A/N OK, so unless someone posts more prompts, I only have about five chapters left, including an epilogue. I figure class sizes at Dalton would be small, so there are only 12 boys in the class. I've already written eight secrets. If anyone posts a prompt that I'm not already planning to cover, then I will consider extending this.
So, any guesses on Kurt's secret?
Did I surprise anyone with David's secret?
Rated T
Chapter 9
Have you told anyone else yet? - Mercy
Kurt read the text message Monday night as he was getting ready for bed.
No. I told the others that unless they guessed, I wasn't going to talk about it till after the last secret was read. - Kurt
Not even Blaine? He is your boyfriend now. - Mercy
Especially not him. I'm scared how he is going to react. - Kurt
He'll understand. It won't make him like you any less. - Mercy
What if it does? - Kurt
Then it's his loss. You deserve better. But I saw the way he looked at you. He loves you. Have Courage. - Mercy
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Tuesday morning Kurt sat at the breakfast table with Blaine, Wes, David, Jeff, Nick, That and Trent. Kurt was unusually silent as the others joked among themselves.
"What's wrong, Kurt?" Blaine asked.
"Just thinking about a text Mercedes sent me last night. It's nothing. We'll talk about it later. So, David, are you going to keep your promise?"
The other's looked between the two boys. David looked at him for a moment, then nodded his understanding. "I did say if someone guessed I would tell my secret."
"Wait, Kurt figured it out?" Wes asked.
David nodded again. "I'm not sure how long he's known, but Friday at the photo shoot he revealed to me that he knew."
"Well, what is it?" Thad asked, curious.
The dark skinned boy drew a deep breath, and looked at his best friend Wes. "When I was younger, I spent two years in a hospital being treated for bulimia and anorexia. I almost died three times."
"What? You never told me that! Are you Ok now?" The thin Asian boy looked his best friend over carefully.
"Now and then I still have problems eating, but I'm much better than I used to be. And I never told anyone because I didn't want anyone to know how weak I was."
"You're not weak! You are so strong and so courageous!" The two friends hugged. Jeff, Nick, Thad and Trent and Blaine all joined in.
Courage, Kurt thought. There is that word again. I'm not courageous. I ran away from Kurofsky. I never told anyone what he did to me. And I'm still hiding the truth from these boys. I should tell them.
He opened his mouth to speak, but no sound would come out.
"Well, it's time to get to class. See you three later." David said, smiling at the three warblers not in Psychology this period.
As the took their seats, Kurt was lost in thought, so didn't notice the look the other boys were giving their teacher until he heard Blaine whisper softly beside him. "I wonder what's wrong with her?"
Kurt glanced at him first, then at the front of the room where Ms. Rigoli stood, looking paler than usual, and more tired. She smiled out at the class, noting the looks the boys were giving her.
"Good morning. I know, I look like death warmed over. I'm fine, boys. Just had trouble sleeping last night. I appreciate the concerned looks you all are giving me, but it's nothing to worry about. Now, let's get to today's slip of paper.
My parents died last year. No one at the school knows about it except the Headmaster. I've been caring for my two younger siblings ever since, with the help of my Grandma. When I turn eighteen I want to petition for full custody of them.
Kurt was the first to speak. "I know how hard it is to lose a parent. My Mom died when I was eight. And then my Dad almost died a few months ago, just a few weeks before I came here. I was terrified of losing him. I can't imagine what you are going through now trying to take care of two younger kids while still being a kid yourself. My friend Sam helps to take care of his younger brother and sister while his parents work to support them. I know it's not exactly the same situation, they still have parents to watch over them, but I know Sam takes on so much responsibility, sometimes he needs a break. I happen to know several excellent babysitters who would be more than willing to help you out. All you have to do is ask."
Several of the other boys also offered any assistance needed to the anonymous person.
Just before the class ended, Ms. Rigoli cleared her throat. "I almost forgot, regionals is this weekend for our Warblers! Good luck, boys!"
Blaine, Kurt, David and Jeff all smiled shyly as the class applauded for them.
"Also, the URL for the pictures from last week is on the board. Next week is spring break. Alcohol awareness week will be the week following that, so Blaine and Jeff, your banners and posters should be finished over the break. We only have a few slips of paper left in our Jar of Secrets, we should be able to finish them this week, I think."
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"I couldn't do it, Mercedes. I couldn't tell them. Not yet. The assignment is almost over, and none of them have even tried to guess. Am I coward if I wait until Friday when the last secret has been revealed?"
"No, Kurt, you're not a coward. You're one of the bravest boys I know. When the time is right, you'll tell them."
"Thanks, Mercedes. I needed to hear that. I love you."
"Love you too, white boy."