Chapter 3
*Artie's POV*
In the evening, Artie and his parents sat in a small diner, discussing exciting points of their days with each other. Being only a family of three, they had become really close. After Artie accident and the need for their help, it was an inevitable fate.
"So, how did glee club got today?" asked his parents. They always asked about any news from glee club, aware of the fact this was his passion. They also knew this is what gives him hope to push further.
"Well, Kelsi Ross is officially a member of the glee club. I am pretty sure her forced solo was initiation. Finn Hudson pushed her into it. They don't get along very well, seeing as how Kelsi stole varsity quarterback from him this year. Unfortunately for Finn, she nailed her solo! Then after practice, I asked her to be my girlfriend and now we are going out," he finished, waiting to see his parent's reaction. Instantly it clicked as to what he had said. They dropped their silverware and exclaimed louder than they should in a restaurant.
"We are so excited to meet her!" they both said in cheerful tones after Artie explained about their date Friday night.
"She truly is an amazing girl. You will really like her," he assured his parents. He spent the rest of their dinner time telling them all about Kelsi. As he was playing his online games that night, the thought of Kelsi invaded.
She is so beautiful; I can't wait to go out with her tomorrow night
*Kelsi's POV*
When Kelsi got home from practice that night, she had her younger, twin brother and sister in her car with her. She pulled into the garage and noticed her parents had not gotten back from work yet. On the inside, she was relived for the moment.
"Go up to my room and start on your homework. I'll be up in a little bit with snacks for us," she instructed them. They raced up the stairs with book bags bouncing off their backs. Kelsi was too aware of the fact that they had limited time for peace. She picked up several bags of Chex Mix and cans of soda. She slowly made her way up the spiral staircase, attempting not to drop anything.
"Kelsi let me help you with all of that. You know what will happen if anything spills on the carpet," said Kaleb in a cautionary voice. He was the more mature out of the twins. Though Kelsi loved them both with all her heart, she respected Kaleb for his maturity. He didn't act like most ten year olds, having been raised in a different environment.
"Alright little man, then back to your multiplication tables!" she said, receiving a toothy grin. The three siblings sat around a small desk with text books and open and papers covering every inch of the table top. Kallie, her sister, leaned over and turned on the stereo that lay on the floor. The CD in the stereo was Infinity on High by Fall Out Boy.
How cruel is the Golden Rule
When the lives we Live
Are only golden plated
Kelsi belted out the lyrics to Golden Rule, having memorized it when she was thirteen years old. Her harmony went perfectly with the male's voice booming for the stereo speakers. Her hand continued to etch perfect geometry proofs while singing along.
And I knew that the lights
Of the city were too heavy for me
And though I carry karats for
Everyone to see
And I saw God cry in the reflection
Of my enemies
And all the lovers with
No time for me
And all of the mothers raise their babies
To stay away from me
Kaleb and Kallie began singing along with their older sister. Kelsi grabbed a hairbrush from her side table and started suing it as a makeshift microphone. Her younger siblings grabbed two other brushed and copied Kelsi. They jumped on the bed and started singing at the top of their lungs. Out of nowhere, Kelsi's black door swung open with extreme force, slamming into the already made hole in the wall from previously slams. Kaleb and Kallie immediately jumped off the bed and sat on their knees at their mother's feet. Kelsi sat the hairbrush down lightly and scowled at her mother. The venomous look on the older woman's face gave no insight she was there to simply say hello.
"Turn that crap off, NOW! All three of you worthless brats are in trouble," she screamed into the faces of the twins. Kaleb scowled at the red faced woman, but he knew he was to small and weak to ever challenge her. Kallie's eyes began to have tears growing in them. She blinked them away to hide her fear that her mother always made fun of.
"Mommy, please stop yelling at us. We were being good and got all of our homework done. We were just singing," Kallie whined to their mom through her sobs. If it was possible, the graying woman appeared to have gotten even madder.
"Don't back talk me you little brat! I make the rules around here, and singing is not one of them!" she screamed, raising her hand to strike Kallie in the face. The little girl closed her eyes and braced herself for the impending pain.
"No, stop it, it was my idea! Don't hurt them please! Don't hit her!" she begged at the top of her lungs, choking on her breath. Their mom stopped and turned towards Kelsi who she had previously ignored the presence of. She walked over to her, glaring like a venomous snake the entire time.
"So how was your day Kelsi? Did anything fun happen at your pathetic little football practice? Or how about that useless, loser glee club you joined WITHOUT my consent?" she asked with an immense amount of sarcasm dripping from her invisible fangs. This was the time Kelsi would reveal the details of her and Artie.
"Like oh my God yes, I have a boyfriend now," Kelsi stated in a valley girl tone, just to spite her mom. Quickly, she saw a twitch appear in her mother's eye. Her facial expressions grew from insulting to irritate within seconds.
"Who the hell would you be going out with?" she stated, breathing harder and louder with anger. Ironically, her mother was the head of the school's PTA. She knew all of the parent's and who their children were.
"Artie Abrams," Kelsi said with a smile she couldn't hide no matter how hard she tried. The news compiled with the genuine smile drover her mother to the breaking point once again. Kelsi felt the wave of violence approaching.
"ARTIE ABRAMS?" Have you gone insane?" she screamed at the top of her lungs. Kaleb and Kallie shrieked. They found a small amount of safety under Kelsi's large quilt lying at the foot of her bed. Kelsi could see them shaking with fear.
"And what is wrong with Artie?" she asked back, refraining from shouting. Kelsi always tried to control her temper while the twins were forced to watch her punishment. She didn't want them to have a fear of her too.
"He's a damn cripple! What were you thinking! How do you think this is going to reflect on me in front of all those parents? 'Yes, my daughter is dating the boy in the wheelchair!'" she shouted in Kelsi's face. Kelsi felt her hot breath slide across her face.
"There's more to any person that what is seen on the outside!" she finally screamed back in Artie's defense. She could feel the anger boiling in her blood. She had to mask it.
"No child of mine will be known as the one dating the cripple kid," continued screaming her mom, continuing her method of heavy breathing and spitting while screaming. Now, she had her finger wagging in her face as well. Kelsi felt herself go stone cold on the inside.
"Deal with it," she mumbled to herself in return to her mother's last statement. The small comment caught the attention of the snake ready to attack.
"Umm, excuse me? What did you just say?" her mother said back in return, circle the girl, getting ready to pounce. Her voice was eerily calm, signaling the moment before the attack.
"I said 'Deal with it.' Therefore, deal with it when I go on a date with Artie tomorrow after work," Kelsi answered with a wicked smile on her face screaming out in sarcasm. As quickly as it appeared, the smile disappeared as the snake finally launched.
"Deal with this!" her mom said as she raised her fist. She punched Kelsi in the shoulder and sent her flying against the nearest wall. She braced against the wall, and saw another wall of abusive middle aged woman closing in on her. The hard, back handed slap stung against her pale white face. Her hair was pulled harshly, dragging a few of the long strands out. She ended up laying on the ground in a crumpled mess. Her mother finally left, leaving Kelsi alone with the hidden and forgotten twins.
"Kelsi, your nose is bleeding and your lip is cracked open. Kallie is getting a cold washcloth from your bathroom," said Kaleb as he tried to help lift Kelsi out of her crumpled heap on the floor. He managed to help her over to her bed. Kallie came running in with several soaked washcloths. Each twin aided in cleaning Kelsi's face. After Kelsi quit bleeding, she hugged to two children close together. They each fell asleep in Kelsi's bed as she looked out the window with tears staining her cheeks. She cried about all the physical and emotional pain of her household. Most of all, she cried about what would happen if Artie ever knew the truth.
*Artie's POV*
The next morning at school, Artie eagerly waited for Kelsi at the front entrance. He say her pull up in her little, green car and start walking towards the doors. Her long hair blew across her face in the light, fall breeze. She got to him and greeted him with a normal good morning. Then they walked hand-in-hand into the school. Shocked looks appeared from every student they passed. People began whispering to each other about the new couple walking down the halls.
"Oh my God!" whispered Tina to Mercedes, both fellow glee club members. They gave huge smiles and waves to Artie and Kelsi as they walked by them. Both could see the happiness on the couple's faces. Kurt walked past them and gave a simple smile, showing his approval of the couple. From the crowd of football players standing by the lockers, Puck broke through them and walked towards Kelsi and Artie, grinning uncontrollably.
"Wow, the almighty Kelsi Ross, finally taken, and by none other than Artie Abrams. I have to say, this combination truly shocks me. Now you can't act all tough and rough 24/7, what are you going to do with yourself?" joked Puck as talked to them. Kelsi's choice to wear her belted deep green shirt-dress was perfect for today.
"Oh shut up, you are just jealous," said Kelsi as they all laughed about everything. Kelsi wished Artie good bye until they met up again later that night for their date. With all of the happy remarks being made about Kelsi and Artie, one person back in the shadows was very perturbed. Rachel had hidden the entire time, out of view of the new couple and the rest of the glee club. The first warning bell rang and all the students in the hallway made their way to their classrooms. Rachel shared her first period with Artie. She took the empty seat next to him, intending to question him about the mysterious appearance of Kelsi.
"Artie, hi! So, I saw you and Kelsi holding hands in the hall this morning. I take you two are together now?" she asked trailing her voice on the last syllable. Artie was very shocked that Rachel was asking him about his personal life. He was very shocked she would even be speaking to him outside glee club.
"Yea, we became official last night. Why are you so interested in Kelsi and me? And why did you run out practice to hastily last night?" interrogated Artie back. He knew Rachel always did things with a motive.
"I was just curious as to why she was suddenly showing everywhere. And as to my leave at practice last night, I had other matters to attend to," she said as she began to walk away in her perfect posture Rachel style. She angrily turned around and quickly walked back over to Artie.
Just throwing this out there, but that song she sang, definitely not glee club oriented," she huffed in his ear. Artie then came to realization of why Rachel was acting so odd.
"You are just jealous that she is amazing and can sing just as well as you. Now, you can't be the only girl leading the group. You know Rachel; we are supposed to be a team. So far, you haven't acted at all like you are a part of one. Why can't you just settle down for once and let someone else feel important?" Artie angrily said back to her. She stared at him, not knowing what to say back in return. She simply stormed away and took and empty seat at the back of the classroom. She sent daggers in Artie's direction for the rest of the period and anytime they locked eyes during the day.
*Kelsi's POV*
During the next passing period, Kelsi stopped by the bathroom. After she was down washing her hands, she stood in front of the full length mirror. She re-applied her make-up and brushed her hair. She waited for the bell to ring and for her to be alone. She quickly checked for feet under the stalls before lifting up the sleeves of her dress and unbuttoning the top buttons. Black, blue, and yellow bruises trailed along her collar bone, shoulder, and down her arms. Small scars shined on her wrist where she had taken to self-mutilation in middle school to cope with the anxiety and pressures of her parents. She hadn't cut herself since the seventh grade when Kaleb caught her in the morbid act. She was torn out of her painful memories by the dash of a red and white clad Cheerio darting into the nearest stall with her hand covering her mouth. Kelsi quickly covered her bruised skin and went to help the girl. She stepped into the stall and sat on her knees next to the sick girl.
"Here, let me help you," Kelsi said as she held the girls pony tail from her face. She rubbed the girl's back until she finished throwing up and turned away from the toilet. Kelsi held out a wad of toilet paper to the blond girl to wipe off her mouth
"Thank you," whispered Quinn Fabray through faint tears. She was head cheerleader of McKinley, part of the glee club, and girlfriend of Fin Hudson. Kelsi fished a half empty water bottle from her purse and handed it to Quinn. She graciously took it and rinsed out her mouth.
"Are you ok? I know we aren't friends or anything close to that, but I'd like to help you out," said Kelsi. Quinn gave a small laugh and laid a hand on her stomach.
"I'd ask you to take the baby growing inside my body, but I don't think that'd be very possible," she said in a joking manner with tears filling her eyes.
"Oh my God, you and Finn…" trailed off Kelsi. Quinn shook her head and started crying. Kelsi hugged and the girl, attempting to get her to calm down.
"Everything will be ok Quinn, I promise. I am here for you now and I can be there for you whenever. Just find me and I'll help, no matter what," she assured Quinn. The girl finally stopped crying and sobbing. She dried her tears and looked at Kelsi smiling.
"I already told Finn everything. He was extremely shocked and scared about it all. We came to the decision that I am going to have the baby, but then we are giving it up for adoption. There is no way two sixteen year old teenagers can properly raise a baby. It's funny; I've always disliked you by association because of Finn. It didn't help that you actually are a better quarterback that he is! Now look at it, you are the one I am turning to for help in my time of need. It's always amazing how these things turn out," said Quinn as they each fixed themselves up for the rest of the day. They were laughing about the irony of the entire situation ahead of them.
"Here, take my number. Call me or text me if you ever need anything. You'll either catch me at football practice, working, doing homework, or now hanging out with Artie. After work tonight we are going on a date, so I'll definitely be available if something comes up," she told Quinn while typing her number into Quinn's cell phone.
"Please don't tell Artie what is going on, or anyone else," begged Quinn. Her eyes shone a wave of teenage hopelessness. She had this tone in her voice as though she were lost in a world of strangers.
"I would never even think about doing that. Telling people or not telling people is all on you and Finn. I'll just be your Charlie's Angel hidden amongst the crowd," she said back to Quinn with a reassuring smile, proving she was only there to benefit the scared teen. Quinn hugged her one last time before they parted ways, heading to their classes.
"What did I just get myself into," thought Kelsi.
Kelsi was walking to the parking lot near the football field when she saw a large group of people gather during the teams practice. She walked through the open gate and stood beside Puck and Mike. Puck finally noticed she was there.
"I can't believe this. I had heard rumors at school that this was going to happen, but I didn't believe them," he said with almost a laugh. Kelsi was absolutely confused and had no idea what was going on.
"Seriously guys, what is going on out there," she said as she struggled to see over the heads of the football players crowded in front of her. She saw them all laughing and making fun of whoever was on the field.
"Kurt Hummel is trying out the football team," Mike said without taking his eyes off the field. Kelsi immediately rushed through the crowd of boys. Many loud and crude remarks were made at her until they realized who it was pushing them out of the way. She got to the front of the pack just in time to see Kurt do his dance and then kick the ball higher and further than anyone else on the team, including her. Coach Tanaka was in awe of the small boy. Kelsi grinned and walked onto the field clapping.
"Welcome to the team Hummel. Looks like we are invading each other's stages now," she laughed. The rest of the team was clapping behind her, shakily and slowly because of the immense kick Kurt showed them.
"I am so excited about this. And now my dad won't suspect a thing," said Kurt, slapping his hand in front of his mouth. Kelsi then looked and him questioningly.
"What do you have to hide from him?" she asked, guessing what the answer would be. He bit his lip before pulling her aside and whispering to her.
"Ok, I am gay, but I feel like that is a little more obvious to you than someone like my dad. He thinks I am on the football team after this ridiculous lie that Britney told him as to why Tina, Britney, and I were dancing to Single Ladies in my basement. So now, I don't have to worry about him not realizing I'm not on the football team," he excitedly said with a red carpet smile.
"Or you could just tell him you are gay. He is a very sweet man and I don't think he would ever judge you for it. I could be wrong, but I doubt it. But, after seeing you kick, whether you tell him or not, you have a spot on the team! So, gear up and get to practice," she answered him smiling. He smiled back and ran into the locker room to get changed. Kelsi walked off the field, thinking of the many twists and turns this year has already handed her.
*Artie's POV*
Shortly after eight o'clock, Artie and his parent's pulled into the parking lot of the Subway only five minutes from the high school. Artie sent Kelsi a text.
Artie: We are here :)
Kelsi: Coming :p
Just as he read her response, the front door of the restaurant opened. He saw the girl walk out and look left and right before she recognized the van to her left. She saw Artie waving her over. She waved back and made her way over to the van. He slid open the side door and she sat down in the chair right next to him.
"Hello Kelsi, it is so nice to get to meet you! We are Artie's parents, but you can just call us Irene and Jack," said his mom as his dad started pulling out of the parking lot. Kelsi reached up and awkwardly shook his mother's hand.
"It's very nice to meet both of you. Thank you so much for the ride. My parent's needed to borrow my car for the night," she said in a very grateful voice. She could never tell them she had her keys taken away for dating their son. Artie already had his fingers laced with hers. It was a short drive to the movie theatre. Kelsi got out of the vehicle, followed by Artie.
"Have fun tonight you two!" said his parent's as they waved good bye and drove off. Kelsi and Artie made their way into the theatre and waited in line.
"So, how was work tonight?" asked Artie as they stood in line. Kelsi was extremely happy to have somebody that cared about what she did. Even at such a simple question, she beamed with happiness.
"I wasn't too bad of a night! I'm hoping I don't reek too much of pickles and meatballs tonight," she laughed. Artie laughed along with her and sneakily slipped his hand into hers. On the inside, Kelsi felt more amazing than she had in a long time.
"No, no, you smell perfect! So, are you ready for this movie?" he asked her in a very excited manner.
"Yes! I have been waiting forever for this movie to come out. You are the only other person I know who enjoys horror movies just as much as I do!" she happily exclaimed. Artie was overjoyed he could make her so happy just with his taste in movies. They finally received their tickets and walked into the empty theatre.
"I know, we should sit at the very top!" excitedly said Kelsi. Artie looked at her with a sad face.
"Kelsi, I can't get up the stairs," he replied to her in a sad tone.
"Don't worry, I had already thought this one through," she exclaimed as she crouched on her knees in front of his wheel chair.
"I can just piggy back you up," she said. Artie laughed and smiled at her willingness to carry him up to the top row. He fumbled and managed his way onto her back. With ease, she walked both of them up to the top and center seats in the theatre. As the lights dimmed and the movie started, they were completely alone in the theatre. Artie kept his hand tangled with Kelsi's in the dark. Near the middle of the movie, a gunshot sounded. The loud, sharp sound made Kelsi jump ten feet in the air. Artie smiled and lift the arm of the chair up that was separating them. He pulled Kelsi close to him. She laid her head on his shoulder.
"I probably should have warned you that gunshots make me jump," she whispered in his ear. He felt her breath tickle along his neck.
"Don't worry, I'll protect you," he whispered back and tugged her closer to him. She nuzzled into the crevice where his neck and shoulder met. Artie felt himself blushing a deep shade of red and smiling all at once. Eventually, the movie ended and the lights came back on. They unlatched from each other and Kelsi carried him back to his wheelchair.
"Would you be offended if I asked to push you?" asked Kelsi. Artie gave a large smiled before he responded to her.
"Of course not! I actually think that is super sweet," he said back to her. She pushed Artie out of the theatre and they walked along the sidewalk in the chilly, September night. They walked into Breadstix and sat down at a booth in the back of the restaurant. The waitress took they order and returned with their food shortly. They spent the whole night talking and sharing stories. Each of them had never smiled so much.
"I haven't had this much fun in such a long time. Between football, work, school, and trying to volunteer, I get very little time just to hang out and have fun," said Kelsi. Artie reached over and grabbed her hand before he spoke.
"Well, when I get my license and car, I'll just pick you whenever and we can go wherever. Is that a deal?" Artie answered with a playful grin. Kelsi grabbed her phone and checked the time. Her insides instantly lit on fire.
"Oh my gosh, it's almost 11:30! I have to open tomorrow morning at work! I really don't mean to seem like I am rushing off," Kelsi exclaimed. She had many more worried on her mind than being tired for work.
"Don't worry at all, my parents can be here real soon to pick us up," he assured her. He sent a quick text to his parents. As soon as they were done paying their bill, Artie's parents were pulling up to the building. They climbed into the van and Kelsi gave his parents the address to her house. As they approached they neighborhood she lived in, Artie was in awe of what he saw.
"Wow, I didn't realize you lived in such a beautiful area of town," he said to Kelsi. The streets were lined with houses so big that five person families had a bathroom for every person.
"Yea, my dad gets paid very well at the factory and my mom is very successful in her distribution job. We are very lucky to have all of this," she quietly said as she and Artie exited the van. The amount of stuff she had never made up for how she was treated. They stopped at her doorstep, holding hands.
"Goodnight Kelsi, I had an amazing time tonight," said Artie. He was smiling to the point that even though Kelsi feared walking through the front doors, she smiled as big as ever.
"Tonight was perfect. Have sweet dreams Artie," she said as she looked him in the eyes. Slowly, she bent down and kissed him softly on his lips. After few seconds she pulled away and blew him another kiss as she walked through the front doors to her own personal hell. The door clicked shut and she hung up her jacket and purse.
"Kelsi, come here," boomed a deep voice from the living room. Immediately, she knew her father did not come home a happy man.
