Just like every other teenager in Dalton, Sebastian Smythe had been expecting his 18th birthday like a child expects Christmas. His reasons were quite different though. Most teens rejoiced with the simple fact that they needed no permission from their parents anymore, they could legally drink and drive and many even got a car as present. For Sebastian it came down to one fact only. He would finally be able to leave his home and his father. He would escape the hell he had been living in for so many years.

The final year at Dalton was drawing to an end, everyone was excited and sad at the same time. Students talked about their plans regarding college, some would stay in Ohio, but most would move away. It was only two weeks more to go and then the big goodbye party, the long expected prom. But right now Sebastian couldn't care less about prom or anything like it. He was 18 and that was all that mattered.

Just like every other year, he had not been expecting any kindness, not even a congratulation from his father. He was used to that. The man was busy with more important stuff to even remember such events, and for Sebastian it was OK that way. In fact Sebastian preferred to not drive his dad´s attention on him, the mere thought of seeing him again sent shivers down his spine. His mind ran through those thoughts as he left the classroom, heading to the diner. Here and there students sent a brief "Congrats" his way which he replied only with a quick nod and a smirk. It was getting difficult sometimes to keep cool around everyone else, always having to put on his classic I-don´t-give-a-fuck-face. He had to survive the few days left of school and then he would move straight to New York, he wouldn't have to go home this time, and now that he was 18 his father couldn't make him go.

As Sebastian was about to enter the diner, he ran into Hunter.

"Watch your step, dude!" he said annoyed.

"Relax, man. Lately you seem to be on constant PMS!"

"Haha, very funny, Hunter…", Sebastian had no patience to deal with Hunter now.

"I was actually looking for you. There is someone waiting for you at the administration office. I think its your father...?" Hunter guessed from the similarity in the man's features with Sebastian's that it could be nobody else.

Sebastian's face turned pale, he rushed out without acknowledging Hunter. He locked himself in the next bathroom. His hands shook, his breathing was too quick and it made him dizzy. What did he want? What was he doing here? He couldn't simply "pick him up" anymore like before. Sebastian could refuse now, he was legally no longer under his care. Sebastian steadied himself against the sink, he watched his messed up self in the mirror and splashed cool water against his face. He needed to calm down. He couldn´t remember how he had managed to make it there, but suddenly he found himself standing in front of the administration office, struggling in an internal debate between knocking and turning back. He had not much chance to even think about his options, as the door suddenly opened and Sven Smythe emerged from the room. Sebastian instinctively took a step back. His father closed the door behind him and checked the corridor to make sure they were alone. His presence was intimidating, his black Armani suit, black shirt, black tie and perfectly shining shoes, it matched his cold indifference. The man looked at his son, who´s face had turned pale as paper.

"I have made the final payment to Dalton. I have fulfilled my legal duty. Now you are 18, means for me, you are no longer my problem", Sven stated. He fixed his tie around his neck and turned, ready to leave. His time was precious.

"Oh", he turned around one more time before leaving "do me and yourself a favor and quit using the Smythe name."

Sebastian was thankful that it had only been a minute, although it had seemed an hour. He forgot about dinner and headed straight back to his room.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Why were the last hours of class so endlessly long?, Kurt wondered. He couldn´t even focus anymore, in his mind he was already on holiday, having fun. He looked around the classroom and it seemed to him like everyone else was in the same situation. Not a soul was paying attention to the teacher. Everyone was either fumbling around on their cellphone or chatting with their neighbors, well…everyone except Sebastian, apparently. It was strange to see the meerkat so quiet, starring blankly out the window. He looked tired, almost worn out. Kurt had to admit, it felt quite well not having to hear his constant insults and arrogant comments for a change. Still, he couldn´t help but feeling a bit concerned.

At lunch all the boys gathered at the same table. They were planning what sounded like endless parties and fun. Kurt joined them and sat down next to Blaine. He looked around, Sebastian was missing. Actually, Kurt couldn´t recall the last time he had heard one of his nasty jokes. He lingered on the thought for a little too long but luckily the bell rang, reminding him of his appointment with the secretary. Kurt waved goodbye to everyone, took his bag and hurried out.

It was the greatest feeling in the world when the secretary received Kurt with a bright smile and handed him an envelope. He squeaked like a five year old girl when he opened it and read the letter from NYADA, confirming he been issued full scholarship.

"Congratulations, Kurt", the secretary said "I´m sure you will do great!".

She handed Kurt a bunch of papers he still needed to sign and he sat down, smiling wider with every sheet he wrote his name on. It was the best day of his life, he had to tell everyone, he had to call home, they would be so happy, he-

Someone knocked softly on the door.

"Come in", the secretary called out.

In stepped Sebastian Smythe. He spotted Kurt and almost regretted having chosen this moment to pop in. Why did the Lima looser have to show up just now?

"Should I come back later?", he asked politely.

"No, its alright, please take a seat, Sebastian", the lady said "Kurt is almost done".

Reluctantly Sebastian sat down on the chair farthest away from Kurt. The other boy looked up from his papers briefly, both breaking eye contact immediately and looking away. The woman retrieved a folder from the shelf and walked over to Sebastian.

"Ok, I just need you to sign this form here, please." She handed him a paper "NYADA usually takes about two weeks to evaluate scholarship applications. Since you´re filing a little late they might take up to a month. I will contact you when their letter comes in."

Sebastian nodded wordless, he signed and disappeared.

Kurt was confused, his thoughts kept him awake until late hours of the night. He didn´t know much about Sebastian, but one thing that every boy in Dalton knew was that the Smythes were vastly wealthy. So why on earth would Sebastian apply for a scholarship?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Finally it was there, the last day of all, the final class. The atmosphere was euphoric. And beside that, Kurt was already feeling on the top of the world with everyone congratulating him on the good news from NYADA. Everyone walked over and hugged him or shook his hand. When the bell rang for the last time, cheers and joyful shouting exploded. The students seemed more like a bunch of prisoners that had just been released from jail. When everything had calmed down and everybody started to empty the classroom, Kurt was still collecting his belongings. He had so much crap, he was always the last one to leave, because unlike the rest of the boys who just threw everything into their bags, he had to get everything neat and organized. But today he was surprisingly not the last one, Sebastian still sat on his spot with a vague expression, collecting his things. Kurt hesitated as he walked over to the other boy.

"Hey there", he said not quite sure of how to approach Sebastian. The taller boy just nodded, acknowledging his presence but he didn´t look up.

"Seb, is everything alright?", Kurt dared to ask carefully.

"Fine"

Sebastian stood up, grabbed his bag and walked out. Why the hell could people not mind their own business?