Chapter 7
Rachel's car was much smaller than Kurt's, but it was still nice. I sat in her passenger seat and buckled my seatbelt. She started her car, punched in my address into her GPS, and drove out of the driveway.
"So," she said, "how do you like being in the band so far?"
"Oh I love it!" I said enthusiastically. "Everyone is just so talented and nice. I've never felt so comfortable around other people before."
"Mmhmm, I bet," Mumbled Rachel. I tilted my head a little in slight confusion.
"Is everything alright Rachel? You seem tense." Rachel kept her eyes on the road, looking extremely serious.
"I'm fine. I noticed you while we were performing Roar earlier. You certainly were getting into the song." I blushed.
"Yes, I just love the feeling of singing and performing! Doesn't everyone?"
"Well I don't think that was the only thing getting you hyped up," mumbled Rachel.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Rachel sighed.
"Elliott, I need to ask you a question. And it is imperative that you answer completely honestly. Do you understand?" I nodded suspiciously.
"Of course Rachel, ask away." Rachel took a deep breath.
"Are you attracted to Kurt?" I gulped. Oh god, what if me liking him got me kicked out of the band?!
"N-No," I lied, "of course not. Our relationship is strictly business." Rachel stopped the car and pulled over. She glared at me viciously.
"Do not lie to me, Elliott Gilbert. I saw the way you were eyeing him and trying to get his attention. Are you aware that Kurt has a fiance?" I crossed my arms and turned away from her.
"Yes, I am aware of that, Rachel." Rachel scowled at me, turning my body towards her.
"I am talking to you, face me. There's no need to be rude."
"I really don't see why we have to discuss this right now." Rachel raised her voice in frustration.
"Because you are in love with Kurt and are acting ridiculous!" I looked at her, a glowering look on my face.
"There is nothing ridiculous about how I feel!" I retorted.
"Oh yes there is," replied Rachel sharply, "You love him even though you know you'll never be together!"
"How can you know that?" I said, my voice raised, "You can't see the future! You don't know how he feels about me! I think he likes me..." Rachel sighed and put her face in her hands.
"I know..." she said sounding sad. "But I do know how he feels about Blaine, and how Blaine feels about him. Their love is strong and they've already had issues involving cheating in the past." My anger simmered down to sadness. I knew where this was going. "I know you like him Elliott, but I need you to settle down a little. Kurt is going to be married soon and he doesn't need any temptation ruining how happy he's going to be." I looked down. Is that all I was? Just temptation? I sighed and turned away from Rachel, who rested her hand on my shoulder. "I'm not asking you to stop talking to him forever. All I ask is that you tone down the flirting a little, okay?" I nodded, wiping my eyes before she could see me crying.
"Okay Rachel," I said softly, "I'll tone it down." Rachel smiled a little and finished driving me home. I got out of her car and closed the door.
"Oh by the way," said Rachel, handing me a piece of paper through her window. "Santana asked me to give you this." I looked at the tiny slip of paper.
"What is it?"
"It's all our phone numbers," responded Rachel. "Text us so we can save your number to keep you updated on the band. Also, there's another band meeting tomorrow night. See you then!" Rachel smiled and drove away, leaving me alone on the side of the street.
In my apartment, I saved all the numbers on my iPhone, paying special attention on Kurt's number. I know I said to Rachel I'd tone it down with the flirting, but I really wanted to apologize to Kurt for making him uncomfortable. I went against my better judgement and texted him an innocent,
"Hey." I waited a few minutes, no response. Maybe the unknown number made him not want to answer. Suddenly, my phone buzzed.
"Who is this?" I laid on my air mattress and typed,
"It's Elliott. I wanted to apologize for making you uncomfortable earlier." I hoped that sounded ok. I didn't want Kurt to think I was weird.
"It's ok Elliott," replied Kurt. "I'm sorry I was acting so cold to you. I just wasn't feeling good, it wasn't your fault."
"Everything ok?" I texted.
"No..." Kurt sent a crying face emoji along with his text.
"What's wrong? :(" I asked.
"I feel so lonely," sent Kurt, "I really miss my fiance Blaine." I sighed. Rachel was right. I should've known better...
"Well," I sent, "why don't you come over here? I know the perfect cure to loneliness. Maybe it'll help get your mind off things." I bit my lip. I regretted sending that message as soon as I sent it. It was so stupid. He misses his boyfriend so he's going to spend time with another guy? Made no sense at all.
"Okay," sent Kurt, to my surprise, "I'll be there in 5 minutes. Btw, thanks for asking what was wrong. Nice to know someone cares. :') " I gasped and jolted up from my bed. My apartment was a mess! Quick as lightning I began picking up dirty clothes and throwing them in my laundry basket, folding my bedsheets, and darted into the bedroom to change into something nicer. I wanted to look my best, even though this wasn't exactly a date. I changed into a comfortable ebony-colored long-sleeve shirt and a pair of tight black, slight sparkly, jeans. I ran into my bathroom and applied a good amount of eyeliner and sprayed cologne all over my chest. I brushed my hair and my teeth and the same time and made any last minute touches. I looked good, ready for Kurt. The callbox by my door buzzed. I ran over to it and pushed the talk button.
"Hello?" The old woman from the front desk was on the other line.
"Mr. Gilbert?" She said. "There's a young man here saying he's here to see you."
"Oh yes," I replied, "I've been expecting him. Send him up please."
"Okay dearie," said the old woman. "He'll be up in a jiffy." I did one last check on myself to see if everything was perfect, and it was. This was my moment to really get to know Kurt, and I was going to make the most of every minute of it.
