that there was tension between Tina and her mom, he only found out this morning when Tina asked if he could pick her up at her house. Not like their usual routine, they'd meet up at the front stairs of WMHS and walk together. Tina wanted her privacy in the morning. When he picked her up, her eyes were so red from crying and her voice broke when she tried to greet him. He hurriedly came to her and then when he got to their porch, Tina grabbed his waist and then she started crying. Her tears drenched his shirt and he held her there. He could not find the words to say. He couldn't even bring himself to ask what happened. It was as if he was feeling what his girlfriend felt. His heart was breaking for whatever it is she was going through. He gathered the courage to speak up. He swallowed the lump he felt on his throat and caressed his girlfriend's long black hair and said, 'What happened?' his voice broke, worried. It don't seem like it belonged to him. Tina's sobs just grew louder and the tears came streaming from her eyes some more. Mike felt tears streaming down on his own cheeks.
'My –sniff- mom and I –sniff- had a big fight last night.' She said with all the effort she can to stop from crying.
All Mike can do was to hug her tighter. She seems to have subsided from her sobbing. She was more composed now. She broke their connection but still had her hands around his waist. She looked up at him, eyes much more red and puffy now.
'I never told anyone about this. We've been fighting so often for the past two years now.' She said wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand. Mike held her face in between his hands careful not to put pressure at it as if her emotion's fragileness applied to her physically. He just looked at her, never taking his eyes from her, telling her that he was listening.
She sniffed some more and started talking again.
'She was furious when she found out that I was faking my stutter. She said how much disgrace I have caused in our family's name after all those years. And she hates the way I dress. Telling me why I can't be like my sisters. Why can't I just.' She was tearing up again. She straightened up and she sniffed again before she spoke again.
'Why can't I be normal?' she said it as if she just heard the most absurd thing anyone could accuse of her.
'Can you believe that? Normal? What the fuck I am then? It's just clothes for crying out loud!'
Mike just stood there, still cradling Tina's red face. He kissed her on the lips as lightly as he could. He took her things on his right arms and kept his left around Tina. He ushered her in his car and they drove to school. It was both Tina and Mike's longest journey to school to date.
Tina looked up too, she saw Kurt and Kurt went to her and gave her a tight hug. Tina gave Kurt a faint smile and Kurt gave him a wink, trying to make her feel better.
'Can you believe her?' she said to everyone, she saw Blaine approach the gang and gave her a little wave and she nodded in response.
She was shaking her head and raised her hands as if surrendering. 'She thinks I'm abnormal! She thinks I'm satanic! She treats me like a jinx, like I'm bad luck to the family! She didn't even ask why?'
'I just can't. I can't take her anymore!' her friends seem to have given her confidence. She looked and sounded tougher than she did earlier this morning.
Mr. Schue was eaves dropping for a while now and Emma saw him peeking from the corner.
'Will.' Emma said in a whisper as she nudged at him. Will looked startled but not surprised that much.
'The kids are having family troubles again.' He told Emma, answering her unspoken question.
'And Mother's Day is just around the corner. It's just sad.' He finally said, walking a little closer to his students. Emma followed him.
'Will, I know I'm a guidance councilor but I think you know how you can handle this already. This kid won't talk to me about it. Forcing them to do so is a bit crossing the line for me right? But you, they've grown close to you already. Maybe you could just find a way to have them sing it all out. When you think they've let all the emotions out, send them to me. At that time, they've finally confronted what's bothering them and they'd be, at least, comfortable to talk about it.' She said in a matter-of-fact.
'You always know what to say Em.' He said and he gave her a little kiss on the cheek to bid her good-bye.
Will approached the group of kids he was eaves dropping to earlier and in his most casual voice, as if he had no idea whatsoever why they were gathered such a way, and said: 'Glee club meeting this afternoon at 3:30 pm. Don't be late, it's time for our weekly assignment.' And he left as soon as he approached his team.
All six of them just stared at their show choir coach dashing through the now crowded hallway. Blaine made a loud sigh and shrugged. 'Well, we don't want to be late for first period.' He said to everyone, trying to remind them how the time went.
'Blaine's right. I don't want all of us to be late. If my mom finds out I was late for class, she will flip the shit!' she said the last statement as a joke that the others took a bit seriously.
'Lighten up guys. I'll get over this.' She said as she winked to them, more to Mike actually. They all took turns to give her a quick hug before they left. Mike was the only one left behind.
'You go ahead. I can handle myself. It's just in the 2nd floor. I can take it.' She told him.
'It did not look so this morning. And besides I want to okay.' He told her as if she did not have any more choice.
'Fine.' She said, because she wanted to hear it from him all the same.
'I'll pick you up too.' He said as they started walking to the stairs, his arms around her once more.
'I can get used to this.' She replied teasingly. Mike tightened his hold on her and kissed her head.
Santana, Sam, Brittany, Artie, Finn, Puck, Lauren and Quinn were already seated when the six others; Kurt and Blaine (hand in hand), Mercedes chatting quietly with Rachel, and Mike and Tina walking with their arms behind each other's back; came and took seats that were vacant.
The six of the settled down and murmurs of conversation filled the room in a couple of minutes. Mr. Schue entered the room and placed his things on the top of the piano. He cleared his throat loudly to catch their attention. It silenced only a few and then he finally spoke loudly: 'Guys, listen up!' This one worked like a charm, for it got everyone's attention and the room was silent once more.
'Anyone know what's coming up this week?'
'Ooh! Me! Me! I know!' Brittany said as her had shot right up to answer Mr. Schue's question.
'Yes Brittany?' he said as he acknowledged Brittany's enthusiasm.
'It's my cat's mom's birthday.' She said proud of herself.
'Close enough.' He said as he somehow saw this one coming.
Brittany smiled to herself while her fellow glee club members snickered and gave her questioning looks.
'Don't any of you know? Anyone.' Mr. Schue asked once more, this time for the correct answer.
Blaine straightened up, preparing to answer, but he held back. Kurt noticed his movements and urged him to carry on. Blaine was hesitant once more but Kurt gave him a supportive smile and put his hand on his shoulder.
Blaine then raised his hand, slowly and Mr. Schue noticed right away.
'Yes Blaine?' He said, glad at the new member's participation.
'Um. If I'm correct, this coming Sunday, the second Sunday of May, is Mother's day.' Said Blaine in a very shy voice
'That is, in fact, correct Blaine.' He replied giving Blaine a nod of appreciation.
Some of the members stiffened at the words. Mother's day. Mr. Schuester wrote down the words on the white board, which now echoed inside their heads.
'Since Mother's day is coming up, I want you guys to sing a song that expresses what you want to say to your mothers. It may be a thank you song, a sorry song, whatever it is that you want them to hear. Speak to them through your song.
Rachel raised her hand up for a question.
'Yes what is it Rachel?' Will said, still annoyed but predicted about her opinions on things.
'I have two dads Mr. Schuester.' She said in a matter-of-fact tone.
'Well then to your fathers. But I hope you don't mind me if I say this Rachel.' He said quietly as he approached her.
'You can still sing to Shelby.' He continued.
Rachel was rather shocked how that hit her. It is true; she can sing to her, just like that tape she sent her. She just nodded at him and stared blankly but still figuring out what song fits perfectly for their relationship.
'What if we can't find a song to sing though?' asked Finn, while the others agreed in his statement.
'Well, you failed the assignment, but you still have to contribute for the group performance before the weekends.
'That is all guys. I'll dismiss you early because I know that this assignment can be a tough one. I hope someone will come prepared for tomorrow.' Will gathers his things from the piano top and left the choir room.
One by one, the members left quietly not how they usually do. Everyone must have a flaw with their relationship with their mothers. Everyone just does. Some, on the other hand, does not have a mother to celebrate the special holiday with, like Kurt and Rachel.
Mr. Schue was right, this was going to be a tough assignment after all.
It's time for Glee Club practice now. Everyone has settled down and was just waiting for Mr. Schue to arrive. Puck brought his guitar today, he was prepared, and that was for certain.
When Mr. Schue arrived and he himself got settled down. He rolled up his sleeves and rubbed his hands as if anxious to hear what the kids have prepared.
'So, who goes first?' he said looking around at the students facing him.
'I have something prepared Mr. Schue.' Said Puck as he took out his guitar form its case, he walked down from the seats and stood front and center. He put on the strap of his guitar around him and took a high chair. He sat down and made himself comfortable before he played.
'Although this isn't really for my mom alone, it's actually in honor for women.'
'Okay, we'll see.' Said Mr. Schue as he sat along with the others
Puck starts playing the guitar with this soothing tune. And then he starts singing.
I know a girl
She puts the color inside of my world
But she's just like a maze
Where all of the walls are continually changed
And I've done all I can
To stand on her steps with my heart in my hands
Now I'm starting to see
Maybe it's got nothing to do with me
He closes his eyes as he feels the song.
Fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too
He stood up form where he was sitting and started singing one by one to the girls.
Oh, you see that skin?
It's the same she's been standing in
Since the day she saw him walking away
Now I'm left
Cleaning up the mess he made
He sang to Quinn the last and the longest.
So fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too
He went back to the middle and sang some more.
Boys, you can break
You'll find out how much they can take
Boys will be strong
And boys soldier on
But boys would be gone without the warmth from
A womans good, good heart
On behalf of every man
Looking out for every girl
You are the guide and the weight of her world
So fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too
Applause filled the choir room, astounded at the song Puck chose.
'Daughters by John Mayer' Blaine said to himself, Puck seem to have heard Blaine and responded.
'Yeah, how'd you know?'
'John Mayer maybe a douche sometimes but he is such a good song writer.'
After Puck was congratulated by Mr. Schue for his song choice and his performance, he went to Blaine and brought his fist clenched near Blaine. Blaine returned the gesture. Puck and Blaine fist bumped.
Quinn on the other hand was still surprised at the emphasis Puck did when he was singing. He was looking at her the whole time. And she got the message. She was trying to hold back her tears. Around this time last year, she was still pregnant with Beth. It would have been her first Mother's day if she did not give her away. Puck wanted to keep her, she did too, but she wanted a future outside Lima. And giving Beth away was a sacrifice, a painful sacrifice, she had to make.
As the applause and the claps on the back for Puck subsided, Will was ready to let another one perform.
Mercedes raised her hand to be acknowledged.
'Mercedes' Will said smiling at her. He held out his hand to help her down to the center.
'I want to dedicate this song to my Nana. I mean I love my mom and all, but I think mom would let me give Nana a song for Mother's Day. Since it's going to be her 10th year death anniversary after all' She smiled a little and shrugged a bit.
'Go ahead Mercedes.' Will give her the stage
The band started to play and everyone was familiar with the song Mercedes chose. And as always, Mercedes chose a song that suited her powerful voice. They were suddenly excited to hear her, Kurt especially; he knew this was going to be an amazing performance.
Silver gray hair
Neatly combed in place
There were four generations
Of love on her face
She was so wise
No surprise passed her eyes
She's seen it all
I was a child, oh
About three or four
All day I'd ask questions
At night I'd ask more
But whenever, she never
Would ever turn me away
No, no oh woah
I'd say how can I be sure
What is right or wrong
And why does
What I want
Always take so long
Please tell me
Where does God live
And why won't
He talk to me
I'd say Grandma
What is love
Will I ever find out
Why are we so poor
What is life about
I wanna know the answers
Before I fall off to sleep
Woah ho woah ho
Slowly she rocked
Lookin' half asleep
Grandma yawned
As she stretched
Then she started to speak
What she told me
Would mould me and hold me
Together inside
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
She said all the things you ask
You will know someday
But you have got to live
In a patient way
God put us here by fate
And by fate that means
Better days
She said, child we are all
Moons in the dark of night
Ain't no mornings gonna come
Till the time is right
Can't get no better days lest
You make it through the night
You gotta make it
Through the night
Yes you do
You can't get to no
Better days
Unless you make it
Through the night (baby)
Oh ho, you will see
Those better days
But you gotta be patient
Be patient, oh baby
Be patient
Later that year at
The turn of spring
Heaven sent angels down
And gave Grandma her wings
Now, she's flyin'
And slidin', and glidin'
In better days
And although
I'm all grown up
I still get confused
I stumble through the dark
Getting bumped and bruised
When night gets in my way
I could still hear
My Grandma say
I can hear her say
I can hear her sayin'
You can't get to no
Better days
Unless you make it
Through the night (baby)
Oh ho, you will see
Those better days
But you gotta be patient
Child, do you hear me, yeah
Well, well, well, well
You can't get to no, no
Better days
Unless you make it
You got to make it
You got to make it
Through the night
Oh Grandma, oh Grandma
Do you see me now, lady
Oh oh oh oh oh
Tender replies
Kurt was giving Mercedes a standing ovation. He was in tears at the brilliance of his best friend. Everyone was clapping for her too. Mercedes made a bow to her loving audience. Before she got to her seat, Rachel gave her a tight hug.
'That was amazing, Mercedes.' Rachel said.
'I wouldn't want to let my Nana down.' She said more to everyone that just to Rachel.
'After all, I learned everything I know from her. She was my vocal coach when I was younger.' She added.
'Well,' said Will who was looking up, beyond the ceiling of the choir room. 'We owe it to Nana then.'
'Thank You Nana.' Said Kurt copying the gesture Will made, looking up too.
'Thank You Nana.' Said everyone else,
'Preach!' Artie added.
Will walked back, front and center again. 'Guys, I am impressed. They may not be directly for your mothers but the songs were well chosen. I think this just proves to show that we might have a really amazing song for Nationals!'
The word Nationals gave everyone in the room chills, they still can't believe that they won Regionals.
'So anyone else prepared a number?' He said, looking around for any raised hands.
No one did so he decided that it was time to call it a day. Everyone left the choir room. As they left, everyone, except Puck and Mercedes, was still bombarded to what song they were going to sing.
Kurt and Blaine were walking in the parking lot, while they were headed for Kurt's car Blaine noticed the sudden quietness that Kurt was in. He seemed down, as if avoiding something. Blaine stood in front of Kurt to stop him from walking. He did not seem to notice Blaine because he bumped right into him, Blaine thought for a second Kurt was looking down on since they left the choir room. That was very much not Kurt at all.
'Kurt.' He said quietly, trying to catch his wandering attention.
'Huh? What?' blurted Kurt, snapping back to reality.
'Is something bothering you?' before Kurt could even answer, Blaine figured it out himself.
'It's about the weekly assignment isn't it? It's about Mother's Day right?' he said, his voice filled with empathy. Kurt simply nodded at him.
Other than Valentine's Day, Mother's Day was one of the holidays he wanted to avoid because it brought back memories of his mom. It also was a yearly reminder that he can't be with her to celebrate the day any more. He could have prepared her such beautiful songs, made her breakfast in bed and maybe dress her up for a fancy dinner he would have set up for her and Burt. But that would never happen anymore. Mother's day is like a slap in the face for him. Kurt would do everything he could just so he could spend just one more Mother's day with Kendra. He wouldn't be like everyone else in this school, letting their opportunity pass to show their love for their mother. It's been 10 years, but it still hurts as if it was yesterday.
'Are you thinking of performing?'
'Yes, most definitely' Kurt replied.
'But of course. That was a silly question wasn't it?' Blaine joked a little, to lighten up the mood of their conversation.
'So what are you going to sing then?' he asked as they reached to Kurt's car. He went for the driver's seat this time but Kurt simply stopped him.
'I'll show you and mom as well.' He said. They both buckled their seat belts and Kurt drove to the road that he and Burt now know by heart.
Kurt stepped out of the car and brought along him a wreath of white roses he bought before going to his mom.
Blaine waited for Kurt so that he could lead the way. He followed Kurt down the green lawn filled with headstones with dying flowers and melted candles. Kurt finally stopped and there Blaine saw Kendra. The only woman in who holds Kurt's heart.
'Hi mom' said Kurt as he knelt down by her headstone. He reached out for Blaine's hands pulling him down to kneel beside him, not breaking his eye contact to the headstone. 'Hi Mrs. Hummel' Said Blaine.
Kurt was rummaging through his bag, when his hands found that familiar texture, he grabbed at it and pulled it out. It was a picture frame with Kendra's picture in it. Kurt laid it on the headstone.
'I always bring this with me whenever I visit her. So that I could see her smile, it eases the pain you know.'
'I can how. She's beautiful. I know now where you got those eyes, and your beautiful hair. It's like I'm seeing an angel, two angels at that' His last sentence was for Kendra, who seemed to have responded at the compliment as a wind brushed through his hair.
'This is Blaine mom, my boyfriend. Can you believe it?' another breeze brushed through them.
'I promise to take care of him Mrs. Hummel. It's just right since he rescued me, he taught me so much. And I guess he learned it all from you and Burt.' He said, ignoring Kurt's nudges at the words he just said.
'But he helped me too mom… I wish you were here, so that you can tell me if I picked the right guy. Or if he's too short or just simply congratulate me for a good catch.' He said jokingly but there was still sadness that was evident in his voice.
'I wish you were here too Mrs. Hummel, so that I could personally thank you for raising up such a beautiful, compassionate young man like Kurt.' Blaine found himself near tears.
'Mom, I want you to hear this song for our weekly assignment for our Glee Club. Our teacher said that we should pick a song that would express what we want to tell to our mother. I'm planning on performing tomorrow because I wanted you to be the first to hear it, and Blaine too if you don't mind.' Another breeze went by, but this one was a little warmer. It was as if Kendra was saying she was ready.
Kurt straightened up a bit. And he started singing.
Spend all your time waiting for that second chance
For the break that will make it ok
There's always some reason to feel not good enough?
And it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction, oh beautiful release
Memories seep from my veins
They may be empty and weightless, and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight
Kurt was on the stage, the light was on him as he played the piano. The rest of the Glee Club was quietly watching him, listening intently to the words of the song.
In the arms of an Angel, fly away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here
Kurt picked up the frame of his mother's photo, he cradled it in his arms as if hugging her, then kissed it. I tear fell down his cheek.
So tired of the straight line, and everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back
The storm keeps on twisting, you keep on building the lies
That you make up for all that you lack
It don't make no difference, escaping one last time
It's easier to believe
In this sweet madness, oh this glorious sadness
That brings me to my knees
Blaine was in tears again, the song was so meaningful. It was beautiful, Kurt was beautiful so was his mother. And Blaine was not alone on this one, Rachel and Mercedes were a wreck.
In the arms of an Angel, far away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
In the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here
He hold on for one more time on the photo and said: I miss you mom, I miss you more and more every day.
He ended the song. He felt the silent applause of his friends, Mr. Schue was crying too. He merely gave Kurt a tight hug. All Kurt could manage to say was 'Thank you.' He went straight to Blaine and hugged him so tight. He was crying all over Blaine's shirt, but Blaine did not mind. He too was in tears.
Will collected himself before he could start talking again. He wiped the tears from his face and straightened up.
'That was beautiful Kurt. I'm sure your mom loved it.' He said.
'So is anyone is else ready?'
'How though, we're all emotional wrecks now after Kurt sang.' Said Santana, still wiping the tears from her face
'I'm ready Mr. Schue.' Said Rachel standing up and got her song sheet with her. She went to the stage and handed the song sheet to Brad who now resumed his place behind the piano right after Kurt was done.
'Coincidentally, this song is by Sarah McLachlan too.' She then winked at Kurt.
The violin sounded first then Brad started playing. Rachel took center stage and closed her eyes as she started singing.
When somebody loved me, everything was beautiful
Every hour we spent together, lives within my heart
And when she was sad, I was there to dry her tears
And when she was happy, so was i, when she loved me.
Through the summer and the fall, we had each other, that was all
Just she and I together, like it was meant to be
And when she was lonely, I was there to comfort her
And I knew that she loved me.
Rachel remembered the only memory she had of Shelby and how it would have been if they were together.
So the years went by, I stayed the same
And she began to drift away, I was left alone
Still I waited for the day, when she'd say "i will always love you."
If only they could have more time together.
Lonely and forgotten, never thought she'd look my way,
She smiled at me and held me, just like she used to do,
Like she loved me, when she loved me
When somebody loved me, everything was beautiful,
Every hour we spent together, lives within my heart
When she loved me.
She found herself on the floor teary-eyed.
They all clapped for her, and she knew that they thought she was just putting up a show but she could not care less. There were exception to this, Kurt and Mercedes gave her a warm smile, as if telling her that they understood.
'That too was beautiful Rachel.' Praised Will
'Wasn't that from Toy Story 2?' said Sam.
'Yes, Sam, it was.' Answered Rachel, now down from the stairs, approaching Kurt and Mercedes to receive their welcoming hugs
'Your mom is a toy Rachel? So that's why…' Brittany said.
Rachel just stared at her with a baffled look on her face.
Tina hasn't come up yet. Thought Will.
'So anyone else to make us cry like babies?' said Will to his students. Some were shaking their head in response to his question.
'Well then, I guess that's enough for today. I expect more performance tomorrow okay?' he said to them. 'You can go home now.' After a couple of minutes, the auditorium was clear of students.