The next weekend was a Warbler Retreat weekend, where the Council got all the Warblers to sleepover at Dalton and practice for Sectionals. It paid off too, because that week Blaine got to post Guess Who's Going to Regionals? on his Facebook status, with a link to the video Dalton had uploaded on its website. And the first non-Warbler to like his status? Jeremiah. This was a good week.

Blaine had planned to go to the mall on Saturday and just happen to run into Jeremiah there. But his dad decided it was going to be one of his Surprise We're Cleaning the Whole House Saturdays. It was incredibly unfair.

The next weekend Blaine went to the mall and looked all around the Gap but didn't see Jeremiah. He went up to one of the sales associates, a woman with curly red hair.

"Excuse me, I'm... looking for Jeremiah?"

"Oh, he's not in today. Death in the family."

"Oh wow. Okay, thanks."

When Blaine got home he checked Jeremiah's page and saw that his status was "RIP Uncle Jake." He felt so bad for Jeremiah. If he took off work to go to the funeral it must have been important to him. Blaine's family drove him crazy most of the time but he knew he'd be a wreck if anything happened to any of them. He wrote a message on Jeremiah's wall.

Hey. Sorry to hear about your uncle. That sucks. I hope you're okay. I had to go to my grandfather's funeral in junior high and it was really hard. I wanted to tell you, my mom belongs to this group that bakes pies and things for people in the community that are having a hard time. I don't really bake stuff, but if you ever need anything or just someone to talk to, let me know. You did something great for my school so I hope I can be a friend to you too.

As soon as Blaine hit send he wanted to take it back. Jeremiah would probably think he was an idiot. Sighing, he logged off Facebook and headed downstairs to the kitchen. His mom was starting dinner. He got opened the fridge and took out a soda.

"Blaine, you alright?"

"Yeah, why?" Blaine closed the door to the fridge.

"You seem sad."

"Oh, it's nothing. My friend Jeremiah had to go to a funeral today, I just feel bad for him."

"Jeremiah? He go to Dalton?" Mrs. Anderson asked, stirring the soup.

"Uh. No. He's that guy who spoke at the PFLAG meeting."

Blaine's mom turned to look at Blaine, surprised but pleased. "You've stayed in touch with him?"

"Yeah, I mean we're friends on Facebook. He's in a band I like."

Mrs. Anderson smiled. "Well that's great. He seems like a... great role model."

"Yeah I guess. I just think he's gotta be real upset right now. His uncle died."

"Oh. That's too bad. You're so sweet to worry about him."

"I just don't know what to say. I sent him a message for... condolences or whatever, but..."

"I'm sure he appreciates that people care. I'm sure you did fine, people always feel a little awkward when things like this happen but people always appreciate kind words." Blaine nodded, unconvinced. "Cheer up sweetheart. I'm sure he's got friends and family looking out for him. Dinner will be ready in a half hour."

"Okay Mom."

Blaine walked back upstairs. His mom was right. A great guy like Jeremiah probably had all kinds of friends. He was just some guy he met when he was giving a presentation. He hadn't even gone to one of his band's shows before. But it was good he sent condolences. It was the polite thing to do.

Blaine went back online for awhile and checked his Facebook page. There was a message.

That was the nicest message Blaine. Thank you. He'd been battling cancer a long time. I'm sure he's in a better place now. And congratulations on winning your competition. I saw that video- you killed it! Got me nervous for you and your friends to check out our band now, I didn't realize you guys were such professional musicians. Anyway, thanks again, you're a really great person.

Blaine grinned as he read the message, especially the "professional musicians" part. Jeremiah sure knew how to give a guy a compliment.